"The Girl from Ipanema"

This spectacular beach that was made famous from a song written by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes has been held in Brazilians hearts since. In 2008, Diana Krall rewrote the song as "The Boy From Ipanema" which again brought this Brazilian beach in Rio de Janerio into the forefront of our minds and our hearts. Sitting adjacent to Copacabana beach, Ipanema is one of the most expensive places to live in all of Rio.

Two mountains called the "Dois Irmaes" or in English, the Two Brothers, rise at the western end of the Beach and overlook all the sunbathers. Posto's or lifeguard towers dot the expanse of beach and divide the beach into different areas.

While Ipanema Beach was named the sexiest beach by the Travel Channel, there are a few different areas to that title.

By the Rua Farme de Amoedo, there is the 'gay beach' which is extremely gay friendly, and always has a rainbow flag flying. To the west, is an area called the Posto Nove which is infamous for it's long history of pot smoking (illegal in Brazil), police raids, and gatherings of left wing and alternative activists and groups. Posto Nove's tradition began around 1980 when the present senator, Fernando Gaberra returned from political exile in France, and was photographed in a thong on this stretch of beach. Since then, it is where the young and often beautiful 'Carioca' men and women hipsters congregate.

While surf can reach 9 feet in the winter, sunbathers and worshippers flock to the sandy shores in all weather.

What could be better than a getaway to the Brazilian beach of Ipanema, where you to can become a girl or boy from Ipanema.

Forks, Washington - Twilight Obsession?

Did you know that Forks, Washington as seen through the eyes of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen is an actual place? Did you know that the series of books, that show Bella, Edward and Jacob's love triangle is based on reality, at least in the actual locations?

La Push beach is situated on the coast, about an hour away from Seattle. Forks is inland, and hidden amongst the large forests that Bella gets lost in. Port Angeles is a little seaside town that Seattle inhabitants flock to, in order to run away from the city life.

And of course, the little town of Forks, Washington must be loving all the attention given to them through the extreme popularity of the Twilight series of books. Who wouldn't? A little town that was probably going to be extinct as people start traveling to far away places rather than in their own backyard has now received a new lease on life as it becomes a tourist destination for people, not just from North America.

Which tours are the best? What destinations are the ones that shouldn't be missed? I will tell you all soon. So keep watching this space - the must sees and misses are coming next!

When the Going Gets Snowy...

It seems that March has gone in like a lamb and is going out like one hell of a lion here lately.  And while the weather outside might be just a little bit frightening, it's bringing back memories of a place that doesn't seem so far away when some Katchafire is playing on the radio (or cd player) and I'm staring at my one picture (that takes up a full wall I swear) that depicts nothing but the ocean out a window.

And while I stare at that, my thoughts wander to the little town of Mount Maunganui, a small resort and surfing town where the populations swells by about four times it's regular amount during the summer months - that kiwis tend to think are still too short!

The Mount towers over the peninsula of population like an overbearing parent and provides shade in the heat, and an amazing playground for children of all ages.  Climbing to the top gives those willing to bear the brunt of the climb with amazing 360 degree views, while for the less adventurous, there are the hot pools that are nestled at the base of the mount.  

These hot pools are full all year round, from the winter months and those that have spent the day kayaking down white water rivers in frigid glacial water, to those of us who just want to soak up the heat, while glimpsing the stars when the wind picks up slightly - blowing the fog away for a moment.

With a beach that stretches for kilometers, that can be perfect for sea kayaking, wind surfing, sailing, boating or even surfing, and a small town centre that boasts a multitude of cafes overlooking the beach (where dolphins can be seen on perfect days), this is one reincarnation of heaven.  

Long days spent with a coffee overlooking the beach, after a walk around the mount to break a sweat, with a soak in the hot pools later - what could be better?