Visit us on FacebookFiled under: Adventure | Tags: Exotic Travel, Japan, Japanese Bath, Karina Khechoyan
By Karina Khechoyan
300 Year Old Garden and Local Temple in Kanazawa
As part of our trip, we spent a couple of days in Kanazawa, a small picturesque town one hour away from Tokyo by small plane. The Japanese call Kanazawa “Little Kyoto” because of its beautiful 300 year old garden, the samurai castle in the center of town, geisha district, many restaurants, art shops and numerous shrines. During my time there, I saw a tea ceremony, drank sake, and even experienced beautiful geishas entertaining dinner guests.
Karina in her Kimono and the Geishas
I stayed in a wonderful Ryokan (small country inn) in the mountains, an easy one hour bus trip from Kanazawa. Upon entering the Ryokan, you must remove your shoes and they will disappear until it’s time for you to leave. Kimonos are provided in every room, as well as little socks and slippers to replace your everyday footwear.
In the morning, everyone put on their kimonos for the walk to the hot springs bath (which is what the region is famous for) and undressed completely to get into the same-sex bath. The Japanese tradition requires you to be in the bath sans bathing suit to preserve the purity of the bath water. It was like nothing else I have ever experience and was absolutely amazing. After emerging from the long bath, your skin will feel as smooth as silk. A typical Japanese breakfast followed after and it consists of seafood, raw or cooked.
Japanese Outdoor Bath
Regardless of how expensive the Ryokan of your choice might be, you will find that the bedrooms have very little furniture. Each room has a small table with pillows on the floor for sitting and at nightfall, the table will then be replaced with a very comfortable mattress on the floor, in the middle of the room.
Staying in a Ryokan allowed me to experience how the local people live, how they eat, and how they sleep. Contributing to the magic of the trip, spending a few nights at a Ryokan is like escaping the 21st century, sending you back hundreds of years to a time of peace and tranquility.
Japan is an amazing destination filled with rich traditions and customs, beautiful art, spectacular scenery, and unforgettable dining experiences .The most special thing about Japan is the hospitality of its people, it is truly a unique and very warm experience.
Karina Khechoyan is a Mexico Specialist and a destination expert on Japan, Italy, France, and South America. To book travel with Karina, please email her at kkhechoyan@lindentravel.com or visit our website for additional information about Linden Travel, www.lindentravel.com.
Filed under: What's New | Tags: 30 Under 30, cory orchin, Honeymoon Expert, Travel Agent
by Erina Pindar
If you look at some of the most prominent agencies in United States, you’ll notice one obvious blooming trend of young blood infusing through the world of travel consultancy. Out of hundreds of eager young travel consultants, Travel Agent magazine have chosen 30 trail-blazers as the future industry leaders. Linden Travel’s Cory Orchin is one of them. Our congratulation to Cory and the rest of the talented young consultants!
Cory Orchin
Cory Orchin, 25
Linden Travel, New York City
Orchin began her career in the travel industry by working at a well-known hotel after studying hospitality management in Florida. She then decided to shift direction and started working for a New York travel agency. She joined Linden Travel as a Honeymoon Specialist, and her client base has been steadily growing. “I love planning honeymoon travel because it offers a newlywed couple their first moments of privacy together,” she says. “It is an honor when a couple invites you to turn those moments into a trip that’s incredibly intimate and deeply personal.”
Barbara Gallay, president of Linden Travel, calls Orchin’s enthusiasm for travel “infectious,” and says that “her positive energy was evident right away…One reason Cory’s clients love to do business with her is her ability to offer special tips and advice as she creates their trip. Cory understood very early on in her career how much the ‘little things’ matter in developing memorable itineraries.”
Cory Orchin is a Honeymoon Expert and a destination expert on Tahiti, China, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. To book travel with Cory, please email her at corchin@lindentravel.com or visit our website for additional information about Linden Travel, www.lindentravel.com.
by Erina Pindar, Linden Travel
The Peninsula, New York
Now that the sunny Hamptons season is far behind us and the temperature drops down steadily week after week, the only option for relaxing by the pool for most Manhattan-ites is an indoor pool.
Fortunately for us, the Peninsula New York just recently unveiled its newly renovated Fitness Center and Pool. Located on the 22nd floor, the serene glass-enclosed pool boasts a sleek décor featuring teak columns, black parquet tile floor, and a stun-ning city view. The main advantage of this very posh, very new addition is of course the glass surrounding the pool, as it allows the warm sunlight in while eliminating the chilly autumn breeze. A wraparound sun terrace one level below is still in the construction process, however, it promises to be a significant part of the SPA once it opens its doors in December 2008.
A selection of healthy dining is available poolside from the hotel’s signature Naturally Peninsula menu; A dining experience that is exclusive to the property and one of the main elements to the Peninsula Wellness Programme. Naturally Peninsula was designed to invoke and involve all five of your senses, all while providing you with healthy food prepared with fresh ingredients.
Along with the pool, the bright and airy Fitness Center offers the latest in cardiovascular and strength training equipment, as well as a sun-lit yoga studio. Located across the hallway from pool area, the fitness center oozes effortless elegance with its state-of-the-art equipments, bamboo floors, and teak accents. Personal trainers are also available for those who prefers to exercise in private.
Oh, and the best kept secret? You don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy the pool and fitness center, a limited amount of memberships are available for purchase — if you know the right person to ask.
For more information on the Peninsula New York, please email us at request@lindentravel.com or visit our website at www.lindentravel.com.
