Every journey begins with a familiar ritual. You’re settled into your seat, looking out the window as the cabin door closes and the safety demonstration begins. Before the plane even starts to move, your mind begins running through a checklist.
Did I pack everything? Did I remember my charger? Are my reservations in order? Do I have the right visas? Is there something I forgot?
No matter how many trips I’ve taken, that mixture of excitement and just a touch of anxiety never goes away. The excitement comes from knowing an adventure is about to begin. You hope you’ve done everything possible to prepare before takeoff, yet there’s always that little voice asking if you’ve forgotten something.
As I write my first column as publisher and editor of Wine Dine & Travel, I find myself going through a very similar checklist. Even though many of my life’s experiences have prepared me for this new journey, I still feel that same flutter of anticipation—and yes, a few nerves.
The more I’ve learned about what goes into producing this magazine, the more I’ve come to appreciate what Ron and Mary James have accomplished over the past thirteen years. Much of what you’ve enjoyed in these pages has been the result of their own hands, their own eyes, and their own passion. Ron and Mary not only wrote many of the stories and captured the photography, but they carefully edited every article that appeared in the magazine. Ron also designed and produced every issue from beginning to end. Following in their footsteps is both humbling and inspiring.
Over time, you may notice changes. That’s only natural. Every editor brings a unique perspective. Mine has been shaped by a lifetime of travel and a curiosity about the people, cultures, food, wine, and traditions that make every destination memorable.
This issue, for example, includes the story of how a hunt for good tequila in Belgrade led me instead to rakia, the fruit brandy that runs through Balkan life. That’s the kind of surprise I love about travel — finding something wonderful where you least expect it. The best experiences often aren’t the ones we carefully plan. They’re the unexpected moments, the chance encounters, and the stories waiting just around the next corner. It’s a lesson that was reinforced time and again during my own 72-day journey through the Balkans, Southeast Asia, and Japan, which I completed just a month ago.
Whether you’ve been reading WDT Magazine for years or this is your very first issue, thank you for joining me on this new adventure. I hope these pages continue to inspire you to explore a little farther, linger a little longer, and discover the people, flavors, and places that make travel so rewarding.
The cabin door is closed. The runway is clear.
Fasten your seatbelts.
We’re cleared for takeoff.
