Tag Archives: international travel

What do we do if your kidnapped?…

Posted on by

0

REALLY….PAY THE RANSOM!

Heres the deal, I knew in my heart of hearts that I wouldn’t be kidnapped, it’s not in the plan and anyway I have far too much to do with the launch of my new venture “Own it ,Feel it, Live it.com” !

This story is a perfect example of my mantra and not being held captive by fear or what others think you should or shouldn’t do!

I trusted my gut and my hosts Erica and Francesco of Escape to Shape.I also knew, that anyone bold enough to step into the heat of Cartagena, Columbia  would be interesting  and fun like-minded explorers… And I wasn’t disappointed!!

IMG_0215

Not to say the trip didn’t start out with a little drama surrounding non-other, than the airplane Lou ! First I was “told off ” as if I were a naughty 5 year old boy, for slamming  the Lou door shut , by the male flight attendant ,who looked like he could take any of us out ! My mouth literally dropped open as I tried  not to laugh when he read me the riot act. I know I’m powerful ,but really,do you think I’m going break an airplane door off it’s hinges-well he did.

Next ,whispers floated around us as a waft of smoke escaped the infamous Lou. This time two CIA ,TV styled flight attendants marched  down the aisle ,ordered the man to come with them back to smell the scene of the crime.This investigative action was then followed by the crew confiscating his passport and luggage. When we landed, two guerrilla style  policeman with huge machine guns waited at the base of the stairs to escort  the VERY FOOLISH secret smoker off to Columbian jail.An example of pure stupidity!

We on the other hand danced through customs in all our innocence and were met by a very nice driver with an air-conditioned van who safely whisked us off to our hotel for the night.

920330_10151440003318123_1199825081_o

Cartagena is a beautiful old walled city flanked by the Caribbean ocean ,which blends the architecture  of historic towns such as Seville & Cadiz in Southern Spain , infused with the sultry vibrancy ,color and tropical flavors of the Caribbean.A  city which is considered one of the most beautiful in south america that charmed us all from her first touch ,with many unexpected surprises I’m happy to report.

Unique experiences from our first lunch whereby a friendly wild Toucan sat with us at our table, to the vibrancy of the street performers who entertained us as we dined late into the night in the local bustling town square .

IMG_9744

A man lip synching, dressed as Shakira in a bikini with a grass skirt and long blond wig as his belly and hips gyrated  to the pulsating sounds. Entertainment, laughter,life and  thousands of columbian dollars flowed from every corner and our wallets as we each fell into the  beat of the city.

This my friends was just day one!…more stories including “16 Woman in a Volcanic Mud Bath “,”Francesco and the Bond Girls Escape to the Forbidden islands “, “Pink champagne and 16 women in  a changing room”, “Birthday Celebrations on the Walls of the City” , ‘”Negotiations of a carriage ride”, “Staying alive and beautiful with the best Yoga and Pilates teachers” and many more !!

Riad Farnatchi … our Oasis in the madness

Posted on by

0

Riad Farnatchi, an Oasis of peace and luxury in the madness of the Medina.
Stepping into the warm hospitality of our Riad, I’m speechless [which as many of you know is a miracle in of itself] by the tranquility, infusion of delicious scents and beauty that engulf us. Who would have imagined this jewel hidden behind the chaos and simple exterior of the medina’s pink walls!
Mint tea drenched with sugar, is served in small beautiful glasses to refresh our weary souls, or possibly rot our teeth if we drink too much,as we enter the first courtyard in this myriad of luxury. Original Moroccan arts and crafts from Berber tribes and Moroccan Royalty adorn the walls, while Roses cascade from the courtyard balconies creating an intoxicating cocktail to nourish our senses.
A collection of historic private homes each built around it’s own open courtyard,now connected to create an exclusive maze of stairways and passageways to 9 suites, rooftop dining and relaxation and intimate alcoves.All creating an authentic Moroccan experience.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Anticipating our every desire our impeccable hosts have prepared a private feast for us to the savor our first bites of Moroccan cuisine and to my surprise wine…dare I say,what a fine French contribution. A feast in a tiny restaurant of pure artistry where craftsmen have carved patterns within the stone walls and multi colored lanterns light our evening.The perfect ambiance for a romantic meal… Next time maybe.
We’ve truly landed in Aladdin’s cave…our sanctuary,with all it’s hidden treasures.
This is only day one!!

Marrakech…we’ve landed in a Movie scene!

Posted on by

2

Marrakech…we’ve landed in a movie?

Exiting the arrivals hall we witness the first nuances of Moroccan culture, as our driver partakes in a ‘’cheek to cheek to cheek to cheek to cheek to cheek” greeting, interspersed with a man hug with almost every Moroccan man imaginable…even the car park attendant! I know Morocco was a French colony, but he has taken the fine art of a French greeting to a whole new level. But as I’ve come to learn, Moroccan people are truly connected to each other and their land.

Departing the airport I’m shocked by the abundance of glorious fragrant Roses that line the major roadways and walls of the Medina, rich colors in full bloom interwoven like patterns in a magic carpet.They certainly challenge any  English Rose!

It’s surreal, the chaos, noise, dust and conflicting smells, along with the gifts from the hardworking Donkeys, Mules and Horse drawn carriages entangled with bicycles,cars and motor-scooters buzzing like overgrown wasps overloaded with passengers. Travelers traversing in every possible direction, all within a hairs breath of death, without any sense of fear. They even make the Italian drivers look tame!

I feel like I’m cast as a journalist in an Indian Jones blockbuster travelling with my photographer Natalie in this life zone called Marrakech. An ancient city brimming with people and animals all cradled in the cobbled passageways, where the towering pink walls envelope you and whisper stories from the past.A city saturated in life, warmth, color and scents all vying for attention and space.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Inside the city walls the cobbled streets narrow as we merge with merchants,city folk, children and animals of every species negotiating in everyday life; all feeding off this seamless chaos.

Our taxi comes to a halt,were in a swirling mass of mayhem as people clamor around us; our savior, a gentle man in a traditional long cream robe greets us. Our suitcases are placed in a rather large wheelbarrow, which is then pushed by a man masquerading as a donkey. Clueless as to where we are, we follow him deeper into the narrowing corridors flanked by doors beckoning us to enter.At this point I’m beginning to wonder what we have got ourselves into, but oddly I have no fear, my intuition is positive and Let’s face it, my guardian angels are working overtime.

Turning a corner into what appears a dead-end we see the discreet but beautifully inscribed words on a large arched wooden door,”Riad Farnatchi”, we are home for the next 3-nights, secure in our oasis in the madness.

Why Morocco, Why Marrakech…?

Posted on by

5

Why Morocco, why Marrakech, timing, the lure, the fascination and excitement of a distinctly different culture rich in Arabic traditions. A journey to an unfamiliar land  [or so we thought] framed within the safety net of a perfectly planned adventure with” Escape to Shape”.
An extraordinary journey we believed would nourish us culturally and revive us physicality. A journey where working our core through the fluidity of Yoga took on a whole new meaning, as we transcended our bodies and reconnected with the truth of our soul.
The beauty of Marrakech.
Marrakech is essentially a feminine city; a vibrant and luminous city draped in a pink haze. A city that moves between the shadows and light,illuminated by the light that shines from the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and the warmth that emanates from its people, their hospitality, spirituality and laughter.An ancient culture, which honors its traditions, community and each other as it  navigates the modern world.

please join me as I write and share images throughout the coming weeks about our magical adventure into the unknown!

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

England, Coworth park and all that is British

Posted on by

2

Two nights at the beautiful Coworth Park is an indulgence every traveler should enjoy. ..however one has to admit it really is a special choice for an expat on a quick stopover in the motherland with an objective to relax and live in a bygone era.

A place west of London, where family and friends are happy to visit you and luxuriate in the perfect country hotel where the very pleasant, polite staff wear a smile,know your name and in true old fashioned tradition open the for you.Nothing is to much ..except maybe the cost of a glass of champagne ..but other than that the food is first class along with the surroundings ..a country manor that has been refurbished in a modern style of exceptional taste and quality, an estate with its own stables, barns and everything equestrian.We are luxuriating in the English countryside where wild animals roam (well as wild as they can be in England )which if didn’t know better I’d think had been to finishing school too! Where do you see one person trotting along or riding three or four perfectly behaved horses to the paddocks or polo fields.A place where ducks and Swans pumped up on steroids actually flap there expansive wings in the pond and graze like a herd of sheep on the green pastures.I have finally discovered something that is bigger in England than America…Swans …they are a fierce force to be reckoned with,as well as the property of the Queen ..maybe they’re a secret military force?Pictures to follow folks!!

20120504-174714.jpg

Marie Antoinette’s special contribution to the enjoyment of champagne!

Posted on by

0

You all had the pleasure of the rather lovely photo of my glass of champagne in the skies.Well talking of pleasure for some…I just discovered via my highly intelligent British friend of trivia, that the champagne coupe featured in my picture was actually designed after the breast of Marie Antoinette!!

oh la la …now that puts a whole new spin on how you should hold your champagne glass :) )