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May 05, 2005

When Erik Met Rick Through Jen...

Who would have thought that when I sported a hot pink bra in Montreal, it would get me a mention in travel guru Rick Steves' website?

Let me explain: Back in July 2003, I volunteered to be the intern of acclaimed Travelers' Tales writer/editor Jen Leo during a visit to Montreal to promote her women's travel humor book, Sand In My Bra. I accompanied Jen and fellow travel writer Christine Michaud, wandering around the streets of the Canadian metropolis during the annual comedy festival "Juste Pour Rire 2003" ("Just For Laughs 2003"). We passed out flyers, hung up signs, staged a book reading/signing at a local bookstore, went to the local talk radio station for an on-air plug, and even made gift baskets for female comedy writers Tina Fey and Sarah Vowell. In a ploy that I immediately regretted suggesting after I did, I said I'd go the extra mile and go out on the streets with the hot pink bra on to attract even more attention to the book while handing out flyers. The mission was successful, and I'd like to think my little stunt helped Sand In My Bra become a bestseller for Travelers' Tales.

The success of Sand In My Bra spawned a sequel, Whose Panties Are These? (which was published and released while I was on my Global Trip), and work on a third women's travel anthology, The Thong Also Rises (working title) is currently underway. It has not yet been determined if I will be going back to Canada in a hot pink thong, although I don't think I'll be suggesting that one just yet.

Anyway, Jen and I have kept in correspondence from time to time since Montreal. In fact, she surprised me when she turned up unexpectedly at my welcome back DAY 503 party. Currently she's trekking on in the literary and blog worlds, and has recently written the May 2005 Travel News on RickSteves.com, of which this here blog has been mentioned, along with some other blogs worth checking out.

If you are unfamiliar with Rick Steves, he's the travel guru for an older, less courageous crowd, focusing on Europe, but not exclusively. You may have seen a bunch of his books on the shelf in your bookstore's travel section, or his own travel series that airs on PBS. Say what you will about Rick, but the fact is, he's got quite an influence in the travel industry. For example, the Cinque Terre coast of the Italian Riviera had no tourism years ago, until Rick Steves "discovered" it and started writing about it. Now it's become one of the most visited spots in Italy.

Anyway, Jen Leo's piece, "Globe-Blogging," gets sent out to 200,000 travel enthusiasts that subscribe to Rick Steves' newsletter, which of course, is a thrill. Whether or not I will be wearing any ladies undergarments for Rick Steves has not yet been determined, although I wouldn't hold your breath over it.

To Jen Leo, I thank you for the mention, and to the new readers coming from Rick Steves' audience, welcome aboard!

Also, check out Jen Leo's blog of the inside world of travel publishing, "Written Road!"



If you enjoy this daily travel blog, please post a comment! Give me suggestions, send me on missions, let me know how things are going back home in the USA. Knowing that I have an audience will only force me to make this blog more entertaining as the days go by. Donīt forget to bookmark it and let a friend know!

Posted by Erik on May 5, 2005 11:35 AM
Category: Epilogue
Comments

RICK STEVES: Bonjour! Bonjourno! Buenos dias! Guten Tag! Bom dia! Good day!

Posted by: Erik TGT on May 5, 2005 12:15 PM

first!! haha

feliz cinco de mayo!!!

Posted by: scott on May 5, 2005 12:41 PM

Second!!!!
an' that's no lie!!!

Posted by: Moelicious on May 5, 2005 01:15 PM

Wow, Erik. :-)
What a wonderful recap. Thank you. I do hope that you get some new followers from this. And don't worry, I don't think a stunt with either one of us in a thong will help book sales this year. You're safe!

Posted by: Jen Leo on May 5, 2005 01:40 PM

I admit, I like Rick Steves! I'm one of those suckers who went to the Cinque Terre a few years ago after seeing it on his show. (it was beautiful!) He has a good pub crawl itinerary for Madrid and Venice too.

and you gotta love his kinda nerdy but endearing little phrases:

"put your seat in it's upright and locked position, today we're in the Black Forest!"

"I'm Rick Steves..keep on Travellin!'"

He's like most of us in 30 years or so. Still backpacking!

Posted by: sara on May 5, 2005 01:41 PM

Margaritas... it tastes so good when it hits your lips.
Happy 05/05/05 :-)

Posted by: Ali on May 5, 2005 01:56 PM

Sixth!

ha.

Posted by: Alyson on May 5, 2005 02:58 PM

Okay, so if you click on the newer book link, at the bottom of the amazon.com page, it says:

Customers interested in this title may also be interested in
* Panties
Variety of colors, hi-cut or bikini Buy No Nonsense panties today.
www.nononsense.com

I'm sorry - but am I the only one who finds keywording highly amusing?

Hope someone had a marg for me - I was too tired. :D

Posted by: Noelle on May 6, 2005 03:15 AM

hi Erik and blog readers,

hey Erik I know u are busy guy but I would like to get in touch with you. I wrote to you here and to your yahoo email account. no answer. what that f***?
i know u are start now but dont forget the simple people ok?
if u can send me an email at aikidomatrix@yahoo.com
take care
congrats for your blog

Posted by: alex on May 7, 2005 12:09 PM

Hot damn, another ringing endorsement! Kudos! I took Rick Steves to Italy and it was worth it--yes I'm less courageous.

Posted by: Christy on May 10, 2005 12:37 PM


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