Carolyn Barkley Describes Her 17-Month Journey from Silver to Gold During July 2014 Texas/Oklahoma Gathering

Use the “Prev” and “Next” links to click forward or backward through the images in this gallery.[portfolio_slideshow]The TCC Texas/Oklahoma Chapter held our third quarterly meeting at the Junior League of Houston, with a big thanks to Sylvia Russell for arranging a lovely location for us. Our meeting of 27 members and guests journeyed from San Antonio, Seabrook, and the metros of Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston. We were treated to laughter and tears by our featured speaker, Carolyn Barkley, who just might be the friendliest traveler we know!

Following are some highlights from the meeting:

  • Carolyn Barkley (Gold) shared her “Journey from Silver to Gold in 17 months.” Using two passports and cigarette gifts, she saw a wide spectrum of amazing sites to even slums, and celebrated her birthday with a local chief in Papua New Guinea. Most of all she left a smile and “Hello we love you!” with everyone she met, even in places deemed too dangerous by most.
    • Carolyn is looking for a female travel companion for additional world travels, since her husband has stopped traveling with her – please contact her to learn more at carbar1188@gmail.com. Also her blog address is carolyntravels.com.
  • We celebrated Mark Russell becoming a full member from provisional, and Diane Mathis hitting Silver status of 150 countries. Similar to last month, our featured speaker was recognized for attaining Gold Status of 200 countries – yea Carolyn! Congrats to each of you!
  • A reminder for the TCC 60th anniversary cruise in October, as Tom and I will host a cocktail hour on the ship for the Texas/Oklahoma Chapter. There is still time to book your place and visit with other TCC members from all over the US and globe. See the Web site for more information: www.old.travelerscenturyclub.org/archives/1522.
  • Our around-the-room sharing was about which country each of us had the longest visit and how it impacted us. Many noted Australia (friendly people) and India (a shock to the senses), while others served our country in Vietnam … and most any country you can name was referenced, which was interesting to hear!

Our next and last meeting of 2014 will be held in Dallas on October 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. I’ll send out logistics and RSVP requests one month in advance of the meeting.

Safe travels.

Kim-Kay Randt, Area Coordinator