All posts by Gina Kingsley

Vintage Shopping in Lawrence

What helps make Lawrence, Kansas a “top ten college town?”—Massachusetts Street for one ….or “Mass Street” as they call it. On a recent college tour for our youngest son, we started off on Mass street to have a little lunch and pop into a recommended vintage store. We were familiar with the Vintage Mall but not a new store called Wild Man Vintage where our middle son has purchased items for theme parties.

Is it ironic that I have three sons and they’ve all inherited my passion for vintage fashion? Nurture or nature? It doesn’t matter! We share this bond and our vintage collection makes our closets full of fashion history.

My teenager was excited to discover “slacks” as my hubby and I call them. “People wore yellow pants??”, he asked. My husband found this humorous since many of the patterned slacks John looked at were identical to ones my husband, his brother and their father had. As John tried on some treasures, I admired the vintage hats.The hats got me thinking about “millinery”—the art of hat making and all the history that comes with that. How a hat tops off an outfit or look! We’ve gotten away from that and it’s too bad. I love my vintage hats and I often take them out of town to wear them with no second thought. My son found this fabulous jumpsuit. I added some aviators to it and voila!- he was TOP GUN!I thought he should wear it to his college tour and it happened to be a very unusually cold day for early April. He laughed off this suggestion and decided to keep it traditional for his first impression. I have a feeling this jumpsuit will make its appearance in the near future.I simply love these hats and how they are displayed against the vibrant background. Wild Man Vintage had many fabulous sunglasses to choose from, too. Some great purses and clutches adorned the wall….and the window display definitely represented the vibe inside.Put it on your list for next time you’re in Lawrence, Kansas! Take a walk on the wild side!

©Gina Michalopulos Kingsley

photos by Gina

Ziplining in Victoria, Canada

Victoria island in the British Columbia is a magical boat ride away from  stunning Vancouver.  This paradisal  island packs a punch when it comes to  providing a variety of vacation-worth excursions and sightseeing. While Vancouver itself is an unforgettable destination—Victoria will stay in your heart and beckon you back. 

Vacationing there with three young sons at the time provided us with some of our highest adventure thrills to date: zip lining and whale watching. With hotels along the bay, the charm of this trip is the pedestrian vibe, ease and access to all of Victoria’s beauty. We walked everywhere, rode pedi-cabs, shopped, dined, absorbed the entertainment of the street performers, watched the kayakers in the bay and danced along to the music of live bands. We drove our rental car (brought in on ferry boat from Vancouver by way of Spokane first so that we could also tour Seattle), to Sooke National Forest to zip line at a mythical looking rainforest. I was not planning on doing this so I took a book to read while my husband and sons did the 2-hour adventure. But, they talked me into it and being a boy mom, you eventually embrace the attitude–“If my kids can do it, I can, too!” I was terrified; I won’t lie. I said many, many prayers on those two hours in the tree tops.

We suited up and took a very bumpy and adventurous jeep ride up the mountain to the zip line range. I felt like I was envisioning what it must feel like to be in the jungles of Vietnam (from what you see in movies, etc.) The ATV ride alone was enough adventure for this 40 year old mom (at the time). “Can I get off, now? This was good enough!”.  But, no….I stayed with the group and followed the plan. Our youngest son was seven years old at the time and had to be tethered to a guide to do each zip line but he loved every minute of it. Our group consisted of our family of five and a few others…maybe 8-10 of us, total? We coached and supported each other through the scary parts. Being acrophobic and claustrophobic as I am, waiting on the tree top ledges was harder for me than the zip lining. If I can do this—ANYONE CAN DO THIS! I’m so glad that I did, too! Enjoying a forest from that perspective is other-worldly and I highly recommend it. Being at the height of a tree like that is a religious experience. Ziplining down a 2 minute long line 2,000 feet across   is a feat of faith and instills quite a bit of confidence and strength in your abilities. You’re not doing anything majorly athletic—it’s a test of your attitude that’s at work here.

smiling but very nervous
“we did it!”

On the ride back to our hotel in our rental car, we excitedly shared with each other all of our palpable emotions and visceral reactions. My husband was not ready to call it a day, though. While returning to the bay, he got the idea to to whale watching next in Zodiac boats. We suited up again–this time in wet suits and boarded the Zodiacs to shoot off into the sea and find whales. That’s an entirely separate blog! However, I will end this one stating that this was the highest adventure day to date on any of our vacations because of the back to back high speed adventures. I refer to it as our “Cardio Chaos in Canada.”

https://adrenalinezip.com

Tuscany Touring Treasures

Tuscan delights are limitless. Why do so many people equate Italian trip memories with the provincial beauty of Tuscany? It’s because it’s picturesque and full of character. The pastoral scenery seems boundless and the countryside pride is infectious. Villas and farms as far as the eye can see set among rolling hills and landscapes are the vistas to be encountered in beautiful Tuscany.

Organic farms, meadows and markets are so idyllic, they’ll saturate your senses. How do you plan a visit to Tuscany? or Umbria? Here are some suggestions:Stay at an organic farm villa, like Locanda Rosati in Umbria, near Orvieto, and several other majestic walled cities. While staying at Locanda Rosati, you can take day trips to Todi, Spolleto, Orvieto, San Gigminano and Siena.

Fit in a cooking class at your farm villa. You should dedicate a day for this or at least a half-day. At our cooking class experience in Umbria, the format included the following: take the class, pick the herbs on the property, relax while everything was cooking and the table was being set, change for dinner and then dine with a group of guests. As with anything, you need to leave time to charge up your camera, too. We wanted to savor this experience so it made sense not to be rushed by  trying to go into town and do other activities.

You’ll want to recreate the dishes back home, so audio or video record the class in case notes don’t make it home with you for some reason. An added touch to this experience is to bring some souvenirs from that location to go with  your recreated dinner party back home. It brings the “flavor” of that area back home with you and makes a good conversation starter and party favor. For example, easy to pack and flat placemats made with local textiles, pretty napkins, wines, chocolates or coffee from that region are ideas.

Other day trips/activities are to drive to Cinque Terre or go into one of the nearby towns for Chianti wine and olive oil tastings at a local winery. The Uffizi Gallery Tour in Florence is also popular. However, it is important to point out here that many tourists have decided the best way to absorb and enjoy a destination is to sit in a plaza, eat a pastry and people-watch. I LOVE museums and galleries but some tourists feel overwhelmed by these details. They work for the organized traveler who can fit it all in. But if this is not you, don’t stress about it. Shop and learn from the locals and take photographs of the vistas. It’s all good!

If traveling with kids, send them into the kid-friendly museums while the adults enjoy some cappuccino (or vino!) at a table in the square. Mom-kids outings and dad-kid outings gives the adults some alone time to decompress and recharge and it helps to break up all that togetherness.

Tuscany is one of the reasons that Italia is the most visited destination in the world. Ponder that while you’re savoring Italian food in an osteria or trattoria with some decadent Tuscan wine, cheese and pasta.

for more information on traveling in Italy, read the links below:

http://www.gypsyfamilytravel.com/wine-tour-of-italy/

Turkey Mountain of Tulsa…a fun hygge tradition.

We’ve all heard about winter hygge rituals of creating comfort during winter hibernation. People are mastering the winter hygge rituals. But what about the phase between Groundhog’s Day and Spring Break?? It’s still winter but the occasional teasing of a sunny day sandwiched in between dreary days gets us motivated to get outside for longer periods of time.

The lack of yard work at this phase and season is GLORIOUS! Homeowners get a break from all those hours of raking leaves, weeding, etc. But, all that extra time beckons us to get moving outside, especially when it’s a pretty day! One of our favorite go-to outings in Tulsa is Turkey Mountain. It’s easy to get to off the highway, the parking is good, and the trails are easy. Turkey Mountain is a little pocket of tranquility for hikers and their dogs!Turkey Mountain is a 300 acre wilderness area which includes two ponds and reportedly, petroglyphs. The inscriptions are believed to be made by pre-Columbian European travelers. Interestingly enough, it has also been rumored to have been a hobo shelter in the 1920’s! It is questionable, however, that Vikings ever traveled there….although that story has drawn many people to visit there.For us, Turkey Mountain is an inviting place to hike with our sons and dog (and cousins, even) and enjoy a quiet wilderness area within our city. The colors of green moss and russeted brush among the sandstone add to the calmness of the area. After some healthy hiking, we usually crave a brewery or even better….Coneys! 🙂

Our pre-Spring hygge or Fall hike have been traditions during these weekends of no yard work. And best of all, who can resist a trip out there when you have a truck and a water dog?! She makes everything more enjoyable and recreational. 

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland; Koumbara Kumbaya

The most anticipated landmark for my Iceland trip, the Blue Lagoon, is  considered one of the 25 natural wonders of the world and has many interesting factoids. Its geothermally heated seawater benefits the skin in numerous ways because of its rich minerals. After all of the excursions on our itinerary that were out in the cold, windy, earthy Iceland terrain, being in a hot body of water definitely was calling out to me!

from internet

This lagoon’s water comes from the geothermal plantation (Svartsengi) next to it. Changes and improvements in bather’s skin started to occur when people bathed in  the “waste” of the plantation. It is said to have healing powers from the algae, silica and other extremely healthy minerals thriving in the water. Heated at 100 degrees Fahrenheit all year long, the Blue Lagoon is said to be Iceland’s most famous attraction.

from internet

The photos of the lagoon are vivid sapphire, lapis lazuli, etc….because of the reflection of the sky and the contrast of the 800 year old lava but actually, the water is milky white. When we were there, it was night so we enjoyed an entirely different aspect of its allure. With a charcoal sky and one beam of light and a lit up bar in the lagoon, I noticed mostly teal and blue waters. We transitioned from fur hats, puffer jackets, layers of clothing, gloves and weather proof boots to bathing suits.The dark walk from the bus to the restaurant named Lava was eerie and divine. It definitely created a build-up of intense excitement. Being winter time, there’s a possibility in the forecast for the northern lights (Aurora Borealis) to be seen at the same time you’re at the Blue Lagoon. Two phenomena at once. 

Dinner at Lava was pretty delicious. I loved the effect of seeing the lava outside our window. Lamb fillet with potatoes, sourdough bread and the sumptuous Dark Horse Merlot wine was ideal for an Icelandic dish. The Icelandic lamb have been free roaming since 874, reportedly, and is a rare speciality of the wild pastures and it’s hormone free.

What a system for entering the lagoon! You get an electronic bracelet which lets you into your locker. You shower before and after you enter the extremely clean lagoon. On the 45 minute bus ride to and from the lagoon, I didn’t even snooze because I wanted to be wide awake and I kept looking at the sky hoping for the Aurora Borealis on our last night . (Our tour for that had been canceled the night before; the only hiccup of our trip.) I look forward to seeing it someday in another location, perhaps. Also, it gave us the chance to enjoy an amazing meal at Geiri Smart , a fabulously decorated mid-century modern restaurant next to our hotel in Reykjavik. The decor was mesmerizing and the food was insanely delish—-duck with sunchokes, kale, drizzled plum….sunchokes are the root of the sunflower. Surreal and quintessentially Icelandic.

As we gabbed away, I received a text from my sister who cleverly coined a phrase for our trip when she said, “I love all this koumbara kumbayaing you’re doing.” We laughed out loud. What a great play on words and totally what we were doing. For the non-Greek speaking readers, a koumbara, (female) koumbaro (male) or koumbaroi (plural, couple ) are the people who you’re “related to” by either baptism or marriage sacrament. They are either the Godparents of your children, or you baptized theirs, or they exchanged your bridal crowns on your head during the wedding ceremony. In this case, Melissa is my koumbara because she baptized our youngest son.  This Iceland trip was definitely a Koumbara Kumbaya.

The lagoon was very somber and relaxing…and oh so quiet; oh so still (as Bjork sings in her famous song). I tried the silica mask they give you in the lagoon as many of us were bobbing around with white silica masks on our faces.. (They also offer an algae mask).My friend and I took photos and then I heard Greek being spoken. “Melissa, do you hear that? They’re speaking Greek!” I introduced myself to three tourists from Greece and started conversing in Greek with them. They knew English, too, and they knew a few of our fellow Greek Oklahomans who were well known back in Greece. Small world. Big world.

We never saw the Aurora Borealis but we joked about it with this postcard.

Being our last night in Iceland, we drank a toast in a tavern in a booth surrounded by quirky, framed vintage photos and holiday music watching customers do a beer sampling. One last stroll through the illuminated, sparkly, chic town square, taking it all in before a long flight the next day. We powered through our trip and my friend’s plan to save the lagoon for the last night was a great idea to soothe us before the long travel day ahead. A trip that started in the somber dark bus ride from the airport to the hotel ended in the dark, too. Melissa planned everything seamlessly. It was nice to be invited on a trip where someone else planned the itinerary.

Last summer, as we celebrated our respective milestone birthdays, my koumbara Melissa told me, “we are going somewhere epic for our next milestone birthday.” I answered, “where? Mars??” Little did I know that a few days later, she’d send me the itinerary and we didn’t even wait for the decade to go by before going. We’d depart in four months. My caption for this trip is: “When your koumbara tells you you’re going somewhere together that’s epic, you should believe her.” Fire and Icelandia……you were a lovely adventure. Now, every Bjork song I look up has new meaning to me because I can identify with the earthy lyrics symbolizing to me the unique aspects of her homeland. It’s enriching to rediscover or discover an appreciation for an art after you’ve toured a new destination. Art imitating life …..imitating art….

“Underneath our feet
Crystals grow like plants (listen how they grow)
I’m blinded by the lights (listen how they glow)
In the core of the earth (listen how they grow)

Crystalline internal nebula (crystalline)
Rocks growing slow mo (crystalline)
I conquer claustrophobia (crystalline)
And demand the lights…”  (Bjork, songwriter, Crystalline)

from internet

© Gina Michalopulos Kingsley

On a vintage quest

It’s provocative. It’s dated in a good way. It’s unique and well made. Those are the fundamentals of good vintage fashion. Whether clothing, outerwear or accessories, vintage style endures because those fundamentals POP!

You’ve seen vintage mixed in with modern…and it works. You have to mix it, (right?) or else if you’re head to toe vintage, it might be too much. A little “stuck in the past.” (But there are days when I love a head to toe vintage ensemble!) Terms people use regarding incorporating any vintage items (whether clothing or furniture) are “repurposed, recycled, etc”. and it’s so true. Change out the chains, the lengths, put it on leather instead of metal, ….there’s so many options.

Practical uses for vintage items and store etiquette:

  • a vintage coat over a basic black turtleneck and jeans which grounds it. (or over a black dress)
  • a vintage coat with boots so the footwear fades away
  • vintage jewelry over a basic outfit
  • if a vintage cap seems overwhelming, start with a clutch instead. Vintage clutches are extremely handy for formal events. You can ease into vintage incorporations with small items.
  • if you want to shop at vintage stores but are not ready to wear these styles, purchase an accessory or item as a gift for someone else. Vintage store owners don’t want spectators; they want customers. Just a little vintage store etiquette…
  • buy a vintage purse (they are amazing) and change out the chain or strap to make it fit your needs. Back then, cross body bags weren’t as popular as they are today.
  • vintage items represent the period, of course, and many shop owners like to talk about that knowledge  so ask them details. I’ve happened upon a Bob Mackie formal gown before and the proprietor loved divulging details about it and how it was procured.
  • ask if  you can take pictures. Some store owners have strict policies about this. The window displays are so stunning and often invite gawking and “Instagramming.”
  • ring sizes of vintage jewelry will surprise you (and waist sizes of dresses); they are much smaller. Plan accordingly.
  • vintage dresses are great for formals, proms, etc….if someone wants to wear something noone else will have on!
  • cufflinks are great gifts for men and many vintage stores have these! Cowboy boots, jean jackets, and “onesies” or “jumpsuits” (think Top Gun) are also appreciated by some males.

Vintage stores are all over…..but the Midwest has great ones since homes in this region had large basements as well as attics to store such treasures. People hung onto vintage items for generations due to this and vintage retailers easily collect items from estates because of this.

Start your vintage quest next time you’re out of town. It can be both a travel and local hobby.

photos by Gina Kingsley

 

Girls Creative Night Out

Instead of just dinner reservations for a girls night out, have you ever considered a unique form of girls creative night out? The one I’m referring to is metalsmithing, (silversmithing but also using copper and brass) —jewelry making! Ladies love jewelry. We love bonding, gabbing and creativity, too. When all this is involved in one girls night out (with wine and healthy snacks, too), you have the perfect combination. On top of all that, it culminates in a gorgeous piece of jewelry which goes home with you! A souvenir of a great night out with friends and a cathartic, creative and therapeutic experience of stretching your wings to try something new.

We chose our metals (silver or copper), then followed the directions of the silversmith who led us through the steps of measuring, cutting, filing, forming, blowtorching, boiling, polishing, stamping, etc. (and more). The class size of 4-5 people is good for enough individualized attention with time left for small breaks and visiting in between the steps. We helped each other choose our engravings and it was interesting to see who chose the shiny, hammered designs and who chose the oxidized look and texture.                            

Moving, creating and learning together on girls night out is such a departure from the typical calorie-rich nights out involving dinner and conversation (which is also fun, too!) Going home with a beautiful piece of jewelry made me feel like a kid on a field trip.

We could shop, also, which made it a bit of a  “sip and shop and create” experience.

The Dillon Rose website explains it best. Classes are available throughout the year so get on the email list.  Contact me if you have further questions, too. https://vimeo.com/226977300  

https://www.dillonrose.net

Rachel’s unique background in jewelry making can be found here on this blog:

Silversmiths with a Gypsy Spirit

photos by Gina Kingsley

Coffee Shop Coffee Talk

Consciously caffeinating…..most of us start every day this way. For those who don’t just percolate at home and have dolce memories of our cafe moments, this is a blog to celebrate coffee houses all over the globe! Here’s what you all shared with me!

Whether it’s a T-town favorite or from another destination….we love, love, love our coffee!!

“My favorite is Peet’s and it’s a chain in CA.

Missouri Mud Company in Raymore, Missouri.”

Double Shot right here in Tulsa. Great ambience. I go there and read. I really concentrate. They play nice music, not too loud. Lots of variety. The coffee though, is magnificent!”

CHOCS!- Coffee House on Cherry Street in Tulsa. The retro decor is unique and the art and events there are very interesting!”

Gypsy Coffee House in Tulsa– it feels like home! The coffee and snacks are yummy and great people work there, too.”

Stella’s in Denver. The best espresso ever. Across the street from the best Sushi restaurant ever (Sushi Den). Eclectic vibe with games and books. Always the perfect ending to a great evening.”

Topeca in Tulsa! Their friendly baristas and smooth, creamy lattes are the perfect start to your day.”

Laughing Man Coffee in NY. It supports small coffee farmers around the world. It is in Tribeca across the street from a favorite restaurant of ours. Plus you never know when the kind owner might be there, Hugh Jackman.”

“Fair Fellow Coffee in Tulsa. It’s bright and open.”

Starbucks in Corfu, Kanoni Bay. It’s a clifftop view with delicious Greek pastries. It’s located in an area where a James Bond movie was filmed.”

“Quay Coffee in Kansas City- The location is quaint and the ambience is so interesting with the bank vault that is still in there left over from the days when there was a mafia presence in that district.”
                                                                 Gina’s Cafe Frappe Recipe
 ingredients:

2 teaspoons instant coffee

cold water

2 tablespoons evaporated or regular milk

pinch of nutmeg

pinch of cardamom

ice cubes

Shake or blend the coffee, cold water and sugar until it reaches a foam. Add the ice and pour into a glass. Add milk or water.

The history of coffee: How did the universe discover this libation, this concoction? There are various legends but most all originate with the story of an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi who observed the vigorous and energetic behavior of his goats who had consumed the coffee beans. Another legend states that birds had been eating coffee “berries” which led to the making of “kahve”, an Arabic word for coffee. After experimenting with roasting them first, then boiling them, the brown liquid started to be used to cure the sick as well as being used for religious practices. Monasteries and Popes chimed in with opinions that coffee was the “devil’s drink” and it was even banned by some churches. Eventually, when the coffee drink spread through the world, coffeehouses became public. The first one was reportedly recorded to be in Damascus in 1530. Another legend states that Captain John Smith brought it to Jamestown. Soon after, in approximately 1645, coffee houses appeared in Italy, then London. ……So, there’s some coffee talk for your next coffee shop visit and convo. A follow up blog about favorite coffee styles and more recipes is around the corner!

 

An archaeological and spiritual experience of IXIMCHE

The ruins of ancient palaces and ball courts set among the ravines and highlands propels you into both archaeology and Mayan cosmology in one experience. Initially, what presents itself prominently about Guatemala (to me) is the expansive mountainous air and sky blanketing the highlands. Fortunately, Iximche’s grounds lie among this incredibly celestial sky. The gossamer clouds balance the structured architecture of the ruins. What a backdrop to stroll across listening to the Mayan cosmology symbolism and history of the ruins. A balance is struck between taking photos of the geometry of the site with succumbing to the energy of the site and finding your spot of balance.Iximche’s pre-Columbian archaelogical site was once a Mayan kingdom reportedly during 1470-1524 . This manicured site of pyramid temples, rectangular ball courts and spherical clouds above gave me a visual geometry of symbols to absorb. It eventually was abandoned and did not survive the destruction of smallpox. However, at the time of the Spanish Conquest, it was a significantly important Guatemalan highlands city.

Our tour guide told us a story of the royal ballcourt ruins which fascinated me. The “spectators” were allowed to remain outside of the court walls and ask for the scores of the game. They were not allowed, however, to witness the game. It is believed that the winners of the game were honorably sacrificed to the gods. Imagine that!My favorite moments of this archaeological experience, however, didn’t have to do with history as much as they had to do with spirituality. After being in a tour van for hours with friends, the ability to stretch our legs and walk across the ruins was gratifying. I especially enjoyed taking pictures of my friend standing in her “spot of balance” at a pivotal time in her life. For all of us friends, we were experiencing important milestones of life, anyway! So the communal appreciation of such a moment was meaningful.

Completing the tour, we were shown a shrine. Lighting votives and standing in a type of reverence of the tiny flickers and flames within the shrine’s rocks, the silence and sun infiltrated my senses. This is what I was seeking in Guatemala, I think. Facts and factoids are one thing but sensual knowledge is what perforates me. I wanted to see a Shaman like we read about in brochures and tour guides. Apparently, travelers to Guatemala often seek to identify with the ability to be a Shaman and will ask if they possess the ability to be one. Guides can interpret this for them. We learned our cosmological and astrological symbols of our signs and birthdates, etc. It was childlike to look up each other’s animal symbol. Some of us were armadillos;” hard on the outside but soft on the inside.” Others were exotic birds. I don’t take it that seriously but it was a moment of curiosity and creativity.Iximche was the only archeological site we saw on the trip but it was not our only time to experience those cobalt blue Guatemalan skies and gossamer clouds. The royalty of the air and aura followed us on down to the quaintest of villages and markets. The Guatemalan pride permeated the landscape from the royal ballcourts to the jade jewelry stores to the organic coffee farms to the bustling, urban city centers of Xela or Antigua. But Iximche was the unique day of ruins, symbols and shrines. It is the last article I’ll create on that Guatemalan journey and possibly because I’ve wanted to reflect on it for awhile in order to give it justice, reflecting on the visuals and memories.

photos by GIna

A Female Veteran….In the Navy!

My spirited and beautiful cousin-in-law is a veteran of the Persian Gulf War. To know a female veteran is unique and her story is a fascinating one. It’s an appropriate story for my travel/adventure blog because it incorporates both aspects—traveling around the world with the Navy and achieving the adventures of boot camp, military service and pursuing something for a passion. Sandy’s story embodies such honesty about the questions and issues many 18 year olds ponder when making decisions about their future.What made  you decide to go into the Navy?

It was my senior year of high school and I was planning for college. I didn’t have any motivation and I was burnt out during my senior year. I wasn’t serious and didn’t have a passion for going off to college. Now, it’s interesting because this recent “gap year” concept has become popular and I think that’s a great idea for 18 year olds. I wanted to experience some adventure. My dad mentioned he had a cousin of his who was stationed in S. Korea with the Air Force. He suggested I try that out, travel a bit and figure it out. He encouraged me to get it out of my system and that way I could be more focused on going to college.

What was the hardest part of boot camp?

Initially, definitely being away from my family was the hardest part. The purpose of boot camp is to physically, mentally and emotionally transition you  from the civilian to  military life.  Bootcamp was 8 weeks long and it was pretty difficult.  Everything was a privilege….we couldn’t wear jewelry, make-up or watches. We didn’t know what time it was and we couldn’t have access to television or newspapers. We were at the mercy of our company commanders and felt isolated from the rest of the world. That was difficult because you are with a group of about 75 other women of all different personalities from all over the United States. In that, you find those that you have things in common with among strangers. The physical part was not as challenging as the psychological training part of it. There is a purpose for that because you are stripped of thinking as an individual and reprogrammed to think about the collective group, the mission.

It’s hard to picture such a free-spirited person like you being like that….

Initially, when I told my friends I was joining the military, they said, “WHAT? YOU? You don’t follow any rules!” But what’s interesting is eventually you learn to conform to the rules and boot camp was only 8 weeks. Being in a group setting made the transition easier  because you were working as part of a team.

Tell me the countries you were able to visit and where you were stationed.

Female Boot camp was in Orlando, Florida at the time. Now, all Navy bootcamp training has been moved to  Great Lakes, IL.  After bootcamp, I went to Charleston, SC where I was stationed onboard the US Destroyer Tender USS-Sierra AD-18,  for about year and a half. We did a port visit to Boston. Then we went underway for training and stopped in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Nassau, Bahamas and the St. Thomas Virgin Islands.  There was also a Mediterranean cruise which took us two weeks to cross the Atlantic Ocean through the Straits of Gibraltar where we spent Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Mallorca, Spain. I had received  orders to return to the US and my ship  continued on to Crete, Italy and France.

Do you leave the base when you’re on Guantanomo? 

No….we get to go swimming and have liberty (free time) but your base is like it’s own little city. We were there for 4-5 days.

You were in the Persian Gulf War?

Desert Shield has just started. (And then became Desert Storm).  The USS Sierra traveled to the Med battle group with different types of ships. (8-10). Each ship has different purposes; there was an aircraft carrier, ours was a destroyer tender, there’s frigates, and even subs.  There’s rotations among different naval battle groups.  The U.S. mission is to safeguard the seas with its military presence.

What is the greatest lesson you took away from your experience in the Navy that still affects you today? How would you convince someone to do it? 

There’s something for everyone. If there is someone who just knows they are not ready to commit to school, there’s alot of different ways to achieve your goals. College is not the only path to that anymore. There’s so many avenues to success. I learned how to work with all different types of people and the value of accepting people from all different walks of life and to never judge a book by its cover.  I decided to join the military because I couldn’t join the Peace Corps at the time because they required an associates degree and I only had a high school degree.

I never knew this about you and  I was actually curious about the Peace Corps, too, during college. Now, all these years later, I found a travel company that was founded by a former Peace Corps member and took some Voluntourism trips through that program.

That’s what I wanted to do—go out in the world. When I was in the Navy, I wanted them to send me overseas because all I wanted to do was travel and go abroad. At the end of my 4 year enlistment, I talked to the recruiter and asked them to send me somewhere overseas so I would stay in the military. But they only had so much availability so I didn’t re-enlist. It was the safest way for me at that time of my life to travel and be taken care of but still explore the world. I had to follow those rules. It was safer than backpacking and you always have that safety net.  I chose the Navy because I knew I would always be near the oceans.

Did you do the submarine experience?

No, when I was active duty women were limited to the types of vessels  they could be assigned to because of the law prohibiting women from engaging in combat situations. But the law has definitely changed now. It fit me and I made wonderful friendships. It was my version of a sorority or fraternity. There’s a camaraderie with fellow veterans. You automatically strike up conversations when you meet other veterans…especially generational conversations with men and women from other eras and different wars.. It’s helped me have a connection and bond with them.

Even though we’re so different…we still share  something in common.

 

 

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https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Carpet-Ride-Michalopulos-Kingsley/dp/069271393X