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.