“In a Pickle Bag”

Posted on August 24, 2012 by Travel Spirit

I came across a website “In A Pickle” from Pinterest that sells small bags that contain most things you would need if you ever find yourself “in a pickle” and thought it was a great idea, so I made my own.

My bag contains some of the same items theirs do but I customized mine to suit me. I often carry some of these items around in my purse anyway, but I like having them in this clear bag that I bought at a pharmacy for $8. It opens into two separate compartments. It will be great for travel! Here’s a list to give you some ideas of what to put into yours, if you decide to make one:

Travel size mouth wash – toothpaste – dental floss – hand lotion – mineral powder & brush – rubber bands – hair bands – bobby pins – post it notes & pen – eye drops – spray pen hand sanitizer – pill-box – ear plugs – band aids – pocket knife with cork screw – facial cleansing towelettes – matches – q-tips – cotton balls – mini perfume – paper clips – safety-pin – mini sewing kit

Yesterday, I spent the day with my girlfriend Dee and we went out to lunch – shopping – and to happy hour. The funny thing is that I never carry around a sewing kit and the skirt I had on ripped while we were shopping so my bag came in handy! I spent more than I anticipated on some Lancome facial moisturizer, Armani perfume and a Yves Saint Laurent highlighter pencil. We have to treat ourselves sometimes!

I’ve done really well with the Paleo Plan this past week – although at lunch with Dee I did have a sandwich that came on a pretzel bun. It’s O.K. to treat yourself every now and then! (Didn’t I just say that?)

Here’s a photo of Dee, another friend Shari and myself at Happy Hour. My other girlfriend Cindy stopped by for a glass of wine, but I didn’t get a photo…

I thought my Olympus PEN camera’s flash was broken because the last few times I tried it – it didn’t work – so that’s why this photo’s lighting isn’t very good. The odd thing is that I tried it today and it works! I’m so glad because I called the camera store and it would be less expensive to buy the same camera on Amazon than to get the built-in flash fixed.

One last tip from Pinterest for today – mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water and mix into a paste for a great facial exfoliater! My face really glowed afterwards!

Cave Woman (“Paleo”) Diet

Posted on August 14, 2012 by Travel Spirit

Hello friends! I’ve been laying low since Saturday because I hurt my back jogging 6 miles. I’m sure it was a combination of things…sleeping on a bed in the basement a couple of weeks ago (where it’s cooler) that didn’t … Continue reading →

Deadvlei Salt Pan, Namibia, Africa

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Travel Spirit

On day 5 of my 35 day G Adventures African Overland Truck experience, that you can read about here, we hiked up Dune 45. From there, we drove a short distance to the Deadvlei Salt Pan. You’ve probably seen the National Geographic photos of the dead trees. Initially, as I approached it, I wasn’t that impressed…

but once amidst the trees, I was energized and excited. It is a photographer’s dream. The contrasting colors of the burnt orange sand, biscuit cracked earth, dead brown trees and cobalt blue skies are so dramatic.

We drove to our campsite, which was at someone’s farm. It is called Skaarswater Farm, which means scarce water. It was a lovely site.

That evening we had steak, salad and bread cooked over the fire for dinner! Visiting Dune 45 and Deadvlei Salt Pan in Namibia is amazing!!

Au revoir–Totsiens–Goodbye

Posted on April 28, 2012 by Travel Spirit

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I was going to say Bon Voyage…but that’s what you’re supposed to say to me! Good Journey! There are hundreds of languages in Africa, but I chose one of the South African versions of Goodbye–Totsiens. Also, french is spoken in some African countries–so, Au revoir!

My girlfriends, my son and his girlfriend are visiting tonight…before I leave tomorrow. I wanted to show you my traveling gear (wrinkle-free travel suit), so…here I am!

I have some posts prepared to entertain you while I’m gone on this trip…and hope I have access to internet at least weekly! Don’t forget about me!! xoxoxo

How to Prepare for a long trip

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Travel Spirit

Image via Pinterest

I am sure many of you that read my blog have gone on long international trips in the past. By long trip, I mean more than 10-14 days. But, likewise, some of you haven’t. I’ve been preparing for my 40 day trip to Africa, leaving at the end of April 2012, and thought it may be helpful to list the many details that one has to attend to before departure. Because most of my trip is through an adventure travel company, G Adventures, there isn’t as much research involved. Certain tasks take priority over others, so I will list them in order of urgency.

Decide upon trip and airline travel — and purchase.
Purchase travel insurance same day. I secured mine through World Nomads for $129 for six weeks and it covers everything from baggage delay to emergency evacuation! I learned my lesson last year after booking a trip for three weeks in Turkey–then flying to five Scandinavian countries for another three weeks–and had planned on purchasing insurance–but a week after I booked the trip, my mother was diagnosed with cancer. Delta Airlines was kind enough to refund my money, so I only lost a few hundred dollars on another flight.
I had to order a new passport. Although mine was still good for 4 more years, I didn’t have enough visa pages left for the countries I would be traveling through. Get photos for passport and visas. Apply for Visas if required . I can get my two Visas at the border.
Make appointment for travel shots and any other doctor appointments. I went through a local county health department (rather than a travel clinic) for my shots and only spent $150.
Order travel accessories or clothing. I ordered a new rolling duffel/backpack, hiking shoes, and a lightweight/compressible sleeping bag.
Pack. I start this early so I can see what I’ll need to purchase as far as clothing, toiletries, etc. and to see how much it weighs. Then, I unpack the things I’ll need before the trip or that will wrinkle easily.
Research hostels/hotels and book. I decided not to rent a car in Cape Town (where I’ll be for four days before the group trip begins).
Notify credit card companies and bank of your travel plans.
Set up automatic bill pay if internet connections are questionable.
Research things to do and book. For some activities, I wait until I arrive and decide upon. For example, I’d like to hike Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, but I’m not sure what the weather will be like, and am confident I can book it when I arrive, to hike a couple of days later.
Type up itinerary to include contact information, time changes and currency conversions and leave a copy at home for family.
Make photocopies of travel documents (e-ticket/health insurance/credit cards/debit card/passport/vaccination record/itinerary). Leave one at home and pack a copy in your suitcase. I also e-mail a copy of my passport and credit cards to myself.
Download books to Kindle or other device.
Update I-pod with music/books.
Make appointments for hair and nails (I’m a girl)!

When you work full time, it’s important to get started on everything early, so that you don’t feel rushed at the end. You want to enjoy your trip and pre-planning puts your mind at ease!

I’ve had a request from a fellow blogger to list my expenses because he would like to eventually go on this trip…so here they are–

Tour (20% off – Last Minute Special) $2879

Airfare (Cincinnati has some of the $1768

most expensive air travel of anywhere)

Food/wine (Most food is included) $ 400

Trip Insurance $ 130

Hostel in Cape Town $ 209

Visas $ 150

Optional Excursions (approximate) $ 350

Transfers from/to airports $ 50

Total $5936

Don’t forget that I won’t have some of my usual expenses at home…food, gas and entertainment. So, I can take at least $750 off the total!

Of course, there were other expenses…passport update and pics $150, shots $150, luggage, $70, sleeping bag, $112, hiking shoes $68, clothing (fleece/2 shirts) $110, toiletries/misc. $50 = $710. But, I can use these things for other trips.

I may have left something off of this list…so much to do…if you can think of anything, let me know!

Itinerary for Africa

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Travel Spirit

I enjoy reading other traveler’s itineraries…so…here’s mine for my upcoming trip to Africa at the end of this month! I added up the amount of travel hours (mostly driving) and it is an unbelievable 129 hours! That’s over 3 weeks of 40 hr. work weeks! I know it will be worth it though!!

I fly from Dayton–Detroit–Amsterdam–Cape Town. About 28 hours of traveling time when you account for the drive to the airport, waiting time, and getting to the hostel in Cape Town. I don’t arrive until late evening, so my day 1 begins the following morning.

Day 1 – no plans yet.

Day 2 – take an all day tour of sites around Cape Town…including Cape of Good Hope and quite a few other spots along the coast.

Day 3 – Hike Table Mountain. I haven’t picked a company to hike with (I could do it by myself, but will probably go through a company.)

Day 4 – No plans. (I want to utilize the red/blue hop on/hop off buses around town). I’ve also touched base with a fellow blogger who lives in Cape Town and hope to meet up with him. I need to check out of my hostel and move over to the hotel that is included in my G Adventures trip. I’ll be meeting up with the group in the evening.

Day 5 – Drive to Gariep River (Orange River) still in S. Africa near the border of Namibia. Drive time: 9 hr. This is what the overland vehicle looks like…

Day 6 – Drive to Fish River Canyon (oldest in world/2^nd largest) in Namibia. Drive time: 5 hr. (drive time includes border crossing)

Day 7 – Drive to Namid desert. Drive time: 10 hr.

Day 8 – Explore

Day 9 – Drive to Swakopmund (Walvis Bay) on the Atlantic. Drive time: 7 hr.

Day 10 – Explore.

Day 11 – Drive to Damaraland. Drive time: 7 hr.

Day 12 – Drive to Etosha Nat’l Park (game drive in afternoon). Camp at Okaukuejo. Drive time: 8 hr.

Day 13 – Another game drive on the way to East side of Park.

Day 14 – One last game drive before driving to Waterberg Plateau Game Park. Take a walk in the forest or hike up the plateau. Drive time: 6 hr.

Day 15 – Drive to Windhoek. Drive time: 4 hr.

Day 16 – Drive to Kalahari (crossing Botswana border) (take walk with bushmen). See town of Ghanzi. Drive time: 9 hr.

Day 17 – Drive to Maun (stock up on supplies for 2 nights in Okavango Delta. Drive time: 7 hr.

Day 18 – Drive 1-2 hrs. then board a mokoro (dug-out canoe) for 2 hour trip to where we camp in the Delta.

Day 19 – Okavango Delta.

Day 20 – Take mokoro canoe, then drive back to Maun (p/u luggage) then drive 5 hours to Gweta (between the larger towns of Nata and Maun and on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans). Drive time: 5 hrs.

Day 21 – Drive to Chobe Nat’l Park – camp near the town of Kasane. In the afternoon, take an optional game drive in the park, or an afternoon sunset boat cruise along the Chobe River, which is the best opportunity to view hippo, crocodiles and watch many elephants wallow in the water.

Day 22 – Drive to Livingston (Victoria Falls). Drive time: 4 hr.

Take an optional early morning game drive in Chobe before leaving for Zambia. Cross the Zambezi River to enter into Zambia and continue to Livingstone. We will spend the next three days of our tour here. A great base to see both some natural wonders and take part in some exciting activities. Get up close (and wet from the spray) while awing at the immense Victoria Falls, raft the whitewater of the mighty Zambezi, for the more adventurous, bungee jump with the Victoria Falls in view.

Day 23 – 25 – Livingston.

Day 26 – Today’s long journey across rough and bumpy roads takes us to a private game farm 20km’s outside of Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. Here we’ll marvel at the Zebras, Buffalos, and the Boks that roam the property, or relax by the pool or at the rest camp’s bar. Drive time: 7 hrs.

Day 27 – Travel north east up through the Zambian country-side, to the capital of the Eastern Province, Chipata. Please note that as this is a long driving day we will not be able to visit the town of Chipata. Drive time: 10 hrs.

Day 28 – 31 – Spend four nights relaxing on the shores of “the Lake of Stars”. Beach walks, swimming in the crystal clear water and snorkeling are some of the activities in the area. Visit various lakeside camps as we travel north along the shores of Lake Malawi.

This is Malawi’s main attraction and covers one fifth of the country. It is the third largest lake in Africa and is about 500km long. The lake has more fish species than any other lake in the world with around 600 different species. The lake is also known for its good snorkeling and diving.

Day 32 – Begin the day by making the border crossing out of Malawi and into Tanzania. Climbing out of the Great Rift Valley through some spectacular mountain passes, view the vast tea plantations in the highlands along the way as you make camp outside Iringa. Drive time: 9 hrs.

Day 33 – Travel to Dar Es Salaam. Drive time: 12 hr.

Remember that Zanzibar is a Muslim society, and immodestly dressed women, or men in shorts, will get harassed and cause great offense in Stone Town. In Nungwi, customs are a little more relaxed, but passengers are encouraged to be respectful of the islands culture and still cover up when walking around. Never try to take a photograph without asking permission. The polite way to ask is “Tafadhali (pronounced tougher-thaarli) naomba ruhusu kwa kupiga picha yako.” Many guidebooks say the correct phrase is “nataka kupiga picha yako”, but this is incredibly rude, the equivalent of saying “give me your picture”.

Day 34 – Take the 3 hr. ferry to Zanzibar – After arriving – spend the remainder of the day exploring Stone Town, the heart of the island. It has an intriguing maze of narrow, cobbled lanes hemmed in by Arabic buildings. The best way to see the Stone Town is, literally, to get lost. You can spend hours just wandering the alleys and squares, drinking potent coffee from pavement vendors, or buying sweetmeats from scores of tiny cafes. At this point other G Adventures travelers may join you, who are continuing their tour here on Zanzibar. A group meeting with your tour leader is scheduled for the early evening.

Day 35 – 36 – No visit to Zanzibar would be complete without a visit to the spice plantations – an activity that is included on our way north to Nungwi. It was the wonderful spice plantations that brought the beginnings of Zanzibar’s infamous slave trade dating back to the 1840’s. Drive time: 4 hrs. (including 2 hr. spice tour).

Stay in Nungwi for two days/ two nights at one of Zanzibar’s major highlights. Here you can either relax on the idyllic white-sandy beaches, take an optional diving/snorkeling excursion, or take a wander through the village of Nungwi.

Day 37 – Drive back to Stone Town. Drive time: 2 hr.

Day 38 – Take Ferry back to Dar Es Salaam. Drive time: 3 hr.

Head to airport.

It’s tons of driving and a lot of camping, but I can’t wait!!

Adventure in Africa

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Travel Spirit

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I’m bursting with excitement because in less than six weeks I’m leaving to spend 40 days within five countries of Africa! I’ll fly into Cape Town (where I’m hoping to Couchsurf for the first time) and explore for a few days before meeting up with my organized tour with G Adventures. There are only a few people on the tour and we’ll be driving an overland vehicle that seats 22 people. This type of tour is not for everyone because we’ll be camping 28 of the 35 days of the tour…but it was a “Last Minute” special that was discounted and I couldn’t pass it up.

Some of the highlights include Fish River Canyon (the oldest and 2nd largest in the world); Sossusvlei Dunes in the Namid desert; game drives through Etosha Nat’l Park; travel through the Okavango Delta in Botswana on a mokoro canoe; Chobe Nat’l Park; three days in the mighty Victoria Falls area; four nights at Lake Malawi (it holds the record for the most species of fish in the world with over 600); and four nights on the island of Zanzibar (including Stone Town)–off the coast of Tanzania.

Here’s a map of the route…

Obviously there’s a lot of driving…with some of the roads being very bumpy….but what an adventure!

Most of the food is provided and at $2880 for 35 days—it’s a deal! That doesn’t include airfare to Cape Town or back home from Zanzibar, trip insurance, some optional excursions, $150 for two visas, more shots (some of the ones I got back in 2009 aren’t good anymore), a new light weight sleeping bag, a new duffel bag (one on wheels)…they require a piece of soft sided luggage…like a back pack…but I don’t have a large one, and a new pair of hiking/walking shoes (mine are too big…up over the ankle…too heavy). I have to be concerned with the size and weight of the bag.

My husband is being an angel about it…he’s got his Harley, his tractor, his boat, etc. etc….a girl’s gotta have fun too!!

Shopping in Greece

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Travel Spirit

The Island of Corfu, Greece was the final destination of my 12 night Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruise. I spent the day shopping! Actually, I’d only bought a few things up until this point…so I made up for lost time. Most likely–compared to many women, I didn’t do much damage.

There was no sign of the civil unrest that had been publicized recently (this cruise was in June 2010). I ran into a couple I had met on the ship and had lunch with them. They were with a few of the cruise ship employees…one of whom was the Director of Entertainment on board.

I had an authentic Gyros and it was delicious. And of course some Ouzo!

This photo is early in the morning as the shop keepers were preparing for the day…

Photos of life in Corfu…

As I walked around the old town section of Corfu, I paid a small entrance fee to enter the old citadel…Palaio Frourio. I didn’t tour the new citadel, which is called the Neo Frourio.

This was a view from within the Citadel’s walls.

These little local boys were sooo cute!!

The next two days were spent at sea cruising back to Barcelona. It was quite an adjustment after the long days of walking and sight-seeing! I almost felt bored, after rushing for almost three weeks, but there were always people to talk to. I love to read…but for some reason I wasn’t in the mood on this trip and I also didn’t feel like sun bathing…I’d already had too much!

After disembarking in Barcelona, with luggage in tow, we made our way to the train station. I have a “Heys” suitcase that when empty, only weighs 3 lbs. It has held up nicely through 10 trips in the past 2-3 years.

On the train to the main train station in Barcelona, a girl in her 20’s got on and had a wire hanger with a paper mache banana that she hung from a handlebar on the train. She also had a stuffed animal and a small step stool. She stepped onto the stool and in Spanish, began belting out–what seemed to be a dramatic play or story, to the passengers on the train. The other passengers seemed to be ignoring her. I caught the eye of a fellow passenger and she smiled at me. Since I don’t understand Spanish…I didn’t know what she was saying. I wondered if she was practicing for a class in school…perhaps a drama student…or if it was political in nature. But, at the end she walked around with a hat for money and a couple of men gave her a few coins. We had encountered musicians on a few of the other train or subway rides. I like being surprised…not knowing what type of entertainment could be around the corner!

We boarded our three hour reserved train ride to Madrid and were picked up by the free shuttle bus from the Hilton Hotel by the airport, where we stayed for the night before heading home the following day!

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed your trip through Europe with me!

A Day in Corfu, A Walk through the Tempest (worldviastandby.wordpress.com)
Greece Shows Off at Vienna Tourism Fair (eu.greekreporter.com)

Spirit Within Croatia

Posted on March 17, 2012 by Travel Spirit

I fell in love with Dubrovnik, Croatia during my 2010 visit! Surrounded by a 2 km long wall, that was built for protection, over 40,000 people call it home!

Making my way to the top deck of the cruise ship as it was docking, I was surprised to see the modern and imposing Franjo Tuđman Bridge.

Upon entering the stone town, I was captivated by the old world charm of Dubrovnik! This gentleman is a fixture at Onofrio’s Fountain…

Once you’ve climbed the steps up to the wall…there is a walkway enabling you to completely walk around the town…and the views were astounding!

It was a hot day and I became very thirsty as I walked along the raised wall. If I remember correctly, there were a couple of spots you could exit from the wall’s walkway. Stopping at a vendor’s shop for a bottled water, I was informed that they didn’t take credit cards, so I waited until I finished walking around to make my way to a cafe for a quick drink. I usually carry my own water, but I don’t recall why I didn’t have any with me that day.

It worked out well with my traveling companion, because some days we went our separate ways…did our own thing…and met up later. Other days, we spent exploring together. This was one of the days we were exploring on our own.

Many of the roofs were damaged during the 1991 war…but have been repaired!

The barbers allowed me to take a photo! I love all of the things they have on display.

When you turn a corner and find a fresh farmer’s market…you feel like you’ve discovered a gold mine!

I love this guy’s smile!!

There was a spirit and a tinge of sadness surrounding some of the people of Croatia! Perhaps it is due to the recent War…

Budget: Croatia 2012 (chrystal-clear.com)
Last Stop in Croatia: Dubrovnik (remainagirl.com)
Mama No Lie (yougottasmile.wordpress.com)
#Dubrovnik #Croatia (leggotunglei808.wordpress.com)
Confused.com’s Guide to Driving in Croatia (confused.com)
Croatia: Dubrovnik and beyond (sarah-matthews.com)

The “Art” of asking directions in Rome

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Travel Spirit

Boarding the train in Civitavecchia, Italy, on my way to explore Rome for the first time, I was prepared for the long day ahead. Having organized my own shore excursion to save money, in lieu of purchasing one through Royal Caribbean, I was aware of the strict timeline for my traveling companion and I. Twelve hours to make our way to Rome, explore and return. I had purchased train tickets in advance and the trip was approximately 1 1/2 hrs, each way. The first stop was Vatican City and I was surprised by how quickly we were able to gain entry. Unfortunately we weren’t able to see St. Peter’s Basilica because the Pope was going to speak.

I’m not sure how I managed to get a photo in Vatican City without a person in it…

We quickly walked out of that Country and entered Rome! Next…we crossed the Tiber River. Side note: I was using someone else’s camera…mine had broken!

This is where the fun started. Although we were equipped with three maps, locating the Pantheon was not happening. I’m usually very good with maps. I started asking people for directions. My theory from years of traveling is that unless you get a gut feeling someone’s directions are really good…ask someone else…which I did…again and again…so we arrived at the Pantheon (which I didn’t post a picture of).

Multiple people were responsible for our arrival to the Trevi Fountain…which we tossed a coin into standing backwards. That way you are assured you’ll return to Rome!

The following two pictures are obviously a street with lots of people and a street with very few!

We were guided by a few kind souls to the Spanish Steps…which we didn’t climb attempting to conserve energy for all of the walking!

I’m not sure what or where this was…but it had nice light!

Finally, armed with directions from the friendly locals, we headed towards the Coliseum.

You can almost imagine yourself living back in the “hey day” of the Roman Empire!

Rome was a City that surprised me for a variety of reasons. I was surprised that you’re just walking along and then the Coliseum is…just there…I thought it would be farther outside of the City! I did so much research on the flight, cruise, train travel and hotels that I didn’t research every City – I guess it’s nice to be surprised sometimes!

For some reason, I thought Rome would be a bit “dirty” and be more crowded, but it wasn’t!

Tomorrow we skip over to Croatia…one of my favorite places!

24 hours in Rome – A 24 hour travel guide to Rome (essentialtravel.co.uk)
La Culture – When in Rome. (greensboring.com)
larkycanuck.com | Travel Adventures | Italy | When in Rome do as I do! (larkycanuck.com)
From Rome with Love (Day 2) (cityoftheweek.wordpress.com)
Travel Tuesdays: Amo Roma (equalpartsofawhole.wordpress.com)

Bal Masque

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Travel Spirit

The evening that our cruise ship left Venice, there was a Masquerade Ball aka Bal Masque. It was fun to see all of the colorful and unusual masks!

Of course, Venice is famous for their masks…

“The most important kind of freedom is to be what you really are. You trade in your reality for a role. You trade in your sense for an act. You give up your ability to feel, and in exchange put on a mask. There can’t be any large-scale revolution until there’s a personal revolution, on an individual level. It’s got to happen inside first.” ~Jim Morrison

Here are some lovely girls!!

My mask was quite simple!

Another cutie!!

Don’t miss Rome tomorrow!!

Epiphany Events Venetian Masked Ball Brings Venice’s Carnival to Seattle in February (prweb.com)

The Passages of Venice

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Travel Spirit

Our ship arrived in Venice in the early afternoon and I had purchased a ship run shore excursion to the Murano Glass Factory and a touristy gondola ride. It was my birthday…so I treated myself! Our Gondolier was a handsome man … Continue reading →

Island of Capri

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Travel Spirit

I decided to pay Royal Caribbean the $150 to go on their organized shore excursion, since I had arranged all of my previous excursions. Once the cruise ship docked in Naples, Italy, I boarded a small boat and was stepping onto the small island of Capri within 45 minutes.

We boarded a bus for a unique ride to Anacapri, that took us up skinny, winding roads, past lovely guesthouses/villas and finally dropped us at a chair lift that takes you to the top of the island. During the chair lift ride, I was twisting and turning to take photos of the dramatic vistas!

I love the excitement of being somewhere new and so very beautiful! The views were spectacular! You’ll notice these photos aren’t as clear and crisp as my others…there was a haze in the sky and I had borrowed someone’s camera, since mine mal-functioned.

Island of Capri

Our tour guide was Italian. I asked to take his photo and he insisted on one with both of us in the photo.

Perhaps I am generalizing here…but it seems Italian men have an air of confidence and know when to take charge! Or maybe, they try to take charge all of the time.

He led our group for a stroll through the exquisite and colorful “Gardens of Augustus“.

It was very soothing and almost like a retreat!

Gardens of Augustus

After our tour of the gardens, it was fun window shopping and I eventually found a seat at a quaint sidewalk cafe, and ordered a deliciously chilled Limoncello!

Don’t tell anyone, but I also bought a bottle of wine to sneak on the ship and I wasn’t the only one. When on-board drinks are $8-9 each, it’s the smart thing to do.

One of my doctors has been there and said the hiking is great. Although Capri is gorgeous, it was very crowded and touristy. If I were to return, I would prefer to explore other areas of the Island and hopefully escape some of the crowds!

Tomorrow, we sail to Venice!

Capri tour, dinner @ Nennella, night in Napoli – Capri, Italy (travelpod.com)
Photo Of The Day: A Caprese In Capri (gadling.com)

Cinque Terre…The Five Lands and “Guido”

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Travel Spirit

Although all of the destinations on my 12-night Mediterranean cruise (taken in 2010) were amazing, I was looking forward to Cinque Terre most of all, and it didn’t let me down! In 2006, I had spent hours upon hours researching and booked a solo, three week backpacking trip to Europe, to include Cinque Terre, and because of life, had to cancel it, so I was thrilled to finally have the opportunity to visit. Especially due to the recent disaster there!

After docking in Livorno, we boarded our pre-paid/reserved train…a little over one hour trip…to La Spezia and then hopped on a short regional train ride that delivered us to the last of the five villages, Monterosso al Mare. I thoroughly researched this excursion, because when you’re on a cruise ship, timing is very important! If you miss your ship, you’re “ship” out of luck!

I took this photograph of Monterosso al Mare while hiking. Everyone that I spoke to on the ship was going to Florence and/or the leaning Tower of Pisa. They didn’t know what they were missing!

This is the beginning of the 1 1/2 hour trail that we hiked from the fifth village to the fourth village, Vernazza. Although I purchased some great Merrill sandals, especially for this trip, I was beginning to get a callous on the edge of my heel. But nothing could dampen the dazzling vistas!

The entire region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The natural beauty was almost overwhelming!

The trail varied in it’s difficulty and scenery…

You can see the village of Vernazza in the distance.

It’s like a jewel jutting from the cliff…

After having some lunch in town…due to time constraints, we took the train to the first village, Riomaggiore, where we briefly looked around and headed back to the train station in La Spezia.

We had over an hour to kill at the train station, so we went for a walk and my traveling companion overheard a woman talking to a taxi driver about taking her to her ship, which happened to be Royal Caribbean. We spoke to her and within seconds we’re sharing the taxi with her to go back to the ship. Obviously, we weren’t thinking…we were over an hour away from the ship…and the woman said the taxi was only 10 euros…which is about $12 to split.

Within a couple of minutes we realized that she was heading to a different Royal Caribbean ship and I’m asking “Guido” the taxi driver if he is going to charge us anything for taking us back to where we came from. He said he wouldn’t and started making a wierd gesture with his arms and saying in his half Italian and broken English that we were tight!

Then…the lady wanted a receipt for her taxi ride and he wouldn’t give her one…gesturing and almost shouting…so she exited the taxi and on the 5-10 min. ride back to the train station, he is saying “Cacare”, over and over. Upon inquiring as to its meaning, he informed us it meant “F____ you”. He was upset with the lady wanting a receipt…so to break the tension…I requested him to teach us how to say it…so we’re all three in unison saying…”Cacare, Cacare”!

If you’re ever in La Spezia and want an unforgettable taxi ride, try to find “Guido”!

p.s. Later…I discovered from a fellow blogger that “Guido” is actually a slang term to denote someone that is lower or working class of American/Italian descent.

Wonderland=Cinque terre (mesmerizinggirl.wordpress.com)
My Happy Place is the Italian Riviera (briefhiatus.wordpress.com)
Cinque Terre Italy – It doesn’t get any better than this…. (boxmag8.wordpress.com)
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“Boeuf” in Cannes

Posted on March 11, 2012 by Travel Spirit

The first port of call on my 12 night Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruise was Cannes, France. I found it to be very pleasant and nice…almost too perfect! I’m not complaining…it’s just that I like the “unusual” in my travels. Perhaps not exciting enough…no sense of adventure or mystery. Anyway, after walking for hours…there were only so many shops we could look in…

A little cappuccino break…

We stopped at a restaurant and the waitresses couldn’t speak much English. One of the “specials of the day” was something with boeuf in it. The waitress kept enunciating it…boof…and finally I said, “What animal sound does it make? Moo…Moo?” She agreed that it made the sound, “Moo…Moo!” When I lived in Germany for a few years in my early 20’s, learning to communicate was essential.