Driving in Manhattan, London, or Rome is NOT on my bucket list. It's not on any list I have unless you count lists that start with "Are you serious?" I could tell you it's the influence of becoming more eco-aware, but the reality is I'm intimidated by people who, when behind the wheel, drive like Mario Andretti.

 

On one of my favorite sites, Netted by the Webbys, I discovered an app http://www.mapnificent.net that offers interactive transit maps for many US cities as well as some in Europe and a few in Australia. Test drive it and let me know whether you'd use this app. There are several apps available per city and very few that cover the world. The downside of this app is it is not available on android and that, while created in Germany, most maps are for the US. I still like the ease of using Google maps, with transit routes available in the US. As global as Google is, I am surprised they haven't conquered the world's transit maps yet....maybe tomorrow?

Finally, a 5 Star Property in New York's Theater District! Now, no more worries about finding a cab, dreading the long walk in inclement weather, or hiring a limo! My friend and General Manager of The Chatwal, Joel Freyberg,  will take excellent care of you!

 

Sometimes the best way to experience the area you are visiting is by foot or by bicycle. For example, when you are in Paris you can wander into a Patisserie for something sweet, walk a bit further and stop for a latte. Notice the buildings with that oh-so-French attention to detail. Catch a couple kissing and take a picture, or better yet, be that couple!

 

Now Google Maps makes this joy a reality with the added promise of never getting lost! I On maps.google.com I entered Arc de Triomphe as my starting point and ended at the iconic Eiffel Tower and "Voila!" my route awaits! This Google Maps feature is still in Beta testing so be aware of the site's caveat:

 

 

 

What is so impressive is that Google Maps offers several modes of transport when available. If you map a route from Central Park to Dean&Deluca at Rockefeller Center, you can pick from automobile, walking, bicycling, or public transportation. You gotta love Google!!!

 

In the mid 1970's Dave Herbert, managing director of African Travel, was in New York City calling on travel advisors to promote his safari camps in Botswana. As luck would have it, Dave stayed at a hotel that was the temporary home to several show dogs awaiting their time to prance around the ring at a prestigious dog show. Adding to the "voices" of the canine guests, the hotel was across the street from a fire station. When the fire trucks roared out of the station, the dogs greeted the noise with a canine chorus.

 

After a day of promoting Botswana, Dave returned to his noisy "home" tired and frustrated. He reached for the phone and called his business partner in South Africa. In between barking and fire sirens, Dave explained to John, his partner, the gloomy situation. "I had called on a very prominent gentleman and suggested he send his clients to Botswana. The travel advisor rudely replied, 'I'm not going to send them to some swamp!' I don't know what we're going to do!" For a few moments the phone was silent (except for the occasional tones indicating several more dollars have been used on this long distance call). "John, are you there?"

 

John cleared his throat and slowly said, "Then we won't call it a swamp; we'll call it a Delta."

 

Ever since that day people have referred to the Okavango Swamp as the Okavango Delta (some people still call it a swamp----oh well!). Funny, the difference a name makes because I love the Okavango Delta---the people, the animals, the flowers, trees, and yes, the water which we maneuver by mokuru (a canoe-like craft). I was eager to go to the Delta in 1999 and have been there again for 2 weeks last year. If you had asked me if I wanted to go to a "Swamp," I know I would have said, "Thanks, but no thanks!" So, in this case "a rose by any other name" brings visitors!