Panel (from left): Don George, Susan Orlean, Tony Perrottet , David Farley
Last Saturday, I returned to the Jacob Javitz Center for The New York Times Travel Show. The day before, I had picked up a free ticket from the guys and gals at the GAP Adventures store, however I conveniently forgot it at my brother’s apartment. I politely turned down the cabbie’s offer to take me back across town to pick it up, which would’ve doubled his fare in the process. If there is one constant in this world, it is that taxi (tuk-tuk, rickshaw…) drivers trying to get as much money from their customers as possible.
Upon entering the convention center, I immediately noticed to my right that Arthur and Pauline Frommer were signing books. I seized the opportunity, and introduced myself to both of them. Pauline recognized me from Twitter as “rtwdave” which had me wondering if I should bite the bullet and simply introduce myself by my nickname going forward.
I continued walking through that area, as it was for African countries. Botswana was in the house, but no Rwanda. Ethiopian Airlines was present, and offering a contest for roundtrip airfare to Addis Ababa. I threw my name in the basket, and then canvassed the rest of the show for other contests worth entering. I cast my line for free trips to Costa Rica, Croatia, Puerto Rico, and a few others.
As 1pm approached, I ducked downstairs for the seminar called “Travel Through the Eyes of Travel Writers” which included former Lonely Planet Editor (and new Gadling contributor) Don George, author Susan Orlean (who claimed not to be a travel writer, but a writer who travels for work), and author Tony Perrottet. The discussion was moderated by another book author, David Farley.
I enjoyed hearing their travel tips, and could easily relate to much of what they said. For example, George was big on aimlessly wandering around a new town, while Orlean professed to not know much about a destination until she arrives and can explore it for herself. I never realized my cultural ignorance included such wonderful company.
After the panel concluded, I bumped into Michaela and her husband from Briefcase to Backpack, and together we wandered back upstairs. We stopped by the authors’ table, and I introduced myself to Farley while Michaela picked up a copy of his new book, An Irreverent Curiosity: In Search of the Church’s Strangest Relic in Italy’s Oddest Town. More aimless wandering, and I saw them both off.
Me and Gina at the German bar
And then I descended to the first floor again for Julia Dimon’s talk, “Beyond the Tourist Zone.” Before she got started, I met up with Gina of Warm October, who had also been at the Matador-Sosauce BBQ in Brooklyn last Summer, though we didn’t manage to meet that night.
Of all the professional travel writers and gurus I’ve been listening to and meeting lately, Julia seemed like the one I could identify with the most. Young, well traveled, and incredibly attractive – that’s us! Which is exactly why it sucked that I only had 15 seconds of her time after the talk to say “hello” while getting our photo taken by a random man with a giant SLR camera.
Gina and I walked around a little more, before catching the end of the “Travel Writing 201″ panel (where Max Hartshorne of GoNOMAD.com said a bunch of things about the lack of potential for individuals’ travel blogs to make money from advertising that I wholeheartedly disagreed with).
Chris was German in a former life
Next, it was on to meet good friends at a German bar to get the night started. This is where my recollection of events starts to grow fuzzy. I do remember my dinner consisted of deliciously greasy potato pancakes.
In addition to getting to know Gina better, I also got to spend time with my friend Naveen (from my Jersey days) for the first time in about 12 years. Joined by my brother Jon, and good friends Kai and Chris, we soon hit another bar, and another, and well, you get the point.
Potato Pancakes
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Dave is the author of 1527 posts on Go Backpacking.
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Categories: Features, Meetups & Events
Post tags: blogsherpa, Food, networking, New York City, usa
16 Comments
This looked like fun! I miss Farley; it's been awhile since I've seen that crazy cat.
Though I will say I find it fishy that the NYT has been so quick to crack down on journos who take press trips, yet they “hire” many a panelist (not on that particular George/Farley/Orlean panel but the others) who is known to take freebie after freebie, all the livelong day. Hypocritical any?
Yay! I'm in the midst of writing a very similar blog entry…. I wonder why! ;)
It's always fun to hear people's thoughts in clips greater than 140 characters. :)
A his and hers take on the event…I like it.
Hi – I used a service when I visited in 2009; however, my driver started his own business and from friend's I've sent his info to, they found him slightly more competitive on price. I thought he was absolutely wonderful. I still keep in touch w/ him threw the following email.
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Safe travels!
Hi – I used a service when I visited in 2009; however, my driver started his own business and from friend's I've sent his info to, they found him slightly more competitive on price. I thought he was absolutely wonderful. I still keep in touch w/ him threw the following email.
info@oasistravelindia.com
Safe travels!
Where is the German bar located, where the above delicious pancake is from?
Also, I was at the travel show as well, and at the Julia Diamond talk. She may be young, attractive, and very well traveled, but her speaking & presentation weren't very good. She was unable to really handle audience questions.
Tori –
The name of the bar is Lederhosen NYC, and it's located in Greenwich Village – http://www.lederhosennyc.com/
I noticed Julia had a few bumps with the Q&A as well, and talked about it with her this past weekend while she was visiting DC for another show. On the question about what item to bring with you on a trip off the beaten track, she just had one of those moments where you blank.
Frankly, I'd be nervous looking out over that many people too. While I was watching, I was semi-picturing myself up there, in say a year or two's time, and wondering what that would be like.
Thanks Dave! Much appreciated!
As for Julia, I know we all get the jitters, but since she is a tv personality i figured she'd be more well versed at this type of thing. Oh well.
Thanks Dave! Much appreciated!
As for Julia, I know we all get the jitters, but since she is a tv personality i figured she'd be more well versed at this type of thing. Oh well.
Point Break – A Perfect Bar Experience in NYC
A local friend recommended and took my Cali group to this amazing bar. He said that mostly locals came here so I didn't really know what to expect ambiance wise… but screw it, the view at this bar was absolutely breathtaking! No joke. I felt like a celebrity w/ superstar treatment as the staff are friendly and amazing to say the very least.
I don't know who the house DJ was but he definitely was playing music right up my alley. It would've been my dream for people to start dancing, but it's all good.
It's a bit sceney for my taste, but it really didn't bother me much. the bartenders knew their stuff, although their 1st cocktail was a little weak, when he saw i understood cocktails the next 2 were stronger. I also liked that even though the place was really hopping the bartender remembered what i was drinking when i came to order another. (he also understood how good a gin hendricks is, and not to overpower it with the mixer). It was amazing to see their “das bootâ€? which is shaped like a boot filled with beer. Don’t get me wrong, I am not drunkit’s an actual boot shaped beer container ready to be emptied..try it ..you will love it!! Oh..how can I forget, they even have a wheel o' shots where you just have to spin it and have to drink whatever shot it lands on!! Now call that bar creativity at its best!!!
We ordered the Veal and Fish Tacos. They were delicious. Mm! We ended up asking for spoons to polish off whatever remained in the platter. (Faux pas? Who cares as long as it gets in my tummy.) The fries were crispy, but not overcooked, just the way that I like them.
So take in this scene: You walk in to what seems like an overly crowded place, but soon fine an empty table. Time seems to stop and the only indicator of the night moving on is the moon and your brain cells slowly going to bed forever. The music is not to loud and the people around look good, the only thing left for you to do is to enjoy that drink you paid ridiculously low for and laugh at the joke your co-worker just told.
The vibe of the place just never seems to die out and if you happen to spot some NYC socialite, sports player, or star, don't let it get to you… because for that moment, this night they are no long more important than then you. In fact go up to them and introduce yourself!
All in all just a great place to meet new people, or just have drinks with people you already know. I've been to numerous bars in the city but i would say this place is just great. Very welcoming staff, very laid back ambiance. I’ve been here twice after my first visit with my Cali group . I would say its worth the every penny you spend!!
Point Break – A Perfect Bar Experience in NYC
A local friend recommended and took my Cali group to this amazing bar. He said that mostly locals came here so I didn't really know what to expect ambiance wise… but screw it, the view at this bar was absolutely breathtaking! No joke. I felt like a celebrity w/ superstar treatment as the staff are friendly and amazing to say the very least.
I don't know who the house DJ was but he definitely was playing music right up my alley. It would've been my dream for people to start dancing, but it's all good.
It's a bit sceney for my taste, but it really didn't bother me much. the bartenders knew their stuff, although their 1st cocktail was a little weak, when he saw i understood cocktails the next 2 were stronger. I also liked that even though the place was really hopping the bartender remembered what i was drinking when i came to order another. (he also understood how good a gin hendricks is, and not to overpower it with the mixer). It was amazing to see their “das boot†which is shaped like a boot filled with beer. Don’t get me wrong, I am not drunkit’s an actual boot shaped beer container ready to be emptied..try it ..you will love it!! Oh..how can I forget, they even have a wheel o' shots where you just have to spin it and have to drink whatever shot it lands on!! Now call that bar creativity at its best!!!
We ordered the Veal and Fish Tacos. They were delicious. Mm! We ended up asking for spoons to polish off whatever remained in the platter. (Faux pas? Who cares as long as it gets in my tummy.) The fries were crispy, but not overcooked, just the way that I like them.
So take in this scene: You walk in to what seems like an overly crowded place, but soon fine an empty table. Time seems to stop and the only indicator of the night moving on is the moon and your brain cells slowly going to bed forever. The music is not to loud and the people around look good, the only thing left for you to do is to enjoy that drink you paid ridiculously low for and laugh at the joke your co-worker just told.
The vibe of the place just never seems to die out and if you happen to spot some NYC socialite, sports player, or star, don't let it get to you… because for that moment, this night they are no long more important than then you. In fact go up to them and introduce yourself!
All in all just a great place to meet new people, or just have drinks with people you already know. I've been to numerous bars in the city but i would say this place is just great. Very welcoming staff, very laid back ambiance. I’ve been here twice after my first visit with my Cali group . I would say its worth the every penny you spend!!
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On the question about what item to bring with you on a trip off the beaten track, she just had one of those moments where you blank.
I like your travel trip.
good post.
thongs