Courier October Courier | Page 52

Meet the Members PRESENTED BY Belize Nature Getaway SAN IGNACIO, BELIZE NTA contact: Jackie Seanpaul, CEO and founder Office phone: +1.510.967.8570 Website: belizenaturegetaway.com NTA member since: 2015 What make Belize such an outstanding place to visit? Belize is a top vacation destination because of the unique and diverse experiences that only Belize can pro- vide: our barrier reef, the Great Blue Hole, ancient Mayan temples, a lush untouched rainforest, 500-plus species of tropical birds and butterflies, and the warm, friendly people in this English- speaking country. What are a couple of your company’s most requested tours? The bioluminescence lagoon nighttime boat ride is one of the most popular excursions, along with the Blue Hole tour and the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave tour that high- lights the ancient Mayan underground portals to the deceased. What are some other uniquely Belize experi- ences you provide? Beside those tours, there are culinary options including freshly prepared organic food, organic wine, fresh organic juices, and a bounty of herbs and spices. Also, luxury accommodations at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, which has its own iguana rescue project, are available. What was your dream job when you were growing up? I wanted to be a social justice lawyer so that I could be a champion for the less privileged. Where is one place you’ve always wanted to visit? I have done extensive traveling, but I still dream of spending time in Peru to compare the rainforest there with ours in Belize. For more information, contact Seanpaul at [email protected]. Plimoth Plantation PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS NTA contact: Janet Young, manager, group sales Office phone: +1.508.503.2653 Website: plimoth.org NTA member since: 1987 When did the museum open, and how has it evolved over the years? The museum was founded in 1947 by Harry Hornblower; this year is our 70th anniversary. He turned his fascination with the story of the Pilgrims’ journey and the Wampanoag people into a liv- ing museum. We have an extensive col- lection of artifacts from the period, and Hornblower’s spirit of curiosity contin- ues to inspire our work. What are some of the learning experi- ences available to travelers? Rather than reading about history in a book, we offer the unique opportunity 50 October 2017 to be part of history, whether it’s talking to role-players portraying the Pilgrims or participating with them in the daily activities at the 17th-century English Village or watching a Native educa- tor burn out a tree to make a mishoon (dug-out canoe). Tell me about the Mayflower II and the restoration project. Mayflower II is our full-size reproduc- tion of the original ship that brought the pilgrims to New England’s shore in 1620. The 60-year-old ship needed a substantial refit, so it is now at Mystic Seaport’s shipyard, where our team and their expert shipwrights are working to restore her in keeping with traditional methods. Mark your calendars to come see the ship in her restored glory in 2019! Christmas tree skirts. The first one I made was for my son, who at the time was in the U.S. Navy. I wanted him to have something to remember the family during the holiday season. What’s your favorite hobby? I enjoy designing and applique quilting For more information, contact Young at [email protected].