Travel

Maharajas' Express cont.

Our fabulous trip started in New Delhi. After a traditional welcome, we boarded the train and enjoyed a sumptuous dinner with many choices of either Continental or Gourmet Indian Cuisine. Our second day stop was Jaipur the Pink City. We visited the Amber Fort followed by an Elephant Polo Match. My photographer participated in the Polo match and even scored a goal. To this day she can't stop talking about that unique experience. The third day was my favorite as we embarked on a Tiger Safari at Ramthambore National Park. We actually witnessed tigers in the wild which was heart stopping. To see a tiger running around wild is breathtaking!. It definitely should be on every travelers bucket list and the Maharajas tour guides gave us the best view. Our fourth day brought us to Agra the City of the Taj Mahal. Seeing the Taj Mahal at the break of dawn was very inspiring. It was followed by a spectacular champagne Brunch overlooking the Taj Mahal. Everyone knows the story of the Prince who was so heart broken by the loss of his love that he spent years building the Taj Mahal for her lasting memory. A great love story that has lasted centuries. Love conquers All!! The fifth day we visited the bejewled Jahangri Mahal in Orchha and then continued to the world Heritage temples of Khajurho. The sixth day we visited the Holy City of Varansi which is considered the oldest city in the world! At night time we took cruise on the Sacred Ganges where we witnessed traditional Hindu burial ceremonies. One has to see this to believe it! This tradition goes back thousands of years. Very moving!! Our final day we visited Lucknow, the city of Nawabs. We toured the Rumi Darwaza and the spectacular Bada Imambara. Our trip concluded back in Delhi whereby we took with us memories that will last a lifetime. For more information on the Maharajas' Express and their 2013-2014 schedule go to http://www.maharajas-express.com/

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Savannah Georgia:
Southern Hospitality at its Best

By: Steven Kaplan

If you are looking for a charming, beautiful and historic place to go, look no further than Savannah, Georgia. This true American town, seventeen miles up the Savannah River from the Atlantic Ocean, has a long history dating back to the original thirteen colonies. The historic downtown district boasts some of the best Spanish architectural styles of eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. There are many Spanish inspired manicured gardens and squares throughout the downtown Savannah area. The historic cobbled streets next to the Savannah River has many traces of the American Revolution and Civil War years. We actually had lunch at Kevin Barrys pub on one of these cobbled streets right near the Savannah River. Here we mingled with the locals and enjoyed the fish and chips specials. This is the area where many of the battles took place during the American Revolution and Civil Wars. It is rumored that over 100,000 people are buried under the city from these wars. Perhaps this is the reason why Savannah is called the Ghost Capital of the United States. Our favorite ghost tour of Savannah was with www.HearstGhostTours.com where the guide picks you up in a real hearse and drives you around Savannah telling you ghost stories. We went to a pirate’s pub where we actually saw a ghost and it did not look too friendly so we know it was not Caspar!! It was enough to make your bones tingle. I still get nightmares thinking of that ghost tour. For more information on Savannah, go to www.SavannahDreamVacations.com where Jeanne-Marie will connect you with places to stay including fabulous bed and breakfast inns, old time mansions, and other historical hotels. You can also ask her about restaurants and tours and even our favorite massage girl Manderly. Jeanne-Marie’s phone number is (912) 344-7882. Surprisingly, you can drive to Savannah, Georgia from New York in less than twelve hours. Call Jeanne-Marie when you arrive and she will find you a place to stay, but we cannot promise that your hotel won’t be haunted. Boo!!!
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At the End of the World

by: Steven Kay

Going to the end of the world is quite the lifetime experience. We left JFK on a cold, frigid night via AA.com and LAN.com and landed in warm Punta Arenas, Chile. There we boarded our cruise ship, M/N Stella Australis, operated by CrucerosAustralis.com cruise line to take us to the end of the world. The seven day cruise was fantastic with the most amazing scenery one can ever imagine. Majestic Pia Glacier in Tierra del Fuego and Glacier Alley in the Beagle Channel, including the France, Germany and Holland glaciers, were all magnificent. Wild life was also abundant from the colony of elephant seals in Ainsworth Bay to over a hundred kinds of birds and flowers only found in the Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego area of both Chile and Argentina. Our favorite wildlife was the colony of Magellanic penguins we encountered in Tucker Inlet. These penguins are the cutest creatures on earth. They were all dressed in their immaculate tuxedos that I thought it was Patagonia’s version of fashion week when we arrived in late March. These penguins were all gathered on the shore and welcomed us with open wings as they were getting ready to leave the island for six months up north for a warmer climate. It seemed like their bags were packed and passports were in order for their departure. It was sad to see them about to leave but I did make friends with ‘Edwin the Penguin’ who kept following me around. I think he thought I was his daddy. At this very moment I am trying to get him a Visa to come and visit me in New York. Ha Ha!! One amazing fact about penguins is that when the female penguin dies first, the male penguin also dies from loneliness. When the male penguin dies first, the female penguin immediately finds another mate. Just like with humans. Ha Ha!! For more information on experiencing this amazing adventure go to www.CrucerosAustralis.com. They have cruise ships leaving weekly from both Punta Arenas, Chile and Ushuaia, Argentina from September through March. They are the only cruise line that will take you up close to all the excitement and adventure in Patagonia. For example, we got to walk on Cape Horn while the other cruise ships watched from a distance. Cape Horn is the actual end of the world before you reach barren Antarctica. Cruceros Australis is the only way to see Patagonia. Happy trails and smooth sailing. See you at the end of the world.

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Moab, Utah Where ADVENTURE Begins
By Jessica Miller

If you are looking for the adventure of a lifetime then go no farther than Moab, Utah. Located just a short drive from Salt Lake City, Moab has it all for anyone that seeks adventure. From the moment you arrive at this beautiful destination, you know you are going to experience something special. The whole family can enjoy this paradise of mountains, valleys, two National Parks and rugged terrains. In any season, you will find the scenery breathtaking. The many adventures include jet boating or rafting down the mighty Colorado River, hiking up to Delicate Arch, one of the true wonders of the world, or hot air ballooning over the two National Parks here. Our favorite adventure was taking an old Army Hummer Tour up and over the rugged terrain and through the Hells Revenge Mountains. The Mountain is called Chicken Hill because you have the chance to chicken out and bale from the tour before it starts. You begin the tour by going up Chicken Hill at a 90-degree angle. With barely a few inches on each side to spare before the Hummer could slide off the mountain, your pulse quickens almost immediately. I decided to dare it knowing that I may never see my family again! A girl next to me was crying hysterically and she did bail out. Needless to say I survived the tour and am here today to write this article. People come from all over the world to experience the intense adrenalin flow from this tour. For more information on Moab, Utah, check the website at www.DISCOVERMOAB.com

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Cape Town - Carnival Time

by Melissa Vianik

New Year’s in Cape Town, South Africa – What a Wonderful Way to Start the Year!
The greatest time of year to visit Cape Town, South Africa is the beginning of the year. On January 1, the annual tradition of the ministrel’s carnival takes place in downtown Cape Town. Thousands of ministrels, from young to old, made up of various clubs, spend hours creating absolutely beautiful colourful costumes in preparation to march in the parade and fill the streets with music, singing, dance and lively excitement. Get there early to reserve a good spot. The parade stretches from Adderley Street up Wales Street. The great energy, excitement and sunshine all add up to a fabulous beginning of the new year.

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