Marc Wambolt's Blog - Posts Tagged "travel"
MARC'S MEMOS
9-14-12
I took a summer hiatus from my blog due to an apparent lack of readers, but decided it was time to resume posting. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised at the low number of views considering there is so much out there to read and I understand that my posts are not a high priority with most people. Right. I mean who cares what goes on in my little corner of the world. That said, I think I will try posting again. Maybe every other week and see what pops up as the topic.
For this week, I have another cruise to talk about. It is my favorite way to vacation these days as it is nice to only unpack once and you get to eat all the time. Seriously, one of the highlights of the experience is to see what is on the menu for the evening dinner and afterwards waiting to see what is for dessert. I have eaten many new things that I never would have gotten to try in a true restaurant setting. In many instances it would be much too expensive. On a cruise, it is all included in the price.
Actually the best part of cruising, in my opinion, is getting off the ship and going into port. Even though you are mostly visiting tourist traps, it is still a refreshing change of scenery. Due to time constraints and proximity to the ship, you are limited in where you can go. However, there are excursions that you can go on that might take you to a more remote location and we usually take advantage of that opportunity.
Anyway, this recent cruise was 10-days to Alaska that started in San Francisco. It visited Victoria, British Columbia, and three ports in Alaska. In addition to those three cities, it also explored Tracy Arm, which is a narrow passage of water between two beautiful mountain ranges. The scenery is breathtaking. Especially when we got to South Sawyer Glacier, a vast blue-white frozen mass that seems to beckon you to get closer.
While approaching this gem from Mother Nature, huge chunks of ice go floating by. Cautiously we glide into position to observe and marvel at this wonderful spectacle beside us.
As we leave the glacier, the mirror image of giant mountains and their frozen white patches reflecting on the jade green sea are spellbinding. Alaska is a magical place and I hope you get to experience it one day.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
I took a summer hiatus from my blog due to an apparent lack of readers, but decided it was time to resume posting. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised at the low number of views considering there is so much out there to read and I understand that my posts are not a high priority with most people. Right. I mean who cares what goes on in my little corner of the world. That said, I think I will try posting again. Maybe every other week and see what pops up as the topic.
For this week, I have another cruise to talk about. It is my favorite way to vacation these days as it is nice to only unpack once and you get to eat all the time. Seriously, one of the highlights of the experience is to see what is on the menu for the evening dinner and afterwards waiting to see what is for dessert. I have eaten many new things that I never would have gotten to try in a true restaurant setting. In many instances it would be much too expensive. On a cruise, it is all included in the price.
Actually the best part of cruising, in my opinion, is getting off the ship and going into port. Even though you are mostly visiting tourist traps, it is still a refreshing change of scenery. Due to time constraints and proximity to the ship, you are limited in where you can go. However, there are excursions that you can go on that might take you to a more remote location and we usually take advantage of that opportunity.
Anyway, this recent cruise was 10-days to Alaska that started in San Francisco. It visited Victoria, British Columbia, and three ports in Alaska. In addition to those three cities, it also explored Tracy Arm, which is a narrow passage of water between two beautiful mountain ranges. The scenery is breathtaking. Especially when we got to South Sawyer Glacier, a vast blue-white frozen mass that seems to beckon you to get closer.
While approaching this gem from Mother Nature, huge chunks of ice go floating by. Cautiously we glide into position to observe and marvel at this wonderful spectacle beside us.
As we leave the glacier, the mirror image of giant mountains and their frozen white patches reflecting on the jade green sea are spellbinding. Alaska is a magical place and I hope you get to experience it one day.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
MARC'S MEMOS
11-2-12
I just returned from a three-day adventure with my two grandchildren. We decided it was time to visit California and take the kids to Sea World and Lego Land. It was truly a wonderful experience and I am grateful to have them in my life. It is fun to see how they react to new things and to different situations.
Our visit to Sea World was fantastic as we “Dined with Shamu.” You get to see Shamu up close while enjoying a buffet-style meal and the food was surprisingly good. It was totally worth it to see their expressions when they came face to face with this gigantic black and white creature that everyone knows and loves. They were literally within several feet of him and were only separated by a thick pane of Plexiglas. It was priceless.
Then we had a full day at the beach. Even though the water was a little cold for me, my grandson had no problem frolicking in the waves. He was having the time of his life and you could see the real joy in his face and his actions. My little granddaughter on the other hand, did not want to get wet. She was shrieking and laughing as she retreated quickly to avoid the water. It was super fun!
Our next stop was Lego Land and the park was decorated with the Halloween theme for the month of October. On this particular Saturday, in addition to getting to enjoy all the rides, they got to wear their costumes and ‘treat or treat’ there. Although the park is geared towards small children, adults can have fun too. Riding with your grandson and getting totally soaked on a water ride will definitely made you feel like a kid again.
I can’t wait for the next adventure with my two special little ones. They make me look forward to spending time with them again. I am truly blessed and feel fortunate to be enjoying them and my retirement, especially after all that has happened recently on the East Coast. My thoughts are with those affected and hopefully things will get better soon.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
I just returned from a three-day adventure with my two grandchildren. We decided it was time to visit California and take the kids to Sea World and Lego Land. It was truly a wonderful experience and I am grateful to have them in my life. It is fun to see how they react to new things and to different situations.
Our visit to Sea World was fantastic as we “Dined with Shamu.” You get to see Shamu up close while enjoying a buffet-style meal and the food was surprisingly good. It was totally worth it to see their expressions when they came face to face with this gigantic black and white creature that everyone knows and loves. They were literally within several feet of him and were only separated by a thick pane of Plexiglas. It was priceless.
Then we had a full day at the beach. Even though the water was a little cold for me, my grandson had no problem frolicking in the waves. He was having the time of his life and you could see the real joy in his face and his actions. My little granddaughter on the other hand, did not want to get wet. She was shrieking and laughing as she retreated quickly to avoid the water. It was super fun!
Our next stop was Lego Land and the park was decorated with the Halloween theme for the month of October. On this particular Saturday, in addition to getting to enjoy all the rides, they got to wear their costumes and ‘treat or treat’ there. Although the park is geared towards small children, adults can have fun too. Riding with your grandson and getting totally soaked on a water ride will definitely made you feel like a kid again.
I can’t wait for the next adventure with my two special little ones. They make me look forward to spending time with them again. I am truly blessed and feel fortunate to be enjoying them and my retirement, especially after all that has happened recently on the East Coast. My thoughts are with those affected and hopefully things will get better soon.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
MARC'S MEMOS
5-15-13
I just returned from a cruise called California Coastal from San Francisco to San Diego that included Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico. Even though I have been to those cities in the past, it was still nice to visit again.
In San Francisco, the ship docked and we went on an excursion to the Muir Redwoods. It is a small National Park, but is quite beautiful. It protects some of the largest trees in nature called sequoias. They are magnificent and so tall that when you look up you can hardly see the tops.
In addition to the beauty of the redwoods, we got to cross over the Golden Gate Bridge (twice.) It is truly an amazing sight to see and a marvel of human engineering. After crossing the bridge we stopped at the little town of Sausalito. It is on the northern side of the bay with a great view looking back at San Francisco and Alcatraz Island.
We hopped on the city shuttle in Santa Barbara. We made our way up and down State Street where all the shops and restaurants are. There is also an old courthouse and a beautiful mission you should see if you are ever there.
Catalina was a blast even though it is very small and the town is only about a mile wide. We rented a golf cart, as cars are limited on the island, and made a loop on a drive that took us high atop a scenic overlook down to the other side of the waterfront. There are lots of little shops to browse through and tours to go on, but we had done them before. So we just enjoyed the rest of our time sitting outside with a cup of coffee on a beautiful day by the water.
In San Diego, we went on a harbor cruise that was relaxing and very interesting. We saw the U.S.S. Midway that you can go on as it is now a museum. We saw lots of military vessels of all sizes and shapes that were being worked on in port. We also passed under the Coronado bridge and saw a lot of beautiful homes and hotels. It was a good way to spend a couple of hours on a sunny day from a great vantage point on the upper deck taking in the sights.
We decided to stay onboard in Ensenada as we had been there before with family members on another cruise. We decided to just relax in the hot tub. What a great way to end a vacation.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
I just returned from a cruise called California Coastal from San Francisco to San Diego that included Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico. Even though I have been to those cities in the past, it was still nice to visit again.
In San Francisco, the ship docked and we went on an excursion to the Muir Redwoods. It is a small National Park, but is quite beautiful. It protects some of the largest trees in nature called sequoias. They are magnificent and so tall that when you look up you can hardly see the tops.
In addition to the beauty of the redwoods, we got to cross over the Golden Gate Bridge (twice.) It is truly an amazing sight to see and a marvel of human engineering. After crossing the bridge we stopped at the little town of Sausalito. It is on the northern side of the bay with a great view looking back at San Francisco and Alcatraz Island.
We hopped on the city shuttle in Santa Barbara. We made our way up and down State Street where all the shops and restaurants are. There is also an old courthouse and a beautiful mission you should see if you are ever there.
Catalina was a blast even though it is very small and the town is only about a mile wide. We rented a golf cart, as cars are limited on the island, and made a loop on a drive that took us high atop a scenic overlook down to the other side of the waterfront. There are lots of little shops to browse through and tours to go on, but we had done them before. So we just enjoyed the rest of our time sitting outside with a cup of coffee on a beautiful day by the water.
In San Diego, we went on a harbor cruise that was relaxing and very interesting. We saw the U.S.S. Midway that you can go on as it is now a museum. We saw lots of military vessels of all sizes and shapes that were being worked on in port. We also passed under the Coronado bridge and saw a lot of beautiful homes and hotels. It was a good way to spend a couple of hours on a sunny day from a great vantage point on the upper deck taking in the sights.
We decided to stay onboard in Ensenada as we had been there before with family members on another cruise. We decided to just relax in the hot tub. What a great way to end a vacation.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
MARC'S MEMOS
7-18-13
I have been neglecting my blog once again. Lately, I tend to only write about my travels even though I started out writing about poetry and my book. Fast-forward four years now and the blog seems to be an afterthought as promotion and my interest in the iPOETRY! group has waned. I was very active at first, but it was very apparent that my style of poetry was not accepted within the group. It seemed to be considered non-intellectual. It was below the “standards” of the few members that made most of the comments in the threads that I posted to. I was under the impression that it was just a place to view poems, but there were always critics and people that wanted to help you “improve” what you wrote. Anyway, I have gotten over that and just continue to browse through the finalists’ poems once in a while. It is not like anything I write is outstanding, but I still scratch my head after reading some of the ones that are selected each month for voting.
Moving on, I just returned from California where I spent the 4th of July holiday. My son, daughter-in-law, wife and I shared a cabin in Big Bear on the lake. It was magnificent. We decided to go all in and split the cost of a place we would never stay at if we had to pay for the entire bill. Only paying for half made it more affordable and a little easier to justify. Even though it was expensive, it was well worth spending time together in such a beautiful setting. We were amazed by the view from three different decks that look directly out at the lake. On one deck there was a Jacuzzi and inside there was a pool table on the lower level. On the side of the cabin was a series of steps that lead down to a dock. Fishing wasn’t great, but it was still awesome to sit and take in all the scenery. Lots of people boating, water skiing and just enjoying the lake. It was probably a one-shot deal, but it was a great experience and one that I will always remember!
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
I have been neglecting my blog once again. Lately, I tend to only write about my travels even though I started out writing about poetry and my book. Fast-forward four years now and the blog seems to be an afterthought as promotion and my interest in the iPOETRY! group has waned. I was very active at first, but it was very apparent that my style of poetry was not accepted within the group. It seemed to be considered non-intellectual. It was below the “standards” of the few members that made most of the comments in the threads that I posted to. I was under the impression that it was just a place to view poems, but there were always critics and people that wanted to help you “improve” what you wrote. Anyway, I have gotten over that and just continue to browse through the finalists’ poems once in a while. It is not like anything I write is outstanding, but I still scratch my head after reading some of the ones that are selected each month for voting.
Moving on, I just returned from California where I spent the 4th of July holiday. My son, daughter-in-law, wife and I shared a cabin in Big Bear on the lake. It was magnificent. We decided to go all in and split the cost of a place we would never stay at if we had to pay for the entire bill. Only paying for half made it more affordable and a little easier to justify. Even though it was expensive, it was well worth spending time together in such a beautiful setting. We were amazed by the view from three different decks that look directly out at the lake. On one deck there was a Jacuzzi and inside there was a pool table on the lower level. On the side of the cabin was a series of steps that lead down to a dock. Fishing wasn’t great, but it was still awesome to sit and take in all the scenery. Lots of people boating, water skiing and just enjoying the lake. It was probably a one-shot deal, but it was a great experience and one that I will always remember!
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
MARC'S MEMOS
6-30-14
I just returned from a 14-day cruise/tour to Alaska. It was seven days on land and then a seven day cruise. We flew into Fairbanks after two connecting flights to Anchorage and then boarded a smaller prop plane for the last leg. It was a long day getting there, but it was worth it. We started with an all-you-can eat salmon bake with plenty of side dishes and my favorite, lots of choices for dessert.
The land tour included staying at lodges that were part of the Princess cruise line properties. Besides Fairbanks, the land tour visited Denali National Park. If you ever get a chance, take the tundra excursion. You will see amazing wildlife and you might get a chance to see the tallest mountain in North America. Lucky for us, we had the good fortune to see it on a glorious sunny day. It is obscured from view on many days due to its height and the weather surrounding it.
The accommodations were very impressive, but the one I liked the most was the lodge on the Kenai peninsula. The room there had a fireplace and an outside deck for a great view of the scenery. It was a magnificent week on land and we still had the cruise to look forward to.
The cruise visited the ports of Skagway, Juneau (the capital) and Ketchikan. Each port has its own unique quality and many interesting things to do. From a train ride in Skagway to the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau and a lumberjack show in Ketchikan, just to mention a few.
The entire vacation went by way too fast. One of the amusing things to pass along was that we had plenty of daylight in which to do things. In Fairbanks, the sun didn't set until 12:30 a.m. and sunrise was 3:00 a.m. Also, when we arrived the temperature was 66 degrees and it was 106 degrees back in Phoenix.
Speaking of temperature, we were at one venue and they had a room that recreated a winter temperature of 40 below. We were in our regular clothes and it was almost instantly uncomfortable. Obviously, we didn't last long. It is unreal to think that people make their home in places that experience that kind of extreme. Although, people think the same of me living in the extreme heat of the desert. Anyway, I am already thinking of where my next adventure might take me.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE. MARC
I just returned from a 14-day cruise/tour to Alaska. It was seven days on land and then a seven day cruise. We flew into Fairbanks after two connecting flights to Anchorage and then boarded a smaller prop plane for the last leg. It was a long day getting there, but it was worth it. We started with an all-you-can eat salmon bake with plenty of side dishes and my favorite, lots of choices for dessert.
The land tour included staying at lodges that were part of the Princess cruise line properties. Besides Fairbanks, the land tour visited Denali National Park. If you ever get a chance, take the tundra excursion. You will see amazing wildlife and you might get a chance to see the tallest mountain in North America. Lucky for us, we had the good fortune to see it on a glorious sunny day. It is obscured from view on many days due to its height and the weather surrounding it.
The accommodations were very impressive, but the one I liked the most was the lodge on the Kenai peninsula. The room there had a fireplace and an outside deck for a great view of the scenery. It was a magnificent week on land and we still had the cruise to look forward to.
The cruise visited the ports of Skagway, Juneau (the capital) and Ketchikan. Each port has its own unique quality and many interesting things to do. From a train ride in Skagway to the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau and a lumberjack show in Ketchikan, just to mention a few.
The entire vacation went by way too fast. One of the amusing things to pass along was that we had plenty of daylight in which to do things. In Fairbanks, the sun didn't set until 12:30 a.m. and sunrise was 3:00 a.m. Also, when we arrived the temperature was 66 degrees and it was 106 degrees back in Phoenix.
Speaking of temperature, we were at one venue and they had a room that recreated a winter temperature of 40 below. We were in our regular clothes and it was almost instantly uncomfortable. Obviously, we didn't last long. It is unreal to think that people make their home in places that experience that kind of extreme. Although, people think the same of me living in the extreme heat of the desert. Anyway, I am already thinking of where my next adventure might take me.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE. MARC
MARC'S MEMOS
2-19-15
Times flies and I realize again that it has been a long time since my last post. My subject matters usually follows poems, family or travel. Because spring and summer travel is just around the corner, I start thinking about planning a trip. In fact, I have already made reservations to go to Napa Valley in California.
I am traveling this time with my son and daughter-in-law to visit the wine country. I made a similar trip quite a few years ago and am getting a chance to spend just a few days there at a different time of the year.
I am still trying to decide where I might travel this summer, and as you know, the early bird gets the worm (and the deals!) So decisions should be made soon. I love to travel, but it can be expensive so I try to make the best of my resources.
Sometimes it is not important that you go to far away or exotic places, it is the idea that you are in a different city or environment. A change of pace or climate may even be the objective. I just love to travel.
A quote by author Robert Louis Stevenson reads:
"I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move."
To put it in GoodReads terms, here is another quote:
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel, read only one page." - Saint Augustine
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
Times flies and I realize again that it has been a long time since my last post. My subject matters usually follows poems, family or travel. Because spring and summer travel is just around the corner, I start thinking about planning a trip. In fact, I have already made reservations to go to Napa Valley in California.
I am traveling this time with my son and daughter-in-law to visit the wine country. I made a similar trip quite a few years ago and am getting a chance to spend just a few days there at a different time of the year.
I am still trying to decide where I might travel this summer, and as you know, the early bird gets the worm (and the deals!) So decisions should be made soon. I love to travel, but it can be expensive so I try to make the best of my resources.
Sometimes it is not important that you go to far away or exotic places, it is the idea that you are in a different city or environment. A change of pace or climate may even be the objective. I just love to travel.
A quote by author Robert Louis Stevenson reads:
"I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move."
To put it in GoodReads terms, here is another quote:
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel, read only one page." - Saint Augustine
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
MARC'S MEMOS
10-13-15
Just returned from a trip to Colorado. I have been there many times and wonder why I never made it my home at some point. From the ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde in the south to the Rocky Mountain National Park in the northern part of the state, plus various outstanding ski resorts, Colorado makes a great place to vacation.
On this recent adventure, I visited Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs and the highest suspension bridge in the U.S., just outside of Canon City. The highlight of the trip was a train ride on the Royal Gorge railroad and a zip line ride that I will never forget!
The zip line is in the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. The park and surrounding area suffered a lot of damage from a wild fire in June of 2013. It just recently reopened with a new visitors center and a few other attractions. I got brave and decided I would try the zip line.
Their website says it better than I can and describes the ride as follows:
"Experience the Royal Gorge like never before! Fly through the air, over 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River in the Zip Rider. This zip line offers a hands-off, no sweat adventure with an adrenaline kick you’ll never forget. With state-of-the-art harnesses and automatic braking system, all you have to do is enjoy this spectacular one-of-a-kind experience."
I actually did it and besides being 1,200 feet above the river, the ride was almost 1,000 feet across the gorge. It was exhilarating and memorable! Definitely a bucket list experience!
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE. MARC
Just returned from a trip to Colorado. I have been there many times and wonder why I never made it my home at some point. From the ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde in the south to the Rocky Mountain National Park in the northern part of the state, plus various outstanding ski resorts, Colorado makes a great place to vacation.
On this recent adventure, I visited Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs and the highest suspension bridge in the U.S., just outside of Canon City. The highlight of the trip was a train ride on the Royal Gorge railroad and a zip line ride that I will never forget!
The zip line is in the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. The park and surrounding area suffered a lot of damage from a wild fire in June of 2013. It just recently reopened with a new visitors center and a few other attractions. I got brave and decided I would try the zip line.
Their website says it better than I can and describes the ride as follows:
"Experience the Royal Gorge like never before! Fly through the air, over 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River in the Zip Rider. This zip line offers a hands-off, no sweat adventure with an adrenaline kick you’ll never forget. With state-of-the-art harnesses and automatic braking system, all you have to do is enjoy this spectacular one-of-a-kind experience."
I actually did it and besides being 1,200 feet above the river, the ride was almost 1,000 feet across the gorge. It was exhilarating and memorable! Definitely a bucket list experience!
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE. MARC
MARC'S MEMOS
4-15-16
I just returned from a cruise to the Caribbean. We sailed from Galveston, Texas to Montego Bay, Jamaica, Cozumel and Grand Cayman. What made it so special was that my two grandkids sailed with us.
It was the second time that we have been able to vacation together and share some great adventures. It is so exciting to experience excursions to different places that make for some wonderful memories.
We held and swam with sea turtles in Grand Cayman. Went to an all inclusive resort in Cozumel, where food and drinks were part of the admission. They also had a sea lion show there. Then we snorkeled in Jamaica. It was an awesome trip and the weather was perfect.
I always have to pinch myself because I realize that I am very fortunate to be blessed with two amazing grandkids and also lucky to be able to spend time with them. I am looking forward to our next vacation together. I hope it will be soon!
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE. MARC
I just returned from a cruise to the Caribbean. We sailed from Galveston, Texas to Montego Bay, Jamaica, Cozumel and Grand Cayman. What made it so special was that my two grandkids sailed with us.
It was the second time that we have been able to vacation together and share some great adventures. It is so exciting to experience excursions to different places that make for some wonderful memories.
We held and swam with sea turtles in Grand Cayman. Went to an all inclusive resort in Cozumel, where food and drinks were part of the admission. They also had a sea lion show there. Then we snorkeled in Jamaica. It was an awesome trip and the weather was perfect.
I always have to pinch myself because I realize that I am very fortunate to be blessed with two amazing grandkids and also lucky to be able to spend time with them. I am looking forward to our next vacation together. I hope it will be soon!
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE. MARC
MARC'S MEMOS
11-7-16
Nothing very exciting happened this past summer in my little corner of the world. However, later I did do something that I have wanted to do for quite some time now. I took a cruise through the PANAMA CANAL.
The trip started in Los Angeles, CA, and headed south to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I have been there several times, but have always found something different and interesting to do there on each visit. This time we made our way to a tequila factory which was fun and very tasty! Then the ship made a stop in Huatulco, Mexico. I was very impressed with this beautiful city on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. The beach there was clean and amazing. It was my first time there and I hope to return some day.
Our cruise continued on to San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. We took an excursion to Lake Nicaragua. Looking out on the lake, you could see two volcanoes in the distance which made for some great pictures
There were some days at sea in between some of the ports , so we were not on land every day.
Our next port was in Puentarenas, Costa Rica. We took a short bus ride to a river there and boarded a boat for a two hour adventure. We got to see crocodiles and many native birds that were there along the banks. We even caught a glimpse of a very colorful (more orange than the normal green you might see) iguana. Very relaxing and worth seeing.
Then we set sail to our most educational and sensational achievement of the twentieth century, the PANAMA CANAL. It is unbelievable to imagine this was once land covered by trees and mountains. It was an impossible dream by France and ultimately the United States to make it into a passage for ships to navigate from the Atlantic Ocean (Caribbean Sea) side to the Pacific Ocean fifty miles away.
Since opening in 1914, over one million ships from all over the world have transited the Canal. The historic millionth mark was reached on September 4, 2010.
After about six hours, we finished making our way through a series of locks that raised and lowered our ship. It is truly an engineering marvel that I think is worth learning about. It was a great experience!
Our next destination was Cartagena, Colombia, South America. We took a harbor cruise and saw a real mix of the old city and a new modern one. Our excursion also included a climb up to San Felipe De Barajas Castle that is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It was hot and humid, but worth every step up to the top. A great view of the city was to await us.
Leaving Cartagena, we sailed on to the island of Aruba. It was time for the beach. Some tropical drinks helped make it a wonderful day out in the sun.
As the calendar began ticking off the days left, it was time to leave for the port of Fort Lauderdale. After arriving in Fort Lauderdale, we still had time before our flight home so we took a ride on an airboat at Holiday Gardens in the Everglades. It was a rush. Two 500 Cadillac engines providing 700 horsepower is really impressive. It was a great way to end our 15-day getaway.
AS ALWAYS, TAKE CARE! MARC
Nothing very exciting happened this past summer in my little corner of the world. However, later I did do something that I have wanted to do for quite some time now. I took a cruise through the PANAMA CANAL.
The trip started in Los Angeles, CA, and headed south to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I have been there several times, but have always found something different and interesting to do there on each visit. This time we made our way to a tequila factory which was fun and very tasty! Then the ship made a stop in Huatulco, Mexico. I was very impressed with this beautiful city on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. The beach there was clean and amazing. It was my first time there and I hope to return some day.
Our cruise continued on to San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. We took an excursion to Lake Nicaragua. Looking out on the lake, you could see two volcanoes in the distance which made for some great pictures
There were some days at sea in between some of the ports , so we were not on land every day.
Our next port was in Puentarenas, Costa Rica. We took a short bus ride to a river there and boarded a boat for a two hour adventure. We got to see crocodiles and many native birds that were there along the banks. We even caught a glimpse of a very colorful (more orange than the normal green you might see) iguana. Very relaxing and worth seeing.
Then we set sail to our most educational and sensational achievement of the twentieth century, the PANAMA CANAL. It is unbelievable to imagine this was once land covered by trees and mountains. It was an impossible dream by France and ultimately the United States to make it into a passage for ships to navigate from the Atlantic Ocean (Caribbean Sea) side to the Pacific Ocean fifty miles away.
Since opening in 1914, over one million ships from all over the world have transited the Canal. The historic millionth mark was reached on September 4, 2010.
After about six hours, we finished making our way through a series of locks that raised and lowered our ship. It is truly an engineering marvel that I think is worth learning about. It was a great experience!
Our next destination was Cartagena, Colombia, South America. We took a harbor cruise and saw a real mix of the old city and a new modern one. Our excursion also included a climb up to San Felipe De Barajas Castle that is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It was hot and humid, but worth every step up to the top. A great view of the city was to await us.
Leaving Cartagena, we sailed on to the island of Aruba. It was time for the beach. Some tropical drinks helped make it a wonderful day out in the sun.
As the calendar began ticking off the days left, it was time to leave for the port of Fort Lauderdale. After arriving in Fort Lauderdale, we still had time before our flight home so we took a ride on an airboat at Holiday Gardens in the Everglades. It was a rush. Two 500 Cadillac engines providing 700 horsepower is really impressive. It was a great way to end our 15-day getaway.
AS ALWAYS, TAKE CARE! MARC
MARC'S MEMOS
6-23-17
THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME
(The Mediterranean, London, The Baltic)
It started in Phoenix, AZ on a direct flight to JFK airport in New York, NY. From there we were headed for Heathrow airport in London, England. Our destination was a cruise ship at the port of Southampton. We were picked up by what I presumed to be an Uber driver as there were no markings on the car. The transportation had been arranged by our travel agent so we were at the mercy of their decision to trust him. There was a two hour and a half hour ride ahead of us.
Arriving at the airport, we were ushered in through the screening process and onto the ship. Without getting into all of the minutia that happened after boarding, I will begin with the first port on the itinerary. It was Barcelona, Spain. There is a very famous church there that everyone goes to see. It may have been a big mistake, but we opted for an excursion into the mountains just north of the city at approximately 2,300 ft. in elevation.
Monserrat was the name of the area we were visiting. It was a great setting for a church and monastery. The view was wonderful and there was a funicular there, but we didn't have time to go on it. A funicular is a railway going up and down a mountain that carries people in cars pulled by a moving cable. We used the bus to get to the top.
The statues and religious artifacts there were just an introduction to what we would be seeing a few days later in Rome, Italy.
Our choice of Monserrat instead of the church in Barcelona, is always one of the dilemmas you are faced with when cruising. There is never enough time in any port to see every highlight. I hope to make another trip some day back to Barcelona and I will make sure I see that famous church.
Our next port was Corsica. It is an island in the Mediterranean. It was the home of Napoleon Bonaparte. We took a bus trip to a park there with a huge granite monument and a statue of him on a horse perched high up on a hill. The road there followed right next to the sea and was really beautiful. It would have been even more impressive, but the sky was cloudy and gray. There was not much offered in this port so our time there was limited. Even so, it was nice and I am glad I got to see Corsica.
To be continued...
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE!!! MARC
THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME
(The Mediterranean, London, The Baltic)
It started in Phoenix, AZ on a direct flight to JFK airport in New York, NY. From there we were headed for Heathrow airport in London, England. Our destination was a cruise ship at the port of Southampton. We were picked up by what I presumed to be an Uber driver as there were no markings on the car. The transportation had been arranged by our travel agent so we were at the mercy of their decision to trust him. There was a two hour and a half hour ride ahead of us.
Arriving at the airport, we were ushered in through the screening process and onto the ship. Without getting into all of the minutia that happened after boarding, I will begin with the first port on the itinerary. It was Barcelona, Spain. There is a very famous church there that everyone goes to see. It may have been a big mistake, but we opted for an excursion into the mountains just north of the city at approximately 2,300 ft. in elevation.
Monserrat was the name of the area we were visiting. It was a great setting for a church and monastery. The view was wonderful and there was a funicular there, but we didn't have time to go on it. A funicular is a railway going up and down a mountain that carries people in cars pulled by a moving cable. We used the bus to get to the top.
The statues and religious artifacts there were just an introduction to what we would be seeing a few days later in Rome, Italy.
Our choice of Monserrat instead of the church in Barcelona, is always one of the dilemmas you are faced with when cruising. There is never enough time in any port to see every highlight. I hope to make another trip some day back to Barcelona and I will make sure I see that famous church.
Our next port was Corsica. It is an island in the Mediterranean. It was the home of Napoleon Bonaparte. We took a bus trip to a park there with a huge granite monument and a statue of him on a horse perched high up on a hill. The road there followed right next to the sea and was really beautiful. It would have been even more impressive, but the sky was cloudy and gray. There was not much offered in this port so our time there was limited. Even so, it was nice and I am glad I got to see Corsica.
To be continued...
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE!!! MARC
