Greetings friends, clients, and global travelers, and Happy November to all of you!
Now that Halloween and the elections are behind us, the Lynch Family (Bev, Zen and I) is preparing a quick whirlwind trip to Southeast Asia, traveling late December. Also, we are very much looking forward to our February 9-day Egypt private tour as well as travels to Asia & Europe in the summer. We just started reading noted author Stacy Schiff’s newly-released biography of Cleopatra – feedback forthcoming!
We are truly grateful for the vast spectrum of noteworthy clients we serve, from the world of finance, entertainment, technology, science, law, et. al. Many thanks for giving us the opportunity to serve you!
Please enjoy reading our November luxury travel updates, including our 2011 private luxury tour picks and, of course, Zen’s Journal!
Safe Travels!
Randy, Beverly & Zen Lynch
rlynch@kiplingandclark.com
Our 2011 Private luxury tour picks – Part I
As noted in previous correspondence, we really love all of our nice things, but none compare to the amazing travels we experience throughout the year – memories truly do last forever! In terms of raising our children, our clients and we agree that education and travel are critical assets in this newly competitive, global world.
We have prepared a short list of our favorite 2011 private luxury tours. These itineraries include travels to Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Either our family (the Lynch’s) or our clients have traveled on these itineraries during the past year. We will introduce 4 private tours in this edition, with the balance introduced in our Dec/Jan newsletter.
Japan/8 days
For those with time constraints this 8 day private tour is short & so compelling! We freely admit Japan is perhaps our favorite place on the planet with its unique Shinto-Buddhist centered culture, the technology, the meticulously clean environment and Japan’s amazing wabi-sabi aesthetics.
China/17 days
Bev, Zen, her cousin Sofia, and I loved this wide-ranging kaleidoscope of China. Traveling over a 17 day period (with private guide & driver), you see all of China’s contrasts – spectacular Hong Kong, the Tibetan minorities of Yunnan, a private panda session in Chengdu, the romantic landscapes of Guilin and, of course, Beijing and Shanghai.
Egypt/9 days
We cannot imagine a 9 day private tour with so much rich history and awe-inspiring monuments. Four nights in Cairo and four nights plying the Nile River onboard the luxurious Sun Boat IV. Having your own private Egyptologist is a critical plus!
South Africa/9 days
Picturesque Capetown, the buccolic winelands region, and ending your private tour at the secluded (and luxurious!) Londolozi Pioneer Suites Game Lodge.
Part II – Italy-France – Southeast Asia – New Zealand coming in next issue.
Hello global kid travelers!
Halloween
This might be my most fun day of the year! Dress-up + candy – what is there not to like? This year I dressed up as a geisha – it was easy except for that tight wig! I actually dressed as a maiko, a young apprentice geisha (geiko in training). Geisha is the term used in Tokyo, but geiko and maiko is what geisha are called in Kyoto (my favorite place in Japan!).
Paris via Japan?
Ok, my Asia-obsessed Dad finally gave in to Mom and I for travel to Paris next summer – girls rule!! But there is always a catch with my Dad. He has asked if Mom and I “do not mind stopping in Japan and Southeast Asia on the way to Paris.” Sure sounds like another Round-the-World trip to me!
Planes landing at ORD over Full Moon Lake Michigan – WOW!!
My family and I live on the 27th floor on the Chicago lakefront. About five days before Halloween, on a Full Moon night, my Mom, Dad and I saw an awesome sight – we counted over a dozen planes headed toward O’Hare Airport flying over Lake Michigan in a clear straight path. It was so cool to see these bright lights flying over the lake and crossing the cloudless, Full Moon - so beautiful and so unreal!
Attn: Toni Xu in SFO – Our Egyptologist (female!) is now confirmed for our February Nile River Cruise – Hooray!!
Pennies for Peace really works!
Our school (Francis W. Parker) just had a Morning EX (assembly) with a presentation by people from Pennies for Peace. Pennies for Peace began at one school in Wisconsin but now thousands of schools participate! Gamini and Marta's (TravNET) kids, Haley, Gavin, Evan, and Zoe, also participate. They help children in Pakistan and Afghanistan get a good education and build schools. It is so sad to see so many kids without a good education and a good diet. Every penny counts! Please look at their link and give if you can. http://www.penniesforpeace.org/
Thank you + Happy travels to all!
Zen Lynch
P.S. If you need to reach me by e-mail you may send to my Dad – rlynch@kiplingandclark.com
Japan’s Luxury Onsen Ryokans/Resorts
According to our favorite Japan art’s publication, Kateigaho, Japan is a “hot-spring archipelago.” No doubt the Japanese have turned bathing in “onsen” (hot springs) into a tradition and art form. The many high touch onsen ryokans/resorts throughout Japan successfully integrate relaxation/therapy, luxury hospitality and wonderful local cuisine – “onsen” travel is always a big part of our annual Japan sojourns. Take a look at the amazing Chikusenso in Miyagi, http://www.mtzaoresort.com/en
International Business to First Class Up-grades
For your benefit and comfort, please contact Gamini (gamini@travnet.net) or Marta (marta@travnet.net) about our international Business to First Class up-grade opportunities.
Coming up in our December Newsletter: more 2011 private tour picks, Narita - downtown Tokyo helicopter service, our thoughts on wabi sabi, and Tony D'Orio's amazing images of Italy!
Farewell and safe travels!
