Tag Archives: Travel

May18

Gifted Travel Treasures: A Parisian Painting

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Image by DarkRose42 some rights reserved

Image by DarkRose42 some rights reserved

As a sophomore in college; I wanted to study abroad in Toulouse which is located in southern France.  I had a passion for the french culture and language after studying five years both in high school and post secondary. For many reasons, some outside of my control, I never studied abroad. And as a result, I stopped my studies and refocused on a very different career path.

Years later I took a trip to Paris in July. Alongside the Sacre Coeur, I wandered through what I refer to as an artist’s quarter. It was a street exhibit area filled with stands brimming with art. I searched for an original drawing or painting to commemorate finally arriving in France. But, the time passed too quickly and I was late returning to the tour group. I never found my treasure that day.

The following Christmas my brother and his wife came to visit for the holidays. They handed me a small rolled canvas brought back from their recent trip to France and the same artist’s quarter. To my surprise, it was a one of a kind, impressionist style painting. The image was of couples around the early 1900’s (based on attire) walking along a lamp lit street. The Eiffel Tower was projected in the background-washed in a warm sunset.

Whether you are an avid or a novice traveler there is something enduring about acquiring tangible items to reflect our intangible experiences. RTreasures can be bought by and for ourselves. Or for others with the intent as simple as a thinking of you gift or something with extreme intrinsic value. Today, this small Parisian painting is still one of my most prized possessions! And it reminds me of my trip, that one choice can change the future, and how blessed I am to have family.

I invite you to share your stories in the comment section.

May15

RTravel Apps: European Exploration: The Art of Discovery!

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Image by Smabs Sputzer some rights reserved

Image by Smabs Sputzer some rights reserved

GAMeS Lab at RU has launched a free app for young explorers called European Exploration: The Art of Discovery made available through iTunes. This application allows little travelers (ages 4+)  to role play as 15th Century captains responsible for everything from hiring a crew to building their ships. While sailing around the world the game introduces historical content intended to increase awareness and knowledge about various locations around the world. I love that although these are fictional voyages, the process instills pragmatic skills helpful even in modern day explorations; the art of cartography, the importance of money management, the ability to navigate problems that arise during a trip, etc.  When you are ready-click here to launch your (or your child’s) first voyage!

*Rate this app in the comment section below!

May13

After Effects of Pinterest!

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Some rights reserved by MKH Marketing

Some rights reserved by MKH Marketing

In March 2010, the first beta (prototype) site for Pinterest was launched with limited access to a small group of professional colleagues, along with close friends and family, of it’s co-founders. The purpose of the site was to allow users to bookmark or “pin” images, videos, etc. in which they found of “interest” to virtual bulletin boards, categorized by themes. By February 2013, Pinterest boasted more than 48 million users and was valued at $2.5 billion dollars (Reuters).

As a novice photographer, I am completely enthralled by this site. The images “pinned” on the travel board are nothing short of breathtaking. They epitomize ” idealistic” settings beneath secret waterfalls,  resorts nestled on top of mountains, castles that seem to have grown from the earth, exotically staged gardens in hidden corners all over of the world. Although I am sure that some are computer enhanced, they are of an amazing quality that would be difficult to emulate. Although perfection is in the eye of the beholder, these images are almost an adult traveler’s version of a fairy-tale that is often a stark contrast to what most people see when they gaze out their kitchen windows.  First, I would like to thank Pinterest travel contributors who have given anyone with internet, access to an incredible trip to utopia.

Utopia =  an ideal place or state a (dictionary.com.)

One reason why people travel is to seek inspiration. The scenes that lay before us in our travels do not always generate a feeling of safety nor are they always idealistic. But they can be!  The word utopia was first mentioned in 1516 by author Sir Thomas More, “Utopia” as a fictional place.  I believe that some people travel in search of a modern-day (non-fiction) utopia of sorts!  I am not sure what it would be like to actually live in or next to these places?  But for this week, whether it is raining, snowing or the sun is shining in your corner of the world, take a moment and travel virtually with Pinterest.  Be awe-inspired!

 

May1

Participating in NAI

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NAIAl Leftridge, Ph.D,  is hosting an interpretive writing workshop in Minnesota this weekend. In the tourism field the word “interpretation” goes beyond conventional languages. It is the concept of conveying something to an audience through words, sounds, images, etc.  Mr. Leftridge and myself are members of the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). This organization is the offspring of the Association of Interpretive Naturalists (founded in 1954) and the Western Interpreters Association (founded in 1965).  NAI views interpretation as a mission-based communication process that forges emotional and intellectual connections between the interests of the audience and the meanings inherent in the resource.  Individual members (5,00o+) include those who work at parks, museums, nature centers, zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums, historical and cultural sites, commercial tour companies, and theme parks. Commercial and institutional members include those who provide services to the heritage interpretation industry. Additional information about  NAI can be found on their website. I encourage you to think about the  role it plays in the tourism industry and ways it might connect to your travels.

Apr19

Travel Quotes!

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quotetravelThe written word has been referred to as food for the soul. Like many people, I am drawn to idealistic and inspirational messages conveyed through quotes.

So for those travelers looking for a little something more today, here is a link to A Luxury Travel Blog post written by Paul Johnson. Paul lists his top 10 travel quotes of all time. Click here to read the results!

Mar27

11.4% More!

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Some rights reserved by Nigel's Europe

Some rights reserved by Nigel’s Europe

According to Berlin City Magazine, “Tourism is growing in Berlin stronger than in any other big city worldwide. 11 Million  visitors visited Berlin in 2012, and of this 4 Million were from foreign countries.  The number of overnight stays in hotels grew 11.4% to 25 Million in the previous year. Berlin, therefore has become the top 3 travel destination in Europe, just behind Paris and London.  Overall overnight stays and total visitor numbers have doubled in the past 10 years.”

If you are interested in investigated Berlin as a possible travel destination click here to learn more!

Mar19

Suggested Reading for Traveling Families

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This week, RCompass points to a must have book, for those brave parents traveling with kids, “How to fit a car seat on a camel,” by Sarah Franklin. The author talks about the adventures and misadventures of traveling with children-serving as a reminder of what it means to travel with kids both young and old.  Click here to view more of her insightful book.

Feel free to share your misadventures in the comment section below!

Mar19

RAdventure

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Although there are many families that successfully travel with children of all ages, I believe there is a magical point in which a child holds onto memories-processing and reinterpreting their surroundings and experiences more fluently.  When, exactly does this occur? I imagine it is different for every child. I am also sure that the field of developmental psychology has studied this concept extensively. But for me I saw the signs of a pending traveler after taking a mini trip with my extended family in October.  I noticed how excited my son was simply exploring eclectic shops, trying new restaurants and sightseeing. We openly debated if we should plot out the day or make a definitive choice to wander freely.  I took it as a sign-he was finally old enough to begin composing his personal inventory of places traveled.

As a part of my 2013 New Year’s resolution to make connections with family; I felt the need to create what I hope will become a new tradition. Beginning 2013, we (my son & I) will plan 1 unique get-away each year until he graduates from School (9 trips in all)!

Here were the parameters I chose to set:

–          It will include a minimum of one stay overnight,
–          Two thirds of the trip destinations will be located within the United States
–          The first trip will be announced on his birthday in June,
–          He must successful pass each grade and all subjects,
–          Variety will be key

  • Use different modes of transportation (train, boat, bus, plain, automobile, etc.)
  • Identify types of travel (alternative vs. mass)
  • Explore diverse sights (historical, natural, manmade, etc.)
  • Experiment with various travel experiences (adventure, volunteer, etc.)

My Goals:

–          Start simple
–          Establish a tradition
–          Build memories (although I anticipate not all will be positive nor perfect)
–          Incorporate teachable moments
–          Encourage him to set goals
–          Ignite personal connections
–          Enlist my existing knowledge of travel and expand
–          Commemorate another year (school-life-love-family)

 [Layers] tourism degree, transportation planner, new experiences, annual resolutions, birthdays, celebrations, achievements, family, traditions, parenting, goal setting, lifelong learning, and variety.