, , , Nostalgia
One of the best trips my husband and I ever made was a car trip, about six months before he died, that took us through the deep south. We hit Little Rock and Memphis and while in Memphis went to Graceland and wandered through Elvisland, reliving our youth and feeling a little bit "all shook up." Loved it and I will always recall the trip fondly - and all those Cracker Barrel lunches.
Nostalgia is a biggie this year: new TV shows revisit "Pan Am," the "Playboy Club" and "Charlie's Angels." It's an intersting phenomenom and seems to be a combination of young women in skin-tight clothing and a longing for what may have been a simpler time.
I think that longing for what was is the key to this season's new TV shows, but I see it and hear it from my friends quite often.
"What's happening in the world?," "look how different things are today" are common statements. Maybe the 60s and 70s were very different. While I think each period in time brings its own situations, I do remember those days fondly.
Apparently others do as well.
Mount Airy, N.C. will be celebrating Mayberry Days Sept. 22-25, with tributes to the star of the Andy Griffith show, the town's most famous son. Actors who appeared on the show and a variety of exhibits representative of the show will be on display. For more information go to www.mayberrydays.org.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Travel is . .
. . . Sometimes accidental
I've been MIA for a while, and the last week I had a perfectly good excuse.
I was in New Jersey visiting a friend (and planned a weekend in New York to see theater and other friends,) when she and I went for a walk. My friend was planning a dinner party for me and another friend so we walked to a fruit and vegetable market a few blocks away.
To make a long story short, I fell. I fell flat on my face. Literally. I didn't break anything, but fell on my nose. A week later it is still swollen, red, scabbed over and my eyes have gone through every shade in the purple color order.
This happened at 11:30 in the morning, I spent three hours in the ER and flew home later that night. The looks on the faces of my fellow passengers were telling and I think I have some better understanding of the Elephant Man now.
I lost my theater tickets and time in New York City, but am so grateful that I am not going through the throes of a broken limb or nose or teeth, and so grateful to my friend for attending to me, that I can't waste time on self pity.
It was a ghastly week, but it could've been worse.
I could have stayed and enjoyed Hurrican Irene.
I've been MIA for a while, and the last week I had a perfectly good excuse.
I was in New Jersey visiting a friend (and planned a weekend in New York to see theater and other friends,) when she and I went for a walk. My friend was planning a dinner party for me and another friend so we walked to a fruit and vegetable market a few blocks away.
To make a long story short, I fell. I fell flat on my face. Literally. I didn't break anything, but fell on my nose. A week later it is still swollen, red, scabbed over and my eyes have gone through every shade in the purple color order.
This happened at 11:30 in the morning, I spent three hours in the ER and flew home later that night. The looks on the faces of my fellow passengers were telling and I think I have some better understanding of the Elephant Man now.
I lost my theater tickets and time in New York City, but am so grateful that I am not going through the throes of a broken limb or nose or teeth, and so grateful to my friend for attending to me, that I can't waste time on self pity.
It was a ghastly week, but it could've been worse.
I could have stayed and enjoyed Hurrican Irene.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Travel is . .
. . . Doing well
In a time when costs for most things are sky high, when the stock market goes south and the country's financial ratings slip, cruise line business seems to be going great guns. In today's Sun-Sentinel newspaper I read an article about Carnival Corp. and plc building three new ships. Two will sail under Carnival's AIDA brand flag and one for Costa. The cost is just under $800 million for the Costa ship and $1.3 for the AIDA vessels.
Yes the cruise business seems to be good.
Espcially at the high end. I recently wrote a story about premium cruise ships and had several public relations people tell me the vessels are going out full. People are booking expensive, luxury cruises.
While gas prices hover around $3.80 a gallon and masses moan, more and more folks are
clamboring aboard cruise ship for a sea-going vacation.
A travel agent friend told me she is booking luxury holidays for couples in their 20s and 30s as well as retirees. Premium cruises are full and mass-market sailings are also doing extremely well.
It is an interesting (and interesting doesn't always mean good,)time all the way around: in politics, entertainment and business most certainly. The travel biz is no exception - certainly not in the field of cruises.
In a time when costs for most things are sky high, when the stock market goes south and the country's financial ratings slip, cruise line business seems to be going great guns. In today's Sun-Sentinel newspaper I read an article about Carnival Corp. and plc building three new ships. Two will sail under Carnival's AIDA brand flag and one for Costa. The cost is just under $800 million for the Costa ship and $1.3 for the AIDA vessels.
Yes the cruise business seems to be good.
Espcially at the high end. I recently wrote a story about premium cruise ships and had several public relations people tell me the vessels are going out full. People are booking expensive, luxury cruises.
While gas prices hover around $3.80 a gallon and masses moan, more and more folks are
clamboring aboard cruise ship for a sea-going vacation.
A travel agent friend told me she is booking luxury holidays for couples in their 20s and 30s as well as retirees. Premium cruises are full and mass-market sailings are also doing extremely well.
It is an interesting (and interesting doesn't always mean good,)time all the way around: in politics, entertainment and business most certainly. The travel biz is no exception - certainly not in the field of cruises.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Travel is . . .
. . .Right now? H O T.
I spent three days in Indianapolis last week, making plans for a convention I am chairing for Society of American Travel Writers in September 2012. I walked through meeting venues, explored parks and museums and ate at a few of the many fine restaurants the city offers.
One of the little luxuries, after professional development, networking, and of course sightseeing for story/photo materials in Indy we will offer as an incentive, is an opportunity for a few of our members to get a massage at the utterly charming and elegant Evan Todd Spa in the Conrad hotel in downtown Indianapolis.
I test drove a massage, chosing three Chakras: No. 3, Grounded, No. 4, Harmony and No. 6, Insight. Whether or not I buy the whole concept, whether I am now grounded. harmonious or have more insight is probably debatable. I know that after two heavy-duty days of trekking through Indy, I was thoroughly relaxed, had an incredible massage and felt great.
Indy is a great midwestern city. As a former midwesterner but a long-time South Florida resident I found their obsession with the heatwave humorous. For years people have said to me "how can you stand Florida in the summer?" and I have said we just do, we go from air-conditioned homes to air-conditioned cars to air-conditioned stores, etc., etc. And actually, it felt 10 degrees cooler when we landed in Fort Lauderdale.
After my friend picked me up I had to ask him to lower the air conditioning. I was too cold!
Incidentally, an article in the Sun-Sentinel the other day noted that Fort Lauderdale has the lowest travel-related taxes of the top 50 destination in the U.S.
Come on down.
I spent three days in Indianapolis last week, making plans for a convention I am chairing for Society of American Travel Writers in September 2012. I walked through meeting venues, explored parks and museums and ate at a few of the many fine restaurants the city offers.
One of the little luxuries, after professional development, networking, and of course sightseeing for story/photo materials in Indy we will offer as an incentive, is an opportunity for a few of our members to get a massage at the utterly charming and elegant Evan Todd Spa in the Conrad hotel in downtown Indianapolis.
I test drove a massage, chosing three Chakras: No. 3, Grounded, No. 4, Harmony and No. 6, Insight. Whether or not I buy the whole concept, whether I am now grounded. harmonious or have more insight is probably debatable. I know that after two heavy-duty days of trekking through Indy, I was thoroughly relaxed, had an incredible massage and felt great.
Indy is a great midwestern city. As a former midwesterner but a long-time South Florida resident I found their obsession with the heatwave humorous. For years people have said to me "how can you stand Florida in the summer?" and I have said we just do, we go from air-conditioned homes to air-conditioned cars to air-conditioned stores, etc., etc. And actually, it felt 10 degrees cooler when we landed in Fort Lauderdale.
After my friend picked me up I had to ask him to lower the air conditioning. I was too cold!
Incidentally, an article in the Sun-Sentinel the other day noted that Fort Lauderdale has the lowest travel-related taxes of the top 50 destination in the U.S.
Come on down.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Travel is . . .
. . .In the blood
This week my sons - three of them - were in Kansas City, Washington, DC an Las Vegas respectively. The first two cities were business trips, Las Vegas? Not so much. They inherited the traveling gene from me. None of us ever really complain about travel. Even in this time and place.
I leave early in the morning for a short trip to Indianapolis to plan for a convention to take place their next year.
I realized today that after three or four months of practically back-to-back trips, I'd been home for a month. It was a month ago that I walked off Allure of the Seas with my son, daughter-in-law and three grandkids. It was a great trip, a wonderful cruise on a wonderful ship. (And I did need a rest when I came home.)
But I guess that old Dalmatian fire dog and I respond similarly. I know the next few days will be full (and probably very hot) but I am looking forward to going to Indy, to making plans for the meeting and even the joy of flying!
I've another short trip planned for later August and a third in September and am weighing a couple of other options. It is addictive, I know. I watch as friends agonize over packing and am fairly casual about the process myself.
I know the day will come when it will not be fun, but until then, Indy here I come.
This week my sons - three of them - were in Kansas City, Washington, DC an Las Vegas respectively. The first two cities were business trips, Las Vegas? Not so much. They inherited the traveling gene from me. None of us ever really complain about travel. Even in this time and place.
I leave early in the morning for a short trip to Indianapolis to plan for a convention to take place their next year.
I realized today that after three or four months of practically back-to-back trips, I'd been home for a month. It was a month ago that I walked off Allure of the Seas with my son, daughter-in-law and three grandkids. It was a great trip, a wonderful cruise on a wonderful ship. (And I did need a rest when I came home.)
But I guess that old Dalmatian fire dog and I respond similarly. I know the next few days will be full (and probably very hot) but I am looking forward to going to Indy, to making plans for the meeting and even the joy of flying!
I've another short trip planned for later August and a third in September and am weighing a couple of other options. It is addictive, I know. I watch as friends agonize over packing and am fairly casual about the process myself.
I know the day will come when it will not be fun, but until then, Indy here I come.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Travel is . . .
. . .maybe another time
Two of my sons are meeting in Las Vegas next week. This morning my physical therapist told me she's heading to the Nevada city in a couple of weeks and one of her colleagues will be there at the same time. My CPA is flying out in a day or two and I woman I met at the beauty parlor leaves for her first trip to Vegas in a month.
Yep. Las Vegas remains a popular travel destination. Rates are good, promotional rates even better and the entertainment is still top drawer.
I love Las Vegas and was scheduled to fly there with my son last month. We had to cancel the trip, but I am sure, before the year is out, I too will journey back to Las Vegas.
I've been going there for about 40 years. I've played blackjack in a dozen casinos seen all the show biz greats: I've been embarassed sitting in the first row at a Don Rickles show; been enamored by Frank Sinatra and the "rat pack," (years later by an aging Tom Jones,) seen Paul Anka and Ann Margret, Redd Foxx, Mort Sahl and Buddy Hackett, Leno, Seinfeld, lots of Cirque shows - the Beatles "Love" twice - and had many enjoyable first class meals.
Years ago Las Vegas marketed itself as family-friendly. It's not. It is an adult Disney World. Topless pools, sexually charged shows and pricey restaurants are for adults. Chicken fingers and kids' cups are family-friendly.
I am delighted, that after a few years of terrible tourism people are rediscovering Las Vegas.
Two of my sons are meeting in Las Vegas next week. This morning my physical therapist told me she's heading to the Nevada city in a couple of weeks and one of her colleagues will be there at the same time. My CPA is flying out in a day or two and I woman I met at the beauty parlor leaves for her first trip to Vegas in a month.
Yep. Las Vegas remains a popular travel destination. Rates are good, promotional rates even better and the entertainment is still top drawer.
I love Las Vegas and was scheduled to fly there with my son last month. We had to cancel the trip, but I am sure, before the year is out, I too will journey back to Las Vegas.
I've been going there for about 40 years. I've played blackjack in a dozen casinos seen all the show biz greats: I've been embarassed sitting in the first row at a Don Rickles show; been enamored by Frank Sinatra and the "rat pack," (years later by an aging Tom Jones,) seen Paul Anka and Ann Margret, Redd Foxx, Mort Sahl and Buddy Hackett, Leno, Seinfeld, lots of Cirque shows - the Beatles "Love" twice - and had many enjoyable first class meals.
Years ago Las Vegas marketed itself as family-friendly. It's not. It is an adult Disney World. Topless pools, sexually charged shows and pricey restaurants are for adults. Chicken fingers and kids' cups are family-friendly.
I am delighted, that after a few years of terrible tourism people are rediscovering Las Vegas.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Travel is . . .
. . .a kind of history
I found out on Monday that two friends were planning to attend the firt 3D ballet at a local theater Tuesday night. These are two women who are long-time friends, our kids grew up together, we have shared many rites of passage and many good times and bad. I felt very comfortable inviting myself along.
I had been to the movies on Sunday and fleetingly saw a promotion for the ballet but didn't note the name of the ballet or of the company. Then I heard lt was the Mariinsky company of St. Petersburg - renamed Kirov during USSR days.
I had shlepped my husband to the Mariinsky when our ship spent two days in St. Petersburg. I nagged him into a jacket and although it was in the high 80s and very humid in the beautiful Russian city, he wore one.
This was during a very hot summer, probably about 1993 or 1994, and the theater, while still beautiful had not been maintained well under earlier governments. Many seats were broken, the upholstery torn and it had the aura of being sadly in need of a major rehab. And, of course, did not have air conditioning! My husband's dismay resulted ln his removing the jacket and placing it next to him on a (broken) seat - as did 99 percent of the men in the audience.
But when the lights went down and the curtains opened, all thought of heat, folded sports jackets, former governing styles and everything else disappeared. The dancers were amazing, their skills outstanding and although I truly cannot remember the name of the ballet we saw, it was a riveting experience. One I won't forget.
It all came rushing back when I saw the newest generation of Mariinsky dancers dance the haunting GISELLE. (The ballet was filmed in 2010.)
They are true artists, the large corps de ballet is fantastic and the lead dancers take your breath away.
It's just another reason I love travel -- and long-time friends!
I found out on Monday that two friends were planning to attend the firt 3D ballet at a local theater Tuesday night. These are two women who are long-time friends, our kids grew up together, we have shared many rites of passage and many good times and bad. I felt very comfortable inviting myself along.
I had been to the movies on Sunday and fleetingly saw a promotion for the ballet but didn't note the name of the ballet or of the company. Then I heard lt was the Mariinsky company of St. Petersburg - renamed Kirov during USSR days.
I had shlepped my husband to the Mariinsky when our ship spent two days in St. Petersburg. I nagged him into a jacket and although it was in the high 80s and very humid in the beautiful Russian city, he wore one.
This was during a very hot summer, probably about 1993 or 1994, and the theater, while still beautiful had not been maintained well under earlier governments. Many seats were broken, the upholstery torn and it had the aura of being sadly in need of a major rehab. And, of course, did not have air conditioning! My husband's dismay resulted ln his removing the jacket and placing it next to him on a (broken) seat - as did 99 percent of the men in the audience.
But when the lights went down and the curtains opened, all thought of heat, folded sports jackets, former governing styles and everything else disappeared. The dancers were amazing, their skills outstanding and although I truly cannot remember the name of the ballet we saw, it was a riveting experience. One I won't forget.
It all came rushing back when I saw the newest generation of Mariinsky dancers dance the haunting GISELLE. (The ballet was filmed in 2010.)
They are true artists, the large corps de ballet is fantastic and the lead dancers take your breath away.
It's just another reason I love travel -- and long-time friends!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Travel is . . .
. . . Seeing what other people choose to do
I know it is the height of the summer vacation season and among my friends and acquaintances cruising remains a popular choice.
One friend recently returned to Florida from a New York visit complete with Broadway shows and topped by a five-day cruise to Canada on Carnival Glory. Another friend is making the exact same plans for Labor Day weekend.
Some are planning more elaborate cruises, flying to Rome and discovering the Eastern Med, while still others are heading to Spain and Portugal. One friend is on a hiking tour of Northern Spain as I write this.
Many locals head to the hills of North Carolina for all or most of the summer and quite a few opt for across-state visits to West Coast Florida beach vacations.
And since South Florida is the gateway to the Caribbean, others choose beach-y vacations. Right now the Dominican Republic is popular.
Me? I'm home for a while, I have a couple of short trips lined up for later this month and then New York in August, but I have a cruise planned for November and that remains my favorite form of travel.
Bon voyage.
Isn't it wonderful that there is such variety!
I know it is the height of the summer vacation season and among my friends and acquaintances cruising remains a popular choice.
One friend recently returned to Florida from a New York visit complete with Broadway shows and topped by a five-day cruise to Canada on Carnival Glory. Another friend is making the exact same plans for Labor Day weekend.
Some are planning more elaborate cruises, flying to Rome and discovering the Eastern Med, while still others are heading to Spain and Portugal. One friend is on a hiking tour of Northern Spain as I write this.
Many locals head to the hills of North Carolina for all or most of the summer and quite a few opt for across-state visits to West Coast Florida beach vacations.
And since South Florida is the gateway to the Caribbean, others choose beach-y vacations. Right now the Dominican Republic is popular.
Me? I'm home for a while, I have a couple of short trips lined up for later this month and then New York in August, but I have a cruise planned for November and that remains my favorite form of travel.
Bon voyage.
Isn't it wonderful that there is such variety!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Travel is . . .
. . . Coming home
After all these years of travel, coming home has become a ritual. I unpack my toiletries, medicine and clean clothes as soon as I can. I do laundry - almost compulsively - and slowly empty the shoes, purses and the rest of the clothes, setting the dry cleaning aside for my next journey out.
I find the ritual comforting. While the travels may all be different, the sameness of returning to my home: my kitchen, my bed, my own belongings is very soothing.
That's not to say I don't enjoy travel as much as I used to. I still love the wandering and just returned from a seven-day cruise on the wonderful Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest ginormous ship. It was great. The ship is huge and offers a variety of wonderful entertainment, seemingly countless venues to pack on calories and great service.
I spent two days on the inaugural of the ship late last year and this past seven days, but I am sure there are a great many more surprises for me the next time I sail.
I had a good time with my son, daughter-in-law and grandsons and we are all looking forward to the arrival this weekend of another son, daughter-in-law and grandson and more family time.
And I am putting the finishing touches on a trip to New York.
There'll be plenty of time when I get old(er) to stay home.
As comforting as it is to be back.
After all these years of travel, coming home has become a ritual. I unpack my toiletries, medicine and clean clothes as soon as I can. I do laundry - almost compulsively - and slowly empty the shoes, purses and the rest of the clothes, setting the dry cleaning aside for my next journey out.
I find the ritual comforting. While the travels may all be different, the sameness of returning to my home: my kitchen, my bed, my own belongings is very soothing.
That's not to say I don't enjoy travel as much as I used to. I still love the wandering and just returned from a seven-day cruise on the wonderful Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest ginormous ship. It was great. The ship is huge and offers a variety of wonderful entertainment, seemingly countless venues to pack on calories and great service.
I spent two days on the inaugural of the ship late last year and this past seven days, but I am sure there are a great many more surprises for me the next time I sail.
I had a good time with my son, daughter-in-law and grandsons and we are all looking forward to the arrival this weekend of another son, daughter-in-law and grandson and more family time.
And I am putting the finishing touches on a trip to New York.
There'll be plenty of time when I get old(er) to stay home.
As comforting as it is to be back.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Travel is . . .
. . .Waiting
I am waiting for my son, daughter-in-law and three young grandsons. They'll be here in about two-and-a-half hours and we will head for Port Everglades and a week-long family cruise.
That's a lot of togetherness. When one lives a quiet adult senior life, planning to spend time with family is always exciting. I love my kids and grandkids and enjoy the time we spend together - whether it is on a big, lovely ship. at a family party celebrating a rite of passage or in a European capital - I feel real gratitude that my kids want to share time with me.
So here I sit. My bags are packed. My computer, chargers for my phone, camera and Kindle are tucked away. I have the ship's tags on the bags and it's easy for me.
At my son's house I imagine a bit of a more chaotic scene with the little ones taking special toys and everyone rushing around.
It is basically one of those rites of passage I mentioned. The growth of a family vs. the life of a senior and I am doing what I have to do.
I have written about traveling solo, and it works out well when I do. I have met some lovely people and have no qualms about doing so again. But today will be different.
Cruising is a favorite of mine. It is the means of travel I enjoy most. You board, unpack and you're done until time for disembarkation. Doing it with some of the people I love most? What can go wrong?
I'll let you know.
I am waiting for my son, daughter-in-law and three young grandsons. They'll be here in about two-and-a-half hours and we will head for Port Everglades and a week-long family cruise.
That's a lot of togetherness. When one lives a quiet adult senior life, planning to spend time with family is always exciting. I love my kids and grandkids and enjoy the time we spend together - whether it is on a big, lovely ship. at a family party celebrating a rite of passage or in a European capital - I feel real gratitude that my kids want to share time with me.
So here I sit. My bags are packed. My computer, chargers for my phone, camera and Kindle are tucked away. I have the ship's tags on the bags and it's easy for me.
At my son's house I imagine a bit of a more chaotic scene with the little ones taking special toys and everyone rushing around.
It is basically one of those rites of passage I mentioned. The growth of a family vs. the life of a senior and I am doing what I have to do.
I have written about traveling solo, and it works out well when I do. I have met some lovely people and have no qualms about doing so again. But today will be different.
Cruising is a favorite of mine. It is the means of travel I enjoy most. You board, unpack and you're done until time for disembarkation. Doing it with some of the people I love most? What can go wrong?
I'll let you know.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Travel is . . .
. . .Wonderful on film.
I saw the new Woody Allen film, Midnight in Paris, this afternoon. The film, out about three weeks, has variously garnered three-and-a-half or four stars and for my money, it's definitely a winner.
Anyone who has ever spent time in the City of Lights, will love the film. They will love the opening shots of the Champs Elysees, Montmarte, Place de La Concorde, Fouquet's Restaurant (which is very tourist-y but serves great roast duck,) Musee d'Orsay, the bateaux mouche and the city's myriad outdoor cafes. Paris in the rain, the film's lead actor thinks, is wonderful.
After half a dozen visits to Paris, I concur. The city is probably the most romantic in the world and definitely one of the most beautiful. Certinly very photogenic.
The film focuses on a young American writer. He, his toxic fiancee and her parents, go to Paris and stay at the presitigious Hotel Crillon. He wants to wander, he definitely wants to discover the Paris of Hemmingway, Picasso, Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Tokls and Scott and Zelda Fitzgerland and the whole panoply of cultural icons of the 1920s who lived and loved in Paris. In his wandering he "sees" thexe amazing ex-pats and ultimately falls in love with a young woman who has lived with Picasso, Hemmingway and Modigliani and Braque. She, in turn, fantasizes about Paris of the 1890s, La Belle Epoque.
It is an entertaining film and may wind up an Allen classic.
And speaking of entertaining, I saw a piece on Saturday morning television about Debbie Reynold's costly collection of movie memorabilia going up for auction June 15.
She has been collecting for years and has Judy Garland's garnet slippers from the Wizard of Oz, Liz Taylor's headdress from Cleopatra, and the famed white silk pleated dress Marilyn Monroe wore in Seven Year Itch.
I saw some of her amazing collection in Las Vegas about 20 years ago. It is awesome.
I saw the new Woody Allen film, Midnight in Paris, this afternoon. The film, out about three weeks, has variously garnered three-and-a-half or four stars and for my money, it's definitely a winner.
Anyone who has ever spent time in the City of Lights, will love the film. They will love the opening shots of the Champs Elysees, Montmarte, Place de La Concorde, Fouquet's Restaurant (which is very tourist-y but serves great roast duck,) Musee d'Orsay, the bateaux mouche and the city's myriad outdoor cafes. Paris in the rain, the film's lead actor thinks, is wonderful.
After half a dozen visits to Paris, I concur. The city is probably the most romantic in the world and definitely one of the most beautiful. Certinly very photogenic.
The film focuses on a young American writer. He, his toxic fiancee and her parents, go to Paris and stay at the presitigious Hotel Crillon. He wants to wander, he definitely wants to discover the Paris of Hemmingway, Picasso, Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Tokls and Scott and Zelda Fitzgerland and the whole panoply of cultural icons of the 1920s who lived and loved in Paris. In his wandering he "sees" thexe amazing ex-pats and ultimately falls in love with a young woman who has lived with Picasso, Hemmingway and Modigliani and Braque. She, in turn, fantasizes about Paris of the 1890s, La Belle Epoque.
It is an entertaining film and may wind up an Allen classic.
And speaking of entertaining, I saw a piece on Saturday morning television about Debbie Reynold's costly collection of movie memorabilia going up for auction June 15.
She has been collecting for years and has Judy Garland's garnet slippers from the Wizard of Oz, Liz Taylor's headdress from Cleopatra, and the famed white silk pleated dress Marilyn Monroe wore in Seven Year Itch.
I saw some of her amazing collection in Las Vegas about 20 years ago. It is awesome.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Travel is...
Getting from here to there...
Or in my case yesterday, getting from there to here.
My son and I, his daughter and her boyfriend, had plans that included flying from Houston to Las Vegas. I would overnight in Houston on the way home and then take a flight - nonstop - to Fort Lauderdale.
The best laid plans of mice and man - and grandmothers - change. My son ran a fever -the young folks decided to go anyway, and I decided to come home.
My original ticket on Southwest was to fly direct from Houston Hobby to Fort Lauderdale. Quick changes don't work out quite as well as advance planning, and I was routed from Houston to New Orleans to Fort Lauderdale. I am not complaining. It worked well. I had lunch at Pappadeaux at Houston Hobby, a yogurt in New Orleans and didn't need to eat dinner when I arrived home about 8:45 pm. My time between flights was little more than an hour.
Southwest Airlines is a traveler's dream. Both flights left on time, arrived at their destination early and my luggage made the transfer. What more can a traveler ask for?
Oh sure, the business first on Iberia that I flew a few weeks ago from Miami to Barcelona and back was more comfortable (I think I slept five hours straight in the seats that reclined fully and were oh-so-comfy,) and much more luxurious, but if your goal is to get from here to there with a minimum of effort, Southwest is always the best answer. My gates were actually practically across from each other!
Being flexible is half the problem when traveling. But when a good plan comes together, it's probably because you flew Southwest.
Or in my case yesterday, getting from there to here.
My son and I, his daughter and her boyfriend, had plans that included flying from Houston to Las Vegas. I would overnight in Houston on the way home and then take a flight - nonstop - to Fort Lauderdale.
The best laid plans of mice and man - and grandmothers - change. My son ran a fever -the young folks decided to go anyway, and I decided to come home.
My original ticket on Southwest was to fly direct from Houston Hobby to Fort Lauderdale. Quick changes don't work out quite as well as advance planning, and I was routed from Houston to New Orleans to Fort Lauderdale. I am not complaining. It worked well. I had lunch at Pappadeaux at Houston Hobby, a yogurt in New Orleans and didn't need to eat dinner when I arrived home about 8:45 pm. My time between flights was little more than an hour.
Southwest Airlines is a traveler's dream. Both flights left on time, arrived at their destination early and my luggage made the transfer. What more can a traveler ask for?
Oh sure, the business first on Iberia that I flew a few weeks ago from Miami to Barcelona and back was more comfortable (I think I slept five hours straight in the seats that reclined fully and were oh-so-comfy,) and much more luxurious, but if your goal is to get from here to there with a minimum of effort, Southwest is always the best answer. My gates were actually practically across from each other!
Being flexible is half the problem when traveling. But when a good plan comes together, it's probably because you flew Southwest.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Travel is....
Always a treat.
But travel to be with family, especially when it is a family occasion, is really special.
I came to Houston for two graduations: my grandson's eighth grade promotion to high school and my grandaughter's (she's my only granddaughter, the eight other grandchildren are boys) college gradutation. My son and daughter-in-law had a big party last night at their home to celebrate. It was awesome. The young people with whom our grandkids grew up, my kids' friends and my grandaughter's boyfriend's family who drove in from San Antonio made it a great evening.
I haven't gone to one museum, seen one historic site, taken pictures or spent time in tour buses. I have had a marvelous time with my grandkids, son and daughter-in-law, enjoying the sense of family that is the life blood of growing older.
I am a lucky grandmother and most appreciative of this kind of travel.
But travel to be with family, especially when it is a family occasion, is really special.
I came to Houston for two graduations: my grandson's eighth grade promotion to high school and my grandaughter's (she's my only granddaughter, the eight other grandchildren are boys) college gradutation. My son and daughter-in-law had a big party last night at their home to celebrate. It was awesome. The young people with whom our grandkids grew up, my kids' friends and my grandaughter's boyfriend's family who drove in from San Antonio made it a great evening.
I haven't gone to one museum, seen one historic site, taken pictures or spent time in tour buses. I have had a marvelous time with my grandkids, son and daughter-in-law, enjoying the sense of family that is the life blood of growing older.
I am a lucky grandmother and most appreciative of this kind of travel.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Travel is. . .
STILL an important part of my life.
I havn't blogged on this site since mid March, and truly have been traveling most of the last two-and-a-half months, but I have been blogging about my travels on another site. www.allthingscruise.com. Please take a look and read about my last few cruises and a week-long trip with other writers to Barcelonm Spain,
I am actually at my son's right now, (enjoying family times which are the cherries on top of travel,) and early next week some of us will head to Las Vegas for a couple of days. I'll be home about 10 days then ship out on another cruise with another son and his family.
Many years ago, in the 1950s, a popular book was entitled "What Makes Sammy Run?" It was the story of a guy with some nasty talents - and I claim none of those - but who kept on moving. A couple of my friends ask why I travel so much and some have intimated I run to escape. Not true. I have always juggled a writing career and a successful personal life, a love of travel and a love of my home.
So now, I'm back. I will be juggling both blogsites and sharing some unique travel experiences with you.
Stay tuned.
I havn't blogged on this site since mid March, and truly have been traveling most of the last two-and-a-half months, but I have been blogging about my travels on another site. www.allthingscruise.com. Please take a look and read about my last few cruises and a week-long trip with other writers to Barcelonm Spain,
I am actually at my son's right now, (enjoying family times which are the cherries on top of travel,) and early next week some of us will head to Las Vegas for a couple of days. I'll be home about 10 days then ship out on another cruise with another son and his family.
Many years ago, in the 1950s, a popular book was entitled "What Makes Sammy Run?" It was the story of a guy with some nasty talents - and I claim none of those - but who kept on moving. A couple of my friends ask why I travel so much and some have intimated I run to escape. Not true. I have always juggled a writing career and a successful personal life, a love of travel and a love of my home.
So now, I'm back. I will be juggling both blogsites and sharing some unique travel experiences with you.
Stay tuned.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Travel is . . .
. . . Not difficult if you are traveling alone
First of all, you tend to be more open to conversations with strangers and consequently meet more people than when you travel with another person.
Secondly,some people are just amazingly kind and inclusive. They'll invite you to sit with them at dinner, a show or a cocktail party. You always have the option of refusing.
I just spent a week on the new Holland America ship, Nieuw Amsterdam, reviewing it for a couple of publications. The ship is gorgeous, the officers and crew gracious. I blogged about the ship on www.allthingscruise.com.
Some strange things happen when you travel alone.
On the very first day, at boat drill, I met a woman,about my age and definitely height-challenged as I am. Because we both hover at around 5 feet (I'm actually 5' 1") we were positioned in the front of the line.
She said she's traveling alone, "so am I," I echoed, and a friendship took hold. We met for breakfast, had dinner together a couple of times and saw one of the ship's shows together. I believe we will keep in touch.
Then I took a shore excursion to El Yunque National Forest in San Juan. A young boy sat next to me on the bus with his parents two rows in front. He was from the Orlando area and knew the high school my grandsons had attended. Coincidence enough? No, he was born in the hospital in which I volunteer and where my youngest son was born. At one of the photo op spots I introduced myself to his parents and discovered his mom is the niece of a long-time friend with whom I'd had dinner 10 ddays earlier.
That night at dinner, my new friend and I were seated with a couple from California. After a lengthy conversation about food, cruising and books, he mentioned he'd lived in my exact Chicago neighborhood at about the same time I lived there as a young teen.
Coincidences? I am not sure. I know if I wasn't open to friendly overtures I would not have had as good a time.
A smile, my mother used to tell me, never hurts.
First of all, you tend to be more open to conversations with strangers and consequently meet more people than when you travel with another person.
Secondly,some people are just amazingly kind and inclusive. They'll invite you to sit with them at dinner, a show or a cocktail party. You always have the option of refusing.
I just spent a week on the new Holland America ship, Nieuw Amsterdam, reviewing it for a couple of publications. The ship is gorgeous, the officers and crew gracious. I blogged about the ship on www.allthingscruise.com.
Some strange things happen when you travel alone.
On the very first day, at boat drill, I met a woman,about my age and definitely height-challenged as I am. Because we both hover at around 5 feet (I'm actually 5' 1") we were positioned in the front of the line.
She said she's traveling alone, "so am I," I echoed, and a friendship took hold. We met for breakfast, had dinner together a couple of times and saw one of the ship's shows together. I believe we will keep in touch.
Then I took a shore excursion to El Yunque National Forest in San Juan. A young boy sat next to me on the bus with his parents two rows in front. He was from the Orlando area and knew the high school my grandsons had attended. Coincidence enough? No, he was born in the hospital in which I volunteer and where my youngest son was born. At one of the photo op spots I introduced myself to his parents and discovered his mom is the niece of a long-time friend with whom I'd had dinner 10 ddays earlier.
That night at dinner, my new friend and I were seated with a couple from California. After a lengthy conversation about food, cruising and books, he mentioned he'd lived in my exact Chicago neighborhood at about the same time I lived there as a young teen.
Coincidences? I am not sure. I know if I wasn't open to friendly overtures I would not have had as good a time.
A smile, my mother used to tell me, never hurts.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Travel is . . .
. . .Seeing an old friend
I flew to Turku, Finland for the float out of the Crystal Symphony luxury cruise ship in 1995. It was very exciting and walking through the ship with my hard hat on, I knew she was going to be a beauty.
I saw her again today, when I visited and saw the changes the cruise line has made. She does not look like a 16-year-old vessel. With a new pool deck and lounge area featuring charming orange and turquoise hues, a new lounge - Luxe - which doubles as a disco and features furniture designed by Philippe Starck, and redone Silk Road and Prego restaurants.
I first sailed on the Symphony in the Baltic, and unabashedly enjoyed the elegant ship and our luxurious cabin. One evening, when we returned to the ship tired and chose not to dress for dinner, our butler picked up a movie for the DVD player and popped popcorn for us instead.
Oh yes, butler service is tough to get used to, but I forced myself.
It was really one of the first luxury ships I'd sailed on and maybe that's why it is so memorable. Whatever the reason, and although I have sailed another time or two on Symphony and her sister Crystal Serenity, it was charming to visit with an old friend.
I flew to Turku, Finland for the float out of the Crystal Symphony luxury cruise ship in 1995. It was very exciting and walking through the ship with my hard hat on, I knew she was going to be a beauty.
I saw her again today, when I visited and saw the changes the cruise line has made. She does not look like a 16-year-old vessel. With a new pool deck and lounge area featuring charming orange and turquoise hues, a new lounge - Luxe - which doubles as a disco and features furniture designed by Philippe Starck, and redone Silk Road and Prego restaurants.
I first sailed on the Symphony in the Baltic, and unabashedly enjoyed the elegant ship and our luxurious cabin. One evening, when we returned to the ship tired and chose not to dress for dinner, our butler picked up a movie for the DVD player and popped popcorn for us instead.
Oh yes, butler service is tough to get used to, but I forced myself.
It was really one of the first luxury ships I'd sailed on and maybe that's why it is so memorable. Whatever the reason, and although I have sailed another time or two on Symphony and her sister Crystal Serenity, it was charming to visit with an old friend.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Travel is . . .
. . .Sometimes painful
The television film from Japan, as I watch the Sunday evening news, is brutal. It has been almost three days since the monster earthquake and resultant tsunami destroyed so much of that beautiful country. Three days and thousands of deaths.
Painful.
It has been many years since I visited Japan - 17 exactly - but I will never forget the view from our lovely room at Tokyo's Park Hyatt Hotel. We looked out on Mt. Fuji, occasionally misted over, but always discernible if only by its unique shape. And to us, the entire country was unique. I play that scene of beautiful serenity over and over in my head as I watch the gruesome sights on my television screen.
I really loved Japan.
I thought Kyoto and Osaka were charming andwas mesmerized and awed by the Atomic Bomb Museum in Nagasaki. The countryside, people, shrines, the vertical growth of Tokyo were all remarkable.
It was an experience of the senses and the end of a 14-day stay in Asia. The three days in Tokyo were a highlight I will never forget.
When I view the horrendous destruction the storm visited on the country - and the damage to Hawaii and the Northern California coast - I am once again made aware of the power of nature. It is absolutely daunting.
And painful.
The television film from Japan, as I watch the Sunday evening news, is brutal. It has been almost three days since the monster earthquake and resultant tsunami destroyed so much of that beautiful country. Three days and thousands of deaths.
Painful.
It has been many years since I visited Japan - 17 exactly - but I will never forget the view from our lovely room at Tokyo's Park Hyatt Hotel. We looked out on Mt. Fuji, occasionally misted over, but always discernible if only by its unique shape. And to us, the entire country was unique. I play that scene of beautiful serenity over and over in my head as I watch the gruesome sights on my television screen.
I really loved Japan.
I thought Kyoto and Osaka were charming andwas mesmerized and awed by the Atomic Bomb Museum in Nagasaki. The countryside, people, shrines, the vertical growth of Tokyo were all remarkable.
It was an experience of the senses and the end of a 14-day stay in Asia. The three days in Tokyo were a highlight I will never forget.
When I view the horrendous destruction the storm visited on the country - and the damage to Hawaii and the Northern California coast - I am once again made aware of the power of nature. It is absolutely daunting.
And painful.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Travel is. . .
. . .Trying not to sound like a know-it-all.
Friends of mine are planning a major trip next year to celebrate a major event in their lives. The scheme involves a cruise from Barcelona to Italy and back to Barcelona. They are excited beyond words and I am excited for them.
I have sailed on that itinerary several times and love it. But when you encourage friends or family to see things you've enjoyed and use phrases like "oh, it was wonderful, beautiful, marvelous (you fill in the adjective)," you're taking on a responsibility. I don't really relish that aspect of travel advice, but I do have a tremendous enthusiasm for the getting-up-and-going part of travel.
I recommended several things that were key for me in Barcelona, like the Picasso Museum, a stroll on the Ramblas and the amazing Gaudi architecture, then I suddenly stopped short. Let them experience what they want.
Sometimes there's the generational experience.
My late husband and I did a 4,000-mile car trip in 2007. We included a visit to Little Rock and the Clinton Library, the home shown in the "Designing Women" television show and historic Central High School. We went on to Memphis, explored every inch of Graceland and Beale Street and loved the music.
One of my sons and his wife are planning to do that trip this spring. Elvis was important in our lives. He was a contemporary and his music is eternal. We were both Clinton fans, and who could not be impressed by the site where integration took hold?
I hope my kids enjoy their trip. They both know how much we enjoyed touring and the drive itself, so good luck.
But I do try - not always successfully - to not be a know-it-all.
Friends of mine are planning a major trip next year to celebrate a major event in their lives. The scheme involves a cruise from Barcelona to Italy and back to Barcelona. They are excited beyond words and I am excited for them.
I have sailed on that itinerary several times and love it. But when you encourage friends or family to see things you've enjoyed and use phrases like "oh, it was wonderful, beautiful, marvelous (you fill in the adjective)," you're taking on a responsibility. I don't really relish that aspect of travel advice, but I do have a tremendous enthusiasm for the getting-up-and-going part of travel.
I recommended several things that were key for me in Barcelona, like the Picasso Museum, a stroll on the Ramblas and the amazing Gaudi architecture, then I suddenly stopped short. Let them experience what they want.
Sometimes there's the generational experience.
My late husband and I did a 4,000-mile car trip in 2007. We included a visit to Little Rock and the Clinton Library, the home shown in the "Designing Women" television show and historic Central High School. We went on to Memphis, explored every inch of Graceland and Beale Street and loved the music.
One of my sons and his wife are planning to do that trip this spring. Elvis was important in our lives. He was a contemporary and his music is eternal. We were both Clinton fans, and who could not be impressed by the site where integration took hold?
I hope my kids enjoy their trip. They both know how much we enjoyed touring and the drive itself, so good luck.
But I do try - not always successfully - to not be a know-it-all.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Travel is . . .
Remembering . . .
I haven't blogged for a while, the end result of a couple of family medical challenges, thankfully resolved successfully. And while I haven't traveled since sailing on the two-day instroduction of Disney Dream in January, and am having some withdrawal symptoms, I will be hitting the road soon.
There are some places that are seasonal, in other words more pleasant to visit at one time of year than another. Keukenhof Gardens, in Holland is a case in point. The Gardens are only open to the public from March 24 to May 20. First visitors are admitted at 8am and the Gardens close at 7:30pm.
Keukenhof was originally the herb garden of the Countess of Holland, Jacoba van Beyeren (1401-1436). "Keuken" means kitchen in Dutch.
I guess I visited the Gardens some dozen or so years ago. The absolutely exquisite riot of colors, the rich reds, oranges, blues and lilacs, the vibrancy of the greens and the total beauty of the area were magnificent and memorable. And when I think of spring journeys, that's one I treasure most.
I don't pretend to know the names of all the flowers and plants, but - as with so many things in life, I know what I like - I loved the Gardens and wandered for hours. Tulips of course, in every imagineable hue, were the most dramatic.
The theme of this year's exhibit is "Germany: Land of Poets and Philosphers," and many of the Gardens will feature inspirationsal German twists. The flowering bulb mosaic of the Brandenburg Gate will require more than 100,000 bulbs.
Past exhibits have honored New York City and Amsterdam.
I haven't blogged for a while, the end result of a couple of family medical challenges, thankfully resolved successfully. And while I haven't traveled since sailing on the two-day instroduction of Disney Dream in January, and am having some withdrawal symptoms, I will be hitting the road soon.
There are some places that are seasonal, in other words more pleasant to visit at one time of year than another. Keukenhof Gardens, in Holland is a case in point. The Gardens are only open to the public from March 24 to May 20. First visitors are admitted at 8am and the Gardens close at 7:30pm.
Keukenhof was originally the herb garden of the Countess of Holland, Jacoba van Beyeren (1401-1436). "Keuken" means kitchen in Dutch.
I guess I visited the Gardens some dozen or so years ago. The absolutely exquisite riot of colors, the rich reds, oranges, blues and lilacs, the vibrancy of the greens and the total beauty of the area were magnificent and memorable. And when I think of spring journeys, that's one I treasure most.
I don't pretend to know the names of all the flowers and plants, but - as with so many things in life, I know what I like - I loved the Gardens and wandered for hours. Tulips of course, in every imagineable hue, were the most dramatic.
The theme of this year's exhibit is "Germany: Land of Poets and Philosphers," and many of the Gardens will feature inspirationsal German twists. The flowering bulb mosaic of the Brandenburg Gate will require more than 100,000 bulbs.
Past exhibits have honored New York City and Amsterdam.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Travel is . . .
. . .(Or should be)
A complete change from being at home.
One of those possibilities is to take a luxury cruise. The luxury cruise market is known by other names as well. Some dub them upscale, premium plus or high-end. They are an experience!
These terms generally refer to the more elegant ships, usually smaller vessels, where luxury is the operative word. Of course passengers can expect opulent public rooms, large suite-like cabins tastefully furnished with wonderful bathrooms and verandahs, personalized stationary on the desk, your personal choice beverages in the bar and a room steward or stewardess (or a butler at the really high end) who will unpack, have your clothes ironed or just pop some corn for an evening in the cabin watching a DVD.
Meals are gourmet, no waiting on line, eat when you want. It's not a bad way to go.
Seabourn Cruises is a case in point. I have had several marvelous cruises sailing on the line's older vessels and spent two nights a couple of months ago exploring the new Seabourn Sojourn. Bruce Good, Seabourn's director of public relations says the Seabourn side of the cruise market has been "under penetrated." He adds the luxury market has barely scratched the surface and with more product -- Seabourn went from a line with 600 beds to one with 2,000 -- it is time to amp up awareness.
I have many fond memories of many cruises I've enjoyed in more than three decades of writing about the industry.
One of the most memorable is the concept, on Seabourn, where no woman EVER crosses the dining alone. She is always accompanied by a captain whether she enters with a male companion or not.
It is a lovely touch and typical of the consideration these lines show for the individual.
Other lines that fit this category are Crystal for big ship luxury; Silversea, Oceania, Regent, and Hapag Lloyd.
Many of the lines offer early booking discounts which cut the per person price considerably, making the value irrestible.
And of course, when I want popcorn at home, I have to put it into the microwave.
A complete change from being at home.
One of those possibilities is to take a luxury cruise. The luxury cruise market is known by other names as well. Some dub them upscale, premium plus or high-end. They are an experience!
These terms generally refer to the more elegant ships, usually smaller vessels, where luxury is the operative word. Of course passengers can expect opulent public rooms, large suite-like cabins tastefully furnished with wonderful bathrooms and verandahs, personalized stationary on the desk, your personal choice beverages in the bar and a room steward or stewardess (or a butler at the really high end) who will unpack, have your clothes ironed or just pop some corn for an evening in the cabin watching a DVD.
Meals are gourmet, no waiting on line, eat when you want. It's not a bad way to go.
Seabourn Cruises is a case in point. I have had several marvelous cruises sailing on the line's older vessels and spent two nights a couple of months ago exploring the new Seabourn Sojourn. Bruce Good, Seabourn's director of public relations says the Seabourn side of the cruise market has been "under penetrated." He adds the luxury market has barely scratched the surface and with more product -- Seabourn went from a line with 600 beds to one with 2,000 -- it is time to amp up awareness.
I have many fond memories of many cruises I've enjoyed in more than three decades of writing about the industry.
One of the most memorable is the concept, on Seabourn, where no woman EVER crosses the dining alone. She is always accompanied by a captain whether she enters with a male companion or not.
It is a lovely touch and typical of the consideration these lines show for the individual.
Other lines that fit this category are Crystal for big ship luxury; Silversea, Oceania, Regent, and Hapag Lloyd.
Many of the lines offer early booking discounts which cut the per person price considerably, making the value irrestible.
And of course, when I want popcorn at home, I have to put it into the microwave.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Travel is . . .
. . .Regrets
I never got to the see Pyramids along the Nile. I never toured Egypt.
I missed something wonderful - of this I am certain, and I am sorry.
I am not personalizing an international crisis or the horror that is impacting hundreds of thousands of innocent Egyptians eager for a chance at a better life. It is all a major tragedy, but as I begin a second week of tv crisis monitoring, I realize I missed a great opportunity.
And I had several chances.
As recently as a year ago other freelance writers, members of the Society of American Travel Writers, traveled to Egypt and came home raving (and writing) about the wonders. I hadn't wanted to undertake the extensive travel and, facing back surgery a month later, opted out.
Fourteen years ago, the Society offered trips to Egypt after an Israeli convention. I was already going to be away from home for three weeks - including a five-day tour of Jordan - and opted out.
Several Nile cruises had been offered to me over the years. I never sailed.
Now, a group of what appear to be brave people who are tired of tyranny and want something better for their families, are putting their lives on the line. Will I have another opportunity?
Who knows, but for now, I regret not seizing the ones I had.
And I hope that calm returns to Egypt in a more egalitarian form.
And maybe I will get another opportunity.
I never got to the see Pyramids along the Nile. I never toured Egypt.
I missed something wonderful - of this I am certain, and I am sorry.
I am not personalizing an international crisis or the horror that is impacting hundreds of thousands of innocent Egyptians eager for a chance at a better life. It is all a major tragedy, but as I begin a second week of tv crisis monitoring, I realize I missed a great opportunity.
And I had several chances.
As recently as a year ago other freelance writers, members of the Society of American Travel Writers, traveled to Egypt and came home raving (and writing) about the wonders. I hadn't wanted to undertake the extensive travel and, facing back surgery a month later, opted out.
Fourteen years ago, the Society offered trips to Egypt after an Israeli convention. I was already going to be away from home for three weeks - including a five-day tour of Jordan - and opted out.
Several Nile cruises had been offered to me over the years. I never sailed.
Now, a group of what appear to be brave people who are tired of tyranny and want something better for their families, are putting their lives on the line. Will I have another opportunity?
Who knows, but for now, I regret not seizing the ones I had.
And I hope that calm returns to Egypt in a more egalitarian form.
And maybe I will get another opportunity.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Travel is . . .
. . . Where little things mean a lot
An article in Sunday's Sun-Sentinel by Josh Noel of Tribune Newspapers addressed the upturn in amenities at hotels across the country - and across all price points.
The concept of "amenities" has changed.
I can probably find a dozen bottles of body lotions from hotels and cruise ships here at any given time; and such necessities as lip balm and eye shades salvaged from international flights; playing cards, ear buds, tote bags of all sizes and shapes and countless other items I thought wonderful when I received them. I remember an elegant bottle of sunscreen gifted on a Seabourn cruise; a small tote with great inside pockets from Swiss Air with which I travel regularly and other amenities that meant - and still mean - a lot.
But times change.
According to the article the most requested amenity today is complimentary wireless in hotels. (Many airlines are also offering wireless.) Travelers also want to find state-of-the-art fitness centers and complimentary breakast offerings that are more than a roll and coffee.
Some cruise lines offer the use of iPhones, iPads, etc. to tour art collections or order from a menu. Most hotels offer docking for MP3 players.
Since business travelers set the standard for hotel offerings, leisure travelers benefit from what hotels have offered. It's a win-win situation and a sign of the times.
A good sign!
An article in Sunday's Sun-Sentinel by Josh Noel of Tribune Newspapers addressed the upturn in amenities at hotels across the country - and across all price points.
The concept of "amenities" has changed.
I can probably find a dozen bottles of body lotions from hotels and cruise ships here at any given time; and such necessities as lip balm and eye shades salvaged from international flights; playing cards, ear buds, tote bags of all sizes and shapes and countless other items I thought wonderful when I received them. I remember an elegant bottle of sunscreen gifted on a Seabourn cruise; a small tote with great inside pockets from Swiss Air with which I travel regularly and other amenities that meant - and still mean - a lot.
But times change.
According to the article the most requested amenity today is complimentary wireless in hotels. (Many airlines are also offering wireless.) Travelers also want to find state-of-the-art fitness centers and complimentary breakast offerings that are more than a roll and coffee.
Some cruise lines offer the use of iPhones, iPads, etc. to tour art collections or order from a menu. Most hotels offer docking for MP3 players.
Since business travelers set the standard for hotel offerings, leisure travelers benefit from what hotels have offered. It's a win-win situation and a sign of the times.
A good sign!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Travel is . . .
New dimensions. . .
It was a dark and rainy (day and) night, and that early December weekend in 1971 was our family's first trip to Walt Disney World. Despite the bad weather, our three sons, complete with the requisite "I wants" (ice cream, T-shirts, assorted other souvenirs and rides, rides, rides,) loved the race cars, Haunted Mansion, Hall of Presidents. They explored, with their dad, some of the more daring attractions and tolerated the "girlie" one I adored - It's a Small World.
The park was new, none of us had ever been to Disney Land, so it was a wonderful new family experience. The Contemporary Hotel, the monorail, the ambience of so many people with happy children and adults were all quite memorable.
I have been back to WDW many times. I visited again with our boys, with grandkids, and with members of the media.
I was back at Walt Disney World last week, for a gala in the closed-to-the public park celebrating new additions to Disney and the christening, the next day, of Disney's third vessel, the Disney Dream.
Disney is growing. the park is adding new attractions, building a hotel in Hawaii, adding to its international sites and in WDW a new African trek experience allows families to get up close and personal with many animals. Names have been changed at some attractions and the key words are growth and more growth.
The new ship is an example of that: It is the largest in the fleet and will offer three-, four- and five-night itineraries from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas.
With a capacity of 4,000 passengers, the new vessel features imaginative inside staterooms with virtual portholes and outstanding youth areas for kids from the nursery set to clubs for teens. Adult areas aren't given short shrift, either. Consider The District on Deck 4 with five attractive cocktail lounges and the private adult pool area on Deck 11.
Technology is a major player at Disney - the whole concept of course is the result of animation - and today's offerings combine cutting edge developments with time-honored concern for family vacation experiences.
Disney today - on land and on sea - is bigger and better by far than the park we visited close to 40 years ago. And just as memorable.
It was a dark and rainy (day and) night, and that early December weekend in 1971 was our family's first trip to Walt Disney World. Despite the bad weather, our three sons, complete with the requisite "I wants" (ice cream, T-shirts, assorted other souvenirs and rides, rides, rides,) loved the race cars, Haunted Mansion, Hall of Presidents. They explored, with their dad, some of the more daring attractions and tolerated the "girlie" one I adored - It's a Small World.
The park was new, none of us had ever been to Disney Land, so it was a wonderful new family experience. The Contemporary Hotel, the monorail, the ambience of so many people with happy children and adults were all quite memorable.
I have been back to WDW many times. I visited again with our boys, with grandkids, and with members of the media.
I was back at Walt Disney World last week, for a gala in the closed-to-the public park celebrating new additions to Disney and the christening, the next day, of Disney's third vessel, the Disney Dream.
Disney is growing. the park is adding new attractions, building a hotel in Hawaii, adding to its international sites and in WDW a new African trek experience allows families to get up close and personal with many animals. Names have been changed at some attractions and the key words are growth and more growth.
The new ship is an example of that: It is the largest in the fleet and will offer three-, four- and five-night itineraries from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas.
With a capacity of 4,000 passengers, the new vessel features imaginative inside staterooms with virtual portholes and outstanding youth areas for kids from the nursery set to clubs for teens. Adult areas aren't given short shrift, either. Consider The District on Deck 4 with five attractive cocktail lounges and the private adult pool area on Deck 11.
Technology is a major player at Disney - the whole concept of course is the result of animation - and today's offerings combine cutting edge developments with time-honored concern for family vacation experiences.
Disney today - on land and on sea - is bigger and better by far than the park we visited close to 40 years ago. And just as memorable.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Travel is. . .
Regal. . .
When I was a new travel writer, back in the 1980s, I would hear my colleagues talk about the elegance of Queen Elizabeth 2, an elegant Cunard ship that sailed transAtlantic voyages from New York to Southampton.
The experience sounded to me like the epitome of luxury cruising and, given as I was a child of movies and television, my experiences were colored by what I'd seen on screen. I saw men and women walking the decks of magnificent ships. In addition to mind-boggling jewels and jaw-dropping evening wear, I saw women wearing tailored tweed suits and heels, with a fox stole tossed casually across their shoulders walking small dogs on the deck. The men were all handsome and well-groomed and it was a luxe experience I wanted.
When QE2 was commissioned to take troops to the Falklands, she stopped at Port Everglades and writers were invited to lunch aboard the vessel while she prepared to go into a war zone.
After a tour of the vessel I was in love.
A few years later I had assignments to write about the Cunard QE2 experience. I sailed as a reporter twice and once, after writing a Caribbean guidebook, sailed as a lecturer.
Reality was as good as my dreams.
When Queen Mary debuted, my husband and I, along with a couple of dear friends, booked passage from New York to Southampton.
Each experience was memorable.
Queen Elizabeth, Cunard's newest regal vessel, and Queen Victoria, which joined the fleet in 2007, sailed into Port Everglades late last week. A couple of days earlier the duo had meet up with Queen Mary and the three sisters made nautical history in New York Harbor.
The ship is on a maiden world voyage and Queen Victoria will traverse between the Atlantic and Pacific.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Travel is . . .
Time passing. . .
Maybe it's because I am on the eve of a birthday, but it seems to me that time is passing way too quickly.
Yes, I know it's winter - but winter is less than a month old. Florida is the only state in the continentatl U.S. where we haven't had to shovel snow. But as I write this, the temperature is 48 degrees. It is sunny here in South Florida today, but 48 degrees? That's winter!
In the let's-plan-ahead department, I've been inundated - these first two weeks of the new year -- with story ideas on vacation ideas for spring and summer. Romantic Valentine's day getaway stories I understand. They are a staple of January vacation writing, but didn't we just do holidays at sea and Thanksgiving specials? Maybe when you are confronting three feet of snow it is fun to write about Caribbean island vacations or visiting historic ports in the MidEast in July and August.
I am in the midst of planning a couple of trips myself. I will revisit some places I know and discover new vistas. Half of the fun of travel is in the planning. And the joy of returning to my home is also something I look forward to.
Maybe in my case it is because I know I will be hitting the road again soon.
But I do know one thing, from this vantage point time seems to pass very quickly. Let's not rush things.
Maybe it's because I am on the eve of a birthday, but it seems to me that time is passing way too quickly.
Yes, I know it's winter - but winter is less than a month old. Florida is the only state in the continentatl U.S. where we haven't had to shovel snow. But as I write this, the temperature is 48 degrees. It is sunny here in South Florida today, but 48 degrees? That's winter!
In the let's-plan-ahead department, I've been inundated - these first two weeks of the new year -- with story ideas on vacation ideas for spring and summer. Romantic Valentine's day getaway stories I understand. They are a staple of January vacation writing, but didn't we just do holidays at sea and Thanksgiving specials? Maybe when you are confronting three feet of snow it is fun to write about Caribbean island vacations or visiting historic ports in the MidEast in July and August.
I am in the midst of planning a couple of trips myself. I will revisit some places I know and discover new vistas. Half of the fun of travel is in the planning. And the joy of returning to my home is also something I look forward to.
Maybe in my case it is because I know I will be hitting the road again soon.
But I do know one thing, from this vantage point time seems to pass very quickly. Let's not rush things.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Travel is. . .
...Expanding, electronic, eclectic
I just read a press release that the southern leg of the Florida Turnpike will, in February, offer the use of Sun Pass to electronically pay for the tolls on the last leg down the peninsula of Florida to what so many travelers over the years have dubbed our own Paradise. (Another option will be to be billed by your license plate.)
Electronic technology seems a bit in congruous to those of us who have lived here a long time. The Keys have traditionally been this laidback bit of the Caribbean "don't worry, be happy" philosophy in our own backyard. The ride down from the populous areas of Palm Beach, Broward or Miami-Dade Counties has always been one where you relax immediately and watch mileposts whiz by. Technology? Not here.
Shorts, sandals and T-shirts are the order of the day and the biggest decision is whether to stick to iced-tea or a cool beer as you relax by the pool, fish or take advantage of sunset on the square, a nightly ritual in the Keys.
The Keys appeal to all pocketbooks and tastes.
I know of two dedicated, savvy and sophisticated New Yorkers, who when they retired to Florida, bypassed Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Miami and made their home in Key West - just because it was the antithesis of the hectic life they led in Gotham!
Make no mistake, there are many glam resorts dotting the Keys. Many good restaurants, and a variety of tourist attractions, but take away the twice-daily turn-down service, great wine list and the like, and you still have the wonderful natural beauty where the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico meet up on a tiny stretch of the Sunshine State.
And soon you won't have to use cash at the toll booths. Isn't progress wonderful?
I just read a press release that the southern leg of the Florida Turnpike will, in February, offer the use of Sun Pass to electronically pay for the tolls on the last leg down the peninsula of Florida to what so many travelers over the years have dubbed our own Paradise. (Another option will be to be billed by your license plate.)
Electronic technology seems a bit in congruous to those of us who have lived here a long time. The Keys have traditionally been this laidback bit of the Caribbean "don't worry, be happy" philosophy in our own backyard. The ride down from the populous areas of Palm Beach, Broward or Miami-Dade Counties has always been one where you relax immediately and watch mileposts whiz by. Technology? Not here.
Shorts, sandals and T-shirts are the order of the day and the biggest decision is whether to stick to iced-tea or a cool beer as you relax by the pool, fish or take advantage of sunset on the square, a nightly ritual in the Keys.
The Keys appeal to all pocketbooks and tastes.
I know of two dedicated, savvy and sophisticated New Yorkers, who when they retired to Florida, bypassed Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Miami and made their home in Key West - just because it was the antithesis of the hectic life they led in Gotham!
Make no mistake, there are many glam resorts dotting the Keys. Many good restaurants, and a variety of tourist attractions, but take away the twice-daily turn-down service, great wine list and the like, and you still have the wonderful natural beauty where the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico meet up on a tiny stretch of the Sunshine State.
And soon you won't have to use cash at the toll booths. Isn't progress wonderful?
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