The other C word

I'm back....

...sort of. I do believe I have been suffering with a mild case of PTSD.  Sounds crazy I know and I also realize it might be a bit sacrilegious to use that term; after all I haven't been through a military skirmish or battle. I have however been through a war and I really am being sincere. 

Oxford Language Dictionary describes PTSD as ,"a condition of persistent mental and emotional stress occurring as a result of injury or severe psychological shock, typically involving disturbance of sleep and constant vivid recall of the experience, with dulled responses to others and to the outside world". 

Y U P that  be me. 

In fact I still have random thoughts related to the C word - the other C word - that pervade my sleep at night.  I am a gal that can withstand a lot of stress - after all I am a professional travel advisor - and the impact of Covid-19 has been W O W even for me.  To clarify...I haven't had COVID the disease...I have just been dealing with the impact Covid has had on the travel industry and the changes, challenges and cancellations from that experience.  To say that I am apprehensive of accepting any new travel requests would be an understatement.  Pavlov theory definitely at play here.

Oh well, this too shall pass. In the meantime there are a plethora of things I am enjoying in what I am calling "The "Great Pause" namely -

• Cooking every day...I always have however I can be more thoughtful now about the creativity, flavours and combination of dishes.
• Sewing...which I used to do and am tinkering with again on the mask making front.
• Swimming...I have a pool and during a regular summer I might enjoy it a total of 3 days because I typically spend 10 hours a day researching and designing travels even on the weekends. (face plant here)
•  Walking...again...making this a regular part of my day is such a healthy  habit.

In reviewing this list and at least 10 more items I could add to it I see that "The Great Pause"  is really a gift for me to take a very large magnifying glass to my life.  

I love to work; I always have.  I also love to learn, I love to solve problems, I kick into a different gear when managing crises. In that respect the travel business is wonderful because long hours, hard work, unexpected crises are de rigeur.  However, I do also need to have more balance in my life.  So there's that to consider and definitely improve upon. 

Enough blather....as I am known to say, "One can spend a maximum of 10 minutes a day complaining then it's time to move on to more productive thoughts. "

So here we go!

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The World's Best Vineyards

Best in South America: Familia Zuccardi Wine Estate, Uco Valley, Argentina

Right?!?!?!
Because we have all been enjoying our wines lately - at least I have - ergo the need to walk and swim :-) - and when this headline from CNN Travel flashed across my screen I was immediately drawn to the good feeling of that story.  So here is the list as of July 2020 presented by CNN Travel - go for the wine and enjoy the amazing architecture of some of these wineries. Many of these wines can be purchased locally ie Ottawa/Gatineau.

The world's best vineyards
1. Zuccardi Valle de Uco (Argentina) *Best in South America*
2. Bodega Garzón (Uruguay)
3. Domäne Wachau (Austria)
4. Montes (Chile)
5. Robert Mondavi Winery (California) *Best in North America*
6. Marqués de Riscal (Spain)
7. Château Smith Haut Lafitte (France)
8. Quinta do Crasto (Portugal)
9. Antinori nel Chianti Classico (Italy)
10. Viña Vik (Chile)
11. Catena Zapata (Argentina)
12. Schloss Johannisburg (Germany)
13. Rippon (New Zealand) *Best in Australasia*
14. Delaire Graff Estate (South Africa) *Best in Africa* *Highest climber*
15. Weingut Dr. Loosen (Germany)
16. Ridge Vineyards, Monte Bello (United States) *Highest new entry*
17. Craggy Range (New Zealand)
18. Gonzalez Byass -- Bodegas Tio Pepe (Spain)
19. Château Pichon Baron (France)
20. Opus One Winery (California)

Apparently this list was created to honour the finest in modern wine tourism and is made up of more than 500 wine experts across the globe with the world divided into 18 geographical regions and 36 experts in each. Regretfully Canadian wineries are absent from this list which is a bit of a shame as I feel we do have some amazing wine regions. I suppose Canada's offerings must be "less than" their regional neighbours.  There is always next year and in the meantime the wine touring possibilities are here for us to contemplate travels to and enjoyment of.

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Best LGBTQ+ friendly hotels around the world

I guess this must be a day of bests because this article also caught my eye. I love "bests" and anything that promotes safety, acceptance, and inclusivity is just fine with me; thanks again CNN Travel.

Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, Edinburgh.  A Kimpton Hotel? Enough said...they are a fabulous brand and are huge supporters of the LGBTQ+ community.  If you  have yet to experience a Kimpton please make a point to do so; they have properties around the world and my clients L O V E them.

The West Hollywood EDITION, West Hollywood.  As I understand it from the article nearly 40% of West Hollywood's population identifies as LGBTQ and this is where we find the location of EDITION.  A welcoming atmosphere with accoutrements that one expects  from a luxury boutique hotel including stunning views  of Los Angeles. Check.

Myconian Naia, Mykonos.  I love Mykonos and I am always seeking  great properties there. This boutique property overlooks Mykonos and the Agean Sea, is adult only with an infinity pool and gourmet restaurant. Sold.

The Maritime Hotel, New York City.  I typically stay in Brooklyn however this darling property is on my list for the next visit to NYC; a stay in the Meatpacking District, a view of the Hudson River and a five minute walk to the High Line. Done. 

The Zetter Townhouse, Marlybone, London.  You can stay in a room, you can rent a townhouse...love the choice of options at this property. I also adore the neighbourhood especially The Monocle Cafe; a must.

Hotel ME Sitges Terramar, Sitges, Spain.  This is a Melia hotel and I have always enjoyed my stays with this brand.  Sitges is a lively, vibrant community with great beaches, nightlife and shops.  It also hosts a world-famous horror film festival. Why not.

W Amsterdam, Amsterdam. It's a W Hotel,  and it's in Amsterdam.  Need I say more?  Okay...its location in a former telephone exchange is a great blend of old and new, a rooftop pool with a view of the city and I am dying to experience the Tea Room. Yaas.

Kimpton Charlotte Square

Myconian Naia

W Amsterdam

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Another best?

I swear these articles all just fell into place. I was contacted by an organization to see if I would be interested in reading and passing along some travel insurance research information - especially in a Covid-19 world - to my travellers.  As the saying goes...forewarned is forearmed.  I have always advocated the importance of travel insurance and will continue to do so...the need for insurance has always been great and will be even moreso now.  You can learn more about Consumer Advocate (the organization that contacted me) and you can read the article here - Best Travel Insurance Based on In-Depth Reviews. 

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A final thought...

I love to be inspired. Whether through people, books,  nature, theatre.... I love to have something to look forward to and travel has played a large role in my life in that respect. I am seriously guilty of where to next?
I'm keeping inspired by thinking about and sharing the still-amazing places and people that await discovery in our big, beautiful world.  A la Lone Ranger of course.

Stay healthy everyone,