Move over Chevy Chase...Pat Blute's on vacation!

Posted on Mar 12th, 20:56

Hey STAers!

What a fantastic opportunity! When I received your call, I was in the middle of a dress rehearsal for a play I’m starring in. Of course, when the phone vibrated in my shirt pocket (right in the middle of a solo number), I just bolted out the door and ran into my car. Although I got lots of raised eyebrows when I returned – don’t worry, I didn’t tell anyone the exciting news! – everyone was unusually and quickly satisfied with the answer of, “Sorry, ‘man problems’.” What that means exactly? No idea.

STA Travel, this is going to be an extraordinary journey. I am just so lucky to be apart of your fantastic organization that brings students to the global community. As I sang in my song,

‘At Travel Channel Academy I’ll improve my skills to enhance my adventures and convey my thrills,

With Contiki, Europe’s where I’ll have my chance to be a gladiator, meet the pope, and flamenco dance,

With Topdek, we’ll show you a Roman villa, and teach you how to ride in a Greek flotilla,

Intrepid, let’s talk about the Eternal Spring City and convince the STAers that rural colors are pretty,

Connections we’ll take the journey Down Under, we’ll bungee jump, go to the opera, and greet the Maori like thunder,

With GAP Adventures, we’ll see the Galapagos flamingo and in Buenos Aires no voy a ser un gringo!’

Together, we’ll be able to go on such unique journeys. I’ve been sitting up all night mapping out storyboards and charting ideas for this world adventure. During the course of our phone conversation, I was almost certain that Christina was going to tell me I lost. That’s why, when my new generous family (STA Travel!) told me I was a member of the community, I was blown away. I know this is cliché, but STA knocked my socks, shoes, and hat off (all while flying me to the next country!)

I am just so excited to get started. I am ecstatic to return to Australia and New Zealand. These countries are a land of extremes – animals, sports, and foods! Trust me, we’ll crank the volume on our trip and shout the message loud and clear, “Let’s get up, get out, and travel!”

I am also so enthused to venture to destinations that I’ve never been to before (the vast majority of sights on this trip). So when I’ll be opening my eyes to these new, exotic places, you’ll be opening your laptops (or browsing your desktops – please don’t open them) and taking the first plunge with me. The Galapagos Islands, Italy, Croatia, Greece, Vietnam, China, and beyond…we will be spending a lot of time together. So thank you, thank you, thank you for this opportunity. I will not let you down! So hey STAers: let’s pack up, suit up, and jump up because this is one adventure you won’t want to miss.

-Patrick

Sta, World Traveler Intern 2008