ADVENTURE QUEST | Visionary woman conquers the world… one majestic destination at a time

(c)Ryan Miller/Capture Imaging

At a book signing at Assouline at South Coast Plaza, Hauteoc met Angella Nazarian, author of newly released ”Pioneers of the Possible: Celebrating Visionary Women of the World”(available at www.assouline.com). A compelling book that unravels the biographies of some of the most extraordinary women in history. Hauteoc therefore had the privilege to share with Angella, the inspirations behind her novels and her own discoveries as she travelled the world.

HAUTEOC: Hi Angella, thank you for giving us some time to share your adventures around the world, what would be your most inspirational travel itinerary?

ANGELLA: To me, the most inspirational and transformational trip is one where I see and experience new environments and people. Our family Safari to East Africa was simply magical and the whole family enjoyed it tremendously.

Our first stop was in Nairobi–Kenya. The most beautiful place to stay is in the Giraffe Manor (Tamimi). It is set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest. Giraffes roam the place and peer their head into your window and you can feed them.

Next stop was a 3 night stay in a moving tent in the bush. It was set up beautifully with a four poster bed and desk and you are in the heart of the safari. At night you see a million stars shine in the black sky and experience the pulse of nature–you are closest to nature in the area.

Then we took off to Ngorongoro Crater Lodge in Tanzania–often referred to as the 8th wonder of the world. It is perched at the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater and it has spectacular views and service. We got a chance not only view the wildlife but to visit a Massai village and watch them do the jumping dance and see the way the lived. Simply unforgettable.

Last stop was at Bateleur Camp in Masai Mara, the elegant permanent tents and the service remind you of the glamour of vintage Africa or when Hemingway would go on his safaris. We went during the migration season, so you would see thousand upon thousands of zebras, wildebeests, it was the most spectacular sight–especially when you are coming back from a drive and watching the red sun set for the day. This I call the ultimate luxury, to be able to unplug from our daily living and experience something timeless and beautiful.

HAUTEOC: You mentioned before, that Machu Picchu was one of your destinations, what was the most enlightening thing about traveling to Machu Picchu?

ANGELLA: Travelling to Machu Picchu felt very spiritual to me. My first stay was in a beautifully preserved colonial town named Cusco where you adjust to the high altitude of the region. The people and their customs are something to behold. I think our family kept talking about the huge amount of respect that wells up when you really come face to face with people of other cultures. We took a train to Machu Picchu and then a long bus ride toward the mountaintop where you hike through the sacred sites. As the bus climbs up the mountainside, you break through the clouds and see the spectacular ruins. While our guide showed us through the place, I was not only amazed at the advanced way of Incan living, but I also felt an inner sense of calm. Once in a while, I think of those moments and try to bring myself back to that glorious sense of peacefulness that I felt while climbing the mountain in Machu Picchu.

Cusco, capital of Inca Empire

HAUTEOC: What an incredible experience to visit such a place. What have been the most adventurous things you have done on a trip?

ANGELLA: Two adventures come to my mind…While in the Galapagos, I swam in freezing water with sea lions. You think these animals are cute and cuddly, but somehow when you are underwater, they look enormous! They are also very playful, they swim very fast and directly target coming to you. I remember closing my eyes and thinking they are going to crash into me, but they would always stop short. I would feel a wave of water lap against me and open my eyes and see them right next to me staring at me. It almost seemed like they were showing off for me.

The second one was going to Mexico for whale watching–we were on small dingy boats and the whales would poke their head right to the side of the boat and we could pet them. They were massive and at first I was terrified at first. But you would look at them and see this gentleness, and their love for interacting with people. As long as we pet them, they would come back to us and once you stopped, they would go away, with their babies in tow.

HAUTEOC: Those are quite an adventure, swimming with whales and sea lions! Finally Angella, what do you bring home spiritually after a trip?

ANGELLA: This is a quote I have placed on my travel page on my website, it perfectly captures my outlook on the meaning of travel:

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” Henry Miller

I think the best part of travel is exposing ourselves to the diversity and vastness of this world and seeing how we have much more in common with other people than we suspect. But travel also affords us the opportunity to see different ways of living and broadening our perspective on life. After a great trip, I feel more connected to the world.

HAUTEOC: Thank you for sharing your inspirations with us Angella! Hearing about your adventures inspire our Hauteoc Travelers to want to travel to these places ourselves!

If you’re feeling inspired after hearing about Angella’s adventures, and want to embark on a mystical journey to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, read below for more information on travelling to Peru.

Machu Picchu, site of the ancient Inca city high in the Andes of Peru, is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Peru is one of the great originating centers of ancient culture and on this trip, you’ll discover archaeological treasures, visit ancient ruins, and learn about one of the most mystifying ancient cultures around the world. A highlight of your vacation is a tour to Machu Picchu, often referred to as “The Lost City of the Incas”, where you’ll stand in awe as you witness the ancient ruins surrounded by soaring peaks—one of the most breathtaking views in South America! Also, see the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, which was built in the early 12th century. Some of the stones used to build the fortress weigh more than 350 tons, and the stones were fit so tightly together that a piece of paper will not fit between the stones. Where you will learn how it was built without the help of modern technology and machinery!

Machu Picchu

Of course, no trip to Peru is complete without seeing the Nazca Lines. When seen from the air, the lines form precise geometric shapes that number in the hundreds, which include a monkey, whale, hummingbird, shark, spiders, and plants. Archaeologists remain puzzled about why the ancient Nazca people, who thrived here from 200 BC to 500 AD, created illustrations that could only be seen from far above the earth.

7 day Peru- Machu Picchu from $1699 per person

What’s included in the itinerary 3 days in Lima, 2 days in Cusco, 1 day in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)

BookTravel@Hauteoc.com Discover the World You’ve Been Missing.

These are just some of the many highlights you’ll see on this unique Peru vacation. For seasoned travelers ready for a new adventure, this tour is not to be missed!