Want To Bathe With Snow Monkey In Japan?

So, a man and a monkey are in a hot tub . . .

That’s usually the start of some bad joke. Unless you are in the Japanese village of Jigokudani.

It is there, outside of Nagano in the Japanese Alps, where travelers can stay at the Korakukan Inn, a wonderful little Japanese-style hostel. The inn has a rotemburo (outdoor hot springs) that is for guests only. Though, apparently, no one has informed the local primate population of this policy. Stay at the Korakukan, go for an early morning bath in the winter months, and you may well be sharing the tub with a monkey.

At least the monkeys at Karakukan’s hot spring leave room for you. Further up from the inn is the Jigokudani Monkey Park. In the winter, the hot springs there are completely packed with monkeys looking to keep warm. It is a spectacle to behold. The monkeys wash themselves, kick back with their arms resting on the hot spring’s rim, and generally carry on like humans would—we half expected one of the monkeys to pull out the sports section from a newspaper and start reading.

Monkeys bath year round but are especially prevalent (and photogenic) in the winter months when the hot springs are essential for the monkeys to keep warm. The monkeys are used to humans and won’t bite. But they will make off with any belongings you leave unattended. So hold on to your stuff to prevent, you know, any monkey business.

Getting There: Nagano is well served by train. From the Nagano Dentetsu Yudanaka Station there’s a bus to the entrance to the Jigokudani Monkey Park.

Where To Stay: The Korakukan offers the only accommodations in town. But you’d probably want to stay at this rustic minshuku (family-run Japanese-style house) even if there were other options. It serves superb food and is a great value at around ¥10,000 (about US$110, €85) per night including meals. Pack light. The only way to the Korakukan is by way of a 2 km (1.25 mile) walking path.

First in the Caribbean: All-Inclusive Over Water Bungalows

For many years, Bora Bora has been the cream of the crop when it comes to overwater accommodation. The ultra-luxurious, private bungalows located just offshore of the tropical beach side resort should be one of the "must do" experiences on your travelers bucket list.
 
That is until Sandals Resort Royal Caribbean in Jamaica opens its doors in November 2016. The dream of making this a lifetime experience a reality is getting closer.

 

  

Sandals Resort Royal Caribbean in Jamaica makes the entire experience more affordable without losing the privacy and luxury. Being the first of its kind in the Caribbean, the new resort will bring the overwater bungalow experience closer to home and allow more travelers to wake up surrounded by the ocean beauty. Now let's get into the details.

Where Is It

Surrounded by turquoise water and white sandy beaches, Jamaica is the ideal Caribbean location. Calling the cruise ship port of Montego Bay home,  the resort is perfectly located away from the capital of Kingston and close to popular beaches such as Doctor’s Cave Beach and Walter Fletcher Beach, as well as an amusement park for kids - that is if you decide to leave the amazing resort at all.

How To Get There

Most major, international airlines fly directly from JFK International Airport in New York to Sangster International Airport in Jamaica in under four hours. Once you arrive at the airport you will be met by a member of the Sandals Resort Royal Caribbean team who will direct you to a deduced welcome desk. From there you will take a free, 15 minute airport transfer directly to paradise.

The Suites

 

Here’s the part that I’m most excited to experience: the luxury, elegant suites. Reminiscent of a Tahitian–style bungalow, these over–the–water suites are intimate and give you a true connection to the Caribbean Sea. Taking full advantage of the beauty of the Caribbean and accessibility straight from your suite, each bungalow comes with a floating water hammock, private infinity pool and twin outdoor shower. 

Bringing the outdoor inside, each suite has a glass floor so you can see the Caribbean’s amazing marine life. With a king size bed, bath tub overlooking the ocean and plenty of space, you’ll never want to leave. Making your stay even more incredible is the 24-hour on call butler who is ready waiting to take care of your every need.

All Inclusive Policy

Unlike most resorts on the island of Jamaica, Sandals Resort Royal Caribbean is an all-inclusive resort. With onsite restaurants serving  fine dining French, relaxed American and contemporary Caribbean dining options, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to meal times. What’s more, you can eat or drink at the other two Sandals resorts nearby in Montego Bay all-inclusive in the cost of your stay. Unlimited premium drinks are served 24/7 throughout the whole resort and include tropical cocktails, mixed drinks, whiskey and rums.

 

Sandals Resort Royal Caribbean’s all-inclusive policy goes beyond just meals and also includes various onsite activities. Activities and equipment available to guests includes paddle boards, snorkelling or kayaks! You can take unlimited SCUBA dives (beginners course are extra), and after the sun goes down there is nightly entertainment, themed parties and live music.

 

If visiting the over-the-water bungalows of Bora Bora has always been on your bucket list, but way beyond your budget, then the Sandals Resort Royal Caribbean in Jamaica is an excellent alternative with cheaper airfare and amazing suites. Be sure to book soon as we can guarantee you that these suites will be a hot commodity once they officially open in November 2016. Bookings are now open on Sandals official website. Enjoy! 

 

 

Mie Prefecture, Japan

Intriguing developments are under way in Mie Prefecture, a four-hour ride from Tokyo on the bullet train, which until now had mostly lured domestic travelers. The area’s draws: the Ise-Shima National Park, on the coastline; the pearl-producing oysters; the richly marbled Matsusaka beef; and sacred, ᴜɴᴇsᴄᴏ-protected Shinto pilgrimage sites. In 2016, world leaders will converge in the city of Shima for the G7 summit. Leisure travelers should head to Amanemu, a plush reinterpretation of a classic ryokan opening in the first quarter. Expect an understated, utterly Zen aesthetic and a focus on wellness. All 24 suites and four villas in the intimate property come equipped with private onsen—rejuvenating pools filled with mineral-rich waters from the region’s hot springs. Soak in the serenity before the secret gets out. —Diana Hubbell

Happy Mother's Day

In our home, we honor those that come before us. We had dinner for my grandmother and her sister and even got a cake.

Please never forget to appreciate your elders. Let them share their stories and their wisdom with you.

I will miss my grandmother when she is gone. I often joke to her that I will put her head on a robot so I can keep her with me forever...but she doesn't like the idea lol.


Check out these helpful sites for gift ideas:

Mother's Day
http://www.target.com/c/mother-s-day-holiday/-/N-56f8a#?lnk=ct_menu_10_17&intc=1865097|null

https://www.pinterest.com/thatscaring/mothers-day-gift-ideas/

Tuesday Nights at Bembe (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)

Every Tuesday, Bembe is jam packed for reggae and soca night. FREE admission.

                                                    

I always have a great time and here are my top reasons why:

1. My favorite bartender, AnnaLynn, who is always happy to see me and provides the best service.

2. The rum punch is amazing. Also, there is a watermelon infused with liquor next to the rum punch on the bar that is worth a try as well.

3. The music keeps me dancing all night, definitely counts as a cardio workout by the end of the night.

4. The crowd is very diverse. I have met great people from France, Turkey and Israel to name a few places. And there are never any fights or drama, everyone gets along and is mature.

As with all things, we must take the pros with the cons. Here are a few things to be mindful of when going to Bembe on Tuesday:

1. Go early, so you can find a parking space not too far and you can avoid the possible line that starts to pile up after midnight.

2. The place is cash only, so don't forget to stop at the ATM, so you don't have to pay a fee to use the one outside of the bar.

3. There are usually only two bartenders working for the night, so be patient.

4. They do burn incense inside, which burns my eyes a little bit. Hopefully, that won't be a problem for any of you.

5. Gentlemen, it is free for all ladies and couples only. This means if you just go out with the fellas, please make friends with a few girls outside and ask to walk in with them (I've seen this work, especially if you are ahead of the ladies on line) or you will have to pay a $20 cover.


Hope this post helps if you are ever wondering where to go and have a good time on a Tuesday night in Brooklyn. It is also a big hit for visitors who are interested in checking out a reggae spot while in town.