9 thoughts that will change your life perspective

Sometimes it feels like there is no tomorrow. You are in the darkness of today and nothing is going to change… not tomorrow, not in a month’s time, not in a life-time. Do you know that feeling?

What can make you smile, take it easier? Only your own thoughts. Especially for you, I have written this article which is called ‘9 thoughts that will change your life perspective’.

Even if everything is absolutely perfect in your life at present, it is not a bad idea to be prepared and know exactly what to think and do when your mood will plummet down against your expectations..  So don’t just read but try to implement it into your life. Remember that 'knowledge' is not you have heard somewhere, at some stage, but rather what you have experienced when you applied it into your real life.

1. Everything that happens to you is helping you to grow and become better and wiser. Even if it is not really noticeable.

Life and circumstances will always be changing you. Sometimes it happens abruptly and just swamps you off your feet. You might wonder: what else on earth can happen? You might feel that all your dreams and achievements have been crushed, and now you are like in a black hole. You want to run away from it all, but you can’t. It is hard to imagine that these problems are changing you for the better. The truth is: often, in order to achieve something better you will need to go through the worse. To start a better, new life you would need to get over your old one, completely and utterly. And then leave it behind. When you face difficulties you open up to a new potential that WILL help you to sort out things in your life.

2. People and opportunities come and go.

We all change over time. You are not the same as you were a few years ago. As a result of it, your preferences, desires, demands and life perspective change, too. That affects the way you react to certain people and situations. Losing a friend/partner/job can be stressful and painful. You might notice you’re asking yourself one question: WHY??? …..But give yourself the luxury of allowing changes in your life. Nothing is fully stable and permanent. Whatever happens to you, happens for a reason. There is probably something better waiting around the corner!

3. Changes are unavoidable.

Change is good. Growth is good. Even though it can be quite painful. Believe me, the biggest pain in your life is only when it all stalls, and nothing else happens. And nothing else matters, everything is exactly as it was a few years ago. Those are the warning bells. We, as human beings, are rather unique: our development comes with change. So start taking these changes as your progress, rather than your pain.

4. Bitching about…

Excuse my French… but this is exactly what it is. Things are not the way you want them to be, and what do you do? You bitch about it, you moan, you complain. Discussions with your friends/colleagues/family members are regular and never ending. But do they get you anywhere? Only actions will get you where you want to be or at least will put you on the right path towards fixing things. So instead of putting yourself in the position of a constant moaner, perhaps it’s time to take the first actual step towards resolving the situation?

5. Your piece of mind depends on your way of thinking.

When you fail to have a flexible life perspective, possibly a more positive one, you put yourself into a continuous cycle of doubt, anxiety, fear and disappointment. Your thinking is a battlefield between your good and bad thoughts, ideas and beliefs. Take a bit of extra effort and allow clean and happy thoughts into your heart and you will feel fresh and more motivation within.

6. You have a natural talent to change someone else’s life.

You were blessed with an ability to feel kindness, compassion and forgiveness. These qualities were given to you so you can live a bigger and broader life, not just so you can live in your own little bubble. There is no need to try and change the world. Just bring some happiness into someone else’s life, and you will feel a great relief and an amazing feeling of accomplishment.

7. A bit of ‘me’ time.

I was told once that being a mother of three, a wife, and a business woman I tend to forget about myself, that I don’t give myself enough of ‘me’ time. I disagreed: I have duties, responsibilities. Now I understand: more time for beloved me = happier family and a more productive business. Sounds too simple? Well, yes, life is actually pretty simple. There is no need to over-complicate it.

8. Every person you meet along the way is for a reason.

We meet different people along the way. Each one of them teaches us something. It might not be always obvious and immediately apparent what you gather from that person. It is something that you process over time. Maybe you were lucky to meet someone with amazing time management skills and everyday planning. Maybe you came across the kindest and sweetest person you’ve ever seen. Or perhaps your career path crossed with a selfish and arrogant person who was all wrapped up in KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and who didn’t care about real people. In the end, you learn a lesson from each of these people and situations: you learn what to do – what not to do, and what kind of person you want to be.

9. You are not the only one who feels lonely and insecure.

The world is full of lonely and insecure people. Even those who are seemingly surrounded by a crowd of fans and friends could feel very lonely inside. Before any social scenarios and settings, we are first of all individuals (note: ‘individual’ – adjective which means ‘single’, ‘separate’). Everyone wants to be understood and accepted: those who play the role of a peacock and those who appear as a grey little mouse. Everyone has insecurities and dreams. Somewhere out there, there is a person who totally understands you and accepts you. This definitely makes you less lonely.

So go on, use these thoughts to find your perfect balance and change your way of thinking to make it better for yourself!

Yours,

Katya French  - Professional certified coach, choose your programme here: www.cherryblossomcoach.com

Life is about to begin...

New Zealand KORU, symbol of new beginnings

What an amazing phrase I've just read, it is a pure reflection of what I personally am going through and I bet a lot of you do as well.

For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to get through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. The life would begin. At last it dawned on me that those obstacles were my life. - Alfred D'Souza

You can train yourself to do anything, you can nurture any skill, and the skill I choose to nurture is the ability to enjoy life, every day, now and not in some distant future.

Stop delaying life

We are all extremely good at delaying life enjoyment for later. But the truth is 'when the house is built', 'when the debts are all paid off' and 'when I get a better job' might not happen at all. It is not the constant obstacles on the way to the brighter future that we are going through, it is real life. And time to enjoy it is NOW.

In my online course called 'Turning Point - Reactivate Your Life' I talk about this in detail as well as draw a wholesome picture of other areas of everyday life that are vital to address if you want to be happier and satisfied.

Get your balance and happiness now

Part of the nature of humans is to be constantly developing, growing and moving towards a balanced and mature way of being. Our present personality is determined by both who and what we have been and by the person we strive to become.

The goal of this online training is to learn and apply special principles which enable us to attain emotional wellbeing, understanding and effectiveness in everyday life.

P.S. I currently have a special deal running: it gives you 33% discount off the normal price. This offer is limited to the first 50 students to sign up.

STEP 1: Click the course link Turning Point - Reactivate Your Life
STEP 2: On your right, click Redeem a Coupon
STEP 3: Enter code   FB33
STEP 4: Get your lifetime access to this online course and start your Change!

Ready for change - Reactivate your life!

Exciting news! 

Hey, after 4 years of research and nearly 1 year in the making, I am almost ready to release a special online course that teaches my 'secret' method in achieving goals and getting what you want!

Actually, I don't know if it's a secret, but I've never seen anyone else building the sequence of mental approaches the way I did.

SAD PRE-HISTORY

Since I've accepted a full time employment for a government organisation in September last year, I had to give up my passion - training in Personal Development. No words to describe how lonely and unsatisfied I started to feel, not being able to have my usual wonderful audience. My audience of people who are not ready to give up on themselves, people who don't want to stop on what's already achieved...

To be honest, eventually I got to the point where I've lost any interest for life or any further development. The alarm bells were ringing: "Time to get back into what you love, you Passion!"

HAPPY LAUNCH

And so here we are today: after about a month of sleepless nights, my husband and I have finalised our course of 22 lectures, which you would be able to get in a couple of days!

This course is a treasure chest of the most powerful, specially selected knowledge that helps people to go on, to live, to be happy and to achieve amazing results. The way how it is structured changes mindsets and reactivates even the most boring lives.

After the course you would be able to:

• Be able to understand how to go around everyday obstacles and to achieve what you want
• Learn how to deal with pessimism and insecurities (we all hit the wall sometimes)
• Learn a powerful new approach to re-activating your life and achieving actual results smoothly and with confidence

I am very excited and we'll keep you posted on the launch. Keep you eyes open for Launching specials and our special BONUS that will only go to the first 20 students!

5 Reasons to Travel

Ha Giang Province, Northern Vietnam

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller

“He who does not travel does not know the value of men.” –Moorish proverb

What does travel mean from a psychological point of view? What is it capable of giving you? What can you achieve or change in your life, if you were to “dive” skilfully into new cultures and countries?
My short answer to you: Everything! Everything good and positive, just as you desire. I invite you to take a closer look.

We usually tremble with hopes and wishes as we pack our luggage, about to go on a journey. Looking forward to new and amazing experiences, something that we don’t know yet.
The fact is: if you do it right, your journeys can solve lots of your existing problems and help you find the answers to the long standing questions. Here is Katya’s 5 reasons for travel:

Reason #1 – Get away from the everyday routine and problems 

When you change your environment and go on a journey, you feel like a free and alive person again, ready to intake and digest. Even the simplest of travels – sunbathing under the palm trees or trekking along the river is capable of bringing you peace and quiet. Capable of recharging you, as you forget about your everyday worries.

Reason #2 – Become more knowledgeable

It may sound a bit trivial. Nevertheless, this is so important: to keep growing and not to stop on what is already achieved. When you learn about new amazing cultures and traditions, when you see places, you become wiser and people just draw to you and your knowledge.

Reason #3 – Solving your problems

Does it sound familiar to you when you just lay there, unable to sleep, trying to fund solutions for your everlasting problems? No decisions come to mind. You wake up (or get up) exhausted. It feels as though life has just stalled.
By changing your scenery, you inevitably become re-charged and transformed. The trick is to take it seriously, and not to get into the usual habits of grabbing onto your cell-phone or laptop.

Reason #4 – When in Crisis - Reload

Here is a story of one of our clients.

“That’s it, it’s a total crisis. I am constantly angry with everything and everyone around me. But I think I am just angry and unsatisfied with myself and my goals, most of all. Business is not going anywhere. No, not the money flow. It’s all fine there. But where am I going with my strategy, my plans? My constant dissatisfaction with my life and with myself just doesn’t let me go forward, overcome my competition. What’s next? What if you don’t have a Dream anymore?”

What to do? Sometimes the solution can be simpler than you think. Get out of your comfort zone, get a shock. Forget about the ‘poor me’ and ‘no one understands me’ see the people around you. Does someone need more help and attention than you?

This particular client has departed on the travel training called “The Point of No Return”, which consists of such stages as: Formation – Obstacles to Change – Making Choices – and Positive Change. (Why this name? “The point of no return is the point beyond which one must continue on his or her current course of action because turning back is physically impossible, prohibitively expensive or dangerous” source Wikipedia), along with a group of like-minded people who were guided by one famous psychologist with 20 years of experience, Viktoriya Varlamova.

The journey took its place around the Northern part of Vietnam: rich traditions, pristine ethnic minority communes and the most amazing scenery.

The plan was as follows:
2 days for the arrival and look around, combined with the pre-training programme.

4 days in the Province of Ha Giang, in the house of a local farmer (house on stilts, surrounded rice fields and orchards). This is not a touristy place, hence still very authentic, clean and untouched. During the day, our client was helping the underprivileged children, planting trees and helping the local community, as he could. At nights, powerful sessions with the psychologist-trainer, as part of a group. Working on the Point of No Return.

3 days on a beach upon return back to civilization – Reflection. Culmination and the conclusion of the powerful experience and training. Looking back at what sort of person you used to be, habits and tendencies, as well as combining it with the newly acquired knowledge. Building the strategy for the Future.

Want to know the result for that businessman?
He spent 4 days in far away places where tourists don’t go and where he was REAL and where his emotions were RAW. Where he had time to re-think his everyday actions and behaviours. Where he cleansed his mind and soul. He came back re-freshed and re-charged, ready to jump into new adventures, bubbling with a positive drive!

Reason #5 – Re-instating positivity and progress

Travel is the time where you plan your own time and affairs. As it suits you.
It is an emotional re-charge which reactivates the thinking processes in your mind and stimulates your nervous system. The positive emotions find new life whilst the negative ones die off, gradually. No doubt, that after an amazing travel, when you come back home, you will feel that you can react to various situations in life more adequately and make decisions in a wiser and more mature way.

Time to plan your new adventures and travels. Time to pack your luggage and to hunt out new ideas and trends, which will, without a doubt, widen your horizons and give you an amazing new drive in life.
Time to open yourself up to new perspectives and possibilities, to become more skilful at decision-making and grow stronger and wiser.

Our next 2 groups depart on the life-changing training tours:

15 December 2014 - 10 days New Zealand, South Island Adventure - Reloading Happiness and Motivation
4 February 2015 - 8 days Singapore and Pulau Ubin - Reloading Happiness and Motivation

To enquire and book your space now contact Katya on skype: Kalexeichik or email: bookings@nonpareiltravel.com

Why do you need to get away?

Ha Giang Province, Northern Vietnam

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller

“He who does not travel does not know the value of men.” –Moorish proverb

What does travel mean from a psychological point of view? What is it capable of giving you? What can you achieve or change in your life, if you were to “dive” skilfully into new cultures and countries?
My short answer to you: Everything! Everything good and positive, just as you desire. I invite you to take a closer look.

We usually tremble with hopes and wishes as we pack our luggage, about to go on a journey. Looking forward to new and amazing experiences, something that we don’t know yet.
The fact is: if you do it right, your journeys can solve lots of your existing problems and help you find the answers to the long standing questions. Here is Katya’s 5 reasons for travel:

Reason #1 – Get away from the everyday routine and problems 

When you change your environment and go on a journey, you feel like a free and alive person again, ready to intake and digest. Even the simplest of travels – sunbathing under the palm trees or trekking along the river is capable of bringing you peace and quiet. Capable of recharging you, as you forget about your everyday worries.

Reason #2 – Become more knowledgeable

It may sound a bit trivial. Nevertheless, this is so important: to keep growing and not to stop on what is already achieved. When you learn about new amazing cultures and traditions, when you see places, you become wiser and people just draw to you and your knowledge.

Reason #3 – Solving your problems

Does it sound familiar to you when you just lay there, unable to sleep, trying to fund solutions for your everlasting problems? No decisions come to mind. You wake up (or get up) exhausted. It feels as though life has just stalled.
By changing your scenery, you inevitably become re-charged and transformed. The trick is to take it seriously, and not to get into the usual habits of grabbing onto your cell-phone or laptop.

Reason #4 – When in Crisis - Reload

Here is a story of one of our clients.

“That’s it, it’s a total crisis. I am constantly angry with everything and everyone around me. But I think I am just angry and unsatisfied with myself and my goals, most of all. Business is not going anywhere. No, not the money flow. It’s all fine there. But where am I going with my strategy, my plans? My constant dissatisfaction with my life and with myself just doesn’t let me go forward, overcome my competition. What’s next? What if you don’t have a Dream anymore?”

What to do? Sometimes the solution can be simpler than you think. Get out of your comfort zone, get a shock. Forget about the ‘poor me’ and ‘no one understands me’ see the people around you. Does someone need more help and attention than you?

This particular client has departed on the travel training called “The Point of No Return”, which consists of such stages as: Formation – Obstacles to Change – Making Choices – and Positive Change. (Why this name? “The point of no return is the point beyond which one must continue on his or her current course of action because turning back is physically impossible, prohibitively expensive or dangerous” source Wikipedia), along with a group of like-minded people who were guided by one famous psychologist with 20 years of experience, Viktoriya Varlamova.

The journey took its place around the Northern part of Vietnam: rich traditions, pristine ethnic minority communes and the most amazing scenery.

The plan was as follows:
2 days for the arrival and look around, combined with the pre-training programme.

4 days in the Province of Ha Giang, in the house of a local farmer (house on stilts, surrounded rice fields and orchards). This is not a touristy place, hence still very authentic, clean and untouched. During the day, our client was helping the underprivileged children, planting trees and helping the local community, as he could. At nights, powerful sessions with the psychologist-trainer, as part of a group. Working on the Point of No Return.

3 days on a beach upon return back to civilization – Reflection. Culmination and the conclusion of the powerful experience and training. Looking back at what sort of person you used to be, habits and tendencies, as well as combining it with the newly acquired knowledge. Building the strategy for the Future.

Want to know the result for that businessman?
He spent 4 days in far away places where tourists don’t go and where he was REAL and where his emotions were RAW. Where he had time to re-think his everyday actions and behaviours. Where he cleansed his mind and soul. He came back re-freshed and re-charged, ready to jump into new adventures, bubbling with a positive drive!

Reason #5 – Re-instating positivity and progress

Travel is the time where you plan your own time and affairs. As it suits you.
It is an emotional re-charge which reactivates the thinking processes in your mind and stimulates your nervous system. The positive emotions find new life whilst the negative ones die off, gradually. No doubt, that after an amazing travel, when you come back home, you will feel that you can react to various situations in life more adequately and make decisions in a wiser and more mature way.

Time to plan your new adventures and travels. Time to pack your luggage and to hunt out new ideas and trends, which will, without a doubt, widen your horizons and give you an amazing new drive in life.
Time to open yourself up to new perspectives and possibilities, to become more skilful at decision-making and grow stronger and wiser.

Our next 2 groups depart on the life-changing training tours:

15 December 2014 - 10 days New Zealand, South Island Adventure - Reloading Happiness and Motivation
4 February 2015 - 8 days Singapore and Pulau Ubin - Reloading Happiness and Motivation

To enquire and book your space now contact Katya on skype: Kalexeichik or email: bookings@nonpareiltravel.com

Couple of shots from The Fullerton Suite, 5 years ago

You would love these shots because it is so different now! The whole landscape of Singapore has changed in the last 5 years. See the cranes on the right? That's the beginning of the Marina Bay Sands. Taken from the Fullerton Suite balcony.

And this is our Champagne breakfast (or the part thereof)

Unique tour of Singapore

I have been in Travel industry for over 13 years before I changed my profession. Travel is my passion and so I am happy to share my knowledge with you.

Singapore is a thriving cosmopolitan city that is brimming with diversity, as well as an array of culture, language, arts and architecture.

Singapore is romantic, elegant and breathing with high spirit. This city can show you its modern glass and steel, and then it will capture your heart forever with its old bumboats and the last of the Kampungs (Malay style old settlements).

What Singapore is really about – warmth, enriching and unforgettable experience.

Let me take you on a very rare, uncommon adventure around one of my favourite cities in the world.
The program that I prepared for you makes Singapore experience wholesome and personal, drawing the allure from the breadth and richness of attractions many have grown to love here in Singapore.

8 days, 7 nights in Singapore

Plan: Arrival - Singapore city, past and present - Modern Gardens, Cloud Forest - East Coast Park, bicycles, walks and food  - Kampung villages - Backyard of Singapore, Ubin island by bumboats

What can be in the tour:

-         7 nights accommodation at The Fullerton Hotel, room of your choice

-         Transfers from and to the Airport

-         Breakfasts on the mornings of the Tour

-         Tours as described below, with all ticketing, guiding and transportation
-     Singapore Sling at Long Bar, Chilli Crab dinner, and late lunch after Ubin island

-         Your personal host for the group, all through the ‘on-the-ground’ journey

Not included in the tour:

-         International air fares

-         Any other meal expenses associated with the tour that are not listed above
-     Entries to Viewing Platforms at Marina Bay Sands or any other entry tickets not prescribed in the program

Day 1 Arrival.

Transfer to the Fullerton Hotel. Built in 1928, it used to be the General Post Office, Chamber of Commerce and the Singapore Club.  Once upon a time, the Fullerton Hotel protected the harbour.  On its rooftop stood the lighthouse, whose beacon safely guided ships into the harbour.  The restoration and conversion of this beautiful old building into a 400 room luxury hotel cost over $300 million.

Relax at the pool and enjoy the views of the river, the old Esplanade bridge, and the Old Government quarters.

Day 2 Modern Singapore

Wake up to the view of the Singapore Flyer and just in time for a scrumptious buffet breakfast with brilliant selection of hot food, fruit and baking.

We start our journey around Singapore from dazzling Marina Bay Waterfront. You will visit the amazing complex of Marina Bay Sands. People say that the boat on the top symbolises Singapore’s fishing village past. Others say, it’s a Dragon, sitting at the mouth of the sea, protecting the wealth of Singapore.

In the evening, before you retire to have a wonder of the city by yourself, we invite you to the city’s old bar, Raffles bar. You will be pleased with the relaxed atmosphere here: get a bowl of peanuts, sprinkle shells as you’re pleased, on the floor. Noone will even tell you off. Ah, and of course, this is the place to try the one and famous Singapore Sling cocktail, right where the recipe was born!

Day 3  The Gardens and the Local Spirit

The Gardens captures the essence of Singapore as the premier tropical Garden City with the perfect environment to live and work. It is just 5 minutes from your hotel.

Monet once referred to his garden as his most beautiful masterpiece. Singapore’s new icon, a 101-hectare horticultural attraction, certainly seems to be the nation’s most beautiful with more than 250 thousand rare plants in huge domed conservatories.

Enter the Cloud Forest, a mysterious world veiled in mist. A 35-metre tall mountain covered in lush vegetation shrouding the world’s tallest indoor waterfall showcases plant life from tropical highlands up to 2,000-metres above sea level.
You will have a few hours free time in between the activities of the day.

Later on, we will spend the afternoon at the East Coast Park, doing what the locals do: rent a bicycle, or just enjoy the stroll along the waterfront park. We will finish the day with a delicious Chilli Crab meal and a refreshing local beer or sugar-cane juice at a very special foodcourt, right on the beach.

Day 4 Kampong and Kampong Glam

We are now getting closer to the real old Singapore culture. In Malay, the word "Kampung" means "village or settlement". It’s one of the two last surviving kampongs in the modern mainland of Singapore, Kampong Lorong Buangkok.  The kampong was built in 1956 and is still a privately owned piece of land.   This is one of not so many places in Singapore where you will see REAL life and see REAL smiles.

We then visit the Kampong Glam. The name originates from the Gelam Tree, which once grew abundantly in the area. In 1822, the land in Kampong Glam was officially allocated to the Malays and others in the Muslim community, including a small but successful community of Arab traders.

Day 5 Pulau Ubin – Away from the Big World

Pulau Ubin is in essence, the last of the 2 'kampong' (villages) in Singapore. A stroll through Ubin takes you back to Singapore in the 1960's with the simpler pleasures of life. The slow lane starts as soon as you join the queue for the bumboat at Changi. As you arrive, all cares are left behind.

Ubin is a great day trip spent walking or pedalling through rustic roads under swaying coconut palms, exploring shady trails in overgrown rubber plantations, checking out secluded beaches and flourishing mangroves. On Ubin, the air is fresher and sights and sounds so soothing to the soul.

Day 6 Wetlands and Kranji Farms

We relocate to the real wild world of this region.

The beautiful 130ha Reserve includes mangroves and freshwater wetlands.

The Reserve is a home to an amazing diversity of all sort of interesting plants and animals. Among the stars of the Reserve are a family of wild otters! The resident crocodile also results in some excitement. Lively monitor lizards abound, as do all manner of other wild creatures, like large lizards, herons and even some resident snakes. Don’t be afraid though: it is totally monitored and safe in the Park.

We then relocate to Kranji Countryside. You’ll see the lesser known side of Singapore, with a variety of different farms available for exploration. Learn about their farming practices, with farms for eggs, milk and fruits, and others that breed fish, dogs, goats and other animals.

Day 7 Free time

We’ve had a busy few days. Singapore is a large little city. You might have had a few more dream visit points in mind… Digest the information received over the last week, and visit the city – your way.

Day 8 Departure

We transfer you to the airport, saying “We will see you again” and knowing that a part of your heart will love Singapore, forever.

If you like my itineraries, please share - I would be so happy if I could help!

Unique Aotearoa, New Zealand Tour 13 days

Kia Ora and welcome to Aotearoa, the Land of the Long White Cloud… 

This trip is concentrated on the beauty and people of New Zealand, most unique landscapes and accommodation.

Learning curve, throughout this travel, has its focus on re-setting your goals and values, becoming happier.
Even most New Zealanders regard it as "life-changing, bringing new emotions and experiences" (Ian and Marge Walker, Queenstown, New Zealand).

New Zealand’s scenery is breathtaking and dramatic, New Zealand is green and quiet – we all know that! But what makes this country, Aotearoa, really unique?

Kiwis! New Zealanders. Relaxed, easy going, yet very determined and successful nation.
Throughout this trip we will visit the best of the best, the most unique spots that not every New Zealander knows. We will meet local experts and simple people who will teach you to enjoy and love your life, from the heart.

This 13-days journey around Aotearoa offers you:

Kia Ora - Welcome in Maori

-          3 days in Auckland, the City of Sails – in-taking New Zealand spirit.

-          Tour briefing, meeting with all the group, talking about each other’s aims and hopes for the Adventure.

-          Getting familiar with the country and people. You will visit a historic Maungawhau volcano, 196 meters high with a 50 meter bowl-like crater, get onto a highest viewing platform in the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere

-          Visiting the most laid-back and artistic island of Waiheke, with some iconic vineyards

-          2 days in the Bay of Islands, where you will be amazed with the freedom and space of the 90-mile beach.

-          3 days in Rotorua/Taupo area, where you will enjoy the eye-opening half day workshop and

where you will be exposed to some mid-level extreme activities that require a good team spirit. Geyserland with nature’s awesome features also awaits you.

-          2 days in Christchurch, learning about ‘not giving up’ spirit of Canterbury people; see the city raise from the earthquake ashes.

-          2 days over in Kaikoura, joining a local family who will share over 800 years of unbroken Maori history and tradition. It’s a half day tour combining laughter, learning and storytelling with hands on activities like weaving. We will discover traditional uses of trees and plants as food and medicine and spiritual connections to the natural world.

-          We then return to Christchurch to reflect on the new findings discovered throughout this amazing journey, before spending the final night in the Land of Aotearoa. The last day in NZ will help you to re-establish your values in life, set your goals for the next few years to come.

-          Haere Ra (Good bye in Maori)

We travel by mini-busses and planes (Air New Zealand) throughout our Adventure. 

We stay at 4-5* unique accommodation that reflects New Zealand spirit.  

I am happy to assist you with booking your New Zealand trip, since I have been in the industry for over 13 years and every corner of New Zealand

Natuna Islands, Inspiration by Real Life

Are you in love with South East Asia, like me? Do you just love its people and culture, its authenticity?

This Story line and photos are provided by Dr. Irina Francken, Rotary Club Singapore on her trip to Natuna Island, Indonesia.

Welcome by local women

Refreshing start

I picked up a starfish, didn't realise it was the very real one!

Local oceanologist suggested "Lobster for dinner". Here is my future dinner.

Having dinner with real people, in the water-based village. Superb injection of life and inspiration. Getting to know local culture.

Visiting Ino Sudargo. Isn't it an amazing backyard? Note the house at the back.

 I lied down in a hammock and simply relaxed. Coffee, maam? Yes please!

Nothing expensive in this house. But they do have a whale skeleton in their collection, lots of interesting books and jazz music. Such an amazing taste for life! I told my husband about it and he replied with: "It would be great to re-organize the values in life. Maybe I should become a so much needed teacher-enthusiast of English language here?"

This is our "5* hotel".

And this is an amazingly old creature. The turtle, of course!

Such an amazing experience, just absolutely refreshing for your brain and soul. I think it's the REAL people that made this trip unforgettable!

For life-changing travels like this, call Katya French on Skype: Kalexeichik or just write to bookings@nonpareiltravel.com

Travel Transforms Your Life

Rate your life 1 to 10

If you had to stop right now and rate your life -- on a scale 1 to 10 -- what number would you choose? Are you happy with yourself? Are you living life to the fullest -- that's a 10? Have you hit the rock bottom and desperate for an all-over change -- 1? 

Human beings are naturally ambitious. We always wish for more: more success, more love, more appreciation, more wealth. Wealth, or $ Prosperity, however, should not be the starting point of your life journey but rather the point of your arrival. 

Travel Transforms Your Life

Enhance your soul

Travel and adventure, combined with learning experience enhance your journey to the prosperity. When you travel, you expose yourself to new cultures and new experiences. It is inspiring and eye opening. Each travel experience is like another little thread in the fabric of your soul. It helps you to arrive at Wealth as knowledgeable, experienced and inspired person.

See, if you can get a bigger enjoyment from your life and reach a place of mastery. Some have.

Австралиан Опен 2014 - Теннис

26 января 1788 года адмирал Королевского флота Артур Филипп высадился на берег в Сидней Коув, где теперь расположен город Сидней. Он поднял британский флаг и основал первую британскую колонию на побережье, которое в те времена называлось Новой Голландией.
Теперь этот день считается днем основания Австралии. В 2014 году празднование совпадет с финалом Открытого чемпионата Австралии - турнира "Большого шлема" теннисного сезона. 

Традиционно, Открытый Чемпионат по Теннису в Австралии (Австралиан Опен) проводится Международной федерацией тенниса (ITF) в январе — в этот раз с 13 по 26 января 2014 года на кортах Мельбурн-парка в австралийском городе Мельбурн.

В теннисном мире, Австралиан Опен пользуется большим уважением: здесь выступают сильнейшие. Сюда приезжают самые ярые, искушенные поклонники тенниса. И не только ради спортивного результата. Австралиан Опен стал спортивно-гламурным зрелищем со своими сенсациями и скандалами.

Кроме великолепного тенниса, поездка в Австралию может принести море позитивных эмоций. Ведь на этом далеком континенте можно испытать необыкновенное разнообразие природы и культуры. Остается только выбрать, что прильщает больше: джунгли и аборигены с крокодилами; виноградники южных земель и старо-английские деревушки или поездка на верблюдах в Красном сердце страны.

Чтобы вы ни заказали, как клиент Nonpareil Travel, нам под силу это осуществить. Дело в том, что у нас за плечами организация таких проектов, как лучшие билеты на теннисные туриниры, охота на собак динго, вертолетные экскурсии к красочным водопадам парка Какаду и масса других не менее увлекательных путешествий.

Если вы планируете поездку на Австралиан Опен, заказывать места и билеты, планировать свое путешествие, нужно уже сейчас. Как показал прошлый год, - это горячий сезон, особенно в силу того, что популярность Австралийского Чемпионата достигла своего апогея.

Обращайтесь к Екатерине Френч, bookings@nonpareiltravel.com

3 Дня в Пекине

Рассказ и фото предоставлены Ириной Франкен, постоянной путешественницей.

Я ждала эту встречу с Пекином. Планировала эту поездку заранее, так как я зарегистрировалась на конференцию за много месяцев вперед. Основной вопрос, который я себе задавала: как можно огромную историю и культуру Пекина охватить за такой короткий срок, - три дня перед конференцией? Но большего я себе позволить не могла. Бизнес, клиенты – они ждать не могут.

Мне повезло с гидом. Мы нашли общий язык, и три дня пролетели как в сказке. Кристина передала мне свою любовь к родному городу.

Пекин (Benijing) был столицей Китая в эпоху династии Дзин (115-1234 гг), и стал грандиозным городом спустя столетия, когда император Монгол в 13 веке сделал город зимней столицей.

Пекин поражает своим величием столицы одной из самых великих империй, которые когда-либо знал мир. Резиденция императоров и центр китайского искусства и культуры, Пекин является основной сокровищницей Китая.

Расположение Пекина на северо-востоке Китая, а точнее его близость к монгольским степям, сделало его главной добычей на пути монгольских армий под предводительством Чингисхана в 13 веке. Частично разрушенный и разграбленный город был восстановлен Кублай-ханом, внуком Чингисхана, и назван Даду – Великая Столица.

Контроль Китая над городом был восстановлен во время правления династии Минг (1368 – 1644). В это время были построены величайшие здания Пекина, например Запретный Город (Forbidden City) и Храм Неба (Temple of Heaven). Великая стена на севере города была также отреставрирована и укреплена. Но период спокойствия был непродолжительным, так как империя снова подверглась нападениям захватчиков, на этот рах маньчжуров. Они установили в 17 веке новую династию в Китае –Цин (Qing, 1644-1911). Во время правления этой династии Пекин был обновлен и расширен за счет строительства большого количества храмов и пагод.

День первый
Великая Китайская Стена. Китайцы говорят: «Ты не жил, если не видел Китайскую Стену». Стоя на вершине стены, протяженностью около 5000 км, трудно опровергнуть это заявление. Великая Стена тянется змеей через горы, долины, поля и маленькие деревушки, и любому человеку кажется бесконечной. Ее строительство было начато императором Цин Шихуанем (221-207 гг до нашей эры) и продолжалось многими императорами вплоть до императоров династии Минг. Великая Стена была построена с целью защиты Китая от нападения монголов с севера и с целью создания дороги на протяжении всей стены. Обе эти цели не были достигнуты. Но это единственное творение человека, которое видно с Луны.

Гробницы Минг
Легенда рассказывает, что когда император Юйнгол (первый император Пекина) приехал охотиться в эти места по поводу празднования своего Дня Рождения, местный крестьянин подошел к нему пожедать долгой жизни. По этому поводу император решил назвать близлежащую гору Горой Долголетия и предложил Императорскому Двору закрепить за этой долиной право быть местом захоронения императорских семей. С точки зрения Фен-шуй, энергетика этого места полностью подчиняется всевышней версии баланса «ветер-вода»: долина защищена горами от дьявольского влияния потока северных ветров и широко открыта великодушному югу.

Это место полно легендами и загадками истории.

День второй - Запретный Город.
Запретный Город находится в самом центре Пекина. Строительство города началось в начале 15 века. Трудно представить, что этот великолепнейший дворцовый ансамбль был резиденцией 24 императоров, которые господствовали в Китае около 500 лет. Дворцы окружены стеной  высотой в 10 метров и рвом с водой шириной 52 метра. В четырех углах возведены Башни. Все это образовало крепкую систему обороны. Запретный Город хранит множество ценных памятников и объединяет великолепные павильоны, которые служили резиденциями императоров и предназначались для проведения важнейших государственных и придворных церемониалов.

В 1987 году Запретный Город был занесен ЮНЕСКО в реестр объектов мирового культурного наследия.

Храм Неба
В китайском философии небо считается источником гармонии и возвышенности. В период зимнего солнестояния Храм Неба служил местом жертвоприношений во имя сохранения гармонии на земле. Необыкновенно закономерная очередность храмов и алтарей в парке объединены в единую архитектурную структуру Храма Неба. Каждое строение этого священного места имеет религиозное значение и отражено как в цветовом, так и архитектурном решении.

День третий – Южный Дворец
Это необыкновенное место часто называют Садом Возведенной Гармонии. Громаднейшее озеро со спокойной зеркальной водой, обрамленное мягкими ветвистыми ивами и украшенное маморными мостиками, является центральной частью этого потрясающего паркового ансамбля. Залы и павильоны, созданные императрицей Довагер, дополняют эту гармонию.

Интереснейшие истории о постановках китайской оперы и театральных представлениях, проходивших в парках Южного Дворца, дополняют восхищение китайской культурой.

О Китайской опере рассказ пойдет отдельно.

Бангкок просит туристов вернуться

Не так давно мы прекрасно отдыхали в Бангкоке в абсолютно шикарном отеле Лебуа (Lebua). Бродили по центру города, заглядывали в маленькие старые улочки, катались на остроконечных лодках по реке Чао-Прайа и удивлялись богатству супермаркетов. Рестораны Лебуа - одни из самых известных в городе, а бар на 68 этаже под золотым куполом привлекал все сливки общества.

После недели, проведенной в Бангкоке и его окрестностях, мы улетели на остров Самуй и жили на курорте Баан Талинг среди кокосовой рощи с видом на море. Гостеприимство просто заложено в тайском народе.
Больно об этом думать сейчас, когда весь нормальный уклад страны изуродован протестами. Неимоверно грустно было слушать про баррикады в центре города, видеть кадры знакомых улиц. В Тайланде огромный сегмент экономики, как известно, строится на туризме. И неудивительно, что Министерство по Туризму, совместно со служащими известнейших отелей, провели митинг протеста с лозунгом-просьбой: "Прекратите вредить туризму".
Сейчас все возвращается в свое русло. Министерство по Туризму сообщило, что въезжать в страну уже неопасно; Бангкок просит туристов вернуться: "Тайланд ждет своих обычных туристов "с распростерстыми объятиями", - сообщил представитель Министерства.