Dear friends, I can’t tell you how much fun I had writing this article. St. Andrews, Scotland is near and dear to my heart, a town where my happiest college memories took place. It was here in the years 2002-2003 that I spent time studying abroad, and I’ll never forget the impact it had, how the experiences shaped me, and how the people I met are still great friends to this day. As you dive in, you’ll notice that this is about a year late. I again submitted it to the New York Times last November 2013 – the 10th anniversary since I had attended university there – but never heard back. And in waiting for their response deadline to pass before publishing here, it had...
Read MoreDear Friends, It has been too long! Amidst a new job, new home, new friends, and new projects, the travel column has taken the proverbial back seat. Well, let’s get back to it, shall we? I’ve missed you! In early February, I was fortunate enough to partake in a work trip down to New Orleans, Louisiana – a mysterious and seductive place I’ve always wanted to explore. Alas, the opportunity finally knocked. If you ever have the chance to fly somewhere new on your company’s dime, make the most of it! Stay through the weekend, see the sights, play the tourist. After all, you’re already there and the airfare was free: there are no more excuses. I wrote this article in...
Read MoreEach week, the Declare Your Dream Experimental Motivation Project features one of the declared dreams in the experiment. The goal is to highlight the dream and put collective positive energy towards the dream manifesting for the Dreamer. This week’s featured dream was the 90th Dream to arrive in the experiment. DREAM PRAYER Light to focus on why your Dream matters to you. Light to take action towards your Dream. Light to never give up on your Dream. Light for your Dream to manifest. With love and belief in you and your dream, The Declare Your Dream Community To get motivated to Declare Your Dream and to take action towards making your Dream come true, go see...
Read MoreDear Friends, This month’s escape, in many ways, is a trip of firsts: the first trip with my beau and his children; the first trip with he and his friends; and the first trip to the Outer Banks along the Atlantic Ocean in North Carolina. For anyone else, it might be intimidating. But I was excited. I had listened to the laugh-out-loud stories, heard about unforgettable memories, and was captivated by the pictures. And I wanted to be a part of it. Our hosts – Tommy’s best friend since college and his lovely wife – could not have been more gracious. Their families could not have been more welcoming and inclusive, and I had an absolute ball getting to know all of...
Read MoreDear Friends, Happy Summer! I thought we’d take a different route this month. Every now and then, I want to give you a peek into my backyard: New York City. Passing by thousands of tourists a day, I can’t forget that I live in a place where millions flock to each year. Usually a traveler, now I can give you an extensive local’s perspective on the city that never sleeps. This month, I want to share with you a weekend in New York on the cheap: stay Friday through Sunday and it can only cost you $123 for meals, transportation, and entertainment – including museums and a Broadway show. Yes, in the most expensive city in the United States – it is possible! ...
Read MoreDear Friends, Recently I had a birthday, and my dear boyfriend wanted to give me a new adventure to celebrate. Knowing me and knowing us, it was the perfect, thoughtful gift. Our destination? Boston, Massachusetts for the weekend. For me, it was a city so close yet so far: one I had never visited but always wanted to see. If you appreciate a clean and lively city, beer and good food, baseball, or especially American history, Boston should be on your list of places to go. Especially given the tragic events of this year’s marathon, now is as good a time as any to support Boston. I delve into all of this, so it’s another long story, I warn you. Hey, there’s a...
Read MoreDear Friends, As promised and as a supplement to the India article trilogy, I have provided an outline of planning if you do decide to go to India. What you need to do, what you need to pack, and what you need to expect and why are all included in this article. I hope it serves you well! Next month, we’ll be visiting Boston: in light of the recent tragic events of the Boston Marathon, there is no better time to show support of this great American city. As always, feel free to ask any questions and I’ll do my best to answer them; if I don’t know it, I’ll research it to find out. Enjoy! Sincerely, Stephanie * * * The Story of India: Part IV...
Read MoreDear Friends, Happy spring! Welcome to the final installment of my adventures through India. This is my Return of the King of the India articles, a double edition as I roll into Varanasi, one of the seven holiest places of the Hindu faith. Next month on May 14th, I will bring you another double edition of advice and crucial tips if you do venture to India, and as always, feel free to e-mail me any questions you may have! While this could have been three more months of publications, I want to share with you new places. Stay tuned the following month – on June 11th, I’ll be staying a bit closer to home as I visit Bean Town: a weekend away to see the spirit and history...
Read MoreDear Friends, Welcome back! As promised, the story of India and the Taj Mahal continues. Stay tuned for next month when the third and final (maybe!) installment of India takes place. We have just launched “Ask Stephanie!” so bring me your questions, curiosities, and inquiries and I’ll do my best to answer them. The site can’t exist without you, so write! Sincerely, Stephanie * * * The Story of India: Part II By: Stephanie Weyant * * * I stand along the side of the road in rural India asking in vain, “How did I get myself into this predicament?” It’s late morning; I’ve already been awake since dawn. The bus that is supposed to...
Read MoreDear Friends, In light of Valentine’s Day, I had planned to write about my travels in India; namely, the love that embodies the Taj Mahal. Completed in the 1600s, it was built as a mausoleum and eternal resting place by the emperor Shah Jahan for himself and his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Upon her premature death, the emperor, grief stricken and heartbroken, built the wonder in her honor. Romantic? I think it’s worthy. One article. That was the plan. But 24 hours into the story of India, I had already reached 2,600 words, and I was nowhere near the Taj Mahal. This architectural jewel and tale of love still eluded me, yet I couldn’t rush through all...
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