Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap

Been On Vacation Already?

2007-10-01T00:00:00.000-03:00

I see some of you have been on vacation already!! Tell us about it!!! Post a comment here and and direct us back to your blogs with fabulous descriptions and/or photos of what your vacations were like!! If you don't have a blog, email us at: virtualvacationswap @ yahoo dot com and we will gladly posted here for you.

In your comments, please tell us who was your personal tour guide and nominate them for a wonderful spa vacation in a box of their own!! (A lot of these items were donated from various places)

We hope you all have/will enjoy your vacations!!!

We definitely want to see where you have been!!

Last Call For Virtual Vacations!!!

2007-09-15T00:00:00.000-03:00

The Tour Guides want to make sure that ALL tourists receive a virtual vacation. If you have NOT received a vacation yet and have not already let Anne, Jessi, or Sharon know or emailed virtualvacationswap @ yahoo dot com please do so ASAP or forever hold your peace.

Also, we might, we are not 100% sure yet, need an extra Angel tour guide or two. We did have a few reserve tour guides but may need a few more. If you think you can represent your city/state again in a VERY short time frame on very short notice for someone who's original tour guide went MIA, please email us at: virtualvacationswap @ yahoo dot com with ANGEL TOUR GUIDE in the subject line. Whether or not we will need you, we thank you enormously, in advance, just for volunteering!!!

Vacations Should Have Been Shipped

2007-08-31T13:46:00.001-03:00

By Now all Vacations Should have Been Shipped. The Tour Guides do know of a few tourists who have had to make alternative arrangements and you do know who you are.

However, if you DO NOT receive a vacation by Friday September 7Th without having had prior notice or arrangements made PLEASE email either your tour guide (hostess) directly or virtualvacationswap @ yahoo dot com

In the meantime, please continue, to nominate your person guides for spa packages (the reason it says October is so that remains at the top of the blog, someone asked)

WINNER! WINNERS! WINNERS!!

2007-08-18T10:40:00.000-03:00

We, FINALLY, have scavenger hunt winners. Sorry it took so long but between family being in town and needing to verify every entry and then randomly drawing the winning 4, it took a very long draw out process. I hear the prizes are worth it though ;-)

Two will be coming from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and two will be coming from the great state of Alabama, just so the winners know.

Drum roll please.....

First Place goes to Carrie

Second Place goes to Kathleen

Third Place goes to Angela T.

Fourth Place goes to Susan

These ladies put a LOT of hard work into their scavenger hunt answers, hopefully "met" a lot of new people along the way and had some fun while playing along.

Next stop: Your individual vacations!! You have less than a month to get those boxes to your tourists!!!

Scavenger Hunt is Complete!!

2007-08-11T10:14:00.000-03:00

You all did an AMAZING job with the scavenger hunt!! I know it was a difficult one but it was fun, wasn't it?

The only question that some of you gave some VERY good guesses but didn't get right was bonus question number one "Find the Tourist that got Sharon back into knitting" The answer was: Frances That was a tough one though because I mentioned it on my blog and in a comment on Frances' blog once. Besides being an amazing knitter, Frances is also a wonderful soapmaker.

The other tour guides and I need to confer upon the 4 winners of the scavenger hunt and along with the trusty, handy, dandy random number generator will select the 4 winners of the scavenger hunt!!

Job well done!!

Scavenger Hunt Reminders

2007-08-04T14:18:00.000-03:00

I forgot one thing: You have until Friday August 10Th to get your entries in.

I am reminding you of one thing: Do not forget to LEAVE COMMENTS on the blogs you look at especially the last question. VERY important piece. We will be checking these things.

Thank you. You may go back to your hunting

ETA: Since a few have asked, We will random number draw the winners from the correct answered entries IF there are numerous correct entries. You do not need to be the first, second, third, etc... The time stamp with ONLY come into play IF there are only Four correct entries. So far, as of Saturday night at 9 PM EDT, there are none.

And the Hunt is On!!!

2007-08-03T21:04:00.000-03:00

When I was younger and worked at sleep away camps scavenger hunts were my favorite thing to create for my campers and other staff members. I used to send them through the entire camp. So this weekend (and maybe a little longer, LOL), I am going to send you all on a trip through all the blogs and questionnaires of all the travelers of this swap. I hope you all enjoy!!

The Rules

You must include the name of the tourist AND their Blog or say they are blogless and posted on the travel blog

If you are traveling through their blog you might stop by and say “hi” in some way by leaving a comment. It would be a nice thing to do

You MUST email your responses to virtualvacationswap @ yahoo dot com. Each entry will be time stamped by yahoo as there are First, Second and Third place prizes. You heard correct. From the first entries (if there are multiple entries, the winners will be random number drawn). There are TWO yarn prizes and One pampering prize. If we have numerous correct answers we might be persuaded to add a fourth prize :-)

You CAN repeat names/blogs in answers and you might find YOU are an answer to a question. However, everyone is NOT an answer to a question or are they ;-)

I think that about covers it but if you have any questions, let me know either at virtualvacationswap @ yahoo dot com OR sharon @ soaps-n-stuff dot com

Ready ....... set ....... go....... !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Find 25 Tourist who knit socks

Find 2 who don’t

Find 1 tourist whose name rhymes with her state

Find 1 tourist from Southeast Asia

Find 1 tourist who moved during this swap

Find 1 American living in the United Kingdom

Find at least 25 tourists who DID NOT want to travel to Hawaii

Find 2 tourist who do not knit with wool

Find 10 tourist who knit lace

Find 3 tourists who are knitting from their stash this summer (I don’t know why either but, they are)

Find 10 tourists who don’t like eyelash or fun fur type yarn

Find 5 tourist whose favorite color is purple

Find 3 tourists who DO NOT like the color yellow

Find 3 tourist who use the word MONKEY in their blog some where

Find 5 tourists knitting Harry Potter

Find 10 Tourists who Felt

Find at least one tourist who does wordless Wednesday

Find 3 Tourists who dye their own yarn

Find 5 Tourist who are “Knitting Daily”

Find 3 Tourist from the west side of Canada

Find 10 Tourists with non-blogspot blogs

Find 15 Tourists who have cats

Find 5 Tourists have dogs

Find two Tourists from our 49th state

Find our one tourist who had to dropout, post her a comment sending her lots of love and well wishes. I will be checking!!!

Bonus question #1: Find the Tourist that got Sharon back into knitting

Bonus question#2: Name the states and countries Anne did not call in the Blackout Bingo game

Let the Hunt begin!!

Could Be Friday Could Be Saturday......

2007-08-01T09:02:00.000-03:00

Watch This Spot!

2007-07-27T16:41:00.001-03:00

I am so sorry, I forgot to mention that we are in the Virgin Islands. Borrowed the boat from a friend. Ideal for knitting and crocheting, don't you think?

Watch this spot for next Friday/Saturday. I obtained the final component to the prizes this morning. Did I say PRIZES?! Why, yes I did! There will be a First place, second place and third place prize for this little game/contest. All I can say is.....

Vacation Administration and Reminders

2007-07-25T14:35:00.000-03:00

Bingo Prizes went out in yesterday's mail. Congratulations, again, to our winners!!

I hope that everyone is enjoying their virtual vacations and emailing/contacting both their upstream and their downstream tourists. Just a reminder that these are different people. Your packages are due to them on or around September 3rd but, if you are ready to ship your vacation in a box now, you are more than welcome to do so. We just wanted to make sure you had enough time to prepare your boxes.

We hope that once your boxes are shipped you will continue the new relationships you have formed.

Our next big game will be posted on August 3rd/4Th and I will give you one clue.....

See you then!

WE HAVE TWO WINNERS!!!

2007-07-18T13:10:00.000-03:00

We have had our expert Bingo officials check and this time it has been verified that both Leah and Jane C. have Bingo!! Congratulations Ladies!!!!

The Tour Guides conferred and felt that BOTH ladies deserved to win a prize so we randomly drew names to see who would win which prize.

Leah has won the wonderful prize donation we received from Loop (see the image in the sidebar!)

Jane C. has won four lovely skeins of Knit Picks Crayon and two bars of Lime Margarita Soap from Sharon's Soaps n' Stuff.

We will be playing a new and different game the 1st weekend of August so you will all have another opportunity to win a prize! So get ready for it....

Did I hear Someone Say B I N G O?

2007-07-17T09:11:00.000-03:00

If anyone thinks they have BINGO please email me at virtualvacationswap @ yahoo dot com

We will be verifying all possible winners today and there is the possibility of there being more than one prize so just because one person has already called BINGO don't be shy, if you have BINGO, call it out too!

Have your BINGO card and blogs/locations listed in your email message

GOOD LUCK!!

ETA: Two Tourists have already called Bingo but don't let that deter you if you have it also! You have until 5 AM EDT to stake your claim.

Round 2 Blackout Bingo: Day 16 Destinations

2007-07-17T05:47:00.000-03:00

Dear Travelers:
The suspense is killing me! We're so close to having a winner, and I can't wait to see who the lucky traveler is! Did you know Mississippi was the 20th state to enter the Union? And its name, roughly translated from Native American folklore means "Father of Waters." The translation comes from the Chippewa words "mici zibi" meaning "great river" or "gathering in of all the waters" and the Algonquin word "Messipi".

When I was little, we used to say that it was spelled.. "M - I - Crooked Letter Crooked Letter - I - Crooked Letter Crooked Letter - I - Humpback Humpback - I". I have no idea where THAT comes from!

Wish you were here! Maybe some of you will be!

Your Hostess

I could just die wondering if someone's going to win today!!!

Destination 1: Mississippi
Destination 2: Wisconsin
Destination 3: Oregon
Destination 4: Nova Scotia

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Round 2 Blackout Bingo: Day 15 Destinations

2007-07-16T07:29:00.000-03:00

Dear Travelers:
Having a great time in the beautiful Swiss Alps! There's amazing hiking, waterfall views, and of course, chocolate! Wish you were here!!
Your Tour Guide
Anne

Destination 1: Switzerland
Destination 2: Illinois
Destination 3: Minnesota
Destination 4: British Columbia

[Yes, dears, you do need to send in your blog list. That said if there are a few you just cannot find, say so when you send in your winning card, and Sharon, Jess or I will check it out, and if there IS a blog, you'll need to go find it!

Edited: I'm going to go through the list this morning of destinations and try to let you know which destinations you don't need to worry about - I didn't realize some links even appear to be broken. I apologize for the time some of you have spent - next round of the VVS, we'll be sure to have folks include their location directly in their questionnaires; that should help. If there are particular destinations you're having trouble with leave them in the comments and I'll check those first!

Competition's getting fierce! Even my own mother emails me daily to tell me how many she has to go!]

[Believed to be Blogless: Louisiana]
[Alberta definitely has a blog - we went over this last round, go look at the old posts!]
[Indiana has a blog.. her name starts with "S", and if you click to view her profile from her blog, you will see where she's from!]
[Kansas has 2 bloggers, but one blog seems to be down or mislinked. The other is a Yahoo! 360 blog if that helps.. !]

Round 2 Blackout Bingo: Day 14 Destinations

2007-07-15T09:17:00.000-03:00

Hey guys - a little clarification, based on comments:

This game is totally separate from last game, destinations and card wise.
Some folks chose to submit new destination cards, and others re-submitted the same card as the first round, but either way, everyone started fresh.
All bingo cards have 25 spaces - 5 under each letter. The middle "N" slot is FREE on all cards.
The confusion yesterday was because dear Angela had only 4 destinations chosen under each letter, which is not valid, and therefore, not blackout.

Much luck to everyone, we're getting down to the wire now.

Destination 1: Australia
Destination 2: Ohio
Destination 3: Arkansas
Destination 4: North Carolina

NO WINNER

2007-07-14T21:58:00.000-03:00

After conferring with experts in the field of Bingo, I had to delete my previous post and need to apologize. Many of you were correct, a full board has 25 spaces, not 20, as the previous board had and therefore for blackout it was an invalid board.

Let the game commence.....

Round 2 Blackout Bingo: Day 13 Destinations

2007-07-14T11:35:00.000-03:00

First off, I'm having a blast with this you guys - I'm so glad you all seem to be having fun. It's odd, because there really is no method to the madness of how I'm calling things. I go through the list of what's called versus not called each morning, and just pick out destinations that catch my eye - it's sort of funny the thought each state or country brings to mind - many of them from childhood.

I can't remember the name of it for the life of me, but there was a cartoon show or movie when I was little, and it had this mouse in it. And the mouse couldn't say "Connecticut" right - he said it "Connect i cut, literally pronouncing out each of the syllables. It's only something that comes to my mind because it's how I learned to spell the name of the state! (Much as I learned to spell the word "Friend" from the book "Dear Mr. Henshaw" by Beverly Cleary - but I digress!)

I've heard 6 and 7 as the low ones thus far!! Let's see how these help you out, or help some of you others with 8 or 10 to go catch up!

Destination 1: Connecticut
Destination 2: Kansas
Destination 3: Texas
Destination 4: Alberta

Please excuse the BINGO Interruption for some Administration Information

2007-07-13T15:33:00.000-03:00

Just a reminder. Today is the last day for that first contact with your Tourist/pal. If you have not heard from your pal by today, please contact the tour guides at:

virtualvacationswap @ yahoo dot com.

Please keep in mind that contact can mean numerous things:

1. Your Pal can leave anonymous comments on your blog. That IS a form of contact. you might not be about to email them back but you could make a blog post just to them titled something like, "to my KVVS Pal..."

2. Your pal can send to you an e-card from Yahoo, Hallmark, Lion Brand postcards, etc. There may or may not be a way for you to email back.

3. An email message to your email account. Please check your spam filters and make sure they are not set to high. We have been having issues with messages getting caught in the spam filters. Also, when emailing please try to include in the subject line something so that your pal know it is from the swap.

If any other issues arise, if you have any questions or need help, please do not hesitate to ask.

We have several Tourists very close to BINGO but don't fret. We have something planned very soon afterwards

Round 2 Blackout Bingo: Day 12 Destinations

2007-07-13T09:49:00.000-03:00

The Race is ON!

So many of you are getting so close! So we'll have a few extra destinations for the next few days to see if we can't make someone a winner!!

Today's destinations... and fasten your seatbelts!!!

Destination 1: Saskatchewan
Destination 2: New Jersey
Destination 3: Montana
Destination 4: Louisiana

Round 2 Blackout Bingo: Day 11 Destinations

2007-07-12T08:57:00.000-03:00

The high here today is in the 90's, though from what I've seen and heard online, I should be calling myself thankful that it's not going to be even hotter in Atlanta! The thing I can't take is the humidity though - I hate humidity! Thus missing my old hometown even more - Colorado has such a very nice and dry climate! The above shot is of downtown Colorado Springs, facing into Pike's Peak - the view from the top of that mountain was Katherine Lee Bates' inspiration for the song "America the Beautiful". It's really that gorgeous.

Destination 1: Colorado
Destination 2: South Carolina

So - anyone even have a double bingo (2 straight bingos) yet? Is 8 to go truly our closest, or is there someone somewhere who's just not sharing for fear of jinxing things? C'mon ya'll, I'm dying to know here!

Round 2 Blackout Bingo: Day 10 Destinations

2007-07-11T09:23:00.000-03:00

So who can already guess from the photo above where we're going to travel today? I've even been to that one, I think - though there are so many castles in this country it'd be hard to recall for sure, being as I was rather young when I was there!

Some folks are inching closer... will you get visa stamps for today's destination stops?

Destination 1: Germany, as seen above!
Destination 2: Kentucky
Destination 3: West Virginia

And as requested, here's a list of places we have been:

New York, Tennessee, England, Nevada, Ireland, Pennsylvania, Alaska, Malaysia, Maine, Indiana, France, Finland, Washington D.C., Virginia, Maryland, Hawaii, Washington (State), Ontario, California, Rhode Island, Alabama, Georgia, Vermont, Kentucky, West Verginia, and Germany!

Round 2 Blackout Bingo: Day 9 Destinations

2007-07-10T08:42:00.000-03:00

Since we've already been to see Sharon in Pennsylvania, I thought it only appropriate that we head out to visit Jessi in Alabama! And much as my house isn't great for company at the moment, if you're going to be sent to see 2 hostesses, you're coming to see us all!

Destination 1: Alabama
Destination 2: Georgia
Destination 3: Vermont

Contact

2007-07-09T12:09:00.001-03:00

Hey guys, pardon the non-bingo post (oh my can you believe?? They are below though - no fear).

I just wanted to post to say how happy I am to be helping host this. I love swaps. Wanna know why? The very first 2 swaps I joined, I met two of the greatest ladies. I was spoiling one, and was spoiled by the other, and now they're two of my very best friends. I can't imagine not 'talking' to them on a regular basis, or not having had them impact my life. They're two of the greatest ladies you can imagine.

The funny thing is, if Devon had chosen not to reply to me when I sent her e-cards or emails or commented on her blog; or if I'd ignored Amy when she sent emails to me or visited my blog - I'd never have gotten that chance. As it is, I did, and they did, and we're now ALL friends.

On the other hand, a few of the folks I've spoiled or been spoiled by, I'm not very close to. We chatted some, but nothing big. I still made sure to try and find nice things for them, and they did the same for me. I've been lucky enough to have only 1 or 2 folks who ever chose to ignore me completely - and ya wanna know what? That makes it awfully hard to send things they'll like.

I don't know why each of you is here and traveling with us. Hopefully, you loved the idea as much as I did when Sharon and Jessi told me about it, and you're looking forward to spoiling your pal. Please, keep in mind though that there's someone out there who is trying to spoil you, too. They want to hear back from you. They want to know what you like and what you don't, and they want to get to know you.

It's really simple to take the time to email back your spoiler, or to drop a note or a blog message to your spoilee. Maybe you'll meet a Devon or an Amy and maybe you won't - but at least you won't have ruined the fun of the swap for someone else who's dying to hear back from you.

[Edit: For those unfamiliar with the terms, Upstream Pal or Spoiler are both the person who sends to you. Downstream Pal or Spoilee are the person you're sending to.]

Round 2 Blackout Bingo: Day 8 Destinations

2007-07-09T11:59:00.000-03:00

On this day...

2000 Pete Sampras won his seventh Wimbledon singles title, tying the record for men at the All England Club.

1992 Democratic presidential candidate Bill Clinton tapped Sen. Al Gore of Tennessee to be his running mate.

1776 The Declaration of Independence was read aloud to Gen. George Washington's troops in New York.

And so, today's destinations..

Destination 1: New York
Destination 2: Tennessee
Destination 3: England

[Edit: Yup, you should have a free space on the middle of your "N" row, just like standard numbered cards would. And Great Britain and UK work for England - I have no idea if they're technically correct, but for our purposes they're the same thing. Wales or what not would be listed separately if there were swappers from there]

Round 2 Blackout Bingo: Day 7 Destinations

2007-07-08T10:00:00.000-03:00

I totally missed the boat on this yesterday, but July 7th has significance for me, so my mind was elsewhere! Yesterday was 7-7-07, much said to be a lucky and phenomenal day in time! How about for you? Was it lucky? Are your destinations filling up?

I thought it'd also be appropriate because with today's destinations, we're seven destinations away from the possibility of a Blackout Bingo! If anyone was lucky enough to have every single destination! Haven't heard from anyone that close yet though, I don't think!

And of course I'm sure you can guess one of today's destinations from that!

Destination 1: Nevada
Destination 2: Ireland

Round 2 Blackout Bingo: Day 6 Destinations

2007-07-07T18:04:00.001-03:00

Hey hey - sorry I'm late! You didn't think I'd forget, did you?? I had to get up at 4am to do a bit of work, and then do some more, so I've been having little cat naps all over the place! Got myself all out of whack!

That there is the Philadelphia Skyline - and Philadelphia is home to Loop - the sponsor of this round of Bingo and kind giver of yarns to our cause. Please - stop by their shop, give them your business sometime in the future to show your thanks and appreciation for them helping us out!

So! Without making you wait even one second longer, here are today's destinations:

Destination 1: Pennsylvania
Destination 2: Alaska (I miss my mommy! She just went back!)
Destination 3: Malaysia

Round 2 Blackout Bingo: Day 5 Destinations

2007-07-06T09:30:00.000-03:00

While I'm sure there are many beautiful things in Maine - one of the first things that comes to mind for many is Lobster! I've only tasted it once myself, but decided Maine would be a great place to go this fine Friday, since I've never been!

Destination 1: Maine
Destination 2: Indiana

As a side note, if you are still waiting on contact from your pal and you use Gmail, please be sure to check spam folder. In both my own account and that of several swappers I know, things are heading to Spam in the last few days that normally wouldn't! Doesn't hurt to double-check!

Round 2 Blackout Bingo: Day 4 Destinations

2007-07-05T09:44:00.000-03:00

Thus far, we've covered just about all the 'four corners' of the U.S., so it's about time we broadened our travel horizons, don't you think?

Destination 1: France
Destination 2: Finland

Good luck! How's everyone looking??

Round 2 Blackout Bingo: Day 3 Destinations

2007-07-04T11:25:00.000-03:00

To those of us in the U.S. - Happy Independence Day! May your day be one of celebrations and time with family and friends! Stay safe if you're traveling! And above we have the Capitol in Washington, D.C., and below - we have today's destinations, in honor of the 4th of July holiday in the U.S.:

Destination 1: Washington, D.C.
Destination 2: Virginia
Destination 3: Maryland

Round 2 Blackout Bingo: Day 2 Destinations

2007-07-03T09:09:00.000-03:00

Before we move on to today's numbers, just a quick reminder: You should contact your pal no later than July 13th. And really - if you get an email or note from the person who's going to be spoiling you, it's really a good idea to write back! For one, it's polite acknowledgement you received their message, and for another, this is after all the person who's going to be spoiling you - be nice! ;)

As I sat trying to think of today's destinations, there were so many options! Today was the end of the Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania - and the day the first savings bank opened in the U.S in New York City!

Instead, I was sipping my coffee, and thought that the day before the holiday, it'd be good to travel places with a really great cup of brew!

I give you Kona Coffee Trees in Hawaii! Mmmm... Some of the best coffee in the world! (And a place a LOT of us want to visit!)

So then - today's destinations:

Destination 1: Hawaii
Destination 2: Washington (Seattle..Starbucks..Small connection to coffee!)

Round 2 Blackout Bingo: Day 1 Destinations

2007-07-02T09:10:00.000-03:00

According to Wikipedia, when July 1st is on a Sunday, Canada Day is commemorated on the following Monday! So, a happy Canada Day to our travelers in the north! And in honor, we can travel to Canada today! At least once, anyhow!

Just a quick reminder that this time you need blackout!

Destination 1: Ontario
Destination2: California (in sticking with the Canadian theme.. sort of.. CA, .ca? See .. the similarity?)
Destination 3: Rhode Island (absolutely NOTHING to do with Canada!)

Bingo!

2007-06-30T20:39:00.000-03:00

Just wanted to post a quick reminder that you have until tomorrow at midnight to get your destinations sent in! The first destinations will be called on Monday!

How's everyone doing on getting things together for their pal?? I, for one, have already been shopping around as I did some tooling around Georgia today. And then I realized that I might be in trouble if my pal hates peach things! I'll have to try and divine this information without giving away where I'm from!

How about you? Found anything great for your pal already??

The Secret Pals Are Coming, The Secret Pals Are Coming!!!

2007-06-28T13:54:00.000-03:00

Who Can they Be? It is all a Mystery......

Remember this is a secret swap.

You should receive an email from Anne, Jessica, or Sharon either today or tomorrow. If you DO NOT hear from one of us by TOMORROW NIGHT then please email virtualvacationswap @ yahoo dot com or if you have ANY questions DO NOT hesitate to contact one of us.

We are here to help you any way we can.

Don't forget BINGO starts Monday!!!

HAVE FUN!!

Rachell's Virtual Vacation Questionnaire

2007-06-27T17:13:00.000-03:00

1. If you could visit any state in the US, which would it be and why? It's so far but I'd like to go to Hawaii. I want to learn to surf and see the black beaches. Otherwise, I'd like to go out west. I haven't seen much in the US beyond Illinois.

2. If you could visit any country in the world, other than your own, which would it be and why?

I would like to go to Ireland and Australia. I have a friend in Aus that I haven't seen in years and it just look slike a beautiful country. Regarding Ireland, my hus bad is dying to go so it's next on our list. Not sure when it will be but it also looks neat.

3. Have you ever driven across several states/providence/countries? We drive to KY each year to go camping but it's not really that far. I've driven the TN. I've also driven to NYC from Ohio when I went to college and when I came home four years later. That's probably the farthest I've ever driven.

4. Have you ever visited someplace you consider exotic? Where was it? I just went to Iceland. While it may not fit the traditional definition of exoctic it was different than any other place that I've been.

5. What was your favorite "travel" vacation? Why? It would probably be my honeymoon. Mainly because it was my honeymoon but we went to Italy and had the best time at a villa in Tuscany. It was just beautiful.

6. Have you ever played tourist in your own home city/state (if international, country)? Explain. Not really. I've taken people who visit to some of the touristy stuff but never really made a point of it myself.

7. Are you a museum visitor, beach comer or an amusement seeker? I'd rather sit in the sun at the beach.

8. What's your favorite type of yarn? I am a fairly new knitter so I don't have any favorites just yet. I don't really like working with acrylic but I do see that it has a place now and then. I like wool. I'm working on a baby blanket in cotton that seems like it will be extra warm.

9. What's your least favorite type of yarn? Synthetic but I do know that it has aplace now and then.

10. What items do you like to knit/crochet? So far I have only done scarves, a cool headband, working on a blanket, and I made a couple beer can koozies that were fun. I like fun, quirky stuff that doesn't take too long.

11. What do you pack, knit/crochet wise when you go on vacation? I'm so new that I often forget. We just spent all day Saturday at an outdoor festival when I should have brought my knitting but I forgot. I did buy some nice yarn while I was in Iceland.

12. What other crafts do you do/would like to do other than Knit/Crochet? I like to make jewelry and I sew a little. I'm pretty crafty. I also like to build things - we made a corn hole set last summer and I've made bird houses out of gourds before.

13. Are you allergic to anything? (Yarn wise or treat wise) No.

14. What is your favorite color? Least Favorite? I like orange and purple or earth tones. I don't like blue for some reason.

15. Sweet or Savory (Treat not personality)? Either, since I've been pregnant though I usually go for the sweets.

16. Anything else we are forgetting to ask that you think your partner desperately needs to know? I am expecting, due in November. It's our first, we're pretty excited. I am very new to knitting but seem to be a fast learner.

I live in Ohio

Questionnaire Reminder

2007-06-26T20:15:00.000-03:00

This is a reminder for all of you who STILL have not posted or emailed your questionnaires.

The Tour Guides are VERY close to sending out Tourist pairings but will not send them out to anyone who has not posted or emailed a questionnaire. By posting your questionnaire, we know you are committed to doing the swap. It also helps us, even just a little bit, match you.

There are still a few who haven't done so yet. You know who you are. We know who you are. I bet there are some other tourists who know who you are ;-)

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE Post your questionnaire or email it to virtualvacationswap @ yahoo dot com right away.

Bingo: Updated Locations List

2007-06-25T20:15:00.000-03:00

Okay folks, here is what I THINK is the complete list. And for the record, we're all blind. Miss Hawaii does have a blog! Stop by and say aloha! ; )

Here's the list. If you are missing, please send email or comment, and through tomorrow at Noon EDT, I will update the list. After that time, we will leave it as-is so no one is at a disadvantage for having sent in cards. So then you can send in your cards, and GOOD LUCK!

Alaska
Alabama
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
DC
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Illinois
Indiana
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Massachusetts
Maryland
Maine
Minnesota
Missouri
Mississippi
Montana
North Carolina
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Texas
Tennessee
Virginia
Vermont
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Alberta
British Columbia
Saskatchewan
Nova Scotia
New Brunswick
Ontario
France
England
Switzerland
Ireland
Finland
Australia
Germany
Malaysia

We have a Winner!

2007-06-25T14:36:00.000-03:00

As confirmed by Jessi - our winner is Amy T!

Amy, your prize should be going out by the end of the week!

And now... a big surprise! We WILL be having a round 2 - and in round 2 - the prize is going to be the AMAZING donation we received from Loop (see the image in the sidebar!)

Sharon talked all about this donation in this post, and I encourage you to check it out - this stuff is soooo soft and wonderful! Thank you again to Loop!

Here are the details for Round 2:

Again, submit your cards to virtualvacationswap at yahoo.com
You may submit the same Destinations again if you'd like.
It IS possible for Destinations that were called in Round 1 to be called in Round 2!
The kicker: The winner will need to get blackout! This means all destinations on your card must be called for you to win.
I will post an updated list of destinations on this post later tonight - if your hometown was not on the original list, please take a second to email virtualvacationswap@yahoo.com and let us know!
You can begin submitting round 2 numbers tomorrow, June 26th, and must have them submitted no later than Midnight on July 1st. We'll begin calling numbers on Monday, July 2nd.

Road Trip Complete

2007-06-25T12:30:00.000-03:00

"Head'n down the highway, look'n for adventure...."

The road trip portion of our journey has come to an end. I loved reading about the adventures you would take if you could. My favorite would still be driving to the Grand Canyon. The vastness of it still has me in awe.

We have a winner for our Road trip Contest thanks to the random number generator! Mandy wins the lovely Handspun Yarn! I will get that in the mail to you this week. Congratulations!!!

Also looks like we might have a winner for BINGO as well. You are going to have to wait for Jessi to verify. We are definitely going to play BINGO again.

Pairing is JUST about complete so be on the lookout for your secret pal. Then you will have till till the first week in September to mail off your vacations in a box. Sooner if you are shipping long distances.

Don't worry we still have lots of fun planned to keep your virtual vacation going this summer.

Vacation Bingo, Day 5 Destinations

2007-06-24T11:45:00.000-03:00

This is the Massachusetts state flower - commonly known as a shadeflower or mayflower, according to this site. I thought it was a pretty one! Happy Sunday to you all - and don't forget that if you get Bingo, you need to send email to virtualvacationswap at yahoo.com with your blog list. I can assure you yesterday's and today's sites have blogs! Here are today's destinations!

Destination 1: Massachusetts - and I guarantee you there are many blogs, because I know at least 2 of them and one of my best friends is there!
Destination 2: Oregon - all the way to the other end of the map - and yup, there's at least one blogger here, also!

Good luck!! Who's down to needing one number??

Vacation Bingo, Day 4 Destinations

2007-06-23T19:31:00.000-03:00

That's right tourists! We're traveling down under today! Apparently, rather than deer crossings, some places in Australia have Kangaroo/Kiwi crossings (and I'm not entirely sure what the little rat and the other bird are!!)

So, today's destinations are...

Destination 1: Australia (Yup, there's at least 1 blogger from here!)
Destination 2: Wisconsin (Again, definitely at least 1 blogger!)

Vacation Bingo, Day 3 Destinations

2007-06-22T08:53:00.001-03:00

And of course Banff got me to thinking.. The above shot is of Garden of the Gods at the base of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado - my first apartment was about 5 minutes from there, and it's one of the greatest places in the world to visit and to play tourist in your own home town!

And so.. today's destinations..

Destination 1: Colorado
Destination 2: New Hampshire (Because it's Friday and I don't want anyone to have to work TOO hard - there happen to be many of our travellers who call this state their home!)

Good luck! How's everyone doing?? Anyone close?

Oh, Canada...

2007-06-21T19:57:00.000-03:00

OK just for fun and because I actually have been here! A randomly grabbed picture of Banff in Alberta, Canada. This is seriously one of the most beautiful places I have ever been - rivaling even Colorado (my home of heart). When I drove through, it was snowy and cold, and since, I've been promising myself to return to Banff and Lake Louise.

Some folks have found the blog of our resident Albertan. (Albertian? Albertanian?) Can you? Her location does, in fact, say "Somewhere, CA", with the "CA" being "Canada" (think yahoo.ca, etc for Canadian domains), and she also mentions this:

5. What was your favorite "travel" vacation? Why?
That would have to be the road trip to British Columbia when I was a kid. It was my first time leaving Alberta.

Who oh who can I be??

Vacation Bingo, Day 2 Destinations

2007-06-21T09:39:00.000-03:00

Hullo all!

First bit of business, it seems that our spreadsheet had Hawaii incorrectly listed as a participating destination - so don't worry about finding a blog. You can mark the destination off, but won't have to send a blog. I apologize for time ya'll spent trying to find it :(

Second, today's destinations!

Destination 1: France (who definitely has a blog!)
Destination 2: New York (there are several blogs for this one)

Again guys, sorry about the mistakes, I'm sure it is frustrating - the next round will go more smoothly, I promise! (And yes, we'll do a 2nd round for sure, for those who've missed the first!)

And a little hint separate from the numbers as I know some of you are looking for it - Alberta definitely has a blog. If you read some questionnaires, you'll find that her first trip out of Alberta was to British Columbia!

And last to the person who asked - Matches will go out no later than July 8th. They may go sooner, but not before next week, as Sharon's on vacation right now and we'd like to send out matches to the whole swap at the same time.

Vacation Bingo, Day 1 Destinations

2007-06-20T10:32:00.000-03:00

Hey all!

No, Georgia wasn't the first Destination - that was just a picture for yesterday since we all know bloggers love pictures.

Alas I'm at work, so no picture today! What I do have is today's two destinations!

Destination 1: Alaska. If any of you have read the questionairres, it seems about 80% of the travelers on our tour want to visit there, so I had to choose that one first!

Destination 2: Hawaii. What better to contrast the far, frozen north than with the warm tropics?

If you have these destinations on your cards, mark em off and find a blog that matches up! Good luck!

[Side note to a question in the comments: Yup, should be destinations on your card - I just said "numbers" to contrast / compare to Bingo for a few folks who were confused! You should all be just fine!]

Heather's Virtual Vacation Questionnaire

2007-06-19T23:07:00.000-03:00

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

1. If you could visit any state in the US, which would it be and why?
I would visit Alaska in the summer to experience the midnight sun, see glaciers and maybe whales! It would never be too hot and I would still be in the US even though I would be closer to Canada and Russia. I would like to see the wildlife, the permafrost and have lots of time to knit.

2. If you could visit any country in the world, other than your own, which would it be and why?
I would visit Australia because it is exotic enough to be different and yet I could still manage the language! No language barrier and a country full of sheep and wool! There are also beaches and cities and lots of rural areas. I've never been there but would love to experience it.

3. Have you ever driven across several states/providence/countries?
Yes, I used to live in Kansas (Ft. Riley) and drove to North Carolina through Kansas-Missourri-Illinios-Indiana-Tennessee-West Virginia-Virginia-North Carolina. I loved road trips before I had small children and it became too much of a production-now vacation seems to be too precious to spend driving and I am more likely to fly instead or do shorter trips-I go every year from West Virginia through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois to Iowa (where I grew up).

4. Have you ever visited someplace you consider exotic? Where was it?
I've been to Hawaii and down the California Baha into Mexico. I've also been to The Dominican Republic, lived for a time in Horsefly, British Columbia and layed on the beach on Grand Cayman. They all seem very exotic to a midwestern landlocked girl.

5. What was your favorite "travel" vacation? Why?
My favorite travel vacation is my next one! So far the favorite travel vacation has been a summer trip from WV to Nova Scotia. We flew to Boston and then drove to Acadia National Park/Bar Harbor, Maine, hiked some in the park and spent a day in that funky little offbeat town. Then we took "the Cat" a highspeed catamaran/ferry from Bar Harbor to Nova Scotia and drove around the coastal areas including Lund and Lunenburg. I saw dory boats and huge sailing ships, fisheries and breathtaking coastal areas. Had great food and fell in love with that part of Canada (I saw a t-shirt today that read "Canada-living the American dream" and giggled, how true!) It was all laid back and easy going but still moved at a good pace with lots of new things to see.

6. Have you ever played tourist in your own home city/state (if international, country)?
Yes, I have, but mostly I not only play tourist, I am also tour guide to a visiting friend or family member. This helps me look at my city and state through a newcomers eyes. WV is absolutely beautiful. Lots of green. Beautiful rivers for hiking or rafting. I live in the state capitol so I find out about the tours and the local restaurant/bar scene. I take them to nearby Milton, WV to tour Blenko Glass, a working glass plant. There are incredible state forests for biking and just driving through. I try to find good restaurants that showcase original dishes in an easy setting. We have a wave pool 45 miles away that pleases the whole clan and the nation's 2nd highest suspension bridge over the New River Gorge that takes your breath away-whether it is autumn color time or not.

7. Are you a museum visitor, beach comber or an amusement seeker?
I am frequently all three depending on the location. When in Washington D.C. I am a museum visitor. When on an island of any kind, the beach comber comes out and I can't be lured away by the promise of an air conditioned musuem. The amusement seeker only comes out when I travel specifically for that purpose-say to a thrill ride park (King's Island) or an art convention. I want to go to knitting camp someday.

8. What's your favorite type of yarn?
Natural fiber yarn, especially wool, anything with wool in it, and preferably sock yarn. I'm a little obsessed with knitting socks lately. Okay, a lot obsessed with sock knitting.

9. What's your least favorite type of yarn?
I am not a fan of novelty yarn. Anything with eyelash or lurex/metallic is not going to get knit. I also very rarely knit with 100% manmade fibers. I guess that makes me a yarn snob, but I consider knitting my entertainment and so treat myself to the yarn that feels good while I knit with it.

10. What items do you like to knit/crochet?
I don't know how to crochet so am exclusively a knitter. My most favorite items lately have been socks and fingerless gloves. And scarves. Seems like scarves are my go-to default for gift giving and mindless knitting.

11. What do you pack, knit/crochet wise when you go on vacation?
A couple of different projects, nothing too large. I always pack a mindless knitting pattern (vanilla sock pattern) and then a scarf and perhaps a more challenging sock pattern. I always print out/ copy an extra pattern or two (or full book) and look for yarn while travelling that I cannot get locally. I have a penchant to slip into a local thrift store or consignment store to see whether there are any fabulous sweaters to unravel (great for mindless unravelling while being a car passenger).

12. What other crafts do you do/would like to do other than Knit/Crochet?
I am a seamstress and a quilter. I also make handbound books, am a rubber stamper and make lots of cards.

13. Are you allergic to anything? (Yarn wise or treat wise).
I am not allergic to anything.

14. What is your favorite color?
My most favorite color is green followed closely by rose/purple Least Favorite? I don't like light blue, or at least I don't buy much of it in clothing, yarn or furnishings.

15. Sweet or Savory (Treat not personality)?
Sweet. Dark chocolate or chocolate covered anything.

16. Anything else we are forgetting to ask that you think your partner desperately needs to know?
I love everything about knitting and yarn and learning new techniques.

Vacation Bingo, Revisited

2007-06-19T20:54:00.000-03:00

Thank you all for all of the comments! Jessi said that the "numbers" have been rolling in!

First and foremost, a request - I'd asked earlier, if you remember. If you have not already, please please add your location somewhere in your sidebar, or add it to your questionnaire! This will help EVERYONE have a better time. That said, I realize not everyone checks the blog during swaps or is playing, so here's a few suggestions on figuring out location if it's not blatant:

Check the questionnaire. There are many hints in there from folks as they talk about places they'd like to visit, or where they've been in the past.
Check the sidebar - some folks have it listed there, or have little weather people or other hints. In some cases they are in Knit Rings - such as on my site, which has the "Alaskan Knitters Knit Ring" that my sis belongs to. You may find good hints here.
Check the blogger profile. In a lot of cases, folks will at least list their state or country there.

A few clarifications on locations on the list of destinations:

HUGE apologies to those of you who are from a location not listed. I didn't choose locations, there was a list in our spreadsheet of participants that showed "representation", and I think perhaps I either missed a few or I used an older version of the spreadsheet. I'm not going to add them now only because it didn't become apparent until many folks had already made their choices. But to you from Nova Scotia, the UK and anywhere else I missed, I'm sorry!
I have confirmed that there IS an address for each destination in the original post, including DC! What I hadn't thought of is those who do not have blogs, and have their questionnaires here. So what we will do is this:

If you get bingo, then yes, you WILL be asked to give blogs for the destinations listed (and we're looking for home state, not desired vacation destinations). That said, if there's one you really cannot seem to find, send in those you DO have and Jessi will check whether or not the destination is from a 'blogless' person, in which case it'd be awfully tough to find! (And for those wondering, DC is in fact someone with a blog - there's just 1 - can you find her?)

What I suggest is that each day when I call off the 2 destinations, if you have one, look for it then - and I'll be honest here, folks. There's no reason ya'll can't help each other out! If you're having a terrible time finding someone's blog, see if any of your fellow travelers can help out!

A few notes on your "cards"

No, there are not any confines on what location under what letter (such as B is 1-15 in bingo, I is 16-30, etc).
Yes, your "Bingo" does need to be in order. (Visualize the card again!) All I mean when I say "order does matter" is like the example I posted:

Say your destinations are: B: AL, KY, GA, DC, Germany; I: NY, NC, FL, TX, CA; N: Australia, MT, FREE, KS, LA, for example.
If I called "AL", "NY" and Australia, then you've already got 3 in a row, across the 'top row' of your card. Make sense?

Personally, I'd print out or draw out a little bingo card and put in your destinations - it will make it much easier to see the bingo :)

Good Luck Everyone!! Remember, you need to submit your destination 'numbers' by midnight tonight - the first destinations will be called tomorrow sometime in the morning!!

[note: the above license plate is not mine. I have no idea whose it is, I just found it on a random google search. But it was too fitting to pass up! :D]

Vacation Bingo

2007-06-18T00:28:00.000-03:00

When I was a kid and we'd go on road trips, we'd play License Plate Bingo as we drove along (or the Alphabet Game with License Plates, but that's a whole other story!). Since all three of your hostesses have recently gone on vacation, and are working on your matches, I thought I'd put together a bit of a Virtual version of this game for us to play! There will be a prize involved for Bingo! And as time allows, there may be more than one game.

Here's how it works:

You will need to email your 'bingo card' to virtualvacationswap at yahoo dot com, including 5 US States, Canadian Provinces and/or Foreign Countries for B, I, G and O, and 4 for N, since it has a free spot. (Visualize a bingo card!)
The order listed DOES matter, just as it does in bingo!
Each day, I will post TWO Vacation Destinations, and you can mark them on your 'card' if you have those Destinations - by finding a person's blog who has that Destination!
You do not have to email us the corresponding blogs - just send your Vacation Destinations. If you get Bingo, however, you will need to post the blog URLs or email them to us to win.
First person(s) to get a straight (vertical or horizontal) or diagonal Bingo wins!
YOU will be responsible for emailing us or putting a comment on that day's destinations to let us know you have bingo and to give us the list of blogs corresponding to your destinations! Jessi will then confirm it against the 'card' you emailed in to us to verify the winner.

Here's an example of what you would send and how it would work:

Hi! Here are my bingo destinations!

B: Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, New Jersey
I: Germany, Colorado, Italy, North Carolina, Virginia
N: Washington, Oregon, FREE, England, Florida
G: California, Montana, Delaware, New Hampshire, South Carolina
O: Louisiana, Texas, Austria, Nebraska, Ohio

If I called Alaska, Germany, Washington, California and Louisiana, you would have bingo in a horizontal row across the top. (If it helps, write your states into a little card like the one linked above!)

If I called Alaska, Colorado, New Hampshire and Ohio, you'd also have a bingo - a diagonal bingo using the FREE space in the N row.

Rules and Such

You MUST email in your bingo card to be a part of this contest.
Only Jessi will be logging in to see who is entered, so I will not know who has what on their cards - thus making it totally random when I call out Vacation Destinations each day.
YOU must let us know if you get Bingo. A comment on that day's destinations is fine, as is an email to the same address you send your card.
The idea here is for folks to get to know each other better, thus asking you to find a blog that matches up with the State/Province/Country you have chosen.
There CAN be more than one correct blog for a particular destination, given that we have several folks living in the same states and such!
It IS possible for more than one person to win, and that's just fine!
You CAN call your bingo "late", just know that you might not be the only person anymore if another set of Vacation Destinations has been called.
I will post a list of participating destinations here momentarily so that everything on your cards at least has a chance of being called ;)
You have until Tuesday at Midnight EDT to send in your cards - the first set of Destinations will be posted on Wednesday morning.

If you have questions, please post them in the comments here, and I'll address all of them in another post before we begin so that everyone can benefit - chances are there'll be more than one of you with a question!

Valid Vacation Destinations:

Alaska
Alabama
California
Colorado
Connecticut
DC
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Illinois
Indiana
Kansas
Kentucky
Massachusetts
Maryland
Maine
Minnesota
Missouri
Mississippi
Montana
North Carolina
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Texas
Tennessee
Virginia
Vermont
Washington
Wisconsin
Alberta
British Columbia
New Brunswick
Ontario
France
Switzerland
Ireland
Finland
Australia
Germany
Malaysia

Simple Reminder.....

2007-06-15T17:36:00.000-03:00

The Travel Guides are in the process right now of pairing everyone which does take time. However, to do that we do need one simple thing from all of you, your questionnaires either posted on your blogs or if you don't have a blog emailed to virtualvacationswap @ yahoo dot com so that one of the Tour Guides can post it here for you.

You cannot get your match without it posted. Yes, you do have till June 30Th but the sooner you post it the sooner you might get your match. See how that works?

Back to your regularly scheduled vacation.....

Ever Been to Katmandu, Nepal?

2007-06-14T15:05:00.000-03:00

This yarn has. It was handspun by women in Nepal from remnant sari fabric. It is made from rayon and cotton, approx. 165 yards, 200g skein, is consider a vegan silk yarn and a fair trade item. Pretty isn't it? You can win it.

I am going on a road trip. A real one. This Sunday June 17Th. Leaving my home state of PA driving down the east coast landing in Florida as the last stop and will be flying back June 24Th.

You have till then to leave a comment as to what would be your ideal road trip. Could be any where in the world but it has to be drivable (and no you cannot drive across the Atlantic Ocean, try putting that in Google direction and get a good chuckle). The random number generator will pick a winner when I return.

Have Fun finding out where you all would go if you could ride any where!!! You will also be doing something fun and exciting with Anne :-)

PS Here is a fun tidbit for you. My Aunt lives a good portion of the year in Katmandu, Nepal (learn something new everyday, don't you, LOL)

ETA: You have to be a participant in the swap to win. (Thought that would be obvious, but you never know)

Where oh where...

2007-06-12T23:42:00.000-03:00

Can our tourists be, oh where oh where can they be??

Okay, so you're not hiding, but I wanted to post a little note to everyone to ask that if you do not already include your "Location" on your blog, you add it to your blog, or post it in a post that you label "Vacation Swap" so that people can easily find it.

I'm going to be posting some information soon on a fun contest, and that information is going to prove very helpful!

And seeing as I'm currently in the midst of my non-virtual vacation, that's just about all the information I'm going to give you for now! You'll just have to check back on Monday (Sunday perhaps) to learn more!

- Hostess Anne

Aileen's Virtual Vacation Questionnaire

2007-06-12T08:02:00.000-03:00

1. If you could visit any state in the US, which would it be and why? I would like to visit Oregon because of the great hiking. Also, I heard Portland is a pretty kick-a$$ city to see.

2. If you could visit any country in the world, other than your own, which would it be and why? Tahiti, because I want to take pictures in those huts on the ocean. OR Japan, the textiles in that country and sushi are amazing. Probably the entire Southeast of Asia

3. Have you ever driven across several states/providence/countries? Personally have driven from Jersey to Florida a few times. I am always driving between NJ/NY/PA. Also, when I interned at Boeing, we went all over Washington state, ferry too, and into Vancouver. Going to school in Boston, I did that drive at least 3 times a year. Driven all through New England. When I was younger, we drove up to Toronto. Let's just say I drive a lot!

4. Have you ever visited someplace you consider exotic? Where was it? I went on a cruise last year, and experienced Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St, John, Bahamas, and St. Maarteen/St. Martin.

5. What was your favorite "travel" vacation? Why? My favorite vacation was Hawaii. Just love to see the difference between the busy south shore to the laid-back, peaceful north shore

6. Have you ever played tourist in your own home city/state (if international, country)? Explain. Yes, one year my college volleyball team hosted the Peru/USA National Women's Volleyball Tour. I had to drive the ladies of Peru to the Statue of Liberty and to (what NJ is known for...) the mall.

7. Are you a museum visitor, beach comer or an amusement seeker? Whatever the town I am visiting is known for.

8. What's your favorite type of yarn? Anything fun and soft

9. What's your least favorite type of yarn? Novelty

10. What items do you like to knit/crochet? Shawls, socks, blankets, scarves, wristlets, and hats...anything quick, but I am slowly getting into sweaters (baby steps, ya know)

11. What do you pack, knit/crochet wise when you go on vacation? scarves

12. What other crafts do you do/would like to do other than Knit/Crochet? painting, although, I haven't done it in a while

13. Are you allergic to anything? (Yarn wise or treat wise) No

14. What is your favorite color? Least Favorite? blue is my favorite, and least favorite is coral

15. Sweet or Savory (Treat not personality)? Sweet

16. Anything else we are forgetting to ask that you think your partner desperately needs to know? I love knitting with music playing in the background...anything but country!

I live in Pennsylvania

This Summer You Could Win.....

2007-06-11T08:02:00.000-03:00

A generously Donated Kit to make Blue Sky Alpaca's Fitted Tank with 4 Hanks of Blue Sky Alpaca Cotton.

All donated by

Loop is a Yarn store which opened in 2005 located at 1914 South Street, Philadelphia PA 19146 877.893.9939 215.893.9939 is open daily from 11 to 6 with a web site (click on the logo, here or on the side).

On a personal note, this is my favorite LYS because for someone who cannot knit with animal fibers not only do they carry an amazing line of alternative fibers, they also have a deep understanding of gauge and can assist in finding alternatives.

When thinking of your yarn purchases, especially those of you who live in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware (since you have to think local) please consider Loop one of our Sponsors and Prize contributors. Thank you.

Not an extra but a glitch...

2007-06-10T23:06:00.000-03:00

We actually have the correct amount of tourists of 150, we just had a minor manual computer, data input, glitch that Tourist Laurie K. noticed and will be getting a little token of my appreciation for not having to double and triple check everyone, in the mail.

Thank you Laurie K!!

Everything is all fixed now. Back to our regularly scheduled vacation.

Sign Ups Are Now Closed

2007-06-10T15:42:00.000-03:00

Sign Ups are Officially Closed!!!

With a bonus of an "extra" tourist since I cannot count we have 151 on this journey of ours this summer.

Get ready for a virtual vacation of a lifetime!! So sit back, relax and get ready cause HERE WE GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Welcome to the Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap!!!

We hope you Enjoy your Virtual Vacation Your Hostesses Anne, Jessica, and Sharon are ready for some fun this summer so we hope you are too.

Little Administration Interruption

2007-06-09T13:38:00.000-03:00

Have a Margarita on Me while I interrupt, with tequila or without, up to you.

It had been brought to our attention by a few tourists that some of the links back to your blogs might not be working to the best of their ability. What we did was copy and paste what you sent to us. So, pretty please with Margarita salt on top, click on your own name to double check that it links back to your own blog OR if you do not have a blog that it links to your questionnaire on THIS blog (if you have already submitted your questionnaire. If you haven't, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!?!?)

If it is not working properly email us and we will fix it for you. No worries. We are on vacation.

Have another Margarita. They are so good. Jessi prefers a good Colada so she will get next round.

Who is Representing

2007-06-09T13:00:00.000-03:00

As we come down to the wire, I wanted to give you an idea of where you might be traveling this summer.

Personally, I think we have an excellent mix of states and countries. There are 38 different US states that signed up to be tourists, from Maine to Texas, Tennessee, Montana, Oklahoma, Kansas, California and yes, there is one person who will be representing Hawaii. Alberta, British Colombia, New Brunswick, and Ontario will all be representing Canada so far in this swap. As for further overseas, we have representation from England, Ireland, Cambridge, South Yorkshire, Finland, France, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, and Malaysia.

Oh and editing to add that yes, Alaska is represnted at least 3 times!!

Sign ups officially close when we reach 150 tourists or June 15Th. Since we have 136 tourists you never know.

A few reminders:

Questionnaires MUST be posted by June 30Th. Sooner is better.

You will get your Tourist at the latest July 8Th could be sooner. Who you get IS NOT the same as who gets you. This IS a SECRET swap.

Your Tour Guides LOVE to give prizes. Just remember that. We are crazy that way

A fantastically wonderful game is coming very soon. Get ready for it. All I can say is have some where on your blog your home state or country (if non-US)

Michelle K.'s Virtual Vacation Questionnaire

2007-06-09T12:06:00.000-03:00

1. If you could visit any state in the US, which would it be and why? Alaska, I have always wanted to see the area see some of the knitted sweaters and shawls

2. If you could visit any country in the world, other than your own, which would it be and why? Ireland or Scotland, my moms side of the family came from these two countries and I have always wanted to see and them.

3. Have you ever driven across several states/providence/countries? When I first got married my husband and I would travel from Michigan, Canada to New York 2 to 3 times a year. Later we traveled all around Australia when we relocated to this beautiful country for 3 years. Now that we are in El Paso, TX we have traveled around here, New Mexico and Mexico.

4. Have you ever visited someplace you consider exotic? Where was it? Australia and Mexico.

5. What was your favorite "travel" vacation? Why? Slow, laid back, no fuss or bother.

6. Have you ever played tourist in your own home city/state (if international, country)? Explain. No not really.

7. Are you a museum visitor, beach comer or an amusement seeker? Museum

8. What's your favorite type of yarn? Anything fun and yummy

9. What's your least favorite type of yarn? Ruff scratchy

10. What items do you like to knit/crochet? Shawls, socks, sweaters

11. What do you pack, knit/crochet wise when you go on vacation? Socks, shawls, preemie hats.

12. What other crafts do you do/would like to do other than Knit/Crochet? Quilt and cross stitch

13. Are you allergic to anything? (Yarn wise or treat wise) No

14. What is your favorite color? Least Favorite? Rich red

15. Sweet or Savory (Treat not personality)? Sweet

16. Anything else we are forgetting to ask that you think your partner desperately needs to know? No not really I'm just what you read

I am in El Paso Texas

How Are We Doing?

2007-06-08T20:07:00.000-03:00

I Personally think Bora Bora is breath taking, don't you?

You might want to rent some snorkeling equipment and go look at some of the underwater life or if you are already SCUBA certified you can always go SCUBA diving but make sure you take a partner in either case. I do not want to lose anyone on this trip.

When you get back the sailboat will be waiting for you for our trip out for lunch and sunbathing. Do you see it in the first photo? Don't forget your knitting and crocheting. Nothing like a nice relaxing afternoon on a ship with your knitting/crocheting. What a way to spend the day!

Right now we have 130 tourists signed up!!! With just about a week left for signups and only 20 spaces left this is going to be one fun adventure this summer. Keep posting your questionnaires and Anne, Jessica, and Sharon are getting around to read them. I might suggest that you all read them too. You never know when some of the things being written in them might just end up in a contest or three as well as some of the comments you leave. Just a thought *wink* *wink*

Jessica's Virtual Vacation Questionnaire

2007-06-08T13:42:00.000-03:00

1. If you could visit any state in the US, which would it be and why? Alaska. I spent 3 weeks there after I graduated high school and would LOVE to go back again!

2. If you could visit any country in the world, other than your own, which would it be and why?
Holland. I want to see the windmills and the fields of tulips.

3. Have you ever driven across several states/providence/countries? Yes, but way to many to list them all! It is so much fun to make cross country trips! My family and most friends live in different states so I get to travel through a lot of different places on a very frequent basis.

4. Have you ever visited someplace you consider exotic? Where was it? I've never gone any where that I consider exotic. Wish that I could say that I have though!

5. What was your favorite "travel" vacation? Why? Alaska. It was my first "real" trip to anywhere. My mom's best friend lives there so it was nice to visit her kids that I grew up with and hadn't seen in a while. The state parks themselves are amazing, not to mention the midnight moose ponds!

6. Have you ever played tourist in your own home city/state (if international, country)? Explain. I moved to North Carolina less than 2 years ago and I have a great husband who likes to go different places so I've played tourist a lot here.

7. Are you a museum visitor, beach comer or an amusement seeker? I absolutely love all three! I try to visit the museums in any city that I live in or travel to. I've been a beach vacationer since I was a kid and make it a point to take my kids to the amusement parks for the roller coasters at least once every summer!

8. What's your favorite type of yarn? I'm a newbie still. I have learned after using natural yarns that I love the feel of them so much more.

9. What's your least favorite type of yarn? Acrylic feels "squeaky" to me and makes my hands hurt to knit. I also don't like "hairy" yarns, my nose always itches.

10. What items do you like to knit/crochet? I've just started knitting my first wearable item, a baby sweater for my SIL due in November. I haven't been knitting or crocheting long enough to have an absolute favorite yet. I try to find things to make that will make me learn something new (stitches, gauge, shaping, etc.).

11. What do you pack, knit/crochet wise when you go on vacation? Last summer was my first vacation crocheting so I took yarn to work on scarves for Christmas presents for my sisters. When I'm in a car I usually take something easy like dish cloths that I hand to my mom when I get there.

12. What other crafts do you do/would like to do other than Knit/Crochet? I've been making simple cards for family and friends for a year or two. My aunt taught me to cross stitch when I was 6, but I haven't done it in 2 or 3 years. I don't have a ton of interest in learning anything else right now (my husband thanks me for that).

13. Are you allergic to anything? (Yarn wise or treat wise) Green peppers. LOL Nothing else that I know of!

14. What is your favorite color? Least Favorite? Any shade of blue or red. I hate brown and I don't like pastels or Autumn colors (orange, yellows, etc.) they look horrible on me!

15. Sweet or Savory (Treat not personality)? Either, depends on my mood.

16. Anything else we are forgetting to ask that you think your partner desperately needs to know? This is my first swap and I am just super excited to be involved!

Joyce's Virtual Vacation Questionnaire

2007-06-07T13:51:00.000-03:00

1. If you could visit any state in the US, which would it be and why? Hawaii - it is the only state I have not visited

2. If you could visit any country in the world, other than your own, which would it be and why? any that I have not visited - my goal in life is to become a member of the Century Club where membership requirement is having visited at least 100 different countries or regions of the world; I'm at 17

3. Have you ever driven across several states/providence/countries? Yes, a number of times on vacations: New Jersey to Rhode Island to Maine/New Hampshire/Vermont and back home to New Jersey; New Jersey to North Carolina and back home via the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Parkways; New Jersey to Michigan and back home to New Jersey; Kansas to Minnesota to North Dakota and home to Kansas; Kansas to Texas and back home to Kansas; Kansas to Colorado and back home to Kansas along a different route; Oklahoma to New Mexico via Route 66 and back home via the routes that formed the third leg of the triangle with the Route 66 part of the trip. Those are the ones where I was driving, not the ones as a child where I was a passenger.

4. Have you ever visited someplace you consider exotic? Where was it? People's Republic of China

5. What was your favorite "travel" vacation? Why? Just one? All of those in # 3 where I added a few days before and after a meeting where I could just wander without a set itinerary or being accountable to anyone

6. Have you ever played tourist in your own home city/state (if international, country)? Explain. When my parents came to visit me when I lived in Alaska, New Jersey, Kansas, and Oklahoma I went to places I had never been before

7. Are you a museum visitor, beach comer or an amusement seeker? museum visitor

8. What's your favorite type of yarn? very soft

9. What's your least favorite type of yarn? The ones that get caught on hang nails I did not know I had and ones that unravel before I can get them cast on

10. What items do you like to knit/crochet? those for which I do not have to measure gauge such as scarves and shawls

11. What do you pack, knit/crochet wise when you go on vacation? at least 2 of my current projects or projects I want to start on; one small that I can carry on the plane easily and one large that I can work on in the hotel room

12. What other crafts do you do/would like to do other than Knit/Crochet? embroidery, cross-stitch, needlepoint

13. Are you allergic to anything? (Yarn wise or treat wise) not as far as I know but I have not tried every thing

14. What is your favorite color? Least Favorite? favorite is blue; least favorite is green

15. Sweet or Savory (Treat not personality)? both, depends on my mood

16. Anything else we are forgetting to ask that you think your partner desperately needs to know? I love to read, travel, cook [easy things that look like they took a lot of effort], sit by water [pool, lake, ocean], and float in the pool

Max's Virtual Vacation Questionnaire

2007-06-06T16:06:00.000-03:00

1. If you could visit any state in the US, which would it be and why? New York, New York

2. If you could visit any country in the world, other than your own, which would it be and why? Only one? - France & Egypt for a Nile cruise.

3. Have you ever driven across several states/providence/countries? I have driven through:
a. USA - Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Both Dakotas, Minnesota, Ohio, Idaho, Chicago, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and whatever is between these two.
b. Canada - Manitoba to Alberta.
c. Europe - England (obviously), Scotland, Wales, Southern Ireland (Eire), France Belgium, Germany, and Holland.

4. Have you ever visited someplace you consider exotic? Where was it? Northern France.

5. What was your favorite "travel" vacation? Why? Haven't had a vacation since my honeymoon - 27 years. If I could go then see answer #2.

6. Have you ever played tourist in your own home city/state (if international, country)? Explain. Visited a few Stately homes and gardens - beautiful.

7. Are you a museum visitor, beach comer or an amusement seeker? For preference I like museums.

8. What's your favorite type of yarn? Merino/Tencel for socks. Also like non-scratchy Aran yarns for cardigans or sweaters.

9. What's your least favorite type of yarn? Synthetics of any kind, and Mohair (unless it is in a sock yarn).

10. What items do you like to knit/crochet? Socks, Aran cardigans.

11. What do you pack, knit/crochet wise when you go on vacation? If I am going to visit someone then I pack socks.

12. What other crafts do you do/would like to do other than Knit/Crochet? I sculpt in clay, and watercolor painting (although not too good with the latter).

13. Are you allergic to anything? (Yarn wise or treat wise) Synthetic yarns make my skin scrawl - does that constitute an allergy?

14. What is your favorite color? Least Favorite?
a. - Favorite color(s) - cool reds, purples, greens, yellow (but not mustard), black.
b. Least favorite color(s) - white, any shade of blue - loathe, yack, spit, urgh!

15. Sweet or Savory (Treat not personality)? Definitely savory treats - hate cinnamon.

16. Anything else we are forgetting to ask that you think your partner desperately needs to know? I adore dogs and cats - My Irish Wolfhound girl, 4 Dachshunds, and a Harry - Blue tick Coonhound. Bijou my Oriental Ebony-silver classic tabby. Also love Maine Coons, and Sphynx cats.

I hope I haven't given too much information to make your job difficult. bw,Max

Lisa E's Virtual Vacation Questionnaire

2007-06-06T08:31:00.000-03:00

1. If you could visit any state in the US, which would it be and why? Hawaii, I love the scenery, the weather, the blue waters, the volcanoes, the flora and fauna...what's not to love.

2. If you could visit any country in the world, other than your own, which would it be and why? I would visit Spain. I have always wanted to go to Spain ever since my high school Spanish class and getting my first pen pal from Spain. It has such a rich history and I loved learning the language.

3. Have you ever driven across several states/providence/countries? I have driven from Maine to Florida along the East Coast at different times, not all at once.

4. Have you ever visited someplace you consider exotic? Where was it? I have visited many Caribbean islands which were exotic and I think Alaska was exotic in its own way.

5. What was your favorite "travel" vacation? Why? My favorite travel vacation was to Bermuda for my honeymoon. It was very romantic and beautiful.

6. Have you ever played tourist in your own home city/state (if international, country)? Explain. I feel like a tourist every time I go to the beach during the summer. I try to go off season when it is less crowded but sometimes you just have to fight the crowds and enjoy the sun.

7. Are you a museum visitor, beach comer or an amusement seeker? I am all 3...I love to learn new things and go to museums, I love to soak in the sun and enjoy the beach and I love amusement parks, the faster the roller coaster, the better.

8. What's your favorite type of yarn? I love baby soft yarn.

9. What's your least favorite type of yarn? I hate cheap, coarse yarn.

10. What items do you like to knit/crochet? I am a new knitter but I have knitted a blanket, hats, dishcloths, scarves. I love trying new things and difficult patterns challenge me.

11. What do you pack, knit/crochet wise when you go on vacation? I usually pack my current work in progress.

12. What other crafts do you do/would like to do other than Knit/Crochet? I love all crafts including painting, cross stitch, needlepoint, ceramics.

13. Are you allergic to anything? (Yarn wise or treat wise) no

14. What is your favorite color? Least Favorite? My favorite color is Blue and my least favorite is orange.

15. Sweet or Savory (Treat not personality)? Savory

16. Anything else we are forgetting to ask that you think your partner desperately needs to know? I love to try new things, I am not afraid of a challenge, I love to meet new people, and I am a happy large gal (3x) in a wheelchair. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis since age 9 and it doesn't hold me back!

JoAnn's Virtual Vacation Questionnaire

2007-06-06T08:06:00.000-03:00

1. If you could visit any state in the US, which would it be and why?

Would love to visit Hawaii! Love beaches and they have they most beautiful beaches and sunsets according to family and friends who have been there.

2. If you could visit any country in the world, other than your own, which would it be and why?

I think I would like to visit Australia. It appears to be a very interesting place to visit. Would like to leave the New England weather behind one winter and go summer in Australia.

3. Have you ever driven across several states/providence/countries?

Yes. Drove from CT to VA via NY, NJ, DE, MD.

4. Have you ever visited someplace you consider exotic? Where was it?

Never but hope to someday!

5. What was your favorite "travel" vacation? Why?

FLORIDA to DISNEYWORLD! I am a kid at heart and LOVE Disneyworld.

6. Have you ever played tourist in your own home city/state (if
international, country)? Explain.

Yes, often go to the Mystic CT. CT is small so there aren't a lot of places to go but Mystic is great because they have and aquarium, seaport, and a real quaint downtown complete with a drawbridge in the center of town. Great place to go for a day or a weekend.

7. Are you a museum visitor, beach comer or an amusement seeker?

BEACHCOMER ALL THE WAY!! Perfect vacation would have
to involve a a beautiful beach.

8. What's your favorite type of yarn?

Anything soft especially alpaca.

9. What's your least favorite type of yarn?

LOPI - it is so scratchy

10. What items do you like to knit/crochet?

I knit a lot of baby and children's thing (ponchos, easy sweaters, blankets, socks, hats & scarfs), love making totes, nothing to involved, like to relax while I knit. Have done cables want to try entrelac

11. What do you pack, knit/crochet wise when you go on vacation?

As many projects as I can fit in my bag! At least 3. I carry a separate bag just for my knittng. Of course since I always chack out where the yarns stores are on my vacations I always come home with another bag full of yarn.

12. What other crafts do you do/would like to do other than Knit/Crochet?

Quilt(not lately), used to cross stitch, a little beading ( enough to make stitch markers) kids crafts with the little ones. Would like to learn to spin but can not afford another craft!

13. Are you allergic to anything? (Yarn wise or treat wise)

Wine

14. What is your favorite color? Least Favorite?

LOVE PURPLE! Like most colors. Least favorite ORANGE

15. Sweet or Savory (Treat not personality)?

SWEET

16. Anything else we are forgetting to ask that you think your partner desperately needs to know?

I am pretty easy to please. Like relaxed vacations most of the time. First choice is a beach - anywhere, anytime. Always try to find a yarn shop anytime I go on vacation. Love to visit baseball parks, have been to Toronto, Philadelphia, New York
to see my Boston Red Sox play and this summer plan on going to Baltimore to see them play. Have also visited hockey arenas in Toronto, Pittsburgh, NY Rangers, Islanders, Buffalo, and Chicago to see the Boston Bruins play hockey. Of course I love Boston. So much to see, just can't drive in city.

Happy Knitting!

Robin C.'s Questionnaire

2007-06-05T21:22:00.000-03:00

1. If you could visit any state in the US, which would it be and why?
Oregon- because I have never been west, the pictures I have seen of all the gardens out there are just wonderful and Oregon has lots of knitting shops, sheep and quilt shops.

2. If you could visit any country in the world, other than your own, which would it be and why?
England, I have always been intrigued with the Queen, etc and they have so much history over there.

3. Have you ever driven across several states/providence/countries?
yes
4. Have you ever visited someplace you consider exotic? Where was it?
no

5. What was your favorite "travel" vacation? Why?
Lake Winnepausakue, NH- went there for my 40th birthday, I was into quilting and wanted to go to Keepsake Quilting, while there we went on a dinner cruise on the lake and it was just beautiful. I’ve always wanted to go back

6. Have you ever played tourist in your own home city/state (if international, country)? Explain.
yes, we went one day to the Civil War museum in Richmond and really enjoyed it.

7. Are you a museum visitor, beach comer or an amusement seeker?
museum and beach

8. What's your favorite type of yarn?
Alpaca

9. What's your least favorite type of yarn?
acrylic

10. What items do you like to knit/crochet?
just quick things so far- scarves, socks, washcloths

11. What do you pack, knit/crochet wise when you go on vacation?
my current knitting, and an extra project just in case I get really productive

12. What other crafts do you do/would like to do other than Knit/Crochet?
I quilt (not lately), cross stitch (not lately) and would love to rug hook

13. Are you allergic to anything? (Yarn wise or treat wise)
heavy perfume scents

14. What is your favorite color? Least Favorite?
favorite-red or purple, least- yellow

15. Sweet or Savory (Treat not personality)?
sweet

16. Anything else we are forgetting to ask that you think your partner desperately needs to know?
I love to read, collect Noah’s arks, angels, cows and Sheep, love garden things but not weeding, just enjoy anything that you can make, want to try it all but alas never enough time, and love to be around people, a good listener.

There you go, a bit about me.

Robin

Oh and I live in Virginia

Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap Questionnaire

2007-06-05T16:35:00.000-03:00

Here is what you have been waiting for, the questionnaire. For those of you who are veteran swappers, some of these question might seem like repeats. Please answer them again anyway.

Make sure that you post this to your blog by June 30th or if you do not have a blog email it to virtualvacationswap @ yahoo dot com so that we can post it here for you. WE CAN NOT pair you without this posted. The sooner you do it the sooner we can match you.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

1. If you could visit any state in the US, which would it be and why?

2. If you could visit any country in the world, other than your own, which would it be and why?

3. Have you ever driven across several states/providence/countries?

4. Have you ever visited someplace you consider exotic? Where was it?

5. What was your favorite "travel" vacation? Why?

6. Have you ever played tourist in your own home city/state (if international, country)? Explain.

7. Are you a museum visitor, beach comer or an amusement seeker?

8. What's your favorite type of yarn?

9. What's your least favorite type of yarn?

10. What items do you like to knit/crochet?

11. What do you pack, knit/crochet wise when you go on vacation?

12. What other crafts do you do/would like to do other than Knit/Crochet?

13. Are you allergic to anything? (Yarn wise or treat wise)

14. What is your favorite color? Least Favorite?

15. Sweet or Savory (Treat not personality)?

16. Anything else we are forgetting to ask that you think your partner desperately needs to know?

Welcome to Bora Bora, 100th Tourist and Questionnaire

2007-06-05T16:21:00.000-03:00

Welcome to our next stop, Bora Bora. Isn't the hotel just breathtaking? You walk out of your room right into the lagoon. Built on the southern point of Motu Piti Aau, a six-mile islet on the coral reef, the hotel offers an unsurpassed view of the world-renowned Mount Otemanu. Outrigger canoeing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing, shark and ray feeding, deep-sea fishing, jet-skiing, parasailing, and horseback riding can all be easily arranged. A unique feature of Le Meridien Bora Bora is its Turtle Sanctuary. Perhaps we will visit there later on.

We would like to welcome our 100th tourist, Jana and she not only wins a wonderful tropical prize for being the 100th tourist, congratulations Jana (it will be mailed either later this week or the beginning of next week), she triggers the questionnaire!!! I will post the questionnaire seperately as to not confuse any of our tourists and so that we can bookmark it separately.

Morning in the Christmas Islands!

2007-06-04T02:11:00.000-03:00

Good morning, my dear tourists! I hope you're enjoying the exquisite beauty that is the Christmas Islands and your first vacations stop. My name is Jessi, and I'll be your tour guide this morning. (M'am, please. Don't listen to anything Sharon and Anne tell you. I'm not crazy.)

I'd like to show everyone where you will be showering this lovely morning.

Beautiful, soothing, and definately all the water pressure you could ever want! Bask in the warmth of the island sun and wash all those worries away. Sharon has left a basket of her soapy goodness behind that rock over there. After you're done, feel free to join me down here:

It's only a little walk, I promise. I'll be sitting down here in a nice warm, sunny spot. Oh, and did I mention that I have a big pot of coffee? There's even a little tiki hut down there (for you die-hards), already serving up those slushy blue drinks we were having earlier.

Yeah, I figured you'd want to come. Splash a little rum in my coffee would ya?

Drinks by the pool....

2007-06-02T10:54:00.000-03:00

I ordered us up some drinks by the pool. I hope you enjoy them. You have to have those mini umbrellas and I just love blue drinks. First round is on me.

We are only one-third full on this vacation so if you are stopping by you can STILL sign up .

We already have some terrific vacation spots that could be surprising you this summer. It is going to be exciting!!

Sign Ups and Our First Winner

2007-06-01T08:37:00.000-03:00

We threw you through a loop yesterday, didn't we? We like to keep you on your toes ;-) Look for more 'fun' surprises during the summer (now to think of more fun surprises)

As sign ups roll in, you should receive a welcome on your vacation message and your name will appear on the side bar of this blog with either a link to your own blog or if you are blog-less a link at a later date to your questionnaire, which will be posted once sign ups are complete (when we reach 150 travellers or June 15th which ever comes first)

As a reminder, how to sign up:

How to Sign Up: Send an email to: virtualvacationswap @ yahoo dot com with the following information:
1. First and Last Name
2. Email address
3. Blog Address if you have one (if you do not have a blog address please make sure you specify this when you sign up)
4. Mailing Address
5. Country and if you have concerns about shipping out of the U.S. please let us know in the event of international participants
6. Are you knitter/crocheter/both?

Pretty please, unblock the virtual vacation email address. We have already had a few emails bounce back.

Now for the good stuff....

The winner of our first contest... a very lovely Uplifting Dead Sea Spa Salt Soak (definitely goes with the theme here) goes to Tara aka RandomRanter she is from our glorious nation's capital. Perhaps we will "visit" there later this summer. Congratulations!! I will get that out to you as soon as possible!

Welcome to Kiritimati, Christmas Islands, First Vacation Stop!

2007-06-01T00:00:00.000-03:00

We have travelled very far to start our virtual vacation (boy am I tired....)

WELCOME TO KIRITIMATI CHRISTMAS ISLAND!!!

Christmas Island is the largest coral atoll in the world with an area of 248 square miles of which 125 square miles is land and the remainder lagoon. It is 2,015 miles from Tarawa, capital of the Republic of Kiribati; 1,335 miles from Honolulu; 4,000 miles from Sydney, Australia and 3,250 miles from San Francisco.

The temperature rarely dips before 80, rarely rains except for el Niño years and has some of the best fishing any where in the world

If you know anything about Kiritimati, Christmas Islands, Kiribati, then you know it is the first place that crosses the date line... today in Kiritimati, Christmas Islands, Kiribati it is JUNE 1st already!!!

SIGN UPS FOR THE VIRTUAL VACATION SWAP HAVE BEGUN!!!!! put a little kick in there didn't we ;-)

Sign Ups Officially Begin Friday June 1st!!

2007-05-28T21:16:00.000-03:00

Sign ups officially begin on Friday June 1st but, What is this all about?

Welcome to the Knitter’s Virtual Vacation Swap! This is a one-time exchange, but if there is interest and participation, there might be other vacations in the future!

Once you have signed up, you will be considered the tourists; the hostesses of this swap, Anne, Jessica, and Sharon, are the Tour Guides on this journey…..

What You are Signing Up To Do:

This is a Virtual Vacation for those of us who cannot travel this summer (even for those who can). To experience through goodies and yarn a city or country we might not have had the pleasure of visiting before.

You must be prepared to send things internationally. (If this is a huge problem, please, let us know and we will try to accommodate you)

You must be over 18, as we will be giving your address to someone.

As this is a one package swap you do not have to have an anonymous email address - you will be required to contact your pal anonymously but this can be by commenting on their blog. If you would like to have an anonymous email address, go right ahead, it will help with the fun of the swap. Besides sending those Hallmark cards is loads of fun.

What to Send:

This swap is slightly different. Your box of goodies has to reflect where you live, other than the yarn, (unless you would like to send local yarn, that is up to you) it has to be themed from your home city/state or if you are International your home country. You are basically sending a box to your partner as if they had come to visit you and played tourist with you. Some very simplistic examples are:

Florida - something from Disney
Philadelphia - a mini Liberty Bell
Iowa - Corn yarn
France - some very nice perfume or wine (okay, a girl can dream, right?)

Get the idea?

You MUST send:

1. Enough yarn for a one skein/small project
2. Souvenirs that are indicative of where you live, either your city, state or if you are International, your country
3. Delicious treats - e.g. chocolate/candy/cake/cookies/tea/coffee that are local to your area
4. Your blog address, or email address so your pal can say hello and thank you

Minimum spend:

$30 / €27 / £18 - not including postage

Other treats you could include:

1. A pattern to go with the yarn (please respect copyright)
2. Candles, Body products, books
3. Knitting notions
4. Anything else you'd like to treat your pal with

The Time Line:

1. Sign ups: June 1st-15th OR we reach 150 Tourists
2. Questionnaire posted to your blog or emailed to us if you do not have a blog by: June 30th. We can’t match you with out this posted
3. Matches distributed around: July 8th
4. Make Anonymous contact by: July 13th
5. Packages received by: Sept. 3rd (US Labor Day) (Please allow time if posting internationally)

This gives you over a month to put a FABULOUS travel package together for your tourist (swap partner)

How to Sign Up: (NOT TILL JUNE 1st)

Send an email to: virtualvacationswap @ yahoo dot com with the following information:
1. First and Last Name
2. Email address
3. Blog Address if you have one (if you do not have a blog address please make sure you specify this when you sign up)
4. Mailing Address
5. Country and if you have concerns about shipping out of the U.S. please let us know in the event of international participants
6. Are you knitter/crocheter/both?

The Questionnaire will be posted shortly that should be sent via email if you do not have a blog, or posted on your own blog!

Any questions? Leave us a comment or drop us an email and we'll post up a reply.

We have MANY, MANY games and contests planned already for this swap so get ready to have a WONDERFUL virtual vacation so....

Let's get ready to vacation!!!

One Week Till The Vacation Begins....

2007-05-25T08:50:00.000-03:00

As we head into the unofficial beginning of Summer here in the United States as we start Memorial Day Weekend, backyard BBQ, the opening of the pool, some schools already officially ending, we realize vacation season is beginning too.

There is one week till our Virtual Vacation begins!!

Devon asks a very good question, about sign ups... Everyone deserves a vacation but, this time, the ship only has room for about 150 tourists (swappers). Sign ups will be open from June 1st till June 15th OR till we have 150 tourists. We do currently have 3 tour guides (hostesses) who will be available to assist their tourists the best way they can. I, for one, love to travel, so if there is interest, this is something we can do again and again. Especially come January and it is freezing and I wish I were in California or Hawaii.

On Tuesday I will post more information to help you get ready for Friday.

Have a WONDERFUL holiday weekend here in the states!!

The Hostesses Have Been Very Busy

2007-05-20T20:48:00.000-03:00

Anne, Jessica, and I have been very busy trying to make sure the inter-workings of this swap are ready to hit the ground running come June 1st. We hope that you will have as much fun doing this swap as we having thinking it up.

As each of us has let slip a little, this is going to be a 'vacation in a box', one package swap that is a secret swap. More details are going to follow as we get closer to June 1st but starting thinking about what you love about where you live and how you might share that with someone else who can't visit you. How would you put that in a box and send it to someone? You can get as creative as you want.

The Current Contest Ends June 1st, btw so get those entries in. We will have many more with wonderful prizes like stitch markers, Chocolates, Dead Sea Bath products, Yarn, Soaps, needles and many more surprises to come

There are only 12 days left till sign ups begin!!

The Countdown is On!

2007-05-16T13:50:00.000-03:00

Sign Ups Will officially begin on June 1st.

I've packed my bags and I'm ready to go.... I'm leaving on a jet plane....(a virtual plane that is!)

Get those thinking caps ready.... and while you wait, post a comment in the previous post because, you can win a prize from customs patrol

World Travel

2007-05-15T08:00:00.000-03:00

We are all about travelling so stop on in and tell up what city, state or country you are from in the comments field. Later on it might help you win a prize!

Welcome!

2007-05-14T09:02:00.000-03:00

Welcome to the Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap!

Pop back here in the next Month to find out more and how to sign up!