A funny thing happened on the way to our vacations. . . a female friend who recently embarked on a round-the-world trip, starting in Bangkok, was express-mailed Elizabeth Gilberts book Eat Pray Love: One Womans Search for Everything Across Italy, India, and Indonesia from someone prior to her departure from the U.S. Im about to split the scene too, and numerous friends have recommended this book, which Gilbert wrote following a trip inspired by divorce and despair. Neither divorced nor in despair, we contemplated the other myriad reasons a young woman might travel alone. A locally based company called Adventure Associateswhy, yes, I would like to be associated with adventurehas been hosting free slideshows all month on various out-of-the-way excursions, and todays focuses on their suggestions for women. Highlighting a safari in Botswana, a trek to Machu Picchu, a journey up Mt. Kilimanjaro, and more, youll get to hear stories from women whove been there. And you can start brainstorming your own, even if its just down to the beautiful Oregon Coast. Camp Long Lodge, 5200 35th Ave. S.W., 932-8352. Free. 10:30 a.m. RACHEL SHIMP
Sat., March 15, 10:30 a.m., 2008
