DECEMBER NEWSLETTER - Mariekes Art of Living

Dear Reader,

So, another year has flown.
Christmas and the festive season are on the horizon and always a time for me to reflect on peace, especially in light of the year’s geopolitical strife, unimaginable human crises and unfathomable hatred and divisions, to seek the comfort of family and friends, and to look forward to the soothing embrace of the summer sea.

On the one hand, I have found myself missing the slower, quieter, introspective, contemplative time of Covid, and on the other, enthralled and energised by a return to travel.
Personally, I returned to Rajasthan, Mexico, the Indian Himalayas from Sikkim to Ladakh with a group of travellers who stayed in the three-week flow with unreserved curiosity and outstanding spirit, and most recently Morocco and the south of France.
Also, I’ve never had more private clients seeking bespoke travel arrangements that incorporate very specific interests – work I love, as it’s all about mining my own extensive travel knowledge to match in exceptional detail, the expectations of clients to enjoy a hassle-free, personalised itinerary, seamless arrangements and access to experiences and special human encounters that I can offer from years of personal relationships in exotic destinations.

The greatest challenges have been to establish a balance between personal calm and equanimity midst the sadness of world events and personal loss;
to respectfully and graciously dismantle the family and my dear dad’s home of 70 years, in the process of which finding a restful place for a lifetime of memories without getting stuck in the past;
to seek more heart space in the present moment rather than succumbing to needless distractions and a busy head;
to feel joy and optimism for our next generation having babies next year and finally to find the wherewithal and some invaluable help to bring the garden back to thriving health and productivity after a long absence.

In this newsletter you’ll find the 2024 portfolio of scintillating small group tour temptations that deserve your consideration if you’re planning to see the world again, a mind-blowing fact about next year and a couple of festive season recipes, because I still love to bake.

But really, all I want to say to you dear reader, traveller, follower, friend is that I thank you for your ongoing interest and wish you the most marvellous, peaceful and happy festive season, a light and healthy New Year and that you muster as much grace, gratitude and radiance into your lives as best you can.

With my warmest wishes,

“Without inner peace, outer peace is impossible. We all wish for world peace, but world peace will never be achieved unless we first establish peace within our own minds. We can send so-called ‘peacekeeping forces’ into areas of conflict, but peace cannot be opposed from the outside with guns. Only by creating peace within our own mind and helping others to do the same can we hope to achieve peace in this world.”
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Cultural Immersions | Awe Inspiring Adventures | Lifelong Memories | Blissful Escapes
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Last Calls for Mexico & Cuba
Two intoxicating destinations that can be enjoyed separately or in conjunction. This is an ideal time to travel in this region.

VIVA LA MEXICO 4 – 21 April

This 18 Day Program is a deep dive into this exuberant culture spanning the ancient Aztec and Mayan worlds to the legacy of Spanish conquistadors; from sophisticated cities to colourful villages. You’ll explore her architectural and artistic wonders from ancient temples to Luis Barragán’s influential modernism. You’ll sleep in design driven boutique hotels and ambient haciendas. Your tastebuds will tingle with mezcal, moles and contemporary cuisine. Days in Oaxaca will elevate your appreciation of the finest handmade textiles and traditional ways of life.
The tour begins in Mexico City and ends in the Yucatan capital, Merida. From there you can continue to Cuba. TO READ MORE

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Charismatic CUBA 21 April – 1 May

Cuba has really “lit my fire” with its exuberance and creativity in music, dance, hospitality and art. Its captivating landscapes and faded glamour are utterly charming,
Cuba’s metamorphosis is well under way with ‘paradores’ (restaurants in home environments), gorgeous ‘casa particulars’ (intimate, tasteful boutique properties in restored colonial buildings), young creatives and expert local guides who expand visitors’ horizons to bear witness to a new and unfolding history.
I can barely contain my excitement to share this amazing island with you.
TO READ MORE

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EPICURIOUS EUROPE in AUTUMN
Portugal Discovered
South France

PORTUGAL DISCOVERED 1 – 15 September

Portugal was the first ever overseas destination Marieke curated and escorted, and she is delighted to return and share with her guests, this surprising and gentle country and her warm and welcoming people who still carry a mantle of old world courtliness.
Then, and possibly still now. one of the most romantic countries in Europe, it bespeaks a Mediterranean soul as well Northern European influences. Outstandingly preserved grand palaces, churches, monasteries, universities and libraries survive from its illustrious imperial past in delightful contrast to sun dappled whitewashed villages, Roman ruins, walled hill towns, cutting edge modernity, rolling wheat fields, ancient olive and cork trees and serried rows of vines.
The gentle Portuguese favour Fado, fabulous crusty bread, buttery cheeses, gorgeous coffee served in ubiquitous pastelarias and prefer deep red wines and robust dishes such as cataplana that marries pork and clams, arroz de pato, (succulent duck rice), an abundance of Atlantic seafood, most often simply grilled and of course, the mother of all custard tarts, Pasteis de Nata.

You will stay in boutique properties, some that enshrine a propensity for modern art and design to quintas in divine rural settings and exquisitely renovated convents. TO READ MORE

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SOUTH FRANCE Arles + Lagrasse
18 – 27 September

This delightful jaunt has been designed for lovers of culinary experiences, art and culture and draws on Marieke’s vast gourmet and art history background, intimate local connections and the joy of being in the sunny relaxed climes of southern France.
In Arles, we are three nights in a beautifully restored all en-suite Mas on the edge of town, then two nights in the heart of the Camargue, the outstanding biosphere that is home to black bulls, pink flamingos, white horses, and a special red rice.
From here we visit markets, museums, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Les Baux, the outstanding outdoor art collection at Ch La Coste, cook together and taste local olive oils.
Lagrasse, one of the prettiest medieval villages in the Corbières that encompasses the wine region of Languedoc-Roussillon, is our base for four nights. Friends have created a stunning culinary studio with glamorous apartments. From here explore the fabulous market of Narbonne (inspiring produce for our collective cooking sessions), some notable wineries, the hilly countryside with a picnic, and local artisanal productions.

If there is enough timely interest, Marieke will curate an additional 3 | 4 nights in the beautiful Priorat, region south of Barcelona, the red wine region that is probably the most traditional, yet most modern DO in Catalonia.

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MAGNIFICENT MOROCCO 4 – 20 October

A week after the shattering earthquakes that hit Morocco I returned, encouraged to come by all my local networks, rather than cancel – as the best way to support their plight. Notably impressive was the evidence of local resilience, solidarity and vast community support to bring humanitarian relief to affected villages.

It was wonderful to have a fresh look at this amazing country and cement a deeper understanding of its complexity and diversity. Heretofore, I had not really appreciated the sophisticated modern side of Morocco in cities like Rabat and Marrakech. I stayed longer in the coastal town of Essaouira that casts a certain spell with its laid back style, music, easily navigated and friendly medina, sea breezes and refreshing beach walks deserving more than just a day.
In the mountains I was enchanted by a stunning sculpture garden and saffron farm and in the desert found the most serene, beautifully appointed luxury tented camp.

These and more discoveries have all been incorporated into a totally refreshed and thrilling itinerary for 2024. Please do join us in October for this luxury small group tour.

TO REQUEST A BROCHURE

DID YOU KNOW?:More than half the people on the planet live in countries that will hold nationwide elections in 2024, the first time this milestone has been reached. Based on recent patterns of voter turnout, close to 2bn people in more than 70 countries will head to the polls, affecting over 4bn people. Ballots will be cast from Britain to Bangladesh, from India to Indonesia. Yet what sounds like it should be a triumphant year for democracy will be the opposite.Many elections will entrench illiberal rulers. Others will reward the corrupt and incompetent. By far the most important contest, America’s presidential election, will be so polarising that it will cast a pall over global politics.

Accolades

Our website has had a beautiful design overhaul by my vivacious friend Hannah Mercedes. Hannah has me working in a WordPress site that is easy to navigate and update, but whenever I’m stuck she is just a phone call away and quick with a solution. She has also been developing her own business, a platform that showcases a curated collection of luxury travel providers across the Oceania region, including hotels, resorts, tour operators, and service providers, who share a commitment to delivering unparalleled quality, personalised service and stays at exceptional stupendous destinations.
If perchance you have a fond memory of a trip you’ve shared with us, or a favourable comment about a trip we planned for you, I’d be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave a review here.
Word of mouth means the world to us.

RECENT TESTIMONIALS FROM GUESTS WHO HAVE RETURNED FROM ART of LIVING CURATED JOURNEYS:
We have just returned from a wonderful trip to South India and the third trip that Marieke has organised for us.Planning the trip with Marieke was easy and consultative. We would not hesitate to recommend Marieke’s services and hope that we will make use of them again before too long.
Jenny and Roger (Sydney November 2023)Graeme and I wanted to say thank you for all your assistance regarding the trip we have just completed. It was wonderful, without reservation. The trip was an excellent balance of different experiences and accommodation. The food was amazing and we feel very lucky.
Every experience was worthwhile. We just loved stopping in villages and looking at the markets and shops and seeing something of village life and interacting with the local community that was always a joy. The backwater cruise was excellent and more beautiful than I had expected.
India is such a great destination.
So thank you again. Hope you are happy for us to recommend your services to our friends. It was such a wonderful experience
Liz and Graeme (NSW November 2023)

Baking for Christmas

Cheese Sablée – perfect with bubbles
175 gm organic plain flour (substitute buckwheat flour for GF friends and an extra nutty taste)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne or sweet smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2 – 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper flakes
150 gm unsalted butter
150 gm grated cheese (half sharp cheddar and half parmesan or mature pecorino)Pulse the flour, spices and butter until crumbly. Add grated cheese and 1 tablespoon cold water. Shape into two logs with baking paper and chill at least one hour.
Cut into discs and sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped walnuts or rosemary sprigs and bake on a tray lined with baking paper, well spaced @ 180 degrees C for 11 – 12 minutes until golden.
Cool on a rack and store in an airtight container.Nutty Shortbread – perfect with coffee or a dessert wine
250 gm unsalted butter
1/2 cup castor sugar
2 cups of walnuts or pecans or a mix – blitzed to crumbs
1 1/2 cups plain organic flour

Cream the butter and sugar. Add the nutmeal and flour. Shape into 8cm logs and gently bend into a boomerang shape. Space well apart on a baking slide lined with baking paper. Bake @ 160 degrees C for 20 minutes until pale golden colour.
Cool, then dust liberally with icing sugar and store in an airtight container.

Self Portrait by David WhyteIt doesn’t interest me if there is one Godor many gods.I want to know if you belong or feelabandoned.If you know despair or can see it in others.I want to knowif you are prepared to live in the worldwith its harsh needto change you. If you can look backwith firm eyessaying this is where I stand. I want to knowif you knowhow to melt into that fierce heat of livingfalling towardthe center of your longing. I want to knowif you are willingto live, day by day, with the consequence of loveand the bitterunwanted passion of your sure defeat.I have heard, in that fierce embrace, eventhe gods speak of God.

Adios.
Happy and Peaceful Festive Season and New Year to you and yours.

Please share this newsletter with friends.
We look forward to welcoming you on a trip soon, whether it be imminently real, vicarious or armchair fanciful.

Warm wishes,
Marieke