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What is the Exchange Rate for My Escape?

16 Apr

Many of our travelers are interested in knowing how far their dollar will go in the countries we visit. After all, in order to experience the local culture of your destination, you need to get out in it and experience the people, the food, the shopping, the bartering, all of it!

Obviously much can change between the time this was written and the date when you actually leave for one of our retreats. That’s why we’ve provided an overview of the past 12 months. For a great online exchange rate resource, we suggest the Oanda exchange rate calculator.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia (riel): While the riel is the official currency of the country, due to a flood of U.S. dollars into the economy during a 1993 U.N. peace keeping mission, American money is the common currency of commerce. Riels are used for fractions of dollars since U.S. coins are not in circulation. The exchange rate for today is 3973 riel per dollar, which is a bit low as the rate was between 4000 and 4100 for most of the past 12 months.

Bali, Indonesia (rupiah): Since November, the rupiah has been north of 8900 and it keeps heading up. At 9132, it’s currently at its highest point from over the past year.

Careyes, Mexico (peso): You’ll get 13.06 pesos for every $1. Since September 2011, the rate has fluctuated between 12.51 and 14.02 pesos.

Cartagena, Colombia (peso): The folks who Escaped with us to Cartagena last October were in Colombia at the best time for the exchange as the rate peaked at 1933 pesos in October. The rate has dropped since then and is down to 1771 pesos today. Most of the past year, the rate has fluctuated between 1750 and 1800 pesos.

Dubrovnik, Croatia (kuna): Although in Europe, Croatia is not on the Euro currency system (yet). Today, you can get 5.69 kuna for your dollar. The best exchange was right after the new year with a 5.91 to 1.00 rate; it had been as low as 5.00 to 1.00 in mid-2011.

Halong Bay & Hanoi, Vietnam (dong): Since September, the dong has been trading at between 20,600 and 20,900 per dollar. It currently sits at 20,772.

Istanbul, Turkey (lira): Since August, the lira to dollar rate has fallen between 1.70 and 1.90. Today, it’s right in the middle at 1.80 lira.

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala (quetzal): Since last June, travelers have been able to get between 7.60 and 7.72 quetzales for an American greenback. However, in the last month or so, the rate has dipped to 7.56. Let’s hope it bounces back before our yoga retreat and boot camp in November.

Luang Prabang, Laos (kip): Currently exchanging at 7923 kip, this is about the mid-point of the average rate for the past year, although both August and November saw dips of the kip into the lower 7800s.

Marrakech, Morocco (dirham): The exchange rate stands at 8.45 Moroccan dirhams for one U.S. dollar (the banks won’t haggle, but the bazaar shop owners will). For the most part, the exchange has been climbing with a low of 7.81 in September and a peak of 8.62 in January.

Puglia, Italy (euro): Currently at 0.76 euros per dollar, the exchange rate has wavered between 0.75 and 0.79 since the start of 2012, with a low of 0.68 euros per dollar last May.

 

2011 Escape Highlights: Memories, Monuments & Markets …

2 Jan

With 2011 now in our rear view mirror, Escape to Shape’s perpetual global search for all things cool and inspiring continues to heat up with Laos, Cambodia, and Bali coming soon on our 2012 horizon. But we would be remiss if we didn’t take this timely opportunity to recap some of the highlights of our 2011 travels.

Here are our top 10 memories, monuments, moments, and market finds from around the globe, in no particular order:

  • Yayasan Yoga, Bali, Indonesia. Quite a treat for all who were there, this special class, led by the inspirational Tara Judelle, paired each ‘Escapee’ with a Balinese orphan for an afternoon of yoga, dancing, and fun. An unforgettable and life-altering experience for all.

  • This fantastic basket bag made from fabric scraps, found in the souks of Marrakech:

  • Spin class on a beautiful beach in the Puglia region of Italy. The suprise, smiles, and laughter on the spinners as they sweated it out on their bikes on the beach were irreplaceable.

  • Pitahaya and Aqua Bandita bikinis from Cartagena, Colombia. They do not get much better than this: flattering cuts, fantastic fabrics, whimsical, playful, and chic all rolled into one itsy-bitsy bikini. Pitahaya is even sustainable and ecologically responsible in their design and manufacturing, hiring indigenous women to hand craft each piece. Strolling down the sultry streets of Cartagena and stumbling upon these two precious boutiques just added to the fabulousness of Cartagena.

  • Yoga in an ancient underground cistern in Istanbul. Never been done before and truly a once in a lifetime experience for all. Unforgetable.

  • Boot camp on our own private helicopter pad overlooking majestic Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. Nature, not to mention the ‘bootcampers,’ is so inspiring!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
  • This beautiful hand-beaded, tribal-designed bag from the markets of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
  • Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is located just outside the Puglia region in Italy (and one of our day-trip excursions during our Puglia Escape). Matera is a most remarkable place; pictures do not do it justice. To say that it is ‘strange’ is an understatement. It is strange in an unforgettable, unimaginable way. It is a place that stays with you, from the stories of the 9,000-year-old cave dwellings passed down from family to family to the winding cobblestone streets all carved directly into the rock canyon walls to the green hills and stream that carve their way through the ancient city.  You cannot help but realize that you are someplace like no other.
  • Raising $4,000 for the Global Penicillingirl Project through our Urban Escape San Francisco. The exercise-filled day forged new friendships and lasting memories in addition to raising money for a medical mission in Guatemala. And the medical mission itself proved to be rewarding, inspirational, and effective!

  • Group dinners filled with laughter, inspirational stories, awe-struck moments, intelligence, and openness. We have savored not only each delicious meal from around the world, but the moments shared around the table with each and every one of our irreplaceable guests and friends.
Of course there are many more ‘highlights,’ from an impromptu Bollywood dance class lead by Niti Shaw in Bali to the numerous temples, monuments, and mountains we saw or climbed to visiting the folk saint Maximon in Santiago de Atitlan. Plus, Shaman ceremonies, cooking classes, the list goes on an on.
As we look forward to 2012, we plan with anticipation wall walks in charming Dubrovnik, Croatia (as well as buying more of the delicious Croatian truffle oil and sailing the magnificent coastline!); yoga at sunrise with monks at temple steps in Angkor Wat, Cambodia; elephant rides in Luang Prabang, Laos; and days spent relaxing on the beach in Careyes, Mexico.
Life is rich, full, blessed, and very, very delicious!

Beth’s Travelling Yogini Blog- Cartagena, Colombia- 2011

23 Nov

We recently had the pleasure of having Beth Furman, MALS, E-RYT, guest teach with us in Cartagena. Beth has studied yoga, dance, and many other forms of movement, including hip-hop and African dance, for over 30 years. Beth integrates all her movement training and experiences into her yoga teaching and practice. She couples a unique, vinyasa-based style with eclectic music to create classes that are vibrant, fun, spontaneous and intelligent, and that enable people of all ages and abilities to experience a full, “pranafied” practice in a supportive environment. A certified 500-hour yoga teacher, Beth has studied with many wonderful teachers including Shiva Rea and Mitchel Bleier, from whom she received her certifications. She earned her Masters degree from Wesleyan University, concentrating in dance/movement studies. Beth currently teaches yoga to adults and children, integrating hip hop and other forms of dance and cultural expression into the practice. She regularly has hip-hop/yoga parties at home with her kids. Here, Beth shares traveling yogini tips from her most recent Escape to Cartagena…

I am a yogini, dancer, brownie baker and musically obsessed mother of three rocker children. Life is great, and with work and kids, there is a lot going on. A recent trip to Cartagena put some of the groove back into my life and showed me the yoga of travel.

Yoga means union, so the “yoga of travel” is the union of vacation and the real world. In Cartagena, having the luxury of teaching and vacationing at the same time helped me see how doable it is to fully enjoy your vacation and bring it home with you, much the same way your yoga practice can be taken off the mat and into your life.

As part of a good friend’s 40th birthday celebration, I was honored to teach, play and dance with a fantastic group of women.  AND I was in the company of traveling hostess extraordinaire, Erica Gragg. Erica and her partner Francesco, are amazing river guides, providing healthy and relaxing experiences in exotic places. All in all, incredibly juicy adventures.

But re-entry into real life can be tough and the initial transition can be too, with an unfamiliar place, new foods, and different time zones in some cases. Adjustment to a new experience can actually mess you up a little and yet, it is very exciting at the same time. On the other end, getting back into real life, with real time and obligations has its own challenges.

Here are some quick tips for enjoying yourself while away and keeping that vibe going once you get home.

1)    Breathe. Notice the temperature, the feel, the smell of the adventure. When you get home, let the familiarity of home ground you and bring you back.

2)Stand in Mountain pose, tadasana. Where you are, is where you can stand tall. Whether you are “standing” in a Volcanic mud bath in Cartagena, or standing in line in the ‘burbs at the market.

Note: To practice tadasana, stand tall on two feet. Evenly distribute the weight of your feet on the ground and as you press down into your feet, lift your arches slightly to feel a rise of energy all the way up the inner leg. Let your sitting bones descend, then tone your low belly slightly to lift the front of the hips. Soften your front ribs into your body, slide the shoulder blades down your back as you lift your heart and sternum. Tip your chin slightly forward to lengthen the back of your neck, and take the tip of your tongue to the top of the palate. Open your eyes and look at the tip of your nose, or if your eyes are closed, the inner Gaze can be up toward your third eye, right above and center of the brows. Arms extend toward the earth with palms facing forward.

3)Call in the drums. This was a particularly powerful tool for me, while away. Listen and feel the rhythm of the place.  Also, notice the music being played while you are out and about. Being aware of the sounds, the feel and the rhythm of your surroundings helps you stay in the flow of the place you are in, which ultimately helps you stay attuned to what is going on. It also helps you embrace the life you live on a daily basis. Is the place fast paced, or more low key? Do you become energized by a faster pace, or do you build your reserves through moving more methodically? Maybe a little of both. Explore this and then notice, when you get home, how you can ride the wave of faster and slower paced days to keep you balanced energetically.

4)Invoke your inner goddess (even if you are a dude). In other words, this is another way to get grounded. But it is also a way to feel a very strong presence within you. Acknowledge those ways in your life that you feel really empowered. Enjoy them while away, and then bring it all home with you.

To practice Goddess pose: Take a wide stance. Knees turn out, cactus arms. Sit down in your hips. Visualize a strong cord running from your hips into the center of the earth. Activating a connection to your grounding cord helps you stay in the flow, wherever you are: whether you are in New York City or Marrakesh high on a mountain. Do this any time you need to cultivate grounding energy.

5) Try something new while away. For example, I started drinking fresh juices for breakfast while I was away.  I am currently in the market for a juicer so I can invite that experience into my life now that I am home. Or maybe a new practice for you centers around something broader, like your perception of time and how much of it you feel you have.  When on vacation, time can take on a very different meaning than when you are at home, living a more scheduled life. As a practice, when you get home, create bigger and more open spaces for yourself, timewise, even if they are new 10 minute spots that you provide for yourself to sit and day dream. This way, you can still stay in that spacious feeling that you have on vacation, even with a busy schedule.

Bringing a new practice into your life each time you go away helps you  keep the energy of the trip alive in you for a long time.

Most important: really live the moments you are away FULLY, and use that practice to enjoy life when you are home. If the travel bug bites, follow it and know that both travel and home life in balance give us a healthy perspective on what is real and important in life.

 

 

Notes From Paris… xoxo

12 Jul

So, here we are in Paris. Scouting. Contemplating the possibility of a Parisene Escape.. oui oui mon cherie… think elegant private chateau just outside Paris with plenty of day trips to explore the city & the countryside…& to shop, bein sur! The best part, you can leave the task of justifying the health benefits of bread, cheese, chocolate & wine to us. But more on that at another time…
Our daily quests here in the city of lights have often revolved around what to eat. In a city full of some of the finest restaurants on the planet, with a cafe & brasserie on every corner, it may seem like an effortless task, but alas, I admit, I am not a big fan of traditional French cuisine (l’horreur!). After a few days of escargot & poulet roti it might be time for a ‘flavor changer’. So, for those of you who are looking for some alternatives as you stroll the Siene, read on…
An Asian-fusion favorite, Yam’Tcha (4 Rue Sauval, 1st) is sure to please along with the equally delicious Ze Kitchen Galerie (4 Rue des Grands Augustins, 6th). If in a hurry, sushi from Matsuri (various locations) will work- try the Passy location for a more local feel- it’s nothing fancy, but that’s the point. When it comes to scenery Saut du Loup in the garden of the Louvre is incomparable, especially on a hot spring night when the Eiffel Tour shows off in the background. Les Cocottes of Christian Constant (135 Rue St. Dominique, 7th) proved that the famed chocolatier’s talents exceed far beyond cocao. And just down the street is a sweet little tapas restaurant with equally delicious wines. Aside from the various trips to Ladurée for caramel macaroons by the dozen and beaucoup bottles of rosé, a trip to Paris would not be complete without at least trying the beef bourguignon. While I am no expert, I did stumble upon a scrumptious one at some charming little ten table restaurant in the 6th… cannot remember the name, but, perhaps that is best as alas, mon ami, part of the joy of Paris is the quest….
And if with all this eating & drinking & walking about the body is craving yoga, give these two inspiring Anusara teachers a try- Marc Holzman (www.guerillayogi.com) & Anne Vandewalle (www.yogaplanete.com).
I should stop here, but no…. as what would a column on Paris be without at least a few lines on shopping! Of course there are the gorgeous boutiques of Avenue Montaigne, Rue Saint-Honoré & Saint Germain but those are, dare I say it, obvious. Venture out a bit and try Come On Eileen (16/18 Rue des Taillandiers) for some exquisite vintage finds – divine pieces from the likes of Courreges, Lanvin, YSL, Valentino. En Ville Vintage, also in the 11th (13 Rue Paul Bert) also pleases with wearable and collectable pieces from Dior, Alaia and Channel. If Vintage is not your thing, try Suite 114 (114 Rue de Bac) for a nice mix and be sure and give pretty Merci (111 Blbd Beaumarchais) a glance- this concept store gives back- part vintage book cafe, part florist, part fragrance & home furnishing and part clothing boutique- with profits going to charity… in other words, guilt-free shopping!
And if a trip to Paris is not in your immediate future, fret not as the recent Woody Allen film,  Midnight In Paris, is a cost efficient substitute…
Next month… Notes from Istanbul xoxo

Recommended Literture & Films – Istanbul

26 Jun

Located on the Bosphorus Strait the magical Turkish city of Istanbul offers a taste of both worlds- the allure of Asia & the sophistication of Europe. From it’s past days as Constantinople to it’s modern day name of Istanbul this great city  is rich in both history and culture… and style! As a gateway between Europe and Asia, Istanbul embodies a unique blend of influences unlike any other place in the world. From Hamam’s (Turkish Baths) to shopping at the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul’s mystique is sure to capture your heart. Below are a few literature & film recommendations sure to transport you, even if only temporarily, to this great city.

Novels

Istanbul: Memories and the City by Orhan Pamuk

Savarona by J. Patrick Hart

The Towers of Trebizond by Rose  Macaulay

Ataturk: A Biography by Patrick Kinross

Memed, My Hawk by Yashar Kemal

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Films

Midnight Express

Murder on the Orient Express

From Russia with Love

Topkapi

Head On

And if you can think of any others please let us know!

 

 

A Journey Through Puglia….

25 Jun

 

 

It’s easy to point out Italy on a map- just look for that oh so stylish boot. But few have ventured deep into the far south, to the heal of this boot, to a region full of history, color & surprises- Puglia. Quickly becoming the ‘it’ destination for those looking to explore beyond the tourist draws of Tuscany & the Almafi Coast this unique region boasts all the simplicity, charm and culinary delights of the north, without the crowds of typical tourists… and we all know that you are definitely not typical! Home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites- the charming town of Alberobello with its 2000-year-old trulli architecture and the fascinating 9000-year-old cave dwellings (stasis) of Matera. While these two towns alone are reason enough to visit, darlings, we are just getting started. Consider Lecce, known as the Florence of the south, with its cobblestone streets lined with over 1000 churches (& quite possibly just as many shops!) or the whitewashed hillside towns of Ostuni, Cisternino and Martina Franca. And then there are the beaches…yes; you know the ones- miles and miles of white sand and crystal clear turquoise water- theses unobstructed vistas are the icing on the cake, or as they say in Italy, la dolce vita!
And if you are on the hunt for your own piece of Puglia we even know of a few masserias & trulli that are in need of a new owner…. la vita bella awaits!
Our perpetual quest for all things cool has lead us to Chicco, former professional basketball player, constant traveler & life-long resident of Brindisi- a seaside town in the region of Puglia. Here are his takes on the best of the area…
Best Beach: It depends of many factors: season, wind directions, preferences of sand or rocks, shallow or deep water, organized or wild. TORRE GUACETO is one of the most peculiar… long, wild & beautiful.
Best Restaurant: Try the Ceglie Messapica ones- Ricci’ and Cibus, which are both just outside of Martina Franca.
Best Gelato: Delicious coffee, lemon granita & almond ice cream at Bar Tripoli which is in the pedestrian area of Martina Franca.
Best place to watch the sunset: For the best sunsets you need to be on the Ionian Coast- Santa Maria di Leuca or Gallipoli. From the Adriatic you look to the east and can see some beautiful sunrises if you are up early enough.
Your favorite Pugliese food: Raw sea clams & sea urchins… we Barbarians like them…

This Is Your Life….

31 May

Puglia- Recommended Films and Readings

19 May

Well known for it’s pristine beaches  and magnificent setting where the Adriatic and Ionian Sea’s meet , Puglia is one of  Southern Italy’s most prized treasures.  It’s old World charm and landscape make for a popular backdrop and setting for a variety of novels and films.

 

Films

The Passion of the Christ

The Omen

The Nativity Story

La Lupa

The Star Maker

 

Novels

Christo si e fermato a Eboli by Carlo Levi

Head Over Heel by Chris Harrison

Casa Rossa by Francesca Marciano

Blood, Bones and Butter” by Gabrielle Hamilton – Gabrielle is the chef and owner of Prune in NY….part of the book revolves around her experiences and influences of being at her husbands family villa in Puglia

The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco- Part of this intellectual mystery is set in a castle in Puglia _also made into a movie starring Sean Connery and Christian Slater

 

Orecchiette Pasta with Turnip Tops – A Typical Pugliese Dish

14 May

 

Homemade Orecchiette e rape- a traditional Pugliese dish

Orecchiette pasta with Turnip Tops (Orecchiette con cime di rapa)

The Pugliese always use fresh & local ingredients- if is isn’t in season, you won’t find it in the kitchen or on the table- and that is what makes Italian cooking so delicious, and healthy. Eating seasonly gives your body exactly what it needs- fresh, real food, easy to digest. This traditional dish is typically served during the spring & summer months when the local turnip tops are in season. You will find other variations of orecchiette in the fall and winter months as the pasta is a staple to any Puglese’s diet. This dish is typically a first course, followed by a local fresh catch fish or local farm raised meat.

Ingredients

125 gr/4oz Semolina

250 gr/8oz plain white flour

Pinch of salt

6 Tablespoons warm water

400 gr/13oz Turnip tops roughly chopped

8 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 Red chilli pepper + 2 cloves of garlic

4 Small anchovy fillets

Directions

To make the dough, mix the semolina and flour adding the salt and warm water. Work the dough in the same manner as you would with bread. Roll out the dough to make one or two long sausages then cut small discs about 2.5 -3.5 cm in diameter. With the index finger “drag” on a board coated in flour the disc to make it concave and become ear shaped. When you get better at it, you can use as many as 8 fingers! The Orecchiette must rest for 3 to 5 hours before they are ready for use. If the Orecchiette are bought in, then you cook them straight away in boiling water Add salt and after 5 minutes add the washed and cut turnip tops and let boil for a further 12-15 min – reducing the heat in the last 4 min of cooking.

In a frying pan add olive oil 2 cloves of garlic a red chilli pepper and the anchovy fillets. As soon as the garlic bulbs turn golden remove the pan the heat. Drain the pasta and in a serving dish add the contents from the frying pan and mix together.

Enjoy!

 

 

Merida, Mexico- Recommended Literature & Film

19 Aug

The area just outside of Merida serves as a remarkable example of the history and culture of this vast county called Mexico. Evidence of the deeply rooted Mayan traditions and history can be seen everywhere, from the pyramids to the people and the flavorful cuisine. Add to this the exquisite natural beauty of a region long known for it’s lush jungles and hidden cenotes and top it off with a Spanish colonial flavor- from the architecture and the narrow streets to the palatial haciendas to the festive music. Step back in time…

TO READ

Escape To Mexico- An Anthology of Great Fiction, Edited by Sara Nickles

Like Water For Chocolate by Laura Esquivel

The Lacuna: A Novel by Barbara Kingsolver

Mayan Cuisine-  Recipes From The Yucatan Region by Daniel Hoyer

Foods of the Maya: A Taste of the Yucatan  by Nancy Gerlach

Mayan Cooking: Recipes From the Sun Kingdoms of Mexico by Cherry Hamman

A Forest of Kings: The Untold Story of the Ancient Maya by Linda Schele

Star Gods of the Maya; Astronomy in Art, Folklore, and Calendars by Susan Milbrath

The Fall of the Ancient Maya; Solving the Mystery of the Maya Collapse by David L. Webster

Chronicle of the Maya Kinds and Queens; Deciphering the Dynasties of the Ancient Maya by Simon Martin

Maya Cosmogenesis 2012: The True Meaning of the Maya Calendar End-Date by John Major

TO SEE

Apocalypto- Mel Gibson’s take on the fall of the Mayan Civilization

Frida- starring Salma Hayek, Alfred Molina & Antonio Banderas. Directed by Julie Taymor

Like Water For Chocolate, based on the best selling novel of the same name. Critically acclaimed example of Mexican storytelling at it finest.

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