The insiders guide to embracing change

It's been 8 months since our official move to our brand new home. I wouldn't have believed that after 15 years in the same place, I would be moving away from all the people whom I love and cherish to embark on a journey outside of my comfort zone. 

Needless to say, there's an old adage that states that life actually begins outside of said comfort zone and therefore, we should embrace this change, right? Well, it hasn't really been so in my case. 

They didn't tell me it would be this cold!

If I take you through the last 8 months, step by step, you would have a far better idea of my state of mind prior to arriving in a new town that offered few friends and even less memories. Sure I've visited this place before, a 2 hour flight away from my familiar playground and living space isn't exactly far from home. Once done with the visit, I'd pop back home after a couple of days of cold air and colder people. Everyone here is just doing "Me" and no one cares about the tourists and day-trippers. 

So there I was 8 months ago. Sure, I had some pretty challenging and unique circumstances that not everyone would face. I had to change my job, within a career I was building, separated from a company I loved dearly. At the time, I had no idea that there was life after this company, I had no idea what I was doing at all with the new one either! I had to pack up our lives, say goodbye to neighbours and friends with 3 weeks notice. I had to find a new place that was suitable for our needs and then, the farewell party - something the resembled a funeral. On top of all of this, moving is expensive. 

Sounds like fun and excitement to the 20-something version of myself, but the 30-something me wasn't enjoying the transition. I had dreamed about this move, I had even hoped for it, but I had no idea what hit me when it became a reality. I had to start at a new company with people who didn't know me from a bar of soap, in a town where I knew perhaps 20 people max. 4 of them were family and a couple were very, very old school friends that had last seen me with a couple of teeth and pigtails in Grade 3. Getting around was challenge enough because being on the road all day as a salesperson meant that I had to figure out how to drive around (for hours) and navigate my way through one way mazes in the centre of town. There was even a time that I drove down a one way into oncoming traffic. It took me forever to find the clients I needed to see, putting extra pressure on myself to perform. I missed the familiar faces I called on, those who knew me and my story.  

My husband and I were financially brought to our knees, so the next 8 months would ebb and flow between the life of kings and the life of peasants. We only had each other and life was all about making this an "adventure" until about a month in. I completely imploded into a depressive 6 month episode that would inevitably end with me realizing what I should have realized 6 months prior. Surrender to the flow and trust the timing of your life. 

It may not be easy, but it will be worth it - and hopefully pretty like a sunset

If you're feeling stuck in your current circumstance, here are some things that may help you to embrace some change. It's not a 'one size fits all' approach but perhaps you'll learn from my journey. If you're anything like I was, you may have to land up in hospital with colitis before you understand the meaning of surrender. Perhaps if that's not enough to help you see the light of relinquishing control, you'll have every door close in your face, lose your motivation and even find yourself face to face with someone pretending to listen to your boring sob story with glazed eyes and the occasional grunt to confirm they are still listening. If not, take heed of these gems. 

1. Whatever you believe it's going to be like, it probably wont happen the way you think it will. You can arrive guns blazing with a positive attitude and hope for the best, but life is going to shake your expectations and that's okay. Whatever change comes your way is meant to help you grow. 

2. You're so much stronger than you think, perhaps even more so than you believe! No matter what you face, how depressed you are or how many times you cry in disbelief that "this is my life!", you will be alright and things will get better. The pain you feel is temporary in the big picture. 

3. Your vibes will literally attract your tribe so make sure that you're aware of what you're putting out. One of my biggest breakthroughs was faking it, legitimately forcing a smile and pretending my life was amazing. The more I spoke words of joy and gratitude, the more good things started to happen. People will eventually get tired of your story. If you need someone to be a sounding board, turn to a handful of people you trust and leave the complaints at the door when you leave home. As you're driving to work, or when you wake up first thing, gently release yourself from unrealistic expectations. Count your blessings, brush your teeth and breathe. Oh dear child of the Universe, breathe.

4. You will question yourself and your decisions. This process almost looks like a self sabotage game of denial. You may even want to throw in the towel and retreat back to what you know. I can assure you that if you've come this far, you can turn back to what you left behind, but even that won't be the same even if you tried to recreate it. The chapter is over, have faith in the now.  

5. Maybe you're struggling financially, perhaps you're so broke you can't pay attention. The moment you get past the aggravation of not having total control of everything, is the moment you're free. You'll find that somehow, every single time in fact, you'll survive regardless of your current circumstances. Someone may bless you with money (happened to me) someone may give you extra business opportunities (happened to me) and somehow you'll find yourself at elaborate, fancy dinner parties where you're mingling and networking (and eating) with no extra cost to you (also me). The Universe will bless you with opportunities contrary to your current state of mind if you're willing to surrender and state your desires. In these moments you will recharge and you will gain strength. Celebrate in the small victories even while the tears flow, I believe that this is the greatest form of gratitude and gratitude opens the door to more good things. 

6. Your faith will be tested - so hard! If you don't have anything to believe in or a Higher Power to turn to, I suggest you work on Self Love and acceptance ASAP. If you've already got that in check, learn to pray. When I pray now, I pray from a space of surrender. Try it and you'll see that the Universe is working behind the scenes, with or without your participation. 

7. Change isn't a swear word. This means that while you've got one plan in mind and the Universe another, you need to trust that the change you're experiencing is polishing you like a diamond. You cannot and will not be the same person you were in a week from now, a month from now, a year from now. Your change may feel slow, but your growth will well up inside you when you realise that the circumstances didn't change, but you just got stronger. It's the rough tumbles here and the hard knocks there that will help you shine brighter than you were before you started. Change is the mirror that is held in front of us and forces us to see ourselves as we truly are. When you do that and embrace your state of being, you're liberated and nothing can eradicate your progress. 

Thanks life, I accept your giant lemon!

8. Be like Elsa - let it go. There was a time that everything that happened found me erupting into explosive episodes out loud and in stereo. My husband would stand and watch me red line in our living room because, wait for it, the garage door wasn't working or I spilled tea on the floor. Not really the kind of emotional quotient that fits the scene, right? I was burning out and I realised that if, at the very least, everything falls down around me, things will work out in the end with, or without, my rambunctious tantrums. 

9. This isn't where you'll be forever. There are times when you feel like this - just - won't end. You almost start tempting fate by declaring, "What next!", a dangerous place to be, believe me. You'll be served plenty more drama if you're willing to ask for it. Ever noticed how drama just attracts more drama? Well, if you're feeling like life is throwing you lemons, use both hands and pluck that baby off the tree for some meringue pie! The same works for joy. Be joyful, playful and stress less about life (while biting your tongue as the driver cuts in front of you) and you'll notice that your tolerance for change will improve and so will your health!

10. While all of this change is happening, try have some fun. Try new things, become inventive with your time. Attend free workshops, fun runs within the community or volunteer to another cause. There is nothing more rewarding giving back, when you have a "full cup", that is. When we are facing our own demons we want to run the opposite way of anything or anyone that requires us to invest in them. Remember that when you're serving someone other than yourself, be it through work, expressing kindness through random acts or sacrificing your time for another, you are practicing a form of meditation. The longer you stay in that space, the more peace you'll find. So give to others, it will ease your burden and it will hug your soul. 

11. Loyalty isn't as common as you may believe, not even from family. I've found that in the throws of change, you may lose friends. You may also find that you're able to make room for people who will understand where you're at right now. Others may stay clear of you for the sake of protecting themselves, while there are friends and family who may simply walk away because you no longer serve a purpose in their lives. Be okay with this. Friendships come and go and like to believe that each one serves a purpose. New friends are waiting to be made depending on what you need at the time, and their stories will make your life sweeter, just like that meringue pie I mentioned. 

~Namaste~

Beautiful Sabie

It's been a bucket list destination of mine for a long time. The thought of going through Mpumalanga, South Africa and enjoying the exploration of Pilgrim's Rest and God's Window have always pulled at my heart strings.

Unexpected trips are the best!

So there we were, contemplating what to do over New Years eve. We mulled over the thought of the ever so popular (and overdone KZN/beach trip) and then flitted between a two night stay in Clarens, Parys, Drakensberg - gosh anywhere but home! Looking at the map of Gauteng and surrounds, I found myself drawn to Mpumalanga. I browsed through accommodation and all enquiries turned up as dead ends as holiday makers filled up rooms across the country. We had left it too late. 

Blessings in disguise and the case of the missing passport

Chatting to my mom about her impending trip to Botswana, I learned that her plans had been foiled when her partner had lost and later found his (expired) passport, so their trip was called off and she began to tell me about her back up plan and camping adventures that awaited with my brother. 

I listened casually to her plans and packing lists, and her enthusiastic camping dreams fell onto my deaf ears. She had lost me at self catering and portable potty - gosh when did I become such a snob!

As her sentence ended I jokingly asked if there was space for a "Plus 2" so that Neil and I could join in. Suddenly before I was aware of my request an opportunity presented itself in the form of a last minute camping trip to, wait for it, Sabie, Mpumalanga!

Things I didn't know about Sabie (and camping) until I got there

1. We stayed at a place called Merry Pebbles, a pristine and immaculately well kept camping and Caravaning facility in Sabie. Highly recommended for the price you pay, onsite restaurant, hot and cold pools, water tubing and so much more! Excellent for kids and first time campers as well as those wanting to enjoy a chalet option. 

2. Sabie is damp - very damp. By day 5 I was over my first (and probably last) camping trip when the rain came down for two straight days. There are so many tree's and you're literally sleeping on the forest floor. Be sure to visit the Sabie Forestry Museum to learn more about paper, forestry and conservation. 

3. Sabie has it's own brewery, Sabie Brewing Co. - and you have to, have to try the Cherry cider!

4. Graskop is not "just down the road", it's about 40kms from Sabie and is pretty much where you'll find a strip of road where all the magic happens, including Harries Pancakes and tons of Macadamia nut vendors. 

5. Pilgrims Rest is a good 45 minute drive from Sabie. 

6. You'll see many, many, many waterfalls. And they will eventually all start looking the same. 

7. Don't go over peak season if you can help it, because everyone and their cousin is sitting in the waterfalls with a glass of whiskey. Not my idea of enjoying nature.

8. Mosquitoes are real, especially when hiking. Be prepared!

9. Pilgrims Rest is about 800 meters long, if you're into SA Gold mining history, it's a must, but if you're expecting a buzzing town you'll be disappointed.

10. It's just 4 hours from Joburg and the fresh air will clear your skin, sinuses and your lungs, just in time for your return to the pollution of Jozi Town!


We'll definitely be back and next time we'll take the boys. 
It's been 3 weeks and the tent is still scrunched in a pile in a bucket, at the back of our shed (perhaps we should look into that). 

Huge commendations to Merry Pebbles for their outstanding housekeeping and cleanliness. Do book yourself into a chalet if you're not into camping and enjoy the benefits of being in the forest without sleeping on the damp floor. 

Take your camera, a board game and some binoculars for the many eagles you'll spot daily along the Sabie - Pilgrim's Rest drive. 

Merry Pebbles 

Our first tent

The Sabie Forestry Museum

One of the many waterfalls in and around Sabie (Lisbon Falls)

Bourkes Luck Potholes 

One of the many views and mountain ranges

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The Pinnacle

Toothache - a reminder to count your blessings.

Remember I told you that life was about remembering and forgetting? 
Well if you didn't read that post, today was about remembering.

I sat in the waiting room for the doctor to call me. It's been a rough week for me, one that included moving my life (and the contents of our 5 year relationship) into my own little flatlet 8 kilometres from the place we once shared a home. 

As I sat in my chair in a pile, the faces around me all seemed fixated on me simultaneously, as if I had an oblong head, large black eyes and purple fur. It could have been my disgustingly good looks, everyone aches to sniffle like a boss, and believe me, I was owning this!

Use Depression As Your Guide

Standing at the payment counter, I resentfully handed over my new credit card. It had been taken out as an emergency option to pay my unexpected deposit on my flatlet as well as the move and first months rent to get there. The swipe for the R1 200 doctors bill left me cold - and angry. 

Being unwell is the tell tale sign that the Tan within, simply isn't happy. It happens to me every couple of months and of late, the gaps between ill-health and wellness have become smaller. 

See, I thought I was fine and upstairs I am, but emotionally my physical ailments tell a different story. Your body is your compass, listen to it and it will guide you. As I trudge through Checkers, my heavy feet and slumped over body verify my emotional state. My soul left the building a couple of days ago, as if on vacation while I deal with life. 

Face To Face With Toothless

As I blankly stare at the selection of water hose's in front of me (I think I landed up on auto-pilot at this stage) an obviously haggard and destitute young man approaches me. 

My initial reaction is a cold one, I know what's going to come out of his mouth and it's going to be a sob story. While I'm the first to help a helpless and lost cause, I'm not in the mood to listen to someone's whining. I've got my own problems. No doubt he needs "R6 for a loaf of bread". 

He starts rapping at me in Afrikaans, I catch fragments of familiar words I can make out between the pathetic grimace on his face. I tell him I don't have money, cash money. And then for some stupid reason I tell him I've got a card. My logic is that if he's going to bullshit me, I have a come back in the form of plastic. "Show me yours and I'll show you mine", I concoct. He's still pointing at his mouth, his teeth, his face. If you haven't gathered, my Afrikaans isn't that great. 

His "recital" takes us to the medicine counter inside the store. He's apparently looking for Naeltjie olie (a Clove oil mixture you put on infected teeth, a cheap alternative to seeing a dentist) and while I'm inquiring with the pharmacist, he's being interrogated by store security behind me. 

If you know me personally, you'll know that I'm pretty easy to manipulate. I have a soft spot for helping people that has been a trait since childhood (be sure to ask my mom about the time she came home from work and I had a friend, his mother and younger brother camping out in my room because they had nowhere to go) perhaps I'm just a problem solver :)

Wake Up Tan

As I stood paying for the Naeltjie olie at the counter, I resentfully handed over R40 as the pharmacist confirms that my mystery man had, in fact, visited the same counter 5 minutes before, just a few rand short of the transaction. 

Why was he making this my problem? Why the hell must I pay for his stuff, I've got bigger problems, I'm not in the mood to do charity and I'm in credit card debt - again! Why couldn't I just say no, walk away and be done with it.

At this stage my patience has worn thing, again if you know me at face value, you would never be able to tell the difference between an irritated and an irate me, they look the same but feel different on the inside. I hand over the little brown bag, with an almost sarcastic 'There you go". He hails back praises of gratitude in my direction and I could have sworn he called me Tannie! (Afrikaans for auntie, usually said to older women by younger people).

My inner dialogue was something along the line of "Bet you he's gonna be drinking with the money he saved on those drops", the bitter version of myself pushed my trolley back down the aisle. Where the heck were those wall frame hooks I had been searching for? And then it hit me. 

Swipe after swipe the woman at the checkout counter exchanges glances at me. "Would you like a plastic bag", she asks. She smiles gentle at me and I coax a feeble smile back in her direction. I had been so caught up in my own self pity that I had forgotten, until now, that I had just returned from a personal consultation with one of the best doctors in the country and received the best medication I could afford - because I can afford it. And yet, here's a man who cannot afford a dentist (for whatever reason he's downtrodden and out of luck) and is in need of something as inexpensive as a bottle of Naeltjie olie and I'm that neurotic, disbelieving and somewhat jaded individual feeling as if I'm being taken advantage of. 

Of course in this day and age (and living in South Africa) we are constantly being taken advantage of, but regardless of the circumstances, it was a reminder to be grateful for what I had, when it felt like I had the world against me and I was "so broke". 

As I leave the Checkers store the same man sits on the public bench near the exit of the store, he's eating a dry bread roll. I've just had a Wimpy burger, chips and a coke for R60. His Naeltjie olie cost me R34. I see the bigger picture. 

December Holidays With The In Laws

Every year it happens to me. Somehow my plans are changed, get snubbed out due to bad weather or finances or someone gets on my nerves. 

This year I've decided to consciously relinquish control and just go with the flow, even if I'm not the captain of the ship this year. Here are some of my coping tips if you're spending some time with the in laws.

Choose your battles

If you're anything like me, I battle to see the grey in a clearly black or white situation. There's always one black sheep that will rile you up and get you fuming. Martha Beck recently posted an excerpt from one of her books about family gatherings. 

Martha says, "Before you meet your relatives this season, take a few moments to sit quietly and acknowledge what you wish they were like. Then prepare to accept them even if they behave as they have always done in the past. At best you may be surprised to find that they actually are changing, that some of your wishes have come true. At worst you’ll feel regrettably detached from your kinfolk as you watch them play out their usual psychoses."

Always have a plan 'B' to keep yourself busy

Typically I shrug off family trips with "I'm gonna pack extra magazines just in case I get free time go under the radar for a bit". Problem is that when you've read every single downloaded magazine on your Zinnio App on the way down to Durban, you'll more than likely have nothing else up your sleeve for the next 8 days. 

My plan B's include :

• Updating my iPhone with the latest tracks from 2013 as well as some Golden oldies from the 80's and 90's off iTunes. Interestingly to know that until 26th of December iTunes has a gift a day (free downloads) to Apple users. Download the 12 Days of Gifts app to get your free gifts. 
• Shopping on the Amazon.com website for some Kindle books to download and sink my teeth into. I've mixed it up a bit purchasing books on Marketing, Angel Therapy and Gary Chapman's 5 Love Languages. 
• Downloading some games onto my iPad. Gosh I sound like an Apple Junkie but if you haven't downloaded fun apps like "Dumb ways to Die", "Can You Escape" and "Bitstrips" you're missing out! For those wanting something more practical, be sure to download Pick n Pay and Discovery Health's apps to view your profiles and find out how to earn points. 
• Catch up on those assignments. I'm going to have to put all my digital downloads onto my iPad so I can do some much overdue correspondence for my diploma. 

Be prepared for anything

This year I've been told I'm going to be sleeping 'open plan' on a blow up mattress. While I wasn't initially ecstatic that I wouldn't have any privacy, I'm glad I asked up front. I'll be taking my own hand held fans with back up batteries and charger. I will be pitching my mini 2 man tent in the lounge (no jokes) and I'm going to ensure that the I have enough mosquito repellent to keep the bugs away. Might as well do this on my terms, gotta get comfy for the 8 day stay!


Prepare for 2014

I'm kinda weird like this, but I like to plan. 
I always make sure that I have my favourite pen and journal for some time of reflection and introspection. Next year I'm planning to get more involved in wildlife, go away more often over weekend adventures and want to start dancing again. 

If you have the Pinterest app on your iPhone or iPad, you'll be able to browse around and create some mood boards for your upcoming wedding, business, dream home. It's a lot of fun. 

Be an observer - channel your inner voyeur

While I've been 'part' of my other half's extended family for 5 years, this is essentially only my 2nd stay over with them. My 2013 resolution was to take more videos, for the sake of capturing the essence of the memories being made around me. 

This year I'm going to be the voyeur for the close knit family, and observe. 
I wonder how much they will spill on film? Watch this space. 

Just chill, ok?

So wherever you are, whatever you're doing (or not doing) try make the most of it. Maybe inspiration will hit you, maybe you will sleep it all away after all it's your holiday too!

Be polite, be helpful and keep your opinions to yourself. 
Next year I'm going to 'Romania' - Remain here - but until then I'm gonna sit back, let them drive and see the upside of not having to do anything unless I'm told too.

Happy Holidays.

To MRU on MK

So you have been patiently waiting for my news, all the details on my trip to Mauritius and pics to follow (of course).

Firstly, let me apologise for the delay. It has been a whirlwind of a first month at my new post, but let me assure you that I'm a lot wiser than I was before I started. I've had my share of personal challenges, sickness (laryngitis) and of course a major travel bug, the kind that makes you want to explore the world!

Virgin Territory

Trust me when I tell you that as I handed over one role and left the company I was at on the Friday, the daunting beginning of starting at a new company the following Monday made the transition a reality with very little time to over analyse it all.

As my first week in my new role came to an end, I found myself on the eve of my first ever international flight to Mauritius (MRU) via Air Mauritius (MK). Craig was dropping me off at the Gautrain in Sandton and we would enjoy breakfast together before my departure. 

But why was I so uncomfortable? I mean, here I was about to grab a much anticipated (and to an extent a self fulfilled prophecy) travel opportunity and there I sat with tears in my eyes and mascara running down my cheeks. The more I tried to calm down and wipe those tears away, the more they ran. 

The rest of the morning my ride on the Gautrain and arrival at OR Tambo was all a blurred state of misery. I had convinced myself (as if I had a choice) that I could always just "pack up and go home". I relied on my inner mother voice to take over and after a firm talking to I sorted out my inner niggles coaxed myself towards a new adventure. 

It was a familiar discomfort, one I've felt many times in my twenties when I had to end a relationship, close the door to the past or move residence yet again. It was the feeling of complete fear, overwhelming exhaustion and a smolder of anticipation deep inside me. It's the very same fear that has pushed me through my personal boundaries many, many times before. 

Embracing The Unfamiliar

I have no doubt that if you're a personal friend of mine, you're probably reading this and shaking your head in disbelief that I could have been that stressed out about it all. The good news is that as tired as I was on so many levels and as unprepared as I was at the time for whatever 'Passport Control' meant or how to deal with it, I was ready to push out of my comfort zone for the sake of the experience. 

Slumped in my aisle seat, I decided to just relinquish it all for the sake of being 'present' and in the moment. The air host was a lovely man, his strong French Mauritian accent pinched me back to reality that this life long dream was in fact happening. 

6 Days Of Discovery - 10 Things I Never Knew Before This Trip

I won't bore you with my thought processes, I will however share with you a couple of travel gems for those unfamiliar with Mauritius and a couple of photos during my stay. A glimpse if you will into my adventures and discoveries. 

1. Mauritius is not 20 square kilometers! 
The island is approximately 300 kilometers if you take a round trip along the coast. The air is humid and salty on arrival and there is only 1 highway.

2. The people are really, really friendly. 
If there is a country we could all take a feather from, it's this one. They have a colourful variety of cultures and religions and yet they all get along and respect each other. 

3. They have fauna and flora that you've never seen before.
You know that you're in a different country when the animals and plants look different. I keep describing Mauritius as 'the set of Jurassic Park'. 

4. The island is surrounded by a lagoon. And by lagoon they mean a coral reef that wraps around the island protecting the shores from 'white horses' and shore break dumps.

5. If you want a bargain, go to the Port Louis market. I learned this the hard way, being ripped off terribly at a Boutique store. For half the amount of money, I purchased twice the amount of curios at the markets.

6. They bargain like bosses! Before I left someone told me that Mauritians don't barter, but believe me, they do. So if you're not au fait with talking down pricetags, this is a good country to start with.

7. An SPCA nightmare. The streets are littered with stray cats and dogs that just run around unattended and uncared for. This is good news if you're an animal lover wanting to change the world - Mauritius needs you!

8. There are coral reef's that will change your life. Next time I go, I'm taking an underwater camera. I lost so many opportunities to capture the Parrot fish, sea snakes and star fish that litter the reef just meters off the beaches. This is a divers paradise!

9. Go all inclusive. I noticed that things can get quite expensive over there, even though our Rand is 3x stronger than the Mauritian Rupee. With this said, don't underestimate the 4 and 5 star hotels that offer great value for money and all inclusive means you don't have to worry about a bill at the end of your stay. 

10. 21 Sub Climates to enjoy. Mauritius is as ever changing in climate as the 4 seasons in one day in Cape Town. Mozzies and humidity, rain and sunny skies. Something to look forward to no matter what part of the island you are on or what time of the day you're visiting. 

Air Mauritius

Found on the beach

View from my room at Le Meridien

How about a walk on the beach?

A selfy - pinch me I'm here!

Catching some sun

Breakfast at Shells Restaurant at Le Meridien

The Flame tree - like our Jacaranda only orange. 

Pamplemousse Gardens Giant lillies

Port Louis markets

View from my room at St Regis

A local birdie that is super cheeky and very colourful

Special treat - Henna tattoo by the ladies at St Regis

Boundless beauty

At the top of a lookout

Changes on the beach - bouldered and beautiful

Taking a drive

Le Meridien by night

Mountains - who would have thought?

Le Meridien by day

Heaven

Beaches at Le Meridien

Nirvana Room - Le Meridien

La Faya Restaurant - Le Meridien

View from the Family Suite - Le Meridien

More beautiful mountains

Site inspection at The Westin (Previously the Grand Mauritian)

I recognise you!

Beauty at The Westin

Old Catholic church at Pample Mousse Garden

Pample Mousse Gardens

 

Old Catholic Church near Pample Mousse Gardens

Sunset at St Regis

St Regis

St Regis

Pools at St Regis

St Regis

St Regis

This truly was a life changing experience which I would recommend to anyone who hasn't yet been. Just a 4 hour fight away and a holiday that is as affordable for couples as it is for families, Mauritius is on my 2014 calendar to share with my Toad. See you there!


Thank you to The Holiday Factory, Air Mauritius, Le Meridien & St Regis Le Morne as well as Connections Tours. 

For great deals on these hotels ask your local travel agent for The Holiday Factory packages.