Livingstone’s Pets

I could cry – I’ve hugged an elephant. I’ve walked with a lion’s tail in hand, and swam in Devil’s Armchair nearly spilling over the edge of Vic Falls. I’m not a daredevil. In fact, I am afraid of heights (though that doesn’t stop me from climbing the highest whatever in the vicinity). But all these were calculated risks, with tamed animals and lifeguards controlling my every move even in the shallowest of waters.

Now I’m having trouble deciding how highly may I allow myself to cherish these “tame” experiences. My heart certainly wasn’t on the verge of leaping out of my chest when I first felt the rough fur on the neck of a lioness, nor was it when she singled me out as the smallest one of the group and wanted to play with me, but it almost did leap out when I stood between two huge ivory tusks and wrapped my arms around an enormous, nothing-else-like-it trunk, and felt a storm begin above my head as the elephant flapped its ears.

Have I also gotten dangerously close to wild animals? The kind that could kill me in a blink of an eye? Certainly, and tourists on safari probably have captured me on film numerous times as I move in for the “kill” – climb, crawl, and inch to position myself for the best camera angle.

While the “high” I get from getting as close as possible to a truly wild animal is nothing like the breathtaking experience of visually and physically embracing every single wrinkle and eyelash on a truly magnificent creature, either kind of encounter is so humbling and so incredibly precious, I want time to stop moving.

Written by Sarit Reizin

And the Winner is… ITKT’s Favorite Flight

There are a lot of perks being a travel writer. For those wondering, it’s all the travel. Unfortunately, between the ridiculous airport security, plummeting U.S. economy, luggage charges and flight delays there is little to like about air travel anymore. Moreover, as a resident of Los Angeles, all of my international flights are usually, multi-leg long haul flights (unless I am going to Mexico or Canada.) requiring much more patience in the sky. Still, I have gotten use to all the changes in air travel and, sadly, have come to expect little more than getting from point a. to point b.

However, during a year filled with fantastic international destinations, one flight and one airline sticks out as the best I flew during this year and our first recipient of our new ITKT Favorites award, SAS.

In a ten day span on Scandinavian Airlines, I flew from Chicago to Stockholm, Stockholm to Copenhagen, and Copenhagen to Chicago. On each flight, arrivals and departures were all on time, food and drink were complimentary (except alcohol) and delicious with snacks available anytime, attendants were polite and not in a rush, and most importantly I had room in my seat - even in economy. There are also individual entertainment systems for all passengers, offering movies and games.

On my flight home, I flew business class, Copenhagen to Chicago, and the real flight winner of this award. There is little that I can say first hand about the flight as I slept the whole way in my spacious reclined seat/bed, except to take breaks with lots of good, traditional Scandinavian food. I came home jet lag-free.

I can’t begin to describe how valuable my experience was as a long haul traveler. Taking three comfortable flights in a row was a pleasure, and to some degree restored my faith in air travel. I would jump at the chance to fly SAS in the future and officially this is the first ITKT Favorite selection of 2008.

I will have more favorite’s in the coming days as ITKT take time to salute the best in travel all over the world.

For more on this topic.

Written by Devin Galaudet

“Los Gordos” in Uruguay

After spending close to a month here in Uruguay, I have made my conclusion.  Although the cultures and roots of the people in Argentina and Uruguay are very similar, as expected, people here are bigger.  Do they eat more of the delicious meat that both countries boast of?  Is it the different strain in the mate?  I don’t know - but I have seen enough to come to arrive at this observation.

Gordo means “fat” in Spanish, but that isn’t exactly why this entry’s title is posted.  In Uruguay, as in Argentina (and I believe Mexico), couples call each other “fatty”.  As in, “Adios gordo (goobye fatty)”, in a warm farewell.  I didn’t understand it the first time I heard it, still don’t quite get it, but I do love hearing it.

Written by Dominic DeGrazier

The Mighty Falls in Zambia

Man triumphs over nature. Tames lions, kills mammoths, conquers raging rivers that roar and foam at the mouth with white water as if outraged that man has dared to venture in. In Zambia’s Livingstone, home to the mighty Victoria Falls, man has enslaved nature. It happens in so many places I visit; it’s strange how I’ve only realized it now.

Aside from being used as an energy source, the Falls are the inevitable and obvious tourist attraction. People come here to tour them inside and out. Simply watching the falling water from paved walkways - pictures spoiled by non-photogenic railings in the way - quickly bores today’s sophisticated vacationers, and they seek a view from a different angle. Some hop a helicopter, or better yet a microlight, and get a bird’s eye view. Others take a more hands-on approach and, paddle in hand, splash their way through mighty rapids, swallowing the Zambezi gulp by gulp, and come out feeling like they’ve truly become one with the river. I did both and even bribed a security guard to let me see a lunar rainbow at the waterfalls the entrance to which is closed at night.

Written by Sarit Reizin

Thanksgiving for Travel — ITKT Favorites

Over the last year, I have had great experiences trekking through rain forests, gawking at art in museums, experienced on horseback, in sail boats, strolling through parks, flying, and sometimes being eaten by bugs. All of it was worth it because I love travel. Over the next few weeks, I will be highlighting a great year in travel and the Editors of ITKT’s Favorites — our new awards!

These are the destinations, hotels, attractions, festivals and anything else that stands out as the best of 2008 and are our “can’t miss” picks we offer you. Our first pick begins tomorrow.

And yes, for all Americans celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow, Happy Thanksgiving to all and may everyone worldwide have a great day.

Written by Devin Galaudet

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