Getting kinky in Coral Gables, Miami
“Are you here for the book signing?” asked the concierge. I was in the lobby of the venerable Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Miami and the buzz was all about E.L. James’s erotic novel “Fifty Shades of Grey.” The book launch was happening at the hotel. The Miami Herald had featured the book launch on the front page of its Saturday edition and the book signing at The Biltmore, hosted by Books & Books, had sold-out in a flash. A second event at the bookstore itself had been added for April 29, 2012. “We’re expecting 700 people,” said...
Read MoreMeal of the Gods in Tikal, Guatemala
Most people go to Tikal to soak up the atmosphere and history of one of the world’s largest Mayan archeological sites. I went for a plate of chicken. In all fairness, it wasn’t an ordinary chicken dinner, but Subanik, a ceremonial Kaqchiquel Maya dish that relies on wild turkey, ancho and guaque chiles to impart its unique flavour. Although we’d been going to Guatemala for decades, we’d never once visited the mighty ruins. They were a 7 hour drive from San Vicente which meant it might as well have been in Winnipeg, as our family rarely leaves the village. There...
Read MoreInside the San Miguel Writers Conference
Diving into the magic of San Miguel de Allende takes on a whole new meaning at La Gruta Hot Springs. The theme of the San Miguel Writers Conference 2012 was to “think in colors” and after five days of new ideas, creative writing exercises, inspiring lectures by speakers such as Margaret Atwood and Merilyn Simonds, pitch sessions with literary agents and walking tours of architecture that shape-shifted with the changing sun, my head was a whirlwind of...
Read MoreA Maritime writers retreat and a labyrinth
Looking at the circular shape of the labyrinth on the lawn at the Tatamagouche Centre, I’m hoping my writing does more than go around in circles while I’m here. I’m in Tatamagoughe, on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia. at an independent writers retreat. Tatamagouche is an educational and spiritual centre operated by the United Church of Canada. It offers a place of learning, creativity and renewal and is open to lay people of all denominations and faiths. I was lucky enough to get a bursary to attend its writers retreat. One of the highlights of the facility, in addition to its...
Read MoreCareer advice at a conference in Bermuda
When I first started travel writing, many people told me the secret to success was to specialize. Pick a subject — golf, family travel, spa or even a country — and write about it. And only it. You’ll build your brand, increase awareness of your writing and grow your business. The strategy has worked well for travel writing friends like Carol Perehudoff (spas) and Sherel Purcell ( golf). I tried to do it. I really did. I wrote about cuisine and outdoor adventure – a lot. But I also wrote about NASCAR, sex museums, spas, spirituality and hotels for dogs. Basically...
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Culture Tripper
Nerd's Eye View
The Planet D: Canada's Adventure Couple
Trans-Americas Journey
Traveling Light Blog by Travel Writer Colleen Friesen
Wandering CarolLatest Pins on Pinterest
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Amazing Instagram photo by @sethstafford of Oahu's Sean Moody taking on the Mexican Pipeline
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Mercado Global's innovative approach to fighting poverty and empowering indigenous women in Guatemala’s highlands connects their artisan cooperatives to sales opportunities in the U.S. on an unprecedented scale.
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Beautiful Semuc Champey in Guatemala
In 2003, I left the corporate world to try my hand at travel writing. Now, I travel the world, writing about people, places and cuisine. My writing has appeared in over 100 publications and anthologies. 
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