the
DEPARTURE LOUNGE // AUTUMN 2017
the
Specialist
After 35 years on the job and many more cruises than that , Amanda Harrod , director of Sure Astral Travel in Cape Town , is a pro at selling holidays on the seven seas ( and all the world ’ s oceans ).
“ I had started my career in computers when I saw an advert for a position as a travel consultant . I thought , hmmm , I could travel the world – it sounded very glamorous . Well , I have been lucky enough to travel the world . Still looking for the glamour though !
After going on more than 50 cruises , I became a cruise specialist because I realised it was my passion . I love that you only have to unpack once , get to see several destinations and you can do as much or as little as you want . It truly is a relaxing holiday ! It is also excellent value for money when you consider that the price includes accommodation , transport , all meals , entertainment and so much more .
For years , when I looked at the daily programme I saw an event listed as ‘ Friends of Bill W ’. I imagined that this Bill must get around a lot , as he appeared to be on every cruise . I finally discovered that is was actually a meeting for Alcoholics Anonymous ! Seriously , though , you get to meet some fascinating people from all walks of life on cruises .
One of the most interesting things is the stats you get on the last day of the cruise : how many eggs , meat , fish , drinks and more the guests have guzzled on the cruise – mind blowing .”
© PHILIPUS / ADOBESTOCK
WHERE IN THE WORLD ?
DOHA !
The pearl-string shape of the Pearl-Qatar man-made island is the only reminder that this was once one of the pearl diving sites that gave birth to the modern city of Doha ( pronounced Daw-ha ) in the early 20th century . Today the site is filled with Mediterranean-style yacht-lined marinas , hotels and luxury residential towers and villas – a reflection of the city ’ s wealth boom since prospectors struck oil in 1939 . In just under 80 years Qatar ’ s capital has been transformed from a little-known Middle Eastern settlement into a world-class city with iconic architecture , a spectacular skyline and thriving arts , sports and tourism attractions . There ’ s lots to do in what is now one of the world ’ s richest cities . Stroll the Corniche , a hotel-lined waterfront promenade , all the way to the Museum of Islamic Art , which houses an extensive collection of art and artefacts from across the Muslim world . The museum hosts open-air classical music concerts at the adjacent park on select weekends , or you can catch the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra in Katara ’ s Open House . Doha has also become a hotspot for sporting events , from traditional camel racing to golf , tennis , athletics and even ice hockey tournaments . In 2022 , Doha will become the first Middle Eastern country to host a FIFA World Cup . There are plenty of natural attractions outside the city , too : the Al Thakira
Q
INSTAMUNCH
@ sliceofparis
This account featuring Parisian street life , culture , art and choux , croissants and galettes galore is a mini-foodie travel guide to this ever-changing city . Slice of Paris is the brainchild of food and travel photographer Joann Pai and American writer Lindsey Tramuta , a Paris-based , self-confessed Francophile who writes for The New York Times and Conde Nast Traveler . “ Combined , we offer recommendations for where to go / eat / sleep / drink and how best to photograph them ,” says Tramuta . Tramuta ’ s travel writing background and Pai ’ s rich photography and keen artistic sense make Slice of Paris a clear standout amongst the many other Parisian foodie Instagrammers . Bon appétit .
brisket # pulledpork # delicous @ sliceofparis
mangroves ; the Ras Abrouq limestone rock formations ; the 40-metre deep Dahl Al Misfir Cave ; and the Unesco-recognised Khor Al Adaid ( known as the inland sea ).
GO HERE WITH SURE
Qatar Airways flies to Doha daily from Cape Town , twice daily from Johannesburg and four times weekly from Durban . All passengers transiting through Doha ’ s Hamad International Airport qualify for a free 96-hour transit visa upon arrival if their layover is 5 hours or more . Ask your Sure Travel consultant for details , or visit www . suretravel . co . za / call 0861 47 48 49 .
10 // MAKE MEMORIES FOR LIFE