Month: January 2013

This is the first I’ve heard of the late Sarah Burke, and I like her already. An inspirational life that continues to inspire!

GIRLS SURF SNOW

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At Lil Wayne’s 30th birthday party in September he sought out Rory Bushfield to ask his opinion on a T-shirt he’d designed in honour of Rory’s late wife, Sarah Burke.

Lil Wayne was a big a fan of Sarah, who became famous as the beautiful and daring star of popular freeskiing films, while blazing a trail professionally in women’s half pipe skiing. Rory felt weird about going to the party. His wife was the celebrity — the one who was honoured by the ESPY awards, and got them seated just a few tables away from Michael Jordan; the one whose image was plastered on skiing posters across the world, and was recognized as the most celebrated female freeskier in the world. But Rory went anyway, because Sarah would never have let him miss a party like this. So he stood there beside Lil Wayne, and together they watched Cypress Hill…

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Awesome competition from one of my favourite blogs – Bucket List Publications!
Do you have a fun idea for the ultimate bucket list logo?
You gotta be in it to win it!

Dancing to the beat of Peru

Wherever you go in Peru you will hear the beautiful rhythms of this land. Whether it be the sing song tone of the Quechua or Castillano languages spoken by the people, the famous pan flutes that echo through the streets, the regaton beats that pound from the passing cars or the clicks and whistles of the farmers in the mountains. There is music everywhere.

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My friend Jess and I loved dancing in the street whenever we heard a catchy tune coming from one of the many stores- and the locals loved it. It’s ok to feel the rhythm and move to the beat in Peru.

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Dancing in the clubs with my tour group and friends to celebrate our epic adventure of climbing to Machu Picchu. However! You are NOT to dance at Machu Picchu, it’s actually Prohibited. Though I got a sneaky dance and groove in as we walked down from Huayna Picchu to Machu Picchu. Can’t stop the beat!

Sacred valley, Cusco

The pan flutes and famous Peruvian bands are present in many restaurants as well as often people dancing and performers getting you to join in. We also came across a great festival in the streets of Ollaytantambo as we headed back to Cusco. A group dance in the city with my team and wonderful local women whose smile and firm grip on my hand could warm your heart.

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Dance! Feel it, move it and go with it. Viva la musica!

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BBQ Pork Ribs at Queen Victoria Night Markets in Melbourne

It has become apparent from one of my previous blogs,  BEST BBQ PORK RIBS IN SYDNEY, how popular the tasty treat of BBQ pork ribs are.

I’ve decided to start the hunt for the best BBQ pork again and accidentally tonight stumbled across an amazing Ribs place at the Night Markets. Queen Victoria Markets host the Night Markets throughout the Summer every Wednesday night. Hundreds of food vendors with delicacies from all over the world create a fusion of flavours and smells in this famous market of Melbourne.

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The choices are endless and with smells wafting from every direction- it’s hard to know where to begin. I saw Spanish- which is always incredible and headed toward the sign, out of the corner of my eye I saw Souvlaki – oh yes, this is the best. However, the shining light then came to me as I saw the famous flag of Texas… “Texas BBQ Pork Ribs.” My poor friend didn’t know what hit him! I screamed, grabbed his arm and ran dragging him directly towards the deliciousness.

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$12 for a plate of tasty bbq ribs and a big pile of coleslaw, just like they do it in Texas. It was all quiet on the Western Front as we sat and munched on these juicy pieces of pork with a sweet and ever so spicy, rich BBQ sauce.

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Now the question lies….. what’s better? Chinese Restaurant BBQ pork ribs or…… Texas style BBQ pork ribs?

For more information on the Queen Victoria Night Markets, supported by Suzuki, visit: http://www.qvm.com.au/snm/snm_home.aspx

Metting the most wonderful people in the most unusual places

This year I am fortunate to be working at the Australian Open, one of the Major Tennis Grand Slams and one of Australia’s biggest sporting events. I had a blast working there last year and met some truly lovely people.

I stood there thinking today about some of the people I had met the previous year and how much they had helped my experience and made it such a joyous event to work at. So as I am thinking this, a lovely older gentleman walks through the venue and I recognise him immediately as a guest from last year who I had wonderful conversations with.

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This charming couple (whose names I for the life of me cannot remember) shared their experience with me and their years of wisdom. They took not only an interest in what I was doing but what I was doing personally and what I do outside of the Australian Open. What a pleasure to have such interesting discussions with people when at work.

 

Not only were they kind and interesting, but they also offered me these wonderful words of wisdom. My advice to you is to sometimes stop – have a chat, you may learn some valuable lessons or simply have a smile on your face from the charming people of this world.

 

WISE WORDS!

 

The years teach much, my days never knew 
- monsieur Cartier 

The best learning comes after you know it all
Ethel Barry Morry

The future belongs to those who plan for it
- anonymous 

Monsieur
A vez vouz, le dission, sil vous plait 

"I have the simplest of taste , I only enjoy the best."

Business Profile- Lesley Carter of Bucket List Publications

Lesley Carter is a woman after my own heart! Running a business and Travelling the world. She’s actually doing what is on the Mission Statement of this very blog… “Travelling the world and writing all about it.”

This has to be one of the most inspiring, and, close to my heart interviews I’ve done in a long while. I very much look up to Lesley of Bucket List Publications as she is LIVING THE DREAM. She’s writing this incredible blog which is inspiring 1000’s of people to travel, she’s balancing work/life/family/passions and she’s having some of the most incredible adventures.

I will let this lovely lady speak for herself, but if you do one thing today – sign up to http://www.bucketlistpublications.com/

  1. Name; Lesley Carter
  1. Occupation/ business: Bucket List Publications Online Magazine and Blog
  1. Position: Owner/Editor/Writer
  1. Country of Residence: USA
  1. email/contact/ website
    http://lesleycarter.wordpress.com
    http://www.bucketlistpublications.com/

info@bucketlistpublications.com

  1. Twitter handle/ Facebook/ Linkedin/ YouTube page
    https://twitter.com/LesleyMCarter

https://www.facebook.com/BucketListPublicationsMagazine

http://instagram.com/bucketlistpublications/

  1. Give us your elevator pitch. What does your business do?

Following my dreams of traveling and experiencing life to the fullest, I created Bucket List Publications, a blog and online magazine that explores the endless possibilities of the world through stories of travel, adventure, and new experiences.

  1. Why did you start your business?

Bucket List Publications began 18 months ago.

  1. What’s your passion?

Experiencing new countries, cultures, and adventures and living every day like it’s my last is what my life is all about.

  1. What do you love most about running your business?

I’m able to have a family, raise my beautiful daughter, spend time with my husband, and explore the world all at my own leisure. It doesn’t get any better than that!

  1. What are three difficulties you face in running your business?
  1. Maintaining financial stability
  2. Staying on top of social media and marketing (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook… the list goes on)
  3. Keeping up the community that I’ve build in the blogging world (With hundreds of comments daily, it can be difficult to respond and create a relationship with everyone)
  1. What are three pieces of advice you would give to someone starting their own business?
    1. The more unrealistic you are with your dreams and goals, the more you are able to achieve.
    2. Creating lasting relationships/partnerships is key (Not only with others in your industry but with clients as well)
    3. Social media is the difference between small business and big business. Know your market and get your ideas out there.
  1. Tell us, with an anecdote, why your business has changed your life?

Bucket List Publications has given me the ability to fly! Whether it be through travel, exploration, soaring to new business heights, adventure flight such as skydiving, piloting a helicopter, jet pack, or airplane, or base jumping, I’ve been given wings! I can now see the world from a bird’s eye view and it is beautiful.

  1. How do you manage a work/life balance?

I follow a schedule as if I was actually going to work daily. There is scheduled time for play, work, travel, adventure, and leisure. I leave wiggle room but focus on what’s important. With a travel/adventure blog, work and pleasure are already intertwined.

  1. What movie most inspires you in running your business?

The Bucket List (obviously)

  1. The best book to read before starting a business or when running a business?

I really feel like this one depends on the business, but Business Model You by Time Clark is an inspirational starting point.

  1. Your favourite inspiration/ motivation/ business quote?

“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

  1. The 4 words that best describe your business?

Dream Live Create Share

Walking from North to South Isla Del Sol

If you are planning on visiting the incredible Lake Titikaka then I must insist you visit the beautiful Isla Del Sol. My recommendation would be to stay for 2 nights so that you can experience the beautiful trek from North to the South of the Island.

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You’ll be asked when purchasing tickets for the ferry whether you would like to visit North or South.

 

North is far more popular as there are more tourists and more access to beaches.

 

But the South is peaceful heavenly and perched on a cliff that overlooks the stunning Lake all around.

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2 days is plenty here and the walk can be done in one day. Approximately 1.5-2 hours each way so do leave in the morning and not at 3pm like we did…. You will have to walk home in the dark, and on rocky cliff faces – this isn’t cool.

I loved after 2 hours of walking to the north rubbing my feet in the massaging sands and refreshing waters of the beach.

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Walk the high road or cliff walk there over the island, and walk back via the coastal route. You see so much of the islands.

 

Disfuta las islas!!