World Traveler

Cruising Norway: A Picture-Perfect Destination for Nature Enthusiasts

Land of the Midnight Sun

Cruising through the Norwegian Fjords was a bucket list item for the last ten years. We learned about it from a travel agent on our first cruises in the Tahitian Islands on Princess.

The Princess cruise brand is our second favorite behind Celebrity cruises, but the service, food, and ships are never a disappointment. We searched far and wide through all the cruise lines for the perfect itinerary and I can tell you without a doubt that no one does Norway like Princess Cruises.

This was a 17-day cruise (this cruise happens only one time a year) during the summer solstice, hence “Land of the Midnight Sun.” The stops include all of the most gorgeous places in Norway, to include cruising through small Fjords, sailing up to the Arctic Circle, and getting to spend the day in the Lo foten Islands (Check out my blog on these magical chain of islands).

View of Lysefjorden through a crevice between two cliffs 984 meters high, where the famous Kjeragbolten stuck nearby – the most dangerous stone in the world. Mountain Kjerag, Rogaland county, Norway.

Land of the Midnight Sun Itinerary

-Port starting point – Southampton, England

-Stravanger, Norway – This is where you can hike the famous Pulpit Rock

-Oden, Norway – Cruising through the Fjord

-Tromso, Norway – You can see the Northern lights all through winter here

-Alta, Norway – This stop was taken off due to rough seas

-Honninsvag, Norway – This is where you can eat giant snow crab legs

–Gravdal, Lofoten Islands – I have a whole separate blog on this because it was spectacular

-Trondheim, Norway

-Andalsnes, Norway – This is where the Troll bridge is located

-Bergen, Norway

-Bruges, Belgium

-Returns to Southampton, England

Pulpit Rock, Preikestolen, Norway – Photo By: Cookelma

Hiking Pulpit Rock – Preikestolen, Norway (Stravanger Port)

Originally when I looked into arriving to Stravanger, I noticed multiple pictures on Pinterest of this rock that people took pictures on, so I booked a private car on Viator.com. There is a bus in Stravanger that you can book that takes you to the hike, but it was nice to have our own car and driver.

First of all, one thing I did not know was that this hike was not a doozy. I normally do a ton of research, but this was one I really did not do my homework on. Pulpit Rock is easily a five hour round trip hike and it starts off on a pretty steep incline for the first thirty minutes, which may discourage some hikers. There were some pretty steep rock areas that I would tell you were pretty challenging. Not to mention, I was given a bunch of flack from my other travel buddies who were also in shock at the difficulty of this hike.

When we finally made it to the top – the big scary rock I can say without a doubt was totally worth it and an amazing feeling to achieve this monumental hike. Thankfully it was not raining on this particular day. If you are fit and like a good hiking challenge, this is it.

Briksdal Glacier, Norway Photo by Kisa_Markiza

Olden

Olden, Norway is one of the cruise stops that most travelers look forward to visiting. We booked a tour to hike the Briksdal Glacier through Viator.com. This hike is nothing like Pulpit Rock, in fact you can pay for a troll ride up to the glacier and down if you would like. We opted to take it up to the glacier, but then hiked down (We were still pretty sore from the hike at Pulpit Rock).

Tromso

A great stop for us to do some shopping and to get a Thai massage. We were so sore from the Pulpit Rock hike that a Thai massage was exactly what we thought sounded amazing. There were a few Thai massage parlors in Tromso. The massages on the cruise ship are always so pricey, so we opted for one in the city for half the price.

The shopping on this stop is amazing, lots of Norwegian made products. We brought back reindeer sausage, Viking hats, and wool sweaters. The locals told us that they see the Northern Lights all through the winter. So, if you ever want to make sure you see the Aurora Borealis, I would recommend visiting Tromso in the winter months. Check Out – Winter Northern Lights tours.

Alta

Due to the weather being so rough cruising through the Arctic Circle the Captain decided it was not safe to make it to Alta. I know it is always a disappointment when ports are canceled, but I always prefer the safety of our lives over sight seeing. Once we entered into the Arctic Sea it was a bit rougher cruising, but so as it goes in the Arctic Seas. No wonder many sailors do not try to sail her in rough seas.

Honningsvag

This is one of the most Northern cities in the Arctic Circle that you can visit besides Longyearbyyen in Svalbard. Honningsvag is a quaint fishing village with a few artist shops. I bought a beautiful pair of earrings made out of Forget-Me-Nots picked locally and preserved in acrylic from Frozen Summer Design.

Arctic Crab legs are also a delicious treat to have while in the town, but be warned they are expensive. Between four of us, we shared 2 lbs. of Arctic Crab legs and they were $150 USD. It definitely was not enough to fill us up and you would think there was a lot more meat in those large legs, but that was not the case in our experience. On this stop you can hike up the small hill, which is pretty steep so I would steer clear if it was raining and I would not recommend hiking it. Taking a tour up to the North Cape was also an option that we did not do.

Gravdal – Lofoten Islands

This was by far our favorite stop, but I must warn you that Gravdal is a very secluded area from any town and can ruin your whole visit. Which did happen to many of the other cruisers who planned to get off the ship and find their own adventure. You must book a tour or rent a car and have them deliver it to your port, otherwise I promise you will regret it. Check out my article on the Lofoten Islands and tips to make sure you get to see this breathtaking place.

Trondheim

A larger city in Norway that has a lot to offer. We rented scooters as soon as we got off of the ship. The city is very bicycle and scooter friendly. We scootered down to this adorable cafe alley in the center of the city and we stopped for coffee and pastries as we people watched. We didn’t have any major plans, so we were able to enjoy the city in with a fun scooter ride on a warm Norway day.

Trollstigen in Norway, the Trolls road, The mountain road to Geiranger Photo by Rostovikova

Andalsnes

Andalsnes is another spectacular stop that can’t be missed in Norway. There are too many amazing things to do, but do not wait too long to book a tour. You can book the troll road on the troll wall tour. There is also a golden train that takes you through the breathtaking scenery of Norway (We wanted to do this, but all tickets were sold out). Kayaking the Seven Sisters waterfalls is also another option on this stop. Check out all the amazing things to do here – Andalsnes Tours.

Because we waited until the last minute to book our excursions, we ended up taking the gondola located next to the port. It takes you all the way up to the mountain and you can buy tickets at the booth, no need to buy in advance. The ride up the mountain is spectacular. There is a lovely cafe with the most beautiful view at the top and some trails to hike. In fact, you can hike up the whole mountain if you would like.

Bergen

A classically beautiful city that has so much to offer. We opted for a walking tour on this stop. We walked down to the fish market, as we were told it was a must. I would say, it was the prettiest and most colorful fish market I have ever seen. We sat down for a cocktail and a dish from one of the vendors in the fish market. All of the food that we ordered was delicious. Bergen has lots of artists and souvenir shops, so it was fun to meaner through all of them. This would be our last city in Norway and then off to Belgium.

Bruges

I do love this timeless city. We have enjoyed this city before and were so exhausted from our adventures so we opted to rest in our room and enjoy the ship with small crowds for the last day of the cruise. The last time we were in Bruges we took the boat tour through the canal and had a lovely lunch in the city.

A village surrounded by green forested mountains in Norway.

Lessons Learned and Tips

Everything I read about Norway was that you should be prepared to bring every kind of weather gear possible, especially traveling from South to North. Not lying, we took cold weather hats and coats, rain coats, shorts, pants, and everything else between. Some days you would put on all of those clothes.

Book your tours months early. Some of you may only ever get to these destinations one time in your life, so book it early. I never opt for buying tours with the cruise ship, it is also cheaper through Viator or Get Your Guide. You can download these apps on your phone and purchase tours. There were at least two times that I hadn’t booked anything and fortunately last minute I was able to book some tours on the app.

Was the Princess Land of the Midnight Sun cruise worth the price? Absolutely, we were blown away by its beauty and had quite a few firsts on this trip. We had never cruised through the Arctic Circle which was pretty wild. Playing Settlers of Catan in the wine bar on the fifth floor, while watching the waves cover the windows. Crazy, but also cool.

Don’t forget to book your cruise through the Norwegian Fjords.

The official flag of the Kingdom of Norway in both color and proportions

Immerse Yourself in the Serenity of Norway’s Lofoten Islands

“The little fishermen village with red houses of Hamnoy, in the Lofoten Islands, Norway” Photo by: Stephano Zaccharia.

The Magical Islands of Norway

It’s a shame that the gorgeous islands located at the Northwestern part of Norway are pretty well unknown to most people- so let’s fix that together. In a nutshell, I would like you to Picture this: Exotic Tahitian Islands fused with spectacular New Zealand landscapes. It’s truly Magnificent, there just isn’t a better descriptor I can think of. My husband had always dreamed of taking the “Land of the Midnight Sun” cruise operated by Princess, and so it was that I was introduced to such a surprisingly beautiful place.

This cruise is offered only once a year, coinciding with the summer solstice—the longest day of summer. Sure, other cruise companies offer a 10-12 day Norwegian Fjord cruise, but Princess Cruises offers the best 17-day itinerary. Trust me, we have looked at them all and I can surely tell you that it is worth every penny.

Flakstad Beach on the lofoten during midsummer, between Justnes and Ramberg, Norway

The Most Important Advice

This is my best advice that can make or break your trip to the Lofoten Islands, especially if you only have one day to explore. Rent a car from Expedia.com or any rental company that offers the option to pick you up at the cruise port. We booked through SIXT and had an amazing experience. The cruise ship makes port at Gravdal, which we learned is kind of in the middle of nowhere with nothing to see or do. These ships dump thousands of people with no transportation miles away from anything you would want to see. So: arrange a car to meet you there and you’ll be the smartest person on the ship!

The weather in Norway even in the summer is very fickle. So, it was a bit chilly and rainy the day we arrived to the Lofoten Islands. We learned that the weather can change throughout the day, so it’s important to be prepared with raincoats and warm gear that you can take off if the sun comes out. Rent a car and explore, do not be afraid. It was so spectacular. We talked with people who did not have a plan before getting to the Islands and instead spent a couple of hours waiting in line in the rain to get right back on the ship.

Not going to lie: the car rentals are expensive, but it is a must. WHEN are you going to make it back to these gorgeous islands??? Just bite the bullet and get the car, you’ll thank me a million times over! Also, be sure to check out this beautiful interactive map before traveling (which you can download for a fee too, if you wish.) TRAVEL GUIDE TO LOFOTEN MAP OF BEST PLACES

**Haukland beach and mountains in Lofoten in Norway**, Photo by: Thomaszmusiol

The Most Spectacular Beaches

Car keys in hand, we were off on an adventure of a lifetime! We had a map, our rental car, and a plan to drive to the most scenic places the islands had to offer. The first stop was Haukland beach. Lonely Planet voted this beach the most beautiful beach in Europe in 2021, and it’s easy to understand why! There were beautiful sheep grazing along the mountains situated next to the cerulean waters of a Tahitian-like lagoon, with rugged mountains covered in fairytale pasture grasses.

A mesmerizing scene of Kvalvika beach located in Norway on a sunny day

We then headed to Kvalvika Beach next. Again, nothing about this place will disappoint, even on a foggy/rainy day. We were in utter awe as we drove through its great beauty. We stopped so many times to take photos and just soak it all it.

**Small fishing village of Nusfjord with wooden houses in Lofoten, Norway.** Photo by Zabroda.

Next Stop – Nusfjord – Instagram Village

Our stop to this amazing village was the highlight of our trip. This is the one place I would not skip out on. We came upon this adorable fishing village with a bakery, general store, art galleries, and a few restaurants. This place was so romantic and lovely. Luckily, it wasn’t crowded since there weren’t many people there at the same time.

It began to get foggy when we arrived to this little gem. We started our adventure at the incredibly adorable Hansines Bakeri (The only one town). We bought a coffee and a delicious cheese danish, both of which were sooo fantastic by the way.

Lunch in Nuisfjord

We chose the Karoline Restaurant for lunch, and wow were we impressed! We ordered a cheeseburger, fries, and pear cider (Kopparberg). May I just say that Norway and Sweden make the best burgers I have EVER eaten, it must be how the cows are fed and raised that make them so tasty. If you prefer your meat cooked a bit more, you might want to order your burger medium-well instead of medium, as they tend to cook it a little less than you might be used to. A final note: if you like cider do NOT pass up the pear one on offer here! Overall, this stop was such an amazing experience and one you should not miss.

We continued our journey down the E-10 (Norway Tourist Route) and our next stop was Reine.

The Atlantic Highway to Reine

With less than a day in the Lofoten Islands we saw enough to know that we wanted to come back to this gorgeous place to spend at least 10-12 days next time in summer or winter. Reine is another one of those famous places that appears on desktop computer backgrounds and evokes an instant desire to be transported there. Winding through these beautiful roads was so magical, and just seeing the Lofoten Island by highway through the window of a car was nothing short of amazing in itself!

Be sure to check out our new History and Travel Youtube channel documenting the drive down the Atlantic Coast:

The Fishing Village of Reine

Reine is located on the Southern part of the islands. Sadly the fog began to become pretty thick as we drove down so it was hard to see its total beauty, but every now and then a colossal mountain would emerge from the rolling fog and leave us in awe. By the time we made it into town most of the shops were already closed though, so we wandered around and soaked up the vibes. This village is the most photographed and well known places among the Lofoten Islands, for good reason.

By far we enjoyed our quick visit to the Lofoten Islands. One of the reasons I love to cruise is that you can get a feel for places before you commit to a whole trip dedicated to one location. I really have to love a place to spend time and money to go back, and cruising gives me the opportunity to determine if the juice is worth the squeeze so to speak. When it comes to the Lofoten Islands, it definitely is!

And Now For Your History DEEP DIVE…

The Lofoten Islands are located within the Arctic Circle and boast 70 miles of Island chains from North to South. People have lived in these islands since 1122 AD, and King Oystein of Norway was integral in building a church and lodging for fishermen in those early years. Norway’s main export is fishing: cod, haddock, the production of fish oil, and fertilizer made with fish parts. People of Lofoten have also used Stockfish for centuries, which supplies them with imperative vitamins and minerals required to live in a climate with such little annual sunlight.

The Lofoten Islands became a very popular place to travel near the end of the 19th Century, and these islands now see up to one million visits per year. The Atlantic Road is what makes the islands more accessible to locals and tourists. It is an engineering marvel, and took sixteen years to build due in part to enduring the wrath of twelve hurricanes. (1)

Sources

(1). https://www.britannica.com/place/Lofoten

Santorini Travel Tips: Unveiling the Charm of the Greek Island

Santorini – The Island of Gorgeous Splendor

Where do I start? Santorini is one of my top ten most favorite places in the world. I cannot even tell you how breathtakingly pleasing to the eye this place is. We came to this island on one of our Celebrity Cruise stops in the Mediterranean.

Santorini is surrounded by this deep blue sapphire sea with white washed houses built into the island. From a distance the white washed buildings look like snow caps. What I did not realize is that this gorgeous place sits on a volcano. You can see it clearly as you climb to the top of the island.

Stairway to Heaven

You have three options as to how you plan to get to the top of Santorini. 1. You can take the steep steps all the way up, which we did on the way up (it took around 45 minutes). 2. You can take a donkey ride (the husbands did this on the way down). 3. Or you can take the cable car. Fear not, even though the stairs can get pretty steep going down down the mountain, the donkeys are experts on large inclines.

Hidden Treasures

Once you make it to the top, you will find hidden treasures around every corner. I remember being in awe of the beauty of this village. The shops in the village were utterly adorable. Most of the restaurants and cafes were overlooking the Aegean sea. The bright blues, pinks, oranges popping off the white washed buildings is just so brightfully pleasing to the eye. There is nothing more amazing than sitting at a restaurant drinking a cocktail starting at this overwhelmingly beautiful scenery.

Santorini, Greece – September 16, 2020: Quad bikes parked on the seafront in Akrotiri village on Santorini island

An Off Road Adventure

My one piece of advice for visiting the island is you must rent an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) and ride it all the way to the other side of the Island. The group I was with thought this was absolutely amazing. Booking tours with the cruise ship is almost always a No-Go for our group so my number one recommendation is to book with Viator.com. I tend to book most all of my excursions with Viator and have never been disappointed.

Check out the Santorini ATV-Quad Experience Tour – best of all you will get to avoid the cruise crowds. We rode all the way to the other side of the island stopping at the most amazing place for lunch.

Iconic Greek restaurant with typical blue tablecloth and wooden chairs on terrace with sea view, Greece

Mouth Watering Greek Food

I am not exaggerating when I tell you everything tastes better in Greece. The tomatoes are plump and juicy. The olives tastes as though they were just hand picked from the tree. Who could forget about the feta being so mouth watering delicious. Our ATV tour led us to the West side of the island for delicious wine and food overlooking the most breathtaking view. I often think about that day and how fortunate we were to have been able to experience its ancient beauty. This is exactly why I love to travel.

Ammoudi village with fishing boats on Santorini island, Greece.

Climbing Down from Heaven

On our way back to the cruise ship the husbands chose to take the donkey ride down the steep stairs. What an amazing place to visit. Next time I go, I plan on staying a whole week. Or finding a sailboat tour that spends more time exploring through the Greek islands. Check out Expedia.com for the best hotel rates and Viator.com to start planning your excursions.

Traditional blue door on Santorini Island, Greece, with view over volcanic caldera

And Now for your History Deep Dive…

The island of Santorini is also known as Thera. What we see of Santorini today is only half of what was left after a great volcanic eruption. In antiquity the island as we know today was named “Calliste” (Most beautiful).

Santorini is believed to be one of the possible locations of the Lost City of Atlantis described by Plato. The volcanic eruption is believed by archaeologists to have taken place during 1500 B.C. based on the research conducted in Greenland during the 1980s. By dating ice-core and tree ring samples of radiocarbon giving credence to the volcano actually erupting during in the 1620s B.C. The ash would be found all the way as far as Egypt and Israel. Also lending evidence to the Book of Exodus in the Christian Bible.

During the Bronze age (3300 to 1200 B.C.) the island would become inhabited by the Minoans. During the 1960s an excavation south of Akrotíri village reveals a rich city of Minoans buried under volcanic ash. Greek Archeologist Spyridon Marinatos believed that the great volcanic eruption led to the disappearance and end of the Minoan Civilization.

So, the next time you visit the gorgeous island of Santorini be sure to check out the ancient archeological Akrotiri excavations. There are absolutely no reasons why you should not add this amazing place to your bucket list.

Sources:

(1). https://www.britannica.com/place/Thera

An Adventure to Komodo National Park – Dragons and Pink Sand Beaches

Mountains of Padar island surrounded by three turquoise bays

Where in the World is Komodo National Park?

Have you ever heard of Komodo National Park? Well, the first time I ever knew of its existence was on our 14-Day Gems of Indonesia cruise itinerary. We were aboard Celebrity (Our favorite cruise line BTW), and we noticed one of our ports was Komodo Island. Not only had I never heard of this place, I didn’t even know about Komodo Dragons either. The islands of Rinca, Komodo, and Padar are located within Komodo National Park.

We purchased our tour tickets onboard the cruise ship, but you can also get them on the island. If not on a cruise ship you can purchase tickets with Viator.com.

Two men walking down the hill with a view of green-capped mountains of Padar island surrounded by three turquoise bays

…Here there be DRAGONS!

Suddenly, we found ourselves about to walk around a bunch of wild, deadly/poisonous dragons. Not particularly my favorite thing to do, but it was extremely interesting and adventurous. These dragons aren’t in cages, they are just hanging out in their natural wild habitat!

As you arrive to the Island the first people you will encounter are those of the Ata Moto tribe. Having lived among the dragons for hundreds of years, they are very knowledgeable about them. As we walked along a trail guarded by National Park rangers, we noticed they carried long sticks with a split fork on the end in case the dragons get a bit feisty.

Komodo dragons are the world’s largest lizard and have the most deadly venom. They have attacked 31 people since 1974, and five of those incidents resulted in death. Even more interesting: if a woman visits during her “time of the month”, she is not allowed to even be on the island! There are many rules that people should follow if they choose to visit the island. They are there to protect your life!

The Ata Moto people also sell many special handmade items for tourists to buy. So make sure you give their huts a visit and check out all their very well handcrafted pieces.

Pink Beach on Padar Island

We normally try to avoid the cruise crowds so Viator.com tours would be the best way to get to see all of these fabulous places in a smaller group. We did make the mistake of not buying the tickets to the Pink Sand beach on the island of Padar and instead decided to pay cash for a ride from one of the locals on a tiny fishing boat powered by a weed wacker.

As we were on the 45 minute boat ride to the beach, getting passed by other boats like we were standing still, we began to wish we had paid the full price with cruise line. Once we arrived to the beautiful pink colored sand beach we explored for as long as possible. The sand is pink due to nearby reefs of red coral and tiny pieces of it wash on the shore.

As we were exploring we noticed a National Park police questioning our boat captain. It did not look as though the conversation was going well as we heard “where are your tickets for the National Park?” At that point we realized why the tour was so cheap and why we needed to cut it short quickly. So, back on the little dinghy powered by a weed eater for the long rattling ride back to the shore. So, make sure you do not take one of those local boats and instead purchase legitimate tickets for the Pink Beach.

And Now for a History Deep Dive…

The Komodo dragon is the largest lizard in the world, yet they only exist on a few islands in Indonesia. They are considered an endangered species and can get up to 10 feet long and 300 lbs. It is their venom that is so deadly. Once the creature bites their victim their saliva delivers a toxin. This toxin prevents blood from clotting, causing massive blood loss and shock. (1)

The Australia National University found some surprising evidence that Komodo dragons originally migrated from Australia according to fossils they found. The academic belief is they crossed to Indonesia before becoming extinct in Australia and have survived there to this day. (2)

The Ata Moto tribes have lived amongst the dragons for hundreds of years and there seems to be a deep relationship of respect between them and these interesting predators. The Ata Moto people call them the Ora or “Giant Monitor.”

It wasn’t until 1910 that the dragons became known to the Western world. In fact, it was Lieutenant van Steyn van Hensbroek, a Colonial Dutchman, who first heard rumors of these creatures and ended up ultimately catching one. In 1926, American W. Douglas Burden visited the island to study these large creatures and he is credited for giving them the moniker they still bear today: dragons!

So next time you are in Indonesia make sure you check out Komodo National Park. Also check out my article on the Safest Tips for Traveling Overseas before planning your next adventure.

Sources

(1). https://www.britannica.com/animal/Komodo-dragon

(2). https://biology.anu.edu.au/news-events/news/study-reveals-surprising-history-world%E2%80%99s-largest-lizard

(3).https://www.pbs.org/wildindonesia/dragon/#:~:text=On%20a%20small%2C%2022%20mile,of%20the%20world%20in%201910.

Exploring Petra: An Ancient City of Mesmerizing Beauty

Camels in front of the Treasury at Petra the ancient City Al Khazneh in Jordan lit by the sun

An Adventure to Petra, Jordan

I thought I had won the lottery when I saw the country of Jordan on an itinerary for a work trip. We had two days off in Amman on my first visit, and there was no way I could pass up a trip to Petra. Fortunately, I worked with many incredible people who were ready to go on adventures as much as I was. It made traveling to destinations around the world so fun and enjoyable.

Petra is located interestly exactly 150 miles South of both Amman, Jordan and Jerusalem, Israel. It is considered one of the new Seven Wonders of the World that you can still see with your own eyes. This ancient city should be on all adventure seekers bucket list. I grew up hearing about this ancient beauty, but also remember seeing it in the movie “Indiana Jones – The Last Crusade”. I knew from a young age that I just had to make it to this beautiful place.

The best way to get to this ancient city is to fly into Aqaba (AQJ) or Amman (AMM) Jordan. I would suggest always checking the state department’s website before traveling to any overseas locations. Make sure you check out my blog on the Safest Tips for Traveling Overseas: Pre-planning Strategies.

Where to Stay in Amman

I’ve traveled to Amman quite a few times and stayed in a few different hotels. If I were to go today, I would most definitely book on Expedia.com. Particularly to do a cost analysis and look at all the different reviews before making a selection. In Amman you will easily be able to stay in a 5-Star Hotel for less than $300 USD a night.

Some of the hotels I have stayed at are:

Amman Marriott Hotel. A very lovely hotel if you plan to be Amman for business or on an adventure.
Sheraton Amman Al Nabil Hotel – Another very nice hotel and you cannot beat the price for such a luxurious hotel.
InterContinental Amman, Jordan an IHG Hotel – You can never go wrong with an InterContinental, I always find they are consistent with their brand across the world.

Traveler looking at the Treasury. Petra, Jordan. Toned Image.

How to Get to Petra

A good site to check out when traveling to this amazing location is Visit Petra. I would also highly recommend my favorite tour company: Viator.com. They are very affordable and well-established around the world. Getting to Petra will be approximately a 3-hour very bumpy ride on roads that have probably seen better days- but the trip is well worth the ride! I would suggest possibly bringing a pillow to help with the jostling about you’re sure to do in the seat. Check out the tours below if you are interested in adding Petra to your bucket list:

Petra Full Day Tour and Wadi rum from Amman, Jordan.

If you are up for a real adventure – I would also check out the 3-Day Private Tour from Amman: Petra, Wadi Rum, Dana, Aqaba, and Dead Sea.

Tourist visiting the wonderful Unesco heritage site of Petra

A Walk Through Rose-Colored Sandstone

The walk from the entrance to the Khaznah (otherwise known as the “Treasury”) is nothing short of magical. Walking through the beautiful rose colored canyon takes anywhere from twenty to thirty minutes. There are vendors along the path that will offer options other than walking to include a ride on a donkey, horse, or a camel down to the Monastery.

You’ll have a lot of walking to do during your visit, and the opportunity to add a little more adventure to your experience leads me to recommend you take them up on the offer, even if the ride is short. (One exception: they will offer donkeys up the cliff to the Library as well. It’s ok to take a donkey UP, but trust me on this one- pass on the way down unless you have a deathwish!) Whichever way you choose you will be blown away by Petra’s beauty.

The road into the rose-colored sandstone curves and twists all the way until the most magnificent scene comes into view. There are many ancient carvings and building facades throughout Petra, so plan to be in the ancient city for a full day to explore all that it has to offer.

As some pro tips for this location: Don’t forget to bring some good walking shoes (there’s a lot to see!) Also, have some Jordanian Dinar on hand in case you’d like to ride to or back from Petra.

So break out your Indy hat and whip, and book a trip to one of the coolest places ever! This is THE place to visit if you are up for an ancient adventure.

Our tour also included a stop at the Wadi Musa (The Valley of Moses).

Road viewpoint to Petra near Wadi Musa in Jordan, sunset time above ancient Petra city

Wadi Musa (The Valley of Moses)

In the Biblical Book of Exodus, after Moses has liberated the Hebrews from Egypt they become thirsty from wandering the desert. Moses is instructed by God to strike the rock of Horeb and water gushes out to satisfy the thirst of His people, and it is said to have occured in this location. As such, the Wadi Musa is considered a sacred place for Jews and Christians. There are many other amazing ancient pilgrimage sites to be seen in Jordan too, check them out at Jordania Esclusiva.

If you are going to be in Amman or Aqaba I would also recommend visiting the Dead Sea on the Jordanian side.

A Visit to the Dead Sea

I’ve visited the Dead Sea on the Jordan side a few times now, but it is also very beautiful on the Israel side. Both sides having luxurious hotels located right on the Dead Sea. People from all over the world fly to the Dead Sea to gain the healing benefits of covering themself in the sulphur mud and soaking in the Dead Sea. My skin always felt so amazing and soft after slathering myself in the Dead Sea mud. Then, once it dried I’d just head out to the Sea for a float to wash it clean. During every visit to the Dead Sea I would stock up on the mud. To this day I still have quite a bit of it. By the way a Dead Sea mud mask works great for getting rid of a headache.

There is nothing like floating in the Dead Sea, it is the craziest feeling in the world. It’s hard for people who haven’t experienced it to grasp, because we’ve all waded into water before. Trust me when I say: this is worlds different from any other swim you’ve ever had. There is so much salt in the water that it almost feels oily, and your bodies buoyancy means you have to fight to get your legs to stay underwater. You could lay on your back in this water and read a book without having to expend any effort at all to float.

A cautionary tale…

My husband once visited the Dead Sea with co-workers, and noticed signs posted all over saying “Do not get water in eyes or mouth!” One of his co-workers apparently didn’t see any of the twenty signs… He ran past my husband and dove head-first into the sea, disappearing beneath the surface. He reappeared fast– and came up screaming, “Shawn! (my husband), I’m BLIND! Help me Shawn- I can’t see! I’m in the seventh circle of Hell oh Lord help me Shawn!!” In the end he was alright, and although my husband found it all quite comical it was definitely not a pleasant experience for his coworker for awhile. All that to say: Do Not open your eyes underwater when you take your dip into the Dead Sea! The concentration of salt in the water will make you instantly regret it!

And Now for Another History Deep Dive!!!

The name Petra is a Greek word meaning “Rock.” The ancient name before the Greeks is believed to be the Biblical name “Sela.” Both Paleolithic and Neolithic archeological remains are found in this region. An ancient culture called the Edomites lived in the region around 1200 BC, and a few hundred years later the Nabateans, an Arab tribe, would make it their Capital. Petra would go on to become a major trader in spices with China, Egypt, Greece, and India.

At one point in time at least 10,000 – 30,000 people lived in the area under the Nabateans. In 106 AD the Romans were responsible for defeating the Nabateans and causing the region to become a part of the Roman province of Arabia. An earthquake in 551 AD would bring tremendous ruin to the region and it seems that there was much decline of trade and occupation as a result.

Around 1100 AD there is evidence to suggest that the Crusaders occupied Petra as an outpost. This would be the last time that Petra would be known to the Western world until it’s rediscovery in 1812. Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, a Swiss traveler and graduate of Cambridge University who promoted the discovery of the interior of Africa and the Middle East, is credited with finding Petra once more.

Excavations of Petra did not begin until 1958. These were undertaken by the British School of Archeology, giving us great knowledge of the inhabitants that came before. In 1993 additional excavations have unearthed more amazing carved buildings. (1)

If you are thinking about taking a great adventure to Petra, don’t hesitate. You’ll be enchanted with Jordan’s ancient beauty and mysteries, of that I am certain!

Sources

(1). https://www.britannica.com/place/Petra-ancient-city-Jordan

Interlaken Switzerland: The Perfect Destination for Adventure Seekers

Aerial view of Interlaken city in Bernese Oberland, Swiss alps

The Swiss Alps

One thing I sure miss about living in Germany is the proximity to so many amazing places! Hop in the car, drive a mere five hours and voila: I would be in Switzerland. Any time spent driving through the Swiss Alps is nothing short of therapeutic. Growing up most of my younger years in the Colorado Rockies, Switzerland allowed me to enjoy the scenery which I had come to miss so badly.

Interlaken by far is my favorite place to visit in Switzerland- it’s an adventurer’s wonderland. I preferred heading up to Grindelwald Mountain for skiing, but there are plenty of other very extreme sports that visitors do while spending time in this spectacular place as well.

Interlaken

While winding down autobahn roads suddenly the most gorgeous turquoise lake appears before your eyes, wondrously encircled by breathtaking mountains. I always anticipated seeing its beauty. Once, I even talked my visiting aunt into a five-hour drive, just to eat a burger in this amazing place before turning around to drive 5 hours home!

Don’t make the same mistake as I did: our rental car had the GPS set to “scenic route”, so we arrived way too late to even get a burger! It was a sad day, but how could we be disappointed by the surrounding beauty? That said, I doubt I could ever convince my Aunt of the merits of long-distance burger trips again… (Before you ask about the burger that could drive me to such madness, the Tipi Bar where they made these mouthwatering swiss raised beef burgers is sadly no longer in operation.) As a rule Switzerland and Sweden both make the best burgers I have ever tasted however, so don’t skip a hamburger joint while in this region of Europe!

Where Should I Stay?

If I were to go back today, I would choose to stay at the Grand Hotel Beau Rivage Interlaken or The Hey Hotel. Both have great ratings and reviews so that you can make a solid decision on where to stay. Where you stay on vacation can make or break your trip.

While living in Europe my taste in hotels left much to be desired- which at the time consisted of hostels and cheap hotels (all my meager budget could afford.) I am not a huge fan of hostels after those years- I had a very bad experience one weekend in Prague and decided to never book another. Maybe others have had great experiences with them, but common-use showers are just not my thing.

Scenic Train Rides

Seeing Switzerland by train is the absolute best way to travel through the mountains. Just sit back and enjoy winding through the Swiss Alps taking in their spectacular beauty: sublime! A great resource for planning a panoramic train rides can be found at My Switzerland.

Beatus Caves, Switzerland. Photo Courtesy of Viator.com

Adventurous Tours

Traveling the world can be scary especially if you are doing it all alone. Viator.com is a great option that has a long history of keeping people safe while offering great tours. Here is my list of the top five tours to do in Switzerland:

And Now for your History Deep Dive…

Today, Switzerland is considered a neutral country but it wasn’t until 1848 that their constitution was updated to make it so, creating the nation as we know it today. Prior to this Switzerland operated in Cantons (political subdivisions) dating back to 1291 which were formed in defense against the Habsburg Dynasty. (1)

The flag of Switzerland is the famous red flag with the white cross symbolizing the imperial war flag of the Holy Roman Empire. These flags were given by the Pope to a King or military group undertaking a campaign in the name of Christianity. (2) One such military group that would trapse between these regions quite frequently was the Knights Templar. They would travel from France to Italy frequently and as a result, knew the region very well. The flag of the Templars was the inverse of today’s Swiss flag: white with a rose colored cross.

The Knights Templar’s Link to Switzerland

When the Poor Knights of Christ and Knights of the Temple of Solomon combined together, the Knights Templar were born. These men vowed to give up all wealth and riches, donating them to the Order. This resulted in huge amounts of wealth and land being under Templar control, and the Roman Popes granted the Templars much autonomy in their business which furthered their power and influence. Pope Innocent II even gave the Templars more special privileges’ in 1129 AD. They were allowed to build their own chapels, did not have to pay tithes, and sometimes were even exempt from Pope rule. Not to mention, the Templars were lending money and usury did not apply to them (they were allowed to charge interest- something forbidden by the Holy Roman Empire!) (3)

The Templars were heavily skilled in warfare, seamanship, commercial acumen and banking. (4) Eventually they became lenders to monarchs and governments, becoming so powerful that they were feared. Eventually, their formidable reputation became a problem to others in power- and the French King Philip IV decided to do something about it. You see, he was heavily indebted to the Templars, the Jews, and the Lombards, and he wasn’t keen on actually paying those debts. The latter two his army defeated and robbed , but the Templars were no pushovers. (4) So, he demanded six requests of Pope Clement V upon him before he would agree to champion him for the Papal seat. Five to be completed prior to his ascension to the role, and one to be completed at a later date…

Templars Found Guilty of Heresy and France is No Longer in Debt

It was the pesky, tough-as-nails Templars that this sixth request concerned. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia of 1908 Pope Clement V attempted to unite the Templars and the Hospitallers unsuccessfully. Eventually he gave into the demand of the King, wherein he arrested the Templars and held a trial for Heresy. (5) On Friday the 13th, 1307 the Templars were rounded up for this reason and arrested.

At this time there were approximately 3000 Templars, and 620 are documented as arrested and tortured in this effort. By the end of 1312 the Knights Templar were dissolved, having been found guilty of heresy. Those that confessed were assimilated into the Knights Hospitallers. Whatever was found of the Templar’s wealth would be given to the Hospitallers who would also come to be known as the Order of Malta. At the end of it all, somehow France was magically a lot less in debt… (6)

Back to Switzerland

But, where did more than 2000 of the Templars go after 1307? There are a few places that connect the Templars: Scotland, Portugal, and (drumroll please!) …the Cantons of Switzerland.

What is Switzerland known for today? Banking, farming, pharmaceuticals, and engineering. The city of Sion in Switzerland would become the primary mint of the Merovingian family during the Middle Ages and held a significant presence of Knight Hospitallers- the beneficiary’s of dissolved templar assets. (7) You see, per the Pope’s edict all Templar property was to be passed to the Hospitallers, and interestingly even today’s Constitution of Switzerland heavily reflects the philosophy and beliefs of the Templars. (4)

The Banking Giant

It was not until after the 1307 AD Templar trials that the cantons of Switzerland began to grow and flourish. The Templars spurred the genesis of modern day banking as we know it today, so it’s no surprise that the Swiss are famous world-round for their banking prowess. Interestingly enough, the Bank of International Settlements (one bank to rule them all!) is also based here among the Alps. Wouldn’t it be interesting if this institution too had historical ties to the Templars?! Perhaps that’s a much deeper aspect of interesting history best left for another day…

Today Switzerland holds some of the world’s most renowned institutions

The Bank of International Settlements – Created after WWI
The United Nations
The World Health Organization
Cern
The Swiss Bank Corporation – Founded in 1854 shortly after the country of Switzerland would be formed. Known today as the Union Bank of Switzerland – One of the largest banks in the world.
The Red Cross Headquarters

By far Switzerland has a very intriguing history and cannot be missed for anyone who loves the majestic scenery this gorgeous country offers.

Sources:

(1). https://www.britannica.com/place/Switzerland

(2). https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-Switzerland

(3). https://www.britannica.com/topic/Templars

(4). Butler, A. Dafoe, S. The Warriors and the Bankers: A History of the Knights Templar from 1307 to the Present. England, Alan Publishing, 3rd Edition 2020.

(5) https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04020a.htm

(6). https://ordredemaltesuisse.org/en/history/names-of-the-order/

(7). https://www.britannica.com/money/coin/Switzerland

Experience the Vibrant Culture and Cuisine of Hong Kong

Hong Kong

This city is one of my top ten favorite cities in the world. I have been to this fantastic city a few times and I always enjoy planning a new adventure. The way I like to describe Hong Kong is that it is like Hawaii on skyscraper steroids. It has luscious emerald-green mountains, and in the center you have Victoria Harbor- which is just stunning.

One thing I always advise when traveling overseas is to be aware of the safety & security ratings that are constantly being updated by the U.S. State Department. Check out my article on The Safest Tips for Traveling Overseas.

We will get into the history of Hong Kong and discover that in the last ten years, there has been a drastic shift in politics. Hong Kong’s culture is a fusion of China and Great Britain. I absolutely love this city, from the hotels to the shopping to the food. So let’s get started, shall we?

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The Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

This hotel is by far one of the top ten I have ever stayed at. Check out room prices here. I am also a fan of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Chain and recommend it as my second choice.

One of the main criteria I use to judge a hotel besides cleanliness is its breakfast. You would be blown away by the amazing array of assortments, and whenever I was there with my co-workers and friends, we would spend hours at breakfast. Freshly made assortments of juices, pastries, eggs (however you wanted) and meats.

As you walk into the lobby, you will be blown away by the luxury of this hotel. As a fun fact, there is a beautiful exotic flower shop located right in the hotel, making it easy for a loved one to send you flowers while you are traveling. (Ask my now-husband how I know that!) The rooms are lovely, and if you get a room with a view of Victoria Harbor, you have won the jackpot!

The Peak Tram

Riding on the Peak Tram is a MUST when visiting this city. Check out Peak Tram Tickets Here. This neat ride is the oldest tram in the world, built-in 1888 for use by the British Governor and Peak residents. This is where you see Hong Kong’s beauty from high up. You’ll never see skyscrapers from a vantage point like this anywhere else on the globe- so don’t miss the chance!

Star Ferry Across Victoria Harbor

You might need to get to the other side of the Island, so why not take the Star Ferry. Check out Star Ferry tickets and times Here.

Riding across the ferry is essential in Hong Kong, especially at night. They have this fantastic “Symphony of lights” show every night. You don’t want to miss it either! Check out the video below. To view it from the ferry is so incredibly unique, that it’s the only way I recommend seeing it.

The Markets

One of my favorite things to do, especially in Asian countries, is to visit their markets. I love everything about the hustle and bustle. It IS busy and crowded, but it is also so much fun. There are many different district markets throughout this city. In fact, I drug one of my best girlfriends to go to the fabric market. Hong Kong is where all fashion begins, so I had to see where the materials were bought and sold. Fashion starts here, and then eventually it makes it to North America a couple of years later.

Below, I will mention a few of my favorite markets I love visiting here.

Ladies Street Market

This is the first one that was recommended to us to go shopping at. Ladies love to shop the most, so a whole street is dedicated to us! You can find clothes, handbags, jewelry, accessories, toys, and fun goodies. Check out the location and directions to the Ladies Market here.

Most Americans are very uncomfortable with trying to haggle or bargain for a reasonable price, but you should at least try it. Bargaining for a price is part of how most Asian markets operate, and figuring out your negotiating skills can be a lot of fun.

The Flower Market

Some people like flowers, but I love them, and I have driven some friends/co-workers to flower markets on many trips. Hong Kong and Bangkok have the most gorgeous flower markets ever. Check it out Here if you love them as much as I do. Note: This market operates at night.

Jade Market

Jade is not only popular in China but is also believed to bring good luck. This market is a fun place to look for jade jewelry, perhaps some earrings or a necklace to commemorate your visit to Hong Kong. If you are looking for high-quality jade, you may want to go to a jade dealer in the city, but otherwise, this is a great place to bargain shop for some really neat goodies or souvenirs. Check out the location and time here.

Dim Sum

Who could resist mouthwatering Dim Sum? Not me. The Grand Hyatt Hong Kong breakfast also serves these, in case you don’t get enough to eat at dinner. Check out One Dim Sum and Sun Hing in Hong Kong for delicious buns with yummy goodness.

High Tea

“High tea” is a big part of Hong Kong’s culture and has existed for the last hundred years. A London tea room in Hong Kong? Yes, please (any day of the week!) …But Hong Kong does even London tea a notch better. I am a massive fan of high tea, so check out the best ten places to get High Tea in Hong Kong.

And Now for your History Deep Dive…

The history of Hong Kong is interesting, to say the least. It has gone through pirates, opium wars, being leased to Great Britain for one hundred years, and becoming what is now a booming merchant and financial trade hot spot.

Madame Cheng

You may be surprised to learn that piracy was heavy in Hong Kong Harbor during the early 1800s. One of the most famous pirates was Zheng Yi, who died just two short years after building a massive pirate confederation. After his death in 1807, Yi’s five captains voted for his wife, Zheng Yi Sao, also known as Madame Cheng, to take over.

She would take his place, continuing to plunder the South China Sea. Her husband left her with approximately 600 flotillas and 40,000 pirates. The pirates were responsible for looting all merchant ships from Vietnam to Hong Kong. One of the main reasons the pirate rule under Yi proliferated is that any prisoners taken would have a choice of becoming a pirate or being flogged to death. Which might you choose?

Madame Cheng was successful for a few years and even beat the Chinese Navy twice. Her fleet was wanted not only by the Chinese but also by the British and Portuguese. Madame Cheng’s pirates began to fall apart from within, fighting bitter and heavy battles. She decided to sail all her ships to Canton and ask for a pardon for all her pirates with a set of terms. Her legend continues to live on. (1)

Opium Wars Lead to the Creation of Hong as we Know it Today

Meanwhile, by the 1820s, the British are using Hong Kong Harbor to bring in opium (allegedly from India). Eventually, China became so addicted to opium it began to cause devastating social and economic effects. By 1939, the Chinese government had enough of the British merchants pumping drugs into the populace, after having confiscated record amounts of opium chests from British warehouses.

Tensions began to escalate after a drunken British soldier killed a Chinese villager, and the British destroyed a Chinese blockade in Canton. Although the Chinese government wanted to utilize the legal system to resolve the matters, the British government refused and full-on war broke out instead.

In 1942, the British beat the Qing Dynasty during the first Opium War, leading to the Treaty of Nanjing. Britain was given Hong Kong in the peace treaty to compensate for their losses. From 1898 to 1997, the city would be leased to Great Britain before an eventual return to China. This led to the immense cultural difference we now see on Hong Kong Island compared to China’s mainland. (2)

When Great Britain finally let go of Hong Kong in 1997, it asked for two things: a Bill of Rights for the island, and that though it would be a part of China, that it retain its capitalist system for fifty more years. (3) Will Hong Kong be the same bright and exciting city that I knew it to be in the next decade to come? Only time will tell.

Sources

(1). https://www.worldhistory.org/Zheng_Yi_Sao/

(2). https://www.britannica.com/topic/Opium-Wars

(3). https://www.britannica.com/place/Hong-Kong

A Great African Adventure: Tanzania & the Majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro

Arusha, Tanzania

My adventurous journey to Tanzania begins in town of Arusha, just 75 minutes from the Kilimanjaro International Airport and 75 miles from Mt. Kilimanjaro. For work, trips to Africa were few and far for me, so I was always thrilled when I got assigned one.

Naturally, my co-workers and I intended to plan a safari while in Tanzania. Arusha is a lovely place to stay, and even though we stayed at the Mount Meru Hotel, there are many other very nice accommodations in the town. Check out hotels in Arusha here.

Honestly, I never felt unsafe when we were traveling through Tanzania or while staying in our hotel. However, I still always check with the Department of State before traveling overseas, especially personally. To make sure you travel safe too, check out my article on The Safest Tips for Traveling Overseas.

Mount Meru Hotel – Arusha

I was highly impressed with this hotel and found it the perfect oasis to relax after long work days. The property is protected, and though there are certainly parts of the world I have traveled to that left me feeling unsafe- the Mount Meru hotel ensured this was not one of them.

The hotel pool area is absolutely stunning, so grab lunch by the pool as you relax all day! (Their brick oven pizzas are fantastic, if you need a poolside recommendation.) The hotel was able to book us a safari for the next day, but if you aren’t staying here and planning to go to Tanzania specifically, I recommend Viator.com. You can even book your whole trip through Viator; most likely, you will be in a group of other travelers, so this is a great and safe option for a solo or group traveler to meet others with the same adventurous passions for traveling.

Luxury Tent Accommodations

The next time I go to Tanzania, I plan to book a luxurious tent in the Serengeti National Park. This isn’t a Fyre Festival tent we are talking about here- these things are epic, and the Ole Serai Luxury Camp is a great option for a night or two. From here, you can also book a Safari into the National Park.

Lake Manyara National Park

The animals migrate to different parts of the country, so because of the time of year that we were in Tanzania, Manyara National Park is where our guide took us on our safari. Lake Manyara National Park is a 3-hour car ride from Arusha.

Check out this cool website to see when the “Great Migration” is happening each month so that you are not disappointed on your once in a lifetime chance to be on a safari.

Was the Safari Worth It?

Going on a safari has always been on my bucket list. It wasn’t like going to a zoo, although Disney’s Animal Kingdom Safari does do a good job if you think you won’t ever be able to make the long journey to Africa.

Being able to see these beautiful and wild creatures in their habitat was a dream come true. Thankfully we did see all the animals that we wanted to see. Our guide did mention that sometimes they do not see many animals so it can be disappointing if you have traveled a long way to check this off on your bucket list. It’s another great reason to check the Great Migration website above, to have the best chance! Either way it is a adventurous experience and I highly recommend it if you are able to make the journey.

Check out these other Trips that Viator offers:

Full-Day Trip to Ngorongoro Crater from Arusha Town
4-Day Tour to Tanzania’s National Par ks
Serengeti Balloon Safari and authentic bush breakfast – A great Proposal idea to book if you are planning to ask that special someone to marry you while in Tanzania! (It’s also just a really cool experience, if you aren’t.)

Mount Kilimanjaro

As we made our 3-hour drive to Lake Manyara for the safari, we could see Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance, and it was absolutely breathtaking. For bragging rights, it also ranks as the fourth tallest peak in the world! We didn’t have enough time on our trip to visit Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, but if you do, check out Viator Tours—Mountain Kilimanjaro Day Hike or The Best 6-Day Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour Via Machame route.

On our long drive to and from the safari, I was amazed by all the African tribes we passed along the road from the window. I saw a native African man walking with shoes made of tire tread—how ingenious! There seemed to be a simple contentment amongst them, as well as an independent spirit that I highly respect.

Tanzanites!

If you have not figured it out by the name, the precious gemstone Tanzanite comes from Tanzania. I am mesmerized by these beauties, and for good reason: they are 1000 times rarer than diamonds! They were only recently discovered in 1967 by Maasai herders in the Merelani Hills near Arusha. It was Tiffany and Co. who initially started selling the beautiful stone in 1968. (1)

One of the things I love to buy when traveling is earrings, particularly ones made with the stones of that region or country. This way, when you do a lot of traveling, you don’t end up with suitcases full of trinkets but instead small earrings that pack easily and will bring back memories each time you wear them.

You can find really great deals when looking for Tanzanite in Tanzania. These gems are stunning, and present in different shades of almost light purple to deep sapphire. Make sure you find a reputable dealer so that you don’t end up with fake stones for which you possibly paid a fortune.

And Now for your History Deep Dive…

The History of Tanzania is anything but simple. The country that we know today is made up of 120 different indigenous African tribes and was officially formed in 1964. Prior to this, Tanzania was part of a larger territory called Tanganyika which included the coastal region of Zanzibar.

From the 1880s to 1919, parts of Tanganyika became a part of a German colony in Eastern Africa. Following World War I and then under the power of the League of Nations, Tanganyika then came under British Authority. The British would use the region as a military post during World War II. In 1947, Tanganyika became a United Nations Trust under British rule until they gained their independence in 1961. (2)

The Arabs and the French became very interested in the slave trade in Kilwa, a town in Tanganyika, in 1776, taking advantage of the free labor it presented. (3) A famous Scottish explorer and Christian missionary who traveled named David Livingstone (“Doctor Livingstone, I presume?“) would become an anti-slavery activist during the mid-1800s throughout Tanganyika after seeing the slave trade firsthand. He pressured the British Empire to stop this horrific practice.

His plan was to open legitimate trade routes throughout the interior of Africa to allow for the slave trade to be destroyed. Livingstone would expose the horrors of the slave trade through his book The Life and Explorations of Dr. Livingstone. (4)

In 1873, the slave trade in Tanganyika was abolished by the British, but it would still go on secretly for some time after. (5) Astoundingly and unfortunately, the slave trade continues illegally throughout all parts of the world to this day.

Sources

(1). https://www.americangemsociety.org/birthstones/december-birthstones/tanzanite-history/#:~:text=Tanzanite%20History,while%20tending%20livestock%20in%201967

(2). https://www.britannica.com/place/Tanzania/German-East-Africa#ref419184

(3). https://www.britannica.com/place/Tanzania/History

(4). https://www.britannica.com/biography/David-Livingstone

(5). https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/2095/

(6). https://africanlanders.com/en/tanzania-en/tanzania-history-of-slavery-in-zanzibar/

Experience the Essence of Bali: Cultural Immersion and Adventure

Pura Ulun Danu temple on a lake Beratan. Bali Photo by GoodOlga

Experience the Essence of Bali: Cultural Immersion and Adventure

Bali is an Island destination in Indonesia that is absolutely stunning. But I’ll be honest here: we made mistakes when visiting this Island and I don’t want to see you suffer the same fate! In fact I probably should have named this “The Five biggest mistakes not to make when visiting Bali”… It should still serve the purpose however and keep your Bali visit a memorable one for all the right reasons.

Before we dig in though, check out my article on how to Stay Safe when planning travel overseas Here.

My husband and two of our dear friends were cruising on a 14-day Celebrity Cruise through Asia, stopping in Benoa, Bali for three days which was super exciting. We have a habit while cruising of stepping off of the ship and going on our own spontaneous adventures. This has given us the best travel experiences of our life, so in Bali that’s exactly what we did. You’ll see soon enough that in this particular instance however, it didn’t turn out quite as good for us.

…What went wrong?

So first of all, I want you to imagine Bali- what is the first image that comes to mind? Is it lush jungles, pristine beaches in secluded locations, or maybe just the picture at the top of this post? Well, you just imagined the Northern part of Bali. Where WE arrived at the city of Benoa is on the Southern part of the Island instead, which isn’t what you just pictured.

The south side of the island is more urban, and unfortunately the beaches where we were suffered from so much pollution that we didn’t feel safe even walking in the sand. Learning this on the fly, we suddenly yearned to see the “pre-1950s Hawaii” on the northern shores.

However, we learned Bali is an island ninety miles long by 49 miles wide! As such, it can take up to 3 hours get up there from Benoa where the cruise ports are located! Lesson here: if you arrive by cruise port and wish to see the northern shores, either book with the ship to ensure you don’t get left behind due to unexpected traffic, or plan ahead!

Bali Rice Fields

Fortunately because Viator Tours are so awesome and reliable I was able to book a private driver for two days. Because of our huge misconception about how long it would take to get to the scenic and adventurous parts of the island however, we ate up the majority of our visit staring out the window of a car. As we drove to our destination however we passed these scenic rice patty fields in the central region.

I’d never seen them before and they were mesmerizing. As it turns out, rice farming is the number one agriculture producer on the island. Our next stop was to see how the Luwaks made their famous coffee.

Luwak Coffee

Have you ever heard of “Cat Poop Coffee”? Well, there was a viral news story some years back using the phrase as an attention getter. It was supposed to be a phenomenal exotic drink otherwise known as Luwak Coffee, and honestly the comical moniker isn’t so far off from what it actually is. I’d never heard about it, but I was intrigued after one of our travel companions explained the whole process to us. So here it goes:

The fermented coffee beans are fed to these long-tailed cat looking creatures you see pictured above. Once they digest them, and excrete them whole out of their you-know-what, the beans are then re-collected, washed, and dried. Then a delicious coffee is made out of this very interesting gourmet process.

Did we try the Luwak Coffee? Yes we did. …And I can report that it was surprisingly delicious. It sure better be, since it is the most expensive coffee in the world (it can cost up to hundreds of US dollars per pound!) (1) After seeing the whole process involved in the operation though, it helps to understand why because it’s quite intensive. Check it out on Amazon if you are feeling adventurous and brave.

Mason Elephant Park & Lodge

Our Viator Driver then took us to the Mason Adventures Bali Park. This is a beautiful Elephant Reserve where you can grab a delicious lunch at the lodge and then go for a ride on the elephants.

These beautiful creatures are Sumatran elephants that have been rescued from poachers and offered a safer life in Bali. They are so playful and friendly, and it was fun to watch the elephants play with the caretakers.

As we were taking a photo with the elephants behind us, one of the babies put their trunk on my friend. It was so funny. Do not miss this opportunity if you have the chance to visit.

Mason Elephant Park in Bali

Visiting a Luxury Spa

Anytime I visit Asia, booking a massage is a must: they just have a gift when it comes to excellent massages, and Bali was no exception here. We booked a 2-hour massage with Viator and were more than pleased. If you have the time to spare, don’t skimp out on pampering yourself especially since the prices are so friendly and nobody knows more about massaging the lymphatic system than Eastern Medicine!

Check out Viators 2 Hour luxury massage experience for less than $40 USD

Where to Stay in Bali

The total cost to stay in a Bali 5-star hotel is much less than you might imagine. As I mentioned above, the North part of the island is where you’ll find the traditional photogenic parts of Bali so it’s where I’d recommend you put down some roots.

These accommodations won’t break the bank: the 4 bedroom Private Deluxe Villa in Lovina Beach pictured above is only $145 per night. Check it out here on Expedia.com.

Check out this 4 bedroom Private Villa Aparna – Luxurious Balinese right on the beach for $243 per night.

And here’s a 5BR Villa Near Lake and Forrest for $1,594.00 per night. Split between five families each night would only be $318.00 per family. What a steal!

And now for your History Deep Dive….

Native tribes, Dutch, Japanese, Indonesian, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists- Bali has changed hands to some pretty diverse peoples throughout the years! All of it culminates in an island with a unique cultural background you won’t find anywhere else.

During the late 1400’s, Muslims overthrew the Majapahit Empire which ruled over the large Island of Java, leading to a significant immigration of Hindu nobles and priests who could practice their religion in Bali. As such, Hinduism and Buddhism are intertwined with the Island’s rich cultural history.

In the late 16th Century, the Dutch came to the Island only to find many warring Muslim states. By 1882, the Dutch annexed the Northern states and were responsible for killing the Balinese Prince on the nearby Island of Lombok. Then, in 1906, the Dutch would end up killing 3,600 people of Bali and finally just taking it for themselves.

The beautiful Island remained under Dutch rule until Japan occupied it during World War II. In 1946 the Dutch and Indonesian Forces fought a battle ending in an Indonesian victory, and as a result the Island ultimately became a part of the Republic of Indonesia in 1950. (2)

Today, Bali is known as a peaceful and spiritual destination, and an amazing place to add to your bucket list.

Sources:

(1). https://www.britannica.com/topic/Kopi-Luwak

(2). https://www.britannica.com/place/Bali-island-and-province-Indonesia

(3). https://historyandtravel.blog/2024/01/12/safest-tips-for-traveling-overseas-preplanning-strategies/

5 Best Reasons to Stay in Moorea over Bora Bora for Your Vacation

Moorea, French Polynesia

Do you have a favorite place in the world? For myself that would be none other than this tiny French Polynesian Island in the Pacific. I have never seen an island wilder and more breathtaking than this one. Moorea is the second largest of the windward islands of what is known as the Society Islands in French Polynesia.

My husband along with two of our best friends and I found a spectacular deal on a Princess crui se that would start on the Island of Tahiti in Papeete, and eventually make its way to the nearby islands of Moorea, Rangiroa, Huahine, and Bora Bora.

As soon as we realized that the island of Moorea was a 25-minute ferry ride from the main island and airport in Papeete, we decided to book an extra three days before the cruise in Moorea. Check out the Ferry Schedule here.

5 Reasons to Stay in Moorea instead of Bora Bora for your Tahitian Vacation

1. Significant Cost Savings

Bora Bora is world-famous and widely known, so why would I recommend anyone traveling to Tahiti to stay in Moorea instead? My absolute number one reason is that it is less expensive by far to stay on Moorea as opposed to Bora Bora.

Both islands are equally spectacular, but Moorea is far less expensive and just as breathtaking as Bora Bora. When we first stayed on Moorea, we booked a VRBO house on the water next to the Intercontinental hotel for $250 a night. This got us a 2 bedroom and 2 bath house with it’s own private beach, fire pit, kayaks, and paddle boards!

You can easily research hotels on expedia.com on Moorea and Bora Bora and you will see what I mean.

I did a quick search on the over-water bungalow hotels on Moorea, which are $500.00 per night versus $1,700.00 per night on Bora Bora. The Intercontinental on Moorea offers rooms starting at $350.00 per night, so there are deals to be had on the island for sure. While both locations have bungalows over the water, there are other places to travel to on the island besides just the beach which leads me to the subject of Intra-Island travel.

2. Intra-Island Travel

One of the major bummers about traveling to Bora Bora is that since it is an atoll, almost all of the major hotels are out in their own secluded (isolated) locations outside of the middle of Bora Bora, making getting around the island to see other places a little cumbersome. In Moorea, you can rent a car from Avis or reserve a car at a great price on Expedia.com and get around the island quite easily (even if the roads can get a little bumpy!)

Driving around Moorea is breathtaking. My eyes were constantly in awe of the scenery of the mountains and the clear blue water. The whole car was in silent awe of the scenery each time we hit the road (except when my husband was behind the wheel and we were all a bit frightened… You see, he likes to drive fast and “thread the needle” between massive potholes!) My friends were thankful when I eventually relieved him of his driving duties, and we were back to admiring the scenery instead of clutching our seatbelts.

Resort Hopping

In Bora Bora, we decided not to let the difficulties with intra-island travel get the better of us even despite it’s lack of interconnecting roads, so we chartered our own private boat and Captain and navigated to the Sofitel hotel in order to get a cocktail… only to be kicked out instead since we were not staying there. Talk about a disappointment after going through all the trouble to get there! This is the case for all the major hotels outside of the Island proper- so don’t make our mistake and expect to go visiting all those pretty properties by boat if you don’t have a room key!

The good news is, that isn’t the case in Moorea. You can rent a car as soon as you get off the ferry from Papeete and drive to all the picturesque hotels you like to have dinner and cocktails at their resorts, as they are in fact connected by these convenient little things they have there called “roads”. Experiencing beautiful hotel properties (and cocktails!) is one of my favorite things to do when traveling, and Bora Bora’s infrastructure put a damper on those plans for sure.

In other words if you stay in Bora Bora, you will mostly be relegated to your own resort property as opposed to Moorea, where you can freely move around the Island and experience a bunch.

3. Mount Rotui and the Primitive Island

This Moorean mountain is magical and absolutely stunning. We could’ve spent a couple of hours exploring and hiking, but instead we “cheated” and drove up to the tippy top by car. That way, it was only a short hike to some amazing photos.

Bora Bora has Mount Otemanu, which is in the center of the atoll. While both mountains are gorgeous, Mount Rotui on Moorea is so much more pronounced than Otemanu and I literally could not stop staring at its beauty.

Moorea just makes me feel like I am Captain Cook discovering it for the first time. The beauty of the island is kept primitive (on purpose) and gives the visitor a secluded feel during the whole visit.

In fact, one of the bonuses about traveling to the French Polynesian Islands is they are not overcrowded, and Moorea gets top marks in this aspect.

4. The Local Restaurants

The French Polynesian Restaurants have a fusion of French, Hawaiin, Polynesian, Chinese, and Vietnamese cuisine, and they incorporate coconut and Tahitian Vanilla in many of the dishes. Bora Bora has a famous restaurant/bar called Bloody Mary’s where all the movie stars go and has quite a history for famous patronage. Honestly though, other than this one amazing gem I did not find the amazing restaurants that I found in Moorea (once again scoring a point for it over Bora Bora).

My husband and our dear friends love to eat a dish from these islands called Poisson Cru which is tuna marinated with lime and coconut milk. Everywhere we went they would order it and it is by far one of the most popular dishes in French Polynesia.

Coco Beach Moorea

A place that you need to visit on the island. I cannot describe how cool this place is. Head over to Coco Beach for lunch, and make sure you reserve a table before you head over. There are sting rays that just float by as you sit in the crystal-clear water drinking your cocktail.

Touring all of the hotels on Moorea led me to find the best place to get a cocktail with a view too. The winner in this regard: Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort.

The best pizza and atmosphere on Moorea award goes to Vai’are Pizza and make sure you try the coconut ice cream- it is so delicious! (Can you tell I am a foodie?)

Do not hesitate to make your way to the main grocery store on Moorea to buy some Tahitian vanilla beans and Monoi Tiki Tahiti Coconut Oil (for your skin) at the Municipal Market. Tiki Oil smells like a fragrant perfume of vanilla and coconut while moisturizing your skin- perfect for exuding the island vibe. Also, if you are going to re-create our little adventure on Moorea and rent a house you should absolutely swing by the market for some snacks to stock the place up with on the cheap.

5. More Adventurous Activities

There are so many great adventurous activities to do in Moorea. Again, Bora Bora is also just as breathtaking, but I feel as though Moorea edges it out in this category as well.

Top Tours

Viator.com is my number one go to for booking trips when traveling overseas. They are always reliable and have fantastic customer service and unique tours.

Lagoonarium Snorkeling – Best place to snorkel to see all kinds of sea creatures.
Ocean Wildlife Expedition; Swim with Whales, Sharks, and Rays
Half Day Guided Hike to Afareaitu Waterfall
Private Boat Tour of Lagoon
Moorea 3-Hour Jet Ski Tour
Foodie Option – Moorea 4WD Tour Inc. Belvedere, Pineapple Farm, Magic Mountain.

And Now for Another History Deep Dive…

Captain Cook’s Bay

As you sail into Moorea you will notice the famous Cook’s Bay, which is absolutely stunning. This bay is named after the famous Captain Cook. A British naval explorer who conducted three expeditions to the Pacific during the 18th Century.

Cook anchored his famous ship the Endeavor in the bay on his first circumnavigation around the world. On his first voyage Cook was tasked by the British Royal Society in 1769 to take some men and their assistants to the Tahitian Islands. Their mission was to observe the movement of the planet Venus across the sun. It is in Cook’s Bay in Moorea where they would observe this strange request. (1)

Moorea was first discovered by Capt. Samuel Wallis in 1767. The Society Islands were named in honor of the Royal Society, which had commissioned the expedition under Captain James Cook. (2)

Cook would later be killed by Polynesians in a squall over a stolen cutter on his third trip to the Pacific. Cook’s famous journal details the indigenous people that he encountered on the Tahitian islands. (3)

If you are interested in reading more about Captain Cook’s adventures through the Pacific and his experience discovering the people of the Tahitian Islands check out The Journals of Captain Cook.

Are you ready to book your trip?

I hope that I have convinced you of the 5 Reasons why you should stay in Moorea over Bora Bora. (But if you remember only one of them, it’s that you can vacation in the Tahitian Islands for 1/3 of the cost!) Moorea is my favorite and I think you should add it to your bucket list. Take a day trip to Bora Bora instead. I promise you will not regret it, and neither will your pocketbook.

Sources:

(1). James Cook | Biography, Accomplishments, Ship, Voyage Route, Family, Death, & Facts | Britannica

(2). French Polynesia – Tahiti, Oceania, Colonization | Britannica

(3). Cook’s journal | National Museum of Australia (nma.gov.au)