TRAVEL WITH SERENA -- GUEST TRAVEL WRITER DR. KELLE Z RILEY

Our intrepid guest travel blogger, Kelle Z Riley, is back again today with more tales from her early travels to Paris. Do you think she’ll get any sightseeing in this time? Read on to find out. -- AP

Kelle's kitties didn't want her to leave.

PARIS, PART 2

Hello fellow travelers!  I’m back after a month off to take care of some nagging health issues.  No doubt it was from a bug I caught while traveling.  So save yourselves the trouble of antibiotics and cough remedies and spend your travel time vicariously with me. . .  Last time we spoke (in Feb.) I told you of my first trip to Paris—where I saw some of the local industry rather than lots of tourist sites.

The second time I visited Paris—in winter—I stayed in a charming hotel in the heart of the city.  By charming, I mean small.  The room was as wide as a king sized bed and just a little longer!  My twin-sized bed lay so close to the window that I could reach out from under the covers and open or close the window to adjust the room temperature.  Since the room was boiling hot, it was delightful to be able to crack open the window and feel cool winter air swirl over the top of my down comforter.  Even the noise of the crowded streets four floors below seemed soothing.

Two feet from the foot of my bed and up one step was the bathroom.  If you dropped something in the shower, you had to get out and stand on the bath mat to retrieve it.  No kidding.  No bending to shave your legs allowed in this shower!  But there was plenty of warm water, so I had no worries.  The real beauty of the bathroom was a floor to ceiling window which could be opened just wide  enough to let me squeeze out onto a balcony.  The streets of Paris are narrow, winding, and intersect other streets at unusual angles.  Form my perch I could see a panorama of shops, pedestrians and vehicles of all kinds (from taxis to bicycles).  Every city has a special energy and I felt it keenly on that tiny balcony.

During this trip, I had some free time.  Two hours of it, to be exact.  In my 2 free hours, I went shopping (to purchase a souvenir suitcase to replace the one broken on the earlier legs of my journey).  Of course I also bought a beret and a scarf and some warm, fuzzy gloves.  The challenge (and a source of adventure) lay in the fact that I had no idea what the currency exchange rate was.  I was using Euros, but during that time the Euro and the U.S. dollar were not even close to the same in terms of spending power.  It is always scary to go to an ATM half a world from home and withdraw cash—you never know till you get home how much you’ve dented your bank account.  Ditto for credit card purchases.  But when you desperately NEED a suitcase on wheels—c’est la vie!

While my tourist activities were still severely limited (saw l’Arc de Triomphe from yet another cab window), I nevertheless learned some important aspects of French culture.  That is to say, I learned about the luxury of croissants, pain au chocolate (a flakey croissant-like bread with a bar of rich chocolate in the middle), and café au lait.  Warning: once you’ve had a croissant in Paris, you’ll never be satisfied with one anywhere else in the world!

The rest of the trip was dedicated to work and cab rides back to the airport where my sparkling new suitcase was properly broken in and began earning it’s travel legs.  We (my bag and I) went on to Germany, Amsterdam and finally home to the U.S., but that is a story for another blog.

I left Paris wishing I’d had more time and longing to return to the city.  As always, I hoped that the next trip would bring a chance to see the wonderful tourist sites that have inspired travelers for decades.  Cross your fingers. . .

I’ll see you next month!

Kelle

TRAVEL WITH SERENA -- GUEST TRAVEL WRITER DR. KELLE Z RILEY ON PARIS

Our globe-trotting friend Kelle Z Riley is back today, this time talking about her first visit to the City of Lights. -- AP

In preparation for Valentine’s day let me introduce you to Paris!  The city of lights, the city of romance, who could ask for more?

In preparation for my first business trip to Paris, I dusted off my high school French vocabulary, pulled out the French-English dictionary and packed my bags.  It was everything I imagined when the taxi pulled up to a gleaming luxury hotel a block from the Eiffel Tower.  

Having heard stories of how the French won’t speak to you in English, I was ready to try my hand at French with the desk clerk.  After “Bonjour” she stopped me with a warm smile and said “Don’t worry, we speak English.”  That hurdle behind me, I started to look forward to my evenings in Paris.

I went to the room, unpacked a bit and ordered room service.  After a lovely meal, I walked to the Eiffel Tower, arriving at closing time.  It was too late to go up to the observation decks, but even from the ground, it was a marvel.  Each “foot” of the tower easily covered an area the size of a city block. 

As the sun was setting, I knew I had time that night to do ONE touristy thing.  I settled on a boat tour on the Seine—only to discover that my fellow tourists were actually commuters taking the water taxi.  I heard such informative things as “next stop, Notre Dame”  and “last stop, Eiffel Tower.”  Needless to say I was a bit disappointed when I walked back to the hotel.  But there was always tomorrow night—I had several days worth of business to attend to in Paris.

At the hotel, my grand plans crumbled into a heap of rubble.  A message waited for me from home, telling me that I’d been rebooked into a different hotel for the remainder of my stay.  The next day I took a taxi across town.  (Hey—isn’t that l’Arc de Triomphe I see through the cab window?  Oops, too late to get a photo).

My new hotel was a smallish two story building with a dorm-sized room.  (Later I learned this is far more typical of European hotels, but I digress.)  Located in an industrial suburb of Paris, it was not at all what one would expect to see as a tourist.

On the positive side, it was an ideal chance to practice my French.  The staff at the hotel was very friendly and helpful, but they didn’t speak English.  Really.  I could tell they weren’t faking it.  My dictionary and my rusty French vocabulary had to suffice.  To be honest, my French classes had not prepared me for the reality of asking a desk clerk why my key card didn’t work.  Or for the difficult negotiations with taxi drivers.  But the need to communicate and survive is a great teacher.  It was a proud moment when I asked the desk clerk—in French—to please call a taxi for me. 

I even managed to order dinner one night in the hotel’s restaurant, although I suspect the server didn’t come by my table often because I was so hard to communicate with.  The next nights I purchased cheese, crackers and Perrier from the grocery and ate in my room so I could relax!

On the way home, I picked up a few souvenirs from the airport shops, but I never made it back to the Eiffel Tower, the Seine (at least not the part where people want to visit) or any other sights. 

So, sadly, the saga of my first visit to Paris must come to an end.  But don’t worry—I visited the city several more times after that.  Come back next month when I’ll share the adventures of my second visit to Paris.  (I can hear you asking now:  Did she ever go up in the Eiffel Tower?  Did she try the snails?  Did she learn to speak enough French to navigate the taxi system?)  Tune in, more will be revealed in March.

Adieu for now!

But Kelle, why did they switch your hotel? Readers, have you ever had a trip that didn’t turn out to be all you expected? Let’s hear from you. Post a comment to be entered into the drawing for a book from our Book Club Friday guest author. -- AP

TRAVEL WITH SERENA -- GUEST TRAVEL WRITER DR. KELLE Z RILEY

Our globe-hopping guest travel editor Dr. Kelle Z. Riley is back with us today with a very unique New Year’s resolution, one I plan to take her up on. -- AP

Greetings fellow travelers!  I hope you all recovered from our whirlwind shopping trip last month.  Here in my Tennessee home, nature gifted us with a White Christmas and the perfect winter, one that lasts only about 3-6 weeks.  Despite this, January is overcast and gloomy—and brings with it the pressure to make resolutions.

I’ve given up on New Year’s Resolutions.  How many of you make them?  How many keep them?  I confess there was only one New Year’s Resolution (out of many) that I actually kept.  Before I reveal it, you need to know a little about me. 

Generally, I have two speeds:  all out and full stop.  Life is short, so I throw myself into it.  For example: I earned a Ph.D. in chemistry, taught at a graduate level, and worked in industry doing research, teaching, engineering, and sales support revolving around water purification and use.  It was tough but fun.

I also earned a third-degree black belt in Karate, developed and sponsored self-defense workshops, taught at a women’s shelter and obtained certification with a national self-defense training organization.  From that I developed my passion for raising awareness about Domestic Violence and its prevention.  And all of this in spite of my two left feet!

Then, I started writing.  One novel, a handful of short stories and a closetful of manuscripts later, I’m still writing, developing workshops on craft and striving to perfect my skills.

Oh, and in between all of this, I dabbled in house buying and remodeling (laying bricks was more fun than installing linoleum), wedding planning (my own), community and charitable activities and just about anything else that presented itself.

Which brings me to the NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION.  During a hyperactive phase, where I took time out only to eat and sleep, I resolved to relax on the couch and read more books.  Seriously.  I resolved to be lazy.  You’d think it would be easy, but I struggled to keep it.  Eventually I achieved a better (though far-from-ideal) balance between doing and not doing. 

So, instead of striving to do more, be more or get more, this year, I’ve decided to appreciate what I have more.  To count blessings instead of short comings.  To balance accomplishments with goals.  And to continue to read more books.

So what about you?  Won’t you join me in declaring January “Curl-Up-And-Read-A-Book-Month?”  Because really, there is nothing in life that can’t be made more bearable by a cup of hot tea (or cocoa or coffee) and a satisfying book.  We all deserve some time out to replenish ourselves.

If you agree, please comment with your suggestions of a great book for January reading.  And I’ll see you next month, when I’ll share some of the romance of Paris, just in time for Valentine’s Day.  Happy Reading!

So readers, what do you think? Ready to curl up and read a book for Curl-Up-And-Read-A-Book-Month? Might I suggest you start off by picking up a copy of Assault With a Deadly Glue Gun, the book about yours truly? Whatever book you decide to read, don’t forget to post a comment to be entered in the drawing this week for a book by our Book Club Friday guest author. -- AP

TRAVEL WITH SERENA -- GUEST TRAVEL WRITER DR. KELLE Z RILEY

World traveler Dr. Kelle Z Riley is a back with us again today, filling in for travel editor Serena Brower. Kelle is a Ph.D. scientist by day and writer by night.  A 2005 Golden Heart Finalist, her first book—a romantic suspense entitled Dangerous Affairs—was published in 2006.  Kelle believes in the magical power of storytelling to entertain, educate and enthrall both readers and writers of all ages.  When she’s not saving the world’s water supply, or kicking butt in a karate class, she can be found at her computer spinning tales of love and happily-ever-after. -- AP

Hi Anastasia, thank you for inviting me to stop by the blog. During my last visit, I spent time reflecting on life, but this time around, I want to take your readers on an incredible international shopping trip.  (After all, I promised them I would.)  Today we’ll visit Bangkok, Seoul and Singapore in search of the perfect gift.  Next time, who knows?  Maybe Paris.  Or Zurich. Only time will tell.

In Search of the Perfect Christmas Gift

Wow, can you believe it?  Less than a week to go before Christmas—and I still have gifts to buy!  If you’re like me, you may be stumped searching for the perfect gift.  Never fear.  This year, I have the solution.  Come with me, and I’ll show you some of the best deals on the planet: one-of-a-kind gifts that are sure to please.  That is, assuming you have a few thousand extra frequent flier miles lying around.  Pack lightly, carry-on only, because we don’t want to waste time hanging out in baggage claim.  Wear comfy shoes, fill one bag with a few changes of clothing and grab an empty duffel bag for all the great gifts you’ll find.  Oh, and dress in layers, ‘cause we’re going through several time zones and climate changes.  Ready?

We’re boarding a plane that heads up toward Alaska, cuts across the arctic circle and brings us down into exotic Bangkok.  By the time we land, you’ll be ready to peel an outer layer off—the Thai natives may think it’s chilly when the thermometer dips into the 70’s but that’s warm to you—right?  After somewhere between 16-24 hours in travel mode, I’m sure you’re tired and a little achy, so the first stop is just for you.  We’re going to splurge on a Thai massage.  

After showering and changing into light cotton “scrubs,” you’ll lie on a thick mattress in a curtained-off room.  Your therapist will massage the soreness away as she kneels on the floor beside you or cradles your head in a pillow on her lap.  After an hour, you’ll move to a chair where she’ll spend the next hour working on just your feet and legs.  Feel the life coming back into your toes?  Good.  You’ll need your energy for our shopping trip.  (By the way, this royal treatment will run you about $25 or so in most spas.  How’s that for a bargain?)

When darkness falls, the magic of the night markets lights up.  We’ll gab a bicycle cab and head out.  In a bustling section of town you find a cluster of vendor stalls—some under roof and others under the stars—all filled with goods to indulge your senses.  Crafts.  Incense.  Massage oils.  Perfumes.  Silks.  My favorites are the lovely silk scarves in rainbow colors.  At only a few dollars each, you can pick up enough to share with all your friends.  You can also find great silk jackets and other clothing items, all carefully tailored.  (Just remember, a Thai “large” may well be an American “small.”)  Other wonderful gifts include the colorful ceramic mugs, teapots and dishes whose intricate designs will delight the eye.  Why not pick up a covered tea mug and some local tea leaves to brew in it when you get home?

Pack your treasures and get ready to hop on a plane again.  (Remember the empty duffel bag?  We’re starting to fill it up.)  We’ll head north to Seoul.  The mere 6-8 hour flight seems short after the trip to Thailand, doesn’t it?  Still, I bet you’re hungry by now.  Pile on an extra layer of clothing (we’re back in the cold north) and we’ll get some traditional Korean food.  Not sure about that?  Trust me.  Korean barbeque is thin sliced, seasoned cuts of beef grilled at your table top with onions and vegetables.  Yum!  The only trick is using the slippery, pointy stainless steel chopsticks (forks are hard to find).  Fill up because we’re off to the shopping areas.

The national stone of Korea is amethyst.  At stores throughout Seoul, you can find hundreds of the gem stones for sale at affordable prices.  Here’s your chance to get a truly impressive gift for someone special.  I admit, I also fell in love with the shoes!  And boots!  I found a lovely pair of knee-high leather boots and a pair of gorgeous green suede ankle boots.  Who said all of the shopping had to be for someone else?

OK.  One more plane trip and one last stop.  We’re going back south to Singapore.  (Slip on your shorts and put the heavy clothing away!)  We won’t do a lot of shopping here—Singapore malls and prices are similar to upscale American versions.  Instead, we’re here to indulge in one last, rejuvenating experience.  We’re going to the fish spa.  Yes, you heard me.  Fish spa.  After washing and thoroughly rinsing your feet and legs, sit on the raised benchs and dangle your legs in the fish tanks at your feet.  A special breed of fish then nibble away your dry skin and calluses while a spa technician give you a neck and shoulder rub.  As you relax, you realize the fish are giving your legs a tiny, tingling massage—not at all uncomfortable.  And when you get out your skin is smooth and soft.

Now that you’re refreshed, it’s time to get on one last plane and head home.  If you’re lucky—and we’ve been lucky this trip, haven’t we?—you’ll get upgraded to first class where you can curl up on a seat that converts to a bed and dream away the hours till landing time.  Get some rest.  Once you land, you’ll only have a few hours to wrap those gifs and put them under the tree!  Like Santa, you’ll have made your way around the world to bring the perfect gifts home to the ones you love.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Thanks, Kelle! I’m giving you my shopping list next time I need gifts. Readers, how did you like that vicarious shopping experience? And what did you think of the nibbling fishies at your feet? Let’s hear from you. Post a comment to be entered in this week’s drawing for a book from tomorrow’s guest author. -- AP