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Jane Kipp

Jane Kipp

I'm a retired steel worker from Canada who loves to travel in my retirement. Читать далее🇨🇦Hamilton
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    • Jane KippПутешественникAnother Cruise with Friends
      Tiny plane
      Ready to flyA row all to myselfHello Houston!1The three amigos at it again!My roomMy viewMy little balconyHuge lasagnaGabi's ravioliLight fixtures in the lobby.

      Up, Up and Away

      13 марта, Соединенные Штаты ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

      The three amigos are at is again. We are heading off on a 7 day cruise to the Carribean. We had our usual ride to the airport. We start off at 4:30 AM and get to the airport with no issues. Once at the airport, we get Ken a wheelchair. This is necessary because he has a bad knee. This also gets us priority through security and check-in. We are at the gate by 7:00 AM. I kinda like this service. The security line wasn't huge, but it probably saved us 40 mins to an hour of standing time. I think Ken is going to have a bad knee on every trip we take!

      We get to board first because of poor Ken. We have plenty of luggage space in the overhead bins and are seated before the on slaught begins. We are on a smaller plane with 3 seats on one side and 2 seats on the other side. This flight is not full, so once the doors close, I hop over the aisle and get 2 seats to myself. This is going to be a nice flight into Houston. It is a 3.5- hour flight, and it goes off without a hitch. We land in Houston, and they have a wheelchair waiting for Ken. More priority routing through security and the young lady takes us right to where we can get a car.

      We catch an Uber to our hotel, We are staying in the Hilton Houston in the Post Oak area. Apparently, I have booked us into a 'posh' area. The hotel is gorgeous. The door man helps us out of the car, and the bell man takes our luggage. We are early, but they have my room ready. I'm on the 4th floor, and the room is very spacious. I even have a little balconey. I am on the front of the hotel, but it faces a park area and not a street. We drop off all the luggage and go find a place to eat.

      The door man gives us a list of places. We chose a place called Ducky McSweeney's. The door man then starts up the black suburban and drives us there! Yeah, they have a car to take you anywhere in a 2 mile radius free of charge. When you are done just give them a call, and they pick you up to bring you back. OMG! We have never been spoilt like this. After some nachos and libations, we head back to the hotel. Ken and Gabi get their room on the second floor, which is bigger than mine! This hotel is top-notch. I head back downstairs, and Brian (our doorman) takes me over to the Walgreens and waits while I pick up some sunscreen. Then I'm escorted back to the hotel.

      After a well-deserved nap. We head out for dinner at a restaurant called Maggiano's Little Italy. The place is very nice wth a throw back to the Frank Sinatra era. The portions are huge, and we have to roll back to the hotel.

      Well, that is enough for one day, folks. Tomorrow, we get to board the ship in Galveston.      Читать далее

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    • Jane KippПутешественникPanama Cruise 2025
      Miami Airport

      Who's Cooking Dinner?

      14 января, Соединенные Штаты ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

      Today is the travel day home. It has been a very pleasurable trip. I made some new aquaintenances and saw new places. I add 2 new countries to my list of 'been there', albeit briefly.

      I'm up early and grab some breakfast, then hide out in my room until 8 AM. My goal is to be the last person off, but that probably won't happen. My plane doesn't take off until 4:30 this afternoon so, I will be spending the day in airport lounges.

      I exit my room by 8 AM like a good little passenger to allow the crew to clean the cabin for the next group of people. I wait in one of the lounges, biding my time.

      I got off by 10:00 AM. Getting through customs and then waiting for the car was another 45 minutes. I should be at the airport by 11:30. I nake it to the airport and through security. It's the same hassle as always.

      I get to the Turkish Lounge, and they refuse my Priority Pass entry. Then I see that they have an Air Canada alliance. I work that angle, but I'm not flying business class. I then tried the Areoplan card. Finally, she calls upstairs and allows me in. I don't get it. The place is more than half empty! The reason I bought the Priority Pass membership was to use these lounges. I'm going g to have to have a chit-chat with them in the very near future.

      The lounge itself is nice. It is very large and has bright windows to the outside. The food is good so, this is my home for the next 4 hours.

      I have made it on the plane and have the row to myself. I have the pizza because the crew said it had more flavoue than the mac and cheese. We'll the pizza tasted like cardboard, so I'd hate to see what the mac and cheese was like. A small bottle of wine and some tomato juice should liven up my pallet. The flight is smooth and I have a movie to watch.

      We land early and safely. I actually get through customs and into the limo within 1/2 an hour. I'm home safe and sound by 9:10 PM. It has been a long day, but travel days usually are.

      It has been a marvelous trip, and I can't wait to share the next one with you!      Читать далее

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    • Jane KippПутешественникPanama Cruise 2025
      Now that is fully stocked
      Ravioli gor a starterCreme Brule for dessert

      Last Day In Paradise

      13 января, Каймановы острова ⋅ 🌙 27 °C

      Today is our last day at sea. That means tomorrow we are back in Miami. That is still not a hardship, though.

      Today starts with my morning walk and my omelet and English muffin. Then I sat on the pool deck for the last time. I find it kind of funny as I look around and see people in long sleeves and long pants because it is a cool 28 C today.

      I have lunch and head back to my room to pack. I'm all packed, including the stuff I bought. I met with the solo group for the last time. I won a water bottle for perfect attendance! We go to dinner and enjoy our last meal together. This has been fin and I will have to explore theesw groups on future cruises.

      The other thing I like about cruising is that you can try different drinks or wine. I have found 2 new wines to add to my repertoire. One from Argentina and one the Mosel region in Germany. One was a white Riesiling and on a red.

      Back in my room, I finished packing. I will get up early tomorrow to shower and leave by around 9:30 to go to the airport. I have already checked in with the airline, so I should be all.set.

      Good night all, I'll be back tomorrow in Canada.      Читать далее

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    • Jane KippПутешественникPanama Cruise 2025
      Cozumel
      You just gotta live an empty pool deckMiso soupSaladFried veggiesFried riceShrimp and scallopsDesert

      Cozumel, The Last Cruise Port

      12 января, Мексика ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

      We are in Mexico today. It is another beautiful day with a gentle breeze. We get in port at 11 AM and don't leave until 8 PM. I am really not a fan of Mexico. I've been there, done that type of thing. I am staying on board and relaxing by the pool. I had my mirning walk on the jogging track and then had my usual breakfast of an ommlette with an English muffin.

      I get a nice chair by the pool in the shade. A swim, some reading, some chit-chat, and it is time for lunch.

      I have a nice salad and a pork chop for lunch. I head back out to the pool deck, but the sun is creeping over my chair. I decide to head down to my cabin for a nap instead.

      Tonight, I made reservations at Teppanyaki, which is a Japanese restaurant here on board. They cook and serve your dinner right in front of you. It was a great experience! I have pictures and some videos below. The food was amazing. I did scallops and shrimp. It was easily the best meal I have had on board. I am now stuffed and have to waddle back to my cabin to write this up.

      Tomorrow is our last day on board and a sea day. That will be fine since I have to pack anyway.      Читать далее

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    • Jane KippПутешественникPanama Cruise 2025
      Just off the ship
      Walkway to the beachPart of the marinaTourist after divingShip is still hereLunch can be healthyNot for me but neatLong walkwayOn the way back from snorkelingTurkey scallopini and gnocchiDesert

      UnBelizably Beautiful

      11 января, Белиз ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

      Today, we are in Belize. Beautiful weather, sunny with a mild breeze.

      Today, I am going on a snorkeling tour. After breakfast, I head off the ship. We are only an island called Harvest Caye. It is owned by Norweigian Cruise lines and for their exclusive use. The walkway onto the island is quite long, about a 15-minute walk. It is a lush island with loads of greenery and flowers.

      At the marina we meet our group. Onto a medium-sized boat and off we go. There are 41 people in total. Thank goodness they split us up into smaller groups. They give us our gear and a great safety talk! These people are very safety conscious, and no group is bigger than 8 people.

      I haven't been snorkeling in about 2 years, so I can't wait to get into the water. Last November, I had eye surgery to replace my lenses. This has greatly improved my eyesight where i don't need glasses anymore. I will be able to see all my little fishes sooo much better now! The water is warm and inviting , and I quickly realize that i haven't forgotten a thing. It feels totally natural for me to be floating around while our guide points out different kinds of fish. All the little fishes from grouper to Sargent majors to suffer fish and more have come out to see the tourists. Our guide also points out the different kinds of coral as well as a conch shell, sea urchins, and jellyfish. We are in the water for about an hour before we head back. Absolutely marvelous. The name of the tour was: H20Tierra (https://h2otierra.com/). If you're coming to Belize, look them up.

      Now, here is where I vent about the quality of snorkellers out there. As a former diver, I can spot rookies a mile away. The ones who ha e no idea where they are in the water, who is around them, what is under them, etc. These are the people with fogged up masks, swimming (or dog peddling, bicycle pumping arm flaying) over you, into you, or are kicking your masks off. Dear God, it's a big ocean, spread out. These people are a hazard to the reef as well as other people.

      Back on dry land, I head back to the ship for some lunch, shower, and a rest before dinner.

      Our solo group met again, and we had fun doing charades. Then we did dinner in the Grand Pacific. Dinner tonight was potato soup and turkey scaloppine with gnocchi.      Читать далее

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    • Jane KippПутешественникPanama Cruise 2025
      Nice sunset
      Sole GroupCable pouch

      Lazy Day At Sea

      10 января, Caribbean Sea ⋅ 🌙 27 °C

      Today was another sea day. I slept in today and had a late start. It is another beautiful day but windy. The Captain has once again closed the jogging track. I was lucky today (probably because it's 9:30) and get a treadmill in the gym. I do my 25 minutes and then head for breakfast.

      I spend a few hours on the sun deck reading and eavesdropping on conversations nearby. Apparently, there is an issue in Newfoundland somewhere with the minor hockey league poaching players and holding others back. Listening to the irate Mother's takes me back 25 years to our own drama in the hickey leagues. Nice to see nothing has changed.

      Last night at the Solo group meeting, Macarena handed out these faux leather pouches to make to carry our electric cables. It was a cute activity that I did after lunch in the bistro.

      To night at the Solo get-together, we did a group picture before dinner. Dinner tonight was in the Grand Pacific. The service is really slow. It took 15 minutes to have our orders taken. Another 20 minutes for it to get there. I had ordered a coffee with milk, and first, they brought Coffeemate, then another 5 minutes to get milk. When he gave me the milk, he took the spoon, so i had nothing to stir the coffee with. They are not getting good grades for dinner service. The meal was lovely, so the chefs get extra credit.

      Tomorrow we are in Belize and I have a tour. So it is an early night for me.      Читать далее

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    • Jane KippПутешественникPanama Cruise 2025
      Tourist shot
      SlothsMore slothsAgoutiMacaws and Green ParrotSpider monkeySlothsTree frog just hanging aroundHere Kitty KittyThe gator didn't eat the turtles.LunchA glass of wine with friends. What could be better?Stuffed peppersChocolate lava cake

      Sloths, Macaws, and Margays

      9 января, Коста Рика ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

      Today, we are in Costa Rica. The weather is overcast and a little rainy. We are off to a sanctuary called Jaguar Rescue Center. (www.jaguarrescue.foundation) They mend their injuries and then rehabilitate them for release back in the wild. It takes us about an hour to get there. Their roads suck in Costa Rica, very bumpy.

      Once there, we see the sloths that can not go back to the wild due to their injuries. There are Agouti wandering around the place. These are small mammals that look like large rats minus the tail. Next up was the macaws, noisy little birds. Then we saw the spider monkeys. One was a youngster and very active, and the other two were napping. We also saw a caiman who was very lazy as well. I think that they take such good care of these animals that they think they are on vacation! We rounded out the tour with an owl and then a margay. Cute kitty!

      After the tour, we stopped at a place for lunch. Lunch was a typical meal for the locals: rice, beans, plantains, chicken , and coleslaw. Served with lemonade. Very delicious! Finally, back to the ship around 2:00 PM. It's time for a shower and a nap. I have been averaging 8000 steps a day! My fitbut keeps telling me to lower my cardio load, but I can't on vacation.

      Dinner tonight was wonderful. I had roasted vegetables with goat cheese, stuffed red pepper, and a chocolate lava cake for dessert. Tomorrow is a sea day so I hope the weather is good.      Читать далее

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    • Jane KippПутешественникPanama Cruise 2025
      A mudslide for the afternoonMind the gap

      The Panama Canal

      8 января, Панама ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

      Today, we are traveling through part of the Panama Canal. We are only going to Gatun Lake and dropping anchor for a few hours. Unfortunately, there is no swimming allowed. The decks are crowded, and the ship has opened the bow area to allow for better viewing.

      It is hot and muggy today with overcast skies. Rain may be in the forecast today. I slept well as all nights on board. I check out the Canal before coffee even. A physical feat if I do say so myself!

      I'm not going to cast any shade on the Panama Canal. It is a major feat of engineering. However, I live close to the Welland Canal in Ontario, so this one, while bigger and more globally important, is kinda the same. The surrounding jungle is impressive! There is mist coming up over the tree line and lush greenery as far as the eye can see.

      We went through the locks to Gatun Lake. We tendered those who had excursions and just floated for a bit. There was a mix of commercial and pleasure ships going through. One busy place.

      I have enjoyed the day on the pool deck. The water has heated up considerably since the start of the cruise. A nice warm bath now as opposed to a refreshing dip. We are heading back to Colon to pick up the other passengers, and then we will continue our to Costa Rica.

      I had dinner with 'the gang' again. There were not as many since it was a late port. After dinner, I took on a comedy show with a gentleman named Jay Black
      The theater is very nice and it is a good after dinner wind down.      Читать далее

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    • Jane KippПутешественникPanama Cruise 2025
      Beautiful beach and some coconut water
      The new cityThe old bull fighting ring that has turned into a mallBeach at the old section of townThe best fisherman of the dayHe lost to the egret.A typical breakfast for the localsNice beach side restaurantEmerald MuseumOld town architectureStations of he cross at the BasilicaNativity scene at the BasilicaThe altar at the Basilica

      Cartenga Columbia

      7 января, Колумбия ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

      What idiot books a tour at 7 AM? That is my first thought when the alarm goes off at 5:30 AM. Then I realized that it was me. I am so not a morning person. I check my bag to make sure I have everything and head to the restaurant. One word: coffee. I can't stomach an omelet today, so I go for cottage cheese and fresh fruit and granola. Also, coffee, lots of coffee.

      We meet on the pier at 7:00 AM. Our coach is air-conditioned, thank goodness. It is a hot and humid day in Cartagena. There is a haze in the air that will impede picture taking. Cartagena is split into two parts: the old city and the new city. The new city looks like a metropolitian anywhere in the world, and the old city is surrounded by a stone wall and has all the quaint charm of years gone bye. Our first stop is a bodega on the beach in a poorer section of town. Here, we have some coconut water and watch one of the locals cast the fishing nets at the shore. I think the egret was more successful. The only part that was sad was the amount of litter on the beach h. Then we stopped at a restaurant on the beach for a traditional breakfast of egg fried in cornmeal and one with meat. The coffee here is incredible.

      Next upnwas the Emerald Museum. They had some interesting facts on the mining of emeralds. The jewelry was very expensive but pretty.

      We have now stopped in the old city. It is surrounded by a wall that is from the 15th century. The streets are brick, and the archetechure is amazing. The balconies here are made out of mohangy wood. We can't even get that in Canada.

      I have bought some coffee beans and a couple of charms from Pandora to go on my bracelet.

      I visited the cathedral. It is very beautiful. They still have their Christmas decorations up. Too hot for Christmas!

      Before you get back to the ship, they have a small aviary with a sloth, iguana, parakeets, macaws, and peacocks. It was a beautiful way to end our stay in Columbia.

      Back on the ship, it is a quick lunch, shower, and nap time before dinner. I once again enjoy dinner with our solo group.

      Just to add to the perfect day, I found out this evening that the last condition has been removed on the purchase of my new home. The day before I left, I had put in an offer for a condo. The closing date is February 27th, so I will have 6 weeks once I get back to pack up.      Читать далее

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    • Jane KippПутешественникPanama Cruise 2025
      Splash pool
      Closed for the dayDinnerDesert

      Sea Day #2

      6 января, Caribbean Sea ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

      Today is a sea day again, and the ship is noticeably crowded. The weather is not cooperating today. We have heavy skies, rain, and large swells. The pool deck is wet, so we need to walk carefully.

      The pools and hot tubs are closed. The jogging track is closed, so I figure the only way to exercise today is to try the gym. As expected, there is not a treadmill available anywhere. That leaves me with walking the stairs. There are 9 decks I can go up and down (I only make it 5 each way).

       That will have to do. Next up is breakfast. i have gotten very used to having someone make my omelet to order. That with an English muffin and coffee to round it all out. I try to sit on the pool deck, but the pool is splashing everyone. I head into the Spinnikar lounge and do some knitting.

      They have a presentation on the food and beverage department as well as the housekeeping department. It's very interesting to listen to. All the food on board is loaded in Miami. They do not get any food from the islands.

      After the lecture I get some lunch. I then go back to my cabin for some peace and quiet.

      I meet up with the solo group again and have dinner in the Magenta restaurant. The ceasar salad and cor don blue chicken was very nice.

      I have an early morning tomorrow, so I head back to the cabin to pack my bag      Читать далее

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