Advice From the NY Post for a Leo Travel Writer

When I finally got home from my long trip back from Queensland, Lil had the NY Post waiting. After a 12 hour flight from Brisbane to LAX and then a 6 hour one to JKF followed by my under dressed walk to the car in long term parking, it was great to walk into the home I love. The end of my Post horoscope stated that for me a Leo, life is for living, and loving and laughing. As a Leo I try my hardest but a travel day with such long stretches makes it hard sometimes, until I realize that I am living life to the fullest, the opportunities I have make to do so unthinkable.

Australia is a long way to go to spend 6 nights, unless you realize that the chance to explore some far flung destinations with fantastic islands is included in the time frame. I also thought about the amazing team of writers and photographers I bonded with, more about them later. With the international dateline fitting in with this trip I wasn’t sure if I was getting my horoscope today, yesterday or tomorrow. I do know that it was great advice.

Friendly Queensland, Australia

While the activities of my trip through Queensland were tops there is another aspect that I think I should mention, the nice people factor. Australians are so friendly and amicable that I feel like Sally Fields did when she won an Oscar. I wanted to scream, “You like me, you really like me”. I have been called mate so many times that I feel like it is my given name. Conversation, smiles and courtesy are part of life here and it was a welcome part to me. Thanks Queensland for the great memories, see you later mates.

Champagne's Bubbles at Bligny

Sadly we had to leave Champagne and the lovely Sarah Flook today as we headed into Burgundy. Sarah took us to so many amazing places throughout the region, from historical cities like Troyes to châteaux’s and vineyards. An amazing lunch and tasting stands out in my mind, our stop at Chateaux De Bligy situated out in Champagne’s country side. Fantastic vintages interspaced with local dishes were served in the Châteaux’s rooms, a different course per room. One could feel a bit like royalty!

Travel Locally NYC Folks, Ulster County is Ready

We got some good news here in Ulster County, unfortunately it stems from bad news in the US. According to an Ulster County Press article, Judy Randall, president and CEO of Randall Travel Marketing, says,” the rising cost of gas and food not to mention airfare, will play right into the Valley’s hands” I am optimistic but a bit worried, our proximity to NYC should always play a big part in local tourism but I haven’t seen much of it over the years. Yet after a few ten dollar cups of coffee and eight dollar chocolate bars recently run into in Europe nothing travel wise surprises me. I can only hope enough NYC folks will battle the rising cost of fuel and head up to one of the prettiest places I’ve seen and I have seen plenty. Perhaps like some restaurants and shops in the Hamptons we should start taking the Euro, like I said I am optimistic!

Ulster County's Train Tracks Lead to Sweden, Finland and Australia

I took a break from the desk today and wandered to an old train that I have passed by on the road for years on RT 209. I have loved steel rails since I was a kid. Here in Ulster County the railroad was once a powerful mode of transportation. In fact two houses down from mine an old station has been converted into a very cool home. Every morning I am home I walk the rail tracks that now go through the woods. As I explored the abandoned rail cars today I thought about some trips by train I have recently taken, Sweden, Finland and Australia. There is something so comfortable about a mode of transportation where all you have to do is stare out of the window and watch the world go by, All Aboard.

Tourism Australia and Conde Nast Traveler Fete

It has been 3 weeks since my skin cancer surgery and I feel like it is time to head out, things are looking better.

It will be a spot on time in NYC this week, Tourism Australia in partnership with Conde Nast Traveler is hosting a fete this Thursday in the Conde Nast building on 4 Times Square. I am looking forward to some delights prepared by Australian chefs Ian Parmenter and Peter Howard.

Also on hand will be the Late Steve Irwin’s widow Terri. Some times I really like going to such events in NYC, I get to network and see some old friends as well as spending some time in the Big Apple.