Ann’s Blog: Family friendly getaway to Santa Fe and its open-air opera house!
Santa Fe Opera and more
Santa Fe is a destination that awakens all the senses. The desert at sunrise and sunset is all dressed up in vibrant colors and makes you want to celebrate the day. The blue tortilla enchiladas from one of my favorite restaurants, The Shed, makes my mouth water thinking about the unique combination of spices and cheeses. The art galleries on Canyon Row are filled with the most diverse and awe inspiring pieces of art. I wander in and out of the different galleries and gaze at the sculptures, water colors, oils, glass and shake my head in utter amazement. The Santa Fe Opera provides an opportunity to experience world-renowned music. The Maria Pots, Native American rugs and jewelry are plentiful and enticing. Bandolier National Park has ruins and trails that cover hundreds of historical years. Over the years my daughters, sister, niece and mom have made summer treks to Santa Fe. This multi-generational girl trip has spun vivid memories for each of us… We have made this journey in the summer to take advantage of the Indian Market and famous Santa Fe Opera, but Santa Fe can be enjoyed any time of the year.
Santa Fe was originally settled by a number of Pueblo Indian villages from 1050-1150. The city was laid out according to the “laws of the Indies”, with the basic plan to be laid out around a central plaza. 1912 a unified building style of the Spanish Pueblo was implemented. Today the central plaza of Santa Fe is the heart beat of Santa Fe. During the Indian Market held over an August weekend, an estimated 100,000 visitors, art collectors and gallery owners from the entire world converge and admire the art show. This annual market is a way for the Native Americans “to foster and preserve their culture”. Over 1200 artisans from 100 tribes show off their wares in 600 booths. In the central plaza The Native Americans roll out their colorful rugs and scatter their beautiful treasures, pots, turquoise, and multi-stoned silver creations for all to see and purchase.
The Santa Fe Opera has been attracting Opera fans since 1957. During the months of July and August you can be treated to a world famous opera experience. The Santa Fe adobe stage is set in the rugged mountains. Snuggle into your seat and listen to the beautiful booming voices as the music drifts into the crackling sunset sky streaked with lightning, moonbeams and stars. This open-air opera experience has been branded into my memory bank forever.
Bandolier National Park is a quick drive on the outskirts of Santa Fe. Bandolier was the home to nomadic hunters that followed migrating animals along the rivers and valleys over 10,000 years ago. Bandolier National Monument spans over 33,000 acres and preserves the homes of the ancestral Pueblo People. You can walk the dusty trail of Bandolier and scamper up and down ladders that give a bird’s eye view of ancient pueblo homes. Some of the homes are carved into the canyon floor, while others are carved into the canyon walls. The kavas (ceremonial structures), rock paintings and petroglyphs all give a glimpse into the life of the ancient pueblo people. The Bandolier Visitor Center displays pottery, tools, and ancient artifacts to view and a short film to futher your education on the monument.
Santa Fe will lure you back again and again. It is a destination that can be enjoyed with a group, as a couple, or as a multi-generational experience. I hope that you go renew your senses in this land of chili peppers and pink adobe, song-filled nights and silver-lined streets. I would love to help you plan your next trip to Santa Fe for an individual or group.
Ann’s Travel Log: New York!
New York beyond Times Square
Few destinations are on my list of places to see over and over. Italy, Hawaii, Mexico, and New York are on that list. I spent 4 wonderful days in New York in November, and I highly recommend a visit to this vibrant city. I hope Southwest will have a non-stop flight to New York someday, but in the mean time United, Continental and Frontier offer a fast flight getting there.
New York City is the most populous city in the United States and known as the gateway for the immigrants. It is comprised of five boroughs, which are municipal corporations. Traveling through the different boroughs feels like going through little adjoining communities. The five boroughs consist of Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island. Our stay was in Manhattan. A very centrally located hotel, The Hampden Inn Times Square, greeted us with fresh cookies and bowls of crunchy crisp apples. On the first night we walked a few short blocks to Times Square and then to the Rockefeller Center. Reservations for a sky-high view of New York City awaited us from the Top of the Rock. This is a thrilling experience, not to be missed. You can take in the magnitude of the city and marvel at the twinkling lights from thousands of roof-tops. It feels as though you can touch the clouds as they swirl overhead.
The next day found us seeing sights like the Empire State Building, Grand Central Station, the United Nations, Battery Park, Trinity Church and St. Paul’s Church. My head was full of sights as we walked through quaint Greenwich Village. I was delighted to see trees and sunlight, as Greenwich is not filled with skyscrapers. Lunch was a progressive meal. In Chinatown we sampled dumplings, spring rolls and Chinese Dim Sum. We wandered from Chinatown to Little Italy and sampled chicken parmigiana. It was amazing to see how quickly the store-fronts change from Chinese wares to Italian Restaurants and garlic wafting through the air. Our lunch ended in Brooklyn at Juniors where I devoured the most succulent cheesecake, savoring every scrumptious bite. After lunch we spent a sobering time at the World Trade Center Site. A memorial is being erected and draped on a steel beam is a spot-lighted American flag. We stood many moments in silence honoring the courage, the bravery, the immense loss that was shed eight years ago. The ground still drips with the heaviness of those memories. Our busy New York day ended with a delightful play called Wicked. Musicals, comedies, operas and plays are in abundance in this grand city.
Ellis Island is not to be missed. We had a cloudy, cold day and it was easy to imagine the excitement and hardship of the immigration process. Between 1880 and 1919 more than 23 million people immigrated to the United States. Ellis Island opened in 1882 as a federal immigration center. In 1882 the Statue of Liberty was unveiled. The century old copper-clad statue remains a symbol of freedom. The immigration museum has vivid photos telling stories of lives that were left behind and excitement of a new future. A free movie in the museum is a wonderful way to further feel the immigration process.
With a stroll through Central Park to top it all off, our stay was a kaleidoscopic experience of urban and green, history and cuisine, new friends and walks and skyscrapers galore. I will revisit New York City anytime someone invites me. I hope you get to discover or rediscover this big apple of a city sometime soon too.
Ann’s Travel Log: Huatulco Beach Resort and Family Getaway
Huatulco the perfect winter getaway for an all-inclusive vacation beach destination in Mexico.
Ann Griffith co-owner of Aggie TravelPOINTS and James TravelPOINTS traveled to Huatulco, Mexico.
Sub zero temperatures, snow on the ground, dark, gray winter days beg us to seek the warmth and sun of Mexico. Coloradoans love to travel to Mexico. It is an easy destination from Colorado as there are several non-stop and connecting flights. A relatively unknown destination in Mexico is Huatulco. A few years ago, I was invited on an Apple Vacation familiarization trip to Huatulco. Always ready to learn and experience a new destination, my bags were quickly packed and I was on my way to Huatulco.
Huatulco is on the Pacific Coast and located in the state of Oaxaca. If you look on a map Huatulco is about 200 miles south of Acapulco. Bahias de Huatulco, shortened to Huatulco is named for the nine bays that surround it. If it is soft white sand, cobalt water shimmering in the distance, the sound of waves crashing on beaches, and a walk alone in the sunlight that you want, Huatulco has 35 beaches to explore. The Mexican Government designates certain regions in Mexico to be enhanced for tourism. Huatulco was one of those regions. About 30 years ago Huatulco’s infrastructure was updated to accommodate tourism. The upgrades also had some “green zones” to make the area more ecologically friendly. The attention and money has since turned to Cancun and Cozumel as major tourist destinations. Huatulco has the infrastructure upgrades, but did not receive the marketing dollars for promotion. 80% of visitors to Huatulco are domestic, due in large part to limited air service. In 200, the Green Globe award was given to Huatulco as a result of their potable and waste water management.
Four districts make up this little community. Most of my time was spent in the small resort area. The beaches are not bulging with gigantic resorts. My favorite resort is the Quinta Real. The Quinta Real is very small and has a beach all its own. You can sit in a hammock on the balcony of your brightly colored Mexican tiled room, sway in the tropical breeze and sip on a margarita. This resort seeps with peace and quiet and relaxation for a winter weary soul. The marina is a delightful place to visit and experience some very small quaint resorts. The little town of La Crucecita is a few miles inland, has a charming city center, and shops that offer Mexican treats. The local shops are bursting with colorful platters, leather belts and purses, and silver jewelry that will beckon a way into your suitcase. I always purchase Mexican vanilla to share with family and friends who are avid bakers.
Oaxaca is known for its chocolate. I love chocolate, but this chocolate tested my sweet tooth. A very sweet dessert chocolate is not to be expected. The chocolate is used in main dishes as a mole and is very spicy. The Mole is a special dish and enhanced my chocolate repertoire. Another local favorite is Mescal. This predecessor to tequila has been in production for over 400 years. The best quality 100% agave Mexican mescal spirits are found in Oaxaca. If you are a connoisseur of tequila, this is a great spot to treat your taste buds.
Huatulco has a very special place in my heart. It remains undiscovered. It is small, not overcrowded and has the authentic feel of a Mexico that I love to discover. The beaches are a respite for the soul, and the waters team with brightly colored fish. 723 different species of animals and birds are ready to be discovered. Albert Camus must have just come home from a trip to Mexico when he said, “In the midst of winter, I finally learned that there was within me an invincible summer.” I think we could all use a little invincible summer to warm our January hearts right now. Pack your bags and give Huatulco a chance.
Ann’s Travel Log:Cruise the Caribbean on Princess
St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Grand Turks
Cruising the Caribbean on board the luxurious Emerald Princess in February is a perfect mid-winter get-away to the warm tropical islands when the temperatures hover below 30 degrees, the sky remains gray, the groundhog saw his shadow, and winter continues to linger in Colorado. Ann Griffith co-owner of Aggie TravelPOINTS and James TravelPOINTS cruised the Caribbean aboard the Emerald Princess cruise ship February 2010.
My husband and I returned from seven glorious days of warm winter sun and gentle Caribbean breezes while we sailed on the Emerald Princess. We took a group and glided through the Eastern Caribbean on water that would take your breath away.
Choosing a cruise can be overwhelming. What size of ship do you want to sail on, how long do you want to sail, what is your price range, and where do you want to cruise. The Emerald Princess is considered a bigger ship. Her capacity is 3600 passengers. Her itinerary consisted of Princess Cay, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Grand Turks and 2 days at sea. 83% of Americans have never taken a cruise. If you have enjoyed a cruise vacation, or if you are one of those 83% who have never cruised, let me share some sights, sounds, tastes and smells that are vivid in my memory.
Excitement always greets me when I board the ship. I find myself in a giant treasure hunt searching for our room, the deck where you can walk daily, the “any time” dining room, the gym for the pilates and spin class, the location of the movie under the stars, the pizzeria, the coffee bar, and the best nook for afternoon tea. A balcony was our cabin choice, and I would highly recommend such a luxury. A balcony cabin is a magnificent way to enhance your cruise experience. Daily I found myself with my book in hand sitting on my balcony, sipping tea, and looking out into the vast blue horizon and letting my cares soar away. Mornings began with a brisk walk on the promenade deck seven. Three loops around the ship equals one mile. Walking around a ship and experiencing the sea and scenery from various directions is thrilling. The wind rushes through your hair, the sun shines on your back, the gentle sway of the ship makes your walk hilariously crooked, the wave’s crashing against the front of the ship are loud, and the voluminous clouds, birds and flying fish are fantastic scenery for this landlocked lady. One evening we booked our dinner at one of the two specialty dining rooms. For a small surcharge you can eat at the specialty steak house or the specialty Italian Restaurant. Our choice was the walnut-leather-brass accented steak house. The meal was one of the most memorable meals of my life. Our waiter from Argentina recommended the French Onion Soup, Maine Lobster or fillet, sautéed mushrooms and scalloped potatoes, and the molten chocolate cake. I can still taste the chocolate molten cake. It was hot and melty and better eaten with a spoon than a fork. The favorite shore excursion was on Grand Turks. My husband really wanted to snorkel. We joined a small group, took a catamaran and snorkeled around the wall that plunges 7,000 feet into the sea. If that was not thrilling enough, we were sitting on the softest, pearly white sandy beach as the mandarin orange sun sank into the sea, with whale’s flukes in the horizon.
This trip was a perfect respite from our cold Colorado winter. The Caribbean winter sun warmed us body and soul. We were as busy as we wanted to be but took several quiet moments to relax and replenish ourselves too. We attended an art history class that was superb. The evenings had dancing opportunities, theatres of comedians and live music. This cruise had several pleasant surprises for me, and I encourage you to cruise and treat yourself with some surprises too.
Ann Griffith a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) co-owner of Aggie TravelPOINTS and James TravelPOINTS has been an active owner and travel consultant for over 30 years. Ann has traveled all over the world along with spending 1 year living in France and travel around Euope. She has extensive personal experience in both leisure and cruise travel which she shares with her clients when helping them with their travel arrangements. Destination specialties include: Europe, South Pacific, Hawaii, Caribbean, Mexico, Africa and Central and South America. Contact Ann at 1-970-482-1235
Ann’s Travel Log: Norway!
Bergen, Norway
Sipping my last few drops of tea, I watched the landscape change outside the airplane’s window from white puffy clouds to an emerald patchwork of meadows and mountains. Butterflies of excitement fluttered in my stomach as I thought about the new city and country that my sister and I were going to discover: The city of Bergen with a population of 253,260, on the southwest coast of Norway was the starting point for our trip.
Bergen is the second largest city (and warmest due to the Gulf Stream) in Norway, with Oslo as the capital and largest city. The vermicular was one of our first experiences in Bergen. We boarded this small little train, that went straight up the mountain to a spot for a panoramic view of the city. Overlooking the beautiful town of Bergen the literal meaning of Bergen, “the meadow among the mountains” is validated. You can gaze into the far horizons and see nothing except beautiful mountains and valleys. I have climbed several 14ers in Colorado and their vistas take my breath away, and the vistas in Norway are an equal delight to the eyes. During our stay, we wandered into the downtown area of Bergen and the local fish market. Norway is the second largest country for exporting fish. Dried cod helped give Bergen an important place on the Norwegian Map. The fish market was full of every kind of fish imaginable. I found myself most surprised by the table that was full of fresh cut slices of whale. Next to the fish market was a farmer’s market. My sister loved the floral displays, and captured many of them on her camera. Dale of Norway is a sweater and design that I have loved for years. The shops had colors and designs of sweaters that brighten and add warmth to cold winter nights.
A lucky traveler might take a seven or 14 day excursion into the fjords or Norway, but my sister and I took a little two-day adventure into them. We embarked on a small 20 passenger ship and wove our way through the crooks and crannies of fjords. The fjords are magnificent sculptures of rock from prehistoric glaciers. National Geographic has listed the Norwegian fjords as one of the world’s top tourist destinations. The waterfalls and streams are spilling into the waterways. Stops along the way gave us an opportunity to visit a local farm and sample piping hot, fresh off the skillet crepes with fresh linden berry preserves. Due to Norway’s latitude there are seasonal variations in daylight. From late May to late July the sun never completely sets beneath the horizon. The land of the midnight sun presented us with opportunities to walk the streets at 11pm and look at the apricot size strawberries that were gulping in the long summer-lit days. I gulped all of Norway in too, feeling my heart swell along with the strawberries that life could be so good to plop us here so far North, amidst such stunning fjords, with such an endless sun and my sister by my side.
Perhaps your next summer trip could be to this Northern land of endless summer days, fjords, and scrumptious linden berries. There are many journeys to choose from. You can take a variety of cruises, or take the train from Bergen to Oslo, or hop to the other Scandinavian Countries. Norway is a must see.
Meet Noriko, Aggie TravelPOINTS – Japan & Asia Travel Specialist
Searching for expert travel advice to Japan or Asia? Noriko at Aggie TravelPOINTS is a Japan & Asia travel specialist who has been helping clients arrange their travel plans for the past 14 years. Aggie TravelPOINTS, a branch office of James TravelPOINTS, is an American Express Representative office. Noriko moved to the United States in 1974 and taught Japanese at the University level for 13 years before deciding to enter the travel agent business. From the very beginning of her career as a travel agent, she specialized in Japan and Asia travel. Currently, she is recognized by American Express as one of their top Japan specialists.
Travel & Leisure Magazine has selected Noriko as one of the top Japan Specialist for the last five years. She has been invited for the past three years to attend the Yokoso Japan Travel Mart, which is held annually in Japan. She is also one of 11 agents from the US and Canada to be invited to attend the Japan Luxury Travel Forum, which was held in Japan February 2010. To keep her knowledge current and up to date and to keep abreast of new trends, Noriko travels to Japan at least twice a year. She takes this time to explore new, ”off the beaten path” itineraries and destinations. With selected and valuable contacts, she is often able to obtain special access to places not normally available to travelers. For travel into Asia and Japan, Noriko is an expert travel consultant to plan your trip. She can be reached at 1-303-482-1235.
Aggie TravelPOINTS
Aggie TravelPOINTS
We are different. Our goal is to exceed your expectations! At Aggie TravelPOINTS giving exemplary service is our number one priority. We take the time to help you wade through the myriad of complex and confusing travel decisions. Our tailored vacations will provide the life enriching experiences you are looking for and make a world of difference in the way you travel.
Travel Specialty – Leisure Travel
Top Mexico Producer for Apple Vacations - Aggie and James TravelPOINTS Awarded the ” Crystal Agency” award as the top producing agency in Colorado in 2000 & 2006.
American Express Agent Specialist – Aggie TravelPOINTS agents are listed on American Express web site as ”Travel Specialists “ to contact for travel into Mexico, France, European River Cruising, Italy, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Belize, Japan / Asia, China, and Africa.
A-List Super Agents – Travel & Leisure Magazine has recognized our Japan & Asian agents as among the top agents in the country to contact and included them in their “A-List Super Agents in 2006”, “2007”, “2008”, “2009”.
Hello world!
Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!
