WOMEN OF THE VILLAGE GATHERING
AGENDA: Setting Priorities that fit God's Plans

World Village Travel is pleased to sponsor the Women of the Village Network, a support group for women engaged in small business and non-profit service in their communities. Last night, WOV held their regularly scheduled gathering and it was a fantastic fellowship. The Welcome and Refreshment time was highlighted by the wonderful "Harvest Bounty" tray of vegetables, fruits and delectable offerings . As if that were not enough, we continued to feast on Edna's homemade Red Velvet Cake, delish! Words of  encouragement for the evening came from Luke 10:41 -42, as we reviewed the details of Martha and Mary's response to Jesus's visit to their home, we gained a clearer prospective on just what it means to set priorities that fit God's plans, not just our own.  We all left with homework to do, to make sure that we check our schedules at home and work, to include those things that truly matter and that will ultimately be pleasing to God. 

Presentation for the evening  was given by CaSandra Williams, President, World Village Travel. CaSandra shared the vision of Women of the Village, its history. and purpose. designed to be a flexible network, she shared much of what not to expect while defining its value to women as a network for business and personal growth. Open discussion followed and three general values were identified. Women of the Village are women who are Accountable, Transparent in their friendships and Authentic in their lives. Women in attendance, who had participated in the previous Business Showcase critiqued last years showcase and helped to make plans for the 2010 Showcase o be held on July 31, 10AM - 4:00PM.  The Showcase, entitled Christmas In July, encourages women towards business development. Participants set up displays to showcase their businesses, network with other business owners, and participate in a facilitated workshop and luncheon. The general public is invited  and encouraged to get an early start on Christmas shopping and visit the participating vendors. The 2010 Theme is Preparing for Expanded Territory Part II. Small business vendors wishing to participate, may request more information at www.worldvillagetravel.com. Interested persons can also follow information about Women of the Village on the website by clicking on the Women of the Village page and checking the calendar. Women of the Village has no membership sign-up and participation is open to all women interested in traveling, networking with other small business owners and women engaged in non-profit service. Join us for the next gathering, and invite a sister.

Walking Madrid is the most accurate title of any tourism guide I have seen and has to be the most appropriate title for any summary that I have written. Two things to remember, then for the rest of this article, assume that I am either walking or speaking some form of Spanish. First, before you consider traveling to Spain, consider investing in a really, really, good pair of walking shoes, not the kind that will look cute with your outfit, the kind that will provide maximum support for your arches, shock absorption and ankle support.  Got it, a GOOD walking shoe. Next, Habla Espanol? If not, learn some, and I don't mean that tenth grade Mexican version they taught us in school. Spain is truly proud and all Espana. It's one of the most multicultural places that I have traveled to and everyone speaks one language, Espanol. The Chinese cooking traditional Spanish dishes in the fast food chain, Cafe &Te, speak it, The Africans braiding hair in the red light district, speak it, and the Dominicans on the subway, speak it. If you want to eat, sleep, get transportation, or go to the Bano, you better learn to speak it too. There will be times when you will get a familiar reprieve, like running into other tourists from the states in the all familiar TGI Fridays. Never did got their names, from Georgia and Alabama, just hearing the brother's voice made us stop long enough to appreciate each other and share a roar of laughter. By the way, we tried Sangria everywhere we went (research purposes of course) and I must say that TGI Fridays on Gran Via had the best Sangria mix drink and Moitos out of this world! If you have to have another blast of the familiar while you are in Madrid, drop by the Hard Rock Cafe in Plaza del Colon. Great food and drinks, a little more expensive, but familiar music and the waiters speak English. 

To help us out while we were in the country, we had a great tour guide on most days. Sholanda is from the US, staying in spain in a college study program. Her Mama's money is well spent, as we were lucky to have her with us in more than one situation. "Muchas Gracias Senorita!" Shalonda  hails from FAMU, in Tallahassee, Florida.

Now more about the unfamiliar. Madrid, its espana, not the westernized idea of Spanish, the food is unexpected, but if you order the right dish, deliciously satisfying.  The people seem a little less oriented towards tourism, at least not catering to tourist. Madrid is a rare gem, where you will experience a multitude of races coexisting. I wasn't there long enough to observe any obvious racism, (just 9 days) I did notice that many cultures seemed to get along and were appreciated for what they brought to the environment. As Americans, we were not appreciated so much,(mostly due to propaganda and politics) but we were left alone to enjoy a great trip in an exciting and beautiful city. Street cleaning was a 24-hour job. Everywhere we went, City employees were out and about keeping the streets clean and constantly getting rid of the garbage. The city definitely gets an(A) for cleanliness. If I had a grading scale, I would also have to add Transportation to the list.  Four of us shared a two bedroom apartment near the Barajas Airport. The Aparthotel and Suites, offered a free shuttle to and from the airport, a secure apartment complex style setting, and a Cafeteria on the premises. The area was well connected by the bus system, only a Twenty-minute ride to the downtown Metro terminal for about 1.65Euros. The Metro then connected to any other part of the city that you wanted to travel to for just 1.00Euro.  Maps were very well laid out and the lines were color coded and numbered. Having little experience with a subway system, I found it quite easy to maneuver after a couple of days. I was however, traveling with NYC natives who picked up right away. BEWARE OF PICK POCKETS! Not just on the subway, but in any crowded situation. They also work in pairs.  They almost got me, although it would have just been practice for them, I didn't have money in my bag. I stepped onto the train, and the man in front of the door stood still, allowing me to move just inside, but not further into the train, while his partner closed in behind me. I decided to push through and I looked down to make sure I had a good grip on my bag, just in time to see the hand of the culprit in the rear under the flap of my bag. I quickly pushed through the crowd to an empty seat. While I was worried about the guy in front who would not move, the guy behind me was supposed to pick my pocket. After that, I started picking them out of the crowds and holding on to me bag. I can't hold a few bad apples against the whole country, the transportation system still gets a (B+).

Urban, cosmopolitan,modern, welcoming...just some of the adjectives that describe the city of Madrid. The capital of Spain, Madrid has always been closely linked to royalty. Kings and Queens chose the city as a place of rest, where they could enjoy the farmlands and countryside and the favorite pass time of hunting. Then, under the rule of Philip II it was designated the Permanent home of the Court, much to the detriment of Toledo, which had until then been the centre of political and social life.  Plan for a couple of day trips while in Madrid to visit the countryside town of Toledo or nearby Segovia. Secure a tour for about 40 to 62 euros  or use the public bus transportation system for exploration on your own, for about 12euros round trip.

The city's golden age arrived in the 18th century, thanks to Charles III, under his rule, streets, squares and avenues were renovated. Public lighting, the sewer system and pavements were all established. Paper money was created and Madrid's great monuments - The Puerta de Alcala, the Royal Palace, the Cibeles and Neptuno fountains, the Post Office, the Paseo del Prado and the Botanical Garden, were all completed. We visited many of the great sites, check out the photos on our website, www.worldvillagetravel.com. Click on Photo Gallery,  then go to the photo list for Madrid,Spain.

Today's Madrid is a massive city divided into 21 districts, with a population of more than 3 million inhabitants. By adding the population of the metropolitan area of Madrid, the total population is just over 6 million people, of whom 16.4% are foreigners. Madrid's fame as a cosmopolitan and welcoming city is well deserved, given that citizens from more than 180 different countries live there. The biggest groups are the Ecuadorians, Romanians and Bolivians, followed by the Colombians, Peruvians, Moroccans and Chinese.

Along with the flag and shield;Madrid also has its own symbol, the sculpture of El oso y el madrono (The Bear and Madrono Tree), found in Puerta del Sol. Created in 1967, by the artist Antonio Navarro Santafe, the figure represents the heraldic symbols of Madrid; the madrono tree, a bush with edible fruit present in the forest of the Madrid of the past and a bear, on two feet, who was incredibly an everyday "inhabitant" of the forests of our city. The squares, or plazas all serve as a meeting place in different areas of the city and were always a hub of activity. My favorite spot was Puerta del Sol. There is always something going on, and the shops and stores are just tremendous.  Bakeries, ice cream shops, and the grocers, all near the Metro exit. Try the bavarian cream filled pastries in the shop just at the opening to the Metro station, everyone in the square will be walking around with one, you can't miss it.  The food in Madrid is just as versatile as the people who live there.  The variety however, is no barrier to enjoying real Castilian cuisine. Meats and curried meats were my favorites. Traditional restaurants offered, ox tails and rice with heavy brown gravies, roast lamb, roast suckling pig as well as seafood. Ta pas deserve a chapter all by itself, at anytime of day  the small offerings of different delectables compliment any glass of wine, beer or the classic vermu' (vermouth).You can find a Ta pas Bar in every plaza all throughout the city. Be sure to visit The Museo de Jamon. They are located throughout the city too. No it's not a museum dedicated to ham, although the cured ham and the chorizo should be honored. Try the croissant with chorizo for just 1.00euro all day. Best ham sandwich I ever had. During the month of November, which is when we were visiting, try the chocolate con churros (thick hot chocolate or coffee with long thin doughnuts), a tasty breakfast treat for the cool weather.

Madrid is famous for being one of Europe's liveliest cities at night and this fame is well deserved. While restaurants and pubs throughout the capital's neighborhoods are open into the early hours of the morning, there are of course some classic spots for enjoying Madrid's nightlife. Every square has something different to offer. The Arguelles-Moncloa ares is the meeting place for university students, given its proximity to the Campus of the Universidad Complutense and halls of residence. Another area for young people is located around Alonso Martinez, where there are numerous pubs and tapas bars. Meanwhile, another one of the city's top spots for nightlife is Chueca and visitors searching for the gay and lesbian scene will be in their element here. The thirty-something crowd can be found in Huertas and Plaza de Santa Ana. In recent  years, La Latina and the surrounding areas has become one of the city's most fashionable areas with its tapas bars, terraces and restaurants. Those searching for something more luxurious should head for Paseo de la Castellana, home to posh restaurants and the most exclusive clubs.

Madrid is a city where life is lived outdoors, especially in summer, however, near the end of November, at the start of the Christmas season, we found no shortage of activities or street performers. By the end of November, hundreds of holiday lights decorate the streets of the city centre. Meanwhile, every plaza taking a different theme and different style of Christmas tree is decked for the holidays. For those who want to escape the crowds and cut down on some of the walking, take the Madrid Vision, the city tour bus. The one or two hour tours offer two routes, for historical Madrid or modern Madrid for just 17Euros.  I suggest you take the two-day pass for just 4Euros more and have the luxury to hop on and hop off  at any of  the stops around town. The bus runs every 20 minutes. You'll want to stop at the Prado National Museum, The Royal Palace, The Almudena Cathedral across from the palace and The Plaza Mayor, Plaza de Espana, just to name a view "not to miss" sites. Don't forget to explore the shops and stores on Gran Via, mainstreet Espana style.

Whether you are there to enjoy the modern city sites, take in a countryside "old world" day trip or learn the art of  Flamenco dancing and visiting Tapas bars, Madrid makes the grade for a captivating, cultural vacation. Pedestrians have the right of way all over town, but there will be plenty of places to stop and relax, each one of them evoking a new and exciting adventure to remember about your visit to Madrid, Spain.  

I had a little jet lag, but on the second day, I woke up in the Holyland to the beautiful view overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Our hotel is the Golden Tulip at Tiberias, although it seems to be a chain, somewhat like Hilton, it has that small hotel hospitality. Hospitality has to be the watch word for everyone, the people have been so warm everywhere we have gone. I can't wait to share the experience of it all at our Israel presentation on October 29th. Of course there was just too much to do and see. As much as I wanted to send pictures and stay more in touch, we were just overwhelmed at the awsomeness of God Since I have been home everyone wants to know what I saw and did. I experienced. It is just so hard to put each day into words. I am working on my slide presentation to share, but let me give you a glimpse of what the days were generally like. We started our  first morning with the famous Israeli breakfast. A buffet/feast. Because I don't have much time, let me just tell you that it involves no meat, but lots of everything else. Fresh dairy, salads, omelets, the works. Then we headed out to vist a Kibutz, tell you about it later, then on to an Archeological dig site and finally to Mt. Gilboa, where we read and listened to bible stories come alive. The rest of the day was spent in Nazareth, before the conclusion of our day with a banqet in our honor hosted by the Mayor  of Nazareth and his family along with the hotel resturant association. We were up late each night and up early each day.  It was a packed 8 day schedule rolled into just 4-days. The land was harsh and beautiful at the same time. it was so overwhelming to stand where Jesus stood and visit the same places that He did. The magnitude of their hospitality was beyond anything that I imagined and the strength and resilence of the people could be witnessed in little children and elders alike. I fell in love with Israel and more importantly, I felt connected. My soul desires to visit Africa one day, to be able to walk in the Motherland, but in the meantime, I invite you to walk in the Homeland, where God was born. You will never be the same.   Check out my view that morning and many others, at our website at worldvillagetravel.com Better yet, stay tuned we will be announcing a return to the Holyland for 2010. You might want to join us there. Shalom.

Ok not a bad start, a short trip to NYC from OIA, onboard Jetblue, cheap, quick, no frills, not much to it. We got to NY early, it is always better to arrive early if you can, just to avoid any delays making your connections. A day or two is always great,  because you will get a vacation before the vacation. l like to get to spend a little time enjoying the connection city. Being early also gave me lots of time to make sure that I was stocked up for the next ten hours. I started putting together supplies, like a true Floridian getting ready for hurricane season. Thank goodness my friends on Facebook helped me plan a list of things to make sure I had. Pat R., was the most help, suggesting flat shoes, Gospel CD's and Candy Bars, must be all that cruising practice and of course Lesia M. was right on time with a good book. Luckily, Ms. Hattie P. bought me a great one Where God was born, by Bruce Fieler. I don't know if cards are appropriate for a trip to the Holy land, but I had some in my bag, just in case a good game of Spades broke out on the plane. Earphones, puzzle book, journal and pens, a few magazines and we're ready to go.  Now of course it is better to pack every thing you will need before leaving home, but if you must shop, certainly JFK International Airport is the place, whether it's at terminal 1,2,3,4 or 5. That's right, Five terminals. I expected one huge place, but they broke it down for me. I can live with this. Once on the plane, seats were not too bad, however I have only one piece of advise. Save for first class and do it. Haven't had a chance to review the first day of photos yet, but I will check in later tonight. It's a quick tour, but if I can check out anything for you, just let me know we will have some free time near the end of the week. I watched the sunset  over the Sea of Galilee and woke up in the Holyland this morning. How Blessed Iam I.

The Dead Sea is the lowest place on earth--1300feet below sea level. Wildlife, canyons and the oasis of Ein Gedi, with subtropical waterfalls and pools can be found in the area. The region is hot and dry (86 degrees from September to April and around 104 the rest of the year.) The average annual rainfall is about 50mm, with clear sunny skies for about 330 days a year.

The Dead Sea is a healing habitat because certain unique factors exist only in this one place on earth. Its mud and salts have high levels of beneficial potassium (which relaxes) calcium (which soothes) magnesium (which heals) and bromide (which elevates mood and has a recognized tranquilizing effect, and is therefore, regarded as beneficial in reducing nervous tension. This combination appears also to help relieve pain, especially from arthritic conditions. Its high zinc and copper content also benefits arthritis patients--those studied have low levels of each.

The sun is less harmful in this area than anywhere else on earth because the damaging rays are filtered by a thick layer of ozone.. The air is pollen free. The high concentration of minerals seep into your joints and muscles==leaving you relaxed. Swimming in the sulfur pools improves circulation and enhances oxygen supply to the body. It also helps relieve rheumatic pain and relaxes the nervous system.

Treatment with the black mud (laden with organic materials nourishes the skin, dilates the blood vessels and improves the flow of blood to muscles and joints. The mineral-rich, cosmetic black mud found exclusively on the shores of the Dead Sea has excellent therapeutic powers and the use of it is just one more way of pampering yourslef while in the area. In addition, the mud can be rubbed into your hair, which stimulates circulation of the scalp and strengthens hair roots. Dead Sea mud is actually sediment of the sea, mineral rich, the mud has proved highly beneficial for therapuetic and cosmetic treatments. Now you know.

My  final preparation study began at the end of Moses’ life. Moses was one hundred twenty years old when he died, his sight was unimpaired and his vigor had not abated. (Deut 34:7) Israel’s great lawgiver, did not enter the promised land , but he was given a glimpse. He climbed a hilltop and gazed across the Jordan River, permitted by the Lord to see Israel’s future territory as far north as Galilee , south to the Negeb , and west to the Mediterranean Sea. The view that Moses was allowed to see must have been tremendous. Knowing that the people would need to be encouraged in order to appreciate what God had planned for them, Moses did not spend his final time trying to tell them what he had seen, instead he left them with a song of inspiration, that they might press onward to see it for themselves. “ Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help and the sword of your triumph!” (Deut 33:29) In the final blessing, Moses speaks to what drives us. He pumps us up, so that we will continue on. In spite of whatever obstacles. In spite of depression, or prograstination. In spite of self doubt and feelings of unworthiness, His final words were used for encouragement. The very thing that we constantly need, in order to press on.  Moses could have cried and complained that he would not reach the promised land. He could have started one big pity party. Instead he knew that He had gained what was for him on the journey. His job was to encourage others to press on and find their reason for following God this far. Our view from a hill top which we see with the heart, can be clearer than the sight of our eyes, when we meditate of God.

It is out of my quiet time that I am renewed. I am reminded that God loves me and that He has for all of my life. I am always encouraged when my peace is restored, often by simply being quiet. That place of peace becomes my hilltop and I am able to look out over the life I have led, the journey I am on and I am encouraged.

 

4000 years ago a man named Abraham hiked with his wife Sarah from his home in the south of what is today Iraq to the land of Israel. So began the world's love affair with a tiny parcel of land no bigger than the state of New Jersey, a spot on the planet that has caught the imagination of billions and inspired countless generations. 40 centuries later, the inspiration is no less powerful, it's just easier to reach. Just 10 hours from the US East Coast (closer than Hawaii). Israel lies at the very Eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea. It's a land blessed with six micro-climates, mountains, valleys, deserts, the greenest of pastures, wide -ranging wildlife,outlets to two oceans, as well as two inland seas--one feeding the other through the passage of the River Jordan. From almost 10,000 feet high at Mount Hermon, it plunges to the lowest point on the face of the earth: the Dead Sea. Israel is a land of natural beauty. It is also a land crammed with history and the search for faith. It's also a 21st century success story where ultra modern cities, towns and villages, home to a people who are the world's highest per capita users of personal computers and cellphones. The adventure in Israel is yours to define. I've been fasting and praying, preparing myself for my spiritual adventure. My personal travel journey is already filling up. I 'll have to take a spare one along. Keep me in your Prayers. Next time I'll share some interesting facts about the Dead Sea.  Here's a hint, "I m looking forward to a mud bath".

Welcome to the door of my next great adventure. In just a few days, I will be headed off to The Holy Land. I can not imagine the roller coaster ride that my emotions will be on, walking where jesus walked, seeing the promised land that Moses only had a glimpse of and praying for God to heal the land in Jeruselum. I am so excited to have this opportunity.  If all goes as planned, I will be sending pictures and accounts of my daily activities while I am away. You are all welcome to log in to my blog for updates as I post them. Upon my return, there will be a scheduled presentation to share photos and video from my trip and to talk about The World Village Travel sponsored trip for 2010.

A Traveler's Heart is reached when we make special effort to become a part of the places that we visit. Not just as a Tourist, but as a Traveler, or citizen of the world. As with all of my adventures I like to prepare. This one has taken special preparation. I am seeking the face of God and His continued plans for ME.  I have already learned so much just through my self imposed fasting and study. The benefits have been tremendous for body,mind and spirit. Over the next few days, I will be outlining the preparation study, feel free to share your comments and I encourage you to start now, to make plans to travel with us in 2010. Find your own Traveler's Heart, you'll be glad you did.   

Let's go back to New orleans, she's waiting for us. The music is as great as it ever was and the food is somehow even better. New Orleans is a survivor. Just like our economy, she's coming back strong, but if you don't visit, she can't grow. Visit the historical French Quarter and while you are there, check out one of my favorite places, The New Orleans School of Cooking. The cooking starts at breakfast, when you are served freshly baked biscuits and jam, by lunch time you find yourself in a hands on class cooking an authentic New Orleans dishes. Included in the price of the tour and cooking school is lunch. During the class, the instructors gives a lively overview of the city and it's origin. After lunch make your way to the Natchez Steam boat Station, a much needed walk by then. Once on board, your cruise will take you back to a time when life was as slow and graceful as the current of the Mississippi. Plenty of great hotel accommodations and tours await you and getting there is as easy as taking a direct flight or bus charter. Our neighbors need us, tourism is her livelihood, let's join in and rebuild NOLA. Visit New Orleans Lousiana.

Puerto Rico is one of  the most exotic destinations in the Caribbean. The dollar is the currency and although the first language is Spanish, practically everyone speaks English.  Millions travel each year to the beaches, but The Puerto Rico Tourism Company invites you to go beyond the shore into the interior of Puerto Rico, where you can sample the wide range of art, music and typical foods the island has to offer. It's one of the few exotic destinations that we can still experience without a passport.  San Juan is the main point of entry, with direct flights from most major cities. Founded in 1521, Puerto Rico evolved as one of the most strategic outposts of the New World. Whether your travel style is "do it yourself" or "do it for me", Puerto Rico will have something for everyone. There is a wide range of ways to relax and unwind, water sports, history tours, diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, glaciers and lush forests, golf and horseback riding. Don't forget to relax. No trip would be complete without a visit to the beach and there are dozens of them with bone white sand that lead into shallow coral fringed waters. Versatile and exotic, it's Puerto Rico, and you don't need a passport.