I think that our decision to come home this May surprised people a bit. It surprised US, to be honest. We originally expected to be traveling up through Bolivia and Peru, which would put us in South America until late June. As I’ve mentioned before in the past though, when you know, you know. We were tired, we missed our families and logistically, coming home for awhile made the most sense.
I’m pretty psyched about it. I’ll be spending a good chunk of time in DC with my family, working hard on various businesses, saving money, and plotting to conquer Europe in the fairly near future. I project that Mike and I will be based in the United States at least until the end of the year- the longest I will have been home in several years.
Don’t get discouraged though, the story isn’t over, not by a long shot. Of course I can’t stay still for long. Although there are no immediate plans for extended trips, I’ve got a LOT of plans for smaller ones. Only a week after getting home I’m headed back across the sea again. This time I’m headed far…
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First Up…. FIJI
I could NOT possibly be more excited about this! Next week, Mike and I will be traveling, as guests of the Air Pacific and the Fiji Tourism Board to the South Pacific. The theme is adventure travel, and there are some really cool activities planned.
The trip starts on the 13th so be sure to follow along with the #FijiMe hashtag and on facebook where I’ll be posting lots of stories and pictures. And expect lots of luscious, jealousy inducing articles in a couple of weeks.
Since I know very little about Fiji (other then it’s very far away, thank goodness for my kindle), I’ve started a pinterest board to collect all the info I can on the place. Please check it out, and if you have anything to add, let me know.
Denver and Keystone, Colorado- TBEX 2012
This June for the third year in a row I’ll be attending the TBEX convention (read about New York and Vancouver. This year will be extra special because I’m not just attending TBEX as a participant, but as a member of the programming committee and more importantly, as a speaker. Along with Spud Hilton, the travel editor of the San Francisco Chronicle, I will be leading a session on “10 Steps to Writing that Better Engages (and Keeps) Your Readers.”
Beforehand Mike and I will spend a couple of days exploring Denver. I don’t know much about what to expect (except high altitude, ugh, so suggestions welcome!
Girly Time Jacksonville
Almost directly after TBEX I’m ditching Mike and jetting down to Jacksonville, Florida with two of my best friends from college. My biggest supporter, friend and cake baker Kim is getting married in September, so this is a sort of bachelorette party long weekend. We’re not exactly girls gone wild, but I am expecting some cocktail fueled hijinks.
After June…
Here’s where things get interesting. I don’t have any solid plans yet, but I’m open to whatever curve balls life throws at me. In September Mike and I will be headed to Seattle and the Pacific NW, and we’re hoping to swing a few weeks in Europe this fall. In addition to exploring the DC area I’m sure I’ll be taking some trips to the Poconos, New York and Boston. Who knows what else! I am in love with the possibilities.
Sounds like a great start to the year. Fiji is a place Cameron and I are dying to see….can’t wait to follow your trip.
Wow, Fiji – that will be awesome! You will have a nice tan by the time you get to Denver! 🙂
Look forward to seeing you there. I am very disappointed that I won’t be able to attend your session on writing. Because of scheduling conflicts, I will only be at the conference on Saturday and yours isn’t until Sunday. I am bummed that I can’t stay for the entire event but hope I can make the most of it.
I’ve been to Jacksonville many years ago and had a lot of fun. Great town and not as touristy as other beach cities in Florida. Have fun!
Aww that’s a shame you won’t be able to make it Sunday, but it will be nice to see you too!
Big plans!! Home will be nice, but so will Fiji. Safe travels.
I’m heading home tomorrow for a very similar summer-based at home but with tons of domestic and a bit of international travel. Totally jealous about Fiji, and I can’t wait to meet you at TBEX!
Fiji! That sounds awesome Steph – please, don’t post too many photos of beaches and palm trees, or I may end up sobbing into my keyboard here!
Wow, definitely jealous of your Fiji trip – it’s the place that got away for me, I had a nearly free trip there once and it slipped through my hands. I am determined to still get there someday! Also looking forward to hearing about TBEX, there are sure a lot of people planning on going.
Even though I am sitting on a beach here in Belize, I am insanely jealous that you are on your way to Fiji! That has always been one of my dream destinations…
All of your summer plans sound wonderful; I wish I could make it to TBEX, but I will be exploring Central and South America for the next 8 months. I’ll definitely be checking out your blog for tips!
Enjoy some well deserved time home and escape before the weather turns cold again 😉
Nothing wrong with DC. I’d happily return there as well. I still have visions of Jumbo Slice from AdMo (are the cool kids still calling it that? Did I get it right?)
I’m not a cool kid but I definitely call it a Jumbo Slice!