From the Inside Out

After a 9-hour flight, 5-hour layover, and one additional 50 minute flight, we landed in Salzburg. The trip was long, but I have to say it was well worth it! It’s gorgeous here, and the weather was perfect. We couldn’t have asked for a better day.

It was early afternoon when we arrived, so we stopped by the hotel, dropped our bags, and then ventured out to explore the city. Our hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the Old Town of Salzburg, so most of the major historic attractions, shops, and restaurants are located within walking distance.

Here’s a sampling of what we found (for more pictures, check out the Austria album).

Salzach River, which runs through the middle of the city

Mozart’s birthplace and home

Shops on Getreidegasse Street

View of the Old Town and Hohensalzburg Fortress on top

Like a postcard everywhere you look!

The Dom, a cathedral built in 776

We ate dinner at McDonalds. Yes, I know, but due to the jet lage, we were hungry early and most of the restaurants weren’t serving yet. Besides, this McDonalds had the best outdoor garden eating area and lounge. Bet you’ve never seen that at a McDonalds before.

After dinner, we did a little more exploring, but the time change was taking it’s toll, so we turned in early for the evening to get some rest.

Tomorrow, we begin our cycling adventure with our first ride around Salzburg! Can’t wait.

I’m starting to get really excited. In May, I’ll be embarking on another overseas adventure, with a twist. Instead of the standard vacation, this trip will be a cycling excursion starting in Salzburg, Austria and ending in Prague, Czech Republic. It’s a 230-mile journey pedaling on some of the best cycling routes in Europe — away from traffic and close to nature. The trip boasts stunning views of the mountains, peaceful lakes, medieval villages, and lots of historic sites.

Each night we will stay in a different city. We’ll explore the local sites including a few castles along the way. It’s going to be amazing! It’s also a little intimidating. I’ve never pedaled that far, averaging 30-40 miles in back-to-back days — with hills. As I begin to contemplate it, I realize that I need to be training more often. The countdown has begun, and I need to get my legs in shape so I can enjoy the journey.

I’ll be participating in the Tour Dallas ride this weekend, a thirty mile ride through downtown Dallas and around White Rock Lake. And at the end of April, I’ll attempt to complete the express route of the MS 150 Sam’s Club ride from Frisco to Ft. Worth. These two rides will be great training for my trip. In addition to time on my trainer, I’m hoping to be in excellent shape by May. Wish me luck!

On Thursday, I flew from Orlando to Miami to inspect the hotel where we will host our annual Collaboration Summit in November. After a long week cooped inside the Gaylord resort and convention center, it was great to get away and visit a new venue. Plus, I happen to really like Miami!

Fountainebleau Miami

I had a few minutes of free time after arriving, so I snuck downstairs to visit the beach. My ankle was still injured which meant I couldn’t walk far, but I could sit and enjoy the scenery. I inhaled the fresh air, listened to the waves, and felt the stress melt away. It was a few minutes in heaven.

Miami Beach

Bird Perch

View from the balconies

Downtown Miami

On Thursday evening the hotel staff treated us to dinner, allowing us to sample their menu selections. The site visit is one of the better parts of hosting events. When you are considering a venue, the staff gives you the VIP treatment, and rolls out the red carpet for you. It’s easy to get spoiled.

The following morning, we toured the hotel, conference center, restaurants, and meeting space. The Fountainebleau is a magnificent property. It has all of the flair of Miami South Beach — the decor, attitude, location and environment are perfect. I wish my stay had been longer. I can’t wait to go back later this year. The hotel even had a special guest arriving on Friday evening. President Obama was going to be staying at the property. It was very interesting to see all of the security staff and police getting ready for his visit. I had to leave before he arrived, but it was cool nonetheless.

Hotel Lobby

Quick meeting before wrapping up the site visit

Before heading to the airport for my trip home, I stopped by the JW Marriott Marquis hotel in Miami to check out their property. They have installed the many of my company’s collaboration solutions — virtual concierge, public Telepresence, digital surveillance, wifi, and touchscreen phones — it’s very cool. The hotel is brand new. It opened in November. The Marriott is very different than the Fountainebleau, but equally amazing. They also feature a virtual bowling alley, 3D theatre room, full size basketball court, billiards room, and virtual golf. It’s definitely another hotel you should consider if you are staying in Miami. You won’t be disappointed!

Standard room at the JW — featuring three Cisco phones, wireless, deskphone and bathroom phone — yes, my nerd factor is showing

TV screens integrated into the bathroom mirror — pretty cool

Virtual bowling alley

After all of the excitement in Miami, I boarded a flight to return home. With 12 straight days of work, I was ready for a break — and a weekend! I arrived late on Friday night. It felt good to be home and great to finally see my husband again.

Now, it’s time for some rest!

It’s time for my annual trek to the Gaylord Palms in Orlando for Enterprise Connect (formerly VoiceCon), the biggest Unified Communications/Voice technology trade show in the industry. I have to admit that while I love Florida, I’m not a big fan of Orlando. It may be that familiarity breeds contempt, or maybe I have just gotten tired of the endless parade of children and families to the Disney mecca. On the other hand, maybe it’s because I equate Orlando with work, lots and lots of work. Every time I come to this city, it’s for a business conference, so I don’t think of Orlando as being fun. It’s a job.

This year, it’s even worse. I’m responsible for my company’s overall strategy, launch, and presence at the show. My team has been working on this event for months. We have a large number of activities taking place this week, and I’m also filming segments for my first TechWise TV episode. Yup, lots of work — and lots of stress!

After connecting through Charlotte, NC, I landed in Orlando tonight. Pre-show meetings kick-off tomorrow, and the show starts on Monday. It will be another busy week!

No neighbors on the first leg of my flight — the ultimate in leg room!

My home for the week

View of the Atrium from my balcony. Can you see the gators?

Gators!

More “Atrium at night” views

Sunday started early…no, seriously, it was REALLY early. We left the hotel at 1 am for our trip back to the airport. Our plane from Tel Aviv to Frankfurt departed at 5:30 am, and we arrived back in Dallas around 2:30 central time.

It was a long road home, but if I had the choice to do it all over again, I would — no doubt, no hesitation. It was a fantastic trip with an amazing group of people. We got to spend time with our friends from church and also formed bonds with some new friends. I can’t imagine experiencing Israel any other way. It was perfect…except for the food.

Tel Aviv airport

The newest sleeping mask — so fashionable…NOT!

Waiting for the plane

Heading home