February 27

Guest Blog – Writer Jan Rayl on Travel

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Nick, Thanks for inviting me to be a guest on your blog.

My name is Jan and I am a travelholic. I have been confronted by friends at times that my desire to “go” boarders on an addiction. When I am not traveling some where I am thinking about where to go next. For me the day dreaming, planning and anticipation of travel is at times as exciting as the travel itself.

I do come by this travel bug honestly; my Great-Aunt Frances lived to be almost 102. She went to Europe on the Concorde and back to the US on the ocean liner The QEII. Her favorite saying was, “It only costs a nickel more to go first class.” She was in her 80’s when she went on a hot-air balloon. She traveled around the world something I long to do. I have her passports and love looking at all her stamps.

Because I do travel regularly for fun I frequently get asked where I like the best. Aunt Frances was asked this frequently to which she always responded, “Why West Virginia of course.”  As for me I am a student of the world I love the cultures, the foods, the differences and the similarities that I experience when I travel. Everyplace I have been has offered something unique.

In Africa, it was the wild-life and the difference in terrain and climate that intrigued me. Seeing an elephant, zebra, giraffe or kudu running across the bush is breathtaking.  

In Europe I was intrigued with how small some of the countries were. Some countries were the size of counties here in the US. Yet, they were speaking a different language, had their own unique dress, food, customs and culture. I could hear English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch, and Italian all spoke in a café. Some folks find this disturbing, I find it amazing. In a place like a café you can hear the laughter in every language. Combine that with the unique foods to the area and look around take in the sights and you have a buffet for your senses.

I love the Caribbean beaches. I am all about the beautiful blue water and the smell of fresh air. Snorkeling in the Caribbean is fantastic rather like swimming in a gigantic aquarium. Absolutely, hands down my votes for most beautiful beaches are in the Caribbean.

Of late I have been traveling in thought and anticipation. I am working toward going to Maine this summer. I have been to Maine in the past; however this time will be different. I am going with a friend to celebrate their retirement.  I am also dreaming of a trip to Hawaii 2015 as I have a personal goal to see all fifty states in the US. From there is a bucket list of travel destinations; Australia, Mediterranean Cruise, Bike and Barge a river in Europe and someplace in South America are on the top of my list.

Try someplace you have never been before you might find you like it! I know when I read Nick’s book “Catwalk: Messiah” I was not expecting to like it but I actually loved it. So remember, there are always surprises to be had in books as well as in travel.

Are you a travel addict? Tell me your story in the comments.

Jan is a travel and book review blogger. Jan is also a multi-media artist. Other fascinating travel facts, recommendations, adventures and reviews of the ever important vacation book can be found on Jan’s Blog at http://write4jan.wordpress.com  or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/write4jan   drop by and leave her a comment.

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Tags

@nick_kelly, Jan Rayl, Nick Kelly, nK, travel, Virginia Writers Club, Write by the Rails, write4Jan


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