Global Positioning

24 NJSL | AUGUST 2008

Va

THAILAND

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> Travel

B Y J U D I R O T H E N B E R G

ELEPHANT CAMPTHAILANDAn elephant never forgets—and it’sunlikely you’ll forget meeting these gen-tle giants up close and personal. Mahout(elephant caretaking) training, at theAnantara Golden Triangle, is offered foras little as an hour or as long as threedays. Training includes feeding, bathing,and ‘driving’ the elephants. Guests par-ticipating in the extended program trek tothe Ruak River and stay perched atoptheir elephants as they enter the water.The program is more than a novel touristattraction; it’s a concerted conservationeffort to provide income and homes formahouts and their families. The sanctuarycares for nearly 30 elephants.

If a day spent riding elephantsproves taxing to your body, there is wel-come relief at the Golden Triangle’s spa.Calm sore muscles in an herbal steambath or slip into a private al fresco terraz-zo soaking tub with views of the verdantMekong Valley countryside.

www.anantara.com/elephantcamp

Global Positioning:acation Destinations

With A Unique Point of View


LIVING WITH MODERN ARTMOSCOWIs that a horse in my room? Why, yes it is, if you’re in theChairman’s Suite at the MaMaison Pokrovka Hotel. The full-fledged party animal (note lamp shade on head) is just one ofthe quirky art surprises you’ll find at this cheeky hotel. Thepod-like lobby is home to “Pianophant” by acclaimed Frenchsculptor Guillaume Picchaud and the elevator banks arewrapped with murals by famed Czech photographer, StépánHon.

Rooms are bold, spacious, and luxurious, featuring fur-nishings from the innovative Dutch design team Moooi (thebrains behind the aforementioned horse and the iconic pig tablein the President’s Suite.) It’s a sleek counterpoint to days spentsteeped in history.

Moscow is full of impressive architecture, statues, church-es and landmarks. Spend the day at the State Armoury exam-ining artifacts, jewels, clothing, and coaches of the Tzars. Visitthe Kremlin, Red Square, and the Bolshoy to observe Moscow’spast, then leap forward to the present by rejuvenating at theultra luxurious Spa by Algotherm housed within MaMaison.Take to the steam, swim a few laps or try an underwater mas-sage. Dine in-house at the trés chic Numbers restaurant andsample Chef Said Faddlie’s fusion of French, Mediterranean,and Russian cuisines. (It works!).

The way to go: Delta’s non-stop service (about 10 hours)offers a new wine pairing program by Delta’s Sommelier,Andrea Robinson, in the BusinessElite cabin.

www.mamaison.com/moscow www.moooi.com

ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTAALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICOThe dawn ascension of over 700 hot-air balloons is a riot ofvivid colors against the gorgeous desert sky. This awe-inspiringevent is just one of many scheduled viewings during theAlbuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, October 4-12.

Favorite events include the Special Shape Rodeo whichshowcases balloons in whimsical shapes, at night it becomesthe “Glowdeo” when the display is lit from within. Entrance tothe 365 acre park is by general admission. The best way toenjoy the day is by joining the Gondola Club. Members willreceive preferential parking tickets and entrance to a hospitali-ty tent with a private seating area, food and bathrooms.

Extensive information on the festival, the Gondola Cluband travel to Albuquerque is available at

www.balloonfiesta.com.

Global Positioning:Vacation DestinationsWith A Unique Point of View–continued

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MaMaison Pokrovka Hotel in Moscow

PHOTO BY DANIEL AUBRY

NEW MEXICO

MaMaison Pokrovka Hotel in Moscow


VENICE

PARIS PARIS

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TREASURE HUNTINGPARISIf you want to shop Paris like an expert, you’llneed the book—or even better the woman whowrote the book. Jersey girl turned Francophile,Claudia Strasser, author of ''The ParisApartment, Romantic Decor on a Flea MarketBudget,” will be your guide on a magical shop-ping experience for lovers of French design.Whether it’s a designer piece or antique, Strasserwill help you negotiate the price and steer youthrough the red tape of shipping your new foundtreasure home. She will be in Paris the month ofSeptember and can arrange everything from ahalf day shopping trip to a weeks stay withlodging. Accommodations are charming bou-tique hotels and private apartment rentals.

www.theparisapartment.com

THE GONDOLIER WORK-OUT VENICEPasta, pasta and well, more pasta. Salami.Gelato. Tiramisu. Gelato. Who can resist theculinary high of eating in Italy? And whyshould you? Don’t worry if your clothes arestarting to feel a bit snug, The Hilton MolinoStucky in Venice has a novel way for you toburn off some extra calories– GondolierTraining. You can connect to Venetian culturewhile getting an intense full body workout.The training session also includes a visit to theVenice ‘Squero’ (the old factory where gondo-las are produced) and a fitted black-and-whitestriped shirt to dress the part.

www.Molinostuckyhilton.com

PARIS

21-25 Central Ave., Flemington, NJOpen Mon.-Sat. 10-5:30

Thurs. 10-7 • Sun. 1-5:30Private parking available

[email protected]

Luxurious Fabrics and Precise FitBall Gowns • Cocktail Dresses

Business Suitings • Casual WearAccessories • Day & Evening Shoes

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Saddle River Day SchoolSRDS

1957-2007Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence

Saddle River Day School K – 12, College Preparatory Day School147 Chestnut Ridge Road Saddle River, NJ 07458

Admissions: 201.327.4050 ext. 1105 www.saddleriverday.org

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