#SafariSaturday Great Day at Osan Air Base Fall Market!
Thank you to all who attended.
Loved meeting so many people enthusiastic about African Safaris!
Great Juneteenth Celebration at Camp Humphreys, South Korea! #celebratefreedom #safari #wildlifeconservation
Great event at Camp Humphreys Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) Festival!
#ThrowbackThursday As the Queen's Jubilee Trooping The Colour Approaches Fondly Remembering Our Stay at the Cavalry and Guards Club
Thanks to my wonderful husband, a few years ago we had the privilege of staying at the historic Cavalry and Guards Club in London.
A reciprocal of the Army Navy Club in Washington, DC, the Cavalry and Guards Club is a “Gentlemen’s Club” Notable members include King Abdullah of Jordan, the Sultan of Brunei, and Prince William.
Insider scoop: The Club is truly a “Gentlemen’s Club”. Women aren’t allowed in Geoffery’s Bar until after 6:00 pm.
Congratulations Queen Elizabeth II
on her Platinum Jubilee!
Feeling super energized, motivated, and inspired after tonight’s event. Thank you The Explorers Club NYC!
#SafariSunday Honored to again be a Delegate at Dubai Chamber Global Business Forum Africa - GBFA
GBF Africa is bringing the trade and investment community together to explore opportunities between Dubai and Africa.
The landmark African Continental Free Trade Area agreement (AfCFTA) came into effect in early 2021, creating the world’s largest free trade area—a key step towards Africa controlling its own destiny. The UAE also responded decisively to the crisis, quickly moving to reopen and adapt for the future. What synergies exist between the UAE and Africa, and how can the relationship between the two regions drive progress to realize a shared vision for the future? GBF Africa, building on its reputation as an essential forum for senior government, business, and finance leaders, will look closely at how Africa is responding to current challenges—particularly those presented by covid-19 and examine the role of innovation, collaboration and, above all, trade-in enabling solutions.
#GBFAfrica2021 #Expo2020 #Dubai
Happy Lunar New Year! Thank you ArmaSkin for Again Honoring Me as an Ambassador!
Deeply honored to again be asked by the awesome company Armaskin to be an Ambassador!
Looking forward to many, many new adventures in the new year!
#TravelTuesday Thanks USPTO for the Swift Trademark Renewal. See you in another 5 years!
#TravelTuesday As Saudi Arabia Opens Up for Tourists - Interior Ministry Announces New Public Decency Regulations
Exciting times for Saudi Arabia!
As Saudi Arabia opens up for Tourists, the Interior Ministry has announced new Public Decency Regulations and Penalties. These Regulations may be found here.
Most of the Regulations are common courtesy, a decent traveler would adhere to at home or abroad. Of those specific to an Islamic country, many of the Regulations will be familiar to anyone who has traveled in Middle East or Africa.
For instance, “not taking pictures or videos, without permission, people, traffic accidents, crimes, or other incidents” is a common politeness in traveling throughout the world, but legally enforced in the Middle East and most of Africa.
One offense I found interesting and had not noticed during my travels in the Gulf States, is “playing music during prayer times.” Which, of course, makes sense.
If you would like further information, Saudi Arabia has created a beautiful website for Tourists. And, with my deep love of Middle Eastern Culture & Architecture, I can’t wait to visit!
Have a great Travel Tuesday!
Excited and Honored to be Invited to Attend Global Business Forum Africa Hosted by Dubai Chamber UAE
2019 Global Business Forum Africa
Under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Global Business Forum Africa (GBFAfrica) encourages international revenue flows into Africa by engaging leading decision-makers on the global investment scene. The Forum will involve prominent African stakeholders to engage in a dialogue at the highest level of implementation.
فعالياته يومي 18-19 نوفمبر المقبل، تحت شعار "أفريقيا الغد، نماء المستقبل"، مشاركة رفيعة المستوى من رؤساء دول أفريقية، و17 وزيراً أفريقياً، وعدداً من كبار المسؤولين الحكوميين ورؤساء كبرى المؤسسات الاقتصادية الأفريقية والعالمية، بجانب عدد من كبار الشخصيات الاقتصادية ورواد الأعمال من مختلف دول القارة السمراء، وذلك لبحث سبل التعاون الاقتصادي وتعزيز نمو الأعمال ومناقشة مختلف القضايا المتعلقة بالتجارة والاستثمار المشترك.
ويشهد المنتدى الذي يعد من أبرز منتديات الأعمال العالمية حضور فخامة جورج ويا رئيس جمهورية ليبيريا، وفخامة داني فوري رئيس جمهورية سيشل، بالإضافة إلى عدد من الوزراء وكبار المسؤولين الحكوميين والشخصيات الاقتصادية في أفريقيا.
We are ready to welcome heads of state, 17 ministers, high-ranking government officials and prominent business leaders from Africa to our 5th Global Business Forum on Africa, on November 18-19. Among the high-level attendees taking part in #GBFAfrica2019 are: H.E. George Weah, President of Liberia; H.E. Danny Faure, President of Seychelles; and 17 ministers from Sierra Leone, Ghana, Namibia, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, Senegal, Uganda, Malawi, Congo, Tanzania, Niger and Liberia; as well as high-level public and private sector stakeholders from several other African countries, including former heads of state, CEOs, entrepreneurs, industry experts and economists. Under the theme “Scale Up Africa”, the forum will highlight the important role of cross border cooperation in supporting and accelerating’s Africa’s next phase of sustainable economic growth and development.
#TravelTuesday Super Excited to be Selected for the Atlantis Sand Dunes Experience WTMA19 Fam Trip
World Travel Market Africa (WTMA) Offers The Best Fam Trips
And Always Sees That I Am Challenged.
How Exciting!
BRIEF ITINERARY
The Atlantis dunes are one of Cape Town’s premier adventure hotspots. These ever-changing pure white sands offer the perfect opportunity for adventure seekers.
TOUR OUTLINE
Visitors will have an opportunity to choose from
• Quad biking
• Sand boarding
• 4x4 rides
• Guided walks of the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve where one can get to enjoy this city’s natural area and biodiversity heritage
After the activities International Hosted Buyers can be treated to an African inspired lunch at the African themed Moyo restaurant at Eden on the Bay.
Can’t Wait!
See you in Cape Town, WTMA!
Happy March! An Amazing Shout-Out in March 2019 Military Spouse Magazine by Communikait - Thank You!
#TravelTuesday New Safari and Exceptional Experiences for 2019 - Happy New Year!
Amy Millican Is Changing the Way Travelers View Africa - AzureAzure Magazine Feature
#TravelTuesday I did something I swore I'd never do again - and loved it!
The History
Back in 2009, I found myself on a bus in Tanzania, headed to Swahili Language School in Iringa. The bus flew around hairpin curves, going well above the speed limit, with no brake bars on the side. I promised myself that if I got back to Dar es Salaam (in one piece!), I would never, ever take a long distance bus again.
Well…fast forward to the end of 2018, nearly a decade since that promise to myself, and where do I find myself? On a long distance bus in Chile!
The Options
While planning our unusual getaway to Chile, we had our hearts set on going to San Pedro de Atacama. In fact, I booked lodging reservations before even firming-up how we’d get there from Santiago. Unfortunately, I quickly realized a “Road Trip” was simply out of the question. 26+ years of marriage has given us the blessing of knowing each other’s travel limits. Mine include avoiding 8 hours a day of driving in a country to which we had never been.
While we could have flown, our instincts were proven right when we got to the Calama Airport to pick up our truck for the short drive from Calama to San Pedro. While my husband had flown from JFK to Santiago on Aerolíneas Argentinas, I had flown Emirates from Seoul via Dubai. This included the 20 Hour transit via São Paulo, Brazil. A regional puddle jumper was not how I envisioned spending our vacation.
What to do?
While preparing for the trip to Chile, I had begun listening to Podcasts about the country. One good one was Passport Joy. In their podcast they mentioned how the wished they had taken a bus. Their description of the bus and the excellent infrastructure in Chile made me question my complete ban on long distance buses. And I am so glad I did. We found Turbus!
Turbus Chile
In less than 24 hours, you can board a bus in Santiago and be in Calama, the closest large town to San Pedro. If you book Premium – you are given a Layflat Seat, a comfortable pillow and blanket, and time to relax and enjoy the trip to the Atacama.
Light snacks were provided on the bus, with an occasional “local” hopping on and off to sell Empanadas. But, most importantly, it gave us time to acclimatize, in our attempts to avoid Altitude Sickness. While I had thankfully never experienced Altitude Sickness, in 2004 during a vacation in Sante Fe, New Mexico, my husband had. We knew to be extremely cautious.
And, sure enough, sitting on the bus, gradually ascending to the Atacama, religiously drinking water we had brought with us, we thankfully were not stricken with Altitude Sickness. We credit that in part to taking the bus.
Would I do it again?
In a heartbeat. Chile has long distance bus travel down. This was an extremely relaxing way to traverse the extraordinarily long country that is Chile. My husband and I had a chance to chat, enjoy being with each other, and try something we had not done together in our 26+ years of marriage – take a long distance bus ride together.
So, I did something I swore I would never do again and loved it. Thank you Turbus and Chile for such a great experience!
Happy Independence Day Kenya!
A wonderful evening at the Grand Hyatt Seoul celebrating the 55th Kenya Independence Day. Honored to be invited by the wonderful Ambassador Gello. An evening of warmth and friendship celebrating the truly magical Republic of Kenya!
Deeply Thankful to Kait Hanson for Featuring Me in Military Spouse Magazine
So deeply grateful and honored to be featured in
December Issue of Military Spouse Magazine.
Written by the awesome Kait Hanson @bykaithanson, the Article can be read here, with hard copies hitting the shelves soon.
Thank you so much!
Abu Dhabi Sheraton - A Beautiful Respite in the Middle of the UAE Capital
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
Thanks in part to the 1998 purchase by the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Sheratons, particularly those located outside the USA, have retained their grandeur. Add to this the 2016 purchase of Starwood by Marriott and you have all the power that comes from being the largest hotel chain in the world.
In the Heart of Abu Dhabi
One of the perks of staying in a Sheraton in the heart of the Abu Dhabi is the perfect mixture of work & play. Located on Corniche Road, the Abu Dhabi Sheraton offers, in addition to Adult and Children’s Pools, a private Lagoon. This provided me with some much needed beach & suntanning time, when I wasn’t working in the spacious office area in my room.
The Club Floor
One of the things I love most about many of the Marriott owned properties, and Sheratons in particular, is they have exceptional Club Floors. Each property, in my experience, interprets the design differently. The Abu Dhabi Sheraton had a relaxed, comfortable feel, as well as a separate Smoking Area.
I always make sure to book the Club Level. In addition to what I consider a full Breakfast, they also offer evening Cocktails & Canopies. I’m often asked if it is illegal to drink in the United Arab Emirates. It is not. Rather, it is illegal to be drunk in public. At the Sheraton Abu Dhabi I enjoyed delicious, well made G&Ts, as well as a nice variety of Australian Wines.
Nods to Traditional Islamic Architecture & Design
From intricate mosaics to dramatic arches, the Abu Dhabi Sheraton blends modern hotel design with nods to traditional Islamic Architecture & Design. Combined with the muted, Earth tones of the Emirati Desert, the marble details & features throughout the Sheraton provide the mood of how the UAE honors its heritage while embracing modernity.
Abu Dhabi Sheraton Hotel & Resort -
A Beautiful Respite in the Middle of the UAE Capital
Falling in Love Again, with Your First (Luggage) Love #TravelTuesday
Samsonite - My First Luggage Love
My earliest, wonderful travel memories with my Grandparents involve pulling out the hard shelled, green Samsonite Luggage. Cumbersome, no wheels, almost bigger than I was, my heart skipped beats when we pulled it out. The Samsonite luggage represented the excitement of travel - a passion for which I give thanks to my Grandparents.
Days would be spent carefully packing. Maybe repacking. And, each moment with the luggage held the promise of the journey ahead.
Time Marchs On
My travel needs changed. New products came out. Trends happened. And, I have to admit to being a bit snobby. I was "beyond" good ole reliable Samsonite.
Upon entering my fifth decade of travel, as a lifestyle and as a business, my checked luggage has become about as Utilitarian as you can get. Giant, black, wheeled international bags, most often purchased at the Military Exchange, get me from one side of the world to the other.
But, when it comes to my carry-on, I am as devoted as they come. I average about a half decade per bag. I only let go when the Next Generation of Carry-ons come out and I am forced by sheer practicality to move on. Although you can rest assured, the old carry-on is never disposed of, but rather “repurposed” in some way. We spent hours upon hours traveling together, often waiting for flights, with my feet propped up on my carry-on, how could I just toss my beloved carry-on aside?
So, last weekend, when touring the 17th Annual Korea International Art Fair, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the Samsonite Art Collaboration.
Samsonite X Hong Ji Yeun
Art Collaboration Volume 8
I immediately fell in love with Samsonite all over again. It was as if they had channeled me in creating this line. For their 8th Art Collaboration, Samsonite:
“Inspired by the works of Hong Ji-yeun featuring motifs like trees, flowers and birds, the new Samonsite collection is meaningful in that it symbolizes its social contributions activities. Sasmonite’s commitment to protecting the environment by creating forests in deserts and large cities is evident in the 2018 Art Collaboration. The Samsonite travel luggage created through this art collaboration contains our hope that someday flowers will bloom and birds will fly above the trees in the desert.”
“Imagine Their Own Travels Around the World”
The artists statement notes:
The artist Hong Ji-yeun (born in 1972) has worked on promoting harmony between East and West by combining Eastern motifs, such as trees, flowers and birds used in Korean traditional folk painting. Like an alchemist, she creates creates her own unique surrealist landscapes by fusing subject matters taken from East and West and from past and present. The birds and flowers in her work titled “Hwajobonbon 2” create, like “bonbons,” or candies in French, a sweet and splendid fantasy. The different birds from around the world taking a rest above the flower tree in the work titled “Dogamnamu” inspire viewers to imagine their own travels around the world.”
The Anticipation Begins
Just as it did when I was a child, Samsonite is once again inspiring me. And, just like the anticipation of travel, I must now wait for the Collaboration Luggage to be released.
The line will be released in 2019. Until then, I will take my current carry-on for some more adventures. Before I return to my first, childhood luggage love.