The Travel Bug
The Travel Bug
The SSW staff took a couple of vacations (someone had to do it). Jamie was in Spain, Costa Rica and Mexico, while Steph and Tracy went to the Bahamas-- with a sidetrip to Miami and Palm Beach. Here's what we roving reporters found out; and what you should know before you book your trip!
First, make sure you get the full experience of the place you visit. Take some language classes, ask a local where their favorite restaurant is-- and go to it for dinner--- or rent a bike and explore rather than sitting on a bus tour. Read Jamie's article Immersion 101 for more tips on how to travel right. As a sidebar, make sure you understand the culture of the country! Read "Spain or Mexico? Very Different Destinations".
Meanwhile, Tracy and Steph set out for Eleuthera Island, Bahamas. So much to love (and one thing to hate) about this beautiful remote place. We highlight it here in the article, "Eleuthera: No Worries, It's the Bahamas, baby".
There was a little something to worry about. A little sidetrip gone bad. Find out who won the game, Survivor: Eleuthera Island.
And, while the Miami strip is a beautiful place (if you are 20-something, can get away with wearing bandaids on your breasts, and love really really loud music...we prefer Palm Beach. Read Tracy's take in VIVA Miami!
While we hope you enjoy reading about our recent vacations, we really want to inspire you to book your own little getaway! You're worth the trip!
About Us,
Editorial Calendar
Next month, The Fruit Center Marketplace is sponsoring our 'Green' issue. Live Local Ladies!!!!! We've got some things for you to think about.
Until then, think about some of our other upcoming issues. Does your business fit the theme? If so, contact us!
EDITORIAL CALENDAR 2010
Month Topic
June Green
July Beach
August Fashion
September Garden
October Home
November Entertain
December Give
About Us,
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SouthShoreWoman.com writes about the local people who follow their passion and build new economic opportunities in our communities. But, whether you have started a popular jewelry line, have an established retail store or restaurant, or offer a unique service, you will always need to reach new customers.
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Nominate a Woman of the Month!
We believe everyone has an incredible story. We want to hear about yours. Whether its standing up for something you believe in, overcoming an obstacle, giving back, or just living the life you mapped out in your dreams, we want to honor your efforts!
Over the last year we've profiled some amazing women in our midst including, Claire Cook, Sue Littlefield, Ashley Haseotes, Amy MacKinnon, Ann Roberts, (and many more),as well some men, too, including Jon Erickson and his wife Kristin, and our friend, Mike Wilson.
Next month we will provide more detail on how you can nominate yourself--- or someone else--- to be profiled as a South Shore Woman/Wink webzine Person of the Month!
Stay tuned....
Wink webzine,
Immersion 101
I was just about to board the double-decker tour bus that would drive us through the narrow, winding streets of Toledo, Spain, when a fellow tourist to my left exclaimed for all the world to hear: "Oh good! They speak American on this bus." I cringed, and shamefully boarded the bus, thinking that maybe I could pass for a Canadian. Later on that day, I entered a gift shop where I witnessed yet another American tourist attempt to pay for all of her souvenirs with U.S. currency. The sales clerk stared back at the shopper as if she had three heads. "We only accept Euros here in Spain." The shopper stormed out of the gift shop.
It dawned on me at that moment that perhaps there is some truth to the stigma attached to the American tourist. We love to trot around the globe, yet we refuse to leave our own customs at home, and step into the lives of the native people.
The best part of traveling is the mere fact you can forget your troubles, your job, even your friends and your family (depending on the circumstance), and be completely free to assimilate to the far away place where you've landed. You're released from worries at home, and can do as you please.
If you make any effort at all to speak the native language the benefits of travel can be that much more rewarding.
In addition to my trip to Spain, I've also traveled to Costa Rica and Mexico in the past six months. It was during these trips that my Spanish classes throughout high school and college truly paid off.
Before leaving for Costa Rica to visit my brother who was studying down there, I made sure to brush up on my Spanish. My mom had arranged that we stay at an all-inclusive resort nestled in a small inlet on the Pacific side of the country. There was a swim-up bar at the pool in the resort, so, naturally, I struck up a conversation in Spanish with the bartenders. I explained that I preferred to be out and about exploring the cities and meeting local people when I visit new places as opposed to being confined to a resort.
The next thing I knew, my brother and I were spending that evening talking, singing, and dancing with the staff from the resort in the local bar, Lizard Lounge, a popular place for Costa Ricans just getting out of work. It was hands down one of the best nights of my life.
The bartender from the resort later explained to me that all too often people come to their country, ignoring the people that live there, focusing only on ziplining through the rainforest or lounging on the beaches. They saw that my brother and I had a genuine interest in the way of life of the Costa Ricans, and that was refreshing for someone in the tourism industry.
Compare this scene with my experience in the Spanish gift shop with the unruly American tourist, and you have two very different scenarios involving the foreign traveler.
Even though I had reservations about speaking the language, my mere effort was appreciated. I didn't assume everyone knew English, and I didn't storm off in a huff when the locals couldn't understand me. I was a foreigner, and in order to fully enjoy my time in this new land, I had to make every attempt to immerse myself in the culture. For that one week, I wanted to be a Costa Rican.
It's the best way to learn and the best way to grow. If things don't go your way you can pack your bags, take your flight home, and you never have to see the country again.
But if you do it right, and you truly have a passion to travel, you'll leave a piece of yourself in that foreign land, and return home with a suitcase full of memories that are far more valuable than anything you would buy in a gift shop.
About Us,
SSW in the Air-CLICK HERE TO HEAR
Tracy Coyne and Stephanie Neil, co-founders of SouthShoreWoman.com, were recently guests on Teri Sica's talk show "Discovering Authenticity". The two talk about friendship, starting a business, and what SSW can do for you. Take a listen!
Here's the link: http://www.959watd.com/discoveringauthenticity/DiscoveringAuthenticityShow29.mp3
More WATD/SSW interviews:
11/20/2010: Jay Cole, owner of Riva restaurant recently sat down with Teri to talk about starting a business and being SSW's Male Muse. Tune in here: http://www.959watd.com/discoveringauthenticity/DiscoveringAuthenticityShow34.mp3
And, to read Jay's Male Muse columns, click here! http://southshorewoman.com/author/jay-cole
12/4/2010: Stephanie Neil talks with Teri about turning challenges into opportunities and the life lessons along the way. http://www.959watd.com/discoveringauthenticity/DiscoveringAuthenticityShow36.mp3
Members,
B2B
SSW Business Members
(Click on the company name to read their stories here on SSW, then visit their websites to learn more about these local companies.)
FOOD (Restaurant, Catering, and Personal Chef Services)
Beach Fire Restaurant, Hull
http://www.beachfirehull.com/
Riva Restaurant, Scituate
www.rivarestaurant.net
Jay Cole, Owner
The Fieldston Restaurant, Marshfield
http://www.thefieldston.com/
Jan Perrin, Owner
JennaCAKES
Jenna.perette@yahoo.com
Jenna Perette, Owner
Scarlet Oak Tavern, Hingham
www.scarletoaktavern.com
Jed and Josh Webber, Owners
Aoyama, Marshfield
781-837-6990
The Chef’s Table
http://www.thechefstableonline.com/index.html
Mark and Julie Ellis, Owners
Fruit Center Marketplace
http://www.fruitcentermarketplace.com/
Oro Restaurant, Scituate
www.ororestaurant.com
Jill and Robin King, Owners
Orta Restaurant, Pembroke
www.ortarestaurant.com
Jimmy Burke and Joanie Wilson, Owners
Beach Plum Baking Company
http://www.beachplumbaking.com
Jennifer Love, Owner
Barker Tavern, Scituate
www.barkertavern.com
Savor: A Personal Chef Service
www.savorathome.com
Meghan Haney, Personal Chef & Owner
Darlene Calcagno, Personal Chef & Owner
781-878-9700
Joanie Wilson, Owner
SPECIALTY SHOPS
Harborlight Toy Company
146 Front Street (Welch Company Bldg), Scituate
781-544-5487, website coming soon!
Jerry & Kelly Burke, Owners
Almar Building and Remodeling
Allison Quinn Guido, General Manager
781-826-2577
Hingham Sewing School
Alexis Kletjian
617-549-6755
APPAREL/ACCESSORIES
Sealore Designs
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sealoredesigns?page=1
Michelle Murphy, Owner
Roaring Stones
http://www.roaringstones.com/
Casey Kerr, Owner
SpitDudes
http://spitpermit.com/
Andy White, Owner
Crystals n Pearls
http://www.crystalsnpearls.com/
Carolyn Cattaneo, Owner
Boot Chic
www.bootchic.com
Kim O’Connor, Owner
Babushka Style
http://www.babushkastyle.com/
Rebecca Pimentel, Owner
Ring by Ring Designs
Bev Carlson, Jewelry Designer
FASHION/STYLE
Ready Set Style
Eva Gaiardelli, Owner/Fashion Stylist
eva@readysetstyle.com; 617-433-8295
Tracey Leahy, Owner
Charlotte & Company, Hairstylists & Makup Artists
Charlotte Phinney, Owner
Mary Kay
Shakira Perry, Independent Beauty Consultant
617-653-6796
FUN
East Coast Hui
http://www.eastcoasthui.com/Home.html
Bobby Fenton
HEALTH/FITNESS/SPA
Stacey Shipman, Feel Good Living
http://staceyshipman.com/
Stacey Shipman, Owner
A Healthy Balance
http://www.ahealthybalancenutrition.com/home.html
Nikki Tierney, Owner
Mariposa Body Massage and Therapy
http://www.mariposabody.com/
Cindy Doody, Owner
Healthy Options
http://www.healthyoptionscoaching.com/
Sheela Calhoun, Owner
Perpetual Motion
Jennifer McGilvray, owner
Dolce Med Spa & Boutique
www.DolceMed.com
Tracey Lively, President/Owner
781-792-0919
Spa-tique Day Spa
781-837-1850
South Shore Healing Center
Martha Tassinari, PT/CST
781-934-0100



ART/DESIGN
Cut River Gallery
www.cutrivergallery.com
Chris Lewis, Owner
Hawkmoon Studio
www.hawkmoonstudio.com
Michael Coyne, Owner
Everything Emily
www.everythingemily.com
Emily Loverin, Owner
Interiors by Daryce
http://www.interiorsbydaryce.com/home.html
Daryce Morris, Owner
SERVICES/Personal & Business
JKC Design
www.jkcdesign.com
Jada Coyne, Owner
Errands Etcetera
http://www.errandsetcetera.biz/
Stacy Mafera, Owner
South Shore Skin Center
www.southshoreskincenter.com
Fastteks
We travel to home or business for all computer services.
www.fastteks.com
Concierge Service
Gennie Litchfield Murphy & Chrissy Sladen McCormack, Owners
www.adminsanderrands.com
Wink webzine,
Spain or Mexico? Very Different Destinations
Cancún, Mexico
Madrid and Sevilla, Spain
Wink webzine,
VIVA Miami!
Miami
So after a few fun filled, (too much fun, too many late nights for old ladies...) Steph, Michelle and I went to Miami for a night flying back to Boston at the crack of dawn. We were exhausted. We were longing for a quiet night at a hotel, lounging around the pool, watching a movie and hitting the hay early. Reality was about to set in less than 24 hours later, and we needed to recharge.
Our friend Tanya suggested a fun hotel in Miami Beach. She said if we could get a deal, we should stay there - we'd love it! So, I booked a room at the Clevelander.
We flew into Miami International, and went through customs. Only, we went into the wrong line. We waited in line with non US residents. Clearly we weren't at our best. And why, by the way, do I feel like I am always going to get in trouble in these situations? They ask simple questions, where are you from? Why were you in the Bahamas? And then they throw a bizarre question totally out of context "What do you do for a living?" Uhhh, Ummm, I am a Marketing, Marketer - yup, that was my brilliant answer. A quick smirk from the immigration officer and off we went.
We took a cab to the Clevelander. The driver was not at all fun like Edward of Eleuthera. He drove like a maniac and gave 3 over-tired & anxious ladies a few small heart attacks on the road.
We arrived at the Clevelander. Took out our bags and stood staring at the mayhem that greeted us. Many, many 20 somethings dancing to very loud music drinking frozen drinks, yelling to one another over the cacophony. Wearing close to nothing mind you - because they can. We looked at each other in terror.
We went to the front desk and were greeted by a very sweet Manager. Michelle took over. "Listen, is there a quiet room in this place?" Ummm, not really, replied the Manager. "Look, I don't care what I have to pay - can we get a suite?" "Ma'am, you do not want a suite. Our suites are ROCK STAR suites, louder than any other room". Michelle replied, "Here's the deal, we just flew in from a wedding, we are tired and want a quiet place to relax and regroup - is there anything you can do?" Seeing our looks of desperation, the nice Manger sent us over to their sister property, The Essex. As we are checking in they bring us 3 complimentary pina coladas - YUM.
The rest of the evening consisted of us going to dinner, where every place was absolutely insane. At this time in our lives, crowds and loud music are not something we enjoy. We couldn't get back to the hotel quick enough. All was good, once we got back and put on mindless TV. Oh, and I did get some Cuban cigars for my husband - so that was a bonus.
Michelle and I couldn't be happier to get home Monday morning!
Steph, however, went on to The Breakers in Palm Beach.....
....Very different vibe from Miami. This historic opulent establishment makes you feel like royalty. It sits on the Atlantic ocean, and there is not much of beach, but a few beautiful pools, a lush golf course, shopping on-site or a few blocks away, and plenty of things to do with the kids.
In season, rates can be a little high, but this summer you can get a room for $249/night. If you haven't been, it is worth it, believe us!!!
Wink webzine,
Eleuthera
Eleuthera , Bahamas The Bahamas is an archipelago of 700 islands. Eleuthera sits on the outer ridge of Nassau---one of the main islands in the mix. It is about 100 miles long with one road that runs through it--so there's no getting lost. It has an authentic feel of being preserved in time. There is a lot of undeveloped land consumed by a blend of scrub pines, palm trees, and beautiful indigenous plants that I've yet to identify. Never in a million years would I have thought to book a vacation to this remote island. Our girls' weekend is always in Key West. But this year one of us girls was getting married. And her destination wedding led us off the beaten path. There are so many things to love (and one thing to hate) about Eleuthera...so, here we go: WE LOVE The People Me and my travel companions--Tracy and Michelle--- took a direct flight from Miami to Eleuthera, a fairly new phenomenon since American Airlines started this leg last fall. Until then, getting to the big 'E' meant stopping in Nassau and hopping on a puddle jumper or taking a ferry--- or, so I'm told. So we thought we were so smart. Until we realized we flew into North Eleuthera and our hotel was an hour away in Governor's Harbour. But, we were in vacation mode, so no worries. We found the coolest cab driver, named Edward, and asked him to show us the sights. But first, find us some beer...and so he did.
Driving on the left side of the road is a bit off-putting for me, as provincial as I am. But Edward took us to the local liquor store--- consisting of a few bottles of rum and vodka sitting on a sparse shelf, and a refrigerator half full of the local beers including Sands and Kalik. We tried both local brands. I liked the Kalik, Tracy and Michelle liked the Sands. And, by my second beer, I didn't mind that I was on the wrong side of the road. We passed a lot of land and then Lenny Kravitz's house (Edward told us), and suddenly I had to ask: "How much is the real estate here?" Edward said you can get a nice ocean side lot of land for about $40,000 and build a house for another $100,000.
In addition, Edward said, there is little crime in Eleuthera. Michelle and I looked at each other and nodded. An affordable and safe place for single ladies! We had found our paradise and we were ready to buy....until...we'll get to that later.
So, we're driving to the hotel and I'm slightly nervous that we are drinking openly in the car. I kept asking Edward, 'Is this okay?'. To which he'd respond, "Oh, yeah. Relax. You're in the Bahamas, baby." I took his advice, and Edward became our very first Bahamian friend.
About halfway to our hotel, Edward pulled over to show us the sight of "The Glass Window Bridge" also referred to as "the narrowest place on earth". This man-made bridge took the place of naturally formed rock destroyed in a hurricane. When you stand there, you see the magnificent dark and somewhat angry Atlantic ocean contrasted by the calm turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, all separated by about ten feet of concrete. Awesome!
Edward continued to tell us about his life on the island. He grew up there, has many brothers and sisters, his mom is still there with him. He's married. And loyal, I'm sure. But a note on that: ask a Bahamian man if he's married and he'll say "only during the week." ;-)
Edward took us to the supermarket to stock up on food for the weekend. But not much was there. I'm assuming many people live off the land. Farming and fishing. The island is a tight-knit community. For example, on Friday nights everyone gathers in Governor's Harbour for the weekly fish fry, where the catch of the day is served up amid music and kids playing games. We were invited to attend, and would have gone had we not had Kathy's rehearsal dinner to go to that night.
...Anyway, back to the shopping experience. While there was not much to choose from, I was able to gather some chips---no dip or salsa, and I think some Kraft American cheese (single wraps), beer, wine, and a cooler and ice, which must have been a tip-off to the girl behind the cash register who said to me, "You just reached?"
"Huh?"
She repeated.
"I'm sorry?"
She repeated.
"I don't understand."
"You just got here?" she clarified.
Oh, right! "Yes. I reached."
Local lingo. Learn it.
We arrived at Pineapple Fields, our hotel, and we were very excited to see our friends, Pam and Laura, who had already checked in. The accommodations were nice enough: kitchen, living room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, but very basic. There was a small pool, but really no extras that one would expect on vacation. For example, don't think you're getting a massage by the beach. Ain't happenin'. And, if you travel here, make sure you have the international plan with your wireless carrier. My phone didn't work all weekend (which was not necessarily a bad thing). The hotel did have wireless Internet access, however.
Step outside, and you know you're not in the States anymore. The tip off being the wild dogs that wander everywhere. They're cute, in a mangy sort of way, until they start chasing you during your morning jog. Or, camping out next to you during meal time, laying on the guilt. They are skinny and have heavy, sad eyes. You'd have to be really heartless to not give them them part of your lunch. But bring extra money to support the local puppy population, because at Tippy's, the only place to eat near Pineapple Fields, a grouper sandwich is $28....these poor homeless dogs are getting some expensive chow.
The best thing about Pineapple Fields, I must say, is Tippy's, the restaurant/bar across the street.
That's where we were for lunch everyday, and one great dinner (thank you Bud and Eleanor). And, I hear Tippy's has great bands on Saturday nights. We would have joined the Saturday night party, but we had a wedding to attend that evening--- at Cocodimama.
Cocodimama
Before I get to Cocodimama, I want to be sure you know about Sky Beach Club. If I return to Eleuthera I will stay at the Sky Beach Club. It's individual units are modern, spacious, and private. A personal concierge will pre-stock the kitchen with the food and beverages of your choice, and set you up on a fishing trip or get the jet skis ready. In addition, there is a great restaurant, a swim up bar with live music. Ahhh, hedonism is good in my book.
I would also stay at Cocodimama. Pineapple Fields is not a bad place, it just feels like you are in the middle of nowhere (on an island in the middle of nowhere).
Cocodimama, on the other hand, is a brand new resort that maintains the laid back vibe of the island while providing a beautiful dining deck and top-notch cuisine. The colors are tropical and fun, and the staff is so helpful and friendly. Love the grass umbrellas and relaxing lounge chairs on the beach!
Sammy, the bartender--- is one of our faves.
There's just one thing WE HATE: The Bugs
Overall, I enjoyed Eleuthera, including the people, the beaches, the feeling that you have no worries while on the island. Except there's one little thing: the no see 'ems that attack at dusk and don't withdraw until the light of day. We were all covered in bug bites. When we returned from our trip we were still itching. And, a few days later, back in Massachusetts (and Atlanta), Pam, Tracy, and Laura wound up in emergency rooms as their bodies had allergic reactions to those little buggers. (what the hell were those things, anyway???)
As a result, Michelle and I are rethinking our vacation home investment in Eleuthera. The bugs are a bummer. Plus, this island has an extremely different lifestyle from what we are used to. While we like laid back, it is way laid back, perhaps too much so for these two South Shore women. Those that have grown up on the island love it there, and I'm sure they've designed a wonderful life for themselves, but there really isn't anything to do unless you love to fish, snorkel and bike all day. I do think I'd have a bit of island fever if I were there too long! I will, however, consider going back for another visit. It is a beautiful place to go if you need an escape!
Next girls trip, however, its back to The Pier House in Key West!
If you want more info/opinions on the island of Eleuthera, feel free to e-mail us! And, for a bit of a different perspective, read our blog, Survivor: Eleuthera Island.
