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Jaimy these are the exact places I'm planning to travel to in 2016. Any kind of info on your trip would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much in advanced…
Jordan 🙂
Sundarban can be a grate place to visit in 2015. It's the largest mangrove forest in the world which is considered as the only territory of Royal Bengal Tiger.
I hope you have a wonderful stay in Sri Lanka! 😀
INDIAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 My life is made ! I hope you have a lovely stay here and you are such a n inspiration i love you!!! 🙂
Go to Macedonia and Albania by car. This was an amazing experience (even without a car) and would do it again. Ohrid, Macedonia is one of the most beautiful places.
Hey Brooke,
Just come across with your blog and read some very nice articles 🙂
I'm also a solo traveller – if you ever pass by Lisboa (Portugal), you can crash at my place and I can show you around 🙂
Have great & safe adventures! mostly have FUN!
take care, Ines
Come to BARCELONA! I can show you around the city, mountain, beaches, parks. Let me know if you come to Spain
I love travel but i'm young and my dad don't let me all the freedom I really want. LA, London and Paris are waiting me this summer!
hope to meet you someday…
(nuriavidal7 – instagram)
CANADA!!!!! specifically Vancouver in the summer. There is so much to do you would love it! There is amazing outdoors stuff to do as well as lots of cultural stuff and side trips like to Whistler or Vancouver Island. Its a beautiful city and the best in Canada! (my bias of course) I can even give you a detailed list of all the best things to do, and show you around if you came. I really hope you consider it!
Hi brooke! I suggest you include in the list of your next destinations the Philippines and Canada!!! I would love to see you in my home country (Philippines) and would love to look at pictures of you at Lake Banff, Alberta! I hope you consider my suggestion!! 🙂
Same here. Many beautiful places here.
Palawan, Boracay, Bohol. ^_^
I agree I would love to see more photos, the ones you post are wonderful and I can't get enough!
You really should try and make it to Canada this year, there is so much to see! I live in the prairies but the west coast is absolutely beautiful!
Hi Brooke! I stumbled across your blog a few weeks ago and i need to say, you are incredibly inspiring! I'm 22 and from Canada, still young and wondering which direction to take in my life! Travel is something I've been passionate about from a young age, thanks to extremely hard working parents that have taken us on a few too many holidays. Your blog has helped me a ton in motivating me to take a step in the right direction, travelling to world as a career and lifestyle! Later this year I'm off to Iceland and that will be my biggest and farthest adventure yet, and reading your blog has added a ton of new places to my Bucketlist. I'd love to see your take on Iceand sometime this year, I think it's somewhere you will love!! All the best ❤
You're coming to Malaysia! Let us know when Brooke. Would love to meet you! Be sure to try all the local delicacies!
I'm disappointed that you didn't mentioned going to the Philippines!
Hi Brooke!
Im your newest fan from Canada! I found your blog while reading about Bali – most likely my next destination and I just felt in love with your blog!!!!!!!! I can say I spent couple hours reading your oldest posts (kinda like getting to know ya) and this one I had to stop and say 'HI' and as Im saying HI I found myself wondering why I dont consider also coming to Canada? Canada has many beautiful stunning National Parks such as Banff and Jasper and thousands of lakes and wildlife.
I will still spent many hours here Im pretty sure =)
Love your pictures!
Yayay, I so hope that you'll come again to Finland and have a meetup here, it would be a dream come true! And I can honestly say that the Finnish Sunmer cottage life and the 'nightless night' are absolutely beutofil!
Atleast I haven't heard about Egypt in your blog, if I'm right and you haven't been thetr I'd really recommend it! The kings' valley is amazing (maybe even more amazing than the pyramides!) and if you love history like you say you do, I'm sure you'll love it!
Another one is Ecuador. I've never been there myself but I'll spend an exchange year there starting next fall so I've read and googled tons of info of the place, and it sounds amazing! All the volcanoes, rainforests, Andes, popular surfing beaches and the indian culture which is present everywhere.. Atleast it sounds like really dreamy place! And not to forget, Galapagos islands belong to Ecuador, and they are a place what I think everyone should see.
I've also hear that Tonga is a gorgeous and not-touristy island, and Nauru and Christmas and Madagaskar islands sound really interesting!
Where ever you'll go, I wish you all the best for your journey!
I would highly recommend the northern part of Sweden. Especially in winter time but also in the summer so you can experience the midnight sun! And as a mountain guide I can give you good tips of things to experience here! 🙂
OMG Hope you can make it to come to Seoul in Korea 🙂 I'm sure that you will love it ! Since I'm Korean, if you have any question let me know so that I can help you and make your trip to Seoul better! Please let me know when you head to Korea! Love you Brooke!
Hey Brooke!
I highly suggest going to Costa Rica and Nicaragua as they are SOO beautiful and you would't regret it! I was only there for a week and fell in love with the place instantly! So much to do and see 🙂 When will you be in Thailand? I'll be there in May for the whole month volunteering with a tribe!! 🙂
Happy Travels!!!
I also like to travel a lot!! But I have a couple of problems… I'm kinda scared of flying (only a little bit) and I'm also very home sick the first days of travel. Maybe you could do some blog posts about these problems. Just an idea, take it or leave it ! 😉
You should come to Belgium because that's the little country where I live. Ghent is a very beautiful city and my little studio is always open for visitors. Come and check it out.
Your blog continues to distract me as i attempt to study for year 12. Everyday i envy the fact you are someone amazing and i'm in a four walled classroom.
BUT, i can't say i've been travel deprived and next year I will be taking off and living in Scotland for an entire year. That means endless Europe travels in 2016 for me, which means hopefully our paths will cross at some point. At this stage i'm going solo which at one point doesn't phase me and at times freaks me out. I love your blog, especially as I love to travel and record my travels myself.
2014 saw a one week internship with Lonely Planet for me. This meant flying from my hometown the Gold Coast, to the glamours europeanish style of Melbourne. WAS SO MUCH FUN. BEST OFFICE EVER.
So hopefully we will meet next year and you may be lucky to receive the full run down of my week working at Lonely planet, whilst I listen to the tales of your amazing road travelled.
Please do yourself a favour this year and visit Piran, on the coast of Slovenia. I have family close by there and it is truly stunning.
All the best,
Gold Coast, Australia
What a great itinerary to start off with and so much fun to give readers input! I think video tutorials always give people a chance to know you better, since many of us won't ever meet you in person. As far as travels, my beloved Colombia should be on that list! 😉
Huntington Beach ((Surf City)) California!!! Im not a traveler, yet. But would love the chance to meet you!!
I really think you should do a trip around Portugal. The country os beatiful, and people should see it and know about it. Portugal is the oldest country in the world, but is not truly know. Keep ip the good work!!
Hi Brooke,
Absolutely adore your blog, and I'd love to meet you whenever you're in The Netherlands! Amsterdam is the main attraction for tourists but there are many other amazing cities in our country like Rotterdam (my hometown), Utrecht, Maastricht and The Hague! Would love to show you around one day!
Good luck on all your travels, you're an inspiration to all!
Yasmin x
Are you really coming to Malaysia, brooke? I would love to show you around KL if you like. We can even head out of town to Malacca, Penang and Ipoh – the places which are rich in food and art culture in Malaysia. Let me know when!
More in-depth articles (would love to hear more about the food on your travels), less lists.
you absolutely must visit the seven wonders of Wales in the UK. I know I've mentioned this before but they're so beautiful and shrouded in so much history. If you do come back to the UK I would love to show them to you. But wherever you end up may your journeys be exciting, fun, memorable and safe 🙂
Much love
Samantha xoxo
It sounds so exciting! Hey, if you want to have a little visit to the Caribbean you can come to Puerto Rico…just saying. But that of course if you like the tropical weather, beaches, rainforests and piña coladas haha ;D Can't wait to see where you go next for this year!
Well I just read a bunch of what people are saying to you. It seems like number one place is Canada and I agree I live in ontario close to Niagara Falls!! Then there is Toronto and Ottawa, go to Quebec or British Columbia endless ideas and I feel like Canada is calling you this year!!!
Canada! I'm in Toronto, which is a fantastic city, but last summer I visited Cape Breton and it is stunning. Canada's east coast is one of a kind 🙂
I would definitely say come to Canada at some point. Anywhere really in Canada, the east coast is under rated most of the time but anywhere in Canada you can find amazing places. 🙂
Hi Brooke!
Please do make a trip to the Philippines! I would love to show you around if you ever get the chance to visit. Also, please make more vlogs and really feature the country you're in. I love watching them.
Keep up the great work on your blog; you're such an inspiration to me!
It all looks amazing but I'd love for you to stop over in Melbourne so we can hang out 🙂
My travel plans this year look to be Thailand in Feb, Japan/South Korea in July and then in November I'll be heading off on a 15month RTW trip starting in Egypt and Jordan.
This year is going to be a very big year for me!
Wherever you will be, I wish you an amazing 2015 year!
xo Aurora
Come to Seattle! If you do, you already have a friend to explore with!
I would love to see a travel guide for San Francisco and Napa/Sonoma area! I'm going there in October and would love to here to some great places to go!
I know this is really boring, but come to Canada! I live in Toronto and would happily be your tour guide – we could hit up some classics around the city, national parks further north, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, and trek up to Quebec too!
I'm a big fan of yours, and no matter where you go, I'm sure you'll bring all of us a little closer to the beautiful places around the world. Thanks for doing all you do!
Tanzania and Zanzibar! I'll be living in Zanzibar from February to late June, and it would just be amazing to guide you around on this tropical African island. And I would love to read all about a trip to Madagascar! And of course I think you should come visit Norway (my dear home country) some time soon!
I just came across your site today while i was planning my first ever solo trip, a 3 month trip in Europe. Im 22 and from Australia so when i saw your description i was like 'HA' perfect. Your blogs have been really helpful for settling my nerves on the whole travelling alone thing. So if you end up in Europe over the summer (especially Greece) it would be amazing to meet up!
Hey Brooke!
WOW is probably my favourite travel blog and has been for a while now! I adored your gift guides that you put up over the Christmas season just so you know!
I think I would love to see more travel guides and also tips for solo travelling especially from a women's perspective because there is a higher risk of danger I guess.
Cannot wait to see what happens here in 2015!
Catriona ♡
Hi Brooke, I'm commenting again ^^
I'd like to see more photos and in-depth articles – not just addresses and hacks, but a bit of context about the places you visited I think. And generally, a bit more written stuff, like when you do gift idea lists, it's too bad you don't write a couple sentences to introduce everything. I've been following your blog for a year now and that's the only thing that bothers me sometimes, a bit too much "been there done that" and not enough backstory. Otherwise I really like your blog 🙂
Come to Canada!!!!! specifically Victoria and the interior of British Columbia (it is warm here in the summer)
Hey Brooke it would be lovely to see more vlogs from you for sure. I love the way you vlog and seeing places in a video is definitely more exciting and real than in photos alone. I look up to your blog for travel advice, budget recommendations and to-dos that I keep archiving for whenever I would get to visit a particular destination. By the way whenever you do happen to come down to India I would love to meet u and even show you around if you happen to come to Bangalore/Bengaluru! Hope to see ya! and happy 2015!!
Jaimy, glad to hear you liked Guatemala so much! I'm headed there in a couple months. Then I'll be in Rome and Florence this summer.
Brooke, I just started following your blog, so I don't know if you've been to Chicago yet or not. But let me know if you head this way.
Come to Atlanta, GA! I would love to meet you and show you around my home city this spring/summer. (: In the fall, I'll be starting university in Charleston, SC, and I would love to show you around there as well!
Hi Brooke!
I'm glad to hear about your upcoming plans. I honestly love your blog and you have even inspired me to start my own. In regards to your questions….
My favourite part of your site is your blog posts about your adventures and when you talk about the people you have met along the way. Maybe trying something more like the food you've tasted or the stores you've visited.
&& secondly, you should come to Toronto, Canada! I would love to give you a tour of the city.
Look forward to read your next posts!
more pics, more in depth stories, must be lovely to be so footloose and fancy free! http://thewanderlusthasgotme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/what-to-see-in-london.html
Hey Brooke! You need to make your way to Montreal, Canada. It is the perfect blend of New York City and Paris (which I know you love) 😉 If you need recommendations or a guide, happy to help!
Hi Brooke,
I discovered your blog at the end of 2014 while I was researching some potential travel destinations.
I'm excited to see what you get up to over the next year!
You are an inspiration to a generation. An affirmation that following your heart and letting your passions lead you can open up some truly fascinating doors.
All the best this year!
Hi brooke! Love that you will be coming to Oman this year! It has so much natural beauty and the people are lovely! You should definately check out the Sinkhole, Wadi Shab and Wahiba Sands! 🙂
Brooke! You need to keep those photos coming, and make more videos! Its been ages since you did a vlog so looking forward to more of those. I love the posts on "hacks"!
As for where to go, you know what I'm gonna say 😉
Come to the USA! I'd love to see you exploring San Diego, CA, Miami, FL, and more 🙂
1. I like the casual vlogs that are more personal. I'm also very into destination guides–more on what sights to see and maybe sample walking tours or itineraries. Motivational posts are always appreciated, as are blogging tips!
2. While I've loved your take on Europe, I'd love to hear about more Asian destinations.
Can't wait to see where this year takes you!
More photos would be awesome! 🙂
It sounds like 2015 will be such an exciting year! If you find yourself itching to get to the US Rockies, you have a place to stay in Denver, Colorado, and some local tour guides.
I would really love to see u in Philippines!!!!! hope you'll come here soon, such a historic place full of stories to tell and a product of different cultures
Hi Brooke,
I am in India at the moment. Such an interesting and hectic country! I'm still getting used to people on the street asking for pictures with me because of my pale skin.
I just left Sri Lanka as well. I stayed at the Chaaya Tranz resort in Hikkaduwa which is a beautiful hotel on the beach and there is always giant sea turtles right there waiting to be fed! Its an amazing experience.
If you find yourself in France you are welcome to stay with me in a beautiful old house in Cognac where I will be living for the year and taking photos, travelling, blogging and meeting up with fellow travellers!
I am also from Australia and we share the same name! You can check out my blog if you want or send me an email if you find yourself in Europe or if you have any questions about Sri Lanka or India!
I'd like to see more photos of the places you're describing, and more vlogs!
Hi Brooke!
I love your photos, but I believe some videos with some quick shots of the places you visit like restaurants, streets, environment, everything would be awesome 🙂
Also, if by some way you come back to Portugal , to north, I'll be glad to show you some places 🙂
I'm hoping to visit Tokyo. So it would be great to read your tips on Tokyo 🙂
have a safe trip 😀
I invite u to see this funny movie: 😀
So random Brooke but after watching a couple of your vlogs I totally changed my mind about you. You're great!! Looking forward to your future trips. Just surprise us!
I love all the pictures you post, I think they are just hooks for me and make me want to go more places. http://www.eatallovertheworld.com
Southern California! San Diego to Santa Barbara – ocean, lakes, mountains, deserts, amusement parks, good eats, LA, farmers markets. Lots to explore! If you come out I can give you some suggestions!
Hi Brooke! I am a HUGE fan of your blog! I always look forward to your updates and posts. I would love to see you continue doing the vlogs – I followed your every day of Vlogmas and it was so neat to feel like I was part of that adventure in some way. 🙂
I also love the lists you post for the best places to go in a particular area of the world. The inspirational posts like the "Little ways how travel changed my life" and "What happened when I stopped thinking I needed a boyfriend" are two of my favorite posts of yours, even though it's hard to even pick favorites since everything you post is top-knotch.
You should come over to Boston, I would love to meet you! Or even NYC since that's pretty accessible and I know you love New York. I'm sure everything you will do this year will be fantastic and I will definitely keep following along. Happy travels! 🙂
No Canada? 🙁 so sad! I hope you change your mind! 🙂
Hey Brooke,
If you are ever in Ontario Canada I would love to meet you! Canada is a beautiful place. Pack warm!!
Do more vlogs! I literally can't get enough of vlogs lately.
Hey Brooke, when will u go to Seoul? I might go there in early April.
i'm excited for your year ahead, brooke! but what about canada?
As a Nicaraguan, I definitely say Nicaragua! It is a small country, but with lots of opportunities! Please let me know if you do come here, I would love to be a part of your adventures there!
Hi Brooke!
I read that some people suggested Bulgaria – well if you decide to go there you should definitely go to Greece as well. The north of the country is extremely different to the postcard idea you get of Greece, and then you could keep on going south, and to some islands etc. You'd love it I'm sure. Summer of course is the best for swimming – if you'd prefer to go walking and discovering, then april-may are very nice (FLOWERS! and not too hot weather), and september is warm+off season ^^ If you'd like to go to the Cyclades e-mail me, you could stay at our country house depending on where you're going!
Hi Brooke! You should come to Salt Lake City, Utah! There is a lot of cool stuff to do here including breathtaking national parks and gorgeous mountains! There's always something amazing going on in the city and cool stuff to try all around! You won't regret it!
Well, one thing is sure, we'll follow you wherever you go 😉 I look forward to places not touristy yet and on the southern side! All your impressions, intersting facts, advices are very wellcome. Vlogs aren't really my thing (yet) but everything written makes me very very happy! Good luck Brooke <3
Hi there! My dream is to travel the world like you do! Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake in Montana, USA is a stunning place to visit. You won't be disappointed!
Hi Brooke! it would be interesting to continue to read about adventures in places that are a little bit off the beaten track. For example, Madagascar? Iceland (even though that is not a very unusual destination now, but still nice to see what there is to do there) , Bosnia. You posted some pictures from there but maybe visit some more places, like Sarajevo, Jajce (google it 🙂 ) and more! Enjoy your travels!
My boyfriend and I are backpacking in Thailand, Cambodia, China, Japan and Indonesia from April to June, and it wouldn't exactly bother me if I were to bump in to you, hah! My home base is in Norway though, and I'd love to host you if you ever considered coming here. Hope your year will be fabulous no matter where you choose to go, or what you choose to do!
If you are ever planning on heading back to Stockholm or Sweden, I would love to know! I write a (currently small) travel & lifestyle blog myself, and have loved following along on your adventures. I am originally from the U.S.– Minnesota to be exact- and I actually really recommend it! It is not the typical 'tourist' destination, but there are so many great things to do and places to see, especially in the summertime. Can't wait to see where 2015 brings you!
From June till early September you have to visit the Greek islands…take one day tour in Athens to visit the Acropolis and traditional Plaka and next day take the ferry to Santorini. It's something so unique you are not justified to have not visited yet!!!
Other lovely greek islands.. Paros, Folegandros, Ios, Skiathos, Skopelos, Myconos and the list goes on and on…
Newport, RI is a really great typical New England beach town with tons of history!
Hi Brooke! I have been following your blog for about a year and it is struggle to think of somewhere you haven't already been. But I would love to see you go to Central America. I backpacked there for three months and had an amazing time. Can strongly recommend Antigua in Guatemala, the Mayan ruins Tikal (also Guatemala), diving and snorkeling in Belize and so many other destinations. I wrote a little something about my trip some time ago. Feel free to check it out for more stuff to to do in Central America. http://www.passportstories.se/the-central-america-backpacking-guide/
Hi Brooke!
What a lovely idea to go with the flow this Year! That will be interesting to read about 🙂 and i love reading your more personal posts, so I hope to see more of that! 😉
I have myself traveled to Mexico for one month and I miss it so so much – so I would definitely recommend going there! And then you should definitely try swimming in a Cenote. It is incredible!
I recently traveled ti Paris – solo. For the first time in my life and you were a big inspiration for me! So THANK YOU!
I am planning to travel to Iceland in late April/the beginning of May. And I could not help but notice that it is on your travel buket list. So, if you find yourself wanting to see Iceland send an email and we could meet up for a couple of days and explore the island together!
I wish you all the best,
Louise Bellis (Denmark)
Jordanien or Tahiti would be great! I live in switzerland and it would be wonderfull to have you here again!
Oh, I hope you keep having a wonderful 2015! I would love to read to more travel guides and the stories of people you met along the way! And it would be awesome if you could visit some other African countries! With love,
Hi Brooke,
I stumbled upon your website a few months back and I love it! I love to travel when I can and I find your year solo traveling to be absolutely inspirational well done. If you're looking for places to travel to you should come back to Ireland. You have only seen the tip of the iceberg! Cork is where you should visit or as we call it the real capital of Ireland, plus we have just opened the Wild Atlantic Way a new coastal travel plan that stops at many of the most popular places in Ireland!
I highly recommend Norway! Just got back from a cruise on the Hurtigruten to see the northern lights.. Awesome country and people!
Yes, we are passing great with all of our staff here and making the road map of progress our business then 2014. We have a plan to travel Cox-brazer with all of our staff.
This just sounds amazing, 3 month and all of that traveling.
I'd highly recommend you to visit Buenos Aires and then go down to Ushuaia and if possible even further south, the scenery is breathtaking, however best time to be there I think is February.
Mongolia sounds very exciting too, ever thought of Shangri-La? Supposedly beautiful.
xx Cheyenne
Hi Brooke,
How about Des Moines, Iowa, USA, in August during the Iowa State Fair? Check it out on the web please. It is a very unique experience that I think your readers would enjoy. Safe travels:)
Come to Scotland (East Coast Fife)!! Would love to host you 🙂
I really hope you will manage to visit Mongolia this year! And maybe the beautiful Bosnia & Hercegovina again!
I would love to see you do another post about Bosnia! Perhaps a blog post on the capital, Sarajevo!!
I love in New York, originally from Miami. I am such a fan of yours. I'm going to Scotland and London in two months and can't wait to visit a few of your recommendations. I would love for you to visit Dominican Republic!!!!!!
I love your vlogs, but this place that you have going here is incredible. It's my favourite place to come too. So, I have to say a whole lot more blogs. 🙂
Also, you should come to Trinidad for carnival. It may be too late this year as Carnival is in February…but next year can be an option. Almost every list I read on the world's best carnivals, Trinidad is always on there. Of course, I'll show you around. 🙂 Also, we could go to Tobago. It's about 20 minutes by plane from Trinidad.
Brooke first of all i love ur blog it inspires me each and every day. But i really think you should go to my favourite place in the world; greece! Ive never seen anything like it. Good luck with all your travels xxxx 🙂
Hey Brooke!
I would love for you to do some posts on traveling in Australia! Im from the UK an I'm planning to come over for 2 years. Also I would love more vlogs as vlogmas was awesome!
Happy traveling!
Hi, Brooke! I definitely support Evelina. Bulgaria is out of the beaten tourist path and worth exploring. If you come around, please contact me. Will be happy to show you some special places. 🙂
Come to Bulgaria during your euro trip :p. You should check Plovdiv (<3), Tarnovo and the countryside. I'm sure you won't regret 😉
Also I personally travel myself a lot and I've always wanted to go to New Zealand, but it's the most distant country and probably won't happen soon, so I'll be happy if you post something for us from there. 🙂
Hey Brooke, I know everyone has mentioned it but you need to come to Canada! More specifically the East Coast (Nova Scotia). The scenery is so diverse and you can do lots of exploring.
I'd love to see a guide on travelling Eastern Europe. I'm currently studying abroad in Scotland and plan to do some travels but not sure where to start.
thank you for providing all your travel inspiration 🙂
Hi Broke! =)
First of all, I love your blog and follow it since the beg. of 2013.
I have travelled to many different places and lived in 5 countries until now.
I love the articles as much as I do the vlogs and I would welcome maybe more photos and videos.
It would be pleasure to meet up with you somewhere. I currently live in Ireland, but moving to Brazil soon. Originaly I am from Slovakia and that is why I recommend you to visit Slovak mountains, Slovak Paradise (mountain range in central Slovakia, High Tatras and one of the ice-caves. Eastern Europe itself is full of nature and cultural heritage. In Czech Republic, apart from Prague, there is this fairytale town called Cesky Krumlov. Then Hungary, Poland, Croatia (Plytvic lakes, Pakenica park), Slovenia, Serbia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia…
When you get to South America, make sure to visit Brasil, there is this secret place close to Rio de Janeiro called Araial do Cabo where you can take a boat to 4 beatiful islands, white sand, turquoise water, unoccupied. Another amazing place in Brazil is close to Salvador, it is a hippie village called "Aldeia dos Hippie", no electrocity in there, all the small (about 20) houses built from recycled material. Amazing nature, amazing people!
Best luck in your trips and it would be great to meet you!
Let me know if you go to South America
Hey Brooke!
As a proud half Italian – half Bulgarian, I recommend you my two home countries ! 🙂 South Italy is really amazing – starting from Palermo,Sicily, a trip to mount Etna ( the volcano is still active ) and the Aeolian Islands (Lipari, Panarea, Stromboli); then heading to Salerno, Sorrento, The Capri Island or the so called Amalfi Coast . And you can finish with Napoli. These are some of the most magnificent places in Italy, where the mountains meets the sea.
Second advice – Bulgaria. Like Serbia, my country is a little but underrated. But once you visit the mountains and the magical small cities that preserved a hundred years of history and tradition, you'll fall in love! Black Sea has also some hidden gems on the bulgarian coast like one of the oldest Eurepean cities – Nessabar.
Italy is not only Rome, Milan,Venice and Florence. And Europe is not only where the biggest cities are. The real adventures are hidden in the less explored places!
XO, Ivelina ♥
Tokyooooo! I so want to see you in tokyo and tell all the pretty must see places!!
Also Strasbourg, France, because this is were I live and this is so beautiful! But be sure to come at christmas season, for the christmas market, etc (pretty much like germany actually, you must know the history I think!)
Much love, can't wait to read you!
What about Brazil?
Morocco! And definitely more vlogs xxx
Philippines please? I want to meet and greet you Brooke, i get inspired everytime i read your blogs. I want to hear more stories from you. I would be glad if you visit our country and have a cup of coffee? 🙂 hopefully I'll see you soon? 🙂
A fan and a fulltime reader of your blogs.
Love lots,
Hi Brooke!
You should add Colombia to your list of South American countries! It's absolutely beautiful with a great culture (Bogota, Cartagena, Medellin, etc.). I'd also love to see you visit Canada (my home country) – you would love it there! Montreal, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Quebec City, and both the west and east coasts are great.
And of course, you should come back to Paris for a visit. I'll be living here for the next 5 months and I'd love to meet you!
Cheers and safe travels!
Hi Brooke,
So glad you're thinking about Mexico! It's anamazing country! Make sure you get some culture in Mexico City, and some amazing nature and views at the beaches! Riviera Maya and the Pacific are a must!
You should come to Norway!!! I would love to show you my hometown and maybe fix something so I can show you the rest of the country aswell 🙂 anyways, you are more then welcome to Norway
When I finish school, I'm thinking of going around Australia and visiting all our cool places. It would be really cool if you spent some time in the outback or visiting towns and smaller cities. I really liked your recent posts about places to see in Tasmania and I have added a few to my travel list!!
Hallo aus Deutschland 🙂
I really love to hear that you will be going to Sri Lanka because to me it's my favorite country in the whole world. Don't miss the temple in Candy where they have a tooth from Buddha. Also there's an elephant orphanage close to Candy and honestly: is there anything cuter in this world than baby elephants?
Cuba is a huge adventure as well and completely changed my political views.
And please don't miss Nepal because it's on the top of the list of countries I want to visit!
Also for your first question: I enjoy watching your travel vlogs 🙂
Gute Reise, that's German and means have a nice trip :*
Hi Brooke, I am a 24 old girl from the Netherlands and could highly recommend Central-America. I travelled Mexico, Cuba, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama by myself and I loved every bit of it. Especially Guatemala really stole my heart. Most tourists tend to go to Mexico and Costa Rica but I can assure you that the other countries have so much more hidden gems.
By the way you should visit Madrid too! Spain is the third most visited country in the world (after the USA and France) for some reason! Xxx
Hi Brooke! I have been following your journey around the world this year and you are a true inspiration! You should definetly explore Andalucia, the south of Spain. There are many historical and touristic cities you should visit: Málaga/Marbella (my hometown!), Seville, Cordoba and Granada. I advise you to come over summer! It is different to the places you have visited in Europe and you have not been here yet. I hope you read this and plan a trip over here! Xxx
Loving the travel bug across time zones. Let me know if you're heading to Mumbai on your trip to India.
Great plan in regards to not making long term plans. I'd like to see more vlogs
Hej Brooke,
I definitely recommend Iceland. It's such a gorgeous place on Earth. Since I love Scandinavia, I very much enjoyed your posts about Finland – I WANT MORE! Travel to Norway & Sweden as both come with stunning nature.
Maybe you could also do some road trips around England or France, both countries have so much to offer, a lot more than London or Paris.
And I prefer reading about it and looking at your pictures as I often read your blog during classes/work… ehem. Videos are unfortunately too obvious 😉
Keep going, I would love to meet you as I am obsessed with traveling, too.
All the best,
You need to visit York. The most incredible place I've lived –
Also, I'd be interested in an article about how to make transiting through airports an easier experience. I'm taking 9 flights over the next 5 weeks and am dreading the constant queing and security checks that will be taking place.
Hey 🙂
Snow is falling in the Austrian Alps, why not staying St. Johann im Pongau for a ski trip?
Mexico for Day of the Dead would be so cool!
Come to Kenya! We have some of the most stunning beaches in the world and the Masai Mara too…would be lovely to have you here! I love watching your vlogs and videos – more of those please! And your photographs are stunning – you get them right everytime. You inspire me to leave my mundane desk job and revel in my wanderlust and I hope one day I am brave enough to have a year to myself, exploring all the countries I really want to go to! Bon voyage for 2015!
I can't describe how excited I am that Seoul is on your list!! Hopefully you can come for a week or more to really experience a good chunk of what the city has to offer (AND come back in the future to see other parts of Korea!). Don't know what you have planned or when, but it'd be awesome to meet you in person. Also, if you come in September/October, you could definitely go to Seoul Fashion Week.
As for what I want to see more of: more tips (a lot about style too since one of the key things that attracted me to WoW is how you travel and maintain your style), more people you meet, and more blogs.
Please visit the Philippines!
I would love to watch more of your vlogs! I love watching them, it feels like I'm in a different country when I'm just in my bedroom
I would love for you to make more videos/vlogs and more review type posts of different places you've been. Even more city guides would be great! I would love to see WOW come to the Pacific Northwest, obviously I'm biased because I'm from here but just check out the instragram feeds of a few local photographers and you will fall in love. (http://instagram.com/samuelelkins & http://instagram.com/ioegreer)
I also think it would be awesome for WOW to be in Mexico for the day of dead. Or exploring Peru!
You should defenitely go back to England! The Lake District is gorgeous in autumn 🙂 And Brighton in the South is lovely. Have you ever thought of going to a festival? Sziget festival in Budapest is the best, with many cool artists and full with travel freaks, including me 🙂 And ofcourse the south of The Netherlands is a must, more forests and they know how to party! Hope to meer you myself too and hear all your stories live 🙂
Hi Brooke! I have been an avid reader of your blog for a long time, and I absolutely love it! I LOVE to travel as much as you do, and went travelling for 6 months in 2012. I think you are such a wonderful person and your blog is so informative and inspiring (both your aims might I add). I would love to see more vlogs as I love watching those because they give you an even deeper insight into your trips, and also about people you meet. Also I think you could do more posts on food from different countries, as in you could do food diaries. It would be super cool if it was possible to do reader meet ups some how!? In terms of places to visit I'd love to see you in the Amalfi Coast (Italy), Spain, any and everywhere in California (US) & Mexico. Thank you for being so great!
You have to go to Santorini! And the Galapagos Islands. And definitely Costa Rica!!!!
hi Brooke,
I'm from South Africa and I live in a small town called Upington in the Kalahari.
I think you would love it here, we have a lot of wild animals which you can see on safari.
If you ever do come this way, let me know and I'll show you around =)
California in the spring or summer! Any time is a great time to visit but spring and summer are the best! A visit to Orange County in Southern Ca would be great to see you do! First, we have Disneyland! Second, some of the best beaches (Huntington, Newport, Laguna)! Thrid, Baseball (Go Angels)! The list goes on and beyond So Ca. Drive the coast from San Fransisco all the way south (Big Sur is so amazingly beautiful), drive through the Redwoods in the North, wine tasting on the central coast or in the Temecula valley. So many amazing things to explore.
Wish you well on all your travels and can't wait to see where they take you. You have been such a great inspiration to watch on the roads less and well traveled, thank you for taking us along.
Michele – A fellow wanderer
Hi Brooke,
I'll be traveling to Toronto and Montreal, Canada for the first time in July. I would be stoked to wander around the city with you for a day!
Come visit us in Turkey…see the Grand Bazaar from an insider's view (our family is currently a fifth generation grand bazaar jewellery family). Then, make a short trip to Georgia (the country) and Armenia…truly beautiful countries with so much history and culture.
the not too planned plans are always the best ones and I wish you the best in all your explorations. I am a traveling addict as well…
All your places sound amazing. I'm from Philadelphia but have lived in Seattle/Paris/New Orleans – visit the PNW this summer if you can. Breathtakingly beautiful with amazing food. I love Cleveland as well, to the commenter above. New England is also beautiful, especially in the fall. (Boston! And Maine). I Will be traveling to Greece / -Turkey / Romania/Serbia / ??? & Paris this summer if at any point you find yourself in any of those places it would be nice to meet up as I'm crossing paths there with other worldwide travelers. Also looking to run a half marathon on the Great Wall either this may or next. Also Cuba might be a good idea especially with embargoes being lifted – it's antique now but might not be that way forever.
Wow, it looks like you have some excellent plans and ideas in place! I've been to some and I'm sure you'll love them. If you can make it to Boston while you're in the States, I'd love to meet up with you! Your adventure helped inspire my own travels and blog 🙂
I hope to see you in 2016 when my adventure starts!!
You reallllyyyy need to come to Canada. I know you have had a bad experience with Air Canada but don't let that affect you! Also, you've mentioned wanting to visit British Columbia (I don't blame you- I'd love to go as well) but you should come to Toronto! You would love it. The restaurants, the people, the cultures, the attractions… It's all great. It's a smaller version of New York City with less pollution and a ton of polite people. Your Canadian readers would love it. Xoxo
Brooke come to southern India! Would love to meet you and take a selfie maybe. 😀 which cities are u visiting in India?
Brooke you definately need to come to New Zealand! I can show you around 🙂 Check out my blog for a taste!
Vancouver! You could also take a side trip to Whistler from Vancouver. I recently moved to Utah and I've been told that the national parks here are AMAZING but I have yet to check them out. There are 5 national parks within the same area and they are all vastly different. I would like to see more Vlogs from WOW! I also like to see any and all travel tips that you post! 🙂
Hey Brooke! When are you coming to Singapore? 😀 and, visit Canadaaaaaa when you drop by the USA. It's amazing, I promise!
Please please please come to New Zealand!!!!! I would do anything to meet you. Honestly, my life would be complete if I got to meet you! You are my favourite blog and such an inspiring person! I would show you all the best places in Auckland and other places if you like! New Zealand is absolutely amazing and will take your breath away!xx
Hi Brooke! I'm a 20-yr-old Aussie female traveller and I'm going on my first huge solo mission this year. I'm starting in Beijing and catching the Trans-Siberian railway through the Mongolian Steppe to Russia before heading down through Eastern Europe (much of which is inspired by your reviews of Eastern Europe…Bosnia & Herzegovina here I come!) and finishing in Turkey on my 21st birthday! I would absolutely love to run into you somewhere along the way!
Also, Sri Lanka is definitely a good choice- it's the most beautiful and diverse country I've ever been to!
Liv xx
I would absolutely love to meet you in person Brooke! It would be nice to have another friend I could talk endlessly with about travel and not feel like I'm boring them haha. You leave Bali just as I'm about to head there but if you ever find your way in Sydney in the next year I'd love to show you a favourite eat of mine. All the best on your travels Brooke!
Reno, Nevada, USA!! Only 45 minutes from the wonnnnnderful Lake Tahoe and some awesome aesthetics (:
I love Boston and Washington Dc. Theres so much American history there. Also love Chicago. Its close to my home, Wisconsin (Americas Dairyland). Ive been to Canada a bit. Niagra Falls is a must but I really love Alberta and British Columbia. They are breathtaking! Id love to see you go to any of these places in addition to Iceland. I plan on going there later this year and love to hear your opinions.
Hey Brooke!
I'm heading to Burma and India for two months, I can't wait to see your experiences there to inspire mine 🙂
Hey Brooke! I love watching your vlogs and tutorials, I love seeing hidden little gems and tourist spots in your videos. I also love reading your blogs mainly the motivational ones and ones that talk about your career and stories on the road(so excited for your book!). I love seeing you in colder countries, so all over Europe(maybe Slovenia, Iceland, Switzerland, Netherlands and Austria would be awesome- because there my favourite!) but New Zealand would be an awesome one for your itinerary, I've been there a couple times and am in LOVE with the scenery(I think it would also showcase this beautiful country to your international readers as well since it is quite underrated? Can't remember the word
Hi Brooke
Loving your post !! As a fellow Tasmanian even though I am on King Island I love my travel. If you get the chance you should get to Cuba I spent a month there last year. It is an amazing place and a real microcosm of a past age but it is changing fast as the lure from the tourist dollar and goverment and social change. Also the possibility of it being opened up to the US again. This is one place I think you would really want to see now.
Best Regards and Safe Travels. Nick
To Hungary
Hortobagy…. And
Staying in sg & hope to see you when you're here!!!
If you could talk a little bit more about the costs of travelling where you visit i would find that beyond helpful in planning some trips! Love your blog!
I absolutely love your vlogs!! Such a cool insight into your daily life and the places you visit! I'm defintely a little bit Europe-obsessed and hope you make it back there, but can't wait to see your travels in Asia! Definitely hoping that you make it to Melbourne :D:D
Hey Brooke–
Honestly, I feel like reading blogs, watching vlogs, and looking at pictures isn't enough sometimes; it makes it seem distant, and maybe restricted, so you should come to the US! The gulf coast has beautiful beaches and resorts. Plus, I'm not far and would love to meet and talk with you about how you got started and the path you have chosen to take. I'm almost twenty years old and when you want to pack up and travel, sometimes having someone to talk to–to help guide you–helps give motivation to taking action and pursuing your goals! You are great, and truly an inspiration! Keep doing what your doing, and we'll keep watching–hopefully joining you soon.
if your in ab-dab look at air Seychelles….it will get you from the uae to africa via a few islands. I teach there, there is not much on our island (mahe) but it's another country scratched off the map xx
I love seeing your vlogs on Youtube! Also, come to Milwaukee, Wi. Or Chicago 🙂
Try NEPAL once !! That won't be your only trip !!!!
I LOVE YOU but why don't you want to come to Canada!?
I was surprised you want to go around the USA more. It's just like Canada but not as beautiful and people in Canada are so nice! 😀
We will love you and show you all the natural beauty here!
Hii Brooke! I would love to meet you if you ever come to Ireland. I've been here since September, but it's been a huge part of my heart since 2013. It's beautiful here. The people are wonderful and there's such beautiful scenery… You'd love it, I think. Other places I think you should go are Iceland, Scandinavia, and eastern Europe. Bali and Australia are definitely on my list to visit. Thanks for living my dream!!
Hey Brooke!
You should come to Canada, specifically Alberta and British Columbia. In the two provinces you can get both the Rockies and the beautiful mountain wildlife as well as the Canadian coast! There is so much beautiful wildlife down here, plus some great ski hills in the mountains in the winter. In Alberta, there are 5 national parks, all of which are amazing. Here is a link with some more information about travel in Alberta:
http://travelalberta.com/Places%20to%20Go.aspx Also, if you visit Calgary between July 3-12, 2015, you can visit the Calgary Stampede, which is huge, and super fun!
For British Columbia, there is a huge amount of wildlife, and a ton of cool attractions, here's a link with more information about places to visit in BC http://www.hellobc.com/british-columbia.aspx
If you decide to come to Calgary, let me know, and I could show you around or help you find the best places to visit! 🙂
Come to Canada! I will show you around !!!!
Iceland, Greenland if possible would be incredible, Canada, Japan, China or one of the Stan's.
Would be amazing to follow your journey there!
you should do a road trip around Australia! you haven't seen the world till you have seen your own country!
Hey, let me know when you're coming to Malaysia.
Also – anywhere in Europe! I love that continent and haven't had much of a chance to explore the east yet (apart from Croatia and surrounding countries) so I've been fascinated reading your blog and 'travelling' there with you 🙂
I'm planning a trip to Asia for later in the year and would love to see your tips for places like Cambodia, Vietnam and Singapore.
I live in New Zealand though, and always love to see travel bloggers' opinions and photos of our beautiful country – so seeing you here would be a plus too 🙂
Hey Brooke! Since your trip to Texas was cut short last time, we'd love for you to come and enjoy Texas, in particular Austin! Not only is Austin the capital of Texas, it's also one of the fastest growing cities in the USA! While we are commemorated for our BBQ (which is pretty delectable) we have so many vegan friendly options it's crazy! I think Austin would be a great fit for you as we are know for being a little quirky (okay a lot) so come on down and we will give you a big Texas welcome because as they say everything is bigger in Texas!
You should definitely go to Japan and visit: Nakamise Market (and the ice-cream shop around the corner), Tokyo tower and Hiroshima Peace Park. Definitely travel around Japan on the bullet train and make sure to visit all the Buddha statues!! I can email you some of my things from Japan that could show you exactly where to go 🙂
I love watching all of your videos and reading your blogs so just keep doing what you're doing haha! BUuuuut…. You need to come to Canada!! Especially Vancouver! There is so much to do here and I'd love to show you around:P You could do a road trip of sorts from California up the coast through Oregon (includes Portland etc) and Washington (Seattle, etc), all the way to Vancouver! I think that'd be super fun! Also the Pacific North-West doesn't get very cold so don't expect snow or anything in the spring, summer, fall or even most of winter!
Can't wait to follow along on your journey in 2015!
Go where your heart takes you, Brooke! I love all of your posts, but would love to see some more personal stories. I know you are writing your book which contains all of that, but perhaps a few tales here and there about what you experienced would be great as well (and perhaps even serve as a teaser, if you write another book for your 2015 travels!)
Keep up the great work. I just adore your photos, and you inspire me to take more selfies in 2015! If our paths should cross, I would love to meet you.
I am a spontaneous traveller, I always find the best trips are those where you just turn up and then decide where you want to stay and what you want to see and how long for!
Anywhere is South East Asia is a must see!
Hi Brooke! Some of the countries you're planning to visit sound awesome. I would love to see you visit Greece, Norway, Egypt, and of course my home, Canada! 😀
Love all your beautiful pictures, I really enjoy your vlogs!
Hello Brooke!
Please come and visit Malaysia! Love to see you write something about my country!
Hello Brooke,
I am a little jealous of you seeing the world. I am thankful for your posts, it make me feel as if I am inside your luggage. After some of my family circumstances are settled, I would love to pack my bag and go out there.
Try to visit the Philippines. That is where I was born and raised. I have long left the country to work here in Australia but the Philippines is home. Beyond the political issues and traffic and well, other negative stuff on the news, the Philippines is a beautiful country to explore — all 7000 ++ islands that constitutes the archipelago. Go ou of the city. You will see magnificent beaches and hills. It will be great if people can see the country's majestic splendour through your eyes.
Thanks for being such an inspiration!
Come to Mexico!!! There's a lot to see, eat and do here! If you're ever in the city of Monterrey, do let me know! I'd love to meet you and show you my town! I'm a 20 year-old wanderluster, blogger, and a big fan of yours!
All the best Brooke!!! Hope to see you this year!
I am a soul traveller – meaning, I travel from my lounge where I watch the travel channel and read your blog with passion. So please photos and videos of places that "whispered to your soul", that left a footprint of intense meaning and spriritual awakening.
I would love if you visited Phi Phi Island in Thailiand, Ireland, and more of the Nordic Countries!! It would be cool to see those pics and blogs about them ❤
Hey Brooke.
Avid fan and fellow wanderluster been at it for 2 years now. Really want to see you do some of the places you mentioned: right from the top to bottom of Japan, as it is next on my list and your expertise, travel guides etc are very good. Also central America – Nicaragua, Costa & Cuba…. Maybe add incredible Jamaica
You have done most of south America but could you add Columbia to that list – CARTAGENA in particular. You've done pretty much all of the western world now except two very large parts left to explore and write up about with style for us…. New Zealand, you could take a week in both the N & S, I will be there over our Aussie winter season. And of course Canada – particularly love to hear about the east coast (Montreal, Quebec, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia) along with the hotspots amongst BC & Alberta provinces.
Further – Other places you have mentioned before in the middle east – Jordan, Egypt, Isreal would love to see ya do… and also Myanmar (Burma) and if you can manage to get in somehow Bhutan haha!!
I'd love to see more blogs and travel guides in 2015!
I'd love for you to travel to Iceland, Norway and Greece too! And maybe London in late 2015 so I can meet you! 🙂 Oh, & maybe more of the Northeast U.S., i.e. Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island…I live in New England and it's the best part of the U.S! Ohh and maybe the Azores (off of Portugal). Turkey, too! Sooo many places. Anywhere you go though, I know it'll be amazing!
Hey Brooke! I'd love to see more blog posts about people you meet during your travels, and the stories they share with you. I love learning about people and their experiences, and I'm sure it would be incredible to read! I also highly recommend visiting Guatemala. It doesn't seem like an obvious choice, but I myself was there this past summer and the country has definitely taken part of my heart.
Best wishes, and happy travels!
If you loved Patagonia, then you would love to see many of the National Parks in the USA. Yellowstone and Canyonlands are extraordinary, to name a few.
Brooke you NEED to hit up Canada. It doesn't look like you've spent much time in our beautiful country and it is a must do 🙂 British Columbia & Alberta is where it is at!
Nicaragua should have priority over Costa Rica.
Portland, Oregon – pacific northwest is best.
Need a tour guide for any of the three? Let me know 🙂
Why not come to the Philippines? 🙂
All of them, in answer to your first question! Places I'd love to visit through you: Greek Isles, Wales, Madagascar, Finland, Nepal, and Iceland to name a few. If you go to Wales, you could easily sneak over to Ireland 🙂 In the United States, I would recommend the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Glacier National Park in Montana, Crater Lake in Oregon and Lake Tahoe (the Nevada side has sandy beaches). Yes, I have always lived in the western United States and love the outdoors.
You should come to Cleveland, Ohio! There's so much to see and experience. Also, we have some awesome vegan ice cream places!
NEW ZEALAND! Seriously.
Hey Brooke!
I'm a 20-year-old girl from Thailand who's a major wanderluster 🙂 (50 countries and counting!) Let me know if you're in Bangkok. Would love to meet up to discuss travel plans, trips, and such things! Can also take you around town + to the best places for food.
Let me know!
Pier 🙂


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Voting is allowed only for registered users, you need log in.
Don`t cry baby...
Expressive shot, i like it
Hey Olga. Take care you don`t overdo it. Yes "she is crying", but I never saw someone so wet from tears. But its a good pict... Regards
may be she is under the rain?:-)))))
thank you for your comment!
Superb expression.
Well done.

subset: commoncrawl


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Gloomy forecast for New Milford education budget
NEW MILFORD -- Medical insurance relief that has helped New Milford's Board of Education budget for the last two years may not be there for 2013-14.
Over those years, the medical insurance line has been supplemented by money from the town's Internal Service Fund, a medical fund used to back the town's self-funded insurance for employees.
Greg Miller, director of financial services for the schools, has begun to run preliminary numbers for the 2013-14 education budget. He said Friday that for the current year, the amount of relief from the Internal Service Fund was $1.15 million. If that is not received again for the 2013-14 budget, it will mean a 2 percent increase in medical costs, Miller said.
In addition, trends with the national health care changes could add another 1 percent increase, he said.
Medical insurance was budgeted at $5.4 million in the current (2012-13) education budget.
"These figures are as preliminary as preliminary can be," Miller said. "We'll be getting (medical insurance) trends from our agent by mid-month. But we need to use some figures to get out of the box."
Superintendent of Schools JeanAnn Paddyfote said that in a preliminary meeting with Mayor Pat Murphy and town Finance Director Ray Jankowski last week it was indicated that any relief coming from the Internal Service Fund would be small.
Jankowski told Miller there will be additional administrative costs to the Internal Service Fund as changes occur on the national level, Miller said.
Jankowski could not be reached for comment.
"I'm very concerned about this budget season," Paddyfote said. "Without looking at any contractually increases we may have coming up, we already have the 2 percent to make up in the medical line."
"We knew that the relief coming from the Internal Service Fund in the short term would create a large gap going forward, and that still continues to be a concern," Paddyfote added.
She said that to maintain the status-quo education budget, with no new initiatives added, would mean a 5.12 percent increase over this year's budget.
The present (2012-13) education budget is $57.56 million.
Joshua Smith, assistant superintendent of schools, said hard numbers on state money coming to the district -- through education cost sharing -- would not likely be available by the time the board is deliberating on the 2013-14 budget.
The state has told districts to budget for a worst-case scenario, which would be the full funding for the school year being carried by individual districts, Smith said.
Paddyfote and Miller will present the proposed 2013-14 education budget to the board on Jan. 22, 2013.
firstname.lastname@example.com; 860-355-7322


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Environmentally Friendly Energy Management Solutions from Interstate AC
In today's HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air-conditioning) world the consumer has several options to choose from for their home or office. To help you decide what options are best for you or your company contact us. We will provide you with the latest and best information concerning new refrigerants, air-quality cleaning equipment, high efficiency air conditioners, high efficiency boilers, geothermal systems, variable speed drives, high efficiency furnaces, energy management thermostat/control systems and tax credit opportunities.
Geothermal System
Advances in technology have raised the SEER efficiency ratings of geothermal systems into the high twenties. Geothermal systems use underground circulating water in pipes along with heat pumps. When the underground heated or cooled water gets to the heat pump it has a termperature of about 60 degrees all year around. Accordingly geothermal can cool with less energy and produce heat even when the outside termperature is well below freezing. These systems are not for every application due to the higher up front cost of installation but the advantages over the long haul are great. Check out the blog post by Roger Eldridge on using geothermal in homes. Watch for more posts on geothermal coming soon.
Energy Star - What is it?
The Energy Star symbol is a government backed program for products that have met or exceeded certain criteria to save energy which saves money plus protects the environment though energy efficient products. Interstate AC Service has the experience and knowledge to help you decide what Energy Star products will work for your residence or your business.
Energy Star Air Conditioning Systems
Go Green with higher efficiency Energy Star air conditioning systems and ozone friendly refrigerant. Air conditioning your home or office can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars per year. Several manufacturers have options that can lower your utility consumption anywhere from 10% to 40%. Less energy used means significant savings for you and our environment is the big winner. Call us to review your needs and wishes. We will make recommendations best fitted for your budget at no cost.
More Efficient Furnaces
The technology for gas furnaces has increased considerably in the last few years. Today's Energy Star rated furnaces are between 85% and 95% efficient. Most furnaces found in operation today are 80% efficient or less. There are options such as two stage furnaces that operate at lower BTUs during milder temperatures but will bring on the second stage when needed to bring the furnace to full capacity. In you home or at work we can help you lower your gas consumption, reduce green house gas emissions and save you energy dollars by installing a new Energy Star high efficiency furnace at competitive pricing.
Higher Efficiency Heat Pump Units and Dual Fuel Systems
The performance of today's heat pump systems is excellent providing cool air when it is hot and warm air when the temperature drops. With the advancement in technology the new Energy Star rated heat pump systems are 10% to 30% more efficient than the average system plus they use the new refrigerant R-410 which helps our environment. You can install a heat pump system that will use the high efficiency electric heat pump function when temperatures are mild outside but when old man winter kicks in and temperatures turn really cold below about 40 degrees, you can have gas heat as the second fuel. For more details on any heat pump system for your home or work call us!
Energy Star Boiler
Old in-efficient boilers waste a tremendous amount of energy dollars and create a lot of Green House gas emissions. A typical older boiler was in the 70's percent efficiencies rating or less when it was new. Modern day Energy Star boilers range from 85% to 95% efficient and combined with an updated control system can save the company thousand of dollars in utility costs. For a free cost analysis and payback projection call us!
Energy Management System
If your thermostat is not a programmable unit you are missing out on saving energy dollars and reducing green House Gas. We typically install Honeywell products that are dependable, accurate and affordable. From the simplest home thermostat to the most comprehensive building automation system's we install and service them daily. Call us to review your individual needs and we can provide you with a money saving solution.
Variable Speed Drives for Your Commercial HVAC Units, Pumps & Motors
In the past motors normally ran at full speed all the time. That wastes a lot of energy and money. A variable speed drive allows your motor to run at only the speed needed to meet current demand. We have been able to install new variable speed drives on a lot of different applications for motors on HVAC systems and pumps with great results. Call us to review your equipment and see if a variable speed drive could help you become more energy efficient.


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experiences flying into China on a one-way ticket
What have been your experiences flying into China on a one-way ticket.
I get repeated warnings of needing a return ticket or proof of onward travel from the airlines.
The truth is, I just want to go to China one-way and travel around (get visa extentions for a couple months or so) and then leave the country to "wherever" at a later date.
I don't want to buy a return ticket, knowing I won't ever come back.
I also don't see the need in wasting money on onward travel that I don't intend to actually do.
What happened to you when you flew to China one-way? Did you ignore these ridicilious warnings? Did they try to stop you on a one-way? How did you get out of it stress-free?


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This crash course is designed for those with darkroom experience who are a little rusty on their skills. Manual camera controls, film exposure and development, and darkroom printing will all be covered. Students will walk away with the skills and resources to work independently.
Beginning Photography Disclaimer
Bring an empty 35mm film manual camera (not digital) with you.


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BEIRUT — In what the opposition called the worst atrocity of Syria's civil war, antigovernment activists accused the government of killing hundreds of civilians, including many women and children, in a poison-gas attack targeting pro-rebel Damascus suburbs.
The Syrian government called reports of a massacre untrue, but the scale of the alleged carnage and the graphic videos of the dead and injured that surfaced Wednesday left many officials across the globe demanding action.
If verified, such a massive gas attack could alter the international response to the war that has raged since March 2011. Last year, President Obama called the potential use of chemical weapons in Syria a "red line" that could prompt U.S. intervention.
The U.S. has provided humanitarian and nonlethal aid to the rebels but has been reluctant to get more deeply involved. Despite a declaration in June that it would start providing military assistance, rebels say they have yet to receive any such aid, nor have they been told what to expect or when they will get it.


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High Fives in Knox/Henderson$$
1804 McMillan
Dallas, TX 75206
Listing Details
Map It
High Fives in Knox/Henderson
1804 McMillan
Dallas, TX 75206
Business Hours
- Sunday 11:00AM – 2:00AM
- Monday 4:00PM – 2:00AM
- Tuesday 4:00PM – 2:00AM
- Wednesday 4:00PM – 2:00AM
- Thursday 4:00PM – 2:00AM 4:00PM – 2:00AM
- Friday Closed
- Saturday 11:00AM – 12:00AM
All the Details
General Info:
- 214-821-5555
- Website
- Serves Alcohol
- Outdoor Seating
Some Pertinent Links:
Comfy, casual and relaxed -- that's the vibe of Henderson Avenue's newest watering hole, High Fives. High Fives took over the former Glass Boot Biergarten space, special because of its expansive patio and indoor-outdoor feel. The restaurant can hold roughly 260 people. The owners added a second bar on the patio, as well as a game of cornhole and two stunning murals on the outside walls. —Tiney Ricciardi/GuideLive


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Wakehurst Under 16s started the better team with Campbell playing in a more advanced role creating chances early on.
However it was Newry that took the lead shortly before the break against the run of play. Wakehurst had a chance to equalise from the penalty spot, however Campbell struck the ball sweetly but the keeper got down low to his left to make the save. He redeemed himself five minutes later as Penny again made a run down the right and Campbell providing the cool finish. With defensive lapses Wakehurst conceded 3 very late goals to leave the score line 1-4 in favour of Newry.
UNDER 17s
Wakehurst 2 Banbridge Rangers 2: Wakehurst have been stringing a few good League results together recently and this was another well earned point. The Ballymena boys again started the match on the front foot but allowed Banbridge to claw their way back into the game. Banbridge hit the Wakehurst upright on ten minutes following a good move down their left wing.
Banbridge took the lead on twenty-seven minutes when their well struck free-kick crept in at the base of the Wakehurst post, giving keeper Jamie Stevenson no chance.
Minutes before half time, the Banbridge winger cut inside his marker and hit a shot which went narrowly over the Wakehurst crossbar.
The Ballymena boys drew level after fifteen minutes of the half when a Andrew Milligan corner has headed into the Banbridge net by Robbie Dennison. Five minutes later and Wakehurst had taken the lead.
Sam Bennett was on hand to steer the ball past the Banbridge keeper following a Tom Campbell cross into the box. Wakehurst were now playing some good football with the introduction of Matthew Waide Jamie Timms and Owen Dick driving the team forward.
With ten minutes of the match remaining Banbridge equalised when a slip by a Wakehurst defender allowed their striker to run through and slip the ball past Stevenson in the Wakehurst nets.


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Top virus threats, part two: Nimda
The effects and fixes for the Nimda virus.
Viruses are not all created equal. Some cause more damage and some spread quickly to a large number of systems. Fortunately, there are only a few viruses that cause lots of damage and spread quickly. Therefore, most viruses are not a big threat. However, those few viruses that are a serious threat is all the reason you need for a multi-level virus protection and removal system.
To help you understand why virus protection is necessary, let's take a quick look at one of the top four viruses currently found in the wild ("in the wild" means actively infecting computers around the world via the Internet or other means).
The virus that is generally considered to be the second-worst virus currently circulating networks across the globe is the W32.Nimda.A@mm virus. Nimda's threat comes from its ability to distribute itself through several means and share the hard drives of infected systems with the Internet. Nimda can attach itself to Microsoft based outgoing e-mail, infect IIS servers and systems via a Web site download, and it can be spread system to system via infected file movements. Once a system is infected, the virus can be easily spread to other systems via file transfers, e-mail messages or the presence of IIS on the system. Plus, with shared local drives, just about anyone can access and download any file off of your PC. Obviously, this is a threat both to productivity and confidentiality.
The Nimda virus gets its name from spelling admin backwards. This is appropriate since the virus enables the guest account and grants it administrative privileges.
If you visit an infected Web server, you'll be prompted to download a file with the extension .eml. This is an Outlook Express file. You should not download this file.
IIS servers can be hardened against Nimda by applying the patch available from Microsoft at www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms00-078.asp.
Windows systems can be protected from e-mail, Web and file transfer infection paths by applying the patch available from Microsoft at www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS01-020.asp.
The reason this virus is able to spread so quickly is due to the number of Windows PCs and IIS systems that are not properly protected against the simple exploits this virus uses. The virus itself does little damage to an infected system, but it opens doors so that intruders can compromise your systems and even steal your data.
Most antivirus products are able to detect, remove and disable this virus. However, if your system is already infected, you need to manually clean up its artifacts to guarantee that you will not remain infected or accidentally infect others. For details on reversing the changes to systems infected by the W32.Nimda.A@mm virus, please see the Symantec's documentation regarding this virus at http://email@example.com
Or the Computer Associates' documentation at http://www3.ca.com/solutions/collateral.asp?CT=65&ID=1132
For more information on this virus, other recent viruses and virus top ten lists, see, in addition to the above sites:
The McAfee site: http://www.mcafee.com/anti-virus/viruses/Nimda/default.asp
And the Trend Micro site: http://www.antivirus.com/vinfo/default.asp
James Michael Stewart is a researcher and writer for Lanwrights, Inc.


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The multifunctional Mixrack by Showroom Finland is a lightweight storage rack that makes a perfect spot for magazines or firewood. The rack is made from painted steel and features a minimalist design that will suit any decor. Available in two sizes.
- Manufacturer:
- Showroom Finland
- Design:
- Tapio Anttila
- Material:
- Painted steel
- Colour:
- Black
- Size:
- 26 x 81 x 19 cm


text:
Johnny looks for a missing insured man who went to a small town searching for someone named Bill.
Original Air Dates: August 13 and 14, 1956
Support the listener support campaign… http://support.greatdetectives.net
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Give us a call 208-991-4783
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Podcast: Play in new window | Download
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52 Ways to Eat Real Food
On May 2, 2018 by Robin Z
Assess your Get Real journey over this past year or make plans to start your Get Real journey with these week-by-week steps to eat real food.
On May 2, 2018 by Robin Z
Assess your Get Real journey over this past year or make plans to start your Get Real journey with these week-by-week steps to eat real food.
On December 20, 2017 by Kelly
So many of you have asked how to move to a whole foods lifestyle without breaking your budget. Blog partner Stephanie (Keeper of the Home) gives us practical steps to getting our grocery budget under control and setting goals for our future.
On September 25, 2016 by Kelly
This week in Get Real we are tackling the fear of bread grains. If you have always been afraid of yeast, like Tricia, then start out small with one of these recipes.
On September 22, 2016 by Kelly
Guest blogger Jo-Lynne Shane shares how to incorporate whole grain breads and cereals into your real foods diet and gives us a list of recipes to try.
On December 23, 2012 by Kelly
Tricia shares her real life real foods journey, both successes and struggles. We hope that you are inspired to continue taking steps in your own journey.
On December 16, 2012 by Robin Z
Nicole transitioned to a whole foods diet in 2011 to alleviate migraine headaches, but she continued making wholesome changes when she found out how much chemicals effected her life.
On December 9, 2012 by Robin Z
Researcher Christi Simpson shares a guest post detailing current research on the use of whole foods to prevent cancer.
On December 2, 2012 by Robin Z
We have come to the end of our Get Real Series. Time to review and see how far we have come!
On November 25, 2012 by Kelly
Learn the pros and cons of using dry and canned beans. Also, learn all the tips and tricks for cooking dry beans.
On November 18, 2012 by Kelly
Beans are nutritional, frugal, and tasty, making them the perfect real food. Learn how to incorporate them into your family's menu, even if you have nay sayers.
On November 18, 2012 by Robin Z
Next month we want our readers to share their Get Real stories. What were your best/worst moments? How can you encourage others? What have you learned?
On November 11, 2012 by Robin Z
Did you know there are actually over 8,000 varieties of rice? Find out a little more about the 3 varieties of rice most commonly found in American grocery stores: white, brown, and wild rice.
On November 4, 2012 by Robin Z
Our Get Real topic for November is "Beans, Rice, and Grains." Come learn how to get the most nutrition (and taste!) out of these pantry staples.
On October 28, 2012 by Robin Z
As you try to make healthy choices at home, are you confused about whether to use glass or plastic? Let's learn the pros and cons of each and about recycling.
On October 21, 2012 by Kelly
Transitioning our eating habits can have a remarkable benefit to our health, but food is not the only potential source of toxicity in our daily lives. Christine from i Dream of Clean and Spring Cleaning 365 shares some tips and tricks on how to tackle chemical-free cleaning.


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Architectural Technician
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My client is a National Housing Developer currently looking for a Graduate Architectural to join their innovative team. The main purpose of this role is to provide an architectural and technical information service and support the in-house Technical Department. The ideal candidate will be fully fluent in the use of AutoCAD and demonstrate an excellent technical ability.
You will have previous experience of working on residential developments, preferably within the housing sector.
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If you feel that you have the relevant experience to be successful in this position and would like to find out more please apply now, alterantively contact me on 0113 242 0303.
Anderselite Ltd operates as both an Employment Agency and Employment Business.Our non-discrimination policy can be viewed on our website at anderselite .com /non-discrimination-policy


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Chesapeake Ramps Up Asset Sales To Repay Debt Amid Oil Slump
Feb 24 (Reuters) - U.S. natural gas producer Chesapeake Energy Corp said it would make a debt payment due in March and that it planned to sell more assets as it aims to slash its debt load amid collapsing energy prices.
Chesapeake said earlier this month that it has tapped legal counsel Kirkland & Ellis to advise the company as it seeks to strengthen its balance sheet following a debt exchange, and that it had no plans to pursue bankruptcy.
The company said on Wednesday that it has struck deals to raise $700 million from asset divestitures so far this year. That is much higher than the $200-$300 million it had planned to raise through asset sales this year.
Chesapeake said it plans to sell assets worth another $500 million to $1 billion this year, and outlined a capital expenditure budget of $1.3-$1.8 billion, down 57 percent from 2015 levels.
Shares of the company, which also posted a smaller-than-expected quarterly loss, were up 7.8 percent at $2.36 in premarket trading.
Chesapeake has a debt payment of about $500 million due in March, with at least another $1.3 billion coming due through 2018.
The company had $9.5 billion in outstanding debt, more than $300 million in cash and a $4 billion credit facility as of Feb. 23.
The asset sales are expected to reduce production by as much as 5 percent this year, the company said.
Chesapeake also said it was renegotiating gathering, transportation and processing contracts, and that it had amended certain transportation agreements in the Haynesville, Barnett and Eagle Ford shale fields located in and around Texas.
Oil and gas pipeline companies, including Williams Companies Inc and Kinder Morgan Inc, have contracts worth billions of dollars that might be at risk as Chesapeake aims to lower its debt.
Chesapeake reported an attributable net loss of $2.23 billion, or $3.36 per share, for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31. It earned $586 million, or 81 cents per share, a year earlier.
Excluding impairment charges of $2.83 billion and other items, Chesapeake lost 16 cents per share in the latest quarter, while analysts were expecting a loss of 17 cents, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.
(Reporting by Amrutha Gayathri in Bengaluru; Editing by Kirti Pandey)
Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.
- WildHorse to Lay Off Staff After Chesapeake Acquisition (Jan 14)
- Chesapeake to Cut Rigs to Reduce CAPEX in 2019 (Jan 10)
- Chesapeake Surges After Director Buys Shares (Dec 26)


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We are saddened to learn that neuroscientist, psychobiologist, and author Jaak Panksepp has died from cancer on April 18 at his home in Bowling Green, Ohio. He was 73. His groundbreaking research in neuroscience has been pivotal in the field of affective neuroscience, a field he helped create. He helped reveal the biological underpinnings of emotion and his theories opened new possibilities for the treatment of depression and other mental illness.
The following obituaries in The Washington Post and The Toledo Blade give more details to his life. His book The archaeology of mind: Neuroevolutionary origins of human emotions, published by W. W. Norton & Co. provides a foundation for contemporary affective neuroscience.
You can read a recent interview with Jaak Panksepp by clicking on the image below.


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Beijer Electronics launches iX Integrator
Beijer Electronics is proud to introduce the iX Integrator providing streamlined collaboration and synergy for joint HMI solutions with maintained security and functionality. iX Integrator is a value-added enhancement to Beijer Electronics' existing iX Developer software and enables customers to integrate multiple HMIs into a single, shared HMI solution and provide HMI project extensions for their business partners.
Learn more about iX Integrator
Learn more about iX Integrator


text: Mustang Wanted is the pseudonym of the 26 year old daredevil urban climber from Kiev, Ukraine. He climbs skyscrapers and challenging architecture without safety gear and risks his life hanging off the edge of these structures. Mustang Wanted reportedly used to work as a legal advisor, but he now pursues a career as a professional stuntman. Mustang has built quite a following on the internet. Although his stunts may seem incredibly stupid and dangerous, his reasoning behind them is understandable. "Death is not the worst thing that can happen. Everyone dies — but not everyone lives the way they want." – Mustang Wanted Although Mustang's situation is an extreme example, I do enjoy his ideology.


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Just outside St. Louis, a man robbed an EB Games store a gun point (pictured). The man walked into the shop, picked out a game, and pulled a small handgun on the clerk. Here's the kooky part: He told the clerk that his family was being held hostage and needed a PS3 to set them free. Then, the man told the clerk to call the police after he left the store because his family needed help. Well, that's original. And crazy.
Police: Man Steals Playstation 3, Says It's to Save His Family [KSDK via PS3 Fanboy]


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It offers a variety of topics, such as interview, checking in on a hotel, trying to find a cab, among others.
First you listen to the model conversation and observe features such as intonation, pronunciation and even body language. Next you have the chance to interact with the avatar.
Most of the act out dialogues offer two possibilities of answers to choose from.
As you speak the App records your voice and give you a color-coded feedback. Green meaning great, red meaning in need of improvement.
At the end there's a line by line feedback and the opportunity to listen to your recorded pronunciation and the model pronunciation from the native speaker of that particular scene.
In my point of view it's great to complement what you learn in your regular English course.
You can try out the situations you study during your classes when you don't have your teacher around !
Of course, the App alone won't teach you, the thing is that it's a clever and well-developed way of keeping in touch outside the classroom :)
So, if you are an upper intermediate or even an advanced student of English as a foreign language, I strongly recommend giving it a try.
The App is free for the trial period of a year and it gives you access to some of the topics offered, enough for a test drive. If it's a great deal for you then you must pay for full access.
Students from all levels can benefit from a pleasant and useful interaction with the App. Best part : Immediate feedback on your pronunciation and intonation ! A great complement to your English studying routine!
Extra tip :
From the same developer there's also : Speaking Pal Plus TOEIC*. It has a testing approach, without the avatar interaction and in the free trial version it provides a sample of questions based on the exam. There are also listening practice exercises. The thing is, you can have free access only during a month in this version.
*TOEIC Test of English for International Communication measures the ability of non-native English-speaking examinees to use English in everyday workplace activities.
More info on: https://www.ets.org/toeic


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Dallas News / SEARCH: 2603 Mist Flower Court Katy, TX 77494
- 4 beds
- 3.5 baths
- $374,990 price
- 1147013 mls id
- Half Baths: 1
- Square Feet: 3,274 sqft
- Neighborhood: Firethorne 70ft
Listing Description
3 Car tandem garage
Spacious kitchen opens up to large family room
Covered patio
Flexes to 5 bedrooms
Optional media and bonus rooms
Optional childrens retreat ilo of study and 4 bedrooms
- New Construction Yes
Subdivision: Firethorne 70ft
- Price Range $353.9K - $424.9K
- Sqft Range 2,729 - 4,084
- Subdivision StatusActive
Subdivision Description
At Firethorne, lush green sports fields, a stunning 12-acre lake, a glistening pool and pristine tennis courts surround exceptionally designed homes. Scenic walking trails and the spectacular beauty of nature frame this 1400-acre, master-planned community, where homes are built to match a personalized design plan. Together, we'll create your home as a true reflection of your style and your passions. Whether inspired by the small town charm of Katy or by your own imagination, at Firethorne, you'll love the possibilities.
2603 Mist Flower Court Katy, TX
Dallas News Real Estate Powered by Placester


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Friday, November 21, 2008
Sometimes You Can't Listen
Today, I was thinking about the next entry for THE WHY DO I WRITE series, and I started thinking about an experience from high school, from my sophomore honor lit course. Each year, we had a project that was due toward the end of the semester. The project for our sophomore year was to write a paper on a career we wanted to pursue, and it was mandatory to include an interview with a person currently in the job you wanted.
We had to notify our teacher before we started the paper as to what job we selected. When I told my teacher I wanted to be a writer she reminded me about the interview portion of the paper. I guess I should mention I grew up in a very small town. The most exciting thing in town was the Super Wal-Mart, and since I worked in the Wal-Mart pharmacy, Wal-Mart held no excitement for me. I digress. Since we lived in a small town, I think my teacher thought it wouldn't be possible for me to interview an established writer. In fact, she recommended I change my topic from writer to journalist and interview someone from the local newspaper. (I think this might have been the first time I vomited a little in my mouth and had to swallow it because of something said to me.)
I don't remember how I finally avoided the situation and made her think I was going to write about being a journalist, but I did and immediately set to work at trying to reach a writer. At that time in my life I was obssessed with Oprah's book club selections. I was reading Pearl Cleage's What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day, and I wanted an interview with Cleage. I stayed after school one day-- my high school journalism teacher/FBLA advisor/go to teacher let me use the department's phone to start my quest.
I was able to get in touch with someone at Harper who in return got in touch with someone in the Cleage camp. A couple of days later I spoke with Pearl Cleage, and I faxed her my questions. She mailed her responses back to me and autographed every page. I made an A+ on the paper, and I still have the interview stored away to this day.
You can't listen when someone tells you can't.
You can't listen when someone tells you to set your sights lower.
5 comments:
- Kelly Thompson said...
Right on! Thanks, Dustin. I needed to remember not to listen today.
- November 21, 2008 at 11:22:00 PM PST
- C. Cleo Creech said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- November 22, 2008 at 11:23:00 PM PST
- C. Cleo Creech said...
This reminds me of my 6th grade teacher who on the first week of class gave us that old "What I Did This Summer" assignment. It was unannounced and done in class, while she walked around the room. I thought I'd done pretty well but was shocked the next week to get a totally unmarked paper back, but one with a big "F" on it. I went up after class and asked her why she had failed me on the assignment. She told me that there was no way a sixth grader could have possibly written it, that I had obviously cheated. I pointed out that I really really loved to read and write, and then on top of that, that my Mom was a substitute teacher, my dad was on the school board and were big believers in education. That though I lived on a rural tobacco farm my Mom had always made sure we were the local bookmobile stop. That I read so veraciously that the bookmobile librarians always bought extra books just for me from their extra donatations of paperbacks. All to no avail, this teacher was far more willing to believe that a student had somehow figured out how to cheat on an unannounced, supervised, written in class assignment - than believe that a student could actually love to read and be able to write well.
- November 22, 2008 at 11:38:00 PM PST
- Lisa Allender said...
Dustin, I love Pearl Cleage--and have a coooool story about Oprah and the phone call I received concerning "What Looks Like Crazy On An Ordinary Day" and a letter I'd sent Oprah, regarding it.
Congrats on your A+ and not taking "no" for the answer!
Cleo, Good Lord--did that teacher EVER learn the truth? If not, I want her location, and name. I'm serious. I can't stand injustice!
- November 25, 2008 at 9:52:00 PM PST
- Lisa Allender said...
btw, how 'bout Pearl Cleage in your Why I Write series? Although she's not known for poetry, her plays are incredibly thought-provoking, and timely.
- November 25, 2008 at 9:56:00 PM PST


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Tarte bourdaloue, created by the french pâtissier Coquelin in la Pâtisserie Bourdaloue, which he bought in 1909 (still open in Paris in the street after which it was named) is probably one of the most beautiful tarts of all times! The moment I saw it, I fell in love with it and wanted to give it a try!To my surprise, it is not just about the looks, this tart is delicious too! A buttery toasted "pâte sucrée" (although some recipes suggest just pâte brisée, unsweetened pastry, I prefer the sweeter version) with a moist cooked almond cream center blended in between vanilla poached pears. Definately a must try, if you haven't yet tasted this delicacy!
After a few tries, I have found that the texture and amount of the frangipane (almond cream) is one of the key point to get a nice star shape design. Also, a blind baking of the tart base, to ensure it is toasted to perfection after the filling is added! So, beware of recipes that do not precook the pastry, since as far as I've tried it doesn't come out just right!
Anyway, here I introduce you a variation: raspberry chocolate version. I read on chef Eddy Van Damme's excellent pastry blog a cassis poached pear version of this tart, though with the plain tart base and almond cream. I still had some frozen raspberries, so I wanted to try if the pears would take up their flavour…which I thought would match beautifully with chocolate! So, this version uses a chocolate pastry base and a cocoa almond cream. I was impressed with the results! The raspberry syrup poached pears not only do they look amazing, but they taste like raspberries! Next time I'll make a full tart version!
Hope you let me know if you try them!
Tarte bourdaloue
(for a 22cm in diameter round mould)
For the poached pears:
3 pears (here in Spain: conference or "Blanquilla" are good)For the pâte sucrée:
800g of water
400g of sugar
juice of half a lemon
rind of half a lemon
1/2 vanilla bean, seeds scraped out
150g flourFor the frangipane/almond cream:
75g butter
30g sugar
pinch of salt
about 30g iced water (I never measure it)
75g icing sugarIf possible poach the pears one day ahead, to allow them to cool down and work with them more comfortably. Also, if possible prefer riper pears (not overipe) over green ones, as they poach in less time and take up the flavours better.
75g butter, room temperature
80g almond powder
1 large egg, room temperature
10g flour
10ml of brandy
1/4 vanilla bean, seeds scraped out
Simply boil the water, the aromatics and the sugar to dissolve, peel and cut the pears in half and add to the boiling liquid. Poach until fork tender, 30-40 minutes, depending mainly on how ripe they were. Leave to cool in the poaching syrup.
Prepare the pâte sucrée, I am always inclined to use the "sablage" method rather than the "creaming" method, but you can do either to your preference. For the sablage, in a bowl mix the flour with the butter cut up in small dices and mix in completely until it resembles breadcrumbs (you can put it all together in a food processor to make life easier…or quicker!)
Then, add the sugar and pinch of salt and add the iced water little by little to get a rough dough that barely comes together. Dump all into a work surface and without kneading bring the dough together. There's a technique called "fraisage", which is a means of mixing the dough to make it homogeneous without developing the gluten in the flour. This is done by smearing it on a working surface, a small piece at a time, using the heel of your palm. This surrounds the butter around the flour and ensures that you don't overwork the dough, keeping the resulting dough tender and not elastic. I found this video of pastry chef Joanne Chang a fairly good explanation of how it's done, though she does it for a flaky pastry in order to layer the butter (watch starting minute 3:17, before it's a bit of her pastry shop/cafeteria advertising :) ). If still in doubt, check this video (in french) out (minute 1:10).
Once it all comes together, shape into a flattened disc, so it cools sooner and it is easier to stretch later. Rest wrapped in film or a ziplock bag in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (if longer, better, you could do this the day before, as well).
As for the almond cream, beat the room temperature butter with the powdered sugar, a pinch of salt and the vanilla seeds. Add the beaten, room temperature eggs slowly or it will split! (adding cold liquids to a solid fat, such as butter, is not a good idea! )Then, add the bit of liqueur and the powdered almond. Last, add the sifted flour. If you have one, place into a pastry bag, as it's better to distribute it over the pastry.
Time to put it all together, like I said, some people stretch the dough to line the mould, add the almond cream, the pears and off it goes into the oven, but if you can take the extra minutes to blind bake the dough, the result will be significantly better.
So, stretch the dough to about 3mm thickness and line the greased tart mould. With a bit of the extra dough that overhangs the sides, press into the sides of the base well. Prick the base and rest it in the fridge for about 30 minutes or longer (this extra rest is to ensure it won't shrink as it bakes after stretching).
Cut off the overhanging dough with a knife or rolling a rolling pin (and in that case, press in a bit to lift up the thickened top and prick holes around the whole base
Cover the tart with a large enough piece of parchment wrinkled up and top with ceramic pie weights or some legume (chickpeas or larger beans work well!).
Place in a 175ºC preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the sides begin to colour. Remove, turn the oven up to 180ºC and lift up the paper with the beans and leave to cool for a few minutes so you don't get burned as you work on it piping the cream, which would also quickly melt in.
Pipe the almond cream, if you are using a piping bag in a circular motion, starting from the center, spreading out. If you don't have a piping bag, simple smear a 1 cm layer of cream through the base as consistently in thickness as possible.
Strain the pears, and remove the tips and hard bits surrounding the seeds and cut along it's width in fine slices.
Arrange over the almond cream in a star pattern (if you make a larger tart, simply arrange more pear halves). I like to add some sliced almonds around too, but that's optional.
Place back into the oven for 30-40 minutes (if will depend on how thick your frangipane layer is and on your oven too).
And there it is, the beautiful tarte bourdaloue, simple sprinkle some icing sugar around the sides or over the frangipane. Some people like to give it shine with some gelatin base or with lightly warmed apricot jam, adding a bit of water. But I prefer it this way.
Here's the cut:
As for the choco raspberry version, simply add some raspberries to the poaching syrup (I added about 75g to 250g of water) and cook together. Leave to cool in that liquid overnight so the colour intensifies…and so does the flavour!
Remove hard bits and cut.
Prepare a chocolate sugar dough, just substituting some of the flour for cocoa (about 20g or more to taste) and do the same for the almond cream, I just added cocoa to taste, instead of the flour.
Put together the same way, by blind baking the dough, piping the cream and placing the pear on top. I dind't have pastry rings, so I used a plating one…much, much higher (horrible to work with!) of 9cm in diameter.
Bake for 20-30 minutes and ready to enjoy!
And here's the cut from the choco raspberry version:
Choose one, but I suggest you do try them, you won't regret it!!It's worth the work!