SUMMER 2020
WEST JAVA A Day in the Life
ISRAEL Have It Your Way
SAN ANTONIO A la Mode
CHARLESTON With Love
THE INCREDIBLE BIKE The Evolution Through Time
DESIGN DESTINATIONS SUMMER 2020
ISRAEL- Have It Your Way
8
WHAT’S INSIDE
44
CHARLESTON - With Love
CICELY TYSON - An American Legend
30
84
DESIGN DESTINATIONS SUMMER 2020
WEST JAVA - A Day In The
DESIGN DESTINATIONS SUMMER 2020
SAN ANTONIO - A La Mode
CASA PALOPO- A Private Sanctuary
72 58
DESIGN DESTINATIONS SUMMER 2020
84
The Incredible Bike
A Summer Rosé - Our Top Rosé Wines
26 42
LETTER FROM OUR EDITOR
DESIGN DESTINATIONS SUMMER 2020
We are experiencing troubling times, the likes of which we have never experienced before. The pandemic was complicated by protests in US cities, unemployment statistics are at a level we have never seen before and we in the midst of a plunging economy that will take a long time to rebuild. The crisis has hit the travel industry tremendously, and slowly we see a rebound that will provide some relief. Still, we have a long way to go, but like previous crises, we will overcome, and with that, we will rise with more knowledge to face any new challenge that will eventually come our way. In this issue, we are featuring West Java in Indonesia with images from Scotty Graham. We are also featuring Israel with images from Noam Chen. Two amazing writers gives us their accounts of two beautiful US cities: Charleston and San Antonio. We hope you enjoy this issue, and as always, we’d love to hear from you. Go and Explore the World! Franz E Buchhalter Editor-in-Chief
SUMMER 2020
Editor in Chief: Managing Editor:
Franz E Buchhalter Cynthia P. Howland
WEST JAVA A Day in the Life
ISRAEL Have It Your Way
Design Destinations Magazine is a publication by Buchhalter International Group, Inc. Head Office: 9121 SW 140th Street, Miami, Florida 33176 Tel: 305 484 1012 buchhalterinternatioanlgroup.com
SAN ANTONIO A la Mode
CHARLESTON With Love
THE INCREDIBLE BIKE The Evolution Through Time
Cover: Scotty Graham - WEST JAVA
CONTRIBUTORS Begoña De Ubieta is a freelance writer, artist and globetrotter, from San Antonio, writes and photographs for international publications such as El Universal de México. She advocates for victims of domestic violence through her published w o r k s : “ T h e Fa c e o f Anger”, she teaches art and enjoys playing with her two rescued dogs. Twitter @begonadeubieta Instagram @begochutx San Antonio A La Mode Page 72
Limor Decter
Noam Chen
Scotty Graham
is a travel writer, travel advisor, and concierge at Ovations Travel Group in New York City. Her love for travel, explore, and connect with people in her journeys and as a former high school English teacher led her to a combined career; as a travel writer and as a travel consultant. Limor has written travel articles for Fo r b e s , U S A To d a y, Virtuoso Travel magazine, Travel Market Report, and Luxury Travel Advisor magazine. She is passionate about providing insights and feedback to her client. She has garnered more than 150,000 reviews in her Tr i p a d v i s o r a c c o u n t . Limor currently lives on Long Island with her husband and three children. "I have not traveled everywhere, but it is on my list." Follow her jour neys on Instagram @Limorbitz Charleston - With Love Page 44
is an artist in the field of photography, specializing in Landscape and Portraits. His work has been published in newspapers, books and magazines across the world, including The National Geographic Magazine, Entrepreneur, The Daily Mail, Daily Mirror and Le Figaro, among others. Noam exhibited in group and solo exhibitions in Israel, Europe, North and South America. Among his clients are government o f fi c e s , r e a l e s t a t e companies, galleries, select hotels and some of the world’s leading magazines. In addition to photo-shoots, Noam offers prints, calendars and licenses to use his photographs. www.noamchen.com https:// www.instagram.com/ noamc_official/
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 Ja k a r t a I n t e rc u l t u r a l School, and also works as a freelance photographer, most recently for the Olympic Committee Asia capturing the Asian Games.
Israel Way Page 8
- Have it your
S c o t t y i s a f re q u e n t contributor for Design Destinations Magazine whose images have graced several covers. www.scottygraham.com Java West Page 30
ISRAEL Photos: Noam Chem
Text: Martin Stein
HAVE IT YOUR WAY
DESIGN DESTINATIONS SUMMER 2020
ISRAEL: Have It Your Way Text Martin Stein Photos: Noam Chen Israel offers much more beyond the experience of touring and appreciating Israel’s unparalleled historical sites and archaeological attractions, reflecting 3,000 years of civilization and the vibrant, dynamic modern nation that has sprouted from those ancient roots. The contemporary trend: Itineraries that are active in nature, building an experience that’s uniquely yours, shaped to meet your personal interests or those of your group. Let’s start with an example. Let’s say that fashion is your fascination, and you know the names and labels of Israelis who’ve established themselves as big names in the international garment trade and therefore set out looking for the next big thing by touring designer boutiques in major cities all on your own. A better option might be having someone like Sylvia, a Jaffa resident, expert stylist, and fashionista, tailor up a personalized tour just for you, behind the scenes with visits to the studios, ateliers and cutting rooms of top and up-and-coming designers for an inside look at the shape — and color, and fabric — of upcoming chic long before it appears on runways, showrooms and fashion websites around the world. Israeli creativity, of course, doesn’t stop with fashion. The country takes justifiable pride in its abundance of creative people — people who paint, sculpt, dance, act, mime, design video art, interiors, stage scenery, and innovative products or street art. Imagine an itinerary providing close-up contact with artists and artisans, a graffiti tour with Oded or Chico, gallery-hopping with Olga, or experiencing the bigger picture in tours involving multiple artists, or a chance to participate in creative workshops and seminars. The opportunities are virtually limitless. Perhaps you prefer to focus on photography. Itamar, a Tel Aviv professional, escorts shutterbugs around the city, teaching them all the angles of how to produce the most memorable shots, whether they’re using a mobile phone or a professional Hasselblad. Similar excursions with expert assistance can also be arranged in Jerusalem, Green Northern Israel, and the spectacular Negev. Visit Shifra’s workshop where fine jewelry is made, and maybe you’ll get a chance to meet the world-class designer;.Learn the secret code of embroidery from Bedouin women anxious to move out of their restricted role in a tradition-heavy society. Join one-day and longer courses in painting, sculpture, and pottery-making, led by artists in their own workshops and ateliers. Pick up some secrets of ceramics from modern Jewish potters or the scion of an Armenian Jerusalem family in the trade for generations. Meet residents of artists villages in Ein Hod, south of Haifa, and in Safed, where painters, glass-blowers and candle-makers maintain strict adherence to Orthodox Jewish rites while practicing their art in the mountain city that’s the home of Jewish mysticism and the Kabbalah. And what about food, an integral part of the contemporary tourism experience? The term “Cook’s Tour” can be traced back to Thomas Cook, the 18th-century English businessman, and tourism industry pioneer. In its contemporary connotation, it has morphed into culinary tourism connected with all aspects of food and its preparation. In Israel, that covers an exceptionally broad range of options, starting with visits to farms and vineyards, then cantering on to tastings, cooking and baking workshops, exploration of Israel cuisine’s ethnic roots, maybe even a faceto-face session with one of Israel’s growing colonies of superstar (and aspiring superstar) chefs.
Explore workshops, exploration of Israel cuisine’s ethnic roots, maybe even a face-to-face session with one of Israel’s growing colony of superstar (and aspiring superstar) chefs. Most tourism concentrates on the history of the land and its exceptional range of landscapes, from the blue of the sea and the white of its beaches to the complex greens of the Galilee and the dusty brown of the southern desert. There are also ways to go a little deeper, beyond the “on Tuesday; we visited Jerusalem” into the complexities of Israeli life and society. Those with an appetite for culture can choose from a similarly extensive menu, where participation extends far beyond the limits of conventional touring and seeing: Architecture tours of the area around Tel Aviv’s Rothschild Boulevard Tel Aviv known as the White City and its almost 4,000 buildings in the 1930s International Style, sometimes called Bauhaus, designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There’s also a fascinating ethnic option. Israeli society has justifiably been described as a mosaic of diverse cultures. Once upon a time, they’d say Israelis came from 99 countries, a number than undoubtedly has increased in recent years. Visits with people from some of these cultures, including Mussa’s Bedouin tent, a Druse village in the Galilee, and the homes of Jews from Ethiopia, have become standard fare, but others are still largely unexplored. In coordination with immigration authorities, you might choose to head out to meet families of Mountain Jews from the Caucasus, speakers of the almost-forgotten Judeo-Tat, the linguistic equivalent of Yiddish or Ladino who immigrated after the collapse of the Soviet Union, or Bnei Menashe from India and Burma, who have made aliya in the 21st century and take pride at the suggestion that they’re descendants of the Lost Ten Tribes of Israel. Those seeking physical activities have lots of opportunities to be part of the action — rappelling down sheer rock walls or hiking through narrow wadis in the Negev, jet-skiing or paragliding on Lake Kinneret or the Red Sea, snorkeling off the coast of Eilat, or riding a raft or a rubber tube down the racing waters of streams in the Upper Galilee. Try bouncing over rocky trails on a Jeep or other off-track vehicle with Amir, who knows the Negev and Arava desert terrain like the back of his hand, or exploring Israel’s mountains and forests in a hike along the Israel Trail, an interconnected system of pathways stretching almost continuously from Kibbutz Dan near the Lebanese border to the Gulf of Eilat which National Geographic calls one of the world’s ten best hiking trails. The bottom line: You can be part of the action. The contemporary tourist doesn’t need to be attached to a fixed, standardized itinerary. Building your own Israel experience is a vital element in creating an experience to remember. Martin Stein is the CEO and Founder of TRAVIS a luxury DMC In Israel providing amazing tours. For more information: www.travis-israel.com
DESIGN DESTINATIONS SUMMER 2020
Among the possibilities: A short course on preparing a hallah for Shabbat (or any other occasion) with Keren; a chef-guided market-to-kitchen sortie through the Mahane Yehuda open market in Jerusalem: a chocolate workshop in the Galilee; tasting the food of Salonika’s Greek Jewish community in Florentin, the Tel Aviv neighborhood many of them called home, and enjoying the hospitality in the kitchen of Mona, a member of Israel’s fascinating, and somewhat mysterious, Druse community; a chance to discover the Bible’s Land of Milk and Honey in a journey mixing agriculture and history, visit farms where fine cheeses are made from the milk of their herds. How about the chance to assemble your own salad after a few hours picking the ingredients in the fields — and, of course, sampling some of the fine wines that have put Israel on the world vinylogy map at boutique wineries that have sprouted up near the vineyards of the Galilee and the Golan, the Judean Hills and as far south as Ramat Hanegev.
THE INCREDIBLE BIKE By Edmundo Ruano
When I was about eight years old, I got a 1970 Schwinn Cotton Picker Sting-Ray blue for my birthday. I was so happy cruising through my neighborhood in my hometown. All my friends were eager to take a turn riding my bike, and needless to say, and I was the envy of all my friends. I loved riding my bike, and unfortunately, as I grew older, the fun of riding bikes went away until my son was a child, and I had the joy of seeing him ride his little bike. Bikes have been a way of transportation and recreation for many people around the world. For example, in China, since 1950, more than 500 million Flying Pigeon PA-02 bicycles were used, making the bike the most used way of transportation in China before the mass production of cars. Bikes have also played a significant role in our history. When it was still a new technology, the bicycle went through a series of rapid iterations in the 19th century. By the 1890s, America was obsessed with the bike, and millions of bikers were on the roads. By 1900, bicycle riding became very popular with men and women of all ages and revolutionized the way people worldwide used bicycles for transportation, recreation, and exercise. The bike also played a significant role in women's movements. In the 1890s, women saw the bicycle as a way of transportation that provided a way to move and enjoy the freedom of a higher amount of social mobility. This bike transformed women's role in society from domestic as caregivers, wives, and mothers to one of more magnificent public appearance and involvement in the community. The new freedom of mobility opens the doors for another change to accommodate riding the bicycles. The traditional clothing of the time became very uncomfortable for riding. The need to offer more comfortable options created several modified outfits for women that would accommodate the bicycle. Today the bicycle remains our most environmentally friendly means of transportation. Since its debut for more than 200 years, today, it is increasingly important in urban society. We can now see more and more people using bikes in cities as transportation. And who knows what the next chapter of the bicycle will be. We’ll just have to wait!
West Java A Day in the Life Photos: Scotty Graham
DESIGN DESTINATIONS SUMMER 2020
DESIGN DESTINATIONS SUMMER 2020
A SUMMER ROSÉ Summer is here and what better time to enjoy a lovely rosé wine. Whether you are by the pool or enjoying a picnic in your backyard, nothing is better than a nice glass of this summer nectar in your hand. There are many choices on the market, ranging in price and flavor to meet everyone’s needs. We have compiled a list of some summer rosé wines that are amazing and available (well, some with a little difficulty but worth the search) you’ll want to try for your next outdoor soirée.
2018 Château D'Esclans Côtes-de-Provence Whispering Angel Rosé Magnum 1.5 Liter Provence, France- From Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, together with the Perrins, one of France's leading wine producing families. Beautiful light pink color. On the nose, fantastic bouquet with delicate aromas of white fruits, strawberries and floral notes. The mouth is complex.
2019 Wolfer Estate - Summer in a Bottle Rosé
750ml
Wolffer Summer in a Bottle Rosé has lovely balance between the fresh fruit, fine tannins, good minerality and graceful acidity. It is the visual and taste portrait of the Hampton's high summer. Serve chilled, solo or as a complement to almost any food.
2018 Côtes de Provence Rosé Esprit Gassier MAGNUM Château Gassier
A very clear Rosé with lychee shades. Notes of almond flowers with peach notes. The wine is pleasant and generous with a round body and great freshness. Subtle fresh almond and redcurrent aromas. Long-lasting aromas with a sour final.
2018 Château D'Esclans Côtes-de-Provence Whispering Angel Rosé Magnum
1.5 Liter
Whispering Angel is today's worldwide reference for Provence Rosé. Its pale color is pleasing to the eye and draws one in. The rewarding taste profile is full and lush while being bone dry with a smooth finish. Highly approachable and enjoyable with a broad range of cuisine, Whispering Angel is a premium Rosé that you can drink from mid-day to midnight.
Created by Sacha Lichine following his acquisition of Château d'Esclans in 2006, his vision was to create the greatest rosés in the world igniting the "Rosé Renaissance." Sacha introduced new and innovative winemaking techniques to Provence which revolutionized the styles of rosés being produced from this region. This led to the creation of Whispering Angel, a world class rosé which presents both ease and accessibility making for enjoyment and pleasure.
CHARLESTON With love By Limor Decter
C
harleston has captured my heart, and I love this city that just oozes with
charm. Charleston instantly captivates visitors with its Southern charm and gracious hospitality. It is truly one of my favorite cities in the world, and I am not alone in my love for this beloved city. Charleston has consistently won best city awards for several years in a row - all for great reason. It checks off all the boxes for a perfect destination to visit all year long. It’s always a good time to visit Charleston. Charleston is the true gem of the Low Country, shining brightly through its people, rich history, thriving cultural arts, innovative culinary cuisine, unique shopping, and world-class lodging. The flavors, sounds, scents, and traditions permeate the city. Charleston has transformed its antebellum image into a city that draws visitors with its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and waterfront parks. With historic landmarks, hidden gardens, and secret alleyways, Charleston appeals to all with its wide curb appeal. Much of the city’s magic is in the pace and way of life. A strong sense of history is felt throughout the city. It is fascinating to walk in the footsteps of history and yet witness a vibrant contemporary way of life. The Southern-style mansions overlooking the Charleston Harbor provide a picturesque scenic backdrop for the city. The city skyline is dotted with church steeples and is referred to as the Holy City. The charming downtown district, the Palmetto fringed streets, the grand antebellum facades, the Spanish moss brickwalled Downtown District, the horse-drawn carriage, and waterfront parks are just part of the city’s beauty and allure.
I
love visiting plantations and historic homes. The homes are nestled on
beautifully preserved land showing the daily life of the enslaved and the free. Charleston is celebrating its 350th anniversary since its founding. There is a strong commitment to sharing the history and the full story of its past so that a community for future generations will be nourished. Charleston proudly embraces and celebrates the African and African American experiences and cultural heritage. It is a diverse and welcoming city. I love visiting Rainbow Row, a cluster of Georgian style homes dating back to 1740 in pastel hues. These pastel-hued homes provide an amazing backdrop for photos or Instagram. Legend has it that the homes were painted different colors to help the drunken sailors find their way. The architecture throughout the city is fantastic with various styles of Colonial, Georgian, Classic, Art Deco, and Victorian design and charm. I love the tropical pineapple motif and iconic fountain located at the Waterfront Park. The pineapple symbolizes the famous Southern hospitality felt throughout the stay. The friendly people of Charleston are always saying hello, smiling, or laughing- good vibes only. Happiness radiates throughout the sunny city. I love strolling through White Point Garden marking the end of the city seawall and promenade. There are several Civil War relics, including cannons and pieces from the USS Maine dotting the lawn commemorating the city’s role in the battle. Charleston Harbor has played an instrumental role during the Civil War. I love the delicious food bursting with flavor throughout the city. The culinary scene has exploded these past few years with innovative and upscale takes on Low Country cuisine. The food in Charleston is fabulous, but so is unique shopping on King and Broad Streets filled with delightful shops, cafes, and boutiques. The famous sweetgrass baskets are the quintessential souvenirs. The art scene is terrific as it captures the eclectic diversity of historical and contemporary art. The lodging in Charleston is world-class, appealing to all styles and budgets from incredible resorts to boutique hotels and even private homes. This coastal city offers plentiful stretches of sandy beaches nearby to frolic. There are a variety of recreational activities to enjoy throughout the city. Charleston is a perfect destination for culture and leisure for all demographics. I am excited for my next visit to this beloved city. I know I will find more reasons to love this city, and I will continue to spread the Charleston love.
Photos courtesy of Meet Charleston www.meetcharleston.com
DESIGN DESTINATIONS SUMMER 2020
DESIGN DESTINATIONS SUMMER 2020
CASA PALOPÓ A private sanctuary nestled in the highlands of Guatemala
Casa Palopó is tucked away in the mountains of Lake Atitlán in the highlands of Guatemala. The resort features stunning views of majestic volcanoes and distinct indigenous villages. This intimate Relais & Chateaux property is the ideal getaway for privacy and a relaxing experience surrounded by an astonishing cultural atmosphere. The 15-suite resort was originally a private home that has now evolved into Guatemala’s premier property, providing guests a sanctuary on one of the world’s most beautiful lakes. Getting to Casa Palopó is an experience in itself, as the two ½-hours road trip takes you through the beautiful mountains passing on the way through indigenous villages and stunning landscapes. But if you want to experience the wow factor, take the 15-minute helicopter ride from the capital city and witness incredible views of the lake and its several villages surrounding the resort and land on the resort’s private helipad. Like all Relais & Chateaux properties, the food is extraordinary. Guests can dine indoors or outdoors at 6.8 Restaurant, where the Chef prepares local and international dishes using local ingredients. Dining outdoors gives guests exceptional views of the lake and the majestic volcanoes. Casa Palopó offers two types of accommodations. The original suites are decorated in bold colors - blues, reds, and orange hues, and the newer suites feature modern furnishings. Regardless of which room a guest selects, they will be surrounded by original art by famous Guatemala artists and textiles woven by the local Mayan weavers. Each of the suites is named after the twelve surrounding indigenous villages. Casa Palopó also features a three-bedroom Villa decorated in contemporary style with modern paintings and textiles. The master bedroom is located on the upper floor and features impressive views of the lake. Guests looking for a private sanctuary and reconnect with nature and find serenity in an elegant setting should visit this stunning off-the-beaten-path exclusive resort and are guaranteed not to be disappointed.
DESIGN DESTINATIONS SUMMER 2020
DESIGN DESTINATIONS SUMMER 2020
Casa Palopo is near the village of Santa Catarina Palopo, which supports Pintando (painting), Santa Catarina. A project that provides the local community with the opportunity to paint their homes. This project has been a success in other parts of the world. Here, the collaboration of Casa Palopo has had tremendous success, as many locals have benefited from the project. Pintando Santa Catarina Palopo projects only use natural ingredients in the paint as the protection of the lake is very important to the communities as it is a significant source of livelihood.
SA AN
NTONIO à la Mode By Begoña De Ubieta
San Antonio is extremely รก la mode this season. A city known to most people for its famous "Alamo," it is now listed as one of the top "travelers choice," best of the best destination in a new study by Trip Advisor in 2020. Visitors are sure to have a memorable journey, filled with unique experiences that can only found here. According to their surveys, travelers raved about the amazing variety of choices the Alamo City has to offer. Imagine strolling by the amazing River Walk, while discovering some distinct new local flavors. Of course, a visit to the famous Texas mission, The Alamo, is a must. This journey back in time will give you perspective on the spirit of Texas today. Complete your experience with a visit to the four other 18th Century Spanish missions that form the famous "Mission Trail San Antonio" culminating in the pride of the city "Arbol de la Vida" a 7-foot tall tree sculpture designed by local artists. This will be sure to expand your view of how the city was founded. The revitalization of the city center and the strategic expansion of areas all over the metropolitan area, allows it to offer a diverse list of attractions to satisfy its guests. Some of these include the epicurean Pearl Center with the famous Culinary Institute of America, the outdoor Shops at La Cantera with the fun-filled Six Flags over Fiesta Texas theme park as its neighbor, and a favorite of many visitors, SeaWorld of San Antonio. For the explorer at heart, a visit to Natural Bridge Caverns or the "Bat Caves" where you will find the Mexican free-tailed bats, is sure to be memorable. San Antonio is also known for its warm, welcoming spirit. Here you will often hear "mi casa, es su casa" (my home, is your home). With one of the best views of the Alamo, The Emily Morgan Hotel is a perfect accommodation, a restful retreat for those who appreciate majestic 1920's architecture, and delicious southwestern cuisine. If you are searching for luxury, San Antonio's historic Hotel Emma on the river is the ticket. This former 19th-century Brewhouse has 146 extraordinary riverfront rooms where guests enjoy their stay wearing the hotel's exclusive cotton "Guaya Robes." All amenities were carefully designed to satisfy a connoisseur of luxury travel destinations. When you plan your next adventure, reimagine San Antonio and remember, there is much more to discover in the Alamo City.
DESIGN DESTINATIONS SUMMER 2020
DESIGN DESTINATIONS SUMMER 2020 Photos courtesy of Visit San Antonio www.visitsanantonio.com
Tyson An American Legend
Cicely
Cicely Tyson is an American actress and former fashion model. In a career spanning over seven decades, she became known for her portrayal of strong African-American women. Tyson is the recipient of three Primetime Emmy Awards, four Black Reel Awards, one Screen Actors Guild Award, one Tony Award, an honorary Academy Award, and a Peabody Award.
Mrs. Tyson received critical acclaim for her performance as Rebecca Morgan in the 1972 film Sounder. She also received recognition from both The Academy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards for that performance. In 1974 Ms. Tyson appeared in the made for the television film The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, for which she earned the Emmy Award for Best Actress.
In 2011, Ms. Tyson played the role of Constantine Jefferson in the award-winning movie The Help. She has also played the role of Ophelia Harkness in American Broadcasting Company's legal drama How to Get Away With Murder for which she was nominated four times with an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series.
In addition to her screen career, Tyson has appeared in various theater productions. She received a Drama Desk Award in 1962 for her Off-Broadway performance in Moon on a Rainbow Shawl. Tyson also starred as Carrie Watts in the Broadway play The Trip to Bountiful, winning the Tony Award, the Outer Critics Award, and the Drama Desk Award for Best Actress in a Play in 2013.
Tyson was named a Kennedy Center honoree in 2015. In November 2016, Tyson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest civilian honor in the United States.
Design Destinations Magazine is a quarterly non commercial travel magazine. To view previous issues please visit www.buchhalterinternationalgroup.com
Design Destinations Magazine is a quarterly publication produced by Buchhalter International Group
WWW.BUCHHALTERINTERNATIONALGROUP.COM