"Not all who wander, are lost."

When you study abroad with a group of people, you get to know them very well. For me, I got to know Juliette Meyers a little bit better.

Now, Juliette has traveled before, having gone to England, so I was interested in sitting down with her and finding out why she chose Ireland and her travel methods.

According to Meyers, England and Ireland were two of the top places she wanted to travel to, adding, "I was excited to see Ireland because I have one cousin who still lives there but my aunt and the rest of her kids used to live there for several years. I was always interested in seeing the different way of life there, because of them."

For this trip, Meyers had packed the smallest suitcase of all of us, and impressed us greatly when we arrived at the airport. Although limited a little with clothing options, Meyers wanted to pack worry free, not wondering if it was too heavy.

" I also was able to squeeze all the essentials in that tiny suitcase so I never felt like I was missing anything," Meyers explained.

Speaking of clothes, Meyers is quite the fashionista, always pulling off the cutest outfits. She seemed to be in her element when shopping in Ireland, always managing to find great buys.

"They say Europe is ahead of us on trends so I was beyond thrilled to stock up on what’s coming next for us here in the U.S.," Meyers said.

There was another aspect of traveling that Meyers loved: the pictures. As a photographer, she was in her element among all the picturesque scenes in the country, although wanted to make sure to take in each moment.

" I got some good shots but overall I was concerned with capturing every sight for my own stock of memories," she said.

Meyers hopes to continue traveling in the future and hopes to capture her travels through blogging.

"This trip has really got me back into blogging which was my career plan until I started thinking about going into TV," Meyers said.

It will be quite the adventure to follow along with her travels as she continues her career, and blogging seems like a good fit for her.

*Interview Someone

How to talk to strangers.

So, for my multimedia class, we did a project titled Humans of Sneem. It is modeled after the blog Humans of New York, and it is an interesting way to tell someone's story.

The concept is simple: get a photograph of a person, ask them a few (meaningful) questions and get them to tell you a story, or give you an interesting quote.

Simple.


In theory.

Being in a foreign country and talking to strangers is already hard enough, without the deep, personal questions. So, here are some tips and tricks to approaching and talking to strangers.

Stay calm. You're nerves have a nasty habit of getting the best of you when you are thrown into unfamiliar situations. If you are visibly freaking out, it's going to make whoever you are approaching uncomfortable.

Start with 'Hello.' This is an easy one. Don't just go up to someone and ask 'Can I take your picture?" Instead, smile and start a real conversation. When you can carry a conversation, it makes the situation a lot more comfortable.

Explain why you want to take a picture. Again, simply saying 'Can I take your picture?' can catch people off guard. Tell them what kind of project you are working on and see if they are interested in contributing.

Smile. Smiling just makes everyone more comfortable and is better than standing there without and expression.

Say 'Thank you!' Someone you don't know just allowed you to take their picture and ask them personal questions. It is only appropriate to thank them.

These are just a few tips that helped me along while in Ireland working on this project. Once I got over my fears of talking to strangers, the project became easy and fun. Stay tuned for the debut of Humans of Sneem on Tumblr.

Take in the scenery

As I sit on my familiar couch, in my familiar living room, watching Netflix because I have access to wi-fi that isn't awful, I take out my laptop to edit pictures.

There are so many pictures to go through. I get very overwhelmed looking at them. I also get a bit sad. I had such a wonderful time in Ireland and I can't believe that I have been home for about 6 days already.

Time flies.

So, I compiled some of my favorite nature shots from my trip. We saw so many beautiful scenes and
going through the pictures just makes me wish I was still there, taking more pictures.

I don't think any amount of pictures will ever be enough, but I still can't get over how beautiful the entire country is. I hope someday to continue traveling and capturing the beauty of the world.

A piece of home in Dublin.

Before I left home, a lot of people told me that going to Ireland was like being in Northeast PA, the scenery was similar with the mountains and whatnot.

When I got here, I saw the similarities, but I was astounded by the beauty of the entire country. And, as you know, I spent the first half of my trip in rural areas, like Sneem, and then going to various tourist spots like the Cliff of Moher.

Our last stop was Dublin, which was ambitious. We had three days in the city, which seems like enough time, but it proved not to be. I was sitting in the airport, wishing I had another day just to explore.

The amazing thing about Dublin was just how much it reminded me of a piece of home, that piece being Philadelphia. The hustle, bustle, and artwork just made me think of the city of brotherly love. It was awesome.

We visited some iconic places, like St. Patrick's and the Guinness museum, but my favorite part was just taking time to ourselves and seeing all the little treasures. Dublin has so much to offer through it's culture and if you have the chance, take the time to experience it.

Feeling adventurous.

"Serious photographers...," I heard my two professors say as we arrived at the Cliffs of Moher. After that point, I only half listened because I am not a 'serious photographer', I am more of a novice. The gist of their speech was to warn us about the dangers of veering off the path up on the cliffs. The appealing part of climbing over the barrier is the amazing photo op it provides. Behind the barrier, on the safe side, I captured a wonderful snapshot that shows how huge these cliffs are.

Even with my lovely picture, I was not satisfied. Maybe it was because I was told not to, or maybe I just felt like living on the edge, I mean, this was a once in a lifetime chance. I wanted the experience. As we walked up the path, we were greeted with a few warning signs:

Passing the signs made me a little uneasy, as did people in our group talking about recent deaths from people crossing the barrier. We kept climbing and eventually came to a part of the barrier where people were crossing over to the dangerous side. 

I hesitated. I'm not a graceful person. One wrong move and I'm history. But, when in Rome...

I climbed over, and I am so happy I did. It was even more breathtaking than I thought. Don't get me wrong, many people cross over the barrier, but not as many as are on the safe track. Those obeying the rules herded like cattle up the path while we chose forbidden ground to tread more freely. The wind was running, trying to get to the roaring ocean quickly.

It was freeing, in a way. It felt good to do something unexpected. While this whole trip has been an adventure, this felt like a mini yet super amazing adventure. And the pictures from the other side were fabulous! I got a beautiful portrait of Autumn on the cliff.

For me, the takeaway was this: Sometimes, you should break the rules. When you have a once in lifetime opportunity, don't let anything hold you back. There should be no barriers. Enjoy all experiences and make the most out of them.

*Respond to something

The Grand Hotel in Tralee

While in Tralee, our group stayed at The Grand Hotel on Denny Street. I must tell you how amazing this hotel was.

The interior of the hotel is so beautiful. The lobby has a high end feel, adorned with leather chairs, a huge mirror seated on a wood carved counter. On the ceiling hangs a beautiful chandelier, all adding to the atmosphere. The staff is so pleasant and welcoming, always greeting you with a smile. 

The food was also amazing. For breakfast, you get a traditional breakfast of sausage, bacon, and eggs. There is also a bar with yogurt, cereal, fruits, nuts, and bread. Dinner was exceptional. I had salmon and trout the two nights we were there and both were nothing short of delicious. After dinner, we all headed out and enjoyed the town, and eventually retired for the night.

There is a hidden treasure at The Grand Hotel. If you get the chance to stay up as late as we were, you just might get to experience this gem. 

As I was laying in my bed, trying to write a blog, I heard something outside my door. It sounded as if there were people walking up and down my hall. Now, the weird thing about this was that the lights in the hallway are motion sensor, and they never turned on. I texted a girl from a different hall to see if she heard something: she did. We both got a little nervous. The walking wasn't going away any time soon so I tried to embrace it (easier said than done!) 

A few minutes passed and my friend texted me saying it sounded like something crashed in her hallway. I didn't hear that but I then heard a scraping sound outside my room for about 5 minutes. Once again, no lights turning on. A girl said she was coming up the hall to my room. A minute later there was a knock at my door. 

"Mariah?" I asked. No reply. I got louder.

"MARIAH?!" I screamed. Nothing. 

About another minute later, there was another knock. This time, the light outside turned on. There was motion. When I called out Mariah's name, she answered. 

"How long have you been out here?" I questioned, trying to logically explain the first knock.

"I just got here," she said.

My heart started pounding. Who was at my door the first time? Should I have answered?

Not much more happened that night, and we all fell into a deep slumber, only to be woken up by cell phone alarms buzzing, reminding us to get out of bed.

While some people might be uneasy about things that go bump in the night, it didn't take away from my stay at The Grand, it added so much to it. I enjoyed every part of the hotel so much that having an unexplained encounter, it just makes me want to go back for more. 

To anyone traveling to Tralee, I highly recommend The Grand Hotel. You will have such an amazing stay and you might even get a little more than expected!

*Review

The Dingle Peninsula.

Yesterday, I visited this beautiful, picturesque scene on the Dingle Peninsula. While venturing from Sneem was rough on us (some more than others), it was nice to be able to go check out an entire peninsula, stopping for some amazing photo ops, like above.

Part of our journey was to the part of the peninsula where you can see the Blasket Islands, which are so beautiful. When we got off the bus, everyone took out their cameras and phones to grab pictures but, after I few minutes, I had to take a seat and just absorb what I was looking at. Hills of green standing in the middle of the ocean, waves rushing to shore, bouncing off rocks, there was so much to take in. While I got some great shots, none of them captured the true beauty that is experiencing such sights with your own eyes. Which got me thinking, do we spend too much time looking through a lens or a phone? Should put down the camera and take out a pen and paper to capture experiences in a differnt, older, fashion?

Just food for thought. 

*ask a question

A farewell to Sneem

Early this morning, we boarded a bus and left Sneem. It seemed to be a hard move for everyone. We were just getting comfortable in the town and familiar with the people and suddenly, that was all gone.

When I first arrived in Sneem, one of the first things I did was explore the hotel. The bar had an outside patio and I could see through the glass doors that the view outside was magnificent. I went outside and snapped this picture:

Needless to say, I was completely blown away. The beauty in this town was boundless. Everywhere you walked, you came across a scene like this. After taking this picture, a few of us continued our exploration a little farther and ventured closer to the water. We ended up opposite the hotel on a stone structure that had a staircase leading to the water. There, I took this picture:

I was utterly mesmerized by this place. Everywhere I looked, it was like a picture. I never wanted to leave. In fact, I still want to go back even though I am already sitting in my hotel room in Tralee (which is also beautiful.)

So last night, I walked this path again, trying to take in the beauty one last time. And it was bittersweet. The wind danced around me one last time, at a much slower pace. The water crawled toward the shore, lagging with the wind. The sun rolled out from behind a few clouds, breathing life into my favorite spot. 

It's hard to say what attracted me the most to Sneem. As you can see, it is full of beautiful landscape, but it's full of so much more. The people in the town treat you like family. The food is nothing short of delicious, and the pubs were always welcoming to newcomers. In a sense, it felt like home. I was comfortable there.

I do not know if I will have the fortune of returning to Sneem one day, although I very much hope that I do. But, I will tell you this. If you ever get the chance to go to Ireland, pick Sneem as a destination. It may not be one of the tourist hot spots, but I promise you that it will be a piece of paradise that will stay with you forever. 

For now, I must say goodbye to the wonderful town and all the people who live there. And thank you for an amazing first impression of Ireland. 

*Reflection/Suggest an idea

By the Sea

Yesterday, we got the opportunity to spend some time at Derrynane at a beach in the Ring of Kerry. Although the weather was not ideal (the sun was hiding and the wind was blowing), but the trip was lovely anyway. 

I kicked off my shoes and began exploring the land. As I began walking, the sand hugged my toes, seeming to hold onto my skin for dear life. The wind was howling while the waves crashed on the shore. As I continued my journey, the sand grows cold and the waves creep closer and closer. Both the water and the air were crisp, yet the scene was picturesque. 

I was more than happy, I was at ease. I don't have many experiences with quiet beaches. In fact, all the beaches I have been to are overly crowded with sunbathers and loud children. This was a pleasant change. It gave me the opportunity to just enjoy the sound of the ocean. I think the universal theme of my trip thus far has been to just step back. There is so much to take in and experience when you visit a foreign country and we find this exotic beauty and we think that it is because our towns and states have nothing to offer when the reality could be that we are too consumed with the buzz of our everyday lives we don't recognize the beauty that is right in front of us.

The animals of Sneem

Since arriving in Sneem, I have come across my fair share of animals. From Red, the hotel dog, to the bunny I fell in love with at Blueberry Hills farm, there has been an animal interaction every single day.

It's quite different from seeing animals in the United States. Usually, if you come across a dog, it is attached to a leash or a stray. In Sneem, the dogs are as free as the people, going into town with their owners and waiting patiently outside the market, or following us around town to get us to play with them. The animals are full of energy and if I'm being completely honest, I want to take one home with me.

So, I thought I would share with you guys the animals I have met so far.

I met this little guy on my very first day in Sneem. We were walking around the town and found him in somebody's front yard. He was very eager to get his picture taken and I fell in love with that face. 

Meet Red, everybody! He is basically the hotel mascot and has been basking in the sun the past two days. Red is very friendly but be careful not to interrupt his sun bathing, or he will get sassy (Ask Juliette!)

Photo credit: Elspeth Peterson

While this is a SUPER FLATTERING picture of me, it captures my excitement perfectly. This bunny is the cutest rabbit ever. It is a baby and lives at Blueberry Hills Farm in Sneem with a colony of rabbits along with many other animals.

This is the owl, Marley. He also lives at Blueberry Hills. When he soars over the farm, it is breathtaking and he always comes back down to the posts. He was swooping and soaring, as if he was trying to avoid getting his picture taken.

Another roaming dog from the town of Sneem. This girl followed us down by the church, running in front of us to lead us to a small pond type body of water. From there, she grabbed a stick from the water and started playing catch with us! (Elspeth had the best throw) 

I wish that animals could be freer over here like they are in Sneem. It is so refreshing to come across animals walking down the street, free of leashes, interacting with the people in the town. 

Taking time to smell the roses.

Yesterday was our first official day in Sneem, which allowed us to go out and explore what the town has to offer. A group of us decided to walk through the more natural sites in the town over the shopping.

My favorite place that we visited was called the Garden of the Senses. Upon walking in you are greeted with the lovely sign:

It was a beautiful place to walk around and sit and think, and I was inspired by the sign encouraging me to enjoy the scenery. So, after snapping a few pictures, I sat in a tunnel made of trees and reflected on the sheer beauty surrounding me, not only in this garden, but in all of Ireland.


The entire garden was tranquil. While walking on the path made by pebbles, you can hear the rocks getting trampled by the shoes of the intruders. Flowers and branches sway in the wind, which was making sure to brush the hair away from my face so I could take in all the natural beauty. Over head, birds are singing while flying from tree to tree. The leaves begin to rustle, obeying the dancing winds.  The trees help to shelter walkers from the sun. A bench stands below a canopy of green, right beside the entrance to the tunnel.

Inside the tunnel sits chairs made from the trunks of trees past. Wanderers are welcomed to sit among the greenery while the birds continue their song from above. The wind slowly creeps into the canopy, greeting us with a cool touch. It is tranquility. It was perfect to stop and smell the metaphorical roses (or in this case, trees!) I think this is important because back home, I am constantly on the go and absorb in my phone or other distraction so it has been nice to be without a phone with a data plan. It has shown me that when I return home I need to shut off the wires and enjoy my surroundings.

*Reflection

Facing fears

Hello everyone!!! It is about 11 p.m. on May 28, my first day in Ireland!!! It has been crazy so far (in a good way!) and I am taken back by all the beauty in this country.

So, last night was my first time on a plane and it was such an unreal experience and while in the air, I decided to jot a little paragraph down to try and describe what I was seeing and how I was feeling:

I am typing this from my window seat on the plane. I couldn't resist documenting the breath taking beauty, which I am fixated on. I should be getting some rest, but I can't take my eyes away from outside this window. There is a sea of clouds flowing below me. In the distance, the sun if getting ready to rise. I thought I would be terrified of this view, because I am deathly afraid of heights, but I am so calm. This is the most peaceful scene I have ever seen. Next time you're on a plane, grab the window seat and listen to 'Because' by The Beatles, it's amazing. Even now, more light is breaking through over the horizon, giving a crystal clear look at the fluffy sea at my feet.

*visual

The nerves are setting in.

So, it is about 2 a.m. now and I am so beyond restless. It's crazy to think I leave today!

Anyway, I couldn't contain my excitement so here are some tips about traveling I will share with you through my video blog.

Enjoy!

*Make a list

Storytelling is key

Obviously, over the next couple of weeks, I will be sharing countless stories and adventures through my blog. Luckily, blogging is a big part of both of my classes, which gives me the opportunity to strengthen my writing a great deal.

In class the other day, we were given a prompt to explain the similarities between both of the classes. While writing my response, I thought it would be nice to share how a writing class and a multimedia class mesh so well together.

The classes are similar because of the strong emphasis on the story. In Travel Writing, we have been writing short stories about ourselves, each other, nature, home, etc. Each topic to be covered inspired a story within us.
In Multimedia Storytelling (does the name give it away?), the story is very much important. We are learning how to use various types of media to tell stories about ourselves, our travels, and even about the people we meet along the way.

Another important aspect is visualization. For Writing, Laurie has been teaching us how to use sensory words and verbs to help bring our writing to life and allow our readers to "see" what we are describing.
In Storytelling, the use of media allows us to add another element. In addition to our words, we can show our reader pictures of what we are describing, or we can make videos in order to capture certain moments that would best fit video.

While the two classes may seem quite different to the untrained eye, those of us enrolled in both are enjoying the benefits of two classes that compliment each other quite well.

New experiences

A huge factor of my trip is having new experiences. I have never been on a plane, I have never left the country, and so on. Over the course of the next few weeks, I will have my fair share of firsts and I am looking forward to them very much.

Today, I tried something new. I video blogged (vlog). This was a very different experience and quite an uncomfortable one. I am not too keen on being in front of the camera so actually having to watch and edit this was out of my comfort zone.

However, I wanted to start practicing vlogging because I think it has the opportunity to enhance my written blog and add a whole other element to my stories and experiences. 

I will not delay any further. Here is my first vlog! 

P.S. Don't mind the awkward!

*Reflection

Travel Writing Tips 5.

This chapter of O'Neil's book focused on fact checking and research, which are two very important steps in any type of writing.

Here are some tips on how to fact check and research!

1. Get organized!
This should be a no-brainer, but it is very important. If you're not organized, your research will get misplaced somewhere along the way, causing major headaches. O'Neil suggests that if you are doing research online, make sure you have folders on your computer clearly labeled so you can easily go back and find information for your research.

2. Check your facts!
Also, common sense. And, this doesn't just go for travel writing, this is all types of writing. It is important to check facts because you don't want to publish something that isn't 100% accurate. O'Neil uses the example that if you are using a translated travel brochure, the likelihood of error if greater due only to the fact that it was translated. A good rule of thumb to ensure you facts are indeed factual, is to get two sources to verify them.

3. Don't use cliches as facts.
It is very important that you accurately portray the people and places of a country. However, cliches and stereotypes that have been around for years can hinder the ability to do that. When you are in a foreign country, you want to represent the people you come across in a very factual manor. So, O'Neil said that one cliche often read about Asian countries is that they are shrouded in mystery and secrecy and the population values ancestry more than money. This has become a cliche and not accurate of every single country or city in Asia. It is important to avoid using cliches and finding new ways to describe our experiences abroad.

Be passionate.

If there is one thing I have learned over the past week, it is that I need to be passionate in both my writing and multimedia story telling. Passion is the driving force that will allow me to strive for greatness in my work. 

Passion has already been a theme throughout my blog posts.

"The world is a book; he who stays at home reads only one page."
-St. Augustine

This quote resonates with me, and I can't help but to use it as a model for work. If the world is a book, I want to read every single page of it so I can help the man sitting at home realize what he is missing. I need to consider this man, too. He lacks the passion behind traveling, because if he was passionate, he would be seeing the world. I think travelers are not only driven by adventure and vacation, but by a passion to see the world and experience new things.

The traditions that have been upheld in Jessup throughout the years only shows the dedication by the people who live there to keep their culture alive for future generations.

I attribute my passion to having the pleasure of growing up in a community so steeped in tradition and culture that their town is dedicated to an Italian saint. Jessup is just one example of how an entire community shows great passion about their heritage and holding celebrations that mirror those over in Italy. Growing up near Jessup, I was exposed to the want to connect with my heritage on a much deeper level, driving me to travel, especially to Ireland.

The trees in the woods danced in the wind, their leaves trying to break free of the branches. 

If you look at nature long enough, and really start to appreciate it, you can see a different type of force behind it. This day in particular, I watched the wind blow trees to and fro. But it wasn't just wind, as I have put it above, the leaves wanted to break free! The wind caused this beautifully artistic thing to happen and instead of just seeing wind, I saw a dance. In this dance, I saw passionate leaves trying desperately to break free and see the world around them. They wanted life outside of the tree. And if we are being honest, aren't we all leaves?

I feel my foot accelerating toward a Great Perhaps.

We are all seeking a Great Perhaps, and my favorite author taught me that at the ripe age of 15. There is something so romantic about finding your purpose in life. Part of that journey is to take risks and try on different hats along the way. Eventually, you will find yourself on the right path, heading toward your G.P. So, how does this fit in? Because the thing driving you, even if you don't know it at the time, is passion. We are all just trying to find our way and we do that by pursuing things we care about or make wonderful contributions to. This journey may be long and could lead us to countless foreign countries, but no one ever said that was a bad thing.

SO,
What's the big takeaway? Be passionate. It doesn't matter if you want to be a writer or an accountant, you still need the drive necessary to be great in your field. And enjoy the journey along the way.

Travel Writing Tips 4

So, in Chapter 5, O'Neil talked about voice and tone in writing. Every writer has a writing voice uniquely theirs, much like their speaking voice. Therefore, it is important to polish up your voice and tone, especially when writing about travels.

What are some things O'Neil suggests?

1. "Put yourself in the reader's place."
This isn't something I have ever really put into consideration before, but it is very useful. When you are writing, if you are able to step back and ask yourself, "is my reader with me? Will this make sense to them?" you are making sure your audience will get your article.

2. Try to write the story as if you were telling it verbally.
In this sense, you are developing your voice to reflect your speaking. You also have the opportunity to be visual. O'Neil suggests that we still need to paint a picture, so to speak, but do it in a way that the reader can actually hear you telling the story. This helps you further develop your voice and really gives you the opportunity to make your writing sound as clear and present as if you were speaking it.

3. "Stretch your imagination."
This is not a concept I usually associate with he concept of the story, not the way in which you write it. Here, O'Neil suggests that you use metaphors and similes, but not cliche ones. She challenges us to come up with our metaphors in order to spice up our voices. She even tell us to "think....(not outside the box) off the map." When we, as writers, are able to develop our own strong voices, it will be easier to get a reader to relate to us and our stories.

There's a place called Home.

My sister's favorite Disney movie (Beauty and the Beast) taught me that "home should be where the heart is," and I would agree with Belle when she said, "never were words so true."

Home can be anywhere in the world to a person. Not everyone considers their house their home- I don't. Home is that placed that puts you at ease, it calms you down and allows you to be at peace.

My home doesn't have a foundation. It has four doors, most of which are rusted and screech upon opening. Oddly, I wouldn't change it.

My home feels like the cool air brushing against my arm and messing up my hair. I feel my foot accelerating toward a Great Perhaps. I touch and hold on to a steering wheel, covered in splinters, due to overuse. I feel the heat warming up the car with sun light. Sweat starts to drip from my forehead, adding to the heat in the car.

I smell gasoline and pine air freshener.

I hear alternative and classic rock blasting through speakers past their prime, mixed with static and fuzz. Outside my home, the birds are chirping in the sky and zooms fill the air as other cars whiz by.

This is what my home is considered. In my car, I get to focus on the driving and listen to the music. I do not have a cell phone to keep me busy, I can have all my attention on the road.

It gives me time to reflect and think without the distraction of email, social media, etc. My car allows me to be calm and cool the whole ride.

A little rain never hurt anyone

As a child, I spent a lot of time outside. I was fortunate enough to grow up with a group of kids my age and summers would be spent playing manhunt in the woods, walking through the cemetery, and sitting outside listening to the sounds of nature for hours. Looking back, I haven't enjoyed being outside since I was that young. So, today I took a walk and rediscovered the beauty in nature.

I sat in a bright green field that smelled like summer and fresh cut grass. The air swished around me, while the grass below me swayed along, moving with the wind. The sky above me was blue with the sunshine reigning down, keeping me warm despite the breeze. White and grey clouds littered the sky and hid the sun's warmth from me momentarily. The wind echoed around me, as if trying just to be noticed by sound as well as touch. Birds chirped along as they flew around, enjoying the spring day and their wings, gliding them across the field. The trees in the woods danced in the wind, their leaves trying to break free of the branches. The wind picked up and grew violent as the sun disappeared behind dark, rolling clouds. The trees were no longer dancing, they were holding on to their roots while the wind raced. As I began running home, a bolt of light flashed in the sky, followed by a roar from the heavens. Rain drops fell to the ground gently, at first. As I reached my house, the sky opened up and the droplets started falling sideways, crashing to the Earth.

Travel Writing Tips Round 3

Hello all!

Let's get down to business. Today's chapter dealt with structure and how to layout your writing. O'Neil had some real gems in this chapter so I won't delay this any further.

1. Show the story like a movie.
There are a million ways to say this, I just liked this phrase. It's all about visualization. It goes beyond painting a picture for your reader. You want them to be able to see everything you are describing in their head. The key to this is detail. Use as much detail as possible. Also, you need to use a lot of action verbs. This does more than illustrates an idea to your reader, it sends them to the location you are writing about.

2. Ground the reader.
This goes hand in hand with #1. You want to transport the reader to your destination. You want them to read this article and walk a mile in your shoes, confident that by the end of the piece, they feel like they were on the ground with you, experiencing everything you experience.

3. Once you understand the structure, you can bend the rules.
This is the best tip, hands down. There is nothing I love more than being told to break the rules when writing. It allows for so much freedom and creativity that it will just let you take your writing to the next level. Basic concepts are very important when trying a type of writing for the first time but, there is nothing better than being able to bring your own flare to the table.

"It is easy to be wise after the event."

So, this is going to be difficult. I have been working on this piece for hours, planning how to say what I need to.

The assignment is to tell a story with a twist, or something we didn't expect to happen.

I have to get deep now.

Nothing unexpected happens to me very often, or at least something that is so memorable I could never forget it. And it's always better to tell a story that I learned something from. This time last year I learned a valuable lesson: watch who you trust.

I told you I was getting deep.

This seems like a piece of advice everybody knows, but until you're in that situation, you don't fully get it. I was in a not so good place. My boyfriend and I broke up briefly last year and between you and I, it sucked. But, it helped me grow a lot as a person. So, there are two twists in this story.

Watch who you confide in. Not everyone wants what is best for you. In fact, most of the time, they want what's best for them.

I met a guy, we'll call him Jim, at school last year who was great...at first. We talked a lot. We came from similar backgrounds (both from broken families). We shared a lot of common interests like favorite comedians and we listened to the same music. I considered us good friends. It was cool.

It didn't stay cool.

In fact, it got uncool real fast. The part of this story I expected? My break up. A few people saw it coming and I wasn't surprised that it happened. Please keep in mind I just ended a 2.5 year relationship. The events that took place in the next few weeks, however, I did not expect. First, you must understand Jim was older so there were certain ways to talk that I perceived as okay and I feel like lines were crossed a few times. It was boarder line flirting and it got weird fast.

Man, this is really hard. Like, I can't handle this hard. Everyone can see this? Cool.

To make a long story short, words were exchanged between Jim and I and it seemed like I no longer had this super cool friend but someone who was ultimately working an angle, and I really didn't expect that. It was super awkward, but it taught me not to be so open with practical strangers. Also, you are the only person who knows what is best for you. Don't let other people influence your major life decisions.

Wanna know the other twist? This one leads to a happen ending, I promise. My boyfriend and I? Got back together after a month. I REALLY didn't see that one coming. When we broke up I felt like we were two completely different people. Luckily, we both did some growing and soul searching and found our way back to each other. So, that's cool and happy and romantic and the types of endings that make people smile.

Travel writing tips round 2!

As promised, I am back with another edition of "Travel Writing Tips" from author L. Peat O'Neil.

Today's chapter focused on the travel journal itself, and specifications to make journal writing easier on you. In addition, there were a lot of good writing tips and how to make good entries, so let's dive right in.

1. BACK UP YOUR WORK.
This really should go without saying. No matter what kind of work you are doing, if it is being stored on an electronic, like a laptop, back it up. There needs to be more than one copy stored in different places. For example, if you have an article written on Word, save it on your desktop, email it to yourself, and put it on an external drive. This way, if something happens, you have back up and you don't need to go back to the beginning.

2. The more you write down, the better.
When writing in your journal, make sure to get as many details down as possible. Even if it seems like a small detail to you, jot it down. The clearer the words, the better picture you will be able to articulate through your writing. Use sensory details, they will let the reader experience just what you have experienced in your travels.

3. Go beyond the diary entry.
It is very easy to keep a diary. Self reflection, when no one else is reading it, is not a difficult concept. O'Neil is saying to step out of the self reflection box and go talk to people. Adding characters to your story and a voice that is not your own but offers a more descriptive story with additional layers.

4. Write as soon as it happens.
O'Neil offers this advice to novice travel writers. In order to be able to go back and have a clear memory, there needs to be as much detail written down as possible. The best way to do this, is to take out pen and paper the second something memorable happens. Having to look back on the day could result with some hazy details, which isn't good for your writing.

Old meets new close to downtown life in Scranton

   Scranton Pennsylvania will forever be known to its inhabitants as 'The Electric City.' In the city's heyday, it was a bustling community with much to offer.
   Sadly, that is not the case in the present day. With the economy in the area shaky, Scranton is no longer the great city it used to be. However, there are silver linings throughout the city and certain buildings that could help you step back in time while managing to keep with the modern times.
   While the economy may not be the best, the area is nothing short of beautiful. The mountains provide a beautiful backdrop to the communities that make up 'the valley,' as many will call it. One town in particular stands out as I'm writing. Jessup, Pennsylvania is home to a large Italian community and their sister city is Gubbio, Italy. Even though the town looks mostly like any other in NEPA, the culture and traditions that come out of it are not matched. Every May, the people of Jessup come together to celebrate the feast of Saint Ubaldo in the same fashion that the citizens of Gubbio do.

The festival begins in the morning with member's of the local high school's marching band riding through the streets, playing, in order to wake up the city. From there, there is a mass for all the runners. After the mass, the vases of the saints are broken outside the church, where people hurry to try and grab a piece of a vase to bring into their home. In the afternoon, there is a race between Saint Ubaldo, Saint George, and Saint Anthony, which takes place all over Jessup. The whole town, as well as members from surrounding towns come to watch the race. Every house in Jessup is decorated with the flags of the saints and the roads are even painted.

Church Street in Jessup. Photo credit Raceofthesaints.blogspot.com

The traditions that have been upheld in Jessup throughout the years only shows the dedication by the people who live there to keep their culture alive for future generations.

Travel writing tips

So, I am starting a new segment called "Travel Writing Tips."

I am currently reading Travel Writing: See the world. Sell the story by L. Peat O'Neil. I am only about a chapter in but if you are considering diving into the world of travel writing, I suggest you get this book.

For the next week, I will be giving you my top 3-5 tips from O'Neil every night.

Tonight's tips!

1. Study other travel articles.
This should be a no brainer. In order to be able to successfully start writing about travel, you need to see how it's done. The many different types of travel articles, books, and journals available are almost overwhelming. The good thing is that you have many options. So, just start reading whatever you can get your hands on.

2. Hook your readers.
Once again, obvious. O'Neil was talking about Destination writing specifically but I think the concept applies across the board. If you cannot hook your reader, you don't have readers. There has to be something that interests your reader from the very beginning.

3. If you're not an expert-take the novice approach.
As a writer, I rarely like to talk about things I know nothing about. Rather, I would like to seem like I know what I am talking about. So, for me, this is valuable advice. It's okay not to know everything, and I think embracing that with travel is a good idea. When you can admit you're not an expert, it makes it more honest and relatable for your audience. You and your readers can go from novice to pro together, like a journey.

4. Humor pieces should be checked by a neutral person to make sure nothing come across as offensive.
There is one thing I am certain of in my life, and that is I think I am way funnier than I actually am. I have a very specific sense of humor that not everybody gets. For me, this is vital information for any type of blogger. Humor can work to the benefit of the writer, if it is done properly. You have to be careful when taking the funny route in order not to offend anyone who will be reading your writing.

I hope you have enjoyed this segment of Travel Writing Tips. I will be back this weekend with some more!

Laying the foundation

For my first post, I am reading material on travel writing, and finding quotes that speak to me. I am then responding to them and explaining why I think they are important for a traveler, both novice and pro. The readings are:
"The Global Imaginary of Contemporary Travel Writing" (Debbie Lisle)
"The Politics of Travel" (David Nicholson-Lord
and "Why We Travel" (Pico Iyer)

"What was so strange about wearing about wearing bunches of garlic around your neck? Perhaps nothing, except that he would not have done it if he were not a Mexican, and I would not have noticed it if I hadn't been an American." 
- Paul Theroux

Admittedly, this is an odd quote to start with. Let me explain. This is one of the last ones I chose. I had to come back to this reading in order to let the ideas sink in a bit before trying to articulate any thoughts or reflections on what I read. That being said, I think this is an important line to read as a perspective traveler. Paul Theroux saw this farmer in Mexico, wearing bunches of garlic, because that is how he transports his garlic. Theroux's reaction is important in that it teaches us how not to think and how not to act. In different countries, the customs and social norms are going to be quite different than they are in the United States. That is okay. In Theroux's eyes, it made him superior, but that really isn't the case. When looking at another country, you can't put yourself above them and then try to visit them, you need to acknowledge that the way in which things are done is different, not better or worse. When you put yourself on that pedestal, you aren't enriching your life in any way and you are taking away from the culture of the country you are going to. It is important to show respect to the people of wherever you are traveling.

"To claim that travelogues are 'just books' is to ignore their participation in wider discursive structures, and the material effects that are produced within those structures."
-Debbie Lisle

Before this article, I thought of travelogues as 'just books.' I would never critically look at one to see whether the author was speaking with a colonial tone, like Theroux, or a cosmopolitan one, like Bryson. I most certainly never thought about what kind of angle I may accidentally use when writing about my own travels. This serves as a solid foundation for some of the acceptable things to say and the unacceptable. As an amateur travel writer, there is a lot to think about it in the sense of how my work will fit into a dialogue about Ireland and the people, culture, and traditions. I also think it is exciting to work to add meaningful and positive contributions to the discourse of traveling. I think realizing that such a discourse exists is both exciting and inspiring moving forward. It shows that there is a community of people participating in this conversation as well. It keeps me from typing on a computer wondering who, if anyone, is on the other end, intrigued by my travels.

"The world is a book; he who stays at home reads only one page."
-St. Augustine

This is not a quote I have come across before. However, I am a fan of it. Any time someone makes a metaphor relating to literature and books, I can't help but to smile. If you step back and think about it, it makes perfect sense. The world is like a book. There is something new on each page; new ideas, new information that adds to the story. The world can be thought of in that fashion. Every country has something unique to offer. If a person stays in the comfort of their home for their entire life, they miss out on an amazing story. I think the story is the beauty and appeal of traveling. The idea of a story drives the traveler. When you go to a new country, you hear stories about that country or the culture of the people, and most of the time they aren't stories you would hear if you weren't there in person. Also, think about the stories that travelers have to tell of their adventures is a new place. These stories have literally filled books upon books. In that respect, the book metaphor makes perfect sense. Life revolves around stories and when you see the world, it only enhances your story.

"In Hawaii and Barbados, it was found that each tourist used between six and ten times as much water and electricity as a local."
-David Nicholson-Lord

I shouldn't be surprised by this statement. IF you really think about it, this makes perfect sense. But, it is a little unsettling. To me, this speaks to a bigger problem that is going to get a little ironic as I am blogging about it. I think what this statistic shows is an unhealthy dependence on electronics-if I ignore the water half completely. However, I know people who are really good at wasting water, but I digress. Six to ten times. That's big. And for what? A smartphone, a laptop, a kindle, a hairdryer, a curling iron, a straightener, etc. Are any of those things necessary for a vacation? My tendency is to say no but I know I will bring my phone and kindle with me to Ireland. I just think this should be more of a wake up call to people. Maybe it wouldn't be the worst idea to go unplugged while traveling. I would bet money that you would enjoy your travels a lot more and it would just make it a lot easier to experience life as the locals do. Isn't that the point anyway? I can't wait to dive into a new culture and hopefully do my best to adapt to a world where I'm not constantly checking Facebook or Twitter (which is very hard for me).

"If a diploma can famously be a passport (to a journey through hard realism), a passport can be a diploma (for a crash course in cultural relativism)."
- Pico Iyer

Honestly, I just think this is a fun idea. I read this and I smiled. I wish I was clever enough to think in such ways. While the quote as a whole has such a valuable meaning, my main focus is the second half of the quote. This sentence just speaks volumes to me, both as a student and aspiring traveler. I have always wanted to travel to as many countries as possible (I have a very long list going!), and I think there are countless things to learn along the way. There are only so many things you can learn from reading books, articles, journals, or watching movies and videos about different countries. Nothing will ever compare to actually stepping foot in a country and learning about the cultures and people from an active, first person perspective. When you are removed from the equation as an active participant, you lose a lot of the richness and personable experiences. In a way, it makes it a dull learning experience when you're going through mediums and not just diving right into the country. I think it is important to be willing and able to learn from the people of a county rather than just stories that have no personal connection to you.

"For if every true love affair can feel like a journey to a foreign country, where you can't quite speak the language, and you don't know where you're going, and you're pulled ever deeper into the inviting darkness, every trip to a foreign country can be a love affair..."
- Pico Iyer

I will tell you a secret. My biggest fear about going to Ireland is that I am not going to come back. And I don't mean I'm afraid my trip will turn into Taken, I'm afraid I am not going to want to leave. I am already in love with Ireland, without ever having been there. A lot of my family has traveled there, including my mother. I have heard an endless amount of stories about how beautiful it is and how wonderful the people are. What if I fall in love? I am quite prepared to have a love affair with Ireland. I just hope this affair doesn't blossom into a relationship because I won't be able to handle the break-up. I think describing traveling as a love affair is accurate and poetic. There are so many things to experience that are 'new' and obviously there is going to be so much excitement. These two elements are romantic in a sense. When something is new and exciting, we become infatuated with it and we never want to give this thing up because we are in love, for lack of a better term. We want to constantly surround ourselves with the excitement and nothing could possibly feel better than this 'exotic' country that we have never had the pleasure of experiencing. Because of this, I think it would be easy to get caught up in all the glamour, which can lead to Brigid never wanting to come home.