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Interests & Specialties
Hari has a wide variety of interests. They are as eclectic as she is. Her primary interest is anything to do with water including canoeing, snorkeling, waterskiing, shell collecting, and of course cruising. She is a PADI certified advanced open water diver.
She is an avid reader of history, romance novels, biographies, and trade papers. She enjoys playing cards, backgammon, chess, and Scrabble. She has taken numerous cooking classes, and loves discovering the wonderful world of wines. The wine tasting is an added plus. When not planning someone’s vacation she can be found in the gym or doing yoga.
Hari’s specialties include archeological travel, historical and Jewish heritage travel and luxury cruising. She specializes in exotic locales.
Expert Bio
Hari is a native south Floridian. She started traveling as a young child, being blessed with parents who were world travelers. So far her travels have taken her to five continents and over 30 countries.
Hari has been a travel consultant since 1983. She specializes in multi-generational travel; as well as travel for the elderly, and for the physically challenged. It is Hari’s goal to match her clients’ needs and desires to the right vacation experience. Her attention to detail and enthusiasm for her profession make Hari a travel consultant with whom you will truly enjoy working with.
She can meet all your travel needs.
VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA September 2005
Vietnam, once a country divided, now united as one.
My trip started with the 2nd longest flight in the world, JFK to Bangkok on Thai Airways. I then made a direct connection to Hanoi, the capital and political heart of modern Vietnam. In Hanoi I stayed at the Hotel Sofitel Metropole, a hotel nearly 100 years old, yet still pristine for the 21st century traveler. Charlie Chaplin honeymooned there in the 1920’s.
In Hanoi I recommend seeing the following: Ho Chi Minh’s house, the One Pillared Pagoda, Quanh Tanh Temple, Hanoi Hilton, and Ho Chi Minh’s body lying in state in the mausoleum that bears his name. I highly recommend a day trip to Ha Long “Bay of the descending Dragon”.
Next, it was a short flight to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. The must see sites in Hue include: Imperial Citadel, Tu Duc and Khai Dinh Mausoleums, and a scenic boat trip on the Perfume River. In Hue I stayed at the Saigon Morin Hotel. The hotel is centrally located with beautiful riverview rooms.
My next stop was Hoi An. Hoi An is a trading port. Unfortunately, when I was there a typhoon was there first. Some of the streets still had standing water. It’s a walking town. No vehicles allowed. Hoi An is a shopper’s paradise. Here I saw the Japanese Covered Bridge and Museum. It is also a resort area. The Victoria Hoi An Resort was my home away from home in Hoi An.
It’s on to Ho Chi Minh City (formally Saigon). HCMC, as it is referred to, is a bustling city complete with their own KFC. Here I stayed at the Caravelle Hotel. This is a new high rise with sweeping views of the city. The hotel has several restaurants and bars, and a casino. I would be remiss not to mention that it also makes one of the best crème brulee on the planet. Within the city the sights to see are: Thien Hau Pagoda, Cholon (Chinatown) district, Presidential Palace, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Outside the city are the infamous Cu Chi tunnels. These tunnels were used during the Vietnam War by the Viet Cong. The tours and lectures are given by former VC’s. Going in the tunnels is not an easy task. They are dark, there is little air, and they are confining. The tunnels consist of three levels. As you go down a level the tunnels get smaller. I made it down to level two.
I’m off to Phnom Penh, the capitol of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Here I visited the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and the National Museum.
I stayed at the historical Raffles Hotel Le Royale. It was here that Jacqueline Kennedy had a drink made in her honor called the Femme Fatale.
After a short flight I am at the highpoint of my adventure, Siem Reap gateway to Angkor Wat. To say the site is truly magnificent is not enough. I think everyone who is physically able should see it. Angkor Wat is only one temple in a series of many temples built over hundreds of years. Their names may not be familiar to you, but their pictures are. I visited all of them. It is not necessary to do that. Here are the must sees: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, the Elephant and Leper King Terraces, and Ta Prohm. Sunset at Angkor Wat is a beautiful sight. The stone changes color with the setting sun. For me seeing it at ground level wasn’t enough. I went on a hot air balloon, and on a helicopter ride. Here I stayed at another Raffle’s hotel the Grand D’Angkor. This hotel was built in the 1920’s and has kept that charm.
THE WORLD - December 2005
When I told people that I was going to cruise on The World, their first comment was “what’s The World”. I explained that it’s not just a cruise ship, but a floating luxury hotel that sails around the world. The ship consists of studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments. These accommodations are for rent (6-night minimum) or for sale. In fact, the ship itself is owned by the tenants who own the apartments. The Tenant-owners or Residents stay aboard as little or as long as they wish. You have the fabulous opportunity to stay in one of these homes through a rental program.
The ship is as beautiful as one would expect for the clientele it attracts. The food is outstanding; the service is stellar. The World is unique as it overnights in practically every port in which she stops with usual stays lasting 2, 3 or more nights depending on the city and the sights or events of the region. This ship, The World, is for the discriminating traveler who want only the best and for those cruisers who wish to stay longer in cities to do more exploring. Well traveled people want to go not only to the popular places, but also those off the beaten path.
The World does have various onboard activities: music nightly, a movie theatre, an intimate casino as well as a full gym and spa center, golf simulator, library, and a wide variety of DVD’s for borrow. However, this ship is not for those who need daily activities, nightly entertainment, and general hand holding 16 hours a day. It is ideal if you like your “space” and privacy and wish to explore and travel on your terms. The World is a unique experience for the discerning traveler that is looking for an idyllic travel lifestyle.
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