Posts Tagged ‘Travel’

7 Reasons To Get A Passport TODAY!

Traveling is the best way to truly understand the people and cultures of our world.  We can visit on-line, but the experience is much greater in person.

If you don’t already have a passport, today is the day to go and get one!  You’re probably thinking that you don’t really need one because you don’t have a travel adventure planned, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Consider these 7 reasons and go take your passport picture!

1. A passport is the ultimate identification.  It is more than just a driver’s license – it proves who you are to everyone around the world.  Be proud of your identity and where you live and make it official.
2. A passport is for the long-term.  It is valid for 10 years – just think, the picture you take today will look fabulous as the years roll by.  You can stay ___ years old, at least photographically!
3. Having a passport is one of your constitutional rights.  Some countries restrict travel – having a passport represents our freedom.  Back in 1776, the new US Government handed out passports to represent the formation of the new country.  We were originally recognized as citizens because of our passports.
4. You can go anywhere at anytime.  Let’s say you win the lottery and want to jet-set to Paris.  There’s no waiting for the State Department to process the paperwork (typically 4-6 weeks).
5. Our immigrant ancestors traveled and braved great dangers to create a better life.  There is no better way to see where you family came from than to get a passport and travel.
6. Your passport becomes a stamp collection, or your memory book.  When you travel between countries, the customs officers stamp and date your passport.  It’s fun to watch your passport fill up with adventures.
7. A passport makes you a Jet-Setter!  Being able to travel is sexy.  When you have a passport you join the international, glamorous, living global crowd!

It’s a very easy process – you need to have a current picture taken, get a copy of your birth certificate, complete the application and send it to the State Department with $100. Follow this link to the US Post Office which coordinates the application process for free.

How can you consider these 7 reasons and still not have a passport?  What are you waiting for?

I got my first passport when I was 7 years old and I saw the Eiffel Tower.  My first passport is so special to me, it’s full of stamps and memories of wonderful journeys.  It’s sorta funny, but I love being a US Ambassador and my passport is my golden ticket!  Joy

A Look Inside Exotic Marrakesh

This video is amazing, it’s like walking around Marrakesh.  You can see the market, listen to the music, shop, dance and see inside a few beautiful Riads.

To quote my friends at Jet Set Life, “Marrakech is different than you’d expect and is a great spot to take your first steps into Africa and taste the “middle eastern-like” culture with a French flair!”

There are so many cultural references in the video, I couldn’t begin to write about it. A picture is worth a thousand words, and this video says it all.

Let’s think about this, how can we bring it home and incorporate Morocco into our lives?  Personally,  I think I’ll go for the shoes!  I couldn’t believe that shop with shoes in every color and size. They were all hand made and very sparkly. Why do I always wear plain black shoes? How boring is that?

It’s time to go shopping and get something worthy of a Moroccan Princess.  I have noticed many beaded scarves and fancy earrings at our stores recently…  Let’s incorporate that style into our wardrobes and feel like we are in Marrakesh.  Happy shopping! Joy

Welcome to Living Global…

Cruising from Miami

I began traveling at a very early age.  Seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris when I was 7 is something I will never forget.  I remember standing under it looking up at the iron.  And then we climbed up into it and  went to the observation deck to take pictures.  Later that day we walked up to Montmartre and drew pictures in a notebook, just like Van Gogh did.  The people in France sounded different, the food was different and I was changed forever.

I know that first trip to Europe made me into the Cultural Lover I am today.  As the years pass, I seek out great adventures and I love to learn about new countries to visit.  Exploring new places and making friends with different backgrounds has given me a broader view of my world here in Florida.

One of my favorite quotes is from Ulysses, by Alfred Tennyson – “I am a part of all that I have met”

Written in 1833, Tennyson was speaking about a great ancient voyager, but it also speaks of me, today.  I still have a piece of Paris with me.  When I get frustrated about the economic situation here, I can think about that Eiffel Tower and wonder how the Parisians are dealing with declining markets.  I buy a bottle of Beaujolais and eat brie cheese, somehow I know we’re all in this together and I feel a little better.