Today’s interview is chock full of interesting tidbits, anecdotes, and other crazy wonderful thoughts. I’d like to welcome Jennifer Gaines from The Window Seat, Travelocity’s blog and one of the better ones out there on the ‘net. They have some fantastic travel guides and insightful content. Anyway, I’m sure you’re itching to hear what we discussed this week, so without further delay….
Could we start out by just introducing yourself?
I’m a writer, traveler, foodie, news junkie and self-professed social media addict! But, my official title is Travelocity’s contributing editor, and I’m humbled to say that I’ve managed to make a living doing the things I love the most: writing and traveling! It was my love of travel and the thrill of exploring that picked me up from my hometown near Dallas and plopped me down in San Francisco. Even though I didn’t start hitting the road until my early 20s, my obsession with travel started in my younger years. As a kid, I’d go with my mom to drop my grandparents off at the airport for their frequent vacations. That was back in the day when security was minimal and anyone could go straight up to the gate. We would say bye to Gram and Granddad as they boarded the plane then I’d sit glued to the window to watch it take off. I so wanted to go with them! They would come back from vacation with souvenirs and photos in hand, but the thing I remember most is how happy they were to visit a new place. You could say that being a traveler is in my blood. I learned later that my Gram was usually the instigator of their adventures, so looks like I have her to blame for my travel bug and shopping addiction! Oh, and guess where my grandparents took me for my 21st birthday? Las Vegas. How cool are they?!
Andy’s Note: Funnily enough, I said the same thing about “in my blood” in the questions Jen asked me – which you’ll find tomorrow (Friday) right now on The Window Seat. I knew there was a reason Jen and I get along so well!
I understand it’s your ambition to see each of the NEW 7 wonders of the world. Which ones have you seen so far, and which one are you most looking forward to?
I’ve only crossed the Roman Colosseum off my list, so I still have a long way to go! My Gram and I took a trip to Italy, where we toured the Colosseum and other ruins around Rome. We were there on a beautiful September day, and I’ll never forget the sight of the Colosseum against the clear, blue sky. The sheer size of it was just mind boggling. I still can’t believe that it was built 2,000 years ago without the use of modern technology. On the tour, the guide pointed out a massive double-door that was still standing, telling us the original hinges and doorknobs were still intact. How’s that for impeccable craftsmanship?! One of my more incredulous friends actually believes that it was built by aliens (you know, like the pyramids!), but I’m sticking to the theory that the ingenuity of the Romans made it happen. I was amazed by what the Romans were able to accomplish so long ago. You really can’t find a single place on earth with a more incredible history. During the tour, we kept saying “Oh my gosh! We’re walking on stones that Julius Caesar walked on!”
Up next on my New 7 Wonders list: Chichen Itza. As many times as I’ve visited this area of Mexico, I’ve never toured the site. With all the deals out there, I’d like to get back to Mexico this summer, so maybe I can finally cross another world wonder off my list!
Andy’s Note: Love the Colosseum – good choice. Since I went to Cambodia back in February, I now am hungry for all the impressive relics of the world – this one included, swine flu or not! 
What’s been your most inspirational travel experience?
Well, that’s a tough question! Let me first define inspiration as it exists for me. In short, it’s any place that fuels my desire to explore. It can be a trip halfway around the world or one in my own backyard. I find a daytrip to California Wine Country to be a thoroughly inspirational experience, and that isn’t the fermented grapes talking! The excitement begins to brew from the moment I hop in the car, and it really hits a boiling point as I approach the Golden Gate Bridge. Even on a foggy San Francisco day, the bridge is a mystical sight with its grandiose red tiers pointing upward through the haze, a view matched only by the look of the compact city skyline in my rearview mirror. Glance back, and you can trace the hills of San Francisco; its skyscrapers; its shoreline; and its parks. I still giggle with excitement when reality hits me that I actually live in such a magical place!
Aside from the experience of my own city, one of the most inspirational travel experiences I’ve had was a trip to Australia. It’s truly a dream destination. I heard stories from the aboriginal people of Australia; visited the islands of the Great Barrier Reef; and spent a quick 12-hours in Sydney, which wasn’t nearly enough! One of the most special places on Earth has to be Magnetic Island, a rustic hideaway off the coast of Townsville that is popular to backpackers. More than 75 percent of this island is a protected national park, which serves as a sanctuary for koalas, wallabies, crocs and other wildlife. We toured the island in a bright green Mini Moke, a small vehicle that is similar to a Jeep. It’s perfect for making your way from one end of the island to the other, stopping on remote beaches along the way. We even stopped to feed a family of loveable wallabies! They were so cute; I wanted to take one home with me! I remember Australia fondly, and recommend it every chance I get. For me, inspiration has no limits; I find it where I live and in every destination I visit.
Andy’s Note: WOW. Great stuff. California in an inspiration in itself (did you see my post about Livermore Valley?) and really love Australia as well. Great great choices. Is there something in the water in the Pacific or what?
You’ve talked elsewhere about your beloved home of Texas. Since you probably don’t want all of us inspired readers traipsing through your grandparents’ backyard, what would be your favourite tips for Texas?
Texas is such an underrated destination! It’s expansive and quaint all at the same time, and it has a history so rich that you could spend months visiting its historic sites. Aside from the fact that it will always be home to me, what I love most about Texas is that it has a culture unlike any other culture you will ever find. It’s like the chance meeting of a southern belle and a restless cowboy. Its charm and good nature will sweep you off your feet, but its wild antics and unruly behavior will throw you for a loop. My best tips for tackling Texas: get focused, and take your time! It takes a good 12 hours or so to drive across Texas from east to west, mind you, so don’t try to take it all in at once.
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| Dallas Skyline | Fort Worth Skyline |
Dallas and Fort Worth, the metropolitan area where I grew up, are two rival cities separated by 35-miles of highway. I affectionately describe the rivalry I speak of as a clash between cowboy and couture. Go to Fort Worth for a taste of the Western culture that Texas is known for then head east to experience big city life. Another favorite trip is Texas Hill Country. Anchored by the capital city of Austin, Hill Country is dotted with quaint towns, natural areas and wineries. Bet you didn’t know that we make wine in Texas! It’s best in the summer time, when you can spend a day floatin’ the Guadalupe River.
Andy’s Note: Cowboys vs Couture? I love it. I’ve spent some time in “DFW” and can agree with your sentiment – the only thing the two share is a thick accent and good Mexican restaurants. And no, I had no idea about Texan wine – I bet it goes down well in the heat of the sun. Do they export to the UK?
What’s life like as part of the team at the Window Seat blog? And when you travel do you prefer window or aisle? (like do you guys go travelling together…or anything interesting to report?)
I can’t say enough good things about my team at The Window Seat! It’s fun to share my love of travel and writing with five other unique souls. We all have different interests and experiences to share with our readers, so it’s fun to power up each morning and read about the very things that my blogmates enjoy most. We fly by the [window] seat of our pants on our blog, so we never know what’s coming up next. As for my seat preference, the window, of course!
Thanks for all those tips and hilarious stories, Jen. Be sure to check out The Window Seat
Rome photo courtesy of nofirstname_nolastname_2008, Dallas skyline by Schluesselbein2007, Fort Worth skyline by longhorndave.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Andy, thanks so much for interviewing me! It was fun to recall all those fantastic memories about my own travels, and it even inspired me to book another trip! I’ll be heading to South Korea in September. Can’t wait! Love your blog, keep it up.
This was a fun read – thanks for the info
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@Melissa – Glad you enjoyed it – you are welcome!