I was told not to look them in the eyes. Be non-threatening. Turn off your camera’s flash. Don’t get in their way. Stay at least 5 m away at all times. Oh my God! This is real. I’m about to walk into the dense Bwindi National Forest in Uganda in search of a community of gorillas. I’m about to enter their home and hope with my life that they don’t mind. I must be out of my mind. Continue reading
When I planned my trip to Uganda with Africa Adventure Safaris, I was so excited about the gorilla trek that I didn’t spend much time thinking about all of the other amazing adventures I was about to experience. That all changed when I arrived. The first full day in Uganda was spent trekking chimpanzees. The next day I was on a boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park searching for hippos, elephants, crocodiles, buffalo, and birds. It was a whirlwind of one unbelievable, new experience after another. Although I’ve been on a safari before, I never saw hippos in the wild and it was on this year’s list. The actual experience was far greater than I imagined. Continue reading
A community of wild chimpanzees were all around me. The leader, an elderly looking male, had one eye and silvery, grey hair on his back. Don’t mistake that for weakness though. He was powerful and the rest of the community respected him and protected him when they sensed danger. Mothers carried babies on their backs. The babies were curious and often stood on two legs to look around and assess the situation. Another community of chimpanzees was close by and the members were on high alert. Screaming and movement were a part of the full hour that I was able to spend with these magnificent apes. It was the most wild travel adventure of my life. Africa Adventure Safaris planned the adventure of a lifetime in Uganda and this was only day two. Continue reading
6 wild days in Uganda with Africa Adventure Safaris was the plan. My schedule included chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park, a boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park rewarding me with game sightings such as hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and buffalo, a tree-climbing lion safari in Bwindi Forest National Park, and gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park. It all sounds made up, right? Well the actual experience was even more amazing and bizarre then it sounds. It all started with my arrival in Kampala. Continue reading
What a whirlwind adventure I’ve been on in the last two weeks. From swimming in the Dead Sea in Israel to trekking gorillas in Bwindi, Uganda, I feel like I’ve been part of The Amazing Race. I have so much to share, both good and bad, but I’m still sitting in the airport in Israel waiting to continue my long journey home so you’ll have to wait just a little bit longer to see what’s really happening on my end. The hurry up and wait attitude of airport life is taxing, but it’s worth every second when you get to experience such things as trekking chimpanzees and gorillas, touching the Western Wall in Jerusalem, floating in the Dead Sea, and watching elephants roam alongside the road. Have you always dreamed of seeing apes in their natural habitat? Have you ever wondered what it’s like to walk through Jerusalem? Stay tuned this week for it all. Here’s a quick teaser to bring the last two weeks of my life to you. Continue reading
Constance Hotels in Mauritius were two of the most luxurious, stunningly beautiful properties I’ve visited in my lifetime. It was a huge honor to see Bucket List Publications featured on their blog yesterday and I wanted to share my elation with you. Continue reading
Infinity pools, floating restaurants, soft, white sand beaches, crystalline water and sunshine in spades, Constance Hotels in Mauritius are a vibrant piece of tropical Paradise. What’s the first thing that stands out to you at a hotel? Is it the architectural design, the pools, the beaches, the amenities, the views, or the room options? Maybe you go for the spa or the golf or the dining? We had it all at Constance, Mauritius. It was like stepping into a luxury magazine. Continue reading
Our visit to Mauritius and Constance Hotels & Resorts was filled with a multitude of color. It’s diversity, uniqueness, pristine beaches, rich culture, and varied activities left Athena and I both wanting more. But the true draw to Mauritius for me was its new shades of color that I didn’t know existed. The ocean’s blues called my name and wrapped me like a blanket. I’ve included a few of my favorites so you could experience the beauty of the ocean in Mauritius. Which one calls your name? Continue reading
Five star luxury resorts don’t have to be for adults only. At almost three years old, Athena is a girly, girl. She loves to dress up and get her hair done. Regardless if we’re hiking a mountain or attending a luxury event, she wants to wear a tutu or a princess dress and have her hair braided or in a ballerina bun. She loves having her nails painted and she is obsessed with shoes. She’s always up for an adventure but she likes to do it in style. Visiting a place like Constance Le Prince Maurice in Mauritius can be as much a treat for her as it is for any adult. While we were at the resort, we feasted on exceptional cuisine, slept in a dreamlike suite, played at the Constance Kids’ Club, splashed in the infinity pool, and pampered ourselves at the spa. Le Prince Maurice made us feel like we were at a celebration of life and wellness every day of the week. Continue reading
Yesterday was one of the most bizarre days of all my travels. Athena and I hung from a ceiling, she became a giant, we walked on multi-colored earth, we rode giant tortoises, and Athena held a crocodile. And the funny part of it all is I’m not making this stuff up or exaggerating. Mauritius is a curious place. Continue reading
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