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Where Are We?
Viv and Jill are back in North America.
Check out Viv's blog for regular updates on all the places WJ is visiting ~ coming up: Reno,
Nevada and British Columbia, Canada. Click here for the blog and check back often for
photos and tales from amazing locations.
After spending 28 glorious days in South Africa - and not wanting to leave - WJ is back in
North America and raving about the fabulous experience at CC Africa's Madikwe Safari
Lodge. We enjoyed some of the finest lodges, restaurants, guest houses in South Africa and
Madikwe Safari Lodge was the ultimate winner in providing impeccable service. From what
we have learned from other travellers, CC Africa provides this level of service throughout all of
the lodges they operate in Africa and India. We look forward to booking our future safaris with
CC Africa, as we know they offer a fantastic product.
View photos from WJ's South Africa trip here...
If you're planning a trip to South Africa and want to experience luxurious accommodations
with excellent service and in a beautiful setting, then make sure you stay at The Fairlawns
Boutique Hotel & Spa in Sandton, Johannesburg and Steenberg Hotel in Constantia, Cape
Town. A five star experience awaits you at both of these very unique properties.
We gave our best effort in sampling as much South African wine as possible, and our ultimate
favorite is Steenberg's Catharina - a full bodied blend of noble cultivars, with hints of
vanilla and chocolate on the nose and spice and liqorice on the palate. This wine has been
matured in French oak for 20 months, imparting a rich and lingering aftertaste, and is an
ideal compliment to red meats, casseroles, venison and rich pasta dishes (although, we didn't
need food to devour a bottle). Unfortunately, this wine can not be purchased outside of South
Africa, but for anyone visiting the country (or lucky enough to live there), take a trip to
Steenberg and do some wine tasting and pick up as many bottles of Catharina as you can. One
will definitely not be enough! While you're at Steenberg, enjoy a lovely lunch or intimate
dinner at their restaurant of the same name. Catharina's has won many awards, the food is
beautifully presented and tastes exquisite. We would return to South Africa just to stay at the
Steenberg Hotel, drink their wine and dine in Catharina's. Absolutely fabulous!
As South Africa is such a long flight from the west coast of North America, we decided to test
and review a few products that are supposed to keep us healthy and comfortable on the flight -
read all about them below.
Attention RVers (or armchair RVers): Mary & Gary from Redding, California are about to set
out on their Fantasy Roadtrip in their Roadtrek, and drive across the United States and back.
It's easy to follow their trip on their blog. http://ontheroadagain2007.blogspot.com/
WJ does all its North American roadtrip adventures in a 2003 Dodge Roadtrek 190 Popular.
Cool Websites
Independent Traveler - www.independenttraveler.com ~ some very inexpensive cruises to
be had (i.e. $499 for 12 day Royal Caribbean Trans-Atlantic cruise) as well as other great
travel tips and stories.
Email us your travel tips and let us know what's not to be missed - activities, towns,
where to get great food and anything else you can think of. We want the inside scoop
and you're the best resource!
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WJ Recommended Products - Tried & Tested
Now is the time to plan that perfect vacation for 2007. Make note
of the products below that you MUST take with you:
N0-Jet-Lag ~ Homeopathic Remedy To Counter Jet Lag
WJ used No-Jet-Lag on both the outbound and return flights of our journey to South
Africa from the West Coast of the USA. We had NO jet lag on either side of the pond!
We had 28 hours of actual flying time on the return journey and were back on schedule
the next day (even with a 10 hour time difference). Do not leave on your next airplane
trip without this product.
www.nojetlag.com
Fox River Socks ~ www.foxsox.com
WJ sampled a variety of their socks - casual, liners, athletic, AXT wick dry, their good
earth collection and more. Talk about responsible innovation! A few pairs of the socks
we tested were made from Ingeo (TM) corn fiber, a 100% annually renewable resource,
fully compostable in the right conditions and with all the performance benefits you
would expect. Moisture wicking, exceptional fit, durable and comfortable. Fox River
Socks are terrific - check out their website and their "Find Your Sock" page helps you
figure out exactly the right sock and the right size. Viv and Jill each took ten pairs
of Fox River Socks on their South Africa adventure. We love them! Great
fit, fun designs, comfortable, no blisters (Viv always gets blisters),
durable and reasonably priced. Triple love the AXT wick dry.
www.foxsox.com
GSeat Lite ~ www.gelcoproducts.com
Sitting for long periods of time is a fact of life for travelers. Back discomfort is not. State-
of-the-art GSeat® Lite is designed with a gentle forward slope for proper lumbar
curvature, and a center relieved groove that suspends your tailbone, eliminating direct
pressure on the spine. Made of lightweight memory foam, it evenly disperses body
weight, enhancing circulation and comfort. Folds in half for packing and has a handle for
easy portability. (16 x 14 x 1”; 24 oz) Viv and Jill used the GSeat throughout
our entire 5 week journey and were thoroughly pleased with the product
and results from using it. From airplanes to safari jeeps to the cars we
rented, it was a lifesaver!
www.gelcoproducts.com
Flight Spray ~ www.flightspray.com
Flight Spray is the first natural nasal hydration spray formulated especially for airline
travelers. Used to moisten the nasal passages and alleviate nasal dryness, Flight Spray
supports health and well being. It helps prevent colds, flu and sore throats due to
recycled airplane air and close proximity to those with transmittable symptoms. Flight
Spray helps to enhance the body's immune ability to fight against infection, and clears
the sinuses during long flights. This new natural nasal spray is formulated by combining
two of the most effective herbal ingredients (Turmeric root and Spearmint) used in the
treatment of nasal ailments. It helps to relieve the symptoms associated with common
colds and chronic sinusitis. The ingredients provide an unsuitable environment for
germs and viruses to reproduce. Effective at the first signs of nasal dryness, Flight Spray
can be used on the go while traveling, in a crowd, or any time natural nasal relief is
desired. This product really worked! Viv and Jill didn't suffer any of the
usual symptoms of nasal dryness, sore throat or nose bleeds.
www.flightspray.com
Plane Clean Air Filter ~ www.planecleanair.com
Plane Clean Air works by directing a purified air stream at your face. This air stream
forces airborne bacteria, allergens and viruses in the surrounding cabin air away from
your face. Plane Clean Air has been tested in an FDA certified lab and is shown to
remove 99.5% of all airborne bacteria, viruses and allergens from your airstream. Viv
and Jill spent approximately 60 hours on airplanes during our South
Africa trip and used Plane Clean Air with great results. For once we
didn't get sick (cold, flu, sinus infection) from flying.
www.planecleanair.com
Silk Eyeshades ~ www.dreamsack.com
Slip on and drift to another world!
Arrive refreshed after a long plane ride. Catch some Z's while another person reads in
bed. Haven't ever tried eyeshades before? We promise you'll be happy you tried these!
Each set adjusts to fit just right. Black silk inside keeps out the light. Jill found her
silk eyeshades to be a perfect fit, comfortable, soft, and completely
blocked out the light. Light weight and compact. Perfect for travel or at
home.
www.dreamsack.com
Next Month Look For More Exciting & Interesting Product Reviews.
WJ tried out five different female urinary devices while on safari in South Africa. Find
out in April's newsletter which product was our favorite and which one had us needing
a change of clothes!
Plus more...
If there's a product you'd like us to test and review, email us and let us know and we'll
add it to our list.
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Wonderful South African Wines
We did our best and tried to sample as many South African wines as possible.
Here are some of our favorites...
Steenberg Catharina Red 2004 - Produced & Bottled at Steenberg.
Wine of Western Cape.
A full bodied blend of noble cultivars, with hints of vanilla and chocolate on the nose
and spice and liquorice on the palate. This wine has been natured in French oak for 20
months, imparting a rich and lingering aftertaste, and is an ideal compliment to red
meats, casseroles, venison and rich pasta dishes.
Steenberg 1682 Brut -
This Cap Classique is a fine example of cool climate terroir. The wine is austere and
elegant with crisp apple and white fruit backed up by understated biscuit characters and
minerality. The wine has a very fine mousse and is the perfect partner to rich, wild
oysters. Note: WJ found this to be very similar to Veuve Clicquot Champagne - a very
good thing!
Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2006 - Produced & Bottled at Steenberg.
Wine of Western Cape.
A dry refined wine, fresh & crispy, flinty, with hints of passion fruit & green pepper.
Enjoy on its own, with grilled white fish or poultry, salads and seafood pastas, or mild
eastern and Indonesian dishes.
Klein Steenberg 2004 Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon.
Producted & Bottled at Steenberg. Wine of Western Cape.
Merlot (70%), Cabernet Franc (27%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (3%).
A soft medium bodied wine, with layers of ripe berries and hints of spice and vanilla.
Oak matured for one year. Serve with red meats, casseroles, game and rich pasta dishes,
or enjoy on its own.
Note: WJ did a wine tasting at Steenberg Vineyard and thoroughly enjoyed every one of
the wines we tasted. We haven't been able to say this before or since!
Jordan Blanc Fume 2004 - Produced & Bottled by Jordan Winery, Stellenbosch
Ripe fig, gooseberry and tropical fruit flavours are complimented by the gentle vanilla
nuances of oak.
Backsberg Chardonnay 2004 - Backsberg Winery, Paarl
Apricots, almonds and cream combine in a profusion of intense aromas - hallmarks of a
Backsberg Chardonnay. These characters, balanced by fresh acidity, complete a palate
that is long and powerful.
Backsberg Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 - Backsberg Winery, Paarl
A classic Cape Cabernet that will compliment all meals when a fine red wine is called for,
or to end off an evening with rich cheeses.
Beyerskloof Pinotage 2006 - Beyerskloof Winery, Stellenbosch
A medium to full bodied Pinotage with a deep red colour. A complex Pinotage with plum
and red berry flavours well integrated with the oak aromas. A balanced wine that could
be enjoyed now or age in the bottle for a few years longer. In summer to go with seafood
or light meat dishes. It also goes well with any red meat, pasta and spicy food.
Beuter Blanc 2006 -
Havanna Hills Merlot 2003 - Havanna Hills Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Supple succulent wine made from the intensely flavoured juice of fully ripened grapes
grown on un-irrigated sun drenched vines in deep, clay grown and ripened in hot and
cool area.
Other favorite producers are:
Graham Beck, Boschendal, Spier,
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Recommended Tours & Tour Companies
Spanish Steps
CAMINO DEL NORTE - Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela
June 21 to July 3, 2007
El Camino del Norte
Their coastal Camino de Santiago and Picos de Europa trip offers day after day of
postcard-perfect images - imposing ocean cliffs, soaring mountains, ancient religious
sites, coastal fishing villages, farming hamlets. Come and enjoy hidden gems nestled in
the regions of CANTABRIA, ASTURIAS and GALICIA locally known as La Costa
Verde, an unforgettably beautiful and rugged section of the Iberian Peninsula. Scenes
that inspire and awe travelers, even veterans of the popular Camino Frances, Spain's
inland pilgrimage route.
On Spanish Steps adventure, they walk 8 to 10 miles each day, tracing the historic
pilgrims' trail to the holy city of Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of St. James
are thought to be buried. This route is unique, however, in that they journey across the
northern coast of Spain along the Camino del Norte, exploring a part of Iberia where
typical travelers don't often venture.
They meet in Bilbao, home of the Guggenheim Museum. From this bustling city, they'll
follow white beaches and coastal cliffs to seaside villages where seagulls soar overhead
and fisherman bring in the bounty for their evening meal. Next, they trek across the
dramatic valleys of the Picos de Europa National Park, where mountain tops rise to
8,000 feet above sea level.
Along the way, they visit monasteries, hike by centuries-old stone houses, and enjoy
gourmet picnics with mountain landscapes as our backdrop. Returning to the coast,
they follow the Atlantic shoreline west before heading inland through the lush, sleepy
farmland of Galicia. Here, their path merges with the more popular Camino routes as
they walk their final steps into Santiago.
13 days of coast and trail hiking with 12 nights of extraordinary coastal
accommodations; visits to historical sites, ancient churches and monasteries; and a
cable car ride in the Picos de Europa are all part of this journey. All breakfasts, 8
lunches and 8 dinners including local wines are part of this tour. Your guide is a culinary
trained chef who takes particular care in the foods provided -- picnics are a gourmet
experience.
Price: $3300
Tour Dates: June 21 - July 3, 2007
Contact: spanishsteps2006@yahoo.com
Visit their website for full details...
www.spanishsteps.com
Womans World Travel
CELEBRATE MOTHER'S DAY IN LONDON
Mother's Day is one occasion that gives us the opportunity to do something for our
mom, or for someone who feels like our mom. Moms are one in a million and throughout
any given year will wear more hats and juggle more things than your average circus act.
Everything is conducted efficiently, effectively and with an unselfish love. If you start
to think about everything your mom has done, or you as a mom have done for your
children you would have a list that would probably wrap itself around the world.
WWT has decided that a small way to show your gratefulness is to surprise her with a
quick weekend gateway to London. Their May London departure is over Mother's Day,
and they would be happy to be part of the surprise. London is a timeless, regal city that
combines a wealth of history, heritage and pageantry mixed with the very best of
vibrant, cutting edge modernity. Afternoon tea at the timeless Savoy Hotel, shopping at
Harrods, browsing the local markets and a visit to the famous London theatre are just a
few of the treats they have in store. This is one Mother's Day you'll never forget.
Weekend in London - May 10 - May 14.
Looking for a trip to China or the Amalfi Coast? Then check out more of WWT's trips...
Visit their website for full details...
www.womansworldtravel.com
Sights & Soul Travels
The Summer tour to Prague* is scheduled for August 13 - August 17, 2007
The focus of the tour is Czech art, music and history.
They will spend the 5 days in Prague, staying in the centrally located boutique luxury
hotel. The central location will allow not only for the guided walks in the medieval Old
Town but also for easy individual exploration.
While in Prague, they will visit the Prague Castle, the Art Nouveau Mucha Museum, the
Strahov Monastery and its renowned Library, and take an in-depth tour of the historic
Old Town and the Jewish neighborhood of Josefov. They will take a luxury river cruise
on the Vltava River and enjoy the Mozart music concert.
Throughout the tour they will dine a la carte at carefully selected gourmet restaurants.
This tour is meant for people of all ages, however there is significant amount of walking
(including stairs) involved. The size of the group is limited to 16 people maximum.
The total cost of the trip is $1,395.00** per person/double occupancy ($250 single
supplement) and includes:
- 4 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATIONS IN A ****BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN PRAGUE'S
OLD TOWN
- GOURMET A LA CARTE DINING - TRADITIONAL BOHEMIAN OR
VEGETARIAN MENU
- ALL TRANSPORTATION IN PRAGUE
- LUXURY BUS TRANSPORTATION BETWEEN KRAKOW AND PRAGUE (if
combining this tour with the Krakow and the Tatra Mountains Tour)
- TAXI TRANSPORTATION TO THE AIRPORT ACCORDING TO YOUR
FLIGHT DEPARTURE TIME
- PRIVATE BI-LINGUAL ESCORT AND A LOCAL GUIDE AT THE
ATTRACTIONS, ALL SIGHTSEEING FEES
- ALL ATTRACTIONS AND ADMISSIONS AS PER ITINERARY
Additional/optional costs may include: travel insurance, lunches, airport transfers,
alcoholic beverages, laundry, phone calls, personal expenses.
The cost does not include airfare.
* This tour is scheduled in connection with the Krakow and the Tatra Mountains
Summer Tour (August 3 - August 12, 2007) but anyone is welcome to join if there are
spaces available.
** Price subject to change at any time without notice. Tour Participants who already
signed up for the tour and secured their reservation with a deposit will not be affected
by any price changes.
Visit their website for full details...
www.sightsandsoul.com
Spend Your Summer Vacation With Rosie! ~
R Family Vacations
Join Rosie and R Family Vacations this summer as they sail from New York City to
Bermuda and two days on r very own private island.
Summer will be here before you know it. Make your plans today to join Rosie on the
most inclusive vacation ever offered! Bring your entire family, however you define it,
to experience r unique brand of fun and adventure. Moms, dads, kids, neighbors,
grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends -- everyone is
welcome on all of the R Family Vacations.
Call 1-866-r-fam-vac or fill out r booking form today to reserve your stateroom
R Family
(kids under the age of 2 are free)
Visit their website for full details...
www.rfamilyvacations.com
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Chicken Pasanda Recipe
Pauline La Prelle, from the fabulous Steenberg Hotel sent us this yummy recipe.
Enjoy!
Description
This could be described as a "Royal" dish. It is spicy, but not hot, rich and creamy. The
addition of the nuts makes it rather special.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee (clarified butter)
1 small onion - finely chopped
1.5 inch piece cassia bark (or cinnamon)
2 green cardamon pods
1 inch piece fresh ginger - very finely chopped
2 cloves garlic - very finely chopped
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon ground coriander seed
half teaspoon good chilli powder
5 tablespoons Greek-style full cream yoghurt (3/4 of a 150 gm tub)
1 teaspoon (or a little more) concentrated tomato purée
salt to taste
2 chicken breasts, skinned and cut into 1 inch pieces
2 tablespoons flaked almonds prepared as in Method
chopped fresh coriander leaf (cilantro) to garnish
Method
1. Heat the oil in a large heavy pan then add the chopped onion and stir for a few
minutes with the heat on high
2. Add the cassia bark and cardamons, stir a little then turn the heat down to low and
cook for 10 minutes
3. Add the ginger and garlic, stir and cook for another 10 minutes on low heat stirring
now and again to make sure nothing browns or burns
4. Add the turmeric, coriander and chilli powder and fry gently for a minute
5. Add 1 tablespoon of yoghurt, stir round and turn the heat up so the yoghurt sizzles
in the oil (don't worry, it won't split if you've used full cream yoghurt)
6. When the yoghurt has lost a lot of it's moisture add another tablespoon. Stir and fry
as before.
7. Repeat until all the yoghurt is incorporated (the last tablespoons won't sizzle but it
doesn't matter)
8. Add the tomato purée and stir in. The colour of the dish should now be similar to
the background colour of the index page - a rich orangy yellow with red flecks if you've
turned the graphics off.
9. Stir in lots of hot water - enough to make the mixture very fluid
10. Bring to the boil and simmer, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes
11. Add salt to taste
12. While the sauce is cooking, heat a frying pan at low to moderate then add the flaked
almonds. Move the almonds around the pan so they don't burn and heat until they have
just taken on a brown colour. Remove from pan and set aside to cool. When cool, crush
them up with your fingers into smallish pieces.
13. Heat a little oil in a large heavy frying pan and stir-fry the chicken pieces over a
moderate heat until they are sealed and have turned white
14. Add the chicken and almonds to the sauce and simmer gently for another 20-30
minutes or until the chicken is cooked. Stir from time to time. If the sauce gets too dry
add a little hot water
15. At the end of the cooking you should have a fairly thick, creamy sauce with little
patches of oil appearing at the top. Remove the cassia and cardamons (if you can find
them!).
16. Serve, garnished with chopped fresh coriander leaf (cilantro)
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Book Your Travel & Check The Weekly Hot Deals for 2007
Check out these latest terrific travel deals and more...
And up to $100 to spend onboard
Book today for a free upgrade!
Air + 4 nights from $692
Great weekend rates—book your hotel now!
Up to 20% off hotels
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Advice For Parents
25 Reasons to Choose Breastfeeding
1. Human milk is designed for human babies. Many chemicals, additives, types of
sugars, artificial vitamins & minerals must be added to cow's milk to make it tolerable
for the human infant . . . but still it is not nutritionally-complete.
2. Human milk varies: During a feeding, over a day's time, from one breast to another,
one mother to another & over time. The milk of the mother of a premature baby is
higher in many of the growth factors & other nutrients her baby will need. In cold
climates, there is more fat for energy. In hot, more water to prevent dehydration.
3. Human milk is low in iron, yet is well-utilized. An artificially-fed baby's gut bacteria
takes most of the iron in formula, which encourages the growth of more bacteria which
can cause gut damage, disease & blood loss. Zinc deficiency can be caused by too much
iron.
4. Human milk is low in protein, yet contains other easily absorbed compounds for
nutrition & protection against infection. Proteins in artificial formulas are not as
well-utilized, so more protein must be added. To break down this extra protein &
excrete the wastes causes an additional stress on your baby's immature liver & kidneys.
5. Human milk is ready-to-feed. Parents can & have made mistakes in preparing
artificial formulas. Ranging from over-concentration (leading to hypernatraemia &
brain damage) to over-dilution (leading to failure-to-thrive, even starvation) & sickness
from poor hygiene & storage.
Click here to read the rest of the article:
http://www.canadianparents.ca/CPO/Babies/HealthWellness/2004/07/29/591879.ht
ml
CanadianParents.com
A Minute For Kids
Listen here!
One-minute radio segments. This month's features include Ear Piercing, Bunk Bed Safety and
Common Sports Questions.
Click here to read the rest of this article:
http://www.aap.org/audio/main.cfm
American Academy of Pediatrics
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Write An Article For WAVE Journey
If you love to travel, enjoy writing and want to share your thoughts with others, take action
and write an article for WAVE Journey and we'll publish it on the site. You may include up to
eight photos.
Send your submissions to editor@wavejourney.com
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Do You Want To Meet Other Women Travellers?
If you would be interested in meeting other women travellers either in your own hometown or
visiting them in their own hometown, send us an email and we'll help you connect. Whether
it's for coffee, dinner, sightseeing or if you have an extra room or couch to offer for a night or
two...
Email WJ at: tips@wavejourney.com
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Recommended Tour Operator for Your Next Trip to South Africa
Go Self-Drive Tours
At Go Selfdrive, they understand why you would like to go on a holiday to South Africa.
South Africa ranks on the world's Top 10 travel destinations list. They also understand
that coach tours work for some people, but that others prefer the freedom to drive
themselves at their leisure and to have a specially tailored tour that fits their
requirements.
Looking for someone reliable to assist you in designing your own personalised self-drive
tour?
You need look no further. Go Selfdrives experienced tour designers will firstly listen to
what YOU have in mind for your special South African holiday. Then, taking factors
such as time, budget and level of accommodation into consideration, they will make
practical suggestions on how to spend your precious time in their beautiful country and
how to make this a unique and memorable experience whilst driving yourself.
Contact: Chinky Taljaard
Tel/Fax: +27 (0) 44 382 3290
Email: info@goselfdrive.co.za
Website: www.goselfdrive.co.za
A registered national tour operating company and a member of the Knysna Tourism
Board.
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We would love to hear from you for any reason. Contact us at:
info@wavejourney.com
www.wavejourney.com
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