Turkey and the Holy Land

Flying to Istanbul on Turkish airways an unforgettable experience.

Istanbul, next to Venice and Rome is the loveliest city in Europe and one of the most splendid in Asia. It is the only city in the world spread over two continents, separated by the Bosphorus. Istanbul's status as a crossroads for trade and cultural exchange endured during the centuries. Must-see attractions include the dazzling treasury in Topkapi Palace and exquisite buildings of timeless beauty such as the Blue Mosque and Basilica of St. Sophia. Istanbul is known as one of the best cities for street food. The markets are filled with fresh produce and the assortment of nuts is abundant.

After a short stay in Turkey, I flew to Israel.
Jerusalem is a city of overwhelming emotions, a city that promises a religious and spiritual experience, excitement and pleasure, interesting tours and entertaining adventures. Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. Old and new are combined in the most magical of surroundings. Walking through the Old City, one feels as if they are stepping through history.

Massada is situated on the top of a mountain with steep sides and a flat top like a parapet overlooking the desert panorama to the west and the Dead Sea to the east. The thrilling story of the site reveals the courage of the defenders of Massada and their battle against the conquering Romans. The remains of the fortress of Massada are well-preserved and have been reconstructed in an effort to pay homage to the site and its heroic inhabitants.

The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth in any land mass. It is called the Dead Sea because its salinity prevents the existence of any life forms in the lake. The Dead Sea contains incredible healing properties. Travelers from all over the world come to experience floating in the Dead Sea's calm waters.

Ask me about traveling to Israel, a land of history and adventure. 

Contact me at: (619) 546-8075 or joyce@travelwithjoycek.com

www.travelwithjoycek.com

Ultimate Trails and Adventure in Indonesia

Luxury!

In October of 2013, I traveled to Bali, one of the most exclusive and unique destinations in the world. Upon arrival to the new airport of Dempasar, I was overwhelmed by the beauty, tastes and smells of this island. Bali is the most famous of the islands in all of Indonesia. The blending of mountain scenery, the warmth of the people and beauty of the beaches make Bali a truly magical experience.

I was fortunate to experience the Bulgari Hotel. This resort blends high Italian style with traditional Balinese elements. The colorful vegetation and the blue serenity of the water lends to a spiritual experience.

Adventure! 

Flores is an island blessed with places of stunning natural beauty. It Boasts a harmonious culture blended adventure in a natural setting. The chain of islands promises exploration amung the idyllic beaches. Culminating hiking along the less-traveled village roads of Komodo and Kelimutu National Parks

 

Experiencing Belaragi, a traditional village where we homestayed. The Village did not have electricity, but the villagers more than made up for the lack of modern facilities with their warm hospitality. We were honored with a special ceremony with blessings of the ancestors. A magical night of star gazing and storytelling took place.

The women of the village extended their traditional royal costume to me, its was an honor.

Komodo National Park, known for its population of the Komodo Dragon as well as wild pigs, buffalo and birds. Seeing these magnificent lizards in their natural environment, accommodating by a ranger is a memorable experience. 

One of many Komodo Dragons roaming the park

Kelimutu, active Volcano on Flore

Visiting Kelimutu National Park

Enjoying the sunsets

Relaxing poolside after a hard day of trekking.

Indonesia, Land of a thousand Islands. Beauty, Serenity, Adventure. Want to know more? Ask me!

Email me: Joyce@travelwithJoyceK.com
Call Me: 619.546.8075

Please view my full photo album below, filled with photos of my Bali Adventure!

Discovering Southern India

Southern India

Dates Visited:Oct. 31 to Nov. 9 2012

I began my visit to India in Mumbai, colorful and rich with historical culture and influenced by the Portuguese. I drove through the charming narrow lanes visiting art galleries along the way. My hotel held amazing views of the Mumbai skyline. I broke away and enjoyed walks through Bandra where the renown Bollywood film industry resides.

I continued to Hyderabad, approximately 430 miles southeast of Mumbai. I arrived after a short plane ride to this new tech city. Microsoft, Google and many more Fortune 500 companies now have offices here. Hyderabad is where Mughal India meets South India, where in architecture, culture and cuisine, both influences merge to create a unique Hyderabad flavor. It is a city of contrasts much like India itself.

In Hyderabad, I stayed in the amazing Taj Falaknuma Palace. Built by an Italian architect for one of the Nawabs of Hyderbad. The palace is shaped like a scorpion’s tail, with curved wings for the zenana’s (women). This palace was able to accommodate over 5,000 women! Being in the palace you are exposed to the beauty of colorful blooming flowers that surround you with an intoxicating perfume.

From Hyderbad I traveled to Bangalor. It has the reputation of being India’s garden city. It is also India’s 3^rd most populous city. It is home to many well recognized colleges and research institutions. It is also known as the Silicon Valley of India for its position as the nation’s leading IT city. From Bangalor we drove 4 hours to the historic city of Mysore, noted for the maharajas (India’s Mogul’s). Mysore is famous for its traditional paintings in silk, sandlewood and its incense production. It is most noted as the international center for Ashtanga Yoga. Many visit this city for this yoga experience. I continued through to our next destination…

I continued to Madikeri in the Coorg District of Karnataka. I stayed in the newest Taj property: Taj Madikeri. Here I enjoyed the beauty of the land and took hikes in the lush rainforests that surrounds the property. I was able to establish a connection with spirituality, rising to meet the sun with a yoga lesson. I also interacted with nature by hiking the beautiful lush trails.

Southern India is a perfect mixture of colorful people, beautiful surroundings and exotic adventures. Ask me about Southern India and the beautiful Taj palaces that I visited.

Learning how to dance Bollywood style.

Beautiful views of the ocean.

The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai

A flute player at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai

At the Market

This is a holy place where ashes of deceased loved ones are scattered into the river.

Hiking in Madikeri with Leech Protector socks.

Hiking the rainforest in Madikeri

Creating your individual essence at the market.

Learning how to cook southern Indian cuisine. 

My Latest Adventure: The Magic of Africa

South Africa , Zambia, Botswana...

A kingdom of animals living in their natural habitat where they graciously allow us to intrude. The most powerful experiences are about discovering something new that resonates and becomes a cherished memory.

I was privileged to experience Sothern Africa and so taken with the country that I am already anticipating my return.

I started in South Africa visiting Cape Town with its spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean... Table mountain the waterfront with all the wonderful hotels and cafes teaming with the sounds of happy people.

I continued onto the wine lands visiting Stellenbosch with beautifully preserved Cape Dutch buildings from the 17th century the university... Franschoek and its beautifully appointed vineyards tasting the best wines paired with delicious foods.

On to Sabi Sands and seeing MalaMala for game drives and tracking families of Elephants, lions, giraffe impala buffalo and wild dogs on the hunt... our trackers read the trucks like you and me read a newspaper.

I visited magnificent Victoria Falls in Zambia... mysterious mist surround the falls so it is difficult to see the length of the falls but the thundering sound and power of the water is cleary seen and heard.

 

Using our air taxi I continued to Botswana staying both in land base lodges as well as water based lodges. The lodges are luxurious tented camps that normally have indoor as well as outdoor showers and each camp boasts a public loo with a view...

The okavango delta lives up to expectation... colorful birds singing and calling to their mates... lilies were everywhere... morning lilies grace the day, night lilies bloom when the day lilies go to sleep … vegetation supplies food to the birds and animals that supports the circle of life.

The magic of Africa is compelling… asking that the visitor take as many photos as needed and only leave his or her footprint.

Sunny Regards,

Joyce