Author Archives: Penelope

Lessons Learned on a South African Safari

Just a few fun facts and tips to inspire a South African trip, motivate that delayed booking, or dazzle fellow adventurers! Click here for my specific Kruger Park experience at The Shishangeni Lodge. Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in Africa. Only a certain amount of visitors are allowed per day and camps […]

Staying at The Shishangeni Lodge in Kruger

Kruger National Park was proclaimed in 1898 and became a National Park in 1921. It is 7,523 square miles, or roughly the size of Israel.  Shishangeni Lodge is a private reserve with 39 thousand acres in the southeast corner of the park. The location is a 2 hour drive from Kruger airport or a 4.5 hour drive […]

Best 12 Day South Africa Itinerary For First Time Visitors

This is an ideal itinerary for first timers who want a true safari experience and to explore as much of Cape Town as possible. We worked with Siyabona to plan the transfers, accommodations and safari around Kruger. Meanwhile in Cape Town, we chose to spend time in the V&A, Stellenbosch and along Camp’s Bay which […]

Life in South Williamsburg

Living in North Williamsburg, I’ve learned more about the Hasidic Jews residing in South Williamsburg. From McCarran Park to the Williamsburg Bridge, the streets are bustling with diversity, but on the other side of the bridge it’s an entirely different world. This Hasidic Jewish community is one of the most strictly observant in the world. […]

3 Days in Hong Kong Itinerary

Total Days: 3 Days | Accommodations: Hotel on Hong Kong Island | Transportation: Walking, subway, taxis are inexpensive | Traveled With: 2 Girlfriends | Type of Trip: Focus on Sightseeing | Highlights:  Views, Buddhist temples, Food DAY 1 At a glimpse: Views and food rewards on Hong Kong IslandTravel Agenda: Take a taxi to Unar […]

One Week in Bangkok + Krabi, Thailand Itinerary

Total Days: 7 Days including travel | Accommodations: Bankgkok Hotel in the Banglamphu area, Krabi hotel on Ao Nang main road | Transportation: Flight from Bangkok to Krabi, walking, and taxis are inexpensive.  At least one Tuk Tuk ride in Bangkok is necessary | Traveled With: 2 Girlfriends | Type of Trip: Focus on Sightseeing […]

Thailand Must-Do and Must-Eat

Six of the things you should experience in Thailand, that aren’t sunbathing on the beach! Thailand is an incredible country with scenic beaches and idyllic islands. Although it is the picture-perfect place to relax, it’s also an opportunity to experience a unique city scene and culture deeply influenced by the belief system and values of […]

Lessons Learned in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is very hilly.  And despite being a major concrete jungle with the highest number of skyscrapers in the world, it also has a lot of rural areas with parks and forests. Locals will take photos of people that look foreign.  Consider it a compliment! The rules of the road are minimal so be […]

A Fort Lauderdale Winter Escape

What to see and do when visiting Fort Lauderdale in 2021 Beach Bum The City of Fort Lauderdale has 7+ miles of pristine beaches. Starting in the late 1980s, the beach and A1A road got a serious upgrade that now includes a “wave wall” protecting the sand from the promenade. The beach is public and […]

Top 10 New York City Experiences

NYC is one of the best cities in the world because of its culture and energy. The variety of experiences is unparalleled anywhere else in the world. If you’re looking for excuses to visit or unique things to do, these are my personal top ten experiences since I moved to the city. 1. Summer Day […]