The start of 2016 was unique for me.  Normally I am blissfully over-fed, over-served and over-indulged by my friends and family for the holidays.  I know how lucky I am, to be surrounded by an immense amount of love and support. I am always grateful.

But this was my year, where travel was a necessary outlet for me to regroup, reset and restart.  So for the first time in my life, I took off alone on Christmas Eve, hopped on an airplane, and went to go work it out on a mountain.  It just turns out that mountain was Kilimanjaro, the highest freestanding mountain in the world in Tanzania, Africa.  After all, we are Galavante, and we go big, or go home.

Check one off the Bucket List

Kilimanjaro has been on my personal bucket list for many years. This is the last window until I am old and grey, when I could be away with no contact from the outside world for nine uninterrupted days.  In typical Galavante fashion, I sought out the very best company to manage my climb.  I remembered reading about Jessica Biel’s Kili climb several years back. She and about 140 people summited with MTV to raise awareness for the global water crisis.  She trekked with Thomson Safaris, which with the most experienced guides and highest level of service of all the companies. So, they were a no-brainer choice for me.

I am not the most athletic person, but I am mentally tough, even with my fear of heights.  I knew my determination could get me to summit, as long as I had a company that would ensure my safety and health. To climb Kilimanjaro at times physically grueling and emotionally challenging.  As in life, I didn’t choose the easiest route, but rather one that was more interesting. At one point, there was a 900 foot vertical free climb, and a night at Crater Camp, situated at 18,500 feet.

A Great American Novel is Born

I am writing about my experience for Galavante and the Huffington Post. There’s a lot more to say than will fit in this month’s Editor’s Note.  The time on my climb in the evenings in my dark tent, also got me started on my great American novel.  I’ll shortcut and tell you I summited Kilimanjaro – all 19,341 feet. Like any of these types of journeys, there is more to the story, both before and after.  I’m looking forward to sharing it with you this 2016.

Welcome 2016

It is with great excitement that we welcome 2016 at Galavante.  We just celebrated a milestone in our business, and that is our 5-year anniversary.  Like our travels, our Galavante progression has been an adventure. It’s one which we are very proud of.  We started out as a magazine, and have since evolved our business to a full-service travel concierge. We have partnerships with over 1700 hotels and luxury brands worldwide. Also our exclusive members-only community hosts events in New York City and special soirees at Art Basel and very special perks for you.  Even with how far we’ve come, I feel like this is just the beginning.  So join us at Galavante – we’ll show you the world.

All the Best,

Christine Drinan, Founder

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