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DIT Travel Blog




Silversea Caribbean Cruise

1/22/2022

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Silversea Caribbean Cruise Aboard the Silver Wind
December 9-17, 2019

by Carol Farnworth
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We love to get away to warm places in the winter. So my husband John and I selected an Eastern Caribbean voyage on Silversea Cruises' Silver Wind. The ship holds 274 passengers and 239 crew. However, since this was a sailing date right before Christmas, there were only about 200 on our sailing. I appreciated the slightly quieter atmosphere and extra public space. 

HOW ABOUT SOME CARIBBEAN ATMOSPHERE BEFORE WE GO?
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PRE-CRUISE
We flew down to Puerto Rico one day early, which I always recommend for a cruise. Taxis from the San Juan airport to our hotel had a set rate of $23. 
We stayed the night at Courtyard by Marriott in San Juan.  It was acceptable.  No one at this type of hotel was available to help with bags.  Last time we were in San Juan we stayed at the Sheraton, but hotel availability in San Juan always seems tight and there were no bargains.  We had been assigned a 2:00pm check in time at the pier. I am so glad we decided to allow lots of extra time to get across the city to the waterfront. Three very large cruise ships were in port (at a different port than for Silversea), traffic getting through the city was unbelievable.  One fellow passenger said it took an hour and a half for her taxi to reach the ship.  And she said they were only about 5 miles away.

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PORT THOUGHTS
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Our cruise started from San Juan, Puerto Rico, then we sailed onto St. Barts, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. John and finally ended in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. We had visited all these ports on prior cruises (except Samana)—so we didn’t take any of the organized ship excursions and just wandered around on our own.

We were supposed to also visit La Romana in the Dominican Republic, but there was a schedule problem and we visited Samana instead, also in the Dominican Republic.  
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Since our last St. Lucia visit a quite nice shopping area around the pier has developed. The ship also organized a complimentary late afternoon beach party on St. Lucia. While we were not able to attend,  we heard it was very nice, with music from two steel bands.​

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There was similar development dockside in St. Maarten​. We were stunned when three gigantic cruise ships were in port along with us.  Over 16,000 cruise passengers suddenly descended on the port of Philipsburg! 


Here is the deck plan for the Silver Wind.
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SEA DAYS
​Maybe because this was a fairly port intensive cruise, there was not a great deal of organized activity on the two sea days. Golf putting and trivia seemed to be the best attended activities of the day. Most people seemed content to be out on deck. There were no photographers on board and  no art auctions. Library was nicely stocked with comfortable tables and chairs, although we never saw anybody sitting in there. There are additional books in the Observation Lounge at the top of the ship. This deck is also where the fitness center and spa/beauty salon are located. Yoga and other classes are held in this lounge but I never saw anybody in it otherwise. It was a poor utilization of space.(MOBILTY NOTE: The Silver Wind was the perfect size ship for us, since my husband John needs a transport chair pushed most of the time.  He can walk just short distances.  It was  odd that no regular elevator to reach Deck 9. You either have to take stairs from the outside deck, or from Deck 8 there is a wheelchair lift up to the higher deck.) 

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SHIP DECOR AND CONDITION
The ship is scheduled for refurbishment to expedition status in 2020. I had read on-line reviews before boarding which made it sound like drydock was WAY overdue, so I was not expecting the ship to look great and I was pleasantly surprised. I found the carpeting, upholstery and general condition of the ship to be very good.  There was lots of dark wood, marble and tile, which I understand will be updated to a more modern look with the refurbishment. UPGRADE NOTE: A major upgrade in December 2018 saw Silver Wind looking better than ever. A second refurbishment in November 2021 saw her benefitting from a strengthened to ice-class hull and made her one of the most adaptable ships in Silversea's fleet. 
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OUR STATEROOM 
We had a midship veranda suite which was very comfortable. It had a layout similar to mini-suites on Princess but just wider giving a bit more space. It also had a walk-in closet, a bathtub and shower. The  bathroom size was okay, but not overly spacious and somewhat dark and it could use better lighting. The television in room had the regular assortment of news and other shows plus on-demand television shows and movies. The room service menu is 24/7 and very impressive - really the best I have seen on any ship. They also will serve the menu from the restaurant in your room if you wish, but that’s sort of in the fine print of information.​

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OUR BUTLER
Each suite has butler service. In addition to a regular room steward, our butler was from India and he was movie star handsome! He helped us arrange for a minor repair to John's transport chair done and even helping tie John's tie for the formal night.  Living in casual Oregon John had forgotten how to do this! 

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DRESS CODE
​Speaking of dress code, the Silversea website says:
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Shipboard attire ranges from casual to formal. Casual wear is appropriate for daytime aboard ship or ashore and consists of standard sports outfits as worn at five-star resorts. Shoes should be flat or low heeled for deck activities. Evening attire falls into three categories: casual, informal and formal. On casual evenings, pants, blouses, skirts and casual dresses for ladies; open-neck shirts and slacks for gentlemen are appropriate. On informal evenings, ladies usually wear dresses or pantsuits; gentlemen wear jackets (tie optional). Appropriate formal evening wear for ladies is an evening gown or cocktail dress; gentlemen wear tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suits. Tie is required. On formal nights, guests may dine in La Terrazza and choose to dress informal; dresses or pantsuits for ladies, jackets for gentlemen (tie optional).  Dining at The Grill is optional casual attire all nights. Following dinner on the formal night, all guests are free to take advantage of any or all public spaces, however, jacket is required. Sailings of 9 days or less typically feature 1 formal night, while longer voyages usually have 2-3 formal nights. 
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However, despite the code and the brochure photos, we found the dress code to be far less formal.  On the formal night men are supposed to wear a jacket to dinner.  Many did not, and there was no fuss about that.  

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LOUNGES AND ENTERTAINMENT
People gathered for cocktails either in The Bar or in the Panorama Lounge. There was comfortable seating in both areas, with live music before and after dinner but tiny dance floors. Entertainment and shows were in the ship’s Show Lounge. For a small size ship, it seemed unusual how large the the lounge tiered seating and a good size stage. There were no extravagant shows like on the big ships. There were six young people called the Voices of Silversea who performed in various shows, but these were sadly rather poorly attended. The cruise director was Colin Barbierre-Brown, who was a real class act and a trained concert pianist. He did three classical oriented programs that were excellent. ​

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DINING
​The Restaurant is open for full service breakfast, lunch and dinner. It was pretty sparely attended except for dinner.  The room itself is just one large space. It could really use being somehow broken up so you don’t feel you are in a convention-type dining room. There was not even candles on the table or ambient lighting at night. Dinner menus were were three pages. The top page changed nightly and the second two pages of choices changed every three or four days.

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There were always choices of a lobster dish, beef tenderloin, NY steak, etc. It was quite good except I found I needed to season food more than I would normally. The portion side was perfect.

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Just off The Restaurant is a small space called La Dame. It is a specialty restaurant with concentration of pairing wines with the menu. It has a $60 cover charge.  It did not seem super popular, but I  spoke to a couple of people who dined there and thought it was excellent. 

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La Terraza is another venue for meals. Has outdoor dining space as well at back of ship.  Very popular breakfast and lunch, buffet. Waiters would take special orders for breakfast, like omelets, eggs Benedict, etc. I thought it could also use a daily breakfast special, like some kind of crepe or quiche.  Lunch was pretty much the same daily with salads, meats, and pizza made to order. John is more a fan of pizza than I am but he said it was nothing special. However they did always have sushi and sashimi (which I love) so I was a happy camper. A daily pasta special at lunch would have been nice. On the last day they had a fabulous cold shellfish buffet. It was so impressive, people were taking photos of it.  At night La Terraza turns into a Italian restaurant with waiter service, homemade pasta and a number of other choices. It was very nice with lovely atmosphere and we ate here twice. If you are sailing with Silversea, definitely book ahead for dinner reservations. We were on a waitlist for our last dinner. It is always easier to cancel than to get on board and be disappointed not to be able to dine here.

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The Grill is one of the most inviting poolside casual restaurants I have seen on any ship. Instead of buffet style, there are menus and orders taken at your table for lunch. There were excellent appetizer platters, wraps, hotdogs, hamburgers and desserts. John figures we drank at least $100 worth of champagne (the real stuff) one day at lunch. On occasional nights they also have a casual Hot Rocks dinner option where they heat flat stones super hot and you cook your own dinner at your table – shrimp, salmon, steaks.  ​

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Afternoon tea is also served in La Terraza, or you can opt for it to be served in your room. It was a lovely presentation with a choice of perhaps eight loose teas and a three-story tower of pastries, sandwiches, cakes, cookies and  scones.  There was lovely live music.
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THE CREW
The crew could not have been nicer or more helpful.  They really go out of their way to be friendly and made sure we were happy.  The wait staff, a mix of European and Indonesian and Filippino people, were excellent. 

This cruise was the perfect, warm,  luxurious escape that we needed!
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Terranea

1/22/2022

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Extraordinary Oceanfront Experiences ​at Terranea Resort

by Wynette Brecher
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I flew down to Southern California with my husband Bob for a long weekend getaway at Terranea Resort. I'd long heard about this oceanfront resort, which opened in 2015, and was eager to check it out for myself. Terranea is an 582-room property in Ranchos Palos Verdes, which is a 30-minute drive from Long Beach airport or 60 minutes from LAX.

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Check in was done in the main lobby and while there was always a line of people waiting, they do give you a glass of prosecco while you wait. Funny how people don’t mind the wait while they have a cocktail in hand! The hotel is very pet friendly and there were a lot of dogs.
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Guestrooms start at about 400 square feet. Ours had a small balcony which overlooked the property and the ocean. There is little privacy on the balconies so you can friendly with your neighbors quickly! The rooms are well appointed with small refrigerators and a coffee maker, bathrobes, slippers and bath amenities. The closet was a bit small. There was a huge television on the wall and lots of outlets for electronics. The bathrooms were a good size but only one sink. The shower, I have to say was less than ideal. It had a small showerhead and low water pressure. The California Coastal Commission has a lot of regulations and this hotel falls under them, so it does not sound like the water pressure can be adjusted. 
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Terranea Resort’s scene-stealing backdrop has attracted Hollywood film crews since the 1950s, when Lloyd Bridges starred as ex-Navy diver Mike Nelson in the popular TV adventure series, Sea Hunt. The popular black-and-white program was filmed in and around the present resort site throughout four seasons from 1958 – 1961. At the time, the land was home to Marineland of the Pacific, a seaside animal theme park, which was the world's largest oceanarium when it opened. Sea Hunt is recognized as the first television series that focused on underwater adventures and provided an early platform for the protection of the Earth’s resources. Since then, Terranea’s dramatic landscape and oceanfront setting has been featured in numerous television and feature film productions, including: Pirates of the Caribbean, The Aviator, Charlie’s Angels, Savages, and many more.

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The hotel has four restaurants, a cafe and a bar. The restaurants are open to the public and they are busy. They do have a huge Sunday brunch which was lovely. A guest favorite for casual dining, Nelson’s is perched directly above the ocean coves. The cliff-top eatery pays homage to Sea Hunt's Mike Nelson, as well as actor Lloyd Bridges’ lifetime efforts to protect the environment and the ocean. Guests enjoy coastal cuisine and a warm, friendly bar atmosphere surrounded by outdoor fire pits and unrivalled sunset views. 

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Terranea has their own garden, beehives, and sea salt conservatory where they do tours here for a fee. There was lots of lovely landscaping.
There are four pools and all were busy. The Resort Pool is the family pool with a slide. The Vista Pool is filled with salt water and is open for guests 13 yrs and up, but the teens didn't appear to want to hang out there so it was the quietest of the four pools.  The Cielo Pool is the “adults only” salt water pool. But if you were over 30, it was not the place for you! The Spa Pool was nice (18 and over) and the hotel kindly arranged a complimentary cabanas for us there.
There is a good size spa, spa cafe, fitness center  and treatment rooms.  Food is served poolside at the Spa Pool. They also have a salon for hair and nails.  The spa does have offerings for pregnant women and seems to be quite a draw for babymoons. 
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Terranea does offer wonderful active adventures like kayaking, paddle boarding, archery and falconry for an hourly fee. We choose to kayak and saw a lot of sea lions and pelicans. There were many of hiking trails around the property. The Tide Pool Kids Club is available for a fee. Kids from 2-12 are welcome in the Kids Club.

The resort hosts a lot of weddings. We saw two in the short time we were there. There were also various meetings going on, they have a very large meeting space area.
The resort has a “vacation home” program as well. These are the villa units, 2-3 bedroom (basically they are residences), all individually owned and decorated. All are fully stocked with linens and kitchenware. The rules on these however is that the owner /renters cannot occupy them for more than 90 days per year and not for more than 30 days at a time. Again these are Coastal Commission rules.  Rentals start at about $1,000/night.
It is a large property and you can get around by golf cart but again, with the place being so busy there was up to a 20 minute wait for a golf cart during the dinner hour. Golf is nearby and they do offer a golf academy.
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The dress code is basically country club casual but there were a lot of families dressed very informally. ​
This resort is good for multi generational families, girl friend getaways, wedding parties, groups, and of course babymoons. Couples seeking privacy and a quieter environment would do better elsewhere.  Terranea could be an excellent place to stay before or after an ocean cruise departing from San Pedro or Long Beach.
Rates start at about $400/night plus their daily resort fee.

​If you book this hotel through Dimensions in Travel, you have access to these outstanding
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ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE AMENITIES:
  • Breakfast for two daily (up to a $60 value per room) in Catalina Kitchen or via in-room dining
  • $100 resort credit per room, per stay
Do let me know if I can book this Southern California oceanfront escape as a long weekend for you!
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Egypt

1/19/2022

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Journey to Egypt and Down the Nile
by Jill Romano 

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Dimensions in Travel agency owner Jill Romano and her husband Bob loved
their visit to Egypt in October 2019. They were part of an advisory board of top travel agency
owners hosted on the trip by Abercrombie & Kent. 

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DAY 1 (SFO - Cairo):
We arrive in magnificent Cairo. Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) provides us with a VIP Meet and Greet. They whisked us from the terminal gate straight in to a car to a lounge to wait for them to process our visas. Love it!

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Our hotel was the riverfront Four Seasons Nile Plaza which offers great views over of the City.  All vehicles must stop at entrance for inspection and all handbags are checked carefully but respectfully at front door. It is a beautiful, grand hotel, the rooms are quite large and they offer a very extensive buffet breakfast. There is a small shopping mall adjacent to the hotel accessible via a private entrance.

An A&K Tour Manager traveled with us every day plus our local tour guide and one security officer (yes, well hidden, but still obvious gun).  We saw security everywhere in the city and many checkpoints - it’s the world we live in. However we found the Egyptian people to welcoming and gracious.

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DAY 2 (Cairo):
This morning, we visited Sakkara, a necropolis (cemetery) for the ancient Egyptian city of Memphis and site of the first pyramids. We viewed the famous Step Pyramid of King Djoser with its six tiers representing the pharaoh's stepladder to heaven and admired the beautiful tomb art which offers us great insight into the lives of the ancient Egyptians. We marveled at the Serapeum of Sakkara, burial place of the Apis bulls, sacred animals said to be incarnations of the deity Ptah. Ponder along with scholars as to why the sarcophagi are so much larger than the animals themselves.

We returned to our hotel for lunch and an Advisory Board meeting. While the board convened, travel companions who were not agency owner joined a local expert for a walking tour of Islamic Cairo. They explored the Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan, built in AD 1356.
 
Tonight, we celebrated the beginning of our journey at a  special Welcome Dinner  at the home of Amr Badr, the Managing Director of Abercrombie & Kent, Egypt & Middle East. Joining us were prominent Egyptian leaders in the arts, history, theatre, politics and tourism. It was quite an evening!


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Day 3 (Cairo)
Off to visit see the Sphinx! Normally, all tour buses must stop and guest clear a security area, then back on the buses before continuing to the site.  A&K guests are able to bypass this. We begin with private access to the paws of the Great Sphinx, close enough to touch them, as well as a special one-hour onsite lecture by Dr. Zahi Hawass, the renowned Egyptian archaeologist and former Minister of State for Antiquities Affairs.

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Then we go on to explore the Giza Plateau, site of the pyramids of Mycerinus and Chefren as well as the Great Pyramid. Built in the Fourth Dynasty (approximately 2690 BC), the Great Pyramid is the only survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We did the Ride Like a Local program on camelback and visited the Solar Boat Museum, the site of Cheops' funerary boat, the world's oldest intact ship.

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We transferred to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM to open October 2022) which houses more than 100,000 artifacts from prehistory through the Greek and Roman periods. While the massive building is not yet open to the public, we were granted hard hat access to the Restoration Laboratories, where scientists and artists are working to restore priceless relics.

At the Marriott Mena House Hotel, we enjoyed lunch and the the restaurant offer breathtaking views of the towering pyramids and the hotel's lush, landscaped gardens. We attend an afternoon Advisory Board meeting at the hotel. As  the historic wing is currently closed for renovation,  A&K does book the newer wing for all their travelers who stay here. While they have no views of pyramids, Mena House is still the closest hotel to the Pyramids.
 
This evening's special dinner was at the historic Abdeen Palace, one of the official residences of the President of Egypt and former home of the nation's kings, where we were joined by a special guest speaker on Egyptian culture. We had the chance to visit the Throne Room and Winter Garden.  The hotel is only open for state functions, not the traveling public.


Day 4 (Cairo):
This morning, we explored 7,000 years of history at the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, home to the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including treasures from Tutankhamun and items dating to 4000 BC. We also viewed its famed Mummy Room, featuring the remains of Egypt's pharaohs and nobility, including Ramses II who was one of Egypt's most powerful pharaohs. There is NO air conditioning in the museum, so bring a fan and bottle of water.  When the GEM opens, curators will be moving many of the artifacts (in particular the pharaohs) and will host a grand celebration through the city.
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After lunch at a local restaurant, we joined a local Jewish expert at a restored, century-old synagogue to discuss Egypt's Jewish diaspora. Up until the early 20th century, 80,000 Egyptian Jews lived alongside the nation's Muslims and Christians. Today, this number has dwindled to less than a dozen. The association Drop of Milk seeks to preserve the  story of this diaspora and its fading legacy.

This evening we gathered for dinner at a local restaurant with stunning Nile River views.


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Day 5 (Cairo - Abu Simbel - Aswan - Sanctuary Sun Boat III)
Early this morning, we took a 45-minute charter flight to Abu Simbel, site of the magnificent temple of Ramses II. There are actually two temples, the Great Temple of Ra-Harakhte, fronted by the four colossal statues of Ramses II (each nearly 70 feet tall) and the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Ramses' beloved wife Queen Nefertari. When floodwaters from Lake Nasser and the High Dam project threatened to leave the temples permanently submerged, they were cut into pieces, raised up the hillside from their old lower location and then reassembled around a concrete dome on the new site. 

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After lunch, we boarded our charter flight to Aswan, the launching point of our Nile cruise. The Sanctuary Sun Boat III is an intimate river yacht representing the ultimate in luxurious Nile cruises. This elegant Egyptian vessel carries up to 36 guests in beautifully designed accommodations on four decks.  It has 18 beautifully designed unique cabins with two royal suites and two presidential suites. Modelled on the opulent era of the 20s and 30s, Sanctuary Sun Boat III offers delicious sumptuous meals in the restaurant, afternoon tea in the stunning lounge, and refreshing cocktails on the sun deck. . The reception staff offered us  chilled fruit juice and assisted with check-in.
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Later we did the Ride Like a Local program in a traditional Nile felucca (sailing boat) around Elephantine and Kitchener's Islands with an opportunity to view the splendid Aga Khan Mausoleum high above the river. We returned to Sanctuary Sun Boat III for a cocktail reception and a gourmet dinner.

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Day 6 (Nile River Cruise aboard the Sanctuary Sun Boat III - Luxor)
We began our day with a motorized boat ride to Philae Temple on the island of Agilika. This sacred complex was dedicated to the Goddess Isis and reflects a fusion of three great civilizations: Egyptian, Greek and Roman. The temple was dismantled and then painstakingly reassembled when the Aswan High Dam was constructed in the 1960s. The dam spans the Nile River, more than two miles across and incorporating 16 times the amount of material that went into the Great Pyramid at Giza. It provides irrigation and hydroelectric power to much of Egypt.
 
Afterward, we enjoyed lunch as we cruised to Kom Ombo (Hill of Gold) to visit the Greco-Roman temple dedicated to Haroeris (the sun god) and Sobek (the crocodile god), who was considered by some ancient Egyptians to be the creators of the world. 

Back on board, we enjoyed time to relax, admiring the scenery as we sailed towards Luxor. Later we joined our chef for a cooking lesson featuring Egyptian specialties, followed by afternoon tea and a scenic sundowner. Tonight, we attended a festive Egyptian-themed costume party onboard the boat. We savored a buffet of local cuisine, danced and listened to music, and since we wished to look the part, we tried on complimentary galabeyya (traditional Egyptian robes.​

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Day 7 (Luxor)
After an early breakfast, we visited the Temple of Karnak, via motor boat across the Nile to the west bank. Then we went onto the Valley of the Queens. The site's highlight, the beautiful tomb of Ramses II's beloved wife Queen Nefertari, is said to be the finest tomb in Egypt, with vividly colored artwork and a ceiling painted with stars.

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We continued to the historic Valley of the Kings to marvel at the tomb of Tutankhamun and the superbly preserved tomb of Seti I, with its art-filled walls that set the precedent for all the tombs that followed. We also enjoyed special, private access to the tomb of Amenhotep II, not currently open to the public and we also had a choice to see Ramses VI and we were the only ones in the tomb - incredible! . Discovered in 1988, the tomb is considered one of the most important in the Valley of the Kings. It is particularly renowned for its vivid illustrations of the netherworld.

Later, we had a private visit to the home of Howard Carter, famed archaeologist credited with the profound discovery of Tutankhamun's intact tomb. View many artifacts actually owned and used by Carter, including his cameras and darkroom equipment, which he used to catalog the astonishing treasures uncovered in the tomb. 


 We continued with a photo stop at the fabled Colossi of Memnon, two enormous seated statues of Amenhotep III, known in Ancient Greek times for their haunting voices at dawn. From here, we returned to our motor boat by bike (or vehicle).
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This afternoon, we chose from two Design Your Day options:
  1. East Bank of Luxor  - Continue exploring the Nile's east bank at the Temple of Karnak, a sprawling monument bearing the mark of 30 pharaohs. Over the span of centuries, each ruler added their own monuments to the temple, making it the largest open-air religious site in the country. Proceed to Luxor Temple, ancient Egypt's most significant religious center.
  2. Funtasia Cultural Center - We all visited this wonderful school and I highly recommend it for all my clients. This is a project supported by A&K Philanthropy and offers after school programming for local children, ranging in ages from 4 to 16 years old. The center focuses on strengthening confidence, communication and collaboration with young people using tools such as the arts, gardening, poetry, nutrition, health and coding. It is taught by locally trained facilitators. The aim is to prepare youth for a life of meaningful connections with people, for the job market of tomorrow, and to use creativity as a means to finding solutions to their challenges.
 
We returned to 'Sanctuary Sun Boat III for afternoon tea. Tonight's farewell dinner was a gala affair, with white-gloved waiters serving gourmet cuisine.


Day 8 (Luxor - Cairo)
Early in the morning, we bid farewell to Sanctuary Sun Boat III. After disembarking, we flew by charter flight to Cairo, where we enjoyed lunch followed by a visit to the Azza Fahmy Jewelry Gallery. Join the famed jewelry designer for a behind-the-scenes look at the intricate craftsmanship incorporated into every piece of her handcrafted jewelry and a discussion on how she gained access to the historically male-dominated field of jewelry making in 1967.
 
We spent the rest of our afternoon at leisure or shopping at Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, one of the city's major souks (open-air marketplaces).
 
Tonight's farewell dinner was a private affair at the Madam Sadat’s home.  She personally greeted everyone and welcomed us in to a lounge space where she spoke candidly for about an hour, then we were treated to a buffet of traditional Egyptian dishes.
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Day 9: (Cairo - Amman, Jordan)
​Next, we are off to Jordan! Stay tuned...
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Alaska with UnCruise Adventures

12/11/2021

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The Bridge Was Always Open And So Was The Bar

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Alaska with UnCruise Adventures
​Summer 2019
by Andi Cercos

"You are aboard an oceangoing vessel...but it’s a fabulous adventure. 
We had an AMAZING 2 ½ hours of breaching and whale tails on all sides!"

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​UnCruise Adventures IS a cruise, but probably not the picture that first comes to mind when you see the word CRUISE. You do have a private cabin with shower and you are aboard an oceangoing vessel, but no formal nights, no Broadway shows, no port excursions, and no elevator; it’s a fabulous adventure with great food and knowledgeable crew.

​My 7-night adventure was aboard the 77-passenger Wilderness Explorer, boarding in Ketchikan.
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 We were transferred to the Wilderness Explorer and met on the dock by the entire crew who directed us to our cabins. Cabins are basic with private showers, heaters and opened to the outside deck. Our “Champagne Welcome Aboard” gathering was in the Lounge. The Lounge was the main gathering spot throughout the cruise. Waist high to ceiling windows made it the perfect viewing spot with access to large outside space with hot tub. Binoculars were plentiful. Coffee, hot chocolate, pastries and snacks were always available, as well as a full bar. It also housed a great library of books and DVDs.

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My goal on this trip was to learn to kayak and that is exactly what I did. We were able to kayak every day and sometimes twice a day. The daily schedule was similar each day, but no two days were like any other. The day started with stretching (optional) outside on the top deck followed by a buffet breakfast. The Bridge was always open and the Captain Adam was always willing to talk and answer questions. The cruise director was complimented by 5 extremely knowledgeable guides. They were in their late 20’s, early 30’s with a passion for what they were doing. 

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After breakfast the adventure of your choice started. Kayaking, shore walks, bushwacking (walk into and through the surrounding islands) and skiff trips cruising the surrounding waterways were offered every day.  For the most adventurous, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and polar plunge were offered once.  We only docked once in the town of Wrangell. We met at Chief Shakes Tribal House for a presentation of native culture. The Wrangell Museum had just opened and it is well worth a visit. It covers the history of Wrangell with room after room of exhibits.

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The chef and pastry chef were in charge of keeping us full. Breakfast and lunch were buffet style with at least 3 choices with fresh pastries and fruit. Dinner was plated. Great menus with prime rib, Dungeness crab  and shrimp scampi. Vegetarian options were available and great attention was paid to guests with food sensitivities.

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We saw mink, whales, otter, whales, bear with cub, whales, seals, whales! On our second to last dinner onboard, the Captain made an announcement that dessert would be served in the Lounge! Unusual but he’s the boss. What a treat! There was a group of 30 to 40 whales that would be right off our boat! An AMAZING 2 ½ hours of breaching and whale tails on all sides.

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Our last full day was cruising Tracy Arm. We boarded 8 to 10 guests in skiffs and got up close and personal with the Glaciers. A gorgeous and humbling experience. We saluted the calving glacier with hot chocolate and peppermint schnapps! We spent our last evening in the Lounge celebrating our cruise with our new friends.

​We disembarked in Juneau the next day. Luggage was stored for those with late flights and we were able to tour Juneau. The Mount Roberts Tram took us to a viewing deck that look down on the port. Our boat looked like a toy boat next to the 2000 passenger cruise ships. All good things must come to an end. I picked up my luggage and my transfer to the airport was by a chauffeur driven limo!


December 2021 Note about UnCruise's Return to Hawaii: In November, Hawaii officials extended a ban on cruise ships through January 2022. UnCruise Adventures worked with the government, including the Hawaii Department of Transportation and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, to gain permission for their 36-guest sailings to resume, according to a statement from the tour company.  The cruises, timed for the winter humpback whale season, will require all guests and crew to be fully vaccinated. The one-week Hawaii cruise visits Molokai, Maui, Lanai and Hawaii Island and includes island excursions and water activities.  UnCruise Adventures operates  yachts and small boats carrying 22 to 86 guests on voyages in Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico's Sea of Cortez, Costa Rica, Belize and Colombia among other destinations.
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Amazing Maui

11/23/2021

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Our Maui Family Adventure
January 2021
by Jill Romano

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Note (November 2021): When I traveled to Maui with my family group of 11 in January 2021, things were different with stronger COVID restrictions. As of 11/8/21, if you are vaccinated and complete the pre-trip online paperwork for the state of Hawaii, it is much easier to go. The governor of Hawaii has announced that the islands are welcoming all vaccinated visitors. Non-vaccinated travelers must present a COVID test from one of their specific laboratories. Also, due to a rental car shortage, our travel advisors will make you have your rental car reserved before booking anything else.

​Hawaiian Airlines flights
I always enjoyed flying with the local airline - I feel like the trip begins the moment I step on the plane. At the SFO check in counter, you will be asked if you are registered on Hawaii State website. If you are only bringing carry on and go straight to the gate, no one will ask you about registration. It is not mentioned onboard the flights either. Be sure you are registered so there are no surprise refusals of entry when you arrive in Hawaii. Hawaiian Airlines is in the SFO International Terminal and there was only one small food outlet with bakery items, sandwiches, salads and drinks to eat before your flight or take onboard. All bottled water now in refillable bottles.

Of course masks are required at the airport and during the flight. We boarded from rear of aircraft (1st class could board at any time), and our plane was only 1/3 full. The Hawaiian Airlines crew was masked and greeted us with a sanitizing towelettes. Be sure to download the Hawaiian Airlines app to your phone or tablet for streaming as there is not any seat back entertainment on the flights.  The first class section had regular meal service and economy offered bottled water and sodas as well as  hot breakfast sandwiches.

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Arriving at Napili Surf Beach Resort
My family and I stayed at the Napili Surf Beach Resort. Just steps from Napili Beach and overlooking neighboring Moloka’i and Lāna’i islands, this resort is within walking distance to both fine and casual dining, the Kapalua Coastal Trail, golf courses, nature hikes, and multiple bays suitable for snorkeling, paddle-boarding, and surfing. It is the ideal place for anyone seeking a boutique beachfront vacation experience. The resort offers recently renovated one-bedroom and studio accommodations featuring fully-equipped kitchens, private lanais, and air conditioning. They are still offering their 2x week yoga classes.

As with most resorts in Hawaii now, the Napili Surf is a Touchless Check-In. They have not had keys for years. They texted us a link to register (with car details for parking tag) and then texted the code for the front door of our unit.  This was easy for us as returning guests but not so easy for a first time guest. They will still help you out at the front desk if needed.
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Visiting Lahaina
We went to Kimo’s in Lahaina for lunch. It felt much the same as it always has and they have a fair amount of outdoor tables...but with fewer travelers it was easy to get in. This likely will not be true during the festive season. Downtown Lahaina was a ghost town...did not see hardly a soul walking along Front Street....at 1pm, shocking! When I mentioned about stopping at the ABC store (don’t we all?!) the waitress said she would check to see which ones are open. We went to the ABC Store in the Lahaina Gallery shopping center. While the parking lot was fairly full, I think it was more for Longs Drugs and Safeway.  The rest of our crew went to Costco for the big “shop” and they said the crowds were not very big either.  Lahaina, the town, closes down about 9:00pm. There are some shops open, many of the restaurants have outdoor seating but I recommend calling ahead.
Recommended Maui Restaurants
If you are traveling with a group, call the restaurants in advance to see how many people can be seated together. Local capacity requirements do change.  We ate at:
  • Honu, Ma’la and Frieda’s - same owner, located just bend the Lahaina Gateway shopping center, water front.
  • Star Noodle (reservations recommended) A new outdoor dining place on the water front. Next to Frieda’s.
  • Maui Brewing Company: Indoor dining only - the kids went.
  • Leilani’s in Whalers Village (same owners as Kimo’s) Okay for drinks and pupuu’s. Has outdoor seating.
  • The Fish Market - highly recommend for those that want to cook themselves.
  • Mamma’s Ribs & Rotisserie - great chicken and ribs
  • Kitchen 5315: It just opened at Napili Shores. We got take out one night - pretty good! 
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Our Family Snorkel & Whale Watching Adventure
​We booked a private trip for 11 with the Magic Mermen aboard a custom built boat operated by owner/captain Derek with Samantha and Nate. Normally they provide a lunch but due to Covid, only fruit, water and fruit juice/sodas. They allowed us to bring our own lunch and drinks. With a custom trip, they worked with what we wanted to see/do. We were very lucky and saw lot’s of whales, including some with calves and were able to spend as much time as we wanted. We snorkeled at Olowalu, just south of Lahaina. Both Nate and Samantha were in the water with us, (both locations) taking time to show and explain what we were seeing, We spotted sea urchins and even an eel - yikes! They provided styrofoam noodles, boogie boards, life jackets as well as snorkel and fins.  We saw more whales on the way to our next snorkeling spot - Mala Wharf. Usually it is very busy, it’s one of the best places to see Honu (turtles) as they come here for the “cleaning station” where the fish clean/eat the bacteria off the green sea turtles - fun to watch! We also saw a eagle wray and a white tip reef shark. This was a four-hour trip and one I can highly recommend!
One great tip: they used Johnsons No Tears baby shampoo as a defogger in our mask’s and it worked great! 

Flying Home
There was not much traffic at the Maui (OGG) airport, so we easily made it from Napili to the airport with a stop for gas in about an hour. There is a gas station just past the Ocean Center or a bit closer to the airport (if you have not been in awhile, the new road does not go through town, so fewer options) and easy car return. They are managing access to the tram to the terminal, to keep everyone distanced. 
 
HA only staffs First Class check in, Economy is at the kiosks and then a Drop Bag line. All easy these days as there are so few travelers. There are no shops open on the departures level. TSA pre-check had no lines, even regular security line moved quickly. After security upstairs, there was only Starbucks, Sammy’s ( pre-made sandwiches, chips, hot dogs and hamburgers) and one small convenience store open. So, do your shopping before you get to the airport! The “fruit security” screening was done inside the gate area.
 
Again on the flight, they served water, sodas and a sandwich. First Class was serviced either a meat or pasta and dessert. The crew definitely kept on eye on folks for mask usage.  My husband forgot to put his mask back on after eating and they nicely reminded him to do so.  

All in all, it was a wonderful family escape and worth the time it took for everyone to get registered online. Hawaii is always a good idea!
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Classic Greece

11/22/2021

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Mykonos Harbor
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​EXPLORING ATHENS, SANTORINI AND MYKONOS

May 2017
by Andi Cercos

My trip to Greece was a familiarization trip hosted by Classic Vacations, Emirates Airlines and Starwood. These “fam” trips allow travel advisors like me to explore a large number of hotels, restaurants, transportation and attractions in a very short amount of time so we get an authentic feel for a part of the world. Come with me to Greece now!
Emirates Flight
The flights to Athens (via Newark) were very comfortable with wide aisles, large seats and large spacious overhead bins. The crew was friendly and accommodating. Since the plane was not full we had 3 or 4 seats to spread out and plenty of leg room.  Before take off, menus were handed out along with a zippered bag full of nice amenities.

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Athens
In Athens we stayed at the Grand Bretagne hotel. Our very elegant rooms were large with huge bathrooms. Our group met up for cocktails and dinner at the rooftop restaurant, GB Rooftop Garden Restaurant. Surrounding us was a breathtaking view of the Acropolis, glowing with every changing lights.

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The hotel is located on Syntagma Square, across from the Parliament Building, where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located in the courtyard. The 24-hour Presidential guard, in dramatic Greek uniforms, changes every hour on the hour.

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The next morning, we headed out on an Athens City Tour. We stopped at the Acropolis and climbed up to view the Parthenon. From there, we walked down to the Acropolis Museum for a short visit. The museum is built on top of the ancient city of Athens and the entire entry walk is built so you can view the ruins below.
 
We did a short inspection at to the Electra Metropolis, a modern hotel a few blocks from Syntagma Square. The rooms are built around an open atrium that rises from the lobby to the top floor.  Several blocks away is the Electra Palace Hotel, which had more traditional décor and is closer to the Plaka, a charming but rather touristy neighborhood with pedestrian streets, shopping and restaurants.  After lunch, we had a site inspection of the King George Hotel and the Grand Bretagne Hotel.
 
Dinner was at a typical rooftop Greek taverna, then we walked back to the hotel. Along the way, I was coaxed into going into the subway station at Syntagma Square. What a surprise! The station is a museum of what was there before the excavation. The walls and artifacts are all beautifully displayed behind plexiglass.

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A Brief Stop in Crete
The next morning we were picked up and transferred to Athens Airport for a 20-minute Olympic Air flight to the airport in Heraklion on the island of Crete. Due to a ferry strike, we checked into the Blue Palace for just one night. The hotel is on a hillside over looking the sea across from the island of Spinalong. Dinner was at the Blue Door restaurant which was located in one of the original houses on the property.


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Santorini
The next morning we transferred to the Port of Heraklion for the ferry to the volcanic island of Santorini. Boarding the ferry is very confusing and it was quite crowded.  You board on the cargo deck and leave your luggage under a sign for your destination. The passenger decks are two decks above. It is definitely worth an upgrade to Club seating for the two-hour ride. It is a separate cabins with bar and food service and the seats are very large and comfortable. Disembarking the ferry is pretty much a cattle call. Crowds descend upon their luggage and then push and shove to get off. . Once off the ferry, it is just as crowded ashore. Taxis are few and a private transfer is a must. I think the rush and crowds without one could ruin the start of a Santorini vacation. Our very nice 24-passenger coach transferred us to the Vedema for three nights.
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The Vedema is located in the village of Megalohori.   The property is a small village all by itself. Your enter through the gates of a stone wall that surround the property. It was once part of a winery and the village relied on the grapes and wine. The main gathering area is around the Pergola Pool Restaurant, the pool and pool bar. From there, cobblestone pathways wind around the property to the suites and villas. All the accommodations are different and very charming. After our site inspection, lunch was served at the Pergola Pool Restaurant with the owner, Kalia Konstantinidou.

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After lunch, we had a site inspection at Nafsika. This 5-bedroom, 5.5 bath villa is owned by the same family that owns the Vedema. It is two stories, has two kitchens and overlooks the sea. The front driveway doubles as a helipad. There is a large pool off the ground floor bedrooms. Vedema hosted dinner at their Alati Restaurant, which felt like we were in a medieval dining hall. It is across from the wine cellar where a wine tasting can be arranged for guests.

Since the Vedema is located in a village and not on a beach, the hotel has a private shuttle to and from Perivolos Beach. There is wonderful beach bar with light food and plenty of beach palapas, lounges and couches to enjoy the beach. We spent about an hour there but since we were there pre-season, it was windy and the water was cold.
From the beach, we transferred to the Caldera area of Oia. This is the area people think of when they think of Santorini with all those white buildings along the hillside with blue domes overlooking the beautiful sea. We had a site inspection of the Androni Luxury Suites and Santorini Secrets, which both have breathtaking views, private pools and white glove service. Mr. E Restaurant hosted us for dinner. It opened just three days prior to our arrival and is also owned by the owners of Vedema.
The next day we were taken to Akrotiri for a guided tour. This site is similar to Pompeii as it was totally covered by volcanic ash. One difference is that the town had been excavated due to severe earthquakes. Archeologists are researching to see if the eruption of the Thira volcano was responsible for the collapse of the Minoan civilization. This is the fabulous tour that I highly recommend for anyone traveling to Santorini.
After this tour, we drove back to Oia to inspect the properties on the cliffs. We saw the ​Altana Traditional Houses, Altana Cliffside and the Astra Suites. These places are all on cliffs with MANY stairs. The stairs are uneven and there are no banisters. Clients should be aware that they are going to encounter lots of stairs and they should bring appropriate shoes. After lunch, we were transferred to Canaves Oia, Canaves Suites and Canaves Villa. All of these properties were perches on the hillside, many with private pools. After this afternoon of hiking in Oia, we were treated to a Catamaran ride. It was a great experience to view the hotels from sea level and to look back at the stairs we climbed. ​
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 After the Catamaran ride we arrived at Mystique (another owned by the Vedema family). It has 39 suites and villas, ASEA (Japanese lounge restaurant), and the Charisma Restaurant at Mystique with owners Kalia Konstantinidou and Emmanuel Niotakis.

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The Food and Wine
All of our lunches and dinners on this trip were three hours long. Six or seven courses were normal. We always had the traditional Greek salad with cucumbers, red onions and slab of feta cheese. Couscous salad and quinoa salad were included in every meal. Vegetables were served in every form – eggplant, zucchini, zucchini flowers, stuffed grape leaves and all things olive. Chick peas were in soups, used as dips, and spread as a base fro seafood bits on toast. Main course was a choice of fish, prawns, octopus, lamb and occasionally beef. Just when you thought it was the last course, another plate was put in front of you. Wine flowed at all meals and Greek wines and beers were given high marks. We had an occasional dessert, but most meals ran late and we opted out of having dessert.


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Mykonos
After our final breakfast at Vedema, we were transferred to the Santorini port to take the ferry to Mykonos. This proved interesting due to the ferry strike. We arrived at the pier early and were at the front of the line. The ferry that arrived was about half the size of the normal ferry and announcements were made that if you were not a part o a group, you would have to take the 4pm ferry. Needless to say, people were not happy and pushing and shoving started. When the yelling started, the man at the door shut it and walked away. Fortunately we were travelling with Classic and phone calls were made that identified us and we were let on to the ferry.
When we finally arrived in Mykonos, we were transferred to the Myconian Ambassador in their luxury van for a site inspection and lunch with the owner. We were running late and arrived at the Santa Marina three hours late. We had about 15 minutes in investigate their beach. It was right on the bay and the yachts were starting to arrive. Later, we met for a site inspection. This property was built on a hillside and some of the rooms were quite a hike from the public areas. Dinner was at the Colonial Pool Bar and Restaurant, hosted by the Director of Sales.
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The next morning, we were met and treated to a guided tour of the island of Delos. In Greek mythology, Delos is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. The water was very rough and some declined the excursion. It was very windy on the island but ruins and museum were fantastic to experience.  On the way back, we had a site inspection at the Myconian Villa and lunch. The last dinner of the fam was at the Buddha Bar in the Santa Marina. It was a bit of a celebration and a reward for a great group surviving all the stairs.


Heading Home Via Athens
After breakfast, we transferred to the Mykonos Airport for a 40-minute Olympic Air flight to Athens. Upon arrival, we claimed our luggage and walked across the street, a 4-5 minutes walk to the Sofitel Athens at the airport, to inspect the property. The entry level rooms are quite large and have black out curtains and soundproofing. Day rooms are also available. It also has a 24 hour bar and restaurant. The subway from the Sofitel goes directly to the Syntagma Square, right in front of the Grand Bretagne.

At the airport we boarded our Emirates return flight back to the USA.
 
Over the course of 9 days, I walked 91,469 steps, an average of 10,163 per day. I walked 43.2 miles and climbed 232 floors, 26 floors per day. I checked out 21 hotels. It was a lot of work exploring so much of Athens, Santorini and Mykonos but it was a great work out, I learned so much and really enjoyed My Big Fat Greek Fam Trip! 
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Eastern Europe River Cruise

11/19/2021

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Highlights of Eastern Europe Aboard the S.S. Beatrice with a Winery Group
June 2019
by Carol Farnworth
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​This was the fifth riverboat cruise Dimensions in Travel has done with Oregon's Broadley Vineyard owners and cruise hosts, Claudia and Craig Broadley. We had a total of 23 people on this Uniworld Boutique River Cruises lower Danube itinerary from Budapest to Bucharest. My husband John and I were so pleased to be the escorts and it was such a pleasure to connect with dear travel friends again.​

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Starting in Budapest
We spent one night in Budapest, which we had visited in the past. We stayed at a Marriott Autograph hotel called the New York Palace.  It is a gorgeous property with a restaurant  called the New York Café which is quite famous in the city. The décor rivals the Ritz in London. Very ornate, lots of people taking photos. The hotel reserves a section of the café exclusively for its guests because of the popularity.  The hotel itself was originally built as an office building and was lovely, quiet, and had good service. But it is definitely NOT good for anyone with a mobility issue.  No wheelchair ramps.      
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​Aboard Uniworld's S.S. Beatrice
The service was excellent in all areas. The crew was friendly and warm. ​The S.S. Beatrice was renovated in 2018 and  we thought it was a beautiful riverboat. Though our group has staterooms spread around the small ship, we would connect up over meals, during included shore experiences, at our private wine tastings and in the evenings in the lounge where there was always music or local entertainment.
The dining room was nicely configured.  I found the dinner menu was expanded from our winery cruise aboard Uniworld's River Queen in 2017. Salmon, chicken and fish were always available. Tables were set up for 4 or 6, but if 7 or more of us wanted to eat together we could make reservations and they would set up a special table. Breakfast was buffet and always had a special morning dish that could be served at the table and there was always a meat carvery item at lunch. It was also possible to eat in an area off the cocktail lounge, with tables for two that were fairly  close together when we wanted a more private chat during dinner. The lounge offered the same menu as the dining room and was very popular. There was also Max’s, where a special Chef’s Table and steak dinners are offered for an additional cost. We used Max's for our group's private wine tastings where we compared local wines bought ashore to Broadley Vineyard wine brought from home.
One of our group members also made a point of saying this cruise offered wonderful food, and the friends they'd brought as well were vegan. The S.S. Beatrice chef made special dishes just for them which were not just tasty but had beautiful presentation.  She was impressed also with the service of all staff. Wines poured were mostly local and were very good.  During the cocktail hour the shore excursion manager talked about the next day’s touring options and the wine sommelier spoke about the wine selections offered at dinner.  The captain was quite visible on this trip which we enjoyed.

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The Itinerary
This itinerary visits Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Bucharest. Some magazine articles give the impression that we would experience uncrowded river conditions, with few if any riverboats doing this lower Danube cruise. However, that was not the case. We saw many other boats doing this cruise. Unlike many river trips we have taken, there are not numerous locks that you pass through, in fact there was only one the entire length of our cruise. Because of distances between ports, much of our travel was by night.

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For Those With Mobility Issues
​Uniworld offers wonderful curated included shore experiences at a variety of levels for active travelers, the culturally curious and gentle walkers. However, they state very clearly in their brochures and on their website that their itineraries are not ideal for anyone with mobility issues, wheelchair user, etc. And this is certainly the case. So do consider your European river cruise vacation decision carefully if you are someone who has difficulty getting around. I had two long time clients with me, on their first riverboat trip, and the wife who suffers from a very bad back, said they would probably not do another one. It was just too hard trying to keep up with guides, even on tours for gentle walkers.


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Post-Cruise in Bucharest
Our cruise ended in Bucharest with an included two-night stay at the Radisson Blu.  It was a lovely place to say farewell to old and new friends. This city center hotel stands near Bucharest Old Town, a short walk from the famed Revolution Square. Also nearby, you can admire the architecture of the National Museum of Art or Biblioteca Centrala Universitara, walk along the Calea Victoriei or attend a performance at the Romanian Athenaeum Concert Hall. Those with a passion for the outdoors enjoy strolling through the beautiful gardens of Cismigiu Park, adjacent to Radisson Blu.  You can also enjoy shopping in Piata Unirii, one of the largest squares in central Bucharest, and the old town area of Lipscani.

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KONA

11/11/2021

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THE MAGIC OF KONA
June 2021

by Wynette Brecher
"The trade winds kick in, and you know the hurdles are all worth it...
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The overall feeling on property is magical...This is a resort that makes you truly cry when you leave."
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​I love Kona. The starkness that leads the way to the lushness of the Island…it’s a remarkable transition, from the black lava rock to the vivid shades of blue of the ocean beyond….stunning!
GETTING THERE & CAR RENTAL CHALLENGE
Jumping through the various hoops (Covid tests, uploading, downloading, various forms, wrist bands) is for now a thing of the past. But my husband and I did it all. Flew United Airlines round trip. So-so flight out, great flight back. Everyone was on their best behavior! Once you land, the hurdles are a thing of the past, as you walk down the steps on to the tarmac, the trade winds kick in, and you know it was all worth it. The Hertz car rental situation was as bad as you had heard. I reserved one 3 months out and still paid a ridiculous amount. But we were glad to have it. And yes, some hotel guests pulled up in very oversized vehicles.
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FAIRMONT ORCHID
First stop is the Fairmont Orchid, about 40 minutes north of Kona Airport.  I love this hotel as it has so much to offer on its property. From the first steps into the lobby, there is no mistaking you are in Hawaii. It is gorgeous! There was no koa nut lei greeting due to the pandemic but hopefully they will restore that tradition. The resort is 32 acres. There are two wings to the hotel, we had the North tower golf/ocean view. The South tower has a pool/beach view. Meeting rooms, spa without walls, tennis, culture, shops, 18 hole golf, and a great beachside activity desk.

​The pool area is large and has an adults only area roped off. There are a lot of chairs around the pool, on the surrounding lawns and on the beach. The chairs in the shade are of course a hot ticket, and yes, the hotel staff WILL remove your belongings after the allotted time, if you do not inform them prior, so hurrah to them from guests everywhere, frustrated by the 6am pool chair “savers”!  ( We actually saw it happen twice, and yes, believe it or not, to the same couple! )

The activity shack at the beach supplies COMPLIMENTARY 1 hour usage of snorkel gear, kayaks and paddle boats (to be used on property). How many times have you PAID A LOT to take the tour bus to the snorkel boat, to be served a bad lunch and watery cocktails and then vice versa?  Lost a whole day? The Orchid’s on property lagoon is a great snorkeling option right at your feet!  Lots of beautiful fish….and turtles! They also have life vests for adults as well as kids.
There are three dining options on property plus room service. Browns deli for some very good grab and go, Hale Kai for a casual meal with your toes in the sand, and for a fine dining option, Brown’s Beach House. All very good. You can also have private dinners on the beach at sunset. Talk about romantic! And there are many restaurants ($-$$$) within a 10 minute drive via hotel shuttle. 
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FOUR SEASONS HUALALAI
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After four days we checked out, drove 30 minutes south and entered Heaven on Earth, aka The Four Seasons Hualalai. I have been to the 800 acre resort before but always get the same feeling of awe driving on to the property. To gaze out on the gorgeous grounds, onward to the infinity pool, leading to a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean is indescribable.

Check in was a breeze in the beautiful open air lobby, we were provided with ice cold fruit juice, and were then  gifted with beautiful floral and fragrant  leis. They even have a special spot in the room to hang them…In the two level resort, we chose a downstairs corner room with private patio. The accommodations have been recently refurbished and the colors and tones of the woods are beautiful.

The room was spacious and very comfortable. Wooden full length shutters to the patio. Lots of outlets, a refrigerator, and small minibar selection. The bathrooms are very large, two sink vanity, separate toilet closet, stall shower and separate full size tub. But the best part is the outdoor shower, which is only available in lower level rooms. Completely private, tropical vegetation, bamboo roof covering.

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​The overall feeling on property is magical. We felt happy and blessed to be there. With four pools, there is an option for everyone. The recently refurbished Kings Pond area is spectacular.  New boardwalk, new chairs, and lots of new sea life to snorkel with(and one familiar face..)! The Four Seasons beach is long but narrow due to all the hurricanes Hawaii had encounter over the years...but you can snorkel there, as lots of tropical fish, and keep your eyes open for turtles.
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There are three dining options, plus room service. Fine dining (and breakfast) at ULU Ocean Grill, the Hualalai Grill, and casual dining at the Beach Tree Restaurant.

We dined at Beach Tree Friday night and it was entertainment central! While sipping an amazing cocktail, we enjoyed fire dancers, a hula show, singers, drummers, and the infamous torch bearer with the line of children following him around the property was like a fairy tale. This all occurring approx. 500 feet from our table.


And then the sun set. Everyone left the restaurant en masse to take photos, then en masse we all came back.  The servers smiled from start to finish. They had obviously taken in this scene many times.  We were happy to be there and they were thrilled to have us.
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We did a quick drop in to see everyone’s favorite, Uncle Earl, which is always a highlight in itself. The man is sharp a tack! This is a resort that makes you truly cry when you leave. And by the way, I’m going back in June 2022! Will I see you there???

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Walking the Camino

10/17/2021

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The Camino, a Walking Journey for the Soul
September 3-15, 2020
by Diana Saint James
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“A core question arises: what turns a walking holiday into a pilgrimage?”
A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino de Santiago: Camino Francés by John Brierley

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My brother Brian and I  walked the last 100 km of the Camino de Santiago. It was both challenging and fascinating. We hiked 10-16 miles each day  through forests, rolling hills, charming villages, Roman ruins. It is impossible to get lost as the trails are always marked with yellow arrows and scallop shells symbols. The Camino de Santiago dates back to the 9th century when the remains of Christian apostle James were discovered in what is now Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain.  The final part of the journey is entering the city gates at Santiago de Compostela and giving thanks at a pilgrim’s mass . 

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There are a number of pilgrimage paths through France, Spain, and Portugal all leading to the Cathedral at Santiago de Compostela. Like in the movie The Way, many people traditionally start at the France/Spain border and walk 778 kilometers (483 miles) of the “French Way” over the 30-40 days. Growing in popularity is walking the last 100 kilometers (68 miles) of the French Way over a week. 100km is minimum distance required by the Catholic Church to be an official pilgrimage. The 100 km walk can be done on your own or as part of a group. Luggage can be packed on your back, transported for you daily by a tour operator.  We used the tour operator, Cosmos, with the Globus Family of Brands. They provided a tour director, map, luggage transfers, hotels, rail tickets, and most dinners at an affordable price.


​Day 1: September 5: MADRID: Our tour began tonight at the Orientation & Welcome Dinner at the Hotel Praga. We met our 14 tour companions and local Madrid host, Julian. Everyone was at least 55-75 years old – all nice people. Two couples (Northern CA and Virginia), Brian and me (Northern CA), two retired priests (Nebraska) and the rest were women (Illinois, Minnesota, Southern CA). 
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Rain is predicted for a good part of our journey ahead. We all anxiously talk about clothing, rain protection, socks, and boot choices. Did we bring the right stuff? Did we train properly?  Can we do the 70+ mile walk over the next 5 days? Everyone hoped they had the perfect plan. I had walked four to six miles several times a week over the past six months and did least 9-12 miles in a day a few times in the weeks prior. I had well-broken-in Salomon hiking shoes, medium weight Darn Tough wool socks and an 18 liter Osprey daypack. I'm short (5'0") so finding the right size pack took time.  Fingers crossed this works for me.

Pilgrims from all over the world have walked to Santiago de Compostela for over a thousand years, originally seeking forgiveness for their sins, and most often today they are making a journey of personal growth. They walk for many reasons – to mark a zero birthday, express gratitude, celebrate recovery, or to move on from loss. For me, I'm contemplating the next steps in my life.

DAY 2: September 6: MADRID–SARRIA Our group transferred by motor coach midday today to Madrid’s Chamartin rail station to board the train for Sarria, 4.5 hours north in the Galicia region of Spain. The town of Sarria, at 117 km away from Santiago de Compostela, has the closest train station to the 100km start point. We had seats in 1st class train coaches. Upon arrival, we checked in at the Alfonso IX Hotel, one of my favorite hotels on the trip for its riverside location.
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We met Carvin tonight, our local Galician Tour Director. She is a young Australian woman who lives in Spain and speaks fluent Galician Spanish. She is resourceful, funny and easy-going. This is the first Camino Walking Tour that Cosmos has operated in 18 months. She got us all connected together by phone using What’s App, and handed out our Pilgrim Kit that included John Brierley’s Camino Francés guidebook, an official Pilgrim Passport (credential) and the traditional pilgrim’s scallop shell. 
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DAY 3: September 7:  SARRIA–PORTOMARIN  We walked 14.7 miles (23 km) today in 6 hours. No rain - whew! It was a peaceful but long walk in shady oak forests and through villages on dirt paths. My brother and I, who have never really hiked together, found that we do walk quite well as a team. It was wonderful to have so much time to talk with Brian. After climbing many stairs to arrive in Portomarin, we checked into Vistalegre Spa Hotel and explored the quaint town. 

It seems Galician Spain can be tough for vegetarians. Meals are mainly meat, seafood, potatoes, eggs and rice. Brian is generally a vegetarian and he is having to be flexible. Vegetarian means just no meat in your entree and there were few vegetables served at dinner. We took fruit from the breakfast buffet for trail snacks and found cafes along the way that served salads for lunch. 

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DAY 4: September 8: PORTOMARIN–LESTEDO  We walked 16.6 miles (27 km) today in 6.5 hours. At Castromaier, we took a short detour and visited the ruins of an ancient Roman village (4th century BC). As we explored, one of our group members talked about her family’s arduous journey in the 70’s from Vietnam to the USA. We were in awe of their strength. 

​It poured rain in the afternoon and even with ponchos, we got quite wet. After taking a 1.5 mile detour off the Camino to see Monastery of Our Saviour of Vilar de Donas, a little chapel with 13th century pilgrimage frescos (restored now) and the tombs of nine Knights Templar, whom protected Camino pilgrims across the centuries. But the door was locked due to COVID. Tour Director Carvin found a local woman with a key who unlocked the door. I had a weird feeling that the lifelike knight statues on their tombs would change from stone and come to life – I’ve seen too many movies! We overnighted in Lestedo at a large family estate/farmhouse: Casa Roan y Casa Grande. Thank goodness for hair dryers to dry my shoes. After dinner, the farmhouse owner showed us his copper still and brought out several strong, home-brewed orujo liqueurs for us to taste. It was extra challenging to get up the next day…

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DAY 5: September 9: LESTEDO–MELIDE
We walked 16 miles (26 km) today in 6.5 hours. Enjoying our dry morning, the Camino took us past acres of farmland and over medieval bridges. I even made a new friend. We stopped outside Melide for lunch where the Galician delicacy is savory grilled polbo a feira octopus. We had more rain this afternoon and got soaking wet and completely lost in town (no internet signal for GPS) before we found our way to Pension San Anton in Melide. This was the funkiest place we stayed in. I had an odd rooftop room with a skylight, no windows. Only one hairdryer for the whole hotel, so my shoes would be was damp the next morning.
 
We had a big dinner at 9:00pm at a nearby local restaurant. It is not easy for me to eat so late. Dinners after 9:00pm are traditional in Spain but they can be tiring for foreign pilgrimages after arduous days with early starts. All of our delicious dinners were multi-course and hearty with generous wine/beer pours. But it was not comfortable going to bed so full. Eventually some in our group started skipping dinner, and eating bigger lunches and late afternoon tapas.

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Day 6: September 10  MELIDE–ARZUA
We walked 9.5 miles (15 km) in 4 hours on this sunny day.  It was very important to stay hydrated before, during, and after each day's walk. Brian and I drank all local water from the tap and were fine. Others in the group would drink only bottled water. I only got one small blister from yesterday's wet socks. Thank goodness for Compeet blister pads. Others in our group dealt with big blisters and chronic pain and to their credit, they would all finish the pilgrimage.

For a time today we walked with one of our group members who is recovering from cancer. Her fierce commitment to complete the journey is admirable. ​We stayed at Hotel Arzua and dinner was a massive but delicious seafood paella. Arzua is a modern town that circles around its medieval center. We went to mass tonight at the Church of St. James.

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Day 7: September 11: ARZUA–AMENAL  
We walked 15.5 mi in 6 hours. The route today is over gentle slopes and through woodland, with some stretches along a busy road, which we had to cross on occasions. We came upon the Chapel of St. Irene with a spring renowned to be a “fountain of youth”. Reluctant to drink from it, I did wash my face in it but have not noticed a difference L. The rest of the route to Amenal was a mix of country roads and shady forest tracks. We were shuttled to a very nice, huge 4* hotel, Gran Hotel Los Abetos with great views of the region just outside of Santiago de Compostela. Tonight one of our group members told us about her struggles as an immigrant, how much the Church had helped her and her conversion to Catholicism. One of our group members fell today, sprained her wrist and bruised 2 ribs. After an emergency room visit, she returned still fiercely intent on finishing the Camino tomorrow.

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Day 8: September 12: AMENAL–SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
This is the final stage of our Camino. We walked 9.5 mi in 4 hours. There was a steep climb up to San Marcos, then we stopped at Monte do Gozo (Mountain of Joy) where we caught our first glimpse of the spires of the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. Our group met up at a café for lunch so we could enter the city walls together. 

​Finally…we entered the old city walls of Santiago de Compostela. We made our way to the main square marking the end of our long walk. I DID IT! I felt joy, relief, and a huge sense of accomplishment. 

​We gathered for a group photo with the cathedral in the background. Since I walked at least 100 kilometers of the Camino I did receive my Compostela, the Certificate of Accomplishment. Cosmos took care of validating our fully stamped passports with the pilgrimage office so we did not have to wait in the long lines to get it. We attended the 6:00pm mass in the beautiful cathedral and Cosmos had arranged for priority seating. While we could see the botafumeiro (a giant hanging incense burner), it is only swung like a pendulum at the 12:00 noon mass so we did not see it in action. We stay at the centrally located Hotel Compostela.

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Day 9: September 13: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA & FINISTERRE
It was baking hot today. Our group took a full-day (60 miles) motor coach excursion to the Atlantic Ocean to Cape Finisterre peninsula, believed in Roman times to be the end of the world. Many pilgrims keep walking another four days past Santiago all the way to Finesterre. They used to throw their worn boots into the ocean here (but now that is considered littering) so my brother and I cast stones into the sea to let go of all the things that no longer serve us.  On the way home, one of the priests and I talked in depth about the communion host, a fascinating conversation I never expected I would ever have. Meeting the two priests, who actually are siblings and good kind men, has helped me think so much better of the Catholic Church.
 
Americans need a negative antigen Covid test within 3 days of returning to the USA to re-enter the country. Everyone was thrilled that Cosmos arranged for a nurse to come to the Hotel Compostela to give the tests to the group and even covered everyone’s the testing costs - a very generous gesture. Brian and I and two others needed a PCR Covid test for our British Airways return flights via London. Cosmos even arranged for this test too at a local hospital and covered those tests as well.

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 In the afternoon, our group took an in-depth guided walking tour of the city center of Santiago de Compostela with a local guide. We joined the queue to go beneath the Cathedral into the Crypt and pause reverently to gaze upon see ornate silver casket that is said to hold the remains of St. James. We walked a very LONG way to see this. Brian and I went out for wine and tapas with the priests – a fitting end to a momentous pilgrimage.  

Day 10: September 14:  SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA–MADRID
This morning we transferred to the Santiago train station for the 4.5 hour train ride back to Madrid. We said goodbye to our Camino/Galician Tour Director Carvin and hello again to our local Madrid host Julian in Madrid. Brian and I made late afternoon trip to visit the Prado (love the intricate art of Hieronymus Bosch) and had dinner at Vega, one of Madrid’s few vegan restaurants. We stayed one final night at the Hotel Praga.
Day 11: September 15: MADRID-LONDON-SAN FRANCISCO
Early pilgrims then had to walk all the way back home again. We were fortunate to have had a morning flight to the UK then a final plane ride home to San Francisco.

Thoughts after the pilgrimage. During the Camino, I didn’t think as many of the profound thoughts as I hoped I would. Traveling in the time of COVID was challenging. The walk logistics often distracted me. But now that I’m home again, I'm seeking joy. The insights are starting to flow and I look forward to where they take me, my career and my relationships in Act III, the next part of my life. 
“At the end, ask yourself, what was the gift of the journey and then expand the moment”.
From “The Art of the Pilgrimage – The Seeker’s Guide to Making Travel Sacred” by Phil Cousineau
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Alaska with Silversea, Silver Muse

9/15/2021

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PictureSilversea, Silver-Muse, Alaska
by Jill Romano, Owner and Travel Advisor

​What, When, Why, Where! 


What?   Silversea, Silver Muse
11-day sailing out of Seattle, to Ketchikan, Sitka, Icy Straights, Skagway, Endicot Arm and Juneau

When? August 9-18, 2021

Why? Invited to experience the Return to Cruising with Silverseas!
 
Where?  Alaska - don’t wait, go now and go often!


​Brilliant Sunshine for our sail away from Seattle!  Looking forward to our next two days at Sea.  Love the Sea Days, where you can enjoy a lazy morning with room service while you plan your day.  Should I settle in for the Voyage Review with the Shore Concierge, listen to the guest lecture “From Glaciers to Sea” or enjoy the complimentary wine tasting – so many choices, and that is all before lunch!
 
Travel Tip for Today:  
​Deck 7 is where you want to be those for easy access to La Terazza restaurant, morning, noon or night on the same floor.

​Another glorious day at Sea, catching up on a work is easy with Silverseas newly updated wi-fi. Rates are reasonable for the premium package, great for those that love to stream rather than watch the cruise line TV and Movie line up.
 
A few new friends joined us for part of the day – dolphins!
 
Dinner at Indochine was scrumptious especially the seafood curry! Think of this as the place where the spice markets of Mumbai, blend with the flavors of Thailand and Vietnam.
 
Travel Tip for Today:
​Deck 8, for those that enjoy quick access to the shops or my favorite, the Arts Cafe, an intimate cafe for small bites from breakfast until late evening. Enjoy your lattes and tea sandwiches in the afternoon…oh and did I mention the cookies and desserts!

Today's Port - Ketchikan
Arrived via the Tongass Narrows, be sure to be up early to watch the Alaskan scenery from your balcony or the comfort of your suite.  Our local guide says, “there are 2 seasons “Winter and August”!
 
Travel Tip for Today: 
​Take a scroll down Creek Street, the painted houses just a few blocks from the pier and enjoy the artisan shops or pick up a souvenir of two!
​Our Favorite Excursion: 
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Rainforest and Raptor Center Tour - easy walk about 1.5 hours, unique rain forest as Alaska has no topsoil. Even saw a bear wandering through the woods and another down by the stream where the salmon are trying to get back into the hatchery. Brief, but well-done visit to the raptor center, with a Red Tail hawk, female bald eagle and a peregrine falcon - all rescues. Interesting visit and talk by the gentleman that has taken over his uncle’s totem carving business and the old mill.
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Ketchikan, Alaska
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Alaska Raptor Center | Ketchikan, Alaska
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Rainforest | Ketchikan, Alaska
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Totem Carving | Ketchikan, Alaska

Icy Straits: 
Fascinating, small port, quite near Juneau (35 miles away) Short gondola ride for those that want to see a bit of the island, walking a short way to the old cannery and shops.
The village prides itself on being home to more “brown bears, than humans”.  This is the place to be adventurous, ATV and Jeep expeditions to zip lining through the canopy of trees to kayaks and canoes and of course whale and orca excursions…there is something for everyone.
 
Travel Tip for Today: 
Great port for bear viewing and whale watching….or try the Ziprider!!!
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Icy Straits, Alaska
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Icy Straits, Alaska
Dinner at Atlantide: 
An elegant bar and grill where everyone can easily find a favorite or two! No better way to start your meal than with Caviar! Always a favorite of mine, consume soup and each time it was beautifully presented and delicious!
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Atlantide Restuarant | Silversea, Silver Muse

​Sitka
Rough seas and pouring with rain, sadly we were not able to visit, this time but this is the place where Alaska’s native, Russian and American history comes together! There are many tours to choose from, ATV expeditions, whale watching cruises, bear viewing excursions, etc.  Be sure to save a little time to explore by walking around the town and be sure to include St. Michaels Cathedral, Sheldon Jackson Museum, Castle Hill, Sitka National Historical Park and the Alaska Raptor Center.
 
Travel Tip for Today: 
Inside the charming Cable House, the Larkspur Café is a cozy gem, favored by the locals.  Be sure to try the salmon chowder, sockeye lox and rockfish tacos! 
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Sitka, Alaska

Skagway
Easy walk into town if you are not doing a shore excursion - highly recommend the White Pass Scenic Railway (departs from a rail line, steps from the ship) ferries over to Haines, visit the Skagway Museum or a variety of wildlife viewing excursions.  Remember, as you walk around the town, forms part of the Klondike Gold Rush National History Park!
 
Travel Tip for Today: 
“Did you know…why there are so many jewelry stores in Skagway…it’s because there a max of $132 dollars tax place on any jewelry purchase, no matter the price! So do your shopping here!
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​Dinner at Kaiseki Tonight
Reservations required and a small booking fee.  You can eat at the bar as you watch them prepare each delicious dish or choose for a table for 2 or 4.  Each dish was beautifully presented and delish! 
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Skagway, Alaska
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Kaiseki Restaurant

PictureJuneau, Alaska
Juneau: 
Morning Mendenhall glacier and whale watching photo safari through Gastineau Tours is a Must here! Short ride to the harbor about 20 mins, great commentary along the way, combing local history, beautiful sights like Auke Lake (Auke is the Tlingit word for “little lake”, so it’s Little Lake, Lake!)
 
Great captain, worked for the Coast Guard for years, now working these trips, full of local insights into daily life. Our guide was excellent, working about 20 years and thrilled to be working again!
 
Quick set up for everyone with cameras and a pointer or two for the Camera/Phone users such as, when you take a video, “start” with the phone horizontal, if you start vertical and then turn…. the video will record in vertical only and you will miss 1/3 of the scene.

Great time of year to see the whales, they are feeding like crazy, and we saw 15+ very near our boat and both the captain and guide were able to tell us, by their tale markings, which whales they know…it was like listening to someone greeting an old friend “look there’s Sasha!” “Over there is Flame and her calf, Bolt” (named for the lightning bolt marking on his tail!)
 
Travel Tip for Today: 
Remember, after madly taking photos and video…put everything down (maybe the binoculars too) and just watch and enjoy…these are precious moments with these majestic mammals.

Short ride Back Loop Road towards the start of our walking tour up to Mendenhall glacier. Gentle walk, through the rainforest, feels a bit like Hobbit Land! Our guide took time to point out where the bears have been feeding on the various plants, the flora and fauna as well as how to approach taking photographs.
 
Travel Tip for Today: 
If you can, get down low and look back up towards your subject (everyone else will take theirs from above…get a different perspective)


We photographed a variety of interesting mushrooms, the Devils Claw, very transparent so take a picture from underneath! And of course, waters walls and streams…currently full of spawning salmon. Markers along the route signal where the glacier was in the early 1900’s outlying the speed at which it has been moving.
 
Did you know…the ground under your feet is rising at an average of one inch per year! Why, it’s due to glacial isostatic adjustment the pressure from the glaciers, once they have passed through, releases and the ground begins to rise again, fascinating!
 
Travel Tip for Today: 
This type of tour also provides some great vantage points to view the glacier, many tours only take you to the Visitors Center and the effect is very minimal.
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Juneau, Alaska
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Mushrooms | Juneau, Alaska

PictureDawes Glacier | Alaska
Endicott Arm - Dawes Glacier 
This was a last-minute change as we were due to visit Tracy Arm but as the ship cannot get in very close, they opted for Endicott Arm. A “must see/do” is the catamaran trip into Dawes glacier. Normally this starts out early in Juneau, but Silverseas arranged for the boat to moor alongside and 120 pax were able to easily board and head out on our journey. Along the way we stopped at Ford’s Terror and Wedding Cake falls, with commentary along the way. But everyone was waiting to see the glacier and we were not disappointed! While the Silver Muse was able to get up to about a mile away, not a bad view for those on board…. we were right up within about a 1/4 of a mile to see this wondrous, wall of ice, with spikes like high-rise buildings. The sound of silence broken only by the “bang” as the ice calved - wow!!!

​Returned to the ship in time for lunch and continued to enjoy the view of the Dawes glacier from La Terazza restaurant!
 
Travel Tip for Today: 
Board early if you can and sit on Deck 1, front row, great view. At each stop, they open up access to Deck 2 and 3, where this is plenty of room to view and take pictures. Deck 2 has 2 levels, so if you don’t find a place at the railing, you will still get a great view. Top Deck, go up at least once, but be prepared, even without the wind, it’s a bit chilly!


PictureSpa Day at Zagara Beuaty Spa | Silver Muse, Silversea
​Two more wonderful days at sea, so it’s off to the Zagara Beauty Spa for a bit of pampering before I decide what else to do!
 
Today we turn the clocks forward one hour as we make our way back down the coastline to Seattle.
 
Travel Tip for Today: 
“If you love Caviar, like I love Caviar” you can order it anytime, anywhere on the ship.  I enjoyed this with a cocktail up in the Observation Library on Deck 11 as we sailed along, at dinner in Indochine and in our suite.


​Story of the contest to create the state flag of Alaska – wonderful and heartwarming story of John Bell Benson, nicknamed “Benny”
 
•  Blue background is for the Alaska sky and his mother’s favorite flower the Forget-me-Not, Alaska’s state flower.
 
•  The “north star” is for the future of Alaska , the most northern state in the Union.
 
•  The “big dipper” forms the constellation Ura Major, the Great Bear, symbolizing strength.
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State Flag of Alaska
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