Snow Aries Orchid's blog

Vickys bed and breakfast website - Cape Town

Vicky is a hard-working mother of three grown children who has absolutely adored her work as a Guest House operator these past 8 years. She has met wonderful people from all over the world and enjoys introducing visitors to her friends and family in her home neighborhood. The kids throughout Vicky's neighborhood come to greet new visitors. In fact, they usually take over when it comes to keeping the guests entertained. They will teach guests easy words in Xhosa or their version of traditional dance moves. When visitors bring candy or goodies to the children, Vicky will ensure it is dispersed equally as the children patiently line up outside Vicky's doorway waiting for their share of the treats.

Vicky recently won two awards in a month of June 2009, the Unsung stars for supporting local accommodation and Accommodation award from Cape Town Municipality.

Vicky's husband designed the interior of the house. It's very comfortable, and her visitors are always surprised by how big it seems on the inside when it seems so small from the outside. Her husband decorated the living room and hallway with special tiles and wood; they also like to hang pictures on the walls and display their collections of porcelain animals and special bottles. There are pictures from Vicky's past guests hanging throughout the house. The shared living area has local TV and a DVD player. The kitchen is available to the guests for coffe and tea making facilities and for use of the refrigerator. There is also an honesty bar for guests. There is a shebeen (tavern) with pool tables across the street and braai (BBQ) stands down the road. Vicky or one of her friends can take you on a walking tour of the neighborhood. Full tours of Khayelitsha can also be arranged.

 

 

Please check out this website for more info www.vickys-bed-and-breakfast.com

El Refugio website - Colca Canyon Hotel Accommodations

EL REFUGIO COLCA CANYON is the perfect hideaway for your holidays in the Colca Valley, located along the Colca River in a historical and cultural setting; the perfect combination of nature, culture and comfort.

The hotel is built with local materials and from their income can feel the presence of the typical nature of the place.

You can enjoy outdoor activities like fishing or a walk along the river or just lie in the hammock to see the large amount of birds that live in the area (Andean eagle or the world's largest hummingbird) in a history (collcas), give a complete view of the Colca Canyon.

Another of its highlights are the hot springs that caters to all rooms, we assure you to the bath is a relaxing experience.

Source: http://www.elrefugio-colcacanyon.com/

Himeville Arms Hotel website - Drakensberg Accommodations

Himeville Arms comprises of a collection of garden cottages that are divided into generously sized double bed, single bed and occasionally multi-room accommodations, many with wood burning fireplaces.

Together with a backpackers dorm the Himeville Arms is able to cater to most budgets. Antique style furnishings, the smell of wood smoke and strong ties with outdoor pursuits like fly-fishing all combine with the legendary status of this country hotel to create a pleasantly rustic, old world charm. The Himeville Arms Pub is linked with the main building, and is the area’s main nightspot and a very popular eating spot at all times of the day.

Located in the picturesque village of Himeville along the famed Sani Pass road. The Himeville Arms was established in 1904, and has acted like a gatekeeper for the Southern Drakensberg for over a century. Its Old English style, comfortable accommodation and timeless country life atmosphere have seen it remain a firm favorite amongst locals and visitors alike.






Source: http://www.kzn-himeville-arms.com/

Under-the-Berg website - Drakensberg B&B Accommodations

A beautiful thatched cottage B&B only a few minutes walk from the center of Underberg. There are three rooms and a 6-bed backpackers dorm also available on the property. The garden is well maintained with mountain views that will inspire any guest to get out and explore the area.

This is a well appointed B&B. All rooms are well equipped and of a good size. “A stranger you come, a friend you’ll go” is written on the dining room door and it’s backed up by a real sense tranquility and friendliness. The garden is large, open and has a great view of the Southern Drakensberg in the distance; an ideal place for families with young children who need to burn off some energy, even after a long day enjoying the outdoors. The proximity of eating and shopping options also make this a great choice for the backpacker. WiFi access can be found at the Grind Café 5-10 minutes walk away.

Source: http://www.kzn-under-the-berg.com/

Aard Lui website - Drakensberg Hotel Accommodations

Aard Lui is a delightfully small 2-room B&B set back from the main road that runs through Bulwer. Well maintained gardens are backed by a classically rugged and towering view of one of the nearby peaks typical of the Southern Drakensberg. The house is steeped in history and has played an important role in the local community for well over a century.


The property was the first to get electricity in the town of Bulwer and has passed through the hands of several different owners over the years on its journey from Bulwer’s first school to a ‘treasures and trash’ shop to a B&B. The owners now keep a variety of animals on the premises and have an extensive organic vegetable garden which guests often benefit from.

 

 

 

Source: http://www.kzn-aard-lui.com/

Noix de coco Guest House website - Mauritius Hotel Accommodations

The long and white sandy beach of Pointe d'Esny is one of the finest in the south, stretching several kilometers between Blue Bay and the town of Mahebourg, only a few kilometers from the airport. It is adorned with a long and curved coral reef which protects its turquoise waters from the rough sea and is hence safe for swimming and all kinds of water activities. Prevailing trade winds bring in a cool breeze during hot summer days and the ideal conditions for windsurfing and sailing during the cooler months.

 
Noix de Coco bed and breakfast is situated in second row on the beach in the white sand and nicely sheltered from rough trade winds. Its double rooms are comfortably furnished and supplied with all the amenities. Breakfast is offered and guests can even cook their own dinner in a large and rather well equipped kitchen. Noix de Coco is a perfect little paradise and a small oasis reflecting the true and rare Mauritian island spirit in a and relaxed ambiance. The owners and staff are very helpful and will make your stay in this charming place an unforgettable one.

 

Source: http://www.noixdecocoguesthouse.com/

Tours in Charlotte. Tour operator for Urban Adventures - unique day tours in 100 cities!

Welcome to Charlotte Urban Adventures, the destination for the most unique tours in Charlotte! Charlotte has such a fascinating past and an exciting future. We will share Charlotte's history and architecture from our Pre-Revolutionary War time-frame to our hip urban culture, taking in the sights, sounds, and tastes of Charlotte. We will experience architecture from the Victorian era to the modern architecture of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the only museum of Modern Art in the south east. Allow us to take you outside the banking culture to expose Charlotte's interesting, artistic, and eclectic scene.

Book a Charlotte tour with us online or feel free to contact us! And while you're in the US, check out our other Urban Adventures in Philadephia and New Orleans!

Source: http://www.charlotteurbanadventures.com/

Tours in Phnom Penh. Tour operator for Urban Adventures - unique day tours in 100 cities!

Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh is a chaotic, energetic and fascinating city. The city is situated in the confluence of three great rivers - the mighty Mekong, the Tonle Sap and the Bassac, and is the commercial, economic and political hub of the country. For a real taste of the essence of the city, hop on an Urban Adventure tour of Phnom Penh and find the iconic sights and little known treasures of this amazing city.

Jump into a cyclo to explore the heart of Phnom Penh, feed the monkeys and have your fortune told at Wat Phnom, explore the bustling Central and Russian markets, savour the flavours of Khmer snacks and lunch, watch the graceful Apsara dancers study their art and admire the historical architecture of Phnom Penh.

Travel by local tuk tuk and boats, explore an island in the Mekong, try local silk weaving, see fishing and agriculture, wander around local villages, a Buddhist pagoda and a small produce market, see the point where the Tonle Sap, Mekong and Tonle Bassac Rivers collide, sample Khmer snacks, and marvel at Phnom Penh’s Khmer and French colonial architecture from the water on Mekong Sunset on Phom Penh Discovery.

On 17 April 1975 Phnom Penh surrendered to the Khmer Rouge. Celebrations in the streets were short lived as the residents were forced to evacuate the city for four years. Find out about this time which is etched in all Cambodian hearts on Phnom Penh's Past.

Take a Phnom Penh tour and discover the secrets of the city from the eyes of your local guides at Urban Adventures.

Source: http://www.phnompenhurbanadventures.com/

Tours in Siem Reap. Tour operator for Urban Adventures - unique day tours in 100 cities!

Siem Reap Urban Adventures offers sightseeing tours in Siem Reap that open the gateway to the amazing UNESCO World Heritage archaelogical site of Angkor. These 1000 year old ruins are the remains of the highly developed Khmer empire. Nestled between rice paddies and the Siem Reap River, and not far from the Tonle Sap Lake biosphere reserve, the township is a great base from which to explore.

To get a taste of the highlights of Angkor and to dig deeper into the heart and sole of Cambodia, join one of our Siem Reap Urban Adventures tours. Spend a day exploring the magnificent temples of the Angkor complex on Angkor Adventure. Begin with Angkor Wat - the most famous and well preserved of them all. Wander through the stunning Bayon with its 54 towers decorated with more than 200 enigmatice smiling faces. Enjoy a Khmer lunch and get in touch with your inner explorer as you wander around the jungle temple Ta Prohm.

Jump on a bicycle and ride back in time on a day exploring the Cambodian countryside. Visit villages, see cultural seasonal activities like rice planting, taste local snacks and play with the villagers. Explore the Rolous Group of temples that mark the beginning of the amazing age of Angkor. Also see the traditional art of Shadow Puppet making on Active Angkor.

Discover the Tonle Sap Secrets as you explore the backroads on this facinating journey in the Cambodian countryside. See seasonal activities like cricket catching, rice planting, fish smoking and prahoc making. Take a boat trip on the Tonle Sap Lake to one of the world's more productive bodies of fresh water - the Tonle Sap World Heritage Biosphere Reserve.

Source: http://www.siemreapurbanadventures.com/

Tours in Hobart. Tour operator for Urban Adventures - unique day tours in 100 cities!

Welcome to Hobart - a magic city at the edge of the world!

With a glimpse of the Southern Ocean in the distance and Mount Wellington providing a dramatic backdrop, Hobart is a modern city with its vibrancy fused with the tranquillity of a bygone era.  The character and lifestyle of Hobart's European settlers are evident in the grand colonial mansions and the small wooden cottages which are scattered around the city.

As you embark on walking tours of Hobart, be pleasantly surprised how the 19th-century sandstone warehouses, where once merchants and whalers traded their goods and services, now bustle with locals and visitors browsing the art galleries and enjoying a drink or a meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants into which they have been converted.

Hobart is a city of fishing boats and fish & chips punts at the docks, coffee at Salamanca Place where the legendary market is held every Saturday; and  music – modern or classic at a variety of venues around the town.

A stroll through Sullivan’s Cove conjures up the rich maritime history of Hobart which was a gateway to Antarctica for such legendary polar explorers such as James Ross, Roald Amudsen and Australia’s own Douglas Mawson.  The nearby Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery gives you an insight into the island’s Aboriginal and colonial history.

The area surrounding Hobart is rich with a variety of landscapes and experiences:

To Hobart’s south east are the Coal River Valley wineries and Richmond, a picturesque, historic town with the oldest bridge in Australia and a convict jail which serves as a prelude to the Port Arthur Historic Site.  On the Tasman Peninsula you can also cruise to the Tasman Island along sea cliffs, take thrilling cliff walks and admire geological features such as the Tessellated Pavement and Tasman’s Arch .

South of Hobart, you can cruise beneath some of the world’s highest sea cliffs at Bruny Island, tour the vineyards of the Huon Valley or walk among the treetops at Tahune Airwalk.

West on the Derwent River is New Norfolk with its bucolic charm and the pretty town of Hamilton. For a taste of the high country and a round of golf on the oldest course in Australia, visit Bothwell at the southern edge of the Central Plateau; or drive north to Oatlands, to explore Australia’s largest collection of sandstone buildings.

A drive to the summit of Mount Wellington offers a bird’s eye view of the geography of this southernmost city with its intricate pattern of islands and estuaries that reach out beyond Storm Bay to the Southern Ocean.

Make your Hobart vacation complete with our selection of Hobart tours! Tasmania tours don't get any better than this. And whilst you're in Australia, check out our other Urban Adventures in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

Source: http://www.hobarturbanadventures.com/