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Is there such a thing as a perfect vacation ? (July 2010)

Yes, there is. When you come back from a cruise or a land based trip and the memories start flooding into your head, you have had a perfect vacation! What about the mishaps, if any? How do you laugh them off? The best way to do that is to use a travel agent, and you are less likely have them in the first place. We don’t take more than our built in commission, and for our time, you get the responsibility off your shoulders! A good travel agent should tell you everything they know. A good travel advisor is always courteous. They are there to make the experience better, and keep you safer. In my case, I take budget into consideration as well. If you can afford it, there has never been a better time to travel. If you are on a budget, there has never been a better time to travel either. When I see high taxes, tariffs, etc, it upsets me as much as it might you when you find out on your own, and I will TELL you. Now doesn’t that sound comforting? Why did I begin doing this? Because I began to care about our society, our culture, and our increasing isolation. “Life is a book and those who travel only read one page,” (St. Augustine) is a well worn quote, but true. That doesn’t mean I don’t advocate reading on vacation! As a matter of fact. one of the things you must take on a trip is a new hardback. But what it means to me is that there is a NEW WAVE of travel that is emerging, and I am riding the crest. I offer trips to festivals of all kinds, jazz, film, classical, and world beat. I am your entrance to the party that will be your memories of a fabulous trip.

Bermuda (June 2010) is a stellar, scintillating, sensual location with so much to offer: intelligent, friendly people, a very similar culture to our ours without being American, lovely architecture especially in the older town of St. Georges, and truly some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, of which I visited four, Horseshoe Bay. Snorkel Bay, Church Bay, and Achilles Bay Beaches I sailed with a full crowd aboard Celebrity Summit, leaving from Cape Liberty port, and stopping three days (two nights) in King’s Wharf, Bermuda, which is the location of the famous Royal Navy Dockyard. I would recommend this cruise itinerary because of the long stay in Bermuda. Bermuda is not technically part of the Caribbean, and their season is different, it goes from April to October. The water is so crystal clean, I do hope none of the BP oil spill reaches their shores.

Museums

• Royal Navy Dockyard, a visit to the museum there is a must-do. You can spend a few hours there exploring. Celebrity and Royal Caribbean both dock there for three days.
• Fort St. Catherine, in St. Georges is probably the most comprehensive and interesting, with small tunnels to lead you out.
• Carter House: oldest home in Bermuda

Aquarium

The main aquarium, in Flatt’s Village, is very nicely done, and worth a trip. At the same time, a visit to Crystal Caves is a good bet, as well as Grotto Bay Beach Resort. One of the interesting thing I learned is that sea turtles are beginning to migrate on their own from the Gulf of Mexico and the aquarium is getting ready to receive them.

Bike Rentals

Take a cab to Sandy’s Parish and find the best jet ski and water sports prices. Then rent a bicycle from Oleander Mopeds and Bicycles and ride the Railway Trail. It s beautiful, very free and uninhabited, a concrete road with no mopeds, or cars. You can also rent a bicycle at the Dockyard and get on the railway trail in Somerset. Be careful to remember that driving is on the left. I did the trip from the Dockyard, and got as far as Sandy’s Parish before I felt like I would perish. Turned in my bike and Eve Bicycles picked it up for no extra charge. It was a good deal.

Driving to Cape Liberty Port from Asheville
Recommended over flying, even though Cape Liberty port is very industrial. This is an easy and beautiful trip over two days. Take I-26 N (I know it as 19/23) towards Johnson City and connect with I-81 N to 78E which takes you through New Jersey. Heads up in New Jersey though for the simple reason that the cruise ship directions will say “take 78E to exit 14 and follow signs to port.”
Parking at Cape Liberty was $133 for the week, and it was hassle free, though not luxurious. You have to pull up to the cruise tent, unload bags, and at this point someone can go park while the rest of the family waits at the tent. There aren’t good markers as to where you parked your car, so note your location.

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