Guatemala With Caravan

My close friends who recently returned from Guatemala, shared the following story:

We visited Guatemala from February 24^th to March 4^th, 2012 with tour organized by www.caravan.com.

The main reason for our trip was learning about the Mayan culture.Most of the regions of Guatemala are under the protection of UNESCO and are maintained in their original condition. Guatemala boasts the most historic Mayan artifacts of the region. The best archaeological museum in the country is located in the capital.

Guatemala is a very poor country, but it boasts breathtaking landscapes. Three large volcanoes were visible to us the entire trip.

The climate of the country is wonderful.The weather remains the same year-round, with temperatures dropping very slightly and some rains in the winter. For our trip the temperature remained 25 °C during the day and 19 °C at night (77 F and 66 F, respectively).

Life of the people can be observed on the streets, instead of museums. Guatemalans are friendly, pleasant people.

Most of the country is involved in farming and raising cattle. Additionally, some of the best coffee is grown in Guatemala, and you can see the cultivation process during your visit.

Although tourism is fairly new in Guatemala, all hotels were of very high quality, both design and service-wise. The hotel in Guatemala City was a very beautiful, modern hotel with great rooms and delicious food. Other hotels were very interesting architecturally and featured winter gardens. Parrots, peacocks, and exotic flowers beckoned one to relax in the gardens. All of the hotels featured swimming pools.

Food was not a concern during the trip; it was included in the cost of the trip and was delicious.

The trip was organized impeccably. At the end of every day, we were told what would happen the next day, how to dress, what to bring, etc. There was an unlimited supply of bottled water in the bus and at the hotels.

The tour director, Guillermo, was greatly qualified for this tour. He was able to answer any and all of our questions in regards to the country, its inhabitants, and the Mayan culture.

The trip was not physically taxing and there was plenty of time in the evening to relax and unwind. We have previously traveled with two other tour companies (Globus & Trafalgar) and Caravan turned out to be the best of the three.

Paris Off the Beaten Path, Part Deux

 

Here is the second installment, as promised.

Another great place to visit is Bercy Village, http://europeforvisitors.com/paris/articles/bercy-village.htm. It is a park where you can enjoy both shopping and a great dining experience. Do not skip Roastbeef and Frog pub, which is what the French and the English call each other. While on the topic of dining I will name a few restaurants where I have had delightful meals and had the pleasure of "people watching" the French. The first one is a little hidden cafe, 17 Rue St. Paul, 74004 Paris, where you can enjoy a quiet cup of coffee after exploring the wonderful streets of Le Marais (historic district where many different communities come together and one can see historic buildings and visit numerous art galleries). The cafe is inside of a courtyard, isolated from the hum of the city and gives the utmost serenity. If you are on your way to or from Musee D'Orsay and are wondering where to have lunch, I would recommend La Fregate, www.lafregateparis.com, which has an amazing view of Seine and Louvre. Since the former French president's Jacques Chirac's residence is on the same block, you might be lucky and spot him with his entourage. Next are just names of some great restaurants, Juveniles Wine Bar, 47 Rue de Richelieu, 75001 Paris, Cafe Etienne Marcel, 34 Rue Étienne Marcel 75002 Paris, Le Tambour, 41 Rue Montmartre 75002 Paris, (which is around the corner from the cafe where you can stop for an aperitif before coming here for dinner. The drink of choice is Joan Collins... Refreshingly framboise).Le Rosa Bonheur, http://www.zagat.com/r/rosa-bonheur-paris-france(a beer garden type of experience) is another destination where they usually have Sunday night parties.

Finally, if you are in Paris in the spring or summer and find yourself in the 12th arrondissement (which is also near where Bercy Village is), the place to visit is La Promenade Plantee http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promenade_plantée, which is a garden created on a railway bridge next to Gare de Lyon, and leads to the station. Once at the train station, a restaurant to keep in mind is Le Train Bleu, www.le-train-bleu.com. It is a great place to immerse in the Baroque Louis XIV decor.

Paris, of course, is not to be missed for shopping. Pay attention to the sales that are usually mandated and take place in June and January. Go to the big department stores (Printemps, Galleries Lafayette, BHV), where even the famous brands are put on sale, though not the new collections. Do not forget to ask about detax, a 12% refund of the sales tax.

For fans of quai (dock along Seine) walking, biking, and rollerblading, remember that the Seine river drive is closed to traffic and open to pedestrians every Sunday until 16:00.

Hope you enjoy Paris both on and off the beaten path!!!

Paris Off the Beaten Path

This is the first installment in the "Paris Off the Beaten Path" series. The article was written by two friends: one lives in Paris, the other visits frequently.

When visiting Paris it is imperative to visit all the famous landmarks that this amazing city has to offer. But it is the hidden gems that give you a true flavor of the Parisian life. One such place is Place Dauphine, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Place_Dauphine. It's a charming square (located on Ile de la Cité just between Pont Neuf and the Supreme Court, a short walk from Saint Michel and Notre Dame) where you can hide away and take a rest from walking the streets of Paris and pick a restaurant to have a delicious French meal in. One suggestion is La Rose de France where you can sit on the terrace and observe the locals play pétanque (ball game similar to bocce and bowls). Once you are back on your feet and ready to explore there are two museums that are not most popular but are fantastic - Shoah Museum, www.memorialdelashoah.org, and Jacquemart-Andre Museum, http://musee-jacquemart-andre.com/en/discover, though they are located on opposite sides of town. Ideally you can proceed to the Shoah Museum which is a modest walk away along the Seine. The Jacquemart-Andre Museum is best when combined with brunch which they serve on premises in a fancy bourgeois setting.

See you next week with the next installment....

LONDON OFF THE BEATEN PATH - FREEMASON'S HALL

As you have probably realized already, I like London very much and can talk about it a lot.

However, this article - the third one in a row, will be the final one, at least for now.

Today I’d like to share with you one place we went to last year- Freemasons’ Hall of United Grand Lodge of England, the oldest Grand Lodge in the world.  

Freemasons’ Hall is the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England and the principal meeting place for Masonic Lodges in London. Grand Lodge has been on Great Queen Street since 1775, the present Hall being the third building on the site.

Built between 1927–1932 as a memorial to the Freemasons who died in the First World War, it is one of the finest Art Deco buildings in England, and is now listed internally and externally. In addition to the Grand Temple (seating 1700) there are 21 Lodge Rooms, a Library and Museum, Board and Committee Rooms and administrative offices. The building is fully open to the public Monday to Friday, free of charge.

The Museum contains an extensive collection of objects with Masonic decoration including pottery and porcelain, glassware, silver, furniture and clocks, jewels and regalia; items belonging to famous and Royal Freemasons including Winston Churchill and Edward VII are on display.

When the Grand Temple is not in use, there are up to five tours per day at 11am, 12noon, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. Each tour starts in the Library and Museum. Remember, that photographic ID may be required to be shown.

To learn what Freemasonry is go to http://www.ugle.org.uk/what-is-masonry/.

To make a reservation for your tour send an e-mail by using a link on this page http://www.ugle.org.uk/ask-a-question/visiting-freemasons-hall/. We did it a month in advance to reserve a date and a time we wanted.

The address of Freemasons’ Hall is:
60 Great Queen Street
London, WC2B 5AZ
United Kingdom

LONDON OFF THE BEATEN PATH - PART 2

There are a couple more places I do not want you to miss when in London.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

The pub is one of the oldest if not the oldest pub in London. All the monarchs who have reigned in England during the pub's time are written to the right of the door.
This pub is actually mentioned in Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities. Just dripping with atmosphere, you feel a part of old London. Dickens himself used to drink here, along with a few other poets, artists etc. It really is worth going to because it is so unusual and unique.
It has the cellar floor, the ground floor and the upstairs, each floor split into little rooms and nooks and crannies. You are encouraged by the staff to have a walk around if visiting for the first time and they are very friendly and polite.
When we went there last year we found the beer was good and the food menu was also very reasonably priced and had plenty of choice. We love it!
This pub is located at 145 Fleet Street, on Wine Office Court. You may, like most, turn into the wrong alley, but there is a sign to direct you back.
To see the pictures, opening times and other info about the place go to http://www.pubs.com/main_site/pub_details.php?pub_id=154

Twining Tea shop

Twining Tea was founded in 1706 by Thomas Twining, at a time when the regular tipple of most English people at meal times was ale.
He began to sell tea from his coffee shop premises at Number 216 Strand London, the very same shop that still operates there today and promised to sell only the best, with selections from the finest qualities and varieties of teas.
Twining Tea has now been the proud holder of a Royal Warrant since 1837, when Queen Victoria bestowed the honor on the company.
There is a Loose Tea Bar, which has created a lot of interest - with their sampling dishes and new Sampling Counter, where you can ask to try something.
You can find some interesting things in their small museum, such as old teapots, caddies and some old pictures of the Twining family.
You can be assured of a very warm welcome and willingness to answer all of your questions.
We bought a lot of different teas and the prices were much better then at Harrods.
The shop is located directly opposite the Royal Courts of Justice and close to St. Clement Dane's Church. The nearest London Underground Station is Temple, for the District and Circle Lines. Just walk straight up the road to the Strand and turn right, where you will find them about 300 yards away. They are open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm and on Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
To learn more about the Twining tea and the shop please go to http://www.twinings.co.uk/about-twinings/our-stores

LONDON OFF THE BEATEN PATH - CEREMONY OF THE KEYS

While London is full of history, there are few opportunities for visitors to be part of a centuries-old tradition in a very up-close-and-personal way, while also getting a very direct feel of the history of the place. One of those opportunities comes when attending the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London.

The Ceremony of the Keys has been conducted each and every night for the past 700 years. While the Queen no longer lives in the Tower of London, the Crown Jewels and other valuable artifacts are still there, and the Tower, which continues to serve as a fortress, must be securely locked each night by the famed Beefeaters, who act in concert with the military guards, the same ones who can be seen wearing large “Bearskin” hats during the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. (To learn more about Beefeaters go to http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/Beefeaters.htm).

The admission to the Ceremony of the Keys is free and offers an amazing opportunity for visitors to London, however, it remains somewhat unknown for two reasons. First, reservations must be obtained in writing well in advance of attending. Second, only a small number of people are allowed for each ceremony.

To make a reservation please go to http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/WhatsOn/ceremonyofthekeys and follow instructions in Requests for Tickets to the Ceremony of the Keys.

You will require two coupon-response international (stamps). Last year I bought them in the Post office, and each cost $2.20.

To attend the ceremony in May, I requested the reservation in February.

Within two weeks I received a letter from the Tower of London Office with tickets.

Due to the traditional nature of this event, late arrivals will not be admitted, so reserve plenty of time to travel to the ceremony. 

CHOCOLATE TOUR ON VALENTINE DAY

As you know the Valentine's Day is next week. If you have not made any plans yet for your Valentine, then I have an idea: chocolate tour.
Join the experienced tour guide for a delightful stroll through some of New York's most decadent desserts and chocolatieres.
There are the highlights of the tour:

Chelsea Market - One of New York's best kept secrets and a foodies dream, this place is soawesomeit'scrazy!

Lilac Chocolates - This roaring twenties candy shop remains cult fave, a fine selection of homemade mocha truffles, maple walnut fudge, chocolate cream rolls and the almond bark is to die for!

Chocolate Bar - Chocorgasm pioneer Alison Nelson brings the real taste of chocolate to the West Village!

Magnolia Bakery - It's a crime to go to NYC and not try one of these cupcakes!!

Varsano's - Mom-and-pop-style favorite specializes in handmade peanut-butter cups and marshmallows.

Pasticceria Bruno - The best Canoli in New York. Period!

Kee's Chocolate - Chocoholics swear by the exceptionally creamy truffles made daily at this Soho boutique, be sure to try the creme brulee!

Marie Belle - This incredible kingdom of chocolate is unsurpassed in New York

Vosges - Designer chocolates spiced with an array of exotic flavors ranging from allspice to ginger to hemp seed to wasabi!

Best Chocolate Cake in the World - Decide for yourself!

To reserve the tour go to http://www.nytours.us/?event=offer.detail&offerId=12503&startDate=02/01/2012&endDate=02/29/2012

If you do not live in New York, there are the some websites for you:

http://www.chicagochocolatetours.com/

http://www.philadelphiachocolatetours.com/

http://www.bostonchocolatewalkingtours.com/

Enjoy!

GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL

A couple of days ago I received a call from Toronto from my friends.
They are coming to NYC in February and will have one free day. It wouldn't be their first visit to NY, so they asked me what to see in NY during their free time.
Although it is always nice to walk through Central Park or down Fifth Avenue, browsing around Greenwich Village, or other places in the city, I wanted to find something they would enjoy regardless of the weather.
I suggested my friends take a very interesting audio tour inside Grand Central Terminal (GCT)

Metro-North Railroad, which operates the Terminal, has teamed up with Orpheo USA, one of the world's most experienced producers of audio tours, to give tourists, travelers and locals alike a history of the terminal filled with interesting details and insights.

Orpheo's state-of-the-art audio device and headset comes with a map of the terminal for just $6 for adults with discounts for seniors and the disabled at $5 and students at $4. Children under 12 pay only $2.

This tour is available seven days a week, 365 days a year at specially-marked "GCT Tour" windows on the Main Concourse. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The tour focuses not only on the architectural highlights of the Terminal but provides a real story about little known secrets, anecdotes, archival material and the History of the Terminal, with a capital H. Listeners can take the "local" or "express" tour. And if visitors are interested in more in-depth information, there are options for additional material at the push of a button. The self-guided tour can last as little as 30 minutes to just over an hour.

If you go, please do not forget to experience the magic of "whispering gallery" located on the Grand Central Terminal dining concourse near the famous Oyster Bar & Restaurant. Here, the acoustics of the low ceramic arches can cause a whisper to sound like a shout.

After the tour (or before it, depending on your schedule), go to one of the bakeries with delicious sweets to choose from or visit the marketplace for some incredible food choices!

Here are some words used to describe the GCT tour, taken from numerous reviews I read: "awesome", "amazing", "an incredible place to see", "magical place", "wow..."

ISRAEL—OFF THE BEATEN PATH

There’s so much to see in Israel that getting off the beaten path can be difficult. My friends, Misha and Marina recently came back from a trip to Israel. I offer you their story about a place that is not included in most tours, but, for multiple reasons, is worth a visit. 

What an amazing country Israel is! Having visited once, one feels being pulled back there by invisible strings (perhaps there is something in us that compels us to return to our historic roots). Even the most complete tour cannot include all worthwhile destinations. I would like to share with you one particular place which is not well known to average traveler – Hamat Gader. It is located at the border of Israel with Jordan and Syria, at the south-eastern part of sea ​​of ​​Galilee (Lake Kineret).

The sulfide springs (4.7% hydrogen sulfide) with running water 42-57 degrees Celsius was discovered by the Romans in the 2nd century and is now a favorite place for rest and relaxation for many Israelis. We stayed the whole day there, swimming in the pool, enjoying the Jacuzzi and waterfall, lunch at the restaurant, after which returning to the water. There is a hotel (The Spa Village Hotel), a vegetarian restaurant and bar (“Blue-Bar”), gym, sauna, steam room, a Crocodile Farm (which you can visit), and of course, various historic sites. These include Roman baths c. 2nd century, a synagogue c. 5th century with amazing mosaics, a church, and a park.

For more information I refer you to the following websites 

http://www.hamat-gader.com/eng 

www.spavillage.co.il  

I know from my own experience, that after every trip, there is still a lot we didn't have time to see or just didn't know about place worth a visit.

Perhaps some of you would like to share some “off the beaten path” destinations or places of interest.

Thanks, Liliya

WINTER FESTIVALS, PART 2

As promised, I continue with winter festivals around the world.

Belalp Hexe in Belalp, Valais, Switzerland 

January 7 to 14, 2012 

As the legend goes, an old witch who lived in Belalp murdered her husband and was burned at the stake. Every January hundreds of skiers come to town in his honor—or is it hers?—with pointy hats, crooked noses, and wispy broomsticks for Belalp Hexe (Belalp Witch) week and the downhill Witches' Descent race.

Up Helly Aa in Lerwick, the Shetland Islands, Scotland

January 31, 2012 

For the past 100-odd years, gales, sleet, and snow have never stopped the town of Lerwick from setting the night on fire in true Norse style on the last Tuesday of January. It takes 364 days to make Up Helly Aa's elaborate costumes, Viking weaponry, 1,000 fuel-soaked torches, and full-sized longship. But on that one night of the year, Lerwick is like something straight out of an ominous movie set.

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival in Hwacheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea 

January 7 to 29, 2012 

The Hwacheon Sancheoneo (Mount Trout) Ice Festival will be taking place in Hwacheon in Gangwon province. This virtually untouched region is known as the first area in Korea that freezes over in winter, and the river is covered with a thick layer of ice.
Visitors can try out ice fishing, and those who are feeling brave can try to catch mountain trout with their bare hands. As well as fun activities and performances, there is also an exhibition of ice sculptures that took 20 weeks to prepare.

The most amazing, in my opinion, is The IceMusic Festival, Geilo, Norway

January at the first full moon of the year 
The Ice Music Festival is a festival where the stage and venue are built exclusively with snow and ice. All the instruments and decorations are all made of ice from the local area. The IceMusic Festival is a unique, artistic and musical project. This festival is an ovation to the nature, and to one of the most important resources in the world - water. The weather is essential for the Ice Music Festival. The quality of the ice depends on the winter conditions and the sound of it varies as the temperature differs.  Therefore, every concert is a unique experience. The festival is in the mercy of the nature where the moon decides the time and the weather decides the music. The IceMusic Festival gathers different artistic expressions which all have a connection to ice. Please go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXSJKz8IMM8&feature=fvwrel and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXSJKz8IMM8&feature=fvwrel to listen to the Ice Music.