The Last Day

Today was going to be a day of exploring the town of Franschhoek before a lovely dinner at the Tasting Room at the Relais and Chateaux Le Quartier Francais. However, we have so enjoyed both Royal Malewane in the bush and La Residence in the Winelands that we decided to venture to Hermanos on the ocean to see the third sister, Birkenhead House. It didn't hurt that we learned that the whales were there at this time of year. So off we went on a 1 1/2 hour scenic drive over the mountains. The hotel was lovely as it sits right on the ocean. We enjoyed our lunch on the terrace and struggled to see whales. Usually they are very close in but because a cold front had come through the surf was up and they were farther out to sea. At last we did catch a glimpse of them but unfortunately too far away for pictures. With more time we could have taken one of the whale boats. Next time; because this is where I want to go back to swim with the great white sharks!

We returned over the scenic mountains in time to explore the shops of Franschhoek. There is such wonderful art in Africa. The colors of everything are so cheerful and often you get to meet and are buying from the artist. It is truly a special experience. But then everything in Africa is amazing--I can't get enough of this country and only think about when I can come back. Safaris are terrific but it is the people and variety that makes this a destination to explore over and over. Come hear the drums; feel the rhythm; appreciate the journey and the successes that have taken place here.

The Winelands

There is so much to do in South Africa that often it is hard to fit in the Winelands. We decided to take a day and tour as well as spend the night at La Residence. It was a day and night to remember. The country side is beautiful. There are are vineyards and a winery at every turn in the road. The restaurants are amazing not just for their food quality which is excellent but also for their beauty and the vistas that you can enjoy while dining. The small towns have everything from boutiques to African craft street markets. I am so glad that we took this time to really explore and enjoy a new region. It just adds another amazing layer to this country.

One of the things we did was to visit a cheetah rescue center. It is an opportunity to get up close and personal with a cheetah. It was a great experience to pat a living cheetah but I have to say that since we had such amazing game viewing in the bush the thrill was diminished since these cheetahs are in captivity. The bush is the best game experience.

To complete the history lesson we started yesterday we saw the prison where Nelson Mandela walked to freedom. This was a moving sight.

Cape Town and Robben Island

We said good by to the bush and traveled to Cape Town. This is a beautiful city and Table Mountain is the back drop for the many wonderful hotels, restaurants and shops that make this city world famous. The cuisine is amazing. We are staying at the One & Only that has Nobu for one of its restaurants. That is a dining experience to be remembered. The spa at the hotel has imaginative treatments that incorporate elements of the sea and the bush.

It cannot be forgotten that here is also the history of South Africa. We traveled by ferry to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. The picture above shows you his cell. He slept on 2 blankets on the floor and you see the toilet and eating space. We learned the story of the prison but also the story of South Africa from an inmate. It is this history that shapes this country and makes it truly amazing to see how far it has come. The pride in the World Ccup is evident everywhere!

The Bush

So our 6 night 16 camp journey began. We were prepared to love the properties and to see animals but nothing in our imaginations could prepare us for how wonderful this experience would be. Each camp was superlative and the service impeccable. What is special is that each camp has taken complete advantage of its location in the bush--you feel like you are outside even when you are inside. The other great thing is that each camp is really small so there is a great feeling of intimacy. I thought I would have a favorite but what we learned is that each camp has a separate character and feel. Just in brief we visited both of the Singita properties and each has sister lodges. We explored Londolozi where if leopards are your thing you would definitely need to consider. We traveled to Lion Sands which has two lodges and even a tree house where you can sleep out under the stars--we did! Then onto Royal Malewane where you can see a heard of elephants at the watering hole just beyond the camp deck. Finally to Camp Jubulani where elephant is king. Here we were treated to a night elephant safari--the only place in the world where you can have this amazing experience. We had the rare treat to see a male lion while on this trek.

There is so much to say about each of the camps but the true star is the jungle and the wonderful animals who live there everyday. Truly there is a circle of life that you can witness. And witness not interfere is what these camps do. Because these camps are so careful with there intrusion on the jungle visitors have the opportunity to see animals rarely seen close up. We had this experience with lions and their cubs, a leopard, the rare black rhino and a cheetah.

Singita Means Miracle

So off we go on chartered flights to the bush. It has been an amazing two days. The first game drive at Singita we saw the Big Five! Unbelievable. The service has been wonderful and the game experience unparalleled. The weather has been warm for early spring but that brings the animals to the watering holes so they are easy to spot. So here is how our days go--get up really early and go on a game drive where you see so many animals. Come back for lunch and then out again. At night it has been dinner under the stars. Yesterday was the first time I have ever called clients from a trip and told them that they needed to make this journey. The stars at night, the smells during the day as you drive the tundra are life changing. This gives you a glimpse at what we are seeing. More to come with even more fantastic game. When you think you have seen everything there is more!

Tintswalo at Waterfall

For a completely different experience while in Johannesburg, Damian and I moved to Tintswalo at Waterfall. This is a lovely Virtuoso property created like a horse farm. As you drive up you think you are approaching a lovely stable. Right away we knew that this was going to be a satisfying stay--one of the Virtuoso amenities is a Vital Source Spa Massage. Nothing could be better after the long plane ride. Additional amenities include a bottle of South African wine, daily breakfast in your room and pre-dinner cocktails and canapes.

The weather is beautiful. It is early spring. Our room overlooks a great green grass space that reminds me of a polo field. We took a walk and discovered all of the lovely small waterfalls. Lunch was delicious and this has given us a day to prepare for our nonstop travel over the next week. This a lovely break from the congestion of Johannesburg. With wireless internet we have been able to blog and even catch up with what is going on at the office. Tomorrow the real adventure begins.

A New Adventure--South Africa

It always amazes me how you can walk into an airport on one side of the world and walk out of an airport half way around the world. And that is just what I did on Sunday night as I boarded a Delta flight to Atlanta in order to catch my international flight to Johannesburg. Although I would usually skip over any airport stop such as the one in Atlanta, especially because Atlanta up until now has been one of the airports I would like to never see. I have changed my mind at least for the international departure terminal. It was easy to negotiate. There was a grand piano with a pianist in the food court. But best of all there was a world class Sushi restaurant. It makes me sad that on my return it will be 7:00AM and the restaurant will not be open.

So into the plane I climbed Sunday night at about 7:00PM and out I came in Johannesburg at 5:45PM last evening. I am on this whirlwind tour with the owner of McCabe World Travel, Damian McCabe. The touring arrangements have been secured through Absolute Travel. What a wonderful greeting. I was met as soon as I exited the plane and quickly escorted through customs. This is the way to start a trip especially after a very long plane ride.

First stop last evening was at the wonderful boutique hotel called The Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas & Spa. Thereare only 26 rooms iin the main hotel. These are large suites with a spacious bathroom and a wonderful balcony overlooking the koi pool. We put our bags down and went downstairs to admire the amazing art collection on the walls as well as the many pictures of timeless moments in history. Nelson Mandela stays here when he is in town. There are great spaces for gathering or to have a meal. We settled on the outside dining option overlooking a wonderful infinity pool. The food was delicious.

This morning we enjoyed an amazing breakfast--compliments of Virtuoso since breakfast as well as complimentary airport transfers, a bottle of sparking wine and other other goodies are all provided to Virtuoso guests as valuable amenities.

Amsterdam

All good things come to an end. Today was our last day. We were able to view the great paintings of the masters at the Rijksmuseum before enjoying a canal ride to see Amsterdam as it should be seen.

May 5 is a celebration of the end of World War II so this was a holiday and flowers were visible everywhere as they were placed to commemorate fallen soldiers. In addition to the Canal Trip we explored the small streets of Amsterdam and had the opportunity to see the colorful flower market. Finally we topped the day with french fries covered in curry ketchup and mayonnaise. A wonderful last memory of Amsterdam.

Keukenhof and Bulb Fields

Everyone has been talking about Keukenhof but until you have experienced the rich color and the variety of flowers it is hard to imagine. The Keukenhof National Flower exhibit has been held very spring since 1949. Here you have the opportunity to see thousands of flowering tulips as well as other flowers and water features with swans. From the Exhibition you can also look over the landscape where bulb fields take your breath away with their vibrant colors. It was a great day and certainly a highlight of any trip to the Netherlands.

The Real Netherlands

Today we are able to appreciate the difficulties experienced by the early settlers and fishermen of the Netherlands. We land in Enkhuizen to have an opportunity to visit the Zuiderzee Museum. The skies are grey, the seas are rolling and we are transported back in time to see how it was when herring was king. the Zuiderzee Museum has been recreated stone by stone or in some instances house by house to illustrate how the people of the Netherlands caught and dried fish as well as contended with the sea by building dikes. It is fascinating and made all the more impressive because the temperature is in the 40s and the winds are howling.

Upon leaving Enkhuizen to sail to Hoorn we experience one of the newest locks as we sail through the Houtribdijk Aqueduct. What makes this so unusual is that there is a road carrying heavy traffic that passes under the boat as we sail through.

This afternoon we had the delight to ride through the countryside and visit a family cheese farm. The cheese was terrific. I did not know that it takes 10 pounds of milk to make 1 pound of cheese. There was a calf that was only an hour old. After the cheese farm we visited a working
windmill. It is quite impressive how the country has been rescued from the sea by use of these windmills. Almost the entire country is below sea level. The airport in Amsterdam is 13 fett below sea level.

De Hoge Veluwe National Park & Kroller Muller Museum

When I think of the Netherlands, I do not think about National Parks. However, there is one that is over 13,000 acres and is called De Hoge Veluwe National Park. This is a serene oasis of Dutch Elm and other species of trees. It is home to dear, fox and wild boar. There are "white bikes" with many bike paths and the bikes are to be used for free and just returned to any parking lot with other "white bikes."

What is amazing about both the park and the Kroller Muller Museum is that the were provided to the government of the Netherlands by one family. Set in the park is the country home of the Muller Family. The Museum was created by Helene Kroller Muller who collected art during the early 1900s. Her favorite artist was Vincent van Gogh but she also loved Picasso, Seurat and many other fine artists of this period. She collected over 11,500 works of art. Some of these reflect the best works of the respective painters such as "Dying Sunflowers" by Van Gogh and "Le Chahut", one of the few large paintings by Seurat. The Museum is a real treasure.

Every afternoon there is a fun and informative lecture on board the boat. Today the subject was Dutch Treats so there was some great sampling as well as the cool information learned. This area of Europe is really well connected to sweet treats and cheese!

Nijmegen

Today we visited a town that I believe few people know about yet it is the second oldest city in the Netherlands. Maastricht is the oldest. Today we were at Nijmegen.

Nijmegen gained importance because it is the only town in the Netherlands built on several hills. Also its location on the Waal, the main branch of the Rhine, meant that sea trade encouraged growth.
However, in 1944 the town was bombarded by the Americans and most of the old city was destroyed. A few of the beautiful older buildings and the Catholic Church remain. There is also a new museum that showcases amazing Roman ruins found here.

At this point, I thiought it might be fun to share a picture of the beautiful M.S. Swiss Sapphire that Tauck is using for this great journey. This trip is a contrast of cities and countryside with an introduction t0 cities and areas less traveled. Also, I would love to feature the group I am escorting from the Exxon Mobil Retirees Group. These are 18 fabulous, well traveled and caring friends. It is a delight to be able to assist with their travel plans.

Queen's Day

Today we visited Maastricht. This is a walled medieval City made especially attractive today because it is Queen's Day. This day celebrates the birthday of the Queen of the Netherlands. To celebrate there are parade's and thousands of flee markets as young people sell their toys and other objects. The bagpipers led the parade. Maastricht located in the Netherlands is also on the border of Belgium. It is a University town and thrives along the Maas River.


After our walk in the city, we boarded buses to travel to the American Cemetery. It is such a moving remembrance to those who gave their lives in World War II. There are over 60,000 graves plus a wonderful chapel that completes the beautiful tribute.









After the somber visit to the cemetery, it was off to the Chateau Neercanne where the Treaty establishing the European Union was signed in 1992. It is a beautiful building set into a mountain. We were treated to a fantastic lunch and were able to see where the Heads of State that signed the Treaty also signed their names on the wall of the chateau.

Antwerp--A Wonderful City

Today we visited Antwerp. I was not all that excited but delighted to find that this is an amazing and wonderful city. Antwerp means diamonds to many people and we had the opportunity to see this area of Antwerp. We had a view from land and as well as river of the great port. Antwerp is the second largest port in Europe and the 4th in the world.

Peter Paul Rubens lived here. We had a chance to see his home as well as view some of his greatest works in the beautiful cathedral. Here is a picture of the gardens in his home.

After visiting the Rubens home we had the opportunity to visit a family operated chocolate factory. The smells were amazing. We also learned about the basics of chocolate and how the difference is in the amount of cocoa butter is used in each type of chocolate. This company works with individual beautiful chocolates and designed the classic "Antwerp Diamond". Also, they make huge creations. We had a chance to see some huge leaves with bugs designed for Spring. They have also created a solid car for GM which cost the same a new car.









The city square was also beautiful and we enjoyed a walk along the cobblestones.

Seeing Belgium

Today we left Brussels for Brugge. On the way out of town we had to stop to see the atomium which remains from the World Fair in the 1950s. It is quite a structure and people in Belgium consider it their Eiffel Tower.

The drive to Brugge was beautiful. The scenery is very pastoral and cows abound.


Once at Brugge we were charmed by the canals and the Medieval appearing buildings.
The Market square is alive with locals selling beautiful produce. It is great to be able to sit outside for lunch and see the sights. Brugge has a fantastic Dali Museum. All in all this is a great city, very busy with tourists and locals alike.

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If It's Tuesday It Must Be Brussels

The TGV operates smoothly and quickly between Amsterdam and Paris. The trip is about an hour and 1/2. The train posts track time and you have about 20 minutes to board. The only drawback is that there are no porters. The ride is very pretty as it is through beautiful, well manicured fields.

Then you arrive in Brussels. You know you are here because there are two scenes that symbolize Brussels--the Manneken Pis and the Grand Place.

What else is special about Brussels besides the lace and the tapestry? It is the food.




Tonight the Tauck Tour Holland and Belgium in Spring begins. I am excited because I am here to escort a group that I have not met before. We have worked together many times but because of geographical distance we have not met. It will be great!

Paris is Perfect

Today was another picture perfect day. We started the day with the most delicious . They are everywhere but the best are at Laduree. The window display alone makes you come in.

It is great to see the Eiffel Tower from every angle but it is just as fabulous to ride to the top and see the city from every angle!

If the city is beautiful during the day, the nights are spectacular. The Louvre becomes as much a work of art as the art it holds. The Champs Elysee sparkles with ribbons of color and the Eiffel Tower is amazing. The perfect way to end your stay is a cruise along the Seine where everything comes into view as you cruise along peacefully.