Travel Insurance……Who Needs it?

There are several reasons why travel insurance is a good investment for anyone planning a trip. Here are some of the key benefits:

  1. Protection against unforeseen events
    Travel insurance can provide coverage for a wide range of unexpected situations, such as trip cancellations, missed connections, lost or delayed baggage, and medical emergencies. This can help travelers avoid potentially significant financial losses if something goes wrong during their trip.
  2. Peace of mind
    By investing in travel insurance, travelers can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are protected against unforeseen events. This can make their trip more enjoyable and less stressful overall.
  3. More flexibility
    Many travel insurance policies offer options such as trip cancellation coverage or the ability to reschedule or change travel plans without incurring additional fees. This can provide travelers with more flexibility in their travel plans, allowing them to make changes without worrying about financial consequences.
  4. Emergency assistance
    Travel insurance often includes emergency assistance services that can help travelers find hospitals, doctors, or other medical facilities in case of a medical emergency. Additionally, some policies may offer travel assistance, such as language translation services or help with lost passports.

Overall, travel insurance can provide significant benefits and is a wise investment for anyone planning a trip. This is especially true for travelers who are planning expensive or complex itineraries, traveling internationally, or engaging in high-risk activities such as adventure sports.

Greek Isles Group Cruise

Odyssey of the Seas – Limassol Cyprus

SHIP:                ODYSSEY OF THE SEAS (ROYAL CARIBBEAN)

ITINERARY:     8 NIGHT GREEK ISLES CRUISE

DATE:              SEPTEMBER 24 – OCTOBER 2, 2023

CRUISE ITINERARY     

24 SEP       ROME (CIVITAVECCHIA), ITALY                5:00 PM

25 SEP       NAPLES, ITALY (AMALFI COAST)            8:00AM-6:00 PM

26 SEP      CRUISING

27 SEP      ATHENS (PIRAEUS), GREECE                    8:00AM-8:00PM                            

28 SEP      EPHESUS (KUSADASI), TURKEY              9:00AM-7:00PM        

29 SEP      SANTORINI, GREECE                                7:00AM-7:00PM

30 SEP      CHANIA (SOUDA), CRETE, GREECE       7:00 AM-3:00 PM

01 OCT      CRUISING

02 OCT     ROME (CIVITAVECCHIA), ITALY               5:00 AM

PRICE (BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY)

INTERIOR: $1270.32 PER PERSON

OCEANVEIW: 1444.32 PER PERSON  

BALCONY:       $1826.32 PER PERSON

WE CAN ALSO  BOOK YOUR AIRFARE, GROUND TRANSFERS AND HOTEL IN ROME IF YOU CHOOSE TO FLY IN EARLY, OR STAY OVER

DEPOSIT:          $250 PER PERSON ($500 PER STATEROOM)  DEPOSIT IS NONREFUNDABLE, SO WE STRONGLY SUGGEST ADDING TRAVEL INSURANCE TO YOUR RESERVATION

FINAL PAYMENT:   JUNE 26, 2023

TO BOOK EMAIL blackfolkstravel2@gmail.com OR CALL 510-656-6582

A Sister in Shanghai

Carla Murray is one of our long-time group members, but I just recently found out that she happens to live in Shanghai – and has been there since 2018.  Although Robert and I have  been there twice and enjoyed visiting the tourist attractions, I was curious to find out what it’s like to actually live there. So, I asked her to provide some photographs and answer a few questions about her experience. Here’s what she told me.

“China surprised me big time. I never in my wildest imagination thought that this country had so much to offer.”

What do you like most about living there?

The quality of life. It’s so easy and convenient here. The ease of getting around, affordable, not having to pay an arm and a leg for simple things like internet and basic utilities. Another thing is that it is so SAFE, especially for black folks. There NO guns allowed except for the military—not even the police have guns. There’s very little crime, although there are money scams aplenty—but common sense will protect you from that. The ability to have an Ayi (aunt in China) that comes to my apartment once a week to clean and do my laundry, go to the spa 1-2 times a week and still save over $2k per month is amazing.

What do you like least about living there?

Being an expat and having to renew my visa and knowing I can’t stay here forever unless I marry a local. If I could retire here I would in a heartbeat.

What advice would you give to African Americans who plan to visit there?

Keep an open mind and don’t believe everything you read in the media. Unlike America, China is not an overly racist country. It is very welcoming, and you’ll be surprised by the technology here. It makes life simple and easy. Plan out an itinerary and visit more than just Beijing and Shanghai. The south of China is AMAZING! Cities like Shenzhen, Xiamen and Sanya are comparable to visiting Miami and Hawaii. The climate is HOT, and the landscape is mountainous and breathtaking. I’m hoping to move south after a few more years in Shanghai. I need a warmer climate and a beach to wake up to every morning. This concrete jungle will soon get old to me.

What advice would you give to African Americans who plan to relocate there?

It’s very challenging to relocate to China. You must have a specific job to be able to come here long term. And also living here is not permanent. To my knowledge China doesn’t offer “green cards”. To stay permanently you must marry (but I could be wrong…I’ll investigate more). That being said, if you’re young have an undergrad degree and looking for a change and a chance to earn and save money—China is it. Unfortunately, with COVID the borders are closed and it’s not easy as of now to come here for work, and visiting is out of the question for now. Check back with me in 6 months.

I like the affordability, the ease of getting around and seeing different regions, learning every day about the culture and history (history runs deep). The shopping is AMAZING.  And living in Shanghai is like living in NYC times 100…you can fit 3 New York cities inside Shanghai. Shanghai is the most populous and geographically biggest city in the world, and I feel it every day I walk outside my apartment. I used to dream of living in a high-rise apartment in Manhattan with a door man — walking out my door and having everything accessible to me, not needing a car to get around. Having dinner at nice places and not paying half my salary. I literally have that here.  I had come here thinking I would stay for a couple of years and now I never want to leave.

Do you read and write the language fluently?

I am slowly learning Chinese. (我在慢慢学习汉语)I am using several methods…mostly apps on my phone…like Duolingo and HelloChinese. I have a language exchange partner that I meet with weekly and hanging around my local friends, listening to them talk. Believe it or not, I can read and write (type) better than I can speak and hear. But it’s a slow process. I hope to be fluent by this time next year. 

What is that Eiffel Tower-like structure and where is it?

It’s just outside Hangzhou. Hangzhou is the headquarters for Alibaba and about two hours and 30 minutes by car and less than an hour by fast train from Shanghai. The replica of the Eiffel Tower is in a section of Hangzhou that was built to mimic Paris. It’s literally a ghost town now. I understand that there are a few of these “ghost towns” around China — cities built to look like other famous cities around the world. I’ve only been to the one in Hangzhou. Hangzhou is also known for West Lake. It’s a beautiful city. I have traveled there a few times before Covid as a nice relaxing day trip. The fast train runs almost every hour until midnight, so it makes it easy to visit on a whim. ️

It looks like you were at Shanghai Disney. What’s that experience like?

I used to work at Disney English here in China until it was closed down due to Covid last year As a Disney cast member I could visit up to 12 times per year and we received passes every quarter to use at any park in the world (except Japan). I’ve never been to Disneyland in California, but I suspect that Disneyland Shanghai is comparable to the one in California. I would assume the main differences are the food options (here in Shanghai the food is catered to the Chinese customers) and that everything is in Chinese language first and English second. Disneyland Shanghai is much smaller than Disneyworld.

Where is this amazing view?

That was Easter weekend in WuYi Mountain in Central China. It took us almost an hour to climb up there. The view was our reward.

In one photo you were reading to a group of children. I assume that they were your students. Please expound on the experience of teaching Chinese children.

Yes, those were my kindergarten students. It was such a nice day and it had been raining for a few days in a row, so I decided to read our story outside on the balcony just outside our classroom.

Teaching is my second career (I started teaching when I came to China). The children love hearing stories in Chinese and English. I have a co-teacher partner that teaching Chinese in the second half of the day and I teach English in the morning. The children are so bright. So smart.

What is this statue and what does it stand for?

I don’t know. I think a snail. LOL That’s in my neighborhood. We had just finished lunch and were randomly taking pictures. It was just outside the restaurant.

Carla, thank you so much for providing such a detailed account of what life is like for you in Shanghai!

GROUP TRIPS 2020

MSC Grandiosa, Galleria Grandiosa

CRUISE LINE: MSC CRUISES

SHIP: GRANDIOSA

7 NIGHT MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE SAIL DATE: MAY 8-MAY 15, 2020

ITINERARY:

MAY 8                        BARCELONA, SPAIN

MAY 9                        MARSEILLE, FRANCE

MAY 10                      GENOA, ITALY

MAY 11                      NAPLES, ITALY

MAY 12                      MESSINA, ITALY

MAY 13                      VALLETTA, MALTA

MAY 14                      AT SEA

MAY 15                      BARCELONA SPAIN

PRICES:

BALCONY     $1336 per person     $2672 per cabin (based on double occupancy)

                        $2415 (cabin total based on single occupancy)

Prices include cruise fare, taxes, fees, Easy Drinks Package* and WI-FI.

*Easy Drinks Package includes draft beer, soda, fruit juices, mineral water, house wines, selected spirits, cocktails, aperitifs, espresso, cappuccino & other classic hot drinks

We only reserved balcony cabins, but can book other categories upon request

Travel insurance quote available upon request

DEPOSIT: $199 PER PERSON (DUE AT TIME OF BOOKING)

FINAL PAYMENT: February 8, 2020

For more information or to make a reservation contact:

ROBERT OR ADRIENNE LEE, blackfolkstravel2@gmail.com

CRUISE LINE: ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL

SHIP: SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS

SAIL DATE: OCTOBER 10, 2020

7 NIGHT WESTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE

ITINERARY:

10 OCTOBER           MIAMI, FLORIDA

11 OCTOBER           CRUISING

12 OCTOBER           LABADEE, HAITI

13 OCTOBER           FALMOUTH, JAMAICA

14 OCTOBER           CRUISING

15 OCTOBER           COZUMEL, MEXICO

16 OCTOBER           CRUISING

17 OCTOBER           MIAMI, FLORIDA

PRICES:

OCEANVIEW                        $1044 per person (based on double occupancy)

BALCONY                             $1150 per person (based on double occupancy)

Prices include cruise fare, taxes, fees and insurance. Other categories available upon request, additional discounts may be applied at time of booking. Additional group perks/amenities will be added, depending on the size of the group.

Space is limited, so if you’re interested, book ASAP.

DEPOSIT: $250 PER PERSON (DUE AT TIME OF BOOKING)

FINAL PAYMENT: June 12, 2020

For more information or to make a reservation contact:

ROBERT OR ADRIENNE LEE, blackfolkstravel2@gmail.com

This May be the Wine Talking…..

This may be the wine talking, but I really do love wine.  That wasn’t always the case. I grew up in a home where my parents weren’t big wine drinkers. So my earliest memories of wine were in high school when somebody brought a bottle of Boone’s Farm Strawberry Hill to a party. I grew up in northern California, so I was aware of the Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino wine regions.  My interest in wine grew as I began to travel outside of the Bay Area.  As traveling foodies my husband and I developed an interest in wine and have tasted fine vintages all over the world.

Our wine journey began when we started visiting local wineries. Although Napa is quite popular, there are many other regions in northern California that produce excellent wine. One of our favorites is the Livermore Valley where we have spent many lovely afternoons sipping and enjoying the verdant beauty of the vineyards.

Wandering among the grapevines is a peaceful experience. September and October are especially good times to visit since the grapes are being harvested then and their wonderful aromas permeate the air.

Whenever we travel we always visit local wine regions and we have done that in Spain, France and Italy. Our first visit to a Spanish winery was during a trip to Mallorca where we spent an afternoon at La Bodega Santa Catarina, a 500 year old winery on the north coast of the island.

It was much more than wine tasting – we wandered among the vineyards and even toured the lavishly furnished villa on the property. Although it closed in 2017, we look forward to returning to Mallorca to visit other wineries.

During our last trip to Spain we went out to the Penedes wine region – an easy day trip from Barcelona, where we toured Torres, Jean Leon and the Freixenet Cava Caves.

At each winery we were given extensive tours of the vineyards, and the chance to observe the production process from harvest to bottling.

After each tour we were treated to liberal pours of several vintages – each accompanied by delicious tapas.

By the end of the day we were well educated, well fed and feeling no pain.

Wine has a way of bringing people together and breaking down barriers.  Even if you begin tasting with strangers, by the second or third glass, it’s very likely that you will have made some connections.

Our Penedes Wine Region tour group included travelers from Japan and Nigeria. Even though the ladies from Japan spoke very little English, we communicated quite well – and have kept in touch on Facebook.

When we returned to Barcelona we found a wine shop in La Boqueria where there were many local wines to choose from.

The Napa wine scene has often been associated with pretentiousness and wine snobbery; and much of it is hype. Wine quality is not necessarily equal to price. A winemaker in Napa once informed us that in his opinion, no bottle of wine is worth more than $20. There are good wines at all price points. We have enjoyed delicious wines in Europe that only cost a few euros per glass.

We also enjoy attending local wine events like the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition that’s held every January. It is the largest wine competition in North America and there are thousands of attendees.

It’s a week-long event and wines are submitted from all over the country; more than 6,800. The public event is held at the Fort Mason Center and there are thousands of attendees. There are so many wines to taste that it’s difficult to know where to begin. Trust me, it’s not for the faint of heart – we had to train for this event. But at the end of the day, I was still standing.

In February we attended Black Vines ,in Oakland, California. It is an annual winter celebration of culture, art, and wine education that brings together Black artists, Black musicians, and Black winemakers and vintners.

We discovered some excellent wines, listened to good live music and enjoyed gourmet hors d’oeuvres. It was more than just a wine event, it felt more like a huge family reunion…..with really good wine.

Cruising is one of our favorite ways to travel. Sipping at sea is more than just fruity umbrella drinks or rum & coke. Cruise lines have made significant strides to step up their wine game. We spent some real quality time in the wine cellar on the Norwegian Bliss.

The center piece of the Celebrity Reflection main dining room is a floor to ceiling wine rack.

Needless to say,  we have tasted some excellent wines at sea.

As someone once said, “Wine improves with age. The older I get, the better I like it.”  Whether we’re traveling far, or just enjoying a staycation, wine is always on the menu.

My Baltic Cruise

Sylvia Keys is one of our most active and widely-traveled group members. In April 2019 she took a Baltic cruise on the MSC Meraviglia and visited Iceland, Copenhagen, Estonia,  St. Petersburg, Kiel and Helsinki.  Here is a journal of her journey.

Cruising to St Petersburg Russia turned out to be an unexpected pleasure. Two years ago, my Travel Dawgs and I discussed what our next adventure would be. Someone mentioned Russia. I had never thought of visiting that country. Fast forward to April 2019.

The Travel Dawgs planned a return trip to Morocco and Spain. Since we’d just been there six months prior, I didn’t want to return so soon, I decided to cruise SOLO to the Baltic Sea, which included….Russia.

I selected the MSC cruise line because I like their ports of call, their cabin sizes and I had MSC cruise points.

I was extremely apprehensive about cruising alone, however the Dawgs will never want to travel there (too cold), so this was my opportunity.

I have sailed the Caribbean solo before, and lived in Europe years ago, however I had never SAILED solo to Europe before.

This was my pre-cruise checklist:

  • Buy Baltic Sea cruise books to study and prepare myself. Done
  • Book Baltic cruise. Sailing on SUNDAY April 28th from Copenhagen Denmark, going to Helsinki Finland, Tallinn Estonia, Kiel Germany and ST PETERSBURG RUSSIA. Done
  • Book Scandinavia airline (SAS) the only airline which flies direct to Copenhagen. Seven-hour flight from IAD. Done
  • Buy cruise, air and medical insurance. Done
  • Updated the State Department STEP program, which alerts the State Department of international travel. Done
  • Ordered euros, rubles and kroners. The latter two countries don’t use euros or US dollars. Which turned out to be false. All those countries even took pesos! Done
  • Charged up my six mobile chargers and gathered all my gadgets and USB cords.
  • Brought my smart watch (which had all the time zones and times), my smartphone and my iPod.
  • I will not be solo. Done.
  • Packed appropriate (or so I thought) cold weather clothes. Done
  • Paid bills, packed meds. Done
  • I selected all my excursions and ship Wi-Fi. I had to be connected at all times.
  • Not to be obsessive, I also ordered land Wi-FI from my provider.

I also picked up the Apple package of wall plugs for over 20 countries….just in case. I was ready… or so I thought.

Monday, one week prior to SUNDAY flight, I get an email from SAS, welcoming me, to my much-anticipated flight on SUNDAY. Yay!

Tuesday, another email from SAS, which I didn’t read, however, I saw the words “if u want to rebook”. Why would I want to rebook? I didn’t pay any attention to the rest of the email, I just kept packing.

On Thursday, I get another email from SAS, which I did read, stating that the airline SAS pilots were going on strike…Saturday…. THE DAY BEFORE MY FLIGHT TO COPENHAGEN!

I was stunned. OMG …fast decisions had to be made. I did shed a tear or two, then thought of my options:

Cancel everything  or, MAKE THIS TRIP HAPPEN.

Right away. I called travel friends to get their advice and thoughts.

Some said take a chance and go to the airport anyway on Sunday; IN THE EVENT, the strike is over by then. Hmmm. I’m not a gambler.

Others said, cancel everything and rebook the cruise, sometime in the near future. Booooooo.

I decided to make this trip happen, until the Universe threw up another challenge to make me stop.

I called SAS and canceled flight to Copenhagen (no cancelation fee, thank you very much), but kept the return flight HOPING the strike would be over in one week. I’m guessing at this point.

Went online and found other airlines flying to Denmark albeit WITH LAYOVERS.

There were many flights, however in my opinion some of the layovers were too dicey for me.

I “lucked up” and found an Icelandair flight, leaving on FRIDAY (two days ahead of my initial reservation) and arriving In Copenhagen, on SATURDAY, a day before the cruise, with a two-hour layover in Iceland.

Iceland?   I. C. E. L. A. N. D. Iceland was never on my bucket list, never knew anyone who had been there or knew anyone from there. What the heck. The clock was ticking.

I bought a one-way ticket, two days before the new flight. Mo money, however the Universe was keeping me going. Two seats were left. Snatched one (please don’t be a middle seat).

I also had to book a hotel in Copenhagen. I booked a Marriott near the airport. I can’t do Airbnbs, too old school, plus I had some points with Marriott. Traveling solo. Have to be safe.

The flight from the East coast to Iceland is only six hours, nice. Ok. Let’s do this.

The light was superior. I met and talked with millennials from Scandinavia. Everyone was so nice and friendly. They also turned me onto a nice app, called BEEN, which tracks your travels. The adventure had begun.

We had a two-hour layover in Iceland, so I went straight to the gift stores.

Since I’m from Chicago, I thought I had seen winter clothes.

Oh my. The winter clothes were off the hook in Iceland. Survival clothes.

I bought, as gag gifts, wool gloves, sans tips, so you could text, as well as looooong wool scarves. Which, as it turned out saved me on the trip. I wore all of them.

The flight to Copenhagen took all of two hours. I landed in Copenhagen on a lovely Fall- like day, even though it was May.

 

The following are my reviews of my favorite ports of call for the most fascinating, educational, beautiful, insightful, friendly, awesome and yes stressful due to the strike, cruise I have ever taken. And I enjoyed every nanosecond of it.

BTW, the strike ended two days before my flight home. SAS had salmon and unlimited free drinks all the way back home. Great flight.

ICELAND (Keflavik International airport)

The airport was large with an abundance of stores and shops.

I found felted soap, which is a combined soap and washcloth. Upon returning home, Amazon has similar soaps!

COPENHAGEN DENMARK

WEATHER: 50 degrees. Clear skies. No wind.

I had booked a Marriott, and actually used the Apple converter plugs. Other travelers did not bring converters, so they had to have the Reception desk charge their gadgets. At one time I saw over 20 smartphones being charged.

Lol. I even thought about my BFTT family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I toured on a Hop on Hop off bus, which lasted four hours. A Japanese couple “adopted” me, and we toured all day together.

Copenhagen is a beautiful, upscale, cosmopolitan and diverse city, originally a Viking fishing village established in the 10th century.

What truly amazed me about Copenhagen was that every person has at least 1.5 bicycles.

Beautiful bicycles. You saw bicycles everywhere; there are dedicated bike lanes all over. Bikes were sitting at shopping malls, on streets, near the Metro stations…and NONE OF THEM HAD LOCKS ON THEM. To be clear, the Danes do not lock their bikes in Copenhagen. Think about that.

TALINN, ESTONIA

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEATHER: 40 degrees, grey skies, drizzle, then off and on downpours. Some ship passengers booked the bicycle excursions…we saw them fly by…and none looked happy with their decision.

Tallinn is the capital and largest city of Estonia. It is on the northern coast of the country, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland in Harju County. From the 13th century until 1918 (and briefly during the Nazi occupation of Estonia from 1941 to 1944), the city was known as Reval. Tallinn occupies an area of 159.2 km (61.5 sq mi) and has a population of 434,562.I didn’t take any shore food photos in any of the ports, because the tours were so busy, there wasn’t time to eat. I only ate on the ship.

Tallinn has become a hub of technical inventions. The software for Skype and Angry Birds were developed here, said the tour guide. There are lots of parks and forests.

People commute to Finland for work. New mothers are paid for 1.5 years, and their jobs are kept for them. We even visited a medieval village with a McDonalds in the middle of it. Everyone was friendly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ST PETERSBURG RUSSIA

WEATHER: 75 degrees!!!My favorite port of call. I was expecting gray skies and grim people. It was gorgeous, historical, scenic and friendly.

Saint Petersburg is famous for its beautiful palaces, picturesque canals, singing bascule bridges. Golden fountains, famous paintings – and impressive cathedrals. Russia gets 30 days of sunshine a year. We lucked up. The weather was gorgeous.

I took two tours, one from 8am-12pm, and the other 1pm-5pm.

 

 

 

 

 

It is a beautiful city. Very well laid out. Everyone was speaking English and everyone was friendly.

 

 

 

 

 

I only saw one brown face, during my eight hours of touring, and I believe she was East Indian.

You don’t need a visa, IF you are on a cruise excursion, and you stayed with the group. If you don’t book a cruise excursion, you would have to have a Russian visa before sailing or you couldn’t get off the ship. When disembarking we were told if we lost our passports, we could not get back on the ship. The American Embassy is in Moscow.

Both tour guides told us that  there were pickpockets on the tourist paths, and warned us to  guard our belongings.

680 Rubles are worth $10. I had ordered $300 worth of Rubles, which made my pockets bulge. Lol

 

The tours were awesome. We visited castles, churches, parks, souvenir outlets, saw a parade and drove around St Petersburg for hours.

There are 65 waterways in St Pete’s, and about 20 of them have bridges that go up.

 

St Petes used to be called Petrograd, then Leningrad and now St Petersburg. There are hundreds of museums, a vodka museum, a bread museum etc. Seven million people live in St Petes.

We stayed on the tourist track, and thus everyone was smiling and happy and everyone spoke English. We visited the Cathedral of Saint Petersburg that had gold everywhere.

The remains of the Romanov family were buried in this cathedral in 1998, and the buried Romanovs were declared saints in the Russian Orthodox church. But two of the children’s remains were missing: Maria and Alexei.

While in the church, we heard a private hymn sung by the “famous” Russian priests. It was humbling and awesome. We were told not to film or audiotape the event. Some of us did. It was beautiful.

KIEL GERMANY

 

WEATHER: very cold, high 30s, it was grey and cloudy, then it rained and hailed.

Kiel is the capital and most populous city in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein, with a population of 249,023 (2016).

There are 700 fishing companies here and lots of windmills, which supply electricity to the area.Its 23% forest, selling over 800,000 Christmas trees a year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We visited the Plon castle, which was lovely. And to our lucky surprise, we saw a wedding party arrive in an old Model T Ford.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We stopped in a small village for 20 minutes of shopping, restroom stop and food. I asked a small restaurant for hot chocolate. They didn’t know what that was. I ended up having a nice hot cappuccino.

 

Helsinki FINLAND

WEATHER: 40 degrees, sun shining. No rain.

Helsinki is the capital and most populous city of Finland. Located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, it is the seat of the region of Uusimaa in southern Finland, and has a population of 650,058.

 

We arrived in Helsinki on May 1st, which was their day of celebration. There were lots of balloons and white hats.

 

 

 

May 1 is Labour Day in many countries, including Finland. However, the Finns also see it as a chance to celebrate the arrival of spring, and numerous festive student traditions are also associated with the date. In fact, just about everyone gets in on the action – May Day and the preceding evening represent the biggest party of the year. There were students with decorated outfits on, wearing white hats and balloons for sale, everywhere. The streets were packed with happy celebrations. There were no medieval structures in Helsinki.

MSC Cruise

The Meraviglia, one of the largest in the MSC fleet, carried 5000 passengers, 1500 support staff.  I cruised with  Russians, Italians, 10 Americans (2 brown), Canadians and Australians. The cabin was large with balcony, private elevator on our wing. I needed a balcony, so I wouldn’t feel isolated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My cabin was only one level down from food and pool. However given the temperature, I didn’t make much use of that pool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was one the best cruises, I’ve ever taken. Very beautiful and educational.

I would like to return to Russia, however, with friends so we could visit the side streets.

ENJOYING THE 50TH STATE

Adrienne and I visited Honolulu last week for a few days. We’d visited Maui a few years ago and wanted to give Oahu a try. Great move on our part. I have found that no matter how much you research a destination; it takes putting feet on the ground to breathe it in and truly experience it.

The weather was beautiful when we arrived. We flew nonstop on a Delta 777 from San Francisco, which is a very comfortable airplane. Our flight was slightly less than 5 hours. Since we had rented a car, we took a shuttle from the airport to the rental car lot; it only took 10 minutes. Since we had a reservation the pickup process was quick and easy. Before long we were in our midsize car heading down H1 en route to Waikiki. The first thing that we noticed was the traffic. Honolulu is a busy city and we were in rush hour traffic.

Our resort was the Hilton Waikiki Beach and as we road along Kuhio Avenue we noticed the vibrant energy of the area. It was buzzing with activity and people – designer shops, restaurants, souvenir shops and of course throngs of tourists. After about an hour we finally arrived at our hotel. We were welcomed warmly by the hotel staff, and checked into our room. Once we deposited our luggage, we were off to explore this new destination.

Here are some of the things that we discovered about it:

GETTING AROUND – We rented a car so that we could see as much of the island as possible. That had its pluses and minuses. The first minus was the traffic. Honolulu is congested so there are lots of drivers – many of them tourists who are not familiar with the area. The second is that parking is in short supply and very expensive. Even our hotel charged a $35/night parking fee. It’s actually very easy to get around the city on public transportation and it is highly recommended. The Waikiki Trolley runs frequently, covers much of the city and there are six different lines to choose from. Taxis, Uber and Lyft are also available.

SHOPPING – The shopping was as good as any that we’ve seen during our world travels. One shopping center that we really enjoyed was the International Marketplace that features more than 100 retailers including Saks Fifth Avenue, Burberry, Swarovski, and Balenciaga. The Grand Lanai offers outdoor seating at seven signature restaurants. The history and culture of Waikiki are woven throughout with flowing water features, lush landscaping and a banyan tree that is 160 years old.

For affordable shopping, ABC Stores are everywhere, almost one per block. They are more than just convenience stores – think 7 Eleven on steroids. You can purchase daily essentials, beach items, groceries and even fine wines and spirits.

DINING – Eating in Waikiki is expensive, it’s not a place to eat on the cheap. However, there are some typical fast food spots and familiar places like Cheesecake Factory and Hard Rock Café. Dining choices are too numerous to list, but include restaurants like Eggs’n Things, Noi Thai Cuisine, Goma Tei Ramen and Tanaka of Tokyo. All of the hotels and resorts have a plethora of dining choices and all of the malls have great food courts.

While exploring other parts of the island like North Shore we discovered several food truck areas. Shrimp trucks are especially popular. We even saw several roadside vendors who sold pickled mangos. We plan to try them on our next visit.

ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS – Honolulu has many festivals, parades and celebrations throughout the year. We had the chance to experience the Pan Pacific Festival. It’s  an annual three-day cultural celebration that features an eclectic assortment of cultural arts, crafts, food and stage performances in a variety of settings in and around Waikiki throughout the weekend.

There is one activity that is an absolute must-do. Be sure to take the time to watch a sunset. Hawaii has some of the world’s most spectacular sunsets.

Having a car was a plus since it allowed us to get out of the city and see much of the island – but we only scratched the surface. Some of the sites that we recommend are Diamond Head Crater, Halona Cove, Hanauma Bay Lookout, the Honolulu Museum of Art, Pearl Harbor, Foster Botanical Garden, Lolani Palace, the Polynesian Cultural Center, North Shore and the Dole Pineapple Plantation.

Oahu offers an amazing travel experience. It is rare to find a destination that offers beautiful weather, pristine beaches, jaw-dropping sunsets, designer shopping and gourmet dining. It is also very family-friendly. We plan to visit regularly to take in more of this island paradise.

LONDON – Things to Know Before You Go

London is one of the world’s most-visited cities. It’s a 21st-century city whose history stretches all the way back to Roman times. This sprawling metropolis has so much to offer; including theater, food, history, art, literature, and fashion. It is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world encompassing more than 270 nationalities and 300 languages.        

If you’re planning a trip to the UK, here are a few practical things to know before you go:

PASSPORTS & VISAS – While some countries impose minimum passport validity for arriving passengers, the UK has no such requirement. If you’re an American or Canadian tourist, you’ll be able to travel visa-free throughout the UK, as long as you have a valid passport and your reason meets the immigration rules. For more details, visit these websites: ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk and gov.uk.

CLIMATE – The weather in Britain overall is temperate. In spring, from March to June, the climate is rainy and the average temperature is between 59 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. From mid-June to August, the climate is hot and humid with temperatures averaging 79 degrees Fahrenheit. In October the temperatures fall between 59-68 degrees and in December temperatures range from 35-48 degrees Fahrenheit.

MEDICAL TREATMENT – No inoculations are required to visit the UK. It is important to find out if your medical insurance covers you internationally. If not, it is wise to get adequate coverage before you go. If you’re taking prescribed drugs, carry a copy of your prescription, described by the generic name, along with a cover letter from your doctor, in case you need additional supplies.

MOBILE PHONES – The UK network uses the 900 or 1800 GSM system, so visitors from North America (where the system is 800 or 1900 MHz band) will need to get a tri-or quad-band set. Check with your service provider for details. It’s easier and cheaper to purchase a SIM card locally and top it up with credit.

INTERNET – Most cities in the UK offer some form of public access to the Internet. Some hotels include free WI-FI with reservations. Free WI-FI can also be found at libraries, pubs, cafes and museums.

TIME ZONE – There is only one time zone in Britain. In March the clocks change for Daylight Saving and revert back in October.

COMMUNICATION – The international dialing code is +44.

CURRENCY – Britain does not use the Euro, the British currency is the pound sterling (GBP). We prefer to exchange currency before we leave the U.S., but you can also do so at banks when you arrive. Many branches have 24-hour ATM facilities. ATM machines can also be found in some supermarkets, post offices, gas stations, train stations and London Underground stations. If you plan to use credit cards, be sure to notify your bank/credit card company that you will be traveling internationally. This will keep them from placing a temporary block on your credit card if fraud is suspected due to the change in location.

DINING – Along with the ethnic diversity, London offers a variety of dining experiences. There is much more than roast beef and Yorkshire puddings or fish and chips. Chicken tikka masala is also listed as a national dish. There are LOTS of restaurant choices – from Michelin Star restaurants to street eats.

My favorite dish was a bowl of Japanese noodles. Visiting the Food Halls at Harrods is a unique culinary experience – offering delicacies from around the globe. I was literally able to eat my way around the world.

Supermarkets are also a good option. We stayed in the Kensington district near a Waitrose market that sold really delicious hot and cold items.

ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT – The standard voltage is 230 AC, 50Hz. North Americans will need a square, three-pronged plug adapter/converter to use their appliances.

EMERGENCY – If you need police, ambulance or fire service, find a telephone and dial 999, and indicate which service you need.

TIPPING & SERVICE CHARGES – Tipping is not always appropriate. If you get exceptional service and want to show appreciation here’s a guide to customary practice:

Hotels: Most hotel bills include a service charge, usually 12.5%. When a service charge is not included in a hotel restaurant’s bill, it’s customary to tip 10%-15%.

Restaurants: Service charges are often included. If it is not, it is customary to leave a tip of 10%-15%. Some restaurants now include a suggested tip in the bill total.

Pubs and Bars: Tips are not expected, but are always appreciated.

Taxis: 10%-15% of the fare is customary, but it is acceptable to round up to the nearest pound.

Getting the most out of London definitely requires more than one visit. During our visit we did many of the top “touristy” activities; London Eye, Thames River cruise, Tower of London, watching the Changing of the Guard, shopping at Harrods; but felt like we barely experienced on all that there was to see and do. For example, Harrods is the largest department store in Europe occupies 5 acres, has 330 departments and covers 1.1 million square feet. We spent several hours there and didn’t nearly see enough. We look forward to going back to experience more of the diversity and excitement of that vibrant city.

 

MSC SEASIDE – SHIP REVIEW

Recently we took a western Caribbean cruise on the MSC Seaside. Although we had taken 25 cruises, we’d never been on MSC so we were eager to experience the brand. As always we did considerable research so that we’d have an idea of what to expect. What we found was nothing short of amazing. It was one of the most beautiful ships we’d ever cruised on. MSC is an Italian-owned company that has mostly focused on other areas of the globe, but it’s new to the Caribbean. They plan to move 4 ships to the North American market in the next few years, with a focus on Caribbean itineraries. So the newest ships have been designed with that focus in mind.

MSC Seaside is their newest mega smart ship, and it is truly a sun-lover’s paradise, with a revolutionary industry-first elegant Miami Beach condo design; specifically designed for warmer climates. She is the first of a new class of ships, designed to bring guests closer to the sea and can carry more than 5000 passengers. The ship has a very open feel and is the first ship we’ve sailed on that has an outdoor seafront promenade. It circles the entire ship on Deck 8. We were amazed at all of the things to do on that deck; places to eat, drink, shop, swim and sunbathe.

From the moment we got onboard we were captivated by the beauty of the immense double deck Atrium that is the center of onboard activity, and the heart of the ship. It stretches over two decks, creating an atmospheric venue for live entertainment with spectacular ocean views.

It is also an impromptu, multi-media, multi-level stage that features a variety of entertainment including, dancers, acrobats, flash mobs, light shows, live entertainment and one of the best DJs at sea. The crowning glory of the Atrium is the staircase where the surface is lit up as if inlaid with sparkling gems.

The interior design of the ship rivaled that of a 5 star luxury hotel. The colors, light and design elements were well balanced. Many of the sitting/lounge areas had great views of the ocean and all were extremely comfortable. Although there were more than 5000 passengers onboard, we never felt cramped or crowded. The entire ship was designed for comfortable navigation on the walking surfaces and even the many staircases were easy to climb – not too steep.

The elevators were smaller than those on some of the other new mega ships and were often crowded. So at times it was easier just to take the steps; great way to burn off extra calories.

ENTERTAINMENT – The entertainment was top level some of the best we’ve seen at sea. With 115 different nationalities onboard they did an excellent job of providing entertainment that everyone could enjoy.

There was a different show in the Metropolitan Theater every night, typically a high-h energy production, covering a variety of musical styles, dancing and acrobatics, and only 30 minutes long. There were 3 performances per night. Shows are free but guests are encouraged to make reservations. Our favorite was Starwalker, a tribute to Michael Jackson where the talent was amazing!

The cruise director and his staff did an excellent job of facilitating the activities and kept a high level of energy. They hosted games shows, and theme nights; Gatsby Party, 70s night and a white party that began in the Atrium then moved to an outdoor deck where we partied ALL night long.

BARS – There are 20 large bars in various locations throughout the ship; each with a great staff of bartenders and service was great. Robert and I managed to visit them all but we each had our favorites. His was the Sports Bar, and mine was the Venchi Chocolate Bar where they served not only chocolate but also gelato and crepes. We both were pleased with the quality of the wines, beers and liquors.

DINING – We had heard mixed reviews about the dining on MSC ships so we definitely wanted to do our own review. There are 11 dining venues onboard including the main dining room, 2 buffets and specialty restaurants. We only ate in the buffets and main dining room. The food in the main dining room was not as good as food that we’ve eaten on other cruise lines; there were fewer menu choices and the food was somewhat bland. We chose to eat most of our meals at the buffets, where there were more choices. The quality of the food overall was very high – fresh and well prepared without the additives, preservatives and GMO ingredients that are prevalent on many cruise lines. The desserts were exceptional and so was the pizza (to be expected since MSC is an Italian cruise line).

ONBOARD ACTIVITIES – There are so many activities to choose from that we didn’t have time to do all of them. There are 4 pools, 4 waterslides, and several hot tubs. There are also plenty of deck chairs for sunbathing. The zip line is 350 feet – the longest at sea.

There are two unique glass-floored catwalks and a 131 ft. high ‘Bridge of Sighs’ where we had a view of the ocean like never before. A waterfront boardwalk, the widest on any ship ever built, wraps around the ship, while panoramic elevators connect everything together.

Other activities include trivia, dance classes, Ping-Pong tournaments, scavenger hunts, and art auctions. Extra-fee activities include a self-leveling pool table, an arcade with a Formula One simulator, a 4-D cinema, dual bowling lanes and an air hockey table.

Of course there is a well-equipped casino where we spent quite a bit of time.

The Seaside is designated as non-smoking, except for certain areas, but we never came into contact with any smoke – even in the casino.

AUREA SPA – The Aurea Spa offers a large menu of services; massages, body treatments, facials, manicures/pedicures, haircuts, color and styling, waxing and men’s grooming. One of the highlights is the thermal suite (available for an extra fee), featuring sensory steam rooms, sauna, aromatherapy, a Thalassotherapy pool and a cold room with real snow. Outside of the spa there is a private sundeck for use exclusively by passengers who have booked spa treatments.

FITNESS – There is a large, well-equipped fitness center with state of the art equipment, heavy bags, free weights, cardio machines and rings. They offer classes like yoga, stretching, spin and Thai boxing as well as personal training (available for an extra fee). There are women’s and men’s locker rooms with showers, changing areas and saunas. Although we work out regularly at home, we didn’t spend much time in the fitness area – but we burned plenty of calories climbing stairs and just walking around that huge ship.

STATEROOMS – We had a mid-ship balcony cabin on Deck 15 and were pleased with the location. The cabin size was good, although there wasn’t much storage/drawer space. However, it did have a bathtub. The linens were high quality and the mattress was particularly comfortable. There were no miniature toiletries, but the soap, shampoo and shower gel dispensers were refilled daily.

Since the Seaside is a smart ship, it offers the latest in onboard technology.

The MSC for Me app is the digital innovation program that uses the latest cutting-edge technology to connect travelers seamlessly with the experiences that matter to them, whether at sea or on land. We downloaded the app onto our smartphones and found that it made it easy to navigate the ship, connect to WI-FI, and book shows. There are several WI-FI packages to choose from, but you’ll get the best pricing by booking online before you sail.

FAMILY FRIENDLY – It is a family-friendly ship and there were lots of children onboard. They were able to enjoy the full-sized bowling alley, a dedicated kids only restaurant, and the most interactive, multi-story water park at sea featuring four different water slides, an AquaPlay™ area designed for tots and an adventure trail. In addition, MSC Seaside boasts colorful kids’ play areas created in partnership with LEGO® and Chicco®. So it’s a great option for a multi-generational vacation.

One of the aspects that we enjoyed most was the international vibe. With 115 different nationalities onboard, there were guests and staff from all over the globe. All of the announcements were given in several languages including Italian, Spanish, English, German, and French. All of the staff that we met was multi-lingual and communicated with guests easily. We were invited to a cocktail party with the captain and his officers and he gave his remarks in 4 different languages. Even passengers who looked like us didn’t necessarily speak English. Some spoke Spanish, others spoke French or Portuguese.

EMBARKATION/DEBARKATION – We found the embarkation process to be smooth and seamless. We decided to arrive at 1:00pm and there were no lines. We got through the process in less than 10 minutes. So we recommend arriving around that time. People who arrived earlier got caught up in the mix of departing and arriving guests. Our staterooms were ready by 2pm and our luggage was delivered before 4pm. The debarkation process was just as smooth.

One of my least- favorite first day activities has always been the safety/muster drill. As a long-time cruiser I have memories of having to don a lifejacket and stand on the deck until the drill was completed. But it was not like that on the Seaside. Our muster station was actually at the Champagne Bar – how good is that? The drill took less than 30 minutes.

CUSTOMER SERVICE – Customer service was excellent; from our cabin steward, to the dining staff, guest relation’s staff – everyone we met was pleasant and efficient.

Other lines that we’ve cruised on connect your credit card to your reservation during the online check-in or embarkation process. However on the Seaside it’s different; there are ATM machines located in various locations throughout the ship where you do it yourself. So if you plan to pay your onboard expenses with a credit card, be sure to do that as soon as you board. It was easy.

In summary, we would definitely sail MSC again, but only on one of their newer ships. As an overall grade, we would give our Seaside experience a B+.

Don’t Listen to What They Say, Go See

 

 

 

 

 

 

All of us are different and we experience travel differently. While reading reviews, and listening to others’ advice is helpful when planning a trip, the only way to really experience a destination is to go see it for yourself. People are different, and their opinions vary widely. Here are a few of the opinions that I’ve heard about destinations:

THE FOOD IN ITALY IS BAD: Italy is comprised of many major cities – Rome, Milan, Naples, Florence, Genoa, Bologna, Palermo, Venice and Pisa are just a few. The cuisine varies by region. So it was hard for me to believe that ALL of the food was bad. As one of the world’s most beloved cuisines, it is much more than pizza and spaghetti. We made a point of tasting food in in several cities, including Rome, Naples, Florence, Venice, Capri and Vernazza. We had one of our best meals ever, at a picturesque little restaurant in Positano while driving along the Amalfi coast. The limoncello on Capri was fresh and flavorsome. The olives in Monterosso were like none I’ve ever tasted anywhere else. The pasta dishes were excellent everywhere we went. And don’t even get me started on the gelato.

THE PEOPLE IN PARIS ARE RUDE: I was very concerned about being treated badly in the “City of Lights”, especially since we don’t speak French. But bonjour, Au revoir, merci and big smiles went a long way…. We have been twice and shopped at stores, eaten at cafes, visited museums, even ridden on public transportation. We didn’t find Parisians particularly rude – no more than any other city we’ve visited.

PEOPLE IN CHINA TREAT BLACK PEOPLE LIKE ATTRACTIONS: I’ve heard people say that Chinese people pointed, stared and tried to touch their hair….and other body parts. I’m not disputing them, just saying that we didn’t have that experience. We went to Beijing, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Shanghai in 2015 and again in 2016 (there’s so much to see that it takes more than one trip to experience it all). Some people were curious and even asked to take pictures with us, but it didn’t make us feel like “attractions”. Many of the people in the major cities were Chinese tourists who appeared to be from outlying areas and probably had not seen many black folks. But it wasn’t too intrusive. In Suzhou we even explored the neighborhoods near the Grand Canal and no one even paid us any attention. After a while I even asked some of them to take pictures with us. It was fun.

THERE’S NOTHING FOR BLACK PEOPLE IN EUROPE: We have a rich history in Europe that would take years to study. For example, in 711 the Moors from northern Africa invaded what is modern day Spain and Portugal. Their rule in the region lasted until 1492 with the 8-month siege of Granada. When we visited Granada (in southern Spain) we toured the magnificent Alhambra Palace and fortress complex. It was constructed in 889 and converted into a royal palace in 1333 by Yusuf I, Sultan of Granada. Moorish poets described it as “a pearl set in emeralds”. Touring those grounds was like walking back in history. We have visited several European countries and have seen black people everywhere we’ve gone. I met this young sister in Monaco. I don’t speak French and she didn’t speak English….but we managed to connect.

We’ve had some very positive travel experiences – and some negative ones too. No travel destination is perfect. But we never base our opinions on anyone else’s experiences. We prefer to draw our own conclusions.

Talk is cheap and everyone’s experience is different, so don’t listen to what they say, go see for yourself.