Well, I guess it's not like travel's "going anywhere"...

"Tick Tock - Tick Tock” What is this? ...Oh wow, I think I'm addicted! :)

Ready to Board :)

I want to go.  I want to go the second I arrive back home after the last holiday. I'm not sure, but this could be what they term "vacation blues", I suppose that’d be correct.  I seem to be longing to leave, happy to return and then happiest when I have a follow up trip in the planning phase (this method seems to end the 'longing' for departure).  *sigh*

I physically sweat when I hear of (or find) a good deal.  When I actually book a trip, I tend to fist pump while jumping up and down screaming or shouting out terms of excitement. In the dictionary where it defines "Travel Addict", you're likely to find photos of Dora the Explorer and right next to her, you'll see "Holiday Heidi" pictures and a link to this blog. haha.

Somehow after getting bit by the travel bug, just 4 years ago, I now become slightly depressed when I don't have a vacation countdown to work towards.  It seems ridiculous, especially to anyone who knows me.  I work great jobs (2-3 of them depending on my needs: social balance, living costs, travel plans etc), in a city filled with wonderful friends.  Then there's my incredibly close family, who physically live in relatively close proximity.  Plus, a social calendar that seems to run out of time before invites. And no shortage to the multitude of great causes one can lend a helping hand to right here, at home.

I wouldn't trade this life for the world ... hmmm, or would I? Nah, no trades, but I would like to make some adjustments that would allow for me to travel the world far more often. I can definitely say the more I go, the more I appreciate the wonderful people, opportunities and experiences I have here and have encountered while 'there'.  

Rochester, NY

The world is such an amazing sphere, it's no small wonder I feel in a hurry to go see it.  There's absolutely more places than time in my lifetime and the more I travel, the more my list of 'must-sees' (bucket-list-adventures) grows.  And there's a whole bunch of YOU that I can't wait to meet or be reunited with, on top of the long, ever expanding, list of destinations. 

It's been a few months since my last excursion.  This means that I've been living in the absence of a vacation countdown *gasp*, but for someone who lives for travel, trust me, this is tough. :)  Presumably the destinations will still be there when I encounter a seat sale that fits the correlating budget and the preferred destination. Honestly, I know there's no need to rush ... except when I try to ignore that "longing" I described already, I'm learning it doesn't disappear, it intensifies until there's a countdown.

Doha, Qatar

Do you have a list of "someday destinations"? Where would you like to go?  Where have you been?   How do you your start planning?

I start with the searching power of Google. "What I want" and "Where am I going". I make sure I sign up for newsletters, travel notifications, enter all contests and search out many price comparisons. Here are a few of sites I check (they may be Canadian travel specific):

itravel2000     Travel Zoo      Sell Off Vacations      Travel Alerts   Trip Central      Priceline      CAA Travel      Sears Travel         Redtag        BookIt     Travelocity      Expedia     Nolitours      Sunwing      Sunquest      Signature      Thomas Cook      Transat Holidays      Air  Canada Vacations      WestJet Vacations      Vayama      Kayak

Milan, Italy

This is where my planning starts (for the past few years anyhow, before that I drove my poor travel agent family members insane with my billions of uncertainties and questions).  I recommend you check on these sites when you can, their prices can sometimes change within minutes of your first visit and definitely daily.  
There are many websites, travel agents and services available, which are your favourites?

2011's been an amazing year for my passport stamps:  Doha (Qatar), Rochester (New York, USA), all four corners of Ireland, Newfoundland (Canada), Montreal (Quebec, Canada), Prince Edward Island (Canada), New Brunswick (Canada), Nova Scotia Canada and before the year's end, I'd really like to visit Mexico.  So now that I know where I'm going, the search has started. :)  

On the Corniche in downtown Doha

Weekly Survey Question:  would you say you've been bitten by the travel bug?

Well I'm definitely not alone :) 67% say 'yes' to being a bit of a travel addict.  Here's hoping that we all have a countdown to vacation soon!! But if not, "well, I guess it's not like travel's 'going anywhere'..." One day we'll get to where we're going ... in the meantime, enjoy where you're at and have fun! ;) 

Newfoundland  /
Dominican / New Brunswick
Reunion

Share your comments, your stories, your travel advice etc.  in the section below (comments or reaction section) and give your answer to the weekly survey (top right of this blog page).  No sign up necessary, just a simple click :) A little shy?!  Why not EMAIL me?

~Holiday Heidi

(be sure to check out Your Adventure Map (at the top of this page) so you can read all previous adventure posts leading up to this one)

Cliffs of Moher in Ireland

One night, in a Park, in a Box ...

"It's" not just there ..."it's" here too!!  Actually, "it's" here and there and in most places in between.  :(

Poverty: the poor, the homeless, those underfunded and without hope, promise or care.  I've witnessed homelessness in the Dominican, in Rome, in Ireland (etc.) and here in Canada too.  I don't think that as a child you promise yourself: "when I grow up, I want my home to be a box of the finest cardboard".   But the harsh reality is, this is where some (even children) find themselves.  

Without taking a picture or staring or turning a 'blind-eye' or speaking, you carry-on, but your heart aches. You make a mental vow to do something, even if it's to -not take what you have for granted- you resolve to do something.  I am thankful each and every day for the roof over my head, my job(s), my support system, the opportunities and the experiences that I've been blessed to see and do (just as you are).  

I live on Canada’s East Coast, in a city that offers: entertainment, culture, spirit, history, community, activity and diversity. People from all walks of life call this area home, thus creating an opportunity for humanitarian involvement.  And because such opportunities for involvement exist, we're unfortunately not exempt to the social issues endured around the globe.

There are many organizations locally (and around the world) that work diligently to prevent/end hunger, poverty, abuse, inequality, homelessness, etc.  Youth in Transition Inc. is an agency that "addresses the needs of at-risk and/or homeless young women by offering a supportive living arrangement in conjunction with programs aimed at increasing their self-esteem and independent living skills.  Too old for child protection services, yet too young to be considered adults, these youth often have no voice".

So in 1996, Youth in Transition Inc., built a residence (Chrysalis House) that would become a haven for many at-risk teenage girls (aged 16-19) and provide them a family-like setting where they could establish themselves, develop and grow in a positive direction.  To help fund the costs to operate this house, a fundraiser "12 hours for the Homeless" is organized annually.  

What is 12 hours for the Homeless? How does it work?  I had no idea myself until this past weekend.  You enter a team (we had four, but it can be a maximum of 10 participants), raise funds and then simply give 12 hours of your time on the day of the event.  You raise awareness of teenage homelessness, while raising money to keep a real roof over the heads of those residing at Chrysalis House.

On the day of the event, which is held one Saturday night in October, you arrive in a downtown public park where you will construct a cardboard shelter. Your creativity and skill will be put to the test, as this shelter will be where you, and your teammates, spend the night (from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m.).  Some supplies will be provided, but you should arrive with supplies  (extra tape, tarps, cardboard etc.) necessary to construct a durable, weather resistant and somewhat comfortable accommodations. 

Throughout the evening, they had food vendors, music and entertainment.  The entire park was a buzz of activity as all teams worked very hard to construct their works of awareness.  I am so grateful that our team Captain, Kathleen, had asked me to participate.  What an incredible experience.

It was a little windy at the start, but no wet weather in the forecast (thankfully).  Once we got the hang of it and began working as a team (The Squeegies), we accomplished great things. :) The night sky arrived long before we had attached our tarps (which we creatively did with dental floss) to tent pegs.  It took a total of two and a half hours to build our home and upon completion, it really wasn't prize worthy.

I'd like to thank Carla, Jemelia and Kathleen (captain) for their amazing house building skills. I'm still astonished that when we awoke (for those who did sleep -me, heheh), our '4 bedroom, split entry' (it so was not haha), had withstood the test of the damp, windy, overnight weather and was still standing in its entirety!  I am honoured to have participated with the three of you (and with all other participants) for such a worthwhile cause. 

I could see me forgoing a vacation in the future for 

one night, in a park, in a box ... for 12 hours for the Homeless.

Share your comments, your stories, your travel advice etc.  in the section below (comments or reaction section) and give your answer to the weekly survey (top right of this blog page).  No sign up necessary, just a simple click :) A little shy?!  Why not EMAIL me?

Youth in Transition
Email  /  Website

~Holiday Heidi

(be sure to check out Your Adventure Map (at the top of this page) so you can read all previous adventure posts.  The world is such a beautiful place.  It really, truly is).

Until we meet again Varadero ... :)

Cuba, April 2008 (Varadero, Part VI) 

What a difference a day makes!  One day basking in the Caribbean waters soaking up rays, the next...

'Now what'?!  I stood there staring at the medical centre's "CLOSED ON SUNDAYS" sign thinking that by doing so it'd open. I was convinced that I wouldn’t be able to fly the 4 hours to get home without first visiting a doctor.  I even feared that I might not live through the overnight to get on the plane.  What a terrifying feeling. 

There are many hospitals in Cuba, they cost pricey taxi drives to get there though (even with medical insurance).  If you call an ambulance all expenses must be paid for out of pocket first and then reimbursed when you return home.   I declined.  Instead I went to find additional over the counter remedies until I could land back on Canadian soil.

This adventure led us to the mall a short distance away, what a bold, brave action on my part. I didn't really shop, I got what I needed and then benched myself while Quinnifer picked up some trinkets to bring back to family and friends.   Pleased, I hadn't lost my sense of humour through this ordeal and keeping with the start a travelling tradition, I did happen to find my Dad a small "Cuba" picture frame.  I'd now be gifting him a photo a me and my "future husband" from here. Hahah what fun.

The latter part of Sunday was spent saying good-bye to all the wonderful people we had met.  The security guard down at the beach (who had tirelessly tired to teach me Spanish), Heidy, Isabella, Miguel, the front lobby attendant, Leanne & Mack and of course, Duardo.  I hadn’t seen him since the room visit on Friday and now here he was.

By the time 11 p.m. had rolled around that night, I would have definitely been in some type of parasite coma.  Although I did recall Quinn telling me in my darkest hours on Saturday, that he had actually been there and knocked on the door.  She was in bed also and decided not to get up to answer it.  

Before leaving, apparently he slid a note under the door for me.  Now standing here face to face, we’d finally get a chance to talk about this. :)  He had no trouble believing I was ill when I ordered a fruit juice instead of an alcoholic beverage. 

It wasn’t at all like any of my other ‘last night’s on vacation”, dedicated for the all night party.  Not even close.  Instead, Quinnifer and I sat on the terrace of the lobby bar, while Duardo told us of Cuba’s history.  Learned of his family, their way of life and how things were changing.  By night’s end he and I were very much of the same understanding, while I did appreciate the flowers and the notes, I was only interested in making new friends, nothing more.

As the sun made its way to a position in the sky that’d start to heat up the beaches of Varadero, we were up doing our last minute packing and preparing for departure.  This routine was like a well-oiled machine for us really, so it’s no wonder when the phone rang we were both a little startled.  Awe, it was Duardo, just getting off his night shift, calling to wish us a safe flight home.

I did make it to breakfast this morning, first time in a few days. I thought maybe I needed to try a cracker / bread mix for the gallons of H2O plus the “as many as I can medically take, plus one more” tablets for stomach issues that I had consumed.  Whatever it took.

It was imperative that I get on that plane and make it home…without incident!  I felt pretty confident as we arrived in the lobby to wait for our transfer to the airport.  As the minutes continued to pass and quickly turned into an hour without the appearance of this bus, I began to question my ability to proceed.

Although assurance came faithfully from the security guard at the lobby, when we questioned the whereabouts of our bus.  He kept saying that we wouldn’t miss it, it hadn’t forgotten us…okay, so where was it?  We just needed to relax, “you’re on Cuba time now” he says, … “the bus is late, and you wait, its no problem”.  He was great (and rather cute).  As ill as I was and as anxious as I might have been about our missing bus, I truly had a terrific time talking to him. ;)

Finally on the plane headed for home!!  :)  I had self medicated enough that I nearly slept the entire flight.  Phew, made it!  As crazy as my world had been pre-vacation, then preceded by the incidents of a parasite, my return home was matched with equal unbalanced life instances, which continued for approximately an additional six weeks.  First things first, hospital please.

When things settled, I was able to reflect. Cuba is a fascinating place, absolutely gorgeous: so tropical, clean and friendly.  I look forward to visiting those beaches and reuniting with those spectacular people again, hopefully you’ll have your bags packed too?! :)  We’ll stay away from the peanuts though, just in case! 

Until we meet again Varadero :) ... I look forward to that day!

Choosing where to go on holiday can be a bit tricky, especially when there are so many options within the same price range. The results from the Weekly Survey Question: when thinking of your dream vacation destination, what's most important?  70% of you say the location, 29% look for places that will treat you with utmost customer service and hospitality and there are still a few of you that book according to star rating (1%).  I'd be surprised if any location within the destination of Cuba would disappoint any of you.

Share your comments, your stories, your travel advice etc.  in the section below (comments or reaction section) and give your answer to the weekly survey (top right of this blog page).  No sign up necessary, just a simple click :) A little shy?!  Why not EMAIL me?

~Holiday Heidi

(be sure to check out Your Adventure Map (at the top of this page) so you can read all previous adventure posts leading up to this one)

Of Love or Peanuts...Dear Cuba, I must go Home!

Cuba, April 2008 (Varadero, Part V)

So there I sit amongst the hand-picked flowers and mysterious paper ball.  After a few moments I remember that Duardo had brought us beverages, I then got up to find my drink.  I figured after all this, I needed a little sip (half a glass, maybe a little more), who wouldn’t?! :) We continued to get ready for dinner.  With about 15 minutes to spare, I thought it was time to see what was in that ball of paper.  I was pale … and yet, somehow flush at the same time?!  Is that even possible?

One piece of paper led to another…and then another…and yet another. Oh wow!  Duardo had obviously spent the time between 5pm, when we were thought to have been back, until we actually arrived back at 7pm, to write me a letter.  Inside this full page letter were about 25 tiny pieces of paper, little one line notes.  Oh my, what beautiful things he had written.  However, after I’d read the first few, I was sure he was hoping that I’d ask for more than a beer.  … “beer” … “boyfriend” … yeah, if you say them fast, and after a few tropical mixes they could sound the same. ;)

Rock Lobster in a rich
delicious sauce 

We made our way to dinner.  Once seated we learned that Friday nights were “Seafood nights”, in addition to the regular a la carte menu.  Sweet!  What an interesting day. :)  Food comes in courses when you order and I noted after the salad (the first course), I was struggling to continue.  By the time my rock lobster (the main course) was set in front of me; I couldn’t do much more than just stare at it.  Who is this, surely not me?!  I eat, always.  And I eat well.  And I love seafood.  Sadly, I didn’t even have the strength to pick up and hold my fork.

I kept apologizing to the wait staff for not being able to finish what I’d ordered (so very bizarre).  As soon as the desserts were finished, we decided that we’d walk across the small courtyard to say good-night to Heidy who was working the buffet.  As soon as she spotted us she came right over to greet us.  Instantly she asked if I was feeling alright, to which I replied honestly, “absolutely not”.  “One moment” she says, and off she went to make me a cup of tea that should make me feel better.  What a sweetheart.

Within 20 minutes Quinnifer and I were back in the courtyard enjoying the sights and sounds of a quiet resort evening in Cuba.  What serenity:  laughter from afar, nocturnal insects gleefully chiming, dishes being cleared from tables, music rising up and mixing with the cigar-smoke filled sky.  It was definitely a moment, but only ‘A MOMENT’!

With my eyes as large as hockey pucks, shedding water like an overfilled rain bucket, I turn to Quinn with a look of horror.  I can’t describe to you the instant panic and pain that simultaneously shook my entire body!  But I can assure you, I never, EVER want to experience a moment like this again.

Within a split second I grabbed the edges of my skirt with my hands clenched on each side, lifting it slightly for fear I’d trip. I could think of nothing else as I somehow managed to get one foot in front of the other putting my dressy shoes to the test.  I bolted across the resort grounds like my life depended on it. Well, honestly, my life did depend on it.

I needed to get to our resort room; I needed to be there already.  It was only with shear heartache, that when I reached the door I then realized that my key had been left inside this evening.  :(  I must wait here until I am rescued, thankfully helped arrived within seconds. 

Once inside the confines of that room, I will remind you here that what happens on vacation will stay on vacation (you should be thankful).  But honestly, in my whole life I’ve never been as sick as I was this Friday night in Cuba.  O.M.G.  I was hot, I was cold.  I shook, I was dehydrated, I crawled on my hands and knees and I eventually became one with the little girl’s room (trapped inside those four walls behind a closed door unable to escape for hours).  I have never experienced stomach pain so deep or so vicious.

I now required 24/7 supervision.  Thus ruining the vacation of my travel companion, who was now my very own personal care attendant.  I thought I was going to die.  I ate every bit of stomach control medication we had brought with us and I still needed more.

I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t get out of bed, I couldn’t even talk for nearly two full days. Here I am in a tropical paradise, the outside weather in the mid 30’s (Celsius) and I’m cocooned in 4 heavy blankets, blankets that Quinnifer had to convince the hotel staff to let her bring back to the room.  What was this?!

There’s a rule when you travel, especially if you have a delicate stomach (I wasn’t aware I had such a thing until this moment, great timing) but if you’re staying on a resort, eat their food.  If you’re taking an excursion, pack a snack from the resorts buffet.  I know it sounds like common sense, but if you get hungry and there’s food available, you may become tempted.  Seems I had somehow contracted a parasite which would continue to cause me great illness long after I returned home.

Retracing my Havana day (and my eating habits) I can recall the most likely fateful moment.  At the Capital Building, I was starving (which isn’t uncommon for me).  There was this sweet little lady over where the buses park (further than the left in this picture) selling coins and paper packs of peanuts.  “3 Packs of Peanuts for 1 Peso” “3 Packs of Peanuts for 1 Peso” she continually sang out.  As I stepped up in to the bus I couldn’t resist the urge, I was so hungry.  I passed her a peso; she smiled as she passed me my 3 packs, in a homemade paper tube, of pre-shelled peanuts.  “red flag” …

There are other possible places for this parasite to have become part of my “all inclusive” experience truthfully.  I did brush my teeth with the tap water (don’t do this).  I did eat all kinds of new and interesting foods (but I do this all the time and will continue to try) but I guess some things may have been questionable (try to eat only things that you can peel, don’t eat the outer skins of fruits for example).  I did enjoy fresh coconut milk, (this seemed safe) which can, on extremely rare occasions, cause some people problems (suppose if it could happen, it’s likely that it’ll happen to me haha).  You know though, I didn’t think about a parasite with any of those things … and certainly not when I was inhaling those delicious home-packed, pre-shelled peanuts … they were peanuts right?!

For the next two and a half days (the remainder of our stay), if I wasn’t bedridden, I was definitely limited.  By Sunday, day before departure day, we thought it best that I seek medical attention.  Fortunately our resort had such services on site so off we went.  You’re kidding?!  As tears stung the corners of my eyes while wearing a smile that only appears in moments of disbelief, I just stood there staring at the sign in the hot afternoon Cuban sun.  The paper displayed in the window of the medical centre’s door clearly read, “CLOSED SUNDAYS”.  What? Really?!

I hate to do this to you ... but each post can only be a 7 minute read (a little vicarious mini-vacation).  Cuba's final chapter will be ready for you to enjoy shortly, Until we meet again Varadero ... :).  I obviously made it home, I'm here telling the tales, but what do you do when the medical centre's closed?  Seriously?  And what about that front lobby security guard ... haha, you won't believe it!! Perhaps we'll get to see Duardo again before leaving (I'm sure we will)?! Keep your bags packed and stay healthy!!

Weekly Survey Question:  ever gotten sick while travelling?

Getting sick while on holidays is awful!  So far, 52% of you haven’t experienced this and a lucky 17% have only been slightly ill.  However, 31% of you know exactly what getting horribly sick, while not at home, feels like.  Get travel insurance, it’s an investment … you just never know.

Share your comments, your stories, your travel advice etc.  in the section below (comments or reaction section) and give your answer to the weekly survey (top right of this blog page).  No sign up necessary, just a simple click :) A little shy?!  Why not EMAIL me?

~Holiday Heidi
(be sure to check out Your Adventure Map (at the top of this page) so you can read all previous adventure posts leading up to this one)