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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | International Hospitality Group appoints new CEO and president

Marriott International appoints new CEO and president

Marriott International’s (NASDAQ: MAR) Board of Directors announced today that Anthony “Tony” Capuano has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and has joined the company’s Board of Directors and Stephanie Linnartz has been appointed President. Mr. Capuano’s and Ms. Linnartz’s appointments follow the unexpected passing of Marriott President and CEO Arne Sorenson on February 15, 2021.

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MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL APPOINTS ANTHONY CAPUANO AS NEW CEO

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Marriott International appoints new CEO and president

Prior to this appointment, Mr. Capuano, 55, was Group President, Global Development, Design and Operations Services. In this role, he was responsible for leading global development and design efforts and overseeing the company’s Global Operations discipline. During Mr. Capuano’s tenure leading global development, the company grew its footprint from just over 3,200 properties in early 2009 to over 7,600 properties by year-end 2020. In addition, Mr. Capuano has overseen the tremendous growth and globalization of Marriott’s development pipeline to 498,000 rooms as of December 31, 2020, with more than half of the pipeline representing projects outside of the U.S. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Capuano has led Marriott’s work on its Commitment to Clean initiative, which was designed to enhance Marriott’s already substantial cleaning protocols to provide additional peace of mind for travellers.

Mr. Capuano began his Marriott career in 1995 as part of the Market Planning and Feasibility team. Between 1997 and 2005, he led Marriott’s full-service development efforts in the Western U.S. & Canada. From 2005 to 2008, Mr. Capuano served as Senior Vice President of full-service development for North America. In 2008, his responsibilities expanded to include all of U.S. & Canada and the Caribbean and Latin America, and he became Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer in 2009. Mr. Capuano began his professional career in Laventhol and Horwath’s Boston-based Leisure Time Advisory Group. He then joined Kenneth Leventhal and Company’s hospitality consulting group in Los Angeles. Mr. Capuano earned his bachelor’s degree in Hotel Administration from Cornell University. He is an active member of the Cornell Hotel Society and a member of The Cornell School of Hotel Administration Dean’s Advisory Board. Mr. Capuano is also a member of the American Hotel and Lodging Association’s Industry Real Estate Financial Advisory Council.

STEPHANIE LINNARTZ TAKES ON MARRIOTT PRESIDENT ROLE

As President, Ms. Linnartz will be responsible for developing and executing all aspects of the company’s global consumer strategy, including brand, marketing, sales, revenue management, customer engagement, digital, information technology, emerging businesses and loyalty strategies. In addition, Ms. Linnartz will oversee Marriott’s global development organization, which is responsible for the strategic growth of the company’s 30 lodging brands, as well as the global design and operations services functions. Ms. Linnartz will also spearhead the company’s progress on issues including the intersection of technology and hospitality, the continued growth of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty platform, the excellence of our brand portfolio, and environmental sustainability.

Prior to this appointment, Ms. Linnartz, 52, was Group President, Consumer Operations, Technology and Emerging Businesses, where she was responsible for brand, marketing, sales, revenue management, customer engagement, digital, information technology, emerging businesses and loyalty strategies. Ms. Linnartz played a pivotal role during Marriott’s acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, overseeing the integration of business-critical systems including reservations, property management, revenue management and loyalty. In 2019, under her leadership, the company combined the Marriott and Starwood loyalty programs to create the world’s largest hospitality loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, which currently has more than 147 million global members.

Ms. Linnartz, who began her Marriott career in 1997, served as Global Chief Commercial Officer from 2013 to 2019; Global Officer, Sales and Revenue Management from 2009 to 2013; Senior Vice President, Global Sales from 2008 to 2009; Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing Planning and Support from 2005 to 2008; and prior to that, various roles in Marriott’s Finance and Business Development Department. She currently serves on the board of directors of The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from the College of the Holy Cross, where she is a member of the Board of Trustees, and earned her Master of Business Administration from the College of William and Mary.

Wanderlust Tips

What is in a traditional English breakfast?

With traditional cooking methods and distinct flavours, English breakfasts are more and more popular on menus in hotels and restaurants. Here are the staple ingredients that you will encounter in a full English breakfast.

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SAUSAGES – MUST-HAVE FOOD IN A TRADITIONAL ENGLISH BREAKFAST

Wanderlust Tips Travel Magazine | What is in a traditional English breakfast?

When it comes to a full English breakfast, English pork sausages are always a must which is historically and famously made in Cumberland, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, amongst other counties. Commonly called bangers during World War Two, the quintessential English sausages had a habit of bursting open while cooking. There are many different variations of the English sausages, for instance, Lincolnshire sausages seasoned with sage, Oxford sausages mixed with veal and Glamorgan sausage from Wales, a vegetarian combination of breadcrumbs, leeks and cheese.

BACK BACON

A traditional English breakfast just is not the same without traditional British back bacon. British back bacon is a combination of both pork belly and pork loin in one cut. A slice of back bacon often includes belly and loin in one beautiful piece of meat to create an unforgettable bacon-eating experience. Back bacon usually tends to be thicker and rounder in shape, making it one of the best-loved national foods in the world.

EGGS AND CRISPY TOAST

Aside from being eaten in many regions across the world as a breakfast or fast food, eggs and crispy toast are a famous couple of classic English breakfast ingredients. Instead of frying the eggs sunny-side-up, some restaurants serve breakfast eggs scrambled or poached. If you are making your breakfast at home, be sure to fry the bread after the bacon and sausage so that the bread soaks up the delicious grease leftover from the meat.

MUSHROOMS AND TOMATOES MAKE A TRUE ENGLISH BREAKFAST

A full English breakfast would not be complete without mushrooms and tomatoes. A whole tomato cut in half will be seasoned with salt and peppers and then cooked until it becomes tender and crispy around the edges. The sweetness and acidity in the tomatoes nicely balances out the fatness on the other side of the plate. Furthermore, an eclectic mix of mushrooms fried in butter will make your plate look like an stunningly flavourful forest.

BEANS

A true English breakfast often calls for canned baked beans. However, there is debate amongst connoisseurs of English cuisine over whether baked beans include on the list of must-have traditional breakfast ingredients or not because they are a soggy, mushy and wet mess. If you do choose to include them, it is better than serving them in a small ramekin on the side, so they do not spread across the plate.

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Amsterdam in the Netherlands will move red light district outside the city centre

With the aim of resetting tourist attractions in Amsterdam and cleaning up its reputation for when tourists return after the coronavirus pandemic, the city’s infamous brothel windows will be shut down and a new red light area set up away from the city center.

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Wanderlust Tips Travel Magazine | Amsterdam in the Netherlands will move red light district outside the city centre

When red light tours were banned from De Wallen district last April in order to ease the pressure from tourism in Amsterdam in the Netherlands, the city officials are currently taking a series of steps further with a plan to close the brothel windows and set up an ‘erotic centre’ outside of the central district. Sex workers in their glass-fronted booths will be invited to ‘resettle’ to a new ‘erotic centre’ elsewhere in the Dutch capital of Amsterdam, the location of which is yet to be determined.

Under the proposed idea, a lobby group known as Red Light United claimed that 90% of female sex workers surveyed wanted to continue working in their current location. Foxxy – a sex worker revealed that relocating workers was ‘not an option as the customers will not know where to find the sex workers. Femke Halsema, Amsterdam’s first female mayor, explained that the regulation aims to combat the “rise in human trafficking by providing a safe environment in which sex workers can run their businesses”. She also expressed concern about the parade of ‘gawping tourists’, mainly groups of young men who roam the De Wallen in Amsterdam at weekends, on pub crawls or to celebrate stag parties drawn by easy access to drugs and prostitution.

What’s more, Halsema limits Amsterdam’s famous coffee shops to residents only. Amsterdam, famed for its picturesque canals, Anne Frank museum, and Vincent Van Gogh art collection, is dealing with the huge influx of tourism. It is estimated that over 19 million tourists visited Amsterdam in 2018 – more than the entire population of the Netherlands (850.000 people). Therefore, Amsterdam’s council raises tourist tax on rooms this year, restricts renting out Airbnbs, and bans to open new tourist-centric shops in the city.

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The most fascinating caves you should explore in Laos

With its magnificent waterfalls, tranquil temples and mystifying caves bursting with cultural and historical significance, Laos is one of the most fascinating destinations in Asia. If you are a cave enthusiast, these should all be at the top of your travel bucket list.

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PAK OU CAVES, LUANG PRABANG, LAOS

Wanderlust Tips Travel Magazine | The most fascinating caves you should explore in Laos

Embedded into riverside limestone cliffs and dating back thousands of years, the caves of Pak Ou are known as the soul of the Mekong River – the longest river in Southeast Asia and home to a staggering collection of over 4,000 Buddha statues. Take a boat down the Mekong to reach the Pak Ou Caves, located 15 miles north of Luang Prabang in Laos. There are two main caves, called Tham Ting and Tham Thung. After a walk along with the first one of Tham Ting, you will continue to follow a steep stone staircase up a cliff to the second cave which is smaller than the first and similarly filled with Buddha statues. If you want to seek a bit of solitude and enjoy the caves’ spiritual ambience in Laos, a beautiful afternoon will be the best time for your discovery.

KONGLOR CAVE, KHAMMOUANE PROVINCE

A vast passageway tunnelled through a limestone mountain by the Hinboun River, Konglor Cave is regarded as one of Laos’s natural treasures located in Phu Hin Bun National Park, Khammouane Province. A tour of this dramatic 7.5-kilometre natural wonder will allow you to experience a thrilling, high-speed boat ride through the pitch-black whilst marvelling at the cave’s stunning formations up close. Make sure you have a headlamp and life jacket. Deep inside the cave, there is a glowing pool which locals believe is sacred since it reflects the skin colour of one Hindu God, Indra. The best time for you to visit Konglor Cave in Laos during the dry season, from November to April.

THAM NAM, THE WATER CAVE

Famed for outdoor adventure and natural beauty, Vang Vieng boat karst formations packed with visitor-friendly caves. Located four miles north of town and measuring a length of around 500 metres, Tham Nam or the Water Cave is the perfect place to cool off on a scorching hot day. For an ultimate cave experience in Laos, you ought to rent an inner tube, headlamp and a dry bag for your valuables at the entrance and then make your way into the pool at the mouth of the cave. Make sure to arrive early to avoid crowds and wear footwear as you will have to wade through the water to get your tube over the shallow patches. The best time to visit is at the beginning or end of the dry season when the water level in the cave is ideal.

VIENG XAI CAVES, HOUAPHANH PROVINCE, LAOS

Located in Houaphanh Province, Laos, Vieng Xai caves are known as the ‘Hidden City’ that embraces fascinating history and distinct culture of the land of a million elephants. The sprawling subterranean complex includes underground military barracks and the Pathet Lao headquarters, as well as a school, hospital, radio station and a theatre. There are nearly 500 limestone caves in Vieng Xai, but only seven are open to the public. In the 1960s, these caves provided protection from the live ammunition dropped over Laos during the Vietnam War bombing campaign. Travel throughout northern Laos is pretty difficult and dangerous during the rainy season, so the best time to visit Vieng Xai is between November and April.

PIU CAVE, XIENG KHOUANG PROVINCE

Situated in northern Xieng Khouang Province in Laos, one of the most heavily bombed places in the world, Piu Cave stands as a solemn memorial to the the 374 innocent villages that were killed by a single US missile attack in 1968 as they they sought shelter. There is a small museum that gives visitors a sobering glimpse of the aftermath of the missile strike and a memorial shrine at the base of the trail up to Piu Cave. If you plan a trip to Piu Cave, make sure to avoid the rainy season from May to October. Piu Cave is especially teeming with visitors on 24^th November, the anniversary of the missile strike.

Wanderlust Tips

The most amazing train journeys in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is rich with amazing train journeys that pass striking natural views and stop at incredible cities and historical sites. If you are a lover of travel by a locomotive, make sure to check out the best of Sri Lanka’s scenic train routes.

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HEAD UP TO KANDY FROM COLOMBO IN SRI LANKA

Wanderlust Tips Travel Magazine | The most amazing train journeys in Sri Lanka

For soaking up the scenic grandeur of Sri Lanka’s spiritual capital, nothing compares with the three-hour train journey from Colombo to Kandy that features on almost every Sri Lankan itinerary. As the first major route established by the newly formed Ceylon Government Railway in the 1860s, this awe-inspiring line will whisk you away from the big city sprawl to the genteel greenery of Kandy, home to the legendary Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Enjoy sensational views of rolling hills, paddy fields, lush stands of tropical forests and miniature villages. You will also feel the air cool as you leave the coastal plain for the more pleasant climate of the forested hills.

RIDE THE MAIN LINE TO BADULLA

Built as a conduit for Sri Lanka’s most famous tea export, the British-era Main Line serves as the perfect introduction to Sri Lankan train travel. The astonishing journey from Kandy to Badulla takes seven to eight hours and covers the spectrum of natural splendour in Sri Lanka such as curling plantations, valleys and ravines. Rattling across the final stage from Ella to Badulla is perhaps the most dramatic highlight of the trip, which wends its way through the spectacular structures of 19th-century engineering and then curves over the brick-and-stone Nine Arch Bridge before tackling the Demodara Loop, where the line circles a hilltop and passes back under itself.

BREATHE IN THE FRESH SEA AIR ON THE COAST LINE TO GALLE

Relax behind panoramic windows and soak up the spectacular Indian Ocean on the ride south from Colombo to the Portuguese-founded city of Galle. The rail line snakes through the shore just south of Galle Face Green, a large urban park on the outskirts of the capital. If the lure of the big blue gets too much, you can hop off the train at beachside towns including Moragalla via Hettimulla station with snorkelling opportunities amidst coral reefs or Hikkaduwa, where surfers ride the swells and sip smoothies in beachfront cafes. Along the way to Galle in Sri Lanka, you can also grab some buttered sweetcorn, sliced fruit and take in the bucolic scenes of coastal life in Sri Lanka.

AN AMAZING JOURNEY ON THE NORTHERN LINE IN SRI LANKA

When it comes to trail travel in Sri Lanka, the Northern Line is high up on the bucket list. The three-and-a-half-hour ride from the ancient Buddhist city of Anuradhapura to Jaffna offers a window onto a different Sri Lanka. You will marvel at the gleaming white stupas and multi-hued temples that start to color the countryside as you steam into Sri Lanka’s Hindu north. The landscape flattens out and patches of water appear as the train crosses Elephant Pass – the heavily militarised bottleneck guarding the entrance to the vibrant Hindu city of Jaffna. The best scenes of Sri Lanka’s most unspoiled islands, gentle beaches, and towering palms will bring joy and happiness to your heart.

Wanderlust Tips

Reconnect with nature at 7 magical forest resorts

If you want to leave your buzzing phones behind and connect with nature, staying in a forest or jungle is a very different experience. Here are the best forest resorts around the world, where you can marvel at the beautiful and wild backdrop whilst enjoying the ultimate escape vacation.

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PACUARE LODGE, LIMÓN – COSTA RICA’S MOST INTIMATE NATURE EXPERIENCE

Situated on the banks of the Pacuare River – one of the world’s most scenic, whitewater wonders, the Pacuare Lodge in Costa Rica is a once-in-a-lifetime rainforest experience for adventure-seeking travellers. With vibrant nature, all of the luxury suites, villas and bungalows were constructed with minimal impact on the environment. The centrepiece of the lodge is the two-story Nairi Awari restaurant and bar, which offers creative set menus of locally grown organic produce. This unparalleled ecolodge offers a scenic backdrop to adventure, romance and wellness. Some of the best wildlife experiences in this unparalleled nature-inspired resort include hiking, horseback riding, canyoning and whitewater rafting.

Where: Pacuare River, 30502 Turrialba, Cartago Province, Costa Rica
Price: from $514

NANDINI JUNGLE RESORT AND SPA, UBUD, BALI

A trip to Ubud – a well-known town and region in the uplands of Bali will leave you amazed when you arrive at the rainforest of Payangan and Nandini Jungle Resort and Spa. Boasting an iconic landscape of rice paddies, rainforest and nutmeg forests along with sacred shrines, this stunning nature-inspired resort is a successful synthesis of five-star luxury and the surrounding wilderness with 16 suites and 18 traditional villas. What’s more, Sungai Spa, located at the Ayung River’s edge, includes traditional Balinese treatments and bath massages that will get you to forget all responsibilities of the external world.

Where: Br. Susut, Desa Buahan, Payangan, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80572, Indonesia
Price: from $206

THE DATAI LANGKAWI, LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA

Nestled in the heart of pristine 10-million-year-old rainforest and sitting above Datai Bay on the northwest coast of Langkawi, The Datai Langkawi is a fascinating destination resort that seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings. Each room, suite and villa boast private verandas and breathtaking views. Whether you are an outdoorsy person or you just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city living, The Datai Langkawi is the perfect nature-inspired escape where you can enjoy a range of experiences from canyoning to cooking classes and golfing.

Where: Jalan Teluk Datai, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Price: from $464

SILKY OAKS LODGE, AUSTRALIA

If you want to explore the lush tropical forests of North Queensland whilst enjoying all the benefits of a posh resort, then Silky Oaks Lodge is a must to add to your travel bucket list. Spectacularly surrounded by the verdant beauty of the Daintree National Park and overlooking the beautiful Mossman River, this luxurious and stylish retreat offers a wide range of beautiful treehouse accommodation options. Each room provides spectacular views of the national park, allowing guest to enjoy a peaceful ambience amidst nature. You can also indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments until you have completely cleared your mind.

Where: Finlayvale Road, Mossman, QLD, 4873, Australia
Price: from $403

SUGAR BEACH, A VICEROY NATURE RESORT IN SAINT LUCIA

Wanderlust Tips Travel Magazine | Reconnect with wildness at 7 magical forest resorts

If you are looking for a resort that showcases the beauty of Saint Lucia’s rainforests on the Caribbean Sea, Sugar Beach is just the place you are looking for. Situated on the site of an 18th-century sugar plantation, the resort is a perfect nature-inspired getaway where you can seek seclusion in private accommodations amidst vibrant gardens and soaring trees. From history buffs to adventure seekers and hikers, the sweet paradise of Sugar Beach offers many tours and activities for guests to enjoy. There are also fitness classes, as well as tennis, beach volleyball and many more.

Where: Val Des Pitons La Baie de Silence, Soufrière, Saint Lucia
Price: from $1,948

SANCTUARY GORILLA FOREST CAMP, UGANDA

Located inside the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is an exclusive luxury sanctuary with just eight tents. Each tent is a stylish and spacious escape, complete with two queen-sized beds and a huge bathtub. Here, guests will be surrounded with an amazing landscape of waterfalls, lakes, volcanoes and incredible mountain ranges. This nature-inspired sanctuary is frequently visited by gorilla families and provides a unique opportunity to experience their company. Additionally, the bar cottage offers opening-air dining with four to five courses every evening.

Where: Gorilla Territory, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kanungu, Uganda
Price: from $475

Wanderlust Tips

7 vegetarian dishes in India that are worth a try

India is one of the most amazing places in the world for vegetarians. If you are traveling in India, you just need to go through this list of some of the most impressive vegetarian dishes available in this country that will make your plate look colorful and your tummy happy.

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MASALA DOSA

Wanderlust Tips Travel Magazine | 7 vegetarian dishes in India that are worth a try

A South Indian specialty, masala dosas are quite like a type of thin crepe but is made of black lentils and fermented rice batter to give the dosa its characteristic soft and crispy texture. Masala dosas are often stuffed with potatoes, spices, sambar, and other vegetables. It is usually served with various dips such as coconut chutney or sambar (a lentil stew) and can be eaten throughout the day, from breakfast to lunch to dinner. You can also find lots of creative flavors of masala dosas around India that can be filled with paneer or even chow mein.

MASALA BHAT – A TRADITIONAL STAPLE IN INDIA

Masala Bhat, which means spiced rice, is one of the most traditional rice dishes from Maharashtra in India. This scrumptious dish is mixed with different vegetables, spices, nuts, and flavourful sauces. There are many types of Masala Bhat from the north to the south, for instance, pulao (a type of pilaf), atar paneer (peas and paneer cheese in a tomato sauce), Tahri (potato and spicy rice), jeera (cumin) rice, tamarind rice, curd rice or Bisi bele bath (hot lentil rice dish). If you are a foodie who is looking for the best vegan food, get your tastebuds ready for a spicy adventure through India.

PURI-BHAJI

As you are strolling around the bazaars in northern Indian cities, you will find cooks pulling deep-fried puffy bread out of the wok. The puris are commonly served hot and spicy to make puri-bhaji and can often be eaten for breakfast or lunch. Aside from being the most common vegan street food in India, the puris served with Ghughni (chickpea curry) or sweet suji halwa (a dessert made of semolina) is well-known on any religious occasion or festival in India, making it an inspiring impression on Indian culture and cuisine.

STUFFED PARATHAS – THE BEST VEGAN FOOD IN INDIA

Your trip to India would be not complete without trying stuffed parathas that are unleavened flatbreads made with wheat flour and it often comes stuffed with an amazing variety of vegetarian options. Vegetarian fillings include paneer, cauliflower, radish, onion, mint, fenugreek, split chickpea and ground roasted chickpea. This dish is perfect eaten on its own as a snack, a filling breakfast paired with pickles and plain yogurt, or makes a great side accompaniment to various dishes like curries for lunch and dinner.

SAMOSA CHAAT – A POPULAR STREET FOOD OF INDIA

If there is a savory Indian street food that you can eat at any time of the day, it will be Samosa Chaat, a layered snack made with samosas (a fried pastry filled with potato), chutney, yogurt, and fried potato. Each bite of this delicious chaat is a burst of incredible flavors with something crunchy, tangy, and spicy. To get a taste of how different vegetarian chatts can be, make sure to try aloo Tikki (pan-fried potato), Dahi vada (made with fried balls of flour), and tomato chaats. As popular street food in North India, you will find people enjoying this delicious snack on the streets around India.

IDLI SAMBHAR

When it comes to vegan food in India, idli sambar is always a must to add to your culinary journey. As a popular breakfast dish from South India, this dish has foodies falling head over heels in love with its tangy flavors. Idlis are a type of savory rice cake made with steamed rice and gram batter while sambar is a vegetable curry with lentils, pigeon peas, and a seasoning made with black mustard, asafoetida, curry leaves, and tamarind pulp. The perfect combination of idlis and sambar never goes out of style, making it one of the best vegan food in India.

KHEER – A VEGAN TREAT FOR YOUR TASTEBUDS

Kheer, also called payasam in South India, is basically a sweet rice pudding made with milk and sugar and infused with aromatic cardamom, saffron, nuts, and raisins to make it rich and delicious. This creamy rice kheer can be made for any wedding, festival, or celebration like Diwali or also as a sweet dessert which you can serve after meals. In many places, babies are given kheer as their first weaning food. If you are in India, make sure to try a delectable bowl of kheer.

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The most impressive animal sculptures around the world

Aside from being an integral part of artistic sculpture and culture, these 6 animal statues have a profound humanistic significance that will blow your mind.

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THE MYTHICAL EAGLE AT JATAYU EARTH’S CENTRE, KERALA, INDIA

Wanderlust Tips Travel Magazine | The most impressive animal sculpture places around the world

Located on a beautiful hilltop at Jatayu Earth’s Centre Park, Kerala State, South India, Jatayu is known as the largest eagle sculpture in the world, measuring a giant 61m long, 46m wide and 22m high. Designed and built by sculptor Rajiv Anchal over a ten-year period, the Jatayu statue is the embodiment of the mythical eagle Jatayu in India’s fundamental collections of epics. Not only is it a majestic masterpiece of architecture, but Jatayu also has a spiritual meaning that reminds human beings of their connection to nature. Your trip to India would not be complete without visiting Jatayu Earth’s Centre Park and marvelling at the largest eagle sculpture on the planet.

Address: Jatayu Junction, Jatayu Nature Park Road, Chadayamangalam, Kerala 691534, India

ASTOR PLACE RHINO’S SCULPTURE ART, NEW YORK CITY, USA

When travelling to New York City, USA, you should not miss the opportunity to admire the bronze rhinos called ‘The Last Three’ located in Astor Place. Created by the world-renowned Australian duo – Gillie and Marc, this incredible interactive masterpiece aims at inspiring, educating and mobilising a global community to think critically about rhino conservation as well as encouraging real change against the sale of rhino horns. The three-layer sculpture depicts three northern white rhinos, Najin, Fatu and Sudan that are stacked on top of each other in an acrobatic stance. The purpose of it is to promote awareness of the white rhino’s terrible struggle so that people everywhere can develop a compassionate and loving bond towards one of the planet’s most magnificent creatures.

Address: Astor Place, New York 10003, USA

THE KELPIES, FALKIRK, SCOTLAND

Located in the Helix community parkland next to a new extension to the Forth and Clyde Canal in the Falkirk Council Area, Scotland, the giant horse-head sculptures of The Kelpies intrigue both local and foreign travellers. Kelpies are shape-shifting water beasts that pay tribute to Scottish mythology. Built from structural and stainless steel, each 30-metre-high monument weighs a whopping 300 tons, making it stand out from a distance in a unique formation: one looking up to the sky and one bending to the ground. Created by the talented artist Andy Scott, The Kelpies took 7 years to construct and serve as a tribute to the hardworking horses contributing to building the beautiful country of Scotland.

Address: The Helix, Falkirk FK2 7ZT, Scotland

ANIMALS FOR SLAUGHTER IN WROCLAW, POLAND

When it comes to unique animal statues around the world, a bronze sculpture of livestock in Poland is high up on the list. Sculpted out of bronze, this excellent masterpiece was meticulously designed. The familiar image of two pigs, a goat, a duck and a rabbit not only remind people of the heyday of Wroclaw’s meat industry at the dawn of the 13^th century but also pay tribute and honour its value throughout history. In the 18^th century, Wroclaw ‘cleaned up’ its streets from the bloody business of animal slaughter and transferred farms and butchers outside of the city.

Address: Stare Jatki, 52-007 Wrocław, Poland

SRI NANDI TEMPLE’S BULL, MYSORE, INDIA

Located at the Sri Nandi Temple in Mysore City, Karnataka State, southwestern India, the Nandi bull statue attracts many devotees and tourists to the place. With a length of 8.2m and a height of 4.5m, this single piece of black granite is skilfully shaped as a bull decorated with colourful necklaces, beads and tassels to represent the religious culture of the local people. The Nandi bull is considered as a sacred animal as he is believed to have been the protector of the deity Shiva. Legend has it that if you whisper your wishes in the Nandi’s ears, all your prayers will come true. One of the top 20 attractions in the area, the temple draws thousands of visitors each year.

Address: Bull Temple Road, NR Colony, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru 560004, India

KING PUCK’S SCULPTURE ART IN KILLORGLIN, IRELAND

The bronze statue of a male mountain goat standing proudly in Killorglin, Kerry, Ireland is a celebration of the country’s oldest festival – the Puck Fair held every year from the 10^th – 12^th of August. During this ancient celebration, people parade on the streets in front of the proud bronze sculpture of King Puck. According to legend, the festival dates back to the 17^th century in a harvest when Oliver Cromwell, the fierce conqueror, was on his way to take over the peaceful town of Killorglin. One of the goats escaped from his army raced to the village and notified the villagers. Since then, they have shown their gratitude to the goat by holding the festival to honour the legendary ‘king’ of the country.

Address: Lower Bridge Street,Killorglin N70, County Kerry, Ireland

Wanderlust Tips

How to take care of your eyes when you travel

The eyes are considered the windows to the soul, allowing us to see the world and enjoy the beautiful colours of life. Here is a list of travel tips that can help you to protect yourself during your journey.

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PROTECT YOUR EYES BY WEARING SUNGLASSES

Wanderlust Tips Travel Magazine | How to take care of your eyes when you travel

Moving all day when you travel not only makes your eyes more active but also exposes them to dust, bacteria and sunlight. Aside from being a beauty accessory, sunglasses are also a useful ‘shield’ to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Ophthalmologists say that too much UV exposure boosts your chances of visual impairment and eye cancer. Currently, there are a lot of cheap sunglasses that are bad quality as they hardly protect your eyes. Therefore, it is necessary to invest in good-quality anti-UV sunglasses.

KEEP YOUR EYES HYDRATED AT ALL TIMES

Dry climate, dusty environments and fatigue on long flights may lead to redness and itchiness in the eyes. Many people are in the habit of rubbing their eyes for a long time which boosts the risks of scratching the cornea. Therefore, it is particularly necessary for you to carry a bottle of eye drops in your bag that help washes away dirt. If your eyes are prone to dryness and fatigue, an eye ointment is an ideal alternative choice. It is better for you to use the ointment at night before going to bed because it is a thicker cream that can blur your vision.

USE YOUR CONTACT LENSES PROPERLY

For those who do not like to wear glasses, contact lenses help wearers with their confidence, comfort and mean that they are able to freely admire the natural scenery and take pretty pictures. However, make sure to remove contact lenses before sleeping and then clean them with a specialised solution. Additionally, avoid using contact lenses while swimming or replace them with disposable lenses because seawater contains substances and bacteria that can damage your eyes. Depending on the length of your trip, make sure to pack a few spare pairs of contact lenses.

REFILL YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS BEFORE DEPARTURE

For those who have sensitive predisposition, travelling to an unfamiliar destination can cause headaches, dizziness or flu due to the sudden changes of weather and climate. Therefore, before the trip, make sure to stock up on antihistamines, fever relievers and pain relievers to prevent sneezing and a runny nose. Because the eyes are extremely sensitive and susceptible to the impact of the external environment, preparing basic medicines before the trip will help you feel more at ease to enjoy the trip.

AVOID STAYING UP LATE

When travelling with friends, staying up late overnight is inevitable. However, staying up too late will adversely affect the eyes and make them work continuously for a long time which in turn causes puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. Therefore, if you stay up late, take some time to take care of your eyes before going to bed. You can use eye cream and gently massage the eye area with your fingertips.

Wanderlust Tips

Pfeiffer Beach: A one-of-a-kind escape in Big Sur, California

The holidays are meant to be a time of relaxation and looking for the best beaches to escape to. Forget sugar-white or golden stretches of sand. If you are seeking unusual beach destinations, the gorgeous Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur is the place where you can bury your toes in purple-hued sand.

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Located about seven miles south of Andrew Molera State Park next to Los Padres National Forest, Pfeiffer Beach is a beautiful, unspoiled beach that is popular with locals yet somewhat unknown among tourists. At Pfeiffer Beach, you will get eye-popping views of expansive shorelines covered by towering, vegetation-heavy bluffs and dramatic rock formations. The vast stretch of sand shows a gradient of violet hues caused by manganese garnet deposits washing down from the craggy hillsides above. You will not see purple sand every visit, but the streaks of purple are much more visible if you visit just after it has rained, which generally happens in winter and early spring in California. The purple sand is especially fun for making a sandcastle.

This phenomenal crescent-shaped beach is also known for its huge double-rock formation, called Keyhole Rock or Keyhole Arch which is the main centrepiece of Pfeiffer Beach. Located a few feet out into the ocean, the beautiful Pfeiffer Keyhole Rock is considered the most photographic attraction in Big Sur after Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls. On a good sunset evening, the sky is imbued with hues ranging from orange to pink to purple just after the sun dips below the horizon, providing a dramatic backdrop for the beautiful arch. In the spring and early summer, wildflowers add splashes of colour to the rocks. When the tide is low, the visitor is able to wade through the water and take a stunning close-up look at the striking surroundings.

Pfeiffer Beach is beautiful and photogenic at any time of year, but the best time to see the Pfeiffer Keyhole Rock is between November and January, especially at sunset when the sun shines dazzlingly through the keyhole, creating a stunningly magnificent show of light. The glow through the arch makes it look like a doorway to another world. Enjoy the time in the sun and spend time capturing the ocean, rocks and waves. The beach is always busy between Christmas and New Year since people have that time off. Hence, you should go shortly afterwards in early January to avoid the crowds. If you plan on taking photos, do not forget your tripod and ND filters.

The beach itself is down a narrow, one-lane dirt road, but there are no entrance signs. You can either drive to the beach or take the bus from the Big Sur Visitor Centre area. The entrance to Pfeiffer Beach costs $10 cash per vehicle. There is a small parking lot near the beach, vault toilets and some picnic tables. There is no camping allowed, swimming is considered dangerous due to the geography of the beach and dogs on leash are permitted at Pfeiffer Beach. If you plan to walk or scramble over the rocks at Pfeiffer Beach, you should bring water shoes with excellent grip. Additionally, you should wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed sun hat.

There is no drinking water and food available for purchase at Pfeiffer Beach, so bring snacks to nosh on. Alternatively, there are places to eat nearby such as Nepenthe or Big Sur Bakery. If you are taking a California road trip, a stop at Pfeiffer Beach is a must for you. Take in the natural views of slender palm trees swaying, seabirds circling aloft and waves caressing the shore as the sun’s morning rays throw long shadows across violet sand. You can also look for surfers in the water and keep your eyes peeled for marine life and birds.

Address: 9101 Sycamore Canyon Road, Los Padres National Forest, Big Sur, CA 93920, USA
Opening hours: 9 am – 8 pm, Daily

Wanderlust Tips