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
Blissful days await…aboard Norwegian’s newest ship
Follow me as I discover the brand new Norwegian Bliss on a 3 night sailing from Seattle beginning this afternoon with its naming ceremony in the port of Seattle. I very much look forward to the experience as I have never sailed on Norwegian Cruise Line and this ship speaks my language from an attractions… Continue reading Blissful days await…aboard Norwegian’s newest ship
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
Vienna is calling
After a beautiful scenic, albeit rainy day, we were given the opportunity to hear a fabulous concert at the Wiener Musikverein from where the annual New Years concert is broadcast around the world. These historic walls create the perfect backdrop and acoustics for the philharmonic orchestra. Unfortunately no video was allowed.This experience brought the saying… Continue reading Vienna is calling
Scenic Danube cruising
Rounding out the day was a scenic cruise up the Danube river through the UNESCO world heritage protected Wachau Valley to Melk. Along the river we spotted sch amazing sights as the blue baroque church in Duernstein, the quaint town of Weisskirch, and a local artist interpretation of the most important tool for winemakers -… Continue reading Scenic Danube cruising
Wachau Valley – wine, wine & more wine
A stunningly blue sky morning awaited us in Krems with summer like temperatures in the 80s. After breakfast, i joined a group of Viking Modi guests on the "Austria's famed white wines from vine to bottle" tour which included amazing cold cuts, a spread of veggies and other pork products - all rounded out by… Continue reading Wachau Valley – wine, wine & more wine
European Rail day – part 2
Endless amazing scenery escorted me along my 8 hour journey from Zurich to Vienna with stops in Innsbruck, Salzburg and Linz. A special moment of the journey was the passing of the abbey at Stams where Greg and I spent a memorable night with my mom shortly before her sudden passing. Well rested I arrived… Continue reading European Rail day – part 2
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