Hurricane Ike Coverage This storm is a monster, make no mistake. The storm surge is already huge and every news channel is showing some sort of high water rescue in progress. The Coast Guard is trying to rescue 22 crew members on a tanker 90 miles south of Galveston and apparently they are going to have to give up. Jim Cantore and Geraldo are no doubt headed to the spot of pre-supposed horrific destruction. Geraldo even took a tumble while reporting this morning. If you are in Texas or Louisiana hopefully you are hunkered down on high land. I have links to airline delay info in previous blogs as well as links to the National Hurricane Center. As a break from disaster news you can surf for good travel deals and I have the codes and for you below.
And In the End I am keeping it brief today as we monitor out beloved Gulf Coast Areas. As I get more interesting or yes even funny info I will pass it along to you traveling friends. Remember, Life is a journey, stay packed. Ciao for now, Maggie
Hurricane Ike We are happy that TS Hanna has moved on through but we keep a watchful eye in Hurricane Ike. At this posting it is a Cat 4 and barreling towards Cuba and the Florida Keys. Poor Haiti is already in sad shape after Hanna so we will keep them in our thoughts. I can't help but worry that if this one takes aim on the Louisiana Coast and mandatory evacuations are ordered that people won't leave because they thought the last evacuation for Gustav was for naught. There are still many areas without power and I fear that there will be far worse devastation than Katrina if Ike hits full on. The National Hurricane Center and of course the Weather Channel are two really excellent sources of information if you are heading to a beach vacation or you live in a hurricane prone area. Hint, if Jim Cantore is in your backyard, it is time to head out!
Street Fairs and Farmers Markets Yes, dear traveling friends this is my tomato crop. Every spring I must because of tradition plant tomatoes and basil along with a few other edibles in the earth. Every September I get to taste my $30 tomato. Clearly the plants would fare better if I were at home tending them rather than on the road. There is nothing like the taste of a vine ripened home grown tomato, but I will have to hit the farmers market in the next town I visit or even my own little one on the square to really savor it this year.
Actually, street and farmer's markets are some of the best ways to soak up local culture when traveling. Some of the best meals I have had whether in France, Italy or US cities have been from the local street market. Fresh baguettes, local olives and cheeses and of course fruits and vegetables all presented proudly by the baker, the grower or the small entrepreneur. I found a fabulous lemon pasta in our own little small town Saturday farmers market that I go back for regularly now. And the Bee Charmers honey is the best. Corn is sweeter, peaches juicier and people watching is supreme. So the next locale you find yourself in, find out when and where the farmers market is located and enjoy a new perspective on life. Remember, life is a journey, stay packed. Ciao for now, Maggie
I travel widely for both for business and pleasure and have been doing so for more than 2 decades. I have been a Traffic Reporter, helmed my own Voice Production company, and been a Restauranteur/Caterer all while continuing to Free-lance my voice and writing.
