Travel Writing, Even at Home

This is a picture that for at least a third of my year is a reality, airport stress. Keeping in touch via computer,phone or Skype is a daily event. On the up side a new adventure or place in the world new to me, or a place returned to, both hit a spot in my soul. Tonight though it is a warm fire with my favorite companion, on a couch with on demand movies. Three cats visit frequently as we silently watch others stories, a chance to escape. Some may argue that I get to frequently and in amazing places, tonight it is domestic bliss at home. Still the habit of logging in is deeply ingrained. In some distantly far flung place I will reread this blog, it will take me home.

Hamburg and the Sea, the Block is Over, Beatles and Norman

Every once and a while I block about a place, strangely it is usually a place I loved and found so very interesting, happening Hamburg is such a place. After a trip to Düsseldorf I arranged to rail hop over and was blown away by the city and its eclectic grasp. So working and busy with exceptional beauty, all anchored with a live and let live attitude.

While recouping on a snowy and icy night I picked up a book that I have had for a bit, John Lennon, The Life by Philip Norman. It was an amazing read especially the Hamburg days. Memories of the Reepersbahn even though just a few months ago were vivid. I happened upon the Indra Club, where first gig was, really.

I laughed when I read about the popping of Preludin (phenmetrazine) an over the counter weight loss tablet tablets, it causes the eyes to pop like ping-pong balls. I took the picture of the working girl just a block away. Had I been to Hamburg in those early days I might have popped a Preludin and picked Lennon up off of the floor, George was only seventeen and Europe picking up the pieces. The writing block is now gone.

Shang Dining During the NY Times Travel Show

I don’t know how Max does it between keeping GoNOMAD and the Café running but he once again surprised me. He arranged for us to try out a new restaurant in NYC during our stint at the NY Times Travel Show in Feb. I received a bit about Shang in the mail a few days ago, pulling out the menu frequently and rubbing my hands together in anticipation.

Yesterday the NY Post did a piece about three new restaurants opening up in NYC recently despite the free falling economy. The article was called, Bad Timing, Good Dining by Steve Cuozzo. The name chef at Shang is Hong Kong born Susar Lee, a titan once based in Toronto. Lee went head to head with Iron Chef’s Bobby Flay that ended in a draw, good enough for me. Till Feb I will just take out the menu and change my mind a few hundred times. Shang 187 Orchard St (Thompson LES Hotel) 212 260-7900

Best Job in the World, Island Caretaker on Hamilton Island Australia, Apply Now, Not With Naked Photos

I wish I had some heft with the Queensland Tourism committee that is dealing with the Best Job in the World; the email from a girl from Spain was downright suggestive. She read this blog about me being there for the launch and bam I am cool. I was afraid to download the photos attached, what if my wife checked her email and saw a young Spanish girl trying to influence a judge? I am not a judge, just lucky enough to be invited to the launch.

I wanted to respond to her email and tell her that indeed it was a fantastic opportunity to explore the Islands of Queensland, but I was actually there, and with a face for radio entitled to soak up the experience then and there, naked pictures be damned. Okay so I got to swim, snorkel and live like an island god, hell it is my job! I have someone that I think would be perfect for the job and we have only shared laughs and experiences related to travel, certainly not nude photos. If you want to see some video entries for the job click here. Until I get my fake email address please mail entries to the officials.

Snow Due In Cottekill NY

I feel like I am becoming an expert in skin cancer care, the stitches were removed today. I hardly flinch anymore when I hear that it will take at least six months for the healing process to be complete. I am able to joke a bit with the staff and doctor and do realize that in essence I am lucky cause it could have been something untreatable. It is going to be a snowy late night and day coming and I look forward to the peaceful feeling I get when snow blankets the area. The wood has been brought in and fridge filled, prepping for a storm is also something I like. I have three pieces in progress and getting snowed in is a great time to write, all is well.

Night in Montreal

Thanks Marilyn Terrell, An Honor

I have say that getting a comment from Marilyn Terrell is such a complement, better yet an honor. Marilyn is the chief researcher for National Geo Traveler, no walk in the park. Imagine the work that that entails. She is what makes the travel world go round and most likely the reason I count on NGO Traveler as such a prevalent source of info, the work involved is astounding. In fact Donovan Webster had many great things to say about you.

I will be at the NY Times Travel Show speaking and would love if I could introduce you to the audience; I salute you and all you do. Thank you for checking in!

Gotta Pee Off the Great Barrier Reef

This half of a newly wed couple was cute as a button and part of a new great team. I videoed her approaching our boat off of Horse Shoe, part of the Great Barrier Reef. Her new hubby is a lucky man as her demeanor is natural and her sense of humour great, when you gotta go do so. By the way she wasn't the only one and I did ask permission.

Joe Torre Chills on Lizard Island Before The Yankee Years, New York Post Piece

Let’s say you were one of the most successful managers in professional sports and revered. Add on that you just finished your book that promises to be a huge seller filled with juicy tidbits of some of biggest names in baseball. Where would you go to chill just before the books release, best choice Lizard Island in Queensland, Australia. His move to LA and the Dodgers made the trip six hours shorter.

Joe Torre left Lizard just a day before we arrived and by all accounts was a perfect guest. I was told this by guests and staff still there when we arrived. Affable and friendly were the words I was told. You cannot get any further from NYC than Lizard and Joe chose well. I expect Torre will get some nasty feed back from guys like A-Rod, Cashman, Steinbrenner and Jeter. The book is called The Yankee Years and is expected to be big. When the heat hits Joe no doubt will think about the beauty, tranquility and luxury he left behind on Lizard Island. Heck with the money he will make from the book he might consider a return and real soon. That’s what I would do! Check out the story in the New York Post. http://www.lizardisland.com.au/?gclid=CJGt4a30qpgCFQETGgodmUX5mQ

A Travel Writers Lament, Home Sweet Home Remembering the Warm Hug of a Stranger

Ah… home sweet home peace, at last. That is except for the sound of water drops cascading from the new addition roof, pattering ever so loudly in the silence of very early morning. The comfort of your own bed only not quite as comfortable with your head propped up with multiple pillows to keep your stitches from pulling; skin cancer surgery is a bitch. Still you have that script of Xanax that the doc gave you but you have already stashed it in your ready to go travel bag. Sleep comes hard in coach! Still the drops echo loudly in your head so what the hell, one can only help.

Instead you go to Picassa to find that picture of the stranger whose hug you will forever remember, especially those deep eyes and long nails. You wonder just who the stranger is at this very moment embracing and a bit of jealousy rears its ugly head. You fool yourself into thinking that the stranger will never love anyone as much as you. Then you realize that a koala isn’t easy to keep for your own and you decide to head for the vial in your travel bag. Ah… home sweet home!

Even My Doctor Wants the Best Job in the World, Island Caretaker On Hamilton Island

Even as I could feel the scalpel cutting the nurses and doctor were doing their best to take my mind off of the operation. Knowing that I was a travel editor the questions were ones I usually get asked, favorite place, best restaurants etc. When the doctor asked me where I was headed next I answered immediately, bed ASAP. That cut some tension as they all cracked up.

Then one nurse asked if I heard about the caretaker job on Hamilton Island that is now open for entries for a six month gig learning about the Great Barrier Reef complete with a US salary of $105,000. I was just there for the world announcement I told them. Immediately they asked questions about entering. I told them as much as one can when their face is getting sliced up. I still may enter the application and video myself, complete with my new gauze mask, Lone Ranger look may even come back into style. If I won I would want Dr. Mulvaney and his exceptional staff on call, Australia has a high incidence of skin cancer. Thank you Doc and staff for making a bad situation better.

Last and Final Skin Cancer Surgey

It was almost a year ago to the day that I had some major skin cancer removed from my face. It was a challenge getting past it, it was daily on my mind. Yesterday I had to go through it again and the thought is terrifying. It isn’t so much the physical pain but mental that worries me. It is a struggle to think of all the time it takes getting comfortable with yourself all over again. The doctor has said that all will be looking fine in a few months but those months will seem like for ever. The upside is that I am now cancer free at least skin wise and that is helping. I know that attitude has much to do with healing and I am going to concentrate on that. I will have to remember what is inside is what is important. I felt some what like Mickey Rourke in the Wrestler when I pulled the dressing off this morning. Pity doesn’t fit in the process and in many regards I am a very lucky man in so many ways. Thanks for the emails and calls from old friends and the many new ones I that have met in my travels. It is a perfect example of just how lucky I am. I fully plan on being operational within a week,too many places to see and people to meet to have it any other way.

Best Job Follow Up, Hamilton Island Australia

The power of the blog is an amazing thing. This blog, Be Our Guest, is rated # 1 when you type in on Yahoo, How to apply for the best job in the world, Australia Hamilton Island. That is # 1 out of 1,370,000, Fox News, ABC and Yahoo News follow up at least today, proof that online even the little guy has a chance.

Travel Writer, Quinn &Co. Melissa Braverman and Queensland Tourism

I’ve just gone through a bit of reading of Travelwriters.com in preparation for the New York Times Travel Show presentation that Max and I will be giving, last years worked well. Often many of the posts are questions about press trips, etiquette and getting invited amongst other questions. It is going to be part of my shtick, how to get and maintain connections in the travel press world.

I have just come back from a fantatic trip to Queensland that was organized by a great PR firm named Quinn & Co. and a new friend, the account rep Melissa Braverman. She was a perfect host and very competent. Such behind the scene planning goes into making a trip work for both writer and place reps. She done good! Better yet she got my name from one of my favorite people in the European Travel Board circuit. Produce and be nice works, and has for close to fifteen years and 80 countries. Understand all sides of the business and do your best to get along, leave the ego home, we all have them. Kudos to Melissa, Queensland Tourism and Quinn & Co. for a job well done, for more insight checkout Melissa’s blog, learn as much as you can.

Obama in Australia

Today is the day that many I have met through my fall travels through Burgundy, Walloon and Ireland have been waiting for, Obama’s inaugural. Countless times people in those countries have asked many questions about just what Americans think and feel about him. The question was answered in Nov. and I think collectively there is a sigh of relief.

I didn’t think about why Obama never once was mentioned to me on my recent trip to Australia. Until I opened a free copy of the Weekend Australian on my Qantas flight home. The big story in the Weekend Inquirer section was What Went Right…the record of the 43rd US President is reason for optimism – because of his continuing successes despite his misjudgments. The piece was very interesting and Foreign Editor Greg Sheridan is a brave man, though I didn't buy his reasons, he is definitely in the minority. I don’t mean to imply any thing about Australia’s stand. In fact they also have had soldiers die in Iraq; I just think reading local papers in very interesting. I however will join in the collective sigh of relief and wish President Obama nothing but good will; it is time to put the past to bed and Americans out of their misery.

Traveling With Women on Press trips

The ratio of women I travel with on press trips compared to men is about four to one. It is often a pleasure to mingle with the opposite sex; I think you learn a lot about life across the gender line if not just a different perspective. The dinner conversations seem more open then just sports and adventure. Discussions often are about real life situations and open. I also think that women in many ways are more focused on just what they are doing.

That said I have also met some great guys to share the experience with and I think they would agree. That same ratio also works on male bonding and I have been very lucky especially on my last couple of trips. On a trip to Champagne and Burgundy I met the eloquent Joel Berliner, the Devil Dog could make me laugh even if I lost all my money with Bernie Medoff, I didn’t but if I did I know he would ease the pain. His writing is fantastic, so much so that I put a link to his blog on my page.

This past trip the other male was probably one of the most successful writers I’ve ever traveled with, Donavan Webster. He has several top selling books and pens for magazines such as National Geographic, Vanity Fair and other top of the line publications. His conversations and experiences provided many pleasant passages of time in Queensland. The one thing I noticed we all had in common is we liked traveling with women and are all in love with our wives, it is a common thread for a successful press trip.

Leaving Lizard Island by Private Plane Video

Whitsunday Island by Sea Plane

Advice From the NY Post for a Leo Travel Writer

When I finally got home from my long trip back from Queensland, Lil had the NY Post waiting. After a 12 hour flight from Brisbane to LAX and then a 6 hour one to JKF followed by my under dressed walk to the car in long term parking, it was great to walk into the home I love. The end of my Post horoscope stated that for me a Leo, life is for living, and loving and laughing. As a Leo I try my hardest but a travel day with such long stretches makes it hard sometimes, until I realize that I am living life to the fullest, the opportunities I have make to do so unthinkable.

Australia is a long way to go to spend 6 nights, unless you realize that the chance to explore some far flung destinations with fantastic islands is included in the time frame. I also thought about the amazing team of writers and photographers I bonded with, more about them later. With the international dateline fitting in with this trip I wasn’t sure if I was getting my horoscope today, yesterday or tomorrow. I do know that it was great advice.

Friendly Queensland, Australia

While the activities of my trip through Queensland were tops there is another aspect that I think I should mention, the nice people factor. Australians are so friendly and amicable that I feel like Sally Fields did when she won an Oscar. I wanted to scream, “You like me, you really like me”. I have been called mate so many times that I feel like it is my given name. Conversation, smiles and courtesy are part of life here and it was a welcome part to me. Thanks Queensland for the great memories, see you later mates.

Lizard Island, Best on the Great Barrier Reef, Austalia

I am sitting on the 15th floor of the Hilton with the lively city of Brisbane below. It is time to pack up for the long journey home, almost 30 hour trip coming up, with the memories of three great Islands of the Great Barrier Reef to sustain me. Hamilton, Lizard and Fitzroy were all different and all great but I think Lizard was my favorite. Maybe it was the tranquil setting or the rustic luxury. It certainly had some great snorkeling and picture perfect waters, a place to truly get away from it all.

Stinger Suits, Queensland Australia

At certain times of the year a stinger suit is needed to protect you from a painful jelly fish sting. They are light and actully quite comfortable. Better yet they protect from the sun's rays as well.

Flying Off Lizard Island, Queensland

Last Island in Australia, Fitzroy

Sunset Beach on Lizard Island

Lizard Island was fantastic, rustic luxury! No need for worry here mates, everything is included and the food and wine top notch. Twenty Four beaches to explore and snorkeling perfect. Kate Hudson filmed much of Fools Gold here and called it most romantic place in the world.

Meeting the Locals in Queensland

Fantastic Lizard Island

On Lizard Island and it is amazing, top of the Great Barrier Reef and way off shore.I feel like jelly with the tranquil vibe and water views, but dail up connection. Pictures and videos will be posted once I am back on the mainland.

Flying to the Beach, Queensland

Forget pulling up to your favorite club in a limo, its nothing compared to pulling up to one of the world’s best beaches in a sea plane. That was today’s travel lesson and one I certainly enjoyed learning. We took off from Hamilton Island in Australia and flew over the Great Barrier Reef for a look see, bloody fantastic and enough to make you go tropo. As we landed on the water we drew a crowd of beach goers and the cameras were clicking. The champagne and fruit lunch was a topper.

The guys in the funny suits were especially glad to meet us. The suits aren’t due to cold water but protection from Irukanjdi Jelly Fish. Not to worry though it doesn’t happen often and the Aussies always find a way to overcome problems. As in the saying, “no problems mate”. Loving Queensland!

Best Job in the World, Island Caretaker on Hamilton Island Australia, Apply Now

All around the world I have been reading newspapers about unemployment growing and job security is no longer secure. Hamilton Island and Queensland Tourism is posting a job add worldwide including The Wall Street Journal, Island Caretaker! Yup for six months you will get a beautiful three bedroom villa with views that are fantastic. Job is to live here and learn as much about the Great Barrier Reef, trips throughout are part of the job.

The easy part is to then blog about your experiences and promote the area, not to shabby in fact its Spot On! To top it off you’ll get paid $150,000 Australian buckaroos. We learned yesterday that this was one reason we were invited here, to kick off the Best Job in the World event. Just proves that I may just have the second best job in the world! One requirement is no arrest record, sorry W in the opinion of the world court, you do not fit the bill. Still living here would be a great way to forget about the White House! Click onto www.islandreefjob.com submit your 60 seconds video to enter and if you win invite me over.

Australian Shark Bait

I got to admit I was laughing at loud on the flight over to Australia; Bryson’s writing gets me every time. His take on the dangerous animals the book In a Sunburned Country was hilarious, sharks, snakes and spiders being far more deadly in Australia. I was a bit shocked when I watched the news and heard that two surfers got bitten by white tip sharks yesterday at Binalong Bay and Fingal Head. This morning I went head to head with some koala bears at breakfast, just par for life here on Hamilton Island. This after noon we are taking a private sea plane trip flying around the Great Barrier Reef. We will also stop at a secluded island for some swimming. Hope I’m not going to be Kibbles and Bits for some gnarly shark!

Hamilton Island Working

Praise the Lord and pass the pillow, At least that’s what I thought I heard as I awoke this early morning on Hamilton Island. It was just an Evangelist preacher on the TV that I left on last night. It was one of the longest travel days I’ve ever had yesterday, NYC to LAX to Brisbane then to Hamilton, one of the Whitsunday Islands. Over thirty hours of traveling then a 15 minute break before putting around to discovering this remarkable island. Top that off with a dinner event and this puppy was pooped! Still it is amazing to be on an island on the Great Barrier Reef. The cockatoo birds frequently fly by my balcony on the 15th floor of the Reef View Hotel and true to its name the reef is indeed within view.

We had a dinner last night at the Island’s premier restaurant Qualia last night but it is a blur, time lag fatigue will do that. Stunning is Hamilton and its location. Add in some fantastic building and viola, paradise, even the preacher on TV would think so. I will be posting a blog soon about an amazing job opportunity here on Hamilton. Just a warning I may also apply.
www.hamiltonisland.com.au/navigate

In Brisbane

It has been a long trip with 6 hours JFK to KLax then another 13 to Brisbane. Now in Brisbane and waiting for flight to Hamilton Island. Lucked out though and had 4 empty seats on both legs of the trip, better than biz!! The OZ vibe is wonderful to return to and am ready for a trip of a life time, again.

Heading To The Great Barrier Reef

Today I head to the Great Barrier Reef in Oz. It will be almost 34 hours door to door. Will report soon on video and quips about Down Under!

Kent's Flip Video Trial

Agree With Johnny Jet

I love reading Johnny Jet’s site, we usually end up at some of the same spots and I love to get his take on spots. I was glad to see that we had similar takes on quite a few travel topics. I have got to agree with Johnny that Jet Airways might just be my new favorite airline, the flat biz seat and pajamas mixed with fantastic Indian food scored big.

We also both loved the Düsseldorf Airport and the convenient Maritim Düsseldorf Hotel; I don’t think I’ve ever had a better hotel and airport match. We both loved Brussels but who wouldn’t. My favorite tourism board is France’s and that is due to the amazing opportunities they have given me. Johnny recently sent an email offering to meet me on an upcoming layover in LAX on my way to Oz. I would have loved catching up with him but I still got to catch up on some of the Jetster’s tracks, next time Johnny.

US Airways Bumping Along

Listen to the audio and hear how US Airways has crashed and burned once again.
US%20Bumped.mp3

Catnip Fever

Best Safari Book

There is no doubt that some of the best travel adventures I’ve ever had were on safari in Africa. The thrill of watching wildlife at their untamed best can’t be beat and every sighting a thrill. The magic of place is overwhelming! The two places I visited were South Africa and Kenya and I would love to add Botswana to the list.

One of the books I received for Christmas was What Ever You Do, Don’t Run by Peter Allison. It was advice I was given by my guides in both places. Peter was a safari guide in Botswana as well as a leader for safaris featured in National Geographic Traveler and Conde Nast Traveler. The book is filled with mishaps and adventures written in a humorous style. Before heading out into the Veldt, bush or even Nairobi check out this book, it would also help pass the time on your next flight to Las Vegas!

Who Are The Israelis

One of the first trips I took that had my friends and family ask why, was Israel. It was a period when busses were getting bombed and explosions an almost daily occurrence. The trip was fantastic and Israel stunning, especially the magic city of Jerusalem. With the current situation and unrest I found that not many news people ever really well explained just what being an Israeli is, the country is made up of so many different types of people. I fortunately recently read a great book called The Israelis… Ordinary People in an Extraordinary Land that well answers the questions. It is a country not just of Jews but several different Jewish beliefs such as ultra-Orthodox, Ethiopian as well as non secular. Israel is also home to Muslims and Christians. Immigrants from Russia and other countries round out the 6.8 million that call Israel home. My first visit to an IDF base brought that point clearly into view as young soldiers each kept their beliefs evident, Ultra- Orthodox serving side by side with Druze Christian. The complex situation in Israel is better understood after reading this great book by Donna Rosenthal.

A New Travel Writing Year, Starting on the Great Barrier Reef's Islands

The holidays are over and though I had a great time I am ready to end it, a weekend will help the transformation. I have been working on several articles at once, new for me but I am finding it a productive way for me. I want to leave 2008 trips behind and start thinking about 2009. I start with a bang by heading to the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia this Friday; I have never been so I am quite excited by the opportunity. Of course that means a long flight from NYC to LAX to Brisbane then finally to Hamilton Island. Once there I will be traveling by various modes of transportation, prop plane, sailboat, ferry and golf carts. I love diversity in travel modes. The only trouble for me is that I must pack light, not my forte. Still it will be the middle of summer there so a swim suit, shorts and fashionable summer wear should make packing easy.