Destinations in the Sun?

St. Lucia is for Romance

2009-01-24T16:54:00.000-08:00

St Lucia is a small island in the Caribbean of 238 square miles of temperate forest. The climatic condition in the rainy season (July thru December) is mostly in the 80's (Fahrenheit) and rains occasionally. Water sports flourish at most resorts or you can drive to the rainforest and move smoothly through the treetops.
While we were there we went Zip lining, which was enormous fun, drove through the rainforest, went shopping, did lots of water sports and explored several hotel and resort properties during our stay. We found something for every budget, crime is almost nonexistent and the natives are welcoming.
We stayed at Sandals Regency. Sandal’s Resorts have three properties located on the island, each with a different spark and all have excellent restaurants and variety of watersports included in your stay. We were looking for a way to see the island and see other hotel and resort properties while we were there.
We visited Cap Maison where we found private villas with plunge pools and a large dining area. You can walk down 63 stairs to get to their beautiful private beach. Almond Smugglers Cove and Almond Morgan Bay (both all-inclusive) are beautifully landscaped properties that cater to families. They have an outstanding children’s program for ages 2 up to 17 years of age. Cotton Bay Village is a collection of villas, condos and apartments; they are not all-inclusive but have a restaurant on site.
Bay Gardens Beach Resort is a little welcoming property, not all-inclusive but offers’ three meal plans and has three restaurants on site; Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort is sizeable property offering private villas with beautiful views of the ocean. They are not all-inclusive but offer meal plans.
Villa Beach Cottages is a small boutique hotel on the Caribbean Sea. Offering 10 villa suites in a beautifully landscaped setting showcases the rich St. Lucian architectural heritage with high cathedral ceilings, intricate gingerbread fretwork, jalousie shutters and original handcrafted wooden furniture. There are no restaurants on site; however the property is a short walk from the downtown area where several restaurants and shops can be found.
Anse Castanet is not for the frail or persons with mobility issues. It is at the top of a very rugged road that is not paved, I would not recommend a stay here in the rainy season due to the road being flooded by a waterfall and the rooms are all open air on the backside and the rain goes into the rooms. It is a very expensive property ($14,000 to $19,000 U.S. per week double and does not include any meals. This property would be great during the summer months except is no air-conditioning.
Jalouise Plantation is on 350 acres and is nicely spread out. It also is private villas with plunge pools but without any cooking facilities except in the three bedroom villa. They have several restaurants on site. They will be closed all next year for re-conditioning of the property.
Lastly Coconut Bay hotel is an all-inclusive close to the international airport on the south side of the island. This property has a plethora of activities for young and old. They have a large spa and meeting rooms. Nearby is a separate area for adults only on the east end of the property. This is the finest deal on the island and very well-liked.
We observed at least five weddings while we were in St. Lucia and chatted with several newlyweds who were there on their honeymoons. Everyone we spoke with was delighted with the island, the food, and the friendly people who call St. Lucia their home.

Beautiful Fiji My First Trip.

2009-01-24T16:50:00.000-08:00

Imagine waking every morning to a beautiful new paradise. Cruise through days of turquoise seas, palm fringed islands and the intimate tranquility of boutique island cruising... pure Fiji! I was spoiled right off the bat cruising to islands, visiting remote Fijian villages, swimming, snorkeling and playing in some of the most pristine waters in the world.
In the relaxed ambience of the Blue Lagoon Cruise we were taken on a breathtaking voyage. Leaving the crowds behind, and sailing past the Mamanuca Islands, we were spirited towards the exquisite Yasawa Islands where the movie Blue Lagoon was filmed (staring Brooke Shields in the 1960’s). Only a few hours each day is spent underway, with the rest spent at anchor in a sheltered lagoon and ashore, so we could go exploring, play water sports, enjoy cultural activities or simply do nothing at all. We experienced firsthand the ancient Fijian culture, where people live today as they have for hundreds of years. We were welcomed as an honored guest when we visited a traditional Fijian village and took part in the Yaqona Ceremony. Finally, we feasted by the original Blue Lagoon. Nanuya Lai Lai, our breathtakingly beautiful private island is available exclusively for our enjoyment, as were its crystal clear waters and surrounded by fine white sandy beaches. With over 50 years experience in cruising these islands, a fleet of five boutique cruise ships, and six unique itineraries, offered us the luxury of choice – when would you like to depart on your voyage, how long would you like to spend in a remote paradise, on the style of ship that will allow you to relax?

Alaska, still a wild frontier

2009-01-24T16:48:00.000-08:00

We started our trip on 8/27/07 by flying from Ontario, CA to Vancouver, BC. The transfers from the airport to the ship went very smoothly. Everything was arranged by Princess and worked seamlessly.
We had our first dinner in the dining room, the service was wonderful and the scenery was breathtaking.
Our second day on the ship was a sea day so we relaxed and acquainted ourselves with the ship. We worked out in the gym and ate quite a bit. We arrived in Ketchikan on 8/29/08 and did not expect to see rain. Our friends who had been here before told us the weather would be beautiful this time of year anyway we still had fun. The town is very picturesque. We took a horse drawn trolley ride thru the town for the highlights then walked and shopped.
Ketchikan is the fifth most populous city in the state of Alaska and the southeastern most sizable city in that state. Ketchikan's economy is based upon tourism and fishing, and the city is known as the "Salmon Capital of the World. One of the area's major attractions is “The Misty Fjords National Monument.
Ketchikan is named after Ketchikan Creek, which flows through the town. Ketchikan comes from the Tlingit name for the creek, Kitschk-hin, the meaning of which is not clear; it may mean "the river belonging to Kitschk" Or "Thundering Wings of an Eagle." Ketchikan houses the world's largest collection of standing totem poles located in three major locations: Saxman Village, Totem Bight, and the Totem Heritage Center. Ketchikan is 235 miles (378 km) south of Juneau, Alaska.
We arrived in Juneau on August 30th. There was no rain but it was very cold. Juneau was named after gold prospector Joe Juneau, though the place was for a time called Rockwell and then Harrisburg (after Juneau's co-prospector, Richard Harris. The Tlingit name of the town is Dzántik'i Héeni "river where the flounders gather", and Auke Bay just north of Juneau proper is called Aak'w "little lake" in Tlingit. The Taku River, south of Juneau, was named after the cold t'aakh wind, which occasionally blows down from the mountains. Downtown Juneau sits at sea level, below steep mountains about 3,500 to 4,000 feet high. Atop these mountains is the Juneau Ice Cap, a large ice mass from which about 30 glaciers flow; one of these, the Mendenhall Glacier, is visible from the local road system; this glacier has been generally retreating; its front face is declining both in width and height.
Juneau is the capital of Alaska and has a great variety of things to see and do. A number of memorials are along the waterfront and boardwalk and the famous Red Dog Saloon is nearby; state and city museums and government buildings are a short walk, with shops all along the way. We took a tour to Mendenhall Glacier, downtown and the Salmon Hatchery. It was very interesting especially the glacier. Mendenhall Glacier is a 20 minute drive from downtown and is the most accessible glacier to any town on the Inside Passage. Active adventures abound in Juneau. This is an excellent spot for whale watching, wildlife viewing, kayaking and river rafting. Some whale watching companies actually offer cash refund if you don't see a humpback or orca whale during your tour.
On Friday September 1st we were in Skagway. It is a small town of 800 people. It was cold. We took an old trolley with a great tour guide named Peggy. She was in costume and was very knowledgeable about the area. She took us out to an old grave yard and shared lots of stories, Peggy and her husband spend their summers in Skagway. She told us there are only 5 hours of daylight in the winter!
We were in Glacier Bay on Saturday September 2nd. Glacier Bay National Park is north of Juneau; Hubbard Glacier, which "flows" off Wrangell-St. Elias National Park into Disenchantment Bay and South central Alaska's Prince William Sound with College Fjord and other glacier-rich sites. I was on the treadmill watching the glaciers go by, what a treat that was. This region of towering mountains, lush forests, endless acres of untrammeled wilderness, whales in the water and brown (grizzly) bears on shore. Alaska Native cultures are still vibrantly living. "Sourdough" gold rush history is still reflected in many structures and sites connected to the Klondike stampede to the Yukon.
On Sunday September 3rd we were at sea and saw the College Fjords’ around 3:00 PM. This is our last day on the Coral Princess. We disembark at 6:45 AM for out seven day land tour.
Land Portion 7 day tour Anchorage to Deadhorse Alaska.
Our plane from Anchorage to Deadhorse/Prudhoe Bay was an hour late and unfortunately our plan to sightsee on the way up was thwarted by clouds. We arrived by puddle jumper to one of the most desolate spots we had ever been in.
Prudhoe Bay is miles of oil rigs and their attendant machinery. There is no town or village. The workers live in barrack type buildings two weeks on and two weeks off. The off weeks they are flown to Fairbanks by whichever oil company they work for. No families, no pets, nothing but winds and cold.
Prudhoe Bay sits right on the Arctic Ocean. We stayed in the one and only place to stay called, The Arctic Caribou Inn.
It was used to house the drill rigging personal; Very basic. Two twin beds placed at either end of the room, a bureau, a tiny bathroom with a toilet and small shower, a small step down to a sink.
Our meals were served by the cooks in big metal tray. That night it was fried chicken, mashed potatoes, beans, a salad bar, a dessert case, hot tea and coffee only $18.00 each.
The tour of Prudhoe Bay was of oil rigs and wide expanses of nature. We did get to walk down a rocky beach and dip whatever body part into the frigid Arctic Ocean.
The second day of our land tour vacation began at 4:30 with a 9 hour ride over the Dalton Highway to Coldfoot. There were no "restroom facilities" along this road. The first trees we saw were 8 hours into our trip and over the Antigun Pass.
Coldfoot started out as a tent to serve coffee and sandwiches to the truckers on this very lonely Highway, the half-way point between Fairbanks and Prudhoe Bay. The "buffet" same as Prudhoe Bay,
Our bus driver on this l8 hour trek was extremely knowledgeable about flora and fauna. He would have made a great school-teacher. If you would like to see Denali National Park, there are shuttle buses at your disposal, or you could book a tour with one of the many private buses, that can offer you the opportunity to get involved in a variety of guided hikes, gold panning, fishing, and some breath taking photograph opportunities.
Mount McKinley National Park is situated within Denali and the tours here offer incredible views of this glacier covered impressive mountain, which is in fact the highest peak in the whole of North America at an incredible 20,320 feet.

Petropolis, Brazil

2009-01-24T16:45:00.001-08:00

North of Rio de Janeiro about 60 miles, Petropolis “The town of Pedro” is a hidden mountain retreat, 2800 feet above sea level, for travelers to Rio. It is an ideal day trip for visitors during the hot muggy summer months.
Petropolis is where the imperial court spent the summer in the 1800's and it’s still the home of the heir to the throne Dom Pedro II’s great-grandson Dom Pedro de Orleans e Braganca. You can wander around town or ride a horse drawn carriage through the parks, past bridges, canals and old-fashioned street lamps.
Take a walking tour for approximately three hours, including time to spend at the attractions. You can start your tour at the Cathedral Sao Pedro de Alcantara where the tombs’ of Brazil’s last emperor, Dom Pedro II, his wife, Dona Teresa and their daughter, Princess Isabel.
Be sure you see the Casa do Barao Rio Branco and the Casa do Barao de Maua. Don’t miss the Crystal Palace (Palacio Crista) imported from France in 1879. It is used for special events. We were there Easter week 2008 and the town was decorating it for Easter.
Another interesting home is Casa de Santos Dumont, the summer home of Brazil’s father of aviation and inventor of the wristwatch. You will also see some beautiful mansions including the Palacio da Princess Isabel. Don’t miss the Museum Imperial, a perfectly preserved and beautifully appointed palace of Dom Pedro II. The imperial crown housed here has 639 diamonds and 77 pearls.
There are several eateries in Petropolis. Make sure you try an authentic Churrascaria (Brazilian barbecue). Churrascaria consist of a salad/dessert bar and waiters walking to each table offering several different cuts of meat (beef, port, sausages) and poultry (chicken).

Where Have you traveled?: Puerto Vallarta Mexico

2007-11-11T16:04:00.000-08:00

Where Have you traveled?: Puerto Vallarta Mexico

Puerto Vallarta Mexico

2007-11-11T15:35:00.000-08:00

My husband spent two weeks in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico at the Grand Mayan. This property is fantastic. There was a small train to take guests between the three different Mayan properties situated next to each other on the beach.

Each property has its own restaurants, pools, water activities, beach fronts and gift shops. There also was a small grocery store at two of the properties.

We had a great time in the intertube pool. It has jets in the bottom of the pool, all going in the same direction so that the intertubes were pushed as if we were in rapids.

This is a wonderful spot for families with childern of all ages. There is a seperate pool just for childern that had a wave machine so they could body surf and splash around with out interfering with other guests quite time or water activities. There were water slides too.

The Grand Mayan has an 18 hole golf course that cost $150.00 per person if you are not one of the timeshare owners or $55.00 per person if you are an owner. There is a little fast food restaurant close to the golf course so if you are hungry between holes you can get a bite to eat. The food was good and reasonable. They serve tacos, burritos etc.

While we were in Puerto Vallarta we did not rent a car. We took public transportation (the bus). It is very inexpensive and picks up frequently. We also took a taxi a few times. They charge according to what territory you are going to, for instance if you wanted to take the taxi to the airport it was $18.00 USD one way. If you took the taxi from the airport to the Grand Mayan it cost $25.00 if you caught it at the airport, however if you took the foot bridge over the freeway to the opposite side of the airport it would cost you $18.00. It is an easy walk and well worth the walk for us.

We took the bus to downtown Puerto Vallarta. We caught the bus at the corner from the Grand Mayan and transefered to another city bus once we reached the port that took us the rest of the way. The total trip time was about one hour from our hotel. When we returned to our hotel we did the same only in reverse.

There are several tours that the hotel can arrange for you if you would like to see more of the area or you can rent a car and drive yourself. I reccommend Gecko Rent-A-Car Nuevo Vallarta Mexico. There price is quite good and includes insurance. They can be reached either by email at geckorentcar@hotmail.com or by telephone at 376-687-201152. You will need to add the country code when dialing direct.