Month: January 2021

“You have to taste a culture to understand it.” – Deborah Cater

I’m glad you choose to read my weekly newsletters. They have been one of my favorite ways to virtually sit down with you, sip a cup of tea or coffee together, and just share what I am seeing and feeling in regard to travel. So, thank you!

I am amazed at how much our world has changed over the past year. As we are closer to the light at the end of the tunnel, I know many are looking forward to the opportunity to get out and travel again. I sure am! How about you?

I’m planning a few adventures with other travel advisors, starting with the Canadian Rockies in early October, South Africa at the end of October and Sicily, Italy in November! 

I’ll soon be sharing a few “Come with Me” adventure opportunities where I will lead a group to another magical destination. Stay tuned! 

Oh, and by the way…Series 4 of our “Virtual Travel and Wine Nights” will start again around the 3rd week of February. Wait until you see what countries/destinations I will feature! More details to come!

‘It’s important to remember the reason we love to cook: it creates beauty, joy and love.” Angelo Sosa

There are plenty of things we gain from exploring different destinations. We’ll have a better understanding of the people living there, including their culture, history and background. It’s also an opportunity to gain new friends, new experiences, and new stories. But one of the best ways to get an intimate look into the culture of a place is through their food.

• 

• 

Cooking is LOVE made visible!

On a recent trip to Thailand, my travel buddy Sandy and I thought it would be fun to take a cooking class to learn how to make authentic Thai food. After spending a few weeks in Bangkok and the surrounding areas, we headed North to Chiang Mai where they have an overwhelming amount of Thai cooking classes. It’s definitely one of the “must do’s” when in that area. We chose the Chiang Mai Thai Farm Cooking School with Chef Wass. It’s the first and original Thai cooking school at an organic farm in Chiang Mai.

• 

• 

• 

Our class began with a trip to a local market. Chef Wass walked us past small, roofed vendors and florists to the main area of the bustling marketplace. Our group of eleven food-lovers gathered around the chef as she pointed out colorful vegetables, spices and other key ingredients for the Thai dishes we were going to make. She also taught us about the different types of rice and when it’s best to use each one. There were at least 3 that I’ve never seen in the USA…the first of my new learning experiences. As long as I have been cooking rice I have been doing it incorrectly. Sticky rice and jasmine rice are not cooked using the same method. Did you know that? Everything was so fresh, and it was hard not to miss the different smells in the market.

• 

• 

“Chefs don’t make mistakes; they create new dishes.” – Chef Elizabeth Briggs

• 

• 

Once we gathered all that was needed at the market, we headed back to the farm to see the many different kinds of organic herbs, vegetables and fruits that they proudly grow themselves. Lemon grass, rice, tomatoes, coconuts, Jackfruit, onions, basil, ginger, long beans, papaya, garlic, eggplant and many other goodies were spotted throughout the farm. We also picked a few more things from their crops to add to our recipes. There’s nothing better than selecting home grown ingredients for any recipe! So delicious!

• 

• 

• 

“Cooking is not a chore, it is a joy. Dining is not a fuel stop, it is recreation.” – Julia Childs

First step of the day was to learn about the Thai ingredients. We prepared curry paste, which is one of the most important aspects of Thai cooking. We also learned how to use fresh picked herbs and whole spices to increase aroma –> very important factor.

I chose to make yellow curry paste while others chose green or red.  Each color paste has its own unique flavor and level of spice, green is usually the milder of the curry pastes, while red is usually the hottest and yellow falls somewhere in between. Green curry is usually the brightest colored and the more popular curry used in Thai dishes. YUM!

• 

• 

• 

“Dining with one’s friends and beloved family is certainly one of life’s primal and most innocent delights, and one that is both soul-satisfying and eternal.” – Julia Childs

• 

• 

After creating the paste, we cooked many other dishes like Kaeng Ka Ri Gai (Yellow Curry with Chicken), Tom Kaa Gai (Coconut Soup), Phad Kaprao Gai (Chicken with Basil leaves), Phad Thai (Fried Noodles), Somtam (Papaya Salad) and Kluay Bod Chii (Bananas in Coconut Milk), all of which were delicious.

It was fun working side by side with Chef Wass as she taught us about traditional Thai food. All of our dishes looked like masterpieces. For the rest of the day, we alternated between cooking a dish then eating it, all the while listening to the chef’s funny jokes.

It was truly a wonderful experience and both Sandy and I would love to go back one day to try and make other Thai dishes!

• 

• 

Making food and sharing meals with others is believed to lead to a happier and healthier life. As the food nourishes our body, the conversation nourishes our soul. It really is an intimate act to share a meal with a stranger – as you never know who you will connect with or what stories you’ll hear. What a wonderful way to experience traditional Thai cuisine and meet others traveling in this beautiful country.

Traveling is food for the soul!

Follow XOOM Tours Facebook

Follow XOOM Tours Instagram

“Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind and fills your life with stories to tell.”  – Paula Bendfeldt

As we move into February, take time to reflect on your dream destinations! What places and moments would you like to experience and what memories would you like to cherish long after you return from your adventure?

“Did you ever notice the first piece of luggage on the carousel never belongs to anyone?” – Erma Bombeck

Have you ever noticed that kindergartners carry different things to school in their backpack compared to what teenagers carry in theirs? There are many similarities like books, paper, pencils and crayons. But as our kids transition from one grade level to the next, the contents of their backpack changes too.

• 

• 

As you think about traveling in the near future, what you pack in your luggage may change from what you traveled with before the pandemic. Besides your clothes, shoes and toiletries, it may include masks, hand sanitizer, a face shield, gloves and a thermometer. It struck me that this process parallels to how our kids, over the years, have had to change the items in their backpack each year.

Some of you may have school aged children, and others will look back and fondly remember the beginning of a new school year. Our kids always thought it was very exciting to meet new friends and teachers, begin new classes, wear a new outfit or new shoes and of course pick out a new backpack to hold all the tools necessary for success. And not just any backpack would do. It had to be one that fit their personality each school year.

There were so many choices…like Elmo, Arthur the Aardvark, Scooby Doo, Disney Princesses, Thomas the Tank Engine, the Solar System or Dinosaurs.

As the years progressed, it became more complicated because they were more self-aware about their choice of backpacks. It not only had to fit their books, pens, crayons and paper, but their lunchboxes, laptops, cell phones, gum, after school activity clothing, snacks, water bottles, makeup and more. Much like travel today.

So, let’s prepare your TRAVEL BACKPACK with the resources you need to be successful, especially if you are traveling internationally. My travel consortium, Virtuoso, has an expert-sourced Traveler’s Tool Kit packed with everything you need to know. Let’s take a look at what’s inside!

First, there’s a Pre-Trip Checklist and guess what’s at the top? Your passport! Take a look at yours. Is it valid through December 2021 or after? If not, let’s talk about getting it renewed!

How about your toiletry kit? Have you used any of the travel size items over the last few months and need to restock just in case you have an impromptu trip sneak up on you in the near future?

And if you plan to travel soon, make sure you are aware of the U.S. State Department’s Country specific Covid pages for up-to-date alerts and entry requirements. They are ever-changing!

The Traveler’s Tool Kit also has insights on the cruise industry, post pandemic tour trends and hotel stays, along with thoughts from Virtuoso travel advisors on how to confidently and safely travel the world, whenever you’re ready to go.

Just click on the button below for this valuable resource.

Are you ready to plan your next adventure?

As you know from my recent newsletters, I traveled internationally to Africa in November. I am also keeping up with all the latest developments and I’m here to help you, as are all of my supplier partners around the world.

Have you heard the news??

Stay positive! Stay Healthy! Stay safe!

Travel Update

Last week the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has expanded the requirement for all air passengers entering the United States from foreign countries, including all American Citizens, must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of departure to enter the country beginning January 26, 2021.

As your Travel Advisor, I will help you navigate through this new protocol.  Many of my supplier partners have been working to set up procedures to provide testing at their resort or in destination so it’s easy and seamless for you.

Here’s a perfect example.

Uganda requires a negative Covid test 72 hours before arrival and 72 hours before we could leave the country.  Test & Fly Laboratory (www.testandfly.co.ug) sent a team to administer PCR tests to us while we were at the lodge in Bwindi…which was our last stomping ground before departure. We received our results within 24 hours, printed and ready for our return flight. Seamless!

Let’s take a look at the details:

• Airlines are responsible for checking each passenger’s results.
• Rapid antigen and PCR tests will be valid for entry.
• Those who have a negative test result or documentation from a doctor stating they’ve recovered from COVID-19 will be allowed boarding.
• Those without documentation will be denied boarding.
• You can present your results digitally or on paper.
• Flight crews are exempt, as are those traveling to the Continental U.S. from any U.S. territory.
• If you’ve recovered from COVID-19 within three months, you can be exempted with a positive test as well as a doctor’s note.
• Connecting passengers are not exempt from the rule.
• Those who have been vaccinated still must present a negative test result before boarding.
• If you test positive while abroad, you will be stuck in that country until you test negative.

Anyone over the age of 2 must provide written documentation of the laboratory test result (paper or electronic copy) to the airline or provide documentation of having recovered from COVID-19.

And…it’s all in due time that this new policy was to be implemented!

“Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind and fills your life with stories to tell.”  -Paula Bendfeldt

Follow XOOM Tours Facebook

Follow XOOM Tours Instagram

“I would gladly live out of a suitcase, if it meant I could see the world.”

As we move into February, take time to reflect on your dream destinations! What places and moments would you like to experience and what memories would you like to cherish long after you return from your adventure?

As your travel advisor, I’m here to help you dream about your next adventure! I call it putting “HOPE on the calendar”!  When you are ready, let me know! I personally can’t wait to travel to my next far off distant land to experience a new culture! These memories will forever be a part of my travel experiences!

“There is no greater beauty or charm than what we can find in nature.” – Todd Romano

My recent trip to Africa offered so many once-in-a-lifetime experiences and chimpanzee trekking was one of them. Spending some time with our closest genetic relatives was a truly humbling experience, and it was so much more special because of the hard work involved in getting there. Since this was my first-time seeing chimpanzees in their natural habitat, I can honestly say it was so fascinating observing these species in the wild.

• 

• 

• 

Kibale National Park is the best place to spot chimpanzees in Uganda. There are some 5,000 of them found in the country, and Kibale is home to a high concentration of family packs.

We started our journey early in the morning…all geared up with layers of clothing…rain jackets, thick gloves, hats, long socks, hiking boots and gaiters. The gaiters were important because they helped to prevent fire ants from creeping into our pants.

Since it’s Covid times, we wore masks, had our hands sanitized, and our temperature was taken upon arrival at the center.

Chimpanzee trekking often means hours of hiking on steep, narrow footpaths and through the forest to see these primates in their natural habitat. It’s difficult work, but it’s thoroughly rewarding once you come upon a family of chimpanzees quietly preening, playing, and relaxing. It’s required to obtain a tracking permit before your trip because the total number of permits per day is limited.

• 

• 

Before heading into the forest, our Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger filled us in on the details. 

• The first thing we noticed was that she was carrying a gun. The purpose of her firearm wasn’t for the chimps. Instead, rangers shoot it into the air to fend off aggressive elephants and buffalo because, in this rainforest, they’re not used to human company as they are in savannah parks. Thank goodness she didn’t have to use it while we were on our adventure!!  :> If so, I think we all would have “hit the dirt…literally! LOL!
• Habituation, the process by which wild animals become accustomed to the presence of humans, can take up to two years for chimpanzees. Three habituated communities are found in Kibale: two for research and one for visitors.
• Distance must be kept between us and the wildlife.
• Loud talking, eating near the chimpanzees, littering, flash photography and monkey imitations were not allowed. In fact, the entrance sign to the park states “hooting and shouting” is prohibited!!!

By the end of the briefing, we were eager to get moving. Who knew how long it would take to track them?

Chimp Sighting!! I think we are getting close!!

Only a few minutes passed before our group detected signs of chimp life, the first being poop and the second were knuckle tracks.

• 

• 

So, we forged on, trekking over roots, limbs and tree trunks, pushing the foliage out of our path so we could make our way through the forest. We were on a mission to see the chimps and the excitement continued to build and become more real as we heard them ‘hooting” in the distance.

Wildlife Encounters – Up Close & Personal

Our ranger warned us to be aware of falling fruit from the trees or even splitter splatter of what would seem like rain but in reality, was chimp urine. Thank goodness we wore hats….just in case we were caught in the “shower”.   

We hiked for about an hour and a half, getting closer and closer to their “hoots”, when we noticed a wrestling of the leaves in the distance. Right before our eyes was a chimpanzee jumping from tree to tree. We all stopped dead in our tracks to observe. It’s a showstopper when you realize how close you are to them! What a sight!

Chimp & Gorilla Trekking are quite different!

Chimpanzee trekking is a very different experience than gorillas. What’s similar is that trackers have their general location each day, but once you find them, they are almost constantly on the move. They can be difficult to keep up with because they are quick-footed, erratic and move at all angles. So it’s a very active encounter….and a noisy one as they hoot and holler to each other. 

Gorillas, on the other hand, usually stay within a very contained area each day before making their new nest for the night, and then moving on when waking up the next day.

He’s mighty fierce looking! Oh, and that’s me in the background! :>!!

Let the chase begin…

Once we saw the first chimp, we knew others were nearby…and so the chase was on.  Our ranger said, “Let’s go”!  And off we went, following the chimps as they moved quickly through the forest. We tried our best to keep up with them by climbing over the tree stumps, zig zagging through the forest and pushing the foliage out of our way!

Check out the video! We’re on the move! If you look closely, you will see the chimp ahead of the ranger!

A little hooting and hollering!

Look at how close we were to the chimpanzees! Check out the video below!

Adventure Highlights!

Seeing the chimpanzees in their habitat was one of life’s magical moments. My first ever face-to-face encounter was profound and exhilarating. There’s an undeniable connection of familiarity since these primates’ behavior, mannerisms, hands and expressions are very similar to ours. It’s not surprising they share 98% of our DNA. To have tracked and sweated for over 5 hours in a deep jungle and finally stumble upon a family of chimpanzees is for sure an awe-inspiring and memorable experience!

Now…are you ready to travel to Uganda? Let’s go!!

Have you heard the news??

Stay positive! Stay Healthy! Stay safe!

Travel Update

This week the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has expanded the requirement for all air passengers entering the United States from foreign countries, including all American Citizens, must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of departure to enter the country beginning January 26, 2021.

As your Travel Advisor, I will help you navigate through this new protocol.  Many of my supplier partners have been working to set up procedures to provide testing at their resort or in destination so it’s easy and seamless for you.

Here’s a perfect example. 

Uganda requires a negative Covid test 72 hours before arrival and 72 hours before we could leave the country.  Test & Fly Laboratory (www.testandfly.co.ug) sent a team to administer PCR tests to us while we were at the lodge in Bwindi…which was our last stomping ground before departure. We received our results within 24 hours, printed and ready for our return flight. Seamless!

Let’s look at the details:

• Airlines are responsible for checking each passenger’s results.
• Rapid antigen and PCR tests will be valid for entry.
• Those who have a negative test result or documentation from a doctor stating they’ve recovered from COVID-19 will be allowed boarding.
• Those without documentation will be denied boarding.
• You can present your results digitally or on paper.
• Flight crews are exempt, as are those traveling to the Continental U.S. from any U.S. territory.
• If you’ve recovered from COVID-19 within three months, you can be exempted with a positive test as well as a doctor’s note.
• Connecting passengers are not exempt from the rule.
• Those who have been vaccinated still must present a negative test result before boarding.
• If you test positive while abroad, you will be stuck in that country until you test negative.

Anyone over the age of 2 must provide written documentation of the laboratory test result (paper or electronic copy) to the airline or provide documentation of having recovered from COVID-19.

And…it’s all in due time that this new policy was to be implemented!

Another close encounter!

Africa Smiled…

Africa smiled a little when you left. “We know you,” Africa said. “We have seen and watched you. We can learn to live without you. But we know we needn’t yet.”

And Africa smiled a little when you left. “You cannot leave Africa,” Africa said.  “It is always with you there inside your head.”

Our rivers run in currents in the swirl of your thumbprints. Our drumbeats counting out your pulse Our coastline, the silhouette of your soul.

So Africa smiled a little when you left. “We are in you,” Africa said.   “You have not left us yet.” –Bridget Dore

It’s Official!  I earned my Chimpanzee Tracking Certificate!

• 

• 

Uganda…The Pearl of Africa!!

Part of what makes Uganda such a special place to visit is its combination of wildlife experiences within such a small region. It’s a beautiful destination for adventurous souls and wildlife lovers.

Click below to follow along on this amazing journey.

Follow XOOM Tours Facebook

Follow XOOM Tours Instagram

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.  -John Muir

As we start a new year, take time to reflect on your dream destinations! What places and moments would you like to experience and what memories would you like to cherish long after you return from your adventure?

As your travel advisor, I’m here to help you dream about your next adventure! I call it putting “HOPE on the calendar”!  When you are ready, let me know! I personally can’t wait to travel to my next far off distant land to experience a new culture! These memories will forever be a part of my travel experiences!

“Life is about creating and living experiences that are worth sharing.” – Steve Jobs

Spending time with the gorillas in the wild was by far the most transformative and up-close wildlife experience I had in Africa. I stood just a few feet from these gentle giants in their forest habitat and saw them munching on fruit and plants, playing with each other and being groomed by their mother. This face-to-face encounter has gifted me with memories that will last my lifetime. And yes…although I had no idea what to expect, and to be honest was a little nervous at first, the experience was definitely and absolutely worth it!

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Adventure Highlights!

Gorilla trekking often means hours of hiking on steep, narrow footpaths and through the impenetrable forest to see these primates in their natural habitat. Because mountain gorillas don’t live anywhere in the world outside of the forests of Central and Eastern Africa, gorilla trekking is the only way for humans to see and observe them. It requires an advance permit as the number of trekkers per day is limited to 60.

• 

• 

We started our journey early in the morning…all geared up with layers of clothing…rain jackets, thick gloves, hats, long socks, hiking boots and gaiters. The gaiters were important because they helped to prevent fire ants from creeping into our pants.

Since it’s Covid times, we wore masks, and our temperature was checked upon arrival at the center. Gorillas are highly susceptible to human illnesses. So, for extra precaution, our boots were sanitized with alcohol twice…once before we began our hike through the fields and then again before entering deep into the forest.

• 

• 

After the park rangers debriefed us about the adventure, we set out on a 45-minute drive to the entrance point on the other side of the mountain. Because gorillas are monitored so closely, and either researchers and trekkers are in touch with them every day, our guides knew more or less where the different families were located. Our mission was to find the Habinyanja family and we were excited and ready for one of the most profound wildlife experiences in the world.

• 

• 

Once we arrived at the starting point, we began our hike along the ridge of the mountainous rainforest, through vibrant green tea plantations and tall fields of millet. Our climb was steep and our footpaths were narrow. We forged through the crops until we reached an entrance point in the forest. It was very dense and there wasn’t a pathway that was clearly marked. So we followed the lead tracker who slashed through the foliage with his machete creating a pathway so we could continue trekking through the forest. The gorilla families are constantly on the move and we were warned that the hike could take 1 to 3 hours to find the Habinyanja family.

A trekking we will go!

Because the terrain was so steep and the forest dense, all of us hired a local porter, something that is quite customary for a trekking experience. Paison was my buddy and porter who assisted me on the climb and at times pulled me up the steep terrain. After 5 hours of carrying my lunch, water bottles, my gear (and sometimes me), and using his machete to slash a clear path through the forest (see video above), I was glad to have him with me for the entire adventure!!

• 

• 

After about an hour and a half of hiking, I noticed the look on Paison’s face change…from a serious look to a smile and then he said to me…”A little longer! We are almost there.” 

Within 10 minutes we came to a clearing and Paison said…”Look to your right! Over there!”  And before my eyes was a mountain gorilla sitting in the brush, pulling leaves from a vine, eating. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a second, then third and another hanging from a tree and then a young one cuddled up with its mother. In total, the family was 12 members, with two Silverbacks. 

Once you arrive, you only have 1 hour to visit and take photos and videos. For their protection, human interaction is limited to one visit per day, per family group. Their beautiful black and silky coats against the rainforest’s vibrant green and lush foliage, is what we went to see in Uganda. And we did…up close, and personal!

• 

• 

Seeing the mountain gorillas in their habitat was one of life’s magical moments. My first ever face-to-face encounter was profound and exhilarating. There’s an undeniable connection of familiarity since these primates’ behavior, mannerisms, hands and expressions are very similar to ours. It’s not surprising they share 98% of our DNA. To have tracked and sweated for over 5 hours in a deep jungle and finally stumble upon a family of mountain gorillas is for sure an awe-inspiring and memorable experience!

Now…are you ready to travel to Uganda? Let’s go!!

Look at how close we were to the gorillas! Check out the video below!

Wildlife Encounters – Up Close & Personal

“You cannot leave Africa, Africa said. It is always with you, there inside your head. Our rivers run in currents in the swirl of your thumbprints. Our drumbeats counting out your pulse. Our coastline the silhouette of your soul.” -Bridget Dore

• 

• 

• 

Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God’s handwriting.  -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Uganda…The Pearl of Africa!!

Part of what makes Uganda such a special place to visit is its combination of wildlife experiences within such a small region. It’s a beautiful destination for adventurous souls and wildlife lovers.

Next week, I will highlight more spectacular wildlife along with the beautiful landscape. I’ll also share some fun stories and pictures from what I captured on our journey!! Stay tuned!

Click below to follow along on this amazing journey.

Follow XOOM Tours Facebook

Follow XOOM Tours Instagram

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.  -John Muir

As we start a new year, take time to reflect on your dream destinations! What places and moments would you like to experience and what memories would you like to cherish long after you return from your adventure?

Wishing my family, friends and clients a magical New Year’s Eve!! May this day lead you into the best New Year ever!! 

2020 XOOM Tours Blog Highlights!

Click and Enjoy!

As we close out 2020, I wanted to take a moment to thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking part in my entrepreneurial journey!  You have played an important role in my business and I am very grateful!  

Now, let’s focus forward to 2021!  Make sure you take time to reflect on what your dreams are for the new year…what places and moments you want to experience and what memories you want to make.

Three cheers to health, happiness and prosperity in 2021!