Responsible Travel

Sorry I've been M.I.A. in the blogging world. Recovering from my push back into reality. That's the bad thing about traveling and then having to go back to an office. It really kicks your ass sometimes.

But however, I digress.

I got my responsibletravel.com news blast in my inbox today and I felt the need to share their goodness. One day I really am going to take one of these trips. They look great. And each trip they offer has a "How This Holiday Makes a Difference." Which I love. I guess its to make me feel less guilty for my huge carbon footprint from all these airplane rides and hour-long commutes.

Some trips I'm dying to take:

Sri Lanka: http://www.responsibletravel.com/Trip/Trip900089.htm
It's gotten some great reviews to.

"The chance to create your own experience in Sri Lanka with support from local guides is what I like about this trip. It gives you the freedom to move at your own pace and be spontaneous but still benefit from local knowledge. Visiting the Buddhist monasteries in Kandy and seeing the Kandyan dancers and drummers would have to be the highlights; a magical experience."
- Lani, responsibletravel.com

This review makes me want to jump on a plane now!
The Perahela in Kandy was breathtaking. A huge parade of elephants, fire juggling, dancers and drummers. The atmosphere was nothing like I have experienced before and I’m not sure I ever will. A truly memorable evening. A very close encounter with a bull elephant in Minereya National Park also got the pulse racing, as it charged towards the open topped safari jeep I was in. I wanted an up close and personal elephant experience, which is why I chose Sri Lanka, but this one was pretty terrifying!

Sea Kayaking: http://www.responsibletravel.com/Trip/Trip900369.htm

So I may be able to do this in my backyard, but this just looks like a beautiful setting and so much fun! I truly unique experience? I've always been an Irish/Scotish history nerd, so this could definitely be cool: An exciting selection of guided sea-kayaking trips exploring the wild coasts of Scotland. With itineraries available for all levels, from complete beginner to seasoned paddler, make this the year that you explore Scotland from the sea.

Carrie and heaven?

I'm still in awe of the beach communities on 30-A. They're all so different and have such great vibes from them.

The spa treatments were great. And although you can't give me TOO much authority on this, this was by far the best pedicure I've ever had. Again the writers shoe string budget usually takes me to one of those cheap Asian places in the mall. But this was amazing and heres a tip: try the champagne and cranberry juice. Super yummy!

I also had dinner tonight by myself in a somewhat fancy restaurant. It was an odd feeling. Its not like you can just bust out a book to make yourself look occupied. I felt like that Sexy in the City episode when Carrie accepts that she may be eating alone for the rest of her life so she takes herself down to a restaurant and eats alone. With no book or project. Just alone.

Its a sobering thing. Will I be Carrie? Am I Carrie? Facing the idea that I may always be sitting there without someone on the other side of the table when my friends aren't around?

But then I tasted the filet minot special and I got over it. It was the best steak I've ever had in my life! Try it... Marlin Grill. They also own Jim N Nicks, the BBQ place in the Village. I didn't try it, but if its as good as the food at Marlin it has to be good! THey also do catering...

Can I have that house?

So New Urbanism is my new favorite. These little, and many not so little, cottages and homes in Beaches of South Walton are to die for. I think that if I hadn't grown up on the beach, then Id be more appreciative. But even for someone who has had the beauty of the white sands of the Gulf called my home my entire life, it never ceases to amaze me the natural beauty of it all.

And add some amazing architecture and great amenities and its my slice of heaven.

Water Color has gorgeous interiors in their inn and their conference space makes me want to host a meeting. Its gorgeous. Their Fish Out of Water restaurant has some great interior spaces as well... notice the hand blown glass thats supposed to resemble sea outs in the details throughout the restaurant. You can't buy it anywhere...it was done by an apprentice of some really great artist? Sorry, I'll have to look that up latter. Not great on details when you have a whirlwind tour.

Loving Seaside the best though. You have to see the townhouses that are in front of the chapel. Some of the most unique architecture I have ever seen in my life. It has a New Orleans-style and feel to it, but the drastic differences in the architecture and style in these houses is amazing. There's two that are very art deco with a modern twist. Im so in love.

Where's my rich husband so I can buy these second vacation homes? I wonder where there are so many people with all this money.

Travel writers can only view these kind of places... that we will never be able to afford on our shoe string budgets. Its a nasty world ;)

More later... off to get a spa treatment at the Hilton Sandestin. So my travel writing lifestyle isn't SO bad ;)

I'm moving to Destin

So I've had a Granny Bite, which is apparently a 1/2 shot of Grand Mariner? Among other things that middle aged men have decided to buy me.

The Village Door is really an interesting mix of people here at the Village. Try it out if you get a chance, for people watching more than anything else. They have a pretty good live band to. The space is a little cramped but they have an outdoor deck and a great upstairs area to watch intoxicated dancers from your grandpas age to barely legal.

Rum Runners has dueling pianos that remind me of Seville Quarter in Pensacola, but with a beach flair.

P.s. I'm never getting married. Who knew married men were so crazy when away on business trips.

I have sexy ankles!

So apparently the beauty of visiting beaches like Destin's during winter is getting hit on by very intoxicated snowbirds that try to light your cig for you and can't bc they had a little too much gin and whiskey.

Oh and when they do light it they call it our 'first' and brag to all his buddies. Funny, but glad to leave.

Then he tells me I have sexy ankles. Man you've been out of the game for awhile right?

This job is something different everyday. It beats the office right?

I'll have to post some pics of my sexy ankles sometime. If you can handle it.

Amenities, you want amenities?

I'm more than a little overloaded and overwhelmed by my whirlwind morning here at the Sandestin Beach and Golf Resort. You have what and where and for how long? This resort is like a mini city full of endless charm and abundantly good weather...today at least.

I have to say I'm in love with the quaint Village of Baytowne Wharf that offers a rather impressive plethora of restaurants, bars and shops. I'm dying to try out the funky blues bar that is great exterior signage and festive flare. Pics to come...

I can't imagine only being here three days. I'm sure you only get to see a quarter of what they offer.

Im a city girl right?

So I was more than a little apprehensive about this entire 'cowboy out West' and 'we're in Bush country' and 'you want me to shoot something' press trip. I'm a city girl, even if my Southern family has tried to convert me... maybe SLIGHTLY successfully... to the more country and Southern side of life.

So far I'm impressed though. The owner seems like my mom's best friend type of person... and great staff that seems to thoroughly enjoy what they do.

And WoundedWarriorProject.org. Check it out. Apparently they host this group for a few days and owner Anne Skipper is so passionate about it. Its def a great organization and I'll def be looking more into in the future.

I'm also in love with this view! The Danger Rocks and Snakes sign did give me a little bit of the creeps though, FYI. Just for warning though, if anyone does decide to come here in February its a bit chilly and cold. Its been in the 40s and 50s.

I'm really impressed by the details they put into the decorations in the suites. Each suite has a different theme based on the history of the ranch. Mine was based on Fort Belknap, a fort built in 1851 to 'help' settlers defend themselves against Native-Americans in the area. For more info, see Wildcatter's site. For a listing of the history of all 16 suites, try here.