Leymah Gbowee, the heart behind Liberia's transformation

Often times after returning from an Absolute Travel trip our clients come back compelled to do something. We agree, and find digging deeper during our travels truly gives us the gift of compassion while also enriching our connection to a country and its people. That’s why since 1989 we have been creating life-changing trips that stick with our clients long after they have touched back down on familiar ground. But we’re up to much more than just designing incredible journeys. We pride ourselves in serving the places we love all around the world and uniting the elements of global awareness, kindness, and education through travel; providing our clients with unique and transformative opportunities through our network of local connections and giving people the opportunity to learn firsthand of the challenges our world faces and how to work with the local people to influence change. 

We’re honored to work alongside American Jewish World Service (AJWS), supporting their meaningful work on the ground to empower people throughout the world to achieve justice and self-sufficiency through the promotion of human rights, education, economic development, healthcare and sustainable agriculture by facilitating donor trips to their project including Ghana, Bolivia, and Ethiopia. But an upcoming trip to Liberia in June 2012 may be our most significant trip with them yet. Absolute Travel’s General Manager, Leslie Overton, says, “From global poverty to gender issues, American Jewish World Service is on the frontlines to create change and make an impact on an international level. What strikes me in particular about their work is the dedication to visit their causes on-site to learn about the issues firsthand, in person. Absolute Travel is honored to be a link in the process.”

Although the literal translation of Liberia means “Country of the free”, Liberia unfortunately has not lived up to its name. But after recovering from a gruesome civil war and decades of human right exploitations, Liberia is pulling her head up high.  With the first female president of Africa and peace warriors such as Leymah Gbowee, Liberian women are working tirelessly to learn from their complicated history and move forward. Joining AJWS in Liberia will be a profound experience for women seeking to witness Liberia’s female-led transformation. Leymah Gbowee is the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize winner and director of AJWS grantee, Women Peace and Security Network-Africa.  Her work in part motivated this inspirational journey for women, which will include insight into the many sides of Monrovia and compelling discussions with social activists.

We are committed to AJWS and are incredibly proud of our partnership. Contact Absolute Travel general manager, Leslie Overton, if you would like to observe the transformation of a country from peril to more peaceful times with AJWS and Leymah Gbowee.

Saying goodbye to summer is never easy. Luckily my recent trip to Southern Thailand gave me one last opportunity to soak up the rays before making the transition from flip flops and iced Caramel Macchiatos to flats and Pumpkin Lattes. (Although, who doesn’t love a hot Pumpkin Latte?) 

We traveled from JFK via luxury floating hotel (aka Business Class on Qatar Airways). Somewhere in-between changing into my “jammies”, sipping Champagne, and indulging in Godiva chocolates I arrived in Thailand where smiling locals, sunshine, and sweet mango settled me right back into summer.

My journey begins in style!

As if the warm breeze and flight over wasn’t enough to plaster a permanent smile on my face, we ended our journey at the Banyan Tree Samui; a sanctuary of luxury villas built into the rocky landscape overlooking a postcard-worthy beach. After soaking in the views from the main entrance, I was whisked away by buggy and taken to my exclusive Garden Pool Villa. Between taking advantage of my villa’s amenities (particularly a dip in the private plunge pool matching the length of my spacious villa!) I indulged in the resort’s award-winning spa. After an hour of hydrothermal therapies in the Rainforest — Koh Samui’s only hydrotherapy facility and an experience unique to the Banyan Tree Samui — I was in full relaxation mode and ready to take complete advantage of the wellness facilities offered by the resort.

Contemplating jumping into my private pool located directly ahead!

My wellness adventure began with enjoying a fitness smoothie at the pool bar. The Coconut Paradise hit the spot; a refreshing and hydrating option for a hot summer day or perfect for replenishing after a sweaty workout.  Not to mention, it’s very easy to make (aside from the cutting open of the young coconut!).  This was too good not to bring home from Thailand and share, so here you go:

Recipe: Coconut Paradise
1 young coconut
6 ounces of natural yogurt
3 Tablespoons Sugar (or as much as desired)
2 cups Ice

Directions: Carefully cut open coconut and pour coconut water into a cup. Pour liquid from cup into blender along with yogurt, sugar, and ice. Blend for 30 seconds. Pour blended drink back into coconut (this step is important), sip and smile.

Coconut Paradise: Sip & Smile

In keeping with the wellness theme, on my final day in Samui I enjoyed a sunrise yoga class with one of the most talented instructors I have ever had the honor of practicing with. He led a challenging sequence blending Vinyasa and Ashtanga and his morning flow inspired me to do a bit of self-practice on a ledge above the main pool!

Handstand split on the ledge of Banyan's infinity pool

Koh Samui is the perfect locale for those seeking to relax and restore, and the Banyan Tree Samui is an excellent choice for wellness-focused travelers. If my experience in Koh Samui sparked your interest, stay tuned for the launch of our new Wellness Journeys, and please feel free to contact me anytime with questions regarding Koh Samui, Banyan Tree Samui, or for inspiration for your next wellness adventure!

 -Jessica

There is nowhere in the world like Japan. The delicious culinary surprises, astounding natural beauty, and lasting traditional culture made each day of my trip thrilling, but the people are what truly define Japan and what will bring me back.

The Japanese were the most gracious hosts I could have asked for

Watermelons²

This is no ordinary watermelon. This is a symbol of the creative energy and brilliance that goes into every detail of life in Japan. Much more than a cute and unusual tasty treat, they are actually grown out of necessity. Over a decade ago Japanese farmers from the southern town of Zentsuji began to cultivate square watermelons by growing them in a glass box due to the lack of space in Japan. By growing them in a square shape, the melons are much easier to stack and ship, resulting in a more efficient transport. But more than a savvy solution to a space issue, the fruit embodies the thought, dedication, and attention that the Japanese put into everything, including their visitors. I couldn’t have asked for more gracious hosts, typified by my first purchase – a watermelon, hand wrapped and tied with a decorative bow! Only in Japan.

Only in Japan...

Memoirs of a Geisha…Dinner

Next stop: Kanazawa, a quaint city on the seat of the Sea of Japan and bordered by the Japanese Alps. But it wasn’t my day of exploring the region’s stunning natural sites that will stick with me the most, the real highlight for me was my dinner experience that evening. After meeting the Mayor of Kanazawa, we were whisked away into a private dining room overlooking a beautiful little garden. An incredible kaiseki dinner followed, which was only slightly overshadowed by the two beautiful Geishas that accompanied us for the entire meal. Literally translated as “arts person”, they are women trained in traditional Japanese arts of the highest regard. A true Geisha lives by her art at every moment, not just when entertaining. Between a seemingly endless assortment of delicious food, sake, and traditional Japanese tunes, applauds of “kompaii!” (cheers!) filled the air making for an unforgettable evening and another of many instances I was blown away by the graciousness and hospitality of the people.

A true Geisha lives by her art at every moment, not just when entertaining

Love me Tender

Sundays in Tokyo are the perfect time to wander through its many neighborhoods and dig a little deeper into what makes this city such a complex and fascinating place. I quickly learned that just as New Yorkers are drawn to Central Park for a leisurely stroll and people watching, Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park offers a similar haven for the Japanese. The expansive open spaces surrounded by towering skyscrapers reminded me of home, but even living in New York did not prepare me for the “Dancing Elvis” phenomenon I encountered. These guys (and girls!) put on their Sunday best, gather in the park with a boombox and some beers and dance the day away. With rockabilly music playing at full blast, they worked the crowd with their dance moves, showing the world that Tokyoites know how to have a good time.

The unifying power of music!

Onsen Tamago: An Unexpected Delicacy

There are always a few moments when traveling when the comforts of home come a-calling. Breakfast, for me, is one of the hardest things to adjust to and for this reason a western breakfast is standard fare; specifically for me it’s bagel, lox and cream cheese. So when in Rome (or rather Japan), a traditional breakfast might seem a bit off-putting. But, if I may offer a little bit of advice: dive right in and you will be pleasantly surprised! This particular breakfast was served at the Araya Totoan Ryokan in Yamashiro and consisted of a lavish spread of simple but thoughtful small dishes. Pickled vegetables, rice, miso soup, broiled fish and the standout – a perfectly cooked soft boiled egg. This was no standard egg though; rich and delicate in the best way possible, it was easily the best egg I have ever had (quite a badge considering my love of all things food). After inquiring if it were possible to order this at every meal (half-jokingly), I learned my new culinary obsession was an onsen tamago which directly translates to “hot spring egg”. Select eggs are cooked in baskets submerged in the constant temperatures of the Japanese hot springs the area is so famous for. My poppy seed bagel cravings were history.

I can't believe I ate the entire thing!

If you would like to see more of my photographs from Japan, please visit our Facebook page. And please don’t hesitate to contact me directly if you would like to discuss a visit!
- Aaron Levitt

Lisa Sun and Asia go back a long way. She lived in Beijing for almost a decade, traveling all of China as well as 15 countries in Asia on her own.  Now after fourteen years with Absolute Travel, she continues to return to Asia annually to ensure her wealth of knowledge is current, from the best area to catch the bustling night market scene in Bangkok to the top spot to take in Tokyo’s skyline.  Just back from traveling with her boyfriend through Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Japan last month, she shares her inside scoop.

Captain Lisa on the Mekong River!

Cambodia, off the beaten Angkor path

Cambodia’s Khmer temples are breathtaking, certainly one of the most captivating sights in all of Asia. It’s almost unthinkable that for centuries, Angkor’s towers were hidden from most of the world, slowly engulfed by the jungle. These days they are mostly engulfed by tourists. For my third visit to Cambodia, I wanted to see another side of the temple complex, away from the tourist crowds of Angkor Wat. A ninety-minute drive later, I arrived at Beng Mealea, an amazing temple complex that remains largely unrestored with much less vistors. Huge piles of broken blocks lie scattered throughout the grounds, while trees and vines ran freely up the walls of its towers and courtyards, giving this UNESCO World Heritage Site an otherworldly façade. There were no signs, ropes or handrails. Good thing that I wore my sturdy shoes to clamber over the rocky ruins! Nearby is Phnom Kulen, a national park where a climb of 100 steps brings you to its 1,000 lingas (phallic representations of the Hindu god Shiva) carved into the riverbed below, two waterfalls, and a reclining Buddha statue.  This day excursion from Siem Reap is perfect for travelers seeking adventure and variety while exploring.

Avoid Angkor's crowds at Beng Mealea

The allure of Laos

The city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Cultural site, was once considered “the best-preserved city in Southeast Asia,” and they are working hard to keep it that way.  Whether we were unwinding with a refreshing iced coffee with coconut milk or luxuriating at one of the Amantaka’s refreshing pools, we still found that the city retained the charm and tranquility of this small sleepy town filled with over 30 temples.  But one of my favorite experiences in Laos was a 45 minute drive outside of Luang Prabang at the Kuang Si Falls. The beautiful three-tiered waterfalls were stunning, particularly during rainy season. The natural swimming holes were a lovely turquoise color, providing the perfect place for us to cool down from the summer heat and humidity.

My boyfriend greets the Kuang Si Falls in Laos

Another side of Bangkok

On my fifth visit to Bangkok, I wanted to dig deeper, beyond boat trips on the Chao Phraya River and Buddhist temples, and touring Bangkok with our team provided me with one of my most memorable and special experiences of this incredible city! I highly recommend a customized after-hours excursion with us in the City of Angels, packed with out-of-the-ordinary experiences matched to your particular interests. Perhaps you’d fancy a walk through the Arab quarter, to feel as if you have been transported to a bustling corner in Cairo with kebab shops, hookah cafes and women veiled in black from head to toe. Or, take a behind the scenes walk through the wholesale flower and produce market – which surprisingly is quite active and busy through the night.  Stop at a rooftop bar for a nightcap while enjoying the evening glow of the city’s superb monuments.  Or maybe you’d care for some Bangkok jazz instead? Thailand’s top acts play almost nightly at the Saxophone nightclub. After many visits to Bangkok over the past decade, this visit made me realize why Bangkok is so amazing, and one of my top favorite cities in the world once again. Certainly one of the highlights of our trip – you must see for yourself!

Taking in Tokyo (from the tallest tower in the world)

I made a quick stopover in Tokyo where it is business as usual; Japan is safe!  Make sure to look out for the new Tokyo Sky Tree: a broadcasting, restaurant and observation tower, currently the tallest tower in the world. Its observatory deck will be open to the public by summer 2012 to catch panoramic views of Tokyo’s sprawling metropolis below.

Intrigued by Lisa’s discoveries in Asia? Contact Lisa Sun to learn more.