World Traveler's Delight

M.I.A. - Bad Girls (Official Video)

2012-02-04T16:39:00.000-05:00

I love the new M.I.A. video, "Bad Girls", directed by Romain Graves. Filmed in Ouarzazate,

Morocco, M.I.A. takes you on Middle Eastern ride that you won't soon forget. Brilliant work

by Romain who takes "ghost ridin in the whip" to the next level. Recently I discovered that

the highest percentage of people with my rare Rh Negative Bloodtype are in the Atlas

Mountains of Morocco. Are any of my readers Rh Negative?

Rum and Coca Cola - cover

2012-01-17T23:52:00.002-05:00

"Ladies and gentlemen... the very lovely & talented Lori Campbell, singing the Andrews

Sisters' Rum And Coca Cola, on her balcony in Peisy Vallandry, France." monkeyboydesign

Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez En New Orleans

2011-12-15T00:23:00.013-05:00

St. Louis Cathedral

"Old Man River," by Robert Schoen

Beignets and Coffee at Cafe Du Monde

My wish list

The Court of Two Sisters

A Fabulous Brunch

Bella

Is Le Pavillon Hotel Haunted?

2011-11-25T14:59:00.013-05:00

We stayed at the Le Pavillon Hotel in New Orleans for three days, the weekend

before Halloween. Le Pavillon is believed to be haunted. While conducting

primary research, I wanted to talk to employees and guests about any

paranormal experiences they may have had in the past . A parapsychologist

team conducted a paranormal investigation in 1996 and revealed that there

were indeed ghosts at Le Pavillon. Read the complete report on Facebook.

When we first arrived, I was drawn in by the beautiful chandeliers, old world

ambiance and Louisiana hospitality. On the way to our room, I asked the

bellhop if he had ever seen any ghosts. “I've been working here for 15 years and

I've never seen jack. “ He laughed and went to get me copy of the Paranormal

Report. It was a very impressive looking document on parchment paper, with

a seal of the Le Pavillon Hotel holding together the 4 pages.

The research team reported, "In conclusion, we found a total of five entities.

The young couple in the restaurant, a young child in the restaurant, the man

on the 3rd floor and the young girl in suite 930. None of these spirits are

malevolent, a little mischievous, but do not disrupt the operation of Le

Pavillon." (Montz, Smoller, Tullier,Gordan, Schilleci, 1996)

“We investigated room 221 but found no residual energy from these entities.

The fluctuating high EM field on this floor is probably caused by the couple

and another male entity.” (Montz, Smoller, Tullier, Gordan, Schilleci, 1996)

When we were assigned to room 223, right next door, I joked about that all day.

The picture of this pink dress was the last photo taken before my picture of

Room 221 below. Later in the evening, I decided to take a picture of the Room

221 to use on this blog. I took three pictures of the room door. When I got back

to my room and looked at them, there was only one blurry picture. It didn't

even look like a picture of the door. I see a shadow on the left.

Tara's Photo of Room 221

Angels on the Ceiling

The next day, I told Kevin to take a picture of Room 221 with his camera. He

snapped one picture and on the screen came out clear. When you take a

picture, it shows you the snapped photo, and transfers it to a small box on the

screen that you can enlarge to see all your photos. He immediately we went

into the file to view the picture, and it was completely blurred like mine was.

Kevin's First Photo of Room 221

Kevin's Second Photo of Room 221

The 9th Floor is also reported to be haunted and leads to the gym and the

rooftop pool overlooking a beautiful view of New Orleans.

None of the employees I talked to had witnessed the ghosts, but two of them

were present when guests described startling encounters. A couple on our floor

told us that their sink started running in the middle of the night. I also met a

woman who had seen 4 ghosts in a hotel in Ireland. Right before checkout, I

decided to video our room (223). The camera itself wasn't shaking but the

video on the screen was jumping and I ended up having to stop recording.

Audubon Zoo in New Orleans

2011-11-11T20:19:00.006-05:00

"Do It For The Girls"

2011-10-18T21:56:00.006-04:00

This past weekend, I drove by the Glow Beauty Boutique in Troy, Alabama

after a two day Breast Cancer Event for Proctor & Gamble. The pink

pumpkins are a great way to promote Breast Cancer Awareness. Please get a

yearly exam and perform a monthly test! I met about 15 women who had breast

cancer and beat it! Every one of them said they were doing well because it was

detected early. This post is dedicated to Anita Duncan, who passed away last

week. No one seems to have the answer. Take a look at this interesting

theory: Dressed to Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras - Tara

A Beautiful Sunset After The Storm

2011-09-04T10:36:00.002-04:00

It's been a while. I wanted to share with you these photos I took

after a rain shower. I love the colors and the contrast against the

grey sky. These were taken from our front yard. I'm blessed to see

an amazing sunset every day. - Tara

Tara travels to Memphis

2010-11-21T15:20:00.010-05:00

Check out my pictures of Graceland

Barrett Jackson Classic Car Auction in Vegas

2010-01-25T20:21:00.015-05:00

* Tram Station to Mandalay Bay *

One of the reasons we decided to go to Vegas this year was the Barrett Jackson Classic Car Auction. We stayed at the Luxor Hotel and Casino, right next door to Mandalay Bay where the auction is filmed live in the Events Center. This place is big enough to throw a concert in, yet it seems so different on t.v. We found out that you can see the cars that are being auctioned, up close in a showroom. I took pictures of the live auction but they didn't look as good these. Despite a bad economy, Barrett Jackson brought in over $23 million from bidders worldwide.

*Shelby 1 Roadster concept car *

*1973 Chevy Camaro Z/28 *

* 961 'Ol' Yaller VIII' Jaguar
(used in an Elvis Presley movie)
Sold for $198,000 *

*BMW custom convertible *

* Batmobile *

Fishing Package in Panama City Beach

2009-10-02T11:00:00.003-04:00

* Catch of the Day by Tara Jenkins *

I took these pictures while having dinner outside of Hook's Restaurant on the Fourth of July. It was about 99 degrees but you can't tell by looking at these guys. Now is a great time for fishing !!!! If you like to catch fish, then go to Panama City Beach. You and your friends can book a 3 night weekend - 5 people minimum and Non-fishing people can come with you. This package includes Oceanfront Condo - sleeps up to 9, and a 5 hour Fishing Trip. Food provided for onboard boat.

Contact Tara Travel Agency for more details.

Las Vegas: A Great Group Travel Destination

2009-10-01T10:34:00.044-04:00

* Vegas at Night by D. Clark *

Most people have heard that Las Vegas is Disneyland for adults. What you might not know is that Las Vegas makes a great group travel destination for your next group tour, company retreat, multi generational family vacation or destination wedding.

With over 1100 flights a day landing and departing from the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, transportation to your destination should not be a problem for anyone in your group. Over 125 cities offer direct flights to and from Las Vegas as well. Shuttles from the airport to Strip and Downtown hotels are plentiful and inexpensive. No matter when the individuals making up your group arrive, they will have no trouble getting from the airport to their hotel on their own with a few friendly tips before they leave home.

Upon arrival at their hotel, if their rooms are not ready, you will find friendly bell staffs that are willing to keep their bags for them until check in time. This makes it convenient for travelers to decide what time of the day they would like to arrive in Las Vegas. By planning your first group bus tour, group event, or group meal later in the evening or even early the next day, your group has time to arrive on a schedule that works for them and they wont feel as if they have missed out on anything by arriving later in the day if they need to due to personal or airline schedules.

No matter what kind of budget your group has to work with, there will be plenty of dining and hotel options to choose from. If you are planning group travel for a student group of college students, you will be interested in a different Las Vegas vacation than a multi generational family vacation group. An upscale, luxury minded travel group will be able to find the perfect group travel vacation as will the budget minded group tour leader. Dining options run the gamut from a menu of over 30 items for under $1.00 to a gourmet, 5 star meal prepared by one of the countrys fines chefs.

When it comes to activities, motor coach tours, bus tours or walking tours are all viable options for groups with numerous attractions or group tours to choose from. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Valley of Fire State Park, and Hoover Dam can all be enjoyed on a group bus tour as well as a tour to the Grand Canyon, just six hours away with lots of optional tours and excursions available for your group along the way.

Groups traveling with kids (or kids at heart) might enjoy a bus tour of roller coasters and theme park like attractions. Any group would enjoy a night time bus tour of the neon lights Las Vegas is famous for.

With the multitude of hotels, dining choices, and bus tour options, planning your group travel itinerary may seem overwhelming. I always recommend looking for a company that specializes in planning group travel when it comes to planning such a multi-faceted trip. Companies like Exploring America for adult groups or Adventure Student Travel for college student groups can take care of all of the finer details, many times get you better prices, and leave you stress free and with nothing to do but pack your lucky rabbits foot for your fabulous Las Vegas vacation. Good luck!

*Article by Jessica Kliethermes

Celebrating Fat Tuesday around the World

2009-02-23T17:00:00.002-05:00

* Mardi Gras by Tara Jenkins *

Did you know, they celebrate Mardi Gras in Venice, Italy? New Orleans isn't the only one kicking up her heels. Almost all of Europe celebrates Mardi Gras, except the U.K. Today I'm celebrating the inclusion of my favorite Mardi Gras photo in the newly released fifth edition of the Schmap New Orleans Guide. Schmap publishes over 200 digital travel guides to destinations all over the world complete with maps, travel suggestions, and plenty of reviews. Just download the Free Schmap Player and whatever cities you want to go to. Schmap Guides is a fun, interactive travel planner that will definately come in handy. The cool thing about these travel guides - you can browse without internet connection when you're traveling with your laptop. Extra Special Thanks to Emma Williams, Managing Editor at Schmap Guides.

Paradise in Puerto Vallarta

2009-02-01T23:05:00.023-05:00

* Peacock by Simona Dumitru *

On the Pacific Coast of Mexico is a World Class Resort with the allure of Old Mexico and today's sophistication to match. Welcome to Puerto Vallarta! The Vallarta Travel Blog is a wonderful resource for deciding where to go and what to do before you arrive. Once you're here, you'll have no trouble finding your way around. People here are warm, friendly and happy for your to experience their culture.

* Beach in Puerto Vallarta by Alfonso Romero *
The horseshoe shaped coastline of Bandera Bay, with magnificent views of the Sierra Madre Mountains is a Traveler’s Delight. Breathtaking beaches, a tropical jungle, championship golf courses, gourmet dining, dolphin and whale watching - Young or old, Puerto Vallarta has something fun and exciting to experience.

*Julia Freeman *

Go snorkeling, take a paella cooking lesson, get a spa treatment or play golf. Velas Resorts have all of the amenities of a World Class Resort with exciting Eco-Tours, Romantic Cruises, and Adventure Packages. Staying at Velas Vallarta is the icing on the cake. It’s a good thing you’re just 5 minutes from the airport, you’ll want to enjoy every minute of your stay.

*Jan Willem Stad *

The hotel is beautiful and their staff is accommodating. I suggest booking one of their All-Inclusives – you’ll know how much you’re spending upfront and spend time doing what you love best. The food at Vella Vallarta is absolutely delicious. They even cater to kid’s appetites. Andre’s is famous for their different theme nights – Argentina, Italian, Mexican, and more. I love their suites – large kitchen with a daily stock of cereal, fruit, water, juice, bread and beer. I spent a lot of time on the balcony area – the view of the ocean has a way of seducing you.

* Ocean in Puerto Vallarta by Alfonso Romero *

* Malecon by Juan Manuel Navarro *

The Malecon is an oceanfront boardwalk on the Banderas Bay known for its unique sculptures from artists all over the world.
Puerto Vallarta has a thriving art scene and you'll find many treasures to take home.

* Sunset on Banderas Bay by Jim Goodrich *

You can take a taxi from the hotel to downtown and venture out. I was impressed with how the local residents make you feel at home in Puerto Vallarta. I really enjoyed shopping in the flea markets. We ate at Bernardo's in Bucerias, Daiquiri Dicks in PV, The Jungle and Brasil Steakhouse in Nuevo and of course Pipi's.

* Esperando by Benjamin Earwicker *

* Kashfia Rahman *

* Tara with colorful parrots *

* Pirate Ship, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
By Matthew Schubert *

American Express Cancelling Credit Cards

2008-11-18T16:12:00.027-05:00

Photo by Sanja Gjenero

American Express used to be a reliable credit card company with a good reputation.

I was an affiliate with their credit card division as well as referring clients to their travel services. Just recently, they cancelled my client's Blue Cash card because they said he didn't provide financial documentation that they never requested. In addition to that, the Security Division kept calling on a regular basis to speak to him. He had trouble hearing on the phone and sent documentation from his Doctor on their letterhead. American Express requested - 1.Copy of his drivers license and social security card, 2.Proof of residence, and 3.His notarized signature from the bank. He went to his bank in person, acknowledged the account, and signed the paper American Express faxed over in front of the notary. By the way, I was there in person with him. American Express even asked the notary if he was there "in person" and she told them yes. After all this, American Express still keeps giving him the run around. I suspect they will cancel his American Express Green Card, since the account has been on hold for about three weeks. He is credit-worthy, and has a steady, reliable income. People are being cancelled for inappropriate reasons without notice.Warning! You might make reservations and then go to use your card and it doesn't work. Check out all the complaints at http://www.my3cents.com/

Rock & Roll in Biloxi

2008-10-21T07:24:00.049-04:00

777 Beach Blvd / Biloxi MS 39530

I had a blast at Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Biloxi, Mississippi.

I picked this hotel for two reasons - Pet Friendly and the Casino. Yes, small dogs are allowed. My Bichon - Tyson loved this place, and got more attention than Elvis. In true rock and roll tradition, you're greeted with music from your favorite groups as soon as you get out of the car. The valet are friendly, and someone will bring your luggage to your room. Check out the Starbucks, and Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Parlor on the way to the front desk.

"Hello, I love you. Won't you tell me your name."

At check-in, you get a complimentary CD to blast on the Bose Stereo in your room. Did I mention the 42" inch flatscreen tv with Hard Rock Concert Footage? If possible, stay during the week when the rates are least expensive. You can book a room with or without a view for less than $100. Get the view. On Friday and Saturday, the rates more than double. And it gets live ! Hard Rock has a few clubs that definately attract party - goers. If you're lucky you'll catch a concert.

My traveling companion Tyson

The "Sleep Like a Rock" Bed will not disappoint after a night of gambling. When you fall into those pillows , it's pure heaven. I love the little guitar on the pillow cases. Initially I didn't like the idea of having just a shower but the "three - headed shower at the Hard Rock is the best one yet. Need anything? There's a 24 hour Rock Line that you can call for whatever your heart desires.

Love by Kiel Latham - Sydney, Australia

The storm didn't stop fans from watching an outdoor concert.

Band YenHarley by Jannes Glas - Netherlands

I enjoyed eating at The Hard Rock Cafe & Ruth Chris but the Steak & Eggs at the 24/7 Grille (inside the Casino) are my favorite. When you're gambling, you're not hungry. Then all of a sudden you realize its 4 a.m. and you're starving. 24/7 Grille is the only place open and in the wee hours, they have some great specials. If you're on a budget, there's a Waffle House and McDonald's within walking distance of the hotel.

by Jean Scheijen, Netherlands

The famous Frank Zappa Quilt made from the bras and panties of groupies. I'm not kidding, look close and you'll see them! Be sure to take a tour of Hard Rock Biloxi's Top 12 Exhibits. It's difficult to get good pictures because of the bulbs in the display cases, but you'll enjoy the experience.

Fan in front of Steven Tyler's "Love in an Elevator" Outfit

Relax at the Aveda Salon inside the Hotel

Wheel of Fortune by Yvonne Stepanow

If you lose, they'll refund up to $100 of your money. How sweet is that? There are some stipulations on the time frame, so make sure you understand them before you get drunk. Bring a back up credit card. You can use your Player's Club Card to pay for food at the restaurants if you have enough points.

A Bob Mackie Original Design

King Tut Exhibit in Atlanta

2008-10-09T12:44:00.012-04:00

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo by Tamlyn Rhodes

The Boy King by Paul Porteous

For the first time in 30 years, King Tut is going on vacation! If you've always wanted to visit Egypt, here's your chance to see over 130 of the Cairo Museum's most prized possessions. In November 2008, Emory University's Carlos Museum will host the Tutankhamun Exhibit at The Atlanta Civic Center. Already on Exhibit in London, Tut will travel to Dallas and then to Atlanta this November. If you would like to book a King Tut Package for your group contact Tara Travel Agency.

Pharoe Tout Ankh Amoun Golden Face at

Egyptian Musuem near pyramids by M.A. Makky

Pyramids in Giza by Piotr Lapinski

Egypt does not need an introduction. It was the introduction to human civilization itself, and has all the evidence to show for it. Tour Egypt from the lively Nile Valley, to the solitary deserts, the diversity of the Sinai desert, the lush oasis, the exotic underwater life of the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean beaches.

"St. Anthony's monastery in Egypt's Eastern desert,

complete with the friendliest monk imaginable!" by Photographer Pete Shelley

Cairo, the capital is the place to start. It has the Pyramids, the Sphinxs, the Egyptian Museum, many more sights and more than ten million cairenes to share the experience. Alexandria , the second city of the country has its fair share of historicsights as well and with its location on the Mediterranean it is an ideal spot for yourholidays. The south of Egypt has many impressive temples and graves from Pharaonic times. Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel should all be on your to do list. The Red Sea has great scuba diving : Hurghada is famous for its under water world.

Red Sea Reef by Damien King

"Now, let me talk more of Egypt for it has a lot of admirable things and what one sees there is superior to any other country." - Herodotus, 500 BCE

See over there...

2008-09-25T13:23:00.005-04:00

Couple by John Evans

Mary Mac's Tea Room Review

2008-09-23T05:05:00.047-04:00

On the way to the Georgia Aquarium, we decided to try the famous Mary Mac's Tearoom for lunch. Known for it's authentic, southern cooking, Mary Mac's has been in Atlanta for over 60 years. Located on Ponce De Leon Avenue near the Fox Theater,you have to be careful not to pass it. As a way to make extra money during World War II, Mary McKinney put her cooking skills to work and created a food lovers' delight. It was called a "tearoom" at the time, because women couldn't open restaurants in 1945. Now for the juicy part. Mary Mac's is a casual restaurant with a Jazzy almost New Orleans feel to it. There are separate dining rooms with cool themes and plenty of room for groups to have meetings and parties.

The menu is full of traditional dishes - Fried and Smothered Chicken, Meatloaf, Seafood, and several mouthwatering sides like Macaroni and Cheese, Fried Green Tomatoes, Sweet Potatoes - It's fun just reading the menu. I ordered the Chicken and Dressing, Squash Souffle and Collard Greens. You have a choice of cornbread or rolls. Choose both. Don't be surprised when your waitress tells you to write down your own order. If you are with a group of three people, try the Southern Special Buffet for $16.95 per person. Includes: Fried and Baked Chicken, Country Fried Steak and Gravy, Cornbread Dressing, Three Fresh Vegetables, Hot Breads, and Coffee, Tea or Punch. The food is just like moms ! Seasoned just right, with more than enough to fill you up, you wonder why you haven't found this place sooner.

Midtown Atlanta

2008-09-18T05:33:00.009-04:00

by Diego Sinning

It's been an exciting week, and my summer is going out with a big bang. We spent five days in Biloxi, Mississippi at the Hard Rock Casino Hotel and today we're going to the Georgia Aquarium to view the Titanic Aquatic Exhibit. Its supposed to be a cool interactive journey that allows you to do things like, feel the temperature of the water the night the Titanic sank. I can't wait to see the artifacts they recovered and their present-day condition. Too bad you can't take pictures.

Sulky by Herman Brinkman

2008-09-03T07:46:00.002-04:00

Sulky on Noordzee Beach in the Netherlands

Hurricane Evacuation Route

2008-08-30T09:42:00.004-04:00

If the time comes by Jeff Jones

Best Friends

2008-08-28T16:50:00.005-04:00

Friends by Jose Fernando Carli

Race to the Great Wall of China

2008-08-10T19:30:00.017-04:00

Beijing Tiger by Bobby McGill

Forbidden City by Bobby McGill

Beijing means 'Northern Capital' and in many ways the name speaks for itself. It is the capital of the People's Republic of China and the capital of bureaucrats. The whole country supposedly runs on Beijing time and is supposed to speak the Beijing dialect. From here the Chinese Communist Party rules over its enormous empire while further to the south, you will find more and more free trading with new capitalists, having contributed to form the new face of China over the last decades.

Temple of Heaven by Sridar Vendala

Beijing has come a long way from the dusty communist capital of the seventies and eighties to a modern city with the usual high rising buildings and shopping malls. At the same time, hotel and restaurant standards have improved enormously. It may not yet be able to compete with Hong Kong or Shanghai, but in its runup to the 2008 Olympics, it is trying real hard. Naturally, Beijing has some of the most superb examples of Chinese architecture. No other place in China offers such a large number of old buildings as Bejing. On top of that, Beijing is one of the more convenient starting points for visiting The Great Wall.

The Great Wall by Grace Yang

Despite rain in Beijing, women cyclists competed by following a mind-blowing course that included the Temple of Heaven and The Great Wall of China as the finish line. They all deserve Olympic medals !

Sustainable Tourism in Panama

2008-08-07T07:25:00.011-04:00

"La Pollera is the national dress of Panama"

"The 100 Polleras Parade", Panama
Photography by Muriel Miralles

After running tours for other companies for 10 years, I decided to start my own tour company, Panama Breezes, here in Panama. Whether working in the wilds of Alaska or visiting pueblos in Latin America, I always felt the need for responsible tourism and practiced 3 simple guiding principles: realize that every destination is home for someone else, leave places as we would like to find them, and ensure the communities and the environment benefit from our visit.

Tourism is one of the most important and largest industries on the planet, employing millions and millions more rely on it. Starting a company from the ground up gives me the opportunity to design tours and operate in a way that gives the highest degree of long-term economic benefit to the host country, whilst maintaining and/or improving the environment and environmental awareness.

Chiara Guella

Being socially conscious, minimizing negative effects on the environment and contributing to local communities are all ways Panama Breezes will help keep Panama beautiful and insure it remains a destination in the future. We use local suppliers whenever possible, keep group sizes small so we don’t overload local infrastructure, and plan on long-term benefits for local communities. Panama Breezes will operate in a way that encourages positive cultural exchanges while practicing low and no impact tourism. I encourage my clients to gain an insight into the culture and way of life of the indigenous, to act in a socially responsible way and to learn about the history, flora and fauna of this dynamic country and its people. We visit the Comarca de Kuna Yala, home to the independent Kuna Indians and see how they have maintained their traditions. I have recently added a visit to integrate with the Ngobe-Bugle people in the Chiriqui Provence, to see how they are learning responsible farming methods and see how they make their own cloths and things to sell like straw/palm purses and dresses they wear.

Muriel Miralles

I am linked with the school, Spanish Panama, for people interested in learning the language and Peace Passers (a new charity organization started by a friend in the states) for people that want to bring new or used sporting equipment to donate to the less fortunate children in this developing country.

Panama Breezes is setting an example of sustainable tourism while providing clients with top quality adventure tours. For more information visit our website http://www.barefootpanama.com/

Article courtesy of your Tour Guide - Kevin O'Brien

2008-07-30T09:50:00.026-04:00

Summer Kiss by Michelle Spagnol

Some of my fondest memories are of falling in love during summer vacation. You have so many exciting things to do together and the days seem to last forever. I remember watching the movie Grease and singing, "Summer lovin, had me a blast...". Danny and Sandy fell head over heels while on vacation. Key West has always worked its magical charm whenever I visit. This year we wanted to rent a private beach house and found Little Gasparilla Island, in Placida, Florida. Stay tuned for pics of this private paradise.