My doctor advised, “No working and no driving for six weeks after surgery.”
I protested, “But, doc, I really don’t work, I simply sit behind a computer at a desk!” She was not phased. Neither was my husband.
And so I pondered the possibility. What if I really did take some time off? What would I do all day? Would I be able to stay away from the office? Would I be able to turn things over to my team without micro-managing them? What if I didn’t check my email every 15 minutes? Would my brain turn to mush?
But I did it. I really did it! My six weeks is up. And I truly enjoyed the time off. I spent many hours in connection with people I never had enough time for – who have become treasured friends. I sat on my back patio without an agenda and without a to-do list running in my mind. I wrote some, although not as much as I had wanted to. But that memoir will happen, for sure.
It’s time to get back into the swing of things . . . though not with the same intensity and hyper-drive. I’ll find out soon enough if my brain has turned to mush. I’ll listen to my body and pay attention. I’ll schedule the lunches with people I care about – instead of putting them off for another time. I’ll delegate more effectively. I’ll leave the office before 7 p.m.
I’ve always been a time-traveler of sorts. Engaged in planning and organizing for journeys that seem far into the distant future. Seems like I was always futurizing. It’s the nature of my career.
But I’ve always loved the planning process. Imagining, envisioning and dreaming up the “wow” experiences that you’ll talk about for the rest of your life. These are what we call “Classic” WOW journeys – legendary small-group travel experiences that we offer a few times a year:
Knowing that my wings are temporarily clipped for the next six months or so until I return to optimum health, I realize that there’s only one classic WOW! Travel Club journey on the calendar. Gabriel’s leading a group to Armenia this week, and we have the Croatia charter cruise next July (for which we still have a couple of open staterooms).
I can use your help. I’d like to know where in the world you’d like to go with the WOW! Travel Club in 2017 and beyond. Following are some of the destinations where we’ve successfully operated over the past decade. These were extraordinary journeys, well worth repeating (with enhancements and improvements as appropriate). It would be helpful to know if any of these are of interest to you! If there’s enough interest, we’ll go back in a heartbeat!
– I had actually been planning a special off-the-beaten track India itinerary to operate with a small group of WOWees (maybe 6-8 people) for this November. Those plans were shelved when I received the diagnosis – but I’d still be keen to go back to India, my favorite country in the world. After my backpack adventure in the late 70s, I vowed to return to Kashmir and stay on a “5-star” houseboat one day. I’d want to include some regional festivals that are not overrun with tourists, stay in locally-owned historic hotels and meet amazing characters and local people. Why India? Because there is no other place that offers more “wow” for the traveler than this chaotic, complex, colorful and contradictory country. I will go back to India. Will you come with me?
The colors, textures and traditions of India are beyond anything you can imagine!
– Beyond the obvious highlight of Machu Picchu, Peru offers stunning Andean mountain scenery, Spanish colonial heritage, ancient Inca traditions and culture, proud artisans and weavers, remote communities where traditions thrive, adventure and recreation, festivals and folklore. WOW! hasn’t been to Peru since 2007. It’s about time to return. What do you think?
Spinning wool with the locals in an Andean village in Peru (2007)
– It’s a long, long way to go. But, oh, is it ever worth the travel time! There’s no other place on earth like it – the adventure of a lifetime. And with the dramatic devaluation of the Rand against the dollar, it represents an incredible value. The jewel city of Cape Town, one of the world’s greatest national parks (Kruger) with unparalled safari options, the Winelands, the Cape of Good Hope . . . plus the opportunity to meet someone like Christine Kaba, who founded Harvest of Hope – a sustainable initiative of community gardeners. Plus – the exciting options available in neighboring Zimbabwe or Zambia – including magnificent Victoria Falls!
The WOW! Travel Club in the Devil’s Pool at the edge of Victoria Falls (2008)
– This region in the “heel of the boot” of Italy is my favorite place in this uber-popular European country. Notably absent the rampant tourism that has (in my opinion) overrun and spoiled much of the rest of Italy, Puglia is earthy and authentic – not manicured. Old men shuffle though the cobbled streets in their fishermen’s caps. Stout mamas wear aprons and headscarves. The architecture is unlike anything you’ve seen. The olive trees are a thousand years old. The vineyards supply much of the rest of the country. The coastal scenery is sun-bleached and rugged. The cuisine is a foodie’s dream. Just thinking of Puglia gets my heart pumping!
Making Orecchiette (“Little Ears”) with Mama Julia (2014)
And there are soooo many more wondrous places that we know well: southeast Asia, Baja, Ireland. And lots of fabulous places we haven’t yet had an opportunity to inspect: Patagonia and Iceland are two that come to mind immediately. They’ll have to wait until we can check them out.
I should also mention our “Indie Adventures.” These are WOW! experiences that we can easily and affordably replicate for your own small group of friends and family. The research is done, contacts made and itinerary vetted. Our suppliers are in cahoots with our philosophy and know exactly how to “wow” you. These adventures will be escorted by a local guide and can be scheduled at your convenience. Basic pricing has been negotiated, but will require a minimum number of people to operate. Just say when and we’ll make it happen for you! At present, the destinations which would work best for Indie Adventures are Baja (Todos Santos and the Sea of Cortez and southeast Asia (Vietnam and/or Myanmar).
Nothing can describe the thrill of petting a baby gray whale in Magdalena Bay in Baja. Most amazingly – mama is encouraging this interaction with humans!
You can reply here in the comments box, or send me an email – or call. I’ll be interested to get your feedback! Thanks!
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24 Comments
brenda winter September 2, 2016 at 6:16pm
I am still interested in the Baja experience with my husband. We have not yet experienced Vietnam. If you go to Inida, will you be able to experience the camel sale?
Best wishes to you Marilym. Truly.
Love from an admirer that has yet to meet you.
Brenda Winter
Marilyn September 2, 2016 at 7:56pm
Brenda, my plan for India was not to include the Pushkar Camel Festival – which nowadays features more cameras than camels – but rather a smaller, regional camel trading experience … which has not been discovered by mass tourism as yet. Maybe next year?
Carolina Palermo Schulze September 2, 2016 at 7:59pm
Off the beaten Japan!!! Spencer and I did our own trip March 15 March 30-2016 Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone and Mt Fuji now I remote remote only ryokan hill side living …… Glad that you are all better darling!!! Carole Schulze
Rhonda Grissom September 2, 2016 at 6:28pm
Lots of destinations are intriguing…..
However, India and South Africa are definitely at the top of my travel list.
And going with you would be all the better!
Tim and Gabie September 2, 2016 at 6:34pm
Chile including Patagonia and Easter Island with a WOW tour would be fantastic!
Marilyn September 2, 2016 at 8:00pm
Yes . . . Patagonia is HIGH on my list, too, but I just don’t know it well enough to organize a WOW! trip without having experienced it myself. It’s such a vast region! I was scheduled to lead a corporate group to Argentina in a few weeks, and was planning to add some days at the end for a site inspection. 🙁
Jeannie September 3, 2016 at 6:40pm
Yes, yes, Chile, ever since I was in 6th grade–a very long time ago.
Cynthia Bengtson September 2, 2016 at 6:50pm
Well, now that you asked, I have a few!!! The Galápagos Islands, St Petersburg, and New Zealand and Australia!!!
You looked fantastic the other day at Center!!! Continued Power to your healing!
Thanks
Ann September 2, 2016 at 7:07pm
I’m thrilled that you are getting back to the Marilyn I know and admire and, yes, care for. This is the best news I’ve heard in a long time! MUAH
I’m going to show Roger the list [Macchu Picchu is out, I was there in March on my own], but I think we are both way overdue for another WOW trip.. Sending you all my best wishes a healthy and happy future, because the world is indeed your oyster!
Un besito
Marilyn September 2, 2016 at 7:58pm
Yes, I would agree. You are both overdue for another WOW trip! You’d probably really enjoy Croatia . . .
Jamie September 2, 2016 at 8:09pm
I’d love a small group trip to Morocco with you. Sending best wishes and healthy juju.
Patty Karabatsos September 2, 2016 at 8:59pm
The Galapagos Islands, Italy (various areas – but I am sending my son on his honeymoon there so….), I would love to return to South Africa, Ireland and Scotland.
Gary Warning September 2, 2016 at 9:59pm
These are at the top of my list: Viet Nam, Brazil, and Patagonia. Well….. and also a small ship river cruise on the Danube. Looking forward to Croatia in July, by the way! 🙂
Gary Warning September 2, 2016 at 10:01pm
Oh ………. can I add another one? A tour of the Mendoza wine region of Argentina. My understanding is that this region is not like Napa/Sonoma – it’s more spread out. So having a tour (and a driver since I’ll be “tasting”) would be ideal!
Sharon and Don September 3, 2016 at 12:50am
So many choices! 🤔To name a few: Chilean Patagonia. (But this you already know.) Iceland for the northern lights. The Mendoza wine region as previously mentioned. Cape Town and Kruger National Park. Bali and Thailand. The Great Barrier Reef. 😊
Maurci September 3, 2016 at 2:33am
Marilyn,
I have All of Ireland, Scotland and Wales on my rather large bucket list. Of course it goes on beyond these, but are Tops, either one at a time or combined.
Felice September 3, 2016 at 5:10am
High on my list is Namibia and South Africa. Travel for me is all about photography, which is why I normally go on photo expeditions, but I know you love to shoot as well, so maybe we could chase the light together. I also want to go to Egypt and thereabouts, Jordan, Jerusalem & Iran.
Jeannie Kingsford September 3, 2016 at 6:36pm
Is it too mundane to say Italy?? I have been helping to raise my grandchildren for almost a decade and I will finally be able to travel again next summer. Italy and France (I have been to Paris twice) have been in my dreams forever and the idea of going with you would be the dream come true. By the way, I have prayer for you and watched your journey on Facebook. I am overjoyed that you made time for your inner journey and will pray that it continues. Hugs.
Julie Franz September 4, 2016 at 1:03am
Well. Since you’re asking… I am very interested in going to India and Southern Africa with you. I’d also like to see Vietnam, but probably would not be as comfortable doing this on our own “Indie Adventure.” We had planned to do a major hike in New Zealand next year, but some painful mobility issues scared us away from that plan. We are still anxious to visit Australia and New Zealand sometime, and know it would be even better with a WOW group. We have already been to the Galapagos and Machu Picchu, but very high on my bucket list is a journey up the Amazon or some other rain forest river, which would be great to do with you. Every trip with you is a WOW!!!
Sharon and Don September 10, 2016 at 4:59am
Hi Julie! Don and I did Vietnam and Cambodia (Angkor Wat) as an Indie Adventure and it was fabulous! Marilyn coordinated the guides, itinerary, hotels, transfers, etc. and we had the liberty to change things up as we went along. I highly recommend it!
Diane Lenkin September 5, 2016 at 6:05pm
High on my list are India,Puglia and Amalfi Coast. Further down the list: Galapagos, So Africa, Patagonia, And you known me to be curious about most places I’ve never been. WOW trips are always special.
Katlin September 7, 2016 at 3:23pm
I stayed in one of the 5-star houseboats in Srinagar, Kashmir in 1984. Hope you get to do it! When you go, consider a trip over to Ladakh. Wonderful part of the world!
Bill Williamson September 7, 2016 at 6:32pm
Several places I would like to tour:
Australia
New Zealand
India
Russia
Alaska/Canada
Looking forward to our Croatia tour next year.
Marilynne Farr September 18, 2016 at 9:20pm
Really interested in going to New Zealand and Australia….A bucket list destination:-))