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a concierge travel boutique for the smart & savvy adventurer
(407) 617-0385 •
a concierge travel boutique for the smart & savvy adventurer
Let's Explore the World Together!
We invite you to sit back and let us take you on our world adventures through photographs! This section of our Website is dedicated to escorting you on the amazing tours, cultural immersions, safaris, cruises & adventures that we have had the privilege to experience. Here are some of the photos that we captured during our “Where in the World is Bev??” Cultural Immersion Odyssey Adventures. It has been said that a picture is worth a thousand words but when you learn about the cultural traditions and customs, see the natural environment, feel the sun on your face and wind in your hair, witness a sunrise or sunset, smell the aromas and taste the delicacies of another culture… now that’s an experience that you will never forget.
An adventure undoubtedly has the power to enhance our mood, our biology, and our perspective. Travel has the ability to transform us, from the activation of imagination and self-esteem that happen during the planning stages ……..to the delight doing the actual vacation ………to the lasting imprint on our memories and our very selves. - Dr. Anthony J. Trangugh
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The Kingdom of Nepal
Nepal is a country of Asia, lying along the southern slopes of the Himalayan mountain ranges. It is a landlocked country located between India to the east, south, and west and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north. The near otherworldly Himalayan kingdom of Nepal can trace its history back to the 7th century and the arrival of Kirati sheepherders. Today, misty temples perch on rugged ridges, monasteries peer over deep valleys, faded by centuries, and Kathmandu's Old City brims with ancient Buddhist temples and ornate palaces.
Bordering the Republic of India and the People's Republic of China, Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, is found there, as well as the Himalaya Mountains. 12 of the world's highest mountain peaks are in Nepal. It is also the birthplace of Buddha.
Kathmandu is and has been for many years the center of Nepal's history, art, culture, and economy. It has a multi-ethnic population within a Hindu and Buddhist majority. Religious and cultural festivities form a major part of the lives of people residing in Kathmandu. Tourism is an important part of the economy. Kathmandu, the largest city of Nepal, is the political as well as cultural capital of the country, where Nepalis have arrived from all corners of the country and assimilated. Like any big city, Kathmandu has seen rapid expansion in the last decade, but despite the fast life of a metropolis, its people remain refreshingly friendly towards visitors.
Kathmandu is the bustling, history-filled capital of Nepal, famous for its well-preserved Newar pagodas and centuries-old Hindu and Buddhist monuments. Historical sights are spread throughout the sprawling city, the hilltop temple of Swayambhu, the sacred Hindu complex of Pashupatinath, and one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. Changu Narayan, the oldest temple in the Kathmandu Valley. Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, which is regarded as the golden temple, a 12th-century pagoda style temple with bronze, silver and gold statues. There is a golden image of Lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel in the higher layer of the temple.
Chitwan National Park is one of Nepal's most popular destinations. It is a dense forests and grassy plains, rich and protected haven for wildlife including Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos and many endemic bird species.
Pokhara Valley – lush valley in the foothills of the Himalaya Mountains.
Mount Everest is a peak in the Himalaya mountain range and is considered the tallest point on Earth. Although Mt. Everest is the highest mountain on Earth – in that it reaches the highest altitude – (but the tallest is actually Mauna Kea in Hawaii, USA. They run from northern Pakistan and India across Nepal to Bhutan).
Nirvana - (in Buddhism) a transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self, and the subject is released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and rebirth. It represents the final goal of Buddhism. The final beatitude (see beatitude sense 1a) that transcends suffering, karma, and samsara and is sought especially in Buddhism through the extinction of desire and individual consciousness. 2 a : a place or state of oblivion to care, pain, or external reality alcohol-induced nirvana also : bliss, heaven The resort is a skier's and snowboarder's nirvana.
Nirvana - a state of freedom from all suffering that Buddhists believe can be achieved by removing all Personal wishes.
Namaste is a traditional Hindu greeting said with a hand gesture in which the palms are pressed together at the chest or head, accompanied by a slight bow or arm raise; an ancient Sanskrit greeting still in everyday use in India and especially on the trail in the Nepal Himalaya. Translated roughly, it means "I bow to the God within you", or "The Spirit within me salutes the Spirit in you" - a knowing that we are all made from the same One Divine Consciousness.
The recognition of the divine spirit (or soul) in another by the divine spirit in you. The word Namaste translates simply to “I bow to the divine in you.” Namaste as a gesture symbolizes the belief that within each individual, there exists a divine ember, situated in the heart chakra. This gesture is a response that one soul present in the individual gives to another.
Kumari - or Kumari Devi, or Living Goddess, is the tradition of worshiping young prepubescent girls as manifestations of the divine female energy or devi in Hindu and Buddhist religious traditions. The word Kumari is derived from the Sanskrit Kaumarya, meaning "Young". A young Newar girl with no blemishes is chosen to represent the Goddess Kumari as an incarnation of Goddess Taleju, The Kumari is a prepubescent girl selected by a council from the Newari people that acts as a manifestation of divine female energy. A Nepali Kumari is believed to be the living incarnation of the goddess Taleju also known as Durga. This continues until after menstruation when the goddess Taleju vacates her body.
Stupa – is a mound-like or hemispherical structure containing the remains of Buddhist monks or nuns) that is used as a place of meditation.
Boudhanath is a stupa whose massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. It is the center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu and rich in Buddhist symbolism. The stupa is located in Boudha, on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu.
Monkey Temple - Swayambhu is one of the holiest Buddhist stupas in Nepal. It is said to have evolved spontaneously when the valley was created out of a primordial lake more than 2,000 years ago. This stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal and has numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises.
Buddha Eyes - Buddha is known as the light of Asia and has become the symbol of peace, harmony, wisdom, and conscience. He was a prince in his palace when he left his home to search for the truth and meaning of life.
In Buddhism, there are two types of eyes, first the inner eyes which see the world of Dhamma, which is also known as the third eye of Buddha. Similarly, the outer eyes which are also called the material eyes which see the outer world.In stupas, there are giant pairs of eyes that are looking out from the four sides of the stupa. These eyes are also known as wisdom eyes or Buddha’s eyes. These eyes in the stupa symbolize the all-seeing ability of Buddha. If we use the wisdom eyes then we see the truth and we can fulfill our dreams. But if you become ignorant and do not use our wisdom then we will be cheated, become anxious and suffer a lot in our lives which are called the darkness of life and it can be overcome using our wisdom.
The Buddha eyes are so prevalent throughout the country that they have become a symbol of Nepal itself. Between the Buddha's eyes where the nose would be is a curly symbol that looks like question mark. This is the Nepali character for the number 1, which symbolizes unity of all the things as well as the one way to reach enlightenment—through the Buddha's teachings. Above this is a third eye, symbolizing the all-seeing wisdom of the Buddha.
The Sadhus of Nepal are its wandering Holy men or monks revered for being good human energy. Sadhus are dreadlocked holy men who have left behind all material attachments and live in caves, forests and temples all over India and Nepal. Many Sadhus are also Yogis who are practitioners of meditation. They have have chosen a life away from or at least on the edges of normal society to focus on their own spiritual practice. Many Sadhus beg in the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, but only for enough money for the bare necessities, such as food and clothing. Some say they are glorified beggars. These holy men live solitary lives and use intoxicants as a path to spiritual insight. Becoming a Sadhu is a difficult lifestyle. Sadhus are considered dead to themselves. They may even be required to attend their own funeral before they are able to seek out a guru and begin the process of transforming into a holy man.
Sadhus have been around for thousands of years and today there are about five million men that are considered to be true Sadhus. These men separate themselves from the rest of the human society and spend the rest of their lives focusing entirely on praising and worshiping their chosen deity, of which there are hundreds in different shapes and sizes. Sadhus also practice magic and take part in rituals in an attempt to gain contact with the gods. For those who are successful in their practice of being a Sadhu they are even worshiped to the point of being considered gods on earth. These Hindu monks spend a lot of their time wandering around by themselves.
One of the aspects of a Sadhu man’s life is to practice one of the ancient forms of yoga and later to pass it on to others. Yoga is a form of meditation where one gains control over the body and mind.
To enter into this beautiful but mysterious land, see our slides: Nepal 1, Nepal 2, Nepal 3
Australia, the Land Down Under
Dave Koz & Friends at Sea Smooth Jazz Cruise: Australia, Sydney, Tasmania, Melbourne, Eden, Newcastle
Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and numerous smaller islands. Australia's capital is Canberra, and its largest city is Sydney. The country's other major metropolitan areas are Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. Australia is the oldest, flattest, and driest inhabited continent, with the least fertile soils.
Indigenous Australians inhabited the continent for 65,000 years prior to the first arrival of Dutch explorers in the early 17th century, who named it New Holland. In 1770, Australia’s eastern half was claimed by Great Britain and initially settled through penal transportation to the colony of New South Wales. Today Australia generates its income from various sources including mining-related exports, telecommunications, banking, manufacturing and international education.
A highly developed country, with the world’s 14th largest economy. Australia has the world’s eighth-largest immigrant population, ranks highly in quality of life, health, education, economic freedom and civil liberties.
Surrounded by the Indian and Pacific oceans, Australia is separated from Asia by the Arafura and Timor seas, with the Coral sea lying off the Queensland coast, and the Tasman Sea lying between Australia and New Zealand. The world's smallest continent and and sixth largest country by total area, Australia is often dubbed the "island continent" and sometimes considered the the world’s largest island.
The continent has six states, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australis, Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.
Indigenous Australians are people with familial heritage to groups that lived in Australia before British Colonialization. They include the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia. The time of arrival of the first human beings on the continent and nearby islands is a matter of debate among researchers. The earliest huma remains found in Australia are those of the Mungo Man and Mungo lady, which have been dated around 50,000 years.
A population collapse principally from disease followed European settlement, beginning with a small pox epidemic spreading three years after the arrival of Europeans. Massacres and frontier conflicts involving European settlers contributed to depopulation.
Although there are a number of commonalities among the various Aboriginal peoples, each with its own mixture of cultures, customs and languages. In present-day Australia, these groups are further divided into local communities. Aboriginal people today mostly speak English, with Aboriginal phrases and words being added to create Australian Aboriginal English.
Slides for Australia 1, Australia 2, Australia 3
Vancouver, Canada
A city of skyscrapers at natures edge on the west coast of Canada. Up-and-coming neighborhoods within walking distance of downtown showcase the hippie-cum-hipster spirit of what some call Lotus-Land, Vansterdam and the City of Glass. Robson Street hums with microbreweries, on-tap wine, world-class design and farm-to-fork cuisine fuel an overall relaxed comfortable vibe.
Vancouver was founded as Gastown by an Englishman with a penchant for beer and storytelling. Today Gastown is a historic section of the Canadian metropolis, and the lively pubs still reflect the areas former status as a sort of community drinking center.
The citys forests, grand parks, and impressive suspension bridge beckon to explore, as do the citys shops and museums along with the glory of the 2010 Winter Games and the marvelous Olympic Cauldron.
Highlights: UBC Botanical Gardens, Library Square, Waterfront Station, Vancouver Seawall, Steam Clock, Granville Island, Robson Street, Lions Gate Bridge, Brockton Point Totem Pole & Josh Poole Plaza.
Click here for some of the picture highlights.
Dave Koz Smooth Jazz Cruise Copenhagen, Denmark; Estonia, St. Petersburg, Russia; Tallum, Finland
Copenhagen - is the capital and most populous city of Denmark. Once a Viking fishing settlement, there are traces of the Norse explorers and the remains of a 1,000-year-old castle. There are also museums dedicated to the notorious raiders and of course, the Vikings. The city has typical coastal climate with cold winters and hot summers. Copenhagen has an open coast both the south and east sides and therefore
it is often windy.
Other highlights: Tivoli Gardens, the worlds oldest amusement park; Roskilde Cathedral, Frederkborg Palace, the largest Renaissance Castle in Scandinavia, Viking Museum, The Little Mermaid sculpture as a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen for the inspirational fairytale. Weekend Pub Crawl to the traditional Bodegas, and the Royal Danish Theatre.
Denmark Gets First Public Statue of a Black Woman, a Rebel Queen
The statue of Mary Thomas called I Am Queen Mary is the first public monument to a black woman in Denmark, according to the artists. The statue of the woman is nearly 23 feet tall. Her head is wrapped and she stares straight ahead while sitting barefoot, but regally, in a wide-backed chair, clutching a torch in one hand and a tool used to cut sugar cane in the other.
The sculpture was inspired by Mary Thomas, known as one of the three queens. Thomas, along with two other female leaders, unleashed an uprising in 1878 called the Fireburn. Fifty plantations and most of the town of Frederiksted in St. Croix were burned, in what has been called the largest labor revolt in Danish
colonial history.
In Denmark, where most of the public statues represent white men, two artists unveiled the striking statue in tribute to a 19th-century rebel queen who had led a fiery revolt against Danish colonial rule in the Caribbean. They said it was Denmarks first public monument to a black woman.
This project is about challenging Denmarks collective memory and changing it, the Virgin Islands artist La Vaughn Belle, one of two principal forces behind the statue, said in a statement.
Click here for some of the picture highlights
Egypt - The Land of Pharaohs
The Great Pyramids and Sphinx: On the outskirts of Cairo stands one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the great Pyramids. Built about 4,500 years ago, the three towering Pyramids are massive in size, constructed from approximately 2,300,000 blocks, weighing an average of 2.5 tons each. In addition to being dazzled by the external magnificence of these wonders, within a short walking distance is the Great Sphinx of Gin, built in 2620 BC in the likeness of the King of Egypt Chephren (Khafre). The ancient monument — 187 feet long and 65 feet high — is a human-headed lion wearing a royal headdress, sitting in guard of the Great Pyramids.
Eye of Horus: an Egyptian Symbol of protection, royal power, and good health. The eye of Horus was created to protect the Pharaoh in the afterlife to ward off evil. Horus was the ancient Egyptian sky god who was usually depicted as a falcon. His right eye was associated with the sun god, Ra. The eye symbol represents the markings around the eye of the falcon, including the tear drop marking sometimes found below the eye.
The Great Pyramid of Giza (also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops) is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza pyramid complex bordering present-day El Giza, Egypt. It is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one to remain largely intact.
Memphis: Built in 3100 BC, Memphis is the legendary city of Menes, the King who united Upper and Lower Egypt. By the 3rd Dynasty, the building at Sakkara suggests that Memphis had become a sizable city. Menes founded the city by creating dikes to protect the area from Nile floods. This great city of the Old Kingdom became the administrative and religious center of Egypt .
The Step Pyramid of Zoser: Zoser was the second king of the 3rd Dynasty. It is believed that a man named Imhotep built the step pyramid of Zoser. Some scholars think this tomb was intended for a member of Zoser's family and not for himself. This is Egypt's first major work in stone.
Sound & Light Show: An evening performance at the Giza plateaus, where the Pyramids and Sphinx are specially illuminated to tell their story in the sound and light show. (Make sure to wear something warm).
The Egyptian Museum: The Egyptian Museum was built during the reign of Khedive Abbass Helmy II in 1897, and opened its doors on November 15, 1902. Today, the museum contains the most important collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world. Exhibited are over 120,000 objects from the Pharaonic and Greco-Roman periods, including the celebrated mummies of ancient Egyptian kings and the treasures of King Tutankh Amun. A special ‘Hidden Treasures’ exhibit in the museum’s re-designed basement features more than 150 artifacts on display for the first time.
Ben Ezra Synagogue: The Ben Ezra Synagogue located in Cairo center was built by chief rabbi in Jerusalem Abraham Ben Ezra in the late 9th century within the walls of the Fortress of Babylon (as Old Cairo was known in ancient times). The basilica-style temple is home to a Jewish heritage library, which includes a Torah on gazelle skin dating back to the fifth century BC and an Atlas of Moses” manuscript. The synagogue is known principally for its storeroom, or Geniza, which housed a rich store of political, economic and social books and manuscripts about the condition of Jews under Arab rule in Egypt in the Middle Ages.
The church of St. Sergious: Considered to be Cairo's oldest church, dating from the 4th century AD. Built on the spot where the Holy Family rested at the end of their journey into Egypt.
The Citadel: The Citadel, situated on a highly visible spur of the Mokattam Hills of Old Cairo, was the nerve center of Egypt for almost 700 years. Construction of the grand structure began in 1176 and was completed by Muhammad Ali Pasha, ruler of Egypt In the late 19th century. Mameluk sultans and Turkish governors resided in the Citadel, which is among the world’s most splendid monuments of medieval warfare. Facing the Citadel is the Mosque of Sultan Hassan, built between 1356 and 1363 and perhaps the most majestic monument of Arab architecture in Egypt.
Khan El Khalili: Khan El Khalili, known as the Turkish bazaar during the Ottoman period, was built in 1382 by Emir Diaharks El Khalili, in the heart of what was then Fatimid City. Until this day, the bazaar is a center of trade and communion in the city, and offers a wide array of antiques, handcrafts of gold, silver and copper as well as numerous old coffee shops and local.
Temple of Horus: Of all the temples of ancient Egypt, the one at Edfu is the most complete and best preserved. The reason is that the temple had been totally submerged under the desert except for the very top of the pylon entrance. A small amount of stone had been removed from the exposed part, but when excavated it was found to be in near perfect condition.
High Dam: Visit the Aswan High Dam, Egypt’s contemporary example of building on a monumental scale.
Philae Temple: Take a short motorboat ride to visit the romantic and majestic Philae Temple on the Island of Agilka.
Temple of Kom Ombo: The temple is dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris (Horus the Elder). Despite being badly damaged, the temple is a beautiful sight as one approach from either direction on the river, particularly as sunset nears and the colors change.
Luxor Temple: Dedicated to the god Amun and contains structures from many periods, the earliest dating from the 12th Dynasty.
Karnak Temple: Located on the East bank of the Nile. It was built by several great kings of Egypt such as king Ramses II, King Tutmosis III and Queen Hatshepsut. It was dedicated to the triad of Thebes; god Amun Ra, goddess Mut and god Khonsu.
Valley of Kings: A vast City of the Dead where magnificent tombs were carved into the desert rocks, decorated richly, and filled with treasures for the afterlife by generations of Pharaohs.
Temple of Queen Hatshepsut: The temple built in El Deir El Bahari on the west bank of the Nile in Luxor by queen Hatshepsut, who ruled Egypt for almost 20 years, She choose a very well protected location as it is surrounded by the mountains.
Colossi of Memnon: known in Ancient Greek times for their haunting voices at dawn
Slides for Egypt 1, Egypt 2, Egypt 3, Egypt 4
New Zealand, Exploring the Land Down Under!
Where in the World in Bev?? Cultural Immersion Series – meet the Kiwis and experience their Māori History and Culture
New Zealand is a small country, similar in size to Great Britain or Japan. The sheer majesty of the Island’s landscapes are a wonder to behold. What’s more, we experienced excellent local cuisine, abundant seafood, incredible wine, superior accommodations, and the native people were a model of hospitality. New Zealand's Māori culture is an integral part of Kiwi lifestyle and adds a unique, dynamic experience to our cultural immersion tour. Our adventure started in Wellington, Milford Sound Reserve, Queenstown, Franz Josef’s beautiful glaciers and ended at the empty chairs in Christchurch.
We visited in November which enhanced our views of sunsets & sunrises. **New Zealand’s rugged beauty and varied landscapes, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets made it a spectacular destination to visit but any time of year is always beautiful. (The summer months of December to March bring long, bright and sunny days, ideal for visiting some of the country's lovely beaches or enjoying some of the many outdoor activities available, such as hiking and mountain biking. June to September are likely to bring snow to the South Island as well as some of the North Island's more mountainous areas, attracting skiers from far and near. The spring and autumn months herald milder weather and fewer visitors while still being very pleasant times to visit).
New Zealand's friendly and down-to-earth people will be one of the things I treasure most about our visit. With a patchwork history of Māori, European, Pacific Island and Asian cultures, New Zealand has become a melting-pot population - but one with some uniting features that make it unique in the world. Today, of the 4.4 million New Zealanders (informally known as Kiwis), approximately 69% are of European descent, 14.6% are indigenous Māori, 9.2% Asian and 6.9% non-Māori Pacific Islanders. Geographically, over three-quarters of the population live in the North Island, with one-third of the total population living in Auckland. The other main cities of Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton are where the majority of the remaining Kiwis dwell.
New Zealand's Māori culture is an integral part of Kiwi life and adds a unique, dynamic experience. Māori are the tangata whenua, the indigenous people, of New Zealand. They came here more than 1000 years ago from their mythical Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki. Today Māori make up 14% of our population and their history, language and traditions
Fiji Islands - Bula! Welcome!!!
Our adventure continued to the majestic island of Fuji, located in the heart of the South Pacific, Fiji is blessed with 333 tropical islands that are home to some of the happiest native people on Earth. We visited the Biausevu Waterfall and refreshed our minds & souls from the rigors and demands of city life. We visited the home of a village chief and took part in their authentic traditional ceremonies. We listened to the entertaining tales about local folklore, superstitions and ancient practices of witchcraft and lit candles to honor their ancestors.
Click here and here to experience some of the pictures we captured during our adventure.
International Dateline The International Date Line sits on the 180º line of longitude in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and is the imaginary line that separates two consecutive calendar days. It is not a perfectly straight line and has been moved slightly over the years to accommodate needs (or requests) of varied countries in the Pacific Ocean. The Date Line bends to include all of Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga and Tokelau in the Eastern Hemisphere. So, for the first time in my life, traveling east across the International Date Line, we lost a complete day, 24 hours, and we were returned west across the Date Line, we experienced the same day 2 times.
South Africa
We returned back to South Africa to learn more about this beautiful and mysterious land. Our special South African guides were amazing sharing their knowledge of history of their beloved country. Wayne & Kevin spoke from their hearts as they shared their personal experience living in both the pre and post apartheid era and living with the changes and challenges currently happening in South Africa today.
Here are some of their views and highlights:
South Africa has three cities that serve as capitals: Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial). Johannesburg, the largest urban area in the country and a center of commerce, lies at the heart of the populous Gauteng province. Durban, a port on the Indian Ocean, is a major industrial center. East London and Port Elizabeth, both lie along the country’s southern coast, along with important commercial, industrial, and cultural centers.
There is an intense need for self-expression among the oppressed in our country. When I say self-expression I don’t mean people saying something about themselves. I mean people making history consciously….We neglect the creativity that has made the people able to survive extreme exploitation and oppression. People have survived extreme racism. It means our people have been creative about their lives. F.W. de Klerk
Eventually forced to confront the untenable nature of ethnic separatism in a multicultural land, the South African government of F.W. de Klerk (1989–94) began to repeal apartheid laws. That process in turn set in motion a transition toward universal suffrage and a true electoral democracy, which culminated in the 1994 election of a government led by the black majority under the leadership of the long-imprisoned dissident Nelson Mandela. As this transition attests, the country has made remarkable progress in establishing social equity in a short period of time.
Click here for the slide show
Facts about South Africa:
District 6 Museum & History of the Township
At the turn of the 20th century, District Six was a hive of activity not unlike New Orleans's French Quarter: a warren of clogged streets filled with butcher shops and bakeries, churches and mosques, old Victorian houses, bars and clothing retailers. While it was known primarily as a so-called Colored community, it was also home to a large Jewish population, and it is not a romantic exaggeration to say that Muslims, Christians, blacks, and whites all lived together in relative harmony. Because of its proximity to Cape Town's port, District Six was a frequent stop for the American, British, and Italian sailors whose ships made frequent ports of call there—making it extremely cosmopolitan. "District Six was and is probably the most celebrated piece of land in South Africa," says Anwah Nagia, a longtime resident and former anti-apartheid activist. "It was a microcosm of what modern societies were later to enjoy."
One by one, the residents of District Six were kicked out of their homes. First the poor were removed. Black Africans, who weren't allowed to own property at all, were the most disenfranchised of all. Then the government went after property owners like Indians, Chinese, and Malays. In some cases the government "bought" the properties far below market value. If residents refused to leave, they were kicked out and the houses expropriated. Nearly 70,000 people were summarily evicted from the only homes they had ever known. Some 1,800 houses were torn apart.
It was not to last. In 1966, South Africa's apartheid regime declared District Six a "whites only" area under the notorious Group Areas Act, a piece of legislation whose sole purpose for three decades was to divide, and then divide some more, until whites controlled every piece of valuable land, and blacks—or natives, as they were then known—were relegated to arid, poverty-stricken Bantustans, there to rot until the end of days. The policy, begun on the very day it was passed, was carried out with shocking clarity of purpose and efficiency; resistance was futile.
After 15 years of political and bureaucratic wrangling, South Africa's politicians have finally begun the work of restoring District Six to the point where it can begin to live again. Thirty-six thousand people have submitted claims to houses there. The District Six Museum has set up processes where people removed from their ancestral lands, some half a century ago, are able to come to demand reparation. The government intends to begin with 4,000 houses for nearly 6,000 families. It expects about 30,000 people back within three years. "When we create District Six again, I won't allow it to be done in a selfish way," says Nagia, who is spearheading some of the development projects currently underway. "We're trying to fuse the design so that we're not going to hold the past to ransom. The city should not be alien to foreigners." Or, perhaps one day long in the future, foreign to aliens, either.
Santorini
Santorini, known at the precious gem of the Aegean, is actually a group of crescent-shaped islands consisting of Thíra, Thirassiá, Asproníssi, Palea and Nea Kaméni in the southernmost part of Cyclades.
Did you know that the whole complex of Santorini islands is still an active volcano (the same as Méthana, Mílos and Nísiros) and probably the only volcano in the world whose crater is in the sea? The islands that form Santorini came into existence as a result of intensive volcanic activity; twelve huge eruptions occurred, one every 20,000 years approximately, and each violent eruption caused the collapse of the volcanos central part creating a large crater (caldera). The volcano, however, managed to recreate itself over and over again.
Santorini is considered to be the most sought after place in Greece, since there are not many places in the world where you can enjoy exquisitely clear waters while perched on the rim of a massive active volcano in the middle of the sea! Firá, the picturesque capital of the island, together with Oia, Imerovígli and Firostefáni located high above on a cliff, make up the so-called “Caldera’s eyebrow”, the balcony of Santorini, which offers an amazing view of the volcano. Other famous smaller villages are Akrotíri and Méssa Vounó, with their famous archeological sites, Pýrgos, Karterádes, Emporió, Ammoúdi, Finikiá, Períssa, Perívolos, Megalohóri, Kamári, Messariá and Monólithos: some of the villages are cosmopolitan some more peaceful; they are surrounded by vast vineyards; whitewashed cliff-top towns with castles affording amazing views out over the Aegean.
A visit to Santorini is the ultimate gastronomic experience, as the island is a true culinary paradise. Treat your taste buds to cherry tomatoes, white egg plants, fava, caper and “hloró tyrí”, a special kind of fresh goat cheese found on the island or why not try some of the exceptional wines produced from grapes grown in the volcanic soil of the island! Assyrtiko, Athyri, Aidani, Mantilaria and Mavrotragano are just some of the distinctive varieties that you can taste at the island’s famous
famous wineries. You can reach it by plane or by ship from Piraeus. Santorini is the island immortalized by poets and painters, thanks to its celebrated light, multi-colored cliffs and picture-perfect sun rises and sunsets. On this island all senses are magnified, a product of its many contrasts: black earth against whitewashed homes clinging to the cliffside, deep blue waters, spectacular rock formations and lunar landscapes or wild volcanic sculptures against sleek Cycladic lines.
Welcome to Santorini, the pearl of the Aegean Sea. Slides for Santorini.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik Ragusa is a Croatian city on the Adriatic Sea, in the region of Dalmatia. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea. Its total population is 42,615. In 1979, the city of Dubrovnik joined the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
The prosperity of the city was historically based on maritime trade; as the capital of the maritime Republic of Ragusa, it achieved a high level of development, particularly during the 15th and 16th centuries, as it became notable for its wealth and skilled diplomacy. In 1991, after the break-up of Yugoslavia, Dubrovnik was besieged by the Serb and Montenegrin soldiers gathered in the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) for seven months and suffered significant damage from shelling. After repair and restoration works in the 1990s and early 2000s, it has become one of the top tourist destinations in the Mediterranean.
I have a right to change my mind. I was not much of a Game of Thrones fan until I toured Dubrovnik, Croatia last month. Beautiful does not adequately describe this incredible land of kings & dragons. Now I have bought all six seasons to binge-watch this series to learn more about the Lannisters and the Land of Ice & Fire. I can’t wait to return to this magnificent country.
Here are some of my favorite sites. Slides for Dubrovnik.
Venice
Venice, the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region, is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has no roads, just canals – including the Grand Canal thoroughfare – lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces. The central square, Piazza San Marco, contains St. Mark’s Basilica, which is tiled with Byzantine mosaics, and the Campanile bell tower offering views of the city’s red roofs.
Venice is a city unlike any other. No matter how often you've seen it in photos and films, the real thing is more dreamlike than you could imagine. With canals where streets should be, water shimmers everywhere. The fabulous palaces and churches reflect centuries of history in what was a wealthy trading center between Europe and the Orient. Getting lost in the narrow alleyways is a quintessential part of exploring Venice, but at some point you'll almost surely end up in Piazza San Marco, where you will see St.. Mark’s Basilica, which is tiled with Byzantine mosaics, and the Campanile bell tower with the views of the red roofs throughout the city.
Loved, loved, loved every minute in Venice and cannot wait to return for another amazing experience.
Slides for Venice 1, Venice 2, Venice 3
Brazil, South America
Brazil, is the largest country in both South America and Latin America. At 8.5 million square kilometers and with over 211 million people, Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country by area and the sixth most populous. This country is filled with a rich dose of history, culture, religion and great sports as well. With intriguing people, plants and animals this country is surrounded by a fantastic Amazon rain forest and beautiful tropical oceans.
Brazil is famous for its iconic annual carnival festival and its talented soccer and polo players like Pelé and Neymar.
Slides for Brazil: Brazil 1
Peru, South America
Peru's culture is one and many at the same time. Modern-day Peruvians are heirs to traditions of civilizations that flourished for centuries before the arrival of the Europeans. The resulting cultural blend was further enhanced by African and Asian contributions, which also took root in this land.
The Qhapac Ñan, which in Quechua means "The Great Road", is made up of a complex road system (pre-Incan and Incan roads) which the Incas unified and built during the fifteenth century as part of a major political, military, ideological, and administrative project known as Tawantinsuyu.
Lima, known as the City of Kings, was an oasis of culture and elegance in Spanish America from its foundation. Baroque and renaissance style churches, as well as palaces with stylized balconies, are part of the noble architecture of Lima, a city that offers the visitor museums, art galleries, recreation spots and archaeological sites belonging to civilizations that existed before the Incas.
Cusco, located in the south of the Peruvian Andes (3,250 masl - 10,663 fasl), is the country's leading tourist destination and one of the most important cities in the Americas. Known by the Incas as the "Sacred City", Cusco was the capital of one of the main pre-Columbian empires: the Tahuantinsuyo. Its Quechua name, Qosqo, means "navel of the world", because the city was the center that controlled a vast network of roads stretching from southern Colombia to northern Argentina.
The ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, in the southern Peruvian Andes, is Cusco's main attraction. Discovered in 1911 by US explorer Hiram Bingham, the citadel is considered to be the most extraordinary example of landscape architecture in the world. Machu Picchu ("old mountain" in Quechua, the ancient tongue of the Incas) is located at the top of a mountain that overlooks the deep Urubamba River canyon, in the midst of the tropical jungle. It is believed to have been a center of worship and astronomical observation or the private estate of the Pachacútec Inca family. In order to ensure the adequate flow of tourist visits to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. , the.Two entry periods have been established for the visits: 06:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 12:00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. The use of a tour guide will be mandatory.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas (
The United Arab Emirates
Platinum Tours International's “Where in the World is Bev?” escorted Cultural Immersion program continues to be a spectacular success!! This Spring, Bev chose The United Arab Emirates as the location for the latest odyssey, and more than 40 adventurers packed their bags and joined her on this incredible adventure!
Touring one of the world’s most beautiful and exhilarating destinations, Dubai is a world-class city where tradition meets dreams, ambition, commitment and creativity. This adventure trekked through many of the seven regions that make up the United Arab Emirates.
Here are some of the highlights:
Starting in Dubai’s Bastakiah area to the Mosques, water taxis to the Gold Souq, Dhow cruise through the Dubai canals, Nakheel Centre to learn all about the Palm Jumeirah complex, Alantis Hotel, breath-taking views from the 124th floor of the Burj Kalifa, Sharjah Heritage Museum, Museum of Islamic Faith Museum, Sharjah, Oman, Dibba, the Dubai Mall with over 1000 stores and attractions, led a desert safari with 15 SUVs snaking over the red dunes at dust followed by camel rides to the oasis for a Bedouin-style dinner, an experience like no other.
Then the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan,( the first president of the United Arab Emirates) to tour the Al Ain National Museum, the Al Ain Palace Museum, the Hili Archaeological Park site, Jebel Hafeet, a 1340 metre-high mountain, dominating the surrounding area of Abu Dhabi.
Dinner at Burj Al Arab, the only 7-star hotel in the world, toured the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Grand Mosque, the 6th largest Mosque in the world; the Emirates Palace; toured the Saadiyat Cultural District to hear about the plans for The Louvre and the Guggenheim Museums being built there to complete the image of Abu Dhabi as a city of culture; toured the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital which has become the largest falcon hospital in the UAE, also the Saluki Centre - Arabian Bedouins have been breeding Salukis for thousands of years. These desert hounds, known for their exceptional stamina, intelligence and loyalty are highly prized by the Bedouins.
During the 14-day experience, more than 5000 photographs were taken - here is a small selection of those images. We decided to divide these pictures into multiple slide shows for your viewing pleasure.
For more details, please visit the website's Destination tab and view the complete daily itinerary for specific locations, architectural highlights, monuments, Emirati leaders and Platinum Tours International guests.
We love to Travel.
Slides for United Arab Emirates 1, United Arab Emirates 2, United Arab Emirates 3, United Arab Emirates 4, United Arab Emirates 5, United Arab Emirates 6
South Africa
Platinum Tours International’s next “Where in the World is Bev??” Cultural Immersion Tours led the group on a 12-day adventure to South Africa to explore and discover one of the most beautiful and diverse countries on earth.
South Africa is a land of breathtaking natural beauty, with a vast array of sweeping landscapes, majestic mountains, awesome waterfalls, sightings of frolicking penguins on the beach and natural landmarks. The scope of such beauty is matched only by the image of what Africa means to you in your imagination.
A true Feast for the Eyes - our adventure in began in Cape Town on the beautiful coast line of the South Atlantic Ocean and continued to Blyde River Canyon, then to The Otter Trail & Wild Coast, on to majestic Table Mountain and sailing out to the historic Robben Island where Mandela was imprisoned for more than 27 years. As the cosmopolitan hub of the Western Cape province, Cape Town boasts world class shopping, museums, hotels, and restaurants.
The next chapter of the adventure was a Safari in Kruger National Park. Kruger is a renowned location for “Big Five” viewing; lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros can all be found here. In addition, we can spotted giraffes, zebras, antelopes, wildebeests, and many types of birds as there are stars in the Southern Hemisphere’s skies.
After several days of nature in its boldest form, we flew to Johannesburg, the "City of Gold." JoBurg is the urban heart of South Africa as well as the country's financial capital.
Within it lies Soweto (South Western Townships), where hundreds of thousands of black South Africans famously protested against apartheid in 1976. Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu lived here, and current residents include some of the best musicians, painters, and poets in the country. Nobel Peace Prize winner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, coined the term “Rainbow Nation” to capture the extraordinary diversity of races, tribes, creeds and landscape that characterizes modern South Africa. We visited Mandela Museum House, the Apartheid Museum the Walk to Freedom, Hector Pieterson Memorial - and the Sterkfontein Caves: Cradle of Humankind.
Another short plane ride landed us in Victoria Falls, located on the Zambezi River, the fourth largest river in Africa. This natural wonder is also defining the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls is the only waterfall in the world with a length of more than a kilometer and a height of more than hundred meters. It is also considered to be the largest waterfall in the world.
This life-changing adventure was so rich with experiences and natural wonders that I decided that this odyssey has been divided into three videos:
Slides for South Africa 1, South Africa 2, South Africa 3
Cuba
Platinum Tours International’s next “Where in the World is Bev?” Cultural Immersion Experience led us to Cuba – we now know that our choice to visit Cuba was not a random decision – rather it was a “a warm tap of God’s favor. This fortuitous choice allowed us to be one of the first independent travel companies to escort an American group to Cuba. We were able to secure a time slot for a People-to-People – Cultural Immersion tour in late June with a special travel permit issued by the US State Department. This initiative allows U.S. citizens and legal U.S. residents the opportunity to travel to Cuba on a limited basis to participate in cultural and educational experiences and have direct contact with the Cuban people in order to learn more about their heritage and their culture.
But wait, there’s more … Yes, We Were There!!! at the future Cuban US Embassy for a briefing when President Obama made the Rose Garden announcement of the re-opening of the US and Cuban Embassies. This session took place almost simultaneously as American Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis delivered President Obama's letter to Raul Castro at the Cuban Foreign Ministry. This letter started the process of reestablishing diplomatic relations by converting missions known as interest sections in the countries' respective capitals into full embassies as the first step toward normalization of relations between the US and Cuba.
After the Chief of Mission, Ambassador DeLaurentis delivered the formal US documents, he joined our briefing to share his enthusiasm for this long-awaited initial step toward renewed diplomatic relations after more than 50 years. We are convinced that it was a true blessing from God that Platinum Tours International's People-to-People, Educational, Cultural Immersion tour was scheduled for this exact day and time! Special thanks to my friend and fellow traveler, Harriet Elam-Thomas, retired US Ambassador & Director of Diplomacy Program, UCF, for scheduling this historic briefing.
Slides for Cuba 1, Cuba 2, and Cuba 3
Budapest, Hungary
There is no experience more gratifying than a River Boat cruise. The reason, every moment of each day, your vessel passes by the cities and countryside of the very region you want to see and learn more about.
In April of 2015, Percy and I had the opportunity to sail up the historic Danube River from Budapest to Prague….awesome. It was a life-changing experience that can only be described by encouraging you to put on the top of your travel bucket list.
The next series of pictures captures only a portion of the history, customs, architecture, people and cuisine we experienced. Click here to view the slide show.
Portugal, Morocco & Spain
Platinum Tours International’s next "Where in the World is Bev?" adventure explored Portugal's beautiful countryside and learned about the Iberian influences and history of Lisbon, Cascais, Sintra, Coimbra and Porto before cruising around the Atlantic Ocean to Cadiz/Seville, North Africa's Casablanca, through the Strait of Gibraltar, to Spain's Malaga, Cartagena, Ibiza, Valencia & Barcelona. Click here to view their slide show.
Great Britain & the Baltics
Platinum Tours International’s Inaugural Tour “Where in the World is Bev?” began in London where she explored all of the traditional historic sites - London Bridge, Crown Jewels, Buckingham Palace, Parliament, London Eye, World Famous Harrod’s Luxury Store, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, local Pubs and other amazing monuments and land marks. Then she boarded a cruise through the Baltic Sea beginning in Dover, England through Northern Europe to discover the radiance of this region’s Midnight Sun from Bruges, Belgium; Copenhagen, Denmark; Bremerhaven, Germany; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oslo, Norway and Stockholm, Sweden. Bev partnered with her good friend and premiere lifestyle photographer Karen Smutz, to capture the highlights of this exciting tour/voyage. Click here to view the slide show of the June 2014 Tour.
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