Friday Brain Dump

Hey there!

I know that I've been pretty quiet here this week, but that's because I've been busy working (well, who doesn't get busy doing that?) as well as planning what is going to be a RIDUNKULOUS spring and early summer for me. I'm trying to finish out March as organized as possible, which means more work now and less blogging. More details about some of my plans next week!

Things I've been thinking about this week:

1. I was filling out a visa application, and I had to put my country of birth. I look at the drop down menu, and I see "Antigua & Barbados." Huh? I'm not from Barbados. I have friends from the lovely island and even dated a few guys from there, but I've never set foot on Barbados. :) Antigua and Barbados are, um, like, two separate countries.

Antigua

See where Barbados is? Not really close... :)

It's pretty in Barbados, too.

I tried to tell one of the women processing the application that they made a mistake on the application itself. It's Antigua & BARBUDA, Antigua's smaller sister island, which is pretty remote and beautifully unspoilt (and hopefully won't become overdeveloped as Antigua is becoming). I suspect no one has pointed this mistake out yet, and so they've had no real reason to change it on the application. I was just amazed that such a big glaring error has gone pretty much unnoticed and unchanged.

2. Sometimes the weather calls for a fruity cocktail with an umbrella in it. It was VERY warm this week in New York City (March is usually overcast, rainy and chilly), and everyone (including me) is having some major spring fever.

Topanga Canyon cocktail

Hibiscus Infused Absolut, Lychee Liquer, Raspberries, Orange Crush soda from Super Linda

3. Really?! Hmm....I wish her, her fiance, and the baby the best of luck.

4. For some reason, the Knicks won BEFORE Carmelo Anthony joined the team, and while he was injured. The same thing happened with his old team, the Denver Nuggets. I think he's bad luck. I'm sad Coach D'Antoni resigned. :(

When I think of the Knicks, I look just like you do now, Mike. Sigh...

5. I've been in a banh mi phase lately. Right now I'm giving a slight edge to Banh Mi Saigon in Manhattan over Hanco's in Brooklyn. I tried both of their pork sandwiches, and I think Hanco's bread is a tad better as well as their spice. I liked the seasoning of the pork on the Banh Mi Saigon version. Maybe I'll just have to try some more? :) Any other banh mi recommendations in New York City?

Hanco's Banh Mi via my Iphone

Happy Weekend!

Caribbean Map; Barbados; Snooki cover; Mike D'Antoni;

Where are YOU Going? - Kimberly P.

Hey, folks! Our first "Where Are YOU Going?" feature comes from Kimberly P.

Kimberly will be heading to Greece this May on a tour with Black Girl Travel. She'll be visiting Athens, Mykonos and Santorini. Kimberly, I'm soooo jealous! I was planning a trip to Greece, but I never got a chance to go in the end. :(

Here's what Kimberly writes about her upcoming travels:

"I always wanted to travel internationally, but it's been slow since I've always tried to travel with others and the trips never happened. Well I'm looking to be more free so I'm traveling with a travel group for the first time (blackgirltravel.com) to Greece. I feel liberated and think it will give me the exposure to eventually feel comfortable doing solo international trips."

Since Kimberly is still going over her itinerary, I thought I would think of ways for her to enjoy the Greek Islands.

I like wandering, and I think Mykonos' main town, Chora, would be a good place to get lost.

Mykonos main town, Chora

Although I'm not a fan of mechanized anything :), it would be fun to see the island on a scooter.

Did you know that the Mediterranean diet was added to the UN World Heritage list? While it's not just the cuisine of Greece (it includes Italy and Turkey), Greek food is still considered rather healthy. I'd try new Greek dishes as well as see if I could find authentic versions of old standbys.

Shrimp Tourkolimano

I've never had this, but it looks GOOD.

Greek Salad

Has anyone been to Greece? Do you have any advice for Kimberly for places to see in Athens, Mykonos and Santorini, especially off the beaten path ones? I would love to hear them. We'll definitely be following up with Kimberly after her trip.

If you're interested in being featured for the "Where are YOU Going?" series, here are the guidelines! I'd love to feature you on the blog!

Mykonos; Woman on Scooter; Shrimp Tourokolimano; Greek Salad

5 Things I Learned on Passport Day 2012

I should have mentioned late last week that this past Saturday was Passport Day in the U.S. My bad. What is Passport Day?

Well, the U.S. State Department's Passport Services division opens up passport agency centers all over the country for an extra day that so U.S. citizens can have some extra time to acquire and renew passports without an appointment. I was able to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the U.S. Passport Services Agency puts everything together to make sure that U.S. citizens can have the proper travel documents they need.

This particular passport agency in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood has a special place in heart because it's where I got my first U.S. Passport! It was the year 2000, the year after I became a U.S. citizen. I knew that I could get my passport at the last minute in person (I was worried about sending my very new citizenship documents via the mail. Just being honest.). While the process ate up most of my day, I came in at 9am and had a passport by 5pm.

Don't be like me when I got my first passport. Plan ahead, and get your passport BEFORE you need it. Passport agencies like this one are scattered throughout the U.S., but these centers should really be your last resort. They are only for people who are traveling within 14 days of the date of their appointment at the center. You can't show up there expecting to get a passport that you don't need immediately.

It's much better to handle your passport issues via the mail (I had a great renewal experience via mail that only took three weeks back in 2010) or at an authorized passport acceptance facility as a first timer. Here's a link with info on the process.

Behind the closed doors. Woo hoo!

Here are the 5 NEW things about passports that I learned on Passport Day:

1. All those annoying documents they ask for are for a reason. In order to issue a passport, Passport Services needs proof that you are a U.S. citizen as well as whether you are who you say you are. An interesting NYC point: Since many folks here don't drive, many people don't have basic ID such as a State ID (what I have) or the more common (everywhere else) drivers' license. Having even the most basic form of ID can help make obtaining a passport easier.

Production room where last minute passports issued by the passport agency are actually made

2. The Smart Travel App is like having the State Department website on your phone!

I always make sure to take a look at the U.S. State Department's dedicated travel website Trave.State.Gov. It's a treasure trove of information. Well, now I can have this all on my smart phone!

Download it like I did (I did it while I was at the Passport Agency!). It will give you country specific travel information regarding things like visa requirements, basic country information as well as the most recent travel warnings issued by the State Department.

It's on my phone now! I used it yesterday to settle a debate with Husband J. He won. :(

3. Passports for minors (persons under 16) are only valid for 5 years, whereas passports for adults are valid for 10 years. Parents, take note!

4. When is the best time to obtain or renew a passport? Avoid the times when families are most likely to travel such as right before summer vacations in June, winter breaks in February or around Christmas time. There's usually a bump in applications for passports and renewals during those times. Think ahead, and don't wait until the last minute to get yours, or it might take longer than expected!

A blank passport book. When I got my renewed passport in 2010, I was surprised by all of the pretty artwork. It really is nice.

5. Passport Cards vs. Passport Books - Since they started issuing them back in July 2008, 4.5 million passports cards have been issued. Should you get a card or a passport book, i.e., a traditional passport? I say get the book, BUT passport cards are great if you are a frequent traveler between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean (including Bermuda) by land or sea, e.g., driving across the border or going on a cruise. If you are traveling BY PLANE to ANY destination, you need a traditional passport book. Passports books are accepted more commonly, which is why I'd suggest it overall, but it all depends on your circumstances. The passport card is a handy additional form of ID should anything ever happen to your State ID or drivers' license. There's also nothing stopping you from getting both!

A blank passport card

Interesting stuff, right?

I want to thank the friendly and helpful staff at the Passport Agency in NYC for taking the time to speak with me and the other bloggers who toured their offices for Passport Day.

Okay, everyone. Regardless of what country you live in, get your passport!! :)

Food Porn Friday - Food Randoms from the IPhone

For this week's Food Porn Friday, I thought I would show you some pics from a few places that I've been to in the past several months. In a few instances, I'm not in the mood to write a post just yet, or I didn't have my camera with me, hence the IPhone reference. Sometimes I just want to enjoy my meal without the thought of a blog post lingering. :) Also, I know that I don't always give context for who and why I'm eating where I am, so I thought I would this time. There's often a story involved. :)

I met Husband J after work for a beer, and he wanted some more of Luke's Lobster. This is the Taste of Maine item on their menu, which includes a half lobster roll, half crab roll, half shrimp roll, a bag of very good potato chips and a drink (in my case, a ginger soda).

A scallop dish from Ellabess on New Year's Eve. Husband J and I went out for an early dinner, then came home by 11. I think we were both in bed by 12:45. AAAAhhh...the joys of being old. :) Ellabess is changing itself into a different restaurant concept (it's actually in the lobby of a hotel).

Treacle pudding (a traditional English dessert that is a steamed sponge cake with hot custard syrup) at the John Dory Oyster Bar. I was with my BFF for our annual holiday/end of the year dinner together. I'd been wanting to go to the John Dory for ages, so I'm glad I went with her. She's cool with one of the bartenders, Ben, who's a very nice guy (and comped us a drink or maybe two. I don't want to get him in trouble).

Chili Hot Chocolate from Vandaag. You really can taste the chili! I was meeting up with my friend, Lady M, who is about to become a Mommy! I'm excited for her.

Happy Weekend!

Money, Travel & Me - Financial Obstacles? (Part 1)

I've been writing this blog for an awful long time and one thing I have not discussed yet is money. I don't like talking about money (Does anyone?), but you can't really think about travel and not think about budgets, costs and personal finance.

I think the best way to tackle this discussion is to talk about how I financed my travels before Husband J. Honestly, with two incomes to pull from and another person's considerations and tastes to contend with, it has changed the way I travel. Also, with both of our salaries, it is/was easier to stay at nicer places and do certain types of activities that I probably wouldn't do myself. Husband J and even me, at certain points, have done well for ourselves financially through our jobs. I'm not going to lie to you about that. That being said, during my early travels, I had to learn how to work the little I did have and that taught me a lot about my priorities and how I wanted to handle parts of my finances.

In Rio de Janeiro, on my last self-funded trip

Before I talk about financial strategies both practical and mental that I used to figure out how to find the money to travel, I thought I would let you know that it wasn't always easy. I have had circumstances that didn't make it easy to fund traveling anywhere but to the grocery store and to my job much less to the places I've been.

Let me give you a picture of what my financial life was like in the past:

1. I had/have student loans. I still have outstanding student loans. I went to what many people consider a very good (well, I liked it) private university for my undergraduate degree as well as law school afterwards. Law school should actually be called "Loan school" because that's how most people finance their legal education. In the U.S. if we choose certain educational paths, we have to pay for it somehow, plain and simple.

Leblon Beach in Rio

2. I don't come from a family that is well off or even close. My mother is the bomb, and I don't know how she raised me by herself. She came to the U.S.A. without any immediate family and was the sole breadwinner of my small family unit. (Love you, Mom!!!) I tell people that I'm a poor girl that has lived a rich girl's life (without the nice clothes). It's true. Neither my mother nor has my family ever funded any of the trips I've taken. My travels have been because I found a way to do it on my own somehow.

At Maracana Stadium in Rio for a great soccer game. Read about it here.

3. I have had credit card debt (in the past). Lots of it. When you spend three years of your twenties trying to live on nothing, it's hard not to rack it up (See #1). I have no qualms saying that I used to have credit card debt, especially now that it's been paid off for years. At the same time, I didn't let it stop me from doing what I wanted to do.

I'm not writing all of these things for travel street cred, but to let you know that even not so great finances or lack of an inheritance should keep you from travelling. I also tell you these things because I hate reading travel blogs that don't mention any of these issues.

In the next post in this series, I'll let you know some of the strategies, opportunities and mental outlooks that I used to find a way to see the world. It's not necessarily rocket science, but I hope it shatters the idea that travel is only for some people. It's for you, too.

Stay tuned...

Tuesday Travel Pinspiration - Wish List

Over on Pinterest, I've been keeping a little wish list of places that I'd like to go. I thought I'd share some of them with you. This is by no means an exhaustive list. As if I would only have five places on a travel wish list. Pshaw! :)

Stonehenge - England

Okay, so who constructed this? Aliens or the English? :)

Utah, USA

After one of my early Fantasy Travel Friday posts, I really do want to see this part of the U.S.A.

Sydney, Australia

Chris Hemsworth look-alikes and beach culture. I'll take it.

Taj Mahal - India

One day soon, I hope.

Ha Long Bay - Vietnam

Ha Long Bay looks so magical.

Have you been to any of the places on this wish list? What was your experience like? Are any of these destinations on your wish list?

Stonehenge; Canyon Lands, Utah; Sydney Opera House; Taj Mahal; Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Where Are YOU Going?

Can you believe it's March? I can't! Eeek!!

Hey, all!

I hope your week has gone well and that you had a extra special day on Leap Day.

I was thinking the other day about the fact that I love sharing my travels with you all, but I also know that I would love to hear about where you all are going. Then I thought, "Why don't I feature the folks who are a part of the TAO community and where they are going?"

So, that's what I'd like to do. I'm going to call this feature - Where are YOU Going? My goal is to feature at least 10 of you by the the end of 2012. I know that it's a lofty goal, but I hope you'll help me.

Here are the ground rules:

1. You've got to leave your city or town. I don't care if your trip is to another part of your state or province, but you must leave home. Your trip does not have to be international. It's lovely if it is, but there are lovely places to visit in the countries where we live. Domestic travel is still travel!

2. Timing. This can be a trip that you've taken or one that you are going on this year. If you have already taken your trip, then it must have been not be earlier than 2011. Why? I want some of the information I'm requesting to be current.

3. You don't have to be a blogger. If you are, that's great. I will definitely include a link to your blog. However, please don't feel like you have to be one to be featured. I'd like to feature any and everyone who's interested.

4. I'll need the following information:

-Destination

-Accommodation(s)

-When did/When will you travel there?

-What were your favorite sights?/What sights are you looking forward to?

-What and where was your favorite meal or food to eat at your destination?/ What food are looking forward to trying there?

-3 tips that you would give to anyone planning to a trip to this destination

-A picture of the destination that you took (if you're in the pic, all the better, but no worries if you don't want to be)

-You can write as little or as much as you want

-If there is a piece of information that I've requested that you don't want to share, just let me know.

That's it. So will you help me? Pretty please?! If you're interested, just e-mail me at my contact e-mail here on the blog (Click on the contact tab above). I can't wait to feature you all!

So...Where are YOU going?

Happy Weekend!