Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Ja'Vonne with a caipirinha

Bonnie getting Reals

We're here!  We arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil today.  So excited because it's been at least 7 years since our last visit and we have been anxiously anticipating our return.  Rio is such a magnetic city.  It's so full of life that as soon as you leave you'll want to return.

What I immediately noticed is that it's a familiar place.  Not much has changed.  Of course, they're getting ready for some big events that are coming their way.  The Catholic gathering in 2013, World cup in 2014 and The Olympics in 2016.  There's highway expansion going on, areas inside of and just outside of Rio that are being built and renovated.  The area is buzzing with excitement and anticipation of these events and for good reason.

Flying in you fly over the Christ the Redeemer statue, that iconic figure that is symbolic to Rio, Sugar Loaf, the twin peak mountain with excellent views and the city itself and massive population.

We waisted no time and headed to a BBQ lunch or Churrascia.  We went to Churrascaria Palace just down the street and around the corner from our hotel (Windsor Excelsior).  Oh boy, what a feast.  Caipirinhas made table side with muddled limes, sugar and cachaca (a cane alcohol).  This is the national cocktail and you have to be careful because it is tasty but can be lethal.  A salad bar, which we, sad to say, passed by.  A sushi bar that we looked at but did not partake.  and the main feature, grilled and slow cooked meats brought to your table on large swords and carved on to your plate.  This is what we feasted on.  Lamb, steaks, pork loins, sausages, chicken, shrimp, ribs and so on and so on. 
We definitely called uncle.

Howard Little leading the Samba line

After a bit of a rest and with full bellies we went to Plataforma, a Brazilian show that showcases Brazilian culture throughout the countries history through song and dance.  it's sort of a variety folk show.  You can dine at the restaurant or just go to the show.  The show has been around for many years and is still a favorite and a must see.  Just like the other sites of Brazil it has become synonymous with Rio.  The announcer has been their for years and does a run down of visiting countries in the audience and then selects a few to come on stage and sing their national song.  This too is part of what makes Plataforma fun and exciting.  I can only imagine what this would be like during the Olympics.

After a long day we're settling down for a long winters nap at our hotel, The Windsor Excelsior.  A four star hotel on Copacabana. Excellent location and views.

Well, I'm beat and must know lay down to sleep to prepare for tomorrows journey to Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer), a tour of Ipanema and a visit to a Samba school.

I also have to say thank you to our wonderful guide Giordana.  She has been excellent, friendly and knowledgeable.

Until tomorrow.
Ja'Vonne
Photosby Howard Little/Video Twist Productions

STAYCATIONS

We wanted to do this topic because so many of us approach it all wrong. We take time off from work and use that time to run errands, do chores or worst yet, we do nothing at all.  So let's first define STAYCATION.

STAYCATION: When you stay home or near home with a traditional vacation environment.

Creating that vacation environment may be the most important element of a STAYCATION because it helps you keep your goals in sight.

PLANNING A STAYCATION:

• Set goals and make plans just as you would if you were going away.
• Set a budget for the things you plan or want to do.
• Check out what's happening in your area during the time of your STAYCATION.
• Make reservations and purchase tickets ahead of time.
• Take care of those tempting chores and errands before your time off.
• Have a plan for connecting with work and how much or when you will be accessible.
• No matter how tempting it is DO NOT do chores! If you were not able to to take care of this before hand, hire a cleaning company.  This is an item you can include  in your budget.
• Checkout some of those Flashcation sites we talked about a few weeks earlier that offer local deals.  This is also a great way to budget because the products and services are prepaid.
• What STAYCATION would be complete without capturing memories.  Get out the camera and video cameras.

THINGS TO DO

• A refreshing start could be a morning walk.  This could be in your neighborhood, a nearby park or you can travel to different parks or nature trails.
• Eat at that restaurant you've always wanted to.
• A Spacation is a great companion to a STAYCATION. You could go for a treatment, a day of treatments at a day spa or to a spa destination for a couple days and the works.
• Learn something new.  Take a class.  This could be anything from a cooking class to kickboxing.
• Do something you've never done before.  Something adventurous like sky diving, race car driving or a physical challenge.
• Take this time to get outdoors.  You can have a picnic or go on a picnic, go bike riding.  If you don;t own a bike a lot of cities rent them.  Go to the botanical gardens.

STAYCATION FOR THE FAMILY:

• Have a meeting with everyone before hand to see what's on every ones wish list.  It's very important to include everyone.
• You could give each person a day to plan activities.
• You can also give each person a day to themselves.

OUT OF TOWN GUESTS: Sometimes your STAYCATION involves having out of town guests

• Set up their room or space.  if you're not prepared your guests may think they are putting you out.
• Create a welcome basket for them: include items like snacks, magazines, bottles of water, a bottle of wine, toiletries, etc.
• Lay out their towels and wash cloths and put in their room or the space you've created for them.  Guests hate to ask for something they need so having those things you know they'll need from you will make them that much more comfortable.
• When I travel I take the slippers that are provided from the hotel and give them to my out of town guests.  I also, make a clean robe available for them.
• Pick up the local newspaper and magazines so they can see what's happening in your city during their stay.
• Plan some time or outings with them. Maybe there is a play in town or go to the movies or schedule a segway tour.
• Give them some free time on their own.  you don't have to spend all of their time with them.
• On the day or days you've planned give them an agenda (keep it fun).  You can print it on fancy paper, roll it up and present it in their basket.

IF YOU ARE A GUEST:

• Be a good guest!
• Don't expect your hosts to do everything for you.
• Give you host space and see what they have planned for you.  if you've made some plans let them know in advance so they'll know when you're available and when you're not.
• Arrive and depart at a respectable time.  Avoid rush hour or something that is before the sun comes up.
• Ask which airport is the closest to them.
• Bring a gift.  It doesn't have to be expensive.
• Do something nice for them during your stay.  One night out to dinner, out for breakfast or get up early and get fruit, pastries, etc. or prepare breakfast for them.
• CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF!
• Respect their time and space.

To get the most out of your STAYCATION:

• Plan
• Treat it like a traditional vacation
• Unplug

Ja'Vonne Harley
Co-Host, The Traveling Eye

SpaaaaaaaaCations!

This week on The Traveling Eye Show we're talking about SpaCations.

What is a SpaCation? Well, consider it more of a lifestyle.  It's going to a Spa Destination or Resort where the focus or goal can be anything from R&R, Weight Loss, Fitness, Diet and/or beauty and everything inbetween.  You can customize for your goals, needs and personal level.

We consulted Destination Spa Group on some key points to planning and selecting a Spa Destionation and they sent us one of their members The Heartland Spa and Fitness Resort's executive director, Sherry Gossett.

In planning you'll first want to ask yourself what is your focus and goal.  What do you want to accomplish or get out of the Spa Vacation.  Destination Spa Group has a great survey on their website to ask you those very questions and once the form is completed a Spa Advisor will contact you with recommendations.

In selecting a spa destination you'll look for places that offer the services you desire to meet your goals, that fit your budget and where you want to go.  You can travel the world or stay at home.

Consider the budget to range from $200 - over $1000 per day and that some are all-inclusive or at least you can get packages and plans that include a great deal.

You'll want to know the Spa Etiquette:  Understand that this is not the same across the board.  It can vary by spa and country.  You can always ask the spa you're visiting and I alwys recommend to over dress and watch what the locals do.  it's a lot easier to take off than to put on, especially fo you didn't bring your robe with you to the area.  Of course, common areas are usually modest and you wouldn't bare it all unless it is an separate area for men vs women and even then all rules are not the same.

I searched the internet and used some of my own experiences to see what's Trending now and while there is a long list and a matter of opinion, this is what I've come up with.

There is a focus on the feet.  From reflexology to acupressure.  I'm told that the feet hold key the rest of the body's health and this is why attention is being paid on the feet.
Cold and & Ice Therapy.  Now, the cold plunge pool has been around for some time but it's being used more and new treatments using cold and ice are being introduced to spas, like mixing hot and cold stones and it's being used in facials as well since cold closes the pores.  I actually, run an icecube over my face after I have cleansed it.
Vibrations, music, light and colors:  They're looking at all of the senses and taping into the body's own vibration.  I recently started meditating with OmHarmonics.  It's music that's been designed specifcally to help you meditate.  I find this is great for me because I've tried silent meditation and it doesn't work for me.
Signature Treatments: Just about every spa has a Signature Treatment and it usually involves a product that is indigenous to the area like a grape seed scrub in Napa Valley or a Soy or Honey treatment at The Heartland Spa and Fitness Resort.
Family SpaCations:  Spa's are now catering to the entire family including the children and there are treatments and spa's designed just for children.

I love Conde Nast Travelers Hot List of 35 New Spas for 2012.  Here is the web link www.cntraveler.com/hot-list/2012/spas

Until we meet again...

Ja'Vonne Harley,
Co-Host, The Traveling Eye

FLASHCATIONS

While Spire, a limited time luxury hotel deal site coined the term "Flashcation", the concept has been around for some time and derives from "Flash Sales".  It is defined by Spire as a trip that is booked spontaneously when a traveler finds an outrageously good deal.  The concept has resurfaced many times in different forms and given different names.  I used to work for an airline consolidator and we used to have "fill up fares". These airfares were only available 30 days or less prior to departure, only if airlines had an excess of seats and were available while inventory lasted. Post 9/11 numerous flash sale deals were available.  Some sites have come and gone.

Our show addressed Flashcations.

• What are the pro's and cons of a flash sale

• The pro is that it is a great deal.
• The cons are
• You have to act quickly, it could be gone in a flash!
• While rules and restrictions vary by company your purchase is usually non-refundable.
• The deals are usually available during low or shoulder season

What you need to know:

• Check the sites terms and conditions before you make any purchases.
• Is it a flash sale offered by the vendor or a third party?
• Is it a book now or do you get a voucher for later booking?
• If the flash sale is hotel only check the airfare to the destination.  Know what the air fare is and if the airline offers a deal including the same or similar hotel.  This way you can make an educated comparison.

Here are some companies that offer Flashcations: List from Savvysugar and Thinstock


Groupon Getaways
Groupon partnered up with Expedia to launch a travel deals vector that features new deals every Tuesday. The deals stay live for seven days or until they run out. The site offers a good mix of national and international travel deals.


Jetsetter
A luxury travel site that offers deals up to 50 percent off only the most luxurious and exotic hotels around the globe. Each sale lasts about five to seven days. You can pay 10 percent of the trip price to "hold" a trip for three days to decide whether to book it. If you decide not to purchase, the 10 percent becomes Jetsetter credit that never expires.

Read on for more sites.
Living Social Escapes
Living Social, Groupon's main competitor, offers different travel packages every week to various locations in the US and around the world. The majority of the picks seem to be US cities.


SniqueAway
SniqueAway, which was launched by TripAdvisor, offers up to 50 percent off all hotels and only features hotels that have at least a four out of five rating on TripAdvisor. If you missed a good deal, you can just click "like" on it and vote to bring it back. You can even vote for new hotels as well. Sales go up on the website a few times a week and they last for a week or until they sell out.

Trip Alertz
Trip Alertz is a part flash sale, part group-buying site, and as more people buy in, the cheaper the deal will become.


Vacationist
This site is more luxury-focused and has the thumbs up from the travel experts of Travel + Leisure magazine, who select the offers. You can save up to 60 percent.

Mancations

For the month of July we are exploring different types of Cations.  I know someone started this trend and it can be a bit annoying but for a lack of anything else to call them we are jumping on the band wagon.

We kick off July with Mancations!  Those bro-getaways just for the guys.  What we found is that guys like to travel with a purpose.  That purpose can be an activity or event like sports or music.  Here is what we found and thought guys would like.

Wisconsin is a great state for the guys.  Why?

• Milwaukee is the home to the Harley David Museum.
• We love The Iron Horse Hotel, which offers packages that include motorcycle rentals and museum tickets.  It's rustic, cool and chic.
• Wisconsin is know for it's beer and brats.  You can follow a beer trail.
• Whether or not you're a Greenbay Packers fan, Lambeau Field is a great stadium and the tours there are fantastic.
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin is great for fishing and outdoors adventures. We love Wolf Pack Adventures  and The Blue Harbor Resort and Spa)

Indianapolis is all about the sports.

• The Colts
• Indianapolis Motor Raceway (you can do a driving experience there)
• NCAA Hall of Champions (A fun place to visit)

Kentucky, that's right Kentucky.

• Kentucky Derby
• Bourbon Trail
• Muhammed Ali Center

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama

Australia for the wanderluster

• The outback for that rugged guy
• Great Barrier Reef for the water lovers,scuba divers
• Melbourne and the wine region for the foodie

South Africa

• Safari, what more can I say about the Big Five and the adventure of it.
• The Capetown Jazz Festival April 2 - 3, 2013
• Shark Dives near Capetown

Brazil.....beautiful women...need I say more.  OK, I will

• Carnival
• Beaches
• Did I say beautiful women?

OK, now I want to do this myself...Drive a Tank in Minnesota
Learn to drive a military tank www.driveatank.com





Tune in next week when we will tell you about Flashcations

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page" St.Augustine
Ja'Vonne Harley, Co-Host, The Traveling eye

Hello Everyone!

Today was another great day in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. It was a little chilly and foggy so we decided to jump in the car and see the sites of the city.  Our first stop was the John Michael Kohler Arts Center. The center itself is a work of art. The modern wing is attached to the original home of John Michael Kohler, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We found ourselves fascinated by one of the new installations called Collapse by Anna Hepler. It is truly a conversation piece.

Sheboygan has some great, intimate shops.  One of our favorites was Olivada, a quaint shop that sold many different varieties of fresh olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  We had a wonderful time sampling and yes, buying.

“ICE CREAM” was the next call of the day.  There is a cute old fashioned ice cream parlor across the street from the Blue Harbor Resort and Spa.  I had a hot fudge sundae with whipped cream, pecans and a cherry on top. Can you say “Heaven?”

We made it back to the Blue Harbor Resort just in time for their weekly reception.  There was so much good food, wine pairings, and interesting fun conversation.  But wait, there’s more, we still had to go to dinner! 

It’s our last night and we decided we would have dinner at the Blue Harbor’s fine dining restaurant, Latitude 43. Ja’Vonne had the steak and wouldn’t share so I know it was awesome. Howard had the salmon and I did steal a piece and words can’t describe how good it was.   I ordered the Jack Daniel Pork Chops.   I must now apologize for the picture; usually I will take pictures of our food when it is set down on the table. These pork chops (yes, there were two) looked and smelled so good, I dug right in.  At least you can get the idea!

It is time to close out another Traveling Eye adventure. We raise our glasses high and toast the wonderful Blue Harbor Resort and Spa and the warm, friendly people and city of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. We are already planning our return visit. Salute!

Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!
Bonnie

SheBOYgan, Wisconsin!

Hi Everyone!

Whenever I would hear the name Sheboygan, I heard it the way Jerry Lewis would say it, "She BOY gan! After spending two wonderful, peaceful, yet exciting days here, I still say SheBOYgan, but with excitement!

As you read in Ja'Vonne's previous blog; after checking to make sure the turn signals were working properly, we jumped into her car and left the hustle and bustle of Chicago and two hours later we were entering the driveway of the Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan.

Blue Harbor Resort is impressive. It is a majestic example of stunning architecture. It actually took my breath away. It reminded me of the summer homes in the Katherine Hepburn movies with its verandas and balconies. The decor, from the newly renovated lobby and restaurants, to my luxurious oversized room, complete with fireplace and Jacuzzi tub, was AMAZING!

The tone was set with the look and feel of the resort; the icing on the cake was the Reflections Spa! I love spa treatments and I am pretty particular about the way services are given. Walking through the doors of the spa I instantly relaxed. Not because of a "holistic" look, music, and candles, but because of the genuine holistic feel and spirit of the Spa and the ladies that work there. My specialist was Charna. She and I became one. I could tell she was listen to what my body was telling her. She is the best.  I will have to give the Reflections Spa at the
Blue Harbor Resort a perfect 10.

Day two – we were introduced to the outdoor wonders of Sheboygan.  I didn’t realize that people surfed on Lake Michigan.  Sheboygan is a popular destination for surfing, sailing, fishing, hunting, bird watching, kayaking, and so much more.  We were invited to join Captain Patrick on his fishing boat the Wolf Pack II. Now, those of you who know me understand that I do not do boats, especially boats on Lake Michigan.  I allowed my adventurous co-host, Ja’Vonne, to talk me into going on this fishing excursion.  To make a long story short, she caught a good sized salmon, I fed the fishes.  Our cameraman, Howard, didn’t feed them but boy did he see double.

Despite all that, I had a good time. Captain Patrick and his first mate Bill were awesome.  They were friendly, patient, and kept the mood light and fun.  Even with my head overboard I couldn’t stop laughing.

Feet back on land, we stopped by one of Sheboygan’s sports shops EOS and met Michael.  Of course the dare devil of The Traveling Eye wanted to learn how to Kayak so Michael put her in a kayak, and with some direction he pushed her out into the water and off she went.  She did an awesome job!  Afterwards we did something I could enjoy; we biked along the lakefront and took in the shops and sites. It was so relaxing and fun.


Tomorrow is another day and we plan on doing what we do best EAT AND SHOP!!

Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!
Bonnie