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Jane KippJane Kipp
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traveled in 6 countries Read more Hamilton, Canada
  • TravelerA Whole Bunch of Firsts
    Day 6

    I'll Be Back

    February 5 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    The last morning on board. I was up at 5:30 AM. Finished packing, returned the extension cord, and left our rooms for the last time. We went up to the buffet for some much-needed coffee. Since we have kept our luggage, we can get off whenever we want to.

    We have a coffee or two and then start on breakfast. I have confirmed our car for the morning, so it looks like we are all set.

    Disembarkation goes as smoothly as embarkation. It has just started to rain a bit here in Miami, hopefully we can find our car easily. Yep, there he is! A nice black suburban all for us. Off we go to the airport. Traffic looks terrible, but Arnie, our driver, says one-half an hour. He is right.

    Hopefully, the airport is good.

    Yeah, the airport sucks! We get here at 10 AM and don't get through security until 11:30! Then we trek to our gate and get there at 12 noon. We settled in for a couple of hours waiting to board. We grabbed some sandwiches for the plane. Boarding is called, and we get on board.

    We make it to our seats, store our luggage, and sit down. We have 3 children about 3 - 7 years old. The parents sit across the aisle with a 6-month old who is not happy. You know that high-pitched squeal? The flight is 2 hours and 44 minutes. As we taxi away from the terminal, the pilot says that flights are grounded due to weather. They are trying to reroute us, and we will be delayed for a bit. Finally, at 2:42, we are up. Only 45 minutes late.

    We're in the air, and we stay in the air, yeah! The kids in front of us are typical misbehaving kids. The baby screams, one torments the other. The parents don't have control. Seat belts are optional in that row as well. Why do people think that it is okay for other people to be inconvenienced by their kids? It is going to be a long flight. We picked up some sandwiches and cake from the terminal and had those on the way home.

    Once home, we have to go through customs. In Toronto, which means using a machine to declare. Then we show the receipt not once, not twice but three different times as you make your way through to the exit. Talk about government redundancy! Once through customs, we then have to walk another kilometer to get to our door for the car we hired to pick us up. Apparently, Pearson Airport will only allow pickup at one door, which is the farthest from where you exit customs. Ken and Gabi are toast by this time, and I'm fuming.

    The ride home is okay. The driver has to slam in the brakes hard a couple of times, which scares the daylights out of me. Finally, I'm home safe and sound. In the quiet. Where's the scotch?    Read more

  • TravelerA Whole Bunch of Firsts
    Day 5

    Last Full Day On Board

    February 4 on the Bahamas ⋅ 🌬 23 °C

    This is our last full day on board. I think everyone had a good time. Freeport is more an industrial port. Not as pretty as Nassau. The weather is threatening to rain, but we are staying on board again. The temp is about 70 F or 23 C. There are some port shops, but they are mostly just clothing and restaurants. No beaches here to walk to.

    I have managed to get us a car to the airport tomorrow. Haven't been able to get our boarding passes yet, though.

    Ken and I do our usual hot tub routine. Then we headed in for some lunch. The buffet has been quite good. The food is varied, hot/cold, visually appealing, and very tasty. I can't fault the food on board. The decor is a little dated but clean. The bathrooms are always clean and well stocked. The communal areas are clean and sparkling. My cabin has been very well looked after by Luis and his crew.

    I finally got our boarding passes, thank goodness. I have a car picking us up at the cruise terminal tomorrow, so I'm hoping things end better than how they started. We head back and pack up our stuff for tomorrow.

    We head down for a drink in the smoking lounge before dinner. Dinner was also very good, and the wait staff in the dining room has been very good as well. All and all this has been a very nice cruise for a budget cruise line. Ken and Gabi have enjoyed their first cruise immensely, and I'm very happy for them.

    Tomorrow, we are back home, but the memories will last forever.    Read more

  • TravelerA Whole Bunch of Firsts
    Day 4

    First Port Day

    February 3 on the Bahamas ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Today, we arrive on Nassau, which is the capital of the Bahamas. We don't dock until 9:00 AM. I'm always amazed at the skill of the captain who gas to dock these huge beasts without hitting anything. It's absolutely amazing. A Carnival ship is already docked, and a Royal Caribbean ship is also here. After we dock, a Disney ship comes in. I'm glad we are staying on board. There are 4 ships here today. The port is going to be crazy.

    We all meet for breakfast and enjoy the fact that half the people are not here. I can't imagine what the port is like with 12,000 + people there. There are no crowds at the buffet, no problem finding a seat. Yes!

    After breakfast, we head down to deck 5 to check out some of the ship while it is empty. There is a nice central staircase where Gabi and I have some fun with poses. We found the cigar lounge on deck 6. This is a quiet, cozy place where Ken can have a smoke inside.

    We then headed up to deck 14 for some hot tub fun. We meet a nice couple and chat about the differences between the USA and Canada. Then I show them the blogs and talk about travel.

    All three of us head to the hot tub and enjoy a soak. Then, back to the deck for a bit.

    After a quick lunch, we had a drink, and I head back for a nap. One more trip to the hot tub, and then it's time for a shower before dinner. We could get used to this daily routine.

    Another successful dinner. I had the snapper, Gabi had Cajun shrimp, and Ken had the sirloin steak. We all enjoyed our meal. Afterward, we headed to the cigar lounge for our night cap of Jack and Coke. Gabi joined us for wine as well. Another port day tomorrow, so we should have some peace and quiet again.    Read more

  • TravelerA Whole Bunch of Firsts
    Day 3–5

    First Full Day On Board

    February 2, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    I had a great sleep. The bed was amazingly comfortable. The darkness of the room is okay for me. I had requested that the beds get separated, but that hasn't happened yet. The bedside table is crowded with my c-pap, the phone, and the TV remote. I will have to get the beds separated. I phoned the front desk to get housekeeping, but 40 minutes later, I gave up. I need coffee!

    I grab Ken and off we go for coffee. Gabi joins a bit later, and we have breakfast up on in the buffet. It is loud and crowded. It was hard to find a table, but we managed. I was a little disappointed that there was no station to make omelets. They have plenty of food areas: hot breakfast, cereal and yogurt, fresh fruit, breads, and pastries. Something for everyone.

    Afterward, we headed back to the open deck 14. There is a smoking area here for Ken. We finally got into the hot tub. My back is still not the best, and Ken's knee is still sore.

    Soaking in the tub is nice. We sit back down for a bit. I grab a slice of pizza and salad for lunch, Gabi has some pizza, and Ken has a beer. (Still full from breakfast). The pool deck is very crowded and loud since it is a sea day. They have a lot of entertainment going on from dancing to contests. The weather has been nice, sunny, and about 22 C or 74 F.

    We headed back to the room to have a nap. My room is very cold, I think the thermostat is broken. I will have to get a hold of the cabin steward. They have split my beds now, and I have much more space.

    After a nice nap, we all headed back up to deck 14. Ken and I head to the hot tub, and Gabi enjoys the sun on the deck. We get to try different drinks this afternoon. I have a vodka and cranberry, Gabi tries a bloody Mary ( way too spicy), and Ken sticks with a Heineken. Mine is pretty good. We sit and enjoy people watching for a bit. We head back down for a shower before dinner.

    There is plenty of hot water, and the shower is big enough for me. The blow dryer works well, and pretty soon I'm ready for dinner. We all head down together.

    Gabi goes with a lobster tail, Ken has the chicken Parma, and I do the salmon. All our dinners were very good. Yes, there are the obligatory food shots down below.

    After dinner, Gabi heads back to the room. She is still bothered by the motion of the ocean and needs a Gravol. Ken and I headed back up to 14 for our now customary Jack and Coke nightcap.

    Ken heads back to the room, and I head down to the Casino. No luck at all. I leave my donations and head back for a good night's sleep.    Read more

  • TravelerA Whole Bunch of Firsts
    111
    Day 2

    Miami Heat... not the team

    February 1 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    I woke up so nice and rested. I'm glad that yesterday was over. We're here in time for the cruise, which is why I always come the day before. Ken, Gabi, and I have connecting rooms, which are convenient. I figure out what everyone wants for a drink and head downstairs. This is the first disappointment of the hotel. The 'coffee bar' is nothing more than a carafe of coffee with packaged sweeteners and Coffee mate for milk. I put milk in my coffee, Ken takes cream, and there isn't any hot water or tea for Gabi. Do better, Hyatt.

    Back in the room, I grab a shower. We all get packed up and decide to check out but leave our luggage downstairs while we go for a walk. The nice man at the front desk orders us a car for noon to take us to the port terminal.

    Off we go, down one block, and we are on Ocean Blvd. This part of Miami Beach has a large area of paths for walking, biking and whatever before the dunes that separate it from the beach. The beach is huge! Check out the pictures. It is pleasantly warm around 22 or 23. We have blue sky with little wispy clouds.

    I haven't seen any of the classic cars. They used to have cars from the 50's and 60's lined up on the road with mannequins dressed up like old-time gangsters. I found one of the beach patrol guys, and he told me that they removed them during Covid. Apparently, they were afraid that the cars would be damaged during the riots. Damn! I was hoping to take pictures of Ken with the old cars.

    We continued our walk down to the beach and along the path, looking at all the Art Decor buildings. I'm glad that they have kept this area as it is, a reminder of the past.

    We pick a spot for breakfast and dig in. The orange juice tastes so much different here. Yum. Back at the hotel we got our luggage and waited for the car. I go to the washroom, and the second disappointment occurs. The washroom is done nicely in black marble. However, there are paper towels i the holder and the air dryer is broken. I told the front desk, and they said that they knew the dryer was broken. Do better, Hyatt.

    We get to the cruise terminal, and the fun actually starts. As soon as you get out of the car, a porter grabs your bags. Off we go up to the terminal. Every 10 feet or so, there is someone smiling and welcoming you. They direct you which way to go to keep the people moving. There are no crowds, no hassles and plenty of staff to help you.

    Embarkation is a little different. They have your key at your room now. We headed onto the ship and head to our rooms. They are ready for us, but our luggage will follow later. We can drop off our hand luggage and check out the rooms.

    Ken and Gabi have a balcony, I have an interior room. This is another first for me. The rooms are nice (check out the pictures). After which we find a bar and grab a drink.

    We head back and unpack the rest of our luggage. I went for a nap. Ken and Gabi went up to the deck. We had our safety instructions.

    Afterward, we had dinner in the Black Crab. Tonight is very casual with everything from jeans and T-shirts to dresses. I had the grouper, Gabi had the chicken, and Ken went for lasagna. Dinner was very good.

    We went back up on deck to grab another couple of drinks and then sat on the balcony for a bit.

    Off to bed for us.    Read more

  • TravelerA Whole Bunch of Firsts
    Day 1

    Up, down, up, down, up, down again

    January 31 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ -1 °C

    We started early today. Ken and Gabi being picked up by the limousine at 3:00 AM. Then they picked me up at 3:20 AM. We use Airport Limousine. It is just easier than us driving and parking. The drive is great at this time of the morning. There is nobody on the roads.

    It's fair to say that we are all a little tired as we didn't get a whole bunch of sleep.

    We are flying out of Terminal 3 this time. It's a newer terminal and easy to get around. We pre-checked in so we can go straight to TSA and immigration. We are through those in one-half an hour. We waited for our flight in the lounge. I grabbed us some drinks and snacks. Soon enough, we are boarding. This is a full flight, unfortunately. We start to taxi out and then stop. The captain says that we can't get take-off clearance until 6:28 AM. Why board us at 5:30 if we can't leave until 6:28?

    We finally took off! Yes! Oops, 10 minutes into the flight, our captain says that we have an instrumentation issue, and we have to go back to Toronto. REALLY? This is going to put us back even more. At 7:30 AM, they tell us that this airplane is being taken out of flight. We have no idea what is going on now.

    We got off the plane and get to the next gate. There is a lineup of 171 other people trying to get a flight. The lady at the counter told us that 'They are not staffed to handle this' and to go online to get rescheduled. I jumped at that one! The first flight I got went from Toronto to Philadelphia and then to Miami. Okay, fine, arriving 8 hours later than our original direct flight. There goes our day in South Beach.

    We went to the next gate. We met a couple there who said that Philadelphia was a large hub, and they are flying through Washington. Well, we aren't dragging luggage all over the place, so I got back on the phone to get on that flight. We have that flight now. Back upstairs (they have an elevator) to get food vouchers sin e our day is now spent on airports traveling. It's only 9:30 AM, and I'm eying the bar.

    We waited patiently for the 4 hours till our flight. We grabbed a bite to eat and then made our way to the next gate. This is a small puddle jumper. We had to walk outside on the tarmac to walk up the plane stairs to get in. This is Toronto in January, people. BRRR. We have to surrender our baggage because the overhead bins are too small to accommodate them. Spiffy! Fortunately, we have bulkhead seats where we have plenty of leg room. Off we go, a quick drink and down we go to Washington Regan Airport.

    There's not much time here as we have to board again in an hour. This looks like a bigger plane. Maybe overhead bins? I'll keep you posted.

    Okay, we made it on, and we're seated. Yes, we have overhead bins, and we didn't have to walk outside to get on the plane. They say it is a 2-hour flight but that we may not have a gate to pull up to. I don't know what that means. My back is starting to fade, Ken's knee is almost shot, Gabi has a pain in her shoulder. I don't think we are touring South Beach tonight.

    We landed just before 6:00 PM. We grabbed a taxi and fought traffic to the hotel. The weather is a mild 72 F or 22 C. The sun is gone for the day, but it will be back tomorrow. Ken and I are frothing at the mouth for alcohol. it doesn't matter what kind. We just need some.

    Check-in at the Hyatt was the easiest thing about today. Wonderful people. Our rooms are very 'Art Deco'. We will enjoy a great night's sleep. We headed across the street to a place called Sunny's at Collins & 11th Ave. The food was wonderful (check the pictures). The service was great. We all finally got to have a drink.

    Ken and I went back for a Jack and Coke at the hotel bar, while Gabi headed up to the room. It's been a long day and a long post (sorry). Tomorrow is the embarkation on the ship. That should be sooo much easier. Good night all.    Read more

  • TravelerCuracao Again
    Day 8

    Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

    December 5, 2023 in Curacao ⋅ 🌬 29 °C

    We have to go home this afternoon. We get picked up at 1:50 from the hotel for a 4:20 flight home. We were granted late checkout until 1:00 PM, yeah! That means that we have more than half a day to play in the sun. After our breakfast, Gabi heads back up to pack, I head to the beach to play with my fish. I stuff 3 bananas in my suit and off I go. The water is calm, and the temperature is perfect. Just a little below air temp so that it is slightly refreshing without being a shock to the system. Once out a little way, I peel my banana and squish the flesh. The fish love this. If you hold the peeled banana at arm’s length they will come and peck at the flesh. Once I finish my play time and get back to shore, I sigh knowing that I also have to shower and get packed.

    Once showered, dressed for the flight home, and packed, we take one more look around the room. Check all the drawers and safe twice. Make sure all our documentation is within reach for the airport. Then we head down and check out. We still have time for some lunch. I packed a couple of sandwiches and cookies to eat on the plane.

    All to soon our car for the airport arrives. Curacao has a small airport, so it is not too difficult to check in and then head to security. The security line is a mad rush of someone yelling to take off your watch, laptops in the bin, take off your shoes, etc. I hate the whole cattle herd system. Come on people, read the signs, and come prepared. Have your liquids bag at hand, have your shoes untied, whatever. I’m sure that this is not the first rodeo for 90% of the people here.

    Once through, Gabi decides to get some duty-free shopping done. Unfortunately, this means a few extra bags of stuff to carry. We headed up to the lounge for some peace and quiet and a little bit of wine and food. About ½ hour before we head down to the terminal for boarding. This is where you see the people at their finest. We have 4- and 5-year-olds running around screaming. I assume the parents think this will tucker them out. I think it winds them up. Then you have the other people thinking that the floor is their personal garbage can. Really? If you drop it, pick it up, don’t just push it under your seat and think it disappears.

    We get on board, stow our carry-on, and prepare for takeoff. We have booked aisle seats to make it easier to get up and stretch or go to the bathroom. Unfortunately, in front of Gabi is a family of 4. The little girl looks to be around 4 and the baby is maybe 7 months. As suspected the baby starts to cry from the get-go. I feel bad for the child because the pressure from the accent plays havoc with their ears. If the mother had given the child a bottle during takeoff, this would have equalized their ears. The crying did continue for a couple of hours, with the mother trying to bounce the child in the aisle and comfort the child. The 4-year-old thought that she could also play in the aisle. These people were from the Montreal area, so they must have travelled down on a plane. Didn’t learn anything? Needless to say, the flight home was not as enjoyable as the flight there. We didn’t land until about 9:30 pm and this family had to catch a connecting flight to Montreal. That would mean that these kids had another 4 hours of travel. Maybe an earlier flight where the kids’ schedules were considered would have been better?

    Once we land, we have to do the customs, immigration gauntlet that is as convoluted as trying to put together a desk from Ikea. Lots of pictures and instructions just complicate the process. Hey Customs bring back real people instead of having computers. Most people who enter an international airport either can’t read English or can’t use a computer! Okay rant done.

    Our car is ready to take us back home. It is a nice quiet ride back; the roads are not that busy this late at night and I am home by 11:00 PM. The weather was a mix of snow and rain in Toronto, but Hamilton had none. Gabi said that Grimsby had snow and rain when she was dropped off.

    The final comments are that Curacao does not disappoint. The weather is great, the resort is great, and the company was great. A nice relaxing week prior to the Christmas rush. We will indeed be back next year.    Read more

  • TravelerCuracao Again
    1
    Day 7

    Last Full Day in Paradise

    December 4, 2023 in Curacao ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    We had a good night last night. Both of us slept well. Today is our last full day here. We don't leave until 2 PM tomorrow, so we can still go for a swim, have a good breakfast and lunch before we leave. Since Rouge won't feed the peasants in economy; we plan to take some of the buffet with us to eat on the plane.

    After breakfast we head to nab a cabana by the pool. These are so comfy and provide shade from the sun. We lounge around and read, people watch and chit chat as usual. Yes Ken, we can find things to talk about every day for hours. Then something happens that we haven't seen yet. Moisture comes from the sky. I think its rain. Why yes, yes, it is. It actually lasted for about 10 minutes off and on. Then it is gone and we have blue skies and puffy white clouds.

    So, I’m lying there reading and what to my wondrous eyes happens? Gabi is in the pool! Yes, that’s right everyone: Gabi is in the pool. You see Gabi doesn't do water (other than showers). I have tried to get her in the water before but it is a no go. So, on our last day she goes in. The main pool has an entrance that is literally a walk in to the pool. I guess this made Gabi more comfortable. I quickly got some pictures and video of this rare sighting. Well, I just had to join her. I go I find someone to grab a picture of the pair of us in the water for proof that this is possible. I'm slowly corrupting Gabi. You never know what’s next.

    After our swim, we lounge a bit more enjoying the day. Then it is lunch time. After which I head back to the pool and Gabi goes up to start packing for tomorrow.

    I'm sitting by the pool and something strange starts to happen. It's raining! Yes, that's right it is raining in Curacao, quick check it out! It only lasts for maybe 5 minutes and then it stops. The funny thing is that it looks sunny while it's raining. Check out the picture.

    We enjoy our last dinner at Portofino. Gabi had the mushroom soup and the spaghetti carbonara. I went with the Caesar salad and parmesan chicken. This was by far the best meal I had this week. The chicken parmesan was beautiful. The chicken moist and tender and the sauce and vegetables the perfect combination of texture and spice. Desert was the panna cotta that was light and the perfect end to the meal.

    One thing to note today was the power failure. It started in the afternoon with the power kicking off for a few minutes here and there. Then we went down for dinner and found the restaurant in darkness. They have generators that powered most of the hotel (the air conditioners, thank goodness) but the restaurant was without lights. This was okay since there was enough ambient light coming in. Half way through dinner we got the power back on and everything was back to normal.

    We finished off the night with the casino. Gabi has managed to win or stay even every night. I however, think it is important to support the local economy and leave my donation with them.

    Good night for now, tomorrow will bring such sweet sorrow as we leave this lovely island for another year.    Read more

  • TravelerCuracao Again
    Day 6

    Another Day in Paradise

    December 3, 2023 in Curacao ⋅ 🌬 27 °C

    Today is another great day. We haven't seen any rain yet. Gabi thought she felt 2 drops but I don't believe her. We start off slow, Gabi had a restless night and neither of us were moving too fast. We did head down for breakfast. I'm still eating light but Gabi is having a good breakfast. I stare longingly at the bacon, ah well, that is memory from a distant past.

    After breakfast we sat out on the balcony so I could try and get some more bird pictures. I have seen these 3 green parrots but they are too far away for any good shots. I have seen pelicans and these beautiful black, orange birds with blue eye shadow. They love to steal sugar packets from the dining tables.

    We had some lunch at the Hideaway. Just nachos, burgers and fries. However, we finally spotted our iguanas. Picture time. We had two of them. Also checked out the ocean and found a ton of fish. I just had to grab a couple of bananas and go out and feed my little fishies. I had so much fun, I think I will rent that snorkel gear tomorrow.

    I have included a couple shots of the room. I finally got a picture of when the room was cleaned and the beds made before we destroy it.

    We came back up for showers and to read for a bit. We had dinner at the Oceana again. I tried the roasted eggplant with the beet and tomato salad. I wasn't really impressed with either. My fault for trying to eat something different. I'm sure that they would be good for someone who was a vegetarian. Gabi did the empanada and buffalo chicken wings. They were very good according to Gabi.

    Well, check out the pictures of my little friends and the sunset that was just beautiful. Talk to you tomorrow.    Read more

  • TravelerCuracao Again
    Day 5

    Spa Day Today

    December 2, 2023 in Curacao ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    Well today started out better than yesterday. I am feeling much better, just a little queasy. Therefore, I'm thinking it was something I ate. We'll stay away from the seafood restaurant. Our new room is nice, a little more updated and we have ocean view now.

    Today we had our trip to the spa. Gabi and I loved our facials last year, so we are playing the same game today. We are both a little tired from our 2 AM moving but the facial will be relaxing. After a very light breakfast of scrambled eggs and fruit for me we head over to the spa. Our facials include a neck and shoulder message and a foot message as well. These are just so nice. I don't know what they put on my face but it feels so very refreshed and moisturized. After an hour and a half Gabi and I are ready for a nap. We have a bit to eat first and then head back to the room for our siesta.

    I didn't get in the water today but with the way I was feeling, I thought I would have a slow day.

    We went back to Portofino for dinner. We kept it light again with bean and veggie soup and a calabrese salad. We may have forced a tiramisu down for dessert.

    After dinner we went to the casino. Gabi is still working on her initial investment; I of course leave a donation to their establishment.

    We call it an early evening. Tomorrow, I see about grabbing some snorkel gear and head out to the ocean.    Read more

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