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...And then we came home!

11/1/2022

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If you read my last blog post here, you already know but, my husband and I recently  visited Dubai and my and we LOVED it!
Let me give you a few of the highlights that are on my mind right now.

​To start with IT IS HOT! BUT, per the rules of Dubai, you do have to dress accordingly. 

There are so many buildings that have gone up in Dubai ………40,00 people 20 years ago and now they’re are 4 million today. They  first found oil 50 years ago.   All their  success and advancement comes from the oil industry. And to this day it is a very vibrant and modern city.
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 There is no Graffiti no homeless and no crime

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We went to the Za’abeel Palace, which is the residence and headquarters for the Ruling Royal Family in Dubai. We could not get any closer but it was huge and on many acres of land.
  
 The 3rd largest Mosque in the World is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center in Abu Dhabi. The pictures don’t do it justice. It was very impressive to say the least. It is hard to describe how amazing and huge it was. Lots of marble and the chandeliers were made of Swarovski crystals which were massive.
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The Burj Khalifa was an experience for me! I do not like heights. The Burj Kalifa is the tallest skyscraper in the World!!  163 floors Our tour guide kept saying you will shoot up in the elevator like a rocket.... 

'Well' I thought, 'I'M HERE, so I'm going to do it!!' 

It was a nice, smooth ride all the way to the 124th and 125th floors.
It IS truly amazing to be that high and see SO far. I HIGHLY recommend it.
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Gold and Spice Market
is Dubai’s big marketplace for tourists.
They had plenty of gold and spices.

Everyone wanted you in their store!!

 ​We went on a  desert safari, rode a camel, learned about falcons and even held one.

The Palm also amazed me. I knew about the Palm but I did not realize that there were so many buildings and resorts on the Palm. In fact the Atlantis Resort is one of the Resorts located on The Palm.



If this isn't enough to whet your appetite for travel, our twenty somethings daughter and her husband also recently visited Dubai and they loved it and said they would like to go back. On their trip, they took time to golf and visited the Atlantis waterpark. More pictures will be on my ​Instagram so be sure to follow me. You'll love all the real life, "we were there" photos!

If you are interested in booking your own Dubai adventure, click the "Book Your Exploration Session" button at the top of this page and let's talk! I'd love to tell you about our trip and give you some more interesting and fun thing that you can do in person when you book Dubai!
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.3 Adventurous Days in Dubai

9/8/2022

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Curious Camel in Dubai

Guess where I'm heading...

YES! How did you know? I'm traveling to the fun, adventurous and beautiful Dubai! Have you ever been to Dubai? Have you put it on your bucket list? Well, if you like adventure and travel to international destinations, you will want to add Dubai to your list of places to go. 

I believe, as you will see here, that Dubai is a "must see"  and that everyone needs to put it on their travel bucket list to visit at least once in a lifetime! 

This blog post will share an itinerary (not mine) that will make travelers swoon! Enjoy these fun and interesting  pictures and take in all the information, as you dream and plan... then CALL ME!

​Or, book a complimentary travel consultation with me on the "BOOK" button or box here on the website. You won't regret it, I promise!

 
​Let's get started....


​The destination of Dubai will absolutely offer a full scope of different attractions for you, and the whole range of age groups,. There's certainly something for everyone in Dubai.

There's a little bit of practically EVERYTHING to do in this fantastic global city! Here is an example of a three day Dubai "Itinerary list"  of some exciting activities to do when traveling to Dubai...
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Nightlife in Dubai

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Bali

8/18/2022

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Hello Tropical Travelers!!! 

Bali is one of the most beautiful places to visit. So many great places to see and find adventure to in Southeast Asia. So, Which Area Of Bali Is Right For You?

Read along, dream along...and plot your course!

 
Bali is an Indonesian Island located just east of Java. It was initially a surfer's paradise, and now it is a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia. This ancient island is now a mix of tourist areas and traditional culture. There are many different ways to experience Bali, and it all depends on what you are looking to get out of your trip. 
 
Different Areas Of Bali
The different areas of Bali will appeal to different people depending on the type of trip that you are planning. Southern, Central, Eastern, and Western Bali all have their own personalities and beauties for you should you decide to visit.


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Southern Bali
The southern coast of Bali is the tourist mecca of the island. This area of the island is where you will find tourist hotels, lively night-life, and the best of the local bars. There are various cities in southern Bali that will lend themselves to having great offerings for you if you are looking to have a tourist experience.
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  • Canggu- As one of the more laid-back towns of this region. Canggu has a type of "surfer vibe" that you would find in other places like Venice Beach, California, and at Bondi Beach in Sydney. You will see that digital nomads and entrepreneurs choose to live here, so that they can enjoy the artisan beers and organic restaurants.
  • ​Seminyak- A town in southern Bali, Seminyak is going to have the major resort hotels, high-end villas, and the hippest beach bars around. If you are looking for a modern-day vacation in Southeast Asia, this would be the area for you.  

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Aruba Cuisine

12/22/2020

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10 Dishes You'll Want to Try

Have you been to Aruba? If not, and you're a foodie, let me "tease your tastebuds" with some delicious treats you will want to find when you arrive. As the most vibrant island in the Caribbean, Aruba is more than meets the eye. With untouched beaches and a ton of adventures awaiting, there's an endless amount of fun to be had. 
But what about the island's food? Well, that's just as good, maybe even better, especially after a long day of exploration. So, to help you prepare and plan for your trip to the island, here are ten dishes you must indulge in.
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  • Seafood--Perhaps the most apparent food to try while on the island is the fish and seafood. In the Caribbean Sea, some of the most amazingly fresh seafood can be found. Take your pick between mahi-mahi, grouper, lionfish, prawn, or red snapper if you're looking for a simple dish to try. However, the options go on forever.
  1. Pan Bati--This bread is usually on the side of every main dish served on the island, and with good reason. Pan Bati is a sweet flatbread that dissolves in your mouth. Although it is prepared with simple ingredients, it is far from being dull in flavor. 
  • Stews and Soups--Many of the local eateries and restaurants serve traditional Aruban stews and soups. Usually, the stews are full of chicken, fish, or goat meat, although you can still find soups and stews made with beef or lamb as we make it here in the states.
  1. Ayaca--Dried fruit and cashews adorn this delectable dish of steamed beef wrapped in a banana leaf. That's not all you get, though. There are a ton of ingredients used to create this unique, mouthwatering Venezuelan dish.
  2. Keshi Yena--This authentic Aruban meal is a must-try! It includes a ball of cheese stuffed with meat or poultry that is spiced to perfection. Anywhere you go on the tropical island, you will find a unique and off-beat version of this dish. 
  3. Funchi and Banana Hash--This combo is certainly one that packs a lot of tasty flavors! Funchi is fried cornmeal mush, often served with gouda and a side of fried plantains. 
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Destination Aruba!

12/7/2020

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​Beautiful Aruba. Many people have Aruba on their vacation bucket list. In addition to the luxurious tropical blue waters and warm weather, it is well known for its friendly atmosphere and diversity. Depending on when you visit the island, various festivals are held each year. These festivals are often held in honor of Aruban history and mixed with modern influences. Music, dancing, traditional foods, and plenty of entertainment exist all over the island.

Bucket Lists...

Of all the great things you can do while in Aruba, we've compiled a bucket list of our own that includes the best "don't miss" things you will want to consider when you go.
  • Sunbathe on Eagle Beach 
  • Go snorkeling to see the shipwrecks
  • Explore the caves in Aruba's beautiful Arikok National Park
  • Visit Private Island
  • Walkthrough the mangroves and swim at the Spanish Lagoon
  • Catch a sunset over the Caribbean
  • Jump into the natural swimming hole near the Bushiribana Ruins
  • Windsurf and kiteboard at Hadicurari Beach
  • Check out the Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations
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Family time...

Or, if you are traveling as a family, we recommend you add some of these to your itinerary! 
  • Go to the Butterfly Farm
  • Visit the Donkey Sanctuary
  • Wander through the Ostrich Founder water
  • See the California Lighthouse
  • Check Philips Animal Garden
  • Attend the Bon Bini Festival
  • Play in the sun and sand at Baby Beach
  • Get wild at the splash park at Surfside Beach
  • Take a submarine underwater
  • Dine at Buccaneer Restaurant for an aquatic view
Whatever you choose from these lists, we know you will be creating memories that will last a lifetime for you and those you are sharing your quality time with. Of course, be sure and take lots of pictures--for years to come, you will be looking back on them as you reminisce again and again together with delight!


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Your guide to Curacao

11/24/2020

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History

In many ways, Curaçao is the historical nexus of the Netherlands Antilles. The island, with its large and protected natural port, was charted before the 16th century and eventually became a significant center for mercantile commerce. It is the birthplace of Papiamentu (as it is spelled on Curaçao), the polyglot lingua franca of the ABC Islands which is spoken to an extent as far 
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North as the Netherlands Antilles islands of Sint Eustatius, Saba, and Sint Maarten. And the island is, on another level, the birthplace of the famous liqueur, Curaçao, perhaps more well known in some circles than the island itself.

The history of Curaçao begins with Amerindian Arawaks. The Arawaks and their subgroups migrated from regions of South America some 6,000-years-ago, settling on various islands then discovered as they embarked on a centuries-long northward trek. The group that ended up in Curaçao was the Caiquetios, who gave the island its name.

In 1776, Sint Eustatius, "The Golden Rock," was the first foreign entity to formally recognize U.S. sovereignty when a foreign official saluted the U.S. flagged ship with a 13-gun salute, a salute bestowed only upon sovereign flags. Less than two decades later, the first U.S. Consulate in Curaçao opened in 1793, laying the foundation of what would become a centuries-old friendship.
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Money: Cash, Debit and Credit

The official currency of Curaçao is the Netherlands Antilles guilder (also called the florin). The guilder is tied to the U.S. dollar at a rate of $1 (USD) to NAf1.75. Coins of the Netherlands Antilles guilder are issued in denominations of NAf0.01, NAf0.05, NAf0.10, NAf0.25, NAf0.50, NAf1, and Naf2.50. Notes are issued in denominations of NAf5, NAf10, NAf25, NAf50, NAf100, and Naf250. The U.S. dollar is widely accepted on the island by all sorts of vendors, although service vendors may have trouble changing large bills given in either U.S. dollars or the Netherlands Antilles guilders. There are no restrictions for bringing cash into the country.

Debit and Credit Cards are accepted in cities but elsewhere it is handy to have cash. 

Visa and Eurocard/Mastercard are accepted everywhere credit cards are accepted, but American Express is not accepted everywhere. If you plan to use American Express, be sure to check if your card is accepted before racking up a hefty bill.


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Climate

In Curaçao, the climate is tropical, hot all year round, with daytime temperatures ranging from around 28/29 degrees Celsius (82/84 °F) between December and February, to about 31 °C (88 °F) between May and October. The period from May to October is the most sultry, but the trade winds constantly blow, tempering the heat. Curaçao is an island, and together with the neighboring islands of Bonaire and Aruba, it's part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The climate is sunny and dry, in fact, about 550-millimeters (21.6-inches) of rainfall per-year.

The only relatively rainy period is from October to December, when, however, precipitation does not go beyond 80/100 mm (3.1/4 in) per-month. From November to January or mid-February, the northeast trade winds bring showers quite frequently, although usually not abundant. Curaçao is an almost entirely flat island: its highest point is located at 375-meters (1,200-feet) above sea level.

The amount of sunshine is good all year round. The sea in Curaçao is warm enough to swim in throughout the year: the water temperature reaches a low of 26 °C (79 °F) in February and March and a high of 29 °C (84 °F) in September and October. Here are the average sea temperatures.
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Infrastructure and Transportation

The best way to get around Curaçao is by car. Some of Curaçao's hotels offer area shuttles, and the public buses cover the majority of the island, but service is infrequent, especially outside of Willemstad. If you want to explore the island on your own time, then you'll want your own set of wheels. Taxis are available from Curaçao's primary airport, Curaçao International Airport (CUR), about 8-miles northwest of Willemstad. However, cabs can be expensive, especially if you are planning to use them frequently.​

Telecommunications is a critical element in the infrastructure of Curaçao. The privatization of this industry is a governmental priority, especially when one considers the fact that this industry is one of the fastest-growing fields in the world. The privatization process allows the services being offered to improve in both price structures as well as in quality. The government has already taken several steps towards privatization, including the elimination of the governmental telecommunications services (Landsradiodienst) and replacing it with a corporate entity. This new organization is the first in many steps that will involve the gradual restructuring of the entire telecommunications market on Curaçao. Other measures already being introduced are deregulation and the introduction of competition. The process used to achieve these goals is based upon those similar to the United States and Great Britain.

The telecommunications infrastructure is equipped with telex, fax services, entrance to merconon, viditel and direct satellite connections. Communication with the rest of the world is of excellent quality without disturbances. Additional services are mobile communication, audio text, voice mail, and ISDN

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5 Reasons Curacao Needs To Be On Your Caribbean Radar

11/10/2020

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When it comes to planning a trip where the fun in the sun and the beaches you only see on television are concerned, the Caribbean is absolutely one of the premier destinations in the world. It is an area that people flock to annually from all over to admire the beauty and fun that the luxurious Caribbean delivers.

Often when people think about going to the Caribbean, they look into visiting more obvious places like St. Kitts, Grand Cayman, Saint Martin, or Antigua. Indeed, these are amazing places which have so much to offer their visitors, but they are definitely not the only choices. In fact, there is an island that often tends to get overlooked by many. It's name: Curacao.

5 Reasons...

Curacao is a beautiful island that is located just east of Aruba and just off the coast of Venezuela. Curacao has so much to offer visitors, so here are five reasons as to why I say that Curacao needs to be on anyone's radar if you're looking to take a trip to the Caribbean.
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Your Destination Guide to Croatia

10/27/2020

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The easiest way to get to Croatia is by air, and during the summer season most parts of the country are accessible by flights from the UK and Ireland. Though there are a few direct flights to Croatia from outside Europe fares can be expensive; a cheaper option may be to fly to a major Western European city and continue by air, train or bus from there.

Airfares always depend on the season. Peak times for flights to Croatia are between May and September, and around the Easter and Christmas holidays; at these times be prepared to book well in advance.

Travelling to Croatia by train from the UK is unlikely to save money compared with flying, but can be a leisurely way of getting to the country if you plan to stop off in other parts of Europe on the way.

​Seasonal ferry services (usually spring to late autumn) run from Ancona to Split, Stari Grad and Zadar; and from Bari to Dubrovnik. Passengers can usually buy tickets on arrival at the relevant ferry port, but if you’re travelling with a vehicle it’s wise to book in advance, especially in July and August. Services to Split and Dubrovnik usually take eight to twelve hours; services to Zadar slightly less.

War and Peace

When Germany invaded Yugoslavia in 1941, Croatia became a Nazi puppet state. Croatian Fascists, the Ustashi, slaughtered countless Serbs and Jews during the war. After Germany was defeated in 1945, Croatia was made into a republic of the newly reconstituted Communist nation of Yugoslavia; however, Croatian nationalism persisted.

​After Yugoslavian leader Josip Broz Tito's death in 1980, Croatia's demands for independence increased in intensity. In 1990, free elections were held, and the Communists were defeated by a nationalist party led by Franjo Tudjman. In June 1991, the Croatian parliament passed a declaration of independence from Yugoslavia. Six months of intensive fighting with the Serbian-dominated Yugoslavian army followed, claiming thousands of lives and wreaking mass destruction. In December 1995, the Dayton peace agreement was signed bringing some peace to the area at last.

Croatia Culture

Due to its geographical position, Croatia, over the years has been influenced by its neighboring countries. The country holds its cultural richness with a fabulous mixture between the Mediterranean and Eastern traditions, but also from Central Europe and the Balkans.

As for its cuisine, you will have the opportunity to taste a lot of seafood, proof of its Mediterranean heritage. You will eat, for example, squid that has been fried, grilled or even stuffed, in restaurants, colonising the coasts and inhabited islands. In the north of Croatia, you will savour the Sarma, a kind of stuffed cabbage reminiscent of the Austro-Hungarian influences. You will also taste the Cevapcici, meatballs with onions or pitas, dishes inspired by Ottoman cuisine. As a dessert, you will be amazed by the Bajadera, a succulent pastry with hazelnuts and almonds.

​Croatian gastronomy is a testament to the cultural diversity of the country. But religion also seems to take an important place in the lives of its inhabitants. Throughout the year, various festivals and events show the Croats' attachment to their traditions.

Things to do


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5 Great Stops in Dubrovnik for Game of Thrones Fans!

10/13/2020

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​The Game of Thrones has gained impressive popularity over the years.  Dubrovnik, Croatia is the lovely city where production of the show takes place.  The land has rich culture and these five places are top attractions for fan visitors.
 
The Jesuit Stairs – These famous Baroque stairs appeared in Season Five of the series during the infamous ‘Walk of Shame’ scene.  The stairs extend from Gundulic Square to St. Ignatius Church and embrace Spanish architecture.  The iconic scene catapulted the locations popularity and has become a frequently visited landmark.  The view from the top is charming and gives you a great view of the city.

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Jamaica...it's history and climate

9/29/2020

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Archaeological evidence suggests that the Tainos people settled in Jamaica as early as AD 650. The island took its name from the Tainos word xaymaca, meaning "land of wood and water."
Columbus first sighted the island in 1494, on his second voyage to the New World. Ever since, Jamaican life has been a stormy mix of political, racial and economic divisions. Although the Spanish never fully settled the island, their influence was far-reaching. Most notably, they carried diseases that killed many of the Taino people. In regards to vegetation, they introduced citrus fruits, bananas, plantains and sugarcane, and such livestock as cattle, pigs and horses. They also brought the first slaves from Africa.

The English invaded Jamaica in 1655 and gained complete control of the island by 1660. They then used Jamaica as a base to threaten Spanish interests in the Caribbean and Latin America. Jamaica's Port Royal became the premier headquarters of pirates in the Western Hemisphere until it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1692. The English also established great sugarcane plantations powered by slave labor.

Slavery, in turn, played a central role in the political instability of the island. Slaves freed in the final days of Spanish rule, along with those who had run away from their plantations, established communities in the wild mountain interior and became known as the Maroons. Skirmishes with British troops eventually escalated into two separate wars, which led to the eventual deportation of many Maroons.

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