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l mark on the wall, a chipped fireplace tile, and a pool stick with a worn tip.</p></blockquote><blockquote id="bca1"><p>Why did he send me these pictures? What did he want?”</p></blockquote><div id="c339" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/being-an-airbnb-host-is-the-worst-job-on-earth-7e380b5f9bdd"> <div> <div> <h2>Being an Airbnb Host Is the Worst Job on Earth!</h2> <div><h3>The moment the guests walked into the house, I received 13 text messages.</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/0*hX7-ej2ms1WPbFPe)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><h2 id="429e">Simon Whaley</h2><p id="fe41">Love Simon’s stories in general, but the play on words in this one was as fun as the narrative itself.</p><blockquote id="6b29"><p>“If ever you’re in the Elan Valley area, check out whether a dam tour is taking place for that real dam-tastic visitor experience!”</p></blockquote><div id="15ef" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/dam-tourists-b6a61b93f5f3"> <div> <div> <h2>Dam Tourists</h2> <div><h3>Why everyone should visit Wales’s Elan Valley Reservoirs in winter</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*kHk6zo2IQghm_aEV0lsT_Q.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><h2 id="f5c6">Vincent Gragnani</h2><p id="f0b1">Here’s an amazing story of <a href="undefined">Vincent Gragnani</a>’s visit to the Northern Lights, 214 miles above the Arctic Circle:</p><blockquote id="1893"><p>“With tears in my eyes, I had the biggest smile. After years of looking at other people’s photos, I couldn’t believe I was really seeing the Aurora Borealis.”</p></blockquote><div id="24e9" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/a-100-mile-search-for-the-northern-lights-dbc5a9e6c9bb"> <div> <div> <h2>A 100-Mile Search for the Northern Lights</h2> <div><h3>With tears in my eyes, I had the biggest smile. After years of looking at other people’s photos, I couldn’t believe I…</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*vILej4aEXN0OZpJn85FDMA.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><h2 id="7632">CosmicDancer</h2><p id="e800">This writer explains why it can be so important to visit a place at certain times of the year… gotta love the hydrangeas.</p><blockquote id="67bd"><p>“How could this particular flower be so important as to change my whole perception of a place?”</p></blockquote><div id="4c46" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/if-youre-planning-to-visit-the-azores-c920c3c5ac95"> <div> <div> <h2>If You’re Planning to Visit the Azores</h2> <div><h3>Do it when hydrangeas are in bloom.</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*YXNe5L9npyhfcVrpbQP_3Q.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><h2 id="6400">Jay Davidson</h2><p id="4c3b">I do love thrift stores… and I have Swedish heritage… so I found this story quite interesting:</p><div id="21f6" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/the-thrift-stores-of-finland-and-sweden-ee0ee4b618d0"> <div> <div> <h2>The Thrift Stores of Finland and Sweden</h2> <div><h3>An unexpected treasure trove of trinkets</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*K4TKya4Z-tBvAFxmONKhew.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><h2 id="0992">Iva Ursano</h2><p id="ecc0">I chose this story because it’s a <i>great</i> example of a fresh topic that hasn’t already been discussed to death… unlike the advice to “pack light”. Yeah, we got it already!</p><blockquote id="dbce"><p>“We clap because we did, in fact, arrive alive and we’re pretty fucking happy about that apparently.”</p></blockquote><div id="4ab9" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/are-we-supposed-to-clap-when-the-plane-lands-9eed2899785b"> <div> <div> <h2>Are We Supposed to Clap When the Plane Lands?</h2> <div><h3>Aren’t we happy that we arrived alive?</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*RmouBASFYcyDX8NtjpPBdA.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="019f">So, that’s the list. What do you think of these stories?</p><p id="8487">Now, on to other news…</p><h1 id="ac5b">Story Recaps</h1><p id="9b0d">Wanted to point out <a href="undefined">Adrienne</a>’s story recaps, if you haven’t checked it out yet, which she publishes weekly for us:</p><div id="46fd" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/stories-15-21-january-2453affa4cd4"> <div> <div> <h2>Stories 15–21 January</h2> <div><h3>True tales from all over the world</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/0*TfB0wHpycgNIt9Ge.jpg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="0f8a">Thanks <a href="undefined">Adrienne</a>! 💜💜</p><p id="88a3">Archives of these story recaps can

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be found under the Story Recap tab on our main menu.</p><h1 id="0429">January Challenge Stories: What Are Your Plans for This Year? Where Will You Be Going?</h1><figure id="7653"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/0*TyzNkJ3o-zIReAzB"><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@kevin_hackert?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Kevin Hackert</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/QAhSBj237_w?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p id="04a7">We’ve gotten some awesome stories for this challenge so far:</p><div id="48ef" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/january-monthly-challenge-my-travel-wish-list-2023-883819727184"> <div> <div> <h2>January Monthly Challenge — My Travel Wish List 2023</h2> <div><h3>Where we are getting inspired for our travel plans</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*gPdvLyD93sxPj7D-0R9DRA.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="5091">Reminder that you have until January 30th to submit your own story.</p><h1 id="fd4c">Writer Spotlight Stories</h1><p id="5435">Introductions aren’t always easy. Show these spotlight writers some love and then see about writing your own with our <a href="https://readmedium.com/globetrotters-writer-spotlight-e8219b120894">Writer Spotlight Story</a> series:</p><p id="0959"><a href="undefined">Maria Hayes</a>:</p><div id="9a45" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/globetrotters-writer-spotlight-maria-hayes-94e147e7af15"> <div> <div> <h2>Globetrotters Writer Spotlight — Maria Hayes</h2> <div><h3>When I grow up, I wanna be a Vagabond.</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*fn1R0qqYoKWuTrr_-p74ng.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="ea5c"><a href="undefined">Gail Sawchuk</a>:</p><div id="c4dc" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/globetrotters-writer-spotlight-gail-sawchuk-cdd3e248361e"> <div> <div> <h2>Globetrotters Writer Spotlight- Gail Sawchuk</h2> <div><h3>Capturing the beauty of the world in photos and words</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*3zd071g8NOighRmVMccRdQ.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="a531"><a href="undefined">Jenny Austria</a>:</p><div id="f6ef" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/globetrotters-writer-spotlight-jenny-austria-d50dcf438db0"> <div> <div> <h2>Globetrotters Writer Spotlight — Jenny Austria</h2> <div><h3>France-based writer who loves bees and trees</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*o4sNWwBsHqkwcATbmoAuvg.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="7c2b"><a href="undefined">Dean</a>:</p><div id="d292" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/hi-globetrotters-my-name-is-dean-rodina-226414229460"> <div> <div> <h2>Globetrotters Writer Spotlight — Dean Rodina</h2> <div><h3>I love to travel because…</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*ycvAeNoZQVoLpgGqs1whfg.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="c9d8"><a href="undefined">Viola Taffarel</a>:</p><div id="4581" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/globetrotters-writer-spotlight-viola-taffarel-49d6806952ab"> <div> <div> <h2>Globetrotters Writer Spotlight – Viola Taffarel</h2> <div><h3>Bad choices make good stories. For my accountant.</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*pNqAGfK9pCxRtnS2qRzrVA.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><h1 id="b097">Wrapping Up</h1><p id="0456">The editing team here at <i>Globetrotters</i> consists of <a href="undefined">Adrienne Beaumont</a>, <a href="undefined">Anne Bonfert</a>, <a href="undefined">Jillian Amatt — Artistic Voyages</a>, <a href="undefined">Michele Maize</a> and myself, <a href="undefined">JoAnn Ryan</a>.</p><p id="d7f4">Visit the Writer Submissions tab on the main menu for <a href="https://readmedium.com/write-for-globetrotters-abd277b16b80">writer guidelines</a>, <a href="https://readmedium.com/frequently-asked-questions-about-writing-on-globetrotters-and-medium-d4b02fcb668f">FAQ</a>s and other helpful articles about writing on <i>Globetrotters</i> and <i>Medium</i>.</p><p id="a314">Questions, feedback and suggestions are always welcome!</p><h2 id="b56d">Happy travels in 2023</h2><div id="5904" class="link-block"> <a href="https://medium.com/globetrotters"> <div> <div> <h2>Globetrotters</h2> <div><h3>Sharing travel stories, tips and experiences together</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*mCQPDDuH5Ju6aOYXKO6rEw.png)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div></article></body>

Writing — Travel

GBS Newsletter Jan 26th & Curated Stories Vol 1

Fab stories about hydrangeas in the Azores, thrift stores in Norway and Sweden, being an Airbnb host, toilet paper, dams and more!

Photo by Ben McLeod on Unsplash

Hello Wonderful Globetrotters,

Hope you are faring well wherever you are!

Hubby and I are enjoying beautiful weather and cooking a lot down here in the Caribbean tropics of Trinidad & Tobago. I can only hope you are doing well wherever you are, and staying warm if you’re up north.

Before getting to the curated story list, did you happen to notice that we have a new editor? Michele Maize joined our team earlier this month and so far she’s been doing awesome! So glad to have her help and friendship.

Make sure and give her a hearty Globetrotters welcome!

Earlier this month, I wrote about our shifting focus to concentrating on quality and reading here at Globetrotters. So, in keeping with this theme we will be trying out a new series of curated travel stories for you to enjoy.

This first one will be a bit of a curated stories/newsletter combo.

To be sure, all the stories we publish here at Globetrotters are awesome… but the following stories are the ones that struck a particular chord for whatever reason.

9 Curated Stories and Writers to Check Out

What does a great travel story do anyway? Inform? Entertain?

Sometimes a story resonates with us for purely personal reasons.

Belcairn

A lovely and fascinating story of the Kennedy Estate in Scotland. I chose this story because of its vivid imagery.

“When I saw the castle it took my breath away. Perched on the cliff, built of beautiful blonde sandstone and surrounded by gorgeous grounds it seemed like the perfect combination of fortress and stately home.”

D J Hopkins

A most lively and entertaining foray into visiting Bangkok. I chose this story simply because it was fun to read.

“I recommend you take hardly any clothes…. and I don’t mean go naked like Dan Carlson would, check out his blogs for something a bit different!”

Ha ha!

Dan Carlson | Meandering Naturist

Oh, and speaking of Dan… not only was this a fun story… but the title alone is just too fab.

“It’s sort of hard to fathom the persuasive persistence of those Charmin commercials that literally capitalize on the virtues of wiping one’s ass. But indeed, that is something of an obsession for almost everyone I know.”

Victoria Z.

A wonderfully descriptive story about the downside of being an Airbnb host. I would assume most all travelers have stayed in an Airbnb at least once or twice, so the story was very relatable:

“A dent on a closet door, a rip in the corner of a rug, a pencil mark on the wall, a chipped fireplace tile, and a pool stick with a worn tip.

Why did he send me these pictures? What did he want?”

Simon Whaley

Love Simon’s stories in general, but the play on words in this one was as fun as the narrative itself.

“If ever you’re in the Elan Valley area, check out whether a dam tour is taking place for that real dam-tastic visitor experience!”

Vincent Gragnani

Here’s an amazing story of Vincent Gragnani’s visit to the Northern Lights, 214 miles above the Arctic Circle:

“With tears in my eyes, I had the biggest smile. After years of looking at other people’s photos, I couldn’t believe I was really seeing the Aurora Borealis.”

CosmicDancer

This writer explains why it can be so important to visit a place at certain times of the year… gotta love the hydrangeas.

“How could this particular flower be so important as to change my whole perception of a place?”

Jay Davidson

I do love thrift stores… and I have Swedish heritage… so I found this story quite interesting:

Iva Ursano

I chose this story because it’s a great example of a fresh topic that hasn’t already been discussed to death… unlike the advice to “pack light”. Yeah, we got it already!

“We clap because we did, in fact, arrive alive and we’re pretty fucking happy about that apparently.”

So, that’s the list. What do you think of these stories?

Now, on to other news…

Story Recaps

Wanted to point out Adrienne’s story recaps, if you haven’t checked it out yet, which she publishes weekly for us:

Thanks Adrienne! 💜💜

Archives of these story recaps can be found under the Story Recap tab on our main menu.

January Challenge Stories: What Are Your Plans for This Year? Where Will You Be Going?

Photo by Kevin Hackert on Unsplash

We’ve gotten some awesome stories for this challenge so far:

Reminder that you have until January 30th to submit your own story.

Writer Spotlight Stories

Introductions aren’t always easy. Show these spotlight writers some love and then see about writing your own with our Writer Spotlight Story series:

Maria Hayes:

Gail Sawchuk:

Jenny Austria:

Dean:

Viola Taffarel:

Wrapping Up

The editing team here at Globetrotters consists of Adrienne Beaumont, Anne Bonfert, Jillian Amatt — Artistic Voyages, Michele Maize and myself, JoAnn Ryan.

Visit the Writer Submissions tab on the main menu for writer guidelines, FAQs and other helpful articles about writing on Globetrotters and Medium.

Questions, feedback and suggestions are always welcome!

Happy travels in 2023

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