Prolific Living

travel

The Spirit of Bali wrapped in 9 Gems of Advice

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Small sitting statues in Ubud

I looked high and low for the perfect Buddha statue to bring home from Bali; I desperately wanted to own one!

My husband made an annoying observation as usual, that I am neither a Buddhist nor a Hindu, and the statue, while “very cool”, could not carry for me the intended and true significance it does for its worshipers – which, in some irony, was the very reason I wanted one in the first place. True, I am neither a Buddhist nor a Hindu but I would have considered becoming one in a heartbeat if it meant being forever wrapped in the spirit and harmony that was the magic of Bali. I wish I could carry home with me with this island’s [Read more…] about The Spirit of Bali wrapped in 9 Gems of Advice

A Blogger’s Dilemma: To Post or Not to Post from Vacation?

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Bali Sights and Changes to RoutineIronic as it may sound, after the post on micro vacations, I report live from quite the opposite – the heart of an extended vacation. Sitting here in beautiful Bali after week long visits to Toronto and Singapore, I find it nearly impossible to focus on writing this next blog post. Before embarking on this journey, I committed to writing my regular twice weekly posts from vacation. The city vibes from Toronto’s TIFF10 and Singapore’s buzzing energy and activities with friends made it easy and natural to keep the schedule for the first 12 days. Even the exhaustion from hours of walking and little sleep did not meddle with the writing schedule. [Read more…] about A Blogger’s Dilemma: To Post or Not to Post from Vacation?

The Case for Micro Vacations: Quick Travels to Far Destinations

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Train Station Interlaken Suisse

Micro vacations are one answer to experiencing the world on limited time and money!

We spent US Labor Day holiday in Switzerland. Before that, we spent President’s Day in London and in Thanksgiving, we will take off for a getaway to the historic city of Berlin. Our home base is the east coast of North America so these destination spots are not exactly a “hop”. Any country in Europe would be 6-8 hours flight from NYC.

Most everyone would immediately dismiss a European vacation more so for lack of time than lack of budget. Perhaps waiting until “someday” is a wise and well-thought-out strategy for some but it won’t do for a travel hungry soul like mine and perhaps, it won’t do for you either. If you share my dilemma, dispel the notions of excuses and adopt a new perspective when it comes to vacations.

Forget setting aside a small fortune and waiting years to find the right two or three week slot of earned vacation. Think instead small, dense, and compact. Think a micro vacation! [Read more…] about The Case for Micro Vacations: Quick Travels to Far Destinations

Self-discoveries from Watching Films and the Best of TIFF10

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Anticipating TIFF in Toronto Streets

Do you learn more about yourself from watching films or is it just me?
How can the same film produce such vastly different reactions from each of us?

I wonder why TIFF09 did not nearly have this effect on me. I discovered a great deal about myself during this second round of Toronto’s Film Festival, TIFF10.

I found that a very bad film – in my assessment of course – awakens some of my worst moods with questions around the plot – or a complete lack thereof. I realize that a director may very well be as pleased with negative viewer reactions as with positive ones, for an artist aims to awaken the heart and soul enough to receive any reaction other than complete indifference but alas, why do I experience the moods and at times an utter disgust which is hard to shake?
[Read more…] about Self-discoveries from Watching Films and the Best of TIFF10

Travel Like a Pro: 21 Smart Packing Tips

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Smart Packing Tips for Traveling in Style

Packing is not easy. Packing takes time and patience. Packing is psychological. Packing is an emotional response to going away from home. Packing exposes a bit of our identity. Packing decides our comfort zone. Packing shows our measure of handling calculated risk. Packing reveals some of our personality.

Watch my step by step video on how to pack light & not check in luggage here.

pack-light-video

Packing is complicated, time-consuming, stressful and cannot easily be accomplished in one sitting.

Packing Light for Smart Travel

Yet, whether you are frequently on the road, whether you are an expert flyer always on the go, savvy smart travelers are born from supreme packing, one done with efficiency, skill, and knowledge – and this habit will set you apart from the rest, ease your mind and afford you many better travel adventures. (Hint: this savvy traveler can be YOU!)

If you want in-depth insights on traveling light and confidently, grab a copy of my guide: Travel with Confidence: A Roadmap to Build Your Travel Spirit.

NOTE: This is Part 2 of the Travel like a Pro series focusing on skillful packing skills. Part 1 shared 11 reasons why you should never check in luggage, no matter where and how long your travels may be. [Read more…] about Travel Like a Pro: 21 Smart Packing Tips

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