#TravelTuesday Travel is Back!!!
Saturday’s booth at Osan was the busiest - ever. People were lining up to talk about going to Africa. Already helping several Airmen plan their 1st Safari. What I love doing so much!
Great to be back doing a Market Place! Happy Day! Safe Safari!
#TravelTuesday Is this the coolest pet friendly bar in Seoul?
From making sure it is the Doggy Beer you ordered, to a pet friendly menu, the Side Note Club at Ryse, Autograph Collection Marriott, is all about taking pampering your precious pooch to another level!
Side Note Club ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Located on the top, 15th floor of the Ryse Hotel, the Side Note Club overlooks energetic and vibrant Hongdae, Seoul. But, who can enjoy an evening out without your best fur buddy?
Ryse in the Evening ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Ryse is a Pet Friendly Hotel, with major emphasis on “friendly”. Upon arrival, your pet is welcomed with a bed and bowls awaiting in the room. If you pass by the Concierge Desk, a jar of Dog Treats is immediately brought out for your pup.
Pet Menu ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Dubbed Pet.Project, Side Note Club offers a menu for both Cats and Dogs. During our stay, Fynbos decided to try the Dried Sweet Potato and the Chicken Breast Jerky. As a Korean Village Dog, he should have preferred the Sweet Potato. Instead, he ate the Chicken Breast Chicken so fast, we ordered more.
Please note: While Pets are most definitely welcome, minor humans are not allowed in the bar after 6:00 pm.
Checking out Dog Friendly Beer ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
And while he seemed to be more partial to licking the botte than drinking the nonalcoholic “Doggy Beer”, it was super fun when the Waiter offered him to see if it was the Beer he ordered. It was just enough theatrics and silliness to be perfect!
Needless to say, Side Note Club is Fynbos APPROVED and we will most, most definitely be back.
Well done Ryse Hotel’s Side Note Club!
Fynbos at Side Note Club ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#ThrowbackThursday As the Queen's Jubilee Trooping The Colour Approaches Fondly Remembering Our Stay at the Cavalry and Guards Club
Cavalry & Guards Club Water Bottles London, England©Flyga Twiga™ LLC.jpg
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!
Water Bottles from the Cavalry & Guards Club©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#MemorialDay In Honor of Memorial Day, Flyga Twiga™ Offers a Military History Safari
#TravelTuesday Is Ethical Silk Safari Chic?
Silk Pillowcases?
Until this year, one of my favorite products were silk pillowcases from Africa Silks, located in South Africa. Unfortunately, they no longer are carrying them.
Taking to the internet, I found the amazing “The Ethical Silk Company”.
Opening Ethical Silk with Fynbos©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Ethical Silk?
I’d never heard of “Ethical Silk”. How can silk be ethical?
According to The Ethical Silk Company’s website:
…[they] found a particular mulberry silk production, made in India, that extracts the silk from the cocoon after the moth has left the cocoon. It is not a wild silk as all mulberry silk is farmed through a production known as sericulture. The result of the production is a beautifully rich mulberry silk (momme weight 19) which, because of the particular way it is produced, is more like a fine linen with a beautiful matte lustre rather than the shiny finish of traditional silk.
Perfect! The texture and finish is what I had loved about my silk from Africa. Now, I have gorgeous pillowcase that also align with my values and adherence to Sustainability & Conservation.
I love the beautiful, all natural gift wrapping.
Definitely Safari Chic!
Ethical Silk Information Tag©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
For anyone who cares about eco-friendly, fairtrade, ethically sourced products, I highly recommend them.
I’m truly over the Moon to find The Ethical Silk Company.
Now, what to order next….?
Ethical Silk Unboxing©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#TravelTuesday So happy to be attending Our Africa Travel 2022. My Office Mate is excited as well!
Timba Kenya ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#TravelTuesday 5 Must Ask Safari Questions Post Covid19
As our world prepares to travel again, a lot has changed in the Travel Industry. Here are 5 Must Ask Questions for your Safari Designer, to prepare you for the best, post Covid19 African Safari Experience.
Please feel free to use these same questions for all your travels. I think they apply to most Luxury Destinations, worldwide.
1) Have you lived or worked in (or even been to!) Africa?
A lot of excellent, knowledgeable industry experts were let go during the Pandemic. A disturbing shift saw their replacement by inexperienced staff. While “Junior Consultants’” low pay may help a company’s financial bottomline, the loss of Senior Travel Staff my mean the difference between a calamity ridden Safari, or the Wildlife Experience of a Lifetime.
You want an African Expert to help you design your Safari.
2) Why are you an Expert in the field of African Safari Planning?
This is a bit different than the above question. Flyga Twiga has been honored to have many people, who live and work in Africa, seeking our Safari services. With trusted, in-country partners, keeping up-to-date on industry changes, and personally living, working, & traveling extensively in East and Southern Africa - all create truly Expert Advice.
3) How long have you specialized in African Safaris?
A little known “Insider Secret” is many Big Box “Luxury” Travel Firms will move successful Sales Staff around. One week a staff member may be working on Cruises, then the next on African Safaris. I love a good Salesman. I also know specializations mean knowledge of travel specifics which may make or break a Safari Experience.
Ellie & Babies, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
4) Where are you headquartered?
Where the company is headquartered regulates business and banking laws. Your due diligence starts with knowing not only who, but also where, the professional accountability will be held. Consider this question an insurance policy – hoping for the best, while being prepared.
5) How long have you worked with your Destination Management Company (DMC)?
DMCs are our trusted, in-country partners. The DMC is the person(s) for whom your bespoke Safari Planner is vouching. They are telling you they know and rely on the DMC’s qualifications and professionalism. Why is this so important? I still get shutters thinking about the “Luxury Travel Expert”, who asked last year, on a Professional Luxury Travel Forum, if anyone had a DMC in Ethiopia. She was planning on sending clients to not only a place she had never been, but also with people she had never worked with.
You need to have faith that the people sending you on Safari, know and trust the people in charge of your Safari Experience.
As the questions suggest, you are really conducting an interview with the person you are entrusting with your African Safari safety and experience. These questions should assist in your traveling with confidence and the freedom to enjoy the amazing African Wildlife. Because our mission is for you to have a…
Happy Day! Safe Safari!
Two Brother Gorillas, Nyakagezi Group MGNP © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
This has to stop! With no tourists in sight - horrific increases in Africa Wildlife Poaching!!!
Rhino Africa ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
According to the South African Times, “Poachers behind the Wednesday night massacre of four rhinos at Inverdoorn private game reserve north of Cape Town sawed off a fake and worthless fibreglass horn from one of the animals they shot.” They didn’t even get REAL horns!
The article may be found here. And, this truly deserves a Trigger Warning!
This is why I started my company.
Without tourism, African Wildlife will be poached into extinction.
Safaris are Wildlife Conservation.
Rhinos in the Wild © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Feeling super energized, motivated, and inspired after tonight’s event. Thank you The Explorers Club NYC!
Can't get to Italy? Bring Italy home to you!
Super Delicious Focaccia © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Kicking off the Festive Season with a Private Italian Cooking Class!
Italian Cooking Class © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Last Summer, Rebel Rescue South Korea (RRSK), held an online auction. RRSK is made up of mostly American Service related folks, as well as some Koreans, who passionately save, rescue, and rehome Korean dogs.
Our precious Pandemic Puppy, Fynbos Asan, is one of them!
Official Taste Tester © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
One of the auction items was a Cooking Class with La Cucina Ci Monica - Monica's Kitchen. Chef Monica is an Italian Chef, married to a US Army Member. She brilliantly works as a “Trailing Spouse” by Catering and offering Cooking Classes. My husband & I bid intensely, checking our status often throughout the auction.
We won La Cucina Ci Monica’s Pasta Making Class!
Handmade Pasta Making © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
We decided to kick-off the Festive Season with our Handmade Cooking Class. Chef Monica taught us to make authentic Italian Focaccia, Pasta all’Uovo (Egg Pasta), and classic Tiramisù.
Paying Close Attention © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
We learned the proper methods of Italian Cooking, especially handmade Pasta Noodles. The Pasta was the best we have ever had - including our travels in Italy!
That said, we may have proven my Grandfather’s (who raised me) adage, “Never trust a chef that won't eat his own food.”
It was delicious!
Handmade Pasta Cooking Class © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Chef Monica shares our deep love for all dogs, especially rescue dogs. She let our Puppo be part of the fun!
Let Me Taste the Focaccia © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Chef Monica’s Italian Cooking Class was the perfect start to the Festive Season. My husband and I (& Fynbos) had one of most memorable days we’ve had in years.
Pasta Drying on My Grandfather’s Bread Board © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
As the Handmade, Homemade Pasta dries on my Grandfather’s Bread Board, which I inherited, I know he is smiling that I may - may - be turning into a “Proper Home Cook”.
Or, at least, turning my Hubby into one! LOL!
Hubby Making Pasta © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
More pics from the perfect day of learning Italian Cooking…
Fynbos Knows Who Is Cooking! © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Noodles & Pasta Machine © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Yummy Focaccia © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#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
UAE Sunset © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#TravelTuesday Great to be back at Magical Kenya Travel Expo MKTE 2021 Virtual
Meeting with old friends and making new ones!
#WildlifeWednesday New Special Needs Mobility Challenged Safari
Morning Coffee & Beet Root Juice Ole Sereni Nairobi Kenya © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#TravelTuesday Top 3 Safari Questions to Answer Before Your Bespoke African Safari Consultation
Top 3 Safari Questions
The first question people often ask is “How much does it cost to go on an African Safari?” While this question is understandable, there are 3 Questions I request Clients answer, prior to their first Bespoke Safari Consultation.
The Reason for the Consultation
Flyga Twiga™, as a Personal Safari Service and Consultancy, does not have pre-designed “packages”. Rather, the whole reason for the founding of Flyga Twiga is to give you the Safari Experience YOU want. Not what someone else “thinks” you want or should have.
So, prior to your first Personal Safari Consultation, please ask your self the following 3 Questions:
Ellies & Kili, Amboseli Kenya © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
1) Who is going on the Safari?
A couple, a family, a multi-generational family, friends, business associates… For example, while many Game Lodges and Safaris welcome young children, some restrict ages.
2) When do you want to go?
There are High Seasons and Low Seasons in East and Southern Africa. And most definitely benefits to each.
3) What is your “Dream Safari Experience”?
Each Safari should be as unique as your Dreams.
Perhaps you have your heart set on the great Mountain Gorillas. Or learning how to be a Safari Guide, on EcoTraining, is the adventure of a lifetime you seek. The unique Maasai Culture has fascinated you. Let’s make those dreams a reality.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
There a lot more fun and involved questions we will go over when we begin planning our bespoke Safari. These are just the exciting starting point…
Until we talk, please take a look at our suggested Safaris here.
Asante Sana & Happy Day! Safe Safari!
#TravelTuesday Sneak Peak - New Safaris on the Way!
Fynbos Asan Millican © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Fynbos’ Ears Have Perked Up!
Heard There’s a New K9 Adventure in the New Safari Offerings.
Coming Soon!
#TravelTuesday Pro Tip
Etihad Flight Uganda ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Always check to see if your airline (especially the ME3!) requires you to show - at the Airport - the same Credit Card which purchased your Airline Ticket.
They made not let you Board without it!
Etihad Business Class Uganda ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#WildlifeWednesday What is happening in Africa?!?!
Photo Credit: © Clint Robertson Umdingi Safaris
There is good news.
And, there is bad news.
Starting with the bad news, first.
Thanks to OurAfrica.Travel 2021 Virtual Trade Show, I’ve spent the past few weeks catching up with friends, new & old. So, what is happening in Africa?
The rumors of horrendous Wildlife Poaching are all too real. Clint Robertson, of Umdingi Safaris, shared with me what his team is experiencing in Zimbabwe. Clint’s Umdingi Safaris Team are on the front lines of this unprecedented human and wildlife travesty. The African Tourism Industry is decimated.
As a result, Wildlife Poaching is on the rise!
Some hard facts: for each one (1!) person who worked in Wildlife Tourism, at least 6 people were dependent on their income. This is GONE. No tourists. No jobs. No income….no food. What would you do if your family was starving? The taking of African Wildlife for money and food is now irresistible.
Now for Good News!
I think the Good News will save both humans & wildlife.
African Tourism Is Coming Back!
OurAfrica.Travel generated immense excitement and energy. But, that is anecdotal, isn’t it? Then, yesterday I was contacted by a previous client - about an African Safari Family Vacation!
Traveling in Africa, for me and my clients, has always been about International Development, Wildlife Conservation, and Sustainable Tourism. Wildlife is being poached right now. Yet, as Tourist comes back, Safaris begin, and Travel returns, the beauty of the African Savannah will heal and journey back. And, we will be saying again, soon…
Happy Day! Safe Safari!
Photo Credit: OurAfrica.Travel 2021
Happy Lunar New Year! Thank you ArmaSkin for Again Honoring Me as an Ambassador!
Lunar New Year 2021 ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC