Riding a Camel in a Convention Center

I had the privilege of attending the Travel & Adventure Exposition this weekend--due mostly to the fact that it was being held in the same building as the Lululemon warehouse sale and my friend found a way to get free entry. However, it was also a great opportunity to discover some new destinations, learn about exciting tour offerings and ride a camel...

Yes, you heard me right, a camel. To promote some of the safaris in Africa, one of the groups provided a real camel for people to ride. So my friend Bernice and I hit that booth first and hopped on up for a quick lap. It was certainly a good marketing scheme, which is mostly what these conventions are anyway.

The rest of the time was spent wandering around to the different booths, hearing various pitches about what makes this destination so great, or why we should choose this tour provider, or how to enter to win a free trip. There were so many fliers, booklets, and information sheets, that before I knew it, the bag I was carrying weighed at least 10 pounds.

While I certainly received more information than I could possibly ever need, the disadvantage of these kinds of events is that you are bombarded with so much in such a short amount of time, that a lot of stuff can get lost or forgotten by the end of it. I cannot really recall half of the booths I stopped at--unless I sift through all my papers--and I know I entered a few contests, but I'm not really sure which ones they were.

I will say, however, that I gained a lot of insight about places from the representatives there, because they are the experts, and a majority of the time, they are locals. The best way to learn about a place is to talk to the people who actually live there. We got the chance to listen to a Q&A session with travel industry experts about finding the best places to eat when traveling, and the piece of advice they all gave was to find a local coffee shop and ask residents to suggest where to eat. The same goes for activities to participate in, places to see and hotels to stay at. (This is another reason I love Anthony Bourdain's show The Layover, because he talks to locals and rarely refers to travel guides or visits all the big tourist spots.)

The adventure tour booths were some of the most exciting for me to visit. One that looked interesting was Adventure Center, which offers everything from culture & history and wildlife & wilderness tours to cycling and polar voyages. Of the historical trips, Bolivia Highlights or Treasures of Turkey are the first two I would opt for. The Bolivia trip is a 12 day itinerary that explores the region's indigenous country, La Paz, Sucre, Potosi's mines and the Uyuni Salt Flats. The Turkey tour is 15 days and highlights contemporary Istanbul and the ancient remains of older civilizations at site like Troy, Gallipoli and Ephesus. For something a bit more active, the Darjeeling, Sikkam & the Singalila Ridge walking and trekking 15-day tour gives you the chance to explore Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and trek through the forests of rhododendron and magnolia to see views of the Himalayan Mountains. Another one that sounds ideal to me is the Chianti: Walking & Wine tour, a week long stroll through Southern Tuscany's hilltop villages and vineyards.

For my first travel expo, I would say it was a success, though slightly crowded and hectic. I hope to frequent more of these in the future, perhaps when I have established myself more as a travel writer and analyst.

Stay tuned....

Ever Thought of Visiting Macedonia?

No? Why not?

Sure, there is not a lot that's known about this small, land-locked country. And yes, it did only gain independence in 1991. Not to mention the tourism sector is definitely struggling in this down economy. Despite all that, there is only one thing that really matters about Macedonia: The wine.

Being the wine enthusiast that I am, hearing that Macedonia was an uncorked (pun totally intended) resource for delicious and unique grape blends made my ears perk up. But I must admit, I didn't know much about the country other than where it is located, in the Balkans. So, I decided to do a little research, and discovered some interesting facts about The Republic of Macedonia.

The fact that Macedonia is not on the radar does not surprise me, since the country has struggled with so many economic difficulties since their independence from Yugoslavia. They started off at the short end of things by being one of the less-developed regions of Yugoslavia, and when they seceded, many of their export routes through Serbia were lost. The ones that remain are unreliable and costly. The country has a high poverty rate and abundant corruption, stunting the economic growth even more.

However, despite these fallbacks, Macedonia has a lot to offer. Geographically, it does not have direct access to any oceans, but the Vardar River has created a beautiful central valley, and the rugged terrain boasts some breathtaking views. Those can best be appreciated from the top of the Šar Mountains or the Osogovo-Belasica Mountain chain. The intricate nature of the original architecture found in the capitol, Skopje, draws many people to the busy streets. Luckily, the population is not significantly high and visitors are minimal, so it does not feel overly crowded.

A trip out to the Macedonia countryside is a real treat. Here you will find stretches of vineyards that supply the locals with ripe grapes just waiting to be turned to wine. Wine has played a big part in Macedonia's culture since the Roman times. Wine grapes thrive in the transitional climate of Mediterranean and Continental, not to mention the rich soil. In fact, there are so many grapes that families often make their own batches. Macedonians even celebrate the patron saint of wine and winemaking, St. Trifun, every year when growers prune the vines on February 14. (A possible replacement of that made-up holiday everyone else celebrates.) But even with this wealth of wine grapes and great potential for mass production, Macedonia's wine industry has suffered. As a result, wineries are in short supply. But the ones that do exist have done an impressive job promoting their products.

Popova Kula Winery, built in the Tikves Valley, is modeled after the wineries of California. After 6 years, it boasts 17-acres of grapevines and uses the latest Italian machinery. Popova winery specializes in dry white wines, but has been growing its stock of reds, as well. Bovin Winery was the first boutique vineyard after independence, and it houses a tasting room where guests can sample the variety of whites and reds. Stobi Winery is a large facility located close to the capitol of Macedonia. It also produces many white wines and just a few rich reds.

If nothing else draws you to the borders of Macedonia, consider this: not only will you get to taste some exceptional wines, but you will also get to discover a country that most people have never seen. Macedonia appears to be hidden among its surrounding countries, but its history, culture and wine could turn it into a bustling tourist attraction. So maybe you should book this Balkan country for your next vacation, or at least give it a chance.

And just think, you might taste a wine that has never made it to the United States--what a rare find!

Venturing to Nova Scotia

I was browsing through the latest news stories on Hospitality Net when I saw the announcement that the Culinary Tourism World Summit would be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia. What peaked my interest about this was not the renowned culinary leaders or special events or fabulous dinners that would take place at the event, but rather the location itself. Nova Scotia? Really? So I did a little research, and as you may or may not have guessed, I'm adding another destination to my list.

Nova Scotia is located directly East of Maine. (This truly surprised me, because I had this idea that Nova Scotia was way further North than that, closer to say...Greenland. I was way off.) Halifax is a bustling port city said to be the gateway to Atlantic Canada. It's rich maritime history and eclectic modern vibe make it a place worth visiting. But don't let my praises sway you, just listen to all the things you can see and do in Halifax.....

The heart and soul of this seafront town is, of course, it's harbor. If you are a history buff, make a trip to Pier 21 and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Canada's version of Ellis Island, Pier 21 was the doorway for over one million immigrants who came over to Nova Scotia between 1920 and 1970. Genealogists will truly appreciate this testament to Halifax's ancestors. The Maritime Museum is the largest one on Canada, housing artifacts, photographs, charts and maps relating to Nova Scotia's marine history. Exhibits feature the Halifax Explosion of 1917, the Royal Canadian Navy, the merchant marine, the Halifax connection to the Titanic and the many local shipwrecks that occurred around the harbor. At Fisherman's Cove, you can watch the local fisherman come in with their daily catch, or take a boat ride out to McNab's Island. Peggy's Cove is a picturesque destination known for it's breathtaking scenery and traditional lighthouse--which is also a working post office.

The Halifax Citadel is a star-shaped naval station nestled atop a hill in the middle of downtown. This living history museum offers guided tours from an costumed patron, who will show you the musket gallery and garrison cells. At noon every day, the 78th Highland Regiment fires the cannon. Halifax is brimming with antique buildings that transport visitors back to the early years of the city's settlement. St. Paul's Church, built in 1750, is Halifax's oldest building and the first Protestant Church in Canada. One of the most famous structures in Halifax, Old Town Clock started keeping time for residents in 1803. Other buildings of note are Province House--a Georgian building that housed the first government in the British Empire--and Government House--home of Nova Scotia's Lieutenant Governor and the oldest government building in Canada.

Halifax is a outdoor enthusiast's paradise; with kayaking, hiking, fishing, golfing and more, guests will never run out of things to do. You can take a deep-sea dive to explore the graveyard of shipwrecked boats around the harbor, or relax in the sun on one of the many gorgeous beaches. Surfers can enjoy great waves on the Eastern Shore at Lawrencetown Beach, while hikers can huff up the 14-mile trail at Taylor Head Provincial Park.


As far as entertainment and nightlife go, Halifax doesn't disappoint. The city is known for it's vibrant music scene, and visitors can experience exceptional shows at Symphony Nova Scotia or Neptune Theater. There are also a number of festivals and events to attend, like the Halifax Pop Explosion, Nocturne: Art at night and Atlantic Film Festival, just to name a few. The nightlife thrives with packed bars and contemporary restaurants, most of which are in walking distance of downtown.

The culinary experience in Halifax is one guests won't soon forget. They are known for their seafood dishes--I can't imagine why--and the award-winning chefs are meticulous with their dishes, creating true masterpieces on the plate. Visitors can indulge on Digby Scallops and Nova Scotia Lobster, the savory delights can be found on many restaurant menus. But the dining experience doesn't have to be super fancy, there are casual eateries up and down the waterfront where tourists can grab a quick bite. There are way too many restaurants to name, but you can trust that you'll find something great no matter where you go.

Halifax, Nova Scotia is a wonderful city full of Canadian culture and heritage. (Those Culinary experts may be on to something.) With it's beautiful beaches, active harbor and exciting nightlife, Halifax seems like a great place to travel to. And since I've never been there myself, I think it's time I looked into a little trip across the border.

Cultural Festivals Transport Us to Another World

As anyone who reads this blog on a regular basis knows, I love Italy. I would go back in a heartbeat if I could. Sadly, I do not have the money nor a stable enough career to take that vacation. However, I can always get a taste of Italy if I really want to. Indeed, food is a gateway to culture and tradition. All I have to do is whip up some spaghetti bolognese, or grill a proscuitto panini, or scoop a spoonful of straciatella gelato, and I am instantly back in Rome walking down Via del Corso. And one of the best places to eat Italian food is at an Italian festival.

Italian Fest is next weekend, and I fully intend on hitting up Little Italy all weekend long. Not only will the food be sensational, but there will be wine tastings galore. (Because it certainly is not a meal without a glass of vino.) On top of the sustenance and libations, Italian Fest will also offer cultural keepsakes from vendors and artists. I will be looking for any photo or painting of an Italian city to hang on my wall at home. Even though I can purchase Italian fare and souvenirs, it's the vibe that really makes the experience enjoyable. There is an electricity, a feeling of community at International festivals. They pull you into the culture, and it's sad when you have to leave that world. 

In the interest of broadening my horizons--Italian Fest is not the only place to get great food and wine--I will also be attending Greek Fest at the end of August and then Polish Fest in the beginning of September. Obviously, I will try to fit in more if I can, but those are the three big ones. And for one day--or however long I spend there--I will be transported into the world of these fascinating countries.

I can't wait to take a bite.

Figuring Out the Future...I'm Getting There

As many of you know, or don't know, I started a new job at the beginning of this month. No, I am no longer filing away applications at DePaul. Now, I am writing technical user guides for website building systems. Doesn't that sound exciting? Well it's not. Trust me. I have been here three weeks, and I already know this is not what I want to do with the rest of my life. So I am going to push through the rest of this apprenticeship (one of the main reasons I took it--looks good on a resume and good experience) until I am finished around April or May, and then it's on to bigger and better things.

The goal? Working for the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. Why you ask? Because one of their divisions is the office of tourism. Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, JACKPOT! If there is one place I know I can work, it's there. Travel + promoting a city I love + organizing events for tourists and citizens = dream job! Also, after looking into the website a little more, I noticed that the Cultural Affairs department also has divisions in publishing, fashion, and culinary arts. All things I love and enjoy almost as much as travel!

So the plan is to inquire about any positions as soon as possible. If there aren't any available jobs, I will just keep contacting them every couple weeks, that way they will know my name. I also plan on sending in a hard copy of a resume and cover letter to them, which should illicit even more of a response. Finally, I will ask about volunteer opportunities at the Cultural Center or Millenium Park or anything else they may have going on in the next couple months. The more involved I become, the better chance I have of snagging a job.

Cross your fingers for me!

Just a Quick Thought...

...First, I'm sorry the entries have been lacking. I just finished the fall quarter last week, and now I have all this time on my hands and somehow I do not know how to handle it. I promise more posts to come.

...Second, IT'S DECEMBER!!! Christmas season is in full swing!! The Christmas lights and trees are going up all over the city!! The snow is falling--and for all the Chicagoans, it just started today!!

And with this holiday season comes the office blues. No one wants to be sitting in an office when the fectivities are taking place. Plus, the weather can be dreary, except when the snow is falling and settling nicely on the ground--and causing no traffic problems whatsoever in a perfect world. So to ease those times when you're feeling a little blue about sitting at a desk all day, find ways to celebrate the season while working.

1. Throw a holiday party at work-it doesn't have to be big and extravagent. Take a lunch hour, bring in Christmas cookies and some delicious casseroles--or sandwiches work, too--and have some sparkling cider. People will appreciate the break from the grind.
2. Find a Christmas Market: Plenty of cities have small markets selling crafts, gifts, and food. Chicago has the Christkindlemart in Daley Plaza. It's German, but anyone can go and enjoy the hot wine served in little boots, beer, brats, strudels, pretzels, and numerous vendors with delicate creations from all corners of Germany and beyond. What a way to experience the holiday and another culture all at once.
3. Take a trip!--Sure it's the holidays, and you should spend it with your family at home with a Christmas tree and presents. But why not jet off somewhere to go skiing? How about lazing on the beach? Or enjoying a nice mountain cabin? There are a lot of winter deals out there, so check them out and book a spontaneous vacation. That will certainly lift your spirits.

Personally, I'm looking forward to heading back to Colorado for two weeks to snowboard, lounge around the mountains, and spend time with my family and friends. It doesn't get much better than that.

The Largest Sheet of Ice I've Ever Seen

Even with ice covering 80% of its surface, Greenland is still an incredibly beautiful country. And despite having an overall population of 55,000 people, there is plenty to do around the various regions.

Most of the inhabitants live on the West Coast, where Nuuk, the capital, is located. Cultures seem to collide in this area. One cannot help but notice the internet cafes and bus routes that have modernized the towns, and snowmobiles are a common form of transportation. But slightly to the north in Sisimiut, dog sleds are still used in the traditional way.

For a complete contrast, head to the other coast and witness the original Greenland--or the closest you'll come to it. There are only two towns in the area, because most of the time it is ice-bound and very secluded from the rest of the country. The language is totally different from the west, but it allows for the people to maintain their own eastern identity.

The North is known as the land of dog sleds and Midnight sun. When the fjords--waterways--freeze over, dog sleds are indispensable to fishers and hunters. During the summer, the sun never sets, and this period of endless light continues the further north you venture. The long distances between towns make for exciting boating trips where the full extent of the wildlife can be appreciated. One can see the skerries, the low mountains in the south, the monumental basalt mountains on Disko island, the highest mountains on the west coast near Uummannaq, the bird colonies on the cliffs of Upernavik and glaciers and ice fields along the way.

South Greenland is the greenest part of the country. In fact most of the flora of Greenland grow in this area. Since winters are much milder here, the culture is much different than the rest of the country. Where fishing and seal hunting are prominent elsewhere, the south has sheep farming and agriculture. Plus, the famous northern lights can be witnessed from this area at the end of August.

Venture to the farthest stretches of the north and you will find Qaanaaq. The average temperature in this area during February and March is around -30 degrees Celsius. Hunting is a way of life, and the people who live their use everything from their kills. Nothing from the hunt goes to waste: the skins are used for clothing and covering the kayaks; the flesh and offal are eaten by humans and domestic animals; the narwhal and walrus tusks are carved into finely-worked figures, jewelery and hunting instruments, and even feathers can be used in handicrafts.

All these regions surround the largest part of Greenland, the ice sheet. It is a vast body of ice covering 1.71 km². It is the second largest ice body in the world, following Antartica's great ice sheet. The ice sheet is almost 2,400 kilometers long in a north-south direction, and its greatest width is 1,100 kilometers. But even with most of the country being covered with ice, it is difficult to ignore with such breathtaking scenery, culture, and history.

And no matter what area you visit, you will be greeted with brightly colored houses...