Going downhill…A harsh reality…

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Exquisite needlepoint done by Gina’s mother in Madeira.

Since my heart event last week, it’s been evident to me that my ability to walk and strength is deteriorating. At this point, I can’t convince Tom to attend his family functions, leaving me behind. There’s such a gathering tomorrow, but regardless of what I say, he won’t leave me alone.

There is a barbecue at Mary’s house on Thursday evening. I hope to be able to go to Billy’s on Friday night; I don’t feel I can be out two nights in a row. I wish he’d go tomorrow when I believe I will be okay being alone for one evening.

Tonight, we’re meeting Greg and Madighan nearby at Pizza Luce at 5:00 pm since we haven’t seen them in a few weeks. They were on vacation, and then, when they returned…I was in hospital. I explained that none of the family needed to visit me. Tom stayed with me day and night until they kicked him out when visiting hours ended.

How am I holding up emotionally? Actually, we both are our usual cheerful selves, with no whining or complaining about this situation. We plan to maintain this attitude going forward, even after our medical appointments at Cleveland Clinic. We both know a positive attitude can impact one’s health outcome, and there’s no way we’re going down the self-pitying or whinging route.

Over the years, we’ve met many seniors who’ve experienced life-threatening illnesses and, when the crisis was under control, were still able to spend time in Marloth Park. Such joy and pleasure most assuredly impacts one’s recovery from illness. As soon as the weather cools, we’ll be back on our way.

Knowing we’ll be returning to my favorite place in the world is a wonderful means of maintaining a positive outlook. I’ve always told Tom if I knew in advance that “my number was up,” there is nowhere in the world I’d rather spend my final days than with him at my side in the bush, drinking red wine, listening to Andrea Bocelli on YouTube through our portable speaker and watching our beloved wildlife friends come to visit.

Of course, seeing our wonderful friends in Marloth Park would be a great joy. We can’t wait to see them all again.

But sometimes, life is harsh, and we don’t have the opportunity to create the perfect scenario for our final days. Those dreams can only remain in one’s mind and heart while facing fate.

Yesterday, I received an email from friends we met at the Mugg and Bean gift shop in Lower Sabie, South Africa, who later ended up renting from Louise. Right now, Les and Jerry are staying in the Ratel house, where we always have stayed in the past several years.

They, too, have named their favorite visitors a plethora of delightful human names, as we had done in years past. When Les explained that Norman has been visiting several times a day, my heart skipped a beat. I can’t wait to see Norman once again!

Life isn’t always easy for retirees, whether living in a home in a familiar location or being on the move, as is our lifestyle. We’re not giving up our world travels and pray that we will return to traveling the world soon.

Thanks for your continuing support and interest in following along with us. Every one of our readers means the world to us!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 31, 2014:

It was a travel day ten years ago, and no posts were uploaded.

Stats for the Olympics…Who are we cheering for?…

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US fencers Lauren Scruggs, center left, and Lee Kiefer celebrated after facing off in the foil final on July 28. Kiefer overwhelmed Scruggs 15-6 to win the event for the second straight Olympics. Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images.

Watching the Olympics on TV and while streaming if we missed something has been particularly enjoyable. We are less interested in games and sports, preferring team and individual challenges, especially swimming and diving, track events, and most often, women’s and men’s gymnastics.

What do the Olympics have to do with world travel? For us, traveling to many countries and acquiring a certain degree of understanding of the culture has an impact. We often stay in a country for two to three months, not enough for a vast understanding but ample for gathering some knowledge of its people.

This knowledge, although minimal, has given us interest in the athletes from many other countries participating in various challenges. In years past, we were only focused on the athletes from the USA. Our interest has expanded exponentially, although our main focus is USA.

Here are a few facts about the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics:

The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, taking place from July 26 to August 11, features a wide array of sports and competitions. Here are some of the key highlights and statistics so far:

  1. Medal Count: As of July 30, the leading countries in the medal tally include the United States, China, and Japan. The detailed and up-to-date medal table can be found on various sports news websites like NBC Olympics and AS USA​ (NBC Olympics).
  2. New Sports: The 2024 Olympics have introduced four new sports: breaking (a competitive form of breakdancing), sport climbing, skateboarding, and surfing. These additions are part of an effort to make the Games more inclusive and appealing to younger audiences​ (NBC Olympics).
  3. Athlete Participation: Approximately 10,500 athletes from over 200 countries compete in the Games. This diverse group is participating in 32 sports, encompassing 306 events.
  4. Notable Events:
    • Football: The USA Under-23 team, featuring players from various top clubs, performs well and aims to advance past the group stages.
    • Gymnastics: The women’s gymnastics events have seen intense competition, with top performances from countries like the USA and China​ (NBC Olympics).
  5. Venue and Historical Significance: Paris is hosting the Olympics for the first time since 1924, marking the 100th anniversary of the last time the city held the Games. The events are spread across 16 cities in France, with some surfing events taking place in Tahiti​ (NBC Olympics).

For live updates, schedules, and detailed results, you can visit the official Olympics website or follow coverage on major sports news outlets like NBC Olympics and USA.

Because of our enthusiasm, we’ll continue to watch the 2024 Summer Olympics, enjoying every moment. We hope you are doing the same.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago, July 30, 2014:

We purchased fresh organic produce from the musical truck every week during our time in Madeira. For more photos, please click here.

What to do if you become ill while traveling…

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This goat was chained on a hill by the road. It was sad to see.
Because I have excellent insurance coverage, when my blood pressure went through the roof, I knew I could order an ambulance and go to a hospital with an outstanding reputation, all of which would be covered by my insurance plan. The services provided to me were 100% covered by Medicare A and B, and my Plan G supplement covered any deductibles. I left the hospital without being ill. What a relief!
But, over the years, I had worried about coverage in foreign countries, especially when the travel insurance we had in the past never covered any of my previous expenses for open heart surgery and complications there. We had to pay everything out of pocket, which we did in full before we left the country.
If we hadn’t paid in South Africa, they would have tagged our passports, and we wouldn’t have been allowed to leave the country. That’s a scary thought! The result is that quality insurance is imperative when traveling. We had no idea they wouldn’t pay the enormous bill.
Getting sick in a foreign land is scary enough, let alone wondering if your insurance will ultimately pay. Of course, your first consideration is receiving quality care and getting you through the crises.
I hadn’t mentioned this in yesterday’s post…but while I was in the hospital on Thursday, Friday, and part of Saturday, I encountered issues with not having a primary care physician in Minnesota. The specialists didn’t quite know how to handle my case, which surprised me. But at least I got through the crises, and they were able to stabilize me.
The doctors even suggested I get a primary care doctor, which I had tried to do months after we first arrived, but after contacting about ten, I could not get an appointment. They were booked to as far as September, and by then, we’d be long gone. Plus, after we leave for Cleveland, having a primary care doctor in Minnesota would make no sense since we don’t plan to return for a while.
These are some of the long-term challenges of traveling the world that one must address when one needs medical care. There is nothing we could have done to prepare for such an event. Instead, as often, we figure it out as we go. All I can say is that the best thing I ever did was get signed up for Medicare with a good supplement, which I took care of while we were in Nevada during the open enrollment period.

Getting sick in a foreign country can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to manage the situation effectively. Obviously, if you have a life-threatening situation, your first concern is getting to the closest medical center, wherever you may be. If you anticipate medical issues based on your current health, here are some suggestions as to what you may do:

  1. Stay Calm: Panicking will not help. Stay calm and assess your symptoms.
  2. Rest and Hydrate: Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. Drink bottled water if you’re unsure about the quality of tap water.
  3. Medication: Use any over-the-counter medication you brought with you. Common medications for pain relief, fever, or stomach issues can be helpful.
  4. Contact Your Embassy: Your embassy can provide guidance on medical facilities and assistance.
  5. Local Medical Facilities: Find the nearest hospital or clinic. Many countries have English-speaking doctors in major cities.
  6. Travel Insurance: If you have travel insurance, contact your provider to understand your coverage and get assistance finding medical care.
  7. Local Pharmacy: Visit a local pharmacy for advice and over-the-counter medication. Pharmacists can often provide helpful advice for minor ailments.
  8. Language Barrier: Use translation apps to communicate your symptoms if there’s a language barrier.
  9. Hygiene: Maintain good hygiene practices to avoid worsening your condition or spreading illness to others.
  10. Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local friends, family, and your embassy.
  11. Documentation: Keep all medical documents, prescriptions, and receipts in case you need them for insurance claims or follow-up care.
  12. Follow Up: Once you return home, follow up with your primary care physician to ensure complete recovery.

We are grateful for having the appropriate health insurance and for receiving good care to help me through the crisis. Although I feel weak since leaving the hospital, I am much better, and my blood pressure is normal. I will be very grateful if I avoid another such event until we get to Cleveland Clinic.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 29, 2014:

While on a walk, we spotted this waterfall. For more photos, please click here.

We’re back after a medical ordeal…

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A lovely scene of a beach in Madeira while on a road trip.

It all started on Thursday morning. I went for a short walk, and we headed to the bank’s ATM for some cash and then to Aldi. I had only been to one Aldi in the UK, but I was curious about what a US store was about. Upon entering the store, within a few minutes, I saw it wasn’t for me.

I had no idea about the “off-brand” products and wouldn’t have time to use them to determine their quality. Plus, it mainly was packaged, processed foods that we don’t eat. After grabbing the four spices we needed, I headed to check out. It was at this time that I began to feel light-headed and shaky,

From there, we drove to the Cub Market to pick up our awaiting grocery order, which I had placed earlier in the day. Once we returned to the hotel, Tom carried in the groceries I put away. I still felt light-headed, shaky, and dizzy. I sat down, hoping the awful feeling would pass. But ten minutes later, I felt worse.

Thinking that it might be a breakthrough Afib and possibly an increase in blood pressure, I took my blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is roughly 120/80. Mine was 240/142, outrageously and dangerously high. I took the reading three times, and it didn’t budge. I told Tom we needed to call 911.

Within minutes,  help arrived with police and firefighters, and shortly after that, paramedics with the ambulance. The 20-minute ride in the ambulance was bumpy and unsettling. Still, before I knew it, we arrived at Methodist Hospital, and I was rushed into a room in the emergency department where I was hooked up to lots of equipment and given nitroglycerin, and blood tests were done.

Heart and valve problems definitely impact blood pressure. Blood tests were taken, and it was determined that I hadn’t had a heart attack but had what is called malignant blood pressure, described as follows from the Cleveland Clinic:

“Malignant Hypertension

Malignant hypertension occurs when a sudden spike in blood pressure puts you at risk for organ damage. It often happens in people with a history of high blood pressure. But it can also occur in people with normal blood pressure. The condition is a medical emergency that requires immediate care.”

We both felt I was in good hands. Once I was stabilized, the doctor suggested I stay overnight for some tests. I explained that I had scheduled appointments at the Cleveland Clinic beginning on August 28 after leaving Minnesota on August 25. I explained that my objective was to determine if it was safe for me to wait for treatment for the upcoming appointments in Cleveland and that nothing was going on that required we leave sooner.

By 10:00 pm, after six hours in the emergency department, I was escorted to a spacious private room on the cardiac floor. During the night, I had scans and didn’t get much sleep.

After the tests during the night and more the next day, it was determined I was safe to wait for the month until we’d get to Cleveland. Still, if I had another episode of malignant hypertension, I’d need to return to the hospital for treatment.

Two days later, I was released with no new drugs or prescription changes, and yesterday afternoon, we returned to the hotel by 2:00 pm. I certainly didn’t feel like going out to dinner, but instead, based on the items we purchased from Cub, I could slice the vegetables for us to put together our desired bread-less subway-type sandwiches.

It was so good to be back at the hotel, albeit slightly tentative, feeling weak and exhausted after lying in bed for two days and nights. But I am attempting to walk a little every 30 minutes.

Thanks to our readers who wrote about our well-being. We appreciate all of you!

Be well.

Photos from ten years ago today, June 28, 2014:

Late blooming Bird of Paradise, aptly named in Madeira. For more photos, please click here.

A day of celebrating Sister Beth…On the move, one month from today…

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Sister Beth loved the sound of bagpipes. Tom’s nephew Tony, shown in this photo, had arranged for this bagpipe player to perform at the cemetery.

We are so glad we stayed behind for Tom’s sister Patty to see Sister Beth’s memorial service. It meant the world to her. Mary’s (who was in Milwaukee at the service) husband, Eugene, joined us at Patty’s home, and the four of us watched the hour-long service intently. It was beautifully done with compassion and attention to detail. It was evident Sister Beth was dearly loved.

We brought my laptop with Tom’s as a backup, our HDMI cord, and our portable speaker. I set my phone up as a hotspot, which worked quite well when Patty doesn’t have WiFi in her home. There were a few delays on the other end, but finally, they got the video stream working properly, and we could easily watch.

I took this photo off of Patty’s TV of Sister Beth’s funeral, which was held in St. Joseph’s Hall, not the church since it is being renovated. Thirteen of Tom’s family members were in the front rows on the left. There were 80 mourners in attendance.

After the service, the luncheon was served in Milwaukee (see the menu below), and then over 30 mourners, including Tom’s 13 family members and many nuns, headed to the cemetery for the burial. As shown in the main photo, Tom’s nephew Tony, son of Margie, had arranged for a bagpipe player to perform at the burial service, as shown in the main photo.

For the four of us observing the service by video, we decided on our own lunch to celebrate Sister Beth and headed to one of Patty’s favorite restaurants. We talked about Sister Beth, sharing personal experiences and being grateful in our own way that we could participate from afar.

A luncheon was served after the funeral but before the cemetery trip.

We had a lovely lunch, and by early afternoon, we were back on the road to our hotel. We quietly spent the remainder of the day there until we had a light dinner around 6:30. Later, we settled in to watch our favorite new series, For All Mankind, on Apple TV. If you like stories about “space,” this is a much-watched drama.

Technology, such as what we used, made this possible. This relatively simple process was very familiar to us since we’ve been utilizing streaming for many years. However, we certainly understand how difficult this could be for those who don’t have WiFi in their homes and have never streamed any movies, series, or events.

Soon, we’ll head out to the bank and Aldi market for a few items and then pick up our usual grocery order from Cub Foods. When I placed the order this morning, they were out of several products we use, resulting in the necessity of stopping at another market.

Sister Julie Rice, a dear friend of Sister Beth, presented the eulogy.

Yesterday, it dawned on us that we’ll leave for Cleveland Clinic one month from today. The months-long wait has happened quickly with all the beautiful times we’ve spent with family and friends. We’ll cram in as much as possible in these remaining 30 days before heading out on the two-day road trip.

That’s all for today, folks. Thank you for the loving and thoughtful condolences for Tom and his family. The kindness of our readers worldwide never ceases to amaze us. Thank you for being YOU!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 25, 2014:

We went through as many as 20 tunnels on a few-hour outing in Madeira. For more photos, please click here.

Today is Sister Beth’s funeral…

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There was a substantial Catholic population on the island of Madeira, so it wasn’t unusual to spot a shrine to the Virgin Mary in public areas such as this.

Many of Tom’s family members traveled to Milwaukee for Sister Beth’s funeral, which begins at 10:30 today. Since Tom had seen her when she was alive a little over a month ago, we decided to stay behind for Tom’s eldest sister, Patty, who, at almost 90 years old, would have found the long road trip difficult.

Knowing Patty was staying behind alone, we decided to take the funeral to her. The entire mass and service will be streamed live beginning at 10:30 this morning. Nephew Tony arranged for a bagpipe player to perform at the cemetery.

Patty lives about 35 minutes from here and has no Internet service at her home. We had an idea that we could set up my phone as a hotspot using our T-Mobile account, connect it to my laptop, and connect our HDMI cord to her TV monitor, and Patty would be able to witness the entire event. I tested everything from here, and soon, in 30 minutes, we’ll be heading to Blaine to set everything up to make this happen.

Sure, we would have liked to be at the service, but providing this event for Patty to see was more important. Although the technology is unfamiliar to her, she was relieved to know she could be there in spirit, if not in person. Plus, watching it with her is special to us as well.

After the funeral ends, the three of us will go to lunch, making this day special to each of us. The remainder of the family will return either late today or tomorrow. At Billy’s on Friday, many of us will be together again to make a toast to Sister Beth and share our experiences.

Last night, we went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse with TJ and Jayden. We had a fantastic time, and the meal was perfect. We love spending time with our kids and grandkids.

Thus, today, the post is short while we stop to assemble the event’s equipment and get on the road. We will be back tomorrow with more.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 24, 2014:

This village in Madeira was decorated over the weekend for the upcoming banana festival. For more photos, please click here.

Why don’t we buy a motorhome and travel the US or rent an in other countries?…Advantages and disadvantages…

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Many travelers may find traveling their country in a motorhome (caravan or RV) appealing, but not to us. Not our photo.

We are often asked, “Why don’t you travel to the US or other countries by motorhome?” We haven’t in the past almost 12 years because we’ve spent most of our time outside the US, making owning or renting an RV impractical in another country for an extended period.

We are also not interested in renting an RV for short periods when we can easily travel outside the US using other means of travel, which provides us with a broader range of locations, safety, and cost options. Most certainly, traveling in the US in an RV is appealing, but neither of us, at our age, has any interest in the responsibility, cost, and upkeep.

In 1978, after subdividing some land in Minnetonka, Minnesota, I traded one of the vacant lots for a 36-foot King’s Highway Motorhome. As a single mom of two boys, I learned to drive and maintain it, and we often traveled the US, often with friends joining us, when I had time to take vacations while running my business.

Eventually, after realizing we wouldn’t use it as often as I would have liked, I rented it, off and on for a year, eventually selling it for a reasonable price. The experience left me with a dislike for traveling by RV based on the work required to set it up and take it down at various RV sites, with what seemed to be constant maintenance along with the cost of fuel.

Early on, before we decided to travel the world, we investigated purchasing a motorhome but lost interest when we both realized the cost would be prohibitive in today’s world since we aren’t campers and would have preferred modern conveniences over “roughing it.”

Over the years, we have met many travelers and friends who have reveled in home-free travel, living full-time in a motorhome. We commend those who made this big decision, but it wasn’t for us.

Today, we share our perspective of traveling by motorhome, RV, or camper, offering this unique experience with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown:

Advantages

  1. Flexibility and Freedom: You can travel at your own pace, stop wherever you like, and change your plans on the go. This flexibility is one of the biggest perks of motorhome travel.
  2. Cost Savings: While the initial cost can be high, you save on accommodation and dining costs. Campsites are generally cheaper than hotels, and you can cook your own meals.
  3. Comfort and Convenience: Modern motorhomes are equipped with many amenities like beds, kitchens, and bathrooms, providing the comforts of home while on the road.
  4. Closer to Nature: Motorhome travel allows you to stay in scenic locations such as national parks, beaches, and mountains, bringing you closer to nature.
  5. Family and Pet-Friendly: Traveling with family members and pets is easier. Everyone has their own space, and you can bring along your pet without the hassle of finding pet-friendly accommodations.
  6. Social Aspect: Campgrounds and RV parks can be very social places, offering a sense of community and the opportunity to meet like-minded travelers.

Disadvantages

  1. Initial Cost and Maintenance: Purchasing a motorhome is a significant investment. Additionally, maintenance, insurance, and fuel costs can add up.
  2. Driving Challenges: Motorhomes can be difficult to drive, especially for those not used to handling large vehicles. Parking can also be a challenge in urban areas.
  3. Limited Mobility in Urban Areas: Large vehicles can be impractical in cities, making it difficult to navigate narrow streets, find parking, or access certain attractions.
  4. Fuel Consumption: Motorhomes generally consume more fuel than regular cars, making long-distance travel expensive.
  5. Upkeep and Storage: Motorhomes require storage space when not in use. Additionally, maintenance can be time-consuming and costly.
  6. Dependency on Campsites: While you can park almost anywhere, for overnight stays with amenities like water, electricity, and waste disposal, you often need to stay in designated campgrounds.
  7. Weather Dependence: Traveling by motorhome can be less enjoyable in bad weather, as it limits outdoor activities and can make driving more hazardous.

In summary, motorhome travel can be an enriching and flexible way to explore, but it comes with cost considerations, driving difficulty, and maintenance, none of which are appealing to our lifestyle.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 23, 2014:

Ominous-looking cloud at dusk from our veranda in Madeira. For more photos, please click here.

What happens if you don’t return to your cruise ship on time after a port of call tour?…Family of nine stranded…

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The Norweigan Encore sailed away before the family of nine returned from their tour.

This morning, I stumbled across an article on this site that piqued my interest. After 34 cruises and many tours at ports of call, we were always well aware of how imperative it is to return to the ship on time before it sails away, heading to its next port of call. If we failed to return on time, it would be necessary to fly to the next port of call to pick up the cruise, incurring costs for hotels, meals, and flights, often expensive from somewhat remote locations.

We paid particular attention to the time, making a point of returning to the ship in plenty of time to avoid the hassle, cost, and inconvenience. When encountering the article below, we felt it was important to share this story with our readers to remind everyone of the importance of getting back to their ship on time:

The family of nine was left stranded in remote Alaska after the cruise ship had departed without them.

The family was left with a $9,000 bill after the holiday mistake…

Zoe Griffin

A family of nine found themselves stranded in Alaska after a mix-up with a local tour operator caused them to miss their scheduled cruise departure.

What was intended to be a memorable trip of a lifetime might now be recalled for very different reasons. The Gault family faced hefty costs to return to Tulsa, Oklahoma when the ship containing their clothes, passports, and medication sailed from Ketchikan port without them.

The family, comprising of two parents, six children, and a 78-year-old grandmother, was also hit with an immediate fine of almost $9,000, working out at $971 per passenger, by Norwegian Cruise Lines for missing the vessel.

That fee stemmed from the US Customs and Border Protection’s Passenger Vessel Services Act, which they violated by not visiting a foreign port before they returned to the US.

The family’s nightmare started when they went on an excursion to see a lumberjack show on the Norwegian Encore ship they were traveling, which docked in Ketchikan in Alaska.

After watching the show, the group tried to catch a bus back to the port by a local tour operator but were told that the bus was full and they had to wait for another one.

“We go to get on the bus and one of the attendees is like, ‘The bus is full and you know, you got to wait for the next bus’,” Joshua recounted to KJRH.

However, that bus never came, and after frantically calling the port authority to arrange transportation, they finally arrived back at the docks to see Norwegian Encore sailing away — taking their passports, medication, and clothes with it.

“We all had to quit cold turkey medication these last few days because it was all on the cruise ship,” Joshua added.

Stranded in Ketchikan, a remote port 300 miles from Alaska’s capital of Juneau, with no accommodation or transportation, the family worked out how to arrange transportation back to their home in Tulsa. However, as they looked into booking flights, they found that Joshua’s credit card had already been charged the customs fee of almost $9,000.

Joshua claims that they had to pay for flights for nine people, hotel stays along the way, and food. The trip ultimately took them several days, during which they had canceled flights and overnight airport stays, during which time some family members caught COVID-19.

After returning to Oklahoma, Joshua added: “So yeah, we’re beat down right now. We’re unhealthy and beaten down.”

Cruise line officials said they would reimburse the family for the out-of-pocket expenses, the fee they incurred from US Customs and Border Patrol, and a pro-rated refund for the two missed cruise days.

A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Lines said: “On the afternoon of Friday, 12 July, a family of nine guests missed the ship’s all-aboard time in Ketchikan, Alaska, due to a misstep by a local tour operator. When the guests did not return to the ship at the published time, we attempted to contact them but could not reach them. As such, we alerted the local port agent in Ketchikan and requested that they assist the family with booking a hotel for the night.

“As the guests would be unable to downline in the next port of call, Victoria, British Columbia, the port agent also helped the guests secure flights to Seattle the following day, 13 July.

“We will be reimbursing the family for all of the out-of-pocket expenses they incurred over these two days due to missing the ship in Ketchikan, including meals, accommodations, etc. Reimbursements will be processed once receipts for these expenses are provided to us. Additionally, we have already initiated the process to refund the family for the fee imposed by the US Customs and Border Patrol as a result of the guests not visiting a foreign port before returning to the US, as required when an itinerary originates from the US in accordance with the Passenger Vessel Services Act.

“These guests will also receive a prorated refund for the two missed cruise days. As a gesture of goodwill, the company will also be providing each of the nine guests with a future cruise credit in the form of a 20 percent discount on their cruise fare that can be used towards their next voyage.”

Although the cruise line partially reimbursed the family for this situation, it is a harsh reminder of how important it is to avoid missing a cruise ship’s departure at any port of call.

Note: Most cruise ships will wait for passengers who don’t return on time if they’ve booked a ship-arranged tour. Often, cruise passengers book their own tours based on the lower costs of such tours, as opposed to those arranged by the cruise line. It was unusual for the cruise line to reimburse/credit the passengers for the expenses in this type of scenario.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 22, 2014:

‘The inflorescence is a complex structure that includes the flowers that will develop into fruits.” We spotted this banana tree and it’s blooms in Madeira, Portugal. The hanging pink and yellowish protrusions are the flowers. For more photos, please click here.