"What will you do with all your free time?" friends ask, when I've told them about the merger.

The fact is, there won't be that much free time. After the initial transition, I'll no longer be running the office on a day-to-day basis, but I'll continue to develop new trips, guide existing trips, and help with web, software, and marketing issues.

But I hope that a slightly reduced workload will give me time for more personal travel, to get back to some of my favorite locations (such as the Tetons, above); to see more of my niece and nephews as they grow up, and to visit some of the many new friends I've made in seven years of travel.

And, did I mention that we've not only gotten married, but have joined the gay adoption boom? While my parenting responsibilities will be less than what some of my friends have taken on, I'd still like you to meet somebody special...

A letter from Sasha Alyson

Dear Traveler,

At the end of 2001, I told a small group of people that my New Year's resolution for 2002 was to step back from day-to-day, full-time-plus involvement in Alyson Adventures. This is one New Year's resolution that I've been able to keep.

In August, 2002, Alyson Adventures officially merged with Hanns Ebensten Travel, based in Key West, Florida. We will make the actual transition during September, with both companies to be based in Key West.

Hanns Ebensten founded his travel company in the 1970s. He was the first person, and his was the first company, to openly offer and advertise gay travel. He particularly sought out unusual locations such as the Amazon, Easter Island, and the Galapagos, with accommodations that were upscale, while retaining the flavor of each region. You can read more about the company and its forthcoming trips at www.HEtravel.com. I'm looking forward to experiencing several of these special tours - hopefully with some of you.

Hanns sold his business to Philip S. Sheldon about 2 years ago. Even in the face of setbacks he faced when 9/11 hit, just 8 months after he bought it, Phil has already made notable, positive changes in the company, while retaining its essential character.

After we merge operations, each company will maintain a separate identity, but we'll operate under the same roof and share certain resources. For the merged company, two new positions have been created, above what each of us already had: a trip specialist and marketing director, allowing us to add new trips, and expand our marketing outreach, in 2003.

For the balance of this year, I'll split my time between Boston and Key West, and may eventually relocate there - but will delay that decision for a while. I'm attached to Boston and to many of the people here, my long-term responsibilities with the company can be done from either location.

We'll keep you posted as things progress. Phil and I are both enthusiastic about the years ahead, and look forward to seeing you on many future trips.

--Sasha Alyson

"Just Married": Our merger announcement
Press release about the merger

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