Thinking back to where we were, as Covid-19 began to hit the world…

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Cloudy morning in Kauai.

As we approach the time when the pandemic began worldwide, as we were preparing to leave for India in 2020, I can’t help but easily recall the days leading to our departure from Phoenix after visiting with Tom’s sisters in Apache Junction for a few months.

Little did we know what was ahead, but according to a quote from our post on January 27, 2020, I think we’d already begun to prepare ourselves, in part, for what was yet to come. But, little did we know…

“Then, besides packing, we’re thinking a little about the Coronavirus, but not as much as some may. There have been only a few cases so far in India, and they’ve been testing all arriving passenger’s temperatures at all major airports. So far, they’ve sent 12 passengers back to China, refusing entry. Hopefully, this diligence will continue.

This morning, I purchased more wipes for our hands and surfaces that we’ll wipe down wherever we go, including the armrests and tray tables on both planes and all characters in our hotel room, including phone, remote, door handles, etc.

Today, our 100 disposable face masks will arrive from Amazon. I had difficulty finding them online, including on the Amazon site. We’d seen a news report in China where people lined up hundreds deep at a pharmacy, hoping to purchase face masks when they were almost sold out.

We’re taking every precaution and striving to be sensible and practical. However, if we had planned to visit China, then I am confident we would have felt the need to change our plans.

Last night, we hosted a happy hour for our neighbors and Tom’s family. We gathered around the outdoor table and enjoyed a few hours of lively conversation, snacks, and drinks.“

Here’s what was happening with Coronavirus in January 2020:

In January 2020, COVID-19 was in its early stages and primarily concentrated in Wuhan, China, where it was first identified in December 2019. Here’s a brief overview of the situation that month:

  • Early January: The first cases were linked to a seafood and live animal market in Wuhan. On January 7, Chinese authorities identified the virus as a novel coronavirus (later named SARS-CoV-2). By mid-January, China had reported dozens of cases.
  • International Spread: By late January, cases were reported outside China, including Thailand, Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. The first confirmed death occurred in Wuhan on January 11.
  • WHO’s Response: On January 30, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern,” signaling the growing global risk.

The outbreak’s true scale was underestimated at the time due to limited testing and understanding. By the end of the month, only a handful of cases had been reported in many countries, though the virus was already spreading undetected in some areas.

We’re so happy the pandemic is hopefully behind us all.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 27, 2015:

We posted this video ten years ago today as we first became familiar with the Laysan Albatross nesting in a neighborhood near us. For more, please click here.

For now, we’ll continue to post travel news updates that may save you time and money…

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Ten years ago in Kauai, Hawaii, we began to experience the joy of watching, almost daily, the Laysan Albatross couples nesting with their single eggs, which eventually hatched while we observed the chicks growing, planning to fledge months later. It was an experience we’ll never forget.

There are only 34 days until we leave Nevada for South Africa; with little activity happening on our end as I continue to recover from this two-week virus, we don’t have a lot of news to share. I should be back to normal within a week and be able to return to working out, after which I’ll feel even better.

My son Greg and his girlfriend Heather arrive here in 11 days, and I plan to be up to the flurry of activities that will ensue while they are here for five days. Once they leave, it will only be a few weeks until we start packing and preparing to depart. The month of February will fly by.

As a result, most of our upcoming posts will consist of the latest travel news that may impact your travel experiences, expenses, and booking processes. Unfortunately, I don’t have the time and stamina right now to delve into more detailed topics. Once we settle in Marloth Park, we’ll post stories and countless photos of the world around us.  We can hardly wait.

One of our dear readers/friends, Lisa, wrote that we don’t have to be concerned about our readers judging our content. Few have said anything negative or pressured us to add more entertaining content during quiet times. Thanks, Lisa, for the vote of confidence. Of course, our goal is always to provide interesting and fun content.

For today’s bit of current travel news, this article may be of interest to those considering travel during Spring Break:

“American Airlines Has Spring Break Flight Deals to Cancun, Miami, and More — Starting at Under $200

A variety of popular destinations are available. By Michael Cappetta

Published on January 25, 2025

As cold winter temperatures cover much of the United States, airlines discount prices for spring break getaways. 

American Airlines recently published hundreds of discounted airfares under $200, spanning the spring and early summer travel season. Best of all, the destinations include a variety of popular locations, including Cancun, Las Vegas, Miami, Orlando, Phoenix, and more. 

Travel + Leisure spotted a variety of discounted fares including: 

  • Chicago, IL (ORD) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX) from $177
  • Dallas, TX (DFW) to Cancun, Mexico (CUN) from $277 
  • Los Angeles, CA (LAX) to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (SJD) from $263
  • Philadelphia, PA (PHL) to Las Vegas, NV (LAS) from $145
  • Philadelphia, PA (PHL) to Miami, FL (MIA) from $179 
  • Raleigh, NC (RDU) to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) from $298

The airline also has several discounted flights to Miami, FL from Boston ($127), New York – LGA ($179), Washington – DCA ($158), and other locations throughout the winter and spring break season.

American Airlines has also discounted tickets to other popular spring break getaways, such as Los Angeles (LAX) to Tucson, AZ (TUS) for only $193, or Minneapolis, MN (MSP) to Destin, FL (VPS) for only $197. 

While many flights depart from one of American’s hubs, such as Dallas or Philadelphia, travelers can use an interactive tool on the website to select their home airport and desired budget to find discounted flights. For example, when entering “Kansas City, MO,” travelers can see options to fly to Austin, Denver, New York – LGA, or more at a price under $200 round-trip. 

For travelers looking to set sail on the sea during spring break, American Airlines Cruises division offers bonuses of up to 10,000 miles and other perks on select upcoming bookings. Travelers could also use the discounted domestic flights to save on tickets to and from a cruise port. 

The Dallas, TX-based airline has also been marketing international flight promotions, including round-trip European tickets for under $500. The discounted flights come as American has also begun new European routes, including flights to Madrid.”

For our readers living outside the US, it may be worthwhile to investigate special Spring Break rates offered through airlines you may use most frequently in your country. However, some of these rates may apply if visiting the US is part of your travel plan.

Thanks again for stopping by.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 26, 2015:

Our new friend Richard gave us the gift of The Majestic Albatross by Robert Waid, a neighbor whom we later met, as we began to experience the wonder of the Laysan Albatross in Kauai. For more photos, please click here.

Updated information on ETA (electronic travel authorization) fees for the UK…

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Hanalei Beach in Kauai.

On January 7, we posted new information about the UK requiring ETAs (electronic travel authorization) even when only flying through on a flight layover. This policy change would directly impact us when we fly to South Africa on March 1. See our post here.

We had noted the calendar to apply for the UK ETA in plenty of time for our upcoming flight in only 35 days. Now, we won’t have to.

Their new policy, which went into effect on January 8, 2025, received much criticism from flight passengers who never left the airport during a layover. According to the article below, the ETA for transit passenger layovers will not be required. However, all other listed requirements will remain the same.

Weirdly, the UK is proposing an increase in the ETA fees, established on January 8, as described below:

From Travel and Leisure

“The UK Is Dropping Its ETA Fee for These Specific Passengers — What to Know

It also is proposing an increase in the fee just weeks after launch. By Alison Fox

 Published on January 21, 2025

The United Kingdom has proposed raising its electronic travel authorization (ETA) fee just weeks after it went into effect. Still, it will no longer require it for transit passengers not leaving the airport.

The ETA fee, which went into effect for most travelers on Jan. 8, including those from the United States, currently costs £10 ($12.28) to apply. However, the UK has proposed raising the cost to £16 ($19.65).

With that, the UK government said last week that travelers no longer need to pay if they do not pass through border control. (Which isn’t necessary for many layovers such as our case).

“As part of the government’s Plan for Change, ETAs will deliver a more streamlined, digital immigration system which will be quicker and more secure for the millions of people who pass through the UK border each year,” the Home Office wrote in a statement. “However, following feedback from the aviation industry, the government has agreed a temporary exemption for passengers who transit airside, and therefore do not pass through UK border control.”

Following the announcement, Willie Walsh, the director general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), said he opposed the increase, calling the proposal and its timing “bewildering.”

“If implemented, it would be a self-inflicted blow to the UK’s tourism competitiveness,” Walsh said in a statement. “It’s time for the UK government to see the big picture. It has everything to gain by making the UK a more cost-competitive travel destination — including the substantial tax revenues that travelers generate. It makes no sense to discourage high-cost visitors even before they set foot in the country.”

Beyond the UK, the European Commission plans to roll out its own electronic authorization system, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), sometime this year. The fee will be €7 ($7.27).

The US also has its own Electronic System for Travel Authorization (or ESTA), available to travelers from countries with a Visa Waiver Program. The application fee for ESTA is $21.

This is one less step required for our upcoming fight, although they list the layover exemption as temporary.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 25, 2015:

The boat launch at Hanalei Beach, Kauai. For more photos, please click here.

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.

We’re back after a wonderful weekend…Big changes I’ve made…

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The Speakeasy in the Village in Lake Las Vegas has a hidden room, which can be accessed by moving a section of this bookcase, typical of speakeasies in the 1920s.
Ah, it’s a good Monday for several reasons. We have secured the house in Penguin, Tasmania, for next March and April; our laundry is washed and dried; tonight’s dinner is prepped except for the salad I’ll make soon; and this morning, when I weighed myself, I realized I had lost 5 pounds in the past month.

Since I took all those heart rhythm drugs, I gained weight when my body slowed down so much that I was barely able to move. Once we arrived here almost a month ago, I went on a rampage to get fit and lose the 20 pounds I’d gained in the past 18 months from sheer inactivity and perhaps overeating (still low carb) to soothe my weary state of mind and body.

We sat at this bar while we enjoyed our drinks and later moved to the quaint dining room for dinner, shown below,

On several occasions in the past 18 months, I mentioned trying to lose weight, but I failed miserably when the weight just wouldn’t come off. I knew I had to make adjustments in my workout routine, which wasn’t vigorous enough, and reduce the “amounts” of foods I was eating, not so much related to “what” I was eating since my diet already consisted of eating salads and healthy non-starchy vegetables, fish chicken and beef and Greek unsweetened yogurt.

A grand piano was to the far right in this quaint dining room where we enjoyed our dinner.

I knew I had to adjust the above to lose weight. Here’s what I did that finally resulted in losing 5 pounds, most of which was in the past two weeks:

FOOD

  1. I reduced the amount of yogurt I ate. I’d often have some for breakfast and more as a snack after dinner. Too much dairy prevented me from losing weight.
  2. Stop eating anything once I was done with dinner. We usually eat around 5:00 pm, and once I take the last bite, I don’t eat another morsel until breakfast the next day, usually around 10:00 am. That provides me with at least a 16-hour fasting window each day.
  3. If I feel like having a glass of wine, I have it at 3:00 pm and sip it until dinner. After dinner, I only drink water or unsweetened iced tea. At first, I felt hungry a few hours after dinner, but I fought off the temptation to have something, and soon the hunger dissipated.
  4. I reduced the amount of salad I ate with dinner each night. I ate too much salad to get full when I was not eating any starchy side dishes, which made my digestion uncomfortable. Now, after dinner, I don’t feel uncomfortably full.
  5. Tom’s bacon cheeseburger and shoestring fries as we dined in the dining room.

    My Caesar salad was topped with a good-sized blackened salmon fillet. It was delicious after I picked off the croutons I’d asked to be excluded but didn’t make a fuss when they weren’t removed.

EXERCISE:

  1. I changed my exercise routine, knowing I wouldn’t have any exercise equipment when we arrived in South Africa. Five days a week, I do a routine of walking indoors while stopping every two minutes to do various heart-pounding exercises, continuing for 12 minutes. It’s the most conducive way to get my heart rate up sufficiently to do my heart some good. Walking alone isn’t enough. My 76-year-old knees don’t invite running or walking at a fast pace.
  2. Two days a week, I use the exercise bike in the fitness center, biking as fast as I can in intervals of the highest resistance, such as in HIIT (high-intensity interval training) for 15 minutes. On February 1st, I will wean myself off the bike and increase the indoor routine, ramping it up to 20 minutes daily.
  3. I’ve become more conscientious of getting up and moving around every 30 minutes during the day when I may be sitting by saving particular household tasks for those intervals. I set the alarm for every 30 minutes up until 5:00 pm when we have dinner and relax for the evening.
    The long staircase to the upper-level cigar smoking lounge.

    The bar in the smoking lounge.

SLEEP

  1. I’ve always been a poor sleeper. In the past month, I have focused on staying off my phone when and if I am awake during the night. Now, I can get at least 8 hours of sleep each night, making me feel much better during the day.
    The humidor with cigars for sale.

    The upstairs cigar lounge.

All of the above takes a lot of motivation and commitment every day. But, as they say, I tackle it “one day at a time.” In the past week, after almost a month of this new routine, I’ve noticed about a 25% improvement in my walking ability. This is my biggest motivator, and I must continue at this pace to ensure it improves further.

A cozy sitting area in the cigar lounge.

No, it’s not easy. But if we want to continue traveling, I must work harder on my health than ever before. I am now reminded of all the years I worked out this hard and how good it was for me.

Today’s photos are from our delightful Friday night dinner at The Speakeasy, where we dined for the first time. It was such fun, and we look forward to returning shortly. On Saturday night, we dined at The Pub. In both instances, we chatted with locals, which only added to the experience.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 13, 2015:

This photo of the snorkeler was somewhat confusing. Could they have been conducting some research? For more photos, please click here.