Kelly Hyman

Kelly Hyman is an Attorney and a resident of Colorado. She grew up with a single mother, who is a native of Australia. Travel became a passion they both shared. As a child growing up, her mother would spontaneously book trips to Mexico or Los Angeles or go where ever the next adventure would take them. Kelly has continued her explorations with her husband. Together, they have journeyed to all seven continents of the world. They are able to learn and experience a variety of different cultures and environments. Many discoveries are in the future for this couple. They will be traveling throughout the U.S., South Africa, and then they will be cruising the Black Sea over the next year.

Tell us about a favorite trip you’ve taken.

Australia would be my favorite place out of all of the places we have traveled. It is my mother’s homeland. It was amazing to see where she was born and where she grew up. We experienced their culture.  After visiting, I found that culture was a part of me all of my life.

What attracted you to Australia?

I am of Australian descent. I wanted to learn about my heritage. I wanted to learn what it was like where my mother grew up. Australia was naturally one of my first choices to explore.

When did you travel there and who did you go with?

My husband and I went to Australia in 2015-2016. We were there for the new year. The people are so warm and welcoming.

Please share your memories from the trip.

We initially started in my mother’s hometown of Armidale. We did the tour of a town. We didn’t have to go very far. It has 2 stop lights in the entire town. We wanted to take in everything during our three-week visit. We wanted to go snorkeling. We made our way to The Great Barrier Reef. The reef is absolutely magnificent.  It is teaming with life. The coral lives in such a state of indescribable vibrant color and grandeur. We were swimming with the sharks. It was incredible.  We also experienced the ruggedness of the outback. We took a camping trip to the outback.  We laid on the ground looking up at the sky at the awe-inspiring stars majestically strewn across the night sky.

When we wanted to experience city life in Australia, we chose Sydney.  We went to the Sydney Opera house. We did the evening bridge walk. That is where you climb to the top of the bridge which overlooks the entire city of Sydney in lights.  It was a remarkable sight to behold.

What other places have you visited?

My husband and I actually spent the night on Antarctica. They call it digging your grave. They give you a shovel, a foam mat, and a sleeping bag. The boat leaves you there to fend for yourself. You start digging. When you are done digging, you put down a foam mat and a sleeping bag to spend the night. There are 22 hours of light in Antarctica. You have to cover your eyes to sleep. You may, however, get up in the middle of the night to discover a penguin staring at you. The penguin might be trying to discover who you are and what you’re doing there.

We also did the polar plunge in Antarctica. This is where they tie a rope to you, and you jump off the boat into the water. It was freezing cold, but amazing. We saw so many whales from the ship. We also went kayaking and saw all of the penguins and birds, it was breath-taking.

Iceland is a Nordic island. My husband and I traveled to Iceland last July. I’d recommend July as the right month to travel to that Island. The temperature is in the 50’s or 60’s. We rented a car and just drove across the island. Some of the towns we passed were so small. The inhabitants were excited to tell us that they had a restaurant in town. When we went into the restaurant, the entire town and neighboring towns were there.

I am of middle eastern descent. I am Lebanese.  Jordan is breathtaking. We went to see Petra and went camping in Wadi Rum. We rode a camel and went snorkeling in the red sea. We saw the amazing city of Petra. It is a 2,000-year-old city carved out of sheer rock face, in the south of Jordan. It is huge and spectacular.  Wadi Rum means Sand Valley. It is a desert region of Jordan. I understand why Matt Damon filmed his moon shots there. It looks so much like what we would imagine the moon to look like. It was wonderful sleeping under the stars. It has a beautiful, natural landscape of sand dunes, narrow canyons and carved rock arches.

We went to Columbia. The people there are so wonderful. They are very welcoming people. We rented a car and drove to a small town. We spent New Year’s in a tiny town. We celebrated the new year in their tradition. Everyone is clothed in white. They walk the streets to celebrate and bring in the new year together. We also went to Cartagena and hung out on the beach. The food is incredible. We loved the culture and the people.

We have also been to Belize, Europe, South America, Africa, Australia, Paris, Rome. Italy, where I love shopping. Our honeymoon was spent on a cruise to the Baltic Sea. We visited all of the Scandinavian countries and Helsinki.

What advice would you give to a first-time traveler?

I would tell any new or first-time traveler to do the research. Research the culture of the country that you will be traveling too. Find out what the best time of year would be best to travel to that particular destination. Research the weather conditions so that you’ll know what kind of clothes to bring. It is critically important to know what the exchange rate is between countries. You may need cash. You should know how to find the cash if you need it. You may be able to use your own credit cards easily enough. If you want to know the culture, Google the top 10 things to do in the country and book it in advance. We have learned the most about an area by taking free walking tours. The escorts know all the best places to eat and to visit in their city. They are amazing. The walks are free, and you just tip the escort at the end of the tour.  The other thing that I do is to ask the hotel staff which restaurants to choose from. Depending on what you’re looking for, they can guide you in the right direction. The last thing I can suggest is to always, remember your sunscreen.

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.

Myriam Borg – Owner, CreateAustralia.com

 

Myriam Borg is a New South Wales entrepreneur who successfully runs Create Australia, a pioneer in the lost and unclaimed money recovery industry. As CEO and founder, Myriam is dedicated to helping people realize their dreams to start their own businesses. She is also the author of The Refund Consulting Program, a cutting-edge business-in-a-box training curriculum that has benefited users for more than 15 years.

In her personal life, in addition to being the mother of three boys, she enjoys traveling, sailing, and fitness. She’s especially proud that her hard work and business success have afforded her family the ability to travel overseas and experience foreign cultures and beautiful locales.

Tell us about a favorite trip you’ve taken.

Travel has been a growing passion for me and my favorite spots are definitely warm locales with a beach and lots of local adventure, I love really getting into the local scene & getting into the none touristy spots, eating where the locals eat and shopping where the locals shop and I like chilly laid back places. There’s nothing better than curling up on the beach towel with a great book in hand. I recently traveled to Koh Samui with my family and we stayed in gorgeous resorts with absolutely fabulous beaches. One of the highlights was Koh Ma a little island in offshore from Koh Samui famous for its snorkeling, sailing, we kayaked around coral reefs & went into under water caves, my 8 year old was in awe, we stayed in Samui for 5 weeks and I intend on going to live there for at least six months next year, currently preparing visa’s etc.

What attracted you to the Koh Samui?

Surprisingly my taste in travel changes as I get older – I’d heard so much about Koh Samui in Thailand that I really was dying to see it. It did not disappoint. Being from Australia, I’m no stranger to wonderful coastlines, and I’ve been lucky enough to travel all around South East Asia and other places, but Samui is a different world. There were a variety of activities that could appeal to every type of traveler, so everyone in my family could find something they wanted to do, whether it was wakeboarding, snorkeling, sailing, eating delicious seafood, shopping, or lounging in the sun.

When did you travel there and who did you go with?

This trip was actually very recent and we just got back last November, that’s why it’s so top of mind. I went with my family. I have three boys, and now that they are older, it’s been exciting to get to take them on more adventurous vacations than was possible when they were younger. I’m very fortunate that my business allows me to work remotely and still be able to keep in touch with my clients and employees. Technology is absolutely fabulous, isn’t it?!!

Please share your memories from the trip.

I don’t know if you have enough space for me to share all the highlights, haha, but I’ll try my best. I stayed on Chewang beach as well as Silver beach in Lamai. One of my favorite daily activities was really peaceful, just getting up early every morning and doing pilates outside our hotel room and watching the sun rise on Chewang beach. It is really easy to stay motivated when you have such beautiful surroundings and it was a great way to start the day right.

As a family, one of my lasting memories will always be a boat ride we took when we were visiting a number of outer islands. We ran into a baby whale which was obviously amazing, and the water was this unbelievable color of aquamarine. We stopped for lunch at a secluded beach and grilled some seafood we’d caught ourselves from the boat.

Then there was being able to watch my boys take surfing lessons. It was especially rewarding to see my youngest struggle at first and then when he finally started to stand up on the board to see the level of satisfaction he gained from having accomplished something through hard work and determination.

One of the boys completed his PADI scuba license, so that was a busy few days for him, and he really enjoyed it- the water is very warm in Thailand so not wet suits for diving which is a huge plus.

Another highlight was watching the full moon rise one night over Ocean every night. I’ve never seen the moon look so big. I can’t believe how beautiful it was and the photos definitely don’t do it justice. That’s how you know you’ve had a great vacation when the pictures can’t tell the whole story.

And sometimes the things that stay with you are the simple memories, like being able to work on a laptop while drinking a coconut shake.

As a mother, I truly cherish the opportunities we’ve had to travel together as a family and grow closer and make memories that will last a lifetime.

What other places have you visited?

I’ve been lucky to experience a lot of travel to many amazing places. In addition to the places close to home in Australia and New Zealand, I’ve been to a lot of spots  in South East Asia Korea, India (Will never forget the Taj Mahal), Kingdom of Tonga, Tahiti, and all over Europe (Italy is a favorite), America, the Caribbean 23 countries so far, am a travel addict! .

What advice would you give to a first-time traveler?

Don’t wait until you’ve saved enough money for your “Dream Vacation.” Some of the best vacation spots are very economical and there are some great deals online. And you definitely don’t have to be rich to travel to some of the world’s most amazing locations. Figure out what your budget is and then start scouring the internet for deals and ways to save money. I’ve done a lot of work vacations where I stay in one place for a period of time and work while I’m there. You get to experience another culture and really learn about a place while still making money.

Of course, if your job doesn’t allow you to work remotely, you can take shorter trips. Even just a weekend away to the countryside can be totally rejuvenating. Another way to make trips more affordable is to visit cities and countries where you have friends there already. You might have a free place to stay plus a tour guide who can take you to all the lesser known but more ‘authentic’ places while avoiding expenses like car rentals and tour groups.

You can follow Myriam on Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo, and YouTube.

Dr. Barry Friedberg, MD – Goldilocks Foundation, Founder

 

Born in Philadelphia, Dr. Barry Friedberg currently lives in beautiful, seaside Corona del Mar, California, over-looking Catalina Island and spectacular winter sunsets.

On March 26, Friedberg began a clinical trial of using propofol to block ketamine hallucinations and using ketamine to prevent intra-operative pain all while avoiding the traditional use of narcotics like morphine or fentanyl during surgery. Narcotics are a class of drug most closely associated with postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). By 1993, Friedberg had solved the twin anesthesia vexations of PONV and narcotic requiring, postoperative pain. After Friedberg introduced 1998 FDA approved BIS brain monitor to measure patients’ brain response to propofol doses, he observed a nearly hundred-fold variation between patients to achieve the same level of hypnosis or sleep. The solutions became numerically reproducible, the basis of scientific method. This meant any other anesthesia provider who followed his paradigm would get the same dramatically improved results for his patients.

World-renowned PONV authority, Christian Apfel, originally published the four PONV predictive factors in the New England Journal of Medicine, a rare accomplishment for any anesthesiologist. Non-smoking, female gender, with previous PONV or motion sickness history, having surgery associated with PONV like cosmetic. This description perfectly fits Friedberg’s patients who despite receiving no prophylactic nausea drugs, had the lowest PONV rate (0.6%) in the literature in a in 1999paper by Friedberg. Apfel later cited Friedberg’s paper in his PONV chapter of the highly prestigious Miller’s Anesthesia textbook in both the 2010 and 2015 editions. The PONV chapter is found at number 86 of 89 chapters in Miller,’ indicating a low priority the anesthesia profession holds for this undesirable patient outcome. Although patients do not die from PONV, they only wish they were dead. Patient satisfaction suffers with PONV, and satisfaction now plays a role in third party remuneration for anesthesia services. One day Millers’ PONV chapter may find a place closer to the front of his encyclopedic textbook.

Friedberg remains a man on a mission, a mission to make brain monitoring a standard of care for major surgery under anesthesia. A 2009 mortality study showed one American death daily from anesthesia over medication, the natural consequence a giving anesthesia without measuring the brain, the target organ of the anesthetic drugs. This mortality study also showed 40% or 16 million of the 40 million American patients (many of whom are over 50) every year wake up from anesthesia with brain fog. Friedberg’s anesthesia colleagues remain mystified as to the reason why.

In 2000, Friedberg published a 30% reduction in anesthesia drug use when using a 1996 FDA approved, brain monitor (the forehead sensor connects to a computer that generates a number from 0-100). The lower the number, the more asleep the patient. At the 60-75 range, patients are asleep and do not remember their surgery. Most anesthesia providers are titrating doses in the range well below 45-60, levels considered adequate for general anesthesia. There should be little mystery about why brain fog happens in epidemic numbers in the US.

Tell us about a favorite trip you’ve taken.

Frontiers in Knowledge, a nonprofit education foundation, invited me to conduct two-day, solo educational seminars in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. These events ran for 8 hours of lecture each day for a total 32 hours of Friedberg speaking and answering questions. By the end of the second day, I could not speak above a whisper which was provident as the original plan was to continue for another two-day session in Dubai.

What attracted you to these places?

I was very flattered by the recognition of the value of my life’s work by an organization halfway around the world and intrigued by the chance to literally to go to the ends of the earth to share my knowledge for safer, simpler, better, more cost-effective and numerically reproducible anesthesia. The students were excited to hear about my novel Goldilocks anesthesia paradigm.

When did you travel there and who did you go with?

Kuala Lumpur lecture series happened on October 25 & 26.th The Singapore event was on the following days, October 28 and 29th 2010.

Please share your memories from the trip.

This trip was made without the company of my beloved wife, Shelley. To compensate for my absence, we used Skype to visit with each other while I was away.

Goldilocks anesthesia students in Singapore

 

 

 

 

 

 

The blue shirt color was not an accidental choice. Prior to my trip, I learned that superstitious Muslins use this color to ward off evil spirits. I wanted to convey a subliminal sense of safety for my students. When I shared this piece of trivia with them, they all agreed the color choice was a good one.

Dr. Donald Ng, a Singapore cosmetic surgeon (below) was so impressed with my work he gave me a return ticket on the once a day, business class flight of Singapore Air. It was the greatest act of selfless generosity I had experienced in my nearly 4 decades of private practice. My trip back across the international date line ‘only’ took 18 hours as opposed to my original itinerary that would have taken nearly twice the amount of flying time with two stopovers. Despite the better travel arrangements, it still took me nearly three weeks to get back on the proper time zone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What other places have you visited?

I have presented my Goldilocks anesthesia paradigm in Pointe-Claire, Quebec, Canada, Cabo San Lucas, Leon Guanajuato &Veracruz, Mexico, Haifa and Tel Aviv, Israel, and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in addition to numerous surgery and anesthesia meetings in the US.

What advice would you give to a first-time traveler?

Pack lightly, prepare for the unexpected and try your best to keep your sense of humor. Nothing ever goes entirely according to your plans. There may be with hotel reservations and unexpected delays in plane flights or connections.

Rachel Kugel – Founder, The Kugel Law Firm

 

Rachel Kugel is a lawyer, entrepreneur, and mom. She is the founder of The Kugel Law Firm, a criminal defense law firm with offices in New York and New Jersey. When she is not defending clients, appearing as a legal analyst on TV, or raising two little girls she loves to travel.

Tell us about a favorite trip you’ve taken.

There have been so many great trips over the past few years. I love to go to new places and see the joy on my little girls’ faces as they experience the world. Our most recent trip was to Riviera Maya, Mexico and it was incredible.

What attracted you to Mexico?

I love all-inclusive resorts for the best family value and for sure Mexico has many to choose from. I also chose Mexico because I love the idea of having adventurous things to do (Rio Secreto for example), cultural things to experience (Tulum), and beachy relaxation.

When did you travel there and who did you go with?

We went over the Thanksgiving Break and I took my whole crew husband, two kids, and grandma.

Please share your memories from the trip.

I loved that Riviera Maya combined learning and culture with adventure and relaxation. We had the opportunity to visit Tulum which was amazing and so interesting for the adults as well as the children. The ruins were incredible and our guide was so knowledgeable about the history and politics of the ancient place.

The greatest part of Tulum was taking a dive in the ocean that the whole ancient city sits atop. What an incredible moment if you ever have the opportunity to visit this place take my advice and wear your bathing suit under your clothes.

Another incredible experience was a visit to Rio Secreto, which is literally, and figuratively a secret river discovered underground about a decade ago. The experience was thrilling and something that you can’t even imagine you are seeing. You swim and walk through a cave 2000 feet below ground and experience some of the most incredible crystal waters and views. Words cannot describe. We all partook even my mom and four years old and all of us agreed that it wasn’t easy but it was well worth it.

As with any trip, my greatest memories come from simply being together. It is so rare in our fast-paced double income lives to get to just be together when the parents don’t have work and the kids aren’t in school and the daily grind is far behind you. The ability to reconnect with your family is the reason to make these trips happen year after year.

What other places have you visited?

Dominican Republic, Curacao, Aruba, Costa Rica, Kosovo, Hungary, Israel, Vienna, Italy, Paris

What advice would you give to a first time traveler?

Just do it. Go with the flow and realize that this is an opportunity to see the world and reconnect.

You can follow Rachel at:

https://www.facebook.com/rachel.kugel.7

Www.youtube.com/kugellaw

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-kugel-95b03137

Michael Asimos

 

 

When it comes to choosing wine, one stroll down a wine aisle can confuse the average shopper. There are so many choices, and it is hard to explain the differences between each wine. Michael Asimos decided he wanted to understand the intricacies of wine and all it has to offer.

This passion led Asimos to travel more than he ever imagined. The reason there are so many wines is because there are many types of grapes (somewhere between 5,000 to 10,000). It gets even more complicated because each grape can differ due to the region, soil, temperature, altitude, and the way it is processed.

Mike had to go to the source to understand the true differences, and he is not close to being done. He seems to like wine produced in Portland, Oregon. He has also traveled to the alps in different parts of the world to taste wine that was made from grapes grown in a cooler climate.

Mike Asimos was more than delighted to taste a light-bodied, less-grippy, and overall elegant wine from these regions. Asimos discovered that this happens because grapes in this region develop thin skin to absorb as much sunlight as possible since it is very cloudy.

Every region that Michael Asimos travels to offers a different kind of wine and experience. Traveling and sampling the creative way mother nature produces each wine variation has enlightened Michael in ways he never thought possible.

His fascination with wine was, at first, merely about taste, but it has become an electrifying experience that continues to enrich his appreciation for the subtleties of life.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

Besides all the amazing wines I have had the pleasure of tasting, I am not sure. The truth is that this is a big question because there are many positive things to say about traveling. For one, I enjoy meeting the different people I meet on my travels. I have become a pretty well-rounded chap.

I have also learned to appreciate things, like those subtle changes in the weather or enriching soil practices. I did not care about how growers treated our earth before I took an active interest in wine, but now I know that all this matters.

Every region I have visited has offered me something special. For example, Portland is an exciting place to visit. It is perhaps the fourth largest wine producer in the United States, and there are so many fun wine-centered festivals. You gotta’ believe me, their Pinot noir could take your breath away.

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

I know that most believe that wine was the reason I began traveling, but this is only partly true. I was interested in traveling for a long time, but I just could never find the time.

I was already visiting places in my mind long before I stepped onto a plane. I did not think I would have the opportunity to take my passion for exploration and make it a lifestyle rather than a hobby.

This lifestyle really took off because I have a passion for wine, and I made some good financial decisions that I attribute to a little luck.

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

I am not sure that I can answer that question. I see beauty everywhere. I do not equate those moments directly to the places I have visited. I have just been lucky enough to experience beautiful moments.

I remember waking up one morning before the alarm turned on. I was groggy and determined to go back to sleep. I caught a glimpse of a reddish ray of light from my window. I got up and opened the curtains and saw a fiery sky full of reds, yellows, and oranges. I think I was in Greece at the time. In all honesty, I felt like a thousand flowers bloomed inside of me. I saw this sunrise that nature had prepared just for me.

I wouldn’t say that Greece was the source of beauty, though, but rather life is, and it happens everywhere.

Are you planning to go on any exciting trips in the near future?

I do plan a few things before I take off, but the final location is chosen at random. I have a glass jar on my desk that is filled with sheets of paper. On each sheet of paper, I have written down a different country with good wine, of course. I just stick my hand in and go wherever the paper leads. Choosing in this manner is much more exciting to me.

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

Oh, I am not the person to give out practical advice. I am good at reviewing wines and telling people what is special about a particular wine, but traveling advice is beyond me.

Well, I guess I could say a few things. I want to say that you should always check the weather before heading off to a new place. I like hitting a new region, no matter the temperature, but it is good to know what to bring, you know? I need to know if I should bring an umbrella and rain-resistant shoes. I need to know if I will need extra sunblock.

Where would you like to go?

Visit regions I have not had the pleasure of visiting, which includes the Middle East and some regions in Asia. I have heard some good things, but I have not pick them out of my bowl yet. Still, these places are definitely on my radar. I hope to randomly choose one of these regions soon.

Where would you like to revisit?

Oh, there are so many places I would love to revisit. Italy is up there due to there robust red wines. The grapes there grow thick skins, which makes a full-bodied wine that I simply cannot resist.

I would also love to revisit Portland. The culture there is simply amazing, and I just cannot get enough. You will find out what I mean if you go visit.

Do you travel alone? Why?

Yes, I have not found a victim to bring along with me. I say victim because this person will be subjected to my horrible jokes and all the stories that I cannot stop retelling.

In all honesty, I find traveling alone to be liberating because it forces you to get out of your comfort zone and interact with people. Still, I will not lie to you and say that I do not want a little company, but I just haven’t found a person who would want to tag along.

Can you share 3 places that you think every person should visit?

Portland, Italy, and Greece. The reason is because all of these locations give you totally different wine experiences. Greece is cool and has high altitude vineyards, while Italy is warmer and low altitudes. Portland’s ecosystem is pristine and different from other regions, producing exquisite wines.

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

I travel a lot. I used to pack the whole house, but I cut down on that simply because it is hard to travel with a lot of luggage. So I guess you could say I pack light due to laziness, but is there a better reason?

Follow Mike Asimos on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeasimos/

 

 

Mindstir Media Owner J. J. Hebert

 

As a best-selling author and the owner of Mindstir Media book publishers, J.J. Hebert has had the opportunity to travel extensively over the years. Whether it’s for a book signing or meeting up with clients, he’s often seen out and about. His love of sports has also played a major role in his travel history. He has attended many professional sporting events in various cities in the USA.

Tell us about a favorite trip you’ve taken.

One of my favorite trips would have to be my excursion to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York in 2000. That was before my writing career had taken off and also before the inception of MindStir Media. I had never been to Cooperstown prior to 2000, so this was definitely an eye-opening experience. Baseball has such a long and rich history, being America’s favorite pastime. I think we only spent a couple days there but we could’ve easily stayed there for a week or two.

What attracted you to the Hall of Fame?

I grew up a huge Boston Red Sox fan. Carlton Fisk was being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000, so my dad and I and some friends decided to visit Cooperstown to watch his induction speech and also take part in the festivities. I also played baseball through high school and it was easily my favorite sport growing up. I had always wanted to go to the Hall of Fame. It’s kind of like Disney World for baseball fans — you have to go at least once in your life.

When did you travel there and who did you go with?

I can hardly believe that it’s been 17 years since I’ve visited. I’m from New Hampshire, so we drove to New York state. If my memory serves me correctly, it took us about seven hours to get there, give or take. By “we,” I mean my father and a couple friends of ours. One was my former baseball coach and the other was a former baseball teammate of mine.

Please share your memories from the trip.

I didn’t really know what to expect going into it. As I said earlier, this was my first time — and only time thus far — going to Cooperstown. I thought we were just going to go for a couple days and see the induction speech from Carlton Fisk and also visit the the Hall. To my surprise, when we got to the Hall of Fame there were event tents lining the streets. I quickly realized that each tent housed a Hall of Fame baseball player who was kindly signing autographs.

That day I met numerous Hall of Famers. But first, we went into a local shop and bought a ton of Major League baseballs. We had to be equipped for this! So we went around with our baseballs and had them all signed.

I met up with Pete Rose, the 17 time all-star and three-time World Series champion. In my opinion, he’s one of the best hitters who has ever lived. I was a little nervous approaching him with my baseball in hand but he quickly showed his sense of humor when he looked at the ball and saw that it said “American League” on it. He kind of joked that I had given him the wrong ball because he actually played in the National League, but he signed it anyway and it was a funny experience.

I also spoke with Luis Tiant, also known as “el Tiante” to Red Sox fans. He spoke in broken English but was a really funny guy. Very smiley and welcoming. He’s really well known for his unconventional pitching wind-up and delivery.

We even met Willie Mays, one of if not the greatest centerfield who ever played the game. Of course, fans swarmed him so I don’t really remember much dialogue between he and I but he was friendly enough. Just to shake his hand and have a ball signed by him was good enough for me at the time. Not many people can say nowadays that they met the legendary Willie Mays!

We also met Brooks Robinson, Harmon Killebrew, and Bob Feller. These players were all amazing in their own right. Robinson was one of the best third baseman ever; Killebrew was one heck of a power hitter with almost 600 career home runs; and Bob Feller was a flame-throwing righty. They called him Bullet Bob and he pitched three career no-hitters. Ted Williams said that Feller was the fastest pitcher he had ever seen. I actually didn’t get an opportunity to meet Carlton Fisk, the main reason we were in attendance, but we were OK with that, ultimately…

The highlight of the trip would have to be when we had dinner with Warren Spahn. Anyone who knows baseball is familiar with the name. He has the most wins of any left-handed pitcher in Major League history. My former coach set up the dinner. He knew Warren’s business manager, apparently, so we had dinner together at the Otesaga Hotel, where many of the Hall of Famers stayed on their trip. Warren was fairly reserved but definitely exuded confidence. We all had lobster and cracked some jokes. My friend and I were going to play wiffle ball after dinner on the front lawn of the Otesaga and we invited Warren. I honestly believe that he would’ve joined us if his wife didn’t chime in and object. Now that would’ve been an amazing experience, playing ball with Warren Spahn!

Looking back, I wish that I had owned Mindstir Media, my publishing company, back then. I probably would’ve offered to write Warren Spahn’s biography and publish it for him. Unfortunately, he passed away three years later.

What other places have you visited?

Some highlights would have to be Disney World and Universal Studios in Florida. I met up with one of my author clients from Mindstir Media while I was out there in Florida. A beautiful resort in Punta Cana was also a very nice experience. Downtown San Francisco was amazing as well. I got a chance to go on one of the trolleys there and see the area. Nevada was a blast, too. I spent quite a bit of time at Lake Tahoe. I’ve also been to a few wineries in Napa Valley. I’m not a wine connoisseur, but it was still an amazing trip and experience. I’ve never had wine taste so fresh.

Mahwish Ahmed

Mahwish Ahmed

 

Currently living in Irvine California, Mahwish Ahmed is passionate about life and living life to the fullest.  She enjoys picnics during spring and summer with friends and family and traveling around the world when time allows.  She loves learning about each city’s or country’s culture by experiencing the food, learning the language and spending time with the locals.  She stores ticket stubs, bus tickets, pamphlets, receipts, and postcards to capture the key moments of the trip in a memory box.  She has Thailand, Singapore, Australia and Africa as countries on her bucket list.

Tell us about a favorite trip you’ve taken.

In the beginning of this year, I traveled to Europe for 6 weeks during the winter season with a few friends.  Our first stop was to The Netherlands where I spent most of my time.  It was the first time where I had seen so many bicycles riding alongside cars.

Over the weekends, we traveled to the neighboring countries like Belgium where we explored the Town Hall, St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral and other landmarks.  Most of the weekend in Brussels was spent trying different varieties of waffles, chocolates, and fries.

While Brussels weekend trip was all about sweets, my weekend trip to Paris was focused around shopping not only for myself but family and friends. The best part about Paris was watching the Eiffel Tower light show which was magical because it illuminated the skies.

I went off on my own to London for four days to meet up with my family during my trip where I met my extended family that I had never met before.  It gave me an opportunity to learn further about my heritage and meet my distant cousins, aunts, and uncles. I explored the city which had changed tremendously since my last visit fifteen years ago.

The  last country on the agenda was Switzerland.  I spent 2 days exploring a small town called Schaffhausen and Zurich.  Schaffhausen is a magnificent city with many building from the Renaissance era and home to the largest waterfall in Europe, the Rheinfalls.

Exploring various towns, cities, and cultures across 4 different countries in 6 weeks is a memorable trip and the best one yet.

What attracted you to visit Europe?

I had planning a trip to Europe since college because it is a continent which has an amazing culture, history, fabulous food and relaxing atmosphere.  From a chic trip to Paris with some of the best shopping and cuisines available, to world’s largest flower garden (Keukenhof) in the Netherlands, magnificent architecture found in Brussels, and visit to one of the most powerful cities- London, I was able to visit so many people and countries that are close to each other yet very different in traditions and cultures.

When did you travel there and who did you go with?

I traveled in the beginning of 2016 in the winter months and went with a few friends from the United States.

Please share your memories from the trip.

There are many memorable moments from the trip.  During the first week in the Netherlands, my friends decided to book a trip to Paris leaving Saturday morning at 7:15 am by train.  On Friday evening prior to our departure, we had a late dinner and I slept past my alarm in the morning.  When I woke up, I had 30 minutes to pack and walk over to the train station which I had never visited before.  I panicked. Quickly packed and ran to the train station while on the phone with the rest of the group.  I made it just before the doors to my train were closing.

During that same adventurous weekend in Paris, France we bought the weekend pass to travel unlimited by train.  At one of the train stations, two of my friends could not swipe their train ticket and kept on getting an error message.  They pressed the help button to talk to someone to explain the situation but the person on the other side spoke in French and hung up.  We were all puzzled, called him again and he said something in French and hung up.  So, I pressed the help button again and in a loud and firm tone, said, “ticket not working”.  As soon as I said that, he buzzed us in through the gate.  We all laughed and in subsequent situations, we applied the ticket not working strategy.

During the second week in the Netherlands, while driving to a restaurant in the evening for dinner, my friend and I both lost internet connection on our phones (where we both had international data package).  We heavily relied on Apps for navigation but had to stop and ask people for the directions but it was difficult as most of the people did not understand English.  It looks us some extra time but we finally made it to the restaurant.  Lesson learned was to have paper maps as a backup.

What other places have you visited?

I have visited Germany while driving from Switzerland to Germany. Within the United States, I have visited all major metropolitan cities along the east coast and west coast.  I have been to New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C, Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, and Dallas.

What advice would you give to a first-time traveler?

Be open to trying the local foods and asking the locals about things to do.  I do not rely on websites and travel guides on places to visit but always ask the hotel concierge or locals at a restaurant or a grocery store about the sites to see and foods to try.  You not only get to interact with the locals and learn their culture but find out about the top secret spots and best foods to eat.  Also, I would recommend downloading a translating app, like google translate, on your phone.  It definitely helps with signs, menus, and brochures while traveling and is very easy to use.

Dr. Troy Dreiling – Owner, Zenaptic Chiropractic

Dr Troy, Travel

Dr. Troy Dreiling was born in Portland, OR in 1969 and has been in the chiropractic business for 22 years. His company, Zenaptic Chiropractic, located in Vancouver, WA, is based on reconnecting the nerve system through the art of adjusting, breathing, and meditation. He opened his practice in 1995 and has seen over 25,000 new patients.

Tell us about a favorite trip you’ve taken.

One of my favorite trips to take is going to Chicago, IL and hanging out downtown. It kind of reminds me of Portland, OR. Lot’s to do in Chicago, especially when the weather is nice.

What attracted you to Chicago?

I went to a training seminar which is right in the downtown area on Michigan Avenue. I go there about every 3 months and there is always so much going on. There are so many good restaurants and places to shop. That’s what attracted me.

Please share your memories from the trip.

Last year I went with my daughter, we had a great time. We went to The American Girl store, Ghirardelli where she had her first sundae there, we went on the Ferris wheel down there on the peer. We just had a great time walking around and checking out the buildings, she got to ride the subway train, we just had a great time.

What advice would you give to a first-time traveler?

Pack light and make sure you know your sizes on your security stuff such as cologne, deodorant, and gels. This way the TSA does not confiscate any of those things

Contact Dr. Troy Dreiling

Azeez Abiodun, MD

azeez abiodun travelAzeez Abiodun is an MD who started his medical career in his native Nigeria as an internist and completed his Internal Medicine Residency Program in the United States, thereby becoming an MD. He obtained his certification in 2005 and has been practicing in Maryland ever since.

Coming from a well-to-do family in Nigeria, his parents instilled in him the value of education and his parents were very supportive of him. His pursuit of a degree in medicine was even made stronger when his mother died of cancer. After obtaining his medical degree in the US, he returned to his native Nigeria to give back to the people by doing volunteer work in poverty-stricken communities, which lack proper medical services.

One of the most unforgettable people he met in his career is the great Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela inspired him to continue his volunteer work for as long as he possibly can. He goes back to his native Nigeria once a year for two weeks to do volunteer work.

Tell us about a favorite trip you’ve taken

I make it a point to go on a trip at least once a year with my family and one of the favorite trips we have taken is my trip to Turkey. I spent two weeks in the country. I went to the grand bazaar and was in awe of all the things you can see and buy in there. They happen to have more than a thousand stores in that bazaar.  We went to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia. These structures are some of the most beautiful in the world and deserve their place on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

We also enjoyed hot air ballooning early in the morning in Cappadocia and spent some time enjoying the natural springs in Pamukkale. Everyone, including the kids, enjoyed their time. I look forward to going on another trip with my family again.

What attracted you to Turkey?

I have always been fascinated by Turkey ever since I read the book, The Janissary Tree. I have always envisioned Ottoman Turks, the banquets, and festivities. Turkey has a very long history. It was once ruled by the Byzantine Christians, the Ottomans, and currently, although it is a Muslim nation, it is secular.  It is located in both Asia and Europe and it has a wonderful cuisine.

When did you travel there and who did you go with?

My family and I went to Turkey last quarter of last year.

It was a quite a long flight to Istanbul and the children were a bit restless on the plane. When we finally landed in Ataturk Airport, everyone was so eager to see the rest of the city. Istanbul is a very colorful place. It is a unique juxtaposition of the old and the new. We went to Taksim Square to see the monument of Kemal Ataturk and we enjoyed the pedestrian Istiklal Avenue where we browsed through shops and my wife bought quite a handful of souvenirs.

We took a ferry through Bosphorus and enjoyed it. It was wonderful to see Asia and Europe at the same time. Some of the places we went to was the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, the Cistern and the Aqueduct. The city has both Roman as well as Ottoman architecture and it one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

We also went to Pamukkale to enjoy the spring and we also went to Goreme to see the fairy chimneys. One of the trips highlights is the hot air balloon early in the morning in Cappadocia. It was unforgettable.

What other places have you visited?

Aside from Turkey, I have also been to Paris, France; Rome and Vienna, Italy; Amsterdam; and Salzburg in Austria.

What advice would you give to a first-time traveler?

Everyone should travel. The world is such a big place and there is so much to see and learn. My advice for any first-time traveler is to have an open mind. There is so much in the world to see and learn.