Back in incredibly hot Florence, I bring you this week’s Suzy Stumbles Over Travel. I recently asked on Twitter to see if people were still enjoying this segment as the amount of submissions had dropped off significantly. While everyone expressed that they were still enjoying the stumbling, I received only 11 submissions this week. If you would like to see this segment continue, I strongly encourage you to submit posts you enjoy or your own travel posts and get the word out about this opportunity in any way you can. I enjoy reading and hopefully helping bring in some traffic for others. I would like to continue doing so, but if there are no submissions, I can’t really do my job. I will use this week as a test to see if the submissions increase before making a decision about the segment.
Just in case you are new here, each week I ask writers and readers to submit their favorite travel posts in the comment box below. I read each submission, comment on the post, stumble the piece on Stumbleupon and tweet every submission on Twitter. On the following Monday, I profile the five favorites of the previous week. The cycle continues.
You have until the end of the day on Saturday (US Mountain Time) to submit your post. Please only submit one link per person each week. Leave the link to the post in the comment box below. Be sure to subscribe to my stumbles on Stumbleupon and follow me on Twitter to make sure I get to your post.
The 5 Favorites of Last Week
“Khmer Rouge genocide: remembering the horror” From What’s Dave Doing
Submitted by Dave
So much of travel is viewing places of tragedy or horrific history. You have to look but you almost don’t want to. Dave takes the reader through the Killing Fields in Cambodia, detailing the horror and heaviness that comes when viewing a place where thousands upon thousands of people died not so peaceful deaths. His words are powerful and indelible, making for a gripping, emotional travel read.
“To The Top of Mountain Washington Auto Road!” From Travel With Teens and Tweens
Submitted by Mary T
Mary and her teen make their way up to the top of Mount Washington in New Hampshire. The 6,288-foot tall mountain boasts some of the most extreme weather in the world, including what was once the highest wind ever observed by man. Not only is this a great informational post if you are thinking about making the drive up, but it sounds like such an unusual place. It’s hard to imagine people used to go up Mount Washington in a house drawn carriage. The photos accompanying this post are also worth a look for a bit of travel inspiration.
“Success and Letting Go” From Over Yonderlust
Submitted by Erica
Before Erica and Shaun take off on their big trip, they must battle definitions of success at home. Often times we forget that by traveling, we are usually stepping outside the norm. People in our offices may perceive us as crazy or unsuccessful, but that isn’t the case. Erica comes to terms with office politics, success and letting go of it all to explore other passions like their travel site and photography. I am all for people following their passions. That aspect is so key to travel.
“The Sounds of Home” From Grounded Traveler
Submitted by Andrew
Travel and home are often two different things, but Andrew explores the idea that home is just a feeling. The sounds that fill our travels can often remind us of those feelings as it does for Andrew. After living in Germany for some time now, Andrew gets a taste of some sounds of home, only instilling nostalgia in him for his southern roots. This post had me digging into my travels to think of moments when sounds from home made their way on my traveling path. Perhaps those familiar voices or languages help keep a little bit of home with us wherever we go.
“India: Day 5 (Part 3)” From My Beautiful Adventures
Submitted by Andi
Closing out this week, Andi takes us for a ride on an elephant in India with this richly colored photo post. I found the photos told a story of her 20-minute experience, reminding me that a cab ride can really be so much more than that in another part of the world. From her “driver” to the colorful painted decoration on the elephants, she captures a great deal of emotion and feeling.
Don’t forget to submit your favorite post of the week in the comment box below.
From Dave:
Thanks so much for including my article Suzy – pleased you liked it!
From Andi:
Oh my gosh, I love the way you recapped my post! It was absolutely perfect. Thanks a million for including my article. Have a gorgeous week!!!
From Travel with Teens and Tweens:
Thanks so much for including us. We love this segment, hope you keep doing it
From Erica:
Thank you Suzy!
I don’t know about anyone else but I try not to bother you every week with my posts. I feel like I’m spamming you. :X
From Cam:
Hi Suzy,
This is my first attempt at submitting a post, so excuse my ignorance to your protocol!
We recently posted an article about the Indian tuk tuk experience. We’ve had a lot of good feedback, so thought this would be a goodie to add to your weekly review. Check it out here:
http://travelingcanucks.com/2010/06/india-transportation-india-tuk-tuk/
Cheers!
Cam and Nicole
From Sam:
Hi Suzy,
Please find my suggestion below:
Walking on volcanoes in flip flops http://samtanner.wordpress.com/2010/07/03/walking-on-volcanoes-in-flip-flops/
Thanks
Sam
From Sarah V.:
I’ve gotten some fun comments on this post, but I’d love to see more!
10 Signs You’re Obsessed with Travel: http://wandering-off.blogspot.com/2010/07/10-signs-youre-obsessed-with-travel.html
Thanks for doing this segment!
From boldlygosolo:
Hi Suzy,
Love your stumble idea.
I too didn’t want to send too many blog posts each week. But here’s another that I think readers might like. It includes a video from a horse and carriage in Luxor, Egypt, and the sound of the call to prayer that emanates from speakers around Egyptian cities five times a day.
http://bit.ly/ds3i9l
From Ed Loessi:
Hi Suzy,
How about some adventure travel – http://www.duvine.com/blog/index.php/2010/05/20/adventure-travel-jordan-video-blog-duvine-tv/
Thanks,
Ed
http://www.twitter.com/duvinetouring
From Wandering Justin:
Oh, I’ve got one for ya alright: I’m in Iceland eating the country’s signature dish – rotten shark meat!
http://wanderingjustin.com/2010/07/wandering-justin-eats-hakarl/
From Benny:
Hey Suzy!
Sorry we’ve been stuck in Mozambique for 5 days trying to get to Malawi after chilling at a school and dominating amazing beaches. That aside, not long ago we were in The Gambia. It might be the smallest country in Africa but it’s a pretty sweet gig – Here’s the one and only Gambia!
http://www.amateursinafrica.com/featured/the-one-and-only-gambia/
Hope things are fantastic! We will always love the segment even if African internet means we can’t see it every week – Cheers, Benny.
From Ashley:
I love this series because you always have posts seen yet! And I’d hate to see it end, so I submit my post on how I deal with leaving my dog at home while I travel – http://bit.ly/bIxegx
From Lilliane / wanderlass:
been obsessing with some stuff that i’ve no new post this week.. but follow candie, traveling solo for the first time. she’s in Malaysia now attending the World EcoTourism Conference.
http://su.pr/4BtVwK <–another elephant story
From Camden Luxford:
Hi Suzy – like Erica I always feel a bit spammy, but if the segment is at stake you can expect a post a week!
Here’s my contribution this week, a photo essay on Bolivia’s Isla del Sol.
http://brinkofsomethingelse.com/2010/07/bolivias-isla-del-sol-in-photos/
Have a good week,
Cam
From Shane @ The Working Traveller:
Hi Suzy,
Happy Birthday. I’ve only just discovered this feature and I hope you keep it going. Here’s something about volunteering on a rice farm in Malaysia:
http://web.me.com/unbravegirl/Unbravegirl/Blog/Entries/2010/7/7_rice_farm_wrap-up__everything_I_need_to_know_I_learned_on_a_rice_farm_in_southern_malaysia.html
From Sasha:
Hi Suzy,
I’ve just posted the first of a 4 part series on Chinese scams, based on the many times I seem to have been scammed! Hope you enjoy the read! http://onurwaytravel.com/art-of-chinese-scams/
Cheers
From MaryAnne Oxendale:
I love your stumbles: don’t stop!
My submission: fast food adapts: http://www.ephemeraanddetritus.com/2010/07/08/101-things-about-shanghai-fast-food-for-sino-taste-buds/
From Dina:
Hey Suzy! How are you doing? It’s been a while since I’m back active in the internet world – for the past one month or so, internet has been iffy. Well, here I would like to submit my article
This is on how we fit the South Island of New Zealand in two weeks. Hope you enjoy it
http://www.vagabondquest.com/new-zealand/new-zealands-south-island-our-two-week-road-trip-itinerary/
From Keith:
Since I want this series to continue, I present my submission for this week: http://www.traveling-savage.com/2010/07/08/a-thirsting-wild-the-traditional-travel-up-north/
Thanks Suzy.
From Erica:
As I would hate to let you down as well as see this segment go away, I am providing you with links until you tell me to stop.
http://overyonderlust.com/partners-in-crime-the-traveling-duo/
From Roxanne:
Hi Suzy! I really enjoyed this week’s submissions, especially the Khmer Rouge post. Below is my account from a year of living and working as a conflict resolution professional in war zones around the world. I hope you enjoy it!
http://stagonastithalassa.blogspot.com/2010/07/year-in-lists-and-numbers.html
From Adam:
Always good submissions. I definitely don’t want to see this go away. I always get many good reads out of this, both in your choices and what everyone else links in their comments.
Here’s my submission for the week.
“Do American Travelers Get a Bad Rap?”
http://www.journeyofatravelwriter.com/do-american-travelers-get-a-bad-rap/
Thanks again. aseper on twitter.
From Jessica Marsden:
Looks like you got a ton of submissions this week! Here’s mine, about how to pass the time on a Trans-Siberian train: http://tochinaandbeyond.com/2010/07/how-to-spend-30-hours-on-a-train/
From Todd:
Hi Suzy,
I think people really rallied this week to get you posts and show you how much we enjoy your segment. I hope you keep with it!
Here’s my post for the week: http://www.toddswanderings.com/2010/07/3-strategies-to-help-you-succeed-and-travel-the-world.html
From Amanda:
Well it seems like I’m not the only one who doesn’t want to see this segment disappear! Lots of great entires this week.
I had difficulty choosing something to share this time around, beacause a lot of my recent posts have just been photo essays from my recent trip to Seattle/Alaska/Canada.
But here’s one that’s a little different. It’s about the family vacation, and how considering a cruise could be a good option. I know a lot of self-professed “travelers” don’t view cruising as an authentic travel experience, but I think the no-hassle aspect of spending a week at sea is perfect for the whole family.
http://dangerousbusiness.wordpress.com/2010/07/09/making-a-case-for-cruises-why-they-make-good-family-vacations/
From Jenneil:
Hey Suzy, thanks for the opportunity to submit my post.
In my endless search for the perfect hybrid backpack for our upcoming rtw, I decided to write about it.
http://www.hellomeetworld.com/jenneilsblog/index_files/Endless-Search-Perfect-Backpack.html
In the post, I also mention that Kamiliun Bags is having a competition where you can have a bag designed just for you, but you have to hurry since the deadline is 7/12/10 (I have no connection to Kamiliun Bags)
From Globetrooper Lauren:
Hi Suzy,
Hope you can have a read of Todd’s latest post for this week’s submission:
http://su.pr/6h0E9g
Thanks!
From Ali:
Hi Suzy! I thought I’d give this a try b/c what you’re doing sounds like a really great idea. I’m submitting a guest post I wrote for yTravelblog about my recent trip to Australia & how that trip changed me. It’s called What if Dorothy Had Stayed in Oz? Here’s the link to the guest post – http://www.ytravelblog.com/places/australia-places/what-if-dorothy-had-stayed-in-oz
Thanks!
From Andrew:
Hey, glad to see the big response this week. I will add to it.
Not one of my posts, but I ran across this one recently and it really spoke to me.
http://brookevstheworld.com/is-travel-all-sunshine-lollipops-and-rainbows/
Andy
From Michael Hodson:
The Kindness of Strangers (or not).
http://su.pr/2pFlsQ
From Matt:
I meant to submit this earlier, but kept losing track of time! Thanks!
Travel and Politics – Why it Matters
http://landlopers.com/2010/07/07/travel-politics-matters/