Avery Arjang

Avery Arjang

Avery Arjang

As digital photography replaces nearly every old form of media, more and more people are trying to become freelancers in this area. Once they discover that the job takes a lot more than owning a pricey camera, the vast majority of people find other careers. Nevertheless, one of the few who succeeded is Avery Arjang. Besides the fact that she traveled to almost half of the states for client work, she is now a go-to artist for many individuals. Due to her long-lasting experience, she has learned how to take advantage of the rich scenery and create emotionally appealing, colorful, and storytelling shots. As her business kept growing over the last few years, she invested in better equipment and now owns half a dozen cameras. Regardless, Ms. Arjang continues to prove that a high-resolution tool does not make a good photographer any more than a pen makes a good novel writer. Avery Arjang discusses travel photography in the following interview.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

Taking pictures of places that I have never visited before. When you practice your photography locally, you visit all the areas worthy of mention fast. Eventually, you run out of ideas for locations where your clients can get their photos taken. I mean, you can only use a local park for graduation photo-shoots a certain number of times. After a while, you start to worry that people will realize that you always have the same background. When you travel, on the other hand, everything you see is something new. Whether it is beautiful or not does not even matter. The only thing that matters is that you can aim your camera lens at an object or scenery and capture it.

Is traveling something you consider a hobby or a lifestyle? How did you get started?

I consider it my lifestyle at the moment. Eventually, I will reduce the number of annual trips that I take, as traveling can be taxing on the body. For now, however, visiting my clients is one of the most exciting aspects of this job. Also, I do it so much that it has become an integrated part of my every-day life. Hence why I would say it is a lifestyle.

Do you have any exciting travel dates or itinerary planned for the future?

I am scheduled to visit Houston during the last week of April and Oklahoma City at the beginning of May. One of those trips will be a part of my long-term project while the other one is for leisure. But then again, even when I go somewhere as a part of a project, I can quickly turn it into a fun experience by exploring.

What are some travel tips you’d give to an inexperienced traveler?

Sign up for airline points programs if you are traveling a lot. Most companies offer online enrollment, and it is quite easy. The reason why I suggest doing so is that you can earn substantial rewards after a while. For example, I was able to take two free flights last year just because I received enough bonus miles. It is just another easy way to have your traveling work for you by creating future discounts!

Where would you like to go?

I want to visit Paris one day. France, in general, seems to be a bucket-list destination for many photographers. Mostly, I think that is because there are so many things you can take pictures of. In my case, I am curious about finding ways to take different photos that display originality. I mean, everyone has already seen the traditional shots of the Eiffel Tower. It would be interesting to try and capture it in a new, unprecedented way.

Where would you like to revisit?

I would like to go back to New York City sometime soon. I went there during my freshmen year of high school when photography was not a part of my life. Meaning, I have no evidence to go along with my stories. So, I hope to go back and take a few pictures that can go into my collection.

Do you travel alone? Why?

I travel alone because I spend too much time outside to be with someone. Usually, I will either work with a client or explore the area. That means that I rarely come back to the hotel room and, sadly, most people do not like this approach. At least, most people that I have taken with me before.

If you could pick the top three places every person should go, what would they be?

Dallas, Denver, and Sacramento. These three cities left such a great impression on me that I always tell people to visit them when possible.

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

Very light. Besides the bulky cameras and accessories, I do not pack a lot. I usually base my decisions on what clothes to bring by looking at how long the trip will be. Since most of my trips are very short, I can get by with a tiny backpack. There are times, however, when I am attending formal events like weddings or graduation gatherings. In those cases, I bring whatever will satisfy the dress code.

Whitney Blodgett

Whitney Blodgett is the Founder and Chief Executive of an Atlanta based SaaS Corporation. The startup offers automated solutions for collating, storing and analyzing information. Businesses that use these solutions enjoy well-funneled interactions between clients and prospects. The cutting-edge solutions also aim to give businesses a competitive advantage when it comes to the convergence of communication infrastructure.

Blodgett oversees the growth and implementation of SaaS across various platforms, including IoT. She also hires company sales representatives and watches over the deepening of customer engagement. Most of the company’s clients are small to mid-sized advertising, marketing, and retail related companies in Atlanta and other major cities in the US. Blodgett received her education at Princeton University. Whitney Blodgett is also widely traveled, having been to various countries in Europe, Asia, and South America. Her travels are mostly tied to business and leisure.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

Every travel destination has its own unique identity, whether that’s a fault of history or self-woven oddity inculcated by the dwellers. I enjoy traveling because it often makes me happy. The opportunity to relive the memories and experiences of places I’ve been to also keep me yearning for more. Some of these places are well-renowned while others stand out due to their unique culture or occurrences.

Is traveling something you consider a hobby or a lifestyle? How did you get started?

Most frequent travelers I have talked to see their travels as a lifestyle. Growing up in New York, I really wanted to break out of the usual routine associated with big city life by getting to know new places and meeting people I would probably never have known. The experience has helped me learn and get a fresh perspective on things.

Do you have any exciting travel dates or itinerary planned for the future?

I will be in Hong Kong for business sometime this summer. I will be meeting prospects whom I hope to rope in as part of my company’s commitment to expand our clientele base overseas. The city continues to be the gateway for trade and investment into China and the vast Asian region.

What are some travel tips you’d give to an inexperienced traveler?

There are certainly a few travel tips to be observed by inexperienced travelers. First, if you are traveling outside the country, make it a point to know your country’s embassy or consulate contact information to safeguard your safety and security, more so if something unexpected happens. Secondly, when dressing, do so inconspicuously to avoid standing out or drawing too much attention. This will make you a lesser target to potential predators, including pickpockets and muggers. You can start by investigating the types of clothes worn by locals. It is also advisable to get a travel insurance to cover everything from medical expenses and canceled flights to lost luggage.

Where would you like to go?

I can’t wait to go to Santiago, Chile. Besides the sprawling city of 6 million inhabitants, there is the scenic, snow-capped Andes Mountain in the backdrop and the famous Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.

Where would you like to revisit?

I once visited the famous Mount Fuji in Japan and would like to do that all over again.

Do you travel alone? Why?

It depends on the travel itinerary. Sometimes I travel alone and sometimes I do it with family or business partners.

If you could pick the top three places every person should go, what would they be?

In spite of my vast travel experience, I wouldn’t call myself a citizen of the world, at least not yet. However, there are a few places I would recommend that everyone visit. These include Banff in Canada, the unspoiled Caribbean Island of Nevis and Malta. Banff is located in the Canadian Rockies. It is home to Canada’s oldest national park and an ideal locale for outdoor adventure sports from skiing and cycling to kayaking.

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

I am a minimalist when it comes to packing, and I have every reason to vouch for it. As a standard practice that I have perfected, traveling light makes it easier for the airline to safeguard my luggage and guarantees hassle-free movement, which means not being bogged down with heavy luggage, exorbitant fees, and weight limits.

The weight issue can be an issue when traveling on a small plane. When packing my belongings, I always place my ID and money in a handy carry-on luggage. The same applies to medications, and travel accessories such as a favorite book, Kindle, laptop or anything else that makes me feel comfortable and contented.

Interview with JMD Furniture CEO, Dev Joshi

Dev Joshi is the founder and CEO of JMD Furniture, a furniture company based in Washington DC. It is a family-run business that began almost a decade ago when Joshi and his family wanted to serve the community by providing quality custom and pre-made furniture. Their store eventually grew to serve many areas in the Metropolitan DC Area, and JMD Furniture was eventually hailed as one of the best furniture providers in DC.

 

During his spare time, Dev Joshi enjoys cooking, miniature woodwork and traveling as his hobby. He enjoys exploring his native roots and expresses them through his adventurous side. He has been to many countries in Asia, aside from India where his parents grew up. At present, he is looking into adding more in his bucket list of countries that he wants to visit, particularly in Europe.

 

 

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

One thing that I truly enjoy when I travel is the sight-seeing and the culinary experiences. I think that these two things are what makes a country unique from others. It says a little about what the country is all about, and me being immersed in their landmarks and food is something that I truly treasure. The first thing I usually do when I plan my itinerary is looking for the most famous landmarks and the best restaurants to dine at.

 

Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

I believe that traveling is a lifestyle for me. The reason why I started my business is so that I could be more flexible with my schedule to enjoy the things I want in life, and traveling is part of that. I regularly travel for leisure more than business, and I believe it’s a truly rewarding experience. Anyone who has the means to travel should do it at least once or twice in their lives. I began traveling when I started to have my return on investment in my furniture company, around a year after me and my family set up the business.

 

Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

I am really excited to travel in Europe. My family has long been wanting to visit London, UK, as well as Italy. I have planned a full itinerary for us for a two week UK trip with a side visit to Italy. I have been wanting to visit Venice and Rome. I am really excited because I believe that Europe is a very historical and elegant place, and is completely different from the eastern countries that I have visited so far.

 

What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

Do your research. When you are inexperienced, you might have the tendency to just grab the most convenient offer with the fear of not being able to complete your itinerary. My advice to amateur travelers is to do their research online about the best places and book their flights and accommodations using price comparison sites. This way, they can save more money and have more resources to spend on their trip.

 

Where would you like to go?

As I have mentioned, I would like to go to Europe and I have that on my list already. However, it is my major goal to visit major cities as well, such as Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Dubai. I would like to see how these cities operate, and maybe one day as my business expands I can invest in creating remote headquarters for my furniture company. Everything is possible when you have the motivation to succeed.

 

Where would you like to revisit?

I would really like India, the place where my parents grew up. Although most of us are already living in the States, India has a special place in my heart because its culture in deeply imbibed in my family. Not to mention the country is overall fantastic. I love traditional Indian cuisine and the picturesque temples that my family and I visit when we have the chance. India is my second home and it’s always a country I will never get tired of revisiting.

 

Do you travel alone? Why?

I do not usually travel alone. It’s either I’m with my family or a business partner for prospects. I feel like traveling alone is more for the young, although one day I would like to try it. I believe that experiences are meant to be shared with those you love. I’m open-minded about solo traveling, though.

 

If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

This is a difficult one because I believe that every person should try to travel the whole world! But if I were to pick, I believe that every person should at least travel to India, the United States, and China. I have been to all and I could say that I got to experience very diverse cultures which made me beyond grateful. Shenzen is just brimming with the majestic traditional eastern Asian culture, and India is my second home. The United States represents the diversity of the western world.

 

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

I am definitely a house-packing person. I bring my family with me, so I am always tasked to bring all of their daily apparel, toiletries and important documents. As a business owner, I was just too used to taking care of things that it almost seems natural for me to feel secure by bringing what I can possibly carry in my luggage.

Ismail Sirdah

Ismail Sirdah is a photographer from Miami who owns a professional studio as well as a school of photography. He started running his business when he was only 20 years old which enabled him to gain experience while still being young. Most of his customers are couples who are looking for a qualified expert to take photos of their weddings. After starting his venture in 2012, he is now also known as a reliable photographer that people frequently use to get family, nature, or public event shots. In his free time, Ismail Sirdah dedicates time to teaching people about all the various aspects that play a role in getting a perfect photo.

 

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

Traveling enables me to see areas that I never thought I would reach. Moreover, when you work as a photographer, you eventually start to view the world through a camera lens. Although this may seem to carry a negative connotation, it helps me find the best in people and cultures. I strive to see the positivity and traveling enables me to capture new areas that I can then showcase to those who may not have an opportunity to experience them.

 

Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

It is more of a hobby. My lifestyle is photography, so everything else tends to come second. When I travel, I do so in order to get to a client engagement like a wedding or a local address where they want to get their pictures taken. Also, I had a few trips that I solely took for the purpose of getting photos that may appeal to some travel magazines. After all, your career needs to have as much diversity as possible and moving around is the best way to satisfy this criterion.

 

Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

Not at the moment. I do go around Florida almost every month. This includes trips to Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and a few other notable places where some of my clients reside.

 

What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

There are three unwritten rules that I try to obey. The first one is to book everything related to the travel long ahead of time. This includes things like the flight, hotel, car rental, and so on. That usually enables me to get better offers and I do not have to worry about it later. Second, I make a detailed schedule that includes everything from the time that I will head over to the airport to the time when I will end my trip. It took a few unsuccessful trips for me to discover that the best way to save time is by planning out every minute and following an agenda. Lastly, I have a rule that every trip needs to include at least one fun activity. If I am traveling for work, it is very easy to get distracted and spend the entire time working. Those type of trips are usually not the most interesting or joyful ones. Thus, I do my best to always do at least one fun activity like going out to some local bars, seeing a performance, or visiting some of the tourist attractions of the area.

 

 

Where would you like to go?

I always wanted to visit South America and go to countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. Some of my friends were fortunate enough to go to these destinations and they had nothing but positive things to say. I also believe that it would be a great opportunity to take some breath-taking photos.

 

Where would you like to revisit?

Surprisingly, there are no countries that I would try to revisit at the moment. Not because I did not have many positive experiences, but because I prefer new things than doing something that I have already done.

 

Do you travel alone? Why?

Although it is not a hardcore rule of mine, I usually travel alone. The main reason for the lack of my companions is because I generally travel for work. This means that I have a strict schedule to go by and people who may want to come with me would not have much fun just waiting for me to get done with my obligations.

 

If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

I do not think that I can give a specific answer that will name a certain location. Nevertheless, everyone should visit one place that is popular in the world, one place that is unknown yet beautiful, and one place that they wanted to see from an early age. In my case, those three places would be New York City, Corfu Island in Greece, and any city in Brazil.

 

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

I pack up the house. My cameras alone tend to consume the entire space of my checked baggage. Thus, I often have to purchase additional bags to fit my clothing and any other equipment. I got used to this by now, however, so I have no problem with the amount of bags that I have to carry. Certainly gives me a workout since everything adds up to hundreds of pounds!

Andrew Knight New Canaan

Andrew Knight New Canaan is a known front-end developer based in Connecticut. He has helped many local businesses set up their websites and build their following on the internet. Some of the industries who have sought his help include startup tech companies, local restaurants and telecommunication branches that are in need of optimizing websites for their customers.

 

Andrew Knight New Canaan gained recognition with his great work, and word-of-mouth spread about his expertise. Today, he is currently working on 3-5 projects a month in varying business industries. Despite his success, he still finds time to travel, as he believes it is a ‘part of him’ and one of his greatest passions.

 

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

My favorite part of traveling the world is being able to see historical attractions. Although I’m not a history junkie, it always amazes me when I get to a place that I’ve only seen in magazines or on TV. That is one of the most gratifying things as a traveler; when you actually get to live the dream. I also enjoy the unique culinary experience that each country brings. To me, food is the best identifier of the country. You eat their food, you understand more about their culture and their people even when you don’t speak the same language. Traveling all in all is just a magical experience.

 

Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

Traveling for me is more a hobby. Although I would like to see it in the future as a lifestyle, I believe that there are certain priorities in life that I need to invest my time and effort to as of the moment. It’s still something doing worthwhile though. I don’t live to travel, but travel is a big part of my life. I believe that it is one of the most enriching experiences life can offer.

 

Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

I want to make use of the season, so I’m actually wanting to go to Alaska while it’s still winter season. I have heard that March is a great time to see the Northern Lights, so I am pretty much stoked. I have booked a flight with Alaska Airlines to Fairbanks. My family and I would be staying for about a week and possibly we would get a side tour to Anchorage too. I’ve also bought a new Canon DSLR that I’m excited to take photos with.

 

What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

My travel tips to inexperienced tourists are to go where the locals go. If you don’t know where to eat, ask the locals. If you don’t know where to stay in, ask the people who seem to know the place. Usually, when you ask the locals, they give you the best place or the best deal. This is especially helpful for the young travelers who might be going on a budget.

 

Where would you like to go?

Recently, I watched a show on Netflix called “Somebody Feed Phil”. It was a guy who travels all over the world to try out the local cuisine. I saw one of the episodes where he went to Lisbon, Portugal and I was astounded by the beauty of the place. It’s a quiet, historically-rich, and beautiful place with European-inspired architecture. I would really like to book one of my travel dates going to Lisbon this year.

 

Where would you like to revisit?

Hopefully, I would get to revisit Hawaii. Hawaii is really my happy place. Though I enjoy all types of seasons, summer is my favorite. Being in the place where it’s warm all year round gives me good vibes.

 

Do you travel alone? Why?

I do travel alone. In fact, I enjoy the moments of silence where I get to see the beauty of nature in my own eyes. Away from others’ insights, away from cameras. When I get to see and feel everything that’s new around me, that’s where I feel alive the most.

 

If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

This is a hard question! But to be honest, a traveler should go out to the world to do 3 different things. Number one is to experience beauty, number two is to see the reality, and number three is to find solace. I’ve seen them in Maldives, India, and Thailand. I think it will be different from person to person.

 

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

As much as I would want to pack up the house, I prefer to travel light. I’m a very obsessive packer though–I keep everything in a checklist. I make sure that I have all my clothes and toiletries in different compartments, and I also have an extra bag for my valuables like my money and passport.

Saleh Stevens

Saleh Stevens is a cryptocurrency expert that currently works as an online writer. After completing numerous blogs that relate to the topic of blockchain technology, he has built a noticeable fan base consisting of people who read his articles for education purposes. Besides the latest trends that are surrounding things like Bitcoin or Etherium, Saleh Stevens is also well versed in the area of Javascript and web development for business startups. Such versatility has helped him create a large portfolio of investments that have yielded an amazing return. Nowadays, he is one of the fiercest proponents of the bold innovation that has taken over the IT sector.

 

I enjoy learning about people and their cultures. I visited a few European countries where traditions are a lot different than anything that you may have been exposed to in the United States. For example, did you know that families throughout Europe have no unwritten rules that tell children to leave home at the age of 18 and pursue a college education? Still, most young adults are very familiar with the principles of business and even things like cryptocurrency! It is almost counterintuitive that someone without any higher education in Europe could talk with me about blockchain technology as if it was a simplistic idea.

 

It is a hobby. I started traveling when I was in my twenties. Back then, people were curious to experience and seize the world. Business trips were not as common as the whole concept of globalization, and international partnerships did not come around until later. Now, you can hardly find a passenger on a plane who is going somewhere for the pure joy and spontaneity of such an endeavor.

 

As of right now, I do not. The key concept of my travels is to make them unexpected. When I went overseas last year, my entire trip was planned in one day after seeing an in advertisement online. Although many will disagree, I think that extensive planning ruins the concept of trips for leisure.

 

Do not bring your phone, computer, tablet, or anything more modern than a pencil. I still remember a few trips of mine that were completely ruined by the countless calls and e-mails I had to respond to. Don’t get me wrong, being unavailable to all your friends, business associates, and family is not the answer. However, you should make it known that you have a very limited access to technology and that you have no intention of working while enjoying your travel.

 

Believe it or not, some of the places on my bucket list are right here in the United States. I have yet to go to certain parts of California. Although I visited many cities where cryptocurrency was booming, I never went to Oakland, San Diego, or even Sacramento. Also, I think it is just a matter of time before I decide to take an entire month and go all over the beautiful state of Texas. It wasn’t until recently that I realized how enormous the Lone Star state truly was. Having already been to Dallas and Houston, I cannot wait to tour other places on such a huge yet welcoming territory. As far as international trips, I have been learning Italian recently so that I can visit Rome one day.

 

Going to France again would certainly be nice. In my case, although it does contradict the whole idea of being spontaneous a little, seeing the Eiffel Tower could probably never get old. I mean, have you ever taken a picture from the height of a 1,000 feet? Trust me, it is amazing.

 

I do. I guess I have still not found the perfect travel buddy. In the past, most of the trips that involved additional people had issues that were not anticipated. When I go by myself, on the other hand, everything tends to go exactly like I want it to. Maybe my expectations are just not as high as those of people I used to travel with.

 

New York City, Paris, and London. These three parallel each other perfectly. Also, they are some of the most visited places around the globe for a reason. They all have so many different attractions that it is virtually impossible to list them all.

 

I travel very light. In fact, you will probably never see me check luggage at the airport. Most of my things can fit in a decent-sized bag that I can carry on the plane. Given that I avoid packing a ton of gadgets, the contents of my bag are usually broken down into clothes and personal hygiene items. No need to waste energy carrying twenty bags, right?

Mark Alvarado

Mark Alvarado is a UCLA alumnus that works in the field of graphic design. Most of his projects are related to marketing or promotional campaigns for start-up businesses. Besides work, he spends a lot of his time indulging in his favorite hobby, archery. Having practiced his shooting for over five years, one could say that Mark Alvarado is one of the best non-competitive bowmen around. Also, although the address of his primary residence is in Palo Alto, California, he owns property in Marfa, Texas. Besides archery and graphic design, he often spends time traveling all over the United States. Some of his trips even crossed the borders and reached international destinations like Germany and Austria.

 

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

The fact that I get to see something I have never witnessed before. I also love learning about other cultures, languages, norms, and rituals. What surprised me the most in my travels is the wide discrepancy between sub-cultures in the United States. For example, you could go to Texas after visiting Oklahoma and, even though these two states border one another, people that you meet will have very little in common. Imagine how different it is to go all the way to Seattle to meet people on the West Coast and then compare that to New York and all the fast talkers from the East Coast.

 

Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

I like to think of it is a critical part of my lifestyle. One of my favorite quotes says that we are a byproduct of our experiences. Based on that, I will be a better version of myself if my life contains multiple diverse endeavors and traveling seems like a pretty diversifying experience to me. As far as me starting, it happened when I was still a teenager. I would often go on trips with my family during our school vacations. That instilled my passion for discovering new places.

 

Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

I plan on going to Texas in the next month or so. Although it will not exactly be a ground-breaking travel for me, I always anticipate my trips to Marfa with a huge dose of excitement. I mean, it is not like I get to shoot my arrows around Palo Alto whenever I feel like it. Texas, on the other hand, is a perfect place to unwind and enjoy some old-fashioned archery mixed with clean air and uninterrupted silence.

 

What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

Micromanage your trip. How long will you need to get from the airport to your hotel or house? Will there be a taxi waiting for you when you land? What days do you plan to see your family/friends? Do you need to set up travel notices with your bank? Who will take care of your property while you are gone? Trust me, leaving these types of questions unanswered can destroy your entire trip. Meaning, any minor oversight can snowball into a catastrophe that could shorten your voyage.

 

Where would you like to go?

I always dreamed about visiting Greece. I cannot count how many times I have seen commercials with see-through ocean water splashing sandy beaches that stretch for miles. As expected, they are usually depicting Greece shores. Although the current state of their economy is not as beautiful as their landscape, I have heard many positive experiences form people who went there.

 

Where would you like to revisit?

You can probably guess this one. I am always open to revisiting Marfa. There is a certain level of joy when you have a property of your own in a completely different state. It gives a perfect background to a getaway weekend or a mini-vacation. Not to forget that it is the only place where my arrows can fly as free as I want them to!

 

Do you travel alone? Why?

It depends. By no means am I surrounded by castle walls that make it impossible for people to approach me. On the contrary, I believe that a shared trip is always better than an experience where one is a lone wolf. With that being said, however, I will admit that some trips should be done without any partners in crime. Those include occasional vacations where people need to self-reflect for whatever reason.

 

If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

As far as the United States, it would probably be California, Texas, and Florida. Although I am a little biased, I believe that these three are the most beautiful states in the nation. Internationally, however, I would say Germany, Grece, and Spain.

 

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

I pack up the house and then some more. It is a part of my whole “micromanage” principle. Nevertheless, I completely understand people who just take a backpack and go somewhere. If my organizational skills were not borderline obsessive, I could probably avoid bringing items that I do not need. Regardless, being prepared is something that I value beyond additional charges that airline companies often place on my account. Not all my friends agree with that approach.

Marc Yonker – Co-founder of Winters & Yonker

When Tampa injury attorneys Marc Yonker and Bill Winters partnered to found Winters & Yonker, P.A., they were both motivated by the desire to provide access to the kind of personal injury attorney Tampa Bay residents deserve. In founding Winters & Yonker, the duo has ensured that anyone who has been wronged due to an injury or accident will have the support of a tireless advocate dedicated to the service of justice.

Marc Yonker, a personal injury attorney Tampa residents are proud to have on their side, grew up admiring the work of his father’s best friend, a personal injury attorney who worked on behalf of clients in Easton, Pennsylvania, where Marc grew up before relocating to the Tampa Bay Area in Florida.

Prior to founding Winters & Yonker with Bill Winters, Marc worked at a large law firm and came to realize that many of the firm’s clients were in need of much greater support and assistance. This motivated Marc to create a firm capable of providing such a level of support to clients, and he was thus inspired to build a practice of his own from the ground up.

 

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

When I was growing up, I moved around quite a bit and got to experience the unique qualities that define different parts of the country. I like traveling because each region seems to have a character all its own, and I think it’s important to experience those characteristics up close.

 

Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

It feels kind of natural to me, so let’s call it a lifestyle. To be clear, I love living in Tampa and consider it my permanent home; it’s just that I enjoy spending time getting to know the people that choose to make their home in whatever place I happen to be visiting at the time.

 

What is the most beautiful place you’ve been to?

The Italian island of Capri, perched there in the beautiful Bay of Naples.

 

Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

Unfortunately, I do not have any travel dates coming up soon, but I’ll be sure to rectify that very soon.

 

What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

I tend to be a bit adventurous when I travel, and my general advice is that even an inexperienced traveler should be willing to explore places beyond the beaten path.

 

Where would you like to go?

I’d like to spend some time traveling through the Mediterranean — I’ve been to a few places there, but an extended trip would be really nice.

 

Where would you like to revisit?

I always like to visit the places in which I spent my formative years: Louisville, Kentucky; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Easton, Pennsylvania.

 

Do you travel alone? Why?

Yes, but I don’t mind traveling with company either. It is nice, however, to be able to wake up and do whatever it is that happens to move you at that particular moment.

 

If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

Capri, Italy

Louisville, Kentucky

San Jose, Costa Rica

 

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

I’m a light traveler all the way. I’ll go to great lengths to avoid the hassle of checking baggage, and I’ve never had any problem traveling with only the things I could fit into my carry-on bag.

Jimmy Stice – Kalu Yala Chief Executive Officer

Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Jimmy Stice, Kalu Yala is growing to be one of the most intriguing projects currently taking place in Panama. It is based on creating a sustainable environment in the middle of a jungle that lies in the Panamanian river valley. It also provides an opportunity for students to study abroad while getting to know people from all over the world. What brings them together is their desire to build homes brick-by-brick and learn about the concepts of sustainability. Due to the fast-growing nature of the project, many prominent companies like the Studio Sky and Affordable Permanence have become long-term partners of Kalu Yala.

 

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

It helps me discover all the things that I do not know about other people and myself. Usually, even though I am humble enough to know my limitations, I find it difficult to pinpoint all the areas that I need to learn more about. For example, when I became a part of this project, I had no idea that many students around the world enjoy getting away from the madness of technology. This is because I did not have any exposure to those age groups. By traveling and meeting new people, however, I become aware of those type of issues that previously seemed nonexistent to me.

 

Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

I would like to think it is a lifestyle. I started when I was still in my teen years and my passion for traveling has not changed since. Seeing new places and experiencing other cultures is something that has been one of the most motivating factors in my life. Learning about the struggles that individuals different environment deal with makes me look at all my issues from a problem-solving angel.

 

Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

As of now, I do not. I am currently working hard to develop a streamlined model that will address any potential Kalu Yala problems. This is something that I felt I needed to because we really have not had that many issues happen to us and I believe getting too relaxed will leave us vulnerable. Still, I do believe that I will be doing some recruiting for our project from countries far away from Panama soon.

 

What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

You have to sit down and spend some time planning. If you are traveling for pleasure, it may seem that being spontaneous is what will give the trip its glory. I found this to be false. Yes, not having to obey a clear-cut plan seems like the best way to enjoy oneself, but that will not be the case when you waste hours waiting for transportation or get stuck in the middle of an unknown city without as much as a hotel reservation. If you are looking to capitalize on all of your hours spent in the new environment, you want to make sure you deal with any back-end things before you get on the road. Obviously, the same applies to any business trips.

 

Where would you like to go?

I have some countries on my bucket list that I look forward to visiting. Some of those include places in Europe like Croatia and Greece while I also have a few cities in the United States that I think are worth exploring. I mean, who does not want to go to Miami and enjoy the weather, ocean, and restaurants?

 

Where would you like to revisit?

Believe it or not, I would not mind visiting Panama City every other weekend. To me, the truth about Kalu Yala and the best benefit of this project is its proximity to the aforementioned city. Although I do work close but not within the borders of it, going to Panama City is a scapegoat for me.

 

Do you travel alone? Why?

It depends. With our current project, I tend to travel with some of my associates if there is Kalu Yala criticism, potential changes to the operating model, or new strategies to be addressed. I am also not opposed to taking time for myself and simply taking a road trip alone as it helps me reflect on my life.

 

If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

I would have to go with Panama City, London, and any larger city in California. These three are so different from each other that one who gets some exposure to all of them probably has as diverse of a traveling experience as possible with only a few places visited.

 

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

It varies. Clothes-wise, I am pretty relaxed and only take the most necessary items. Thus, my for-pleasure trips are generally done with nothing more than a carry-on bag. When it comes to going somewhere for business, on the other hand, I have to take things like a laptop, a professional suit, and so on. This usually increases the overall weight of my travel slightly.

Rosanne Bostonian, PhD, RMT

A resident of Upper Montclair, New Jersey for over 41 years, Rosanne Bostonian, PhD, RMT, has been a long valued member of the healing community in Northern New Jersey.  Her home in New Jersey has been her base of operations over the 41 years of her ownership.

Travel is seen by many as adventure, and Dr. Bostonian holds out the possibility that there are more adventures ahead.  Up until now, she has opted to travel to her Florida home during breaks.  Although many think of Florida as a destination providing beaches and entertaining theme parks, Dr. Bostonian’s preference has been to visit the peaceful confines of her 10 acre mini-ranch and her log home.

The pastures of SW Florida provide a venue that captures the essence of “old Florida” prior to the migration south and habitation of the coastal areas.  It is little known that the citrus and cattle crops of Florida lead the nation and that there is country living alive and well to be enjoyed.  Travel to these parts of Florida may not provide amusement and well-known destinations, but for Rosanne, the feeling of ancient pasture lands and abundant wildlife is the panacea that “retunes the instrument.”

Dr. Bostonian’s view of “what we’re all doing here” reflects her study of Buddhist teachings and her life experience.  Her strong belief is that there is a flow of truth that can only be accessed through ego sacrifice and self-awareness.  She believes that we must overcome ego distractions to access fact that “sufficiency” rather than showy purchases lay the foundation for balance in living.

There is no greater balance in living than in natural venues, according to Dr. Bostonian.  In her recent trip to Florida, a new family of Highlander cattle inhabited her pasture.  She is glad to host these guests at the invitation of a local rancher.  In addition to cattle, there is an abundance of indigenous guests such as reptiles, insects, birds (hawks and owls) that share the fields.  Respecting them as well as oneself requires awareness of where the feet tread!

Long noted for her sense of humor, palatable wisdom and open-heartedness, Dr. Bostonian’s words on many subjects shared on her website, EssentialSpirit.net have been said to strike chords of awareness in those who are kindred spirits.  She delights in the expression of the written word.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

Traveling moves us out of our comfort zone and exposes us to different experiences and energy fields.  For me, I prefer to travel to natural surroundings that feel like retuning an instrument.  My home in Florida accomplishes this, because it is connected to the land and natural rhythms.

Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

I started traveling to Florida to visit family and friends.  Gradually, I decided to plant roots there. The packing, organizing and planning typical travel don’t seem to work for me while I’m still actively employed.  Being able to pack a small bag with computer and head to my second home alleviates all of the preparation to a minimum and lets me just say, “Ahhhh” when I walk through the door of my second home.

What is the most beautiful place you’ve been to?

I have been to Sedona, AZ.  Driving in from Scottsdale, you are struck by the red rocks, the bright blue sky and the dots of green in the landscape.  The notion that the top of those amazing rocks were an ocean’s bottom at one time eons ago is breathtaking.

Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

For now, while I’m still actively employed, visiting my Florida home is probably the best destination I could choose.  Having a pool in the middle of 10 acres with grazing cattle and no prying eyes is a great invitation.

What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

As in all things, go within to see what you need.  Someone else’s vacation or travel may not be what your heart is asking for.  Don’t be afraid to “do it your way!”  That goes for travel and life in general.

Where would you like to go?

I’d like to head out west again.  The mountains call me more than the beach.  Old growth forests have the energy that seems to center me.  The National Parks have a pull, but I’m hoping they aren’t too commercialized.

Where would you like to revisit?

I would definitely enjoy revisiting Sedona.  It’s seen as a “vortex,” meaning that the Earth energy there is very pure, so it has healing capabilities.  Many healing practices are located there.

Do you travel alone? Why?

Since I’m traveling to and from my Florida home at this point, yes I travel alone.  I have dear friends and neighbors living in the area, so not totally alone once there.  Since the purpose of my travel is reattunement at this stage of my life, having quiet space with Nature seems to be the ticket!

If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

I would say… Sedona and the far west, National Parks, perhaps some monuments such as Washington D.C.

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

I definitely travel light.  As mentioned, when you are traveling between homes one luxury is not having to lug stuff.  I highly recommend that!  Even if traveling elsewhere, the basics are important, but God gave us laundromats for a reason.