The island in Yes Bay

The glow-slugs

“How was your camping trip”, I asked the two ladies at lunch. They’d just returned from an overnight stay in a camp on an island in Yes Bay, Alaska. They responded enthusiastically, recalling their campfire, feasting on Alaskan king crabs and story-telling. The elderly of the two remarked that there were many slugs on the island. “They were all over the place! Gross!”

“Hmmm… pity it wasn’t a full moon night”, I said.

“Why?”, she said.

“The slugs on that island are famous the world over. Didn’t anyone tell you that?” They shook their heads in unison. “They’re glow slugs that live in the trees. However, they only glow when there’s a full moon. When they do, they light up the trees. Being there, with the light from the moon and a soft glow emanating from the trees… I can imagine it’s like being in an enchanted forest. I didn’t join you on the island because, well, it wasn’t a full-moon night”.

The enchanted forest

The two ladies looked at me, their eyes wide in amazement.

“Did you see Avatar, the movie?”.

They nodded.

“The story goes that James Cameron, the producer/director, spent the night on this island and that’s how he got the idea for the enchanted forest scenes in the movie.”

“That’s the most incredible thing I’ve ever heard!”, one of them proclaimed whilst the other pursed her lips. I could almost see her complaining to the guide for not telling her anything about the glow slugs.

“Yes, the island has been shortlisted to become the next UNESCO World Heritage site in Alaska and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World”, I added for good measure. As soon as the words escaped my mouth, I broke into a smile and the smile turned into a guffaw. They looked at me, then started laughing. One of them reached across the table and playfully slapped my wrist.

“Ok, that was a good one! You really had us fooled you naughty lad!”

I love making up stories – I probably inherited that trait from my Dad. Read about the ice cave, another tall tale from Alaska.

Have you ever fooled anyone with a fantasy travel story? Or have you ever been fooled? Please share them in the comments section below.

Tall tales from Alaska – glow slugs is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

Baird Glacier

The ice cave

I stood on the deck of the Wilderness Discoverer and watched fellow guests on the Alaska cruise return from their hike to the Baird glacier. I went on a similar hike earlier that day and I was completely blown away by the surreal landscapes. As they boarded the ship, I approached them and queried excitedly, “Did the guide show you the ice cave?”. They looked at me with a puzzled expression. “What ice cave?”, one of them asked. Now it was my turn to look puzzled. I told them about my hike to the glacier and where we stopped to look at a narrow crack in the glacier. The guide explained to us that this was the entrance to a unique ice cave that once formed part of the glacier. As the glacier changed its course through thousands of years, the river that flows under the glacier carved out a massive ice cave. I knew then that I definitely wanted to see the cave. That narrow opening in the ice was not going to deter me.

The 'entrance' to the ice cave

A few of us volunteered to follow our guide into the cave. It was a bit of a squeeze but after several yards, the crack opened into a wider tunnel. With the help of our torches, we could see that the walls were blackish grey with hints of blue. I was glad we attached metal spikes under the soles of our shoes as the floor was solid ice. After several minutes, I noticed an ethereal blue glow at the end of the tunnel not too far away. It was a wondrous sight that made us stop in our tracks for several moments. We continued our trek to the end of the tunnel in total awe. As we neared the end, the glow became more intense and we switched off our torch-lights. The scene at the end of the tunnel was like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Before us was a huge blue cave, complete with icy stalactites and stalagmites. An absolutely magical sight!

As I told my story, the guests looked at me in complete bewilderment. I could sense their growing envy, and frustration for not being given this option by their guide. I continued with my story: “Do you remember the first Superman movie? The guide said that the scenes in which Superman was born were filmed right in this cave”. One of the guests started howling with laughter and that set me off too – I couldn’t hold it together anymore.

It took a few moments before everyone realised I’d just told them a tall tale. They burst out laughing and one of them promised to get even one day.

I love making up stories – I probably inherited that trait from my Dad.

Have you ever fooled your travel mates with a fabricated travel tale? Or have you ever been fooled? Please share them in the comments section below.

Look out for Part II of “Tall Tales from Alaska” next week.

Tall tales from Alaska – the ice cave is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

Arrival in Vancouver

The Vancouver skyline loomed large in the distance as I gazed out the window. My journey on board the Rocky Mountaineer train from Jasper was nearing its end. As the wheels of the train clanged and hissed on the approach into Vancouver station, my thoughts drifted to my experience on board over the past two days. The first word that came to mind was ‘epic’. I thought about the 900km-journey across the Canadian Rockies and along the Fraser River and I nodded silently. Yes, ‘epic’ was the perfect adjective.

There are many train journeys around the world that can be considered epic. The Trans-Siberian, the Blue Train, the Orient Express and the El Transcantabrico are famous examples. What makes the Rocky Mountaineer epic is the seamless combination of spectacular scenery with excellent service, comfort and mouthwatering cuisine. Delve deeper into the history of the Canadian railways, the ingenuity of the engineers who designed the routes and the livelihoods of the people who built the tracks, and the word ‘epic’ crops up again.

My journey on the Rocky Mountaineer began in the lovely town of Jasper. The train pulled into the station in the wee hours of the morning. It was cold and drizzly but even that failed to dampen the spirit of the passengers who crowded the platform. The excitement was almost tangible as the train crew opened the doors and rolled out the carpets.

The train rolls into Jasper station at dawn

The Rocky Mountaineer has three levels of service: Red Leaf, Silver Leaf and Gold Leaf. I was invited to experience the luxurious Gold Leaf service which included a plush seat in the double-level, glass-domed coach and gourmet meals served in the chic dining room.

Welcome aboard!

I scrambled onto the train and up the spiral staircase to the upper level in great anticipation to find a spacious coach with massive dome windows. The seats were large, comfortable and reclinable. Refreshments were served right after everyone was settled in their seats and this was followed by a safety demonstration.

Safety first!

Bewildering scenery in the Canadian Rockies

The train pulled out from the station just as the sun’s rays illuminated the mountain tops. As the sun rose higher, the fall colours of the forests we passed came to life. The tracks led us past gushing rivers, snowcapped peaks, lush green pastures and mile after mile of gorgeous trees. The scenery was simply bewildering.

The sun illuminated the magnificent fall colours

We passed towering trees and mountains

As we passed Mt. Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, the train slowed down, allowing passengers to make their way to the open observation area at the rear of the coach to take some pictures – I spent a lot of my time here, enjoying the cold wind in my face and the sounds of the train, and immersing myself in the scenery.

The train slowed down for amazing views of Mt. Robson

Gourmet cuisine on board

We were invited to the cosy dining room for our meals. The crew greeted us with a warm smile and presented us a menu at each meal. The first thing that caught my eye was the chef’s focus on showcasing local ingredients from Alberta and British Columbia. Top marks for that! The second thing: the refinement and blending of these local ingredients by the Executive Chef Frédéric Couton to create attractive meals that easily fit the gourmet bill. Needless to say, the meals, from the scrumptious scrambled eggs with smoked steel head salmon to the gorgeous slow-cooked Alberta short ribs, were a true delight. Combine that with the generous servings of premier Canadian wines and the panoramic vistas and what you get is an epic train ride!

Gorgeous wines and stunning vistas!

Service with a big smile

Scrumptious cuisine

Overnight accommodation

The Gold Leaf service also includes an overnight stay in Kamloops or Quesnel in a deluxe hotel (other hotels are arranged for the Silver Leaf and Red Leaf service levels). There are no sleeping facilities on board so everyone disembarks for a one night stay in a hotel. I saw this as a less-appealing factor of the Rocky Mountaineer – I personally prefer the romance of sleeping in my own cabin in a luxury train. However, the Rocky Mountaineer staff ensured a smooth passage for all guests from the train to the hotels and back to the train the following morning. Gold Leaf guests didn’t have to lift a finger – my bag stood there waiting for me when I entered my room.

We were greeted by a dramatic sunset as we arrived in the desert town of Kamloops – yes, you read it right! Kamloops is a town in the middle of a stunning desert region. As we departed the following morning, I set aside my romantic ideas and appreciated the fact that I had an evening to stretch my legs and see a bit of the town. On another note, if you’re looking for a great place for cocktails and dinner, head over to Hoodoos at the Sun Rivers golf resort. I had some of the best tortilla chips (ever) paired with a gorgeous crab-artichoke-spinach dip, and the steak was superb!

A dramatic sunset in Kamloops, British Columbia

A change of scenery

I thought, rather naïvely, that the most spectacular scenery was behind us (on our passage across the Rockies) but as we left Kamloops, I found myself quickly doubting that idea. The scenery was very different but no less spectacular. Whereas the first day through the Rockies was full of lush greenery, aquamarine lakes and stunning peaks, the second day was full of dramatic canyons and barren, shrubby landscapes.

Chugging along the Thomson River

The route took us along the emerald waters of the Thomson River. The highlight of this stretch was without any doubt the passage through the Avalanche Alley.

The tunnels of Avalanche Alley

The train slowed down at the confluence of the Thomson and the Fraser rivers, providing us with a great view of the merging colours of the rivers: the emerald Thomson River and the greyish brown Fraser River.

The confluence of the Thomson and Fraser Rivers

From this point, we followed the course of the Fraser River, crossing the river at one point before continuing towards the forest-clad slopes of the Coastal Mountains and leaving the arid Thomson River basin behind us.

Crossing the Fraser River

As I feasted on yet another superb meal (those tiger prawns in a bouillabaisse broth were sublime!), I noticed the scenery becoming greener and the fall colours we’d seen in the Rockies the day before reappear, a sure sign that we were nearing the wet, Pacific coast.

A sublime tiger prawn lunch...

...paired with gorgeous vino served with grace...

...and stunning views of the Fraser River!

The train jerked to a stop, catapulting my thoughts back to the present. Outside, a sign read “Welcome to Vancouver“. I grabbed my bag and slowly made my way down to the platform, savouring my last moments on the Rocky Mountaineer. I paused to thank the crew for the excellent service and for taking such great care of me. I turned around for one last look at the gleaming train. Yes, ‘epic’ it certainly was!

Note: a big thank you goes to the Rocky Mountaineer for your wonderful hospitality. Though I was an invited guest on board, all views are seriously mine.

Epic train journey on the Rocky Mountaineer is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

The Athabasca Glacier

The Athabasca Glacier is one of several glaciers that originates from the massive Columbia Icefield in the Canadian Rockies. Located along the Icefield Parkway between Jasper and Banff, the Athabasca Glacier is a popular attraction due to its accessibility. Visitors can opt for an icewalk across the 6km long glacier or along one of the many mountain trails in the area. For a spot of fun and thrills, I recommend the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure.

The ride to the Athabasca Glacier

From the Icefield Centre, visitors can hop on the Brewster Ice Explorer – an imposing $2 million bus that takes visitors on a thrilling ride atop the glacier. The tour lasts about 80 minutes and provides spectacular views of the surrounding glaciers. Visitors also have the opportunity to hop off the bus onto the glacier for a walk on the ice. Check out the Brewster’s predecessors while you’re at the Icefield Centre.

One of the earliest icefield mobiles

Another vintage snow mobile

Today's Brewster Ice Explorer

The ride in the Brewster Ice Explorer down to the glacier is a sure highlight as the bus negotiates the steep slope – the commentary from the driver certainly adds to the suspense!

The thrilling ride down to the Athabasca Glacier

Driving on the glacier

Hikers on the Athabasca Glacier

Walking on the Athabasca Glacier

After several kilometers, the bus reached a clearing and we were allowed to hop off. The icy wind was the first thing I noticed before I lost my footing on the ice. The cold, hard ice under my behind was the second thing I felt! The experience of standing on a glacier and being able to view the countless cracks, streams and icy formations up close was simply phenomenal. I walked around and marvelled at the colours and patterns of the ice. Visitors are advised to watch where they step as it’s slippery and your foot could easily sink through a thin patch of ice. I guess I’m a lousy listener: I slipped several times and my foot broke through the ice on two occasions. It’s hard to keep your eyes glued to the ground when the surrounding view is so incredible! In any case, I took comfort in the fact that I had a comprehensive travel insurance plan should I break anything!

Running stream in the glacier

The Athabasca Glacier

Having a fun time on the Athabasca Glacier! (image courtesy of Nikki Bayley)

The Icefield Centre is located along the Icefield Parkway – one of the most stunning drives in the world – a short distance from Banff or Jasper. If you’re in the neighbourhood, check out the Columbia Icefield Glacier Tour. It’s a unique opportunity to drive onto and walk on a glacier!

Oh yes, dress warm and watch your step!

Note: a big thank you goes to Travel Alberta for hosting me in the Canadian Rockies.

Fun and thrills on the Athabasca Glacier is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

Read the accompanying post: “Cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage“.

A hot tub with a view!

Velvet moments: travel photo – hot-tubbing in Alaska is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake is a spectacular lake in the Canadian Rockies not far from the town of Jasper. Set in a broad valley and surrounded by the glistening, snow-capped peaks of the Rockies, the lake is 22km long and is a haven for hikers and fishing enthusiasts. One of the most photographed spots in Canada, Spirit Island, is located in Maligne Lake and can be accessed in the spring and summer months via regular boat tours. From here, there’s a breathtaking vista of the lake, the mountains and three glaciers.

Maligne Lake can easily be reached from Jasper by car along a very scenic road that winds past massive mountains, turquoise lakes and mile after mile of conifer forests. This is one drive I won’t easily forget!

Mountains, lakes & a little squirrel

From Jasper, we took Highway no. 16 in the direction of Edmonton. The road basically follows the flow of the Athabasca River, a glacial river which has its origins in the Columbia Icefield. Along the way, we passed broad plains dotted with countless lakes in stunning shades of turquoise and aquamarine. We were also lucky to spot a few elk along the road, seemingly unperturbed by the motorists passing by.

The scenery along highway no. 16 from Jasper

Beautiful mountain scenery from Highway no. 16

We took the turn-off onto Maligne Road and the scenery changed quite dramatically. The broad plains made way for thick forests and as we drove along the foothills of the dramatic mountains, we were treated to magnificent close-ups of the geology of the area.

The road to Maligne Lake

Several miles further, we stopped at the Maligne Canyon, a deep, narrow canyon. There are various trails which lead hikers past a series of waterfalls. Along the way, info boards tell visitors about the geology of the canyon and how it was created. Look closely at the limestone rock under your feet and you might spot some of the fossils that this canyon is famous for.

One of the many falls at Maligne Canyon

The vanishing lake

From the Maligne Canyon, the road continues past gorgeous forests and stunning panoramas of the mountains. The next stop is arguably one of the highlights of this drive: Medicine Lake. This fascinating lake is the subject of local Indian folklore due to a unique characteristic: it simply ‘vanishes’ every year! The first viewpoint has the best views as well as a number of info boards about the lake. I highly recommend a stroll along one of the trails along the lake-shore. You might spot some wildlife, like the Columbia ground squirrel.

Columbia ground squirrel at Medicine Lake

Breathtaking views at Medicine Lake

Maligne Lake and Spirit Island

From here, the road more or less follows the shores of the lake, offering amazing vistas of the lake (full of water or mud flats depending on the season) and the mountains. We soon reached Maligne Lake and the views were simply phenomenal. The lake was a brilliant turquoise whilst in the distance, imposing snow-capped peaks and glaciers could be seen.

Maligne Lake

There’s a visitor centre and a restaurant as well as a pier from which boats take visitors to the famed Spirit island. Some of the most scenic trails in the Canadian Rockies can be found in this area such as the 44km Skyline Trail (that ends in Jasper) or the Opal Hills or Bald Hills trails which can easily be done in a day. Whichever you choose, a hike or a boat tour, the stupendous views of the lake and the surrounding mountains are guaranteed to keep you captivated.

Spirit island - image courtesy of wikipedia

The drive from Jasper to Maligne Lake as described above is illustrated in the map below.

View Drive from Jasper to Maligne Lake in a larger map

Note: a big thank you goes to Travel Alberta for hosting me in the Canadian Rockies.

The drive to Maligne Lake in the Canadian Rockies is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

What

Where: Miko Sushi. 1335, Robson St., Vancouver

Notes: If you love sushi and especially sashimi (raw slices of tuna or salmon), you have to check out Miko Sushi in downtown Vancouver. I’ve been to many sushi bars in Vancouver (in my book, one of the best places for Japanese food outside of Japan) but I was recently blown away by the quality and freshness of the ingredients used at Miko Sushi. The tuna sashimi was so fresh, it almost literally melted in my mouth. The salmon sashimi was another stunner; delicate yet flavourful. I thought that the tuna sashimi was pretty mind-blowing… until I tried the Hot Spicy Tuna: raw tuna blended with caviar and finely-chopped spring onions. The soft texture of the tuna contrasted beautifully with the crunchy bits of onion and spicy chili. To top off this whole mouth-watering experience, the little fish eggs pop in your mouth as you chew!

Seriously good sushi

The most divine tuna sashimi!

The freshest salmon sashimi I've had in a long time!

I also recommend ordering the Unagi (smoked eel sushi) and the Chicken wing karaage (crispy wings). Oh, and you have to order the Goma Ae – spinach with a delicate, creamy sesame-seed laced dressing.

The delicious Goma Ae

The biggest highlight was undoubtedly the Hot Spicy Tuna. YUM!

Hot spicy tuna: mind-blowing stuff!

You can also sit at the bar and watch the experts at work

It’s no wonder players from the Vancouver hockey team, the Canucks, eat here regularly – their thank you notes and mementos adorn the walls. Miko Sushi seriously rocks!

Culinary Journey: sushi and sashimi in Vancouver is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

The Jasper Tramway

There’s always something wondrous about cable-cars. Maybe it’s the way they silently whisk you up to a mountain top, or the panoramic views that gradually unfold as the car glides up to higher elevations, or the excited look on people’s faces when the journey begins… and the petrified look on those same faces when the car rumbles past a tower. On my recent trip to the Canadian Rockies, I had the pleasure of experiencing the Jasper Tramway – I’m still baffled as to why it’s called a tramway in Canada. I mean, doesn’t a tram run on wheels along a rail-line? Anyway, back to the erm… tramway. The Jasper Tramway was built in 1964 and is till this day the highest and longest aerial tramway in Canada. It transports passengers in roughly seven minutes to an altitude of 2,277m (or 7,472ft) on The Whistlers mountain.

As the tram leaves the base station (a ten minute drive outside the town of Jasper), a magnificent panorama of Jasper and the surrounding mountains, forests and lakes slowly comes into view. The scenery is simply breathtaking. If you’re lucky, like we were, you might spot a bear or two along the way. As the tram glided silently above the treetops, the excited chatter of the passengers in the tram quickly died down, replaced by an unmistakable expression of awe.

A magnificent panorama gradually unfolds

Below us, six mountain ranges were clearly visible, their jagged peaks glistening in the sun. The reddish-green peak of Pyramid Mountain loomed large above Jasper. The town is spread out like a boomerang, with the glacial-fed Athabasca River running alongside. In the vicinity, I spotted various aquamarine and turquoise lakes. In the far distance, the impressive snow-capped peak of Mt. Robson, the highest in the Canadian Rockies, could clearly be seen.

The view from the top of The Whistlers

There are various things to see and do once you reach the mountain station. There’s a viewing terrace – the views will keep you occupied for a while – and pathways around the station. It’s also possible to hike to the top of The Whistlers (an easy 30-minute hike). While you’re there, find out why the mountain is called The Whistlers and keep a lookout for the little furry creatures which make the mountain their home, like the golden-mantelled ground squirrel, pika and the marmot.

A golden-mantelled ground squirrel in a meditative moment

A mika preparing for the winter

But it’s the view that will take your breath away…..

The view of the Athabasca valley and the Icefield Parkway

It can be quite chilly atop the mountain (even on a warm sunny day) so come prepared. The café in the station building also serves a delicious hot chocolate, the perfect way to keep warm and to dream away while you gaze out the window. If you’re visiting Jasper in the spring, summer or fall, you cannot miss the Jasper Tramway, especially if the weather is clear. The views are simply too good to miss!

 Note: A big thank you goes to Travel Alberta for hosting me in the Canadian Rockies.

The Jasper Tramway is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

My velvet escape travel tip” is a guest series about what the name ‘Velvet Escape’ evokes and what that would be in the hometown or favourite place of the guest writer. With this series, I hope to uncover travel tips from places around the world to help visitors have a truly local experience. Today’s guest post is by Marina K. Villatoro, who writes about her favourite markets and romantic restaurants in the historic city of Antigua, Guatemala.

Antigua

Antigua, Guatemala is known for gorgeous jade, being the last true and untouched colonial city in Latin America, earthquake ruins, Salsa and Spanish classes. But I bet you didn’t know that the artisan markets here are more colorful and better priced than Chichicastenango (the largest market in Central America). And that it’s filled with a multitude of luxurious, romantic restaurants that have world class chefs preparing dishes comparable to Manhattan’s most expensive eats.

Where to Shop in Antigua

Jade was considered to be the sacred stone of the Maya and is still considered that in most places when you shop for it in Antigua. You can easily buy a jewelry jade set at one of the markets. However, for the top-end quality, I really recommend sticking to the reputable stores along Arc Street where you’ll find the most amazing selection of jade jewelry and sculptures and where you can obtain a certificate of authenticity.

Guatemalan handmade masks at Central Market

That said, markets are the thing to do here for all other shopping. You can literally shop, bargain and shop some more for your entire trip. Here are a couple of my favorite markets, where you can get the best prices and have the most fun bargaining:

1. Market next to Capuchin Ruins – the market is open daily, but on weekends the vendors bring in the extra goodies and line them up along the streets. The colors of Guatemalan art bring life to any street, but it’s even more fun when you are shopping right next to one of the most famous earthquake ruins in the city.

2. Artisan Market next to the terminal and Antigua’s Central Market – This is the best market for Guatemalan typical goods, silver jewelry and lots more. First I recommend starting off at the Central Market which runs parallel to it, so you can see what the locals shop for on a daily basis and get a feel of the chaos and randomness of goods and energy that is pumping through the stalls. Then make your way over to the Artisan market which is housed inside a one level building. Here the chaos subdues and you can enjoy walking from one clean stall to another bargaining for beautiful housewares to dolls to candles.

Romantic restaurants in Antigua

After a good day of shopping, what’s the best way to unwind? Eating out!

I’ve heard of couples renting out a portion of a restaurant for a super romantic night for two. Normally, in the Western World this would practically mean getting out a second mortgage on your house, especially if it’s considered a five star or a Michelin rated restaurant. Not in Antigua!

1. Panza Verde Mason – offers a night of romance for only $150 for two. Panza Verde is the only restaurant in Antigua that doesn’t permit anyone under the age of 16. Being a mom of two little boys under 8 years old (whom my world revolves around), I can’t even tell you how delightful it is to have peace – even if it’s for a few hours.

Here’s what you get – your own personal waiter, private table adorned with roses and candles in a room called the Dome Room. It’s a section on a terrace, away from the main dining room, with a domed roof, overlooking all of Antigua. The food is unbelievably delicious prepared by a retired Swiss Chef, with a great choice of wines from around the world.

A romantic table for two at Panza Verde

2. El Convento – This restaurant is actually right in front of the Capuchin Ruins, so after shopping at the market you can swing on over.

They too offer a private dinner for $200. The package is very similar, and you get a choice to eat in the main dining room, a private room, or on the terrace, which is what we chose. The food was high quality though it’s hard to top the Panza Verde experience. However, the experience of sitting on the terrace was just amazing.

The terrace at El Convento

Note: For the couples’ night, it’s highly recommended to make reservations one or two nights before hand. But both restaurants offer romantic and cosy dining. Before living in Antigua, my husband and I travelled to many parts of Central America, but I have to say that this is the first time we’ve had such romantic experiences while immersing ourselves in the local cultures and traditions.

About this week’s guest writer
Marina K. Villatoro is an expat living with her family and traveling in Central America for over 10 years. You can get more fun info by following her on twitter4344 and becoming a fan on facebook.

Read other Velvet Escape travel tips.

My velvet escape travel tip: Antigua, Guatemala is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

On my recent trip to Canada, I traversed the Canadian Rockies from Jasper to Vancouver aboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer train. The mountain scenery was spectacular but the stunning fall colours made the experience simply unforgettable! The photo below was taken as we passed the cloud-covered peak of Mount Robson, at 3,954m, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies.

Velvet moments: travel photo of the week – fall colours in the Rockies is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

Courtesy of transworld

Ever since it first appeared on the map of Mexico in the late 70s – a sun-kissed location in the north-east corner of the Yucatan Peninsula ideal for development as the country sought to grow its tourism industry – Cancun has been known as a classic beach break kind of place. The majority of the visitors who arrive on flights to Cancun every year know what they are paying for, and are happy to receive it – excellent beaches nuzzled by warm ocean waters, a first-rate choice of restaurants and cuisines, and a party atmosphere that sees full bars every night.

But Cancun also springs a surprise. Its history. The resort-town itself has been here for barely a moment – but the coastal strip that flows south of it, the Riviera Maya, is one of the most important archaeological zones on the planet. Between roughly 200AD and the arrival of the conquering Spanish in the early 16th century, the Yucatan Peninsula was the domain of the Maya civilisation. And two millennia on, you can explore the ‘lost’ cities this advanced people created – assuming you can tear yourself from the beach, of course.

Archaeology with a capital A

Chichen Itza

The greatest evidence of the majesty of the Maya realm are the ruined cities that were left behind, their high structures and elegant architecture still projecting power half a century after the Spanish came, saw and conquered. Three of them sit within easy reach of Cancun. Of these, the smallest is probably the prettiest – Tulum, a port some 80 miles south, where grey-stone buildings are arranged on the edge of an azure-blue bay. But Coba, a little inland from Tulum, retains more of its mystery. Only small portions of this vast site have been properly excavated, and you experience a sense of awe as you spot its half-hidden temples (including the towering Nohoch Mul) peeping from between the treetops.

The superstar, though, is Chichen Itza. About 100 miles west of Cancun, here is a slice of A-list archaeology so impressive (the giant El Castillo pyramid is a cue for jaws to drop) that it was voted one of the ‘new’ Seven Wonders Of The World in a global poll in 2007.

Dive into historical depths

Image courtesy of webponce

You can find further traces of Mayan life all over the region – but the most atmospheric echoes owe nothing to man. The cenotes that riddle the Riviera Maya are one of its quirks – freshwater sinkholes that plunge deep into the earth, often linked to subterranean caves. These chasms had religious significance for the Maya, who viewed them as gateways to the afterlife. Bones found at the bottom of certain cenotes – including, in the case of Chichen Itza, human femurs – suggests they were used for sacrifices in times of turmoil. Happily, they now serve a rather more upbeat purpose – as splash sites with a difference for the truly intrepid. Many cenotes are open for public use, whether for a simple spot of swimming in cool, crystal-clear pools, or for a session of advanced diving in underground tunnels.

Blissful beaches

Image courtesy of chow montreal

Some might say that the most beautiful Mayan throwback in this corner of the Yucatan Peninsula is not its historical sites – but the beaches that make up its fabulous shoreline. The Maya were – in this part of their kingdom at least – a coastal people, as the dusty beauty of Tulum indicates. And the beaches were a part of this, the edge of their world. Five hundred years on, these beaches can still be as special as they would have been in the 16th century. The Riviera Maya begins some 10 miles below Cancun, and ebbs south for 75 miles in a largely unspoiled strip. And you can find particularly glorious pockets dotted along this soft line of sand – not least on either side of the town of Playa Del Carmen, where the golden curve of Playa Tukan is highly popular with locals who, in their unhurried demeanour and sunny disposition, are heirs and descendants of the Maya.

Note: this post was brought to you in partnership with Virgin Atlantic.

Captivating Cancun is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

Imagine a fjord with water the colour of jade. Littered with thousands of icebergs, the fjord is surrounded by mist-shrouded mountains and countless waterfalls tumbling down the forested slopes. Flocks of seagulls and bald eagles rest on the blue icebergs whilst seals frolic in the water. This is the enchanting Tracy Arm fjord in southeastern Alaska. Cruising through Tracy Arm was a bewildering experience and I had to pinch myself several times to make sure it wasn’t a beautiful dream. Scroll down to follow my cruise through the Tracy Arm fjord.

Entering the Tracy Arm fjord

Flocks of gulls rest on the blue icebergs

Mountains and misty veils

Chunks of ice in the jade-coloured water of Tracy Arm fjord

I stood on the bow of the Wilderness Discoverer for what seemed like ages, taking in the magical images that flooded my brain. The captain expertly steered the ship past the large icebergs whilst the ship’s crew explained the different types of icebergs and the flora and fauna of the area.

We passed imposing icebergs

The Sawyer glaciers

As we neared the far reaches of the fjord, the two sources of the icebergs came into view: the North Sawyer and South Sawyer glaciers! A sea of ice made it difficult to reach the South Sawyer glacier so we continued to the North Sawyer which was relatively free of ice. We hopped into zodiacs for a close-up view of the glacier. A truly awe-inspiring sight!

A sea of ice separated us from the South Sawyer glacier. Spot the seal!

Thankfully, we could get closer to the North Sawyer glacier

As we approached the glacier in zodiacs, we got a real sense of its massive size!

The mountains, icebergs, glaciers and colours humble the soul with their grandeur and imposing appearance. Needless to say, the cruise through the Tracy Arm fjord is one I will never forget.

Note: a big thank you goes to InnerSea Discoveries for hosting me on their Inside Passage cruise.

Enchanting spots: Tracy Arm fjord, Alaska is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

Suggested itineraries to explore Vancouver Island

Victoria - image courtesy of It_paris

Vancouver Island, at 32,134 square kilometers (or roughly the size of Belgium), is the largest island on the North American west coast and boasts a spectacular nature. From towering snow-capped peaks and glistening glaciers to the thundering roar of the Pacific Ocean on its western shores and the serene Gulf Islands along its southeastern coast, Vancouver Island is truly stunning. I suggest spending at least a few days here to really appreciate the splendour of the island. You could for instance take the ferry that leaves from Tsawwassen, a short drive southwest of Vancouver, to Swartz Bay near Victoria. The journey on the ferry is gorgeous, especially when it slowly winds its way around the scenic Gulf Islands.

Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is a beautiful harbourside city on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Interesting sights include the Empress Hotel, the British Columbia Legislature buildings and just north of the city, the charming Butchart Gardens. Victoria is also a great place from which to embark on a whale-watching trip (in the spring/summer months). Various companies operate from the Victoria waterfront and take visitors out for an exhilarating speedboat trip to view orcas (or killer whales). There are also various excellent restaurants in Victoria – don’t forget to try the superb salmon and trout which are caught in the island’s surrounds. > Search for hotels in Victoria.

Butchart Gardens - image courtesy of denverjeffrey

Across the Vancouver Island Ranges to Tofino

The road to Ucluelet

From Victoria, you can hire a car to explore the rest of the island. Head up north to Nanaimo, then head inland towards Port Alberni and down to Ucluelet, on the Pacific Coast. On the way, you’ll pass impressive giant conifer forests and the towering peaks of the Vancouver Island Ranges at the core of the island. Covered in snow for a large part of the year, the highest peak in the Vancouver Island Ranges, Golden Hinde, reaches 2,198 meters. You can continue the journey from Ucluelet along the coast to Tofino, passing the wild, rugged coastline along the way. Tofino is a small village situated at the very end of the Esowista Peninsula and is a favourite resort (especially in the summer) for surfers, whale-watchers, hikers and nature-lovers.

Tofino sunset - courtesy of James Wheeler

The western route to Strathcona Provincial Park

Della Falls - courtesy of Mister Black

An alternative to taking the western route to Tofino is to head further up north from Nanaimo past the beautiful town of Comox, where various celebrities have holiday homes, to Campbell River. From Campbell River, head westwards to the Strathcona Provincial Park, which is the largest park on the island and the oldest in British Columbia. The park, at more than 2,000 square kilometers in size, encompases the highest peaks on the island and large swathes of coniferous forests that include unique firs and hemlocks. There are numerous stunning lakes such as Buttle Lake which attract swimmers, canoeists, kayakers and anglers. The park is also home to the splendid Della Falls which are approximately 440 meters in height. With its large network of well-maintained trails, the park is also a magnet for the avid hiker. I can absolutely recommend a hike through this park. The trails are of varying difficulty and take you through pristine forests, crystal-clear streams, colourful meadows and gorgeous cascades with the mountains providing a stunning backdrop.

There are several ferry terminals from which you can return to Vancouver. My favourite way is to head back to Victoria and take the seaplane back to Vancouver. The flight provides you with a spectacular bird’s eye view of the Gulf Islands. The best part of the flight is right at the very end as the skyline of downtown Vancouver comes into view. The plane then swoops low past the Lion’s Gate Bridge and over the treetops of Stanley Park for a thrilling landing in Coal Harbour!

View Vancouver Island in a larger map

Exploring Vancouver Island is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

Image courtesy of vgm8383

On a recent trip to Miami, I came to answer a question: What is creative Miami today? Inside of me I was curious about the people and places that make up a synergistic artist community in the southern most cosmopolitan city of the United States, crowned and arranged in la hispanidad. Beyond Art Basel Miami, and the hoopla that international, art festivals bring to any community, what happens when the lights dim and the curtain closes? Who is still performing the fine art of their own personal performance in creativity?

I went on a hunt through the city like a fox with a compass, a clown with a note pad, a detective with a wand.

Nina Surel’s Studio

I arrived at the Art Center SF of Miami to learn more about their artist community and organization, and was given a tour by their Executive Director, Chris Ingalls. As we walked through the corridors of the 40 + artist resident, studios, we were invited into Nina Surel’s Studio by her welcoming smile and a canvas of a Klimt-esque, succulent collage painting of a majestic woman.

I had an opportunity to meet with Nina a couple days later. The same smile welcomed me into her studio and I was drawn to how it was adorned with glass jars of costume jewelry, antique buttons, porcelain flowers and lace strings falling from shelves. Looking at the details of the room, I felt the rarity of my fingers turning into rose petaled syrup.

I came to learn about how Nina creates. When she was a young girl in small town Argentina,  she became ill with a form of rheumatism. As someone who studies the psychology of creativity, I was flashing back to many research studies that had been done on well-known visual artists who tapped into their artistry as a result of illness. The symptoms left her unable to be physically rigorous. It did allow for her imagination to tune her fingers into another frequency: one where she could orchestrate with clay and other materials such as fabrics, paints and sewing.

Nina described her training and mentorship with a Spanish ceramist in her town. She spoke of leaving her ‘day-job’ to claim her artistry. She offered a timeline of her experience coming to Miami as a personal revival. In the background of her explanation was the silhouette of her paintings, many of which featured a digital image of her as the principal subject adorned with flowers and arranged in jewels.

creative Miami was an authentic exchange of experience, shaped into a conversation, distilled onto canvas.

From her interpretation, I learned that her new series of paintings included her as the primary subject. Each series expressed her own personal transformation as a woman and as an artist. It was a collection of conscious and unconscious stories that propelled the play of her femininity on canvas. I encourage you to check out her collection.

It’s interesting to wonder about why one is drawn to a piece of art. Perhaps it is this conversation between her story of the feminine that had catapulted my attention consciously and unconsciously  to be curious and seek out a conversation. As she poured me jasmine pearl tea, my fingers wrapped around the dainty floral painted porcelain cup. I sat back with the peace in knowing that any artist’s work is a result of an intrapersonal conversation and it is in moments of  inquiry and authentic listening, that I heard an artist’s personal journey as if it were my own.

What is creative Miami? Within that hour, creative Miami was an authentic exchange of experience, shaped into a conversation, distilled onto canvas. It was the antiquated pieces of jewelry, paints and fabrics that defined the collage as a story where I became a character within it: a crowning flower with wings of an ear.

 About this week’s guest writer
Diana Rivera specializes in the Psychology of Creativity by focusing on the people, processes, products and presses of environment for her clients and audiences. As a producer, Diana creates original content as the host of the Co-Creator Series podcast, interviewing leading professionals in a variety of creative industries around the skills, strategies and synergies that power up creativity into productivity, as well as the figure behind the Youtube series, Creativity Today. As a writer, she also focuses on the psychology of creativity within the arts for her blog and academic research. As a coach and facilitator, she creates original programs to advance the path of creative professionals by strategizing their personal and professional goals, utilizing empowerment to create purpose and products.

Discovering creative Miami is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

A page from my Travel Journal.

Baird Glacier

I hopped off the boat and landed on a bed of finely-polished stones. In the distance, I could just about make out the distinct appearance of a glacier, with its white-blue craggy surface. A cold wind blew down from the mountains, following the valley that was carved out by the glacier eons ago. My ears started to tingle so I put on my cap and rolled out my hood for extra warmth. I looked out to Thomas Bay and spotted several seals in the water. Imposing mountains surrounded the bay, with their forested slopes making way for lofty snow-covered granite peaks. It was a magnificent sight. Above me, seagulls seemed to dance in the air. I pinched myself. “Yes, I’m in Alaska!”.

The group assembled on the shores of a river. Its greyish water was a sign that it was a glacial river. We skipped over the round rocks and boulders and landed on a soft bed of moss. I looked ahead and realised that this was not simply a small bed of moss. This was a field of moss that extended for as far as I could see. The thick moss looked like large green pillows, interspersed with clumps of brightly-coloured flowers and little boulders. We tried to avoid stepping on the moss by skipping from boulder to boulder, stopping every so often to enjoy the beautiful wildflowers; mainly willowherb and lupines.

Our landing spot at Thomas Bay

Fields of moss at the foot of Baird Glacier

Gorgeous lupines

The wondrous walk across the mud flats

The trail led us across the fields of moss to a broad plain with large tracts of mud and shallow streams. At the far end of the plain, a moon-like rocky landscape awaited us. Our guide stopped as we reached the fringes of the plain. “See this mud. Take quick steps and don’t step on the footprints of the others in front of you”, he instructed. We nodded silently in unison.

Walking across the mud flats

I took my first few steps across the mud flats and I immediately knew the reason behind his instructions. As I stepped onto the mud, its taut surface bounced my foot back up, almost like a trampoline. If I stopped for a second and put my full weight onto one foot, my shoe would sink into the mud in an instant. It felt like walking on a mass of jello! We walked in this fashion for several hundred yards, yelping in delight every step of the way. I stopped at sections which were able to carry my weight to admire the fascinating designs in the mud. The streams and texture of the mud colluded to create many beautiful designs; some of them resembled images of mountain ranges or river deltas taken from outer space!

Mountain ranges and lakes viewed from space?

The Nile delta perhaps?

Standing on Baird Glacier

We reached the far end of the mud flats and started climbing the rocky surface. We reached the top of a massive boulder and the guide stopped again. There wasn’t much to see except solid brownish-grey rock around us. I wondered when we would finally reach the glacier. The guide turned around and announced,”You’re now standing on top of Baird Glacier!”. “Err… what?”, was the only reaction I could muster. “Look closer at the rock”, the guide said. I bent down for a closer look and I was stunned. What at first glance looked like solid rock was in fact solid ice! Mixed with sand and other glacial sediment, the ice looked indeed like rock.

A glacier?

As we continued on our hike, we noticed more signs that we were in fact walking on a glacier. We stayed clear of the deep crevasses and instead stopped to inspect the smaller cracks in the ice. A peek into the crack revealed the true geology of the glacier – the upper layers were composed of a mix of sand and stone, whilst the lower parts were white and blue ice. Holes in the ice created by boulders told the same story.

A hole created by a boulder reveals the ice

Standing on the 'rocky' surface of the glacier. It's all ice!

I stood atop a vantage point and took in the mind-blowing views of the glacier. In the distance, I could see the mud-flats we’d crossed earlier. Through the mist, I could just about trace the path of the glacier from the Stikine Icefield down to Thomas Bay. A wondrous sight! As I stood there in total silence, I heard it through the howling wind. I heard the glacier. It was a thin, cracking sound. I focused my hearing on that single sound and it gradually became louder. The entire glacier below me was a giant symphony of crackling notes. I listened in complete bewilderment and I felt a rush of excitement. This is Alaska!

View my 1-minute video taken atop the Baird Glacier. Listen to the crackling sounds.

The hike to Baird Glacier is one of many excursions organised by InnerSea Discoveries small-ship cruises through Alaska’s Inside Passage.

The hike to Baird Glacier is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

Crossing the Andes from Mendoza, Argentina to Valparaiso, Chile

(A page from my Travel Journal).

I left Mendoza on Sunday morning for my second Andean crossing, this time back into Chile, to Valparaiso (Valpo) on the Pacific coast. The seats on the bus were very comfortable and I was served (by a steward on board!) a snack as the bus left the city limits. We passed mile after mile of the vineyards surrounding Mendoza before heading into the foothills of the Andes. The climb through the foothills was gradual and we were treated to beautiful vistas of the rugged mountains with their craggy peaks. I call these the foothills but in fact they’re a separate mountain range that runs parallel to the Andes and at an average of 2,000m, these mountains are quite a bit lower than the 5,000m+ peaks of the Andes.

The foothills of the Andes, with the mighty Andes as a backdrop

As we cleared the foothills, we entered a dry, shrubby plateau that is fed by a countless number of streams – the streams gush down the mountainsides, then seemingly disappear. Here and there, we spotted green oases with imported cypress and sycamore trees, and fruit orchards, all in the shadow of the snow-capped Andes. The bus continued along the plateau towards the Andes and we soon reached the foot of these imposing mountains where we turned off towards the Los Libertadores pass into Chile.

Heading into the Andes

The lofty snow-capped peaks of the Andes

The drive through the pass was just spectacular. The Andes loomed large on both sides, with sleek waterfalls tumbling down its sides. I’ve never seen such dazzling peaks before – it’s just awesome when you consider that these mountains are at least 5,000m high!! After three hours of truly outstanding scenery, we reached the Los Libertadores tunnel which took us under the mountains and into Chile.

Checkpoint before the Los Libertadores tunnel

Just when we thought the scenery couldn’t get better, it did. As we exited the tunnel, a brilliant snowy wonderland awaited us. On all sides, massive snow-covered peaks towered above us, their rock faces glistening in the sun. We could see waterfalls, streams, huge snow packs and the tips of glaciers.

At the other end of the Los Libertadores tunnel

Crossing the border into Chile

We soon arrived at the border checkpoint. We got off the bus and just gaped at the scenery – I think we must’ve been at about 3,000m high but it wasn’t cold. There was a massive queue of cars and buses – the Chilean customs are very strict: everything is searched – and after about half an hour, we were ushered into a large hangar-like immigrations/customs building.

Queue at the border crossing into Chile

I warmed up with a cup of coffee while waiting at the border

We got into lines for the exit stamp from the Argentinian authorities, then an entry stamp from the Chileans. When the passports were done, we had to stand in another line, this time opposite the bus where all the luggage had been offloaded. Several officers came around to collect our customs forms, then two (adorable) sniffer dogs were led past each and every piece of luggage. When they were done, we were instructed to put our hand-luggage on the benches in front of us. The dogs came by again, sniffing every square inch. The whole immigrations/customs procedure lasted about an hour. When that was done, we were allowed back into the bus and we continued on our journey to Valparaiso.

The hair-raising descent from the Andes

The Chilean side of the Andes was very different: there was a lot more snow and while the ascent on the Argentinian side was quite gradual, the descent on the Chilean side was steep. The road curled its way precariously down the mountainside, with each hairpin bend (and there were many of them) drawing ‘ooohs’ and ‘aaahhs’ from the passengers. Phenomenal stuff. I held my breath as the bus negotiated some of the tightest bends and wondered if my travel insurance plan covered panic attacks caused by acrophobia!

Hair-raising bends on the descent from the Andes

We caught glimpses of Mount Aconcagua (at 6,960m, the Americas’ highest peak) as we descended into the Aconcagua Valley. From here, it was a smooth drive, basically following the path of the impressive rapids of the Aconcagua river.

The road followed the path of the Aconcagua valley

The valley opened out into a broad plain as we left the mountains behind us. The scenery (vineyards and orchards) looked familiar – I’d visited this area during my tour of the Aconcagua Valley vineyards several weeks earlier. The bus continued through the plain and over the low coastal cordillera (mountain range) and after almost nine hours, we finally reached the Pacific Ocean!

Read about my visit to Valparaiso.

Crossing the Andes from Mendoza is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

Sunny Hollywood: palms and celebs

With palm trees, sunshine, and ravishing stars of the big and small screens, Los Angeles is the epitome of a velvet escape–full of natural beauty and glamour all at the same time. I love it for its exclusive shopping, Hollywood-themed highlights, hot lounges, and celeb-chef-driven restaurants, not to mention the stunning hills-meet-sea topography. But of course, to experience all the city has to offer, one has to contend with LA’s notorious traffic and–especially when the weather is hot–smoggy haze.

Malibu: an escape from LA

That’s why when I’m looking for a velvet escape within my velvet Los Angeles escape, I head to Malibu. Spread over a prime strip of coast hugging the Pacific Ocean, the city encapsulates everything that’s fabulous about LA, minus the metropolitan drawbacks. Natural beauty? Check. Lush green foothills spill into palm-tree-lined beaches, and there’s nothing like a mango-tinted Malibu sunset. Glamour? Check, check! Malibu is chock full of celebs and their private beachfront mansions, so the shops and restaurants here are just as glam as those in Beverly Hills. But Malibu still has that laidback beach town feel, set far from LA’s gridlocked freeways. And with all that sea air at your back, there’s no smog to speak of. If LA rolls out the red carpet for visitors, then you might say Malibu rolls out the velvet carpet.

Robert H. Meyer Memorial Beach Malibu

The sand will definitely feel velveteen beneath your feet at Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, a chainlet of three cliff-foot “pocket” beaches: El Pescador, La Piedra, and El Matador. Though each has its own special features, all offer lovely secluded strips of sand to lay out on, spectacular views, and some cool cliff-side hiking. If you’re here on a quiet day, you’ll feel like you’ve got your own private oceanfront paradise.

To drink in even more of the sweeping coastal views, plan for a drive along Pacific Coast Highway. The winding highway twists through the heart of Malibu and down into Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica. Dramatic cliff-side curves, picturesque coastal villages, and breathtaking vistas of the Pacific make for a memorable ride. You’ll definitely want to rent a convertible for this one!

Getty Villa Malibu

Along the way, you’ll want to make a couple of key stops for a dose of culture amid the nature. Getty Villa Malibu is a treasure trove of ancient art housed in a copy of a Roman villa. We’re talking one of the world’s finest collections of ancient Roman, Greek, and Etruscan pieces. Lush surrounding gardens display ancient statuary and timeless views of the Pacific. It’s a lovely spot for strolling, art-spotting, and snacking in the upscale cafeteria.

Another must-hit is the Malibu Country Yard and Lumber Mart. It may sound like a rustic construction supply center, but don’t be fooled! It’s actually a diverse collection of high-end shops, restaurants, spas, and galleries that attracts its share of local celebs (don’t mind the paparazzi staked out in the parking lot). Specialty designer boutiques like Maxfield, Intermix, and Madison abound, while eateries run the gamut from softball-sized cupcakes at Crumbs Bake Shop to sceney sushi at Nobu Malibu.

The perfect way to end the day in Malibu is, of course, with an eye on the sunset, and the deck at Moonshadows makes the perfect vantage point. This laidback Pacific Coast Highway hotspot pulls in well-heeled beach bunnies and post-surf power punters with its panoramic views of the Pacific and coolly creative seafood dishes. After sundown, the attached lounge gets festive with a DJ on weekends. But even amid the thumping music, the vibe stays mellow. Like the umbrella-topped cocktail in your hand, Malibu is perfectly chilled.

About this week’s guest writer:
Jenn Garcia-Alonso is a Co-Founder of The Purple Passport, a collection of online city guides for the hip traveler. She blogs at the companion site, The Diary of The Purple Passport. She is a New Yorker living in Abu Dhabi that has spent lots of time in Los Angeles (and lots of other places!) for both work and play.

Read other Velvet Escape travel tips.

My velvet escape travel tip: Malibu is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

The Wilderness Discoverer

“Good morning Wilderness Discoverers”! It was the first thing I heard every morning through the speakerphone in my cabin: a friendly greeting at the start of a new day and an invitation to breakfast. The Wilderness Discoverer is a small cruise ship operated by InnerSea Discoveries on their routes in southeast Alaska. I was one of 66 guests and 24 crew on an eight-day cruise through the Inside Passage from Juneau to Ketchikan. I didn’t need much motivation to jump out of bed early each morning – I was simply too excited just being in Alaska – but the friendly voice and the prospect of another sumptuous breakfast to kick off a new day of adventure and fun were certainly enticing.

Each of my seven mornings in Alaska started with a hearty breakfast and dreamy views of the Alaskan wilderness.

My view at breakfast on the first morning in the Tracy Arms fjord

An ideal way to cruise the Inside Passage

It soon became clear to me that a cruise aboard a small ship is the ideal way to explore Alaska’s Inside Passage. The small size of the ship enabled us to sail through remote areas, providing us with close-up views of impressive fjords and glistening icebergs, and allowing us to moor in pristine coves.

Cruising into the Tracy Arms fjord

The icebergs in Tracy Arms fjord up close

Another advantage is the flexibility to change the itinerary whenever opportunities arose to spot wildlife or whenever local park rangers were available to board the ship and tell the guests about the area. On one occasion, the ship made a detour into a bay where a pod of whales were spotted. We also stayed a little while longer in the breathtaking Tracy Arms fjord as the captain invited three local rangers who were camping on a little island to come aboard. They stayed for lunch and told us wondrous stories about the flora and fauna in and around the fjord.

… a bewildering experience

One evening after dinner, one of the deck crew came running into the lounge and excitedly told us to look outside. As we opened the windows, I noticed the ship slowing. I looked out and was treated to scenes no one will easily forget. In the distance, we saw several pods of humpback whales lunging: coming up from the deep with their mouths open and gobbling up the herring near the surface. As they breached the surface, they snapped their jaws close and disappeared into the water. It was a bewildering experience watching these giants of the deep breaking the surface of the water in turns with their powerful jaws wide open.

A little detour to spot humpback whales...

... and lots of sea lions.

We followed a pod of porpoises via the ship's underwater cam

With only 66 guests on the ship, excursions and other activities were easily organised. The ship’s staff were always at hand to help us gear up (safety is a top priority… as it should be) and we would set off on a boat excursion within minutes. I was really impressed by the knowledge of the crew. They could easily delve into great detail about the geology of the area and the wildlife and talk about their experiences with an infectious enthusiasm.

Excellent service makes the difference

The service on board the Wilderness Discoverer was excellent. With 24 staff serving 66 guests, you can be sure that we were spoiled! It’s always great to wake up in the morning with a friendly voice through the speakerphone, then being greeted by your name with a sincere smile and a fresh cup of coffee in the breakfast room. They kept us busy during the day: arranging shore excursions, hikes, kayak trips; and entertained in the evenings: I’ll never forget Captain Dano’s story-telling – with his big voice and animated gestures, he captivated the guests with Alaskan tales and legends. The ship’s staff, from the captain to the technicians and the kitchen crew, certainly made the difference. Their friendliness, gracious hospitality, knowledge and professionalism played a pivotal role in making this cruise special.

The owner of InnerSea Discoveries, Dan, reminds us where we are: "This is Alaska!"

Service with a smile and infectious enthusiasm on board the Wilderness Discoverer

Another factor that contributed to the success of the cruise is the superb food served on board. A hearty breakfast was followed by a lunch with salads and soups (the Alaskan seafood chowder was simply heaven in a bowl!). Delicious canapés were served during Happy Hour whilst dinner was an elaborate affair (the fresh dungeness crabs and lamb chops were the absolute highlights!). The wholesomeness and great variety of the food (from local Alaskan specialties to Mexican and Asian themes) kept everyone in good spirits throughout the cruise!

Meal times, activities & menus were displayed on tv screens

Salads and soups for lunch

The kitchen crew cleaning dungeness crabs in Wrangell

Something for everyone

There was a broad variety of activities to keep us on our toes throughout the cruise. Hikes were categorised by their levels of difficulty: from leisurely strolls through the temperate rainforests to advanced-level hikes to lakes and glaciers. There were also boat excursions around fjords, kayaking, snorkelling, fishing tours, jet-boat tours, sightseeing by seaplane and camping on a small island. Guests could opt to go on any of the excursions or simply laze in the lounge or on the deck with a good book.

Kayaks in Scenery Cove

Boat excursions like this one to the South Sawyer glacier were in small groups of ten

Hike to Baird Glacier

To soothe our sore muscles after a long hike, we could go for a massage or sit in the sauna or in one of the hot-tubs. Mind you, these are hot-tubs with spectacular views!

A hot-tub with spectacular views of Alaska!

I had the time of my life on board the Wilderness Discoverer cruising through Alaska’s Inside Passage. The scenery was breathtaking but the crew certainly made this cruise one that I’ll never forget. With their friendly hospitality, they helped create a convivial atmosphere which everyone enjoyed and from which new friendships blossomed. A huge thank you goes to InnerSea Discoveries for inviting me on this cruise. It certainly was a dream come true!

Tip: to find out more about the places or names mentioned in this post, simply highlight the text and click on ‘Learn more’.

Cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

See other Plane Views on Velvet Escape.

Plane views: Baffin Island, Canada is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

Excerpts from my Travel Journal

The Wilderness Discoverer

My recent trip to Alaska was a dream come true. Cruising through southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage on board InnerSea Discoveries’ small cruise ship, the Wilderness Discoverer, I got to experience some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable. I stood out on the deck every morning and simply allowed the scenery to overwhelm me: dramatic fjords with countless waterfalls, imposing icebergs, awe-inspiring glaciers and mile after mile of verdant forests. I clambered excitedly out of bed every morning while everyone was asleep to admire the views in solitude, then wrote in my Travel Journal to record these scenes. Here are the first few passages from my Travel Journal describing seven glorious mornings in Alaska.

Day 1 – This morning, I woke up to find ourselves cruising through a sea of ice. The captain steered the ship steadily past huge icebergs. In the distance, waterfalls tumbled down steep forested slopes. Thin, misty veils concealed the snow-capped peaks of these impressive mountains. This is the Tracy Arms fjord.

I looked out my window and spotted this iceberg

Simply spectacular scenery

Mountains and icebergs

Day 2 – I opened the blinds and gasped. We were moored in the aptly named Scenery Cove, a small, simply magical cove in Thomas Bay. I stared at the water for what seemed like ages, trying to figure out what colour it was. I decided on jade. Surrounded by steep rocky slopes with tall birch, spruce and hemlocks, the cove was clear and calm. One word keeps popping up in my mind: enchanting.

The beautiful Scenery Cove

Colorful kayaks in the jade waters of Scenery Cove

Day 3 – We left the ship for a leisurely morning stroll along Patterson Creek. We followed a narrow path through the temperate rainforest with its grand conifers, lush ferns and thick mosses. After about an hour, we reached a small clearing where we were treated to a stunning view of the river, the mountains and the Patterson glacier.

The forests of Patterson Creek

Patterson Creek with the glacier in the background

Day 4 – I stayed up late last night to capture the sunset of the longest day of the year.

The sun sets on the longest day of the year

A few hours later, I lugged myself out of bed – I was sleepy but I didn’t want to miss experiencing the first dawn after the summer solstice. Funny how travel makes me do things I wouldn’t normally dream of doing back home! It was definitely worth the effort. As I stood out on the deck, a lone seal popped its head out of the calm water and kept me company while I took in the gorgeous scenes that slowly unfolded.

Sunrise a few hours later

Day 5 – We’ve been very lucky with the weather so far but it started drizzling last night. When I woke up this morning and looked out the window, I could just about see the heavily-forested shores of Yes Bay through the rain and mist. Angel-hair-like algae hung from the branches of the trees whilst a thick bed of yellow rockweed blanketed the rocks at the edge of the bay’s olive green water. If I could rename this bay, I would call it Mystery Bay.

The mysterious Yes Bay

Day 6 – It’s still raining – this is Alaska after all! We arrived in Misty Fjords early this morning, a spectacular national park in the southeasternmost corner of Alaska. Braving the cold heavy drizzle, I stood at the ship’s stern and stared at the majestic panorama before me. An imposing dome rose hundreds of meters almost vertically from the fjord whilst elegant waterfalls streamed down its rocky slopes. The clouds dispersed after a while, revealing even higher, snow-capped peaks. I stood transfixed; awe-struck by this incredible sight.

Misty Fjords: mountains and waterfalls

Day 7 – My Alaska cruise ends today. It stopped raining as we sailed into Ketchikan’s lovely harbour this morning. The town’s colourful buildings gleamed as the sun popped out from behind the clouds.

The colorful waterfront of Ketchikan

My cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage with InnerSea Discoveries was absolutely amazing. The small size of the ship allowed us to navigate through spectacular fjords and moor in intimate coves. For me, this trip was a dream come true. A huge thank you goes to InnerSea Discoveries for making it possible.

Seven mornings in Alaska is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

Image courtesy of InnerSea Discoveries

ALASKA! It’s been on my bucket list for ages and guess what? Tomorrow’s the big day! I’ll embark on an 8-day cruise with InnerSea Discoveries through the Inside Passage, passing some of the most pristine areas in southeastern Alaska. Think whale and bear spotting, hikes through ancient rainforests, kayaking among massive glaciers and insights into local traditions.

This trip is a dream come true and I can’t wait for it to begin! InnerSea Discoveries is a small-ship cruise company, allowing guests to visit and experience some of the most splendid remote areas. Excursions and activities such as fishing, kayaking and hiking are organised for a variety of skill levels with experts at hand. The cruise starts in Juneau, the capital of Alaska and winds its way through the narrow passages and waterways of the Inside Passage, passing hundreds of islands, coves and various glaciers, and ends in Ketchikan 8 days later. The itinerary sounds spectacular! It’s my normal practice to tweet and post photos during my trips but this one will be special: there will be no internet access during the entire week. Hence, no distractions. Just a priceless opportunity to immerse myself in the Alaskan wilderness!

As a consequence of this trip, I will not be publishing any posts between 18 – 26 June 2011.

Feel free to browse around the 500+ posts here on the Velvet Escape blog. Don’t forget to check out Velvet World – a map of the world with Velvet Escape posts by location. If you’re looking for inspiring people stories, check out the World of Inspiration series. There are also travel tips in tens, stunning photos from planes in my Plane Views series and for the foodies, there are tonnes of culinary highlights! If you love browsing through photos, visit my The Happy Explorer photo blog.

Take care and please look out for my Alaska posts in the coming weeks!

Cheers,

Keith

Experiencing the Alaskan wilderness is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

“Chilling in BA”

Have I said this before? Probably but I’ll say it again….I love Buenos Aires! I arrived here from Salta and chose a cosy B&B in the San Telmo neighbourhood. San Telmo is the bohemian quarter of BA, full of antique and design shops, cafés, restaurants and bars. The B&B I stayed at is close to Plaza Dorrego, the neighbourhood’s main square, and my days here were just filled with tango and flamenco music.

I took my time exploring the various burroughs of BA. I spent one afternoon walking around the centre (Centro) with the Plaza Mayo, Florida (a busy pedestrian shopping street) and the areas around the main avenue (Avenida 9 Julio; the one with 16 lanes). I also visited the cathedral one afternoon which doesn’t at all look like a cathedral from the outside. The tomb of San Martin, the nation’s liberator was really impressive. The buildings are truly grand and, yes, the pavements are in a bad state and the traffic is horrendous but the buzz in this city is addictive. With hindsight, it probably would’ve been a better idea to opt for a vacation home rental instead of a B&B and hotels, as what was originally planned as a one week stay simply dragged on and on. I couldn’t get enough of this amazing city!

Tomb of San Martin inside the cathedral of Buenos Aires

The Mothers of Plaza de Mayo

Another afternoon was spent strolling around Puerto Madero, BA’s old docklands that are now the most fashionable address in the city. That day, I ended up at the Plaza de Mayo and watched the solemn but impressive march of the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo (an association of the mothers whose children disappeared during Argentina’s military dictatorship in the 1970′s and 1980′s). They march around the Plaza de Mayo every Thursday afternoon.

Puerto Madero

The famous Plaza de Mayo with the Casa Rosada in the background

The solemn march of the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo

The flamenco, samba and the tango

I would spend the mornings on the B&B’s roof terrace (it’s nice and shady and has a great view of San Telmo), then go for a long walk in the afternoon to one of the burroughs and then find a terrace somewhere for a long and lazy lunch and just watch the world go by! Wonderful. The B&B had a happy hour every evening and all the guests would get together for drinks. It’s a great way to meet the other guests and we would all go out for dinner to a nearby restaurant. One evening, a bunch of Americans suggested a little café around the corner called Café San Juan. We went there and it was packed with locals. I had the most divine rabbit pate and sirloin steak with mushrooms. The pate was especially exquisite! Another evening, we sat out on the Plaza Dorrego till 2am just enjoying the music. A small flamenco group performed all night; the passion for their music and dance was almost tangible.

A beautiful flamenco troupe

My favourite day was definitely the Sunday in San Telmo. That’s the day when San Telmo really comes to life. The whole square and Defensa Street are packed with stalls selling antiques and other curiosa, and a huge variety of street performers. It is an amazing multi-sensory experience. The sights and sounds, and throngs of people are simply fascinating. Later that afternoon, a samba band with 40 drummers paraded down Defensa Street. There was a large crowd and many people danced or swayed along to the beats. Where else in the world would you have the samba, the tango and the flamenco all within the same square?!

Antique market in San Telmo every Sunday

These students played beautifully

The samba band

After dinner that night, I went back to the square where I was treated to an unforgettable display of ‘the soul of BA’, the tango. The music was loud and the locals got together and danced the whole evening. The passion, the sensual movements and the nimble footwork were absolutely stunning. I was just blown away by this marvellous display.

Locals danced the tango on Plaza Dorrego

It was love at first sight but I managed to tear myself away from Buenos Aires more than a month later but not before making a promise to myself that I would return one day.

Note: this post is brought to you in partnership with Vacation Home Rentals.

Chilling in Buenos Aires is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

Unforgettable New York City

“What do you think? Pretty special, isn’t it?”

I turned to look at the man who had spoken and smiled. “Yes, it’s pretty special.”

We fell back into silence, intent on getting good photos. After snapping away furiously for a while, we stopped and introduced ourselves properly. He was a photographer from Germany; I was a student from England. It was his first time in New York, my first time anywhere in the USA. At that moment in time we were standing on a narrow ledge at the top of the Rockefeller Center in New York. We gazed out over the city as the sun set and realised it was futile trying to capture this image on camera. It was far better just to stand there, at possibly the best vantage point in the entire city, and drink it in. The Empire State building dominated the view, while the Brooklyn Bridge glittered in the distance. In the balmy evening air, it was unbelievably perfect.

As dusk set in, we decided it was probably better to clamber back down onto the main viewing platform, which was crowded with entranced tourists, all clamouring to get a good view. As we joined them, we knew that we would never see each other again, but that we had shared a brief and extraordinary moment.

“Well, enjoy New York,” he said with a shrug, at a loss for what to say.

“You too,” I replied. As he disappeared into the throng, I turned back to look at the city, watching as darkness fell and the millions of lights seemed to shine ever brighter. Far below, Times Square pulsed with colour – the heartbeat of New York – and I was struck with a feeling of euphoria, a sense that in this magical city, anything was possible.

About this week’s guest writer
Originally from Salisbury in the UK, Katy Stewart is a writer with wanderlust. She is constantly inspired by the places she visits and writes for numerous travel sites. “It’s the only way I stay sane when I’m not on the road”. Katy is currently planning an adventure to South America where she hopes to spend several months travelling. Read about Katy’s adventures on her blog: Starry Eyed Travels.

Search for hotels in New York City.

Read other Unforgettable Travel Moments.

Unforgettable NYC is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

Courtesy of Tiffany Renee

Florida is the perfect destination for a driving holiday in the USA and by travelling along the Sunshine State’s highways you will be able to enjoy the freedom of the open road. Book some car hire in advance before you jet off, to avoid the crazy prices in the airport terminals, gather your suitcases and off you go!

Starting from the western part of the state and ending in Key West in the south, you can take in a number of stunning attractions, including captivating views of Escambia Bay, the highest point of the Florida coastline. To get here you will need to be on the Pensacola Scenic Bluffs Highway section of Highway 90. At just 11 miles, this stretch of road will not take very long to drive but there will be plenty to pique your interest along the way. Beautiful oak trees and magnolias can be seen from the window of your car and as your drive over the bridge spanning the Bayou Texar stretch of water, you will ascend slowly until the stunning bay is at your feet.

Courtesy of janeyesee

From here, head along the Green Mountain Scenic Byway. This also contains a number of rolling peaks and you will really be able to see how the landscape around you changes as you climb and descend the hills.

One particular geographical landmark is Sugarloaf Mountain. Standing at 312 feet, this is the highest point in peninsular Florida so if you feel like stretching your legs, why not try climbing it? Once you’re back in the car, follow the road along the western and southern shores of Lake Apopka. Some great vistas of central Florida, including the Orlando skyline, can be seen as you drive along here.

Make your way to the 328-mile A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway, where you will be able to see notable attractions such as the Kennedy Space Center.

This NASA institution is located along the stretch of the byway known as the ‘space coast’ and can provide you with an insight into the United States’ numerous astronomical missions over the years.

Courtesy of RobiNZ

You can find out more about the Apollo series of expeditions to the moon in the 1960s and 70s, as well as learn more about NASA’s current work. To get an idea of what it’s like to be an astronaut, go on the simulator, which recreates the sights, sounds and sensations of an actual space shuttle launch!

As you drive along the highway, stop by the historic city of St Augustine. Founded in 1565, it is the oldest continuously-occupied city in the United States. Spanish colonial buildings that date back hundreds of years can still be seen to this day, while a trip to the St Augustine Alligator Farm gives you the chance to look at a range of wildlife, including monkeys and komodo dragons.

Continue heading south and you will eventually come on to the Florida Keys Scenic Highway.

This route stretches for over 106 miles and ends in Key West – the southernmost point in the United States. As you pass over the highway, taking in the Florida Keys set of islands – you will be surrounded by ocean views, you could even glimpse dolphins frolicking in the sea.

Courtesy of Bogeskov

Situated close to the highway is the Everglades National Park. At 1.5 million acres in the size, this is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and is home to creatures such as crocodiles, alligators, corn snakes and white-tailed deer. The park has UNESCO World Heritage status and during your visit you can go kayaking and freshwater fishing.

As the highway terminates at Key West, your driving experience will be over – but the fun has not ended just yet. The town is not only well known for being the most southerly part of the United States but is famous for its literary connections.

Tennessee Williams is just one of the prominent authors to have spent time in here, while it is also the place where Ernest Hemingway wrote his classic novel For Whom the Bell Tolls. You can visit the house where Hemingway lived at for several years, before visiting the Key West Shipwreck Museum.

With so many fantastic attractions to explore, you may find yourself going on driving holidays in Florida for many years to come.

Tip: to find out more about the places or names mentioned in this post, simply highlight the text and click on ‘Learn more’.

A driving holiday in scenic Florida is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

Akumal beach

I live in the city of Cancun. Not in the hotel zone, with its manicured lawns and aqua blue water, in downtown Cancun. It is hot and fast-paced, so my Velvet Escape is a place where I can get away from the traffic, the hurrying, and Wal-Mart. This place is Akumal (the place of the turtles) which is more than an hour south of Cancun, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Although it is also a tourist destination, it is nothing like Cancun.

Akumal is a very small town. In fact, it almost isn’t even a town at all. “Downtown” consists of a supermarket, which is in fact not super (in size) at all and a few restaurants and shops which sell Mexican handicrafts. You may wonder, “Am I actually downtown yet?” Just a few steps from downtown is Akumal beach, which is on a protected bay, so the water is quite calm and tranquil, no crashing waves here. If you snorkel out a hundred yards or so you can watch sea turtles lunching on the sea grass.

Yal-Ku lagoon

The tranquil Yal-Ku Lagoon

My favorite place in Akumal is Yal-Ku, a natural lagoon located about 10 minutes from town. This is the true Velvet Escape. Once you pay your cover of 110 pesos (less than 10 U.S. Dollars) and follow the path down to the lagoon’s edge, all you can hear is the wind blowing through the jungle foliage. The cool, bright blue water shines in the sunlight and invites you to slip in and escape the heat. Once inside, even if you decide not to snorkel you will be able to see fish and other marine life. One of the fish might even tickle your toes.

Yal-Ku lagoon sculpture

After you’ve cooled off in the lagoon, you can shower and change in the restroom area close to the entrance. Then grab a cold beer from the rustic snack stand and take a leisurely stroll along the paths that wind around the edge of the lagoon. Stop to ponder the intriguing traditional and contemporary sculptures which rest in the lush green jungle vegetation. The setting is peaceful, picturesque and relaxed. The natural beauty and intimacy of the cool lagoon and its surroundings are what makes Yal-Ku my Velvet Escape.

About the this week’s guest writer
Kristin Busse is currently a travel writer for Yucatan Holidays but has worked in many different industries. She lives in Cancun, Mexico and plans to use her diverse experiences to write about the Yucatan Peninsula from her unique perspective.

Read other My Velvet Escape travel tips.

My velvet escape travel tip: Akumal is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

Once upon a time (1871 to be precise), in a far away land (i.e. North America) a beautiful province called British Columbia decided to join the Canadian Confederation instead of the USA. The magic of British Columbia’s story can be found in its centuries-old sequoias, majestic white mountains, deep blue lakes and passing whales. The main character in this story? Nature.

Nature at her best

British Columbia’s varied nature shamelessly shows off her beauty. Rain forests, mountain ranges, rivers and torrents, volcanoes, waterfalls, sandy beaches, glaciers and even a tiny desert – its 824 parks have it all.

Adventurers will never want to leave. Swim and surf at the golden beaches, kayak around the tiny islands, raft down the crazy torrents, climb up the mountains, snowboard down the snowy slopes, explore the caves, camp by the rivers, cycle along the endless green pathways.

Those who prefer adrenaline-free activities can visit the big cities and enjoy the galleries, museums, shops and restaurants of British Columbia.

Vancouver – the “Wet Coast” Pearl

Locals seem to ignore it but visitors can’t help but notice Vancouver’s endless rainy season. Just get a raincoat and explore this modern metropolis locked between the Coastal Mountains and the Pacific, as there’s an immense number of things to do and see in Vancouver.

Every district has its own secret to share. Have some original dim sun at Vancouver’s historic Chinatown, then stroll down fashionable Yaletown and get lost among the roses of Stanley Park. Beer lovers should go straight to Granville Island, visit its brewery and enjoy the special Maple Cream Ale. Also, remember to greet the giant octopus at the Vancouver Aquarium and hug a 500-year-old tree at Seymour National Park. A must-see is Gastown with its old-style houses and the famous Steam Clock (between you and me, it’s all electric now!). If you feel fit enough, take the very tough 2.9km Grouse Grind Trail then get closer to the Pacific for a kayak race and your first ever windsurf lesson. In Vancouver you can ski in the morning on the slopes of Grouse Mountain or Cypress Bowl and sunbathe in the afternoon at one of the city’s many beaches!

For more elaborate sun and snow experiences go North to the Sunshine Coast for magnificent ocean cruises and diving and to the exclusive Whistler Resort where apart from the usual winter sports you can climb frozen waterfalls and explore glaciers.

Vancouver Island – the Real Treasure Island

A unique combination of wilderness and civilisation, Vancouver Island is never boring. Victoria, the province’s capital will charm you with its colonial architecture and flowers everywhere. You can have an unforgettable meeting with the whales on the island’s West Coast, visit Canada’s tallest waterfalls, the Della Falls, and dine at Campbell River – the “Salmon Capital of the World”.

Queen Charlotte Islands  or Haida Gwaii

The best word to describe Haida Gwaii is “original”. Unique animal and plant species inhabit the islands, home of the indigenous Haida people. Remember to explore British Columbia’s past, taking its roots to the aboriginal First Nations. This is the best place to see their tall totems and original art.

Looking for Adventure? Befriend a Grizzly

This is another of British Columbia’s unforgettable adventures but do not worry if somehow you do not fancy the company of fierce grizzlies. You can look for safer adventures and more information at My Destination British Columbia, then all you have to do is visit British Columbia and live happily ever after.

A guest post by Nazeli K. Kyuregyan.

British Columbia tells her natural story is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

North vs. South

Split your Ontario journey between North and South. With contrasting characters, the two parts of the region offer completely different experiences.

Head North if you are longing to have a quiet word with Mother Nature, just the two of you, far from local routines and tourist fuss. Sleep in a ‘wilderness lodge’ or camp in the forests where extreme temperatures and lack of commodities will seem an insignificant price to pay for the breathtaking views Nature will give you. This vast, scarcely populated wilderness has an astonishing menu of adventures to choose from. Just jump into a canoe and slowly drift down the crystal waters of Lake Superior Provincial Park rivers and observe the marvellous wildlife on your way. Play with snow while dog sledding, snowmobiling, skiing and snowboarding but only after having had a solid breakfast with maple syrup pancakes in a friendly town bistro. The locals will give you your first ever hockey lesson and will convince you to take part in an ice-fishing competition.

Next, you should take the Polar Bear Express to go even further North and visit Moosonee – the town considered “the Gateway to the Arctic”.

Inexperienced adventurers should not worry! Tour operators will organise the original Canadian outdoor escapade of your dreams, providing all the equipment and arranging your Ontario accommodation. Find more details at My Destination Ontario.

At the end of your “into the wild” chapter, head South and see what stories Southern Ontario has to tell you. Next stop: Toronto!

The Toronto Fusion

Canada’s biggest city and capital of Ontario is all about fusion. Have a look at its architecture – a mixture of past and future, of old Victorian houses and avant-garde constructions such as the landmark CN Tower. A cultural melting pot, Toronto’s outer beauty, highlighted by the shiny waters of Lake Ontario, is combined with a rich cultural character, kept alive and renewed by an endless program of events and festivals.

You will love to get lost at the busy Harbourfront with Lake Ontario on one side and a myriad of restaurants, theatres, museums, shops and parks on the other. Art lovers will be happy to visit the Royal Art Gallery, whereas sports fans will go straight to the Hockey Hall of Fame. The Harbourfront Centre is unique with its various cultural events, open-air and free in the summer. In case of bad weather, the restless visitor can take the city’s walking underground network, the PATH, made of tunnels with shops and cafés leading to “TO’s” biggest attractions.

After a busy morning of exploration, you can have a relaxing pick-nick on the Toronto Islands. Go souvenir-hunting in Baldwin Village, then get closer to the lake at The Beaches. At the end of your sight-seeing day, you can relax in a cozy fish restaurant before you get swallowed by Toronto’s night life. Discos, bars and outdoor live music will introduce you to the liveliest feature of Toronto’s character. However, do not spend too much time there, as there is so much more to see!

Fall in Love with Niagara Falls

Canada’s foremost landmark – the majestic waterfalls will impress you with their whiteness. The braver tourists can take a very close boat trip and almost touch the tons of falling water. Those who have more time should explore the rest of the Niagara Peninsula with its famous vineyards. A glass or two of the exceptional ice-wine, produced by frozen grapes, is a must on your way to Ottawa – the sober and serious capital.

One Last Thing

In the end, no matter how much of Ontario you see, One thing remains certain: there will still be SOOOO much more you’ve missed!

A guest post by Nazeli K. Kyuregyan.

O for Ontario is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

This is good news for those thinking about visiting the island; as it means that the Caribbean escape is well practised at offering the perfect getaway. There are many hotels and resorts located around the coastline of the island. One of these resorts is Carlisle Bay. Located in St Mary’s, on the south of the island, Carlisle Bay Antigua opens out onto a breathtakingly beautiful beach. The hotel has created something of a local precedence with it’s contemporary yet Asian inspired style. You’ll be astounded by the sea views and accompanying hospitality.

Carlisle Bay - beach

Turtles, sailing and the Carnival in Antigua

Of course, the island of Antigua provides plenty of opportunity for relaxing. As if the stunning beaches (all 365 of them!) and warm surrounding ocean weren’t enough, guests to the island will be treated to wonderful cuisine at the many restaurants there. The wildlife is also a key feature of the island. Holidaymakers gather to take part in regular turtle watches run by local environmental groups. Their patience is rewarded by sights of these gentle animals on some of the beaches around the island.

Another popular activity to help you unwind is sailing. Due to the stunning scenery, sailing is a popular pursuit on the island and tourists will find plenty of yachts available for exploring. The island also plays host to a number of key sailing and yachting events throughout the year. Such events include the Royal Ocean Racing Club Caribbean 600 race in February and the Annual Antigua Charter Yacht Show in December. Both of these boating events are popular attractions for holidaymakers. Whether you’re a sailing enthusiast or not, the atmosphere that comes to the island during these times is an irresistible draw.

Though very popular, water sports aren’t the only popular pursuit for tourists on the island. There is a calender of thrilling and exciting events on the island which take place throughout the year. If you’re looking for a holiday to remember, think about visiting during the Antigua Carnival. The ten day festivities include music and dancing as well as many other entertainments. It takes place each July/August on the island. If you can’t make the trip in August, don’t worry. Calypso music is very popular on the island and you’ll find that it is home to some of the Caribbean’s most popular steel drum bands.

Once you’ve visited the island of Antigua, you’ll learn that it has so much more to offer than the obvious beauty of it’s beaches. Whether you choose to spend your time there in the many calm harbours or enjoying the views from the highlands; you’ll be taken in by the Caribbean magic of the island. Once visited, Antigua is never forgotten. Many holidaymakers come back year after year to rediscover all that the island has to offer.

Antigua: more than just beaches is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

Read the accompanying post: “Failed Photos – The Ones I Saved“.

See other Velvet Moments:

• Ruca Malen winery, Argentina
• Mt. Kinabalu, Malaysia
• Serengeti sky, Tanzania
• Mural in Valparaiso, Chile
• Bruges canals, Belgium
• Positano, Italy

Velvet moments: travel photo of the week – the moon is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog

Read the accompanying post: “The Good Life in Mendoza“.

Velvet moments: travel photo of the week – Ruca Malen winery is a post from: Velvet Escape's blog