Travel Blog

Five Days in Paradise at Secrets Resort

I recently had the opportunity to go to Huatulco, Mexico. We spent 5 amazing Days at the Secrets Resort. This resort sits in a private cove with an amazing beach. The resort has amazing views, amazing food, has an incredible Spa, all with outstanding Service. Huatulco is a clean retirement Community so it’s a great place to send those Clients who are a little nervous about traveling to Mexico. Huatulco is a very safe destination. They have no nightlife; the town closes down around 8pm. Swim under the Beautiful Waterfalls, Snorkel in amazing coves or book a Fishing Charter are just some of the great options to do in Huatulco. This is a destination that I will definitely return too.

The Art of Traveling in South America

A few months ago, I touched on daring our clients to explore the wonders of South America. Larry Gelwix and I have discussed the issue at large during our weekly travel show on KNRS radio. For many, thousands, and even more, South America is still “Terra Incognita;” lands to be discovered. Unknown lands.

In the minds of many travelers, who had ventured beyond United States, there is a misconception about South America, especially in terms of languages, food, and vistas. I asked many of our clients if they had ever visited South America. The answer is always “YES, I have been to Mexico;” INCORRECT! What about food? No tacos, no enchiladas, no tortillas, no chilaquiles breakfast, no pozoles. Not in South America. The diversity is mind boggling, starting with different nuances in the Spanish or Portuguese language. Each region within countries and each country offers multiple choices in terms of landscape such as the Andes, which cross south America from north to south, the fertile pampas in Argentina, the desert coast along the Pacific coast from Peru to Chile. The Nazca Lines and Lake Titicaca in southern Peru.

The Ballestas Islands (called the Little Galapagos) off the coast of Peru. Also unknown to many other islands, such as Easter Island (Rapa Nui), the Robinson Crusoe Islands, both part of the Chilean territory; the Galapagos Archipelago close to Ecuador; and Cape Horn, at the bottom of Chile and Argentina, only 36 hours sailing to Antarctica.

One of my favorite places is Patagonia; a land of adventurers and colonizers, where emperors ruled; discoverers walked, and navigators, like Magellan set their foot and left indelible marks in the annals of history. Next year, Larry and I will host a group to this destination.

I lived in Patagonia for many years. I would like to quote Charles Darwin. His words express my feelings about this land that extends from half of Chile and Argentina to the southernmost end of the South American continent. Darwin wrote in his journal: “The scenes which are deeply impressed in my mind; none exceed in sublimity the primeval forests, undefaced by the hands of man. The plains of Patagonia are boundless… and hence unknown: they bear the stamp of having lasted for ages, and there appears no limit to their duration through future time.

Carlos Fida

If I can help plan your next South America tour, please contact me:

Street: 563 West 500 South, Suite 180
City: Bountiful, UT 84010
Phone: (801) 483-5212

Experience South America with Morris Murdock Escorted Tours

My Cruise on the NEW Disney Wish

The Disney Wish is the newest and biggest ship of the Disney fleet. It is the first in a three-ship line up called the Triton class ships. When you first step into a Disney ship you are announced as if you are Royalty. The Grand Hall does not disappoint Cinderella themed and quite large spanning three decks it is the heart of the Disney Wish. Many Happy character meet and greets are conducted there.

They have a kids slide from the Grand Hall to the kid’s area. It is the first of the Disney ships to have a stage in the Grand hall with Disney couples waving from an open window above the stage. There is art that creates its own show for you to see. They have two movie theatres showing movies that are in the theater and you can purchase popcorn and snacks.

The Untangled Salon is charming designed as if you are in the middle of a Tangled movie. The Marceline market is their buffet area and it is themed after the town the Walt Disney grew up in. There are three themed dinner restaurants that do not disappoint. First, there is Arendelle you are invited to the engagement party of Anna and Kristoff there is song and dance and beloved characters to see. Second, you are thrown into the World of Marvel with screens by your table and you become part of the Pym tech as a story revolves around you and finally there are superheroes to view. The last restaurant is an elegant 20’s style restaurant called 1923 named for the year the Walt Disney company was started.

My Princess Cruise Adventure to Mexico

Princess Cruises is Ready To Welcome Everyone On Board

I recently had the opportunity to go on a Princess Cruise that left out of San Francisco. We spent 3 glorious days in San Francisco before we left. Tony Bennett had it right when he sang that he left his heart in San Francisco.

We went to our hotel, the Le Meridien and dropped of our bags. Our first stop was an hour cruise that went from the Golden Gate Bridge to Oakland Bridge and cruised by Alcatraz. It was a beautiful sight. Then we went to Pier 39 for clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. This is the perfect SanFran combo. Later that evening we went to Sam’s Grill that claims to be the 5th oldest restaurant in the U.S. I am not sure about that but it certainly had all the charm you would expect from a restaurant that has been around a long time.

The next day was my favorite of the whole trip. We went on a tour that went down the coast to Monterey and Carmel by the sea. I don’t believe I had used the term unapparelled views before this but it is the only term I can think of to describe the scenery properly. There were rows of artichoke fields, miles of huge waves and forests. We had a chance to stop at Pebble Beach and my husband had a chance to see the famed 18th hole. We went to Carmel by the Sea. One word of warning: the tour started at 8Am and we did not get back until after 9 PM. It was worth every minute.

My Lapland Christmas Adventure

Welcome to the country of a thousand lakes!

If you like nature, silence and beauty Lapland is for you. After 8 days spent in Finnish Lapland, I am overwhelmed with feelings of peace and excitement. It was a dream trip for many reasons. With some of the happiest people on the planet, more than a hundred thousand lakes, forest for as far as the eye can see, and a sauna in almost every household, it is no wonder Finland is often called a Nordic utopia. The air is pure, the water is clear, and wildlife is always around. The sun never fully rises in December but the light coming from the white snow makes for a winter wonderland. It is mystical.

The most important reason to visit Lapland is to try all the outdoor activities it offers. During my short visit, I was able to learn about the culture of the Sami’s people, go snowshoeing on many trails, snowmobiling under the moon. My most favorite was a dogsled ride thru frozen lakes and forests. Driving a dogsled was a challenge but after a few minutes, I could relax and enjoy the experience to the fullest. The huskies become your friends and they show their love at the end of the ride.

After so many hours spent outdoors in minus 5 degrees Fahrenheit, I understand why the Finns love their sauna. I enjoyed a private sauna in the middle of the forest. I met with a “shaman” in a hut heated by a campfire. He was a storyteller, a very good actor. The setting was perfect for the story. Finland is the land of reindeers. There are 200,000 of them which is more than the population. They all have an owner, but they roam free. They are part of the scenery, their antlers are used for many crafts and of course, sadly, their meat is on every restaurant menu. If you do not eat meat, no worries, you will find delicious salmon on each menu as well.

The excitement and adventure do not stop at the end of the day, you can stay in amazing design hotels located in the heart of Arctic nature. I stayed in Rovaniemi at the Arctic Tree House. The cozy accommodations sit on a steep wooded hill slope and thanks to a huge glass wall you can enjoy the breathtaking views. It feels like nature is looking at you. In Levi I stayed at Levi igloos, in a luxurious hut with glass ceiling. On the last night, as I was going back to my iglut after dinner, I had the most beautiful experience of the whole trip, I saw The Northern Lights. A spectacular light show. A memory I will keep forever.

I am grateful I was able to visit Lapland. It was the perfect Christmas gift! I can make it your gift for next year.

Fondly,

Murielle

I will be happy to help you plan a worry-free getaway. Please contact me at (801) 483-6533 or to view my full travel biography, please click this link.

Bon Voyage!