Monthly Archives: February 2011

Pointe au Baril Island

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pointe-au-baril-1With 2011 in full swing, more and more island properties are coming on the market meaning this year could be the year you become an island owner!

Snuggled close to the eastern shore of Shawanaga Bay in Ontario, Canada. Pointe au Baril Island is 8+ acres of lichen covered pre-Cambrian granite with veins of quartz, tall trees, dense bushes and a couple of lazy rattle snakes.

There are 4 small wood buildings totaling 2000 square feet. Included is one elongated bowl toilet (flushing into an underused 1990 septic system), 1 huge stone fire place, 2 wood stoves, 1 queen bed, 2 full beds, 3 twin beds, and several cots in the “hall of closets”. A small generator powers vacuum and saw.

The island was Developed in 1950, and redeveloped in 1970 and 1990. Three roofs and the back deck need to be replaced.

The location is ideal, just 10 minutes from The Ojibway Club (.com). The island is dividable if you only need half. The price includes all antique furnishings and a boat or two.

For more information on this pristine private island set amongst some of the oldest geography on earth visit Private Islands Online.

The Ark: A Floating Hotel for an Uncertain Future

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arkhotelWith arable land becoming increasingly scarce and waters rising around the world, developers and engineers are looking at alternatives to finding places to lodge our ever growing population.

Russian architectural firm Remistudio has taken the concept of a man-made biosphere and gone to sea with its vision for the floating “Ark Hotel.” Designed to withstand floods, tidal waves and rising ocean levels as well as earthquakes and other natural disasters, the hotel concept would float and function independently on the surface of a body of water, providing a green, self-sustaining environment for guests who presumably, would never have to leave.

For more information on this unique development visit gizmag

Half Crown Island

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half-crown-island-1There are not shortage of private islands resorts, however it is rare to have the opportunity to purchase a unique private island resort in North America.  In the far north country of Quebec, where the evergreens stretch tall and crystal clear waters shimmer beneath a glorious blue sky, lies half crown island.

More than a private resort, this enchanted locale is designed to feel like home. Here are the details according to Private Islands Online.

Five Cabins

Main House •Approximately 4,000 square feet •Sleeps four •Two bedrooms, 2.5 baths •Large kitchen with Garland commercial stove, dining and sitting areas •Butler’s pantry •Large formal dining room with fireplace, seats 20 •Large living room with stone fireplace •Wet bar •Oil furnace

Staff House •Sleeps six •Three rooms, one bath with shower •Woodstove

Mid-heaven •Sleeps 6+ •Three bedrooms, one bath with tub/shower •Living room with stone fireplace •Woodstove

Sunrise •Sleeps two to four •One bedroom, one bath with shower •Sitting room •Woodstove

Northern Lights •Sleeps two •Large bedroom/sitting room •One bath with shower •Woodstove

Upscale Amenities •Outdoor kitchen with barbeque/rotisserie, smoker, gas burner, and massive stone fireplace •Two additional decks equipped for outdoor living •Paddle tennis court •Swimming dock •Spectacular views - every window in the main house looks out on the lake and every cabin has a water view

Outbuildings •Propane generator and water pump house •Fully equipped workshop •Woodshed and two storage sheds •Large icehouse •Three boathouses

Boats •23’ cedar strip w 115HP ETEC •19’ cedar strip w 45HP Honda 4-stroke •16’ cedar strip w 20 HP Johnson 2-stroke •14’ cedar strip w 30 HP Johnson 2-stroke •16’ fiberglass w 15HP Johnson 2-stroke •16’ Boston Whaler w 90HP ETEC •17.5’ Aluminum fishing boat w 70HP Evinrude 2-stroke.

For more information visit Private Islands Online.

Feuds, Secrecy and Private Islands

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liliane-bettencourt-006The cast list and plot twists were almost too bizarre to be true: an octogenarian billionaire; an eccentric dandy who peed in her flowerbeds and took gifts worth almost a billion euros; politicians who came to dinner and left with envelopes of cash; and a disgruntled butler who hid a tape-recorder in the drawing room.

The family feud that has torn apart one of France’s richest dynasties officially ended this week when the Bettencourts, heirs to the L’Oréal cosmetics empire, signed a surprise truce between warring mother and daughter. But France is still reeling from what the spat has revealed about the nation.

Among the revelations which you can read about in the Guardian is that the uber rich family as well as the secret ownership of Arros, a private island in the Seychelles, which appeared to have been promised to Banier the man at the centre of the family feud.

Banier noted to the guardian…

“Can I make clear that I couldn’t give a damn about their money?” Banier told investigators. “That island, I hate it, it’s full of mosquitos, it’s tiny, and it’s very humid. Plus there are sharks. I hate islands. Johnny Depp has two islands in the Pacific where he’s invited me several times and I never go.”

to see the whole article visit the guardian

Kakula Island: Paradise in Vanuatu

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kakula-island-1Much like Fiji, Bali and Bora Bora, Vanuatu exudes images of white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and warm tropical breezes.  If you are interested in owning a piece of property in this coveted location Kakula island presents an enormous opportunity.  Basking in the gleaming waters of the Pacific, just off the north coast of the Vanuatu capital, Afate, Kakula island is one of its brightest stars. Situated 15 minutes from the mainland and only 50 minutes drive from Vanuatu’s international airport, Kakula offers over one and a quarter miles of private white sand beach, lush foliage and crystal clear waters.

Purpose-built and envisaged as an exclusive celebrity retreat in 2005 with leading edge infrastructure installed, including a mainland jetty, the existing facilities are a starting point for constructing a larger, upscale destination to attract an international clientele, Kakula Island awaits an appreciative owner to put the finishing touches to this stunning property.

For more information on this property including price and contact information visit Private Islands Online.

Paradise on a Budget

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islandAffordable private island rentals may be less luxurious than some of their five star rivals. But the sense of privacy and tranquility that they exude is just the same as discovered by Lauren Viera a journalist with the Montreal Gazette. here is what she had to say.

after a day or so, the fantasy becomes reality: You’re on an island all your own, the days and nights and sand and sea are all yours, and there’s no one to feel beholden to — not even the family of pelicans guarding the wooden dock in the turquoise water.

This is life on Sandy Cay, one of two unbelievably affordable private islands for rent off the coast of Utila, itself a tiny island less than 32 kilometres from mainland Honduras. Though “affordable” is relative, it’s hard to argue with a two-bedroom, two-bathroom house shrouded from civilization by a thicket of palm trees, perched on a patch of white sand out in the Caribbean Sea for $100 a night.

The author goes on to note that on this family friendly and affordable island is a place where you can spend your days snorkeling, catnapping and relaxing.

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/Paradise+budget/3977927/story.html#ixzz18EH4e2Xs

Medio Island

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medio-island-philippines-1The Philippines hasn’t historically been a hot island market. However this doesn’t mean there isn’t tremendous opportunity in the island rich nation.

One of the newest islands to come on the market is Medio Island a 99 acre island in Northern Samar. Medio Island is one of the three islands owned by the heirs of the late Martin Palacio of Northern Samar, Philippines. The two other islands owned by the heirs are Rasa and San Andres Islands. All three islands are in that cluster of islands known since galleon times as Islas Naranjos (Naranjos being the Spanish word for “oranges.)

Medio Island has many natural assets that would make it an ideal first class island beach resort. Medio Island is approximately 1,300 meters long (SW to NE), 550 meters wide at its widest point and some 330 meters at its narrowest portion. It is blessed with 3 beaches that could serve a variety of purposes. Its main or South beach of fine white sand and corals is about 300 meters long and 60 meters wide. The North beach on the opposite side of the island is approximately three quarters long compared to the main beach and is more secluded. The West beach on the far end has a small extended portion on the West side and is about as long as the main beach.  Mainland Luzon, Samar and Masbate with their airports are only 30 minutes by speedboat and 1 1/2 hour distant by motorboat.

With their coral reefs, Medio and sister islands Rasa and San Andres are ideal for scuba, snorkeling, sailing, yachting, jetskiing, parasailing and marine life observation. Medio, Rasa and San Andres islands are the only remaining islands of economic size with complete privacy in this area of the Philippines.

Follow this link to watch a video of Medio Island: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6BLkgkMncw

For more information on this process visit Private Islands Online.

bluehummingbird

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“It is a time to reconnect with my spirit, nourish my soul, take care of my overall health and live freely.” That is how Despina Meris describes her latest travels as the hummingbird who’s favorite color is blue. She also admits to falling down stairs – something hummingbirds rarely experience… Regardless, her site is lyrical and rich with non-stair-related narratives.

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SeattleFlyerGuy’s All-Purpose Travel Blog

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Planes, trains and automobiles… Oh wait, just make that planes when it comes to Nicholas and his mode of transportation preferences. This is a man who is very serious about his air travel. From terminals to in-flight meals to tips/tricks on bookings, Nicholas covers it all. He even takes time to comment on his destinations when he’s actually on the ground.

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The Khalerias

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To quote: “Just in case you stumbled here by accident and dont have the first clue what a khaleria is….”, then let me explain. It is one part Sabeena Khan mixed with one part Ryan Galeria. Throw in a couple of backpacks, a camera (or two), give a quick stir and you have a photojournalistic adventure in the making.

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The Feral Scribe: Chronicles of a Wayfaring Journalist

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Nathan Comp is not your ‘ordinary’ travel blogger. Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, he moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for career reasons. He then became bored with a “prolonged period of profound tedium”. (Tedium tends to do that to people.) He is now traveling around America and possibly other places of the world. Regardless, his blog is enlightening, insightful and full of great stuff.

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Dear Lonely Planet… Because there’s no perfect guidebook to life

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To call Eric Feldman’s site a bit eccentric would be an understatement. He gave up a life as an attorney to travel and become an activist for human rights. But, it is his view of the world and writing style that make this blog what it is – exceptionally entertaining. His words: “Eric purposefully throws himself into awkward situations in the hopes of having something interesting to later share with strangers at cocktail parties.” Cheers to that!

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Life II, The Sequel

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Simon Cordall has had his obstacles – one of them being the loss of his sight. I don’t mean “insight or inner sight or even hind sight”. I mean his visual sight. Something we all take for granted. He quotes: “There comes a time in a man’s life when, to get where he has to go, if there are no doors or windows he walks through a wall.” For Simon this is true. He’s passed through the wall and has reclaimed his life – something he is now writing about in a very entertaining and insightful way.

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Country Driving: A Journey through China from Farm to Factory – Book Review

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Dong Dwellings
Dong Dwellings by joffre

This book caught my attention because it was on a list of the best non-fiction books of 2010 by the Christian Science Monitor. I found it to be a fascinating read and worthy of being on the best books list.

About the Author

Peter Hessler was a journalist for the New Yorker magazine based in Beijing. In the period from 2001 to 2007, he frequently drove around China and wrote about the changes in the local culture. An American who spoke Mandarin, he was able to interact with the locals in ways a tourist cannot.

peter_hessler_country_driving1a

The Review

The book is actually three short books in one. The first book describes his journeys by car along the Great Wall. It is an amusing and interesting commentary on the emerging car culture in China, as well as providing some historical context for the Great Wall.

The second book describes Hessler’s extended visits to a remote village, next to the Great Wall, two hours outside of Beijing. Hessler rents a house to visit on weekends to work on his writing. Over time he develops close relationships with the peasants of the village. In particular, he narrates the changes that take place in one family that are exemplary of the changes taking place in many of the Chinese. The transition from an agricultural peasant life to a modern business focused life is difficult for many of the people.

The officials literally move mountains to build a new factory town overnight.

The third book describes Hessler’s visits to a new factory town in the south. He tells the story of two businessmen who start a new factory to make brassiere parts. The interactions between the bosses, the migrant workers they hire, and the local officials is very educational in an entertaining way. The officials literally move mountains to build a new factory town overnight. The businessmen push hard to maintain their profits in a competitive field. It looks like the teenaged workers are exploited at 40 to 80 cents per hour, until one sees that the wage is better than what they could make on a farm. For all of us who have ever shopped at Walmart, it becomes clear after reading this book how cheap goods are produced and dominate the retail sector.

For those interested in travel to China, this book provides insight into the attitudes and motivations behind the changing Chinese culture.

Buy now: Country Driving: A Journey Through China from Farm to Factory on Amazon.

Editor’s notes: This article contains affiliate links.

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Sandcruiser.com

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The journey started about 10 years ago for Steve and Jocelyn Broyles. They are on their fourth Sandcruiser (landcruisers with attitude) and still on the road. Okay, there have been stops in between but never for very long. Besides Calypso, their dog, they are joined periodically by an assortment of friends, family and other travelers. It’s been an interesting ride – or should I say drive. WOOF! (More can be found at Sandcruiser.com: Adventure Continues)

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Eat Smart in France – Book Review

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How to Decipher the Menu, Know the Market Foods & Embark on a Tasting Adventure By Ronnie Hess

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Lunch – Fruits du Mer overlooking the Nice Marina by GregW

About the Author:

Ronnie Hess is an author, journalist, English teacher, and chef. She has lived and worked in France, studying gastronomy with a passion for the art itself.

Eat-Smart-in-France1

The Introduction:

This entry to the Eat Smart series of guides tackles French cuisine in a most interesting manner. It is not simply about the cooking, but rather it covers the historical and regional aspects of how the foods came to be what they are today, immersing the reader in the culture of the country. It brought back memories of the aromas around an open air market in Paris so many years ago…..the bread, the cheese, the garlic…..

The Review:

This book is absolutely delicious, cover to cover. I feared I would actually eat the pages; that’s how descriptive the author made the food of France.

This book is absolutely delicious, cover to cover. I feared I would actually eat the pages; that’s how descriptive the author made the food of France. The first chapter is dedicated to a brief history of French cuisine, from the beginning of human habitation to present day, with a slight lament that fast food may have become the mode of choice for the citizens of France. Fast food has its place, but dining is more than eating; it plays a large role in the social structure of humankind.

The second chapter covers the regional variations found throughout the country, and though the main ingredients can be essentially the same, the seasonings and style of cooking are vast and unique. Geography plays an important factor in what is prepared and how it is presented.

The third chapter presents a few recipes for each course of a meal. They appear easy to prepare, and I will definitely work on making the tomato and red pepper tart!!!

The remainder of the guide explains food shopping in France, presents a very nice list of resources for finding ingredients, shows the reader some useful phrases to use when dining at a restaurant (complete with a pronunciation guide – VERY helpful), reveals a comprehensive list of items one would find on a menu, and finally gives the reader a dictionary –like list of ingredients, cooking utensils, and cooking methods, in both French and English.

This guide is for people who appreciate that food should be more than something that is pre-processed, pre-packaged garbage, filled with preservatives, fillers, and artificial ingredients. French cuisine and sitting around a table with friends and family for hours on end over plates and bowls filled with new and unusual foodstuffs are things everyone should experience, if for no other reason than it enriches the soul and makes life good.

Now, what to have for dinner tonight………

Buy now: Eat Smart in France: How to Decipher the Menu, Know the Market Foods & Embark on a Tasting Adventure on Amazon.

Editor’s notes: This article contains affiliate links. The book was also received compliments of Ginko Press and University of Wisconsin Press for review.

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WanderingNotLost

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“My life was content, meaningful, and secure.” writes Kate Convissor on her blog. But, she gave up (almost) everything for travel – except her dog Oreo. (He travels too.) Armed with a Dodge Durango and a 14-foot pull-behind camper trailer, Kate and Oreo hit the open road for places unknown. They may not know where they are going, but they’ll know it when they get there.

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Off to Gili Trawangan

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We were up bright and early this morning earlier than usual as I'm usually awake by 645. We were showered packed had eaten and were read to go by 630 and our ride picked us up promptly at that time so it was a good thing we were ready. It was a long ride to Paidang Bay where we took the Gili Fast Boat to the Island. The ride over was uneventful and not too rough so fortunately I did not g

Valentine’s Day in Costa Rica no blog until Thursday and still trying to post audiovideo with neighbors live music

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FELIZ DIA DEL AMOR Y DE LA AMISTAD Happy Day of Love and of Friendship You can read about Valentine's Day in Costa Rica and other Latin American Countries through the link below. httpinsidecostarica.comdailynews2010february14costarica10021407.htmSince I'm leaving on another 4day trip with Barb and her friend Mary today there will not be a blog until Thursday. I'm still trying to post t

a run through the charming treasure of Czech Republic called Prague

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Prague can be whatever you wish it to be. That's why quite a few folks have dreamt about this fine venue numerous also making an appearance on the city's doorstep occasionally. There are scarcely any places in the world with the awesome preeminence and pomp of Prague. I made my way to the notable Dudley Opera House. The Dudley Opera House has hosted some of the greatest Europe operatic events ove