We Are Again Flying Emirates to the Motherland! Sept 7-17, 2017

 

My friends, we have only been back from South Africa  1 month and we are just about sold out for this tour next year. EMIRATES has become my favorite airline with their beautiful A380’s.  I so look forward to the experience again.    There may be availability for 2 more. So if you were thinking about it; you may be a little too late.   I know I said there would be no 2016 or 2017 but here we are. What can I say other than :  “I aim to please”. Next year I’m adding a new twist: ” A 5 Star lodge at Kruger with of course, “outdoor showers”. Oh how I love those.   There is nothing like a shower under the South African midnight sky.  For dining, I personally cannot wait to return to MIKOS RESTAURANT at MONT ROCHELLE in the Winelands. Multi Billionaire, Sir Richard Branson now has his brand on it.

This will be my 11th straight visit to South Africa and I must say I am getting a little excited about this more authentic wildlife experience in Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves covering over 7,000 sq miles and of course home to the Big 5: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos.

FOZ DO IGUACU

 

We literally breezed through this Brazilian city, our main base for visiting the famed Iguacu Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls.  Our time was short so we hit the ground running. After our flight landed, our knowledgeable guide, Isabel greeted us at the airport and immediately we were transported to the  Iguazu National Park to be treated to one of the planet’s most awe-inspiring sights.  We were all prepared with our rain ponchos and ready for the adventure.

There is a scenic rainbow formed on the waterfalls caused by the refraction of light against the mist caused by the thundering waters.  The rainy season of November through March sees a surge in the waterfalls that can go to as high as 450,000 cubic feet per second.  As the Falls border between Brazil and Argentina, we had the opportunity to view from both perspectives.  The most scenic one is the curved cataract christened the “Devils Throat” that has 14 Falls that drop to a height of 350 feet.

Our hotel for the evening was the RECANTO CATARATAS THERMAS RESORT & CONVENTION and the perfect place to chill out before our flight the next evening.  This, my friends, is a wrap for our BLAME IT ON RIO TOUR.  Thank you for rocking with me on this adventure.  We all have so much to be thankful for.  I’m thankful everyday for EVERYTHING; everyday is my birthday and everyday is Thanksgiving. Until next time…..

KAT’S KIBBLES AND BITS

It’s been a wonderful time in the country of Brazil these past 6 days with another 3 to go.  After we leave RIO, we fly to Iguassu to pay a visit to the amazing Falls.   It always warms my heart to see the group enjoying themselves no matter where we are in the world. Trust me,  my heart has been warmed with such a great group on this tour.

At any rate, I’ve been busy getting my website updated and “KAT-ified” with: COLOMBIA, SOUTH AFRICA and GHANA for a complete 2017 WORLD TOUR. So take a peek at  http://kattraxonline.com  and then scroll all the way down to the bottom and you will see how we’ve “KAT”-A- PULTED into 2018 with EGYPT and THE MALDIVES in the over-water bungalows.  Until next time….

Brazillian Grand Prix for Kat

 

In the Pelourino

On our flight to Bahia, we changed planes in São Paulo and part of me sure wanted to stay. Why? Because  I’m a fan of  Formula 1 race car driver, Lewis Hamilton and the race was in 2 days. This was the closest I’ve come to being in the same place, same time.  This year I just missed the Grand Prix France and Australia by a couple weeks. Trust me, I tried to make it happen here but could not pull it off. Instead, I watched it LIVE in the comfort of my hotel room occasionally taking a peek at the ocean and skyline from my balcony.  The track was wet, the rain was falling in São Paulo, with a few crashes but my boy, Hamilton hung in there and came in FIRST. Next race, ABU DHABI Nov 27th. Oh I love that city and would love to be there to cheer him on but I will have to be there in spirit.

This being my 5th trip to Brazil, there were some tours I personally skipped here in Bahia but the group all seemed to be having a wonderful time enjoying the sights, sounds and tastes of the Pelourinho.  Immediately, most fell in love with Brazil!s national cocktail which is made with the strong sugar cane rum Cachaca, sugar, and lime shaken with ice. Dinner was at UAUA (wah wah) where we had Moqueca (seafood stew which originated in this area)  and grilled fish served with vegetables.

Last evening we celebrated the birthdays of 3 lovely ladies; LaVerne Anthony, Belinda Blair and Lillie Sipp.  I surprised  them with the most wonderful, moist and tasty cake along with a few bottles of wine.  We had a great time mixin’ minglin’ and  choppin’ it up in the bar area.

Normally Bahia,  here at the beautiful HOTEL DEVILLE PRIME SALVADOR with its resort-like feel is the last stop on my itinerary but this trip it had to be reversed for the better airfare.  This is where it’s needed after the fast pace of RIO DE JANEIRO. Now I’m on my way with a few friends to relax by the pool while the others take off for some shopping.  Tomorrow, we’ll BLAME IT ON RIO.  RIO here we come!

On another note, it looks like I will be going back to COLOMBIA in February. This is a “me” kinda trip, doing it on my own and keeping it very affordable. Airfare is a mere $447 r/t from Miami; going to Cali (salsa capital of the world), Bogota and Cartagena. If you want to join me…..inbox me at rivoli98@yahoo.com

 

The Passion and Soul of Colombia, South America

My Butler, Rudy

Cali Salsa Dancers Gettin Down

Palenque Woman in town With Colorful Costume

Young Palenque Dancers

Colombia, South Anerica….its been 5 months and the beautiful memories are still emblazoned in my mind. Am I going back? You betcha!  but how soon?  If I can “kat” a pult this one into 2017; it will be in February.  The history of Cartagena, the culture of Bogota and the passion and warmth of the people in Cali, the “salsa capital of the world” make it difficult to stay away.  Airfare  from Miami to all 3 cities in the $500 range makes it even more inviting and enticing. If you want to know “How can you be down”? Inbox me.   This my friends will round out the Kattrax 2017 World Tour; a fabulous, exciting destination for each month of 2017.  In case you didn’t know, we have already started on 2018:  Antarctica,  Egypt  and we will be celebrating DeeDee’s birthday in The Maldives.

KAT’S KIBBLES AND BITS

Hello my friends,  I’m taking a small break between tours to let you know the latest.  Our Stroll through Black Paris for next April has reached its max and is now waitlisted.

South Africa was GREAT! Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better and after 10 years  straight I thought that would be it for me but so many want it so we’re on our way and going a step up in luxury with a few changes in game lodges and restaurants; its just what Kat has ordered.  Departing Sept 7th, 2017. Land only $3975pp dbl occ.

Ghana is in full effect and the paperwork is ready. Inbox me if you need it.  Cape Coast Castles and Forts as we explore and learn the true story beginning in Accra, going to Togo and Benin.  Land only $3580pp dbl occupancy . Departing Nov 7th, 2017

2018 may too have its own WORLD TOUR with Antarctica, The Maldives and Egypt on deck. Will I stop?  Cant stop, won’t stop!  Next week We Blame It On Rio.  We are excited and we are ready!  Until next time, Kat