MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Thank You

Thank you for taking a new journey with me.

Thank you for riding the imaginary plane in my brain.

Thank you for seeing my thoughts.

Thank you for peeping through my mind's eye, even for just a moment.

I hope I sparked your own travel memories.

I hope you caught the travel bug.

I hope you have new places to see, or

I hope you have old places to make new memories.

Maybe we disagreed,

Maybe we saw eye-to-eye,

Maybe, just maybe, you saw something for the first time.

Regardless, this season, I want to say

THANK YOU.

- strictlyLeisure, (AK)

TEXAS | USA | USA Series

Texas holds the funniest memory: I got an allergic reaction pretty much as I stepped out of the airport! Every morning I was swollen and I did not know why! I still don't know why! Ladies and Gents, I am allergic to Texas, thank God for Benadryl! 

Regardless, Texas is a great taste of southern hospitality. From it's large portion sizes to its incredible barbecues, I didn't even notice my swollen face! Another state where food is its draw.  This is the state I fell in-love with corn bread. OMG. My mouth is watering just thinking about corn bread.

Don't forget to visit NASA in Houston if you ever head to Texas. Educational and worth adding to the bucket list.

Love always,

sL xxx

SAN DIEGO | USA | USA Series

This quiet navy base is ideal for young families.

I don't really remember much about San Diego except the AMAZING food. Close to the Mexican border, this city has a great variety of Mexican flavours as well as the BEST pancakes I've ever had in my life. I am kicking myself right now because I cannot for the life of me remember the name of the pancake house I went to!!! Nevertheless, there are plenty of food places that are amazing in San Diego.

I want to go back and be there for Comic Con, but we'll see.

Love always,

sL xxx

DISNEY WORLD | Florida, USA | USA Series

Disney will always get a special mention from me.

Does any else remember this add?

Well, if you don't, you need to dust off your Disney VHS tapes and relive the moment because this is how I felt. I honestly wanted to tell Mickey, "I've been waiting my whole life to meet you." Disney World is not just fun, it's nostalgic. I was 25 when I finally made it to the magical land, but it did not stop me from meeting Princesses and going on rides. It's not just a theme park, it's a memory being relived in every moment.

I honestly wanted to quit my job and work at Disney World just because it really is the happiest place in the world.

If your children love Disney, share this memory with them. You're never too old for Disney.

Love always,

sL xxx

LAS VAGAS | USA | USA Series

Apologies for this super late post!

To continue this series, I must share an #unpopular opinion about Sin City.

It may have been our accomodation choices as well as the horrible flight with American Airlines, but all the same, I did not enjoy this city. It's one big theme park that is full of contradictions. Family friendly in the morning, neon cesspool of self gratification in the evening. It was just all too much everywhere.

The only highlight here was seeing Britney Spears live.

Vegas was just not for me. Apologies!

sL xxx

LOS ANGELES | USA | USA Series Finale

Let's end this series at the entry and exit point: Los Angeles, the city of Angels.

Other than New York, this is another city where many try their luck for Fame and Fortune. I'm ending here because this is where my dad said these words when I was buying a plastic Oscar Guild:

You don't need to buy that.

One day, you'll get a real one.

Although my dream of being a director is slowly disappearing from my pot of desires - not because I don't think I can do it, I am simply moving in a different direction - it was the sentiment that got me. My father is teaching's #1 advocate, but when he said that, it made me feel heard and that's all that mattered.

Who knows, maybe one day I'll be holding an Oscar and really thanking my dad and sharing this story with the world. If not, I'm glad I get to share it on this platform. LA may be the entry point to people's many dreams, but it will always be the city that reminds me that I have a voice and I need to use it for the good of all people.

Love always,

sL xxx