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 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.

An exciting new booking…What a hassle sending money internationally these days!…

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Large open Lounge with ocean views
This is the living room at Sunrise at Penguin in Penguin, Tasmania, which we’re renting next year, returning after a nine-year absence. This location is Tom’s favorite in the world, and it’s about time we return.

We knew as time marched on that, we needed to begin booking some of the gaps in our most recent itinerary, first posted on Christmas Day here.

After  nine years and the number of times we’ve been asked, “What are your favorite places in the world?’ to which I always answer, “Marloth Park, South Africa,”  Tom always answers, “Penguin, Tasmania.”

And yet, after nine years, we are finally returning to Penguin from March 1 to April 13, 2026. We would stay longer, but we are boarding a cruise in Brisbane, Australia, on April 14, 2026, and it just worked out this way. Besides, we will have been in Australia on cruises, and their strict visa requirements make it essential that we leave the continent around that time.

Thus, yesterday, we contacted the owner, Terry, who was happy to hear from us and excited for us to book his lovely house in Penguin, across the street from the ocean, the Bass Strait. It”s comforting to know we’re returning to a home we found to meet our criteria easily.

Since we contacted Terry directly, we didn’t have to go through any booking company, incurring added fees for each of us. But the tricky part was getting the funds to Terry for the deposit and eventually the balance on our 43-night stay.

We decided we wouldn’t do bank transfers to foreign countries when we first began traveling. We’d encountered many stories about lost funds, errors, and the inability to receive funds if something went wrong. Over these past 12+ years, we’ve used vacation homes/holiday homes booking services or PayPal to transfer funds. It’s been easy in the past

But, nowadays, with so much fraud, it’s not so easy to send funds internationally without using a bank transfer, which many use freely, without giving it a thought.

However, in this case, booking directly through Terry, who doesn’t use credit card services for his bookings, prompted me to explain PayPal to him and send the deposit to him, which, after processing, he’d received in an email that would prompt him to enter his banking information securely and efficiently.

Using PayPal for this type of international transaction isn’t as easy as a few years ago. After researching details, we discovered it would take 21 days for the recipient, Terry, in this case, to receive the funds. That isn’t acceptable when he may have been able to book it with other people during those 21 days. We understood and respected that asking him to wait three weeks wasn’t appropriate. We didn’t ask. Instead, we looked for other options.

Many of us use various apps, such as Venmo, PayPal, Cashapp, etc., when we purchase products and services that may not directly accept a credit card or prefer to be paid via these apps. When researching these other options, the fees and restrictions made it costly and inconvenient to process the payments for the deposit and future payments.

Plus, using any of these apps using a credit card as opposed to cash, which we didn’t want to do (we get lots of points using credit cards), results in a credit card payment referred to as a “cash advance” with many fees incurred by the credit card company. I called a few of our cards to determine the best route, and it proved that using Western Union and a credit card was our least costly and easiest route.

Terry will have the funds in his bank in 2 to 4 business days. No problem with that. We all saved hundreds of dollars, and it worked out fine. I sent him the confirmation I received today that the transaction was completed. Who knew that old-fashioned Western Union would be a good option?

If we’d booked through an agency, none of this would have been relevant since apps like VRBO and AirBnB have their own payment processing services. But, there can be hefty fees to use these services, and if we can avoid them, all the better. We were able to use PayPal to pay our rent here in Lake Las Vegas since the transaction occurred in the US. When it’s an international transaction, it gets tricky.

That’s our news from today. Tomorrow, we’ll share photos from our delightful dinner at the Speakeasy. We’ve decided to go to The Pub again tonight instead of the long walk to the hotel.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 11, 2015:

Beautiful pods growing on a palm tree in Kauai, Hawaii. For more photos, please click here.

How are the horrific fires in Southern California impacting travel?…

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When we were in Kauai ten years ago, we couldn’t believe how many feral chickens we saw everywhere. Kauai is known for its significant population of feral chickens, which are supposed to number in the tens of thousands. These chickens roam freely throughout the island, from beaches and parks to residential areas and parking lots.

The ongoing wildfires in California, particularly in Los Angeles, significantly affect travel and transportation. Here’s what you need to know:

Air Travel:

  • Flight Disruptions: While Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) remains operational, some flights have been delayed or canceled due to the fires and weather conditions. Flights to Hollywood Burbank Airport have been diverted to LAX because of the Palisades Fire.
  • Air Quality Concerns: Smoke from the fires has led to poor air quality, which may impact flight schedules and passenger comfort. Travelers should check with airlines for the latest updates and consider potential health implications.

Road Travel:

  • Road Closures: Several roads, including parts of the Pacific Coast Highway, have been closed due to the fires. These closures can lead to significant detours and increased traffic in unaffected areas.
  • Evacuations and Traffic: Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in various parts of Los Angeles, leading to heavy traffic and congestion. Some residents have abandoned vehicles to evacuate on foot, further complicating road travel.

Public Transportation:

  • Service Interruptions: The Los Angeles Metro has suspended fares due to power outages affecting fare card systems. Additionally, wind and wildfire damage have closed or detoured some bus lines.

Tourist Attractions:

  • Closures: Major attractions, including Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk, have been closed due to the fires. Events like the Critics’ Choice Awards have been postponed, and several entertainment productions have been halted.

Health and Safety:

  • Air Quality: Air quality in Los Angeles ranges from moderate to very unhealthy due to smoke from the fires. Individuals with respiratory conditions should exercise caution and consider limiting outdoor activities.

Recommendations for Travelers:

  • Stay Informed: Regularly check updates from local authorities, airlines, and transportation services.
  • Plan Ahead: Anticipate delays and consider alternative routes or modes of transportation.
  • Health Precautions: Be aware of air quality levels and take necessary health precautions, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Given the dynamic nature of the situation, it’s crucial to stay informed and exercise caution when traveling in or to the affected areas.

My sister Julie lives in Los Angeles, and we are in close touch regarding her specific situation, which is worrisome, to say the least. We pray for her safety and the citizens of California; their loss of life, injuries, loss of their homes, and all of their treasured belongings. It’s heartbreaking.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 9, 2015:

Tom’s steady hand captured this bright ray of sunlight this morning.  For more photos, please click here.

Speaking of visas…Important news for cruisers and other travelers…

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Ten years ago, we traveled to Kauai to stay for four months. Known as the “garden island,” Kauai is exceptionally lush and green.

When we first began cruising in 2013, the cruise booking company we used provided some, although not all, visa requirements for countries we’d visit along the way. Many countries require visas for cruising foreign visitors whether they get off the ship or not. In many cases, in the past, the cruise line would have local immigration officers board the boat, and we’d receive visas, one by one, in lines formed to accommodate this purpose.

Since the pandemic, a lot has changed, and neither cruise lines nor cruise booking companies are providing information about required visas for any ports of call. It is entirely up to the passenger to figure this out on their own, although some travel agencies, as a unique service to their customers, may explain the visas needed for the cruise to their customers.

To verify if visas are needed (for US citizens) to any country worldwide, click here for the US Department of State.

For citizens of the countries, check with your embassy or Department of State.

Cruise lines typically don’t assist passengers in obtaining visas for the countries on their itinerary. Still, they may provide the name of a travel document company to help get the required visas for various countries in the itinerary. However, these companies are costly, and what might be a $15 fee for an ETA (electronic travel authorization) if a person applies on their own suddenly costs almost $100.

Many cruises with multiple ports of call may require four or five ETAs, resulting in extensive fees when using a travel document service. On occasion, when it’s been challenging and time-consuming to obtain a specific visa, we have had no choice but to use such a company.

When boarding a cruise, your visa documents (ETAs) will be verified, or you won’t be allowed to board the cruise. This disaster could result in lost cruise fares, added air travel costs to return home, and other related expenses.

Here’s why cruise lines operate this way and how you can prepare:

Why Cruise Lines Don’t Handle Visas

  1. Individual Requirements Vary: Visa requirements depend on the passenger’s nationality, the countries visited, and the type of cruise. Handling this complexity for every passenger would be a logistical nightmare.
  2. Legal Responsibility: It’s up to travelers to comply with international travel laws. Cruise lines cannot be held accountable if passengers are denied boarding or entry into a country.
  3. Timing and Process: Visa processing times and procedures vary widely, and some require in-person appointments or specific documentation that cruise lines cannot facilitate.

How Cruise Lines Support You

  • Pre-Departure Communication: Cruise lines previously (before the pandemic) provided detailed information about the required travel documents for each destination. You can try to get this information, but most often, you will be referred to a travel document company. Thus…
  • Partnerships with Visa Services: Some cruise companies work with third-party agencies to assist passengers in obtaining visas, though this comes at an additional cost. Using the recommended company doesn’t ensure discounted prices.
  • Onboard Immigration Support: In rare cases, cruise lines might arrange for visas on arrival in specific ports, but this is usually limited to certain destinations and itineraries.

How to Handle Visa Requirements as a Passenger

  1. Research Early: Check visa requirements for every country on your itinerary as soon as you book your cruise.
  2. Consult Experts: Use services like VisaCentral or your local consulate for detailed advice and processing help.
  3. Allow Extra Time: Start the application process months in advance to account for delays or additional requirements.
  4. Carry Copies: Bring digital and physical copies of your visas and travel documents during the trip.

A Pro Tip for Smooth Sailing

If you’re unsure about visa needs or processes, join online forums or social media groups dedicated to your cruise line or destination. Fellow travelers can provide firsthand insights and tips based on their experiences.

Have you encountered visa challenges while cruising, or are you planning a trip where this might be an issue?

The proper preparedness and handling of the visa process is crucial for a good cruise experience.

Thanks for stopping by!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 8, 2015:\\

A map illustrates how tsunamis wiped out the city of Hilo near the bay. A notice at the Lyman Museum, which we also visited in December, is at the top of this page. For more photos, please click here.

Important news about visiting and flying to the UK!!!…Even if only a layover…Even for cruise ports…

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Any angry-looking bull we encountered upon arrival in Kauai from the Big Island ten years ago.

It’s good to keep an eye out for current travel news. A few days ago, I read an article about the UK requiring all travelers to apply for and receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for the UK. We have a layover in London on our upcoming trip to South Africa.

Our layover is only five hours, but the ETA is a requirement, even for only a few minutes. Without it, the airline won’t let you board your originating flight, or the cruise line won’t allow you to board, which would be a nightmare.

As a result, we felt we needed to share this information with our readers, many of whom may be traveling through or to the UK in the future. The ETA payment (IS $12.50) and process are required for travel after tomorrow, January 8, 2025. This also applies to any ports of call visited in the UK while on cruises. Airlines and cruise lines do not help provide this information.

What are the new visa requirements for travel to the UK in January 2025?

Starting January 8, 2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Mexico, must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before visiting the United Kingdom. Check with your country’s State Department to see if this is required.

Key Details about the UK ETA:

Purpose: The ETA serves as a pre-approval for entry, enhancing border security and streamlining the entry process.

Eligibility: This is required for citizens of visa-exempt countries traveling to the UK for tourism, business, short-term study, or family visits for up to six months. This includes travelers transiting through the UK.

Application Process:

  • When to Apply: Applications are open now for travel on or after January 8, 2025

How to Apply:

  • You can apply online via the UK government’s official website or the UK ETA app. The process involves providing personal and passport information, uploading a photo, and paying the application fee.

    You can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for the UK online at GOV.UK or through the UK ETA app:

    Link to apply at UK government site: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta or use their app…
    App: Download the UK ETA app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store 

Processing Time:

  • Decisions are typically made within three working days, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your travel date

Cost:

  • The ETA application fee is £10 (approximately $12.50).

Validity:

  • An approved ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and allows multiple entries into the UK during its validity period.

Exemptions:

  • UK and Irish citizens and individuals with a valid UK visa or residence permit are exempt from the ETA requirement.

Please note that possession of an ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK; UK Border Force officers make final entry decisions upon arrival.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer to the UK government’s official guidance on the ETA application process.

Wow! It’s a good thing we caught this. When we booked our flights with the London layover a few months ago, this requirement was not mentioned.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 7, 2015:

Clouds obscuring a pie slice of last night’s moon from Big Island, Hawaii. For more photos, please click here.

We’re back…Disappointing football day…

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The veranda at our condo in Lake Las Vegas.

Last night, we had a lovely dinner at Richard’s home and watched the disappointing Minnesota Vikings game against the Detroit Lions. The Vikings were slaughtered, and we were all grossly disappointed and frustrated. They will still play in the playoffs, but we aren’t as optimistic as we were that they would have a shot at the upcoming Super Bowl in February. So it goes.

We took an Uber for the 20-minute ride to Henderson using Uber both ways. On the way, we paid $31.02 plus tip. On the return ride, we paid $21.17, with lower rates later on Sunday. The driver on the first trip did Tai Chi with his right hand while driving to Henderson.

The driver on the return trip explained she had been sick with the flu for the past five days and complained about how she got COVID-19 five times from her passengers but wasn’t wearing a mask while driving us. We didn’t give her a tip. We’ll wait over the next ten days to see if we get sick from riding with her. Oh, good grief!

The weekend passed quickly, and it’s hard to believe it’s Monday again. Soon, I’ll work on food prep for tonight’s dinner. Tom Is having a t-bone steak with rice, while I’m having sauteed Barramundi (fish), and we’ll both have broccoli and salad.  It will be a nice dinner which we’ll repeat, making everything fresh again.

We’ve decided we will dine out two evenings a week. It’s an excellent way to get out and about, and we’ll have some variety with options here in the Village. We just read the menu for Rick’s Cafe at the Westin Hotel behind our building, where many options appeal to both of us.

Here are more details about the Village in Lake Las Vegas:

The Village at Lake Las Vegas is a picturesque Mediterranean-inspired oasis nestled along the tranquil shores of a man-made lake in Henderson, Nevada, just 30 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip. This charming community feels worlds away from the neon lights, offering a peaceful, inviting atmosphere that blends luxury with laid-back living.

Architecture & Aesthetic
The Village boasts cobblestone streets, terracotta rooftops, and stucco facades reminiscent of a European lakeside retreat. Winding pathways lead visitors through plazas adorned with elegant fountains, lush landscaping, and cozy seating areas. It’s a harmonious blend of natural beauty and architectural elegance that feels like stepping into a postcard-perfect scene.

Dining & Entertainment
Various restaurants and cafes line the waterfront, offering something for every palate. You’ll find it here whether you’re craving Italian pasta, fresh seafood, or a simple cup of coffee with a view. Many eateries feature outdoor patios where you can savor your meal while soaking up the scenic surroundings. Live music and seasonal events add to the vibrant yet relaxed ambiance, making the Village a hub for locals and tourists.

Shopping & Activities
Boutique shops and art galleries allow leisurely browsing, while the lake invites visitors to enjoy water-based activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and even yacht rentals. The area has a championship golf course and plenty of walking trails for those who prefer land-based fun.

Community Vibe
The Village exudes a sense of community and connection. It’s a place where people gather for wine tastings, farmers’ markets, and outdoor movie nights. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying longer, it’s easy to feel like part of the fabric of this lakeside haven.

A Peaceful Escape
Surrounded by desert landscapes, the shimmering lake is a refreshing contrast and creates a serene environment. Sunsets over the water are especially magical, with hues of orange and pink reflecting off the surface, making it a favorite spot for romantic evenings or quiet moments of reflection.

In essence, the Village at Lake Las Vegas is a delightful blend of sophistication, natural beauty, and community charm, offering a tranquil escape from the fast-paced energy of nearby Las Vegas.

We couldn’t be happier to be here. It truly has a vacation-type feel, along with the hominess of this delightful condo.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 6, 2015:

A pink Trumpet flower as seen on the Big Island. For more photos, please click here.

It was good to go out to dinner…Are you paying for services you don’t need?…

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Having our drinks at the bar during happy hour at Sonrisa Grill was fun.

The food at Sonrisa Grill is mediocre for our tastes. Tom had the beef tacos but didn’t eat the Spanish rice or refried beans, resulting in a small meal. I had a grilled chicken salad minus the tortilla strips, corn, and beans, which consisted mainly of sliced chicken breasts over big, overly green chunks of lettuce and about ¼ sliced avocado.

Tom filled up on the chips (he doesn’t like salsa), and I indulged and ate several tortilla chips, which I usually avoid. But, the total bill was only $75 compared to spending over $100 at casual dining restaurants in the US. But we didn’t complain and enjoyed being out, chatting with another couple at the bar and listening to the DJ music from the 1970s and 1980s in the main dining room.

We stayed for quite a while after eating dinner, trying to identify the songs playing and using the music-identifying app Shazam on my phone when we couldn’t figure it out. It was a fun evening.

This stairway to the right led to the main dining room, where we had dinner.

When we returned to the condo, we returned to binge-watching the British TV series “Shetland” since we’d activated a 7-day free trial on Britbox a few nights ago. Before the new seasons came out, we watched the first five seasons and only had to catch up on four seasons during the trial.

Since we’d already watched the best series on Britbox during our ten months in lockdown in India, we see no reason to continue to pay for that streaming service. I always put a note on our family calendar, Cozi, to remind me to cancel after the trial since a trial like this can automatically charge your credit card for another month or, in some cases, an entire year.

Nothing is more frustrating than to realize you’ve been paying for an app you don’t use. I frequently check with Google Play  (whatever service you are using) to see the apps I am paying for, plus our credit cards have a link that shows the automatic payments going out each month.

It’s not always easy to cancel services, and if you can’t find a good link to direct you to cancellations, the best solution is to contact customer service to do so. Oftentimes, there’s a chat module or phone number where cancellations can be processed.

Also, whenever we leave a holiday home, I cancel any delivery fees for groceries and other services. Fortunately, we get free delivery with Grubhub through our Amazon Prime membership, which we can use in many countries besides the US (not South Africa).

Although a few local restaurants offer delivery, Marloth Park is too remote for most food delivery services. But there, it’s always such fun to go out, and we never consider the need for delivered meals. Gosh, in 56 days, we’ll be on our way.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 4, 2015:

Lava or not, local roosters and chickens are busy peeking at vegetation, a common sight on the islands. This rooster had a keen eye on his “wife” and a chick on the side of the road. For more photos, please click here.

A shocking delivery!…

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This was everything in today’s Albertson’s grocery delivery order when we spent $192.10. Shocking!

When I placed the grocery order online from Albertsons in Henderson, I tried to keep the total around $200, knowing we’d be dining out tonight, tomorrow night, and Sunday at Richard’s. We had plenty of protein sources in the freezer to get us through the remaining four dinners until we shop again for next Friday’s grocery delivery.

Two packages of Italian sausage were the only meat in this order. I’ll use them to make a giant egg, mushroom, and sausage casserole, divided into individual portions that we’ll freeze and enjoy for breakfast over the next few weeks. Placing two servings in zip-lock bags will make it easy to defrost them in the refrigerator overnight as needed.

As a result, I ordered six dozen eggs, three of which I’ll use to make the big pan of this delicious breakfast dish. However, I was shocked by the price of the eggs: over $60 out of the $192 total. Due to egg shortages, Alberson’s only allows customers to purchase two dozen of each type/brand of eggs.

Subsequently, I purchased some more exprensive eggs to ensure I had enough. I prefer pasture-raised eggs over “free range” since many free-range eggs are raised as follows:

“The main difference between pasture-raised and free-range eggs is the minimum outdoor space provided to the hens. For pasture-raised eggs, each hen gets a minimum of 108 square feet of pasture for themselves.”

As a result, pasture-raised eggs are healthier. For us, that’s a good reason to pay a little more. But, I must say I was shocked when I totaled the cost of the six dozen eggs. Sure, we won’t have to buy eggs for a few weeks since we will have enough left for various other dishes.

I am always shocked by the price of Fage Greek Yogurt. Two 32-oz containers were $16.42 after a $.56 discount. Eight rolls of toilet paper were $7.69, when only a few years ago, we got 12 rolls for that price. Prices were reasonable for a few items, such as a package of Wholly Guacamole singles for $3.87 and a 24-oz bag of broccoli florets for $5.80.

Our grocery bill included a $2.23 sales tax and a $12 delivery tip. However, we purchased a month-by-month delivery program for $12.95 to avoid individual delivery fees each week, which was worth the cost. Thus, we’re not paying $60 daily for a rental car or incurring fees for Uber to take us shopping.

Plus, it’s much easier to have groceries delivered to our door than spending time in the market, bagging our groceries, hauling them out to the car, bringing them indoors, and then putting them away. All we have to do now is put them away. The prices are the same as those in the market, and with most grocery apps, we get points and discounts that we wouldn’t get shopping in the store.

A huge benefit is the lack of impulse buying, which can increase one’s shopping by 25% or more. This is especially important for us so we don’t have to deal with unused impulse purchases.

It will be interesting to see the menu prices when we head out for dinner the next two nights here in the Village. Tonight, we’ll go to Sonrisa Mexican Grill, and tomorrow night, we’ll visit The Speakeasy for the first time.

We’ll return with food photos and our experience dining out in the Village tomorrow.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 3, 2015:

Lots of action on our last day on the Big Island. For more photos, please click here.