Places to go! People to See!
By: Marcia King-Gamble
www.lovemarcia.com
Thanks to several years spent in the travel industry with
airlines and cruise lines, there are way too many favorite places to mention.
The ones I have mentioned hold special memories for me, and even now the travel bug bites.
Those following my posts know I was fortunate enough to join
the late, great Pan Am right out of college. I flew for two years then went
into management. It was a young woman’s
dream being able to get on and off planes and see sights I could never afford
on my own. Travel has been the best finishing school ever. It taught me about, food, wine and different
cultures. To this day most of my disposable
income goes to the mandatory trip or two.
Top of my favorite list is New Zealand, but that’s already been done
by the very fortunate author, Bronwen Evans, who happens to live there. It truly is a special place, and while it’s
been a few years, I still recall the gorgeous water views, the exotic landscaping, and the charming Tudor homes. I would move there in a Northeast minute. The
restaurants in Auckland serve the best New Zealand lamb I’ve ever had and it’s not uncommon for a total stranger to visit your table as you're dining. No agenda, they just want to say “hi.”
Hong Kong is another city high on my list. It’s a magical
place with a lot going on. It’s the fashion
capital of the world and the place you can still pick up some reasonably priced
pearls and custom tailored clothing . An evening out on the town is a memorable experience. I’ve heard some of the most talented rock and R&B bands there. Restaurants cater to every mood and palate. But that’s not all Hong Kong offers, if you’re
looking to spend a day of sun, fun and relaxation, there are several beaches to
choose from on both Hong Kong and Kowloon. No one should miss the sunset harbor cruise
.
As you can tell, I'm a huge fan of Asia. Another favorite city is
Bangkok. There are some really cool hotels there, and if you're into being pampered this is the place
to be. Spend a half a day at a spa for a massage, pedicure, manicure, and hot
oil treatment, all for a fraction of what you would pay in the
USA.
One of my favorite purchases is
still a brass noodle vendor stand. Back
then they were $15.00, not so any more, but still reasonable. The
piece makes for a unique place to hold soaps, shampoos or wash cloths, though some
friends have turned them into mini-bars.
Venice is another wonderful treasure and a place you
shouldn’t miss. It is perhaps one of the most romantic cities in the world and
the most mysterious. The hotels are expensive, but the food is mouthwatering
good.
If you’re an adventurous sort and
don’t mind taking a 20 minute Vaporetto ride, then go to Lido where less expensive hotels are. Lido was once known for its
famous brothels. It’s a beach community
with charming villas where you can stay without breaking the bank.
Near and dear to my heart is the island I was born on – St.
Vincent. I always knew it was beautiful
and a special place, but now having visited most of the world, I have come to
appreciate it even more. My island paradise (all of 150 sq. miles,) has so
much to offer. No wonder the Grenadines (owned by the mainland) have become the
“It place” for so many of the rich and famous.
Here’s where Kate Middleton and
Prince William stay when visiting Mustique.
To sum up, there are many more beautiful places waiting to be explored, but in the
interest of time , I will save them for another day. Here in the USA my go to place is the Jersey Shore which is the setting of my recent book... Monmouth Beach, New Jersey rocks!
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