American World Traveler Winter 2021-22 Issue

Hong Kong Malta Las Vegas Yucatan Bali
A M E R I C A N
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WINTER 2021-22
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Editor-in-chief
Greg James
Contributing Editor
David J. Cox
Graphic Department
Al Cheong
Advertising Department
Leo Santini
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Tania Tassone
Distribution
Royce Dillon
Senior Travel Writers:
Susan Campbell
Steve Gillick
Regular Contributors:
Habeeb Salloum
Jennifer Merrick
Olivia Balsinger
Mike Cohen
Ilona Kauremszky
Natalie Ayotte
Jasmine Morcos
Daniel Smajovits
Cherie DeLory
Lisa TE Sonne
Alexandra Cohen
Jessica Percy Campbell
Mathieu Morcos
Gregory Caltabanis
Anne-Marie Macloughlin
Janice Mucalov
T
his year, 2022, marks a very special
anniversary for World Traveller as we celebrate
20 years of our multi-award-winning
publications, and we are as passionate
about travel as ever.
When we began, our print issues were spread
far and wide. It was not long until we launched
our website: www.worldtraveler.travel, which
has recently merged both American World
Traveler and Canadian World Traveller. In the
following years we introduced new media:
eMagazines, eNewsletters and World Traveler
Social Media pages. Today we find ourselves
with a vast reader base and electronic presence
which has been growing exponentially in the
past three years.
In this issue, the first of a full year of special
issues, we will bring back some of
your favourite articles from the past 20
years as well as some memorable front
covers and a sample of amazing photographs.
Let us start with our latest odyssey in Japan,
where we visit Matsushima and Shiogame, and
find they have ‘Incredible Beauty and Taste!’.
While there, we experience some wonderful
folklore in ‘Happy Namahage New Year from
Japan’s Mountain Ogres’. We then jet off to
China to revisit ‘Suzhou’s Top Five Must-See
Sites’. In Hong Kong, we re-visit a long-time
favourite, ‘In Search of My Chinese Roots’. In
Southeast Asia, we start in Bali and find its
beautiful ‘Five Hidden Beaches’ while in
Thailand we revisit four amazing world class
Thai hotels.
Already 20 Years!
Next, we head way east to tour the small kingdom
of Oman and discover that its capitol
Muscat ‘Enwraps The Past With The Present’.
Close by, we head to Egypt and to remember
the delightful article ‘Cruising through the Land
of the Pharaohs’. While close to the
Mediterranean, we jet off with Turkish Airlines
and visit the magnificent island nation of Malta
and find the best this little gem has to offer the
traveler.
To the Americas we go. First, way west, we head
off to learn all about ‘Vintage Vegas’, its
famous Flamingo hotel and the Mob scene that
has intrigued ever since. Close by we visit Santa
Fe, New Mexico to find the great things to do in
this beautiful and historic town has to offer.
To the opposite side of the continent, we
head to Fort Myers in southern Florida to
find all that is new and happening. In the
Bahamas, we recharge with magnificent
stays at 10 amazing Bahamian luxury
hotels. We then discover the fascinating
and unique culture in the State of Yucatan,
Mexico.
Further south we jet off to South America. In
Peru, we find out about the wonderful culinary
scene before boarding Aqua Expeditions’ beautiful
ship the ‘Aria’ to cruise the ‘Amazing
Amazon with Awe & Comfort’. Finally, we go
down memory lane and revisit ‘Cruising South
America with Princess’ that would take us on a
two-week cruise from Buenos Aires, Argentina
to Valparaíso, Chile.
Happy Travels!
Disclaimer: World Traveler has made every effort to
verify that the information provided in this publication
is as accurate as possible. However, we accept
no responsibility for any loss, injury, or inconvenience
sustained by anyone resulting from the information
contained herein nor for any information
provided by our advertisers.

Destinations
Crusing Section
36
Yucatan 8 Malta 10
Las Vegas 12 Bali 60
Cruise News
Amazon Cruise
South America Cruise
Nile River Cruise
Stay & Play - 48
Muscat, Oman 62 Hong Kong 64
Suzhou, China
Around the World 14
Caerula Mar Club, the Bahamas

8
Son Pa’l Corazon: Discover Mexico’s Yucatán
Article and Photography by Steve Gillick
In the historic centre of Mérida, a slogan
appears on the wall of the restaurant,
Micaela Mar y Leña. “Son Pa’l Corazon”
literally means “they are for the heart”, but
the words can refer to “music for the heart”,
“food for the soul” or “travel that fills you with
happiness”. The expression connotes a feeling
of joy and fulfillment, two words that are
no strangers when describing the unique
quality of Mexico’s Yucatán State.
On a first visit in 2019
(https://worldtraveler.travel/mexicos-magicalyucatan-state/),
we explored Mérida,
Valladolid, Izamal, the Celestún Biosphere
Reserve, and Chichen Itza. On a second trip
in 2021, further interactions were captivating!
From our base in Mérida, we traveled to
Mayapan, one of the last of the 60,000 sites
occupied in the Mundo Maya. While Chichen
Itza, about 100 km away, attracts thousands
of visitors on day trips from Cancun and area,
Mayapan is a tranquil, inviting alternative
(150-500 visitors per day), filled with archeological
wonders.
The word ‘Mayapan’ literally means “the flag
of the Mayas” and derives from one of the
frescoes at the Temple of Kukulcan, showing a
man holding a flag or banner. The 30-meter
high temple can be carefully ascended by 60
World Traveler - Already 20 Years!

narrow steps, with dynamic views from the
top. The round Calendar Temple, the Temple
of the Fisherman, and a series of stone platforms
incorporate Mayan numerology that
celebrates the connection between the earth
and the sky, while the local cenotes and caves
link the material world with the underworld.
Uxmal, the magnificent UNESCO World
Heritage Site, is about a 90-minute drive from
Mayapan. History comes alive at the evening
Sound and Light show, with colorful images
projected on the Governor’s Palace, the 40
meter-high Pyramid of the Magician, the
Nunnery Quadrangle, and the Ballcourt,
depicting Uxmal’s stories and legends. At
present, the narration is only available in
Spanish, but translations into several other
languages are in the works.
And in between Mayapan and Uxmal, visitors
can bond with the Yucatán!
We passed through the yellow arch announcing
that we were in Tekit, “the capital of the
Guayabera”, the traditional shirt worn by
Mexicans. We visited Don Isidro’s small, family-owned
Guayabera Factory to appreciate
the process and detail involved.
With the emphasis on community tourism, we
met members of Yaax Tekit, the local cooperative.
They offer educational programs to
schools and visitors, including agrotourism
(lemons, oranges, pumpkins, corn, sour
oranges and dragon fruit), bird watching,
baking, cross-stitching (sewing), and swimming
in the cenotes. At the Panaderia de Don
Cay, the coop bakery where workshops are
conducted, thoroughly tempting smells wafted
from the traditional stone oven. Our salivations
were rewarded with hot fresh buns filled
with Salchicha, sausage and cheese.
In El Solar, a traditional Mayan garden, Anna
spoke about her passion for nature. She told
us that her grandfather came to the house
one day, hugged an avocado tree, and
explained that it would not take long for the
fruit to grow, so she should plan to take care
of it. This was her call to action! She showed
us how everything in the garden had a purpose:
tree bark was used for roofing, fruit
attracted pollinating bees, and was eaten in a
world where candy did not exist, and medicinal
plants were used to treat ailments.
And then Anna showed us her labor of love:
Seventy boxes of beehives, each containing
4000-5000 Melipona or stingless bees. She
carefully broke the wax seal on one box,
opened it, and using a syringe, gave us a
taste of pure, sweet honey.
Our local lunch was no less tasty. Sijilpak,
pumpkin seeds toasted, smashed and mixed
with onion and tomato, served as a spread on
tostadas. The main dish was Escabeche; marinated
turkey and pork, cooked with onion,
and eaten with fresh tortillas (and habanero
sauce, of course).
We overnighted at the Uxmal Resort Maya
and were greeted by a host of endemic birds
the following day: yellow Great Kiskadees,
orange Hooded Orioles, and blue Yucatán
Jays.
At Yunku, we were welcomed to the Camino
del Mayab by our guides Emiliano and Don
Rosendo, with the Mayan greeting,
“Bishabel”, meaning “How is your road?”
They wisely advised that the 120 km route that
integrates 17 communities was not just a trail.
“It’s a life experience”. And with the enthusiastic
call, “Kanesh” (Let’s Go!), we were off to
explore a small portion of the Camino.
The slogan of the Camino is “Find your
Essence,” with packages ranging from partial
days to 5 full days, including a tour guide,
food, and overnights in Haciendas, or camping.
In addition, nature-based workshops
cover birding (over 500 species), biodiversity,
cenotes, history, caving, medicinal plants, and
more. Those who complete the entire trail
enjoy a graduation ceremony at Mayapan,
the last stop.
Our local lunch on this day consisted of
Codzitos: Hard tacos drizzled with grilled
tomato/ oregano and pepper, with Pochuc:
Pork cooked with purple onion, orange, avocado,
radish, and tomato, and served with
tortillas (and Habanero pepper). Our dessert
was candied Papaya. So good!
After an overnight in Mérida, we drove 45
minutes to Motul to indulge in Doña Evelia’s
world-renowned Huevos Motuleño! Doña
Evelia posed for photos and revealed her successful
recipe: Tostada, 2 fried eggs, black
beans, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, green
peas, Habanero chile, and banana.
The perfect Yucatán breakfast! A small,
9
colorful market, complete with a shop
that produces tortillas, the Motul city sign, and
the 16th century Church of San Juan Bautista,
make this a true ‘destination breakfast experience’.
In San Crisanto, we visited the mangroves
through which the local cooperative manually
dug canals for boats, leading to a water
spring. When the sun’s rays reflect on the red
soil beneath the shallow water, the effect is
magical. And as the boat silently slips through
the mangroves, Green Herons and Great
Egrets hop along the shore, adding to an
experience best described by our captain as
“Muy Tranquilo”.
Lunch, by the beach, was equally memorable:
Fresh Ceviche Mixto: raw, marinated, fresh
fish, shrimp and octopus. The slogan of La
Palapa Restaurant is “Del mar a tu mesa!”—
‘From the sea to your table’. Highly recommended!
Our last visit was Apiturism Sinanché, where
stinging honey bees are kept for honey and
educational workshops. After tasting 5 types
of honey (based on seasonal plants), we
donned our beekeeping outfits and, protected
from head to toe, visited one of the beehives.
Most of us were buzzing about this unique
‘first-time’ experience!
The Yucatán is an exceptional destination,
perfectly suited to first-time visitors to Mexico.
Michelle Fridman, the State’s Minister of
Tourism, noted that “Cancun may have thousands
of rooms, but the Yucatán has thousands
of Flamingos”, and while Cancun is 50
years old, “the Yucatán has been around for
64 million years”. This is a State where
nature, cenotes, community, history, food and
Mayan culture are the major resources.
Emeliano, our guide on the Camino del
Mayab possibly said it best. “I feel like a
switchboard operator with the ability to plug
clients into so many different and exciting
experiences”. In a day and age when travelers
are looking to connect and interact with
destinations, the Yucatán is a perfect holiday
choice.
www.visitmexico.com/en/yucatan
American World Traveler Winter 2021-22

Top Reasons to Visit Malta
Malta and its sister islands Gozo and Comino, an archipelago in the Mediterranean, boast a year round sunny climate. In addition to
Maltese, English is spoken and it is a safe destination, much less crowded than mainland Europe. From it’s remarkable 7000 years of
history, diverse culinary offerings, and an endless calendar of events and festivals - there is truly something to suit all interests in Malta.
Malta is a member of the EU and the currency is Euros.
Valletta: The European Capital
Culture 2018, travelers will find themselves
engulfed in the rich history and
religious attractions that make up this
Maltese Capital. Built by the Knights of
St. John, the city that is bustling by day
and now by night, will transport you
back in time with its historic architecture
and old world atmosphere. The
narrow streets will lead you to historical
landmarks, quaint coffee shops
and elaborate churches.
Gozo and Comino: A trip to Malta
isn’t complete without a visit to Malta’s
two sister islands, Gozo and Comino.
The more rural island, Gozo, is a perfect
change of pace for those looking
for authenticity and a more relaxed
and quaint stay. The island also comes
complete with historical sites, forts and
amazing panoramas, as well as one
of the archipelago's best-preserved
prehistoric temples, Ġgantija. Situated
between Malta and Gozo, is a water
lover’s paradise. Home to the most
spectacular diving, snorkeling and
boating experiences, the car-less
island is home to the magnificent Blue
Lagoon and the one single hotel on
the island offers guests the most tranquil
getaway.
A Diverse Culinary Experience: Malta
offers travelers a diverse culinary experience,
from the traditional plate of
eclectic Mediterranean food curated by
a relationship between the Maltese
and the countless civilizations that
occupied the island, to the never-ending
vineyards delivering the finest
wine. Malta has been put on the gourmet
cuisine map with five Michelinstarred
restaurants and award winning
chefs with a total of 31 restaurants listed
in the Michelin 2021 guide including
3 Bib Gourmand and 23 Michelin
Plates. Not to be missed, the local
street foods including the famous
Maltese Pastizzi (cheese or pea filled
pastries).
Advertorial

Film Location Tourism: In recent
years, Malta has become one of
Europe's most popular film and television
locations - dubbed "the
Mediterranean's mini-Hollywood" by
the London Times. The Maltese Islands
are home to countless blockbusters
like Gladiator, Popeye, and The Count
of Monte Cristo. Most famously, the
city of Mdina was home to the filming
of HBO’s Game of Thrones, as the fictional
city of King’s Landing.
Year Long Events /Festivals Calendar:
With a year long calendar of events
and festivals, there is rarely a dull
moment in Malta with a unique, culturally
immersive experience always
waiting around the corner. With events
like the Malta Arts Festival to Classic
Car Races and the Rolex Middle Sea
Sailing Race, there’s a niche for everyone.
Religion: With more than 360 churches
and chapels scattered across Malta
and Gozo, these religious sites form
an integral part of the country’s history,
landscape and skyline – they are at
the heart of Maltese social and cultural
life. St. Paul brought the Christian
faith to Malta when he shipwrecked in
A.D. 60, as his steps can be retraced
through the shrines, grottos, catacombs,
and more. Jewish travelers will
also find a fascinating Jewish history
and heritage on the Maltese Islands.
Malta is home to religious experiences
far beyond the ordinary and is a mustsee
religious destination.
The Dive Trail: Coming in as the third
best diving destination two years in a
row, all three Maltese islands offer
unique diving experiences with an
abundance of reefs, caves and wrecks
each dive proves itself to be a
momentous experience. For the ultimate
diving adventure, take on the
Dive Trail. Travelers can use this trail
map as an underwater guide highlighting
the most unique characteristics
of Malta from underneath. Discover
the Azure Reef, The Blue Hole and
Coral Gardens as your swim past
shipwrecks while swimming through
Malta’s clear blue water.
Nightlife: Typical of the Mediterranean
lifestyle, locals' approach to life is to
enjoy it as much as possible, giving
Malta a lively and cheerful nightlife
constantly. From clubbing and DJ’s, to
classical orchestras, to traditional
band music; nights on the Maltese
Islands are never dull.
Health and Wellness: The Maltese
Islands are the perfect place to take
time for your health and wellness,
including state of the art, luxury spas.
The fresh island air gives travelers the
energy to walk or cycle through the
beautiful scenery, or embrace some
more adventurous activities like rock
climbing or paragliding.
Luxury for Less: Malta delivers the ultimate
recipe for luxury, featuring a
diverse range of luxury accommodations
from five star properties, luxury
boutique hotels, to historic palazzos
and farmhouses. Visitors can also
enjoy curated experiences from after
hour tours of historic sites to chartering
a yacht. All this luxury for less in Malta
compared to similar accommodations
and exclusive tours in mainland
Europe.
About Malta
The sunny islands of Malta, in the
middle of the Mediterranean Sea, are
home to a most remarkable concentration
of intact built heritage, including
the highest density of UNESCO
World Heritage Sites in any nationstate
anywhere. Valletta built by the
proud Knights of St. John is one of the
UNESCO sights and the European
Capital of Culture for 2018. Malta's
patrimony in stone ranges from the
oldest free-standing stone architecture
in the world, to one of the British
Empire's most formidable defensive
systems, and includes a rich mix of
domestic, religious and military architecture
from the ancient, medieval and
early modern periods. With superbly
sunny weather, attractive beaches, a
thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of
intriguing history, there is a great deal
to see and do.
www.visitmalta.com
American World Traveler Winter 2021-22

12
The Flamingo Hotel and Mob Museum: Speaking Easy in Vegas
Article and photography by Jennifer Merrick
History? In Vegas? Didn’t the city just
rise up out of the Mojave Desert as
a bastion of adult vice with over
12,000,000 neon lights burning, an adult
amusement park with a hall pass for questionable
behaviour? After all, as the sign in
the airport says, “What happens in Vegas,
stays in Vegas.”
Casinos are regularly demolished, rebuilt
and renamed; their neon signs sent out to
pasture to spend the rest of their days in the
Neon Boneyard. Yes, only in Vegas is there a
graveyard for signs that have outlived their
usefulness. The genie’s lamp from the
Aladdin Casino, a giant nugget curtesy of
the Golden Nugget Hotel Casino and a hotpink
Liberace signature are among the more
than 250 signs that rest in peace here.
Bothered only by the tourists who take their
picture for the ‘gram.
But if you look a little closer and ask a few
questions (but not too many), you can
glimpse Sin City’s past. It may not be a long
history, but what it lacks in time, it makes up
for in intrigue and glamour.
The Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
Opened by the infamous mobster, Benjamin
(Bugsy) Siegal, in 1947, the Flamingo Hotel
is credited for bringing Hollywood glitz to the
desert.
Caesar Las Vegas Media
www.caesars.com
Photo: CanaDream
www.WorldTraveler.Travel

The secrets, liaisons, conspiracies and feuds
continue to fascinate and linger in the hotel’s
75-year-old history. The newly opened Bugsy
& Meyer's Steakhouse pays homage to that
legacy and the speakeasy tradition.
13
“The bigger the mobster, the more stars you
had,” said Gia Silvaggio, the hotel’s
spokesperson.
With Hollywood friends like Cary Grant,
Frank Sinatra and Jean Harlow, there’s no
doubt Bugsy was in the big league when it
came to the underworld. Stars visited the
casino, too. But they didn’t visit Bugsy for
long. Six months after opening the Flamingo,
an unknown sniper gunned Bugsy down in
his California home. The grisly murder made
headlines around the world but did nothing
to deter tourists from coming to the
Flamingo. In fact, oddly enough, it had the
opposite effect, attracting visitors who were
intrigued by Vegas’s mob connection.
“If you were cool, you never went through
the front door,” said Silvaggio.
And so ‘the boys’, meaning Bugsy and
Meyer, his partner in crime, as well as
Hollywood stars and other VIPs, would go
through kitchen doors and other secret
entrance ways to their private bars and parties,
far away from the plebs.
Today, you’ll need to do the same to dine at
the steakhouse. The entrance appears to be
a bakery, complete with shelves stocked with
bread and other baked goods (which are not
for sale though people often try to buy them).
Inside the so-called bakery is a discrete hallway
whose walls are lined with pictures of
Bugsy and his family. Next, you’ll pass a window
looking into the kitchen and a glass display,
showcasing premium cuts of beef like
60-day dry-aged rib eyes and tomahawks.
Only then will you have entered the restaurant’s
Havana room. With the lush tropical
plants, colourful Flamingo murals and artdeco
touches, like rose-tinted cutlery, you’re
instantly transported to the glamourous era
of pre-Castro’s Cuba. Enjoy the sublime
steaks as well as seafood specialities with
1920s’ Havana-inspired cocktails with an
emphasis on premium rums.
True to its heritage, there’s more to this space
than meets the eye. A secret. You can’t see it.
But those inside can see you. Equipped with
a wall of one-way glass, the Count Room,
named for the secure room where casinos
count their money, is a secret lounge whose
entrance is known only to insiders (that now
includes yourself) and servers. The ambiance
is mafia-esque with a long, polished, wooden
bar whose shelves hold elixirs of all sorts,
dimmed lighting and Bugsy memorabilia,
including the pink flamingo Bugsy would
personally give his guests.
“So, if these walls could talk,” I asked the
bartender as he presented me with a perfectly
crafted cocktail. “What would they say?”
Maybe it was the atmosphere or the strength
of the cocktail, but I could have sworn he
whispered, “I could tell you, but I’d have to
kill you.”
The Mob Museum
To find out more about the Flamingo’s mafia
connection, be sure to visit the Mob Museum.
Located in downtown Vegas, the National
Museum of Organized Crime and Law
Enforcement, as it’s officially known, has
exhibits that include a piece of bullet-holed
wall from the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre,
an actual courthouse and a firearm training
simulator.
In the basement, you’ll discover another
speakeasy. Aptly named The Underground,
this bar has its own in-house distillery, a hidden
VIP area, 1920s memorabilia and creative
cocktails. Bathtub Fizz, served in a mini
ceramic bathtub, is a fun wink at prohibitionera
history, when bootleggers leased small
stills to families to make illegal liquor at
home.
A new exhibit focuses on Bugsy Siegal and
the origins of the Flamingo Hotel. Artifacts
on display include casino checks, a grand
opening invitation (sent to Hollywood
celebrities, of course), legal agreements, a
pistol and an original slot machine. A touchscreen
reveals images and chronicles stories
of the hotel’s 75 years.
History? In Vegas? Most definitely.
www.caesars.com
www.lvcva.com
www.lvcva.com
American World Traveler Winter 2021-22

20 Years Replay
Summer 2015
Around The World
(in 22 pages)
China
Suzhou’s Top Five Must-See Sites
Peru's Culinary Reputation
Continues to Grow
Peru continues to shine on the world culinary stage. The
annual "World's 50 Best Restaurants" awards were announced
last week and placed three Peruvian restaurants in the top 50.
There are numerous unique Peruvian dishes visitors should try
during a visit to the country. Here are our top 10 suggestions:
Ceviche: Peruvian ceviche is arguably the best in the world.
Tender chunks of fresh raw fish are marinated in leche de
tigre, a spicy Peruvian chili, lime and onion mixture. Pisco
Sour: A classic Peruvian cocktail made with Muscat-grape
brandy. Causa: Causa somewhat resemble sushi, with smooth
mashed potato as a carefully-shaped base and topped with
delicate slices of fish, seafood, egg or vegetables. Lucuma:
Lucuma is a Peruvian fruit grown almost exclusively in the
Andes. Lomo Saltado: sliced beef stir-fried with garlic, cumin,
tomato and onion. Aji de Gallina: strips of chicken served
with a creamy yellow sauce made with aji amarillo (yellow
chilis), cheese, milk and bread. Cocktail de Algarrobina:
Think of this as a pisco eggnog-type cocktail. Chicha Morada:
A sweet, non-alcoholic Peruvian beverage made by boiling
blue/purple corn with pineapple and spices. Inca Kola: A soft
drink created in Peru in 1935, this sweet, fruity cola is made
with lemon verbena, known locally as Hierba Luisa. Papa la
Huancaina: Peru is known for potatoes - almost 4,000 varieties
can be found across the country.
www.peru.travel
American World Traveler Winter 2021-22
Given China’s rapid economic growth and urban expansion,
there are few opportunities to experience traditional China, yet Suzhou
presents that possibility. With its narrow streets and winding waterways,
this city truly lives up to its nickname as “Venice of China.” At the heart
of the city is the old town district, the layout of which has remained
unchanged over 2,500 years.
Navigate The Grand Canal: Like the Great Wall, Suzhou’s
Grand Canal is noted as one of the most magnificent and wondrous
constructions in ancient China, offering a profound look into China's
fascinating, historical past. The Grand Canal, approximately 1,200
miles in length, is the longest man-made waterway in China. With 27
sections and 58 historical sites, it was successfully inscribed onto the
UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014.
Live The Local Life Of A Water Town: The ancient water town
of Tongli is located on the bank of Taihu Lake and east of the ancient
Grand Canal. As one of the six famous water towns, it is divided into
seven parts by 15 brooks and by 47 bridges. The area contains hundreds
of gardens, temples, mansions, and the former residences of
dignitaries built from 1271 to 1911 during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Explore The Old & New in Suzhou: Suzhou is home to more
than 730 cultural relics under government protection. More than 60
classical gardens are well preserved, and nine of them are listed as
UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites. The protected landscape of
small bridges, flowing water, winding canals, narrow streets, white
walls, cultural relics, and classical gardens make it a unique city.
Tour Iconic Chinese Landmarks: One of the 10 great temples
in China is the Hanshan Temple, which is located just outside the city
center of Suzhou. The scents of street food and the clamor of the city
are replaced by fragrant incense and a respectful hush inside the yellow
Temple walls, which is broken only by the sounds of the famous
chiming bell. Visitors can immerse themselves in the ancient history of
the Liang and Tang dynasties as they explore the buildings, climb the
pagoda and read the ancient inscriptions.
Be One With Nature with the Famous Suzhou Gardens: The
famed Humble Administrator’s Garden is considered to be one of the
best representations of China’s classic landscape architecture. Listed as
a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the garden is the largest in Suzhou.
www.TravelToSuzhou.com

20 Years Replay
Best of GTG
Good to Go!
Great Travel Gear and Gadgets
Our travel specialists review the best travel gear and gadgets to get you on the go better
American World Traveler Winter 2021-22

17
RV Life Needs Ninjas!
We’re taking a lot more road trips these
days, so equipping your RV with the best
compact equipment for quality travel living
is a good idea with these fabulous
NinjaKitchen products. Ninja®
Professional Plus Kitchen System with
Auto-iQ is so much more than a blenderit
doubles as a powerful food processor,
too!
Don’t want to haul around a BBQ? Then
Ninja® Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill provides
smokeless barbecuing in a tight
space, air frying, and roasting,too. Unique
Cyclonic Grilling Technology provides
perfect surround searing just like the big
outdoor BBQs. It weighs less than 20 lbs.
and takes little space.
Team it up with the brand-new Ninja® Air
Fryer Sheet Oven that folds up flat against
the counter when not in use, and you
have everything you need to make complete
gourmet meals in a tight space. The
small oven is a powerful little beast that
air fries, air roasts, air broils, bakes, dehydrates,
keeps warm, and does bagels and
toast, too.
American World Traveler Winter 2021-22

Intrepid Travel Launches Largest ever Collection of Trips in North America
Photo: Shutterstock Edward Fielding
The world’s largest adventure travel company will introduce 38 new itineraries in North America, reimagining what travel
within the United States and Canada can and should look like by incorporating more diverse perspectives and experiences
alongside the iconic sites
IIntrepid Travel, the B Corp certified tour
operator with a mission to create positive
change through the joy of travel, has
announced a collection of 38 new trips in the
U.S. and Canada that will begin departing in
2022 - its most robust offering in the country
since its inception over 30 years ago. Each
trip was designed to provide opportunities to
forge meaningful connections between travelers
and the people who make this diverse
country so rich in culture.
“We’ve thought for a long time about the
unique role Intrepid can play in North
America,” said James Thornton, CEO of
Intrepid Travel. “We felt compelled to not
only offer sustainable and unique travel
experiences for both domestic and international
travelers, but to also ensure we use the
power of tourism as a force for good.”
“We created these itineraries to showcase
North America through a more authentic
World Traveler - Already 20 Years!
Photo: Intrepid Travel
and diverse lens. While they will offer travelers
the chance to see the country’s most
iconic sites and cities, they also celebrate the
lesser-known places, communities and highlights
that make up the rich fabric of U.S.
and Canada.”
“While we did include many of the well-loved
places that get people excited to travel, we
took it a step further by celebrating the small
towns and varying perspectives that allow
travelers to understand what North America
is – not just at its surface, but rather at its
core,” he added.
Intrepid’s new trips will incorporate the mustsee
attractions while giving travelers more
curated, in-depth offerings. From enjoying
local delicacies and going on human-powered
active adventures, to spending time with
First Nations tribes, each trip will provide a
unique take on the destination.
Examples of new trips include:
South Dakota to Montana Parks Explorer
Travelers will visit the iconic sites like Mount
Rushmore, Badlands National Park and
Yellowstone to watch Old Faithful spray
water into the air, in addition to an intimate
visit to Little Bighorn Battlefield National
Monument, where they will join a Crow
Nation Guide for a tour which provides an
Apsaalooke perspective on the conflict. With
a tribal historian at their side, they will traverse
the battlefield and learn how Lakota,
Cheyenne and Arapaho warriors defeated
the US Army on the Greasy Grass at the
Battle of the Little Bighorn.
Portland to San Francisco Discovery
This tour takes travelers between two cities
known for their outstanding culinary scenes,
though food-minded adventurers will also
enjoy traveling down the coast to Bend to
explore the town’s lesser-known but thriving
food scene. Guests will also enjoy a meal
with the First Nations people of Warm
Springs for a river to table native experience
with a picnic lunch that acknowledges the
role salmon played in tribal history, and
shuck oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co., a fellow
B Corp certified company. The itinerary
also includes highlights such as witnessing
the deepest lake in the U.S. located at Crater
Photo: Intrepid Travel

Lake National Park and the tallest living
things in the world at Muir Woods National
Monument.
Tennessee Music Trail to New Orleans
Travelers will make musical memories on this
journey, taking part in a recording session
with a professional sound engineer at the
iconic Studio B in Nashville, walking in the
famous footsteps of BB King and Johnny
Cash at the Sun Studio in Memphis (known
as the “Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll”), visiting
Elvis Presley’s home at Graceland, and
doing a jazz-inspired walking tour in New
Orleans. Groups will also visit the Whitney
Plantation to learn what life was like for
those enslaved on a Louisiana sugarcane
plantation. With a focus on the lives of the
enslaved rather than the perspective of the
plantation owner, exploring here is a sobering
and eye-opening experience.
Best of Montana
Adventurers will follow in the path of Lewis
and Clark exploring the “Gates of the
Mountains” on a river cruise along the
Missouri River and enjoy backcountry hikes
with picnic lunches surrounded by the state’s
scenic mountains. Taking travelers from
Bozeman to Missoula via mountains, rivers,
glaciers and lakes, this tour additionally
showcases the customs and histories of the
Blackfeet Native American culture.
Georgia History Trail to Nashville
This tour from Atlanta to Nashville takes travelers
deep into the heart of America’s past
for an in depth look at how it shaped today's
movement for human rights. Along with several
culinary adventures, guests will also:
visit a plantation that is known for being ethical
in sharing the history of the enslaved
and First Nations people; stop at the Martin
Luther King Jr. National Historic Site to learn
more about his legacy as a leader; and take
a Black History walking tour in Charleston to
immerse in the city’s rich history and complex
past.
The launch of these new trips brings
Intrepid’s total portfolio in the North America
to 57 tours, together and including a mix of
walking, cycling, multi-active, culinary and
general sightseeing adventures.
North America will play a big part in Intrepid
Travel’s future growth and vision as a company.
To increase its capacity, ensure the
utmost quality control over each trip and
incorporate the highest sustainable and
responsible measures, the business has built
and launched its own dedicated American
operations hub this year, which allows
Intrepid to build more meaningful and
impactful relationships with its suppliers.
For example, when creating the itineraries
for its South Dakota trips, Intrepid made sure
to acknowledge the sensitivities of certain
tourist attractions in relation to the
Indigenous experience. Following conversations
with and recommendations from both
the Crow Nation and Lakota tribe representatives,
the company decided to not include
a visit to Crazy Horse on its trips, while
ensuring it pursues ways to incorporate the
Indigenous American perspective during the
visit to Mount Rushmore.
Future plans in North America include continuing
to work with First Nations outfitters to
run more specialized trips and experiences
focused on several perspectives and cultures
of the country’s various tribes, and aiming to
introduce its recently launched Premium tour
range, which will provide a sustainable travel
option for the higher-end adventure traveler.
www.intrepidtravel.com
19
About Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a world leader in sustainable
experience-rich travel that has been
taking travelers off the beaten track to discover the
world's most amazing places for more than 30
years. The company offers more than 800 trips on
every continent and every trip – whether closer to
home or further afield - is designed to truly experience
local culture. Travelers eat, sleep and get
around the local way, going where the bigger groups
can’t. With its own network of destination management
companies in 23 countries, Intrepid has
unique local expertise and perspectives. Globally
renowned as a leader in responsible travel.
www.intrepidtravel.com
Photo: Blackfeet Outfitters
American World Traveler Winter 2021-22

20
High Travel - On the Way to Santa Fe
Article and Photography by Lisa TE Sonne
“My painting is what I have to give back to
the world for what the world has given
me.”– Georgia O’Keefe.
Finally, I am in the clouds again. Cloud watching
was a childhood game, but also a recent
playful pastime for me -- looking up and conjuring
animals, faces, and stories from the layered
shapes. My mind left the ground.
Recently, though, all of me was actually in the
clouds heading to Santa Fe, New Mexico, a
U.S. state where imagination is encouraged by
the creative atmosphere and rich, complex
history. It’s one of the older cities in North
America with indigenous populations going
back thousands of years in the area.
Europeans from Spain named it “Santa Fe”
(Holy Faith) in the early 1600s.
In my exhilaration to be over the earth, I did
some cloud bingeing 30,000 feet above the
earth. It’s not just their shapes. The cloud’s
textures, densities, movements, and shadows
are works of nature and art. They make a
American World Traveler Winter 2021-22
dreamy pathway to the galleries and landscapes
that Santa Fe is renowned for.
Once there, my husband and I sampled the
creativity and culinary sumptuousness of
Santa Fe-- talking with First Nation artists selling
their first-rate jewelry along the Palace of
the Governors, and seeing diverse art in galleries
and outdoor settings. We also enjoyed
the food scene, savoring meals and the settings
at Pasqual’s Café & Gallery, and at La
Plazuela, the restaurant in the historic La
Fonda on the Plaza hotel. We also grabbed
snacks at the Farmers Market of the Santa Fe
Railroad yard, another arts district.
Like many travelers, we visited the 19th century
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis and the
Loreto Chapel, with its mysterious spiral staircase
built without supports. We spent time
walking around the 400-year-old Plaza, people-watching
and exploring shops and galleries.
Near the Plaza, we visited the Georgia
O’Keefe Museum. The famous artist had long
been an avid traveler, pursuing what she
called “the wideness and wonders of the
world.” While journeying through this lovely
museum, I learned that, when O’Keefe was in
her early 70s, she was particularly taken with
the perspectives from an airplane, and she
expressed her interest in a series of paintings
on clouds and aerial views.
The exhibit’s text explained that O’Keefe
advocated “taking time to look.” She made
and used her own viewfinders to change her
perspective. She would use the hole in a pelvis
bone or hold up the hole in a piece of Swiss
cheese in fun to re-frame what she saw.
Flying home, I noticed the airplane window’s
confinement was not unlike the viewfinder
eyepieces O’Keefe had fashioned to frame
and focus differently. Looking out my “eyepiece”
window, I sometimes felt like I was in a
floating polar region with pillowy icebergs on
the horizon.
Time may be the most precious commodity
that you can’t buy, but clouds are free. This
trip reminded me that “taking time to look” is
one of the great reasons to travel. Whether
we see a different big picture, understand a
detail once missed, or savor another perspective,
we can all take moments to live like
artists.
It felt good to enjoy “the wideness and wonders
of the world” in Santa Fe and the sky
high journey there and back.
www.santafe.org

22
Matsushima and Shiogame: Incredible Beauty and Taste!
Article and photography by Steve Gillick
path flanked on both sides by tall cedar trees,
symbolic of power and longevity. An alternate
entrance features a number of caves that
were used in the past for meditation, and
today contain statues.
Matsushima is a very special destination.
The name refers to the
pine trees (matsu) that cover
many of the 260 islands (shima) in
Matsushima Bay, situated in Tohoku, an area
located in the northeast of Japan’s main
island, Honshu. Matsushima is one of the
three designated “Special Places of Scenic
Beauty” in Japan (along with
Amanohashidate and the Itsukushima
Shrine). And its fame dates back to at least
the 17th century when the renowned poet,
Matsuo Basho, expressed his wonder, reverence
and amazement in a Haiku.
Matsushima ah!
Ah, Matsushima, ah!
Matsushima, ah!
While the most popular way to see the islands
is on a cruise boat, we simply walked around
the temples by the shore, with cameras in
hand, to appreciate the beautiful pine-island
views.
Next to the boat pier, a sign instructs pilgrims
to focus on Godaido Temple Hall as they
cross a short red bridge. The Hall was originally
built in 807 but reconstructed in 1604.
It contains five statues that are displayed to
the public once every 33 years. The next
viewing will be in 2039.
The Matsushima city centre can best be
described as a celebration of Samurai history
with a blend of Star Wars, tucked in between
the shops and eateries.
The city’s Samurai legacy is represented by
the wax museum dedicated to the life of the
local feudal lord, Date Masamune, known as
the one-eyed dragon (he lost an eye in his
younger years). He founded the city of
Sendai, and conquered Tohoku’s enemies.
But he also had international aspirations. He
fought in Korea and sent emissaries to Rome
and Spain hoping to use Christian influence
in Japan to open up exclusive trade routes.
And how does Star Wars fit in? It is said that
the design and shape of Masamune’s elaborate
samurai helmet inspired the
costume/mask worn by Darth Vader in the
Star Wars movies. Certainly the ‘helmeted’
entrances to souvenir shops near the museum,
emphasize this connection.
The tranquil Zen Temple of Zuiganji dates to
1609. It’s another reflection of the beauty of
the area. One entrance proceeds along a
The Zuiganji Art Museum exhibits some of the
temple's treasures, including its golden
fusuma sliding doors, and artifacts of the
Clan to which Date Masume belonged.
Leaving Matsushima, we headed for
Shiogame, about 45 minutes away by local
bus. We travelled to have lunch at the fresh
fish market and our reward was mixed chirashi
donburi: ultra-delicious, melt-in-themouth
seafood on a bed of perfectly steamed
rice, and a bowl of hot, savoury miso soup,
served at Kaisen Shokudo Yamato. And for
the finishing touch, we walked over to the historic
(1724) Urakasumi Sake Brewery for a
tasting.
This turned out to be one incredibly enjoyable
day trip out of our base in Sendai, Tohoku’s
Capital city.
www.japan.travel/en/traveldirectory/matsushima/
American World Traveler Winter 2021-22

24
Happy Namahage New Year from Japan’s Mountain Ogres
Article and photography by Steve Gillick
It’s New Year’s Eve in Northwestern
Japan. The peaceful calm of a snowy
evening is about to be shattered. A dull,
unsettling moaning sound seems to get louder
as it approaches your home. Suddenly,
loud banging on the walls is followed by a
shocking CRASH, as the entrance door is
flung open and two terrifying figures tramp
into your house.
They’re dressed in coats of straw with their
feet bound in straw sandals. They carry a
small bucket in one hand and a menacing
carving knife in the other. Their faces are
obscured by colorful scowling masks conveying
horror and dread.
The intruders yell out questions in an accusatory
way as they clomp toward the stove or the
fireplace. “Are there any cry babies around”?
“Are there any naughty kids here”? ”Any lazy
people neglecting their work”? And mean-
American World Traveler Winter 2021-22
while, the children are either hiding in fear,
crying at the horrific spectacle, or nervously
laughing at the anticipated arrival of the
Namahage (pronounced Nom-a-hah-gay).
These scenes of trepidation occur in the villages
along the Oga Peninsula in Akita
Prefecture. It’s a little off the beaten path,
however the four hour train journey from the
city of Morioka is a relaxing ride past mountains
and forests. The Namahage Museum
Bus departs from the Oga Train Station. Our
first stop was a small building, dating to
1714, known as the ‘10,000 Buddhas of
Shinzan’. The walls and ceilings are covered
with miniature, carved, wooden Jizo statues
representing the Bodhisattva who decided to
postpone Buddhahood until all could be
saved. It’s a place of reverence, protection,
peace and comfort for troubled souls
From there it’s a 20-minute walk to the
Namahage Musuem.
The word ‘Namahage’ refers to heat blisters;
sores that lazy people get from idly sitting
around the fire for too long. The task of the
Namahage is to confront the guilty and get
them to change their ways before the New
Year. To do this, 2-3 young men dressed as
Namahage visit each household. If a child is
not doing their homework or a member of the
family is not pulling his/her weight in doing
the chores, then, with a bit of advance notice,
the Namahage build this into their frightening
talk. And afterward, they join the head of the
household for food, sake, and assurances
that those who need to change their ways, will
do so.
In the Namahage Museum, visitors can dress
up like an Ogre in straw cloak, shoes and
masks. After a few selfies, they enter the
exhibit hall filled with Namahage figures representing
New Years traditions in the different
villages on the Peninsula. An eerie soundtrack,
with whispers of ‘whoa, whoa’,
enhances the spooky, surreal atmosphere.
The days surrounding New Years represent an
occasion for many societies and cultures to
toss out the old, say farewell to bad luck,
promise to turn a new leaf and strive to attract
good karma for the New Year. The frightening
ogres of Namahage are part of this enamoured
tradition.

26
Qatar Airways Qsuite Sets Precedent in Air Travel
by Olivia Balsinger
Galavanting around the world
just got a whole lot easier–and
a whole lot more glamorous.
Qatar Airways has proved that travel–even
luxury travel–does not have to break the
bank. Further, the airline is an industry
leader in aviation travel that doesn’t create
extra headaches or grievances.
And with direct flights to Doha from more
than 150 destinations on every inhabited
continent, Qatar Airways is genuinely connecting
the world. As one who typically
loathes flying, I was disappointed when
the flight attendant woke me up as we
descended into Doha’s dawn on an
overnight from New York City. Qatar’s
Qsuite (Business Class) was undoubtedly
the finest flying experience of my life
Here’s why:
My Qsuite Journey
I was fortunate to travel Qsuite -the first of
its kind in business class-which provided
me complete privacy when I wanted it,
along with ambient mood lighting and a
fully flatbed. I have flown business or first
class on many airlines, but Qatar Airways
sets the new standard. The lovely stewardess
who greeted me as I stepped onto
the flight showed me all of the (countless)
amenities travelers with this airline class
receive. Afterward, she smiled and told
me I had the option to close my curtains,
which ultimately sealed my belief that I
wasn’t on an airplane but in the comfort
of my cozy living room.
Even better, had I been traveling with my
husband or other family members, we
could have even chosen seats amenable

to a four-person work area or even a double
bed. Imagine that-flying with a partner
and given the luxury of a double bedheck,
airplanes become more comfortable
and luxurious than home!
And how often do we dread long airplane
rides simply due to the pit of hunger that
manifests after barely being able to digest
airplane food? The airline also provides
business class passengers an “a la carte”
dining option, making my constant hunger
more manageable. Was I on a flight or in
a five-star restaurant in the center of a
metropolis? The possibilities were endless.
The most difficult decision I made was to
commence with a French onion soup or
escargot (of course, my answer was oui to
both!) The Quite menu adheres to the
structure of a four-course meal - with
soup, appetizers, and desserts – with a
post-sleep 'breakfast' (starters and mains)
as the final destination is in sight. Of
course, there are lighter options available
that can be enjoyed at any time during the
flight.
The stewardess went out of her way, surprising
me with champagne and chocolate
when landing in Doha and with Maha
Gold Service (meet and greet’ service)
both during arrival and departure. I felt
like royalty in the air.
Stopover Program
It gets even better. Until discovering oil in
1939, Qatar cultivated its most significant
profit and recognition from pearl diving.
But it has since grown, making its considerable
mark on the tourism map. Typically,
accommodation is one of the costliest
expenses on vacation. However, travelers
can alleviate this cost when they transit via
Doha for a few days with Qatar Airway’s
Stopover Program.
This generous program waives visa fees
from eighty countries. It also provides
accommodation at luxury four or five-star
hotels, such as InterContinental Doha or
Souq Waqif Boutique Hotel for two
nights—for a mere USD 100 booking fee!
A Whole New World
Once landed in Doha, I was equally
blown away. Indeed, Doha itself has
proven to be a significant tourism draw.
The city is significantly smaller than Dubai
and Abu Dhabi, which allows it to keep its
slightly provincial feel. While travelers can
still find modern high-end innovations,
such as Doha Festival City with an Angry
Birds theme park, Qatar stays true to its
heritage in several ways. I visited the Souq
Waqif, one of the most traditional in the
Middle East, to find pearl shops and
tea shops where men still gather to
play Dama’s classic game. Whether
eating traditional Qatari food or getting
whimsically bewildered in the labyrinth of
people watching, the Souq is not to miss.
Qatar is also equally modern, as it is
timeless. The sheer decadence and luxury
found within Qatar’s hotels are reason
enough to visit. Take The Mondrian Doha,
in Doha’’s West Bay Lagoon neighborhood.
The property’s 270 rooms have
views of the human-made Pearl Island. I
enjoyed a luxurious detoxing massage
much-needed swim in the penthouse pool.
The hotel epitomizes dual elegance and
creativity, described as Alice in
Wonderland in real life, the whimsical
architecture by famed Dutch designer
Marcel Wanders. One misconception
among Western tourists is that because
Qatar is primarily governed under Sharia
Law, there are zero legal drinking opportunities.
However, five-star international
hotels are allowed to sell alcohol to foreigners.
Two Qatari hotspots are found in
The Mondrian, Masaharu Morimoto's new
Morimoto Doha, and the bespoke Black
Orchid club.
Finally, there are only two countries where
the desert sand meets Qatar and
Namibia’s ocean. Few things spike adrenaline
more than a safari in a 4X4 through
Qatar’s vast desert, about an hour and a
half ride from Doha city center. The radio
is blasting Arabian-French techno music
as a white Land Cruiser picks up speed.
The experienced guide smiles slightly mischievously
and revs the engine before
accelerating through this stunning natural
oasis as the sound of sand descending the
slopes overwhelms. Q-Explorer Tours is a
professional tour operator that handles
individual and group guided arrangements,
catering to specific itinerary desires
and budgets. In addition to dune bashing,
the company provides many other opportunities
to explore Qatar’s culture, gastronomy,
and natural beauty.
www.qatarairways.com
27
American World Traveler Winter 2021-22

28
What’s New in 2022 in Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods
Fort Myers’ islands, beaches and
neighborhoods in Southwest Florida
continues to provide new experiences
for returning guests and first-time visitors.
Whether you’re looking for great year-round
weather or shell-drenched beaches along
the sparkling Gulf of Mexico,
VisitFortMyers.com is your source for the
most up-to-date vacation information.
New for ’22, the Lee County VCB has
unveiled a completely new look and feel,
with new branding, a new website and visitor
guide.
“Our new name – Fort Myers – Islands,
Beaches and Neighborhoods – replaces The
Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel,” said
Francesca Donlan, Communications
Director for the Lee County VCB. “The objective
was to build a strong brand reflective of
our destination today, boosting local pride
and increasing a collective sense of community.”
Both the website – which launched last week
– and the new visitor guide have been completely
revamped to feature the new branding.
Along with the new logo, there’s a new
colour palette that features bright pinks and
yellows, and cool blues and greens,
designed to connect with the nature and
landscape of Lee County.
Upcoming Events
ArtFest Fort Myers returns Feb. 4-6 along the
waterfront featuring art by more than 200
artists, entertainment, delicious food, and
fun children’s art activities. The show was
named among the best in the country by
Sunshine Artists Magazine.
artfestfortmyers.com
The 23rd Annual Southwest Florida Reading
Festival takes place on March 5. Free and a
great event for all ages, this popular annual
outdoor festival gives fans the opportunity to
meet a diverse line-up of bestselling authors,
participate in contests and activities, and discover
the latest in books and technology. In
addition to author appearances and autograph
sessions, there will be food truck vendors,
storytelling programs, arts and crafts,
youth writing contests, and a free book for
every child and teenager. ReadFest.org
Mark your calendars for Island Hopper
2022! Returning for its eighth year, this 10-
day music festival features performances by
some of the country’s greatest singer-songwriters.
The festival takes place in three
areas, with the first weekend kicking off on
Captiva Island, Sept. 16-18, then moving to
downtown Fort Myers, Sept. 19- 22, and
ending with a weekend on Fort Myers Beach,
Sept. 23-25. Most shows are free except for
a few ticketed experiences (headliner shows).
islandhopperfest.com
Accommodation News
The soon-to-open Fairfield Inn & Suites
Bonita Springs and the newly renovated The
Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village
received Convention South Magazine's ‘Top
New or Renovated’ awards for 2022.
New Dining and Brewery Openings
Bonita Springs has two new breweries.
Hopsized Brewing Co.
(hopsizedbrewing.com) opened in the new
Bernwood Trade Center with a focus on
sours and New England IPAs. Ceremony
Brewing (ceremonybrewing.com) celebrated
its grand opening in downtown Bonita
Springs with 18 taps and a bottle shop selling
hard-to-find brews.
World Traveler - Already 20 Years!

The owners of the Tacos & Tequila Cantina,
which has three locations in the region, have
opened Aldos Italian Table & Bar in
University Village adjacent to Florida Gulf
Coast University in Estero. The focal point of
the 4,500-square-foot restaurant is the
imported Italian pizza oven, which can bake
a 12-inch pie in 90 seconds.
https://universityvillagefl.com/aldos-italiantable-and-bar.html
R.A.D. Winery & Cidery is open at Miromar
Outlets in Estero. R.A.D. (short for Really.
Awesome. Drinks.) carries its own line of
wines and ciders on tap, as well as a selection
of wines from Gravity Winery and Red
Top Winery in Michigan. https://miromaroutlets.com/store-directory/gravitywine.html
Attractions News
Recently opened, Topgolf Fort Myers features
70 climate-controlled hitting bays for
year-round comfort with HDTVs in every bay
and throughout the sports bar and restaurant.
Visitors may use complimentary clubs
or bring their own as they take aim at giant
outfield targets.
https://topgolf.com/us/fort-myers
Free guided beach walks at San Carlos Bay
Bunche Beach take place at 9 a.m.
Wednesdays through April 27. Visitors of all
ages may enjoy this volunteer-led program
and learn the basics of different beach
ecosystems, types of shells and more. Free
tour with paid parking.
leegov.com/parks/beaches/bunche
Visitors are invited to a free tour of the
Manatee Park butterfly garden and habitats
at 9 a.m. Sundays through March 27.
Visitors will enjoy walking the ADA accessible
paths through the restored native plant
habitats and butterfly gardens. A volunteer
naturalist will lead the tour. Manatee Park is
a non-captive refuge for the threatened
Florida manatee. Optimum viewing is now
through March. Free tour with paid parking.
leegov.com/parks/parks/manateepark
Have Fun & Save
with Fort Myers Sun Saver Passport
Fort Myers’ islands, beaches and neighborhoods
has a free mobile savings passport
giving users access to exclusive deals on
attractions, restaurants, and experiences
throughout the destination.
To participate:
• Sign up at
https://explore.fortmyers-sanibel.com
• The passport will be delivered to your
mobile phone via text.
• Redeem it on your mobile phone at participating
businesses.
• Visit the website for a complete list of
attractions, restaurants, and experiences
VisitFortMyers.com
29
American World Traveler Winter 2021-22

20 Years Replay
Spring 2016
Dead Sea Adventures Come Alive in Israel
Tourists have been flocking to Israel’s
Dead Sea region since Biblical times
to witness historical events, appreciate
stunning natural attractions and pursue serenity
and health.
This is the area where Lot’s wife looked back
at the fire consuming the sinful city of Sodom
and was turned into a pillar of salt. This is the
area where in 73 CE (Common Era) at
Masada, 960 Jewish Zealots took their lives
rather than submit to capture and slavery by
the Roman army. And this is the area where
the Dead Sea Scrolls were hidden in the
Qumran Caves, only to emerge two thousand
years later when a Bedouin shepherd discovered
them.
And with discovery and adventure in mind, we
travelled south from Jerusalem where almost
immediately, the landscape changed from
neighbourhoods of trim white buildings, to
the bleak, dry, soil of the low hills and distant
mountains of the Judean Desert.
Article and photography by Steve Gillick
Heading to the lowest point on the planet at
424 meters below sea level, we had started at
786 meters above sea level in Jerusalem and
in less than one hour we arrived at the monument
marking ‘sea level’. Just beyond the
spot where a local Bedouin entrepreneur and
his camel stood ready for photos, a dramatic
sculpture by Or-nah Ran, entitled
‘Awakening’, stretched into the sky with a
poem paying homage to the desert, “…magic
of sleep and dream, beauty of silence, delicate
fragility…”.
There is no place to better appreciate that
silence and fragility than a visit to Masada. A
cable car carries visitors 100 meters to the flat
top of the plateau where they explore the
buildings, storehouses, residences and synagogue,
as well as the three-level palace of
King Herod the Great, complete with surviving
mosaics.
But it’s those quiet moments, staring from the
heights of Masada where the stark nature of
the Judean desert can best be appreciated.
And directly below the cliff are the actual outlines
of the Roman encampments and the socalled
Roman Ramp that allowed the soldiers
to finally overtake the fortress.
We continued south to meet Barak Horwitz of
Camel Lot Tours and head up to the summit
of Mount Sedom. At 200 feet below sea level,
this is the lowest mountain on earth. From the
summit lookout, the views across the Dead
Sea to Jordan’s Moab Mountains are spectacular,
especially as the setting sun casts a net of
colour across the vista.
Our final stop for the day was at Ein Bokek,
the hotel and resort district right on the shores
of the Dead Sea. This is the place to stock up
on health products, skin creams and bath
salts before heading to the hotel spa. Our
treatment consisted of a mud bath where the
attendant slathers hot mud all over your body,
wraps you in a cocoon-blanket to keep in the
heat, and then 30 minutes later you ‘float’
out of the change room, totally energized and
refreshed. Others headed to the Dead Sea to
float in the thick, salty, mineral rich waters.
Early the next day a rich golden sunrise transformed
the mountains from pre-dawn grey, to
a deep royal red, emphasizing that the Dead
Sea Region, wrapped in history, adventure
and natural beauty, is an experience like no
other.
https://info.goisrael.com/en
Yet, only 20 kilometers away is the oasis of Ein
Gedi (literally the Spring of the Goat) where
the Nature Reserve and National Park offer
year-round spring-fed streams, lush green
vegetation, walking trails and glimpses of the
Nubian Ibex and Rock Hyrax.
American World Traveler Winter 2021-22

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34
A Journey of the Senses
AAt the crossroads of Europe and
Asia is Istanbul, with a rich history
spanning over two thousand
years. Strategically located on the
Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is a vibrant city
where east and west meet to create this
unique cultural capital. Istanbul is home to
an estimated 15 million inhabitants, built
on seven hills, and topped by the minarets
of over 3,000 mosques including the worldfamous
Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia.
Mouth-watering tastes worth travelling for
It is the food that leaves the greatest
impression. Traditional Anatolian staples
such as doughy manti (dumpling), freshly
squeezed juices sold on every street corner
and sesame covered simit rolls, perfectly
accompanied by Turkish çay (tea). The
smell of fresh fish or rich Turkish coffee are
often in the air.
Take flight in a hot air balloon at sunset
On everyone’s bucket list should be a hot
air balloon flight at sunrise. People travel
to Cappadocia from all over the world to
take part in this spectacular sight of hot air
balloons making their gentle flight over the
valleys and fairy chimneys, lit up by the rising
sun. Accommodation ranges from
cool and rustic cave hotels to elegant and
luxurious houses. Traditional Turkish baths
(hamams) in which to relax and unwind is
also a highlight. During your stay, venture
into underground cities, cave churches and
the outdoor museums to learn more about
the history of this special place.
Cappadocia is also famous for its wine,
and a must experience element of your
meal.
The colourful Aegean coastal city of Izmir
In Western Anatolia on a bay of turquoise
water is the Aegean coastal city of Izmir,
where archaeological sites remind visitors
of a rich history set against a backdrop of
the hilltop Kadifekale castle. Spot one of
the most famous landmarks of Izmir, the
Clock Tower designed by French architect
Raymond Charles Pere dating back to
1901. To enjoy the view and save your
legs from the 155 steps connecting city
streets, use the public elevator known as
Asansör. Another alternative is the modern
European-style quarter of Karşıyaka which
also offers excellent sea views. Notable
nearby highlights are the enchanting
ancient ruins of Ephesus, one of the Seven
Wonders of the Ancient World. The nearby
village of Çeşme is a charming gastronomic
paradise with its whitewashed houses
and blue painted windows.
Turkish food in Izmir has many influences
and flavours for every palate. Izmir meatballs,
called köfte, are enjoyed across
Turkey, made lovingly with local spices and
served in a tasty tomato sauce. Try local
specialty Kumru, the perfect on-the-go
snack of sausage, cheese and tomato
served in bread, or the delicious pastry
Boyoz, which can only be found in Izmir
and should not be missed!

The luxurious ancient port city of Bodrum
Rugged, rolling mountains meet the shores
of the crystal blue Aegean Sea in the small
city of Bodrum. The Aegean coastal city is
spread across a double bay, mixing
ancient and modern history. The city is
home to the ancient Greek city of
Halicarnassus, site of the Tomb of
Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of
the Ancient World. Along the coastline is
the well-preserved medieval Bodrum
Castle which offers superb views and is
home to the Museum of Underwater
Archaeology.
Renowned for its unique "sugar cube"
houses, Bodrum is one of Turkey’s gems
and is fast becoming the first choice for
holidaymakers the world over.
Escape to small villages or enjoy the
extravagance of its many five-star hotels
and bustling nightlife, Bodrum is the place
where the green of the forest meets the
clear blue waters of the Aegean Sea.
Make sure your flight is part
of the vacation
Vacation time is precious, so make every
minute count by starting your trip the
moment you step onto the plane. The
award-winning products and services of
Turkish Airlines’ Business Class provide an
unparalleled experience with the utmost
elegance. Prior to take off, passengers can
benefit from extra baggage allowance, priority
check-in and boarding, and access to
Turkish Airlines Lounges.
Relax in exclusive seats, with massage
functions, that convert your seat into a 188
cm flat bed. Delight in gourmet dishes prepared
and cooked to your taste by Flying
Chefs, and enjoy comfort kits to maximize
your wellness on-board. Business Class
also offers a cutting-edge in-flight entertainment
system, films in different languages,
a wide assortment of audiobooks,
a great range of music and much
more. It boasts award-winning catering
designed for any palate where you can
enjoy international cuisine and local
Turkish specialties such as ‘pide’ and
‘börek’ with fresh fruit juices and tea.
Going Further With
Turkish Airlines
Glowing reviews and exceptional
food are the order of the day for
this up-and-coming airline!
Part of the Star Alliance network, Turkish airlines
(THY) offers service to Canadians from
Toronto and Montreal, and connections to
destinations all over the world from their hub
in Istanbul.
Building on their international reputation, THY
has been climbing the ranks as a top provider
and doing very well in Canada.
With 321 destinations, and adding new ones
at a rapid pace, THY welcome travellers with
smiles and a friendly hello, though often with
a charming accent!
Their aircraft include A330s, A340s, B777s,
B737-800s and B727-800s, all well maintained
and laid-out with the customer in
mind. Each section is designed with creature
comforts taking front and centre. The seats
throughout the plane are comfortable and the
facilities are kept impeccably clean and
organized. Most Business Class passengers
can expect either fully lie-flat seats or angled
lie-flat seats that brings relaxation to a higher
level.
Comfort Class is Turkish Airlines' premium
economy section is highlighted by slightly
larger seats configured in two-by-three-bytwo
rows, a large video screen and entertainment
system with an iPod outlet and a laptop
power outlet for each seat.
Even passengers traveling in Economy Class
can enjoy an above average trip, as all passengers
enjoy the famed THY complimentary
meal. Though multi-course meals are provided
in Business Class on extended range
flights, all passengers are treated to the
award winning food served on board.
Considering that THY deals with one of the
world’s biggest (maybe the biggest) catering
service and are partners with Do & Co., there
is no surprise in the quality THY can offer!
www.turkishairlines.com
35
Whether you are enjoying the wonders of
Turkey for several weeks or only a few
days as part of the Turkish Airlines
Stopover Program, Turkish hospitality and
wonder awaits.
Are you ready to Widen Your World?
American World Traveler Winter 2021-22

Arctic North Atlantic South Atlantic North
Amazon Danube Mekong Nile Rhine Rhône Moselle Seine Yangtze
C r u i s i n g w i t h
W O R L D
Traveler
CRUISING
SECTION
Cruise News - pages 38 - 39
Amazing Amazon with Awe & Comfort - page 42
Cruising South America with Princess - page 44
Cruising Through the Land of the Pharaohs - page 46
This Photo: Nile River, Aswan, Egypt
Come With Us &

Pacific South Pacific Indian Southern Ocean
Sail The World!
American World Traveler Winter 2021-22
Adriatic Aegean Mediterranean Caribbean Baltic Black South-China Sea

38
AmaWaterways Avalon Azamara Carnival Celebrit
C r u i s e N e w s
Aqua Expeditions Enters the
Galapagos Islands with the
Archipelago’s First Superyacht
Aqua Expeditions, has announced the
expansion of its fleet of luxury boutique vessels
with the introduction of Aqua Mare, the
first true superyacht to sail the Galapagos
Islands. Launching its inaugural expedition
on May 6, 2022, the seven-suite Aqua Mare
will offer a choice of two highly personalized
seven-night itineraries exploring the Archipelago's eastern and western regions, as
well as two 14-night voyages for the Galapagos Islands’ ultimate bucket-list adventure.
www.aquaexpeditions.com
Seabourn Names Second New
Ultra-Luxury Expedition Ship
“Seabourn Pursuit”; Announces
Inaugural Voyage Date
Seabourn, the ultra-luxury ocean and
expedition cruise line, has recently
announced that it will name its second
new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition
ship Seabourn Pursuit, which is reflective
of the passion exhibited by expedition travelers
to seek out and explore natural wonders and destinations through immersive
recreational activities around the world.
Construction for Seabourn Pursuit began in fall 2020 during a ceremony in San
Giorgo di Nogare, Italy, and the build process is well underway. The ship is scheduled
for delivery in February 2023, with its sister ship, Seabourn Venture, slated for delivery
in March 2022.
www.seabourn.com
AmaWaterways Celebrates
Inaugural Nile River
Voyage of AmaDahlia
Award-winning luxury river cruise line
AmaWaterways celebrated the launch of its
newest ship – AmaDahlia – on the Nile River
on September 6, sailing the Secrets of Egypt
& The Nile itinerary.
Featuring 36 staterooms including 16 magnificent suites between 370 and 430 sq. ft.,
the luxurious 72-passenger AmaDahlia offers an intimate atmosphere with an abundance
of space for guests to relax and unwind after a day of awe-inspiring discovery.
Designed to reflect the culture of the region, AmaDahlia welcomes guests aboard with
vibrant colors and patterns, along with inviting public spaces to take in the stunning
views of the Nile River.
www.amawaterways.com
Holland America Line
Celebrates Naming Of Rotterdam With
Ceremony In Namesake City And
Special Seven-Day Voyage
Holland America Line’s newest ship
Rotterdam is set to get the royal treatment
at a naming ceremony in Rotterdam, the
Netherlands, May 30, 2022. Her Royal
Highness Princess Margriet of the
Netherlands will be the ship’s godmother,
carrying on a Dutch royal tradition that
began in the 1920s.
Rotterdam’s special seven-day “Rotterdam
Naming Celebration” cruise sails roundtrip
from Amsterdam, Netherlands, departing
May 29 and also visits Kristiansand,
Stavanger and Flåm, Norway, with scenic
cruising in Sognefjord.
When the ship arrives at Rotterdam May
30, a private ceremony will be held for
invited guests that will be broadcast
throughout the ship. During the voyage,
guests will enjoy special events exclusive to
the naming sailing, including a celebratory
Gala Dinner and an opportunity to participate
in the blessing of the ship's bell,
along with surprises and commemorative
gifts.
Once the ship departs Rotterdam, guests
will spend the remainder of the voyage
exploring the ports of Kristiansand,
Stavanger and the stunning fjords and
charming villages of Norway. A highlight
of the itinerary is a day of scenic cruising
in Sognefjord. The largest and deepest
fjord in Norway, the “King of the Fjords” is
one of the world’s most beautiful destinations
lined with majestic mountains and
lush landscapes. In Flåm, the famous railway
offers an unforgettable experience,
climbing from sea level to 2,800 feet,
crossing back and forth over rivers and
passing through 20 tunnels.
www.hollandamerica.com
Royal-Caribbean Scenic Seabourn SeaDream Si

y Costa Crystal Cunard Disney Holland America
39
New from CroisiEurope for 2022
Prague, Dresden & the Castles of
Bohemia along the Elbe & Vltava
CroisiEurope, has introduced a brand new
‘Prague, Dresden & the Castles of
Bohemia’ cruise along the Elbe and Vltava
rivers which will operate from March to
November 2022. This seven-day cruise,
which takes place onboard a unique paddlewheel
ship, is round trip from Prague
and features calls in Stechovice, Slapy and
Melnik.
Highlights of the cruise include the Golden
City of Prague; the castles of Bohemia –
Konopiste Castle, a former hunting lodge
of the Habsburgs, and the Renaissancestyle
Nelahozeves Castle with its private
artwork collection; a visit to the birthplace
of the famous Czech composer Antonin
Dvorak to learn more about his life and
works including the New World Symphony;
and a full day in Dresden – also known as
the Florence of the Elbe.
The cruise takes place onboard the 77-
guest MS Elbe Princesse II, which uses
modern paddlewheel technology and features
a sleek and contemporary design
with open spaces, large picture windows
and a modern palette with fabrics by
MissoniHome to create a warm and inviting
atmosphere onboard.
www.croisieurope.travel
Viking Marks Float out of
Newest Egypt Ship
Arrival of Viking Osiris in Summer 2022
Builds on Viking’s Commitment to Egypt
Viking® has recently announced its newest
ship for the Nile River—the 82-guest Viking
Osiris—was “floated out,” marking a major
construction milestone and the first time the
ship has touched water. Set to debut in
August 2022, Viking Osiris will sail Viking’s
bestselling 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.
The arrival of Viking’s new ship later
this year coincides with several key events in
Egypt in 2022, including the highly anticipated
opening of the new Grand Egyptian
Museum outside Cairo on the Giza
Plateau—as well as the 100th anniversary of
the discovery of King Tutankhamen’s tomb
by Howard Carter and his benefactor, the
5th Earl of Carnarvon. Building on Viking’s
longstanding relationship with the
Carnarvon family, guests who sail on board
Viking Osiris will experience Privileged
Access® to memories from 1922 and the
events surrounding the discovery of King
Tutankhamen’s tomb.
Viking Osiris
Hosting 82 guests in 41 staterooms, the new,
state-of-the-art Viking Osiris is inspired by
Viking’s award-winning river and ocean
ships with the elegant Scandinavian design
for which Viking is known. The vessel features
several aspects familiar to Viking
guests, such as a distinctive square bow and
an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace. Viking
Osiris will join the company’s other ship on
the Nile, Viking Ra, which launched in 2018.
Additionally, in response to strong demand,
Viking Aton, an identical sister ship to Viking
Osiris, will join the fleet in 2023.
www.viking.com
Reservations are now
Available for Silver Nova℠,
the First Luxury Cruise
Ship with Zero Local
Emissions at Port
Ultra-luxury travel brand Silversea
Cruises® has announced
reservations are open for Silver
Nova℠, the first vessel in the cruise
line’s revolutionary Nova class of
ships.
Silver Nova, with a planned summer
2023 launch, will be the first
low-emissions luxury cruise ship
with advanced hybrid technology
featuring fuel cells, paving the way
for the future of luxurious, sustainable
cruising.
The inaugural season for Silver
Nova will commence on July 15,
2023, and include highly curated
and immersive sailings ranging
from seven to 23 days. The ship’s
10-day maiden voyage from
Southampton to Lisbon will include
calls in Saint Malo, three days in
Bordeaux to explore the region’s
historical sights, 18th-century cultural
heritage, castles, vineyards,
and French-style gardens, followed
by Bilbao, before ending in Lisbon.
During her inaugural season, Silver
Nova is scheduled to offer a total of
20 journeys in the Mediterranean,
Caribbean and South America, as
well as a transoceanic crossing to
unlock over 100 destinations and
50 countries.
www.silversea.com
Hurtigruten MSC Norwegian Oceania Ponant Princess Regent
versea Star-Clippers Uniworld Viking Windstar

42
Amazing Amazon with Awe & Comfort
Article by Lisa TE Sonne, photography courtesy of Aqua Expeditions
“Today we are going to look for sloths,
monkeys, toucans and bromeliads. You
are not gonna like it. You are gonna love
it! “ The Aqua Expeditions guide then continued
the briefing, by pointing on a map to the
Peruvian tributary that we were going to navigate
before reaching the Amazon.
We were an international group of 32 passengers
being pampered by a staff of 27 on a
floating boutique hotel, the Aria, in the midst
of the vast Amazonian river system, 2,400
miles away from where the river would pour
into the Atlantic Ocean.
Every morning we woke up with floor-to-ceiling
views of life on this far-reaching network
of waterways. Amidst it, we were an elegant
speck — a customized, bespoke vessel with
guides, naturalists, and trained staff.
Everything was designed so we and the other
passengers could gather experiences worth
remembering.
For several days, my longtime friend Beth and
I saw no cities, no other cruise ships, no other
tourist vessels. We saw, instead, lily pads the
size of beds, local families on their almost flat
wooden boats, birds with six foot wingspans
suddenly take off, and even a pink river dolphin
one morning. Up in the trees, we looked
for sloths, anteaters, iguanas, and parrotsand
saw them high from the ground. We were
privileged to be able to visit this part of the
changing and endangered world, and we
were treated like special visitors.
All the meticulously planned, fantastic meals
and comforts provided by high-end Aqua
Expeditions made it easy for us, as guests, to
seek out the unplannable discoveries that
highlighted our mini-safaris off the mother
ship.
One afternoon, we were heading out in our
skiff enjoying the wide-open landscape, when
the guide spotted something in the dense
shore jungle with his binoculars. The driver
headed toward a narrowing side passage,
then slowed down. He motioned for us to be
quiet, and pointed. There was an anteater
with his tail holding onto one tree about twenty
feet off the ground while he stretched horizontally
to another tree, and we saw his very
long, thin tongue dart out onto the bark — just
before he suddenly fell out of sight, from the
trees into a tangle of green.
The crewmembers on this cruise were all from
the Amazon region and were open to discussing
their own experiences. The naturalist,
Roger, spoke four different languages –
English, German, Spanish, and his birth-language,
which is now known by only 25 families
in his village, several hours away. On his
days off, Roger makes his children practice
speaking with his parents so the language
doesn’t die.
The cruise director, Gabriella, could light up a
room. The small onboard gift shop she helped
run included jewelry and napkin holders
made by indigenous people along our route.
A percentage of the profits went back to the
villages. Aqua Expeditions now also provides
carbon offsets, and they have partnered with
the World Wildlife Fund for “Natural Habitat
Adventures.”
We visited animal rescue centers that rehabilitate
orphaned wildlife and abused pets. The
World Traveler - Already 20 Years!

center’s guides allowed me to bottle-feed a
fellow mammal — an orphaned river manatee.
At another center, there was a three-toed
sloth who seemed content to hang on us languidly
as if we were trees. Monkeys tugged on
my camera, and I gingerly held the head of a
14-foot Anaconda snake that started to wrap
part of its thick trunk around my leg (which
prompted me to end that experience quickly).
When I tell friends about this bucket-list trip,
they express fear that they couldn’t handle the
bugs, dirt, humidity, remoteness, and danger
they associate with the Amazon jungles and
rainforests. Here’s how we managed:
Bugs? Well, we were navigating rivers through
one of the greatest ecosystems on the planet,
so, yes, bugs! But we weren’t out sleeping in
tents and there are precautions. I took malaria
pills, sprayed my excursion clothes with
Sawyers before leaving home, and used the
environmentally-sensitive bug sprays that sat
next to the sunblock at the tender stations on
the well-equipped mother ship.
The results? I only received one small bite. I
never did see the swarms of mosquitos I anticipated.
The bugs I did see were weird or magnificent.
On an early morning bird watching jaunt, the
skiffs tied together and a fresh breakfast was
presented al fresco to our collective flotilla
while we watched an avian airshow. One
guide pointed down to a “Rainbow
Grasshopper” that was resting near the bow
of the boat. I was able to get close enough to
photograph the two-inch critter to see, closeup,
that it justified its name spectacularly with
varied colors.
The insect I remember most, though, showed
up on a night excursion. With the full moon
weaving between clouds and thick jungle
growth, an occasional firefly flashed messages
as our metal skiffs pushed through the
dark and the eerie vines. The guides’ held
lights at the ready to show us nighthawks,
owls, frogs, snakes, and black caiman. The
surprise guest was a “pink-toe tarantula,”
about six inches across, who found himself in
the spotlight.
Dirt? Yes. It’s called Earth.
Aqua Expeditions provided rubber boots,
though, when trails to a local school or village
were muddy. When we went fishing for piranha
and the rain of the well-named rain forest
pounded down, we were tucked in thick
rain ponchos, also courtesy of Aqua
Expeditions. Still dirt finds its way.
Back on our mother ship, however, each suite
had it’s own luxurious shower. On the third
deck, a Jacuzzi offered cooling cleansing
waters. When we weren’t in our suites, one of
the dedicated cabin attendants cleaned up
behind us. The staff also cleaned our dirtied
shoes and clothes while we ate restaurantquality
meals or attended classes on cooking
and cocktails or Amazon fauna and flora.
And the ship’s beautiful teak décor seemed
spotless. At the end of the day, jungle life in
the Amazon for most of us was cleaner than
life at home.
Discomfort? There were sweaty times when
nature’s thermostat and humidifier were not
set at personal ideals, but those conditions
were blissful to the thriving life around us,
from orchids to monkeys.
When we stepped back aboard the mother
ship after our mini-expeditions, a cold drink
and cold cloth were presented. As an added
touch, the cloths had been soaked in a tea of
cinnamon and cloves, so it smelled refreshing,
too. The bartender mixed anything we wanted,
and, for an extra fee, the onboard
masseuse worked out any remaining stresses.
When we were ready, we could return to our
air-conditioned suite and choose whatever
temperature we liked. The ship offered
many comfortable places to view river
life.
Danger? Danger is always there on any trip or
even a day at home. Particularly in unfamiliar
wild areas, it’s a good idea to go with seasoned
locals. (Even members of the Explorers
Club looking for lost cities do that.) What’s
even better? Let someone else who really
knows the settings organize the trip with your
own comforts in mind.
Beth and I spent a memorable time paddling
in a locally made canoe alongside a local
woman and her daughter, who guided us in
shy English to almost hidden flowers. When
naturalist Roger came to pick us up, he could
tell we were happy, but hot. We asked if there
was anywhere we could swim before the long
ride back to the ship. He shifted directions. We
reached a place that didn’t seem particularly
different from so much of the river we had
already seen, and he turned the boat off.
I jumped in, looked for some distinguishing
landmark and asked, “Roger, where are we?”
“You are,” he said quite seriously, “in the
Amazon River, where there are electric eels,
anaconda snakes, and lots of piranha!”
I laughed confidently, because I knew by then
that Roger and his team at Aqua Expeditions
made safety a priority, and he was vigilantly
vetting the area. Briefly, we were little dots
floating on part of this vast intricate network of
thousands of miles. We were a temporary part
of one of the world’s most intriguing ecologies.
The water was warm, and the sky was beautiful
enough to paint. We were getting a vacation
and an education on the same trip – and
while we were relaxing, the remarkable trip
was another wake up call of the need to
understand and protect the amazing diversity
of our world.
www.aquaexpeditions.com
43
Lisa TE Sonne has enjoyed smaller cruises from
the shores of all seven continents as a way to
explore nature and cultures worldwide.
www.LisaSonne.com
American World Traveler Winter 2021-22

Replay
Winter 2020-21
Cruising South America with Princess
by Daniel Smajovits
From life-changing cultural experiences,
postcard worthy landscapes
and the waddles of penguins at
every turn, nothing excites all the senses
than the 14-day journey from Buenos
Aires, Argentina to Valparaíso, Chile.
A growing number of cruise lines have
begun to serve this route, but as one of the
pioneers in South American cruising,
Princess Cruises has mastered every aspect
of the journey, ensuring that as guests, your
only concern is trying to squeeze the last
drop out of each day.
Itinerary
From the dynamic city of Buenos Aires,
Argentina to your final destination of
Valparaíso, Chile, this itinerary runs the
gamut of both man-made and natural
beauty.
The bustling Argentinian capital of Buenos
Aires is undoubtedly one of the world’s
greatest cities. Dubbed the Paris of South
America, you’re instantly captivated by
outer and inner beauty of both the unique
European architecture and the Porteños, or
locals. Although you will most likely remain
docked in Buenos Aires for your first night
on board, ensure to arrive at least three
days early to fully explore this captivating
city and experience its rich history and culture.
Once the cruise begins in earnest, a short
sail north is Montevideo, Uruguay, where
wineries and beaches are within an hour
drive from the port, but only a short walk
away is a thriving market and winding
streets filled with a market as well as
charming street art and cafés.
World Traveler - Already 20 Years!

As your ship moves further south, prepare
yourself for two days of cuteness-overload
as penguins are the must-see excursions in
Puerto Madryn, Argentina and Stanley,
Falkland Islands. We recommend booking
penguin visits at both ports as rough seas
and unpredictable weather occasionally
force ships to skip the tender-only port of
Stanley. To ensure you make the most of
your visit to the infamous British outpost in
the Atlantic Ocean, reserve your Volunteer
Point tour with Jimmy Curtis well in
advance. The private penguin refuge caps
the number of daily visitors and Jimmy’s
tours sell out almost instantly.
Once back on board, batten down the
hatches as rough waters await you as the
ship gets closer to Cape Horn and the
southernmost point of the Americas. Most
ships cross through the Beagle Channel
and stop in Ushuaia, Argentina, often
referred to as the End of the World. Natural
beauty awaits as a short trip from the port
is Tierra del Fuego National Park. While
some travellers might opt for an expensive
daytrip to Antarctica, which is only 1,000
miles south, should that not be in the cards,
enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities in and
around the world’s most southernmost city.
Crossing the border into Chile, Punta
Arenas and Puerto Montt are two unique
destinations in themselves, respectively
known for their wildlife and natural beauty.
Shore excursions in Punta Arenas include
the Magellan Penguins Natural Reserve, if
you haven’t fulfilled your penguin fix yet, as
well as horseback riding. Puerto Montt is
home to the breathtaking Osorno Volcano
and Petrohue Falls.
While Valparaíso marks your disembarkation
point, before you make your way to the
lively capital of Santiago, ensure to spend a
day enjoying the colourful costal city and
neighbouring Vina Del Mar. This region is
home to some of Chile’s most famous
wineries and some of the freshest seafood
the country has to offer, all of which can be
found around the charming city.
Whether via tour or transfer, almost all
guests end up in the Chilean capital of
Santiago before their flights home. Despite
having spent an incredible two weeks traveling,
carve out at least one day to take in
the best that Santiago has to offer. From
high atop San Cristobal Hill to the barrios
of Brasil, Lastarria and Bellavista, the city’s
unique atmosphere is captivating and a
worthy exclamation point to your South
American journey. With the sprawling
Andes mountain range to the east, the
city’s landscape is only topped by a bevy of
fine restaurants, markets and cultural
attractions. The Central Market is a must
stop for mouth-watering seafood and local
delicacies.
On-board Experience
With both traditional and anytime dining
options, guests have some of the best food
available at sea regardless of the time of
day. The latest creations added to the menu
are dishes crafted by celebrity chef Curtis
Stone, featured nightly in the Main Dining
Room. Anytime dining options include a
pizzeria, grill, café and a wide variety of
room service options for breakfast, lunch,
dinner or snack-time. A number of premium
restaurants are also available to guests,
as are anytime gelato and seafood outposts
for an extra charge. On a 14-day
journey, Princess holds two formal evenings
where guests are required to wear jackets
in the dining room. Business casual attire is
preferred, but not required, the rest of the
evenings. Like all cruises, Princess also
offers an enormous buffet for breakfast,
lunch and dinner.
For some, the time at sea is the highlight of
their cruise and Princess ensures to provide
a myriad of entertainment, leisure and
active options to meet every need. Multiple
pools and decks allow guests to lounge,
while a full sports court and gym provides
those looking to break a sweat with endless
possibilities. Newer ships also feature a
continuous running track. While excited
children are a happy sight on every cruise,
for an extra charge, guests can access the
exclusive Sanctuary, an adult-only
45
escape from the rambunctious fun
and noise. If you’re looking to truly
pamper yourself or simply get away from
your cruise-mate, consider one or a fullday
of treatments at the Lotus Spa.
Selections vary per ship.
Once the sun sets, nightly comedy, variety
and musical shows bring your evenings to
life, while multiple bars – including
Crooners, which features a live pianist –
help to cap off the night. If a full day on
shore has you looking for a more relaxing
way to spend your night, grab two deck
chairs, hot chocolate, popcorn and blankets
for Movies Under the Stars.
Staterooms
With such a breathtaking journey awaiting
you in South America, splurging for a balcony
stateroom will take your cruise experience
to the next level. Providing guests with
everything in a standard stateroom, the
added balcony and outdoor furniture will
allow you to take in the jagged landscape
from the privacy of your cabin. For guests
looking for a more affordable option, the
interior cabins are well appointed and provide
the same amenities, minus the view.
Weather
With such a dynamic itinerary, you must be
prepared for all weather conditions. For
those living in North America, the seasons
are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere,
so the ideal time to cruise is from
December to March. While it will be summer
throughout your cruise and you will
feel the heat at the beginning and end,
some ports-of-call will feel like mid-autumn
with temperatures hovering around 10
degrees (50 F). Most notably the weather in
Stanley is typically British: cold and rainy,
prepare accordingly.
www.princess.com
American World Traveler Winter 2021-22

Replay
Spring 2013
Egypt
Cruising Through the Land of the Pharaohs
by Habeeb Salloum
The River Nile has been the lifeblood of
Egypt, flowing majestically through it's
desert landscape and sustaining the
people for a couple of millenia. Having the
opportunity to glide down the waterway is an
unforgettable experience, as it gives a sense of
power and connection to the country's main
source of basic needs. Surrounded by thick flora
and miles of desert beyond, the environment is
a unique look into ancient past and a thriving
culture today.
Luxor and the scenic Nile
For two days we had toured the ancient Egyptian
ruins at Luxor - both in the 'City of the Living' and
the 'City of the Dead'. Amid the fascinating
remains of a people who had laid the basis for
future civilizations, I admired the pharaonic contributions
to humankind. These breathtaking
monuments were still on our minds as we
relaxed atop our cruise ship, Oberoi Shehrayar,
on our way to Aswan.
All around me, the white sails of the Egyptian
feluccas, dotting the tranquil Nile, appeared to
be huge proud swans as they criss-crossed the
river, seemingly bidding us adieu. Beyond were
dozens of cruise ships docked or, like us, beginning
on their journey to Aswan.
Wandering on the top deck of the Shehrayar,
our home for the next four days, I watched the
late afternoon sun shimmer on the surface of
the blue waters as we made our way up river.
Keeping us company were a few of the 200
cruise ships which navigate the Nile. However,
soon cruise ships and feluccas were forgotten as
we watched the colours of the sunset turn the
Nile into a panorama of hues. By the time it was
dark, we had passed through a lock in a dam
across the Nile and were anchored in Esna,
about 64 kilometres south of Luxor.
Esna and its Khnun Temple
Meals on the ship were delightful and enjoyed
even more with new companions at the table.
Like many cruises along the Nile and all over
the world, communal dining allows passengers
to indulge in forming new travel relationships
while bonding over exotic culinary experiences.
The next morning, guides led the groups of
tourists from at least a half dozen ships, streaming
down the dusty streets of Esna, crowded with
merchants trying to entice us with their wares.
The visitors making their way to the Esna Temple
seemed to saturate this agricultural town.
The Temple's grandeur
Dedicated to Khnun, the ram-headed god who
modelled people on his potter's wheel, the
Temple is a Ptolemaic building with pharaonic,
Greek, Roman and Coptic elements. It took 400
years to build, but its major section was erected
in the 2nd century B.C.
At one time, the Temple, completely covered
with inscriptions, was almost totally concealed
with debris and sand. This kept the hypostyle
hall with its forest of 24 columns, each a dozen
metres high, topped by capitals of flowers and
plants in almost perfect condition.
Although fascinating, I was glad when we were
again on our ship sailing through the upper Nile
- edged by lush ribbons of vegetation between
bare desert hills. In places, the green strips on
both sides of the Nile were so thin that one
could hardly believe that over 82 million
Egyptians could make their living along its
banks.
Cruising the Nile
As our cruise ship sailed up the broad loops of
the Nile, winding its way through the desert, we
passed village after village whose homes were
built from mud-brick. All around them, the
intense green of the palms and sugar fields
made for a serene countryside. The romantic
Nile and its edging emerald fields continued
until we reached Edfu, north of Aswan.
Visiting Edfu
This idyllic aura of the villages changed for me
the next day as we rode a horse-drawn carriage
through the dusty streets of Edfu. It was hot and
a little rough around the edges, but it was interesting
seeing these small communities up close.
From the carriage, we walked with thousands of
other tourists to the best preserved of Egypt's
many temples which were built to honour some
World Traveler - Already 20 Years!

750 gods. The sand that for centuries had covered
the temple and was responsible for its
preservation was removed in 1860, by Auguste
Mariette, the great pioneer archaeologist who
was the founder of the Egyptian Museum of
Antiquities.
Exploring Horus Temple
A huge temple only exceeded in size by Karnak
Temple in Luxor, it is built in pure Ptolemaic style
and dedicated to the falcon-headed god, Horus,
the most famous deity in Upper Egypt. Built
between 237 and 57 B.C., it is covered with
mythological and religious decorations as well
as hieroglyphic texts.
The facade of the Temple rises up in all its
majesty with two splendid pylons. Inside, I
stopped awhile in the courtyard lined on three
sides with impressive columns - their capitals
each different from the other. Moving further
within, we passed through hypostyle halls and
offering chambers, a few retaining some of their
original colours. At the inner sacrarium which
once housed the image of the god, Horus, I took
a break to rest. The throngs of tourists covering
every inch of space seemed to bring the massive
temple back to life - almost to the time it reverberated
with the prayers of priests.
Cruising through New Nubia
Back on the ship, I sunned myself around a
swimming pool as the vessel purred forward in
the middle of a thin line of green. Soon I were
passing through 'New Nubia' where 100 thousand
Nubians were re-settled after the building
of the 'High Dam' near Aswan. Being hard workers,
they turned the desert into a sea of sugar
cane, dotted with fruit and vegetable fields.
Amid this greenery, they built their villages, carrying
the names of those they had abandoned
to the Dam's rising waters.
At the afternoon tea, the discussion of our group
turned to the morals and dignity of the
Egyptians. Some mentioned how the Egyptians
were honest and how safe it was to live in the
country in spite of some of the unwarranted stigmas.
Kom Ombo and its Ptolemaic Temple
That evening we docked beside the Ptolemaic
Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek, the
crocodile god of fertility, and Haroeris, the
Good Doctor.
Next morning, we toured this temple of the two
gods with twin entrances, built a few centuries
before the Romans occupied Egypt. The temple
also served as a hospital - a whole series of
medical instruments are sculptured in reliefs on
the temple walls. In the Chapel of Hathor, guests
can see three worshipped crocodiles that have
been mummified.
From Kom Ombo, the green strips of land along
the river banks gradually narrowed until the
barren hills reached the waterside. As we
watched the greenery fade away, my thoughts
turned to the works of the pharaohs and how
they were drawing the tourists in the millions. Of
course, giving them a hand in revitalizing the
once rich lands of ancient Egypt, are the mighty
Nile and the relaxing cruise ships.
Aswan and its spectacular setting
At noon we were docked in Aswan, roughly 900
kilometres south of Cairo. Here where the Nile
is at the epitome of its charm we planned to
relax for a few days. Walking above its banks of
the river we were enchanted.
Atop a high point the river scene was truly magnificent.
The river flowed through an amber
desert between granite rocks and shimmering
green volcanic islands, covered with palm
groves and tropical plants. Embellishing this
panorama of colour were the felucca ships with
their tall masts and white sails covering the skyline.
It is a breathtaking vista.
Later, we enjoyed the river's view from the terrace
of the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract, a
charming, renovated relic of British colonialism,
where Agatha Christie wrote ‘Death on the
Nile’. Sipping our tea, we admired the feluccas
gliding on the water around the foliage-clad
rocky islets. It was a captivating scene, aweinspiring
in its beauty set in the aura of a sunset.
Touring Aswan
The pharaonic and other monuments in Aswan
are many but during our two day visit we only
had time to visit a few. From among these were:
the unfinished Obelisk - a monument left by the
ancients; the reconstructed Philae Temple; and
the High Dam - a structure of which the
pharaohs would have been proud.
In between our visits to the monuments, we
explored the souks, full of oriental colour, then
strolled the Corniche along the Nile. The edging
mighty river was very appealing.
Enjoying Aswan
Aswan, like many destinations in Egypt, has
much to offer. It has been a favourite winter
resort since the beginning of the 19th century.
For Europeans and North Americans, it is a perfect
place to get away from it all, especially during
the colder months back home. Spending
time immersing myself in its scenic views and its
monuments was a delightful climax to the cruise
through Upper Egypt, land of the pharaohs.
https://egypt.travel/
47
American World Traveler Winter 2021-22

48
Luxury Hotels...Grand Resorts...Charming B&B...Opulent Villas...Quaint C
Sweet Dreams Around the World
Stay & Play Section
Revenge is Sweet at the Ritz-Carlton, Toronto
by Jennifer Merrick
“Revenge travel is a phenomenon we’ve been seeing more of recently,”
said Mimi AuYeung, spokesperson for the Ritz-Carlton.
Defined as the urge to compensate for lost travel time, preferably with
bucket list trips and luxury experiences, it’s easy to understand why revenge travellers
would choose this hotel.
Located in the heart of downtown, the modern 53-story building has
263 rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the CN Tower, Lake
Ontario and the glitzy cityscape. The décor of the newly renovated guestrooms
was inspired by these surroundings, reflecting both the bygone era of luxury railway
travel and the theatrical Hollywood entertainment. Both worlds have roots in
the neighbourhood and design elements like window chaise lounges, photographs
of Toronto International Film Festivals and a wet bar designed as a 19thcentury
travel trunk pay homage to them.
Of course, it wouldn’t be the Ritz if it didn’t have the ultimate in modcons
and comforts like a dreamy bed with 400 thread count linen and a secondto-none
bathroom, which featured sleek Portuguese marble, a deep soaker tub
and a touchless Japanese-styled toilet.
Though there was no need to step foot out of this oasis of a room, I
decided that I too wanted to make up for missed travels and take reprisals by travelling
the world in luxury without leaving the Ritz.
First, I escaped to Hawaii with a Lomi Lomi massage at the Spa My Blend
by Clarins, a 23,000 square-foot sanctuary with 16 treatment rooms, pool, steam
room, sauna and relaxation lounges.
“The movements mimic the ocean,” explained practitioner Raphael.
“The gentle waves, the breeze and the sensation of walking barefoot.”
With a soundtrack of the ocean playing in the background, the nutty
scent of the oil and the relaxing rhythm of this Polynesian technique, I was transported
to a palm-treed, white-sand Maui beach.
Admittedly, Hawaii was hard to leave but made easier by the next countries
on the itinerary –England and Italy at the Ritz-Carlton restaurants. Menu
offerings at the newly opened EPOCH Bar and Terrace are inspired by the British
gastro-bar scene.
For the finale of my retaliation mission, I traversed the continent to Italy
at the award-winning TOCA Restaurant. Savouring the 32-hour slow-roasted
porchetta with a glass of vino, the aromas of rosemary, fennel and parmesan fill
the air, and suddenly I was in the midst of the Italian countryside.
Revenge has never been so sweet.
Steve Herud
The Arlo Hotel Nomad
Embraces Manhattan's Chaos
by Olivia Liveng
The Arlo Hotel Nomad not only welcomes
guests to an extraordinarily located space
amid midtown Manhattan’s chaos, but it
embraces the energy of the city.
Located North of Madison Square Park and
just a short walk from the Empire State
Building, this property is consistently rated
the number 1 best hotel for value out of the
900 plus accommodations in New York
City.
This may be attributed to its unique design,
with several rooms boasting wrap-around
floor-to-ceiling glass windows, the buzz of
the city below. Though not overly large, the
250 rooms of the hotel are thoughtfully
designed and efficient with accommodating
space. Plus, the iconic location is ideal
for exploring the copious restaurants,
Broadway shows, bars, and enjoyable
chaos so unique to midtown Manhattan.
www.arlohotels.com
www.ritzcarlton.com
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ountry Inns...Luxary Safari Camps...Ecolodges...Ice...Cave...Treetop... Hotels
49
The Harmonious Blacksmith Inn on the Shore
Admirers of George Frederick
Handel’s The Harmonious
Blacksmith will no doubt appreciate
the old world charm of Blacksmith Inn on
the Shore, in quiet Baileys Harbour, Door
County, Wisconsin; population of 1,000
residents thereabouts.
This historic inn (circa 1907) was once the
local blacksmith shop. The barn where the
bikes are stored was the original blacksmith
shop. Guests can choose from 15 spacious
and cozy guest rooms between the historic
Zahn House, boasting wide plank old
growth pine floors and exposed beams, and
the delightful replica Harbor House, which
is where I stayed.
With clapboard siding and generous windows
to let in the fresh air, you’ll feel transported
to simpler pioneer times, albeit with
the creature comforts of home.
I was instantly won over by the lush flower
garden, with blooms of hollyhocks and
roses lining the walkway to the entrance,
and the intimacy and antique decor of the
foyer. This is where treats are available
24/7; popcorn, organic juices and homemade
cherry oatmeal cookies, and a take-
by Cherie DeLory
away breakfast awaits each morning; fresh
fruit, yogurt, blueberry muffins, oatmeal,
boiled eggs and toast. It didn’t take long to
test drive the hammock on my room’s balcony,
which overlooks the greenery and
bullrushes with the lake and dock beyond. I
fell asleep to the sound of water lapping on
the shore and the soft hue of the electric
fireplace casting its glow across the room.
I’d awake to glorious morning sunrises and
the cheery calls of Red Winged Blackbirds.
Door County is a Swedish settlement, hence
nods to Norwegian culture abound. It’s no
wonder the Scandinavian concept of
hygge seems to be the natural order of
things here. With a population of around
27,000, Door County is known for abundant
shoreline, beaches and historic lighthouses
that guard the peninsula off of Lake
Michigan and Green Bay. Its five state parks
offering everything from kayaking, hiking,
camping and birdwatching make It a beacon
for nature and outdoor enthusiasts year
round. Its string of village main streets lined
with artisan shops, craft breweries, wineries,
and bakeries serving up treats like the local
specialty, cherry pie, make it easy to feel like
this is a home away from home.
The quaint village of Baileys Harbor has a
lot to offer, and the best part is that everything
is within walking distance of the Inn.
Paddle boats and kayaks are at the dock,
bikes are in the barn, and binoculars and a
birding guide beckons on the end table in
your room. Door Shakespeare produces
outdoor theatre at Bjorklunden Park, near
Baileys Harbor, and next door to the Inn is
The Ridges Sanctuary, a diverse nature preserve,
covering 1,600 acres in and around
the shoreline, with vast trails, wetlands,
boreal forest, wildlife and wildflowers to
explore. Don’t leave out a visit to the
Nature Center and Baileys Harbor Range
Lights, a pair of lighthouses situated at
opposite ends of the boardwalk. Or, simply
enjoy the view of the harbour and its glorious
sunrises and sunsets from the Inn’s
dock, comfortably nestled in the perch of
your Adirondack chair.
www.theblacksmithinn.com
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Advertorial
Accommodations
Puntacana Resort & Club is the
Caribbean’s leading resort community on
the eastern shore of the Dominican
Republic. Tortuga Bay is member of the
Leading Hotels of the World and the only
AAA Five Diamond awarded hotel in the
Dominican Republic, offering understated
elegance, privacy and unparalleled personal
service. Located at Playa Blanca is
The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club,
guest enjoys all of Westin’s signature
amenities and Don Queco Cigar Bar. Our
Four Points by Sheraton is situated at
Puntacana Village, few minutes away from
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ).
The Estates
Become a part of our magnificent paradise
community with the purchase of a
vacation home in the elite The Estates at
Puntacana Resort & Club, where Julio
Iglesias, Mikhail Baryshnikov call home.
An exclusive lifestyle of relaxation, excitement
and understated elegance, prospective
buyers can choose among elegant
homes perched above the Caribbean Sea
or overlooking scrupulously manicured
golf courses in Corales, Tortuga, Arrecife,
Hacienda, Hacienda del Mar and Marina.
Home and apartments are also available
at Puntacana Village.
Golf
With 45 holes of championship golf,
Puntacana Resort & Club is the
Caribbean’s premier golf & beach destination.
The P.B. Dye designed La Cana
Golf Course, consisting of 27 holes across
Tortuga, Arrecife and Hacienda, was
declared the number one course in the
Caribbean by Golf Magazine. Designed
by Tom Fazio and set between rocky cliffs,
coral reefs and the expansive Caribbean
Sea, the Corales Golf Course features six
oceanfront holes, multiple lines of
approach and picturesque canyons, making
for an exhilarating experience.
Activities & Spa
Puntacana Resort & Club offers a wide
range of adventures for guests of all ages
including golf, tennis, kite boarding, scuba
diving, horseback riding, fishing and
numerous excursions by sea, land and air.
The leading spa in the Caribbean, Six
Senses Spa at Puntacana Resort & Club
presents a range of innovative packages,
Signature treatments and Asian therapies.
Visit Galerías Puntacana to enjoy an
assortment of shops, restaurants, playground,
and our spirited nightlife.
Dining
Puntacana Resort & Club is home to 6
world class eateries with an indigenously
delectable cuisine. Tucked inside Tortuga
Bay, the AAA Four Diamond awarded
Bamboo blends modern cuisine with
Mediterranean influences. Specializing in
local seafood, The AAA Three Diamond
Award La Yola is located at the Marina. At
La Cana Golf & Beach Club is The Grill,
an American style grill offering views of
the sea. The Westin Puntacana Resort &
Club provides a variety or restaurants and
bars from Ananí to Brassa Grill. Next door
is Playa Blanca, a beachfront tropical
restaurant. Our Dine Around Program
offers the best sampling of our finest culinary
experience. All restaurants offer complimentary
shuttle service within the resort.
More dining options are available at
Puntacana Village.
Corporate Social Responsibility
We believe that in development there
needs to be equilibrium among the economic,
environmental and social components.
Our non-profit Grupo Puntacana
Foundation serves both natural and social
resources, while contributing to the sustainable
development of our Dominican
Republic. These practices have been guiding
principles of our company, and along
with vision, hard work and perseverance,
the key to our success.
Punta Cana International airport
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ),
built, owned and operated by Grupo
Puntacana, the resort’s developers, and
located within Puntacana Resort & Club, is
just minutes away from check-in at any of
our hotels or private homes. Punta Cana
International Airport (PUJ) has direct service
from 98 different cities around the
world, making Punta Cana the most
accessible destination in the Caribbean.
Our VIP terminals service the needs of
guests flying in private aircrafts.
The Caribbean’s Premiere Golf
& Beach Resort Community
www.puntacana.com

Land in the Lap of Luxury This Winter at These 10 Blissful Bahamian Resorts
TThe winter vacation is a time-honoured
tradition for Canadians — a
sorely-needed and fondly-recalled
escape from the snow, sleet and incessant
goose honking that characterize our cold
season. Sometimes, these trips transcend the
simple designation of “vacation” and
become a full-fledged “escape” or “getaway”:
the life-changing experiences and
voyages that reconnect us with family and
friends and ignite that sense of total relaxation
that washes our deeply rooted stress
away.
Those in search of just such an experience
when they fly south this winter will find it in
The Bahamas, an expansive tropical wonderland
of 16 major islands and countless
white sand beaches gently lapped by the
Caribbean’s crystal blue waves. Beyond the
breathtaking environs, extensive offerings of
aquatic excursions and mouth-watering cuisine,
The Bahamas has built a reputation for
some of the finest accommodations in the
world.
From seaside cottages to five-star boutique
bliss, The Bahamas has the perfect place for
you to forget all about the snow piling up in
your driveway back home. As you plan for
the Bahamian getaway you’ve been craving,
we’ve put together this list of some of the
best places to stay in The Bahamas to fuel
your daydreams and inspire your itinerary.
Kamalame Cay
Kamalame Cay is a beautiful barrier island
in the heart of The Bahamas, located one
mile from the world's third largest barrier
reef. Accessible only by private ferry, helicopter
or seaplane, this chic, luxurious and
exclusive property offers 27 seaside rooms
and cottages. Designed with Balinese architectural
influence, the peaked bungalows
and bougainvillea drapery of the Cay make
it the perfect oasis for your vacation bliss.
Also available on site are ‘home-away-fromhome’
beachfront villas. Offering from one
to four bedrooms, with wraparound veran-
dahs, indoor and outdoor living spaces, private
plunge pools and island style décor,
there’s no better place than Kamalame Cay
for family and friends to gather, relax and
spend unforgettable time together.
Caerula Mar Club
Caerula Mar Club
For those seeking boutique luxury, look no
further than the Caerula Mar Club. Featured
on HGTV’s Island of Bryan, Canadians are
well acquainted with the renovations and
design by husband-and-wife duo, Bryan &
Sarah Baeumler. Steps away from pillowy
soft sand and crystal-clear Bahamian waters,
this beachfront property, spread across 10
acres on the southern side of Andros Island,
has everything you need for an exclusive holiday
experience.
With a unique boutique collection of 18
suites and 4 villas, Caerula Mar focuses on
catering to the needs and desires of their
guests in an intimate setting. With a core
focus on ’”barefoot luxury”, sustainability,
tranquility and enjoying the island's natural
landscape, activities such as yoga, meditation,
snorkeling, beach combing, sailing,
fishing and diving are readily available for
guests to enjoy. A well-presented respite for
sophisticated nature lovers who appreciate
seclusion, swaying palm trees and
untouched green space; Caerula Mar awaits
you.
Albany Bahamas
Located on 600 sweeping acres of New
Providence beachfront, this luxury gated
community offers unparalleled amenities,
amazing architecture and an exceptional visitor
experience. With 24-hour hotel
concierge serviced villas, custom homes and
marina apartment residences available,
Albany Bahamas offers high specification
accommodations for all requirements and
needs. With their championship level golf
course, mega yacht marina and equestrian
centre, visitors can enjoy their favourite activities
throughout their stay in this beautiful
tropical destination. With something unique
to offer in all facets of guest care, Albany
presents a new standard of luxurious island
living for even the most discerning traveller.
Relaxed and welcoming yet still exclusive,
Albany is targeted at those who wish to relax,
unwind, and still enjoy the finer things in life.
Coral Sands (Harbour Island)
With beautifully contrasting pink sands and
turquoise blue waters, Coral Sands Resort is
situated amidst unforgettable natural
scenery. Offering low-key luxury, this wonderful
38-room property located in Harbour
Island is the perfect secluded sanctuary for
those guests looking for their dream relaxing
vacation. Having recently undergone multimillion-dollar
renovations, the new and
improved amenities and activities available
at Coral Sands include: a 55ft heated freshwater
infinity pool, private beach front cottages
and an upgraded lobby and bar which
are just waiting to be enjoyed. Small in size
but punching well above its weight in delivering
an unforgettable experience, Coral
Sands is an iconic property, known equally
for its intimacy, beauty and warm, laid-back
atmosphere.
Musha Cay (Exuma)
Musha Cay and the Islands of Copperfield
Bay together serve as one of the world's most
remote and secluded destinations. With envi-
World Traveler - Already 20 Years!
Kamalame Cay
Albany Bahamas
Coral Sands

53
Musha Cay
Tiamo Resort
The Reef
rons ideal for a luxury retreat, Musha Cay is
a multi-generational destination offering fun
and exciting activities and adventures for the
whole family to enjoy. With only 5 guest
houses, each complete with their own private
beach, a vacation at Musha Cay is truly unrivalled
for those seeking idyllic isolation.
Highview, Pier House, Blue Point, Palm
Terrace and Beach House are each beautifully
and uniquely designed in charming island
style, with eclectic antiques featured throughout
the interiors. A mastermind of a project
presented by renowned illusionist David
Copperfield, Musha Cay is a dream within
reality. Comprising 700 luscious acres over
11 islands and 40 sugary sand beaches,
vacationing here is a bespoke experience
like no other.
Ocean Club
Ocean Club, a Four-Seasons Resort, is a
world-famous playground for the rich and
famous located on 5 miles of picturesque
white sand beaches and tranquil waters.
Luckily, you don’t have to be a red carpet
regular to enjoy the amenities here.
Wonderfully intimate and set along 35 acres
of Versailles-inspired gardens, this property
provides its honoured guests with the opportunity
to experience timeless luxury. The
glamorous martini lounge was featured in
Casino Royale, and the property’s immaculately
appointed villas exude sophistication
and style. Offering an impeccable ancient
Asian inspired spa, 3 pools, and a perfect
beach, there are endless ways at Ocean
Club for guests to revel in their peace and
tranquility.
Tiamo Resort (South Andros)
Encompassing 11 villas, 2 rooms and only
accessible by seaplane or boat, a stay at
Tiamo is an exclusive, eco-friendly experience
unique not only to The Bahamas, but
perhaps in the Caribbean at large.
Showcasing traditional Bahamian architecture,
these properties are each surrounded
by lush, vibrant green palm trees and have
direct access to white sand beaches. Guests
of the resort can enjoy intimate seclusion
when lounging on a stretch of The Bahamas’
best beaches. With access to the resort’s
extensive library, their Le Spa wellness centre
and gym and opportunities for guests to sail,
snorkel, fish or scuba dive, restorative bliss is
always just a few steps away on the white
sand at Tiamo.
Rosewood Baha Mar
Photo courtesy of Rosewood Baha Mar Hotel
A part of the famously luxurious Rosewood
Hotel group, this exclusive property is set on
a 3,000ft stretch of impeccable white sand
beach in Nassau. Embodying timeless charm
and modern Bahamian architecture, The
Rosewood Baha Mar was inspired by the
relaxing pace of island life and perfectly
embodies sophistication and refinement.
Aiming to serve every guest with a warm welcome
and surpassing service, the hotel provides
full access to all their available amenities,
from 24 hour in-room dining to their
interactive wildlife sanctuary. Sophisticated
and peaceful, while still having so much to
offer, the Rosewood Baha Mar is the perfect
property for those wishing to enjoy the
Bahamian Riviera.
The Reef
The perfect place to unwind with all of the
family, The Reef at Atlantis combines the
experience of a luxury Caribbean vacation
with all of your favourite amenities at home.
With a combination of penthouses, suites
and studios available, guests can also
choose to enjoy their own private pool and
beach strips. Situated on Paradise Island next
to a sweeping golf course, the leisure and
activities list is expansive. Home to a vast
marine habitat, the world's largest outdoor
aquarium and an aquaventure park, parents
and little ones alike will be spoilt for choice
with all that is on offer at The Reef. A notable
feature of this property is the 14-acre
Dolphin Cay where guests can make lifelong
memories swimming with the dolphins, playing
with sea lions and snorkelling with manta
rays. For those seeking the intimacy of a residential
community whilst still wanting fine
dining and a top-of-the-line visitor experience,
The Reef at Atlantis deserves a starring
role on your itinerary.
The Cove (Paradise Island)
For those in search of class and refinement
but with more of a buzzing atmosphere, The
Cove Paradise Island is your ideal vacation
hotspot. A large beachfront property, this
resort has a vibrancy from day to night that
excitement seekers will appreciate. Built with
the exuberance of the property’s natural surroundings
in mind, the carefully managed
balance between the beauty of nature and
the exquisite taste of luxury makes this spot
the perfect place to have it all. With two private
beaches, an adults-only pool, a nightclub,
casino and so much more, having a
good time is just the beginning of all that
awaits you at The Cove Paradise Island.
Ocean Club
Rosewood Baha Mar
The Cove
American World Traveler Winter 2021-22

56
Hotel Review: Vista Encantada Spa Resort & Residences
by Olivia Balsinger
My recent stay at Vista Encantada
Spa Resort & Residences, the
meticulous newly-opened resort in
Cabos San Lucas, entirely regenerated my
spirit. After all, it would be difficult to not feel
at peace at this exclusive and tranquil property,
the ultimate retreat from the Cabos chaos
energy nearby.
Nothing is more soul-soothing than a backstroke
in one of the resort’s rooftop infinity
pools, under the canvas of the sprawling
Mexican sky, the surrounding Pacific Ocean’s
breeze cooling the harsh air, the unobstructed
views of the famed Land’s End rock formation
in the distance.
The elegance in Vista Encantada’s interior is a
seamless melange between traditional
Mexican color palettes and smooth contemporary
finishes. An all-suite property, the
“smallest” living arrangement is a one-bedroom
suite, which features a master bedroom
American World Traveler Winter 2021-22
with a King bed and a living area with a full
kitchen, sitting and dining area, and an
accompanying lounge area.
The Milagro Spa is the optimal sanctuary to
indulge in unique treatments and remedies
carefully curated with Mexican wisdom of
herbs and plants to help heal and rejuvenate
the body. I indulged in the Pacific Mare
Signature Ritual, which delicately combines
warmth from an ancient Ayurvedic warm oil
and a cooling sensation to dually relax and
ease muscle tension (which, after countless
laps in the infinity pool, I certainly needed!)
The spa also boasts a variety of couple’s treatments,
including a lighted candle drip massage
and a romantic aromatherapy experience,
including champagne and strawberries,
of course.
The gastronomic delights of Vista Encantada
make it worth a visit on its own. A stay is
incomplete without digesting the panoramic
views and signature dishes at Mestizo del Mar.
Wannabe mermaids like myself will adore the
swim-up bar and grill at Atico Rooftop Pool
and Bar, while those who prefer a little spice
in their bite will flock to Los Riscos Mesquite
Grill and Bar for authentic Mexican dishes
and zesty margaritas. To promote nearby
local businesses, the hotel also has a unique
Golden Zone program which invites guests to
use their meal plans at local restaurants,
including a local steakhouse and sushi restaurant.
No guilt trips needed after indulging in all
these tasting offerings, however, because
there are plenty of complimentary fitness
activities to enjoy. Take advantage of perhaps
the prettiest gym you’ll witness, located on the
property’s roof, with views of the sparkling
sea below. A horseback riding program
allows guests to experience the stark and
drastic desert-like surroundings of the resorts,
trotting through trails sprinkled with cacti.
Whether pursuing an active holiday or hoping
to escape from the chaos of everyday life, the
distinguished hospitality, creative gastronomic
experiences, world-class amenities, and
amorous spa make Vista Encantada Spa
Resort & Residences the obvious choice on
your next Los Cabos getaway.
www.vistaencantadaresort.com

57
Photo: Oak Island Resort
Strike Gold at the Oak Island Resort
Article and photography by Jennifer Merrick
electronic failures and unexplained phenomena
have occurred; Smiths Cove, where
the 14th century Knights of the Templar iron
cross was unearthed and the Money Pit.
The Holy Grail? Pirate loot?
Shakespeare’s manuscripts? Could
any of these treasures be buried on
Oak Island, a 140-acre isle located in
Mahone Bay on the south shore of Nova
Scotia? Many believe just that and since the
late 18th century, treasure hunters have
poured massive amounts of money, time
and resources in the quest to discover what
secrets and riches it guards
The latest treasure hunters to stake their
claim are Rick and Marty Lagina, two brothers
from Michigan whose escapades are
being filmed by the History Channel in the
reality series, The Curse of Oak Island. It’s
the highest rated show on the channel with
4.1 million viewers.
The brothers’ finds were fascinating, challenging
the historic timeline of European
contact in North America. Not only were the
storylines riveting but so was the place itself.
Each time I saw the aerial view of the forested
island and the Atlantic coast, I vowed I
would visit. So this summer our family drove
1800 kms to Nova Scotia to see it for ourselves.
We stayed at the Oak Island Resort &
Conference Centre, and though it wasn’t on
the famous island that bears its name, the
property was directly across from it. It was a
gem of a resort with 32 acres of green
spaces and ocean shoreline to enjoy. The
102 rooms were newly renovated with a
nautical-themed décor fitting for its location
and accommodation choices ranged from
classic guest rooms to private oceanside
chalets and villas. Amenities and activities
included indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub,
tennis court, equipment rentals (including
SUP, kayaks and bikes) firepits, restaurant,
bar (with nightly entertainment) and tours.
We were especially thrilled to partake in the
Salty Dog Tour given by Tony Sampson, a
professional diver and regular on the show.
A natural storyteller, he regaled us with tales
of pirates, sharks, mysteries and, of course,
Oak Island, while we motored around the
island in his comfy Tritoon boat. We stopped
at the ‘Oak Island Triangle’, where countless
Would this be the season the Lagina brothers
find the treasure? I wished them all the
best, but as far as I was concerned, the Holy
Grail was all around us. In the past two
days, we had sat on the rocks of the Atlantic
Ocean at Peggy’s Cove, admired the majestic
Bluenose II at full mast in the colourful
village of Lunenburg, kayaked in the calm
protected waters at Blue Rocks and dropped
our jaws more than a few times at the views
we encountered on our drives through the
region. Other visitors have felt the same
according to Tony.
“With the popularity of the show, we’ve had
a lot of tourists come to see Oak Island, and
they fall in love with Nova Scotia”.
www.oakislandresort.ca
https://www.novascotia.com/
American World Traveler Winter 2021-22

Replay
Fall 2019
Banyan Tree Bangkok
by Michael Morcos
Anantara Layan Phuket Resort
by Michael Morcos
Awarm smile greeted me and handed me my room key, having
just arrived after two long flights, the room number did
not make sense at first. I asked “52?” As in the 52nd floor,
is that the top floor?’ I laughed to myself. ‘No, there are a few
more. To memory, this is a high as I have ever stayed and the first
thing I did after entering the room was pull open the curtains and
bam! I was higher than the birds. The site was incredible; Bangkok
was wonderfully lit up for miles around, as far as the eye could
see.
It was only then that I realized, I
had a magnificent, beautifully
decorated suite. Looking closer,
I had an all-marble luxury
washroom, a large sitting area
by the window, a business desk,
a large mini-bar section and a
fine furnished bed and night
table.
In my fatigue, I just knew this two-week trip would be an amazing
experience, surely a great start!
The Banyan Tree Bangkok, as all the hotels I would visit on this tour
would prove to be destinations on their own. Served on the lobby
level in a tropical garden setting, the morning breakfast buffet was
as opulent as one can find. The whole experience was so amazing
and well done that it is hard to believe you were in a mega-city.
Enjoying handmade sushi, steamed dumplings, and freshly
squeezed tropical juices was divine and not something I was used
to but an excellent way to start the day.
The opulence continued in the Saffron Sky Garden where we had
drinks and ordered a selection of appetizers. We thought the food
was delicious and the best part of being in the outdoor roof terrace
area is that you can enjoy the
magnificent. Likewise, both the
Vertigo and Moon bar restaurant
were lively and had a great
vibe.
www.banyantree.com
If you ever have a need to run away and hide, this would be
the place to go! The Anantara Layan resort, located in the
earth-bound paradise of Phuket, is just the place to rejuvenate
and recharge the mind, body and soul. That was exactly what I
did at the spa, swimming pool, beach, gym and my decadent
gated private-pool-villa.
Here is a summary of a perfect day in the sun at Anantara!
Wake up and take a dip in
your very own private plunge
pool, head for a healthy buffet
breakfast, sit on the beach,
go to the gym, have a wonderful
tasty lite lunch, get a
soothing message, have a
drink (or two), read in your
manicured lawn and garden
villa, go for a ride to the village
to meet locals and then repeat the following day!
We did experience a few of the unique offerings at this magnificent
retreat. We spent one afternoon taking Thai cooking class
with the resident expert. We also had a fantastic two hour message
tailored to our needs by an experienced professional
masseuse Talk about a special day!
Needless to say the Anantara
Layan Phuket Resort is one
incredible place, one of the
best beach resorts (maybe the
best) I have ever stayed at
and perfect in so many ways.
The staff was genuinely
happy to serve you. The
resort’s location, on a secluded
part of the island with its
richly decorated garden fountains and private beach offered a
feeling of peace and harmony, while the beautiful villa was perfectly
relaxing.
www.anantara.com/en/layan-phuket
World Traveler - Already 20 Years!

59
137 Pillars House Chiang Mai
by Michael Morcos
137 Pillars Residences & Suites Bangkok
by Michael Morcos
Mystery solved! Over drinks, I would have finally figured
out what was puzzling me since I first knew I would be
staying at this resort. The hotel manager made it clear the
oldest standing building on the grounds (the one we were in) had
137 Pillars and thus the name of this ever-charming hotel.
This property was built centered around the historic teak house of
the British Borneo Company constructed in the late 19th century. It
has a claim to fame as well, as it served as a residence for the son
of Anna Leonowens, of The King And I fame! At the time, the
builders created a property with a great attention to detail and it
has been wonderfully restored,
including the two restaurants and
a bar, as well as a wonderful
collection of historic photographs.
The first thoughts after arriving at
the 137 Pillars was of tranquility
but that changed to sadness and
disbelieve when I entered my
room as I thought to myself, ‘I only have two nights here, such a
tragedy!’ With so much to do in Chiang Mai and so little time I was
to adore every waking moment in this handsome place.
My room was not short on anything, and in reality, it had it all in
abundance, including richly decorated bedrooms, a large changing
area and bathroom and the best of all would be found on opposite
ends of the room.
To the front was a large wooden balcony with a comfortable seating
area, a large (tropic size) overhead fan and a magnificent view of
the grounds and manicured
flower garden. I could sit there
for hours with a book. To the
back was another balcony
with an outdoor private shower,
which was so wonderful
that it made me wonder if
anybody actually needed the
one inside.
www.137pillarschiangmai.com
On our last day in Thailand, we would stay at the 137
Pillars sister property to the one in Chiang Mai and when
landing at the airport, I had a plan. Check in, change
clothing and head out to see some sights and do some last
minute shopping. My initiative was shattered. Right after checking
in, my personal concierge brought me up to the private all suites
floor. Leading me into my room, all bets were off. I was not going
anywhere today. This suite was downright gorgeous!
Smiling from ear to ear, I was shown the rooms and all its many
amenities including a smart phone that with a push of a bottom
would have the services of
just about anything I needed
from the concierge and staff.
I twirled around the many
different rooms trying to figure
out what to do next, so
much to love here. With an
amazing well-decorated living
room, comfortable bedroom, well-appointed bathroom that
included a party size bathtub and to me, the best of all was the
large balcony with breathtaking views of Bangkok.
Outside my room was yet another world to discover including the
best roof top infinity pool I have ever swam in that gives a dazzling
panoramic view of the city from three sides.
Set in the heart of one of the most fashionable areas of the city
and is next to the massive, fun-filled EM-District shopping area.
The best part is the night-time view from the pool and our balcony.
Truly mesmerizing.
To conclude, the 137 Pillars
Residences & Suites Bangkok is
dangerous to Bangkok travelers.
It seduces you and holds
you captive. So much so you
might not see much of this
dynamic city, worse yet you
might stay to long and miss
your flight home.
www.137pillarsbangkok.com
American World Traveler Winter 2021-22

60
Bali’s Five Hidden Beaches
by Gregory Caltabanis
World Traveler - Already 20 Years!

Bali is filled with remote beaches
and paradises alike that all offer
something unique in their own
right. Southern Bali is particularly blessed
with these wonders, however, due to their
exclusive nature they can become hard to
find without intimate knowledge of the
island. Here are five of these hidden wonders.
Balangan Beach
Balangan beach is one of many surfer
delights near Uluwatu and is only a kilometre
away from Finns Beach Club.
Located west from Garuda Wisnu Kencan
Natural Park, this beach is among the few
in southern Bali that boasts golden sand
and clear water. Balangan is a rustic natural
beach with many limestone cliffs and a
long reef, to boot. Take note of the tide
schedule before heading there as it
becomes difficult to swim during high tide
while during low tide the water is extremely
shallow. In any case, swimmers must be
wary of the rocks as they are slippery.
Due to its hidden nature, Balangan doesn’t
see too much action making it a perfect
spot for couples to get away. Visitors
can also take in the immense view from
atop the cliff, a spot which offers unique
photo opportunities.
Suluban Beach
Suluban beach, also known as Blue Point,
is an ideal spot to spend a day exploring
with family and friends. To get to the
beach itself, visitors must navigate their
way through limestone caves. The caves
alone make the drive to Pecatu worthwhile,
however, the steps to go down are
rather steep so be careful. After exiting the
caves, you have two options. Turn right
and keep navigating your way through
caves and log ramps or turn right and
relax under the cliff on one of Bali’s most
exclusive beaches. While the water isn’t
that clear, taking in the sunset at Suluban
is a must. Suluban, like Balangan, mostly
gets surf lovers and not much else, making
it a truly intimate spot. Affordable
drink and food options are available on
sight.
Padang Padang
Padang Padang, the beach made famous
by Julia Roberts in Eat Pray Love, is another
must visit in southern Bali. However,
over the years, Padang Padang has
gained more notoriety and has even
begun hosting international surf events
making it the most crowded of the five
options. Located on the north western
coast of Bukit Peninsula near Bingin, this
beach is a common favourite for people
staying in Uluwatu. Its hundred meter
stretch of white sands and clear blue
waters make it all the more desirable for
prospective visitors. Padang Padang is also
one of the few beaches in Uluwatu which
has a temple overlooking it, offering the
possibility to take in exotic views. There
are also shops, Western-style restaurants
and surf lodges around for those in need
of a momentary respite from the water.
Single Fin Beach
Single Fin beach is yet another one of
Bali’s hidden spots and is located on the
cliffs of Uluwatu below Blue Point hotel.
This beach is arguably the easiest to find
out of these remote paradises due to the
fact that Made Kasim, Bali’s first professional
surfer, paired with Tai Graham to
create Single Fin Beach Club to go along
with it. Boasting the biggest balcony in the
archipelago, visitors can take in the view
of the surrounding spiritual homes and the
Indian Ocean, making it an ideal spot to
chill around sunset. The beach itself is relatively
calm while the beach club is an
ideal place to grab a drink and a bite to
eat. There is also a Single Fin surf shop,
cafe and bar.
Dreamland
Dreamland is the fifth and final hidden
beach in south Bali, located southwest of
Bulkit. Its limestone cliffs, white sand and
rugged coastline make for a wonderful
combination and an overall breathtaking
beach. Recently, they have also developed
a golf course and resort nearby as part of
the New Kuta project. While these exploits
have made the beach more accessible, it
still remains hidden. Dreamland’s reef
breaks are arguably the nicest on the
island and are well worth a few minutes of
your time to take in. Chairs and a parasol
on the deck will run you around 100,000
IDR or about $10. Negotiable, of course.
The beach’s food options are rather limited
but, there are many nearby spots that
offer fresh fruit juice. Outside of surfing,
the number one thing to do at Dreamland
is take in the sunset.
https://bali.com
61
American World Traveler Winter 2021-22

62
Muscat Enwraps The Past With The Present
by Habeeb Salloum
World Traveler - Already 20 Years!

IIt seemed as we drove on a wide thoroughfare,
edged by well-tended shrubs
and trees, that we were travelling from
town to town rather than traversing the city of
Muscat, Oman’s capital. All along this boulevard
and its roundabouts, covered with flowers
and greenery, were eye-catching sculptures of
artefacts from Omani history and life. It was
truly an imperial avenue uniting a 40 km (25
mi) spread-out city - inviting in its historic and
modern attractions.
Greater Muscat, with a population of some
600,000, in reality consists of three large
towns: Muscat, Muttrah, Ruwi and their suburbs
- all divided from each other by low hills.
At the southern end is located the old town of
Muscat, a city with an illustrious past.
Overpowered by its scenic ancient forts and
beautiful mosques, it stands, as it has for centuries,
the crown jewel of the Sultanate of
Oman. Unlike almost all the other towns on
the eastern Arabian shores, it does not have
an artificial air, having been for centuries an
important trading centre and an imperial capital.
Poised on lofty crags, guarding the mouth of
its harbour are two recently renovated citadels.
They were built by the Portuguese during their
16th - 17th centuries’ occupation of parts of
Oman’s coast and expanded by the Omanis
after these European invaders were expelled.
Overlooking the walled city, in the midst of
which is located the flamboyant Sultan’s
Palace, stands on one side the Mirani Fort and
on the other the Jalali Fortress, housing a
museum which needs a special permit to visit.
One of the Sultan’s palace guards who was
talking to us as we surveyed the forts,
described them well when he remarked, “Are
they not majestic these fortresses? You know,
they are the symbol of our country.”
For us, it was exciting to explore and savour
the city by foot while we reminisced about its
history. After our tour of this immaculately
clean compact town with its impressive structures,
we stopped a while to photograph the
Sultan’s Palace, seemingly a vision from the
Arabian Nights, then left for Muttrah, 4 km
(2.4 mi) away.
Just before entering Muttrah, the Corniche
and its surroundings, said to be one of the
most beautiful spots in the Arabian Peninsula,
we were struck with a fairytale aura. On the
edge of Riyam Park, dominated by a gigantic
white incense-burner, we stopped awhile to
enjoy the view.
The burner-monument, a very impressive
replica of an artefact which, for centuries, has
been important in Omani life, soared above
the coastal highway - a road seemingly overwhelmed
by the huge colourful flower-urns
dividing the lanes. Like us, first-time travellers
always stop to admire the breathtaking natural
scenery - greatly enhanced by the hand of
man.
I was driving slowly savouring the panorama
when my daughter tapped me on the shoulder,
“Look at that fort! It looks like a storybook
fortress.” I turned my head. Towering above
us was the Portuguese Fort, dominating
Muttrah’s port, which bristled with cargo ships,
modern yachts and dhows (traditional Arab
sailing ships) - all overshadowed by a huge
passenger liner.
We parked our auto on the long sweeping
Corniche, and then walked the seaside
avenue, edged by plaques of fibreglass birds
representing Oman’s wild-life. At the end of
the Corniche, past a fish roundabout, we
stopped to explore the fish souk (market).
One side of the souk housed a fruit and vegetable
section and on the other side was a very
clean, well-stocked fresh fish market.
Crossing over to the other side of the
Corniche, past men playing the ancient
seashell game of hawalis, we walked back
under the shadows of the many architecturally
delightful old merchant houses, dating from
the 19th century. A good number were being
painted sparkling-white or a light beige tonethe
sole colours allowed for the outside of
buildings in Greater Muscat. The only exception
for the use of other colours is for decoration.
There is a governmental law that stipulates
that structures must not look rundown.
Hence, most of Muscat’s buildings always
appear to glow in the sunlight.
At the Bank of Oman, we turned right and
entered Muttrah’s souk - the most interesting
traditional market in the Arab Gulf States. Its
meandering alleyways, sprawling in all directions,
are filled with tiny shops, stocking everything
from stainless steel products to the handiwork
of the Bedouins. Above all, frankincense
and myrrh, traded in Oman since time
immemorial, were on sale everywhere. It was
as if we had walked back into history.
A cruise liner had stopped in Muscat for the
day and its passengers saturated the souk.
Bargaining was impossible. The passengers,
with a few hours to spare, would pay whatever
the merchants asked. My daughter noting
the wide grin on the face of a shopkeeper
whose shop was filled with these sea
travellers, remarked, “He should smile!
63
Look at the money he’s raking in from
these gullible buyers.” It was apparent that in
this venerable Arab trading port, as they have
for centuries, the merchants were still plying
their profitable trade.
From Muscat we drove on the main motorway
until we reached Ruwi - Greater Muscat’s
commercial heart. Here and there along the
thoroughfare, man-made specimens of
Oman’s wildlife like ibex, oryx, and tahr,
lurked- in the roadside vegetation, beautifying
the sides of the road. Soon, we were driving
on Ruwi Souk Street, where it is said ‘everything
sold in Oman can be found’. Here,
merchandise is sold at a lower price than what
we paid after bargaining in Muttrah’s souk.
Leaving Ruwi, we drove on to explore Qurum,
Madinat Qaboos and other newly built sections
of the city. It was a transformed world.
Where a quarter century ago there were no
paved roads, virtually no grass and shrubs or
even water and electrical systems, greenery
now covers the city landscape. Mile after mile
of lush turf, trees and bright flowers beautify
the city - already possessed with the natural
beauty of beaches, mountains and sea.
Thanks to fibreglass, amid all this man-made
natural beauty, there are giant silver-painted
pieces of Omani jewellery, coffee pots, chests
overflowing with treasures, and much more
decorating the sides of the avenues. Hence, it
surprised no one when Muscat came first in
the 1995 ‘Arab Cities Prize Organization
Awards’, winning in the most beautiful city category.
For the last night in this modern city of
Sindbad, we went on an evening’s dhow ride
in the Gulf of Oman. As we sailed along the
coast, in the distance, the glowing lights of
Muscat brought to my mind the city’s illustrious
history. No doubt, Sindbad the Sailor gloried
in its waters since it is said that he was born in
Sohar a short distance away. If Sindbad could
only see Muscat now, it past enhanced with a
garland of superb modernity, he may well
have put his travels on the back burner never
wanting to leave the beauty of this city.
www.visitmusiccity.com
American World Traveler Winter 2021-22

20 Years Replay
Summer 2009
Hong Kong - In Search of My Chinese Roots
by Greg James
Chinese New Year in Hong Kong!
What a wonderful time to visit this
dynamic world-class city that rises so
dramatically on the northern shores of the South
China Sea! However, this was going be much
more than just another trip to yet another exotic
foreign destination. For me, this would be a
long-anticipated voyage to explore one of my
many far-flung and multi-hued ethic roots!
A Chinese Grandfather
My maternal grandfather was born to
Chinese indentured workers.
Following the Britain's abolition of slavery in
1833, Cantonese peasant farmers were taken
halfway around the world to replace the freed
slaves on the sugar plantations in what was then
British Guiana, Britain's only South American
colony, sometime back in the mid-to-late 1800s.
I never knew my Chinese great grandparents,
but growing up 'half-Chinese', I always wondered
what it would be like to stroll down streets
where almost everyone was Asian.
Now at last, I was about to find out on my
brief but incredibly intriguing seven-day sojourn
in Hong Kong!
One Country, Two Systems
Hong Kong would prove to be the ideal place
to begin my search for my long-lost 'Chinese'
heritage. Like Guyana where I was born, Hong
Kong had also been a British colony.
On July 1, 1997, Britain ceded Hong Kong to
China, but much of the territory's previous way of
life as a British possession was guaranteed under
the "One Country, Two Systems" agreement,
signed by the governments of the UK and the
People's Republic of China.
For today's Western visitor, this means that
World Traveler - Already 20 Years!
English continues to be widely understood and
spoken in Hong Kong, but don't be fooled by
this.
Centuries-old Chinese traditions, superstitions,
religious fervour, clan affiliation, ancestral
veneration and respect for one's elders are still
strongly adhered to by even the most chic and
worldly of young Hongkongers!
Gracious Beginning
The inimitable charm of the Chinese swept
me away the minute I got in line at the for my
late-night Cathay Pacific flight from Toronto to
Hong Kong.
Graceful, smiling, female attendants, wearing
cheongsams (traditional Chinese close-fitting
long silk dresses) and stiletto heels, immediately
came up to greet me.
Taking note of my six-foot height, they hastened
to assure me in perfect English that I would
have a seat with plenty of legroom for the 14-
hour-plus, non-stop flight to Hong Kong!
Lay of the Land
Using Hong Kong's surprisingly unclogged
network of super highways, bridges and tunnels,
it was just a short ride to the Harbour Plaza
Metropolis Hotel on Kowloon’s waterfront.
Until my visit, I did not realize that the Special
Administrative Region of Hong Kong consists of
the Island of Hong Kong; Lantau Island;
Kowloon City, located on the north bank of Hong
Kong's natural Victoria Harbour; and the New
Territories, which extend northward from
Kowloon to the border of the Mainland Chinese
Province of Guangdong (often referred to in
English as Canton).
Sea of Islands
Hong Kong also counts some 260 islets as
part of its region for a total land area of 1,108
km 2 (427 square miles). But with its burgeoning
population of just over 7 million, Hong Kong is
one of the most densely populated areas in the
world.
Feng Shui Aesthetics
The Bank of China building, though not the
tallest, is still one of Hong Kong's most recognizable
landmarks. However, we discovered that it
sparked lots of controversy when it was completed
in 1990.
Many thought that it did not conform to Feng
Shui, the ancient Chinese guiding principle of
positive aesthetics.
A Market For Every Reason
After disembarking on Hong Kong Island, we
made our way through the forest of ultramodern
high-rise office buildings to some of the most
interesting urban side streets that I have ever had
the good fortune to stroll.
On our wonderful walk through the Graham
Street Wet Market, the Dried Seafood Street, the
Herbal Medicine Street and the Ginseng Street,
the sights, smells and sounds of what I envisioned
the Orient to be all about came vividly to
life.The narrow, crowded and often slightly
inclined side streets were a joy to explore. Stalls
selling every imaginable type of fresh and dried
fish and seafood competed with those offering
farm-fresh vegetables, fruits and greens.
Thousand-year-old eggs were available next
to a mind-blowing variety of teas and herbs.
Dried Ginseng roots and other remedies for promoting
one's health and curing ailments were
yours for the asking.
Because this was the week preceding Chinese
New Year, many of the stalls offered multi-

coloured blossoms; exotic miniature fruit-bearing
trees; candies in bright, shinny wrappers;
and a wild assortment of decorations for celebrating
the arrival of the Year of the Ox.
Bright red underwear (for women and men)
was also prominently displayed! As I discovered
that day, the 'couleur du jour' for Chinese New
Year is definitely red!
Dim Sum par excellence!
Lunch at Cuisine Cuisine was a very elegant
affair.
Along with the delectable dim sum tidbits of
this top-rated restaurant, I tried my first thousand-year-old
egg, which are only preserved for
about 100 days!
Colourful Wan Chai
After lunch, we took a leisurely walk through
Hong Kong's colourful Wan Chai District, known
for its lively nightlife, luxury apartments, swanky
hotels, shopping malls and modern office towers.
Riding the Ding-Ding
The most memorable part of our afternoon
Wan Chai promenade was a ride on one the
city's double-decker tramways.
The tramway system on Hong Kong Island
dates back to 1904. Today, its fleet of 163 tramcars
carry a daily average of 230,000 passengers
on the six extensive tramway routes.
Not Just a Flower Market
The Chinese New Year Flower Market held in
Victoria Park is an unforgettable experience. This
annual festive event held on the day before New
Year's Eve is jam-packed with people, young and
old, who flock to the market to get their lastminute
New Year's shopping done.
Hiking Enthusiast’s Dream
For anyone who loves the outdoors this is an
experience not to be missed. The Sai Kung
peninsula is a pristine area of Hong Kong's New
Territories.
We only did a part of the popular 100 km
MacLehose Trail, but at our highest point we had
a wonderful bird's-eye view of the coast of the
Sai Kung, including its fabled coves and sandy
beaches.
How Fresh is Fresh?
After our exhilarating hike, we took a refreshing
boat ride and a short bus ride to the seaside
town of Sai Kung where local fishermen in small
multi-coloured boats moored alongside the
docks offered an assortment of newly caught
seafood, some of which I could not readily identify.
And just offshore, sea birds hunting for their
supper dove gracefully down into the placid sea
to snap up their own well-earned fresh catch.
Seafood Feast
An extraordinary New Year's seafood feast
awaited us at one of the many restaurants that
lined Sai Kung's animated waterfront.
Outside each establishment, there were
stacks of huge glass tanks containing live fish
and other seafood. The idea was to make your
choices before entering the restaurant.
Happily, our guide Andy was more familiar
with our restaurant's exotic live offerings and in
about half an hour his selection became a banquet
fit for any ancient Chinese emperor!
Late-night Shopping
If you name just one activity that everyone
who visits Hong Kong does it has to be shopping.
Some elect to go bargain hunting on Kowloon's
Temple Street.
Others may prefer browsing through the
scores of high-end boutiques that line Nathan
Road where you can find genuine designer clothing
at one-third of the price you would pay in
Canada. And the well-stocked shops open till 11
pm every night!
New Year’s Lion
The first order of New Year's Day in Hong
Kong is to witness a Lion Dance, which promises
its spectators good luck for the coming year. The
lion also drives out evil spirits where he performs.
Boys as young as six years old are trained to
perform this intricate acrobatic dance with one
performer manipulating the lion's head and the
other its body.
Time to Pray
On my visit to the Wong Tai Sin Temple, a traditional
Taoist temple established just north of
Kowloon in 1921, there were crowds of young
and old worshippers lined up for blocks to get in.
Taste of The Golden Age
Located in the fashionable Tsim Sha Tsui
District of Kowloon, the T'ang Court justly
deserves its two Michelin stars.
Unfortunately, we could not linger here after
our splendid meal, as we were on our way to the
world's happiest party.
Lantau Island Outing
Lantau Island, which lies west of Hong Kong
Island, is sparsely populated.
However, northwestern Lantau is now experiencing
rapid population growth in its newly
established towns due to their proximity to the
manmade island where Hong Kong's
International Airport now sits.
Fishermen’s Domain
One aspect of Lantau Island that happily
defies change is the historic village of Tai O,
home to the Tanka people who built their houses
on stilts above the tidal flats for generations.
We strolled through the town's market street
past several stalls offering souvenirs made from
the region's beautiful seashells. Other street
venders displayed enormous fresh and dried fish
and other bounty from the sea in their tiny stalls.
Misty Buddha
Our second stop on Lantau Island was to see
the impressive Tian Tan Buddha, said to be the
world's tallest outdoor bronze seated Buddha.
As we climbed up the shrine's 286 stone
steps, we realised that a persistent heavy mist
would somewhat obscure our view of the
Buddha.
Though we were disappointed at not seeing
the entire 34-metre-tall (110 ft) Buddha, the mist
actually added a mysterious and almost mystic
aura to this monumental and highly revered religious
site.
We made a brief visit on the inside of the
Buddha where we encountered walls displaying
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American World Traveler Winter 2021-22
hundreds of plaques honouring deceased individuals.
These memorials are paid for by relatives
and close friends.
We then headed down to the Po Lin
Monastery, which lies in the shadow of the
Buddha, to have a simple but satisfying vegetarian
meal prepared by the monks.
Village Theme Park
The perfect return route from the Po Lin
Monastery is to take a stroll through the nearby
Ngong Ping Cultural Village, a sort of Chinese
version of a North American theme park. After
visiting its moving 'Walking with Buddha' pavilion
we headed for the terminus of the Ngong Ping
360.
Sky-High Ride
The Ngong Ping 360 is a spectacular 5.7km
(3.5 miles), 25-minute ride that crosses Tung
Chung Bay and touches on the Hong Kong airport
island before heading towards North Lantau
where we boarded one of its cars for our return
trip from Po Lin Monastery.
Date at Harbour City
During our early supper at Harbour City,
located in the Tsim Sha Tsui waterside district of
Kowloon, excitement definitely was in the air as
this was the night of the extraordinary annually
held Lunar New Year Fireworks Display over
Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour!
Harbour City is an immense commercial
complex that was built on the former site of
wharfs and dockside warehouses.
Fierce Temple God
After the Wong Tai Sin Temple, where I had
my fortune read, the Che Kung Temple is definitely
Hong Kong's second most popular shrine.
We visited this renowned Buddhist temple,
located in the Sha Tin District of the New
Territories, on the third day of Chinese New Year,
which is the birthday of the shrine's demigod Che
Kung.
He was a fierce general from the Sung
Dynasty (960-1279 AD) who was elevated to
Buddhist immortality on account of his heroic
deeds. His much-venerated towering bronze
statue, which stands several metres tall in the
main hall of the temple, is indeed an awesome
sight to behold!
Che Kung is considered by many to be Hong
Kong's undisputed god of gambling and as such,
thousands of worshipers gather here on his
birthday to pray to him for good fortune in the
coming year.
Winds of Change
Incense sticks and huge arrays of colourful
paper windmills were for sale just outside the
temple walls. Apparently, paper windmills purchased
at the temple blow good luck winds into
your home throughout the year when placed in a
window or doorway.
As the day wore on, it was amusing to see the
discount signs for the windmills go up. But on a
more serious note, I was once again totally
astounded by the fervour of both young and old
devotees of this impressive and obviously highly
revered place of worship.
Proud Heritage
I wish I could say that my quest to find my
Chinese roots ended in the historic heritage vil-
lage of Ping Shan. It didn't, but this was as close
as it got. My mum's maiden name was 'Cheong'
but it could just as well been 'Tang' when I alighted
in the village of Ping Shan.
Ping Shan has one of the longest recorded
histories in all of Hong Kong and the lineage of
the Tang clan is firmly rooted right here.
Considered one of the "Five Great Clans" in the
New Territories, the Tang clan can amazingly
trace its roots as far back as the twelfth century.
High Threshold
On entering his beautifully restored multi-storied
ancestral village residence, an amusing
anecdote was created by us having to step over
the rather high threshold of the entranceway.
Our guide Andy had previously told me that
the reason for the high thresholds in village
homes was to keep out the chickens and other
village livestock! Now I learnt that the real reason
was to remind visitors that they were entering
a place that should be treated with reverence.
Timeless Pagoda
After touring the two levels of the fascinating
Kun Ting Study Hall, which was built in 1870 by
Tang Heung Chuen, a 22nd-generation ancestor
of the Tang clan, for students preparing for the
imperial civil service examination, we strolled
over to the site of Hong Kong's only truly ancient
pagoda.
The original five-storey Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda,
which means "Pagoda of Gathering Stars", was
built by Tang Yin-tung, a seventh generation
ancestor of the clan, more than 600 years ago!
It was damaged by strong winds and subsequently
rebuilt as today's still impressive threestorey
pagoda.
Living Memories
The really fascinating part of the Ping Shan
Heritage Trail was visiting the recently established
hilltop Tang Clan Gallery, which is housed
in the Old Ping Shan Police Station built in 1899
by the British.
Happily, in 2007, the defunct colonial-styled
police station was wonderfully restored and
became the repository for many of the Tang
Clan's treasured artefacts from its long line of
notable ancestors. The gallery even includes a
case displaying the historic outfit worn by our
charming 'clan guide' Kwai Man on her own
wedding day. How I wish I could have found
such a remarkable tribute to the Cheong Clan!
Kung Hei Fat Choy!
For those not familiar with that greeting, it's
Happy New Year in Chinese. And what a happy
time it was to be in Hong Kong to celebrate the
beginning of the Year of the Ox and to re-establish
my Chinese connection!
As I stood on one of the breathtaking lookout
points on Victoria Peak, high above Hong Kong's
forest of futuristic skyscrapers and its shimmering
harbour on my last night in this scintillating city,
I began the understand for the first time the contradictions
inherent in my late Chinese grandfather
Ol' Cheong. After all, he was Chinese yet
Western - every bit like contrary yet totally loveable
Hong Kong!
www.discoverhongkong.com