Did you see that?: 2010

I am often asked by my clients, family, friends and others as they are about to embark on a trip or vacation “what should I get?” “what should I look for?” “what should I bring back for you?”

Interestingly enough, I am not that well internationally traveled – domestically yes; however, I do love to travel! I do know a great deal about the must do in international places, as I have planned many a trip I have yet to go on! I would assume I am asked this advice for a few simple reasons: I pay attention when I hear/ learn/ notice interesting travel tips, I research before traveling and I know how to and what to research, I love the magical details –those unique, off the beaten path, Kodak moments that make everything memorable and heighten the whole experience making it magical- and probably the best reason: I love sharing this information.

So here it is… My souvenir advice for every trip you take: (aside from the kitschy key chains and magnet)

The three souvenirs from every trip!

1. Something for you - your body! something to wear or for just your enjoyment. Clothing, Jewelry/ Gem Stones, Accessories, Bathing/ Body oils & soaps, Perfumes & Fragrances, Music, Costumes, learning a new skill, hobby,or certification, etc… Look for: hand made, locally produced, specific local styles, Icelandic%20Wool%20Black%20Sheep%20cardigan indigenous, exclusive, native, or items known from the area! then when ever you wear it or use it you will be reminded of that wonderful trip - but it doesn't necessarily scream souvenir! Think of your senses: Touch, Taste, Hear, Smell, and Sight! Ideas: silk scarf or painted hand fan from china, leather shoes or tailored suit from Italy, Scandinavian style woven sweater; coconut massage oil from the Caribbean, Dead Sea salt scrub, fragrant bath or hand soaps, larimar-stone cozy blanket; perfume; bag or purse, native dress – you get the idea! Some of my Favorite souvenirs: a fabulous deal on a Baroque Pearl necklace from a farmers market in Bremerton, WA; wood, shell and stone Jewelry from Dominican Republic – especially Larimar; Ammolite pendent from Calgary Canada, Lavender Linen Spray from the lavender fields in Sequim, Washington. Be prepared to know what you are looking for – do your research – know the value – haggle for a deal!

2. Something you share! something to enjoy in the company of others. (not the something's you bring back for others – so they can remember the place you went vanilla and they didn’t, although you should bring back a few things for the kids!) Food & Beverage seem to be the easiest sharing items: chocolates and candies, rare or exotic tastes, jams & jellies, cheese; also consider something special or unique to the area, music, an ingredient, a recipe, fragrances or linen spray, flowers or plants seeds or plantings (check with customs restrictions for foreign items), stories/experiences/ adventures; photos, games and toys, currency, etc… Ideas: Vanilla from Caribbean, Swiss chocolates, Canadian Maple Syrup, a fun game from Korea - Yut! My favorites: Mt. Rainer chocolates, Red oranges from Florida, Dominican Vanilla!

3. Something for your home: something you look at or use and remember – that was a wonderful trip – that has a story, let me tell you about that, and briefly, if only for a moment in your mind it takes you back! Art of any kind – mexican pottery native, local, or it just speaks to you!, photographs of landscapes/ cityscapes/ close up details (other than the picture of you in front of “X” – yes, you were there – scrapbook it, album it, save it, desktop frame it– but frame and hang the one that dates itself less), sculpture, artifacts, antiques, architectural remnants, rocks, minerals, china & dish ware, pottery, painted tiles, baskets, cookbooks, old & new books, old & new maps, shells, lighting, rugs, furniture, holiday decor – ornaments, so many options. Then when you look at it, it tells you a story, it reminds you of the occasion! Ideas: New Zealand Wool blanket, Italy: Marino glass chandelier, hand carved olivewood nativity from the Holy Land, Persian rugs from India or Middle East, local street artist painting from Paris… some of my favorites: Mayan artifact from Honduras, Local art from Santo Domingo, picnic basket from an antique mall in Poulsbo, WA

Happy and Safe Travels!

Helpful travel links: travel1

US Customs: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/
Travel Guru: Rick Steves: http://www.ricksteves.com/
Hotel Deals! http://www.hotels.com/
TSA: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/index.shtm
Travel Tips: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html

I have always loved shoes. I have owned hundreds of pairs of shoes. As a child I remember having shoe envy – I wanted the shiny black shoes that went tap, tap, tap down the halls at church, I wanted that tap, tap sound, everyone who was anyone had shoes that went tap, tap down the hall, when they went down the hall they would commanded attention. I wanted to wear them with white socks that had lace edging or white tights, that was the style – I eventually got a hand me down pair – it didn’t matter they were a little worn and scuffed – their heels went tap, tap down the hall until one day the church halls were carpeted. That was a sad day - no more tap, tap in the hall – so I would just have to take the long way around and walk across the gym floor to get to my primary class – tap, tap, tap all the way! Those were Sunday shoes, indeed.

My next dream pair of shoes were spectators or wingtips – I loved these shoes – they were in my grandmother’s hall closet, I would always try them on, I felt so sophisticated. I would play dress up all day and strut around in them – acting so adult. I still dream of owning a pair. For some reason they remind me of Easter Dresses and Sunday hats – and VFW dances, long before my time.

Why shoes? What’s the big deal, why is it inherently womanly to love shoes. I have some answers: Shoes are there with you at that big event and casual moments, they can make you look like a million or are purely functional when you need them, shoes travel and leave their mark, shoes tell a story, they set the stage, and they are the finishing touch, they are not always practical – sometimes splurges, sometimes bargains, and when you want to know someone better – you can walk a mile in their shoes – and embrace their experiences. And anyone who says no one notices your feet/ shoes are just oblivious – don’t believe me - just put on a pair of cute new shoes and people will inevitably comment - “I love your shoes! Are they new?”. 2262201198_5099833985_m