Abu Dhabi Sheraton - A Beautiful Respite in the Middle of the UAE Capital

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts

Thanks in part to the 1998 purchase by the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Sheratons, particularly those located outside the USA, have retained their grandeur. Add to this the 2016 purchase of Starwood by Marriott and you have all the power that comes from being the largest hotel chain in the world.

Inroom Office Area © Flyga Twiga LLC

In the Heart of Abu Dhabi

One of the perks of staying in a Sheraton in the heart of the Abu Dhabi is the perfect mixture of work & play. Located on Corniche Road, the Abu Dhabi Sheraton offers, in addition to Adult and Children’s Pools, a private Lagoon. This provided me with some much needed beach & suntanning time, when I wasn’t working in the spacious office area in my room.

Private Lagoon © Flyga Twiga LLC

Club Level © Flyga Twiga LLC

The Club Floor

One of the things I love most about many of the Marriott owned properties, and Sheratons in particular, is they have exceptional Club Floors. Each property, in my experience, interprets the design differently. The Abu Dhabi Sheraton had a relaxed, comfortable feel, as well as a separate Smoking Area.

I always make sure to book the Club Level. In addition to what I consider a full Breakfast, they also offer evening Cocktails & Canopies. I’m often asked if it is illegal to drink in the United Arab Emirates. It is not. Rather, it is illegal to be drunk in public. At the Sheraton Abu Dhabi I enjoyed delicious, well made G&Ts, as well as a nice variety of Australian Wines.

Club Breakfast © Flyga Twiga LLC

Islamic Patterns and Design Bathroom Sheraton © Flyga Twiga LLC

Nods to Traditional Islamic Architecture & Design

From intricate mosaics to dramatic arches, the Abu Dhabi Sheraton blends modern hotel design with nods to traditional Islamic Architecture & Design. Combined with the muted, Earth tones of the Emirati Desert, the marble details & features throughout the Sheraton provide the mood of how the UAE honors its heritage while embracing modernity.

Lobby Abu Dhabi Sheraton © Flyga Twiga LLC

Abu Dhabi Sheraton Hotel & Resort -
A Beautiful Respite in the Middle of the UAE Capital

Falling in Love Again, with Your First (Luggage) Love #TravelTuesday

Samsonite - My First Luggage Love

My earliest, wonderful travel memories with my Grandparents involve pulling out the hard shelled, green Samsonite Luggage. Cumbersome, no wheels, almost bigger than I was, my heart skipped beats when we pulled it out. The Samsonite luggage represented the excitement of travel - a passion for which I give thanks to my Grandparents.

Days would be spent carefully packing. Maybe repacking. And, each moment with the luggage held the promise of the journey ahead.

Samsonite Sponsor © Flyga Twiga LLC

Time Marchs On

My travel needs changed. New products came out. Trends happened. And, I have to admit to being a bit snobby. I was "beyond" good ole reliable Samsonite.

Upon entering my fifth decade of travel, as a lifestyle and as a business, my checked luggage has become about as Utilitarian as you can get. Giant, black, wheeled international bags, most often purchased at the Military Exchange, get me from one side of the world to the other.

But, when it comes to my carry-on, I am as devoted as they come. I average about a half decade per bag. I only let go when the Next Generation of Carry-ons come out and I am forced by sheer practicality to move on. Although you can rest assured, the old carry-on is never disposed of, but rather “repurposed” in some way. We spent hours upon hours traveling together, often waiting for flights, with my feet propped up on my carry-on, how could I just toss my beloved carry-on aside?

So, last weekend, when touring the 17th Annual Korea International Art Fair, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the Samsonite Art Collaboration.

Samsonite Art Collaboration 17th Annual KIAF © Flyga Twiga LLC

Samsonite X Hong Ji Yeun
Art Collaboration Volume 8

I immediately fell in love with Samsonite all over again. It was as if they had channeled me in creating this line. For their 8th Art Collaboration, Samsonite:

“Inspired by the works of Hong Ji-yeun featuring motifs like trees, flowers and birds, the new Samonsite collection is meaningful in that it symbolizes its social contributions activities. Sasmonite’s commitment to protecting the environment by creating forests in deserts and large cities is evident in the 2018 Art Collaboration. The Samsonite travel luggage created through this art collaboration contains our hope that someday flowers will bloom and birds will fly above the trees in the desert.”

Samsonite 2019 Art Collaboration Collection Hong Ji Yeun © Flyga Twiga LLC

“Imagine Their Own Travels Around the World”

The artists statement notes:

The artist Hong Ji-yeun (born in 1972) has worked on promoting harmony between East and West by combining Eastern motifs, such as trees, flowers and birds used in Korean traditional folk painting. Like an alchemist, she creates creates her own unique surrealist landscapes by fusing subject matters taken from East and West and from past and present. The birds and flowers in her work titled “Hwajobonbon 2” create, like “bonbons,” or candies in French, a sweet and splendid fantasy. The different birds from around the world taking a rest above the flower tree in the work titled “Dogamnamu” inspire viewers to imagine their own travels around the world.”

Samsonite Luggage Art Collaboration Booth © Flyga Twiga LLC

The Anticipation Begins

Just as it did when I was a child, Samsonite is once again inspiring me. And, just like the anticipation of travel, I must now wait for the Collaboration Luggage to be released.

The line will be released in 2019. Until then, I will take my current carry-on for some more adventures. Before I return to my first, childhood luggage love.

#TravelTuesday Updates & Upcoming Events!

Safaris with Golf & Wine Tours

We are working on some new Safaris in South Africa, which include Wine & Golf Tours. In addition to seeing the amazing wildlife, there are also world class golf courses and more boutique and luxury wineries than you could see in a lifetime.

Image Credit: Korea World Travel Fair

Korea World Travel Fair

The 33rd Korea World Travel Fair, which takes place 14-17 June 2018 at COEX in Seoul. I will be attending again this year as Media. I look forward to researching and writing new travel trends in the industry. The travel show is sponsored by the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Korea Tourism Organization; and Visit Korea Committee.

New Safari Kit © Flyga Twiga LLC

New Safari Kit

I’m picking-up today a new Safari Suit I’m having made. Seoul Suits has a long, strong reputation in the Expat Community for top quality tailoring. I’ll do an update on how it turned out!  

Naju City, Photo Credit: Korea Heritage Society

Naju City Historical Tour

On Saturday, June 16th I will be touring Naju City in role as a Member of the Foreign Advisory Committee of the Korea Heritage Society. This is a day-long trip and we will have to up early Saturday morning to hop on KTX and head to historic Naju City.

Happy Day! Safe Safari!

The River Club Cape Town SA © Flyga Twiga LLC

What to do when traveling or living in a place that bans plastic straws? Our solution!

Banning Plastic Straws

More and more places, such as Taiwan, are banning various forms of plastic. As anyone who has traveled to the Maasai Mara by road can attest, Kenya's ban on plastic bags was long overdue. But, unlike plastic bags, which are easily replaced with cloth ones, plastic straws present a challenge to replace.

The Challenge

Going to a paper straw isn't always a viable option. Often the straws simply disintegrate. Taiwan is proposing metal straws in all restaurants. And while I think that might be a good solution, it churns my stomach from a Public Health perspective. And, what about for in-home use? I love using straws when I make frozen Margaritas. 

Twitter to the Rescue!

Having filed into the back of my mind my concern about reusable straws, Twitter came to the rescue. One day while browsing Twitter I came across a retweet about a Copper Straw. It clicked. I would get our own straws! Reusable + Sustainable + Conservation = Copper Straws.

Copper Straws

I quickly looked up the person making these straws, Monique Nienaber, a South African Goldsmith who owns Ebonymoon. I sent an inquiry, via their website, about the straws. They quickly got back to me and told me of two places where I could get the straws. Fortunately I was going to be in Cape Town in April for the World Travel Market Africa. There I was able to pop into The Blink Shop to get my Copper Straws. 

Our Solution

Well, why stop there? Why not carry around your own utensils in Asia? So, my husband I came up with a kit we can carry when we go out to eat. This solution is not for everyone. I respect my girlfriends who want nothing more than "keys, card, & phone" when they go out. 

But, for us, this is a good solution. Finding the Copper Straws will allow us to "walk the walk" of conservation. And, of course, having a cute Harrod's bag from Doha Duty Free helps a lot. Now they just need to add Copper Class!

#TravelTuesday 8 Hour Layover In Doha? Perfect Place To Stay - Oryx Airport Hotel Hamad International Airport مطار حمد الدولي‎ DOH

Why Stay?

My preferred airlines, for flying longhaul flights to Africa, are absolutely one of the ME3. Attending the World Travel Market Africa in April, Qatar had an amazing deal for Roundtrip Seoul to Cape Town. One leg was even a Q Suite flight, which will be in a future review. 

My flight had an 8 hour Layover. This was not long enough for Qatar Airways to provide me a room in Doha. But, it was longer than I preferred to stay in the Business Class Lounge. While the new lounge is spectacular, I wanted a bit more privacy & relaxation. So, I booked a room in the transit hotel in Hamad International Airport مطار حمد الدولي‎  DOH - the Oryx Airport Hotel. 

Regular Room Oryx Airport Hotel © Flyga Twiga LLC

The 1st Room - Then the Suite!

My first room was spacious and nice. But, unfortunately (or lucky for me!) the Wi-fi wasn't working. So, they upgraded me to a Suite. They did so quickly and without complaints. As there were several people at the front desk asking for rooms, I had no doubt my room would be turned around & sold as soon as possible. 

Suite Bedroom Oryx Airport Hotel © Flyga Twiga LLC

The Suite bathroom was spacious and offered a huge shower to refresh before my next 10 + Hour Flight to Seoul. 

Suite Bathroom Oryx Airport Hotel © Flyga Twiga LLC

Comfortable Sitting & Desk Areas

The Sitting & Desk Area was extremely comfortable. I was genuinely surprised how quiet the hotel was. Aside from an occasional "Loud Talker" in the hotel hall, I heard very little noise.

As I was trying not to sleep, I had time to periodically chat with my Husband, order Room Service, & calmly repack my Carry-on. 

Suite Sitting & Desk Area Oryx Airport Hotel © Flyga Twiga LLC

One of the features I liked about the Oryx Airport Hotel was each television, of which there were two in the Suite, had a channel devoted to the Departure Times & Up-to-the-minute Departure Gates. 

Traveling alone, I found this feature extremely comforting. With long layovers, when traveling as a solo female traveler, my worse case scenario is always falling asleep and missing the last leg of my flight. And, while the Qatari are an immensely welcoming hosts - I was ready to be home! 

Suite Bedroom Sitting Area Oryx Airport Hotel © Flyga Twiga LLC

Rituals Bath Products Oryx Airport Hotel © Flyga Twiga LLC

The Amenities

The amenities were what you would expect from one of the ME3 - luxurious Rituals Cosmetics. An extraordinary amount of towels and plush bathroobes. 

But, handsdown, my favorite amenity was the Porsche Design Sleeping Eye Mask. How perfect! The card aptly had a note & map of where to find the Porsche Design Store in Duty Free. 

The perfect touch for a relaxing 8 Hours in the Oryx Airport Hotel. 

Can't wait for my next Stay!

Porsche Design Sleeping Eye Mask Oryx Airport Hotel © Flyga Twiga LLC

#TravelTuesday - 6 Unique Discoveries On Garden Route Tour in South Africa

In the week following World Travel Market Africa (WTMA) 2018, with the assistance of my South African Destination Management Company (DMC), I planned to do a tour along the famed Garden Route. While I couldn’t do the entire route, I did get a feel for this beautiful part of South Africa. Here are 5 unique discoveries I made during this super fun Road Trip through the Garden Route of South Africa!

1- Surprising History & Great Location

Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Mowbray©Flyga Twiga LLC

The first day of my post WTMA travels started with my checking out of my beloved Westin Cape Town. I only ventured across town to stay at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Mowbray. The Marriott International had purchased the Cape Town based Protea Hotels in 2013. I was really interested to see how after 5 years how the integration into the Marriott fold had worked.

The Mowbray sits on one of the oldest Land Grants in South Africa. The main building is a converted Cape Dutch Manor House. For those who love history, this is a perfect place to stay in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town.

The River Club is nearby for those who love to golf. I attended a meeting at The River Club prior to WTMA and had a chance to speak with Jonathan, The River Club’s Sales Executive, tour the facilities, and see the course. The River Club, built in 1939 and now under new ownership, has undergone a deep renovation. Need a bit of inspiration for your game? If you hit a hole-in-one you win an Audi A1.

In addition, The River Club gets my award for one of the best named pubs in the world, “The Slug & Lettuce.”

The Old Werf © Flyga Twiga LLC

2- The Best Afrikaans Sunday Brunch – Ever!

Route 62 Stop ©Flyga Twiga LLC

As we took off on a bright Sunday morning from Cape Town, we had a long 5 hour car drive ahead. I looked forward to traveling with my business colleague and family friend, Michael. Michael has all the qualities of the perfect traveling companion. He remains calm under pressure, and loves good food and luxury travel. So, leave it to Michael to find one of the best meals I’ve had in South Africa!

Located on South African Route 62, The Rambling Rose Restaurant in Montagu offers an exceptional Afrikaans Sunday Brunch. Having been traveling to and working in South Africa for 10 years now, the bar is set pretty high for delicious food. And, bar none this was the most delicious traditional Afrikaans food I have ever eaten. Their homemade Peri-Peri Sauce was so good, I ate half a large sized bottle. Nyom-Nyom!

Rample Rose Montagu ©Flyga Twiga LLC

3- When in the Western Cape, You Can Always Find a Local Wine!

Mooiplaas Estate Wine ©Flyga Twiga LLC

The first overnight of our roadtrip was in the “Ostrich Capital of the World” Oudtshoorn. Here we stayed at Mooiplaas Guesthouse and Spa. In addition to getting the Estate Wine, another “Insider Tip” is to ask for “Guesthouse II.” If it is available this beautiful property is secluded across the road from the original Guesthouse. And, the staff is awesome. If you want to have wine with dinner, they will come and pick you and drop you off. And, be sure to take advantage of the Stargazing after dinner.

View From My Room at Mooiplaas Guesthouse II ©Flyga Twiga LLC

4- A Restaurant Who Can Even Cater To Jains

Lunch at Café Gannet Restaurant ©Flyga Twiga LLC

Located in the stunning town of Mossel Bay, Café Gannet Restaurant has a bright, relaxed-sophisticated interior and bar area overlooking the Indian Ocean. I met Managing Partner Janine at WTMA and was highly impressed with Café Gannet Restaurant’s ability to meet some of the most obscure dietary requirement, with one of those being the restrictive diet of Jains. The Restaurant has several stylish private rooms, perfect for a casual Business Dinner or privacy for a family traveling together.

We had a relaxing, delightful lunch and would make Café Gannet Restaurant a must-stop in Mossel Bay.

Mossel Bay Lighthouse ©Flyga Twiga LLC

5- Small, Private Game Lodges Can Offer Niche Safaris

Garden Route Game Lodge  ©Flyga Twiga LLC

Would it come as any surprise that I believe each Safari experience has its merits? Located approximately 3 ½ hours (depending on road construction) from Cape Town is the Garden Route Game Lodge. The Lodge is going through a bit of an expansion. The owners of Garden Route Game Lodge are redoing the entire pool area, building a new spa, and adding more Villas. They are also acquiring more adjacent properties to increase their size.

We are placed in the Luxury Villas and the Owners’ eye for detail is clear. I found the amenities on par with 5 Star Luxury Safari Lodges. And, for those who are looking for a close Safari experience near Cape Town, Garden Route Game Lodge has exceptional Safari Guides. The other advantage with the location is that it is Malaria free. Thus, if you wanted to do a Beach / Golf / Wine South African Vacation, but still wanted to get in a Safari, this might a good place for you.

Rhino GRGL ©Flyga Twiga LLC

6 – Business Hotels Can Offer Great Services for the Weary Traveler

Vines in Stellenbosch ©Flyga Twiga LLC

Nearing the end of my over two week Business Trip to South Africa, I chose to stay at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Stellenbosch. This is in what is called “Techno Park.” This hotel is a Conference and Meeting Center. It is so large they offer to take you to your room in a golf cart.

There is an additional Protea property in Stellenbosch, which has a spa. But, I knew I wanted to get laundry don, completely repack my two huge bags, and prepare for the 22 + hours flight home, which included an 8 hour layover in Doha, Qatar. Thus, I wanted a hotel which catered to the Business Traveler.

Disclaimer: I do get upgraded by Marriott Properties, due to my Silver Elite Status. But, I pay for all my rooms. None of the above hotels were comped. This way, I believe I can give an honest, full assessment. I do not “owe” the owners of the properties a good review.

Protea by Marriott Stellenbosch Technopark ©Flyga Twiga LLC

The last two days in Stellenbosch were spent Wine Tasting & Touring. I will cover those in detail in another blog post. I had a wonderful experience on the Garden Route. This was the first proper “Road Trip” I had taken in quite a while. And, it made me want to go back and visit all the other great Lodges, Restaurants, and Properties along the famed Garden Route of South Africa.

Taking a Break on Route 62 Road Trip©Flyga Twiga LLC

#TravelTuesday Sneak Peak - Post WTMA18 Tours in South Africa!

Ostrich Capital of the World – Garden Route – “and, of course wine, there was always wine.”

***In addition to several privately owned Game Lodges & Guests Houses, I will be checking out several Protea Properties. As many of you may know, about five years ago, Marriott agreed to purchase the Cape Town-based Protea Hospitality Holdings. It is now time to see how the merger went!

Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Mowbray

Mooiplaas Guest House Oudtshoorn

Garden Route Game Lodge Garden Route

Protea Hotel by Marriott Stellenbosch

Winery Stellenbosch South Africa December 2018 © Flyga Twiga LLC

#TravelTuesday Sleeping in Chiang Kai-shek's Bed & the Taiwan Travel Act

Chiang Kai-shek led the Republic of China (Taiwan), in various roles, from 1928 until 1975.  During his long and successful leadership of free China he repeatedly reached out to the United States of America. One of his generous gestures was gifting an entire bedroom set to the Army Navy Club (ANC) in Washington, DC.

As members of the Club, my husband and I were offered a night’s stay in the ANC’s accommodations. My wonderfully foresightful, history-buff husband suggested we spend the night in the “Chiang Kai-shek Room.” Upon check-in we were informed that they were glad to see someone stay in the room. The reason, they stated, for the room going “without guests” is a lot of the older members refused to stay in the bed.

Hmmm…Chinese ghosts from the Chinese Revolution and Liberation was my first guess. The clerk behind the desk burst out laughing. “No, the bed is Chinese and therefore is completely enclosed save for only one, small opening. The older couples have to crawl over their spouse to get out of bed to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.”

And, that is how I got to sleep in Chiang Kai-shek’s bed.

The Taiwan Travel Act, passed by the US Congress on 28 February 2018 and signed into law by President Trump on 16 March 2018, states:

(1)  allow U.S. officials at all levels to travel to Taiwan to meet their Taiwanese counterparts;

(2) permit high-level Taiwanese officials to enter the United States under respectful conditions and to meet with U.S. officials, including officials from the Departments of State and Defense; and

(3) encourage the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office and any other instrumentality established by Taiwan to conduct business in the United States.

The Taiwan Travel Act is good news for US – Taiwan relations. I am sure Chiang Kai-shek would be pleased. And, it is of particular good news to me, having reposed in the great Chiang Kai-shek’s bed.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Changing of the Guard © Flyga Twiga LLC

#TravelTuesday What will I eat on Safari? That is one of the questions I am asked a lot on my #SafariAMA

Bush Camps usually have buffets or set menus. And, the costs are included in your Safari Package. In Kenya and Uganda Bush Camps, many times, you will find Indian Food on the Buffets. If you stay at luxury hotels or Glamping Safari Camps, you most likely be served almost any kind of food & drink you want, including exceptional African Wines.

As with any travel, if you have allergies or special dietary needs, you must inform the Safari Service Provider and check to be sure they can meet your needs.

And, in East African cities, such as Kampala and Nairobi, you will find fine dining restaurants. In Kampala, Mythos Greek Taverna & Lounge is one of my absolute favorites. 

And, if you are into “Celebrity Chefs” I can personally recommend Kiran Jethwa's Seven Seafood and Grill in Nairobi, Kenya. Kirwan’s first show on National Geographic People was “Tales from the Bush Larder”. Now he appears in his new show “The Fearless Chef”.

The above picture is our unique lunch in Kibale Forest National Park. Our lunch was served in a Banana Leaf,  and provided the perfect "to go" meal for the Trek. Provided by our host the Uganda Tourism Board, we were treated to a wonderful day of Chimpanzee Trekking. Kibale Forest is such a special place! 

Mweya Safari Lodge Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

I was invited to join the social media platform AMAfeed & I'm really loving it!

I held my first "event" - an Ask Me Anything about Safaris and Travel to Africa. It is so much fun.

Part of my takeaway from this platform is using search engines to answer questions is great - but you have to know what to search for. AMAfeed, in my experience with my first event, helps direct further research. Especially for Safaris and Travel to Africa, there are rarely "yes" or "no" set answers. Furthermore, how on Earth do you know the links you are following are real or have any expert, honest advice? 

With AMAfeed #SafariAMA it is MY reputation on the line. AMAfeed allows a really good balance of letting me promote my business and work, while offering information people want/need. 

The reason for the picture above? I received a lot of questions about Gorilla Trekking and how close you can get to the Gorillas. This was taken last year Mgahinga Gorilla National Park on my Gorilla Trek. Truly an amazing experience which I am so glad to share with the AMAfeed Community.

Happy Day! Safe Safari!

#TravelTuesday Who are Soohorang & Bandabi? PyeongChang Olympics & Paralympics Mascots

Fans of Olympics history may remember or heard about the 1996 Summer Olympics controversy surrounding the official mascot “Izzy”,  The official mascot was based on an amorphous creature “Whatizit” or “What is it?” and to this day remains the butt of many jokes and a blight on Olympic mascot history.

Thankfully Korea has returned to tradition with the culturally significant white tiger, Soohorang 수호랑 and the Asiatic black bear Bandabi 반다비 for the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics Mascots.

In Korean tradition the white tiger is seen as a benevolent protector against evil. The name Sooharang comes from the Korean word sooho 수호 "protection" & ho-rang-i 호랑이 "tiger”. The protective white tiger will mascot the Olympics.

The Asiatic black bear is often referred to as the “Korean Moon Bear” for the crescent shaped white “moon” shape on its chest. Bandabi’s name comes from  bandal 반달 ”half-moon"  &  bi 비 ”commemoration”. The Korean Moon Bear is particularly appropriate mascot for the Paralympics, symbolic of the perseverance of the Paralympians. 

According to the Korean creation myth, prayers were offered by a tiger and a bear to the Son of the Lord of Heaven, Hwanung, for them to become human. Hwanung agreed, upon the condition that each would receive 20 cloves of garlic and a bundle of mugwort. The tiger and the bear were strictly instructed to only eat this sacred food and remain out of the sunlight for 100 days.

While the tiger became restless and after only 20 days left the cave, the Korean Moon Bear did not give up and was rewarded by becoming a human woman. The Koreans creation mythology is that of a people born from perseverance in the face of extreme hardship. Thus making Bandabi a very appropriate mascot for the PyeongChang Winter Paralympics 2018.

Soohorang & Bandabi are perfect Korean mascots for this year's Winter games!

Here's to the Year of the Dog! Seollal - Korean Lunar New Year - will take place February 16, 2018 during the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics!

Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) Working Dog © Flyga Twiga LLC

#TravelTuesday Gorilla Trekking Uganda - Amazing Wildlife!

GorillaTrekkingUganda©FlygaTwigaLLC

There is 1 Mountain Gorilla for every 9 million people left on Earth. This Alpha Male Silverback is from Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. While Mgahinga is the smallest of the Ugandan National Parks, it is also one of the easiest in which to find the Mountain Gorillas. We were fortunate that this family of 10 were only 30 minutes in the Rain Forest. More about my experiences with these magnificent, endangered species following #POATE2017. Thank you Uganda Tourism Board for this amazing experience. 

#TravelTuesday What are the High and Low Seasons? I've added a new section to my FAQs!

What are the high and low seasons?

Each country has its own “High and Low Seasons” which are dependent on weather, the movement of animals, and tourist vacation time preferences. Why this is important information is that, as might be expected, the seasons offer different rates for Safari.

As with all aspects of a great journey:

Planning + knowledge = an awesome Safari!

Kenya: 
High Season:

            July 1st through October 31st and December 1st through March 31st

Low Season:

            April 1st through June 30th and November 1st through November 30th

Kenya has clear, distinct high and low seasons, based primarily on “The Great Migration” as well as vacation season preferences of Europeans, Asians and the Kenyan Citizens themselves.

What does this mean for you and your Kenyan Safari? The Low Season offers exceptional bargains in Kenya. Without an intense “Monsoon” or rainy season, Kenyan Safaris, as well as other outdoor activities, such as golfing and fishing, can be enjoyed year round.

Tanzania:

High Season:

            December 1st through March 31st and June 1st through October 31st

Mid-Low Season:

            All of November

Low Season:

            All of April and May

Much like Kenya, Tanzania has its high season partly during “The Great Migration.” If you look closely at the two country’s dates, you can see how the migration moves from one country to the other, shifting the High Season dates.

In Tanzania, the weather plays a key role in tourism and Safaris. The rains make roads muddy and boggy. If you are interested in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru, the low season is extremely uncomfortable for climbing.

Uganda & Rwanda:

High Season:

January through February, and all the months of June, July, August, September and October

Low Season:

The entire months of March, April, May, October, November and December as low seasons for both Uganda and Rwanda

Click here for more FAQs!

Travel Tuesday

It isn’t necessary to pack everything in the world to go to East Africa. While still an exotic and far-off place, a true traveler can survive with simply a passport, a few clothes and access to money. But, that isn’t what Flyga Twiga is about. We want to enjoy the good things in life!

So…what to bring?

Click here for my full Safari Guide.

Happy Day! Safe Safari!

Seoul International Buddhism Exposition - Grand Temple Food Festival

Almost every culture and tradition has some form of communal eating and in Korean Buddhism, “The 3H Meal Practice” – Happy Meal, Humble Meal, Healthy Meal – was shared during the 2015 Seoul International Buddhism Exposition (Expo). On a bright, sunny mid-March day, our group met at the Seoul Trade Exhibition & Convention venue for the 3rd Grand Temple Food Festival. The Expo was hosted by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

The Grand Temple Food Festival is conducted for the participants to share in the temple food experience, specifically to share the spirit of over 1,700 years of Korean Buddhist tradition of “Thankfulness”, “Sharing” and “Emptiness”. The experience begins with the Pre-Meal Chant of Recalling the Five Observations. Known as “The prayer for barungongyang”, they are:

-         Where does this food come from?

-         I don’t deserve it with my own virtue.

-         Putting down all of the desires on my mind,

-         Regarding this offering as medicine to keep our bodies,

-         We get it to complete the task of enlightenment.

Guided by two Buddhist Monks, the participants learn the way of eating in a Korean Buddhist Temple. The 3H Meal Practice is to bring a “Life of Health, Life of Sharing, and Life of Harmony.” The Monks guide participants through the ritual of bowl/utensil placement, eating and meditation during the course of the meal. The importance of sharing for others (by offering several grains of rice) as well as taking only what can be consumed and not leaving any food behind (avoiding over indulgence) is key to the Korean Buddhist 3H Meal.

There are three vows for 3H Meal Practice, which must be observed with every meal:

-         I promise to take food with joy and appreciation.

-         I promise to take appropriate portions of food in order to sustain my health.

-         I promise to take natural food, without harming other beings, as much as possible.

The meal culminates with each person replacing their bowels/utensils for the next person. With focus on all participants, even the monks, being equal, each person finishes and is equal to others.

In addition to the participation in this spiritual practice, the Buddhism Expo also offered an expositional hall dedicated to temple food, special exhibits, as well as 223 companies in 404 booths over four days. The Grand Temple Food Festival, as part of the 2015 Seoul International Buddhism Expo, is one of the most unique experiences, offering a glimpse into Korean Buddhism, few may have the chance to participate in while living in South Korea.

Happy Travel Tuesday!

 Content copyright 2016. Flyga Twiga LLC. All rights reserved.

When Companies Become Too Large

I actually had an entirely different blog post planned for this #TravelTuesday . I promise two things. First, this won’t turn into a total whine fest. Second, it will end on a happy note.

In the past seven days I have had 2 large companies, with whom I have had long standing relationships, let me down. The first was a clothing company for whom I have been a “Pro Guide” for three years. The other is an airline to whom I have been exceptionally loyal for nearly a decade.

While the details are different, each instance of customer dissatisfaction was precipitated by the low level Customer Service Employee, with whom I dealt, not being able to go “off script.” In both situations, a loyal customer has been lost due to their inability to deal with serious issues arising their overly large, bloated companies due not equip them to handle.

And, while I have no proof of this, I have a hint that in each circumstance the employee was afraid of the giant corporation for whom they worked. They appeared to me less afraid of losing a customer, than they were about being perceived as unable to do their jobs, by “kicking it up" the pipeline. At a certain point both of these companies have fostered a “that’s not in my paygrade” institutional thinking.

On the upside, it proves there is a place in the world for more intimate businesses. These experiences reinforced my commitment to such clothing/gear companies as a ONE WAY™ in Kenya and Kathmandu™ in New Zealand. And, the experiences offer validation for my bespoke, personal Safari service.

As for the airline, I was able to receive excellent customer service from Etihad Airlines™. I was forced out of my comfort zone - maybe even what could be described as an “airline rut.” Additionally, I may have found an even better airline to service my clients.

No one wants bad experiences. But in business, there is always something to learn from them. I plan to take these experiences and make sure they reinforce how valuable not only my client relationships are, but also my B2B relationships as well. At the end of the day, we all want the same thing out of all our relationships – to be treated with respect and fairness. That’s exactly what I intend to continue providing in my business relationships.

Happy Travel Tuesday!

Content copyright 2016. Flyga Twiga LLC. All rights reserved.

Politics & Travel Writing

Many discussions of travel, post 9/11 can quickly become political. Why do I have to take my shoes off? Who influenced the U.S. Department of State to abolish the additional pages for our passport? Which political candidate for President will or will not restrict Visas? 

And, it is a hot political season - not just in the United States - but in many parts of the world, such as Kenya. As of this posting, I have already had one of my favorite travel podcasts become extremely political about the U.S. Presidential Campaign. My Twitter™ feed has begun to have travel bloggers, whom I follow, discussing in their meager 140 characters “Social Justice Warrior” issues which have nothing whatsoever to do with travel. 

In my opinion, there is a time and place for those discussions. When preparing and presenting a travel article, blog post, vlog, podcast, or even a Tweet, it is unnecessary. Rather, travel is about adventure, learning, exploring, or even escapism. Injecting political opinions into these discussions, no matter how passionate you are about politics, shows a sense of insecurity in your own beliefs and your weakness as an author.

At nearly half a century of age, I am old enough to remember when there was a time authors could present subjects and you would have to struggle to guess their political affiliation. Realistically, many people who write, blog, or podcast about travel are neither trained journalists nor, in some cases, trained writers. 

The internet has opened up a world to everyone. While the egalitarian nature of the internet is wonderful, I am surprised how quickly some abuse the freedom with the need to inject politics into their work. 

In the end, infusing politics in travel writing, no matter how good or pure the intentions, hurts the author. Unless the reason is to alienate part of your audience, taking stark political stands serves only the purpose of placing yourself in a tribe of which the listener to your message may not belong or even  want to belong.

If your whole company or brand is built around travel, don’t bait & switch me into your political world. Let’s keep our social media agreements. You presented yourself to be, to me, wanting to share about travel.  Let's just stick to travel, ok?

Content copyright 2016. Flyga Twiga LLC. All rights reserved.