On Friday, my sis and her family flew back to the islands and as usual, she and I both cried like a couple of babies at the airport.  It NEVER fails!  It was fun to spend the holidays with my sis and her family and I am really thankful that they were here!  

 

As we contemplated the new year, my sister reminded me of an old wive's tale that in order to start brand new, one needs to clear out the "old".  She said that people always put away all of their holiday decorations and gifts before the new year rolls in.  A sort of out with the old, in  with the new!  Or maybe she told me this, because of the big gift wrapping mess I had in my room!  Anyhoo, over the weekend I cleared out all of my christmas decorations in preparation for the new year.  

 

So as a new year rolls in, I reflect on some of the memories of 2007. 

 

- I am grateful that my sis recovered from her diagnosis of stage one cancer and that she is 100% healthy.

 

- I am grateful that I have stayed healthy & that my family and friends are in good health.

 

- I am grateful that I was again able to travel to Europe.  This year it was an awesome two weeks in Venice, Italy.  And I am so grateful for discovering the community of Slow Travel, which is a wonderful site that taught me to really appreciate and experience the places that I was traveling to.  I am so grateful for the terrific people on ST who provided me with valuable advice and inspiration.  They also read my blog (which is not a very easy thing to do, trust me!).  He, he! 

 

I am grateful to all the folks that I also had the pleasure of meeting during my travels.  Sometimes I just feel so dang lucky to be able to have such great people in my life.  And of course to my friends who always encourages me in my crazy and adventurous endeavers!  They are never discouraging and that means a lot to me!  Thank you all!! 

 

My priorities in life have definitely changed over the last 3 years.  I have a carpe diem mentality that drives me to seek out new adventures and discover unique life experiences like never before.  I want to live life to the fullest and the new year  will be no different.  I can't wait to feel inspired for that next big adventure!  Can you feel it?  . . . I can!

 

So, in honor the new incoming year (2008) this month's photo is a shot of the interior of the very prominent church of Santa Maria della Salute located in the Dorsoduro District of Venice.  . . . It was taken during the very special Festa della Madonna della Salute which was held on November 21. 

 

The Fiesta della Madonna is a religious celebration that involves a  procession, led by the Patriarch, that leaves St. Mark's and crosses a pontoon bridge across the Grand Canal and ends at the Salute Church. Thousands of local Venetians go to seek pardon in front of the Madonna.  They bring candles to light.  I was very fortunate to be in Venice during this special celebration and I too brought my candles to light and to give thanks.  As I stood there in this awesome church among hundreds of venetians I felt a sense of honor to be a part of this local tradition, celebration!  In a way, it sparked an inspiration in me to seek out other celebrations around the world.  It was a very cool feeling! 

 

I want to wish everyone a very happy, healthy and safe new year filled with lots and lots of great travel experiences!

 

Peace,

Kathy

 

 

Our snowboarding trip was awesome.  I'm pretty much a skiier but have always wanted to try snowboarding.  And for my sister and niece, this was to be their very first time on snow period! 

 

We all decided to strap on those boots and head out to the local mountains of Southern California to give it a whirl!  As my motto goes, life is too short to miss out on anything and as far as trying something new.  You'll never know unless you give it a try!  

 

I was proud of them for daring to try something new, especially something that can potentially cause great bodily harm if not careful.  We learned to toe and heal edge down the slope and even took our boards and shimmied down the tinest bunny hill.  Even that was fun!

 

What I personnally found out . . . Snow boarding isn't

my thing.  I'm pretty much going to stick with skiing but I was really glad that I gave it a try.  And now I know! 

 

My sis learned that she can be adventurous and try new and different things in life.  It was pretty awesome to see that fire in her!  My niece was the quickest learner and shimmied down that hill like it wasn't her first time!  . . . .We all had a blast! 

 

My sis and her family leaves on Friday so today & Thursday we will do some after Christmas shopping.  I think this will be a pretty adventurous undertaking in and of itself, since those bargain hunters can be a pretty aggressive bunch.  Just kidding folks! 

 

 

 

Got back from Vegas where I saw fake Paris, fake Venice and fake Bellagio!  A lot of people despise Vegas, but I for one think it is a fantastic place to "indulge" in a little fun every now and then.  There's some great food, lots of drinks, live entertainment and it is open 24 hours a day!  I'm not a big gambler or boozer, but I do like to just have fun and this place if you're not the  "obsessive" type is a great destination to visit and just hang out, see a show and let your hair down.  Plus it was fun to spend some time with my sis and her family!

 

 

Next, I traveled to a place where your imagination and "inner" child can go wild!  Yes, folks.  I brought my sis and her family to Disneyland.  It's been several years since I've been back and it was actually fun to see good old Main Street Disney and ride on some of the new rides!  My motion sickness really got a test on some of them, let me assure you!

 

Guess what my favorite ride is?  It is a ride that always makes me happy.  And it has all those countries and lights and singing! 

 

With my travel experiences of late, my view of the world has definitely changed.  The more I see of it, the more I realize just how small this world really is!  AND I am enjoying the heck out of getting to SEE and EXPERIENCE as much of it as I possibly can!

 

Today, we're off for a little bit of snowboarding! It's been a great Holidays for me made even more special by my sister and her family being here.

 

And on this note, I again want to wish everyone and their families a very Happy, Safe and Healthy New Year!  Peace . . .

 

 

 

 

As another year draws to an end, I can't help but start to reflect on life again!  I have so much to be thankful for these days.  I'm thankful for the health of my family and friends, my continuing ability to travel and my good fortune to (virtually) meet some awesome travelers from the Slow Travel Community.  I hope to one day have the right timing to attend an actual GTG and meet some of them, because they just seem so nice.  Which reminds me, I need to get back in contact with Kevin and Lauren to wish them a happy holidays!  Me and my friend met them in 2005 during our group tour and got together several times since then. 

 

When I came home from Venice, I re-read my blog entries and was surprised at what I wrote.  Sometimes I was impressed with what I had to say and other times I laughed so hard!  Who on earth would admit on a world wide internet site that they can't "cook?"  Well, that would be me, of course!  I couldn't believe that I referred to finally buying groceries as (bread, half a dozen eggs, cheese and prosecco).  Talk about your "dork" moments!

 

I was recently corresponding with another traveler and blogger about my blog and about how I really enjoy reading her blog.  It inspired me to create "My Favorite Blog" link on my travel blog, so check it out . . .

 

 

Anyhoo, my sis and her family are arriving tomorrow and then we're headed to Vegas for a few days  (I might blog from there too).  After, we'll do the Disneyland thing and a bit of snowboarding in the local mountains here in Southern California!  

 

Which reminds me, I have to finish setting up my spare rooms for them and get some groceries!    Trust me, it will consist of more than just bread, cheese and a half dozen eggs!  He, he!

 

But before I leave, I wanted to wish everyone a safe, healthy and very Happy Holidays and New Year!

 

 

I'm back safe and sound everyone!  What an awesome trip.  Check out my Live Blog site for some overal impressions.  I hope to work on my trip report and have it down within a couple of weeks (I hope!).  Kind of tough with me going out of town in a couple of weeks and oh yeah, a special event called Christmas & New Years!  He, he! 

 

Anyway, I'm a little late but this month's photo of the month obviously has to be from my last trip.  This photo was taken high up in the Italian Dolomites near a quaint restaurant that we stopped at for a great lunch!

 

 

 

Well, my bags are finally packed (whew! that was way harder than I thought it was going to be) and I'm ready to call it a night.  Have to be up at 3:00 am in order to be ready for a 5:00 am pick up.

 

I'm so excited to return to Italy (where my heart belongs).  I'll arrive Tuesday, November 13, 2007 and will probably hit the ground running again.  

 

I have two weeks of adventures and relaxation time to look forward to.  It's going to be so AWESOME!  

 

There were moments today while I was packing when I felt a little sad that mom and dad never got the chance to travel to Europe and see all the beautiful things and meet all the great people that I have had the opportunity to see.  But somehow I feel like they are always with me!  I know it's a bit corny to say that but I do mean it. 

 

I am grateful for the opportunity to travel again to someplace familiar and some places that are new!  My next post will be on the road so do check out my LIVE from VENICE blog by clicking on the link at that top. 

 

Thank you again to my family, friends, co-workers (who gave me a send off on Thursday) and the entire Slow Travel Community (who provide the knowledge and inspiration for my trips).  You guys are (to quote a famous Bette Midler song) the "WIND BENEATH MY WINGS." He, he . .

 

Here I go again . . . .  Ciao'

 

 

Only 7 more sleeps before I'm off to Venice, Italy!  Whoo Hoo! 

 

It's funny but a couple of good friends have asked me how I could travel clear across the world on my own.  I have no explanation other than to say that when it comes to traveling I'm pretty "fearless."  Or maybe I just don't know any better.  To me, it's all about doing the things that I really love to do that matters. 

 

So in celebration of my long awaited trip "back to where my heart belongs" this month's photo is of Venice!  You have no idea how much I am looking forward to this new adventure.  It's going to be so AWESOME! 

 

I'm not sure if I'll get the chance to blog again before I leave next Monday.  I'll be so busy doing some last minute preparations like packing, printing out my notes, etc. so the next time I will be blogging may be on my newly created Travel Blog.  I am so excited!

 

Ciao'

 

 

I'm now 15 days before I leave for Venice, Italy.  I'm pretty excited about this trip.  I'll be spending two weeks in an apartment in a real neighborhood for the very first time ever.  I've been to Venice twice before as one of those hoards of daytrippers.  We were boated in for a few hours then rushed back to our hotels before sunset as if we were going to turn into pumpkins or something if we didn't.  I never had the chance to experience Venice at night.  And now I'll have many late night opportunities.  Whoo Hoo! 

 

Two months ago I never thought that I would be taking this trip as my sister's health was uncertain. I cancelled my September trip and went home to help her.  Now she is 100% healthy and I am really grateful.   

 

This whole scare gave me an even deeper appreciation for the small things in life.  In some respects, it taught me to really live life to it's fullest and enjoy the things that are important and that makes me happy.  I try not to sweat the small stuff.  Life is just simply too short!

     

 

In August while visiting my sister, I woke up each morning to find my sister's dog Koa sleeping  somewhere in my room.  In this picture, he apparently found a nice comfortable spot sleeping on top of my T-shirt, which I had draped over my handcarry luggage. 

 

 

 

 

 

Koa somehow found a way (albeit odd) to make himself happy . . .

 

So like Koa, I guess I also try to move through life in much the same manner.  I know what is important to me and what makes me happy.  And when faced with adversity I make adjustments and find my way.   

 

I am so grateful that my sister is healthy again.  And in just two weeks I will be fortunate to be able to take my 4th trip to Europe.  Soon, I will be strolling through the streets of Venice, Italy! 

 

 

 

 

First, I will be missing yet another Slow Travel GTG!  I have not been able to attend one GTG!  None!  So when I read about a GTG in Venice for November 12, I decided that I HAVE to attend!  My original flight gets me to Venice a day late on November 13.  Timing folks . . . .

 

I e-mailed the apartment agency and they said that the apartment was in fact available. Excellent!  I call Delta  to change my flights and was immediately deflated when they told me that it would cost $1600 to make the change.  You heard right . . . $1600!   DANG!  Actually . . . Double DANG!

 

Took me all but half a second to say no thank you!  There is just no way I could spend an additional $1600 to change my flight.  Not even for Venice!   

 

Note to self . . . . when planning my next trip PLEASE remember to include the weekend when arranging my departure date.  Well, no sense crying over spilt milk.  I'll still be in beautiful Venice in 18 short days!  Whoo Hoo! 

 

You have to check out this very cool youtube:

 

Cool song is called "Dream Machine" by Mark Farina. In fact it is so cool, I'm currently thinking about developing a Youtube of my own on Venice using this very cool song! Picture it, San Marco Square, the Grand Canal . . . if that ain't what a Dream Machine would think of, I don't know what is . . .

 

Dreaming of Venice . . .

 

 

I can't believe it's already October.  Dang, this year went by in a blink!  I'm now 42 days until take off and the excitement and adrenaline is building.  I have a pretty awesome itinerary developing with the help of the Slow Travel Community.  They totally ROCK!

 

I went for a quick run this morning to work out the details in my head and I'm still undecided about that 2nd and possible 3rd Day trip.  This may be a last minute decision and maybe one that I will make when I get there.  I'm going to research the information and transportation modes for all my possibilities to take with me, so I'll be prepared.  I'm just so undecided!

 

This month's photo of the month is non travel related.  It's a picture of my sister's dog, "Koa."  He is the cutest little dog and I kind of miss petting and playing with him.  I promised sis that I would do a really cool YouTube of Koa doing his unusual but totally hilarious stretching routine!  It'll be really awesome, I promise!

 

 

This morning I woke up to the sound of rain hitting against my window!  I thought surely I must be dreaming.  I can't even remember when it ever rained in September last! 

 

But I'm not complaining, we need the rain as we have had some pretty dry winters of late. 

 

This is the perfect morning to work on some household projects because if it were beautiful and sunny out, I would brush those projects aside and get on my bike for a ride.  Actually, if it clears up later I can still go for a quick one.  Mornings like this can also be a really good time for researching those day trips that I want to do from Venice. 

 

It's funny how the weather can affect your demeanor.  Rain makes me feel mellow . . . and sunshine makes me feel energized.

 

Well, I'll put some mellow Zucchero on and get working on clearing out my guest rooms.  I have to get that done before December!

 

Ciao'

 

I've been in pretty good spirits these days.  Although I'm still getting over a terrible cold, I still managed to get out and do some cycling over the weekend.  I wanted to keep up with my training in case . . . . well, just in case.

 

It's hard to believe that its been a year.  September 10!  Happy B-Day mom!  I took the day off from work as a treat to myself, being that today is also my B-Day.  Truth be told my real B-Day gift this year is the health of my Sister.  I can't begin to describe how grateful I am that everything worked out!

 

I sent out an e-mail inquiry two days ago regarding a November Apartment availability in Venice.  I was actually half expecting them to reply that the dates were unavailable.  To my surprise, this beautiful apartment is available for the dates I provided. Can this be a sign?

 

Now it is a matter of changing my flight to the new date and deciding whether I can still pull it off!  I have to decide before I book the apartment, because there is a $300 Eur deposit.  It's a beautiful place in the Dosodoru District of Venice. 

 

Here's the link:   http://www.viewsonvenice.com/ca_delle_mende.html

 

I did have my heart so set on doing the Bellagio Climb and hike though!  I just don't think that November would be an ideal time for this adventure!  Looks like I have a decision to make. 

 

Meanwhile, I created a new Travel Blog that I will use exclusively while on the Road.  For the second time, I tried to blog on my main website and for the second time I was unsuccessful.      

 

I'm hoping that this new blog will work.  I picked a very basic template and used the same colors as I have on this site for some consistency.  I know, it's not very splashy!  But hey, if it gets the job done I'll be thrilled.  This is going to help me to remember some of the details of my trips!  I tend to have a very short attention span while traveling as you might have already guessed from reading my trip reports.  He he!

 

Here's the link:  www.trekcapri.blogspot.com

 

 

Check out my newest Youtube videos . . .  

 

 

Well, the last load of laundry is done and my bags are put away.

 

Now I'm ready to start thinking about my trip again.  I'm thinking about either a late 2007 Fall trip, a January 2008 trip or even a 2008 Fall trip!  It's another blank canvas for me -- and I'm soooo excited!

 

On top of this, I have some pending household projects to get done before December.  I have a recreation room that has been doubling as a storage room for way too long.  I also have to clear out my room and two other guess rooms.  I think it's about time that I get rid of all that S**T (I mean stuff) that has been doing nothing but collecting dust.  Someone once told me that if you don't use something for more than 6 months, then you don't really need it so just get rid of it.  I just think that I need to start downsizing my things in the event I decide to make any life changing decisions in the next few years.  Ya just never know.

 

So I guess it looks to be a really busy fall and winter for me . . . But you know what?  After my sister's medical scare, I'm not sweating the small stuff in life anymore. 

 

I'm going to start doing some research for my trip.  It's definitely WHOO HOO time again!

 

 

I just arrived back home (My second home – that is!) late last night and I have a bit of catching up to do while my washing/drying machines are busily swooshing and spinning the loads of laundry that I have piled up.

 

First of all – GOOD NEWS!  My sister’s operation was a huge success.  I have two words for you all to digest and take to heart – EARLY DETECTION!!!!  According to the final pathology results after the operation, it turns out that she had stage one cancer and they caught it in the nick of time.  Two months ago, the cells were considered simply overgrowth and now they are cancerous.  A little longer, the cells would have penetrated and spread.  It progressed in ONLY TWO MONTHS!  I am so grateful that everything went well and I’m glad that I was able to be there for her surgery and during the initial part of her recovery.  She’s recovering very quickly and doesn't need any further treatment like Chemo or Radiation!

 

You know, I have been accused of living my life in a bubble, because of my incessant positive view of the world.  But even after having watched both mom and dad suffer with terminal illnesses only to fail, I still kept a positive outlook on my sister’s condition.  I am so grateful to God and to the fact that my sis sought medical attention when she did.    

 

Now that my heart is light and loose again and my sister is okay, I’m ready to think about my Italy trip.  My sister has 6 more weeks for her recovery so the earlist that I would feel okay to do a trip out of the country would be November.  I could do Venice for two weeks saving Lake Como for my next trip?  Or – I could postpone it for next year!  Can I wait that long! 

 

It would be so easy to plan a late fall trip.  Heck, I have all the prep work done.  I’ll be pondering my options, checking out prices and availability and researching Slow Travel for possible ideas . . . . 

 

You know what folks . . . . My World is back on track again and I’m so ready to rock and roll!

 

Picture of the month is Turtle Island on Oahu.  I took it while cruizing around with my sis before her surgery!  That was fun!

 

Here's more beautiful photos . . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My flight leaves this afternoon and I'll be in Hawaii by tonight.  I’m going home so I can be with my sister during her operation which is scheduled for August 21.

 

Recent trips home have not been very pleasant for me and it’s a shame, because I really love Hawaii.  It’s where I grew up . . . it's where I have a lot of fond memories . . . . and it's where my heart should be.  Quite honestly, being there now seems to bring up so many sad memories that it simply overpowers all the good ones. 

 

I haven’t seen Jean in almost two years so we have quite a bit of catching up to do.  It'll be sad (again) because of her operation, but it'll be great to be there and support her and help her during her recovery.  While there I'm going to take the opportunity to convince her and her family to do a trip to Italy with me.  With the help of Slow Travel, I could plan a pretty awesome trip.  I’d want to take them to see Venice for sure and maybe Switzerland too!  

 

So, I’ll be off line (unless I have access to internet services or use my iPhone) for the next two weeks and this is where I’ll be . . .

 

 

I want to thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers during this time.  It really means a lot to me!

 

 

I had to edit my blog to remove a couple of entries that I had written.  For those of you who already read it,  things are looking much more positive for my sister than I had originally thought so I am feeling much, much better. (I'll really know for sure about things after the 21rst) 

 

This scare reconfirms why I believe that life is short and that we have to live it to the fullest each day!!  Do the things that make you happy whether it be developing your photography skills, enjoying the rhythm and lyrics of your favorite music, biking, running, hiking, traveling to far off places, enjoying the single life, getting together with family or friends,  . . . .

 

It's ALL good, if it makes us happy!  Carpe diem everyone!

 

 

 

No surprise here!  I stumbled onto yet another Zucchero YouTube performance . . . here he is performing at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert .  .  .

 

 

I actually checked out his website to see if he would by some miracle be touring anywhere near where I'll be in September.  Bummer that his "Fly" Album tour was in May!  Darn it!