“Knowledge is power, but
enthusiasm pulls the switch”
Newsletter 80 | June 2008
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
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LOYALTY
WITHIN THE ETNIQUE FAMILY |
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It has been
eleven years since the establishment of Etnique Travel, because we
sensed the need for a professional travel agency providing proper
travel expertise. Addressing a specific travel need for dedicated
travellers, we approached Concorde Travel to be their outlet in the
Central Region.
We started on a
very low key level, with limited resources, but a passion for travel
and Nerina as our travel consultant. Being herself in the travel
industry for more than twenty years, she immediately offered our
first customers the level of service they expected.
Our vision has
always been not to be the biggest, but rather that specific travel
office where the travel dream of each and every traveller can be
heard, understood and fulfilled. We rather believed in growing at a
moderate pace by word of mouth, than boasting a huge turnover
resulting in mediocre and unprofessional service. Our customers
through the years will support this view.
Today we believe
we have reached our goal in the sense that we specifically cater for
the discerned and well-travelled customer. We also believe in proper
and professional training of our employees and over and above our
in-house training programme, we grant each member annually a travel
experience of their choice abroad.
Because we
recognised our loyal staff as our biggest asset, we know we can also
rely on their continued and dedicated loyalty. During the past
eleven years, we pride ourselves on the low staff turnover of only 6
members who left our service.
We are proud to
salute each and every member of our SURE ETNIQUE family since 1997,
who is still today a true member of the Etnique team and therefore
at your service:
Nerina Sarluis
(1997); Tiana Louw (1999): Maquida DuPreez (1999); Christa Conlon
(2001); David Qwesha (2001); Tessa Hattingh (2001); Yolande Coetzee
(2005); Manie Wolvaardt (2005); Melanie Hay (2006); Madelize
Matthews (2006); Lizelle vd Heever (2007); Lizelle Mouton (2008).
- Johann & Monique
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SEATTLE
A modernist city of many waters |
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Like Rome,
Seattle was built on seven hills, and is a city surrounded by
water: Elliott Bay, Lake Washington, Union Bay, Portage Bay and
Lake Union. It is defined by inlets and bays, freshwater lakes
and shipping canals.
The tall buildings seem to rise from the dark blue-grey waters,
like fortress towers, soaring high above wooded urban hills. And
yet, these towers are dwarfed by the snow-capped peaks of the
Olympic Mountains, and the single, solitary cone shaped Mount
Rainier. |
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Both Starbucks
and Pike Place Market are synonymous with this vibrant city. If
compared with other American cities, Seattle radiates both a
cosmopolitan, as well as a rural atmosphere: the high-rise
skyline, consisting of the Space Needle, designed for the 1960’s
World fair, the 76 storey Bank of America and the post-modern
Technicolor Music Centre (EMP) by Gehry.
In stark
contrast to these marvels of modern architecture, is the
historic district that emerged as an area where farmers were
allowed to park their wagons and sell their fresh produce way
back at the beginning of the twentieth century.
Today it all
forms part of the well-known popular Pike Place Market,
stretching for several blocks. No other attraction will show so
many different qualities of a city and its people. |
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At Pike Place
Fish Company you will witness the entertaining fishmongers,
displaying their skills by hurling fish high over customers and
countertops, before being weighed, filleted and wrapped.
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The Asian
flower stalls dominate the market’s flower scene and consist of
the small Hmong entrepreneurial community, selling their bright
flower bouquets. Follow a maze of ramps and awkward stairways to
reach the Underground Mezzanines as a shopping wonderland:
browse through collectables, second-hand books and old prints,
or treat yourself to local artists who are more than willing to
create miracles within minutes of posing. |
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We stayed
within this pedestrian area at the Inn at the
Market
(www.innatthemarket.com):
a sophisticated 70-room boutique-hotel, and perfect for
travellers who like cosy family-run hotels with much originality
and personality. Facing the intimate little entrance courtyard,
is the popular Campagne Restaurant, serving excellent
southern French cuisine.
The Monorail is
a convenient means of travel within the central CBD. Today it
links the International District, next to Quest Field Stadium,
with the Seattle Center, consisting of the EMP, the Space
Needle, Key Arena, Opera House and Bagley Wright Theatre. |
A highlight of our visit to this interesting city was a scenic
flight by water plane: departing from Portage Bay, you fly over the
upmarket community of Medina, Montlake and Arboretum.
And in quite clear contrast, the strange idiosyncratic floating home
enclaves of Lake Union, brings memories back of the well-known
romantic movie of the nineties, Sleepless in
Seattle
The numerous
Bascule bridges operate with counterweights and cantilevered
sections that can be raised and lowered for both vehicles and ships,
along the working waterfront of the Ship Canal Route.
Before returning to home base, the small plane rubs shoulders with
the Space Needle and other high rise buildings on the water’s edge.
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A
worthwhile visit is Fremont, an “artist republic” since the
1960’s, when students, artists and bohemians, attracted by
the low rent, moved in. This quaint neighbourhood spawns
many boutiques, art galleries and restaurants, always
transforming and changing the face and identity. As the city
grows and expands, more and more professionals seek homes in
Fremont, only minutes away from downtown
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Other day
trips may include the Mount Rainier National Park and the
Snoqualmie Falls. This 85 meter waterfall, beautifully
divided in two sections by a convenient rock outcropping,
marks the end of the Cascade Plateau, where this river
begins its final descent to the sea.
The
Seattle-Tacoma (Sea-Tac) International Airport is located
some 16 kilometres to the south of the city. (www.seatac.org)
The only authorised taxi company to take passengers from the
airport into town is STITA. Fares are US$ 40 and the drive
will take about 20 minutes. |
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Due to its almost
isolated location in the north west corner of the USA, just south of
Canada, Seattle will not be included in the ordinary itinerary.
However it is absolutely worth the effort to visit; especially as a
departing port for many an Inside Passage cruise to Alaska.
- Johan & Monique
IN ASSOCIATION
WITH
Sure
Etnique Travel, in association with OFM,
the popular radio
station of Central South Africa, is arranging a new era
rugby-supporters tour to
TWICKENHAM for
November this year. Only 30 rugby lovers will have the privilege to
join this exclusive opportunity to see the Springboks facing England
on home turf, with twice World Cup veteran,
Os Du Randt.
14 seats are still available
An all
inclusive, unforgettable experience awaits you - leaving Wednesday
evening 19 November and returning Monday morning 24 November on
Virgin Atlantic ex-Johannesburg; just an ideal business break-away!
This tour is unique, in the sense that it is initiated and organised
in the Central Region, as an intimate small-group tour for rugby
fans and friends of Os.
Special limited rugby tickets were arranged through Free State
Rugby, and personalised pre-match social get-togethers have been
arranged with ex-Springbok colleagues.
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ALL INCLUSIVE COST R19 875 (sharing)
INCLUDING
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RETURN ECONOMY
CLASS Air tickets JNB / LHR
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ALL AIRPORT
TAXES, LEVIES etc
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SHARED
ACCOMMODATION: Popular 3 Star Hotel Russell Square area including
Full English Breakfast (Single accommodation available @ R3 000 /
p extra)
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COMPREHENSIVE
TRAVEL INSURANCE
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LONDON
UNDERGROUND / PUBLIC TRANSPORT PASS for the duration of the stay
in LONDON
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Two social
events with Os & colleagues
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A custom-sized
group identity windbreaker
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A personalised
detailed itinerary booklet highlighting all travel arrangements
and activities in LONDON
TO SECURE YOUR PLACE
ON THIS UNIQUE SUPPORTERS’ TOUR, CONTACT
TESSA TODAY on (051) 406 2500 or
tessa@etniquetravel.co.za
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Letters from our Customers: |
We’re listening to what YOU have
to say
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“Dear Melanie,
just wanted to say a BIG thank you for taking care of all the
arrangements of my original and amended travel plans. You are a
star!”
Dr Pierre Jordaan -
Cardiologist and Snr Director, Business Development, Parexel,
Bloemfontein
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“Beste Johann,
ek gaan vir drie weke in Europa rondrits saam met my seun van 12,
Danie. Hy gaan onder andere aan die Statebond Karate Kampioenskap
in Edinburgh, as lid van die Protea span, deelneem. Dankie vir
Melanie en jou span mense wat my so bekwaam en goed gehelp het.
Dit was groot pret om hierdie budget toer te beplan. Ek vertrou
die toer gaan self ook pret wees.”
Dolf Schutte - Naudes,
Bloemfontein
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“Dear Tessa,
thanks again for helping to make this trip possible for my
parents. We are still very sad they had to leave and wish them to
return soon and send them on other adventures in the US. We have
heavy hearts for them and this last trip increased our awareness
or their needs and desires even more for all of us. People go
about their jobs or days and think they just do a job or their
routine, they don’t often realise the good impact and effects it
has on others… Trust me, what you do is more than just a job. You
help solidify familes, through growth, you help people see their
life again through another set of eyes, you show people what they
can do and help strengthen their own confidence. With much
gratitude and appreciation.”
Joe, Hilary, Chaya & Rochel
Mendelson - New York
“Hi Tessa, thanks for all
arrangements, I am very impressed, everything went well in England
and the USA.”
Mr Reginald Hiscock - UFS,
Bloemfontein
Hi Tessa, taken
as a whole everything went very well and we really enjoyed our
trip to England and the USA. Thanks for taking care of us.”
Prof Niel Viljoen - Chief
Director: Operations, UFS, Bloemfontein
“Dear Tessa,
this is just a note from me to tell you how I appreciate your
concern about my welfare. In this busy time of your life you made
time for me. It is good to know there are still exist people like
you, who exist! Thank you so much!”
Mrs Maggie Bruwer - Saskatoon,
Canada
The increase in demand for seats from Johannesburg to London has
prompted Virgin Atlantic to put a larger aircraft on the route.
From May the A340-600 with 308 seats will be replaced with a
B747-400, which has 344 seats.
Virgin Marketing Manager, Caren Parkinson, says the greatest
demand is for Upper Class and Premium Economy. “The new aircraft
will have substantially more seats in both these classes and we
are pleased we will have more room to accommodate our customers.”
We sincerely hope that SAA will follow soon.
SAA : no more
checking in with driver’s license
South African Airways is now advising that a driver’s license is
no longer a sufficient means of identification for check-in at
ACSA airports. BA Comair has, however, advised that it will still
accept driver’s licenses as a means of identification.
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