Re-entry
Getting back into the swing of things; some career milestones; media opps; and more
We’ve been back in Amsterdam for four days after a month in the States, and I’ve got flip-flop tan lines, restocked stashes of Crest toothpaste and Annie’s mac and cheese, and a nasty case of jetlag. Last night, I finally fell asleep around 3 a.m. (though part of the reason might have been that I scared myself silly before bedtime watching new episodes of Unsolved Mysteries, oopsies). Let’s hope the third cup of coffee I just knocked back does the trick.
We’ve been making the transatlantic trip at least once annually for the past four-plus years, and I’ve come to accept that the first few days after returning from the U.S. is a discombobulating slog, both physically and mentally. Gratitude for being in our own space again, juxtaposed against missing my family and friends and all the things I love about the States (free refills, actual customer service, smoke-free public spaces). Exhaustion from a redeye, yet relief in the familiar rhythms of a routine. Melancholy over the prospect of summer and sunshine being replaced by dark, rainy days, interspersed with the delicious anticipation of spooky season right around the corner (if you’re a new reader, you’ll soon discover that it’s always Halloween in my soul). Excitement over a new school year, enmeshed with an ever-growing longing for time to just slow down already.
An expat friend once told me the best thing about living abroad is feeling like you have two lives. I suppose that’s true in some sense, but for me, it’s also the hardest: It’s impossible to feel like I’m not missing something in one of them. So for now, as the fog hopefully continues to clear, I’m trying to be as present as possible wherever I am. Like here, in my tiny home office, writing this newsletter again. It’s good to be back.
Career Milestones
I’m proud to say I added a couple of feathers to my career cap over the summer. First, I was invited earlier this year to join as faculty for the Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference in Corte Madera, California, in August.
This was a biggie for me, because when I first attended this event (which just celebrated its 32nd year) as an eager but green travel writer about two decades ago, I told myself if I was ever among the esteemed faculty members — who include some big names in travel writing and photography — it would be a sign I had achieved some level of success in this insane industry. So I was tickled pink to be asked by conference chair (and one of the most beloved humans in travel writing) Don George to join the faculty this year. I spoke on panels alongside Kimberley Lovato, Jill Robinson, and Michael Shapiro about freelance journalism: the good, the bad, and the very, very ugly (indemnification clauses, I’m looking at you). It was a privilege, a pleasure, and a blast, and I hope my cherished green faculty name tag is the first of many.
A close second was being asked by an editor I frequently write for to fill in during her summer vacation. I jumped at this excellent opportunity to dip my toes back into editing, which I did for several years in a contract position and have since sorely missed. It was a hectic and fantastic experience — and a great refresher course on what editors are up against these days. I’ll be doing a full post on that soon, so stay tuned. (And if you know of any other temporary editor opportunities I might be a fit for, please send them my way!)
I also had a couple of features published in National Geographic (linked below; sadly, soon thereafter, major cuts were announced at the publication. Sigh.). Finally, a story I’ve been itching to write was accepted by another big pub (y’all know I don’t want to jinx anything, but I’ll of course share when it’s live).
As I’ve said before, the journalism industry is brutal these days. So I’m not being shy anymore about celebrating the bright spots (and, as freelancers, if we don’t celebrate our successes, who will?).
Recently Published Stories
This piece for NatGeo about must-do experiences in Amsterdam, along with this one about unique hotels (there were so many more properties I wanted to include but just didn’t have the space for).
For Travel + Leisure, a first-person review of 7132 Hotel in Vals, Switzerland
For AARP, a service piece on how to pack with just a personal item on your flight
For AFAR, a news story about how Hurricane/Tropical Storm Debby could affect your travel plans
Also for AFAR, an intel piece on this three-room airplane suite, which is among the most exclusive in commercial aviation (raising my hand if an editor ever needs a first-person review)
Media Opps
For a national pub (I’ll share the name via email), I’m looking to speak with travel advisors who can give specific recommendations for uncrowded destinations where they’re sending their clients. Please send an email with 2-3 sentences about the source, their credentials, the destination(s), and why they’re recommending it/them, to blanebachelor@gmail.com by Weds., Aug. 28 (the earlier, the better).
And That’s a Wrap
Whew, that was a loooong one today, gang! If you’re still with me, I’m so grateful. And if you’re newly subscribed, welcome! I’m tickled pink you’re here. Finally, if you’re one of the fine folks who have pledged money when I turn on paid subscriptions, the heartiest of thanks for supporting my work with your wallet. (A paid version is coming soon, but media opps will always remain in the free version.) As always, I’m eager to hear from any/all of you about what you like, what you don’t, and what you’d like to see more (or less) of.
Hope you’re enjoying the last few days of summer (sniff, sniff), wherever you are in the world.
Ciao for now,
Blane
Congratulations on your achievements! It is always enjoyable when things come full circle.