LaDonna Allen's Posts - Tripatini2024-03-28T11:12:10ZLaDonna Allenhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LaDonnaAllenhttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/65761941?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://frugalnomads.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=0sdw5ydph61mk&xn_auth=no“Oshogatsu” New Year Traditions in Japantag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2014-01-01:3169359:BlogPost:1234712014-01-01T21:30:00.000ZLaDonna Allenhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LaDonnaAllen
<p>My family lived in Japan for three years while my husband served aboard the USS Kitty Hawk out of Yokosuka, Japan. During those three years we lived on the economy in Mabori Kaigan for some time. It gave us a unique opportunity to view and take part of the local Japanese culture. One of the most interesting traditions is on New Year’s Day.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73854953?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" height="303" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73854953?profile=original" width="197"></img></a> <br></br> Before 1873 the Japanese…</p>
<p>My family lived in Japan for three years while my husband served aboard the USS Kitty Hawk out of Yokosuka, Japan. During those three years we lived on the economy in Mabori Kaigan for some time. It gave us a unique opportunity to view and take part of the local Japanese culture. One of the most interesting traditions is on New Year’s Day.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73854953?profile=original"><img height="303" width="197" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73854953?profile=original" class="align-center"/></a><br/> Before 1873 the Japanese New Year was based on the Chinese lunar calendar but following the Meiji Restoration Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar and it is now celebrated on January 1st. It is considered by most Japanese to be one of the most important of the annual festivals and over the centuries has developed its own unique set of customs. The traditional Japanese way to spend New Year’s Day would be to visit a temple or shrine. <br/><br/>But that is not the beginning of Oshogatsu. In the days leading up to New Year’s Eve, osoji (cleaning), the Japanese equivalent of “spring cleaning” begins. The Japanese believe this is a good time to purify your environment to begin the New Year fresh and new. This takes a physical as well as metaphorical meaning as clouds of dust go up from everyone’s front door as the homes are being prepared to begin the New Year.<br/><br/></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73854913?profile=original"><img width="280" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73854913?profile=RESIZE_320x320" class="align-right"/></a>Once the house is clean the cooking then ensues. On New Year’s Eve Soba noodles are served in the houses and temples across the country. The traditional New Year’s fare or osechi-ryori consists of boiled seaweed, fish cakes, mashed sweet potato with chestnut, simmered burdock rood and sweetened black soybeans. Ozoni is another popular dish which is a mochi or rice cake based soup. Mochi are traditional rice cakes made with boiled sticky rice which has been mashed to form a sticky white dumpling. In modern times sushi and sashimi are often part of the menu and on the seventh day of January a seven herb rice soup known as nanakusa-gayu is served to allow the stomach to rest.<br/><br/></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73854972?profile=original"><img width="250" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73854972?profile=original" class="align-left"/></a><br/> Beginning at the stroke of midnight on December 31st the temple priests ring the joya-no-kane or New Year’s Eve Bell a total of 108 times, a number that symbolizes the 108 bono (Buddhist sins such as greed and anger) as the sound of the bell is believed to get rid of them. Then for the first three days of the New Year the temples and shrines are abuzz with activity as locals pray for good luck in the coming year.</p>
<p><br/> Rather than sending Christmas Cards, the Japanese send a flurry of postcards on New Year’s (called nengajo). The post office in Japan will guarantee delivery of these postcards on New Year’s Day if they have been postmarked during a specific time and they are marked with the word “nengajo”. The post office employs students part time to insure all deliveries are made on time and it gives the students some extra pocket money to begin the New Year with. It is customary not to send a postcard if one has had a death in the family the following year out of respect for the deceased. <br/><br/> Also on New Year’s Day Japanese people also have a custom of giving money to children, a tradition known as <em>otoshidama</em>. The money is handed out in small decorated envelopes. This tradition began in the Edo period when large stores and wealthy families gave out a small bag of mochi as well as mandarin oranges to spread good luck and happiness all around and had continued into current society.</p>
<p><br/> Hatsumode is the first temple or shrine visit of the year and is a very important tradition for a Japanese family. At the Shinto shrines people arrive from midnight through the following day to express gratitude for the blessings of the past and to pray for guidance and protections for the New Year. Priests bless visitors with beautiful white paper streamers attached to wooden purification wands which are waved over the visitors for blessing and purification. They also receive a small piece of wood wrapped in paper with the name of God (akami) written on it. This is then placed over the visitor’s door either at their home or office. <br/><br/>Beginning at the stroke of midnight on December 31st the Buddhist temple priests ring the joya-no-kane or New Year’s Eve Bell a total of 108 times, a number that symbolizes the 108 bono (Buddhist sins such as greed and anger) because the sound of the bell is believed to get rid of them. Then for the first three days of the New Year the temples and shrines are abuzz with activity as locals pray for good luck in the coming year.</p>
<p><br/> Crowds are a part of any tradition in Japan so if you plan to go to any of these shrines or temples a good dose of patience is in order. Arrive early for good positioning but be prepared to face large but jovial crowds as the New Year begins. Make your reservations well in advance and make sure you prepare accordingly. Many local businesses and shops will be closed as people travel to visit their families so rates can be high. Also, make sure you carry plenty of cash because Japan is still very much a cash based society and ATMs tend to run out of money as banks are closed for the whole New Year period. So, plan early and plan well but do plan to attend Oshogatsu at least once in your life!<br/><br/></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73854899?profile=original"><img width="233" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73854899?profile=RESIZE_320x320" class="align-center"/></a></p>Biloxi, Mississippi and the Beau Rivagetag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2012-10-22:3169359:BlogPost:4276212012-10-22T15:02:35.000ZLaDonna Allenhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LaDonnaAllen
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73869256?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73869256?profile=original" width="730"></img></a></p>
<p>It was a bittersweet moment to book my recent trip to the Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Mississippi. As a long time travel industry employee who had not been to this area in years I was thrilled to not only have an opportunity to assess the recent damage from Hurricane Isaac in September 2012 but also to experience a new destination. The reason for my…</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73869256?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73869256?profile=original" width="730"/></a></p>
<p>It was a bittersweet moment to book my recent trip to the Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Mississippi. As a long time travel industry employee who had not been to this area in years I was thrilled to not only have an opportunity to assess the recent damage from Hurricane Isaac in September 2012 but also to experience a new destination. The reason for my choice of destination was my son’s first deployment with the army to Afghanistan and his impending departure. So, off to Biloxi I go… I booked my trip with my local travel agency through Delta Vacations. This gave me an opportunity to have all-expenses paid trip to the Beau Rivage with all my expenditures including the air, car, hotel and taxes paid up front. As an added bonus, we received not only the miles on our flights but also 500 bonus miles from Delta Vacations and miles with National Rental Car as well. (As a note of warning, car rental taxes are not prepaid with most tour operators and Delta Vacations is no exception. For a 3 day rental we paid an additional $45.00 at the National Car Rental counter in local taxes.)</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73869241?profile=original" target="_self"><img style="width: 330px;" class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73869241?profile=original" width="730" height="173"/></a>Our flights were great with good connections though a bit tight with the latest seating configuration. We did have the opportunity to upgrade to Economy Comfort but chose not to on domestic flights. (For international flights, I do try to book Economy Comfort on Delta or Economy Plus on United if at all possible.) We arrived in Gulfport early in the morning on a beautiful warm September morning. The weather was just about perfect, not to hot but not chilly either. On our arrival at the Beau Rivage we found a beautiful destination resort. We were greeted by a friendly valet staff that took care of our complimentary valet parking. (Both the garage and valet service offer complimentary parking for resort guests.) The lobby smelled of fine food and fresh flowers. Our reception staff was most accommodating and quickly got us into our room, even though we were well before the check in time. Our standard category room had one king bed, a sitting area and beautiful marble bathroom with a separate shower and tub overlooking the ocean.</p>
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<p>The hotel itself is truly a destination resort in every sense of the word. Though it is billed as an cceanfront resort and it is, it is not a beachfront resort. You must walk down the block a way to access the beach. The resort does have a spectacular pool area and separate sun deck that overlooks the water but does not have an actual beach. Knowing the damage the area sustained not only from the most recent hurricane but also from Hurricane Katrina I expected the beaches to be a mess. Though the beaches were closed and in the process of being reopened they offered a beautiful white sand beach and a great expanse of gorgeous water to admire. If you drive along the ocean you will notice on the other side of the highway across from the beach hundreds of foundations from homes that were destroyed by Katrina. While this seems sad at first glance, it also lends an air of openness as well.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73869288?profile=original" target="_self"><img style="width: 343px; height: 155px;" class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73869288?profile=original" width="326" height="95"/></a></p>
<p>Of course most people go to Biloxi for the casinos and the Beau Rivage does not disappoint. They have a beautiful casino that is large enough to feel spacious yet intimate enough to feel like you are part of a larger experience. One word of warning, the casino floor is strictly 21 and up. One of the members of our party was 19 and she was not even allowed to walk onto the casino floor to look around. In fact, they were militant to the point of being rude about not allowing her on the floor, which was very disappointing considering you had to cross the floor to go to many of the restaurants or the theater. The food at the hotel is expensive by Biloxi standards but it is very good. In the back of the casino is a restaurant called Coast that serves traditional sports pub fare with an extensive drink menu. The Buffet offers a wonderful breakfast assortment but beware that on the weekends it is a Champagne brunch and is very expensive. The poolside food and service were great with the exception of one pool boy who was very condescending when answering questions. However, we found his poor service to be an anomaly and were overall pleased with the service we received. I highly recommend a Biloxi Blonde beer while sitting out by the pool. It is the Beau Rivage’s own microbrew and very good on a warm afternoon by the pool.</p>
<p>Typically I have found the concierge to be one of the most helpful and deferential staff members at any hotel or resort. That was not the case at the Beau Rivage. My 22 year old son misplaced the key to his room and asked the concierge to kindly get him a duplicate. Again, he was met with the same poor attitude we had from the pool boy. He was simply rude and did not try to hide his disdain for being asked to do such a menial task. Overall, I was pleased with the service at the Beau Rivage but found service severely lacking from some particular employees. It did not seem to be an issue with the department or the hotel but more of individual employees. It seems the Beau Rivage training staff might be lacking in teaching basic customer service skills across the board.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73869294?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73869294?profile=original" width="226"/></a><br/> So… on to the spa…ahhh. The spa staff as I have encountered across the globe were some of the most customer-service-minded employees at the hotel. They were friendly and accommodating. Be sure to take your bathing suit and try out all the mineral spas they offer in the spa area. The waiting room is cozy and offers the typical spa drinks and snacks. If I had any complaint (and it is so minor to barely be of notice) is that rather than the usual spa music that is piped in in the waiting room, this one offered a television which I thought broke the ambiance a bit. I was only able to fit in one facial but it was divine and my skin felt fantastic afterword.<br/> <br/> Shopping at the Beau Rivage is a pretty interesting experience. We were able to pick up some awesome end of the season deals so be sure to look for the sales rack in each of the stores. Most of their offerings are high end but still in the mass market realm rather than boutique. I was able to get a beautiful black sleeveless dress that originally was marked at $178 for a final sale price of 32. What a deal! The shopping diva in me rejoiced!</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73869297?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73869297?profile=original" width="115"/></a>Dining in the local area was a great experience. We really enjoyed a restaurant called Snappers that is right on the water with a fantastic view, outstanding but well priced food and excellent service. They are also open for breakfast and though I did not have an opportunity to eat breakfast there they advertise that you can see the dolphins right off the shore in the mornings. I highly recommend Snappers for any meal of the day. However, I would be remiss in not mentioning Margaritaville Restaurant and Casino. This is a quirky, fun and yummy dining experience. They had girls on stills doing a show and videos of Jimmy Buffet doing a concert. We sat outside on the patio in the early evening breeze overlooking the marina and found it a relaxing and fun experience. Make sure you try the fried pickles but don’t ask for lime in your Landshark! Do try their extensive Margarita list!</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73869362?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73869362?profile=original" width="640"/></a></p>
<p>As for historical significance in the local area, don’t miss Beauvoir – the Jefferson Davis home. It is a stunning location right on the water and a Presidential Library and museum is currently under construction. It is a beautiful home with a beautiful story. I could have spent the entire afternoon on the rocking chairs overlooking the beautiful Biloxi Bay.</p>
<p>All in all, I truly enjoyed my experience in Biloxi and the Beau Rivage. If you are ever looking for a quick getaway that offers a beach, casino, great food and southern charm you need look no further than Biloxi.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73869365?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73869365?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>Welcome to Margaritaville! The Margaritaville Beach Hotel in Pensacola, Floridatag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2011-06-16:3169359:BlogPost:2306742011-06-16T21:00:00.000ZLaDonna Allenhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LaDonnaAllen
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-5"><em><strong>Welcome to Margaritaville! The Margaritaville Beach Hotel</strong></em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-5"><em><strong>in Pensacola, Florida</strong></em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Location:</strong></span> <br></br>The Margaritaville Beach Hotel is located on Pensacola Beach in Pensacola, Florida. This is an outstanding location right on Pensacola…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-5"><em><strong>Welcome to Margaritaville! The Margaritaville Beach Hotel</strong></em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-5"><em><strong>in Pensacola, Florida</strong></em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Location:</strong></span> <br/>The Margaritaville Beach Hotel is located on Pensacola Beach in Pensacola, Florida. This is an outstanding location right on Pensacola Beach with the Gulf on one side and the Lagoon on the other. The Beach is absolutely stunning with soft white sand and NO tar balls! Believe me, I looked long and hard for the tar balls but they were no where to be found. The lagoon across the street from the front of the hotel offers all kinds of water activities. The Landshark Landing Restaurant right next door is a great place to see and be seen in Pensacola offering cold beer, great food and live bands.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73857924?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73857924?profile=original" width="117"/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73858069?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73858069?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="212" height="244"/></a>When you arrive at the hotel you walk into a beautifully appointed lobby which immediately draws you to the view beyond. The lobby offers very comfortable furniture, the smell of the salt air and a captivating view of the beach right behind the hotel. The front desk staff was very friendly and willing to help accommodate in any way possible. Right away I noticed buckets lined up behind the desk just waiting to be handed out to children who are going out to the beach for the day. Not an expensive amenity, but a very thoughtful one for those of us who are busy moms. The clientele is mostly between 40 and 60 although you do see some children and also some older folks. Honestly I was concerned that the hotel would draw more of an adult oriented crowd with late night parties but was pleasantly surprised at the number of children I saw and also the diversified age of the clientele. The hotel had a nice evening vibe to it but not a party atmosphere that would be uncomfortable or inappropriate for those traveling with children.</p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Dining:</strong></span> <br/><em>Frank and Lola Love Pensacola Cafe</em></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73858114?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73858114?profile=original" width="348"/></a><br/><br/><br/>Yum! Of course you can have the "Cheeseburger in Paradise" burger but I highly recommend the Filé Gumbo, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes and for dessert..... N.Y. Carnegie Deli Cheesecake for Two! The food is affordable and offers plentiful portions so you will not walk away hungry. Looking for something different? Try the Crab and Shrimp Mac and Cheese made with Boursin cream but this is quite the meal... I suggest this for lunch so you can walk it off on the beautiful beaches the rest of the afternoon. Pensacola Beach also offers a variety of other dining options within a quick drive that are hip and oh so yummy. Be sure to venture out and try other local restaurants.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73858167?profile=original" target="_self"></a><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Rooms:</strong></span></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73858080?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73858080?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73858133?profile=original" target="_self"></a><br/>The rooms are extremely comfortable and very nicely decorated. I must say that with all of my traveling adventures it is difficult to surprise me in a standard hotel. However, I was so struck by the warm and beachy yet elegant feel of the bathroom that I am recreating it in my own bathroom at home. The furniture is very reminiscent of something you would find in a grand old plantation style hotel on a beach in the Caribbean and the beds are absolutely scrumptious. This was the best night's sleep I had in a hotel in quite some time. The balconies, though not large, are comfortable and offer a small table and chair set so you can watch the beautiful Pensacola sunset at the end of a long day. <br/><br/><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73858165?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73858165?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-5"><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73858083?profile=original" target="_self"></a>Historical Attractions:</strong></span> <br/><strong>The Saenger Theater</strong> - 118 South Palafox Place, Pensacola, Florida (FL), 32502-5630, USA <br/>Tel: +1 850 444 7699 <br/>Spend a night at the theater and enjoy one of the lively Broadway hits, musicals, dramatic performances or concerts staged at the Saenger Theater. Pensacola's Saenger Theater is housed in a beautiful Spanish Baroque-style building that is of significant historical interest, while the theater itself has been open since 1925. <br/>Pensacola tourist attraction open: Monday to Friday, box office - 10:00 to 17:00 <br/>Pensacola tourist attraction admission: charge <br/><br/><br/><br/><strong>St. Michael's Cemetery</strong> - 7451 Corner of Alcaniz and Garden streets, Pensacola, Florida (FL), 32501, USA <br/>Tel: +1 850 436 4643 <br/>A cemetery might not be number one on most visitors' holiday itineraries, but this is a burial ground with more to offer than just memorials to the interred. Having been used as a graveyard since the mid-18th century, attractions at St. Michael's Cemetery include the last resting place of many prominent Pensacola figures, as well as hundreds of slaves. The cemetery is now host to an open-air museum, allowing visitors to learn about the history of the influential figures who are buried here. <br/>Pensacola tourist attraction open: Monday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00 <br/>Pensacola tourist attraction admission: free <br/><br/><br/><strong>Fort Pickens:</strong> Fort Pickens is a pentagonal historic United States military fort on Santa Rosa Island, at the entrance to Pensacola Bay. It is named after American Revolutionary War hero Andrew Pickens. The fort was completed in 1834 and remained in use in some form until 1947. Fort Pickens is currently part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, and as such, is administered by the National Park Service. The Fort Pickens Area encompasses the western seven miles of Santa Rosa Island, including the fort itself as well as numerous auxiliary batteries. <br/><br/>Plan to spend most of the day at Fort Pickens as it is a very large area and be sure to take some water. Note: the road to Fort Pickens is subject to flooding so check with the NPS in case of inclement weather to be sure the road is open. Interesting note: In the 1880s, Geronimo and other members of the Chiricahua-Apache tribe were prisoners at Fort Pickens. Ask your Park Ranger for more information.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73858129?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73858129?profile=original" width="288"/></a> </p>At Home with Naturetag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2010-12-20:3169359:BlogPost:1214012010-12-20T19:57:29.000ZLaDonna Allenhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LaDonnaAllen
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73854606?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73854606?profile=original" width="75"></img></a></p>
<div><p><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span>Have you ever dreamed of experiencing nature? I’m not talking about taking a few photos from afar but rather being part of it, immersed in the experience, treading lightly to leave only footprints behind? After twenty-five years in the adventure travel industry, Natural Habitat…</span></span></p>
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<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73854606?profile=original"><img width="75" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73854606?profile=original" class="align-right"/></a></p>
<div><p><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span>Have you ever dreamed of experiencing nature? I’m not talking about taking a few photos from afar but rather being part of it, immersed in the experience, treading lightly to leave only footprints behind? After twenty-five years in the adventure travel industry, Natural Habitat Adventures (NHA) feels confident that they have perfected the concept of natural history expedition. Their philosophy centers on three primary components: (1) small groups, (2) the very best expedition leaders and (3) the most secluded accommodations that reflect local character and situate you in the world’s most remarkable wildlife settings. </span></span></p>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span> </span></span><br />
<p><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; font-size: small;">See polar bears aboard a tundra vehicle and spend the night in an exclusive tundra lodge. Watch blue-footed boobies perform an ancient (and quite comical) ancient mating dance from your small ship in the Galapagos. Go on a grand sub arctic adventure with days filled with beluga whales and dog sledding and nights illuminated by the mystical display of northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis. Witness majestic elephants sauntering by at sunset or hear the roar of lions from your secluded, yet safe, camp on an African safari with a group of eight. From North America, Central America, South America, Asia & The Pacific and Antarctica, NHA’s expeditions will give you unforgettable memories.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Integral to the mission of NHA is realizing that their travel experience includes protecting and preserving our natural assets and wildlife in these remarkable places. It is because of their dedication to this philosophy that the World Wildlife Fund partners with Natural Habitat Adventures.</span></p>
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