Finally, we’re back!…A diagnosis…Huge savings on prescription drugs!…

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A storm was on the horizon over the Indian Ocean.

I don’t know where to begin. It’s been an interesting and rough past several days since we went to the ER at Cleveland Clinic on Wednesday when I  had another concerning spike in blood pressure. 220/122, which felt like “birds flying around in my chest,” while I was breathless and could barely walk.

It has been six days since I stopped taking the dangerous drug Flecainide, and the symptoms the drug supposedly covered returned with a vengeance. Since no alternative drug was to be prescribed until after I had the angiogram on Friday and after I was required to stop taking Eliquis, the vital blood thinner to prevent strokes, the ER cardiologist felt I needed to be closely monitored in the hospital until the test was conducted. I was returned to Eliquis and some form of heart rhythm drug that would be safer.

A few days earlier, the electrophysiology cardiologist, Dr Keogh, insisted that l immediately stop taking the drug Flecainide, which can be deadly for heart surgery patients such as me. Below, I will list the discoveries made this past week since my appointments began at the Cleveland Clinic, many shocking to us after all we’ve been through with my health issues over the past few years.

  1. I do not have severe mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation, which three cardiologists diagnosed in three different countries after three echocardiograms. Thus, I do not need valve surgery at this time based on the comprehensive echocardiogram I had at the Cleveland Clinic. My valves are moderate, but that could change to severe in months or…if I’m lucky, not at all. Of course, we’re thrilled I don’t need the surgery now. But we’re highly frustrated to have been misdiagnosed by three doctors, resulting in considerable worry and concern. At the same time, we’ve waited for my appointments at Cleveland Clinic since making the appointments last March.
  2. The drug Flecainide was prescribed without hesitation by the three cardiologists, as mentioned earlier, with no consideration for the fact that this drug is toxic for patients, let alone anyone who had previous CABG surgery (cardiac bypass surgery). This toxicity caused me to be unable to walk and be out of breath from walking a short distance. Why didn’t they know this?
  3. After the angiogram on Friday, it was discovered that one of my bypassed arteries had failed, and my arteries are too small to add a stent. Instead, when and if I have bad symptoms, I’ll have to have another bypass surgery. Time will tell.

I was started on a new drug on Friday night, Multaq, which also has serious side effects but is safer than Flecainide for my situation. The bad part of this drug is that in the US, the drug costs as follows:

$850 for a 30-day supply

  • Multaq 400 mg oral tablet costs around US $850 for a supply of 60 tablets, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Quoted prices are for cash-paying customers and are not valid with insurance plans. The recommended dose is 60 tablets a month, 400 mg., taken with breakfast and again with dinner since it is necessary to take it with food to avoid severe stomach upset.
  • Fortunately, I found the drug at PharmStore.com, where I can buy 180 tablets for US $648.99. At this point, I am taking only one tablet a day, cut in half, which the doctors said was fine as long as I take only as much as I need to reduce the side effects and work for me. Currently, I am having harsh side effects, but they should improve in months to come. I’ll be thrilled if I can avoid doubling the dose to prevent more side effects.

4. The doctors (I have four cardiologists) suggested we stay here for the next six to eight weeks while I become accustomed to the drug to control my heart rate, blood pressure, Afib, and PVC symptoms. If it doesn’t work, they’ll have to switch me to an alternative with only a few remaining that I can take. In the past, I’ve already tried five drugs, resulting in intolerable, life-changing side effects. Quality of life is crucial. I am not willing to be sleepy all day or be unable to breathe or walk. Nor do I want to be going to ERs with outrageously high blood pressure, heart rate, and arrhythmias.

It’s a convoluted series of issues, none of which I can avoid over the long haul. But, to be able to avoid surgery and a long recovery right now is a huge relief, and I chose not to worry about what’s to come in the future. We are both excited to return to our world travels in the next few months. We’re contemplating several options, including our next journey to South Africa when it cools down.

Again, thank you for all of your concern and warm wishes. It has meant so much to both of us over these many months and kept me busy on my phone while I was lying in a hospital bed for the past three days and nights.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, September 8, 2014:

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 still the second oldest one. 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 part of the island, from which a hamlet developed.For more photos, please click here.

More tests this morning…Feeling much better and extremely hopeful…

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Stonehenge..

Is it possible I won’t have to have another open heart surgery? Based on test results so far, it’s looking like I may not need to. But the biggest test is upcoming on Friday, and the one I am dreading the most is a cardiac angiogram. It’s an unpleasant test. I’ve had it twice in the past.

If I could be anesthetized during the test, I wouldn’t mind so much, but this test is done while the patient is awake. The idea of being awake again for yet another one of these tests while they cut a hole in my groin or wrist, which they will have numbed with lidocaine, is a bit intimidating to me. Also, a mild sedative is usually provided.

There is no pain during the test, but the concept of a thin wire being threaded into my heart makes me cringe a bit. For some patients, this may not be an issue. Of course, it’s important to discuss concerns with the physician and the anesthesiologist who will be present during the test.

An angiogram is a medical imaging procedure used to visualize the inside of blood vessels and organs, primarily to identify and diagnose issues related to blood flow, such as blockages or abnormalities in arteries and veins. The procedure involves using X-rays and a contrast dye injected into the bloodstream, allowing doctors to see the blood vessels more clearly on the X-ray images.

Angiograms are crucial tools in diagnosing a range of cardiovascular conditions. When a patient experiences chest pain, shortness of breath, or unexplained fatigue, doctors may suspect an issue with the heart or the blood vessels supplying it. An angiogram can help determine whether there are any blockages or narrowing of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. This is particularly important in diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD), a leading cause of heart attacks.

It was in South Africa in February 2019 that I had an angiogram that determined that I needed immediate open heart surgery, which is called CABG (yep, pronounced “cabbage”), which is a “coronary artery bypass graft.”

Angiograms can examine blood vessels in other parts of the body, including the brain, kidneys, legs, and heart. For instance, a cerebral angiogram can help identify issues such as aneurysms (weak spots in blood vessels that can rupture) or arteriovenous malformations (abnormal connections between arteries and veins), leading to severe complications if not treated.

Undergoing an angiogram involves several steps, beginning with preparation. Patients are typically advised to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the procedure. Once at the hospital, they may receive a mild sedative to help them relax.

The procedure usually occurs in a catheterization lab, a specialized room equipped with imaging equipment. The patient lies on a table, and the area where the catheter will be inserted is numbed with a local anesthetic. The catheter, a thin, flexible tube, is inserted into a large artery, usually in the groin or wrist, and carefully threaded through the blood vessels to the area of interest.

Once the catheter is in place, the contrast dye is injected through it. As the dye travels through the bloodstream, it highlights the blood vessels on the X-ray images, allowing doctors to see any areas of concern. Patients may feel a brief warm sensation or a flush as the dye is injected, but this is typically mild and short-lived.

The entire procedure usually lasts about 30 to 60 minutes, though it can vary depending on the case’s complexity. After the angiogram, the catheter is carefully removed, and pressure is applied to the insertion site to prevent bleeding. Patients are typically monitored for a few hours to ensure no complications before they can go home, though some may need to stay overnight.

Like any medical procedure, an angiogram carries some risks, though they are generally low. Potential complications can include allergic reactions to the contrast dye, bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site, and, in rare cases, damage to the blood vessels or kidneys. However, the benefits of accurately diagnosing potentially life-threatening conditions often outweigh these risks.

Patients need to discuss their medical history with their doctor before the procedure, particularly if they have allergies, kidney problems, or are pregnant, as these factors can influence the safety and approach of the angiogram.

Following an angiogram, the results will help guide the next steps in a patient’s care. If a blockage or narrowing is found, doctors may recommend further treatments such as angioplasty (a procedure to open the narrowed arteries) or surgery. Sometimes, the angiogram might lead to lifestyle recommendations, such as dietary changes, exercise, or medications to manage the underlying condition.

Overall, an angiogram is a vital diagnostic tool in modern medicine. It provides detailed insights into blood vessels’ health and helps inform treatment decisions that can save lives. This procedure combines advanced technology with expert medical care to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.

This morning, after being off the high-risk Flecainide for five days, I had a repeated stress test. I completed the test but am not confident that the results were ideal based on the conversations between the three technicians performing the test. But I could be wrong. Within the next few hours, after the doctor has accessed and documented the test results, I’ll be able to see his assessment in My Chart. I wait patiently.

After Friday’s angiogram, I’ll know even more. We’ll continue to post results.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, September 3, 2014:

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Tom, at Stonehenge, England. It was a rainy day, and we were soaked, but we took many photos. For more photos, please click here.

We’ve arrived in Cleveland!…Clinic appointments begin tomorrow…

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This is artwork from the Victoria and Albert Museum, which we could walk to from our South Kensington, UK hotel.

What a relief to be here. If something goes wrong, I am where I’m supposed to be. Although I am a little anxious about what’s to come, the peace of mind of finally being here outweighs any apprehension. No doubt, most of us feel a little out of sorts when facing significant medical appointments when we have no idea as to the outcome.

Will I have surgery right away? What if I must wait for a surgical opening for another few months? Will the breathlessness worsen while I wait? Hopefully, these questions will be answered in the next few weeks or sooner. In any case, knowing what is on the horizon will give us both peace of mind to finally know what is upcoming.

The two-day drive was easy when we only drove about 350 miles each day, allowing us to stop for breakfast, a restroom break, and refueling without feeling rushed. We arrived at the Cleveland Clinic complex around 4:00 pm. Little did we know there were two Intercontinental Hotels in the immediate area.

We ended up at the wrong hotel, the Intercontinental when we were booked at the Intercontinental Suites Hotels, a few blocks away. In no time, Tom maneuvered me in the wheelchair back to the car, and off we went to the correct location, having no trouble finding it.

No words can express how grateful I’ve been to have the wheelchair. Thanks to many readers who encouraged me to buy one during this challenging time. It was the best purchase we’ve made in years. Hopefully, after recovering from my treatment and recovery, I won’t need to use it.

There are some nuances in using a wheelchair when, in fact, I can still walk unassisted about 20 feet without gasping for air. This morning, at the breakfast buffet in the hotel ($22.00 per person plus tax and tip), I insisted on getting out of the chair to serve myself. Tom was concerned I’d have a problem, but the short buffet was within the 20-foot range, and I did fine. It would have been tricky to serve myself while seated. I’m trying to maintain a level of independence. I’ll need constant help after surgery, so I’d like to preserve a little leg strength and mobility while I can right now.

Last night, we ordered room service, and it was mediocre. I ordered the most sparse Cobb salad I’ve ever had, and Tom had a grilled cheese sandwich with potato chips. That bill was almost $50. We’re trying to keep our daily food purchases $80 – $100 daily, leaving us with $50 for breakfast and $30 – $50 for dinner.

Thus, we decided to order some groceries from a local market, with free delivery from Instacart for the next month. This morning, I ordered two roasted chickens, two premade chicken and veg salads, and cooked white rice for Tom. Our room has a refrigerator and a microwave, and the grocery order was $34, including tax and delivery. There’s enough food to get us through three to four dinners. We’ll only be in this hotel until September 2.

Once we know what the future holds, we’ll move to a nearby Residence Inn by Marriott to stay through my recovery, for however long that may be. Once we know what’s on the horizon, we’ll book the Residence Inn through Bonvoy member benefits for a reasonable price, as we did at the same hotel in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

How are we holding up? Actually, very good. We are upbeat and looking forward to getting all of this behind us so we can continue our world travels.

My first appointment is at 12:45 pm tomorrow, and we don’t need to arrive until noon to check-in. A Cleveland Clinic shuttle will pick us up and take us where we need to go, which information is clearly outlined in “My Chart.”  From there, I have two more appointments. We should be done tomorrow by 5:00 pm, with more appointments to be arranged in days to come.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 27, 2014:

Our new friend/reader, Liz from Bristol, England, took the train to visit us while we stayed in South Kensington, England. Meeting Liz, with whom we’ve stayed in touch over the years, was a joy. For more photos, please click here.

We’re on the road to Cleveland at long last!..

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If we could have cooked our meals in London, we would have purchased some items at this Farmers Market.

Often, we’ve been asked, “Why did we choose to go to the Cleveland Clinic rather than to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, a short 90-minute drive from our current location, which is also highly rated worldwide for heart treatment?”

For me, having already had open heart surgery 5½ years ago and with remaining severe cardiovascular disease (hereditary) and my age, I decided I wanted to go to one of the highest-rated valve disease cardiovascular surgeons in the country, if not in the world, regardless of how long I had to wait to see Dr. Gillinov. It’s been a four-month wait for my appointments, which are upcoming next Wednesday.

If I had to wait another month or two, it wouldn’t have been possible as my condition continues to deteriorate, as evidenced by the necessity of using a wheelchair to get around outside this hotel room, which I can maneuver if I frequently pause when moving about. But any trip outside, even to the car, requires using the wheelchair.

It’s helped make the past few days tolerable and allowed me to see family and friends. They even accommodated me to stay in the wheelchair during Friday’s pedicure.

Following are some of the reasons patients choose Cleveland Clinic for their procedures and surgeries.

  1. Reputation for Excellence: Cleveland Clinic is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the United States and worldwide. Its reputation for high-quality care, particularly in specialties like cardiology, neurology, and orthopedics, draws patients seeking the best possible outcomes.
  2. Expertise and Innovation: The clinic is known for its cutting-edge treatments and surgical techniques. Surgeons at Cleveland Clinic are often leaders in their fields, offering advanced procedures that may not be available elsewhere. This expertise is especially appealing for complex or high-risk surgeries.
  3. Multidisciplinary Approach: Cleveland Clinic offers a collaborative environment where specialists from various fields work together to create personalized treatment plans. This approach ensures comprehensive care, addressing all aspects of a patient’s health, which is particularly important for those with multiple or complex conditions.
  4. Advanced Technology: The clinic invests heavily in the latest medical technology and equipment, allowing for minimally invasive surgeries, robotic surgery, and other advanced techniques leading to faster recovery times and better outcomes.
  5. Patient-Centered Care: Cleveland Clinic is known for its focus on the patient experience. From pre-surgery consultations to post-operative care, the clinic emphasizes clear communication, patient education, and support, helping patients feel more confident and comfortable throughout their surgical journey.
  6. Research and Education: As a major research institution, Cleveland Clinic is involved in numerous clinical trials and studies, offering patients access to the latest medical treatments and innovations. This research-driven approach means patients benefit from the most current and effective surgical options.
  7. Global Accessibility: Cleveland Clinic attracts patients from all over the world, offering specialized international patient services, including translation, travel assistance, and culturally sensitive care. This global reach adds to its appeal for those seeking top-tier medical care.
  8. Positive Outcomes: Cleveland Clinic’s high success rates and positive patient outcomes contribute significantly to its appeal. Patients often choose the clinic based on recommendations from others who have had successful surgeries there and its track record of excellence in complex cases.

These factors combined make Cleveland Clinic a top choice for patients seeking surgical care, particularly those with complex conditions or who want access to the latest medical technology and treatment advancements.

We’re moving along the road to Cleveland and will stop for the night, well before dinnertime.

Be well.

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

We had no trouble finding the distant Laundromat, Bobo’s Bubbles, in South Kensington, England. For more photos, please click here.

One day and counting…Packed and ready to go…

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Hertford Bridge, the “Bridge of Sighs” in Oxford, England, is similar to the one we saw in Venice the previous summer.

Yesterday afternoon, after I had a pedicure with my dear friend Chere at the beauty school in Hopkins, Tom picked me up at 2:30 to drive to Billy’s Bar & Grill in Anoka for our final get-together with Tom’s siblings for dinner and happy hour. It couldn’t have been more enjoyable to see everyone and visit with familiar patrons who stopped by.

But the highlight of the evening was when Tom’s long-time friend from the railroad, Tommy, stopped by to say goodbye to both of us and wish us well. Tommy has always been special to me, as well. This wasn’t the first time he stopped at Billy’s to see us. He has been reading our posts for 12 years and knows plenty about us, as many of our dear readers do from years of reading about our daily lives.

But Tommy has always been very special to me and Tom, and it was delightful to spend some time with him yesterday. Tom had pulled my wheelchair close to the big round table where we all sit every Friday, and when Tommy arrived, he sat between Tom and me while lively conversations ensued. When he left, we immediately continued our discussions with his family, and the time passed quickly. Thanks for stopping by, Tommy!

Before we knew it, it was time to go, and we headed back to the hotel, only stopping to fill the rental car with fuel for today’s drop-off. Tom left a short time ago to go to the airport to drop off the rental car and pick up another larger vehicle, preferably a roomy SUV. He’ll pack the car before we head out tomorrow and then shower afterward.

I just received a text from Tom informing me that he requested an upgrade for a large SUV. It was an extra $35 a day, but since we’ll drop it off in Cleveland on August 27, it will be well worth it. Once we know how long we’ll be staying in Cleveland, we’ll arrange for another rental car or not, depending on how close we’ll be to Cleveland Clinic at whatever hotel we book for the extended period.

This morning, we packed everything we own and were done in less than two hours. It proved to me, once and for all that I don’t need to start packing days ahead as I’ve often done in the past. Even in my current condition, where I run out of breath from walking across the room, I packed all the household items, my clothes, and the toiletries. Tom packed his clothes, and now we can relax for the remainder of the day.

Greg’s lovely girlfriend Heather will stop by within an hour to say goodbye since she could not join us and Greg’s family at Pizza Luce at 3:00 pm. She is driving from a location an hour from here. No words can express how much I appreciate this remarkable woman. I’m so grateful she and Greg have found each other. Heather has three children, who are a little older than Greg’s three, and together, they form a perfect blended family in which everyone gets along well.

These past three months in Minnesota have been a fantastic opportunity to spend valuable time with family and friends. It’s sad to say goodbye. God willing, everything will go well in Cleveland, and we’ll be back many more times.

That’s it for today, folks.

We’ll return with more tomorrow while I post “from the road.”

Be well.

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

The varying colors of the row buildings created a charming feel in the village of Oxford. For more photos, please click here.

Part 4…Suggestions from readers…Two days and counting…

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This is the famous Radcliffe Camera Building at Oxford University, UK, one of the best-known buildings on the 38-campus site.

Continuing our posts from the past three days, our dear readers and long-time cruise friends Judy and Gary suggested topics for future posts. Yesterday, we covered the first, second, and third items on the list below. Today, we’re covering the fourth item, “best and worst meals we’ve cooked.”

Here are a few topics to consider;
Favorite cruise lines
Favorite ports
Best and worst cruise ship excursion you’ve taken
Best and worst meal you’ve cooked
Favorite and least favorite country you’ve visited
Favorite and least favorite city you’ve visited

Regarding the “best meals we’ve cooked,” there are countless favorites we’ve enjoyed over the years. To keep this post within a reasonable size, we’ll review the meals we’ve cooked since we’ve traveled the world for almost 12 years.

In many countries where we’ve stayed for months and cooked most of our meals, we’ve had the glorious opportunity to enjoy locally-grown produce, chicken, eggs, and meat. When we arrive at a new location, we often search for the best local foods to purchase to prepare our meals.

However, most of these ingredients are used to prepare recipes we already know we like. Although we often try new recipes, we find them online or stored in one of my clouds. Overall, I have about 3000 recipes to reference at any time. As a result, we can’t recall a meal we prepared that we didn’t like.

As for those meals we’ve especially enjoyed, the list is infinite. We had favorites of, course, all of which are suitable for my keto way of eating, which include:

  • Pizza with Italian sausage, mushrooms, onions, sliced green olive, homemade pizza sauce, mozzarella and parmesan
  • Chicken Pot Pie made with an almond flour crust
  • Unwiches – similar to lettuce-wrapped unwiches at Jimmy John’s
  • Meatballs with homemade red sauce, mozzarella and parmesan cheese
  • Tuna patties
  • Chicken bakes (keto copycat from Costco)
  • Stir fry with chicken or beef
  • Steak, salad and veg
  • Chicken salad with a side salad
  • Taco salad (no shell, keto spices)

The above ten items are staples we frequently make with various changes to some ingredients that satisfy our taste buds and create a pleasant menu for a few evening meals. We often make enough of each dish for two to three meals. If we go out to dinner for several evenings, we can quickly freeze any of these dishes, except for the unwiches we make fresh each evening.

When we’re in a pinch and don’t have something delicious on hand, we can always make mushroom, bacon, and onion omelets with bacon on the side, all of which ingredients we tend to keep on hand.

I have undoubtedly written about these meals over and over again. But for our new readers, we decided to reiterate our choices, following along on the list suggested by friends/readers Judy and Gary, whom we thank one more time for providing us with these helpful ideas.

Yesterday, I had a wonderful day with lunch with my dear friend Karen, who happened to be in Minneapolis on business. Tom picked me and my wheelchair up at 5:30, and we headed to another restaurant in Hopkins to meet up with Tammy and Tracy for our final goodbyes. Again, we had a lovely dinner with the two of them. I had a small appetizer for lunch with Karen and a Caesar salad for dinner.

That’s it for today, folks. Soon, Tom will drive me to Hopkins to meet my dear friend Chere for our pedicures. She and her husband Gary returned from three weeks in Africa yesterday. I can’t wait to hear more about their adventures, although we connected via WhatsApp during their three-week vacation. She sent me photos almost every day!

After the pedicures, Tom will pick me up, and we’ll head to Billy’s Bar and Grill for our final visit with his siblings. We’ll get together with Greg and the three grandkids tomorrow afternoon for an early dinner and say goodbye.

Be well.

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

At Oxford University, UK, there were a few streets where no cars were allowed to make getting through the crowds easier. For more photos, please click here.

Part 3…Suggestions from readers…Three days and counting…

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The altar inside the church where Mary and Matthew were married is Downton Abby in Bampton, which we visited on a cruise tour.

As a continuation of yesterday’s posts, our dear readers and long-time cruise friends, Judy and Gary, sent some suggestions on topics for future posts. Yesterday, we covered the second item, “favorite cruise lines.” See that post here.

Here are a few topics to consider;
Favorite cruise lines
Favorite ports
Best and worst cruise ship excursion you’ve taken
Best and worst meal you’ve cooked
Favorite and least favorite country you’ve visited
Favorite and least favorite city you’ve visited

Today, we’ll discuss the second point on Judy and Gary’s suggested list, “best and worst cruise ship excursion you’ve taken.”

Ironically, the above photo and the photo below, along with yesterday’s photos, are from one of our favorite cruise tours over the past 12 years. As fans of the TV series Downton Abbey, seeing the stunning Highclere Castle where the series was filmed was a sheer delight.

Ironically, this tour transpired ten years ago, almost to this date. Most often, when we booked tours with the cruise line or on our own, alone or with others, we avoided those that required riding on a full-sized bus. But this particular tour required riding on a bus when the location was too far from the port to ride in a taxi or private tour shuttle.

In this case, the cruise tour was less expensive and more convenient than if we had planned something independently. We weren’t disappointed by the long drive or the service. The only disappointment was that the owners of the magnificent castle didn’t allow photos of the interior, which we would have loved to share here,

However, we were allowed to take photos of the exterior, and there were many fantastic photo opportunities on the gorgeous grounds and gardens. Since it was August, few flowers were blooming, but we can easily imagine how beautiful it would be in the spring.

We loved many other cruise ship tours. Still, another favorite was the many Zodiac boat rides, twice a day, that we took while cruising in Antarctica to various islands to see wildlife and icebergs at the end of January and beginning of February 2018. There were no added costs for these tours. Please check our archive, which is noted for Antarctica, for those dates to see the fantastic sights during this once-in-a-lifetime 16-night cruise.

Tom particularly loved the cruise tour to Normandy, France, which was again on a small tour van, independent of the cruise line, although the cruise line offered a similar tour on a bus with more passengers. I had no idea how meaningful it would be for me as well. We highly recommend this tour.

We were at a loss to choose the least enjoyable cruise tour. Many small island tours in the South Pacific offered little other than for those interested in buying trinkets. Even the tours in Hawaii mainly involved stopping at various sites. We enjoyed Hawaii more when we stayed there for eight months and were able to tour on our own.

There was one tour we despised, although it wasn’t from a cruise ship. When we stayed in Marrakesh, Morocco, for almost three months, living in a “riad” in the souk in the Big Square. Our “house man” arranged this tour, which was encouraged for all guests renting the riad. It was an extensive tour of the Atlas Mountains by car with a guide and driver who stayed with us during the entire tour.

The tour was awful for many reasons:

  1. The driver drove very fast through the mountain roads, swerving at every hairpin turn. For the first time in years, I became very carsick for the entire drive.
  2. The hotels booked for the overnight stays were equally awful. They were sparse, without any amenities or good air conditioning.
  3. The meals at the various restaurants along the way did not have options for me. There was no plain meat and vegetables or anything Tom liked. Since I didn’t dare eat salad, there was nothing I could have.

Several times, we stopped to see villages, religious sites, and mosques, most of which were abandoned with few photo ops. On the second day, we told the driver we wanted to return to Marrakesh, but it required another day of speeding through the mountains and becoming carsick. We couldn’t get out of there quick enough. Tom felt the same way. It wasn’t fun.

We hadn’t done 60% of the tour, and when we returned, our “houseman” got us a partial refund. That was the only horrible tour we can recall.

When booking tours, it’s important to research the tour details online, including the time of the tour, the time the tour will return to the ship, the cost, the number of other passengers joining the tour, the means of transportation, and safety guidelines. We strongly discourage arranging tours on rickety and worn vehicles since so much can go wrong.

Plus, we must add that if you book a tour on your own, not sponsored by the cruise line, if you don’t return on time for a sail-away, the ship will leave without you. You will face a fiasco trying to reconnect with the ship at its next port, incurring visa issues and additional costs.

That’s it for today, dear readers.

Be well.

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

This is St. Mary’s church in Bampton, known as the Church of St. Michael of All Angels, as shown on the series Downton Abbey. Here, Mary married Matthew, Edith was jilted at the altar, and eventually, Matthew was buried. For more photos, please click here.

Part 2…Suggestions from readers…Four days and counting…

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There is a massive field of wildflowers on the grounds of Highclere Castle. We can only imagine how beautiful this would be in full bloom in spring. See the front view of the castle in the “ten years ago photo”  below.

As a continuation of yesterday’s posts, our dear readers and long-time cruise friends, Judy and Gary, sent some suggestions on topics for future posts. Yesterday, we covered the first item, “favorite cruise lines.” See that post here.

Here are a few topics to consider;
Favorite cruise lines
Favorite ports
Best and worst cruise ship excursion you’ve taken
Best and worst meal you’ve cooked
Favorite and least favorite country you’ve visited
Favorite and least favorite city you’ve visited

Today, we’ll discuss the second point on Judy and Gary’s suggested list, “favorite cruise ports.

Regarding the top cruise ports in the world, several destinations come to mind for their unique charm, cultural significance, and breathtaking landscapes. Here’s a list of some of the best cruise ports globally that are worth visiting:

  1. Barcelona, Spain – Known for its stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, and rich history, Barcelona is a key Mediterranean cruise port. Visitors can explore Gaudí’s masterpieces like the Sagrada Familia and stroll through the Gothic Quarter.
  2. Sydney, Australia – This iconic port offers a dramatic backdrop with the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Beyond the city, you can explore the Blue Mountains or relax at Bondi Beach. This is our favorite port.
  3. Santorini, Greece – Famed for its whitewashed buildings and stunning sunsets, Santorini is a favorite stop on cruises through the Greek Isles. The island’s volcanic history and crystal-clear waters make it a must-visit.
  4. Alaska, USA – Cruising through Alaska is like stepping into a nature documentary, with its towering glaciers, majestic mountains, and abundant wildlife. Popular ports include Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway, all of which we found fascinating.
  5. New Zealand – With ports like Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand offers diverse landscapes ranging from geothermal wonders to serene fjords. It’s a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. We loved this port!
  6. Cozumel, Mexico – This port is a gateway to the rich history of the Mayan civilization, with ruins like Chichén Itzá nearby. It’s also a haven for diving and snorkeling in its crystal-clear waters. We were there in the early part of our travels.
  7. Bimini, Bahamas – Bimini is a tropical paradise perfect for beach lovers. Known for its luxury beach clubs and vibrant marine life, it offers a laid-back yet luxurious experience.
  8. Piraeus (Athens), Greece – As the gateway to Athens, this port is steeped in ancient history. Visitors can explore the Acropolis and other historical sites, making it a top destination for history enthusiasts.
  9. Malaga, Spain – This port in southern Spain offers access to the Andalusian region, with its beautiful beaches, historic sites like the Alhambra, and vibrant culture.
  10. Portsmouth, UK – Less famous than London but rich in maritime history, Portsmouth offers a charming mix of old and new, with historical docks and modern attractions. We also found Harwich, UK, to be a lovely port.

These ports offer a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and historical significance, making them some of the top cruise destinations in the world. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, each has something unique

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 21, 2014:

We held our breath as we approached Highclere Castle, home of the famed BBC Downton Abbey TV series. No interior photos were allowed. For more photos, please click here.

Part 1…Suggestions from dear readers…Five days and counting…

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Women today can’t wait to leave their bras after a long day. Can we imagine how women felt wearing these types of corsets all day?

Our dear readers and long-time cruise friends, Judy and Gary, sent some suggestions on topics for future posts, including the following:

Here are a few topics to consider;
Favorite cruise lines
Favorite ports
Best and worst cruise ship excursion you’ve taken
Best and worst meal you’ve cooked
Favorite and least favorite country you’ve visited
Favorite and least favorite city you’ve visited

Firstly, thanks to Judy and Gary for making these good suggestions. It was kind of you to come up with ideas for us, and we will consider each for future posts. As many of our years-long readers know, we have touched on these topics in one way or another, except for the “best and worst meals we cooked,” which we’ll have to think about for a day or two.

We will address the first of these points in Part 1 today and continue with the balance over several future posts.

Favorite cruise lines and why… We were big proponents of Celebrity Cruise and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines for many years, preferring their cruises over many others. When we first started cruising, we made a mistake in attempting to experience several cruise lines so that we could select a favorite. In doing so, we missed out on acquiring many loyalty points, which could have escalated us to a position where more perks were offered by working one’s way to various tiers. Realizing this, down the road, caused us to focus on two cruise lines, Celebrity, a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean, both of which we enjoyed for many years.

Why did we like these cruise lines? They were slightly more perk-orientated than other cruise lines, providing a modicum of elegance with exceptional service and perks we eventually received as we climbed the ladder of tiers. As time passed, we enjoyed more benefits as we sailed on more and more cruises worldwide.

What cruise line eventually became our favorite? During the pandemic, everything changed. We had many cruises booked during this outrageous period, and we had eight canceled cruises, most of which were on the Azamara Cruise line, which Celebrity owned at that time. Only one cruise remained that we booked before the pandemic, Azamara, although we booked several cruises after the pandemic ended. During this time, we finally went on the one remaining Azamara cruise and decided it was our new favorite. It was about 25% more expensive than Celebrity and Royal Caribbean, but tips and drinks were included, almost compensating for the price difference. Also, there was an added level of elegance we appreciated. But most of all, we enjoyed the smaller size of only 600 passenger occupancy as opposed to Celebrity and Royal Caribbean from 1800 to 8000, sizes that don’t appeal to us.

Azamara doesn’t have all those activities that appeal to children that we’d never use, such as theme parks and rides. If we wanted such activities, we’d go to a theme park. Although children are allowed on Azamara, their ships are geared toward adults, making the environment quiet and low-key, which we prefer.

No doubt, with my current health issues, we haven’t been on a cruise since last October, ten months ago. Since the onset of our travels in 2012, we have sailed on 34 cruises and look forward to cruising in the future once I am fully recovered. We’ll see how it all goes.

A special thank you to Judy and Gary for their thoughtful suggestions. We look forward to covering each topic as we continue.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 20, 2014:

Tom is getting used to visiting museums. In this case, we were at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, within walking distance of our hotel. For more photos, please click here.

Six days and counting..Will we post during the road trip?…Did my wheelchair arrive?”…

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We often take photos of nearby restaurants and later look up reviews on TripAdvisor. In this case, in South Kensington, London, it ranked #1572 out of 17,134, making it in the top 9%, perhaps worthy of a visit.

Although, at this point, I struggle to prepare a post daily, we both appreciate your continued readership. The problem is more about deciding on a topic for the day, rather than putting it all together. Once I have a topic depicted in the heading, I can breeze through the post in a few hours with relative ease.

Right now, I don’t have the oomph to tackle a complicated topic requiring research and planning. As we have over the past many months since we’ve been in the US, the topics are most light and lacking major content, except for a few unique posts here and there with travel information.

With the road trip in six days, I’ve decided to continue to post using the app on my phone during the two-day drive. Most likely, I won’t add photos unless we encounter some interesting sightings along the way, nor will we include the “ten years ago photo.”

We have a lot to do to prepare to leave next Sunday, but we will try to continue posting over the next several days until we hit the road next Sunday.

My wheelchair arrived yesterday from Amazon. We were pleased that it was mostly put together. It only took Tom about 10 minutes to add and set the footrests. To my surprise, it’s very sturdy and comfortable, and it costs only $115 at Amazon with one-day shipping with Prime. It folds and unfolds easily and will travel well.

I now accept that buying a wheelchair was a practical and sensible decision. We tried it yesterday when we had to go to the office to print a document, and Tom carefully wheeled me over a few bumps and uneven pavement. But it worked well. It felt odd to suddenly appear at the reception office, sitting in a wheelchair when everyone at the desk was used to seeing me walking. But they were friendly as usual. No doubt, they were curious why I was in the wheelchair, but I didn’t say a word.

We have no social plans today through Tuesday but will go to TJ’s home for a barbecue on Wednesday. On Thursday, my dear friend Karen will be in Minnesota for business, and we’re planning a late lunch at Jimmy’s Kitchen and Bar. On Friday, I am having a pedicure with my dear friend Chere.

In each case, Tom will transport me both ways while I am using the wheelchair. In the late afternoon on Friday, we’ll head to Billy’s for our final get-together with Tom’s siblings. We’ll most likely see Greg’s family on Saturday. Two of the five of them have had COVID-19 these past weeks, and we’ve been avoiding getting together with any of them. We’ll see how they’re doing by Saturday before planning anything.

This morning, I made a batch of chicken salad for tonight’s dinner, and yesterday, I made shrimp salad. I can easily stand on my feet to cook in the small kitchen. We’ll have both salads tonight and tomorrow night, with a green salad on the side. Easy peasy.

That’s it for now, dear readers.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 19, 2014:

We walked past Christie’s in South Kensington, London, where we stayed for two weeks. The world-famous auction house occupies almost the entire block. For more photos, please click here.