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Imagine Going There Travel
770.421.9627
www.ImagineGoingThere.com
For Culture-Collecting Clients & Friends of Imagine Going There Travel THE COMPASS
DECEMBER 2022
Taking the ‘Sting’ Out of Hosting
Did You Know ...
Marksburg Castle, of the Rhine’s 40 hilltop fortresses, is the only one which was never destroyed. Kinderdijk is comprised of 19 windmills built from 1738–1740 and today is a UNESCO Site. The organ in Passau’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral is considered the world’s largest Catholic church organ; it has 17,974 pipes.
“This neighborhood has gotten a little icy,” my daughter said after coming home for a visit. We need to have a neighborhood get- together to connect again … why don’t we do a Friendsgiving? It had been a long time since we had an HOA-sponsored event, and she was right: Relationships were getting a little rusty. Her idea was to set up tables on the big green field by our house and we’d contribute chili and dessert with others bringing a dish to add to the menu. While the weather was unseasonably warm when we planned it, the cold snap came quickly and
Do I Really Need Travel Insurance?
Insurance is especially important if you’re a single traveler. If one guest has to cancel for a covered reason, the other can still go on the trip. Insurance will cover the increased single-supplement cost or you can cancel and get a refund if you’d rather not go at all. Several years ago, there was a small group of us going on an ocean cruise, and my mother-in- law and her friend were joining us. Her friend got very ill about three weeks prior to travel and had to cancel. If Mom had not had travel insurance, her cost would have doubled through no fault of her own. Since she had insurance, she was able to travel and have the room to herself with no extra fees. Travel insurance protects you from those unwelcome surprises that are out of your control.
Mekeilah (w/ Danica), John, Meredith, Becky, Doug (w/ Dakota) & Carol
with a vengeance as the date got closer. Someone responded that, while they would have liked to come, being outside for two hours in 40 F-degree weather was not going to work for them. Frankly, I didn’t want to be standing out in the cold either, and realized we needed to bring the event indoors. While we only have about 66 homes in our subdivision, I wasn’t sure how many would actually attend (RSVPs seem optional these days!), nor how many would fit in our house! However, there really wasn’t an alternative: either cancel it or open our home. So, we modified the invitations and figured the rest of the details would have to work themselves out.
We had about 35 neighbors that day and had the best time! Doug made tons of his legendary chili, and we enjoyed all the wonderful dishes that were shared. We visited with old friends and got to know new ones as well. Later, I received a card that said, “Thanks so much for having the event the other day. It was gracious of you to open up your home. Also, it was a great time visiting with our neighbors.” A few days later, we were headed to South Carolina for Thanksgiving. It’s our favorite holiday in large part because my brother and sister-in-law practice an open-door policy and their table expands CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 ...
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Great Vacations Matter Because Great Memories Matter Most
Team Spotlight: Terri Lewis Terri Lewis has a special place on our team. Ever the creative, she spent most of her life spinning gold with her hands and transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary. You might get to meet her at one of our Viking luncheons, where she makes the food look beautiful and graciously serves our guests. But when not at an event, you’ll find her working behind the scenes as our Surprise Specialist. (You might ask what I mean by that, but I can’t tell — it would ruin the surprise!)
Growing up, Terri was always creating something magical with her hands. Between handmade cards, specialty cakes, or hosting magnificent dinner parties, she always managed to delight others through her creativity. Before joining IGT, she directed activities for residents at a senior living home. One thing she noted was how many of them said, “I wish I had taken the time to travel more … I thought I had more time,” and loved hearing them relive their travel memories. She now enjoys seeing all the Viking itineraries and imagining what our clients will experience on their upcoming vacations.
Terri has been married to her husband Kent for 41 years, and they have a miracle child, Chris, after six previous losses. Her favorite part about working with IGT? “I enjoy helping clients more than I could have imagined, and am thankful to be a part of enhancing their journeys!”
How the Grinch Stole Our Hearts BEHIND THE TIMELESS CHRISTMAS TALE
As regularly as Rudolph does, the Grinch appears on our television screens every December. Despite his negative attitude and nefarious intentions, the protagonist of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” remains a family favorite more than 55 years after the animated TV special first aired.
Jones, eventually persuaded him to reconsider. Still, the story required some changes. Jones assigned the Grinch his signature green color, and the Grinch’s dog, Max, was given a more prominent role to increase the special’s runtime. But the songs were the most important of all. The TV special contains nine total musical numbers, the most famous featuring lyrics only Dr. Seuss could have written. “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” is a hilariously clever song and a highlight of the program. The filmmakers also secured a big win in the voice talents of horror movie legend Boris Karloff, who provided an alternatingly sneering and tender tone to the production. Thanks to its full animation technique featuring 25,000 drawings, Variety says “The Grinch” may have been the most
expensive television special made until that time. Later, Hollywood upped the ante with a live-action adaptation in 2000 and an animated full-length film in 2018. Both movies were box office successes, but neither has overtaken the 26-minute TV special as our favorite way to enjoy the Grinch. Why does the Grinch endure? Dr. Seuss based the character on himself, so it may be that there’s a little bit of the Grinch in all of us. Unlike that other well-known holiday-hater Ebenezer Scrooge, he gives those who aren’t full of Christmas cheer a favorable mascot. The Grinch’s wild schemes and comical complaints are more fun than menacing, and his story produces a reliably happy ending. As its greatest gift, an annual viewing can leave even the most hardened Grinch feeling as if their own heart has grown a size or two.
The Grinch’s transformation into a cultural icon began with a 1957
children’s book. Author Dr. Seuss had recently experienced great success with “The Cat in the Hat” and was a hot commodity. He published “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” later that same year, and the black-and-white book was an instant smash. The story might have ended there if Dr. Seuss had his way. Dr. Seuss was protective of his creations and didn’t trust them in anyone else’s hands, but his filmmaker friend, Chuck
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“It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.” —MOTHER TERESA
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to embrace all who can come. While it’s a lot of work, they are undaunted by the task. This Thanksgiving, my niece, Becky, came with her four kids and two foster babies (!), and she shared that she and John host their home group twice a month. When I asked how many come, she said they average 35 people (including children!) and love the time they spend with them growing deeper in their friendships. As I reflected on these events, I realized I had let hosting (large or small) events become a way bigger deal in my head than it needed to be. Consequently, I was missing out on some great opportunities to reconnect with both potential and too-long-neglected friends. So, here are some things I gleaned from our neighborhood event as well as examples from my extended family: 1. RELAX — No one is expecting “pheasant under glass,” on the menu or your home to be perfect. As the saying goes: “If you’re coming to see me, come any time. If you’re coming to see my house, make an appointment.” 2. KEEP IT SIMPLE — Paper plates, bowls, and plastic ware are fine. Water is a beverage. An 8-foot table with a disposable tablecloth in the living room provides for extra seating if needed. Don’t sweat it. 3. LET OTHERS HELP — Potlucks are fun! Let others bring their old (or new!) favorites. Not only does it bring the element of surprise to the menu, but it also prevents too much of the burden from being on the hosts. 4. REMEMBER THE POINT — Many people feel isolated, especially after the last two years of reduced interaction. Now, everyone seems busy and most realize it’s not easy working another event into the schedule. They will appreciate your efforts and will be grateful you took the initiative to connect.
Cranberry-Apple Cobbler
Delicious served with ham or turkey or as a dessert with ice cream.
Ingredients • 4 large tart apples, peeled, cored, and diced • 2 cups fresh cranberries • 3/4 cup sugar
For the topping: • 1 cup quick-cooking oats • 1/2 cup brown sugar • 1/3 cup flour • 1/2 cup chopped pecans • 1/2 cup butter, melted
Give this relaxed approach to hosting a try. Dust off the welcome mat, turn on the porch light, and do an impromptu get-together. Then let me know if you enjoy it as much as we did! —Carol Shaddix
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix together apples, cranberries, and sugar in a 2-quart casserole dish. 2. Combine dry ingredients and pour over the top of apple mixture. Top with melted butter. 3. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until golden brown and bubbly.
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Great Vacations Matter Because Great Memories Matter Most
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770.421.9627 | www.ImagineGoingThere.com 3600 Dallas Hwy, Suite 230-215, Marietta, GA 30064
Everything you love about Viking, only better! A great destination is just one part of an amazing vacation. Just like having a master chef prepare your meal at your favorite restaurant, as one of Viking’s largest representatives, we’ve booked these vacations countless times. We intuitively know how to enhance the outcome of your experience so it consistently delivers above and beyond your expectations (and know when those special promotions such as extra shipboard credit or free airfare are available that you might not know about). Whether you are interested in an individual reservation or want to travel together as a group, call 770.421.9627 for your free consultation on how to make your next vacation even better than you expected! Tip: If you’ve already booked direct with Viking in the last 60 days, contact us to add some additional bonuses to your reservation!
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TAKING THE ‘STING’ OUT OF HOSTING
TEAM SPOTLIGHT: TERRI LEWIS
YOU’RE A MAINSTAY, MR. GRINCH
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CRANBERRY-APPLE COBBLER
TALES FROM OUR SAILS
TRAVELING WITH DONNA AND STEVEN Tales From Our Sails
It’s often said life is too short; so, we must make the most of each day, and how true this is! Donna and Steven have taken the opportunity to seize each moment in retirement by exploring all the world has to offer, courtesy of Viking Cruises! They’ve been around the world — quite literally from port to port! So far, they’ve been passengers on five Viking ocean cruises and two Viking river cruises, all of which have shared the same five-star experience with variety and surprises, too! “While the river cruises offer the opportunity to have a bit more of an intimate adventure, ocean cruises are our favorite because more travelers are on board,” Donna and Steven tell us. “This allows us to meet more people and to have more friends to dine with while cruising and to explore with on excursions.” “If we had to choose a favorite Viking experience thus far, it would be the Viking Homelands cruise in which we had the opportunity to visit Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany,
and Poland,” they say. “There is no better way to visit all of these countries in just one trip.” Donna and Steven highly recommend this adventure to everyone. From the pristine, clean destinations to the knowledgeable tour guides to the breathtaking sights, traveling on board Viking is the best way to see it all.
“When it comes to Viking Cruises, the crew is spectacular and makes you feel comfortable, welcome, and right at home,” they say. They explained that while on board, you are away
from home and out at sea, and the Viking crew does everything possible to make it happen for you. “Carol with Imagine Going There is also a fabulous resource and personal connection. Even while on board, she guides you through everything you need to know.” Donna and Steven, thanks so much for sharing your experiences with us! We wish you fun, exciting, and safe travels on your two upcoming Viking adventures!
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