Mariellen and Alicia (on the chair) talk to the group about the latest news. Katy from Intrepid Travel looks on. Sadly I only had my Blackberry for photos so excuse the quality.
So as luck would have it, a friend through a friend connected me with this great group in Toronto called the Toronto Travel Massive. They had their monthly meeting last night downtown at Intrepid Travel which I was able to attend. What an absolute blast. There were 40 other individuals who have made travelling a lifestyle instead of a once in a while – hey that rhymes. All of them were of the same ilk as myself and I felt welcome and right at home all at once.
Argh, I can't remember your name - works at Intrepid Travel.
Toronto Travel Massive was co-founded in July 2010 by Mariellen of BreatheDreamGo, and Alicia of Behind the Lens. This group shows how just through the love of travel, great friendships can be developed regardless of age or background.
Toronto Travel Massive - Ya!
At this particular meeting, sushi, soft drinks, goodies and wine flowed and conversations got louder and louder as people became more and more animated telling their stories and relaying their ideas. Mariellen won a trip to India through Intrepid Travel, who sponsored the fundraising event, by raising $1,136 online and $130 at the meetup for The Intrepid Foundation / Deepalaya project . It was very fitting that all of Mariellen’s exhaustive efforts to raise money earned her this great prize as the project is very near to her heart.
A bit blurry sadly - but Mariellen is handed her prize of her trip to India
I was so impressed with the energy and ideas everyone there had. One interesting thing I noticed though was that there were three times as many women there as men. I wonder why that is? I have my theories but I can’t be sure just yet – I will have to test the theories out first before stating them with any confidence.
Three times a charm - lucky winner Mike
Bottom line however is that leading a simpler life and making travel a lifestyle exploring this amazing world we live in is something that many people are drawn to. Often people can’t envision how to do this. And to be honest if the whole world did this lifestyle we would be in trouble. But there are many ways to skin a cat. You don’t get rich living this way and you don’t tend to accumulate material goods, but if those things aren’t important to you, then it doesn’t matter.
A trio of reds!
(p.s. if I got names wrong or you can help me remember those I have not – please let me know)
Thanks so much for coming to the Toronto Travel Massive event. It was great to meet you and your amazing energy really contributed to the overall vibe 🙂
Thanks Mariellen, I greatly appreciate the compliment. Sometimes that energy can be overwhelming to some but as Popeye used to say (well insofar as a cartoon character can talk) “I am what I am!” Looking forward to the next one.