Like most we are only Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, but that doesn’t mean we didn’t embrace the Irish culture during a recent stay in Dublin. A beautiful city that is easy to navigate and in a day or two you can see many of its historic, cultural and artistic sites. Having said that don’t…
Port of Call – Istanbul
The sail in to Istanbul is one of the most beautiful in my memory. The harbour was a juxtaposition of modern and ancient with traditional fishing vessels vying for space next to speeding seadoos. The shoreline was dotted with soaring minarets that grew larger as we approached revealing the mosque underneath. It was simultaneously alive…
A Taste of Europe
We love to eat. Ken is far more adventuresome than I am but I’m still willing to try most exotic local cuisines. Taste, smell, texture and presentation are all important components of any meal, and a well-trained chef can make even the simplest of ingredients into a great experience. When we travel we try to…
Port of Call – Helsinki
What was once a part of the Russian Empire in the 19th century has become the thriving Finnish capital, and a great place to spend a day. Despite its location in the Baltic Sea Helsinki has very little medieval history. Finland was industrialized in the mid-1800’s and Helsinki beautifully displays that centuries meticulous urban design…
Roman Holiday
We have visited Rome twice. The first time was a whirlwind day as part of a Mediterranean cruise. As fast paced as that day was I do remember two things very vividly. We had lunch at an outdoor café under black lace umbrellas to shade us from the midday sun, ate a plate of pasta,…
The Five Question Philosophy for Effective Travel Interactions (or How to Talk to Practically Anyone)
The most bizarre thing happens when I am on vacation; I talk to everyone. Normally reserved around strangers, any hesitancy I have melts away under bright skies and exotic locales. It’s quite intoxicating. I will start up conversations with strangers in a queue, in a bar, on buses and trains, practically anywhere that I find…
Port of Call – Santorini
Formed around the collapsed crater of a volcano, Santorini is one of the most beautiful Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. Bright blue Mediterranean waters, whitewashed walls and azure domed roofs make this the most colourful and oft photographed of all the islands. Fira, the main city, sits atop a dramatic cliff making this a…
Port of Call – The Orkney Islands
I read somewhere that the Orkney Islands were the Holy Grail for travellers to Scotland. They are located in the far north and not easily reached by most common modes of transportation. We were lucky to have the city of Kirkwall as a port of call on a British Isles cruise, giving us the opportunity…
Planning Your Shore Excursions
Planning Your Shore Excursions Since a European cruise is really all about the port destinations it is important to plan a day ashore that meets all your travel requirements. Although the cruise line would prefer you use their excursions this is really just one alternative. Doing a little research will ensure that you find the…