I'm on a boat!

Boats. Yep they're awesome. And strangely a HUGE part of travel. Ok, well it's not strange when you think about it. It's actually a brilliant way to travel. When I had to pick my specialty I was smack with a hard reality, that there is a roughly a billion specialties to chose from. From business travel, to eco tourism. It's a massive spectrum, and being thrown into the mix and being told I better pick or I'll drown in all the options, well it's scary.

How does one decide what is the one focus they want in this career, it's broad and amazing what all you can do. But it's not practical, and it's not smart business to be all over the board. You can't know all the tasty details over every kind of travel out there, you have to set your focus and become the uber guru to your chosen specialty.

I started thinking about what I love to do, and I kept going back to three things. First, was that I love the creepies! I do, I cannot get enough of that stuff, but again when being practical, it's a very limited field. And then there's Island travel, white sandy beaches, sending my clients on a vacation that seems to take place in paradise. The problem I find with that is, it's not diverse, not really. Yes there are several resorts and beautiful locations to be seen, but the diversity really breaks down to what you can afford.

The third calling I felt drawn to was cruising. At first I hesitated to even consider it, because I thought it more than likely lacked a lot of diversity. But when I started going through brochures we had here in the office, I found that the cruising we saw Kathy Lee promoting, wasn't all that was out there for people to do. There's whale watching cruises, theme cruises, and what got my attention, European river cruises. The field of cruising is endless, and it's got something for anyone who is looking for a great vacation, that is affordable.

So there it is my gnomes. My chosen field is cruises, of all shapes and styles! I found my yellow brick road, and I'm really off on this adventure.

Lesson #1, they're called ships, not boats.

From the swells of distraction.

I'm back my dearest underpant gnomes! I apologize greatly for my wretched neglect and pray to your chosen higher power that I can please dissolve this shroud or rancid let down that I pulled over myself shunning those I hold near and dear to my aching heart. Please I beg of you, please find it in your tender, warm souls to forgive my misgivings and enjoy this new entry I bring to you with love and new found direction.

Taking this journey has been at times a calm and steady stream, but at other times, it's fast moving and sometimes difficult with maintaining the smooth and steady focus I hold so precious. It's when the current of my office life is off the rapids that I can find it easy to sit down and write something profound and inviting, gaining smiles and hat tips for a sound quip, or remarkable tongue in cheek comment that really gets you thinking.

My thoughts have been centered elsewhere, creative writing class, writing a bio that seems to have no end in sight, or picking a specialty. All of these paths that would have amazing pit stops here on my dear sweet blog but no, I have shunned away what inspires me, and that is wrong. So I am back, focused on all the avenues of my new career. Heading down this path with a new found focus thanks to some direction from my fearless and brilliant mentor (that's a freebie!). I'm going to get back to walking my path and sharing it with my readers. No more shutting you all out. Nope, back to being your quick witted wide eye'd traveler.

I can't wait to roll you with giggles on the metaphorical floor as I explain to you the search for what wide eye'd traveler has chosen to specialize in.

The list is life.

Ok I know it's wrong to use Schindler's List as a title to a blog, but it's gonna be a good, blog! You'll see.

I wanted to start my bucket list off with a bang. Something that when people read this, their jaws would drop and nod silently, awestruck by the flooring discovery I had brought to them, something they too must visit before their end of days. It's a tall order if you think about it, I mean just writing about random thoughts is hard enough but this, this is some heavy hoo-ha. So the only place I can picture living up to such a grand challenge would have to be an oasis of awesome.

I found Emirates Palace Hotel when looking though some of my favorite sites for fascinating locations. It is so astounding that I am contemplating breaking off my love affair with the Augustine to devote all my love and attention to this magnificent desert rose. It's this completely self sustaining morsel of perfection. Allow me to explain.

It took three billion dollars to build this and that's not with a "mmm" it's with a "bah", billions! When you go to most resorts in the world, it's wonderful because you're at the beach, all your needs are met, you can just kick back and relax. Take that philosophy and multiply it by a bajillion and you have the Palace. Unlike most resorts with let's say ten (I'm being generous) places to chose from for your dinner, this place has one hundred and twenty-eight! Where most places when you lay out the staff is happy to get you a refreshing beverage from the bar, this place has a staff who will bring you a cool towel for your face and rotate your umbrella for you to protect you from the sun's devious rays. And it's gorgeous, really, I am happy just to stare at the pictures all day, heck I'm writing this blog so I have another reason to stare at it some more. I'm having a virtual vicarious relationship with this place, yes my very own VVR!

This place is like being taken to another world, a whole new world if you would. I understand that most don't consider Abu Dhabi when they first think of luxury resorts, but I assure you, it's leading in the way of luxury. But it's not just luxury, it's becoming a real hub for every sort of tourism you can think of. From some of the most fascinating ancient archaeological site dating back thousands of years to the world's largest indoor theme park Ferrari World. There isn't a narrow minded view when it comes to travel, if you can imagine it, they probably have it.

Awe Reflections.

It's been six months since I started this blog. It's easy to get lost in all my rantings and tongue in cheek comments, but sometimes you go back and look at where you started and you can't help but smile about it. On average it takes me about an hour and a half to decide and start a blog. About half an hour to write it, letting the words come with a natural flow that makes the piece cheeky and dripping with persona, but that usually leaves a huge amount of typos and run on sentences. Another thirty minutes are given so I can let Harold read it and listen to his brilliant comment and suggests (don't worry boss, that one was a free bee). And then another hour to go over it a few more time inserting images into the right places, ensuring that what I want to say has the image I pictured when I wrote it. 

The effort seems like a lot but it's merely a drop in the bucket compared to how satisfying it is when I finally publish. It's putting something out there, that came straight from my heart. I'm not writing these to work an angle for any company. Yes, I write about travel and there's a goal to make this about travel, that it's a vehicle to make me a better consultant. But I am free to write what I chose, so it's all me. The eleven hundred viewers are taking a deeper look into who I am and that's truly uplifting,

This blog has brought me inspiration and joy in more avenues than I ever anticipated. Of course, it made sure that I took some key interests in travel, helped me learn that I can pitch almost any destination I want without compromising my personality to do so. But it has also reminded me that I love to write, and being a travel consultant can do more than inspire my love for looking up exotic and creative destinations and experiences for people. It's a means of being a writer, fulfilling my dream to put something out there the masses will read and enjoy.

So in honor of the spark that lit the flame, I'm going to repost my first blog, as a thank you for making feel creative and helping me smile everyday.

"Today is my first official blog as a travel consultant. I'm new to the travel industry, but quickly learning the ropes with incredible enthusiasm.  I’m working for Epicopia Culinary Journeys (Epicopia.com) working for the great Harold Partain (he pays me $5 every time I tell people about how awesome he is). We book tours and create our own small group special programs all over the world. We make sure where ever you go it lives up to what you dreamed of and then some.

 

We have some wonderful associates one of which is Aliza Green (AlizaGreen.com). She is the Experience Director for our, Italian Maremma & Umbria: A Pasta Lover's Culinary Tour (we only have two spaces left).

 

I suppose I should explain my chosen name for  this blog. Ever since I started working with, Epicopia, every time I look up a new location for a tour, I’m awe-struck by either  the culture, food, or the beauty of the location. Everything seems like a fantasy. I started out only dreaming of sandy beaches with crystal clear water, but now I dream about the Red Square in Moscow, and seeing the breath taking Blue Mosque in Istanbul. So now, I do my research with wide adoring eyes feeling a rush of excitement that I never felt filing paperwork or doing massages… However there were a couple massages where stinky feet lead to me having watery eyes…

 

Join me for this new journey in my life."

Bucket List O'travel!

Hello my gnomes! I hope everyone had a fabulous New Year celebration and welcomed 2012 with happy open arms. This is my first blog of the year! Everyone throw some confetti and dance the jig. Alright now that's enough. I have been stewing over what to write in my blog  all week. Should I write about my goals as the newest most amazing travel blogger of all time? No. Should I speak my mind about the hardships mankind faces? No. Should I write about the Mayan's calendar stating that this is the end of time and we are all doomed?! No.

No!

Let's look to a happier subject.... These are the places I want to travel to before I die. I understand that the subject of death isn't sunshine and flowers but we're all going to come to a demise, so let's try and see as much of the world and explore our dream locations before we meet our makers. Let's face it, there are certain things and places you can visit at a certain age. Like I want to go snorkeling in Fiji, not something to do when I'm eighty. I'm not saying no one CAN go snorkeling at eighty in Fiji, but I think it's an act of kindness after seeing how.... fluffy my grandmothers were at that age to just go ahead and do it now. Remember folks, spandex is a privilege, not a right.

The list one makes about where they want to go can be a looking glass into their soul. I always dreamed of being a princess living in a beautiful castle when I was a child. So it would seem logical that on my list is... Well every castle ever in the world, and Red Square. I also dreamed of being a mermaid, hence my desire to go to all the most luxurious beaches in the world.

It's more important to have a desire to travel than it is to have a set list of places you want to trek to. We have this life, just the one, to see what out there in the world makes your heart soar, and brings sense of accomplishment to your life. I often find myself wondering what would have happened if my parents had put me in ballet, it's odd but I really reflect on that often. It's a vanished dream because I can't go back to being five and try it, the chance to be a ballerina has long passed me (I still think I can wear a tutu).

I don't want to be old and look back in... some years and wonder why didn't I take the chance to go see Red Square when I had the chance. I'm not going to let my ballerina let down also be my travel let down. Yeah I realize I was suppose to make a list but I got a little side tracked. Next time my gnomes you will have a list you can dream over.

Floating on Air.

Ok we all know that New Year's Eve is the night to go out and party, and it is believe me I know (I'm still planning my attack for all the parties I want to attend that night). But what about New Year's Day? I think we all dismiss it as a day to recover from the wild night prior to it, but why can't New Year's Day, be the day you use to set the tone for the rest of the year? I, of course, am going to issue a challenge! Make New Year's Day something special for you so that you start the year off with a bang. I am challenging myself to plan the most romantic date possible for my main squeeze before he has to go back to the desert and get back to his larnin'. 

I sat down with the genius who guides me, Harold (cha-ching!), and we brain stormed over what would make for a wonderful date in good ole big D. Initially we tossed around restaurants, he highly recommended Adelmo's Ristorante off Mckinney, they apparently have a very cozy spot for lovers to dine and smooch on the second floor, the food is out of this world too. But it seemed that if you're planning the perfect date, a bed and breakfast feel is what you want. It has to be something where you feel whisked away from your life and plunked down into a fairy-tale written just for you (and no that doesn't mean go to Medieval Times, put on a crown and run around screaming I'm a princess). 

We narrowed down the list of perfect settings for the perfect date to three locations, the criteria was that the hotel had to be lavish and luxurious, it had to have a restaurant with one of Dallas' finest dining, and it had to be an amazing location. The three who made the list were the Stoneleigh Hotel, the St. Germain, and of course the Adolphus.

Let's start with the Stoneleigh, it's a classic hotel that silver screen actors from the 40's used to flock to as it was the hotspot to visit when one came to Dallas. It's one of the staples of lavish Dallas history as it has been around since the 20's and with it's new reservations it's got the feel of a brand new starlette fresh from a 1920's movie screen. Along with the phenomenal accommodation that will make you stay tucked away in your room, there's the Bolla Restaurant located in the hotel. This uptown dining delight is under the watchful eye of  creative Chef Cesar Gallego's. For those of you who are budgeting after the holidays and worry that such a fine establishment is well outside of your price range, they offer these amazing four for forty menu's, it's a prefixed menu with a four course meal of some of the Chef's most innovative creations for your delight at such an affordable rate that it's ridiculous!

Next is the Adolphus. I shouldn't even have to tell my readers why the Adolphus is amazing because I have loved it so much that I think you have all come to love it too. However, I will never pass up the chance to gush about my beloved. The reason one should stay at the Adolphus is because it's one of the most romantic places in Dallas to be. The rooms are glorious and so comfortable with their french antique inspired themed. There's no need to leave your room because the staff is willing to bend over backwards to do whatever they can to make your room the absolution of a romantic getaway, but you should leave your room. You should get dressed to the nines grab hold of your significant other and go down to the French Room. There's nothing more romantic than sitting in a cozy table in the corner of one of the most beautiful rooms in Texas while serenaded by light piano music and devour eyerolling extraordinary five star dining.

Last on the list is definitely not the least but it is the smallest, which makes for it's very intimate feel and appeal (see what I did there). This hotel comes with the Harold stamp of approval, it's the Hotel St. Germain located on Maple. It's the only one of the three that is an actual bed and breakfast. It's decorated with a french theme throughout the entire estate and is truly marketed to lovers. The dining is a European themed candle lit restaurant that over looks the ivy covered french quarter styled garden courtyard. It's really the perfect place to go if you want the feel of being isolated in a romantic french cottage but still want the option of hitting the town seeing as Dallas has a lot to offer especially in that area. But again, it's the intimacy you're getting here, where the other two are luxurious and classic, this place is very cozy and small, there's only seven rooms in the entire venue!

I hope you all have a great and safe New Year's Eve*, and I truly hope your year starts off bright and inspiring. There's nothing more wonderful than the promise of a clean slate to start fresh. Happy New Year everyone!

*There's no excuse to drink and drive this New Year's Eve. AAA is offering Tipsy Tow: Even for those whithout a AAA membership, from 6pm-6am New Year's Eve/Day they will tow your drunk self and your car home for FREE. Save the number (800) 222-4357

The Nerd is the Word!

Hello my darling little gnomes, I trust you all had a  weekend, filled with wretched packed malls  as you scrambled to find the perfect last minute gift. Christmas time is known for a few staples. One of them is making sure you bought the perfect gift for all your loved ones, and another is Holiday Parties! I went to one holiday party this weekend in Austin, and it wasn't your traditional one. It was hosted by one of the world's largest gaming companies, it was phenomenal. Usually holiday parties are adorn with Christmas trees, garlands decorating every surface the eye can see and delightful Christmas jingles playing for everyone to sing along to. Not this party, this was decorated with classic arcade games, the coolest throw back toys and candy from the 80's, and a wild mix of techno pumping up the dance floor. As I sat back watching absorbing the awesome spirit of the party, I realized nerds do it better.

In the spirit of honoring my nerdy brethren, I thought I'd discuss something that would be a great Christmas gift for your favorite nerd/geek! I present you with (drumroll please) Geeky Travel, brought to you by the Wide Eyed Traveler.

• Switzerland, yes I understand that little geekcicles trembling up in the mountains sounds a little cruel, but there's something that calls out to those of us up there in that snowy paradise, the Cern Sepercollider. Your favorite nerd will love you beyond comprehension for taking them to see the research facility where they search for the elusive God Particle. This atom smashing research extravaganza would be a notch on your geek's belt that none will be able to compete with. While you're there, you and your geek can hit the slopes, if they're anything like me, they'll wipe out over and over again... on the bunny slopes.
• Game Central! If you're like me and the cost of traveling to Switzerland immediately isn't really in your budget, then consider this as a holiday gift for your darling pocket-protector-wearing love. Taking them to visit their favorite gaming company. It's a small gesture that goes a long long way (trust me I know). Find out who their favorite developer is and make a weekend of it. Find the coolest hotel, most obscure restaurant, and get the information you need on the company's tour information. You'd be amazed at how wonderful it is to see the inner workings of something you love to do, and the appreciation one gets when they lay eyes on all the hard work they put into making your favorite gamer's past time run smoothly.
• Starstruck, instead of getting your sci-fi enthusiast another DVD to add to his/her monsterous collection, try taking them somewhere they can actually look at the stars. Find out when the next meteor shower is predicted to take place and take them to a cabin, or even better a trip to Kokopelli's cave up in the cliffs of New Mexio. You can sit on the terrance secluded from the noise of the world and watch the cosmo's own lazer light show.

Nerd vacation's are the new frontier, you need to hop on the segway and follow suit, or you'll get left behind wondering who is going to show you where the HDMI cable is suppose to go. Make your Geek happy this Christmas with an imaginative trip they'll respect and love you for and a stocking full of bacon theme'd products! Merry Christmas my gnomes!