Happy Valentine’s Day

“Love is a promise, love is a souvenir, once given never forgotten, never let it disappear.” -John Lennon

My McQueen

It’s no secret I have a passion for scarves. Whether it’s from Canal Street in New York City or a boutique shop on the Via Condotti in Rome, my wallet knows no limits when it comes to the comfort of a scarf. From my cashmere pashminas to my Gap special, scarves hold a unique place in my life – they are the security blanket I reach for on a long flight, or the wrap I seek on a cold night. But, but it’s my Alexander McQueen scarf that is the most special.

The devastating loss of Alexander McQueen rattled the fashion world and rendered me speechless. I remember the day I bought my first McQueen…

I was in London on a business trip with my co-worker and fellow McQueen-fiend friend, The Missus. In fact, it was this friend who first introduced me to McQueen, and this friend who was with me when I made my first McQueen purchase. We arrived in London on a Saturday and after a quick nap and a cup of coffee, we went straight to Harrods. We made our way through the Jo Malone, Anya Hindmarch and Mulbury, passed the tea and chocolate shops and found our way to the McQueen accessories. We dug through the coveted skull scarfs until we found what we wanted. I held up the black and purple silk skull scarf and proudly declared it mine. Within minutes I was checking out, claiming my VAT tax and wrapping my McQueen around me. To this day, that scarf is in every suitcase on all my travels, because you just never know when you need to spice up an outfit with a few skulls.

At 40-years-old, Alexander McQueen was a designer who knew no limits. He was a stylist beyond our wildest dreams – he pushed the envelop and made people rethink they way they approached fashion. He was known for taking risks and creating controversy.  He made skulls sexy.

His life was cut short but he’ll forever live on as one of the most influential designers of our time.

Hope For Haiti: How You Can Help

The best part about being a travel writer is meeting inspiring people from around the world. The people of Haiti are no exception.

Those who know me well know there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for a child- I’ve written about the Nightwalker Children in Uganda and continue to pray for the orphans in Haiti – these kids need our help. While people around the world await word from loved ones after the 7.0 earthquake that rocked Haiti and Port-au-Prince, the death toll continues to increase. Thanks to Haiti relief funds set up from airlines, hotels, non-profit organizations and government agencies, you can help in the Haiti relief efforts.

Every little bit helps. Thank you for all that you can give.

Richard Branson: A Knight With A Kite

It’s fascinating to be part of Sir Richard Branson’s world. The uber-entrepreneur turns dust into gold, and rarely comes across a challenge he can’t solve. When Richard Branson puts his mind to something, creativity knows no boundaries (don’t believe me? see: Virgin Galactic). So what does this man do when he’s just being Branson? You might be surprised…

I’ve had the privilege to talk to Branson on a few occasions. The topics usually involve the airline industry, his newest adventure or invention, or a quick chat about upcoming trips, and they usually take place as we’re running through an airport. But our latest conversation was a little more intimate. I had the unique opportunity to join Branson at the dinner table on Necker Island (Branson’s own private island in the British Virgin Islands). There was dining, drinking, dancing (yes, all on the dinner table), and conversation on one of the most private islands in the world. Simply put, my one night on Necker Island was a travel writer’s dream come true…

It all started with a little invitation to attend the kick off to the first annual Kite Jam in the British Virgin Islands, a kite surfing extravaganza set to launch in March 2010.

I hopped a flight to San Juan and weighed in for the Cessna flight to Tortola, where the festivities were set to begin. The first night was at Maria’s By The Sea, a helpful little hotel located right in the center of town. The hotel is perfect for business travelers needing quick access to everything, but if you’re staying for a few nights be sure to request a room overlooking the water (otherwise you’ll have a great view of the parking lot). I met my fellow press trip reporters for dinner and tucked myself in for a good night’s sleep after a long day of travel.

The next day we set sail for Norman’s Island, courtesy of Sunsail fleets. The catamarans took us to the island said to harbor the treasure chest of Blackbeard. Sadly, I didn’t find the loot, but I did leave the island with a hat that reads, “Where’s your booty?” After a nice dinner at the hotel restaurant, I packed my bags and set up a wake-up call for 6 a.m. the next morning. Destination: Virgin Gorda.

On our way to VG, we detoured at the undiscovered and beautifully unspoilt island of Anegada. Continue Reading…

The Nightwalker Children

Note to readers: Medical travel and volunteer travel (voluntourism) is fast becoming an important way to help those less fortunate, and it’s a program that is near to my heart. What better way to spread good health than by helping those less fortunate? The Nightwalker Children are a group of kids in Uganda who walk from town to town in the dark of night to avoid being trapped into a life of violence. Thanks to medical travel volunteers, these kids are cared for and put on the path to a healthier life…

The ‘nightwalker’ children in Northern Uganda travel from town to town in the middle of the night to avoid being abducted and forced into a life of violence. They sleep on dirt and their clothes are tattered. They are orphans seeking refuge from a life of constant running and torture. They haven’t had a good meal or a proper night’s sleep in years. In fact, most of them don’t know if they’re sick, infected, or carrying a virus. Most have never seen a doctor or, just as importantly, a dentist.

We likely share the same memories of dentist visits as kids. The twice-annual 30-minute check-ups and occasional drillings are a memory we won’t soon forget.

But imagine a world without toothbrushes, bubblegum toothpaste, or mint-flavored floss. Imagine a mouth full of cavities and so painful that you aren’t able to properly chew your food. Imagine not having your teeth at all. It’s a familiar reality for children around the world, but thanks to volunteer efforts from our local dentists, underprivileged kids in impoverished countries—including the nightwalker children—are being treated to free cleanings, free supplies, and a new outlook on dental hygiene. Continue reading on Medical Travel Today…

Summer in the City: North End Nights

Summer nights sizzle in Boston. The city oozes with heat as people crowd the streets in the North End.

Friends congregate on the corner of Parmenter and Salem streets to plan out their next destination for the night. Parents hold tightly to their kids; kids hold tightly to their ice cream cones and Italian ices. Couples are unfazed by the drips of sweat that trickle through their entwined hands.

Cell phones sing in the background of the neighborhood band, which presents the Lady Madonna as she’s carried through the streets. People crowd the statue to add their dollar bill to the Society.

Sausages and peppers sizzle on the portable grill. Mike’s Pastry welcomes a long line of tourists eager to get their hands on a cannoli or almond cookie. The sounds of carnival games get louder as the night gets longer. We slowly make our way down Hanover Street to check out the buzz, weaving our way through the hundreds of people who flock to the feasts. The not-quite-teen-not-quite-adult boys stand perched in a corner, eying the the newcomers to the area and wondering which of the young ladies might be back next weekend for another feast. I love watching the excitement on the faces of little kids the first time they knock down all the soda bottles and get a prize, and the proud expressions on the faces of elderly residents who have been part of the feasts for 50 or more years. Continue Reading…