The 2007 KDavis Travels took us to adventures in new places and back to treasured favorites.  Surrounded by “nature’s museum” in  south Costa Rica, we saw parrots, toucans, sloths, white face monkeys, blooming plants that looked like animals—and the magnificent quetzal!!  Across the Atlantic, our other new destination, Sicily, provided a contrast showing us those beautiful manmade monuments:  the 5th century BC temple and amphitheater at Segesta, Neolithic cave drawings at Levorno and the mountain top sacred village of Erice.

   The contrasts in Italy never fail to surprise and inspire us.  The mix of green barley fields and red poppies, olive groves and expansive vineyards are classic Tuscany.  The Dolomites with cathedral spires, snow filled crevices, and meadows of wild flowers saturate the senses.  This was the third year for the north coast of the Devon-Cornwall border---enjoying once again our farmhouse B&B, the beautiful cliff and coastal hikes and, always memorable, Alison’s gourmet meals!

   San Miguel de Allende, Mexico offered a very different experience. Declared an historical monument in 1927, San Miguel de Allende retains the original beauty of its colonial roots. It was Festival week in San Miguel—a city remembering its patron saint—with street processions, music, Indian Conchero dancers and incredible fireworks. Wow! was all that we could say.

   In 2008, we are adding two new adventures to our itinerary:  Santiago, Spain, and the island of Zakynthos, Greece.  Easter week will find us in Spain hiking portions of the El Camino and other pilgrimage routes that all lead to Santiago and to the pageantry, music and processions in celebration of Easter.  Then early October is an ideal time to visit the Greek island of Zakynthos.  Our paths will weave through olive groves, small villages, provide views of the surrounding Ionian Sea, with stops at local tavernas for fresh fare and wonderful Greek hospitality! 

   On each of these trips we travel in a small group after meeting in a designated spot and then disbanding at the week’s end—allowing the perfect time for independent travel before or after our week together. A local guide is with us for the week, providing the local color that only a native can do. With the exception of Devon and Greece, I accompany all trips.

   On most trips we stay in one location for the week allowing us to settle into the life of the village. We are “fair trade” travelers at KDavis Travels—we trade directly with local hotels, cafes, vendors, transport and guides. This benefits the community and in turn gives our small group an intimate, up-close experience of the culture.

   We return home talking about our discoveries, the experience of the authentic culture, the people, and the place. If this is the kind of travel experience you are searching for, then I invite you to travel with us in 2008.

Nashville, TN
Davis-Kidd Booksellers
Green Hils Mall
Nashville, TN
Tuesday, January 8, 7:00pm

Knoxville, TN
Cedar Bluff Library
9045 Cross Park Dr.
Knoxville, TN
Saturday, January 12, 3pm