E2C_Travel

Not all travel is into the great unknown... some takes you 'home', to your people. I found my roots again after the pandemic with an aluminum love child named Bella and the 50 aunts and uncles who just can't seem to get enough of her. The Airstream community took me completely by surprise, but it's not the campers that create the connection -- it's the love of outdoors and nature, working hard to prepare an obscenely over-the-top family meal "just because", and genuine affinity for the stories that brought each of us here.

Any experience where you have an opportunity to learn the stories of others, try new foods, see how people live differently - each of those moments changes your life just a little. If you're lucky, your worldview becomes a patchwork of all those experiences. Mine has.

#mycuprunnethover

ABOUT ME

Hello Peeps.
This is my Why.

Part journal, part treasure map, part petri dish of thoughts about the future – this website is the synthesis of years of informal (and informed) study of the human condition… coupled with an unyielding need to explore every old tree trunk, breathe in as many back alley spice markets as I can find, admire the monarchs in every protected estuary along the coast, and climb the hillsides on gas-powered mules those few precious days the poppies raise their gorgeous orange faces to the sun. I'll do it all - every single mile - while my hands can still manage the camera.

The more time passes, the more I understand Thoreau's beloved Walden and his need to "live deep and suck out all the marrow of life." With Bella and an increasingly more amazing collection of people in my life... my physical footprint has been smaller these past few pandemic-impacted years, but my "heart-print" has never experienced more reach.  To those who are with me, you are everything to me.  To those who will join our treasure hunt, I promise we're going to see the world... and see it differently, #together.

   

E2C_Connection

So many amazing people come into my life and teach me unexpected things. They make my life fuller and more interesting in more ways than I imagined. These connections are what drive me - they’re my secret sauce, my signature strength. Every success in my life is, quite simply, based on my love of people and bringing people together to do wonderful things.

This summer I joined the Board of a publishing company that enables people to publish their personal stories online (here’s mine if you’re curious: Tonya's Cues & Views). Working with this commitment, I’m even more convinced of the importance of sharing our journey to connect with others. I see firsthand the difference connections make when people recognize how much we are alike… not different. With that as my goal, I look forward to sharing my journey and story - sharing my connections and creating new ones on the way. Exploring2Connect. Join me.

#onwardandupward

Tonya2

Shopping Fix(es)

So after the Blue Mosque, I wound my way around back (it’s amazing how much kicked in that I remembered from my last visit here)… and made my way through a small cobblestone tunnel to the Arasta Bazaar. I said,…

Tonya2

Over Budget. (way over)

I’m maxxed out. I have completely exceeded my allotment for the week – though I’ve only been on the ground about five hours. Calories. Expenses. You name it; I’m over budget. Now remember – I just got checked into my…

Tonya2

Istanbul. Here’s your history lesson.

There’s a reason I don’t tweet: I’m a compulsive sharer. And I know you guys are too busy to hear about how I made one last healthy choice here at the airport (chicken nuggets + apple slices + water) before…

Tonya2

I know I really shouldn’t do this…

After all the lost luggage in far away lands, I know better than to do this. I will surely jinx things and have no one to blame but myself. But… I have amazing travel karma today. Maybe it’s the fact…

Tonya2

On the Road Again

I fly out tomorrow morning for Istanbul. Where better to go (other than my beloved Bangalore) for some pre-holiday shopping time?! (only 127 days until Christmas!) I have stopovers in Detroit and Amsterdam before I gain entry to the Promised…

Tonya2

Week-at-a-Glance

Friday – 19-NovemberThere’s never enough time when I’m in Bangalore. The work week was a blur of meetings and activity. I went out one night with my guys to the Hard Rock Cafe. Another night I went to a friend’s…

Tonya2

The LaLit Ashok – Transformed!

Friday – 19-November The hotel has been ablaze with activity this week in preparation for the big anniversary celebration on Friday night. Thought I’d share some pix of the preparation – a new stage and dance floor built over the…

Tonya2

Those men can dance!

Wednesday, Nov-17 Today we had our equivalent of a “company Christmas party” in Bangalore. We went to a resort called Club Cabana and had a blast. I got my first ride on an ‘Indian bus’ – curtains and all. Then…

Tonya2

Luggage…

Monday morning – Nov 15, 5amI was exhausted last night, but woke up at least once an hour after about 1am. I gave up and headed down to the lobby around 5am. I knew the British Airways flight would arrive…

Tonya2

Shoppe-seeing.

Sunday evening – Nov 14I hit some new stores this afternoon thanks my new rickshaw driver. This guy ‘works’ the hotel – staying out front and (persistently) offering his services to the guests. I distinctly remember telling him to leave…

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