It’s been a long haul…Finally, getting better…

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Our dear friend Richard, whom we met at the Makai Country Club in 2015, included us in his vast circle of friends, and in no time at all, we felt part of the local group. Richard, a retired attorney from Missouri, took pride in his huge antique desk. Richard has since passed away, and most recently, his beloved wife, Elaine, also passed. We had an amazing social life in the four months we spent in Kauai.

The most frustrating part of being sick with flu these past 11 days has been losing all the strength I’d acquired from working out since we arrived in Lake Las Vegas on December 18. I worked hard to build strength and stamina, and once I noticed the improvements, I got sick.

Sure, it entered my mind that I may have pushed myself too hard, but instead, I believe I caught it from the sick Uber driver when we went to dinner at Richard’s home weeks ago. Now, I am left with a cough and weakness. Soon, I will slowly begin to work out again and hope to rebuild my strength by the time we leave here for the airport to fly to South Africa in 37 days.

The time until we depart has passed quickly, and in a little over three weeks, I’ll start sorting and packing. Since I’ve lost weight and plan to keep it off, I have several clothing items to donate to Goodwill, along with the wheelchair I no longer need. We will call and make arrangements for pickup or drop the items off at a store next time we go out.

Yesterday, it was two weeks until son Greg and his girlfriend Heather will arrive for a visit. They will stay with Richard during their five-day visit. I am so excited to be with my sons and their significant others for the first time in many years. It’s a good thing I got sick when I did instead of when they were about to arrive.

With Tom’s help, we chopped and diced ingredients for Tom’s low-carb pizza, which we’ll cook tonight. We’re making enough for three nights. Last night, I roasted chicken thighs and legs for me, which I’ll have for the next few nights. All I have to do today is make a salad and put the ingredients on top of the two pizza crusts I made this morning.

Tom mostly cooked for himself while I was sick, while I had simple, light meals. One day, we made a batch of chicken salad for three dinners. It was easy, although I wasn’t able to do much.  At least now, I’m feeling well enough to do a few things.

Sorry, I don’t have anything exciting to write about today. Hopefully, I’ll be myself again soon and be more enthusiastic about preparing posts.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago, January 24, 2015:

This one-lane bridge crosses over the Hanalei River in Kauai, Hawaii. For more photos, please click here.

Part 2, no passport?…Travel to These Stunning International Destinations Without One (with alternate documentation)……..

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The beautiful pier in Hanalei, Kauai.

I stumbled across the following article, which may appeal to Americans (or others) who do not have a passport.

Americans without a passport can still travel to these tropical (and international) destinations. By Evie Carrick, Travel and LeisurePublished on January 22, 2025

“The US is the fourth largest country by land mass, with over 3.5 million square miles to explore. It’s home to 63 national parks and some of the most well-loved cities in the world. We’ve got Alaska for those looking for extreme wilderness and Hawaii for those looking for an island beach vacation.

America is so big that you could live your whole life without leaving the country — and many do. But you don’t need to limit yourself to the confines of the US just because you don’t have a passport or are waiting for a new one to arrive. There are several international destinations Americans can visit with no passport at all. (It’s worth noting that starting May 7, 2025, a Real ID will be required at TSA checkpoints. More on that here.)

American Samoa
To visit American Samoa without a passport, you must show your government-issued ID and a certified birth certificate demonstrating your nationality. You’ll also need a ticket for onward passage out of American Samoa or proof of employment there.

Guam
To visit Guam without a passport, you must book your flights through Honolulu first, as traveling through other major hubs like Tokyo or Seoul requires a passport. Then, you’ll need to show your government-issued ID and an original or certified copy of your birth certificate.

Puerto Rico
Traveling to Puerto Rico is different from traveling to Pennsylvania. US citizens wishing to visit the island nation must show their government-issued ID; no birth certificate is required.

US Virgin Islands
You’ll need a valid government-issued ID and birth certificate to visit the US Virgin Islands of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. According to some travel forums, the latter is not always required but is recommended if you’re asked to show proof of citizenship.

Northern Mariana Islands
Just northeast of Guam are 14 islands comprising the Northern Mariana Islands (The Marianas). Like Guam, to get to the islands without a passport, you must fly through Honolulu to avoid layovers in countries requiring passports. You can enter the Northern Mariana Islands with a government-issued ID and an original or certified birth certificate.

International Closed-loop Cruises
Another way to travel internationally without a passport is to book a “closed-loop cruise,” or a cruise that starts and ends at the same US port and only travels within the Western Hemisphere.

For example, a closed-loop cruise might depart from Miami and visit Bermuda or The Bahamas before returning to Miami (no passport required). However, you couldn’t leave Miami and travel to Panama before ending your cruise in San Diego. This trip requires a passport because the cruise doesn’t start and end at the same port of call.

On closed-loop cruises, you can bring along a government-issued ID and a government-issued birth certificate instead of a passport and still visit foreign countries like Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Mexico.

Of course, many of these situations can change quickly, and verifying this information in detail at least a month before you travel is imperative.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 23, 2015:

It was so exciting to stumble upon this pier at Hanalei Bay. Notice the “beach closed” sign on the left, which no one observed, including us. For more photos, please click here.

Part 1, no passport?…Why do some Americans (or citizens of other countries) refuse to get a passport?..

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United States of America passport book on a table

The reluctance of some travelers to get a passport often boils down to a combination of practicality, misconceptions, and personal preferences. Here are a few common reasons:

1. Contentment with Domestic Travel

Many people live in countries like the US, which offer diverse landscapes, cultures, and experiences within their borders. From tropical beaches to snowy mountains, domestic travel can fulfill many people’s wanderlust without international exploration.

For example, Someone living in the US might see no reason to get a passport when they can visit the Grand Canyon, New York City, and Hawaii without leaving the country.

2. Perceived Complexity or Cost

Getting a passport involves fees, paperwork, and time. The process may seem daunting or unnecessary for some if they don’t immediately need international travel.

Reflection: “Why spend money on a passport I may never use?” is a sentiment some hold, particularly if international travel feels like a distant dream.

3. Fear of the Unknown

International travel often involves navigating foreign languages, currencies, and customs. For some, this can feel overwhelming or intimidating.

Example: Someone might avoid getting a passport because they worry about culture shock or feeling out of place abroad.

4. Attachment to Routine and Comfort

Some people value the familiarity of their home environment and are hesitant to venture too far from what they know.

Reflection: “Why leave the comforts of home when everything I need is right here?” is a thought that may discourage passport applications.

5. Lack of Motivation or Time

If international travel isn’t a priority, getting a passport often falls to the bottom of the to-do list.

Example: A busy schedule or a lack of interest in far-flung destinations can make obtaining a passport feel unnecessary.

6. Misconceptions About Travel

Some might believe that international travel is only for the wealthy or adventurous, which can create a psychological barrier to obtaining a passport.

Reflection: Shifting this mindset often starts with education and exposure to stories of travelers from all walks of life.

7. Unrealized Opportunities

For those who have never experienced international travel, the value of a passport might not be immediately evident. However, once people travel abroad, they often realize how enriching it can be and wish they had started sooner.

While these reasons might make sense to those holding them, the beauty of having a passport is that it represents freedom and possibility—even if you don’t use it immediately. For those already in love with travel, encouraging someone to get a passport often starts with sharing the transformative experiences it can unlock.

Suppose you don’t have a passport and hesitate to apply for one, apprehensive of the process. In that case, you can get assistance from a passport processing company (added fees), local governmental offices, and FedEx and UPS stores (added fees).

Tomorrow, in Part 2, we will share some destinations outside the US that don’t require passports for entry. Please check back.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 22, 2015:

The mountains in Kauai exhibit a hazy cast even on sunny days, most likely due to low-lying clouds and humidity from vegetation. For more photos, please click here.

Finally back!…

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The pool at the Makai Country Club in Kauai, which we joined as social members ten years ago.

While in an Uber, leaving Richard’s home after dinner and football on January 5, about five minutes into the drive, the driver announced she was sick but working anyway. She bemoaned her passengers who didn’t wear a mask when they were sick, and yet there she was, sick and not wearing a mask. We didn’t leave her a tip.

When we returned to the condo, I looked up the most current flu and virus incubation periods. Most were up to 14 days from exposure. Nine days later, last Monday, I awoke with a “tickle in my throat.” I hoped it was just a by-product of the dry air, typical in Las Vegas this time of year. But no such luck.

By the end of the day, I was coughing, sneezing, and feeling extreme body pain, worse than when we had COVID-19 in April 2023 while on a cruise, which upended months of travel plans. There was no need to get a test or go to a doctor. I decided to let it run its course. We had nowhere to go, and I could rest and get better.

I won’t go into all the gory details, but it’s been challenging, and there was no way I had the wherewithal to prepare a post. I had a fever for six days. Today, day 9, I felt well enough to write a short post after countless thoughtful inquiries and well wishes, for which we thank our kind readers.

I wish I had the oomph to write an interesting and informative post about travel, but it’s taking all I can muster to write this. Thank God Tom hasn’t got it, and he’s done a great job taking care of me. He should be home-free if he can make it through the next five days or so. Oh yeah…he’s already home free. Duh!

Until this is over, we will do short posts and crank up the creativity as I improve. Thanks for your kindness and consideration.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 21, 2015:

We joined the Makai Golf Club, a social membership only, so I could use the small fitness center, which had everything I needed, the pool, and we could dine at the club restaurant. For more photos, please click here.

Part 2…Nervous about flying?…What are the most turbulent flights worldwide, outside the US?…

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Kauai is truly the “garden island” with its lush greenery.

Factors like weather patterns, jet streams, and geographic features such as mountains or large bodies of water typically cause turbulence on flights. While turbulence can happen anywhere, some regions outside the U.S. are particularly known for it due to their unique atmospheric and geographic conditions. Here’s a list of some of the most turbulent areas globally:

1. Himalayan Region (Asia)

  • Why it’s turbulent: The towering peaks of the Himalayas create intense wind patterns and strong updrafts. The jet stream often passes over this area, adding to the instability.
  • Notable routes: Flights over or near Nepal, Bhutan, or northern India often encounter significant turbulence.

2. Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)

  • Why it’s turbulent: This area, located near the equator, is where trade winds from both hemispheres meet, creating significant convective activity and thunderstorms.
  • Notable routes: Flights over Central Africa, the Indian Ocean, and parts of Southeast Asia.

3. Andes Mountain Range (South America)

  • Why it’s turbulent: The Andes create wind patterns that can lead to mountain waves and severe turbulence.
  • Notable routes: Flights over Peru, Chile, and Argentina.

4. North Atlantic Ocean

  • Why it’s turbulent: This region is notorious for strong jet streams and rapidly changing weather patterns, especially during winter.
  • Notable routes: Transatlantic flights between North America and Europe.

5. South China Sea

  • Why it’s turbulent: The combination of tropical storms, typhoons, and shifting weather patterns can create rough conditions.
  • Notable routes: Flights over Southeast Asia, particularly routes between China, the Philippines, and Malaysia.

6. Tasman Sea (Between Australia and New Zealand)

  • Why it’s turbulent: This area is subject to strong westerly winds and frequent weather disturbances.
  • Notable routes: Flights between Australia and New Zealand.

7. Alps (Europe)

  • Why it’s turbulent: Similar to other mountainous regions, the Alps create turbulent air currents due to their high altitude and proximity to jet streams.
  • Notable routes: Flights over Central Europe, especially near Switzerland, Austria, and Italy.

8. Caribbean

  • Why it’s turbulent: This region is prone to tropical storms, hurricanes, and trade wind-driven turbulence.
  • Notable routes: Flights between islands or from the Caribbean to Central and South America.

Tips for Flying in Turbulent Regions:

  • Choose morning flights: Turbulence is often milder earlier in the day.
  • Sit over the wings: This is the most stable part of the plane.
  • Follow instructions: Always fasten your seatbelt when advised.

These regions may have rough patches, but commercial aircraft and pilots are trained to handle turbulence, ensuring passenger safety.

Over the years of international travel, we’ve experienced countless instances of wild turbulence. We stayed buckled into our seats and were fine in each case.

Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, January 15, 2015:

View of the beautiful grounds at the hotel where we stayed in Hilo on our way to Kauai. For more photos, please click here.

Part 1…Nervous about flying?…Most turbulent flights in the US…

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The scenery on the Big Island, Hawaii, never ceased to amaze us.

As the California wildfires continue, my sister Julie, who lives in Brentwood, waits for another evacuation notice. The first notice took her and her roommate to a friend’s home, and they were able to return days later. However, they could be evacuating again with more high winds predicted for today and tomorrow.

The stress and horror about this unimaginable situation for all the residents who’ve lost loved ones, their homes, and all of their belongings is hard to fathom. We send love and prayers to everyone impacted by this devastation.

It seems insignificant to discuss anything other than the devastation of these times, but life goes on for the rest of us, albeit with an added awareness of how fragile our lives are. Anything can happen at any time. Although we continue with our usual posts about our lives and travel, that doesn’t mean we are not continually thinking and praying for everyone involved, including the brave and relentless firefighters and first responders who sacrifice so much to help.

Today’s and tomorrow’s stories focus on air turbulence during fights, which appears more frequently in the news and videos than ever before. Is turbulence getting worse? I don’t assume so. However, with more people making videos during flights, posting comments online, and receiving increased exposure from the media, it seems so.

Below is a list of air turbulence that is most prevalent when flying over certain areas in the US, and tomorrow’s post will include details of air turbulence in flights outside the US. Please check back,

Turbulence on flights in the US can vary depending on weather patterns, geography, and the time of year. However, some regions and routes are notoriously more turbulent due to jet streams, mountain ranges, and seasonal weather systems. Here are the most turbulent areas and flights in the US:

1. Flights Over the Rocky Mountains

  • Why Turbulent: The Rockies cause significant atmospheric disturbances, particularly mountain wave turbulence. Winds flow over the mountains, creating air currents that can result in turbulence.
  • Notable Routes: Flights between Denver (DEN) and cities like Salt Lake City (SLC), Seattle (SEA), or San Francisco (SFO) often experience turbulence.

2. Northeastern Corridor

  • Why Turbulent: This area frequently encounters strong jet streams, especially during the winter. Nor’easters and storms can add to the instability.
  • Notable Routes: Flights between New York (JFK/LGA) and Boston (BOS), Washington D.C. (DCA/IAD), or Philadelphia (PHL).

3. Flights Over the Midwest

  • Why Turbulent: Thunderstorms are common in the Midwest during spring and summer, leading to convective turbulence. Tornado-prone areas can also experience atmospheric instability.
  • Notable Routes: Chicago (ORD/MDW) to Kansas City (MCI) or Minneapolis (MSP).

4. Southern US Flights

  • Why Turbulent: Warm, moist air over the Gulf of Mexico combines with seasonal storms, leading to turbulence. Hurricanes during the summer and fall add to this risk.
  • Notable Routes: Flights along the Gulf Coast, including Houston (IAH) to Miami (MIA).

5. West Coast Flights

  • Why Turbulent: Winds coming off the Pacific Ocean combined with the Sierra Nevada and coastal mountains create turbulence, especially in the Bay Area and Southern California.
  • Notable Routes: San Francisco (SFO) or Los Angeles (LAX) to Seattle (SEA) or Las Vegas (LAS).

6. Hawaiian Flights

  • Why Turbulent: Flights to and from Hawaii cross the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), where trade winds and storms can cause turbulence.
  • Notable Routes: Flights from the mainland US (LAX, SFO) to Honolulu (HNL).

7. Alaskan Routes

  • Why Turbulent: Mountainous terrain, strong winds, and storms in this region make flights to Alaska particularly bumpy.
  • Notable Routes: Anchorage (ANC) to Seattle (SEA) or Fairbanks (FAI).

Tips for Managing Turbulence

  • Seat Selection: Sitting over the wings (near the plane’s center of gravity) can reduce the sensation of turbulence.
  • Flight Timing: Morning flights typically experience less turbulence due to more stable air.
  • Preparation: Buckle up and stay informed about weather patterns before your flight.

Hopefully, your next flight will be turbulence-free. Most often, flying over the Atlantic Ocean, like we will in 46 days on March 1, results in a fair amount of turbulence. Oh dear.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 14, 2015:

Sunrise reflections are taken from what Tom called the “birdhouse” on the Big Island, where we had the family get-together. Click on the link to see our final expenses for that event here.