Dear Galavante Friends,

Hello from New York, where I’ve recently returned from a month in London for pre-Olympics coverage and a long weekend in San Francisco for a conference.  Our London trip was a great success, with over 50 meetings. I took a peruse through the Olympic Village and stadium and researched over 40 restaurants, 19 hotels, 3 private clubs. I then ended my time at the crazy place they call The Box.  When I arrived at The Box, our handler reminded me that although I’m a journalist, no pictures were allowed.  For what happens at The Box, stays there.  Don’t worry; we’ll give you a descriptive peek, and still those mental pictures won’t do it justice.  We’ll start our London coverage with a First Look at the Thompson Belgraves later this month. Expect more though with all the cool things we experienced through June and July.

Life on the Road

Today’s issue is near and dear to my heart, as it’s my husband’s work travels which paid for many a vacation when I worked in finance.  This year, I’ll clock around 150 days on the road, but it’s my husband who used to travel over 200 days a year.  Distance makes the heart grow fonder, only to an extent.  My husband and I have a rule that we see each other every week, no matter where in the world we are.  Those locales have ranged from Zurich, to Amsterdam to Cleveland, and many in between.  Although I did try to get out of Cleveland, in typical fashion we found even the best that Cleveland has to offer.  It was those trips to the Rust Belt of the United States that funded many nights at the Ritz Carltons and Park Hyatts around the world.  It’s our advice to sleep your way to the top – of the hotel chain – that is.

Nicaragua – The New Promised Land

While I’ve just recovered from jet lag, I am headed to Nicaragua on Friday to research our December feature.  We are catching the trip to Nicaragua right before rainy season begins.  Nicaragua has been on my list for the past three years. My partners in travel crime, Keiko and Franziska, are joining me for the adventure.  Travel is not just about 1000+ thread count sheets.  I’m excited for what the next week will bring.

All the best,

Christine Drinan, Founder