Eastern Mediterranean: Sand, Surf and Spice!

Old world charm, stunning beaches and exotic cuisine the eastern Mediterranean is a sun lover’s paradise. Bordering the Eastern Flank of the Mediterranean, it is home to some of the world’s most exciting and spectacular cities including Cyprus, Istanbul, Egypt, Rome, Venice, Florence, Naples, Athens, Dubrovnik, Aleppo, Damascus, Beirut, Jerusalem, Amman, Cairo and Alexandria. To help guide you through the many wonders of the eastern Mediterranean let’s look at three of the most popular destinations. 

Heather Mizzi at Piazzale Michelangelo

 

Paphos, Cyprus
Paphos is a coastal city in the southwest of Cyprus. It is the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty.  The breathtaking beaches must be one of her many gifts to this awe-inspiring country.

Cyprus is a popular sun destination with over 2.4 million tourists per year. And it is gaining popularity as a cycling and trekking destination. It is truly the best way to discover the most unspoiled parts of the island. The eastern coast is famous for its fine white sandy beaches with shallow turquoise waters. Deep water bays are perfect for snorkeling or diving.

• Cyprus lies in the eastern Mediterranean and is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia. • Preferred currency:  euro
• English is spoken by 90% of the people in both Northern and Southern Cyprus.

Istanbul, Turkey
Old world meets new world in Istanbul. You can shop the day away in ancient old world bazaars and at night join the many tourists and locals at one of the ultra modern night clubs like Crystal, Istanbul’s premier hot spot.

Istanbul appeals to all types of travelers with religious tours of Seven Churches of Apocalypse to adventure tours like Jeep safaris and rock climbing. Istanbul has it all!

• The summer months in Istanbul are warm and humid with very little rain especially between July-August. Spring and autumn are mild and are considered the best time for visitors.
• Istanbul is one of the biggest cities in the world, with a population of over 13 million.
• The New Turkish Lira (YTL) is the currency used in Istanbul though the euro and US dollar are also accepted at places frequented by tourists.

Florence, Italy
Dashing is how I would describe Florence, Italy. It’s rare to see an Italian looking drab.  Fashion and design are just one of the many wonders of Italy. Wine, leather and fine cuisine are high on the list too.  Unless it was a sour grape from a Tuscan vineyard (which I doubt could happen!), I don’t know of anyone who has left Italy with a bad taste in their mouth.

Florence is one of the emerald cities of Italy. The smell of leather and pasta collide as you walk towards the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore in the historic city centre.   Pucci, Escada and Gucci come into view as you make your way to the Piazzale Michelangelo. The hike to the top is worth the trouble to see the panoramic view of this lover’s paradise.

• Florence is actually Firenze pronounced: fi-ren’-zay. It is located in the region of Toscana (Tuscany)
• The population of Florence is around half a million
• The euro is the preferred currency.
• English is spoken by many locals however they appreciate it when Italian is attempted.

Tranquil blue seas, exotic cuisine, spice bazaars and more await you in the eastern Mediterranean!

Check out www.insightvacations.com  for the latest travel packages to the eastern Mediterranean.  Your Maritime Travel agent will be pleased to assist you with any inquiries you may have about your travels.

Why Iceland?

That’s the question everybody asks when I say where I went on my latest trip.

After spending some time in a land that was an amazing combination of European sophistication and other-worldly landscapes, all I can say in response is “Why didn’t I go sooner?” (And how soon can I go back?)

Let’s start with Reykjavik, the capital city. In many ways, it reminded me of Paris with its twisty-turny narrow downtown streets lined with interesting shops, cafes and restaurants. It even has its own “Eiffel Tower” thanks to the Hallgrimskirkja. This church’s tall, finger-like tower made a perfect landmark – it was easily seen no matter where we went, making it impossible to get lost whether we were exploring the downtown or roaming through the parks.

The funky shopping area in Reykjavik is the 101 district. Just follow Laugavagur Street and you’ll discover little shops that sell hand-knit Icelandic sweaters; unusual jewelry made out of silver and volcanic pearls; loads of book stores (Iceland has a 100% literacy rate); and the “world’s smallest watch manufacturer,” whose gorgeous pieces grace the wrists of rock musicians, movie stars and the Dali Llama.

When hunger hits, head for the waterfront. Fishing is still a major industry in Iceland and you’ll have your choice of seafood restaurants – all serving up the freshest catches with a view of the distant snowcapped mountains and the sea. For lunch one day we chose Icelandic Fish & Chips, which specializes in organic foods. This is not your typical fish and chip shop – you can have your fish fried, baked or poached, and the choices of chips took up a full side of the menu. And then there were the dips – all made with Iceland’s greatest secret: skyr! (Skyr is like a thick, yummy yogurt that has no fat. Eat as much of it as you can.) By the way, vegetarians aren’t left out in Reykjavik. There are several veggie-only places to eat.

Have you ever wondered what the midnight sun looks like? In late spring/summer Iceland really does enjoy 24-hours of daylight. Imagine 8:00pm on a summer’s night that just never ends; that’s what the light was like. The Icelandic people take full advantage of this and start hitting the bars and clubs at midnight to party until the morning.

Discovering the geographic and historic wonders just outside the city is easy thanks to Iceland’s highly organized bus tour system. We signed up for the Golden Circle tour at our hotel and were picked up the next morning by a very comfy coach. It’s hard to describe the lunar-landscape just outside the city. They don’t call this the land of ice and fire for nothing – we watched mile after mile of volcanic rock roll by as we headed out to adventure.

Our first stop was Gullfoss, The Golden Falls. These are Europe’s most powerful waterfalls, crashing down a three-step staircase before plunging into a crevice so deep, you can’t see where the water goes. Even if it’s sunny on the day you take this tour, bring a raincoat. You can get quite close to the falls and the mist will have you soaked.

After that it was on to the geyser fields. I cannot imagine what it was like for the Vikings who first saw this phenomenon. Ghostly mist floats just above the ground, while puddles of boiling water bubble and burp away. Then one of them explodes, sending a rocket of water high into the air. No wonder the Vikings had so many gods.

Our last stop was Thingvellir National Park, site of Iceland’s first parliament in 930AD as well as the mid-Atlantic rift. This is the place where the European and Atlantic tectonic plates meet and are slowly pulling apart at the rate of two centimeters a year. You don’t have to be a geologist to see that the land is literally splitting apart, but, as our guide explained, that doesn’t mean that Iceland is going to become two islands. Each tug of the plates results in a volcanic reaction, filling in the void with lava that soon turns to rock. So Iceland is actually growing bigger with each shift.

Of course, Iceland is most famous for the Blue Lagoon – and now I must tell you a deep dark secret: we didn’t go. Instead, we opted to hang out with the locals at Laugardalslaug, one of Reykjavik’s many outdoor geothermal pools. It wasn’t as fancy as the Blue Lagoon, but it did give us a full morning to meet some more friendly folks and get into the groove of Icelandic living. The waters are plenty warm and the locals told us they jump in several times a week, year round, even in winter. They feel that’s one of the reasons they live so long – and they have one of the longest life spans in the world to show for it. Funny observation: you have to shower up completely before getting in the pool because they don’t bleach the water – but every Icelandic woman kept her lipstick on!

I’m already thinking of going back to see the southern parts of Iceland with its mighty glaciers. And since Iceland is just a 4-hour direct flight away from Halifax, you know it won’t be long before I head that way again. A big TAKK to Icelandair, the Hilton Nordica, Reykyavik Excursions and Maritime Travel for making this trip so easy, affordable and memorable!

Margaret MacQuarrie
Very happy Maritime Travel customer

Iceland tips:
• You can fly direct from Halifax to Iceland with Iceland Air. Call your Maritime Travel agent for details.

• If you learn only one word in Icelandic, make it “snyrting.” That means bathroom. But don’t worry if you don’t remember – every person we met spoke excellent English. All signs and menus are bi- or multi-lingual, too.

• Iceland moves at a slower pace. Stores close up between 5 – 6 p.m. on Saturday and most don’t open on Sunday. Use Sunday as a touring day, not a shopping day.

• The local currency is the kroner. You can’t buy kroner in Canada before you leave, nor can you exchange it once you get back. There are plenty of ATMs and a bank at the airport so just withdraw some cash when you get there and exchange it before you come back. Credit cards are readily accepted for everything, so you really don’t need to carry much money. Also, Icelandic people do not expect tips.

• Shopping tip: tourists get their tax back– so save your receipts!

School’s Out for Summer

“No more pencils, No more books, No more teacher’s dirty looks” 

It’s that time of year again when the school year winds down and summer officially begins.  Have you planned your summer holiday?  I must remind those of you with children there is a good chance the first school assignment in September will be an oral report entitled “My Summer Vacation.”   

Your mission should you choose to accept it is to take your family on the vacation of all vacations. This is your opportunity to make an impression on the other parents; to take a well needed break from the hustle and bustle of your life and to give your kid(s) a vacation they will remember for the REST OF THEIR LIVES.  And no, visiting Great Aunt Norma doesn’t count.  Unless she lives in Orlando and Mickey Mouse is her neighbor. 

Check out Maritime Travel’s vacation hot spots for you and your family:

Summer with Mickey and Friends
Disney is always a hot destination for summer.  With Disneyland, Disney World and Disney Cruise Lines you can find the right vacation for everyone in your family.  That oral report practically writes itself…”This summer I met Mickey Mouse.  I saw China when I visited Epcot Centre. I will remember this forever!  I have the best parents!”  

Travel Tip:  Split the costs with another family.  Disney becomes more affordable when you can share in the costs of a vacation home rental, food and car rental expenses. Call your Maritime Travel agent today and ask about Florida vacation rentals and special Disney offers.

Watch the Walt Disney World Resort Video here: www.disneywebcontent.com/portal/site/csa-wdw/?SiteID=3126

A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Okay so there are some of you who are looking for a more “educational” holiday.  Maybe your high school’er needs to get a leg up on Shakespeare.  Europe is a hot bed of history, architecture, literature, art and cuisine.  James Jr. just might be influenced enough to become the next Pulitzer Prize winning author.  “…I would like to thank my mother and father for the summer holiday in England where my passion for writing blossomed.”

Travel Tip:  Visiting London?  Pick up The London Pass and save some serious quid.   The London Pass gives you entry to your choice of 55 charging tourist attractions in London; priority access at the busiest sights; additional deals, discounts and more.  Call Maritime Travel today for more information.

Read Maritime Travel’s “Recommended Europe” for the best Europe has to offer: www.maritimetravel.ca/recommendedresorts.asp

Get X-Treme in Whistler this Summer!
Trek west to Whistler, British Columbia for some extreme summer fun!  Whistler, known as one of the top ski destinations in the world, is fast becoming a popular destination in summer too.  Adventure junkies take note, mountain biking, alpine hiking, fishing, horse-riding, river-rafting, bungee jumping and glacier skiing are just some of the activities available in Whistler.

Travel Tip:  Be flexible with travel days.  Airfares and hotel rates are based on supply and demand, so it pays to be flexible when booking your travel.  Look around the dates of your travel plans and see if spending an extra day is worth it. Your Maritime Travel agent is your best source for getting you the best price. Call us today!

Hot Summer Deals and Last Minute Specials!
No time left to plan?  No worries!  We have you covered with our Hot Deals and Last Minute Specials.  See our airfare specials and all inclusive vacations packages at:  http://www.maritimetravel.ca/hotdeals.asp

Travel Tip:   It’s a last minute deal need we say more?!

 

Until next time, have a memorable summer vacation!

Imagination By Reality

“The use of travelling is to regulate imagination by reality,
and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.”

I have a wild imagination. It has taken me to some amazing places…in my head.  But thanks to my love of travel I am able to give my imagination a breather while also rejuvenating it with the wonderment I experience on my journeys. 

In 2007-2008 I lived in Ireland. One of my fondest memories is lying on a massive tree branch in Rock Close on the grounds of Blarney Castle. I remember thinking “If I didn’t know better I’d swear I was on the film set of Lord of the Rings.”   The gardens are like a fairytale come to life.  I wanted to lie there all day and write a children’s book.

With each step the gardens draw you in more and more.  They almost cast a spell on you. It felt as if the forest would come alive at any moment.  Large wondrous trees stemmed out of the ground shadowing you from the light of the sun. Their expansive trunks and sinewy branches were twisted and haggard showing their age.  They resembled giants and at times I thought they would speak to me.  This is the awe-inspiring fantasy land of Rock Close. I encourage you to visit Ireland and make a day trip to Blarney to capture the essence of this amazing place.   

Next stop on the imagination station?  London!  Paris!  Las Vegas!  New York City!

I always dreamed about hitting the streets of these famous cities.  Each offers the exciting nightlife, romance and intrigue that can only be truly experienced in person. 

I feel London could become a true best friend although Paris offers some stellar views and exquisite cuisine.  Or I could make like Carrie Bradshaw in the city of all cities, New York.  I love the idea of jet-setting around with my oversized sunglasses, designer bag and Mr. Big on my arm.  It could happen!? 

Only time will tell which one will be my top choice.  I am sure it won’t be easy to choose but I know I am going to love every last minute of it! 

Until next time keep your passport close and eyes on the skies.  Your next trip is closer than you think!

Cheers,
Heather

Where does your imagination take you?   
Set your imagination free and start planning your next trip at www.maritimetravel.ca. 

Links of Interest:
www.blarneycastle.ie
www.iloveny.com
www.en.parisinfo.com
www.visitlondon.com
www.visitlasvegas.com

From Amsterdam to St. Petersburg

Charlene Walker manages a Maritime Travel office in Digby, and her clients the Smars are on a world cruise. Charlene has been posting updates on her blog. Visit http://www.maritimetravel.ca/1168/CharleneWalker the entries are in reverse order.

This is the most recent post! enjoy!

World Cruise – Tahitian Princess – Karen Smar / May 10
Posted: May 21, 2009
Posted By: Charlene Walker

Amsterdam was quite the day. Ken, Gary, Debbie and I headed into town and started walking around that beautiful city. We had hoped to meet a couple crew members who had to wait till later to get off the ship but it wasn’t meant to be. We waited at the town square and had our first beer and just watched the street performers and all the tourists. We then walked to the canal and strolled along the streets and through many of the little stores stopping occasionally to take pictures of very strange buildings. It’s hard to tell if they were built crooked or if they have all just leaned over the centuries. It is amazing that these buildings are still standing but it is so good to see that they are kept in good shape and not just knocked down.
For all you have been to Amsterdam you know how much there is to experience and we experienced all that city has to offer.

Walking through the Red Light District was something you have to experience. We have all heard about it for many years but to see the women/supposed women on display in their little cubicles is really something. Some of them don’t even look human.

Amsterdam was the first and only place on this trip that I have paid to pee in a public toilet. I figured we were safe going into a McDonald’s but there was a guy waiting at the bathroom entrance to collect our 50 cents.

We saw amazing tulips – mostly in bloom but I couldn’t find any bulbs that were certified for transporting to Canada. I would have loved to have purchased some of the amazing colors we don’t see normally but I’ll just have to look at the pictures.

Once back on the ship it was time to warm up and have a quick nap. We then all met at the Tahitian Lounge for sail off. The Netherland’s coastline is beautiful and we easily sat for two hours watching us go through the lock system and look at the little villages.

We then had a day at sea and I spent a good part of the day getting mostly packed. I was getting a little worried about everything fitting in the suitcases allowed but eased the anxiety once I got mostly packed. The weather has been really cold so all I left out was cold weather clothing and hopefully that will all fit in the carry on when the time comes.

We hit some rougher seas and Debbie was a little sea sick so she took drugs and spent a good portion of the day in bed. At 6 p.m. she woke up and said she was hungry so we headed up to the Bistro for a pizza for dinner. We then went to the Tahitian Lounge and visited with some of the other world cruisers. It’s amazing how people we only kind of knew on the world cruise are now our best friends as all the newbies are grumpy and full of attitude. I really feel sorry for a lot of the crew as the newbies are dishing out a lot of unnecessary shit to them and they can’t say a word.

We arrived the next morning in Copenhagen to another cold and breezy day. Ken, Becky, Nancy, Daniella, Debbie and I all headed off the ship and caught the local bus to the downtown area. We walked around for awhile taking in all the sights and stopped across the street from Tivoli for the first refreshment and mull over whether we were going to spend the $30. admission to see the gardens. We decided against it and just spent the day walking around. We spent quite a bit of time looking at churches, statutes, the palace and more canals and made our way back on foot to the statute of the Little Mermaid. We got back on the ship in lots of time and all got warm and then again met up at the Tahitian Lounge for sail away.

We spent the evening taking in Tom and Greg’s show and then headed back up to the lounge for the usual evening visit.

Another sea day. The waters were much calmer so Debbie was able to get by without taking any drugs. Most of us laid low for the day and just vegged the day away. I did some reorganization of the packing when we realized that Debbie was allowed another carry on bag. Now I have no qualms about getting stuff home and none of the bags will be overweight for sure.

Becky, Nancy, Ken, Gary, Debbie and I all enjoyed a Bistro dinner together and then called it an early evening since the clocks were being turned ahead again. Debbie and I got into watching Sex in the City so we didn’t go to sleep as early as planned but she hadn’t seen the movie and enjoyed it.

We got up yesterday morning in Helsinki to pouring rain. Some of the rain looked like it had some color and it was 6C outside. We all mulled over walking ashore and decided we’d head to the terminal for the necessary port souvenirs and then wait a couple hours to see if it got any nicer. Deb and I headed back to our room and were quickly sound asleep and woke up 2 hours later to the rain still coming down.

We headed up to the Tahitian Lounge to meet everyone and decided it was better that it as raining in Helsinki that in St. Petersburg so we just got comfy in the lounge and watched the Rocky Horror Picture Show – which even though is 30+ years old I had never seen.

Once we left Helsinki the waters were rougher again so Deb took a pill and hit the pit and I visited the evening away with Ken, Joyce, Gary, Beth and some crew members in the lounge.

I headed back to the room at 11 and woke Deb up as I was afraid that she’d wake up at 3 a.m. and not get back to sleep. She had gotten an e-mail from Bob saying her cell phone should be working so we spent almost an hour trying to get calls put through. We finally gave up and spent $4.95/min to call Bob and he called us back. It worked well. It was good to know that all is okay at home and that the guys miss us.

We are now in St. Petersburg. Because of Russian law we can’t go ashore unless we are on a ship’s tour without the proper visa. So we have booked a tour of the Hermitage and an evening canal cruise. We don’t leave here till 9 p.m. so we are hoping that the weather stays nice and we have a great tour.

A Table for One

Upon speaking with our good Friend Mary Thyme, she shared one of her favorite stories!….

A Table for One by Mary Thyme

The joys of travelling alone

There was a time when I was hesitant to do things on my own. I thought if I so much as went to a movie alone, people would think I had no friends. I travelled on my own for business back in those days, but would never have considered taking a pleasure trip alone.

Then one weekend in Denver, I found my courage to go it alone. I was at a conference and my flight home got cancelled. I had a choice: sit in my hotel room alone with take-out, or take myself out. I decided it was time I took a table for one.

And guess what happened? Nobody stared. The maitre’d didn’t drop dead of fright when I requested solo seating. Nor was I given a table by the toilet. Nobody tut-tutted about that ‘poor young woman with no friends.’ I had a lovely, quiet evening and a great meal. So the next time I had the urge to travel and my husband and friends were too busy to come with me, I booked a single ticket and the rest is herstory.

It turns out I’m not alone. Lots of women (and men) are travelling alone. So many, in fact, that resorts, cruise lines, hotels and tour operators are getting in on the act.

With the help of a travel counsellor you can find many enlightened operators and resorts that have a special “singles” price that won’t break the bank. I’ve also had great luck asking about “singles sharing” plans – many operators will pair you up with a roommate of the same gender and around the same age, so you’ll get the price advantage of travelling double, but by day you’re on your own.

Before you go “ewwww” at that idea, let me tell you that I really have had wonderful luck with this type of travel. The other women I’ve met have been mature in spirit and interested in the world.

I shared a tent in Tanzania with a lovely young woman who had been into banking in New York. The ‘rat race’ was burning her out, she needed time to rethink her career and was taking a year off to just travel the world and think.

I shared a hotel room in Paris with a woman who, at 70, wanted to indulge her love of photography and art deco architecture.

The great thing about all of these “roommates” is that I wasn’t paired up with them for my full trip. I had my space, and someone to share the ‘rent.’

So don’t be afraid to try the sharing route.

If you’ve never travelled alone before and are a little worried about things like getting lost, not knowing the language or just staying safe, I recommend taking a tour or a cruise. That way, you’ll have structure, an agenda, and a guide – but still plenty of alone time. Many resorts cater to singles, too. At a resort, you’ll feel safe and surrounded by staff whose job is to make sure you have a good time.

All right – now I can hear some of you thinking: “are these resorts going to be like singles bars – pick up joints?” In a word: no. Some resorts are known for their romantic singles vacations, but you don’t have to go those, unless that’s what you want.

My kids are long grown, but if you’ve got little ones and want to bring them with you, some resorts even have special Single Parent promotions.

Let me tell you something else I’ve discovered on my travels – you can always find someone to talk to. I meet more people while travelling alone than I do when I’m with friends. And the best thing is, it’s a new friend for a day or an hour, then I’m on my way. And when I want some quiet time, I’ve got it. (How else would I get these stories written?)

Until next time,
Mary Thyme

PS: if you’re ready to go it alone, contact your nearest Maritime Travel counsellor to get their help and recommendations. There are lots of options for singles of all ages!

Up Close and Personal

It is difficult to pick one favorite moment from our recent Florida vacation – however our Serengeti Safari at Busch Gardens in Tampa, stands out as a moment we will treasure for a long time. There are many ways to see the animals of Busch Gardens but there are a few unique opportunities to get up close and personal.

The Serengeti Safari experience takes you in an open-truck on the African veldt. This is an intimate experience that is prebooked with a time reserved for your party. As you explore the 65-acre Serengeti Plain, you’ll meet some magnificent animals and learn a great deal too.

Get nose-to-nose with a giraffe. Learn a thing or two about zebras. Understand exotic species like bongo, eland and ostrich as your guide helps bring you closer to the wildlife and wild places in this world we share. No two experiences are the same.

The highlight for my family was hand feeding the giraffes. Roman lettuce is their green of choice. These guys are big—and my children were far more comfortable with them than I was.

Photo opportunities on the Serengeti Safari are unbelievable. Be sure to bring your camera so you can share your Serengeti adventure with everybody back home. Plus a photographer goes out with you too, so this might be the chance to get the perfect family photo.

The 30-minute, open-truck tour is $33.99 USD, but the memories are priceless!! For more information check out.

Best Job in the World

Have you heard about the best job in the world? According to the Australia Queensland stat it is the chance to be the caretaker of a tiny tropical island in Australia, and it looks pretty appealing. Hundreds of thousands of people have agreed it would be their dream job – the site has crashed several times as people log on to apply or to vote for candidates.

The job offers a salary of US$105,000 to spend six months on the Great Barrier Reef island of Hamilton. Duties for the so-called “best job in the world” include feeding ocean fish, cleaning a pool and collecting deliveries of mail that arrive by plane. Thrown in is a luxury three-bedroom home and transportation to and from the island. No skills, nor experience is needed, and there is no age requirement. The job starts in July.

An official from the state of Queensland, which is offering the position, said the job was created as an antidote to the global economic slump and was being advertised in 18 countries including the United States and China.

Tourism officials from Australia’s Queensland state received nearly 35,000 applications for the job. The finalists who receives the most votes, as well as 10 others chosen by the tourism board, will be flown to Hamilton Island to be interviewed. The winner will be announced next week (May 6th) and starts work on July 1. The finalists are from 22 countries, including Canada, the United States, Germany, Greece and India.

The Final 16 Applicants will be travelling to Hamilton Island from May 3 to 6 for The Best Job in the World’s final selection process. Good luck to the Canadian Finalist. Erik from Vancouver, Canada (Online News Editor) to see details on the job or applicants visit http://www.islandreefjob.com/
And if you like your job, but would like to just experience this wonderful part of the world, contact one of our travel counsellors who can help you start planning today.
Until next time
Melanie Taljaard

Books that will take you there

By now you’ve probably realized that I spend a fair amount of the work day talking travel with colleagues. Now and again I do change it up and talk about travel… books. With only a few weeks of vacation, sometimes I need to escape vicariously. I make a habit of checking in regularly with other passionate travellers to find out what they are reading. I don’t have a lot of time to read, so I am always in search of those stellar books that really take you on an adventure with the turning of each page. You know the books I mean, the ones where you can feel the warmth of the sun on your face or smell the local cuisine. As the author builds the characters she paints vivid images in your mind of the surroundings and you find yourself longing to experience this destination for yourself. Funny it seems my reading time these days if often on planes, don’t you love an airport with a good bookstore? Books and travel just go together so well.

Favorite travel books have defined destinations for me, before I visit the destination and then as I explore the destination the book becomes the frame of reference – this was the case with In a Sun Burnt Country—Bill Bryson’s colourful book about Australia. The book painted such an amazing picture of Australia that in my mind there are some memories that I can’t recall if I experienced the cultural icon or read about them, perhaps that says more about my memory than the quality of the book.

Other books transport me back to those favorite destinations where I longed to linger just a little longer. True escapism is reading somebody else’s vivid tales when their interests and reactions to cultural experiences mirror the exact ones I had in that country, reading such books truly creates mini vacations.

I’ve sorted a few of my favorites by destination and are as follows:

Around the World
Three Weeks with my Brother by Nicholas Sparks
Leaving Microsoft to Save The World by John Woods

Russia
To Russia with Fries by George Cohon

France
A Year in the Merde (and all the sequels to this one all provide ample opportunity for a good laugh) by Stephen Clarke
Weekend in Paris by Robyn Sisman
French Woman Don’t Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano – I actually ‘heard’ this book (audio books are such a great way to get through more books on a jammed pack schedule) this one is read by the author with an appropriate and quaint French accent which truly brought the stories to life.

Various Countries
Red White and Drunk All Over by Natalie MacLean – a Native Nova Scotian’s self discovery of wine throughout France and California. I appreciate the back roads overview of France offered in this book, it went well beyond typical portrayals of Paris and Provence and much of book was set in the area of France where I too had lived.
Bill Bryson (anything) and including: In a Sun Burnt Country, Notes from a Small Island, I’m a Stranger Here Myself
Eat Love and Pray by Elizabeth Gilbert

Here are just two on my list that I have not read but that come highly recommended by passionate travellers: Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson (on Pakistan and Afghanistan) Nights of Rain and Stars by Maeve Binchy is sure to have you dreaming of a vacation in Greece.

What’s on your list of books that will take you there?

Until next time
Melanie Taljaard

Blogging, Logging, and Sharing those Memories

With digital cameras, cameras on your phones, expanded memory cards, laptops that go virtually everywhere, it is easy to come home with hundreds and thousands of pictures, but what next?

What is the best way to store and share all those moments? Not everyone is on Facebook and the album size is limited, but it is so easy and based on your status, friends have already been asking you about your trip.

I take a ton of photos – and with half of our family living a few continents away I have had a chance to evaluate a few tools for sharing photos and here are my favorites.

Shutterfly is a great tool for creating and sharing albums and perhaps the best place to start if you are not keen on social networking tools like Facebook. The interfaces are very user friendly. It is easy to add comments to photos, and to reorder them. You can create one large album with all the photos and then create different albums just selecting some of the photos from the main album. It is also very easy to order prints from Shutterfly. I am now using Picasa (a Google tool) it offers a few more features for online photos (but does not offer the ability to order prints or other photo products). Here is a link that compares sites like Shutterfly and Picasa. With Picasa make sure that you mark your albums private – otherwise they can be publicly searched.

While I love the ease of sharing photos online I am still largely attached to looking at physical photos. I think photo books are the perfect tool to affordably capture all travel memories. You can have photo books created through camera shops and online photo service providers. I have produced many books through www.blurb.com and I am always pleased by the results.

You simply download the software to your PC and then upload photos. There are countless templates, formats and adaptations that can be made. Once images are uploaded on a photoshare site you can do a highlights album on Facebook or simply post the link to your photo site on Facebook.

These memory keepers are surprisingly affordable too. Pricing depends on cover options and length, but a recent book with over a hundred pages (and several hundred photos) cost just over $50 US I couldn’t have printed all the pictures for that. I’d also suggest that once you do the work of putting the book together, print some extras (you can quickly just change a title or dedicate page and give the children each their own copy).

Until next time
Melanie Taljaard