Oh, The Places You'll Go

You've seen her in action with her witty comments...now get an inside peek as I formally introduce you to my guest blogger...Ciaobella.

To celebrate Elvis week, here's us chillin' at the King's.

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While Jill has been slaving away at work and I, obviously have not, you get the distinct pleasure of reading the first ever post from yours truly.

Let's talk travel. I was fortunate enough to live overseas for seven years so I’m a huge advocate for Americans traveling abroad. I think it’s important for us to experience different cultures and gain an understanding of how things work outside of our native comfort zone. To me, traveling in general helps a person gain confidence, independence, and intellect. Not to mention a well-rounded personality.

Of course, the key to all of this travel is having the means to do so. I was blessed because my dad’s company moved my family abroad. After living in Michigan, New Jersey, Illinois and Minnesota, we moved to Singapore then on to Belgium where I finished high school. Being overseas made it very easy to travel to various countries. Not to mention hit the bars at a very early age.

I realize these days it’s hard to travel anywhere when you only have two weeks of vacation and you’re working at least sixty hours a week, but that my friends, will be addressed in my next ghost guest appearance.

In the meantime, here are some of my favorite places:

Bali, Indonesia – Exquisite beaches. If you’re not a water lover, I recommend visiting The Bounty – a land-docked ship that serves plenty of tasty beverages (watch out for the Jam Jars!). It’s also worth learning a Balinese dance move or two. After showing Jill a few moves, we’ve been known to bust them out on occasion.

The Spice Islands, Indonesia – The Banda Sea is spectacular if you’re a scuba enthusiast. You’ll think you’ve gone back in time when you take a shower in the mountain hot springs.

Phuket, Thailand – I was able to experience this beautiful paradise before the Tsunami wrenched it away.

Canary Islands, Spain – I was on the Gran Canaria where the weather goes from sunny beach sand dunes to frozen mountain tops. Jump on a moped and take an island tour.

Barcelona, Spain – Practice up on your Castillian Spanish or just go for Gaudi’s art alone!

Brisbane, Australia – Otherwise known as The Gold Coast or Surfers Paradise. You can find some of the best surfing in the world here and the friendliest people, too.

Nairobi, Kenya – Once you get out of the city, you’ll feel like you’re in a National Geographic series. I had the most amazing no kill animal safari and danced around a fire with the local Maasai Tribe.

I’ve never been to South America but it’s definitely on my list. If you are planning any trips in the near future, let me know. I’ll try and point you in the right direction. At any rate, whether you travel within the U.S. or abroad, leave the technology at home and get your asses out of those offices!!

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.

~Saint Augustine