Here at Amazing Journeys, we’re lucky have the best jobs in the world—and we think our good fortune is worth sharing. So, when your next journey seems like a distant dream, take a few minutes to explore our WANDERLUST blog—it’s chock full of engaging tales and helpful tips from our travels around the world. Check out the most recent entry (at the top) or search by your preferred criteria. Consider it motivation for your next embarkation.

India, Part 4 – Agra

Friday, April 22nd, 2011

Taj Mahal

We arrived in Agra yesterday, home of the Taj Mahal. We woke up just before sunrise this morning, and left our hotel in the dark, headed for what was to be the highlight of the trip, the Taj Mahal. I was particularly excited about seeing this great work of art, from the architectural detail I had studied so many years ago while in college. And, in addition, knowing it was one of the 7 New Wonders of the World, and has graced the front covers of so many travel magazines and brochures throughout my career. With each step we took closer to the main gates, I was hoping it wouldn’t be disappointing, after the years of build up. It did not disappoint. After getting a brief history of the love story between a king who created it for his queen after her death, our guide prepared us for what we were about to see. As we walked forward through the main gates, the Taj Mahal at first appeared to be shrinking. It was an optical illusion, made to look that way so that it fit visually inside of the arch of the gateway to the structure. Once through the gate, it was perfectly symmetrical in every way. Aside from the amazingly balanced façade, the inlay of fine pieces of lapis, onyx, jasper and other stones and semi precious materials was absolutely breathtaking. I had heard it said that seeing the Taj Mahal in a book or magazine or photograph didn’t do it justice, and now I know why. You have to see it to believe it. 20,000 laborers worked for 22 years ’round the clock until the project was finished. I’m looking forward to seeing it again in February!

We also went to Mother Teresa’s Charity that the Collette Foundation supports. It was so sad to see all the disparity and sadness of the orphans and the special needs kids and adults that this charity supports. The babies and toddlers were so happy to have us there to smile at them, to touch them and to hold them. I brought lots of school supplies and others brought medical supplies. Next time I come, I want to bring some children’s clothing and books as I think they could really use it.

Driving through the streets of Agra you realize this is a country with it’s own way of life. To best sum it up, as we were driving through town today, I saw two goats standing on a bed (the bed was outside in the open) with a hula hoop on the bed and one of the goats standing in the middle of the hula hoop. Yup, that just about says it all…livestock walking everywhere, goats, roosters, monkeys, cows, dogs, donkeys, camels. This was all on just one city block! Add to it men getting haircuts and shaves right out on the city streets, men using a wall as a public toilet, baby’s without any pants playing out near the street, cars and moterbikes racing everywhere, on the wrong side of the street, through red lights and stop signs, in front of pedestrians, all the while, horns honking. We are certainly not in Kansas anymore!

I hope you’ve been enjoying the wonderful photos that Barry has been taking. He is amazed that each time he holds up the camera, he sees a unique opportunity for a photograph, as you can see by the looks on the faces of the people, as well as the scenery.

Tags: Agra, India, Jewish singles tours, Jewish singles travel, Taj Mahal
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A Taste of India, Part 3 – Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve

Monday, April 18th, 2011

We arrived yesterday at our “hunting lodge” (photo safaris only) and after a bite to eat, we went out for our first safari. The Bengal tiger has been nearly extinct for the past several years, and after a program to reintroduce them back into the wild, the Reserve now has 34 tigers. Each female roams an area of approximately 25 square kilometers, and each male roams in three different female’s areas. So it’s not too easy to see this elusive animal who is solotary and likes to hang out alone. When you enter the park, the Parks Department gives you a specific area in which to roam — in search of the tiger who makes this area her home. We entered Area #1, and after our tracker found the female tiger’s footprints on the road, we went to her favorite watering hole to look for her. There she was – just waiting for us to arrive! She soaked in the water and enjoyed the hot sunshine, before a yawn and a stretch and she was up and coming toward us!!!

With 10 jeeps there to observe her, she came right towards our jeep and got within three feet of us! Barry was snapping away with super-sonic speed and got some fabulous shots. The tigress took off walking down the road, followed now by about 15 vehicles. She walked into the woods and we waited patiently. She returned to the road and choose our jeep to walk in front of and again, she came right towards us, this time within about a foot or two. Look at the awesome photos Barry got – just like a National Geographic professional shot!

Today’s safari did not bring us as much luck. We were sent to Area #4 today and had hopes of seeing the tigress there, as some of our group were there yesterday and did spot the tiger. This area houses the oldest tiger in the Reserve. Just before we went to leave the park, I thought I saw a tiger and had our tracker head down the road to spot her. Our tracker was convinced that what I had pointed to was real, and so instead of using his cell phone to call the other trackers, he used monkey calls (the monkeys use a warning call to say that tigers are in the area). After sounding like a monkey for 5 minutes, and having 6 jeeps surround our area, the other guides told him it was a rock! Oooops! He should have had binoculars before he used his monkey calls to get the others to come to see. That was a typical Malori Wilderness Moment. Sorry! My bad. The tracker felt pretty foolish.

We leave early tomorrow morning by train for Agra and the Taj Mahal. Stay tuned…

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A Taste of India, Part 2 – Jaipur

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

This is the second part from my experiences from India ~

Elephant ride to the Red Fort

India is keeping us very busy! From morning until late in the evening, we are discovering a country and a culture that is so different from what we know, or what we could have ever imagined! There’s a warmth to the people, and whether they live on the street, are merchants in the stores or those we are meeting along the way, the people of India have a desire to learn about western culture and want to know everything about us. Yesterday, one of the managers of the restaurant we were having dinner in came up to us to start a conversation. After our “hellos and namastes,” he said, “who do you think is the best, better and worst presidents: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush or Obama (why does nobody ever say Barack Omama?)? Vowing to never get into political discussions with the locals, I did feel compelled to answer the question. After Barry and I both gave our answers (we gave the same answer), he said, “correct.” I didn’t think it was a quiz but rather an opinion! Then we told him why we believed what we said to be true, and he said, “that’s correct.” I wanted to ask him what he thought about his King, or was it a Prime Minister? But didn’t we see the home of the President of India in Delhi? Which one is right? Oh never mind, I couldn’t even ask him about his political leaders because not only didn’t I know their names, I didn’t know who actually ruled his country. I obviously have a lot more to learn about the country.

Note the "no honking" sign

We left Udaipur for what was supposed to be a short plane ride to Jaipur. Before we left the US, we were told the flight was cancelled and we would be driving the 6 ½ hours. But not to worry, they would provide us with lunch along the way. Ten hours later, we arrived in Jaipur. Traffic jams, getting lost on the way to lunch and “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride” were all part of the adventure. Oh, and did I mention the bus driver honked his horn the entire way? When I’m leading a group, I never use my ipod. Because I was a tourist on this journey, I turned up that volume and enjoyed the music…for 10 hours.

We arrived in Jaipur, the Pink City, late in the day. We went to a Buddhist Temple that incorporated all religions. There was an Islam dome on the structure, a Hindu shape to the roof. Yes, even Moses was there on the relief sculpture work, right next to Jesus. No one was left out. We stayed for the sunset service and just when we were about to leave, the monk sprinkled the entire crowd with holy water. I tried to dodge the flying water droplets but he was a really good aim. I have now been anointed or christened or baptised or something.

We walked through the market of the Old City and saw the flower market, the milk market (where the women test the milk to see whether it has been mixed with water by the merchants and stick their fingers in it – ewe!), the bangle market and more. Fascinating. There was even a cow walking around in the market! Everyone just walks around them as if they were not there – like they’re invisible! And the cows have an attitude, like they own the place. Actually, I believe they do!

Snake Charmer

Today we visited the incredible Amber Fort. After riding an elephant to the top entrance and entering through the gate of the palace, we toured the richly appointed and architecturally interesting structure. There was so much opulence during the time of the Raj, from marble inlay to hand painted walls and ceilings to hand woven rugs…it gives you a real understanding of what life must have been like for the kings and moguls of India during that time. Taking a jeep back down the hill, we felt like we were in the middle of an Indiana Jones movie. Again, our jeep driving honking his horn the entire way down.

Another palace, another temple and a snake charmer (yes, really!) and the day was nearly over.
But wait – a dip in the pool, a quick shower, and we were off again!

Tonight we had dinner with a local family of noble descent. They toured us through their 250 year old home, given to them by the Raj and we learned about some of their traditions and how they came to live in their house. Four brothers and their wifes all share this home, along with their kids and grandkids. Twenty something people shared the same house together – like one big, happy family! We had dinner on the patio and enjoyed speaking with some of the family members. They weren’t all outside with us as the family were all trying to watch a huge cricket match pairing Pakistan and India. These rivals who are often at war with each other are still playing at this moment. Even the Prime Minister is India is there (but does he rule the country?). We can’t figure out how to play this game, but is has been going on for the past eight hours, and the score is 210 – 9/4–whatever that means! We can hear chants and roaring of support in the streets, along with fireworks – at least I hope I’m hearing fireworks!

More to follow…

Tags: elephant rides, India, Jaipur, palaces, Raj
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A Taste of India – Delhi and Udaipur

Sunday, April 10th, 2011

Namaste!

Amazing Journeys is heading to India in 2012. Malori and Barry just returned from a “fact finding mission” and to put the finishing touches on what will be an incredible experience. Following are their observations:

Namaste! We arrived in India Friday night, after two different eight hour flights – Pittsburgh – Paris and Paris – Delhi. We were in Paris just long enough to have a very expensive café au lait and pastry (how expensive? Two coffees and one muffin were $20 USD!).

After a good night sleep, we began our tour the next morning. We met our group of 20. Barry and I were the last ones to get on the bus and the only seats left were right up in front. Naturally, we felt right at home.

Delhi is a big, bustling city of roughly 18 million people and a lot of cows. Imagine a city just slightly less populated than LA with cows everywhere! In the streets, on the sidewalk… they have the right of way. We saw the largest mosque in India, took a ricksahaw tour through the streets of Old Delhi, saw the Parliament, Supreme Court, President’s house and the largest minaret in India. We saw where Gandhi was buried (his ashes) and a monument that was the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. It was a typical city tour in an atypical city. There were those who crowded into shops and restaurants, and those who were so poor they lived in ramshackle houses built with boxes and corrogated steel in neighborhoods with others who lived the same way, under a freeway or in a bare spot of undeveloped land.

Rickshaw ride through Old Delhi

Back at the hotel, Barry and I sat by the pool and fell fast asleep in our lounge chairs. Dinner was served at the hotel with the rest of the group. Everyone was on time for dinner at 7pm, and at 9pm everyone left and went to bed, exhausted.

This morning, Barry and I got to breakfast at 9am as the bus was going to be leaving at 10am for the airport. Where was everyone? Did we mis-hear the time of departure from the hotel? No, I was sure I had that right. And so we ate alone. Turns out, when you’re from Iowa as most of our group is, and when you go to bed at 9pm, you wake up early and have breakfast as soon as you hear the roosters! The rest of the group ate at 7am, as soon as the breakfast buffet opened.

Off to the brand new airport in Delhi (only six months old), we went through four security checks and were finally flying over the desert to the state of Rajastan, the “Kingdom State.“ With a stop along the way, and another security check before taking off again, we soon realized that we were flying very close to the border between India and Pakistan. One more security check before being allowed to disembark the aircraft, and we were on our way into the town of Udaipur. The lesson here is to save your boarding pass because you have to have it to disembark the aircraft! One women couldn’t find hers, the guide had already gone into the terminal and so I went into “Tour Guide mode” and talked the security guard into believing that she was with me and that we are all westerners traveling together in a group. It worked!

The weather outside was a balmy 41C. That’s about 110F!!! Driving through the mountains and desert, we saw castles, forts and palaces. This is where the real India began to unfold. This is the area of the Maharaja. The kings. Palaces with hundreds of rooms, and kings with hundreds of wifes is how I can sum up what this place was all about. Jewels, gemstones, gold…more wealth in the 16th century than any country on earth…combined! These guys had it all. We’ll get back to that in future posts.

This afternoon, we took a boat ride around the lake where these palaces all face. Many former palaces are now hotels. It was a nice and breezy ride as we sailed past the beautiful architecture of the palaces surrounding the lake and “in” the lake. We saw people bathing in the lake, washing clothes and saw cows who were watching us from the shore, as well as keeping an eye on the bathers and laundresses. We got off at one of the former palaces – turned hotel to walk around and take some photos. This hotel was also the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. I’m beginning to recognize a pattern here.

Palaces on the lake in Udaipur

Back on the bus, we climbed a mountain until we reached our hilltop hotel, an property built from a palace that was moved, piece-by-piece so that was made to look like the original palaces of the Raj. With only 48 rooms, the hotel is absolutely breathtaking as well as luxurious. Surrounded by mountains and overlooking farmland below, we were high above it all with pools, a spa and more.

Hotel Fatah Garh - Udaipur

Dinner tonight was outside, under the stars, overlooking the city of Udaipur with it’s sparkling lights down below us. We felt like kings and queens. Our buffet was a combination of Indian foods, both spicy and milder for the tourist palate, as well as an array of Italian dishes. I have been here two days and have had lasagna three times! The good news for vegetarians and those who don’t eat meat due to kosher concerns is that there are lots and lots of vege options – more than meat choices!

Tomorrow morning we get up bright and early for our Yoga class on the patio, overlooking the mountains and valley below, before visiting the palaces.

More from India soon…Namaste!

Tags: India
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Amazing Journeys heads to Costa Rica

Tuesday, April 5th, 2011

Another Amazing Journey embarks on Thursday with our 3rd Jewish singles trip to Costa Rica. This remarkable destination is chock full of deliciously warm weather, lush green massive rainforests, extraordinary adventure and an undeveloped landscape that makes coming here a true natural wonder. No tall buildings, no massive crowds, never a feeling of “touristy” and no lack of surprises. Among other things, we’ll be hiking an active volcano, canyoning down a waterfall, horseback riding through the rainforest, and zip lining ABOVE the treetops at over 7000 feet…just to name a few. We’ll also spend three nights at the amazing Tabacon Resort at the base of the Arenal Volcano where we’ll indulge in the beauty, landscape and surroundings of the natural hotsprings, mineral pools and waterfalls created by this volatile and spectacular phenomenon.

Follow our exploration and experience of our eight night tour in Costa Rica by visiting our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/amazingjourneys where we’ll post some moments-in-time from this awesome tour.

Tags: adventure, Amazing Journeys, Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica, facebook, Jewish Singles, Rainforest, Tabacon, zip lining
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Lifestyles of the Weird and Weirder

Thursday, March 24th, 2011

Every once in a while I like to share a story about the stranger side of ravel. As a tour leader for nearly 20 years, I often think that there isn’t much I haven’t seen…but then I face a challenge beyond even my own experience. Some of these life moments are funny, some perplexing, some annoying and some….just gotta be told.

Take the woman who once told me that she would never travel with our company again “because the last time I visted this island, the weather was much better”. Or, how about one of our cruise passengers who pulled a knife on a waiter because the poor Filipino just couldn’t understand that our passenger wanted his dessert before his appetizer.

It was a butter knife!

Then there was this moment in time when I was called into the stateroom of two women who divided the furniture in their room like Less Nessman (WKRP in Cincinatti) put down masking tape around his desk to create a virtual private office….for the purpose establishing a “my zone / your zone”. In a 200 sq. foot space, you can only imagine what this room looked like. Among other things, one of the beds blocked the floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door to the balcony, for which both parties paid a premium to have. How does someone resolve something like this?? I’m a tour leader, not a psychiatrist! This took my customer service skills to new levels of problem-solving capabililties…

So, I came upon this story. Not one that I’ve experienced on one of our Jewish singles trips, nor one that I have encountered personally…but one that I certainly may someday.

With someone like this sweating the small stuff so much, its a wonder to even call it a vacation.

Woman Sued Carnival Claiming Cruise Ship Was Too Fast

An Indiana woman will not have her day in court, at least in her home state, on claims that as a cruise passenger she became ill on her vacation because a Carnival Cruise Lines ship was going too fast. Doris Beard sued the cruise line claiming “due to the speed of the ship I became very sick, my body swayed terrible on the ship, I had bleeding which had not happened [sic] in three years. The ship was moving so fast everyone on board became sick, even the workers,” according to a court document.

The cruise line called for the case to be dismissed, arguing the venue for the suit should be changed to Florida, where the cruise line is based. The cruise line’s motion was denied by a small claims court in Lake County, Indiana. But the Indiana Court of Appeals said this week the small claims court “erred,” and has reversed the decision.

Which ship Beard cruised on and where she took her cruise was not listed in the court document and the amount she is seeking was not specified. Carnival argued the terms and conditions of the cruise contract require the case to be heard in Florida. The cruise line also argued Beard’s claim was not filed within the one-year statute of limitations in the cruise contract.

A spokesman did not respond to a request for further comment.

Tags: Carnival Cruise Lines, Cruise, don't sweat the small stuff, Jewish Singles, Vacation
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The Elation of Vacation Preparation

Thursday, March 17th, 2011

It’s a miserable oxymoron, but planning to go on vacation involves a lot of work. Whether you’re traveling with a companion or part of a group travel experience, it’s true; for that much-needed vacation, one must spend a great deal of time to put their “regular” life on hold and put their “vacation” life in place. It’s important to properly prepare for your departure, arrival and ultimate return back home so that you can maximize your rest-ability without a total disruption of your home life. As a dude who is in the constant motion of traveling—leading our Jewish singles vacations, or sometimes just taking a vacation for myself—I’ve garnered some handy tips on how to lessen the burden of preparation, keep life at home ready for your return, and to have a carefree transition on both ends.

Call Your Credit Card Company

Many credit card companies have identity protection plans in place that help protect travelers from theft and fraud. If you’re traveling internationally, it’s a good idea to contact your credit card companies before traveling to ensure the card will work. Check the back of your credit card for customer service numbers

Place a “Hold” on Mail and Deliveries

Your nearest post office branch has a pretty yellow post card that you can fill out in about 30 seconds to request your mail to be held during the dates you are away. Keep a supply at home with you and mail it, free of charge, about a week before your departure. They will even deliver the whole mishpucha to you on the date you select for your return. (I don’t suggest using the online “hold mail” option as it doesn’t seem to be an effective communication source). I usually put the start date to be one day before my departure, just to make certain they actually have begun to hold my mail. Stop on all automatic deliveries like your daily newspaper by simply calling their circulation department and let them know you’ll be placing your delivery on hold.

Emergency Phone Numbers

Leave transit details and contact phone numbers with family and friends in case they need to reach you while you’re away. These include phone number of the hotels where you’re staying, flight numbers, contact info of airlines, cruise ship and your tour company…and for those who may be watching your pets or kids, phone numbers for doctors/veterinarians, if necessary

Set up Pet Care

If you have a furry family member, you may actually be inclined to provide more setup care for this loved one than you give attention to for yourself. We love our cats and dogs that much! If you are planning to leave Fluffy at a kennel (called “Pet Resorts” these days) be sure to make your reservation as far in advance as possible. Many “resorts” can sell out of their “deluxe accommodations” early, especially around holiday times. When you do drop off your little ball of love, be sure to leave the staff with your contact information as well as all medications, your vet’s phone numbers and a few familiar toys & treats so that s/he feels as at-home as much as possible.

Cash Out

Never leave town without some cash – domestic or foreign currency! If you’re traveling within the country, make sure to hit the bank before you leave so that you don’t end up paying ATM surcharge fees in another destination. If you’re traveling overseas, it’s a good idea to carry some of the local country’s currency with you. Take enough cash for cab fare or transfer fees so you don’t have to go in search of an exchange booth. Amazing Journeys’ website provides a link to Oanda currency converter (click our Resources button) to determine the best rate of exchange for your money.

Check the Weather

Before you zip up the suitcase and head to the airport, do one last check of the local weather in your destination and make any necessary adjustments to clothes and amenities.

Pack Your Essentials…properly

Before leaving the house ensure that you have all necessary essentials. Most importantly, LOOK AT YOUR PASSPORT! Seriously, open it up and look at the photo to make sure you have and the right one. I’ve seen it happen; you have a roommate, a spouse, a traveling companion…and you inadvertently slip the wrong passport into your pocket. Major problem if you present someone else’s passport at security! The following items should be kept on your person, not packed in your suitcase: Passport/identification…all medications….all your travel documents including airline ticket, cruise ticket, car/hotel reservation….cash/credit cards/travelers cheques….one change of clothes, just in case your luggage doesn’t arrive as planned.

Overpacking is a major issue on many fronts. Its hard on your back, it costs you money at the airports and it wastes time in transition as baggage handlers, motor coach drivers and hotel personnel have to haul and lug. Excess weight isn’t green for the environment either as it utilizes more fuel on planes, cars and busses and the aforementioned burden on physical stress. My simple rule of thumb is to simply pack for less. It’s actually okay to wear things twice (or thrice), to do some laundry (cheaper to send out a load at the hotel than to pay overweight fees at the airport) and to treat yourself to something new while on vacation.

Turn off your water, turn on your timers, and unplug your appliances

If your home will be vacant for a period time, you should absolutely turn off your main water valve and drain all the faucets. If a pipe were to burst, the water would just flow endlessly until you got home. Even if you live in a cold weather environment, a frozen pipe is better than a busted flowing pipe. Contrary to popular belief, letting your water drip does not prevent freezing. When you return home, turn the valve and all faucets on gradually to avoid a massive rush of water. Also, unplug all unnecessary appliances like the toaster, your hair dryer and even your computer. With electricity still flowing, you’ll burn unnecessary units and assume wasted costs. Plus, you’ll save the life of these items should there be a power surge in your absence. Finally, get yourself a timer for a lamp so that it comes on and off at varying intervals. A light turning on and off is a deterrent for a would-be burglar.

Tags: Group Travel, Jewish Singles, passport, Travel Tips, Vacation
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Amazing Journeys on KTUU-TV in Anchorage, AK

Monday, March 14th, 2011

During our recent Amazing Journeys Winter Alaska tour, we took part in a remarkable experience in the small remote town of Chena. Two days and two nights were spent in the wilderness as we swam in the natural hot springs, snow mobiled, went dog sledding, and gazed at the amazing Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) under spectacular startlit skies. Sure it was cold (minus 35 to be exact), but that is what brought the experience to the highest level of uniqueness; once-in-a-lifetime to the truest form.

Ask anyone of our 25 passengers and they will tell you, it was beyond words. This kind of experience can only be enjoyed and experienced…not just explained.

As true testimony to the very special place of Chena and our memorable experiences, you are invited to watch this video clip, filmed by KTUU-TV from Anchorage as they feature this destination…and Amazing Journeys’ experience:

http://www.gotoak.com/gotoak/videobeta/watch/?watch=ff19e954-44c7-48b3-9c70-583adebaf9db&cat=empty&src=front

Tags: Alaska, Amazing Journeys, Anchorage, Aurora Borealis, Chena, KTUU, Norhtern Lights
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Memoirs of an Alaska Sled Dog – Winter 2011

Tuesday, March 8th, 2011

It was Sunday, February 7^th and I was perched on my doghouse in Chena, Alaska. Among the dozens of other tail-wagging, tongue-panting, treat-seeking, barking mongrels hanging out in the bright sunlight of a frigid wintry afternoon….there I was, waiting my turn. As I scanned the collection of wooden dog houses and all my furry friends hovering around, each and every set of K9 eyes looked at each and every set of homo sapiens, expressing to the extent by which dogs can express, “Pick me! Pick me!”

I was born the offspring of lab/shepherd mix and a teenage mutant ninga hound. Some kind of every dog species was somewhere in my DNA, making me a wonderful mix of strength, endurance, and appetite. Because I’ve been crissed and cross breeded and with the best of the best, I am a devoted and loving pup – eager to please my human friends by running fast, playing nice and looking so darned cute for all those tourists who come visit me every day.

Usually these visits are a collection of ooohs’ and awwww’s with a little rub here and a little pat there…here an ooooh, there an awwwww…everywhere a pat pat. But today….something different happened. I woke up along with my litter of friends, just a little happier and excited to start the day. Just a little more eager to please. Just a little more full of anticipation.

I soon found out why.

Amazing Journeys was coming!!

At precisely 11am the first group showed up and the “Pick me, Pick me” looks and barks started emitting from every dog house on the block. I wasn’t picked…but that was ok because that meant that I could watch all the fun and host a visitor or two to my pen. I had prepared my doghouse for visitors early that day by peeing on each and every corner of my dwelling. I even laid a dump on the back wall just so everything would be perfect. While that first group giddy-upped into the wilderness with Cecil, Hansel, Moonshine, Stevie, Lucy, Buster and Chester….the next group of humans came to play.

Wobbling up the road like abominable snowmen, they marched. I don’t mean to sound crass but as I lay around town in my winter fur—and just my winter fur—these city folk were bundled up more tightly than a set of tefillin on the arm of a chasidic rabbi. I overheard a couple of them “bragging” about how many layers they had on. One lady had—get this—long underwear, short underwear, two t-shirts, thermal socks, a sweater, a vest, a fleece, a scarf, ear muffs, a hat, a hood…and something they kept calling a baklava. Us four-legged creatures had a good howl later in the day with all the kinfolk. Hellooooo,…look at us; one layer and happy as a clam.

While my comrades ran I had the day off to play with the humans. I got ear massages, tummy rubs, and back scratches for two straight hours…and then I got to have lunch and take a nap. All without ever leaving my home.

My next door neighbor, Baily told me a great story about this Amazing Journeys group from the day before. See, we have eyes and ears…and noses all around this great land of Alaska. While this group called Amazing Journeys was chugging around on snow mobiles we were howling at their adventures. Poor Master Pete who had to lead the way for them was beside himself with worry and concern. Pete, who could sing to the Aurora Borealis, couldn’t snow mobile bad enough with this group to make him look good. One person gave up mid-ride and had to be snow lifted home….one girl steered her snow machine off the side of a trail into an 8 foot bank and had to hauled upright thankfully unharmed.

THEN, there was the woman they call Annie. I’ve never heard our commands used for humans, but suddenly it was “Come Hau Annie…Come Hau”. We don’t know what really happened, but Rusty, who has his nose in everyone’s crotch seems to think she took a wrong turn somewhere in the wilderness and had to walk back when no one noticed she was missing.

Meanwhile, this group just loved our small town of Chena and all the activities they could play. More ooohs’ and awww’s as they treated themselves to the hot springs, drank martini’s in our famous ice museum, rocked & rolled in the snow coaches for sunset views atop the mountain… and gazed endlessly at the night sky for the northern lights.

When it was time for this group to go, it felt like loading up a carload of us pups to head to the vet. No one wanted to go. But, they were on a quest for the best day of the trip so far, so off they went.

I heard from my cousins Big Boy and Sunny Girl that AJ stopped by to see their Master Mary Shields and her brood. What a special place with a special lady; she’s the first woman ever to have finished the world renowned Iditarod Sled Dog Race. I’m told that Mary treats her family of dogs abundantly special and that her loved ones are some of the happiest healthiest dogs in Alaska. I hear from Big Boy that she bakes her own dog treats for the family….along with a mean chowder and the sweetest brownies for the guests. I’m told that Mary loves to tell her stories and that the humans love to hear them. Some of my ancestors are mentioned in her stories and I’m proud to say that I am an Alaskan Sled Dog because of them.

One of my great great uncles was honored this year at the World Ice Carving Competition. The ice artists from Norway incorporated my Uncle Rico into one of their sculptures. I understand that this ice festival is a sight to behold with dazzling sculptures, interactive designs and spectacular artistry.

My butt-sniffing friend Misty went to the festival last year with her owner Miss Melinda and gave the ice festival a perfect 5 wags of the tail. Miss Melinda is a really cool Canadian lady who raises mushing dogs; some who are noted for continuing the lineage of Balto, the most famous sled dog of all time who lead the way in 1925 delivering diphtheria antitoxin to Nome. Balto is accredited for paving the way for what is now the famous Iditarod Race and is honored with a statue at the starting line of the Iditarod on 4^th Street.

Misty told me of some crazy antics that happen on Iditarod Day. There is a huge gathering of people on 4^th Street to watch the start of the race each first Saturday in March. All the teams line up, all the mushers kiss their dogs and wave to the crowd…and then off they go into the great white north.

After the dogs take off running, so do some crazy people…side by side with reindeer! Hey, I love a good run, but there’s no biscuit in the world that would make me run besides a crazy caribou with pointed horns coming out their heads. Dogs will be dogs…and people will be people, I guess.

Soon spring will be here and much of the ice and snow will melt. Those crazy tourists will keep coming to Chena and Fairbanks and the rest of Alaska, but they’ll eventually start looking less like the Stay Puff Marshmellow Man. But they WILL keep coming…and rightly so-to see the glaciers…to hike the hills…to watch the whales…to fish the salmon… and to escape the crazy world from which they came.

I’m a Sled Dog and proud to say, Alaskan. This great land of ours is magical and mysterious. Its laden with a sense of adventure and a lore that has to be experienced, not just explained. I’ve been privileged to run through a few fields around the land, but the stories told by my ancestors tell a tale of unbelievable possibilities & realities that this land is famous for. We call her Mother Nature’s Showcase. I call her home.

Tags: Alaska, Alaskan, Amazing Journeys, Aurora Borealis, Balto, Chena, Fairbanks, ice, Iditarod, Mary Shields, Northern Lights, sled dog
Posted in Blog, Interesting Things about Interesting Places, North America | Comments Off on Memoirs of an Alaska Sled Dog – Winter 2011

The Iditarod and a Winter Wonderland in Alaska

Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011

Cameras flash and crowds cheer as the divas strut the runway clad in mini-jackets and hot-pink booties. Yet this is no walk on the red carpet. These are working sled dogs parading down Fourth Avenue in Anchorage, Alaska, for the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race.

The jackets are for show, but the booties are functional, protecting the paws of dog teams in this grueling 1,049-mile race, which begins March 5 this year and continues for the next two weeks across the snowy Alaskan wilderness to Nome.

Though heading for a vacation in Alaska at this frosty time of year seems counterintuitive, the Iditarod is an awesome spectacle as a modern-day re-creation of the ancient alliance between human and dog against fierce elements.

Highlighting our Amazing Journeys Winter Wonderland tour of Alaska (a vacation for Jewish singles 30s-50s), we will be in Anchorage for the ceremonial start and a lineup of festivities including The Musher’s Ball and the outdoor festival known as The Fur Rondy. Our days leading up to this true extravaganza will be chock full of outdoor adventure including snowmobiling, hiking, Aurora Borealis (AKA The Northern Lights) gazing, and dogsledding ourselves. We’ll be in Fairbanks and Chena Hot Springs in the days leading up to the festivals in Anchorage (did I mention the hot springs? Imagine…an oasis of natural hot mineral pools amongst the frozen tundra in the wilderness. Yup – that’ll be us!). Once in Anchorage beginning March 3^rd, we’ll partake in all the glamour and pomp surrounding this remarkable event. Its like Super Bowl week…only its in Alaska, and its to celebrate the sport of mushing, not football.

But I digress.

The official restart of the Iditarod is on March 6th in Willow; just a stone’s throw away from Sarah Palin’s house in Wasilla (AJ’s been there!). Spectators can get close to the chute on frozen Willow Lake, or for those wanting an authentic checkpoint experience, one can hire an air taxi day flight or stay at a lodge along the race route.

For those with deep pockets and advance planners, the Idita-Rider program offers the best seat possible for the first 11 miles of Iditarod. Minimum bids start at $500, while $7,500 guarantees a ride in the basket in the sled of your choice.

Though it’s vital transportation for some, visitors will find the sled-dog experience sheer joy. Our Amazing Journeys tour includes several authentic mushing experiences including a visit with Mary Shields–the first woman ever to have finished the Iditarod—and her team of mushing dogs. We’ll also hop aboard a sled and “Hike up!” the call for the dogs as we launched into the winter wonderland (using the word “mush” to a dogsled team is a misnomer. There are actual cadences used for each command of “go”, “stop”, “left” etc)

To those who think dog mushing is cruel, it is not. Not by any stretch of the imagination. These dogs live to run. They are happiest and healthiest when they run. They are born..to run. You just have to meet a mushing dog to see for yourself, but trust me because I have an affinity of love for dogs and I would be the first to share feelings otherwise. These are special dogs, well cared for and some of the happiest breeds in all the planet.

Four time defending Iditarod champion Lance Mackey of Fairbanks will be searching for his unprecedented fifth consecutive first place finish.

Not just the Iditarod: The Iditarod is the granddaddy, but you can catch a race just about any weekend through winter in Anchorage or Fairbanks.

It’s what Alaskans do.

Its what Amazing Journeys is about to do!

Tags: Alaska, Anchorage, Aurora Borealis, dog sled, dogsledding, Fairbanks, Iditarod, Jewish Singles, Lance Mackey, Mary Shields, mushing, Northern Lights, Vacation, Willow, Winter
Posted in Blog, Interesting Things about Interesting Places, North America | Comments Off on The Iditarod and a Winter Wonderland in Alaska