August 31, 2010 | Fuzzies, Gadgets & Stuff, Solo Adventures

Wonder if The Travel Bloggers Show will Look Like January 2010's SATW Travel Writing & Photography Institute in Orlando.

I don’t ask for much but in order for me to add another bragging right to my repertoire, I need your help. Pretty please?

Here are the deets: I’m attending The Travel Bloggers Show in Orlando in less than two weeks and the travel blogging social media site Tripatini is the primary event sponsor. They’re holding a contest for registered attendees to drive traffic to a single blog post. The winner receives $250, runner up a certificate for dinner in Orlando. Both sweet! Of course, the winner will be named the Best of Show Blogger, aka, a travel blogger superstar!

I need you to visit this blog post called “Forgive Me World, I Am an Irresponsible Traveler.” That’s all you have to do. No registering required although it would be nice if you have some feedback to leave.

Yes, you’ll recognize the content from this blog but I thought it was one of my better posts and deserved to be revived.

Thank you in advance for your support and if you forgot, just click this link here. See? It’s that easy!

August 23, 2010 | Solo Adventures

Arthur Robinson, Owner of Robinson's Pecan House in Lamont, Florida

Honey, honey. Sugar, sugar. When traveling along Southeastern United States back roads I know there’s a good chance I’ll find groovy photo opportunities and stumble upon delicious treats found only in the South. The weekend had me in Tallahassee for a conference and although I just wanted to get home on Sunday, I ventured along U.S. Hwy. 27  in hopes of finding some golden tupelo honey.

About 35 minutes east of Tallahassee I found Robinson’s Pecan House, full of sweet goodness with its tupelo honey, mayhaw jelly, pecans prepared in three different ways, and pickled items. Importantly, I met owner Arthur Robinson, who took over the family business when his brother passed away a few years ago.

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August 18, 2010 | Snapshots, Solo Adventures

In honor of Star Wars Celebration V which wrapped up in Orlando on Sunday, I present you with a photo of Ken the Elivs Trooper. Why did I choose Elvis Trooper out of all the images? Because he’s so random in a groovy way! Plus, during my Pacific Northwest trip in April, signs of Elvis were everywhere. Enjoy

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Solo Adventures

Slave Princess Leia Kisses a Stormtrooper During Star Wars Celebration V, Orlando, Fla., Aug. 14, 2010

“Whoo! Stormtroopers! I wanna date a stormtrooper! I don’t care what he looks like underneath…they are so hot!”

While enjoying some liquid courage in the form of an Outer Rim Rum Drop at the cafe (it was quite good), I met 3 twenty-something ladies getting ready for Star Wars speed dating on Saturday during Star Wars Celebration V in Orlando. The most vocal one, who thinks stormtroopers are sexy (personally, I always found them frightful), was getting pumped up and ready to do it.
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August 15, 2010 | Solo Adventures

Me with C-3PO and R2-D2 at Star Wars Celebration V in Orlando, Aug. 14, 2010

Wow! I’m home from my trip to Orlando for Star Wars Celebration V and can tell you, one day was not enough. One day was needed to explore the show floor and another day for hearing the lectures. I’m embarrassed to say I missed all of the lectures including the one with George Lucas. I will write a proper post summarizing the trip, will upload photos, maybe a video or two, and write stand-alone posts about Star Wars speed dating and five cool items for sale during the convention. So, stay tuned!

August 12, 2010 | Solo Adventures

[Cue music, scroll text.] I’m heading to Orlando tomorrow to attend Star Wars Celebration V.What is SWCV? It’s basically an official Star Wars convention and lucky me. Beauty of living in Florida is access to groovy events such as a Star Wars convention!

I’m not thinking Star Wars Celebration V will be a life-altering experience but something fun. I told my boss I was attending and she asked if I was a big fan. I’m a fan. I loved it during the 1970s and 80s but never got into the new Star Wars stuff. Call me old school but I like Luke, Princess Leia, Han Solo and Yoda.

What do I expect from this event?

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July 29, 2010 | Solo Adventures

View from First Class

Budget and business travelers alike salivate over the opportunity of flying first class, especially when the opportunity comes in the form of a free upgrade. Why? It’s a power trip and during my 40th birthday celebration, I was reminded why first class rocks the friendly skies.
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July 26, 2010 | Solo Adventures

Less than three weeks from now, thousands of Star Wars fans and I will be heading to Orlando (or Lando if some fans have their way) for Star Wars Celebration V. Yes, I’m heading to a Star Wars convention to celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back. Oh, c’mon. You can’t say that you’re surprised.

It’s not the autograph sessions with Star Wars legends as Carrie Fisher or Mark Hamill. Nope. And it’s not the Main Event with George Lucas being interviewed by Jon Stewart that has me jazzed up. It’s Star Wars Speed Dating. (more…)

July 10, 2010 | Solo Adventures

Driftwood at Blackrock Beach, Big Talbot Island State Park

So much to share about this weekend but little time. While it’s fresh on my mind, want to share my impressions about a place called Blackrock Beach (or Black Rock Beach, or beach at the end of Black Rock Trail or Dead Tree Beach) in Big Talbot Island State Park, Florida. It’s fantastical yet, eerie.

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July 7, 2010 | Snapshots, Solo Adventures

One of the groovy things I got to do during my trip to New York last month was take a walking tour of Brooklyn with Context Travel. The guide, called a docent, pointed out Brooklyn’s cool little things such as these cobblestone streets. Love it and hope you do, too. (more…)