Lisa Niver's Blog: We Said Go Travel, page 295

Beautiful Baltaire in Brentwood

Stunning Steakhouse, Baltaire in Brentwood, gets top marks from Los Angeles diners: Sid Lipsey, Tracey Steinberg and Lisa Niver. The interior space is open and inviting and the team is phenomenal.

I could see returning here over and over again for the atmosphere, ambience, service and fantastic food.

Dining at @Baltaire in #brentwood #california was #foodgasm! We began with grilled artichokes, salmon tartar, Maine diver scallops and caviar. It was my first aperol spritz and I loved it!

A photo posted by Lisa Niver (@wesaidgotravel) on Aug 22, 2015 at 7:55pm PDT

The wine and drink pairings were excellent. I loved my first aperol spritz! Appetizers including Marine Diver Scallops, Grilled Artichokes, Petrossian Caviar and Salmon Tartar were scrumptious. The Greek salad was excellently prepared tableside was out of this world. I loved that we were offered a Greek white wine to accompany our salad.

Sid Lipsey says, “Amazing. This is one of the best dinners I have had since I got to Los Angeles.” Every aspect of our meals were unbelievable from the A5 Japanese Wagyu, Petit Filet, Colorado Lamb Rib Chops, and wild Alaskan Halibut. We all loved the olive oil whipped potatoes, fresh corn, charred broccolini and jumbo asparagus

A top dining extravaganza @Baltaire fantastic filet, heavenly halibut, steaming stupendous sides, delicious drinks and an incredible team. Thank you for a memorable experience! We will be back! #lgg4 #food A photo posted by Lisa Niver (@wesaidgotravel) on Aug 22, 2015 at 9:02pm PDT

Tracey Steinberg said, “The food was delicious and the service was impeccable. The decor is appealing to both men and women which makes it great for a large group and perfect for a romantic night with your special someone.”

I even got to go into the kitchen to see where the magic happens. Thank you to Executive Chef Travis Strickland and Beverage Director and certified Sommelier David Vaughn for a memorable evening.

We loved the cocktails, wines, highest grade steaks, exceptional seafood! This restaurant is a wonderful edition to Brentwood.

VIDEO: Dining at Baltaire in Brentwood

The post Beautiful Baltaire in Brentwood appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

Destination Relaxation in Desert Springs

The JW Marriot in Desert Springs should be your destination for ultimate relaxation. Your to do list? Lisa has you covered. This is your guide to a day of peace in the desert.

Sunday Brunch at the Rockwood Grill

Whether you’re in the mood for banana pecan pancakes or a breakfast BLT, the Rockwood Grill has it all for a delicious, unique brunch experience. Feeling like some healthier fare? The Grill offers a selection of lighter breakfasts as well. And if you can’t make up your mind, head to the buffet where you can grab anything from an omelette, to fresh seafood, to carrot cake! There is even a honey bar, filled with local options. Indulge yourself!

A photo posted by Lisa Niver (@wesaidgotravel) on Jun 6, 2015 at 9:13am PDT

Spa at Desert Springs The Spa at the JW Marriot in Desert Springs offers a variety of special treatments, and even has a Turkish bath and a salt water lap pool. After your swim, get ready for a massage, therapy bath or facial treatment. Relax in the lounge after your treatment and have a glass of champagne. The Spa Bistro offers a selection of creative, healthy meals for an easy lunch. Celebrate with a private party in the sanctuary suite, where you can order food and relax on your private patio, waterfall included. 

A photo posted by Lisa Niver (@wesaidgotravel) on Jun 7, 2015 at 12:29pm PDT

 

PBI Tennis Lessons After you are fed and rested, turn things up a notch! Try a PBI tennis lesson one of the JW Marriot’s tennis instructors! Whether you are a casual tennis player or have never held a racket, you’ll surely learn a thing or two from these seasoned pros. 

A photo posted by Lisa Niver (@wesaidgotravel) on Jun 8, 2015 at 10:52am PDT

 

The post Destination Relaxation in Desert Springs appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

Grand Canyon of India – Gandikota

Grand Canyon of India – Gandikota

“I am your child,” the words escaped my mouth involuntarily.

“Ssssss,” came back the answer with the wind in approval.

A sense of freedom settled in my heart. I was freer than free. I was at eternal peace. It was as if I had left behind all the woes of the world for that moment. My office tension, chattering friends and even the memory of my beloved family disappeared in the background. I was welcomed with an open arm by Mother Nature, amongst the less travelled road, in a practically unknown village named Gandikota.

My spirit took a flight. It soared up to the sun, bidding its goodbye for the day. All the colours blurred in my eyes. The palettes of blues, greens and reds all merged to be one – gold!

Was I crying? Yes, but my eyes were not playing tricks. Everything had actually turned into pure raw gold! What Gandikota gave me was sure to be etched in my memory for a long time to come.

Not only two countries but also two continents apart, lay an exact replica of god’s creation, the Grand Canyon. Yes, you heard it right, an EXACT replica. Known as the ‘Grand Canyon’ of India, Gandikota, is secured away from the hawking glare of civilisation.

I believe it takes a true traveller’s spirit to discover what is worthy to be found. A keen eye to find beauty in every small detail. A spirit free from the fear of failure, to tell you the story untold.

Gandikota provides breather to lost souls. A chance discovery of this tiny village left me in great awe. The wealth of nature that surrounded it, humbled me to my core. The sanctity touched the deepest chord of my heart.

Situated at about 8 hours’ drive from Hyderabad in the Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, is the village of Gandikota. It was a weekend retreat for my companions and me to unwind. Prior to our drive, none of us was expecting to witness the panoramic view that God had in store for us.

Although either bus or train could reach Gandikota, we opted for a drive. The nearest railway station is Muddanuru. Following the map, we soon left behind the concrete man made jungle to be welcomed in the sprawling open countryside. We reached Gooty, the closest junction. From here onwards, we started meandering along the hilly roads with a rapture of green abundance on either side.

We reached our destination the Haritha Resort, provided by the State Tourism. The resort was surrounded by the treacherous hills of Erramala range, where a primitive silence prevailed.

Venturing on our feet now, we discovered, the rich emerald foliage cutting right across the Pennar Gorge. River Pennar flowed lazily at its foothills at a steep downfall of about 300 ft. Nestled amidst the bountiful nature was the Gandikota Fort.

Founded by Kapa Raja in 1123, the fort acquired its name from the Telegu word ‘gandi’, meaning gorge. The surrounding ravine provided a natural defence to the Fort. Although today it stands amongst its own ruin, every brick and mortar of the Fort narrated a story as old as 300 years old.

Amidst the wreck of the Fort stand two magnificent ancient temples. One dedicated to Madhava and the other to Raghunatha. The sculptures and curving on the wall carried evidence of great artistry and workmanship. The Jamia Mashjid stood arrogantly with its sprawling ground.

Scattered around the Fort were untamed gardens and springs. Reminding us of the remnant of the beautiful gardens and water bodies that had once adorned the place.

The skeletal structure of the Jail stood in a clearing. The large granary stood in one end. The entire Fort was a well-planned engineering concept.  The rear of the Fort opened unto the gorge itself.

The gorge was truly, a look alike of the Grand Canyon, Colorado. What a remarkable sight it was to behold. Who would have guessed that God had recreated one of His greatest creations in such oblivion? The view was truly magical.

Standing at the very edge of the cliff, I could feel the pages from history whirl back into times. I beheld a glorious sunset. There were riots of colours everywhere. Moments ago the boulders, which were the colour of flaming red, transformed into that of molten gold. We had unexpectedly discovered God’s own goldmine, a true Pandora’s Box.

Freedom that is what I tasted standing there at the very brink of eternity. Free for being who I am – a blessed traveller and ardent worshipper of Mother of all, Nature.

Thank you for reading and commenting. Please enter the Independence Travel Writing competition and tell your story.

The post Grand Canyon of India – Gandikota appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

Freedom Is A Place Within Me

Freedom Is Within Me: A Place I Rather Be More than Anywhere Else

As I contemplate my life story; I realize I am unraveling a mysterious place I have woven within my own life’s tapestry. A place I have endured unweaving the threads with perseverance and patience, acknowledging the tattered seams. A place I go freely within me to practice overcoming struggle, strife, anxiety, and attachment. I notice my negative eccentric, egotistical thoughts no longer serve me; stringing along cords I have tied from my past that have sabotaged my livelihood, kept me bondage and disconnected from a place where I have resisted being my true self.

I recognize as my story unfolds and continues to offer me this place as an awesome coexistence with life. I discern its many mystical, magical and majestic wonders. It also tells me my tapestry is designed by my patterns I have created, sorted, coordinated, repeated and directed. I have had challenging times when I had to take the space. A time-out for solitude; peace of mind trying to understand, clarify and accept within this place my emotional, mental, physical and spiritual blends coloring the fabric of my life’s tapestry. I have reaped within my life patterns what I have sown; untangling the highs and lows of my sufferings, pains, hurts, and delusions to joy, contentment and unconditional love for myself and others.

I have always known I have wanted within this place, devoted and unconditional loving relationships. I have dreamed most of my life they would be much like me. I have succumbed to knowing I cannot force or control these relationships to happen. Regardless, of how much I thought I knew who, when, where, why and what were the kind of people I liked being around. The big surprise was I was not prepared for any of life’s plan or purpose. Loving another unconditionally, knowing joy and contentment became lessons, principles, and cycles of life ready to teach and fulfill me. The state of being joyful, content and loving unconditionally are far greater than I could ever freely and independently find in any other place or person than within myself. I have learned I can connect with another in an unconditional loving relationship even though we may be polar opposites. It is the freedom to find the beauty and uniqueness that connects us if it is only for a moment or, a season to freely experience and appreciate that beauty and fulfillment shared in those moments without expectations.

 I realize I can be grateful for knowing joy; like hearing a bird chirp its first tweet at the crack of dawn. I know life is giving us both freedom; being graced another day to live upon this Earth. I am content, cherishing life coming full circle at the end of a day. I savor the glory of a spectacular evening’s sunset, soothed by a gentle summer breeze kissing my face and reminding me life mirrors all its gifts freely around me.

But, I too can know sadness and heartache’s pain when a beloved tells me he does not feel the same love as I feel. This can be a hard burden to bear; but, it is through the suffering and pain that has helped me realize I do not need to attach myself to despair or agony. Love unconditionally does bring joy that brings contentment. Love unconditionally brings fortitude that inspires me to rise above confusion, conflict and change. This is freedom I feel life is always willing to give me just to be where I do not have to go anywhere or to anyone with reservations.

The more autonomous I become, the freer I feel I become, feeling at home within myself. This is the place where I would rather be more than anywhere else. I, like all other living beings, am given God’s gift of freedom to be me. Although, I will continue independently to question, ponder, and meditate, untangling what other monumental gifts are those that are given within this place to treasure and relish freely.

Thank you for reading and commenting. Please enter the Independence Travel Writing competition and tell your story.

The post Freedom Is A Place Within Me appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

Zipkick Bloggers: Amber and Eric Hoffman

 

 

 

 

Zipkick Bloggers:  Amber and Eric Hoffman : With Husband in Tow

Where was the first place that you traveled that made you think WOW—travel is amazing (think history book come to life or …..)

Our first trip to Asia in 2006 was eye opening. We toured Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. Before that we had traveled to Europe and within the US, and liked the idea of travel. But seeing Angkor Wat, and the National Palace in Bangkok just really showed us how different the world was. We caught the bug.

If you had unlimited resources, where would you go and what would you do?

I would love to do a food and wine tour of France. It’s a cuisine that has intimidated me. I want to do it right, with the top restaurants and top wines, learning about the history of both while we explore. And, I would prefer not to get a bill at the end. I’m also dying to do an African Safari, and imagine myself in one of those luxury tree houses.

What were you afraid to do and how did you find the courage to overcome it?

Bunging jumping in New Zealand in 2009. During that trip we had a no fear philosophy. But, when I was up on that ledge, jumping off a perfectly safe bridge, into a deep canyon with jagged rocks below, I thought “what the heck am I doing?” It took me a good five minutes, with the employee coaxing me into it before I jumped. Well, I more walked off the platform and shot straight down. It wasn’t an attractive jump, but I did it.

What apps do you use regularly that make your life easier?

Almost every day I use Google Maps, XE for currency conversion, and Google Translate. When we are in a city with Uber, we use that a lot too, to avoid having to take taxis in a country where we don’t speak the language.

What place do you wish more people have seen?

Emilia Romagna, Italy. Everyone goes to Rome, Venice, or tours Tuscany, but the food in Emilia Romagna is amazing. Great wines like Lambrusco and Pignoletto, traditional balsamic vinegar, parma ham, prosciutto, and parmigiano regiano cheese – all from Emilia Romagna! And, the Emporda wine region in Spain, which has fabulous unknown wines and the most Michelin Star restaurants per capita in the world, including the best restaurant out there. And, that creative cuisine has trickled down to offer some amazing Catalan and Spanish food. But we travel on our stomachs, so for us, it’s all about the food travel.

When were you surprised by the kindness of strangers on a trip?

I’m surprised almost every day. There are so many articles about how scary and dangerous the world is, but we’ve had so few problems while traveling through 70 countries. Instead, we are more often met with smiles by people who just want to learn from us as much as we want to learn from them.

I am a zipkick blogger because….

When Mr. Scott Eddy tells us to do something, we listen.

Blog // Twitter // Facebook // Instagram

The post Zipkick Bloggers: Amber and Eric Hoffman appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

Zipkick Bloggers: Amber Hoffman

 

 

 

 

Zipkick Bloggers:  Amber Hoffman

Where was the first place that you traveled that made you think WOW—travel is amazing (think history book come to life or …..)

Our first trip to Asia in 2006 was eye opening. We toured Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. Before that we had traveled to Europe and within the US, and liked the idea of travel. But seeing Angkor Wat, and the National Palace in Bangkok just really showed us how different the world was. We caught the bug.

If you had unlimited resources, where would you go and what would you do?

I would love to do a food and wine tour of France. It’s a cuisine that has intimidated me. I want to do it right, with the top restaurants and top wines, learning about the history of both while we explore. And, I would prefer not to get a bill at the end. I’m also dying to do an African Safari, and imagine myself in one of those luxury tree houses.

What were you afraid to do and how did you find the courage to overcome it?

Bunging jumping in New Zealand in 2009. During that trip we had a no fear philosophy. But, when I was up on that ledge, jumping off a perfectly safe bridge, into a deep canyon with jagged rocks below, I thought “what the heck am I doing?” It took me a good five minutes, with the employee coaxing me into it before I jumped. Well, I more walked off the platform and shot straight down. It wasn’t an attractive jump, but I did it.

What apps do you use regularly that make your life easier?

Almost every day I use Google Maps, XE for currency conversion, and Google Translate. When we are in a city with Uber, we use that a lot too, to avoid having to take taxis in a country where we don’t speak the language.

What place do you wish more people have seen?

Emilia Romagna, Italy. Everyone goes to Rome, Venice, or tours Tuscany, but the food in Emilia Romagna is amazing. Great wines like Lambrusco and Pignoletto, traditional balsamic vinegar, parma ham, prosciutto, and parmigiano regiano cheese – all from Emilia Romagna! And, the Emporda wine region in Spain, which has fabulous unknown wines and the most Michelin Star restaurants per capita in the world, including the best restaurant out there. And, that creative cuisine has trickled down to offer some amazing Catalan and Spanish food. But we travel on our stomachs, so for us, it’s all about the food travel.

When were you surprised by the kindness of strangers on a trip?

I’m surprised almost every day. There are so many articles about how scary and dangerous the world is, but we’ve had so few problems while traveling through 70 countries. Instead, we are more often met with smiles by people who just want to learn from us as much as we want to learn from them.

I am a zipkick blogger because….

When Mr. Scott Eddy tells us to do something, we listen.

Blog // Twitter // Facebook // Instagram

The post Zipkick Bloggers: Amber Hoffman appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

Morning Meditation In Thailand…

The chill of the early morning bites through to my bones like starving dogs tearing savagely at a discarded piece of meat. It is incredible to contemplate that within just a few hours I’ll be craving shade and gasping in exhaustion, as the midday sun strikes out with the abruptness of a wronged woman.

Easing myself away from the reassuring warmth of my well-travelled sleeping bag, I pile on layers of clothing and head out into a slowly awakening world.

A small clutch of early morning risers huddle together in companionable silence, their shoulders swathed in blankets as they nurse steaming mugs of coffee. We acknowledge each other with the briefest of nods and I make my way briskly to my trusty bicycle. My morning meditation begins elsewhere…

I cycle through the still slumbering village, swerving to avoid scurrying chickens and lazily stretching dogs. Labourers are setting off for a day’s work in the fields, colourful bundles of cloth and battered straw hats slung casually across their backs.

The quiet of the morning is disrupted only by the ‘putt-putt’ sound of motorbikes ferrying children to school – up to 4 passengers at a time overtake me with toothy smiles and shy waves.

The road ahead is murderously steep and my feeling of cold is soon forgotten as I struggle to reach the top on a bike without gears. It is then that I get to savour the glorious reward – the pure adrenalin kick of racing down the other side. I feel so free and exhilarated… I just hope that the elephants don’t emerge unexpectedly from the banana groves – my brakes are not designed for sudden stops!

After about half-an-hour of steady cycling through a landscape of patchwork fields and bamboo huts, I finally arrive at my destination: the hot springs.

Descending into the nature reserve, I can already see steam rising from pools of water set amid dense groves of shady trees. The sight of this raw, natural energy never fails to make my heart lift in sheer happiness – there is such a sense of beauty and tranquillity here.

Once I have reached my favourite spot, I peel off my clothes and tiptoe carefully into the cloudy water – the temperature always comes as a wondrous surprise! Slowly allowing my body to adjust, I ease myself into the pool and rest my back against a moss-covered rock.

As the warmth envelops me in a layer of protective calm, I feel a sense of absolute peace. Submerging myself further into the delicious warmth, I am aware of nothing but the melodious birdsong and the gentle morning sun peeping timidly through the trees. At this moment, I feel utterly content and totally free. I want for nothing. I am unaware of any problems or fears, decisions to be made or obligations to fulfil. All that exists is the here and now. And right now, there’s no place that I would rather be…

Closing my eyes, I listen to the comforting flow of my breath in the knowledge that I am very much alive.

 

About author:

Originally from the UK, my studies of fashion journalism in London were followed by a move to Munich, Germany. Here I worked as a PR in fashion and then in film, before the path of destiny led me to Vienna, Austria and a stint as an editor for the Associated Press. I now live in beautiful Biarritz in Southwest France, where I am a translator and sometime-writer. Travel is my constant muse and I feel  truly blessed for all of my amazing experiences and for the wonderful people whom I have met along the way…

Thank you for reading and commenting. Please enter the Independence Travel Writing competition and tell your story.

The post Morning Meditation In Thailand… appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

The Bird Flock and I in The USA

 

If you have ever heard obnoxious birdcalls and seen a girl zip by dressed head to toe in rainbow paraphernalia—well, that was probably me.  Art college.  It happens.  We called ourselves the Bird Flock, a band of oddball college girls who blasted glitter pop on the way to Publix, contemplated life goals on moonlit beaches, and shared sob stories in the all night labs. 

I always had trouble making good friends.  My personal favorite labels were “weird” and “annoying”.  So I finally hid that part of me, the fun crazy part that was into anime, photography, art, and dark punk bands.  I tried to fit in.  I even attempted to wear collared striped shirts like everyone else.  They itched like hell.

But then I went to study computer animation at an art college.  I got on a plane leaving my small suburban town behind for Florida and with four suitcases, eight boxes, and a hunger for new experiences.  Little did I know, my destination was not all beaches and sunshine.  I would soon come to realize the harrowing truth: Florida is the living, breathing, armpit of the earth.  Cicadas are your friends, fire ants are not.  A man will fight a sea gull for his lunch and win.  There is a monsoon season, it is every day.  Disney World and 24 hour Starbucks are the only two things keeping you from going permanently insane. And driving on the highway amidst senior citizens and snowbirds? Well, you might as well put the cruise control at 25mph because you ain’t going anywhere fast.  But even Florida couldn’t stop me because I had nothing to lose.  I wanted to start over.  I wanted to be myself again.  It wasn’t that I thought I’d find people like myself.  I hoped I would, but I was tired of pretending, so I let the mask fall.  And I found them.  Or rather, they found me.  And they didn’t care what I liked or who I loved.  They didn’t scoff or laugh at me.  They showed me the finer points of life.  True happiness is sleeping till 11am.  When life gives you saran wrap, Saran wrap the hallway.  They taught me to be brave.  Grin in the face of adversity.  We are all weird.  Accept it graciously with bows and muffled laughter, watch them stare slack jawed and confused.  We weren’t friends.  These were people we shared our hopes and dreams, our best-kept secrets, and worst memories—we were family. 

For my senior year I made an animated short film for the senior show.  I worked like a madman surviving off of Cheerios, sweat, and midnight Starbucks runs.  Upon finishing it, I thought it was the most unbelievable thing I had ever created. So I went to our senior show where they played all the short films.  There was a break halfway through it and everyone went out into the main hall.  And all my friends were there and they were so proud of me.  And I realized the film meant nothing because it could not be compared to my friends.  They are my greatest accomplishment.  I will never be more proud of anything than having them support me.              

Out of all the places I have lived, Florida was the worst.  But ironically enough, my fondest memories are there. Now we are all scattered to the wind, some to the West, East, and me to the Midwest. I am living in a new city making my own way.  I’m not hiding anymore.  Independence suits me because I like the challenge. I am pleased to report I have not set anything on fire yet, so don’t worry Mom. And although my college family is not right here beside me, I Skype, phone, text, and visit them whenever I can. And I know my friends will support me no matter what path I decide to take from here. 

So come at me world.

 

About the Author:  Carly Senora is a junior 3D artist in lovely Chicago.  When she is not exploring the Windy City, Carly can usually be found planning her next trip or attempting to not face plant on her roller skates. 

 

Thank you for reading and commenting. Please enter the Independence Travel Writing competition and tell your story.

The post The Bird Flock and I in The USA appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

The Magic of Pokhara, Nepal

My mum once said that I take after her grandfather, whom she thought of as being very adventurous. Over a hundred and thirty years ago, he left China and set sail for Singapore to start a new life. As the middle child who marches to her own drum beat, it took me a while to realize that I found the freedom to be me when I traveled not as a tourist but as a bagpacker. My favourite place to do this? Pokhara, Nepal.

Learning how to make macramae jewelry, hanging out with other travelers, writing travel articles or completing that half finished novel you started writing are among some of things that you can to do in Pokhara. Walking round Fewa Lake, taking awesome photographs, having meals and snacks at the many various cafes were some of the things that I liked doing. I really enjoyed having the Paneer (cottage cheese) steak and mashed potatoes at Sharma, a charming little pink cafe owned by a friendly Nepali family.

There is a paragliding landing in Happy Village, a thirty minute walk from the last cafe in Pokhara.  Some paragliding pilots spend months in Pokhara chalking up their hours of experience. So if that is something you would like to do then go tandem paragliding with an experienced pilot. I watched some beginner pilots paragliding on their solo flights. One landed in the lake, but there was no cause for alarm as it was in the shallow part of the lake. Then I witnesses another “newbie” crashing into a tree. Ouch! Must have hurt a bit but he seemed unfazed.I guess its like learning how to ride a bicycle, you have to fall off a few times to be able to get it right. All part and parcel of the learning experience.

Interested in visiting the pretty white stupa perched high up on the hill on the other side of the lake? Well I heard that you can walk all the way round and climb up the path there. We took a boat across, then climbed up. There is a lovely little waterfall that I liked playing in, not far from the path that leads up to the stupa, also known as The Peace Pagoda.

Trekking enthusiasts, you are in luck as there is plenty for you to do. Sarangkot, a quaint village above Pokhara offers great views of the mountain peaks. We rode on a motorbike up Sarangkot about four in the afternoon. Took a stroll around, soaked in the lovely sunset, had something to eat and then went to sleep. In the morning,  we woke up when it was still dark and made our way to the view point to admire the sunrise and take our share of photos with the awesome mountain peaks as a backdrop.

My friends enjoyed a four day trek from Pokhara to Poon Hill. They came across mule caravans carrying supplies up the mountains and raved about the sensational views of white snow capped mountain peaks from Poon Hill.That was in April, so they were there at the right time to see the Ghorepani forest blooming with red rhododendron flowers.

I spent many happy hours on Fewa Lake and met quite a few interesting and inspiring fellow travelers in Pokhara. I still keep in touch with several friends that I made in Pokhara eighteen months ago. Such fond memories and genuine friendships, which I will always treasure.

Thank you for reading and commenting. Please enter the Independence Travel Writing competition and tell your story.

The post The Magic of Pokhara, Nepal appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

Ascent up Table Mountain, South Africa

I rarely stray from my workout routine, even when on vacation. I am by no means a “gym rat”; I actually loathe gyms, but I do like adventure and thrive on physical challenges. Having grown up with eight brothers (3 of whom competed in natural bodybuilding) and having participated in competitive sports since the age of 12, I am always looking for ways to push my body to the limits. After completing a hike up Lion Mountain (a 669 meter mountain in Capetown, South Africa), I was determined to hike up Table Mountain, the imposing, flat mountain that overlooks the city and stands at 3,563 ft. above sea level. My friends urged me to take the cable car up and down the mountain to save time and energy, but any true fitness guru knows that the noblest way to experience a mountain like that, is by tackling it on foot.

As the idea of hiking up a mountain seemed ghastly abominable to my friends, I was forced to do my due diligence in researching outfitters who provided guided tours up the mountain. I found two outfitters offering a smattering range of hiking options—routes that required walking and climbing and others that required rope work and scrambling. Of course, my interest was peaked by the more strenuous routes. One guide wrote back stating that his route was by no means physically taxing, but what it lacked in adventure and grit, it made up for with its unparalleled vistas.

I was to meet Riaan, the tour guide, and group at “6:30 am sharp” as indicated on the email. After fortifying myself with a bran muffin, orange juice and a vitamin B-12, I made my way out the hotel to the UBER taxi driver. I gave him the address for the meeting point (26 Theresa Avenue in Camps Bay). At approximately 6:27 a.m., we pulled up to 26 A/26 B and waited. There was not a soul in sight. However, as the sky became pregnant with daybreak, activity on the street intensified. A few joggers ran by, followed by elderly couples taking their brisk morning stroll, bedraggled and weary looking folks walking their beloved dogs, house maids retiring from their morning duties. Still, no sign of anyone “suited up” to climb a mountain. I inquired about whether we were at the correct address. The taxi driver seem convinced that we were.

It was 7:00 am and I contacted Riaan and he told me that he couldn’t wait any longer. The group started the ascent up the mountain. I was perturbed by their audacity- after I waited more than 30 min, they went ahead without me. Riann told me that they started on the pathway with the white wooden barricades, opposite 26 Theresa Ave. Barricades? I looked around and realized that the taxi driver drove me to the wrong location as none of the landmarks that Riann described made much sense. The taxi driver looked bewildered and asked me to type in the location in the GPS.

I arrived at the mouth of the mountain, which looked eerily deserted and forlorn at 7:14 a.m. I contacted Riann, who gave me detailed directions to their location. He insisted that if I was quick, I would be able to catch up. Multi-hued rays of light trickled in through the crevices of the mountain, casting shadows against the jagged edges of the sandstones. I snapped a few shots of this glorious setting with my mobile, but knew that I dare not linger for fear of losing contact with the group.

The morning was warm, quiet, and heavy with stillness. My heart thumped against my chest, as I broke out into a comfortable jog. After 30 minutes of running alongside the mountainside, I contacted Riaan to make sure that I was on the right path. He applauded my diligent efforts, but politely told me that he feared that they were too far ahead. He suggested that we try for another day. I sighed, not wanting to resign myself to the fact that I would have to turn around and go back down the mountain. I would have to do like every other tourist had done- ride the cableway up and down Table Mountain.

As I headed down the mountain, a group of six approached me. I decided to ask them where they were going and if I could join them on their hike. Little did I know that my curiosity and adventuresome self would lead me to a 7 hour hike up and down Table Mountain with 6 strangers (engineers and college students in their 20’s), who would take me on one of the most exhilarating and dramatic hikes that I have taken in my lifetime. Thank you Carmen, Tanas, Anthony, Tyler, Gareth, and Shaun!

Thank you for reading and commenting. Please enter the Independence Travel Writing competition and tell your story.

The post Ascent up Table Mountain, South Africa appeared first on We Said Go Travel.