With my flight 45 min early this was an early start to exploration and the weather collaborated beautifully. This amazing recently opened public art display by famous Bulgarian artist Christo (known for his wrapped landmarks) stacks 7506 empty oil barrels in Serpentine lake in Hyde Park. I found it stimulating to think about what this… Continue reading London calling – Royal Observatory (where modern time keeping began)
Category: Key Blogs
London calling – Here I am
After a super-fast flight (thank you jet stream) our Boeing 777-300 landed 45 minutes early in Heathrow. United rating 4.5* This was a very pleasant flight with three meals of good quality. The legroom for standard economy was good as well as was the surprise of finding power outlets between each seat. Other than the… Continue reading London calling – Here I am
London calling – take off
On BART to SFO airport early this morning. Smoke filled air and low hanging fog make this a bit of an eerie morning for sure. All I can hope for is that air traffic will not be too much impacted by it. This trip marks a first for I am flying United across the pond… Continue reading London calling – take off
London calling
Only 4 days to go before I kick off a long London weekend ahead of attending a new cruise ship inaugural event for the Azamara Pursuit on August 28th. Having visited the city countless times, my trip will include both, favorites like the Tate Modern and the Victoria & Albert Museums as well as new… Continue reading London calling
How to stretch a cruise ship
It is truly one of those amazing things to watch and wonder about. True, stretching a cruise ship is not an every day activity. In fact, I cannot recall this being done in over 15, since Norwegian Cruise Lines stretched one of their ships. As I have covered cruise ship experiences in the past, and… Continue reading How to stretch a cruise ship
Gran Velas in Los Cabos – my first impressions
Crystal blue waters, spectacular pools and a wall of flowers frame the picture of this AAA 5-Diamond Resort I am fortunate to explore for 3 nights. More Architectural Digest than typical resort, this venue sets standards without making it stuffy or unapproachable. The resort offers 5 room categories, each distinct but unified by amazing views,… Continue reading Gran Velas in Los Cabos – my first impressions
The story of my suitcase
Thanks to BART delays, I barely made it on my flight. In fact, I was the last passenger to walk on the United Arbus 320 and as a result I had to check my bag at the gate. After landing, I cleared customs and immigration and made my way to the transfer bus to the… Continue reading The story of my suitcase
Off to Los Cabos for a 3-night stay at Gran Velas – come along
Pardon the radio silence in my part as I took a few weeks to get ready for a string of upcoming trips. On BART to San Francisco international airport for my flight to Cabo on United. I have been invited to a Gala dinner and award ceremony at this upscale All-inclusive resort and I very… Continue reading Off to Los Cabos for a 3-night stay at Gran Velas – come along
Blissful Memories
My thee nights on board are over and the early sunshine over the port of Seattle was a welcomed companion while I packed my belongings. On final reflection, this ship offers some innovative ideas that will appeal to today's cruisers. Gone are the days of inside, outside, balcony and suites. This ship has a total… Continue reading Blissful Memories
Blissful Friday – Victoria BC
Norwegian Bliss cruises through the Juan de Fuca straight into Victoria harbor for a day of exploration of this "so very British" Canadian city located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island. With the majority of guests off the ship, I completed my inspection walk before lunch, viewing additional Haven suites where photos were allowed.… Continue reading Blissful Friday – Victoria BC
Blissful day #2
After breakfast I joined a guided tour of the exclusive Haven area (think of a ship within a ship) consisting of suites in varying sizes all with private pool and longe areas. This is where you want to be - take my word for it. (The line you see two decks down is the folks… Continue reading Blissful day #2
Is an All-inclusive Resort for you? – Reflections on my stay at Dreams Playa Mujeres
Don't let this peaceful image of the beach side bungalows fool you, the Dreams Resort Playa Mujeres Resort gets rather busy and loud after sunset. I must admit that it has been over 20 years for me to stay at an All-Inclusive Resort and I realized that fundamentally not much changed. That is both a… Continue reading Is an All-inclusive Resort for you? – Reflections on my stay at Dreams Playa Mujeres
Playa Mujeres is waiting…
There is no rest for me yet. Only home for a few days and off I go again. This time it's another business trip to represent my SKAL San Jose club at our annual North American Congress in Playa Mujeres near Cancun Mexico. I have belonged to this global tourism industry organization for 8 years… Continue reading Playa Mujeres is waiting…
Vienna to Budapest – Danube cruise
With two culturally rich days behind us, it was time to sail on to Hungary's Capital Budapest. Granted the first stretch downriver is rather boring, consisting of a straight stretch of Danube canal but once we reached the Hungarian border it became natural and scenic again. Just after lunch the scenery jumped into overdtive as… Continue reading Vienna to Budapest – Danube cruise
Vienna part two
Overnight, the rain blew away and summer temperatures with blue sky returned. It was welcomed news as my program included a paddle boat experience in the wild Danube National Park.Due to the fact that we were on paddle boats, I safely stored my cellphone and other valuables on the bus which unfortunately means no pictures… Continue reading Vienna part two
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