December 2007—Casa de Las Madres

February 2008—Libraries for Peace

April 2008—Cruise North Expeditions

June 2008—Seabourn Cruises

July 2008—All About Africa

September—2008 Argentine Barbeque & Tango

December 2008—Christmas Cocktails and Canapes

February 2009—The Adventurous Side of South America

 

Nov 2011 - SMALL SHIP CRUISING
With Michael Weldon; Viking River Cruises.

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July 2011 - Adventure & "Green" Travel
Marissa LaMagna, Bay Area Green Tours and Marty Sarbey de Souto, CTC talked about ADVENTURE & GREEN TRAVEL. What do these specialties really mean, what companies are offering them, who's buying this kind of travel and why. Are terms like green, eco-tourism, sustainability, etc. just sales "gimmicks" nowadays in order to be politically correct?

We were especially intrigued by the local half-day and day trips Bay Area Green Tours offers around the San Francisco Bay Area. Visit their website BayAreaGreenTours.org, and next time you have guests from out of town, remember there is something fun to do around here!

The meeting was held at Sinbad's Restaurant in San Francisco.

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June 2011 - Southern INDIA
Tara Gupta, India by Design, took us on a virtual journey of the most popular itineraries of SOUTH India.

We discussed how the South differs from other parts of India, with its ancient temples, architecture and culture influenced by European colonists. We enjoyed Tara's photos of quaint coastal towns on white sand beaches and luxurious private retreats with lavishly decadent Ayurvedic Spa resorts, and learned about the backwaters of Kerala and the wide range of houseboats available.

The meeting was held at Delancey Street Restaurant in San Francisco.

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May 2011 - CUBA 'Travel Today'
Lee Marona from Vaya Sojoursn, Inc., discussed leagl means by which US residents can travel to Cuba, how Presdient Obama's latest loosening of restrictions will allow more US residents to travel to Cuba in the near future, general travel conditons and travel infrastructure (hotels, modes of transportation, etc.) in Cuba, how to get there, and how Cuba differs from all other Caribbean islands in terms of culturally and historically interesting sights to see.

We met at Lakeside Cafe, and had a wonderful turn-out.

In October 2009, Lee founded Vaya Sojourns, Inc. at which time he applied for, and was subsequently granted, a Travel Service Provider License by the Office of Foreign Assets Control allowing Vaya Sojourns to send US residents legally to Cuba.

 

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March 2011 - Rail Program in OAKLAND On Board The Vintage California Zephyr Train Cars
We got together with San Jose Travel Professionals for a joint dinner meeting aboard the vintage California Zephyr Railcars at the Amtrak sidings in Oakland.

Our program "Rail Travel" was probably the most unique and fun meeting we've ever had! The three "Silver Fleet" cars, vintage 1940's, were ours to explore.

We were welcomed in the Observation Lounge with drinks and hors d'oeuvres passed by the gracious staff. Some of the compartments, en suite, were set up with starched linens turned down and terry cloth robes awaiting passengers' evening departure. A gourmet meal prepared in the galley was served to the maximum 48 members and guests seated in the dome section and lower level dining room of the "Silver Lariat".

Presentations by Rick Adams (Reno Fun Train), Jim Prchlik (Rail Europe & Amtrak) and Pam Howell-Nims and Richard Forster ( Rocky Mountaineer) preceded Burt Hermey, President, California Zephyr Railcar Charters and our host.

Some went the extra mile to dress in hats, pocket watch, fox tails, etc. - all depicting the high society traveling in the hay days of train travel.

Thanks also to Roy Wullich, President, Rail Journeys West, who escorted us on board and assisted Burt and the crew.

Conductor's "hats-off" to everyone involved for pulling all the details together for this incredible event.

Please think of CA Zephyr Railcar Charters for unique corporate events, celebrating a special occasion, etc.

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January 2011 - Business Meeting & Trip Sharing
We met at Eleanor Bronner's home to conduct our annual business meeting. All members were encouraged to attend. The official business didn't take very long, so to make it more fun, we've asked a few members to share some photos and stories of a recent trip they have taken.

Presenters were:

• Marty Sarbey de Souto - Cotswolds


• Diane Habell-Jower - Zermatt & Matterhorn

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December 2010 - Lunch & "Kris Kringle" Gift Exchange
We met at Fog Harbor Fish House at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco for a wonderful lunch, and then played the fun "Kris Kringle" gift exchange game. (Each member brought a gift worth $15.)

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November 2010 - Update on AUTO EUROPE
Pam Howell-Nims & Richard Forster brought us up to date on AUTO EUROPE. www.AutoEurope.com (Car Rentals, Air, Hotel and More)

Richard Forster and Pam Howell-Nims have offered representation for the travel industry in Northern California for over 30 years. With their varied clients, most of the world is represented by Forster Howell including the US (Hawaii), Canada, Europe, the South Pacific, and Africa.

For many years, Pam Howell-Nims and Richard Forster have provided comprehensive sales and marketing development with the Northern California travel trade. By dividing the territory, they are able to consistently focus on territory management, new business development, and superieor sales support.

We met at the LAKESIDE CAFE on Ocean Ave. in San Francisco.

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September 2010 - Our social gathering and “THE ARCTIC”
Many joined us for a fun afternoon, good food, entertaining presenation by Brent Houston, and learning about traveling in the Arctic...

The theme for this social gathering was THE ARCTIC, with emphasis on its bird- and wildlife; including polar bear, walrus, caribou, Arctic fox, puffins, etc., but also its stunning scenery.

Our special guest, Brent Houston, was flying in, and engaged us in an educational and fun dialogue about this amazing part of the world - including quiz and prizes.


After graduating from the University of Illinois and Colorado State University, Brent continued wildlife research at Idaho State University for his MS in ecology and animal behavior. His long-term mountain lion study is an ongoing Earthwatch project, and he continues to work with many non-profit organizations to preserve and protect threatened and endangered species and their habitat.

Brent has traveled to the Arctic every year since 1993, from Siberia, Alaska and Canada to Greenland, Iceland and Svalbard (Spitsbergen). His passion for the Polar Regions is infectious and he loves to tell a good story, especially about his encounters with polar bears and penguins.

Brent spends his precious free time in Montana writing, photographing the landscape and wildlife, hiking, skiing or just sitting around the fire with good friends.

We met at Naydine & Bob Booth's beautiful home & garden in Novato.

The SFTP board prepared an "Arctic" menu, consisting of: 

• Cod (baked)
• Leg of Lamb (BBQ'd)
• Reindeer Steak flown in from Home Grown Market, Fairbanks, Alaska
• Scalloped potatoes
• Ratatouille (sauteed tomatoes, onions, peppers, zucchini & egg plant)
• Coleslaw
• Dill Cucumber Salad
• Lingonberries Red-Fruit Pudding with Whipped Cream

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August 2010 - The Wine Regions of Argentina and Chile
Rea Franjetic, a Larkspur resident, shared her love and expertise with the wine regions of Argentina and Chile, where for over 20 years she has led many tours, meeting local families and helping their organizations, schools and children's homes. Rea is the owner of her 45-year family business, Cosmopolitan Adventure Tours, and president of San Francisco Travel Professionals.

In her presentation, she took us on a fascinating journey through

THE WINE COUNTRY OF ARGENTINA AND CHILE

From the Chilean wine country across the Andes Mountains to Mendoza and on to the Northern seldom visited vineyards of Argentina in the highest valleys of the Andes.

Rea graciously offered a free, small tasting of Malbec wines and torrontes.

Rea started traveling the world at 2 years old, and never stopped marveling at the exciting possibilities of expanding our horizons. She shares the believe with Mark Twain that traveling dissolves barriers between different cultures. Her tours are designed to give an in-depth feeling and appreciation of the areas visited, taking much care of their ecological and cultural diversity. Her business contracts only local operators who have a deep understanding of their community needs, and who are proud to share their unique culture with others.

The meeting was held at the Delancey Street Restaurant on The Embarcadero in San Francisco.

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June 2010 - Cynthia Reed's “Top TEN Adventures”
Cynthia Reed, Northwest Sales Director at Abercrombie & Kent for the past 21 years, is a qualified member of the Traveler's Century Club, having traveled to 112 countries on seven continents. She had completed two extensive around-the-world trips before she even entered the travel field.

In her dynamic presentation, she shared her top ten adventures around the world, and challenged us to find ours. What are YOUR "once-in-a-lifetime" or "off-the-beaten-track" travel experiences?

The meeting was held at Sinbad's Restaurant at Pier 2 in San Francisco.

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February 2010 - The Intimate Rainforest
In this evening's presentation, former psychology and biology teacher Duncan MacSwain, offered a personal glimpse, via photos and anecdotes, of his travels to the rainforests of the Amazon (Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Suriname), Central America (Costa Rica, Belize, Honduras), Papua New Guinea, Borneo and Thailand. 

The meeting was held at Sinbad's Restaurant at Pier 2 in San Francisco.

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December 2009 - Holiday Party
It was a cold and damp evening that Thursday but if you were at the Lakeside Café at the San Francisco Travel Professionals annual Christmas Party you would not have cared.

The evening started with wine, provided by Naydine’s daughter, Robin Booth, who works for Ironstone Vineyards. We were then served a delicious three course meal with a selection of steak, salmon or grilled chicken. The private room and the service were great so we will be returning to the Lakeside Cafe’ for our annual business meeting in January.

What would be a Christmas party without our White Elephant gift exchange? Bob Booth was the first to select a gift and the fun started at once as he would select a gift and immediately it was taken from him. Everyone had a great time and by the end of the evening everyone went home with something either they won or traded.

SFTP give special thanks to Naydine Booth  for all her hard work in putting this party together, and Eleanor Bronner for finding the Lakeside Café.

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October 2009 - Bustani House in Nairobi & Cuba
We had a packed room at Delancey Street Restaurant that Thursday for our October meeting.

In our first presentation, member Jambi Kahahu, spoke about Bustani House in Nairobi, Kenya and safaris available in the countryside. info@bustanihouse.com or www.bustanihouse.com

The accommodations at Bustani House are home style with tours to outlying areas. The tours include not only game preserves to see the wildlife but also points of interest in the area.  Not everyone wants or can afford the private tented camps or have the time it takes to go on such a trip. This is a good alternative for travelers who do not have much time and yet want a customized trip.

Our other speaker was Howie Perlin of Ya’alla Tours. He spoke about “Legal” travel to Cuba.  

We have all heard  stories about people traveling to Cuba and how the US government still has embargos with Cuba, that include tourism. Howie explained that to legally travel there, one needs to either qualify by having family in Cuba or go with a tour company that has been legally sanctioned by the US and Cuba. These tours are not frequent and there are few operators. They do not include the beaches and most importantly theses tours are not cheap. The information given was informative whether you were a travel agent or in some other capacity in the travel industry.

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September 2009 - On The Road to MOROCCO
For those of you who did not attend our Moroccan Diffa (Feast) on Sunday, I must say you missed out on a fun afternoon.

The weather in Novato was perfect. We had sun and a cool breeze. Our hosts, Naydine and Bob Booth have such a wonderful home and garden. It was an ideal setting for entertaining outside and we thank them opening their home to us for this event.

The food was superb. We had a complete range of Moroccan favorites. The meal consisted of several Moroccan salads, couscous, skewered grilled chicken, chicken phyllo rolls, spiced olives, honey mousse and even mint tea.

We would like to thank Dhyanis and Vera of “World Dance Fitness” of San Anselmo for their wonderful dancing and explanation of the Moroccan Belly dance.  The belly dance is not a provocative dance but one of expression by the women.

All in all it was a fun afternoon. We came away from the afternoon with a much better understanding of Morocco and its places of interest, its culture and its food.

Link to Recipe Booklet
Link to Morocco Quiz

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February 2009 - The Adventurous Side of South America
The meeting was held at Delancey Street Restaurant in San Francisco.

Excellent presentations by SFTP member Rea Franjetic, Cosmopolitan Adventure Tours; Jorge Rodriguez, Cruceros Australis; and Raul Buenaventura, Explora Lodges.

Overall theme: In & Around Patagonia

Rea, admitting she is very fond of Patagonia, having visited the area often, commented on how to work Patagonia into your South American trips.

Cruceros Australis cruises between Ushuaia, Argentina and Punta Arenas, Chile via the Horn and Magellan Strait. The route allows exploring the land "at the end of the earth" with its awe-inspiring scenery (penguins included). Since Cruceros Australis carries a maximum of 130 passengers, excursions will be in small groups.

Among Explora Lodges is Hotel Salto Chico Chile, in the middle of Torres del Paine National Park - again, spectacular scenery readily at hand starting from a luxurious base. In Torres del Paine, Hotel Salto Chico allows no more than 10 persons per guide.

An evening of practical and useful information. As with the best presentations, attendees left "ready to go"; or if they had been near the area, they were ready to go back.

Recommended:
Cosmopolitan Adventure Tours, www.cosmopolitanadventuretours.com
Cruceros Australis, www.australis.com
Explora Lodges, www.explora.com

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December 2008 - Christmas Cocktails and Canapes
SFTP Members and their Guests gathered together for a Holiday Party at the Hotel California in San Francisco.

Snacks and holiday cheer were enjoyed by all, with a highlight being the Kris Kringle Gift Exchange. There was a good-natured competition for the many beautiful gifts, including some that were handmade by participants. At the end of the evening everyone went home with something wonderful to remember the evening.

Hotel California, a Best Western branded hotel, is a lovely 82-room boutique hotel located just three blocks from Union Square. Originally built in 1913, the hotel has preserved many classic architectural details throughout the lobby and other common areas, with the guest rooms featuring American Maple hardwood floors, plantation shutters and ceiling fans. At the same time the hotel has many modern conveniences such as complimentary WiFi and computer stations, a business center, valet parking, concierge services, a fitness center, in-room safes, hairdryers, on-demand movies and more.

Voted “one of the ten best small hotels in the city that invented them” by Travel + Leisure Magazine, and dubbed “elegance in the theatre district” by Alaska Airlines magazine, the Hotel California is a local gem just waiting to be discovered.

Graham MacDonald Smith, Regional Director of Sales & Marketing for Hotel California, and long time friend to SFTP, joined us in the festivities.

For further information please contact him, and click here for more information.

Hotel California
Graham MacDonald Smith, Regional Director of Sales & Marketing
580 Geary Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Tel: 415-869-4113
Fax: 415-441-7172
Cell: 707-332-5753
Email: Graham@hotelca.com
Website: www.Hotelca.com

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September 2008 - Argentine BBQ and Tango
(Click here to see recipes and slide show)
Members and guests were treated to a typical Argentinean BBQ complete with tango dancers.

Board members prepared Argentine side dishes and Alfredo, Rea’s husband barbequed delicious sausages and prepared “chimichurri “to accompany the dishes. Rea made the most perfect empanadas as an appetizer to start the afternoon. Of course, “Argentinean beverages” (from the “other” wine country) were served throughout the day.

Six NEW members joined that day. Their names along with those members who had sponsored them were entered into the membership drive raffle of a two night getaway in Napa at the luxurious Silverado Resort with golf, dinner at a premier Napa restaurant and a special gift from a Napa Valley winery.

The membership drive began last year and all new members and their sponsor’s names were included in the drawing. Several winners received door prices of Evan Goldstein’s Food and Wine Pairing books and Jerry Garcia ties. The grand prize winner of the drawing was Marty Sarbey de Souto, chair of the travel program at Berkeley City College, well-deserved winner who has been teaching and promoting a career in travel for those interested for many years.

The afternoon was topped off by tango dancers, Debbie Goodwin and John Campbell who not only performed the tango but enlightened us with the history of tango in Argentina. Check out their web site at www.AlmaDelTango.com and if you are in the Marin area, check out the classes they offer.

Thanks to all the members and Board who made the afternoon possible. Very special thanks to Rea and Alfredo for sharing their beautiful home and our members who so graciously donated the prizes. Please remember Silverado Resort when looking for venues and corporate events for your clients.

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July 2008 - All About Africa
On July 31 we co-hosted a very well attended event with NorCal APTA – a two hour workshop on "How to Sell Africa" moderated by Christine Eichin of Above and Beyond Africa. Christine is a member of both organizations, and has traveled 20+ times to the Dark Continent.

During her presentation she featured what is unique about Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, The Seychelles and Madagascar. We learned the advantages and disadvantages of wing safaris vs. driving safaris, custom itineraries vs. set group departures, game viewing in national parks vs. private reserves, open vs. closed vehicles, the best gorilla tracking and why, climate and the best time for each destination, combining destinations and much more. Christine provided each attendee with a comprehensive handbook, including maps and space for note taking.

This highly acclaimed event was held at Sinbad’s, one of our two regular venues. For further information visit www.YourSafariExpert.com or contact Christine Eichin at ask@YourSafariExpert.com.

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June 2008 - Seabourn Cruises
This meeting was held at Sinbad's in San Francisco and featured a presentation by Yachts of Seabourn. Sherrill Kaplan, Regional Sales Manager, shared with us some of the reason why Seabourn has been voted "World's Best Cruise Line" by readers of Departures Magazine and "World's Best Cruise Line (small ship category)" by Travel + Leisure Magazine.The Yachts of Seabourn are an ultra luxury vacation at sea for discerning travelers, with three ships presently holding 208 guests and three new ships are on the way holding 450 guests. Your clients' vacaction experience with Seabourn is an all suite experience and is all inclusive of tips, beverages, alcohol, one complimentary shore experience per voyage, open bar, and complimentary massage moments by the pool.

Seabourn is most noted for their extraordinary service, crew to passenger ratio, 250 ports of call on six continents, and their ability to travel where the big ships dare not roam.

Your clients will love the amazing culinary designs by world reknowned Chef Charlie Palmer. They will also be fascinated by their enrichment series of classes, speakers and shopping with the Chef. Anyone who loves good food and fabulous wine will love Seabourn. Your vacationers will also love the private arrangements their concierge desk can prearrange on shore as well.

As Sherrill mentioned ,"If you have a wish, we try to make it happen". For further information visit www.seabourn.com, or contact Sherrill Kaplan at skaplan@seabourn.com.

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April 2008 - Cruise North Expeditions
SFTP's April meeting was a perfect example of why it is vital to be a member and an excellent opportunity to learn the very latest in the unique and responsible travel experience. Dugald Wells, Co-Founder and President of the Cruise North Expeditions. Inuit-owned Cruise North Expeditions has revolutionized travel to the Canadian Arctic, making it affordable, accessible and authentic. Dugald presented his 4-year old company to the members of SFTP at Delancey Street Restaurant in San Francisco. Based in Toronto Canada, Dugald got into the cruise business through his profession as an engineer.

As privileged guests of the Inuit, passengers visit remote, traditional villages and explore exotic lands where muskox and caribou range against a backdrop of soaring cliffs, mountains and fiords. Expert guides and naturalist explain the natural wonders as passengers zodiac amongst icebergs, polar bears, walrus and whales.

The company offers a true Canadian Arctic experience on an expedition ship during the summer months of June to September.   Tours include remote Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Passage and other itineraries sharing the most comprehensive cultural, scenic and wildlife experiences the region has to offer.  Cruise North and First Air, their sister company providing all Arctic flights, are subsidiaries of Inuit-owned Makivik Corporation, a highly successful investment corporation born of the first modern-day aboriginal land claim agreement in Canada (c. 1975).

In addition to it’s commitment to the Inuit peoples, Cruise North is a supporter of the environment and works with other corporate interests to repair the damage  to this environment left by former corporate interests in the area.  They also are partners with the organizers of the Toronto Marathon, a race held in conjunction with their July 20 Arctic Odyssey Cruise. With activities available for all levels, the all-inclusive cruises are priced with roundtrip air from Montreal, Canada.  Reservations can be made by calling 1-866-263-3220. If you missed this very informative meeting, check out their website at www.cruisenorthexpeditions.com. 

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February 2008 - Libraries for Peace
SFTP welcomed Aref Ahmadia of the Libraries for Peace Project at Sinbad’s Restaurant in San Francisco.

The Libraries for Peace Project is a non-profit organization founded in 2005 and dedicated to building Public Libraries in Lebanon and other Middle Eastern countries to help the peace process. Their goal is to provide reference and enriching educational material in the classrooms of public and private schools K-12. The educational material will include dictionaries, encyclopedias, books and computers. Teacher training will also be provided to achieve maximum utilization and effect. The libraries will be open to the general public to use for research, study and vocational training.

During his presentation Aref spoke about the mission of the Project, life in Lebanon, and what a foreign visitor might expect to experience during a visit to modern-day Lebanon. He also relayed how education provided him and other members of his family opportunities which would have otherwise been out of reach.

“Every Library is a center for international understanding. By its very existence, free from propaganda and prejudice and with no axe of its own to grind, the public library serves peace as well as democracy. With education comes greater understanding, justice and peace.”

To see photos from recent visits to Lebanon and Syria please visit www.flickr.com/photos/fogline. For further information regarding the Libraries for Peace Project, or do donate online, please visit www.lfpp.org. The LFPP will also pick up book donations in the San Francisco Bay Area. Just send Aref an email at aref@ahmadia.net to schedule a pickup.

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December 2007 - Casa de las Madres
SFTP members celebrated the holidays together on Saturday at the beautiful Fog Harbor Fish House at Pier 39. We not only delighted in each other's company, a great meal and a fun gift exchange but in customary fashion, we received an update about our charity from guest of honor, Katherine Berg,
of La Case de Las Madres. www.lacasadelasmadres.org