Wow what a couple of weeks

October 8^th started me on journey of a lifetime.  I Gina Kemper, this 52 year old woman ventured out solo to a foreign country to try and learn as much as I could about the south of France and that I did.  My first FAM trip was amazing.  Day 1 and 2 was a mixture of emotions, excitement, anxiety, happiness and trepidation.  After 17 hours, 3 connections and experience customs in a foreign country I arrived safe and sound and luggage in tack.  Majority of fear has passed as getting there was causing the majority of my stress. I did learn that I have the ability to go without talking, which if you know me is very hard because I very seldom stop talking, but traveling solo you learn the ability listen and observe.  I got settled in the Pullman hotel, highly recommend, went for a swim and then went for a walk in the beautiful city of Montpellier. I took so many pictures; there was something that took my breath away around every corner.  Later that evening, I met up with the other agents, 27 wonderful ladies all waiting to experience this magical land of the Langodoc-Rousiollon region of France.  We went on a short walking tour of this quaint town and met the head of the Baudon de Mauny family which has owned this hotel since the 1700s. It’s hard to imagine so much history that pasted through those walls.  When you really think about it the United States is still a baby compared to the European countries.  We also me one the most highly regarded Violin makers in the world.  At 32 years old he has such a talent and passion that I not witnesses before, imagine taking 30 days to produce a musical instrument and then have it gone and have to start all over again., then we got to experience some tastes of the region not only in a little bodega but at a beautiful welcome dinner. These are all things that not everyone that travels to South of France can enjoy but I found out that I can arrange for my clients through our destination specialists.  I really had to step out of my box. When eating in a foreign country, I had Octopus pie, lamb appetizers and so much more.  Within 48 hours I learned to have confidence in being me, in my ability to talk to strangers, to try and speak a new language and to enjoy the company of ME.  Instead of writing a book I will post a little for the next few days,  so keep coming back to hear about the Mediterranean, an amazing castle, river cruises, high speed trains and exceptional experience in Paris.  Not to mention I will add some drama from home regarding the family.  Sounds kind of like a James bond movie.  I look forward to sharing my experiences with you and I am sorry I wasn’t able to post as it happened.  Still have some technology issues to work through while traveling.  Please send me your comments, share my blogg with your friend and watch for my pictures and video to be posted on Facebook, pinterest and my website GLKDreamtravel.com.

God Bless

Happy and Safe Travels. 

my first public vendor experience

Well I Am learning to put myself out there. I have never had a problem talking to people I know, but talking to complete strangers is something new to me.  I have always like to be in the background, learning to promote myself feels very strange but I guess its a challengeI Am going to have to overcome.  selfconfidence something I have to learn

So what’s new with me?

Well I’m alive and well and have been very busy.  I am enjoying this new career choice immensely.  I am still learning a lot but feeling a lot more confident.

I have a big event this weekend.  I will be vendor at the Good Sam Bike Jam on September 16^th.  I have my own banner and will be handing out all kinds of travel information.  If you are in the Lafayette area, stop by my booth and see me.  The event is across the street from the Good Sam Hospital.  I hope to get a lot of inquiries and hopefully will book some biking trips.

I will be leaving for France in a few weeks and I am soooo excited.  I will try to blog each day from there as I expect to have an adventure each day. I will be visiting the South of France as well as Paris.

Lastly, I am still working on becoming a Hawaii specialist this is a very hard course I think because there are so many vowels and I can’t remember all the words. 

Personally, I don’t know if I will ever get used to not having my boys in the house on a regular basis but It is sure nice when they come home to visit.  I miss the way they make me laugh.   I have been working out and trying to loose these last few pounds before I venture to France.   It seems like I have reached this stubborn plateau and I’m not quite sure what else to do.  If you have any suggestions would love to hear them.

Lastly, I would like to give my sympathy to all men who have had to deal with a woman in menopause.  I HATE IT, no one ever really told me how terrible it is, Hot then Cold, Happy then Sad (all in 15minutes). I would hate being my husband.   Hopefully it won’t last too much longer.  I would rather go through 9 months of pregnancy because at least you can see the end and you have something to hold in the end.  Menopause is just a long dark tunnel with curves that you can’t see and you run into walls consistently and never can see the light at the end.  I guess it’s all a part of being a woman which I would never want to change that. 

I hope that you enjoy my updates, I would love to hear your comments and feedback.  Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Linkedin. 

God Bless

Happy and safe Travels