Howdy reader! I’m Lisa Lubin. And this is my blog. I wonder how many ‘about me’ pages start exactly like that?
Let’s get the important stats out of the way:
I’m a Virgo.
I love cheese.
I live to travel.
(But I also semi-permanently live in Chicago–a city I’m in love with)
Okay, now for the nitty gritty…(but no dirt band)
Here’s the headline:
I just quit my TV producing job of 9 years at ABC7 in Chicago to travel around the world for a year. But I digress…it all began long ago…
I grew up in Randolph, New Jersey. Besides the bad rap, NJ is mostly a very beautiful place–lots of big, old trees, rolling hills, curvy wooded roads and colonial architecture. I defend it early and often. Where I’m from looks nothing like a scene in the Sopranos. In fact, I entered the state slogan contest recently. And NO, it’s not “what exit?” Mine was “NJ, the best kept secret.” But alas, I guess it’s still a secret because it wasn’t picked. Okay, on with my life. 
My parents divorced when I was about 6 and after a not-so-fun custody battle my brother, David, and I remained at my dad’s house until college. We did the standard ‘visit my mom every Wednesday night and every other weekend’ thing for years. My favorite times growing up were our annual summer trips down to our grandparents house in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 
They were the most loving, fun people I knew. Plus they gave us all the junk food we wanted…and it showed! There were a few too many summers I returned to NJ much plumper than I had left! My mom and her boyfriend eventually moved out to Colorado to build and run a motel (Canyon View Motel) and live in a log cabin home in the mountains. Pretty adventurous for a gal who grew up in Brooklyn! My best friend, besides Holly Zimmerman down the street, was my cat Pookie.
I always loved animals. At one time or another we had a total of 8 cats growing up. Plus my mom had 2 dogs, a horse, and a bunny!
My first job in High School? Nagel’s Candy Barn—an-honest-to-goodness chocolate factory a la the famous “I Love Lucy” chocolate conveyor belt episode. At 16, I already was growing into my Virgo ways. I wanted to be ‘goal oriented’ so I thought I should be working somewhere more in line with my interests (even though Chocolate is a huge interest!). I quit the mindless conveyor belt job and got a real job at Image Photo & Video renting out the latest hot releases like “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” or my personal fav, “Back to the Future.” Okay, it was just about as mindless as the last job, but I did get to sell cameras and photo equipment, which is why I took the job. Very cool or very dorky, you be the judge. Here, I also met my first love–the son of the Italian owners and my ‘first.’
Very sweet.
After years of teasing my hair and going to fun Bon Jovi and Motley Crue concerts, I went on to Journalism School at the University of South Carolina. I did not love the south. Too hot and not diverse enough. The most ‘ethnic’ restaurant in town was the “Olive Garden.” I think that pretty much sums it up.
But I did have fun–did all the big university things–joined a sorority, did a keg stand (once!), went to Daytona for Spring Break (where I did a lot of other ‘college things’ that we won’t get into here). 
I also met a lot of cool friends—and especially had fun with my Journalism friends. It was nice to finally have friends with something in common—not just being friends with the drunk whore in my dorm just because she was my roommate. (Oops! Did I write that outloud?)
While in college I started my TV career–I landed 2 internships back up north in NYC. The first was at CBS2 news. Here I met my next love. But even more than him, I think I fell in love with the idea of ‘being in love in New York City.’ Thus began my love affair with the greatest city on the planet (or so I thought until I met Chicago). The second internship was at “Late Night with David Letterman.” Yes, I met Dave. But hardly knew him. I also met tons of celebs on the show which began my jaded view and ‘who cares’ attitude about meeting celebs. Both internships look great on a resume, but a monkey could do the work they let you do. 
While in Manhattan, I lived with Esta, my now 92-year-old grandmother. She’s
amazing–lives by herself in Chelsea and is still going strong. She used to be an actress in the Yiddish Theater. She even dated Milton Berle once. And yes, she tells me, it’s true.
(Need a coffee or snack break yet?)
So…after college I worked in Columbia, SC as director at the local NBC station
(WIS-TV). Made a lot of great friends here. Your first TV job is fun because everyone’s young and no one is really from there so you all just go out after work and talk ‘shop.’
From there I went on to the local FOX station (WACH-TV) to produce promos or commercials. Then finally I escaped the south,
dumped the boyfriend of 4 years, and moved my cat, Sneakers (aka the Beast), and I to Chicago on New Years Day 1998. It was a Mary Tyler Moore moment. Okay, that was Minneapolis, but you get the idea!
F
rom the beginning, I loved Chicago. What a great, clean, user-friendly city. It was hard for me to admit, but I like it more than NYC. Don’t get me wrong, I love New York and miss the East coast, but the city itself rocks, hands down. I totally immersed myself in all things Chicago and kept busy. In the 9 years I’ve lived here I’ve: played in a summer tennis program every summer, bought 2 condos and became a landlord, taught a TV production class at Columbia College, volunteered for PAWS Chicago, took improv classes, took guitar classes, took acting classes, tutored English as a Second Language, and volunteered as a “Chicago Greeter.” Okay, I’m a bit of an overacheiver! Thanks to my job at ABC 7 I was able to learn more about the city than most locals. I helped start the show “190 North” which is a weekly entertainment/lifestyles show. Every week I had the fun assignment of shooting a story at the latest sushi spot, the hot new nightclub, or, my favorite, some of the coolest travel destinations (Aspen, Cabo, Montreal, etc) around and have since won two emmys for my work on it.
So that brings us back to the reason I’ve started this blog—the travel. I love traveling — especially abroad — and am ready to go anywhere, anytime. Before I started this Blog, I’d visited 17 countries (if you count the Vatican City and Monaco) and 33 of the U.S. states (Make that 37, just got back from a drive across country—gotta love the South Dakota Badlands!). And I’m also somewhat of a savant in matters of maps, geography, & photography.
I’m finally at a place in my life where I can take off for a year. The latest boyfriend and I recently parted ways, but even more sad than that, my cat, who stuck by my side
(and yes, bit my side) for 11 years, got very sick and had to be put to sleep. It’s thanks in large part to the ‘Sneaker Beast’ that this trip is even possible. Thanks Beast.
So, I’m off to see the world, write a little, take lots of photos, and meet the great people of this earth. Plus eat some really tasty food. But don’t worry, unlike my childhood summers in Florida, I’m hoping that traveling around the world for a year will be the best exercise/diet program ever. I’ll be surfing in Costa Rica, biking through Vietnam, climbing volcanoes in Ecuador, and literally walking around the world
everyday…
September 22, 2006 at 11:31 pm
This is some site! Nice job! I am still reading and finding parts. I haven’t found that “feedburner” part though…
September 23, 2006 at 12:06 am
I know where Wall Drugs is but where is Feedburner?
I need all the connections to you possible if I’m to live thru this next year!! I love you, my munchkin! Hope this doesn’t embarass you too much!
September 23, 2006 at 12:11 am
DUH! I found it and subscribed!!
September 27, 2006 at 4:37 am
I loved reading this. The part about your cat did make me cry though.
You are on such an awesome adventure. I plan on living vicariously through you!
October 5, 2006 at 1:20 am
Hey Looby
I really enjoyed reading this. Although I knew a lot of this information, I didn’t know it all.
I, too, was a South Carolina transplant, working in my first real TV job when I met Lisa 13-14 years ago. I actually have much more fond memories of my time there, beacuse I met people like you, Lisa. You are an incredible spirit.
May this trip be everything you hope, and more.
Safe travels, and I can’t wait to read your updates.
Oh– and Sneakers really was a cool cat!
Love,
Doug Bartel
(plus the Mrs. (Sherri) and the kids (Brett, Jordan and Brooke)
November 5, 2006 at 7:38 am
Hi Lisa,
Nice to meet and read about you… Although I think we may have met about 25 years ago in Ft. Lauderdale as kids. We are cousins. My grandfather Irving and your Grandfather Ruby were brothers. I too spent my summers in Ft. Lauderdale visiting Irving and Kate Meadows, and eating all the junk food possible!!! I would also visit with Ruby and Edith. Anyway, I was just reading about you in our family newsletter and decided to check out your site. My wife and I love to travel too. Enjoy and Pura Vida!!
December 12, 2006 at 8:33 pm
Grant, the guy who bought your condo, referred us to your site. My wife and I just sold our Chicago condo (we love Chicago too) and are on a world trip ourselves. Have a great trip–we might end up crossing paths sometime.
December 16, 2006 at 1:04 am
Hi Lisa,
I just wanted to say hello and wish you happy holidays and especially Chanukah. Hope you are enjoying N. Zeeland. I’m keeping up with you through my friend Jack who has your e-mail address. I heard from your dad a few days ago.
Love you,
Auntie Jane
January 1, 2007 at 8:04 pm
Lisa - WOW! For starters, it really is a small world. I found myself reading your blogs from various places, then it hit me… Lisa Lubin!! Randolph, NJ!! Assuming your dad is J.Lubin and your brother (if memory serves me) is D. Lubin… well, my dad is Mitch Mirsky and you and I (and our siblings) GREW UP TOGETHER. Now, I’ll follow that immediately by saying, we were young and I was much closer in age to your brother, so you may not remember much of me, but you may remember my younger brother Seth and certainly my dad from the many BellLabs parties. OK, now my memory is starting to work… anyway, I haven’t even scratched the surface on the adventure readings yet, but I will… probably between tasks at work when they think I’m working harder than I am! :~)
But so far, great work on the documenting; I look very forward to reading about all the stops on your journey. Oh, I did want to ask, what the hell is there to love about Chicago? I admit, I’ve not spent *much* time there, but when I think Chicago, I think of what most people think of when you mention New Jersey. Shed some light for me please! (when you have time of course)
February 16, 2007 at 12:19 am
LISA I MISS YOU ALREADY!! god it just seems soo much different without you down at the cafe. It was an absolute pleasure having you in our little cafe world and pancakes that night was a night that im sure we all enjoyed. Please keep in touch and if you ever do come back down brunswick st, don’t be a stranger!
miss you lots.
Khaled
April 6, 2007 at 1:39 pm
Hey Lisa,
After working on the banking side for a while, I just had to check out your website! Very impressive, and what an amazing experience.
I too am an avid travler/photographer, and look forward to reading your updates as your trip continues. I wish you well on the rest of your journey! See you upon your return.
Sincerely,
Brandon Collura
April 20, 2007 at 3:44 am
Hey Lisa
Have just spent a little time catching up on your site and “Who is LL” etc - great childhood photos gal - bring it on!!
Hope you are continuing on well with your travels - by the way I checked out some of your Melbourne travel info - we wish we had met you when you were here in the best city in Australia… but come again sometime!
We’ll keep in touch… we are now back at WORK (reality!)…
Love, Jan and Mark (Halong Bay Hanger-Outters - Auspeak/Strine for “friends”
June 6, 2007 at 12:39 pm
Hi Lisa
Its Renai here, the Aussie expat in Istanbul! We met thru my friend and your tour guide- Gorkhan. Hopefully you have secured a job and things are going well. Lets catch up soon. Love your site!
July 26, 2007 at 3:53 pm
I always wondered what happened to LL from the WIS.
Glad to see you’re having fun.
September 17, 2007 at 11:42 am
I happened to come across your site and am totally jealous! I hope I can achieve even half of what you have experienced. Good Luck!
October 18, 2007 at 6:05 pm
I always wondered what happened to LL, the Columbia College teacher that that thankfully beat the rules of shooting over my unruly head. Now I’m a reporter. And the shooting rules you taught S.Sparks, Polina G. and I never fail me. Sequence! Sequence! Sequence! Plus, when I was torn between on and off air, you told me if there was any part of me that wanted to be on air, just try it. And thanks to you, I did.
Polina is well, living in Europe and working as a TV creative programmer I believe. I’ll send her to the LL World Tour so you two can touch base.
I’ve been enjoying this blog for hours, and hope your travels continue to inspire as it has inspired me!
Have a safe return! Stacie Boudros
October 28, 2007 at 8:36 pm
Hi LL!
So, after a day spent with you and other couchsurfing people in Madrid I write you!
Just for keep in touch, in your travel around the world, in my travel to find myself.
Ciao!
Davide
December 1, 2007 at 1:51 am
Remember me? I’m one of the 4,553,112 people you’ve met throughout this journey…also known as the coolest.
We spent Thanksgiving together and I ended up having to sit next to your couch potato roomate, or whatever it’s called. It’s going to take me awhile to read your website, but I just thought I’d drop you a quick message and let you know that it was great meeting you and let you know that you now have some people in Seville who’d always welcome you back! So, we hope to see you again soon! Take care and good luck with the rest of your journey!
December 4, 2007 at 9:08 pm
“Over achiever” definite understatement but I’m so thankful you are. Wow, Lisa I’ve only just now begun reading your blog but I’m already hooked and awed. I’m amazed buy all that you’ve accomplished, your strength, sense of adventure, shear talent, smarts and humor. What a journey thus far and I look forward to vicariously (as a friend stated earlier)going along for the ride.
God Bless!
December 30, 2007 at 5:31 pm
Hi, Lisa.
Couldn’t resist the opportunity to give you a shout out after reading about a fellow EK in The Key. Great story. Great site. Loved catching up on what you’re doing. Stay safe, have fun, and let the adventure continue.
L&L,
Mary
December 30, 2007 at 10:03 pm
Lisa,
Just read about you in The Key yesterday and wanted to say hello and check out your website. It was very exciting to read about your life and travels. Best wishes for the new year!!
Loyally,
Martha (I was advising EK when you were in the chapter)
January 1, 2008 at 9:14 pm
I read your story in the Key, and as a fellow EK member I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your story. It is so inspiring for a travel lover like myself. Happy trails to you and a Happy New Year!
January 5, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Hello there,
I am a stranger to you but love your blog. I have quite a bit in common with you… I have had an insane life so far coming from Iowa to where I am. I actually have been planning my escape from corporate life to traveling, surfing, writing and painting my way around the world as well. My mother refered me to this blog after talking to me yesterday. I plan on stealing her away with me for a portion of my journey to write and illustrate a book (she is an (english as a second language) teacher and I am also an artist since I was 4) Anyhow thanks for writing, maybe some day our paths will cross.
-Sara
January 22, 2008 at 9:27 pm
HEY LISA!!!!
CONGRATS ON THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL THE WORLD!!! CAN I COME?
IT’S ONE OF YOUR FORMER COLUMBIA COLLEGE STUDENTS - NIENA DRAKE! I WAS ACTUALLY WORKING AT FOX-CHICAGO (WFLD) WHILE I WAS ATTENDING COLUMBIA…I SO UNDERSTAND YOUR JOURNEY! I WORKED AT FOX FOR 10 YEARS, WON THE EMMY AWARDS AND MET SOME AMAZING PEOPLE WHILE BEING A PRODUCER AND WANT TO SPREAD MY WINGS AND FLY AWAY IN THE WORLD - - I RESIGNED FROM FOX IN MARCH 07 AND HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFULLY RUNNING MY OWN LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT COMPANY, FABULOUS LIFESTYLE SERVICES, INC SINCE –MAYBE I’LL MEET YOU ALONG YOUR JOURNEY!!!
HAVE SAFE TRAVELS!
-NIENA D.
March 18, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Hey it was great meeting you last night. I’ve checked out the site and it’s great…you had a great trip and you are extremely talented.
I watched the entire Navimag clip and was blown away, you are AMAZING! I wondered if you did this for all your stops. How did you do that AND travel and see all you saw, that’s amazing.
I hope we meet up again soon.
Richard
June 1, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Hi Lisa,
I just discover your website and I would like to adress you all my respect for your project. I’m actually preparing mine, and you’re a great source of inspiration !
Keep traveling…
All the best,
Romain from France
June 15, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Hi Lisa,
I stumbled on your site a few weeks ago when I began researching how to travel the world for free. I’ve been traveling the US (mostly midwest) for the last year w/ my boyfriend of sorts and am preparing to begin solo traveling the world.
Thank you for the inspiration and great tips.
and hey, maybe we’ll run into each other someday in our travels.
Best wishes and happy meandering,
Lacey