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 |   Theses are my thoughts and ramblings as I forge my way through this thing they call life. |
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These are my thoughts and ramblings as I forge my way through this thing they call Life. I blog with these groups:     "Blogging Circle of Friends "  [E] 
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Blogging Circle of Friends: DAY 3502 May 18, 2023 After breakfast, we're going on a guided tour https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g479206-d25387838-Guided_tou... Then we're going to spend the night in the jungle https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g479206-d25445022-Unique_Ove... We're going to be here for the two days exploring, snorkeling and even paddling a traditional Malagasy canoe in Lokobe National Park. I am so glad I took yesterday to relax when we arrived. Yesterday I was in need of quiet and rejuvination... taking the opportunity to virtually have a quiet day helped with my real life. Thank you for that. Today I am up for the excitement of adventure and exploration. Being able to keep up with y'all makes me smile. After a healthy breakfast we gathered together and were transported into wonderous beauty of the Lokobe National Park. It is truly a naturalistic experience inside one of the last primitive forests of Madagascar. Lokobe in the Malagasy language means 'many colors' and they are precisely those that the tour will allow you to admire. We got to see centuries-old plants, cute lemurs, giant turtles, reptiles and so much more ...... in an uncontaminated wonderland. I am feeling truly grateful for this experience - even if it is virtual. Our first stop is at Ambatozavary, Madagascar This is a small fishing village that will grant us passage to the nature reserve. We got to take a pirogue, a typical boat, to reach the Lokobe nature reserve. It took about an hour. Then we stopped at Ampasipohy, Ampasipohy, Nosy Be, Antsiranana Province where we were able to change our clother and shoes before entering the national park. Next we stopped at Lokobe Nature Special Reserve, Nosy Be Madagascar. It is the last protected primary forest of Nosy Be. It is home to numerous varieties of endemic medicinal plants and thousand-year-old trees which delight the scientists of the region. No wonder they wanted us to change our clothes and keep the outer world from encroaching or bringing in an contaminates. It is a preserved universe where numerous lemurs (Macaco and Lepilemur), reptiles, chameleons, tropical insects and snakes live. I got to see some HUGE snakes! I even got my picture taken with the guide and the snake coiled around our shoulders. Pretty cool. There were chameleons the size of my head. The turtles were bigger than me! We got an hour and half here to explore to our hearts content. It was amazing. Magical even. Then we returned to Ampasipohy, Ampasipohy, Nosy Be, Antsiranana Province, the fishing village where a typical Malagasy lunch was served. So yummy. Afterward we got to relax on the beach. This was a heavenly day. Then we went back over to experience the night... A night jungle trek like no other. Fantastic atmosphere, extraordinary creatures. A dense, humid, sultry dark black jungle, broken only by the light of our headlamps and torches, and here and there we came across special animals, either resting or hunting at night. Night lemurs, special dwarf and other chameleons, night geckos, giant snakes, etc... And, if that's not enough, sleeping in the middle of a national park in a well-kept jungle, woken up by the cries of lemur families and falling asleep among the sounds of the jungle. It was magical and surreal. We also got a chance to relax on a completely private sandy beach, snorkel on the coral reefs and even try paddling a traditional Malagasy canoe. And of course, I did it all! For those of us who are part fish, this was amazing! Thanks Lyn's a Witchy Woman   for including this bit of paradise in our adventures.     |
Blogging Circle of Friends: DAY 3501 May 17, 2024 We're going some place new! Madagascar for 2 days, Ladies We're going to try something new. From ecological thatch roofing to unspoilt clear water, Constance Tsarabanjina is one of our unique resorts. All villas are built and decorated in simple tones with a hint of Constance comfort. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g668519-d667678-Reviews-Constance_Tsara... This place is paradise. I'm torn between exploring the national parks and seeing wildlife or staying close to the hotel and enjoying the beach, snorkeling and taking a guided nature hike with someone from the hotel. A day of heaven wins out and I nap in the hammock and write in the shade at the front of my ocean view retreat. I take that guided nature tour with a few others who have decided to forgo the more expensive tours. I snorkel and see beauty underwater. It's like swimming in an aquarium. Tomorrow I will venture out on one of those guided tours. Having two days makes things more relaxing. Madagascar is about 300 miles east of southern Africa, across the Mozambique Channel. It is best known for its lemurs (primitive relatives of monkeys, apes, and humans), colorful chameleons, stunning orchids, and towering baobab trees, Madagascar is home to some of the world's most unique flora and fauna. We're going to hang out and chill day one at this unique resort. But if you're feeling energetic the Avenue of Baobabs is supposed to be the photo opportunity of a life time. https://travel.usnews.com/Madagascar/Things_To_Do/Avenue_of_the_Baobabs_63642/ |
Blogging Circle of Friends: DAY 3500 May 16, 2024 We're staying at Arusha Serena Hotel and Resort Spa. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g297913-d304446-Reviews-Arusha_Serena_H... https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g297913-d15883436-Miracle_Ex... As dawn breaks over the horizon, we serenely drift over the magnificent marvel of nature in a Hot Air Balloon. I have never been in a Hot Air Balloon before and it is amazing! In the Serengeti, the animals are the most active in the morning. So we get lots of opportunities to spot wildlife from this different perspective. We were able to spot the Big Five: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhino, as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo, crocodile and a variety of birdlife. Once we landed, we celebrated with sparkling wine and a splendid bush breakfast in the middle of the Serengeti. It was such a breathtaking experience. One I don't expect to ever forget. We returned to the hotel to enjoy our rooms and the pool before heading out for our next adventure - learning about Maasai culture. I really liked the beautiful writing desk under the windows. I was able to prop open my door to listen to nature while I wrote. It was a lovely experience. The gardens were exquisite. With the help of local Maasai Mama's we were guided through a number of traditional Swahili recipes to prepare our own lunch. We learned how the local Mama's prepare food at home using traditional cooking equipment and methods. We even got to learn some Swahili words for different foods. It was really great to get some hands-on help to prepare each dish. After that very fine lunch, we learned about how Maasai build their homes and how traditional Maasai homes are set up in a "boma". We saw inside their homes and how they live. This felt a bit intrusive, but the families were only to happy to share and show us their way of life. The best part was learning how Maasai create their own beaded jewelry and we got to make our very own bracelet. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g297913-d19076562-Swahili_Co... BCoF short prompt: What can you tell us about Maasai jewelry making? I've included a video to help you learn. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XE9x8BuHM4 This lady stays on camera a bit better. She is making a headband. I would love to try this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKSV2YY6o3s |
Blogging Circle of Friends: DAY 3499 May 15, 2024 Cairo, Egypt We're staying at Heliopolis Towers Hotel. I'm hoping for some pool time after we check out the pyramids. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294201-d754516-Reviews-Heliopolis_Towe... 30 day https://travel.usnews.com/Cairo_Egypt/Things_To_Do/Giza_Pyramids_62479/ we're doing the 8 hour private tour and riding a camel..woohoo. Let's hear what caught your attention? Talk about what you saw and learned about the pyramids or the artifacts or the crafts. https://www.viator.com/Giza/d23032-ttd/p-8243P13?eap=ttdpw-cairo-15861&aid=v... Experience Cairo’s very best on a private, full-day tour that takes in ancient sites, artifacts, and a bustling bazaar. Ride a camel through the sand beside the soaring pyramids at Giza and go toe-to-toe with the enigmatic Sphinx. Pause for lunch before visiting the Egyptian Museum and explore the stunning collection of artifacts, mummies and royal treasures with your guide. Then continue to the Khan el Khalili bazaar to browse vibrant displays of fabrics, handicrafts, and antiques. We'll be dining at the hotel. I'm feeling very tired (real time with allergies is dragging me down), but I am excited about Cairo, Egypt. And yes, pool time will be greatly appreciated. I am glad I opted not to do a nightclub in Agra last night! I was glad the tour started early in the morning so we could beat some of the heat. Still it was very hot. It was wonderful to see the pyramids and walk the world that has existed from a time long ago. The camel ride was a blast, but my God are they smelly! I was only too happy to get to the bazaar and shop. All the bright colours and buzz of people really helped to energize me. Still it was nice to return to the hotel, shower and nap for a bit before joining everyone for dinner. After dinner several of us waded into the pool and just sat. The water was luxurious. It was just nice to bask in the quiet of that space. |
Blogging Circle of Friends: DAY 3498 May 14, 2024 We're staying at the Oberoi Amarvilas https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g297683-d302143-Reviews-The_Oberoi_Amar... https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g304551-d15008778-Taj_Mahal_... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taj_Mahal Everyone says this is the gem of India, what are your thoughts? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=665AHTNpf2o I love that I can see the Taj Mahal from my hotel window. The pool is so inviting and it is quite hot so a dip in the pool is a definite thing to do. Having been here virtually before (August 2020) I opted to go with Lyn's a Witchy Woman to see something different - the Agra Fort. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g297683-d319695-Reviews-Agra_Fort-... The scale of this magnificent fort has to be seen to be believed. It really was astonishing. The imposing gate and red sandstone walls made for a memorable first impression. There were some lovely courtyards, gardens and palaces inside. It was also a tiny bit cooler out of the sun. We got a great view of the river below as well as the Taj Mahal in the distance. Back at the hotel, it was back into the pool where I stayed until it was time to get out and go for dinner. Lyn's a Witchy Woman picked a wonderful place. The Nawaabs. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g297683-d25234378-Reviews-The_Nawa... We ordered a variety of dishes and took from each in a family style way. They probably thought we were crazy, but how else can you sample the bounty with only a limited amount of time... and besides, after all that clean, healthy farm to table food in Bhutan I was not up for anything too out there. I took a little of everything and loved it all. After dinner a few of us decided to explore Arga and burn off some calories. One of the things to do in Agra is to shop. So we headed for the city’s buzzing market. Agra is famous for Leather products, handicrafts, jewelry, and marble replica which available at a reasonable price. If you wanna go to a place where you can buy a variety of products like- Jewellery, shoes, clothes, etc. you can visit kinari Bazaar and Sadar Bazaar. Subhash Bazaar is famous for silk products, mainly silk sarees. So, if you are a shopaholic you can explore the markets of Agra. We had a blast and found some beautiful things and great deals. https://www.japjitravel.com/plan/550-subhash-bazar-agra/ Before bed I made sure to enjoy a wonderful bath in my huge tub.... I filled it full of bubbles and just enjoyed sinking into it. |
Blogging Circle of Friends: DAY 3497 May 13, 2024 Neyphu Valley, Shaba, Paro Bhutan https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g321541-d14994126-Reviews-Bhutan_Spirit... Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge, is known for its monasteries, fortresses (or dzongs) and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. In the High Himalayas, peaks such as 7,326m Jomolhari are popular trekking destinations. Paro Taktsang monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest) clings to cliffs above the forested Paro Valley. Imagine a place of tranquility and beauty. A place where you connect to yourself and all that surrounds you; body, mind and spirit. This is the newly opened (August 2018) Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, located high in the beautiful Neyphu valley in Paro. We are a 5+ star boutique resort, aiming to create a lasting positive change in our guests’ daily lives. As guests in our home experience what ‘Inspirational Hospitality’ means to us. We are the only well-being inclusive property in Bhutan, which means all services are included in our room rates. From all meals and snacks to all drinks and minibar (only excluding alcohol) to individually designed well-being programs, including a consult with the traditional medicine doctor, yoga/meditation classes, as well as a wide variety of wellness treatments such as Kunye (Tibetan massage therapy) and Hot Oil Compression. Enjoy many more complimentary services such as art classes, cooking classes, and short excursions surrounding our Sanctuary. This place is amazing. I could feel the world fall away as soon as we began to near our destination. After we checked in I took advantage of the private consultation with the in-house traditional medicine doctor (included in the room rate). The doctor provided me with a program to achieve a healthy balance between body, mind, and spirit. I might seriously have to stay hear a few extra days to get a fuller experience. This is an opportunity to try various treatments rooted in the nature and well-being tradition of Bhutan. They have signature treatments - herbal compression, hot oil compression, moxibustion, herbal Jacuzzi, herb-infused hot stone bath, and Ku Nye massages (full body, neck, feet, and back). Some of our group arranged hikes in the Neyphu Valley, a visit to Thimphu, the capital of the Kingdom, a climb to the world-famous Tiger’s Nest, and many other day trips. I was content to enjoy the complimentary art classes, yoga sessions and cooking classes. The scenery and the space was revitalizing and I need that right now... (too bad this is virtual). We ate like Queens! All-inclusive culinary surprises is the way to go. We got healthy breakfasts, 4-course set lunches, 6-course set dinners, all snacks, and drinks (excluding alcohol) included in our packages. All the food is prepared according to the farm-to-table concept and you were able to enjoy your meals at any moment and at any location you wished. I look forward to hearing about other people's adventures. |
Blogging Circle of Friends: DAY 3495 May 11, 2024 Halong Bay, Vietnam https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g3737857-d19148346-Paradise_... Paradise Sails Cruise 2 days 1 night Halong Bay Tour In a mere 24 hours we will see some of the top highlights of Halong Bay. We got a private check-in lounge where we learned about pearls before we transfered to the Paradise Explorer. I really loved the pearl earrings I splurged on before we got onto our cruise. We savoured a beautiful lunch onboard while cruising the bay, passing by Fighting Cocks Islet and Thien Cung and Dau Go caves. We got to stop at Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave. It was impressive. Walking around and learning its history was well worth our time there. Our last stop on the first day was to Soi Sim or Titop island. It was impressive, but it was also very busy on the climb up and back. The view was amazing and the sunset was breathtaking. On the second day, we went to Luon Cave. I decided to kayak through the caveran and loved exploring the limestone cliffs. It was cool seeing all the monkeys. Some people took in the spa treatments when we were back onboard, but I was content to stretch and watch the fabulous scenery on the top deck. I didn't want to miss anything. I did enjoy some of the drinks available on the cruise back. BCoF short prompt: we're letting you prepare dinner tonight on the ship, we've already made the spring rolls. https://www.live-less-ordinary.com/top-10-vietnamese-food-eating-in-vietnam/ What are you preparing for us? Are you going to follow the recipe exactly or give it your own tweak? I'm hungry, can't wait to find out what you're offering. Let's hear some good cooking oopsies. I know we've all had them in the kitchen. I'd be willing to try making Vietnamese Noodle Soup (Pho) - pronounced ‘Fu,’ Pho is the quintessential Vietnamese dish, emblematic of the country’s culinary identity. It’s ubiquitous, found everywhere from bustling breakfast tables to curbside vendors. Whether you choose the flavorful beef (Pho Bo) or chicken (Pho Ga) version, this dish features flat rice noodles bathed in a fragrant broth, garnished with herbs, sliced red chilies, lime, bean sprouts, basil, and cilantro. Pho is the heart and soul of countless Vietnamese soups. https://thewoksoflife.com/pho-vietnamese-noodle-soup/ I was extremely glad that I was able to get help at each step of the process or we would probably not be able to eat the food I created. I will have to try making this again at home.... but I am also glad that there is a Vietnamese restaurant not far from my house. I've always wanted to try this. |
Blogging Circle of Friends: DAY 3494 May 10, 2024 This is the hotel we're staying at (virtually) in Pak Chong, Thailand https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g641719-d2622335-Reviews-Kensington_Eng... I loved the red pub. I couldn't wait to spend some time writing in there. I opted not to go to the Zoo. I much prefer to see animals in their natural habitat. So I ventured to the Khao Yai National Park, Pak Phli Thailand for the day. It was the perfect place for getting up and personal with nature. The park is rich with flora and fauna. There are many animals inhabiting the national park including elephants, tigers, monkeys, bears, deer and squirrels. There are also various types of snakes like pythons, spiders, rodents and insects. We wore long sleeved clothing and sturdy hiking boots. The park claims to have more than 400 species of birds. We enjoyed trekking the trails in the park and walked through the nature while enjoying the beautiful mountainous landscape. Khao Yai National Park is one of the best places in Thailand to see Asian elephants in the wild and we were able to catch a glimpse of the park's wild elephant population, grazing in their natural habitat. Afterward we stopped at Haew Suwat Waterfall, Khao Yai National Park, Pak Chong Thailand. This was incredible. This waterfall is famous for being the location for Leonardo DiCaprio's waterfall dive in the movie ‘The Beach’ back in 2000. After an hour we headed on to Haew Narok Waterfall, Khorat Plateau Bangkok, Khao Yai National Park Thailand. These are the highest falls in Khao Yai National Park. It is the park’s star attraction, cascading over three tiers with the final level gushing 80 metres below into a deep pool. Only the first level is open to the public, as the other levels are steep and dangerous. There’s a hillside viewpoint where you can clearly watch and take photos of the waterfall. The Haew Narok Waterfall is a truly breathtaking sight. This is where we had our picnic by the falls. It was really great to just sit and discuss our favourite aspects of the trip so far. A few of us even wrote a poem and shared it with the others. Mine is still a work in progress... A taste of the music: |
Blogging Circle of Friends: DAY 3493 May 9, 2024 Ladies, we've arrived and are staying at the Viroth Hotel https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g297390-d9514361-Reviews-Viroth_s_Hotel... Siem Reap is the capital of the province Siem Reap in Cambodia. One of their most famous sites to visit is the Angkor Wat temple. Besides that, they have many more temples, museums, the Old Market and the Cambodian Cultural Village. Explore the different options and discuss. Make us envious. https://inspitrip.com/blog/8949/things-to-do-in-angkor-wat-and-siem-reap https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g297390-d11466657- Private_Full_Day_Angkor_Temple_and_Sunset_Viewing-Siem_Reap_Siem_Reap_Province.html https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g297390-Activities-c26-Siem_Reap_Siem_Re... https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g297390-d2100150-Reviews-Theam_s_G... I decided that since we did this virtual trip in August 2020, I would opt to do something different this time. The Theam's Gallery looks very serene and after all the activity and drinking in Perth, I decided on a calm place of reflection and contemplation. You up for that Lyn's a Witchy Woman ? The gallery is located only 10 minutes from the majestic temples of Angkor, The Gallery (formely Theam's House Gallery) is the home-cum-gallery of Master Cambodian Artist, Lim Muy Theam. As we stepped from one breath-taking pavilion to the next, we got to experience a sanctuary of serenity and a true visual feast. This lush space invites us to explore and immerse ourselves in Khmer culture at its very best. Theam’s had an impressive private collection of local artefacts. We also got to watch other young apprentice artisans painting, sculpting and lacquering, while discovering the colourful contemporary creations of Theam himself. The gallery featured a professionally curated showroom exhibiting all artwork conceived and produced onsite. I loved that we got to view an authentic insight into the distinctive world of Cambodian art. Very impressive. I enjoyed sitting in the tropical courtyard of Theam’s Café & Lounge. I enjoyed a wonderful coffee and some fresh juice. This experience really helped to re-center me after last night's festivities. Afterwards we headed off to the Kulen Waterfall for more serenity. This place combined the natural and the spiritual. Phnom Kulen National Park is considered an important pilgrimage site. We got to hike in the jungle, swim in a waterfall, and admire the carvings at Kbal Spean (the River of 1,000 Lingas). We also climbed to the mountaintop to see a reclining Buddha. After the day I felt both physically and spiritually refreshed. I even took in a bit of shopping. Siem Reap is home to craft markets, stylish boutiques, artisanal workshops, and artist’s ateliers, all filled with treasures that you can take back home. They're open well into the night. |
Blogging Circle of Friends: DAY 3492 May 08, 2024 Ladies, this is our last day in Australia. https://www.mapsofworld.com/asia/ so you have an idea where we are Perth, Australia and where we are landing next in Angkor, Cambodia. Perth experience before we fly to Cambodia Cycling is the locals’ favourite way to get​ around. So hop on, blend in, and discover the sights of Perth on this 3 hours experience. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g255103-d20197509-Perth_by_B... The tour guide is so excited to have such a large group. And there's a lot of interesting places along our ride. Discuss what you've seen and what you liked thus far in Australia.. I decided to take the day to enjoy the cycling tour with our group. It was nice to explore the city on such a lovely day. It felt good to move again today. After yesterday's walks and swims, the cycling was a welcome change. After a few days on the train in the heart and heat of Australia these last few days of movement have been greatly appreciated. We saw some amazing sights. We started at the Mends Street Jetty, then made our way to The Old Mill, then the Crawley Edge Boatshed. We went through Kings Park and Botanic Garden, saw the Blue Boat house, the Bell Tower and then finished at Elizabeth Quay. In the evening I managed to get some others to join me on a three hour PERTH BAR+STREET ART TOUR: Hidden Secrets, Laneways + Good Times! I was excited to walk the secret laneways and see the street murals and other fabulous art. I made sure to bring my sketchbook and my camera to get some inspiration for my own drawings. There was some cool stuff on various surfaces as we ventured out and about. Our tour guide, Pete, took us through hidden laneways with fantastic murals and fascinating histories. He encouraged us to look up and see the historic buildings forgotten above chain stores. The three bars we visited all had a cool vibe to them and I made sure to drink plenty of water to balance off the various tasting of beverages we enjoyed. Our flight was at 11pm from Perth to Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport. I was still a little jazzed from our outing. We all made sure not to forget anything as we headed for the airport. I found it hard to fall asleep on the flight, instead I stayed awake for a time drawing and sketching. When I did sleep it was good despite being on the plane. |
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