If you ruled the world.

If I ruled the world, every day would be the first day of spring…

But, if YOU were to rule the world, where would you choose to rule it from? What kind of place would it be? What kind of characteristics would you look for? Well, let’s see…

You might pick a mountain top because that would give you a sense of power when you look down on your lands and peoples below. Also the people in the lands below would naturally look up to you and feel inferior themselves. Everybody knows their place right?

OK, so far so good.

You might also choose a palace with a beautiful view. After all, it is no good being the ruler of the world, if you don’t have a special place to live in, now is there? So an opulent palace is in order, the best there is. Built with fine attention to detail, made from only the finest rocks, carved by the best craftsmen and planned according to the best design. More importantly, if you are ruler of the world, you don’t need to pay attention to that mere triviality that humans use, money. OK, so money no object then.

Also, all deities like water don’t they? So we need some water. It needs to be impressive; it needs to have a bit of fire to it, an impressive river with a dangerous edge.

We also need some mystique, some sense of awe, something inspiring don’t we? Yes, I think we do. After all, you want to command respect and awe don’t you? You don’t want mere mortals sussing you out, do you now? You want respect and attention. So we need an awe- inspiring place, somewhat isolated, away from the crowds. This place needs to be difficult to get to, difficult to see, not even many people know about it. They may have heard about it, but they do not know about it. And they may know about it, but that doesn’t mean they know where it is, or even how to get there, or how unique and special it really is.

Ok, so far so good, but every ruler needs a central spot to govern from don’t they?

Yes, every deity needs a throne. Gods need a place to rule and to be ruled over. This must be something special, carved out of mountain, on top of a mountain, with a sheer fall below. It needs to inspire awe and dread. The throne also needs to be unique; it must give the impression of ruling the world, as indeed, it does. You must be able to touch the clouds, and you can. Here you can command, and that is what gods are meant to do….

Any place that rules the world also has to be in touch with the other planets in the universe doesn’t it? If the sun, for example, paid its respects that would be good, right? If there was mutual respect, that would be even better, wouldn’t it? So the chosen place needs mutual inter-planetary respect. Now that is challenging!

There is another condition that humans like to have when they go and visit their chosen one. They like to suffer. They like to suffer because that shows they are serious about their chosen one, so that their chosen one will forgive them their sins. You only get your sins forgiven, if you really suffer on the way to this place. No private landing strips or helicopter landing pads then I guess. Every person of whatever class or condition is reduced to the same state to visit this place. When you visit your God, that is how it should be right?

We also need a long history. But to maintain the awe and mystique, this needs to be covered in myth, part speculation and part fact. The fact needs to interesting enough to provoke the speculation, and vice versa.

If there was a place that combined all the above criteria, would people feel a calling, a kind of religious calling that attracts the pilgrims to Mecca or Jerusalem? First, they would need to be convinced that such a place existed, and then they would surely go.

So where on earth is this place? Can such a weird and wonderful place really exist? There is only one place in the world which has all of the above, unique and wonderful features, because there is only one God, right? So there can only be one, unique, inspiring place like this.

This place was kept secret for hundreds of years, but now the secret is out. It is called Machu Picchu in Peru.

And yes, it does have all the above.

Machu Picchu is situated 80 kilometers northwest of Cusco, perched on the crest of the mountain Machu Picchu, about 2,450 meters above sea level. The city itself lies in a saddle between two mountains, and has a stunning view down two valleys. It lies above the Urubamba Valley, with the wild Urubamba River below. From the cliff top of Huayna Piccu there is a sheer fall of more than 600 metres to the river.

The urban sector of Machu Picchu was divided into three great districts: the Sacred District, the Popular District to the south, and the District of the Priests and the Nobility. The central buildings of the city use the classic Inca architectural style of polished dry-stone walls using the ashlar technique, whereby blocks of stone are cut to fit together without the need for mortar.

At the top of this cliff top of Huayna Piccu is a solid stone, carved out of the rock, where only one person can sit at a time. This is the ‘throne’ with which you can rule the world. The clouds kiss your cheeks, and dangle just above your head, as you sit here and contemplate life as the ruler of the world. You are the arbiter of life and death for a few minutes, and you can see most of the world from this unique vantage point. The moment is awe-inspiring.

Located in the sacred district of the city are the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun and the Room of the Three Windows. These were dedicated to Inti, the Inca sun god and greatest deity. The Intihuatana stone was arranged to point directly at the sun during the winter solstice. Also at midday on March 21 and September 21, the equinoxes, the sun stands directly above the pillar—casting no shadow at all. It is believed that it was built as an astronomic clock or calendar.

These days many thousands of tourist walk the Inca Trail to visit Machu Picchu each year, which consists of a three to four-day journey on foot through the harsh terrain of the Andes to the isolated city. They suffer as pilgrims do to reach this sacred destination, and are rewarded by the prize of seeing the sun rise over Machu Picchu at first light. The city of Machu Picchu is calling you…

MOZAMBIQUE BARES ITS SOUL

For a country which did its best to tear out its heart in the long civil war between 1975 and 1992, Mozambique has a very strong soul, and a very interesting one at that. Practically unknown to foreign tourists until the early noughties, Mozambique is still a unique destination to the discerning traveller, with the best of everything it offers.

Mozambique is a real country of contrasts, from its stunning Portuguese colonial architecture, to its virgin beaches, its unparalleled diving and fishing, and some of the most interesting cuisine in the whole of Africa. This is not a Christian country, nor a Muslim one, no one religion is dominant, which makes for a kind and friendly people. From a kind and friendly people, come great standards of service.

Mozambique is almost twice the size of California, with a coast line which stretches more than 2,470 kilometres along the Indian Ocean. While other places might shout about how good their diving and fishing are, Mozambique chooses not to. When you know you are the best, you do not have to go around shouting about it. The Portuguese have an expression ‘Quem sabe, sabe’, which translates to ‘Who knows, knows’. Enough said there then…

So if complete peace in a tropical paradise is high on your list, then a visit to the Bazurato Archipelago is a must. The five virgin islands were declared a National Park in 1971 with a beautiful underwater marine park. The waters are inhabited by three species of turtle, including the loggerhead turtle, and the spinner and humpback dolphins. This is a very good sign, as the turtles usually know where the best beaches are, and dolphins usually know where there is fun.

Accommodation on the islands is of the highest order. Indigo Bay offers world-class, understated luxury with white sands and swaying palms. There are 30 Beach Chalets and 14 luxury villas with the full range of 5-star facilities, including an outstanding spa. Benguerra Lodge offers a blissful blend of barefoot luxury and ‘maritime’ safari. There is a good choice between rustic bungalows, opulent beachside cabanas and huge Arabic-style casitas and a unique villa complete with personal chef.

Be prepared to eat for your money in Mozambique. The food is stylish and interesting, and the seafood is amongst the best in the world. Do not tell anybody that, it is one of those secrets to be consumed silently. You will just have to bite your tongue on that one, and you might have to, because sometimes the food is hot, hot, and hot! Just add the piri-piri. Fresh fish is a speciality, given that long coastline, and Portuguese flair is evident in many dishes.

Another unique destination is the Quirimbas Archipelago, which is a captivating chain of 32 coral islands, just off the coast of Northern Mozambique. This largely undeveloped jewel in the ocean is protected by the Quirimbas National Park and contains some of the richest coral reefs in the world. These islands are inhabited largely by birds, butterflies and tropical flowers, a real paradise.

Accommodation is of a very high standard befitting those who venture to this tropical paradise. Chalets and bungalows on the beach are the perfect scenario to ply one’s time when you are on the ocean’s edge, but the highest standards of service and cuisine are not forgotten. Activities are also not forgotten and there is plenty to do for those who like their diving, swimming, snorkelling, fishing, and other marine activities.

So for those of you thinking of making the trip to the World Cup in South Africa this summer, bear in mind that Mozambique is only a step away, and makes a unique and interesting add-on or a stand-off location. It may be an African step away, but a step away it is…..

Getting married is a life changing experience for most of us and something we hopefully enter into once in our lives. Naturally enough we want to crown the occasion with a honeymoon and holiday of a lifetime and one we will cherish for the rest of our lives.

These are high expectations indeed and ones that require extensive research and ground knowledge of the destinations. Our intentions are for everything to go according to plan with no surprises or unforeseen events. All we want is a blissfully happy time with our new partner, and yes the sun must shine everyday without fail.

With all the details required for the planning of your wedding, the honeymoon could and should be the easiest part. This is time to escape the madding crowd, forget the feelings and demands of family and friends and think exclusively of one another.

Some useful tips to consider include the following:

• Give some thought to destinations, where you would like to travel to? This may be dependent on a number of factors including time, budget and how you would like to spend your time on holiday.
• Do you wish to include some activities, sporting, cultural or historical?
• What level of luxury, accommodation and food do you wish to include?
• You may be undecided and want options based on certain criteria?

Once decided on a destination or itinerary, you expect the lowest possible price providing the best value. Price itself is always important, however lowest price is not necessarily the best value. In this trade-off, price comes clearly into focus when your expectations are not met. In depth advice and knowledge of the destinations is required to guarantee a seamless honeymoon. Unless you have been to the destination before, you need to rely on good advice and ground handling to guide through unknown factors in foreign countries, including but not limited to language, local regulations, inoculations and visas.

Hotels and transfers look appealing on the web, but is the information up to date are the transfers feasible. If we had local knowledge, would we have made a different decision?

In this once in a lifetime experience, should we leave anything to chance, or do we have the time or knowledge to research extensively?

At Carte Blanche we provide tailor made itineraries and exclusive style. We aim to identify your dreams and aspirations and present experiences that leave you inspired and enriched.

After a long working career, you have worked hard and created a nest egg for your retirement. You now have the time and resources to see the world. The children are long gone and provided for, with lives and families of their own. You may have always hankered over the desire to visit exotic destinations in Africa, India and Mexico.

In Africa to go on a safari, to visit the wild vastness of this magnificent continent or combine several countries in one trip. This could include some activities to learn about animal conservation combined with relaxation on an idyllic beach location.

In India you may have also wanted to visit the Palaces of Rajasthan or explore the backwaters of Kerela, or even a week of detox and rejuvenation in the foothills of the Himalayas.

In Mexico to visit remnants of the Aztec civilisation or relax and indulge yourselves on the Mayan Riveria.

You may want a time effective holiday an avoid extensive journeys or travelling times. Perhaps you wish to emerse yourself in a particular hobby?

When is the most advantageous time to travel, to secure the best out of season offers and avoid congestion. Are you looking for an out of the ordinary experience to add to the list of must do unique experiences? You are not used to leaving things to chance and can you be sure that overseas providers will deliver on their promises? You may not want to compromise on standards and would like the itinerary and schedule to be designed according to your wishes.

For an unique experience, should we leave anything to chance, or do we have the time or knowledge to research extensively?

At Carte Blanche we provide tailor made itineraries and exclusive style. We aim to identify your dreams and aspirations and present experiences that leave you inspired and enriched.