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In This Issue...
Reader Tips & Suggestions
Hot Travel Deals & Getaways
WJ's Product Reviews - Lavender
Featured Company: Kenya Women
Walking Safaris
Travel Tale: Harrison Hot Springs,
British Columbia, Canada
Travel Tale: Caving in The Cook
Islands
Travel Tale: Jamaica: Rasta Man - No
Worries Bredrin
York, England - Recommended Visit
Portobello Mushroom Recipe
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Greetings!
WJ has spent a busy month in Oregon, including: covering the Jeld-Wen
Tradition golf tournament in Sunriver; volunteering at the Bend Brew Fest in
Bend; viewing the Perseid meteor shower from Pine Mountain Observatory
near Millican; camping at Little Cultus Lake along the Cascade Lakes Hwy;
golfing at Meadow Lakes Golf Course in Prineville and canoeing the Cascade
Lakes.
Email us with your August activities and photos and we'll share them with our
worldwide readers.
This newsletter is chock-full: lots of travel tips and suggestions from readers
who have been there; last-minute travel deals; a wonderful Christmas market
trip to France and Germany with Ann Lombardi of The Trip Chicks; where to
get WJ's favorite lavender products; a walking tour in Kenya just for women;
travel tales to inspire, inform and excite you; as well as our featured recipe -
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms. And, don't forget to enter this month's contest!
Thanks to all our faithful readers and contributors for making the WJ website a
success. Keep your photos, stories, travel tips, recipes and recommendations
coming and help us spread the word by forwarding this newsletter to your
family, friends and colleagues.
To enter WJ's contests, go to:
www.wavejourney.com/contests1.html
To view WJ's latest photos, visit www.flickr.com/wavejourney.
Happy Trails!
Viv and Jill
(aka: WJ)
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Be sure to enter WJ's exciting monthly contests.
Each month we're giving away something different.
You can win lots of fun and useful prizes.
Enter at: www.wavejourney.com/contests1.html
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Reader Suggestions
Train lovers and visitors to Australia will be
thrilled with the new Australia transcontinental
Ghan train. Starting in September, this five-car,
twenty-five cabin journey will be the best boutique
hotel on wheels and offer the most enjoyable way
to see the outback.
http://gsr.com.au/
Recommended by Terri in Brisbane, Australia.
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Hot Travel Deals
Book your travel and check the weekly bargains from Expedia.com.
* cruises
* car rentals
* hotels
* flights
* vacation packages
* excursions
* hot summer vacations at 30% off
Click Here For Details...
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Readers Recommend
Airfare Tip from The Trip Chicks
Click here to read how to save money on your next airline ticket.
Africa's 'Great Migration' isn't always exactly like you see on Animal Planet or The Discovery
Channel. Various and everchanging factors make each year a little different than the last one.
CC Africa explains more about the 'Great Migration' on their website:
http://news.ccafrica.com/?id=29
Recommended by Cheryl in Edinburgh, Scotland.
For cheap flights around Europe, try WeGoLo.com. This search engine finds the best prices
from all of the low-cost airlines. Sometimes it is better to book a flight from the USA to London
or Amsterdam and then book with one of the low-cost carriers for the rest of your European trip.
www.wegolo.com
Recommended by Eden in Vermont, USA.
One of our local wineries would be a good addition to your website. It's Olympic Cellars
Winery. It's owned by three women and they do events focusing on women. They have a grape
stomp where women come dressed like Lucy & Ethel!
www.olympiccellars.com
Recommended by Mickie in Sequim, Washington, USA.
Campus Living Villages offers University accommodations in Christchurch, New Zealand and
various cities in Australia. Very reasonable nightly rates (from $45pp) in comfortable rooms for
stays from mid-November to mid-February. Open to all ages.
www.clvsmartstays.com
Recommended by Fiona in Melbourne, Australia.
If you don't have plans for the beginning of October, the
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta takes place from October 4-12. A great event to see
and New Mexico is beautiful and a wonderful place to visit at this time of year.
www.balloonfiesta.com
Recommended by Tina in Colorado, USA.
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HIGH SIERRA SPORT COMPANY
For over 25 years, High Sierra Sport Company has strived to give
you the bags you need at a price you can afford. Specializing in
adventure travel, their dedication to function, design and quality
shines in each and every one of thier products. From athletes and
outdoor enthusiasts, to students, travellers and professionals, their
versatile, innovative products are sure to fit your needs.
To learn more about High Sierra products, click here.
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Readers Tips & Suggestions
For the most delicious ice-cream in Paris, try
Gelati d'Alberto! Homemade in le Marais, this
stuff is exquisite. Try interesting and unique
flavors at reasonable prices: 2 scoops: 3€; 3
scoops: 4€; 4 scoops: 5€; and to take home a
liter, 16 €.
Address: Gelati d'Alberto, 12 rue des Lombards,
75004 Paris
Tel: 01 77 11 44 55
Open noon to midnight, everyday
Recommended by Mel in NYC, USA.
Travelers to the USA should be aware that U.S.
Customs can seize their laptop, cell phone, PDA,
Blackberry, DVDs and any other electronic
equipment they choose to - and without reason.
Because of Homeland Security regulations there
does not need to be probable cause or suspicion
to confiscate the above items and nothing to stop
them from keeping them indefinitely. More
information can be viewed here:
http://www.cdt.org/security/20080716_CBP%
20Search%20Policy.pdf
Recommended by Karen in Denmark.
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Stay Healthy On Your Next Cruise
With cruise season to Alaska and Europe hitting full-throttle, it brings with it the Norovirus
(24-48hr stomach flu with symptoms of vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, chills and weakness).
Most ships sailing the waters off North America, and many in Europe, will have hand-sanitizer
stations. Not all do and not everyone uses them. Keep yourself healthy on your upcoming
cruise by observing a few of the following germ-avoiding tactics:
- When you first arrive at your cabin, put on your rubber gloves.
- Spray or wipe everything down with a disinfectant product (such as Lysol or Clorox). Make
sure to get door handles, walls, floors, ceilings, beds, shower curtains, phones, remotes, etc.
- Remove the bedspread and place in the closet. Leave the cabin steward a note to leave the
bedspread off for the entire cruise (you'd be horrified with the nasty things on those
bedspreads).
- Ask the cabin steward to put an extra sheet on the top of your blanket (who knows when it
was last cleaned) - known as triple sheeting.
- If you go to the buffet, use one hand for handling the tongs and the other hand for eating food.
You don't know where other hands have been.
- Food that is cooked will typically be safer to eat than food that isn't - remember that the
Norovirus often comes from food-handling staff who don't wash their hands properly (if at all)
after using the toilet.
- Wash your hands frequently and keep them away from your mouth, eyes and nose.
You may think these tips are over-much and paranoid, but think how much you spent for your
cruise and why you're there - you're probably not on vacation to spend 2-5 days locked up in
your cabin, only making friends with the toilet.
http://children.webmd.com/tc/noroviruses-topic-overview
As recommended by Jill, Oregon, USA.
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Reader Tips & Suggestions
The newest resort in the Azores is now open with
an on-site dive center and ocean views. Terra do
Mar Paradise Resort has a fabulous location, just
off the coast of Portugal. Beautiful resort, great
golf, plentiful fishing and first-class diving.
http://www.terradomar.com/en/index.asp
Recommended by Gabby in England.
The 51st Monterey Jazz Festival, in Monterey,
California, kicks off on September 19. This
three-day event will feature such names as:
Nancy Wilson; Joshua Redman Trio; Herbie
Hancock and many more.
http://www.montereyjazzfestival.org/2008/index.ph
p
Recommended by Penny in Sacramento,
California, USA.
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Spotlight
Kenya Women Walking Tour
Anne Huysman, a Kenya-based woman tour operator, invites active women of all ages to a
women-only walking tour through Rift Valley and Masai Mara away from mass tourism.
You will not be confined in a safari minibus, instead enjoy flexible walks in private game
reserves as zebras, giraffes and gazelles give you one-off breaks.
A walk guided by Masai Morans is the grand finale for this tour.
Comfortable lodges with ensuite facilities.
~ July 2009, 19 - 28.
~ Group size 4-12.
~ US$ 2640 p.p.sharing.
A walking safari you can't afford to miss!
For more info and booking:
www.ontdekkenya.com/Africa/wo10d-walking-tour.htm
Email Anne: walk@ontdekkenya.com
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WJ's Product Reviews!
Get your lavender products here!
At the Sequim Lavender Festival, WJ picked up a
few lavender products to test.
We've listed our favorite hand & body lotion,
cuticle creme, lip balm, bar soap and a very
special treat for your favorite pooch (cats will love
it too).
You'll think you've died and gone to purple heaven
with these fine products.
Click here to read more...
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Travel Tales
A Sure-Fire Cure For Three Fifty-Something Females
Story by Jane Cassie
Today is the birth of a new resolution - a truce to myself. I'm going to shift my lifestyle and start
to simplify. As well as substituting some computer time for heart-loving calisthenics, I'll be
burning that obsessive 'things to do' list. My aching shoulders, stiff neck and strained eyeballs
will be grateful - so will my devoted counterparts - kids, companion, coworkers and those long
forgotten girfriends. And that's how I'll begin to repair. That's how I'll start this new lease on life.
British Columbia's Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa is the perfect nosh spot to do just
that. Not only do they offer family-fun packages and getaways to generate romance, but there's
a blissful retreat to lure us ladies.
The sweet two night deal includes some gourmand grazing - at both the highfalutin Copper
Room and Lakeside's breakfast buffet, a Zen-filled experience in the Healing Springs Spa and
use of the resort's five mineral pools. What a sure-fire cure for any frenzied female!
Click here to read more...
Travel Tales
Caving in the Cooks
Story by Emily Nixon and photos by Jeff Dicken
Dark and enclosed spaces don't usually thrill me. Neither do claustrophobic swimming pools.
So, as I gingerly inch my way into the chilly, candle-lit waters of Anatakitaki Cave on the Cook
Island of Atiu, it doesn't surprise me that my heart skips a beat - then another!
"Don't worry," reassures Marshall Humphreys, our New Zealand-born guide, who is calm and
comfortable in this spooky cavern. "You won't be attacked by any creepy crawlers." The
awuamarine blue water is clearer than polished crystal and there's no sign of any living
creatures in the ancient subterranean pond. Although I'm the only brave water baby in our tour
group of six, I quickly put my fears aside and submerge into the tropical oasis.
Click here to read more...
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Recommended Outing
by Mike Allcock
A Short break in the Real Capitol of
England: YORK - title city of "Gods
Own County"!
York is relatively simple to get to, with good rail,
road and bus connections. We used the excellent
luxury coach shuttle service from Leeds-Bradford
Airport, at Yeadon, West Yorks. I would certainly
recommend this, or the train; both of which land
you in the same spot, from where you can get a
bus to anywhere else in York you wish to head for.
The old part of the city, which after all is what you
go to York for, is very compact indeed. Neither of
us can walk far these days, but as we stayed at a
lovely little hotel less than 50 yards from the
Minster, we were able to get around quite easily.
If you're only going for one night, then there is
plenty to entertain you without spending a penny
on entrance fees. Just walking round some of the
ancient walls; admiring the preserved and
wonderful architecture; and maybe calling into the
occasional local hostelry, to chat with the
indigenous natives - all very friendly Yorkshire folk!
It is said that York has one Pub for every day of
the year. I can't comment on that; but if you want a
good 'old fashioned' Pub, serving decent beer
and good food at a fair price {not an inflated
"tourist" price}, then I'd heartily recommend those
run by the relatively recently established "York
Brewery". They serve their own excellent beers,
plus different 'guest' real ales, and some fine
Yorkshire grub.
All the 'York brewery' owned pubs have a "no
juke-box" and "no slot-machine" policy, but they
do allow live music at night, as indeed do many of
the city centre pubs. In fact, most evenings York
really rocks.
The only other free activity where you can get a
look inside, rather than just outside, is by
attending a scheduled service at the Minster. This
is well worthwhile just to hear the excellent choir.
If you plan on staying longer and haven't
previously visited all the fabulous museums and
historic attractions of York, then there are some
great discounts to be found on 'multi-day,
multi-site' tickets, available locally.
Then, of course, there's always the beautiful
Yorkshire Dales to visit; with scenic moorlands
forming a beautiful backdrop to quaint stone built
villages... but here you'll need you're walking
shoes, if you're really going to enjoy it!
And don't forget, whether in village or dale, you're
bound to come across a friendly wayside Inn (or
two).
Enjoy! That's what God made it for.
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Travel Tales
Rasta Man ~ No Worries Bredrin
Article by Kelly Saunders
Photographer and travel enthusiast, Kelly Saunders, takes you on a voyage to Jamaica and
shares the untold story of the genuine Rastafarian lifestyle.
Bob Marley, ganja, dreadlocks, cliff jumping and Montego Bay are all synonymous with
Jamaica. You will be alright, no worries - you're in Jamaica man. Most people don't have the
courage or motivation to experience the true culture and traditions of Jamaica and prefer to
stay confined within the comfort and simplicity of their resort and air-conditioned hotel room.
Me on the other hand, I like to roam freely throughout and take with me a greater
understanding of different cultural backgrounds and distinct, first-hand knowledge of the
places I visit and people I encounter.
Click here to read more...
Recipe ~
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms Recipe
by Lydia in Tampa, Florida, USA
Serves 4
4 large (6-inch) portobello mushrooms
nonstick cooking spray (Pam or similar)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
3/4 cup diced red bell pepper
1/3 cup minced onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups canned low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup couscous, uncooked
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
salt & fresh ground black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon each
1 package (8 ounces) fresh baby spinach leaves
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions:
~ Preheat oven to 450 F.
~ Clean mushrooms with a damp paper towel.
~ Cut off stems and discard.
~ Scrape out and discard mushroom gills.
~ Place mushroom caps rounded side up on a baking sheet and coat caps with cooking
spray.
~ Bake 5 minutes, remove from oven.
~ Preheat broiler.
~ Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
~ Add bell pepper, onion and garlic - sautee 5 minutes.
~ Add broth and bring to a boil.
~ Stir in couscous, rosemary, salt, black pepper and simmer 1 minute.
~ Add spinach, cover and cook until leaves wilt.
~ Stir well, cover and remove from heat.
~ Let stand 5 minutes or until liquid is mostly absorbed.
~ Turn mushrooms over and fill with couscous mixture.
~ Sprinkle cheese on top.
~ Broil 4 inches from heat until cheese is golden brown.
Enjoy!
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