People to See and Places to go!

Places to go! People to See! 

By: Marcia King-Gamble

www.lovemarcia.com

Thanks to several years spent in the travel industry with airlines and cruise lines, there are way too many favorite places to mention. The ones I have mentioned hold special memories for me, and even now the travel bug  bites.

Those following my posts know I was fortunate enough to join the late, great Pan Am right out of college. I flew for two years then went into management.  It was a young woman’s dream being able to get on and off  planes and see sights I could never afford on my own. Travel has been the best finishing school ever.  It taught me about, food, wine and different cultures. To this day most of my disposable income goes to the mandatory trip or two.

Top of my favorite list is New Zealand, but that’s already been done by the very fortunate author, Bronwen Evans, who happens to live there.  It truly is a special place, and while it’s been a few years, I still recall the gorgeous water views, the exotic landscaping,  and the charming Tudor homes.  I would move there in a Northeast minute. The restaurants in Auckland serve the best New Zealand lamb I’ve ever had and it’s not uncommon for a total stranger to visit your table as you're dining. No agenda,  they just want to say  “hi.” 

Hong Kong is another city high on my list. It’s a magical place with a lot going on.  It’s the fashion capital of the world and the place you can still pick up some reasonably priced pearls and custom tailored clothing . An evening out on the town is a memorable experience. I’ve heard some of the most talented rock and R&B bands there.  Restaurants cater to every mood and palate.   But that’s not all Hong Kong offers, if you’re looking to spend a day of sun, fun and relaxation, there are several beaches to choose from on both Hong Kong and Kowloon. No one should miss the sunset harbor cruise

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As you can tell,  I'm a huge fan of Asia. Another favorite city is Bangkok. There are some really cool hotels there, and if you're into being pampered this is the place to be. Spend a half a day at a spa for a massage, pedicure, manicure, and hot oil treatment, all for a fraction of what you would pay in the USA. 

One of my favorite purchases is still a brass noodle vendor stand.  Back then they were $15.00,  not so any more, but still reasonable. The piece makes for a unique place to hold soaps, shampoos or wash cloths, though some friends have turned them into mini-bars.

Venice is another wonderful treasure and a place you shouldn’t miss. It is perhaps one of the most romantic cities in the world and the most mysterious. The hotels are expensive, but the food is mouthwatering good.  

If you’re  an adventurous sort and don’t mind taking a 20 minute Vaporetto ride, then go to Lido where less expensive hotels are. Lido was once known for its famous brothels.  It’s a beach community with charming villas where you can stay without breaking the bank.

Near and dear to my heart is the island I was born on – St. Vincent.  I always knew it was beautiful and a special place, but now having visited most of the world, I have come to appreciate it even more. My island paradise (all of 150 sq. miles,) has so much to offer. No wonder the Grenadines (owned by the mainland) have become the “It place” for so many of the rich and famous. 

Here’s where Kate Middleton and Prince William stay when visiting Mustique.

To sum up, there are  many more beautiful places waiting to be explored, but in the interest of time , I will save them for another day. Here  in the USA my go to place is the Jersey Shore which is the setting of my  recent book... Monmouth Beach,  New Jersey rocks! 

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Planes, Trains & Cruise Ships! Wow!

by Marcia King-Gamble

Airplanes for a long time were my home away from home. I ate on them. I slept on them. I even served guests on them. Since I was a flight attendant for a major international airline, travel came with the territory.  Home for a while was Hawaii, Seattle and New York. When I wasn’t home, I traveled to exotic ports. Bangkok, Tokyo, Singapore and Hong Kong were just some.

Then I transferred to New York and the scenery changed somewhat. India, the Middle East and South America became favorite haunts. Not only was I inspired by the incredible architecture, I got to shop my  heart out.  Flying out of the east coast meant dancing the night away at a London club, shopping at Harrods, and sightseeing when I could. Did you know some of the best consignment shops are in Paris?  India meant jewelry and  more fashionable clothing, and so did Hong Kong and Bangkok. I still have strands and strands of those wonderful Hong Kong pearls.

Travel also meant sampling the cuisines of the countries we flew into. I ate my way through Paris, Rome, and the south of France. Frankfurt has the best Vienna Schnitzel ever. Rome is the pasta capital of the world and holds the record for flirtatious men.  Barcelona’s museums are not to be beat.  And Rio... well once you experience Rio, you never want to go home. Rio has the best Sunday Market ever. Now back to food.  In the mood for Chinese or an authentic curry?  Count on London to provide you with both.

It's lunch time somewhere. Here I am in Venice enjoying some of  that pasta I mentioned.

Come winter, I followed the sun. Mexico City was a favorite place to land. There, culture is paired with a full bodied red. Try the prime cuts and you'll never be  a vegan  again. The Caribbean provided black sand beaches and delicious spicy food.  By now you should know I love to travel.

Trains are another favorite mode of transportation.  Sleeper trains, especially.  My first experience with a sleeper was in Egypt when I needed to get from Cairo to Luxor.  I boarded a high speed German train that whizzed me through some of the most intriguing countryside.  At the end, a farmer offered to take me off my spouse’s hands in exchange for his livelihood - the six camels he owned!

Since then I have ridden more trains than I care to mention, some luxurious, and some not so much.  What this experience has given me is a better appreciation for Europe. Europe makes traveling by rail so much easier.

Trains are also one of the most scenic ways to see Alaska. If you take the Alaskan Railroad, or for a cushier experience, the McKinley Explorer, you might never come home. Want something less exotic? Then hop aboard The Coast Starlight Express running from Los Angeles to Seattle.  I can’t think of a nicer way arrive in The Emerald City.

As for car trips, well they are just not me. I’m taking liberties here and substituting cruising instead. You unpack once and everything is at your fingertips.  There’s gourmet food, above par entertainment, and a service experience to rival none. I know of what I speak because I worked in this industry for years.

Yeah, I love cruising!

Here's a fun pic of me on last year's cruise.

           

If I've convinced you to pack your bags, then what are you waiting for? Let's go exploring. And if you want a taste of Junkanoo in Nassau, Bahamas, then pick up Tempting Andie, my latest novella.