I clearly remember that day in Denali National Park, Alaska in late August 1986.
We were near the turnaround area for our park wilderness bus tour. A couple of us got off the bus about a half mile from the stop. Once the bus was out of range, it was silent. So silent it was almost deafening.
A grizzly bear was foraging for berries maybe a hundred yards or so in one direction. A caribou minding its own business about a hundred yards in the other direction. To make sure I knew she was there, the tip of Denali decided to peek through a shroud of clouds.
A truly magical moment in time, broken only by a lonely screech of an eagle somewhere above us.
I left part of my soul there that day, it had such an effect and impact on me. A true life changing moment. Little did I know this would one day be a primary reason I became a travel advisor and small business entrepreneur.
In 2015, after spending 30+ years in the corporate world, I changed course and launched Lakama Luxury Travel. Why a travel business? My own travel stories, like the soul stirring trip to Alaska, truly impacted my life. These adventures have been amazing, and I know I can help you bring home your own memorable stories.
I've been very fortunate to have traveled as much as I have. Having lived in Germany, Switzerland and Hong Kong for 12 years as a child, I had many opportunities to experience new cultures, people, culinary experiences, iconic and less iconic sites. Those adventures have never stopped. 44 country passport stamps and counting! Travel is just a natural part of my being. I look forward to connecting with you. I'd love to become your trusted advisor.
A few of my other memorable stories:
- Climbing the Sydney Bridge - in the rain. I think we could have gone scuba diving in the "dry suit" we had on!
- The best fish sandwich ever in Waihi, New Zealand (that halibut sandwich in Juneau though was a very close second!).
- Jumping off the sailboat in the middle of the Bora Bora Lagoon - I've never seen clearer or bluer water in my life. And celebrating my parent's 50th wedding anniversary on the Paul Gauguin in Tahiti was beyond Wow.
- Walking on Ephesus' marble roads that were built in the 11 century B.C. with my Mom. You just have to walk them yourself to understand the amazing feeling.
- A delayed flight to Torres del Paine Park from our cruise due to a mechanical issue had me meeting some German guests who lived quite close to where I grew up. A small world indeed. And it was this trip that began my love of Chile, especially the Patagonia region. Just incredible.
- Dad's first cruise - to Alaska in 2000. Took some convincing but after that he was hooked! Oh the fun we had on the 100+ days at sea after this. Fond memories indeed.
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