March 2017 – Spring Message

Posted on March 23, 2017 by admin

South American Art

Dear Friends & Travelers,

Mountain ScapeWhat a busy winter! New View Tours designed trips for:  a multi-generational family, a women’s college academic custom tour, an art museum trip to San Francisco, and a tour for friends and neighbors to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands!

Putting a travel project together is a privilege; each one with its own challenges and opportunities, always with the goal to create an itinerary that becomes the strategy to explore and discover a new view! The plan for a trip is its own once-in-a-life-time experience. And such a plan begins with you: with your energy and expectations that evolve into the actual lifetime of your tour.

I enjoy the aspects of working with you on the details: looking into places to stay, people to visit and things to do, preparing for the chance to see another part of the world. If you are curious about heading out on a journey, I am happy to offer a trip a planning session to you or your friends by meeting with you – either by phone or by Skype/Facetime or – gasp – in person! to the places where we have experience. I can help you plan a tour for a group, an organization or for your family. When it comes to travels, I am glad to formulate suggestions FOR you and most importantly strategize WITBird WatchingH you. Destinations that we have traveled and are confident to share with you include: Ecuador and France – and we are knowledgeable about Galapagos Islands, Peru & Machu Picchu, Patagonia, Chile, parts of Argentina, and Northern Spain. For other destinations, we are glad to offer a referral to other associates who lead custom tours.

New View Next Tours:

Condor in FlightA brief overview of the next tours is on the website. Please request a detailed itinerary if you are interested.

2017
Castles and Caves, a tour to Southwest France
September 20 – 30, 2017.
Our third trip, we visit the newly opened repro of Lascaux IV and the actual cave accessible by tram, Rouffinac. Castles dot the landscape of the Dordogne valley! Here’s the overview:

Peaceful Gardens & Trails: The High Sierras of Ecuador
Refresh and Renew – a tour to the Andes mountains on the equator.
October 19 – 29, 2017

2018
Early March 2018
Peru & Bolivia
Arequipa and the Colca Canyon in Peru with an extension tour to Sucre & La Paz, Bolivia!
(Tour In development phase – please stay in touch if you are interested)

Late September 2018
Castles & Caves Redux!
Let’s return to explore the ancient art and architecture of France!

From my desk to yoursThat’s it for now. Looks like winter out there from my desk here in the Berkshires! I hope that you are already enjoying the season, where ever you might be right now!

Michael and I look forward to staying in touch!
Sending very best wishes!
Ramelle

Ramelle Pulitzer | ramelle@newviewtours.com | 336-416-2390

 

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Travel & Yoga!

Posted on March 3, 2017 by admin

This October, 2017, join us on a gentle exploration of a beautiful Ecuador taking time to reflect, review and renew the spirit with yoga practice designed around the daily activities. We stay at a new retreat center, a “healing hotel” called Sachaji which means “beloved mountain”. Our days are active, our time in Ecuador will awake our sensibilities to other cultures, allow us ways to reflect upon our own; we travel to El Refugio de Intag in the cloud forest, and we return to the unique 1602 Hacienda Cusin.

NVTJanPRDup

Questions? Just give us a call or text or email – see the Contact Us button above!

Michael or Ramelle

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Castles & Caves

Posted on February 28, 2017 by admin

September 20 – 30, 2017 – limited to 8

Castles & Caves in the Dordogne region of Southwest France.
grotte-du-grand-roc

This 10 day tour is in three parts: We travel the south western regions of France: starting on the coast and the city of Bordeaux, a World Heritage site since 2001. Here see the City & the museum of Contemporary Art, and the tasty Wine Museum and take a short city tour thru the 18th century world heritage site.

The city is completely renovated, clean with electric trams.

Then it is on to the countryside of the Dordogne valley occupied for thousands of years by man and Neanderthal cousins. Visit pre-historic caves that hide magnificent paintings, etchings and relief sculptures.

Visit the new Lascaux lV, a recreation of the original; explore Rouffignac and Peche Merle AND and the exclusive Font du Gaume grotto – (we have secured tickets – now sold out!).


The Museum of Aquitaine is built into the limestone walls of the valley where our guide will explain the mysteries of archeology. We explore medieval bastides – fortified “new towns” built by nobles; they are tall, enormous castles such as Beynac and Castlenaud with carefully documented recreations of English and French life in the 14th century will bring alive the stories of the past. It is only a short distance then to visit picturesque market of Sarlat, Les Eyzies and Cahors.
Beynac Castle in Dordogne
Next it is on to Toulouse to partake in the vibrant life of this major city amidst historic cathedrals, staying on the expansive central plaza with shops and cafes in abundance. We take a day trip to Albi, home to the Toulouse Lautrec Museum in the 13 century brick bishop’s cathedral.

Then Carcassonne, a walled city on the main trade route across the country.

Activity level: moderate; Uneven surfaces when walking though caves, steps to climb when visiting castles.

Hotels will be 4 star, boutique style inns. Some have stairs without elevator access.
Price $5300 double occupancy, single supplement $700.

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Gardens & Trails – the High Sierras of Ecuador

Posted on February 23, 2017 by admin

We head back again! Join us on an exploration of the unique environments on and around the equator – we stay in the high sierra mountains – it feels like springtime – all year long! Enjoy touring the rim of Cuicocha lake, the magnificent raptor preserve overlooking Peguche valley, the leather village of Cotacachi. The energetic hikers will want to visit Mojanda lakes. You will stay at the contemporary “healing hotel” of Sachaji with new yoga studio with views of Imbabura volcano and lake of San Pablo! Local craft families will welcome you to their studio and homes. Not to miss is the Saturday Otavalo Market bustling with people and local goods. There is a travel day for 2 nights in the Intag cloud forest at a private refuge to experience birdwatching in this unique part in the world; then it is a change in climate and cultures to the capital city of Quito at 9,300 feet with its top ranked restored colonial old town -a short walk to churches, museums, and World Heritage site landmarks! Your trip wraps up at Hacienda Cusin , a restored 1602 hacienda in San Pablo de Lago, with acres of flower and vegetable gardens, walking paths, and many common rooms – each beautifully decorated with historic artifacts from the region.
The trip is recommended for artists, writers, photographers, yoga practitioners.
Travelers should be in very good health and be able to walk easily on cobblestoned paths.

October 19 – 29, 2017

Land Cost: $2400 per person double occupancy $2900 single.

Yoga with Michael is designed to fit your needs and ability and the timing of the tour.
Call Ramelle or Michael Pulitzer to receive a detailed itinerary.

A deposit of $500 will hold your place on this trip – limited to 12.

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Hiking to Fuya Fuya

Posted on February 1, 2017 by admin

Climbed to the base of Fuya Fuya overlooking Mojanda Lake to 13,300 ft, about 3000 ft up. Weather changed every 5 minutes. With Mike Brinkley who gets the award for the most active member of the group this year!

Hiking Fuya-Fuya

Hiking Fuya-Fuya

Hiking Fuya-Fuya

Hiking Fuya-Fuya

Hiking Fuya-Fuya

Hiking Fuya-Fuya

 

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Hacienda Cusin

Posted on February 1, 2017 by admin

Last look back at Hacienda Cusin before travel to Intag Cloud Forest!

Hacienda Cusin

Hacienda Cusin

 

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El Refugio de Intag

Posted on February 1, 2017 by admin

Last day at El Refugio de Intag in the cloud forest – a beautiful morning here! Lots of avian activity.

El Refugio de Intag

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Condor Preserve

Posted on February 1, 2017 by admin

Harriett the Harris Hawk at the Condor Preserve above San Pablo del Lago Ecuador.

Condor of Ecuador

 

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Riding

Posted on January 26, 2017 by admin

Salem Students riding past the entrance to Hacienda Cusin – two of them on horseback for the first time! Perfect weather for a ride.

horse back riding in Ecuador

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Insects of Intag Cloud Forest

Posted on January 24, 2017 by admin

Cool bugs at night on the playground under the light- El Refugio de Intag – http://www.elrefugiocloudforest.com

Insects of IntagInsects of IntagInsects of IntagInsects of IntagInsects of Intag

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Intag Cloud Forest

Posted on January 23, 2017 by admin

Salem students and their professor Kim Varnadoe tasting coffee in the cloud forest of Intag at the Collectivo; and a morning walking along the river to find Lupe milking the cow. Toke gets a few green stickers!

Intag Cloud ForestIntag Cloud Forest

Intag Cloud ForestIntag Cloud ForestIntag Cloud ForestIntag Cloud ForestIntag Cloud ForestIntag Cloud Forest

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At the Equator

Posted on January 22, 2017 by admin

Salem College Jan Term group enjoys striding along the equator. They are in full view of snow capped Cayumbe – the enormous volcanic mountain that disappeared back behind the clouds within 2-3 minutes of this pix.

Salem students walking the Equator

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The Equator

Posted on January 22, 2017 by admin

All photos courtesy of Beth de Garcia

Visiting the Equator in Ecuador. Photo courtesy Beth de GarciaVisiting the Equator in Ecuador. Photo courtesy Beth de GarciaVisiting the Equator in Ecuador. Photo courtesy Beth de GarciaVisiting the Equator in Ecuador. Photo courtesy Beth de GarciaVisiting the Equator in Ecuador. Photo courtesy Beth de GarciaVisiting the Equator in Ecuador. Photo courtesy Beth de GarciaVisiting the Equator in Ecuador. Photo courtesy Beth de GarciaVisiting the Equator in Ecuador. Photo courtesy Beth de GarciaVisiting the Equator in Ecuador. Photo courtesy Beth de Garcia

Ramelle and Betsy de Garcia at the equator

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Quito, Ecuador

Posted on January 20, 2017 by admin

Inside the Presidential palace in front of the 1960 Guayasamin tile mural – President Corea opens the palace – that is his home and work place (he’s away today). Lines can be long but we rearved a timed ticket. It was a good way to stay dry on a really rainy day.

Inside the Presidential Palace, Quito Ecuador

Outside the Presidential Palace

Outside the Presidential Palace in Quito, Ecuador

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Hanging with the Locals

Posted on January 18, 2017 by admin

Fooling with phones in Plaza Gutierrez outside the sisal weaving collective!

Plaza GutierrezPlaza GutierrezPlaza GutierrezPlaza Gutierrez

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Morning to putter at El Refugio de Intag….perfect!

Posted on January 18, 2017 by admin

Morning to putter at El Refugio de Intag....perfect!

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Siempre Verde

Posted on January 17, 2017 by admin

Oswaldo carries our lunch to Siempre Verde, a surprise retreat built in the midst of thick vegetation. Peaceful place designed for school groups. Bird sightings include the toucan!

Siempre VerdeSiempre VerdeSiempre VerdeSiempre VerdeSiempre VerdeSiempre VerdeSiempre VerdeSiempre Verde

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Andean Traditions

Posted on January 16, 2017 by admin

More pix of Cuicocha lake in province of Cotacachi Ecuador. Salem students are good sports about a variety of experiences, including a visit to the Music Man at the end of the day. We are listening to the family play a variety of hand made instruments – again they are preserving the Andean music traditions.

Cuicocha lake in province of Cotacachi EcuadorSalem JanTerm StudentsCuicocha lake in province of Cotacachi EcuadorMusic Man family playing handmade instruments

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Shaman Traditions

Posted on January 16, 2017 by admin

Our guide, Ivan Suarez is explaining the shaman traditions here at the lunar calendar on the rim of Cuicocha lake….then we trek about a quarter of the way around, always keeping the islands in view – they look like 2 guinnea pigs, thus the name “cui” “cocha”. Ivan points out orchids and explains the 600 meter deep volcanic lake without any fish!Salem JanTerm in Ecuadorthe rim of Cuicocha lakeThe vista at the rim of Cuicocha lakethe rim of Cuicocha lakeSalem JanTerm students

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Weaving Workshop

Posted on January 16, 2017 by admin

Luz Maria in her weaving workshop in Agato demonstrates again the back strap process; washing the wool, cleaning it, carding it, dying it, spinning it…then setting up the loom! Here we see baskets of sheep wool at various stages of the process. What a delight to hold the final product – a colorful blanket! We enjoy her small shop after the demo. These techniques are fading out in the technological world, so this family is making an effort to teach and preserve the traditions.

Weaving workshop with Luz Maria

Kim VarnadoeSalem Student

Miguel AndrangoLuz Maria weaving

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