This year got off to a very busy start and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Now that my travel schedule has slowed, it is time to make plans for 2017 and beyond. Things are shaping up quickly.

To recap the year thus far, January’s trip back to Indochina was stellar. The food, markets and cooking classes were a feast for the eyes and stomach.  The annual adventure with the girls had its share of challenges as we were there during the Brussels airport bombing. Read on for some safety tips you can use for your travels. We were back to Red Mountain Spa in April to restore our bodies and souls. I did find time for a family vacation to Mexico in March. That recharged me as much as anything.

Plans are taking shape for Boston, Cuba, Ireland, Washington D.C. and Red Mountain. Keep checking the website to for any details you need and for additional new offerings. I am keeping the narration of the new trips short in this newsletter. Please refer to the website for the details of each.

Great travels-

Marcia

Saying good bye to the beautiful breakfast view at Red Mountain

RECAP

To recap the year thus far, January’s trip back to Indochina was stellar. The food, markets and cooking classes were a feast for the eyes and stomach.  The annual adventure with the girls had its share of challenges as we were there during the Brussels airport bombing. Read on for some safety tips you can use for your travels. We were back to Red Mountain Spa in April to restore our bodies and souls. I did find time for a family vacation to Mexico in March. That recharged me as much as anything. 

YOU GO GIRLS! THE BOOK

Thank you all for your continuing interest in You Go Girls: The modern woman’s guide to great travel. We are “full steam ahead.” It should be in your hands about the first of September. You will be the first to know as soon there is a firm release date. I will be available for speaking engagements to your groups as well as private parties. Start forming your guest list. I will provide a short program of travel tips then sell and sign books. The book is a great gift for your traveling girlfriends. I believe it will sell for $19.95 and be around 200 pages. It is all very exciting.

AMSTERDAM REVISITED

This year our multi-generational trip was to Amsterdam. It was great fun. The weather was cool but the rain held off and did not dampen any of our activities. The Purse and Handbag Museum was a kick, Anne Frank’s House slapped us with some serious lessons and the beauty of Keukenhof Gardens fed our eyes and souls.

I highly recommend Amsterdam as a city you may want to consider seeing in some depth. The buildings are all a bit off of straight. The transportation is efficient and it is easy to walk or bike on the nice level terrain. There are modern and fun design activities going on along side the old traditional artistry. The art of Rembrandt and Van Gogh are certainly highlights. The food is hearty and good, with a lot of stellar cheese and beer. If you have not experiences the pancakes of The Netherlands, you are missing out on a treat. They can be sweet or savory and are simple to share with the whole table like a pizza.

While the trip was not defined by the terror attack at the Brussels airport, having it happen in the middle of our trip did deal us a sober reminder of current world conditions. Brussels is only 2 hours from Amsterdam by car and I have a family friend who was at the airport during the attack. The following tips are just three steps to keep you safe when traveling. The book goes into further depth on the subject.

SAFE AND SECURE ON THE ROAD

In today’s world it is natural to have concerns about your security and safety. Terror attacks, earthquakes, tsunamis, fires, and floods are very low probability events. Auto accidents and drowning are statistically a much higher risk for travelers. Still, it is only smart to be prepared with a plan for any eventuality.

RED MOUNTAIN SPA AGAIN

This was our sixth visit to Red Mountain. We have become old friends and we always get special treatment. This time was no exception. It is for good reason that each year you ladies demand to return. I am good with that. I am happy to announce our 2017 visit set for April 24-28. Details are on the website.

CUBA

Visiting Cuba still offers complex challenges for travelers. I want to offer you one last chance to visit it before it becomes unrecognizable. This trip has a focus on rum and cigars and is open to men as well as women under the You Go Tastefully! banner. We will cover traditional Havana sights but with the addition of the rum and cigar piece. It would be a fabulous gift for someone who loves one or both.

My prediction is that as Cuba opens to U.S. citizens, demand will rise and the prices will increase even higher. The current infrastructure there cannot possibly support the huge influx of U.S. travelers that could come with relaxation of regulations. There are currently not enough hotel rooms or transportation options. It will most likely become very expensive with the complication of increased demand for commodities in short supply. We are seeing this play out already with many of the hotels for next spring already full. This evolution is going to be interesting to observe.  See the website for details of this February 2017 trip. 

WHAT’S COOKING IN IRELAND

May 15-28, 2017

The sixth annual culinary adventure with Caprial and John Pence is over half full. You must act immediately if you want to be a part of it. Ireland is experiencing a rise in culinary travel with restaurants specializing in the farm to table format, a return to organic ingredients, and a locavore focus. Mushy peas, shepherd’s pie and lamb stew are still present but you need to taste the new movement. Look at the itinerary at www.yougogirlstravel.com.

BOSTON

History runs deep in Boston. Colonial and revolutionary history sit along side the modern history of the JFK Presidential Library. The art scene is highlighted by the Museum of Fine Arts and the unique Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Food has to play a part in any of our trips. Between the pizza and lobster you are sure to be satisfied. How about a lobster pizza!

This is a beautiful time of the year to visit Boston as the leaves begin to turn. Please consider joining me September 30 – October 7, 2017. Stay tuned for the details.

WOW! WEEKEND CANNON BEACH

Yes, it IS time to think about the annual Cannon Beach trip, BUT… the lady at the Ocean Lodge who has spearheaded it since its inception, is relocating. At this point there is nobody free to carry the banner. Stay tuned. They are working on it. I might suggest a call to the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce at (503) 436-2623 might help them to prioritize it. 

ASIAN DINNER INSPIRATION

This recipe was featured in the Costco magazine. I have made it several times to great reviews. I use it as a lettuce wrap although the recipe calls for it to be served on top of greens. It takes me back to Asia every time I smell it. I hope you enjoy it as a fast and easy dinner solution.

SKINNY THAI LETTUCE BOWLS

1 tbsp. sesame or olive oil

1 pound lean ground chicken

2 garlic cloves

minced½ onion

chopped¼ cup hoisin sauce

2 tbsp. soy sauce1 tbsp.

rice wine vinegar

1 tbsp. grated ginger

1 tsp. Sriaracha to taste

1/8 oz can water chestnuts drained and diced

3 green onion thinly sliced

salt and pepper to taste

5 cups spring greens mix – or head of lettuce

Heat oil in saucepan over medium heat. Add chicken and cook to brown drain fatStir in garlic, onion, hoisin, soy, vinegar, ginger, and Sriraca. Cool til onion are translucent about 1-2 minutes. Add chestnuts and green onion. Season to taste. Serve on bed of lettuce or wrap in lettuce leaves. Serves 2-3.