Vincent had been looking for an opportunity to get closer to his son Jeremy and when he found out that he would need to go to Nepal on a business trip, he decided that would be the prefect time. Vincent and Jeremy hadn’t been able to spend a great deal of time together since Jeremy’s mother remarried and Vincent got this new job. In addition, Jeremy seemed to be having a difficult time with his new step brother and Vincent wasn’t sure how his son and the step father were getting along either. It was important for Vincent to reconnect with Jeremy and make sure that he would get through this transition okay.

So Vincent approached Jeremy’s mother with the idea who was instantly reluctant though she almost immediately changed her mind and thought it would be a great idea. Vincent wasn’t sure what his ex-wife was thinking but he quickly made the reservations for Jeremy to stay with him at one of the Nepal hotels before she could change her mind again.

This idea turned out to be one of the better ones Vincent had all year. Jeremy was excited to go with his father and the two of them had a great time together. They enjoyed visiting the many Hindu temples in Patan and since both of them had an interest in history they discussed the medieval relevance of the city. They were also able to get out and see a great deal of the beautiful landscape of Nepal and took a helicopter tour of Mount Everest. Fortunately, Vincent had a light meeting schedule and he had arranged to stay an extra week just so the two of them could really explore the country. They were also able to have some intimate father son discussions and while Jeremy did not approve of his mother’s having remarried although he thought that his new step father was a nice man and had no personal issues with him. Vincent was happy to hear this and he and Jeremy made plans to get together, just the two of them, every other week.

With a spectacular market that goes underground and above ground, featuring fresh fish, fantastic treasures from someone’s distant uncle’s closet, and a real, down-to-earth and authentic apothecary, Seattle has some magnificent treasures.  And that’s just one location, the Pike’s Place Market, of which volumes have been written, and there’s still not enough said about it.  The Northwest is a fascinating place, with a feeling of being right in the middle of nature all the time, and Seattle has the added benefit of being one of the world’s coolest cities.  It’s a great place to travel, for business or for fun, and an elegant way to see the city is certainly at one of the Seattle Luxury Hotels.

With a touch of local hospitality that can only exist in a place where its green all the time, Seattle’s hotels will offer you a sense of cozy comfort that is both as familiar as home, and as elegant as any sophisticated city, all at the same time.  You’ll love the way the rain can help you fall into a splendid slumber, and waking up to the smell of the fantastic local coffee.  Seattle is one of the first cities to come into prominence for its caffeine consumption when it started offering lattes in the 1970s, and then when Starbucks opened here, the rest is history.  Coffee boomed in all directions, and the business took off for all the big bean names.  Seattle’s Best Coffee is another Seattle mainstay, that started in 1970, and was among the first in the area to roast their beans.  Torrefazione introduced their Italian coffee blends in 1986, and are still going strong.  Today there are an astounding number of coffee shops, and it’s really the ideal city to hole up in a cafe and write on your laptop while it drizzles outside.  European-style cafe culture landed in the U.S., and in Seattle, it’s a way of life.

Mumbai has all the color and vivacity of contemporary life in one place, and often in one moment.  Many worlds converge here, old and new, and continually intertwine in dazzling and often baffling ways.  It is one of the great urban centers of the world, and is also close to many of India’s great temples.  There is a palpable heartbeat here that is rather charming, and even contagious.  There is also a stunning visual sense to the place, from the buildings to the fashion, and this is reflected in a fantastic way in our 5 star Mumbai hotels.  Our hotels are carefully selected for their excellence in providing real, old-fashioned hospitality, with all the contemporary amenities to make your stay extremely comfortable, and many amenities that are particular to the place.

You’ll enjoy waking up every morning to the sumptuous and spacious rooms, enjoying a fine meal in our luxury restaurants, and perhaps even looking into all the splendid things offered by the spa.  Beginning every day with a sense of rejuvenation and calmness is a spectacular way to start your new adventures in Mumbai.  A fantastic way to get to know the place is through its art, and there are many different forms and media that are explored here.  In the realm of installation and performance, there were some strong players in the international art scene in the 1970′s, and there was a resurgence in the late 90s that still has not calmed, but in fact seems to be gathering a lot of steam.

Atul Bhalla is one of the most visible artists working today, and based in New Delhi, his work makes it to Mumbai very frequently. He is seen all over the world, but the work is very intensely focused on issues that speak to contemporary India.  He works in all kinds of media, painting and video, photography and sculpture, and his exceptional photo performances.  For Atul Bhalla, and for many other artists of his generation, the focus is on water, and particularly issues that examine sustainability and the sacred meanings of water that are particular to Hindu culture.  One of his most famous works to date, I was not waving but drowning -!, is a series of 14 images of the artist submerging in a river.  As his head disappears, we start to get a sense of his statement and aesthetic, and the effect is simply stunning.

My friends and I had such a great time on Spring Break last year it seems like it will be impossible to top on a future vacation. While on one hand this speaks to the incredible time we had and makes it seem worth it, though on the other hand it sounds kind of depressing to think that I’m twenty-two years old and the best time of my life is already behind me. My dad told me not to be so melodramatic about a trip and that if I actually had that good of a time, he thinks I might have engaged in extreme behaviors, some of which he probably wouldn’t have approved. So, his advice is to temper my exclamations about my experiences in Bali and just relax a bit because I should have one or two more good years ahead of me before everything starts to go down hill. I hope he’s being a little sardonic, and appreciate his efforts, though that doesn’t relieve my concerns about topping this last Spring Break.

So, the group of us, about twelve, stayed in three rooms in a great beach hotel Bali. You can imagine crowding four people, all female so don’t think it was morally adverse or anything, into a single room is already going to stir up trouble and that was just the beginning of it. We literally crawled out of bed at the crack of dawn, or even earlier, every day and headed out to the beach before breakfast. And sometimes, we had barely even laid down our heads before hopping back up. The entire island was absolutely beautiful and their were plenty of other tourists to keep things lively, although the locals were extremely friendly and seemed to enjoy the beaches as well, which makes perfect sense. Overall it was pretty informal and we generally at street side cafes and fast grills. It was great food though, and while I can’t describe it all, it was certainly a great time.

Visiting India is like a homecoming for many people.  For some, this is very literal, of course, and for others, it can feel like being in the place you’ve always dreamed about.  There are many things here that are like a dream, and this is certainly the case in Mumbai.  Bombay hotel accommodations are key to a pleasant visit, because this is the place you’ll be coming home to, and you should expect the finest in hospitality and comfort.  Our hotels are carefully selected to give you the best of everything, so that the remarkable design and style can lighten the spirit and rejuvenate the senses.  Resting comfortably in our spacious and lovely rooms, you’ll feel a sense of relief in body and mind, and this is a fantastic state of being in which to see the glorious city of Bombay.

It’s now called Mumbai, of course, but there are many who will refer to it by the older name, and it’s one of the most remarkable cities on earth.  It has a long history of human occupation, and you can see the presence of remarkable human intelligence in the old temples and the art. This gives a rather heady sense to the architecture and art of today, when it’s seen as part of a longer line of artistic development, and getting to know the city through its art works is always a splendid idea.  One of the local artists here who is absolutely worth getting to know is Vidya Kamat.

Her work is visually stunning and mystifying, and her images are often digital prints which are then re-worked and manipulated with more digital layers.  The results are spectacular, and often beautiful, and always evocative.  Her work is based in theories of self, constructions of identities, and history.  She holds degrees in Fine Art as well as Comparative Mythology, so the magnificent artistry is coupled with complex intellectual ideas about the core of who we are.  Centered in ideas of what constructs femininity and womanhood in contemporary society, particular Indian society, she uses her images to interrogate boundaries and to ask particularly relevant questions to a world in flux.

Grand Rapids is located on Michigan’s west side just about directly across Lake Michigan from the city of Milwaukee, WI. Grand Rapids is the second largest metropolitan area in the state of Michigan out side the Detroit area. Grand Rapids has many activities and events to keep you busy day or night, in town or adventuring along the river or on the near by Lake Michigan. Grand Rapid is a hidden gem in the state of Michigan.

Being on Michigan’s west coast meaning the west coast of lake Michigan there is easy access to the lake side beaches from anywhere in the Grand Rapids area. There are a lot of water activities to engage in beside just swimming. Para sailing, boating, fishing to name a few. Long summer days can be spent relaxing along the cool waters of the lake Michigan. If this isn’t to your taste or your looking for something to do in the evening, there is the city.

From hotels Grand Rapids you can find your way to the many cultural spots that Grand Rapids has to offer. The downtown area encompasses about a half square mile making it easy to walk to almost anywhere. Dining and shopping along the river walk is a fun and favorite thing for locals and tourists alike. early morning encounters with wild life as the city awakens or evening sunsets and moon rises are beautiful to experience along the river. Evenings can also include visits to one of the many theater and concert venues in the Grand Rapids city area.

For an adventure out side the city and to experience wild Michigan st its best a short drive north will take you to the Manistee National Forest. There are nearly a million acres of unspoiled forest land to be explored and experienced. heavily timbered in the 1800′s these forests and land have been protected since the establishment of the park in !909.

I woke up around 6am to go on a jungle trek, which turned out to be pretty fun. It lasted about 3 hours of walking through the forest and wetlands. I was tons of monkeys, and the endangered giant squirrel, which is the size of a cat. I saw huge spiders, dears, lots of lizards and the famous leaches of Kerala, too many leaches. I had about 20 of these little leaches attempting to get in my shoes, but thankfully I had on long trousers with the leggings tucked into my socks. Those little leaches were so fast, I really had to not only keep an eye on all the wildlife, but on all the wildlife trying to get into my pants!

I saw one girl on the tour with me, she was only wearing flip-flops and after the tour, I could see she had tons of bites on her and her feet were bleeding, but she didn’t seem disturb by any of it. I would’ve been freaking out. What was sad about the jungle trek, was I didn’t get to see any pythons or cobras, but I guess that’s better than literally running across them. Plus, it is a tiger reserve, and I didn’t see any of them, but again, that’s probably a good thing. Tigers are reclusive by nature, but it would’ve been grand to see one in their natural habitat.

I was staying at one of the best hotels Kerala offers and managed to get back to my room for a quick shower and later I posted some of my extra clothes back to the UK. But before I could post it, I had to get my parcel wrapped in material by a tailor, otherwise the postal system here won’t take it. After posting my un-needed clothes, I went on a ferry trip around the parks huge lakes. As I waited for the ferry, a family started talking to me, insisting on a photo, which apparently is ‘the’ thing to do. But, after that, every time I saw them they shouted my name as if I was someone special, famous, quite embarrassing really. The Ferry ride was great. I got soaked as it rained and it became chilly, but it was worth it, because I got to see dear and bison, I even spotted a turtle.

Tomorrow, I plan just to eat my way through Kerala and try every restaurants Butter Panner Masala. Yum!

Mallorca has one of the finest and longest reputations for stylish island luxury in the contemporary world.  As the capital of the Balearics, it not only offers the gorgeous climate and amazing beaches that draw so many people here year after year, it also has a splendid reputation as a cultural mecca.  It has its share of home-grown artists whose imaginations are sparked by the area’s natural wonder and fascinating people, and it also attracts artists looking for a place that has all the culture of a metropolis, but none of the hustle and bustle of a mainland city.  It’s a place that quite naturally takes to luxury.  Mallorca hotels are a world apart.  With pure Spanish style and international flair, they keep the guests happy.

We’ve selected our hotels based on their excellent standards for hospitality, offering a level of service that invites you to relax and enjoy the way your soul will start to feel refreshed.  After a little rest, you’ll be ready to take a spa treatment, or enjoy a fantastic meal, offering just a taste of the amazing dishes that are available here.  Perhaps you’ll want to see some of the city life.  The celebrities and the tragically hip will all make their way to the clubs and discos to dance all night to the latest techno music, and this is a wonderful way to get to know Mallorca, but there are many options besides this.  For the literary crowd, and it’s substantial here in this city that attracts artists from all over, one of the brightest spots is the Café Antiquari.

In the tradition of European cafés, this is a place where you can grab a quick espresso between stops, but it’s also a place where you can hole up for the day, checking e-mail or writing your new masterpiece.  And it goes on all night, too.  There’s a full selection of beer and wine, along with a menu that features tasty French morsels, in the style of the French owners.  Café Antiquari also offers live music in the basement, as well as showing local and international artist’s works in the upstairs gallery.  It’s a fantastic place to go to disappear, or to find new friends, and one of many exciting possibilities for your adventures here.

Delhi is one of the liveliest cities in the world, and certainly one of the main cultural and economic centers.  It is the second largest city in all of India in terms of population, and is a fantastic gateway into this complex and ever-changing country.  It has been continually inhabited since the 6th century BC, and as such serves as a wonderful place to visit for those with a taste for history.  It is also one of the world’s great spiritual centers, and attracts visitors from India and the rest of the world like a powerful magnet.  Because it is so accustomed to guests, it has some great traditions of hospitality, and for 4 star hotels, Delhi has plenty of sumptuous accommodations to offer.  Of these, we’ve selected some of the finest to take the guesswork out of it for you, and offer you a wide selection with something that will suit everyone’s taste.

The hotels offer luxury and splendor, with a style that is entirely local, but with a keen eye for international tastes.  After a rest in our magnificently decorated rooms, you’ll be ready for a dazzling meal and then go out and have your very own Delhi adventure.  There are many opportunities for distraction here, with amazing offerings that will please guests of all ages.  Delhi has everything a tourist could ask for, and for adventure, people watching alone can take up vast amounts of a day and still make it seem worthwhile.  Museums and temples and shopping are certainly wonderful things for any itinerary.  For nightlife, there are splendid restaurants featuring a wide variety of food from all of India’s regions, as well as luscious tastes from international and fusion cooking.

After a hearty meal, if you’re interested in the club scene here, you’re in luck.  It’s hopping like mad, and with djs like DJ Niel, you’re also in very deft hands.  He plays all sorts of beats from all over the map, but his specialties seem particularly suited for a retro kind of evening.  Whatever the night’s selections might be, DJ Niel will give you a sensational taste of some of the finest grooves in Delhi, and it’s an excellent way to jump into the cultural scene here.

Goa has attracted travelers for centuries, but the past few decades have been particularly buzzing.  There are many things to recommend Goa, with its gorgeous biodiversity, and amazing beaches that are legendary.  The city is large enough to have many distinct cultures, and small enough to maintain a laid back pace and sensibility.  The night life is extraordinary, and the city becomes the stuff of legends.  Here is where the attitudes of life by the beach start to really shine, and this is why in Goa, spa resorts are so fantastic.  We’ve selected the cream of the crop, so that you’ll get to stay in lodgings that are as sumptuous and pleasantly surprising as the place is.

In the 60s and 70s, Goa was an absolute magnet for global youth culture.  Young people from all over were coming here to visit, looking for spiritual enlightenment and a bit of fun on the beach.  Some of these travelers stayed, and some went back home and bragged about the paradise they’d discovered.  In those days, there was a heady mix of individuals engaged in intense explorations into personal discovery and art.  In the art department, the visual relics of the time are the paintings that continue to influence the new generation of artists.  The sonic relics were the origins of Goa trance.

The music came from a range of influences from artists of multiple cultural backgrounds, but a lot of the musical from came from European-descended musicians trying to create their version of the local music, and then adding electronic beats.  The form has evolved immensely from that time, and today is a global phenomenon.  With this history, it’s interesting to hear the beats played by the locals, and DJ Joel is a local to look out for.  He’s very well-traveled with his music, but his mastery of the rhythms are usually demonstrated in Goa.  It’s fortunate for us.  The eclectic blend of trance, house, and retro is addictive, luring the crowds into a spectacular bliss that starts to get to the heartbeat of Goa after dark.

We wondered about ancient history in Menorca and got a snoot full. Checking out ancient sites wherever we go is one of our favorite things to do. We found out about the Cala Morell, a necropolis dating back to the second century, a tad older than the hotels Menorca has and made a plan for it. It sits on the north coast of the island and there is a beach there, which was good because my gal Carla is a big beach goer and love the beach. Turns out the caves were hand made, man made and served as a cemetery. Talayotic monuments are made of stone and apparently these caves are considered Talayotic. Carla told me this, the wonders of the Internet. She had the jump on me as I could not connect with a wi-fi signal while we were in our room, but she had a new computer and could. So we went to the caves, very beautifully carved in a stone age kind of way and she says, “Oh yes, obviously Talayotic structure, wouldn’t you agree?” “Oh, yes, um certainly,” I said, very Talayotical, in a cave like way.” This went on for some time, it was a good thing we were not near anyone. Anyway, we loved the rough floors, uneven and carved, and one imagines prayers and offerings made here over the millennium. We wished we could go back in time to see what they did, and how. That’s how we feel each time we go to an ancients site, like the Coliseum in Rome, or the Acropolis, we wished so much to be able to travel back in time. But, we are int the present, and it was time to get some tapas and leave the cave.

I didn’t really think I needed warm clothes for my weeks stay in Ibiza during November, but, I guess, it’s apparently true about walking around in November the weather is fantastic! It really never got cold and I was told, even if it did, it didn’t last long. So, I was glad I packed light, because as soon as I step out of my room at one of the best hotels Ibiza has for tourist such as myself, I plan to do some shopping. Shopping for club clothes, because I plan to hit all the the clubs Ibiza can throw at me, beach clothes, because I plan to bake out all the alcohol I drank the night before clubbing on the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen.

After shopping, clubbing and beaching, I plan to get a taste of the locals, I’m a sucker for wanting to know how the locals like living where they live. I’ve been known to just walk right up to a person in a cafe or coffee shop and ask if I can join them, because I’d like to interview them for my travel blog. I’ve only run into one person who thought I was absolutely nuts and told me to leave his presence. I think he was having a bad day. That was the only one who refuse, everyone else felt privileged that I consider to interview them for my travel blog. It’s the best way to find out the best things about the place I’m visiting. Sometimes, I’m fortunate to be bugging someone who can give me great deals on shopping or can get me in for free at a popular club. One time, back in India, I picked this great looking Indian guy to sit down next to and interview; he ended up being my boyfriend for quite a few years. See, I know who I picking to interview. I’m not all the naive.

Phuket is not only the largest island of Thailand, it has also become one of its most popular tourist destinations. Tourism on the island has grown a great deal in recent decades and has become one of its primary economic resources. The natural beauty of the island and also much of the cultural heritage and interesting landmarks and icons, makes it an ideal vacation or holiday experience. One of the more popular beach areas on Phuket is the long and wide Patong Beach. The views here are spectacular, and there are many opportunities for various water sports and beach fun. It is also conveniently located to more than one luxury Phuket resort, which makes accessing this beach extremely accessible.

Patong Beach exists on the western coast of this beautiful island. It also refers to the adjoining town, which is also extremely popular with tourists. Tourism on the island, and on the western coast of it saw its largest boom in activity in the late 1980s when numerous resorts were built and tourist specific businesses were established. In addition to the incredible beach, Patong has become extremely famous for its incredible nightlife. The nightlife activity is primarily focused along two major areas, the Paradise Complex, and also along Bangla Road. So, tourists who are not interested in the incredible offerings of the area’s nightlife, may chose different sections of the city and beach to enjoy their evenings.

In addition to Patong Beach, the island of Phuket has numerous other tourist attraction centers as well as additional fabulous beaches. The Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach and the Karon Beach are other popular beaches that are located further south of the Patong Beach. As with most of these popular tourist centers, there are great opportunities for fabulous dining experiences as well as major shopping centers. The shopping is also recognized as being accessible and inexpensive in these and certain other areas.

When it comes to luxury hotels, Chicago has style. Enjoying a reputation as one of the most exciting cities in the U.S., with a vibrant scene that supports both business and culture, Chicago has a fair share of visitors every year.  The lodgings here are plentiful, and there is something to please everyone’s taste.  For the luxury hotel market, for those who want the best that the industry can offer, we’ve made the choices easy.  Carefully selecting only those hotels that consistently meet extremely high standards of excellence, we’ve insured you that quality here won’t be compromised at any cost.  Our hotels are selected not only for their excellence in service and comfort, but also in their uncanny and extremely individual styles.  We have something splendid to offer you here, so you can rest without a care, and spend your energies enjoying this fabulous city.

Chicago has a fascinating history, and there are plenty of tours and opportunities for sight-seeing that will be educational and entertaining for the entire family.  There is an endless array of attractions and events here, day or night, and you’re sure to find a host of choices for yourself when you’re here.  Chicago’s reputation as a leading city for art and culture is certainly well-founded, with some of the most innovative artists of the 20th century living and/or working here at one time or another.  The level and quality of activity has not dwindled in the current century, and there is evidence to suggest that the work coming from the Second City in the next few years will help point the direction for the new generation of artists.  With visionaries like Lynn Book leaving a legacy of work here, it’s a future that’s in good hands.

She has worked in a variety of media, including dance, theatre, performance art, and music, and has inspired students in Chicago, New York, Winston-Salem, and Austria.  Her work and teaching cross boundaries and borders, looking to the past for clues about the future.  Apparently, she finds plenty of clues to work with, as her work is considered to be visionary and innovative.  Her formative years as a teacher were spent at Chicago’s School of the Art Institute.  Here, Lynn Book was one of the leaders in the field during the mid-eighties to the mid-nineties.  Traces of her influence are still found here, as the remnants of this intensely creative time refuse to rest.

There are plenty of fantastic things that draw people to Hong Kong.  Hotel accommodations are some of the finest in the world, situated as they are in one of the most stylish places.  We have carefully selected these hotels for their high standards of excellence in design and comfort.  Service here is also extremely exemplary, with a staff that is both friendly and very knowledgeable about the complexities of Hong Kong.  There is a splendid blend of old world hospitality with new world features and amenities, that will put you in the heart of class and luxury, without sacrificing convenience.  This will ensure you that your comfort is our primary concern, so that you can feel a sense of rejuvenation that will leave you ready to enjoy the pleasures of Hong Kong.

This is an urban center that has a vibrant heartbeat, living on the cusp of new developments in culture and technology.  It is a heady mix of cultures and styles, and offers something wonderful for visitors of all ages.  There are sight-seeing tours, people watching, museums and galleries, and all kinds of live performance.  With a steady supply of shows, as well as a dizzying array of local events, festivals, and celebrations, Hong Kong is a spectator’s heaven.  For pure spectacle in art, with a large dose of content, there is no one working in the contemporary scene quite like Danny Yung.

Danny Yung has a remarkable career as a theatre director in Hong Kong, and produces some of its most visually-stunning works.  His Book of Ghosts at last year’s Hong Kong Arts Festival was one of the most anticipated new works, and it did not disappoint.  Utilizing a fantastic and diverse ensemble of performers, all masters of their craft, this was an investigation into the nature of ghosts through theatre and dance.  Like most of his works, it was both stunning as well as philosophically complex, offering something for general audiences as well as for the most jaded theater-goer.  Danny Yung was born in Shanghai and grew up in Hong Kong.  He has lived and worked internationally as a multi-disciplinary artists, and is one of Hong Kong’s treasures.

There are very few places on the planet where one can find the history to give weight to a heritage hotel.  India has several of these, being one of the cradle’s of the human race, with cities that have been continually inhabited for over twenty centuries.  Our heritage hotels have the weight of history along with the conveniences of modern living, where guests will find all the comforts of any luxury hotel, but with differences that are really essential.  Individual character, of course, is one of the most important qualities here, and there’s no question that our hotels are unique and carefully maintained.  There is an element of timelessness here, to allow our guests the opportunity to lose themselves in the moment.  Relaxation is central here, so that you may really enjoy the many splendid things India has to offer.

There are a multitude of cultures and languages here, and their co-existence today means a unique blend of world views that manifest themselves in art practice.  Visual arts have the classicism of antiquity and all the various strains of contemporary art schools to inform them, making for a vibrant visual culture.  Performing arts are no different, and one can see some of the oldest forms of theatre on the planet in this country.  Simultaneously, there are theatre groups who are extremely modern, offering the latest in experimental performance techniques and technologies.  All of these are on display at the Prithvi Theatre Festival .  The Prithvi Theatre, based in the suburbs of Bombay, was started in 1944 by the famous film actor Prithviraj Kapoor.  His son, Shashi, also an actor, fell in love with Jennifer Kendal, an actress with a neighboring theatre, Shakespeareana.

They joined forces in marriage, and also in theatre, and set up the current Prithvi Theatre in a trust under Kapoor’s name.  This theatre is based in presenting emotionally-driven contemporary and classical works, emanating the psychological realism that Kapoor was famous for.  The Prithvi Theatre festival is a celebration of theatre through public performances, with different themes for every year.  Some years are limited to Bombay presentations, and other years they invite theatres from all over to participate.  This is an excellent opportunity to sample national culture, and to entertain the whole family.

As a kid I had a large coin collection. The coins came from all over the world. Many of them my grandfather brought home from his travels. Before I was born my grandfather was traveling to Europe on business’s on a regular basis. This was in the times of propeller planes bumping their was across the Atlantic low enough to see the white caps on the ocean. These coins came in many shapes, sizes and materials. Some of the coins had writing on the edges. I though that was very interesting since all the coins I had seen to date were smooth on the edge or had ridges. I particularly remember a large coin from Greece with the Greek script adorned the edge. A short distance from my Barcelona Spain Hotel was an exhibit of old European coins. Greek and Roman coins with the faces of Caesars and emperors. Napoleonic era coins depicting and commemorating events. Coins of gold, silver, copper, bronze and other metals. I recall having a bunch of European coins struck in aluminium. These were so light weight and strange to me. It wasn’t until years latter I learned these coins were struck post World War II during high inflationary post war Europe when the countries could not afford to mint coins in precious metals. Coins have existed for centuries and currency for thousands of years. Some of the earliest coins are beads used as trade for goods and services for more than 10,000 years. My coin collection taught me a lot about the world. Geography as I learned where in the world the coin came from. History as the faces adorning the coins would change in some countries and through commemorative coins. Economies ups and downs as the coins changed in size and materials used.

There are a lot of questions regarding these stones. Rightfully so, there is much confusion due to different names used in marketing and misrepresentations and misunderstandings about the stones. To begin with and hopefully not add too much to the confusion, there are two types of jade. I learned this while examining some artisan jewelry at a 5 star New York hotels. Nephrite and jadeite, for centuries jadeite and nephrite were thought to be the same stones. With more modern techniques of examination the differences between the two stones were identified. Thus splitting the stones into these two categories. Both stones are available in a bunch of similar colors from off or grayish whites to grey greens to greens, browns and red browns. Jadeite jade is also found in emerald green or imperial jade and pale purples.  These last two colors considered most desirable and the most expensive types of jade. In general the stronger and richer colors of these stones are found in jadeite form of the stone and creamier tones of the stone in the nephrite form of the stone. Only jadite is found in precious gem stone quality.Telling the difference between the two stones can be difficult. Jadeite is a bit harder than nephrite. This cannot be easily determined, looking or touching do not help. A gemstone-testing device can be useful, however if this is not available for you to use, knowing the stones origin can be a clue. Jadeite has been found in Burma, Canada, China, Japan, Guatemala, Kazakhstan, Siberia and the United States. Nephrite has been found in Australia, China, Brazil, Canada, Zimbabwe, Alaska and Poland. The confusion between these stones will continue to exist as new marketing names are invented. My advice when buying jade, gain as much knowledge as you can, work with a trusted dealer and don’t pay more than you feel the stones are worth to you.

Beth loves penguins so when in Melbourne we had to go to Philip Island for the Penguin Parade. This is after we had spent the day at the Melbourne Zoo, because if there is anything Beth liked more than penguins it is elephants. Elephants and penguins. Her room in Rochester, New York is wall papered with a jungle print, she has penguin figures, statues, and posters, elephant trash cans with big gaping maws for trash, elephant t shirts, she is just awash in it. Beth is seven. Convincing her to go to Australia was at first difficult, she would miss Christmas, but once we told her about these possibilities, she was happy to sit in the plane for the long flight, doodling her favorite animals (we know which ones) positively atwitter with delight as we saw the Penguin Parade. We got there in the late afternoon, and Philip Island already had folks ready to see the return of the fairy penguins from a day of foraging at sea. the crowd murmured as the first of the penguins emerged in the surf, and skipped along one after another on the sand. It really was a sight and Beth was beside herself with joy. We were two hours from Melbourne here, and pleased Beth got us to come out for her.

As we returned to the city, we thought the luxury hotels Melbourne offers should be named after the penguins and the elephants. These were Asian elephants which once were widespread and now becoming endangered. Beth told us that the ears of elephants help to keep the animals cool. She said this as we watched the magnificent beasts being fed by the zoo staff. They ate enormous amounts (the elephants, and maybe the staff too). Well, Beth was thrilled with this, and we were too.

Udaipur is part of the Indus Valley, one of the cradles of civilization, dating back five thousand years. And as I stood at a little chapati stall, it looked to me the samosa the character in the grimy once white T shirt took from his smoking black wok was at least that old. It was like some sort of calcified shard from antiquity, hard aschert and about as tasty. The cook in grimy shirt just waggled his head and headed back out to the throbbing streets of Jaipur n search of good eats. Auto rickshaws blew past me, a cow bleated it way down the street, a sea of traffic confronted me and I wondered if I could make the traffic part the way it will in Rome if you just walk out in a small break int he traffic and they all slow down for you on the way to the Colosseum.  I doubt that would work here. But that was OK as it forced me to find the Gujarti restaurant just down the way, a vegetarian joint which I came back to several times during my stay in a hotel in Udaipur.

Still smarting from my blackened wok experience (I was generally a good judge of a restaurant form the outside and the general vibe, but not that time. Perhaps I was too hungry) and cautiously ordered what turned out to be a typical Thali plate of lentils, the ever present and wonderfully fragrant Basmati rice, and vegetables curried including I think eggplant and cauliflower in a kind of nut sauce. Pure heaven. I felt so much better after this light nutritious meal I walked out on a cloud of happiness, turning back to remember where the place was. Just then I saw old greasy T shirt, the cook from the other  place, walk in and sit down to order himself a plate. Looks like he could not stand his own food.

Peebles, Scotland was originally a small market town though it actually played a major role in the wool industry of the Scottish border. This is an interesting feature of the small town, though it in no way is the major draw to tourists who visit it each year. The beautiful and natural scenery of the town and its surrounding area attracts locals, tourists and day visitors from the nearby Edinburgh. In addition, many of its residents commute to its larger neighbor every day for work, and most of the guests who stay in a Peebles hotel will also venture over to Edinburgh during their stay. In addition, during the month of August, Edinburgh hosts its Annual International Festival and Fringe Festival. Sometimes accommodations in the city are difficult to attain and performers and audience members may choose to stay in Peebles instead.

However, while enjoying the unique and charming aspects of the town, tourists are also drawn to some of its major historic attractions. Neidpath Castle is just one of these. This historic castle as probably been around, at least in its earliest version, since the turn of the 14th century. The United Kingdom is full of great buildings, castles and cathedrals that date to the medieval period and earlier, even though Peebles is small, it is no exception. One of the intriguing aspects of the castle is that has been reported to be haunted. The Maid of Neidpath, as she is affectionately known, was the daughter of the Earl of March, William Douglas. According to Sir Walter Scott, who also gave her the name, she died of heartbreak after her father refused to allow her to marry her true love, who was considered to be below her station. Sightings of the Maid of Neidpath have reported her to have appeared dressed in a long brown dress with a white collar as she sadly roams the grounds.

So, my issues with channeling when my ex-husband did this had been at a peaceful state for about 4 years, but when I finally left my marriage and went with Thomas, I was suddenly thrown out of my comfort zone. There was, as some of my closer friends would say, ‘a new sheriff in town’, Thomas. I realized that suddenly I started going through some huge battles within myself. This time connected to some very deep embedded things would all of a sudden bubble up from my subconscious. I didn’t feel the security I was so used to experiencing with my ex-husband, and on top of that, my ex-husband began his small campaign to try and turn people against me. Of course, I didn’t know this was another test to see if I would go into my old energy habits of doubt. Which I did. But, it really wasn’t as bad as before, and I found myself soon over it and right back on track again.

One of our overseas trips a few yeas later was to Singapore. I had been there a few times before, but this time, this particular visit, I found to be very much like Darwin, Australia where my son lives. Singapore was hot and humid and yet very wonderful because the people of Singapore are so delightful. The Singapore luxury hotels where I stay are really very marvellous and accommodating. Singapore is such a clean place and so multi-cultural. I had channeled each time at book stores and yoga centers. This trip, my host, offered to have the channeling at a small theater. This worked out so much better than other venues I’m used to. The theatre accommodated about 100 people, were I’m used to 30 people. But, all I can remember is just how hot and humid it was that trip.

Zoe Tay is an incredibly talented Singaporean actress who is well known as the Queen of Caldecott Hill. She was born to farming parents and originally was not interested in performing but preferred instead to try a career as a production assistant. Meanwhile she has had an incredibly successful television and film career, and many guests in one of the five star hotels in Singapore are likely to see her if they turn on their the television set in their room.

Another name this talented performer is known as is the Thousand Faced Lady. For an actor, this is an incredible compliment, a person in hearing it in their everyday life may not think so. At the age of 16, Tay began her working as a model and incredibly, she was almost instantly nominated as the model of the year. Shortly after that she auditioned for Star Search, a move that she almost resisted doing, but was talked into it by close associates, family and friends. This decision, changed the course of her life and career. Her journey into acting, was a reluctant one that required prodding by those around her.

However, after she felt she had some experience and began to trust her instincts and sills, Tay and her career quickly took off. She landed a job on the television show Crime and Passion and had the role of being caught in a love triangle between two men and emotionally torn between the two. Her first serial came with the 1988 broadcast of My Fair Ladies. This show featured fellow Star Search winners Aileen Tan and Jazreel Low. Her major breakthrough that put her in the category of household name came in 1991 when she was cast in the television series Pretty Faces.  More hotels here

Mumbai, India is incredibly rich in cultural heritage and major historical landmarks. It is an ancient city and while it has a rather diverse population, much of the society has been based on Hindu beliefs and representations from the religion’s sacred texts and mythological associations. In addition some of the traditional arts and performance genres also have sacred or religious routes and influence. However, there are other landmarks and great social and entertainment options that are not specifically associated with the Hindu religion. Tourists staying in the four star hotels Mumbai often chose to experience as much of the culture as possible, and sometimes this involves going outside the city limits. The elephant caves are an excellent example of this and are definitely a popular attraction for most tourists.

The caves are located on Elephanta Island in the Arabian Sea, very near to Mumbai in the Mumbai harbor. Inside these caves are relief sculptures of Hindu deities, which date back as far as the 9th century. These carvings were created in honor of the god Shiva and most of the sculptures were cut from solid rock. The entire cave system comprises an area of 60,000 square feet or 5,600 square meters. It consists of one main chamber with 2 smaller ones that form a lateral pattern with additional courtyards. One of the beliefs associated with the sculptures and reliefs in these caves is that it is the actually home of the god Shiva. Many people, both locals and international visitors come for both worshipping purposes and also to see the artifice involved in creating them. One of the most prominent and often considered to be the most important sculptures stands twenty feet tall, or just over six meters, and depicts the three headed Shiva. The three different heads correspond to the different aspects of Shiva’s character. More Delhi hotels

What to do in Madrid? Why, if your travel with my gal Wendy, ya’ll go to the aquarium. Wendy is from Dallas, Texas and really like dolphins, dolphins, and any thing dolphin related. Here at the Zoo Aquarium Madrid it is called a dolfinarium (cute). She is not so interested in any of the luxury hotels Madrid Spain has sprinkled through the city like starfish in an aquarium (sorry). I wanted to see bullfights and all that Hemingway guy stuff and drink anise and get into fights (not really, not really on the fights) but Wendy no way would have that, I would have to sneak away and no chance of that so I contented myself to being entertained by the amazing antics of the dolphins. In fact this was a really nice,magnificent coral displays, more aquatic species that one can imagine. Wendy seemed thrilled with the dolphins, though she felt a little sorry for them inside a tank. Well, it was a very very large tank. I’m more of a bird guy and really dug the aviary , especially the parrots. And the macaws. I asked Wendy why she did not become a marinebiologist or something and she got a sad look. Turns out she is really kind of nervous around water. We agreed to talk about this over a beer later. Unexpectedly, the zoo also has pandas, and they we just visible to visitors when we went by, their chubby bear like faces peering out curiously. It is hard to think of them in the wild, but they are probably like most wild animals, incredibly adept at survival, and fierce in a pinch. Wendy thought this should be the name of a rock band Fierce in a Pinch. We thankfully skipped the petting zoo and went off to cool down in a pub.

We started at the Opera House because it just seems to magnetically draw you toward it plus it’s in every picture of Sydney anyone has ever seen and we were just awed by the architecture. As we hovered around the building taking snap shots (can you say that with a digital camera?) we kept noticing the Sidewalk cafe and popped in for some satay chicken and Thai salad with prawns and the obligatory glass of wine or two. the view here is extraordinary, and we could see Sydney Harbor and relaxed in on the terrace.

There’s a path we can walk to the ferry dock to Circular Quay over the Harbor Bridge which I found out has over six million rivets and opened in 1932. Ask at a hotel Sydney Australia furnishes on how to get there, but it’s easy. WE found out one can climb to the top. We like heights having been to the CN Tower in Toronto and other sights so we went for it. From up there we could see everything, especially many beaches (I found out there are over one hundred sixty beaches in Sydney, in case you were wondering.) Since I once had a Bondi Blue computer once, we decided to go to Bondi Beach. I the famous one you see on on video with sand of gold and lifeguards. Apparently there’s a bit of a rip tide and so I just decided to stay out of the water for this one until we came across the ocean swimming pool that’s set off from the wild water. I must say it was a delight to swim in the Southern Hemisphere. There’s a trail that runs along the cliffs and brings yo out to quiet bays. WE made it back and by then the waves had started to get big and I watched as the water knocked down more than a few swimmers who tried, who knows why, to head out to the ocean.

Yarmouth, England is a beautiful coastal town located in the region of Norfolk. It has an incredibly interesting history, and some of the primary political aspects occurred during the reigns of both Queen Elizabeth and Charles II. These were also extremely compelling time periods in England’s overall history and the circumstances of their reigns and various social aspects involved are primary topics of history studies. While tourists staying in one of the beautiful Yarmouth hotels may not be concerned with the details of the late 16th and mid 17th centuries, these rulers were still essential in creating establishing the town as it exits today.

Queen Elizabeth is one of the most famous and well liked monarchs in British history. She ruled from 1558 until her death in 1603. She was the final reigning monarch of the Tudor line, whose most prominent member before her had been the notorious Henry VIII. The period of her reign is referred to as the Elizabethan era and coincided with the English Renaissance. This was an incredible period in English history and well remembered for the great playwrights and changes in theatrical structure that occurred. There were other major social elements that occurred during this time and one of them was the growing interests of the Puritans combined with the conflicts between Catholics and Protestants.

These dynamics contributed to a sense of instability, compounded by the fact that Elizabeth did not marry nor did she produce and heir, and increasing threat of assassination and transference of the crown. Many plots against the queen were uncovered, in part do to the relentless and often brutal tactics of Sir Francis Walsingham, sometimes referred to as her spy master. One of the famous plots against the queen is known as the Babbington Plot. The end of the 16th century is often referred to as the Golden Age of her reign. This was prompted by England’s unlikely defeat of the Spanish Armada when it attacked her shores. The seemingly dominated Brits were also at an armory disadvantage. Elizabeth went into to the soldier’s grounds to deliver a personal inspiration speech, which is believed to have had a tremendous impact on the soldiers.

Being famous for its oysters, Whitstable, England is known as the pearl of Kent. The harvesting of this seafood is celebrated by the annual oyster festival. Although, they are also available throughout the year and are served freshly in various local restaurants and pubs. Tourists staying in one of the Whitstable hotels are certain to come across them on the menu as they’re enjoying dinner, lunch or even a pub snack in a local dinning facility. This aspect of Whitstable has been around since the Roman times, and its reputation for great oysters only grows throughout the centuries.

Though this is not the only reason the city is popular with tourists, the oyster festival certainly draws in numerous visitors every year. It begins on the Saturday of every year that is closest to St. James’ Day, and lasts for nine days. The first day there is a large parade that is intended to celebrate the official landing of the catch. This is followed by a procession of oysters, that’s right, oysters, in a horse drawn carriage tray and they proceed through the town delivering the oysters to various restaurants and other venues.

Other major festivals are celebrated in Whitstable, and most of them are traditionally based. Celebrations of various aspects of history are common and accentuate the nature of this ancient area. May Day is celebrated with the traditional Jack in the Green parade, and parades are common to many of the festivals, holidays and event celebrations. In addition, there are museums and arts venues that provide interesting displays and also great performances. Whatever the reason a family decides to visit this area of England, they will certainly be entertained and engaged throughout their stay. Not to mention, they will get to enjoy some of the best seafood they will find anywhere.

The botanical gardens located on the grounds of the Tregothnan Estate in Honiton, have been the center of the estate, the heartbeat if you will since 1335.  This estate has been the home to the same family since that time, and for anyone visiting the region and staying in one of the Honiton hotels,  this is a site that must be experienced first hand.  The estate has remained dedicated over the last six hundred plus years to the cultivation and the care of the gardens.  And the focus on doing things right, doing things well has been a family tradition for hundreds of years.

As with many who design and care for botanical gardens throughout the world, the Tregothnan is focused and passionate about the collection of a wide variety of species and the growing and tending of those species.  Many of the specimens are rare and reflect the passion and the experiences through the products that are produced on site, such as the vast array of tea plants as well as the production of Manuka Honey.  The production of such food products is just one of the aspects of agriculture and botany in which the estate takes part and interest.

The florist section was the first in the United Kingdom to have gained the certification for organic farming known as the Soil Association.  When the general public became aware of the status, and more interested in the benefits of organic farming, the Estate became inundated with calls, people ordering edible flowers and bouquets.  The Estate had been practicing in such a sustainable manner for many years, and so they were ready to apply their principles to the techniques and the demands of the modern world.  They now have a wide range of products and plants that are certifiably organic, making this the largest nursery of its kind, throughout the entire world.

I thought while I was visiting a friend who was attending the University of Cambridge, that I would audition for the Cambridge Shakespeare Festival. I’ve been in a few Shakespeare plays while I was in highschool and I wondered if I have what it takes to be a Shakespearean actor. But, first I thought I’d check out some performances during the Festival, to see if I really might have a chance.

The Festival has become a significantly cultural event here in Cambridge. I can expect a crowd upwards of 25,000 people coming for the productions which will run eight week long. Since the city naturally attracts people here, the Festival has benefited and has acquired not only a national dimension, but an international one too. That can be a little intimidating, for one who thinks they can perform in a Shakespeare play, like me.

My evening at the Cambridge Shakespeare Festival was a unique experience for me. Prior the the performance, members of the audience are allowed to picnic in the idyllic setting. I didn’t know that, but I sat back anyway to enjoy an evening of a very dynamic a visual theater experience. I read in the program that the artistic policy of the Festival strips away unnecessary theatrical artifice and gimmickry. The Company exist only to provide access for all to marvel at the works without assuming any prior knowledge of the author or the play being performed that night. This I found intimidating too. No gimmickry?

I was really impress with the elegant amphitheater of Robinson College. It was an ideal setting for Shakespeare’s fast paced comedy-tragedy and masquerades. As I left the theater and headed back to my Cambridge Hotel, I knew I didn’t stand a chance if I auditioned for next years Festival. These actors were so fabulously good. So believable. I loved every minute of it. But, I wasn’t disappointed with myself, instead I was glad to know there was such marvellous talent out in the world.