“They” say that a picture is worth a thousand words. Here are a few from last week’s visit to some Silicon Valley icons…

Every Valentine’s Day, committed couples from around the world gather on Siesta Public Beach to renew their wedding vows. While many have participated faithfully for years, for us, it was a first that came gift-wrapped in wonderful surprises, including a personalized certificate and carnation.

Once upon a time in a land far away, my husband and I said, “I do.” We were thousands of miles from home, on a beautiful beach at sunset. A handful of locals, with sighs and smiles, looked on. Recently, we said it again, this time, just minutes from home, on a beautiful beach at sunset. And 800 others, with sighs and smiles, said it, too.

Every Valentine’s Day, committed couples from around the world gather on Siesta Public Beach to renew their wedding vows. While many have participated faithfully for years, for us, it was a first that came gift-wrapped in wonderful surprises, including a personalized certificate and carnation.

The event’s only “cost” is pre-registration, consisting of a phone call or completion of a short online form. Unregistered participants are welcome but will not receive the customized certificate that couples love to collect over the years.

We planned to participate with dear friends, who met us at the Pavilion with bright red, heart-shaped helium balloons imprinted with “I love you.” The congregation grew steadily, and we all chatted, sharing “how we met” stories and other heart-warming memories. The waves lapped gently on the shore, brisk Gulf breezes made our cheeks and noses rosy and the setting sun bathed us in a warm glow. It was sheer romance. And the ceremony hadn’t even begun.

“I promise you my love, to see the beauty that is uniquely yours; to trust you and rely on you…for today is the renaissance of our union. And from this day forward I will feel no rain, for you are my shelter. You have become my world and my life. The future is ours…always.”

At 6 p.m., 400 couples recited these lines, and more, in unison – lovely sentiments written by Judge Becky Titus and her husband for use during the ceremony, which has a more than 25-year history. “I wouldn’t miss this for anything,” she said. “It’s very special to the people that come, and a very special event, personally, for my husband and me.” It’s a stark contrast from Judge Titus’ daily courtroom tasks, which she said, aren’t always pleasant. “In my job we see all of the dysfunctional marriages, the ones that fall apart,” she explained. “But this brings me back to reality. It’s wonderful to see the people that are committed to each other.”

Prizes were awarded to couples married the longest – 64 years – and the shortest – one hour!

Mode of attire was just as varied. Most were dressed casually, though the event draws people wearing everything from bathing suits to wedding gowns.

One woman wore a veil with jeans; one couple sported baseball caps embroidered with the words “Bride” and “Groom.”

Cameras clicked constantly as couples photographed each other under the archway standing for just that purpose; but photo ops elsewhere were plentiful on this picture-perfect beach.

“In as much as you gentlemen and you ladies have this day consented together in Holy Wedlock and have given and pledged your love to each other in the presence of this company, by the virtue of authority vested in me, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife.”

The sun merged with the sea, 400 couples kissed and the music began: “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” sung by the Valentine’s Quartet from the Sarasota Chorus of the Keys, four charming gents in red- and white-striped jackets.

Couples enjoyed sweets for the sweet… tasty cupcakes and refreshing punch. Some strolled to the water’s edge, others set up a barbeque; many left to join the Valentine Stroll in Siesta Key Village, where shopkeepers stayed open, live music continued and people spilled onto the streets from outdoor cafés.

As darkness descended we made yet another commitment… to attend again next year. What a loving way, what a perfect day, to say, “I do” – again.

Written by Lisa Codianne Fowler * Reprinted from Sarasota and Her Islands: www.sarasotafl.org

Flying Penguin? Every now and then you stumble upon something silly in cyberspace that just makes you smile. That was the case with this post on Southwest Airlines’ blog which is populated by posts from employees, customers and just plain fans of the Texas-based company.

Penguin on a Plane: The Story Behind Pete

by Ross Nelson, Guest Blogger for Nuts About Southwest

“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s your lucky day.”

Those seven words, kindly provided by the flight attendant, can either make or break a flight. Are we about to experience copious amounts of turbulence? Is someone famous on board? Is the lavatory door jammed? Will we be receiving an unlimited supply of delicious honey roasted peanuts?

Then came the follow-up, “We have Pete the penguin from SeaWorld on board this Southwest flight, and we would like to take him out so he can stretch his legs and walk down the aisle.”

The following 15 minutes of Southwest Airlines Flight 583 from San Francisco to San Diego confirmed my love for Southwest Airlines, SeaWorld and random acts of animals walking on airplanes. As Pete waddled toward the rear of the aircraft, passing giddy children and business people alike, a SeaWorld representative provided facts and information regarding penguins over the flight PA system. Pete confidently strutted his way down the aisle while periodically poking his head under seats.

“That’s not something you see everyday!” understated the passenger next to me.

“Ha ha, I thought penguins couldn’t fly?!” I heard from the back of the aircraft.

As Pete made his first pass, I decided to begin recording him by placing my laptop on the ground, where I could record a “bird’s eye view,” with the hopes of later sharing this experience with my friends and family. After the curious penguin made his two trips up and down the aisle, he was placed back into his carrier, leaving passengers in a state of “shock and awwwwe.” Pete’s tuxedo tour left a lingering buzz the remainder of the flight–it truly was our lucky day.

I later decided to upload the video onto YouTube. Little did I know, “Penguins on a Plane” had a one-way ticket to viral-town. Within two weeks, Pete became the most popular penguin in the press, waddling his way onto major television networks and acquiring over half a million YouTube views. Thanks, Southwest and SeaWorld, for letting Pete the Penguin march his way into everyone’s hearts!

Southwest services over 100 destinations across the US. Ask your Personal Vacation Specialist about flying Southwest on your next Grand Getaways Vacation.

Posted by Lisa Codianne Fowler for blog.gograndgetaways.com (c) 2011

Here’s the scenario: You’ve just checked in to your hotel at a luxurious European resort, and you’re looking forward to a fun and exciting vacation. You dump your bags on the bed and pull out your cell, eager to call up that great local restaurant your cab driver recommended…

Hold the phone! Calling from your personal mobile phone while abroad can be very expensive, and sometimes it won’t work at all. We’ve gathered a few tips to help you stay in touch while you’re overseas without breaking the bank — keep these in mind to save your wallet and your sanity.

• Do the Research: First, you’ll need to find out if your personal cell phone works abroad. Some networks’ phones are more compatible with foreign networks than others. If it will work abroad, make sure to ask your provider about roaming charges and data fees, as these can be very high when overseas. Turn off any automatic downloads or services on your phone that may incur fees, and find out if features besides calling — like text or data — work normally, and ask about your options.
• Buy A SIM Card: If you have an unlocked cell phone which can work with other carriers’ networks, you can buy a local SIM card. This removable chip determines a phone’s network and number. You buy minutes for the SIM card and temporarily replace the original card in your phone with the new one (your SIM card is probably hiding behind the phone’s battery.) Be careful not to lose the original — they are very small. Prepaid SIM cards offer a cheap and easy solution to calling in the country you’re staying in.
• Get A Local Phone: If need be, you can buy a new phone to use abroad. Prepaid disposable phones or inexpensive local phones with prepaid SIM cards offer one type of solution. If you’re going to stay for an extended period, you may have to cave and buy a local phone and calling plan. If you’re staying for several months or more, it may be worthwhile. Remember, in some countries texting is cheaper than calling, so find out before you purchase a plan.
• Skype and Internet Calling: Skype and other internet calling services allow you to make calls wherever you have an internet connection. The call quality can vary, but this method is still by far the cheapest. Both pay-as-you-go and monthly plans are available.
• Calling Cards: The classic solution! This may seem like an old-fashioned way to make your calls, but it’s still cheap and convenient. Locally-purchased cards typically offer the best call quality and value.
• Use a Device: Devices like Magic Jack offer another option. This type of device plugs into your computer’s USB port and allows you to make calls over the computer’s Internet connection. Once you’ve paid the monthly fee, your local calls are typically unlimited — for international calls, you’ll likely need to purchase prepaid international minutes.

Keeping these tips in mind should help keep your international calling cheap and painless. Spend less time worrying about your bill, and more time relaxing and enjoying your vacation!

Reprinted from blog.getawayplus.com (c) 2011

Computers have become increasingly powerful and portable. With more and more devices like tablets, netbooks and sliders being introduced that are no larger than a children’s book, it’s completely practical to bring one on your next vacation. Here are a few reasons why:

1.You’ll have access to updated road maps and information on nearby places of interest. You’ll also be able to search for places to eat, or make last minute hotel reservations.

2. Edit and organize your photos with ease on your computer while your memories are still fresh during the trip.

3. You can save space by storing content from DVDs and CDs on the device. Slim designs also make it easy to set up in your back seat to keep your kids entertained with a movie.

4. With a larger screen and longer battery life, you can read numerous magazines, newspapers and books on the go.

5. You can play your favorite games like Angry Birds and Downhill Snowboard or watch animations and other media content that run on Flash.

6. There’s always the possibility that you’ll need to check in with the house sitter or pay a bill you forgot to take care of before you left. A mobile device allows you to do these things with ease.

Written by Lisa Codianne Fowler; reprinted from www.blog.getawayplus.com (c) 2011

Who knew?

You don’t have to be young by society’s standards.100 or younger will do. You don’t even have to reside in Sarasota to reap the benefits of belonging to this group.

There’s this amazing poet and philosopher, Allen Jesson, who’s got lots of secrets to share. Here’s one of his 77: when traveling, ditch the earphones and strike up a conversation!

The Conversation Secret

By Allen Jesson

I’m one of those annoying blokes on the plane. If you look half interesting and I’m not too tired, I will strike up a conversation with you. It’s fairly easy to do and if you’re a good talker, I’m a good listener. I’ve had some truly wonderful conversations and I can remember discussing God, the Universe, love, family, work, gardening, in fact, you name it, I’ve discussed it with (what were) total strangers. You will find that whoever you sit next to, will have a lot more in common with them than you can possibly imagine.

I think this ’striking’ up a conversation was a fairly natural thing to do. It appears that during the Olympics and the World Cup and other big events that conversations between strangers dramatically increase on public transport. Yes, people just start talking to each other. Go figure.

But what happens on the normal day to day? It all stops. People put on their iPods, read their papers or just stare into space. Underground trains are the worst, the silence on those is almost deafening.

Air travel is no different. On most mid haul planes now there is ‘in seat’ entertainment. So instead of talking to the person next door, people put on their earphones and watch the latest movie or play the latest ’shoot them up’.

There is nothing wrong with all that. It’s all progress. But along the way, we are losing the art of conversation. Who’s the big loser in all of that? You. Yes, talking is a great way to ‘off load’. Listening is a great way to ‘understand’ and broaden your perspectives. Conversing is a great way to learn. It’s how you can take the cork out of your bottled up feelings.

So, this is my advice to you: Start a conversation. With a friend, with a colleague, with a stranger. Then with two ears and one mouth, exchange your views on any number of subjects. Find some common ground and then dig together. Before you know it, your journey will be over and I promise, at the end of it, you will feel very different indeed.

All the very best,

Allen Jesson

Poet and Philosopher

the77secrets.com

My esteemed editor commented recently that since I travel so frequently, I must have some good packing tips to share. I’m guessing she assumed I’m one of those people that can travel for a weekend or a month with nothing more than a carryon. Oh honey. I usually have a suitcase devoted just to shoes!

Nowadays, upright, rolling luggage comes in all sizes, and the pieces clip on to each other so it’s easy to be prepared for anything … from soaking in the hotel Jacuzzi to attending a black tie affair.

However,  I don’t always travel like Cher. For sailing trips and casual tropical destinations, especially via prop plane, a duffle bag is more convenient and still holds plenty. Clothing for warmer climates is usually lightweight, small and easy to roll. Friends have commented that the parade of outfits coming out of my little bag is like a Volkswagen Bug from which 50 people emerge, one by one.

Part of the secret is preparing a packing list ahead of time. I keep a database of clothing options for all climates, modifying the appropriate list for my anticipated itinerary, and yes, I’m anal. I also keep a travel checklist that I print out before each trip, reminders of mundane tasks like stopping the newspaper and mail.

My toiletry bag is packed and ready to go at all times, including medications. Antibiotics are a good idea – my doctor has no problem prescribing them, just in case, especially when I’m leaving the country. I also keep packed a voltage converter and adapters, and travel hair appliances, travel iron and travel alarm, whether or not they will be provided at my final destination.

A few other things I don’t leave home without are scented candles for romantic evenings, a corkscrew, nightlight, laptop with music CDs and DVD movies (for long airport layovers) and something called “Wrinkle-Free,” a small can of magical spray that instantly smoothes wrinkles from most fabrics (available at luggage stores).

Other essentials: a sports coat for hubby, even for casual destinations; a bathing suit, even for cold climates, and a jacket or sweater, even for warm ones. Having to buy a jacket in Finland was an interesting experience – the language is truly foreign.

On a recent trip to Europe I went from day to night with six items of clothing I purchased from Chico’s.  The mix and match tops, tanks, skirt and slacks are all from their “Traveler’s”  line … they practically disappear when folded or rolled, are machine washable or hand-washable in your hotel room, and hang dry in a flash. They refuse to wrinkle, they’re lightweight but warm and can be dressed up or down with scarves, jewelry and hats.

Finally, I should mention that while visiting Chile, I was pick-pocketed twice in the same day. The next day I returned home to find my home had been burglarized. First order of business for my husband and I was a champagne toast to celebrate our otherwise wonderful trip and our good health.

Positive attitudes notwithstanding, I don’t recommend the experience. I also don’t recommend carrying a purse with a shoulder strap in a third-world country, or in any large city, for that matter. Flashing money isn’t wise, either, and on that note, by all means, pack the jewels (carryon only), but use the hotel safe.

Plan for safety, comfort, and above all, looking great. Pack it in. After all, what sets us apart from the animals is our ability to accessorize.

Reprinted from Style Magazine