tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54981853105291023502024-03-05T09:24:44.871-08:00Confessions of a Travel AddictCassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382128902967810591noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498185310529102350.post-77709385231895012982011-10-30T19:19:00.000-07:002011-10-30T21:03:47.746-07:00Destination Spotlight: Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzJcbzZe9Och4zqz-GHgV2exoeKkq_9CTF7cwQMgaGtY3_Of6N4EgDoR6qjrVkjOo0DJh52Yj0w-l4u6BQr5Lf-hBmsAFdPwDe-09vdAVb63uWRmU6rMSex54fGpwgwjS2ZiRwHZ3oPTV/s1600/caves1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 380px;" 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mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Happy Halloween weekend everybo</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">dy!</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;font-size:11.0pt;" ><br /><br />I hope y</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;font-size:11.0pt;" >a</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;font-size:11.0pt;" >’ll have a fantastically spooky time on Monday dressing up, passing out candy, and being scared out of your mind! In </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;" >honor of Halloween I thought it would be fun to check out one of the world’s coolest caves according to Travel and Leisure magazine. </span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;" >This week we’ll be traveling to the hills of New Zealand’s North Island to the <a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/worlds-coolest-caves/3">Waitomo Glowworm Caves</a>. Quarter-inch-long luminescent glowworms radiate blue lights and dangle from the ceiling of the caves to look like an amazingly beautiful sky of stars. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;" >According to the Waitomo website, these caves contain world renowned limestone formations that are a landmark to New Zealand and the world’s natural history. 30 million years ago the entire Waitomo region was far beneath the sea and now it is one of the coolest cave systems in the world! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;" >Visitors to the caves are able to ride in an inflatable raft along the underground Waitomo River with Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Tours. There are also two other caves nearby, the Ruakuri Cave and the Aranui Cave which are said to be equally exciting! The tour also offers great deal combo prices for adults and children, if you’re interested in experiencing all three. The average price is about $30 per person.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;" >Well once again we’ll just add this one to our list of future “to-do’s”! </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;" >Happy Trick or’ Treating! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-Times New Roman"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-Times New Roman"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382128902967810591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498185310529102350.post-90378275407739267752011-10-23T19:30:00.000-07:002011-10-23T20:09:42.373-07:00Destination Spotlight: Dijon, France<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> 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Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">If the first thing you were thinking when you read "Dijon" was "mustard" you're totally on the right track! Dijon, France is famous for its <i>moutarde de Dijon </i>with mustard shops featuring exotic or unusually-flavored mustard often sold in decorative hand-painted pots. Fruit-flavored mustard anyone?<br /><br />Being a French minor, I'm considering studying abroad in Dijon this summer! Dijon is just two hours by train from Paris and three hours from Geneva, Switzerland making it the perfect place to live and experience the countryside as well as the Paris city-life!<br /><br />Dijon is also located right at the edge of Burgundy, one of France's most famous wine regions. Many incredible wine vineyards are just 2o minutes from the city center of Dijon!<br /><br />To compliment my love for wine is my interest in art which is also widely respected in Dijon. It is home to numerous museums and many parks and botanical gardens.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Doesn’t this sound like just the perfect place to study abroad? I can already picture myself sitting at a little café reading a good book and sipping a delicious glass of wine. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Also recommended by numerous travel guides is to fully experience Dijon’s cuisine at one of the many cafes, brasseries, creperies, and restaurants! Also note that the bread is apparently <span style="font-style: italic;">to die for!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Here are three of the top best restaurants: </p> <p style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="http://%20%20www.chapeau-rouge.fr/" target="_blank">1. The Hostellerie du Chapeau Rouge</a>- 5, rue Michelet. </span></span></p> <p style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="http://www.le-pre-aux-clercs.com/" target="_blank">2. Le Pre aux Clercs</a> - 13, place de la Liberation. </span></span></p> <p style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="http://www.restaurantstephanederbord.fr/" target="_blank">3. Restaurant Stephane Derbord</a> - 10, place Wilson. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Can’t summer be here already!</p><p class="MsoNormal">Bon voyage!<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382128902967810591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498185310529102350.post-75045101642528343502011-10-16T18:32:00.000-07:002011-10-16T19:22:59.549-07:00Destination Spotlight: Ice Hotel, Sweden<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqHHE5tzof0QtJdMk9kyoJHSL-Rht5vDdiDyLQpSkRxtE9yZMxxAsHjL3fBkxLDJu2qcksRzDMqWw7GmihHoH_l3WNyLBrv4xUYVjUcd21tXds8Zw8EqPMJD7DnCv6F67IGNBOyXv2MFm/s1600/icebar.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqHHE5tzof0QtJdMk9kyoJHSL-Rht5vDdiDyLQpSkRxtE9yZMxxAsHjL3fBkxLDJu2qcksRzDMqWw7GmihHoH_l3WNyLBrv4xUYVjUcd21tXds8Zw8EqPMJD7DnCv6F67IGNBOyXv2MFm/s400/icebar.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664280069510365186" /></a><div><br /></div>Breaking free from my usual trend towards tropical and sunny destinations, this week we're traveling to a tiny village 124 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Sweden. The village of Jukkasjarvi is home to an absolutely incredible piece of art also known as the <b><a href="http://www.icehotel.com/uk/ICEHOTEL/About-ICEHOTEL/">Ice Hotel</a></b>. Built completely out of ice and snow, the hotel is "rebuilt" each winter, inspired and sourced by the Torne River on which it is built from! <div><br /></div><div>Each winter, a highly skilled team of architects, snow builders, designers, and artists from all over the world come together in Jukkasjarvi to create and plan the new version of the Ice Hotel. (To learn more about the intense building process, <a href="http://www.icehotel.com/uk/ICEHOTEL/About-ICEHOTEL/How-we-build-ICEHOTEL/">click here</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>If you're planning on gathering up your snow gear and heading for the icy suites, the first round of guests are greeted in the beginning of December while phases of the hotel are still in the process of being built. This is also the darkest time of year but one of the best chances to see the Northern Lights dance across the sky. The Ice Hotel closes by the end of April, so be sure to plan your little getaway before the hotel melts away into the river! </div><div><br /></div><div>The hotel recommends that you stay in a "cold suite" for one night and several nights in a "warm suite". Basically, the cold suites are approximately 15 degrees Fahrenheit equipped with ice beds, thermal sleeping bags, and ice furniture. The other nights, you are free to stay in one of their partner hotels in a "warm suite", also known as a normal hotel room. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is a whole list of tips and procedures for this entire "ice experience" which may sound like a bit of a hassle but I feel would definitely be worth it for one night. Some examples of tips given on their website are not wearing cream or moisturizer to avoid frost bite and leaving your luggage in a personal locker so it doesn't freeze! </div><div><br /></div><div>Hmmm....maybe a trip to the Absolut Ice Bar will also be in order? </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Travels!<br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div></div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382128902967810591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498185310529102350.post-73199074329084697242011-10-09T15:57:00.000-07:002011-10-09T16:08:13.628-07:00Destination Spotlight: Poseidon Mystery Island, Fiji<iframe height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZfrI4qrPLpU?fs=1" frameborder="0" width="480" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br />One of the most undeniably beautiful places on this earth and most likely my favorite playground to ever exist: the ocean. As you have probably noticed, I love being in the water and I dream of traveling to amazing beaches with amazing sunsets, fantastic water activities, and the water obsession goes on and on. So it really should be no surprise that this next dream vacation spot encompasses all of those in one.<br /><br />Welcome to Poseidon Mystery Island, the world's first seafloor resort! On its own private island in Fiji, Poseidon guests are transported underwater 40 feet by an elevator to find 24 unbelievable suites! The resort also includes spectacular underwater restaurants and lounges. It seriously can't get any better than this! Also, just in case you were worried you wouldn't be able to feed the fish outside your window...you can. With the simple push of a button from your control console, you can release food to feed your underwater neighbors!<br /><br />Now, this vacation is definitely very pricey and geared for the "elite vacationer" as their website says, but that includes me...right?<br /><br />Regardless, here's the breakdown of the damage:<br /><br />Seven days & six nights<br />US $15,000 per person includes<br />- transportation to the island from the company airplanes<br />- four nights in a luxury or over-water villa<br />- two nights in a luxury undersea suite<br />- diving onboard a luxury expedition submarine outside the lagoon<br />- an initiation to piloting a three-passenger mini-sub inside the lagoon with the assistance of a trained pilot<br />- scuba diving and snorkeling<br />- walks on the lagoon floor with the Sea-Trek System<br />- wine tasting classes<br />- and a few other exciting adventures!<br /><br />Oh what I would give to visit here!<br /><br />Happy Travels!Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382128902967810591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498185310529102350.post-74728252798081704202011-10-02T20:12:00.001-07:002011-10-02T20:41:55.004-07:00Destination Spotlight: Santorini Island, Greece<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCe05bpUlz0q5zfUTh-7xTNLPRBdgQERaMaqRRGIjYT0hfe6xIvU-MtbNkDfjaJ3RgggktiohR2jUTWpDq40KryDaH3xt1eMQrT0216a3xXJijNFN47qZTyzB5OBAAcjhzAeMdM84qNeM/s1600/greece.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCe05bpUlz0q5zfUTh-7xTNLPRBdgQERaMaqRRGIjYT0hfe6xIvU-MtbNkDfjaJ3RgggktiohR2jUTWpDq40KryDaH3xt1eMQrT0216a3xXJijNFN47qZTyzB5OBAAcjhzAeMdM84qNeM/s400/greece.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659105604210679058" /></a>In honor of fall break coming up next weekend and the first time I'll be back home in sunny California since the beginning of junior year, I've chosen the number one destination on my mother's travel wish list: <b>Santorini Island, Greece. </b><div><br /></div><div>As if the crystal blue waters set against quaint villages nestled in hilltops isn't enough to make you want to hop onto a plane at this very moment, it is said that this island has some of the best sunsets on the planet. Yet another reason my mom dreams of visiting this place. Sunsets are her favorite. </div><div><br /></div><div>In planning my future dream vacation to this beautiful island, I came across tons of things to do from dining, nightlife, architecture, museums, churches, diving, tours, bike rides, and so much more! Although I think I'd be perfectly content sitting in a chair overlooking the ocean all day long, it would definitely be fun to explore the culture of this little island. A bike ride while enjoying the island sea breeze sounds lovely right about now. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think it's pretty clear why Santorini Island is one of the most popular summer destination spots by simply looking at this picture. It radiates beauty and screams relaxation. I really hope one day I'll reach Santorini's shores. Until then, I'll be taking junior year one day at a time with this incredible picture as a little motivation during these long study nights. </div><div><br /></div><div>Have a wonderful week! </div><div><br /></div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382128902967810591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498185310529102350.post-78597678293880695612011-09-25T15:31:00.000-07:002011-09-25T20:43:05.482-07:00Destination Spotlight: Great Barrier Reef, Australia<div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfd3TZWb5C1ReNHH0F9K6VUpeV6tmlROEkauVa6bGSrQErreQl0TJU1ei-Ud5-12pi11quIPqPdzMtS1xGWVacQt1brpSaNdWIboDDXF9Ot7KdN-3cuNIQd0C4hfU7t3aBAqSsNFHnCupS/s1600/scuba2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px; height: 300px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656449888716126274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfd3TZWb5C1ReNHH0F9K6VUpeV6tmlROEkauVa6bGSrQErreQl0TJU1ei-Ud5-12pi11quIPqPdzMtS1xGWVacQt1brpSaNdWIboDDXF9Ot7KdN-3cuNIQd0C4hfU7t3aBAqSsNFHnCupS/s400/scuba2.jpg" /></a>Ever since I can remember, I have absolutely loved being in the water. I'd spend endless summer days splashing around in the pool until my feet and hands looked like prunes. I dreamt of how amazing it would be to be a fish able to breathe underwater. One summer, five years ago, my dream came true. Well almost...</div><div><br /><div><div> </div><div>I became PADI scuba certified in Mexico during a family vacation, furthering my love for the ocean. Ever since, my ultimate dream has been to scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the world's largest reef system, and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>The Great Barrier Reef is so large it can be seen from outer space! Now <em>that</em> is mind-blowing. The reef lies just off the northeast coast of Queensland and is said to be a major tourist attraction all year round because of it's consistently warm and sunny weather.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>If the thought of using an air tank as your life support scares you, there are plenty of other ways to still experience the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. Some exciting alternatives are snorkelling, parasailing, a helicopter ride, a hot air balloon ride, kayaking, boating and much more. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>Personally they all sound quite exciting, but I'd prefer to be face to face with the colorful creatures. There's something I find so incredibly calming about scuba diving when all you can hear is the rise and fall of your breath. Your eyes are the window to an entire world so foreign and unknown and you realize you are the visitors down there. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>One of these days I'll make my way to see this beautiful masterpiece God created. It really blows my mind to think of all the beauty that I've yet to see in this world.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>Happy Diving! </div><div> </div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 159px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656450032317787266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyalOa7vyRbEwgND9fOpx-djvR6omJoCi8vfVyj93o-xRBhyphenhyphenEdIUiyVdGH4N-hijGEc_bjdF_7sTBQip3xTjkYtvsS2CPjvwQd7bdl-pPoIxuAku2BdZZjdLgguo_mB-7KJ1MhTk3QbvZ/s400/scuba1.jpg" /></div></div></div></div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382128902967810591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498185310529102350.post-20619199916235318372011-09-18T21:00:00.000-07:002011-09-18T21:47:25.236-07:00Destination Spotlight: Machu Picchu, Peru<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZw9GzGTIfHtvkdE_1mKILrqs0LVnUWeOIj223B7NQlaUCMKA2olvOlgVhKBCiGn7RfDx60KJNhApK-G7wPmEvZuut8d-ib7RjtlNDIWgjqnj48ZEyynW93-_Y6lKBEfNzpt-rQbUh4sJF/s1600/machu+picchu.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653926826465405586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZw9GzGTIfHtvkdE_1mKILrqs0LVnUWeOIj223B7NQlaUCMKA2olvOlgVhKBCiGn7RfDx60KJNhApK-G7wPmEvZuut8d-ib7RjtlNDIWgjqnj48ZEyynW93-_Y6lKBEfNzpt-rQbUh4sJF/s400/machu+picchu.jpg" /></a><b>If you're looking for an adventure, this one is definitely for you. </b>Named one of the 7 wonders of the world, <i>Machu Picchu</i> is a magical city with rich history and breathtaking views. My mother has had the privilege of seeing this beautiful place in person and she tells me that the experience was one that absolutely took her breath away.</div><div><br /></div><div> <div><div><div> </div><div>In researching this little vacation getaway, I found many tour and hotel options at almost every price range. Many people recommend the guided tours and insist on opting for the train instead of the hike, which seems to be very treacherous. Visitors to the magical city typically leave from Cuzco, a nearby city, and make their way to the ruins.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>Machu Picchu is located at about 8,000 feet and is often referred to as "The Lost City of the Incas." There is only one hotel that is actually in the park, called the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge and is extremely expensive. If you are absolutely set on staying overnight in the park this is the only option but many choose to stay in Aguas Calientes, another nearby city. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>This luscious paradise is just calling my name! If you're as set as I am on embarking on this adventure, don't forget to pack your sunblock, comfortable walking shoes, and camera of course!</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Travels! </div></div></div></div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382128902967810591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498185310529102350.post-59545820424947588992011-09-08T12:03:00.000-07:002011-09-08T14:49:52.735-07:00Destination Spotlight: Lantern Festival Chiang Mai, Thailand<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/N9Ko-yvJzHU?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48); line-height: 18px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><i><br /></i></span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48); line-height: 18px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-family:georgia;"><i>If this is not one of the most beautiful and romantic sights you’ve ever seen than I honestly </i></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48); line-height: 18px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-family:georgia;"><i>don’t know what is…</i></span></span></b></span></span><div><div style="line-height: 18px; color: rgb(76, 17, 48); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px; color: rgb(76, 17, 48); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Floating lanterns are released into the sky all over Thailand on the full moon night of the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">twelfth lunar month, (sometime in November) creating this unbelievably </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">magical display of lights. This </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">year the festival falls on November 11<sup>th</sup> so you might want to book your plane tickets to Thailand now! (Check out <a href="http://www.edenforyourworld.com/" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(17, 48, 76); ">Eden For Your World </a>for great travel offers.)</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px; color: rgb(76, 17, 48); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px; color: rgb(76, 17, 48); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">From the first time I heard </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">about this amazing spectacle on last season of ABC’s The Bachelorette, I can’t stop thinking about how incredible this event would be to witness in person. On the show, the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">couple is seen decorating their lanterns by writing personal love wishes before sending the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">lanterns off into the night sky. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">Sounds picture-perfect right?</span></span></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48); line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The <b>Loi Krathong Festival</b>, or </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">locally known as <i>“Yi Peng”</i>, is </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">said to be one of the most charming events in all of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">Thailand. The event is celebrated nationwide, from the capital city of <a href="http://www.tourismthailand.org/where-to-go/cities-guide/destination/chiang-mai">Chang Mai </a>to the quaint countryside villages.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48); line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Tens of thousands of visitors </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">and locals are known to participate in the event, which also offers decorating contests, bamboo raft races, fireworks, cultural performances, and so </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">much more.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48); line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">One day I’ll make my way to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">Thailand and be able to share </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">with you my own personal experience…but until then, these pictures will just have to do.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48); line-height: 18px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><b>Happy travels ya'll!</b></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48); line-height: 18px; "><i><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xmBIERaBaF978K0Bg3Gx8yzAj3M2esAyS1AIunt0o0R2j_9WnOk_lxf3h6gDMcXZ_fPF3840BaccHXLv_HNah8KGj8ain05e5CgRXW0W9jGmGFzj1F8o1gr0IPstPOGHq6yR0vTe_3eq/s400/lanterns1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650067531622711058" /></i></p></div></div></div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382128902967810591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498185310529102350.post-47576106215848740612011-08-31T13:06:00.000-07:002011-08-31T14:28:18.351-07:00Destination Spotlight: Boat Hotel on Cocoa Island, Maldives<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">I hope ya'll are enjoying your week! Sometimes in the craziness that is our lives we need a little break...a little inspiration.</span>
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<br />Most all of us live busy and stressful lives whether you're like me and running to class, trying to balance a social life, school, work, working out, the list can run on for days...but take a moment, take a deep breath, and just close your eyes.
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<br /></span><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:100%;">Transport yourself about </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >9,000 miles</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> away to an island sunbathing in the middle of the ocean and welcoming you with open arms. An island where the water is unbelievably crystal blue, the sun simply kisses your skin and brightens your whole day, and the soft white sand feels like clouds on your toes as you take a sunset stroll.
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<br /></span></div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:100%;">Sounds like a dream right? But what if I told you this little slice of heaven </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >actually</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> exists?
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<br /></span></div><div> </div><div><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Welcome to </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://www.cocoaisland.como.bz/">Cocoa Island</a></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >. Welcome to paradise on earth.</span><span style="font-size:100%;">
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJsIEKREe6ga-SQArXYjY0HwPorCBsWPCN6p2YHXe9brfODqswq-3o-8N5uIw_8hfKg5OznV8taIePf_ddQvmNW9KU6nrUO3IxK0ptPazvu1yW8SRkZFv00GBExQZ7p24GLQHa-iJT4If/s1600/cocoa_gallery_cocoa_gallery_AerialShot.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJsIEKREe6ga-SQArXYjY0HwPorCBsWPCN6p2YHXe9brfODqswq-3o-8N5uIw_8hfKg5OznV8taIePf_ddQvmNW9KU6nrUO3IxK0ptPazvu1yW8SRkZFv00GBExQZ7p24GLQHa-iJT4If/s400/cocoa_gallery_cocoa_gallery_AerialShot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647128423501527330" border="0" /></a></span></div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:100%;">Really, have you ever seen water </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >so</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> blue? Lying in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Cocoa Island is an intimate private island that promises some of the world's best beaches, snorkeling, diving, cuisines, and more.
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<br /></span></div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:100%;">Enjoy your private suite, which on this island means an adorably picturesque boat to call "home", equipped with a personal sundeck, chaise lounges, and a dining table to admire the gorgeous sunsets while enjoying tastes of the local cuisine.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCOiJOmdKgZDM-l7UpX6DIfY1XuSbINUDJs5CH8yRlZKucv5-Mt7TA6tStfqlnnjKGFuxTkpFXJdpIhx7HwBJ3nivkQNv5DGwvB48Ua7DQY0ZtK8IS39M51uvIKxjRyEPnwEDuo3eWJ9u/s1600/Cocoa+Island+hotel+in+Maldives.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 331px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCOiJOmdKgZDM-l7UpX6DIfY1XuSbINUDJs5CH8yRlZKucv5-Mt7TA6tStfqlnnjKGFuxTkpFXJdpIhx7HwBJ3nivkQNv5DGwvB48Ua7DQY0ZtK8IS39M51uvIKxjRyEPnwEDuo3eWJ9u/s400/Cocoa+Island+hotel+in+Maldives.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647132504367838594" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:100%;">I don't know about you but I could seriously live here. The simplicity of life is just calling my name! These past few years have really taught me to appreciate the simple things in life: having the time to sit down with family for meals, taking evening walks, the beauty of a sunset, and just enjoying being healthy, blessed, and alive.
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<br />So wherever you are at the moment, take a deep breath and remember to enjoy the journey :)
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<br />Until next time,
<br />Cassie
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJvpkcRHL8o7yV0oUiXuqvcyolxAcvlw4X_genb9U6aoTl6P-9BFkkqgETqsoYbtyQigtBh-_jUh-wmIS_-VX6qwUQkQgNkFBGA0Hh9FMw4RIHiTPM_RdJ03EtGyzvx-RqBAIL4vH2Pu8/s1600/cocoa_gallery_TentedDinnerCrop.jpg">
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<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >* For more information on traveling to Cocoa Island, visit </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.cocoaisland.como.bz/">here. </a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >To find out more about visiting the Maldives, visit </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.visitmaldives.com/en">here. </a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Photographs and information from cocoaisland.com and visitmaldives.com. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div></div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382128902967810591noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498185310529102350.post-31417295396508541682011-08-28T12:53:00.000-07:002011-08-31T14:26:24.705-07:00Destination Spotlight: Tree Camping on the Pacific Coast; Elk, California<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhC36kSWSkGcpb9fkKgptYgG3heMYdoDrWhQAvfPdEH9vDOEtovi6ZrF66liv9wbw7xf-w5bEIZ1pOUjx1acYy0cGsU-ShPlAPrl0tK7bVXg8rht93-_1EEZ5vjhUevKiW_iuem8sg2nXP/s1600/tree+camping.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645998030700370770" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhC36kSWSkGcpb9fkKgptYgG3heMYdoDrWhQAvfPdEH9vDOEtovi6ZrF66liv9wbw7xf-w5bEIZ1pOUjx1acYy0cGsU-ShPlAPrl0tK7bVXg8rht93-_1EEZ5vjhUevKiW_iuem8sg2nXP/s400/tree+camping.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>Have you contained your excitement yet?</strong> If you're any bit like me, you're still in awe of the beauty of this photo, the concept that you can actually camp <em>in</em> a tree, and that this would be one of the greatest dates ever! <em>(Ahem, future husband I hope you read this someday.) </em>
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<br /><strong>Welcome to the world of Tree Camping.</strong> A fast-growing adventure that, if you can believe, has been tracked all the way from beautiful California across the world to Japan, South Africa, and many other countries. Not to scare you away, but as I looked into this amazing adventure, it is a lot more complicated than this serene picture implies. Renting all of the necessary equipment and the process of actually getting up into the tree seems to be a little on the tricky side.
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<br />I wasn't quite able to find the price of this adventure either, which usually isn't a good sign but I'd like to think that the experience would be beyond worth it. The "Treeboat" bed is designed to hang from branches and comes with a mosquito net, blankets, and a pillow. Just add a nice glass of wine and a good book and I'll be a happy camper! (pun intended)
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<br />Life is incredibly beautiful, don't you agree?
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<br />*For more information on Tree Camping, visit <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.psihoyos.com">here</a>. Information and picture taken from Psihoyos.com.
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<br />Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382128902967810591noreply@blogger.com18