Author Archive | The Fighting Couple

Top 10 things to do in Marrakesh

Have you booked your tickets to Marrakesh?  If you have, count yourself lucky.   You are in for an adventure of a lifetime! Morocco is unlike any place we have visited.  With its interesting culture, delectable cuisine and welcoming locals, Marrakesh is indeed an enchanting destination.  With a city that offers so much, we came up with a list of the top “must experience.”

Lets start with a quick primer for the city.  Marrakesh is the fourth largest city in Morocco, and is very tourist-friendly.  English and French are spoken at most restaurants and hotels and across the city.  At the heart of the city is “Old Marrakesh”, it is surrounded by fortified walls and battlements.  At the center of the old city is the central square called Jemaa el-Fnaa.  This sizable public area is surrounded by tourist focused restaurants and filled to the brim with arts and crafts vendors, snake charmers, and crowds of visitors.

Riad Houdou

1) Stay in a Riad-To truly partake in the vibe of the city, we highly recommend staying in one of the Riads in the old medina.  Riads are converted mansions that now play host to tourists as a bed and breakfast. We stayed at the Riad Houdou.  This riad has well-appointed rooms, engaging staff, and a rooftop dining area that is enchanting.  Riads are the perfect bases to seeing the city.  Hosts can help you navigate the narrow alleyways and build your itinerary.  Most are very affordable all the way up to the high-end lodging for the well-healed. 

Yves Saint Lauren Home

2) Yves St. Lauren Museum and Le Jardin Majorelle Are you ready to relive some 80s chic?  Look no further than this museum dedicated to the design powerhouse Yves and his partner Pierre.  They would frequent the city and created an enclave with gardens and a bright blue home.   The gardens on the property are absolutely incredible.

One of the many works of art in the Maison de La Photographie

3) The Maison de la Photographie de Marrakech -Although modest in size, this little museum was my favorite of our visit.  It contains a collection of early photos of Morocco.  You get a feel for what life was like during the era of sultans and Bedouins.  They have a gift shop on the first floor with prints of just about all of the art you will see.

The Jewish Cemetery of Marrakech

4) Jewish Cemetery-One of the highlights of my visit was wandering the Jewish Cemetery.  At one time, Marrakech had a large community of Jews.  Now they number less than 200 within the city.  Gravestones are whitewashed and many include Hebrew and French inscriptions.  For more information on the cemetery, please visit here.

Sahara Desert

5)  Side trip to the Sahara- If you know us well, we love side trips.  One that we would highly recommend is a journey out to the Sahara.  There are a number of companies that will offer transportation and tent stays out on the grand desert.  Know this, it is a ways out of town.  The drive is 8-10 hours one way.  The trip takes you over the Atlas Mountains which are nothing short of Instagram worthy!  We stayed just one night on the sand and took some amazing pictures of the desert. 

 

6)  Golf-With over a dozen different courses and weather that will never disappoint, golfing in Marrakech is a must-do for the golfing enthusiast.  We played the Royal Golf Course and the Assoufid Golf Club.  While the Royal was much more buttoned-up, and high end.  The Assoufid was a great track for a relaxed game.  The Royal actually hosted Churchill and Eisenhower during the war.  Plan your outing for early in the AM to avoid the oppressive heat.

Silversmith at the Handicraft center

7)  Handicraft center- Make a trip to the center square and you will be bombarded by enterprising sellers to sell you their wares.  We highly recommend avoiding the maylay of hawkers.  There is a handicraft center just outside the medina that has some really high quality, and fairly priced items to take home.  They highlight local artists and craftsmen so you can be assured that you are not getting taken.  The best thing about the center?  All prices are posted.

8)  Dinner on the square- As we mentioned above, the food in Morocco is a delight!  The mesh of French and Arabic culinary traditions is the perfect marriage.  Spice?  Yes!  Butter and wine?  Yes!  There is a wide variety of different offerings catering to just about any taste.  

9)  El Badi Palace-There are a number of ruins in the city that are interesting and of historical importance, none more so than the El Badi Palace.  Nicknamed the Palace of Wonder, it lives up to every inch of its name.  The former seat of power for the Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur, the palace has a huge throne room, reflection pools and massive walls.   There is a citrus orchard in the center as well.

Saadian Tombs

10)The Saadian Tombs-One of the off the beaten path attractions is this set of ornately tiled tombs.   The stonework and tile work set this location apart.  The arches over the tombs are absolutely incredible. 

We hope you enjoy your journey to Marrakech!  Reach out to us if you have questions or if we can assist in any way! 

Fascinating Middle East Destinations For Those in Love

Are you looking to rejuvenate, enhance, or enjoy your love life? What expectations are you having for your upcoming holidays? Thinking about the Middle East will give you a refreshing shot at your relationship. Forget what you hear about this region – the wars and endless turmoil. Tucked within this largely Muslim region are gems of locations that will appeal to you. What’s more? They are all safe. 

Oman

Oman is an exquisite location to visit and enjoy with your beau. Though it is a desert, both of you will have fun on its long beaches bordering the vast Indian Ocean. The friendly and inviting locals will make it easy for you to blend in as you unwind. Here are a few factors that make this an irresistible place to visit:

  • Most stunning: it has a fascinating history and ‘expensive’ frankincense trees. Frankincense is burnt as incense in some places of worship. It makes eyeliner, perfume, and an ingredient for embalming. 
  • Strategic location along the coast: there is Sawadi Beach where you can enjoy water sports and have a quiet picnic together. 
  • Natural beauty: includes dramatic mountains such as Hajar and Jebel Akhdar. It is home to the Oryx.
  • Scenic landscape: experience this in places like the Musandam, Nahkhl’s hot springs, and Bimmah Sinkhole.
  • Hospitable locals: who will give you a taste of mouthwatering cuisine and explain their interesting traditions.

Beirut, Lebanon

Like most places in the Middle East, Beirut is safe with a rich culture. Despite what it has been through in terms of war, it still has attractions that you must visit as you cement your love. Get mesmerized by the architectural designs of the souks as you saunter around doing your shopping.

How about catching up with Lebanese history at the Martyrs’ Square? This landmark is a reminder of the executions during Ottoman’s reign. Stroll along the waterfront for a cool evening breeze. In addition, do not shy away from the nightlife. It’s vibrant.

Dubai, UAE

This is the ideal place for relaxation as a couple. Dubai is synonymous with a vacation paradise. It has many sightseeing attractions and unique structures. Getting a visa is an easy process so you can enter the city with no hassle. You will not experience any dull moments. 

If anything, there won’t be enough time to sample every place or engage in the many activities open to you. Places to visit include The Dubai museum, massage center, Dubai Mall, vast deserts, and sandy beaches. Participate in activities like yachting, skiing (Yes, in Dubai), desert safari, flyboarding, wining, and dining among a host of others.  

Jordan 

Your greatest concern as a couple is security during your trip. Jordan offers this in abundance and much more. It has remarkable areas like Petra with its breathtaking architecture. Expect to have a blast in Jordan’s Dead Sea. 

You will enjoy diving and splashing warm water on each other at Aqaba. Pure pleasure awaits you in the form of hot springs that are tucked away beneath a waterfall. You can top all these up by venturing into Mujib Biosphere, which is the lowest point in the world. 

Bahrain

This is a modern country with a rich historical and cultural background. It is a perfect break from your everyday environment. As a multi-ethnic country, Bahrain is quite accommodating which will make you feel at home. There are many places for you to visit and enjoy as a couple. 

They are intriguing yet not crowded to offer you time to talk and listen to each other. Some must-visit exciting spots include Mountain of Smoke (Jebel Al Dukhan), Al-Fateh Mosque, Tree of Life (Shajarat-al-Hayat), Lost Paradise (Dilmun Water Park), Al Areen Reserve, and the Azizia Bird Kingdom among others.

10 Things Travel Lovers Should do During Corona

  1. Cry– Let’s start right there?  Let’s all have an ugly weep about not being able to get out and see the world in ways we have in the past.  It’s ok to have a good sook!  We are truly sad!

2. Read a Travel Book-Some of the best journeys we can take are in our own minds.  Emily Dickinson said, “To travel far, there is not better ship than a book.”  Read a novel set in a place that you have dreamed of visiting.  I am just finishing reading “Death on the Nile” by Agatha Christie.  It has inspired a serious case of wanderlust.  What is your fave “travel” book?

Wish we were there!

3. Be Grateful- Say a prayer, write a poem, draw a picture.  What locations are you most grateful for experiencing?  Now is a great time to connect with past travel companions or hosts.  Let these people know how much they mean to you.

4. Get out and see your area-Some of the often-overlooked destinations may be in your own back yard.  Luci and I have ventured to locations near our home in Boise, Idaho.  There is so much to see and do that don’t require a passport.  Where safe, take a day trip and see something new in your area. 

We took a recent drive to some waterfalls that we had been driving by for 30+ years!  They were flat out amazing!  We are embarrassed that we never took the short drive to see them!  For those of you in southwest Idaho, go check out Malad Gorge!  They are stunning falls!

5. Journaling-The Fighting Couple are avid journalists.  We love recording our experiences, our victories and defeats.  The blog itself was born from a desire to share ideas and tips to our friends around the globe.  Now is a great time to take up the journaling.  For those of you that have been in the practices, go back and read of past adventures. 

Journaling is time travel.  Reading a passage, you wrote years ago will bring back the tastes, the smells, the joys you felt visiting that faraway place.  We promise you many of your perspectives will bring a smile to your face.  It can be as simple as recording the mundane tasks you completed today, all the way up to documenting the many emotions you are facing being quarantined. 

We highly recommend the beautiful Journals of Oberon Designs. We have used their journals for almost 20 years!

6. Organize your pictures– We chose this one so we would feel guilty!  We have so much work to do to get all of our pictures sorted.  How are you doing on getting your pictures in one place?  Have you ever done a Shutterfly book, featuring one of your trips?

7. Set goals-Where do you want to go next?  What would you do there and why?  How would you get there?  What budget would you need?  We have an epic trip in mind for 2022.  We are starting now on the building the plan.   Now is a great time to do the research.  Now is a great time to connect with others that have been and can share their perspective.

8. Share your stories- This is a big one.  Find a way to share what you have seen with others.  One of our favorite things is hosting “trip reports” after we return from one of our adventures.  We invite a bunch of friends for food, conversation and a few pictures of our trip.  It is a great chance share what you have learned.  Your travel might inspire someone to get out and see the world.  Times have changed, now we do these get togethers via Zoom. 

Sharing your travels can also shape young minds.  Don’t miss opportunities to share your adventures with youth or school groups.  When I was a child, I had an Aunt Maurine that had traveled the world.  They had spent a month traveling in India.  Hearing her share her harrowing tales inspired my own wanderlust.

9. Learn a Language-Where do you want to go next?  How about investing a few hours a week to learn that local language?  There are so many tools online and on your phone that can make your home a language learning academy. 

10. Save your Pennies- Now is a great time to get your finances in order.  Save a few dollars ever month for your dream trip to Kathmandu.  Pay off some of the student loans.  Get yourself on a budget.  Staying at home more gives you more control over your food and entertainment budgets.  Netflix and chill is affordable!

These are a just a few things that we are doing to keep us occupied till our next flight (soon we hope!)  We are thinking of you our readers.  We miss sharing new places with you.  Don’t worry, in time we will all be back out there!  Stay safe!

Top 7 Ideas For Couples in Dubai

Looking for a beautiful place to travel for you and your partner to create new memories, have thrilling adventures and fall even more in love? Look no farther than Dubai, your perfect romantic location. With so many incredible places to visit, you really can’t go wrong soaking up all of what Dubai has to offer. Below we have listed seven of our couple spots to visit while here. 

  1. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
    As one of the most captivating attractions in Dubai, you’ll find you and your partner hand in hand while being in awe of the most diverse collection of aquatic life. The Dubai Aquarium is known as the largest indoor aquarium in the world, and the Underwater Zoo brings you up close and personal with crabs, otters, penguins, jellyfish, piranhas and more! Make sure to take that romantic walk through the underwater tunnel and keep an eye out for those sharks. If anyone gets a little scared, hugs are recommended.
  2. Dolphin Bay
    If your goal is to create an incredible memory, throwing yourself in a wetsuit and jumping into a pool of Dolphins will probably do the trick. At Dolphin Bay at Atlantis, the most sophisticated dolphin habitat in the world, you have the opportunity to choose between a shallow water experience, a swimming experience or a scuba diving experience with these remarkable animals. You and your loved one are bound to leave Dolphin Bay with a smile you won’t be able to get rid of for days.
  3. Dubai Garden Glow
    At first, Dubai Garden Glow may not seem like a place you are drawn to, until you find out it’s a literal ‘glow-in-the-dark garden’ filled with unique art and themes, creating an unbelievable experience for any couple who visits. Grab some comfortable shoes and be ready to have your mind blown. 
Soaking in Dubai
  1. Marina Beach
    Despite Dubai being a desert location, you will still be able to experience that incredible beach vibe here. The beautiful Marina Beach has many fun activities, delicious restaurant options and is completely free. The unique sky rise backdrop overlooking the water is stunning and a bonus point, you will literally be able to shop until you drop here. If you want to push it up a notch, this is the perfect location for you to hire your first sports car in Dubai and take your loved one for a spin in the area! 
  1. Dubai Ferry
    A great way to see the city from a unique angle is to take advantage of the Dubai Ferry. There are a variety of different locations you can go to and rides are predominately between one and two hours. The boat is a slow and smooth sail, so motion sickness shouldn’t be an issue and cuddling together is mandatory. Food and drinks are available onboard.
  2. Dubai Opera
    If you’re looking to take your loved one to a show than the Dubai Opera is where you should be looking. Located in downtown Dubai, it is the epitome of art and music. You can even enjoy The Opera District, a square kilometre of waterfront promenades, recreational spaces and parks, and shopping. A romantic evening is in the books here.
  3. Flying Cup
    As a new attraction, the Flying Cup is an intriguing ‘new thing to do’ while visiting Dubai. If you aren’t afraid of heights, you can sit 40 meters high and enjoy snacks and drinks while you take in the views of City Burj Al Arab, The Palm Atlantis and Skydive Dubai. This will truly be a memory you will both remember forever. 


Whatever your romantic preferences are, Dubai has the most amazing places to see and things to do. Incredibly enough, these aren’t even the only places you can choose! Your romantic experience will be elevated here, and you both will leave Dubai happy, smiling and even more in love than before.

Ushuaia: The End of the World

There are few places on the planet like Ushuaia.   It is one of those places you don’t accidentally end up visiting.  It is a village of beginnings and endings.  

Perched on the southern tip of Argentina, Ushuaia claims the title of the southern most city on the earth.  It is often called the “fin del Mundo” (end of the earth).  Tourism provides the lifeblood of the village.  Ushuaia and her sister city Punta Arenas, Chile, are key departure points for tourist, scientific and activist departures to Antarctica.  

Port of Ushuaia

Ushuaia is far from just a transit port.  It is a beautiful and interesting area all on its own.  The backdrop for the city are dramatic peaks, dense forests, and alpine lakes.  The Beagle Channel marks the southern border of the city.  The dramatic scenery attracted the eye of Alejandro Gonzalez Inarriu who shot his famed film, The Revenant, here in 2015.  Even an ill fated edition of Top Gear was filmed here (until they were run out of the city for making references to the Falkland War.)

According to tradition, the word Ushuaia comes from the Yaghan language: ush and waia (“bay” or “cove”) and means “deep bay”.  This name is very fitting.  Its port hosts expedition ships with flags from around the globe.  

A Storied History

The city was founded by British explorers and settled by missionaries.  It was later converted into a penal colony that housed the worst of the worst offenders due to the fact that escape was impossibly dangerous.  The prison was done away with by President Peron in the late 1940s.  The rough edges of the city’s former residents remain.  Plucky year round residents face harsh winters of isolation.

Instead of a place to avoid, the city now attracts flocks of Northface and Helly Hansen clad wanderers.  Wide-eyed and well-healed journey men and women crowd the many eateries along the port docks.  High tourist season runs October to March during the southern summer.  Hotels of every level of hospitality dot the front of the mountain range that plays host to the city.

The Fin del Mundo!

Getting There

The city sports a sizable international airport.  With connections to major hubs like Buenos Aires, Rio, and many other key South American cities, getting there has become much more easier.   Do be aware, the city sits smack dab between a cold and warm ocean.  This causes turbulence on the water and in the air.  The video below was taken on our flight.  It was bumpy!  There are a fleet of taxis that ferry folks from the airport to downtown or to lodging.  We also used Uber, which was very affordable. 

Getting There the Hard Way

As you begin to spend some time in Ushuaia you start to notice the abundance of long distance road bikes and converted VW and sprinter vans.  Ushuaia is the southern terminus of the Great Pan-American Highway.  Brave motorists begin north in Alaska and take the epic journey that crosses the equator and delivers them to the end of the road literally in Ushuaia. 

The Stories

Ushuaia is not a center of learning and art; nor is it a place of culture and refinement.  It is a place of stories.  Whether you are sitting in a pub or eating empanadas overlooking the bay, conversation is king.  Skilled waitstaff speak the basics of dozens of languages.  Spanish, English, and German seem to be the most common in our limited experience.  There is a kaleidoscope of different backgrounds and nationalities.  

During our visit, a Greenpeace frigate was docked at harbor, two oil tankers and a half a dozen expedition boats headed across the Drake Passage en route to Antarctica.  This made for a wide array of viewpoints at dinner.  This clash of ideas is what makes Ushuia magical.  Pull up a chair and join the scrum!

Chile Border Crossing

There are numerous day trips you can take to see southern Patagonia.  Ushuaia is the perfect launching point for these excursions.   We will highlight one.  A very special one.  We took the Hito XXIV trail into Chile.  It took us the morning to hike in and out.  It was one of the best hikes I have ever done.  The beauty of the alpine lake, and the waterfalls along the trail were stunning.   If you are country collectors like us, this is an easy one to add to your collection with minimal effort.  There is a lodge at the trailhead that has excellent cheesecake.

Hito XXIV Hike to Chile

An Ode to Ushuaia

Few cities in this world have left an impression like Ushuaia.  It is a unique place.  It is a beautiful place.  But most importantly, it has a soul that is made up of all those that congregate on her steps as they conclude or begin their journey of self discovery.  

The city’s motto is:  Ushuaia, end of the world, beginning of everything.  I have found this to be true.

10 Steps to Antarctica

We often hear about our travels, ”what a trip of a lifetime”.   

But this trip was different.

This one was special. 

Antarctica.

Antarctica!

In a previous post, I shared how meaningful going to Antartica was because it was a lifetime goal set by a kid in rural Idaho. Back in high school, I (Mike) set the audacious goal to set foot on all seven continents and swim in the seven seas.  I saved the hardest, most expensive, and most difficult one for last.  This post is intended for two groups of people: 1) Those of you who are planning your trip there and 2) Those that chose not to go, but want to see some cool penguin pics.  I do need to give a shout out to some of the bloggers who inspired and coached me on this adventure:  Adventurous Kate  and iAmAileen They give good advice, follow them.

This is the first of a few posts about my adventure.

What follows is the 10 simple (not really) steps to prep for this grand adventure.

Step 1) Save up lots of money.  I saved five years for this adventure (Birthdays, Christmas, Father’s Day, basically anytime I could con Luci into giving me money instead of a present for a holiday).  Costs are below:

$7,800 per person Oceanwide double cabin. Discovery and Learning Voyage (10 day, 9 nights). MV Hondius

$3,200 Delta Airlines (Delta comfort) BOI-EZE

$700  Aerolineas Argentinas AEP to Ushuaia

$125 transfer between EZE and AEP

Step 2) Search the right cruise for you.  There are two types of cruises to Antarctica, ones that let you land on the continent, and those that let you wave to the penguins as you sail by.  Current international regulations limit the number of passengers that can be on a ship and make a landing.  Big cruise ships are not welcome.  You will need to board an “expedition ship” to make the crossing if you want terra firma.  There are roughly a dozen different cruise lines that offer the trips.  Prices range from $3,800 to $50,000.

Step 3) Timing is everything.  Due to weather conditions, Drake Passage crossings can only be made in the months of October to March.  The crossing is notoriously “bumpy”.  Shoulder season prices are cheaper, with good reason.  As the saying goes, “The Drake Shake or the Drake Lake”.  We (my friend and I) were very lucky to get the latter.  We made our trek in late December.  Saving money by cutting corners on timing is not recommended.

Dress warm!

Step 4) Packing and Prep.  This trip was like none other.  As we were staying in Buenos Aires for a couple days after our trip, we had to pack for two completely different seasons.  It goes without saying that it is cold in Antarctica. A visit to the peninsula is unlikely to produces -40 versus Buenos Aires that is one hot town during summer.

It was cold and windy during our visit to #7.  It is best to dress in layers, with a water and wind proof shell.  You will need gloves, thick socks and a warm hat.  I used Helly Hansen sailing gear and was glad I did.  They specialize in clothing that keeps you warm and dry on the water.  I highly recommend. and sunblock are also highly recommended to deal with the reflection of snow and ice.  I didn’t wear sunblock and ended up sunburned.  You will also need a swimsuit!  Stay tuned on that!  Most, if not all ships, provide footwear for visiting the continent.  This is a function of preventing invasive plants and from being transported to this pristine environment. 

A word or two about camera gear.  I went with our Cannon DSLR with two lens (50 and a 250).  Spend as much as you can afford on a lens.  It will make all the difference.  I kinda wish I would have gone with the longer lens. But most of my pictures I took using my iphone. Some of my best pics were on my phone.  Crazy huh?

Step 5) Go see the doctor. I went to my local travel clinic to get all the seasickness meds money can buy.  Read more on this step in our previous post. The Drugs of Antarctica.

Step 6) Board the plane!  Our flight originated in my hometown of Boise, Idaho.  I had layovers in Salt Lake City and Atlanta.   Download those books and podcasts!  The flight from Atlanta ATL to Buenos Aires EZE was roughly 10 hours.  I took the overnight flight, which really helped with the jet lag.

Step 7) Transfer and board the other plane!  Flights to the two major ports (Ushuaia and Puerto Arenas) that have ships going to Antarctica leave out of a different airport in Buenos Aires.  The transfer takes roughly an hour, but can be up to 3 hours depending on traffic.  Leave plenty of time for this transfer including getting through customs in EZE.  We spent three hours in line to get through customs.  Rumor is there was a strike that day, but I cannot confirm.  Just follow my advice, leave plenty of time. 

Step 8) Enjoy Ushuaia.  Ushuaia is unlike any place I have ever been.  It is nicknamed the “Fin Del Mundo” — The end of the world.  You have an eclectic mix of folks there.  Some just finished their trans north and south America journeys, there’s a bunch of trust fund millennials, or a herd of hard core travelers seeking to board the boat to get #7,  while you also meet adventure junkies just seeking to explore.  We were never short on conversation topics as we dined with others.

Go and take your picture by the Fin Del Mundo sign!  This was particularly special to me as one of my good friends who ran the JourneyWoman blog, who has since passed away, posed at the same place.  I miss her.  She was an inspiration to so many. Evelyn Hannon is my hero. We wish Carolyn Ray well as she fills those shoes!

Step 9) The morning of departure, you must bring your luggage to your cruise company’s headquarters.  Luggage must be loaded by the ship’s crew. You can board with your hand luggage, no problem.  Don’t forget, you will need your passport as you go to board, don’t leave it in your luggage!

Step 10) Savor every second.  Yes, this truly is a trip of a lifetime.  The things you will see: the ice, the water, the animals and the terrain are unlike anything you will ever see again.  The follow adventures are fascinating, the crew and expedition leaders are an intriguing bunch. 

The final part of this is to take that first step up the gangway to adventure. 

Boy Voyage!

Antartica Trip: The Drugs

Ok.  This Antarctic adventure is getting real!  Let the departure prep work begin. Where to start?  Let’s talk about drugs.

One of the many mistakes I have made in prepping for this trip is continuing to search in YouTube for “Drake Passage”.  I have watched hours of ships bobbing up and down white capped waves. The dreaded “Drake Shake” is 3 days each way in some of the most tempestuous seas on the planet.  I have never been on a cruise. How bad can it be?


Needless to say, I am not a doctor, please seek proper medical advice.  I am only sharing my own experience. Every trip to exotic locales begins with a trip to our local travel clinic.  I love the look of shock and awe when a new doctor looks at my vaccination chart. It reads like a fine wine menu of exotic disease prevention.  “Looks like you have a nice turn of the century Yellow Fever series.”  

The S-Word

This visit was a little different.  I am current on all of my injections.  I was there to talk about the S. Word: SEA-SICKNESS.  From what I have read, it may be worse than the worse case of a Man Cold.  Deadly. I had prepped a number of questions. “What about the whole magic bracelet thing? I hear that it will clear my chi and free radicals that cause the dreaded seasickness.” Dr’s exact words, “Doesn’t work.”  After I ran through all of the other homeopathic concoctions I had read about on the inter-webs, we got down to business on things that actually work.

There are two primary drugs that are a must have for any crossing of the Drake Passage:  The Patch and the Pre-puke pill.   And for today only, we have a bonus drug!

The Patch

The Patch aka Scopolamine (skoe POL a meen) 1mg.  Reading the directions: apply at least 4 hours before embarkation.  Place on dry skin behind the ear. Remove patch 72 hours after first application.  Replace as needed. So what is Scoopledaramingere? https://www.drugs.com/mtm/scopolamine.html   The patch delivers its magic over time through the skin.  It is proven to be effective in preventing common motion sickness.  The side effects section of the novel the pharmacy gave me claims that they are mild.  Do be aware that mixing drugs and alcohol can be dangerous, ask any 80’s hair band member. 

Pre-Puke

What if the patch doesn’t work?  What if I still feel nauseous? Plan B:  The Pre Puke Pill aka Ondansetron (on DAN se tron).  Take 1 tablet each 6 hours at as needed for nausea. The nice thing about these beauties?  They are dissolved under the tongue. Side effect read similar to the Patch. Dry mouth?  Is that really a thing? Do be aware, this drug will not prevent or even treat the sea sickness symptoms (dizziness, headache, etc.). It just settles your stomach.

And the other thing

Our route to getting to our boat takes us through the beautiful countries of Argentina and Chile.  As an added precaution, my doc recommended Azithromycin (az ith roe MYE sin). This is some heavy duty bug killer.  It is used to treat diarrhea. Take two tablets at the onset. This one has more moderate side affects. Please pay  attention to the do’s and don’t of this drug.

All three of the drugs listed above are available in the states via prescription.  Every body is different, visit with your doctor on how best to treat and at what dosage.  We do highly recommend taking every precaution to protect your health and happiness as you travel.

5 Reasons to Visit Tunisia

5 reasons to visit Tunisia

For those seeking adventure, Tunisia is the perfect holiday destination for the trip of a lifetime. This North African country is bordered on one side by the Mediterranean sea and on the other side by Algeria. Along its long coastline you can enjoy a hot Mediterranean climate freshened by the sea breeze, while inland it’s hot and arid, with areas of desert. Tunisia saw a decline in tourism after the events of 2015, but this extraordinary country is now considered safe and intrepid tourists are returning in numbers – it’s now reportedly one of the top five fastest growing tourist destinations in the world.

Ancient Ruins of Carthage

The ruins of the ancient city of Carthage are located close to the centre of Tunisia’s capital, Tunis. It is easily accessed by both train and taxi. This extraordinary 6th Century city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once a powerful trading capitol which rivalled Rome. The most famous Carthaginian, the general Hannibal, once led his army, complete with elephants, over the Alps to surprise the Roman Army! Eventually, Carthage was sacked by Rome and later became the centre of the Roman Empire in Africa. This long history means there are ruins to explore from the Punic and later Roman period. The site is huge, so allow plenty of time to explore. You will want to take in the Archaeological Park, where you can stroll around the ruins of Roman streets. Close by are both the public baths and the ruins of the Basilica of Douimès. 

Medina of Tunis

Once back in Tunis you will want to explore the Medina of Tunis or Old Town. In fact, it dates back to the 9th century when it was surrounded by high walls. These have long since crumbled, but you will find romantic narrow streets of whitewashed buildings and over 700 historical monuments including mosques, villas, gates and fountains. There are covered souks to explore where you can pick up a souvenir. Tunisia is famous for its carpets, ceramics, leather slippers and intricate handicrafts made from silver gilt and intricate wood veneers. This is a perfect opportunity to practice your haggling skills.

Diving

With 713 miles of Mediterranean coastline, Tunisia is the perfect place to explore the water and offers some wonderful sites to dive. Beginners might want to check out one of the resort towns around Cap Bon where the conditions are steady and the water shallow. In Hammamet you can explore several wrecks, sunk in the Second World War and submerged only 15 metres below the surface. Nature lovers might want to visit the Galite Islands. This is a designated nature reserve comprised of seven small islands. It is home to coral reefs harbouring endangered species and a colony of seals. Advanced divers will find plenty to challenge them in Tabarka, the site of the largest coral reef in the Mediterranean. Here the brave can explore Tunnels Reef – a system of tunnels covering 500 meters!

Sahara

Over 30% of Tunisia is covered by the mighty Sahara desert which extends into neighbouring Algeria and Libya. It is a magnificent place to visit. You can find tours that will take you in just to enjoy the sun setting over the sand dunes. Alternatively, take a camel trek and stay overnight in a Bedouin camp. 

Cuisine

If all that doesn’t tempt you then perhaps the food will. Tunisian cuisine is a fiery meeting between Mediterranean and North African culinary traditions. Expect mezze style dishes, flatbreads, couscous and spicy harissa. Be sure to try some of the many sweets like yo-yo’s, a freshly fried doughnut flavoured with orange and drenched in honey syrup.

Hawaii for Lovers

Hawaii is calling.

For many Americans this is their one big, lifetime, bucket-listed dream destination.  Being a US state, the language, transportation, currency and in some ways the culture is similar to the mainland. Plus, it’s relatively close: Hawaii is a mere 190 million inches away for Los Angeles.  That math translates to a simple 6 hour flight to paradise.  Recently Southwest Airlines announced that they will begin service to Honolulu.  The starting price?  $49 (one way, limited time, limited availably, plus taxes and fees-no way you are going this cheap).  Regardless of the price, Southwest is doing something special for traveling couples.  Alaska Airlines, as well as Delta Airlines, do get honorable mentions for affordable flights.  In no uncertain terms, these airlines are placing the dream couple’s trip within your reach. It’s time to go to Hawaii!

Tickets booked?

Hawaii is waiting.

Let’s work on your plan.  Having been to the Islands a number of times, we have posted a few articles that may help.  Step one is to pick an Island(s).  We took the challenge to describe each island in three words or less:

Oahu:  Crowded, Waikiki, Pearl Harbor

Maui:  Trendy, Fun, Yum

Hawaii:  Volcanos

Kauai: Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful

Molokai:  Rustic, quiet, off the grid

Lanai:  Golf, small, island life

Let’s start where most trips to the Island start: Oahu.  Most of the flights from the mainland arrive at the Oahu airport.  Most people are surprised as they circle on final approach at Honolulu.  It is a large city. It’s Manhattan with a beach.  There are four recommendations we have for you on Oahu:  Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay and the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Waikiki

If you are looking to do a sunset heart-hands selfie, be prepared to share the frame with a few dozen fellow sun worshipers.  Waikiki is crowded; there is no getting around it. It’s still very special.  Major international resorts line the long golden beach.  You will never be a stones through from a “watering hole” with umbrella drinks and other liquid libations.  With the sun and sand, the recipe for Hawaiian romance is waiting for you. You can rent a surf board, take a catamaran sunset cruise, or plant yourself in the sand and listen to the surf.

Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor

Real all about this important historical attraction on in our most recent post: Remembering Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor https://1000fights.com/remembering-pearl-harbor/

Hanauma Bay

Located a few miles, but light years away from the hustle and bustle of the city is Hanauma State Park (https://hanaumabaystatepark.com/).  Here you can snorkel and see some amazing sea-life.  The waters are shallow making snorkeling an absolute perfect adventure.  The beach is very inviting and if you time your visit in the early morning and late afternoon, the crowds are not bad.   You can rent all of your snorkeling equipment on sight.  Parking is a bit of pain, but there is a tram that will take you down and back from the water.  The waters are crystal clear; this place is not to be missed.

Polynesian Cultural Center

Polynesian Cultural Center

Our last stop in Oahu, is the Polynesian Cultural Center (https://www.polynesia.com/).  This Disneyland-ish park highlights the many cultures and aspects of traditional Polynesian life.  It is owned and operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help young Polynesians earn money for higher education. Island cultures throughout the South Pacific are represented.  You are able to stroll from village to village learning about dance, tools, culture and dress of these unique island people.  It is all very tastefully done.  The highlight is the evening show and luau.  Reservations are highly recommended.

While we are on the topic of Island dancing, how could we not mention Luci’s Hula lesson with the Grand Master of Hula:     https://1000fights.com/luci-learns-to-hula/   

Grand Hyatt at Kauai

Kauai

Perhaps our favorite island in the chain is Kauai.  This island is made for lovers. It is called the garden Island for good reason.  It is very lush and green.  The entire island operates at a much slower pace.  You can dive at the many reefs along the north and south shores, take a helicopter ride to waterfall spot, hike into a secret beach, play a round of golf, or do absolutely nothing sitting on the beach.

There are a dozen or so very nice resorts lining the coast.  We highly recommend a stay at the Grand Hyatt Kauai.  It is a paradise. Kauai https://1000fights.com/grandhyattkaaui/

Once you check in, order up a Hawaiian Massage. https://1000fights.com/fighting-couples-hawaiian-secret/

The Garden Island

Maui

If you are looking for a cross between the hustle and bustle of Oahu and sleepy Kauai, Maui is the place for you.  Maui has an active foodie scene and has a lively nightlife. 

It has been a few moons since we have been to Maui.  To offer some current perspectives check out these blog posts:

https://www.tripsavvy.com/romantic-things-to-do-on-maui-1861904

https://hawaiiforlovers.com/

Staying Connected

We strongly recommend using a virtual private network (VPN) when using the hotel’s free wifi – the last thing you want is for your banking info or credit card numbers to get stolen by hackers while you’re far away from home. This bestvpn.com/guides/what-is-vpn-beginners-guide/ has a pretty good breakdown of what VPNs do, if you’re not familiar.

We hope that this post helped you find the inspiration to book your couple’s trip to Hawaii.  What are you waiting for?  Aloha!

Beautiful Burma

We get asked a lot, “What is your favorite place you’ve traveled?” My standard answer for the past 10 years has always been Turkey, and a shout out for my love Paris.  If I had a dollar for every time I said that, I would be headed back to the Istanbul all-expenses paid.  That all changed last year. Luci and I went to Burma.  Burma changed my favorite place answer and more importantly, it changed me.

Myanmar, the country formerly known as Burma, is located in between India and Thailand.  Burma has a rich history, one of beauty and conflict.  If you can get beyond the challenges and meet the people and storied history, you are in for a powerful journey.

Our trip to the region took us to two strikingly different areas within the country: Bagan and Mt. Popa. Both are not to be missed, and candidly, they are the tip of the iceberg of Burmese beauty and mystery.

Before You Go

Be aware that the Myanmar government limits where foreigners are able to travel.  It is critical that you understand in advance where you are allowed to travel.  Going to and from Bagan, Myanmar, will not take you anywhere near prohibited areas. No need to worry.  Myanmar has made giant leaps forward in welcoming tourists.  Don’t forget to arrange your visa: https://evisa.moip.gov.mm/.  It is helpful to learn a few basic phrases in Burmese. English is not widely spoken beyond the tourist areas. 

Getting There

There are two major international airports in the country: Yangon, the capital, and Mandalay.  If your focus is Bagan, Mandalay is the best choice.  We elected to connect via Bangkok, Thailand.  Connection options include many of the major hubs in Asia. 

Currency

The currency of Myanmar is the Myanmar Kyat.  While we did find ATMs in Bagan, they were not plentiful.  We would recommend not going thin on cash, as credit cards are not widely accepted.  The exchange rate is favorable to Westerners, making Burma perfect for the budget focused traveler. We often joke that Myanmar makes Thailand look expensive. We found the food, accommodation, and transportation to be very affordable. Luci got a two-hour massage for $12.

We landed at the Mandalay Airport and we had arranged in advance a car service to take us the four-hour drive to Bagan.  If you arrive after 4 p.m., we might recommend that you overnight in Mandalay and then take the drive into Bagan.  Half of the drive will be on a modern freeway.  The remainder of the drive will be winding through small Burmese towns and fields. There are few road signs and the roads can be rough. We loved the drive and were glad we didn’t elect to rent a car.

Beautiful Bagan

Bagan is steeped in spiritual and political history.  It once was the capital city of the Pagan Kingdom.  It was a thriving center of commerce and religious practice from the 9th to the 13th centuries. At its height, it was home to over 10,000 Buddhist temples and monasteries.  Later, a number of Hindu temples were added to the mix. Today, you can visit over 2,000 different structures that dot the valley.  It truly rivals Angkor Wat.  Most, if not all, of the temples are open to visitors.  A number of earthquakes have rocked the area over the centuries.  Some of the temples are in disrepair and some of the larger temples are under reconstruction.  In August 2016 a major earthquake hit the area and over 400 temples were destroyed.  For obvious reasons, do not delay your visit to the area.

Getting Around

We highly recommend renting an electric scooter.  They are simple to drive and very affordable.  We paid $3 (US currency) a day!  They brought them right to our B and B.  The temples are spread out and the valley is vast.  There is no way to do it on foot.  We recommend the first day of your visit to hire a guide that can give you an introduction and overview of the history and religious importance of the temples. 

Rent a scooter!

Sunrise and Sunset

The Bagan Valley is one of the most photogenic locations we have ever visited.  This is especially true during the “golden hour” at dawn and dusk.  During the right season, you can board a hot air balloon. We unfortunately, we didn’t time our visit to allow this. Bummer. The views from the balloons must be amazing! Next trip!

Visiting Temples

Know that most temples are still active religious centers. You will be expected to show reverence and respect.   This begins with the attire.  It is important to be modest in your clothing choices.  You will be asked to remove you shoes in most temples.  This can be very hot on the feet and a nightmare for germaphobes (Luci). In the major temples, you will be asked to keep your voices low.

Accommodations

Good news, bad news.  Major hotel chains have not landed in Bagan.  This is great news.  Bad news is the good places fill up quickly.  Most have a mom and pop B and B feel.  Make your bookings early.  We recommend the Tripadvisor.com to get the latest intel on the best places to rest your head.  We stayed at the Bluebird.  It was beyond our expectations. The service rivaled a five star hotel and the food was excellent.

Bagan Temple

The Food

There are a number of restaurants along the Irrawaddy River.  Dinner at sunset overlooking the river is magical.  While there a host of different options for every taste, western options are limited.  Most of the fruits and veggies are locally sourced.  The local specialty is actually peanuts.  They are sooo good!  Bring us back some?

A view of the Buddhist compound from Mt. Popa

Mt. Popa

A wonderful side trip from Bagan is going to Mt. Popa.  The Mt. Popa National Park is densely forested former volcano.  It is nothing short of beautiful.  There are a number of resorts overlooking the famous Buddhist monastery that is perched on a volcanic outcropping.   Words cannot describe just how beautiful it is.

Getting There

Getting to Mt. Popa is simple.  Just hire a car and take the 1 hour 30 drive.  There is are interesting little town right at the base of the volcano that has an incredible selection of fruit.  The exotic fresh fruit is yummy!

Needless to say, Bagan is one of the special places on the planet.  In time, we worry that it will become over commercialized as Angkor has.  Visit soon to see it in its pristine beauty.