Grocery prices in Kihei, Maui, Hawaii including photos of products and receipt…

Posted by worldwide-admin on October 22, 2014 with 0 Comment

Here I am driving down the road on my way to the Safeway store in Kihei., totally at ease. By the way, for safety reasons, I didn’t focus the camera while driving. I simply held it up and clicked.

Yes, driving a car is like riding a bike, one doesn’t forget. The moment I pulled out of the driveway, I instantly felt at ease behind the wheel. With the directions on my phone, I had no fear of getting lost. As it turned out, I remembered how to find my way from the last trip to the Safeway in Kihei almost a week ago. Although I kept the navigation on during the trip.

As I entered the store, my eyes darted everywhere in awe of all of the “stuff” for sale.

Twenty minutes later I walked into the Safeway market attempting to turn off the navigation on my phone when I realized that the grocery store has free WiFi! I’d never have imagined a grocery store having free WiFi. Only in the US!

Please keep in mind that using the navigation in many other countries is pointless when the directions are never correct. We’d tried on many occasions in many countries to no avail.

Having not purchased any meat at this store on our visit almost a week ago, I was pleased to see the prices on meats was no more than we paid in our old lives.

It was those past experiences when navigation wouldn’t be correct that intimidated me when Tom and I tried to find new locations and “she” sent us driving around in circles, “Turn right, turn right, turn right,” she’d say over and over again. We became sick of her monotone.

I guess I forget that we’re in the US where everything, literally everything, is accounted for, available, user friendly, and accessible. It’s hard to believe and above all, it’s more excessive than it was when we left almost two years ago.

I needed one box of Ziploc freezer bags in the half gallon size that surprised me at only $4.49.

The beautiful grocery store illustrated a perfect example of excesses. Every possible grocery item that I could imagine or want for even the most obscure of recipes was available, fresh, wrapped well, and priced accordingly.

I’m sorry. But those of you who believe grocery prices are so high in Hawaii are mistaken. They are no worse than the prices we paid in Minnesota over two years ago at the local Cub Foods where I shopped each week. None of the items I perused or purchased were more outrageously priced than prices in over half the countries in which we’ve lived.

I purchased this 3.32-pound package of three New York Steaks for $26.93 at $8.98 a serving. That was an excellent price!

To prove my point today, I’m sharing pricing and photos of some items I purchased yesterday including a copy of the receipt for the total bill. For those considering a move to Hawaii, unless you live in Africa, Belize, or Madeira, Portugal, our perception is that you’ll pay no more in Hawaii for groceries than in any other country we visited thus far. Although in some highly popular tourist locations, prices are higher.

I can’t speak for the cost of utilities and housing. Hopefully, while we’re here we’ll be able to explore these costs and share them. As far as fuel is concerned it maybe 20% more in Hawaii based on the prices we’ve seen at the pump, around $4.25 a gallon, certainly less than many other countries.

Upon returning home, I used the Ziploc bags to individually wrap each of the three steaks which Tom will eat while I’ll have the rack of lamb.

In Maui County, the sales tax on most items is 4%, not the 6.875% in Minnesota (as an example), 7.875% for the maximum local surtax, and a maximum of 10.775% on prepared foods. And yes, there’s a tax on items in Hawaii not taxed in Minnesota such a groceries and clothing. (We’ll discuss prices and taxes on both the Big Island and Kauai after we’ve shopped on each of those islands).

Of course, one must take into consideration the types of foods one purchases. We don’t buy pricey snacks (other than nuts) and processed food. I noticed the cost of numerous brands of cold cereal at no more than $4.50 for a large box, certainly no more than in other states in the US and other countries.

I cut this free-range rack of lamb into three portions which I’ll have when Tom has the above steaks. At $20.15 for the entire package, it is $6.72 per serving. We’ll cook the lamb and the steaks on the outdoor grill that overlooks the ocean, which we’re anxious to use.

I wish I’d been more diligent in taking photos with prices. I was so busy trying to find the items on my list, I was distracted. Figuring my way around a new market has always taken a few trips to get it under control. After yesterday’s second trip to Safeway in Kihei, I feel comfortable that I’m able to find most products.

Last week, when the cashier encouraged me to sign up for a Safeway Club Member card I shrugged it off. This time I decided to go for it when she explained I’d save quite a bit, which I did, saving a total of $15.16 as show on the receipt.

This receipt is not easy to read resulting in my listing the items above for details and clarification.

I didn’t feel comfortable holding up the line when I filled out the form. I offered to step aside to complete it but the cashier explained it was necessary to do it now in order to get the offered discount on my items. I apologized to the others in line as I hurriedly filled in the form with name, address, and email in my illegible handwriting.

When I realized how much I saved, I was thrilled, saving a total of 7% on my entire bill. Please keep in mind that I purchased several non-food items when I was excited to find a few items that hadn’t been available in any other grocery stores in our travels; a few cosmetic items at $22.67, Crest Whitening Mouthwash at $8.49, two small paring knives at $4.29 (last week I’d purchased a larger knife that disappointingly wasn’t sharp enough).

Tom’s gluten-free, low carb, starch, and sugar-free pizza with fresh mushrooms, green olives, onions, and Italian sausage, topped with shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese. This will last for three delicious nights. We never mind repeats three dinners in a row. The crust is made with cheese and egg.

These non-edible items totaled $35.45 excluding tax. Taking this amount off the total bill of $215.58 leaves $180.13 for the remaining grocery items with tax.

When food shopping I tend to consider, “How many meals will we get out of a trip to the grocery store?” In this case, I purchased enough meat and produce to last for more than a week, in the following manner:

Protein                                   Total Cost
3 New York Strip Steak             $ 26.93
Rack of lamb                            $ 20.16
2 packages Italian Sausage       $ 12.00 (for Tom’s LC, GF pizza)
1 4lb package ground beef        $ 19.06
2 package nitrate free bacon     $ 13.98
Chicken Sausage                      $ 6.00 (for my pizza – LC, GF)
Total                                       $ 98.13

Of course, I purchased vegetables and other items to accompany the above meats including:

Vegetables
Zucchini                                   $ 2.57
Eggplant                                  $ 1.79
Tomatoes                                 $ 5.50
Cabbage                                   $ 6.85
Romaine lettuce                        $ 6.99
Bag Bell peppers                        $ 6.00
Total Cost                                $ 29.70

Miscellaneous Items
Black pepper                            $ 6.29
Anchovies                                $ 3.09
Enchilada sauce (GF, SF, LC)     $ 3.69
Taco sauce (GF, SF, LC)            $ 4.09
Pork rinds – 4 bags                   $ 9.56
LG. grated cheddar cheese        $10.49
LG. Ziploc freezer bags (20 ct.) $ 4.49
Bleach                                     $ 2.99
Total cost                                 $44.69

Total of above                       $207.97
Tax                                               8.62
Grand Total                            $216.59

Based on the receipt, the total bill was actually $215.58. After carefully perusing the receipt I can only assume the $1.01 difference must have been an additional discount I couldn’t find on the receipt or a tax adjustment on a particular item. In any case, it’s close enough to illustrate the point.

We already had a few ingredients on hand to accompany the above items in making full meals but, overall this list is comprehensive. From the above products, we’ll be able to make the following meals (for two) which we began last night, starting with making with our LC, GF, SF pizza:

Pizza – 3 dinners
Steak – 3 dinners (for Tom while I’ll have the rack of lamb on those three evenings)
Ground Beef – 3 dinners (taco salad for two nights, Italian meatballs with pasta sauce and mozzarella for one night)

My pizza made with free-range chicken sausage, anchovies, onions, olives, mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers, organic zucchini, eggplant with mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. This crust is also made with cheese and egg and is low carb and gluten, sugar, and starch free. Love it!

In the worst-case scenario, we’ll have nine dinners for the above $180.13 averaging at $20.01 per day (includes the cost of non-edible grocery items, not toiletries).

This amount is slightly less than our daily average in our old lives. Also, for us, we don’t eat starches, lunches, and desserts, although I’ve made breakfast every other day this past week since we arrived (thus, the bacon purchase) in Maui.

Gosh, I’d love to see how others manage their groceries and how much they spend. It’s not a topic that readily entered into the conversation as if what one spends on food is sacred or in some cases embarrassing and private.

For us, it’s all a part of the process of making our lives work with delicious homemade meals befitting our way of eating which Tom has joined with me during our time in Maui. Every item listed is low carb, gluten-free, sugar-free, and starch free. As much as possible the foods are organic. (Grass-fed meat wasn’t readily available all of the cuts we desired).

The gorgeous Maui scenery on the return drive to Maalaea Beach.

I hope this provides our readers with a perspective while dreaming of living in Hawaii at some point. We certainly understand the passion for this dream as we languish in Maui feeling relaxed and somewhat lazy, not yet up to getting out and about.

Although, at the moment the pool and two chaise lounges are calling us on this beautiful sunny day in paradise.

Photo from one year ago today, October 22, 2013:

It was a year ago today that we posted the second house that we booked for Big Island for our family reunion upcoming in December. For more photos and details, please click here.

Safari luck in Hawaii…Today’s flights to Maui cancelled…Luckily we made it to Maui yesterday…Love the new place! Here comes Hurricane Ana!

Posted by worldwide-admin on October 17, 2014 with 0 Comment

The clouds have begun to roll in as Hurricane Ana makes her way to the islands. View from our lanai.

Thursday afternoon we arrived in Maui after a relatively painless 39-minute flight along with the usual two hours of waiting time at the airport in Honolulu.

For once, we weren’t charged for excess fees for overweight baggage, although, we were assessed $120 for the four checked bags, two large, two small. For the first time in a long time, curbside check-in was available, allowing us to avoid the long lines of travelers trying to get out of Hawaii before the arrival of Hurricane Ana.

Last night, we heard that all flights to Maui are all being canceled started today. Had we not left Honolulu on Thursday, we’ve been stranded with no place to stay other than moving to a pricey hotel. Safari luck prevails. Now let’s see how it does when the storm hits tonight.

View of Maui taken during the 39-minute flight from Honolulu.

As soon as we picked up the rental car we were relieved to be on our way with the good directions the property owner provided for our new home over the next six weeks.

View from our lanai.

As we pulled out of the Enterprise lot we noticed a long line of traffic moving in and out of what appeared to be a Costco parking lot. The car was loaded with our luggage but how convenient it would be to shop for food and supplies.

We decided to change it and shop for bottled water, non-perishable foods, and a small number of perishable items (in the event the power doesn’t go out after all). An hour later we were shocked by the $604 we’d spent and challenged as to how we’d fit it all in the car.

Surely, we’ll be spending time by the pool as soon as the storm is over.

Somehow, with the utmost creativity, we managed to fit every last item, including huge bundles of toilet paper and paper towels, into the luggage jammed vehicle.

A pretty flower in the yard.

In no time at all we arrived and couldn’t have been more thrilled with the first-floor ocean view condo. Not only does it have virtually everything we could possibly need or want, but it’s also appealing, spotless, and exceedingly comfortable.

The grills at our disposal in the yard. What a view while flipping a burger!

The thoughtful owners left a gift bag for us filled with macadamia nuts, a lovely bottle of white wine, chips, and cookies. What a pleasant surprise. We’ve been lucky with property owners in our travels, seldom having any type of issue often overjoyed with their kindness.

The grounds at the condo complex. We’ll take more photos soon.

This condo is roomy, and much-appreciated after having lived in the most recent tiny studio, hotel rooms, and cruise ship cabins.

Our digital equipment was quickly set up with a good WiFi signal, each with our own plugin which was quite a novelty. The furniture is very comfortable.

Since July 31st each property in which we’ve stayed has been less than 200 square feet. We’veve eaten every meal out hoping that after the huge food purchase at Costco, we’d feel up to preparing dinner.

Beach Bum BBQ & Grill where we dined last night.

After hauling everything inside, putting everything away, unpacking our luggage, and getting settled, we were too pooped to cook. Also, I’m still a bit under the weather with a recent virus.

Tom finally ordered a beer to celebrate our first night in Maui.

Dining out one more night was fine with us. We took off at 7:00 pm for Beach Bum’s BBQ & Grill for a great dinner, a mere two-minute drive from our condo. If we weren’t so tired, we could easily have walked. The food was great and worked well for my way of eating. Finally, we both felt as if we really were in Hawaii, dining outdoors on a quiet evening in a more remote location.

My dinner, barbecue chicken, and ribs made without sauce but seasoned well. Tom helped me eat the ribs while I ate the dark meat of the chicken, bringing the chicken breast home in a doggy bag.

Today is a new day and we’ll enjoy chopping and dicing once again to make our favorite bread-free sandwiches and coleslaw, a dinner we both have missed. Plus, with a washer and dryer in the condo, I’m actually looking forward to our first load.

Tom’s dinner, pulled pork sandwich, fries, coleslaw, and cornbread. The bill for the dinner including one beer, tax, and tip was a total of $53 which we thought was reasonable.

With the news on constantly, we’re carefully watching for hurricane updates. As soon as we know something, we’ll add a note here to keep our readers well informed.

Stay tuned.

Photo from one year ago today, October 17, 2013:

As our days at Camp Olonana came to a close, we attended a dinner in the bush, presented by our hosts. Again, a fabulous evening. For details of that day, please click here.

Links for tonight’s times for lunar eclipse. Waikiki, a busy place…Dining out…Not as pricey as we thought…A year ago…a favorite safari photo…

Posted by worldwide-admin on October 7, 2014 with 2 Comments

Please click here for worldwide times of upcoming lunar eclipse.

Sunday night’s waning sun on a overcast evening; a sailboat and a glimpse of the sun in the horizon.

We took off on foot to find a restaurant for our first dinner out in Waikiki. After checking Trip Advisor, we gave up trying for top rated restaurants, many of which required a cab ride.

Waikiki Beach on a sunny day.

With many popular establishments within walking distance, we decided to wing it for this short period in Waikiki when preferring to walk as opposed to taking taxis. Why pay an extra $25 a night for a round trip taxi fare when many good restaurants are nearby?

The clouds rolled in quickly for a stormy night.

After an amazing dinner on Sunday night in a popular hotel’s restaurant, Kuhio Beach Grill, we look forward to trying it another night. Each evening, this restaurant, located in the Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa, has a varying buffet theme for $29.95 on Monday through Thursday and for $37.95 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with a 20% discount for early birds between 5 and 6 pm.

We had no expectations of good food in Waikiki but the experience at Kuhio Beach Grill gave us hope, especially when the chef visited our table to discuss my dietary concerns. He made a fabulous dinner salad with grilled chicken, avocado, and veggies, adding freshly made fresh blue cheese dressing. We were impressed, to say the least.

Although at quite a distance, it was fun to see flamingos.

Tom, not a fan of salads and various side dishes, stuck to the prime rib and mashed potatoes, going back for seconds along with a few pieces of cake for dessert. He didn’t take another item off of the buffet. With crab legs, shrimp, and fabulous sides, he stuck with the meat and potatoes forgoing any of the wide selections of bread and rolls.

Once we land in Maui in nine days, our first outing will be the grocery store to buy items for preparing our own meals. Tom will then join me in eating “my way” hopefully losing a few of those “cruise food” pounds he picked up while out to sea.

Again at quite a distance, we spotted this bird. If you know the name of this bird, please comment.

There are reports that claim that the average cruiser gains six pounds on a 14-night cruise. I can easily imagine how that transpires with the readily available eye-catching foods at any time of the day, including mountains of sweets and baked goods. Surely, without my restrictions, I would definitely have gained weight as well when it would’ve been difficult to resist some of the temptations.

We’re getting used to this modest one-room condo and are doing well, especially after making the few modifications we mentioned in yesterday’s post. Neither of us feels we could live here for an extended period but with only nine days remaining, we’ll be fine.

Busy Waikiki Beach at dusk.

Walking the streets of Waikiki Beach is entertaining, to say the least. Tourists line the streets as well as the locals appearing happy to be living in Hawaii hopefully having figured out how to manage with the high cost of living.

Yesterday, while on a walk, we stopped to read a menu at the top of a flight of stairs of a local restaurant, running into a couple we’d met on the cruise, as they exited the restaurant after breakfast. We all giggled at the irony of running into them in this busy area. They are staying at a hotel, next to ours. Small world.

The menu at the Kuhio Beach Grill as opposed to choosing the $37.95 buffet. The chef made a special chicken and avocado salad for me along with special salad dressing.

From what we’ve seen, it’s certainly no more expensive in Hawaii than in Paris, London, or any other big cities we’ve visited in our travels, including Boston and Vancouver. Urban Honolulu is rated among the most expensive cities in the US, based on varying reports online.

But, like everywhere, one can learn to adapt. We’ve been able to dine out the past two nights for around $65 including a 15% tip, with no cocktails or beverages. We’ve found that by avoiding the added cost of beverages to our bill we’re able to keep our dining out costs under control.

My main meal chicken and avocado salad with special bleu cheese dressing were delicious.

It’s easy to see how adding a few glasses of wine or cocktails for each of two diners, can easily shoot the bill upwards of $100. We’ve budgeted $100 a day for our meals while in Honolulu and are certain we’ll be able to stay within this amount.

As always, it’s about trade-offs. Tom purchased a bottle of brandy, duty-free, on the ship before we disembarked. If he decides to have a cocktail or two before dining out, he usually has no interest in ordering another in the restaurant, preferring tap water with his meal. I only drink water and tea rarely bothering to order bottled water with a meal providing that the water is safe to drink.

Tom’s prime rib and mashed potatoes from the buffet at Kuhio Beach Grill. He went back for an identical second serving when the meat was so tender he cut it with a butter knife.

It’s these simple steps that ultimately save us $100’s when dining out for extended periods such as the most recent 77 days in a row.

The sunsets over Waikiki beach are amazing although we missed Sunday night’s sky clouded over. While we dined it was raining in buckets. Our server gave us a plastic bag to cover the camera, making running back in the rain to our condo less worrisome.

Clouds rolling in.

On the return run in the rain, we stopped at a local grocer to buy creamer for Tom’s morning coffee and of course, Macadamia nuts for me. After all, we are in the land of Macadamias. Who knew that Macadamia nuts originated in Australia? Here’s a link to some interesting facts about the production of the nuts.

Honolulu/Waikiki Beach is an interesting place to visit. It’s hot, humid, and crowded and surely, we look forward to the less hurried pace of islands to come. In the interim, we’re living in the moment, reveling in every bit of our surroundings.

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

This photo was posted one year ago today from our safari in the Maasai Mara. Using no zoom on the camera, we got this photo that clearly illustrates the bugs on his nose. We were very close, keeping our arms inside the vehicle. Notice the zebra carcass behind him. He seemed relatively uninterested in us as we sat there for quite some time, watching him. This is the photo I currently use for a screensaver on my laptop which so bespeaks the extraordinary experience we had, never to be forgotten. For more photos and details from that date, please click here.

Another new beginning…Hello, Waikiki for 11 nights!…Final cruise bill!…Interesting financial facts…A year ago today, first day on safari…Check out the photos!

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

A Bottle Nosed Dolphin we spotted from the ship!

As we hear the grumbles of frustration from many passengers that are disappointed that the cruise ends today, we keep our mouths shut, shaking our heads in understanding.

Nothing ends here for us today by way of leaving the Celebrity Solstice. We have 11 nights in Waikiki in an oceanview condo with a washer and dryer in the building! Yippee! What more could we ask for?

Shops and restaurants in Kona.

No, it doesn’t feel like a vacation spending almost eight months in Hawaii. It now feels like a good life, leaving little time or circumstance resulting in boredom or a sense of the mundane.

How will we ever settle down when we so love this life of constant change and challenge? We intend to continue on until we can’t, old age being the unavoidable obstacle and eventuality.

As the tender approached the pier in Hilo, there were swimmers at the beach.

Today, we’ll play our usual role of “cattle” herded off the ship with assigned numbers and times, making our way down the ramps to the street where hopefully, we’ll quickly find a taxi to take us to our resort hotel in Waikiki Beach.

Check-in time isn’t until 2:00 pm. We’ll wait in the lobby, more easily entertaining ourselves with a stronger (hopefully) WiFi signal while we commence preparing Monday’s post with photos galore.

Restaurants lined the shore in Kona.

We have no delusions about the crowds, the traffic, the noise and the smells of fried foods (as mentioned by daughter Tammy about Waikiki). None whatsoever. After all, since July 31st, we’ve been in Paris, London and Vancouver for 16 nights, 15 nights and 6 nights, respectively. We know and accept the annoyances of big cities.

But, we always find ways to entertain ourselves, seeing the sites we prefer to see, taking photos, writing here each day, eating the local foods (that which I can eat and which Tom will like) until 11 days later, we’ll head to the blissful quiet of Maui, away from the usual tourist locations.

Afternoon sun in Maui, from our veranda.

Our final bill for this cruise excluding the fare was $805.88. The fare for this 12 day Hawaiian cruise, Vancouver to Honolulu was $4116.02 which included tax, $288 tips, $175 on board credit for a grand total of $4921.90. The average cost per day including all costs was $410.16.

Had we lived in a vacation rental for 12 days with a rental car, groceries, dining out and other miscellaneous expenses, our cost would have been roughly at $200 per day for a total of $2400.

Adding the cost of airfare to reach Hawaii from any location could easily have been another $2000 for a total of $4400 for an average daily cost of $366.67. In essence, the cruise cost us an additional $521.90. The benefit we enjoy is the fact that we don’t have to pay for home sitting empty with all of its expenses, while we’re on “vacation.”

Kaanapali Beach, Maui, the famous strip of hotels and resorts along the coveted popular tourist attraction. Years ago, BT, I visited this location on several occasions when long hours in the sun and late-night fun were on the agenda. Not so much of that now.

Here we begin, dear readers, another leg of our journey with no end, only two months from seeing our family at long last which ultimately was our primary motivation for visiting Hawaii at this time in our travels.

Tomorrow, we’ll be back with photos of our new temporary home, basically, a hotel room with a tiny kitchen which will easily fulfill our needs during this short 11-day stay and of course, our first photos of Waikiki Beach, as we breathe in the smell of the ocean air, flowers, and fried foods.

Aloha.

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

Our first day on safari in the Maasai Mara, Kenya, one year ago today.

This scene was our first while we waited nearby the airport for other safari participants to arrive to drive to the camp with us. Anderson, our tour guide throughout the adventure, decided to take us for a quick peek while we waited the 45 minutes. We couldn’t believe our eyes but, it was only a taste of what was yet to come! For details and many more exciting photos, please click here.

A flowerful walk in Honolulu…New photos…Preparing a post as opposed to uploading a post…

Posted by worldwide-admin on October 1, 2014 with 1 Comment

Wow! The greenery and flowers in Hawaii amazed us as we walked the streets of Honolulu taking these photos.

Yesterday, we had mixed feelings about getting off the ship in Honolulu. The heat, the humidity, the lines at the ship’s security both coming and going, and the fact the port of Honolulu is located in a mostly business district, made it somewhat unappealing.

Add the fact that we’ll be on this island for a combined 20 days over the next several months, our plan has been to see the sites while we’re on our own, as mentioned in yesterday’s post. Why pay to see the city when we’ll be able to grab a free or low-cost bus directly outside our condo?

Many exquisite flowers bloom year-round in Hawaii

With our family coming to Big Island, paying exorbitant fees to go sightseeing at this point becomes less of a priority when we’re watching our spending to a “t” in preparations for the upcoming big expenses for December/January.

In any case, we decided to “wing it” and head off the ship for a walk-in busy Honolulu, staying out for a few hours in the bright hot sun, stopping periodically to take photos.

We seldom find orange flowers but in Hawaii…

The location for taking photos wasn’t ideal when we’d have had to walk considerable distances to make our way to more “natural” areas away from the skyscrapers.

However, the time wasn’t wasted when the Hawaii I knew from 30 years ago, loomed before us with beautiful flowers growing at every turn. As our readers are aware, we both have a penchant for exquisite vegetation, particularly flowers.

Tom is thrilled to be in Hawaii.

Tom has become my expert “flower spotter” with a keen eye at long distances, often inspiring us to continue on an otherwise unlikely path for a single photo. Yesterday, was no exception as my “overly bubbly” self squealed with delight each time we stopped for a shot.

Too far away from good scenery photos plus, taking photos of skyscrapers holds little interest in finding flowers a most appropriate subject. We share these with our readers today, our favorites of the lot.

Beautiful!

I haven’t mentioned much about the new camera we purchased at a price of US $369 (duty-free) on our last cruise. It’s a relatively inexpensive Canon Power Shot SX50 that does everything we could possibly need or want.

Why not purchase a higher caliber camera? The answer is simple. With constant travel, humid and hot weather conditions, we’d rather purchase a new camera every few years for the latest and best technology in a reasonable price range than cart around an expensive camera we’re fearful of losing, dropping, or having fall prey to rough handling and weather conditions.

These flowers so well depict Hawaii’s gorgeous colors.

Oddly, we still use the old Sony camera when we want to slip it into a pocket and not bear the weight around my neck. Since I don’t carry a handbag except on “travel days,” this newer Canon is heavier requiring a bigger commitment when carrying it around.

So far, we’ve been pleased with the photos which don’t look a whole lot different than the photos we took using the Sony, minus the spots on the inside of the lens (which require I use an app to remove them). The new camera is usually a better option.

I can’t recall seeing yellow hibiscus.

Yesterday, when we walked around the immediate Honolulu area we’d brought the Canon resulting in some fairly decent photos we’re pleased to share here today.

Based on the time zone over the next eight months, we’ve found that it’s necessary to write each post the day prior to it being uploaded to our site. The web software allows us to upload a post at a specific date and time which we’ve set for 3:00 am Mountain Time.

This is the Hawaii I recall; hot, humid and hazy, and gorgeous.

The reason we’ve done this is for those readers who were used to seeing a new post when they awoke in the morning. When we were in Kenya, exactly one year ago, we were located in the East African Time Zone. The time difference between Hawaii which is located in the Aleutian Time Zone and Kenya is a whopping 13 hours.

Along the way in our travels over these past almost two years, we’ve made an attempt to ensure that readers can expect to see our posts at familiar times of the day. It may not have always been perfect but, we try. Please write to us if you have any comments or question regarding this topic

We’ve never seen this plant.

Thus, as I write this post it is September 30 in the afternoon. However, it will become available in the upcoming middle of the night here in Hawaii. As a result, we set it up to automatically post at 3 am.

First thing each morning, Tom proofreads for errors while I make the necessary corrections which may not appear corrected until after you’ve already read the post. Please excuse our errors. This is a reality of posting the equivalency of an essay each and every day, a perfect scenario for making errors that are easily missed by my own proofreading.

Vibrant color.

Today, as you read this, we’ll be on our way to Hilo on the Big Island as the cruise sails into Day #8, soon ending on Day #12, back in Honolulu. This particular cruise continues on to Sydney, Australia on October 5th, the day we disembark. On May 24, 2015, that we’ll board RC Legend of the Seas for our journey to Sydney, Australia.

We love cruising. We love life as homeless nomads. We’re both grateful and appreciative of this life we live. Please continue to share this journey with us. We appreciate and love that you do.

Photo from one year ago today, October 1, 2013:

Ironically, it was one year ago today, that we booked the condo in Club Intrawest in Vancouver, that we left only eight days ago to board this ship. For details from that date, please click here.

Day 2, Boston…A thoughtful gesture from the hotel…Tom’s new laptop…Mini shopping spree!…Sad memories…

Posted by worldwide-admin on September 16, 2014 with 0 Comment

The generous gift sent to our hotel room by management of Four Points by Sheraton Norwood.

We apologize for the lack of photos today. Many photos will be posted tomorrow. Yesterday’s required shopping left me needing my hands free and thus, no additional photos.

Yesterday morning, after meeting Kelli Boyer in catering at Four Points by Sheraton Norwood as she hosted morning coffee in the lobby we engaged in a delightful conversation. I felt as if I’d known her for a long time.

Later in the day after returning to our hotel room after a much needed and enjoyed shopping trip with Cousin Phyllis, I was pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful platter in our room containing fruit and cheese accompanied by a full bottle of Pinot Noir and Pellegrino.

As a gift from Kelli and the hotel management, we couldn’t have felt more appreciative of the kind gesture. It’s always the little things in life that leave us feeling warm and fuzzy, often, the most simple gestures, with the most heartfelt of intentions.

Yesterday morning at 10 am we arrived at Costco in Dedham, MA, purchased a new membership when the old membership had expired long ago. Immediately, we dashed to the laptop department and were disappointed to find that they didn’t carry Acer laptops.

The options were few when Tom wanted to replace his cracked screen laptop with one with one terabyte with a lighted keyboard and Windows 8.1. With screams of protest by millions of Windows 8 users worldwide, Microsoft has reduced the installations of Windows 8 or 8.1 worldwide on new computers.

With no laptops in stock meeting his criteria, he had no choice but to purchase the HP display model. Neither of us have ever been motivated to buy a floor model of any product fearing, as most do, it would be inferior in some manner.

In this case, with little time or motivation to shop further, he decided to make the purchase for US $100 less than the already reduced US $599. After tech support worked on it for a while to bring it back to its factory settings, we perused the huge store, in awe of everything we saw.

We felt like kids in a candy store on visual overload. With no room for additional weight or space in our luggage we only purchased a pack of four much-needed battery-powered toothbrushes, a shaver, and blades package for me that should last a year at US $29. (We can’t believe the cost of razor blades these days).

With women’s razor blades in short supply outside the US, as we moved from location to location I’ve had no choice but to purchased packages with a new shaver and one extra blade at grocery stores outside the US. It was impossible to ever find replacement blades for any of the razors I’ve purchased having to buy new razors every few months. Very confusing.

After the US $585 purchase at Costco, we headed back to our hotel to drop off Tom and our purchases. He had no interest in shopping with Phyllis and I. She arrived at noon to pick me up for a shopping trip and lunch.

The prior evening she had insisted on taking our laundry to her favorite laundress to have it washed, dried and folded. The bag was so heavy Tom carried it out to her car.

When she arrived the next morning, the laundry was done at a meager cost of only US $23! We’d spent US $34 washing and drying a mere two loads in London while we sat and waited for almost two hours. We were grateful Phyllis helped us. There’s simply not enough time in Boston to sit in a Laundromat.

As mentioned earlier I needed to purchase bras at Victoria’s Secret, a few lightweight cardigan type sweaters at Phyllis’s favorite outlet store, and toiletries from a Walgreen’s store. Three new bras later at US $148 (no photos necessary), two cardigans, and a shirt later, we headed to lunch.

By 4:30 we were back at our hotel room where we saw the beautiful fruit, cheese, wine, and water tray sent by management as appreciation for our mention and quasi review in yesterday’s post.

Never having expectations of any type for posting excellent comments about venues, we were shocked and pleased. We nibbled on what we could sending Phyllis home with the remainder.

Last night, exhausted from not enough sleep due to the many time changes over the last week sailing across the ocean, we had a casual mediocre dinner at Outback, returning to our hotel by 9 pm.

Today, we’ll pick up Phyllis at her home in Stoughton in time for me to help her with a few computer issues. Then, we off to pick up Uncle Bernie so we can all head to the cemetery of our beloved family.

Of course, it’s raining. It rained the day was Father was buried in October 1960. Regardless of the weather, we’re going. If we stood outside in the rain for 90 minutes in Versailles, France, we can stand in the rain at my Father and other family member’s gravesites.

With little time for taking photos in this past almost 48 hours in Boston, we wrap up this short post today. In less than one hour, we’re out the door once more.

Tomorrow, we’ll post the story of my Father’s tragic death with photos. It will be an emotional experience for me and for Tom, an experience of information gathering to enter into Ancestry.com.

Perhaps today, the visit with 95-year-old Uncle Bernie may fill in some of the blank in my family history that has been impossible to find. Oddly, he has more of a passion for family history than I. Some love researching their family history and others are ambivalent about it.

I guess in generations to come, our family need only read this blog to discover more information than they’d ever want or need. Ah, would that any of us could read about our grandparent’s lives and world travels in the 1920s.

See you tomorrow, albeit with red-rimed eyes and a lump in my throat as my long-ago past is quickly brought into the forefront surely eliciting a sense of sorrow and loss, hopefully ending in a sense of discovery and peace.

Photo from one year ago today, September 16, 2013:

We weren’t sure if this was a monkey or baboon in the window of the thatched roof of a neighboring house in Kenya, where we lived for three months, one year ago. For details of that date, please click here.

End of cruise…Final cruise bill…Hello, Boston!…The city where I was born…Three days until we depart for Vancouver…

Posted by worldwide-admin on September 14, 2014 with 0 Comment

On our last day at sea, the sun peeked out. The photo was taken using my new camera! Yeah!

The fare for both of us for an upgraded balcony cabin for the 14-night cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas was US $3976.70 including taxes and gratuities.

Always on top of the fare is the bill for items not included in the fare. For the 14 nights, our bill was US $939 which included: Tom’s drinks, one of four (at US $379) excursions three of which we’d paid in advance for private tours, one US $399 Internet package for Tom’s computer and the cost of dining in specialty restaurants on three occasions.

We were cautious with our spending staying well within our budget of US $1200 for extras aboard the ship. As a result, the grand total US $4915.70. For the 14 days, the average daily rate was US $351.12, certainly no more than the average cost per day for a hotel, transportation, and meals.

It’s hard to believe the cruise is over. We’ve had a fabulous time meeting new people, hanging out with other fans of CruiseCritic, and engaging in several planned fun activities including Meet and Mingle, Slot Pull (58 of us won US $1 each), the Cabin Crawl, a special luncheon, dining in specialty restaurants with new friends and more.

We’ll stay in touch with our news friends whom we hope to see in the future.

A sunny morning at the pier in Boston.

Somehow, with the annoying WiFi issues, we’ve managed to post for most of the 14-day cruise.

We didn’t become ill on this cruise by beefing up our sanitation methods including wrapping cloth napkins on our hands when using tongs and salt and pepper shakers in the buffet restaurant.

When walking up or down stairs we avoiding touching handrails and made every effort to avoid shaking hands which when unavoidable, prompted us to immediately wash our hands. We washed the exterior of our mugs several times daily.

Neither of us suffered from seasickness on several days of rough seas. Nor did either of us get carsick on the 4×4 off-road adventure in Iceland.

We visited Normandy, France, soaking up the emotional historical facts and stories. We walked around Stonehenge in England and visited the Blarney Castle in Cork, Ireland, and sites in the port of Cobh, Ireland, the last port of call for the Titanic, a hundred years ago. We dined in an authentic pub in Ireland.

We toured barren Iceland, fascinated with its geothermal activity where the most active volcano is currently hinging on a major eruption. We traveled in a crazy beefed up 4×4 vehicle on a fast running river and up mountains with no roads. We never saw the Northern Lights in the two days in Iceland when it rained constantly nor the volcano which was too far away.

We dined, we laughed, we slept well including on the nights of rough seas, of which there many. We experienced seven-time zone changes, flipping our digital equipment and biological clocks back and forth.

We purchased a new camera aboard the ship, tax-free, at a competitive price, and learned to use it when lounging in the cabin. More on that later when we post our first photos.

The port in Boston.

We attended a few shows, a few seminars, and listened to a welcoming speech by the ship’s captain. We dined in specialty restaurants on three occasions at a total combined cost of US $128 with excellent food and service.

As I write this now, it’s Sunday morning on September 14th. We’re waiting to be the last off the ship as we usually do, to avoid standing in line with our luggage, the MiFi keeping us online.

Soon, we’ll disembark the ship to grab a taxi to the airport to pick up the rental car to head to our prepaid hotel in Stoughton, Massachusetts, close to where family members reside.

Most likely, we’ll arrive too early for check-in but, we’ll use the time wisely to run a few errands while we wait including a much-needed trip to a laundromat where we desperately need to do laundry. We’ve placed all the dirty clothing in the duffel bag, making doing so easy.

It’s our first time on US soil in 17 months when we were in Florida for a cruise. Shopping in a US store will be a novelty which I anticipate with childlike wonder.

It’s been a good cruise. As always, we’ve reveled in each moment, all the while knowing what lies ahead is exciting, carrying with us the memories of everyone we’ve met, everywhere we’ve been and, everywhere we’ll be in the future.

Of course, we excitedly anticipate seeing our loved ones in December as we work our way to the next leg of our journey, the cruise to Hawaii where we’ll live for seven months on four different islands.

The other night, I was engaged in a conversation with a passenger who asked what we’ll do in Hawaii for seven months. I paused for a moment, looked into her eyes, and said, “We’ll live our lives, our lives of simplicity and ease, cherishing all the exquisite gifts the islands have to offer all the while sharing our story in words and photos about life in Hawaii.

Buildings at the busy port of Boston.

We’ll share the beauty of each island, its natural wonders, its vegetation, its wildlife, and the expenses one might incur living full or part time in the islands. We’ll research its rich history, mingle with its people, embrace its authentic culture, hoping the avoid the typical tourist attractions.

With ocean views at each location, we’ll spend many hours exploring and many more hours gazing at the sea whale and other wildlife watching.

And now, over these next few days, we’ll be in Boston, where I was born many moons ago, where my father passed away when I was 12, when we lived in Massachusetts for a mere two years, only to lose him while living there.

In the next few days, after we visit his gravesite, we’ll share photos and the story of losing him through a horrifying tragic accident in 1960.

Life is filled with many joys and many sorrows. We’ve all been blessed with the exquisite opportunity and privilege of choosing the course of our lives and how we handle the challenges along the way. We’ve chosen ours, dear readers, which we’ll continue to share with all of you each and every day.

Photo from one year ago today, September 14, 2013:
Due to WiFi problems in Kenya and multiple power outages, we weren’t able to post on this date one year ago.

Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas photos and review…

Posted by worldwide-admin on September 12, 2014 with 0 Comment

The indoor pool on Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas.

The Pacifica, live theatre on the ship.

This is an older ship that was built in 2002, renovated in 2013. Many new updates will be completed in 2015.

The health club on the ship.

Walking through the ship we find areas that should be renovated to update the décor, although there are few areas showing any signs of wear and tear. The obvious diligent and regular maintenance are clearly evidenced in all areas.

The views from the treadmills.

The design is excellent, in that it’s easy to find the elevators, and maneuver from one area to the next without aimlessly wandering around as we’ve done on a few prior ships.

The deck where many passengers take long walks.

The cabins are smaller by approximately 15 square feet as opposed to other cruises we’ve booked in the past and future. At 179 square feet for an E1 category Balcony Cabin, the square footage difference is negligible based on its creative design. We don’t find ourselves feeling cramped at all.

The outdoor pool.

We each have our own closet and share a series of shelves for the folded items. There are numerous drawers we haven’t needed to use. The bathroom is surprisingly sufficient with shelf space and a roomy medicine cabinet. The shower is adequate, although water may quickly accumulate on the floor if the shower head isn’t angled correctly or the water pressure is too high.

Alternate view of the pool.

The bed is comfortable with good covers and pillows. After Gerald, our conscientious cabin attendant, cleans the room, replaces towels, empties trashes, restocks coffee, and tea supplies, we find the cabin comfortable for sleeping and for the few hours we spend inside each day.

Ship equipment on display near the elevators.

The common areas of the ship are appealing and comfortable with adequate seating and close proximity to an ice machine and complimentary coffee, tea, juice, and water. Each morning, as we worked on our posts, we’ve lounged in the area adjacent to the Windjammers Café with a full wall of windows for sea watching and wide padded chairs at tables for four with soft music playing in the background.

Viking Crown Lounge on the 13th floor.

As this familiar area has become more familiar, we find ourselves feeling as if we’re in the living room of a home we’re renting, content, as we could possibly, be. The only difference is that from time to time, people stop by, sit in the extra chairs at our table and chat with us which is always enjoyed and appreciated.

View from the Viking Crown Crown Lounge.

As soon as they leave our table, I’m quickly back at work striving to complete the posts we’ve scheduled for upload through the end of the cruise on September 14, 2014.

The ship’s superstructure.

We’ve included photos of the main live theatre here today, we’ve yet to watch any of the evening entertainment although we watched a matinee with an Irish comedian on Saturday.

Cute waiter in the lounge.

We’ve heard tepid reviews as to the various evening shows. Without 8:00 pm dinner reservations, we usually don’t leave the dining room until 10:00 pm or later, when table sharing often precipitates delightful conversations.

Mannequin of a boy fishing.

Another mannequin fisherman.

Nor have we yet to watch a movie in either the outdoor or indoor theatres when we’ve already seen all the movies they’ve shown. Too cold outside, no one appears to spend time at the pool although numerous guests have frequented the hot tub, not necessarily our thing.

The Centrum, or atrium of the ship.

The service aboard the ship is exemplary from what we’ve experienced. From the beverage staff in the Windjammer Café to the tech guy, to the customer service desk, to dining in the specialty restaurants, everyone is knowledgeable, gracious, and eager to please.

Poolside lounges.

We’ve asked for very little; a credit for US $399 when I couldn’t get online; the three occasions when the tech guy assisted me (he was unable to get me online on the ship’s WiFi); Gerald, our cabin steward, for extra pillows for our cabin; and Anthony, the thoughtful maître d’ who’s assisted with my special diet. They’ve all been thoughtful and kind.

Vitality at Sea Spa.

The quality of a cruise is also subject to the ease with which passengers are able to disembark the ship at various ports of call. It’s been seamless on this ship, allowing passengers to quickly get off and back on the ship.

Solarium Park Café.

There are several items for which passengers incur additional costs while cruising including cocktails, sodas, specialty coffees, teas and bottled water (the ship’s water is safe to drink), specialty restaurants, WiFi, spa services, and personal training.

The Solarium Park Café fresh display all included in the cruise fare.

As on most ships, there is a medical clinic on board with a physician and a few nurses. Unless an illness is a shipborne illness, there are fees to see the doctor, often quite expensive which may or may not be reimbursed by insurance.

The view across the Centrum.

We’ve never visited an onboard doctor although we were required to see him (at no expense) when we boarded the Carnival Liberty in Belize in April 2013, when security confiscated our bag of vitamins and we were nearly arrested.

The Casino Royale which we don’t visit other than for an upcoming Slot Pull.

They confiscated the duffel bag with the sealed, labeled bottles of vitamins and minerals asking the ship’s doctor to declare if they were in fact vitamins or dangerous drugs. Luckily, the doctor was equally appalled as we were, over the fuss made over the vitamins and he encouraged the security officers to let us and our vitamins be reunited. It took 24 hours to get the vitamins back. For details of this story from April 10, 2013, please click here.

King and Country Pub, with a cost incurred for all beverages.

Overall, we’d rate this ship an 8 out of 10, only due to the WiFi issues, the lack of quality food in the main dining room, and the fact that certain areas are outdated.

The “authentic” English pub as shown above.

Would we book a Royal Caribbean cruise in the future when Celebrity is our first love? We already have done so. Currently, we have two Royal Caribbean and two Celebrity cruises booked into the future, in each case based on good past experiences and the convenience of the itineraries based on our choice of preferred locations at the time.

Yes, there are other cruise lines we’ve yet to experience in our travels, such as the highly regarded Princess and Holland America lines. Perhaps in the future, our itinerary will encourage us to do so.

Until then, as always, we’ll continue to “love the one we’re with.”

Photo from one year ago today, September 11, 2013:

Due to technical difficulties, we were unable to post on this date one year ago while we were in Kenya.

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.

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.