tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30234324508904204532024-03-13T17:42:08.638-04:00Little Travel Co.The Little Travel Consultant. Helping You Create Memories.
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kate@littletravel.co ~~~ www.littletravel.coUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger195125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023432450890420453.post-47586505794959339662019-03-04T07:00:00.000-05:002019-03-04T07:00:11.866-05:00Baby alpacas in dresses and guinea pigs for dinner - Cusco Peru<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The reason some of us travel is to open eyes to see how other cultures live and how they differ from what we are used to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Baby alpaca in dresses and bonnets do look very cute if you're into that kind of thing, and it's certainly not something you see everyday. This seems to be the way the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/quechua_people">Quechuas</a> woman make a living, posing for pictures in their dresses, with an alpaca in their arms. It does make for a lovely holiday picture, but don't forget to give them some money.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">As for seeing Guinea Pig as one of the main meats on the menu, I'm not sure I will ever get used to that and not cringe (I don't eat meat). I asked the driver who picked me up from the airport. He said that that is the way it has always been, they have never kept them as pets, they have always been bred for meat. I mean, how much meat is there on a Guinea Pig...ok, not thinking about it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Check out more of my pics on </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/littletravelco/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;" target="_blank">Instagram </a><br />
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<br />katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312502389616054763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023432450890420453.post-21313932356331789122019-02-28T05:00:00.000-05:002019-02-28T05:00:05.736-05:00My visit to Delhi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/uVmF88PQvZErs69si22zSdgmGoOMVD2U55bzfGFpBTDpa2BbLwmPD_mGMygk6oLbOl_KOnug5NwZoEDEVeNe19tV9lTf23nJqgoDwnEgnF3440AkFSc6rW8pVfuT5sJZWX1Znsm7o-WXjjmtddUlegY9H7AEpZKdLD7CDYspOPUMctbntM-zHMzzKMRKWx8QJ-EQB2ET98DemySY6KFxTnP7pL5iclXnCXwpkbRR4gbpHpY0ixyzYrn2Ae2QWLzomJ7dzF9k-QwRD-SxYCVbEnVdo8Ml_hUkvreRYZ59h-iTuWqXQU-Rf-N4PF2VxKVMjS79obJUw_9-PLOQI6rHS5tGsAMMeuemoNd7L1gyurBSmNtk1I4b3iObI_FpzoSVxZ_L16y1BeyoPSKuf33NxQn7MHnvPb3qoHAVJhzjMe_SvLttiMkOk8-SvYUy4SPgEvs_w10RXnuJuk0-cxTEBtDKowGX6AG9mqFSUCwh7BonQ5VSWxSb5EK6aWr34jClo0qLv0cdbkZw4zlsNWaftnzJo-NlrlgktR9gG-4mCemxTVjwT6GNRuin5m95PARTQJm5U-oe71JK1416cG-ELlN6qTQW9YBdhnCbAatNi6X1Ejc-UcMQLw=w659-h990-no" width="212" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When you tell people that you are going to India they often ask Why? I think a lot of people are nervous of the crowds, the dirt, the smells, of something so different to what we are used to in North America and Europe that it scares them. But to me that is part of the attraction, the charm, the fascination.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">However, I was a little nervous flying in Delhi for the first time myself. As I boarded the plane for the 14-hour flight I was saying in my head why, why can’t you just go and sit on a beach like other people? Why do you get these ideas of going on an adventure? But the answer is, I want to experience the culture and the people for myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Landing in Delhi airport was quite disappointing, it looked like any other international airport, nothing different at all, even leaving the airport to get the taxi to the hotel was less intense than I had anticipated. I had expected hoards of people, kind of like in the movie ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, but it was quite normal really, except that the lines on the highway and the traffic lights are more for decoration than rules to be obeyed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Touring Old Delhi with our amazing guide was fascinating, an assault on the senses, absolute chaos, from every sort of mode of transport, going in every direction, to the chaotic maze of electrical wiring above your head, to the smells of spices, incense and food.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We were fortunate to visit the Salaam Baalak Trust, a non-profit organization which provides shelter to street kids. We were shown around by a young 16 year old man who had been kidnapped as a 6 year old and taken to Delhi to beg on the streets. Fortunately, he was able to get away from his captives, but then found him self alone, with no knowledge of where he came from and no way to get back. He was helped and sheltered by the Trust and now gives back by giving tours and educating people about it. It really gives you a different perspective on life.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.salaambaalaktrust.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">http://www.salaambaalaktrust.com/</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Check out my pics on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/littletravelco/">https://www.instagram.com/littletravelco/</a></span>katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312502389616054763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023432450890420453.post-48275335405557234232019-02-24T08:00:00.000-05:002019-02-24T08:00:16.629-05:00Visit markets when you travel!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I always find a visit to a market in a different country an experience for all the senses. The colours, the smells, different music playing in the back ground and this one was no exception.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Mercado San Pedro is the central market in Cusco is a hub of bustling vendors. From everything you can possible make from alpaca wool, to various strange meats which of course I avoided.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A wonderful experience and I would recommend anyone visiting a city in a different country to seek out the local market.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Check out more of my pics on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/littletravelco/" target="_blank">instagram</a> </span></div>
katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312502389616054763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023432450890420453.post-69655173166532133962019-02-21T05:00:00.000-05:002019-02-21T05:00:02.903-05:00Maui - a lovely suprise!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">As a world traveller, I’m not sure why Maui/Hawaii was never on my bucket list, but I had the opportunity to visit and was very pleasantly surprised.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For the cost of going to a 5 star resort in the Caribbean I was able to fly to this remote group of islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. A group of islands with nothing to the north or south until you reach the artic/Antarctic regions. A group of islands at the edge of the International date line where today becomes tomorrow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I went with an open mind, being part of the US I thought that it may be similar to going to other US states like Florida, but Maui has managed to keep its cultural identity far more that I had thought it would.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Hawaii became the 50<sup>th</sup> state only as recently as 1959, but the history of Hawaii goes back over 1500 years when the Polynesians first arrived. 500 years later, settlers from Tahiti came bringing their beliefs and social hierarchy. In 1778, Captain James Cook ‘discovered’ the islands opening them up to the West.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">All the beaches, of which there are many, are open to the public; ‘they belong to no one and everyone’ Developers are required to provide public access and parking to residential/hotel areas which is a lovely idea and gives you the ability to visit some superb stretches of coastline.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In an 8 day visit, I was able to take a helicopter flight over West Maui to the island of Molokai, rent a car to explore the whole island, go whale watching, drive up to the top of a 10,000 feet mountain to watch the sunset, hike through bamboo forests to see watherfalls, snorkel, watch Sea turtles come up onto the beach to sleep and wonder at the surfers as they ride the waves. Or I could have sat on a beach in the Caribbean – guess it depends on the type of vacation you are looking for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Check out all my pics on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/littletravelco/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/littletravelco/ </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Also, check out my pics from the trip - if only to watch the video of the whale encounter!! It was fabulous. </span><br />
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<img alt="hawaiispecialist1" class=" wp-image-638 aligncenter" height="239" src="https://thelittletravelconsultant.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/hawaiispecialist1.jpg" width="251" />katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312502389616054763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023432450890420453.post-90715635857189929882019-02-16T08:00:00.000-05:002019-02-16T08:00:01.867-05:00Zanzibar!!!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Ok, I know, I’m reach stretching the ‘well I’m in the
neighbourhood’ scenario, but really,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
am!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve climbed a mountain, I’ve gone
on camping safari, I really need some R&R and what better place than a
gorgeous palm tree strewn island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Zanzibar, also known as Spice Island, is a beautiful island
on Africa’s east coast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a fabulous
place to explore with rich history dating back to the nineteenth century when
the island was an important trading centre for the Indian Ocean region.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently, no visit is complete without a trip
to a spice planation where your senses will be dazzle by clove, nutmeg, cinnamon
and pepper to name but a few.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Stone town is the main city on the island and is reputedly
the only functioning ancient town in East Africa where little has changed in
over 200 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a labyrinth
of walled streets and winding alleys, where you find mosques and wonderful Arab
architecture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are shops, bazaars
and wonderful seafood restaurants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is also where Freddie Mercury of Queen was born, so I will
definitely be searching out his house if I don’t get lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There are different beach areas on the island, the larger
hotels tend to be on the west side, and the isolated beaches are to the north
and east.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will take some time to
explore and report back! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In the meantime check out my pics on Instagram as I probably
won’t blog until I’m home – why waste the beach time 😊<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/littletravelco/">https://www.instagram.com/littletravelco/</a></span>
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<br />katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312502389616054763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023432450890420453.post-33535313026110327242019-02-14T05:00:00.000-05:002019-02-14T05:00:09.029-05:00Happy Valentines Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I saw all these beautiful hearts that people had made from shells while on a beach in Maui. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Maui is full or wonderful beaches, this one was Little Beach, at Makena State Park, Maui, HI. <span style="text-align: center;">All the beaches, of which there are many, are open to the public; ‘they belong to no one and everyone’ Developers are required to provide public access and parking to residential/hotel areas which is a lovely idea and gives you the ability to visit some superb stretches of coastline.</span></span></div>
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<dl class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_687" style="width: 2448px;"><dd class="wp-caption-dd"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.gohawaii.com/en/maui/regions-neighborhoods/south-maui/makena-beach/">Makena State Park,</a> </span></dd></dl>
katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312502389616054763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023432450890420453.post-38032169449186770242019-02-10T08:00:00.000-05:002019-02-10T08:00:02.806-05:00The jungle is very hot...obvious, but has to be said.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">While in Peru and after hiking the Inca Trail, I decided to visit the Amazon jungle - not sure if it was a wise choice as I am terrified of spiders.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The bus journey to the river port was a lot better than I thought but still very long, about 6 or 7 hours on dirt roads. Not for the feint of heart as the roads were on the side of very steep hills that dropped away to nothing. We stopped often to view Inca sites, had breakfast in a lovely little town, visited a museum and learned more about the Amazon area of Peru. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> We ended the first day high in the Cloud Forest at a modest lodge. The views were wonderful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The trip down the river on a large covered canoe was interesting and long! The driver was very experienced at navigating the rapids, and our guide pointed out numerous birds and wild life along the way. Having to stop along the way for a bathroom was another interesting experience!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We spent 2 nights at a remote lodge in the middle of the Manu park (pictured above), surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle. The Howler Monkeys were an amazing wake up call. We made a number of hikes into the jungle to observe the wildlife and fauna, including a couple of night hikes - which was more scary than you can ever imagine. I was so glad when it was over. Our guide was excellent at explaining how all the jungle species worked together and pointing out many fascinating things. We were very fortunate to have a young jaguar run out onto the trail in front of us, a site I will never forget - however when the guide said 'lets follow it!' I was a tad nervous. After that going to the bathroom at night took on a whole new way of risking my life - but maybe thats just me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The trip back up the river took a lot longer due to the fast current downstream, but we were able to break the journey at a wonderful thermal spring. We kept getting stuck on the upstream commute and the young man on the front had to pry us off the every moving sediment of the river. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Another once in a lifetime experience in Peru, however, if you don't cope well with heat and high humidity you may not enjoy it. Having experienced the jungle I'm glad I did it, but it won't be something I care to do again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Check out more of my pics on </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/littletravelco/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;" target="_blank">Instagram </a>katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312502389616054763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023432450890420453.post-58597191002789239852019-02-05T10:00:00.000-05:002019-02-05T10:00:07.087-05:00Hanoi and Halong Bay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I wanted to check out Hanoi and Halong Bay but prefer a tour, especially when I am travelling alone. I find you enjoy the place so much more when someone is telling you about it, the culture, the history, the reason that things are the way they are. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c4f56;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A city of Parisian charm and grace with an Asian edge, Hanoi is an enthralling blend of East and West and a rising star in Southeast Asia. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c4f56;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Visiting the stunning Halong Bay was even better than the photos I had seen of it. We took an overnight junk boat (a traditional Asian vessel) while cruising among the bay's 3,000 islands that rise dramatically from the emerald waters. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Check out more of my pics on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/littletravelco/" target="_blank">Instagram </a></span>katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312502389616054763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023432450890420453.post-40445050219445794472019-02-02T08:00:00.000-05:002019-02-02T08:00:00.160-05:00when in Africa... Safari!!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNTfZeNNYFgZkyu7Ab9bYDdIvdTadw-z104Hf8HUmPMJTnEGfT1qW-usM6zsQTGNPqAbdz6eQGIXpCA5yYooNELPxqSwrlFlIu8bpSv-4Yjjczq0XtUsZkjc5_jyAr_3FVaaZieIndOnh/s1600/itinerary_lg_2Tanzania-Lake-Manyara-National-Park-Elephant-Balloon-IS-26644382-Lg-RGB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1440" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNTfZeNNYFgZkyu7Ab9bYDdIvdTadw-z104Hf8HUmPMJTnEGfT1qW-usM6zsQTGNPqAbdz6eQGIXpCA5yYooNELPxqSwrlFlIu8bpSv-4Yjjczq0XtUsZkjc5_jyAr_3FVaaZieIndOnh/s320/itinerary_lg_2Tanzania-Lake-Manyara-National-Park-Elephant-Balloon-IS-26644382-Lg-RGB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Since I’m in Africa, and after climbing Kilimanjaro I am
taking a short Safari, well I couldn’t come all this way and not!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This will still be an adventure, but a different type to
climbing the mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will be camping
out in the Serengeti, searching for the Big Five (safari term for the animals
everyone wants to see; <span style="background: white; color: #222222;">lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo</span> –
not sure why giraffe and zebra aren’t on there – I would love to see them more
than the buffalo).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">On the way we will be stopping at a Maasai village where G
Adventures supports a local project there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One of the days we will be heading to Ngorongor Crater which is supposed
to be spectacular. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Not sure what to expect from this short safari adventure so
be sure to check back for my blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Once again I will be without internet so I’ve scheduled posts
on my FB showing what I will be doing each day:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thelittletravelconsultant/">https://www.facebook.com/thelittletravelconsultant/</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Hoping to have some amazing pictures to post when I return. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the meantime, check out some of my travel
pics on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/littletravelco/">https://www.instagram.com/littletravelco/</a>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312502389616054763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023432450890420453.post-48357574176673447702019-01-26T08:00:00.000-05:002019-01-26T08:00:02.685-05:00Heading to Africa....to climb Kilimanjaro! #GAdventures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyla7_a-3rH1h3k4YcPgJFzUsafstdCQfqbCXQucWhmqnxS-c9YeZL0VuWBK7ul4T3aiAKBsKx1xzXD3mhgdCBZ5OWUwtRwGqk9FMNrx7HE_fRXDvVrVbbn1tHyF3G0sP599hFgKNqni1f/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyla7_a-3rH1h3k4YcPgJFzUsafstdCQfqbCXQucWhmqnxS-c9YeZL0VuWBK7ul4T3aiAKBsKx1xzXD3mhgdCBZ5OWUwtRwGqk9FMNrx7HE_fRXDvVrVbbn1tHyF3G0sP599hFgKNqni1f/s1600/download.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Africa was never very near the top of my bucket list, however,
since hiking the Inca Trail in Peru, and Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal I’ve
become a little obsessed with the experience.
I can’t really explain it, I didn’t grow up thinking one day…it just
happened. So I’m heading to Tanzania
shortly to summit Kilimanjaro, Africa’s
highest peak at 5, 895 meters, (19,341 feet), and the worlds highest free
standing mountain. It will be my 40th country and 5th continent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Reading blogs and watching videos of people who have done it,
the consensus is that it will be one of the hardest things I’ll ever do. I’ve been training at the gym and hiking,
but nothing prepares you for the altitude, which living in Canada by the Great
Lakes really doesn’t help. You go
through 5 climate changes as you ascend, reaching the top in the bitter cold
and snow. The night of the summit we
will wake up at 11pm to make the final hike to the top with headlamps on and
walking extremely slowly to see the sun come up. I am so excited! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The trail I chose is the Machame route, which is the
longest, 9 days, but that gives you a little longer to adjust to the altitude –
fingers crossed. 8 nights sleeping in a
tent, getting progressively colder with no shower will only add to the experience,
but I’m sure it will be the least of my worries. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Of course I’ll be cut off from the world during this
time, but have scheduled posts to my FB
page about each days hike. I hope to do
a video blog which I will post when I return to civilisation. Joining me on this adventure is Lene from Norway, we met when we hiked in Nepal and decided
that this would be our next trip.
Travelling is a wonderful way of making new friends around the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Watch this video if you have time – it may explain better the
feeling you get at the summit – or you may think I’m crazy lol. </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtNtkM8Y9l4&t=530s" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtNtkM8Y9l4&t=530s</a><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Follow me on Facebook at </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thelittletravelconsultant/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/thelittletravelconsultant/ </a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHh-j42hAiKOBAHi8i5U6iEGYJMVl8GodUKnkrKEkbaG_AciGf0tZ6Ay5Qnb0LWRHqc2AqE7SmgaLqwRoEK3WsdfQzwFmW-ULBN_pgPsx9q6Xw3oeSXDixPT1f_6gRhRSHMzC01F_2Wve/s1600/170948d7db4122f7407767ee14025c1f.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHh-j42hAiKOBAHi8i5U6iEGYJMVl8GodUKnkrKEkbaG_AciGf0tZ6Ay5Qnb0LWRHqc2AqE7SmgaLqwRoEK3WsdfQzwFmW-ULBN_pgPsx9q6Xw3oeSXDixPT1f_6gRhRSHMzC01F_2Wve/s320/170948d7db4122f7407767ee14025c1f.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.gadventures.com/trips/mt-kilimanjaro-trek-machame-9-day-route/DTM9/">https://www.gadventures.com/trips/mt-kilimanjaro-trek-machame-9-day-route/DTM9/</a> </span>katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312502389616054763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023432450890420453.post-21122048184869700262019-01-24T16:00:00.000-05:002019-01-24T16:00:13.887-05:00The Lake District, England<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img alt="LD1" height="320" src="https://thelittletravelconsultant.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/ld1.jpg?w=211&h=281" width="240" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;">I was fortunate to be able to return to the Lake District in May and find it to be one of the most beautiful areas of the England. The Lake District is a National Park in the northwest of England, and is a popular holiday destination. It is known for it’s lakes, rugged mountains and historic literacy associations</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;">All the land in England higher than 3,000 feet (910 m) above sea level lies within the National Park. The highest mountain in England and the deepest and longest bodies of water in England.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;">The precise extent of the Lake District was not defined traditionally, but is slightly larger than that of the National Park, the total area of which is about 885 square miles (2,292 km2). The park extends just over 32 miles (51 km) from east to west and nearly 40 miles (64 km) from north to south, with areas such as the Lake District Peninsulas to the south lying outside the National Park.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;">It is the most visited national park in the United Kingdom with 15.8 million annual visitors and more than 23 million annual day visits, the largest of the thirteen national parks in England and Wales.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;">There are many paths over which the public has a right of way, all of which are signposted. Within the area of the National Park in 2012 there were 2,159 kilometres (1,342 mi) of public footpaths, 875 kilometres (544 mi) of public bridleways.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;">Many of these tracks arose centuries ago and were used either as ridge highways or as passes for travelling across the ridges between settlements in the valleys. Historically these paths were not planned for reaching summits, but more recently they are used by fell walkers for that purpose.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;">The Lake District is intimately associated with English literature of the 18th and 19th centuries. Thomas Gray was the first to bring the region to attention, when he wrote a journal of his Grand Tour in 1769, but it was William Wordsworth whose poems were most famous and influential. Wordsworth's poem "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud", inspired by the sight of daffodils on the shores of Ullswater, remains one of the most famous in the English language. Wordsworth, Coleridge and Southey became known as the Lake Poets.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;">During the early 20th century, the children's author Beatrix Potter was in residence at Hill Top Farm, setting many of her famous Peter Rabbit books in the Lake District.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Follow me on Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/littletravelco/</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <span style="text-align: center;">http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/</span></span><br />
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<img alt="lakedistrict" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1054" height="230" src="https://thelittletravelconsultant.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/lakedistrict.jpg" width="205" /></div>
katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312502389616054763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023432450890420453.post-29778083141939955172018-11-17T12:12:00.000-05:002019-01-21T18:05:14.228-05:00Path of the Gods, Amalfi Coast #Positano #amalfiCoast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjXghbb-aKAkGadtB22HdsgCuqGFcKdcB_cAV12vZ8C6lCs4MCwEdu03t3iJ4ZiYb2dY8kUM4_Tsa3cYO3er-cpdXZ_KI_3gJJG6M4CO-RrKFcBLRhlIuakIjisMGjUvyaRgD68ZUknx0/s1600/path.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="809" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjXghbb-aKAkGadtB22HdsgCuqGFcKdcB_cAV12vZ8C6lCs4MCwEdu03t3iJ4ZiYb2dY8kUM4_Tsa3cYO3er-cpdXZ_KI_3gJJG6M4CO-RrKFcBLRhlIuakIjisMGjUvyaRgD68ZUknx0/s320/path.JPG" width="264" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Positano </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I had never heard of The Path of the Gods, or ‘Il Sentiero
degli Dei’ which in hindsight is strange as I love to hike. It
turned out to be one of the most spectacular hikes I have even done taking me along the infamous Amalfi Coast, Italy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It only takes a few hours to hike from the small hill top
village along the coast to Positano, I wish it was longer as I couldn’t get
enough of the fabulous views along the coast that it gives. Ideally,
walkers should walk from Agerola to Nocelle, and not vice-versa; the route runs
gently downhill from this direction, with magnificent views of the Amalfi
Coast and the island of Capri. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I went at the end of October, on a gorgeous sunny day with a
perfect temperature. I don’t think it would have been nearly as
enjoyable in the peak of the summer with crowds of people and the
heat of the summer sun beating down on you. If you are there in the
summer, I would definitely start as early as you can.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It must be said that this is more of a hike than a casual stroll
along a coastal path. I would advise hiking shoes/boots as
there are some very uneven rocky areas, and large rocks to navigate
around. There is no fence of any sort on the edge so those with
vertigo may need to think about that. One of the group I was with
decided not to do it for that reason. The scenery changes from
hills dotted with a few shrubs, heather and rosemary, past towering limestones
mountains, colourful wildflowers, abandoned stone houses and through shaded
forests. Farmers grow vines on terraces carved into the hillside, still
using donkeys for transport along the narrow pathways.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">If you are lucky enough to be in this wonderful area, do
consider taking this hike.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #021121;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1W1BJ8Z0iFLPbmX4B4ziaGu8zKAHqr7Er4w1xmowqHTjrGFuFJUSUfG8DQerovplABVqs2hyphenhyphenCSt7Z3dCxUoI0XqcRckSDceRj6ydV62-w77dFXTkXjUZsD-Xeb1t0umzhhxU0MH16Wpqm/s1600/PathofGOds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="734" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1W1BJ8Z0iFLPbmX4B4ziaGu8zKAHqr7Er4w1xmowqHTjrGFuFJUSUfG8DQerovplABVqs2hyphenhyphenCSt7Z3dCxUoI0XqcRckSDceRj6ydV62-w77dFXTkXjUZsD-Xeb1t0umzhhxU0MH16Wpqm/s320/PathofGOds.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312502389616054763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023432450890420453.post-76184997482375002402018-11-10T08:00:00.000-05:002018-11-10T08:00:10.260-05:00Rome - I'd forgotten how wonderful it is. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Piazza Navona</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; text-transform: uppercase;"> </span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you find yourself
in Rome, try to avoid the major tourist attractions which are packed with
people, and instead take a walk through the ancient streets. It's
amazing what treasures you can find along the way. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've been fortunate to visit Rome several times, but it's been a
while and I had forgotten what an amazing city it is. People
complain that it's dirty and crowded, and maybe it is, but it still has so much
charm and beauty, that for me it became irrelevant. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I did want to see the Trevi Fountain again, so I walked from my
hotel near Termini train station in that general direction. I had
all the time in the world, so as I walked and saw something of interest, I followed
it making many turns and diversion. I think this is the best way
to discover a city. There are so many great churches, lovely
gardens, quaint restaurants and ancient ruins that you could spend a week just
wandering. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I especially enjoyed the Trastevere area just south of Vatican
City. It's a fun, bohemian area with centuries old buildings, artisan
shops and restaurants. At the centre of this area is the Piazza di Santa Maria,
with the Basilica dating back in parts to the 3rd century. In the
centre of the Piazza is a wonderful fountain, one of so many in the city
where people gather to sit and watch the world go by. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Another piazza that I really love is </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt;">Piazza Navona, built on the site of a stadium dating
back to the 1st century AD. On my last night there I chose the restaurant in
front of the fountain and sat watching the people as I enjoyed a wonderful
meal. Of course, it's going to be a little more expensive to sit in a
prime location, but it was so beautiful. Sometimes when you travel you
just have to say what the hell! It's worth it. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt;">On the way back, I finally went to the Trevi
Fountain hoping that on a rainy October night at 8pm it may be less busy - but
it wasn't. Maybe going at Midnight would be better?</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Completely by accident
on one of my diversions, I stumbled upon the home of Michelangelo’s statue of
Moses housed in the San Pietro in Vincoli church. What a masterpiece that is definitely going
to see. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The neighbourhood of
Monti is another fun place to visit and enjoy the atmosphere, with both
bohemian and classical elements, trattorias, win bars and vintage boutiques are
hidden in the areas pizzas and streets drawing a mix of expats, students and
locals. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Even if you have a long layover in Rome it's
worth going into the city. I took the train from the airport in 30
minutes, which takes you to the centre of Rome. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Trevi fountain</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Micahelangelo's Moses</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">Trastevere</span></div>
<br />katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312502389616054763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023432450890420453.post-63040229385552988422018-10-06T08:30:00.000-04:002018-10-06T08:30:02.545-04:00Machu Picchu - The Inca Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYLzh9uDBP0uY2e1F1GaLJYxOa5QnBIj5s4kZ3POS2gw8ITGVDPnrPvtQHmUIvbPjCLnTl47gz3X3BShmb2EI1v-1faS1LpUU6V0aXHL7IFWwN_kPgpRE7iuytbkrxS4T4kxgOPhnoPaV/s1600/FullSizeRender+%255B1062284%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="1431" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYLzh9uDBP0uY2e1F1GaLJYxOa5QnBIj5s4kZ3POS2gw8ITGVDPnrPvtQHmUIvbPjCLnTl47gz3X3BShmb2EI1v-1faS1LpUU6V0aXHL7IFWwN_kPgpRE7iuytbkrxS4T4kxgOPhnoPaV/s320/FullSizeRender+%255B1062284%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My first solo
trip and adventure was to hike the Inca Trail in Peru. I had never been anywhere a little different
on my own, nor had I hiked anything that involved altitude and the potential
for altitude sickness. So it was
definitely an adventure for me, but it opened the door to the world of solo
travel and adventure and I haven’t looked back. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arriving in Lima
at night with no domestic flight to Cusco leaving until the morning, I ended up
sleeping on the floor of the airport with the other backpackers. There were no
seats, or benches anywhere to be found, so there was no option at all. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could have taken a cab to a hotel, but I had
read to many scary things about women in cabs in South America that I decided
the floor was a better option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quite a
start to my adventure!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Landing in Cuzco with an altitude of </span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">3,400 metres</span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> (11,200ft),
it was higher than I had ever been before and as I waited at the baggage
carousel my heart was racing. I was
seriously worried about the altitude and was very happy that I had arrived a
week before I was starting the Inca Trail to give me more time to acclimatise. <i> </i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">As soon as I arrived at the hotel I was given
a cup of Coca tea, also called mate de coca, which is an herbal tea
(infusion) made using the raw or dried leaves of the coca plant, which is
native to South America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently,
this was what you had to drink to combat the altitude sickness and over the
next few days I found it did help quite a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My room was on the 3<sup>rd</sup> floor and
every time I returned to the hotel I made myself walk up the 3 floors to try
and acclimatise, by the 3<sup>rd</sup> floor I was completely exhausted and
trying to catch my breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’ve
never experienced altitude, it’s really quite amazing how it affects you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also interrupts your ability to sleep
well and I had a few really bad nights of sleep before getting used to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cusco is a lovely city which I enjoyed exploring, although I
was surprised at the size of it and the amount of pollution, staying off the
main streets was better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My favourite
area and one I would recommend is San Blas, tucked away to the north of Plaza
de Armas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can see the architectural
influences of the Spanish after the conquest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It seems like a quieter, more interesting area of the city to wander
around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no end of history and Inca
sites to visit throughout the city. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Inca Trail itself was much more than I thought it would
be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Initially I had thought only about
the finale, the big arrival through the sun gate to see Machu Picchu below, but
the hike turned out to be if not more enjoyable, at least as enjoyable as that
magical moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along the way you see
many other old Inca buildings and settlements and although the trail is
something that many people hike, it was less crowded than I thought it would
be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t see any other groups until
we reached the campsite the night before the Sun Gates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The number of permits issued is tightly
restricted to keep the numbers down so it’s something that you need to book
quite a long time in advance to avoid disappointment, although there are other
trails that lead to Machu Picchu, just not the ‘Inca Trail’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, you need to carry your passport with
you to get stamped at the check points or they will deny you access.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was quite hard going, and very slow at
times as that was the only speed you were capable of doing with the altitude
affecting you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At night in the tent it
got very cold, so definitely make sure you have lots of warm clothes as it was
deceivingly hot in the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walking through the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu sprawling
below you is a very special moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was a little disappointing to have to share it with so many clean, sweet
smelling tourists who had just got off the train instead of hiking for 4 days
and I have to admit I did resent them a little, but it was still
wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were able to go back
in the afternoon to enjoy it after we’d cleaned up and there were far fewer
tourist there then, so it was much better. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It really was a wonderful experience and planted the seed for
future adventure trips. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKszjZRT9cnMxTTTkp4Ilm1TQs_Nq-oMB5ZfQTkdyKLsdnMsqulFeFlYzN4448ZdAJWBDLyqEsns7sr1IZCxmvyb4aywPNLbD0V4QAgfAQWjNGUBm1VaPM36bpaRE2-x2TVo6j_4rvcjH/s1600/DSC_2421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="699" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKszjZRT9cnMxTTTkp4Ilm1TQs_Nq-oMB5ZfQTkdyKLsdnMsqulFeFlYzN4448ZdAJWBDLyqEsns7sr1IZCxmvyb4aywPNLbD0V4QAgfAQWjNGUBm1VaPM36bpaRE2-x2TVo6j_4rvcjH/s320/DSC_2421.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312502389616054763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023432450890420453.post-9069786923385947242018-09-22T07:00:00.000-04:002018-09-22T07:00:06.993-04:00Tahiti... more afordable than you think! #lovetahiti<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cwn0dy1UvhwunqH5v0zC5bJYEKPfL5fCH_FQ5mpOkwx2KexnS1D8ykDRoeqlEiIHlB_xOAFVnACln929qyaFcF9Gp5G__Y-XfJZ1LMIcZVANGA6g65U3FFxS4t-flnduoTnQTSgGdFBO/s1600/P2_08_MOOREA_DSC01543_%25C3%2582%25C2%25A9+Audrey+Svoboda.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="842" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cwn0dy1UvhwunqH5v0zC5bJYEKPfL5fCH_FQ5mpOkwx2KexnS1D8ykDRoeqlEiIHlB_xOAFVnACln929qyaFcF9Gp5G__Y-XfJZ1LMIcZVANGA6g65U3FFxS4t-flnduoTnQTSgGdFBO/s320/P2_08_MOOREA_DSC01543_%25C3%2582%25C2%25A9+Audrey+Svoboda.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Moorea</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #101820; letter-spacing: 0.25pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">As a Travel Professional I am invited to
various supplier and tourist board events throughout the year. This week I went to a couple, one of which was
a presentation by the Tahiti Tourist Board.
These sessions are always very informative, and you learn so much about
the destination, accommodation options, how to get there and what you can do
once there. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #101820; letter-spacing: 0.25pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I think that I thought of Tahiti as just
one island, or maybe I hadn’t really given it that much thought as it seemed to
be one of those mythical destinations, bringing to mind visions of an idyllic
island paradise that only the very fortunate are lucky enough to visit, so it
was never really on my ‘bucket list’ </span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #101820; letter-spacing: 0.25pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It turns out that Tahiti is more affordable than you think and belongs to a group of islands collectively know as French Polynesia and comprises
of 118 islands in total stretching more that 2000 km, divided into 5 groups
of islands; The Society, Austral, Marquesas, Tuamotu and Gambier, located in the
Pacific ocean, south of the equator and is in the same time zone as Hawaii, about
an 8 hour flight from Los Angeles. These islands receive the same number of visitors
in a year that Hawaii receives in a week, so they remain more unspoilt, are
very safe and friendly.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #101820; letter-spacing: 0.25pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #101820; letter-spacing: 0.25pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The most well-known islands are Tahiti,
Moorea and Bora Bora known for their coral fringed lagoons and of course the
famous over-the-water bungalows. The islands feature mountains, waterfalls, rugged
backcountry and beautiful unspoilt beaches, both black and white. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white; color: #101820; letter-spacing: 0.25pt;">The average temperature is </span><span style="color: #222222;">27°C (80°F), summer is from November
to April with a warmer, more humid climate and winter is from May through
October, when it’s slightly cooler and drier.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #101820; letter-spacing: 0.25pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There are many ways to explore the islands
on foot, by bike, horse, 4x4’s, or fun activities to enjoy such as go ziplining or paddle
boarding. Go swimming in the pristine
waters, marvel at the under water life with amazing snorkeling and scuba opportunities or just lay back
and enjoy this beautiful paradise. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white; color: #101820; letter-spacing: 0.25pt;">French Polynesia takes advantage of the fantastic
year-round weather to grow a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and
spices. Fish from the lagoon or from
the ocean, ranging from perch, </span><i style="box-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit;">mahi mahi</i> and parrot
fish eaten raw or sometimes marinated in lime juice and coconut milk. There are even specialized tours that let you
discover the flavors of the islands on picnics organized on beaches. You can also sample the local foods in restaurants,
food trucks and bars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white; color: #101820; letter-spacing: 0.25pt;">The most interesting fact about this
area is that it’s not as expensive as you would imagine. 7 nights accommodation starts at CDN $2000
per person, (US$1600, </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">€</span><span style="background: white; color: #101820; letter-spacing: 0.25pt;">1300), plus the flight to Papeete the capital.
But still, I think this a very affordable alternative to the Caribbean especially
for special life events, birthdays, celebrations and anniversaries. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white; color: #101820; letter-spacing: 0.25pt;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1257678837"><br /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://tahititourisme.ca/en-ca/">https://tahititourisme.ca/en-ca/</a></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVes108n3RWrKbtmdlFo1B-Ll1BPakyxOq6N0fYBPH3JMsk6KlILgGtx2twU1MUa-SrkK-mA12u9cqUmXbWdNA0IHMHm3bVhcQOO5YPLUO3QE-beelKQ4nlsDwFBVAA-_h2xrRGgffMqy2/s1600/P2_08_BORA+BORA_01026.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="842" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVes108n3RWrKbtmdlFo1B-Ll1BPakyxOq6N0fYBPH3JMsk6KlILgGtx2twU1MUa-SrkK-mA12u9cqUmXbWdNA0IHMHm3bVhcQOO5YPLUO3QE-beelKQ4nlsDwFBVAA-_h2xrRGgffMqy2/s320/P2_08_BORA+BORA_01026.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Bora Bora</span></div>
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<br />katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312502389616054763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023432450890420453.post-22010850066003337752018-09-15T10:05:00.001-04:002018-09-15T10:05:48.101-04:00Vienna - The city of Music<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVNqhCKdKHhnGk3-M2sr8-S2AOaIxvg1jD8Cx5cG2uObyUnKjga9SwjnRfI_qTbxar0w4ewpUIaF4qiewrYCfSP-4AQTkSg2ooTNwG6HFUL5Vqdcj1-UvHahTDp-J1nPjl1l69oxfjZiG/s1600/IMG_9403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="739" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVNqhCKdKHhnGk3-M2sr8-S2AOaIxvg1jD8Cx5cG2uObyUnKjga9SwjnRfI_qTbxar0w4ewpUIaF4qiewrYCfSP-4AQTkSg2ooTNwG6HFUL5Vqdcj1-UvHahTDp-J1nPjl1l69oxfjZiG/s320/IMG_9403.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.wienvienna.com/mozart-statue-vienna-burggarten-hofburg/" target="_blank">Mozart</a></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Vienna, Austria’s capital, the city of Music, lies in the east
of the country on the banks of the Danube River. It was a lovely surprise as I had no real
expectations about the city other than I wanted to see my favourite artists work,
Gustav Klimt, so the rest was all a bonus. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The cities grandeur is the result of the powerful Habsburg
monarchy over the course of six centuries.
There is so much to see in this small city full of so much art and
culture, from the obvious art galleries, to the Lipizzaner stallion’s
performance at the Spanish riding school, to simply sitting sampling the famous
Viennese coffee cake in one of cities many opulent coffee shops. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The cities artistic legacy was shaped by other famous residents including Mozart, Strauss, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There are many museums, art galleries and Palaces and at every turn the streetscape is full of Baroque buildings. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There are numerous concerts to attend showcasing some of the famous resident’s music to going to Sunday mass and hearing the famous Vienna Boys choir.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If you take one of the many river cruises that journey along
the Danube, make sure that you take some time to research what you want to see
in Vienna as it has an overwhelming amount of options. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelOrI8Vo4XPj-bu990xMso-i7pcU5H0RsJmnTlkcAmXcBOWVENxveAB2aj4sv0GCXBERMPkXLjyFYRhQRRkK_oeW0sl8wmOJIIIB87FQndLsw-TqOBWzINiO47XzexQcCaNLUqRl9v7IW/s1600/IMG_9348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1600" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelOrI8Vo4XPj-bu990xMso-i7pcU5H0RsJmnTlkcAmXcBOWVENxveAB2aj4sv0GCXBERMPkXLjyFYRhQRRkK_oeW0sl8wmOJIIIB87FQndLsw-TqOBWzINiO47XzexQcCaNLUqRl9v7IW/s320/IMG_9348.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.belvedere.at/gustav-klimt" target="_blank">Belvedere Museum</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(18th century palace and gardens)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtXypmJu85aRGbF3ktmhdZvMILptSjASfQN91qD6sAdYt1JjSUdmz1nofPK8UyjlIf3-AlKjEKoB-9zjwggY-baCgVHAtIkDVcO2BJU6wVGEpO9MU9j0gMWLSluRC_okcjho5TkncyBXV/s1600/IMG_9324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="983" data-original-width="975" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtXypmJu85aRGbF3ktmhdZvMILptSjASfQN91qD6sAdYt1JjSUdmz1nofPK8UyjlIf3-AlKjEKoB-9zjwggY-baCgVHAtIkDVcO2BJU6wVGEpO9MU9j0gMWLSluRC_okcjho5TkncyBXV/s320/IMG_9324.JPG" width="317" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Gustav Klimt - <a href="http://www.klimt.com/en/gallery/women.html" target="_blank">The Kiss</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTt2YBzvxcXA4peeDYawWVSsNY-i0ObsQUTIsanYOSknZ4Z-dppLHEqLMGqfHB7FD_JmdO9-He8TyeZFSqKtIrUKUC1qnHd61hkj8x1uZz82sykMnk5C1PoxksLMZ59HL3g0GIWPA9jbrg/s1600/IMG_9472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="739" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTt2YBzvxcXA4peeDYawWVSsNY-i0ObsQUTIsanYOSknZ4Z-dppLHEqLMGqfHB7FD_JmdO9-He8TyeZFSqKtIrUKUC1qnHd61hkj8x1uZz82sykMnk5C1PoxksLMZ59HL3g0GIWPA9jbrg/s320/IMG_9472.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.visitingvienna.com/sights/strauss-monument/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Strauss Monumnent</span></a></div>
<br />katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312502389616054763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023432450890420453.post-30519145776655103492018-09-08T08:30:00.000-04:002018-09-08T08:30:05.539-04:00A short stay in Berlin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlbn2Z6GM6KBrQ8kUhLKw8V6Ps1KIKqyELhBEDJTbM2Jv-ez9059j4ujqxP5HipTbxEPXRIMOZlgiHcq4aGJdxtyAeKDxiR5eF1eq5OZkK2eEjeFDTzoOFuS_0u4MXrv8bkBIgL1f0Twf/s1600/IMG_9983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="984" data-original-width="1312" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlbn2Z6GM6KBrQ8kUhLKw8V6Ps1KIKqyELhBEDJTbM2Jv-ez9059j4ujqxP5HipTbxEPXRIMOZlgiHcq4aGJdxtyAeKDxiR5eF1eq5OZkK2eEjeFDTzoOFuS_0u4MXrv8bkBIgL1f0Twf/s320/IMG_9983.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Part of the Wall</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I visited Berlin for a few days in July and was lucky to be
able to stay with a friend who lives there.
It’s always better to get a tour from someone local. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Berlin, Germany’s capital dates back to the 13<sup>th</sup>
century. Very few cities have experienced
such frequent, radical changes transforming the face of the city. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Reminders of the turbulent 20<sup>th</sup> century history
are visible at every turn, the difference in architecture from the ornate,
untouched by bombs Victorian town houses, sitting next to plain soviet built
apartments. Remains of the Berlin wall, some
standing in their original place reminding everyone of what happened here
dividing the city from 1961, until the wall came down in 1989. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Holocaust
Memorial) is a somber reminder, a very moving, emotional acknowledgement of
what can happen. The memorial to the
Sinti and Roma victims, a monument dedicated to the memory of 220,000-500,000 murdered
in the Nazi genocide, another very moving place to visit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Nowadays Berlin seems to embrace everyone and it is a city
full of diversity. Berlins street- art
scene has exploded in recent years, transforming grey into colour. From the wonderful art painted along the
Wall, to various other areas of the city, if art is your thing you should take
an Alternative tour of Berlin. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There is a large amount of things to see and do in Berlin, something for everyone, a
fascinating city. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVr6Rr0aUSqM8EKyep9EcIKQLNUs8U9kolaONS8C08blA2hYM33cmAnqVavZ3CTR6tqG2RAXFPAiUxgCeWz-2-IosYrzs1fcA0KNjUY2EcLBDcvWrpLNeFe-p4RgwrUayNBIYHixCAhgdV/s1600/IMG_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="739" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVr6Rr0aUSqM8EKyep9EcIKQLNUs8U9kolaONS8C08blA2hYM33cmAnqVavZ3CTR6tqG2RAXFPAiUxgCeWz-2-IosYrzs1fcA0KNjUY2EcLBDcvWrpLNeFe-p4RgwrUayNBIYHixCAhgdV/s320/IMG_0031.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Memorial to the murdererd Jews </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gB3-UiLTGpyPROW6anUwREl4Kk3XlNLJHLaem_0JnjAuRowN_bISDjbv58W6Gfv9XJXAdZQLL7jHbP-Jktkr-cQx1xUflYJ1ASnC72fqQT5kzEoz-ykKq4cPqmIv0M3V3DiomqPgPDAB/s1600/IMG_9974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="739" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gB3-UiLTGpyPROW6anUwREl4Kk3XlNLJHLaem_0JnjAuRowN_bISDjbv58W6Gfv9XJXAdZQLL7jHbP-Jktkr-cQx1xUflYJ1ASnC72fqQT5kzEoz-ykKq4cPqmIv0M3V3DiomqPgPDAB/s320/IMG_9974.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">More of the Wall</span></div>
katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312502389616054763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023432450890420453.post-48330462124634802422018-09-01T08:30:00.000-04:002018-09-01T08:30:02.388-04:00'I run to the hills for the The Sound of Music' - Salzburg, Austria <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBhvwzK6sFPl3mddGE1nCVamIdkd7zgIfQ10EUN9B70IVdvld9upVwBB6r2gYVxNwS92hZFYk1BSRJWuHI8UyvZWFrWsT8XG7fztToMsUnkx8En3F2Z7nlZftb7KJgv03xLnmyLxNHG5F/s1600/IMG_9733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="984" data-original-width="1312" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBhvwzK6sFPl3mddGE1nCVamIdkd7zgIfQ10EUN9B70IVdvld9upVwBB6r2gYVxNwS92hZFYk1BSRJWuHI8UyvZWFrWsT8XG7fztToMsUnkx8En3F2Z7nlZftb7KJgv03xLnmyLxNHG5F/s320/IMG_9733.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">View from the terrace at lunch</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">While enjoying the River cruise along the Danube, one of the
day excursions offered was a ‘Sound of Music’ inspired visit to Salzburg. Being a fan of the wonderful movie, I had
to visit some of the landmarks. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">But Salzburg was much more that just a series of filming
locations, it was a wonderful, pretty Austrian town surrounded by amazing
countryside. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Salzburg’s most famous son is Mozart and enjoys being known for his birthplace in 1756 at No. 9 Getreidegasse in the town centre. Today,
Mozart’s Birthplace is one of the most visited museums in Austria and is an
absolute highlight for fans, he also lends his name to any
number of souvenirs from chocolates, ice creams to rubber ducks and you will
bump into his likeness at every turn. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">Hohensalzburg Fortress is enthroned on the Festungsberg, high
above the rooftops of the Baroque historical district. In the year 1077, archbishop Gebhard had the
fortress built and changed the Salzburg skyline forever</span>. The largest fully preserved castle in Central
Europe, this emble</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">mof Salzburg draws millions of tourists every year. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I had lunch at the top over looking the town below
and the mountains in the distance.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">One
of the most beautiful locations I’ve had the pleasure of eating lunch and I
savoured every moment.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">St.
Peter's Monastery & Cemetery & Catacombs just below the fortress are another
lovely place to visit. Since St. Peter’s was founded in the 7th century, the
church and abbey have been the spiritual heart of the city of Salzburg. Aside from its striking architecture and the
wonderful feeling of peace and calm, the cemetery and catacombs are also a
must-see for fans of “The Sound of Music”.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 18.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Also, fans of the The Sound of Music will recogise Residenzplatz square as another
highlight: During their carriage ride through the city, Maria and the children
sing as they pass the Residenz Fountain. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When I visited Salzburg there was a market that extended about 1 km
along the river with a varied assortment of things to buy, from local honey,
hand made jewellery and clothes, to
local beers. A lovely way to round off the day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I could have definitely spent longer here and would recommend
a visit if you are in Austria. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312502389616054763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023432450890420453.post-2384419890710556882018-08-25T06:00:00.000-04:002018-08-25T06:00:01.673-04:00Budapest - Visit a spa. #szechenyibaths #gellertbaths<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaG1Ag7g97s43YLPP4FaeMi-iLqt7Yl45NpslOZrQjO8uhhbkx6XylTM1Og3dIFkwQjmPlhdt0aeUChI7u6UM9YunBIt9KUPP2A6pz6ch8Bd4RZAN-6FsnIQn9Mai8Zs9agwcHULZ4v6eS/s1600/IMG_8977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="739" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaG1Ag7g97s43YLPP4FaeMi-iLqt7Yl45NpslOZrQjO8uhhbkx6XylTM1Og3dIFkwQjmPlhdt0aeUChI7u6UM9YunBIt9KUPP2A6pz6ch8Bd4RZAN-6FsnIQn9Mai8Zs9agwcHULZ4v6eS/s320/IMG_8977.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Budapest is a popular destination for
many reasons, spas and thermal baths being one of them. When I was there recently I took the
opportunity to check out two of them to see what it was all about. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Romans first settled in this area so
that they could take advantage of the 120 hot springs created by a fault line. In the 1920’s Budapest gained the reputation
as a ‘city of spas’ and now hosts an impressive selection of thermal baths and
spas, some dating back to the 16<sup>th</sup> century. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The most ‘instagrammed’ one is the <a href="http://www.szechenyibath.hu/" target="_blank">Szechenyi Baths</a> which is one of the largest bathing complexes in Europe built in 1913
housed in a neo-baroque palace near the city park on the Pest side of the city. There are 15 indoor pools and 3 large
outdoor pools with various temperatures.
Inside there are saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools and jets. The thermal water is considered medicinal as
it is high in calcium, magnesium and hydrogen carbonate which is said to ease
joint pain and improve blood circulation. There is a very grand entrance hall
and maps to navigate the maze of rooms and pools within the complex. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I spent a whole afternoon at <span style="background: white; letter-spacing: 0.1pt;"><a href="http://www.gellertbath.hu/" target="_blank">Gellért Baths</a> on the
Buda side of the Danube. I had only
planned to visit for 30 minutes but enjoyed it so much that I ended up staying
for about 3 hours and could have stayed for longer. With its mosaic walls and floors, stained glass
windows and Roman style columns it is one of the most beautiful spas in the
city. It was opened in 1918 in the art nouveaux
style and has indoor and outdoor baths fed by the thermal springs. It was a challenge finding your way around
inside the building, and as I wondered around in a confused daze I found saunas,
small thermal pools, and a wonderful steam room where I completely lost all sense
of time. There are also treatment
rooms for medicinal massages. Outside
there is a wave pool, another thermal pool and large sauna. There is also a lovely café on the terrace
overlooking the outdoor pool where I enjoyed a cappuccino and pastry. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0.1pt; line-height: 107%;">If you find yourself in Budapest I would definitely recommend
making time to relax and enjoy one of the spas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuvQzC2mQQzlfFBa56u6Nl-6HZCW2v1ccLm7GKvy1Uws0tzXy_7OOJs1oo0MgufNj1fXJqcD_MtI-jCBn-nmFIXYXV9VvUQSYh5jtNln-Qtv2oYftaOCk8cNfjIF2T1nRZcl22hwxzEat/s1600/IMG_8971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="739" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuvQzC2mQQzlfFBa56u6Nl-6HZCW2v1ccLm7GKvy1Uws0tzXy_7OOJs1oo0MgufNj1fXJqcD_MtI-jCBn-nmFIXYXV9VvUQSYh5jtNln-Qtv2oYftaOCk8cNfjIF2T1nRZcl22hwxzEat/s200/IMG_8971.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4c5wC4358dsp66U6WGAHHxVw7M8lyln350yAcCIoJYl_639bCjeAUDR-z4NRlf9plQ_klwLj3PSVfGWghSk5O_vpD6Wy0NCz-O6B-fWfIZdlUOvwWdDcU8Ccvp0fG5Hi3rbvuygn_nTr/s1600/IMG_8990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="739" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4c5wC4358dsp66U6WGAHHxVw7M8lyln350yAcCIoJYl_639bCjeAUDR-z4NRlf9plQ_klwLj3PSVfGWghSk5O_vpD6Wy0NCz-O6B-fWfIZdlUOvwWdDcU8Ccvp0fG5Hi3rbvuygn_nTr/s200/IMG_8990.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312502389616054763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023432450890420453.post-5268353069056208812018-08-18T06:00:00.000-04:002018-08-18T06:00:06.633-04:00Travel Agent Myth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgES__sroQ5Z9ryXKntUt__2YDTQzXl6yKrPNwb_fpxTwST41VgH-PI62mKerSToklZoNTbN4Zr2J_0SaKQlRrhcNaaHeXfcq5_-ZNE417Rh5ITp8NoSZQtWGRry3EmBt8TZX38tZQF0jeP/s1600/IMG_0215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="739" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgES__sroQ5Z9ryXKntUt__2YDTQzXl6yKrPNwb_fpxTwST41VgH-PI62mKerSToklZoNTbN4Zr2J_0SaKQlRrhcNaaHeXfcq5_-ZNE417Rh5ITp8NoSZQtWGRry3EmBt8TZX38tZQF0jeP/s320/IMG_0215.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Myth - Travel agents will charge you a huge fee just for talking
to them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.5pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">If
you’re worried that working with a travel agent will result in expensive fees,
you may be surprised to find that many charge nothing, unlike numerous high
profile travel websites that charge extra fees you don’t see until checkout. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.5pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Even when booking an All Inclusive there is NO additional fee. The commission
comes from the travel provider (the company that packages the vacations) so whether you book online or through a Travel
Agent the to<span class="textexposedshow">tal paid is identical. But when you
book with a Travel Agent you have peace of mind that if a problem arises they
will be able to assist you.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">If a fee is charged to work on a complicated itinerary it is
often put towards the final total when you decide to book. This pays for the
hours they’ll spend making sure every detail of your vacation is perfectly
planned and should you decide not to book then the fee covers the time worked
on the project.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Email me for more info on how I can help you kate@littletravel.co </span></div>
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<br />katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312502389616054763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023432450890420453.post-48485735574513512692018-08-11T06:00:00.000-04:002018-08-11T06:00:10.185-04:00Danube River cruise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcG47mdvnTlP2J751Hiu0OdLaSlhaGC5UF518xrrYTLrAGk4Tn1RtpKDkbp4zw8vX_ey_jWlo93YVQaGIODkWLIUaqPbnAT8UhA188I_dLdH3VN9eYrXFs5aCLKUiPD8fZEPAGzBJZJq9/s1600/IMG_1603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="1267" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcG47mdvnTlP2J751Hiu0OdLaSlhaGC5UF518xrrYTLrAGk4Tn1RtpKDkbp4zw8vX_ey_jWlo93YVQaGIODkWLIUaqPbnAT8UhA188I_dLdH3VN9eYrXFs5aCLKUiPD8fZEPAGzBJZJq9/s320/IMG_1603.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Mondsee, Austria</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif;">You always
here people talking about river cruses and how wonderful they are, so I decided
to take one to experience it for myself – well it’s easier to sell a product
that you have tried, as with anything. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif;">I took an
Avalon cruise on the Danube from Budapest to Nuremburg. Avalon promotes their one-of-a kind
stateroom layout with Open Air balcony, wall to wall windows, for spectacular
views of the passing countryside and for me the best part is that the bed faces
the window. Sitting there in the
morning with a cappuccino was one of my favourite parts of the day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif;">River cruises
allow you to travel in comfort in an intimate setting of just over 100 passengers,
with a 2:1 staff ratio. Your room is a
chic hotel room with wonderfully comfy beds, quality bedding and pillows, a
marble-lined bathroom, fluffy towels and luxury bath goodies. The beauty for me
is that you only have to unpack once and yet you get to see many different
places and also there is no lining up to get on and off the boat, its very convenient
way to travel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif;">One of the
great joys of river cruising is being able to dock in the centre of some of the
most beautiful cities in Europe, on a floating hotel that moves you from one beautiful
location to the next. You could opt to
stay on the ship and relax or take a guided tour and learn a little of the
history. There were tours for slow
walkers or faster walkers, also bikes to take from the ship if you preferred. Something for everyone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif;">Meal time on
a river cruise is an experience in itself.
From the lavish breakfast including freshly baked pastries, fruit,
smoked salmon, cheese, hot dishes and eggs made to order. Lunch and dinner were also lavish affairs,
with beautifully prepared meals to suit all pallets. There was also afternoon tea served in the
lounge and a coffee/pastry station that was open all hours. We were also treated to a wine tasting one
night in Austria and another night when we were in Germany we learned about the
local beers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif;">There are
many different types of themed river cruises now, from wine tasting, to
wellness to Christmas market cruises. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif;">The river
cruise was definitely as wonderful as I had heard and I would definitely recommend
them, I hope to do another one on a different river. If you want any more info just email me at <a href="mailto:kate@littletravel.co">kate@littletravel.co</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: xx-small; text-align: center;"> www.littletravel.co</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: xx-small; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: xx-small; text-align: center;"><br /></span>katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312502389616054763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023432450890420453.post-63928113079971804092018-08-04T06:00:00.000-04:002018-08-08T20:06:48.090-04:00Paris - le diner Blanc<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH89WUYPMSDqMeSJ2Jd2oAJb1kAIGkwxZ3ZqJfl9XbQs3W_pAOcLxa5idZCqa-1nHtcaag-E2WA_rg3L3ZrfTCnxzKRBT5Ib7kzvwxdfEY-Rlo1TMxuo2c3rHTZActJECo0JW2zNgAA5Z8/s1600/IMG_8474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="1600" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH89WUYPMSDqMeSJ2Jd2oAJb1kAIGkwxZ3ZqJfl9XbQs3W_pAOcLxa5idZCqa-1nHtcaag-E2WA_rg3L3ZrfTCnxzKRBT5Ib7kzvwxdfEY-Rlo1TMxuo2c3rHTZActJECo0JW2zNgAA5Z8/s640/IMG_8474.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">My daughter
Emma (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/emscourtney/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/emscourtney/?hl=en</a>)
asked if I would like to go to Paris with her to attend the 30<sup>th</sup> Anniversary
of le Dîner en Blanc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Dîner en Blanc</span></b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"> is
a worldwide event, spanning six <span style="color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;">continents</span>
and has grown to over 70 cities. The
concept began in Paris in 1988. People
gather to dine in a public location which is kept a secret until the last moment.
Diners are requested to dress only in white for this chic occasion, and bring
their own food, tables, chairs, a proper table cloth and cutlery etc. Everything must be white and classy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Our visit to Paris culminated on the
Sunday evening with the diner. We
dressed in our best white finery and set off down the road to the metro with table,
chairs, food and champagne in tow, while trying to maintain an air of Chic
which was quite hard as it was hot. We
had to take 2 metros trains to get to our designated meeting point which in
itself was quite an adventure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">It was funny to see other people
dressed in white all appearing from different directions and as the numbers grew
so did the anticipation of where we would be heading to. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Eventually we all set off with our
dining necessities in line, it must have looked like quite a strange procession
to passers by who didn’t know what was going on as thousands of people starting
heading to the secret location. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">As we arrived at the Esplanade des Invalides there
were already thousands of people setting up their tables and meals in
rows. It was quite a rush to get set up
our table and some people had very ornate decorations for their table and
lavish meals. There were 30,000 diners
present for this anniversary Dîner en
Blanc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">It was an amazing spectacle to see. As the evening progressed and the sun set over
the beautiful Paris skyline we enjoyed a wonderful dinner in a once in a
lifetime setting while getting to know our neighbours and where they had
travelled from, all over the world. We
were handed sparklers to light and at 10pm as the Eifel tower sparkled so did
30,000 diners. (The Eifel tower sparkles
on the hour every evening from 10p to 1am.)
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">It was truly a wonderful evening, full of fabulous
people and lasting memories. If you
get the chance to attend in any city, take it!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">kate@littletravel.co www.littletravel.co </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iQt_4QVr0an38-duLKP4KFMQqiHMwyrUNyeWv5YIJvnXDEbdentAhIP0pu5rSolX8J6QBsEfc66V8HrDIxAnJ146w8dMcLW0K8jbuywad_34d5w94VmfQPY4wgJlr0SGtgBD5gncmGdD/s1600/IMG_8874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="984" data-original-width="738" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iQt_4QVr0an38-duLKP4KFMQqiHMwyrUNyeWv5YIJvnXDEbdentAhIP0pu5rSolX8J6QBsEfc66V8HrDIxAnJ146w8dMcLW0K8jbuywad_34d5w94VmfQPY4wgJlr0SGtgBD5gncmGdD/s320/IMG_8874.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFDL35yuUhsox015K65BQGeeX8VwPwTKtOJ-EgJzu4KpV1edtxGxStSeLgju7hYK1_e50Q9SWA3M2JEbpSsXCANaz80KjdvKTeYQ8V8LZZEnPVvx8-uyZR2wfFEyZIQqpvp01-L5xhuV2/s1600/IMG_8523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="739" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFDL35yuUhsox015K65BQGeeX8VwPwTKtOJ-EgJzu4KpV1edtxGxStSeLgju7hYK1_e50Q9SWA3M2JEbpSsXCANaz80KjdvKTeYQ8V8LZZEnPVvx8-uyZR2wfFEyZIQqpvp01-L5xhuV2/s320/IMG_8523.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312502389616054763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023432450890420453.post-30851912947757479682018-07-30T14:46:00.000-04:002018-08-08T20:07:02.428-04:00Claude Monet's gardens at Giverny, France<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQtJpJi1-ZYNEENRuzcLCE-Sj75xwRsmswiIBywwbsR40Y4l2532lzMvKJajBbG68sehP4UlHFmsV-0ACABofYzmSAl1lXZnwAwWyAtnGD-jCaNqEl4XL32CTlKF4iOjS5tBf7uf2PJuI/s1600/IMG_6095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="1267" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQtJpJi1-ZYNEENRuzcLCE-Sj75xwRsmswiIBywwbsR40Y4l2532lzMvKJajBbG68sehP4UlHFmsV-0ACABofYzmSAl1lXZnwAwWyAtnGD-jCaNqEl4XL32CTlKF4iOjS5tBf7uf2PJuI/s320/IMG_6095.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;">On my recent trip to France I promised myself that I would finally
visit Monet’s garden. I have been to France numerous times and
never made it there, which is very silly as it's so close to Paris. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;">Monet lived in Giverny, a village in the region
of Normandy in northern France only 74km from Paris.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are in Paris, there are half and
full day tours that you can take which I would highly recommend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;">It wasn't a disappointment at
all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was just like walking into the
artists painting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Full of colour and
beautiful flowers everywhere. It was absolutely stunning and quite moving to be
there having seen his paintings all my life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;">There are three parts to the visit, the colourful gardens full of
flowers, the water garden with the famous lily pads and bridge and a tour around
his house with many of his paintings adorning the walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is also a nice restaurant where you
can get a light refreshment or a full meal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;">I am so glad that I finally made the time to go this time as it has
become one of the most favourite places I have ever visited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312502389616054763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023432450890420453.post-8390226736543477762018-06-17T17:05:00.001-04:002018-06-17T17:05:19.186-04:00Smoked salmon and caviar for breakfast - yes please!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxCgvW8I0qgkuf63NQ2v0T-PLJjDoxWkgmdAg7SetwcBoSMOUgs54hLgWun4EAw_7iPWvIQAJOuvJtEHwwTH7E8txJAaktsXYgg6cHhfMCFM031PeJo9WTvAVdYItau4bIlttFOdwwOQI/s1600/smokedsalmon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="1255" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxCgvW8I0qgkuf63NQ2v0T-PLJjDoxWkgmdAg7SetwcBoSMOUgs54hLgWun4EAw_7iPWvIQAJOuvJtEHwwTH7E8txJAaktsXYgg6cHhfMCFM031PeJo9WTvAVdYItau4bIlttFOdwwOQI/s320/smokedsalmon.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I was very fortunate to visit Russia in March, St Petersburg and Moscow, as part of a group of Travel Professionals invited to 'experience' the country and what it has to offer to the foreign tourist. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">It was such a wonderful opportunity and a huge contrast from Thailand where I had been 2 weeks earlier. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">In St Petersburg we stayed at the Four Seasons, a 19th century Palace which still retains the feeling of something very special. The quality of the rooms, service, fabulous food and overall atmosphere was that of elegance. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I had always wanted to go to Russia and for me it needed to be snowy, I can't explain, it's just what I think of when I think of Russia. The night we arrived there was a blizzard with huge fluffy flakes of snow. Late in the evening we walked to the Winter Palace and The Hermitage museum, the second largest museum in the world. The snow made it so magical. It was very quiet as the snow fell and the whole area in front of the Palace was untouched, it was so beautiful. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">It's a particular moment when you travel that will stay with you forever and make you grateful that you have the opportunity to experience something so wonderful. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://www.fourseasons.com/stpetersburg/ </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVTWPMpgZDgWDZAUMfJMoenvS50eKScVs0GBJ3H6gMcfQbq3gHk2Q8y-tbPtYT7V70EqO5c-KHLZpR6gtPHtOcIt3V8fs6D0RkODgy6u46qq7wllG6BlH8fftjQxPYeApIXuMR9IfM4lV/s1600/snowballfight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="529" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVTWPMpgZDgWDZAUMfJMoenvS50eKScVs0GBJ3H6gMcfQbq3gHk2Q8y-tbPtYT7V70EqO5c-KHLZpR6gtPHtOcIt3V8fs6D0RkODgy6u46qq7wllG6BlH8fftjQxPYeApIXuMR9IfM4lV/s320/snowballfight.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312502389616054763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023432450890420453.post-42584810400041715842018-06-02T06:30:00.000-04:002018-06-02T06:30:13.672-04:00Thailand elephant volunteering<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Yzuid5S2NZ2axg9L-swGi13EICnLR7iKjRkuslojFM7bqGAYdQhI38LrKe6dn3bymyo4R29F8brobWf14DKE_bx7erE_v6um1Q0o4nqtjJbj2k0h9mBlU01wTTZh29MBcSlAeWqQpCqN/s1600/IMG_4363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="1177" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Yzuid5S2NZ2axg9L-swGi13EICnLR7iKjRkuslojFM7bqGAYdQhI38LrKe6dn3bymyo4R29F8brobWf14DKE_bx7erE_v6um1Q0o4nqtjJbj2k0h9mBlU01wTTZh29MBcSlAeWqQpCqN/s320/IMG_4363.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">I
adore elephants, so when I saw the opportunity to </span>volunteer for 2
weeks in Thailand and live in a rural village I jumped at the chance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It
was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had and I will never forget
the fabulous group of volunteers and helpers that I was with for that time. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We
stayed in a home stay an hour outside the city of Surin, 450 kms east of
Bangkok. These communities have kept
and cared for elephants for generations, and are like a member of their family.
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Twice
a week we were able to walk with the elephants and their handler, their Mahout,
down to the river to bath them. They
loved to cool off in the water and we were able to go in with them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We
also helped out in the community, helping to build a toilet in one of the local
schools, making ‘elephant poo paper’ to help with the expenses of the elephant upkeep, and also painted many elephant graves at the
local elephant temple. We were then
invited by the monks to attend a special ceremony that most outsiders don’t get
the chance to do. A very very special
memory. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If
you want to find out more about this project check out this link. This is an organisation that cares and
protects the elephants and doesn’t exploit them for tourist gains. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://www.wearebamboo.com/volunteer/thailand/elephants.php?register=register<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfe53_kwIYb-UEbqpbJ3IYdfBGmSretvocRHCFsC6CKgOy4k3TIJ6XpxB71Vw4HflNb6_j1nSAJmtizgSoh4V4rMcEiBQYb-Zk516ZATVzjEWboJO8moVn9mPbIHk6h5ZEzltCiBxt20z/s1600/IMG_4755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="1319" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfe53_kwIYb-UEbqpbJ3IYdfBGmSretvocRHCFsC6CKgOy4k3TIJ6XpxB71Vw4HflNb6_j1nSAJmtizgSoh4V4rMcEiBQYb-Zk516ZATVzjEWboJO8moVn9mPbIHk6h5ZEzltCiBxt20z/s320/IMG_4755.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The ceremony at the elephant temple</span></div>
katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312502389616054763noreply@blogger.com0