Travel Etiquette - When in Rome....

Remember when an Iraqi journalist threw his shoes at George Bush on a recent farewell tour in Iraq? Bush later said that that incident was one of the weirdest of his life. But anyone who understands Middle Eastern culture knew that exposing the sole of the shoe to someone is considered a strong sign of disrespect. It is not a weird incident, just a part of Middle Eastern culture. Unfortunately, too many of us have travelled to a foreign country only to be bamboozled by the strangeness of their customs. It does not have to be that way, as long as travellers understand a culture and display the proper etiquette.





Etiquette is the code of principles, such as respect and honour, in any given society. It is really the manner in which you convey those principles to others that can be a little tricky and may make others feel uncomfortable. Travellers want to experience new cultures and live in the moment, but they should also be careful not to offend the locals. There are many ways to travel the world and still be respectful of every local culture you visit, but most of us do not have the time study cultures extensively. The first thing you can do is pick up a book about the country you are visiting. Most travel books have an etiquette section to give you a brief overview of cultural mores.



Meeting And Greeting


Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, meeting your foreign hosts in the correct manner is crucial to achieving a good first impression. If you are unsure of how a greeting should take place, wait for your host to offer the greeting first.



In Europe, North and South America, a greeting usually consists of a firm handshake, eye contact and a smile. In China and Japan, a handshake will suffice, but your host may bow down to greet you. In the Middle East, your handshake should be gentle and should be accompanied with a smile. Men should not shake a woman's hand unless she initiates the handshake. In relaxed occasions, women may greet each other with a kiss on each cheek.




Dress Code


Many cultures around the world have not yet accepted the idea of women walking around in booty shorts and men walking around topless. Your safest bet is to stick to conservative, comfortable clothing. For business, men should always wear a tailored business suit with a tie. He should be well groomed. In North and South America and in Europe, women can wear a business suit as well. In Middle Eastern and Asian countries, women should opt for a long skirt and long sleeved shirt or blazer. Women in business suits may come off as too aggressive and masculine in many Asian cultures. No matter where the destination, women must always keep makeup to a minimum so as to appear professional.



International Etiquette


Here are some etiquette tips for some of the most visited countries around the world:



Mexico: Keep your hands above the table at all times.



Germany: Use a fork and knife to eat sandwiches, fruits and most other foods.



Austria: Always arrive on time to social engagements.



France: Do not be nosy, as the French value their privacy.



China: Do not click your fingers or whistle in China; it's considered very rude.



Spain: Never be late for a bullfight, but it is okay to be up to 30 minutes late for any other social engagement.



Italy: Never burp in public and try not to yawn in front of others.



Syria: It is a sign of respect to take off your shoes when you enter someone's home.



UK: Always wait for your host to begin eating before you do.



US: If you are offered a second helping of food, accept it.



When In Rome, Do As The Romans Do


Before embarking on your journey or business trip, research your destination country to learn a bit about their culture so that you do not offend the locals. If you are ever in doubt about your behaviour, just do as the locals do.



Remember, just because something is different does not mean it is wrong. Customs, behaviours and religious practices are unique to every culture and should be respected when you are in someone else's home. Differences in culture should not be considered deficiencies; they are just different.

by: zafana zahili

5 Danger Zones Worth a Visit

Travel advisories frequently paint in broad strokes. There might be a regional conflict here and an unfortunate incident there, but between official advisories, the media, and the rumour mill, the entire canvas is drowned in UPPERCASE critical warnings, guaranteed to scare the hell out of anyone. As a result, visiting some of these fantastic countries below might not seem like a good idea, but with a little common sense (namely, stay away from the trouble zones) you might just find yourself enjoying the best adventure of all.



Robin’s Disclaimer: Bad stuff can happen anywhere, to anyone, at any time. Wherever you decide to go, do your research, listen to advice, and take your personal safety seriously.

Colombia

Desperately in need of some good PR, Colombia is most often associated with kidnapping, murder, drugs and jungle guerrillas. Fortunately, the reality is anything but. I wandered the streets of Bogota during an annual carnival and found locals to be sincerely welcoming. Security is tight, but as a tourist this made me feel safe.

Heading to the Caribbean and UNESCO Heritage Site of Cartagena, I discovered a cobblestone old town rich with history, culture, and outstanding bars and restaurants. Certainly there are parts of Colombia no tourist (or anyone else for that matter) should stray into, particular border areas. But locals will look out for you as they are distinctly proud of their beautiful country and eager to show visitors the best it has to offer.

Ethiopia

It’s one of the poorest countries on the poorest continent, but if you’re prepared to forsake a little comfort and get used to the fact that some things don’t quite work as they should (good luck finding a high speed internet connection), you’ll experience some truly unforgettable experiences.

Visit haunting 11th century rock churches in Lalibela, exotic tribes in the Southern Omo Valley, national parks rich with wildlife, or just partake in a very serious, very delicious local coffee ceremony. Ethiopia has had a long-standing dispute with its Eritrean neighbours, and poverty breeds crime and scams wherever you go. Like the rest of Africa, it is seeped in timeless beauty and political heartbreak. You may want to holiday elsewhere, but if you travel to learn about yourself and the world around you, look no further.

The Philippines

Several years ago a tragic act of terror made world headlines when tourists were abducted from a resort on Palawan, the Philippines’ most pristine and eco-friendly island. The impact on tourism is still being felt throughout the 7,107 islands that make up the country, and there are several extremist no-go zones to the south.

But visit Palawan today and you’ll find a breathtaking and surprisingly affordable alternative to Thailand. English is widely spoken making travel particularly easy, and Filipinos are warm and gracious hosts. When Alex Garland wrote the hit book (and movie) The Beach, he set it in a mythical and untouched paradise in Thailand. Funny thing, the book was actually written in, and inspired by, the limestone islands of El Nido, in Palawan.

Sri Lanka

A civil war has been raging for decades in this teardrop of an island, located to the south of India in the tropical Indian Ocean. The thousands of lives lost, bombings and disappearances are made even more tragic considering just how magnificent the country is. From unspoilt beaches (with notable surfing paradises) in the south to the majestic mountains of the central highlands, Sri Lanka is one of the friendliest countries I’ve ever visited.

Blink your eyes and you’ll wish you could take a picture - smiling locals, bizarre modes of transportation, roadside wildlife and colourful temples. While it is possible to visit the Tamil-controlled north, most visitors are more than content (not to mention wise) to head south to the beaches, the fascinating religious festivals in Kandy and Kataragama, or the delightful tea fields of the highlands.

Albania

When I told neighbouring Croatians I was on my way to Albania they thought I was crazy. The country has a truly awful reputation in Europe as a backwards mess run by organized crime, a relic of the Cold War when it was the world’s most isolated country. Admittedly, the roads were in shambles, the buses held together with elastics and the concept of tourism had not quite taken off.

But here I was in Europe, discovering a friendly new country just as it was discovering me. Curious stares led to offers of food and drink and the prices were more than kind to my backpacker budget. In Dhermi, I found a beach town as stunning as anything on Corfu just a few hours ferry ride away. The country is recovering fast from its economic and political collapse and, in the meantime, locals enthusiastically appreciate those few tourists who take the chance to see what it has to offer.

Photos and words by Robin Esrock

Travel guide: Edinburgh, Scotland

Forget the kilts; one of Scotland's coolest cities is a mix of haute fashion, high culture and medieval magic.

Edinburgh Castle

There's more to Scotland than its largest cities - most of it is emerald green, and if there isn't a castle in view, chances are you can golf on it - but to experience the country at its best, visits to Glasgow and Edinburgh are a must.

Edinburgh (pronounce "Edin-Burough")

The vibe The capital city is a bit uptight - as befits a place that's swarming with financiers and other businessfolk. But if you visit during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (August 3 to 25), you might feel as if the city is too friendly. Spend five minutes in one spot and you'll be accosted by someone (possibly juggling something) inviting you to see the best play in town. Edinburgh is also UNESCO's first City of Literature, and authors like J. K. Rowling have found inspiration in its picaresque, medieval-tinged surroundings.

Where to stay

Tigerlily, a boutique hotel on hip George Street, is a design maven's dream, with artsy cloud-shaped chandeliers and brocade wallpaper with turquoise velvet flowers. The drink menu is described as "biblical" in scope. Try the namesake daiquiri, which mixes homemade raspberry syrup, vanilla cognac, rum and pink grapefruit.

For the luxe country experience, aspiring princesses can rent out Myres Castle, a five-star, 500-year-old estate located 45 minutes outside the city. It's pricey but worth it - assuming that being waited on hand and foot between rounds of croquet and golf is your thing.

Where to shop

Start on Princes Street, known for its Jenners department store (Edinburgh's Harrods) and views of the thousand-year-old Edinburgh Castle. Visit the Escada and Phase boutiques on George Street-and don't miss niche beauty shop Neal's Yard Remedies. At Arkangel on William Street, browse through carefully selected treasures like the cherry-red '40s style suit by Petrovich & Robinson, vintage jewellery and hats spruced up with a shock of feathers.

Pet Cemetery

Where to drink and dine

So-hip-it-hurts music is one of the main attractions at the Opal Lounge-its hot-spot status was cemented by reports that Prince William hung out there while at the University of St Andrews. If you want to feel like royalty yourself, have dinner at Rhubarb at the Prestonfield hotel. With its secluded banquettes and deep purples, the decor is almost as decadent as the menu.

Local restaurant icon James Thomson turns Scottish staples into five-star creations, and the desserts, like Tarte Tatin with Marzipan Ice Cream, are just as exciting. Dance all night at Lulu, which has sound-responsive lighting on the dance floor and Swarovski crystals embedded in the walls.

What to do

Stroll through the fairy-tale locales that dot The Royal Mile, which trails down from Edinburgh Castle to the ruins of Holyrood Abbey. For luxe pampering, One Spa at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa boasts six storeys, a heated rooftop hydropool and individual baths scented with your choice of herbs. Getting there There are direct flights from Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax. Visit www.cometoscotland.com.

By Adam Nayman

The Art of One Bag Travel

Since there will be a possibility of a trip for me and my family in the next month or so. I will be posting some travelling tips on the next few blogs. I am not an expert traveller nor I have travelled the world, but I have been to 10% of the world apparently which is not really that much in my opinion. KB

Kimora Lee-Simmons with her Louis Vuitton Luggage Collection.

While most images of going on vacation involve a trio of wheeled suitcases, there are people out there who travel with less: they pack all they’ll need into one, typically carry-on sized bag.Imagine cutting down on lost luggage, theft and, well, baggage! While travelling with one bag isn’t for everyone and it’s not for every trip, I dare you to try it out once.

The most common complaint I hear from friends who’ve travelled is that every time they bring too much stuff, they suffer the consequences: sore backs, bags bursting at the seams and endless headaches trying to navigate their trio along European cobblestoned streets or paying a premium for a second (or third) bag at the airport.

BenefitsOneBag.com’s “go-light guru” points out five clear benefits to leaving your suitcases at home and living out of one bag: security, economy, mobility, serenity and increased ecology.

Security: You’ll always have an eye on your stuff (passport, wallet, favourite pair of pants) when you’ve got one bag to keep track of! It’s an awful lot easier to ensure that your belongings don’t go missing when you’re not spread out too thinly. To top it off, carry-ons don’t get lost by the airline!

Economy: Save money at the airport, save money when you hop on a bus and save on cash with porters and baggage check clerks. You can also save money on luggage.

Mobility: Obviously someone with one bag moves faster and more efficiently than someone with three.

Serenity: Peace of mind can go a long way to making your trip. On my first European adventure, I did the three-wheeled bags adventure and by the end, I was hoping one (or two) of my bags would get lost!

Ecology: It’s a matter of less. “Less stuff to manufacture. Less use of vehicles and other machinery to move things (including you) around. Less fuel needed for the vehicles that do move you. Less greenhouse gas production. Less damage.


”The Right Bag + The Right Stuff = Happy Travel

Isn't this bag to die for? This is a Louis Vuitton Monogram Special Order Duffle Bag with wheels. I can definitely put all my stuff in there!!!

Finding the right bag is key. Look for quality construction that adheres to airline specifications of a carry-on bag. Look for something that falls within the measurements 23 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm and that is lightweight.

While I’ve never had my carry-on weighed, you will be asked to check your bag if it’s drastically overweight.How things are organized inside the bag is also an important thing to consider before buying. Look for something with pockets for organizing your belongings, but also look for a bag that uses space effectively.

Is there a compartment for a spare pair of shoes? Do you think that the main compartment is sized appropriately for a few outfits? For your laptop? Is everything easy to access? Once you’re happy with the bag’s design, it’s time to decide on a wardrobe.Selecting several coordinating pieces will build a better wardrobe than throwing in your three favourite outfits. Think mix and match to maximize your options.

Travel worthy pieces featuring synthetic, quick-dry fabrics will have your laundry (yes, you’ll likely have to do laundry) dry by morning. Invest in a pair or two of expensive ‘travel underwear’ for space saving, quick drying undergarments.

The Method In a Nut Shell

My favourite one-bag tip is about packing for every eventuality: don’t do it! What if you are invited to dinner with the Queen? In the words of onebag’s travel expert, “the universal answer to any of the (mostly unlikely) situations presented by this kind of ‘What if ...?’ scenario.

Simply ask yourself what the local populace would do if they needed whatever item(s) you're missing!” Buy it, rent it or borrow it!It’s not about thinking of every possibility, it’s about packing what you will need and knowing how to go about finding what you might need, when the situation arises.

After all, no one is going to trek around the world with his or her very best suit or dress just because they could possibly, maybe, in some alternate universe, be invited to dine with the Queen!If you think I forgot about all the things we pick up while on vacation, you can always mail them home instead of dragging them around with you.

They’ll likely be in better shape returning home via post than they will be if you tried to cram them into your pack!

one bag for success

All you have to do is try the one-bag method and there’s little chance that you’ll ever go back to hauling the kitchen sink across the world.


Source: Sympatico

Paris doesn't have to be expensive

Here are some cheap ways to enjoy the city:

PARIS - Paris may be the most visited city in the world, yet it's also one of the most expensive.
"This city is worth the price," says veteran tourist Alex Wadkin, 71, a retiree from Dublin, Ireland, sipping a US$6 cup of coffee on the Champs-Elysees. "If you avoid expensive neighbourhoods - like this one - you'll do all right. But the key is to plan ahead."

For travellers on a budget, the choices can be tough: stay in a far-flung suburb and eat a baguette for every meal, or leave happy but broke. Yet for those in the know, there are plenty of cheap - and even free - ways to enjoy the city.

THE SIGHTS: The Eiffel Tower may be impossible to miss for any self-respecting tourist, but it costs $19 to reach the top and long lines leave you exhausted by the time you reach the celebrated view.

Instead, do as the Parisians do: come in the evening, pack a picnic, and sit on the sprawling lawns surrounding it to watch the sunset and admire the tower alight at night, sparkling every hour for 10 minutes.

For a great view of Paris, just hike up to the top of Montmartre and sit on the Sacre-Coeur Basilica's steps overlooking the city.
THE MUSEUMS: Unless you plan on spending most of your time in museums - which, granted, is possible among the dozens of great museums in Paris - the museum passes (two, four or six days) may not save you much. Better compare prices first at

http://www.parismuseumpass.com.

Try to time your visit to include the first Sunday of the month, when the Louvre and all the major museums are free. And students, always have your ID card on you.
Don't discount a couple of smaller free museums.

Le Musee Carnavalet has lots to offer: located in the gorgeous Marais neighbourhood, it retraces Paris's rich history, from the Revolution to today. Meanwhile the Petit Palais, an architectural beauty in the heart of Paris, shows off collections from Paris in the 1900s all the way back to antiquity.

For photography fans, the gates surrounding the Luxembourg gardens host free open-air exhibits featuring stunning large-scale photography from around the world. And don't forget to go into the park, where Parisians hang out by the fountain, get a tan, and listen to free music on summer weekends.

THE SOUNDS: Paris boasts not one, but two, world-class opera houses. Good seating remains prohibitively expensive, but if you reserve early and don't mind craning your neck a bit, there are seats for $11 and $16. For the under-28 crowd, last-minute tickets - sometimes for coveted seats - can also reach low prices. These are sold 15 minutes before the start of the show. The Opera Bastille reserves 62 standing-room tickets at $8, on sale as soon as doors open, generally 90 minutes before starting time.

And for a musical Notre Dame, drop in on Sunday afternoon starting at 4:30 p.m., when free organ concerts bring out the cathedral's sacred atmosphere.

THE WANDERING: The cheapest and most satisfying way to see the city is on your own. A year ago, Paris debuted an extensive system of rental bikes that you can help yourself to for just $1.50, credit card only, a day at numerous spots all over town. Velib', as they are called, are a great way to wander around the city independently. However Paris traffic can get pretty hairy, and the bikes don't come with helmets, so stay alert.
If cycling isn't your thing, hop on a bus and see where it goes. Weekly passes, which also work on the metro, are well worth investing in. Some scenic bus lines include numbers 24 (goes by the Seine, the Louvre, Notre Dame, several bridges, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysees) and 30 (the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Elysees, the Moulin Rouge, Sacre Coeur).
And there is always the Seine River. Try the Batobus - it's $19, but unlike other flyboats its tickets are good for a whole day, and you can hop on and off with ease at eight top sightseeing spots.

THE FOOD: Food and drink are tricky to budget for in cuisine capital Paris, but if you stray away from touristy streets, there are cheap eats to be had.

For typically French food, no need to go to expensive restaurants, either. Try Le Bouillon Chartier (7 rue du Faubourg Montmartre, metro Grands Boulevards), not just for its stunning art deco interior but for its simple, affordable fare. Or pick up a traditional French picnic at La Cantine de Quentin (52 rue Bichat, metro Goncourt), and walk over to the lovely Saint Martin Canal.

Try street food in the atmospheric Latin Quarter, or fixed-price lunch menus, cheaper than their dinnertime counterparts.

For gourmet ice cream with a view, try Berthillon, at the tip of the Ile Saint Louis, a little island in the middle of the Seine.

Or peruse Paris's traditional outdoor markets. One of the best and least expensive is the Belleville market, between Avenue de Menilmontant and Avenue de la Villette, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

THE ROOM: If you're staying for a week or even just a few days, short-term rentals found on Craigslist can be a lot cheaper than hotels. For an intermediary and a bit more peace of mind, the one-woman company Alcove & Agaves will set you up in lovely Parisian homes -

http://www.bed-and-breakfast-in-paris.com.

If you can afford to, avoid budget hotels or rentals in the suburbs of Paris, as you'll waste too much time on transportation. Lastly, if you find a place so cheap it doesn't come with an Internet connection, take heart: there are free Wi-Fi spots all over Paris, including in many public parks - check out http://www.wifi.paris.fr/.

The Canadian Press
29/07/2008 11:19:00 AM

Pictures were taken by Karinna B.

Why Do We Spend Money at the Airport?

On the way to Victoria last week, I came across a very interesting article from one of the on-board magazine about why travellers spend so much money buying things at the airport?

According to experts they call this impulse behaviour as Transumerism. We tend to spend alot of money for things we don't need at the aiport is because of the long wait for boarding. Going to an international destination, you need to be at the airport at least 3-hours before your departure time. This makes sense to me due to the fact that security has gotten tighter due to the September 11 attacks.

Abu Dhabi Airport Shopping Mall

However, since most people will get there probably 3 or more hours earlier, the process of checking in is also now becoming shorter. Now, once the passengers are checked in and they have 1 - 2 hours lag time before departure, they ended up browsing the shops. As these passengers get bored waiting, they ended up shopping to pass the time.


I find this is true to me as I have bought some things at the airport before that I didn't need, but of course this was I would say 8 years ago, I have gotten smarter and I just bring a book to pass the time.


So to basically summarize this whole transumerism, if you don't want to spend money on unnecessary things at the shops, bring a book, something to pass the time so you don't get bored and have the urge to shop.

All by myself

Last night I had dinner at this very nice restaurant called Haros, which is located just across the street from where I am staying. It was recommended by our client and since they will be paying for it eventually, I wanted to check it out.




I walked in and I was greeted by a receptionist. Here's how the conversation went:


Receptionist: Hello, welcome to Haros.

Me: Hi, I would like a table for one please.


Receptionist: (At this time, Receptionist looks at another colleague and said) Oh ok, ahhh table for one - here please ( and showed me a table near a half wall)

Me: Would it be possible if I could sit by the glass wall? (so I can look outside and watch the sailboats and etc)

(As the Receptionist help me with my seat he said)

Receptionist: What does a beautiful young lady doing here without a date?

(Ok I was shocked! Can't I eat alone? Do I have to have someone with me to eat? Do I have to have a man who will pay for my food? I have money too you know! This is a free country for crying out loud!!!)( Of course I didn't say that to his face, I just said)

Me: Oh I am not from here, I am here for business.

Receptionist: Oh, where are you from? (I think he felt like he had to chat with me)

Me: I am from Toronto

Receptionist: Oh that's great, what business are you here for?

Me: I am a software consultant. (Then he tells me again that John will be coming in a minute)

(So the infamous waiter John came, I ordered the chicken gnocchi and a caramel something dessert , which was the special of the day)( I also ordered a glass of rose')

(As I was just sitting there, enjoying my wine while watching the sailboats and the water and everything else, John came back and said:

John: We do have some reading materials, would you like a newspaper, we also have an Eat Magazine? Something to read while you're waiting for your food?

Me: Hmmmmm, sure the magazine would be great.

John: Absolutely! (then he goes to the reception area and I could see that the Receptionist already had the magazine ready for John to take to me)(oh my food came so fast that I think John asked the chef to cook my food first, so I would have something to do - hahaha)

So the point of this story is to make all people aware, not just waiters, but everyone that it's ok to go to a restaurant and eat by yourself!

I could see the receptionist and John getting all stressed out trying to think of other ways to entertain me so I won't feel awkward- it's like taboo to be sitting alone in a restaurant.

I wanted to tell them both, that "Hey it's ok, don't panic, I am here by myself and I am enjoying my company, I just want to relax, capish?" "And that you don't need to come and see me every 5 minutes to chat with me, I am comfortable by myself"

Nevertheless the food was good and I had a great time - on my own!!!

British Columbia

After a grueling 5 hours sitting in a Air Canada Embraer 190 flight to Victoria, I finally reached my hotel by the harbour of Sidney. This little town of Sidney which is about 5 minutes away from Victoria airport is really quaint. It looks like a cross breed of Fredericton and Halifax, the atmosphere, the shops, and the restaurants except a little smaller. Yes, the actual city center is so small that they don't have traffic lights, just 4-way stops. Althougt there are traffic lights about 3 or 4 blocks away from the center.

When I was planning this trip for work, our client told me that their office/building is really close to the airport. When we touched down this morning, I was looking out the window while we were taxiing and what do you know?.....There it is, about 300 feet from where I was sitting is a building right beside the run way is a building with the company name in bold letters in front of it. If I was meant to work today, I could have just jumped out and I was there, ready for battle.

I got to the hotel at around 1:30PM PST and my room wasn't ready, so I left my luggage and walked around the small town. I went to this consignment store and I was thrilled as I thought I was going to score on some second hand LV's or Chanel Bags, but to my horror the only thing that resembles designer is Fossil (or can Fossil be called designer? Please correct me if I am wrong). I did see a fake Louis Vuitton White Multicolore Papillon and I don't know if the sales associate heard me say "Ewww".

After browsing the shops, I went to this restaurant called Beacon by the harbour beside the hotel. I sat by the patio overlooking the water, just mesmerized by the beauty of it. I ordered the crunchy beef strips with hoisin sauce on a bed of brown rice. I also had a glass of a California Rose' which turned out pretty good with the beef.

After lunch, I stayed there and ordered a chocolate cake and coffee while reading The Confessions of a Shopaholic. I am really starting to hate Becky!!! Anyway that will be a different topic.

So here are some pictures that I took today and I will post more in the next few days!!!

The Beacon Restaurant

This pic was taken from the Beacon Restaurant's patio

Those apartment units must be expensive, I wonder how much. Hmm

The pic above was taken from my hotel room, really close to the water eh?

Another Photo ID for Ontarians to Cross US Border...

Please read this ARTICLE FIRST.


I don't understand why we need another photo card if flying to the US requires a passport anyway. Why can't these non-drivers just apply for a passport? Since they can use the passport whether they fly or cross the border. Isn't it idiotic to have another photo card for crossing the border and then getting a passport to fly??? That is just a waste of money creating those photo cards! Am I the only one who feels this way? or Did I not get the actual reason why they are doing this? hahaha.

Going on vacation..

It's Friday night and I am home blogging, how fun!

It's all good, because tomorrow morning we are on our way to Vermont! Yay!

So ladies and gents I will be gone for a week, but don't worry come check out my blog anyway as I will try to update it about our vacation.