Wow! Life can sure get in the way of your travel plans!
We ended up leaving an incredibly bad host travel agency! What a trip that was. So many issues, so much deceit.
We are now with a great host company by the name of Outside Agents. So good! No outrageous fees and above the board in "what you see is what you get".
My dogs decided to go visit a friend of there's coming up the sidewalk last September 2015... they just forgot I was attached to them via their leashes. I literally did a Superman off the top steps of our porch. Landed hard on my knee and broke my right femur. Nine months later and after two surgeries I'm down to one crutch and feeling better. When 180 pounds of dogs decide to go... you can't stop them... or so I've found.
We did manage to make it to Mexico last February 2016. We met up with our dear friend Veronica and her daughter in a great little seaside fishing village called Puerto Morelos. We spent a lot of much needed time on the beach, got massages, ate good food, and spent quality time with our two amigas.
Sally and our son Greg are headed back to Mexico in July 2016. They plan on staying in the local hotels and using the local transportation. We used it several times in February. Regular bus services and smaller vehicles called Colectivo. They will be doing a lot of hiking and biking and since I'm still recuperating I elected to stay home and watch the dogs. Lucky me!
They are looking forward to spending a couple of nights at Veronica's casa and hanging out on the fabulous beach with her and her daughter.
We are planning our next trip together for November 2016 and again in February 2017.
It's good to have put so much behind us and moving in a positive travel direction again!
Sunday, June 26, 2016
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
We Made it to Cuba!
Sally and I have dreamed of visiting Cuba for years. With the silly US embargo's US citizens were forbidden to travel there. Obama has made it possible for us to go there with certain licensed travel companies.
We went in October 2012 and it was fantastic!
We found the Cuban people to be warm and friendly and we enjoyed their hospitality for seven days. What an incredible place to visit, in fact we highly recommend you go there. We enjoyed it so much we are putting a group together for 2013.
The everyday Cuban is not rich by any means, parts of Cuba seem very third world. Even though the Cubans have been under a repressive regime for decades the Cubans are a proud and happy people.
We saw a lot of "bootstrap" type businesses or Cubans lifting themselves up with small business.
Culture:
You will see many different cultural influences in the "gene pool". African, Spanish, British, German, Russian, USA and Latino. Don't be surprised to even see very blonde and light skinned Cubans.
The music and dance is very unique to Cuba. We found live music nearly everywhere we went.
Gallery:
You must go to Cuba!
We went in October 2012 and it was fantastic!
We found the Cuban people to be warm and friendly and we enjoyed their hospitality for seven days. What an incredible place to visit, in fact we highly recommend you go there. We enjoyed it so much we are putting a group together for 2013.
The everyday Cuban is not rich by any means, parts of Cuba seem very third world. Even though the Cubans have been under a repressive regime for decades the Cubans are a proud and happy people.
We saw a lot of "bootstrap" type businesses or Cubans lifting themselves up with small business.
Culture:
You will see many different cultural influences in the "gene pool". African, Spanish, British, German, Russian, USA and Latino. Don't be surprised to even see very blonde and light skinned Cubans.
The music and dance is very unique to Cuba. We found live music nearly everywhere we went.
Gallery:
Labeling the Rum
Cuban Cigars
Small Pastry Business
Beautiful Happy School Children
Ernest Hemingway's Home
1950's Chevy
Enjoying Cuban Cigar & Rum
Obispo Street (bishop street) Great Shopping
Dale, me, Sally and Pepe our guide
Hemingway's favorite little bar. Mojito's!
View from Libre Hotel Havana
Busy Year, Travel is Good, New Web Site Project
It's been a very busy year for Sally and me with travel! Sally has been to Jamaica three times, Riviera Maya last week and we are packing now to fly to Puerto Vallarta this Friday, Nov. 12th.
I actually tagged along with Sally on her last trip to Jamaica in August. We stayed at the Fabulous Sandals Whitehouse Resort. This was a working get-away. We toured several Sandals properties while there. We had a wonderful time as guests of Sandals.
Sally took several of her lady friends along with about 40 other women as they attended the W.I.N.O.S. (women in need of something) get-away to the Riviera Maya.
Our upcoming trip to Puerto Vallarta will be another working get-away but I think there will be some good downtime put into the schedule. We will be touring some properties while we are in the area. We will be staying at the Marival Residence and World Spa
Sally is looking forward to seeing her friend Norma who owns the Venus Sunshine Massage and Spa for another inexpensive excellent massage! I am looking so forward to meeting Norma and her staff of massage therapist for my first experience there. Remember I was a professional massage therapist for 10 years and love my massages! Can't wait!!
We'll post our experience of this property and properties we tour as well as Venus Sunshine Massage when we get back.
I actually tagged along with Sally on her last trip to Jamaica in August. We stayed at the Fabulous Sandals Whitehouse Resort. This was a working get-away. We toured several Sandals properties while there. We had a wonderful time as guests of Sandals.
Me & Sally at Sunset Jamaica
Sally took several of her lady friends along with about 40 other women as they attended the W.I.N.O.S. (women in need of something) get-away to the Riviera Maya.
Our upcoming trip to Puerto Vallarta will be another working get-away but I think there will be some good downtime put into the schedule. We will be touring some properties while we are in the area. We will be staying at the Marival Residence and World Spa
Sally is looking forward to seeing her friend Norma who owns the Venus Sunshine Massage and Spa for another inexpensive excellent massage! I am looking so forward to meeting Norma and her staff of massage therapist for my first experience there. Remember I was a professional massage therapist for 10 years and love my massages! Can't wait!!
We'll post our experience of this property and properties we tour as well as Venus Sunshine Massage when we get back.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Travel Tip St Martin St Maarten Island Caribbean
Here's a great travel tip to tuck away for your next cruise to St Martin Island in the Caribbean. If you are looking for free WiFi go the Greenhouse restaurant on the Dutch side of the island or St Maarten.
Have a couple of cold Carib beers while you are there!
Have a couple of cold Carib beers while you are there!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Celebrity Millinium - Great Cruise to Cozumel and Isla Roatan
We just returned from a great cruise aboard the Celebrity Millennium. Our ports of call were Isla Roatan and Cozumel.
Millennium next to the huge Oasis
The Celebrity Millennium will be undergoing an upgrade shortly It is currently a millennium class ship. There are for ships in this class.
Celebrity Cruise Line says; These four award-winning ships are visually stunning and superbly designed. Marvel at the expansive atrium that spans 11 decks. Soak in the sophisticated ambiance resplendent with teak and glass accents. Ride the glass elevator along the outside of the ship. Take in endless ocean views. Retreat to one of the most luxurious spa facilities at sea. Every detail is designed to capture the romantic exhilaration of travel.
It will be upgraded to a Solstice class. Celebrity describes this class as; The most stylish ships at sea. Each, a destination unto itself, offers more unique experiences, more restaurants, and an entirely new approach to stateroom design. Currently, there are three in this class, with our newest poised to premiere in 2012.
Having been to Isla Roatan before we wanted to delve into the countryside and island life more this time around. My wife, Sally, discovered a private tour company called Christopher Tours. Our one-on-one guide Charley met us just outside the gates at the cruise dock. He was great! We told him what we wanted to experience and he custom designed our day for us. We learned a lot about the political structure and history of Roatan as well as family life.
Beautiful panoramic mountaintop views Roatan
We had asked Charley to take us to his favorite lunch spot before the tour was over. We ended up at a great little restaurant. His cousin was the chef. We ate our huge bowls of excellent fish chowder right on the water. Our waiter gave us even more insight into the political structure of the two governors of the island. Great day, excellent company.
We do love Cozumel. After the hurricane hit a few years ago they have really recovered. It is really turning into a great cruise destination. The diving and snorkeling are exceptional. We always, always go to our dear friend Veronica's Cozumel Spa for the best massage treatments in the Caribbean.
Our dear friend Veronica at Cozumel Spa
Veronica was kind enough to take us to the beach for the day. Sally gave her daughter Dany a swimming lesson while they snorkeled looking for "big fish". It was a wonderful day. We can't wait to go back to this beautiful island and it's warm people.
Dany and Sally looking for "Big Fish"
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Punta Cana
Well I finally made it to the Dominican Republic. Our stay was in Punta Cana at the beautiful Gran Bahia Principe Esmeralda.
Apple Vacations sponsored our trip. We were joined by 110 of our fellow travel agents. This is a great all-inclusive resort with nice beaches. I especially enjoyed all of the mature palm groves on the beaches.
One of our agents had suggested a company that supported a local grade school. She contacted them and arranged for each agent to bring a book bag with school supplies
Later on Sally and I along with two other of our agents booked an excursion through this company, Jungle Outback Safari, to see more of the island. Part of the excursion was to stop in for a visit to the school they support.
We were allowed to donate more school supplies or candy but never money. They do not want to teach the children to beg. They told us many of these children walk five days a week 2-4 miles up rough country roads to get to school. There are two sessions per day. It's not unusual for the first group of kids to have siblings that attend the second session. They may even share uniforms.
If the parents are unemployed the children can not get a free education. There's a high unemployment rate here. Groups like Outback Safari step in to sponsor schools so these children can go to school. They also sponsor a clinic/hospital so that people in this area can have medical care.
This excursion was one of the most rewarding parts of our trip.
Apple Vacations sponsored our trip. We were joined by 110 of our fellow travel agents. This is a great all-inclusive resort with nice beaches. I especially enjoyed all of the mature palm groves on the beaches.
One of our agents had suggested a company that supported a local grade school. She contacted them and arranged for each agent to bring a book bag with school supplies
Later on Sally and I along with two other of our agents booked an excursion through this company, Jungle Outback Safari, to see more of the island. Part of the excursion was to stop in for a visit to the school they support.
If the parents are unemployed the children can not get a free education. There's a high unemployment rate here. Groups like Outback Safari step in to sponsor schools so these children can go to school. They also sponsor a clinic/hospital so that people in this area can have medical care.
This excursion was one of the most rewarding parts of our trip.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Loved this B&B and already planning return stay!
Garden Gate Get-A-Way Bed & Breakfast in Amish Country
Our review from Trip Advisor
Our review from Trip Advisor
This beautiful bed & breakfast in the heart of Ohio's Amish country is a must stay! Off the beaten path, yet close to shopping and many wonderful Amish style restaurants.
Each room has it's own theme.
You will really enjoy the evening social hour around the traditional nightly "campfire". It was great fun to get to know guests from other parts of the country. Inn Keepers Herb & Carol kept the conversation lively. They know every road and buggy trail there is in Millersburg and surrounding area. They really are experts on the area and local culture.
You will love this place!
Each room has it's own theme.
You will really enjoy the evening social hour around the traditional nightly "campfire". It was great fun to get to know guests from other parts of the country. Inn Keepers Herb & Carol kept the conversation lively. They know every road and buggy trail there is in Millersburg and surrounding area. They really are experts on the area and local culture.
You will love this place!
Room Tip: Google Garden Gate Get Away Millersburg Ohio to learn about the different room themes.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Top Ten Summer Beaches
With summer in full swing take a look at the viewers choices for the top 10 beaches for the summer!
- Lanikai Beach - Kailua, Oahu
- Horseshoe Bay Beach - Southampton, Bermuda (if you've never seen pink sand this is a must!)
- Rosemary Beach - Panama City Beach, FL
- Rialto Beach - Olympic National Park, WA
- Crane Beach - Ispwich, MA
- Orient Beach - St Maarten/St Martin
- Gold Rock Beach - Grand Bahama Island
- Smuggler's Cove - Tortola, British Virgin Island
- Paradise Beach - Cozumel, Mexico
- Hapuna Beach - Kamuela, Hawaii
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Trip Advisor Post on Cedar Brook in Seattle
Cedarbrook Lodge
“While in Seattle area a must experience, we will be back!”
1 person found this review helpful
Fantastic property with top notch staff. All about service and will NOT accept tips! Full service FREE breakfast with wait staff and omelet chef. Superb rooms with common areas in each themed building. They stock the common area kitchens with fresh sandwiches, bagels, fruit, soft drinks, juices, bottled water, coffee and yogurts so that you can "raid the refrigerator" after hours if you like. How fun is that?
There is a great little bar with a billiard table, reading area, social area in front of a floor to ceiling fireplace. If you need a business retreat this place is it.... over the top conference facilities.
You want to stay here. Watch hotels.com for good rates ;-)
http://www.cedarbrooklodge.com/
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Punta Cana on the Horizon
Duty calls! Sally and I have been informed we will be going to Punta Cana for 7 days in October 2011.
Very exciting times! More details to follow!
Very exciting times! More details to follow!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Venus Sunshine Spa Puerto Vallarta
When you travel to Puerto Vallarta area you must schedule a massage with our friend Norma at Venus Sunshine Spa downtown.
The ladies here are professionally trained massage therapist. On the average fees are only $45-50 USD for a deep tissue full body massage. You would expect to pay closer to $80 an hour for the same treatment in the U.S.
The ladies here are professionally trained massage therapist. On the average fees are only $45-50 USD for a deep tissue full body massage. You would expect to pay closer to $80 an hour for the same treatment in the U.S.
We were here fall of 2010 and took 5 travel agents with us. They loved it!!!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Enter to Win FREE 9-Night Cruise Vacation on Celebrity's Newest Ship!
Enter for a chance to win an exhilarating, 9-night inaugural cruise vacation for two aboard the newest Solstice Class ship, Celebrity Silhouette
Their newest masterpiece, Celebrity Silhouette, is getting her finishing touches and will be introduced this July 2011. Enter for a chance to win an exhilarating, 9-night inaugural European escape for two and be one of the first to experience an innovation in luxury with an extraordinary ship and vacation package.
Attend Celebrity Silhouette’s two-night naming ceremony in Hamburg, Germany, and then her 7-night inaugural cruise from Hamburg to Rome.
Enjoy the good life in your suite featuring a private, spacious veranda and 24/7 butler service.
Receive round trip airfare to Europe with complimentary transfers to and from the ship.
Get a $300 onboard credit to use anywhere on the ship, including their specialty restaurants and rejuvenating spa treatments. And they’ll cover the taxes and fees.
Enter to win (clicking here will take you to our website) Simply scroll to the bottom for the contest link.
This will take you right to the entry form. It is painless to fill out... good luck! Share this blog entry with your family and friends. Who knows maybe they'll invite you along if they win!!
Their newest masterpiece, Celebrity Silhouette, is getting her finishing touches and will be introduced this July 2011. Enter for a chance to win an exhilarating, 9-night inaugural European escape for two and be one of the first to experience an innovation in luxury with an extraordinary ship and vacation package.
Attend Celebrity Silhouette’s two-night naming ceremony in Hamburg, Germany, and then her 7-night inaugural cruise from Hamburg to Rome.
Enjoy the good life in your suite featuring a private, spacious veranda and 24/7 butler service.
Receive round trip airfare to Europe with complimentary transfers to and from the ship.
Get a $300 onboard credit to use anywhere on the ship, including their specialty restaurants and rejuvenating spa treatments. And they’ll cover the taxes and fees.
Enter to win (clicking here will take you to our website) Simply scroll to the bottom for the contest link.
This will take you right to the entry form. It is painless to fill out... good luck! Share this blog entry with your family and friends. Who knows maybe they'll invite you along if they win!!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
New Travel Sites
Well they have finally arrived! Our two new travel sites are finally live! For great information on vactioning and traveling to the Caribbean, Mexico and other beautiful spots in the world check out Caribbean Cruise Travel Guide
Caribbean Cruise Travel Guide is a dynamic interactive site loaded with information for you to learn more about this part of the world. But what's even better -- content pages are built into several pages where you can leave a post on your favorite cruise, beach, all inclusive resort and more. These content pages are very interactive and much like facebook! Other people can comment on your comments and you can choose to be notified by email, if you like, when someone comments on your review! How cool is that!
Here are a couple of examples for you to check out: Comments on Sandals White House Resort Jamaica or a review on Why Cruise! Read why Lynette loves cruises so much -- she's been on 23! Feel free to leave your own comments or even start your own new review!
Our second new trave site is very exciting and new in the travel industry! It is going to rival sites like Orbitz & Travelocity -- only better -- why? Because you can actually reach a real live personal travel agent! Check out SAND Travel to plan, shop or even book your own vacations now!
Caribbean Cruise Travel Guide is a dynamic interactive site loaded with information for you to learn more about this part of the world. But what's even better -- content pages are built into several pages where you can leave a post on your favorite cruise, beach, all inclusive resort and more. These content pages are very interactive and much like facebook! Other people can comment on your comments and you can choose to be notified by email, if you like, when someone comments on your review! How cool is that!
Here are a couple of examples for you to check out: Comments on Sandals White House Resort Jamaica or a review on Why Cruise! Read why Lynette loves cruises so much -- she's been on 23! Feel free to leave your own comments or even start your own new review!
Our second new trave site is very exciting and new in the travel industry! It is going to rival sites like Orbitz & Travelocity -- only better -- why? Because you can actually reach a real live personal travel agent! Check out SAND Travel to plan, shop or even book your own vacations now!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Amazing Haitian Artist - Jean Claude Martin
While take a brief break from our midwest Ohio winter this year we decided to spend a couple of days in beautiful Savannah, Georgia before driving on to Florida.
When in Savannah we always love walking through the historic squares and along the river front. The Savannah river front is home to many different restaurants, shops and stores. It also has some amazing street performers and vendors.
I have to admit my wife, Sally, is much more of a shopper than I am. Sometimes, like this time around, I like to just sit in the sun with a good book and read or people watch.
Within a few minutes an artist named Jean Claude Martin from Haiti starting setting out his paintings. As I sat on the brick wall reading I asked him if I could move down so he could have more room for his paintings. He said maybe just a couple of feet and I would be fine.
As I viewed his paintings I became interested in the beautiful blend of vibrant colors and Caribbean scenes. As I casually began to ask Jean Claude about himself and his art I became intrigued.
When in Savannah we always love walking through the historic squares and along the river front. The Savannah river front is home to many different restaurants, shops and stores. It also has some amazing street performers and vendors.
I have to admit my wife, Sally, is much more of a shopper than I am. Sometimes, like this time around, I like to just sit in the sun with a good book and read or people watch.
Within a few minutes an artist named Jean Claude Martin from Haiti starting setting out his paintings. As I sat on the brick wall reading I asked him if I could move down so he could have more room for his paintings. He said maybe just a couple of feet and I would be fine.
As I viewed his paintings I became interested in the beautiful blend of vibrant colors and Caribbean scenes. As I casually began to ask Jean Claude about himself and his art I became intrigued.
Jean Claude Martin setting up his paintings
A sample of Jean Claudes vibrate colorful talent!
Jean Claude Martin was born in the impoverished country of Haiti. At an early age he become "a man". Jean Claude was forced to learn a trade (skill) at an early age if he wanted to survive.
Jean spent his time watching his elders as they farmed and harvested the crops, carved sculptures, made baskets, prepared the animals they raised for the market and painting pictures. These were the things the native Haitians did daily to prepare for trade at the markets.
After much time spent observing and practicing, Jean discovered his talent and destiny. He became an artist.
I returned later to discuss with Jean Claude's which of his paintings I would like to purchase
We ended up buying the one in Jean Claudes hand. Love it!!
Jean Claude paints three styles 1) the market place 2) the countryside 3) and the ocean view. All of his paintings are done in acrylics which are much more durable than oils. He has been painting for over 20 years!
If you want to collect some one-of-a-kind art you simply must stop by to see aspiring Haitian artist Jean Claude Martin. He can also be reached at 912-441-2725
Monday, March 7, 2011
Latest Travel Updates: Mexico's West Coast
We absolutely loved Puerto Vallarta and Rivera Nayarit! With a beautiful hospitable people and scenery that is second to none.
If you love Palm Trees like I do you will want to stay at the beautiful Westin Resort and Spa
Built on an old Coconut Plantation with over 200 mature palms!
Want to Step-up Your Game?
If you are looking for a more upscale experience try the Marival Residences and World Spa. Located in Rivera Nayarit these are beautiful condo like villas. An all-inclusive property where all really is included (except your spa services). We stayed here a week and plan on going back in November 2011.
We will be splitting our stay between the Marival Residences, Marival Resorts, Westin Resort and, downtown beach front property, the Buenaventura Grand. We really wanted to go back and explore each one of these fabulous properties and their surrounding areas.
We will be splitting our stay between the Marival Residences, Marival Resorts, Westin Resort and, downtown beach front property, the Buenaventura Grand. We really wanted to go back and explore each one of these fabulous properties and their surrounding areas.
Our spacious condo at Marival Residences and World Spa
 |
| A very good bottle of Merlot on the house Street Performers Puerto Vallarta Amazing aireal street performers on the beach downtown Buenaventura Grand Close to downtown for great shopping and right on the beach!  We loved the Buenaventura Grand. We plan on staying here Nov. 2011 Sally's BFF Louie the Silver Guy  Sally buying her silver from Louie on the beach Louie is located right by the Marival Resort We've all done this before!  Our friends Josepha and Kevin burying Yasmina in the sand. This is winter weather in Puerto Vallarta! Massages and Spas We did get our massages at Venus Sunshine Spa! Sally arranged for 5 of us to go in! One of the best massages I think I have ever had. I would highly recommend them to you! Our friend Onelly has promised to take us to a spa that the locals go to next time we visit. $20-30 and hour. I'm in! Book Your Own Travel Do you like to find and book your own travel online, but like the idea of having a travel agent to ask questions of? If so check out SAND Travel. |
Monday, November 8, 2010
Busy Travel Year and New Projects!
With Sally's new job as Group Coordinator for KHM Travel Group, the largest host travel company in the U.S. we have hit the ground running! Already this year Sally has been to Jamaica three times, Riviera Maya (2 weeks ago) and we are packing to leave for Puerto Vallarta the end of this week, Nov. 12th.
I actually tagged along with Sally on her last trip to Jamaica. We stayed at the fabulous Sandals Whitehouse Resort. We had a great time and toured several other Sandals properties on the island.
Me and Sally enjoying sunset on our Jamaican beach
Sally took several of her friends along with about 40 other ladies on a W.I.N.O.S. get-away to the Riviera Maya in Mexico. W.I..N.O.S. stands for Women In Need Of Something (I thought maybe time away from men?) They all had an amazing time shopping, dancing, feasting on great food and of course a bit of the nightlife.
Sally and her two amigos buenos. Hola!
We will be staying at the Marival Residences and World Spa near Puerto Vallarta. A beautiful property from what we understand. We are excited to see this property and experience all they have to offer as well as tour the other properties they have lined up for us to see.Sally is excited to see her friend Norma again. Norma owns and operates Venus Sunshine Spas in Puerto Vallarta. Sally tells me this is where she received one of the best massages she has ever had. I said, "Really?!" As you may know from earlier post I was a professional massage therapist for 10 years. She has received her fair share from my skilled hands!!
I am looking forward to meeting Norma and getting one of these really great massages!
Before I close, I have to mention my new project.... this is my baby! http://www.caribbean-cruise-travel-guide.com/
The website is a really labor of love. You will be able to find all sorts of great information about the Caribbean on it. Anything from the best cruise ports, what to do when you get there, best places to eat and drink. Where to get the best prices on massages, where to sample as much free rum and tequilla as you want and much more. Even traditional Caribbean recipes including favorite island drink recipes.
Within a very short time it will be very interactive and you will be able to leave your comments and talk about your favorite Caribbean places to go and things to do. It is live now, but is still getting content added almost daily so stay tuned!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Vacations Tips Western Caribbean
My wife and I just returned from a training/vacation trip to Tampa and the Western Caribbean.
Carnival Cruise Line hosted two days in Tampa, Florida at the fabulous Embassy Suites downtown for ship tours. We toured the Carnival Inspiration and Legend. The Tampa Visitors Bureau gave us a tour of Tampa Aquarium. Very nice! I had never realized how silky soft the flipper of a stingray felt until our tour.
If you have any cigar aficionado’s in your life then Ybor City, Florida is a must visit for them! Ybor City was once the cigar capitol of the world. If you like craft beers check out the Tampa Brewery in Ybor City.
Ybor City is rich in heritage and history. Actually on Nov. 21, 2009 an attempt at the Guinness World Record for the longest hand rolled cigar will be judged at the Ybor City festival. It will be 185 feet long.
We found the beaches around Clearwater, Florida to be to our liking. Powdery white sand, palms for shade and nice wide beaches.
After touring the Carnival Legend we boarded her about a week later, after spending a great week in Key Largo, and headed for Cozumel Mexico. Cozumel is an interesting port in that there is plenty to do but it is somewhat touristy. We have rented a jeep and driven around the island before while visiting beaches and ancient ruins.
This time around we discovered Cozumel Massage. This is wonderful place in the center of the downtowns main street. It is a professional massage studio located at Av. Rafael E. Melgar # 471 Col. Centro. Check them out at www.cozumelmassage.net (make sure you use .net and not .com) Fantastic massage for only $40 US! Veronica owns and operates it. We opted for the deep tissue massage.
Our next stop on the cruise was Grand Cayman Island. This can be somewhat spendy here. Several people we met on the ship took excursions. Some opted for the “beach party” excursion. They were taken to a public beach area with nice lounge chairs which also included a drink for a cost of around $40 US.
My wife and I jumped on the public bus system for $2 each and got off at the same beach. Put our towels on the sand and swam in the same beautiful water. We then asked the folks renting snorkel equipment where the locals snorkeled. They told us to walk up the beach about ½ mile to Cemetery Beach to a great reef. My wife brought her own gear.
We had a wonderful walk up a fabulous beach and met some nice people staying at a private condo. They pointed out some great spots to see tons of fish. After great snorkeling we caught the bus back for $2. When we reached the port we even found a spot to sample free rum. We ended up taking a couple bottles with us.
Our next stop was Belize. Belize is very famous for its reefs. There are amazing diving and snorkeling opportunities here. There is also zip lining here too as well as tours of the area.
We stayed fairly low keyed here and opted to head outside the “cruise village” to an inexpensive internet café we had heard about. It was a short walk and cheap. It only cost us $1.75 for 45 minutes of fast internet connection. Then we walked through the local straw market and had a couple Belize beers at the Wet Lizard Tavern and Restaurant. www.thewetlizard.com/
Our next and final stop was Isla Roatan off Honduras. We really enjoyed this stop and took the zip line excursion here as we had heard it was the highest, longest and safest in the Caribbean. We ended up booking through a company online called Island Marketing. We only spent $52 US apiece for almost 2 hours of incredible zip lining.
After the zip line portion they took us to a private beach club and bought us all a drink. We spent about an hour on the beach. This was a great price compared to the cruise line excursion offered in Belize at $150 US. We returned to the port with plenty of time to check out the straw markets and try some local beer.
To learn more about the zip line on Isla Roatan check out www.southshorecanopy.com Tell them Sally and Norm from SAND Travel suggested them. We loved it and will do it again!
Carnival Cruise Line hosted two days in Tampa, Florida at the fabulous Embassy Suites downtown for ship tours. We toured the Carnival Inspiration and Legend. The Tampa Visitors Bureau gave us a tour of Tampa Aquarium. Very nice! I had never realized how silky soft the flipper of a stingray felt until our tour.
If you have any cigar aficionado’s in your life then Ybor City, Florida is a must visit for them! Ybor City was once the cigar capitol of the world. If you like craft beers check out the Tampa Brewery in Ybor City.
We found the beaches around Clearwater, Florida to be to our liking. Powdery white sand, palms for shade and nice wide beaches.
After touring the Carnival Legend we boarded her about a week later, after spending a great week in Key Largo, and headed for Cozumel Mexico. Cozumel is an interesting port in that there is plenty to do but it is somewhat touristy. We have rented a jeep and driven around the island before while visiting beaches and ancient ruins.
This time around we discovered Cozumel Massage. This is wonderful place in the center of the downtowns main street. It is a professional massage studio located at Av. Rafael E. Melgar # 471 Col. Centro. Check them out at www.cozumelmassage.net (make sure you use .net and not .com) Fantastic massage for only $40 US! Veronica owns and operates it. We opted for the deep tissue massage.
Our next stop on the cruise was Grand Cayman Island. This can be somewhat spendy here. Several people we met on the ship took excursions. Some opted for the “beach party” excursion. They were taken to a public beach area with nice lounge chairs which also included a drink for a cost of around $40 US.
My wife and I jumped on the public bus system for $2 each and got off at the same beach. Put our towels on the sand and swam in the same beautiful water. We then asked the folks renting snorkel equipment where the locals snorkeled. They told us to walk up the beach about ½ mile to Cemetery Beach to a great reef. My wife brought her own gear.
We had a wonderful walk up a fabulous beach and met some nice people staying at a private condo. They pointed out some great spots to see tons of fish. After great snorkeling we caught the bus back for $2. When we reached the port we even found a spot to sample free rum. We ended up taking a couple bottles with us.
Our next stop was Belize. Belize is very famous for its reefs. There are amazing diving and snorkeling opportunities here. There is also zip lining here too as well as tours of the area.
We stayed fairly low keyed here and opted to head outside the “cruise village” to an inexpensive internet café we had heard about. It was a short walk and cheap. It only cost us $1.75 for 45 minutes of fast internet connection. Then we walked through the local straw market and had a couple Belize beers at the Wet Lizard Tavern and Restaurant. www.thewetlizard.com/
Our next and final stop was Isla Roatan off Honduras. We really enjoyed this stop and took the zip line excursion here as we had heard it was the highest, longest and safest in the Caribbean. We ended up booking through a company online called Island Marketing. We only spent $52 US apiece for almost 2 hours of incredible zip lining.
After the zip line portion they took us to a private beach club and bought us all a drink. We spent about an hour on the beach. This was a great price compared to the cruise line excursion offered in Belize at $150 US. We returned to the port with plenty of time to check out the straw markets and try some local beer.
To learn more about the zip line on Isla Roatan check out www.southshorecanopy.com Tell them Sally and Norm from SAND Travel suggested them. We loved it and will do it again!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Are the Planes We Fly in Safe?
Imagine you're a pilot, and you're flying a Boeing 737 filled with more than 100 passengers. Suddenly, the gauges show that Engine No. 2 is in trouble, so you shut it off and start flying the plane on the other engine alone.
To Cut Costs, Airlines Send Repairs Abroad Oct. 19, 2009
That's a troubling enough scenario. But what if it's worse than that: What if it turns out that a mechanic mixed up the wires in the cockpit, not long before you took off — so your gauges are reversed and you actually turned off the one good engine?
Mechanics who had just repaired the plane at the Aeroman repair company in El Salvador had, in fact, crossed the wires on two engine indicators in the cockpit. NPR obtained internal US Airways documents that describe the incident, and a senior company executive confirmed it.
Mistakes In El Salvador
This is just one of at least three troubling maintenance mistakes that mechanics in El Salvador have made recently while fixing US Airways planes. There could be more. But airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration don't make maintenance problems public. NPR first learned about these incidents from mechanics at Aeroman and at US Airways.
Pressure To Hasten Repairs
"It's a great responsibility," one mechanic says, sitting under a cactus along a narrow road near San Salvador. "Our supervisors are constantly highlighting to us that our job is not a game. The life of 200, 250 people that are flying depends on us."
But the mechanics say managers keep pressuring them to fix the planes faster. For instance, if there's rust on a metal beam, but it's just a little over tolerance, "the supervisor says, 'Oh, just leave it like that,' " the mechanic says, through an interpreter. " 'There's no need to repair it.' "
Outsourcing Aircraft Maintenance
Nine major air carriers reviewed by the FAA's inspector general sent 71 percent of their heavy airframe maintenance checks to outside repair stations in 2007, up from 34 percent in 2003. Foreign repair stations got 19 percent of these major maintenance jobs in 2007. The work includes complete teardowns of aircraft.
The FAA requires that mechanics fix the planes according to the airline manuals — whether they're in the U.S. or overseas. But the mechanics at Aeroman say their supervisors often say that takes too much time.
One mechanic says that just a few days earlier, he and his colleagues were replacing a kind of rivet, commonly called a Hi-Lok, along the fuselage. The airline's manual said they should use a "shear" Hi-Lok that's carefully engineered to withstand a specific amount of pressure on a specific part of the plane. But the mechanic says Aeroman didn't have the right Hi-Loks on hand, so the supervisor told them to use "tension" Hi-Loks that weren't approved for that repair.
The mechanic says he resisted, because the wrong Hi-Loks "would cause, actually, a crack in the fuselage when there is turbulence." When the supervisor pressured him to use the incorrect part anyway, "I told him no, because the manual does not allow me to do that," he says. But the supervisor ordered him "to go ahead and install it, because we were in a hurry to turn around the airplane."
Another mechanic ticked off other problems at Aeroman. Some employees don't store glues at the required temperatures, he says. That means the glues could fail — which potentially means that parts of the airplane could fall apart.
And this mechanic says some workers can't even read the airlines' repair manuals. The manuals are written in English, but some mechanics at Aeroman can't read English including him.
FAA Inspections: No Surprise
In theory, FAA inspectors should catch these problems. The FAA is supposed to inspect every repair shop that fixes U.S. airplanes, in the U.S. and overseas. But the mechanics at Aeroman say FAA inspections are a joke, because the inspectors always tell management at Aeroman when they are going to show up — they do not do surprise inspections.
That means mechanics put the glues away in the proper temperature-controlled storage areas. They get rid of any unauthorized parts. "Then, the FAA won't ever find anything," the mechanic says. The inspector general's investigations have found that FAA inspectors never even showed up at some foreign repair stations, for as long as three to five years.
Legislative Action
Some aviation specialists and members of Congress say that as the industry cuts maintenance costs and other expenses, the margin of safety is getting thinner.
Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) is pushing legislation in Congress that would require the FAA to be tougher on foreign repair companies. "When you have a situation like this," McCaskill says, "and the company in El Salvador is going to make a lot more money if they can promise the planes out more quickly, then that is a dangerous stew that we are stirring."
In late September 2009, US Airways discovered another mistake at Aeroman: Mechanics mixed up the wires in the cockpit of another plane — the second case of crossed wiring in less than a week. Again, the gauges were connected to the wrong engines.
Here is a list of airlines that outsource their heavy airframe maintenance: AirTran Airways, Alaska Airlines, America West Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Northwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. http://pamablog.typepad.com/pama/outsourcedcontract_maintenance/
Links to this story:http://www.npr.mobi/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=113877784http://search1.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113877784&ps=cprshttp://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113942431
To Cut Costs, Airlines Send Repairs Abroad Oct. 19, 2009
That's a troubling enough scenario. But what if it's worse than that: What if it turns out that a mechanic mixed up the wires in the cockpit, not long before you took off — so your gauges are reversed and you actually turned off the one good engine?
Mechanics who had just repaired the plane at the Aeroman repair company in El Salvador had, in fact, crossed the wires on two engine indicators in the cockpit. NPR obtained internal US Airways documents that describe the incident, and a senior company executive confirmed it.
Mistakes In El Salvador
This is just one of at least three troubling maintenance mistakes that mechanics in El Salvador have made recently while fixing US Airways planes. There could be more. But airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration don't make maintenance problems public. NPR first learned about these incidents from mechanics at Aeroman and at US Airways.
Pressure To Hasten Repairs
"It's a great responsibility," one mechanic says, sitting under a cactus along a narrow road near San Salvador. "Our supervisors are constantly highlighting to us that our job is not a game. The life of 200, 250 people that are flying depends on us."
But the mechanics say managers keep pressuring them to fix the planes faster. For instance, if there's rust on a metal beam, but it's just a little over tolerance, "the supervisor says, 'Oh, just leave it like that,' " the mechanic says, through an interpreter. " 'There's no need to repair it.' "
Outsourcing Aircraft Maintenance
Nine major air carriers reviewed by the FAA's inspector general sent 71 percent of their heavy airframe maintenance checks to outside repair stations in 2007, up from 34 percent in 2003. Foreign repair stations got 19 percent of these major maintenance jobs in 2007. The work includes complete teardowns of aircraft.
The FAA requires that mechanics fix the planes according to the airline manuals — whether they're in the U.S. or overseas. But the mechanics at Aeroman say their supervisors often say that takes too much time.
One mechanic says that just a few days earlier, he and his colleagues were replacing a kind of rivet, commonly called a Hi-Lok, along the fuselage. The airline's manual said they should use a "shear" Hi-Lok that's carefully engineered to withstand a specific amount of pressure on a specific part of the plane. But the mechanic says Aeroman didn't have the right Hi-Loks on hand, so the supervisor told them to use "tension" Hi-Loks that weren't approved for that repair.
The mechanic says he resisted, because the wrong Hi-Loks "would cause, actually, a crack in the fuselage when there is turbulence." When the supervisor pressured him to use the incorrect part anyway, "I told him no, because the manual does not allow me to do that," he says. But the supervisor ordered him "to go ahead and install it, because we were in a hurry to turn around the airplane."
Another mechanic ticked off other problems at Aeroman. Some employees don't store glues at the required temperatures, he says. That means the glues could fail — which potentially means that parts of the airplane could fall apart.
And this mechanic says some workers can't even read the airlines' repair manuals. The manuals are written in English, but some mechanics at Aeroman can't read English including him.
FAA Inspections: No Surprise
In theory, FAA inspectors should catch these problems. The FAA is supposed to inspect every repair shop that fixes U.S. airplanes, in the U.S. and overseas. But the mechanics at Aeroman say FAA inspections are a joke, because the inspectors always tell management at Aeroman when they are going to show up — they do not do surprise inspections.
That means mechanics put the glues away in the proper temperature-controlled storage areas. They get rid of any unauthorized parts. "Then, the FAA won't ever find anything," the mechanic says. The inspector general's investigations have found that FAA inspectors never even showed up at some foreign repair stations, for as long as three to five years.
Legislative Action
Some aviation specialists and members of Congress say that as the industry cuts maintenance costs and other expenses, the margin of safety is getting thinner.
Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) is pushing legislation in Congress that would require the FAA to be tougher on foreign repair companies. "When you have a situation like this," McCaskill says, "and the company in El Salvador is going to make a lot more money if they can promise the planes out more quickly, then that is a dangerous stew that we are stirring."
In late September 2009, US Airways discovered another mistake at Aeroman: Mechanics mixed up the wires in the cockpit of another plane — the second case of crossed wiring in less than a week. Again, the gauges were connected to the wrong engines.
Here is a list of airlines that outsource their heavy airframe maintenance: AirTran Airways, Alaska Airlines, America West Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Northwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. http://pamablog.typepad.com/pama/outsourcedcontract_maintenance/
Links to this story:http://www.npr.mobi/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=113877784http://search1.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113877784&ps=cprshttp://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113942431
Friday, September 25, 2009
Victims of Sea Art Auctions Speak Up!
It appears certain powers to be have "ordered" me to take down the post and link about Park West Gallary. I guess bad press means no press.
My wife and I have had dealings with art auctions at sea. It is a fun exciting time on board ship but we are not pleased with the end experience. We will be advising any and all to beware of any at sea art auctions.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
