What Shapes Your World View?

Some say perception is everything and our perceptions are shaped by our experiences. Our experiences create how we feel about the world.  I love being an American (it has it perks) however I am not a fan of our busy fast paced culture. At times it feels as though we are so busy that as a society we take a lot of things for granted and expect the world to be just as life is here in the states. As an American I find that when I travel and speak with people from around the world there is a perception that Americans are arrogant and ignorant.  Unfortunately and honestly speaking I would have to agree that is true for a certain portion of our population. Americans are nice people for the most part however it feels as though we take our way of life for granted and we don’t realize the realities of the rest of the world. I notice this often when having conversation with other Americans when I am home and more so when I travel abroad especially when traveling to so called “third world countries”.  If we choose to get all of our news from CNN, Fox, MSNBC etc. and depend on government to tell us everything we need to know instead of choosing to become active and informed citizens this shows we take our way of life for granted.

The Americans who share my point of view are fellow travelers and or people who study other cultures and personally know people who live in other countries. In America we don’t get as much time off to vacation from our busy lifestyle as compared to other countries. Travel has to be on your radar in order to make the most of time off to actually plan and vacation somewhere outside of your normal surroundings. Anyone who grew up as an Army brat has an idea of what I mean.  A part of their life was traveling with their parents which exposed them to lots of different people with different beliefs and ways of life. Not all of these chances to interact with other people are always abroad there are lots of places here in the states where it’s a bit of a melting pot and traveling to have new experiences is not always a passport issue. New York, Florida and California just to name a few has an abundance of different people from all over the world. Also Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Hawaii are great destinations that don’t require a passport these places will get you in touch with other cultures. 

Traveling doesn't have to be really expensive. If you plan it in advance and you review all of your options you can find really great deals. Also if you need some help The Odyssey Goddess herself is here to assist.

For me traveling allows me to be exposed to things outside of my norm and opens my mind to new adventures and lifestyles. As a socially, culturally and eco conscious American I care about what we do to our planet, how we interact with each other and how the rest of the world feels about my country and its inhabitants. I find it very interesting and informative to watch the news in another country to listen to the difference in perspective on how America is viewed and how others feel about the things going on in our world.   We are all here together and borders should not impact how we relate to each other in the world which is why I am a strong travel advocate. The more I travel I see how amazing the world and people are. I become more accepting, open minded and my appreciation for what I have in life grows.  My hope is that more people get to explore and use traveling not just a means to get away but as a chance to expand our world view.

Odyssey Goddess Travel Club

Odyssey Goddess Travel Club Membership

Start making travel plans with as little as $50 per month with an Odyssey Goddess Travel Club Membership. Each membership has a personal travel account. Use your account balance at any time to book travel accommodations, products or services offered by The Odyssey Goddess Inc.

Contribution Amounts: $50, $100 or $150 per month (plus 4% processing fee) increase or decrease your contributions at any time ($15 administrative fee may apply)

Membership Fee: $149 for new customers or $99 for existing customers.

This fee can be paid upfront so you can start building your account right away or it can be stretch out over the first few months of contributions.  Sign up with your friends and family and get 20% group discount for 6 or more people

“Travel opened my mind and changed my life.  Now I want to share it with you “

You don’t have to know exactly where you want to go. We can figure it out together ~ Tara Fisher, The Odyssey Goddess

In addition to the personal travel accounts the travel club membership includes a host of travel inspiration:

·         Monthly newsletter – Destination highlights, lifestyle, travel tourism, culture , recipes and product/service updates

·         Odyssey Goddess Radio – this show will have travel and lifestyle information as well as interviews and music. Available via podcast

·         Quarterly Odyssey Adventures – each season there will be travel options with group rates for selected destination.  You can decide to travel alone or with a companion. Great opportunity to meet new people. These options will be posted a year in advance so you can make plans and decide how you want to use your personal travel account.

·         Travel planner – Our travel planner can create a package unique to your needs for any occasion

·         Quarterly travel account statements – Every quarter you will receive an account balance update.

No refunds for the travel club since the idea is we want you to travel.   

In the event that you cancel your membership your balance is available up to 6 months after cancellation. This means you have up to 6 months to plan a vacation even if that vacation is scheduled a year in advance.

Explore the world one odyssey at a time ~Odyssey Goddess

4 Nights in SEN City

SENsational Las Vegas

4 nights in Vegas $525 per person (2 people)* or 4 nights in Vegas $425 per person (3-4 people)*

Our balcony studio condo, adjacent to The Palms Casino via the private Skytube Entrance, has luxurious linens, complete compact kitchen, and a full balcony that has a fabulous view of the Vegas Strip. (other rooms do not have a balcony or the Strip view so request a Strip view balcony when booking) Simon Restaurant, and room service is available 24/7. An intimate bar, the Rojo Lounge, is located on the first floor.

Also in house is a full service Health Spa, featuring the co-ed Hamman steam room, workout area, and separate men's and women's Jacuzzi and dressing facilities. There is also a quieter private pool area complete with cocktail and food service. Palms Place is modern, comfortable and just the place to retreat when you're ready to regroup. But if you're ready for casino action and nightlife, The Palms Casino is right next door.

In an exclusive guard gated luxury resort located in the heart of the Las Vegas strip. Services include a 24-hour concierge, pool, spa, hi-tech fitness room, complimentary valet service, high speed internet and Wi-Fi access inside the suite and throughout the resort. This unit features a one bedroom suite with a complete kitchen, 2 full baths and measures approx. 950 square feet.

Sleep in the plush pillow-top king bed, soak away in a jetted bath tub or take in the magnificent mountain, city and partial strip views from the private balcony. Exquisite bathrooms feature marble and granite throughout, a flat screen TV and a two-person Jacuzzi whirlpool tub. Full kitchen includes state-of-the-art kitchen appliances and everything you need to prepare your meals. The unit also includes a Queen sized pull out bed in the living room, 2 LCD flat-screen HDTV's, a dining and living area, high-speed Wi-Fi internet access and an iPod docking station.

Guests have access to all of the MGM Grand amenities including the pools and world-renowned restaurants. You will also have access to the private pools, lounge, casino, nightclubs restaurant, and fitness center. There is even a Starbucks and Cafe right on site!

1 Bedroom signature Suite @ one of two 5 star luxury resort condo (based on availability)

4 nights in Vegas $525 per person (2 people)* or 4 nights in Vegas $425 per person (3-4 people)*

Payment plan available. $150 deposit (non-refundable) per person required to lock in your selected travel dates

*Hotel accommodations only.  

The Odyssey Goddess Inc. can also assist with your flight accommodations.

Travel Planning Policy

For questions or further details email or call us

804-399-2453 or info@odysseygoddess.org

7 Nights in Cancun

7 Nights in Cancun

$600.00 per person for a group of 4-6 people. This package includes lodging accommodation and round-trip ground transportation to villa. The Odyssey Goddess, Inc. can also assist with airline accommodations and excursions. Traveling made convenient and affordable. Payment plan available.

 This two bedroom beachfront Villa can easily accommodate a family or party of 6. The Villa is complete with flat screen TV's w/DVD in the living room and both bedrooms and is decorated throughout with custom artwork, furnishings and window treatments to create a truly unique and beautiful living space. Villa features a fully equipped kitchen with gas stove, microwave, toaster oven, coffee maker and all necessary utensils, dishes and flatware for both entertaining and everyday use. A small bar with professional grade blender is included for you to entertain in style!  

The Villa also includes free internet, free international calls (optional & subject to avail.), free bottled water w/hot-cold dispenser, multiple head showers in both bathrooms and much, much more. Villa is fully air conditioned with ceiling fans throughout. It is a few short steps from the complex pools and beach. The master bedroom has two queen size beds and the guest bedroom has another queen bed and its own private full bath.

$600.00 per person for a group of 4-6 people.

Payment plan available $200 deposit (non refundable) per person.

Travel Planning Policy

Full Name

Email us  info@odysseygoddess.org or call us at 804-399-2453

Travel Planning Policy

All references stated below as “planner” are referring to The Odyssey Goddess Inc. and all reference to the “client” or “person” are referring to any person/individual or group that is paying or promises to pay  for a booking or package (travel accommodations).

Booking Confirmation

Confirmation states that you have reviewed the details and you intend to purchase this package, it is not an agreement to pay for the package.

Deposit

The deposit is an agreement to pay for the package. All deposit are non-refundable. Deposits are transferable to another package within 180 days after cancellation of an original booking. Deposits are not transferable to another person. In order to qualify for a transfer of deposit your cancellation must be considered timely or you forfeit the transfer.

Destination Changes

If for any reason the destination or accommodations should be changed after the confirmation of the package by the client(s), there will be a Destination Change Fee added. This fee will be a minimum of $150.00 per booking and will be determined based on the details of the package.

Flights

All flights included in the packages offered by “planner” are non-refundable flights unless otherwise stated. Once a flight is booked the” planner “is no longer responsible for any changes to said flight. The airline must be notified directly and their policies must be followed.

Cancellation

Cancellations 60 days prior to the travel date as defined in the “package” are refundable minus the deposit and the amount for any flights that have been purchased. Refunds will be made as soon as commercially possible but may take up to 45 days from the refund request depending on the type of accommodations included in the booking.

  

Security Deposits          

Any security deposit paid by the “planner” on behalf of the “client” is refundable to the “planner”.  The client is required to sign a rental agreement which holds the “client” responsible for any damages by the “client” (or “client” guest) to the property while the “client” is on the premises.

Damages or Injuries

The “planner” is not liable and is held harmless for any damages or injuries not limited to but including litigation or attorney's fees claimed by the “client” as a result of travel accommodations.

By purchasing and or making a deposit on a booking/package with the “planner” the “client” acknowledges and agrees to this policy.

The Odyssey Goddess, Inc.
www.odysseygoddess.org

Xcaret,Natural Archaeological Park

Xcaret (eesh-car-eh) is one of the many major attractions in the Yucatan Peninsula. Xcaret is a majestic archaeological park located in Riviera Maya, Cancun in the Mexican Caribbean Sea shore. Enjoy a show at night, with more than 300 actors on stage, resulting in a musical journey through the history of Mexico since pre-Hispanic times to the present day, with all the colorful costumes, folklore and dancing. The recreation of a pre-Hispanic ball game, a charro celebration, a Mexican cemetery, a coral reef aquarium, a butterfly pavilion moreover underground rivers, beaches and natural pools, a place where you can swim with dolphins and have fun with countless attractions and activities that will make you live magical experiences. Come to Xcaret, one of the best Cancun attractions, and enjoy while discovering the natural and cultural wealth of Mexico.

http://www.xcaret.com/

Xcaret is a Maya civilization archaeological site located on the Caribbean coastline of the Yucatán Peninsula, in the modern-day state of Quintana Roo in Mexico. The site was occupied by the pre-Columbian Maya and functioned as a port for navigation and an important Maya trading center. Some of the site's original structures are contained within a modern-day tourism development, the privately owned Xcaret Eco Park."While Xcaret [Eco Park] offers many tourist packages, ranging from about $75 and over, a visitor can request to visit the archaeological ruins only for about four dollars according to an agreement with the Instituto Nacional de Antropología y Historia (INAH). However, park officials report that only about one person every three months requests that opportunity. I have never tried this so the next time I go to Xcaret I will try this and see if it works.  The package I recommend is the Xcaret Tour Plus.

Xcaret means "small inlet" in Mayan. Its name comes from its situation next to a small inlet that in the past served as a strategic location for navigation and commerce for the Maya. The original name of the site was p'ole', from the root p'ol that means "merchandise" or "deal of merchants", which gives an idea of the economical relevance of the site.

Xcaret has many reserves that are open to the public. According to the research by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH)[1], the first buildings of the site can be dated to 200 to 600 A.D., but the majority of them are from the period from 1200 to 1550 A.D. The constructions of the Late Post-Classical period are situated along the coast; some of them in strategic positions for surveillance. The site had a wall, but unlike the one in Tulum that was open towards the ocean, the wall at Xcaret defended the site from assaults coming from the sea. The wall may also have served to divide the solid ground of the interior from the swampy ground closer to the coast.

Xcaret was inhabited at the time of the first stage of the Spanish incursion of Alonso Dávila and Francisco de Montejo into the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula (1527 to 1529). In 1548, Juan Nunez was put in charge of Xcaret. At this time, a Spanish chapel was built. This implies that Xcaret remained an important settlement. The thatched roof of the chapel has disintegrated, but the walls remain standing. The INAH divides the architectural formations into several different groups.

Transportation, lunch with drinks, snorkeling equipment plus towels and lockers.

I will share my thoughts and plenty of pictures.  I have been twice, once in 2006 and again in 2012.  I still have not had a chance to experience all of the 40 plus attractions at the park.  This park just like other natural attractions in Mexico is very ecofriendly please be prepared to use biodegradable products on your body and if you plan on bringing in bottled water hide them in your bag.  Lockers and towels are available and you will receive a map at the entrance and it is very wise to plan which attractions you want to see and go to the ones that are closest to each other first.  This way you can make the most of your time as there is so much to see and do you will easily get sidetracked.

There was some difference in the attractions and the live evening show between my 2 visits to the park. There were new attractions such as the Virgin of Guadalupe, Mexican Cemetery and the Temazcal to name a few. The evening show was almost completely different in 2012 from in 2006.  I would have opted to leave early if it I had not been hosting a group and did not want to have them miss out on any of their experiences.  I must say I am happy I stayed the evening show in 2006 was mainly focus on culture and music. This time in 2012 they included the truth about the Spanish conquistadores and the Goddess Sante Muerte made an appearance.  If you know anything about Mexican culture or religious practices surely you have heard about this deity.  Sante Muerte is a very important part of Mexican religious ceremonies. Some of her attributes are protection, death and rebirth. There is no coincidence that she showed up when the story of the fall of the Mayan culture declined due to the Spanish invasion of that time. However the Mayans still live and their story is still being told and written.  

Xcaret Checklist

·         Biodegradable Sunscreen, Deodorant and Lotion

·         Waterproof Camera

·         Waterproof Case for Cash & Credit Cards

·         Swim Shoes

·         Swimsuit

·         Flip Flops

·         Hat or visor

·         Tickets for Entry  or order confirmation

·         Beach Bag

First Taste of Travel

Isla De Mujeres, Mexico June 30 - July 5, 2006

My first vacation was when I was 25.  I know for some that seems normal and others are like dang it took you that long to take a vacation.  I was working in corporate America since I was 17 and at one point I had 3 jobs and everyone called me a Jamaican lol.  What I realized is other than going to my aunt’s house near Atlanta, GA and periodically visiting my family in southern VA, I was in Richmond, VA the majority of my life.  One day while I was at work I saw a vacation package advertisement and I made up my mind that I was no longer going to take time off to sit at home. One thing was crystal clear I needed a real vacation.  

Initially I was supposed to go to Florida, but the package deal also included a discounted trip for Cancun, so I was thinking Florida could wait I wanted to do it big and go to Cancun. I heard Cancun was party central for lots of people on spring break. I talked to a few friends and got the rates together and planned the trip.  Once I was ready to book our trip I found out Hurricane Wilma hit Cancun in 2005 and the resort we planned on staying at was affected but they had a sister resort in Isla Mujeres that would honor the same rates. I had never heard of Isla Mujeres so I did some research, it's a small island about 6 miles from Cancun and also located in Quintana Roo, Mexico. The scenery was beautiful and I got even more excited because it seemed to be a lot more laid back and less commercialized than Cancun but yet it was only a quick 20 minute ferry ride away.  This was exactly the atmosphere I needed to relax.

I remember like it was yesterday picture it Isla Mujeres, Mexico 2006 (oops sorry for the Golden Girls throwback moment).  Back to what I was saying, I just needed to get away and have some real rest and relaxation.  At this point in my life I thought in order to get ahead you had to work hard and make more money in order to have a better life.  It seemed the more I worked the more stressful my life became as I did not have any time for myself. Anyway I planned a girl’s getaway for a small group but it ended up being just me and one of my close friends. I had never been on a plane before I didn't know what to expect and I had never been on a real vacation so I didn't quite know what to pack.  By the time I got to Cancun you would have thought I was moving there I had so much luggage and half the clothes I didn't even wear.

I was so excited that I couldn't really sleep the night before. I had never been in an airport and wasn't familiar with the security procedures or check in, it was all new for me.  Once we boarded the airplane and I made it safely through my first take off and touch down I was in love!  Flying was so amazing to me and I love the window seat (shout out to Erykah Badu).  I thought I was scared of heights but I could not take my eyes off the beautiful clouds and the sun.  The picturesque view of Cancun from the sky was awe inspiring.  I definitely had to have more of this feeling whatever it was.

For me there was a bit of an unexpected cultural shock in Mexico.  There are so many beautiful pictures online I thought the place was pure paradise and I was not disappointed with the allure of the Riviera Maya and the Yucatan Peninsula, but the shock for me was the currency exchange, living conditions, way of life and the people.

Our USD (US Dollar) had a higher exchange rate than MXN (Mexican Peso).  I did not research the currency exchange I knew it would be different, but had not put much thought into it.  I exchanged some dollars for pesos at Puerto Juárez which is also where the ferry is.  The most impressionable moment was when I tipped a man who assisted with my luggage on the ferry with 50 pesos (about $5 USD) the look on his face was like he had gotten a huge tip that could last him a while.  That made me think about how we easily squander $5 in America without much thought but in other places it takes quite a while to earn the same amount and last longer.

Life outside of the US has a much slower pace and people are very pleasant. Expect that food may not arrive as quickly but it will definitely be flavorful and fresh. Some of the food taste different for example if you should want orange juice, milk or a hamburger, it is more natural and is not pasteurized like a lot of products in the US. I found myself in love with the pure food.  I noticed the people were friendly and free spirited.  They live humbly within their means and appeared very happy with their lives.

During this stay was my first experience at an all-inclusive resort.  Albeit was one of the lower end all inclusive it had the best view on the island.  I was staying at Avalon Reef Club this hotel was on a private islet off the island of Isla 
Mujeres facing the Bahia Mujeres (Women’s Bay) connected by a short bridge that cars and people crossed. I love the openness of the hotel layout light came in through all the windows which really allowed you to see all around the island from inside the hotel no matter where you were. The artwork in the lobby of the hotel was very interesting as well.

Coral Reef Pool (that's me with the snorkel gear on)

The location was purely majestic it has a coral reef pool in the back near the Villas. The beds were harder than I am used to at home, but they were not uncomfortable. The food provided by this resort was mostly American cuisine which was a bit disappointing because I don’t want what I normally have at home when I am on vacation. There are restaurants on the resort which served Mexican and Italian food but you had to make reservations for those.  The buffet did have some Mexican dishes.  I love sampling authentic food of other cultures I consider it part of the whole experience.  I noticed that this hotel had more than enough places to be alone and enjoy the scenery yet they also had activities going on and of course the drinks kept flowing whether you were at the bar or on the beach under a palapa eating shrimp cocktails sipping on a tequila sunrise.  

View from my room

Avalon Reef Club (Tower and Villas) 

   

Our room was in the tower with a beautiful ocean view. Every morning I watched the sunrise. The beach was calling me and I had to answer.  Often times I would just sit in the water and allow it to flow all around me. At certain times my eyes would close and I would open them to small fish that looked almost invisible with yellow stripes. Initially these fish would swim in circles then their swim pattern would change once I took note of them. It was as if they could tell I was looking. It seems like I was having some sort of spiritual awakening with the water and the sun as I was in the ocean communing with the waves as the sun came up.

Off to the right I saw a pier that reminded me of the one in the Corona commercials. Being in such a relaxing and beautiful environment permitted me the time to let my mind to wander and think about past and current events in my life and why I felt the urge to take this vacation. I would definitely be making some changes to my lifestyle upon my return home.

The best way to see the island is the rent a golf cart. Don’t be surprised if you hear a car honking behind you. Most of the natives will greet you as they pass by.  Touring the island by golf cart you get a chance to see how people live on the island. You can see the entire island in less than 2 hours. Of course it going to take more time if you want to eat and do some shopping.  The structure of the homes seems more sustainable than those built in the states. The homes were made of concrete or stucco as to withstand tropical storms.  The Spanish colonial architecture is very bold in color and style throughout the island.   

       

 
There are various plant and fauna (mainly iguana) on the island as you drive around. The island has tons of stores where local handmade crafts and souvenirs are sold. The aroma of Mexican cuisine and the sound of Mexican music was in the air and I loved it.  There were plenty of restaurants with genuine Mexican cuisine. We took a moment to enjoy a meal in town with the locals.

The beaches around island were splendid but were not all suitable for swimming as they are part of a rocky coastline. The beaches near most of the hotels in Playa Norte (North Beach) were best for swimming. In the front of the hotel one could walk out in the crystal clear Caribbean Sea for what seemed to be miles and the water never came up further than your waist.

 

Our vacay in Isla De Mujeres was essentially laid back and relaxing, not a lot of pre-planned excursions. However I did plan something special on my friend’s birthday.  We went to Xcaret – Oh my! One thing I want to say about this is book it before you go. U may want to plan a 2 day pass for this excursion there is so much to see and do. I recommend the Xcaret Plus Tour package this package include round trip transportation and lunch. When going to Xcaret from Isla de Mujeres you will need to wake up early enough to catch the ferry to the mainland (Cancun) a van will have to pick you up to take you to the bus that will carrying you to Xcaret.  If you miss the ferry you will mess the entire day up.  Needless to say I had the hardest time getting my friend up for her birthday surprise I almost panicked since she just didn't want to get out of bed. I gently shook her as said “we are in Mexico who sleeps all day on vacation in Mexico especially on your birthday”.  I had to pick her clothes out and beg her to get out of bed. Note to self don't take your friends that want to sleep late on active vacations. Well I’ll digress. We caught the ferry just in time to get on the van and we enjoyed our day at Xcaret we even snorkeled it was the one of the highlights of this Odyssey.  

There is another post with more details about my experience at Xcaret and about the temple on the island venerating Goddess Ixchel.