Today was no ordinary market visit.  I went off expecting to buy the morning’s milk direct from the farmer who grows my favorite avocados, lemons and persimmons. I wore five layers of clothing, plus a scarf, because the market is a cold place in the winter.  I had my trusty “pazar arabasi” or trolly cart to pull along and some money chinking in my purse.  Apart from these, I had a paper envelope full of photos.  Well!  Pulling out this envelope turned my 2 kilos of onions – one kilo of potatoes – one kilo of Garlic  – 3 litres of cow’s milk weekly experience into something else!

I realised that by showing photos of villagers to other villagers, I could locate any one of them in an instant!!  I learnt that by showing just one photo to a “pictured villager” would mean I would then have to pass the whole bunch over to them so that they could check out the rest!  I learnt that I could make many a sweet old lady smile and perhaps reveal a gleaming gold tooth during that moment of recognition — the pictured person was “them”!  Any who were not photographed asked when it would be their turn.  Others asked if they could souvenir pictures of me, because they happened to be among the bunch and they really wanted a picture of me smiling (??) !  They were so thrilled with the photos – there were smiles all over and pats on the shoulder — some even asked if they had to pay??

The response was more positive than I could ever have imagined — how such a simple thing as a photograph could create such joy, encourage such playfulness, left me wondering how much it would take to make a whole nation — or indeed, a whole planet — of people feel good about themselves.  

These people don’t have many worldly possessions, they get up with the rising sun and work the earth until sundown each day.  And although many walk may with a slight stoop, have gaps in their teeth or must place a warming head scarf or woolen flat cap around their weather-worn faces, their smiles have a youthfulness and energy that is contagious.  They’re happy — I’m happy!!

Contributed by guest blogger, Victoria Boz

Photos by Beverly Parsons

Book MAKAYABELLA for the 2012 Bequia Mount Gay Music Festival (January 26th – 29th) receive complimentary tickets to both the Friday and Saturday night performances!!

Outstanding performances by local, regional and international artists make this music festival a “must see” fixtures on the season’s calendar.

Based around Dana Gillespie and her London Blues Band’s “One Night Only” performance on Friday night, this event, now extended on Bequia to four days, has received rave reviews and is a foretaste of the Mustique Blues Festival which continues for a further two weeks.

The main venue is at De Reef, right on the beach in Lower Bay, Bequia, with the big performances on Friday and Saturday night followed by lazy Sunday afternoon “limin’” music to finish off the weekend.

John and Sue have taken guests to this even in the past and it has been a very big hit and a great focal point for a relaxing charter in the Grenadines!

Start or end your charter around Festival dates and  MAKAYABELLA  will provide the festival tickets free of charge.  Music lover or not, the event promises a great time for all!

Book your flights into St. Vincent or to Canouan (where John and Sue will waiting to escort you to the yacht) or to Barbados where commuter flights are available to transport you to St. Vincent or take you directly to Bequia.

Remember, for a party of four or more, it can be cheaper – and more convenient – to charter a plane privately from Barbados! Visit www.svgair.com for more details.

It’s no secret – The U.S. and British Virgin Islands have been the premier yachting playground for decades!  Protected waters, white sand beaches, gentle trade winds and the best charter value of any winter destination entice INTERPAC clients year after year!  Other favorite Caribbean Islands include Antigua/Barbuda and the Grenadines. This year we have more than 200 crewed yachts in the Caribbean – both power and sail – in all price ranges.

For those who are keen to expand their horizons and venture further afield we offer the following …

FRENCH ANTILLES
Guadeloupe … St. Barts… Martinique …Les Saintes … Marie Galante … The French Caribbean Islands have so much to offer … West Indian culture with a European Flair!  Hike through lush volcanic rain forests, swim in underwater parks, explore historical forts, enjoy duty free shopping, and dine on French and Creole cuisine in world class restaurants.

BAJA AND THE SEA OF CORTEZ
Sheltered by a 900-Mile Peninsula, the Gulf of California is one of the richest bodies of water on earth.  Baja’s unspoiled frontier offers dozens of protected coves, unique desert islands, dramatic cliffs, secluded sandy beaches and pristine sapphire waters.  Proclaimed “the world’s aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau, the Sea of Cortez is a magnificent cruising destination for ecotourism.

MEXICAN RIVIERA
The sun-drenched Pacific Coastline from Mazatlan to Acapulco boasts world class marinas, pristine beaches, verdant jungle landscapes, lively nightlife and luxury resorts.  Spend your days fishing for dinner, kayaking in protected harbors, horseback riding, bartering with local craftsmen ashore or simply basking in the warm Mexican sunshine! 

SEYCHELLES
Far from home,  the spectacular Seychelles regularly rank on Top 10 travel lists.  Shimmering turquoise waters for snorkeling and water sports, bird watching, tropical hiking, giant tortoises, sport fishing, towering rock formations and starry nights come together to make the Seychelles a stunning delight.

MALDIVES
Acclaimed by some to have the clearest water on earth, the Maldives is another dream destination.  The area is composed of more than 1,000 atolls and islands and is famous for brilliant sunshine, pristine beaches and a diverse culture.   Rare underwater beauty,  and variety of marine life attract water enthusiasts worldwide.

THAILAND AND THE ADAMAN SEA
Southeast Asia is gaining in popularity as a top charter destination.  Alluring, exotic, and culturally diverse, it is a yachtsman’s paradise waiting to be discovered!  Experience dramatic limestone rocks, crystal clear lagoons, lush tropical vegetation, tranquil fishing villages, friendly locals, and tantalizing Thai cuisine.

MALAYSIA
Untouched by tourism, the Malaysia cruising area consists of hundreds of small islands offering stunning scenery, ancient rainforests, deserted beaches, culinary delights and the opportunity to experience first hand the timeless traditions of local villages.

Make this winter your most memorable … Contact us now to begin planning your own special getaway.  With the destinations above to entice you, the selection process begins.

THE BEST THINGS HAPPEN AT SEA! 

This brought to mind how much the charter industry has changed in the past 40 years, when a broker’s main concern was to find a safe and comfortable yacht with professional crew and good food.

Before Satellite, cell phones, email, skype, the web, twitter and facebook, communications were restricted to the single side band and VHF radios.  Clients left our office number with their family for emergencies and set off for a week of uninterrupted  pleasure and relaxation.  Any important or urgent messages were transmitted to the yacht through a marine operator.

Nowadays, most clients feel a strong need to be connected on their yacht vacation.  They may have an important conference call, want to watch a special sporting event, or stay in touch with their office or an ailing family member.  They may want to preplan their itinerary to secure dockage in advance or be sure their children can update friends on facebook.  Are their iPod connections in the staterooms?  How many movies are on board?  Play Stations for children?  Are there enough outlets to charge multiple net books, cell phones and digital cameras?

Now and again, some charter clients still ask that the crew hide TV screens and bring out old fashioned games like Scrabble and Monopoly.

Chartering in the 21st Century is still great fun — Just different!

Sometimes I wish for the days when charter guests boarded their yacht and took each day as it came: enjoying long laughter-filled meals, taking a turn at the helm, helping set the sails, and – to quote Mark Twain – “Explore, Dream, Discover”.

Other days, it is such a relief to know we are all connected.  I recall an incident more than 30 years ago when a California family arrived on Tortola on a very late flight and forgot their charter contract and boarding letter.   All hotels were closed and there was no access to a telephone.  Their taxi drove from marina to marina looking for the yacht while the crew waited anxiously at the appointed spot.  I was horrified to learn after the charter that the family slept on a sandy beach that night.

Thanks to modern technology, an adventure like this need never be repeated!

BEGUILING… BREATHTAKING…ACCESSIBLE
Baja California Sur is one of the purist natural environments in the Western Hemisphere.  The area feels remote, yet is easily accessible with direct air service to La Paz daily.

A RARE UNION OF DESERT AND SEA
Dramatic Desert, Sand Rock, and pristine waters provide a stunning backdrop for your Baja Charter.  Anchor in sheltered coves, swim in secluded sandy beaches and explore mysterious marine caves.
A SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE
Baja beckons active explorers and offers bird watching, hiking, surfing, kayaking, diving, and world class sportfishing.

AN ECOLOGICAL WONDER
The Baja Peninsula contains one of the most biologically rich bodies of water on earth, and much of the Sea of Cortez is part of the protected UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere.

THE “GALAPAGOS OF THE NORTH”
The area of Espiritu Santo is home to more than 271 species of fish, 98 of birds, and 31 of marine mammals – some unique to the islands.

 VIEW OUR YACHTS IN LA PAZ:  PANACHE 85, MARAZUL,  SOGNO

CLICK HERE FOR  ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS  IN THE SEA OF CORTEZ

Frequently ranked as one of the world’s top romantic destinations, Barbuda and Antigua have earned their accolades by presenting couples with the perfect concoction for an unforgettable vacation: ultimate seclusion, seemingly untouched pink sand, luxurious accommodations and an intoxicatingly tranquil atmosphere.

Barbuda offers an especially intimate experience for newlyweds, as the island is only accessible via aircraft or boats. This presents an ideal situation for paparazzi-prone individuals like Prince William and his bride, but also delivers an unforgettable getaway for any romancing couple.

Planning a wedding in Antigua promises to create memories to last a lifetime. Engaged couples can organize anything from an idyllic beachside ceremony at Half Moon Bay to a traditional wedding held in one of Antigua’s elegant churches. The relaxed governmental policies regarding wedding certificates make it simple and convenient to arrange an island wedding.

If you’re looking into the possibility of a Caribbean wedding, now is the best time to make preparations for a memorable event in Antigua or Barbuda. The tourism campaign surrounding Prince William’s nuptials ensures that couples can expect to be treated like royalty during their big event. We may not all be celebrities, but a wedding in Antigua promises to make you feel like one.

Contributed by guest blogger Katie Boue

Call or email today for a sample yachting itinerary for Antigua and Barbuda!

View our Caribbean yachts.

Belize has the second-longest barrier reef in the world – an amazing charter destination for divers.  TRUE NORTH has limited availability in Belize between mid-May and late July 2011.

John & Maxine White will then take TRUE NORTH south to Panama where the yacht is available for charters in Bocas del Toro & the San Blas Islands through October 2011.     

Captain Whitey is a dive instructor,  partner Max is a wonderful chef as well as a dive master. Their third crew member makes service even better! 

And more good news …
TRUE NORTH has just reduced her rate by $5,000/week, so they now charter for $24,500/6 guests or $26,500/8 including SCUBA for certified divers. Only fine wines, local taxes or taxes, dockage and communications are extra.

Last week I had an opportunity to revisit CAESAR’S RESTAURANT in Tijuana, home of the original Caesar Salad.

MARTA PLASCENCIA WITH SAN DIEGO FRIENDS

The restaurant has recently reopened after a meticulous restoration effort by the Plascencia Group, a family of restaurateurs.   The long mahogany bar was gleaming and renewed to its original splendor, and the walls are decorated with fascinating vintage photos.

CAESAR’S originally opened in 1927 during prohibition when the Hollywood set and bon vivants  flocked to Tijuana for a good time!  Italian-born Mexican, Caesar Cardini, hosted his patrons with great service and style.

AUTHOR WITH PORTRAIT OF CAESAR CARDINI

According to his daughter, Rosa, the Caesar Salad was first created on a busy July 4 weekend when the restaurant was short on supplies.  Cardini took ingredients he had on hand and added the dramatic flair of tossing the salad tableside.

The  Caesar Salad became an instant hit and the recipe was soon distributed to various restaurants in the U.S. by Hollywood fans.  Wallis Simpson, future wife of Prince Edward VIII of Wales, is credited with introducing her favorite salad to Europe.  In the 1930s, Caesar Salad was voted by the master chefs of the International Society of Epicures in Paris as the “greatest recipe to originate from the Americas in fifty years.”

Today, manager Julian Plascencia treats his guests to the same great service experienced by CAESAR’S original patrons more than eight decades ago.

MANAGER JULIAN PLASCENCIA - GRACIOUS HOST

CAESAR’S  has generously shared their signture recipe:

1 head Romaine lettuce
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tablespoon ground mustard
1 clove crushed garlic
1  coddled egg
1 lime, juiced
fresh ground black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 sliced baguette oven baked garlic croutons
2 anchovy filets

Clean lettuce thoroughly and refrigerate until crisp, at least 1 hour or more. In a wooden  bowl combine  olive oil , mustard ,anchovies , garlic and part of the grated parmesan ,     whisk with a wooden paddle until it forms a paste. Once cooled crack open the egg and whisk into dressing until thoroughly blended.  Add whole Romaine lettuce leaves and gently roll them into the dressing add the rest of the grated cheese, croutons freshly ground pepper and salt to taste.

The original Caesar Salad was served on whole leaves of Romaine lettuce which were meant to be lifted by the stem and eaten by the fingers!

Hint from the author …
Start your dining experience with a delicious Tamarind Margarita -  a house specialty!

“Ibo’s” cuisine is bound to delight charter guests mouth watering appetizers “mezes”, healthy Mediterranean specialties and seductive desserts.

His culinary career started with graduation as a cooking master from a specialized culinary school in 1993 followed by a very impressive list of restaurant positions in Istanbul:
5 years as kitchen chef in COLOR and  GREEN PARK hotels, 2 years as sous chef of French restaurant DULCINEA,  and one year as sous chef in a Mexican restaurant followed by one year as executive chef in NISANTASI CAFE.  Ibrahim polished his international talents in an Italian restaurant, followed by a position of an executive chef in SEDIR CAFE RESTAURANT  in Ortakoy .

Before joining the PAPA JOE team, Ibrahim was a kitchen chef in Istanbul’s TOPAZ RESTAURANT,  winner of the Best Mediterranean Cuisine award in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Ibrahim’s international culinary skills are will delight charter guests, whether they prefer Mediterranean fusion or the oldest Ottoman pilaf recipe – OR BOTH!

Contact us today for sample menus on board PAPA JOE.

Baja’s unspoiled frontier is fertile ground for the ecotourist to witness majestic migratory whales, cavorting colonies of sea lions, pelicans diving for their dinner, playful manta rays and dolphin, and world class sportsfishing!
For lovers of nature and isolation, the Sea of Cortez is a magnificent cruising destination!