THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!

I wasn't expecting all the hotties in Scandinavia. Everyone is beautiful. EVERYONE. And the cute Swedish and Danish accents only serve to enhance their sex appeal. It's especially funny to hear the 80% blonde population telling blonde jokes. You think they'd make fun of brunettes, or redheads, but no. They make fun of themselves.
Our bartender at Stockholm's ICEbar, where EVERYTHING is made out of ice. The chairs, the television, even the shot glasses.

Our waiter/bartender on the floating Sealounge. We floated around Stockholm's many archipelagos while he refilled our glasses with champagne, wine, what-have-you.

Saxo was our first-mate and the son of Carsten on our 3-hour yacht trip from northern Denmark to Copenhagen. At fourteen, his skill behind the wheel is impressive, and he was a hilarious kid, teaching us all naughty Danish slang.


The Sealounge's chef. He prepared our tapas-style dinner while we floated around Stockholm.


Carsten is the owner of four yachts and was our skipper on the yacht trip. When he wasn't dashing below deck to refill our champagne glasses or offering us more scrumptious hors d'ouevres, he entertained us with stories of yacht wrecks and team-building exercises gone awry.

P.S. The women are beautiful, too, but I guess I just forgot to take pictures of them because I was so googly-eyed over the males :-)

THE AMAZING FOOD!

I was a little nervous about the cuisine going into this trip. It's always difficult being a vegetarian on press trips (I DO eat seafood) because there are a lot of prix fixe meals. I had asked Chap about the food prior to my departure and his reply: "It's okay...if you like smoked fish" was not confidence-inspiring. Bleeeeuch!

So I was pleasantly surprised that the food was so delectable. I had the second best RESTAURANT meal (I make that distinction because my favorite meal will ALWAYS be my mama's Thanksgiving and/or Christmas dinners!) of my life in Copenhagen at a new restaurant called Nimb in Tivoli Gardens. An eight-course spread complete with special dishes to appease my restricted diet, caviar on home-made potato chips, sea wolf, a cheese plate with five local cheeses (who knew cheese tasting could be as fun as wine tasting?!), a cake TRAY, and a different wine or champagne paired with each course. I'd heard a rumor (well, actually not a rumor) that pairing different wine varietals with different foods can enhance the flavors of both the food and the wine. I realized this was true two courses in at Nimb.

In Sweden I was most impressed with the cheeses and berries (which are in season right now.) One night we took a ferry to a small island that can only be reached via boat or ferry. I think the only inhabitants were the restaurant owners. There's a restaurant and a glass blowing building, and that's it. They served frozen cappuccino with little donuts for dessert. I'm not even kidding.

So here I will just pat myself on the back a bit and congratulate myself on becoming so adventurous where food is concerned. There are still a lot of things I WON'T eat (raw onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, meat, poultry, pork), but if you had told me five years ago that I would be eating caviar and actually enjoying it, or sashimi, or anything RAW, I would have laughed in your face. So, if nothing else, my travels have refined my palette.

Oh, and who wants to join me in bringing the "Afternoon Tea" tradition to the United States? I mean, who wouldn't want to stop around four o'clock in the afternoon and enjoy a cup of coffee and yummy pastry treats with coworkers or friends?

THE COLOR!

So I lied. I have some down time at work, so here goes. The Scandinavian Marathon. Two days in Copenhagen, Denmark, and two days in Stockholm, Sweden. I'll post several blogs with some general impressions:

Everything in Scandinavia is so saturated in color. I'm guessing it's because during the winter months there's only 4 hours of sunlight on average, but it might just be that they're not afraid of color...kind of like people in the caribbean.

celebrity siting!

Although we've toured suites where the likes of Michael Jackson, Paris Hilton, Ice Cube, J.T. and Cameron Diaz, and Bill Clinton have slept and showered, last night at the Cadier Bar at the Grand Hotel in Stockholm, our table was next to Kevin Spacey. As in the actor. The funny thing is, the hotel manager told me that my suite was nicer than his. Take that Keyser Sose!

breaking news...this just in!

My editor-in-chief declined a press trip to Scandinavia this Friday and has passed it on to me! I'm currently awaiting flight information, but have been in contact with the PR company and am definitely going on the trip. I'll fly into Copenhagen, Denmark, where I'll spend a few days, then on to Stockholm, Sweden for a few more. I've been to Europe a few times, but my travels have been confined to the British Isle (Scotland/England), so I am so excited to explore a few new cities in style! Five-star first-class all the way! (well, not actually ALL the way. Lee gave up the trip because they wouldn't fly him first-class :-)

Sights and Sounds of Door County: Hands On Art Studio Edition

This is inspirational....well, to me, at least.

Sights and Sounds of Door County: Whitefish Dunes Edition

Quite possibly the ONLY beach worth visiting in the Midwest. Dunes, seagulls, sea oats, the only thing missing was the smell of salt in the air. Although the sand is not as snow white as our beloved Gulf of Mexico, it's just as soft and silky, and even makes that squeaky noise when you walk on it just right.

Introduction by the lovely Elaine:

Sights and Sounds of Door County: Eagle Tower Edition

I climbed this helluva tower after a vigorous two-mile hike. I was like Rocky once I got to the top and I could almost hear "Eye of the Tiger" swelling triumphantly as I took the last step.

Sights and Sounds of Door County: Cave Point Edition

Lake Michigan can be MEAN!

Sights & Sounds of Door County: Fish Boil Edition

So this Lake Michigan tradition involves a huge pot of boiling water, fire, and three layers of scrumptious food. The potatoes go in first, then the onions, and finally the white fish (ours was pulled from the Lake the previous day.) Fish can be quite oily, and since oil is lighter than water, it rises to the surface of the pot of boiling deliciousness. To prevent the fish from tasting oily, kerosene is thrown on the fire, causing the whole thing to boil over, ridding the food of the oil. Just watch (you can tell by my whoop of pure delight that I inherited my father's love of explosions and my mother's love of being the loudest at the party):

Exploring the Door

I had no expectations going into my visit to Door County, WI. I couldn’t even pinpoint the area on a map. But after visiting for just six days, I feel like part of it belongs to me now, and it is a place I will defend and promote to the grave. It’slike the Cape Cod of the Midwest, without all the hoity toity Rolls Royces, miniature dog “accessories” or traffic, and with Wisconsin hospitality to boot.

The 70-mile long peninsula extends into Green Bay and Lake Michigan, and both of its sides have very distinct personalities. Stay and play on the Bay Side, where bike paths connect a series of picturesque villages (my favorites were Fish Creek, Ephraim,and Sister Bay.) Quaint shops, friendly faces, delicious food, live music in the parks, a refreshing breeze off the Bay, and it seriously looks like God vomited flowers over every home and building.

So what was I so impressed with? The people. Generations of them, all of whom call the Peninsula home. They embrace you as one of their own. Out of all the people I met, there was not one negative word or phrase to be said about their county. I was also quite astonished by the lack of McDonalds and Wal-Marts polluting the roadsides. Then I learned that north of Sturgeon Bay, on the peninsula itself, there are no corporate chains. I saw a few gas stations, one Pamida, and a couple of True Value hardware stores and that was it. That’s how proud the residents are of their family and privately-owned businesses.

Okay, so the activities on this trip were the best of any Geiger trip I’ve participated in. I tuned in to my creative, spiritual, physical, and gluttonous sides. I ate fried cheese curds with wild abandon. I kayaked across a bay to practice yoga on an uninhabited island. I got my hands dirty while creating a ceramic vessel on the potter’s wheel, something I’ve always wanted to try my hand at. I hiked the “difficult” Eagle Trail at Peninsula State Park (by myself) and became acquainted with the beauty that is Wisconsin. I ate cherries picked straight from the tree (Wisconsin is the third highest producer of cherries in the nation.) I felt at home. Door County has not seen the last of me, or my family and friends.



P.S. Stay tuned for some exciting new damen news! We have a brand new initiate!

Sisterhood of the Traveling Damens

I’ll be in Door County, WI all this week, reuniting with one of my favorite Damens, Elaine Warner.

Elaine and I traveled through Arkansas together in May, where we initiated two new members to the Sisterhood: Margot & Lorrie. This celebration got a little out of hand, and we ended up closing down the restaurant at Mt. Magazine State Park Lodge. We retired to Elaine’s room where we decided to terrorize a male journalist we knew to be inhabiting the next room.

We’d knock on his door and run back into our room. Then we’d call him and hang up. Then we’d knock again. All the while giggling so hard I thought I was going to wet myself. Then there was a knock on Elaine’s door and we all ran to our respective hiding places (me under the bed, Lorrie in-between the television and wardrobe). I have not acted that way since fourth grade. Well, not acted that way when I’ve been stone cold sober since fourth grade.

The evening ended with our most embarrassing stories, and while Elaine takes the prize for Most Embarrassing Tale, I definitely come in second, followed by Margot, then Lorrie. (Attention Damens! Besides the Top 5 TubWorthies and Movies, we’ve decided that Most Embarrassing Story is another initiation rite!) We took photos for Elaine’s husband Jack, who was celebrating his birthday the following day, giving our best “come hither” and “stink-eye” expressions.

There I was with this group of women, ranging in age from mid-60’s to late-20s, mothers, grandmothers, pet owners, and we were bouncing on beds like children. It made me so thankful to have my job, to have crossed paths with so many amazing people that I would never have known otherwise.

El Yunque (El JOOOON-KAY!)

I was thrilled about visiting Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Rainforest, but non-too thrilled about the WAY in which I was going to be visiting it. I mean, there’s got to be a better way to experience the United States’ ONLY tropical rainforest than on a loud, gas guzzling, all terrain vehicle (ATV), right? Then Tree Hugger Libba stepped aside to make room for Iowa Farm Girl Libba, who actually had a really good time.

Mostly because the trail took us to the Mamayes River, which runs out of the mountains and is the coolest, clearest river I’ve ever had the liberty of jumping off of a rock into. Our Puerto Rican guides (both named Sammy) impressed us all by diving from tree branches into the river and painting our faces with stones rubbed against rocks to produce clay.

Real quick, let me mention that this was the youngest press trip I’ve been on to date. Usually I’m the baby of the group, which includes at least a few token male journalists, but on this trip, I was one of 14 young, beautiful, talented, journalists and PR people, which made for some images I’m sure Executive Traveler’s readers will enjoy.

Is this not the fiercest photo you've seen all week?!

I got mugged in Puerto Rico....by an iguana....

He spotted me during his leisurely stroll past the hot tub.



He crept closer and closer, forcing me to vacate my lounge chair.



He leapt onto my chair and crawled quickly towards my fruit bowl.



He eagerly ate a few kiwi slices and held onto the basket for dear life during it's removal.



Then he decided he preferred Diet Coke and started drinking mine.

Then the Cabana Boy came by and clapped his hands 'till he scurried for the hills. I got away with my life, but just barely.

tickling some ivory

My favorite part of my recent trip to Arkansas was a visit to the Riddle Elephant Sanctuary (www.elephantsanctuary.org), which is home to 8 Asian and African elephants aged 5 months to 50 years old. We were allowed to pet some of the older Asian females, Miss Betty Boop (Boopers) in particular. What really made a huge impact on me was when Scott Riddle said, “There are no such thing as ‘wild’ elephants. Even if elephants do not live in captivity, they are impacted by humans in some way, shape, or form, whether it be by nearby farmers, safari’ing tourists, or poachers. Within ten years every elephant on this planet will live in captivity.” How depressing, huh? There is no wild.
Another interesting revelation came by way of Toby, a young African male who swayed side to side a la Stevie Wonder. He’s what they refer to as “challenged,” meaning, he failed to fully develop, both mentally and physically. It had never occurred to me that animals, as well as humans, can suffer from mental and physical retardation. Interesting. I could have watched the elephants all day long, especially Aimee and her baby, Miss Bettes. Toby, the five-year-old African male, was born at the sanctuary on Animal Planet, I need to look up the name of the show. When I told Mama about the elephants, her first reaction was “Did you cry?!” That depends on your definition of cry. I definitely had tears in my eyes, but I’m pretty sure it was a result of the ammonia released from all of the pee.

Dirk was so jazzed about the video clips I got at the Sanctuary that he set a few to music. Here’s a video of Max doing his booty-shakin’ dance in the hopes of receiving some treats from Scott.

Key West....General Impressions

A little like Charleston...

A little bit of New Orleans...

A little bit like Seaside...

And a little bit like Holstein (where else would a cop ask YOU to pose for a photo?!)

Wind and (lots of) Wine Cruise

Danger Cruises offers a high-class “Wind and Wine Cruise” past Sunset Key in Key West. I forget how many varietals they offered, because the sommelier had me at “champagne.” He was very knowledgeable (and obviously a great salesman), explaining the vintages prior to departure from the dock, including a pinot grigio (my wine of choice) to boot. A blonde hottie passed around cheese, crackers, and fresh veggies with dip, providing attractive alternate scenery to the aquamarine waters of the Gulf. It was another “pinch myself” moment, as I sipped champagne, took in the ocean breeze and view, felt the yacht gently rocking beneath my feet, and looked around at a group of people I’ve come to respect and whose company I greatly enjoy, but will most likely never cross paths with again. What a strange profession I am in.

It's good luck if they land on you...

Entering Key West’s Butterfly Conservatory (www.keywestbutterfly.com) feels like you’re a character in a cartoon filled with all different sizes and shades of butterflies. It’s a truly surreal experience, and not altogether unfrightening. The dreaded “CRUNCH” on the sidewalk, the swatting of the head (a normal reaction when feeling an insect land) these actions are frowned upon at the butterfly establishment. It’s a great place for children, photographers, and gardeners, who will pick up some tips on plants that attract the cute lil’ buggers.
The gift shop reminded me of Julie Doxtad’s kitchen, which is adorned with framed pinned butterflies that I’ve always guiltily admired. The mandatory sophomore bug collection continues to haunt me, with images of Wade Bagenstos’s bugs crawling off the straightening board with the pins thrust through their thin little wings. But then I encountered the most spectacular moth, and learned that it only lives for three days, because it emerges from its cocoon without a mouth. So essentially, it has three days to exhibit its glory before it succumbs to starvation. It makes me wonder whether or not I would trade places with such an insect, in order to be that amazingly beautiful for three entire days, which seems like a short time to us, but is a lifetime to a moth.

Beachside Key West

I spent the past four days in Key West, as a guest of Beachside Resort & Conference Center (www.beachsidekeywest.com), a new property about three miles from downtown Key West. First of all, they had to kick me out of my suite (quite literally, as I requested a four p.m. check out), which was out of this world. Marble-tiled floors, a full-sized kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a Sub-Zero fridge, two flat screens (one in the bedroom, one in the living room), a Jacuzzi bathtub, and a shower the size of my first apartment. When I walked into the suite, it was all I could do not to scream, jump up and down and then ask my bell boy to pinch me (he WAS rather cute.) But then he reminded me of my VIP status. Me? VIP? And he proceeded to show me my balcony, which had a spiral staircase up to a rooftop ocean view patio. Yeah. It was from this roof each morning that I watched a man and his dog canoe from a teeny tiny island about half a mile off-shore. Apparently the “Key West homeless” have their own islands, similar in size to the two in Storm Lake. Sure beats the Interstate overpasses the Birmingham homeless inhabit!The resort hosted a beachside, luau celebration to welcome the journalists the first night of the trip, with an open (fully stocked) bar, a buffet that included salad toppings such as blue cheese and sliced cucumber, a delicious mahi mahi dish, and a pig. Yuck. My father would have been in heaven. We were serenaded by a local man named Bongo D, who romanced us with music selections ranging from Bob Marley to Gloria Estefan. He did take requests and played “Redemption Song” just for me! The terms and conditions included my singing along. Bob was rolling over in his grave.
My free time at Beachside was spent poolside, where I sipped beers and enjoyed my book. The in-room massage was nice, though rather strange, it being my first out-of-spa massage experience and my first male masseuse. It was hard to relax and enjoy myself without the dimmed lights, warm oil, towels, and soothing music that a spa provides, but a massage is a massage, and I will never complain about receiving one.

For a press trip, my time at the hotel felt amazingly similar to being on vacation, actually, and I returned with many new friends. The Sales and Marketing Team were topnotch entertainers, even going so far as to party on Duval with us one of the nights.

Beachside is perfect for someone like me, who likes to get a true sense and perspective of a place, but likes to be removed from the all-night partying and debauchery. It provides a laid-back home base with easy access to the craziness.

Just like a mullet. Business in the front. Party in the back.

Vail Village

Although a little hoity-toity (in Collins's words) it was my first time in a ski town, and it was so much fun!  All the pedestrians on the street are all decked up in their ski gear, and they all migrate towards the lift.  Vail Village itself is idyllic, with cobblestone streets, clock towers, a covered bridge (crossing Gore Creek), tons of restaurants, boutiques, and outdoor gear stores.

  

They also have a series of bronzes of famous folks like Einstein, Monet, Shakespeare, Sakajawea, etc.  We had lunch and margaritas at Los Amigos, where you can watch the skiiers come down the side of the mountain.  Fun little town!