Where can you find a blue elephant in Thailand? How did an elephant make history in St. Thomas, Ontario? And what do you do with an orphaned albino elephant in South Africa?
Yes, there is a theme going on here and all your questions are answered in Episode 3 of my new TV show, What’s on Your Post Pandemic Bucket List?
As you know, I have been working tirelessly as an advocate, and my new show will get people booking travel again and will help reboot the $1.5 trillion-dollar global tourism industry.
I am also thrilled that my new show will be added to Air Canada’s enRoute in-flight entertainment system starting in January 2021, and in the meantime, you get a sneak-peak at all the action.
Even better, in this show, you get to learn more about my favorite animal, the elephant, in different contexts, locally and around the world.
St. Thomas: RIP Jumbo
St. Thomas, Ontario, is a town where “no elephant has been killed in over 135 years” – yes that’s their tagline and I had the chance to learn more about Jumbo, and his statue is must-visit landmark in this quaint destination that attracts visitors year-round.
Jumbo was sadly killed here on the train tracks when he was here traveling with the P.T. Barnum Circus. Legend has it that he was trying to save another baby elephant, Tom Thumb, who happened to be stuck on the tracks. However, the other story is – and we’re not sure which one to believe – is that he was drinking because this guy sure did like the sauce, according to some sources.
While in St. Thomas, I had time to enjoy some great coffee at Las Chicas Del Café.
Valeria Soliman sat down with me to talk about “all things coffee” and their roasting techniques.
There is a lot more that goes into just drinking a cup of java; lots of care goes into each serving and this place is a hit because they boast “tradition, quality, and responsibility.”
I then ventured off to the St. Thomas Elevated Park – a first in Canada. The park was built by the community, for the community, and it is a remarkable transformation that will be years in the making, involving the support of everyone.
This locale will boast a repurposed rail bridge, towering 100 feet over the valley floor, 3.5 km of naturalized trails where you can walk, run, and cycle, and fully wheelchair accessible. It is a place to relax and offers so much community spirit with its public art displays and child friendly attractions.
Serge Lavoie, who is the President of Track St. Thomas, showed me around and he provided me with the amazing opportunity to experience this elevated park first-hand.
The park is really interesting: it once was home to historic rail tracks, and all sorts of history, and now Paw Paw Trees that you would normally find in the deep south of the USA. They are here as a symbolic feature because of their connection to the Underground Railroad when the Slaves came north, escaping horrific conditions.
Now off to one of the most beautiful places on earth: Jabulani Safari, South Africa
After learning more about St. Thomas, we then venture off to the Jabulani Safari, an incredible destination in South Africa.
And, yes, I feature more on elephants, even an orphaned albino who is enjoying a new safe haven.
Adine Roode runs the operation and she joined me virtually to tell me more about the safari and the story behind the elephants and their organization’s commitment to conservation.
The safari has a hotel on site too, and it is out of this world. I visited it right before COVID and fell in love with its’ wooden style lodge, amazing elephant themed architecture and gracious suites for guests. The 5-Star hotel is a place to indulge in every sense, and a great place to explore the African wild and reconnect with nature. I saw all the big 5 there and met the very first rescued Elephant Jabulani, as well as did a walking safari which I said I would never do but loved it!
The Blue Elephant, Thailand: Royal Thai Cuisine in a luxury setting
After departing South Africa, we then travel off to The Blue Elephant in Thailand. To make the show extra special, I interview Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, who is one of Thailand’s top chefs – everyone knows her name! In fact, she is a legend in her own right in Thailand. She learned the tricks of the cooking trade from her mother and now she shares scores of amazing dishes to tourists and locals year-round. I first met Chef Noroor in 2017 when I attended one of her classes and vowed to return. Last year visited again with a small group with Food Network star chef Massimo Capra and a few other travel guests and we had the time of our lives.
Oh, Belize, you never disappoint
From bustling Bangkok, I headed to Belize and enjoyed some well-deserved R&R (rest and relaxation) and a margarita (or two) on the beach.
This Caribbean country is located on the northeastern coast of Central America, and has a very unique history with the Maya Civilization, and is full of diversity: so many languages reflect its rich history and culture, and the scenery here, no matter where you go, is just out of this world.
Karen Bevans, Director of Tourism, Belize, joined me for an interview. This is a place that you’ll want to add to your pandemic bucket list, that’s for sure. I have not yet been to this tropical location, but I will be travelling there soon.
Bevans reveals why Belize is so special – the food, the people, the history, the culture, and the list could go on!
You want more? You got it! More episodes coming right up travel fans!
My TV show is a now a big hit, according to viewers in Canada and around the world, and I have more episodes that will be launched so that everyone can learn more about amazing and off-the-beaten path places to visit once we get past this pandemic.
Sure, the pandemic may have slowed us down, but my show will continue to get people planning their trips and this will only help the travel industry in a big way.
And yes, when you board an Air Canada flight in the new year, check out my show on the Travel Channel on the enRoute entertainment system.
If you want to be on my show, or have ideas for destinations, then contact me today. I am here and glad to help everyone in our industry!
Meet Lorraine Simpson
Lorraine Simpson knows travel, inside and out. Who better to share insights and perspective on the reinvention of the industry that has been battered globally by COVID-19 than someone who has reinvented their own travel persona? Simpson has the experience, know-how, and insight that will help guide a realignment of the $1.5 trillion-dollar industry.
In a small unfinished basement, she set up her first travel company focused on destination weddings in 2005. Fast forward to 2010 and with no financial backing, Simpson transformed her company into a $4 million success story. As part of her own reinvention, Simpson then shifted into the luxury group speciality travel market, and her story comes full circle this year with a move from travel agent to travel personality and leading travel expert in national and international media. With this enhanced public profile, Simpson is helping travel brands reinvent themselves amid global uncertainty in the industry.
Simpson is a two-time Magellan Award winning travel entrepreneur and now the CityLine TV Travel Expert. She has recently launched her own TV show, What’s On Your Post-Pandemic Bucket List? She is a popular keynote speaker at travel events and conferences across North America and round the world and works as a travel advocate with ACTA (Association of Canadian Travel Agencies).
