Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
Imagine Going There Travel
770.421.9627
www.ImagineGoingThere.com
For Culture-Collecting Clients & Friends of Imagine Going There Travel THE COMPASS
JANUARY 2023
Maui, Molokai & A MAN WHO MADE A DIFFERENCE
Did You Know ...
There is only one stop sign in all of Paris; right-of-way is given to those on the right. Luxembourg has its own language; Luxembourgish is a Franconian language that is similar to German and Dutch.
This issue of The Compass contains a story from our recent trip to Hawaii. We had been there for our honeymoon 38 years ago and had a magical time visiting Oahu, the big island of Hawaii, and Kauai. We’ve traveled to a lot of places, but didn’t get back to visit the island of Maui until last month for our 38th anniversary. The weather was amazing, and we had morning views of the sunrise over the volcanic mountain of Haleakala. (I got proficient at time-lapse photography to capture those beautiful sunrises, too!) While you can never see too many beautiful mountains and rugged coastlines, this isn’t your typical “cliffs and waterfalls” recap. (Though a highlight of our trip was a doors-off helicopter ride over west Maui and Molokai. It was spectacularly beautiful to see waterfalls with drops of 1,100 feet!) We flew over the less-famous island of Molokai, which is one of the eight major islands that comprise the 137-island Hawaiian chain. Widely accepted as the birthplace of the hula (there is a hula- centered festival on this island every May), Molokai also boasts the tallest sea cliffs in the world, which tower over 3,500 feet and are inaccessible by land. However, the story that was on my mind this month has to do with Molokai’s history as a leper colony, so designated by King Kamehameha V in 1866. The fear was that all of the islands would
Did You Know ...
You can access past webinars under the Videos tab of our website: Rivers: Grand European Tour Rhine Getaway Danube Waltz & Romantic Danube Paris & The Heart of Normandy Tulips & Windmills
be infected if drastic measures weren’t taken. So, those with the condition known as Hansen’s disease were taken from their homes, put onto boats, and pushed into the ocean toward this isolated island without medical support, civil protection, or any further contact with their families. Many did not survive the journey, and those that did faced harsh conditions. They were abandoned and left to fend for themselves. However, missionaries started to arrive in 1873, and one of the most notable of those was Father Damien, who wanted to help. When he arrived on the island, he went “all in.” He not only provided medical care for CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 ...
Oceans: Mediterranean Odyssey
Iconic Western Mediterranean Venice, The Adriatic & Greece Viking Shores & Fjords Alaska & The Inside Passage … other itineraries, including Expedition cruises, The Mississippi, and many others are available at:
imaginegoingthere.com/videos
• 1 770.421.9627
Great Vacations Matter Because Great Memories Matter Most
VIKING CREATES MAGIC FOR JACKIE AND JIM Tales From Our Sails “Our most memorable experience thus far on Viking of time. “There’s no other way that we’d be able to visit so many amazing places,” they say,
cruise lines occurred as we were sitting on the top deck as our ship pulled out of the dock in Budapest one evening,” Jackie and Jim tell us. “The evening was dark and the entire city was lit up. ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ by Andrea Bocelli was playing, creating the most magical and memorable experience thus far.”
The couple enjoys the new ships and many amenities, and they love the small number of travelers aboard each ship. It makes for an intimate experience and provides the greatest opportunity to meet other travelers and create lasting friendships. “If we had to choose between river and ocean cruises, we couldn’t make a decision,” Jackie and Jim tell us. “Each has its own special features, and we have enjoyed every Viking cruise that we’ve been on completely.” Above all, it’s the planning that makes the Viking experience so great, and according to Jackie and Jim, it all starts with Carol and her team at Imagine Going There. “She is a special individual with so much knowledge and experience of the cruises to share. Well before you board the ship, while you are cruising, and after you return, she’s always in touch, making sure you enjoy Viking every step of the way.” Jackie and Jim, thanks for sharing your experiences with us! Your enthusiasm and passion for Viking and adventure are contagious!
The Brandt’s have sailed on five Viking ocean cruises and three river cruises. They told us, “Before we experienced Viking, we had taken other cruise lines, but after our first Viking experience, our next eight cruises were all Viking, and we have another one booked for next fall,” Jackie and Jim say. If you haven’t yet experienced the magic of Viking cruise lines, this adventurous couple highly recommend that you give it a whirl, as it’s an amazing way to pack a lot of adventure into one trip while visiting dozens of places in a fairly short period
The Furry Friends of the Fishing Industry HOW BANGLADESHIS USE OTTERS TO HARNESS THEIR CATCH
If you wander down a riverbank in southwest Bangladesh, you might happen upon a squealing, squeaking crate of
and paddle furiously after schools of fish, encouraging them to swim into their owners’ nets.
river otters. The otters aren’t in danger. In fact, they’re the pampered helpers of the region’s fishermen and women, who’ve trained them to herd fish.
According to the publication Roads & Kingdoms, Bangladeshi fishers can
catch more than 20 pounds of fish per excursion thanks to their otter helpers. Locals breed otters specifically for this purpose, raising them just like Westerners raise dogs and cats. This otter-human partnership is an important part of Bangladeshi culture. The fish the otters bring in sustain their owners through lean times and help them survive periods of famine.
Yes, that’s right — just as we use herding dogs to corral sheep and cows into pens, people who fish in Bangladesh use otters to drive fish, crabs, and prawns into their nets. The practice dates back hundreds of years — and it’s impressive to watch.
First, in the dead of night, the Bangladeshi anglers load crates of
otters onto their boats and head out to fish. Each otter wears a small rope harness and leash attached to a wooden pole. As soon as the boat reaches the fishing area, the fishermen release the otters. They dive into the water
To learn more about this fascinating human-animal partnership and see a video of the otters in action, head to YouTube and search
“Bangladesh otter fishing.
2 • www.ImagineGoingThere.com
... CONTINUED FROM COVER
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” —JIM ELLIOT
those living with the disease, but he also buried those who died from it. In addition, he helped build houses, orphanages, schools, and churches, and created a system for providing clean water. He advocated for provisions from both the church and government, and raised awareness of the hardship of the people. He lived among them, eventually contracting leprosy as well, which he eventually died from.
As a result of his efforts and the work of other volunteers like him, this noble work continued into the next century.
What I loved learning about
him was the joy he had in serving the people of Molokai. Charles Warren Stoddard, who visited Kalawao in 1884, said of him:
Overnight Coffee Cake
I love that this can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Pop it in the oven the next morning and have the whole house smell of cinnamon!
“His cassock was worn and faded, his hair tumbled like a school-boy’s, his hands stained and hardened by toil; but the glow of health was in his face, the buoyancy of youth in his manner; while his ringing laugh, his ready sympathy, and his inspiring magnetism told of one who in any sphere might do a noble work, and who in that which he has chosen is doing the noblest of all works. This was Father Damien.” As the door opens into 2023, I wonder what vision you have to impact your world this year? Stories like Father Damien’s help raise the bar of what is possible when acts of service are performed with great love. And as Mark Woods said after returning from a recent cruise, “We travel to experience the world. And often these experiences awaken our appreciation for what we have here.”
Ingredients Cake batter: • 2 large eggs
Topping: • 1 cup brown sugar • 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 9 tbsp butter, melted • 1 1/4 cups buttermilk • 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 1/4 cup flour • 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp vanilla • 3 cups flour • 2 1/2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp salt
Directions 1. In a bowl, combine first five ingredients. Add dry ingredients and blend well. Pour half of the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking pan. 2. In a separate bowl, add topping ingredients, mixing until it resembles coarse crumbs. Top cake batter with half of the cinnamon mixture. Dollop remaining batter on top, using the back of a spoon to spread evenly. Top with remaining topping and swirl the batter several times with a knife. 3. Cover and store overnight in refrigerator if desired, then bake at 350 F for 30 minutes or until coffee cake tests done.
The timeless cycle of opportunity -> gratitude -> service is a great way to keep from letting our blessings become stagnant so we stay motivated to make a difference in the lives of others.
—Carol Shaddix
• 3 770.421.9627
Great Vacations Matter Because Great Memories Matter Most
A Platinum Circle Agency for:
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
770.421.9627 | www.ImagineGoingThere.com 3600 Dallas Hwy, Suite 230-215, Marietta, GA 30064
Everything you love about Viking, only better! A great destination is just one part of an amazing vacation. Just like having a master chef prepare your meal at your favorite restaurant, as one of Viking’s largest representatives, we’ve booked these vacations countless times. We intuitively know how to enhance the outcome of your experience so it consistently delivers above and beyond your expectations (and know when those special promotions such as extra shipboard credit or free airfare are available that you might not know about). Whether you are interested in an individual reservation or want to travel together as a group, call 770.421.9627 for your free consultation on how to make your next vacation even better than you expected! Tip: If you’ve already booked direct with Viking in the last 60 days, contact us to add some additional bonuses to your reservation!
1. 2.
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF FATHER DAMIEN
TALES FROM OUR SAILS
THE FURRY FRIENDS OF BANGLADESH
3. 4.
OVERNIGHT COFFEE CAKE
TIPS ON PACKING YOUR BAGS
TIPS ON CHECKING A BAG Lost Luggage & Packing Light There seems to be a pandemic of lost luggage lately. Even if you have AirTags, you might be able to tell where it is, but getting it to a moving cruise ship is difficult for everyone involved. well so you can prove the value of the contents. 2. Make yourself easy to find: Be sure your contact details are on
the outside and inside of your bag in case the tags are torn off.
So, now is the time to be one of those who can say, “I only travel with a carry-on!”
3. Make it stand out:
Distinguish your bag in some way — colored luggage (better than black), ribbons, and straps all help your bag stand out from the crowd. 4. Cross-pack: Yes, it’s a headache, but it’s even more of a headache to do without your clothes for days while waiting for your luggage to be returned. (Ask me how I know this!) 5. Keep your important documents, medications, and extra change of
HOWEVER, IF YOU ARE CHECKING A BAG … HERE ARE SOME TIPS:
clothes with you: Maybe pretend you’re packing for 15 days in your carry-on, and use your checked bag for nonessentials. Then as a bonus, you’ll have room for souvenirs on the way home! Most Important: Don’t forget to pack a good dose of patience along with a great attitude, too!
1. Take a photo of your bag: Before releasing your suitcase to the airline check-in agent, take a photo. This will give you an up-to-date record of the color, size, and condition of your bag in case you need to file a claim at the airport for lost or damaged luggage. While you’re at it, take a photo of everything in it as
4 • www.ImagineGoingThere.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator