Simply Alexandria August Issue

August 2020 August 2020

ALEXANDRIA ALEXANDRIA

The Dave Ortiz Group

Makes Buying or Refinancing The Dave A Home FeelOrtiz SimpleGroup

Makes Buying a Home Feel Simple

Metropolitan School of the Arts Metropolitan Premier Talent School of the Arts Producing CHECK OUTStars

The latest and greatest in makeup trends this summer

CHECK OUT

The latest and greatest in Peculiar Places makeup trends this summer

To Grab A Bite

Have you ever wanted to eat Have you ever breakfast withwanted a giraffetooreat while breakfast with a giraffe or while flying high over the street? flying high over the street?

2 | August 2020

It’s

Time

To Think Locally

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

6

PUBLISHER’S CORNER Family & Community

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

8

Changes

8

12

7

THE DAVE ORTIZ GROUP

Makes Homebuying & Refinancing Easy

SIMPLY BEAUTY Try Out These Hot New Makeup Trends

METROPOLITAN SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

16

4 | August 2020

12

20

20

BACK TO SCHOOL E Learning Vs. Traditional

27

27

SIMPLY ENTERTAINMENT

Virtual Shows Strathmore, Birchmere, Kennedy Center

PUBLISHER & PRESIDENT VERONICA FOUNTAIN Veronica@simplymagazines.net

EDITOR IN CHIEF ALYSON TURNER Alyson@simplymagazines.net

30

WANDERLUST

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Peculiar Places to Eat

ALEXIS MURRAY

ALYSON TURNER

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS SARAH HILL

LAYOUT & AD DESIGN NATTHAPHON FOITHONG

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

ANIMAL KINGDOM Dog Days of Summer

VERONICA FOUNTAIN

33

August 2020 | 5

Veronica@simplymagazines.net

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

BY SARAH HILL

PUBLISHER’S CORNER

Celebrating Family and Our Community This year has been hard and it has been tough to enjoy our regular travel schedules, but we as a family and a community, are still pressing forward while creating good memories. This issue is especially dear to our hearts.

This month, we also celebrate the Dog Days of Summer, and enjoy some virtual events at our favorite music venues.

We hope you continue enjoying this summer and stay safe!

We have paid tribute to our local farmers and truly appreciate their efforts. We also acknowledge the organizations that provide excellent service to our community including The Dave Ortiz Group and we are starting to prepare for back-to-school!

Truly Yours,

Veronica Fountain Publisher & President

This issue is lovingly dedicated in memory of my mom, Margaret Fountain - 1946 to 2020.

6 | August 2020

LETTER from The EDITOR

— CHANGES — The summer has flown by and now we are starting to get ready for Back-To-School season. Things probably look a lot different than last year, but we can still enjoy the last few weeks of break before our new routines start. Whether you are homeschooling, e-learning, or a mixture, this is a year of changes.

Poets and musicians have long written about the inevitable changes of life and the beauty that we often see after a storm. While things may seem confusing or difficult now, change propels us into a wiser, more experienced version of ourselves, and that, dear readers, is something to look forward too.

Stay hopeful, Bowie, and as always, be kind.

Alyson Turner Editor-In-Chief

August 2020 | 7

Purchase your new home or refinance your current home with The Dave Ortiz Group

Article By Alyson Turner Photography By Sarah Hill 8 | August 2020

With The Dave Ortiz Group, service always comes first The process of purchasing a new home or choosing to refinance your home can be overwhelming to say the least. There are many moving parts and steps to be completed before you can call the home your own. One of the most important things to have on your side during this process is a skilled, knowledgeable and efficient team.

We spoke with Dave Ortiz of The Dave Ortiz Group with Service 1st Mortgage, Inc to discuss how his team approaches helping someone purchase a home. Dave Ortiz is a licensed loan officer that operates with a broker and has 10 active licenses throughout several different states.

Dave tells us, “I have built contacts over multiple years that I can recommend in almost every single state. I have a lot family and friends in the northern VA area and have done a lot of work here based of referrals and word-of-mouth. If I am not able to help you, I can point you in the right direction. These are professionals that I would recommend to my own mother.”

Dave Ortiz and his team take pride in being able to do what other brokers cannot. “80% of the time it has a lot less to do with the interest rate.

You want your mortage to be a direct reflection of what your goals are for the property. We can assist you in getting the best program for your goals,” Dave says, “A lot of loan officers lose sight of that and become very rate focused. We do have the absolute lowest rates. We also have the product knowledge and that is what separates us from one broker to the next. Within the Dave Ortiz group we have extensive knowledge and are the absolute best when it comes to finding what you need.”

When giving advice to prospective borrowers, and those looking to refinance Dave says that research is key, “They always say ‘Do Your Homework’, but what is your homework? Your homework is to develop a basic familiarity with the loan

terminology and the basic understanding of what the four main loan products are; VA, FHA, Conventional, and USDA. You want to reach out to the experts to have them discover the best product for you.”

During the pandemic, the Dave Ortiz Group is working harder than ever. “[Even prior to the pandemic], every member of my team works remotely. These are not amateur loan officers or employees in training. They excel while working from home,” Dave says.

The best part of the job for Dave and his group is solving the impossible. “Whenever I get a loan that requires me to think outside of the box and doing something that another loan officer might say requires a miracle is where I get the most satisfaction. When working with my group you can expect 100% top notch service product knowledge and the very best products on the market with that specific moment and that specific lender. Our goal is to accomplish your main goals and not leave a single thing out. We are not just here to drop your interest rate and say ‘You’ve got a loan.’ We are essentially here to put you in a better position to than you were before.”

The Dave Ortiz Group can help you from the very beginning of your journey to purchase a home. “If they want to bypass using a real estate agent first, they can contact me directly I have a network of realtors that I work with that I can set my clients’ up with. We are completely available 24-7 for our clients/borrowers. You can also tell your realtor that you want to use the Dave Ortiz Group.”

In his time as a loan officer, Dave Ortiz learned that there was a need for a streamlined, online loan application for borrowers. “I could not find where there was an online loan application to access brokerages with ease and no hassle. It is interesting because most borrowers start online when they go through any refinance or purchase

August 2020 | 9

Purchase your new home or refinance your current home with The Dave Ortiz Group transaction. Whether you are trying to find a real estate agent or a loan officer. 92% of borrowers begin their search online and that is why we felt that it was important to have an online application,” Dave says, “The issue with [traditional applications] is that most borrowers do not know what type of loan they need. Then, when they go online to apply for a loan, it can often be confusing because they don’t know what to choose. The online application doesn’t force you to pick your own program, it asks you the right questions and provides a topnotch loan officer to help you. It doesn’t limit you to one lender. We have a whole matrix that can guide you and talk with you and figure out what your goals.”

Prior to the pandemic Dave began developing the technology for the website, “I reached out to my childhood friend who works for Homes. com that had extensive product knowledge and is an industry leader in developing online product applications for lenders to create a unique application that caters to mortgage brokers rather than lenders.”

Homes.com provides digital solutions that simplify the home selling and buying processes for consumers and real estate professionals.

Once the COVID-19 pandemic started shutting states down, Homes.com knew buyers and sellers would be uncertain about what the real estate process might look like, and uncertain about how to move forward.

To help guide them through this new (and temporary) “normal,” the company knew they needed to provide resources.

“When the traditional steps of home buying and selling became unavailable, it was our mission to deliver what our consumers needed right where they were,” said Chris Horton, Senior Product Manager for Homes.com. “Our product and development teams quickly launched virtual home tours, video tours and virtual open houses in a user-friendly interface to make buying and selling during a pandemic a more effortless and stress-free experience. So far, engagement metrics of this

10 | August 2020

A Note From The Expert How many friends or family members do you know that have a mortgage, but have yet to have their mortgage reviewed in the past in the last year? How about yourself? If you are one of the millions of Americans that hasn’t done so, you should have a review done. I believe that about 50% of the borrowers that need a refinance don’t do so because they don’t want to discuss their finances and feel judged. We are trying to make this process easier for everyone. A lot of people prefer to go through a broker so you have options. Most people decide to go through a broker to get the best deal and have an expert to guide them through the process.

BASIC TERMINOLOGY Registered Loan Officers the loan officer in Citibank and Wells Fargo. He is greeting you when you come into the bank and is under the umbrella of the bank.

shift in strategy have proven that consumers prefer this simply smarter way to view these properties.”

The original launch date turned out to be the week that Covid-19 was announced in the US. Since then, there has been increased digitalization.

Requests for virtual tours have increased exponentially. “We have tried to make the process completely accessible for all people whether they are tech savvy or not,” Dave says, “We are also able to speak to you, share your screen and guide you through the application within seconds. When you complete an application 100% instead of waiting for your loan officer we get the ball rolling immediately and request the documents needed for the loan program that accomplishes your goals.”

For more information or to discuss your purchase and refinance options, call 410-782-9820 or visit DaveOrtizGroup.com

Licensed Loan Officers that is generally who you are going to talk to and they are licensed to talk in the state that you are licensed in. They are not legally able to discuss cost and benefits in the states that they are NOT licensed in.

Mortgage Brokers employ licensed loan officers and they have agreements with multiple lenders.

Lenders are the banks that are giving you the money.

Lender can be substituted with the word bank.

The Dave Ortiz Group can assist with a variety of loans including the four main programs: VA – Loans for Qualifying Service Members & Veterans with exclusive benefits. Purchase or refinance, our rates and flexibility set us apart from the competition. We have the ability to work with people with credit scores from 0-850.

USDA – Thinking about purchasing a home in a rural area? This unique government program offers the same great benefits as a VA loan program with its own twist.

You can apply and our team of specialists will make it a seamless process.

FHA – Our low government rates make us the perfect fit for your first purchase. Bring 3% of the purchase as a down payment and let your mortgage advisor do the rest of the work. Our government rates are so low that we can assist with doing an FHA Streamline rate reduction when most others can’t.

Conventional – We create a loan around your specific needs and goals. You can waive appraisals, get your cash back from equity in the property, remove your mortgage insurance. from monthly obligations, and simply lower your interest rate without effecting the amount of time and money you’ve already spent on the home.

SIMPLY BEAUTY New Beauty Trends That Everyone Should Try

Instagram @SavannahSylver Savannah Slyver

Article By Alexis Murray 12 | August 2020

New Beauty Trends That Everyone Should Try In the midst of chaos, one can never go wrong with looking good. “When you look good, you feel good” is not only a phrase, but something to live by. In quarantine, many people have been keeping their selves occupied with fresh new looks and new products from their online shopping habit increasing over this

time. While were still in the midst of a pandemic, social media helped by influencers and beauty professionals create new beauty trends. Here are some new beauty trends everyone should try.

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Nude Lipsticks and Gloss With everyone still on a stay at home order, many beauty lovers have converted their overtly flashy looks to a subtle one. Many have adopted the fresh face look called, “No makeup-makeup”, where one wears

the least amount of makeup to keep it as natural as possible. Companies who specialize in nude colors of all ranges, such as WHIPPD Cosmetics and Mented Cosmetics, are rising to the top based on the trend.

August 2020 | 13

New Beauty Trends That Everyone Should Try Colored Eyelashes With many toning down their look for the sake of quarantine, some are not. The rise of the colored eyelash trend happened after many beauty influencers started to color their eyelashes with various colors of

.de.vries @Isabelle De Vries Instagram t: Isabelle is rt A p u e k Ma

mascara. It is the perfect trend for the summer and even more perfect to stand out with masks on—due to COVID-19. Some like to keep it simple with the colored lashes and others like to match a great cut crease with them.

Instagra m Makeup @Isabelle.de.vr ies Artist: I sabelle De Vries

Colored Eyeliner Just like the colored lashes, colored eyeliner has also become a summer trend amongst beauty lovers. This fun and playful trend spices up makeup looks that still stand out with face coverings. With eyeshadow being

the prominent eye makeup for years, simply using eyeliner to create astronomical looks proves that the beauty influencers have gone further to expand its capacity of creativity.

14 | August 2020

August 2020 | 15

BACKSTAGE PASS

16 | August 2020

METROPOLITAN SCHOOL OF ARTS Premier Training for Young Artists The Metropolitan School of Arts is a premier institution in Alexandria for training young artists in dance, music, theater, and other performing arts.

They are known for offering life changing experiences, world class education, and proven methodology to their students. According to their website, “We are on a mission to help every young artist we encounter reach their fullest potential in a nurturing, encouraging and loving environment. That’s why we choose not to participate in the dance competition scene. Instead we train in a professional environment, prepare for exams with the Royal Academy of Dance and produce fully staged ‘real world’ performance opportunities for all of our students led by top notch directors, choreographers and musicians.”

Annie Yu

The specialized curriculum and highly trained faculty and staff is “age appropriate, student-centered, and provides students individual attention to maximize their fullest potential.” They offer both a secondary school program as well as post graduate training. “The Academy @ Metropolitan School of the Arts is a college preparatory performing arts conservatory for budding young artists who are dedicated to high caliber academics and preprofessional performing arts education.”

Ben Cook

According to their description of the program, “The progressive, comprehensive, mastery-based high school curriculum is an intensive four-year program that prepares students for acceptance to some of the most selective colleges and universities. College-prep (standard, honors and AP) humanities, mathematics, social studies and sciences, and world language courses offer students the appropriate level of challenge based on their post-secondary interests. Students in grades 7-8 enjoy the opportunities to design personalized assignments and research projects as they explore the humanities, social studies, science, mathematics August 2020 | 17

and world languages. Middle School students are also given the option to begin accruing high school credits in mathematics and world languages. Daily conservatory style performing arts training in dance, music and theater motivate each student to become a highly disciplined expert learner and complex communicator across disciplines.”

BACKSTAGE PASS

The Metropolitan School of Arts has produced many notable alumni including Jacob Anderson (“Matilda” National Tour), Kylee Geraci, Sofia Cruz & Simone StraubClark (“Annie” at Olney Theater), Broadway Performer & Actor Ben Cook (“Newsies” National Tour, “Billy Elliot” National Tour & Broadway, “West Side Story”), Spencer Ramizer with the Mark Morris Dance Group, National Ballet of Canada Member Ben Ruisdin and DC Television News Anchor, Annie Yu along with so many more.

Performers, Dancers, Actors, and other entertainers have received their start “The Metropolitan Way”.

METROPOLITAN SCHOOL OF ARTS Premier Training for Young Artists

METROPOLITAN SCHOOL OF ARTS 5775 Barclay Drive [Suite 4] Alexandria, VA 22315 703.339.0444 Info@metropolitanarts.org

THE ‘METROPOLITAN WAY’

To learn more about The Metropolitan School of the Arts or to support young artists, visit MetropolitanArts. org.

Metropolitan School of the Arts is no ordinary performing arts school. We’ve developed a cutting edge methodology for arts education rooted in compassion, dedication and ultimately achievement.

We call this the ‘Metropolitan Way.” Passion: Metropolitan inspires passion for the performing arts in all of our students.

Deep Practice: We encourage our students to practice perfectly and to the best of their ability to achieve their maximum potential.

10,000 hours of practice + passion = excellence.

Integrity: We work hard even when no one is watching and choose to do the right thing even when it’s not the easy choice.

Community: We understand that we cannot do it alone. It takes a village. We honor our village and are grateful for the support we receive.

18 | August 2020

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THIS VS THAT Prepping for Back-to-School Here are a few different ways that you can prep for backto-school in the traditional classroom or under virtual learning Article By Alexis Murray

G

oing back to school can either be a joyful time or a draining one—depending on the individual. Some are excited to see what the new school year has to bring—where it’s new experiences, new friends, or new opportunities.

Grade school kids may be excited to see their friends or a new backpack, college students can be excited to leave their hometown again, and grad school students could be excited for deeper knowl-

edge in their chosen field. Some also are drained about the new school year approaching because of endless homework, study hours and tests. But, with the COVID-19 pandemic still in full effect, one might just not know what to look forward to.

As unforeseen circumstances unfold, it is a smart idea to prepare for back-to-school in person and online.

20 | August 2020

Virtual Learning While in-person learning has some benefits, e-learning does as well. As some would say, taking classes online might possibly be the safest way for children to continue education during this time.

With online classes, students are able to complete their assignments anytime of the day (within a professor’s given time limit) and their health would not be at risk. For many students, especially college students, the flexibility of online classes will provide them more time to for jobs or internships.

Traditional Classroom School grounds and campuses will have a definite and unrealistic shift as teachers and administration try to keep students safe. The mere benefit of in-classroom teaching is that students can gain more understanding of their school work as they are face-to-face with teachers. Another benefit would be the socialization aspect. After months of quarantining and ending the school year early, students are eager to socialize and interact with peers—especially grade school students. This can also help the mental health of students who struggle to be alone or feel isolated at home.

Although times are not normal, normalcy for students can ease their minds and provide more clarity and support to complete their assignments.

School systems can offer more cleaning supplies (wipes, gloves, etc.) and masks to make sure everyone is staying safe and teachers can enforce or set up classrooms so everyone can stay socially distanced.

Some teachers are also more attentive and available since it can be harder to teach online—with video calls through companies such as Zoom, Skype or Blue Jeans, teachers are more receptive to extensive teaching and office hours. Documentation is another aspect that can be very beneficial.

Everything will be submitted online which makes it easier for many teachers to keep track of assignments instead of handling multiple papers for students. Online classes cause also provide a sense of ease because students will not be worried if their health is at risk (which will not allow them to focus) and the environment will not be as intense and structured. As stated above, comfortability will be the most important aspect when it comes to online learning. Not only can one be in the comfort of their home. But also, comfortable knowing that their health is not at risk. It is important to be prepared to have the best online learning Experience.

In Classroom: • • • •

• • • • •

Paper Pencils/Pens Bag/Backpack Laptop (optional; especially needed for college/ graduate students) Planner Notebooks Binders Masks Disinfected wipes

Online: • Laptop or computer (or electronic device that allows one to complete assignments) • Wi-fi connection/Internet Access • A quiet study area • Comfortable seating • Printer (optional; only if needed) • Earphones • Planner/Calendar • Traditional school supplies (ruler, pens/ pencils, paper, etc.)

• Basic Software (Microsoft Office, Adobe, etc.)

22 | August 2020

S U O I C I L E

D Y L P M I S e For You er H e r A s r l Farme

Loca

CSA’s are a great way to shop locally and ensure you get the best produce and farm fresh foods around.

CSA stands for community supported agriculture. CSAs are important because they connect local farmers directly to consumers like you. Instead of stopping at a chain supermarket or grocery store, using a CSA you can get fresh produce and high-quality farm-fresh goods including meats and dairy. Many CSAs in the Washington DC Metro area will offer delivery or limited pick up. In a time of social distancing, this is a perk because you can avoid the grocery store altogether and you are sure to get the products that you want and need.

August 2020 | 23

How Does It Work?

A CSA is a subscription-type service in which you pay a fee upfront to the farmers who in return provide you with the products you love mostly on a weekly basis throughout the season. There are different types of CSA’s including a single farm CSAs and networks of farmers. There are several different options when looking into a CSA including paying for the whole season or picking the weeks that you need delivery. The best part is that you are supporting local farmers who work hard to serve our community. There are many different local farms that offer a CSA program to fit your needs.

How Can You Get Started Supporting Local Farmers?

It’s simple and easy. We have compiled a list of several popular CSAs—single farm and networks—for you to choose from. Different farms may offer different products or selections, but you can guarantee that your items will be homegrown and taste delicious.

Peruse a few of the CSAs we have chosen to see which is a match for you including location, offerings, delivery or pickup, seasons, types of subscription and more. And don’t forget to thank your farmer!

24 | August 2020

Single Farm CSAs • Clagett Farm & CSA – Upper Marlboro, Maryland CBF.org • Even’ Star Organic Farm – Lexington Park, Maryland EvenStarFarm.BigCartel.com • Owl’s Nest Farm – Washington D.C. Owls-Nest-Farm.com • Second Spring Farm – Whiteland, Virginia SecondSpringFarmCSA.com • Windy Hill Family Farm – Centerville, Maryland windyhillfamilyfarm.org

Networks of Farmers • 4P Foods – Warrenton, Virginia • Little Farm Stand – Washington D.C. LittleFarmStand.com • Washington’s Green Grocery – Washington D.C. Metro Area WggMarket.com

The Fashion Issue + Top Doctors COMING IN SEPTEMBER Featuring: Renovate & Refine, Shop Locally

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ENTERTAINMENT VIRTUAL PERFORMANCES SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST STRATHMORE

BIRCHMERE

Mon

Aug 3

Kids Art Camp

Sat

Aug 1

The English Channel

Fri

Aug 7

Josanne Francis & Chao Tian Education

Sun

Aug 2

The Country Gentlemen Tribute Band

Virtual Art Talks for Adults Education

Fri

Aug 7

The Ron Holloway Band

Mon

Aug 10

Kids Art Camp Education

Sat

Aug 8

Motown & More

Wed

Aug 12

Bumper Jacksons Duo Education August 12

Sun

Aug 16

In Gratitude; A Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire

Fri

Aug 14

UkeFest 2020 Education August 14

Mon

Aug 17

Samantha Fish

Wed

Aug 26

Cecily Education

Fri

Aug 21

Kim Waters

Fri

Aug 28

Raheem DeVaughn

Sat

Aug 29

Tony Woods w/ special guest James Altucher

Wed

Aug 12

Bumper Jacksons Duo Education August 12

Fri

Aug 14

UkeFest 2020 Education August 14

Wed

Aug 26

Cecily Education

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August 2020 | 27

ances

SIMPLY

ENTERTAINMENT

A

s the COVID-19 pandemic continues

the community with talent through their virtual

on and the stay-at-home order is

family jam sessions, Live from The Living Room

enforced, many people are looking

concerts, their various art exhibitions, and

for entertainment and activities that don’t

creative writing workshops.

involve countless hours on social media and binge-watching television shows. With in-

The Birchmere [Birchmere.com] located in

person shows and entertainment activities

Alexandria, Virginia, has opened their doors to

cancelled, many art museums and concert halls

have socially distanced performances after a

are turning to virtual outlets to continue to

four-month shut-down because of COVID-19.

showcase their exhibitions and different talents

As the concert hall slowly opened up in the

in the surrounding area.

beginning of July, strict rules following CDC guidelines has allowed residents to enjoy

Performing Arts Venues such as Strathmore,

outside entertainment. Starting in 1981,

Birchmere and the infamous Kennedy Center

the Birchmere has continued to serve the

have various virtual activities for all ages. The

community with quality food and beverages,

Music Center at Strathmore [Strathmore.org] is

but most importantly, great talent.

located in Bethesda, Maryland and has been the stage of beginning and seasoned talent since

The John F. Kennedy Center, [Kennedy-Center.

1981. Due to the pandemic, he has closed its

org] named after the 35th president, has

doors temporarily but has continued to serve

showcased talent in the metropolitan area for

28 | August 2020

almost 50 years start in the 1971. It has become

previous guest performing at the center and

a staple for entertainment for many famous

many other entertaining acts.

musicians and artists across the world. The effects of the COVID-19 outbreak has allowed

Although the virus has cause various changes

the performing center to have many virtual

in today’s society, technology has helped to

events. Their virtual stage consists of fellow

enhance the livelihood of many, where talent

musicians performing live concerts from home,

can still be showcased.

August 2020 | 29

WANDERLUST PECULIAR PLACES TO GRAB A BITE

Treetop Dining In Thailand Treepod Dining is located in the Soneva Kiri resort on Koh Kood (Koh Kut) island. The two-hour dining experience can be booked for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and each bamboo pod can seat up to four guests. Each cocoon is suspended 20 feet in the air. Everyone sits down ground level before the pod is hoisted up into the trees by cables. A the zip-lining server then flies across the forest to serve you traditional (and organic) Thai food.

Soneva.com

30 | August 2020

WANDERLUST PECULIAR PLACES TO GRAB A BITE

Dinner In The Sky Dinner In The Sky is a dining experience high above any other. Dinner In The Sky has flown over the most magical places imaginable: the Las Vegas Strip, the gardens of the King David Hotel, the Marina of Dubai, the hills of the Villa Borghese, the banks of the St. Lawrence River, the beach of Copacabana and Cape Town Bay. Dinner in the Sky uses a “steel carrying structure” to hoist the 30-person eatery over 100 feet in the air. There’s a waitstaff, alternating chefs, and great food and drink.

DinnerInTheSky.com.

August 2020 | 31

WANDERLUST PECULIAR PLACES TO GRAB A BITE

Giraffe Manor Nairobi Giraffe Manor is an exclusive boutique hotel, owned by The Safari Collection Giraffe Manor is set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi. Giraffe Manor is one of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings. The historic manor house has extraordinary appeal, that harks back to the 1930s when visitors first flocked to East Africa to enjoy safaris.

One of the most fascinating things about Giraffe Manor is its resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes who may visit morning and evening, poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary. Giraffe Manor can be booked for the night or as part of a complete tailor-made safari with The Safari Collection.

TheSafariCollection.com/Properties/Giraffe-Manor 32 | August 2020

ANIMAL KINGDOM

The Dog Days of Summer

ANIMAL KINGDOM

The Dog Days of Summer

What is Better Than A Day At the Beach With Your Four-legged Best Friend?

After a particularly long winter and a Spring spent staying home, it is nice to be able to get outdoors and take in some fresh air. You can bet that you are not the only family member that needs to get a little bit of exercise.

This summer if you are taking your dog out on your adventures to see the sea, don’t forget these great tips to ensure you [and your furry friends] have the best time.

1. Choose a dog-friendly beach

Make sure you check the rules and regulations for the particular beach you are choosing to visit. Some beaches don’t allow animals at all while other beaches let animals on during certain times of the day or season. You also don’t want to go to an overly crowded beach. It can make your dog nervous and it makes it hard to stay socially distant.

2. T each your dog to swim and make sure they like the water

Some dogs are born to swim and take to the water like a fish. Other dogs are happier just staying on the stand. Make sure you respect your dog’s personality and don’t push them into the water. You may need to show your dog how to enter the water and swim properly.

3. Find fresh water and lots of shade

If you think it is hot, then your dog probably feels even hotter. Make sure you have plenty of fresh water for them to drink. You will also need to keep an eye on your four-legged buddy to make sure they don’t try to drink stagnant water from puddles or other sources.

4. M ake sure to protect the pads of their paws

While most dogs are tough, their feet can easily be burned on hot asphalt, concrete or sand. If it is uncomfortable for you to walk in bare feet, it is most likely uncomfortable and dangerous for your dog. Also, when looking for a nice spot to relax, check the sand for glass, sharp objects, and insects. Even the best day can be ruined by stepping on a nest of fire ants.

5. D on’t stay out too long. When your pup starts to tire out, it is time to head home.

Keep an eye on your dog and look out for signs of exhaustion or dehydration. It can be especially dangerous for a dog to continue jumping in the water and swimming when they should be resting. Just as you would take a break when you are feeling tired, you should ensure your dog doesn’t wear herself out.