Learning a new language

There’s one trick to learning a new language and it is exactly the same ingredient that we need when exercising —- consistency. Taking the first step is the easy part, whereas maintaining focus and staying disciplined can quickly become an arduous task. But with the 5 tips to increase your efficiency, you will find it easier to keep up the enthusiasm and master a new language in no time!

The Secret to Learning a New Language 

Making it a daily Habit

Keeping it consistent in a chaotic world where leading a busy life is a staple characteristic for most of us can easily become a challenge. The best way to stay disciplined is to make learning a new language a priority, by making it a daily habit. Whether its 20 minutes or 2 hours, be sure to set aside a small amount of time each day to study your new language.

Use technology

In today’s modern world it is now easier than ever to learn a new skill with all the technology that is made available to us. But with so many apps out there, its hard to know which are the best for learning a new language. The WOW favorites are: Duolingo & Memrise, two of the best language learning apps on the market.

Practice everywhere, all the time

Another core ingredient to keeping it consistent is to practice everywhere and anywhere in any way possible. Whether you’re listening to a French film or thanking people in Deutsche, there are multiple opportunities in a day to practice.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes

One of the key mistakes people make when trying to learn a new language is being too afraid to make mistakes – but don’t forget that is how you learn! Be sure to speak out loud when studying your new language and try it out on family and friends – chances are they won’t know when you’re wrong anyway! Take every chance you get to practice, particularly when in the home country of your new language. Locals will appreciate the effort, even if they don’t quite understand you at first!

Learn in more ways than one: read, speak out loud, and listen

The final key to success in learning a new language is to practice in more ways than one. Back in the days of your primary education, you may remember doing the “Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check” methodology when learning spelling (okay, maybe that was just me, but…). This is a tried and tested method to learning anything new, so be sure to give it a whirl on new words and phrases as you continue your learning.

Total immersion

Travel to the country that that offers the language you want to learn and practice with locals and immerse yourself in the language. Another option is an immersion program, e.g.  Living with a local host family or an immersion school will leave you no choice but to think and speak the language.

Travel and lifestyle goals

What are your travel and lifestyle goals for 2015?

“Somewhere, Something Incredible Is Waiting To Be Known” – Carl Sagan.

Why Panama is Like Disney World for Entrepreneurs

Just to be clear, I don’t mean Disney World in the “charge me $6 for a morbidly melting Mickey popsicle” kind of way.

Or even the “stand in line for 3 hours to find out someone puked on Space Mountain” kind of way.

I mean in the “holy CRAP this is amazing, can we go Mom please, can we go can we go can we FOREVER STAY” kind of way.

(Except, you know. You don’t need Mom’s permission. Hopefully.)

Towards the top of the list of reasons to move to Panama is its compelling entrepreneurial atmosphere. You can show up with meager savings and just the slightest idea of what you want to do; if you’re seriously invested in your success, you will make it happen.

I don’t mean to imply that it’s easy, navigating Disney World. I was broke for what seemed like an eternity, and it took me almost 2 years to get to where I am now.

But I do believe that I attained some level of wealth and experience that I simply would not have back home. At least, not in such a (relatively) short span of time.

Here’s what Panama had to do with it.

1. A Badass Economy

Never in my adult memory has the U.S been even close to the economic growth currently sustained by Panama. We’re talking a GDP growth rate of almost ELEVEN PERCENT in 2012. THAT’S MIND-BLOWING. (The U.S and Canada, since you’re wondering, floated around 2% that year. Remember that whole “job market wasteland” thing?) Projections for 2014 remain incredibly bright, with Panama holding the title for fastest growing economy in Latin America.

This makes Panama a petri dish for job growth, start-ups, and freelance careers. Progress begets progress, and Panama is on an upwards curve. Tourism, the expat population, and the middle class are all expanding, and businesses are following suit. They need people. Bright, passionate, determined people- with fresh perspectives and ideas.

What’s up, Opportunity.

2. A (Comparative) Lack of Creativity

Please please don’t get your panties in a twist; I’m NOT saying Panamanians aren’t creative. I’ve met some truly phenomenal Panama-bred artists and minds. But as far as untraditional roles in the workplace go, Panama has some catching up to do.

Universities here tend to produce doctors, lawyers, dentists, etc. Highly respectable, of course, but its left Panama with a slight deficiency in innovation and a lot of the more abstract roles. This is hugely beneficial for the creatives amongst us.

Writers, graphic designers, web programmers, digital marketers, photographers, take note! You’re going to have a lot less competition, and a lot more opportunity, here than you will up North.

3. Lenient Foreign Labor Laws

Panama is pretty damn reasonable when it comes to its foreign labor laws. There are rules, of course, you can’t just walk into a store and fill out an application- but if you know where to look, you’ll likely find what you’re looking for.

Larger corporations in Panama are often able (and looking) to hire foreigners. A company is permitted to have a certain percentage of their payroll made up of non-nationals, meaning anyone with many employees has a good chance of taking you on. I have no work permit or residency, and have still been on the payroll of many legitimate companies.

If you’re a freelancer or start your own business? Even better. Panama gives foreigners the same rights as nationals when it comes to most business matters (Google: Panama Foreign Investment Protection Law.) Operating a business, you’ll actually encounter less red tape here than you will in the States. It’s easier for me to work in Panama as an immigrant than in the U.S as a citizen, how whack is that.

4. It’s Easier (And More Fun) Being Broke Here

Unless you’ve got a cozy trust fund backing you up, you’re probably going to be scraping pennies at least in the beginning. Particularly if you decide to go hardcore-entrepreneur and freelance or open your own business, there are going to be some rough patches. That’s inevitable no matter where you are.

But if you gotta be broke, you’d much rather be broke in Panama.

Panama has a super luxurious side, and you’ll have to work your way up to that. But it also has its charmingly humble tropical atmosphere. You can eat well, travel cheaply, and enjoy some incredibly beautiful landscapes- all on a narrow budget.

5. A Stimulating Social Sphere

Panama attracts the best.

We come from around the world, with different backgrounds, knowledge, interests, and skill sets. We’ve left behind everything that is comfortable and familiar to forge a new existence within a completely alien place.

And we’re drawn to one another.

In this weird, enchanting way, where we don’t know exactly why and we don’t even know whatwe’re looking for. All we know is that we want, we HAVE to sit down together and talk. Talk about our ideas, our plans, and all of our most and least favorite mistakes. It’s an engaging atmosphere wherein we thrive on one another’s passion.

We fuel one another, we challenge each other, and through each other, we rejuvenate ourselves.

Immerse yourself in that kind of setting, and it’s only a matter of time before you create something worth working towards.

By Alice Beth

Flinders Rangers – Wilderness adventure and eco retreat

Flinders Ranges is the largest mountain range in South Australia and provides a perfect entry point to explore one of the more colourful and vibrant parts of the Australian outback. Wilpena Pound, a large sickle-shaped natural amphitheatre is a key landmark within the Ranges. It spans some 80 square miles and contains St Mary Peak (1,170 m (3,840 ft)), the range’s highest peak. The northern ranges host the Arkaroola wilderness sanctuary and the Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park. The southern part of the ranges are notable for the Pichi Richi scenic railway and Mount Remarkable National Park.

The Rawnsley Park Station resort is perched at the foot of the Flinders near Wilpena Pound. For over 46 years it has been a favourite place for travellers to lodge. If you are lucky enough to be staying within the resort you will wake up entirely surrounded by the pristine wilderness which lies within the endless rugged mountain ranges.

The eco resort is at the foot of the rangers and is spread out over 1200 hectares home to native wildlife, natural bird sanctuaries, and expansive flora. The accommodation includes eco villas, cabins, a camping site, and the Rawnsley homestead. Facilities include the Woolshed restaurant, licensed shops, and numerous 4wd tracks and bush walking trails. While tourism is the primary industry on the property, the station still runs over 2000 sheep. Initially devoted to sheep shearing, the station first ventured into tourism in 1968, when the first cabins were opened and sheep shearing demonstrations began.​

There are seven marked walking trails ranging in length from 30 minutes to 5 hours. The Rawnsley bluff trail is considered one of the most difficult hikes, with an estimated five hour return time over 12.6km, the trail steepens to a climb which brings you to the Lone Pine Lookout, followed by the Wilpena Pound Lookout which provides an encapsulating view towards the center of Wilpena Pound. Additional trails range from 1.6 kilometers to 6.5 kilometers.

There are numerous shorter (1 hour +) tours suitable for almost any budget. They include 4 wheel driving, guided walks, scenic flights, mountain biking, walking trails or a hot air ballooning. While scenic flights may be beyond some budgets they are well worth the stunning views for a once in a life visual experience “extraordinaire”.

Key Facts

• 435 kilometers and a 5 hour drive from Adelaide
• 405 kilometers and a 4.5 hour drive from Barossa Valley
• The most popular campsites include Rawnsley Park Station and Wilpena Pound
• Native birds include: ring neck parrot, gallah, elegant parrot, red capped robin, short tailed grass wren, emu, wedge tailed eagle, whistling kite, and the Australian raven
• Local kangaroos include: red kangaroo, Euro, and the western grey kangaroo
• Several bush walking trails to choose from
• Other endemic marsupials include dunnarts and planigales. Insectivorous bats make up significant proportion of mammals in the area
• Reptiles include goannas, snakes, dragon lizards, skinks and geckos. The stream bank froglet is an endemic amphibian
• Summers usually have temperatures reaching over 38°C, while winters have highs around 13°C – 16°C, depending on the elevation. Although rainfall is erratic, most of the precipitation is seen in the winter months. There are also some monsoonal showers and storms that move in from the north during the summer months.

Why Rawnsley Park Station

• Large variety of hiking trails within reach from Ranwsley Park Station
• Variety of accommodation choice including camping, eco villas or self-contained cabins
• Tours available on site
• Scenic flights available on site
• Easily accessible friendly staff
• Eco villas with star gazing skylights​​

Why the Flinders Rangers

• One of the wonders of Australia
• Can be enjoyed by any type of traveller i.e. camper or luxury, relaxing or active
• The Flinders Rangers itself – stunning scenery
• Access to camping, grocery and information facilities –Wilpena Pound
• A photographer’s paradise

Beware of

• Driving at night. Kangaroos can jump out from the side of the road, during the day you are most likely to drive around the ones that have been hit at night, or possibly some wild goats
• Weather: winter nights can get cold, sometimes below zero. Pack appropriate clothing. In summer time be mindful of the usual natural wildlife that bask in the heat. Prepare for fly’s and mosquitoes. If camping, consider a mosquito net. Carry protective clothing, hat, sturdy footwear, sunscreen lotion, plenty of drinking water, and light snacks
• Off road 4wd: bring a spare
• Out back service stations are not necessarily open 24 hrs. Top up at every opportunity
• Low variety of restaurants and entertainment. The resorts are​, however, usually fully equipped
• No known “hangouts” outside of the rangers, be prepared to travel fully equipped – welcome to the outback!
• Scenic flights and hot air balloon are considered expensive depending on your budget
• Poor phone reception, and access to the internet is scarce and can be costly. Especially if you are using a pre-​paid account
• Venturing off track may get you lost, be sure to carry a map and orient yourself with a prominent landmark. Inform a responsible person of your proposed route and expected time of return. Allow enough time to comfortable complete your hike before dark.

To find out more about Slipstream’s unique travel services, you can check out our website http://www.slipstream.travel.

Wanderlust: yoga, spirituality and fun!

Wanderlust combines some of the most renowned Yogis practicing, top musical talent you’d find at a festival, and other activities like hikes which focus on meditation, and a film series exploring spirituality on and off the yoga mat.

Slipstream offers two packages which will take you directly to the festivities with no hassle required.

http://slipstream.travel/holiday/wanderlust-festival-tour-squaw-valley/

http://slipstream.travel/holiday/wanderlust-festival-tour-whistler/

 

Key Facts

• Yoga-focused three to four day festivals featuring some of the world’s best yoga instructors and most illuminated speakers
• World’s largest and fastest growing yoga and music series
• Founded in 2009, it celebrates the values of mindfulness through the arts, mediation, food and embracing natural beauty
• Past performers have included Spoon, Andrew Bird, Broken Social Scene, Moby and MC Yogi

Why Wanderlust 

• Co-founder Jeff Krasno says, “Festivals are all about community,” and Wanderlust definitely embraces that philosophy
• Great way to experience a yoga retreat but also have varied activities
• Flexible ticketing so you can choose the activities and price point that works for you

Be Aware Of

• Some yoga sites are up to a 30-minute walk from home base, but with carefully chosen sites showcasing the best of the outdoors, the hike could be half the fun.

Can’t wait to find your own zen with Slipstream taking care of the details? Find all the details on how you can go at slipstream.travel.

Kenya: East Africa’s equatorial gem

The Republic of Kenya is an equatorial gem in East Africa. At the southeast, Kenya borders the Indian Ocean. Sun-bleached white sand, pristine blue waters, and lush tropical landscape ornament this region of the country. Awkwardly shaped, Kenya also borders Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia. From the paradise on the ocean to savannah grasslands rich in wildlife, Kenya’s landscape varies tremendously, leaving travellers engaged and curious every step of the way.

Temperate forests and hills dot the western region and snow-capped mountain peaks protrude before you at Mount Kenya. A near-desert landscape unfolds into the horizon in the arid and semi-arid borders along Somalia and Ethiopia while Lake Victoria, the second largest freshwater lake in the world and the largest tropical lake in world, marks Kenya’s southwest region. This diverse landscape makes Kenya an explorer’s dream.

Embarking on a wildlife safari will bring you face-to-face with what wildlife enthusiasts refer to as the Big Five: lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard, and rhino. While nestled into some of the best bird-watching territory in the world, you’ll surrender to nature as it boldly surrounds you, aweing and inspiring you with each memorable scene. In addition to Kenya’s safaris, you can also trek the glacial ridges of Mount Kenya, participate in excursions through the Aberdares Forest, and explore the “Kingdom of Lions” in the Maasai Mara one of Africa’s supreme wildlife reserves. In the bustling city of Nairobi, you’ll enjoy the vibrant local culture.

Slipstream offers several Kenyan tours, irresistibly a once in a life time experience:

http://slipstream.travel/holiday/14-days-with-sarova-hotels/
http://slipstream.travel/holiday/14-days-serena-hotels/
http://slipstream.travel/holiday/14-days-beach-bush-with-sarova-hotels/
http://slipstream.travel/holiday/10-days-with-serena-hotels/
http://slipstream.travel/holiday/10-days-with-sarova-hotels/
http://slipstream.travel/holiday/7-day-luxury-safari-in-kenya/
http://slipstream.travel/holiday/7-day-bush-safari-in-kenya/

Key Facts           

• Hottest months of the year are February and March
• Cooler season falls between July and August
• Mt. Kenya is Africa’s second highest peak with Elevation at 17,057 feet (5,199 meters) and Kenya’s highest mountain
• Kenya produces and exports some of the world’s best tea and coffee among other agricultural products

Why Kenya

• Exotic wildlife and landscapes
• Home to the “Big Five” animals (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino)
• Africa’s finest national parks, mountains and its beaches and lakes filled with flamingos and pelicans
• Diverse cultures to explore with some tribes still living a traditional lifestyle such as the Samburu Massai and Turkana

Be Aware of

• Stick to hotels and banks when using credit cards and use cash for smaller purchases
• Exchanging currencies in Nairobi is recommended as it can be more difficult and more expensive in smaller cities and towns
• Barclays Bank has one of the most reliable ATM machines for international withdrawals, covering most major Kenyan towns
• There’s no harm in rounding up the bill if you’re pleased with the service, otherwise tipping is not common practice among Kenyans

To find out more about Slipstream’s unique travel services, you can check out our website www.slipstream.travel.

Texas: Where the art, the food and adventures are all bigger than life

South by Southwest music, film and interactive festival turns Austin into a buzzing city with some of the top names in entertainment. Walking down 6th Street, music will be buzzing out of every door, rarely breaking for a nap. It’s not called the live music capital of the world for no reason. Once a launch pad for indie bands, it has now swelled to include acts like Jay Z and Kanye West, easily some of the biggest names in music—all while still maintaining a record for breaking some of the best new acts.

And then the there is the film festival. Once the little sister of the music festival, in recent years, it has launched the careers of rising filmmakers like Lena Dunham, and has been an important stop for established filmmakers like Richard Linklater and Harmony Korine. If innovative and subversive sounds like your idea of an interesting 90 minutes, the film schedule will be sure to delight.

The Texas State capital also offers plenty to enjoy between screenings and concerts. There are icons of the BBQ world including Stubb’s (be sure to try to pulled pork) or if Asian is more your style, try Top Chef and James Beard-award winning Paul Qui’s East Side Kings or the upscale Qui. And to work off those meals, it should be no surprise that noted yoga studios are in the city where Whole Foods was founded. Wanderlust Yoga, from the folks behind the movement and music festival, is located downtown.

Arts and culture offerings in Texas aren’t limited to the two weeks of SXSW. There’s Marfa, a town located off a dusty stretch of highway in east Texas which is also home to large public works by Donald Judd, Dan Flavin and Prada Marfa, a pop art exhibit replicating a boutique complete with bags in the window.

While the Western aesthetic of big boots and bigger hats are what Texas is traditionally associated with, some might be surprised that it is also home to some of the finest modern and contemporary art in the world. Just down from the comprehensive Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s Rothko Chapel is a non-denominational chapel and tranquil sanctuary with massive paintings by the namesake artist on the walls. The space with its dramatic lighting is more than just a venue to view art, it’s an immersive experience.

In Dallas, visitors will find more work to gaze upon from the Dallas Arts District to the halls of the Dallas Museum of Art to the Renzo Piano-designed Nasher Sculpture Center, to Modernist homes by Philip Johnson. Just outside Dallas, is the state’s oldest art museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and by that is the indelible Kimbell Art Museum. As a rule of thumb, anything with the De Menil name on it will be in good taste. Using oil money to support almost every major midcentury artist in America, the family also founded New York’s DIA Foundation.

Just be wary of scale and travel times. Everything is bigger in Texas, including the size.

Key Facts

– The 2nd most populous, and the 2nd largest state in the U.S.

– Houston is the largest city in Texas, and the fourth largest in the country

– After winning independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas was its own country for 10 years before being annexed by the U.S. in 1845

– The terrain includes desert, prairies, grasslands and beaches offering a wide variety of experiences and animals, including nearly 600 natives species

– Nearly a third of the population speaks Spanish, including a large Hispanic population

Why Texas

– Unparalleled diversity of experience from rodeos to top contemporary art

– The food: Great Mexican, great BBQ, great high-end cuisine too

– With Spain, Mexico and France all at one point holding a claim over the area, Texas has its own unique flavor that’s a blend of those cultures with the American

Beware Of

– Texas is a big state, plan accordingly

– The winters are mild but the summers can be hot, regularly reaching above 30 degrees Celsius in the summers

– Air conditioning is heavily used during the summers so even if it’s hot outside, it might be frigid in restaurants and museums so bring layers

– With downtown Austin as an exception, most of Texas is unnavigable without a car. The public transportation system is lacking though the city-to-city trains aren’t bad

– Be sure to try the chili, the official state dish, but only if you’re not a vegetarian. Traditional Texas-style chili contains meat, but no beans

– While larger cities, and Austin in particular, are more socially liberal, other parts of the state are less so and LGBT public displays of affection might attract the wrong attention.

ARCO Madrid 2014 – cutting edge contemporary art

 

ARCO is the Madrid-based contemporary art fair where 164 galleries from 30 countries come together, making its Spain’s biggest art event. It is the best place to enjoy (and buy) paintings, sculpture, photography, drawings, prints, mixed media, video and installations and meet some of the world’s top gallery owners, curators and collectors in Spain. It’s ranked in the top 5 art fairs in the world. 25,000 people attended the first ARCO in 1982 that featured the work of 90 galleries. Last year 150,000 people went to see the 201 galleries; of which 133 came from outside Spain.

Why is it worth a trip?

It’s a perfect place to find historical avant-garde work as well as the cutting edge contemporary art. And with the international art community in town, the Prado, Reina Sofia, Thyssen and other museums pull out all the stops. If that isn’t enough to lure you, the VAT reductions on artwork in Spain from 21 to 10 percent make it a great year to buy art from a Spanish gallery.

Oahu’s North Shore – Experience Rustic Hawaii

Visit Oahu’s North Shore and capture some of the bliss the locals enjoy daily. The North Shore is the ultimate laid back retreat for surfers, yogis and nature lovers.

The gateway to the North Shore is Haleiwa an historic country town with surf shops, beach style boutiques, a few cafés, bars and restaurants including some of our favourites – Banzai Sushi Bar and the Celestrial Fine Foods grocer with a vegetarian cafe out the back known as the Beet Box. This rustic surf town is the closest town to all the legendary surf breaks of the North Shore.

So where to then if you have been surfing all day at Waimea Bay, Banzai pipeline, Sunset Beach or Turtle Bay?. The locals turn to no other than the many food trucks and traditional Hawaiian roadside restaurants which range from coconuts, pineapples and acai bowls, to fresh local shrimp, ahi pokes or burritos to name a few – perfect delights between or after a surf.

When you think of a food truck or roadside restaurant you may think of it as an inferior option or maybe not dare go there at all. This is definitely not true of these type of outlets on the North Shore – the food is delicious and fresh.

Here are a few recommendations and those frequented by the locals:

Auntys Lil Green Hut – Vegan (Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku & Haleiwa)

For the ultimate vegan and for those on a detox. Fresh immortal health elixir – kombucha, green juices, smoothies and health wraps. The green heaven smoothie is incredible and perfect for a raw diet. Aunt Lils is situated next to Giovanni’s or on Thursdays a juice stand is located at the Waimea Bay Farmers Market.

 

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck – Hawaiian (293-1839 Kakuhu & Haleiwa)

Giovanni’s is regarded as the go-to shrimp truck on an island full of shrimp trucks. If you are a local you have been here too many times, but if you are not you have been told to go. Try the lemon butter Shrimp, garlic rice and hot sauce on the side.

 

Sharks Cove Grill – Hawaiian (59-712 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa)

Serves breakfast lunch and dinner. You can’t go wrong with the acai bowl for breakfast or any of the grilled skewers for lunch or dinner. Their smoothies are good too. Great for a quick bite if you are surfing locally at Banzai or Sunset.

The Elephant Truck – Thai (59-720 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa)

The Elephant truck has been running for about a year now. They set the truck up right near the corner of Pupukea across from Foodland. It has a simple menu, with some tasty options.  The curry is rich, and the shrimp are fresh.

 

Delice Crepes – French (66-470 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa)

The coolest Combi van conversion food truck in town and centrally located in the historic town. Great customer service a very welcoming. But do you have a sweet tooth? Try the Aloha crepe with lilikoi butter, fresh strawberries and whipped cream. You will be going back for seconds.

 

Teds Bakery – American (59-024 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa)

Established at Sunset Beach in the late 80’s. Evidently people travel to the North Shore for its famous haupia cream pie. Ted’s Bakery has more than its delicious pies! Ted’s also serves local plate lunches, smoothies, coffee, cakes and pastries. If it’s your birthday, watch out you might get a cream pie thrown at your face.

 

For a  perfect day at Oahu’s North Shore – start with the 5am hot yoga class at Bikram Yoga North Shore, grab a coconut water or a phantom smoothie at the Beet Box, catch some waves at Waimea Bay, break for an acai bowl from the nearby Beet Box truck or Sharks Cove Grill truck before surfing at Sunset Beach. If its a Thursday pick up some local produce at the farmers market, and if there is time for another afternoon surf, catch some tubes at the Banzai pipeline. If you are not cooking local produce when you get home, head off to Banzai Sushi Bar for dinner and finish up drinking with the locals at Breakers Bar.

Why Oahu’s North Shore:

– The ultimate surfers destination, wave heights in winter can be huge 30-50ft, attracting a lot of spectators to see the best surfers in the world – but many places are also suitable for learning

– An escape for those who prefer to avoid touristy Waikiki

– The island of Oahu offers additional activities for the adventure seeker such as hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, whale watching, snorkelling and diving

– Travel time via car from Honolulu airport is approximately 1.0 to 1.5 hours the first two thirds of the journey being on freeways.

Additional recommendations:

– Try a lagoon swim at beautiful Waimea falls

– At the Turtle Bay Resort treat yourself to spa services, gym and yoga classes. It is also a famous spot for watching the sunset, where you can see the famous ‘green flash’ at the very last second of the sunset

– Attend the famous health and wellness festival “Wanderlust” held at Turtle Bay Resort from 1 March 2014

– For the yogi, Waialua has a yoga co-op that offers yoga classes on a donation basis, or try the traditional hot bikram yoga at the North Shore studio filled with bikini body’s and tattooed surfers

– Attend a traditional luau and island show at the polynesian cultural center

– Ride a bike along one of the many beach paths

– Hike Manoa Falls, Diamond Head Crater, or Kokohead—some of Oahu’s most popular trails.

Beware of:

– The North Shore features some of the most famous surfing beaches in the world. World championship surf contests in November December and January can see tight vacancy for accommodation and huge waves

– The summer tends to be calmer for swimming and stand-up paddle boarding

– Tropical storms and bad weather can occur with little warning and send vacationers indoors usually for a short time but sometimes it can last a few days

– Make sure you lock your car when visiting beaches as theft is common

– Do not park in the wrong place or you will be booked and possibly towed, the police are very aggressive in this respect

– Do not expect service in a hurry. The North Shore is a super laid back rural environment and that is its charm. Best to leave a pushy, impatient or complaining attitude at home.

San Miguel De Allende – stepping back into the 16th Century

The centre of San Miguel De Allende welcomes you to a labyrinth of colonial architecture. This historic city has a cosmopolitan flair with its roof top bars, cafe style restaurants, and colonial style accommodations. It is also home to Mexican artesanias where arts and crafts are sold in street stalls and boutiques. There is a large expat community of mainly American artists, writers and alternative lifestylers who started arriving in the 60s and 70s and continues through to today. Voted best city 2013 by Conde Naste Traveller’s review of 25 cities, San Miguel is now a destination hotspot for trendsetting jet setters and culture vultures with real estate prices in the historic centre climbing again. With this new found fame and an existing reputation as a party town it will undoubtedly be the place to be for New Years Eve.

 Fascinating historic sights include the Parroquia, a large church in the central plaza.

How to get there
San Miguel de Allende, approximately 4 hours north of Mexico City by car, or 1.5 hours north of Leon international airport.

Known for
– Colonial period architecture (1519–1821), this 300-year-long colonial period classified Mexico as the “New Spain”
– Enchanting cobblestone streets
– Festivals
– Local scenes
– Culture

Must see
– Centro Historico: where the principal plaza and the Parroquia are located (large pink wedding cake church)
– Galleries: Numerous boutique galleries are located around Centro. A nice 20 minute stroll outside of Centro is Fabrica La Aurora, an art and design centre situated in a former textile factory which houses studios of working artists, contemporary galleries, furniture and antiques. There is a pleasant coffee shop where you can enjoy gourmet meals in this former factory.

Recommended restaurants
– Mivida: Mexican Italian restaurant, fine dining restaurant, delicious traditional Italian options
– Cielo: roof top American Mexican restaurant, best view of the centro plaza
– Casa Sierra Nevada: Boutique hotel with a garden atrium restaurant, try the cactus juice
– Berlin Bar: American and Belgium cuisine, access is hidden between two boutique shops, known to American locals and expats