Simply Juicy Travel

A Charming Tradition

Dear Simply Juicy Traveler,

I've always loved charm bracelets.  As a child I was fascinated with my mother's bracelet and when given the chance, would play with it endlessly.  I was especially fond of the gold charm in the shape of a house.  Its roof was hinged and opened to reveal a double bed with a heart on the pillow.

Although I never did get a charm bracelet, I gave one to my daughter Kelly as a gift for her First Communion.  Because we collect charms from the destinations we travel to, the piece has great sentimental value.

Anyway...I found a site, Charming Darling, that offers vintage, one-of-a-kind charm bracelets. Listed by theme, the selections include charms of cats and dogs, fruit, Buddha and more. There's even one that features Cracker Jack prizes!  Check it out and let me know what you think!

Hmmmm...I may actually get myself that charm bracelet yet.

All the Best,
eileen@simplyjuicytravel.com

Sites Worth Watching

Dear Simply Juicy Traveler,

During my recent "travels" through the internet, I've discovered some simply juicy websites that are fresh, unique and a lot of fun!  In support of these creative entrepreneurs, and because I believe these sites reflect a compelling vision, I'd like to share them with my Simply Juicy Travel readers.

And don't be shy. Drop us an email with your opinion about our website suggestions, or give us some recommendations of your own!

All the Best,

eileen@simplyjuicytravel.com

The Gift of Travel

Dear Simply Juicy Traveler,

I wrote this piece back in January and never posted it.  Now that the snow has thawed, I thought it would be a good time to share the the wonderful experience my daughter and I had celebrating her "Sweet Sixteen" this past July.

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I spent most of this past Sunday in my pj's, glued to my laptop.  My older child, a freshman at Skidmore College, had just left for Saratoga Springs, NY to begin his second semester.  Feeling a little melancholic, I was busy searching the Internet for inspiration about my next few travel posts. In the next room sat my 16-year daughter,in front of the family computer, listening to a song that was about to pull at my heartstrings.

My eyes began to well up as I heard "Your Song" (the Moulan Rouge version) and was reminded of the powerful experience that Kelly and I had together in Italy this past summer.  The last time I'd heard this was the night in Venice when I realized how profound an impact this trip would have on Kelly, myself, and our relationship with each other.

While most of her friends enjoyed big "Sweet Sixteen" parties, Kelly chose a trip to Italy.  After many "discussions" with my husband about finances (mortgage, college tuition, etc) and whether we could afford such a trip (contrary to popular belief, I don't get to travel for free), he acquiesced and agreed to let me take Kelly, and her friend Amanda, to Italy for her 16th birthday.  He and my son would stay home with the dog, while we embarked on a "Girl's Adventure" through Italy.

(Are You) Too Cool to Cruise?

Dear Simply Juicy Traveler,

Are you a cruise snob?  I must confess that I once considered myself a little too sophisticated for cruising. Having difficulty understanding the allure of an ocean voyage, I had visions of loud, tacky tourists dressed in Hawaiian shirts lined up at a buffet table (or better yet, winding around the deck in a conga line.)  Happily, my husband and I had a cruise experience that was to transform our outdated perceptions.

Our first sailing was on the Regent Seven Seas Voyager (formerly known as Radisson), a 700- passenger, all-suite  ship.  We chose a PBS spotlight cruise with an eleven day Mediterranean itinerary, sailing from Athens to Barcelona.  With stops at ports in Turkey (Ephesus), Greece (Rhodes), Italy (Rome, Sorrento, Taormina) and Monte Carlo, we were able to tour a wide range of territory in an amazingly short span of time.   

Each morning, from the private balcony in our suite, we would catch the sunrise and watch with fascination, as our ship was escorted into each new port.  With a variety of excursions to choose from, we looked forward to our daily activities with great anticipation and excitement.  We explored ancient archaeological ruins throughout the Mediterranean, toured Rome and Vatican city with a Vatican historian, traveled the winding roads of the Amalfi Coast, tasted homemade limoncello in Sorrento, watched traditional artisans loom magnificent Turkish carpets and, oh yeah...shopped.  After making more than a few purchases (Turkish rug, leather jackets), I was thrilled to discover that the anniversary gift from my husband, an $1100.00 ruby and diamond ring which he haggled for over wine and cheese, appraised for $6500 at our jeweler in NYC!

Our time on-board was spent enjoying fascinating lectures by newsmen Robert McNeil and Jim Lehrer, lively cooking demonstrations by Mary Ann Esposito (host of PBS' "Ciao Italia") and informative tips from Antiques Roadshow appraisers Leslie and Leigh Keno.  We savored delicious food and wine with some new friends and felt pampered by consistently superior service.

While a cruise isn't the answer for every destination , I recommend that you considered it as a viable alternative for your vacation portfolio.  Who knows, you may even come home with a bargain or two.

All the best,

eileen@simplyjuicytravel.com

Confessions of a Simply Juicy Traveler

Dear Simply Juicy Traveler,

I don't generally make New Year's resolutions, let alone tell people what they are.  Because those commitments are so difficult to sustain, experts say you increase the likelihood of success by declaring your intentions to others.  Well I'd decided on two resolutions for 2007, one related to  weight (I think I'll keep that one to myself for now!)and the other having to do with this blog.

So here goes... I declare that (starting now)I will write in my blog a minimum of 3-4 times a week.  Because I'm an admitted perfectionist, that will be no small feat.  It's not that I don't have the knowledge or information to impart, it's just that it takes me so darn long to put my thoughts into a post that I find acceptable.  Knowing that my words last eternally in cyberspace (OK, it's not brain surgery.), I get caught up in the trap of editing and re-editing.  Add that to a busy schedule and you have a recipe for delayed and infrequent posts.

Therefore, in the interest of getting some useful travel information out to you, I will try to be less self-conscious about my writing and rely more on the feedback of my readers to guide me. I hereby release myself from the burden of editing "ad infinitum", and invite you to tell me how I'm doing.  Perhaps there are particular topics you'd like addressed, or have suggestions on how to improve my blog...I'd love to hear from you.  After all, I've created this forum as a means of providing an insider's view of travel, which only works if the content is interesting and informative.

So keep checking in! This is a new site and a work in progress.  I hope to soon to add a feature that will allow you to see and book captivating and unique travel opportunities.  In the meantime, I invite you to share photos and experiences of your favorite trips.

So for today, Happy New Year (and may all your New Years resolutions stick)!

All the Best,

eileen@simplyjuicytravel