Travels with Tam

Amazing Women Wednesday: Hélène Tragos Stelian

June 23, 2015 By Tam Warner 14 Comments

Hélène Tragos Stelian is a multi-talented woman who puts family first while finding creative outlets for her own life. Her first creative project was a book, Getting Ready for Baby: The Practical Parent’s Organizer. As the mother of twins Hélène knew that planning to have a baby (or babies) was a tough job in itself, so she shared her organizing ability with other parents. Hélène recently updated her book, see above and below the post for links to purchase it! What a great gift for someone who is expecting!

Next Act for Women is Hélène’s blog about women of a “certain age”, meaning midlife, who find a new purpose or career. I love it! It encourages women who haven’t “found their thing” yet to take chances, to make changes in how they live their lives. Hélène points out in her blog, “Women of a “certain age” are often self-aware: emboldened by their strengths, accepting of their limitations, and ready to take a realistic approach in the pursuit of new personal goals. Their motivation may come from regrets about paths not taken, an itch to put their energy into more creative outlets, a wish to give back to their community in a more substantive way, or any myriad of reasons.” Her blogs about women moving forward and taking risks are engaging and compelling. She writes about women who have completely changed their lives, gone into a new field, or given themselves over to helping others. Here are a few of the blog links:

Becoming a Fashion Stylist at 45: Jennifer’s Story

Advocating for Therapeutic Drug Policies in Her 50s: Gretchen’s Story

Creating Healthy Workplace Cultures at 55: Jeanne’s Story

Let’s Hear From an Expert: Mary Beth Barrett-Newman of 2nd Career Consulting

I love these blogs/articles, after all, I am a woman of a “certain age” and I love to hear what other women of a certain age are up to. This may sound random, but have you ever seen “Something’s Gotta Give” with Diane Keaton and Frances McDormand? The film is about a man over 60 who dates much younger women, and a woman (Diane Keaton) who is over 50 and, as Frances McDormand’s character explains it:

“….there’s my gorgeous sister here. Look at her. She is so accomplished…..She’s over 50, divorced, and she sits in night after night after night because available guys her age want something-forgive me, they want somebody (much younger). The over-50 dating scene is geared towards men leaving older women out. And as a result, the women become more and more productive and therefore, more and more interesting. Which, in turn, makes them even less desirable because as we all know, men- especially older men- are threatened and afraid of productive, interesting women. It is just so clear! Single older women as a demographic are about as fucked a group as can ever exist.” Not being single, I cannot really comment on the dating scene, but here is what I do know, and what I love about Hélène’s Next Act for Women: being in midlife is incredible. It is liberating, actually freeing in many ways. I can look back to my twenties and thirties and realize that I am now wiser, more sure of myself, more comfortable, more intelligent, and more confident. Reading about other women who feel the same is refreshing as well as exciting.

Hélène is part Danish and Greek, and was raised in Paris until she was 13 years old. Traveling has been a top priority for her and her family, and they have been all over the globe. I would certainly say she has led a life full of adventure! For being an independent woman who has written and published a book (and is working on another), raised twins, enjoyed her family life, and has put the spotlight on midlife women at the very apex of their lives, I say you are amazing, Hélène! You are an amazing woman, and a fabulous role model. Keep Next Act for Women going strong, those of us in our “next act” love hearing about other women who are on the same stage.

Bhutan-Trek-DaddyDaughter-2012 — Trekking in Bhutan!

Gorilla-Tracking-Rwanda-2013 — Tracking gorillas in Rwanda 2013.

Istanbul-2013 — Istanbul (not Constantinople)…checking out other cultures.

Mudding-a-hut-Uganda-2013 — Helping to “mud a hut” in Rwanda.

Tanzania-2007 — Hélène’s family on safari in Tanzania, 2007.

Vacationing with Dad

June 20, 2015 By Tam Warner Leave a Comment

Some of the happiest memories of I have of my dad are from our wonderful family vacations. My father has been gone 30 years, but his memory is always present. There were always smiles and fun times and sunny days on the beach with dad. I miss you, daddy!

dad holding our hands in ocean — Dad loved the beach and water…and us.

dad mike wisconsin — Dad holding my brother in a Wisconsin lake.

dad on beach yellow jacket — Most of our vacations were spent in Ft Lauderdale, FL

dad floating — I’ve never seen anyone float like my dad. He could do it forever…even nap a bit. It was effortless.

dad fla funny hat — Always a sense of humor.

dad sunning in fla — He loved the sun and turned dark immediately.

dad and we paddlequeen — He was also a lover of boats…and food.

dad fla cheezits — My dad spent mornings on the beach, afternoons by the pool, and had a pre-dinner rest which included a drinky-poo, cheezits, and “macaroons in the room”.

mom tam dad fla — With my parents in Ft Lauderdale after I graduated high school.

dad mike mom bob non — Family vacay in Las Vegas!

At Rocky Fork Lake. The guy in the sombrero is my husband's uncle! Yes, we were set up by friends and family. — At Rocky Fork Lake. The guy in the sombrero is my husband’s uncle! Yes, we were set up by friends and family.

Dad loved taking photos of my brother and I.

mom and dad fla — Mom and Dad in Ft Lauderdale.

warner 63 or 4 mike tammy mom ft laud — Hanging on the beach with mom.

warner dad 80s in bahamas or hawaii — Dad in the Bahamas

warner_70s_dad_in_rome — Dad giving the finger in Rome…he was such a goof. Strangely, my son loves to do this as well.

warner_71_or_2_when_in_Rome — When in Rome…all you need is a toga and a drinky poo!

warner_71_or_2_mom_and_dad_in_St_Peters_Square — In Vatican City.

My favorite photo of my daddy...I took this of him in Florida. — My favorite photo of my daddy…I took this of him in Florida.

I have often wondered what he would have been like had he lived…how much he would have loved his grandchildren, and they him. It is hard to imagine, but I am only four years younger than he was when he died. I’ll never know what he would have been like as an old man…but I treasure every moment I spent with him.

Happy Father’s Day…and never take your dad for granted! Cherish every second.

5 Things You’ll Only Find in San Francisco

June 20, 2015 By Tam Warner 1 Comment

Once you decide you’re heading to San Francisco, you probably have a long list of items you want to do during your visit. Everywhere you go you’ll have your camera out trying to capture every moment you’re in this big, beautiful city. There’s so much to see and do, but make sure these five things you’ll only find in San Francisco are added to your list of things to see and try.

1. Golden Gate Bridge

There’s a reason this is the No. 1 suggestion given by everyone in San Francisco. When it opened in 1937, the San Francisco Chronicle called the Golden Gate Bridge “a thirty-five million dollar steel harp,” and it’s the most magnificent giant steel harp you’ll ever lay eyes on, as well as the perfect place to start any trip to San Francisco. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world until 1964 and is now the ninth longest. Although it’s called the “Golden” Gate Bridge, the bridge’s color is actually an orange vermilion called International Orange.

Image Source: Mobilus In Mobili

The consulting architect recommended this color as something distinct from the cool colors of the water and the sky and because it provided visibility for ships and boats coming into the Bay even with fog. It was only supposed to be a temporary color, but it’s remained the same. When it first opened, you had to pay a toll to even walk across the bridge. Luckily in 1970, the toll for walking was eliminated, but today there’s a toll for driving across the bridge. On a clear day you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Bay on the other.

2. Sourdough Bread

Yes, you can get sourdough from just about any store, but if you want to try authentic sourdough bread, you must go to a bakery in San Francisco. Sourdough is so popular in San Francisco, the sports teams even get involved, like the 49ers naming their mascot Sourdough Sam. French bakers brought sourdough bread methods to San Francisco during the 1849 Gold Rush, and some of the bakeries have been making this bread continuously since then. Tartine Bakery is one of the bakeries locals will recommend you get your bread from. You’ll need to order your delicious loaf ahead of time or be prepared to stand in a long line after 4:30 p.m.

Image Source: Breville USA

Boudin Bakery is known to be where many tourists stop, and for good reason. Right in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf, Boudin boasts some of the best sourdough bread in the city. If you want something besides a sourdough loaf, many recommend the clam chowder in a bread bowl. You know you’re one of the best bakeries when vendors proudly claim that their sandwiches are made with bread from your bread company, and that’s exactly what Acme Bread Company experiences. As one reviewer said, “I hate you but I love you.” Acme Bread Company was founded in 1983 and has plenty of varieties of bread they make today, but nothing compares to the sourdough. When you want just a slice instead of a full loaf, stop by The Mill. They’ve not only figured out the best recipe for bread, they’ve also figured out exactly how much time it takes to perfectly toast a slice of bread. You will be asking for their secrets so you can replicate the process at home.

3. Coit Tower

Coit Tower is even older than the Golden Gate Bridge, and at the top of Telegraph Hill, it provides a full 360-degree view of San Francisco. Built in 1933, the Tower is a memorial to Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy and eccentric socialite. She obtained some of her money by dressing like a man and gambling in male-only establishments. Her will stipulated that some of her fortune was to be used to beautify the city she loved so much. The funds were used to build the tower and a monument in Washington Square.

Image Source: Michele Ursino

You don’t even have to ride to the top to get an amazing view of the city, but with a few extra dollars and either a climb up 80 stairs or a short elevator ride, you can have an obstructed 360-degree view of San Francisco. You’ll see the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge, just as long as there’s no fog! You will definitely want to have your camera set to panorama to capture beautiful pictures of the cityscape.

The bottom of Coit Tower features beautiful murals that nearly everyone who’s been there mentions. Artists employed by the Public Works of Art Project originally painted these murals. Funded by the New Deal during the Great Depression, these artists were able to earn a wage while documenting life in San Francisco. In the past few years, these paintings have been restored so the colors are more vibrant than ever before. You will not want to miss seeing this piece of history.

4. Mission Burrito

There are burritos, and then there’s the Mission burrito. This burrito is so big and full of fixings that it has to have foil wrapped around it to keep it structurally intact. Rice, beans, meat, and salsa are all included in this burrito. It’s so amazing that other restaurants outside of the city have added it to their menu as the “San Francisco Burrito.” To experience it the authentic way, you need to stop into one of the restaurants in the Mission district in San Francisco. Warning: You won’t want to plan a big dinner after or a big lunch before because this burrito will fill you for the rest of the day.

Image Source: An Mai

Taqueria San Francisco is hands down the favorite place to purchase a burrito. Many reviewers have pitted Taqueria against other restaurants, and it always comes out on top. One of the many secrets is they use the same griddle for the meat as they do to warm the tortillas. If you have a late night craving, stop by Taqueria Cancun to get your fill. The burritos will be enough for two people so don’t feel bad about having to share or take some home. Taqueria Cancun is cash only so make sure you have some of those dollar bills on hand. If you want something a little more fancy than a local hangout, Papalote Mexican Grill has won every award for their burritos. If you’re not a burrito fan, the homemade salsa will definitely get you to return.

5. Ride the Cable Car

Other places may have trolleys or subways, but cable street cars are San Francisco’s mode of transportation. It’s also the last manually operated cable car system in the world, so you know you won’t find this anywhere else. Originally 23 lines or routes were established between 1873 and 1890, currently only three are still in use. Two of the lines run north and south, and the third line runs east to west. Buy an all-day pass and ride across town. You can snap pictures as you ride and get off at specific stops without worrying about parking, traffic, or finding your way around the city. You can travel to Ghiradelli Square and Fisherman’s Wharf, pass by Lombard Street, and discover Nob Hill.

Image Source: Alfonso Jimenez

Once you’re done riding, visit the San Francisco Cable Car Museum to learn more about the history of the cable car system and to learn about San Francisco’s history. You can take a peek at three antique cable cars from the 1870s. If you’re someone who’s dying to know how the cable cars work, the museum even lets you go downstairs to see how the machinery works to pull all the cars around town.

The City By the Bay will fill up your itinerary quick with plenty of places to see and visit, but be sure that you make time to enjoy these five adventures that help make San Francisco a unique vacation destination.

This post was written and provided by IHG Hotels. IHG offers hotels for every type of occasion and has 4,700 properties in nearly 100 countries.

Fab Photos Friday: Fabulous Las Vegas

June 19, 2015 By Tam Warner Leave a Comment

Ah, Las Vegas. I have been there so many times, dating back to 1983 when I first went with mom and dad and my brother. I have wonderful memories of Vegas, girl’s trips with mom and my mother in law and my cousin, and various friends of ours who joined us over the years. We always teased my mother that we would put her ashes in the slot machines. Well, I did put some of her in the garden of the four faced Brahma at Caesar’s Palace…and I put a dollar bill with a bit of mom through her favorite slot machine, the Double Diamond. Of course I lost. Thanks, mom.

Burning incense at the Four Faced Brahma, Caesar's Palace. — Burning incense at the Four Faced Brahma, Caesar’s Palace.

I had a major treat this last weekend. I was offered a weekend in Vegas with free air for two, free suite, and all of my meals and incidentals are always comped. So I took my bestie, and she had never been to Vegas. I cannot tell you how I enjoyed watching her jaw drop every five minutes. She was in shock…an Eiffel Tower in Las Vegas?? Yep. And an Arc d’ Triumph, a Roman Coliseum, water fountains, flamingos, and Venice. That does not even begin to describe the wonders of Las Vegas…I enjoyed seeing it through fresh eyes. Oh, and we had fabulous seats for Jersey Boys at Paris! If you are going to Vegas, you have to see this production. Incredible!

vegas 14 paris — Paris Hotel and Casino!

the old fountain at Caesar's with Donnie and Marie overlooking! — the old fountain at Caesar’s with Donnie and Marie overlooking!

batman — We stayed in the Batman suite at Planet Hollywood!

We stayed in the Batman Suite at Planet Hollywood...remember the JOKER????? — We stayed in the Batman Suite at Planet Hollywood…remember the JOKER?????

My friend and I dining at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant. It is exquisite!

Amazing Women Wednesday: Diana Paboojian

June 9, 2015 By Tam Warner 19 Comments

How I love Wednesdays and the opportunity to introduce you to some Amazing Women! Meet Diana Paboojian, and look at her incredible photography.

diana herself — Diana Paboojian and friends!

Diana and I met on a dive trip exploring the Socorro Islands (very far south of the Baja) on the Solmar V. She caught my interest early…her camera equipment was obviously “serious”, and her husband, Shannon, was the videographer. I enjoyed viewing her images during the trip as most of us hung out in the dining area categorizing our photography. Her images were, and are, light years ahead of mine. I learned quite a lot from watching her.

Like my family of four, she and her family are all divers, and enjoy dive trips together. Her two sons are now in college, and she and her husband raise quarter horses and are organic Alfalfa/ Grass feed farmers who live in the northern part of the Central Valley of California. I’m trying to imagine something better….horses, diving, animals, traveling. Throw a dozen dogs and cats in the mix and that’s pretty close to heaven for me!

A natural in the water, Diana didn’t get certified until her younger son sought dive certification. I would have guessed during the trip to the Socorros that she had been diving far longer than 6 years or so. Photography is tough to do underwater…one needs to be a damned good diver before you add a camera into the mix!

When I asked how she became interested in photography, she told me, “I have been always been interested in photography. I loved taking my own pictures for my horse business and I am also an excellent sports photographer. As for under the water, once I mastered my buoyancy, it was a natural progression to take a camera with me. I started with a point and shoot, then upgraded to a micro 4/3’s camera, and now I shoot with a DSLR. I have taken many pictures and have had a few great teachers to get me where I am now.”

diana5 — These creatures are as small as your fingernail.

I also asked her about her photographic experiences, and which was the most exciting (I know that is a very hard question to answer). She replied, “I have had so many exciting adventures out of the water and in. Gorillas in Rwanda, Lions in Botswana, Leopards in Tanzania, Bull Sharks in Fiji, Mantas and Dolphins in Socorro, Whalesharks in Mexico! When we were on a safari with Derrick Joubert in Botswana, we were watching two painted dogs sleep. A herd of elephants with babies walked by. After the elephants disappeared in the distance, the two painted dogs stood up stretched and started mating. I took a few pictures, but then just sat and watched. Derrick was filming the whole time so we stayed as quiet as we could. Every experience has been exciting but the most important advice is to make sure you put your camera down every once in awhile to truly enjoy the experience!”

Diana doesn’t call herself a conservationist or activist, but an educator. She says, “People just do not know what is really happening in our oceans or in Africa. I want to use my photography and knowledge to educate them to be more caring. To make a difference. I always say you can’t un-know what you know so all I can do is get the information out there. Then we can only hope that the human race can evolve enough to save the world.”

diana2 — Isn’t this an exquisite photo? A great example of the detail Diana gets with Macro images.

Her photos are amazing, and they make one care about the creatures she photographs. From sea horses no bigger than your pinky finger to gorillas in Africa, the photos keep you interested, and curious about the animal itself. You can find Diana’s work on Zenfolio, and the link is www.dianapaboojianphotography.zenfolio.com. If you are looking for fantastic wildlife photographs, you won’t have to look any further than Diana’s photos. Her Macro underwater photography is particularly engaging. She captures the tiniest sea creatures in incredibly detailed shots.

diana4 — The largest fish in the ocean…the beautiful Whale Shark!!!

So, what is next for this traveling, empty nest, shutterbug? “Heading back to Indonesia in July. We will be going to Villa Markisa in Tulumben, Bali to get a little muck diving! We will then head to Komodo on the Liveaboard Damai. We will finish off with Cenderawasih Bay to see the Whalesharks!”

There is never a dull moment in Diana’s life…she embraces all experiences. Her son is studying Marine Biology so who knows where that will send her family? I can’t wait to find out…and maybe go along!

I always enjoy following Diana’s travels around the globe, and hope to meet up with her again on a liveaboard somewhere…or a dive resort. Or a safari. She is an inspiring figure, and a great role model for young women. Since Travels with Tam is participating in the #AcrossWomensLives initiative, I’ll be sending this post over to them to demonstrate the strengths and talents of women! It feels good to be able to share positive stories about women’s lives!

Push Me Pull You

June 8, 2015 By Tam Warner 7 Comments

Do you remember the Push Me Pull You two headed llama from Dr. Doolittle? If you do, you must be close to my age! I don’t think the Eddie Murphy Doolittle had the llama. Anyway, that llama is a good image for how I feel much of the time.

Learning to be flexible in this crazy world is a must, but I have to confess, it can be tougher than I thought. I would never have anticipated that my husband, who has always been perfectly healthy, would have faced death 18 months ago, or that our lives could have changed to such an extent. (Randy suffered a sudden respiratory failure and ended up with a double lung transplant from a disease called Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. I blogged about there experience under Our Transplant Journey. Go to the very last page for the beginning of our very unexpected journey).

Randy and I on a special night. — Randy and I … we are so fortunate that he is alive and with us. A true miracle. 2015

Randy and I had planned an empty nest life of travel, much of it adventure travel and diving. We also wanted to spend time on a lake here and there, or a river, kayaking or rafting or paddle boarding. A lung transplant brought complications to our plans. Lakes and rivers are no longer allowed…you can imagine the bacteria, right? Last summer we went to Lake Tahoe and rafted in the Truckee and boated in Lake Tahoe because these are alpine lakes and rivers, crystal clear and cold, without the risk inherent in the rivers and lakes of Texas. I wanted to go to a friend’s lakehouse this weekend, but Randy was uncertain…I understand it, he cannot go in the lake. I could paddle or kayak or swim, but Randy couldn’t do any of that. We ended up not going. It’s okay, like I said, I understand it would not be much fun for him.

While he has been cleared to dive in easy environments, like most Cozumel dives, he cannot do any type of “challenge” diving. Truthfully, he won’t be able to do some of the Cozumel dives, and I worry about it…what if he gets stung by a jelly, or scrapes against coral? He hates to wear wetsuits, but he is going to have to, just for protection, even when snorkeling. Randy has always been a sun worshipper, staying dark and laying in the sun for hours. He is no longer allowed in the sun without hats and sunscreen…he is 50 times more likely to get melanoma than the average person because of the anti rejection drugs he is on. Yes, life is different, and there is a lot to consider when making any kind of plans.

We are planning to go to Cozumel, where we have a second home, in 3 weeks. They do have medical flights, and Houston is only an hour or so away, but the medical care on the island is bare basics. Yes, that worries me. A trip to Vienna, Prague and Budapest has been planned for December so we can see the Christmas markets and displays. Again, one has to plan: The Department of Thoracic Surgery at the Medical University of Vienna runs a high volume lung transplant program with more than 100 transplantations per year. So, Randy will never be more than an hour’s flight from Vienna while we are traveling. It is doubtful we will ever travel to Africa (except perhaps South Africa) or Asia again, or remote locations like Antarctica. He has to be within a reasonable distance of a transplant hospital.

I am a passionate scuba diver, and I want to volunteer for scientific trips and go on trips to review dive services all over the world. I don’t feel too guilty about the science trips as Randy wouldn’t want to do volunteer diving anyway, but I am torn on other travels. However, I have made the decision to go on these trips, and to fulfill my aspiration to make a difference in ocean conservation. Randy supports that decision, he does not want me to give up the trips I have wanted to go on since our kids flew the nest. I appreciate that support, because I feel compelled to do as much as I can, as long as I can. I have a two week trip the end of July with the Marine Megafauna Foundations’s Ray of Hope to help with ID of mantas and whale sharks. These trips mean so much to me.

Many of the activities Randy loves will have to be curtailed, or stopped completely. I encourage him to find other things to try…there are many things he can still do. He has had two serious illnesses this year, for both he spent weeks in the hospital. Randy is doing great right now. I am so looking forward to his first trip to Cozumel in 2 years, but I will take him to get a wetsuit. Safety first.

Travel Adventures!

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