I just read this on Twitter, so consider it a re-tweet? I just had to share. As a former manager in the retail banking business, I love the approach. Killing them with kindness always works wonders!
New Orleans has been on my mind for a few weeks now (ever since our short trip back in December) especially because it has been on the news a lot with the Super Bowl and most recently the festivities leading up to “Mardi Gras” or “Fat Tuesday“, which is the last day of the Carnival season and it always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Today is Fat Tuesday, tomorrow is the beginning of the Lenten season for many Christians around the world.
Mardi Gras or Carnival as it is known in places such as Brazil, Trinidad, and many other countries, including Panama is a celebration which harbors many fond memories from my days growing up in Panama, where it is a major event. The floats, costumes, and partying that goes along with Carnival are dizzying, but so much fun!Strangely enough, I have not participated in a true Carnival celebration since I moved here over 30 years ago, and for some reason I seem to prefer it that way, keep the memories going based on some long ago perceptions, go figure. However, the spectacle of New Orleans Bourbon Street (off-season) was more than enough to remind me of the fun that could be had during the festive season of Carnival. One thing for sure I discovered that New Orleans is a very unique place; you have to go more than once to truly appreciate its charms, especially if you like the historical perspectives or love cultural experiences.
I left the city of NOLA feeling that I must go back soon so I can explore those areas I missed, talk about a bucket list!
Happy Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Martes de Carnaval–or whatever you call it wherever you are be it New Orleans, Panama, Brazil or Trinidad. Let the Good Times Roll!
I have been busy, really busy this past month. All sorts of life events, vacations, babysitting gigs out-of-town, family illnesses, birthdays, baptisms and I am sure I forgot something else. The upside? I have spent the month of July in the company of my most beloved people and feel happy and fulfilled. I think I am now ready to resume blogging duties, unless of course…life gets in the way.
The Purple House in Punta Gorda, FL
I missed a few of the photo challenges and rather than attempt to catch up by back-posting, I will jump right in here with my purple submission. As soon as I saw this prompt, I knew I had to go down to Punta Gorda to snap some pictures of the “purple house” I frequently drive by. The choice of color always puts a smile on my face, not something I would have picked myself…but I absolutely love how it looks with its white trim; especially on an old traditional Florida home such as this one. And below… the slowly fading purple of our crepe myrtle tree. Aah, nature!
I received this challenge from Johanna Bradley, of http://restlessjo.wordpress.com a few days ago, and it made me think…a lot;(Thanks Jo, LOL) it also made me realize I need to get going on my bucket list pronto! Therefore, if there are any travel companies out there listening, I am letting you know now–I am available for travel assignments. LOL.
A: Age at which you went on your first trip abroad:
Nineteen, when I left Panama for the very first time–went to Brooklyn, New York, on a 6-month visit, yeah!
B: Best foreign beer you have had and where:
I am not much of a beer drinker, but I prefer light beers–Heineken, or when I travel to Miami, Cerveza Panama.
C: Cuisine:
Give me some Latin or Caribbean food any day of the week, (Panama, Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, etc.) closely followed by Indian and Mediterranean. I, however, am known for trying all kinds of foods at least once.
D: Destinations, favorite, least favorite, and why:
Image via Wikipedia
I love big cities New York, Miami, Orlando, and Atlanta where I once lived and still have family are favorites. I also love London and Paris, and Panama of course, even though it is not a big city—it is where I come from. I do not have a least favorite destination…yet.
E: Event you experienced abroad that made you say, “Wow!”
There are many, but the first time I saw a skyscraper in New York City, that image remains etched on my mind. I was nineteen years old and it was the first time I’d been away from my parents’ watchful eyes, I will never forget it.
F: Favorite mode of transportation:
Airplanes, I want to get there fast!
G: Greatest feeling while travelling:
Anticipation, Icannot wait to get where I am going, let the fun begin.
H: Hottest place you have travelled to, where?
Florida, in July and still we went ahead and moved here, LOL
I: Incredible service you have experienced and why:
Pampering received during a 7-day cruise to Bermuda, because they catered to my every whim and I loved it!
J: Journey that took the longest:
My sister and I, took a road trip from New York to Florida, twice; just for the fun of it and with our young children in tow. I would never do that one again!
K: Keepsake from your travels:
I bought two handbags in Paris; and a few Pashmina scarves in London. I usually shop for things that are practical and wearable, not too big on keepsakes.
L: Letdown sight, where and why:
I am sure there are some, but I just cannot remember them.
M: Moment when you fell in love with travel:
The first time I got on a plane, from Panama to New York. That was it!
N: Nicest hotel you have stayed at while traveling:
We travel as cheaply as possible. However, any Marriott usually does the trick.
O: Obsession: what are you obsessed with taking photos of when you travel:
Boats, beaches, sunsets, old churches, museums, and gardens usually get my attention as well as unusual sights. Architectural structures that are unique and beautiful.
P: Passport stamps, how many and from where:
Very few in the last few years–London, Paris, Bermuda and Panama; I better get going on that bucket list!
Q: Quirkiest attraction you have visited and where:
Image via Wikipedia
Orlando’s only upside-down attraction, WonderWorks, an amusement park for the mind featuring over one hundred interactive exhibits for people of all ages. I had the weirdest experience upon entering the exhibit building, thought it was moving–not. LOL. That was a very funny experience.
S: Splurge; something you have no problem forking out money for when travelling:
I do not mind splurging for a room with a view, and dinner at a fancy restaurant now and then.
T: Touristy thing you have done:
When I arrived in New York for the first time, I made sure to tour all the big attractions–Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, and all the museums I could get into; that was a lot of fun. Who knew I would be living there for the next twenty years and would get to visit those sites over and over every time friends and family would come to visit. LOL
U: Unforgettable travel memory:
Roundtrip London to Paris on the Chunnel, which included visits to many, must see sites and some off the beaten path places.
V: Visas, how many and for where:
I can only wish, but so far none.
W: Wine, best glass of wine had while travelling, where:
The best wine I have ever drank was had in Paris, at a friend’s home.
X: eXcellent view and from where:
Port Charlotte Beach Complex
Sunsets on the beach, in Florida
Y: Years spent travelling:
More than I can remember, but mostly within the states. Seriously, I have to get that bucket list thing going. LOL
Z: Zealous sports fans and where:
New York Yankees fans; don’t even mention the Mets to them.
Well, this has been a fun exercise (but it made me think too much) so now I pass it on to some of my fellow bloggers. Let us see, who is next?
Chica on the Move 