Word of the Day: Wanderlust

I was never really into watching Jeopardy until I started living with my new husband, a trivia genius. Every weeknight at 7:30, it's Alex Trebek time, and surprisingly enough, I find myself knowing much more than I ever thought I did. Although playing a game of Trivial Pursuit with my husband and mother-in-law is biggest fear of mine (they know literally every answer, or are at least really close), being a contestant on Jeopardy wouldn't be too bad. At least sometimes some of the categories are right up my knowledge alley -- grammar, words that have lots of Ts or Ms or start with B, etc., musical instruments, french words, and even some Victorian history. I guess watching the History Channel, Discovery, Food Network and Travel are finally starting to pay off. I'm learning things and even recalling them in the heat of a trivia battle moment on the couch!

As we sip our tea (ya we're like an old married couple on weeknights), we battle it out trivia-ly, supporting each other with every correct answer. The other night the $2,000 Travel category question (or I guess, answer, if you're using Jeopardy terminology) was something to the affect of "A German word meaning, a strong desire for or impulse to wander".

"What is VVvahndurloost!?" answered the contestant all the way to the right. And for $2,000, she was correct, "with the correct pronunciation too!" said, Trebek.

I was intrigued and simply had to look this one up:

From Wikipedia: Wanderlust traces back to German Romanticism. It combined wandern - "to hike", and lust - "desire", and literally meant "to enjoy hiking". But since then, the modern English meaning has morphed into meaning "to travel and explore the world".

I like the modern meaning, and I love the romantic nature of the word. Wanderlust. A lust to wander. I love to travel and a have a desperate desire to see the world. I'd fall into this category.

I'm a wanderluster. It sounds a little dirty, but it fits.

PS :: Go here to create a Wordle: http://www.wordle.net/

Traveling sans cell phone

While I sat at my desk at work today, surrounded by blustery snow outside the windows, I couldn't help but daydream about sunshine and a heat wave. Flip flips, ocean breezes, beer in hand, not a worry in the world -- that's where I'd rather be. For sure.

What if I had a private jet or helicopter with a pilot on command? What if I could have a packed suitcase -- only stuffed with beach attire and sundresses, of course -- ready to up and fly at a whim? Wouldn't that be the life?

"Yes, Vincent (that'd be the pilot's name), the South of France this time, please. Swing the limo to my apartment in about 35 minutes. I'll be ready! Oh yeah, and have some champagne and berries waiting for me too, Thanks!" Click.

Blarg. Yeah, right. But seriously though, to get away from this cold is definitely on the top of my wish list. To be stress free, just lounging on the beach would be heavenly.

That brings me to my question. While traveling for pleasure, should you stay connected to your real life, via cell phone, Blackberry, internet, whatever? My daydreams say "no", but my addictions to my cyberlife disagree. If you're anything like me, you check your email at least 5 times a day on a computer, not to mention the notifications I get by Blackberry throughout the day. It's addicting, but it is a tiring addiction. My brain needs a rest!

While we were in Mexico, we had no access to internet (without a hefty fee) or cell phone usage (without a ginormous fee), and I must admit, I was completely fine with that. It was so liberating to live my life, unattached to my cell. I locked it up in the safe every day before we left the room. And, actually, I don't think I ever even had it on! It was great.

While vacationing in Pawleys Island, S.C. last summer, I also realized that just because you have access to internet and your cell while traveling within the States, it doesn't mean you should be a prisoner of your own devices. You own them. They do not own you.

I mean, if you're traveling to a place where you need to contact other people who are with you there, that's a little different. But if you're vacationing with just 1 person and you'll always be together, try switching it off. When was the last time you turned OFF your phone for more than an hour or 2? Try a week and see what happens.

I bet you end up feeling relaxed. Not just relaxed, but actually well-rested, with a clear head and lots of new thoughts that you came up with on your own.

Traveling sans cell phone ... I like it. Give it a try on your next trip!

Maui - Here we come!

After years of dreaming about venturing to our island neighbor, Hawaii, it's finally going to come true! We booked our trip via Expedia over the weekend, planning to travel to Maui in the Spring. I couldn't be more excited!

We talked to friends who've been there and weighed our options : Hotel vs. Condo ; different islands to stay on ; City in Maui to stay in, etc. We decided to book our stay in beautiful Kihei on Maui, where we've heard has great access to several beaches, shops, restaurants and excursions. We're staying at the Maui Kamaole condos -- the photos look beautiful and the user ratings average 4.9 out of 5.0!

A luau is a "must-do" so we hear, as well as hiking up a volcano and zip-lining across the landscape. These are on our "things to do" list.

Have you ever seen 50 First Dates with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore? I love the little place they have breakfast every Sunday. I've always thought that if I went to Hawaii, I'd want to live like a local, in a condo-like environment, so I could focus more on the island itself, rather than just stay in the resort to get pampered. I want to explore!

Only a few more months and we'll get to see the island ... finally! ... We can't wait!

Aloha!

Rivera Maya, Mexico

The day after our wedding we relaxed, packed and contemplated anxiously the adventures in store for us in the Mayan Riviera. Not leaving the morning after our wedding day was one of the best decisions we've ever made. It gave us a chance to re-group and prepare for the 6AM flight out of Cleveland.

Once we landed in Cancun, I could already sense a new vibe. A foreign vibe. The first stamp on my passport was stamped and I was off to explore! But first, we'd have to make our way through the swarms of cab drivers and excursion sellers. We found our pre-arranged van ride and headed to our hotel - El Dorado Royale.

After driving our way through the lush winding road toward our hotel, I could feel my palms getting sweaty with nerves. Would the hotel prove to deserve all the hype?

My husband's cousin had recommended the resort to us after having a fabulous time there only a few months before. Their advice: Don't drink the water on excursions. They learned the hard way. Nevertheless, the resort itself was perfect, per their recommendations of course.

There it was, I could see it in the distance. Finally. We're here!

Just as the name presumed, the El Dorado Royale was grand.

We were greeted at the lobby with 2 glasses of champagne -- just what the doctor ordered after a long flight. We checked in and headed outside. We had no idea what pampering meant until just then. indeed. Lush landscapes, flowers, beautiful buildings.

With only a step out the door, I was instantly overtaken by sunshine, excitement and heat. My jeans were no longer a smart choice. We were in Mexico!

From the back door of the lobby balcony the landscape expanded in all directions until there were palm trees, winding paved walkways, fountains, bridges, villas and the ocean

for as far as the eye could see. It was breathtaking. I took a sip of my champagne, breathed in the humid air and welcomed the heat.

We were shuttled to our room via golf cart, learning the grounds along the way thanks to our driver/resort guide. He was inviting, cheerful and above all, accommodating. We arrived at our suite, which happened to be a swim-up jacuzzi room on the first level. It was perfect.

We woke up every morning at our leisure. We'd lay by our private swim-up pool and be served drinks from our mobile bartender, until we'd decide to hit the "fun" pool. In the afternoon, games are arranged by the entertainment staff, the "K" team. We quickly made friends with other couples and the staff, playing water & beach volleyball, water polo, aqua aerobics, name that tune,

and of course, just sitting up at the swim-up bar. The vibe was a good one. Everyone just wanted to have a good time.

People were from all over -- Chicago, California, Ireland, Scotland, Texas -- which made for some interesting conversation and a hella good time late night at the guacamaya bar!

The live shows were great, the music was fun, the drinks were strong and the food was absolutely top notch! Every single restaurant the resort offered was a gourmet experience ... always with at least 4 courses. Always dessert. We couldn't have been more pleased!

With all there was to do and see, some of my favorite memories at El Dorado were simply taking a nap in a cabana by the pool or on the ocean. The gentle warm breeze accompanied by an occasional rain sprinkle were the perfect ingredients I needed to sleep off a few drinks from the pool bar. Perfect.

If you're ever searching for the perfect couple's getaway, El Dorado Royale is it. Period. Couples only, fabulous food, amazing service, all-inclusive, gorgeous beachfront, live shows, planned activities by the hour, a wonderful spa, relaxing atmosphere and a youthful vibe were the perfect combo for us. We can't wait to go back!

And a blog is born ...

I've got the itch to travel lately ... but not just travel. I want to experience the places I go and the things I see. I want to take in the landscapes, touch the landmarks, breathe the air and contemplate what life would be like right there in that spot. Wherever. Of course, there are places I'm dying to see -- Hawaii, France, Denmark, Ireland, Australia, etc. -- and hopefully someday I will. For now, we can take just one trip at a time. One experience at a time. Having a blast at every curve!

Fortunately, in the past few years, my husband and I have been lucky enough to travel across the U.S. in both directions, and even made our way to Mexico on our honeymoon.

Sharing my experiences from my own humble point of view will be my chance to re-live the amazing memories and hopefully inspire you to travel too. Here begins my journey journal of sorts, through my eyes ... and photos!