We flew to Jamaica on March 30th, one day before all the kids were arriving. Carl and I spent the first night alone at HALF MOON, a beautiful resort north of Montego Bay. We had a suite on a perfect white sand beach and dinner at the restaurant on the golf course. The next morning after a lovely breakfast at the beach side we packed up and headed to our home for the week at TRYALL RESORT.
We rented a large house called Jubilantion. The house has 6 large suites and a full staff to meet our families every need. The 6 grandkids and their 4 parents arrived late afternoon and settled in. Tryall resort offers everything anyone would want for a true beach resort. There are 60 private homes situated above a beautiful beach and surrounded by an 18 hole golf course. We used golf carts to cruise the property and take us from the house to the beach each day. After a great breakfast served on the deck overlooking the pool and gardens we all headed to the beach.
Easy afternoon on the beach
There are chairs lined along the long sandy beach or the beautiful pool awaits. The kids had water sports to choose from and great lunches shared with the adults. The resort has a workout room, tennis and pickle ball courts. The golf course was pristine with great caddies ready to make sure your round of 18 holes went smoothly. For the adults that wanted to be pampered the newly remodeled spa was the afternoon favorite.
We ate most lunches on the beach, but our chef prepared great dinner at home each night. One night we went to ROUND HILL resort about 30 minutes away for a fun barbecue dinner served on the beach. It was expensive, but a real treat.
There were great activities close by that created memories for all the kids big and small. The resort makes arrangements for a driver to take all of us to the resort about 30 minutes away to swim with the dolphins.
Each kid got to swim with the dolphins fabulous day
Another afternoon we went to an area close by Tryall for the kids to go on a horseback trail ride, including riding along the beach in the ocean. Some of the group chose to go zip lining through the trees. There was no down time except when they were sleeping.
One more crazy beach activity
After a full amazing week in the sun the kids headed home and Carl and I moved to another house in the Tryall compound for a week shared with 6 friends. This beautiful house was called MA MOURE, sitting on a hill looking out over the gardens with the ocean in the distance. This beautiful 4 bedroom home was perfectly appointed.
The chef, Jasmine was a true gourmet chef. The meals were better than any restaurant in the area. The table was always set with beautiful linens and dishes to serve each meal.
Lunch outside
The staff made sure our every need was taken care of, from washing our clothes, to hanging fresh towels as soon as you finished using one. We spent the week reading, eating and just sitting around the beautiful pool. Everyone made good use of the spa services, long walks around the huge resort and looking forward to the next meal served under the trees.
This house is a real adult oasis with the best staff lead by Dawn and a group of people that know how to please. Both of the houses can be rented through the Tryall resort or through your travel agent. We used Luxury Retreats, part of AirB&B.
Crazy hat night at dinnerEvening on the beach with kids
On November 17th, 2023 we flew to Buenos Aires, Argentina for a couple of days before heading to Ushuaia. After a long flight we arrived in BA and checked into our hotel. The first night we stayed at the beautiful Alvear Palace hotel and met up with our friends, Mary and Carter Newton. Waiting for our room to be ready we walked around and had a fun lunch at “El Estrebe” a lovely white tablecloth restaurant. No English menu so we had a nice waitress who helped us order the perfect empanada and a cheese dish melted in a little frying pan, good introduction to local food.
After a short nap we joined our friends for dinner at “EL MIRASOL” in the La Parrilla area. Their steaks were so tender the waiter cut them using a spoon. We shared a fresh heart of palm salad and several local desserts. Back to the hotel for a good nights sleep. The next afternoon we moved to the Icon Alvear Hotel where we met the rest of our friends and headed out to a nice lunch. We walked along the water where there are many restaurants we went to “Juan Bautista” where we shared another steak and nice glass of wine.
We had an early wake up for a 5:15am departure to the airport to catch the charter flight to Ushuaia where we would board our cruise ship for our adventure to Antarctica.
SEABOURN VENTURE CRUISE SHIP
We left the dock at 6:30pm and headed out to a 2 day crossing of The Drake Passage. Our crossing was considered mild with seas of about 13 feet. We all took cautions with the patch behind our ear and the wristbands to help with motion sickness. We were a group of eight all awaiting the first sighting of an iceberg, followed by many penguins the next morning when we would have our first excursion on the inflatables. Who all given heavy, bright orange waterproof jackets with a full light down inner jacket. We had big rubber boots that we use for the whole week because as we got close to the land, we had to disembark in the water before we started the hike up the snow by the penguins.
Our first iceberg at sunset
The crew on the ship did an amazing job getting us all organized with our coats and big rubber boots. We settled into our lovely state rooms, made our spa reservations and started attending the lectures that were offered every day. The first two days we were at Sea so most of the time was spent sharing wonderful meals, attending lectures, and getting prepared for the adventure ahead of us.
Once we arrived at the first bay and the boat was secured we were all given our schedule for the day, everyone is assigned to a color group, so you know what time to be dressed and ready to head out on the zodiacs, our transportation, from the ship to the shore. We were very fortunate to have beautiful sunshine the first couple of days in Antarctica. Every day we had a morning tour, which was on land, and then after lunch, we would go out on the zodiacs, and be tutored on the land and iceberg around us.
Carl, Carter and Mary first day on the iceGirls, Mary, Renée, Kathinka and JuliaCarl and I with the huge iceberg in the background
We went out twice a day to explore different areas as the ship moved from one place to the next. I am sure each trip the SEABOURN takes into the Antarctic region is a little different, depending on the weather.
As you arrive each day at a different bay you will be introduced to local wildlife, seals, whales or the many birds. Since we were in the early spring, November, it is early mating season for the penguins and other birds.
Seals on an iceberg Penguins swimming back to land after fishing Wiencke Island
Each day as you go out, exploring you see different small camps like this one where you will find people working during the summer months. This island had five young residence living here for 4 1/2 months, no electricity and no running water. They came on board the ship and us about how they live and what research the conduct. The highlight for them was having an opportunity to take a shower on the ship. They brought several things they had made, and sold to help support the island. We bought postcards and they mailed them home for us, we will see how long before the arrive. They also stamped our passports with the penguin and Wiencke Island.
A little bit about the fabulous service presented on the Seaborn cruise ship. Caviar is available anytime with a simple phone call. There are several bars that have lovely music in the evening and one on the top deck serving sushi every evening for before dinner cocktail. Our group preferred dining in the main dining room with our fabulous waiter Calvin always there serving us.
Caviar service before dinner
The fun group at dinner with our amazing waiters.
This trip was one of those trip you have the opportunity to do once in your life. Seaborn made the dream come true. I was very nervous about making it across the Drake passage but with the help of the patch behind my ear and the wristbands I did fine. Going over our waves were moderate on the return they were huge and my fears, we’re not found. If the opportunity ever is offered, I would say, see the world every place you go for you insight into what it must’ve been like for those early explorers.
Sharing a couple of days in the sunshine of southern California always makes winter in the NW easier. A girl friend and I flew down to Santa Barbara on a Friday morning to join a few friends to celebrate a special birthday.
Gangs all here
We checked into a beautiful hotel, RITZ CARLTON BACARA, on the beach. Time to wander the property and enjoy a light lunch before joining the other guests. Dinner was in town at a casual Mexican restaurant on State street.
After a light breakfast we headed out to a wine tasting at PEAKE RANCH, they had set up several wines from RITA HILLS vineyards. The Pinot Noir and the Chardonnay were the best in my opinion, smooth not an Oaky Chardonnay that everyone agreed was the favorite. Then back in the limo and off to Santa Ynez and lunch at THE VICTOR. we had a table outside on the patio. Fun menu, we all loved the bucket of bacon and green tomato Bloody Mary’s and champagne flight tasting.
Flight of champagne
On the way back to the hotel we stopped at COLD SPRINGS TAVERN, on the old stage coach road. A true trip back in time.
Same owners since 1941
Then back to the hotel for a quick change before we were whisked off to dinner at SAN YSIDRO RANCH. Dinner was served in the wine room of Stone house Restaurant. They had other tables set up outside under the trees with heat lamps to keep the evening temperature at bay. This property is so beautiful I would look forward to a visit in the day time.
Sunday came way too fast, but we had the full day to relax around one of the beautiful pools or walk the beach before it was time to return to the grey days of Seattle.
For years I had read about CAPPADOCIA, and always would dream about the adventure of a hot air balloon ride over all of the amazing valleys, and looking down on the stone formation caused from years of erosion. These unique geological features are called.FAIRY CHIMNEYS.
View from our HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE
We took our three oldest granddaughters, and flew from Seattle to Istanbul on the new nonstop Turkish flight, then changed planes in Istanbul and flew into CAPPADOCIA. We were meant by our driver for the week, GUIDE, Cihat Turac, connecting on WhatsAp +905324563450. Guide is not a full licensed guide, he is studying to become one but his service worked perfect for us. Sometimes traveling with young teenagers you do not need hours and hours of explanation about a region. For us having someone who was born and raised in the region, and could explain things simply what is what we needed. He had a nice Mercedes van, and drove us to all of the important sites of the region.
We checked into our hotel for the week, Katakapi Cave hotel. This beautiful hotel of 40 rooms are all carved into the side of a mountain overlooking the valley below. The restaurant was great a beautiful spa and swimming pool was refreshing way to end the day. These rooms were originally occupied by families some of them up until the early 50s. We ate in the restaurant the first night after 11 1/2 hour flight we needed a chance to catch up.
After a wonderful breakfast at the hotel, Guide picked us up to start our much awaited adventure. As we drove through the moon escaped region, our first stop was at Zelle an archaeological site in Deverent Valley and then on to the area called Pigeon Valley. I wanted to have lunch at a place where only locals eat I feel like that’s a good way to get a feeling of the region, we went to a place called Muhittin Usta.
We ordered three different shish kebabs. They delivered 12 different salads as part of the starter to the meal. The kids were overwhelmed to say the least.
It was our first day so everyone was tired, back to our hotel for a swim and rest. We had to be up at 4:15am the next morning for our much anticipated, hot air balloon ride. I am booked through ROYAL BALLOON COMPANY, but the hotel also offered the adventure with their own company. We were picked up and transported to the location where we would meet the rest of the guests on our balloon. There were 18 people in our basket. We had to wait over an hour and a half before we could lift off because of the slight wind in the valley that morning.
There were over 120 balloons floating in the air this morning, I must do adventure
The panorama of the Goreme Valley was amazing. When we landed they offered a glass of bubbly, and the girls were each given a certificate from the company of proof of the adventure. Since it was only 7:30 in the morning, we headed back to the hotel for beautiful breakfast and the chance to clean up. Our guide picked us up around 11 o’clock and we had a tour of Love Valley and the girls had a chance to each make a clay pot at a famous pottery studio.
Girls showing off their handiwork with the well-known Potter
Following their pottery making we went to see the UCHISAR CASTLE, this visit required a short walk through a lovely park like sitting to see his castle that have been carved into the side of the mountain. Next stop was for the fun adventure of local ice cream, and to walk across the swinging bridge over the river. It’s very hot this time of year so we decided to head back to the hotel since we’ve gotten up so early.
I made reservations for dinner at a restaurant about 15 minutes from the hotel at TANDIR in Urgup. We sat on the roof top seating looking out over the rocks where you could see the many caves carved from where many people lived years ago. Good local cuisine very reasonable price nice selection of meats and salads.
Next morning we were up early because we were driving to Ozkonak Underground City, about 90 minutes drive. Best to get there early because the crowds as we were leaving we’re about a 45 minute wait to enter. You will need to have a guide otherwise you will miss all of the stories of how this underground city was built. It’s five stories of tunnels. We were fortunate enough to connect with.HANIFER YÜCE, She said we should call her Jennifer. You can connect with her before hand WHATS APP +90 53527097 74. The story of this amazing place is worth reading about before arriving. If you have any issues with claustrophobia is not a place for you. Carl had a little trouble stooping down, low enough, sometimes to get through the spaces as the tunnels went downhill to the lower floors.
After several hours we came out to the 95° heat and continued on to an area called NARLIOG LAKE, not much to do here there a couple of hotels where people stay for therapeutic services, considered a nice wellness spa, mostly attended by local people. Next stop, IHLARA VALLEY and a beautiful green space to walk along the river. See a few ruins and stop and have a lovely lunch after we did our walked a couple of miles along the river.
Tables are located in and around the river as it slowly moves through the canyon lunch at BELISIRMARiver walk
After lunch we drove to the Selime Monastery, our time was getting short and we had at least an hour back to the hotel so we did not do the tour. If you have time, I would suggest that you see it take the tour about one hour needed.
It is our last day so we headed back to the hotel where we had a lovely l dinner by the pool. We had to get organized and ready for our departure the next morning. It is about a 1 Hour drive back to the airport, but since the airport is quite small, checking in and getting into the gate took no time at all. We said thank you and goodbye to Cappadocia and the people that made our trip so fabulous. We loved every minute of the adventure and would highly recommend it to anyone if you’re going to be in Turkey take a side trip.
We were flying to Bodrum and meeting the rest of the family where we would board the boat for a week of adventure on the water of Turkey. We took 3 rooms at a hotel called SALMAKIS RESORT AND SPA, they offer what they call apartments. On a scale from 1 to 10. I would give them about six but the space worked well for us for one night.
Saturday morning and we head down to the docks in Bodrum. This is the same boat we have chartered several times in past years.
Carpe DIEM V
Before we got on the boat for our weeklong adventure, we had a little shopping right there next to the docks. We we have made many stops at the fabulous jewelry store called BRILLIANT LIFE, The grand children got charms for their bracelets great memories of Turkey.
We experience perfect weather for the week, cruising the Turkish waters. Everyone spent hours in the water every day. The crew never disappoints with fabulous breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Breakfast
Many of the places we visited with the family we had been before. What are the new places was called NEIGHBOURS, it is an amazing looking restaurant and a small marina. you can only arrive by boat. No roads take you to this place. We made a stop at.Selimiye for ice cream and a little shopping. A couple days later we stopped at a bigger town called DATCA, There are rows and rows beautiful beach side tables sitting in the sand with beautiful displays of fish ready to be prepared.
Most all of our meals are on the boat. No reason to leave since our chef prepares the most beautiful food every day. Plus, it was hard to get the kids out of the water. It was warm and beautiful and that JetSki just added a little excitement. Until we go back great memories.
There are times that you enjoy a special place and you just want to return and continue the experience. That is how I felt about a second trip to Montefalco and returning to the same house we had used before, PORTO DELLA ROCCA.
I invited 3 girl friends to once again join me in May to fly into Rome rent a car and drive to PERUGIA and check into a small hotel for the night. We arrived in light rain and checked into “LOCANDA DELLA POSTA”, located on the main walking mall. We wander the streets of this lovely hill town and enjoy lunch at a small TRATTORIA OBERDAU, a few blocks from the hotel. Back to the hotel for a rest before dinner at a fun restaurant next door to the hotel, LA TARVERNA, great local flavors.
We went to bed early and woke up to rain as we wandered the streets and spent time in the beautiful church in the square, then drove the short trip to Montefalco. We once again checked into the house at the entrance to this great hilltop town. The rain had let up so we wandered the streets, first stop a local wine store to buy several bottles of local wine of Umbria. Then lunch in the square under umbrellas, ANTICA ALIMENTARI.
Dinner at CACCORONE steak on open grill
CACCORONE is a short walk from the house and offers some of the best meat you will find in Umbria. When we got back to the house so we could play our new favorite card game, 5 Crowns.
The next morning we set out to visit the hilltop town, TODI. This was our first time to visit this town. It has a wonderful square with some beautiful shops offering food from the region. We went to a restaurant called Cavour in the square, shared pizza the way they eat simple pies in Italy. Then back to Montefalco with a stop at the green grocer, the cheese shop and of course one of the many wine shops in the region. We cooked great dinner at home.
Group of nuns attending a retreat in ASSISI so fun
Assisi was beautiful an easy drive, we left around 9am, and arrived before most of the tour groups. BASILICA OF SAINT FRANCIS takes your breath away as you walk down the narrow street and it comes into view across the beautiful lawn. Allow your self time to wander through and enjoy all the frescoes. Parking was easy and plentiful at the top of the town. We had a beautiful lunch at, La Lanterna, where we ate pizza inside since it started to drizzle. The center Piazza del commune is where you should stop for coffee and just look around, the ancient Roman temple with its 6 columns is 2000 years old. After a couple of hours of exploring we headed back to Montefalco.
We made dinner plans at one of our favorite restaurants, with great memories from our first visit at Re Tartu. We went early so we would have a chance to once again meet the fabulous chef and owner. They moved up the hill, Just passed the center courtyard, a short walk from the house. The food and wine list never disappoints, by 8:30 the dining room was packed.
Love the dishes as well as every dish we shared, black truffles on everything
The next day the sun came out and we drove to Spello, the city of flowers, lunch at ENOTECA PROPERZIO. We ate inside because of the light rain, but their outside patio is fabulous. Back to the house, cards, a nap and a couple of us went to the spa in the hotel, PALAZZO BONTADOSI For services. Late dinner this evening at L’ALCHIMISTA, back up in the corner in the square.
Strawberry desert at L’ALCHIMISTA
We got up early to sunshine, made breakfast and just spent the day in Montefalco. Wandering the backstreets, checking out the local butcher and wine shops time to do some shopping including a walk to their local supermarket. Lunch at FEDERICO 11 simple pizza in the square, saving space for dinner. Dinner at one of the best restaurants in town, LOCANDA del TEATRO, less than a block from our front door, Piazza Antonio Martini.
Owner PAOLO with amazing waitresses Sophie,chef and the other owner PASQUALINO is the head chef in the kitchen
We were welcomed and seated in the beautiful, small dining room. The menu is very exciting and the first thing that was suggested were amazing, stuffed zucchini blossoms. I had the rabbit with black truffle shaved on the top, and the other shared beautiful pasta, and local strawberries on the dessert.
No words necessary!!!
We woke up to beautiful sunshine and decided to just spend the day in Montefalco. We walked down to the local supermarket and got some ingredients to create dinner at home. While we were walking back we stopped at a local butcher to buy a piece of Potchetta and have them grate some Parmesan cheese for us. We had been driving to different towns everyday and it was fun to just be at home.
ORVIETO is a wonderful hilltop town about an hour and a half from Montefalco. The DUOMO di ORVIETO does take your breath away as you enter the massive front doors of this 14th century Roman Catholic cathedral. We just stood and listened as a mass was we being conducted in one of the side chapels. The underground tour gets rave reviews but we got there too late to get tickets so if we go back it will be on the top of our list.
The amazing Cathedral of ORVIETO
We explored all the wonderful shops and other small churches in the town. We loved our little restaurant, ANTICO BUCCHERO, in a little back corner we’re we shared salads and a couple of appetizers. As we started back to the main square we had to stop for a scoop of famous local ice cream. As the bells began to toll we headed back to the house, we had a long drive and dinner reservations back at LOCANDA del TEATRO. We were leaving the next morning to drive back to Rome with stop in Spoleto on the way. The drive is about 2 1/2 hours back. As we prepare to leave we realize we missed the one restaurant in Montefalco that Tucci said was his favorite, VIA di MIZZO, next time.
We dropped the car at the airport and checked into the Hilton hotel at the airport. After a short rest we got a taxi into Rome to meet some friends for a drink then another amazing dinner. We met for drinks in Piazza del Popolo, at Bar Canova, tourists everywhere, but good people watching, short walk from the Spanish steps. Dinner was at a true Roman restaurant called IL Matriciano, via Dei Gracchi 55. Cab back to the hotel for an early departure to the US.
House specialty fried artichokes only at this time of year!
Several years ago we began planning a trip to Egypt. We began working with a travel company MT. SOBEK http://www.mtsobek.com and allowed them to create a high end adventure for 6 couples. As we have experienced traveling many places in the past we always realize the key to a great trip is the guide, the hotels and the friends you travel with.
Our flight to Cairo was a mess and when we finally did arrive it was 4am and we had no luggage, which did not show up for 5 days. We were met at the airport by on of the amazing representatives that took us to our first home in Cairo, THE FOUR SEASONS GIZA. The next day we had a chance to catch up on our rest and wait for the rest of the group to arrive. We had a simple dinner in the hotel seated by the pool in one of the out side dining rooms.
Our first day in Cairo started early when we all met our AMAZING guide for the next 11 days, HASSAN AMIN. Hassan was arranged through Nubia Tours Egypt, info@nubiatours.org. We headed out to The Old Egyptian Museum, some of the antiquities have already been moved to the Grand Museum scheduled to open last fall, but still waiting the finishing touches. We spent a couple hours wandering through and learning about the history of the country through the thousands of years.
One of the many amazing carved pieces of a princess
We headed to see the new GRAND MUSEUM which we were not allowed to tour except the entry. This museum will be the largest of its kind in the world when it opens. We had a fun lunch in one of the many restaurants inside the future mall housing beautiful stores and restaurants.
Entry to the GRAND MUSEUM
After lunch we headed to the GREAT PYRAMIDS OF GIZA. A couple of the group went for a camel ride while we stood in ah of the structures in front of us. Then we went down below the pyramids to see the temple of the mysterious Sphinx .
The SPHINX up closeThe great pyramids of Giza
When the main pyramid was closed to the public we had the opportunity to climb the steep stones and enter the inside. There was an opening where we continued to climb up and see the tomb as it was found years ago.
Our private tour of the inside of the great pyramid
Back to the hotel for a quiet dinner in one of the hotel restaurants then early to bed. The next morning after a beautiful breakfast Hassan and our driver whisk us off to an area called Memphis and then the less visited Dahshour Pyramids. Several pyramids can be found here some built by the Pharaoh Sneferu, the red pyramid is made of over 160 layers of stone. We visited many ancient tombs some of them with Egyptian art on the walls telling the stories of daily lives of past cultures of ancient EGYPT.
Writings on walls of monuments
Lovely lunch at a restaurant Andrea El Mariouteya, in an area called New Giza since the whole area is new homes and schools created in what was desert. Back to the hotel for dinner close by and a transfer by air to Luxor in the morning. When we arrived in Luxor we went to visit the temple of KARNAK built over 1000 years ago by generations of Pharaohs. Then we checked into a wonderful hotel for the next two nights, HOTEL AL MOUDIRA, hidden oasis of gardens and beautiful rooms. The food was fresh and presented at each meal in beautiful setting in the garden.
Lunch at AL MOUDIRA
We visited the Valley of the Kings and Queens, took a wonderful hot air balloon ride the second morning. It seems that going up in a balloon no matter how many places in the world the opportunity arises is a must. I feel like describing each tomb is not as important as the journey and so if you have a chance to go, your guide will make sure you see the best of the area. The tombs in this area are some of the most famous, the tomb of SETI I was amazing and we had a private lecture before an opportunity to view this with no other visitors. You need to procure private tickets I advance. This includes the tomb of NEFERTARI, Rameses II pharaoh’s favorite queen. Lunch at MARSAM hotel was beautiful overlooking their gardens. After so many dusty tombs the space was a lovely break.
We then transferred to our 5 star luxury dahabiya boat on the Nile for the next 5 nights. The word luxury was an understatement, this is the only way to travel the Nile.
The boat EYARU NILE CRUISE, the most luxurious boat on the Nile
The boat staff served us amazing food, baked bread and made sure memories were with us forever.
The chef on the right and owner on the right explaining how the rice was prepared
From the boat we did side trips each day as we traveled along the river, we crossed the Edna lock during breakfast then off to visit Edna Temple. Back on the boat for an afternoon of rest, a wonderful lunch and time to read and visit with our host. The next day we visited the Temple of Edfu, dedicated to HORUS the FALCON GOD, hard to describe the size and carvings this temple holds.
You wonder how these carvings were created and moved into Place thousands of years ago.
The time on the boat was wonderful and each meal shared at the beautiful table was a memory in itself. As we traveled each day to the next ancient site, the calmness of the boat and attention to the staff made you want to stay forever. We had the opportunity to stop and visit a local village and see how they live and what they have done to keep the culture of their past generations living on. I think it is important to understand what this generation is doing to keep the history and future alive.
Community oven backing bread for the families, with Dave taking notes for recreating bread when we get home.
The next of day our visit to TEMPLE of KOM OMBO the ancient site of DJEBEL SILSILA, before cruising to Aswan where we tied up for the night. Our guide Hassan was from Aswan and gave us special insite to the building of the ASWAN HIGH DAM, and the Philae Temple that was moved stone by stone to new higher ground on an island the was recreated to look like it’s original site.
Temple of Ramses II moved stone by stone to its new location
That evening Hassan arranged a private tour through the islands of Aswan and a sunset tour of the area he had grown up in. The next morning we flew to Abu Simbel to visit the two temples of RAMSES II, This was just a day trip to visit these temples protected by UNESCO when threatened by the waters of Lake Nasser.
The time on the Nile was wonderful as we would get off and explore each day and see the life along the river. Our visit to local villages gave us time to shop and see who could negotiate the best price for the treasures we brought back home, tablecloths, hats and of course the men with their head covering.
Dave and Sarah with their finds
Day 12 took us back to Cairo to check into our hotel, ST. REGIS on the Nile. One of the most beautiful hotels I think we have stayed in. Breakfast was the most amazing experience offering food from around the world, even a world pancake station. The next day Hassan took us to the sprawling bazaar, khan El-Khalili, a chance to buy a few last minute gifts to take back, while the ladies shopped the men had coffee at a local coffee shop. We had more temples to visit and the chance to visit the synagogue of Ben Ezra.
Coffee break in the marketVisit to the ancient Citadel and the Islamic Cairo
The Citadel is high on a hill above the city, originally built I 1176 to fortify the city against the Crusaders. We then visited the Ali Mosque, and synagogue of Ben Ezra from the time of the thriving Jewish community. Then a chance to visit the museum that is dedicated to the Royal Mummies, kings, queens and Pharaohs that we have been talking about all week. Lunch at THE SKY RIM, not great food, but amazing view of Cairo. Back to the hotel to pack for our morning departure home. Wonderful last night dinner in the St. Regis Italian restaurant and drinks in the bar for our final goodbye to our guide and friends.
Thank you to MT. SOBEK for a most amazing adventure in Egypt, every detail was meticulously organized. The team on the ground took care of every detail even the 4 days without our luggage. There was so much more to talk about, but I hope this will give you the highlights as you read it and help you plan for your visit to Egypt.
We all have read about this exotic world off the coast of Ecuador called the Galapagos. When an opportunity came up with a group of YPO members in Seattle we decided to join immediately. We would all meet in the capital of Ecuador, Quito, on March 16th, 2023 for a couple of days before flying out to join the cruise ship. Quito is built on a series of hills and valleys at over 6,000 feet, created by many earthquakes and volcanoes through the
We checked into the JW Marriott for two nights. The next morning they had organized a tour of the old city getting an opportunity to see the famous old church where the entire interior is covered in gold guilt. The local YPO chapter organized a wonderful group to do a traditional dance in costumes and lead us through the streets.
Colorful costumes on all the dancers
After the tour we went back to the hotel for a rest, before the opportunity to taste many local wines and seafood appetizers during a lovely cocktail party. One of the local executives lectured about the country of Ecuador and their growing export business, bananas, shrimp and roses.
The next morning we flew to San Cristobal to board the beautiful ship SILVER SEA, THE SILVER ORGIN, for a week in The Galapagos. We would travel through the 6 large islands and several smaller islands experiencing the different birds, sea animals and landscape on each island. Our first amazing experience was watching the sunset on PINNACLE ROCK.
PINNACLE ROCK
That evening we settled into our staterooms while the ship set off to LEON DORMIDO and the island of BARTOLOME. Each evening we were given wonderful lectures about what our next days would bring. This reminded me of going on a safari, but instead of seeing elephants and giraffes, we saw sea lions, iguanas and birds of many kinds.
Early up for our first shore walk to see the famous blue footed Boobies. This time of year the boobies are looking for a mate, and we had the great opportunity to watch them dance and preen their feathers looking for the right mate.
Couple of Boobies checking each other out.The red footed BoobieOne of the many iguanas
After lunch the ship sailed to Buccaneer Cove and North Seymour. We took a zodiac tour of the shore before taking time to watch the pelicans tending their nests with young chicks. While the Frigate birds with their huge wing span circle overhead.
Frigate sitting on an iguana
Land Iguanas are much larger and more colorful than marine iguana’s. Every island would have different marine life and birds, when we sailed to Sullivan bay, Santiago island we had a chance to snorkel for over an hour and see huge schools of fish, sharks sitting on the bottom and one large stingray.
The next morning we woke up in Punta Mangle, Fernandina Island, some of the group went snorkeling while a few of us did a short island walk where we saw the largest number of Sea lions and marine Iguanas. After lunch we headed to Isabela Island where we saw the first Penguins. After only seeing penguin’s at the zoo or local aquarium it was great to have a chance to swim along while they darted in and out of the water.
So cute sitting on the rocks as we cruise by in the zodiac
The next morning after breakfast we were at the island of Santa Cruz and out first chance to go ashore and be transported to a high point on the island and visit the giant Tortoises. Some of these amazing animals are up to 150 years old. They roam free across the grass land eating and sitting in mud holes that they have dug.
Our group wandering through the fields where the tortoises live. They think this giant is over 100 years old.
We had a huge rain storm after lunch while the ship was moving to Santa Fe Island. It is still 85 degrees and humid so the land and ground is dry in minutes after a big rain. Carl and I tried out hand at a 2 person kayak after we arrived at Santa Fe, this is one sport that Carl and I are not very good at, but had fun.
That night the ship moved once again and we woke up at the Island of Espanola where we had an early morning snorkel with Sea Lions joining in the fun. Then our first time to swim with the smaller sea turtles. We watched the many pelicans as they fished for their chicks waiting in their nests for the next feeding. This island had a beautiful white sand beach, but it is so hot very few of the group wanted to sit in the sun.
That afternoon we did a very tough hike over the lava covered island in the heat of the day, watched the hawks that we had not seen in other places, penguins sitting with the giant sea lions. We only had one day left as we cruised to San Cristobal. This was where we would go to the highlands to see the tortoise breading program and the giant wild cactus endemic to this one island. Then we had a quick visit to the small town Puerto Baquerizo Morena before boarding out ship. This was the only town we saw the entire week and nothing to buy.
Time to say goodbye and all the memories of this unique place on earth
Nothing is better than a trip to the sun when it turns wet and cold in Seattle. We rented an amazing house through LUXURY RETREATS a couple of years ago and then Covid. The house is located in Saint Martin on the beach in an area called GRAND CASE. The house is named PETITE PAGE 5 and if you ever want to have a perfect experience this house will not disappoint.
Our 6 bedroom with in suite bathrooms
We were met by our house manager, Carol Berhault, and our welcome and tour of our house created so much excitement. The house sits right on the beach where the water was warm and welcoming. Plus in easy walking distance of many great restaurants.
We made a quick trip to the local SUPER U to provision the house and a stop to the local wine store for all those late afternoon cocktails. We had rented 2 cars to transport the 10 of us to dinners and to explore the area. Our first dinner was at a lovely Italian restaurant called SPIGA, all the restaurants in Grand Case are casual offering amazing cuisine. The first 24 hours we experienced off and on huge rain storms so not much time to enjoy our amazing pool. Time to read and a few games of dominoes got us in the mood of island time.
Getting ready for the beach and swim
We made breakfast each morning with all the great selection of fresh fruit at the market and true French pastries from the local bakery. Lunch was an easy walk next door on the beach, SUNSET CAFE, offered selection of great salads and fish, plus fun local cocktails. The great thing about being in the Caribbean is the warm easy afternoons around the pool or swimming in the ocean.
We hired an amazing chef to create a gourmet dinner for us at home. CHEF MALLORY, mallory.leroux@wanadoo.fr. Mallory created a 4 course meal served to us around the huge dining room table.
Chef Mallory and his wife preparing our gourmet dinner.
We chartered a boat for the next day for a 4 hour tour of the shoreline and little islands sitting out from the shore with lovely sandy beaches. The boat was chartered from FUN SEAKER YATCHING, INFO@funseaker.com, A lovely 54 foot catamaran with two young guys to take care of every detail. Since we were staying on the French side of the island, this was a quick view of the Dutch side shoreline. We brought lunch with us and since they picked us up right on the beach in front of the house.
Beach time after getting off the boat
There are so many amazing restaurants in Grand Case, our dinner was at LE COTTAGE, great wine list and family run welcoming restaurant. The menu is truly French with great local fish offerings.
The next day after making breakfast we decided to spend the day the way we all dream about. Casual lunch around the pool waiting for our masseuses to arrive for those wonderful massages. There is a fun local BBQ restaurant that we picked up take out. LOLO is famous for its ribs, BBQ chicken, with sides of coleslaw, beans and rice and potato salad.
Dinner for 10 with leftovers $200. SO GOOD
The house was so perfect for sharing time and having places to sit alone in the hot tub. We hated to leave, there is a nice work out room and a full media room where the group had the TV going to watch the football games. Dinner at OCEAN 82 was another fun Caribbean style dinner with lobsters big enough to share.
Ocean 82 on grand display
We Got home late and sat outside on the patio looking out to the dark waters of the ocean dotted with lights from a few anchored sail boats in the distance. You hate to let the day end.
The next day we had Chef Mallory coming to prepare our lobster dinner so we thought it was time to explore. We took a short drive to a lovely nature Sanctuary, LOTERIE FARM, located about 15 miles in the mountains. They have a large pool, hiking trails and a nice restaurant. They charge to use the pool, however we just came for lunch and we’re not disappointed. Then back to our own home and the arrival of Mallory.
Lobster feast
Our last day we went for a walk through the little town of Grand Case, fun shops and cocktail bars. We hated to loose those few last hours in the sunshine and A moment in the chaise lounge to read my book. We made one last trip to the local bakery, BACCHUS, to pick up great pastries for breakfast on our last morning.
Last dinner was at Le PRESSOIR, A smalls French restaurant with some creole flavors. The owner was there to bone our beautiful shared fish and make sure the special rum cocktails were being served. If you allow a little extra time they also have the most perfect rum lounge for a tasting of the local favorites.
Rum barWatching the sunset from our deck a nightly ritual
Time In the Caribbean never disappoints! We realize that living in Seattle it is so easy to go to Hawaii, however the waters of the many Caribbean islands are hard to beat.
Arriving by water taxi is always a rush, especially when the weather is perfect.
We dropped our rent a car at the airport and headed to the dock to hire a water taxi for a transfer to our hotel, $150.00 but worth every penny. Our driver took us to our wonderful hotel THE BAGLIONI, HOTEL LUNA, in San Marco area. After checking in we walked a short ways to CHAT QUI RIT, a great wine bar with a very good menu for simple oysters, local meats and of course good wines. It is so easy to just wander for hours and loose yourself in all Venice has to offer.
One of our friends invited us for dinner at their amazing apartment, he said to take a water taxi from the dock outside the Harry’s Bar. We ended up on a local boat similar to taking a bus in NY with 15 stops along the way. We where an hour late, but learned how the transit system works.
The next morning Our friend helped us hire a water taxi to head across to the island of SAN GIORGIO to see the art exhibit by AI WEIWEI. Ai WEIWEI is a Chinese contemporary artist that has an amazing black glass installation weighing almost 3 tons suspended in a deconsecrated church. This island offers Other art projects shown in different venues as you wander the pavilions. Our next stop was at GELATI NICO for their famous ice cream and small sandwiches, at Fondamenta delve ZATTERE and then an easy walk to ACCADEMIA and the famous wooden bridge. Back to the hotel for a rest before a shared dinner with friends at AQUA PAZZA, CAmpo S. Angelo. This lovely restaurant offers a great outdoor seating in the summer or cozy indoor year-round. We shared stuffed zucchini flowers, fried cheese and pasta with clams, several fish dishes served with perfect sauce. The end to a perfect day.
FRIENDS sharing the adventure in Italy
The next day we hired a boat at the hotel for a 2 hour tour of all the islands that we were only glimpsing from afar. The art piece Of clasped hands on MURANO Burano took your breath away, it was purchased from a past biennale.
Clasped hands out side the arsenal
We headed home to wander to a simple lunch in the square by the opera, then a visit to our friends small, but top jewelry store, PALWER, owner and designer ALESSANDRO was there to show us his latest designs. Quick trip back to get ready for the matinee, Opera La fille du Regiment at the TEATRO LA FENICE VENICE.
Newly redone opera house after a fire
We met our friends at Taverna La FENICE behind the Theater for drinks before heading to dinner at Al Colombo. Our friends hired this 3 piece singing group that have been Performing together in Venice for 40 years. They did create magic for our last evening in this wonderful city.
Dinner and music at AL COLOMBO
MEMORIES for a lifetime and a birthday shared with
I have been planning my 75th birthday for the past year the only thing I dreamt of was spending time with my friends in Italy and eating white truffles. Carl and I flew to Milan and picked up a car, we had an hour and half drive to the village of Salsomaggiore. We Stay in this area because our friends live very close and it’s easy to join them for coffee in the morning. We checked into a little hotel, VILLA FIORITA, this is a small family owned hotel. This no frills hotel makes up for lack of extras with the most wonderful family always there to attend to your every need.
When we got settled in our friends hosted a dinner at their house in the village close by of Fidenza. This area has the best Parmesan cheese in the world and are always happy to explain the difference between the cheese from the white cow and the red cow a little bit of trivia.
Starting the day in Italy
We started the morning by meeting friends at the market in Fidenza, sitting outside for the morning coffee and watching the people stroll by. We went to the market, bought beautiful lettuce and cheeses and meats and made lunch at a friends house, caught up with the last three years that we’ve missed together. We went back to the hotel for a rest before our amazing dinner at Antica Corte, PALLAVICINA RELAIS. We had a driver, GIORDANO +393924821145, pick Us up and drive us to the restaurant, we knew we were going to drink a lot of wine and didn’t want to drive those Windi roads at night.
Very special dinner with white truffles at every course
The chef, owner Massimo is known for making the famous cutaletto, the Precious type of cured meat, costing up to $1000 for a whole hanging piece about 18 pounds.
Chef Massimo
White truffles never disappoint. Poached egg with urzano cheese fondue on a sweet potato cream, AMAZING
The next morning we just wandered the village of Salsomaggiore, famous for their thermal baths and spas. People come from all over Italy to spend time soaking in the healing waters of this area. It was time for lunch and OSTERIA di FORNIO never disappoints. When we were seated they started bringing out platters of local meats, prosciutto, culatello and bresaola a thin sliced air dried beef. The zucchini blossoms were stuffed and fried to perfection. They make the most beautiful pastas topped with shaved truffles and followed with sampling of their desserts. During the summer they are now offering outside seating and their beautiful patio.
Our table for lunch at FornioDessert sampler each one was better than the next
After this amazing 3 hour lunch we never thought we could eat again, until someone suggested meeting for a simple local pizza. Pizza in Italy is presented on a thin crust with just a few simple ingredients. The restaurant was VECCHIO PARCO, owned by Antonio and Lucio, if you are ever in the Salsomaggiore area be sure to try the best pizza ever. The next morning we were leaving for a 3+ hour drive to Venice.
Renee Behnke's Blog 