Mel Fernandez

By Mel Fernandez, Travel Editor PANJIM, Goa – Brazilian-type fiestas with dancing and revelry that carry on till early dawn and three-hour Mexican siesta breaks when some business activities come to a complete standstill. Then there’s the lingering influence of the hedonistic hippie lifestyle of the 70s juxtaposed with the deep Catholic traditions that many locals still cherish.

By Mel Fernandez AUCKLAND – Surprisingly Santa’s resounding ‘Ho Ho Ho’ has been supplanted by ‘Baa, Baa, Baa’ – because there has been a significant change in meat choice for Christmas lunch across Aotearoa. In Asian households for example, ham has traditionally been the go-to meat of choice for Christmas feasting. But this year an interloper has given ham the elbow. No, it is not turkey that we will be gobbling down but instead it is lamb roast that will feature as part of the Christmas spread.

By Mel Fernandez The call of the sea becomes irresistible each time you think about that dream holiday of a lifetime you plan to take. For although air travel is comfortable and convenient, it is just too fast to be enjoyable. So while others dash off to airports and hotels for their dream holidays, you might prefer cruising along from port to port on your ‘floating hotel’, enjoying your holiday in a more relaxed manner.