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POE GO
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF POE TRAVEL
Wendy Simmons in Djerba.
Tunisia Time We recently caught up with intrepid, globetrotting Poe traveler Wendy Simmons — professional photographer, Co-President of MOSCOT (the super stylish, world-renowned New York City eyewear institution), and the President of Vendeloo, a consultancy boutique she founded. Simmons has traveled to 85 countries and then some; one of her most recent jaunts took her to Tunisia, and here she shares her passion for the place and its people.
Save the Date Back by popular demand—Poe Travel’s Travel Bazaar! Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 7, 2015 at the Capital Hotel. We’ve told you in plenty of time, so there’s really no excuse for not being there (unless, of course, you’re on a fabulous Poe-planned trip). We’re bringing the world to your doorstep!
“Seeing the world fosters gratitude, empathy, creativity, curiosity, independence, kindness . . . The list goes on and on.” Q: Why Tunisia? A: Honestly, I have no good reason. I am going every where in the world and chose Tunisia randomly. I had to be in Milan for work and wanted to stop someplace on the way home to NYC. I knew NOTHING at all about the country — literally NOTHING — but figured there would be a direct flight from Milan, and it looked small enough on the map to get a good feeling for it in the time I had.
Q: What was one of your favorite experiences or most edifying moments? A: There were so many. I was treated so graciously by so many people. Invited to “break bread” with so many strangers. People were so kind to me. Definitely standing in The Sahara when it began to rain for the first time in over a decade will go down as one of the more amazing experiences of my life. Being allowed into the last synagogue in Tunis . . .
Q: What surprised you most about it? A: Everything! The rich culture. The diversity of the landscape. The fascinating history. The Colosseum. The ruins. The Sahara. The ancient mosaics. The food. It’s rich Jewish history and plight of the Jews. Literally everything. I simply cannot believe how undersold Tunisia is as a tourist destination.
Q: Favorite or most adventurous meal? A: I’m a vegetarian so I’m never that adventurous with food, but I really liked Lablabi, and Tabouna bread was an amazing surprise (looks like a regular bread stick but is infused with olive oil — yum!). Q: What’s your next destination? A: North Korea! SO excited!
Orient-Express Hotels Rebrands In March this year, Orient-Express Hotels Ltd proudly launched its new brand name, Belmond (from the Latin words for “beautiful world”). This strategic move serves to build on the company’s legacy and heighten awareness of its entire collection. Belmond is a global brand of exceptional hotel, rail, and river cruise experiences in some of the world’s most inspiring and enriching destinations. Hotels will each keep their own character and classic style, but the most noticeable difference will be a consistent brand style and the same amenities throughout them all, right down to the crockery and napkins. Only the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and the Eastern & Oriental Express trains will retain the Orient-Express name.
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