The ABG Community Weighs In on Wine Travel After COVID
Cathy’s post last week on travelling internationally in the (almost) post-COVID times raised some great conversation in the community. So this week, we share some of your experiences and observations of the good, the bad and the unexpected on the ways that travel is changing in the early days of post-COVID reopening.
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From Hayley Black, Portfolio Specialist, Winebow Imports:
All said and done it took me 40 hours to get from Seattle to Verona – a very long journey. It was an immense relief reading Cathy’s post about travel, as I shared a lot of similar stresses and anxiety. I took a COVID-tested flight, a blessing and a curse. A blessing in that if you follow all requirements (including multiple tests and forms) then you bypass the mandated ten-day quarantine! A curse in that these flights are limited, causing longer layovers and extended travel time alongside very unclear directions and information on how and what to do. In short, traveling now is a whole new experience even for those of us that were “pros” at it pre-pandemic.
My lesson is that feeling nervous and anxious prior to traveling again is okay and very real. Sometimes you just must sit with those feelings and navigate from there. So, was it worth it? YES! As I sit here in Verona writing this, and glance at the majestic Arena di Verona, I am so grateful and feel like I conquered the world making it through that journey. Once you arrive, everything is exactly as you imagined it would be prior to those pesky travel jitters.
From Eva Rowe, VP Messe Düsseldorf North America:
My first trip to Europe came after a brief vacation stint in California in May, and for me excitement by far outweighed anxiety. The US was recently taken off the "risk country" list by Germany, and that meant with my CDC vaccination card no extra paperwork was needed, and no test or quarantine either! Besides wearing my A Balanced Glass mask [thanks Eva! - Beck] there was nothing that did not resemble 2019… Being caught with a full water bottle in my carry on was the only indication of my having forgotten how to fly.
Now, being here [in Germany], what dominates my thoughts is a deep feeling of gratitude for having survived the pandemic without getting infected, for having lived and enjoyed 15 months of a toned-down life, and the regained energy that came with that. But now I am ready for a busy summer and fall of traveling, the movies, the theater and of course dinners and wine with friends!
From Elyse Imamura, Director of National & Corporate Accounts, Skurnik Wines & Spirits:
As international travel becomes more and more certain, it helps to have a true point of view of what it will be like, whether we will be 100% back ALL IN, or if there will be that sense of anxiety. I had my first work trip just a few weeks ago, from LA – SFO, and man am I out of shape. I used to travel 15 days out of the month and I found myself panicking, “What do I pack? Do I bring my jacket? How many shoes? How do I get to the airport? What TIME do I get to the airport? Will it be crowded? Are Ubers safe now?” And then, for the two glorious nights I was anticipating getting some quite from my life with three sons, I WAS EXHAUSTED!
When we travel, we think we’re going to get so much work done, typing away in our hotel rooms, working at the bar… But the trip took me out. At one point I took a three-hour nap, and I realized entertaining clients and being “on” is exhausting.
From Mark Davidson, Head of Education for The Americas, Wine Australia:
I just flew interstate for the TEXSOM Wine Awards and the emotion was palpable. Everyone was so happy to be connecting in person and attempting something somewhat normal. Even though it was not normal. For me, it just drove home that we are hospitality people. We are, for the most part, "people people" and crave that connection. Sharing wine, food and conversation in person is what energizes and inspires us. At the hotel, I was like an excited schoolboy. All the stuff I took for granted or found annoying about travel I loved on this trip. Checking in to the room at the hotel, stealing miniature soaps, wearing the robe... I even put on the slippers!
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On a personal note, last week I found myself away from home on a work trip and realized that, much like Elyse, I am out of travel shape! It took twice as long to pack (and I still forgot the toothbrush), hotel check-in lines kicked in my anxiety, and I brought enough clothes for a seven-day trip rather than overnight. Returning home, I realized I need more baby steps before braving an airport TSA line.
Travel safely, and we look forward to seeing you out in the world soon!.
Namaste,
Beck
What We're Reading:
Here's what has piqued our interest this week in the world of wine and mindfulness.
What Can We Learn from the World’s Most Peaceful Societies? – Greater Good Science Center
A multidisciplinary team of researchers is discovering what makes some societies more peaceful than others.
Research: What Do People Need to Perform at a High Level? – Harvard Business Review
A look at the personal, relational, and organizational factors that will help your team do its best work.
3 Ways to Address Employee Wellness in the Workplace – Inc.com
While companies may be hesitant to invest resources in mental wellness, the financial cost of neglecting employees' well-being is undeniable.
Winners and Losers of the Work-From-Home Revolution – The Atlantic.com
High-income workers at highly profitable companies will benefit greatly. Downtown landlords won’t.
Women Now Drink As Much As Men — Not So Much For Pleasure, But To Cope – NPR.org
Women aren't just upping their drinking, researchers say. Increasingly they are "drinking to cope," instead of for pleasure — which accelerates the risk of alcohol use disorder and its health damage.
Meet the Community!
Here we meet some of the talented folks who make our community profession so dynamic.
Keyatta Mincey Parker, Founder and Director of A Sip of Paradise Garden, and Founder, Pictures and Cocktails and The Jim Project (Atlanta, GA)
Years in Industry:
I was born in Liberia and have spent more than 20 years in hospitality, 18 of those as a bartender, here in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2016, I created “Pictures and Cocktails," focused on developing cocktails, systems and content for spirits brands and in 2019, I started “The Jim Project” back in Liberia. It’s a non-profit to help support young women by training them in the hospitality industry to build their careers as an alternative to prostitution and other unhealthy ways to make a living. Finally, in 2020, I also created “A Sip of Paradise” – a community garden to help cultivate a happier, healthier bartending community by offering therapeutic gardening activities, here in Atlanta.
My Top Three Challenges to Wellness:
1. Setting Boundaries
I broke down a few weeks ago with chest pains, difficulty breathing, the works, and I suffered in silence because I was scared it would be lumped in the "Oh it's COVID box." My husband finally dragged me kicking and screaming to urgent care. They tested me 3 times for COVID while I was there, all negative, EKG, blood pressure, the works. Finally the doctor asked me what was going on in my life. As I am explaining it to her my chest got tight, I couldn't breathe and I started crying. She looked me in my face and said you need to sit your ass down, lol. She talks to my husband and he politely took my phone and told me I was on bed rest for 10 days. No phone, no work, no nothing. I was mad! How dare they tell me what I can and can't do, I'M GROWN, lol. No, I was killing myself, I had to set boundaries. I can't let people have access to me as I did before, it's taking time but I have set days that I work in the garden, I have set admin days and I have set off days. Life happens with or without you, I will rather be there.
2. Forgiving Myself
I am really thriving in these crazy times. I have to forgive myself because I'm different now and don't do the things I used to do. Now, I'm an owner, I have to consider more people with my actions and decisions. I also have to forgive myself because others are jealous or envious. I have worked very hard to build what I have and for so long I felt bad because others weren't getting the shine and things I was getting but I had to understand that my path is my path. Me dimming my shine to make others feel better is disrespectful to myself and those that have supported and believed in me.
3. Taking Time for Myself
I never take time for myself. I am always doing everything for others but get upset when they don't do those things for me. Why? I'm not even doing it for me. How can I have that expectation? It's not fair to anyone. I had to realize it's not selfish to want to protect your time. It's yours, you deserve it.
How I Keep It Together to Stay Well:
I recently started therapy. It's strange because being African it's not really something I was aware of or exposed to until I was an adult. I was always told to pray, go to church, or talk to my pastor. I thought therapy was for people with real problems, but it's not. What are real problems? It's needed, I am very optimistic, and I really like my therapist, but I am also scared for what will be unearthed, lol. I also attend meditation, yoga, and walks with my husband. My family is my anchor, they help me balance myself.
What Inspires Me:
I draw inspiration from everywhere, my friends, gardeners and family. I also read a lot of cocktail and gardening books and articles.
Two Quotes I Love:
“Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick and pull yourself together” - Elizabeth Taylor
“Well behaved women rarely make history” - Eleanor Roosevelt
You can connect with Keyatta on Instagram at @picturesandcocktails @asipofparadisegarden and @thejimprojectlib. On Facebook A Sip of Paradise Garden and online at www.asipofparadisegarden.org
NEW Episode: The Fine Line Podcast - Episode 20: Gina Giugni
For select episodes of The Fine Line Podcast: Balancing Hedonism & Health, Cathy will be adding a short meditation or mindfulness segment to complement the theme of the podcast. For the latest episode, the team speak with Gina Giugni of Scar of the Sea and Lady of the Sunshine in San Luis Obispo, California.
The Fine Line Podcast is co-hosted by Lisabeth Danneels and Emily Gold. Even the sub-title (Hedonism & Health) indicates the commonalities with A Balanced Glass. Please check them out!
Shop our ABG Merchandise!
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The offerings are a small list of high quality items that we have road-tested and reviewed, and hope they help support your self-care, while staying hydrated, safe, and stylish! << Check it out here >>
