tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post2590716804523133335..comments2024-03-28T13:20:41.312-04:00Comments on Jungle Red Writers: Best Birthday Present Ever!Jungle Red Writershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646429819267618412noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-60785130985775975312016-09-28T23:40:10.381-04:002016-09-28T23:40:10.381-04:00Nancy -- Thank you so much!
And thanks to everyon...Nancy -- Thank you so much!<br /><br />And thanks to everyone for your enthusiasm and for sharing your own stories today! It's always such fun to visit the Reds. An especially big thanks to Hank for hosting me! Gigi Pandianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15378365974242102657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-35049788177951790902016-09-28T23:38:17.698-04:002016-09-28T23:38:17.698-04:00Diana -- What a wonderful story about the Royal Ba...Diana -- What a wonderful story about the Royal Ballet! People are so generous :)<br /><br />And YES, Diane Vallere and I will be at Book Passage (San Francisco Ferry Building location) on Saturday October 15 at 2pm. Will we see you there?Gigi Pandianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15378365974242102657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-11083205029657369842016-09-28T23:36:28.890-04:002016-09-28T23:36:28.890-04:00Good night everyone! Thank you so much for a wonde...Good night everyone! Thank you so much for a wonderful day! And Gigi, congratulations and hope you are selling piles of books!<br />See you all tomorrow for an inside look at .. Well, it's fascinating! Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-9712408642441098262016-09-28T23:16:30.699-04:002016-09-28T23:16:30.699-04:00Gigi, happy birthday to you, your mom and dad. Ca...Gigi, happy birthday to you, your mom and dad. Can't wait to read you're latest. You always do such a fascinating and realistic job of blending fact with fiction. Congratulations on your latest. Nancy's Missiveshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07431815182726085205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-87739004995203628632016-09-28T22:45:38.108-04:002016-09-28T22:45:38.108-04:00p.s. Happy belated birthday to your parents and to...p.s. Happy belated birthday to your parents and to you! That was a wonderful birthday gift - a family trip to Italy!<br /><br />DianaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-38215884430064483452016-09-28T22:44:08.944-04:002016-09-28T22:44:08.944-04:00Gigi,
Great post! I love to travel. One family ...Gigi,<br /><br />Great post! I love to travel. One family trip that I enjoyed was when my Mom took my cousin and me on a weekend trip to Disneyland for my birthday when I was a tween. That was the only time my Grandfather was able to make it to my birthday since he had a busy career and could not travel great distance from home often. We had ice cream cake after dinner at a restaurant. <br /><br />Travelling with family is always fun because they love to travel too. Right now my cousin (older sibling to the Disneyland cousin) is travelling in Canada with her husband and singing at music (bluegrass) festivals in Canada .<br /><br />First time I travelled abroad on my own was when I travelled to the UK for my junior year abroad at Oxford. That was a memorable experience. My studies at Oxford was wonderful. One night I took the train to London to see the Royal Ballet and I had bought the cheapest ticket, which was the last row, in the theater. it turned out that this sweet couple I was sitting next to were parents of a ballet dancer in the Royal Ballet. They insisted on driving me back all the way to Oxford from London at night even if they lived in Aylesbury, not Oxford. They did not want me to travel alone on the train at night.<br /><br />I travelled "alone" to Europe, though I actually went with a tour group for a 14 day tour of Europe - France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Italy. After the tour, I took the train from Italy to Denmark and I travelled to Sweden for a day from Copenhagen. <br /><br />Always have fun travelling alone or with family/friends.<br /><br />On another note, you and Diane will be signing books at Book Passage in October?<br /><br /><br />DianaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-88246669649819240052016-09-28T21:34:04.544-04:002016-09-28T21:34:04.544-04:00Ann -- I often feel shy when I'm traveling. It...Ann -- I often feel shy when I'm traveling. It definitely pushes me out of my comfort zone, but that's one of the things I love about it. I know I'm lucky that I started at a young age, so it feels natural to me to feel out of place -- I think that "observer mode" is one of the things that pushed me into becoming a writer :)<br />Gigi Pandianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15378365974242102657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-87288328686514240652016-09-28T20:20:30.468-04:002016-09-28T20:20:30.468-04:00This sounds so good. I love to travel, but I'm...This sounds so good. I love to travel, but I'm basicay a coward. And shy. The idea of going alone.... YIKES!! <br /><br />pmettert@yahoo.comAnn Metterthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02290723620871351744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-91209861645628123572016-09-28T17:38:40.131-04:002016-09-28T17:38:40.131-04:00Libby -- Oh, I'm thrilled that you enjoyed rea...Libby -- Oh, I'm thrilled that you enjoyed reading an ARC of the book! <br /><br />Leslie -- I was definitely spoiled by two great 40th birthday trips, so I'm already fantasizing about what to do for my 50th ;) <br /><br />Hank -- Surely you must be joking about your next big birthday??? Whatever it is, I hope you're able to plan a most marvelous celebration. Gigi Pandianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15378365974242102657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-21200901754697760172016-09-28T16:16:51.186-04:002016-09-28T16:16:51.186-04:00YOu know, there is SUCH a difference between okay ...YOu know, there is SUCH a difference between okay food and fabulous food. France will do that to you! And Italy, too..<br /><br />And hmm..I'll have to plan my 70th. <br /><br />Leslie, you were wonderful at Bouchercon! How does it feel to be "past" president? xxo<br /><br />Denise Ann, we'e just doin' our job. But you are so right--I got lots of new titles, too!Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-16498201823290748852016-09-28T15:41:46.660-04:002016-09-28T15:41:46.660-04:00We spent a month in France for my 50th birthday, a...We spent a month in France for my 50th birthday, and it was the best gift ever! It didn't give me any stories, but it did heighten our love of food and cooking, and that has led to many great meals and spurred me to write foodie fiction. <br /><br />Hmm. Not too soon to start thinking about that 60th birthday trip....<br /><br />Congrats, Gigi, on another fabulous release!Leslie Budewitzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11942314846112875042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-36165510559394186582016-09-28T13:22:43.046-04:002016-09-28T13:22:43.046-04:00This is yet another Of Gigi Pandian's wonderfu...This is yet another Of Gigi Pandian's wonderful books!<br />I was fortunate to get an ARC.<br />Do get this book and enjoy yourself.Libby Doddhttp://www.libbydoddart.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-33664524995504634912016-09-28T12:49:25.040-04:002016-09-28T12:49:25.040-04:00Deborah (C) -- OMG Bouchercon is such a strange be...Deborah (C) -- OMG Bouchercon is such a strange beast that I kept seeing the same people but missed so many others! I'm so glad you had those great trips with your folks as a kid and you caught the travel bug :)<br /><br />Deb (R) -- Thank you! I like looking at other people's travel photos, too, as long as they're curated rather than in the thousands ;) <br /><br />Pat -- I definitely took my student academic schedules for granted, and am looking forward to even more time to travel once I'm retired! Yes, it's always a challenge to find a compatible travel partner. Compromises must be made, and I've been overwhelmingly lucky on trips I've taken with my parents, husband, and friends. There's sometimes a small fight (like that GPS experience of yours!) but I remember there are always stressful moments on trips, so we need to step back and breathe... <br />Gigi Pandianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15378365974242102657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-56018568733689712072016-09-28T12:33:03.736-04:002016-09-28T12:33:03.736-04:00I love to travel and want to do more! Being "...I love to travel and want to do more! Being "retired" has its perks. I just got back from a road trip with my husband and informed him we may not be travel buddies anymore. He had on TWO GPS units and of course they didn't agree on the route. I wanted to kill him. I did go to India a year ago with a female buddy. We traveled together pretty well but I found myself having to look after her a little more than I had anticipated. She is 7 years older than me and we are getting older. . .I have gone with my husband on domestic business trips and am well able to entertain myself while he is doing his thing. I'm currently debating whether to go to Wash. D.C. with him next month.Pat Dnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-12519218703824369972016-09-28T12:30:59.570-04:002016-09-28T12:30:59.570-04:00Happy Belated Triple Milestone Birthday to you and...Happy Belated Triple Milestone Birthday to you and your parents!<br /><br />Can't wait to read the new book. I've read all the others.<br /><br />Although I often travel alone from Point A to Point B, I have always met up with friends or relatives at Point B. When I'm with relatives I usually spend part of each day alone because we have different interests. <br /><br />Ever since childhood I have loved to read about places I'll probably never get to, and I am one of those rare people who loves to look at someone else's vacation pictures! <br /><br />Deb RomanoDeb Romanohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01650858888197217258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-58256385972916867352016-09-28T12:07:35.799-04:002016-09-28T12:07:35.799-04:00Gigi, how did I not see you at Bouchercon??
Happy...Gigi, how did I not see you at Bouchercon??<br /><br />Happy belated birthdays to you and your parents. I have to admit I'm a bit envious of your Italian jaunt with them. I grew up traveling with my parents. At first, road trips. We made the first of many drives to Mexico City when I was nine, and over the course of my child/teen years covered a good bit of the US as well. I was the weird kid who LOVED road trips. Then, when I was in my twenties we explored Europe together. They were such fun, and they did not come from adventurous backgrounds. On trips they made without me, they also went to Hong Kong, Japan, and South American. Your story made me miss them.<br /><br />They definitely infected me with the travel bug, and I actually really like traveling by myself.<br /><br />Cannot wait to read Michelangelo's Ghost, and putting Park of Monsters on my travel wish list!Deborah Crombiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16988750789088153601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-45278103743511809832016-09-28T11:59:54.219-04:002016-09-28T11:59:54.219-04:00And spellcheck changed Coralee to Corals before I ...And spellcheck changed Coralee to Corals before I could stop it! Sigh. Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-89704801520689350252016-09-28T11:58:59.118-04:002016-09-28T11:58:59.118-04:00Corals you are too funny? Are we there yet--is the...Corals you are too funny? Are we there yet--is there any other question that is SO universal? Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-29236213790015366542016-09-28T11:43:14.565-04:002016-09-28T11:43:14.565-04:00Rhys -- Now you have the perfect excuse to return ...Rhys -- Now you have the perfect excuse to return to Italy! Gigi Pandianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15378365974242102657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-70537040064113867772016-09-28T11:42:22.240-04:002016-09-28T11:42:22.240-04:00Kaye -- Yes, it was so lovely to see you in New Or...Kaye -- Yes, it was so lovely to see you in New Orleans! You're a magnet for drawing wonderful people to you, so I enjoyed meeting new folks through you as well. And PARIS next year with your girlfriends??? WONDERFUL -- I can't wait to see the photo :)<br /><br />Danielle -- I hope you enjoy the book for some armchair travel! <br /><br />Melanie -- Thank you! Though it's a bit out of the way, the park is definitely worth the time to get there. <br /><br />Coralee -- Being able to be an observer through solo travel is a great way to put it. <br /><br />Celia -- Thank you! Yes, I'm really happy with the book cover illustration Henery Press created. I've been really fortunate with great book covers for both of my mystery series. <br /><br />Gigi Pandianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15378365974242102657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-32856340614096579812016-09-28T11:41:24.291-04:002016-09-28T11:41:24.291-04:00Happy birthday, Gigi.
I've been to Rome severa...Happy birthday, Gigi.<br />I've been to Rome several times and didn't know about the park of monsters. Now I have to go back!Rhysnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-8935012687585051302016-09-28T11:37:05.809-04:002016-09-28T11:37:05.809-04:00What a wonderful birthday trip to make with your p...What a wonderful birthday trip to make with your parents, to get insights from them for your book, and to visit the wonderful Park of Monsters. I love the one you chose for your cover. Happy Belated Birthday to you all!Celia Fowlerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02138257308552361041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-79518417095589687582016-09-28T11:32:18.616-04:002016-09-28T11:32:18.616-04:00Denise Ann -- Aren't there such great recommen...Denise Ann -- Aren't there such great recommendations here? The Paris Librarian is one of the ones I immediately popped out to buy. And I"m with you -- if airline travel wasn't so cumbersome, I'd do a lot more traveling. <br /><br />Mary -- I've never formally studied art history, so I miss a lot of pockets of history, which is why random facts from people, books, museums, etc. spark such interesting ideas. Eating alone definitely takes some getting used to. Packing a picnic lunch is one of my tricks, when I'm not sure what type of restaurant I'll find while I'm out. <br /><br />Karen -- I'm so sorry we missed each other at Bouchercon. It's such a huge convention that it's too bad it's never possible to see everyone! <br />Gigi Pandianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15378365974242102657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-6204117985946885462016-09-28T11:27:42.620-04:002016-09-28T11:27:42.620-04:00Hallie! That's so fantastic that you traveled ...Hallie! That's so fantastic that you traveled with your kids. I hope they were more appreciative than I sometimes was as a bratty kid who just wanted a hamburger ;). But NOW in my adult like I'm so appreciative that my parents dragged me all over the place. I hope you make it to the Park of Monsters. I didn't know about it during my first trip to Italy either, since it's not in most guidebooks. <br /><br />Margaret -- Yes, so great to meet you at Bouchercon. Sounds like you've got the perfect balance in your travels. <br /><br />Susan -- OH YES, traveling all the time sounds marvelous... When I was going through cancer a few years ago I fantasized about a round-the-world trip, but I haven't made that happen yet.<br /><br />Edith -- Thank you! You know, one of the unexpected cool things about mystery conventions is that the bring me to cool places I wouldn't otherwise visit, like New Orleans. <br /><br /> Gigi Pandianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15378365974242102657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-56816762883702838962016-09-28T11:27:29.169-04:002016-09-28T11:27:29.169-04:00A belated Happy Birthday to you and your parents. ...A belated Happy Birthday to you and your parents. How interesting to be raised in a family where travel was a necessary part of their profession. How kind that they included you in there travels from an early age. The yen for travel has always been with me. My family was more stay at home types. Books were my gateway to the world. <br /><br />The few times I traveled alone, I really enjoyed it. Being responsible for only myself; not having to answer "are we there yet?"; reading every single historical marker available. That is for me. Traveling alone is respite travel, feeding into my solitary nature allowing me to become an observer. I think I will run away today, no more dusting. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Coralee Hickshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06691335135691119400noreply@blogger.com