I traveled more in 2007 than ever before. I might not qualify as a world class “Global Traveler,” but I managed to log in 9 trips.

Two of my trips were for Global Traveler events. The first was the annual GT Awards Luncheon in New York. The second was the National Business Travelers Association convention in Boston. Both trips allowed me to reconnect with all of my GT coworkers (better yet, my GT family). This is a special group. Led by the big cheese Fran Gallagher, this bunch is extremely hardworking, but also extremely fun-loving. Making this even more special are Fran and Louie, two longtime friends pre-GT. Louie and I also snuck in a game at historic Fenway Park.

Two of my trips were to Houston. One was with my sister Nancy as a birthday surprise for our sister Jean. This was our last official trip there, because after living in Houston for several years, Jean’s family is moving back to the Chicago area. We are all glad they will be back home, but there was always something precious about our time together in Houston, not the least of which was spending real time with my nephew Matt and my niece Samantha.

The second trip to Houston was a “boys only” trip. My brother-in-law Scott, Matt and I went down for a 3 game series between the Astros and my beloved Chicago Cubs. As the lone Cubs fan of the trio, I should have been upset at the 3 Astros wins, but being with the Parker men for 4 days was too good of a time to worry about the Cubs (they made the playoffs anyway…and then lost 3 straight again).

Another trip was the “Boys of Summer” excursion to Milwaukee and Minneapolis. Since 2001, my friends and I have been making trips to see baseball games in other cities. These two cities aren’t exactly world class, nor are their teams, but each has a distinct charm. Besides, this trip really isn’t about the cities or the baseball. It is about Chuck (Chachi), Chuck (Cuzz), Jason, JayHawk and Jim. Each trip is unique as is each friendship, but all are good!

One quick trip was a weekender to St. Louis, MO. Matt and I took in a Cardinals victory over the Atlanta Braves. Matt got shunned by the Cardinals mascot and we had absolutely horrible food at a place which will remain nameless, but that just added to the memories.

I also made weekend trips to Detroit, MI, Kokomo, IN and Indianapolis, IN. These trips were part work-part fun. I was able to get reacquainted with old associates such as Roddy Piper, John Landis and Lanny Poffo. Obviously, we don’t run in the same circles, so it is always good to get a chance to catch up with these characters.

Some trips for 2008 are already being planned. Nancy, Dave (my other brother-in-law) and I are slated for a NY trip to visit my niece Laura. The “Boys of Summer” will be heading somewhere. GT will bring me back to NY. I am sure there will be others too. As I wrote, I am not a world class traveler, but the fun and memories certainly are world class!

-John Wroblewski, distribution specialist