The next email goes out to friends and family:
From: Lisa.G.Lubin@abc.com
Subject: Around the World in 365 Days?
Date: July 31, 2006 2:34:09 PM CDT
Dear friends & family-
Hi there! As most of you know I love to travel. So…I am about to do what the subject line says. I plan on traveling around the world–starting this August in the US…and continuing on in October to Central America, South America, Australia, Asia, possibly Africa, and all of Eastern and Western Europe. Just this week I gave my notice (aka: quit!) at ABC7 after 9 years! And I sold my other condo. I will be renting out the condo I live in starting October 1.
This is a dream trip for me and I am reaching out to all of you for ANY help/advice/contacts/thoughts
(I apologize in advance if some of you have already gotten a similar email–there’s some crossover).
Here is the VERY rough plan I have so far:
October–Costa Rica
November–Ecuador (Galapagos Islands)
November–Chile (Patagonia)
Nov/December–Argentina
Dec/Jan–Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Queensland/GBR, Cairns)
Feb/March–Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore
March/April–Dubai, Turkey
(possible trip to south africa)
April thru Summer–Eastern Europe (Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Baltics) and Western Europe (Germany, France, Netherlands, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Portugal)
I know some of you plan to meet me at certain spots which I am very excited about. I also am looking for any contacts (friends, family, colleagues, etc.) you may have abroad. I would love to visit some places and meet locals who can really give me a feel of their community and culture. And, many of you have done some traveling also and I’m looking for ANY and ALL advice/tips you have as well.
While traveling, I also plan on taking some classes (Spanish Immersion in Costa Rica & Spain, Cooking in Tuscany, photography)
and volunteering some. I’ve been in touch with the Chicago Sister Cities Program to do some work for them.
This is something I have ALWAYS wanted to do…and I am so fortunate to finally live my dream!
I plan on documenting much of my trip with photographs and will be in touch through email. If you would like to hear from me during my travels, please write back and I will include you on the email list. Thanks so much for your thoughts and excitement as I embark on a wonderful journey through our world!
See you along the way… or in a year!
Travel Love,
Lisa
PS–Stay tuned for the ‘bon voyage’ party in September!!
————————————————————————————————————————–
Lisa – That is fantastic!! It’s funny that you wrote today – I started writing you an email yesterday and our computers locked up at the end of the day, so I was going to finish it this morning. I’m sorry to hear about you and Andy. I know that must have been tough, but it sounds like you obviously have a lot going on! What a great trip this is going to be!! Are you pretty much traveling by yourself and just meeting up with people? I am so excited (and envious) for you!!! I OF COURSE want to be on the email list! We have some friends in Belgium and actually Shanghai that we could put you in contact with. The couple in Shanghai are super nice – they are sort of friends of a friend). We met them at a wedding and I know they would love to have a visitor. They teach English over there. So if you are going to Shanghai (which I just realized wasn’t on your list) just let me know. And if you go to Belgium, let me know – our friends Ron and Kat would love to have you! I am SO SO excited for you!!! I know this is a dream come true!! Cramer and I were talking just the other day about what the greatest job would be and I really think it would be to have some kind of travel show. Maybe you can do that when you get back!! Definitely keep me posted on everything!
Love, Susan
Wow this is HUGE …..Please put us on the list. As you always know we want to know how you are doing!
I have a friend who I will send this to and see if he has any advise/contacts for you! He has some extensive travel under his belt.
Take Care-and as always we will pray for you!
Brian Correll
You are amazing! I’ve always said that you are one of my heroes and you’re proving it once again. You have such an independent spirit and I love that in you. I love you Lisa. OMG, I can’t believe you’re doing this. It is so great. And I was going to send you an email and tell you I went to Nagel’s. How exciting is that? … I’m sure you’ve got a million things to do. I want to hear everything that happens. So keep me onthe list. This is so exciting. I’m going to tell everyone about my dear friend.
I love you, Rhonda
Lisa,
Awesome.
I didn’t see England in there. Let me know if and when you will be there. I will put you in touch with my friend Matt who grew up in Luton Town just outside of London. He will be living in Derby by then. He is a riot.
Grant Detrick
This is incredible. Wow. You’ve been talking about this for 15-years. I’m so impressed you are going to live out your dream
Yes, I know some people. Stay tuned. Which e-mail address will you be using–sbcglobal or yahoo?
Love and congrats.
Dougie
Uhhh…I think it goes without saying that I want to be on the email distribution list for the ATWITSFD tour.
Patrick
Hey Lisa-
Sounds amazing! Of course I’d love to hear from you during your travels!
If you ever decide to do a tour of the Western Suburbs, my door is always open J… Naperville is divine in the Spring….He He He
Travel Safe,
Nicole
Congratulations! Of course put me on your email list, and put me down as a “maybe” to meet you in Ecuador/Gallapagos and maybe Turkey next spring.
Hope to see you tonite for a drink,
Marsha
Wow Lisa! You’re doing what I wanted to do my whole life. I hope I can do it someday -and I hope I won’t be so old that I will confuse Moscow with Madrid. Anyway, I wish you the best of luck and congratulations for having made that decision. I don’t know where it comes
from, but I guess we all want at some point in life to stop doing what we’re doing and travel around the world for a change. Good for you!
I will get you lots of information about Argentina. I don’t know what your plans are going to be, but as I said before, I have relatives there and they will be more than happy to host you in their homes. I also have friends in Ecuador and Chile so I will contact them to ask about the must-see places in their respective countries.
Good luck and talk to you soon.
Damian.
Congratulations, Lisa! I’m so excited for you. I hope Mandy was able to give you some advice (she’s in the Himalayas right now!). Definitely include me on your email list. Thanks, Lisa, see you at your bon voyage party! 😉
Beth Flintoff
SO EXCITING!
DL
Nice letter. Why wasn’t it sent to me for approval first??!!
mark berman
holy moly — am I ever jealous!!!! have a fabulous time
Kelly Daugherty
Hi Lisa
Well, way to go man! Congratulations on your big decision and I’m sure you will have a time of your life, you will never ever forget! I’m very disappointed though to see “possibly Africa” 😉
If you tour around the world and don’t do South Africa at least, I think you’re well aware that you’ll have a big gap in your whole experience! Hehe We will be happy help you with any touring plans you may want to make in South Africa and even be willing to give you some recommendations of what you should see at least when you’re going there. So excited for you and a little jealous as well, but good jealousy just to show that it’s a opportunity of a life time.
Well, I’m sure you’re busy with lots of planning, etc. but you must let us know how your schedule looks like next week or the week after. We should definitely get together sometime, so I can introduce you to my wife, Elmarie – before you’re going away party..
Hope you have a great weekend.
Gabriel LeRoux
Hey,
This is a nice email and a really good idea! I bet you’ll get some more good connections. Wish I could help out in that regard but I just can’t think of anyone that I’ve kept in contact with in other countries. If I think of anyone, you’ll be the first to know!
AR
Damn Lubin!!!,
Must be nice to take a year off like that. I am impressed and happy for you. Obviously all is well with you in Chicago. No big news here.
I spent a month in Australia for the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney and had a blast!!! Folks very nice and loved my accent. Some thought I was from either Texas or…get this…new jersey! Wow!
We took a day long sight seeing trip from Sydney to go whale watching…petting farm…vineyards…and you could drink the whole time! We fell in love with one of their beers, Victoria Bitters…VB…cannot get it here yet. We also stayed on Bondi Beach for our week of R & R after games.
Swiss Grand Hotel, very nice! not a typical nasty beach motel. Topless beach right below….nice bars and restaurants. But there are several little beaches and you’ll be going when it is height of summer. Hot as Hell !
I miss seeing you. Hope all is well with everyone else around you.
Your old bud,
JD
Good going!
Too bad you’re not starting in Europe -We’re going to Italy with friends Sept 8- 21- it would have been cool to meet you there. Will you be out east before you go? I may look into a cooking course as well. Did you do any prelim research you can share?
Is this the email address you’ll be monitoring on the road?
Advice: Have the best time, Stay away from wild birds.
michael fields
Lisa, you are my hero! You’re the perfect person to be doing this. It’s so cool
to see people who are not afraid to live their dreams. My parents have lived in
the same house for 44 years. Can you imagine. So, when is the book coming out?!
As far as advice, I’ve never been out of the US so I’m not much help, but
you’ve got me cheering you on! Wahooo!
Hugs,
Vickie
Hi Lisa,
What a great idea! Thanks for including me on your list of recipients. It’s always nice hearing from (I hesitated to write it, but…”old”) classmates! It’s been a long time since the reunion!
I’m not sure if you remember, but I live in Kristiansand, Norway (the southern tip of Norway, a ferry ride from northern Denmark). I’ve been here for 10 years and now have two kids. Amanda is 5 and Alexander is 3. You met my wife, Eirin, the reunion. It would be great if you chose to travel here. We’d love to have you visit. We have plenty of room and the late spring\summer months are beautiful here in Norway (well, as long as it isn’t raining!). I’ve had a family and friends visit before and they’ve all enjoyed the small city and nature around Kristiansand. I’ve also taken most of our visitors on a day trip to Stavanger to hike to a place called Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock). See this link for some pics: http://www.preikestolen.org/webutleie/engelsk/index1-e.htm
I’ve traveled a bit to Singapore and this year I’ve been to Shanghai 3 times already. I see you haven’t listed China as a destination, but it is definitely an experience. I was there just 2 weeks ago, walking in a popular restaurant area when I heard my last name called. Surprised, I looked around and right in front of me was (I found out) Scott Lau (brother of Eric Lau, from our class). He has lived in Shanghai for 3 years now and really enjoys it. Singapore is a beautiful place, and very safe for travelers. It is a bit expensive, but if you’re in the area, it is a good starting point for visits to Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur is a few hours away) and Indonesia (Bali is a 2 our flight).
Please do add me to your list. I would love to follow your journey around the world. I’ve got some friends\colleagues in several European countries, but I think I remember that you’ve been thru Europe quite a bit. Hungary, Bulgaria, the Czech republic, Greece and Spain are very popular places to travel to here, and I know a few people who live in Hungary also.
Anyhow, it would be fun to folowo along and chat with you. Please keep in touch!
-Chris Ponzi
Are you psyched or what?!!!! How exciting!! How did it go telling work and everyone??? We are thrilled for your big adventure and please add us to your email list … we want to hear every detail!
Jim & Jen Ward
Hi Lisa —
Please place me on your email list. This trip sounds amazing.
It’s orientation week for me starting tomorrow and there is this session regarding trips around Australia. I’ll forward on any/all useful info.
Keep in touch —
Kay Kim
Lisa – this sounds amazing! I will forward to my parents who have a good friend – I think in Sydney and
to my friend whose sister is in Australia. You won’t be in England? I have contacts there if you are. Are
you still with your boyfriend – if so, will he be joining you? I’ll give some more thought to this – to see what other contacts I may have.
Will be back in touch soon-
Katie Bence
GOOD FOR U…THAT SOUNDS INCREDIBLE…..PLS KEEP IN TOUCH ALONG THE WAY!!!!! & ENJOY!!!!!!
LOVE, ILENE FAIRCHILD
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please add us to your email list!
Jim & Connie Taylor
Hey Lisa! Wow! What an adventure! I’d love to give you some travel ideas but my biggest adventures lately are driving to Utah to see my parents (only 2 & 1/2 hours away!) I am so excited for you! Since I don’t foresee the time or $$$ for myself to make a trip like that, I’ll live vicariously through you! Keep me updated! I hope you have a fun & safe trip! If you ever make it to Vegas, let me know!
Joanne Paige
I’d love to get pictures and hear about all the fascinating things you’re going to see and do.
You said you’re starting in the U.S. Are you going to visit all 50 states?
Stu Meadows
Of course i want to be included on the emails. Would hunt you down and kill you if not!
Will impart any and all travel wisdom over the next few months — i promise.
Where are you thinking in Turkey? And for how long? Any ideas? I have done some travelling in western Turkey so if you will primarily be there, I will probably meet you in Dubai. Or, possibly in Asia (Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore). I guess it will depend on when you’ll be there, for how long, your itinerary, etc. But, i will likely meet you somewhere for a week or two. Can’t wait!!!
Renee Street
Lisa,
Best of luck in your world travels – should be an incredible experience!
Take care and safe travels.
Dave, Venessa & Aimee Fawley
Lisa,
I am so excited for you! I think what you are doing is absolutely fabulous and I definitely want to be on your email list! Morgan knows a lot of people in Europe from his travels / foreign exchange students over the years, so I will be sure to ask him to give you some names and numbers.
Do you think you will be in CA at all during your US travels? I thought it couldn’t hurt to ask 🙂
Good luck and hope to hear from you soon! You will hear from Morgan soon…
Lv,
Bridget
Hello Lisa,
Great to hear from you. I’m so glad that you’ll soon be embarking on your dream trip. It sounds like the journey of a lifetime!!!
Take care and keep me posted on your travels.
Rick Henry
congratulations! wow what an adventure–where in the world is Lisa? This is a dream trip–esp. for a history nerd like me. How did you select the order of countries? sorry, I can not think of any contacts–but I’ll check with friends who have relatives– if you come to Westchester I can take you shopping!!–hey–is there a job opening at ABC? Create a documentary and Mark can produce the film!
how do you pack for the trip?–imagine all the different food you will be trying–although there is probably a McDonalds everywhere–
good luck,
Mary Ellen Slattery
I am so happy and jealous. You deserve only the best. I love the Journal. Can’t wait to read it when you come back. Still thinking that we may meet you next summer somewhere? Is Greece on your list?
Love you very much,
Shannon Lubin
How exciting. Please put me on the list. If I think of any good contacts for you, I’ll let you know.
GO girl.. have a blast!
Blessings,
Kara Gormley
Hello Lisa,
I just wanted to drop you a quick note and say Congratulations!!!! Your world trip sounds outstanding and I am so happy for you.
Take care,
Emily Shagley
I’m so proud of you for doing this!!!! I’ve been thinking about it non-stop and telling all of my friends about what you’re doing. My job has been crazy– which is why I hadn’t gotten back to you yet. We’re launching 2 new newscasts next week, we just launched a new set and new graphic look, and we went tapeless on Monday… so my hours have been all over the place. I’m working nights for the next few weeks.
Anyway, since I read your email I’ve been considering a place I can meet you somewhere along your trip. Italy sounds fun.. with the cooking class… and I think you mentioned taking a photography class or something there? Two things I absolutely LOVE!!! (did I tell you I’ve been taking some black and white photog. classes thru the Smithsonian?) And if you’re not getting to Italy ’til next April, it gives me time to plan. Is there anyone already meeting you on that leg of your trip? Would another place work out better for me? It all sounds so exciting… and so… YOU!! I think it’s the perfect thing.
Let me know about meeting you somewhere. I can’t wait to hear more about your plans and stuff.
Miss you!!!!!
Love,
Holly Burdick
I’m really going to miss you too…:) !
But let’s not get sappy…it’s your last day and we’re getting wasted at the Cubs game!
I’m really happy for you…:)…and it seems like this is the happiest you’ve been since I’ve known you! I really have a feeling that you’re on the right path. You’re creating your own destiny and that’s awesome! I’m so excited for you…I can’t even imagine how excited you must be! 🙂
Noodles! 😉
Cathy
Don’t forget to add me to your list!
Hey Lisa,
I am SO EXCITED for you!!! Congratulations on making this big decision. I’m so glad to see that you’re setting up projects along the way (photography, learning Spanish, etc.) My biggest advice is to try as much as possible to do something “productive” as you travel. Just traveling for the sake of travel gets old pretty quick. You could even build houses with Habitat as you travel. Habitat is everywhere and you can always find nice people at the affiliates! I have some good friends, Steve and Kris Little, who work for Habitat in Costa Rica. I’m sure they would be happy to help you if needed.
You should also consider some money-making ventures as you travel – there are lots of travel magazines that I’m sure would love to publish your stories (you can make at least $300 – $600 an article, maybe more depending on the size of the magazine). In fact, I’m helping a friend of mine in California, Mary Hamilton, start up a new magazine called ROAD TRIP! MAGAZINE. It’s a very cool and very hip publication. I’m forwarding Mary your e-mail and you may be hearing from her.
You should also consider perhaps producing some stories for your station (I did that) and/or Travel Channel. Do you have a video camera?
Please call if I can offer any other advice. Sounds like you’re right on track!
Have a blast!
Faith
[…] loved traveling and I guess I must put out this strong and independent vibe. I even have these two posts on my site, that round-up all the responses I received. I am really glad I documented them, […]