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On your second version, i definitely enjoy the gradients more than the flat color. It gives it more life and makes it easier to read. However, I believe the gradient on "vacations" gets a tad bit too light near the bottom. It's not unreadable, but it could look like your printer is running out of ink on printed versions.
As for the choice of 1 or 2, I would have to say 1 is the better choice. The idea of the kiwi on the name just stands more with the title. Maybe if you floated it a little more thought; right now it looks as though it's crushing the 'w'.
