Perks of Being a Food, Wine & Travel Writer AND No Free Lunch

John Lamkin

Tequila from Las Villas de Mexico

I agree heartily with the other bloggers that the real perks are the travel, the places you see and the people and cultures you meet.

As you travel these roads least traveled (and least paid) you are bound to receive more physical perks also. For example the tequila shown in the photo--a gift of the ultra-luxe residential project, Las Villas de Mexico.

The "no free lunch" is paying the back the individuals, companies and countries presenting you with the perks. Writing honest articles about them is the best perk you can give them back.

On a recent trip I was "perked" everything except tips and souvenirs. I am now writing and blogging about these hosts. At least one of these articles should appear soon on IFWTWA, web magazine--Global Writes. Some of the perks on this trip were provided by AeroMexico Airline, The State of Chihuahua, Mexico and Mexico Tourism.

All-in-all this is a very satisfying arrangement for all concerned.

John Lamkin
Freelance Travel Journalist & Photographer
Website
Suite 101
Examiner.com

Whole Dried Peach Wedges from Stoneridge Orchards- Skylar/Haley innovative products

The perks? The Pillow Gifts! For the product research of course . . .

Each evening on our recent IFWTWA "Conference at Sea," aboard the ms Oosterdam, we would return to our cabin to find another delightful surprise on our pillows!

While waiting for my flight home in San Diego I had time to enjoy some of my goodies. The Whole Dried Peach Wedges from Stoneridge Orchards became one of my favorites as soon as I opened the package. Ok, I come from the land of fruits and nuts-literally (Oregon) so I know good fruit, but popping one of these slices into your mouth becomes a revelation. They taste like peaches! Not desiccant. Rich, ripe peaches. And you can't stop eating them. . .

As the back of the packages states, Stoneridge Orchards a Skylar/Haley product, brings you "the best tasting, all natural gourmet dried fruit and berries that nature has to offer." They also produce dried cranberries,and berry products sourced right here in the Pacific Northwest.

I checked their website at www.stoneridgeorchards.com and the dried fruit is available at Wegman's, Costco, Sam's Clubs, Albertson's and BJ's Club among others. I encourage you to pick some up. The taste and quality are that different. It smells like concentrated fruit. A perfect, healthy snack and I'm hooked.

I settled into my airplane seat and savored another wedge. If a peach can be described as having a perfumed odour - I'll have to say this dried fruit does.
Yummy research all the way to Portland. What a great job I have!