For me, travel has been a family affair ever since Alan and I had our children, Edward and Charlotte. That’s why I love tales of family vacations like this one from Margaret L. Margaret, I hope Yvonne had a wonderful time on her first trip to Europe—though I don’t doubt that she did. The travel bug tends to be hereditary!
Yvonne Federowicz pedals a bakfiets (Dutch cargo bike) containing her mother, Margaret Laske, in Enkhuizen.
Dear Harriet,
Yvonne Federowicz pedals a bakfiets (Dutch cargo bike) containing her mother, Margaret Laske, in Enkhuizen.
I thought you might enjoy this photo of myself and my daughter, Yvonne F. We are in Enkhuizen in the Netherlands on my daughter’s first visit to Europe. How we loved it all—the cruise through the Rhineland of Holland and the daily excursions into the Netherlands and Belgium. A high point was the extension into Bruges, that magically preserved medieval city in Belgium, where we wandered at leisure, gaping at its splendors.
Margaret L.
5-time traveler & Vacation Ambassador
Pittsburgh, PA
Just as parents pass on the travel bug to their children, spouses often encourage each other to make travel a part of their lives together. Sometimes one party is less than willing—a subject we tackled in our new video, A Woman’s World. In many cases, though, would-be homebodies are completely won over—as was happily the case with Edna and Frank C.
Oh, Harriet, your video has brought back so many memories. My husband and I recognized almost all of the venues shown and most of them were done with Grand Circle and OAT—from the jungles of Africa to the views from the edge of space at Machu Picchu.
We have lived in New Delhi, the rain forests of the Philippines, and the exotic lands of northern Japan. When I married my husband, he was in the Air Force and his plans were to leave the service after his four year enlistment and move us back to his little town in upstate New York. That wasn’t in my plans. We stayed in the Air Force for 23 years and traveled to many places.
After we left the Air Force, he was content to find a job in Florida and have us waste our lives there. Not me! I put the travel bug in his ear and off we went on an OAT adventure. He soon adapted to the travel way of life and we’ve managed to travel to six of the seven continents and visit hundreds and hundreds of cities along the way. Our list, much like yours, takes most of two pages.
The only thing about your video is that I feel left out. I have so much to tell people about travel and experiencing other cultures. One becomes more understanding and, in many cases, more tolerant in our own way of life here in America. Our travels with Grand Circle and OAT have always been at the top of our lists and we spend much time convincing others to “give you a try.” It’s not necessarily the money rewards you offer, it’s just that you are at the top of our list as a travel provider and we want to share the great experiences you offer.
We will be going to Egypt in January with you although we have been to Cairo on a clipper ship cruise in the past and stopped there for a day. We are also planning a trip to Asia in 2011 with OAT.
We are now an older couple, but still have very young travel hearts. Should the good Lord take my husband before he takes me, I’ll do everything in my power to continue to travel with your company because the things you’ve said in your video are certainly true. I’ve experienced many of them firsthand.
My husband is standing here right now and his lower lip is trembling. He says, “Ask Harriet why Alan doesn’t have a site for men.” I just look at him and smile.
Edna C.
6-time traveler & Vacation Ambassador
Indian Harbor Beach, FL
Edna, I hope that by publishing your email here, I’m helping you feel a little less “left out”—and I don’t want Frank to feel left out, either. In fact, I already “know” Frank from a story that appeared in Harriet’s Corner on OAT’s website—and I believe Frank is the one who submitted it to us. This is your place, too, Frank! Come join us any time.
Speaking of our A Woman’s World video, I got an interesting question from Sondra D. that I’d like to take the opportunity to answer.
Dear Harriet,
Just watched your video—good job! Of course, in my case, you were preaching to the choir as my OAT and Grand Circle experiences have made me one of your biggest fans.
One question: Is that a coral necklace you’re wearing in the video?
Sondra D.
3-time traveler
Green Valley, AZ
Believe it or not, Sondra, it’s a very convincing coral look-alike. A friend of mine bought it for me in Venice for my 60th birthday. Not the real thing, but I love it anyway.
Finally, I wanted to share a couple of responses to an email I sent recently featuring an inspirational quotation from Mother Teresa. (If you didn’t receive the email, you can read it here.) I was thrilled to hear from so many travelers who adore the saying as much as I do, including Rose S. and Kay S.
Dear Harriet,
Thanks for sending this. I’ve printed it out and will keep it handy as reminder of her humility and what this life is ultimately about.
Sincerely,
Rose S.
First-time traveler
Linthicum Heights, Maryland
Dear Harriet,
Thank you for the words of Mother Teresa. My late husband and I spent many years working for her missions and can testify to their holiness and effectiveness—in our secular world it is good to see a person who quotes wisdom of the ages. I love Grand Circle, and shall be back soon. Recently I traveled on a Peter Deilmann boat—not half the fun and lightness of the Grand Circle crowd.
Kay S.
5-time traveler
Falls Church, VA
Kay, I couldn’t resist posting your comment because I honestly believe that the atmosphere onboard our river cruise ships is one of the best aspects of the experience. We have the best atmosphere because we have the best travelers! Thank you for letting me know.