Philae Temple from the ferry Our morning began with a fabulous breakfast on the terrace of the Old Cataract Hotel from where we then toured the temple of Philae dedicated to the godess Isis. Rescued from the waters of the Aswan dam as the last UNESCO project in Nubia in the 1970s, this temple is… Continue reading Egypt – Philae and Nile Sanctuary

Old Cataract Hotel No voyage to Egypt is complete without staying at the legendary Old Cataract Hotel run by Sofitel in Aswan. Located in prime viewing of the first Nile rapids, the property has hosted world leaders, movie stars and most famously, was the long term lodging for British Crime Novelist Agatha Christie whom penned… Continue reading Egypt – Aswan and the legendary Old Cataract Hotel

Abu Simbel temple in Nubia Our discovery of ancient Egypt began in earnest today with a short flight from Cairo to Aswan followed by a scenic drive across the southern Nubian Desert to within 30 miles of the border with Sudan. Any true program in Egypt should feature this drive across one of the world’s… Continue reading Egypt – A Pharaohs’ tribute

Our first stop in the Arabian world consisted of an overnight stop-over in the Qatari capital city of Doha. Only a desert village without much significance, over the past 30 years transformed into a mega city of skyscrapers in any imaginable shape. Doha skyline Host of the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup (not without controversy… Continue reading Egypt – Fata Morgana in the desert

Checking in At SFO At long last, our twice postponed Egyptian Adventure begins. Thirteen travelers are making their way to Cairo on different airlines and vastly different routes. Most via Europe and the tree of us (Greg, Julie, and myself) via the Gulf state of Qatar. It is a first for me on multiple levels… Continue reading Egypt – Its finally happening

Jefferson’ Rock at Harpers Ferry Our tour of historic venues continued along the western Virginia Hills through the Shenandoah National Park and on to the town of Harpers Ferry where the event responsible for the brewing Civil War to break out in the open. Home to a Federal Weapons Depot, this town at the confluence… Continue reading America’s Historic East – Civil War

Monticello Our day of Virginia discovery continued with a scenic drive up to Charlottesville of University of Virginia fame (and violent radical right rally infamy) for a visit to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate. Garden view of the estate This visit was another longtime wish-list item for me and it certainly did not disappoint. The views… Continue reading America’s Historic East – Enlightened Mansion

Colonial Williamsburg Main Street A longtime in the making, I finally arrived at colonial Williamsburg for a visit. I had heard about it and aspired to visit for over 25 years and now I am here. Pinch me! House of Burgesses- Capitol building of the Virginia Commonwealth Financial support from the Rockefeller’s helped local history… Continue reading America’s Historic East – Colonial Times

Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Victory replicas On May 13th 1607 the three ships pulled ashore in Jamestown establishing the first permanent British settlement in Virginia. Today’s tour began at this historic site in what is today part of the Virginia Colonial triangle of historic sites. The Jamestown experience is a living museum with period actors… Continue reading America’s Historic East – Settlements emerge

Lincoln Memorial As any visit following the path of our founding fathers should, this program starts in Washington DC. First up we’re visits to three key Presidents of our nation’s history, Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln as well as walks past the Korean and Vietnam war memorials. Jefferson Memorial Much has been written over the centuries… Continue reading America’s Historic East – Ode to Presidents past

Crew farewell aboard Every great experience must come to an end eventually. So did our cruise aboard Seabourn Odyssey with a fitting celebration of crew and guests on the back pool deck. Complete with ambiance lighting and live music, this gathering had a bit of sadness for many of us that were leaving the next… Continue reading Caribbean Elevated – Farewell to the Seabourn family

Mt. Vernon in restored colors For many travelers still hesitant to go abroad, there is so much to see right in our own amazing country. This is what brings me to the east coast and aboard Globus’ deluxe motor coach program called America’s Historic East. Follow along as we visit three Presidents homes and important… Continue reading America’s Histotic East – Mt. Vernon

Atlantic coast beach on Barbados Our time aboard Seabourn Odyssey wrapped up with a delicious Eggs Royale breakfast of poached eggs on English muffins with smoked salmon and caviar. Quite a treat on a day most cruise lines hurry guests off the ship early. This exquisite last meal makes me anticipate my return to the… Continue reading Caribbean Elevated – Discover Barbados

Titanic moment After over a year of complete standstill for leisure cruises, last Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives cleared HR1813 “The Alaska Tourism Recovery Act” which makes it possible for foreign flagged cruise ships to ail to Alaska from Seattle without having to comply with the 1862 Passenger Vehicle Services Act. You got it… Continue reading Cruising returns – Grab your cabin now

Operating since 2003, this scenic train runs on the 30cm narrow gauge tracks of the sugar cane industry which dominated this island nation for over 100 years under colonial reign from the British and French. At its height, over 35 miles of track existed on this 65 square mile island. Today, the train takes visitors… Continue reading Caribbean Elevated – St.Kitts Scenic Railroad