November 16, 2009
Keukenhof Flower Park: Bowing to the experts
I love gardening, and when I travel I’m always on the lookout for new ideas to bring home to my garden in New Hampshire. Some ideas are more successful than others (the wildflowers I saw in Ireland’s Ring of Kerry didn’t quite pan out), but tulips are always a safe bet for me—because they need cold temperatures in order to bloom. Just one little victory for our famously frigid neck of the woods.
While I think I’ve done well with tulips in my own garden, I know when to bow to the experts—and visiting Keukenhof Flower Park in the Netherlands was definitely one of those times. The park’s nearly 80 acres are covered with a Technicolor tapestry of blooms, with every flowerbed perfectly manicured and crisscrossed by shady footpaths. Just about every color of the rainbow blossoms here—though you won’t see tulips in true blue or jet black, since they don’t naturally occur and are very difficult to replicate.
While my own garden will never be as perfect as even one single flower bed in Keukenhof, I still like to think of the Netherlands when my tulips bloom each year. Does your home ever remind you of your travels? Tell me your story at
harriet@gct.com
I’ll be featuring Russia and our Holiday River Cruises soon in Harriet’s Corner, but I welcome all of your stories.
Harriet Lewis
November 9, 2009
Building a future without breast cancer
This past October marked the 25th anniversary of National Breast Cancer Awareness month—which was a more fitting time than ever for Grand Circle Foundation to make a donation in support of breast cancer research. We found dozens of noteworthy organizations to choose from … but for Alan and me, the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) … Read full journal entry »
November 2, 2009
Reflections on “Orphans of South Africa”
Last Wednesday, October 28, was a special day at OAT headquarters in Boston. In our new gallery space (also called “Harriet’s Corner”) we hosted a photography exhibit called “Orphans of South Africa,” featuring the work of 8-time traveler Linda Steffens. You can learn more about Linda and view a sampling of her photographs in News & Views.
I was honored to speak at the event, and to recognize an artist, whose life has been changed by her travels. Like me, Linda believes that when we travel, we discover … Read full journal entry »
 Travel Talk with Harriet
Updated: Monday, November 16
Whether you want to rave about your Grand Circle experience, or offer advice on how we can do something better, I want to hear from you! Here's where I comment on some of the email messages I've received.
 Why Grand Circle?
Updated: Wednesday, October 7
Travel is about more than just sightseeing. Find out why our discovery-filled vacations have been especially appealing to travelers for more than 50 years.
Learn more »
 News & Views from Grand Circle
Updated: Monday, November 16
Here, I share updates and articles that shed light on some of Grand Circle's most popular destinations—written by our Program Directors and other resident experts who provide a true insider's perspective.
 Our Favorite Travel Stories
Updated: Monday, November 16
Not sure where you want to journey next? Read inspiring stories written by and about our travelers, and hear from Program Directors and other Grand Circle associates about their most memorable travel moments.
Learn more »
 Global Kitchen
Updated: Monday, November 16
For a true taste of another culture, look no further than your kitchen. Embark on a culinary adventure with some of the recipes we've collected here—and send us your own to share with other travelers!
Learn more »
 A Message for Solo Travelers
If you're considering traveling solo, it's easier than you might think with Grand Circle. Find out why we're the leader in safe, exciting, and affordable travel experiences.
Learn more »
 101 Tips for Women Travelers
Updated: Monday, November 9
From general advice to destination-specific suggestions, we've collected “tried-and-true” travel tips from our travelers, Program Directors, and regional associates in our latest guide.
 Print from our Archives
Updated: Monday, November 16
New to Harriet’s Corner and curious about what you’ve missed? Looking for a story you’d like to read again? We’ve compiled our previous updates into convenient, printable documents that you can access anytime.
Learn more »
Tell me what you think ...
Is there a new feature you'd like to see here? Help me make Harriet's Corner a place you'll come to visit again and again. Please email me your feedback at harriet@gct.com.
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Dear Traveler,
Often, when I meet the women who travel with Grand Circle, I feel as if we already know one another—even though in reality, we're strangers. This may sound odd, but when you really think about, it makes sense: After all, the motives that compel us to explore the world are the same.
At our stage in life, we've played myriad roles that have required us to give of ourselves or take care of others—we've been wives, partners, mothers, and parents to our parents. We've shared joy and sorrow, our hearts and our souls. Now, we've reached a stage when it's our time, our turn. So we're packing our bags and hitting the road, embracing new friendships and connections with open hearts and open minds.
As a former teacher, I know full well that the most important lessons in life can't be learned from textbooks. So I've always considered the world my classroom—and, thankfully, it's one filled with endless lessons. As a Grand Circle traveler, I know you share my passion for learning and discovery ... and that's one of the reasons why I created "Harriet's Corner": I wanted us to have a special place where we could learn from and about each other by sharing stories about the places we've been, and the people we've met, during our travels.
Several months ago, we created a similar space on the website of our sister company, Overseas Adventure Travel. The response was overwhelmingly positive, so we decided that Grand Circle deserved its own version. And while both of these spaces are called "Harriet's Corner," the information you'll find in each is quite different.
Here, you'll find Harriet's Journal, where I share brief anecdotes from my own journeys. In Our Favorite Travel Stories, you'll find inspiring firsthand accounts from fellow travelers and Grand Circle associates. Our News & Views section provides insight from our amazing and talented Program Directors, as well as information on newsworthy happenings like community service projects and company events. In Travel Talk, I respond to some of the emails I've received, from frequently asked questions to random travel musings. And in Global Kitchen, I offer up tasty recipes inspired by my own, and other travelers', journeys.
Every other week, I'll be adding new content to the site—and letting you know via email when an update to Harriet's Corner pertains to a destination that interests you. (If I don't already have your email address, you can sign up to receive my updates here.)
Whether you're new to Grand Circle or have traveled with us before, I hope these pages will encourage you to learn more about our trips. The way I see it, every Grand Circle vacation is filled with friends you haven't met yet—so we owe it ourselves, and our friends, to get out there and start exploring.
Best wishes and happy travels,
Harriet Lewis
Vice Chairman
Grand Circle Travel
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