While I am still not entirely sure where the idea of a "White Party" aboard cruise ships originated from, our sail away evening bash leaving Santos was amazing. Awesome music tailored to the audience, a fantastic buffet of international cuisine, and spectacular decorations on the pool deck made it a night to remember. A lovely… Continue reading Azamara Cruise- two days at sea

After a rather rocky night across the southern Atlantic, we approached the harbor of Santos (Brazilian football star Pele's home-town). Pictures show you the approach and docking. We then gathered as a group for a great excursion courtesy of supplier Bedsonline/TravelBound. Our day consisted of a community give-back with a native Indian tribe. We visited… Continue reading Azamara Cruise – Santos & Tupi-Garani native tribe

Long and quiet nights of solid rest are a rarity these days for many of us. Our arrival day presented such an opportunity with an early dinner before heading off to bed. It refreshed everyone enough to tackle a day of exploration in Rio courtesy of #urbanadventures. First order of business was a visit to… Continue reading Azamara Cruise – Highlights of Rio

No visit to Rio would be complete without a pilgrimage to the "stadium of stadiums" - the legendary home of Brazilian Footbol commonly referred to as Maracanã. Built for the 1950 World Cup, Maracanã, officially called Estádio Mário Filho, was built to serve as the flagship venue. It was meant to become the biggest football… Continue reading Azamara Cruise – Pilgrimage to Maracanã

An early morning ride on Bart and I was at SFO terminal 1 for my flight to Rio de Janeiro via Atlanta. After a bit of rest on the 9 hour leg from Atlanta, my seat mates Trixie, Debra and myself woke up to sunrise over Brazil. Stay tuned for more adventures all week as… Continue reading Azamara Cruise – Flight to Rio de Janeiro

As I woke up on this Thanksgiving morning and am reflecting on another great travel season. Many thanks go through my head. Thanks to all whom either joined in on journeys or lived through them vicariously on this blog. The Oktoberfest group I organized this fall at Crystal World of Swarovski in Wattens, Austria. Thankful… Continue reading Thankful for another great travel season

It was an emotional Saturday for me - November 9th 1989 was the night that changed the world. Hard to believe it's been that long and yet, it feels like it was yesterday!To my loyal readers, befor going on about that historic night, I apologize for the silence on my part for the past weeks.… Continue reading 30 years have passed since the world changed

I have been making frequent pilgrimages to this semi-annual event since 1985, including today. Gone is the grandeur of the powerful German makes displaying their newest models and show cars, complete with engine models and tons of visitors crowding the stands. Back in 1985 - when Volkswagen unveiled the Golf Gen 2, the world stopped… Continue reading Ode to a bygone era – the IAA Frankfurt Car show is dead

A basket full of freshly baked pretzels... to go with delectable Bavarian treats like Obadtza (Brie, butter, & paprika), smoked meats and cheeses, best washed down with one of the five official Oktoberfest breweries special edition beers. That is what awaits you as one of many highlights on my exclusive tour of Switzerland and Germany… Continue reading Last chance – Oktoberfest calling!

A full day at sea later and we pulled into Port Amalie in St.Thomas. As this was my third visit to the island I chose to stay on board. Even two years after devastating hurricane Maria there is still damage visible in this tiny island. It is cruise ship guests that bring economic activity sustaining… Continue reading Caribbean in June – St. Thomas & St.Maarten

After a long rest overnight to sleep off my red-eye flight from the west coast, I woke up safely anchored off Princess Cays - the private island - offering a plethora of water sports; beach loungers and bars ashore. Of course, shopping is never far off on Princess with food trucks and a Caribbean market.… Continue reading Caribbean in June – Princess Cays

Home just long enough to do laundry and repack and now it is off to the Caribbean for a week aboard Caribbean Princess from Fort Lauderdale with stops in St Thomas and St Marten as well as the private island Princess Cays. This journey is a sort of homecoming for me as Greg and I… Continue reading Caribbean in June

An overnight short hop across the English Channel behind us and we are safely docked in Dover with views of the famous white cliffs right from our balcony. All packed, we are now ready to disembark the Crystal Serenity and board the bus to make our way to London Heathrow airport. Upon reflection, as this… Continue reading Farewell to Crystal Serenity

An early morning of country driving along Normandy coastal routes brought us to the town of Ouistreham where the British landed at the sector called Sword Beach. Views of a lovely chateau along the way inspired French country living dreams in me for a moment. All that movers into perspective as we digested the experience… Continue reading Aboard Crystal Serenity – Day 6