10/19/2023
The word Aulani in Hawaiian means "messenger of the chief." In the case of the Disney Resort on the southwest side of O'ahu, Hawaii, the chief is the Hawaiian culture itself and the messengers are the people of the island speaking through the intentional design, decor and art of this thoughtful layout. The towers are shaped as boat houses and mirror the misty Ko'olau Mountain Range behind the resort. In the middle of the water features (including a lazy river, splash park and tropical "rainbow reef" fish lagoon perfect for snorkeling), rises a volcano with two water slides. Many of the rooms have washers and dryers - typical of Disney vacation club resorts. Finally, the calm cove spills out to the Pacific Ocean and offers opportunities for guests to paddle board, swim safely, snorkel and take an outrigger canoe ride out to sea - channeling your inner Moana! Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
🙊 Kids can look for small statues of the Menehune, shy, mischievous people of the Hawaiian mountains, all around the resort - and don't skip the scavenger hunt. It's magical!
🏄♀️ Sign your children up for the kids club beforehand to meet Disney characters, including Moana, without the lines! Adults can relax at the adult-only hot tub or visit the spa.
🥑 The resort has two main formal dinner areas including the intimate AMA'AMA and breezy Makahiki - where you can also book a character breakfast. Other quick cafes are located around the resort or you can walk across the street for local food and Starbucks.
🌺The Olelo Room is a bar and lounge serving Hawaiian cocktails and appetizers - and is the only establishment on the island where everyone on staff speaks Hawaiian. Shadow boxes of images - such as animals, rainbows, numbers, household items - are carved around the bar with the Hawaiian names under them so you learn some new words!
🎨 The resort boasts the largest collection of Hawaiian art in the world. All artists featured are native Hawaiians.
🖼️ Sign up for make your own Mickey Ears, painting or stargazing (The Hawaiians were wayfarers and voyagers who used the stars for navigation) at the activities desk.
Follow travel writer Destinations and Delish - Travel & Restaurant Insights with Krisha Chachra for more insights.
SouthPark Magazine Ballantyne Magazine Charlotte Parent
08/25/2023
Have you dined at elegant Limani yet? With an aura of Mediterranean flair and faux olive trees blooming in the middle of the restaurant, it's easy to trick your mind that you are experiencing a moment on the Amalfi.
This new restaurant has found its sea legs with a variety of fresh fish, lobster, octopus, and other delicacies from the ocean that may be handpicked from their ice-case display. Open for lunch and dinner in the heart of Phillips Place in South Park, diners can choose a 3-course prix-fixe menu or select a variety of Greek meze including vegetarian plates of grilled mushrooms, zucchini, peppers, eggplant, arugula and halloumi cheese.
Order: Try the tomato salad, spanakopita and Limani chips - delicious fried zucchini and eggplant served with kefalograviera cheese and tzatziki. You can't go wrong with picking a fresh seafood entree.
Seating: Ask for a table in the back of the restaurant so you can see the beautiful, expansive dining area. Or one facing the glass toward the kitchen to watch the chefs at work.
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07/10/2023
I've been on a lot of exciting boats in my lifetime - but without doubt, this sail down the Panama Canal was unforgettably thrilling. We started cruising South from Gamboa (about Midway down the Canal) after the last boat headed north at noon cleared us. From 85 feet above sea level we took a ship's equivalent of stairsteps down to the ocean. Everyone knows what a scientific and engineering feat this structure is - and how many years, lives and financial deals it took to build. But the thing that stood out to me was how massive these ships are that carry our commerce all over the world 🌎 - Delivering our items: food, natural gas, petroleum, cars and other goods and services on time.
What's in it for Panama? These gigantic ships pay upwards of $200k - $500k just to pass through the canal. The cost is determined by size and weight. Records show the highest paid for passage for one ship is $1.3 million. But a lot of money is being left on the table, especially this year as the rainy season doesn't produce as much water as before. In Panama, the rain is on everyone's minds. And here's why:
☔Since the locks operate on natural, fresh rain water and runoff from the mountains that gets recycled, lower levels of rain mean curbing the frequency of higher weighted ships as drag is needed for safety.
⛴️ On average, 35 ships pass through the canal a day. But this season, only 25-29 ships can pass daily due to lack of rainfall.
💲 With ships paying $200k-$500 a pop to pass, that's millions of dollars in potential revenue lost a day, just because of rain (or lack thereof). And the shipping companies also can't load the containers at efficient levels in fear of being overweight - based on the water levels.
It's not only the wildlife that depends on the rainy season here in Panama (see crocodile picture!). It's the economy too.
🙏🏽🦜🌿🐊☔🌎💲⛴️
Follow travel writer Destinations and Delish - Travel & Restaurant Insights with Krisha Chachra for more insights or krishachachra.com
EcoCircuitos Panama Visit Panama Ballantyne Magazine SouthPark Magazine Charlotte Parent
07/06/2023
Speaking of independence 🇺🇲, have you ever dreamed of traveling solo? Without your kids, spouse or anyone to tell you where they want to go? Or maybe you're a seasoned solo traveler and now you prefer it that way. If you've ever wanted to go somewhere but couldn't find anyone to go with, don't let that stop you - in my article in July's SouthPark Magazine, I explore the benefits (mental and physical) of solo traveling and give you tips on how to dive in and try it for yourself.
🌎Traveling solo does not mean traveling alone.
❤️ You're more than likely to meet friends and helpful locals while traveling solo or in a tour group as an individual.
✈️ Explore what you want, try new foods, and push yourself out of your comfort zone when you travel solo. You never know what you'll discover about you!
👏🏽 Charlotte-based solo travelers Achint Patel and Nesha Pai share why they love solo traveling - and hope it unlocks their creativity, productivity and passions.
Read more in the link below or pick up a hard copy this month.
https://southparkmagazine.com/the-soulfulness-of-solo-travel/
Destinations and Delish - Travel & Restaurant Insights with Krisha Chachra
