Design Destinations Magazine December 2021 by Franz E. Buchhalter

December 2021

LUCCA

Tuscany’s Hidden Gem

CELEBRITY APEX A New Way of Cruising

THE GALAPAGOS A Land Of Enchantment

BODIE

Califorina’s Ghost Town

TUNISIA

Golden Beaches, History & Star Wars

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WHAT’S INSIDE

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CONTRIBUTORS Scotty Graham is an American photographer based in Jakarta, Indonesia. Before

becoming a photographer, he worked as a helicopter pilot, scuba instructor and a mathematics teacher. Teaching is one of his passions and currently Scotty also works as a full time High School photography teacher at Jakarta Intercultural School, and also works as a freelance photographer, most recently for the Olympic Committee Asia capturing the Asian Games. Scotty is a frequent contributor for Design Destinations Magazine whose images have graced several covers.

Malorie Mackey is an actress, host, and writer living in Los Angeles, CA. Malorie's first published book entitled "My Playboy Story: Hopping from Richmond to Hollywood" was published in 2017. Since then, Malorie's short story "What Love Has Taught Me" has been published in the anthology "Choices," and she has been writing and blogging about travel and adventure in hopes of publishing her next book about travel soon. You can find Malorie’s travel content on dozens of digital media platforms. She believes that everyone should enjoy a little adventure in their lives. www.maloriesadventures.com

Alicia Diez is a passionate travel photographer based in the New York City area. She captured moments with her camera since childhood and became passionate about architecture and travel. The travel bug bit and she was off, camera by her side. Her years as a travel advisor took her to all 7 continents and is now prepared to share images on her website through blogs and galleries, and through her new interest in writing about travel and its impact. She plans to continue to travel, photograph and write; always motivated to find those special moments and perfect angles that others don’t see and share them in her photographs and in travel features. Instagram: www.aliciatravels.com

Haythen Gataa is a software engineer student and an amid photographer. Haythem's photography journey started when he received his first camera and started shooting everything on site. Gradually he started loving it and moved to more sophisticated cameras. His passions are landscape/city skyscrape and street photography, and specifically, he loves long exposure, minimalism, and nature photography. He lives in Tunis and also works as a UI Designer. To see more of his work, check his Instagram @haythemgataa

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Editor-in-Chief & Founder Franz E Buchhalter Managing Editor Cynthia P. Howland

LUCCA

Tuscany’s Hidden Gem

CELEBRITY APEX

A New Way of Cruising

Design Destinations Magazine is owned by Buchhalter International Group. Inc. 9121 SW 140th Street Miami, Florida 33176 info@buchhalterig.com

THE GALAPAGOS

A Land Of Enchantment

BODIE

Califorina’s Ghost Town

TUNISIA

Golden Beaches, History & Star Wars

Our Cover: Anja Niemi The Stage (2016) Celebrity Apex

As a lover of travel, being restricted in the past two years has nearly driven me insane. I did travel to New York City several times, to Knoxville and Charleston on weekend getaways, and I also traveled to Colombia and Tanzania, which may sound like a lot more than the average person. Still, for someone who was literally on a plane going somewhere every other week, this seemed like nothing. Last month we were invited to the inaugural sailing of Celebrity Cruise Lines' new vessel, The Apex, and loved it. And we (family included) traveled to Italy and stayed for two weeks in Lucca. We had visited there before on a day trip on previous trips to Italy, but this time we were immersed in the town, walked the wall, ate at some of the unique restaurants, walked the cobblestone streets, and met the locals. And it was excellent. In our last issue of 2021, we are featuring Tunisia with images by Haydeen Gatta, a Tunisian photographer who makes his debut in our magazine with beautiful captures of this exciting country. We also discovered the Bode Ghost Town with images from our contributor Scotty Graham. Alicia Diez takes us on a tour of the Galapagos, and Malorie McCaky gives us a lesson on the Panama hat, its origins, and history. Thailand has started reopening its borders to international tourists, and our partner in Koh Lanta, the Pimalai Resort & Spa, is ready to do so. We feature this fantastic resort located in one of Thailand's most beautiful islands. We always appreciate your support and thank you for your readership. Go and see the world! Franz E Buchhalter

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & FOUNDER

PIMALAI RESORT & SPA Koh Lanta’s Secret Sanctuary Welcomes International Guests

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Located in the tranquil island of Lanta on the southern part of Thailand, you will find the magnificent resort of Pimalai, a beautiful and amazing retreat nestled in lush tropical surroundings. The 121 deluxe rooms, suites and villas resort offers its guests the opportunity to experience world renowned Thai hospitality while enjoying luxurious accommodations. The resort features ocean views, and beachfront deluxe accommodations that include one, two and three bedroom villas, all with private pools and un-obstructed views of the ocean; three world-class restaurants; a spa that puts you in touch with nature while you enjoy a classic Thai treatment.

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Each luxury room, suite and villa boasts ample living space, both indoors and out. Enjoy the sunsets and sunrises from the privacy of your oceanfront deck, dine under the stars or simply refresh yourself in the private swimming pool of your villa.

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Pimalai Resort & Spa’s three restaurants offer guests delightful international cuisine, and they can enjoy the many flavors of Thailand’s traditional delights in three distinctive atmospheres.

Choose from an array of delicacies from across Thailand at the beachfront restaurant. Enjoy world famous cuisine and exotic fruit and juices or experience a refreshing cocktail in this idyllic setting before and after a day in the sun.

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Begin your evening in an elegant setting with a glass of wine while the sunset takes over the evening in the Seven Seas restaurant. The chef’s creations, highlighting local catches and signature dishes will delight you as you end another amazing day.

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Experience the riches of Koh Lanta in luxurious style. Set sail on a private boat, dive untouched reefs, or explore a deserted island. Immerse yourself in cultural sensations both on our island and further ashore. The five-star PADI Dive Center offers an unrivaled reputation for highest quality personal service, and experienced dive guides well versed in the area to make your dive experience truly memorable. Koh Lanta offers many alternative options for day excursions, from a shopping tour in a local market to a ride in one of the intuitive three wheel motorcycles called Tuk-Tuk or a tour of the nearby Krabi. Koh Lanta is known for its lush and tropical setting and for the many beautiful beaches.

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The underwater is spectacular with whale shark and manta ray sightings, vibrant reefs, abundant marine life and easy access to some of the region’s most famous dive sites. There’s a range of sites accessible from Koh Lanta to suit all levels. There are wall dives, pinnacle dives, wrecks and lagoons, and deeper open ocean sites for the experienced divers.

Learn to cook your favorite Thai dishes, experience the exotic herbs and spices that make Thai cuisine one of the world’s culinary delights!! At Pimalai Resort & Spa the cooking class is a must. Let the chef guide you through the herb garden as you select the ingredients needed to prepare the famous tum yun goon soup or the pad thai noodles. The experience is amazing and a great opportunity to increase your menu to impress your friends when you return home.

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THE PANAMA HAT A Timeless Piece in the World of Travel by Malorie Mackey

Photo: Craig Whitehead *

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Photo: Alexander Schimmeck *

THE PANAMA HAT A Timeless Piece in the World of Travel by Malorie Mackey The Panama hat is a brimmed straw hat traditionally made from the plaited leaves of the Carludovica palmata plant. Even if you haven’t heard mention of the Panama hat before, there’s no doubt that you have seen them throughout history in countless films dating back to the Golden Era of Hollywood. Charlton Heston and Eleanor Parker wore them in Naked Jungle, Sydney Greenstreet and Paul Henreid donned them in Casablanca. They can also be spotted on Clark Gable in Gone with the Wind and on Gregory Peck in To Kill a Mockingbird. The trend of sporting a Panama hat on the silver screen has even carried through into more modern cinema. For instance, Anthony Hopkins wore one in Hannibal. So, what’s the origin of the Panama hat, and why is it still the epitome of travel and adventure fashion today?

Charlton Heston and Eleanor Parker wore them in Naked Jungle, Sydney Greenstreet and Paul Henreid donned them in Casablanca. They can also be spotted on Clark Gable in Gone with the Wind and on Gregory Peck in To Kill a Mockingbird. The trend of sporting a Panama hat on the silver screen has even carried through into more modern cinema. For instance, Anthony Hopkins wore one in Hannibal. So, what’s the origin of the Panama hat, and why is it still the epitome of travel and adventure fashion today? Due to the boom of adventurers taking part in the California Gold Rush at that time, he made the Panama hat famous, as most prospectors who needed to travel by sea to California had to stop in Panama, and the Panama hat was, indeed, perfect to protect their heads from the sun. In fact, they were so popular during this time that President Theodore Roosevelt was photographed in one when he visited the construction site of the Panama Canal.

The Origin of the Panama Hat The Panama hat is a brimmed straw hat traditionally made from the plaited leaves of the Carludovica palmata plant. Even if you haven’t heard mention of the Panama hat before, there’s no doubt that you have seen them throughout history in countless films dating back to the Golden Era of Hollywood.

Fast forward to the golden age of Hollywood, and as I mentioned above, the Panama hat was being worn by our favorite celebrities, solidifying this trend in our culture. 22

a woman would be seen wearing one), they have been extremely trendy with women in the past few decades. Think about how many women you’ve seen sporting Panama hats to the beach while the trend for men has leaned more into baseball caps or other simple headwear. Perhaps, this is because you can tie fabric or scarves of any kind around your Panama hat to adorn it with color, so it matches any outfit. In fact, as far as tropical weather is concerned, it’s one of the easiest accessories to add to your look for a finishing touch of style. Its roots in the Golden Era of Hollywood also add that touch of class to this timeless accessory.

Today, the Panama hat still dominates in fashion because of its lightweight and easy nature. Because these hats are generally made of straw, they are much more breathable than their thicker counterparts (such as a fedora made of fabric). So, they are perfect to wear in tropical weather and weightless enough to easily bring with you on a trip. In other words, the Panama hat is the best hat to bring with you on your tropical vacation. In fact, many brands today have made “folding” Panama hats that can easily be folded to fit into your suitcase and can quickly bounce back after travel.

From Ecuador to Panama to the Wild West to Old Hollywood, the Panama hat has proven to be a timeless piece of travel fashion that we just can’t stop wearing. As you plan for your next trip, be sure to stop and think about your style just a bit as you pack and, be sure to throw in your Panama hat as your go-to accessory for your next adventure.

Panama hats are also easy to style, which makes them a great accessory for any fashionista! In fact, while Panama Hats used to be seen more frequently on men back in the time of the silver screen (though occasionally

Photo: Ferran Feixas *

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Modern Fashion Appeal

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In the movies… 25

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1. Terrence Howard in Empire (2015) 2. Matthew Goode & Ben Whishaw in Brideshead Revisited (2008) 3. Cynthia Dixon in Sex in The City (2008) 4. Jimmy Stewart in To Malaya (1949) 5. Sydney Greenstreet & Paul Henreid in Casa Blanca (1942) 6. Jack Nicholson in Chinatown (1974) 7. Robert Redford in The Great Gatsby (1974) 8. Charlton Heston & Eleonor Parker in The Naked Jungle (1954) 9. Clark Gables in Gone With The Wind (1939) 10. Gregory Peck in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) 11. Anthony Hopkins in Hannibal (2001)

LUCCA

Tuscany’s Hidden Gem By Franz E Buchhalter

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LUCCA Tuscany’s Hidden Gem Just under an hour by train from Florence is Lucca, one of the few walled cities in Italy. This charming medieval city is encircled by an ancient wall that today serves as a pedestrian promenade or, as Italians call it Passeggiata delle Mura Urbane. Founded in the third century, Lucca is an example of the Roman street plan. The town includes a number of public squares, most notably the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, site of an ancient Roman amphitheater; but also Piazzale Verdi; Piazza Napoleone'; and Piazza San Michele.

Lucca is famous not only because of its preserved walls but because it is the birthplace of the Italian composer Giacomo Puccini whose masterpieces La Bohème and Madame Butterfly are considered some of the best-loved operas of all time. Lucca is also famous among the young because it hosts the annual Lucca Comics and Games Festival, Europe's largest comics, movies, and games festival.

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The annual comic book and gaming convention has been running for more than 50 years, since 1966. It is the second biggest in the world, welcoming more than 250,000 attendees. This may explain why you will find local bakeries selling comic books and articles. Lucca is a town to explore, strolling down the narrow cobblestone streets and discovering small stores where you will find anything from fresh produce to a small wine store where the owner attends and makes great recommendations for local wines. Lucca can be visited in a single day, but to experience this old city best, stop for a few days and use it is a base to explore central or north of Tuscany. Lucca is just a train ride to other towns like Pisa, Montecatini Terme, Prato, and a must when you go to Italy, Florence, sits only 40 minutes in a regional train. Most things in Lucca show its ancient history, from the Roman amphitheater that can be seen in Piazza dell'Anfiteatro or the many churches, including then 12th-century churches Saints Giovanni and Reparata, to the various beautifully preserved t o w e r s . T h e m o s t f a m o u s i s t h e To r r e Guinigi. While strolling the street, you will find murals created by local artists representing the twelve protagonists of Puccini's work. Lucca offers a variety of small hotels. from quaint to more sophisticated options, including Hotel Ilaria in Via del Fosso, a small modern with all the amenities. If you are more interested in an historical accommodation, The Palazza Dipinto located in Piazza del Palazzo Dipinto is a good option. My family and I opted to stay in a charming apartment overlooking the beautiful gardens of the historical Villa Bottini.

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Visiting Lucca is a very relaxing experience. The town has a surprising range of traditional and more contemporary eateries, drawing foodies from all parts of Tuscany. There are many options, from budget to expensive, from a Pizzeria to a pub. We visited La Nonna Clara during my stay. This rustic and charming family owned restaurant offers delightful meals prepared with local ingredients. Worth mentioning is their famous suckling roasted pig. Another great option is Restaurant Gli Orti di Via Elisa, adjacent to Villa Bottini, serving excellent food with friendly and courteous service. And if you are open to something completely unexpected, visit one of Lucca's newest entries in the culinary journey: Restaurante Santi Peccanti located in Piazza Saint Francesco. This is an authentic culinary experience where head Chef Andrea Madonia creates unique and extraordinary dishes that are unexpected and short of being fantastic. The restaurant is elegant but relaxing, and the Maitre'd or host Alfredo Sibaldi will greet you warmly, explain the menu and recommend some of the best wines. Another exciting experience while in Lucca is visiting one of the many wineries. We visited Fattoria Al Dotto, just under half an hour drive from the center of town. This familyowned winery produces outstanding reds and whites; the most notable are the Sangiovese and the Brunetto. Be prepared to sample their wines while enjoying beautiful views and a sumptuous lunch paired with six of their best wines. Lucca is fun, relaxing, enjoyable, and simply beautiful. So next time you travel to Italy, make Lucca a stop or, better, make it your home away from home. You won't regret it.

Photo: Christina Gotardi *

CELEBRITY APEX A New Way of Cruising

This fall, we were invited to experience Celebrity Cruise's newest ship, Apex. The ship offers a collection of luxurious elements that raise to cruising to a new level. Guests will have no problem finding a wide selection of dining options with the ship's 29 restaurants, including Michelin Starred Chefs’ curated menus. The sister ship of Celebrity's first, The Edge, duplicates the already favorite innovative Magic Carpet. The platform elevator-type lounge takes guests to different ship levels, offering unique cocktails, sushi rolls, seafood, and extraordinary views. The Retreat, Apex exclusive private suite offers a pool, bar, and an intimate dining option with a menu created by Chef and Restaurant Daniel Boulud. It also features its most extensive suite, the Iconic Suite, a luxurious 2,500 square feet of lavish indoor and outdoor luxury that includes panoramic views, a dedicated host, and more. Among the dining options found onboard the Apex is their specialty restaurant Raw 5, which we enjoyed very much. It is a seafood, Japanese and raw bar offered in a casual atmosphere. With many options to dine, guests enjoy the main dining as part of their experience with four distinctive options, leaving behind the large dining room available in other cruise ships as the primary option for guests. Entertainment is fresh, creative, and eclectic, with plenty to choose from. We opted to visit the Martini Bar and enjoyed a delicious martini while enjoying the music. With itineraries in the Caribbean through the spring, before moving to the Mediterranean and Western Europe sailings, Apex is a new way of cruising

THE AUSTRALIAN BALLET For almost 60 years, The Australian Ballet has been inspiring, delighting and challenging audiences through the power of its performances. A commitment to artistic vibrancy, a spirited style, and a willingness to take risks have defined the company from its earliest days, both onstage and off.

The company regularly represents Australia on the world stage and has performed to critical acclaim in numerous cities worldwide including New York, Shanghai, Tokyo, London and Paris. Caring for tradition yet daring to be different, The Australian Ballet performs beloved classical ballets and commissions new work annually; it presents upwards of 250 shows and 1,700 educational and audience engagement events each year. In addition to 80 exceptional dancers, The Australian Ballet employs master craftspeople and leaders in injury prevention, dance education, marketing and philanthropy as well as an orchestra, Orchestra Victoria, of over 60 musicians.

Over the last 20 years, through the leadership of its longest-serving artistic director, David McAllister, the company has evolved into a unique expression of Australian culture, crystallizing the nation’s athleticism, aspiration to excellence and love of dance. 44

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TUNISIA Golden Beaches, History & Star Wars

Some of the Mediterranean's most spectacular beaches are found in Tunisia. To the north, you'll discover a coastline of crystal-clear waters, lush vegetation, and wild cliﬀs, while the southern coast is fascinating due to the desert landscape surrounding it. Visitors on a journey to discover beautiful beaches cannot miss Hammamet. It is located 41 miles south of the capital of Tunis. Hammamet's sandy beaches and a well-preserved Medina (old town); an old and historic neighborhood by the water that is surrounded by a wall built in the 15th century makes for a great experience.. Visiting Hammamet is a gentle introduction to the culture and traditions of North Africa while enjoying a beautiful beach experience.

Located on the central coast of Tunisia is Monastir, just about 100 miles from Tunis, Tunisia's capital city. Monastir is located on a cape crisscrossing the Mediterranean Sea, from where long and narrow stretches of beach stretch for miles on both sides. Besides its famous beaches, here you will find Ribat, one of the oldest Arab fortresses in Africa.

Photo: Noelle Guirola *

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Located in the northern part of Africa is Tunisia, an oasis of golden beaches, historical sites, beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and Star Wars filmed locations.

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Photo: Haythem Gataa

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Photo: Haythem Gataa

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Photo: Haythem Gataa

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Situated in the Gulf of Gabes on the Mediterranean Sea, you will find Djerba. This exquisite town, famous for its beaches is accessible from the south of Tunisia, on the road initially built by the Romans that connects the island and the mainland. Djerba, which oﬀers a pirate's castle and fortress-like mosques, is believed to have been the inspiration for Homer's Odyssey.

If you are looking for a Tunisian beach experience that highlights Tunisia's Mediterranean ties, visit Sidi Bou, a whitewashed town on the Gulf of Tunis. Located close to Tunis, it oﬀers plenty of things to do in and around the town. The streets of Sidi Bou Said, most of which are quaint cobbled streets, are lined with souvenir shops, cafes, and art shops.

Photo: Haythem Gataa

And the jewel of Tunisia is Gammarth. Located 14 miles north of Tunis is this coastal town with spectacular views of and access to the Mediterranean Sea. Gammarth oﬀers a one-ofa-kind experience, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in nature through its beaches and hills. In Garmmarth, you will find some of the most expensive resorts and shops in all of Tunisia.

Tunisia enjoys a rich and varied history due to having some of the greatest world civilizations occupying the land. Phoenicians, the Roman Empire, and the Byzantines left their mark, resulting in many historical sites rivaling other more popular destinations. Tunisia features seven UNESCO Cultural Heritage sites. These historical gems are all concentrated in the northeast of the country: The Archaeological Site of Carthage, the Amphitheatre of El Jem,

Photo: Haythem Gataa

Drougga / Thugga, Kairouan, Medina de Sousse, Medina of Tunis, and the Punic Town of Kerkuane and its Necropolis.

A Greek legend tells of a princess called Dido, who became the first outsider to settle among the native tribes of Tunisia when she founded the city of Carthage in the 9th century BC. Carthage nonetheless grew into one of the greatest cities of antiquity, inviting the wrath of the Roman Empire. There are plenty of things to see while visiting Carthage, including Tophet, a religious sanctuary where people worshipped the sun god Baal-Ammon, and the Baths of Antoine. This Roman bath complex dates from the 2nd century AD.

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Photo: Karim Ben Van *

Photo: Haythem Gataa

Photo: Karim Ben Van *

Locations in Tunisia were used to film scenes for the first six Star Wars movies. If you are a fan of the Star Wars film series you are probably aware that the main character Luke Skywalker hails from the planet of Tatooine, a dusty desert world inhabited by strange creatures and presides over by twin suns. But you might not be aware that Tatooine is a real place, brought to life by realworld locations in Tunisia in an area known as Tataouine. Although a few scenes set on Tatooine were filmed in the Death Valley in the United States, the majority of desert scenes in the original Star Wars movies were filmed in Tunisia, with subsequent films in the series also returning to shoot footage in the country. Many of the original sets used to film Star Wars in Tunisia remain today and have become some of the most popular attractions for tourists.. With Golden Beaches, beautiful historical sites, and Star Wars movie sets, Tunisia is a land to be rediscovered and experienced.

Photo: Sz Barton *

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Photo: Tunisia Tourist

Photo: Lucas Films

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Photo: Lucas Films

BODIE GHOST TOWN Photos by SCOTTY GRAHAM

Photos: Henry Wu

Seven miles southeast of Bridgeport, California, you will find the Bodie State Historical Park. This was one of the best gold mining locations in California in its peak year. The town attracted people from the east in search of wealth, and it became a thriving town in the late 1870s. The town’s population grew to almost 10,000 a decade later. The town barely existed until 1942, when mining was suspended, and the last known resident left town. However, as early as 1912, the town’s local newspaper, the Bodie Mine, printed the last issue showing signs of an imminent decline.

town became known as the town with more bars and saloons than any other city in the country. Today the Bodie Ghost Town is a true ghost town with more than 100 well-preserved historical buildings remaining. Visitors can only see 5% of what used to stand in its hay day. However, of the still-standing buildings, it is worth noting the Methodist Church as one of the best-preserved buildings in the town. The town was established as an historical park in 1962. More than 200,000 annual visitors come to the town to see the preserved buildings and antique vehicles and imagine how this town may have looked back in its glory days.

As many did in the Gold Rush period, The town attracted mostly men, and Bodie Town was no exception. This opened the opportunity for brothels, saloons, and bars; in fact, the 89

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The Galapagos, A Land Of Enchantment Photos & Story by Alicia C. Diez 98

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The Galapagos, about 620 miles off the coast of Ecuador, is an archipelago of islands straddling the equator. This “unique living museum and showcase of evolution” is an archipelago of 127 islands, islets, and rocks, not the 18 most commonly mentioned. With volcanic origins from the movement of 3 tectonic plates – Nasca, Cocos, and Pacific – this archipelago is also the youngest at between 1 million and 5 million years old! The isolation of these islands has created an enchanted place filled with curiously unique and diverse flora and fauna. 101

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Even as a city dweller, I was always enthralled and curious about faraway and exotic destinations. Whenever I could, I watched educational programs and flipped through travel and geography publications, creating an early “bucket list.” One of those faraway places was the Galapagos Islands, and I vowed one day to visit that magical and mystical land filled with such curiously different animals and birds,and especially to see the prehistoriclooking tortoises and my favorite, the bluefooted booby.

making it difficult to miss as females fly overhead searching for possible suitors. An interesting fact about frigate birds found on the Galapagos Islands is that they are genetically different from others found elsewhere in the world due to their isolated location. This trip was a fantastic learning experience. For example, the only place to see marine iguanas is here! Swimming gracefully, almost snake-like, to a depth of 65 feet, they feed on algae found on rocks relatively close to the surface. While they depend on the ocean for their food, marine iguanas are like beach bums spending most of their time in the sun, sprawled on the sand, side by side and almost on top of each other, creating a carpet of marine iguanas – leaving not a space to be had! Curiously, as you watch them sunbathing, they “sneeze” out salt from the algae consumed to keep themselves from dehydrating.

The most iconic resident of the Galapagos Islands, also its mascot, is the giant tortoise. They are massive, and, at a quick glance, they resemble small boulders. Weighing an average of 700 pounds, they travel at a speed of about .16 miles per hour and spend 16 hours of the day resting. Today, only 12 species of tortoises live in the Galapagos, and they are found on only 7 of the 18 islands - Fernandina, Española, Floreana, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe,and Santiago.

The only penguin found north of the equator and the smallest, measuring only 20 inches, can be found on the Galapagos. Two other unique inhabitants of these islands are the beautifully colored Sally Lightfoot crab and the flightless cormorant. The color of the Sally Lightfoot crab, a beautiful contrast as you see them walking on the lava rocks, has nothing to do with attracting a mate as there are no noticeable differences between males and females. They are simply colorful. The flightless cormorant, the only flightless one in the species, is found only here, and it is its lack of predators and evolution caused it to become flightless! Now it simply “flies” down to the ocean floor to feed off fish and octopuses.

When I arrived on those islands, excited to finally see everything with my own eyes,I discovered mating season was in full swing. I was lucky to witness the blue-footed booby performing its ritual dance: males raising one foot slowly towards the sky than the other while strutting around! Why do they lift their feet? Bluer feet mean a healthier potential partner, so what better way to showcase those blue feet than by holding them up so the potential female partner can easily see them! Another curious tidbit is how the name booby came about. Since these birds were not afraid of humans and stumbled up to them, the early explorers to the islands, trying to use the Spanish word “bobo,” meaning stupid, ended up saying “booby,” and the name stuck. By the way, the Galapagos has three types of boobies: blue-footed, red-footed, and the Nazca booby.

The beauty and diversity of the flora and fauna you encounter during your visit to the Galapagos is a marvel. All of this has existed in perfect balance for a very, very long time until humans upset this balance. For example, there were more than 250,000 tortoises before the explorers, whalers, and fur traders arrived in the 16th century.

Color plays an important role in nature. It is all about getting noticed, especially when flying overhead. Such is the case with the frigate bird. A male frigate bird inflates its throat pouch to resemble a large, brilliant crimson balloon,

We can do our part by continuing to travel to the Galapagos. Travel helps to fund the 104

But what is most influential is the passion and knowledge of those naturalists you encounter every day while in the land of enchantment. These individuals instill an awareness of the fragility and balance of nature, not just of the Galapagos, but also of our beautiful planet, and they foster a commitment you carry from then onwards. That makes the difference.

Through these efforts begun in the mid-20th century, the numbers have improved, but some species are still in peril: Giant tortoise status: Vulnerable Booby status: Population on the decline Galapagos penguin status: Endangered Marine iguana status: Vulnerable Flightless Cormorant status: Vulnerable

Travel mindfully and respect nature, so future generations can visit these magical places.

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organizations responsible for scientific research, fostering recycling efforts, and building a sustainable society in the Islands, along with the government of Ecuador, which monitors the impact of travel by preventing mass tourism.

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THE MAGIC OF THE

EFFERVESCENCE There is something irresistible about the bubbles in Champagne – something uniquely pleasurable that makes the taste a thrill every time.

that transform grape sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide by fermentation. Mastering that process has been no simple task, gradually building an expertise that has its roots in the patient observations of 17th Century Champagne makers.

The French prefer the word ‘effervescence’ to describe the bubbles in Champagne because they feel it has the right connotations of movement and liveliness but also intensity and joy.

Effervescence is not an end in itself, but should complement and support the qualities of the wine. Because it accentuates the sensory characteristics of wine, effervescence is not really compatible with overly heavy, powerful or wooded aromas.

They distinguish between ‘effervescence’ and ‘pétillant’ (sparkling), which suggests the fizzing bubbles at the surface, or ‘mousse’, that suggests images of a creamier, more stable substance.

The gentle pressing technique used in Champagne avoids that problem by extracting only the juice from the flesh, with nothing from with the berry skins or stems. The aim is to balance the effervescence in young Champagne wines by a delicate bouquet of fresh and exotic fruit and floral notes.

To a scientist, effervescence refers merely to the formation of the bubbles and not to the mousse that follows. It is the very basis of the entire Champagnemaking process: the goal of the ‘méthode Champenoise' and the touch of magic that gives the wines their quintessential expression. Effervescence was neither discovered nor invented. It is a natural process produced by yeasts, the micro-organisms that transform grape sugars into alcohol by fermentation.

With age, the effervescence loses some of its exuberance, becomes more cushiony, and more in tune with the nutty, toasty aromas typical of old Champagne wines that have matured on their lees in the bottle. Effervescence brings the wine to life but to achieve a perfect balance of sensory characteristics, it must also support and highlight the wine’s qualities.

Effervescence was neither discovered nor invented. It is a natural process produced by yeasts, the micro-organisms 108

Photo: Ben Wilkins *

“

Champagne makes you feel like it’s Sunday

and there are better days around the corner.” - Marlene Dietrich

“I only drink

champagne on two occasions, when I am in

love and when I am not.” - Coco Chanel

“Champagne is one of the elegant extras in life” - Charles Dickens

“

Champagne is the wine of civilization

and the oil of government." - Winston Churchill

“Too much of anything is bad, but too much

champagne is just right.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald

“In victory, you deserve

champagne. In defeat,

you need it.” - Napoleon Bonaparte 109

DESIGN DESTINATIONS December 2021

TASTING THE STARS!

The History of Dom Pérignon Dom Pérignon was a French Benedictine monk who made significant contributions to the production and quality of Champagne wine in an era when the region's wines were predominantly still red. Popular myths frequently, but erroneously, credit him with the invention of sparkling Champagne, which did not become the dominant style of Champagne until the mid-19th century.

Another contribution to Champagne made by Dom Pérignon was the creation of the first champagne cork. Previously, champagne bottles had been closed with wood, which did not always fit perfectly. Dom Pérignon's use of cork as a closure ensured a better fit so that the tiny bubbles in the Champagne would be preserved. Dom Pérignon also changed the shape of champagne bottles, using thicker glass to prevent costly and dangerous explosions caused by a build-up of gases within the bottles during transportation. The classic shape and style of today's champagne bottles are thanks to Dom Pérignon.

As he was known for his skill at blending different wine vintages to bring out the best of their flavors, Dom Pérignon is accredited with perfecting the art form of mixing cuvée champagne. He also developed techniques essential in the champagne-making process, including keeping grapes skin separate from the juices they produced during pressing to keep the colors from dark red grapes skins out of the liquid so that the end product has a beautiful light straw color. The story goes that when Dom Pérignon first created his delicious bubbly Champagne, he called out to his fellow monks, "Come quickly, I am tasting the stars!" This quote has been associated with Champagne ever since.

The famous Champagne Dom Pérignon, the prestige cuvée of Moët & Chandon, is named for him. The remains of the monastery where he spent his adult life are now the property of that winery. Source: Dom Pérignon Champagne

110

Photo: Thomas Williams *

111 DESIGN DESTINATIONS December 2021

ALICIA’S CORNER Alicia C. Diez

TRYING TO DO OUR PART IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE We all want to do our part in making a positive difference, whether large or small. Let’s face it, we want to feel good about it and we want to help put a smile on someone else’s face as a result. As we are now fulfilling our pent-up desire for travel, we can discover new ways to make a difference.

Alice+Whites Are you ready to be outdoors? An active hike in a national park, or a leisurely jaunt through a valley while visiting a vineyard in a beautiful wine region? Perhaps, you need to get a new pair of hiking boots to take on your trip? Visit Alice+Whittles (www.aliceandwhittles.com) and take a peek at their Weekend Boot and you will get inspired to get outdoors, or just simply to wear them around on the weekends. The Weekend Boot is vegan, utilizes plastic that has been collected globally by fisherman, has lug soles made of 45% recycled natural rubber, and it also uses rubber sourced from sustainably managed forests.

By Humankind What is something we are always buying for our next trip? Travel size toiletries…. During these days of mindful travel, we are more aware than before of single use plastics such as small mouthwash bottles and travel size deodorants which wind up in landfills. What can we do? Consider by Humankind (www.byhumankind.com) and you will be making your contribution in saving the planet from single-use plastic! Check out their mouthwash in tablet form where the tablets are stored in the cap of a glass container which you use as your mouthwash glass! No plastic waste! For tackling travel size deodorants, their concept is to have a refillable deodorant: deodorant made of natural ingredients, packaged in a compostable paper tube, placed in reusable container, and then refilled with next one – no additional plastic deodorants ending up in the landfill!

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DESIGN DESTINATIONS December 2021

PACT How many times have we ordered something and thought that it could have been packaged in a smaller box? Much of the carbon footprint from online purchases comes from inefficient packaging and many companies have started to take that into account. Add partnering with fair trade factories offering safe work to protect their employees and the planet, along with toxic-free organic cotton free of toxic chemicals, and what do you get? Pact (www.pact.com), a company that has you covered from undies to outer layer, making packing for a trip easy for the entire family: men, women, children and infant alike. There is even a women’s line named Airplane, with cardigans, leggings and pullovers. Doesn’t that just entice to take a plane somewhere?

CONSCIOUS STEP We are grateful when we shop online that we can select companies which benefit the planet, support fair trade and are focused on full inclusion, but when you come across one where you are able to make a choice of the charity your purchase supports, that is empowering! Conscious Step (www.consciousstep.com) gives you a wide array of great socks, all certified organic and fair trade, but you are able to select a cause that is close to your heart and make your purchase benefit that cause directly is powerful. This experience makes it apparent that one can make an impact… The causes are wide and varied, so finding just one is the difficult choice.

113

An International Legend

HelenMirren

Dame Helen Mirren was born in West London. Her mother was from a working-class English family, and her father was a Russian-born civil servant from Kuryanovo. After high school, she began her acting career in theatre, working in many productions, including in the West End and Broadway. Helen Mirren has earned numerous accolades in her career and until today is the only actor recognized in the US and the UK as the winner of the "Triple Crown of Acting." Helen earned an Academy Award and a British Academy Film Award for portraying Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 movie The Queen, a Tony Award, and a Laurence Oliver Award for the same role in The Audience; and three British Academy Television Awards for her performance as DCI Jane Tennison in Prime Suspect. She reprised her win in the US with two Primetime Emmy Awards. Ms. Mirren's long acting career spans more than 50 years and is considered one of the most respected actors of our time. In the Queen's 2003 Birthday Honors, Mirren was appointed a Dame (DBE) for services to drama. In 2013 she was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2014 she received the BAFTA Fellowship for lifetime achievement from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. And in 2021, The Screen Actors Guild honored her by giving her the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. Helen’s upcoming project is playing former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir in the movie “Golda”.

115 Photo:Helen Mirren Master Class

DESIGN DESTINATIONS December 2021

Photo Credits Panama hat - A Timeless Piece in the World of Travel P 20 - 25

Craig Whitehead

Alexander Schimmeck *

Ferran Feixas*

The Australian Ballet P 44 - 61

The Australian Ballet

The Australian Ballet The Australian Ballet

The Australian Ballet

The Australian Ballet The Australian Ballet

The Australian Ballet

Tunisia - Golden Beaches History & Star Wars P 62-83

Noelle Guirola *

Haythem Gataa

Haythen Gataa

Sz Marton *

TunisiaTourist Office

Haythen Gataa

TunisiaTourist Office

Haythen Gataa

TunisiaTourist Office

Srdjan Popovic *

* Unsplash

116

Haythen Gataa

Karim Ben Van *

Lucas Films

TunisiaTourist Office

Lucas Films

Haythem Gataa

Lucas Films

Karim Ben Van *

Sz Barton *

Lucas Films

Bodie - California’s Ghost Town P 84 - 97

Scotty Graham

Alicia Diez

Scotty Graham

Galapagos - A Land of Enchantment P 98 - 107

Alicia Diez

The Magic of the Effervescence & The History of Dom Perignon P 108 - 111

Moet & Chandon

Ben Wilkins *

Moet & Chandon

Thomas Williams *

117 * Unsplash

DESIGN DESTINATIONS December 2021

Taha Loukil *

DESIGN DESTINATIONS December 2021

Cover Anja Niemi - Celebrity Crushes Amex Private Collection

An International Legend - Helen Mirren P 114 - 115

Helen Mirren Master Class

Lucca, Tuscany’s Hidden Gem P 26 - 35

Franz Buchhalter

Andrea Madonia

Franz Buchhalter

Maya Buchhalter

Franz Buchhalter

Maya Buchhalter

Christina Gotardi *

* Unsplash

118

Celebrity Cruises

FROM ALL OF US AT DESIGN DESTINATIONS MAGAZINE

Happy

119

DESIGN DESTINATIONS December 2021

Celebrity Cruises APEX; A New Way of Cruising P 36 - 43

Design Destinations Magazine is a quarterly publication produced by Buchhalter International Group