Yesterday my husband had gone online to read my blog when I heard him exclaim, “Hey, tomorrow’s will be your two-hundredth blog!” I had to come see for myself that indeed, the “categories” column indicated that there were currently 199 entries under “Patty’s blog”. For nearly two years, virtually twice a week (I’ve had a few days off), I’ve written the weekend blogs for Global Traveler. Those have added up quickly, but I’ll be the first to admit that coming up with new topics which might be of interest and at least somewhat travel related hasn’t always been a breeze. I remember when GT editor in chief Lisa Matte asked me to take on this role, and I was completely mystified as to why I, perhaps the least-traveled staffer and one of the newest, would be asked to take on the assignment (aside from the obvious — that few would want to interrupt weekend fun with a writing assignment). I was nervous and concerned that I wouldn’t have much to contribute, but I decided I’d have to give it a try. My ego certainly wouldn’t be terribly wounded if Fran or Lisa, after getting a sample of my efforts, decided maybe I wasn’t really cut out for this kind of thing. I also decided that at the very least I could give readers and my fellow GT staffers a picture of the world through my perspective, living in a small city/town in the Pacific Northwest (I’m currently the only one working for Global Traveler west of the Mississippi). And now, here we are 23 months and 200 blogs later. While I’ve shared a bit about the sights and events unique to my corner of the country, I’ve also been able to relate stories from trips abroad to Europe and New Zealand and jaunts across the United States and to cities like New York and Chicago. I’ve discussed insights into the world and its people that travel has revealed to friends and loved ones on their journeys. Sometimes I’ve been spurred to comment on a travel-related news item or world event, and occasionally I’ve shared more intimate snapshots of people and situations which have touched  my life. Sometimes I’ve got a clear idea of my subject matter for upcoming blogs, but just as often Friday night or Sunday morning arrives and I say to myself, “What the heck can I write about this time?!” I really have no idea who (besides my immediate family, whom I harass mercilessly with “Have you read my blog yet? What did you think?” each week) reads what I write. I just try to present a bit of information, an interesting story or one thought-provoking idea with each blog I post and hope it reflects well on GT and all the great people who work here and complements the wealth of information they provide to travelers. On to the next 200 blogs! — Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor