Dining aboard Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas Specialty Restaurant, Giovanni’s…Excellent!

Posted by worldwide-admin on September 11, 2014 with 2 Comments

Tom and I during dinner at Giovanni’s specialty restaurant for a fabulous meal.

Many travelers choose to cruise for the food, more than anything. Although the cost of meals is included in the fare, one’s perception that the food is “free” and “all you can eat” is a driving force.

The window view from Giovanni as the sunset behind the fog and clouds.

Also, many travelers who may not eat three meals a day and snacks at home, find themselves eating several meals a day and snacks at every opportunity. We often hear passengers commenting on how much weight they gain when cruising and how full and uncomfortable they feel.

For me, my way of eating, the food is only important in that the food has flavor and I’m no longer hungry. Since boarding the ship we’ve had two meals a day except for the few days with early morning tours. On a few occasions, I didn’t have breakfast when I simply didn’t feel like eating, not having anything until dinner.

Deli meat and prosciutto slicing machine Giovanni’s purchased from the restaurant but were unable to use due to possible safety issues. It stands in an area near the entrance to the restaurant as a decorative item.

As I perused the lunch menu on the days I’ve missed breakfast, there hasn’t been anything acceptable except plain, unseasoned baked fish and steamed vegetables, not worthy of my attention when many of my dinners in the main dining room have consisted of the same.

Page 1 of Giovanni’s menu. Gluten-free items are marked with a wheat symbol.

Other than dining in the specialty restaurant, my meals in the main dining room, Minstral, have been mediocre at best. For Tom, the sauces over his meat have added enough flavor and depth to his meals that he’s rarely complained. Other passengers have commented that the food in the main dining room is inconsistent and tasteless at times and fabulous at others.

Page 2 Giovanni’s menu.

Serving 2000 or more passengers at two separate seatings for dinner is comparable to serving at a convention when the food is rarely the highlight of the event. This is usually the case in the ship’s main dining room.

Our new friends, Judy and Gary, whom Tom met communicating on Cruise Critic, joined us for dinner in Giovanni’s on Friday night.

On other cruises, such as on the Celebrity Century, we had extraordinary food, making the diners feel as if they are in an expensive restaurant with each item cooked to order. We experienced the same high quality of food on the Carnival Liberty in both the dining room and also our most extraordinary specialty dining experience to date.

Carpaccio di Manzo. It was delicious.

Here on the Brilliance of the Seas, the specialty restaurants one of which we’ve highlighted today have been excellent with some of the best service we’ve seen anywhere. The food has been “over the top.” The effort to accommodate my way of eating has been impeccable by the conscientious chefs eager to please.

Mozzarella in Carozza alla Giovanni was Tom’s appetizer.

On Friday, September 5th, we dined at Giovanni’s specialty restaurant with another fine couple, Judy and Gary, whom we’d met aboard ship through Tom’s perpetual perusing on the website, CruiseCritic.

Focaccio Della Casa, a shared cheesy bread item for three, not including me.

The food at Giovanni’s was fantastic at only US $20 per person. Since we’d booked three reservations at specialty restaurants, we received a 20% discount at each of the three venues. Thus, the dinner at Giovanni’s for both of us was only US $32. Although tips were included, we couldn’t resist leaving a generous tip for our fabulous waiter

Capesanti al Forno, scallops with buttery parmesan crust was my second appetizer. Unbelievably delicious!

Not only did the four of us have a superb time chatting through the divine four-course dinner, we all thoroughly enjoyed the food as shown in these photos. On Tuesday evening we dined again with Judy and Gary at Chop’s Grille, a steak house, and then again we’ll be dining with another couple we adore Laura and Michael, whom we met on a private tour early on in the cruise.

Tom’s second course, Risotto al Fungi Trifolati. He said it was excellent.

Chop’s Grille has been rated as another fine venue with excellent starters, succulents steaks, sides, seafood, salads, and desserts. We opted for the 9-ounce filet mignon as we often do when dining in steak restaurants. Again, the conversation was sheer pleasure, as well as the food and service.

Judy’s second course, Ravioli di Polpa Granchio, crab-stuffed ravioli. She said it was excellent.

With the one night in Giovanni’s and two at Chop’s Grill, we qualified for the 20% discount at both venues since we’re dining in Chop’s Grill twice. The cost for dinner in Chop’s Grill, after the discount, totaled US $48 without cocktails.

As with my other plates, the chef prepared this dish or me to comply with my restrictions, Fagottini di Vatella Ripienni al Funghi..long name. It was delicious. I’d love to have it again.

The Windjammer Café, the buffet restaurant on the 11th deck, is a mixed bag. There are few items in this restaurant that work for me. At breakfast each day, I’ve ordered three fresh eggs over well. (We don’t like eating raw yolks aboard ship).

After wrapping a cloth napkin completely around my hand to avoid germs (which I dispose of as soon as I get to the table, taking a fresh napkin for my lap), I usually take a few pieces of reasonably good bacon, sliced cheese, and cucumbers. Other than those items, there is nothing additional that I’m able to eat at the buffet.

Tom’s main course at Giovanni’s, Filletto di Manzo, filet mignon with an au jus, fries, and broccoli. I tasted the steak and it was great.

Most shipborne illnesses are a result of dining in the self serve buffet restaurants. Touching the tongs and surfaces in and about the buffet restaurant is an illness waiting to happen. As soon as we’ve finished dining, we immediately wash our hands with hot soapy water and continue to wash many times throughout the day.

My dessert, a cheese platter minus crackers and fruit.

Although neither of us has ever been stricken by Norovirus even when there’s a rampant outbreak aboard a ship, on prior cruises we’ve both fallen prey to the “cruise cough” which for me had resulted in chronic sinus infections on three occasions, one requiring antibiotics which luckily we had on hand. In most cases, passengers aren’t charged for a visit to the ship’s doctor when the illness is contracted from being onboard. Otherwise, a single doctor visit is usually US $250.

The dessert cart from which Tom, Judy, and Gary chose. Tom selected Tiramisu and Chocolate Cannelloni.

When living in a foreign country, often far from quality medical care, allowing an illness to linger for an extended period may be foolhardy. It’s been almost two years since either of us has yet to visit a doctor. One must exercise caution aboard ship, touching door handles, surfaces, stair railings, and particularly when dining.

There are other casual dining areas on other ship which we haven’t and most likely won’t try when there’s nothing on the menu that is acceptable for me. Tom is always content to dine where it works for me, never complaining or mentioning other options he may prefer.

When we arrive in Boston, I’ll have seafood on my mind. Tom, not so much. As always, we’ll figure it out.

Photo from one year ago, September 12, 2013:

My most dreaded creature when we were in Kenya, the poisonous centipede whose bite requires a trip to a hospital for care. For details of this post one year ago today, please click here.

Part 2…Last of Icelandic 4×4 tour photos…Happiness?…Fleeting or constant?…

Posted by worldwide-admin on September 10, 2014 with 0 Comment

Update: Not to our surprise, the waters are rough crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Many passengers are sick in their cabins, and walking from area to area is challenging. As on our last transatlantic crossing in April 2013, with 50-foot swells, the 25-foot swells we’re having today are not quite as bad to us. We aren’t seasick, continuing to enjoy the wonderful people we’ve met while onboard.

In October of 1986, President Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev met in the Summit Meeting in this building which was formerly the French Consulate. The meetings broke down to be carried on at a later date. See this link for details.

Happiness is fleeting. At times, it wraps around our hearts during a special moment or it entirely surrounds us on a day when everything in the world is right.

Shops along the boulevard in Reykjavik. Many Icelanders travel to Europe and the US to shop when prices are outrageously high.

We experienced our fair share of those special moments in our old lives. However, the challenges of everyday life often prevent us from maintaining a perpetual state of contentment.

Popular church in downtown Reykjavik.

A pipe broke, spewing water all over the basement. An error on our cable bill threw us into a frenzy to correct it, and we felt a sense of frustration and angst perhaps throughout the day. Day-to-day life has many challenges, often completely out of our control or beyond our realm of responsibility.

Additional view of a church.

Of course, the greatest angst of all is when we do make a mistake, an oversight, or an unintended spontaneous blurb that may hurt the feelings of a loved one or friend. It is during these times that we may feel as if it will never be right again, and happiness becomes a fleeting memory.

In many countries we don’t see this much use of color in the buildings when many are brick and stone from centuries ago. One gets the impression that much of Reykjavik has been built over the past 50 years.

When we left life in Minnesota almost two years ago (October 31, 2012), we had no expectations of happiness being a daily state, of being consistent, or even somewhat dependable.

More buildings finished in varying colors add a certain appeal to the city.

After being ill for many years and suddenly becoming well in August 2011, we both felt a sense of urgency to take advantage of my renewed health by living “outside the box” for as long as health allowed. It could all change in a day, a week, or a month. We chose happiness as a way of life.

Shops in the busy downtown area. Many sidewalks are heated, and the geothermal pipeline is used to keep them safe, free of shoveling, and manageable during the frigid winter months.

We asked ourselves how we could best achieve such a state of happiness. The answer in our hearts was being free of most responsibilities, certain obligations, and the tasks of maintaining a house, a car, and a lawn.

This is the prison in Reykjavik with few prisoners. The crime rate is one of the lowest in the world.

We were left with only the responsibility of financial matters, planning and following our travel schedule, and, of course, to one another.

An intersection in the downtown shopping area.

Communicating with our faraway loved ones has been nothing but pure joy. Yes, we occasionally feel a tinge of guilt for leaving everyone. But it doesn’t consume us when we’re committed to loving them all with open hearts, not guilt or sorrow, both of which impede happiness. They know we love them.

Photo op for tourists in downtown Reykjavik.

Ah, the old clichés, such as “live life when you can,” “live life on your terms,” or “live your dreams,” are terms we often espouse when speaking to others, seldom adopting these principals for ourselves.

Busy commercial corner in Reykjavik.

So, here we are, “living life on our terms,” pleasing some, frustrating others, and leaving some curious as to how we could dispose of everything we knew and love to make a life of happiness.

Icelanders believe Leif Erickson, represented in this statue, discovered America, not Christopher Columbus.

Whatever comes, we’ve been exquisitely happy these past almost two years. We often look at one another with expressionless faces, eyes locked upon each other, when suddenly a wide-tooth-baring grin, almost from ear to ear, fills our aging faces with pure and simple happiness.

Silver art, along with the shore representative of the Vikings that came to Iceland.

“Pinch me,” I often say. “Is this well-organized, meticulously planned, and executed life ours?” Yep. That’s us. And for however long it lasts, we’re grateful.

Two huskies on a walk in the town.

We love it now as much as the first day we left the US on January 3, 2013, after spending two months back and forth between Arizona and Nevada, planning our final details. In many ways, we love it more now, with the experience under our belts, the kinks worked out, and the fear all but gone.

Colorful office buildings in Reykjavik.

I no longer fear flying in tiny airplanes, scorching hot weather without AC, lack of screens on windows, scary bugs, or rough conditions or roads. We carry on, putting it in God’s hands, coupled with common sense to keep us safe.

Our tour guide explained that this was a building where a bank was located, a fiasco when the market crashed, whereby an angry customer drove his car into the lobby.

Today, we share the last of our photos from Monday’s Iceland tour. Monday night, we departed Iceland and will be out to sea for five days. I won’t have WiFi until Sunday morning at 8:00 Eastern time when we dock in Boston. If anyone needs to reach me, please email me here, which I’ll check daily.

Flowers on the side of the road in Reykjavik.

Posts and photos will continue daily when we’re out at sea, during which I’ll use Tom’s computer with the ship’s slow WiFi signal. In the meantime, we’ll continue to have fun, cherishing each moment, every week, every month, every year of happiness for however long we’re gifted with the desire to continue on.

On the return drive to Reykjavik, we spotted several lakes and ocean inlets.

We returned to the ship in time for the mandatory 4:30 boarding.

Photo from one year ago today, September 9, 2013:

In Kenya, we dined at Sail’s Restaurant at the Almanara Resort, famous as the resort where Kenya’s president has stayed. The food was excellent. To gain entrance into the resort behind it’s heavy wood doors, locked and guarded, we had to provide our passports and show evidence of a reservation. It was this restaurant that was bombed recently, months after we’d left. Security is tight in many places in Kenya but brutal incidents continue to occur.. For photos and details from that date, please click here.

Part 1, Iceland 4×4 rough roading tour…A geothermal hot bed…

Posted by worldwide-admin on September 9, 2014 with 2 Comments

We apologize for the poor quality of today’s and tomorrow photos of Iceland. It was pouring rain, the windows in the vehicle were fogged up on the inside and rainy on the outside.

The highlight of the day was when the driver took us through the river traversing back and forth, water splashing up the sides and even the truck. It was a rough ride but fun, none the less. I couldn’t take a photo of the water splashing, which wasn’t visible with the windows closed. I quickly took this shot out the window when he stopped for a moment. We were deep in the river at points. Bouncy!

This was the 4×4 vehicle we used on the off-road tour of Iceland. Excuse the black lines on the edges. It was raining so hard the automatic lens cover got wet and wouldn’t fully open.

As we drove away from the port we spotted this KFC sign which read, “Svoogott.” Could that translate to “so good?

It was hard to believe that nine seniors, some older than us, decided to partake in the 4×4 off-road rough riding excursion up the high volcanic hills of Iceland.

Few trees grow in Iceland, most of which were destroyed during volcanic activity millennium ago.

Iceland felt barren in parts. We could only imagine what winter would be like. No thanks.

The vehicle, a souped-up combination of a Ford F350 with the back portion welded together with a Ford Excursion. The tires were huge with a “lift kit” making the vehicle so high, it was challenging for some passengers to get up and into.

The view of Reykjavik from atop a high hill that we reached off-road. Lots of bouncing!

Another view of Reykjavik in the rain, fog, and clouds.

Final view of Reykjavik from our high vantage point.

Of course, after all of our various physical challenges these past few years it was a breeze for us. The idea of bouncing in the vehicle for three and a half hours didn’t intimate us after the roads in Africa including off-road riding on safari.

It was raining hard when we took this photo of three fat or fluffy sheep.

Had it been a sunny day, a rarity in Iceland. It is clear or mostly clear only 14% of the days year-round. For the weather in Iceland, please click here.

Geothermal activity in Iceland is unbelievable. See this link for more information. The country/island of Iceland uses this energy to heat their homes and as a source of power in many other aspects.

It was pouring rain when we took off, the nine of us and guide/driver, a tall, fit 20-something, good looking Icelandic man with good English and thick accent. He shared many stories about Iceland with us including the fact that the island is a geothermal hot spot, considering the world’s most active volcano lies therein.

In many areas, the steam rose from the ground due to the activity of the tectonic plates. Overall, Iceland is an island where earthquakes and volcano eruptions are expected.

Evidence of volcanic activity is everywhere in the terrain.

Many of the hills are covered in green vegetation in summer and snow in the winters.

I’d had some preposterous notion that we’d see the volcano but it was too far away and the government wasn’t allowing anyone near it. It could erupt at any moment decimating miles of life in its path.

I asked the driver/guide to stop the vehicle for photos of Icelandic horses. They have short legs and a gentle disposition. No other types of horses are allowed on the island to avoid disrupting the purity of the species. Once an Icelandic horse leaves Iceland, it can never return.

Please click here for more information on Icelandic horses.

Had it not been pouring rain and so cold, we’d have more enjoyed this experience. The windows were fogged so badly it was nearly impossible to see the sites he pointed out as we drove off-road to various points of interest.

After the first few hours on the tour, we stopped at a local shop for a break. These light fixtures are certainly appropriate for Iceland.

I caught Tom off guard at the shop. He was actually very cheerful.

Us girls are picky about the photos we share. Had Tom not badgered me, I wouldn’t have posted this one.

I was frustrated when I couldn’t take good photos while hindered by the fogged up windows on the inside and rain on the outside. On a few occasions, in desperation, I opened the window for less than 30 seconds to take a shot, aware that the people behind us were annoyed by the draft.

While we were in the river. This reminded us of crossing over rivers and creeks when to rode from the Masai Mara in Kenya to Tanzania to see the tail end of the Great Migration a year ago October.

Tomorrow, we’ll be back with photos of downtown Reykjavik and interesting landmarks that surprised us.

While we were moving fast on the river after Tom wiped off the window for me.

For a minute we were on land only to return to the river a moment later.

After we left the river, we headed back to the highway to return to Reykjavik. Tomorrow, we’ll share better photos of the city.

Photo from one year ago today, September 9, 2013:

Dining out at Sails Restaurant in Diani Beach, Kenya. This platter was for Tom only. For details of the date, please click here.

We’re in Iceland…The Arctic Ocean.. Iceland facts…Today’s exciting 4×4 adventure in Iceland…

Posted by worldwide-admin on September 8, 2014 with 0 Comment

We approached Iceland at noon on Sunday.

Few of us think about visiting Iceland. With its cold weather and long distance from most major cities, one may not make it the first choice when considering a vacation/holiday. We haven’t been this cold in almost two years.

Dense fog and cloud impeded the view upon entry into the port.

Reykjavik, located in the southwestern part of Iceland, is the capital and, is the largest city in Iceland making it the world’s northernmost capital of a sovereign state. Reykjavik’s population is roughly 200,000 with only 320,000 in the entire country.

Currently, we are at the port of Reykjavik. The city was founded in 1786 as an official trading town and grew steadily over the next decades as it transformed into a regional and later, national center of commerce.

The Videyjarstofa house, where a restaurant is now located, was built in 1755 and is thus the first construction made of stone and cement in the country. The church was consecrated in 1774 and is the second oldest one still standing. The island became the seat of the first Icelandic treasurer and later the first Icelandic sub-governor. At the beginning of the 20th century, the country’s first harbor for ocean going vessels was built on the eastern past of the island from which a hamlet developed.

As we’ve all heard on the news of late, Iceland has the most active volcano in the world, the largest waterfall and glacier in Europe, the northern most botanical garden and golf course in the world. It is amongst the cleanest, greenest and safest cities in the world.

Most often, the view from the pier of any city isn’t as appealing as when touring inland.

Its population has the longest life expectancy in the world. Also Iceland had the first democratically elected female president in the world, Mrs. Vigdis Finnbogadottir.

Yesterday, when we docked in Reykjavik, we noted that the sunrise is at 9:26 am with sunset at 11:22 pm. The temperature has been a cool rainy 50F, 10C, degrees. Over a half million tourists visit Iceland each year and numerous cruise ships such as ours visit the port of Reykjavik. Our layover has been for 29 hours until back out to sea at 5:00 pm.

We walked to an upper deck to take these few photos from the ship. Tomorrow, we’ll post photos from our 4×4 adventure, rain or shine.

Originally, Tom had booked a tour for us in Iceland, the private 9:30 pm Northern Lights tour with a small group of eight. Unfortunately, with the rain, dense fog, and clouds yesterday, the tour was canceled. There was no point in driving around in the dark and the rain until the scheduled 2:30 am return to ship.

Our preplanned tour of the Northern Lights was cancelled when the cloud stayed clouded and dense fog hung in the air.

In addition, we’d planned to catch a cab or shuttle to take us around the city and surrounding area. As it turned out, we didn’t choose to do so when Saturday night we booked a 10 passenger 4×4 photo “safari” tour to see many of the wonders of Iceland. The cost for the tour for both of us is US $379.50.

In our travels, we’ve learned that missing an opportunity for a particular event is no cause for frustration or disappointment. There are many magical unexpected treasures that surely make up for the loss of any other.

Another view from the ship to awaiting transportation for ambitious cruise passengers who wanted to tour the city of Reykjavik.

We missed the Great Migration in Kenya by one week seeing only the tail end but, we had the best possible safari in the Masai Mara in Kenya, seeing the Big 5 in the first 10 hours. Our lives of travel is a matter of trade offs which we’ve come to expect and accept.

Today’s adventure on rough terrain is not for everyone. For us, after months of bumpy roads all over the world, we have no concern for the rugged nature of this outing. Hopefully, we’ll return to post tomorrow with many exciting photos and stories to share.

Fishing is huge industry in Iceland. Below is various fishing equipment.

Yesterday, we remained on the ship attempting to get caught up with some of our posts from my many days without connection to the Internet. The MiFi is working well and our signal is reasonably strong as I fast and furiously attempt to prepare many upcoming posts anticipating five full days at sea, beginning tonight at 5 pm with no working WiFi for my laptop. By using Tom’s laptop I’ll be able to continue to post over those five days.

The capital city of Reykjavik commonly known as a city where President Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev met for talks at the former French Consulate in October 1986.

We’ll be departing soon for the 4×4 tour excitedly anticipating a great day, rain or shine. Please check back tomorrow for our new photos of the city of Reykjavik as we make our way to the countryside on supposedly the rough terrain of Iceland.

No pier is particularly attractive from what we’ve seen on the past nine cruises.

In the interim, we’re having a fabulous time on this cruise. We’ve had one stunning moment after another meeting people, dining, watching live entertainment in the theatre and roaming about the ship checking out every nook and cranny.

Please check back tomorrow for more on Iceland and perhaps a few unexpected surprises we hadn’t anticipated after all.

Photo from one year ago, September 8, 2013:

This is the vegetable stand we visited a few times each week to purchase produce. The motorcycle in the photo is the means of transportation used by the farmer to deliver the produce daily. Organic and cheap, we enjoyed making purchased here although walking on the road from our house had its risks. For details of the story from this date, please click here.

Activities and perks aboard ship…Faroe Islands photos…A few ship photos…More to come…

Posted by worldwide-admin on September 7, 2014 with 0 Comment

As we approached the Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic.

With school starting this month in most parts of the world, there are probably less than a dozen children aboard this cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas.

We were amazed by the gorgeous scenery.

Overall, we’ve surmised that 80% of the ship’s passengers are over 60 years old with many, well into their 70’s, 80’s, more. For once, we’re not the oldies of the crowd. Our time will come.

The ship slowly moved past the smaller islands.

This cruise has been one social fest after another with friendly and approachable passengers of all ages. On several occasions, we’ve been approached by couples saying they’ve “heard” of us or read our website. We’re shocked and humbled by this.

Beautiful!

We passed out more business cards on this cruise than any in the past. We’re not newbies as much as we were when we sailed on our first cruise 20 months ago through the Panama Canal.

The sun peeked out.

This is our ninth cruise since January 3, 2013. Based on the frequency of cruising by many people we’ve met, we’re cruising newbies. Many of the more seasoned cruisers of 25 or more cruises have already seen most of the world. We love hearing their stories as well as sharing our own.

There were no trees on any of the islands.

Each cruise line offers perks based on the number of cruises and days at sea. (Please click the link to see benefits). This is only our second Royal Caribbean cruise. With only 15 prior days at sea on the RC’s Mariner of the Seas in May 2013, we’re only in the Gold category in the “Crown and Anchor Society.” At the end of this cruise, we’ll have 29 days logged, one short of moving up to the next category.

The sun cast shadows on the lush green islands.

Some of the perks include free drinks at certain venues during certain periods of time, discounted cruises, robes in cabins, and more than we can mention here. Some perks have little value while others result in substantial savings and benefits.

Love this view of the Faroe Islands.

When we booked our first eight cruises we’d decided to try several cruise lines based on the locations we intended to visit. With the expectation of eventually picking one or two more cruises over time, it would enable us to accumulate additional points to move up the ranks to higher categories.

Numerous waterfalls ran down the hills.

The difficulty of this is our preference for certain cruise itineraries. We try to use a cruise as transportation to or from a location where we’re potentially interested in living for two to three months.

When we returned to our cabin, this cute fellow was sitting on the bed wearing my shades.

Many people have asked us if we’d prefer to cruise constantly. Tom said that he’d love it if it included laundry service. For me, not so much. It’s the restrictive food thing and never being able to cook our meals. As much as I love it, I’d tire of cruising in no time. However, although many believe it is affordable to cruise constantly for us, it isn’t. It simply doesn’t fit into our budget.

This is the area where we lounge in the mornings when not out on tours.

As it turns out, we stay in affordable vacation homes for as long as we do which allows us to cruise from time to time. In essence, the cruise becomes the equivalent of our “vacation/holiday” if there is such a thing for world travelers such as us.

Many lounge areas have complimentary coffee, tea, and juice stations.

We hadn’t been on a cruise since we disembarked the Norwegian Spirit through the northern Mediterranean ending in Venice, Italy on June 16, 2013, after which we spent the summer in Boveglio, Tuscany, Italy. From this point forward we have four booked cruises ending in April 2016 from Sydney to Perth Australia.

The Windjammer Café is a buffet.

Of course, we have the upcoming cruise from Vancouver, BC to Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii beginning on September 23rd, in a mere two weeks with the next in May 2015 from Hawaii to Sydney, Australia.

Particular attention must be paid to handling common items such as salt and pepper shakers and tongs for various items. We wrap a cloth napkin around our hands tossing it when we’re done gathering our food.

The only issue of cruising for us, other than the cost, is the constant problems with WiFi aboard the various ships. The tech guy aboard this ship explained their system was 12 years old being upgraded in a month. That doesn’t help us. I still can’t get online on my laptop and must use Tom’s laptop to upload posts when we’re out to sea, upcoming from September 9th to September 14th, the day we disembark in Boston.

The outdoor dining area off the Windjammer Café where it is too cool to sit most days.

When we’ll be in port on Sunday and Monday, I’ll be able to upload a few posts using our rented MiFi. As mentioned earlier, our goal is to continue posting for any of these upcoming dates. Once in Boston, we’ll also post each day. Hopefully, I won’t have WiFi issues on the next ship to Hawaii, the Celebrity Solstice.

Another view of outdoor dining and lounging areas where it’s too cold to be now.

The food situation has been manageable for me. Tom has been enjoying the options and even trying a few new items. We’ll be sharing food photos in a few days and the joys and perils of eating aboard ship. By the time we prepare that post, we’ll have tried two to three specialty restaurants whereby I’m able to be served higher-quality food specially prepared for my way of eating. The option in the main dining room has been bland and flavorless.

More waterfalls.

As we prepared this post on yet another cloudy day, we’ll be perusing the ship taking photos to upload with overcast skies which may impede the quality. We’ve had a few sunny days since we left Madeira well over a month ago.

Rita’s Mexican Cantina. There’s a US $2 charge for most meals.

Cruising is schmoozing. It’s fun. We’ve met dozens of couples and singles each with their own story to tell, all of which revolve around the love of travel. We’ve yet to meet one person or couple who is on their first cruise.

Bar at Rita’s Cantina. Cocktails are not included in the cruise fare.

Many people we’ve met are curious about our lifestyle and some ask us questions as to how we managed to make it happen. Many women say they couldn’t leave their homes and their stuff. Some can’t leave aging parents unattended for more than short periods. Some won’t leave their families.

Looking down into the center courtyard from the upper level.

It’s all very personal. Many men have said they would love to travel non-stop but their wives won’t do it. It’s all interesting to us. We respect and admire their lives for their choices for happiness. We don’t expect that others would or could do what we’re doing, nor do we speak about it in that context.

The long hallway walk to our cabin.

We speak of living life “on your own terms” for whatever will make one happy. If it’s cuddling with a blanket into a comfy chair with a good book, taking daily long walks with their dogs, or playing cards in their retirement home with their neighbors. One must choose their own path.

Display area of directions to find areas in the ship.

As one enters their 60’s and 70’s it’s a time when we suddenly realize our mortality. Life is short. Health may be precarious. Finances may be limited. However, each one of us must choose the path that speaks to our dreams and our interests. Clearly, we’ve chosen ours. Yes, it’s wrought with a certain amount of sorrow for leaving those we love behind.

But, wherever we go, our loved ones are with us, in our hearts and minds and soon, in a mere three months, we’ll all be together again.

Photo from one year ago today, September 7, 2013:

The road outside our house in Kenya. For details from that date, please click here.

Part 2, Stonehenge…The village of Salisbury…Another historical Cathedral…The world’s first clock! The Magna Carta!

Posted by worldwide-admin on September 7, 2014 with 0 Comment

As we made our way up the walkway to the Salisbury Cathedral.

After leaving Stonehenge, our driver Steven suggested we continue our day long tour to the historic village of Salisbury, England where he was excited for the eight of us to see the Salisbury Cathedral.

The oldest licensed inn is Salisbury. Steven explained this is purported to be the oldest pub in England.

Typical home in the village of Salisbury.

Having seen many churches in our travels, never seeming to have our fill, our own enthusiasm escalated when Steven explained we were in for a big surprise. The drive from Stonehenge to Salisbury was approximately an hour.

A college in the village.

Exterior of the Cathedral.

This is the world’s oldest clock. See below for the full description.

The description of the world’s oldest clock from the year 1386.

With the lively chatter as us girls sat together in the front of the van, while the boys sat in the back, none of us paid much attention to the length of the drive. We certainly were all enjoying each other’s conversation and companionship.

More interesting architecture for the 13th century.

For Tom and I, having spent almost six months without interacting with English speaking companions, we were both in our glory. There’s no doubt we both hogged the conversations, making up for the lost time.

What an exquisite building!

For this, we apologize to our new friends. It’s such fun talking to someone other than each other after spending the past six months in non-English speaking countries. Of course, we thoroughly enjoyed talking to one another but, a new face, a new voice, a varied opinion, and experience, is always refreshing.

Steven, our knowledgeable tour guide.

It was a pleasure to walk through the Cathedral.

This is a decorative pool. Steven explained that a tourist set her handbag atop the water when she thought it was a glass top as opposed to water and the handbag sunk to the bottom.

As we approached the beautiful village of Salisbury we knew that Steven had our best interests in mind, as we oohed and ahh’d over the scenery in the village. After parking on a side street, Steven walked toward the church with us, explaining that once we entered, a donation was “expected.”

Battle flags from centuries ago.

Tribute to Normandy located in the Cathedral.

Luckily, as we entered the church, the two receptionists explained they’d take pounds or credit cards. We were quickly getting down to our last British Pounds Sterling.

The detail in the design in the Cathedral was some of the most impressive we’ve seen.

In every direction, there was a feast for the eyes in design and color.

Since this was to be our last foray in the UK for who-knows-how-long, we were thrilled we’d succeeded in ridding ourselves of any remaining pounds before leaving the country.

Tourists gathered to appreciate the stained glass.

With all of our travels, we tried to use up any remaining currency by the time we leave the country since many countries have currency we may never use again. Have numerous forms of currency in one’s wallet, never to be used is annoying and wasteful. Thus far, all has gone well.

A side altar or memorial.

The Salisbury Cathedral was well worth the US $9.78, six pounds we paid upon entry. With the steady flow of tourists entering the church, we anticipated they’d be able to continue their ongoing renovation, not unlike the Sagrada Familia we’d seen in Barcelona, Spain over a year ago.

We’ve visited dozens of churches in our travels finding each one unique and appealing in its own way. It was no different from the Salisbury Cathedral, eliciting a gasp when we entered with raging curiosity to see as much as we could in the time allotted until once again we’d be on the road, anxious to return to the ship on time.

A memorial. We were unable to read who was buried here. With our WiFi issues at this time, we’re unable to research online to identify each photo.

Again, this was a private tour for the eight of us with the ship not waiting one moment beyond scheduled departure for such. We kept a watchful eye on the time, eventually returning well within the mandatory boarding time frame.

The Salisbury Cathedral originally was two miles to the north of Old Sarum, where the foundations of the great Norman Cathedral can still be seen. Old Sarum was a garrison town and squabbles with the military-led Bishop Richard Poore to decide to rebuild in the valley below

Building commenced in the year 1220 at about the same time the checkered street plan of Salisbury was also laid out. The Cathedral was built under the supervision of one of the canons, Elias de Dereham, assisted by a famous master mason Nicholas of Ely.

By 1258 the choir, transept, and naves were completed and consecration occurred on September 30th.

The spire, 404 feet high, and the highest in England and the third highest in Europe was added 100 years later between 1334 and 1365. Salisbury Cathedral is acknowledged as the most attractive in English Cathedrals in both settings and appearances.

Outside the Cathedral, our group met for beverages from the café.

Rather than stay in the group of eight, Tom and I wandered off on our own with a set time, we’d meet for the walk to the awaiting van.

During our enthusiastic perusing, we were delighted to see one of the three worldwide originals of the Magna Carta on display. Unfortunately, it was one of the few items in the massive church prohibited from photo taking.

Although disappointed we couldn’t take a photo, it was enriching to see it in any case. Its lengthy translation was posted on a wall.

Tom graciously posed for a photo. Thanks, Honey!

Finally, it was time to be on our way and after another great day of touring both Stonehenge and Salisbury, we were content to be back to the ship for yet another enjoyable dinner, sharing a table with a new group of six. The socialization on cruises is always a stupendous source of pleasure for us, thanks to the many fine people we meet.

Tomorrow, we’ll be back sharing some of the events in which we’ve participated on the ship and details of how we spend each day both out to sea and on tour days.

Have a happy day!

Photo from one year ago today, September 6, 2013:

Two of the goat that lived in the backyard of the property jumped on the fence to entertain us while we lived in Diani Beach, Kenya for three months. For details, please click here.

Part 2, a day in Normandy…Profoundly moving experience…

Posted by worldwide-admin on September 6, 2014 with 0 Comment

The grounds at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial are meticulously maintained and a treasure to behold.

As we continue with the photos on Part 2 of our tour of Normandy, France, which was five days ago, the memories of that special day still flow freely through our minds.

Omaha Beach.

Omaha Beach.

Without a doubt, the experience which I’d anticipated would not be of much interest to me other than deep compassion for the brave soldiers that died for our freedom, proved to be an experience we’ll both always remember.

This view toward the land from the beach, that the soldiers had to navigate as the Germans lay in wait in bunkers throughout the area.

Not only were we moved when visiting the beaches and the grounds of the perfectly manicured and landscaped tribute to our fallen soldiers of so long ago, but we were also pleased to see the reverence and respect that have kept this site an important place for Americans and other citizens to visit.

The walkway we took toward the American Cemetery and Memorial.

We walked through the garden and memorial in order the enter the area of the marked and unmarked gravesites.

As we walked in the sand on the almost barren Omaha Beach and Utah Beach, we could easily imagine the sorrowful struggle our soldiers bore as they stormed the beaches continually besieged by well planned German soldiers.

Us, on Omaha Beach, both grateful for the opportunity to visit historic Normandy, France.

The massive Allied assault on the Normandy coastline on June 6, 1944, aimed to liberate France and fight its way into Nazi Germany. Prior to dawn on June 6, three airborne divisions, the US 82nd and 101st and, the British 6th, landed by parachute and glider behind the targeted beaches.

Bronze statue at the cemetery, “The spirit of the American Youth Rising from the Waves”

View of the sea and Omaha Beach from the cemetery.

Allied naval forces including the US Coast Guard, conveyed assault forces across the English Channel. Beginning at 6:30 am six US, British and Canadian divisions landed on Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword Beaches in history’s greatest amphibious assault.

This was only a small section of the gravesites of almost 10,000 fallen soldiers.

Grave marker for Theodore Roosevelt, Jr, son of former President Theodore Roosevelt.

Over the next three months, the Allies battled German troops throughout Normandy. British and Canadian freed Caen, France, and the Americans liberated Cherbourg staging a dramatic breakout.

Memorial building on the grounds of the cemetery.

There is a wall of names such as shown here in the Garden of the Missing.

Many exquisite roses and plantings highlight the grave plots as they trim the Garden of the Missing.

Allied troops, joined by French and Polish units encircled and annihilated German troops at the Falaise Pocket while surviving units fled eastward. At this point, the way was now open to advance toward Paris and then on to Germany.”

Soldier statue memorial at Omaha Beach.

For more information on Normandy, please click here.

Another bunker.

Machine guns and cannons were hidden in the German bunkers.

Tom at another bunker.

Another bunker at Omaha Beach.

Interior of a bunker.

After we left Normandy, we drove to the nearby village where we stopped to meander through the small village, entering a historic church in St. Mere Eglise built in the 13th century where there was a memorial of a paratrooper who landed and was hanging on the church’s steeple. So sorrowful.

View along Utah Beach.

Cannon on display at Utah Beach.

“The town’s main claim to fame is that it played a significant part in the World War II Normandy landings because this village stood right in the middle of route N13, which the Germans would have most likely used on any significant counterattack on the troops landing on Utah and Omaha Beaches.

Rock formation at Utah Beach.

Path to statues at Utah Beach.

Utah beach was equally pristine as Omaha Beach.

“In the early morning of 6 June 1944 mixed units of the U.S. 82nd Airborne and U.S. 101st Airborne Divisions occupied the town in Operation Boston, giving it the claim to be one of the first towns liberated in the invasion.”

Statue and memorial to officers and seamen of the US Navy who transported all the US troops for the D-Day invasion.

The Pont du Hoc Monument is a granite pylon topping a bunker on a 100-foot cliff eight miles west of the cemetery. It honors soldiers of the 2nd Ranger Battalion who scaled the cliff to disable German guns threatening Utah and Omaha Beaches.

As Tom and I sat on a park bench facing the church, as we looked up at the memorial, once again we were touched by the powerful message and display remaining 70 years later.

St. Mere Eglaise Church with the Paratrooper Memorial which appears on the left of the church in this photo.

As shown in our photos, the historic church stands today as visitors come from all over the world to see the memorial and tribute to the brave men and women throughout the world who fought for freedom.

Alternate view of the Paratrooper Memorial.

Enjoy our photos as we enjoyed taking them, never for a moment forgetting the power of visiting Normandy and its surrounding area which in some manner or another, affected all of our lives.

The 13th-century church is in beautiful condition.

Tomorrow, we’ll be back with Part 2, Stonehenge which includes some fabulous photos of more historic sites. Please check back soon.

Photo from one year ago today, September 6, 2013:

Hans and Geri, our landlord and his wife, invited us for happy hour to their third-story veranda in their home next door to us. From this vantage point, we were able to see the Indian Ocean, in Diani Beach, Kenya, a short walk from our house. For details, please click here.

Blarney Castle…We visited the Titanic’s last port of call…

Posted by worldwide-admin on September 5, 2014 with 0 Comment

A better view of Cobh, Ireland, and St. Coleman’s Cathedral.

As it turns out with our limited ability to get online, there will only be one post for the Blarney Castle and visits to the towns of Cork and Cobh, Ireland.

The private tour for eight of us left the ship around 10:30 am on Wednesday, with an expected return time of 3:30. The ship was scheduled to leave the port of Cobh, Ireland at 4:30.

Us, in front of the Blarney Castle.

The Blarney Castle.

Many ship’s staff warns cruisers not to take private tours. If an unforeseen incident occurs and the driver doesn’t get the passengers back to the ship on time, the ship won’t wait.

We entered caves on the property walking to the end, requiring we turn around, going back the same way we entered.

If passengers decide on a ship-arranged tour, the ship’s departure will be dependent upon the return of all passengers. We’ve heard nightmarish stories about passengers not making it back in time who’d ventured out on private tours and the ship left without them when they ran into unexpected delays.

Alternate view of the Blarney Castle.

With only five hours for the Blarney Castle and surrounding area tour, we all kept a watchful eye on the clock during the last few hours to ensure we’d depart on time when we’d stopped for lunch and beer in the quaint village of Cobh (pronounced Cove).

As we entered the castle, it was so packed with tourists, our group decided to back out when the narrow rock walkways offered no room to maneuver.

As many are aware, the sinking of the Titanic occurred with a tragic loss of 1500 passengers on April 15, 1912. The Titanic’s last port of call was Queenstown, to be later renamed Cobh.

One would have to climb to the top of the castle, lay on their back, and hyperextend their neck to kiss the Blarney Stone. After the stories we heard, we decided to forgo this event.

Having anchored briefly at the entrance of Cork Harbor to transfer passengers and mail to and from Cobh, the Titanic, a huge ship couldn’t fit in the pier. Passengers were “tendered” on smaller boats to enjoy the charming Irish village.

We wandered through this cute chocolate store but Tom didn’t buy a thing.

The last 123 passengers to board the ship for the intended journey to New York boarded in Queenstown, (Cobh) which we visited on Wednesday. Of those 123 passengers, only 44 survived when the Titanic sank.

Tom had visited the Blarney Castle on two separate trips to Ireland. He was excited to visit the woolen mills store to see the Irish sweaters, one of which he’d purchased years ago. He didn’t bring it with him in his suitcase.

This wool sweater is similar to Tom’s old sweater. I always told him looked like an old man wearing this. Now it was priced at US $189, EU $139. He paid approximately US $49, EU $36 back in the late 1980’s.

Today, the original buildings, streets, and piers of a century ago are still standing with respect and reverence for the tragic story with a museum containing artifacts and memorabilia.

Irish mailbox.

With little time, we had to forgo the museum to ensure we’d return to the ship on time. As we sailed away on the narrow passageway, hundreds of local people waved to us as we watched from our balcony, joyfully returning the enthusiastic waves.

Irish pub.

Tom had visited the Blarney Castle twice on two separate trips to Ireland, the home of his ancestors, once when he took his mother to Ireland and to see the Pope and another with an ex-girlfriend. I appreciated that he was happy for a third visit with me.

The Old Oak pub where our group of eight stopped for lunch and beer.

We didn’t kiss the Blarney Stone which Tom had done on his prior visits. One, it required hyperextending one’s neck which held little appeal to me and, we’d heard stories about certain people entering the castle at night and urinating on the stone.

Here are the boys!

Whether this was a fable or not, with rampant illnesses aboard ships, we opted out entirely. From those who did partake, they said the stone was cleaned with disinfectant from time to time. Surely, not often enough to our liking.

Here are the girls!

Tom is 99% Irish which was recently confirmed by a DNA test he’d ordered through Ancestry.com. As we walked along the streets of Cork, Tom spotted a homeless man begging for money with a liter of beer tucked inside his jacket.

Tom’s peculiar lunch called “tacos.” Actually, it was ground meat and melted cheese atop a bed of fries. He said it was good. I cringed.

Tom reached down and handed him a few dollars, afterward turning to me and saying, “For all I know, he’s a relative of mine.” I chuckled and squeezed his hand as we returned to the awaiting van and our driver.

Tom’s Irish beer.

In no time at all, we returned to the ship, through security, and back to our cabin. With ongoing WiFi problems while out to sea, I hadn’t uploaded a post yesterday other than a short blurb and photo of us at the Blarney Castle.

St. Coleman’s Cathedral in Cobh, Ireland.

Today, with the ship docked in the Faroe Islands we finally have a good connection and the time to post since we’re able to use the rented MiFi. The ship’s WiFi won’t work for my computer when we’re out to sea. Figuring out a major workaround, we’ll be able to post for the remaining time on the ship until we arrive in Boston where we’ll have WiFi in the hotel, continuing to post each day. No post will be missed over the upcoming days.

Actually, we’re having a blast on this ship. We’ve met more fabulous people than we’d ever imagined possible. Tom’s frequent visits to CruiseCritic has provided us with an opportunity to meet many passengers from the site with whom he’s communicated back and forth over the past 18 months.

The ladies of Cobh dress in clothing typical of the days of the Titanic.

With several activities scheduled with CruiseCritic followers orchestrated in advance of the cruise, we found ourselves with a busy schedule, loving every minute of meeting new people every day.

Tonight, we’re trying one of the specialty restaurants with a lovely couple Tom met on CruiseCritic who kindly spent time looking for us at the party.

To review the past few days, we’ve been on tours of the following:

Monday: Normandy, France to the US military cemetery and both Omaha and Utah beaches.
Tuesday: Stonehenge, UK to visit the mysterious rock formation, ending the day in Salisbury, UK to see a charming village on the 13th-century church, the Salisbury Cathedral.
Wednesday: Cork, Ireland, and the Blarney Castle and exquisite ground which photos I’m sharing with you today in Part 1.
Thursday: Sea Day, Meet and Mingle for CruiseCritic, a Cabin Crawl (groups of eight visiting varying classes of cabins), and a Poker Run (receiving a playing card at five of the cabins, the best hand winning at the end of the event). We didn’t win but, had a great time interacting with our group of eight. Tom was the designated leader of our group and did an excellent job of navigating through the ship. As the youngest of 11, Tom said, “I’ve never been at the head of any line. I’ve always been at the tail end.”

Gorgeous flowers on the grounds of the Blarney Castle.

Also, for the remaining days on the cruise, I’d like to review the topics of our future posts at sea:

September 5 – Part 1, Cork and Cobh, Ireland and Blarney Castle
September 6 – Part 2, Normandy, France
September 7 – Part 2, Stonehenge, UK
September 8 – Activities and how we spend time aboard the ship
September 9 – Reykjavik, Iceland and Northern Lights Tour
September 10–Reykjavik, Iceland tour
September 11-Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas photos and review of amenities
September 12-Dining aboard Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas including specialty restaurants and adaptations made for my special diet
September 13-Benefits of booking future cruises while onboard the ship as opposed to later and our total expenses for the cruise
September 14-Disembark the cruise starting at 8 am, our arrival in Boston on US soil for the first time in almost 18 months, picking up a rental car and checking in to the hotel for a three-night stay in Boston. Once we’re checked into our room with WiFi up and running, we’ll post in the afternoon on eastern time prior to 6:00 pm when we’ll excitedly meet my dear cousin for dinner.

Row houses in Cobh, Ireland. (Photo was taken from the van).

While in Boston, we have several activities planned including necessary shopping for the first time on US soil, a trip to the cemetery where my father is buried, visits with my 95-year-old uncle, and hopefully, if time allows, seeing a few historical sites in the area.

View as we drove away from Cork, Ireland.

On September 17th, we’ll fly to Vancouver, British Columbia, where we’ll spend six nights in a hotel with ample time to check out a few sites most of which are readily accessible by the nearby train.

Gorgeous fern in the gardens.

We’re busy, loving every moment as we continue on this exciting leg of our travels. Our only issues are the WiFi problems that continue.

Photo from one year ago today, September 5, 2013:

Hesborn, our wonderful houseman at the house in Diani Beach, Kenya. We couldn’t have appreciated him more during the three months we spent in Kenya. For details from that date, please click here.

No post today…Booked with activities all day…Photo of us…

Posted by worldwide-admin on September 4, 2014 with 0 Comment

Here we are in front of the Blarney Castle in Cork, Ireland. We had an amazing day with new friends exploring several areas in and around Cork. We’ll share more photos in tomorrow’s post.

Dear Readers,

We’ll be back tomorrow and on all the following days of the cruise. We are having too much fun to allow me time to write a full post. We’ve met some wonderful people and have planned activities that will keep us going all day today.

But, we’ll be back tomorrow as always and each day through the remainder of the cruise. We have some amazing photos we’re excited to share.

Warmest regards to all,

Jess & Tom
__________________________________________

Photo from one year ago today, November 4, 2013:

No photo was posted on this date.

Part 1, Stonehenge…

Posted by worldwide-admin on September 3, 2014 with 0 Comment

Stonehenge…

After yesterday’s ship WiFi fiasco, I’m still struggling with getting online on the ship’s WiFi. Hopefully, these issues will not impede getting online to post daily as usual. I spent over a half-hour with the ship’s tech guy and he suggested I download Firefox which hopefully will solve the issues. We’ll keep you updated through Tom’s connection.

Here is a link for detailed information about Stonehenge’s history and preservations.

Alternate view of Stonehenge.

As for Tuesday’s tour to Stonehenge, we couldn’t have enjoyed it more. We’d wondered if we’d find a visit to a collection of large rocks as appealing as it proved to be. Stonehenge remains to be a mystery, although, over the past few centuries, many scientists and researchers have speculated as to its origins.

Additional rock was discovered.

However, scientists do know that Stonehenge is an ancient temple aligned with the sun’s movements. Over 4500 years ago, intelligent prehistoric people designed and raised the stones to their present configuration as a memorial to their dead where many remains are buried.

Tom, at Stonehenge.

Me, at Stonehenge.

An “English Heritage” designation exists to protect and promote England’s historic treasures and England makes every effort to ensure that these treasures are researched and revered to the utmost. In the case of Stonehenge, located in North Amesbury, Wiltshire, England, the project has continued for years to maintain a sense of dignity to this wonder of human endeavor.

Birds at Stonehenge.

Stonehenge is surrounded by well maintained green lawns with cordoned off areas to prevent erosion of this mysterious ancient burial ground created as a tribute to the ancestors of the creative designers, builders, and people of the region.

Alternate view.

At first glance, one may easily ascertain that this seeming, unorganized arrangement of ancient rocks is mere folly. But, as we made our way along the long walkway surrounding Stonehenge while listening to the presentations on the headset we each were each given upon entry it was easy to grasp and understand the powerful nature of this unusual display that most of first became aware of in grade school or middle school.

Another view as we walked around the stones on a designated path.

Yearly, over 5 million visitors visit Stonehenge, many seeking healing from its mystical energy and others visiting out of curiosity. We were somewhere in the middle. To our surprise, the hour-long walk around the display was never boring or leaving one feeling as if they’d had enough.

View from the opposite side.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of theories regarding Stonehenge. We don’t profess to have formulated an opinion as to its complex origins. All we can say is that we’re grateful for the opportunity to see Stonehenge by the small eight-person tour meticulously arranged by our tour mates, Carolyn and Ron, each half of a couple that toured along with us with their spouses and another couple.

Large stone recovered from the area to illustrate the massive size of the stones.

One could pull this rope hanging from the left on this stone to determine how many workers it would have taken to move this stone, based on one’s strength.

The eight of us got along tremendously and the conversation was lively and animated during our three-plus hours riding in the comfortable 18 person van. Our tour guide, Steven, was knowledgeable and helpful ensuring we were able to easily navigate the day’s points of interest which also included an unexpected visit to the village of Salisbury to explore the renowned Salisbury Cathedral.

Zoom in to read this text of the skeletal remains of a man found in Stonehenge.

In Part 2, Stonehenge, which we’ll present in a few days, we’ll share our photos of the massive ancient Salisbury Cathedral, built beginning in the year 1220. We had to good fortune to explore this stunning Cathedral which contained one of three worldwide copies of the Magna Carta.

More skeletal remains found in Stonehenge.

Please check back as we continue to share our photos of these enjoyable private day-long small group tours. Having experienced these past two days in eight-person tours, we’re convinced that we’ll have little interest in the 60-people-on-a-bus tours in the future. Today, we’re off to Cork, Ireland, and the Blarney Castle.

Once again, we apologize for missing a few days of posting due to both our tight touring schedule and constant WiFi issues.

Photo from one year ago today, September 3, 2013:

The outdoor living where we spend considerable time during our three months in Kenya. For details, please click here.

Month: September 2014