Inspiring Vacations March/April 2024

JORDAN'S TREASURE

A first timer's guide to the jewel of the Middle East

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WELCOME

Welcome to the March/April issue of Inspiring Vacations magazine.

This issue, we tick everyone’s travel bucket list! We visit some of the world’s most exciting destinations across Asia (where to bask in Tokyo's cherry blossom season); Europe (a visit to Norway’s magical Lofoten Islands); the Middle East (a first timer’s guide to Jordan and what to expect when visiting during Ramadan), and even right here, in sundrenched Australia (road tripping from Brisbane to Fraser Island).

For those who are daydreaming about your next travels (or looking for inspiration on where to go), turn to page 11 to read about Donald and Susan’s travels to Vietnam and Cambodia.

CONTENTS

01

WELCOME

A note from our CEO

WHAT’S ON March/April events

IN THE KNOW

Travel news from around the world

TOUR SPOTLIGHT

Lofoten Islands, Norway

FIVE OF THE BEST Tokyo parks to view cherry blossoms

CUSTOMER TRAVELS

Donald and Susan travel to Vietnam and Cambodia

HOW TO…

Make foolproof tiramisu

HOLIDAY AT HOME

Road tripping from Brisbane to Fraser Island

GLOBETROTTER

First Timer's Guide to Jordan plus touring during Ramadan

Q&A

Grease the Musical star, Jay Laga’aia

ARMCHAIR TRAVELLER

Denali, Alaska

And if you’re still thinking about that delicious tiramisu you ate on tour in Italy last year, turn to page 13 for a foolproof recipe from Fremantlebased Italian chef, Valerio Fantinelli – just in time for World Tiramisu Day! If you’d like to participate in a returned customer Q&A or share your tour feedback, please get in touch by emailing magazine@inspiringvacations.com

Wishing you a happy and travel-filled March and April!

Paul Ryan CEO

INSPIRING VACATIONS

MAGAZINE

Editor

Vanessa Mulquiney

Art Director

SIXTWO Creative Contributors

Alexis Ong

Advertising

Scott Forth Contact

For editorial and advertising enquiries, please email magazine@ inspiringvacations.com or phone 1300 88 66 88 (AU)

Alaska, USA

MARCH 2, IDITAROD TRAIL

SLED DOG RACE

WHAT’S ON

No matter where you are in the world, there’s plenty of events—both online and offline—to enjoy

Now in its 52nd year, racers in the Iditarod Trail will experience extreme weather conditions as they travel through snow, ice and winds to complete the 1,688km track for the world’s longest sled dog race. Last year's winner, Ryan Redington, finished in 8 days, 21 hours, 12 minutes and 58 seconds.

Dublin, Ireland

MARCH 15–18, ST PATRICK’S DAY

The Emerald Isle’s lively St. Patrick’s Festival in Dublin is a bucket list worthy three-day event in the capital. Over 4,000 parade participants (held on March 17), will put on a spectacular display of extravagant floats as they wind their way through the historic streets of Dublin.

Melbourne, Australia

MARCH 21–24 FORMULA 1

AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX

On your marks, get set, go! Australia’s most prestigious international motorsport event returns to Albert Park for an action-packed four days — both on and off the track.

India & Nepal

MARCH 25, HOLI FESTIVAL

A celebration of the end of winter and the coming of spring, symbolic of good overcoming evil, the Holi Festival is a lively ancient tradition held during the last full moon of the Hindu calendar. Revellers throw around coloured powder, light bonfires, and let their inhibitions run free for one day and one night of vibrant fun.

Florence, Italy

MARCH 31, SCOPPIO DEL CARRO

‘Explosion of the Cart’ is a religious tradition in Florence dating back over 350 years. On Easter Sunday a wagon of fireworks is paraded through the streets before being set alight outside the famous Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral.

Thailand

APRIL 13–15, SONGKRAN

A grand festival celebrating the Thai New Year, Songkran is a three day public holiday featuring a kingdom-wide water fight. In Thai culture the pouring of water over oneself during Songkran is a form of spiritual purification, giving everyone, both young and old, the perfect opportunity to playfully splash each other in central streets across the country.

Turkey

APRIL 25, ANZAC DAY

Honoured through dawn services across Australia, those making the pilgrimage to Gallipoli for ANZAC Day can also pay their respects to veterans with a dawn service held at the beachside ANZAC Commemorative Site.

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IN THE KNOW

What to do, see and where to play

The White Lotus’ season 3 destination revealed

Season 2 of HBO’s hit show The White Lotus, which was set in Sicily, came to its dramatic conclusion in December 2022 and fans are already anticipating the third season which is set in Thailand. Filming began in February and if you want to get ahead of the crowds, book your dreamy stay at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui and Anantara Mai Khao Villas Phuket while you can. The series will be filmed in and around Koh Samui, Phuket, and Bangkok. The premiere is set to hit our screens in 2025.

Australia’s best beach named

Travel Photographer of the Year crowned

From striking wildlife to beautiful landscapes, the winning images from the Travel Photographer of the Year competition have been unveiled. The 21st year of ‘Our Planet In Focus,’ the prizewinning images showcase the highs and lows of life on earth, with winners chosen from more than 20,000 images. The overall award went to Slovenian photographer AndreJa Ravnak for her depiction of hops growing in Slovenia and her images of rolling fields in Italy and Czechia “that combine a fairytale beauty with the structure one might expect from her ‘regular job’ as an architect.” Travel Photographer of the Year was founded in 2003 and has become one of the world’s leading travel photography awards.

Tourism Australia crowned a Victorian beach for the first time. Squeaky Beach, surrounded by the wilderness of Wilsons Promontory National Park, was named as the organsation’s top beach choice. Located just three hours drive from Melbourne, Squeaky Beach is known for the “acoustic delight of compressed quartz and silica sand underfoot,” and impressive granite boulders. Conservationist and Tourism Australia’s beach expert Brad Farmer AM told news.com.au that his job compiling the top 10 is “sometimes controversial.” “I take the chance to uncover some of those destinations that might not be well-known but are home to some of Australia’s, and in my opinion, the world’s best beaches.” The Farm in New South Wales and Cockle Creek in Tasmania completed the top three.

The 10 most accessible airports announced

Air travel research organisation, Skytrax, has announced their annual awards in various categories, including the world's best airport, best airline, best airport dining. Tokyo Haneda Airport was awarded the World’s Most Accessible Airport in the World, followed by Kansai Japan, Seoul Incheon, Singapore Changi, Istanbul, Zurich, Centrair Nagoya, Frankfurt, Paris Charles de Gaulle and at number 10 Rome Fiumicino. The criteria included terminal drop off and pick up areas, access around the airport, wheelchair services, washroom and changing facilities and more.

PHOTOS: DKOH SAMUI (YAVOR PUNCHEV/UNSPLASH); SOUTH MORAVIA, CZECH REPUBLIC (ANDREJA RAVNAK); WILSONS PROM (NAO TAKABAYASHI/UNSPLASH); CHANGI (CALVIN C/UNSPLASH)

Lofoten Islands

This northwestern Norwegian archipelago is a feast for the eyes, especially if you’re hoping to spot the Northern Lights

INSPIRED TO VISIT NORWAY?

Check out our tours here

Lofoten’s startling blue waters, dramatic fjords, and craggy mountains make a striking sight, made even more surreal by the number of wintertime surfers who brave the cold for the waves. One might think that this snowy cluster of islands are remote and untouched, but Vikings have been living here for at least 11,000 years, evidenced by the many Stone Age archaeological relics retrieved from the area.

There’s a cornucopia of outdoor activities for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike, including snowshoeing, surfing, fishing, mountain climbing, horseback riding, skiing—the list goes on. If you love scuba diving, you’re in luck: the islands boast a thriving deep-water coral reef, Røst Reef—the largest in the world—which makes for excellent diving and animal-spotting (whale watching aplenty). Sea birds like puffins, cormorants, and sea eagles gather for the bountiful food. On land, visitors can spot moose.

Lofoten is famous for its Norwegian cod, and it’s serious business here. Try the dried cod or tørrfisk—a popular snack that can be found all over the islands, as is stockfish, which is made from spawning cod. Whale meat is another local delicacy, which can be a bit of an acquired taste. There are also lots of farm-based food activities, like cheese-making and local cooking classes with fresh produce.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to Lofoten without seeing the Northern Lights, which can be viewed in several different ways, just remember to have a decent camera to capture the experience.

COMPREHENSIVE 20 DAY HOLIDAY OF A

20 DAY GREAT EUROPEAN TOUR

Explore iconic cities like Paris, Rome, Berlin, Prague Zurich and more. Visit renowned landmarks such as the Ei el Tower and the Colosseum, and experience the diverse cultures, landscapes and cuisines.

• Return international airfares included

• 18 nights quality 3 & 4-star accommodation

• Stunning sightseeing, including entrance fees

• Fully-escorted by English-speaking tour guides

• Comfortable, dedicated transport and airport transfer on

The

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We are so impressed with the service of Inspiring Vacations, this being our first travel experience with them. We will definitely be booking future travel with them.

17 DAY NORWAY WINTER PREMIUM SMALL GROUP TOUR

Cool

Circle

frozen seas on an icebreaker cruise.

• Small group tour – up to 24 people

• Expert, English-speaking guide

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• Overnight Santa Claus

INSET: SAKURA (AJ/UNSPLASH)

MULQUINEY. PHOTOS: UENO (REDD F/UNSPLASH); SHOWA KINEN PARK (SHADRINA IZZATI/ UNSPLASH); KANDA RIVER (YU KATO/UNSPLASH); YOYOGI PARK (TIWI/FREEIMAGES)

FIVE OF THE BEST

Tokyo parks to view cherry blossoms

1. UENO PARK

Established in 1873, Ueno Park hosts one of Japan’s largest cherry blossom festivals. The park is well known for its zoo and museums, and the glorious avenue of cherry blossoms. There are roughly 1,000 sakura trees and during peak season, they’re decorated with hanging lanterns which are lit in the evening.

2. YOYOGI PARK

Due to its central location in Shibuya and adjacent to Harajuku Station, Yoyogi Park is Tokyo’s most popular location for cherry blossom viewing parties (hanami) with people visiting early in the morning to snag their converted picnic spot under one of 700 cherry blossom trees.

3. THE KANDA RIVER

4. SHOWA KINEN PARK

INSPIRED TO VISIT JAPAN? Check out our tours here

Nestled in Tachikawa, just 30 minutes by train from Shinjuku, Showa Kinen Park is known for its sakura trees which stand next to the beautifully contrasting yellow canola flowers— there are 31 varieties. The park boasts cycling tracks (and bike rentals, too), as well as pedal boats, mini golf and a range of other games and activities.

5. ASUKAYAMA PARK

One of the oldest parks in Tokyo, Asukayama Park sits atop a hill where three museums— The Paper Museum, The Shibusawa Memorial Museum and the Kita City Asukayama Museum—are also found. People from all over the city have been coming to view the sakura since shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune had the trees planted here early in the 18th century.

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A visit to Vietnam & Cambodia

Donald

and his wife,

Susan,

INSPIRED

Check out our tours here

INTERVIEW BY VANESSA MULQUINEY. MAIN PHOTO: HALONG BAY (VENUS MAJOR/UNSPLASH); BOTTOM AND INSET: SUPPLIED

reflect on our 14 Day Highlights Of Vietnam & Cambodia tour

What prompted you to book this tour?

Vietnam and Cambodia were on our wish list of countries to visit. This tour seemed a great way to get back into overseas travel again. The Inspiring Vacations Travel Show made our decision easy.

Did your expectations meet reality?

All of our expectations were exceeded in regard to accommodation and included activities. The itinerary gave us the freedom to explore local dining options and to cherry pick optional excursions of interest to us. We opted for My Son Sanctuary, Hoi An Memories Show, and the Mekong tour. That said, in speaking with fellow tourers, we heard only positive comments about these Inspiring Vacations offerings.

Any surprises?

We were pleasantly surprised that we experienced minimal language difficulties in either country.

What were the highlights of this tour for you?

The standouts of the tour were the Halong Bay overnight cruise, Hoi An is a postcard-perfect old town, and the Hoi An Memories Show. And we loved both the historic sites and the vibrant nightlife of Siem Reap.

Did you do any optional tours?

For the Vietnam and Cambodia tour, we opted for other offerings for My Son Sanctuary, Hoi An Memories Show, and the Mekong tour. That said, in speaking with fellow tourers, we heard only positive comments about these Inspiring Vacations offerings.

What do you say to those pondering whether or not to book a tour to Vietnam and Cambodia?

These countries offer a lot for tourists. It's just a matter of finding an itinerary that will broaden your experience.

Any advice for future travellers?

The local guides provided great insights and as a result our experience was highly positive.

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HOW TO...

Make tiramisu

To celebrate World Tiramisu Day on March 21, Italian-born, Fremantle-based chef, Valerio Fantinelli, shares his foolproof tiramisu recipe – just like the one you ate on tour in Italy! Valerio has been living in Australia since 1999 and runs Flour & Fire where he runs private degustation and chef’s dinners. Find out more here.

Why is this classic Italian dessert so popular?

I believe the answer is in the recipe – that perfect pairing of coffee and dairy, with the bittersweet touch of chocolate, the creamy consistency, the soaked biscuit texture, the protein and sugar hit delivers an insulin and dopamine fix that guarantees to make you happy! It’s not called a tirami su (pick me up) for nothing!

Any tricks to making a fool-proof tiramisu?

MULQUINEY; PHOTOS: VALERIO FANTINELLI

I have made many variations to the original recipe and I have used this particular one countless times, always with the same (excellent) result. Make sure to be patient and careful especially when beating the eggs with the sugar and watch the cream and mascarpone as you whip them together.

When ordering tiramisu what should we consider?

I always ask if it is freshly made and in-house; I find it tastes best the day after but it does contain raw eggs so don’t be fooled by good looking platters that are kept outside a refrigerator. I also stay away from the packaged ones or ones that appear too yellow in colour as they are probably made using powders or premixes. Deconstructed tiramisu seems to be quite trendy and appealing especially when made right in front of you; I have enjoyed some but I do prefer the flavours and textures of a tiramisu that has had the time to sit together.

VALERIO’S FOOLPROOF TIRAMISU

You will need

A kitchen aid or hand held electric beater

A large tray/container. In a 30cm x 24cm tray, this recipe will make two layers

5 eggs (use the best you can find. I use pasture-raised or farm fresh)

85g sugar

500g Italian mascarpone

350ml whipping cream

60ml Marsala or port

40 Italian-made Savoiardi biscuits (known as ladyfingers)

300ml coffee (espresso is preferred but instant can work)

Method

1. Start by beating the whole eggs with the sugar, start slowly and gradually increase the speed but be patient. We want pale and fluffy eggs throughout. Once ready, set aside.

2. In a clean bowl add the mascarpone, the cream and the marsala or port and with the whisk attachment whip until stiff peaks form. Do not over whip which will cause the cream and mascarpone to split.

3. Gently fold the eggs and sugar mixture into the cream in four batches using a spatula or a spoon until well blended.

4. Pour your coffee in a bowl and soak the biscuits. My suggestion is to dip one Savoiardi for one second but taste test as you go and adjust the amount of coffee you prefer. But remember the ladyfingers will soften further with the cream.

5. Time to layer: I start with a little cream at the bottom of the tray, then a row of ladyfingers, cream, a row of ladyfinger biscuits again and finish with cream.

6. Finish off with a sprinkle of cacao before serving.

Destination K'gari:

THE ULTIMATE QUEENSLAND ROAD TRIP

Hit the Great Sandy Highway for a seven-day adventure before sinking your toes into the world's largest sand island

INSPIRED TO VISIT

QUEENSLAND?

Check out our tours here

Bursting with nature, incredible wildlife and postcard-like landscapes, Australia’s Nature Coast Drive is one for the bucket list. Boasting two UNESCO biosphere reserves, World Heritage-listed K'gari (Fraser Island), and over 47 state and national parks, reserves and forests, this beautiful corner of the world (and its 120 kilometres of sandy coastline) is waiting to be explored.

DAY 1

Discover Queensland’s capital

Known as Australia’s ‘nature capital,’ Brisbane is a chilled city with no shortage of places to enjoy a meal with a view. Get your fix of both at Joey’s atop Kangaroo Point cliffs, a 230-million-year-old rockface offering lofty views of the botanic gardens and city skyline. Be sure to soak up the surrounds on an hour-long cruise on the Brisbane River to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary where you can get to know a couple of furry locals.

Make the most of the hills and sunshine by hiking or mountain bike up to the Mt Coot-tha summit (three kilometres long under a canopy of gum trees) for panoramic views over the city, or do what the locals do and cycle to New Farm Park to pick up some homegrown produce at the weekly Jan Powers Farmers Markets before relaxing under a shady Jacaranda.

Head to Howard Smith Wharves, a river precinct packed with overwater bars, beer halls and breweries, for a pre-dinner drink. You’ll enjoy the twinkling lights of the Brisbane skyline and the iconic Story Bridge as much as your well-deserved drink.

MAIN: Fraser Island/K'gari; INSET: New Farm Park

DAY 2

Head for the Hinterland

Start in the Hinterland and discover the Glass House Mountains—an awe-inspiring collection of 11 ranges that are all linked in Indigenous mythology. With sealed and unsealed roads, explore these 20-millionyear-old volcanos by car, stopping off at lookouts to drink in the surrounding plains. For the adventurous, hit the Mount Ngungun hiking trail. Time the two-hour trek around sunrise for views of the sparkling coast.

Spend the afternoon wandering the charming stores in Maleny, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland’s foodie hub, and discover local artisan work. Try handmade chocolates from Maleny Chocolate Co, pick up a crafted gift from Giddy and Grace or take home an original oil painting from Maleny Art Direct. Nearby is Maleny’s Mountain View Café, a well-known spot for fresh scones and clotted cream that comes paired with rural views that stretch as far as the Gold Coast on a clear day (which is nearly every day in Queensland).

DAY 3

Soak up the golden stretches of the Sunshine Coast

Swap your hiking boots for flip flops, the coast is calling! Start off with a slow morning to embrace the pace of the laid back coastal lifestyle and take a stroll along the Caloundra Coastal Walk which spans 25 kilometres from Golden Beach to Mooloolaba. Meander along a section of the walk, stopping at the heritage-listed Point Cartwright lighthouse to soak up coastline views and humpback whales on their annual migration (between June and October).

DAY 4

Explore the Everglades

No visit to the Sunshine Coast is complete without cruising the magnificent lakes and syrupy slow waterways of the Noosa Everglades, one of only two everglade systems in the world.

Located just 20 minutes from the stylish seaside town of Noosa, today is all about slow travel: paddle your way through ancient landscapes, mirrored waterways and subtropical rainforest to the soundtrack of birdsong and gently lapping water.

Extend your adventure with overnight glamping at Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp right next door or head back to Noosa.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Mount Ngungun; Honeymoon Bay; Rainbow Beach; SS Maheno Shipwreck at 75 Mile Beach; Inskip Point; Noosa Everglades; Caloundra Coastal Walk

DAY 5

Hit the Great Sandy Highway

Accessible only by four-wheel drive and located within the Great Sandy National Park, the Great Beach Drive is no ordinary road trip. It covers 70 kilometres of white sandy beaches, sandwiched between the azure blues of the Pacific Ocean to the right, and the green bushland to the left. Pepper the journey with pit stops such as Double Island Point, where the historic lighthouse, built in 1884, offers views to Noosa, Rainbow Beach and K'gari.

Further north, stop at Honeymoon Bay for a swim in a secluded lagoon and a gourmet picnic lunch in the shadows of the multi-coloured sands of Rainbow Beach and at the highest point, you’ll find neverending seascapes at Rainbow Ocean Palms.

DAY 6

Skip across to the world’s largest sand island

From Rainbow Beach, it’s a short 10-minute drive to Inskip Point and the barge bound for World Heritage listed K'gari. The island is blessed with rainforests, beaches and more than 100 freshwater lakes waiting to be explored by foot, four-wheel drive, Segway, boat or plane.

Take your tastebuds on a journey with a Bush Tucker Talk and Taste experience at Kingfisher Bay Resort. Sample native berries bursting with flavour and relish the native citrus of lemon myrtle as the resort’s chef and ranger explains their origins, demonstrates how to use them and presents cooked dishes for you to try.

DAY 7

Explore World Heritage-Listed wonders

Travellers flock to K'gari for the four-wheel drive adventure for good reason. If you’re keen to see what it’s all about, hit the sandy highway, travel along 75 Mile Beach and marvel at the coloured sands of The Pinnacles and the SS Maheno shipwreck, an ocean liner which operated in the Tasman Sea until 1935. Cool off with a swim in Lake McKenzie or take a dip in the fizzing foam of the Champagne Pools.

Ask a local and they’ll tell you that no tour of K’gari is complete without a birds-eye view of the island. Departing from Hervey Bay, the hour-long flight soars above the island taking in dolphins, manta rays and even whales in the waters below.

What to expect on your FIRST TRIP TO JORDAN

From food and packing to visiting during Ramadan

WORDS BY ALEXIS ONG

Nestled between Syria, Israel, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, Jordan is a neat, compact little country brimming with ancient wonders, historic monuments, and untouched nature reserves waiting to be explored. Jordan is also widely known as a modern, friendly destination for overseas visitors, with little to worry about besides the usual suspects: bargaining with street vendors and the logistics of getting around in a different country.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Jordan is considered to be a very safe, welcoming destination for tourists, and has a more socially liberal vibe than some of its neighbours. While Arabic (and various associated dialects) is the national language, English is widely spoken, especially among young people in urban areas. Jordan has a low crime rate and its citizens are generally very happy to meet and interact with visitors, especially if it means a chance to speak English. There is no particular taboo associated with drinking alcohol, which is widely available (try the local licorice-like liquor, arak, which is usually made of grapes and aniseed), but if you’re visiting during Ramadan (March 10—April 9), be mindful of local customs and the fact that most liquor stores will be closed; tourist bars and hotels that have a special licence will usually stay open. The general rule of thumb is to be respectful of Jordanian practices and people, especially when it comes to religious customs, which includes wearing appropriate clothing to holy sites.

INSPIRED TO VISIT JORDAN? Check out our tours here

MAIN: The Treasury, Petra

HOW TO PACK FOR JORDAN

Depending on your plans, Jordan’s best sights usually require a lot of walking on uneven ground, so bring some good hiking boots, sneakers, or covered walking shoes to check out Petra and its other ruins. As with most desert destinations, pack in layers— trekking in the day can be hot but temperatures start to drop as soon as the sun goes down. If you’re planning on visiting Wadi Rum, the desert can get downright freezing, so bring a thick fleece and jacket. Women should bring a scarf or shawl for visiting religious areas. It is still considered unusual for women to show their bare legs, so if you’re keen on shorts, pack some leggings to wear as a base layer. Bring plenty of sunblock, a hat, some sunglasses, bug spray, and motion-sickness pills because some of the curvier rural roads can be a bit tough to handle. If you’re heading to a seaside situation or The Dead Sea, bring sandals and a one-piece. Don’t forget moisturiser!

What to expect on

BEDOUINS

Bedouins are the nomadic desert-dwellers of the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa, most of whom are Muslim and speak Arabic. 'Bedouin' is a broader term that encompasses many different tribes, including the Beni Hamida, Beni Sakhr, and al-Majali tribes in Jordan. Jordanian Bedouins first made their way over from the Arabian Peninsula in the 14th century—today, Bedouin tribes make up over a third of Jordan’s population and vary between fully nomadic and part-nomadic lifestyles, and some have given up the nomadic lifestyle altogether. These proud, tribal people have historically relied on livestock, camel breeding, and even fishing as a means of livelihood. Many Bedouins who live around Petra and Wadi Rum run private camping services for visitors, featuring the accoutrements of their culture, like hand-knitted goat-hair tents, Bedouin cuisine and tea.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Wadi Rum; Amman; Caffe Strada, Amman; Hasham; Spices in Petra; Donkey in Petra; Wadi Rum protected area

YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE JORDANIAN FOOD

Depending on your plans, Jordan’s best sights usually Thanks to the terrific multicultural blend that goes into Levantine cultures, Jordan has an incredible range of food for even the pickiest traveller. Try moutabel—a local eggplant-based yoghurt dip, manakis, an openfaced dough with a variety of toppings (yes, like a pizza), and fattet hummus Mansaf—thin layers of flatbread served with rice, tender lamb, and fermented jameed yoghurt with almond pine nuts—is considered to be the national dish, and should be traditionally eaten with the right hand. Street food in Amman is a bustling business, and definitely recommended if you’re adventurous and make time to visit Hashem, the oldest restaurant in the city.

TOURING JORDAN DURING RAMADAN?

WATCH JOHN'S VIDEO ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT PRESS PLAY

PHOTOS: AISLINN SPAMAN/UNSPLASH; YANAL TAYYEM/UNSPLASH; DIANA STROIA/FACEBOOK; AGNIESZKA STANKIEWICZ/UNSPLASH; HISHAM ZAYADNEH/UNSPLASH; DANIEL BURKA/UNSPLASH; ROBERT BYE/UNSPLASH; ANTOINE DEMARE/UNSPLASH

VISITING JORDAN DURING MARCH & APRIL?

Experiencing Jordan during Ramadan and Eid can be a veritable feast for the soul and here’s how

While some people might be concerned about travelling to Jordan during holy periods such as Ramadan, and its concluding festival, Eid al-Fitr, it has some unexpected perks—one major advantage is that there are fewer tourists, which means fewer crowds, and for most if not all Jordanians, it’s business as usual. If anything, travelling to a Muslim country during Ramadan provides nuanced insight into everyday Muslim life, and can be a truly empathetic and rewarding experience that helps reinforce respect for other cultures. While things may seem pretty quiet and subdued during the day (imagine if you couldn’t eat until sundown), streets and shops come alive after sunset and take on a whole new atmosphere with busy shops, fairy lights, and lanterns.

Here, the lowdown on what you need to know about making your way through Jordan (and other Muslim-majority countries) during this time.

RAMADAN AND EID

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims, and is marked by a strict schedule of fasting during daylight hours; other customs that are observed include acts of charity, refraining from smoking and drinking, and generally being devout.

While the actual start date may vary slightly from year to year—this year it will commence March 10 and end April 9— Ramadan happens during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar-based calendar to commemorate the revelation of the Quran to the prophet Muhammad.

There are, of course, exceptions for fasting—these include people who are ill (including diabetics), elderly, or pregnant. Usually at sundown, people in the community help each other out by offering simple snacks (usually dates) and water to those who are delayed in getting home to eat. In fact, the post-work rush hour can get a little frantic sometimes, as people head home just before sunset to prepare to break their fast at w, the post-sunset meal.

The month of abstinence culminates in a celebration called Eid al-Fitr, which falls on the first day of the tenth month, Shawwāl. Eating is mandatory on the day of Eid itself. In terms of significance, Eid al-Fitr is a bit like Muslim New Year and Christmas rolled into one—it’s an occasion that people look forward to and take great joy in celebrating.

WHAT TO DO AS A VISITOR

Nobody expects foreign travellers to fast, but there are still some good etiquette practices that visitors can observe to respect locals who do have to fast. Visitors shouldn’t eat, smoke, or drink (including water and nonalcoholic beverages) in public out of respect for those who are fasting and have to continue functioning during the day. However, if you’re on a private tour or at Wadi Rum, your guides or hosts will continue to serve you food—if you have nowhere else to eat and they have prepared food for you, it is considered polite to apologise for having to eat in front of them; everyone is usually very generous and understanding of this necessity for nonMuslims. Still, a friendly “Ramadan Kareem” to people around you—which translates to “have a generous, blessed Ramadan”—goes a long way.

Hotels that cater to foreigners will still serve food and alcohol, and most restaurants (especially in tourist-heavy areas) will still stay open, in which you can eat your meals—just be mindful about eating and drinking around people in public. You can, of course, still buy your own snacks and drinks at supermarkets and convenience stores, but it is best to consume them somewhere off the street. Same goes for smoking cigarettes—be polite and find somewhere out of the public eye, or stick to smoking at your hotel.

For the first couple of hours following sunset, be patient about finding a place to eat, because this is when restaurant staff and café owners are usually enjoying iftar with their families and friends. Restaurants may set up streetside dining with lights to celebrate breaking the fast, which is considered a deeply communal experience. Many local businesses close for this reason, and re-open again around 9pm.

MAIN: Lanterns of Ramadan; LEFT TO RIGHT: Dar Ne'meh, Dates

PHOTOS: RAWAN-YASSER-Y-JOAXX7XCQ/UNSPLASH; YANAL TAYYEM/UNSPLASH; ENGIN-AKYURT-NV0VMT-DM3C/UNSPLASH

12

Tour the Tasman Peninsula including Port Arthur, cruise Gordon River to Hells Gates, explore Cradle Mountain’s natural wonders, tour Josef Chromy Wines,

Freycinet’s famed Wineglass Bay and marvel at 19th-century villages Ross and Richmond.

• 11 nights in quality, 3 and 4-star accommodation

• 10 days medium-size car rental, with unlimited kilometres and zero damage excess

• 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches including winery

We totally enjoyed our Tassie self drive trip. It was fantastic, everything went exactly to plan, the accommodation was first class, the tours were exciting ... great. The car hire was easy and the vehicle perfect. Highly recommend this as the best way to see and enjoy Tasmania.

QA &

NAME JAY LAGA'AIA OCCUPATION ACTOR AND SINGER HOME TOWN SYDNEY

New Zealand-Australian actor and singer, Jay Laga'aia is best known internationally for his role as Captain Typho in the films Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. He is currently starring in the Australian production of Grease the Musical. We sat down with Jay in between shows to talk Grease, bucket list travel and his perfect day in Sydney.

Congratulations on your role as Vince Fontaine in Grease! What was the first thing you did when you found out the role was yours?

I informed my family and they were excited that their dad would be finally out of the house!

How did you prepare for the role?

PHOTO: JEFF BUSBY

I love the era of the 50’s and 60’s and with TV still in its infancy, radio DJs were king makers. I wanted to pay homage to iconic [radio DJ] names like Alan Freed, Dick Clark, Wolfman Jack and Casey Kasem. I studied how they would create vocal pictures using just their voices and I applied that to my character.

BY: VANESSA MULQUINEY.

It’s safe to say Grease—both on and off the stage—is iconic! What are you most excited for audiences to see?

What a lot of writers have missed about our show is the filmic nature of this piece (spoiler alert: it is very much like The Lion King in its approach). Our director, Luke Joslin, wanted folks to feel like they were going to a picture theatre, so we project ads from the era up onto a screen as the audience enter. You can hear songs from the 50s being played throughout the theatre. The costumes and colours are vibrant and that was a deliberate choice by our set and costume designer,

WANT TO SEE THE SHOW? Click here for

James Browne. Unlike most shows we try to completely immerse our audience in the nostalgia and genre of the era as soon as they walk into the theatre and by the time they’re engaged, the curtain slides up and Grease is the word!

Describe your perfect day in your hometown of Sydney?

Sydney is a great town but unlike other places, it is a large area to cover. Make sure you check social pages and the Sydney tourism page to see what’s on because things are always happening. I do recommend checking out our local art and theatre scene. Also don’t be afraid to travel west to check out some great eats and wonderfully diverse markets, too.

Where are you headed on your next holiday?

I don’t take holidays. I love staying at home and maybe one day finding a homestead out in the countryside where I can just have a huge barn and some land. I can then set up my projects that I’ve put off for years, like building my own R2D2 robot (from Star Wars,) and tinker away to my heart's content.

What is your once-in-a-lifetime bucket list destination?

The moon. As an astronaut myself, (check out Star Wars Episode 2, Attack of the Clones), I have always been fascinated by the night sky.

What’s next for you?

I will be joining the cast of The Heartbreak Choir which will rehearse and be performed at The Ensemble, Sydney at the end of November 2024.

Alaska isn’t about who you were when you headed this way. It’s about who you become.

Kristin Hannah, American author