I was especially looking forward to this trip as my son Ian 2 was joining me. He has been my Marketing Manager for the past two years now, and enjoys the industry just as much as I do. Over those two years, he and I have been exploring parts of the globe together – whether it be looking for new properties and experiences or searching out new destinations to offer to our travelers; and now it was time for another adventure! [Read more…] about To the Rock and Back in 16 Hours
The Cherry Blossoms of Japan
Cherry blossoms (sakura) are symbolic in Japan. They are frequently found in Japanese art, film and music. The flower appears on all types of consumer goods, including stationery, dishware and clothes.
In Buddhism, the cherry blossom symbolizes the transient nature of life because the cherry tree often only blooms for a week or two. The blossoms have been compared to a young woman’s beauty or as a symbol of life’s fleeting magnificence for Japanese samurai, soldiers and gangsters. [Read more…] about The Cherry Blossoms of Japan
Bhutan’s Amankora Gangtey provides a singular, blissful getaway
For those seeking an exotic getaway, Bhutan’s small-but-luxurious, eight-suite Amankora Gangtey provides a memorable and blissful experience. As with all Amankora hotels, the service and accommodations are stellar.
The location is a favorite of hikers, birders and people looking for something a little bit different. The lodge is set on a hill with sweeping views of the Phobjikha Valley and the sixteenth century monastery, Gangtey Gonpa. [Read more…] about Bhutan’s Amankora Gangtey provides a singular, blissful getaway
A Quick Review of Maori Etiquette
If you’re going to New Zealand, it never hurts to know a few rules of etiquette for touring the Maori’s homeland.
The Maori are the indigenous people of “Aotearoa”, which is the Maori name for New Zealand and translates as “the land of the long white cloud.” The Maori arrived in New Zealand from Eastern Polynesia in the thirteenth century after a series of long, canoe voyages. [Read more…] about A Quick Review of Maori Etiquette
Safari in the Mara
I left Nairobi early in the morning and hopped on a short flight to The Mara. The Mara is an extremely large game reserve in Kenya. It was named to honor the ancestral inhabitants of the area, the Maasai people. “Mara”, in their native tongue, means “spotted”. From great distances, the circles of trees, shrubs, cloud shadows and savanna create a brilliant shadow effect that inspired the name, “Mara. I always enjoy hearing these cultural stories – really helps you to immerse yourself in your surroundings -having a bit of knowledge of how it came to be. [Read more…] about Safari in the Mara
Family vacation continues in Sydney
There is always this special feeling I get when I land in Sydney – always something new to the city or exciting people to meet. This time, after only a short flight from Hamilton Island and our island getaway at Hayman – it felt great to re-immerse into city life. And, with the fairly new tunnel system, it was a quick 15-minute transfer to the InterContinental Sydney, where we would be spending the next three nights. [Read more…] about Family vacation continues in Sydney