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WATER has been splashed between the
main gate and the doorstep of the Japanese inn, or
ryokan, a symbol of welcome in Japan. It informs me that
I am expected and everything has been made ready for my
arrival.
As I enter the ryokan my host bows
gracefully with a now familiar “irrashai masse” and
informs me that to acknowledge this welcome I should
remove my shoes and step into the corridor slippers that
are provided. The slippers are then to be removed again
as I enter my room to preserve the delicate surface of
the tatami mats. Slippers are everywhere as I will soon
discover; an additional pair to wear while in the
restroom and a pair of wooden geta wait on the stone
step outside, ready for me to clop around in as I
explore the courtyard and immaculate garden. CONTINUED |
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DID YOU KNOW? Read on as we spill some of the best-kept
secrets from our travel experts across the
globe. |
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ROOM WITH A VIEW
If you include a day at
the Lanna Cooking School at the Four Seasons Resort in
Chiang Mai, be sure to pay a visit to the bathroom – a
stone pathway leads you to a room with only 3 walls.
Your view is of incredible, fragrant flowers and lush
plant life as you stare out into the open surrounds
(completely private of course) – you’ll not want to
leave!. |
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COAST WITH THE MOST
For a heightened
experience, be sure to visit Queensland’s Q1 Tower
located on the Gold Coast. At 80 floors high – or 1,058
feet above the Earth, it is taller than both the Eiffel
Tower in Paris and the Chrysler Building in New York.
Take the elevator to levels 77 and 78 to sip on
chardonnay and soak up the views of Australia’s only
beachside Observation Deck. |
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DRINKS ON THE
ROOF
South Africa’s
awe-inspiring Sani Pass climbs the face of the
Drakensberg escarpment to an altitude of 9,429 feet and
into the "Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho". Savor the
‘liquid’ rewards at the top with a visit to the highest
pub in Southern Africa. Enjoy a cold beer and lunch on
the ‘Roof of Africa’ while savoring the breathtaking
views.
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See
below for travel advice and recommendations from agents
who have encountered their own Swain
Experience. |
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SUSAN
FETTERLY
Victoria Falls,
Zimbabwe
Premier Aussie
Specialist
Don’t Miss: “It is hard to imagine anything
quite as spectacular as Victoria Falls but I was
absolutely enchanted by the Victoria Falls Hotel. This
old, elegant and historic hotel is the perfect base from
which to take a Zambezi River Cruise to go hippo
spotting, and of course, take a tour of the Falls.
During the rainy season (Nov-Feb), sip a cocktail on the
terrace while watching the mist rise up from the
Falls.” |
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POLLY PYLE Photo Contest
Winner
Cradle Mountain,
Tasmania
Premier Aussie
Specialist
Don’t Miss: "If you
love scenic beauty, a more relaxed atmosphere, and
delicious seafood (especially oysters!), fresh produce,
cheese, chocolate, and wine as I do, this is the place
to savor it all! While at Cradle Mountain, I stayed in a
cabin with my own wood-stoked fireplace and a native
pademelon outside the window. Regardless of the weather,
I could have stayed here longer!" |
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if this is your first
edition of the Swain Experience – Welcome! You will
receive this newsletter every three months. If at any
time you would like to be taken off the list, please see
the bottom of this email for unsubscription
information.
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![]()
G'Day - With this being our first
newsletter for 2007, it is with much excitement that I
let you all know that it is Swain's 20th birthday. As my
birthday gift to you I am giving away $20,000 cash to
one lucky travel agent. All you need to do is make a
booking with Swain Tours between now and the end of May
and you are eligible (see details). This is by far the
largest prize we have ever given away and I am looking
forward to delivering a check for $20,000 to one of you
in early June! |
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Swain Tours has been
experienced in Group Travel since 1987 and has gained
the reputation as the leading travel company for
customized itineraries. We have the expertise to
customize itineraries for all realms of group travel,
from family to affinity and corporate clients. Our group
travel specialists will customize a unique trip for your
group, putting time and care into every itinerary. MORE
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