Adirondacks

About Me (Barbara Weibel)

Barbara Weibel After years of working 70 hours a week at jobs I detested, I felt like the proverbial "hole in the donut" - solid on the outside, but empty on the inside. Searching for meaning in my life, I abandoned my successful but unsatisfying career and set out on a six-month solo backpacking trip around the world to pursue my true passions of travel, writing, and photography. My blog feature intensely personal stories about the destinations I visit, people I meet, the crazy (and often humorous) ...Read more here....

By the time my writers conference ended in Richmond, Virginia, I had been sitting for two days and I desperately needed to move. Serendipitously, I discovered that the conference fell on the same weekend as Richmond’s Annual Folk Music Festival, and so I decided to extend my stay by a day to enjoy this historic city and attend the festival on the shores of the James River.

I set out early yesterday morning, determined to see as much of Richmond as possible on foot. From the center of downtown, I followed Broad Street toward Virginia Commonwealth University. Many of the lovely old buildings in this part of downtown are in disrepair and a large percentage of the storefronts are empty, but signs of rebirth abound. Coffee shops, crafters, retailers, and art galleries are moving into this Soho-like neighborhood as the old buildings are painstakingly restored. This former dairy and police station are just two examples of the inner city revitalization:

Richmond DairyRichmond art gallery

Read the rest of this entry »

For the last two days I’ve been in Richmond, Virginia, attending the James River Writers Conference. Since this is the first writers conference I have ever attended, I really did not know what to expect, but the event exceeded my every expectation. Not only were the various plenary and breakout sessions incredibly informative, but without exception, everyone associated with JRW bent over backward to offer assistance. One of the keynote speakers, author Adriana Trigiani, even went so far as to encourage us to send her our manuscripts, promising that she would force her agent to read them.

Prior to attending JRW, I was somewhat discouraged. I was beginning to think that writing a book and getting it published was a pipe dream. When I first started to pursue a career in writing I quickly discovered that I needed to be able to show potential publishers clippings of my articles that have appeared in print. Since I had not previously been published, I spent the last ten months begging local magazine editors to publish my writing for little or no pay in order to develop a portfolio of by-lined articles. My efforts resulted in three published magazine pieces and two online articles, with two more scheduled to appear in the next couple of months. My progress seemed agonizingly Read the rest of this entry »

Follow Hole in the Donut
VISIT OUR FINE ADVERTISERS
Short Breaks

Sights, culture, entertainment or activities, if you're thinking short breaks, Europe has it all and Marriott has it covered, with 107 hotels in 22 countries.

Golf Breaks

If you're looking for a golf break, take a look at these amazing Marriott golf packages available throughout the UK, Ireland, Egypt, Spain and Portugal.

Hotel Resorts

Marriott hotel resorts offer sensational sojourns in some of the world's most enticing locations. Aruba, Bali, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica – where will you go?

Country Breaks

A country break in a Marriott Hotel & Country Club will get you back to nature in some style. Time to treat yourself…

UK Hotels

Marriott hotels in the UK offer comfort, style and a warm welcome. Business, leisure, short-break or celebration – take a look at the options.


Discount Orlando Hotels


HotelsCombined.com

Las Vegas Show Tickets

Best beaches

Prague Hotels
by Prague-Stay.com, the leading accommodation server in Prague


Kokoda Trail Tours



WebSight Australia
SEO Company

Latest Offers

Australia

Australia holidays let you rediscover why this is one of the best countries in the world. With fabulous beaches, the great outback - not to mention fantastic wine regions, you'll find paradise is at your doorstep.

Bali

Steeped in culture and tradition, as well as great shopping and luxurious tropical resorts - Bali holidays offer you the perfect escape from the everyday - and it's all just a hop and skip away.

Fiji

With pristine waters, sandy beaches and unmatched tranquillity, Fiji holidays offer you the resort getaway you've been dreaming of. Relax, rejuvenate and rediscover the peaceful side of yourself.

London

London holidays are the perfect way to discover this historical city. Step inside the walls of Buckingham Palace or marvel at the might Big Ben - there's a fascinating story on every corner.

Phuket

Snorkel the day away, relax in the sun, dance until dawn - Phuket holidays offer picturesque beaches and exciting resort style living and some of the most colourful culture and cuisine - the perfect place to unwind.


Annual Travel Insurance

car hire uk

Worldwide Travel Insurance

Orlando Vacation Hotels Orlando Vacation Hotels

BestOfVegas.com
Las Vegas Hotels

OrlandoFunTickets.com

Disney World Hotels

RentACarNow.com
Car Rental Rates
Who Likes Us on Facebook
Tags & Categories
AWARDS, HONORS, AFFILIATIONS
Vacations

I'm a featured blogger on Lonely Planet

I helpedpeople get clean water
led by Tripbase




Tips from the T-List

Travel Blog Sites - Top 100
As chosen by TravelPod, the web’s original travel blog



Tripbase Blog Awards 2009
Tripbase Blog Awards 2009

Alltop, all the cool kids (and me)

top blogs list

MEDICAL AIRLIFT INSURANCE
If your travels may require a
medical air lift, evacuation insurance
provides invaluable peace of mind