Travel Writing, Those in Waiting

I was honored recently when a friend of my son asked if he could send me some questions and be his topic for a journalism class in college. I still am of the school that thinks travel writing is separate from journalism, but I was curious what he would ask. Steve is a great kid with a very clever mind and has been emptying my fridge with Chance’s other buddies through high school and now on college breaks. When I read his piece I really got a glimpse into my life from a younger guy, I was flattered! Here is some of what he wrote; this kid will be a journalist;

Stephen Richards
Profile on Kent St. John

Walking into the house, if you look carefully and put things together, you might guess that Kent St. John is a travel writer. Scented in foreign incense and cigarettes, the two-level brown townhouse in the middle of small-town Cottekill is, to say the least, very comfortable. Laced with foreign masks, original and purchased framed photographs from different countries and nearly every room in the house littered with back issues of Travel Magazine, walking into the house itself is like walking into a different country. Not, however, a country you may have seen on a globe or in a movie. No, this is Kent St. John country.
Kent can usually be found rear-end grafted to his computer chair, fingers blazing across the keyboard, and cigarette in mouth: true journalism at its best.

South Florida in Peak Season

I am an impulse traveler and in that spirit I used Southwest vouchers obtained by a bump to book two tickets to Miami this Sunday. It never occurred to me that the week is Easter Week and also Spring Break peak time. I generally do not like to go to places in peak season, but heck I am married to a teacher so this break is only one of few during the school year that I get to travel with Lil. I was set to cancel but decided to see about car rentals and hotels online. I was pleasantly surprised that affordable places do exist for both Miami and Key West. My goal is to find a Florida that isn’t over run with visitors even in the state’s busiest places and busiest time, that should make for a good story. Ladies and Gents, place your bets.

Spring has Sprung

It is going to be a balmy 70 degrees here in Cottekill NY today. Plants are popping up through the ground and the air smells musky. Missed the change of seasons when I lived in AZ.

Shhh, it is the Secret

I swear I am not a cosmic cowboy that follows every trend, but I have been listening to the “Secret” It is mostly about the power of positive thinking and that I have always believed in. I have been using some of the lessons taught and must say that results have followed. This week some great trips have been offered and connections from the past have been checking in and that is positive.

Blogging & Travel Writing

When Max started blogging I didn't get it, seemed like just a waste of time. Once I started doing it it became something I really enjoyed. Now on GoNOMAD we have ten blogs all active and filled with thoughts. One thing I really like was that I could use my blogs like notes, I can now look back to when and where I was at a certain time. I got an email today from a friend who heads up some major PR jobs for many tourism boards. Here was his response about blogs:

Yes, blogging is definitely the way to go. I was at a meeting a few weeks ago with PR managers for other National Tourist Offices, and they all agreed that blogs are the new way. Keep up the good work and I will keep you posted on the next trip!

Without a blog I couldn't' pass that info on!

Tax and Travel

Tax time is coming and evryone gets a wee bit stressed. I sometimes miss the days when a few dollars as a restaurant manager or bartender equaled tax& travel, stress free. Still as we grow older we have debts to pay, and I pay mine. As I sat in my family's accountants office I thought about being in Paris and a guy named Reisfeldt who jumped off the Eiffel Tower in 1911 in a stunt to raise money for his tailor shop. In a cape he designed to fly, he fell to his death. He is little remembered and that is sad, it’s a long way down!

Cheeca Lodge the Sagamore , Sea & Ski

I got an email from one of my favorite PR people yesterday and have tracked down Johnny Jet as of yesterday. The JJ man was visiting the offices of Cheryl Andrews Marketing and my buddy and honcho Margie Benziger. She also filled me in on a NBC Nightly News story that ran last night about “Seasonal Workers”. The segment was about workers who spend the winter working at Cheeca Lodge and summer at the Sagamore up here in NY. The Cheeca is a client of the agency and Margie. It reminded me of those carefree days when I bartended in the Hamptons in the summer and headed back to the Catskill Mts. in the winter. A lifestyle of Sea & Ski added to making a good buck was a very attractive time in my life.

Why Not at Windham Mt.

We had a great weekend hanging out with my oldest friends I have.(not age but years) First dinner at the house by a blazing fire last night with Mike & Joan Dillon, then a day skiing with Mike at Windham. The snow was piled up and the Mt. busy. Mike has one of the cleverest minds I have ever met and laughter is contagious when I hang with him. I took the first picture while at the top of the hill by Why Not and Wanderer slopes. After a day on the slopes we headed to the Frog House for some Guinness and food. Our bartender Tarah was great and posed with Mike after I asked. On the way home I reminded Mike that Why Not and Wanderer was strictly for the slopes, not for two long time married guys at the Frog House.

Taking the Skis Out

Mom nature never fails to speak up, anytime she wants. Last night the snow was falling rapidly and piling up outside my back door. This was the storm that I always want in December, when the skis are tuned and ready. I just about had the clubs ready to go. Maybe Mom knows best, heading to the slopes Sunday.

A Travel Writing Lifestyle, On the Road

April is shaping up to be a very busy month on the road. It’s not every ones cup of tea but it suits me. I start off exploring the Florida Keys, with my favorite travel partner, Lil my wife. I haven’t been to the Keys since my spring break college days, yup along time ago.

Next is a trip to St. Lucia, a new destination for me. While many people think of the island as a honeymoon destination the fact is that St Lucia was named as one of the top 50 eco-tourism destinations in the world by Natural History Magazine. Besides the sea there are volcanoes, rainforest and mountains to explore, not to mention little fishing villages. It is said that there is a bit of a South Pacific feel on the island.

After a one night stay back in New York I then head to Lyon and the Rhone Alpes region of France. Focus for that trip will be châteaux stays and vineyard exploration. Food will figure in heavily as Lyon is the food capital of France. My last five days in France will be in Paris and the focus of that will be basing myself in Paris and taking day trips by train from the city.

Like I said it may not be for everyone but I sure am looking forward to heading out and checking some new places and adventures. It is very hard to travel write if you don’t travel.

Exploring France

Like the GIs in WWII GoNOMAD will be storming the shores of France this April, I hadn’t been to France for a few years till this Sept. It was great to return to a place steeped in culture and history. Floating down the Canal du Midi and staying at the Hotel de Cite in Carcassonne reopened a love affair with France.

Max will be heading to Alsace with its vine covered hillsides, quaint villages and the delicious regional dish of choucroute. Sony will be heading to the region I visited in Sept., the Languedoc. I cannot wait to read her take on Montpellier’s happening scene. I will be checking out the Châteaux’s and vineyards of the Rhone-Alpes region, including the capital of French food, Lyon.

Billionaires Car Club

Read an interesting piece on billionaires and thier car choices on AOL today. I was glad to find that most do not need the status car to feel complete. I took this picture of a mini moke on Nevis. I am willing to bet that the owner has a great lifestyle going on down in the islands. Here is some of the AOL piece:

Billionaires tend to have a high level of confidence and self-assuredness, which can guide what vehicles they choose to own. Bill Bartmann, author of 'Billionaire Secrets to Success', says that once someone reaches billionaire status "it's not about showing off the car, the clothing or the house. More often, billionaires are trying to preserve their business, their family and their wealth."

Nevis a Picture Paradise

A few posts ago I posted a picture of a yellow bird drinking from my coffee cup, I called it a sugar bird. While researching for my article I now know it is a bananaquit. The monkeys, hawksbill turtles, dolphins and bats are very interesting to learn about. Until I downloaded this picture I have thought little about the flora on Nevis. Digital cameras were something I fought using for awhile, I now think they are a big part of travel writing, nothing like a picture to help write a few thousand words. Next up a trip to the Keys.

Travel Writing, Traveling On

I happened upon a box never open since I moved back to New York years ago. In that box I came across the Jul/Aug 2001 issue of Transitions Abroad Magazine. I opened it up and had a good laugh when I looked at the Directory and saw Max’s name at managing editor and mine as contributing editor. Better yet was seeing the full page GoNOMAD ad. Max’s piece was interviews with Don George, Sandye Wexler and Simone Andrus and hot destinations for 2001. Mine was about the best web sites for international travelers.

In my picks was a site that Max turned me onto, Johnny Jet. Johnny Jet’s site is now a very popular site and gets big numbers. GoNOMAD has grown far larger that I could have ever predicted when I started as one of six original writers for them. Another funny coincidence was the small piece about the Bouchons of Lyon that was on the page with Max’s piece. I head there in April to begin my trip to the Châteaux’s of the Rhone-Alpes, France. It is a small world after all.

Cup of Coffee, Nevis Style

These little guys can be found all through the Caribbean. They are small but have the heart of the largest sea gull. I am not sure what they are called but during all the years I spent on St Croix we called them sugar birds.

Monster Stalks Reef in Nevis

Getting a casing for my camera has provided me with big kicks. I snorkel after schools of multi colored fish in the hopes of catching them on film, I can tell you that they do not like to pose. Like spoiled super models they tease, I certainly cannot promise them a contract. I finally figured out why they scatter when I downloaded some pictures on my return from Nevis. The top picture is one I took of me. If I saw that face swimming after me I would flee to!

Kingston NY, Fifth Best Place in the Country for Artists to Work and Live

I was very surprised when reading an article in the Ulster County Press this morning. According to Business Week, Kingston NY is fifth in the country for best places for artists to live and work. More surprising is that it beat out San Francisco. Ahead of Kingston are places like NY, LA, Santa Fe and Carson City. A key factor in the piece states that, “artists attract artists.” I guess I shouldn’t be surprised because my hometown is visually stunning and filled with architectural gems. Kingston has an interesting history and is on the Hudson River. Seems my return after living in Scottsdale AZ for twelve years was just in time. Imagine what the property values could get to; glad to beat the artistic crowd. Now I have to wonder if the county politicos will figure out what a boost in tourism art draws, loosen the purse strings! http://www.ulstercountypress.com/

Max and Cindy in New Zealand, Read Up On It

For years Max Hartshorne and I have communicated via email, from all parts of the world. Then we kept up with what we are doing via our blogs. Soon we had ten GoNOMAD bloggers posting daily on what interests them the most. Max has a new first with his blog, readuponit. New Zealand’s tourism board put up a link on their site to Max’s blog that is now covering his visit, so click www.newzealand.com/northamerica and read up on New Zealand. http://www.gonomad.com/readuponit/

Nevis's Last Secret Treats

On my last morning on Nevis there were only Margie, Rosa and I left to spend the morning taking in some last rays and enjoying the grounds of the Old Manor Plantation. Margie arranged one last stop for us on the way to the airport that was fantastic and allowed me to take home a bit of Nevis. We stopped at the Bocane Ceramics Studio and all purchased some pieces that really are stunning. All week at various plantations and even at the Villas at the Four Seasons, we all saw several pieces done by artist Cheryl Liburd. They always looked so attractive and unique and now I can walk through the house and be reminded of my wonderful visit to Nevis.

As we continued on to the airport our driver for the trip TC, filled us in on one more Nevis secret, the great food at the small but lovely Nevis Airport. Knowing that I had a tight connection at the San Juan airport we decided to test out TC's advice. Our server came to the table and announced that some fresh lobsters were available and could be served anyway we wanted. Margie and I had one split and served with lime butter sauce and rice & beans with salad. The meal was the tastiest I have ever had at any airport anywhere, another Carib Beer please!

Nevis's Beach Bars

I have really been telling so much about the Plantation Inns that I thought I should fill you in on some great beach bars and restaurants to balance Nevis out. Sitting at Sunshine’s just a wee bit down the beach from the Four Seasons is a great place to sit during that glow time in the evening, especially with a “Killer Bee” in your hand.

Closer to town and serving cold drinks and great food is the Double Deuce, setting is perfect. Both will have you humming some old Jimmy Buffet tunes.


http://www.sunshinenevis.com/

Last Dinner on Nevis, Hermitage Plantation

Our final dinner was at the Hermitage Plantation last night and I was once again blown away. Every time I see another of the five Plantation Inns I fall in love all over again. The best part about the Inns is that all are different, no cookie cutter similarity on Nevis. Each has a unique style and all are fantastic.

As happens so often over the last few days, you run into people met at one place or another. The Hermitage was filled with friends and has a comfortable clubby feel. The food is stunning with its aroma and taste. Conversation and laughter fill the Great House, the oldest wooden structure of its kind in the Caribbean, built in 1670. I am truly going to miss Nevis and those met.

Liming Like a Local

While Nevis is so much more than beaches, it sure has some great ones. Yesterday we ended up at the glorious Four Seasons Nevis Resort for lunch and a spa treatment.The Spa was calming and beautifully laid out with gardens and pools.

We then went down the beach to Sunshine's very cool beach bar to meet up with Barbara and Andre. Nevis is so friendly that after only a few days you really feel like a local.

Nevis and Barbara's Under the Sea

If you come to Nevis I highly recommend visiting marine biologist Barbara Whitman at Under the Sea. Her Touch and Go snorkel package is fantastic. First you get info on all the sea creatures you will encounter, then get a little touchy feely with some of those sea creatures at the aquarium. Her wit mixed with details will brighten your day, and you just may learn something. The last part of a visit is heading out on Barbara’s 17- foot inflatable to snorkel in some unbelievable waters. The best part is spending time with Barbara. Check www.undertheseanevis.com to get the info and check her work with Crush, a Hawksbill turtle she rescued.

Party on Nevis

What a night we all had on Nevis, cocktails at the Wilson’s magnificent mountain top home was such a delight. Rarely do I encounter such generosity when visiting destinations. The Wilson’s are New Yorkers who have been coming down to Nevis for many years and embody the spirit of Nevis, truly a special couple with an amazing home.

As if that wasn’t enough we then feasted at the spectacular Montpelier Plantation, a member of the Relais & Château family and AAA Four Diamond winner. The plantation is nothing less than ten out of ten in my book. The team of Margie, Helen, Jackie and TC has given me travel memories that rank tops in a life time of travel experiences, this Island rocks!
http://www.hermitagenevis.com
http://www.nevisisland.com

Nevis Monkey Crossing

Snorkeling In Nevis

Just got back to dry land to find out congratulations are in order for GoNOMAD's Sony Stark on getting printed in Preview magazine, check out her blog on GN.

Monkey Business On Nevis

Yesterday we grabbed hiking staffs from the Golden Rock Plantation's pile and headed up the mountain with a great guide named Lynnell Liburd. Besides all the info Lynnell gave us the thrill of watching vervent green monkeys frollic was a gas.

Corner Room at the Old Manor on Nevis

My morning routine at the Old Manor is to brew some coffee and take a cup to the balcony to watch the sun rise over the sea. The lush vegetation below turns various shades of green as the sunlight begins to penetrate the Manor’s grounds. One by one a rooster crows and the sound of church bells chimes in. Nevis is still a place where the Caribbean lifestyle resides and it is catchy.

Today will start with some snorkeling at Oualie Beach with marine biologist, Barbara Whitman. Then it is on to watch the Nevis Triathlon that has participants from eight counties. Fortunately watch is the key word! www.oldmanornevis.com

On the Plantation in Nevis

Nevis has some great places to stay but my favorites are the Plantations. The one I am staying in is the Old Manor and is so very comfortable and draped with charm. The grounds are filled with ruins and gardens. Machinery long ago abandoned stand as sentinels of a by gone era. My room is large and well laid out, a door leads out to a balcony where the breeze constantly blows. Very nice!

We had lunch at another called Golden Rock that was also filled with charm not found easily these days. They are under going some renovations that will make this place a standout. After lunch we did some hiking through the lush hillside and watched the monkeys playing. All in all a very pleasant day on beautiful Nevis.

Nevis, Loving It

On arrival Nevis captivated me immediately, an island feeling from my youth, checking into the Old Manor took it up several notches. The Old Manor was a sugar plantation dating from the 18th century and is visually stunning. The huge rooms are laid out amongst ruins and below Nevis Peak. Last night the manor restarted its buffet and it was fantastic, fresh grilled lobster is seldom anything less. The band Kassanova played great tunes and everyone was having a ball! A great beginning to my days here on Nevis, glad to have several more.

Travelers Tales Solas Winners

As I was sitting in the JFK Holiday Inn tonight I checked my email and got the one announcing the winners of Travelers Tales Solas Awards.

“The Solas Awards are an annual competition to find the best writing being done about the world today. The Travelers' Tales editors choose winners in 21 categories ranging from adventure to humor, from destination to memoir, and everything in between. The grand prize category has cash awards of $1,000, $750, and $500; all other category winners receive a certificate and copies of the most recent editions of The Best Travel Writing [3] and The Best Women's Travel Writing”

I was very happy to see some familiar names among the winners; Gold Certificate: Jungle River by Peter Mandel, Bronze Certificate: Shake and Bake on the Equator by Tim Leffell, Bronze Certificate: The Galapagos by Small Ship by Peter Mandel, Silver Certificate: Getting Up to Speed by Peter Mandel and Bronze Certificate: Paolo Soleri and Me: The Artist's Model by Margie Goldsmith.

All were in different categories and faced stiff competition. Many such as Peter and Margie I have traveled with at some point, Peter in Norway and Margie in Jordan. Tim is one of the hardest working travel writers around. Congratulations to all of the winners! Maybe my trip to Nevis will give me something to enter next year?

http://www.besttravelwriting.com/