Expedition Day at Sea!

We are cruising the north coast of Papua on Western New Guinea and could not be more excited! As we learn more about the region it really makes you realize what an amazing part of the world we're in. 

The Coral Triangle, and we are headed for the very heart of it known as the Raja Ampat, the most biodiverse and richest marine community on the planet...WOW!!! 

Yesterday was a full day of lectures held by the amazing expedition team and guest speakers onboard - Reefs,  the Rainforest Under the Sea explained how this whole ecosystem works and thrives; Introduction to Indonesia taught us all about Indonesia as a whole, the people, history, political and religious significance as well as the various wildlife and marine life by each region. Sumatra and Borneo for it's critically endangered orangutans, tigers, rhinos and elephants, Papua for the Raja Ampat and Asmat, reefs and volcanoes. With over 18,000 islands Indonesia is certainly much more interesting than I realized before learning about it on this trip. 

Alfred Wallace is said to be the forgotten explorer, back in the early to mid 1800's he ventured out collecting specimens and exploring new lands, he actually came up with the idea of evolution just as Darwin did, at one point while he was in this region he sent a letter back to Darwin in England explaining what he was finding, essentially a similar theory, but allowed Darwin to take all the glory. Quite interesting if you think how history as we know could of turned out had things unfolded differently. 

The other cool thing I've learned about the Coral Triangle and why it's so biodiverse is the fact that during the ice age this is one of the areas that never froze over, so you have species that have been evolving for millions of years. 

So much more to say but so little time between all the awesome things happening onboard so you'll have to pick my brain later. 

Airways Hotel, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

The Airways Hotel is known as one if the best airport hotels in the world with a long list of awards received over the years.

Certainly one of the most unique properties I've stayed in. 

Port Moresby is one of those places that you don't go wandering around on your own. There are a few hotels around the Yacht Club and downtown but honestly think the Airways Hotel is the only place to stay here, hands down. 

Two minutes from the airport you enter this secure compound - it's like entering into a totally new planet or something, here you are in Papua New Guinea, and walking into this exquisite 5 star hotel. 

The property is totally secure and safe...in fact, the Australian Prime Minister is staying here right now along with other MP's and political figures. Red carpet, full police escort and all, we've watched him come and go a few times, kind of neat.

Anyways, the hotel is built along the hill and spans 7 floors, beautiful peices of art, glass enclosed fountains and ponds, lounges and retail outlets. Up the elevator on the top floor, you come out with sweeping views of the airport,ush mountains to the left and views of the sea to the right. Walking over the raised walkway towards the restaurant there's a plane sitting on the cliff pointed out at the airport. Total WOW factor. The pool, restaurant, bar, pizza place, deli is all on the top level. This place is truly it's own little city, there's also a food/general store, currency exchange and ATM, barbar shop, kids toy store. 

A lot of Australians come to PNG to work and the place seems to be hopping.

A Shout Out to Air Nuigini

I had low expectations for Air New Guinea but must say they provided some of the best service I've had with an airline.

The guy who checked us in at Brisbane was so friendly and went out of his way to ask us how he could help, offered us exit rows and made sure we were sitting together, just all around nice and welcoming. 

Once onboard the smily flight attendant was curious about where we were going, and took great care of us. I asked for a beer, she opens two kinds of PNG brews and tells me I must taste both to make sure which one I like...they were both good so I kept em, haha. She came by every so often to make sure we were topped up with whatever we needed...she really loved her job and could see she genuinely wanted to please the passengers onboard. 

Arriving Port Moresby it turns out there's no longer a fee for the visa ($50 USD) - you can either apply in advance or on arrival, we opted for on arrival and it was quick a painless. 

A Day in Brisbane

After 30 hours if traveling Jen and i couldn't be happier to get off the plane and outside in the fresh air..we're free at last!!!

The transit system in Brisbane is well connected and super convenient - the Air Link takes you directly from the airport into the city in less than 20 minutes. The larger stations like Fortitude Valley and Central Station are laid out as mini-centers, with food courts, shops and other outlets.

We opted to stay at The Miro Apartments in 'The Valley', an area just outside of downtown known for its nightlife and funky atmosphere.

Feeling pretty jetlagged we forced ourselves to freshen up and check out the city, with only 1 day here we might as well make the best of it.

The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary has good reviews, just 12kms from the centre you can taxi, bus, or there's a scenic boat trip along the river that departs every day at 11. The Sanctuary offers the opportunity to cuddle a koala, pet kangaroos, as well as other wildlife and unique 'behind the scenes' experiences. It was getting a bit late in the afternoon to fit in so unfortunately no cuddling of koalas took place. 

Instead, we took a bus up to one of the ferry terminals and cruised up river checking out the Story Bridge, Southbank and ended downtown at Queenstreet. Another great thing with the transit system, the ticket includes use across the trains, buses and ferries making for an easy, inexpensive way to see the sights.

Queenstreet Mall is a large, vibrant outdoor/indoor complex filled with stores of all sorts, eateries, bars. I've decided that Australia has way better clothing stores than we have in Canada... If I had any room left in my bags I'd be taking full advantage.

 

In the evening Jen and I met up with a friend I met at Virtuoso Week a few

years ago...'Zip'...always nice to catch up with people on the other side of the world. 

Starting at at the Emporium Hotel for pre dinner cocktails - a gorgeous property, uptown-chic with cool lighting and accents - in a complex filled with various dining venues from casual Mexican to upscale Turkish. 

After dinner we headed up the street to Cloudland, one of Brisbane's most popular nightclubs, Thursday Salsa night with a live band...all I can say is WOW, what a place. Two levels, vines and plants coming down from the ceiling, crazy chandeliers, private booths with various decor...I can't even describe it. I really wish I wasn't so completely  exhausted with 'plane brain' and swollen ankles so I could embarrass myself with my awesome salsa moves on the dance floor! Men looking for dance partners started to be too much and we decided to head across the street to some place quieter...The Elixer is a cozy rooftop bar with its own character, Zip knows the owner and he joined us for a drink - some good laughs and conversation, a relaxing way to wind down at the end of the night. 

Headed to New Guinea!

It's that time again...excited and on my way to one of the wildest places on earth, New Guinea! 

Getting there isn't easy...a 10 hour layover in LAX, waiting for my best friend to arrive from Vancouver, then a long flight to Brisbane via Nadi (Fiji)...we opted for points and that's what you get so we just have to deal with it (there's quicker ways!) 

We'll spend a night in Brisbane checking out the city and night scene before another flight up to Port Moresby where we meet Zegrahm Expeditions and the rest of our group...and then (yes, and then) a quick flight up to Wewak where we board the Caledonian Sky for an expedition cruise around the western side of New Guinea. 

Stay tuned for updates...

PURE Life Experiences

PURE Life Experiences, an annual travel trade show held in Marrakech every November, is “By Inspiration Only” – following the interview process earlier this year, I was thrilled to receive the invite. Created 5 years ago with a belief “that the travel industry has the ability to transform people and ultimately change the world for the better”. It’s all about experiential, unreal experiences, ‘high emotion/low impact travel.

My travel motto is to ‘travel differently’. In creating one-of-a-kind journeys for myself and my clients, it must incorporate aspects that the average traveler would not experience. I challenge travelers to open their mind to destinations or lifetime experiences that they may never have even considered. This is what PURE is all about, pushing the boundaries of travel, meeting some of the world’s most inspiring creators of life enriching experiences.

Following an incredible trip to Uganda and Rwanda, I jetted off to Morocco – excited to see old friends, make new connections, but most of all, to learn about mind-blowing new experiences. This 4-day event consists of 42, 20-minute intense meetings with Owners, Managers, General Managers, representing high-end experiential suppliers; ample time for networking during breaks, and lavish parties amongst some of Marrakech's most luxurious hotels.

Referred to as PUREists, the knowledge that we (Private Travel Designers) gain during this week is priceless. I wish that others could be a fly on the wall during these meetings, to see what’s out there, the way that I see it.

Returning home with countless fresh ideas, new ways to travel and experience the planet – I’m excited to share these with you – breaking these journeys down by destination or travel style, check back on my blog listings labeled PURE Inspiration…  

Tracking my Family Roots with a DNA Test

Thanks to meeting some interesting and inspiring people over the last few years, a number of events has led me to ordering a DNA test - sounds a little strange, doesn't it?

At Virtuoso Week a few years ago, I was introduced to Jalsa Urubshurow, Founder of Nomadic Expeditions and the Three Camel Lodge in Mongolia, and a true pioneer in environmental conservation. Passionate and engaging, Jalsa captivated me with his stories and sparked a desire to visit Mongolia, a place I knew barley anything about.

Some time later, my best friend Jen and I were talking over a couple glasses of wine, and out of the blue she says, "you look like you could be from Mongolia!". I thought what the heck is she talking about, she's must be crazy. As we chatted about what-could-be scenarios, the fact that my maternal grandfather's family came from Germany and Austria, and that many many years ago Mongols fled to Russia and parts of Europe. Could it be? I was intrigued. My grandfather, my mother, other family members and myself all have some qualities of what could be Mongoloid - darker complexion, protruding cheekbones and round faces...

Earlier this year an opportunity came up to visit Mongolia in October for the annual Eagle Festival. Excited and eager I tried to make it work, but a number of things were against me and it just wasn't meant to be.

This past August, Absolute Travel hosted a small group industry of peeps for dinner during Virtuoso Week, where I was introduced to Melony van der Merwe from Nomad Representation (coincidence in name? hmmm....) - we hit it off, sharing stories of spiritual beliefs, travel dreams, and her experience with DNA testing. A native from South Africa, I was awe struck by her story on how a DNA test taught her so much about her earliest family roots from hundreds of years ago.

Last month, in Morocco for PURE Life Experiences, I had the chance to speak more with Jalsa and was once again inspired to learn more about Mongolia, the people, the history, landscapes, and challenges facing the country today.

So many signs, I want to know what all this means! Finally, after returning home, I ordered my DNA kit - GENO 2.0 from National Geographic - it just arrived! So, here it goes, a couple swabs, send the kit back and wait a few weeks for the report.

I am so excited to learn more - where my ancestors traveled from, whether we come from Neandrthal or Denisovan decent, and whether any of this traces back to a strange comment from my best friend, that I 'look like I could be from' Mongolia.

If not, I think its a cool story all the same, a strange set of events that led me to this, have met some awesome people in the making, and added a new destination to my bucket list.