vanslack - Michelle Van Slack

I am a full believer that "Life is a daring adventure or nothing." This personal philosophy has taken my marketing career along the west coast of the US from Alaska to San Diego and more recently, aboard the expedition ship MV Clipper Odyssey, where I am Assistant Cruise Director. The ship takes about a year to travel around the entire Pacific Ocean and I fly to meet the ship in various locations. In the last few months I have been in the South Pacific, New Zealand, Japan, China, and South Korea. I feel very blessed to live the life I lead. I think it is very important to live your life to the fullest because, "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

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Joined on: April 28th 2008
Last Login: September 21st 2009

Blog Entries: 15
Photos: 8

TB Code: [blogger=70704]
Status: BLOGGER

Blogs & Travel Journals

by vanslack, order by Date newest first.

By vanslack
February 7th 2009

Aukland Airport Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Fiordland National Park

Things that I enjoy about the Aukland Airport: 5. They make you walk outside for ten minutes to get to the domestic terminal - something that is WONDERFUL after being stagnant for 14 hours. 4. Once you get outside it smells like pine needles. 3. They let you keep your shoes on and your liquids kept discreetly in your carry on. (Because I don’t think everyone needs to know how many lip glosses I travel with) 2. After you go through security they give you a big smile and a “good on ya!” 1. My absolute favorite: They don’t notice when [View Full Entry]

By vanslack
February 4th 2009

Terminal Thoughts Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Stewart Island

Some people don't like flying - call me a glutton for punishment - but I actually enjoy it. Despite the highly intensified "hurry up and wait" atmosphere, I find it offers a respite from our daily lives. Looking around the roles of the people surrounding me become clear - almost like a play where everyone must wear their proper costume. You see the business travelers dressed in suits with black brief cases, an "I'm too important" fast walk and a PDA either on their ear or visible via harness. In stark contrast, you see the families, stroller in tow, looking anxious [View Full Entry]

By vanslack
October 29th 2008

Flipper Anyone? Oceania » French Polynesia » Rangiroa

Snorkeling in Bora Bora

Today I shared the water with Polynesian bottle nosed dolphins!! We were out in the zodiac scouting for a drift snorkeling site when I saw a fin in the water - then two then three. All of a sudden a dolphin jumped into the air three feet from the zodiac! We were driving through a channel in Rangiroa, the second largest atoll in the Marquesas. We were looking to see how quickly the water was rushing into the lagoon to see if it might be suitable for snorkeling. When we arrived, the water was moving so rapidly that there were 4-5 [View Full Entry]

By vanslack
September 30th 2008

Adventure on the Sea Oceania » French Polynesia » Bora Bora

Niue

Today is day three aboard the M.V. Clipper Odyssey and it is the first time I have had a moment to write. For those of you who may not know exactly where I am, I am in Polynesia, which is south of Hawaii and east of Australia. Polynesia is named as such because it means many islands. Whereas Micronesia means small and Melanesia means dark (which was derived from the darker looking natives - meaning more melanin in their skin. I learned that little tidbit from Shirley Cambell, one of the lecturers on board who specializes in anthropology. We had three [View Full Entry]

By vanslack
September 2nd 2008

Have I mentioned how much I love Bend? North America » United States » Oregon » Bend

As I explore so many wonderful places around the Bend area I find myself falling more and more in love with this place. It comes over me in waves and is caused by the littlest things, like the way the residents are so warm and friendly. When you pass by people walking they look you in the eye, smile and say hello. There is something about the elevation that makes the sky more brilliant - when it is blue it is a deep rich blue, when the sunrises (yes I have been up that early!) it is a brilliant pink, and [View Full Entry]

By vanslack
August 5th 2008

Moving to Bend, Oregon! North America » United States » Oregon » Bend

The first of nine falls we saw on the hike

I just moved to Bend, Oregon and so far I'm loving everything about it! My move started with a nearly 1000 mile drive from San Diego. My Dad and I did it together with help from our adorable little 10' Budget truck. Being in a car with nothing to do but think lends itself to some good introspection, so we had some great talks. It took us two days with a stop at a little hotel run by a family who's technique for verifying the guests had checked out was to go outside and peer in room to room. (At least [View Full Entry]

By vanslack
June 22nd 2008

Mykonos Europe » Greece » South Aegean » Mykonos

Lounging on Paraportiani

There are some moments in my life where I wish I had the ability to press the pause button. I have felt that way continually during my time in Mykonos. The Greek people are so warm and kind with their "is okaaay" attitude. I have made friends who have welcomed me into their homes, lent me their cars and shown me the 'secret' beaches that the tourists don't know about. Their generous spirit sparkles like sun off the beautiful waters. In turn I hope that I have offered them a positive view of US Americans. That we can be environmentally and [View Full Entry]

By vanslack
May 31st 2008

I'm staying! Europe » Greece » South Aegean » Paros

Well it is official, I am staying in Mykonos until mid July! Today I leave Ios and head to the island of Paros where I will stay the night and explore. After that Im heading to Mykonos to live with my two fab ladies from upstate NY! They are such dolls and we will have an amazing time. We already have jobs lined up...I think I will be working in a cute little jewlery shop. We will split a small flat and see where the summer takes us! love it!! Miss you all! M [View Full Entry]

By vanslack
May 29th 2008

I think I'm staying in Greece Europe » Greece » South Aegean » Ios

Right now I am on the island of Ios. I have completely fallen in love with the Greek islands and think I might stay for an addiitonal six weeks. Perhaps I will sell seashells by the seashore (there was actually a job opening for that!) haha Anyway, two girls on my tour are thinking of staying too. I will make my decision today or tomorrow to postpone my flight home from Athens. Very exciting!!! [View Full Entry]

By vanslack
May 25th 2008

loving the island life Europe » Greece » South Aegean » Mykonos

Flying over Athens the city looked beautiful with red tile roofs and small cobble walkways. Upon closer inspection, the city is not quite as quaint. Bustling and congested it boasts the worst traffic in Europe. However the lack of charm is quickly made up for in the beauty of its people and the depth of its history. Athens is dripping in history. Some say Greece is the the lost Atlantis. Meeting up with my tour group has been amazing. Everyone is fun and up for a good time. There are about 30 of us total. Mostly from all over the united [View Full Entry]

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