Croatia Island Tours
For anyone who loves the water, Croatia’s islands are calling. We did two tours from Split - one where we island hopped with a speed boat and one where we took a ferry to an island to learn about fish farming and their island sustainability program. We visited Hvar where the jet set hang out and party and then went to a small island to eat a spectacular lunch at a fisherman’s home. The sustainability trip had us swimming in large fish farm tanks with little nippers biting our toes. We got our revenge as we grilled and ate these delicious fish an hour later—just bread, olive oil and fish hot off the grill. Sheer heaven!
Lisbon to Porto - tasting is believing
I took a two hour train ride to Porto, a lovely historical city famous for its fine ports. By the end of the tour, and after about 8 tastings, I could not remember anything other than I loved port and the Portuguese love to drink it with tonic like sangria. Also, Harry Potter lovers will enjoy a glimpse of the lovely ornate book store which J.K.Rollings modeled in her stories. She lived in Porto for two years while she was married to a Portuguese dude and again, she was inspired to use the traditional long black capes that the university students wear as her Hogwarts school uniform.
Marrakesh - where the stars come out
Marrakesh was the city of surprises for me. The riads I visited (think spa or boutique hotel) were down grungy alley ways. Once the non descript front dorrs were opened you stepped into a paradise with pools, gorgeous tiles, places to lounge, get spa treatments, take mint tea and enjoy life. The International Film Festival was interesting, not just to see what films were up for award, but to experience the audience’s reaction to various scenes. No doubt my highlights of Marrakesh were the side trips to the Sahara Desert with our group and son,Tyler. After a grueling, long bus ride we rode camels over the sand dunes and stayed the night in a Berber camp complete with a feast of Tagine, drumming and dancing around a fire. Most would agree that the climb up the dunes in the dark to visit the stars was so memorable (and a real workout!), especially since we were blessed with a full moon (1 day after solstice). I also took a quick overnight trip to Essaouira to ride Arab/Berber stallions on the beach. I shall never forget the power of my palomino as he pounded down that beach refusing to stop or let the other horses pass him…I just let him go and maybe urged him on just a wee bit :). On the three hour bus ride to the beach I sat with a lovely designer from NYC—and now Christine and I are fast friends. We enjoyed a fab dinner in Essouira at the best restaurant in town and then again at Lebanese restaurant on my last night in Marrakesh. This lovely beach retreat was my grand finale adventure and another chance to connect with the locals (the camel owner who offered to trade 20 camels for me!!) experience the vast sands and beaches of Morocco.