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Inevitably when I tell someone that I worked on a cruise ship for three years, their first question is: Where in the world is your favorite place?

This is such a hard question, because every single city I had the privilege of visiting had a special life of it’s own; a beautiful culture, unique sights, sounds and smells.  It’s impossible for me to pick just one.

However, what I can tell you is that I absolutely adored some places and I hope to return at some point in my life.  I’ll start with my favorite island and my favorite big city. 

Favorite Island:

South Pacific – Moorea.   With the Maldives taking a close second.  Despite the fact that I walked right into a piece of coral and severely cut my toe, (down to the bone – that’s another blog in and of itself) the beauty of this island was unmatchable. 

Maldives - Close Second!!

It’s still amazing to me that with water that clear, I didn’t see the coral.  I think I was looking up and soaking in the moment. 

A cut toe was not going to stop me from enjoying the South Pacific! - Ok, maybe it's going to hinder a few things, like wearing high heels for a while!

I also had one of my favorite meals here as well.  I remember the waiter taking my order at a very make shift type restaurant on the water.  I ordered a local fish and after I gave my order and then watched him walk to the ocean and catch it.  I couldn’t believe my eyes.  The flavors were so fresh, so rich, so perfect.

Favorite BIG city:

Cape Town, South Africa was one of my favorite big cities.  Hong Kong taking a close second! 

Cape Town was so interesting.  Beach, Great White Sharks, gorgeous views from Table Mountain, wineries specializing in sauvignon blanc, and a very strong culture with amazing food. 

Cape Town was a huge surprise for me.  First of all, I had no idea how gorgeous it was going to be.  As we sailed in, we got a perfect view of Table Mountain.  See the clouds on top? That is what they call the ‘table cloth.’  Instead of doing the half-day hike to the top, I opted for the cable car and then soaked in the view from the top!!  What a view it was.  Ocean for days…

On top of the world at Table Mountain

HONG KONG'S fabulous old city

HONG KONG'S amazing new city

Speaking of ocean, this is where some of the largest Great White sharks in the world hang out.  I decided that for my 30^th birthday, I would like to cage dive with the Great Whites.  I still can’t believe I did this, and my parents were not exactly thrilled.  I did however, get to see the apex of the ocean up close and personal, in fact I got to see five at once!!

Cage diving with the Great White Sharks!

A 2,000 lb Great White

The food, hospitality and culture is perfect in Cape Town. I was blessed with a little bit of all.  I celebrated my 30^th birthday at a lovely restaurant named ‘Mama Africa’ where they played the drums, chanted and gave me a birthday face painting.  Each dish ordered was more savory than the next.  Sometimes when I think of these days I can still taste the flavors and spices.

Getting my birthday face paint on in South Africa 

The outcome!

And the best sunset in the world has to go to St. Barths, although truly there were too many beautiful sunsets to count.

St. Barth's Sunset- Breathtaking!!!

Ok - now it's your turn!  Where is your favorite place in the world?

Love,

Elise​