Category Archives: henley-on-thames

My Year in Travel – 2013

This year was a great year of travel for me, hitting some brand new destinations and revisiting some of my old favorites. BUT, for me, the VERY BEST thing about this year in travel are all the wonderful people who I met or was reunited with in various locations around the world. My travels wouldn’t be anything without the people on my journey.

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January saw me in NYC and meeting friends old and new – who knew how important they’d all become in my life over the course of this year. I count my blessings for you.

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In January I also skied in Verbier, Switzerland and absolutely loved my time with the legendary Warren Smith. I truly hope to see him again in 2014.

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Rounding out January, I went to Copenhagen for the very first time and got to reconnect with a travel friend, Christoffer. I loved the cool capital city of Denmark.

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February saw me catching up with a dear travel buddy, Anita, in Montreal, Canada for the very first time. We had a ball doing all kinds of wintery fun things like staying in an Ice Hotel and going to Igloofest.

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March was my month for Barcelona & Costa Brava, Spain. I was thrilled to meet up with a fellow traveler, Brian, in Barcelona and was lucky enough to see him again in London in November.

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Going to Costa Brava was an incredible experience. I love that area of Spain and really cannot get enough, especially of the coast. But, the people on this trip really made it the very best. I can’t imagine a more fun press trip.

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April found me in back in NYC. I always love my NYC trips because I get to catch up with very special friends like Jeff & Craig – 2 of my favorites!!

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May saw me in my favorite, Miami. I cannot get enough of this city. While I had my usual fun of beach, pool, dinner, drinks and dancing, I particularly enjoyed working with the fantastic luxe swimwear company, Orchid Boutique, during this trip. Talk about a great collection as well as a staff of kindred spirits!

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June was an incredible month chalked full of fun things. Kicking off in Toronto for a conference with so many of my favorite fellow travelers, I actually wonder if we’ll ever be able to beat our #RWTBEX time here. I love you all so much!

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I also got to spend a bit of time with one of my most lovely traveling partners, Mrs. O, Ana. I was able to show her a bit of Americana in the amazing seaside town of Newport, Rhode Island. We had a ball doing Newport the luxe way.

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Wrapping up my June, I had an incredible visit to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. What a great girls weekend we had there and our host, the Bahia Hotel and Carlos, made my trip 100% amazing. Cannot wait to return.

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July found me back in Euroland – one of Lola’s favorites. Although, this was a “repeat” journey of sorts, I did manage to do a few new things. One of which was going to the Henley Royal Regatta.

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Post-UK was a return visit to Prague and Budapest. Two of my favorites that I’ve never visited in the summertime. Absolutely stunning! So was hanging out with friends made on a previous trip. Always nice to share a beer with good people.

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August took me back to Montreal once again and NYC. This trip was extra special because of the time well spent with lifelong friends and a last visit with a friend that would soon depart. Anita, Montreal will always make me think of you fondly. I love you and that city so much.

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September took me to two cities I wanted to know better. First was Seattle with my newly found soul mate, Erin. There is nowhere I wouldn’t go with this girl. And we both wanted to celebrate happy moments, like our dear friends, Captain & Clark’s wedding!

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Toward the end of September, Erin and I were reunited again in the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia. I like to think of it as the city of sisterly love! We had a blast discovering different neighborhoods of Philly & laughing with each other all the while.

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October I was lucky enough to be reunited with 2 of my favorite traveling partners again, Ana & Mary Anne along with Mary Anne’s BFF Maxine, for a GLAM LA girls weekend.

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November was a busy fun month with a visit back to the UK for a conference and reconnecting with so many fun friends from around the world. I’m so glad our paths cross from time to time.

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Followed up by a quick jaunt to France and Amsterdam for more girlfriend fun. I wouldn’t choose to travel any other way. Traveling with Ashley, Ana & Mary Anne was the very best.

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And I managed to squeeze in a last minute trip back to NYC with my girlfriends and once again be reunited with some of my favorite people.

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In December I finished off my year of travel back in Miami to celebrate Erin’s birthday. I cannot think of a better place to end my year. It is my happy spot and it was made so much better being there, laughing and enjoying life, with two of my travel besties, Erin & Esther.

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Maybe you see some common themes in my travels. Repeat places, repeat friends, repeated silliness and smiles. Traveling is my lifeline and a huge part of my heart as are all the people I meet along the way. My world is better for all of you. Here’s to many more reunions on the road and good times ahead in 2014! Happy travels…

XO – Lola

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Filed under amsterdam, barcelona, budapest, cabo san lucas, copenhagen, costa brava, henley-on-thames, london, los angeles, miami, montreal, new york, newport, philadelphia, prague, seattle, toronto, travel, verbier

Highlights of Henley-on-Thames and the Royal Regatta

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There are a few things in life that would make this Anglophile’s dreams come true. Things like being in the presence of the Queen. Being named a Dame. Having Centre Court seats at Wimbledon. AND attending the Henley Royal Regatta in style. Thankfully, this regatta season did not pass without my Henley Royal Regatta dream coming true!

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I can thank my wonderful hosts, Mr. and Mrs. O, for making this possible. Yes, I had to get myself to the UK but, besides that, the rest was sorted out for me. It’s a good thing because while anyone can walk the banks of the Thames, you can only be in certain enclosures (read VIP areas) if you are sponsored by someone. I like to think I’m important but, let’s be honest, I’m not British, therefore I’m not! I’m just a British wanna be. I did do my best to look the part and not embarrass my lovely hosts. You see, there are rules and regulations for the enclosure VIP areas.

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If you are wondering why this is…I think it’s simple tradition. The Henley Royal Regatta was first held in 1839 and I think the dress code reflects those gentler times. Hats, coats, ties & fascinators! For me, it was like dressing up in a costume but so fun nonetheless. Now, I’m sure you are wondering if I was able to make any other English dreams come true. After all, it is called the Henley ROYAL Regatta! The answer is no. No royal sightings for moi even though every reigning Monarch has become its Royal Patron.

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Other traditions that were the order of the Regatta day were Pimms, of course, and afternoon tea. Both of these things are NOT a common practice for me so it was also quite a treat. Here in England at events such as the Henley Royal Regatta, they actually have Pimms on tap! That was truly something for these Yank eyes to behold. I was very impressed to say the least.

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BUT if you are not able to attend the Henley Royal Regatta, don’t despair. You can get your regatta fix in other wonderful ways. For one, if you visit Henley, you have to make time to tour the River & Rowing Museum to appreciate the town’s long history, pride of rowing and its regatta regalia. The River & Rowing Museum has a great interactive display for anyone of virtually any age to enjoy. I loved seeing the various regatta paraphernalia like oars, trophies, rowing jackets, even a boat from the first Oxford/Cambridge University Boat Race. Oh, and let’s not forget Olympic rowing history as well including a London 2012 Olympic torch!

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Another great way to get in the regatta spirit without attending the regatta is to take a boat ride along the Thames River. There are lots of options available along the riverfront but to do it in real regal style, one should hire the Hobbs of Henley Linssen Yacht! What a stunner of a vessel. If I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again – if you are visiting a town on a body of water, you have to get out on it to see things from that perspective. I think it might be my favorite way to discover a place. Being in the lap of luxury aboard the ‘Jacqueline IV’ didn’t hurt the view either! Henley and the River Thames are really such special places not to be missed when you visit the United Kingdom, Royal Regatta or not.

Admission to the River & Rowing Museum is £8.50/Adult, £6.50/Children 4+ or £26 for a Family of 4. Charter rates for Hobbs of Henley’s ‘Jacqueline IV’ Linssen Yacht start at £1500 per week for March/late October and up to £2500 per week for July/August.

I was the lucky guest of Mr. & Mrs. O and their dear friends, Hobbs of Henley and the River & Rowing Museum. It’s safe to say, this outing was right up Lola’s alley (hello, it’s SOOO English) and completely Lola Approved. I hope to make it a tradition of my very own.

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Filed under henley-on-thames, travel, united kingdom