If you are going on an Alaska cruise, chances are you are leaving from Vancouver,Canada, or Seattle, Washington. From either of these departure points it is easy to get to Victoria, and certainly worth a visit. From Seattle to Victoria, hop aboard the Black Ball Ferry Line at the cruise port. From Victoria to Vancouver, use the BC Ferries to get to the Vancouver port. In fact it is possible to fly in to Seattle, never rent a car & get to Victoria, and on to Vancouver using these, and other services. From Seattle Airport there are 3 ways to get to the cruise port, a taxi around $40, a shuttle currently $22 per person, or the metro & a taxi, as the metro drops you off 5 blocks from the pier. The pier and downtown are in the same area. This article by The Seattle Times is an excellent rundown on the transportation options between Seattle, Vancouver & Victoria. Important to keep in mind is that Canada has a different currency than the US, and you will need to exchange funds to use in Canada. While some Canadian stores & restaurants will take US dollars, busses and ferries usually do not, so better to be prepared. The ferry from Seattle to Victoria is a short trip, and during high season there are up to 4 trips a day. Downtown Victoria is a compact, walkable city. Be prepared with a jacket, even during the summer, as it can get chilly in the evening. If you are Traveling on from Victoria on to Vancouver to board a cruise, you can even include a tour of Butchart Gardens with transportation on to Vancouver using Prince of Wales. A public bus makes the trip to Butchart Gardens and this website tells you everything you need to know about what flowers are blooming, the cost of admission, the dining options available & of course how to get there. Admission is currently $30.20 for adults, and between $3 and $15.10 for children, plus taxes and fees, all in Canadian funds. The amazing thing about the gardens, is how widely different the flowers are from season to season. No matter how you get there, be sure to schedule some time in to visit this beautiful gardens, it is well worth a visit.
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Sorry, but this medium simply does not do the job in getting the message and emotions involved in visiting the USA Cemetery … During the 76 days of the Battle of Normandy … 210,000 Allied troops killed 200,000 German troops killed 200,000 German troops captured … … … Please God, let us never forget the price of tyranny. Statue at the front of the cemetery. Lifting life and freedom to the heavens The reflecting pool and walk to the Chapel 9,000+ of our Soldiers rest here
Romance and Intrigue in Undiscovered Budapest Europe’s most exciting river cruises begin in Budapest, Hungary. After just a few hours in this magical city you will begin to understand why. The most picturesque waterfront in Europe, and century’s worth of historic architecture will awe and delight. Settled over a thousand years ago by the Celts, it has fallen to or been absorbed by ancient tribes, Christian kings, the Romans, the Turks, the Nazis, the Russians and now discovered by the American Tourist. Bisected by the Danube, this city exceeds the sum of its parts, with older Buda on one side, and more modern Pest on the other. Known as the Castle district, Buda is a medieval town with streets dating back to the Middle Ages. Now a UNESCO world heritage site, restoration continues today. With highlights Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Mathias Church, your daily cruise tour quickly fills in the history. Pest is modeled after the great cities of Europe. The Andrassy Utica, a wide avenue featuring ample shopping and entertainment, is perfect for strolling. The Parliament Building, situated beside the Danube, is constructed in a style reminiscent of London. The metro is the oldest in Europe. Perhaps due to decades of Communism, whole city blocks retain their charming 18th, and 19th century architecture. Local landmarks in Pest include: St Stevens Basilica, Heroes’ Square, and the Dohány Street Synagogue the second largest in the world, and the Central Market Hall. Famous for the Opera House; it is said that upon completion the then ruling Austrian Hapsburgs’ were displeased because the Budapest Opera House was more beautiful than their own. Still in use, take the tour or see a performance. Although a member of the European Union, Hungary still retains its original currency, the florin. As a result, enjoy 5 star river view rooms at the Intercontinental Hotel for around $200 a night, or dinner for two for around $20 USD without drinks. Enjoy the bargain basement prices in this city. With a regional cuisine all it own there are many new dishes to savor. Famous for Hungarian goulash, tender stewed beef with a mix of sweet paprika, potatoes and tomatoes, a mouth watering dish. Sample local favorites like duck cracklings’; local olives; sweet, and smoky summer sausage; all available at an affordable price. Warm mineral waters bubble up beneath the city. More than 100 springs feed the local baths. With many open to the public, this is a must do. Among the most famous are the Gelert and Szechenyi Baths. Admission is $7.50 to view the baths, and $22 for a day pass. At nightfall discover the romance of the city. Bisected by the Danube, twinkling lights shimmer on the water. The historic Chain Bridge is also aglow at night. Above the city many historic buildings are up lit, and appear reflected on the water. Flanking the rivers edge, meandering walkways invite an evening stroll, as violin music drifts through the air. On our visit, October 23 dawned with excitement in the air. Bandstands were set up, streets were closed, and thousands of people participated. Flags flapped in the breeze, and locals, many dressed in suits, proudly marched by. The many hours long demonstration celebrated the Day of Remembrance, which commemorates the first student uprising in 1956 against the communists. Independent from the Soviet Union since only 1989, here patriotism is a tangible feeling. For delicious authentic food, affordable prices, amazing architecture,
soothing Turkish baths, and enthusiastic people, there is nothing like a visit to Budapest. Allow yourself time to see and explore it all. Time to bid goodbye to the MS AmaLegro Up early to bid our riverboat & crew goodbye … set off on a panoramic tour of Paris’ most famous sights … the finale being a walking tour of Musee d’Orsay to enjoy art pieces of the masters … priceless !! All the staff were terrific … picture of our dinning room waiters Checked into the Pullman Hotel … on the Left Bank close to the Luxembourg Gardens … very contemporary! Quickly off to our second MAC concert with Brooks and a brilliant young violinist (23), Benjamin Baker … born in New Zealand … his first concert at 12 for the Mozart Festival before 1,000 … now continues international performances. The program this afternoon included solos by both artists plus duets. Works included were by Liszt, Paganini, Elgar, Massenet, and Kriesler. This was a show to remember. Finally, no visit to Paris would be complete without seeing a cabaret performance … the Paradis Latin cabaret provided the wine, champagne, dinner, comedy, acrobatics, and dancing girls (CanCan) … sorry, photos not allowed !!! Near midnight we found our way back to our hotel … exhausted and feeling the effects of a great day.
Part 2 of a 3 part series With so many things to do, it was hard to narrow it down to 10, but here are our favorite, in no particular order. Besikih Temple is considered the mother temple. 1.Besikih Temple, or the mother temple, on Mount Agung. If you make it here, tour the surrounding volcanic mountains. Remember to tour the temple you will need a sarong, so bring some fabric from home, or expect to bargain for one from a local vendor. In addition to the entrance fee, you are required to hire a local guide which also requires negotiation 2. Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, or the beautiful temple on the lake. 3. Menjangan Island in the national park, has amazing coral at shallow depths, and lots of marine life. Visits here are by a shared boat tour, which all the dive shops sell, and generally includes lunch. 4. The Munduk Waterfalls are beautiful, and a short hike off of the road. 6. Goa Lawah Temple, known as the bat cave. You can see bats even during the day. You will See Bats even during the day at Bat Temple in Bali Indonesia. Monkeys are everywhere in the Monkey Forest 7. At the Monkey Forest in Ubud you can interact with the monkeys, but be aware they will steal your water bottle & if you sit down, it is not unusual for them to climb on you. Beautiful Blue Lagoon Beach, Bali, Indinesia 8. Blue Lagoon Beach, near Pandangbai has a lush, tropical beach with beautiful coral close to shore for great snorkeling. Ferry’s leave Pandangbai for the islands off of Lombok 9. Tanah Lot Temple, on an island, in southern can only be accessed at low tide. 10. Scuba Dive off Nusa Penida & Nusa Lembongan with the “Mola-Mola” fish, almost 6 foot tall, or dive off Tulamben at the wreck of the US supply ship Liberty No matter what activities you choose there is something for everyone in Bali. Fore more information on Bali, check out this informative blog.
Passau, gateway to Bavaria. Fall colors intensify as the boat ambles along the Danube. Picturesque German villages glide silently by. Beside the river, fortified structures dotted the landscape, once used to collect tolls from merchants as they made their way along the river; today most are in ruins. You find yourself humming “the Sound of Music” and expect to see Julie Andrews around the next bend. Approaching by water, the sight of Passau is amazing. Sunlight sparkles behind spires reach heavenward, each crowned with a different style steeple. Three rivers the Inn the Ilz and the Danube meet, and at its confluence the other two merge into the Danube. Perhaps due to its old world charm numerous river cruise ships dock here, more than ten at our arrival. Tied to other ships we have to walk through the other cruise boats to reach the dock. Our captains word of warning, “cross over the boat only, this is not an excuse to tour the other ship.” With that admonition ringing in our ears, we do as directed. Directly on the Austrian border, and once part of the country of Bavaria, Passau’s wealth came from salt, as well as knife and sword making. Originally ruled by a prince bishop, these rulers became princes of the Holy Roman Empire in 1217 and continued to rule this area until 1803. A both monastic and secular position, these men were more like kings than bishops. Remaining independent until World War II, it later became a part of Germany. A castle looms over the city on the opposite side of the river, once home to the prince-bishops. Later replaced with a new residence adjacent to St Stephens Cathedral, the elaborate new palace features gothic, renaissance, baroque, and rococo architecture Gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral burned in 1662. The only original remaining section was then incorporated into new church. In an effort to create harmony the original steeple was modernized to blend with the new baroque features. Containing the largest pipe organ in Europe with almost 18000 pipes, the smallest only 1/2 " and the largest over 11 meters, it’s a sight to behold. A mix of copper and aluminum pipes, five different organs are incorporated, but all can be played from one single location. Just to manage the over 200 pedals, and uncounted knobs you have to be an expert. Over 50,000 residents live in this small community. Of them 11,000 are students, making Passau a college town, much like Tallahassee. The pedestrian shopping avenue features cafes, clothing stores selling modern apparel as well as the traditional German dirndl skirts, and bakeries selling lebkuken, a cookie made with molasses that resembles a gingerbread cookie. Most unusual is the store that sells nothing but gummie-bears. Who wouldn’t want to try a gummie pizza, authentic right down to the gummie mushrooms? Infamous as a one-time residence of Adolf Hitler, and location of sub branches of the concentration camp Mathauson-Gusen, there is a great deal of World War II history in the area. An optional ships tour takes “Sound of Music” fans to several of the actual filming locations in the area. Charming but tiny Passau is easily explored on foot in a few hours, leaving plenty of time for an onboard chocolate tasting, and relaxing cruising time to the next destination.
Savour the fruit in Durnstein, and Melk, Austria. After a leisurely sail from Budapest, your tour continues in the scenic Wacau valley. An ideal place to visit, October sees Durnstein and Melk awash in beautiful fall colors. Once part of the Hapsburg Empire, Richard the Lionhearted was captured and ransomed in Durnstein. He spent a year and a half of his captivity, free to wander throughout the small community, making him one of the first tourists. Ransomed for 150,000 silver marks at a time when a horse cost just three marks, he was eventually turned over to Austria, and released. Inside the city walls, you will find only 350 residents. Picture perfect, a one-lane road bisects this tiny village. During summer over 200 marriages take place here, while fall brings a peace to the region. At street level shops sell all manner of products, including local made in Austria souvineers. Nearly every store bottles their own version of Apricot Brandy, and homemade apricot preserves, many offering samples. Locally grown grapes, and apricots in all forms available in the area. Apricots here are only harvested at their peak. Those not sold at local farmers markets are turned in to apricot brandy and preserves. The valley, only ten miles long, contains over 4000 acres of grapes. The terraced slopes stacked stones walls warm the ground, keeping the roots from freezing, while the cool night air imparts extra flavor to the grapes. The Wacau Valley is known for Riesling as well as other varieties including Gruner Veltliner. An onboard wine tasting provides ample opportunity to sample the locally grown harvest. Over 1000 buckets of wine are sold locally before it is sold in litres Falls brings a riot of mixed colors to the region, yellows, reds and oranges blanket the hillside as grapes shed their leaves for the winter. Brilliant yellow linden trees are mirrored in the slow moving Danube river, and swans float serenely by. In Durnstein, a churches distinct sky blue steeple soars above the community. At a time when the masses did not read, the blue color on the baroque church was symbolic, blue being closest to heaven. Then an extremely expensive color, in time it faded to grey, and people forgot the meaning. Only rediscovered during restoration, the church has been restored to its original majestic color. A short sail further down the Danube brings tiny Melk into view. No longer visible from the Danube due to shifting riverbeds the Monastery once soared above the river. The Monastery collected money from the local population, and provided protection and trade. One of its functions was to educate students, that function continues today. The library contains many original manuscripts in Latin and German. Twelve rooms house over 85,000 original books and 2000 illuminated manuscripts. The Melk monastery was founded in 1089 by grant from Leopoldo I of Bamberg. By 1418 the Abbey became the head of the reform movement rules of St Benedict. Like much of the area, attacks by the Turks reduced it to ruins. The current Baroque incarnation dates to 1702. Decorative coal fired heaters warm the massive structure, and baroque style plasterwork adorns the ceiling. Completed in 1746, much of the decorative work is guided, but not solid gold, and the perspective used in the paintings on ceilings make them appear to be domed. Your tour provides many historic details, and allows ample time to view the massive Baroque Chapel. Having enjoyed the history of the area, and the vivid leaf change, its off to another port along the Danube.
Holiday in Austria! Our visit to Vienna coincided with the largest Austrian National Holiday. Commemorating the country’s regaining their independent nation status and permanently declaring their neutrality is celebrated annually on October 26. Festivals abound, and most businesses are closed, there is a military ceremony, and open houses at The Austrian National Parliament; the State House of the Austrian National Library; and at the Federal Chancellery of the Republic of Austria. Many museums offer free or reduced entry as well. An incredibly busy downtown; expect it to be busier as most Austrians are given the day off as well. Like so many other fortified towns, a wall once surrounded Vienna. Today the wall is gone and a ring road circles historic Vienna. During the 1600’s and 1700’s the government sold off parcels of land to fund construction. Many of the buildings are still in use today. Due to the larger size of Vienna, our tour began with a bus overview of the area, followed by a walking tour of the downtown. Famous for the Giant Ferris Wheel, constructed in 1897, the world’s tallest as recently as 1985. Once there were 30 gondolas, damaged during World War II now only 15 remain. At 212’ tall you can view the whole city from this sky-high perch, or rent a gondola for a private occasion. Only kings once used the Hapsburgs’ many palaces and gardens. Today they have become public parks and museums. The bus passes centuries of architecture. The baroque Church of St Charles is from 1715. Flanked by columns that appear as if they came straight from Egypt, entry is only 4,50 euro. Nearby, two prefabricated Art Nouveau buildings, by Otto Wagner from 1900, are constructed of metal frames and solid marble slid in to each section, one a train station the other a café Another, the Secession Building, is topped with an open weave golden ball that resembles flowers, built as an exhibition space for artists in 1897 it was not popular at the time but is an extraordinary stop today. The Rathaus, or city hall, was located outside the original city walls. On October 26, live music fills the air, children squeal in delight as rides spin and people nosh on fair food. The Opera a famous cultural landmark, is beautiful by day, and the scene of endless entertainment by night. Our circle complete, we tour through the historic core. In the center of town, a UNESCO world heritage site, Gothic St Stephens Church steeples tower 450’ originally used as watchtowers to check for fires in the city. The church sports four gothic towers. As styles changed, the last incomplete tower was toped in the later style renaissance fashion. During World War II the church was not bombed, but a fire next door caused the church roof to burn. The conflagration resulted in all the majolica tiles cascading to the floor. The interior was saved because it was already bricked up to prevent damage. The new metal roof is covered with majolica tile, still displaying the original coats of arms. Modern day pollution leaves soot stains on the church, requiring a year round cleaning operation. In the historic core only one modern structure creates discord. Built before the entire downtown was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the mirrored structure reflects back the surrounding buildings. Windows so delicious you want to lick the glass front the famous Demel Chocolate Confectionary & Bakery. In a city famous for chocolate and tortes, there are many competing shops, all awaiting you to sample their delicacies. The Hofberg palace and Spanish Riding Stables famous for the internationally known Lipizzaner stallions is packed with spectators on this particular day, as speeches are given and awards presented. Located close to the metro station, it is a quick trip downtown to continue exploring once the river cruise tour is complete. With an abundance of history, music, and chocolate, it would be easy to spend days here exploring all that Vienna has to offer.
Confessions of a frequent flier point collector. I have to admit I can’t even make a simple purchase, without first considering the best possible point returns. This may sound strange, to anyone who does not collect points, but there is a whole different world for those who know. A world where free nights in five star hotels, and first class plane tickets are things that you can experience without having to float a loan. Companies, value their loyal travelers, and they offer extra perks to those special guests. Even if you are not a frequent traveler you should get a loyalty number with hotels, airlines and rental car companies, if you think you’ll use their services. Marriott offers loyalty members promotions like “stay two nights and the third is free”. If you were already staying somewhere, why not take part? Better still, may hotels have branded credit cards. Some of these credit cards come with an offer of status with the hotel for their annual fee, or even free nights. Many times, the free night is worth more than the cost of the credit card. Other perks may include late checkout, free breakfast, or some amenity such as bottled waters, fresh fruit, or cookies. Free night can be inexpensive like Radissons’ 9,000 points at a less expensive property, or pricey like Hiltons 100,000 plus points. Each chain has sweet spots where the redemption is a great value like Hilton’s Conrad Hotel, in the Maldives, or Priority Clubs Willard, in Washington, DC. For a smaller number of points you can often upgrade your paid stay to a suite or a club level room. Club level rooms offer many benefits such as breakfast, snacks, beverages, and evening cocktails, and a lounge area to mingle or work in. In an expensive city this can be a huge money saving tactic. Rental car companies have gotten into the loyalty business as well. Some member offers have included a free night after two rentals. Because you’ve essentially pre-registered, the time savings when you pick up your car, and with some companies the ability to choose your own car makes joining worthwhile. Airlines have different types of frequent flier programs. Some points programs are based on a dollar value, while others are based on a chart that is determined by the individual airline. In addition to your points there is co-pay, covering taxes, fees and fuel surcharges, which varies widely between airlines. When it is time to redeem your points, just search the airlines website for free flights that meet your parameters. While most folks redeem their points for a round trip coach ticket in the US, this is not the maximum value for your points. British Airways is inexpensive for short trips like Tallahassee to Miami for 4000 points plus a $15 copay, but expensive for Europe at 100,000 points in business class plus an $1100 copay. Instead choose United business for100, 000 points and $100 copay. The best award of all is American Airlines Explorer Award, which allows you multiple flights in a region for not much more than the point’s redemption for a round trip ticket. Whole web sites are devoted to how to get extra points thorough things like credit cards, home purchases, home sales, mortgages, satellite TV service, bank accounts, debit cards, investment accounts, dining and even shopping at the stores you already frequent. Sites like www.millionmilesecrets.com, www.thepointsguy.com, and www.freefrequentflyermiles.com offer a great overview. Now that you recognize why people collect points, just be aware of the other constant. Over time the value of those miles will be depreciated, often without notice. So make a plan, earn your points, and then enjoy the trip of your dreams.
As mentioned earlier, this was a BIG day … following the emotion filled, cold-windy-rainy visit to Normandy Beaches, we returned to AmaLegro … freshened up … back on a bus to ‘Espace du Moineau’ (a concert hall located in a Rouen church) for a classical piano concert by Brooks Aehron (London Concert pianist). When Brooks was just 10 years old, he was selected for free tuition at London’s famous Royal College of Music. Following major academic achievements and teaching positions, he began appearing at such venues as the London Palladium … soon had his own show on BBC “Brooks Aehron’s Serenade” … eventually founding “Music at Sea” with this cruise being MAC’s 45th. This is our 5th. MAS cruise with Brooks … his sparkle, wit, humor & talent are entertaining as he shares enlightening & funny stories about the eclectic behavior of the ‘Masters” music he is about to play. The program tonight included selections from works by Couperin, Debussy and Chopin … … if you love piano, you will love Brooks !!! Concert over … exhaustion put most of us to sleep during the bus ride back to our riverboat. A BIG day indeed … AmaLegro remained over another night in Rouen.
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Linda Carter
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