My philosophy: Mark Twain likely said it best when he called travel “fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness”. As a bridge between cultures, there is no substitute for travel in the furtherance of peaceful co-existence between nations. As we travel, let’s step off that beaten path and meet the people and especially, help to promote an awareness of the beauty of our world and a caring attitude for our global environment. Along the web way, I’ll bring you rainforests, waterfalls, wildlife and whale-watching, archaeology, history, authors and art, food and wine, trains and trails, and through the stories and story-tellers, the many, many, different ways to explore our world.
Episode 1: Germany – Cruising the Rhine River:
If the idea of a floating hotel appeals to you, but you don’t fancy a mega-ton cruise ship, consider a Rhine cruise. It’s a great way to experience Europe – and to discover the majestic beauty of the famed river which has been the highway of Europe for thousands of years. Trip Tips: Kohn-Dusseldorfer has 27 Rhine cruise ships available for day trips or 7-day cruises; You can board at key points along the Rhine and cruise a section that fits your travel itinerary; There are also five day cruises aboard the 180 passenger Britannia, travelling from Dusseldorf to Basel, Switzerland; See the German National Tourist Office website for more information.
Episode 2: Dominica – the Caribbean ‘Nature Island’:
This is not a beach holiday. Dominica offers diving to an exceptional coral reef, hiking in the rainforest, an intriguing legacy of Carib Indians, and both French and British heritage. Christopher Columbus described the island’s topography by crumpling a piece of paper and that aptly illustrates the island’s hills and dense jungle greenery. Trip Tips: Dominica has diverse accommodation. We were hosted by the Fort Young Hotel and the Castle Comfort Lodge, which has wheelchair facilities for divers – send email inquiries here. We also stayed at the Papillote Wilderness Retreat with its wonderful rainforest garden. Dominica is reached via connecting flights from nearby islands like Antigua or Barbados and a ferry service from neighbouring French islands and St. Lucia. Call the Dominica Tourist Office for information. Tour operators like Ken’s Hinterland Adventure Tours offer varied and interesting travel itineraries.
Episode 3: Argentina – Iguazu Falls:
Iguazu Falls is one of South America’s greatest natural wonders and comprises 275 falls cascading over a giant horseshoe which borders Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. There is excellent accommodation overlooking the Falls on both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides. Travel tips: Plan your first trip to Argentina with a good tour operator, and go the independent route on a repeat visit. This is not an easy country to get around; all flights operate in and out of its hub Buenos Aires. Be sure to arrive at the local airports extra early — flights commonly leave before scheduled departure time. English is not widely spoken so it’s a good idea to pack an English-Spanish phrasebook or dictionary. International flight information: Aerolinas Argentina at 1-800-688-0008 or e-mail: arcanada@aeroargentinas.com Trips offered by Gateways International, Tel: 1-800-268-0900 or visit www.gateways-international.com
Episode 4 – Argentina: Tilcara – Legacy of the Incas:
Searching for traces of the lost Inca Empire, we travel high into the Andes in northern Argentina to a place called Tilcara in the province of Jujuy for a glimpse of this fascinating culture. If you go, remember two things: due to the very high altitude hiking is not encouraged, and it’s not safe to drink the water spilling down the mountains. Must-sees on an Argentinian sojurn are the awesome Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aires, the living glacier at Perito Merino, and Ushaia at the southernmost tip of Argentina. Time permitting, include whale-watching off the Valdez peninsula and a visit to the penguin rookery. Travel Tips: Check Gateways International: www.gateways-international.com or email info@gateways-international.com for tours and for flight information email Aerolinas Argentina arcanada@aeroargentinas.com.
Episode 5: Cayman Islands “Stingray City”
The Cayman Islands — located south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica — are among the world’s best diving and snorkel destinations. Half day and full day snorkelling and scuba trips to Stingray City are available from Grand Cayman. For more info check out Cayman Islands Tourism www.caymanislands.ky
Episode 6: Wartime Memories – Vimy to Dunkirk
Our events took place during WW1 and WW2 at Vimy Ridge and Dunkirk in France and Dover in Kent, England. We explore Hellfire Corner at Dover Castle www.dover-ent.co.uk/defence/tunnels.htm and www.english-heritage.org.uk and take the ferry across the Channel from Dover to Calais for spectacular views of the famous White Cliffs and experience the crossing made by the “little ships” when they rescued troops from the beaches in France, www.poferries.com Not included but experienced by us and highly recommended is the museum and the tunnels under Arras, www.ot-arras.fr The tunnels were of ancient Roman origin and used by the citizens to store goods, quarry chalk and evade capture from enemies over the years. When the Royal Engineers learned the countryside between British and German positions was full of underground caves they linked the subterranean holes in secret, and used them to move the entire Army from the rear to the front of the German positions aoiding the initial horrors of the Somme. The tunnels were also used to evacuate the wounded. For accommodation, tours and other details visit www.tourisme-lenslievin.fr for Vimy Ridge, www.dunkerque-tourisme.fr for Dunkirk, and www.visitkent.co.uk for Dover.
Episode 7: The Azores – Island of Faial
Nine islands make up the Portuguese Azores Archipelago: São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Graciosa, Flores and Corvo. During filming I visited four of them: São Miguel, Terceira, Faial and Pico. I had barely 2 days on each island and everywhere I went I wanted to stay longer and when I reached the next island, wished I had arrived earlier. The scenery is magnificent, the people friendly and helpful, and the food excellent. In the weeks ahead I will feature these islands but for now here is Faial, the island that stands above them all when it comes to yachtsmen and sailors using the island as a stop-over during their ocean wanderings. Peter’s Cafe is a must for ambiance, food and scrimshaw. For more info on accomodation, walking trails and festivals visit www.visitportugal.com and Azores Tourism at www.visitazores.com
Episode 8: St. Lucia, Caribbean Island
We stayed at La Toc, one of the Sandals resorts, www.Sandals.com and a couples’ only property. Saint Lucia, one of the Windward Islands, is part of the Lesser Antilles and lies in the eastern Caribbean Sea. One of the more mountainous islands, it boasts a drive-in volcano, and spectacular scenery including views of The Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage site, whc.unesco.org two mountains that form the island’s most famous landmark. For more information and other resort properties on the island visit www.StLucianow.com
Episode 9: Greece – In search of Alexander the Great
Our search for Alexander the Great takes us to archaeological sites in northern Greece where we meet with foremost archaeologists who give insight to his life and death. Alexander was a Greek king of Macedon, a state in northern ancient Greece. He was born in Pella in 356 BC and succeeded to the throne after his father, Philip 11 of Macedon, was assassinated. By the age of thirty, Alexander had created one of the largest empires of the ancient world stretching from the Ionian Sea to the Himalayas. He was undefeated in battle and is considered one of history’s most successful commanders. Our travels took us to the archaeological site of Aigai (modern Vergina) the ancient first capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, see whc.unesco.org The late Professor Andronicos whom I had the privilege of interviewing many years ago discovered the royal tombs at Aigai and the tomb of Philip is considered one of the most important archaeological events of the last century. Before Philip and Alexander ruled, the coastal city of Pella had already replaced Aigai as the capital of the Macedonian state. Pella was one of the most important political, economical and cultural centres of Greece. Our third site, the sacred city of Dion, where major discoveries were made by Professor Pandermalis, was the location of a large temple dedicated to Zeus where Alexander assembled his armies before beginning his military campaigns. For general travel information on Greece visit www.visitgreece.gr and we recommend www.odysseus.culture.gr for more detailed information on Aigai, Pella and Dion, their archaeological sites, hours of operation, and contacts. (Note: you will need to check buttons for both English and Archaeological sites.) An ideal base for your travels in this area is Thessaloniki, however locating the sites can be challenging and we strongly recommend renting a car with driver for these excursions.
Episode 10: Israel – an introduction to the country
Geographically, Israel is a long, narrow stretch of land at the south-eastern corner of the Mediterranean, situated between Africa and Asia and on the edge of Europe. Its history is fascinating. It’s been a Roman province, a Crusader kingdom, a domain of Egypt and Turkey and a British protectorate. Birthplace of Christianity, the country has a human history that goes back over 500,000 years. In this introductory feature we explore Jerusalem and the Holy sites, visit Masada and a Dead Sea spa, and travel to the port city of Caesarea and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Akko www.akko.org.il and Bet She’an whc.unesco.org where archaeologists are unearthing the layers of the many civilizations that have occupied the country. For general information on accommodation, travel and contacts www.goisrael.com See also the article on Akko: The Underground Crusader Capital in our Destinations category.
Episode 11: New Zealand – Adventure Bound
New Zealand is a country of dramatic contrasts with spectacular coastline and beautiful beaches on the North Island and volcanic and alpine scenery on the South Island. For active and adventure-seeking travellers, New Zealand offers a diversity of water based sports including kayaking, black water rafting, rapelling waterfalls, jetboating and cruising through the fjord-like Milford Sound. Land-based sports include Bungee jumping, hiking, mountain-climbing and golf. Ski enthusiasts can take advantage of the country’s winter months, June through August. Special events include: the Car Rally of New Zealand; and Warbirds Over Wanaka which takes place every second Easter and features vintage planes. For general info: NewZealand.com
