Ciao Bella!

In just a few weeks I will arrive in one of the most beautiful, romantic, elegant, soulful and charming countries...ITALIA!!!  The purpose of this trip is solely work related.  Guido, my boss at the travel agency (where we specialize in trips to Italy) believes that by showing me the ins and outs of Rome, Florence and Tuscany, I will have a much better understanding of each place and thus be better at my job!  Who could argue?  I don't necessarily have a title at the travel agency, but my position can best be described as travel assistant or itinerary writer/editor.  The bulk of my day is spent researching about the different cities and countries that our clients travel to,  and then produce very detailed itineraries for these said clients.  Needless to say,  because the basis of my job is to search the Internet and find details on spectacular places to visit,  I get very carried away in the photos,  descriptions of restaurants,  museums and everything else I find on the websites.  A "mental vacation" some would call it.  Although I do get my work done,  I am the first to say that I daydream on the daily and imagine myself living in the photos of say the.... Amalfi Coast!

Can you imagine a more enchanting place???

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When Guido offered to take me on a week long trip to Italy and hook me up with tours,  day trips and museum visits,  I signed up RIGHT away!  His plan is to give me first-hand knowledge of the tours, restaurants, hotels and museums we send our clients on.  Who could pass up a trip to Italy?  

Italy

Just writing or speaking the word itself is like hearing music,  or indulging in pistachio gelato.


Not only has Guido felt the need to show me his country in person, he has also decided that I need to learn the romantic language.  Being someone who is obsessed with culture, language and traveling, this was like winning the lottery for me!!!  I am only in week two of my Italian classes, but I think I will get the hang of it....if only I could get the "chi" and "ci" sound down...


I will be joined by a group of Archdiocese of Washington church people and a fellow coworker.  Our first stop will be Roma.  Although I have been to Italy before (Rome, Venice and Florence) it was back in college when I was a young buck and didn't care too much about going on guided tours, but was more concerned about clubbing and drinking lots of vino.  This second go around will be quite a different experience and I couldn't be more thrilled.

Let your imaginations take you on a "mental vacation" with the following pictures.....

Roma

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I love the tiny street ways that take you to exiting plaza's and markets throughout Italia

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Firenze of course...

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You know what they say?  If you throw a penny in the Fontana di Trevi, you will return to the city of Roma.....(guess it's true in my case).

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I plan on eating a lot of this...

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THIS....

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and of course......doing a LOT of this (especially while in Tuscany!)

I wish for you all to take a trip to Italy one day, if you have not already been.  And, if you have already been, I hope that you will go back and relive the romantic city, the shopping, the cafe's, the music, the food, wine and of course....the gelato!!!

Now, who is ready to book their trip?  Just visit our website and we will plan the whole thing for you.

www.bethesdatravel.com

I look forward to hearing from you!!

Never forget!

One day without shoes

You know the old saying "you mustn't judge someone until you have walked a mile in their shoes"?  Well, what if that person doesn't even own shoes? Millions of children all over the world, don't even own one pair of shoes and are prone to infections, disease and danger every day.  Some children have to walk miles and miles to school barefoot in all sorts of weather conditions.  What if you could do something to help prevent this on going tragedy?   

No shoes!

This is where TOMS shoes comes into play. Blake Mycoskie, the founder and starter of TOMS shoes, created an empire a few years ago with one idea. This brilliant idea came after spending time in Argentina and seeing tons of poor children walking around barefoot. Upon returning to the US, Blake did some research, some selling and some talking and after a few months of work he created his first shoes (inspired by alpargatas -a popular style shoe worn by many farmers in Argentina) and thus started his organization. The mission of this organization is that "for every pair of shoes sold, TOMS will give another pair to a child in need". The name TOMS stands for "a better TOMorrow". With an inspiration turned idea, turned empire (with the help of many), Blake has been extremely successful and has already made a change in the lives of many poor children, especially in South America.

Blake Mycosckie with kids

TOMS shoes

Please watch this incredible video (it is a little long I warn you) explaining the process of giving shoes to those in need.  It is a fascinating video that proves the motto "for every pair of shoes sold, TOMS will give a pair to a child in need".

http://www.hulu.com/watch/224163/for-tomorrow-the-toms-shoes-story

What is "One Day Without Shoes"?!

Well, according to Blake, the reason for this day is to remind ourselves of all that we have.  He states:

 "I think sometimes we forget what we have, and occasionally it's important to remind ourselves. Most people don't even realize how many children in developing countries grow up barefoot and all the risks, infections and diseases they endure. For most of us, modern shoes our so comfortable and accessible, wall but forget about our feet, but they are a source of constant focus for others. I wanted everyone to personally understand the impact of shoes, and the difference they can make, so we thought, "Why don't we get a taste of what these kids go through every day" (Blake Mycosckie).

I decided to participate in this incredible "one day without shoes" [don't judge my unpainted toes].  It is my hope to spread the awareness of TOMS and everything this organization is about.  I feel extremely passionate about this cause because I too was extremely affected by the poverty I saw and experienced while living in Argentina.  I have never seen so many homeless, shoeless and dirty children in my life.  I strongly believe that TOMS will continue to change the lives of many.  Every little bit helps, so if you are interested please go to http://www.toms.com/ and purchase a pair of the shoes and in doing so, help a child in need.  Read about the cause and browse the website, it is very informative.

By not wearing shoes for part of the day today, it has made me realize the every day things I take for granted. Today is supposed to be about "uncomfort".  Feeling, for a few minutes/an hour/the whole day, what it might be like to not own shoes.  Sure people will stare, ask questions and think it's odd,  but we are making a statement and getting a sense of what those children feel and experience every single day.

So make an effort and support this cause by going barefoot for part of your day or by purchasing a pair of TOMS. I am telling you, you will not regret it.  After you watch the first video I posted in this blog, my hope is that it will touch your heart like it did mine and you will also feel the need to support these children in any way possible.

What will you do without shoes today?!