Bye Bye Birdees Travel Blog

Turtle Bay is an iconic Hawaiian landmark.  The only resort of it's kind on the North Shore of Oahu.  It is situated with panoramic views of the shoreline. Activities in Turtle Bay include championship golf courses, paddle boarding, surfing, kayaking, horseback riding.  Local guides are available to explore the North Shore.  The resort itself offers a spa, gym, restaurants and bars. Turtle Bay is known for it's luxury which embodies three categories, accommodation, high levels of design, quality and service. It's a great place for special occasions and romance. more information for this resort: info@byebyebirdees.com

To visit Waimea Valley, it is important to understand their mission and value to the destination: Mission: E MĀLAMA A E HO'OMAU I NĀ WAIWAI KĀNAKA, MO'OMEHEU, A KŪLOHELOHE O WAIMEA NO KĒIA HANAUNA A ME NĀ HANAUNA E HIKI MAI AI I LOKO O KA HO'ONAAUAO 'ANA A ME KA HO'OKAHU 'ANA. PRESERVE AND PERPETUATE THE HUMAN, CULTURAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES OF WAIMEA FOR GENERATIONS THROUGH EDUCATION AND STEWARDSHIP. Vision: Waimea…A living  pu'uhonua  for and by the kānaka for Hawai'i and the world. This one of Oahu's last partially intact ahupua'a subdivision of land.  Waimea is significant in history of Hawaii.  It is a place for Hawaiian spirituality and traditions.   Waimea Valley cultural and natural resources is a backdrop for teaching, learning and inspiration   School programs surround cultural topics and ethnic identity.  It is home to more than 5000 documented kinds of tropical and subtropical plants including native and end...

Across the street from the Kamehameha's palace are the Hawaiian Mission Houses.   This is a gem that can easily be overlooked. It's historic value brings visitors back to the 19th century that brought Christianity to Hawaii.   Hawaiian Mission Houses was established in 1923 by the Hawaiian Mission Children's Society, a private, non-profit organization and genealogical society. It c onsists of three mission houses that served as homes and workplaces for the first Christians on the island. A tour of the property brings insight to the issues and history.  They work in collaboration with the Native Hawaiian agency, it is also known worldwide as the birthplace of the written Hawaiian language.  Two of the oldest houses  are still standing. They also hold evening theaters to include stories, song, dance and recreate characters from the 19th century. To learn more about the Hawaiian Mission Houses visit:  https://missionho...

If you are thinking of Cafe du Monde, are you thinking coffee or beignets?  I've always been a little puzzled how that little stand operates.  Everything moves so fast.  Either a waiter or waitress will quickly take your order.  Pretty much we have always order the same thing a plate of sugary, powdery donuts and coffee.  Guilt free does not apply.   The thoughts that go through my mind are calories and sugar diabetes.  We eat the donuts anyway. The location of the Cafe du Monde is the original French Market Coffee Stand.  Opened in 1863 it has remained at the same location 800 Decatur Street at the corner of St. Ann.  They are open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. On a warm sunny day, you can watch the hustle and bustle. The cafe sits across Jackson Square on the banks of the Mississippi river. Just a quick note on the Cafe au lait served.  The coffee is a special blend of coffee and chicory mixed with half and half with hot...

I took my first real class at the New Orleans Schools of Cooking.  That was 18 years ago, when I was just starting to work as a travel agent. The meal of the day was gumbo.  The desert of the day was bread pudding.  The spice of the day was Joe's Stuff.  The seasonings that make up the recipes are in my pantry 18 years later. I remember the theme "Make Your Mouth Happy.  The NOSC boasts fun, food and folklore.  The offer entertaining classes and afterward products can be purchased at the general store. Their demonstration classes include: Meal, recipes, Iced Tea, Lemonade, Abita Beer made local or Abita Root bear. Hands on classes with personalized instructions from one the chefs are available.  Clients cut, cook, and prepare the entire meal with assistance.  After wards they are able to enjoy a  delicious meal that hey have created. Looking for team building?  Take a break from webinars and virtual conferences .  NOS...

Legoland California is located on 128 acres just one mile east of Interstate 5 in the seaside village of Carlsbad, CA 30 minutes north of San Diego. Legoland has more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions.  It is a hands-on experience for families with children 2-12.  They even have the The Lego Movie Experience with behind the scenes look at an actual movie set.  All the great toys that make up the Lego products come to life with knights and princesses on their own roller coaster.  Kids even attend driving school to get their driver's license. Some of the features: Waterpark FunTown Duplo Village Dino Island Pirate Shores Castle Hill Land of Adventure Miniland USA Imagination Zone Legoland Hotel New to the resort theme park is the New Jellyfish Discovery To make the visit more convenient, Legoland boasts Legoland Hotel which has themed guest rooms all with LEGO models, kids' sleeping area with bunk bed, pull-out trundle bed and TV.  Kin...

The Royale Cocktails- I got this recipe from The El Dorado Royale in Riviera Maya some years ago.  For the sake of it being a non-alcoholic recipe, I am recommending  agave or non-alcoholic Tequila. ingredients 1.5 oz Agave 2 oz mango 100 oz ice 1 Straw directions Take a glass and wet the rim of the glass with lime and salt or pour the garnish.  Then take the ingredients mentioned above and pour into the blender.  Mix it up until the drink gets frozen.  Pour into the glass.

You can Escape the World You can Explore the World You can Embrace the World Antigua is the place of 365 beaches.  Folks say  I do on their white sandy beaches or the panoramic view of a harbor cliff top for their ceremony. All Inclusive packages and affordable wedding packages. Antigua and Barbuda is also known for it's adventures in world class sailing, kite surfing, diving and zip lining in the rain forest.  Hike the island's many trails or take a safari. Tours and attractions include Swim with the Stingrays Dive and Snorkel among the Coral Reefs Experience Kite Surfing Zip line through the Rain forest Frigate Bird Sanctuary Antigua is also known for his is historical culture.  Party at the Shirley Heights for live steel bands and local music.  Visit the art studios.  Carnival is one of their many festivals.  Don't miss the English Harbor and Nelson's dockyards.

The best way to get to know the Puerto Rican culture is through their indigenous ancestors The Taino. Almost 50% of Puerto Rico's municipalities have Taino names.  Many of the rivers, fruits, foods and traditions are indigenous to Puerto Rico including the canoe (canoa) which was the first Taino word accepted by the Spanish language. The Ruta Taina is a sacred tour through the land Tainos.  The various towns include sacred ceremonial ground, petroglyphs, archaeological sites, burial sites, legends and more can be explored at one's own pace. Unique areas that feature sightseeing: Arecibo- named after chief Arasibo who lived in the lands.  It hosts a great cavern system,  including Cueva del Indio (Indian's Cave) it is one of the most visited in the country. Arecibo-Cuevo del Indio Nature Reserve Arecibo Lighthouse & Historical Park-Theme Park that recreates the Puerto Rican culture Antiguo Caney del Abacoa Fishing Indian Monument Rene' Marques Mu...

After the devastating hurricane last year, the Puerto Rico Tourism Board predicts 1.7 million visitors this season.  Why visit Puerto Rico? For U.S. citizens no passport required.  Puerto Rico is convenient for vacations and business meetings.  For a unique Caribbean experience, it does not have the hassle of other destinations. Benefits: No Passport Required No Customs Check Short flight from the Southern parts of the U.S. Easy to explore, cultural, and exciting U.S. Currency and Postal Service  Traveler's can rent a car, take a tour, visit diverse attractions throughout the island, or simply lay on the beach. All Star Accommodations are available in every size and category.  For something unique try a Parador.  Puerto Rico is famous for it's historic sites, towns and villages.  Some famous places include: Old San Juan Castillo San Felipe del Morro Castillo Seralles Hacienda Buena Vista Porta Coeli Church and Muse...