Anna's Adventures
                          Anna Mackenzie
                          American Airlines

Wedding Time in Tuscany

Oh, Tuscany—how romantic,  This was the response from most of my friends upon mention of my latest destination.  The word alone conjures the imagination--medieval stone villages, sweeping farm fields lined with ancient cedars, and of course lots of wini de rossi—red wine, which flowed quite freely during my whirlwind visit to Italy’s magnificent Central valley.

After my last European adventure, I swore I would never again do Europe in just one week.  Recalling jet-lagged days and sandpaper eyes—I was reluctant to repeat this bodily abuse, but the opportunity to join my Irish clan and attend cousin Larry Daly’s wedding in the quant village of Radicofani was the chance of a lifetime. 

And what a wedding it was.  Decorated in vines and bouquets of bright yellow sunflowers, the historic Chiesa di San Pietro took on an angelic amber glow as Anne and Larry shared their nuptials in Italian.  Amazingly, it was the first wedding Father Don Elia ever performed for a non-Italian couple.  With tear-swelled eyes, the elderly priest spoke eloquently and entirely in Italian.  His tenderness and caring in performing this sacred sacrament truly touched everyone and created a moment I will forever hold close to my heart.  Outside, villagers gathered as we tossed real rice and raced across the narrow coble-stoned street to the quaint ‘boozer’ where numerous toasts were made to the newlyweds before our short caravan drive to Castelvecchio (www.borgodicastelvecchio.com), an ancient medieval hamlet where the reception would take place. 

As sunset transformed the horizon into a haze of peach and purple, our tiny Smartcar struggled up the curved mountain road of this former fortress.  Guests gathered outside on a hill-side slope of vibrant green with a stunning view of the Tuscan valley far below.  Soft music from a pool-side jazz ensemble set quite the romantic mood while tables of ice-cold champagne and fancy hors d'oeuvres lined the decking.  This was my kind of reception! Soon we were directed to the great hall of Castelvecchio’s castle dating back to 1279 where a gourmet wedding feast of roast boar, pasta and other delectables awaited. 

At midnight, guests were summoned by bells to follow a candle-lit pathway across the courtyard to a gazebo for the cake cutting ceremony.  By this time, tipsy guests laughed and joked while the adoring couple shared this sweet tradition.  Until the wee hours of the morning we ate, danced and drank in celebration.  Finally at 4:30 a.m. it was time to return to our little piece of heaven high on a hill—the farmhouse Cacciamici (www.cacciamici.it)

At our charming stone farmhouse located half way between Rome and Florence with nearby picturesque abbeys of Sant’Antimo and Monte Oliveto Maggiore and three quarters of an hour from the Chianti region of Siena, Orveiot and San Gimignano we gathered to reminisce—make more toasts of warm beer and swim in the lovely cool pool high atop our own private mountain retreat surrounded by barley fields and olive groves.  Just a short hike up hill stood a derelict stone farmhouse just waiting for Diane Lane to fall in love under its dilapidated eaves.  Another charming aspect of Tuscany is that old structures cannot be torn down—only renovated.  How I wish our country held its historic buildings in such high regard.

Radicofani’s castle tower loomed on a distant hill reminding us of the special day prior. Sienna and Firenze lay in many of our destinations that afternoon.  A word of caution about driving—the country roads throughout Tuscany leave much to be admired—narrow and winding with poor signage and virtually no lighting.  Believe me; it’s worth renting a navigation system to avoid heated back-seat-driver arguments.  Also be prepared, this part of Italy is an Agriturismol area, there are no amenities nearby—no mini marts, no gas stations, no nothing except beautiful scenery, blessed silence and the sweet distant clanging of sheep’s bells or a pheasant’s call. 

And the historical aspect is unbeatable--close your eyes and one can almost hear the echoes of Etruscan soldiers galloping on slate-stone village streets, or the call of Roman emperors from their columned thrones…and in the far-reaching country side, the soft swishing of sickles as peasants worked their fields.  Tuscany, sweet Tuscany, you capture the soul.

Smart Packing Saves Big Bucks

By now you have heard that major airlines are increasing their fees to recoup skyrocketing fuel prices.  Sadly, these ever-increasing oil prices have meant catastrophic losses for airlines and these costs can no longer be absorbed; they must be passed on to us, the airline passenger.

One of the new fees starting with tickets purchased after June 15 is $15.00 for the first checked bag and $25.00 for the second—yep, nothing is free anymore.  And to top it off, if the bag weighs over 50 lbs--which is easy to do, the cost will be $100-$150 more!   Not all carriers are charging the same, so check with your airline on their latest increases.

What’s a traveler to do?  It’s really quite simple—take only carry-on bags and be very selective about what you bring. Yes, with a little pre-planning for each day’s outfit, one week’s necessities can be stuffed into the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. 

Now, my New York big-city daughter would strongly disagree.  "I must have options", is her motto but won’t be for long.  The first time she’s asked to pay $115.00 in checked and overweight fees, she’ll change her tune and follow my advice.

Simply, it’s all about reducing weight and maximizing space.  Here are some of my best tips.  Keep in mind they’re geared more towards my preferred warm-weather destinations like the Caribbean or Hawaii.  Cold climates will require more bulky space-guzzling sweaters which can be worn in layers during transit and removed later.

• You’re still allowed two carry-on bags. Take advantage of this!  Do what I do and put a small purse containing just the necessities inside a larger tote.  Later, this carry-on tote-it-all can double as a beach and shopping bag.  And the small purse stays with you everywhere—don’t leave personal items in your room unless you can lock up in a safe.
   
• Think Three Oz’s---keep all your liquids—including perfumes, cosmetics and hair products to 3 oz’s or less—or they’ll be confiscated at security.  It’s easy to forget that new $65.00 bottle of Mambo tucked in your makeup bag and so sad when it’s confiscated by a TSA agent.
    
• Another tip—when buying your favorite cosmetics or trying out new ones, always ask for samples—the tiny sizes are perfect and feel like a treat.
   
• Roll, Roll, Roll---yes rolled clothing does take up less space than folding. It’s been proven—just believe me!
   
•  Bathing suit cover-ups—pair them with leggings and heels and they double for a nice evening outfit.  Wear a cammie underneath, add accessories, and Voila! -- It’s a coordinated ensemble!  Just be careful when pool side to fold and tuck inside your tote to avoid sunscreen stains.  And bring only two bathing suits—who needs all those different tan lines anyway?
   
• Keep it down to three pairs of shoes---lighter aerobic tennies for walks and spa workouts and two foam or cork soled (less weight) slip-on sandals in black and white.  Black for the evening, white for the pool or beach.  For cooler trips—a pair of black boots is a must.  Wear one pair while traveling so you’re only packing two.
   
• Forget all those bulky appliances.  Most hotels provide hair dryers and irons.  If not, it’s a small investment to buy folding travel sizes and don’t forget outlet adaptors for foreign destinations.
   
• Leave the pooch at home—checked animals are $100-$150 each way!

Keep heart, these higher costs and loss of wardrobe options don’t need to affect our sense of adventure—of seeking the road less traveled.  After all, there’s nothing like watching fading sunlight cast purple shadows on an ancient Tuscan olive grove or the smell of a crisp cold aquamarine glacier as your kayak silently glides by.  Despite increased airfares and fees, the world remains our oyster.

Something Magical

One of the many joys in my life is being involved with the Something mAAgic FoundationÔ.  Something mAAgic is definitely magical--a nonprofit organization made up of employee volunteers of American Airlines/American Eagle that supports the missions of the Give Kids the World VillageÔ and the Make-A-Wish FoundationÔ by raising money to enhance wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses and sponsor their marquee event, WishFlight .  Please visit the site, www.somethingmaagic.org for more information.

Did you know our own Cynthia Rowland has donated her precious time and efforts to this wonderful cause?  For the past two years, Cynthia and I have teamed Facial Magic with Something mAAgic for two dynamic benefit Facial Magic workshops.  Many, many thanks, Cynthia!

On Oct. 26, 2007, I jetted off to Orlando, Florida, for this year’s 12trh annual WishFlight where 27 Make-A-Wish children and their families were flow in from cities all over the U.S., Mexico, Peru and Puerto Rico. Upon arrival at the festively decorated gate area in Orlando, numerous volunteers were on hand to meet and greet the anxious families who will spend a week at the whimsical resort, Give Kids the World village.  Give Kids the World, a non-profit resort, provides accommodations for the families, donated tickets, meals and more for a week-long, cost free fantasy vacation. 

This is where magical memories are created.  If a little girls dreams of having tea with Cinderella in the Disney World castle—it happens.  If a little boy wants to float in space, he’s an astronaut for a day at NASA Space Center.  Every effort is put into fulfilling each child’s unique wish.

Many people have asked me if it’s too sad to watch the sick children---I say not at all.  The emphasis on this event is strength, hope and joy.  Honestly, there are more smiles than tears.  And the illness of the child is not discussed.  This is a time for families to be a family again—to laugh and sing and forget about hospitals and doctors if only for one special, magical week.

The founder of Give Kids the World Village, Henry Landwirth, has his favorite quote in the walkway at the village…

 “We make a living by what we get, we get a life by what we give”…

                                                                                     Winston Churchill

Cancun’s Cenotes

 Natural Wonders Amidst Cancun’s Bustling Riviera Maya

By Anna MacKenzie

Considered sacred by the Ancient Maya, Cenotes (pronounced Say-no-tays) are an intricate network of underground river systems, which feature thousands of grottos, caverns and underwater rock formations that constitute one of the Yucatan Peninsula’s most amazing natural attractions. 

I’ve been to Cancun several times and never knew these truly gorgeous waterways existed.  The crystalline waters allow a visibility of up to 150 feet and surrender the magical and mysterious world that lies underneath this mystical land.  Cenotes (sinkholes) were ancient caves, totally or partially filled with water, whose vaults collapsed due to the erosion in its walls.  For the Maya, cenotes represented the entrance to the spiritual world, so they were considered holy in nature and enormous ceremonial centers were constructed around many of them and used for ritual.

Being one who steers away from tourist traps, I usually don’t consider glitzy amusement park attractions advertised on glossy brochures strung throughout airport and hotel information centers.  But after being awarded a free day’s tour from a time-share presentation, I was pleasantly surprised by a the eco-friendly agricultural park,  Xel-Ha (www.xel-ha.com)

Located 73 miles south of Cancun, Xel-Ha is simply stunning and worth the drive—a natural aquarium of unique beauty where you swim and snorkel in freshwater cenotes amongst hundreds of multicolored fish that have made their home in the rivers and lagoons.  Also, a neat new concept, the park is ‘all inclusive’.  For one admittance price, around $40.00, all food, drinks (including alcohol—gotta love Mexico for that), snorkel gear, and towels, are included.  Simply place your valuables in the convenient locker areas provided, grab some snorkel gear (all new and disinfected) and head for the magnificently clear water.  Access to the water is so easy on wooden platforms and steps placed strategically throughout the rivers. 

If you have the time, grab an inner tube and gently drift down a river-way. Or for the Tom Sawyer in all of us, there are cliffs to leap from, trails to meander, rickety wooden bridges to forge and even free bicycles to ride.  Be careful on the trails since hundreds of people-friendly Iguanas sun themselves on the pathways and leave little piles of squishy lizard turds.

Also very cool, were the numerous cruise-ship-like teak lounge chairs perched sporadically in scenic and tucked away spots on the rivers banks and within the dense tropical jungle.  These empty, comfy looking chairs beckoned me to take a moment--sit, relax, and meditate amidst such natural wonder— but alas, my boisterous traveling companions on their first trip to Cancun had to keep exploring all Xel-Ha had to offer. 

As our short visit came to a close, I wished for an entire day to fully enjoy this fantastic place—to drink in the brilliant hues of countless fish species, breath in the cool, earthy scent within a dark cenote cave, or just relax beneath the shade of a giant elephant-ear leaf.  Even the languid scaly Iguanas beckoned my return—but I’ll be sure to watch out in case one big guy should decide to sun bathe on my lounge!