After being gone for nearly three weeks, and trying my darnedest to stay unplugged, I'm back online. My husband Terry and I were in Alaska for most of our "away" time. We re-entered the world of the lower forty-eight on Monday, July 26th, picked up our car at Dulles Airport and drove to upstate New York. We had plans to visit our daughter and son-in-law, go to Woodstock and then on the Saratoga for part of the summer racing meet.
And then we were home, sleeping in our own bed, and not living out of the back of a car or a suitcase. Still, the time away, even though I could not get completely unplugged, was worth it. I have tons of material for this blog; ideas for story twists for upcoming novels; great pictures to work into who-knows-what; and a fresh perspective on the world around me.
I feel like I'm coming out of a creative hibernation with a mind that is tumbling with ideas. Stay tuned.
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Monday, August 2, 2010
Monday, March 2, 2009
Grenada -- Or Just Another Perfect Day in Paradise
Suzanne redeemed herself. For Grenada, she recommended a trip to a series of waterfalls. I've seen Bridal Veil Falls in Yosemite, and the smaller falls on Dominica, so Terry and I passed. Our friends loved the tour, though, so Suzanne is safe.
Terry and I toured St. George's, the capital. Once again, the city was bathed in sunlight and pastel colors. By our third island, they all began to look alike from our stateroom. However, we walked into town and turned toward the forts located to the right of the port area. Within walking distance, especially if you're both urban hikers (we are) and/or mountain climbers (we aren't), the forts overlook the harbor.
From the fort we had a perfect view of the deep-water harbor; however, the juxtaposition of the cannon and the tour ships offers a significant message: spend lots of money or else!!!
Grenada is the spice island of the Grenadines. We prowled the spice markets and came back with several gifts for our friends who love to cook. My favorite was two ounces of ground saffron for $2.00. Try buying saffron for that price at Trader Joe's or Kroger.
We spent the afternoon near the pool onboard ship, resting and reading. I took some time to look at what others were reading. By and large, the men were reading Baldacci, Grisham, Dale Brown, and history. Women were deep into Janet Evanovich, Debbie Macomber, Jodi Picoult and Jane Austen. And then there was the very serious woman reading Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar. I don't know I'd pick that for a vacation, although it remains one of my favorites.
As we got ready to sail, a local tanker entered the harbor. Even the boats were brightly painted.
Next, Barbados!
Terry and I toured St. George's, the capital. Once again, the city was bathed in sunlight and pastel colors. By our third island, they all began to look alike from our stateroom. However, we walked into town and turned toward the forts located to the right of the port area. Within walking distance, especially if you're both urban hikers (we are) and/or mountain climbers (we aren't), the forts overlook the harbor.
From the fort we had a perfect view of the deep-water harbor; however, the juxtaposition of the cannon and the tour ships offers a significant message: spend lots of money or else!!!
Grenada is the spice island of the Grenadines. We prowled the spice markets and came back with several gifts for our friends who love to cook. My favorite was two ounces of ground saffron for $2.00. Try buying saffron for that price at Trader Joe's or Kroger.
We spent the afternoon near the pool onboard ship, resting and reading. I took some time to look at what others were reading. By and large, the men were reading Baldacci, Grisham, Dale Brown, and history. Women were deep into Janet Evanovich, Debbie Macomber, Jodi Picoult and Jane Austen. And then there was the very serious woman reading Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar. I don't know I'd pick that for a vacation, although it remains one of my favorites.
As we got ready to sail, a local tanker entered the harbor. Even the boats were brightly painted.
Next, Barbados!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Cruisin' - day one
Okay, so I had terrific plans to blog nearly daily while on vacation. Like New Year's resolutions, I didn't succeed. I managed to get one entry from San Juan, but once we boarded the ship, two things happened.
1. I realized that the ship had a hand in my pocket every time I turned around. I know from experience that drinks, shopping, and spa treatments cost extra. But Internet access???? $.65 a minute!!!!
2. I remembered that I'm cheap. I decided to wait until I had photos to share before updating my blog.
I took nearly 500 photos. I love my new Nikon camera. I shot everything that moved -- or didn't move, depending on my mood. Don't worry. I have no plans to share each photo! But, check out these flowers on the "peony" tree.
Eleven of us gathered on board ship and settled down to have a good time. I watched body language as we boarded. Many of us were closed off and up tight. However, my husband Terry (aka Kenny Rogers) and our friend Don (from snowy Salt Lake City) showed no sign of stress.
We dressed up and joined as a group for a late dinner in the dining room. Two from Nashville, five from Salt Lake City, two from Haymarket and us. Before you ask, the food was excellent, the drinks plentiful. In fact the drinks were so plentiful that the younger son of Don (see above) ran up a bar tab the first night of nearly $135.
Dad was less than amused.
And so we sailed. First port of call, St. Martin.
1. I realized that the ship had a hand in my pocket every time I turned around. I know from experience that drinks, shopping, and spa treatments cost extra. But Internet access???? $.65 a minute!!!!
2. I remembered that I'm cheap. I decided to wait until I had photos to share before updating my blog.
I took nearly 500 photos. I love my new Nikon camera. I shot everything that moved -- or didn't move, depending on my mood. Don't worry. I have no plans to share each photo! But, check out these flowers on the "peony" tree.
Eleven of us gathered on board ship and settled down to have a good time. I watched body language as we boarded. Many of us were closed off and up tight. However, my husband Terry (aka Kenny Rogers) and our friend Don (from snowy Salt Lake City) showed no sign of stress.
We dressed up and joined as a group for a late dinner in the dining room. Two from Nashville, five from Salt Lake City, two from Haymarket and us. Before you ask, the food was excellent, the drinks plentiful. In fact the drinks were so plentiful that the younger son of Don (see above) ran up a bar tab the first night of nearly $135.
Dad was less than amused.
And so we sailed. First port of call, St. Martin.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
The Journey Finally Began
One day late, the weather gods cooperated, the fog lifted and we were able to board our Delta flight for Atlanta and San Juan. On time, we left, transferred, left and arrived to glorious sunny skies and 83 degree-temps. We caught up with friends and took a bus into Old San Juan to roam and dine. With one day cut out of our trip on the head end, we postponed our kayak tour until the tail end of the trip, where we will have more time.
Our first full day saw the boys heading out for deep sea fishing, while the girls went to the Bacardi factory tour. It was fantastic -- another perfect day, with brilliant blue skies and light airs. The boys caught some mahi mahi, and the girls caught some rays with our mojitos.
Today, our group is splitting up, some to Old San Juan for touring and shopping, others to the pool or beach to bake. I'm taking my camera to Old San Juan, with full intention of holding off any shopping until after the cruise. We board the ship late this afternoon and cruise all night to our first island, St. Martaan. Who knows what will happen there, but we plan to head over to a clothing-optional beach. We've been warned about heavy use of sun block and avoiding the ravenges of gravity. I think I'll stay clothed, since I don't private parts peeling!
Hopefully, I'll have funny stories to report from on board ship.
Ahoy y'all. We're off on our big adventure. More later.
Our first full day saw the boys heading out for deep sea fishing, while the girls went to the Bacardi factory tour. It was fantastic -- another perfect day, with brilliant blue skies and light airs. The boys caught some mahi mahi, and the girls caught some rays with our mojitos.
Today, our group is splitting up, some to Old San Juan for touring and shopping, others to the pool or beach to bake. I'm taking my camera to Old San Juan, with full intention of holding off any shopping until after the cruise. We board the ship late this afternoon and cruise all night to our first island, St. Martaan. Who knows what will happen there, but we plan to head over to a clothing-optional beach. We've been warned about heavy use of sun block and avoiding the ravenges of gravity. I think I'll stay clothed, since I don't private parts peeling!
Hopefully, I'll have funny stories to report from on board ship.
Ahoy y'all. We're off on our big adventure. More later.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
A Journey Begins with the First Step
Or with the first flight cancellation.
Eight friends have planned a trip to the Caribbean for a year. We live in Northern VA, Nashville, Salt Lake City and at Smith Mountain lake. We booked a cruise leaving San Juan on Saturday and gave ourselves three days to get there.
Day Zero (the day before Day One): An ice storm is forecast for most of the traveling area, except Salt Lake City. My husband Terry and I decided to head to Roanoke early and stay there overnight. "Just in case." No sooner than we had we arrived than Delta called with the anticipated news: Our flights the next morning were canceled and we had been rebooked for the next day. Figures.
Day One: We are supposed to be flying through Atlanta today, Wednesday, Jan 28. Instead we are "vacationing" in Roanoke. We decided to stay, go to the Taubman, go to a movie and hassle Delta about our return flights. Our Northern VA friends got out early this morning from Dulles and are in Miami. Brats! Others begin their travel tomorrow. We'll see what Day Two holds.
We always knew the weakest link in this whole trip was air travel. Alas, we were once again proven right. We have the weather gods on one shoulder and the Delta devil on the other. We still don't know who will win. Stay tuned.
As Bilbo Baggins said (paraphrased, of course): the road goes ever on and on, out from the door where it began. We thought we'd get farther than 25 miles from home the first day, but. . . .
Eight friends have planned a trip to the Caribbean for a year. We live in Northern VA, Nashville, Salt Lake City and at Smith Mountain lake. We booked a cruise leaving San Juan on Saturday and gave ourselves three days to get there.
Day Zero (the day before Day One): An ice storm is forecast for most of the traveling area, except Salt Lake City. My husband Terry and I decided to head to Roanoke early and stay there overnight. "Just in case." No sooner than we had we arrived than Delta called with the anticipated news: Our flights the next morning were canceled and we had been rebooked for the next day. Figures.
Day One: We are supposed to be flying through Atlanta today, Wednesday, Jan 28. Instead we are "vacationing" in Roanoke. We decided to stay, go to the Taubman, go to a movie and hassle Delta about our return flights. Our Northern VA friends got out early this morning from Dulles and are in Miami. Brats! Others begin their travel tomorrow. We'll see what Day Two holds.
We always knew the weakest link in this whole trip was air travel. Alas, we were once again proven right. We have the weather gods on one shoulder and the Delta devil on the other. We still don't know who will win. Stay tuned.
As Bilbo Baggins said (paraphrased, of course): the road goes ever on and on, out from the door where it began. We thought we'd get farther than 25 miles from home the first day, but. . . .
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