16 July 2024

I wanted to thank Scenic Cruises for a wonderful Fam trip sailing on Scenic Amber on the River Danube. 4 nights of the 7 night 'Gems of the Danube' itinerary from Vienna to Nuremberg. Stops were made at the charming village of Durnstein and at Melk Abbey after sailing through the picturesque Wachau Valley. From Brandstatt choose from one of two beautiful cities - Cesky Krumlov in Czechia or Salzburg Austria, fairly long day trips on Scenic's own comfortable coaches. Enter Bavaria and see Regensburg which is a UNESCO listed medieval city rich with Romanesque & Gothic buildings. Scenic really does offer its guests a 5* ultra All-Inclusive experience. Enjoy: Spacious luxurious suites and large spaceship balcony. Choose from a variety of included daily shore excursions (from walking tours, scenic and active ones including Guided e-bike tours). Top shelf beverages including champagne, fine wines, cocktails and speciality coffees and delicious meals. Gourmet dining with excellent options for Vegan, vegetarians and special diets. Gratuities are also included. There is a lovely informal atmosphere on board, light evening entertainment with a friendly and caring crew who all enjoy looking after their guests. Part of a River Cruise holiday is travelling through the Lock system. I found it very interesting especially going through the 25 metre drop one! It was a tight squeeze and the Sundeck had to be completely flattened to go through the manoeuvre! A 10/10 holiday experience.

02 July 2019

There's nothing better than receiving a great review from clients who have returned from their holiday! Claire sent me a blog on their recent family holiday in Kos where they spent two weeks at the Mitsis Blue Domes hotel. She has shown that it is more than just a beach destination. I am delighted that they had such a wonderful time. 'We went on the KOS Island tour. We visited the city of Kos first exploring the market and Hippocrates tree, then on to Asklepieion the site of the first known hospital (although I do not think I would I liked their treatments involving snakes!) We then explored the small village of Antimachia to see an old windmill and a traditional farmhouse. Followed by a visit to a local vineyard for wine tasting and then onto the honey factory to sample the three types of honey they product - pine, heather and thyme and their local honey liqueur! Really interesting. Another enjoyable excursion involved a boat trip to the volcanic island of Nisyros. Visiting the crater and then in the afternoon the beautiful port of Mandraki, and the famous Saint Mary monastery. As we only had half an hour on the Island tour in Kos Town we decided to return for the day. The local museum is full of interesting roman and Greek artefacts. The town also houses the Castle of Joanites (The Castle of the Knights of Saint John) unfortunately it is closed due to damage caused by the earthquake a couple of years ago, but you can walk around the perimeter. There are the ruins of the Agora (an ancient market) and the ancient Odeon which you can explore for free.....so much more there to see, we just couldn't get around it all. Thanks again for finding us such a lovely destination!'

22 March 2019

Having been to India on so many occasions I was expecting my trip to Kerala to offer me a similar experience - vibrant, noisy, colourful. Instead I found it quiet, slow paced and with gentle people. The heat and humidity may account for the pace. Education plays a key role with extremely low unemployment, a history of invaders it makes for an interesting state to visit. My itinerary arranged with our Destination Management Company in India TBI featured city, backwaters and beach. I enjoyed sightseeing and visiting hotels to enhance my knowledge of what is regarded as India's second most popular area to holiday in. Arriving in Kochi by road and ferry was a unique way to reach our hotel in the tourist popular area of Fort Kochi. Calm and easy to get around the city was a lovely surprise. Our half day city tour of Fort Kochi was so interesting. Architecture, religion and cuisine influences from India, the Portuguese, Syrian Christians, Jews, Dutch and British. Travel should broaden the mind and I felt that I had learned so much in the space of 3 hours! Did you know that Kochi has the oldest Synagogue in the Commonwealth? We also enjoyed a Kathakali dance performance. A unique part of the tour offers you an early entry to watch the performers put their make-up up on and teaches you their art of eye and facial movements which are key to the performance. We had a private car and driver Mr Rajesh for our whole stay. A 2-hour drive took us to the Backwaters. This is the name given to Lake Vembanad and all the little channels that run off it. It's almost described as a sea because it's so vast. Coconut trees, paddy fields and lush trees make it a beautiful green vision. We enjoyed staying at our lakefront hotel, relaxing by the pool and going on a bird watching tour where we caught sight of the Snake bird. Now a threatened species the Kerala government have called 22nd June 'Snake bird day’ to protect its existence. Sunset cruise, cookery class, yoga and meditation are amongst the many activities to participate in. Our other experience was to stay on a house boat, a converted rice barge. Spend a day sailing the waterways watching village life. It's a unique experience, rustic and with basic comforts. Something I had always wanted to do and very pleased that I now have. If you don't want to stay overnight a half day excursion can easily be arranged. It's worth noting that there are several categories of houseboat, deluxe to super. Our final stay would be on the coast. There are two resorts I have sent many clients to and I have always wanted to see them for myself. The first was a lunch stop and hotel inspection of Marari Beach Resort. It was a lovely hotel on the beach. Very high standards, excellent customer service and we enjoyed a delicious meal there. The second was Kovalam where I chose to spend a few nights. The Leela is beach front, a buggy takes you down to their private section of the beach. It's a working beach where you can watch the fisherman. Lighthouse Beach comes to life in the evenings with lots of souvenir shops and restaurants, specialising in seafood. There's a laid-back atmosphere. Both beach resorts feature Ayurvedic spas, a very popular form of relaxation and treatments using natural organic ingredients. Many visitors follow a treatment plan and stay between 7 and 31 days. Kerala is a delightful state to visit. It offers a great variety of experiences for the traveller. Both private journeys and escorted tours are offered. Enjoy city, culture, history, wildlife reserves, tea plantations, hill stations, home stay, lakes and beach. 'Gods own Country', it is aptly named.

13 May 2018

I had wanted to visit the Temples of Angkor for a very long time and my wish came true in November 2017! I planned a three-centre holiday in the Far East, of which four nights were spent in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The city has undergone some rapid development and you can find small traditional boutique hotels in the Old Town and modern ones on the outskirts of the city. It’s busy with traffic. Travelling around is easy on remork-Motor, their equivalent of the tuk tuk. There are lots of wonderful restaurants which was a great surprise to me. A night market and shops of all types selling tourist souvenirs to fashionable linen attire. The entertainment district was packed with bars and restaurants. Siem Reap is very much what I have come to expect of an Asian city, it’s just smaller in size. But the magic happens a short distance outside of the city! The Temples of Angkor is the largest Hindu temple complex in the world and had become more accessible to tourists since UNESCO made them a World Heritage site. There are more than 1000 temples spread over 400 sq. kilometres. As it was our first visit we chose to visit the 4 most popular ones. On day one we spent the day walking, climbing hundreds of steps and taking photos of three of the most visited temples. The guide told us the stories of the Ramayana and Mahabharat which were depicted on the walls, the bas relief drawings from the 11th century completely intact! As a Hindu this was an over-whelming and incredible experience. This tiring and enthralling day had me in bed and asleep at 6pm! On day two we rose early to see the sunrise over the Angkor Wat temples from across the water. A peaceful and tranquil hour reflecting on what we had learnt and seen. We then continued to what became my favourite site – Ladies Temple. It was stunning. Intricate carvings on pink and green coloured walls and set in a beautiful location. A photographer’s paradise! Restoration of the temples at Angkor are ongoing and I was impressed at how well they have been preserved thanks to the great efforts of UNESCO. The remainder of the day was spent relaxing by the pool! On our final day I had arranged for a private excursion to the Stilted Fishing Villages at Ton Le Sap Lake. It was great to see life driving through the countryside and then on the waterways. Our traditional long-tail boat took us to a Buddhist Temple, the village, alongside the homes on stilts and the floating village. The latter moves along the river according to the season and water levels. During the dry season they sit on the lake! This was a wonderfully relaxing day out. So, another place ticked off my wish-list! I wish I had seen it sooner as it is getting busier and more developed. If it’s on your wish-list I recommend you visit soon!

09 February 2018

It was in February 1999 that my husband and I took the brave decision to take a holiday to Myanmar, originally known as Burma. Brave for political reasons and for facing the unknown. Very few foreigners had visited this country. And we were so glad that we made that decision. We discovered a place with friendly and interesting people, culture, scenery, history and religion. Our journey started in the capital Yangon. It was a safe place to wander around and observe street–life, visit markets and enjoy meals out. We were two of only three European tourists the day we visited the beautiful Schwedagon Pagoda! Gold leaf stoupas sparkling in the sunlight. Having been colonised the architecture was different in the Old Town. We saw Victorian buildings along the waterfront and enjoyed Afternoon Tea at the Strand Hotel. What was then an old and dated hotel has now been sympathetically renovated and modernised and worth a visit or even a stay! We boarded the river cruise, the Orient Express 'Road to Mandalay', the start of our next adventure. It was wonderful to sail along the Irrawaddy River from Yangon to Mandalay and watch local people going about their daily lives – cooking, washing clothes, farming and fishing. The river is the lifeline for the people. We experienced sunrises and sunsets, pink and orange tones - sunrise at Bagan looking over the vast area of 2700 temples and stoupas was magical. A romantic boat ride for the two of us to watch the sunset was very special. At Bagan we saw the pilgrimage buses jam-packed with locals making a once in a lifetime visit to the temples to make their offerings, receive their blessings and to say their prayers. To feed the monks is an aspiration of the local people. At Amarapura we observed the alms giving of food to 1000 monks at one Monastery. However, I understand from those that have visited more recently it’s a very different experience and some tourists are disrespectful which is such a shame. At Sagaing, Myanmar’s spiritual capital where there are over 600 monasteries we saw the pink-robed nuns. At Mandalay we sadly disembarked the ship. Our guide took us to see the Golden Palace, one of the few remaining teak buildings. We also walked along the longest teak footbridge in the world, the U Bein footbridge. There are lots of wonderful sight-seeing experiences to enjoy from here. Myanmar holds very special memories; it truly is a hidden gem. My advice would be to visit sooner than later and enjoy its charm before major tourism takes a hold.

16 August 2017

Visiting Costa Rica has been high on my travel wish-list for a number of years. So when direct flights from London to San Jose were introduced in 2016 it was an easy decision to plan a holiday there. We chose to hire a 4WD jeep as we enjoy being independent. It is possible to book shared and private transfers if you prefer. The scenery was magnificent. Rolling hills, mountains, valleys, waterfalls and rivers; we were fortunate to visit during spring blossom - vibrant orange, pink, yellow and white flowers on the trees. Driving up steep and narrow mountain passes was exciting. As we climbed higher the view got better, and the trees and foliage changed. Our destination was an eco-lodge nestled in the Cloud forest. We had a room with a view to die for! Well, in the mornings, because the clouds would descend on us in the afternoon. Also had the pleasure of hummingbirds visiting our terrace! Being a keen walker/hiker I have always been drawn to Costa Rica’s national parks and rainforests and therefore a visit to the Cloud forest was a must. And what a magical place it was! I will always remember waking up to the sounds of birdsong, walking in pristine rainforest amongst colourful plants and orchids, and listening to the sound of the running water of the streams and rivers; turning a corner and seeing waterfalls - so many walking trails to choose from. We smelt a sloth but couldn’t find it hiding in the trees! Watched the hummingbirds, caught sight of a few butterflies and frogs. We even managed to see a hawk wasp poison a red kneed tarantula! Much of Costa Rica is ecologically unspoiled, its wildlife is abundant, and its ecosystems are diverse. Experience remote cloud and rain forests, jungle-fringed coastline with beaches and a volcanic central valley with waterfalls and hot springs. I had just a small glimpse and am longing to see more! Pura Vida!

27 September 2015

I have recently returned from a business trip to Ecuador and I wanted to tell you more about this wonderful destination. The country offers a mix of stunning scenery, culture and wildlife. Friendly people and great food are components for an excellent holiday which exceeded my expectations. Quito has a great deal to offer and it makes for a great base to complete day tours of the surrounding areas. Visit the Mitad Del Mundo Equator Line, the traditional market town of Otavalo or hike in the foothills of the Cotopaxi Volcano. Quito is divided into the Old city which is a Unesco world heritage site. Located on the hillside you find picture post card cobbled streets of colourful buildings, Spanish colonial architecture and plazas which are a joy to explore. The new city contains Quito’s main business and tourist area where you can find restaurants, bars and night-life. Sitting right at the top of my wish-list of places to visit and possibly for many others, is the Galapagos Islands. Part mystery and part curiosity I have always been intrigued by the wildlife, flora and fauna of this group of volcanic islands.19 main islands and numerous smaller islets are best seen and explored from a sailing vessel - you can choose from a 50 cabin ship to a 10 cabin yacht. Many unique species of animals, plants and a number of indigenous bird species have evolved over time and can be found here. It’s a photographer’s paradise! National park permits ensure that a limited number of visitors per year are allowed to explore the islands on the Marine reserve so that Ecuadorians can protect their fascinating natural history. Walk along desert trails with their own species of salt bushes and cacti to find iguanas sunning themselves. In the central highlands amongst the trees and green vegetation find giant tortoises. Lava rock formations and cliffs are home to birds found only here like the blue-footed boobies, red-footed boobies, the waved albatross and the Galapagos hawk. Stroll along sandy beaches amongst the seal colonies and swim in turquoise seas – if you’re lucky you could meet a seal, sea turtle or penguin playing in the water! Under the water marvel at the untouched coral reefs and shoals of tropical fish, manta rays and baby sharks. On the cruise ship the Santa Cruz we enjoyed good food and a friendly service. The crew took great care when helping us on & off the pangas and the guides were very knowledgeable. Every evening I enjoyed a cocktail watching the lovely sunsets. And I’ll never forget the night sky, to see a huge arc of stars and constellations from both the Southern & Northern hemispheres at the same time! Wow! Awesome! Amazing! I feel privileged to have been able to visit such a unique place.

30 June 2013

When it comes to a Caribbean holiday most people request an all-inclusive holiday - for reasons such as the high cost of living and a lack of nearby restaurants, thus favouring a resort style hotel. On a recent visit to the Cayman Islands, courtesy of the Department of Tourism, it was really refreshing to discover an alternative way of enjoying the Caribbean. Being so close to the US mainland, the Caymans (pronounced K-Man by the locals!) have a definite Floridian feel to them – palm trees, low-rise shopping malls and ocean-front accommodation. That’s the where similarity ends! Life is otherwise laid-back and low-key. On the main island, Grand Cayman, hiring a car is a really good option. The freedom and independence allow you to dine out, go shopping and sight-seeing at your own pace. Dine at the numerous restaurants in George Town and around the island. I found the quality of food of an exceptional standard and at unexpectedly affordable prices. Breakfast at ‘Icoa fine foods’ was truly delicious! Shopping at duty free prices is a bonus! There is a choice of designer branded luxury goods, local handicrafts and the obligatory fridge magnet! Wander around quaint George Town or Camana Bay’s designer shops. There’s something for everyone! My sight-seeing experiences were wide and varied. They included: Sun-bathing and cocktails at Rum Point, learning the history of the Islands at Pedro St James and enjoying the flora & fauna at the QE2 Botanic Park. The highlight has to be the boat excursion to Sting Ray city with snorkelling- walking amongst the Sting Rays and swimming with a wild dolphin– exciting and scary at the same time! Snorkelling at Paradise Reef bar with schools of colourful fish was also amazing! Accommodation comes in various forms and there are no high rise blocks! You can choose from luxury chain hotels on 7 Mile beach and boutique cottages off the beaten track. Condos & apartments are plentiful and perfect for a self-catering holiday. Dotted all-round the island are small hotels and apartments specifically catering to divers (there are over 200 dive sites with exceptional visibility and clarity). Some offer a ‘valet diving’ service where they take care of setting up of your gear, disassemble and rinse it when the dive is done and have it ready on the boat for your next dive! Some hotels are so close to the ‘Wall’ that you can dive from the beach! I had heard that the Cayman Islands were a wonderful place to dive and now I know why. It’s just as easy to snorkel there too. But if you don’t fancy getting your hair wet you can book a seat on the Atlantis Submarine, travel down to a depth of 101ft and enjoy the underwater reefs and marine life. For complete tranquillity take a short flight to Little Cayman to experience solitude and barefoot luxury. I spent a day there looking around pastel-painted boutique hotels and cottages with picture postcard views of the turquoise ocean as well as coconut husk covered beaches. I only wish that I could have stayed longer! I didn’t get to visit Cayman Brac this time round. I understood it to be quite different from the other two islands. It attracts those looking to get off the beaten track, for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Before I visited the Cayman Islands my perception of the destination was that it was very ‘expensive’, ‘a tax haven’, and a ‘playground for the rich’. How wrong I was! Whilst there are designer shops and gourmet restaurants there are also quaint local shops, inexpensive local restaurants on the waterfront as well as affordable apartments and hotels. There is something for everyone. Overall it is safe, friendly with its own unique charm. The Cayman Islands is a fabulous alternative to the more well-known Caribbean islands. If you are considering a trip here then I’d love to have a chat with you about my experiences.

29 June 2012

Well where do I start? I am one of the very fortunate Gold Travel Counsellors to have attended the most amazing ‘Gold Conference’ in the stunning destination of Mauritius. This annual trip is a reward from the company for being one of their top performing agents. The reception we received at The Beachcomber properties was outstanding and we were all blown away by the standard of service and cuisine. We were made to feel very special. Golf lovers can enjoy one of the most beautiful courses I have seen, set right beside the sea with the backdrop of Le Morne Mountain. This was my third visit to the island and has meant that I have now seen and stayed at hotels on its four shores. What I have experienced each time is the excellent service provided by friendly people, wonderful cuisine and second to none luxury. This was definitely the case at Maradiva Villas Resort and Spa, a hotel I chose to stay at pre-conference. The Villas are amazing and truly luxurious - huge with a wonderful bathroom, outdoor shower, private pool and an outdoor living room. With only 65 villas set in 27 acres of lush tropical gardens there is a feeling of space, privacy and peacefulness. The service was attentive and the cuisine excellent. The Spa specialises in holistic treatments and I chose an Indian head massage which left me floating for days! A wonderful experience, my stay allowed me to de-stress and re-charge my batteries. While in Mauritius I have experienced a variety of excursions. It’s a fantastic way to get a real feel of what this beautiful island has to offer. A catamaran cruise with stops to snorkel and the chance to see and swim with dolphins…Helmet dive Sea Walk amongst tropical fish…visit the Hindu temple at Grand Bassin the sacred lake…quad biking in Casela nature park...to name a few. If you are looking for a holiday where you can be truly spoilt, then look no further! Magical Mauritius beckons!

09 December 2011

Huge in size but sparsely populated, it’s really the great outdoors that makes Australia a unique destination in my mind. Visitors need to be prepared to juggle with distances, money and time before making any firm destination choices. I think that it's essential for anyone visiting for less than three weeks to plan and book their itinerary before they leave the UK. I did just that for my personal holiday, although I've been lucky to visit Australia several times on business. I have had so many wonderful memories; the majority are linked with the scenery and the wildlife there. Let me share some with you... Driving through Aboriginal lands on the red dust desert roads, you are lucky if you see a vehicle or person - you might spot a kangaroo though! The journey from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock/Uluru takes two days with a stop at Kings Canyon. There we feasted on a seven course meal with a different wine to complement each course, sat out under the canopy of the southern stars with our personal waiter. Heron Island is located at the southern end of the Barrier Reef and is nature’s paradise. Imagine our joy each evening to watch loggerhead turtles come ashore to lay and bury their eggs in the sand whilst at the same time watch the hatchlings scamper out of the sand and run towards the sea. The waters are teeming with fish and marine life. You can snorkel from the beach, do reef walks and dive from thirty sites. The turquoise water is the most amazing I have seen anywhere. The Outer Barrier Reef was where I first learnt to snorkel amongst schools of fish, turtles and colourful coral - so I have been truly spoilt. Seeing a rainbow across the reef was breathtaking. For keen bird-watchers and for bush-walking Lamington National Park in Queensland is a great place to visit all year round. We were lucky to hear the Albert's Lyrebird mimicking other birds and sounds of the forest. Sunset with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc watching kangaroos on the lawn at our hotel in the Flinders Ranges was magical. Better still was bush-walking and spotting kangaroos in the wilderness at sunrise. Sydney harbour is a sight that we are all accustomed to. I had to pinch myself the first time I saw the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. On my second visit I booked tickets to see La Traviata in the Opera theatre. The acoustics are fantastic; in the interval we had a drink on the terrace looking out at the Harbour Bridge and after the show sat on the Promenade at an Oyster bar. The journey along the Great Ocean Road is spectacular and understandably one of Australia’s most scenic drives. The sea on one side with dramatic cliffs and the rainforest on the other, where we caught sight of a koala bear in a gum tree. My husband still recalls the wonderful Vietnamese lunch of noodles and prawns he ate at the quaint coastal town in Lorne. We flew quietly over the Queensland countryside in a hot-air balloon at sunrise - only in Australia would you be asked to help pack the balloon up in a bag afterwards! From Cradle Mountain Lodge in Tasmania there's a wonderful walk around Dove Lake. Home to crystal blue water, blue skies, bathed in sunshine the lake is framed by majestic mountains with snow covered peaks. Stunning! And to top it off I saw some wallabies in the wild. Swimming or trying to swim with wild dolphins was an interesting and amusing experience in Adelaide. Picture this; wetsuit on, holding onto a rope tied to the back of the catamaran, head down in the water with a snorkel and mask on, humming a tune to attract the dolphins! It didn't work for me, however for the few that persevered, going in and out of the water, on the seventh occasion were lucky to swim with the beautiful creatures. I managed to take some close up photos. Just a few of the wonderful experiences I have had on my travels Down Under. I hope you have enjoyed reading them and that they have tempted you to visit...

08 December 2008

I have made two enjoyable trips to South Africa; the first was in 1993 and the second 14 years later in 2007. It is a vast country and I have been fortunate to travel by road along most of its coastline. Each area offers a completely different experience. The capital city Johannesburg is one of the gateways into South Africa. Most people will go shopping there or visit a gold mine. I took an interesting tour of Soweto which allowed me to see life in a Township. Sun City is a little surreal. When you are there you have to remind yourself you are in Africa! It's a great place to be able to relax and have a fun holiday. There is entertainment for all the family - golf, spa, casino, safari, water park......The Pilanesberg Game Reserve is malaria-free and perfect for a first time safari. Mpumalanga is home to the world famous Kruger National Park and its many private game reserves. Just two days on safari there gave me sightings of the Big 5 - elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino, leopard. The camps are small and offer a very authentic African experience. Visits to God's Window, Blyde River Canyon and Pligrims Rest should be on your list if you are self-driving and keen to explore the area. I felt the real 'African Experience' driving to KwaZulu Natal via Swaziland. Vast plains dotted with mud huts. The capital city Durban is very cosmopolitan and has a large population of Indian people. Here you can wander along the seafront and enjoy the many sandy beaches. Explore the Drakensberg Mountains, safari at nearby Hluhluwe or visit Shakaland to learn all about Zulu culture and traditions. The Western Cape is another gateway into South Africa. Cape Town is a beautiful city with Table Mountain as its backdrop. To avoid disappointment make sure you take the cable car to the top when it is sunny as the views are amazing. The clouds tend to come over the mountain very quickly and can catch you out! My visit to Robben Island was an emotional one. The tour guides are ex-prisoners which make their accounts even more poignant. It was a remarkable experience to see where Nelson Mandela made a difference to a country and to the lives of so many. A short drive out of Cape Town takes you to the Winelands area and the chance to sample the wonderful wines produced in South Africa. The most popular towns are Stellenbosch and Paarl. For food and wine lovers an overnight stay is a must. The Garden Route is one of the world’s most scenic drives. There are two routes; we took the coastal one making overnight stops at Knysna and Tsitsikamma. We stayed on a lake and also in the forest. Enjoy hiking, sandy beaches and conservation parks. Port Elizabeth is at the end of the route and home to many private game reserves. This area is malaria-free and popular for families and those going on safari for the first time. Off road safaris allow you the opportunity to get close to the animals. A wonderful & exciting experience which will stay with me forever. South Africa has natural beauty, great wildlife and wonderful scenery. It also offers a fabulous culinary experience, so make the most of the fresh produce and fine wines there too!

22 June 2008

Most of us have a wish-list of places that we want to visit. At the top of mine was Peru. Cox and Kings Travel invited me on a familiarisation trip, and I was delighted. There are so many highlights, wonderful experiences and memories that I have from my visit. I developed a love of the Andes Mountain range during a visit to Chile, and this continued on my travels in Peru. Arequipa is a beautiful city with the Andes Mountain range as a backdrop. Santa Catalina Monastery is a cloistered city within a city. Spanish in its style it has narrow cobbled streets, courtyards with flowers, fountains and trees and arches painted in terracotta and blue. Absolutely beautiful! At the Arequipa Museum we saw the Ice Maiden Juanita, an Inca Mummy of a girl aged 12-14 years who died around 1440. She is now preserved in a glass freezer and is displayed in museums worldwide. So we felt very fortunate that she was home when we were there! On our way to Colca Canyon we stopped for lunch at the small town of Maca. The local people dressed in their Sunday best were celebrating a festival. We stayed to watch the parade and enjoy the colourful spectacle. Condors Cross in the valley is the place to see condors flying across the canyon. Spring is the time to get good sightings. The lodge is in a wonderful setting and the natural hot-springs have the best view. We crossed the highest point on our tour on the road from Colca to Puno. The natural remedy for altitude sickness is to drink coca tea, to take a slow approach and to take long deep breaths as the air is very thin. It is an unusual feeling. Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and home to the Uros Indians who live on the floating islands made of reeds. It was interesting to see their way of life and visit the school, also built on reeds. My favourite part of the day was the visit to Taquile Island where we met a local family who entertained us, provided lunch and allowed us to buy some of their handicrafts. The journey from Juliaca to Cuzco was fantastic and the best way to travel is by train on the Andean Explorer. 10 hours on what is understandably rated as the second best train journey in the world. The scenery changed dramatically from the snow-capped mountains to valleys and plains where you can see alpaca and llama. The glass walled Observation car, the pisco sour drinks and the local musicians made it a most enjoyable day. The historic city of Cuzco was our next stop. There are many Inca ruins nearby – we went to Sacsayhuman. In the Sacred Valley we visited the Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo and the colourful Indian market at Pisac. Jewellery and blankets amongst the bargains there. Dinner at the Monasterio Hotel, Cuzco was a wonderful formal affair. The hotel is owned by the Orient Express group. When you think of Peru you think of Machu Picchu. We had travelled the length of the country and had waited for what most of us felt was our reason to come on the trip. The journey on the Vistadomes train with its panoramic windows and glass ceiling allows you to take in a 180 degree view of the scenery as you climb. Marvel at the scenery and even spot the more adventurous tourists walking the Inca Trail, a four day hike. The pretty town of Aguas Calientes is where you take the coach journey up through the jungle to the site. Having got our passport stamped we proceeded to walk to the first view point. And WOW! My first sighting of the Lost City of the Incas gave me goose-bumps. I had seen so many photos of the ruins, but for it to sit there in front of me was overwhelming. On a picture it is very flat. However, there you are completely surrounded by the lush green peaks and the city sits in the middle of it. A great finale to what was a wonderful trip. So, what is normally a 17 day tour was squeezed into 10 days! And they were the most amazing 10 days! I can’t wait to return, and I know I will……I still have to share my wonderful experiences in Peru with my husband. Next time I will definitely go for longer!

02 May 2008

Wondered where Paradise is? Well you need not wonder any longer. I have found it on the islands of the Maldives. I have been to many beautiful beaches on my travels, felt talcum powder white sand between my toes and swam in the bluest of oceans, but I have to say nothing has taken my breath away quite in the way it did when I flew over on a seaplane to the Maldivian island I was to call home for one week. My beach villa was a wonderful home. A four poster bed each night turned down with a gift of exotic flowers. An outdoor bathroom in a walled garden. The shower open to the elements. A huge stone bathtub. I walked out onto my area of the beach which had two wooden sun-loungers facing the turquoise blue sea. Each morning fresh towels were laid out for us. A few steps and I was on the waters edge, crystal clear water in which I spent hours snorkelling. I left my shoes in my wardrobe. Bare feet or in flip-flops I walked to the pool, to the restaurant, to the spa, to the yoga class and around the island past the watersports centre, the childrens club, another restaurant and the post where the small wooden boat takes you across to the hotels deserted island. We upgraded to a water villa on our last night just so that we could have another experience. So many ways to while away the hours. Sunbathe on the large deck, lie on the net hung over the water and watch the fishes swim underneath, or climb down the steps and into the sea to swim and snorkel. I had visited the Maldives 10 years before, and although I remember how special they were, I re-call the dining experience a poor one. On my recent visit I have to applaud the chefs. Meals were wonderful, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, fresh seafood......a choice of sushi, italian, chinese, indian......you have to remind yourself that you are on an island in the middle of the Indian Ocean and yet you are still able to eat such a variety of cuisine and all made with the best ingredients. I loved sitting at a table on the beach, by candlelight and hearing the gentle lapping of the waves. A week feels like two weeks in the Maldives. I came back very relaxed and rested. I had a chance to catch up on my book-list. Never once did I feel bored. A holiday on the Maldives offers you a unique experience, everyone should try it once, and I guarantee you'll want to go back for more. I know I do!