It was an early, pre-dawn start from Orion II as we departed in a flotilla of zodiacs for the 2 ½-hour trip up the Sungai Sekonyer River. Life on the river began to awaken as we did and within the first 40 minutes of the journey we were treated to our first orangutan sighting in the wild — a large
Read more…
The word “orangutan” derives from the Malay words, “orang” is person; and utan comes from human which means “forest” … thus, “person of the forest,” and that is what we’ve come all this way to see! It is the largest tree-dwelling mammal, the only ape in Asia and shares 97% of human DNA. They are only found on Borneo and
Read more…
After two and a half days at sea, it is a happy event to catch our first glimpse of the third largest island in the world, Borneo, or Kalimantan, as the locals call it. As seen from the sea, it is seemingly flat and featureless, however, we all know that it’s lowland rain forests contain one of the most diverse
Read more…
We’re now 24 hours into the trip and commencing our first “day at sea.” The Java Sea, which is known to be rough, has been remarkably calm and we are delighted that Mother Nature is smiling on us. It’s a bit overcast, so not exactly “sunning on deck” weather, but not to worry as we’ve been kept very busy with
Read more…
An early morning yoga session with yogi, “Putu” was a great start to the day! It took place in an open-air pavilion and the soft pitter-patter of falling rain, tree frogs singing and birds chirping were a stark counterpoint to the claustrophobic, sweaty walls of my yoga studio at home. Sadly, it was a morning of packing and preparing to
Read more…
I flew for what seems like forever to get here—possibly taking the circuitous route via Tokyo, but arrived, nonetheless, WITH MY LUGGAGE for a change! For anyone connecting in Tokyo, make a beeline for the drug store and stock up on “ZI” eye drops (my favorite)—very refreshing for the eyes and totally unavailable in the States. It’s hard to believe
Read more…
Why this tiny land-locked Bhuddist kingdom, nestled high in the Himalayas was # 1 on my bucket list! For years, Bhutan captured my imagination like no other destination ever had, and now having been there, I feel even more drawn to the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” than ever before. I’ve been reading everything I can get my hands on,
Read more…
Opting for a last full day at Little Dix, we arrived St. Maarten rather late at night but in time for a lovely dinner at Le Reserve, La Samanna’s verandah restaurant. My admittedly high expectations were exceeded as we were shown to our two-bedroom beachfront suite (D-10) which was perfection—completely white with touches of blue; it was very elegant in
Read more…
An early morning workout in the well-equipped gym definitely assuages the guilt of attacking the breakfast buffet with gusto. It’s the first time I’ve seen a smoothie station where you pick what goes into it! The gym overlooks several immaculate grass tennis courts and the good-looking British pro is happy to provide lessons. After being dangerously tempted by an array
Read more…
Joy, joy, joy…. that is the name of the 4-bedroom villa perched high on the mountain overlooking Little Dix Bay’s idyllic cove where I am presently ensconced. They are proud to tell you “it’s about the nature of the place” and it’s so true — the rooms and cottages are nestled in mature tropical plantings so that you barely
Read more…