This is the first of 365 photos.

Is it ever really the end of the path, or is it always the start of a new path?

Day of flight to the land of mankind.  After arriving we boarded a small plane to the Serengeti Sopa Lodge.  On the drive in we encountered animals jumping in our path, including a water buffalo and hyena.  We quickly headed into our room, netted in comfort, for a good nights sleep.

The next morning we ate a beautiful buffet breakfast overlooking the Serengeti.  The most incredible lecture was given by Louise Leakey regarding her family history and involvement in the search and discovery of human origins in Africa.  What a woman, what a family, what an inspiration.  After the lecture who wouldn’t be ready to hit the road and discover Africa.

I do not know how to describe the amazing journey into the wild.  This is not a zoo, not an exotic pet store, this is wild and free. Habitat earth at its best, at its beast!  Oh, did I forget the open air lunch on the Serengeti…

Next stop, Luxor, Egypt.

Our first adventure was to the Valley of the Kings and Tutankhamen’s tomb. The preservation of the tombs was brilliant. Colors deep within the tombs were vivid and striking. The stories within the tombs were brilliant mysteries kept in time.

After the visit, we boarded traditional felucca boats for a beautiful floating lunch down the Nile river. Floating softly down a river full of history was so peaceful and renewing. Unfortunately you couldn’t help but notice the pollution infiltrating the river.

After the lunch, I bolted to the Luxor Temple as I convinced (begged) the photographic expert to let me tag along while he photographed the temple at twilight. I was extremely grateful for the experience. The lighting was truly magical.

To top of our Luxor experience, we took a Caleche, horse drawn carriage, to Luxor Temple for a tour, cocktail party and gala dinner. The weather was perfect and the surroundings were stellar. The night was magnificent.

Chengdu was a quick stop on the journey. First thing was the Chengdu Panda Base where we spent some time loving up to the Pandas.  Soon after, we’re off to our stay at the Kempinski Chengdu Hotel for some dinner at the Harmony Restaurant and a good nights rest.

Next stop, Lhasa, Tibet…

Australia is such a comfortable place. The people are so friendly and accommodating! Good beer, good wine, good food and great environment. We stayed in the Port Douglas area of Australia at the Sea Temple Resort. A wine and beer tasting was our introduction to the resort and a local koala bear was a special guest. After dinner it was off to bed to get ready for the Great Barrier Reef.
We took the SilverSonic to barracuda bommie for our reef dive, and let me tell you it was some kind of fabulous! First they took us to a submersible tour wherein we loaded a submarine-like vessel and road over the reef. We saw turtles, sharks, all kinds of tropical fish and live corals. The reef was simply amazing and words can not describe the kind of beauty.
We all split up into groups of snorkelers and scuba divers. As I was certified I was not about to miss this opportunity to go down under. First big step and off into the blue where we were greeted by a blue spotted stingray. The dive was spectacular with a maximum depth of 66ft and a bottom time of about an hour.
A short ride to visit the Wildlife Habitat was the perfect ending to our austral Ian adventure. The guide at the habitat was well versed and was personally involved with the animals. Like Snow White, the creatures flocked to him and were rewarded with treats. We hand fed some of the furry, feathery locals such as the cute kangaroo. I regret not toting a camera into the habitat, but fortunate for all of us we did tote our professional photographer.
Next stop, Cambodia…

Upon arrival, a reception and tour of the Larco Herrera Museum was a wonderful testament to Lima as well as pre-Columbian art and artifacts. The visit to the gold/silver, textile and erotic gallery was a unique opportunity to view such a historical collection. The reception included some delicious local appetizers as well as pisco sours. According to our tour experts there is an ongoing competition with Peru and Chile as to the best pisco sours. This will have to be personally researched.

We checked into the Miraflores Hotel and had the most luxurious suite with a private hot rock sauna. Dinner at the Observatory Restaurant had a fabulous views of the ocean from the eleventh floor. Breakfast at the hotel was buffet style with many choices. Personally, I find the scrambled eggs in this area tend to be too loose.

The next morning we boarded a domestic flight to Cusco. We were met by our guides for this part of the voyage. All the guides are well versed in the history of Peru as well as a very solid grasp of the English language.

We arrive into Cusco and make a visit to the Central Plaza and Cathedral. The fountain in the center of the square was a popular photo op. The cathedral was full of rich religious catholic artifacts with a mixture of Inca symbolism. Up a very narrow inca built road was where we checked into a previous jesuit monastery turned resort named Hotel Monasterio. Coca tea was served which is holistic and is touted to help the body adjust to the altitude. Although the rooms were small Wifi was available without charge and the food was amazing.

A short tour to Sacsayhuaman, pronounced as “sexy woman” was a wonderful treat. The tour guide Luis was very knowledgeable and explained the history and ancient building techniques as well as the history of the towns we passed on way to the ruins.

A quick shopping tour was just what was needed as Peru is known for their textiles especially their use of alpaca. The street vendors were many and if you know how to bargain you can get some unique local art, crafts and alpaca goods.

We are now on the way to Matchu Picchu by way of Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo is located in the sacred valley of the Incas and has been built on the original Inca foundations. Our guide lead us through the town and explained local/ancient customs which are preserved in this quaint town. This town is a great example of ancient city planning!

Next stop Matchu Picchu via Hiram Bingham luxury train. There was amazing vistas of the countryside wherein llamas, various canines and the foot hikers taking the Inca trail were abundant. Dinning on this luxury train was absolutely delicious and the staff was incredibly accommodating. About a twenty-minute bus ride to Matchu Picchu was awfully intimidating with narrow winding roads which tended to hug the cliffs all the way to our destination. As a side note, throughout the entire country I did not notice one speed limit sign nor traffic lights.

Matchu Picchu was breathtaking. Not much can describe the magnificence. Tours were spilt into a fast and slow group as to accommodate all the guests. We chose the fast tour which allotted time to climb to the top the highest terraces. The history, the environment, the structure, the wildlife was incredible. We learned quit a lot about the ancient civilization through the walking tour. A humorous moment came about as a honoree llama came running through the narrow ancient path towards Karin who had not seen the galloping stranger approaching. Needless to say, she was quite surprised as she was close enough to a furry collision.

After a long day we headed back to the busses which in turn took us back to the train. The secret of this train is that the last train holds a lovely lounge area where a hugely talented band played for us. Let me tell you it did not take much to get us all dancing and playing along with the band. I tried my skill at the tambourine, which was not so bad…after a couple glasses of champagne.

Next stop is Easter Island.

I was quite disappointed with the Mandarin Oriental over night stay. The service was great, but the hotel was lacking in ambiance and noise insulation. Nevertheless, we managed to wrangle a couple of hours sleep despite the train and the noise from the room above ours. On the plus side, I’ve never experienced such great water pressure in both the bath and shower.

The National Geographic Expedition team really runs an organized operation! We were shuffled from hotel to airport to flight without consequence. As of the moment of drafting this post we are flying over the Panama Canal. This view is accompanied by a geographical historical lecture by expert David Silverberg. Periodically throughout the flight we are educated through lectures with the National Geographic experts which accompany us throughout the journey.

I was served the most scrumptious in flight lunch consisting of tomato and mozzarella salad, roasted chicken breast stuffed with Boursin cheese and wrapped in pancetta, dauphinoise potato, and vegetables. For dessert was a chocolate and raspberry desire, which is a delightful white and dark chocolate mouse topped with raspberries.

The Thomson 757 has been customized to accommodate all 80 passengers in first class style. A nap in the first class seat is an easy feat and the thing to do before arrival in Peru. The Larco Herrera Museum will be the first stop followed by hotel suite check in and dinner.

The World first permanent habitable under the ocean structure is being built on a private island in Fiji. According to Forbes, this resort would feature 22 guest rooms with 270-degree windows that comprise the majority of each room’s wall and ceiling surface. Complete with every imaginable amenity, a fleet of submarines to explore the nearby reef, and a private bungalow that would be reachable only by sub, the Poseidon offers weeklong accommodations that start at $30,000 per couple.

The project is initiated and built by Bruce Jones to whom building an underwater dynasty and introducing an under the sea life is a childhood dream. According to the website and Jones’ media interviews, the resort was scheduled to open in September 2009 but it hasn’t opened yet. Nobody really knows, if it will go ahead at all at this stage. Jones said in May 2009 that they are far away from finishing and that it would take another 2 1/2 years to finish.

If you want to be updated about their news, or reserve your spot in advance, visit their website http://www.poseidonresorts.com/

Can you believe the year we just finished? Incredible. I have to admit, there’s a part of me that’s still stuck in the muck. I’ve had a hard time getting going. Granted I’ve experienced a lot of change these last few months: Selling our house, purchasing a new abode, having a new baby (a little girl) and keeping my business alive. Ya think that I could pull it together!

Yet, as this winter wizard blows his storms,  it’s pushed out the stresses and has given me the opportunity to nest. We’re in our new house; getting settled into the routine with our newest addition, and I’ve carved out time in the wee-hours between nursing and potty training to set a course. Maybe it’s the new guy in our higher office or just a new life in my arms, I feel good. It’s the notion that ultimately, my business will benefit from all this chaos.

Here are some of the things I’m doing this year:

1. Re-establishing contact with you, dear reader on this very blog. I’ve let it slide, but no more. Once a week, I’m shooting for Mondays,  I’ll be posting on Fabulous Destinations; Quick Tips for Travel Girls and Fun Facts about the states you love.
2. Make myself and Star50 more available: Follow us Twitter, Facebook and Stylehive. From here, you’ll receive updates on Purse Parties, Events, Special Promotions, Designer tips and choices
3. Complete the Star50 Handbag line; we have 8-10 states left. I’m making them count. Look for our end-of-year contest. We need your help to create the Star50 National Handbag
4. It’s not just about accessories: This is the best part for me. We are not the sum of our accoutrements. Check out our expanded community section on our site that explains all.

With purposeful and open intention, Star50 is going to be a bright star in the sky for 2009.

What’s your state of mind?

Until next week, enjoy the trip!

Amity