CLUB - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-28T22:10:33Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/CLUBRoaming the Seas of the World with IntersailClub, the Airbnb of Sailinghttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/sailing-intersail-club-yacht-sailboat-booking-sharing2020-07-07T08:16:41.000Z2020-07-07T08:16:41.000ZSimon Hopeshttps://tripatini.com/members/SimonHopes<div><p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://scontent-mad1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/11059753_1083161661714025_7323959261842814610_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&_nc_sid=9267fe&_nc_ohc=bss3vV_j-W8AX-YDa49&_nc_ht=scontent-mad1-1.xx&oh=4ab6c21864ba3a9008e2afa7c2479032&oe=5F299C53" target="_blank"><img src="https://scontent-mad1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/11059753_1083161661714025_7323959261842814610_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&_nc_sid=9267fe&_nc_ohc=bss3vV_j-W8AX-YDa49&_nc_ht=scontent-mad1-1.xx&oh=4ab6c21864ba3a9008e2afa7c2479032&oe=5F299C53&profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center" width="750" alt="11059753_1083161661714025_7323959261842814610_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&_nc_sid=9267fe&_nc_ohc=bss3vV_j-W8AX-YDa49&_nc_ht=scontent-mad1-1.xx&oh=4ab6c21864ba3a9008e2afa7c2479032&oe=5F299C53&profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></em></span><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>IntersailClub</em></span></p><p></p><p></p><p>The greatest way to see the world's beaches and coastlines is, unsurprisingly, by by boat. But of course, sailing for most people means relying on tour operators and charters. To add to the growing options out there, one service that has arisen in recent years is <strong><a href="https://intersailclub.com/" target="_blank">IntersailClub</a></strong>, which as posttionend itself as the Airbnb of sailing. Offering 76 itineraries around the world; it connects would-be sailers with yacht and catamaran owners, allowing you to book a spot at rates substantially more moderate than booking the entire boat (at the moment, for example, <a href="https://intersailclub.com/yacht-cabin-charter/best-sailing-cruise-in-ibiza-and-formentera,974.html" target="_blank">a seven-day sail in Ibiza/Formentera, in Spain's Balearic Islands</a>, costs just 376 euros per person, though there are various other sailing packages at various price points, up to <a href="https://intersailclub.com/cruises/luxury-catamaran-cruise-from-capo-d-orlando-08-08-2020,18349.html" target="_blank">1,750 for a week on a luxury catamaran through Italy's Aeolian Islands</a>.. "Bareboat" (meaning you sail the craft yourself) options are also available.</p><p></p><p><br /> <br /> <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eZmnQ_ieyBk?wmode=opaque" allowfullscreen="" width="750" height="400" frameborder="0"></iframe> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Sailing and Wining off Southern Italy</strong></span><br /> <br /> <br /> The excursion my group recently picked was part of the Wine and Sail Flotilla from Sail Italia along in the Bay of Naples and along an inspiring stretch of southern Italian coastline where rugged green mountains dive into the Mediterranean with vivid towns clinging to their sides.</p><p><br /> Our cruise began in Provide - a spot we'd never known about - the smalelst (at just four square kilometers) and least touristy island in the Bay of Naples; we also chose to go spend seven days here even before the sail began. We became hopelessly enamored with its laid-back appeal, lemon groves, and lively Marina Corricella.</p><p><br /> The following morning after the cruise began, we set off on the short excursion to neighboring island Ischia. It's significantly bigger and more precipitous than Provide, with a stunning coastline of beautiful towns and the inspiring Aragonese Castle, rooted on volcanic stone. We spent a comfortable mid-day break secured offshore sunbathing and swimming in the sea. For the majority of the week we motored more than cruised, yet that first evening we got the sails up and Simon maneuvered us around Ischia to Marina di Forio where we spent the night.</p><p><br /> The next day saw a long daytime crossing to Capri in rough waters, but it was well worth the trouble. The rugged limestone rock takes off over the blue ocean. Its overwhelming structure appears to be aloof yet it's specked with lavish green trees, purple bougainvillea, and sturdy white houses.At night we enjoyed wonderful onboard tastings of delicious Italian wines.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p></div>Relax! Start off every Costa Rica vacation with a massagehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/relax-start-off-every-costa-rica-vacation-with-a-massage2015-07-25T00:33:57.000Z2015-07-25T00:33:57.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008977288,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008977288,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008977288?profile=original" /></a>Vacation</b> … we dream about it when we’re working. <b>Time to relax</b>, to unwind, to stop the “fast-paced rat race” and just enjoy.</p><p><b>But how many of us find ourselves finally on vacation and not really relaxing</b> out of our frenetic pace until mid-way through or nearly the end of our holiday?</p><p>There is <b>no better quick entry into that unstressed relaxation mode on vacation than getting a massage or spa treatment</b>. It really is amazing how 60 or 90 minutes of making your muscles and body relax can instantly produce those feelings of bliss and well-being. I recommend <b>getting a massage the day after arrival on vacation to soothe travel-weary muscles</b>.</p><p>With so many things competing for our attention <b>in our accelerated lives, it's</b> <b>easy to fall into being tired, stressed, anxious or exhausted</b>; yet it’s harder to take the time to counteract all of that with something positive like the healing benefits of massage.</p><p><b><a href="http://www.massagetherapy.com/learnmore/benefits.php" target="_blank">Massage therapy benefits</a> you</b> by relaxing tight muscles, easing stress, increasing circulation, releasing toxins, and benefiting your whole body in positive ways. It can <b>boost your health and keep you feeling full of vitality</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008978666,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008978666,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="423" alt="9008978666?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b>While on <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/blog-category/338-explore-the-magical-south-caribbean-coast-of-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">vacation in Costa Rica</a>, take time for a massage</b>. Your body will thank you, and you’ll feel much more refreshed to fully enjoy your downtime.</p><p>When <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/10-things-expect-costa-ricas-southern-caribbean-coast/" target="_blank">visiting the Costa Rica Caribbean Coast</a>, take advantage of the <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/puerto-viejo-costa-rica-spa.html" target="_blank">spa services</a> at <b><a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Le Caméléon</a>,</b> <b>on</b> <b>Playa Cocles just past <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/area.html" target="_blank">Puerto Viejo</a></b>. The <b>upscale</b> <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/hotel.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica boutique hotel</a> features <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/rooms.html" target="_blank">modern rooms</a>, beautiful tropical architecture, a gourmet restaurant, and the <b>fantastic</b> <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/restaurant.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica Caribbean beach club La Sula Sea Lounge</a> <b>on Playa Cocles – one of the <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/prettiest-beach-by-puerto-viejo-costa-rica-is-playa-cocles/" target="_blank">prettiest Costa Rica Caribbean beaches</a></b>. Le Caméléon has been awarded the prestigious <b><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1212465-d1200494-Reviews-Le_Cameleon_Boutique_Hotel-Cocles_Puerto_Viejo_de_Talamanca_Province_of_Limon.html" target="_blank">TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence</a> for 2015</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008979094,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008979094,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008979094?profile=original" /></a>Professional therapists offer <b>spa services using 100% natural products</b>, such as <b>local organically-grown cacao for a chocolate body therapy and massage</b>, and cured smooth bamboo from the region used in a <b>relaxing bamboo massage</b>. See the full <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/images/lecameleon_menu_spa.pdf" target="_blank">Le Cameleon Spa Menu</a>; English is on the second page.</p><p><b>Hotel Le Caméléon</b> <b>also offers</b> <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/yoga-in-puerto-viejo-costa-rica/" target="_blank">yoga</a> in private yoga classes or yoga studio classes in Puerto Viejo, and <b>customized Pilates classes</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008850453,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008850453,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008850453?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b>How to get to Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica</b></p><p><b>Daily 30-minute flights to Limon from San Jose on <a href="http://www.natureair.com/limon-flights.aspx?gclid=CIquqOrLjsICFZPm7Aod9g0Ajg" target="_blank">Nature Air</a> or <a href="http://crc.flysansa.com/en/destinations/Limon" target="_blank">Sansa Airlines</a></b> make it easy to get to <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/area.html" target="_blank">Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica</a>. From Limon, it is a <b>short drive</b> less than an hour <b>to Puerto Viejo and Playa Cocles.</b> The drive from San Jose to Puerto Viejo is approximately 4.5 hours.</p></div>Costa Rica Caribbean Hotel Le Cameleon keeps every day fresh and newhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/costa-rica-caribbean-hotel-le-cameleon-keeps-every-day-fresh-and2016-03-19T20:50:41.000Z2016-03-19T20:50:41.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p>When we go on vacation, it’s time to do new things, discover new places, try new foods, and generally renew ourselves.</p><p> </p><p>At Caribbean Costa Rica <strong><a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Le Caméléon</a></strong>, they live the mantra: “every day is a new day.”</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008974469,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008974469,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008974469?profile=original" /></a>The location of the Costa Rica luxury hotel is definitely rejuvenating: on beautiful <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/prettiest-beach-by-puerto-viejo-costa-rica-is-playa-cocles/" target="_blank">Playa Cocles</a>, where wild rainforest meets golden sand and the dazzling, turquoise Caribbean Sea. Hotel Le Caméléon rests on the road connecting the vibrant, bohemian beach town of <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/area.html" target="_blank">Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica</a> and the <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/activities/324-gandoca-manzanillo-wildlife-refuge.html" target="_blank">Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge</a> to the south.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009023678,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009023678,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009023678?profile=original" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296612086,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296612086,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="284" alt="9296612086?profile=original" /></a>Going with the <b>theme of their name – <i>“The chameleon”</i></b> – the hip yet relaxed Hotel Le Caméléon is styled in impeccable white with striking dashes of tropical colors that change hue every day. Seat cushions. A painting. Flower vases. Restaurant napkins. Staff uniforms. The daily metamorphosis in your guest room and throughout the hotel keeps things fresh, and has you guessing what each new day will bring.</p><p> </p><p>“When each day the colors in your white resting sanctuary change, you are reminded that ‘every day is a new day’, filled with infinite opportunities for new experiences, new friends, and new thoughts. Embrace this mantra with us. Take the time to sit on your private terrace and soak in your surroundings. Listen to the howl of the monkeys in the canopy or take a relaxing stroll up the beach,” hotel publicity proffers.</p><p></p><p>The <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/rooms.html" target="_blank">23 ultra-chic rooms</a> of the <a href="http://www.enchanting-hotels.cr/en/le-cameleon-boutique-hotel.html" target="_blank">Enchanting Hotel of Costa Rica</a> are tucked in the jungle gardens around a lap pool. Modern rooms in all-white minimalist style are decorated with a touch of vibrant colors, offering a sleek design that is as stylish as it is comfortable. Sliding glass doors lead out to private balconies or patios in all rooms.</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009050674,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009050674,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009050674?profile=original" /></a>Hotel Le Caméléon provides <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/puerto-viejo-costa-rica-spa.html" target="_blank">spa services</a>, yoga classes, tour services, and a first-class <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/restaurant.html" target="_blank">restaurant</a>. The hotel’s fantastic <b>Costa Rica Caribbean</b> <b>beach club,</b> <b><a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/restaurant.html" target="_blank">La Sula Sea Lounge</a>,</b> is directly across the street on Cocles Beach, and features day-beds, hammocks, lounge chairs, bar and restaurant service.</p><p></p><p>There is so <b>much <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/activities.html" target="_blank">to do in Puerto Viejo</a></b> – surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving, chocolate tours, a sloth sanctuary – it will be easy to enjoy new experiences. </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296612095,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296612095,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9296612095?profile=original" /></a>So, grab your swimsuit and head to <b>Hotel Le Caméléon</b> for a <b>sunny spring holiday</b>. There are easy <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/travel-tips/get-costa-ricas-caribbean-coast-easy-way/" target="_blank">daily flights from San Jose to Limon</a> and it’s a short drive to Playa Cocles.</p><p></p><p><i>“Start your day out with the widest of smiles, and witness the tremendous effect this simple action has on your mood and on everything around you.” – Hotel Le Caméléon</i></p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>The start of Caribbean Summer in Costa Rica is the time for special dealshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/the-start-of-caribbean-summer-in-costa-rica-is-the-time-for2015-08-31T18:24:33.000Z2015-08-31T18:24:33.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008824294,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008824294,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="451" alt="9008824294?profile=original" /></a>The start of <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/sunshine-summer-warm-costa-rica-caribbean-coast-october/" target="_blank">Caribbean Summer in Costa Rica</a> is the time for <b>special deals.</b> The <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/10-things-expect-costa-ricas-southern-caribbean-coast/" target="_blank">climate on the Caribbean Coast</a> varies from the rest of Costa Rica. Most of the year, the Caribbean Coast maintains its <b>forever green landscape</b> from regular tropical rain showers. Then, when the rest of Costa Rica enters peak rainy season <b>in</b> <b>September and October, the sun comes out over the Caribbean</b>.</p><p> </p><p><b>Costa Rica's southern Caribbean Coast has everything you're looking for in a beach vacation</b> – adventure, romance, decadent beaches, wildlife, new flavors and music, cultural exchange … and at <strong><a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Le Caméléon</a> by <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/area.html" target="_blank">Puerto Viejo</a></strong>, you have the utmost in luxury. <b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008984264,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008984264,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008984264?profile=original" /></a>Now through the end of October</b> is the <b>time to visit</b> <b>Hotel Le Caméléon</b> for <b><a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/special/hotel-offers-puerto-viejo-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">special vacation offers</a> in Caribbean summer</b>. <b>Through Aug. 31, 2015</b>, Hotel Le Caméléon is offering a <b>30% discount</b> off rates for Superior and Deluxe rooms (for rates over $168.00).</p><p><b>In September</b>, in honor of <b>Costa Rica’s Independence Day on Sept. 15</b>, Hotel Le Caméléon is <b>celebrating “Our Homeland Month”.</b> <b>In October</b>, Costa Rica celebrates the <b>month of cultures</b>, and <b>Limon,</b> the “capital city” of Costa Rica’s Caribbean region, holds its <b>annual carnival</b> celebration<b>.</b> <b>During both September and October 2015</b>, at Hotel Le Caméléon you can receive a <b>20% discount</b> off rates for Superior and Deluxe rooms.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008984460,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008984460,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008984460?profile=original" /></a>There is a <b>Romance Package</b> that includes one night in a Superior Room for two persons, breakfast, and one Caribbean lunch or dinner per person, for $198.00 plus tax. There also is a <b>Family Package</b> that includes one night in a Deluxe Room, breakfast, and one Caribbean lunch or dinner per person. For two adults, the price is $218.00 plus tax. For families with two adults and up to two children (under age 12), the price is $253.00 plus tax. Children receive a surprise gift.</p><p><b>Costa Rica Caribbean Summer</b> is a perfect time to visit the <b>beautiful beaches of <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/activities/319-cahuita-national-park.html" target="_blank">Cahuita</a>, <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/area.html" target="_blank">Puerto Viejo</a> and</b> <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/activities/330-manzanillo-beach.html" target="_blank">Manzanillo</a>. The <b>Southern Caribbean Coast</b> offers some of the <b>best <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/costa-rica-surfing-in-puerto-viejo/" target="_blank">surfing in Costa Rica</a>,</b> but this time of year when seas are calm, it is ideal for <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/activities/332-snorkeling.html" target="_blank">snorkeling</a> or <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/activities/326-scuba-diving.html" target="_blank">scuba diving</a> in the crystalline waters of the <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/blog-category/375-caribbean-summer-is-a-good-time-to-visit-cahuita-national-park.html" target="_blank">Cahuita National Park</a>, home of the <b>largest coral reef on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast</b>. Now also is a good time for a boat <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/activities/322-dolphins.html" target="_blank">tour to see wild dolphins</a> or to go <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/activities/327-sea-kayaking.html" target="_blank">sea kayaking</a>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008983901,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008983901,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008983901?profile=original" /></a></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008973679,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008973679,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008973679?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Le Caméléon</a> is located <b>on</b> <b>Playa Cocles just past Puerto Viejo</b> on one of the <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/prettiest-beach-by-puerto-viejo-costa-rica-is-playa-cocles/" target="_blank">prettiest Costa Rica Caribbean beaches</a>. The <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/hotel.html" target="_blank">upscale Costa Rica boutique hotel</a> features <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/rooms.html" target="_blank">modern rooms</a>, beautiful tropical architecture, a gourmet restaurant, <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/puerto-viejo-costa-rica-spa.html" target="_blank">spa services</a>, and the <b>fantastic</b> <b>Costa Rica</b> <b><a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/restaurant.html" target="_blank">Caribbean beach club La Sula Sea Lounge</a>.</b> An <a href="http://www.enchanting-hotels.cr/en/le-cameleon-boutique-hotel.html" target="_blank">Enchanting Hotel of Costa Rica</a>, Le Caméléon has been awarded the prestigious <b><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1212465-d1200494-Reviews-Le_Cameleon_Boutique_Hotel-Cocles_Puerto_Viejo_de_Talamanca_Province_of_Limon.html" target="_blank">TripAdvisor</a> Certificate of Excellence for 2015</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008985266,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008985266,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008985266?profile=original" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/hot-news/costa-rica-south-caribbean-travel-now-easy-with-new-flight-to-limon/" target="_blank">How to get to Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica</a></p><p><b>Daily 30-minute flights to Limon from San Jose on <a href="http://www.natureair.com/limon-flights.aspx?gclid=CIquqOrLjsICFZPm7Aod9g0Ajg" target="_blank">Nature Air</a> or <a href="http://crc.flysansa.com/en/destinations/Limon" target="_blank">Sansa Airlines</a></b> make it easy to get to <b>Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica</b>. From Limon, it is a <b>short drive</b> less than an hour <b>to Puerto Viejo and Playa Cocles.</b> The drive from San Jose to Puerto Viejo is approximately 4.5 hours.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>A visit to Saint Luciahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/a-visit-to-saint-lucia2010-07-12T13:30:00.000Z2010-07-12T13:30:00.000ZSimon & Baker Travel Reviewhttps://tripatini.com/members/SimonBakerTravelReview<div>Thinking of visiting Saint Lucia? Read about the Caribbean island and two luxury resorts our team visited recently at <a href="http://luxurytravelreview.com/">http://luxurytravelreview.com/</a></div>Half a World Away: The Power of Connection in Travelhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/half-a-world-away-the-power-of2010-03-04T20:12:25.000Z2010-03-04T20:12:25.000ZUncle Sam's New Yorkhttps://tripatini.com/members/UncleSamsNewYork<div>by Samuel Cook<br /><br /><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://unclesamsnewyork.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/world-map.jpg?w=300&h=159" alt="world-map.jpg?w=300&h=159" /></p><br /> <br />This past week, I took the opportunity to take my first real vacation since the summer of 2007. It is ironic that an executive of a travel company never gets to travel himself, but such is the reality of running a business - I have had to put my passion for traveling on the back burner as I have built a business around serving the needs of other travelers. My last vacation was a whirlwind trip around the United States to visit friends and family before I deployed on my second tour to Iraq. I was also looking for somewhere to attend graduate school, and it was on this trip that I rediscovered New York City and decided this was the place that I had to live and start a new life. It was on this trip that I discovered the power of connecting with the local population and engaging them on their terms. Instead of Times Square, I found the taverns of Greenwich Village, and strolled the streets of New York City, far and wide. And what I found is that the magic of travel is to truly interact with the local population.<br /><br />So this past week, I went on a vacation to Fiji. I was there at a conference, but the conference was focused on improving your health, life, and finances, so while I was in classes for most of the day and evening, I found it be a well needed break. It wasn’t a typical trip I would call a vacation – on those I usually attack them full on as an adventure, a call to action to see, experience, and soak in the local culture. That was not the purpose of this trip; I had intended it as a time to relax. But on this trip, I encountered some truly magic moments that reminded me of why we travel in the first place.<br /><br />Fiji is a set of Islands in the Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and the Australian continent. It was first settled over 3,500 years ago by voyagers from the Polynesian culture of Asia. It was first discovered in 1643 by a Dutch Explorer named Abel Tasman while he was looking for the great Southern Continent. Fiji had a long history of fierce tribal warfare and cannibalism, which mainly deterred European voyagers from frequenting the Islands, and it was known for a long time as “The Cannibal Isles.” Fijians today call this period “The Time of the Devil.” With the discovery of Australia in the late 1700s by Captain Cook, Fiji fell under the influence of Britain as a key strategic way station for its new pacific holdings. Fiji received independence from Britain in 1970. Today it is a vibrant country sustained on tropical agriculture and tourism.<br /><br />I spent my time in Fiji on the Namale Resort near the small Island town of Suva Suva on the Island of Vanua Levu. The views from our resort were breathtaking, situated on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the expanse before us so vast that at sunset you had trouble telling where the waters ended and the heavens began. I took snorkeling trips in pristine coves laced with Coral and brimming with tropical fish, and also did some swimming in the ocean and hiking around the tropical forests surrounding the resorts. And all of this was spectacular, but what really made the trip worth the effort were two special interactions with the Fijian people. Now while the Fijian Islands used to be known as the Cannibal Isles, that has long since been replaced by a wonderful, carefree spirit that makes you wonder how they manage to not see how serious life should be!<br /><br />We visited a Pentecostal local church, and the Fijian people in the congregation sang in a natural harmony that we spend years teaching in our music schools. I think if I lived in paradise, I would probably also learn to sing so well. The highlight of the local interaction came on the night that the local villagers donned their ancient war outfits while singing. These traditions once sustained the Island before Western life invaded the Islands. I felt like I was on a magic carpet ride through time, watching men in ancient warrior garb with spears dance in front of men, jumping in and out of roles they played with such deadly ferocity centuries ago. And then hearing these deep baritone warrior voices blend with the sweet soprano of the ladies who form the backbone of their tribal clan – the ladies invariably far outlive their warrior husbands. It is hard to describe the sound of a proud group of people singing about their land in an enchanting beautiful and unintelligible tongue.<br /><br />This break, although too short and not the typical adventure I would embark on, reminded me the reason that I got into this business in the first place. Sometimes in the midst of owning a business, I tend to lose sight of the passion and the reason that I was inspired to create my vision in the first place. At the end of the day, I got into this to provide the unique experiences to visitors that I have had the honor of experiences during my travels all over the world. Just as there is magic in the tribal dances and singing of Fijian culture, there is also magic in the streets of New York City. Seeing the Fijian singers, I am reminded of a wonderful summer evening last year in New York City, when I was leading a pub crawl through Greenwich Village. On Bleecker street, around sunset, a group of street singers began their routine across from the hot dog stand. Everyone stoppe ; the whole street was too enchanted by their wonderful harmony to move. All we wanted to do was just stand there and let them keep singing, bringing us back to those memories in our mind of those times that we cherish.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.unclesamsnewyork.com/">http://www.unclesamsnewyork.com/</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-NY/Uncle-Sams-New-York/182225010022?ref=ts">http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-NY/Uncle-Sams-New-York/182225010022?ref=ts</a></div>