Destinations

When we looked across Lake Lucerne, the contrast of the style of buildings suddenly changed dramatically.  Lucerne’s historical Old Town has been preserved for everyone to enjoy.  So beautiful, so charming, UNESCO designated this as a World Heritage site!  After a few steps across the bridge, our first stop was at the Chapel Bridge, built in 1330 as part of the cities’ fortifications.  Paintings depicting Swiss and local history were added in the seventeenth century.  The landmark Water Tower rises 111 feet into the air as part of the city wall.  This is the most photographed monument in Switzerland formally used as a prison, torture chamber, and treasury.

With one unique building next to another, we wandered through the maze of winding lanes and alleyways.  The fresco paintings told the stories of the past.  Imagine we can enter these ancient buildings, they are still in use, and best of all, the buildings are now restaurants, shops, hotels, churches, etc.  Each building stands out; one is more dramatic than the other.  Lovely statues and fountains dot the small picturesque town squares.  Since most of the village’s wooden houses were burnt down during fires, Old Town is predominately composed of stone buildings. 

You can reach Old Town easily with walking paths across several bridges; the two historic Chapel Bridge and Mill Bridge with other bridges build at later times.  I especially enjoyed photographing the buildings from different vantage points.  The busy sidewalk cafes along the river and throughout Old Town, the colorful buildings, and boats give us a glimpse of the way life might have been in the middle ages.  Some of these beautiful buildings include the Franciscan Church with its typical medieval Gothic architecture of the 13th Century, the 16th Century Ritterscher Palace now the Cantonal seat of government, and many others. 

Lucerne is a special city where you can savor the essence of the past, it is an open air museum to explore and discover another world.  Of course Lucerne is filled with attractions, both modern and ancient.  Visitors have a wide variety of choices of international cuisine which rank with our finest Las Vegas restaurants.  Stay a few extra days or a week in order to see as much as you can.  

www.luzern.com    www.myswitzerland.com 

If you are looking for an incredible Amazonian experience that is relatively easy to reach, I highly recommend Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge just outside of Manaus, Brazil.
 
On the Rio Negro (which joins the Amazon River at Manaus) sits the Anavilhanas Archipelago, the world’s largest fresh water archipelago.  Anavilhanas is host to indigenous species of fish, local crocodiles (Jacaré), freshwater pink dolphins, manatees and hundreds of species of flora and fauna.  Mosquitoes find the naturally high ph of the river disagreeable, so as an added plus - the area is relatively mosquito free!
 
In the midst of the private reserve is the Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge. Approximately 3 hours drive from Manaus, this lodge is truly a class-act and the perfect answer for the guest who wants the Amazon experience without having to give up all modern comfort.  The Lodge is relatively new (just one year old) and the only one of its kind in this protected preserve.
 
Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is owned and run by a delightful young Brazilian couple who thought of every detail to bring the best combination of nature, beauty and regional flavor to their guests. The local staff are equally wonderful, bringing an additional element of local warmth and friendly, attentive service.
 
Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge offers a variety of packages ranging from 3 – 6 days , for approximately $250 per person per day.  The packages (which include all transfers, meals and tour-guided activities) are an unbelievable value.  Each activity gives the guests the opportunity to learn and experience more about the area than they could ever do on their own. The guides are highly knowledgeable – with a unique depth understanding of the area and its history, and each able to communicate in numerous languages (for example one of the guides spoke fluent Portuguese, English, Italian, French, Spanish and German!) The activities include boating excursions, bird watching, piranha fishing, caiman hunting, nature walks, and swimming with pink dolphins - just to name a few.

 The buffet-style meals (three full meals, daily) feature delicious regional dishes, consisting of local fish, chicken, beef and pork dishes, local fruits, vegetables and freshly baked deserts.  After lunch or dinner, the guests may choose to convene in the open lobby area for conversation, to play pool or some of the table games provided (chess, checkers etc). This area also has a computer, Cable TV and a wonderful collection of books to study more on the Amazonas’ flora and fauna. 

I spent three days at the Anavilhanas Lodge and came away with one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The time went far too quickly – I am already planning my return to this hidden paradise!

“Escape To Paradise!”

       The Five Star Lebua Hotel, at State Tower, lives up to its motto “Life is not worth living unless it is “simply exceptional”.  They provide simply exceptional amenities and exceptional services to make certain that your life is essentially as it should be.”  With that attitude, you know you will be treated like royalty.  Even the messages in the elevator said, “You were born free so break free from the expected, indulge in the exceptional and experience genuine care.”   

       Everything about the Lebua Hotel expresses a feeling of luxury from the lobby to their restaurants, suites, banquet rooms and even cocktail lounges.  Those “extras” really count.  Our spacious suite resembled a condo with a breathtaking view of the Chao Praya River and city of Bangkok from the balcony.  Their suites range from 66-266 square meters.  With over 330 count linens, silky feather Finesse bed mats, Bvlgari bath line amenities and a shower head that makes your shower more like a spa treatment, the Lebua Hotel seems more luxurious than our hotels in the United States.  And the prices are a fraction of the cost!  Lebua is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.  You can even have their Conde Nast accredited chefs cook in your suite. 

       The infinity pool on the roof of the Mezzanine provides an outdoor setting next to the state-of-the-art fitness center.  They offer a business center for “away from the office” needs.  The Lebua Hotel is near one of their outdoors markets where I photographed craftsmen weaving their flowers, Buddhist monks and street sellers.

       Lebua offers Wedding, Dining Experience, Luxury Getaway, the World Under Your Feet, and Amazing Experiences packages along with discounts depending on number of night’s stay. 

       Lebua Hotel, at State Tower 1055, Silom Road, Bangkok Thailand.   resvn@lebua.com       www.lebua.com