American World Traveler Summer 2021 Issue

A M E R I C A N 

Traveler 

W O R L D 

Already 19 Years 

Summer 2021 

Take Me There! 

Bali, Indonesia 

C o m e W i t h U s & S e e T h e W o r l d !

Published by: 

World Traveler 

Canadian World Traveller 

American World Traveler 

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Publisher 

Michael Morcos 

Editor-in-chief 

Greg James 

Contributing Editor 

David J. Cox 

Graphic Department 

Al Cheong 

Take Me Away! 

Advertising Department 

Leo Santini 

Marketing Department 

Tania Tassone 

Distribution 

Royce Dillon 

Senior Travel Writers: 

Susan Campbell 

Steve Gillick 

Regular Contributors: 

Habeeb Salloum 

Jennifer Merrick 

Olivia Balsinger 

Mike Cohen 

Ilona Kauremszky 

Natalie Ayotte 

Jasmine Morcos 

Daniel Smajovits 

Cherie DeLory 

Lisa TE Sonne 

Alexandra Cohen 

Jessica Percy Campbell 

Mathieu Morcos 

Gregory Caltabanis 

Anne-Marie Macloughlin 

Janice Mucalov 

Contributors this isssue: 

williamdboehm.wordpress.com 

Brian from OutsideHow.com 

In this issue, we start our whirlwind 

adventure in Bali, “The Islands of the 

Gods”, to discover this heavenly and 

diverse destination. We then head to the little 

visited, historically rich city of Hue in 

Vietnam. 

On to Europe where we start in the east 

and eat our way through to the wonderful 

capitals of Budapest and 

Bratislava. Close-by, we visit the 

Czech Republic and find out all 

about puppets and their remarkable 

popularity through the ages. Just to 

the south we set sail with ‘Uniworld’s 

Reimagined S.S. La Venezia’ through 

Venice and northern Italy. We then take 

another cruise, this time we ‘Visit Three 

Continents’ on Celestyal’s ‘Newest Cruise 

Itinerary’ that takes us from Greece to 

Africa and then onto Asia. While in the 

Mediterranean, we visit the magnificent 

island nation of Malta and find the best this 

little gem has to offer the traveler. Lastly, we 

head to England to experience a ride on 

the iconic and popular London Eye. 

We now cross the big pond to the 

Americas. First, in Canada, we go to 

Winnipeg to the newly opened Qaumajuq 

museum that exhibits the best Inuit art. To 

the west, we head to Banff, one of 

Canada’s most popular national parks and 

rightfully so. In the States, we visit the 

Highland Lakes region and find 

‘Galvanizing Burnet County, Texas!’ To 

the south, we find tranquilly in ‘Viva 

the Villa Life on Bonaire’. In Central 

America, we head to a market town 

with a tongue twister name, 

Chichicastenango, Guatemala, a 

gem of the colonial past. Finally, our 

tour comes to an end in South 

America as we find ‘The Secret of Exploring 

Colombia’. 

Happy Travels! 

Disclaimer: World Traveler has made every effort to 

verify that the information provided in this publication 

is as accurate as possible. However, we accept 

no responsibility for any loss, injury, or inconvenience 

sustained by anyone resulting from the information 

contained herein nor for any information 

provided by our advertisers.

Destinations 

Crusing Section 

36 

Texas 8 Malta 10 

Budapest & Bratislava 12 Bali 60 

Cruise News 

Celestyal Cruises 

Disney Cruise Line 

Uniworld River Cruises 

Stay & Play - 48 

Colombia 62 Banff 64 

Vietnam 

Around the World 14 

The Mansion Resort & Spa, Bali

8 

Galvanizing Burnet County, Texas! 

Article and photography by Michael Morcos 

After a long journey from home that 

included two flights and a two-hour 

drive from the airport, the Canyon 

of the Eagles resort was a sight for sore eyes 

and sore body. This would be the perfect remedy 

to recuperate and recharge as we would 

explore the magnificent Highland Lakes 

region of Texas. 

Canyon of the Eagles 

There are so many hidden gems to be discovered, 

and the Canyon of the Eagles resort is 

one to be added to the list. It is tucked away 

in the Upper Highland Lakes region of the 

Texas Hill Country, and it is a great escape for 

those who enjoy nature-based adventures. 

Ideally placed on the northern bank of Lake 

Buchanan, it has 61 ecofriendly rooms and 

various spaces for corporate events and family 

reunions. 

In the resort, we enjoyed the swimming pool, 

movies under the stars, and its full slate of 

amenities. The resort also presented a show 

by Robert Lindsay, a Texas snake expert introducing 

us to the many native snakes. I have 

always had a disliking to snakes and this 

show, although educational, made me think 

of what I would do if I met one in the wild. 

At night would feast at the resorts’ wonderful 

scenic hill-top restaurant ‘The Overlook’. As 

the name would imply, it offers a fantastic 

panoramic view of the lake and hills and 

wonderfully tasty supper coupled with the 

locally produced Torr Na Lochs wine. 

Stargazing at Canyon of the Eagles 

The resort is an ideal base to experience the 

rugged charm of the landscape, the splendor 

of Lake Buchanan and is also a refuge for 

several endangered animals, including the 

American Bald Eagle. After dinner was a special 

time at the resort, as we would go star 

gazing a stone’s throw from the resort. 

The location is one of the best in Central Texas 

for viewing the cosmos due to minimal light 

pollution in the region. With five fully automated 

telescopes, the guests are offered 

spectacular views of bright planets, nebulas, 

and distant galaxies. It put the world into a little 

perspective, as looking out into the stars 

made me feel the world’s problems were a little 

less significant. 

Lake Buchanan 

The resort has a multiple activities and diversions 

for all tastes and desires. Right from the

Canyon of the Eagles I would take a solo 

Canoe ride on tranquil Lake Buchanan. A 

great way to reconnect with nature. The air 

and water were peaceful with only the sounds 

of birds and my ore hitting the water. I felt a 

million miles away from home and loved 

every minute. I was truly in god’s country 

here. 

The magnificent lake is extremely popular 

with boaters, kayakers, and swimmers. 

Fishing enthusiasts will be well served as the 

lake is filled with Striper Bass. The area also 

has trailer parks, rental cabins and campgrounds 

that are popular and have many 

return clients, which may be due to a catfishserving 

cafe and a good old Texas B-B-Q with 

home style cooking. 

Nature Park’s wildlife preserve. 

Just off of the resort’s property, I would go 

trekking at Canyon of the Eagles Nature 

Park’s wildlife preserve with my guide Willard 

Horn. He pointed out native plants, the amazing 

variety of cactus and many different bird 

species. The preserve is home to many animals, 

and we caught sight of some eagles but 

luckily no snakes. 

Marble Falls 

This is usually a sleepy little town, was packed 

with visitors exploring wonderful shops for 

every taste, a multitude of dining options and 

even some art galleries. At ‘Sugar Mama 

Cookies’ we would taste lovingly made treats, 

while at Ms Lolipop’s we would go back to our 

childhood days in this old fashioned candy 

store. Lunch was at River City Grille where the 

portions were Texan huge and wonderfully filling. 

We were offered a lunch, tour and tasting at 

Bear King Brewing Company, named after a 

folk legend of a half-man, half-bear that 

roamed the area centuries ago. We enjoyed 

their shrimp tacos while tasting several specialty 

beers, like Wandering Blonde, 

Webster’s Dilemma and Bird’s Word. Not to 

be outdone, a visit to Save the World brewing 

company also made for a great afternoon. 

Greeted by Dave and Quynh Rathkamp, this 

husband and wife team swapped their jobs as 

physicians to open America’s first 100% philanthropic 

production craft brewery in 2012. 

They have crafted some delicious ale, but you 

grab a bottle for yourself, knowing that you 

are helping to Save The World one beer at a 

time. 

Burnet 

Burnet County is filled with charming small 

towns and is surely Texan, but also a unique 

personality of its own. 

When someone says what Texas is known for, 

the first word might not be wine, but the Lone 

Star State is starting to cultivate a reputation. 

After a 2012 wine tour in Australia, owners 

Blake and Karen DeBerry decided to convert 

their ranch property into a wine making paradise 

based on the vineyards they saw. Their 

Torr Na Lochs Winery planted their first vines 

in 2014, and the following year opened their 

tasting room, with an assortment of 

Tempranillos and Fion Deargs to try. 

A few years prior, the Wedding Oak Winery 

began producing, with viticulturist Mike 

McHenry began his vineyard with the passion 

to bring the burgeoning Texas wine industry to 

the heart of small town Texas. Wedding Oak 

Winery opened their historic 1926 tasting 

room and 10,000 case winery on June 1, 

2012 and only use Texas grapes in their 

wines. 

Dinner at trailblazer grille 

Situated on the square in downtown Burnet, 

Trailblazer Grille serves traditional Texas cuisine 

like steak and pot pies. During dinner we 

were treated to some local music to add to the 

true Texas experience. This would have to be 

the quintessionsal small Texas town eatery. 

Although there were a variety of things to 

choose from the menu, the beef was the top 

draw here. I picked the Rib-Eye, and mine 

was big, juicy and perfect! 

To my amazement, just off the main dining 

area was a cards room. Incredible, I was 

magnetised to it and found a many locals 

having a great time socialising. I was not sure 

what card game they were playing but if I had 

to guess, I would say: Texas Hold’em”! 

www.highlandlakesofburnetcounty.com 

www.canyonoftheeagles.com 

9 

American World Traveler Summer 2021

Top Reasons to Visit Malta 

Malta and its sister islands Gozo and Comino, an archipelago in the Mediterranean, boast a year round sunny climate. In addition to 

Maltese, English is spoken and it is a safe destination, much less crowded than mainland Europe. From it’s remarkable 7000 years of 

history, diverse culinary offerings, and an endless calendar of events and festivals - there is truly something to suit all interests in Malta. 

Malta is a member of the EU and the currency is Euros. 

Valletta: The European Capital 

Culture 2018, travelers will find themselves 

engulfed in the rich history and 

religious attractions that make up this 

Maltese Capital. Built by the Knights of 

St. John, the city that is bustling by day 

and now by night, will transport you 

back in time with its historic architecture 

and old world atmosphere. The 

narrow streets will lead you to historical 

landmarks, quaint coffee shops 

and elaborate churches. 

Gozo and Comino: A trip to Malta 

isn’t complete without a visit to Malta’s 

two sister islands, Gozo and Comino. 

The more rural island, Gozo, is a perfect 

change of pace for those looking 

for authenticity and a more relaxed 

and quaint stay. The island also comes 

complete with historical sites, forts and 

amazing panoramas, as well as one 

of the archipelago's best-preserved 

prehistoric temples, Ġgantija. Situated 

between Malta and Gozo, is a water 

lover’s paradise. Home to the most 

spectacular diving, snorkeling and 

boating experiences, the car-less 

island is home to the magnificent Blue 

Lagoon and the one single hotel on 

the island offers guests the most tranquil 

getaway. 

A Diverse Culinary Experience: Malta 

offers travelers a diverse culinary experience, 

from the traditional plate of 

eclectic Mediterranean food curated by 

a relationship between the Maltese 

and the countless civilizations that 

occupied the island, to the never-ending 

vineyards delivering the finest 

wine. Malta has been put on the gourmet 

cuisine map with five Michelinstarred 

restaurants and award winning 

chefs with a total of 31 restaurants listed 

in the Michelin 2021 guide including 

3 Bib Gourmand and 23 Michelin 

Plates. Not to be missed, the local 

street foods including the famous 

Maltese Pastizzi (cheese or pea filled 

pastries). 

Advertorial

Film Location Tourism: In recent 

years, Malta has become one of 

Europe's most popular film and television 

locations - dubbed "the 

Mediterranean's mini-Hollywood" by 

the London Times. The Maltese Islands 

are home to countless blockbusters 

like Gladiator, Popeye, and The Count 

of Monte Cristo. Most famously, the 

city of Mdina was home to the filming 

of HBO’s Game of Thrones, as the fictional 

city of King’s Landing. 

Year Long Events /Festivals Calendar: 

With a year long calendar of events 

and festivals, there is rarely a dull 

moment in Malta with a unique, culturally 

immersive experience always 

waiting around the corner. With events 

like the Malta Arts Festival to Classic 

Car Races and the Rolex Middle Sea 

Sailing Race, there’s a niche for everyone. 

Religion: With more than 360 churches 

and chapels scattered across Malta 

and Gozo, these religious sites form 

an integral part of the country’s history, 

landscape and skyline – they are at 

the heart of Maltese social and cultural 

life. St. Paul brought the Christian 

faith to Malta when he shipwrecked in 

A.D. 60, as his steps can be retraced 

through the shrines, grottos, catacombs, 

and more. Jewish travelers will 

also find a fascinating Jewish history 

and heritage on the Maltese Islands. 

Malta is home to religious experiences 

far beyond the ordinary and is a mustsee 

religious destination. 

The Dive Trail: Coming in as the third 

best diving destination two years in a 

row, all three Maltese islands offer 

unique diving experiences with an 

abundance of reefs, caves and wrecks 

each dive proves itself to be a 

momentous experience. For the ultimate 

diving adventure, take on the 

Dive Trail. Travelers can use this trail 

map as an underwater guide highlighting 

the most unique characteristics 

of Malta from underneath. Discover 

the Azure Reef, The Blue Hole and 

Coral Gardens as your swim past 

shipwrecks while swimming through 

Malta’s clear blue water. 

Nightlife: Typical of the Mediterranean 

lifestyle, locals' approach to life is to 

enjoy it as much as possible, giving 

Malta a lively and cheerful nightlife 

constantly. From clubbing and DJ’s, to 

classical orchestras, to traditional 

band music; nights on the Maltese 

Islands are never dull. 

Health and Wellness: The Maltese 

Islands are the perfect place to take 

time for your health and wellness, 

including state of the art, luxury spas. 

The fresh island air gives travelers the 

energy to walk or cycle through the 

beautiful scenery, or embrace some 

more adventurous activities like rock 

climbing or paragliding. 

Luxury for Less: Malta delivers the ultimate 

recipe for luxury, featuring a 

diverse range of luxury accommodations 

from five star properties, luxury 

boutique hotels, to historic palazzos 

and farmhouses. Visitors can also 

enjoy curated experiences from after 

hour tours of historic sites to chartering 

a yacht. All this luxury for less in Malta 

compared to similar accommodations 

and exclusive tours in mainland 

Europe. 

About Malta 

The sunny islands of Malta, in the 

middle of the Mediterranean Sea, are 

home to a most remarkable concentration 

of intact built heritage, including 

the highest density of UNESCO 

World Heritage Sites in any nationstate 

anywhere. Valletta built by the 

proud Knights of St. John is one of the 

UNESCO sights and the European 

Capital of Culture for 2018. Malta's 

patrimony in stone ranges from the 

oldest free-standing stone architecture 

in the world, to one of the British 

Empire's most formidable defensive 

systems, and includes a rich mix of 

domestic, religious and military architecture 

from the ancient, medieval and 

early modern periods. With superbly 

sunny weather, attractive beaches, a 

thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of 

intriguing history, there is a great deal 

to see and do. 

www.visitmalta.com 


12 

Budapest + 

being pickled to serve as a side dish at every 

meal, from the classiest of restaurants to 

homes across the city. 

Yet, what’s a visit to Central Market Hall without 

sampling some meat? Before your venture 

out into the streets of Budapest, more 

than 10 cuts await you on a charcuterie 

plate. From the traditional to the exotic, 

Hungarians take their meat seriously and you 

are about to experience that first-hand. 

Fortunately, the meat is sliced thinly as lunch 

is around the corner. As you traverse the historic 

streets of Budapest, you end up at 

Belvárosi Disznótoros, which roughly translates 

into a cornucopia of meat, beer and 

pickles. While made famous by the late 

Anthony Bourdain, locals raved about the 

gulyás (Goulash) and blood sausage long 

before his 2015 visit. 

More than paprika: A culinary tour of Budapest 

As soon as we sat down for a piping 

hot lángos, the deep-fried bread 

topped with sour cream and garlic 

in Budapest’s Central Market Hall, it became 

clear that Taste Hungry’s food tours were not 

for the faint of heart. 

Rich in history, tradition and yes, paprika – 

Hungarian cuisine is hearty and overwhelmingly 

flavourful. Borne from peasant food, 

dishes developed as a result of the various 

by Daniel Smajovits 

influences from neighbouring countries with 

a myriad of spices and ingredients seeping 

its way in over time. 

After washing down your lángos with a traditional 

shot of palinka, your guide will begin 

the tour with a stroll through Central Market 

Hall, where countless peppers are drying 

atop every stall and every possible cut of 

meat curing under the glass. Not a pepper or 

protein? It’s a safe bet that it’s a vegetable 

As you savour your last bite of lunch and 

move on to the sweet part of your afternoon, 

it becomes abundantly clear that Hungary’s 

food scene is much more than paprikas 

csirke (Chicken Paprikas) or the aforementioned 

gulyás. With a quick stop for artisan 

chocolates, you’re whisked away to Central 

Café, which opened in 1887 and whose 

beauty and food rivals that of nearby Vienna. 

Dessert, which is a selection of local specialties 

alongside a coffee or tea await, allowing 

you to soak in the historic atmosphere 

around you. 

While all good things come to an end – especially 

one of the best food tours you’ll ever 

experience – Taste Hungary has one final 

stop before you bid adieu. As proud as they 

are of local cuisine, they are even prouder of 

Hungarian wines. For that reason, they own 

and operate a wine cellar, which serves as 

the final stop of your tour. Five distinct wines 

from around Hungary, including the deliciously 

sweet Tokaji, and a cheese plate serve 

as the perfect ending to a delicious day. 

www.tastehungary.com

Bratislava 

13 

Stepping off the train in Bratislava, 

scenes from the 2004 movie 

EuroTrip were running through my 

head. With only 48 hours to spend in the 

Slovakian capital, I found it far-fetched that 

pocket change could jump start my career as 

a hotelier, but I was excited to begin exploring 

this often-overlooked city. 

Facts are facts: Bratislava is still rough 

around the edges. An hour train ride east 

from Vienna, this city is still trying to find its 

foothold amongst tourists, but from its food 

scene to cultural landmarks, Bratislava is 

quickly shedding its dark and dreary reputation 

and becoming a destination in itself. 

As the picturesque views of the Danube River 

from Bratislava Castle or the charm of the 

Old Town are enticing enough, once you 

arrive, the only way to truly experience both 

the city and the country itself is through its 

food and the aptly named Taste Bratislava. 

Tour owner and operator Daniela Adamcova 

takes pride in her city and country, knowing 

full well that her guests are wholly unfamiliar 

with her native cuisine. With that in mind, she 

endeavours to allow you to experience every 

aspect of Slovakian gastronomy. From the 

traditional to avant-garde, following an 

afternoon touring with Daniela, you will be 

asking for the recipes to replicate some of 

these dishes upon your return home. 

Amongst the first few dishes that await you 

on Daniela’s tour are Slovakia’s national 

dish: Bryndzové halušky, a sheep-cheese 

dumplings/gnocchi, Kapustnica, sauerkraut 

soup as well as Pečená kačica s lokšami a 

dusenou červenou kapustou: roast duck 

served with potato pancakes. 

To wash those down? Just some local beer 

and Kofola, the local non-alcoholic drink 

which was created behind the Iron Curtain to 

rival Coke. 

While food tours are her main focus now, 

Taste your way through Bratislava 

Daniela is also a certified tour guide, thus 

your afternoon expands beyond the plate 

and becomes a history and cultural lesson as 

well. While sipping local wine and munching 

on cod fish and sausage salads at the retro 

Café Škodovka, designed to transport you 

back to the 1960’s, or as you begin the 

sweeter part of your trip through Bratislava 

rolls: traditional pastry filled with poppy 

seeds or walnuts, your mind will soon 

become as full as your stomach. 


Whether you’re in town on a daytrip from 

Vienna or you’re spending a few nights, 

you’ll quickly fall in love with the Bratislava’s 

charm and laid-back nature. Yet, in order to 

truly appreciate this hidden gem of Eastern 

Europe, ensure to include Daniela and Taste 

Bratislava on your journey and be prepared 

to make some unique memories that will stay 

with you long after you’ve said zbohom. 

www.taste-bratislava.com 


14 

Around The World 

(in 22 pages) 

Amed: Bali’s Undiscovered Scuba Paradise 

by Olivia Balsinger 

Experiencing some of Indonesia's most breathtaking scuba 

diving and pristine beaches doesn't even require leaving the 

island of Bali. One of the island’s well-preserved secrets is 

Amed, delicately hugging the island’s northeastern coast. 

Sitting in the shadows of Bali’s largest volcano, Mount 

Agung, Amed’s famed black sand beaches are attributed to 

the volcanic deposit in the coastal soil, which differs significantly 

from the white sand throughout the rest of the island. 

Scuba diving is incredibly unique and accessible here, as 

divers enter the water from shore to discover the formoding 

underwater Japanese shipwreck, just 20 meters from shore, 

which has since become a haven for sea creatures to play 

hide n’ seek. Between its laid-back atmosphere, breathtaking 

scenery, and ease of accessible adventure, Amed is worthy 

of inclusion on any Bali itinerary. 

https://balitourismboard.or.id 

China Tourism Introduces New Brand Logo 

China National Tourism Administration 

(CNTA) has made “Beautiful China” the 

tag line of its tourism and introduced a 

new global brand logo. With an overall 

look as a stamp, the new logo integrates 

modern messaging with the ancient 

Chinese art form of calligraphy. The 

hieroglyph in the background means 

“travel” in ancient Chinese language, 

which shows a flag guiding a couple around. The blue color represents 

the sky, delivering China tourism’s concepts - vitality, harmony 

and green travel. The red color gives tribute to the Chinese 

civilization that has been going on for thousands of years. 

Illustrating an international vision, the “Beautiful China” logo represents 

China’s promising and welcoming tourism industry. 

An Eye on London 


As you slowly climb 443 feet above the River Thames, it becomes 

clear how the Coca Cola London Eye has become as iconic a 

tourist attraction as nearby Buckingham Palace or Big Ben, both 

of which are clearly visible in the distance. 

In fact, in only 21 years, the London Eye has become the top 

attraction in Europe’s premiere tourist destination, and rightly so. 

Offering unobstructed, panoramic views of the city, the 30- 

minute journey on the London Eye provides guests with the perfect 

amount of time to not only enjoy the incredible view, which 

can extend as far as 40 kilometers on a clear day, but also allows 

for one-of-a-kind photos with the most stunning background 

imaginable. 

Built with families in mind, each capsule can accommodate 25 

passengers with plenty of room to both sit and stand, and with 

32 capsules in total, the line on a hot summer’s day moves quite 

quickly. Whether it’s your first time or tenth, it is always encouraged 

to buy tickets in advance and if time is of the essence, the 

fast-track is a worthwhile investment. 

Fully accessible for those with special needs, trained and friendly 

staff ensure that guests with special needs are able to safely 

and slowly enter and exit the capsule. 

All tickets include a bonus 4D Cinema Experience, which guests 

are encouraged to enjoy prior to their trip. Located in Visitor’s 

Centre, the film brings a new dimension to the visitor experience, 

offering guests a unique vantage point before visiting the Eye. 

Tickets can be purchased at www.londoneye.com. The London 

Eye is easily accessible via the London Underground (Waterloo 

Station) and is a 20 minute walk from Trafalgar Square 

www.londoneye.com 


16 

Good to Go! 

Great Travel Gear and Gadgets 

Our travel specialists review the best travel gear and gadgets to get you on the go better 


17 


Intrepid Travel Prioritizes Decarbonized Tours Amid Tourism’s Recovery 

Photos: Intrepid Travel 

Intrepid Travel has recently introduced 42 new low carbon alternatives that will enhance the experience for their travellers 

while being better for the planet. The move is part of a wider decarbonization plan that includes removing all flights under 90 

minutes from the top 50 trips by the end of 2022 as Intrepid starts to operate in line with a 1.5°C future. 

Intrepid Travel has recently introduced 42 

new low carbon alternatives that will 

enhance the experience for their travellers 

while being better for the planet. The move is 

part of a wider decarbonization plan that 

includes removing all flights under 90 minutes 

from the top 50 trips by the end of 2022 as 

Intrepid starts to operate in line with a 1.5°C 

future. 

Intrepid Travel, the world’s leading sustainable 

tour operator, has reimagined its product 

line during its rebuild to incorporate both new 

and amended itineraries with lower carbon 

outputs. 

The company has been carbon neutral since 

2010 and in October 2020 became the first 

and only tour operator in the world with verified 

science based climate targets, operating 

in line with a 1.5°C future championed by the 

historic 2015 Paris Agreement. As part of 

their decarbonization work in the last year 

alone, Intrepid has introduced over 40 lowcarbon 

alternative tours including new closerto-home 

adventures and walking and cycling 

trips in key markets. The tour operator is also 

switching out carbon intensive inclusions for 

more sustainable activities on a number of its 

tours, each of which provides an added benefit 

of enriching the overall trip experience further. 

“While reducing our carbon footprint has 

been a priority of our company for years, 

decarbonization is becoming increasingly 

central in our product design now. As an 

industry, we must look beyond offsetting, 

advocacy and administrative green practices 

to focus on where we can have the most positive 

impact – our trips,” said James Thornton, 

CEO of Intrepid Travel. 

“Since the pandemic began, we’ve been passionately 

talking about the need for the travel 

industry to rebuild itself more responsibly. 

Now, we’re taking action.” 

Decarbonized Itineraries 

As part of Intrepid’s commitment to a 1.5°C 

future, the travel company continues to reduce 

emissions across its operations and trips, 

replacing transportation options on many of 

its itineraries to lower carbon alternatives. 

Intrepid’s decarbonization plan will include 

removing flights of 90 minutes or less from 

Intrepid’s top 50 itineraries by 2022. For 

example, Intrepid has traded out internal 

flights with high speed rail on the majority of 

its trips in China and continues to make similar 

changes elsewhere whenever there is a 

feasible land or road alternative available. 

Two examples of new decarbonized itineraries 

include: 

Beijing to Hong Kong Adventure 

This 12-day trip is a comprehensive tour tackling 

several areas in the heart of China, from 

a Great Wall hike to a temple stay in Mt. 

Qingcheng. Intrepid Travel’s product team 

incorporated the use of four high speed trains 

to get around, which also serve to provide 

travelers with a birds-eye view of the scenic 

countryside. 

Premium Cambodia 

The usual flight between Siem Reap and

Phnom Penh has been replaced by a boat ride 

up the Tonle Sap River on this new six-day 

adventure from Intrepid Travel, followed by a 

three-hour cultural tour from the disembarkation 

point through to Siem Reap. Travelers will 

also enjoy Cambodia’s first farm-to-table 

restaurant, a privately catered breakfast on 

the shores of the Srah Srang Lake in the temple 

district and enjoy a three-night stay at a 

wellness retreat in Siem Reap. 

New “Human-Powered” Tours 

During the past year, Intrepid has increased its 

portfolio of walking- and cycling-based trips, 

recognizing that they are some of the lowest 

carbon-output trip styles, while also being in 

high-demand as travelers seek outdoor active 

adventures following months of indoor quarantining. 

The onset of the pandemic accelerated the 

company’s focus on more travel options closer 

to home in its major source markets of 

Australia, the U.K. and the U.S., resulting in 

the addition of 25 new walking tours and 15 

new cycling tours in these destinations. 

Examples include: 

Trek The Larapinta Trail (Australia) 

Travelers experience the heart of the 

Australian Outback, West MacDonnell 

National Park in the Northern Territory, during 

this five-day trip. Guests will hike to shadowed 

gorges, snaking riverbanks, open plains and 

mountains filled with a rich diversity of animals 

and plants along the red rock slopes of 

the West Macs, appreciating the importance 

of this place to the traditional owners of the 

land, the Arrernte people, over thousands of 

years. 

Cycle the Lake District (U.K.) 

This four-day Intrepid cycling experience 

offers a comfortable yet active way to discover 

some of the finest scenery in the U.K. in the 

Lake District National Park. Based in the 

charming market town of Keswick, travelers 

will cycle their way alongside the serene 

waters of Derwentwater and Buttermere and 

up the challenging but rewarding Honister 

and Newlands Passes, while also riding back 

5,000 years in time as they take in the sight of 

the ancient Castlerigg Stone Circle. 

Walk Yosemite National Park (U.S.) 

This six-day walking tour shows off the best of 

Yosemite National Park in California, from 

giant sequoia trees, to stunning Cathedral 

Lakes, to the massive Half Dome rock and 

waterfalls of the appropriately named Mist 

Trail. Travelers will also take part in an educational 

guided walk through the historic 

Ahwahnee village, where they’ll learn about 

Native American heritage and the park’s conservation 

efforts. 

In addition to the new and amended tours, 

Intrepid also recognized its power to reduce 

the carbon output of its trips by looking to its 

supply chain. For the recently launched 

Intrepid Premium trip range – tours geared 

toward high-end travelers – there was a concerted 

focus in identifying and contracting 

more accommodation using renewable energy 

sources with eco-credentials. The company 

is also trialing electric vehicles for its travelers’ 

arrival transfers in several destinations such as 

Jordan and Iran. Each of these efforts will continue 

to be integrated into all Intrepid Travel 

trips moving forward. 

“While our plan to decarbonize our trips has 

been in the works for several years now, the 

global pandemic has heightened the importance 

of these efforts. As travel came to a halt 

in 2020 due to Covid-19, it provided our 

industry with the opportunity to reassess our 

operations and commit to rebuilding in a way 

that is beneficial to the planet,” said Thornton. 

All Intrepid trips operate under Safe Travel 

protocols developed and endorsed by the 

World Travel & Tourism Council. Travelers 

can also book with confidence 

with Intrepid’s Flexible bookings policy. 

19 

About Intrepid Travel 

Intrepid Travel is a world leader in sustainable 

experience-rich travel that has been 

taking travelers off the beaten track to discover the 

world's most amazing places for more than 30 

years. The company offers more than 800 trips on 

every continent and every trip – whether closer to 

home or further afield - is designed to truly experience 

local culture. Travelers eat, sleep and get 

around the local way, going where the bigger groups 

can’t. With its own network of destination management 

companies in 23 countries, Intrepid has 

unique local expertise and perspectives. Globally 

renowned as a leader in responsible travel. 

www.intrepidtravel.com 


20 

Viva the Villa Life on Bonaire 

by Sue Campbell 

Though the little Dutch Caribbean 

island of Bonaire is best known as a 

world class diver’s paradise (and 

many resorts are dive-centered affairs,) some 

seriously swanky stand-alone stays can be 

sleuthed out there, too. And they won’t break 

the bank! Accommodations on Bonaire are 

surprisingly economical compared to other 

Caribbean islands. Even luxe villas! So, gather 

a group of your favorite folks to create a 

‘podcation’ in paradise with these spectacular 

options offered by SunRentals Bonaire. 

Some of these villas are sprawling multi-storied 

affairs with their own private pools, while 

others are more compact and cosmopolitan 

with private access to Bonaire’s crystalline 

clear waters chock full of tropical fish. And if 

you are certified to scuba, SunRentals also 

offers comprehensive dive packages with their 

villa rentals. Private chefs and catering are 

also available, but all villas are equipped with 

state-of-the-art fully equipped kitchens if you 

want to do your own cooking and entertaining, 

and grocery delivery is also an option. 

On this island, there is a villa stay for every 

holiday style and size of your vacation “pod”. 

Choose from one-bedroom to 6-bedroom 

abodes, all exquisitely decorated with ample 

amenities designed to make your holiday 

space a true home away from home. As for 

locations, you can choose from clifftop with 

stunning sea views and private pools, or seaside 

for fabulous swimming and snorkeling. 

There are also villas in quiet residential areas 

within walking distance to the island’s charming, 

colorful downtown core where you can 

grab a water taxi to uninhabited satellite 

island Klein Bonaire to enjoy the island’s very 

best beach. 

SunRentals Bonaire can also arrange car 

rental which is highly recommend for exploring 

the island’s many terrestrial attractions 

like the famous salt mountains and pink lakes 

flanked by a flamingo sanctuary, and the wild 

scenic desert outback of Washington- 

Slagbaai National Park. 

It’s also one of the best places in the world to 

learn windsurfing and kiteboarding due to 

optimum conditions at Lac Bay. And being 

outside of the hurricane belt, there’s no bad 

time of year to visit. Average temps are 

always hovering around the mid-80s with 

constant soft trade winds. Hiking, biking, sea 

kayaking, and even riding horses right in the 

sea are among the island’s many eco-friendly 

pastimes. And if you ever wanted to learn 

to scuba dive, there’s few better places on the 

planet to do so. Bonaire has top rated dive 

schools, excursions and instruction and offers 

some of the world’s best shore diving sites. 

And you can enjoy all this awesome little 

island has to offer while staying in your own 

private villa at a very affordable price. 

Doesn’t that sound good right about now? 

www.tourismbonaire.com 

www.sunrentalsbonaire.com 

American World Traveler Summer 2021 

Another little-known fact about Bonaire is that 

is has some seriously surprisingly upscale and 

eclectic dining making it a new foodie’s 

choice destination in the Dutch Caribbean.

22 

We arranged to meet Julio in 4 hours at the 

Santo Tomás Hotel, a prominent landmark 

that showcases Spanish colonial art, a beautiful 

inner courtyard full of exotic birds, and 

even public washrooms, and then we set off to 

explore. 

As photographers and collectors of local 

masks, my friend and I were in seventh heaven. 

Hundreds of handcrafted and finely 

detailed, wooden, traditional dance masks 

were on display in the vendor stalls. Over the 

next few hours we chatted (they in K’iche and 

Spanish, we in a mixed ‘Spanglish’), laughed, 

bargained and even took photos of our 

encounters (with the blessings of the vendors). 

Our backpacks were eventually filled with an 

assortment of amazing, beautiful masks that 

to this day, ignite memories of that happy day 

in the market. 

After our mask-buying frenzy subsided (somewhat), 

we just wandered around the handicraft 

stalls to see yards of intricately woven, 

ultra-colourful textiles, and displays of shoulder 

bags, leather goods, shawls, tee-shirts, 

hats and even local coffee. 

Down an alleyway, inside a non-descript pink 

building was the food market, where tables 

were loaded with rainbow displays of 

bananas, pineapples, mangoes, papayas, 

rambutan, plantain, tomatoes, and vegetables. 

Nearby in a street market, more everyday 

products were sold: dishes, pots and 

pans, grindstones, kitchen utensils, pottery, 

clothing and shoes as well as live pigs, ducks 

and chickens. 

Market Town: Chichicastenango, Guatemala 

Article and photography by Steve Gillick 

And now, closer to lunch time, our senses 

were bombarded with the absolutely tantalizing 

smells emanating from the street-food 

stalls: freshly made tortillas, grilled corn, guacamole, 

refried beans, grilled chicken, beef 

and pork, along with rice and vegetables. 

The idea of visiting a place named 

‘Chichicastenango’ was alluring on 

its own, but as local-market-aficionados, 

we were literally itching to visit this one! 

And this was wholly appropriate as the town’s 

name iterally means “The place (tenango) of 

nettles (chichicas)”, an onomatopoeic reference 

to stinging nettles that when touched, 

irritate the skin causing itching and rashes, 

and so our enthusiasm was well defined! 

After a three hour Sunday morning drive from 

Guatemala City with our tour guide Julio, we 

arrived in Chichicastenango, a culture center 

for the K’iche’Maya who comprise 98.5% of 

the population in this part of the country. 

Every Thursday and Sunday this quiet town is 

transformed into a bustling hive of activity that 

boasts a lively tourist handicraft market, a 

busy fresh food market, flower vendors 

perched on the crumbling, white, stone steps 

of the four hundred year old church of Santo 

Tomás, and locals from near and far, who 

enhanced the energy and atmosphere of 

market day with their traditional, colourful, 

clothing. 

We ended up spending an extra hour wandering 

the streets, talking with locals, taking tons 

of photos, giving out finger-puppets to the 

kids (with their parent’s permission) and sitting 

on the church steps with the flower sellers 

just absorbing as much of the fascinating 

ambiance as possible. This was absolutely 

one of the more memorable market days in 

all my travels. 

www.visitguatemala.com 


24 

Historical Hue, Vietnam 

Atrip to Vietnam would not be complete 

without stopping by Hue. 

Located in central Vietnam, Hue 

served as the imperial capital of the nation 

until 1945. Hue was very much the political 

heartbeat of Vietnam for over 100 years and 

notably was home to emperor Nguyễn Ánh. 

Today, this city is one of Vietnam’s touristic 

hotspots, chock full of historical monuments, 

temples, and local attractions. 

Hue is nestled between the Perfume River and 

the South China Sea and offers prospective 

travelers a trip down Vietnam’s rich history. 

The Imperial City headlines the attractions, 

boasting a number of gardens, temples, 

carved gates, and royal pavilions. Formerly 

known as the Forbidden Purple City, it provides 

unique insight into Hue’s cultural background. 

In fact, travelers can tour the Imperial 

City for just under 10 dollars! 

by Gregory Caltabanis 

After navigating through the Imperial City, 

travelers are spoilt for choice when it comes to 

temples. The Thien Mu Pagoda - the Pagoda 

of the Celestial Lady - is an iconic seven-story 

temple and is largely recognized as the unofficial 

symbol of the city by the locals. Built in 

1601, it is Hue’s oldest pagoda and makes 

for a great sight-setting spot. 

Tu Hieu Pagoda is another one of Hue’s mustsee 

temples. Located in a lovely pine forest, 

this temple offers its visitors a truly serene 

atmosphere. It is not uncommon to hear 

monks chanting at the Tu Hieu Pagoda as they 

go through their daily rituals. There is no 

entrance fee to go into this temple. 

Located just 5km away from the Tu Hieu 

Pagoda, travellers can easily make their way 

to the Tomb of Tu Duc. Completed in 1867 by 

Emperor Tu Duc himself, this tomb has 

become one of Hue’s most popular attractions. 

The site is divided into two areas, the ritual 

and the burial, displaying a number of 

royal artefacts. 

After a long day of walking through Hue, it is 

time to eat. Travellers can pick between a 

number of authentic Vietnamese dishes, 

including Bun Bo Hue (beef noodle soup), 

Nem Lui (Lemongrass Skewers), Com Hen 

(clam Rice), Ban Khoai (Vietnamese crepe), 

and Banh Beo (steamed rice cakes). These 

regional specialities are available at nearly 

every corner of the city. 

Walking along the Perfume River is a great 

way to finish your day in Hue. In the autumn, 

flowers from the orchards fall into the water, 

giving the river a perfume-like aroma, hence 

the name. Walking alongside the river during 

the evening makes for a scenic route as it is lit 

up with different colours. 

Whether it is the historical monuments, temples, 

or the lively nightlife and marketplace, 

Hue is increasingly becoming a hub for 

tourism and is undoubtedly one of Vietnam’s 

most charming cities. 

https://vietnam.travel 


Travelers in the mood for something lighter 

can always stop by the Dong Ba Market. It is 

Hue’s oldest marketplace, with over hundreds 

of shops selling handcrafted goods, authentic 

souvenirs, fresh foods, and clothing. 

Stretching over 16,000 square meters, it is 

easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of this 

market.

26 

Qatar Airways Qsuite Sets Precedent in Air Travel 

by Olivia Balsinger 

Galavanting around the world 

just got a whole lot easier–and 

a whole lot more glamorous. 

Qatar Airways has proved that travel–even 

luxury travel–does not have to break the 

bank. Further, the airline is an industry 

leader in aviation travel that doesn’t create 

extra headaches or grievances. 

And with direct flights to Doha from more 

than 150 destinations on every inhabited 

continent, Qatar Airways is genuinely connecting 

the world. As one who typically 

loathes flying, I was disappointed when 

the flight attendant woke me up as we 

descended into Doha’s dawn on an 

overnight from New York City. Qatar’s 

Qsuite (Business Class) was undoubtedly 

the finest flying experience of my life 

Here’s why: 

My Qsuite Journey 

I was fortunate to travel Qsuite -the first of 

its kind in business class-which provided 

me complete privacy when I wanted it, 

along with ambient mood lighting and a 

fully flatbed. I have flown business or first 

class on many airlines, but Qatar Airways 

sets the new standard. The lovely stewardess 

who greeted me as I stepped onto 

the flight showed me all of the (countless) 

amenities travelers with this airline class 

receive. Afterward, she smiled and told 

me I had the option to close my curtains, 

which ultimately sealed my belief that I 

wasn’t on an airplane but in the comfort 

of my cozy living room. 

Even better, had I been traveling with my 

husband or other family members, we 

could have even chosen seats amenable

to a four-person work area or even a double 

bed. Imagine that-flying with a partner 

and given the luxury of a double bedheck, 

airplanes become more comfortable 

and luxurious than home! 

And how often do we dread long airplane 

rides simply due to the pit of hunger that 

manifests after barely being able to digest 

airplane food? The airline also provides 

business class passengers an “a la carte” 

dining option, making my constant hunger 

more manageable. Was I on a flight or in 

a five-star restaurant in the center of a 

metropolis? The possibilities were endless. 

The most difficult decision I made was to 

commence with a French onion soup or 

escargot (of course, my answer was oui to 

both!) The Quite menu adheres to the 

structure of a four-course meal - with 

soup, appetizers, and desserts – with a 

post-sleep 'breakfast' (starters and mains) 

as the final destination is in sight. Of 

course, there are lighter options available 

that can be enjoyed at any time during the 

flight. 

The stewardess went out of her way, surprising 

me with champagne and chocolate 

when landing in Doha and with Maha 

Gold Service (meet and greet’ service) 

both during arrival and departure. I felt 

like royalty in the air. 

Stopover Program 

It gets even better. Until discovering oil in 

1939, Qatar cultivated its most significant 

profit and recognition from pearl diving. 

But it has since grown, making its considerable 

mark on the tourism map. Typically, 

accommodation is one of the costliest 

expenses on vacation. However, travelers 

can alleviate this cost when they transit via 

Doha for a few days with Qatar Airway’s 

Stopover Program. 

This generous program waives visa fees 

from eighty countries. It also provides 

accommodation at luxury four or five-star 

hotels, such as InterContinental Doha or 

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotel for two 

nights—for a mere USD 100 booking fee! 

A Whole New World 

Once landed in Doha, I was equally 

blown away. Indeed, Doha itself has 

proven to be a significant tourism draw. 

The city is significantly smaller than Dubai 

and Abu Dhabi, which allows it to keep its 

slightly provincial feel. While travelers can 

still find modern high-end innovations, 

such as Doha Festival City with an Angry 

Birds theme park, Qatar stays true to its 

heritage in several ways. I visited the Souq 

Waqif, one of the most traditional in the 

Middle East, to find pearl shops and 

tea shops where men still gather to 

play Dama’s classic game. Whether 

eating traditional Qatari food or getting 

whimsically bewildered in the labyrinth of 

people watching, the Souq is not to miss. 

Qatar is also equally modern, as it is 

timeless. The sheer decadence and luxury 

found within Qatar’s hotels are reason 

enough to visit. Take The Mondrian Doha, 

in Doha’’s West Bay Lagoon neighborhood. 

The property’s 270 rooms have 

views of the human-made Pearl Island. I 

enjoyed a luxurious detoxing massage 

much-needed swim in the penthouse pool. 

The hotel epitomizes dual elegance and 

creativity, described as Alice in 

Wonderland in real life, the whimsical 

architecture by famed Dutch designer 

Marcel Wanders. One misconception 

among Western tourists is that because 

Qatar is primarily governed under Sharia 

Law, there are zero legal drinking opportunities. 

However, five-star international 

hotels are allowed to sell alcohol to foreigners. 

Two Qatari hotspots are found in 

The Mondrian, Masaharu Morimoto's new 

Morimoto Doha, and the bespoke Black 

Orchid club. 

Finally, there are only two countries where 

the desert sand meets Qatar and 

Namibia’s ocean. Few things spike adrenaline 

more than a safari in a 4X4 through 

Qatar’s vast desert, about an hour and a 

half ride from Doha city center. The radio 

is blasting Arabian-French techno music 

as a white Land Cruiser picks up speed. 

The experienced guide smiles slightly mischievously 

and revs the engine before 

accelerating through this stunning natural 

oasis as the sound of sand descending the 

slopes overwhelms. Q-Explorer Tours is a 

professional tour operator that handles 

individual and group guided arrangements, 

catering to specific itinerary desires 

and budgets. In addition to dune bashing, 

the company provides many other opportunities 

to explore Qatar’s culture, gastronomy, 

and natural beauty. 

www.qatarairways.com 

27 


28 

Puppets in Prague 

Article by Cherie DeLory, photos: City of Pilsen 

My first impression of Prague, the 

capital of the Czech Republic, 

was it brought to life the marvellous 

fairy tales of my youth as told by the 

Brothers Grimm; stone bridges arching 

over the Vltava River, cathedrals, castles, 

gold-tipped towers and Gothic church 

spires, a larger than life whimsical 

medieval Astronomical Clock…, and puppets. 

Lots of puppets. 

It doesn’t take long to spot Prague’s penchant 

for puppets while wandering the 

atmospheric pathways surrounding the 

Charles Bridge. Almost everywhere I turned 

there were puppet shops and kiosks, showcasing 

colourful puppets and wooden marionettes 

dangling from strings. From traditional 

clowns and devils to Pinocchio and 

Beethoven, marionettes are marvelled in 

Prague, so it’s no wonder this city is designated 

the unofficial capital of world puppetry. 

The art form is so entangled in 

Czech’s national identity that the United 

Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural 

Organization (UNESCO) recognized Czech 

and Slovakia puppetry as an “Intangible 

Cultural Heritage” in 2016. It’s about time, 

too. Marionettes have been tugging at the 

heart strings of the young and youthful for 

centuries. 

“Czech puppetry has a special relationship 

with Czech history and the Czech sense of 

identity,” explains master puppet maker 

Miroslav Trejtnar. He offers workshops at 

the Puppets in Prague studio he and his 

wife own. Lately, it’s been kind of like working 

in Santa’s Workshop, as Mirolslav has 

been busy crafting puppets for a nativity 

scene to be featured in a Christmas 

Exhibition. Nativity scenes, some mechanical 

with moving puppets, are a Czech tradition. 

Miroslav uses linden wood, the 

national tree of the Czech Republic. Its soft 

wood allows for ease of carving and 

manipulation of the body parts. 

While puppet theatre historically was entertaining, 

it was meaningful in other ways, 

too.

“Puppeteers and their traditional travelling 

puppet shows were associated with the 

preservation of the Czech language during 

the Austrian Empire, and consequently 

puppetry became incredibly popular in the 

early 20th century. Thousands of puppet 

companies were formed, and leading 

Czech artists made and designed puppets.” 

One of those leading artists is puppeteer 

and founder of the Czech puppet theatre, 

Matěj Kopecky, regarded as a pioneer of 

the Czech National Revival movement in 

the 18th and 19th centuries to revive the 

Czech language, culture and identity. 

Miroslav says children are introduced to 

puppet plays in kindergarten, and its 

appeal continues into adulthood. Many of 

the plays are based on traditional folk fairy 

tales written by the Brothers Grimm. 

Coincidentally, Grimm illustrator Jiri Trnka 

was a Czech puppeteer and filmmaker. 

Nowadays, the art form of puppetry is 

evolving and puppeteers are experimenting 

with new approaches. For instance, one of 

the puppets Miroslav is fine tuning for the 

Christmas nativity scene will move on its 

own with sensors. No strings, no marionettist. 

“I do enjoy the challenges of figuring 

out the technology and finding the best way 

to make each individual puppet work. 

When the pieces are put together and the 

puppet becomes alive there is a magical 

feeling then.” 

Festivals, Museums and Puppet Theatre 

The first day of spring is declared World 

Puppetry Day by the International Union of 

Puppetry (UNIMA). If you’re passionate 

about puppets, plan an outing to the MLK 

Chrudim Puppetry Museum in East 

Bohemia - https://www.puppets.cz. It houses 

the largest collection of historical and 

contemporary Czech and foreign puppets. 

The Puppetry Museum in Pilsen, about 90 

kilometres west of Prague, offers guided 

tours couresy of magical puppets. 

https://www.muzeum-loutek.cz/en/ 

Check out the following festivals 

International Festival of Puppet and 

Alternative Theatre in Pilsen - 

http://www.skupovaplzen.cz/, a festival 

showcasing the theatrical performance, 

One Flew Over the Puppeteer’s Nest - 

https://www.prelet.cz/index.php?lmut=cz& 

part=historie, and Mateřinka is the only 

festival specializing in shows for children - 

29 

http://materinka.naivnidivadlo.cz/en/abou 

t-festival 

Take in a puppet performance at any one 

of the hundreds of puppet theatres in the 

Czech Republic, including The National 

Marionette Theatre in Prague - 

https://www.mozart.cz/, and Puppet 

Theatre Ostrava - https://www.dlo-ostrava.cz/en 

www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US 


30 

Qaumajuq: Shining the light on Inuit Art 

Article by Steve Gillick, photography: Lindsay Reid 

The largest museum in the world 

dedicated to Inuit Art opened as an 

extension of the Winnipeg Art 

Gallery (WAG), in Winnipeg, Manitoba, 

Canada, on March 25 and 26, 2021. 

Qaumajuq, an Inuktitut word meaning “It is 

bright, it is lit”, refers to visions and voices 

that illuminate and inspire, as well as reflect 

the community goals of reconciliation, 

inclusion, collaboration and accessibility. 

Stephen Borys, the WAG Director and CEO 

called it “a synergy of ideas, philosophies 

and spaces”. 

Built on Treaty 1 land, the ancestral and 

traditional homeland of seven local 

Anishinaabe First Nations, a number of 

ceremonial leaders, knowledge keepers 

and elders formed an Advisory Circle to 

plan the project. The incredible structure, 

evokes what architect Michael Maltzan, the 

winner of an international jury competition 

called, ‘the extraordinary landscape of the 

north’. 

(spirit, or life force) features 100 works of 

art by over 90 artists using a variety of 

media including sculpture, print, drawing, 

wearable art and drone art. Many of these 

cultural treasures are displayed on the 

museum’s third level, known as Giizhig, an 

Ojibway word for ‘sky-heaven’, where thirty-foot 

ceilings and 22 skylights emphasize 

the “open, fluid quality” of the display area. 

Stephen Borys noted that what the general 

public knows about Inuit Art has been 

restricted to those artifacts that museums 

were able to showcase. In fact out of the 

WAG’s 14,000 artifacts and 8000 carvings, 

only 1% were able to be displayed. Inua 

and Qaumajuq have changed all this and 

in doing so, they provide a new way of 

understanding and appreciating Inuit art 

During the virtual opening days of 

Qaumajuq, a number of amazing performances 

were featured including the mother 

and daughter breath singers, Nikki 

Komaksiutisak and Carmello Swan, folk 

singer Don Amero, the Tik Tok jigging and 

Hop-Hop dancing of Mikey, Cie-Anna and 

Jacob Harris who comprise the Ivan Flett 

Memorial Dancers, the Art Cirq and Hoop 

Dancing of Marika Sila, and captivating 

background music by artists Ritt and Terry 

Uyarak. 

Visitors to Qaumajuq are welcomed with 

the Ojibway greeting, Biindigin 

Biwaasaeyaah, ‘Come on in, the dawn of 

light is here’. This is truly an enlightening 

experience. 

www.wag.ca/qaumajuq/ 

Inside the museum, 5000 Inuit carvings, 

organized into 34 communities, are showcased 

in a ‘visible’ vault that extends three 

floors to fully envelope the visitor. In addition, 

the inaugural exhibition, called Inua 


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C o m e W i t h U s & S e e T h e W o r l d!

32 

A Journey of the Senses 

AAt the crossroads of Europe and 

Asia is Istanbul, with a rich history 

spanning over two thousand 

years. Strategically located on the 

Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is a vibrant city 

where east and west meet to create this 

unique cultural capital. Istanbul is home to 

an estimated 15 million inhabitants, built 

on seven hills, and topped by the minarets 

of over 3,000 mosques including the worldfamous 

Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia. 

Mouth-watering tastes worth travelling for 

It is the food that leaves the greatest 

impression. Traditional Anatolian staples 

such as doughy manti (dumpling), freshly 

squeezed juices sold on every street corner 

and sesame covered simit rolls, perfectly 

accompanied by Turkish çay (tea). The 

smell of fresh fish or rich Turkish coffee are 

often in the air. 

Take flight in a hot air balloon at sunset 

On everyone’s bucket list should be a hot 

air balloon flight at sunrise. People travel 

to Cappadocia from all over the world to 

take part in this spectacular sight of hot air 

balloons making their gentle flight over the 

valleys and fairy chimneys, lit up by the rising 

sun. Accommodation ranges from 

cool and rustic cave hotels to elegant and 

luxurious houses. Traditional Turkish baths 

(hamams) in which to relax and unwind is 

also a highlight. During your stay, venture 

into underground cities, cave churches and 

the outdoor museums to learn more about 

the history of this special place. 

Cappadocia is also famous for its wine, 

and a must experience element of your 

meal. 

The colourful Aegean coastal city of Izmir 

In Western Anatolia on a bay of turquoise 

water is the Aegean coastal city of Izmir, 

where archaeological sites remind visitors 

of a rich history set against a backdrop of 

the hilltop Kadifekale castle. Spot one of 

the most famous landmarks of Izmir, the 

Clock Tower designed by French architect 

Raymond Charles Pere dating back to 

1901. To enjoy the view and save your 

legs from the 155 steps connecting city 

streets, use the public elevator known as 

Asansör. Another alternative is the modern 

European-style quarter of Karşıyaka which 

also offers excellent sea views. Notable 

nearby highlights are the enchanting 

ancient ruins of Ephesus, one of the Seven 

Wonders of the Ancient World. The nearby 

village of Çeşme is a charming gastronomic 

paradise with its whitewashed houses 

and blue painted windows. 

Turkish food in Izmir has many influences 

and flavours for every palate. Izmir meatballs, 

called köfte, are enjoyed across 

Turkey, made lovingly with local spices and 

served in a tasty tomato sauce. Try local 

specialty Kumru, the perfect on-the-go 

snack of sausage, cheese and tomato 

served in bread, or the delicious pastry 

Boyoz, which can only be found in Izmir 

and should not be missed!

The luxurious ancient port city of Bodrum 

Rugged, rolling mountains meet the shores 

of the crystal blue Aegean Sea in the small 

city of Bodrum. The Aegean coastal city is 

spread across a double bay, mixing 

ancient and modern history. The city is 

home to the ancient Greek city of 

Halicarnassus, site of the Tomb of 

Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of 

the Ancient World. Along the coastline is 

the well-preserved medieval Bodrum 

Castle which offers superb views and is 

home to the Museum of Underwater 

Archaeology. 

Renowned for its unique "sugar cube" 

houses, Bodrum is one of Turkey’s gems 

and is fast becoming the first choice for 

holidaymakers the world over. 

Escape to small villages or enjoy the 

extravagance of its many five-star hotels 

and bustling nightlife, Bodrum is the place 

where the green of the forest meets the 

clear blue waters of the Aegean Sea. 

Make sure your flight is part 

of the vacation 

Vacation time is precious, so make every 

minute count by starting your trip the 

moment you step onto the plane. The 

award-winning products and services of 

Turkish Airlines’ Business Class provide an 

unparalleled experience with the utmost 

elegance. Prior to take off, passengers can 

benefit from extra baggage allowance, priority 

check-in and boarding, and access to 

Turkish Airlines Lounges. 

Relax in exclusive seats, with massage 

functions, that convert your seat into a 188 

cm flat bed. Delight in gourmet dishes prepared 

and cooked to your taste by Flying 

Chefs, and enjoy comfort kits to maximize 

your wellness on-board. Business Class 

also offers a cutting-edge in-flight entertainment 

system, films in different languages, 

a wide assortment of audiobooks, 

a great range of music and much 

more. It boasts award-winning catering 

designed for any palate where you can 

enjoy international cuisine and local 

Turkish specialties such as ‘pide’ and 

‘börek’ with fresh fruit juices and tea. 

Going Further With 

Turkish Airlines 

Glowing reviews and exceptional 

food are the order of the day for 

this up-and-coming airline! 

Part of the Star Alliance network, Turkish airlines 

(THY) offers service to Canadians from 

Toronto and Montreal, and connections to 

destinations all over the world from their hub 

in Istanbul. 

Building on their international reputation, THY 

has been climbing the ranks as a top provider 

and doing very well in Canada. 

With 321 destinations, and adding new ones 

at a rapid pace, THY welcome travellers with 

smiles and a friendly hello, though often with 

a charming accent! 

Their aircraft include A330s, A340s, B777s, 

B737-800s and B727-800s, all well maintained 

and laid-out with the customer in 

mind. Each section is designed with creature 

comforts taking front and centre. The seats 

throughout the plane are comfortable and the 

facilities are kept impeccably clean and 

organized. Most Business Class passengers 

can expect either fully lie-flat seats or angled 

lie-flat seats that brings relaxation to a higher 

level. 

Comfort Class is Turkish Airlines' premium 

economy section is highlighted by slightly 

larger seats configured in two-by-three-bytwo 

rows, a large video screen and entertainment 

system with an iPod outlet and a laptop 

power outlet for each seat. 

Even passengers traveling in Economy Class 

can enjoy an above average trip, as all passengers 

enjoy the famed THY complimentary 

meal. Though multi-course meals are provided 

in Business Class on extended range 

flights, all passengers are treated to the 

award winning food served on board. 

Considering that THY deals with one of the 

world’s biggest (maybe the biggest) catering 

service and are partners with Do & Co., there 

is no surprise in the quality THY can offer! 

www.turkishairlines.com 

33 

Whether you are enjoying the wonders of 

Turkey for several weeks or only a few 

days as part of the Turkish Airlines 

Stopover Program, Turkish hospitality and 

wonder awaits. 

Are you ready to Widen Your World? 


34 

Tropical Tidbits 

by Sue C Travel 

Finally, travel is on the rebound and many of us are itching to head to exotic holidays 

in the sand and surf, even if it’s still summer in our own necks of the woods. It’s been 

a challenging year to say the least for the travel industry, especially for Caribbean 

places that heavily depend on visitors for their economy. But most islands and resorts have 

reopened and are eager to welcome guests back with all kinds of new enticements and specials. 

And new attractions, too! So, let’s look at what’s new and cool in tropical hot spots. 

Why not work from the paradise? 

So many of us have been working from 

home this past year, going back to a stuffy 

office is not very appealing. But what if your 

office was on one of the most beautiful 

beaches in the world? Would that change 

your mind? Boardwalk Boutique Hotel 

Aruba has you covered with new “workcation” 

stations right on famed Palm Beach. 

Enjoy free WIFI, cooling fans, a comfortable 

desk under a shade palapa, and food 

and beverage service while you work right 

on the edge of the serene aqua sea. 

Boardwalk staff can also turn your “casita” 

(their rooms are more like little cottages) 

into a workcation station by supplying 

extras like a computer screen, keyboard, 

mouse, extra table/desk and more. Ideal 

for extended stays. 

Visit: www.boardwalkaruba.com 

A daredevil’s bicycle built-for-two 

the incredible views below. The daring new 

ride joins the park’s other exciting aerial 

adventures like “The Monster” that can 

have you zipping over two miles of line at 

speeds of up to almost 100 mph! 

Visit: https://www.toroverdepr.com/ 

Babymoons are back 

For those expecting the stork and desiring 

some last chance alone time as a couple, 

these two resorts in paradise are sweetening 

the deal with enticing new babymoon 

specials. Anguilla’s Zemi Beach House has 

it all wrapped up with their New Moon 

Over Shoal package offering 25% off 12 

nights or more, complimentary welcome 

Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba 

Puerto’s Rico’s newest aerial thrill is also a 

Guinness World Record holder for being 

the longest bicycle zip line on the planet! 

You’ll find it at ToroVerde which is touted as 

the largest adventure park in the 

Caribbean and Americas. The new attraction 

called Toro Bike enables riders to pedal 

over a thousand feet of taught cable – stopping 

and starting as they please- to take in 

ToroVerde

toast, amenity basket with organic skin 

products, sunscreen, beach bag and robe, 

and a sunset, candlelit dinner on Anguilla’s 

most glorious beach and a romantic 

beachfront couple’s massage. And Grand 

Hyatt Baha Mar in Nassau has launched 

their Baha-Mama Babymoon Package that 

includes all kinds of thoughtful amenities 

including a prenatal massage at their spa, 

a private poolside deluxe cabana with 

mocktails, tapas, and a mini-fridge stocked 

with eucalyptus-infused cooling towels. 

They will also have a “bath butler” on-call 

to create specialty soak experiences for the 

two of you. 

Visit: www.zemibeach.com and 

https://bahamar.com/hotels/grand-hyatt 

Barbuda rebounds with NOBU 

& Robert DeNiro 

Robert De Niro fell in love with Antigua’s 

pristine little sister island Barbuda many 

years ago and decided he wanted to open 

a resort there. So far, the first step has 

been completed with the opening of a 

famous brand NOBU restaurant on what is 

one of my favorite pink sand beaches on 

the planet. But this isn’t the tiny remote 

island’s first brush with celebrity. The beach 

that NOBU was built on was a favorite of 

Princess Diana. She often bought out the 

old resort to spend quality family time away 

from the paparazzi with her boys. In fact, 

the beach was officially named after her on 

what would have been her 50th birthday 

had she still been alive. But though this little 

slice of paradise on Princess Diana 

Beach has an aristocratic pedigree, the 

island is best known for barefoot laid-back 

luxury. For now, the new NOBU is only 

open daytime and attracting day tripping 

yachties and well-heeled foodies who pop 

over by helicopter from Antigua. To follow 

will be De Niro’s “Nobu Beach Inn” to 

accompany it, a collection of one-to-four 

bedroom villas on Princess Diana Beach 

slated to open by 2023. 

The best beach read is on a beach 

where it’s set 

I don’t know about you, but I love to read a 

good book on the beach on the island 

where the story takes place. And this is one 

meant to be read on a beach in the lovely 

little island of Nevis, or before you 

35 

travel there. The story also travels to 

the Scottish Highlands. And I am 

Scottish by heritage, so that’s a bonus. It 

has a ghost (jumbie) too. Even better! I 

won’t give away the plot, but it’s a rollicking, 

riveting read told with great research, 

imagination, and style. It’s called The 

Moon Always Rising by Alice C. Early, and 

it clearly shows how much the author 

knows and loves this island. And this great 

beach read has already won numerous literary 

awards. 

Visit: https://aliceearly.com/product/themoon-always-rising 

The Airbnb of boats? 

GetMyBoat 

Here’s an idea whose time has come for 

those who love seafaring of every kind. 

GetMyBoat is an app and web portal that 

literally helps you get your boat. Whether 

you’re a seasoned sailor or a newbie landlubber 

seeking a fully crewed trip, they 

have the number one app for boating 

experiences in the Caribbean. They project 

to send over one million people boating in 

2021 by offering a way to easily find and 

book boats with a variety of options at different 

price points. They are also helping 

local boat operators find more customers 

to build their businesses, so it’s a win-win. 

You can book everything from luxury yachts 

and houseboats to budget kayak and paddleboard 

rentals. If it goes on the water, 

there's a good chance you can rent it on 

GetMyBoat. They also have a 24/7 customer 

service team to help ensure your 

boat day is nothing but smooth sailing. 

Visit: https://www.getmyboat.com 

Zemi Beach House 

Award-winning travel journalist 

Sue Campbell is based in Montreal but makes it 

her business to be on top of everything cool, hot, and 

new under the sun throughout the Caribbean and 

Latin America. 

World Traveler welcomes her 

as a regular columnist. 

Follow her on 

Instagram and Twitter @suectravel 


Arctic North Atlantic South Atlantic North 

Amazon Danube Mekong Nile Rhine Rhône Moselle Seine Yangtze 

C r u i s i n g w i t h 

W O R L D 

Traveler 

CRUISING 

SECTION 

Cruise News - pages 36 - 37 

Visit Three Continents on Celestyal’s Newest Cruise Itinerary - page 42 

Cruising with Disney: A Magical Experience - page 44 

Uniworld’s Reimagined S.S. La Venezia to Sail Venice and Northern Italy - page 46 

This Photo: Disney Dream at Castaway Cay 

Come With Us &

Pacific South Pacific Indian Southern Ocean 

Sail The World! 


Adriatic Aegean Mediterranean Caribbean Baltic Black South-China Sea

38 

AmaWaterways Avalon Azamara Carnival Celebrit 

C r u i s e N e w s 

Paul Gauguin Cruises 

Announces 2022 Voyages 

Paul Gauguin Cruises operator of 

the highest-rated and longest continually 

sailing luxury cruise ship in the 

South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, 

announces its new 2022 schedule 

featuring Tahiti, French Polynesia, 

Fiji, and South Pacific itineraries. 

The Gauguin will be showcasing its most sought-after itineraries in 2022: the 7-night 

Tahiti & the Society Islands, 10-night Society Islands & Tuamotus, 11-night Cook Islands 

& Society Islands, and 14-night Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands. 

www.pgcruises.com 

Holland America Line 

Celebrates 75 Years In 

Alaska In 2022 

In 2022 Holland America Line is celebrating 

75 years of Alaska exploration 

— longer than any other 

cruise line — and bookings are now 

open for its award-winning cruises 

and Land+Sea Journeys. Throughout 

the decades, the premium brand has cultivated its knowledge to create perfectly crafted 

Alaska adventures that offer travelers preferred access, exclusive overland transportation 

and immersive onboard experiences — which is why Holland America Line 

can say “We Are Alaska.” 

From April through October 2022, guests can embark on Holland America Line’s cruises 

to Alaska aboard: Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, 

Oosterdam and Zuiderdam. For explorers who want to travel farther into the Great 

Land, 16 different Land+Sea Journeys combine a three-, four- or seven-day Alaska 

cruise with an inland exploration of Denali National Park. 

www.hollandamerica.com 

Seabourn Previews Exclusive 

Special Events on 145-Day 

Itinerary of “2022 World Cruise: 

Extraordinary Horizons” 

Seabourn is offering a sneak peek of 

special events throughout the upcoming 

145-day “2022 World Cruise: 

Extraordinary Horizons,” aboard 

Seabourn Sojourn. The lineup, available 

exclusively to guests who book the full 

voyage, offers tours, performances and 

dinners at destinations including a battleship in historic Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; a sculpture 

museum and garden in Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan; and the moonlit beaches of the Maldives. 

Scheduled to depart Los Angeles on January 11, 2022 and arrive in Athens, Greece on 

June 6, 2022, the unforgettable journey around the globe will see guests cross two oceans, 

visit 72 ports, and explore 28 countries, with 20 overnight stays along the way. 

www.seabourn.com 

Aqua Expeditions Set to Relaunch 

Amazon Voyages with the 

Brand New Aqua Nera 

Aqua Expeditions' new custom-built 20-suite 

river vessel, Aqua Nera, will make her maiden 

voyage on the Peruvian Amazon on June 

12, 2021, it was recently announced by 

Aqua Expeditions' founder and CEO, 

Francesco Galli Zugaro. 

The Aqua Nera will begin a series of 3, 4 

and 7-night expeditions from its home port 

of Iquitos. Built in Vietnam by award-winning 

Noor Design, the Aqua Nera was 

transported around the world in the fall of 

2020 from Ho Chi Minh City to Belem, 

Brazil; she then sailed the full length of the 

Amazon River to Iquitos, an epic 12,350- 

mile journey. 

"Sailing alongside sister ship, Aria Amazon, 

Aqua Nera will grace the mystical Peruvian 

Amazon River with unparalleled contemporary 

luxury, a bold design aesthetic, and an 

engaging program of daily excursions 

focusing on wildlife and local culture," says 

Galli Zugaro. "With a smaller ship capacity 

of 32 guests, Aria Amazon is perfectly suited 

for private charters, and family gatherings 

and reunions in ultimate privacy and comfort," 

Galli Zugaro continued. 

With the introduction of the Aqua Nera, the 

company strengthens its commitment to sustainability 

in the region, prioritizing the 

selection of recyclable innovative materials 

and integrating large solar panels into its 

design. 

www.aquaexpeditions.com 

Royal-Caribbean Scenic Seabourn SeaDream Si

y Costa Crystal Cunard Disney Holland America 

39 

Viking Announces Launch of 

New Expedition Voyages 

Purpose-Built Ships Will Bring Guests to 

the Far Reaches of the Earth and the Heart 

of North America Beginning in 2022 

Viking has recently announced the expansion 

of its destination-focused travel experiences 

with the launch of new expedition voyages. 

Viking Expeditions will begin sailing in 

January 2022 with its first vessel, Viking 

Octantis, embarking on voyages to 

Antarctica and North America’s Great 

Lakes. A second expedition vessel, Viking 

Polaris, will debut in August 2022, sailing to 

Antarctica and the Arctic. Viking’s arrival to 

the Great Lakes will bring the newest and 

most modern vessels ever to explore this 

region of North America and will mark a 

major commitment to local tourism and economic 

development for the states of 

Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well 

as the Canadian province of Ontario. 

Viking Expedition Ships 

The new Polar Class 6 Viking Octantis and 

Viking Polaris will host 378 guests in 189 

staterooms. Designed by the same experienced 

nautical architects and engineers that 

designed Viking ocean ships, the ships are 

optimally sized and built for expeditions – 

small enough to navigate remote polar 

regions and the St. Lawrence River, while 

large enough to provide superior handling 

and stability in the roughest seas. The ships 

will feature public spaces that are familiar to 

Viking’s ocean cruise guests but that have 

been reimagined for expeditions, as well as 

new public spaces created specifically for 

expeditions. Straight bows, longer hulls and 

state-of-the-art fin stabilizers will allow the 

ships to glide over the waves for the calmest 

possible journey; ice-strengthened Polar 

Class 6 hulls will provide the safest way to 

explore; and U-tank stabilizers will significantly 

decrease rolling by up to 50 percent 

when the ships are stationary. Viking’s expedition 

ships will feature modern 

Scandinavian design with elegant touches, 

intimate spaces and attention to detail. 

www.viking.com 

Viking Announces New 

Nile River Ship for 2022 

Addition of New Nile River Ship Builds on 

Viking’s Commitment to Egypt 

Viking® has recently announced an expansion 

of its Egypt fleet with Viking Aton, a new 

state-of-the-art river vessel. Inspired by the 

design of the award-winning Viking 

Longships® and built specifically to navigate 

the Nile River, Viking Aton is currently under 

construction and is scheduled to debut in 

September 2022. Sailing on Viking’s popular 

Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, the new vessel 

will join Viking’s existing Egypt river fleet, 

which includes its identical sister ship Viking 

Osiris and Viking’s first owned and operated 

ship on the Nile, Viking Ra®. 

Viking Aton 

Hosting 82 guests in 41 staterooms, Viking 

Aton will be a state-of-the-art ship with the 

clean, elegant Scandinavian design for which 

Viking is known. Viking Aton’s features include 

all outside staterooms with river views; spacious 

suites with two full-size rooms and 

verandas; a pool and sun deck with 360- 

degree views; Viking Lounge with floor-to-ceiling 

glass doors; and Viking’s revolutionary 

Aquavit Terrace ideal for al fresco dining and 

indoor/outdoor viewing along the Nile River. 

Viking Aton will join the company’s other 

ships on the Nile, Viking Osiris, which is set to 

launch in 2021, and Viking Ra, which 

launched in 2018. Viking is the first and only 

Western company to build, own and operate 

ships on the Nile. 

Pharaohs & Pyramids 

During the 12-day, Pharaohs & Pyramids 

cruise-tour itinerary, guests begin with a threenight 

stay at a first-class hotel in Cairo then fly 

to Luxor, where they visit the Temples of Luxor 

and Karnak before boarding a Viking river 

ship for an eight-day round-trip cruise on the 

Nile River. 


Viking Announces New 

Mediterranean Voyages 

for Summer 2021 

Three Ships Will Now Homeport 

in Malta Starting in July 

Viking® has recently announced that 

it will expand its presence in the 

Mediterranean this summer, adding a 

third ship to sail roundtrip voyages 

from the Maltese capital city of 

Valletta—a cultural UNESCO World 

Heritage Site. Offered as part of 

Viking’s Welcome Back collection, 

Viking Star® will now join sister ships 

Viking Venus® and Viking Sea® and 

will sail a new 11-day itinerary, Malta 

& the Western Mediterranean. 

With the addition of this new voyage, 

vaccinated guests now have three new 

options for experiencing the 

Mediterranean between July and early 

October 2021. Guests on the Malta & 

the Western Mediterranean itinerary 

will overnight in Valletta and then sail 

to Sicily, Italy and Spain, calling in 

Messina, Naples (Pompeii), 

Civitavecchia (Rome), Livorno 

(Florence/Pisa), Genoa and 

Barcelona, before returning to 

Valletta. Those on the Malta & Adriatic 

Jewels itinerary will overnight in 

Valletta and then sail to Montenegro 

and Croatia, calling in Kotor, 

Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar and Šibenik, 

before returning to the Maltese archipelago, 

with a stop on Gozo Island 

and finally back to Valletta. And 

guests on the Malta & Greek Isles 

Discovery itinerary will also overnight 

in Valletta and then sail to Greece, 

calling in Kalamata, Athens, 

Santorini, Rhodes and Souda Bay, 

before returning to Valletta. 


Hurtigruten MSC Norwegian Oceania Ponant Princess Regent 

versea Star-Clippers Uniworld Viking Windstar

42 

Ephesus, Turkey 

Visit Three Continents on Celestyal’s Newest Cruise Itinerary 

by Olivia Liveng 

Picture this: you’re standing, humble 

and in awe, under the grandeur of 

Egypt’s pyramids, which for centuries 

have equally puzzles and captivated 

science and humanity. Now you go to sleep 

and wake up on a new continent, in a country 

that has birthed three religions and today 

carries that history in the walls of its beloved 

cities. Close your eyes, and now you’re 

standing in the shadow of the Acropolis, the 

wisdom of the Greek philosophers seeping 

into your bones. No, this isn’t some lucid 

dream you’re having. You’re a passenger on 

Celestyal Cruise’s Three Continents cruise, 

which sails for seven nights throughout the 

eastern Mediterranian. 

Celestyal invites guests to venture aboard on 

one of their three Cyrpian-owned and 

Greece-based passenger ships starting in 

late November 2021. However, this is hardly 

any run-of-the-mill cruise itinerary, as 

guests have the unique opportunity to step 

foot in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Travel to the 

best beaches of the Mediterranean, reflect at 

the world’s most famous historical landmarks, 

and immerse themself in the culture 

along the Mediterranean sea--all while sailing 

on one of Celestyal’s stoic vessels. 

Day 1: Athens, Greece 

Known as The Cradle of Western Civilization 

for its many contributions to the arts, sciences, 

a visit to Greece evokes the feeling of 

stepping back in time. Before setting foot on 

the Celestyal ship for the seven-night adventure, 

intrepid explorers should plan a few 

days to discover the ancient Greecian city of 

Athens. Get your historic fix by visiting 

Athens, Greece

Acropolis and the Parthenon (and, especially 

as the cruise dates avoid high season, good 

chance you can avoid the crowds as well!) 

The famous landmark views also include the 

Erechtheion, the Arrhephorion, and the 

Temple of Athena Nike. If history isn’t your 

thing, explore the capital on foot, stopping 

for a gyro or two on the way. The cruise will 

depart from Athens after a day of exploration 

and make its way to Egypt. 

Day 2: at sea 

Passengers aboard the Celestyal ship can 

enjoy a day at sea as the boat slowly makes 

its way south, from Europe to Africa. The 

cruise line is famous for its award-winning at 

sea programs that authentically weave in 

cultural immersion experiences, such as 

cooking demonstrations or learning traditional 

Greek dances. Of course, you can 

also relax and enjoy the bountiful amenities 

that the ship offers, including seven bars and 

lounges, signature dining experiences, an 

expansive panoramic spa and pool deck, 

and a fully-equipped gym. 

Day 3: Port Said, Egypt 

On the third day, the ship arrives at the 

northern end of Egypt’s iconic Suez Canal, 

the equally important and historic city of Port 

Said. This buzzing welcome offers a raised 

pedestrian boardwalk known as The 

Cornish, which runs along a scenic waterfront 

for eight kilometers and breathtaking 

views of the canal’s entrance point. You can 

choose between visiting iconic landmarks 

and architectural structures surround Port 

Said, such as De Lesseps Statue Base, Port 

Said Lighthouse, and Casa D’italia. As a 

coastal town on the Mediterranean Sea, the 

white sandy beaches and calm blue waters 

surround bustling beach cafes, restaurants, 

and comfy lounge areas. 

Day 4: Ashdod, Israel 

Welcome to the Holy Land. Day four of this 

enthralling itinerary transports guests to the 

striking coastline of Ashdod, Israel, which 

has been pivotal to the evolution of human’s 

religious history since the biblical prophet 

Jonah. Ashdod will allow the passengers to 

explore two of the world’s most famous 

cities, Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Celestyal 

can arrange tours that include Temple 

Mount, the Dome of the Rock, the Church of 

the Holy Sepulchre, or the Wailing Wall. Sites 

like these can be overwhelming without the 

help of an experienced tour guide, and 

Celestyal’s local guides help make thousands 

of years of history more digestible. For 

those who consider themselves more spiritual 

than religious, Israel’s coast is dotted with 

spectacular beaches where locals and foreigners 

alike rejuvenate in the sea. 

Day 5: Limassol, Cyprus 

If you’ve never experienced the bustling 

coastal town of Limassol, Cyprus’s hub and 

tourism center, then you are in for a treat on 

day five. Enjoy being a spectator or 

indulging in some of the action along 

43 

Molo’s main promenade and focal 

social area, which is lined with lively 

and colorful cafes, bars, and restaurants. 

History buffs may enjoy instead venturing to 

the historical Limassol Castle, snuggled sitting 

by the old harbor and in the center of 

the nearby city, caters to thrill-seekers, history 

enthusiasts, and families. 

Day 6: Rhodes, Greece 

It’s a city that has withstood modernization 

tests, managing to preserve its culture, history, 

architecture, and majestic medieval fortification 

ruins. Simply put, Rhodes is a jewel 

of Europe. Celestyal cruises guests have the 

unique opportunity to explore some of its 

treasures, such as the ancient Acropolis of 

Lindos and the historic Rhodes Old Town, a 

declared World Heritage City by UNESCO. 

For a relatively small island, passengers 

won’t be for lack of activities or ways to 

explore. Rent a bike to explore the stunning 

coves that dot the shoreline or find serenity in 

the calming idyllic Greek Island. 

Day 7: Kusadasi, Turkey 

On the last full day of the cruise, the 

Celestyal ship will dock at Kusadasi, one of 

Turkey’s historic cities cusping the coast. 

Known as the “Island of Birds” for its distinctive 

shape reminiscent of a bird’s head, 

Kusadasi boasts both a vibrant town and 

seaside. Passengers can visit Kadinlar Denizi 

(Women’s Sea), a female-only beach during 

the Ottoman Empire. Today, it is popular for 

sunbathing and swimming for dually locals 

and tourists. And while the beaches are a 

destination in themselves, Kusadasi is also 

known for its world-famous historical sites. A 

half-hour journey from the port lies the 

ancient city of Ephesus, whose excavated 

remains reflect centuries of history, from 

classical Greece to the Roman Empire. A 

week-long journey that traverses three continents 

and provides insight into some of 

humankind’s most paramount cultural and 

historical phenomenons, this Celestyal cruise 

is sure to make a lasting impact in the hearts 

of all intrepid travelers. 

www.celestyal.com 

Jerusalem , Israel 

Rhodes, Greece 


44 

Cruising with Disney: A Magical Experience 

by Daniel Smajovits, photos: Disney 

From theme parks to movies, the 

name Disney comes with a certain 

cache and more so, very high expectations. 

Now, when that name is painted on a 1,000- 

foot-long ship, you expect perfection – and on 

a Disney cruise, perfection is what you get. 

From three to 14-night cruises, Disney Cruise 

Line ensures a magical experience from the 

moment you first set eyes on their signature 

black hull until you’re waving goodbye at the 

end of your journey. 

Itinerary 

For most Canadians, the most popular Disney 

cruise itineraries are Caribbean-centric. From 

Cozumel, Mexico to the U.S. and British Virgin 

Islands, Disney sails to all the most popular 

destinations that the Eastern and Western 

Caribbean has to offer. Furthermore, departure 

points of New York City, Port Canaveral 

and Miami make them incredibly accessible, 

especially for quick getaways. With further 

departure points around the world, other itineraries 

feature the Pacific Coast, Hawaii, Latin 

America, Alaska and Europe. 

While most seasoned travelers are familiar 

with the activities and amenities offered at traditional 

Caribbean ports-of-call, such as lush 

beaches, adventure activities and tremendous 

shopping opportunities, unique to Caribbeanbased 

Disney cruises is a bonus stop replete 

with tranquility, luxury and excitement: 

Castaway Cay.

Castaway Cay is a private island in the 

Bahamas which is owned and operated by 

Disney Cruise Line, serving as a true extension 

of the cruising experience on land. In line with 

all Disney creations, the island was developed 

with a castaway theme in mind and mimics 

life after a shipwreck. 

Unlike most ports of call, a number of activities 

are included with your cruise and naturally, 

much like on-board, all food and most 

beverages are as well. Adults with small children 

have a number of options as well. 

Castaway Cay offers a family beach, but 

should you be looking for some alone time – 

Disney extends their on-board childcare to the 

island. Once the children are in good hands, 

adults can venture off to Serenity Bay, an 

adult-only respite. Naturally, Disney includes 

all beach towels, chairs and umbrellas as well 

as plenty of hammocks for that much needed 

afternoon nap. 

Looking for some exercise? Along with walking 

paths and adult-only yoga, guests can opt 

for the Castaway Cay 5K race to burn off 

those cruising calories. If running or walking 

is not your cup of (Mad Hatters) tea, then opt 

for one of the many activities, such as: bicycle 

rentals, watercrafts, snorkeling, parasailing, 

massages, volleyball and basketball. 

Behind the scenes, over 140 full-time employees 

ensure that every guest need is met while 

onshore. From the live music to character 

experiences, these hard-working cast members 

live up to every one of your Disney 

expectations. 

On-board Experience 

While Disney Cruise Lines’ target market is 

undoubtedly families with young children, 

regardless if you’re a couple or a family bursting 

at the seams, you will find an on-board 

experience tailored to your every need. 

For children, the highlights of every Disney 

Cruise are the Fireworks at Sea and character 

experiences. Their eyes will light up brighter 

and brighter, beginning at Mickey’s Sail-A- 

Wave Party to the various themed nights. 

Should guests be so inclined, Disney also 

operates themed cruises around the Marvel 

Comics or Star Wars Universes as well as 

unique experiences celebrating various holidays. 

Equally as important for parents is the 

Disney’s childcare services. The Oceaneer 

Club and Lab provide free childcare for children 

ages 3 to 12. Edge and Vibe provide 

activities for youth 11 to 14 and 14 to 17 

respectively. The It’s A Small World Nursery 

welcomes children ages 6 months to 3 years 

old, with a small fee. These services are also 

available when the ship is at a port-of-call. 

While there are plenty of opportunities to 

relax on-board, for those needing to break a 

sweat, all ships include a fitness centre, running 

track as well as other activities such as 

basketball, shuffleboard and ping-pong. The 

Dream and Fantasy, which are the newest 

ships in the fleet, have added Goofy’s Sports 

Deck with a Miniature Golf course and sports 

simulators. 

When the sun sets, all cruises offer Broadwayquality 

shows, including original Disney productions 

on a nightly basis. Naturally, either 

first-run or popular Disney movies are 

screened every evening on-deck. Notably 

absent on all Disney ships are casinos – but 

all ages bingo is offered while at sea and inport. 

Adults can also enjoy the ship’s nightclubs, 

cabarets, live music and karaoke. 

Dining 

From sunrise to sunset, guests are immersed 

in the Disney universe and dining is no exception. 

Each dinner provides guests with a different 

Disney experience. Cruises operate on 

a rotational dining system, which means that 

guests move to one of three themed restaurants 

every night. From Tiana’s Palace on the 

Disney Wonder, which celebrates Princess 

Tiana to the Royal Court on the Disney 

Fantasy, an homage to Cinderella and 

Sleeping Beauty, amongst others, each 

evening represents a unique and unforgettable 

meal. For those who enjoy building a 

rapport with their waiter, he or she follows you 

throughout the rotation. As for the food itself, 

the cuisine lives up to the Disney name in 

taste, variety and presentation. 

Outside of dinner service, Cabanas is your 

go-to buffet for breakfast and lunch. In addi- 

tion to traditional fare, make sure to 

45 

indulge in one or many Mickey Mouse 

waffles – a favourite amongst children 

and adults alike. All cruises offer 24-hour 

room-service and an abundance of quick 

service restaurants to ensure that travelers 

with a Herculean appetite are satisfied. 

For the adults, each ship also has an upscale 

restaurant, fit for the royal family of Agrabah, 

called Palo. The restaurant is open for dinner 

every evening as well as offers a Champagne 

Brunch and High Tea while at sea. 

Staterooms 

While staterooms on board any cruise ship 

are very dependent on your price range, 

Disney Cruise Line try to ensure that regardless 

of category, you truly feel the magic. With 

four categories: Inside, Oceanview, Verandah 

or Concierge, we always recommend picking 

your room based on budget and need. All 

rooms share a nautical motif with ample 

space to ensure that a couple or family will 

not feel cramped when turning in for the 

evening. Naturally, size and amenities differ 

based upon category. 

The two newest ships in their fleet, the Dream 

and Fantasy, both offer staterooms that can 

accommodate a family of five, which is a rarity 

at sea. Additionally, for the least picky 

cruisers who opt for an inside cabin, these two 

ships feature magic portholes, where cameras 

on the exterior of the ship feed video to monitors 

shaped as portholes. In addition to the 

video feeds, Disney takes this cruise industry 

first to another level as special guests magically 

pop into your window throughout the 

day. 

Regardless of your destination or the ship taking 

you there, once onboard a Disney cruise, 

you will undoubtedly feel the magic. Whether 

you’re a couple looking for a relaxing getaway 

or a family embarking on your first 

cruise, the charm, attention to detail and wonder 

that you’ve come to expect from Disney is 

in full effect on the high seas. 

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com 


46 

Uniworld’s Reimagined S.S. La Venezia to Sail Venice and Northern Italy 

by Olivia Liveng

Uniworld’s forthcoming ten-day 

Venice & the Gems of Northern 

Italy program, the company’s first 

cruise since the pandemic began, and the 

inaugural sailing for the brand new Super 

Ship S.S. La Venezia, things are looking 

pretty good. This completely reimagined 

ship will take guests on a journey of a lifetime 

along Northern Italy’s exquisite coastline. 

Culture, cuisine, and adventure are 

paramount on this itinerary, which snakes 

through history and some of southern 

Europe’s most magical landscapes. 

A Journey Around Northern Italy 

Much like the winding rivers of southern 

Europe, the itinerary for this program takes 

guests on a sweeping adventure. On the 

first day, travelers arrive at Milan Malpensa 

Airport, greeted by a Uniworld representative, 

and transfer to the Rosa Grand hotel. 

A Mecca for Italian fashionistas and its 

illustrious innovative design and stylish flair, 

Milan is a culturally rich city to begin the 

cruising adventure. And speaking of 

adventure, the fun begins right away with 

opportunities to explore Milan’s hulking 

and stoic Gothic cathedral and bear witness 

to the majesty of Da Vinci’s revolutionary 

“The Last Supper” mural. To truly 

maximize time in Milan, guests may opt to 

take the city highlight tour. 

The third day may evoke memories of 

romantic success from Romeo and Juliet, 

as the tour continues in Verona, the literary 

hometown of Shakespeare’s notoriously 

star-crossed teen lovers. Wine connoisseurs 

will enjoy a feast at a historic wine estate 

owned by descendants of Dante and learn 

about one of the unique Italian wines, 

Amarone di Valpolicella. Stuffed--both literally 

and with culture--already, the evening 

is where the real fun begins. Arriving in 

Venice, guests embark on their Venetian 

Lagoon, ready to explore this stunning part 

of the world. 

Venice is often hailed as the most romantic 

city in the world. With nicknames like “The 

City of Canals” and “The City of Bridges,” 

with ornate architecture that stands majestically 

perpendicular to aqua water, it's 

quite understandable why. The next day of 

this Uniworld Cruise invites guests to marvel 

at ease, with an early morning at 

Doge’s Palace, enjoying the entire estate in 

peace. Another possible excursion is a bit 

more local, inviting guests to wander 

through a Venetian neighborhood and 

experience daily life in an authentic 

Venetian residential quarter. Later in the 

evening, cap the day off with a private, 

once-in-a-lifetime experience at an afterhours 

lighting ceremony inside St. Mark’s 

Basilica without the crowds. 

The fifth day of the adventure allows guests 

to choose between a full day in medieval 

Padua, home to Italy's second-oldest university, 

or a Venice walking tour and a 

choice of several exciting ways to see 

Chioggia: riding on a traditional bragozzo 

or biking through this authentic fishing 

town. 

As the boat continues meandering Italy’s 

breathtaking countryside, potential excursions 

for guests include exploring the country’s 

culinary capital, Bologna, on a fullday 

tour packed with an exclusive pastamaking 

workshop (how Italian!) and lunch 

or exploring Ferrara on a half-day tour. 

The following day allows guests to feel local 

by visiting a lively and authentic market on 

the coastal Chioggia, home to historic 

towns and winding alleyways, including a 

stop at the local and lively market. And, 

after a tiring but enthralling day of walking, 

enjoying a lovely evening stroke in Burano, 

a picturesque town widely known for its 

brightly-colored fishermen's houses and its 

casual eateries serving seafood from the 

lagoon. 

A week into the trip and the culture continues. 

The eighth day of the program is spent 

exploring the northern lagoon of Venice 

and three of its captivating islands. Cruise 

passengers can even explore a basilica 

with an art historian in Torcello before 

heading to the peaceful, agricultural island 

of Mazzorbo. This tour ends, fittingly, with a 

stroll through Burano’s rainbow of colorful 

homes and visiting a lace-making atelier. 

The final two days of the trip are spent back 

in Venice, reveling in its art and history. 

Guests return to the City of Canals in style 

at the Rialto Bridge and Fondaco dei 

Tedeschi. The iconic stone arch bridge sits 

at the narrowest point of the Canal Grande 

and holds numerous shops and restaurants. 

Following an intimate Captain’s 

Farewell Dinner, the journey ends, and the 

following day, guests disembark the ship, 

feeling satiated with culture, cuisine, history, 

and beauty. 

Onboard The S.S. La Venezia 

Though, of course, the highlight of this sailing 

is the magnificence of Northern Italy, 

life aboard The S.S. La Venezia is still cherished 

and luxurious. The Super Ship was 

designed to embody Italy’s timeless beauty 

influenced by the local Venetian design 

house, Fortuny. Onboard dining and bars 

bring the local gastronomy to life with 

ingredients sourced straight from the local 

markets, with four dining options to choose 

from. The ship also boasts a fitness center, 

library, and spa. As a brand, Uniworld is 

known for creating authentic yet luxurious 

experiences for guests in dynamic locations 

with the high crew-to-guest rations--and 

without a doubt, the voyage aboard The 

S.S. La Venezia encompasses all of this. 

www.uniworld.com 

47 


48 

Luxury Hotels...Grand Resorts...Charming B&B...Opulent Villas...Quaint C 

Sweet Dreams Around the World 

Stay & Play Section 

25hours Hotel, The Royal Bavarian, Munich 

by Michael Morcos 

Funky is a good way of describing this hotel, so is cool, hip or even psychedelic! The 

25 Hours Hotel is anything but a cookie cutter property, far from it. The designers 

and decorators of this hotel took every opportunity of making things abnormal. Even 

the hotel name throws you for a loop. 

Our hotel adventure started upon arrival where we climbed to the first-floor reception 

and found a red, antique, tissue covered couch in the elevator. On arriving to 

the welcome desk our senses were again attacked as we would feel like we were in 

a Sargent Pepper album cover. The scenario continued past the check-in through the 

blue coloured hallway to our dazzling room. It was wonder at first sight! Just about 

every detail in our room was a conscientious work of art. Like books that fill in for 

bed legs. An all-black toilet - tiles, walls and bowl. How about the new washroom 

sink, faucet and counter that resemble something from a century ago. It was all very 

puzzling and yet it worked. 

As for location, Munich was practically at our doorstep. Located directly in front of 

the train station, getting to and from any European destination was easy. At the corner 

of the street was a metro station and Munich’s major attractions were just a short 

walk away. 

Breakfasts at the hotel were delightful. Served buffet style, the choices were varied 

and plentiful, starting with wonderful fresh and hearty German breads, fine cheeses 

and delicious cold cuts to eggs prepared in any style. The atmosphere in the breakfast 

room echoed the hotel. Weird, wild and just about right, as were the mostly 

young to middle aged clients. 

Travelling is all about the new and different. A stay at the 25 Hours Hotel was 

refreshing and certainly memorable. After a stay like this, it sure did make me think 

about how boring some hotels really are and with properties across Europe; the 

experience can carry on and on. 

www.25hours-hotels.com 

Steve Herud 

Steve Herud 

Steve Herud 

Azulik, Tulum 

Reconnect with Nature 

When Eduardo Neira founded the Azulik 

resort, the Argentine architect did so with the 

vision of reconnecting travellers to nature. 

Azulik represents far more than your typical 

stay at a hotel and seeks to restore the balance 

between humanity and nature. Today, it 

is one of Mexico’s bonafide hotspots, boasting 

42 luxury villas. 

Located at the center of a triangle made from 

Tulum, Coba, and Muyil - the three principal 

centers of Mayan tradition - Azulik was 

designed to offer prospective travelers a truly 

spiritual experience. With no air conditioning, 

television, or electric light on its resort, Azulik 

aims to help travelers disconnect from technology. 

Azulik’s visitors can choose between a number 

of different healing packages available. 

The resort’s sea-side treatment draws on 

nature’s different elements and how they can 

impact the body in their own way. Guests can 

also participate in a Zumpulche ceremony, 

dating back to the practice of traditional 

Mayan medicine. 

Beyond its wonderful villas, Azulik also offers 

its guests a comprehensive gastronomic experience. 

Authentic Mayan-Mexican cuisine is on 

the menu at Kin Toh - Azulik’s treehouse 

restaurant, where travelers can enjoy a 

delightful meal all-while taking in the wonderful 

view on offer. Its unique architectural 

design is worth a visit on its own. 

Keeping with the theme of reconnecting with 

nature, Azulik’s trademark jungle cuisine 

should feature atop any foodie’s list when in 

Tulum. Chefs Santiago Conde and Rogelio 

Gorozpe look to combine indigenous traditions 

as well as elements from the surrounding 

jungle in each dish they plate. 

In many ways, Azulik is not your typical resort 

and truly is a sight to behold. As more travelers 

flock to Tulum, this resort is a must-stay. 

www.azulik.com 

by Gregory Caltabanis 

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49 

The Mansion Resort & Spa, Bali 

There are many reasons why all travelers 

would find peace and solace 

at The Mansion. For one, Ubud, a 

spiritual town located in Bali’s mystical and 

alluring jungles, has attracted local 

Indonesians and ex-pats alike for decades. 

Ubud pays homage to the traditional 

Balinese culture through performance art, 

architecture, and spiritual ceremonies, while 

also integrating modern-day innovation 

such as trendy boutiques and technology. 

But if resort lounging is what you prefer, The 

Mansion also has you covered there. A 

sprawling property with over 150 rooms to 

choose from, from Deluxe to Penthouse 

Suites, you won’t feel crowded or as though 

you’re imposing on other guests. And it is 

undoubtedly the spot to make all of your 

by Olivia Taylor 

tropical fantasies come true: sipping vegan 

mojito poolside with the sun beating down 

on you while local artists grace the stage 

playing authentic Indonesian instruments, 

including the suling and gamelan. Nature 

and culture seamlessly meld here. With six 

pools, including the saltwater and crystal 

water variety, delicately placed around the 

tropical, lust estate, your only concern will 

be having to choose where to sunbathe. 

Fancy being more active? Why not take a 

yoga class, exercise in the gym, or indulge in 

the resort’s sauna? 

And guests need not be gourmands to be 

tantalized by the gastronomic choices at The 

Mansion. At Indochine, savor the unique 

combination of Asian & Continental nouvelle 

cuisine, an ideal location for a special 

dinner or gathering. For those who don’t 

eat meat, the stunning Plumeria Restaurant 

offers a Pescatarian menu and a plantbased 

menu by Chef Alejandro Montano of 

Nihisumba. Plumeria is a beautiful rooftop 

restaurant that features an aquaponics garden 

restaurant, growing herbs on-site for 

the dishes. Moreover, the restaurant is decorated 

with an array of art from The 

Mansion’s private collection. Cafe La 

Terrace, located by the popular SunKiss 

Pool, offers a casual menu with fantastic 

cocktails and mocktails. The Mansion also 

caters to unique dinners, from Tree House 

Dining, family-style Megibung, to Royal 

Rijsttafels, ideal for special occasions and 

celebrations. 

Most of all, it is the welcoming staff at The 

Mansion Resort & Spa who will make you 

feel like you’re part of the family. You’ll 

return home feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, 

and connected to your new Mansion family. 

www.themansionbali.com 

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Advertorial 

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Puntacana Resort & Club is the 

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Dining 

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Bamboo blends modern cuisine with 

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Award La Yola is located at the Marina. At 

La Cana Golf & Beach Club is The Grill, 

an American style grill offering views of 

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52 

Hotel Palacio de Doña Leonor, Antigua, Guatemala 

The first words that come to mind 

when I think about our stay at the 

Hotel Palacio de Doña Leonor in 

Antigua, Guatemala, are luxury, history, 

atmosphere, location and customer service. 

This turned out to be our hotel oasis-ofcomfort 

in the middle of a Central 

American adventure that included El 

Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. 

Following a stay in Guatemala City, our 

guide drove us to the bustling market town 

of Chichicastenango, and then on to the 

UNESCO World Heritage city of Antigua. 

Founded in the 16th century, Antigua 

Guatemala (“Old Guatemala”) is famous 


for its Colonial-style churches and Spanish 

Baroque architecture, and our hotel was 

directly related. 

After the invasion of Guatemala in 1523 by 

the Spanish Conquistador Don Pedro de 

Alvarado, under the orders of Hernán 

Cortés, an alliance was made with the 

Tlaxcaltecas people. To confirm this treaty, 

the Tlaxcaltecan leader, Xiconténcatl gave 

his daughter, Princess Tecuilhuatzin to 

Cortés as a wife. Cortés in turn gave the 

Princess, now baptized as Doña Luisa, to 

Alvarado, and one of their offspring was 

Doña Leonor, after whom our hotel was 

named. 

After a very pleasant welcome by the hotel 

staff, we were led to the 2nd floor where 

the tiled corridor decorated with antique 

couches, dressers, chests and paintings 

overlooked the beautifully sculpted central 

courtyard, showcasing a fountain surrounded 

by manicured shrubs, leafy trees 

and vines. And then when our room door 

was opened we were in what could only be 

described as ‘historical-luxury-shock’! Our 

large balconied room featured darkstained 

wooden floors and doors, inlaid 

painted wall panels, a glistening crystal 

chandelier, stylish antique furniture and 

paintings, a marble fireplace, and as the 

center of attention, a plush King bed with 

carved posts supporting an ornate wooden 

canopy, and elegantly draped with deep 

blue velvet curtains. Our first reaction was 

that we wouldn’t leave the room at all during 

our stay! 

But we were in Antigua, and very close to 

all the major cultural, historical and architectural 

sites including the Outdoor Market, 

the Iglesia de la Merced (1767), the Church 

of San Francisco (1542), the Palacio de los 

Capitaines Generales (1549), the Convent 

of Las Capuchinas (1736) and the Santa 

Catalina Arch (1694) through which photos 

of the Agua Volcano can be spectacular on 

a clear, sunny day. 

And on Calle De Arco (the Street of the 

Arch) visitors can interact with Guatemalan 

tradition and culture at Nimpot, one of the 

most unique handicraft stores on the planet. 

As collectors of wooden masks and statues, 

we were simply captivated! 

The restaurant at the Hotel Palacio de 

Doña Leonor is top notch with white tablecloths, 

excellent food and service. We also 

explored local restaurants and found that 

even those ‘across town’ were only a 20-30 

minute walk from the hotel. 

When in one of the most important historical 

and cultural cities in Guatemala, a stay 

at the Hotel Palacio de Doña Leonor can 

only enhance the experience. 

www.palaciodeleonor.com 


53 

Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok Boutique Hotel 

For many residents of Bangkok as well 

as visitors to this amazing city, the 

Chao Phraya River is where the action 

takes place. On a 24/7 non-stop basis the 

water is plied by ferries, express boats, 

house boats, fishing boats, food vendor 

boats, longtail boats, barges, river taxis and 

ships. For tour guides and visitors in the 

know, the river is the short cut to cope with 

the city’s often exasperating road-trafficcongestion. 

But on a more serene scale, the 

river is the only way to arrive at one of the 

most soul-soothing temples in Bangkok, Wat 

Arun, the Temple of the Dawn. 

Just imagine your own private picture window 

allowing you to calmly gaze directly 

across the river, with unobstructed views, at 

the beautifully lit Temple at night time. This 

was the view from our room at the Sala 

Rattanakosin Bangkok Hotel. 


The name of the hotel is derived from the 

Kingdom of Rattanakosin that ruled 

Bangkok and parts of present day Laos, 

Cambodia and Malaysia from 1782 to 

1932, just prior to the establishment of the 

modern nation state of Thailand. And this 

boutique, 15-room property on the Chao 

Phraya River has an enviable location as far 

as attractions are concerned. The 70 meterhigh 

central spire (prang) of Wat Arun is the 

focus of attention across the river (and easily 

accessible by local ferry). The incredible 

Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the 

Reclining Buddha, and the Grand Palace, 

the traditional residence of the Kings of 

Siam and Thailand, are an easy walk from 

the hotel. Along the way visitors pass the 

Bangkok Flower Market providing a visual 

bouquet of unbelievably colourful flowers, 

complemented by the sweet perfume of 

flower garlands, freshly hand-strung and 

ready for sale as temple offerings and symbols 

of good luck. And for those going further 

afield, the Sanamchai MRT Station of 

the Bangkok subway is near the hotel. 

After a typically hot, steamy day of visiting 

Bangkok’s temples, museums, khlongs 

(canals), shopping malls and maybe even a 

trip to the huge Chatuchak weekend Market, 

and after sampling ultra-delicious Thai food 

on Khao San Road or one of the river-front 

restaurants, it’s time to unwind, and the 

calm ambiance of the Sala Rattanakosin is 

the perfect place for this. 

The lobby is welcoming and the greeting, 

very friendly. The rooms are beautifully 

appointed. After dark we journeyed to the 

roof top bar to see the view and then retreated 

to the solace of our Wat Arun River View 

Deluxe room. Alongside the comfy King 

bed, there was a daybed positioned directly 

in front of that large picture window. We 

turned out the lights, opened the curtains 

wide and silently stared at the incredibly 

soothing scenery, directly in front of us: the 

beautifully lit Temple of the Dawn, dreamily 

reflected in the Chao Phraya River. 

https://www.salahospitality.com/ 


56 

dryer, BBQ, fire pit and a large deck. All four 

bedrooms were beautifully decorated, but 

more importantly, had super-comfy beds 

with Endy foam mattresses. 

With a cottage as gorgeous as this one, 

you’d be forgiven if you simply wanted to 

luxuriate inside, but Haliburton is a destination 

well worth exploring. 

The Haliburton Highlands is quintessential 

cottage country with its rolling hills, 500-plus 

lakes, and rugged forests. Here are a just a 

few of the family-friendly activities to enjoy: 

Observe an unsocialized pack of wolves at 

the Wolf Centre in the Haliburton Forest 

At this 80,000-acre conservation area, visitors 

have the chance to observe the dynamics 

of an unsocialized pack first-hand. The 

Wolf Centre is only one part of this remarkable 

privately-owned wilderness reserve that 

has over 350 kilometres and a slew of allseason 

activities to enjoy. 

Cottage Dreaming at Spencer Lakehouse 

If you closed your eyes and imagined an 

ideal cottage, I bet it would look a lot 

like Spencer Lakehouse. 

The moment we opened the door of this 

Haliburton gem, we were greeted by an 

expansive view of the lake made possible by 

the floor-to-ceiling windows. A sign in the 

entrance way read, This is our Happy Place 

and soon, it was ours, too. The open-concept 

design was as modern as it was warm, 

and there were thoughtful touches throughout. 

“It was a labour of love,” said owner Hue 

Nguyen, who completely renovated the 

property to reflect her vision of an ideal cottage 

stay. 

She explained that she wanted to change 

the experience to emulate the more luxurious 

accommodation she had enjoyed 

abroad. 

by Jennifer Merrick 

“We want it to feel like a vacation and don’t 

want guests to have to worry about anything.” 

Her vision has been realized in every corner 

of Spencer Lakehouse. Though I must say 

that the coffee bar was my favourite touch. 

As I often do when I travel, I had brought my 

trusty French press and own supplies. They 

stayed in my suitcase. On the shelves were 

four different types of coffee makers, a 

choice of high-quality coffee beans and 

even a grinder. The aroma of freshly ground 

coffee was just one of the extras we discovered 

at Spencer Lakehouse. Others included 

a candy station, shelves of books and board 

games, toys and colouring books, cooking 

supplies and spices, toiletries, diapers and 

baby supplies, and a Wii video game console. 

Also, in the 2000-square-foot property 

were the more essential features for a luxury 

cottage experience including washer and 

Explore the Haliburton Sculpture Forest 

The Haliburton Highlands has one of the 

highest working artist per capita rate in the 

province. Historically, it was the beauty of 

the wilderness that attracted so many artists 

to the region, and one of the best places to 

experience the beauty of both art and 

wilderness is at the Haliburton Sculpture 

Forest. As you follow the forest trails, you’ll 

discover more than 40 pieces of art by 

Canadian and international artists. Each 

piece has its own story. But my fave was the 

“Sleep of the Huntress” by Doug Stephens. 

The sleeping woman carved so seamlessly 

in the rugged, granite boulder echoed the 

peace I felt as I walked through this forest. 

In fact, peace, calm and contentment were 

the sentiments that permeated every facet of 

our Spencer Lakehouse getaway in 

Haliburton. And I will admit that one of the 

first things we did when we returned to 

Toronto was look at cottage real estate listings. 

www.spencerlakehouse.ca 


57 

Stay and Play on Pelee Island: The Wandering Dog Inn 

Article and photography by Jennifer Merrick 

here in spring to spot the more than 350 

specimens that stop here on their migration 

south. Seeing some of the bright, feathered 

friends on our summer visit during our island 

wanderings was a definite highlight. 

“If it’s less you’re after we have more of 

it,” said Cathy Miller, owner of The 

Wandering Dog Inn, Canada’s most 

southern inn on Pelee Island. 

Living simply and in nature, Cathy continued, 

is what many islanders value, and she 

remarked on the changes she sees in people 

when they visit the island. 

“When they arrive, you can see the stress 

here,” she said, pointing to her shoulders. 

“And they’re not really sure what to expect 

and what they should be doing.” But it doesn’t 

take long before they start to relax and 

adapt to the island’s slower pace. 

“It a very free-form life here.” 

There was no wi-fi on the premises, but 

instead, the spacious property had hammocks, 

a fire pit and porches to hang out on. 

It was just what our family needed after a 

spring stuck mostly indoors and getting ready 

for our oldest to leave the nest. Without internet, 

we took advantage of the games and 

decks of cards in the rooms for family time, 

ate s’mores around the fire and explored the 

island itself. 

The inn offers nine rooms with varying amenities. 

The Main House is a 125-year-old farmhouse 

with an open air veranda and 4 rooms 

upstairs that accommodate to 2 adults per 

room with 2 full bathrooms upstairs and 2 

bathrooms downstairs. A common area 

offers board games, a small lending library 

and community fridge. Five private suites 

located at the back of the property have private 

entrances and offer king and queen beds 

with private bathrooms, screened porches, 

charcoal grills, bar fridges, microwaves and 

hammocks. 

About Pelee Island: 

Located on the 42nd parallel, the same latitude 

as Rome and Barcelona, you simply can’t 

go any farther south in Canada than this 

beautiful island. Its southern clime not only 

means the longest frost-free season in the 

province but also unique flora and fauna like 

the prickly pear cactus, native coffee trees and 

the rare blue racer snake. Bird watchers flock 

We rented bikes at Comfortech and peddled 

along the scenic shoreline of Lake Erie as well 

as through the Carolinian forest. A hike at 

Fish Point Nature Reserve showcased some of 

the island’s botanical riches and led down to 

its southernmost point, where our cell phones 

beeped, incorrectly informing us we were in 

the US. We also rambled at the opposite end 

of the 42-km² island at Lighthouse Point. The 

restored 1833 watchtower stood stoically on 

the natural beach strewn with white, sunbleached 

driftwood. Even at one of the 

island’s most popular spots, we saw very few 

people. Our favourite moment, though, was 

just walking at sunset along an unnamed 

beach near our B & B. Clamouring the rocks 

and sinking our toes into sand, I felt grateful 

for the chance to be with my family in these 

peaceful, natural surroundings. 

www.thewanderingdoginn.com 

www.ontariossouthwest.com 


58 

Heavenly Songtsam 

Article by williamdboehm.wordpress.com, photos: Songtsam 

Yunnan, meaning “South of the Clouds” due to its location just south of the Tibetan Plateau at the eastern edge of the Himalayas, is a land with 

some of the most diverse cultures, varied ecology, and steep terrain of mountains and rivers in China. With verdant low-lying valleys that rise 

to the north to spectacular glaciated mountains, incredible plant and animal diversity, rustic towns and villages, and a lively mix of ethnic minority 

communities, Yunnan has long inspired both explorers, and travelers. Yunnan's rugged landscape have historically isolated ethnic groups of people 

from one another, essentially preserving the region’s unique minority cultures. The province is a melting pot of different traditions, clothing, cuisine and 

nature landscapes that travelers will enjoy. 

The phone rang next to our bed, startling us 

out of a deep sleep. It was still dark outside 

when my wife and I were woken up by the 

concierge at Songtsam Lodge Meili, letting us 

know that the Meili Snow Mountains had finally 

cleared, and shouldn’t miss the sunrise. We 

crawled out of our comfortable bed and 

gazed through our windows, opening them to 

witness the revealing expanse of glaciated 

peaks. At 6:30 am the star filled night was 

vanishing in the predawn light. It had been 

raining off and on since we left Lijiang a week 

ago, and on this day we were fortunate, the 

eastern edge of the Himalayas that border 

Yunnan and the Tibetan plateau were now 

clearing with sunlit crimson summits exposed 

above a sea of indigo blue clouds. 

We were at the edge of Tibet, having traveled 

three days north from Lijiang to Deqin China 

to get here. Meili’s mountain scenery is 

breathtaking, a part of the Hengduan mountain 

range East of Himalayas that so easily 

accessible it seemed unbelievable. At 3,600 

meters (12,000) feet in a rural Tibetan village, 

the lodge faces the spectacular Meili Range,

including Kawagebo at 6,740 meters (22,112 

feet). Our stay here with Songtsam immersed 

us into the remote world of Tibetan life and 

alpine mountain beauty that only remote 

trekking into the Nepal Himalaya or the 

Alaskan coastal range can rival. Unlike 

Nepal, these mountains were verdant in 

alpine meadows that were flowered and lush 

up to the icefields, reminding me of my explorations 

of the coastal range of British 

Columbia and SE Alaska’s Glacier Bay. 

Our itinerary will take us north into one of 

China’s wildest and most dramatic landscapes: 

the Three Paralleled Rivers National 

Park, where the Salween, Mekong, and 

Yangtze Rivers descend from the Tibetan 

Plateau and cut through the mountains of 

Yunnan from north to south. Constricted into 

gorges twice the depth of the Grand Canyon, 

these major rivers are separated here by narrow 

ridges that run roughly parallel from 

north to south for about 170 km. At places the 

gorges could be 3,000 m deep and bordered 

by glaciated peaks more than 6,000 m high. 

We were taking a circuitous two-week trip in 

Yunnan, one of many itineraries offered by 

Songtsam that explores both Yunnan and the 

spectacular Mountain Ranges of Kham, 

Eastern Tibet. Songtsam was founded by Mr. 

Baima Duoji who is from Shangrila, and who 

has created a series of Boutique lodges that 

incorporate his love for the Tibetan cultural 

roots of his family, and create resting places 

within landscapes that capture the beauty of 

its mountains, forests and rugged terrain. He 

desired to blend a peaceful setting with a welcoming 

staff at each of his lodges that treat 

you as family. And we personally experienced 

genuine hospitality, welcomed each day into a 

home away from home, where we could 

reflect, meditate amidst nature, eat healthy 

and delicious food, and rest. Songtsam lodges 

are connected a days drive apart along a the 

ancient Tea Horse trail starting in Lijiang and 

the area of the three parallel rivers, a 

UNESCO Heritage Site, that connect west 

through Highway G318 into the Tibetan Alps 

of eastern Kham, terminating in Lhasa. The 

boutique 5 star lodges are linked through a 

highway route that penetrates through 

untouched wild forests, remote villages, and 

spectacular glaciated peaks, which introduce 

the traveler not only to the mysterious and 

remote mountains and eastern plateau of 

Tibet, but also its Tibetan mountain culture. 

We began in Lijiang at Songtsam Linka 

Retreat Lijiang crafted in Tibetan style with 

stone and wood beams and trim, and 

appointed with incredible comfort. We would 

drive north to begin our circuit with our 

English speaking driver and guide Rinchin 

Dhargyal an affable and energetic Tibetan. 

We would spend two days in Tacheng, a quiet 

village of Naxi and Lisu farmers who grew 

rice, apples, and grapes, then drive north to 

Cizhong on the edge of the Mekong River, 

then continue to ascend to Deqin at the edge 

of the Tibetan plateau and stay at Meili at the 

edge of the Snow Mountain range. Here we 

would spend four days of hiking and exploring. 

We would then complete our route heading 

South to Benzilan in the lowlands along 

the banks of the Yangtze River, pass through 

Shangri-La nestled in a lovely lake plateau 

before finally returning to Lijiang. 

The next morning we left for Tacheng, a 

four-hour drive to the northwest, following 

part of the Yangtze River. We 

59 

finally arrived at Songtsam Tacheng, located 

in a farming village in undeveloped countryside, 

our home for the next two days. This was 

the season to harvest grapes for a dessert ice 

wine, and to cut rice, corn and barley. The 

driveway to Songtsam Tacheng wove through 

fields of grapes, until we arrived at the beautiful 

lodge. The staff were waiting outside for 

us and first placed a white kata, or ceremonial 

scarf, around each of our necks “for good 

luck,” Rinchen explains. “It’s our way to wish 

you a good life.” The staff sang us a traditional 

Naxi welcome song, and again we sensed 

we arrived in a welcoming Songtsam family 

tradition. 

Here we experienced an amazing celebration 

day of Harvest Festival, where Lisu, Naxi, and 

Tibetan families gathered at their cultural 

square, wearing their traditional costumes to 

celebrate in song and dance. Their elaborate 

costumes are worn to remember their family 

clans with some women wearing magnificent 

Tibetan bonnets. Rinchen explained “ the tassels 

on their Tibetan hats represent the wind, 

and are long for unmarried women, short for 

married. The hats’ crescent shape symbolizes 

the moon; white ruffs denote the snows of the 

peaks. “We could see their clothes are symbolic 

reflections of place, culture, and individual 

status. The older folk especially enjoy 

recalling aspects of their traditions, and their 

songs accompanied by the er wu instruments 

floated through the groups. 

We completed our circuit and our final night 

at Songtsam lodge was spent with staff, and a 

newly arrived group from both Shanghai, 

joined by their friends from California. They 

asked us what we thought of Yunnan, and 

China? “We discovered an incredible place of 

beauty, and wonderful people. Yunnan is the 

gem of China, pristine countryside and mountain 

beauty that rivals the Pacific Northwest 

and Alaska. Songtsam has achieved its mission 

of Baima Duoji, it feels like home and we 

feel we are leaving family and familiar mountain 

scenery. We will return soon. 

www.songtsam.com/en 


60 

The Ultimate Guide to Bali, Island of the Gods 

by Olivia Liveng

Some nicknames resonate more aptly 

than others. Bali, an Indonesian 

island located in the Java Sea, flawlessly 

lives up to its nickname: “Island of the 

Gods.” Sculpted by thick jungle forests that 

juxtapose seaside cliffs, brimming with 

enchanting temples that cradle the past’s stories, 

and saturated with sunlight warming 

buzzing beaches, it’s no wonder Bali has 

topped destination wish lists since its tourism 

boom in the 1960s. Let’s dive into Bali’s varied 

offerings and areas: 

Uluwatu: The Uluwatu region of Bali physically 

juts out from the mainland and is brimming 

with jaw-dropping nature, most notably 

its jarring cliffs rising perpendicular out of the 

crystal-clear sea. But it is more than just its 

geography that is so unique: Uluwatu is home 

to one of the most potent cultural landmarks 

of the island, the Uluwatu Temple. Perched 

atop a cliff 70 meters above the sprawling 

Indian Ocean, this Balinese Hindu sea temple 

is renowned for its location and famous for its 

nightly Kecak dance performances, a Balinese 

Hindu dance, and music drama telling stories 

of the past. If you’re feeling active during the 

day, consider renting a surfboard and hanging 

ten--after all, some of the best swells are 

found on Uluwatu’s premier beaches! 

To Stay: For a splurge, rent out one of 

Uluwatu Surf Villas’s ten fully serviced clifffront 

villas, which allow guests to enjoy 

unmatched views of the landscape while 

maintaining privacy and distancing. 

Nusa Dua: Nusa Dua is the ultimate retreat 

in southern Bali if you’re craving luxury service, 

resort amenities, and blissful white-sand 

beaches. Envisioned and constructed in the 

1970s, today, it is famous as an enclave of 

Bali’s five-star, internationally renowned 

resorts, spread out over 350 hectares of land. 

The intricately carved Pura Geger stone temple 

sits on a forested bluff overlooking the 

ocean. 

To Stay: The Mulia Resort, with 526 rooms 

and three expansive infinity pools, epitomizes 

luxury, sitting with grandeur on a private 

beach. Most famous, perhaps, are the 

Mulia’s Sunday brunches, which provide an 

opportunity for locals and tourists to mingle 

over a feast of international delicacies facing 

the Indian Ocean. 

Northwest Bali: If crowds, motorcycles 

revving, and packed beaches don’t resonate 

with you, escaping to Northwest Bali is the 

ultimate solace. Nature reigns in this virtually 

untouched corner of the island, across the sea 

from Java and its breathtaking volcanoes. 

Snorkelers and scuba divers enjoy exploring 

the diversity of underwater life in the relatively 

calm water. There are currently projects 

underway to help restore the degraded reefs 

of the region and increase biodiversity. And 

while the region’s hilly landscape is essential 

to the area’s local culture, the varied topography 

is also optimal for day-long hikes. 

To Stay: Experience the ultimate retreat at 

Sumberkima Hill, nestled in the region’s vast 

foothills. Each uniquely designed villa provides 

a bird’s-eye view of the landscape. The 

management prides itself on sustainably integrating 

with the local community by creating 

jobs and planting permaculture gardens. Or, 

if you’re seeking bliss momentarily, check into 

Mimpi Resort Menjangan, known for its rejuvenating 

natural hot springs. If you’re feeling 

like indulging, book a villa that includes its 

own private hot spring tub--this is the only 

resort in Bali to have this amenity. 

East Bali: Locals will tell you that East Bali-- 

specifically the Sideman Valley--reminds them 

of the Bali they remember twenty years ago. 

It’s true. An hour east of Ubud, Sideman 

Valley is defined by verdant rice fields, 

panoramic rolling hills, tropical forests, and 

authentic temples that transport travelers back 

in time. Focal to the landscape is the towering 

Mount Agung, an active volcano that pieces 

the skyline. From the trekking between rice 

fields to various villages, rafting on its snaking 

rivers, and motorbiking to the pristine Virgin 

Beach, East Bali is optimal for adventureseekers. 

One is never lacking an adrenalinerushing 

adventure here. 

To Stay: One of the most beloved resorts in 

the valley, Samanvaya Luxury Resort and Spa 

is an adults-only paradise nestled between 

Sideman’s rolling hills. Each private bungalow 

offers excellent views of the surrounding landscape, 

and the property’s infinity pools are 

Instagram-worthy. 

Middle Bali: Unfortunately, many tourists 

and ex-pats tend to gravitate towards Bali’s 

cities, especially Canggu and Kuta. However, 

to experience life like a local and soak in 

Bali’s authentic culture and stunning natures, 

the rural villages in Bali’s core are where to 

head. Whether hoping to hike, trek through 

rice fields, try the Indonesian favorite nasi 

Goreng (fried rice) at a locally owned warung 

(local shop), or simply unwind and relax, the 

middle of Bali is the island’s authentic haven. 

To Stay: For the ultimate reboot, escaping to 

Fivelements for a retreat program is necessary. 

A healing sanctuary for regeneration, 

replenishment,, and alignment, Fivelements 

Retreat embraces holistic Balinese-inspired 

therapies administered by specialists to make 

guests start feeling whole again. 

Ubud: Ubud, the spiritual heart of Bali, is a 

verdant jungle paradise where nature and 

culture seamlessly intertwine. The arteries, the 

surrounding rivers, sliver, and snake around 

Uber’s outer jungle landscape before converging 

in the town’s center. From its grand 

temples dusted in gold, to its museums that 

display art dating back thousands of years, to 

its world-class restaurants serving top-quality 

Indonesian and international cuisine, it’s no 

wonder Ubud has been a traveler’s mecca for 

the past 50 years. Ubud, considered the 

world’s yoga capital, is the prime place to 

practice your downward dogs and even begin 

meditation practices. 

To Stay: The newly opened K Club provides 

a lucious escape. Deep in the jungles of 

Ubud, this villa-only resort enchants travelers 

with stunning views of rice fields and private 

plunge pools. 

www.indonesia.travel 

61 


62 

The Secret of Exploring Colombia 


When we considered spending our 

summer holiday in Colombia, we 

thought of the legendary places to 

visit, with Bogota, Medellín and Cartagena as 

starting points, but we wanted more! Our tally 

at the end of the two week trip included colonial 

cities, beautiful small towns, vibrant, 

colourful markets, wonderful people, engaging 

museums, delicious food and a sense of 

discovery every minute of every day. The 

secret of exploring Colombia? Just go for it. 

Being Bogota 

“Being Bogota” means immersing yourself in 

the city by exploring as many nooks and crannies 

as possible, as well as spreading the spirit 

of ‘Buenos’. It simply means ‘good day’ but 

an enthusiastic ‘Buenos’ is the surest way to 

break the ice in a restaurant, a bar or on the 

street. You will inevitably get a ‘Buenos’ back; 

often a conversation, or simply a warm smile. 

We hit the ground running. After a quick 

check-in at the Bogota Hilton, we headed 

downtown to Bolivar Plaza, the historic core of 

the city with alluring side streets that lead past 

flower-festooned house balconies, all against 

the picturesque backdrop of Monserrate, the 

mountain, with amazing views of its own, 

from the summit. The only missing ingredient 

was a true taste of Bogata and we satisfied 

this with lunch at Mama Lupé’s. We blindly 

ordered Ajiaco Santafereño and were rewarded 

with savoury bowls of chicken soup, sweet 

corn and avocado. Very yummy! 

Over the next few days our favourite activities 

in Bogota involved a visit to the Gold Museum 

with its stunning collection of pre-Hispanic 

gold, and the Museo Botaro, bursting with 

voluminous sculptures and paintings of men, 

women, cats and horses. On one afternoon 

we rode with Bogota Bike Tours to visit the 

huge indoor Paloquemao fruit and vegetable 

market, followed by a sip of ‘tinto’ (black coffee) 

at a nearby café, and on to an imaginative 

refreshment stand where we closed our

eyes and drank ‘savage love’, a drink made 

with fruit juices, booze, and a live crab. At the 

end of the tour we had a taste of dried bigbutt 

ants. Apparently it’s an acquired taste. 

And on another afternoon we took the fascinating 

Graffiti Walking Tour, showcasing 

works by respected urban artists such as Stink 

Fish, Nomad and Rodez. 

Further afield we set our sights on the town of 

Villa de Leyva. Our journey by local bus took 

us to Zipaquirá to see the fascinating Salt 

Cathedral, built in the salt mines 200 meters 

below the surface. In the town of 

Chiquinquirá we wandered the main square, 

and made “Buenos” friends in the local coffee 

shop. Finally as sunset approached we 

arrived in Villa de Leyva, a colonial town that 

boasts the largest cobblestone town square in 

the country. With its 17th century church set 

amidst shops, restaurants and museums, this 

was the place to just hang out in the evening 

with a Club Colombia or Poker Beer. 

At 5:30 the next morning we were at the 

Saturday market watching cowboy-hatted 

vendors unloading huge bags of vegetables 

from trucks, horses and donkeys. By 8:00 am 

the market was in full swing with tantalizing 

smells wafting from food stalls that were getting 

ready to serve yards of bright red 

sausage, grilled corn on the cob and hearty 

soups and chunky stews accompanied by a 

rainbow assortment of salsas. 

After a few hours we left to visit the ruins of 

the astronomical Muisca Temple with its rows 

of phallic-shaped stones, and then we wandered 

through the billowy pine trees to the 

deep blue lagoon at Pozos Azules. 

Bright and early the next morning we were in 

the small town of Ráquira to enjoy their 

Sunday market, cow auction (we were tempted 

but…) and the vibrant main street, festooned 

with colourful hammocks. 

Medellín Surprises 

While Medellín has had its troubles in the 

past, we felt quite safe at all times. We took 

the subway every day to explore the city’s 

attractions that for us included Plaza Botero, 

the outdoor public park featuring 23 whimsical 

bronze sculptures of Fernando Botero; the 

Museum of Antioquia, a fantastic art gallery; 

the monuments, statues and outdoor art at La 

Alpujarra Administrative Building; and 

Pueblito Paisa, a miniature Antioquian village 

located on top of El Cerro Nutibara, an 80 

meter hill that affords panoramic views of 

Medellín and the mountains. 

We enjoyed several good meals but the one 

that stands out was at Restaurant Carmen: 

unbelievably good food, a warm and friendly 

atmosphere and excellent service. You can’t 

go wrong with the Tuna Carpaccio. 

On one day we journeyed two hours east to 

Guatapé, the site of the incredible Piedra Del 

Peñol, a 200 meter-high rock. You climb the 

750 steps to the summit where the reward is 

an absolutely stunning view of the nearby 

lakes and mountains. Afterward we took a 

short tuk-tuk ride into town and wandered 

streets lined with bright pink, yellow, blue and 

green houses and shops. And our lunch at La 

Fogata, featuring paisa - hearty local food – 

was delicious, fresh grilled fish with beans, 

corn, rice and potato. 

On another day we travelled two hours west 

of Medellín to the town of Santa Fe de 

Antioquia. At the Puente de Occidente we 

walked across, under and even over 

63 

one of the oldest suspension bridges in 

South America, and then at an outdoor 

café, in the middle of the market stalls in the 

town square, we chatted with curious locals 

and just watched the world go by. 

Fascinating Cartagena 

Our last destination was Cartagena, a city 

that interacts with history, modern shopping 

and a Caribbean-style beach culture. 

The walled Old Quarter is a UNESCO World 

Heritage Site featuring narrow streets, beautiful 

colonial buildings, old convents, art galleries, 

museums, gardens, shops and restaurants. 

At El Bistro we dined on grilled langostinos 

while at La Cevicheria we found the 

shrimp ceviche and octopus salad to be deliciously 

addictive! 

We got our market ‘fix’ at Cartagena’s 

crowded, noisy, Mercado Bazurto, where we 

found friendly, smiling vendors who offered 

us tastes of plantain, grapes and oranges, 

and even posed for photos. At one of the fish 

stalls we were given a quick lesson on how to 

prepare the display: #1 Clobber the live fish 

with a club; #2 Place fish in even rows on the 

wooden cart; #3 Smile and welcome customers. 

The expression “No Mud, No Fun” describes 

our day outside Cartagena. We traveled to El 

Totumo, where we descended a ladder into a 

volcanic crater filled with oozing, thick mud. 

We floated in muddy suspended animation 

before partaking of the special services: A 

mud massage ($1.50), a photo, taken with 

our camera ($1.50), and then afterward, 

down by the river, we paid $1.50 for a rather 

rough but laughter-filled wash and scrub by 

one of the local women to get the mud off 

…everywhere! 

We saw so much on our two week trip and 

discovered the secret of exploring Colombia. 

Plan and do whatever your imagination dictates 

- with the goal of understanding the history, 

culture, people, food and attractions. 

We left the country with warm feelings, having 

achieved our goal. 

https://colombia.travel/en 


64 

Banff National Park Travel Guide 

by Brian from OutsideHow.com 

Banff National Park is one of the 

most beautiful parks you will find 

in Canada. It is a national park 

and it can be found along the Alberta- 

British Columbia border about 1 and 1/2 

hours from Calgary. 

The park offers plenty of greenery, natural 

beauty in the form of mountain peaks, 

plenty of diverse wildlife, many hiking trails, 

stunning lakes, and the unique town of 

Banff with plenty to do and see. The atmosphere 

you will find there is one of a kind 

and it is very peaceful. It makes the park 

one of the best places to visit in Canada. 

Best Time to Visit Banff National Park 

There is no doubt, the best time period to 

visit Banff would be anytime between June 

through August. You can also visit from 

December through March. Typically those 

who are looking to spend more time outdoors 

are going to want to wait for the 

warmer temperatures. 

However, the people looking to ski are likely 

going to want to stick to venturing out 

when the temperatures are the coolest. 

Thus, it can depend on what you are going 

there to do. No matter when you end up 

choosing to visit, you should be bringing a 

hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen because 

you will find the sun at these higher altitudes 

to be very strong.

Things To Do In Banff National Park 

Lake Louise 

The beautiful Lake Louise is the true jewel 

of the region of the Banff National Park. 

Come winter, this area also becomes a ski 

resort, North America’s largest, and is one 

that is very popular with not only snowboarders 

and skiers but also those wanting 

to try other winter sports, like tubing, dog 

sledding, and snowshoeing. Your horsedrawn 

sleigh ride can be a truly magical 

experience. 

And in summer, the lake becomes even 

more spectacular, when approached 

through the biking and hiking trails, that 

offer you scenic views of the towering 

Canadian Rockies. 

Moraine Lake 

Moraine Lake is just one more of the 

famous lakes in Banff National Park, situated 

in the Ten Peaks rugged valley. This body 

of water is entirely fed by water from a glacier 

and is a spot that is a highly popular 

photographic spot in Banff, with its 

turquoise blue waters that are a fantastic 

bright shade. 

All around the lake area are many biking 

and hiking trails, that allow you to witness 

the view of the lake, also called the “Twenty 

Dollar View”, because it appeared on 

Canadian twenty-dollar bills issued 

between 1969 and 1979. 

Canadian Rockies Whyte Museum 

The Whyte Museum acts to serve as a great 

introduction to the area’s visitors, especially 

about the history of the Rockies and the 

people who inhabited this area over the 

years. Water is a natural resource that has 

always been important throughout civilization, 

and the exhibitions in the museum are 

mostly related to this. 

Banff Gondola 

You can experience the impressive views of 

this area, in a most relaxed way if you opt 

for the Banff Gondola. 

You need to go just 5 minutes out of Banff 

to allow the gondola to take you to an 

observation point that is 2281m or 7484ft 

above sea level and overlooks six mountain 

ranges as well as the Bow Valley. 

Bow Falls 

Head to Bow Falls, if you want to avoid 

crowds, but you will need to go on a hiking 

trail that is particularly arduous so that you 

can appreciate the natural beauty of Banff. 

It is an area that is popular with film fans as 

they recognize it from its appearance in 

Hollywood movies, like the “River of No 

Return”, that starred Marilyn Monroe. 

Banff Centre 

A cultural venue in the region, the Banff 

Centre for Arts and Creativity, was founded 

in 1933 to serve as an intersection between 

the arts and ideas. The center’s innovative 

programs inspire its visitors to unleash any 

creative potential that they have. 

Keep an eye on its website, so that you do 

not miss the many events, that include 

dance, music, film and theatre performances, 

and also information about the schedule 

of the annual festivals program, especially 

the Banff Mountain Festival and the 

Banff International String Quartet 

Competition that celebrates film and local 

literature. 

Columbian Icefields 

The largest icefield at one place, the 

Columbian Icefields, are situated in northwestern 

region of the Banff National Park. 

A 90-minute tour “Glacier Adventure” is 

offered by Brewster Adventures in which a 

vehicle of special design takes you on a 

drive of the icefield’s surface and disembarks 

you directly on to one of the world’s 

most accessible glacier, the Athabasca 

Glacier. 

There is the Columbia Icefield Glacier 

Discovery Centre that has a factual display 

on the history of the glacier, plus a 1km 

skywalk with a glass bottom, that allows 

you incredible views of the area 280m 

below. 

Upper Hot Springs Pool 

64 

At over 5000 feet (1524m), and nestled in 

the Rocky Mountains are the Banff Upper 

Springs, the highest naturally occurring hot 

mineral springs in Canada. There are 

amenities here that you will find in an outdoor 

spa, in this natural pool that was first 

discovered in 1883 and has a natural heat 

that is near to 40C or 104F. 

The springs can give you a relaxing and 

invigorating experience, especially in the 

quieter morning hours when the atmosphere 

is peaceful and allows you to enjoy 

the scenery surrounding you as you look 

across the Mount Rundle valley. 

see following page 


66 

Cave And Basin National Historic Site 

In 1883, after three railway workers came 

across this cave and the hot springs in it, it 

led to the founding of the national park system 

of Canada ad also led to the site being 

one of the most significant landmarks in 

the country. 

There are a series of interactive exhibits 

here that will give you more information 

that include a visual experience on four 

screens of Canada’s protected places network, 

as well as a tour of the original cave, 

where the guide will tell you about the culture 

and history of this area that has a lot 

of history. Caves have an after-dark allure, 

and this can be experienced in the tours 

offered by Lantern Tours. 

Lake Minnewanka 

Just 3 miles or 5km out of Banff, this lake, 

Minnewanka, is Banff National Park’s 

largest body of water. It is a glacial lake 

and First Nation tribes named it the “Water 

of Spirits”. 

The lake has a rich history, as for more 

than 100 centuries, people camped and 

hunted along its shores. 

It is a spot that is popular all the year round 

because it offers many summertime activities 

like diving and mountain biking, while 

in the winter you can snowshoe or go 

cross-country skiing. You must be careful to 

be on the lookout for grizzly bears that 

come in large numbers to the area for 

feasting on berries. 

Helicopter Tours in Banff 

It is a cool thing to do to take a flightseeing 

tour in summer or winter over the Banff 

National Park. The mountains and lakes 

are always spectacular when you see them 

from the ground, so you can imagine how 

they will look from the air. 

The weather dictates when helicopter tours 

can take place, but when they do, you can 

take flights that can last from anywhere 

between 20 minutes and an hour. Some of 

the flights can land you on the mountain 

top where you can have dinner, go on a 

hike, do yoga, or if you want, even get 

married. The possibilities are endless. 

Banff Skiing 

In winter, you can depend on Banff for 

some skiing and snowboarding that is 

world-class. Mount Norquay, Lake Louise 

Ski Resort, and Sunshine Village are the 

three ski resort that are famed, and situated 

within the National Park. 

The smallest and cheapest is Mount 

Norquay that gives you, once a month, a 

cheap $2 ski pass. If you are a learner, this 

makes for a good option so that you do not 

waste money on a big mountain where you 

will not be able to make the big runs. 

Both Lake Loise and Sunshime Village are 

big, with the first one being the biggest, 

and allow you to make a run that allows 

you to cross the continental divide so that in 

one run you ski in two provinces. Can anything 

be cooler than that? 

Banff Rafting 

Banff National Park and the adjacent 

British Columbia both have raging rivers, 

thus making rafting a summer activity that 

is fun and exciting. 

Your biggest thrill can come in spring when 

the snow in the mountains starts to melt 

and the rivers have the most power. You 

can also go on a trip that is calm if you are 

more interested in scenic views than thrills. 

Northern Lights Watch 

A few times during the winter there is a 

chance that the night sky in Banff National 

Park will display the northern lights. Check 

on the space weather and the news so that 

you learn about recent solar activity and 

then find yourself a good spot, that is away 

from the pollution by lights, so that you can 

see this show of northern lights and take 

some awe-inspiring photos. The best spots 

are Bow Lake or Lake Minnewanka. 

Fishing 

There are several lakes within the park 

where fishing is permitted. The visitor center 

can get you a license and tell you about 

the rules for fishing in them. You can 

always try out ice fishing during the winter 

on frozen lakes. 

Banff National Park Hotels 

Moraine Lake Lodge features 33 rustic 

rooms with handmade wooden furniture. 

You can enjoy the Canadian Rocky 

Mountains as well as the Banff National 

Park from your balcony. It’s a beautiful and 

serene hotel. 

Buffalo Mountain Lodge is the best place to 

take a break in winter or summer. You can 

enjoy any of the accommodation with spectacular 

views and exquisite dining. 

The Post Hotel & Spa is located near Lake 

Louise. It is a few minutes from the ski 

resort. You can stay in any of the 97 rooms 

and enjoy exquisite dining from the various 

restaurants. Relax away in the indoor pool. 

Emerald Lake Lodge is located close to 

Field with 85 rooms. Each of these rooms 

has rustic décor with on-site exquisite dining 

options. 

Cathedral Mountain Lodge is found on the 

Kicking Horse River located near the Yoho 

National Park. It features 31 rooms decorated 

with rustic interior décor for the most 

unforgettable stay. 

Finally, there’s Earl Grey B&B with oriental 

interior décor. You can enjoy delicious 

meals from the restaurant as you enjoy 

your relaxing vacation. 

www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff

American World Traveler Summer 2021 Issue

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