Wine Tasting Aboard the Queen Victoria

Wine tasting seminars with Chief Sommelier Michael Standen are pretty sweet. First of all, you get to sample six different wines and pair them with nibbles like fruit, cheese & meat. He’ll also arm you with an informative booklet featuring wine aroma and mouth-feel wheels to help you hone your sense of smell and taste. But admittedly, the wheels are also useful for crafting pretentious phrases like “I detect vegetative notes of cut grass.” The buzz words you learn in this seminar (terroir, palate, tannins) while useful for wine tasting, can alternatively be used to pick-up women or also, to impress your boss at company dinners.

We sampled Champagne, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chateuneuf-du-Pape, Pinotage and a Bordeux Blend. My favorite was the 2004 Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape that smells of black currant and pepper. (See how good I’m getting with my wine aroma wheel? Ha.) I can just imagine pairing it with some lamb, stew or even ribs. But even if you just pop it open with some cheddar cheese and crackers, like I’m apt to do on a Friday evening, it’d still be delish.

Activities Onboard the Queen Victoria

The Queen Victoria is a fab ship with plenty of lavish details (a martini bar with wall to wall glass windows overlooking the ocean) and small luxuries (white gloved tea service). A Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar, Todd English restaurant, cushy cabins and elegant teak deck chairs only contribute to the posh British ship effect. Plus, Cunard’s emphasis on customer service and a 2-to-1 guest to crew ratio means that you’ll be very well looked after indeed. However, there are a few crucial things you should be aware of before planning to cruise on the Queen Victoria.

First, Cunard markets themselves to an elderly audience. I kid you not: seminars on arthritis and swollen ankles, vegetable carving demonstrations and bingo games are daily occurrences. But the sports on the ship are truly redeeming and include: paddle tennis, table tennis, outdoor chess, an indoor gym, shuffleboard, deck quoits, golf chipping cages (for an additional fee), fencing, ballroom dancing classes and use of the two pools and four Jacuzzis.

Additional activities include: wine tasting seminars, travel lectures, musical theater productions, an internet center, board games, line dancing classes, cocktail mixology classes, whist and bridge tournaments, black-tie balls, art auctions, comedians and daily trivia. The casino features slot machines, blackjack, roulette, Caribbean poker and 3-stud poker. Matinee movies are offered at 2 p.m. daily and range from classics (Gone With the Wind) to current (No Country For Old Men). There’s also a two-story library which has a nice selection of fiction and non-fiction as well as a massive assortment of travel books. And then of course, there are the bars & lounges in which to tipple an expertly made cocktail and dance the night away.

You won’t find ice skating rinks or video arcades – so if you’ve got young kids or are looking for people under 40 to party the night away with, this might not be your ship. But in a strange way, this lack of trendy activities is actually an asset for those passengers looking to avoid the dreaded "family vacationers" so prevalent on other cruise lines. Meaning that on the Queen Victoria you can settle into your enormous chaise lounge, wait for the waitress to take your drink order and then happily sip your daiquiri in adults-only peace (no screaming kids by the pool…no hordes of roaming teens in the clubs...hooray!) while you listen to the sound of the waves quietly crashing below you.

Todd English On The Queen Victoria

Matt and I have now been to the Todd English restaurant onboard the Queen Victoria several times and it just keeps getting better. At only $20 per/person for lunch and $30 per/person for dinner it’s a real value in terms of service and food. Generous baskets of warm rolls and seasoned flatbreads are served upon arrival with assorted tapenades. The décor is muted and intimate with its chic booths overlooking the ocean and tables covered in simple white table linens – a drastic departure from the main dining room which can be huge, crowded and impersonal. The appetizers and entrees are always competently cooked, not to mention enormous and expertly plated. We particularly love the seafood here and there’s no doubt that the ingredients served in Todd English are held to a more rigorous standard than elsewhere on the ship. They are simply fresher and of higher quality than those served in the Brittania dining room so come here to celebrate a special occasion or to splurge on a romantic meal for two with a bottle of wine. You’ll leave feeling well-looked after, satisfied and content with this sophisticated departure from the rest of the ship’s old-fashioned fare. A little piece of modern Manhattan gastronomy has found its way onto the Queen Victoria and all I can say is Hallelujah for that!

Onboard Talent Show: Somewhere Dogs Howl, Mirrors Break

Ah, the age old passenger talent show. If you raided a nursing home, plied the residents with cheap shots of tequila and then forced them onstage without the benefit of a single rehearsal you’ve got an idea as to what this onstage lunacy is all about. Dreadfully entertaining in a Catskills-at-Sea meets One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest sort of a way. Wildly off-key singing and the reading of limericks are just the tip of the iceberg. The dramatic reading of limericks you say? As a talent? And yet, I’m afraid it’s true.

As such, my VIP award from the most recent Queen Victoria talent show goes to a man and his stuffed monkey doll for reasons that should be obvious. (See video below) However, never one to skimp on the praise of these burgeoning artistes I’d also like to include nods to the two runners-up who include:

1. A woman who has never taken a piano lesson in her life attempting to play The Man of La Mancha’s “The Impossible Dream” (a rather fitting title given the performance)

and

2. A gentleman performing a “comical” monologue about his life i.e. “One time I was this landlord and people were making love really loudly upstairs – I called ‘em up and told ‘em they had two choices – the first was to stop the loud love making, the second choice was that if they didn’t, I was going to sell tickets!!!”

Oh yes, hardy-har-har.

So for those of you planning a Cunard cruise anytime soon, break out that accordion you haven’t seen since high school band camp and start practicing – who knows, with competition like this you just may get discovered.

Queen Victoria's Jacuzzi: Cheaper Than a Happy Ending

I envisioned enormous Olympic swimming pools where I’d spend afternoons doing laps when I first booked this cruise. It wasn’t crucial or anything, but I did go to the trouble of getting a pair of goggles. Sadly, this was never meant to be and my goggles are currently collecting dust in a drawer (minus the time I drunkenly danced around the cabin for fun in them). Anyhow, in the spirit of journalistic integrity it bears mentioning to you, the possible consumer that both swimming pools are kinda smallish. Obviously they’re large enough for a cooling dip, but they’re utterly unsuitable for exercise. And while the Jacuzzis are a pleasant experience a gal could get pregnant in one without even trying. 3 people at a time is probably the max (2 if you have personal space issues) when sitting with strangers, unless you’re all built like Mary-Kate Olsen.

As Will Ferrell says, “We should mention that although the waters above appear calm, below the surface there is a frenzy of activity.” At least this is what I could imagine easily happening, quite by accident with too many people, which is why I’ve only been in the Jacuzzis once. All that whining aside, the sundeck itself is a lovely place with its ample seating, towel and beverage service and a reggae band that plays at all the right times. Go at midday when it’s less crowded (read: everyone’s at lunch) and you’ll have the place to yourself. Just be prepared for more of a loungey scene where you can enjoy the golden glow of the sun, splash in for a quick dip and instantly repair back to the chaise lounge for an Apricot Stone Sour and some trashy magazine reading.

Apricot Stone Sour

1 oz. Apricot Brandy
1 oz. Sweet & Sour Mix
1 oz. Orange Juice (no pulp)

Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a lowball glass & serve with orange slice

Bazooka Joe: Not Just Gum

Last night we ended up again at Hemispheres (see pic), our favorite bar on the Queen Victoria. One of the many charming bartenders hipped us to a shot that tastes exactly like bubble gum, hence its moniker – The Bazooka Joe Shot. To make this at home: add 1/3 Blue Curacao, 1/3 Crème de Banana, 1/3 Baileys and shake vigorously before pouring into shot glasses. Sip and enjoy! Tomorrow we’re off to explore Aruba and will have more to report…for now, it’s back to the sundeck as I need to work on my tan. I’m going head to head with one of the bartenders in a competitive “tan-off.” Given the fact that he’s a Brit and I’m Irish this should be a pretty pathetic showing on both of our parts, but mark your calendars people - April 10th I will be reporting from the Lido Deck on who will win $50 American dollars and claim the honor of being the tannest.

Shaken Not Stirred

It’s cocktail time here as we cruise the coast of Cuba and we have our iPods plugged into these handy Altec Lansing travel speakers so we can listen to music as we sit barefoot in our cabin, playing cards and sipping summer drinks. We’ve spent most of the day celebrating the switch to hot weather by sitting on the upper deck of the Queen Victoria enjoying glasses of Stella, giving each other high fives, slathering our pasty bodies with sunblock (hot, I know...) and swimming in one of the two pools. The good thing about going on vacation with British people (besides the fact that they have cute accents and spell things like program "programme") is that they're paler than you are, and more likely to burn. (e.g. We were not the only dorks with Coppertone 30+ poolside.)

I was also a lucky enough girl to receive one of my birthday presents early – the new Flip Video Recorder and it’s pretty much the best travel accessory ever. It records up to 60 minutes of footage, is lighter than an iPod and is roughly the same size as a deck of cards. Within 30 seconds of receiving it I had installed the batteries and figured out how to use it, so don’t worry if you’re not a techie – it’s pretty basic. Best of all, you can edit your videos, add music and do all sorts of cool things with the footage once you download the video to your computer. And, for your enjoyment, our…

Summer Cocktail Playlist

Water No Get No Enemy – Fela Kuti
Represent, Cuba – Orishas & Heather Headley
Listen Up! – The Gossip
Family Reunion – Jill Scott
Number One – John Legend & Kanye West
Mary Jane (DJ Green Lantern Remix) – Rick James
The Seed (2.0) – The Roots & Cody Chestnutt
Music – Erick Sermon & Marvin Gaye
Good Time – Leela James
Little Mysteries – Rickie Lee Jones
Bandy Bandy – Zap Mama & Erykah Badu
I’m Still In Love With You – Sean Paul
Hey Baby – Stephen Marley & Mos Def
Bedstuy Parade & Funeral March – Mos Def
Big Chief – Dirty Dozen Brass Band & Dr. John
Whole Lotta Loving – Lenny Kravitz & Rebirth Brass Band
Tell Me What We’re Gonna Do Now – Joss Stone
LDN – Lily Allen
Heart of Glass – Swan Dive
Funky Kingston – Toots & The Maytals
Inspiration Information – Shuggie Otis
Hey Love – Stevie Wonder
Yes, Yes, Y’all – Sergio Mendes & Black Thought, Chali
Too Drunk to F**k – Nouvelle Vague
Chan Chan – Buena Vista Social Club
Guajira – Yerba Buena
It’s Your Last Chance To Dance – Preservation Hall Jazz Band
My Girl Josephine – Taj Mahal & The New Orleans Social Club
I’m On Your Side – Keb’ Mo’

Cabin Fever

The past few days at sea have been relaxing – lazy afternoons and evenings spent drinking cocktails, dancing and making new friends, but at the end of the day I’m still a New Yorker and like to rush, rush, rush to do everything. Unfortunately, my latest bout of seasickness has left me hunkering down in my cabin sporting a pair of Sea Bands that a) do not stem my tsunami-like waves of nausea and b) resemble something Richard Simmons might wear in a “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” video. Oh happy days are here again. However, the silver lining in all of this was that I was finally able to make it to dinner tonight at the chichi Brittania, which is the formal dining room aboard the Queen Victoria. Matt and I had previously been relegated to eating dinner in our room or on the Lido Deck because Cunard had given away our table for two and then attempted to seat us at a table for eight (not happening), with no apologies and no guarantees of rectifying the situation. Yeesh – at a minimum I can say this was not a positive customer service experience and we owe our undying gratitude to our darling travel agents for making things right. In fairness, I must say that everything else (our cabin and experiences with the bartenders/waiters/cleaning personnel) have been excellent, but Matt and I have heard a lot of complaints from other passengers. Naturally, a maiden voyage on any ship will have some kinks – but when the hot water isn’t working, or guests are woken by banging from the kitchen, or their cabins smell like bacon all day – I’d imagine it has quite an impact on the enjoyment of their vacation.

Now on to the positive stuff: the service at the Brittania was wonderful. Our waiter and sommelier were at our table almost immediately and went above and beyond to make our meal as enjoyable as possible. The food was presented elegantly and was delicious – I had the halibut with mashed potatoes and veggies. An additional plus goes to Cunard for thinking to create a spa menu featuring healthier fare (a nice alternative to have when you're spending 3 months aboard the ship and have to fit into the clothes you brought). My main complaint resides in the fact that the hosts force guests to accept squirts of hand sanitizer from a giant econo-sized plastic bottle as they walk in, I'm not sure I've ever seen this even at an Arby's, and I 've got to be honest here - a little déclassé for a cruise company that brands itself as a luxury ship. Then again, I should probably be thankful that their Nazi-like attention to germs will prevent the spread of disease (since I imagine that sickness spreads fast and brutal on a cruise ship much like the barfing does in that quintessential scene from "Stand By Me").

It’s off to bed early for us tonight as we’re waking up at the A.C. tomorrow to jump ship and explore the Everglades in fan boats. We’re so excited to experience our first port and also need to recover from our past few late nights that have been spent doing shots, dancing to Bob Marley, befriending bartenders and entertainers at every watering hole onboard, and getting up on stage at the piano bar to lead the audience in the hand gestures for “Sweet Caroline."

Bon Voyage NYC!

Words cannot properly sum up the sense of elation that Matt and I felt last evening as we waved goodbye to Manhattan and set sail for warmer climes aboard the Queen Victoria. As we departed New York City, sailing down the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty, we stood outside on deck amid the snow flurries drinking glasses of champagne and cheering (loudly!) at the incredible fireworks display that Cunard had arranged to be set off to celebrate the meeting of all three of their historic ocean liners in one location.

So far, almost everything onboard has been amazing. Our room is larger and more luxurious than expected, the bed itself is the most comfortable I have ever slept in, and the bartenders (already my friends) are a hilarious, enthusiastic and completely delightful bunch. They’ve already taught me how to make a new drink, which I’ll share with you in a moment, but the polite term for the shot is Springbok, after the South African rugby team (but is also known more crassly as “Shit On The Grass”). Layer the shot glass with half Crème de Menthe (bottom), and half Bailey’s (top), it’s brown and green and surprisingly delicious given the fact that it’s made up entirely of after dinner liqueurs.

The only hiccup thus far in the journey lies in the dining experience which has been, well – challenging. Although we were confirmed before departure on a table for two, the maitre d’ attempted to seat us at a table for eight and was unable (or unwilling) to fix our seating arrangement. The head of guest services, who could use an additional course or two in er, guest service was also less than helpful. No worries! Our fabulous travel agents The Travel Siblings, who have been insightful, well-organized and beyond helpful every step of the way are taking care of it so that Matt and I can rest easy. An extra shout out of appreciation to them as they were so thoughtful as to have champagne and canapés sent to our state room on our first night at sea – when I received them I jumped on the bed a la Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman.” They really are our fairy godparents and we are so pleased to have them helping us along in our journeys. This experience has taught me to always, always, always book my trips through a travel agent – if something goes wrong you can turn to them to help you, otherwise you just may be out of luck!

Imelda Marcos Called, She Wants Her Shoes Back

Six suitcases, two daypacks and one purse later it appears that my husband and I are finally ready to leave for our 105-day journey around the globe. Like any paranoid New Yorker preparing to travel outside the borough of Manhattan, I have procured enough prescription meds from my doctor to open a free clinic (and/or sustain a village full of robots from the Old Glory Insurance Commercial). Neurotic? Perhaps. But we'll see who will be laughing after that seafood dinner in Pago Pago goes terribly wrong...

Also, in the spirit of journalistic transparency, I will openly admit that one of the six aforementioned suitcases is full of nothing but my shoes. At last count: 12 pairs (my friend Coots forced me to physically count them, one by one, so she could make fun of me) yet I stand by my Imelda Marcos-like behavior and will argue that in my defense, there is a DSW down the street. As every woman knows, anything bought on sale simply does not count. (Just like calories consumed at dessert also do not count).

We'll be embarking from the New York City Harbor this evening and as it's the first time the three "Queens" will be convening in one place (how very British to name your cruise ships after monarchs!) the Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Victoria will all sail past the Statue of Liberty in tandem as a display of fireworks is set off to celebrate this "Royal Rendezvous" (their words, not mine). So that you can follow along with us as we travel, without further ado, the itinerary below:


January 2008

13
Sun
New York, New York

14
Mon
Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

15
Tue
Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

16
Wed
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

17
Thu
Cruising the Straits of Florida

18
Fri
Cruising the Caribbean Sea

19
Sat
Oranjestad, Aruba

20
Sun
Cruising the Caribbean Sea

21
Mon
Transiting the Panama Canal

22
Tue
Cruising the Pacific Ocean

23
Wed
Puntarenas, Costa Rica

24
Thu
Cruising the Pacific Ocean

25
Fri
Cruising the Pacific Ocean

26
Sat
Acapulco, Mexico

27
Sun
Manzanillo, Mexico

28
Mon
Cruising the Pacific Ocean

29
Tue
Cruising the Pacific Ocean

30
Wed
Los Angeles, California

31
Thu
Cruising the Pacific Ocean


February 2008

1
Fri
Cruising the Pacific Ocean

2
Sat
Cruising the Pacific Ocean

3
Sun
Cruising the Pacific Ocean

4
Mon
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

5
Tue
Cruising the Pacific Ocean

6
Wed
Cruising the Pacific Ocean

7
Thu
Cruising the Pacific Ocean

8
Fri
Cruising the Pacific Ocean

9
Sat
Pago Pago, American Samoa

10
Sun
Cross International Dateline - Lost Day

11
Mon
Cruising the South Pacific Ocean

12
Tue
Lautoka, Fiji

13
Wed
Cruising the South Pacific Ocean

14
Thu
Cruising the South Pacific Ocean

15
Fri
Auckland, New Zealand

16
Sat
Napier, New Zealand

17
Sun
Wellington, New Zealand

18
Mon
Cruising the South Pacific Ocean

19
Tue
Cruising the South Pacific Ocean

20
Wed
Cruising the Tasman Sea

21
Thu
Melbourne, Australia

22
Fri
Cruising the Tasman Sea

23
Sat
Sydney, Australia

24
Sun
Sydney, Australia

25
Mon
Cruising the Pacific Ocean

26
Tue
Brisbane, Australia

27
Wed
Cruising the Pacific Ocean


28
Thu
Cruising the Pacific Ocean

29
Fri
Port Douglas (for Great Barrier Reef), Australia


March 2008

1
Sat
Cruising the Coral Sea

2
Sun
Cruising the Coral Sea

3
Mon
Cruising the Banda Sea

4
Tue
Cruising the Celebes Sea

5
Wed
Cruising the South China Sea

6
Thu
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

7
Fri
Cruising the South China Sea

8
Sat
Cruising the South China Sea

9
Sun
Hong Kong

10
Mon
Cruising the South China Sea

11
Tue
Da Nang (Chan May), Vietnam

12
Wed
Cruising the South China Sea

13
Thu
Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Vietnam

14
Fri
Cruising the South China Sea

15
Sat
Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand

16
Sun
Ko Samui, Thailand

17
Mon
Cruising the South China Sea

18
Tue
Singapore

19
Wed
Kuala Lumpur (Port Kelang), Malaysia

20
Thu
Penang, Malaysia

21
Fri
Cruising the Andaman Sea

22
Sat
Cruising the Bay of Bengal

23
Sun
Chennai (formerly Madras), India

24
Mon
Cruising the Bay of Bengal

25
Tue
Cruising the Indian Ocean

26
Wed
Cochin, India

27
Thu
Cruising the Indian Ocean

28
Fri
Mumbai, India

29
Sat
Cruising the Arabian Sea

30
Sun
Cruising the Gulf of Oman

31
Mon
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

April 2008

1
Tue
Cruising the Gulf of Oman

2
Wed
Cruising the Arabian Sea

3
Thu
Salalah, Oman

4
Fri
Cruising the Arabian Sea

5
Sat
Cruising the Gulf of Aden

6
Sun
Cruising the Red Sea

7
Mon
Safaga (for Luxor/Karnak), Egypt

8
Tue
Safaga (for Luxor/Karnak), Egypt

9
Wed
Transiting the Suez Canal

10
Thu
Cruising the Mediterranean Sea

11
Fri
Athens (Piraeus), Greece

12
Sat
Cruising the Aegean Sea

13
Sun
Naples, Italy

14
Mon
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

15
Tue
Cruising the Mediterranean Sea

16
Wed
Barcelona, Spain

17
Thu
Cruising the Strait of Gibraltar

18
Fri
Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

19
Sat
Lisbon, Portugal

20
Sun
Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

21
Mon
Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

22
Tue
Southampton, England


Transfer to Queen Mary 2
7:00 am

22
Tue
Southampton, England

23
Wed
Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

24
Thu
Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

25
Fri
Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

26
Sat
Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

27
Sun
Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

28
Mon
New York, New York
Disembark

Why Travel The World? Why Now?

We've been asked the same few questions by friends, family, coworkers and even by the dude making lattes at our local Starbucks: Why travel the world? Why now? So here are the top ten reasons we ditched NYC, emptied our bank accounts, and denied our non-existent children a secure future...

10. Climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge beats climbing the corporate ladder.

9. Exotic drinks are always better when enjoyed in exotic locations.

8. The best place to turn 30 is at sea, on a ship full of strangers where you can turn 29...again.

7. Because launching a pro-shuffleboard career is as easy as befriending some elderly cruisers.

6. We don't have a mortgage yet. Or those things called kids.

5. Because sailing the world is so much better than driving it.

4. We're on a goodwill tour of the world, trying to make up for President Bush's last 7 years in office.

3. Eating gelato on the Spanish Steps like Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday is better than eating Tasti D-Lite on the subway steps, while people run over you.

2. Three little words: No phone service.

1. Everyday is an adventure.

**This Sunday, we set sail on the Queen Victoria!**

Breaking News: Andy Samberg - Smarter, Funnier Than Me

People have been asking me about our 105-day world cruise itinerary on Cunard's Queen Victoria. I'm not that great at geography so I tend to mix up the chronological order of our stops which compels my husband to interrupt me with statements like "No, no that's the Panama Canal not the Suez." In my defense I'm no Kellie Pickler but for those of you who, like me, find it easier to visualize your journey when it's all tricked out on a map, I discovered this sweet tool from Google Maps the other day that actually allows you to create custom travel itineraries online. Who knew that Andy Samberg had it so right when he busted the rhyme "Google Maps is the best. True dat, double true" in Lazy Sunday?

We'll be docking in the Everglades first - home to an amazing amount of wildlife and I'm pumped to take the airboats out and explore the National Park. Afterwards we'll be sailing to Aruba to lay out on the white sand beaches, explore the island on 4WD vehicles and naturally, partake of some rum-based cocktails. Well, I'm off to bake my husband some Sprinkles cupcakes as it's his last official day of work today! 5 days and counting...

The World, One Port At A Time

I can't believe it but in less than seven days my husband Matt and I will be leaving for our honeymoon on a 105-day world cruise. I'm veklempt. Our Manhattan apartment has been vacated, our jobs have been quit (oh to be a lady of leisure!) and here we are with clothing scattered across the floor wondering how we'll ever fit everything into our suitcases. For starters I've already packed my top 3 travel essentials: 1. my new Nicole Richie-eque sunglasses that protect me from the sun and er, hangovers 2. a gorgeous set of Votivo travel candles in Clean Crisp White (a fab holiday gift from a chic NYC friend) and 3. my iPod full of new mixes. You know, the necessities - a sweet smelling cabin, chic eyewear and music for the voyage. After all, how can you sit on a lounge chair sipping daiquiris sans shades and soundtrack?

We'll be sailing aboard Cunard's newest ship, the Queen Victoria, as she circumnavigates the globe on her maiden world voyage for the next three and a half months - not exactly your everyday getaway and the culmination of over a year of planning on our part. Matt and I will be visiting more than 30 destinations together - with stops as diverse as Hong Kong, Fiji, Costa Rica and New Zealand. I'll be posting notes and photos of the people and places we encounter on our journey as well as travel tips, restaurant, bar and shopping reviews and amenities offered onboard the Queen Victoria. Come along with us as we snorkle the Great Barrier Reef, eat street food in Malaysia, ride rickshaws in Singapore and experience the thrill of walking through some of the oldest and holiest temples in India.