SOME HAPPY PLACES TO VISIT AND SAN DIEGO

HAPPY PLACES TO VISIT...
These places are brought to you by our friends at Conde Nast  If you want to learn more check them out
So we only picked a few places for you to start getting your Happy on.  

First up is Finland: it consistently ranks among the top in education systems in the World.  Much of the education success comes from a widespread reverence for teachers.  Imagine that... and they work more on experiential learning not so much quantitative testing.  Hmmmm very interesting.  Finland even topped the list for happiest immigrants.  The country's 100th birthday celebration involved four days devoted to getting off the couch and going outside.  Wonder if they did this in the summer or winter?  

Second up is Norway:  Now Norway actually fell to the second position.  I don't know if you are noticing this but these first two places are cold cold cold.  Anyway, there is so much more to this country  that makes it so livable and its people so happy.  They have a mix of well-integrated government welfare system and thriving economy built on responsible management of its natural resources....means very few are left behind, and the feelings of social siupport, trust in government, and economic well-being that comes fro that contributes to its overall happiness.  Now I believe Norway is home to very high taxes but even still they are happy as I believe medical education even college and child day care is paid for.  This is something some of us have a hard time comprehending...but it works very well for them...and it is an interesting concept.

Third up is Denmark:  again.....BRRRRRRRR!  Denmark rates near the top in all the numbers that are reported t make it one of the happiest, Life-expectancy, social support, and generosity among them.  It is also very big on renewable energy productions.  It is also the world's most bike friendly city.  So they trust the government they have economic security, freedom, civil participation and work-life balance.  All very important to making them third in the Happy List.

Fourth is even colder....Iceland:  I don't understand what it is with all these cold countries making it to the top of the list.  Too cold for me.  Anyway, Iceland said they felt like they had a fellow citizen to count on when the going gets rough.  That is nice...it always help when you know someone always has your back.  They also have a flood of American tourist arriving into Reykjavik and the locals are a bit crowded out during that season but they don't seem to mind.  They know the outskirts of town better, and by the way it resembles another planet...Iceland...who knew...one of the Happiest.

Eight on the list I chose because its warmer....New Zealand:  The Kiwis, as they are called are  a warm and welcoming people.  Other than that, what makes it on to the happiest list...they are still trying to figure out.  They say that even people at the work place also have high levels of satisfaction.  They are Happy with their jobs!  Imagine that.  However another point could be the country's vast natural wealth like its beaches, vineyards, and mountains can play a big role in happiness.  It's simply gorgeous!  

WHERE TO GO IN NOVEMBER IN THE U.S.
So what to do and where to go in the month of November....I know we are almost halfway thru the month...so you can think next year if you like.  

Savannah, Georgia...their Food and Wine Festival which is soon to end is from Nov 5-11 but when you do make plans to go to the festival...better make sure you bring your appetite.  It is a smorgasbord of tasting from local and international chefs.  They have events, like the River Street Stroll of brunch at the Riverboat.  The Film Festival also takes place this month.  

Want to get out of the Country for November?

Marrakech, Morocco...If you are on the east coast of the U.S.   the flight is barely longer than a trip heading to California.  The weather in Morocco is warm and the high remain in the mid 70's in November.  The city is located at the edge of the Sahara Desert.  The city is alive with shopping, sightseeing, or check out the Yves St. Laurent museum.  Don't forget to check out the delicious food.  However keep in mind that November 18 is Independence Day there which is a public Holiday and there will be stores and locations that will be closed in honor of the Holiday.

Let's get back to the U.S.

The Grand Canyon, Arizona...I know the temps can drop in this part of the country in November, so make sure you plan for that with the proper clothing.  Also because it is slightly out of season the crowds will be smaller.  The South Rim is the most popular Desert view drive.  That the free shuttle to Hermit's Rest and hike a trail that offers more great views.  Now some of the roads may be closed due to weather conditions...it can snow this time of year, so call ahead and find out which.  If you are hiking and even though it is cold, still make sure you have the proper supplies with you and plenty of water.  A Trip to the Grand Canyon is absolutely breathtaking.  I have been there and I can't wait to go again and explore some more. 

Remember we get some of this information from Conde Nast.  Want to read more indepth articles...check them out or get a subscription.

Macau...Well I did leave the U.S. again.   The 2.3 Billion dollar Hong Kong Zhuhai-Macau bridge and tunnel is expect to open by the end of the year.  You can stay at one of the more pristine hotels in the Vegas-like Cotai, such as Sands REsort Maco and take your pick from the event in November...such as the 65th annual Macau Grand Prix...not only do cars participate but motorbikes.  If that was too high speed for you, check out the Macao Food Festival with food stalls where you can try the local fare and I have been told you should try the custard tarts...sounds yummy.

LET'S GO TO SAN DIEGO
One of my favorite places is San Diego, California and this is what I think of when I think Happy Places.  You just can't go wrong with San Diego.  The weather is picture perfect and the water temps are gorgeous any season.  If you are into the outdoors...San Diego is a slam dunk when planning a visit.  So let's talk about a few of the outdoor things to do while there.

Paraglide at Torrey Pines:  Want that ultimate experience, think paragliding at Torrey Pines Gliderport.  I understand that the experience is awe-inspiring.  Located at the steep sea cliffs of Torrey Pines in La Jolla. (by the way...I settled in La Jolla when I first located to California)  The Gliderport services aviators of varying experience levels.  So Novice to seasoned flyers can experience the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Torrey Pines Cliffs.  

Kayak Through the Caves while experiencing the La Jolla Ecological Reserve's kelp forest filled with fascinating marine life.  You can see barking sea lions, and believe me they really do bark, just like dogs.  There are basking harbor seals and gracefully cruising leopard sharks can be constant companions as you navigate the cool waters of the bay...(its not that cool not like Alaska cool).  However, to access these caves you need to be on a guided tour.  Expert guides for Bike and Kayak tours can lead you along the 75 million year old sandstone sea cliff to the caves providing amazing views.

Snorkel La Jolla Cove...Into snorkeling?  imaging snorkeling through the La Jolla formations in this protected ocean sanctuary.  While snorkeling you will see colorful fish, octopus, lobster and a stingray or two...and La Jolla being the home of the largest annual aggregation of leopard sharks in the world from mid June to early December.  Yes you will be swimming among these beautiful non threatening ocean creatures.

Hiking along the San Diego Trails....If hiking is your thing, San Diego is an ideal place for it.  There are trails to meet the whims of every style of hiker.  Again the views are not to be missed.  Such as that of the Pacific Ocean atop a lofty cliff...just gorgeous.

Surfing...Hang Ten and Catch a Wave:  San Diego's warm waters and some of the best surfing breaks on the California Coast it just calls to those surfer enthusiasts.  From South Imperial Beach and North Oceanside and lots of beaches in between, you can surf San Diego year-round.  Surfers have their favorite spots of course, like Black's Beach and La Jolla Shores, Del Mar, and Swami's in North County Encinitas.  If you have never surfed but always wanted to ...you can find one of many surfer schools for every age group and experience level.  You don't want to surf but love to watch them...you can watch all the action for piers in Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach and Oceanside.

I have one more thing to tell you about in San Diego for those who like a more leisure adventure.

Spend a Day on the Bay: Spend a relaxing two hour 12 mile trip around the Bay, San Diego Hornblower Cruises provides visitors a close up views of amazing historic Star of India, USS Midway WWII carrier, Coronado Bay Bridge and the Navy Ships.  Your tour guides will point out over 50 San Diego landmarks and the amazing marine life that lives in the San Diego waters.  Want a little more adventure on the water...Hornblower also offers dolphin and whale-watching cruises.  Keep in mind winter whale watch for the gray whale migration begins in early December.  Just an FYI, every year more than 20,000 gray whales make a 10,000 mile round-trip journey from Alaska to Baja California where the females give birth to their calves....Imagine this experience, it is something you won't want to miss.

TRAVEL NEWS
Air Canada just announced it will start offering enhanced service to North Carolina next spring.  The airline revealed it will launch its new, non-stop daiy flight between Raleigh and Montreal starting on June 3 2019 which will be operated using a 50 seat Canadair regional aircraft.  Mark Galardo Vice-President stated "Air Canada is pleased to expand its services from North Carolina with a new route to Montreal and larger aircraft operating to Toronto, the new Raleigh-Montreal service will be the only non-stop flight between these cities, while customers traveling between Toronto and Raleigh and Charlotte will now have the options of Business Class, offering an upgraded flying experience"  Air Canada will also utilize a larger aircraft when serving fights between Toronto and two destinations in North Carolina.  The three-times daily flights to Raleigh and twice-daily service to Charlotte will debut
May 1, 2019  The 76 seat Embraer E175 used on the routes will also offer travelers Business Class Service.

DESTINATION OF THE WEEK

Alaska is an untamed and bountiful state. The icy mountain peaks seem tall enough to pierce the prismatic Northern Lights, which beautifully scar the night sky. From kayaking among glaciers and icebergs, to getting cozy with bears, wolves and moose on a wildlife expeditions or taking a hike through a temperate ancient rainforest, any lover of nature will be in awe of what this state has to offer. And chances are your visit will barely scratch the surface.

There are five regions -- Southeastern, South-central, Southwestern, Interior and Arctic Alaska -- most travelers only visit a handful of destinations within the state’s expansive territory. For a subarctic urban experience, Alaska’s two largest cities are Anchorage and Juneau. Anchorage, home to nearly 280,000 residents, is abuzz year-round with adventure, culture, seasonal festivities and outdoor sporting events. Check out Juneau, the state’s capital city, for some of the freshest seafood in the world, funky late-night brewpubs and countless galleries and exhibits shellacked with local, international and Native American artwork.

Adventure and ecotourism allows tourists to experience the exhilaration and unparalleled majesty of Alaska’s natural beauty. Considered to be the crowning jewel of this natural beauty is North America’s highest peak, Mt. McKinley. At home in Denali National Park, McKinley sits among 6 million acres of protected wilderness in which visitors and adventurers can tour, hike, climb, camp, photograph and raft through whitewater rapids. Arrive by helicopter and take a dogsled tour through the glaciers of Skagway in Alaska’s panhandle. Skim the wilderness in a bush plane and see Alaska from above as you glide over the Aleutian Islands or Arctic Circle.

The dining experience can be an important part of any traveler’s Alaskan vacation. Staples like Alaskan salmon, king crab, halibut, caribou and moose are served in heaping portions at most any restaurant in the state. For a taste of some of the freshest seafood of the Pacific Northwest, Hangar on The Warf in Juneau is a local institution with an amazing waterfront location. Try Kincaid Grill of Anchorage for an upscale restaurant with a refined menu offering classics like smoked duck and giant red king crab. For international fair inspired by local ingredients, check out Orso, which is also located in Anchorage and considered one of the best restaurants in the city.

Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC) in Anchorage is serviced by most major airlines and is the most widely used for Alaska travel. Fairbanks International and Juneau International airports are also used, but to a smaller extent. Many cities and villages are only accessible by plane or boat. Alaska Airlines offers frequent jet service for in-state travel, and serves several larger and smaller communities. The Alaska Marine Highway System consists of 8,000 miles of coastal routes that connect to 31 port communities throughout Southeast, South-central and Southwest Alaska. Taking a cruise is one of the best ways to experience the state. Cruise ships can bring travelers amazing close to glaciers and offer professionally guided off-boat excursions. Other modes of transportation within Alaska include buses, shuttles and trains. The Alaska Railroad runs from Seward through Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks to the North Pole, and is famous for its summertime passenger service.

Though it’s known for its legendary harsh winters, most travelers visit Alaska in the summer, when the temperatures are moderate and the days are long. Summer solstice brings about long days of 19 (in Anchorage) to 24 hours (in Barrow) of complete sunlight. Winter solstice has the same effect, bringing total darkness for almost a complete day. In the summer, the Inside Passage and Anchorage areas reach temperatures of 60 to 70°F and can get as cold at -30°F in the winter months. The Interior, including Fairbanks and Denali, often has summer temperatures that reach 90°F and winters in the bone-chilling -50°F range. The best time to visit Alaska is in the late spring to late summer months. For cruises, the season runs from May to mid-September.

Since we are so close to Thanksgiving and Halloween just passed…how about some tasty pumpkin soup.  Now I got this recipe from Viking Cruise lines…so don’t be surprised if you have it on one of your sailings.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK
PUMPKIN SOUP

Ingredients

·         2 T (29 ml) olive oil

·         1 shallot, minced

·         1 med yellow onion, minced

·         2 29-oz (822-g) cans pumpkin purée

·         ½ tsp (30 g) salt

·         ¼ tsp (0.7 g) pepper

·         1 tsp (2½ g) ground cumin

·         6 C (1,420 ml) low sodium vegetable or chicken broth

·         ¾ C (135 g) grated parmesan cheese

Garnish

·         ½ C (60 g) sour cream

·         ¼ C (30 g) candied walnuts

·         Small thyme sprigs

·         Parmesan shavings

Directions

Sauté shallots and onions in olive oil in a large saucepan on medium high until soft, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in pumpkin, salt, pepper, cumin and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in parmesan. To serve, ladle into bowls and garnish.

·         Prep time: 5 minutes.

·         Cook time: 15 minutes.

·         Makes 6 servings. 

Would love for you to tune into my podcast.  You can subscribe to it for free.  You can find it real easy on I-tunes/Stitcher/Buzzsprout.  You can also visit my website at www.zeemichaelsontravel.com and you can let your imagination run wild.  If you want to visit any of these places that we talk about or something you see on my website, give me a call and I will help you Make Your Travel Dreams Come True.