It sounds like a cliché, but it is commonplace to hear someone gasping: “I can’t believe its already is December!” - the month signaling the end of another year. But come December, people look forward to a well-earned holiday or events taking place.
 

 

December actually was the tenth month of the Roman calendar, when the three month long winter period in the northern hemisphere was called by this name (Latin decem = ten). When the Gregorian calendar came into use, January and February were included, and the year divided into the 12 months we know today. When you do some research, you come to realise that December really is a special month. From 20 to 21 December the summer or winter solstice takes place, with the days starting to get longer or shorter as from midnight on the 21st, depending on the hemisphere.

A great number of special events are held in December – especially of religious nature. For Christians the 25th is Christmas, the traditional date for commemorating the birth of Christ, with its accompanying festivities. Linked to this the 5th or the 6th, is also special for quite a number of countries, when Sinterklaas Day (In the Dutch speaking countries) or Saint Nicholas Day in countries such as Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and other European countries or certain North American states is celebrated. On the evening of December 5 children put their shoes next to the fireplace chimney. The next morning they will find some small presents or candy in the shoes

Thanksgiving Day in the United States  (last Thursday of November) is a day for giving thanks to God for blessings received during the year - a joyous family day, with big dinners and reunions, but also for church services and prayer. Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah (Festival of Lights) from the eve of the 25th, lasting for eight days. Gifts are exchanged and contributions are made to the poor. Each evening a candle is lit in the special eight-branched candlestick. Apart from religious festivals, a large number of other important events take place in December, or are commemorated, such as the awarding of the Nobel Prizes in Oslo (Dec. 10), Pearl Harbour Day (Dec. 7) and the Bill of Rights Day (Dec. 15) in the USA , the Day of Reconciliation in SA (Dec. 16), or Boxing Day (Dec. 26).

Perhaps we should reassess December for what it should be: not only the end of the year after eleven energy-sapping months, but the time of year to revitalize, to take stock of ones blessings, to strengthen ties with family and friends, and to seek renewed spiritual sustenance for the beckoning New Year.

-  Manie

 

For those of you who will travel to friends and family, both locally and abroad, have a safe journey and may you share happiness together, during this festive season. It is our sincere wish that you will all experience true joy and the peace of Christ, sharing in the beauty and special memories of the Christmas season.

- Johann, Monique, Nerina, Tessa, Christa, Madelize, Melanie, Lizelle vdH, Yolandé, Lizelle E, David and Paulina
 
 

The Travel Tower • BaysVillage Centre • Milner Road • Bloemfontein   -   Tel: +27 51 406 2500  •  Fax: +27 51 436 3793

 

 
 

 
 



Once, when my wife and I were on tour through Europe, I asked a seasoned traveller in The Hague (Netherlands) which city she would regard as to be the most beautiful in Europe. After contemplating a while, she answered: “There are many which I could have named, such as Paris. But Paris is too big, too stretched out. However, there is one city that grasps you immediately, a city whose splendor is to be seen all at once, and of which you can exclaim ‘This is Prague!’ ” 

This remark increased our anticipation, as we had included Prague in our itinerary.  After departing from The Hague, we drove through Germany and then via Dresden to Prague. A friend awaited us at a previously indicated spot, from where we followed him into the Old Town (Staré Město) and up a hill to the apartment where he arranged accommodation for us.

When we stepped out onto the balcony with a partial view down over the city, we remembered what our acquaintance said. And later on, when we stood on the ramparts of the Prague Castle, looking at the breath-taking panorama of the city below, we had to agree: “Yes, Prague surely is an astounding beautiful city.” 

 

 

Once regarded as the “heart of Europe”, Prague is situated in the northwest region of the Czech Republic, known as Bohemia. This “city of 100 spires” embodies a rich history of European architecture. 

   

For over 1 100 years it was one of Europe’s most important cities, for example the permanent seat of two Roman Emperors, and as such the capital of the Holy Roman Empire during the Late Middle Ages and early Renaissance.

                    

   

The city is divided in two by the wide, bending Moldau (Vlatva) River, on which the Czech composer, Bedrich Smetena, based the well-known Moldau part of his famous six-part symphonic poem, My Fatherland. This tone painting evokes the sounds of the great river winding its way through the beautiful Bohemian landscape and the city. In this piece you find the same type of pride and honour to a country and its landscape as in that other great symphonic poem, Jean Sibelius‘s Finlandia. No wonder that the main theme of Smetena’s majestic composition is played by the Czech Airlines, once landed.

The city’s historic core can be found in four quarters, two on both sides of the curving river: on the east side the Old Town (Staré Město) and the New Town (Nové Město), laid out in the 14th century, and on the west side, laid out on a steep hill, the Castle District (Hradčany) and the Lesser Town (Malá Strana). Although there are 16 bridges spanning the river, the famous 516 m long Charles Bridge, built in 1357, with its saintly statues on both sides, and impressive bridge towers, connects the quarters directly. The bridge itself is a masterpiece, attracting visitors. Traversing it, you will find artists and musicians busy painting the stunning views or playing lyrical songs.  

 

Prague has a comprehensive public transport system (an immaculate underground Metro, and reliable trams and buses), but the whole of the historic core is small enough to be explored on foot. It is even possible to undertake a quick exploratory walk through almost all four quarters in one day.

Depending on where you are accommodated, one can perhaps start from the Wenceslas Square on the boundary of the Old and the New City, then walk towards the Old Town Square, and from there down to the river in order to cross over to the western quarters by way of the Charles  Bridge. You can then take a bus back to where you want to be.
 

After such an initial tour, it is advisable to set aside at least a day per quarter, should you wish to experience something of the real magic of this historical city. There are so many sights and sounds to experience that it is only possible to mention just a few.

The New Town: The Wenceslas Square is actually more of a broad boulevard, and the centre of modern Prague. On the eastern side it is dominated by the 100 m façade of the neo-Renaissance style building of the National Museum (where one evening, we attended a stunning music performance by a pianist and violinist). The imposing Wenceslas Monument, with a mighty equestrian statue in the middle commemorating the Duke of Bohemia, surrounded by four other patron saints, stands in front of the museum.
 

The square is a vibrant place, lined with large hotels, clubs, offices, cinemas and intimate theatres. The shopping precincts, locally called “passages” are worth a visit. Quite a number of jewellery shops, with masses of golden jewels on display in the windows attract the attention. Bars, cafés and restaurants abound. Should you want to experience refined Czech dishes, the Secession Restaurant of the Europa Hotel can be recommended. It is interesting to note that the dining room of the doomed liner, the Titanic, was modeled on  this restaurant with its crystal chandeliers, wood inlay, carved mirrors and painted glass.

The Old Town:

A narrow alley Na Mustku, at the west end of Wenceslas Square leads into the Old Town, with its traffic free Town Square as the heart of Prague, and regarded by some as one of Europe’s most beautiful. Through the ages it has been the site of many demonstrations, protests, and the place where executions took place. It also served as the city’s market place.

 

In one corner of the Square is the Jan Hus memorial, an extraordinary sculpture honoring the Czech reformer and religious hero who died at the stake five centuries ago.  The Square is enclosed by buildings from different ages standing harmoniously side by side – Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo.

The Old Town Hall, with its Late Gothic portal, was built between the 14th and 15th centuries. Next to it stands the famous Astronomical Clock, showing the medieval view of the earth as the centre of the universe, with the course of the sun and moon on its face. Every hour two windows in the clock face open to reveal a procession of the twelve apostles. At the end of the show, a figure depicting Death, turns the hour glass over. 

The 14 th century Týn Church’s 80 m. high twin towers and 18 spires dominate the square and are visible from all over the city. On the north side of the square stands the Church of St. Nicolas, with its glorious baroque façade.

Some of the streets leading out of the square are equally important, such as Celetna Street, one of the oldest in the city, with houses dating from the Middle Ages. The façade of the Hrzánský Palace, found here, features busts, stuccoes and gargoyles.
 

The Castle District and the Lesser Town:

After crossing Charles Bridge a steep walk up the hill brings you to the entrance of the Prague Castle complex. This stronghold of the Czech rulers, surrounded by thick ramparts, towers above the city for more than a thousand year.

You enter through a first courtyard, from where a flight of steps leads up to a section of the buildings containing the Throne Room and the private apartments of the President of the Republic.  A gate leads you into a second courtyard, with a lovely fountain and the Chapel of the Holy Rood, where the church treasury is kept. In the north wing a portal brings you to the Royal Gardens, adjacent to the impressive St. Vitus Cathedral (begun in 1344). This church with its breathtaking interior, (124 m long and 60 m wide), is the largest church in Prague.

 

Other impressive sights within the castle complex are the St George’s Convent, which houses excellent art works, the Lobkowicz Palace, where a historical collection of the National Museum is to be seen, and the Golden Lane, with its picturesque 16th century artisans’ cottages.

Walking down from the castle many sights are to be seen – palaces, monasteries, churches and monuments, such as the Renaissance style Belvedere Palace with its curving copper roof, built between 1538 – 64 by Ferdinand I for his wife Anna, not far from the Castle complex.
 

The Lesser Quarter Square, which originally was the marketplace of Kampa, dates from the 13th century. Around the square you will find a number of palaces, which were created by demolishing adjacent houses and building the palaces in the spaces thus created.

Worth a visit is the Liechtenstein Palace with its classical façade, taking up the entire west end of the square, as well as the Baroque Kaiserstein Palace with its gable statues.

The Baroque Church of St. Nicholas (1703 – 1761) dominates the square. Apart from the vast fresco painted on the ceiling of the nave, the fabulous organ on which Mozart gave a performance in 1787 is its prize possession.

Other highlights
 

There are numerous other interesting sights to be seen and experience in and around Prague, such as the Jewish Quarter, with its moving cemetery. But undoubtedly one of the highlights of a visit to this city is its musical performances. It has three symphony orchestras and several chamber orchestras. More than 3 million visitors attend performances in its 30 theatres per year!

Mozart favored this city where he stayed for a number of years. Here he composed some of his well-known operas such as the Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni, which had their premieres here. My wife and I were lucky to attend a performance of his Requiem in the Dvorak Hall in the Rudolfinium.  

 

But other famous composers, such as Ludwig von Beethoven, Franz List, Carl Maria von Weber, and Antonin Dvořák, just to name a few, visited Prague, stayed there for some time or even directed orchestras. Today you are constantly reminded of this legacy by persons dressed in costumes selling tickets to performances.

Therefore, a visit to Prague is not also a feast to the eye, but also to the ear; you leave with fond remembrances of a city that more than satisfies one’s expectations – a city with dimensions beyond the ordinary.

     – Manie Wolvaardt
 
 
   
   
   

Dear Tessa

Thank you for your good wishes upon my retirement from Auto Europe.
Sure Etnique Travel is probably one of the most professional and dream (travel) inspiring agencies I have ever walked into.
Keep well.
Regards

Dale Johnson
Auto Europe Sales Manager - KZN & FS

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Dear Tessa

Thank you for all your arrangements for me, all went very smoothly.
The service with the Archbishop of Canterbury was magnificent, high Anglicanism at its’ finest, with powerful music and a good, practical Christian message in the sermon.  
Also enjoyed being in England for Remembrance Day and Memorial Sunday, when the whole village where I was staying at that time, Rishton in Lancashire,  came together for a service and then to walk through the streets to the Memorial, led by a bass band and piper, to lay wreaths of poppies. Everyone was wearing a poppy all the time prior to Remembrance Day and the impact of the war in Afghanistan is very real, especially with the ongoing deaths of these young soldiers. It was very moving.
Lots of rain in Lancashire which is why it is always so beautiful and green.

Thanks again for being such a star and for a wonderful professional service always.

Joan Marston
Paediatric Portfolio Manager
Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Africa 

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Hallo Nerina,

Die kinders is op pad, alles in in plek, en ons wil net vir jou BAIE dankie sê vir jou groot aandeel in dit alles! Ons waardeer jou baie - nie net vir wat jy vir ons doen nie, maar vir jou as persoon wie bereid is om mens en pootjies betrokke te raak as dinge nie na plan verloop nie.
'n Mooi week vir jou!
Best regards,
Mit freundlichen Grüssen
Meilleures salutations

Dr. Pierre Jordaan
Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research (NIBR)
Basel Switzerland

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Hey Tessa

Thank you for your excellent and personal service.
We are back and no major injuries. Lankawi was great. The weather and hotel perfect. When we got to Koh Samui the weather was pretty bad and we couldn't really get to the beach for the first 5 days. It was also pretty quiet which we didn't expect. After a while we just went to all the places the guide book said we should avoid on account of them being to busy. The weather did get better and Bankok was a blast.
Thanks again for everything
Regards

 Willem Coertzen
Mystic Boer Stellenbosch

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Liewe Nerina en al die ander gawe mense by Etnique

Ons wens julle 'n baie geseénde Kersfees toe, en voorspoed en geluk in 2010!
Dankie ook vir jou uitmuntende diens die afgelope jare, Nerina, my man en ek, en veral Marianne 'het die gerustheid dat Nerina die knoop sal deurhaak'!!

Baie groete,

Louise Cilliers 
Bloemfontein

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Hi Tessa

I am back in one piece. Everything worked like clockwork – you are #1 travel agent and I even got to meet you. Thank you for doing everything so fantastically – as usual Maitland knows how to pick the best. Have a great festive season and I hope we make contact again.

Regards
Prof Danny Walmsley
Walmsley Environmental
22 Amethyst Crescent
Dartmouth B2V 2T7
Tel: 902 4330819
 
 
   
   

 

SPECIAL ITINERARIES for SPECIAL OCCASIONS

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ROMANTIC PHUKET & PHI PHI
7 nights from R14 740 pps

Enjoy the vibrancy of Phuket, the largest of the Thai Islands, with shopping and restaurants within easy reach and then enjoy the idyllic seclusion of Phi Phi Island Village to relax and unwind

This package includes:       

  • Return airfare from Johannesburg on Cathay Pacific airlines including airport taxes

  • Return airport / hotel transfers

  • 3 Nights accommodation at Amari Coral Phuket

  • 4 Nights accommodation at Phi Phi Island Village

  • Breakfast daily

Cape Town from R16 510 pps
Durban from R16 280 pps

Valid 01 February to 31 March 2010
 

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TRAFALGAR - Glimpse of Europe
7 Days from R8 910 pps - excluding airfare

Visiting:  England, France, Switzerland, Germany, Holland & Belgium

This package includes:

  • 6 Nights Superior Tourist Class Hotel accommodation

  • Breakfast daily

  • Selected dinners

  • Touring by luxury coach

  • Services of a Tour Director & Local Guides

  • Fabulous sightseeing

  • A scenic Rhine Cruise

  • All service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes

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TRAFALGAR - Italian Dream
8 Days from R9 720 pps - excluding airfare

Visiting:  Rome, Venice, Verona, Florence & Assisi

This package includes:

  • 7 Nights Superior Tourist Class Hotel accommodation

  • Breakfast daily

  • Selected dinners

  • Touring by luxury coach

  • Services of a Tour Director & Local Guides

  • Fabulous sightseeing

  • All service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes

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TRAFALGAR - Kingdom & Tales
10 Days from R13 320 pps - excluding airfare

Visiting:  Prague, Vienna & Budapest 

This package includes:

  • 9 Nights First Class Hotel accommodation

  • Breakfast daily

  • Selected dinners

  • Touring by luxury coach

  • Services of a Tour Director & Local Guides

  • Fabulous sightseeing

  • All service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes

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FREEDOM OF IRELAND
7 Nights from R 10 760 pps

What better way to experience Ireland and its warm hospitality than with this self-drive tour which allows you the freedom to explore the exciting surroundings, as well as the choice to linger a bit and savour the experience

This package includes:

  • Return airfares from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Dublin on Etihad Airways

  • Estimated airport taxes

  • 2 Nights at the Jurys Inn Parnell Street in Dublin, including breakfast

  • 5 Nights Go-as-you-please B&B vouchers

  • 7 Days car rental group EDMN with standard insurance and unlimited kilometres

Valid April to May 2010
 

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BUENOS AIRES
4 Nights from R10 305 pps

Buenos Aires, the bustling capital city of Argentina, offers access to unlimited adtivities, sightseeing and local attractions. As if that isn’t enough, the seductive city has a pulsating nightlife, second to none, alive with the tempo of tango - you will find yourself dancing the night away!

This package includes:

  • Return airfares from Johannesburg on Malaysia Airlines & airport taxes

  • Arrival private transfers with a guide in Buenos Aires

  • 4 Nights 3½ star accommodation with breakfast daily

  • Departure private transfer without a guide

  • City tour in Buenos Aires on seat in coach

Valid until 28 February 2010
 

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DUBAI SHOPPERS PARADISE
4 Nights from R8 020 pps

Dubai, is the quintessential home of sand, sun and shoping. Soak up Arabian Gulf sunshine or shop at its sensational shopping malls offering a massive range of goods at superbly competitive prices, there’s little wonder that Dubai is such a popular shopping destination!

This package includes:

  • Return airfares from Johannesburg on Etihad Airways, including airport taxes

  • Return transfers

  • Visas and meet & assist

  • 4 Nights accommodation at the 3 star Arabian Park Hotel

  • Breakfast daily

Valid 16 January to 31 March 2010
 

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BANGKOK SHOPPERS DELIGHT
4 Nights from R9 610 pps

Take your pick from the bustling street markets, state-of-the-art modern malls, or the famous floating market - Bangkok truly is a shopperholic’s paradise. Prepare to return with you luggage full and your wallet empty!

This package includes:

  • Return airfares from Johannesburg on Cathay Pacific Airlines, including airport taxes

  • Return transfers

  • 4 Nights accommodation at the 3 star Bangkok Cha-Da Hotel in a superior room

  • Breakfast daily

4 Star Pathumwan Princess Hotel:  Johannesburg from R11 100 pps

Valid 16 January to 31 March 2010
 

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THE EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS
7 nights from R29 490 pps ex Johannesburg

"The ultimate train experience in the Far East"

Experience a panoramic view of the mystical landscapes of Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. The majesty and splendour of the Eastern & Oriental, with its elegant compartments, delicious cuisine and superb service, combined with the adventure of a journey throughout the heart of Asia, is a truly unique way to experience the full wonders of this remarkable region.

This package includes:

  • Return economy class flights into Bangkok and out of Singapore

  • 2 Nights at the 5 star Amari Watergate Hotel, Bangkok, including breakfast

  • 3 Nights onboard the exclusive Eastern & Oriental Express train between Bangkok & Singapore, including all meals and excursions as per itinerary

  • 2 nights at the 5 star Mandarin Oriental Hotel Singapore

  • Transfers throughout

  • All current pre-payable airport taxes and fuel levies

Valid until 31 March 2010 / book by 31 December 2009
 

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AUSTRALIA BY RAIL . . .

BRISBANE TO CAIRNS ABOARD THE SUNLANDER
3 Nights from R7 590 pp (land only)

A breathtaking experience along Queensland’s incredible coastline

This package includes:

  • 1 Night aboard the Sunlander from Brisbane to Cairns in Queenslander Class including all meals

  • 2 Nights at the 5 star Pullman Reef Hotel Casino

  • Full day Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Cruise including lunch and snorkelling

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PERTH TO SYDNEY ABOARD THE INDIAN PACIFIC
5 Nights from R13 170 pp (land only)

Travel from ocean to ocean across the vast continent of Australia

This package includes:

  • 1 Night at the 4 star Travelodge Perth 

  • 3 Nights aboard the Indian Pacific from Perth to Sydney in Gold Kangaroo Class including all meals

  • 1 Night at the 4 star Travelodge Sydney

  • Sydney Harbour coffee cruise

Valid until 31 March 2010
 

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FLIGHTS

LONDON DIRECT EX JOHANNESBURG R6 793
PARIS EX JOHANNESBURG R4 914
NEW YORK EX JOHANNESBURG R8 087
BUENOS AIRES EX JOHANNESBURG R7 474
SYDNEY EX JOHANNESBURG R10 374
PERTH EX JOHANNESBURG R9 264

Airfares include ALL taxes and surcharges and are based on LOW SEASON - higher surcharges will apply during MID & HIGH SEASON. Price variations may occur due to the increase of the oil price (based on US Dollar) and exchange rate fluctuations affecting taxes & surcharges
 
 
 
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