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After nearly five years of publication, we have a potpourri
of leftover articles, that for no other reason than our dedication to thematic
cohesion we’ve not previously included in our online magazine. But the
dilemma. . . just what is this month’s theme?
With the holidays just past, “leftovers” seemed be an apt description: “a remnant or an
unused portion.” But the
less-than-appealing connotation, unwanted bit of scraps, left a few of us on
staff questioning the appropriateness of the theme. “Potpourri,”
(“a miscellaneous anthology or collection”) has a more pleasant ring.
Still, if these articles are odds and ends, are we dressing
up mutton as lamb? Certainly not!
This month, our tour hosts and their articles are wonderful
examples of the variety of companies that Cultural Travels features: luxury
cruises, art workshops, tented safaris, cultural immersion, educational
opportunities and culinary delicacies are just a few of the treats that we serve
up to our curious travelers.
We hope you will explore the almost unlimited possibilities
that a leisurely browse through our archives or a virtual stroll through the
Cultural Travels databases will provide. Exploration enlightens and educates all
involved leading to the ultimate discovery — that we have more to gain by
understanding and working together than can ever be achieved by any of us alone.
With a new year’s worth of possibilities ahead of us, we have yet another
chance to reach across cultural, economic and religious gaps to change the world
around us.
Thanks to all who make this publication possible: the tour
hosts and authors, the CT staff and most importantly those of you who keep
coming back. Without any of the three, we’d not be here today.
All of us at Cultural Travels wish you a fabulous New Year
and hope 2005 has your taking the trip of your dreams.
This
month's tour hosts review:
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Intrepid Travel
Pick of
the Month |
|
Location: Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East |
| Specialty: Culturally interactive soft adventure trips |
| Why
We Like Them: A fantastic selection of over 300 trips, a high level of
social consciousness and a determination to show travelers an up-close and
personal view of a country and its people make Intrepid Travel a great choice
for any curious traveler. The company’s web site is one the best I have seen
for detailed trip information, and it has a great system for coding both the
“culture shock” and “physical rating” of its various trips. |
|
Article:
Dubrovnik – Hidden Gem of the Adriatic |
| |
|
Cruceros Australis |
|
Location: Patagonia |
| Specialty:
Expedition cruises in the Magellan Straits and Beagle
Channel |
| Why
We Like Them: Providing a great
way to “round the horn” in comfort and style, the company’s two ships
offer three and four-night journeys to explore the wild and beautiful
southernmost tip of the world. Visit the magnificent glaciers, forests and
natural wonders that make this remote region a spectacular adventure.
|
|
Article:
Torres
del Paine National Park |
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|
Tuscany Institute |
|
Location: Italy |
| Specialty: Imaginative learning experiences in the Tuscan countryside |
| Why
We Like Them:
Overlooking 1,000 acres of olives and wheat fields deep in
the heart of Tuscany, the institute’s courses are varied and in-depth,
perfectly suited to explore and encourage the creative impulse. Silk painting,
fabric art and an oil painting workshop utilizing the magnificent countryside as
inspiration provide a unique opportunity to introduce visitors to the art,
historic and natural treasures of Tuscany. |
|
Article:
Moving To Tuscany
|
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|
Kalahari Kavango Safari Co. |
|
Location: Maun Botswana, Africa |
| Specialty: Classic photographic
safaris |
| Why
We Like Them: A fantastic monthly e-mail offers prospective travelers a
great inside view of life in Botswana from the relaxing fixed camp of Meno A
Kwena. Mini meru walk-in tents allow travelers
to experience classic camp life – each tent comes ,complete with a private
bucket shower and loo! The camp’s
host David Dugmore, has extensive guide experience (it seems to run in his
blood), is an accomplished wildlife photographer and just recently completed his
first wildlife documentary. His love of the area and the four-footed inhabitants
is truly inspiring. |
|
Article:
An Elephant Mother’s Ultimate Dilemm |
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|
Danu Travel Enterprises |
|
Location: Bali, Greece, Venice |
| Specialty: Art, adventure and alternative tours |
| Why
We Like Them: Art and cultural tours which integrate local people and
customs make Danu’s trips unique. Company founder Judy Slattum has had Bali in
her blood from her first trip in 1978 and has been leading trips to the island
ever since. Focusing on the native arts of theater and mask making, and related
theory and performance, she continues to write about the culture and art of her
part-time home, while leading trips to introduce the country’s arts to others. |
|
Article:
The Flower Castle
|
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New Zeland Pedaltours |
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Location: New Zealand |
|
Specialty:
Biking tours |
|
Why We Like Them:
Great natural beauty envelopes bicycle riders as they
discover spectacular vistas around every corner. A great way to explore the islands, and get close the nature
and the locals, is by being in touch with the land – and
there’s no better way to achieve that touch than with pedal
power. With over 30 tours, including journeys in Australia
and Vietnam, New Zealand Pedaltours is a great way to
explore the Pacific and beyond. |
|
Article:
New Zealand Cycling Heaven |
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