A trip to Nepal

If you are to choose where to go for Valentine’s Day, would it be a romantic or a spiritual journey?

Some of my friends started playing a game dubbed The Wishing List. I was surprised to find out that most of them would like to travel to spiritual places.
And I remember talking recently to another girl about her trip to Nepal and India. She took an organized tour and after her return back to Canada she admitted that it was a life transforming experience.
Drive to Kathmandu

To be honest, her drive was in a luxury, air conditioned bus, meaning a much pleasant journey.

Bodhi Tree in Lumbini

The Bodhi Tree is one of the most venerated objects in the Buddhism world. According to the legend,while sitting beneath the Boddhi Tree, Siddhartha became the Buddha, meaning the ‘Enlightened One’.
After getting enlightened, The Buddha spent the next seven weeks in meditation near the Bodhi Tree. Then, at the request of the god Indra, he began to speak of the great truth he had realized. His first sermon was given at Isipatana (modern Sarnath near Banaras). This first discourse, often called “Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Truth” presented the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path for which Buddhism is so famous.

The Four Noble Truths assert that human beings suffer because of the clinging nature of the mind. There is a way out of this suffering, however, and that is through the meditative practices of the Noble Eightfold Path. Through these practices an individual gains insight into how his or her suffering is caused by identification with the mind’s processes. Letting go of such identification, one discovers and increasingly resides in a pre-existing state of inner peace.

Lumbini-a place in the South-Western Terai of Nepal, evokes a kind of holy sentiment to the millions of Buddhists all over the world-as do the Jerusalem to Christians and Mecca to Muslims. Lumbini is the place Lord Buddha -the apostle of peace and the light of Asia was born in 623 B. C., Located in the flat plains of south-Western Nepal and the foothills of Churia range , Lumbini and its surrounding area is endowed with a rich natural setting of domesticable fauna and favourable agricultural environ. Historically, the region is an exquisite treasure-trove of ancient ruins and antiquities, dating back to pre-Christian era. The site, described as a beautiful garden in the Buddha’s time still retain its legendary charm and beauty. To the mere 12 miles north of Lumbini lies the dense and picturesque sal-grove.

For centuries, Buddhists- all over the world, knew that Lumbini where the Lord was born is somewhere around. The descriptions of famous Chinese pilgrims (of ancient times) Huian Tsang and Faeihan indicated to this area-saying ‘Lumbini-where the lord was born is a piece of heaven on earth and one could see the snowy mountains amidst a splendid garden-embedded with stupas and monasteries!

However, the exact location remained uncertain and obscure till December the 1st 1886 when a wandering German archaeologist Dr. Alois A. Fuhrer came across a stone pillar and ascertained beyond doubt it is indeed the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
Sources: http://www.nepaltravelinfo.com/lumbini.htm and http://www.sacredsites.com/asia/nepal/lumbini.html

More pictures from Nepal, including Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) are here

Cancun or Puerto Vallarta?

This was the question on Friday.
We are in the middle of the pissing rainy season and I can feel the seasonal depression creeping slowly into my tired being.
With some mental and emotional effort I started looking for a nice sunny vacation spot.
It took me over 5 hours to gather some information and by the end of the whole process I got angry with myself, with the way information is scattered over the net, with everything. I put the blame on the same overcast that keeps driving me bonkers.

This is the situation: we are a family of three, with a four year old son, who gets bored pretty fast and is a picky eater.
Therefore I had to find some decent hotel, family friendly, with activities for kids (just in case, because I am too paranoid to leave my son out of my sight) and with less night life if possible, as in no disco activities until wee hours of the morning because we need to sleep and relax in preparation for another round of job duties.
All my friends who used to travel to Mexico chant the ‘all-inclusive’ mantra, which fits well with us as well. So all-inclusive is part of the quest equation.

Let’s summarize my findings:

Cancun:
- Nice beaches, super beautiful warm blue water
- Lots of things to do and see
- Organized tours to Chichen Itza where, for about $250 per family you travel by an air conditioned bus, with a bilingual guide and even get lunch while there
- Other tours, including an eco one
- Family friendly hotels with kid’s clubs
- Going there until May will ensure nice weather, because who wants to spend $6000 per week to enjoy- NOT- the rain? I can do it for free here
- March tends to be busy due to the spring break
- In the third week of April starts the mating season of the thimble jellyfish; their stings are not deadly but can cause allergic reactions or fever; the mating last for about 10 days
- It’s more affordable to go there on low season, between May and November, but the area is subject to hurricanes during this time; my friends had their trip to Cancun booked for August last year, and it has been canceled due to hurricane warnings
- Summer is not interesting to us to go there, because with a little bit of luck we may have decent weather here
- June and July are expensive months to go there due to European summer vacation; it may sound bizarre but I have heard about people from Europe coming to Mexico. Why bizarre? Because they have Tenerife and other Canary Islands there, they have lots of sea resorts along the Mediterranean shore, along the Black Sea shore, plenty of sunny places, but hey, people do what they want with their money.
- I had a very hard time finding a direct flight from Vancouver to Cancun. Finally I found it with AirTransat. For about $980 + $280 in taxes/ per person, you can fly without worrying about stops in Houston or other US cities. Traveling with a small kid makes you think about convenience vs. price. I don’t want to see us running like crazy in any given airport to catch a flight, not with the little one taking his sweet time doing everything. Another down to not having a direct flight: it takes longer to reach your destination. With a direct flight you should be able to be there in about 6 hours. One with at least one stop will take you there in at least 11 hours. This difference is a lot while traveling with kids.

Puerto Vallarta
- The beaches are mostly with pebbles and the water is cold and dark; it’s Pacific Ocean right?
- On many beaches the surf is too strong to swim in the ocean, therefore you have to spend your time by the pool
- Not so many things to do
- Time wise is closer, you can reach Puerto Vallarta in 4 hours I guess
- Cost wise it might be a little bit cheaper, depending on the quality of accommodations

Based strictly on the above and considering that on both scenarios the all-inclusive means bottled water in the room along with all the taxes and transfers paid, Cancun will be my preference. It is more expensive but not with much.

The biggest problem: the cost of the vacation. It came to a total of around $6000 per family per week.
Even if our kid will stay and eat free, the plane ticket is the same price as ours.
Based on the above mentioned amount listed by Airtransat, only the plane tickets for the three of us will come up to $3600.
The rest is the hotel, some tours, because we want to see at least Chichen Itza, and now I am sad.
We are not going to afford to spend $6000 on a short vacation.
I have to face the reality and maybe purchase some light therapy kind of lamps to deal with my seasonal disorder.

Who knew that Sacramento could be as rainy as Vancouver?

My last business trip took me to Sacramento.
The whole journey started somehow on the left foot: initially I was supposed to go to Oakland. I booked my trip with Alaska Air. Because I could not find a non-stop flight I chose the next option: one stop.
To make the long story short, my trip was canceled. I phoned Alaska to notify them and they were very nice and mentioned that I would be penalized $75 but I can use the credit within a year, to book any trip to any city served by Alaska.
Sweet! I was happy with the arrangement and kept wondering if our national carrier, Air Canada has anything like this?
About ten minutes after the cancellation, I was told that I had to leave for…. Sacramento this time.
OK, back on the net, I found the best option for leaving and returning Vancouver: Sunday at 1 PM, returning Tuesday at 3 PM.
A short conversation with another Alaska Air agent finished the booking; I used the credit and everybody was happy.

On a pretty decent Sunday- not too much rain in Vancouver- when everybody had a nice family lunch, I was getting ready for my first leg of the trip, the flight to Seattle. That proved to be bumpy, in a small Bombardier plane, served by Horizon.
Luckily the flight was short, about 30 minutes in the air. Arriving at Seattle, I had the surprise of finding that I had to take the train towards gate N. That was NOT in my itinerary. I was not supposed to change terminals and knowing that I would have avoided the route because I am a nervous Nelly. Everything proved to be much easier than I expected. I mean, compared to Pearson Airport in Toronto, where you have to take a bus to change terminals, the Seattle train even had information written and spoken in Japanese. But you still have to pay attention to the announcements.
Next step was to take the plane to Sacramento. I left enough time between flights to accommodate any possible delays, due to bad weather.
This time, the plane was a Boeing big enough to fly at 30,000 ft and avoid turbulences. As on any domestic flight, you are offered snacks and non alcoholic beverages, including coffee for free. No lunch.
The plus was getting the pillow and blanket free of charge. If I am not mistaken, not all air carriers offer these basic items for free anymore.

Arriving at Sacramento Airport my first impression was weather related.
It was cold, windy, overcast, very much like Vancouver. In my mind ‘California’ was supposed to be sunny, full of palm trees and happy people.
I guess I had it all wrong.

Returning back home everything was fine until I reached Seattle, where the flight was delayed almost three hours due to some mechanical problems to the plane. I was not happy at all. Instead of arriving at 2 PM I arrived at 5 PM, right in time to start fighting the rush hour, in Richmond on a rainy day.
Everybody who lives in Vancouver knows what ordeal that is.

Conclusions:
Alaska Air is a good carrier and I understand now why one of my colleagues has a membership with them.
The tickets are cheap and the service very good.
As an International Traveler you can enter your passport data on line and therefore you don’t have to be seen by an agent at the airport.
As well, you can do your check-in from home, if you have a carry-on baggage, print your boarding pass and voila, you are ready to go, hassle free.

Christmas at Big White

I have just had a talk with one of my colleagues about Christmas preparations and he mentioned that for the first time since his kids were born, they are going to spend Christmas away from home.
The kids’ dilemma: how is Santa going to know where they have gone and would they get any presents at all?
What my colleague planned for this year was a family reunion at Big White. They have rented an apartment to accommodate three families, two of them with a combined number of four kids, along with a set of grand parents.

Big White has been known as Canada’s affordable ski destination.
For $365 a night you can get a 4-bedroom loft at Chateau on the Ridge.
Among the amenities, for this amount of money you get: Bar, Dining Room, Dishwasher, 2 Full Bathrooms (Tub/Shower) and one ½ Bathroom, Full Kitchen, Gas Fireplace, In suite Laundry, PlayStation 2, Pool Table, Portable Stereo, 2 Televisions, 2 VCRs.

Other services:
- Ski in/Ski out
- Ski storage
- Underground parking
- Common hot tub

Going there
1. Fly into Kelowna International Airport
There are many air carriers providing services to Kelowna: WestJet, Horizon, Harmony and AirCanada.
2. Driving to Big White
- Once arrived at Kelowna Airport you could rent a car or use Big White Shuttle service to get you into the resort. Keep in mind that shuttle services must be booked in advance!
- Of course you can choose to drive all the way from Vancouver or Lower Mainland; in such case you are going to be prepared for the treacherous drive along Coquihalla highway. You better check this site to get the updates on the road and weather conditions.
- Finally, if you want to feel super special, you rent a limousine

Activities while there:
- Big White Telus Park
- Dog Sled Tours
- Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides
- Skiing
- Skating
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing

Making reservations:

From Canada & USA
1-888-676-9977

From United Kingdom, Germany, & France
00-800-7542-2754

From Australia
0011-800-7542-2754

From Mexico
001-800-514-9977

Tibet- The Roof of the World

First it was Seven years in Tibet, followed by Kundun to get me hooked. Suddenly I had a revelation, a wake-up call.
Since then, I’ve started planning, so far only in my head, my trip to Tibet and Nepal.

A few months ago I had almost touched my dream, but it was not to happen yet.
I spent hours and hours gathering information about how to go there.

Some important things to know before planning your trip:
1. You have to get a Chinese visa first.
2. You can apply for a Tibetan visa only after you get the Chinese one; apparently vice-versa won’t bear very well with the Chinese officials. Some travel agencies would facilitate the Tibetan visa if you take their packages
3. Prepare yourself for the altitude problems: headaches and some sort of sleepiness.
4. Drink lots of water while there.
5. The average temperature in the summer time is about 15°C in Lhasa, meaning that you have to be prepared with warm clothing
6. While there, allow yourself a day of accommodation: rest and sleep, take your time to absorb the new environment

The most popular tour is to Lhasa.
When booking your trip keep in mind that the busy season is July-August and although Lhasa has 14 star-rated hotels, you have to make your reservations far in advance to make sure you are going to get a room.
I was supposed to go to Beijing, therefore I looked for flights from Beijing to Lhasa. There were a few of them, but you have to have your trip to Tibet booked and preferably to be part of a group to be allowed to go there. I guess it’s all about politics.
My understanding was that it’s very difficult to get a Tibetan guide; probably it’s again due to political reasons.

A typical 4-day tour to Lhasa costs about $413 for a group of at least 6 persons; if you go by yourself would be around $1099; flight is not included.
The tour includes: The Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple , Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Norbulingka.
If you are more adventurous, you can take the 15-day tour from Kathmandu, which will cost you about $3200, not including the flight there.

Potala Palace

1. Visiting the golden roofs costs an extra fee of RMB 10 yuan. Taking photos inside the room also charges extra fee, the prices are clearly shown in the rooms.
2. More rooms are available in hotels on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Ways of getting to the top:
- By taxi from the back of the hill.
- Climbing up from the front path.
Opening time: 9:30am- 13:00pm; 15:00pm–18:00pm
Price for the Ticket: RMB 100 yuan per person

Jokhang Monastery

Lamas of Jokhang Monastery chant sutras at night, it is worth listening.
Guides are not enough in the monastery and only serve for tourism groups.
The life-sized statue of Sakyamuni aged 12 is the most scared statue in the eyes of Tibetan people.

Sera Monastery

The Sera Monastery is the representative monastery of the Gelugpa of the Tibetan Buddhism. It lies on the southern slope of the Serawoze Mountain in the northern suburbs of Lhasa. The monastery was built by SagyaYexei, one of the disciples of Tsongkhapa who was the founder of Gelugpa of the Tibet Buddhism in 1419. It is one of the six main monasteries of the Gelugpa of the Tibetan Buddhism. As one of the three main monasteries of Lhasa, it is here that the monks “famous daily debates” take place.
Location: It is located in the southern slope of the Serawoze Mountain of the northern suburb of Lhasa. Some people believe it means “hailstone”, while others believe it means “raspberry”, the full name of the monastery is “Sera Thekchen-ling Monastery”.
Transportation: By minibus in downtown. It is advisable for you to take a taxi.
Open Hours: 9:00-16:00
Admission Free: RMB:30

NorbuLingka


NorbuLingka – meaning ‘Treasure Park” is named the Summer Palace, located west of Lhasa. The beautiful garden was first built in the middle 18th century. That’s where they deal with affairs and hold religious activities. The garden covers an area of 46 acres, with 370 rooms of different sizes. In the garden people worship Buddha, spend their holiday, and study the Tibetan-style palaces.
Location: NorbuLingka, colloquially named “Dalai Summer Palace”, is located about 3 kilometers west of Lhasa.
Ticket prices: RMB 2 yuan for Tibetans, RMB 70 yuan for each tourist.
Opening time: 9:00-12:00,15:00(reopen time) on Monday-Saturday. Tibetan opera performances at 11:00.
Transport: From the Tibetan Hospital to the gate. RMB 2 yuan for each person.

Kicking Horse winter vacation

The Legend
In the summer of 1858, James Hector set out to discover the Kicking Horse Valley. His expedition took him through some of the most beautiful and rugged country in the West. During a river crossing, one of the pack horses kicked Hector so hard that others in the expedition mistook him for dead. As they began to bury poor old James, they noticed his eye twitch. The legend says it was a stiff cup of Kick Ass™ Coffee that brought him back to life!

Source: http://kickinghorsecoffee.com/pages.php?cID=1&pID=1

Location
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is located on the eastern-most slopes of the Purcell Mountains, 15 minutes north of Golden, BC, 3 hours west of Calgary, Alberta and 1 hour west of Lake Louise, Alberta. In winter, there are daily shuttles to the resort from Golden and from Banff.
The first four-season resort to open in the Rockies in 25 years, Kicking Horse is surrounded by six national parks: Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier and Mt. Revelstoke, Jasper and Banff.
During the winter, Kicking Horse offers a breathtaking 1,260 m (4,134 ft) of vertical and is famed for its champagne powder. Thanks to this and more, Kicking Horse has been recognized as “Small Resort of the Year” by the UK’s Good Skiing and Snowboard Guide (2004 and 2005).

Kicking Horse announced that it will be open on December 8, 2007.
So far the snow conditions look like this :
55cm new snow in 48 hours
Mid-mountain base 138 cm
Mid Mountain snowfall 262 cm

Staying there:
Vagabond Lodge
At Kicking Horse, it doesn’t get much better than the Vagabond Lodge. Located across the road from the Golden Eagle Express Gondola at the base of the resort, Vagabond Lodge is the ultimate ski-in/ski-out facility. The Vagabond Lodge features 10 rooms with a European ambience. In order to promote a relaxing stay for guests, rooms at the Vagabond Lodge do not have telephones or televisions. Room amenities include beds with feather-rest and duvet, private bathrooms with heated floors and deep soaker tubs, and some have a balcony or a loft. The common area at the Vagabond Lodge boasts a huge split-log bar, to which guests can bring their own beverage of choice, a river rock fireplace surrounded by overstuffed furniture, a games room, satellite TV, and high speed internet/wireless. The Vagabond Lodge also has a secure ski/snowboard storage area. Culinary delights at the Vagabond Lodge are the daily continental breakfast, hot lunch, and afternoon cookies, as well as tea and a pot of coffee that is always on – all included in the price of your room. Vagabond Lodge is your all-season home for both adventure and relaxation.

Please note that children under 12 are not permitted at this property.
Amenities and Services
Adults Only
Boot Dryer
Common Hot Tub
Complimentary Coffee/Tea
Fireplace
Games Room
Golf Nearby
Includes Breakfast
Lounge
Ski In/Ski Out
Ski Storage
TV Lounge
Walking Distance to Lifts
Wireless Internet Kiosk

Rates: $135 per person
Source: www.skihills.com

Special package:
$309 pp Opening Weekend Special
Stay 3 nights pay for 2
2 days of Adult Lift Tickets
Breakfasts and Lunch
Taxes not included. Based on double occupancy.
Source: http://www.vagabondlodge.ca/

Palliser Lodge Resort
The Palliser Lodge at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, 14 km from Golden, BC offers guests full-service luxury accommodation in an unparalleled mountain setting. Well situated in one of the area’s premier locations, the Palliser Lodge boasts spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains and is just minutes from a wide variety of exciting outdoor summer and winter adventure activities. The Village at Kicking Horse Mountain is within easy walking distance from the Lodge. Each of the 48 well-appointed condominium-style guest suites has been designed for the optimum in guest comfort and convenience. From the comfortable Hotel Rooms to the spacious 1 and 2 Bedroom Suites, units can accommodate up to a maximum of 6 persons. All 1 & 2 Bedroom Suites have full kitchens including dishwasher, refrigerator, oven/stove, microwave and cooking utensils. In addition every 1 & 2 Bdrm Suite has a fireplace, flat screen color television, and balcony. Situated just outside the village at Kicking Horse Resort, Palliser Lodge Resort will ensure quiet enjoyment while maintaining the convenience of ski-in/ski-out access.

Amenities &Services

Common Hot Tub
Common Laundry
Fitness Gym
Front Desk
Ski In/Ski Out
Ski Storage
Walking Distance to Lifts
Wireless Internet Access

Rates: from $199 up to $ 489 for 2 bedroom penthouse

Whitetooth Chalet
Whitetooth Chalet is a 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom chalet located at Kicking Horse Resort, just a 10 minute walk to the downhill runs and right next to the nordic trails. Whitetooth Chalet can sleep up to 8 people and includes a full kitchen, two wood-burning fireplaces, marble countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms, heated floors, and a plasma TV with satellite channels.

Amenities & Services
Private Garage
Walking Distance to Lifts

Rates: $400

Glacier Lodge
Glacier Lodge is located at the base of the Golden Eagle Express Gondola and features exceptional views of the Columbia Valley and the Rocky Mountains beyond, or of the village plaza. Each unit features a full kitchen including dishwasher, private deck and a spacious living area warmed by a cozy gas rock fireplace. Amenities at Glacier Lodge include a common area hot tub, steam room, fitness gym, and ski storage.

Amenities & Services
Common Hot Tub
Fitness Gym
Ski In/Ski Out
Ski Storage
Steam Room
Underground Parking
Walking Distance to Lifts

Rates: 1 bedroom $250

Skiing and winter vacation around Fraser Valley

I am not a ski aficionado but once in a while I feel like wanting to learn skiing.
When you pay premium for the opportunity to live in Vancouver or Lower Mainland, this is the least you can do to enjoy what the nature offers. People pay good money to come and enjoy British Columbia.

What can you find at a reasonable driving distance from Vancouver:

Hemlock Valley
It may be the ‘best kept secret’ but for the past two years it has been shut down when the ownership changed hands. According to the rumors I’ve heard, it’s going to be open this winter season. We went there once, about four years ago, to enjoy an afternoon of tubing. Yes, I know, how lame is that, right? I was scared out of my mind on the first run, when I realized that I don’t have much if any control on the gizmo. I could almost project an image of me crashing into a tree.
A two hour drive from Vancouver will take you there. It’s even closer if you are driving from Abbotsford, Mission or Chilliwack.
Activities: cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, tobogganing and a tube park.
What’s New at Hemlock Resort this Season
Brand new Rental Equipment
Completely Renovated Cafeteria, Bar & Day lodge
New wider, user friendly off loading ramp on the beginner chair
All new educational components integrated into EVERY group program!
Summer Grooming & Glading on Slopes
More open days
New booking system and procedures to ensure a smooth, easy to manage group adventure
Upgrades done on all chairlifts
Source: http://www.hemlockvalleyresort.com
Current conditions: -10°C, snowing, base snow: 48 cm at lodge depts, 68 cm alpine depth
Accommodations: Check the info here for staying there, or drive to Harrison Hot Springs and spend an après skiing marvelous time at Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa.
My best memory : a wonderful evening in mid December, relaxing in the hot spring pool while the snow kept falling.

Manning Park Resort
Located in Manning Provincial Park, in the Cascade Mountains near the British Columbia/Washington border, http://www.manningpark.com offers downhill skiing and snowboarding, and is the premier cross-country and snowshoeing destination in southwestern British Columbia.
The drive from Vancouver is about 3 hours, making it an attractive weekend destination.
Activities: skiing and snowboarding on more than 140 acres of terrain, Nordic skiing on 30 km of groomed trails or on more than 190 km of backcountry trails with 2 warming huts, snowshoeing, tube park, skating and hockey, snowplay area, terrain park and a recreation center.
Resort Services: Ski & snowball rentals, ski & snowboard school, child care centre
Accommodations:
There is a minimum stay as following:
- Winter: 2 night minimum for all accommodations on weekends & holidays
- Winter Holidays/Spring Break: 3 nights minimum for all accommodations
Prices:
From $164 for a Queen Room (based on double occupancy) in the Manning Lodge to $364 (based on six) for a Tri-plex Chalet
Important note: the resort opens full-time on December 20, 2007

Winter in British Columbia

If you are into ‘extreme’ winter sports, you should go to Whistler, Kicking Horse or Red Mountain.
But if you want to spend a winter vacation with your family, BC Interior may hold the answers.
Forget about BlackComb and think: Sun Peaks, Silver Star , Big White and Apex Resort .

Veteran ski travel writer Steven Threndyle wrote a story recently in the Vancouver Sun which extolled the virtues of the many fine family-oriented ski resorts in the Thompson Okanagan.
Reaching them may pose a challenge; it involves driving the treacherous Coquihalla. Depending on the road conditions allow yourself about 6 hours to reach the furthest resort.
Reasons for choosing any of the four resorts:
- After ski activities for kids
- Accommodations in the proximity so no need for a car
- No ‘attitudes’
- The snow is lighter and drier

Big White is a family oriented resort, offering a wide range of activities: skiing, skating, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dogsled tours ($175 for one hour and a half of tour, including unharnessing and feeding the dogs, horse drawn sleigh rides (it costs $10 per person for 30 minutes, and for kids under five it’s free). If you pay for the all-day lessons the kids will get lunch inside the cafeteria in the ski school.

Silver Star Mountain Resort offers tons of family activities. Also the resort offers more than a hundred kilometers of cross country trails. The Star Kids Centre is licensed to look after newborns.
And if you have an over energetic kid, the resort offers night skiing as well.
Right now the temperature over there is – 8°C, the snowbase: 80 cm and 6 cm of new snow.
Sun Peaks has the best-planned village and trails for all ability levels. Following are some Hot Deals:
Ski and Stay Free
Book before December 24, 2007, and save! Come and enjoy three nights of accommodation and three days of skiing for the price of only two at participating properties. For more information please call Central Reservations at 1-800-807-3257.’
Destination Sun Peaks
Come explore the endless terrain at BC’s second largest ski area, and wander the picturesque village of Sun Peaks. Your package begins with one night accommodation, and one day of skiing or riding on three mountains. Package prices start from $99.00* mid week and $109.00* weekend. Call Central Reservations at 1-800-807-3257 for more information, or book online.
Coast to Mountain Package: Air, Shuttle, Accommodation, and Lift $749
Enjoy a return flight on Pacific Coastal Airlines to Kamloops for three nights and three days of skiing at Sun Peaks Resort. Shuttle service between Kamloops Airport and Sun Peaks will be provided. This package includes return airfare, shuttle service, three nights accommodation in a hotel room or studio suite, and three days of skiing. Call Central Reservations at 1-800-807-3257 to reserve this package, or book online.
Source: http://www.sunpeaksresort.com/planyourtrip/packages.aspx

Useful tips offered by Sun Peaks:

How to Ski In/Ski Out
Upon check in ask your concierge what is the easiest way to get on the slopes in the morning. The Sun Peaks village has been designed to be ski in ski out.
Channel 2 and Channel 3
Once in your room check out Sun Peaks TV on Channel 2 and Channel 3 to find out everything that is happening in the resort from snow conditions and groomed runs to resort activities.
Get Equipment the Night Before
Avoid the morning rush by visiting any of the equipment rental shops located in the village the night prior to your first day on the slopes.
Save With Multi Day Lift Tickets
Multiple day lift tickets provide guests with a discounted rate.
Where to Find Breakfast
Breakfast is available at Mantle’s Restaurant, Macker’s Bistro, Bagg’s Café, Bollaco Café, Vertical Juice and Smoothies, the Sunburst Mid Mountain Restaurant, and Bento’s. If you’re looking to get out on the slopes early then check out First Trax Breakfast at the Sunburst Restaurant
Complimentary In Resort Shuttle Service
Take advantage of the complimentary in resort shuttle service. This great service will allow guests to leave their automobiles at their accommodations, and get to the ski area with ease
Source: http://www.sunpeaksresort.com/planyourtrip/resorttips/whilehere.aspx

Sonora Resort

Sonora Resort on Sonora Island has recently gone upscale. The old fishing camp located on a remote island, north of Campbell River, morphed into a deluxe escape, with Whistler-style lodges and upscale cuisine with offerings such as butter-poached lobster, roasted veal tenderloin and duck breast with seared foie gras.

As an all-inclusive luxury resort, Sonora offers world-renowned salmon fishing, glacier landings and golf, as well as a state-of-the-art, fully wireless business facility, and 5300 sq. ft. spa and wellness center.

The resort includes 11 uniquely themed lodges offering spacious rooms with comfortable queen or king sized beds, top quality linens and cozy goosedown duvets. Tasteful furnishings, sumptuous private baths, modern amenities, a fully stocked bar fridge (remember: it’s all-inclusive) and spectacular ocean views complete the picture.

Let take a quick virtual tour and see the offerings:

The Outdoors
For fishing aficionados, the resort offers fly and salt water fishing.

If you are not into fishing, you can join an Eco-tour on a custom boat to enjoy the breathtaking views, and maybe catch a glimpse of grizzlies and eagles in the wild or dolphins and Orca whales across the bow.

Or you can try the ultimate escape – a thrilling helicopter tour to a glistening glacier for a private picnic, or to remote inlets where there are no roads, just untouched, magnificent nature.

If you are in the mood, you can take in a game of tennis, or play a round of golf, or do some kayaking.

And at the end of day you can relax and rejuvenate in one of the outdoor mineral pools at the resort’s elegant Spa and Wellness Centre .

The Indoors

At Sonora, you get the perfect all-inclusive romantic getaway or honeymoon destination. Sonora is as peaceful as it is luxurious, providing serenity in the form of private suites, cozy common areas, inviting hot tubs, and peaceful meditation areas facing quiet forests.

The luxurious Wellness Centre was built with your health and well-being in mind. Guests can select from a full menu of massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures, or revitalize in the saunas, steam rooms, and state-of-the-art hydrotherapy tub.

Whatever spa treatment you choose, you’ll emerge refreshed, relaxed, and ready to savour a glass of wine from the extensive wine cellar or take in a movie in our private theatre.

Rates

Brace yourself for an expensive experience as well:

- Helicopter fly-fishing: $8916.00 per person, per day trip (8 hours)

- Helicopter glacier tour: $2100 per person, per hour (min. 2 hours)

- Guided grizzly tour: $425 per person, per day trip (5 hours)

- Accommodations: between $525 and $675 per couple depending on the season

Bhutan: The Kingdom of Himalayan Shangri-La

Shangri-La is a fictional place described in the 1933 novel Lost Horizonby British author James Hilton. In the book, “Shangri-La” is a mystical, harmonious valley, gently guided from a lamasery, enclosed in the western end of the Kunlun Mountains. Shangri-La has become synonymous with any earthly paradise but particularly a mythical Himalayan utopia—a permanently happy land, isolated from the outside world. The word also evokes the imagery of exoticism of the Orient. The story of Shangri-La is based on the concept of Shambhala, a mystical city in Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shangri-La

If your soul aches for a place where people are friendly and happy, where you can be mesmerized by the beauty and serenity of the ‘Roof of the World’ then you should go to Bhutan.

Bhutan, or Druk Yul (The Land of the Dragon) is probably the world’s most exclusive travel destination. It’s a country the size of Switzerland, nestled between India and Tibet. Beautiful mountains, crisp clean air and smiling people.
A quick reality check: the tourism is still in its infancy. There are only a few hotels, just a few cars and no internal air service to link distant communities.
In order to avoid negative impact of tourism on the culture and environment, the independent travel is not permitted in Bhutan, only pre-organized, pre-payed tours. For Canadians, an entry visa is required.
There is also a minimum daily spending for accommodations, meals and services ranging from $200 per person per day for groups of five or more – to $240 per day for individuals. There are no ATM’s and credit cards are not taken in many places, so it’s best to bring cash. No tobacco-related products are allowed in the country.
The most popular time to visit Bhutan is the spring, from March through May, and the fall, from September to November, when the weather is comfortable and the skies clear.
2008 will be marked by many celebrations as the King turns over the throne to his son.

Going there
Druk Air is Bhutan air carrier and flies to Paro from several cities, including Bangkok, New Delhi and Kathmandu.

Accommodations
The first Bhutanese owned luxury resort is Zhiwa Ling
Within the resort you are going to find: a tea house, temple, meditation hall, spa,waterfall, restaurant, conference facility, three presidential suites in the main building and within the perimeter of the resort another 44 junior suites.
Abstract of what the spa offers:
“Our spa, named after the Buddha of Medicine, is called ‘Menlha’ and features many Bhutanese and Himalayan treatments. The Menlha Spa creates a sanctuary where the mind, body and spirit are at ease with the elements. An extensive menu is provided to help you choose a therapy that will soothe and balance, leaving you with a relaxed spirit. Please click here for a full spa menu.

All treatments begin with the therapist invoking the healing energy of Tara, and conclude with the balancing resonance of the Himalayan singing bowl. Tara is the radiant goddess who embodies the virtues of compassion, healing, wisdom and fearlessness.”
Source: http://www.zhiwaling.com

While there
A must see is Taktsang Monastery (The Tiger’s Nest)

The monastery hangs from a cliff 700 meters above the valley floor and it is one of Bhutan’s holiest sites. As legend has it, Guru Rinpoche, regarded as the second Buddha, flew here on the back of the tigress and meditated in a cave now concealed by the building.

For more information regarding the trip, a company called Trek Escape, phone: 604-734-1066, can be contacted.