Istanbul

Istanbul: a city where east and west live in harmony.

The city's history stretches back years and present day Istanbul thrives on visitors seeking a connection to the past and culinary adventures including enjoyment of mezes (numerous small dishes), an abundance of restaurants available both in the old and new cities, and cafes filled with multiple generations enjoying being together and sipping traditional Turkish coffee or tea.

I had the good fortune of dining at various restaurants:

• Mikla, a Mediterranean restaurant with an emphasis on Turkish fair. With a bird eye's view of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn, Mikla is ideal for both couples and families.Chef Mehmet Gurs is a celebrated chef in the Istanbul culinary scene.

• Nar Restuarant is full of local Turkish and Mediterranean appetizers. I recommend going for lunch and is ideal for visitors of all ages.

• Vogue serves international cuisine with a great view of the Bosphorus is one of the most popular places to eat in Istanbul because of its elegant atmosphere.

• Nisantasi Brasserie is ideal for people watching, given the popular among locals. Delicious salads are a highlight of Nisantasi's menu.

Istanbul offers an array of options to delight every shopper. Traditional bargaining is expected and welcomed. My recommendations for shopping include:

• Spice Market, where I loved finding leather belts and bags.

• Grand Bazaar, where the jewelry is amazing, good quality pashmina scarves, and ceramics are found in abundance.

Contact me at joyce@travelwithjoycek.com to book your next Turkish adventure.

Featured Article: Travel Age West

I was recently approached as an Asia specialist by Travel Age West to provide my insider knowledge and tips on Bali, Indonesia.

Read the entire article here: www.travelagewest.com/News/Industry-Interviews/Travel-Agent-Talk--Joyce-Krichman/#.VOPs_8J0w3E

Rancho La Puerta

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Rancho La Puerta, which I found to be more than a spa resort. Rancho La Puerta is renewal for the spirit and body.

Located just an hour and a half from the San Diego airport, Rancho la Puerta is in Tecate, Mexico and very easily accessed via the ranch exclusive transfer offered to all guests.

The ground of the ranch are expansive, covering a farm, vineyards, numerous pools, all of the accommodations, and a number of well lit fitness, yoga, spin, and pilates studios. Ranch activities are taught by top notch instructors and vary in difficulty and are diverse in nature. Activity highlights for me were the hikes, led by instructors who have been with the ranch for years and gladly shared with guests tidbits on the history of the land.

I am able to offer both new and former guests to Rancho La Puerta a special offer for the first three weeks of September.

Please contact me at joyce@travelwithjoycek.com to book this special offer.

Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong

The Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, which magnificent views of the city, the Peak, or the world famous Victoria Harbour, is ideally and directly linked to the Pacific Place shopping mall with many dining options, including my personal favorite being Basil, lighthearted Thai nouvelle cuisine. This restaurant is edgy and appeals to a cross section of ages.

Pacific Place is very accessible to the MTR (the underground train system). The station that one uses for the Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong is Admiralty.

Hong Kong is a fantastic gateway into numerous countries within Asia, as one of my honeymooning clients just recently experienced on their way to South East Asia. Due to their exceptional product and service, I recommended the Island Shangri-La to this couple, and thanks to my direct relationship with the hotel’s leadership, my clients were upgraded and sent a fabulous  in room amenity, as pictured below.

By booking the Island, Shangri-La, Hong Kong directly through me, I am able to offer you:

• A next room category upgrade at time of booking
• Daily breakfast for up to two in-room guests a the Restaurant Petrus
• Complimentary one-way private airport transfer from the hotel to airport
• Early check-in/ check-out based on availability

For Executive Suite bookings, I am happy to offer a round-trip transfer with the hotel limousine.

To book, contact me at joyce@travelwithjoycek.com.

Southern India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives

Navigating through traffic

Southern India is a diverse area that encompasses both bustling cities and beautiful beaches. Agriculture is the most dominant source of income, giving light and color to the lush vegetation. Markets are full of seasonal fruits and vegetables as well as fresh flowers. The smell of spices tickle the nose. People are friendly, eager to help, and speak English. Hindu is the prevailing religion and I would recommend to visit a temple and make an offering so Ganesha, the God of good luck, embraces you. Ganesha's brother, Murugan, will bless you with successful business. The Silicon Valley of India is also located in the south.

Left: Hindu temple. Right: Cooking class

Rice fields

Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka

Back waters of Karola

Enjoying the river on a house boat

Cochin

Kuda Banos, Maldives

Grateful visitor offering flowers to Buddha

Bike riding through the rice fields

Buenos Aires, Argentina & Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile

Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, the Paris of South America, I headed to the Recoleta area to experience one of the best locations in the city. The downtown residential neighborhood in the Autonomous is an area of great historical and architectural interest, mostly because of the Recoleta Cemetery where Evita Perron is buried. Surrounded by lush greenery and amazing farm to table restaurants, serving world class Malbec wines, a traveler is bound to enjoy any aspect of what the city offers. Known for the best grass fed beef, La Cabrara is highly recommended. Another option is Café San Juan in San Telmo as well as Chila.

The purpose of this trip was to explore local, contemporary artists that are currently thriving in Buenos Aires, including Jorge Macchi, Pablo Siquier, and Leonardo Erlich. Their art has been selected by top museums in Berlin, Venice, and New York City. From tango at the Faena Hotel to malonga classes prior to the performance where locals sharpen their dancing skills, travelers are in for a treat.

Taking part in a contained balloon installation in Buenos Aires.

Containment structure looking for exit.

After a three hour flight from Buenos Aires to El Calafate and a five hour drive to Patagonia, the destination is difficult to get to, but well worth the effort. Shared by Chile and Argentina, Patagonia is surrounded by the most beautiful scenery: waterfalls, lakes, glaciers, and desert.

A traveler visiting Patagonia should be prepared to experience all four seasons in a short span of time: from t-shirt to ski jacket with winds blowing so hard, it is wise to anchor yourself with ski or walking poles when hiking.

[Above] Black sand, glacier water, and blue skies.

Torres del Paine, also known as Towers of Blue is a spectacular vision that leaves a lifelong impression. 

In front of Torres del Paine, also known as Tower of Blue.

15 meters from touching a glacier.

Preparing for Pisco Sour with ice glacier water.

Interested in Argentina and Chile? Email me at joyce@travelwithjoycek.com.

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

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