Meet Donté

A grandson, hard-working and very well-mannered. I’m Mima to so many whether or not biological.  Some of you met him last summer on the Negril trip or in 2012 in Hawaii. He’s one of those raised to say Yes ma’am, No ma’am, Yes sir, No sir.    So many times we hear about the negatives of some of our young folks and rarely positives.  He is one of the positives.   The family just found out about what’s needed and the deadline of 2/7 is quickly approaching,    If you are willing to assist you can PayPal or Zelle to newkattrax@gmail.com

Donté Lindsey Shreveport, La.
I am a senior at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. Where I am majoring in  Kinesiology(concentration sports management) with a minor in business.  I am aspiring to be a sports agent for every professional sport. I am VP of FCS(FEED. CLOTHE. SERVE.), a non profit organization . I’m also active in the NAACP, BMLA(Black Male Leaders Association), and University Program Council.
Those are all organizations at UL  As you can tell I’m very active and involved in community service  I graduate Dec 2020. If an internship doesn’t work out, I plan to get my MBA or Masters in sports management and enter the work force.  Community service is something I’m passionate about and no doubt I will continue on that path.

I am aiming to pledge this semester, and am asking for any kind of donation from the kindness of your heart.    The intake fee is $2,050 and ANYTHING will help.

Much gratitude,

Kat St Thomas & Donté Lindsey

The Maldives, Not Only For the Rich & Famous

RETURN TO THE MALDIVES – DECEMBER 2-8, 2020

Last December, I experienced the best relaxation ever in my 36 years of traveling internationally.  I had read many articles about various celebrities enjoying the good life in the Maldive Islands  and  I had arranged packages for some high end travelers plunking down 15 to 20,000 dollars for a 5 night stay for 2.   Just like in 1983 when I desperately wanted to experience The Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland with the local jazz station. I couldn’t afford it at $3000 per person for 1 week but in my heart of hearts I believed it could be done for way less.  By the grace of God, we made it happen for  $1500,  19 days, 2 countries;  Switzerland and France and 2 jazz festivals; Montreux and the Nice Jazz Fest on the French Riviera. The next year I returned with 25 of my friends and added The North Sea Jazz Festival.  That, my friends, was the beginning of KATZ SUMMER JAZZ TOUR.

That being said, I’m here to show and tell you  that THE MALDIVE ISLANDS are within reach and quite affordable.  Our resort, SUN ISLAND RESORT AND SPA, located on Nalaguraidhoo island in the South Ari Atoll, 107 km south of the Male’ International airport  is the ONLY resort on our island. It was like having our own private island.

After arriving at Male’  (mah lay) airport, a small aircraft flies  you 20 minutes to the jetty where you board the speed boat for a 7 minute ride to the resort.  It’s best to arrive during daylight hours to take in all the beauty to be seen as you fly in.  The package includes a 6 night stay in an Over the Water Bungalow,  transportation to and from the island from MALE’ AIRPORT  and breakfast and dinner daily.  There are activities galore to experience for a nominal fee, ie, the Spa, fishing trips, snorkeling, scuba diving, bicycling, and  paddle boats just to name a few.

In closing, I must say, I honestly thought my 2  Fiji trips  were  the most relaxing trips I have ever experienced in my life but The Maldives (mall- deeves) wins hands down. If you even think you want this amazing experience; let me hear from you sooner than later.

SURPRISE DISCOUNT, NEED TO SELL MORE ROOMS. LIMITED TIME ONLY – 1 ROOM, $300pp DISCOUNT.   Regular land pkg $3300   Current airfare on Emirates from SFO $1100 r/t

Our Resort on Private Island

Thai Restaurant on our Island

Our Maldives Resort

Over the water bungalow

510-499-5909

More Kibbles & Bits

Casablanca Hotel

Casablanca Hotel

Casablanca Hotel

Tangier Hotel

Tangier Hotel

Tangier Hotel

Marrakech Hotel

Marrakech Hotel

Spa at Marrakech Hotel

Our Maldives Resort

Our Resort on Private Island

Thai Restaurant on our Island

Over the water bungalow

Remember when your grandmother  sent you to get that switch and told you, “You gonna learn today”?  Well, no switch from me but just know if you slept through last week and said, “Well I’ll think about New Years 2021” I’m here to tell you that you missed out on the party.  Shorty Long called it a FUNCTION AT THE JUNCTION, he said people comin’ from everywhere, everybody’s gonna be there.  We got the Bay, LA, Monterey, the UK  – all day, Las Vegas, St Louis, New Orleans, Seattle, Houston, DC and New York.  In less than 10 days after the announcement I knew we had a NEW ORLEANS take over before setting sail to ring in 2021 with almost 40 party people on board and an open bar if you want it for 7 days cruising the Caribbean.    Second thoughts?  We may be able to squeeze you in…just maybe but sorry the cost has increased and available hotel space in NOLA is almost nonexistent the day prior. So much for that.

Coming up:  The Maldives in early December…..we only have 3 rooms left.  This trip is straight relaxation on your own private island, with  breakfast and dinner included daily.  You can get there from SFO r/t on Emirates, or  Singapore,   2 of the most highly acclaimed airlines in the world for $1,000 – $1100 with free stopovers.  Don’t sleep on this one sleepyheads.

DUBAI & ABU DHABI –  Save the date –  mid February 2021 – 5 Star all the way.  Full details coming very soon.  Throw your hat in the ring and get on the “Interested” list

TANGIER, CASABLANCA & MARRAKECH – Take the mystery out of mysterious and see first hand just how fabulously intriguing the country of MOROCCO really is.  We will have trains,  planes, great hotels with authentic Hammams and some of the best dining experiences.  This will be in May 2021, full details coming soon.

Until next time,

Kat’s Kibbles and Bits

Welcome To Hotel Monteleone, French Quarter

Fine Dining at Brennan’s, French Quarter

Our Fab 5 Star

Carousel Bar, Monteleone Hotel

Free People of Color

Free People of Color Museum

Whitney Plantation

Our 5 Star in Marrakech

Casablanca

Casablanca

Tangier

Tangier

Tangier

Tangier

Dubai

Amazing Show, Dubai

Pier Chic, a favorite in Dubai

The Louvre, Abu Dhabi

Katrina, Desert Safari

Phillip, Desert Safari

With Ann at Nathan Outlaw’s at Burj Al Arab

Nathan Outlaw’s

What a Dining Experience,

Our 5 Star in Abu Dhabi

Only in Dubai

Our 5 Star in Dubai

Indoor Ski Resort, Dubai

Greetings Travelers!  First things first… We are already planning New Years 2021.  We are cruising on a 7 day Caribbean cruise departing from New Orleans.  I’ve come to learn the true meaning of “if you snooze, you lose”. You just can’t wait til later.   I so adore the 5 Star Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter and was hoping to return prior to the cruise but it was showing NOT AVAILABLE everywhere I checked.   After all folks were already making holiday plans for next Christmas and New Years celebrations.   However, our awesome Ticketing Agent, Ms McCree was able to negotiate a contract for us; before and after the cruise.  Lucky us! Those rooms are about gone and I haven’t even announced the very reasonable rate yet.    If you didn’t know; their famous Carousel Bar was filmed in the movie, “Girl’s Trip”. It’s a great hotel.    Another treat is that those booked on the cruise in Oceanview or higher category get 4 perks: Beverage Package, Specialty Dining Package, 250 minutes of Internet and a Shore Excursion credit.   We still have some mini suites available and maybe a couple balconies.  The 30% savings promo ends 1/19 and your deposit is only a mere $50pp. Don’t snooze!

Also in the planning stages are back to Dubai and Abu Dhabi February 2021. Dubai is such a fabulous and fun city. I can’t wait to return.  Memories are meant to be revisited.   The Ritz Carlton Grand Canal in Abu Dhabi was so off the richter, we may add their sister   5 star Ritz Carlton in Dubai which is adjacent to the JBR Walk.  If you are seriously down for this experience, inbox me.  Please note: We only go when the weather is comfortable.  No summer months for us.

The mysterious land of Morocco is back on the KATTRAX WORLD TOUR for 2021.  It will be in May; visiting the cities of CASABLANCA, TANGIER and MARRAKECH.  Casablanca —-Bogey’s legendary movie from the 40’s;  had me looking in ‘92 for the fictional Rick’s Cafe, only to find out much to my chagrin that it was filmed entirely at Warner Bros Studios in Burbank. SMDH.   Well, I will return and we will be in the real life Casablanca, Morocco enjoying all that she has to offer.  Again, hit me up only if you are seriously interested.  

In a couple of weeks, 20 of us will be on our way to Antarctica to get in that 7th Continent. Out of 20, with the exception of 3; all are KATTRAX VIP’s so another reunion for us.   I will be sure to share photos with you.

“I want to make memories all over the world, don’t you”?

What Are You Doing New Years? 2021

New Years Cruise

New Years Cruise

Nawlins

Charbroiled Oysters In Nawlins

Robbie, Is that duck in Nawlins?

Barcelona Cruise

Yvonne and Nik, Barcelona Cruise

New Years Cruise on Princess

Crab Shack on the Cruise

Warm, Sunny Weather

Barcelona Cruise

New Orleans Jazz

Davion and Tosha Canary Islands

Debra and Briana – Canary Islands

Jamaican Chef Prepared OxTails and Rice and Peas just for my Table

Free People of Color Museum, NOLA

Yes, We Did This

And This…

Tisha and Sandra – NOLA

There’s nothing like being on the water New Years Eve and there’s nothing like hangin out in the Big Easy before or after the cruise.  New Year’s Eve on the water was our thing for several years but weather on the east coast got to be challenging at that time so we gave it a break.  It’s now being revived…  DEC 27 – JAN 3rd on NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINES “BREAKAWAY”.  She is only 6 years old, and recently refurbed in 2018.  She’s got a lot to offer.  We’ll depart New Orleans and stop in Costa Maya, Belize, Honduras and Cozumel.  Been there, done that?  And?  True cruisers could care less because it is all about the “cruisin” and at New Years, there’s no worry about drunk drivers on the road or careless revelers popping off shotguns aimlessly.

You’ve cooked for the family for Thanksgiving and gallons of gumbo for  Christmas now it’s time for you to treat yourself.  Remember don’t cheat yourself.

The Deposit is $50 per person and If you book by Jan 19th you save 30%. That is  a whopping huge chunk of a savings.  We have a few staterooms left so join the fun.
Interior $1322pp,  Balcony $1626pp, Mini Suite $1752pp.  Remember, all these rates increase by 30% after 1/19/20.

Book now and save!  Inbox me at rivoli98@yahoo.com or call 510-499-5909

 

LOOKIN’ BACK, BUT WE MUST KEEP IT MOVIN’

Brenda Joyce and Deborah

Big Town

Party on the 28th Floor

Willie & Gwen Tabb, one of my favorite Couples

Adriane, Crystal and Antoinette at the Saigon Skydeck

Our Deltas

The Rough Side of the Miuntain

Innovative Cable Car System

Going to the Katamaran

Margaret & Kat at Breakfast

Casey & King at Breakfast

Nicole

Tisha & Kat

That Would Be Kat in the White Swimsuit

Cooking Class in San Gimignano

Parlor at Baglioni

Briana In Riomaggiore

Debra In Vernazza

DEFINITELY FAMILY

The group in the Village

Birthday Surprise

Arriving Serengeti

With Masai Warriors – Dinner Entertainment

Leaving Serengeti Serena

Breakfast at the Jetty Restaurant – Solo

Marrakech Menara AIrport

Corrin, Mom June & BJ

Group 2

Authentic Face of Cartagena, Las Tres Guerreras

The Group 2019 at the Pyramids

Intercontinental, Cairo

Ursula and Joan Morris

Harriet Holloway

The Group

Carol and Brother John Motte

David and Annette Fountaine

Michele Myers, Anna Cohen, Audrey Richards and Annette Fountaine leading the Dancers in the WOBBLE

Muhammad Ali Mosque across from Hard Rock

Toni Adams , Ethell Wilson

Gwendolyn Brown at the Mosque

It’s been one heck of a year.  2019….Damn… Was it good, bad or indifferent?  Well for me; it was a good year.  I learned some valuable lessons and for that I am extremely grateful.  The scripture says, “In all your getting… get an understanding. I understand very clearly that if God doesn’t will it, it just ain’t happening.   2019 I was getting, or got married and now I’m not….Aint that about a bitch?   It just wasn’t God’s will.  Am I sad? Upset? Not in the least.  In times such as these, when we get knocked down, we get back up, dust ourselves off and keep it movin’.

2019 we hit Ghana, Paris, Vietnam, Colombia, Negril, Italy, Fiji, Tanzania, Zanzibar, The Serengeti, Morocco, Marseille, Egypt, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.  It was one heck of a wild ride and thank you to those that joined us on the adventures.  You saw and learned some new things, met some new travelers and your lives have been enriched by all of these things.   In 2020, I invite you to bring your 20/20 vision and join us for Afro Colombia, Black Paris, Alaska, North Sea Jazz and Iceland, Negril, South Africa, Egypt, and The Maldive Islands.  There is space available on some if any of these destinations strike your fancy.  Inbox me at rivoli98@yahoo.com

Wishing you all a happy, healthy and most prosperous 2020.  Remember:  Keep it movin’.  Kat can’t stop, won’t stop.  It’s my passion.  It’s my purpose in life to take you to places you have only dreamed of.