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Daily Pampering: Seven chances to try a new job around the world

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) on May 5th 2010 at 4:00PM

Do you feel a bit confined by your gig? Sure, the cash is great, but you are held hostage by it. You can't throw it all away and chase your low-paying dream. Well, now you have a chance to turn the paycheck that keeps you in the office 14 hours a day into the chance to try something new, even if only briefly. Cox & King is offering several packages designed to give you a once-in-a-lifetime shot at living your dream.

1. The Textile Expert
The "Textiles of India" tour takes you to some of the most famous weaving centers in the country, including Varanasi (known for Benarsi silk wedding sarees), Kanchipuram (zardozi embroidery work on Mysore silks) and Jaipur (handmade block printed cotton fabrics). This experience lasts 22 days and comes at a cost of $12,735 per person (based on double occupancy).

2. Painting Papyrus
With the "Splendors of Egypt" and "Discover Egypt" tours from Cox & King, you can satisfy your jones for Egyptology and learn to paint, draw and write under the tutelage of one of the masters. Participate in the rare and fine art that dates back thousands of years (trips start at $4,075).

3. Fine Wine ... in Lebanon?
The Phoenicians sold wine to Lebanon more than 4,000 years ago, and it's believed that the Lebanese brought it to Spain and Italy. The fertile soil of the Bekaa Valley is the secret behind Lebanese wine, and you can get all the details on the "Lebanon & Syria: Empires Past" tour. Spend a day at Chateau Ksara, the oldest running winery in Lebanon, and learn the intricacies of the process of making Lebanese wine. This 15-night tour starts at $6,585.

4. South American Shutterbug
Click like crazy in Argentina on the Cox & King "A Photographic Journey: Buenos Aires & Northern Patagonia" tour. You'll travel with Diego Ortiz Mugica, known as the Ansel Adams of Argentina, and pick up some tips and tricks, against the backdrop of the Argentinean culture. This unique opportunity is only available from November 6 – 13, 2010 and starts at $5,894.

5. Study Primates in the Wild
Startin Kigali, Rwanda on the "Gorillas in the Mist" tour, and you'll climb into the world of gorillas. After a briefing, you'll enter Parc National des Volcans, where you'll enter their habitat and get great views of these massive creatures. The experience lasts four days and starts at $4,195.

6. Jewelry Craftsman
You could make jewelry in your living room ... but wouldn't be more interesting to try it in Mozambique? Go to Ibo Island, and experience classes with traditional silversmiths. You can even bring your old jewelry to melt down and use as a starting point (creating a bridge between old and new) or buy materials from the locals. This trip starts at only $1,585 a person.

7. The Origami Master
Put your fingers to work on an art form that dates back to the seventeenth century. You'll learn to fold paper into amazing creations and gain an appreciation for the history behind origami on the "Treasures of Japan" tour, which starts at $12,525 per person.

For more Daily Pampering, click here.

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Asia, South America, Egypt, Mozambique, India, Japan, Lebanon, Syria, Argentina, Middle East