BEHIND THE SCENES...
February 1, 2014

Meeting complete strangers on extremely competitive grounds, 100,000 dollars and a dream job up for grabs, may sound like the perfect storyline for reality T.V. but in truth, it resembled more of an episode of “Friends” with a touch of Robin Leaches “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous”.

No low blows.  No off-hand comments.  No sabotage.  No cat fights or brawls to report.  For just meeting each other, we got on like peanut butter and jelly. Vegimite and butter.  Potato chips and ketchup…errr, maybe that’s just me.

We share something far stronger then any competition can break - A passion for the open road. We found in each other lifelong kindred souls.

Okay enough of the sappy stuff.  Who are these individuals?  What makes everyone tick?  Throughout our time in Abu Dhabi personality quirks emerged in the most common of ways.  Over a drink, an embarrassing situation or in the stress and mental challenges stemming from so many sleepless nights.  The Jauntaroo team said we all had very different strengths and I would like to offer a quick, “Behind the Scenes,” look at each of the candidates I now have the privilege of calling friends.

Annie.  “Loose Lux”.  Inquisitive, witty, business minded and beautiful, Annie elevates any conversation to the N’th degree.  Her stories always end with sidesplitting laughter or an unexpected deep thought.  It was a rare moment when I didn’t see Annie’s wheels turning.  Constantly thinking of the next question, break through idea or professional opinion to share, Annie's personality is positively addictive. In layman’s terms, Annie is one super cool, switched on chick!

Cody, i.e. “The Wind”.  An airy, light-hearted nature and a smile that brightens any room, Cody brought the Aloha of Hawaii to Abu Dhabi.  Snapping pictures and videos everywhere we roamed, Cody has the ability to capture beautiful moments in every scenario.  Cody also carries a confidence and composure that can only be truly appreciated in person.  Whether he’s delivering a few lines for the camera or interacting at random, Cody is poised, animated and friendly as they come.

Jon, i.e. “Spicy Ice”.  From the outside Jon may appear soft spoken and professional but don’t be fooled, this man has humor and stories that go on for days!  Whether he’s hanging with president Barack Obama, Elton John or any number of A-list celebrities that he photographs professionally, Jon has an interesting chronicle for every leg of his journey.  One of the most genuine and kind-hearted people I have ever met, Jon cherishes and forms relationships wherever he travels.  Oh, did I mention he’s a kick ass photographer!!

Tyson, i.e. “Harbor Master”.  A man with a vision.  Never before have I met a traveler so focused on making travel his lifelong career.  Tyson’s charisma, charm and easygoing demeanor pull you in.  He has diversified himself across many different platforms in order to receive sponsorships, support volunteer projects and grow a huge social media following.  He has worked very hard to achieve the success he now enjoys and I am proud to support him moving forward. Go get 'em Aussie ;-)

Myself, i.e. “Myself”.  Not quite sure where I fall in this line up but the answer can probably be found in the type you’re reading now.  I’m the girl with the pen and notebook.  Perpetually writing notes, blogs, articles and entertaining posts, I love sharing my experiences in hopes of inspiring others to hit the road!  I am a go-getter by nature and risk to find opportunity in every experience.  I live life by my own rules and cherish all those met along the way.  

As with most larges scale projects, the people you see are only a small piece of the team. 

J.T. and Chris, our talented cameramen, worked around the clock to capture all the magic of Abu Dhabi.  J.T. has been in the industry for quite a few years and brings an eye for filming and photography with a brain for business.  Talented, ambitious and full or humor, J.T. will continue to go far in his career.  Thanks for all the laughs and heartfelt moments my friend!!

Chris, although a bit younger, also bears the talents of someone much older.  Chris is a quiet, composed visionary who will be responsible for the editorial work of Jauntaroo’s Top 5 webisode.  Chris has an easy energy and a glass half full mentality that let's you know everything will be okay.  

Existing mostly behind the scenes, J.T. and Chris deserve a standing ovation, slap on the back and round of beers for their efforts.  You guys rock!!

Finally, the Jauntaristas who began it all.  The creators of Jauntaroo.com - Tom, Travis, Gareth and a few that will remain nameless (you know who you are). Each one of you carry so much energy and enthusiasm towards the Jauntaroo product and will continue to excel.  Your hard work, dedication and subsequent stress did not go unnoticed.  Thanks for bringing us on the trip of a lifetime.  

Shukran and happy trails to you all.  Until our paths meet again…

Blink and it’s Over
Breathe and it’s Only Just Begun…
January 31, 2014

How do you stop and cherish a moment when life has accelerated from 0 to 60 in under a second? Just like the world’s fastest roller coaster, the Formula Rossa at Abu Dhabi Ferrari World, the last 6 days have raced by in the blink of an Arabian eye.

Did I really fly half way across the world with a group of complete strangers? Did I really sleep in layers of luxurious down feathers, soak in a gold-rimmed tub and call the halls of a living, breathing Palace home at the world’s second only 7-star hotel? And did I really experience over a dozen insanely wonderful Emirati activities on someone else’s planning, dime and vision? 

Throughout the trip I joked, “If I am dreaming, I never want to wake up.” Consider myself pinched. 

Sitting alone, on a Jet Blue A320 bound for San Francisco, I fly away from this experience with a full heart. I may not have clenched the coveted Jauntaroo - Your Vacation Matchmaker Chief World Explorer position but I leave with something far greater - a wealth of new friendships, experiences and memories to pull form. 

Am I sad? Angry? Frustrated? 

I think it is only natural to feel sadness. I mean heck, when you’ve put your heart and soul into a project for 5 months in hopes of winning a “dream job”, you’re bound to be a little disappointed. An emotion I would question the lack of more then the presence of. But in saying that, I must confess a different emotion. Happiness. Happiness for Tyson Mayr , your new Chief World Explorer.

Diversified on many business and volunteer fronts, extremely travel savvy and packing a giant social media punch, Tyson will continue to do amazing things! Congratulations buddy and I look forward to following your adventures. I am also extremely thankful for the friendships I leave the competition with. Jon, Cody, Annie, Jonathan, Christopher, Tom and Travis we have shared a dream together. A dream I will never forget.
I was always taught the measure of a person is not in the amount of times they get knocked down but in the times they get back up.

So with that, I close this chapter and look forward to opening the next.

I would like to thank my trampoline. My support system of family, friends and fans who have not only supported me through this roller coaster of competition but more so, bounced me higher and higher. You are the true reason I was able to embark on this trip. And you are the reason I will continue to embark on many more. 

Blink and it’s over. But breathe Reg, the journey has only just begun.

DIDN'T WE JUST MEET?
January 29th, 2014

To think this picture was taken only a few days ago. Kindred souls and wanderlust dreamers and doers, I feel like we've known each other for years. Thanks to Jauntaroo - Your Vacation Matchmaker CWE Fab 5 for making this dream trip even more magical.

The Grand Mosque
January 28th, 2014

There aren't many places in the world that steal your breath away and cause tears to well up like bottomless pools of wonder. Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque left me in awe!
 
No detail was forgotten, no element of construction neglected and no expense spared. Marble from China, crystal from Austria, Merino wool from New Zealand and Iznit tiles from Turkey all decorate this 82 dome, 40,000 occupancy snow white structure. 

The Grand Mosque is a beautiful testament to the life work and incredible influence Baba, Sheikh Zayed, had on his people, his country and their collective faith. I hope to someday return to your peaceful grandeur. Inshallah.

Thanks Jauntaroo - Your Vacation Matchmaker and Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority for organizing this incredible private #CWE tour!!

5-STAR COOKING
January 27, 2014

Another dream come true…cooking with Ali, the Executive Chef of Mezlai Restaurant in the magical Emirates Palace. Taking the kitchen by storm, we sizzled to life Emirati creations such as a spicy shrimp biryani and delectable balsamic pomegranate chicken livers for the other Final 5's enjoyment (And no, I did not poison anyone).

Featuring 108 main courses, Ali and Mezlai Restaurant never have a dull moment. Thanks for sharing your passion and culinary art with me Ali.

TRADITION MEETS TODAY
January 26, 2014

"Somewhere between the scorching Arabian sands and glistening Persian waters, a modern miracle was born. From one of the least developed places in the world to one of the wealthiest, Abu Dhabi can hardly catch its breath in the wake of a 50-year old discovery.

I’ll give you one guess. OIL.

Unlike most developed or developing countries, Abu Dhabi was not built on the backs of soldiers or in the hands of foreign leadership, it was born out of extreme economic growth, sturdy leadership, intelligent financing and an unwavering affection towards tradition.

Once a forlorn land of poor, nomadic tribes – Bedoin fisherman, camel herders and date farmers –has been catapulted into the modern world. Many locals trading in their camels for Mercedes, date farms for office jobs and tents for air-conditioned high rise apartments. But despite this force of modernity, there are still those Bedoin choosing to live the way their ancestors did thousands of years ago. Unmoved, unbothered, unbiased to the influx of money. 

I am intrigued by this fascinating diamond in the rough. A state caught in a perpetual balancing act between traditional, familiar leadership and impersonal, nameless guidance."

"HE WHO HAS NO PAST, HAS NO PRESENT NOR FUTURE"
January 25, 2014

One of my favorite pictures thus far comes courtesy of morning fog, one brilliant ray of light and an inspirational quote from Abu Dhabi's late Sheikh Zayed - “He who has no past, has no present nor future”. 

The few shadowed palm trees in the foreground represent Abu Dhabi “past”. Rooted firmly in tradition the palms, like the resolute Bedoin tribes, stand tall in the face of modern giants. Abu Dhabi’s “present” is represented to the right of the sunburst. Steel, cranes and unfinished high-rise facilities paint a true picture of Abu Dhabi today…growing. And, as Sheikh Zayed forecasted, the future glistens forth just to the left of the sunbeam. A flashy example of what’s to come. My favorite part of the picture is what ties everything together. The same sunburst separating present from future beams downwards to the root of their existence, the palm trees. Abu Dhabi’s past. 

This truly has been of a trip of a lifetime with Jauntaroo - Your Vacation Matchmaker

WHEN WILL IT HIT?
January 24th, 2014

Like any long awaited event or moment of possible glory, we all ask ourselves a simple question, “When will it hit?”

Nervous energy and faceless thoughts cloud the judgment of our soon to be reality as we float through a sea of ideas, best and worst case scenarios and visual, Blockbuster-like outcomes. You know the kind; The gold chest at the bottom of the sea, the arc hidden deep within the craggy mountainside, the beautiful girl at the end of an action sequence or in my case, a dream job! Winning Jauntaroo - Your Vacation Matchmaker "Best Job Around the World".

So when will it hit? When does the gravity of this long anticipated opportunity overflow like the oil fields of Abu Dhabi herself?

Twiddling my thumbs, drumming my coffee cup lid and lightly tapping my toe against the baggage claim carousel, this post comes courtesy of a brain buzzing with anxious energy. No fear, doubt or nerves, mind you, just an eagerness to begin this final leg of competition. I could not be more prepared for anything in my life. I’m ready to show Jauntaroo and Jauntaristas around the world what makes Reggie the best candidate!

Almost to my international gate now and the long awaited, first encounter with the other 4 contestants along with the Jauntaroo team. Gliding between people, roller bags and small children on those ridiculous teddy bear leashes, I arrive to the Etihad Airways Desk. First class treatment greeted me all the way to the Wing Tips Lounge. There, in the distance, a line of Jauntaroo totes. Gifts provided for our carry on luggage now serving as signs of solidarity, unity and pride. We may be reaching for the same coveted position but I already feel a kinship. Of the same blood. Travelers, thru and thru.

This is it. Go time. When does it hit? Now! I’m interviewing for, “The Best Job Around the World”.

ADRENALINE
January 24, 2014

Adrenaline is my favorite hormone.  It’s there when you need it.  Absent when you don’t.  It catapults you above mental or physical limitations, elevating your ability to think, act, respond and function.  Fatigue, exhaustion, ha, just words in the wake of this natural high.  Ride the wave for the wave will carry your far.

Adrenaline is my companion this morning at San Francisco International Airport.  Unable to sleep the past two nights due to an anxious energy, my good buddy “Ad” has come to my rescue yet again.  That and a double shot espresso…

Dearest adrenaline, the next 6 days will fly by quicker then a New York minute and I want to absorb every moment.  Please keep my spider senses sharp, my wit even sharper and my enthusiasm a notch above what was once thought humanly possible.

Signed,
  Your dear friend,   
   ~ Reggie