Autumn in Aspen

I was back in Aspen two weeks ago, and I really must say it is one of the most beautiful time of year to visit. In all of the 26 years I have been in the travel business, I have never had a 10-day stretch of time with the most beautiful weather! We had beautiful skies, mild temperatures and starlit nights. We stayed at the exclusive Little Nell Hotel, right at the base of Aspen Mountain. Their rennovations are beautiful, the food was fabulous, and the service level, outstanding. They are primed and ready for the busy ski season.

September is the time of year the Aspen's start turning their amazing shades of yelllow. The slopes of the mountains seem to be set ablaze as if lit from inside. What really makes the photos stunning in my opinion is the contrast between the bright yellow aspens and the deep green pines scattered among them.

 

It's widely known that historically, Aspen was founded by the silver mining industry. The rocks in these moutains are full of mineral deposits which, during the rush, made a lot of people very wealthy.  The stories and facts of the time are fascinating.  What is not as widely known is the slopes on both sides of the Aspen Valley are full of mineshafts and tunnels. I spend one morning in Compromise Mine, right on the face of Aspen Mountain. Experiencing this active silver mine added a whole new aspect to my view of this mountain...that being the characteristics of Swiss cheese!

Mine View of Aspen

Two Miners - one experienced, one not!

 

Ye Olde Mine Shack



The way in and out

There are just some locations on earth that ooze the majesty of God's handiwork. The Maroon Bells is one of those places. On a sunny and calm Autumn day, before the crowds arrive, the beauty of the scenery will take your breath away! Even though it's a bit tricky timing the changing of the leaves, hours of the national park, and the weather, it's worth the effort.  It's hard not to take a postcard picture.

Another photo opportunity not to be missed is the Snowmass Hot Air Balloon Festival. The scenes are definitly worth getting up early! I don't know which would be more beautiful, seeing them all from the ground, or taking in the view from the basket.

 

Home of the Godfather began - Taormina, Sicily

I would like to introduce you to Sicily. A destination unknown to many of you is my guess. Even after 20 years in the travel business, this unbelievable destination took me totally by surprise. The crown jewel of the Sicilian coast line, Taormina, has so much to offer that it will be hard to cover in this short post. You will see by the photos, this gem of a destination displays majestic scenery, incredible wines, historic treasures, geologic fascinations, sunny playgrounds, cultural uniqueness and movie fame.  That's a mouthful, but true in every sense. The beautiful village of Taormina is perched in the cliffs above the Meditteranean, safely out of the path of frequent lava flows from Mt. Etna.

It is Mt. Etna that dominates the landscape in Taormina. As one of the most active volcanoes in Europe, it is in a constant state of eruption.  I'll never forget the balmy evenings on the terrace of the hotel, sampling the local grown white wines, captivated by the red and orange glow of the veins of lava seeping down the mountainside. It's a good thing for the hillside residents that this is not a volcano that builds-up pressure and explodes. They may not know where the next vent will open up, but Vesuvius it is not. The wineries I visited on the slopes of Etna take advantage of the rich soil and Mediterranean climate, to create some beautifuly crisp white varietals. When pared with the famous Sicilian cuisine, it really makes this a superior culinary desination. As you will see with the photos below, if your willing to get up early, a sunrise, can be just a dramatic as a sunset anyday...

Mt. Etna

Steaming Mt. Etna

 

Sicilian Winery

Awsome Sunrise



Bora Bora - Tahiti's Pearl

Talk about the most romantic, get-away-from-it-all place in the world, Bora Bora is it! This tiny island is one of  the of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. One unique characteristic of these islands is that they are surrounded by ring reefs, which act as a protective barrier to the large ocean waves. Inside these ring reefs, the water is calm, clear, and home to an abundance of exotic sea life. Where the ring reef is above the water, it forms small islands off-shore called "motus". Outside the reef and motus is the open ocean, inside, the calm and protected waters are commonly known as the lagoon. If it wasn't for these beautiful lagoons, you wouldn't have what Tahiti has become famous for...the secluded and romantic over-water bungalows. That is also the reason they are so expensive...supply and demand! Most come equipped with glass-bottom coffee tables, allowing you to watch the tropical fish feed on the crumbs you throw from your room service tray.

Inside Bora Bora's lagoon, you'll find a very unique tour. The shark and ray feeding is not to be missed. It's quite a thrill to feed the stingrays by hand all at the same time the sand and reef sharks curiously circle. Even though they are generally afraid of humans, the sight of them, just a few feet away, sends shivers up your spine. One of the most beautiful places I have ever been snorkeling is in the Coral Gardens of Bora Bora. If your in for a bit more action, take a circle-island tour by wave runner or ATV tour on a motu. Why stop there!  Take a jeep safari or go hiking on Mt. Otumanu while your at it.

Whether you fly into the "BOB" airport, neatly built on a motu, or sail in through the narrow reef entrance by ship, you will find Bora Bora an unbelievably magical place. The beauty of the powder-white sand beaches, crystal-clear water and waving palm trees is only be enhanced by the most colorful sunsets imaginable. I just think it is so cool when you hotel is situated on a motu with a perfect view, only accessible by boat and your breakfast is delivered to your overwater bungalow by outrigger canoe. It's out-of-this-world!!!

Baja California - Cabo for Short

To my arriving group - stay cool and get plenty of liquids!  Cabo in August is not for the faint of heart...a bit warm, to say the least!  This unique area of Mexico is a vacation paradise and playground for fun in the sun. In the few times I have visited Cabo, I have discovered fabulous architecture, stunning scenery, amazing activities and the best guacamole in the world! There's few Mexican culinary experiences that rival a sunset catamaran cruise around the Arch of Cabo while enjoying the best Margaritas with freshly made guacamole, salsa and chips. It must be the smell of the salt air that makes it magical, and virtually unrepeatable in Minnesota!

Cabo has a great mix of hotels, from all-inclusive to ultra-exclusive. Activities also fill the spectrum from imitating a beached whale to Ziplines, ATVs and Dune Buggies.  For golfers and fishermen, who often come in the same package, it's a destination to die for. During my most recent visit, a jeep safari through the desert bushland revealed some pretty cool sites...from the blooming cacti to this inviting swimming oasis. Who would have thought this place would exist in such a dusty environment.

 

The "action" in Cabo gravitates to either Cabo San Lucas, or San Jose de Cabo. Both are worth a visit, but draw a completely different crowd. The busy marina, tourist shopping and wild nightclubs are primarily in Cabo San Lucas. For a little more cultural and cultural experience, San Jose de Cabo is the place to go. The number of art galleries and fine restaurants has grown immensely over the years and are all within walking distance from the historic city square.

Aspen - Rocky Mountain High!

Ahh...Aspen.  Talking with friends last night, we landed on the topic of Aspen.  This unique little universe unto itself is a playground for the rich and famous as well as home to people who love the outdoors.  I am lucky enough to be planning a trip for a distinguished client at the moment.  I will be traveling there next month, so I may need to do an update post at that time. 

Last year I was there in November, and it turned out to be one of the most glorious weeks of the year.  The skies were clear and it topped 70 degrees every day.  Aspen Mountain looms over the townsite and offers some of the most beautiful views.  The private Aspen Mountain Club sits on top, and offers a refuge to the "in" crowd during the season.  Other times of the year it is an exclusive venue for distinguished groups.  In my business, it's a perfect setting for a gala event.

The fall is a great time to visit.  There are endless activities to enjoy, and the Aspens are changing their many shades of yellow.  The best hotels in town are undisputably the Little Nell and the St. Regis.  Both are right at the bottom of the slopes and offer impeccable service and comfort.  The spa at the St. Regis is famous for serving champagne while you lounge in the oxygen room waiting for your treatment.  Sorry to say, I had to endure this torture on a couple occasions. Make a point to try the fly fishing when you visit. This was the highlight of my trip.

If your in the mood for some authentic wild game cuisine, head to the Pine Creek Cookhouse.  The log cabin restuarant is reached by sleigh in the winter, and scenic mountain road in the summer.  I think it will be a highlight for my upcoming group. Snowmass, just a couple valleys over from Aspen is also worth a visit. The photography is great when the Hot Air Balloon Festival fills the sky.

Is South Africa your "Cup" of Tea?

I'm excited to share my first posting with you on one of my favorite destinations.  As the site of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, South Africa hosted one of the largest world sporting events.  Even though the sport goes almost unnoticed in the US, the event draws fans from all a host of nations.  I was lucky enough to plan a group to this facinating destination this year.  My distinguished client sponsored a small group of high-achieving winners to the final match and safari at one of the best game lodges in the country.  I love South Africa because of the vast amount of once-in-a-lifetime experiences available to each lucky traveler. 

I have been lucky enough to have experience this exotic mecca on seven occasions myself.  Each of my industry related trips had wonderful scenery, heart-racing game viewing and new culinary experiences I will remember for a lifetime.

They say the sky is larger on safari, and I really think it is true.  There is nothing like sipping a South African Shiraz at sundown, while nibbling on some tasty bits (as they call them) and looking out over the African bush that seems to go on forever.  It's really difficult to discribe the 5-star accommodations and service you get at private game reserves around the Kruger National Park.  Lodges like Sabi Sabi, Mala Mala, Londolozi, Lion Sands and Kapama are just a few.  You know your in another world when you wake up in the morning and find an elephant has left you a not-so-small present next to your private plung pool.

Apart from the charm of the cities in South Africa, the game viewing is by far the highlight of the trip.  The photos attached, along with the banner photo of this site, are examples of the scenes that await you on every visit.  I hope to share many more with you in the future.

Introducing the Travel Grapevine!

Welcome to my blog and the grapevine of international travel. This has been my profession for many years, but sharing the world with others is my passion. It is my hope that capturing my experiences, or reliving travel memories of the past will interest you and inspire you to go our and experience the world for yourself.