Lisa’s Blog
An Impromptu Weekend
Aug 23rd
We took advantage of a spur-of-the-moment getaway last weekend. I didn’t even discuss it with my husband. Just booked the trip and told him to pack. We never do this kind of thing. Travel is usually planned well in advance, which is why our quick trip to Stowe, Vermont, was such a breath of fresh air.
We left home around 6:30 p.m. Friday for the four-hour drive north through New Hampshire and into Vermont. It was still light out when we turned northwest to follow I-89 into Vermont where the mountains stood in purple silhouette against the pink sky. When we stepped out of the car at a rest area, we found the cool mountain air a welcome change from the hot and humid weather we had left behind.
We arrived at Stoweflake, a family-run resort just outside Stowe Center, at just about 10:30 p.m. The following morning, we dined on the outside verandah, then took a quick walk around the property to get our bearings. On the short drive to Stowe Center we noticed first one, then two, then dozens of antique cars — classics cars, sports cars, pick-up trucks, you name it, from the ’20s, ’30s, ’40s, ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. Turned out our quick trip coincided with the 53rd Annual Antique and Classic Car Meet. My husband, Kevin, had a ball strolling along the sidewalk admiring the vintage vehicles in pristine condition.
We wandered through the downtown shops, stopping into Laughing Moon Chocolates to pick out a selection of six hand-made truffles and perusing the crafts, pottery, jewelry and other treasures at Stowe Craft Design before heading back to Stoweflake, where I had scheduled an afternoon spa treatment. While I indulged in a delicious Ayurvedic massage, Kevin headed next door to the Stowe Country Club to play a quick round of golf.
Later, when we sat at the bar for a pre-dinner glass of wine, I noticed how relaxed Kevin looked and how relaxed I felt — just 24 hours and a bit more than 200 miles from home and work. We enjoyed a great steak dinner in Stoweflake’s Charlie B’s restaurant and brought two decadent desserts back to our room.
The following morning, we strolled across the street to wander through Stowe Farmers Market, where we picked up locally made honey and preserves, tucked into honey-flavored freeze pops and purchased a fresh blueberry peach pie which we enjoyed at home that evening — still savoring the taste of our impromptu weekend getaway.
– Lisa Matte, editor in chief
The Choo Choo Commute
May 29th
I have taken a lot of train rides in the last week. Eight train trips, to be exact. So, in reality, I think I have spent more time on the train in the past seven days than doing just about anything else! My trips were mainly on NJ Transit, from Hamilton, NJ, to New York Penn Station, but I also got to venture on the Metro North train system, from New York City to Connecticut.
The trips began last Friday, with a leg from New Jersey to New York. The new NJ Transit double-decker trains are really nice, with bucket seats and a lot of available seating. They are clean and comfortable, and it is really an enjoyable experience. The older trains have the typical bench seating, and while not horrible, don’t even compare to the newer trains. I usually find myself on the newer trains to New York and on the older ones coming back to NJ.
The second leg of my train travel on Friday took me from New York Grand Central to New Haven, CT. Man, that is a long train ride — even the express train is close to two hours! One of my best friends from college did that commute twice a day, every day for over a year. Honestly, I don’t know how she did it! The trains on Metro North are similar to the older NJ Transit trains.
On Saturday, I again took the train from New Haven to New York, this time to Yankee Stadium. Along with the new stadium, the city has begun a brand-new train service directly to the stadium. As it was the first day of the service, there were a few kinks, but I am sure many Yankees fans will be pleased with the service as it gets into the swing of things. Saturday night I headed back to NJ.
I was in New York City for work both Wednesday and Thursday of this week. That was four more trips on NJ Transit. As long as I can catch an express train, the trip is quick and really quite enjoyable. I was able to stretch out yesterday and get some work done on both trips.
Many people from Bucks County commute into NYC every day via NJ Transit. GT‘ers Fran Gallagher and Dick Evans commuted every day for many years. You can definitely pick out the daily commuters. They have a routine and they are on the move. I am sure it can be exhausting; but it is a pretty easy trip and the ride is a great chance to catch up on some work; read a book, newspaper or magazine; or even catch up on some lost zzz’s.
And it is perfect for us here at Global Traveler, as we can all quickly be in New York City if need be. It is a great way for Alex Young and Courtney Centeno to head down for a visit to our main office as well. In addition, Amtrak service from the Trenton station is another great way to get to a variety of destinations.
As a college student, I did two summer internships in Philadelphia at the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. I was a daily train commuter that summer, taking SEPTA train service out of Doylestown four days a week. IÂ rode to either Suburban Station or 30th Street, depending on which internship I was working at that day. In that short time, I developed my own routine. I knew, down to the minute, the latest I could leave my house and still reach the station in time. I had my quarters constantly at the ready for parking. I knew the best spot to stash my monthly pass for easy access and viewing. I had my walks to and from the office from the train station timed. I knew where to stop for my morning iced coffee. It can certainly make the day longer, but I found it preferable to driving. I usually enjoyed the time to myself to read or relax and unwind before and after the long day.
–Kimberly Krol, eFlyer editor, circulation and public relations executive
Family Pride
Feb 16th
It appears I am one of the only – if not the only – member of the GT family who has not yet weighed in with an anniversary blog.
Rest assured my procrastination is not due to an inability to come up with something to write. The fact is I have too much to write  and I’m a bit worried that once I begin, I may stray off on a ’round-about stroll down memory lane. So bear with me and give a holler if it appears I’ve gone off in some tangential direction.
What does Global Traveler mean to me?
I’ve just spent a few minutes perusing my associates’ anniversary blogs. I don’t know about you, but I’m struck by how many times they use the term “family†to describe the Global Traveler team. You see, we are a family. And together as a family, we’ve endured bumps and bruises, we’ve bickered and made up, we’ve reveled in one another’s successes and consoled each other following disappointments. And just like any other family, we’ve grown stronger because of our bond.
Maybe that comes with the territory of being founding members of a start-up publication.
When Fran and I were planning the first issue, we had a heart-to-heart talk about work styles and expectations. This was new ground for both of us. Fran had spent 16 years at the helm of a brick-and-mortar publication. I had spent 15 years as a freelance writer. Fran was used to being the boss and I wasn’t the kind of person who could have a boss. Fran knew little about telecommuting (although he quickly learned to boast about our “virtual†status), and I couldn’t imagine commuting to a cubicle when I could do the same  or better  job from my home office.
We talked about creating a supportive environment in which everyone would feel comfortable promoting ideas and suggesting ways to grow the magazine. And we grew. We added staff, welcoming new members into the GT family.
At a meeting during our recent GT Tested Awards gathering in Los Angeles, I glanced around the table to count a dozen members of our family. (And that’s not including the three who kept the home fires burning while we were on the road  all of whom will be at our upcoming anniversary bash.) I was pleased to realize that  whether we’ve been with Global Traveler for five years or five months  we’re all founding members. We all have a stake in the success of this magazine and we all take pride in our success and accomplishments.
-Lisa Matte, editor in chief
A New Reality
Nov 7th
I’ve been a fan of reality TV since before it had a name. I first tuned in back in 1992. That was the year MTV aired it’s first season of The Real World.ÂÂ
While I readily admit this trait, I feel compelled to qualify: I do have some limits. For example, I tune in to every season of Amazing Race. Bravo TV’s Top Chef is one of my favorite shows. On the other hand, I wouldn’t ever watch The Bachelor (although, I have been known to catch an episode of Beauty and the Geek). America’s Next Top Model? No. Project Runway? Yes.
I mention this affinity for three reasons – 1) the realization that the current television writers’ strike won’t have a significant affect on my viewing habits; 2) the fact I told GT publisher Fran Gallagher long ago that his life would make great fodder for a reality series; 3) the receipt of a recent email in which GT distribution specialist John Wroblewski – who’s known Fran for 20-plus years – told me he had independently come to the same conclusion about the potential for a Fran-centric show.
In my imagination, the show would revolve around GT’s Global Headquarters in Yardley, Pa. Fran would be at the helm – sort of like The Skipper on Gilligan’s Island. Since about half of the GT staff (including me) telecommutes from locations around the country, we’d be “seen” as disembodied voices emanating from a giant speaker in Fran’s office. It would be like the reality version of The Office.
I’d tell you more, but I’m pressed for time. Kitchen Nightmares is about to start. I have to tune in to see Chef Gordon Ramsey let loose on yet another hapless restaurant owner.
Lisa Matte, Editor in Chief, Global Traveler
