You’ve probably noticed I changed the name of this weekly column from “Recommended Reads” to “Shiny Travel Objects”. Why did I do this? Aside from the fact that “Recommend Reads” is BORING, I had an epiphany this week that not all my recommendations are going to be printed text that you can read. Some will be videos or podcasts. Duh. I can’t believe I didn’t think of that before.
What are Shiny Travel Objects? Certainly not empty diversions, but rather the travel-related media that most caught my attention this week. I am a big fan of the late, lamented Joss Whedon series, Firefly, and the adjective they used all the time for things they thought were cool was “shiny”. I always liked that. So I’m borrowing it. Until I can think of something better.
My first recommendation is a podcast from WDWToday featuring guest Erin Foster (@MomsPanelErin), a member of Disney’s Mom’s Panel, who talks about her solo trips to Walt Disney World and offers her insights and advice into the solo Disney experience. Here it is, Episode 696.
And more goodness for solo travelers comes from Suzy Guese, who offers some tips for solo travelers who are feeling a little blue in Curing the Solo Travel Loneliness Monster at her blog, SuzyGuese.com.
Next up was a flashback to my college Classics course, where I learned about all those far-fetched Greek myths. At Virtual Wayfarer, Alex Berger comes up with a very interesting theory for A Possible Origin for the Scylla and Charybdis Myth that involves a natural underwater phenomenon. You must watch the video, it’s pretty cool.
At MatadorNetwork, Benita Hussain tells a story about surfing that is more than about just surfing, but a lovely metaphor for a life crisis in Fear of the Big Drop. This is a beautifully-written article that impressed me quite a lot. Check it out.
Last but by no means least, Keith Savage shows us once again what a great writer he is in Travel Bug: An Origin Story on Traveling Savage. I especially loved the opening paragraphs that establish a sense of place in Doolin, Ireland. It’s like a word painting. I felt like I was there with him. Nice job, Keith.
Photo credit: “Reading e-mail” by tm_lv at Creative Commons.
on Mar 28th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
Glad you enjoyed the post, Gray. Thanks for including me in your round-up.
on Mar 28th, 2010 at 6:05 pm
Love the new title…and that bunny photo is oh so appropriate for it!
on Mar 28th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
Never stop writing, Keith. You've got a talent for it.
on Mar 28th, 2010 at 6:14 pm
Thank you, Sheila!
on Mar 29th, 2010 at 2:16 am
Excellent suggestions and I really like your new title, “Shiny Travel Objects.” Very intriguing!
on Mar 29th, 2010 at 5:43 am
Thank you so much for the mention here! It's an honor to be one of the shiny travel objects!
on Mar 29th, 2010 at 11:08 am
Thanks Lorraine! That's 2 votes in favor of the new title. Hmm….maybe it's a keeper?
on Mar 29th, 2010 at 11:09 am
You're very welcome, Suzy. I enjoyed your article.
on Apr 18th, 2010 at 1:37 am
I'm sorry for my delay, but thank you so much for the shout-out regarding my surfing story. I'm very flattered that you could appreciate the piece!
on Apr 18th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
No apologies necessary, Benita. You're very welcome. I loved your piece. You're an excellent writer.