|
“It is not enough to say I have
been there. A voyage is not just a journey, it’s a period carved out
of time, when the impossible can happen”
Newsletter 70 | August 2007
P.O. Box 13600, NOORDSTAD, 9302 E-mail:
info@etniquetravel.co.za
Tel: (051) 406 2500
Fax: (051) 436 3793
AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER:
083 461 2561
|
|
FLY HIGH, FLY LOW OR FLY BY
NIGHT? |
|
This month sees our 70 th edition
of @ ETCETERA, and still, we are flying high! When we started
Etnique Travel ten years ago in a small cramped ten square meter
premise at Baysvillage Shopping Centre, we only had one vision: to
fill a gap in the market by providing a specialised travel service
focusing on personalised detail based on actual travel experience.
We grew through loyal customers,
moved twice to bigger premises, appointed new members to our team,
but without ever losing that special personal touch and travel
expertise.
We believe in our employees as our biggest
asset: Nerina joined Etnique way back at our humble beginning in
1997. Since then
Maquida, Tiana, Christa, Tessa, Manie, Marié, Persi, Yolandé,
Holly, Melanie, Madelize and Lizelle joined the Etnique family.
We are of the opinion that the advantage of a well equipped team is
by far superior to the sum of individual’s inputs. We therefore
afford each one of our team, as much as possible, and the
opportunity of international travel exposure. We appreciate their
loyalty towards our clients, their work and special family.
We are
all dedicated, as part of a winning team, to walk that extra mile
with every customer; besides selling specials on flight tickets or
accommodation, we would rather share a special travel experience and
thus make a dream come true…
Getting
together is a beginning - Staying together is a process
Working together is enjoyment - Winning together is success
- Johann Beukes
|
|
ROCKYMOUNTAINS MAJESTY -
Gateway to the Canadian
natural wonder-world
|
|
|
|
|
|
The dramatic
beauty of British Columbia and Alberta is
internationally renowned for its spectacular mountain scenery of
snow-capped ranges, valleys, glaciers lakes and forests. The
landscape varies from the northern Rockies with its bare peaks
to the southern region of
Okanagan Valley
with its orchards and vineyards.
One can enjoy the passing changing landscape by train or by car;
we had the privilege of both: a two-day journey leaving
Vancouver on the western coast of Canada, by five star
Rocky Mountaineer train coach en route Kamloops
for an overnight stay, and onto Jasper on the second day;
followed by a four day road journey following the
Icefields and Bow Valley Parkways from
Jasper in the north to Banff in the south. |
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
We travelled onboard the Goldleaf Rocky
Mountaineer which features impeccable service, excellent dining
including local wines and reclining seats on an elegant bi-level
dome coach.
Departing from Canada’s third largest city Vancouver to
Kamloops
in the heart of British Columbia’s interior, we were lucky
enough to be the last train to leave after heavy torrential
rains resulted in flooding of the low lying regions. The trip
onboard takes you through seven mountain ranges, dozens of
bridges and tunnels and alongside numerous waterfalls, lakes and
river valleys. To ensure that the dramatic vistas are fully
enjoyed, the train travels at an enjoyable pace and only
operates in daylight, giving you plenty of time to marvel at the
scenery, wildlife and engineering accomplishments of pioneering
railroaders. The train journey terminates at Jasper,
northern entrance to the Canadian Rockies National Parks.
|
|
|
|
|
The region
consists of about five connecting parks, of which the Japer
National Park is the largest. One can either take a light
aircraft flip to get a most wonderful aerial view of the
uniqueness of this particular part of the Rockies, or you can go
up the tramway up Whistlers Mountain for a refreshing hike of
the summit and spectacular panoramic views of the snowcapped
peaks and the dark green valleys far below, each containing its
own mirror-like lake. The hour’s detour drive to
Maligne
Lake
and the boat cruise to Spirit Island are well worth the effort |
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Leaving Jasper behind, we travelled south on
route 93, passed the
Athabasca Falls,
plunging into a narrow ravine, similar to our own Bourke’s
Potholes back home.
Centuries of water-erosion has contributed to the rock
silhouettes, visible from numerous vantage points. When the
Athabasca Glacier carved out the valley, it failed to erode the
resistant step of quartzite over which the falls cascade. The
churning force of the falls testifies that while the wilderness
may at times seem serene, it is anything but
tame!
|
|
|
|
|
A
little further on the route, the
Sunwapta Falls
greet the onlooker as a cascading curtain drop of falls. Totally
different from the Athabasca, these lively cascades resembles
the many similar falls found in Iceland: unpretentious, but
strikingly beautiful.
The
Columbia Icefield,
a mass of ice on the boundary of Jasper and Banff Parks, lies at
the hydro graphic apex of North America. Astride the Continental
Divide, these enormous ice fields are referred to as the
mother of rivers, feeding the Athabasca, Columbia, Fraser
and Saskatchewan River systems of Canada. The Athabasca Glacier
is one of the eight outlet valley glaciers that flow from the
Columbia Icefields, and most accessible next to the highway. In
the course of time the glacial movements have formed vast
crevasses in the ice.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Still largely wilderness, the Rockies is inhabited by a large
variety of fauna and flora. Even along the roads we encountered
black bear, elk, moose and coyote. Plant life
varies greatly due to drastic changes in elevation. Natural
forests form the backdrop of an ever-changing habitat. It is
only when you stop, that you become aware of the diverse beauty
of plant detail and a multi-colour array of wild flowers.
Canada’s first and most famous national park,
Banff,
encompasses impressive peaks, scenic river valleys and the
popular resort towns of Lake Louise and Banff. |
|
|
|
|
Lake Louise,
the turquoise-colour lake which is synonymous with the Rockies,
needs no introduction. The glacier-laden Mount Victoria, which
forms the backdrop décor to Lake Louise, was described as the
big snow mountain above the lake in which you see the world.
The world renowned Chateau Lake Louise, a 1000 bed luxury
hotel built by the Railway Company at the beginning of the
previous century, sits like a bastion on the one side of the
lake.
However, we preferred the far less ostentatious 10 bed-roomed
Moraine Lake
Lodge (designed by the Vancouver architect Arthur Erickson),
nestled among pine trees facing the lake at the end of a gravel
road. |
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Tranquillity, home prepared food, good wine, natural beauty,
changing colours of the mirror-like lake, all ensure the stay of
a life time. Ample scenic trails make this haven in the
Valley of the Ten Peaks, an ideal base to explore the
central region of the Rockies. To name a few, Consolation
Valley, pinnacle called the
Tower of Babel, Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass.
This lake, much smaller and far less visited than
Louise, occupies a splendid site below the sheer walls of the
Wenckchemna peaks, and even a more intense blue-green hue.
No scene has given me an equal
impression of inspiring solitude and rugged grandeur. |
|
|
|
|
Inspired by the beauty of the park’s mountains, lakes,
waterfalls and distinctive rock formations, the
Yoho National Park
was
named for the Cree word meaning awe and wonder.
This park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, focused on
the adrenaline junkie, for instance rock climbing, hiking,
boating and skiing. Famous landmarks include the
Emerald Lake, Natural Bridge, Lake O’Hara
and the impressive
Takakkaw Falls.
Although this rocky wonder world has numerous mountain peaks,
valleys and lakes, each one addresses you in a different
distinct language through its unique beauty and atmosphere – a
place that you would like to return to in years to come…
|
 |
- Johann Beukes
|
|
MONACO - Small Jewel on the
Mediterranean |
|
We arrived in
Monaco by car in torrential rain – whilst brochures boasted that
this tiny sovereign state “enjoys a particularly mild climate, with
more than 300 days of sunshine per year”! My wife had her work cut
out navigating us through this densely built-up area finding a
parking garage. But when we exited the garage, the weather has
cleared up, and a beautiful day beckoned us to explore this
fascinating destination. And then we discovered that Monaco is a
must for any traveler finding himself in that part of Europe.
Monaco is a
constitutional monarchy established in the 12th century
by the Grimaldi family. Today Prince Albert II, succeeding his
father Prince Rainier, who passed away in 2005, reigns over the
Principality. Situated at the heart of Mediterranean Europe, tucked
into the Maritime Alps, the surface area of this narrow coastal
strip is a mere 494 acres, with a width varying between
approximately 1 km. and a mere 340 m., sometimes rising almost
vertically upwards for 150 m.
It lies only 20
km. from Nice International Airport and close by to the French and
Italian Rivieras. By car the A8 highway serves the Principality by
means of easy access roads. But if you don’t want to drive on your
own, helicopter and bus services, as well as taxis provide permanent
links between Nice and the Principality. The helicopter service from
the airport, for example, is scheduled every 20 minutes, with the
duration of the flight only 6 minutes. The population consists of a
mere 32 000 inhabitants, of which only about 8 000 are born
Monégasques. However it provides work for about 44 000 people, so
that every day more than 20 000 French and 6 000 Italians come into
Monaco for work. It was in this bustling world that we found
ourselves.
|
Our car was
parked at the Hotel Ambassador, in the new district called
Fontvieille, literally created from land reclaimed from the sea.
Our first concern was how we would be able to visit the
different attractions. It is not possible to just drive around,
or even walk from one area to another, because some of the areas
can only be reached through tunnels cut through the rock, not
open to pedestrians. But then we discovered that the entire
Monaco is serviced by seven permanent bus routes, visiting the
Principality’s most attractive zones. You can just hop on or off
for a small fee wherever you want. And then there are seven
public elevators currently in use, which take you to the
different levels and terraces. |
 |
But before
boarding a bus, we walked the small distance to the Princes Grace
Rose Garden, created in 1984 by Prince Rainier in memory of his
wife. This secluded spot of solemn beauty boasts immaculately kept
patches of the most beautiful roses of different colours and
fragrances.
Thereafter one of
the bus routes took us along the Boulevard Albert I alongside the
Port de Monaco, where hundreds of yachts of all sizes are
moored, from small sailing boats to multi-decked passenger ships and
intercontinental liners - an indication of the importance of Monaco
as a premier luxury tourist destination. On the other side of the
boulevard high-rise buildings and villas clinging to the steep
slopes also echo the exclusivity of the surroundings.
A next bus took
us all the way up the Rock, which overlooks the harbour, and
on which the world famous Oceanographic Museum, the
Neo-Romanesque Cathedral, and the Palace of the Prince
is to be found, all within a short walking distance of one another.
The Oceanographic Museum was founded in 1899 by Prince Albert I, who
devoted himself entirely to scientific research, especially of ocean
life. One of its directors has been Commander Jacques Cousteau,
famous for his exploration of the oceans. The more than 70 sections
exhibit fish and oceanic life from all the seas of the earth. The
new exhibition of a living coral bed on the sea floor is most
interesting. From the upper deck of the Museum you have a marvelous
view of the port and the city, with the casino complex of
Monte-Carlo visible across the bay. The Cathedral (dating from
1875) holds interesting decorations, amongst others a large mosaic
depicting the Virgin. In the ambulatory are buried the princess who
have reigned over Monaco, as well as Princess Grace.
At the Palace we
were lucky to be on time for the traditional changing of the
guards. Different sections of the palace is open to the public,
such as the Great Rooms, which you enter via the Gallery of the
Mirrors. Of particular interest is the Throne Room, where official
ceremonies are held. It was in this room that the civil wedding of
Prince Rainier and Princess Grace took place. On the canopy covering
the throne is inscribed the Grimaldi family motto, Deo Juvante
(With the help of God).
Also surely not
to be missed, is the
Golden Square
of the Principality, where you will find the most famous casino
(1863) in the world, the Hotel de Paris (1854) and the
Café de Paris (1868). The vestibule of the casino is decorated
with numerous columns and bronze statues. On one side of the
entrance hall are the gaming rooms. The south wing contains the
Salle Garnier Opera House, home of the Opera of Monte Carlo
which has, since its creation in 1879, gained international fame.
Composers and authors such as Bizet, Frank or Massenet wrote some of
their works especially for this opera house. The well known Monte
Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, led by many great conductors, from
Richard Strauss to Toscanini, and Leonard Bernstein to Lorin Maazel,
also performs here. Leaving the casino, you can admire its south
front, at the foot of which hanging gardens look out over the sea.
Recent renovations has restored the buildings to the splendour of
times gone by.
Many
international events are held annually in Monaco, such as the
International Circus Festival (January), the World Music
Awards (March), the Monte-Carlo International Tennis
Championships (April), the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix
(May), and the International Fireworks Display (July -
August).
Initially we were
unsure of taking off a day or two from our trip to Provence. And I
was a little bit nervous about driving into the city by car. But now
I can declare without doubt that this visit was more than
worth-while. One of the brochures on Monaco concludes with these
words so applicable from Shakespeare’s Richard II (Act II): “ ‘This
fortress built by Nature for herself against infection and the hand
of war … This happy breed of men, this little world; This precious
stone set in the silver sea … This blessed plot, this earth …’, this
Principality.” (Editorial Fisa Escudo De Oro).
- Manie Wolvaardt
|
Letters from our Customers: |
We’re listening to what YOU have
to say
-
"Beste Nerina, my opregte dank
vir jou puik reëlings tydens my onlangse oorsese reise. Dit is so
gerusstellend om te weet dat ek op so ‘n staatmaker kan staatmaak
met ‘n reisplan wat dikwels voortdurende aanpassings verg. Selfs
onder geweldige druk is jy altyd bereid om die ekstra myl te stap.
Jy kwyt jou uitstekend van jou taak! Sure Etnique Travel kan met
reg trots wees op jou. Jou diensingesteldheid verdien beslis
onderskeiding.”
Dr Michelle Middle - PAREXEL SA
-
”Hi Marié, ek wil graag baie
dankie sê vir jou harde werk met die reël van ons verblyf. Ek weet
dit kon nie altyd maklik gewees het nie (so baie “demands” van ons
kant af). Ons waardeer dit opreg.”
Ernst du Plooy - CUT, Bloemfontein
-
”Les and I want to say a big
“thank you” to Nerina for “going the extra mile” in all our
bookings, and many changes, help with visas etc. Thank you Nerina,
for all your help.”
Les & Lorna Levitt, Bloemfontein
-
”Hi Marié, just to let you know
that everything went extremely well - thanks for the excellent
travel arrangements you made. Your timing of all the flights were
brilliant.”
Ray Ferraris - Letseng Diamond Mine,
Lesotho
-
"Beste Nerina, net ‘n kort
briefie om te sê baie dankie vir die uitstekende reëlings wat jy
getref het in verband met ons pas afgelope besoek aan Las Vegas en
Kanada. In Las Vegas het ons die wonderlike voorreg gehad om die
wêreldbekende Cirque Soleil in die MGM Grand Teater te sien. Dit
was ‘n skouspel wat ‘n mens vir niemand kan beskryf nie. In Kanada
het ons die kinders in Terrace (op die noordweskus) besoek en saam
met hulle ‘n tydjie deurgebring in die Okanagan Vallei synde dié
gedeelte van Kanada waar wyn en die wonderlikste vrugte verbou
word. Ek en Ina het daarna twee dae in Vancouver spandeer en een
van die dae het ons die treinrit onderneem tussen Vancouver en
Whistler. Die roete neem ‘n mens deur ‘n skouspelagtige gedeelte
van die Rocky Mountains en Whistler is ‘n ongelooflike mooi dorp
waar die 2010 Winter Olimpiese Spele aangebied gaan word. As ons
kon sou ons in die toekoms beide SAL (met die klein sitplekkies en
min ruimte) en Heathrow Lughawe wou vermy. Origens was ons
vakansie onvergeetlik.”
Adv Hans en Mev Ina de Bruin -
Bloemfontein
|
