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.​

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.) 

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. 

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.​

DRESS CODE
​Speaking of dress code, the Silversea website says:
​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. 
​
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.  

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. ​

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.  ​

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!

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.

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
​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!

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.​

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.

​Next, we are off to Jordan! Stay tuned...

​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.​

​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.

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! 

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!

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. ​

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! 

​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.​

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.      
​

​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.

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.

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.

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.

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 . 

​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). 

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. 

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. 

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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!

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!!!

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!
​
​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! 

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.

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!

​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.