November 21, 2008
20 Questions: Married Adventurers
A cold day to fly.
In their 30 plus year marriage, Heidi and Martin Damsky have traversed multiple continents for business, pleasure and the occasional do-gooding. Years ago, they helped resettle Soviet and Ethiopian Jews with trips to Russia and Israel. (Those trips rarely allowed for much luxury though, since many of their expeditions involved night flights and delivering supplies.) Today, between balancing Martin's business needs with the couple's desire to visit their dream destinations, the Damsky's usually find themselves back in Israel or exploring the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest. With such a variety of experiences under their belt, ReZoom couldn't help but pose the standard "20 Questions" (separately, of course - we can't have them cheating off each other).
1. What one thing do you never leave home without?
Heidi: A large pashmina and a good book.
Martin: Sunglasses and good walking shoes.
2. What's the best meal you've had while traveling?
Heidi: Gravelox in Sweden. I love good lox and this was so fresh and meaty. Also, the Swedes prepare a special sauce - I think its base is a mustard - that's so good with the lox.
Martin: The tasting menu at Rothchild's in Tel Aviv which is no longer in business. Obviously, the food was excellent and varied. The service was elegant. We were with good friends, so the company was great. The location of the restaurant was next to the Opera House in Tel Aviv, which is a nice area.
3. The best hotel you've stayed at?
Heidi: Amuka, a B&B privately built and owned in Northern Israel. What I loved the most is the bathing area placed inside a separate glassed in area that allowed one to see out, but no one could see in. There was a whirlpool tub for two. The room is also built out into the grape arbor behind the home … Being surrounded by the arbor with a glass roof allows one to gaze at the grapes and sky above through the thick branches of the grape vines … Truly a great hide-a-way for lovers.
Martin: Triple Creek Ranch in Montana. Triple Creek Ranch is set in a beautiful, mountainous area of Montana. The log cabins are strategically situated around the property. Ours overlooked a running stream. They are large and beautifully decorated with hand-made log furniture, hot tubs, "his and hers" sinks and toilets, double steam/showers, plus a refrigerator stocked with juices, drinks, etc.
4. The attraction that really blew your socks off?
Heidi: Riding in a small boat alongside whales in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Most places that have whale watching take you out in larger boats, or you see the whales from the side of a giant cruise ship. This was a small row boat with a motor. We got really close to the whale, almost too close as it was a mother with its baby! Mother whales (cows), are very protective of their babies and could have easily turned us over. It was amazing because it was truly an "in the wild" or natural experience.
Martin: Petra, Jordan [an ancient city dating back to the 6th century B.C.E.]. Petra, Jordan is simply unbelievable. There are building facades carved into the multi-colored stone that must be 40' high. To imagine how this was done in ancient times with no modern tools, and how long it must have taken, is mind-blowing. The Treasury building is especially impressive.
5. Your best souvenir purchase?
Heidi: An oil painting of the old west. I love the expanses and sunsets in the Southwest. Our painting was something that we searched for over many years. Every time I walk into our bedroom and see the picture, I'm back in the Grand Canyon, Sabino Canyon or just hanging out in the Rocky Mountains. It reminds me of the beauty of our country and allows me to dream about what it was like to ride through the Old West on a horse and come upon this beautiful landscape from a dry desert and truly experience the majestic nature surrounding us.
Martin: We purchased some small painted stones from an artist in Israel on our first trip there. Then he insisted on doing a quick sketch of us based on a one-minute conversation. It took him one minute, never lifting his pen from the pad, to complete the drawing. We framed it and cherish it every day as we look at it. It tells the story of my wife and children so simply but elegantly.
6. How early do you really get to the airport?
Heidi: 1 ½ hours domestic – 2-1/2 hours international.
Martin: 1 hour minimum for domestic flights, 1.5 to 2 hours for international.
7. Are language books/tapes ever actually worth it?
Heidi: Books for necessary phrases, tapes for off-the-beaten path and long stays.
Martin: I don't think so.
8. What is the most useful word or phrase to know in a foreign language?
Heidi: "Help" and "Where's the bathroom?"
Martin: "Thank you."
9. What do you look for in a traveling companion?
Heidi: [Someone] independent, flexible, decisive and organized.
Martin: My wife. It's difficult to travel with other people when you want to be on your own schedule.
10. What destination did you most enjoy when you were in your 20s or 30s?
Heidi: The beach. I think it's by far the most relaxing vacation. I don't feel like I need to go sight seeing or shopping or anything else when I'm at the beach. The ocean and a good book is enough. It is where I go to renew myself. The sea also reminds me of my youth. I grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and the beach and sea were so close. We went all year round, even in the ice cold; it was our escape from reality. There is something so peaceful about the vastness and movement of the sea.
Martin: Pensacola Beach with my wife, daughters and friends. Because we had young children, and we just spent the days swimming, relaxing, cooking for nine people, and generally relaxing and enjoying the good life at a slow pace with friends and family.
11. What destination do you most enjoy now?
Heidi: The beach.
Martin: Israel. There is so much to see and do there as almost everything and everywhere has a history, some ancient, some modern. We have made lots of friends there and rarely stay in a hotel.
12. What was your biggest moment of culture shock?
Heidi: The former Soviet Union.
Martin: I entered a restaurant in China, and there was a whole roasted pig's head on some tables. While we certainly eat a lot of pork in Alabama, I'm not used to seeing this part served or eaten!
13. If you could go back to one place, what would it be?
Heidi: Montana. Montana has a lot of opportunity for exploration and relaxation. The panorama is outrageous. Triple Creek Ranch is by far the most fun and indulgent vacation I have ever been on. Whether it's the luxurious cabins stocked with everything you could possibly want or need, to the scenery, to the great food and drink and, most of all, the wonderful hosts on the ranch.
Martin: Triple Creek Ranch in Montana. Triple Creek Ranch is very beautiful and very relaxing. The staff caters to every whim. The outdoor activities such as trout fishing, horseback riding, cattle drives, etc. are lots of fun in a magnificent setting. It's easy to shut out the rest of the world for a few days.
14. Where would you never go back to again?
Heidi: Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The only reason to go back to Uzbekistan is to see the progress the country may have made since Peristroyka. We went on a humanitarian mission. The country at the time was dark. You could see that there was light and colorful people hiding behind the sadness, poverty and hammer of the government. I know that things have changed there, and the areas outside of Tashkent specifically are beautiful, but there was such darkness that I can't imagine going back there.
Martin: Mazatlan, Mexico. In Maxatlan, there just didn't seem to be any "juice," any excitement. The accommodations were modest, the food was limited and repetitious, the beach mediocre, and on and on. There is no reason to spend the time or money to go there, when there are many nicer spots to visit.
15. Has there ever been a cultural tradition you tried to take home with you?
Heidi: Israeli culture.
Martin: Good tequilas from Mexico - not the kind you shot in college, but good sipping tequilas.
16. What one thing has held true no matter what land or country you've been in?
Heidi: Don't drink the water.
Martin: People are people and are really what make a country or place.
17. What has been your biggest surprise while traveling?
Heidi: The kindness of most people.
Martin: How small the world really is today.
18. How do you stay safe when you're traveling?
Heidi: Being aware of your surroundings at all times.
Martin: Use the same common sense you use everyday in your own home and hometown. Don't go to unknown areas, especially at night. Ask the locals for guidance, and listen to their advice.
19. What are the ingredients for the perfect trip?
Heidi: Clear skies, the sea, good companionship, comfortable shoes and a good book.
Martin: Good weather, good itinerary, some unexpected but pleasant experiences and my wife.
20. What's next on your list?
Heidi: Alaska.
Martin: Maybe Alaska.
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