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January 26, 2012
Discovering the joys of Small Ship travel
Early in December, I took a group of family and friends on a trip to the Middle East, which included time aboard a small ship. (I posted photos of the trip on Facebook—it really was quite an adventure!) Our ship was a bit different than the ones you’ll cruise on with Grand Circle, but the overall experience was the same. And while I’m familiar with Grand Circle’s fleet of river ships, I must admit one thing: This was my first time actually traveling this way.
Well, I loved it. The ship pulled right up along the dock, and we were free to come and go as we pleased—wandering around little towns like Hurghada, Port Said, and Luxor, and then walking or taking a quick cab back. As we cruised, I loved just sitting and watching the river go by—it’s so easy, visual, and peaceful. It made it much easier to actually write in my journal! What really made the experience shine, though, was the crew. They were amazing—so knowledgeable. Our guides worked beautifully with our group, despite our different interests, energy levels, and needs. Not an easy job, but they made it look that way.
Now I really understand why you all rave about your river cruise experiences! Just ask Linda Totten, who submitted this month’s Traveler Story. River cruising—and Grand Circle—has become a family tradition that spans generations.
Do you have your own cherished travel traditions? If so, I’d love to hear about them. I always look forward to receiving your emails—or, please post your comments here.
Harriet Lewis
P.S. We’ve just announced three new Small Ship CruiseTour itineraries, which feature the same fleet of ships that I sailed on in December. I’ll be discussing these new destinations next month in Harriet’s Corner.
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December 06, 2011
Looking back: Our favorite traveler stories
I take notes when I travel, but it’s not at all organized—a scrap of paper here and there, torn from a hotel note pad. I remember my journeys more through pictures and objects—like rocks, pinecones, shells, and sand. I brought home a jar of rose jelly from Syria, where I met a family who has been making it in their home for three generations. When I open it and smell it, I am right back with these wonderful people, who create such beautiful, fragrant products from the roses that grow in the middle of a desert. I hope I still remember that family and their homeland so vividly when I’m older.
While we all have different ways of triggering our memories, I have special appreciation for travelers who have the patience to sit down and write during their trips—and I love sharing those stories here in Harriet’s Corner. As we approach the end of another year filled with new experiences, I thought it would be a perfect time to look back on some of our favorite stories submitted by our travelers. I hope they inspire you to share your own with me. (Of course, even if you don’t consider yourself a writer, that doesn’t mean you don’t have wonderful stories to tell. Email me a small tidbit, and my writing staff will be happy to contact you and help you craft a masterpiece.)
I hope you enjoy looking back on these stories as much as I did—your words and photos always remind me of the many ways that travel has the power to impact our lives. Have a safe and happy holiday, and I’ll see you in the New Year.
Harriet Lewis
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November 18, 2011
Thanksgiving: Celebrating the comfort of traditions
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. There are no gifts, no expectations—and I feel so lucky to be with people I love and who love me. We have a Thanksgiving tree, and everyone writes down something they’re thankful for and hangs it on a branch. Before dinner, we all read them—and then we take a moment to honor our ancestors, to think about who used to be at this table and who isn’t now, and to remember them.
In light of these traditions, the food on Thanksgiving may seem secondary—but it’s really a special tradition in itself. The whole family ends up in the kitchen together. I don’t eat meat, so I make about a thousand vegetables—and, most important, my great-grandmother’s New England bread stuffing. One year, I made sausage stuffing instead, and it practically caused a family riot—which was a not-so-gentle reminder of the sanctity of our traditions. There is a special comfort in the foods we grew up with. The smells and the tastes are such powerful drivers of memories.
The same holds true for the flavors we experience in our travels. Not only does the smell of freshly baked pizza bring me right back to Italy, but it also brings back beautiful memories of the people I enjoyed it with—in particular, the landlady of the house Alan and I rented in Sicily, who shared with me the precious secrets of her kitchen.
Because I know we’re all thankful for the ability to travel and the joy of discovering new places and people—and, let’s face it, who doesn’t think about food on Thanksgiving?—I decided that this was a perfect time to revisit some of the culinary traditions we’ve explored this year in Global Kitchen. I’m especially partial to the ones we’ve featured from Italy—because they’re both delicious and vegetarian! But if I had to pick one menu, I’d be happy with anything served by Sally Schwab, an 8-time traveler from San Antonio, Texas, who re-creates meals from her travels for her family and friends. You can read Sally’s mouthwatering story here.
We’ll be featuring some of our favorite traveler stories next month in Harriet’s Corner. What are your favorite memories from your travels—culinary or otherwise? Please email me with them. I look forward to hearing from you, and hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving.
Harriet Lewis
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October 28, 2011
A valuable visit to Romania
When my daughter, Charlotte, was a high school senior, she was one of ten students in her school chosen to volunteer at both an orphanage in Bistrita, Romania, and the city hospital in Bucharest. I remember how excited she was—and how happy and proud Alan and I were that she wanted to take part in the charitable endeavor.
The trip was three weeks long—during which Charlotte and her classmates would stay at a modest hotel in Bistrita and, later, at apartments in Bucharest, and help out daily at the orphanage and hospital. As volunteers there, Charlotte explained that she and her classmates spent time with the children—playing with the older ones, holding babies—many of whom, as orphans, had lost or been given up by their parents and had very limited human interaction. Many of them rocked themselves back and forth, were physically or emotionally underdeveloped, and had behavioral issues. Charlotte described seeing those sweet, innocent kids without parents or families to love them as eye-opening, heart-breaking, and inspiring all at once.
Looking back, I think it may have been this special high school trip that made the strongest impression on Charlotte’s view of the world. The chance to experience the world—with all its difficulties and rewards—is such a gift, and I’m grateful Charlotte was able to receive it. I hope you all have such opportunities during your own travels.
Sometimes, opportunities like these can present themselves much closer to home, as in the case of Henry Barr, a member of the Board of Directors at the West End House.
Henry’s tenacity, leadership, and positive attitude really saved, and grew, the West End House, and I’m pleased to share Henry’s story with you in this edition of Harriet’s Corner.
How have your experiences with travel, and community service, changed the way you see the world?
I hope you’ll send your stories and photos to me at harriet@gct.com.
Next month in Harriet’s Corner, we’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving by highlighting some of our favorite dishes, at home and around the world. Have you ever tried to cook something at home that was inspired by something you ate on a trip? I’d love to hear about it. Do you have a recipe you’d like to share? Please send it my way, and next month we’ll have a virtual cornucopia right here, just in time for Thanksgiving.
Harriet Lewis
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September 23, 2011
Connecting with our First Lady
Back in July, Elaine—a good friend of mine—invited me to a private fundraising lunch at her Boston-area home, where First Lady Michele Obama would be the special guest speaker. And since it was mainly a women’s event, my friend encouraged me to bring my daughter along, too—an opportunity I knew Charlotte would be excited about!
Upon arriving, we had to to be checked by security, which was understandable, and a common experience for travelers like Charlotte and me—but felt a bit odd, since I’d been to Elaine’s home in the past. But once we passed through security and entered the event, it became much more fun: The 100 or so women on hand were abuzz with chatter, greeting old friends, and anticipating the day’s special guest. I even ran into a few friends I hadn’t seen in a while, which was a real pleasure.
Politics aside, I’ve always admired smart, powerful women like Mrs. Obama—so, I really looked forward to hearing from someone who is such a great role model for girls and women in our country. And I wasn’t disappointed …
Much like the receiving line at a wedding, we stood in line to meet Mrs. Obama, who chatted briefly and shook hands with each guest. And when it was our turn, Charlotte stepped forward to greet the First Lady, who said to her: “Wow, you are beautiful!” As Charlotte’s mother, I couldn’t agree more, and hearing such a compliment from the First Lady was an unexpected surprise. After this unanticipated icebreaker, we spoke with Mrs. Obama for just a few short moments—about Africa, where she’d just gone on safari with her daughters—but I was immediately struck by her great eye contact, her warmth, and by how very present and engaged she seemed. And while I knew she was tall and lovely, I didn’t realize how much so until we stood “face-to-face.”
Soon after, we all sat down to lunch while Mrs. Obama spoke. As a wife and mother, she talked about how important her family is to her and about the challenges they faced when her husband first ran for President—and about those they still face. She told us about how they had regular “family meetings,” something Charlotte and I could really relate to, since Alan and I have always done the same thing with our family. And speaking as a politician’s wife, she made the political personal—adding that, in spite of the challenges, they “had to do this.” Overall, Mrs. Obama delivered her husband’s message well, and because she was so genuine, I could tell it was truly her message, too.
Since the event, I feel even more strongly that the First Lady really is a wonderful role model—especially for women and mothers who strive to create strong, healthy families. And looking back, I realize how much more I enjoyed the day because I shared it with Charlotte.
Continuing on a reflective note … In recognition of the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America, which recently passed, I want to leave you with some inspirational words from another woman—one whose supreme humanity has made her a role model for generations of people throughout the world …
Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is costly, care for it.
Life is wealth, keep it.
Life is love, enjoy it.
Life is mystery, know it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.
—Mother Teresa
Have you ever met a female leader—well-known or otherwise—who exceeded your expectations in some way? If so, I’d love to hear more about the occasion. You can share your thoughts, experiences—and photos, if you have them—with others, by posting your comments below this Journal entry. In the coming weeks, we’ll be spotlighting Eastern Europe, including Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. If you’ve explored these destinations with Grand Circle, I hope you’ll send your stories and photos to me at harriet@gct.com.
Harriet Lewis
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August 12, 2011
“Happy” is a state of mind—and a friendly little town in Texas
Harriet and Alan in their new “western-style” garb
I know how lucky I am to travel abroad as often as I do. But while seeing the world has been nothing less than life-changing, I appreciate our own country just as much. And after a recent four-state road trip, I believe that the United States truly is, as the song says, “America the Beautiful”—and I’m proud to call it home.
Back in early July, Alan and I, with one of our colleagues and his girlfriend, traveled to Amarillo, Texas; Santa Fe, New Mexico; Nantucket, Massachusetts, and finally, New York City ... With its Spanish and Mexican influences, and extensive artistic heritage, we loved Santa Fe’s wealth of art galleries, museums, and charming architectural styles … In contrast to the Southwest, colonial Nantucket is no less charming! Since it was early in the season, we reveled in the familiar calm that walking along the island’s remote beaches and wild rose-filled dunes offers … We saw yet another side of America in New York City, where the sophisticated urban vibe and pace are always invigorating … But gazing across the open landscape; seeing the vibrant greens and yellows of its corn fields; and spending time with some of the warm, generous people of west Texas—where we joined 16-year associate Laverne Schaff and her extended family (81-strong) for their annual Fourth of July celebration—was the unexpected highlight for me …
Harriet at the famous Cadillac Ranch
Whenever I travel, I try to immerse myself in the local culture, and visiting Texas was no exception! And we did a lot in a short time, including a number of new things: Decked out in newly purchased “western-style” garb, we learned the Texas Two-Step—a dance everyone does with each other, though not necessarily with their spouse or the person with whom they came ... Breaking from my “pescetarian” (a vegetarian who eats fish) lifestyle, I tried a ubiquitous Texan specialty: brisket and BBQ ribs (which were delicious!) ... We visited the iconic Cadillac Ranch—a public art installation that draws thousands of visitors to the area each year … I discussed politics, global warming, farming, and more with our friend’s brother Frank, a corn farmer, and even got to drive his massive tractor (with a high-tech GPS system!), quite a step up from my gardening by hand … We flew over magnificent Duro Canyon—the second-largest in the U.S.—in search of wild boar (which we never saw) with another of her brothers. And while Amarillo was a furnace-like 106˚ (a bit rough on New Englanders like us!), we had an amazing time with Laverne and her family.
The quiet downtown of Happy, TX
And the Texas welcome continued. During a drive another day, we found ourselves in the tiny town of Happy, Texas—deserted, but for a sprinkling of people walking toward the same building. It turned out to be a huge family reunion, and to our surprise, the family matriarch graciously invited us all in to join them—and we were complete strangers! After meeting Laverne’s family, this unplanned encounter further cemented my new-found affection for Texas: a place where people warm up to you in five minutes.
Looking back at our time in the Lone Star State, I’m reminded of several very important truths: Wherever you travel—Paris, Chiang Mai, or even Happy, Texas—keep your eyes, mind, and heart open, because there is always something new to learn and someone new to befriend … And being with one’s family—whether it’s large like Laverne’s and the one in Happy, or small like my own—is truly among the warmest and happiest places on Earth.
Have you visited a U.S. destination that taught you something new about America? If so, I’d love to hear more about it. You can share your thoughts and experiences—and photos—with others by posting your comments below this Journal entry, or you can email me directly at harriet@gct.com.
In the coming weeks, we’ll be spotlighting South Africa. If you’ve explored this region with Grand Circle, I hope you’ll send your stories and pictures to me at harriet@gct.com.
Harriet Lewis
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July 15, 2011
Unbelievable women, unforgettable encounters on a blazing hot day in New Hampshire
On Thursday, June 9, Alan and I had the pleasure of hosting 300 unbelievable women who travel with Grand Circle and Overseas Adventure Travel. These intrepid ladies braved 98 degree heat to join us for a special outdoor gathering in Kensington, New Hampshire, to help us improve as a company. They told us what we do well, but more important, what we can do better. (More about that in a moment …)
Meeting our travelers is always a delight, but on this particular day, there were so many highlights, I wanted to share some of them with you here. Since this special gathering preceded our annual Businessworks on Friday, June 10, 30 of our top Program Directors and Trip Leaders were also in attendance. I can’t tell you how wonderful it felt to see people recognizing each other from their travels, watching Program Directors and travelers reconnecting—like old friends—was such a rare treat.
Also in attendance were company leaders, including Martha Prybylo, Executive Vice President of People & Culture, Lisa Norton, Chief Marketing Officer, and Charlotte Lewis, Vice President, Interactive Marketing, and our guests took advantage of the opportunity to ask lots of questions, and give us valuable feedback. One recommendation we heard loud and clear: You want more new trips! Lisa announced several new trips for 2012, including vacations to Italy and Scandinavia.
Another hot issue was our website. As Charlotte shared with the group, we’re focusing on making our website easier to navigate, providing more interactive functions such as Traveler Reviews, and sharing the richest destination-specific insider information from our worldwide regional offices.
One of the recurring themes of the day was how much our travelers appreciate the work of Grand Circle Foundation in other countries, particularly in local schools. Just seeing how different schools around the world are from what we’re used to in the U.S. has been a discovery for many, and they love having the chance to connect with young people.
During the presentation, I asked the group to take a few moments to reflect on why they travel. After a few moments of silence, save the sounds of the birds chirping (and the whirring of the powerful fans we brought in to help combat the heat!) I asked for some volunteers to share their thoughts. One 28-time traveler jumped right up and said “Because I can!” Another traveler told us that she believes travel is a great way to grow, and she wants to keep growing and being stimulated. Amid murmurs of agreement throughout the crowd, yet another traveler stood and told us all a wonderful story …
When she was a little girl, her family subscribed to National Geographic magazine. Every night, instead of reading bedtime stories, her mother would sit with her and her siblings and read the magazine to them aloud. As she put it, it’s no surprise she loves to travel—she’s been learning about all the different places in the world since she was a little girl. My daughter Charlotte was standing next to me and I said to her, “Gee Charlotte, I’m sorry I never thought to read National Geographic to you when you were a little girl.” Charlotte replied, “Don’t worry Mom, you brought me everywhere!”
Have you fulfilled any childhood dreams of travel? If so, I’d love to hear all about them. Share your story by posting your comments below this Journal entry, or you can email me directly at harriet@gct.com.
Harriet Lewis
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June 16, 2011
What I learned from the bathing beauties of Barcelona …
As I write this, we hover on the threshold of summer—when the weather becomes temperate and twilight stretches late into the day—and I’m really looking forward to beach season. After all, while I love traveling far from home, New England is a wonderful place to pass the summer months. But as I prepare for summer excursions with family and friends, I can happily say that I’m even looking forward to putting on my bathing suit!
Just to be clear, I know all too well that familiar sense of trepidation about stepping out in a bathing suit those first few times each summer—something I imagine many of you can relate to. But I haven’t actually felt that way in nearly 20 years, thanks to something simple, yet deeply inspiring, that the women I observed in Spain taught me.
My family and I were in Barcelona back in 1992 to attend the summer Olympics (a great experience I’ll tell you more about another time). But since the kids were still fairly young, Alan and I tried to balance our event attendance by enjoying the more serene aspects of Spanish life, as well. On several occasions, we went to the beach—a popular pastime for locals and visitors alike—since Barcelona is world-renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches.
And that’s where a diverse collection of women in all shapes, sizes, shades, ages (and even degrees of hirsuteness) taught me something very important about being human—and especially about being happy with oneself. Many of the women at the Barcelonan beaches we visited were gorgeous, for sure, and looked fantastic in their small swim suits. But it was many of the other women—especially the heavier ones—who truly amazed and inspired me most. As they wore the same, tiny two-piece suits as the younger and slimmer women, they still carried themselves with a pride and self-assurance (not to be mistaken for immodesty) that I’d rarely observed in America … or felt for myself.
After that trip to Barcelona, I was inspired to buy my own little bikini for a visit to the Seychelles later that year. I’m pretty confident in my own skin, though I haven’t worn it very many times since. But what I have done is to remember what the beach-going ladies of Barcelona taught me: We should all feel beautiful, no matter how we look.
Have you been inspired by people you encountered during your travels? If so, I’d love to hear more about it. You can share your thoughts and experiences with others by posting your comments below this Journal entry, or you can email me directly at harriet@gct.com.
In the coming weeks, we’ll be spotlighting Norway and Finland. If you’ve explored either—or both!—of these countries with Grand Circle, I hope you’ll send your stories and pictures to me at harriet@gct.com.
Harriet Lewis
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May 13, 2011
Recognizing the value of travel in troubled times …
“‘I was there. I saw it all.’ The traveler’s boast, sometimes couched as
a complaint, is that of having been an eyewitness and, invariably, this experience—shocking though it may seem at the time—is an enrichment, even a blessing, one of the life-altering trophies of the road.”
I couldn’t have said it any better myself, but I must give credit where it’s due: I “borrowed” this enlightened quote from a recent New York Times article—Why We Travel, by travel writer and novelist Paul Theroux—because it so closely echoes my own experience as a traveler, especially recently.
Alan and I believe in stepping out of our comfort zones. And as world travelers—for both personal and professional reasons—our “comfort zones” often extend across oceans and beyond borders into regions, and even situations, that many travelers wouldn’t consider. Last month, our family enjoyed an eye-opening trip to the Middle East—including Egypt, Syria, and Israel—where we had the rare opportunity to see three nations at differing levels of transition. As a result, we were reminded of something that, again, Mr. Theroux put so eloquently:
“Travel … has never been to me of greater
importance, more essential, more enlightening.”
Grand Circle is still offering trips to Egypt—and our travelers who’ve joined us have shared that they love the fact that they’re among the only tourists at famed sites like the Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, and Valley of the Kings. And we remain confident that our travelers are safe—though, understandably, some travelers have reservations about visiting the country during this time of transition. That’s okay, because we want our travelers to make the decisions that are right for them. But remember, wherever and whenever you travel—Egypt or otherwise—not only will our dedicated regional associates welcome you with warmth and enthusiasm, but you just might witness something truly amazing.
Have you ever traveled out of your own comfort zone? If so, I’d love to hear more about it. You can share your thoughts and experiences with others by posting your comments below this Journal entry, or you can email me directly at harriet@gct.com.
In the coming weeks, we’ll be spotlighting Spain and Portugal. If you’ve explored any—or all!—of these fascinating destinations with Grand Circle, I hope you’ll send your stories and pictures to me at harriet@gct.com.
Harriet Lewis
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April 15, 2011
Accepting all rivers—at home and abroad
On our most recent journey to Mexico, Alan and I participated in a Mayan cleansing ceremony. We’ve visited sweat lodges in the past, but this particular ancient ritual focused on honoring nature and the Mayan gods.
After crawling into a cramped cave to join the rest of our group, a local woman led us in a prayer that sounded like a mixture between Spanish and Mayan. I recall closing my eyes and focusing on the powerful sound of her chants as hot rocks (symbolizing their Mayan ancestors) were carried into the cave and placed into a huge pit before us. As the steam rose from this deep abyss, I felt a sudden sense of calm … almost as if was I was being embraced by the power of nature around me.
I don’t remember every word of our leader’s prayer, but I’ll never forget one line she uttered that has remained with me to this day: “The ocean accepts all rivers.” The more I think about it, the more I’m convinced this message encapsulates the power of travel. As we explore, we will come across cultures and religions that differ dramatically from our own. Our challenge is in our accepting of these differences. After all, the ocean doesn’t care if a river is muddy or clean, brown or blue. It accepts whatever type of river it comes across. In the same way, we are challenged to embrace this diversity each and every day.
I recently shared this quote with a group of travelers visiting Boston in March for one of Grand Circle’s Get Together events. It was so gratifying to share our passion for travel—like past and upcoming trips—and it was enlightening to discuss what’s been going on around the world. One of our most-traveled couples (in a group of very well-traveled people) even shared some of their secrets to making their marriage of 57 years last so long! You can read more about Marion and Peter Gianino’s secrets—as well as some of their favorite travel memories from Italy with Grand Circle—in our Traveler Stories.
Listening to—and speaking with—our travelers always reminds me of the powerful effect travel has on our lives. By opening our hearts—and accepting all rivers—we’re not only changing others’ lives … we’re changing our own.
We’ll be spotlighting South Africa in upcoming editions of Harriet’s Corner. If you’ve traveled with Grand Circle on this trip, I’d love to hear about your experiences—and see your photos. Share them with me at harriet@gct.com.
Harriet Lewis
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