All in all, my first TBEX experience was wonderful. There were a lot of first-timers as well as veterans, so it was a great mix.

The conference had lectures and smaller sessions during the day, many of which I found useful - like branding advice, how to get sponsorship and even how to create and pitch your own TV travel show (favorite quote: “Tell a story and make it about the story. If it’s about you, it’s a therapy session!”).  My sister always said I should be on camera (got to love family) and I like to tell stories so I think it’s time I made travel videos, don’t you think? Next trip.

In addition to connecting with a few wonderful folks in PR and pro travel journalists (including having lunch with fascinating, award-winning travel journalist Christopher Baker), it was great to finally meet some of my virtual travel blogger friends in real life after many months and in some cases, years: April of Absolute Travel Addict, Kara of The Vacation Gals, Erin of Our Tasty Travels, Lillie of Teaching Traveling and Robin of Robins Have Wings. The funniest comment was probably from Kara, who said she didn’t recognize me all covered up (in my sweater and coat)  because she always saw photos of me online in sundresses. Ha! That tells you where I’ve traveled the past few years.

And Keystone, Colorado? What a picturesque, peaceful location. The altitude did kick me hard and I had a headache the first couple of days (so much for thinking my Ethiopian-born self could handle it).  Not to mention, one beer felt like three at once, so I didn’t go too crazy (all that free wine too, such a shame).

I put together this slideshow below (to some Caribbean steel pan music, of course) to give you a quick peak into my TBEX weekend. Would you believe, I barely took out my SLR and have about 10 shots.  The rest are courtesy of my Instagram app.

Just as soon as I recover fully and process all my thoughts, I’ll be posting about my most inspiring moment and lesson of the weekend.

Oh and a big thanks to Absolute Travel Addict who treated me to dinner on our last night and to Visit St. Louis for my morning breakfast on the ride to the airport. The travel community is full of wonderful folks.

Ready? Click Play and watch that volume.

Lebawit Lily Girma

Freelance Travel writer, Photographer and Guidebook author Lily Girma has lived and studied in Africa, Europe and the Americas. In 2008, she left behind a prestigious law career to follow her passion. Her work has been published in various outlets, including CNN Travel, BBC Travel and New York Times Magazine, and her photography commissioned by tourism boards. Her first edition of "MOON BELIZE" travel guidebook is due for publication this Fall 2013 (10th edition, Moon Handbooks by Avalon Travel/Perseus Books). Lily's work reflects a deep love for culture and adventure in all its forms.

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