YIPENG LOI KRATHONG &
THE NORTHERN LANTERN FESTIVAL
As the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (usually in mid-November) lights up the night sky, throughout the Thai kingdom, hundreds of thousands of ornately-decorated krathong or traditional banana leaf floats are set adrift in rivers and waterways in a spell-binding ritual called Loi Krathong - the 'festival of lights'. This is one of the Kingdom's oldest and best-preserved traditions.
The Loi Krathong tradition we know of today has evolved from the royal rituals of the early Rattanakosin period in which several types of lanterns were set afloat in the Chao Phraya River and its waterways. The practice was subsequently adopted and adapted by common folk.
Krathong floats are made from basic materials easily found around the village and reflect the simplicity of life beyond the palace walls. They typically take the shape of lotus in full bloom, swans, chedis (stupas), and Mount Meru from Buddhist mythology. However krathong floats in the shape of lotus blossoms are most popular.
Click here and read more about Thailand and our Southeast Asia Discovery.
2012 EXOTIC EUROPE JOURNEYS ARE HERE!
Europe is in the air at Cox & Kings, with the launch of our 2012 European journeys. Combining the best of this years most popular trips, along with newly planned journeys for the upcoming year, 2012 is the time to explore Europe!
With unique, imaginative programs to many exotic European destinations such as Iceland, Russia and Estonia - and luxury group tours to Croatia, Scandinavia and Turkey, the time is now to secure these incredible journeys. With the destination experts that have over 250 years experience, Cox & Kings allows you to reap the benefits of our in-depth local knowledge and exclusive opportunities.
Start planning your 2012 Exotic European journey today!
Contact your travel professional or Thor Forsberg at: thor.forsberg@coxandkingsusa.com.
Featuring both the oldest and largest private game reserves in South Africa, this journey truly encompasses the most intimate view into the big cat predators of this diverse country.
You will have a chance to see not only the big cats, but also the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, elephant) as well as a plethora of common plains game, such as giraffe and zebra, unique nocturnal species like the aardvark and aardwolf, and an habituated meerkat colony at Tswalu.
Click here to learn more about this exciting journey.
COX & KINGS MAILBAG
Thanks for letting us know how we're doing!
Hi Megan,
We made it to Cape Town and are staying at an amazing place about an hour outside of town, on the ocean in a little fishing village, Kommetje in an "intimate hotel" called The Long Beach. There are only 6 huge rooms, we are the only guests now.
Our rooms are awesome. Huge! One wall is all windows that looks out over the ocean and opens to a garden patio with a swimming pool. Our bathroom is to die for! Huge. The open shower will hold about 10 people and we have a soaking tub with the best assortment of bath products you can imagine - bath milks, salts, oils, bubbles. Crista and I are in heaven. There is a decanter of sherry in each room and the best candy! It is like my mom's homemade divinity! We are in love with this place. Thank you! You really know what we like!
Jenny
We love hearing from you! Please write us at: tours@coxandkingsusa.com.
NEW EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: NANCY CIPRA
Born in Denver, Nancy Cipra has a BA in Anthropology and a passion for travel. She took her first trip to China on a cruise in 1985. She loved it so much, that she returned the very next year for a month long land tour. Unable to shake the travel bug within herself, Nancy has traveled to over 90 countries worldwide. From working on cruise ships to developing private land tours, traveling has always allowed Nancy to reconnect with herself and make it her life-long career. Nancy is proud to be your Asia Specialist at Cox & Kings, The Americas.
Contact Nancy Cipra at: nancy.cipra@coxandkingsusa.com.
Places Lived: Denver, Miami, Seattle, Los Angeles and cruise ships
Favorite Travel Spot: Vietnam and Burma
Best Vacation: Two-weeks in Rome and Poisitano with my family
Favorite Drink/Food: Chicken curry (spicy!) with jasmine rice and a Tiger beer
Always wanted to try: Hang gliding
If I were stuck on an island, I would bring (3 things): Diet Dr. Pepper, lots of books, my camera
From the lavish hospitality of princely India, to the opulence of the Mughal empire, the colonial legacy of the British Raj, and the vibrant life of modern India, this journey takes you through Indian history.
Discover the splendors of north India as she reveals her wonders and secrets. Travel across a landscape fed by the sacred Ganges, laden with sumptuous palaces, dotted with ancient temples, guarded by massive forts, and graced with the unparalleled magnificence of the Taj Mahal.
Click here to learn more about this exciting journey.
