Travels on my Birthday

Taiwan ©Solange Hando

Which birthday? Well, let us say somewhere on the wiser side of middle-age.

Lovely celebration with the Tsou tribe up in the hills... See the tiny peach in my right hand? Straight from the garden and a special present from the family.

Rio de Janeiro ©Solange Hando

Well, I could show you the clocktower near the beach confirming the date but this is a much more exciting picture.

Loved this view from Corcovado and in the afternoon, went up the Sugar loaf  (front right) up two cable cars. Fabulous.

Namibia ©Solange Hando

I loved Namibia and I still dream about this beautiful cheetah out in the wild, just posing for my birthday, it seemed, in the heat of the day.

Did you know Namibia was the first country in the world to include conservation in its Constitution?

Wildlife always has the right of way and it certainly works, can't beat it.

Peru ©Solange Hando

Hold on, don't let me drift!

This is me on Lake Titicaca with the Uros Indians who build their homes on reed islands. Up there, on the roof of the world, this was indeed an amazing day.

Madagascar ©Solange Hando

My birthday wish? There it was, a real lemur in the wild, hard work for me clambering through the forest but so easy for them swinging from branch to branch...

Watched many different species in different areas, guides knew exactly where to go.

Reunion Island ©Solange Hando

Something I'd never done before, flying on a microflight over a volcanic island...on the other side of the world.

Scenery wise, never seen any island as dramatic as this one, canyons, craters and peaks everywhere and, would you believe it, this is a French department...

Costa Rica ©Solange Hando

Celebrating with Local Farmer

Remembering lots of  happy times

and planning many more
Blogged on my birhday
at home
Lockdown 2020

Rainbows Bright and Beautiful

The Iguazu Falls ©Solange Hando

My favourite rainbow on my favourite Falls, Iguazu stretching in the rainforest across Argentina and Brazil. There are up to 275 falls, most of them in Argentina but best seen from across the border.

The Zambezi River in Zambia ©Solange Hando

Rainbow over the Zambezi river just above the Victoria Falls, discovered by David Livingstone who named them after his Queen. The Falls continue across the border in Zimbabwe.

Rainbow in Paro ©Solange Hando

This is in Bhutan, 'land of gross national happiness' and my top destination. This is where you land (not the capital) and the monastery by the river is one of the most sacred in the kingdom.

Lake Nahuel Huapi in the Andean 'Lake District' ©Solange Hando

This lake is in Bariloche, a pretty Alpine resort in Argentina (more lakes in Chile) with superb scenery in a National Park and activities, trekking, climbing or skiing.

Nur-Sultan in Kazakhstan ©Solange Hando

Now what is this?

For me this is a Rainbow

Built by man

The Light at the End of the Road

 Hoping we can all get together again very soon

Take care and keep safe

Morocco Kasbah Hotel, Edge of the Desert, Enjoy and Travel Safe

Welcome to Hotel Xaluca ©Solange Hando

Built in kasbah style with adobe bricks and towers, Xaluca is a unique hotel with plenty of charm and character.

Located on the edge of the Sahara near Erfoud, far too hot for the virus spreading across Europe, it's the perfect place to explore the Merzouga dunes, a short drive away.. Then book a dromedary ride and enjoy the sunrise (or sunset) over the desert.

Xaluca Outdoor Pool ©Solange Hando

Step through the reception and you are greeted by this lovely pool in a spacious courtyard framed by palm trees. There are bougainvillea and bright Moroccan rugs spread on the paths, loungers, bar and lots of places to sit in the sun or in the shade.

Other facilities include a heated indoor pool and jacuzzi and a spa for beauty treatments, Vichy showers, massages and hammam.

Guest Room in Xaluca ©Solange Hando

The hotel has 137 rooms, standard and suites, and 7 secluded bungalows. All material used is local from ochre-coloured adobe walls to traditional Berber rugs and bed covers, mostly orange and red.

Bathrooms are rather special with tiles in geometric patterns, copper wash basins and adjoining shelves made of local stone engraved with ammonite and other fossils.

Breakfast Selection ©Solange Hando

Breakfast, dinner or snacks, there's plenty to enjoy on a generous buffet, from Moroccan specialities to continental offerings. Friendly staff and you can eat in or out. 

Tea, Madame? ©Solange Hando

Mint tea, leaves included or strained, sweet but no milk, it's likely to be poured from up high into a glass, sometimes with a silver teapot.  This old Moroccan tradition is a sign of hospitality and friendship.

Traditional Xaluca ©Solange Hando

Xaluca Hotel Kasbah is full of surprises with winding alleyways and archways leading to guest rooms and beyond. Wander around and discover hidden corners, finely decorated Kasbah towers and tiny cottage gardens.

  

My Favourite Riad in Taroudant, the mini-Marrakech in Southern Morocco

Riad Dar Zitoune in Taroudant ©Solange Hando

Great places to stay in Morocco are the boutique hotels known as riad, traditionally designed and furnished to highlight the local culture.

Dar Zitoune -meaning the Olive- is just outside Taroudant, a pretty town down south with few visitors but lots of atmosphere and a 7km medieval city wall which gave it the name of 'mini-Marrakech.

Luxury Room in Dar Zitoune ©Solange Hando

The two images above were taken in the new Berber Village, the most luxurious section of this 4 star riad where large tented rooms nestle around their own private pool.

Moroccan rugs, fine bedding and traditional patterns along the walls, it's beautifully light and colourful and the perfect place for a special holiday.

Standard Bungalow at Dar Zitoune ©Solange Hando

But before you reach the Berber area, bungalows in pretty colours greet you around the garden among lemon and orange trees, papayas, jacaranda and a profusion of flowers and plants.

My own bungalow was delightful, all the amenities I would expect plus a traditional bathroom glowing with copper and a bed large enough for a whole family. Bungalows are named after local fruit and plants and most have a secluded terrace in their own little garden.

Breakfast Time in the Riad ©Solange Hando

The local staff are helpful and friendly, employed by Swiss owners who simply fell in love with Taroudant and Moroccan culture. The verandah is a lovely place in the early morning or you can eat al fresco under the parasols.

The gourmet restaurant offers local gastronomy like tagine and international fare like pasta or fish curry.

Pottery Garden ©Solange Hando

Then after a  peaceful night or a visit to the town, take time to enjoy this true oasis of peace, wander around the garden where local artists leave a touch here and there, or just sit in the shade or in the sun.

Then of course the standard area has its own swimming pool and if you feel like it, there's a fitness room and a spa with a choice of rituals and a Moroccan hammam. 

Dar Zitoune near Taroudant ©Solange Hando

Here's the entrance to the multi-award Dar Zitoune. The decorated wooden gates on the side are closed after dark when the sweet fragrance of orange blossom rises under the stars.

Rabat, Enchanting Capital of Morroco

Rabat, River and Ocean ©Solange Hando

Set on the banks of the Bouregreg as it reaches the Atlantic, Rabat is a pleasant city, easy to explore but with few tourists around and population wise, only seventh in the country.

Yet it's an amazing World Heritage Site, listed by UNESCO for its enticing mix of Islamic and Western heritage, ranging from medieval remains to the ambitious new town built by the French.

Mohammed Vth Mausoleum ©Solange Hando

On a hilltop esplanade overlooking river and city, this is the most important site for locals and visitors in the know. 

Marble walls and archways lead to the royal resting place, beautifully quiet and decorated with carved plaster, colourful geometric tiles and a stunning gold leaf ceiling.

Hassan Tower, Rabat ©Solange Hando

At the other end of the esplanade this red sandstone tower was first built in the 12th century, designed as a minaret for one of the grandest mosques in the world. The mosque was never finished but the tower remains the city's most iconic landmark, 44 metres high. 

The hundreds of circular stone columns at the base were meant to support the roof of the building but all work was abandoned when the Caliph who commissioned it passed away. 

Pretty Corner on the Bouregreg ©Solange Hando

Due to silting, the port is not as important as it was but you can still watch fishermen mending nets on the quay, or you might relax in a secluded cove or stroll along the lovely promenade and enjoy the most delicious seafood al fresco.

You can look across the walls and towers guarding the estuary while the white kasbah on the clifftop just begs to be discovered.

Oudaya Kasbah ©Solange Hando

This is the delightful Oudaya kasbah, a winding maze of deserted alleyways, all blue and white, draped in potted plants and flowers and mosaics glistening around the drinking fountains.

It's a lovely place to wander around, with scenic views from the top, and no commercialisation except a few displays of local craft as you approach the exit.

City Ramparts ©Solange Hando

These glowing ramparts and nearby Andalusian gardens take you back down to the river but if time allows, do have a look at the Chellah complex, on the edge of town, where storks rattle their beaks among remains of the Roman colony and Muslim necropolis.

Time to Relax... ©Solange Hando

You will find beach and hotels in town but if you'd like to escape for a night, make your way to Skhirat, a short drive south, and enjoy a romantic sunset from the 5 star  Amphitrite hotel and pool.

Love Travel, Love Writing, Want to Sell? Pitch like a Pro.

Follow the Shepherd ©Solange Hando

Pitch before you Jump

Why?

All professionals do, act like a pro. and you'll  be treated like one

The editor may have a similar piece in the pipeline so don't waste your time or theirs

A good pitch will catch anyone's attention, that's enough for a commission

How Do you Do it?

*Focus on a specific angle

*Select the most suitable market for your idea

*Check the travel editor's name (correct spelling) 

Don't

*Don't phone editors, they're busy, only interrupt if highly  topical

*Don't include a biography, all the editor wants is your idea

*Don't offer anything vague or general

*Don't request guidelines, you checked the market, you should know

Don't ask about rates, far too early 

Do

*Allow plenty of time to craft your query 

*Show you are familiar with the publication by writing in similar style

*Be enthusiastic, brilliant but keep it brief,  just enough to whet the appetite

* If you have great images,  send 1 or 2 low res. but mention high res.

*Contact by email, keep the subject line short and specific

Would you like to read more?

Tips, examples, practice and everything you need to know on the road to success

Enjoy and good luck

2020 Visit Nepal Year

Kathmandu Bodhnath Stupa ©Solange Hando

Following the 2015 earthquake work is still ongoing around the city but this magnificent stupa has been fully restored, thanks to donations. 

One of the largest in the world, it is in the Tibetan district and at dawn and dusk, you can join devotees of all ages walking around the shrine, meeting friends and spinning prayer wheels. 

The Way to Swayambhu in Kathmandu ©Solange Hando

Aptly known as the 'monkey temple', Swayambhu is the other main Buddhist site in the capital with its own stupa and shrines on a hilltop. A taxi can take you to the entrance but walking up through the trees is much more atmospheric.

On a clear day, you can see the snowy peaks of the Himalayas rising above the Kathmandu valley.

On the edge of the city ©Solange Hando

Kathmandu is a bustling place, full of traffic and people, yet you can enjoy the natural world just on the edge of town.

These lovely forested hills are above Bodhnath, close to the Kopan monastery which you can reach on foot or road if you'd rather. No crowds up there, just walking trails though the trees leading to forlorn villages and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze.

Pokhara, Phewa Lake ©Solange Hando

A short flight from Kathmandu, Pokhara is a must-see, a scenic lakeside resort framed by the Annapurna, including the iconic Fishtail in the centre of this picture.

The nearby town is a popular base for trekkers on their way to the Annapurna but the lake delights everyone whether you walk along the banks, sail across the water or head for the Holy Island to relax with the locals and gaze at the view.

The Shanti Stupa in Pokhara ©Solange Hando

Rising on a ridge above the lake, this is one of many pagodas built under the guidance of a Japanese monk to promote peace around the world.

Take a taxi to the gate or walk up through the forest then follow the trail along the hill top to enjoy magnificent views of the lake, the Annapurna range and far beyond (see previous image).

The View from Sarangkot ©Solange Hando

On the other side of the lake, Sarangkot is another attractive spot for close-up views of the Annapurna, just a short drive from Kathmandu and up to the hilltop. Accommodation is available so you can enjoy sunset and sunrise.

Paragliding base nearby.

Sunset on Everest ©Solange Hando

Kathmandu and Pokhara are easy to combine in a short space of time but if you have plenty, then trekking to Everest Base Camp is a true adventure. This image was taken  from the top of Kalapatar, the 'Black Rock' (18209 feet) rising above Gorak Shep, the original base camp.

2020 is Visit Nepal Year so special events will be organised across the country.

Spring is a great time to visit for rhododendrons but for clear views of the Himalaya, mid-October / early November are best.