The Capitoline Hill, overlooking the Forum, is one of the seven hills of Rome. It has been a focus for Roman life since the earliest times of settlement. Contemplating the ruins of the Forum from this vantage point is literally breathtaking. The Museum itself is a magnet for weddings - one after the other wedding party assembled, went in, moved on. We photographers hung about outside, capturing the celebrants' many moods. Our leaders were fearless in taking face shots on the fly. I was a bit more timid - more full-body shots - though with equal lack of permission. However, no one seemed to mind.
Two instructors and I wandered into the Museum - somewhat off plan. Artifacts, angles, statues, portraits, light-filled galleries and dim connecting hallways. Perhaps my favorite two hours - a tour of discoveries.
No trip is complete without some souvenir shopping. In my case, a birthday present for my 23-year-old daughter, who told me she would like a handbag. Let's just say we don't have the same taste - but I want to do this right. I find a likely candidate, prop it on a garbage can outside the store, take and send an iPhone photo text message. Approved! Technology does have its moments.
A local dinner with a few of our number in a quiet place close to our hotel. We did this on a couple of nights - not always the same people. I enjoyed the informality and conversation.
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.