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I am terrified.

No, I’m not paragliding, or taking a helicopter flight, or riding in a small airplane. I am at my very first TBEX travel media conference. I know I am going to have to talk to people. Being an introvert, with a good measure of social anxiety, having to converse face to face causes more anxiety than running to the edge of a mountain at full speed.

As soon as I enter TBEX’s venue, Corning Museum of Glass, I know I have nothing to fear. The Travel Tribe, is the best tribe. The bloggers, vloggers, and podcasters are friendly and kind. I’ve never been so instantly at ease. When I talk about all things travel, no one gives me funny looks. At TBEX I find my people.

Accompanying our entrance to the TBEX conference, is an unlimited roaming pass to the Corning Museum of Glass.

I’m a fan of glass. When I was a kid, we often unearthed old, glass, bottles, while preparing our garden for a new year. I considered the blue or green bottles, special treasures. The bottles earned a special place, on a special shelf, in our house.  The beautiful glass earned my full admiration.

My reasons for loving glass…

1. Glass is created and shaped by fire.
2. The brighter the light shines through it, the more spectacular it is.

I like to think that I’m a bit like glass.

The design of Corning Museum of Glass, is remarkable. The bright, flawless, white, acts as the perfect canvas for the dazzling glass.

There is so much to see, you need at least a full day. We have a good amount of time and there are still rooms we don’t get to see.

Along with the displays, there are glass making demonstrations throughout the museum. Everything from tiny figurines, to giant bowl, masterpieces.

Our favorite part of the museum, and one of the perks that came with our TBEX ticket, is the ability to do something that has been on our list for a long time, glassblowing.

The staff did most of the work. You’re not going to want unskilled museum guests plunging items into open flames.

We get to pick our colors and design. Shannon goes with speckles. I side with swirls.

At the appropriate moment, the staff instructs us to blow into the long metal pole. It’s super fun.

Outside of the museum, we are smitten with Corning.

It’s charming with its restaurants, coffee shop, and stores. Everyone is excited for TBEX, posting signs in shops and restaurants, welcoming attendees.

Best Named Bar. “Sorry, I won’t be home until late. I’ll be at The Office.”

TBEX was great. It’s nice to spend time with people who are as into the thing that you are into. The best part was coming away with new friends. We are looking forward to returning for TBEX Billings, Montana.

I highly recommend visiting Corning, New York, and the rest of the Finger Lakes Region. Being from Philadelphia, it’s only a 5 hour drive, making it an ideal destination for a long weekend.

Favorite Picture from TBEX closing party

If you’re looking for a great travel community to join, check out WeekendWandelust 

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