As happens for many inland cities, the ship actually docks in a different port. Oft times these ports are dirty, gritty industrial ports that serve many masters, only one of which is the cruise industry. For our stop in Edinburgh the ship docked in the port of Leith. It is prettier and cleaner than most…
What’s In Your Backpack?
Whether you are day tripping from home or a cruise ship, or travelling alone, as a couple or with family, supporting the Scouting adage of “be prepared” is an essential travel tip. When our kids were little we carried backpacks for all their essentials. We lugged around drinks and snacks, wet wipes and extra clothes,…
Our Top 5 in Dublin, Ireland
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…