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DRIFT Travel Fall 2016

Fabulous locations, must-do adventures and travel exclusives - inside this issue of DRIFT. Come along on the journey.

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TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL<br />

TRAVEL MAGAZINE<br />

THIS ISSUE’S TOP 10<br />

EUROPEAN HIKES WITH EPIC SCENERY<br />

NEW ZEALAND<br />

7 INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCES<br />

5 ISLANDS<br />

TO VISIT BEFORE YOU DIE<br />

Exclusive<br />

ANTHONY BOURDAIN<br />

CAYMAN COOKOUT | GRAND CAYMAN<br />

THAILAND<br />

SECRET REGIONS<br />

OFF THE BEATEN PATH<br />

HAVANA<br />

A PHOTOGRAPHER’S JOURNEY<br />

FALL <strong>2016</strong><br />

COME ALONG ON THE JOURNEY at <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


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2 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


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TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL<br />

TRAVEL MAGAZINE<br />

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TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 3


FALL <strong>2016</strong><br />

JOURNEY WITH US at <strong>DRIFT</strong>travel.com<br />

INSIDE this issue<br />

8 GRAND CAYMAN<br />

Exclusive with Anthony Bourdain.<br />

18 ISSUE'S TOP 10<br />

European hikes with epic scenery.<br />

TRAVELLING EDITOR<br />

30 Balinese magic at Mandapa.<br />

36 LIFE + STYLE<br />

Eric Himel's expert packing tips.<br />

40 TAKING FLIGHT<br />

Cathay Pacific's premium economy.<br />

44 AT A GLANCE<br />

Okinawa Islands, Japan.<br />

46 HAVANA<br />

A Cuban photographic journey.<br />

OFF THE BEATEN PATH<br />

60 Three secret regions of Thailand.<br />

76 BEFORE YOU DIE<br />

Five stunning bucket list islands.<br />

82 LONDON LOO TOUR<br />

Historical tour that hinges on bizarre.<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL<br />

TRAVEL MAGAZINE<br />

66 TRAVEL GEAR<br />

Must have airport survival products.<br />

82 CANARY ISLANDS<br />

Charm meets the beach in Tenerife.<br />

THIS ISSUE’S TOP 10<br />

EUROPEAN HIKES WITH EPIC SCENERY<br />

68 NEW ZEALAND<br />

Seven amazing must-see locations.<br />

90 #WHERETONEXT<br />

Riomaggiore in Italy's Cinque Terre.<br />

NEW ZEALAND<br />

7 INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCES<br />

74 NEW YORK CITY<br />

NYC small scale culinary giants.<br />

Exclusive<br />

ANTHONY BOURDAIN<br />

CAYMAN COOKOUT | GRAND CAYMAN<br />

5 ISLANDS<br />

TO VISIT BEFORE YOU DIE<br />

THAILAND<br />

SECRET REGIONS<br />

OFF THE BEATEN PATH<br />

HAVANA<br />

A PHOTOGRAPHER’S JOURNEY<br />

FALL <strong>2016</strong><br />

Fabulous locations,<br />

must-do adventures and<br />

travel exclusives - inside<br />

this issue of <strong>DRIFT</strong>.<br />

Come along on the<br />

journey.<br />

2 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


Cathay Pacific Airways Limited<br />

<strong>Travel</strong>ling well<br />

means rest assured.<br />

Explore other travellers’ #lifewelltravelled experiences<br />

and share your own memorable moments.<br />

cathaypacific.com/lifewelltravelled


4 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


a travel note from the<br />

EDITOR<br />

I love to travel the world and as an<br />

editor equally passionate about my<br />

work, it has always been my dream<br />

to have a publication dedicated to<br />

exceptional destinations and unique<br />

cultural experiences; a magazine that<br />

celebrates the diversity of this planet<br />

and the countless wonders of our world.<br />

I often ask the question ‘When is the last<br />

time you saw something for the very first time?’ <strong>DRIFT</strong> travel magazine was<br />

created with that question in mind - filled with stunning photography to<br />

jump start the imagination and smart, thought-provoking travel and lifestyle<br />

editorial that will have you itching to pack a suitcase and get lost.<br />

30<br />

8<br />

Oh, the places I’ve been!<br />

8<br />

<strong>DRIFT</strong> EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW<br />

WITH ANTHONY BOURDAIN<br />

At the Grand Cayman Cookout, I<br />

sat down with outspoken chef and<br />

TV personality Anthony Bourdain<br />

to talk food, kids and life after 50.<br />

30<br />

BALINESE MAGIC AT<br />

MANDAPA<br />

I want to introduce you to a very<br />

special place in Ubud, Bali where<br />

time seems to stand still and there<br />

is a very real path to clarity.<br />

<strong>Travel</strong> is in our souls; whether we road-trip across our own country or<br />

adventure around the globe, people love to travel. <strong>DRIFT</strong> travel magazine is a<br />

beautifully curated, artistically crafted magazine that celebrates our collective<br />

desire to see the world. Come along on the journey!<br />

40<br />

FLYING VANCOUVER TO HONG<br />

KONG WITH CATHAY PACIFIC<br />

Aboard a long haul 13-hour flight, I<br />

took Cathay Pacific’s new Premium<br />

Economy service for a test drive, and<br />

I’m sharing my in-flight experience.<br />

<strong>Travel</strong> often and live well,<br />

Tracey Drake<br />

Editor-In-Chief & Creative Director<br />

editor@<strong>DRIFT</strong>travel.com<br />

Twitter & Instagram: @The<strong>Travel</strong>lingEditor<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 5


every single day, more than<br />

EIGHT MILLION PEOPLE<br />

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Those who love to travel crave information on new<br />

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PUBLISHER<br />

GLOSSY MEDIA<br />

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | CREATIVE DIRECTOR<br />

TRACEY DRAKE<br />

PRODUCTION/EDITORIAL TEAM<br />

LAURIE ATTIS<br />

CHRISTOPHER CLAYTON<br />

JANE CROSS<br />

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ERIC HIMEL<br />

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JOHN LEE<br />

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BOBBY FISHER<br />

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MANDAPA, A RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE<br />

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6 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 7


8 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM<br />

Photograph by Bobby Fisher for the back cover of Anthony<br />

Bourdain's new book Appetites: A Cookbook


IN CONVERSATION WITH<br />

ANTHONY BOURDAIN<br />

I<br />

have always dreamed of living in Italy; perhaps a<br />

charming, slightly crumbling Italian villa set in a<br />

quaint seaside village, carved into the steep Amalfi<br />

Coast; Maiori and Atrani always instantly come<br />

to mind. Postcard perfect, right? I thought so. Then,<br />

in 2011, after watching possibly my favorite episode of<br />

The Layover, Anthony Bourdain opened my eyes to a<br />

whole other Italy; a modern Rome. A delicious maze of<br />

a city that was pulsing with history, iconic landmarks,<br />

passionate Romans and mind-blowing food. And his<br />

narrative spoke to me too, “Ideally you visit Rome slowly.<br />

You sit, you stroll, you take it as it comes. You don’t<br />

go see stuff, you let it slip up on you – one piazza, one<br />

fountain, one amazing structure at a time.” In that single<br />

by: Tracey Drake<br />

life, it permeated every part of our conversation. And<br />

you know what? I learned a lot. A lot about Anthony,<br />

food, and why being at the Cayman Cookout is so<br />

important to him, and symbolic of where he is at this<br />

juncture in his life.<br />

True story. Anthony Bourdain has never traveled the<br />

easy street (or taken the high road) to anywhere. Long<br />

and publicly regarded as the black sheep of the culinary<br />

world, I personally think he is one of the reasons chefs<br />

have become such rock stars. He puts it all on the table,<br />

literally and figuratively, and doesn’t care if you like it<br />

or not. He has taught us about strange foods, faraway<br />

cultures, and how to eat – really eat.<br />

PARENTING, JIU JITSU, CAYMAN COOKOUT<br />

& HIS LIFE AFTER 50<br />

episode, I simultaneously fell in love with porchetta,<br />

Italian Hawaiian pizza, a classic 1970 Fiat Cinquecento<br />

and modern Rome.<br />

Now five years later, sitting by the pool of the Ritz-<br />

Carlton Grand Cayman with Anthony Bourdain at the<br />

Cayman Cookout, I really didn't want to talk about<br />

food. After watching him for two days on the Cayman<br />

Cookout stage and two decades on television, I felt like I<br />

understood his food philosophies. I am happily drawn<br />

to his edgy wit, unapologetic sarcasm and palpable<br />

love for foreign lands and authentic people. I wanted to<br />

talk about that. And so we did, and yet, because food is<br />

inextricably woven into the fabric of Anthony Bourdain's<br />

However, in the last decade, his life took a sharp right<br />

turn into parts unknown – and it wasn’t a TV show but<br />

a life-changing reality. In 2007, at the age of 51, Anthony<br />

became a husband and a father and started to take a hard<br />

look at his life, in earnest.<br />

“At no point before the age of fifty was I able, prepared or<br />

up to the job of being a father. Any parent would agree.<br />

Once you have a child, you are no longer the star of your<br />

own picture. After five decades, to finally realize that on<br />

a truly cellular level, you are no longer the center of the<br />

universe was a huge relief for me.”<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 9


<strong>2016</strong> Cayman Cookout<br />

One of the most watched culinary celebrities in history,<br />

today Bourdain has a very carefully calibrated life; and<br />

although he still travels a lot, Anthony is home much<br />

more than he used to be, so that he can spend time with<br />

his wife and daughter. Instead, he takes great pleasure in<br />

possibly nurturing the next generation, but only if she's<br />

into it. Eight-year-old Ariane Bourdain loves to cook,<br />

and especially with her dad, when she can get her hands<br />

squishy and dirty. “Look, my daughter grew up Italian,<br />

basically with her mom, but also grew up with a lot of<br />

unusual foods on the table. So, she eats raw oysters and<br />

likes octopus, and understands the bunny is cute, but it<br />

also tastes good.”<br />

I asked Anthony whether or not all the responsibilities<br />

that come with being a parent keep him up at night. He<br />

laughed out loud. “I am a little weirdly, over enthusiastic<br />

about expressing love through food, I think. Cycle<br />

menu is a little weird for an eight-year-old. And I plan.<br />

I have prep lists for the summer. What the f--k? I am<br />

feeding a child. But I get over organized and I invest a<br />

lot in passing along these powerful food memories that<br />

I enjoyed as a kid. But I have had to learn to not get<br />

offended if she doesn’t like something that I make her.”<br />

The laughter faded, he paused for a few moments, and<br />

then offered up something tender and serious. “Look,<br />

I say that all I can do as a parent is to let my daughter<br />

“I AM A LITTLE WEIRDLY,<br />

OVER ENTHUSIASTIC<br />

ABOUT EXPRESSING LOVE<br />

THROUGH FOOD.”<br />

10 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


know that she is always loved. That she will have high<br />

self-esteem and high regard. Also, she has been training<br />

Jiu Jitsu for four years, so she'll be able to take care of<br />

herself. So yes I am a doting dad. I’m a very happy dad.”<br />

Anthony’s Italian wife, Ottavia Busia doesn’t cook at<br />

all. It might have something to do with the fact that<br />

she is very health conscious, and doesn’t eat starches<br />

or carbohydrates. She is a competitive athlete, coach<br />

and trainer in the sport of Jiu Jitsu. Anthony credits the<br />

sport, and his wife who coaxed (or tricked) him into the<br />

introductory Jiu Jitsu lesson, with changing his life. “I<br />

was a chain smoker, thirty pounds’ overweight and never<br />

been to a gym, like ever in my whole life.”<br />

I asked him about that first Jiu Jitsu class. Was it bad?<br />

“Yeah, it was f--king awful, but I survived it. And I was<br />

proud of myself for surviving it. It was hard with a steep<br />

learning curve. An endless learning curve and that is<br />

attractive to me.<br />

Anthony got healthy over the course of learning and<br />

practicing Jiu Jitsu, dropping those thirty pounds and<br />

changing other aspects of his lifestyle. But as he sees<br />

it, it was never really about getting healthy – that was<br />

just a happy side effect. For Bourdain, it was all about<br />

the curve. “I am a big believer in the Japanese notion of<br />

Shosin, which means Beginner’s Mind.” In a nutshell,<br />

Shosin is the Buddhist practice of always learning, from<br />

a beginner state of mind. “For me, Jiu Jitsu is like being<br />

the worse cook in the kitchen, all over again. You are<br />

faced with a steep hill of things you must learn everyday,<br />

and I don’t know why, but that makes me happy.”<br />

<strong>2016</strong> Cayman Cookout<br />

Bourdain travels for a living. One might argue<br />

that the travel aspects of his television shows, No<br />

Reservations, The Layover and Parts Unknown, are more<br />

appealing to viewers than the food he eats along the way.<br />

He admits that he still travels about 200 days a year and<br />

has rules and rituals in how he travels, and with whom.<br />

Air travel for Bourdain is always the same. “My brain<br />

and body and nervous system, they see a plane ride, a<br />

long plane trip, as an opportunity to sleep with nothing<br />

coming in, nothing to do. I just go offline the minute I'm<br />

on the plane.”<br />

I asked him if he even has the capability to travel for<br />

pleasure, or is it always business, even when its not. “I<br />

don’t f—king know anymore. But it is worth noting<br />

<strong>2016</strong> Cayman Cookout<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 11


Photo courtesy of CNN<br />

that for business, I only go places I want to go. I choose<br />

the places I go.” So, where does the business end and<br />

pleasure begin? “I am in the enviable position of saying I<br />

like to go to Vietnam, jump out of a plane, and then eat<br />

some noodles and shoot it in the style of Wang Kar-wai.<br />

That’s a pretty awesome thing.”<br />

Currently, with one show in production on CNN,<br />

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown is an award winning<br />

series that sees him travel to lesser known parts of the<br />

world, exploring unique regions and cultural cuisine.<br />

Anthony recently took long time friend, Chef Eric<br />

Ripert to the Chengdu region of China. “Whenever I can<br />

make television all the way out there, in a strange land<br />

where I don’t speak the language, with a good friend, I<br />

am happy.” Is Barack Obama a good friend? I didn't ask<br />

but in a Season 8 episode of Parts Unknown, which airs<br />

September 25th, Bourdain shares a $6 dinner with the<br />

President at Bún chả Hương Liên in Hanoi, Vietnam.<br />

Personal time off comes in an all-American version<br />

these days. “When it comes to family vacation, I take an<br />

indecent pleasure in feigning normalcy. Meaning, I load<br />

up the car with the luggage, we drive to Long Island to<br />

the Hamptons, where I rent a house for August every<br />

year. I barbecue in the backyard, and I do whatever my<br />

daughter wants to do. She makes all the decisions for the<br />

entire month.”<br />

12 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 13


Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman<br />

14 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


Does Anthony Bourdain have daddy brain? When<br />

he told me that this new book, Appetites: A Cookbook<br />

is a family cookbook, I honestly thought I had heard<br />

him wrong, and asked again. “It is all stuff that I cook<br />

at home but hey, we are a very wacky family. The cover<br />

design is by Ralph Steadman (Fear and Loathing in Las<br />

Vegas) and with photography by Bobby Fisher, it is game<br />

changingly strange.”<br />

This new book, which hits bookstores this October, is<br />

filled with Anthony’s recipes, and those of long-time<br />

assistant/collaborator Laurie Woolever. It is an honest<br />

reflection of how he lives, day-to-day, and the food he<br />

feeds his family with love.<br />

And speaking of food, family and friends… we<br />

talked for awhile about Grand Cayman Island and the<br />

Cayman Cookout. For Anthony Bordain, this event is an<br />

important part of his year – in fact, a necessary part of<br />

his life, for both personal and professional reasons. The<br />

event is an annual 4-day food affair that is the brainchild<br />

of Chef Eric Ripert, organized each year with his friends,<br />

Chef José Andrés and Anthony Bourdain.<br />

In 2001, Anthony Bourdain’s book Kitchen Confidential:<br />

Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly, might have<br />

bruised a few egos and made a few enemies in the<br />

industry, but Bourdain had nice things to say about Chef<br />

Ripert and his restaurant, Le Bernardin. Ripert called<br />

Bourdain to say thank you, and invite him to lunch. The<br />

two have been great friends ever since, and sharing the<br />

CaymanKIND experience together since 2008.<br />

Cayman Cookout is a stellar signature event that takes<br />

place each January at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman,<br />

directly on famous Seven Mile Beach. Cayman Cookout<br />

brings together top chefs from all over the world to<br />

celebrate the best in food and wine. Set in such natural<br />

Caribbean beauty, in one of the most beautiful hotels on<br />

Grand Cayman Island, the event is at once elegant and<br />

relaxed – two words you don’t often see together when<br />

discussing famous chefs and high-end food.<br />

Over the course of four days, guests are treated to<br />

demonstrations and intimate events with famous chefs,<br />

tours and tastings of stellar brands, and unprecedented<br />

access to the world’s most famous chefs. In addition to<br />

Ripert, Andrés and Bourdain, world class culinary giants<br />

Hubert Keller, Cindy Hutson, Ludo Lefebvre, Dean Max,<br />

Michael Mina, Florian Bellanger and Tom Colicchio<br />

were part of the <strong>2016</strong> all-star lineup.<br />

“FOOD IS EVERYTHING WE ARE.<br />

IT'S AN EXTENSION OF NATIONALIST FEELING, ETHNIC FEELING, YOUR<br />

PERSONAL HISTORY, YOUR PROVINCE, YOUR REGION,<br />

YOUR TRIBE, YOUR GRANDMA.<br />

IT'S INSEPARABLE FROM THOSE FROM THE GET-GO.”<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 15


Every year, Anthony brings his family with him to<br />

Grand Cayman, and his daughter spends time with<br />

Chef Jose Andrés three daughters and Chef Eric Ripert’s<br />

son. The three amigos, and their families, stay on site<br />

at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman Hotel. Cayman<br />

Cookout is not penciled into the Bourdain calendar –<br />

it’s inked in. “For Cookout, my daughter misses two or<br />

three days of school. That’s a big deal. But necessary.<br />

Here, the kids can run barefoot in the sand after dark,<br />

get up to kid mischief as they should, and I don’t ever<br />

have to worry about my daughter’s safety here, unlike in<br />

the city.”<br />

I asked Anthony what he would like to see done<br />

differently at Cayman Cookout next year. “It works<br />

place on the formal lawns of the Ritz-Carlton and I<br />

followed Anthony around while he visited each local<br />

booth – watching him taste each dish and listening<br />

to him reflect on the local Caribbean flavors. Which<br />

booths left a lasting impression on Anthony? “Any time<br />

you put a pig on a spit, that’s pretty awesome.” Local<br />

restaurant Anchor & Den served up Cordo al Asador<br />

at their booth – local pig that was roasted at the event.<br />

Bourdain swooned over it.<br />

One of my personal favorites of the day was the pepper<br />

jelly from the Cayman Pepper Patch booth. Not only<br />

did I love the product, but the owner/producer Carol<br />

Hay was really lovely as well. I asked Anthony what he<br />

thought of the local jelly. “I don’t usually care about<br />

Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman<br />

great just as it is. The caliber of chefs, old guys and new<br />

kids on the block, that come every year is astounding to<br />

me, so I enjoy that side too." Spending quality time with<br />

his Chef Mafia.<br />

This year, Anthony was part of several signature<br />

Cayman Cookout events. The first that I attended<br />

was “The Adventures of Tony and Eric”, where the<br />

two old friends climbed up on stage, made cocktails,<br />

cooked a little fish, light-heartedly shared each other’s<br />

shortcomings and took questions from the packed<br />

house, which happened to be a very chic open-air tent<br />

right on Seven Mile Beach.<br />

Another event, “The Rundown with Anthony<br />

Bourdain”, was so interesting and a lot of fun. It took<br />

those things – jams, preserves, but that pepper jelly was<br />

really good and the cheeses she was pairing them with<br />

speak to a really refined palette.” This signature event<br />

showed off the island’s finest and demonstrated clearly<br />

why Grand Cayman is considered the culinary capital<br />

of the Caribbean.<br />

Clearly, Anthony Bourdain comes to Grand Cayman<br />

each year for the event, Cayman Cookout. He comes<br />

to be with and support his friends. He comes to take a<br />

deep breath and spend time with his family. He comes<br />

to do the things he loves best – to cook, eat and meet<br />

new people. He comes for all of the same reasons that<br />

he is so passionate about food and traveling the world<br />

in search of the perfect cultural bite.<br />

16 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman<br />

2017<br />

CAYMAN<br />

COOKOUT<br />

JANUARY 12-15, 2017<br />

RITZ-CARLTON GRAND CAYMAN<br />

Join Chef Eric Ripert at The Ritz-Carlton for an<br />

incomparable roster of world famous chefs, wine experts<br />

and spirits blenders with tastings, demonstrations, tours<br />

and dinners that celebrate the barefoot elegance that<br />

only the Cayman Islands can deliver.<br />

2017 Headliner Chefs: Eric Ripert, Jose Andres,<br />

Anthony Bourdain, Terrance Brennan, Dean Max,<br />

Daniel Humm, Emeril Lagasse, Tim Love, Roland<br />

Passot and Christina Tosi.<br />

<strong>2016</strong> Cayman Cookout<br />

Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman<br />

#CAYMANCOOKOUT<br />

EVENT & GRAND CAYMAN TOURISM<br />

INFO: www.caymanislands.ky<br />

<strong>2016</strong> Cayman Cookout<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 17


Tidal bore rafting.<br />

There’s nothing quite like that moment when the river shifts<br />

directions and goes from serene to exhilarating. And just think,<br />

rafting the most extreme tides in the world is only one of the<br />

things in Nova Scotia that will make your heart skip a beat.<br />

A real-life<br />

discovery<br />

channel.<br />

Explore all there is to do at NovaScotia.com


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TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 19


10TOP<br />

EUROPEAN<br />

HIKES<br />

by: ANDREA KIRKBY<br />

Europe is full of great landscapes, and there’s no<br />

better way to experience its variety of natural<br />

attractions than to hike some of the long distance<br />

paths that stitch the continent together. Hikers<br />

will always debate which are the greatest hikes, of course,<br />

but these ten routes are classics and ideal for fall weather<br />

trekking.<br />

1ENGLAND/SCOTLAND<br />

Pennine Way starts just outside the busy<br />

industrial city of Sheffield, but within a few<br />

miles it’s crossing bleak wild peat moors and<br />

striding gritstone cliffs. The route follows<br />

the watershed up the backbone of England, finally<br />

crossing Hadrian’s wall and the border into Scotland and<br />

the Cheviot hills.<br />

267 miles (430km)<br />

20 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


Pennine Way: Hopping over Hadrian's wall from England into Scotland<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 21


2FRANCE/SPAIN<br />

Camino de Santiago, also known as GR<br />

65 or Chemin de Saint-Jacques follows the<br />

medieval pilgrimage path from Le Puy in the<br />

center of France to Santiago de Compostela<br />

at the western edge of Spain, though many hikers only<br />

walk the Spanish stretch. The full route takes a couple of<br />

months. This hike is fascinating as it has both cultural and<br />

natural attractions; the cathedrals of Le Puy, Pamplona,<br />

Burgos, Leon and Astorga are all visited en route, while<br />

there are many ancient pilgrim hospices and monasteries,<br />

and even Roman bridges to be crossed.<br />

Way of St. James: 500 miles (804km)<br />

3FRANCE/ITALY<br />

Via Francigena is another medieval route,<br />

but it’s less well known than the Camino de<br />

Santiago. It was the route pilgrims took from<br />

northern France to Rome, and the stretch from<br />

Lucca to Rome runs through remote Tuscan hill towns, past<br />

Romanesque churches, Etruscan monuments, and bubbling<br />

hot springs. Most of the route is fairly gentle, running through<br />

vineyards and farmland until it reaches the suburbs of Rome.<br />

270 miles (780km)<br />

THE MOUNTAINS<br />

are calling and I must go.<br />

JOHN MUIR<br />

AUTHOR & NATURALIST<br />

22 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


Camino de Santiago collage: The many sights along the way<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 23


Path of the Gods: Walking over blue waters<br />

4ITALY<br />

Path of the Gods is an Amalfi Coast<br />

walk along the Mediterranean, and between<br />

small towns and villages. There are tiny<br />

beaches and coves below, monasteries and<br />

rough forested peaks above, with some stiff and sweaty<br />

ascents, but it’s worth it when you come across a fragrant<br />

lemon grove suspended vertiginously above the sea.<br />

Hikers can take time off to visit some of the fine palaces<br />

and ancient cathedrals along the route, or drink Amalfi’s<br />

famous limoncello liqueur and enjoy a plate of seafood.<br />

25 miles (40km)<br />

24 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


From our cover: Lemon tree fields, Italian skies and<br />

Mediterranean waters along the Amalfi Coast<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 25


Malerweg: Exploring narrow, moss covered gorges


5SWEDEN<br />

Kungsleden or ‘King’s Way’ in the far<br />

north of Sweden is a true wilderness trek,<br />

taking a month or more to complete. The<br />

landscape encompasses tundra, birch<br />

forests, heathland, glaciers, and Sweden’s highest<br />

mountain, and wild camping is permitted everywhere<br />

along the route - indeed, it’s so remote that hikers need<br />

to carry a tent and food for some portions of the route.<br />

270 miles (440km)<br />

7ICELAND<br />

Laugavegur is a big tough four-day hike<br />

(six if you carry on from Thorsmork to the<br />

coast) covering some of Iceland’s wickedest<br />

terrain. There are high ice fields, brightly<br />

colored volcanic rocks, amazing views of gorges gouged<br />

out by glacial floods, and mud geysers that spit sulfurous<br />

fumes as you pass. Best of all, at both ends of the trail,<br />

there are hot springs to bathe in after a hard day’s hiking.<br />

49 miles (79km)<br />

6GERMANY<br />

The Malerweg or ‘Painters’ Way’ in the<br />

sandstone hills of Saxony is one of the most<br />

romantic hikes in the world. Its picturesque<br />

scenery of limestone carved by wind and<br />

water includes narrow mossy gorges and splendid spires of<br />

rock; it’s worth getting up early for sunrise, when the rock<br />

glows pale yellow and pink and mist rises from the valleys.<br />

69 miles (112km)<br />

8GERMANY<br />

Saar Hunsrueck Steig, near Trier, is<br />

a pretty and highly adaptable trail. It was<br />

designed with a number of loops that can<br />

be added to the hike or made into day hikes.<br />

The landscape is always changing; there are castles, forests,<br />

megalithic sites, small towns, lakes, and open heath, and<br />

best of all there’s an iconic view of the Saarschleife, where<br />

the river Saar makes a tight u-bend between forested hills.<br />

254 miles (410km)<br />

Kungsleden: Waking up in the vastness of Sweden<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 27


9CORSICA<br />

GR 20, Corsica’s high route, makes<br />

hikers earn their rewards; it’s formidably<br />

tough in sections, including one via<br />

ferrata where chains are attached to<br />

the rock to enable walkers to scramble upwards. In<br />

return for hard work, it offers tremendous views<br />

over the island and out to sea, as well as mountain<br />

lakes that gleam turquoise in the Mediterranean sun.<br />

112 miles (180km)<br />

10<br />

ITALY<br />

Alta Via 1 is a high route through<br />

the Dolomites, offering the hiker<br />

a chance to see some of the most<br />

spectacular limestone scenery<br />

in Europe, together with alpine lakes and meadows.<br />

There are soaring dark limestone spikes, long sharp<br />

ridges, and gentle, fertile valleys, and best of all there are<br />

numerous mountain huts and refuges to spend the night.<br />

75 miles (120km)<br />

Corsica: Climbing nature's mountain staircase<br />

While many travelers are primarily interested in the cultural highlights of Europe found in the densely<br />

populated cities and quaint historic towns, hiking offers a completely different way to appreciate Europe’s<br />

vast landscapes and different cultures. Many tour operators now offer packages for hikers which include bed<br />

and breakfast and packed meals as well as luggage transfers - search “Hiking Tours Europe” to research tour<br />

operator options. Or for the more experienced (or adventurous) hiker, ready your backpack, turn up at the<br />

start of your chosen hiking route and hit the trails!<br />

28 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


Alta Via 1: Lac di Sorapis in the Dolomites


the<br />

editor<br />

when was the last time you saw<br />

something for the first time?<br />

by: TRACEY DRAKE<br />

BALINESE MAGIC AT MANDAPA<br />

I had been looking forward to my trip to Bali<br />

for months; my mind creating all kinds of<br />

daydream scenarios that involved spectacular<br />

places and unforgettable experiences. Of<br />

course, those all came true (if you have been<br />

to Bali, you know exactly what I mean), but<br />

what I didn't expect was that one of the most<br />

memorable would be a hotel. I should qualify<br />

that statement by saying this is no ordinary<br />

hotel - this is Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton<br />

Reserve in Ubud.<br />

<strong>Travel</strong>ing with my husband, we booked an<br />

Uber car in Denpasar, and headed north to<br />

Ubud. It is an interesting drive through the<br />

bustling streets of Denpasar with hundreds<br />

of motorized scooters going every which way.<br />

On the highway, we passed many small towns<br />

that were well into their daily routines. About<br />

an hour later, we arrived at the outskirts of<br />

Ubud, and I watched out my window in<br />

fascination as a busy intersection and a sharp<br />

left turn quickly became a serene residential<br />

lane-way that led us to the gates of Mandapa.<br />

I had arrived in paradise.<br />

Mandapas (meaning temples) have been a<br />

foundation of Balinese culture for thousands<br />

of years. In Ubud and all over Bali, these<br />

temples offer a restful place for devotees to<br />

restore mind, body and soul. So, it seems very<br />

fitting to me that Ritz-Carlton would choose<br />

the name Mandapa for this magical oasis.<br />

My first visual introduction to Mandapa<br />

literally left me speechless. Perched high on<br />

a hill, the hotel's open air terraced reception<br />

area offers 270 degree views of lush rolling<br />

jungle landscape, rice paddies and the Ayung<br />

River. Less than one year old, I was impressed<br />

to see that instead of simply building a<br />

modern resort, the hotel was built around<br />

the magnificent rice fields, ancient trees<br />

and Balinese jungle. In fact, from the lobby,<br />

you can immediately see how the sprawling<br />

property wraps around the beautiful nature<br />

that is uniquely Bali.<br />

Henry, our personal butler, introduced<br />

himself and ushered us to a golf cart that<br />

was the mode of transportation here, due to<br />

the very steep inclines from the villas to the<br />

hotel's main buildings.<br />

FOLLOW<br />

@TraceyDrakeEditor<br />

on Instagram & Twitter<br />

or search hashtag #The<strong>Travel</strong>lingEditor<br />

32 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 33


THE FINER POINTS<br />

• Driver: The charming village of Ubud is just ten minutes away, and there<br />

are so many wonderful places to visit in the immediate area. The hotel staff<br />

will be happy to arrange a Mandapa driver to take you to and from town.<br />

• Sun and Shade: A lovely locally made market tote and sun hat are<br />

provided for you, as well as quality sunblock and skin refresher spray. Take<br />

my advice - use them when you go into town or head out on a walking<br />

adventure.<br />

• Personal Butler: Day and night, there is a Patih at your service, a<br />

dedicated certified butler who can tend to your every need. Available by<br />

email, text or by calling the concierge desk.<br />

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:<br />

RITZCARLTON.COM/EN/HOTELS/INDONESIA/MANDAPA<br />

34 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


Our private villa, just one of sixty at this<br />

intimate property, was luxurious and<br />

authentically Balinese. The outdoor space<br />

featured a bubbling fountain, mature trees<br />

and the most peaceful swimming pool, that<br />

reflected nature in its still waters, like an<br />

ever changing work of art.<br />

Showcasing regional architecture and<br />

craftsmanship, the elegant living space was<br />

in a separate riverfront building and the<br />

massive sleeping quarters had a poolside<br />

terrace. I felt like I was in Bali, with furniture<br />

made from local woods, and artwork that<br />

represented Balinese history. As you would<br />

expect from any Ritz-Carlton hotel, the<br />

amenities were exceptional; quality linens,<br />

towels, robes, and toiletries. The soaker<br />

bathtub with garden views and the indoor/<br />

outdoor shower did not go unnoticed.<br />

The lush green rice paddies at and around<br />

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve are so<br />

much more than just lovely scenery. I tried<br />

my hand at rice farming for a day, learning<br />

why rice is an important foundation in<br />

Balinese culture, and coming away with<br />

a sincere appreciation of how hard rice<br />

farmers work each day.<br />

Dining at Mandapa was a pleasure and<br />

options were plentiful. We enjoyed healthy<br />

juiceology at the Pool Bar. Each morning,<br />

we ordered a hearty breakfast at Sawah<br />

Terrace Restaurant, overlooking the rice<br />

paddies. On our first night, we experienced<br />

a Mediterranean-European fusion menu<br />

at Kubu, dining inside a private bamboo<br />

cocoon. On our final night, which also<br />

happened to be our wedding anniversary,<br />

the staff at Mandapa treated us to Dining<br />

Beyond, an unforgettable "BerDua at<br />

Mandapa Rice Field" dinner for two, with a<br />

lovely table set among the rice paddies.<br />

I would be remiss if I did not mention the<br />

restorative afternoon I spent in the Mandapa<br />

Spa. The wide open spa looks out over the<br />

Ayung River and is such a special place to<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 35


clear your mind and rid your body aches.<br />

I opted for an authentic Balinese Massage.<br />

If you've ever had one by a skilled massage<br />

therapist, you know it is not overly relaxing.<br />

As the expert hands of my therapist found<br />

every kink and knot in my stressed body,<br />

I felt it. However, the session ended with a<br />

gentle head and face massage, and with the<br />

soothing sounds of the rushing Ayung River<br />

outside the window, I soon forget about the<br />

sore bits. In fact, by the next day, my body<br />

was feeling so free and de-stressed, I wanted<br />

to go back for another. Mandapa Spa truly<br />

is focused on traditional healing therapies.<br />

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is located<br />

in a region of Bali famous for creative arts,<br />

stunning temples and natural beauty. This<br />

is a place where one can easily get lost in<br />

the serenity, and then find yourself again,<br />

but in a much better place - mentally and<br />

physically. I cannot wait until the day I can<br />

return to the magic at Mandapa.<br />

36 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


The Case for Better <strong>Travel</strong>.<br />

www.raden.com


Eric Himel’s<br />

LIFE+STYLE<br />

by: ERIC HIMEL<br />

Vacations are always a time to look forward to,<br />

but the logistics of packing can be a nightmare!<br />

Whether your destination is a winter wonderland<br />

or fun in the sun, you always want to make sure<br />

you pack smartly: pack light, chic and be prepared for any<br />

vacation occasion!<br />

Here's my tips for packing with a plan - taking the guess<br />

work out of predicting what you will need!<br />

FUN IN THE SUN<br />

Pick a theme - create a look. You can’t pack everything so<br />

choose what your vibe or color palette is going to be. Do you<br />

look good in white? Pastels? Nautical? Or animal prints? Pick<br />

one, and build out from there. Also decide if your jewelry is<br />

going to be silver or gold but don’t pack both. Lightweight<br />

scarves are always great for a chic style element to add to a basic<br />

outfit as well as being able to wrap it around your shoulders<br />

or neck at night if it happens to turn cool. Pick one that can<br />

double as a light shawl. Linen is great for warm weather<br />

ERIC’S CHIC GUIDE TO PACKING LIGHT FOR YOUR MOST STYLISH VACATION EVER!<br />

ERIC HIMEL (erichimel.com)<br />

is a widely known celebrity stylist, fashion expert and media personality. Himel<br />

attended Parson’s School of Design and trained under Project Runway’s Tim Gunn.<br />

Now based in Los Angeles, Himel’s roster of celebrity clientele has included Jenny<br />

McCarthy, Giuliana Rancic, Pete Wentz, Gabby Douglas and more,. Eric is best known<br />

for his signature Closet Purge and now offers Virtual Styling Sessions.<br />

38 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


vacations just don’t get OCD about it if it gets wrinkly - just<br />

go with the flow. Fabrics that have a synthetic component to<br />

them pack better and eliminate wrinkles. Since shoes take up<br />

so much room, pack a flat sandal, a wedge and a heel for night<br />

and if you’re going to exercise on your trip your last pair<br />

should be a workout shoe - this will cover all of your bases.<br />

You can recycle the same outfit by bringing extra accessories<br />

such as scarves and jewelry to make the looks different<br />

from one day to the next. This will save on packing space.<br />

COLD WEATHER CHIC<br />

Just like packing for warm weather vacations, pick a color<br />

or theme as the central look for your vacation wardrobe.<br />

As a base color, go with blacks or browns, but not both. If<br />

you choose black, some accent colors that work great would<br />

be grays and burgundies. If a warm color work better on<br />

you, choose chocolate brown and accents with beige, cream<br />

and dark green or rust. Layering is key so bring tops and<br />

sweaters that work together. Infuse velvet or chunky knits<br />

to give some textural interest. Swap out a skinny jean with<br />

a skinny cord to mix up a casual look. And don’t forget<br />

fun gloves, scarves and hats that can take a blah outfit to a<br />

totally chic one in a very inexpensive way and won’t take up<br />

a lot of extra room in your luggage.<br />

ERIC'S TRAVEL MUST-HAVES:<br />

• Airplanes Can Be Cold: Large cashmere shawl or<br />

pashmina to keep in your carry-on for cold flights.<br />

• Get The Most Out of Your 2nd Carry-On Bag: A<br />

chic, durable tote bag will double as your purse and 2nd<br />

carry-on for maximum storage. Keep your good jewelry,<br />

small makeup bag and one change of clothes in tote (if<br />

checking bags) in case airline loses it!<br />

LONGCHAMP TOTE<br />

Le Pliage Expandable <strong>Travel</strong> Duffel<br />

• Keep Hydrated & Protected: Don’t forget a good<br />

moisturizer with sunscreen (less than 100ml for airport<br />

travel).<br />

• Skin Is In: Pack a good body scrub to exfoliate your patchy<br />

skin from either dry, cold weather or after hours of laying in<br />

the sun!<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 39


Spain’s Canary Islands are among the most<br />

sought after holiday destinations in the world<br />

with people from all over the globe visiting every<br />

year. Tenerife is the most popular of the islands,<br />

with impressive hotels situated all over the island,<br />

hundreds of bars creating fantastic nightlife, and<br />

world class beaches. However, there are plenty of<br />

other things to do on the island; attractions that<br />

will leave you with memorable moments on your<br />

next trip to Tenerife.<br />

Golf Del Sur is popular with the older generation,<br />

and snowbirds often come here to settle in their<br />

retirement. It’s a peaceful location with stunning<br />

views and hotels as well as a spectacular golf<br />

course that is perfectly situated and surrounded<br />

by breathtaking landscape. Designed by Pepe<br />

Gancedo, who is considered the “Picasso” of his<br />

field, it’s one of the most peaceful golf courses<br />

you will ever play on!<br />

42 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


TAKING FLIGHT<br />

PREMIUM ECONOMY<br />

VANCOUVER TO HONG KONG<br />

CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS<br />

by: TRACEY DRAKE<br />

My travel budget doesn’t usually allow for<br />

business class travel on long-haul flights.<br />

However, I use flying time as an opportunity<br />

to get a lot of work done so I am free to<br />

experience my final destination immediately upon arrival.<br />

So, I need elbow room and space for my MacBook and<br />

notepads. I also have quite long legs, which are a curse on<br />

any flight, but more so on a 13.5 hour flight from Western<br />

Canada to Hong Kong.<br />

With business class out of my financial reach,<br />

and economy out of my comfort zone, I went in<br />

search of middle ground and found a new option -<br />

Premium Economy with Cathay Pacific Airways.<br />

This is a new level of service for Vancouver to Hong<br />

Kong flights. For the dates I was traveling (April/<br />

May <strong>2016</strong>), premium economy was just $710 more<br />

than economy, but $3,530 less than business class.<br />

From the moment I arrived at the airport, I knew<br />

the experience was going to be markedly different.<br />

There was a premium economy priority line at<br />

the Cathay Pacific counter (just like business and<br />

first class) and baggage allowance was 25kg/55lbs,<br />

compared to just 20kg/44lbs for economy passengers.<br />

Translation? More shopping for me in Asia!<br />

At the gate, there was a designated line and priority<br />

boarding for premium economy passengers. Aboard<br />

the airplane, there was a separate cabin of the<br />

aircraft for premium economy, with in-flight crew.<br />

We were offered a hot towel, welcome beverage<br />

and a newspaper while we prepared for take-off.<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 43


LONG HAUL COMFORT<br />

There were less than thirty seats in the premium<br />

economy cabin, which was modern, clean and<br />

spacious. There was ample room between my seat<br />

and the passenger beside me. My seat featured<br />

eight inches of recline and a four-way headrest<br />

for body support and comfortable sleeping. I<br />

reserved a front row seat, which included a legrest<br />

and lots of stretching space for my long limbs.<br />

The larger tray table was perfect for working or<br />

dining, and there was a secondary drinks table<br />

for extra tabletop space. Meal service (served<br />

twice on my flight) included elegant entrées -<br />

Asian or Western options. Wine, cocktails, bottled<br />

water and yummy snacks were always available.<br />

I must mention how much I appreciated<br />

the noise cancelling headphones, and the<br />

stylish amenity kit with travel socks, eye<br />

shade, earplugs, toothbrush and toothpaste.<br />

Its limited edition felted wool pouch, designed<br />

for Cathay Pacific by G.O.D - Goods of Desire,<br />

has become the chic new home for my passport!<br />

44 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


TAKING FLIGHT<br />

Cathay Pacific currently offers<br />

two flights daily from Vancouver<br />

International Airport to Hong Kong.<br />

You can choose to depart YVR in the<br />

afternoon (2:25pm PST) or in the early<br />

morning (2:05am PST). I chose the<br />

latter because it offered the most sleep<br />

time, allowing me to arrive 13.5 hours<br />

later in Hong Kong, at the beginning of<br />

a new day, feeling refreshed and ready<br />

to start exploring. Premium economy<br />

class is available to and from many<br />

different cities and countries. More info<br />

at CathayPacific.com<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 45


AT A GLANCE:<br />

Okinawa Islands<br />

by: ELIZABETH DEAN<br />

There is a place between Taiwan and Japan where<br />

speckles of land skip across the surface of the ocean.<br />

Forty nine of these small islands are inhabited and one<br />

hundred and eleven belong to the tropical wild. These<br />

are the Okinawa Islands. Where the lands are flooded with lush<br />

overgrown jungle, the sands are white as snow, and the waters are<br />

clearer than a glass of cool water. The islands are rich in history<br />

with fascinating legends of the Ryukyu culture. Once its own<br />

temperate kingdom, Okinawa now belongs to Japan and divides<br />

the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea.<br />

46 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


ROPE IN<br />

THE OPEN SEA<br />

WHAT’S IN A NAME?<br />

The stretch of tropical islands wind<br />

across the open blue, perched<br />

precariously on the steadily<br />

moving waters of the easterly sea.<br />

Just as they appear from above, the<br />

name Okinawa translates to “rope<br />

in the open sea”.<br />

WHAT TO BRING<br />

SNEAKERS Skechers Burst are<br />

light, ventilated walking shoes for men<br />

and women.<br />

skechers.com<br />

SUNGLASSES<br />

Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses with<br />

polarized green flash lenses.<br />

ray-ban.com<br />

WORLD ADAPTER<br />

Skross compact 3-pole travel plug with a dual USB<br />

charger for travelers from over 220 countries.<br />

skross.com<br />

WHAT TO DO<br />

Be sure to indulge in at least one traditional<br />

Okinawan dish, the local cuisine is famous for its<br />

part in good health. The locals have the longest life<br />

expectancy in the world; their mantra is “nuchi<br />

gusui”, meaning, food is medicine. There are plenty<br />

of spots to go snorkeling or diving and experience<br />

the exotic marine life and impressive coral reef.<br />

While the sea will lure and tempt you, don’t neglect<br />

the magnificent land. Explore a mangrove jungle<br />

by canoe, or hike through the mountains. Iriomote<br />

Island, called ‘the last unexplored region of Japan’,<br />

and Onna Village, are magical places to see rare<br />

animals and plants. There is also a lot to be learned<br />

about the culture and history – stroll through the<br />

historical sites and interact with the locals.<br />

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HAVANA<br />

a photographic journey<br />

Featured Photographer: Alex R. Elms<br />

Alex R. Elms is a filmmaker<br />

and photographer, who<br />

has traveled the world<br />

looking for unique<br />

shots and perspectives.<br />

Selected for the NME<br />

photography awards, and<br />

short-listed at Cannes<br />

in the Young Lion film<br />

category, Alex sees unlimited potential through<br />

the lens. Photographing fashion, live music, travel<br />

and events, Alex has a current/past client list<br />

that includes Nike, BBC, M&C Saatchi, Bestival,<br />

Gigwise, Virtual Festivals, Consequence of Sound,<br />

British Red Cross, Bath In Fashion, and Alter Art.<br />

CAMERA EQUIPMENT:<br />

Canon 5D MK III<br />

Canon 24-70 F2.8 II<br />

Canon 50mm F1.4<br />

Canon 17-40 F4<br />

FOLLOW ALEX ONLINE:<br />

Website: alexrelms.com<br />

Instagram: @alexrelms<br />

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In Havana, homes naturally spill out onto the street, making for strong communities.<br />

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Every street in Havana offers its own character, hidden bars & classic cars.<br />

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Fishing off the seawall is a favorite pastime of many Cubans.<br />

Evenings on the Malecón are a sight to see.<br />

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Taking to the streets to find their next adventure.<br />

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Colorful homes make for colorful characters.<br />

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The charm of 1950’s cars is still very much alive in Havana.<br />

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Havana city center is forever on the move.<br />

Hidden away amongst rows of houses, street markets sell all the fresh<br />

produce you could ever want.<br />

Fruit sellers wander the streets, working long into the night until their<br />

stock is sold.<br />

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HAVANA, THE CAPITAL OF CUBA<br />

is the largest city in the Caribbean<br />

with 2.1 million inhabitants, and<br />

one of the most culturally rich<br />

urban centers in the world. Cuba’s<br />

love of music flows from the city’s<br />

clubs and cabarets every night,<br />

and dance spills out onto Havana’s<br />

sidewalks with impromptu streetside<br />

salsas. Its pride and appreciation<br />

for its glorious colonial past is<br />

reflected in Havana’s many castles,<br />

cathedrals, museums and mansions.<br />

The historic neighborhood of Vieja<br />

Habana (Old Havana) is a UNESCO<br />

World Heritage site, with more than<br />

900 landmarks. Havana’s stunning<br />

Malecón and captivating coastline<br />

offers nearly 15 km of excellent<br />

beaches and unspoiled coral reefs.<br />

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With a love of new places, new faces and new subjects to shoot, I’d travel<br />

anywhere for a photograph. Specializing in performance and events, I’ve been<br />

lucky enough to travel the world for my work. I’m still desperate to see more.<br />

ALEX R. ELMS<br />

Color co-ordination is not required to get on the school bus.<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 61


off the beaten path<br />

THAILAND’S<br />

by: RONAN MAHONY<br />

SECRET REGIONS<br />

Thailand is one of the most frequently visited countries<br />

in the world - and with good reason. Each year, over 25<br />

million people flock to the Land of Smiles in search of<br />

exotic cuisine, idyllic beaches, and unique culture.<br />

This influx of visitors also means that it can be difficult<br />

to find somewhere authentic to visit that hasn’t been<br />

taken over by tourism. Luckily, there are still lesser<br />

known, quieter locations for those who want to see the<br />

real Thailand.<br />

Here are the details on three less-touristy destinations<br />

you can visit while in Thailand.<br />

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Phraya Nakhon Cave<br />

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Prachuap Khiri Khan<br />

This gorgeous seaside town is the capital of the province of<br />

the same name. Thousands of tourists make their way to<br />

this province each year, but most of them go to Hua Hin,<br />

a popular beach resort. Little do they know that the sleepy,<br />

laid-back town of Prachuap is located just one hour down<br />

the road and is filled with the magic that is Thailand.<br />

If you are searching for an authentic experience where<br />

you can immerse yourself in local culture, Prachuap has it<br />

in spades. It retains a sense of the real charm of Thailand<br />

with bustling night markets full of amazing Thai food. The<br />

weekend market is one of the best in the country, giving<br />

visitors the opportunity to dine on cheap, scrumptious<br />

seafood right beside the water.<br />

There is also a glorious beach known as Ao Manao (meaning<br />

Lime Bay) nearby, just a 10-minute bike ride from town.<br />

This serene bay is unique in that it is situated inside Wing 5<br />

of the Royal Thai Air Force base.<br />

Accommodation is cheap in this region of Thailand, and<br />

there is so much to do and see, without the tourist crowds.<br />

Prachuap Khiri Khan is located in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula, 240 kilometers south of Bangkok.<br />

Ao Manoa (Lime Bay)<br />

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Loei<br />

Loei is located in the Isaan region of Thailand, which is the<br />

least-visited region of the country - all the more reason to<br />

go! Loei is a beautiful, quiet area located on the banks of the<br />

mighty Mekong River. A real nature lovers’ paradise, Loei is<br />

surrounded by many beautiful mountains.<br />

In the daytime, you can visit one of the mountains or<br />

national parks in the vicinity. When you’ve had enough<br />

exercise, head back to town and soak up the relaxed<br />

atmosphere with a cold beer on the banks of the Mekong.<br />

Loei is the perfect place to chill out for a few days and<br />

escape, relax and recharge for the next leg of your journey.<br />

Buriram<br />

Also situated in the Isaan province, the city of Buriram has<br />

been hailed as the next major tourist spot in Thailand. For<br />

the moment it has retained its sense of charm, but with<br />

more and more hotels popping up around the city, you<br />

should aim to get there as soon as possible if you want an<br />

authentic Thai experience.<br />

Buriram is a history buffs’ paradise, with an abundance of<br />

majestic Khmer ruins, similar to those found at the Angkor<br />

Wat complex in Cambodia. It's also an animal lovers’ dream,<br />

with a bird park that has more than 100 different species.<br />

Fans of soccer will enjoy this city, as it’s the home of one<br />

of Thailand’s most well-known teams, Buriram United. If<br />

you’re lucky enough to be there when a match is scheduled,<br />

buy a ticket and experience the unique atmosphere. The<br />

people of Thailand are extremely passionate about the<br />

beautiful game. Situated just five hours from Bangkok,<br />

Buriram is easy to get to and well worth a visit.<br />

These are three exceptional destinations in Thailand that<br />

are off the beaten path. Whether you are visiting the Land<br />

of Smiles in search of a true Thai experience, or you just<br />

want to escape the busier cities, include Prachuap, Loei and<br />

Buriram in your travel plans.<br />

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Mekong River<br />

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TRAVEL GEAR<br />

MUST HAVES FOR THE SAVVY TRAVELER<br />

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Getting in and out of an airport these days can be an ordeal<br />

- an experience that quite often includes noise, crowds, and<br />

time consuming security lines.<br />

KENSINGTON RETRACTABLE LAPTOP LOCK<br />

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electronic devices at the airport! ec-bc.com<br />

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with significant noise reduction for travel. No<br />

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your music—or simply peace and quiet. Apple,<br />

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One place that I looked at a lot from space and<br />

which looks alluring is New Zealand, especially<br />

the North Island. It’s a big broad valley with a<br />

river flowing through it, and you can see the<br />

wine-making dryness of the land.<br />

CHRIS HADFIELD<br />

ASTRONAUT & WORLD TRAVELER<br />

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7 INCREDIBLE THINGS TO SEE IN<br />

NEW ZEALAND<br />

by: CHRISTOPHER CLAYTON<br />

A<br />

gorgeous country with friendly people and lots<br />

of things to do, New Zealand has become a top<br />

destination over the past few years. Like Australia,<br />

European settlers made homes in New Zealand in the 1800s<br />

and learned to live alongside the indigenous people.<br />

But don’t be fooled into thinking these two countries<br />

are similar. They may be neighbors, but New Zealand<br />

and Australia are very different countries with their<br />

own unique identities. If the two countries were human,<br />

Australia would be the fun, active party type, while<br />

New Zealand would be the laid back, smart, and cool.<br />

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1The Beauty of New Zealand’s South Island<br />

If New Zealand is known for one thing, it’s the<br />

incredible natural beauty. The country has everything<br />

from lush rolling hills to majestic, snow-covered peaks,<br />

from fjords and lakes to gorgeous beaches. It doesn’t get<br />

more beautiful than the South Island, though, particularly<br />

the West Coast. While you’re there you can see the Franz<br />

Josef Glacier and the Fox Glacier, which can be accessed<br />

by helicopter for an unforgettable hike through the ice.<br />

Go during ski season and hit the slopes as well. Don’t miss<br />

Milford Sound in the South, where you’ll see dramatic<br />

waterfalls and fjords. Hiking, kayaking, and jet-boating are<br />

popular ways to view the beauty there, or relax and take it<br />

all in on a scenic train tour.<br />

2Middle-earth<br />

Peter Jackson arguably put New Zealand on the map,<br />

tourism-wise, after shooting his Lord of the Rings<br />

and Hobbit movies there. The movies took advantage of<br />

the amazing landscapes in this country. They were perfect<br />

for creating the other-worldly feel the movie required.<br />

You can visit many of the film locations and see where it<br />

all happened with your own eyes. The green rolling hills<br />

around the town of Matamata became the setting for the<br />

Shire, where Bilbo Baggins lives. Tour are available for you<br />

to see the sets. The “Hobbiton” sets were built but then<br />

removed after the first films were made, and then the whole<br />

thing was rebuilt for the Hobbit films and is now there to<br />

stay. The majority of the famous filming locations for The<br />

Lord of the Rings movies are located on the South Island -<br />

yet another reason to visit the South Island.<br />

3Māori Culture<br />

Kia ora! Learning about the Maori culture is a must<br />

while in New Zealand. The Maori people, originally<br />

from Eastern Polynesia, predated the European settlers<br />

by more than 500 years and developed their own distinct<br />

cultural practices. You’ll no doubt encounter the art,<br />

language, and people on your travels through the country,<br />

but you can also arrange to be part of a tour that focuses on<br />

discovering more about the Maori culture. Learn about the<br />

way their ancestors greeted visitors, the games they played,<br />

and the way they cook food in the ground; find out about<br />

the significance of the face tattoos, the common design<br />

elements in Maori art and architecture, and of course the<br />

haka. Many cities feature these kinds of tours, including<br />

Kaikoura, Rotorua, and Waimarama.<br />

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Visit the blue penguins in<br />

Oamaru (and yes, they really<br />

are blue!)


4Get Your Adventure On<br />

Helicopter tours, hiking, kayaking, jet-boating, and<br />

skiing, are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to<br />

things to do in New Zealand. The country is also a hot spot<br />

for extreme sports and adrenaline-pumping activities like<br />

skydiving, white water rafting, zip lining, and Zorbing. It<br />

was a New Zealander, A. J. Hackett, who started organizing<br />

commercial bungee jumping, in 1986, seven years after it<br />

appeared in the U.K., and it’s not difficult to find bungee<br />

operators in New Zealand now.<br />

5The Geothermal Features of Rotorua<br />

Rotorua stinks - literally. This town in the North<br />

Island smells like sulfur (that not-so-delightful<br />

rotten egg smell) because of its intense geothermal activity.<br />

Visit and you’ll see bubbling mud pots, steam rising from<br />

the hot pools of water everywhere, and bursting geysers.<br />

These features aren’t very common in the world; only<br />

Japan, Russia, Iceland, and the U.S. have areas of similar<br />

geothermal activity. So it’s an incredible opportunity to<br />

see one of earth’s rare wonders. To really get up close and<br />

personal, consider going to a spa where you can soak in<br />

the health benefits of the mineral waters in hot baths and<br />

mineral pools. While you’re at it, get a massage, too - after<br />

all, you’re on vacation.<br />

6Glow Worm Caves<br />

Glow worms are insects that glow with<br />

bioluminescence, like fireflies, and they’re plentiful<br />

(relatively speaking) in both Australia and New Zealand.<br />

Make the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves part of your<br />

itinerary, and you’ll see thousands of these little creatures<br />

light up the cave as you travel through by boat - a truly<br />

wondrous site. Waitomo is located in the North Island, not<br />

too far from Rotorua.<br />

7Whales, Dolphins, Seals, and Penguins<br />

New Zealand is a great place to see an abundance of<br />

wild animals you might otherwise never see in your<br />

lifetime. Head out on a whale-spotting sea tour. Two good<br />

places to try are Auckland, a city in the North Island, and<br />

Kaikoura, in the South Island. You’ll likely also encounter<br />

some dolphins on your boat trip. You may see the common<br />

dolphin, the bottle-nosed dolphin, the dusky dolphin, or<br />

even the rare Hector’s dolphin, which lives only in the<br />

waters off New Zealand. After whales and dolphins, go<br />

check out some seals. In Kaikoura, you can walk out to see<br />

the seal colony up close and personal - but not too close -<br />

watch out that you don’t trip over a seal sunning herself.<br />

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little eateries in the<br />

Crowded streets, towering skyscrapers and packed subway cars<br />

are expected when you visit New York City. However, sometimes<br />

you just want to take a rest from the chaos of The Big Apple<br />

and find a quiet place to refuel. Tiny restaurants to the rescue!<br />

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<strong>DRIFT</strong> has rounded up three of our favorite teeny eateries in<br />

NYC, each with world-class cuisine, imaginative cocktail menus<br />

and a lot of awesome packed into very little square footage. These<br />

are our pint-sized culinary heroes that definitely keep the New<br />

York dining scene fresh, creative and delightfully unpredictable.


wallflower | 235 West 12th Street, NYC | wallflowernyc.com<br />

Inspired by French-country cuisine, Wallflower in<br />

the West Village truly proves the old adage, ‘‘good<br />

things come in small packages’. With just 30 seats,<br />

the low-key boîte is known for a truly superlative<br />

cocktail list (crafted by Xavier Herit, a veteran of<br />

Daniel and the Experimental Cocktail Club) as<br />

well as adventurous seasonal tasting and a la carte<br />

menus. Executive chef Derrick Paez modernizes<br />

French classics on his menus.<br />

<strong>DRIFT</strong> RECOMMENDS:<br />

Main: Jerk Spiced Quail<br />

Dessert: Caramelized Bread Pudding<br />

Drink: New York to Lima<br />

dinnertable | 206 Avenue A, NYC | dinnertable.nyc<br />

Dining at dinnertable feels as intimate as sharing<br />

a meal at your best friend’s home. With a tiny<br />

open kitchen, husband-and-wife chef duo Scott<br />

Tacinelli and Angie Rito produce some of the most<br />

impressive food in the city. The speakeasy-style<br />

restaurant is nestled in the East Village and serves<br />

just 19 people at a time. The menu allows diners to<br />

savor funky Italian dishes that pair optimally with<br />

the venue’s spot-on drink menu.<br />

<strong>DRIFT</strong> RECOMMENDS:<br />

Main: The Sixth Guy’s Burger<br />

Dessert: Toasted Strudel<br />

Drink: The Willis<br />

the eddy | 342 East 6th Street, NYC | theeddynyc.com<br />

Nestled between sleepy storefronts on quaint East<br />

6th Street, The Eddy features an 11-seat bar area<br />

and 32-seat dining room. Chef/Owner Brendan<br />

McHale rotates his five-course tasting menus<br />

almost daily, updating classic American dishes with<br />

unpredictable preparations, which pair perfectly<br />

with Wine Director/Owner Jason Soloway’s<br />

sophisticated wine list and the seasonal cocktails of<br />

head bartender Luis Hernandez.<br />

<strong>DRIFT</strong> RECOMMENDS:<br />

Main: Grass Fed Strip Steak<br />

Dessert: Cardamom Panna Cotta<br />

Drink: Purple Rain<br />

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Mo'orea<br />

5 islands to visit<br />

BEFORE<br />

YOU DIE<br />

by: LAURIE ATTIS<br />

THERE IS A CERTAIN<br />

SECLUDED CHARM<br />

ABOUT ISLANDS<br />

These small pieces of<br />

paradise are divided from the<br />

continents by vast amounts<br />

of ocean. There are over 700<br />

million islands in the world,<br />

but a few of these stand out<br />

for their unique beauty. These<br />

five islands should be on every<br />

world traveler’s bucket list.<br />

MO’OREA<br />

french polynesia<br />

Arthur Frommer once stated that Mo’orea is the most<br />

beautiful island in the world. It’s not surprising that it greatly<br />

impressed this seasoned world traveler. Mo’orea, a 10-milewide<br />

island off the western coast of Tahiti, is a secluded<br />

mountain paradise. In order to get on the island, you must<br />

take a small plane from Tahiti. There is only a single road<br />

that goes around the entire island. The sapphire-colored<br />

waters, swaying palms, and cloud-topped mountains are<br />

more than worth the inconvenience of getting to Mo’orea.<br />

Walking around the sandy beaches will reveal hidden<br />

coves where you feel as though you have stumbled on your<br />

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Cape Breton Island<br />

own private heaven. Because the island is surrounded by<br />

a coral reef, it is an amazing place to dive and snorkel.<br />

CAPE BRETON ISLAND canada<br />

This rugged island is a green jewel set in the North Atlantic<br />

Ocean off the coast of Canada. The wild rocky shores jut<br />

out into the dark blue Atlantic. The lush green land set<br />

against bright blue skies and sloping mountains make this<br />

a treat for the eyes. Visitors to the island will be steeped in<br />

the deeply ingrained Scottish heritage and infamous Celtic<br />

music traditions of Cape Breton. One of the world’s most<br />

beautiful scenic highways winds through the island, so you<br />

can take in the majesty of the place in a single day from<br />

the comfort of your vehicle. If you prefer to get handson,<br />

you can also explore the remote beaches and cliffs by<br />

hiking. The oceans around the island are heavily populated<br />

with whales, so you can view the arresting sight of the<br />

far off island while whale watching. If you time your visit<br />

perfectly, you can participate in one of the Scottish festivals<br />

where there is plenty of food, fun, and fiddle music.<br />

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PALAWAN ISLAND philippines<br />

Palawan Island<br />

Expansive white sand beaches, gray rocks rising from<br />

a turquoise ocean, and a range of biodiverse wildlife<br />

make Palawan Island in the Philippines a top bucketlist<br />

item. Unlike many islands, the natives of Palawan<br />

have managed to preserve their culture and are more<br />

than happy to share local customs and traditions with<br />

visitors. The bright, clear oceans make Palawan an ideal<br />

place for swimming, diving, and snorkeling. Those who<br />

are brave enough can try cliff diving from the high rocks<br />

into the ocean. For the traveler that loves food, Palawan<br />

Island has an exquisite range of delicious cuisine. One of<br />

the best pastimes is setting up a hammock and enjoying<br />

the unparalleled natural beauty surrounding you.<br />

MALTA italy<br />

Right off the coast of Italy lies the charming island of<br />

Malta. The amazing weather and rich history of Malta<br />

make it one of the best European islands to visit. Malta’s<br />

historical record begins in 5200 BCE when it was settled<br />

by mainland explorers. Beginning at that time it was<br />

successively claimed by many different countries and<br />

empires, who all left their mark in some way. For this<br />

reason, architectural enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the<br />

temples, churches, palaces, and state buildings that date<br />

from hundreds of years ago. Even though the island has<br />

perfect weather, the temperature rarely dipping below 50<br />

degrees Fahrenheit, the area is not overdeveloped. The<br />

small population that lives there is deeply religious. There<br />

are a number of festivals centering around the island’s<br />

Roman Catholic religion, including carnival, festivals<br />

dedicated to saints and holy week. The warm, sandy<br />

beaches are a haven for surfers, divers, and swimmers.<br />

The island also features magnificent opportunities for rock<br />

climbing and curvy paved roads for recreational driving.<br />

Malta<br />

THE SMALLEST ISLAND<br />

on the planet is Bishop Rock,<br />

located in the Isles of Scilly, just off<br />

the coast of Cornwall in Britain.<br />

At low tide, Bishop Rock measures<br />

just 150 feet long and 52 feet long.<br />

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VANCOUVER ISLAND canada<br />

This large island off the West Coast of Canada has an<br />

abundance of mountains, forests, and water. It inhabits the<br />

beauty of the scenes Jack London captured in his works<br />

on Alaskan landscapes. The shorelines are lined with<br />

large, towering timbers, and the interior is dotted with<br />

picturesque lakes reflecting the imposing snow-capped<br />

mountains in the background. Vancouver Island boasts<br />

one of Canada’s warmest climates. It is a beautiful place to<br />

visit at any time of the year. In the warmer months, there<br />

are chances for breathtaking hiking, good fishing, surfing,<br />

and whale watching. In the winter months, visitors to<br />

Vancouver Island can ski on picturesque runs. Victoria<br />

on the island’s southern tip is the most populated city<br />

and is as quaint as a postcard. On the rugged west side of<br />

the island, a trip to Tofino is worth the harrowing water’s<br />

edge road trip. The fertile nature of the island attracts<br />

wildlife of all kinds. The island's locally produced craft<br />

beers and BC wines are famous throughout Canada.<br />

All five of these islands to "visit before<br />

you die" offer travelers a wide variety<br />

of scenery and culture, but they<br />

share the trait of being too beautiful<br />

to describe with just a handful<br />

of words. Get yourself to these<br />

islands, and prepare to be awestruck.<br />

Vancouver Island<br />

82 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


Simple made perfect<br />

Delta Hotels by Marriott TM Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort<br />

DeltaVictoriaOPR<br />

DeltaVictoria<br />

DeltaOceanPoint


quirky side of travel<br />

LONDON LOO TOURS<br />

by: JOHN LEE<br />

“Don’t pay that! Follow me instead” says<br />

Erickson, waving her plunger aloft and<br />

leading us onto the streets outside.”<br />

Day one of my trip to London and I’m caught<br />

short at Victoria Station. But rather than pay<br />

30p for turnstile entry to the public washrooms,<br />

I hit the upstairs food court, congratulating<br />

myself on finding a freebie alternative. Except it isn’t. The<br />

turnstile here says ‘50p.’<br />

We soon stop in our tracks as she points to a tiny<br />

‘Community Toilet’ sign nearby. It indicates a gratis facility<br />

in a local pub, part of a scheme that designates bar and<br />

restaurant loos for public use.<br />

“It’s one of the reasons I started this<br />

tour,” Rachel Erickson tells me the<br />

next day. The Californian moved<br />

to London to study drama in 2011<br />

and, between classes, she launched<br />

a rent-paying sideline reflecting<br />

her keen interest in finding places<br />

to pee in the city without having to<br />

pay.<br />

And while she recently returned<br />

to her home country for the 2015<br />

launch of San Francisco toilet<br />

tours, her popular London walks<br />

continue with two like-minded<br />

local loo guides. Showcasing<br />

quirky sanitation anecdotes and<br />

a thick slice of history, the 90-120<br />

minute wanders run on several days<br />

throughout the week.<br />

On my visit, Erickson who likes<br />

to be known as the loo lady was<br />

still leading the bowl-tastic tours<br />

herself. Meeting at Waterloo Station<br />

where else? I join a dozen other<br />

participants ready to go. Naturally,<br />

we’re gathered outside the station’s<br />

ever-busy public facilities (30p).<br />

84 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


But history, it transpires, is the bottom<br />

line when it comes to London’s<br />

fascinating toilet tale. And when we<br />

reach the nearby River Thames and<br />

enter the Jubiloo a slick, privatelyowned<br />

facility that normally charges<br />

50p we learn that early Londoners<br />

would have poo pooed the very idea<br />

of paying.<br />

Ascending a footbridge over the river,<br />

we hear why. “This is London’s first<br />

toilet,” Erickson announces with a wry<br />

smile. But while communal Roman<br />

lavatories emptied straight into the<br />

fetid waterway, the city’s ablution<br />

habits eventually backed-up.<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 85


86 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


“By the 1850s, the river was a giant<br />

cesspit. But it wasn’t until the stench<br />

reached the Houses of Parliament<br />

during a summer nicknamed the<br />

Great Stink by the locals that action<br />

was taken.” That meant designing<br />

a gargantuan brick-built sewerage<br />

system, much of which is still in use<br />

today.<br />

On the other side of the bridge, we’re<br />

ushered towards a memorial to the<br />

man who brought order to London’s<br />

ordure. Civil engineer Joseph<br />

Bazalgette built a system for three<br />

million locals, 10 million short of the<br />

number it services now.<br />

Weaving north from the river, we next<br />

pass some City of Westminster public<br />

toilets charging 50p a visit, Erickson<br />

laments then arrive at a discreet steel<br />

ring embedded in the sidewalk. It’s a<br />

pop-up urinal that rises nightly from<br />

the ground to discourage ‘late-night<br />

piddlers’ from sullying area alleyways.<br />

But it’s not the only way to spend a<br />

penny here without handing over<br />

some coin. Near Trafalgar Square, our<br />

guide lists several gratis options in the<br />

area, from Starbucks to the National<br />

Gallery. Making a mental note for<br />

future visits, I turn to my fellow toilet<br />

tourists for their take on the tour.<br />

“We chose it because it’s odd and a<br />

little exotic,” chuckles Greenville, SC<br />

resident Bill Whiting, visiting London<br />

with his wife Rhonda. She adds that<br />

their son-in-law encouraged them to<br />

take the plunge and she’s glad they<br />

did” “we’re enjoying seeing parts of<br />

London other tourists don’t see.”<br />

Crossing Covent Garden’s brickcobbled<br />

plaza, we’re also hearing<br />

stories few other visitors encounter.<br />

London’s 1851 Great Exhibition,<br />

we’re told, marked the first time paid<br />

restrooms were tried in the capital and<br />

their success of 827,000 visitors and a<br />

handsome profit triggered a flush of<br />

pay-to-pee facilities.<br />

But London has always been a toileting<br />

innovator. On a side street near the<br />

Strand’s grand Savoy Hotel, we gather<br />

around an unassuming street lamp. In<br />

Victorian times, lamps like this lined<br />

the city, powered by excess biogas<br />

from the sewerage system.<br />

When all London’s gas lamps, not just<br />

sewerage-fueled ones, were eventually<br />

superseded by electricity, this final<br />

biogas example was saved and<br />

restored as an historical reminder. It’s<br />

now, Erickson claims, fueled from the<br />

washrooms of the Savoy.<br />

But this isn’t the only change to<br />

London’s lavatorial landscape over the<br />

years. Many conveniences have been<br />

converted into housing or businesses<br />

in recent decades including our final<br />

stop.<br />

Descending a darkened stairwell in<br />

a nearby sidewalk, we’re told that<br />

‘company-seeking’ regulars from<br />

Oscar Wilde to Joe Orton notoriously<br />

favored this former gentlemen’s public<br />

loo for their nighttime activities.<br />

Closed in the 1980s, it’s since become<br />

a jazzy subterranean bar with a nice<br />

line in cocktails. After inspecting its<br />

cubicle toilets the glass doors turn<br />

opaque when locked I wave goodbye<br />

to the group and return to the sidewalk<br />

above. My days of paying to pee in<br />

London, I promise myself, are now<br />

firmly behind me.<br />

London Loo Tours:<br />

The Waterloo Tour<br />

Iconic London from a new<br />

perspective, introducing guests<br />

to the history and surprisingly<br />

dynamic modern politics of the<br />

Public Toilet. You’ll never have felt<br />

more British, as you learn about<br />

‘spending a penny’ at the Great<br />

Exhibition of 1851 and explore<br />

London’s most patriotic toilet.<br />

The Bloomsbury Tour<br />

Interesting and thought provoking<br />

walk and talk about toilets,<br />

sanitation, and other fun historical<br />

facts about going to the Loo! The<br />

revamped Bloomsbury Loo Tour<br />

will burst open the lavatorial door<br />

to another side of the toilet saga!<br />

Walking Tours last about two<br />

hours, finishing in a pub or bar.<br />

Walking tour costs £12 for adults<br />

and £10 for students and seniors.<br />

More info online: lootours.com.<br />

TRAVEL <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 87


y: RYAN LOGAN<br />

Spain’s Canary Islands are among the<br />

most sought after holiday destinations<br />

in the world with people from all over<br />

the globe visiting every year. Tenerife is<br />

the most popular of the islands, with impressive<br />

hotels situated all over the island, hundreds of<br />

bars creating fantastic nightlife, and world class<br />

beaches. However, there are plenty of other things<br />

to do on the island; attractions that will leave you<br />

with memorable moments on your next trip to<br />

Tenerife.<br />

Golf Del Sur is popular with the older generation,<br />

and snowbirds often come here to settle in their<br />

retirement. It’s a peaceful location with stunning<br />

views and hotels as well as a spectacular golf<br />

course that is perfectly situated and surrounded<br />

by breathtaking landscape. Designed by Pepe<br />

Gancedo, who is considered the “Picasso” of his<br />

field, it’s one of the most peaceful golf courses you<br />

will ever play on!<br />

San Juan


Canary Islands<br />

TENERIFE<br />

Playa de Tejita<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 89


Teide National Park is the spot to learn about the Tenerife<br />

culture. There are daily tours taking people on a wonderful<br />

day out to see the sights, including the island’s historic<br />

volcano. Mount Teide, the<br />

true foundation of Tenerife,<br />

created<br />

beaches.<br />

the “gray sand”<br />

Playa de las Americas is<br />

the heart of Tenerife, and<br />

offers cabaret shows, famous<br />

tributes, comedians, and<br />

hypnotists, all providing you<br />

with a great night out. You<br />

will also find some of the<br />

best shops on the island in Americas, where everything is<br />

completely authentic, as no fake items are allowed in the<br />

center. Adeje also has a selection of night spots, including<br />

some of the best cocktail bars on the island. Many of these<br />

are situated directly on the coast, right next to the beach, so<br />

you can enjoy the view while you have the time of your life.<br />

Siam Park has been rated the best water park in Europe<br />

and one of the ten best in the world. There is an enormous<br />

wave pool that everyone loves to cool down in. Relax by the<br />

wave pool on the man-made beach and then go round the<br />

park seeing all of the different water flumes, including the<br />

famous Lazy River.<br />

Grab a rubber ring<br />

FIVE MILLION<br />

TOURISTS VISIT TENERIFE EACH YEAR.<br />

THE LARGEST OF THE SEVEN CANARY<br />

ISLANDS, TENERIFE MEASURES 785<br />

SQUARE MILES AND HAS MORE THAN<br />

850,000 INHABITANTS.<br />

and float around the<br />

river while soaking<br />

up the sunshine.<br />

If you are feeling<br />

invincible, have a<br />

go on the Tower of<br />

Power, one of the<br />

largest water flumes<br />

in the world with an<br />

almost vertical drop.<br />

Only the bravest have what it takes to slide down it!<br />

Tenerife is truly one of the most spectacular and adventurefilled<br />

islands in the world. If you’re looking for a fun,<br />

exciting holiday in the sun, book a flight to Tenerife. Stay<br />

in Playa de las Americas or Costa Adeje to make the most<br />

of your holiday. If you’re looking for a cheap and peaceful<br />

holiday, then Puerto de la Cruz might be a better option.<br />

Nonetheless have a good time!<br />

Teide National Park<br />

90 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


Siam Water Park<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 91


#WHERETONEXT<br />

RIOMAGGIORE, ITALY<br />

Situated right on the Gulf of Genoa, in the province<br />

of La Spezia in the Liguria region of Italy, and one<br />

of the five famous Italian fishing villages known as<br />

Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore is one of the prettiest<br />

villages in the world. Charming by day and<br />

breathtaking by night, the village of Riomaggiore<br />

dates back to the early thirteenth century.<br />

92 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 93


Surviving<br />

looks a lot<br />

like thriving<br />

Breast cancer flipped Katherine’s world upside down.<br />

But in the five years since she underwent treatment,<br />

Katherine’s been doing some flips of her own.<br />

Thanks to research to discover new treatments,<br />

women like Katherine are having their lives put right<br />

side up after a cancer diagnosis. That’s why<br />

Stand Up To Cancer Canada and Canadian Breast<br />

Cancer Foundation have teamed up to accelerate<br />

the pace of research done by collaborative teams of<br />

scientists working to develop new treatments faster.<br />

Giving more women, like Katherine, their lives back.<br />

To learn more about advances in research, clinical trials<br />

testing innovative treatments, and how to get involved,<br />

go to standup2cancer.ca/breastcancer and cbcf.org.<br />

Photography: Andrew Macpherson<br />

94 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM<br />

Kim Cattrall, Stand Up To Cancer Canada Ambassador<br />

Katherine Chan, Breast Cancer Survivor<br />

Stand Up To Cancer Canada is a program of EIF Canada, a Canadian Registered Charity (Reg. #80550 6730 RR0001).<br />

Stand Up To Cancer Canada brand marks are licensed trademarks of the Entertainment Industry Foundation.

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