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Ahmet Erkun
Ahmet Erkun

Ahmet Erkun

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  • Remote Weddell Sea Explorer
    The only jaguar we saw today ... yes, it was on a poster inside the Iguazú Falls National Park.
    Map showing both the Argentinian (right) and Brazilian sides of Iguazú/Iguaçu Falls.The intersection where the inbound shuttle train was waiting for us to pass by — Iguazú Falls NP.Crossing Rio Iguazú Superior ... the river above the falls — Iguazú Falls National Park.The falls at Devil's Throat — Iguazú Falls National Park.View of the falls from the Devil's Throat balcony — Iguazú Falls National Park.We managed a selfie @ Devil's Throat despite getting wet as we did so — Iguazú Falls National Park.Falls from the Devil's Throat balcony — Iguazú Falls National Park.Silky smooth falls — Iguazú Falls National Park.Glimpsing the falls through the foliage ... on the Superior Circuit — Iguazú Falls National Park.1Superior Circuit view of the falls — Iguazú Falls National Park.Superior Circuit view of the falls — Iguazú Falls National Park.Superior Circuit view of the falls — Iguazú Falls National Park.Superior Circuit — Iguazú Falls National Park.2Looking down the cataracts ... Superior Circuit — Iguazú Falls National Park.Superior Circuit view of the falls — Iguazú Falls National Park.For perspective, find the people on the viewing terrace ... Superior Circuit — Iguazú Falls.Some of the critters from today — Iguazú Falls National Park.1Coati ... visiting our train car ... looking for a handout — Iguazú Falls National Park.

    Iguazú: Exploring the Argentinian Falls

    6. februar, Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 86 °F

    This morning we joined 10 other people to explore the Argentinian side of Iguazú Falls.

    Once we purchased our admission to the park, Jorge (our guide) got shuttle train reservations for the ride to the last stop to see the infamous Devil’s Throat, the canyon where the Argentinian and Brazilian Falls sort of unite (see map).

    Yes, we got a bit wet from the clouds of mist billowing up from the water plunging into the canyon … how can you not when the flow over the falls today measured at 1.7 million liters PER SECOND! (That’s about 450,000 gallons per second.) No matter … it was worth it! Not to mention refreshing.

    And then off to do the Circuito Superior … a boardwalk trail that follows the top of the falls for peek-a-boo views through the heavy foliage.

    It was 94F with high humidity … miserable, in other words. We were drained by the time we got back to the trailhead. And we needed some sustenance before we could proceed with the on-the-fly plan we had made to further explore the national park.    Læs mere

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  • Remote Weddell Sea Explorer
    The Madero Tango show is at the showroom at the local casino — Puerto Iguazú, Argentina.
    Two of the tango dancers at the Madero Tango show — Puerto Iguazú, Argentina.A clip from the Madero Tango show — Puerto Iguazú, Argentina.A clip from the Madero Tango show — Puerto Iguazú, Argentina.

    Iguazú: Madero Tango

    5. februar, Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 79 °F

    Our tour package included a tango show that I’d categorize more as a tango and folklore show.

    There was a bit of a communication mishap in that our tickets actually included a 7-course degustation experience. But we were told dinner was not included, so we ate at the hotel before a driver from the tour company picked us up and drove us to the show venue in Puerto Iguazú. Oh well.

    The show featured more than just tango dancers … there were also gauchos performing with boleadoras … a lariat with balls at one end … used to catch animals by entangling their legs; drummers performing with Bombo legüeros … a traditional Argentinian drum made of a hollowed tree trunk covered with a cured animal skin; and dancers who would have been the envy of Cirque du Soleil performers.

    It was a nice wrap up to our first day in the Iguazú area.    Læs mere

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  • Remote Weddell Sea Explorer
    En route to the Triple Frontier Landmark — Argentina.
    En route to the Triple Frontier Landmark — Argentina.2I wonder how many of the animals that make the rainforest home we will see ... if any?The ferris wheel is in Brazil ... on the way to the Triple Frontier Landmark — Argentina.En route to the Triple Frontier Landmark — Argentina.At the Triple Frontier Landmark — Argentina.Ferry crossing the Paraná River from Argentina to Paraguay ... from the Triple Frontier Landmark.Border checkpoint in Paraguay ... from the Triple Frontier Landmark — Argentina.The bridge spans the Paraná between Paraguay (L) & Brazil (R); but the road construction is ongoing.Selfie time with Paraguay & Brazil behind us ... from the Triple Frontier Landmark — Argentina.The Iguazú River, coming from the right, joins the Paraná River at this confluence.The ubiquitous "big letters" photo op ... at the Triple Frontier Landmark — Argentina.One of the colorful murals in the town of Puerto Iguazú, Argentina.

    Iguazú: Hito Tres Fronteras

    5. februar, Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 88 °F

    A small aircraft + a small airport + no checked bags = getting off the plane and through the terminal easy-peasy.

    Outside the terminal, we were met by Ernesto, our driver for today. The plan, he explained, was to first go to the Triple Frontier Landmark … about 30 minutes from the airport. But with multiple stops along the way for photo-ops, it took us twice as long to get there.

    The Triple Frontier is the confluence of the Iguazú and Paraná rivers. These two rivers form the boundaries between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, essentially making the overlook we went to a spot from which one can see three countries.

    Photo-ops completed, we drove back the short distance to the Falls Iguazú Hotel & Spa for free time … much appreciated since we got such an early start this morning, and the steamy 94F temp was quite draining.    Læs mere

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  • Remote Weddell Sea Explorer
    Still raining as we push back from our gate @ AEP — Buenos Aires, Argentina,
    Flying over Rio Iguazú ... En route to IGR in the Argentine province of Misiones.A dense carpet of trees covers every inch of land ... en route to IGR.Shades of green ... en route to IGR.Welcome to Iguazú Falls International Airport — Argentina.Today there was none of the chaos we've come to expect from Aerolineas Argentinas ... Bravo indeed!

    Welcome to Puerto Iguazú

    5. februar, Argentina ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    Although boarding was delayed 30 minutes at AEP, we were in the air on time at 8:10a, leaving the rain behind.

    An uneventful flight brought us to Iguazu Falls International Airport [IGR] 9 minutes ahead of schedule. The rain had already passed through … leaving behind tendrils of steam rising from the pavement heated from the sun.

    We are going to have a hot couple of days!

    By the way, none of the chaos we experienced in 2006/2007 with our Aerolineas Argentinas domestic flights was in evidence today. Everything was easy-peasy. Of course, that could be because of how early our flight was this morning. So, I am going to reserve judgment until after we complete the remaining three flights we’ve got booked with them. In the meantime, they deserve a kudos for today’s experience.    Læs mere

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  • Remote Weddell Sea Explorer
    2Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien at AEP — Buenos Aires, Argentina.
    The bread slices are generous at Le Pain Quotidien ... if only we'd known that before ordering!

    Off to Cataratas del Iguazú

    5. februar, Argentina ⋅ 🌧 75 °F

    We’re back at the airport. This time at Aeroparque Jorge Newberry [AEP] … for a domestic flight to Iguazú Falls … a 2-night/3-day stay.

    It’s raining in Buenos Aires … deluge, with the wind blowing the rain sideways would be a more accurate description. It doesn’t look like there is rain at our destination today … if you believe forecasts, that is. That it will be steamy — with a high of 94F — goes without saying.Læs mere

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  • Remote Weddell Sea Explorer
    The Obelisco on Avenida 9 de Julio — Buenos Aires, Argentina.
    "El Condor" ... a mural — Buenos Aires, Argentina.Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Carmen — Buenos Aires, Argentina.Supreme Court of Argentina at Plaza Lavalle — Buenos Aires, Argentina.Streetscape from Plaza Lavalle — Buenos Aires, Argentina.Teatro Colón — Buenos Aires, Argentina.Entrance to one of the subway stations — Buenos Aires, Argentina.Metropolitan Cathedral overlooking Plaza de Mayo — Buenos Aires, Argentina.Metropolitan Cathedral — Buenos Aires, Argentina.Mausoleum of General San Martin @ Metropolitan Cathedral — Buenos Aires, Argentina.Cabildo, former colonial government building ... now a museum — Buenos Aires, Argentina.Plaza de Mayo with Casa Rosada at the far end — Buenos Aires, Argentina.Basilica of St Francis of Assisi — Buenos Aires, Argentina.Horacio Butler's tapestry ... "La Glorificación de San Francisco” ... at the St Francis Basilica.Street art that I am naming "Sippin' the ubiquitous maté" — Buenos Aires, Argentina.Street art — Buenos Aires, Argentina.

    A-Wander in Buenos Aires

    4. februar, Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 81 °F

    It wasn’t quite noon when we arrived at the Bulnes Eco Suites for our overnight in Buenos Aires. Our room, wasn’t available for check-in. So we dropped off our bags for safe-keeping and went out for a wander.

    Our plan was to have lunch at a tapas restaurant and bar recommended to us by our friend, Julio. What that essentially meant was that we followed Google’s directions for the next two hours or so, meandering here and there on our way there. Since we’d spent time in Buenos Aires on previous trips, we were OK with what was an otherwise aimless stroll along mostly residential streets … though we did eventually get to some of the city’s major landmarks.

    The good news? We got nearly 13,000 steps under our belt. The bad news? Even though the website said that the tapateria opened at 1:00p, it was still locked up tight when we got there around 3:00p. No matter. We found another restaurant not too far away. We got as far as ordering our meal and were sipping our beverages when the power went off! The waitress came by to apologize and tell us that they could only serve the salad Mui had ordered. Oh well … at least the salad was good … and we did get some tapas to go later to eat-in after we checked into our studio suite at Bulnes.

    Early day tomorrow!    Læs mere

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  • Remote Weddell Sea Explorer
    The B777-200 that was our air chariot arriving at the jetway @ IAH — Houston, TX.
    A nice little cubby in Polaris Business on United ... thanks for the upgrade UA — IAH, Houston.All set for this flight to get going ... IAH — Houston, TX.Screenshots from the in-seat monitor showing our route and arrival in Buenos Aires, Argentina.Landed at EZE ... just before the rain messed up any photo-ops — Buenos Aires, Argentina.Mui arranging for a remis to take us into the city for our overnight near the domestic airport — EZE

    Welcome to Argentina

    4. februar, Argentina ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    A slight delay leaving Houston, but otherwise an uneventful flight. The meal service started as soon as the aircraft reached cruising altitude. Tummies sated, we put our seats in lie-flat mode and slept the rest of the flight away … waking about 2 hours before we landed.

    9 hours and 23 minutes later, having flown 5,094 miles, we were landing in a drippy Buenos Aires. Although the weather forecast showed rain throughout the day, the only time we got wet was as we were leaving the airport.

    Thanks to all the changes Aerolineas Argentinas made to our domestic flights over the past several months, once we cleared immigration and customs, we needed to transfer to a hotel near the domestic airport — AEP. To do that, we used the services of Tienda Léon, which operates a reliable shuttle and remis [car with driver] service. We arranged for a remis right before we left the secure arrivals area … easy peasy.

    The ride to Bulnes Eco Suites, in Palermo — a barrio [neighborhood] of Buenos Aires — is just under 20 miles, but the drive — in what passes for ‘smooth traffic’ in the city — took about 70 minutes.

    Now, to stay awake for the rest of the day.    Læs mere

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  • Remote Weddell Sea Explorer
    Our route from IAH to EZE — Houston, TX.

    Outbound Leg 2: DEN-EZE

    3. februar, Forenede Stater ⋅ 🌙 73 °F

    The aircraft that will be taking us to Buenos Aires just pulled up to the jetway.

    Any other time, I’d be thinking that we will have a delay departing. But this aircraft arrived from London this morning and has been resting here all day.

    The UA app gives our route map … looks pretty straightforward.

    Last post for today! Next time I post, we will be in Buenos Aires.    Læs mere

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  • Remote Weddell Sea Explorer
    Writing the FindPenguins footprint for our layover at IAH — Houston, TX.
    We have a view of airport operations from our seats at the UA Polaris Lounge @ IAH — Houston, TX.Lunch at the UA Polaris Lounge dining room at IAH — Houston, TX.

    Layover @ IAH

    3. februar, Forenede Stater ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    UA738 was on the ground at Houston IAH 20 minutes ahead of its 2:46p CST scheduled arrival.

    Once we deplaned at Terminal C, we used the Skyway — an automated people-mover that runs on an elevated track — to get to Terminal E. Our destination … the UA Polaris Lounge … which we have access to on the outbound leg of our trip thanks to the upgrade we received from United.

    We found a couple of empty seats, dumped our bags, and went to the lounge dining room for a tasty, perfectly-portioned lunch.

    It’s now 5:30p … we have about two hours to go before boarding is called for the flight that will be taking us to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Time to relax.    Læs mere

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  • Remote Weddell Sea Explorer
    No worrries ... this is not our aircraft ... DEN — Denver, CO.
    United flights waiting for pax ... DEN — Denver, CO.Luggage art ... DEN — Denver, CO.Bye, Bye Colorado ... DEN — Denver, CO.

    Outbound Leg 1: DEN-IAH

    3. februar, Forenede Stater ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F

    Busy day at DEN.

    We arrived at the Jeppesen Terminal around 9:00a … it took 45 minutes to drop off bags; use the TSA Pre✔️ line to get through security; and take the automated train (packed to the gills) to concourse B.

    The longest part of the whole process was the security line. The TSA Pre✔️ lines are no longer as short as they used to be. But it’s included in our Global Entry membership and still worth it … if for no other reason than not having to remove electronics and stuff.

    We have 10 minutes to go before boarding is called. It’s a bright sunny day here in Colorado. Anticipate no delays.    Læs mere

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  • Remote Weddell Sea Explorer
    We're overnighting at the Residence Inn near DEN — Denver, CO.
    Our studio suite at the Residence Inn near DEN — Denver, CO.Dinner at DiCicco's — Denver, CO.DiCicco's — Denver, CO.DiCicco's — Denver, CO.Detail from the decor and murals around DiCicco's — Denver, CO.

    O/N Near DEN

    2. februar, Forenede Stater ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    An uneventful drive this afternoon brought us to the Residence Inn by Marriott for our overnight stay in advance of tomorrow’s outbound flights.

    Once we were settled into our room, we walked across the street to DiCicco’s for an early dinner. Good food; interesting ambiance … which the restaurant’s website describes as “old world.” We even had entertainment … a made-for-TV documentary program featuring Frank Sinatra singing songs — many of them duets with the likes of Peggy Lee, Ethel Merman, Dean Martin, and more — that he never recorded.

    Looking forward to a quiet night before we begin our trip in earnest.    Læs mere

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  • Remote Weddell Sea Explorer
    1Preliminary itinerary video ... a new FindPenguins feature.

    We Are Off … Almost!

    1. februar, Forenede Stater ⋅ ⛅ 52 °F

    Our next adventure starts in about 21.5 hours … when the driver picks us up from our house in Colorado Springs for an overnight stay at a hotel near Denver Airport [DEN].

    I used a new feature of FindPenguins [https://findpenguins.com] to create a very rough itinerary video of our plans. As I add footprints, the map will provide a better visual and I will post another video at the conclusion of the trip.

    How our plans actually shape up is TBD … especially once we leave for the Great White Continent.

    When traveling from the furious forties to the roaring fifties and screaming sixties — and even further south — Mother Nature is in full control. Her whims will determine where we go … what we do.    Læs mere

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  • Life in Colorado
    Aftermath of yesterday's snow event — Colorado Springs, CO.
    Aftermath of yesterday's snow event — Colorado Springs, CO.We have a visitor in the aftermath of yesterday's snow event — Colorado Springs, CO.Aftermath of yesterday's snow event — Colorado Springs, CO.Aftermath of yesterday's snow event — Colorado Springs, CO.Aftermath of yesterday's snow event — Colorado Springs, CO.Aftermath of yesterday's snow event — Colorado Springs, CO.Aftermath of yesterday's snow event — Colorado Springs, CO.Aftermath of yesterday's snow event — Colorado Springs, CO.Aftermath of yesterday's snow event — Colorado Springs, CO.Aftermath of yesterday's snow event — Colorado Springs, CO.Aftermath of yesterday's snow event — Colorado Springs, CO.Aftermath of yesterday's snow event — Colorado Springs, CO.Aftermath of yesterday's snow event — Colorado Springs, CO.Sunshine and blue skies in the aftermath of a snow event — Colorado Springs, CO.Sunshine and blue skies in the aftermath of a snow event — Colorado Springs, CO.Sunshine and blue skies in the aftermath of a snow event — Colorado Springs, CO.Sunshine and blue skies in the aftermath of a snow event — Colorado Springs, CO.Sunshine and blue skies in the aftermath of a snow event — Colorado Springs, CO.

    A B&W Day Gets Some Color

    26. januar, Forenede Stater ⋅ ⛅ 27 °F

    It was snowing when we woke up yesterday … the soft, dry kind of snow that we usually get.

    It was still snowing when we went to bed … no break from the white stuff in between.

    This morning, we woke up to a monochromatic day. No snow falling from the sky. Thick fog veiling the view across the arroyo. Snow blanketing everything. The deck furniture was decorated with icy shards of snow that had Mui commenting that it looked like a scene out of Doctor Zhivago. OK … that was an exaggeration, but you get the idea.

    By mid-morning the fog had given into the sun that was breaking through the clouds. Patches of blue sky started to appear. Looking good.

    Our community has a service that clears any snow accumulation in our driveway … provided it is 3” or more. Mui estimated we had about 2”. So, he bundled up and got the snowblower going. In no time at all he had the dry, fluffy snow off the driveway. All good.

    Wouldn’t you know it? Around 1:00p, the snow removal team showed up with shovels in hand; a bobcat adapted for snow removal followed. Oh well, Mui … just think of the work you did as exercise 🤪

    (Since the early morning photos were so monochromatic anyway, I processed them with a B&W filter.)    Læs mere

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  • Life in Colorado
    Lunch with Ismail & Leyla at The Ponti — Denver, CO.

    Denver: Visiting with Family & Friends

    22. januar, Forenede Stater ⋅ ☀️ 30 °F

    Field trip, as our friend Kadi would say … to Denver!

    The extreme cold that plagued us earlier this week has moved on … to places like New Orleans and Tallahassee, which are not at all used to snow and ice! Don’t get me wrong, it’s still cold here. The high today was only 33F, but that’s a 45 degree difference from where we were just a few days ago, so we won’t complain.

    The purpose of today’s outing was not sightseeing. Rather, we made the drive up to Denver to see family and friends.

    A few weeks ago İsmail, Mui’s cousin — who lives in Rhode Island — texted to say that they would be in Denver this week. He asked if we might be around for a quick lunch. We said yes, and Mui made a reservation at The Ponti, a restaurant we’ve come to enjoy at the Denver Art Museum.

    Meeting up with Ismail and Leyla, his wife, we walked over to The Ponti just as they were opening their doors for the day. We were seated at a table by the window … luckily well-insulated from the cold. Lots of chatter and laughter before, during, and after our lunch … which we wrapped up with a shared Black Forest Cake … yummy!

    After bidding Ismail and Leyla goodbye, we drove over to Sonia and Boris’s place for a quick visit. Sonia had prepared a plate of fruit for us to nibble on while we caught up on what we’ve all been up to since we last got together in June 2024. It was good to see them since it may be awhile again before we see them … unless we manage to coordinate our schedules for a quick lunch before they leave for their trip in March.

    Not wanting to get stuck in the usual southbound rush hour, we left Denver around 2:00p. Perfect timing; no issues on I-25S.    Læs mere

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  • Life in Colorado
    Looks pretty ... but it is like an icebox out there — Colorado Springs, CO.
    Conditions at the time of this footprint — Colorado Springs, CO.

    Extreme Cold Watch

    18. januar, Forenede Stater ⋅ ☁️ 16 °F

    A powerful Arctic front — some call it a polar vortex — is impacting our weather at the moment.

    It’s like an ice box outside. A temp of 10F isn’t so bad, but there is a brutal wind blowing that is making the feels like temperature -13F … that’s minus 13 in case you missed the little sign in front of the number. (For those who deal in centigrade, those numbers are -12C / -25C, respectively.)

    Things are expected to get worse. The dangerously cold conditions — temps dipping to -5F (-20C) … with an unknown as yet feels like temp forecasted a few days hence — warrants the extreme cold watch that has been issued.

    We’ve pulled out our polar gear for an upcoming trip to Antarctica. But it looks like we might need them right here at home if we have to venture outside! We don’t intend to do so, but hey … you never know.    Læs mere

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  • Life in Colorado
    Cheers with sangria ... Mui's birthday dinner @ TAPAteria — Old Colorado City, CO.
    Mui's birthday dinner @ Tapateria — Old Colorado City, CO.Mui's birthday dinner @ TAPAteria — Old Colorado City, CO.

    Mui’s Birthday Dinner

    15. januar, Forenede Stater ⋅ ☀️ 45 °F

    Last year, we were cruising the Great Australian Bight on Oceania’s Regatta when we celebrated Mui’s birthday. Sasa, the Food and Beverage Manager, and a dear friend, joined us for dinner at the Polo Grill.

    The year before, we were in San Francisco on Oceania’s Insignia when we celebrated Mui’s birthday … picking up the world cruisers joining us for RTW2023. Dear friends Boris and Sonia joined us for dinner in the Grand Dining Room.

    This year we are home in Colorado. We went to TAPAteria, a favorite place in Old Colorado City, for a tapas dinner. We toasted Mui’s birthday with a glass of sangria as we nibbled on tasty tidbits. Dessert was a delicious Crema Catalana with a hint of cinnamon … compliments of the establishment.

    Here’s to many, many more happy and healthy returns … regardless of where we might be!    Læs mere

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  • Life in Colorado
    Sunrise from our back deck — Colorado Springs, CO.
    Sunrise from our back deck — Colorado Springs, CO.Sunrise from our back deck — Colorado Springs, CO.Sunrise from our back deck — Colorado Springs, CO.Sunrise from our back deck — Colorado Springs, CO.

    What A Sunrise!

    3. januar, Forenede Stater ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F

    We frequently enjoy colorful sunrises from our back deck. However, I don’t always take photos or post them on FindPenguins. But the gorgeous sunrise this morning begged to be remembered.

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  • Life in Colorado

    Happy Holidays

    24. december 2024, Forenede Stater ⋅ ☀️ 46 °F
  • Life in Colorado
    Putting up the tree in August = the house will be ready for the holidays when we return in December.
    Mui got the exterior decorations up today — Colorado Springs, CO.2Holiday cheer at our home — Colorado Springs, CO.

    Ready for the Holidays

    18. december 2024, Forenede Stater ⋅ ☀️ 37 °F

    Knowing that we’d be returning from our fall/winter trip with just 9 days to spare before Christmas, Mui put up the tree and a few other decorations back in August.

    We have rules in our community, however, regarding exterior decorations and when you can start putting them up. August, of course, was way outside the allowed time frame.

    Today, Mui got our exterior decorations up. So, we are ready for the holidays now.    Læs mere

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  • Life in Colorado

    Welcome Home Sunrise

    17. december 2024, Forenede Stater ⋅ ☀️ 52 °F

    We concluded our fall/winter overseas trip with a post-TransAtlantic flight from Florida to Colorado yesterday.

    This morning we woke up to this colorful sunrise.

    Such a lovely “welcome home.”

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  • Fall & Winter 2024
    Hello DEN ... almost home! — Denver, Colorado.

    Hello Denver!

    16. december 2024, Forenede Stater ⋅ ☁️ 41 °F

    There was a slight delay leaving MIA … about 5 minutes. But our uneventful flight landed at DEN precisely 23 minutes early at 10:12a. So, no complaints.

    Our bags were already going round and round on the carousel at baggage claim by the time we got there.

    Vincent, who often drives us to/from home and DEN, was waiting to whisk us home. By 12:30p, we were unloading our bags from his truck and into our garage.

    That’s a good travel day!

    It’s good to be back home … at least for a little bit 😉.    Læs mere

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  • Fall & Winter 2024
    Bye Bye Miami, Florida.

    Bye Bye Miami!

    16. december 2024, Forenede Stater ⋅ 🌙 72 °F

    Early start to our travel day for an 8:00a flight from MIA to DEN!

    When we dropped off our bags at the United Airlines counter, the agent said that the aircraft had “slept over” at MIA. Hence, we are expecting an on time departure.

    In the meantime … need to find some food to sate our grumbling tummies.    Læs mere

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  • Fall & Winter 2024
    On the Metromover to Bayfront Park — Miami, Florida.
    Dirty windows on the Metromover this time ... instead, a collage from our rides in 2017 — Miami.Ominous clouds behind the Skyview Miami Ferris wheel — Miami, Florida.Kuba Cabana's motto for life 😊 ... Bayside Marketplace — Miami, Florida.Lunch at Kuba Cabana ... Bayside Marketplace — Miami, Florida.Mosaic mural on the River Walk Trail — Miami, Florida.Mosaic mural on the River Walk Trail — Miami, Florida.From the Brickell Avenue Drawbridge over the Miami River — Miami, Florida.From the Brickell Avenue Drawbridge over the Miami River — Miami, Florida.Holiday cheer on the River Walk Trail near Brickell Park — Miami, Florida.Coffee break at a food truck disguised as a French patisserie ... Brickell Park — Miami, Florida.Here comes our driverless Metromover for the return ride to North Miami — Miami, Florida.

    A-Wander in Miami

    15. december 2024, Forenede Stater ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    We arrived at the Best Western Plus to a zoo! The lobby was packed with guests waiting their turn for the shuttle … both airport and cruise port … a greater number for the latter.

    When we went to check in, they had a room available for Deniz. Not for us, however, as I had booked a suite … on the assumption that we’d be spending the day in our room … a plan that had changed when Deniz told us that this was his first time in Miami. So, we left our bags in his room and off we went to wander around Miami … hoping the weather would cooperate.

    The easiest way to get into Miami is to use the Metrorail/driver-less Metromover combo from the rail station at the airport intermodal center. At least that was our experience in the past. Not so much this time.

    As it turns out, the orange line that goes from the airport into the city does not run on Sundays. Instead, it operates as a single-stop shuttle to/from Earlington Heights. Normally, switching to the green line would have been easy peasy, but today they were experiencing technical difficulties. The result? The trains were single tracking … with delays. The good news? The southbound train arrived within a few minutes and we were quickly on our way into the city. Northbound? We weren’t so lucky later when we were ready to return to the hotel

    Anyway, we switched to the Inner Loop Metromover at Government Center for the rest of our ride. By 11:30a, we were strolling the waterfront at Bayfront Park. Our search for a place for lunch ended at Kuba Cabana at Bayside Marketplace … good food; loud music. The market umbrella protected us from the occasional spritzing … until it was time for dessert. At which point, a sudden downpour had us scurrying to a better protected table. Luckily that shower was of short duration, but it pretty much set the weather pattern for the next few hours.

    After lunch, we headed towards Brickell, following the River Walk Trail … stopping to get snacks in lieu of dinner at the hotel. A coffee break at the food truck park (aka Brickell Park) seemed in order next. Our aching feet welcomed the chance to sit … our bodies welcomed the warmth of the sunshine. That the area was protected from the stiff winds plaguing Miami today was a bonus.

    Completing our stroll, we reversed our travel route from this morning and — after a myriad of delays — got back to the hotel around 5:45p …ready for a quiet evening and a good night’s rest.

    Tomorrow, Deniz will be heading home to Missouri … via Houston. We have a non-stop flight to Colorado.

    For all intents and purposes, this trip is almost over.    Læs mere

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  • Fall & Winter 2024
    Miami skyline as Encore makes its way to Terminal B — Miami, Florida.
    Miami skyline as Encore makes its way to Terminal B — Miami, Florida.Miami skyline as Encore makes its way to Terminal B — Miami, Florida.Virgin's Valiant Lady coming into port; RCL's Symphony of the Seas already docked — Miami, Florida.RCL's Symphony of the Seas — Port of Miami, Florida.At our berth at Terminal B ... aka the NCL Terminal — Port of Miami, Florida.1Miami skyline in daylight ... between rain showers — Florida.Miami skyline in daylight ... between rain showers — Florida.Miami skyline in daylight ... between rain showers — Florida.Miami skyline in daylight ... between rain showers — Florida.

    Disembarkation: Miami … Night & Day

    15. december 2024, Forenede Stater ⋅ 🌬 73 °F

    So, I was wondering a few days ago how NCL would disembark 3,000 people in Miami … where we were one of seven mega ships in port today.

    Here’s how it went.

    A couple of hours of comfort in the Observation Lounge as we waited for our disembarkation group to be called.

    Nearly an hour of misery once we swiped off the ship … which could have been easily avoided if the schedule had been followed and the NCL early transfer/tour groups had been called before the independents. But that’s not what they did. Instead, they started calling the priority (Haven pax and high-level members of the NCL loyalty club) and independent groups early, allowing the transfer/tour groups to cut into the line as they were escorted off the ship. This caused quite a bit of back-up on the gangway; and frayed nerves. All quite unnecessarily.

    The good news? After that hour of misery, it took us just five minutes to collect our bags, snag a porter, and have him escort us to immigration … by-passing the long queue of passengers who had opted not to use the services of a porter.

    Welcomed back to the USA by a friendly immigration agent, we walked out of the terminal and into a large van taxi for the three of us and our bags … no waiting!

    Now to do a bit of wandering around Miami … after we drop off our bags at the hotel.    Læs mere

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  • Fall & Winter 2024
    Holiday cheer in the forward observation lounge — NCL Encore.

    Atlantic Crossing: Day 6

    14. december 2024, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ 🌬 72 °F

    Last day of the crossing. One more sleep and we will disembark Encore tomorrow morning.

    Rough seas … rain … overcast. Basically, a rinse and repeat of yesterday’s weather.

    Our main focus today was to pack our bags early so that we could enjoy the rest of the day. It’s easier to pack to go back home … nonetheless, it’s a chore … one that was complicated slightly because we’ll be staying overnight in Miami before flying home on the 16th. We got it all done and the bags are now in the hallway, waiting to be carted away by the crew.

    Deniz and Mui went to “The Beatles: Later Years” show … which they enjoyed. Just as I enjoyed sitting on the veranda to finish the book I started reading yesterday … “Michelangelo’s Book” by Paul Christopher (in case anyone is interested in a quick read that holds one’s attention).    Læs mere

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  • Fall & Winter 2024
    The pastry chef and his team getting to work on the atrium gingerbread village.
    Midship atrium gingerbread village panorama — NCL Encore.Midship atrium gingerbread village — NCL Encore.Midship atrium gingerbread village — NCL Encore.Midship atrium gingerbread village — NCL Encore.Midship atrium gingerbread village — NCL Encore.Midship atrium gingerbread village — NCL Encore.Midship atrium gingerbread village — NCL Encore.Midship atrium gingerbread village — NCL Encore.Garden Café gingerbread village — NCL Encore.Garden Café gingerbread village — NCL Encore.Garden Café gingerbread village — NCL Encore.

    Atlantic Crossing: Day 5

    13. december 2024, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ 🌬 70 °F

    Brrrr! Shouldn’t we be removing layers as we get closer to Miami? Well, that’s definitely not been the case today.

    Woke up to overcast skies and strong winds … and a light veil of fog. There was a damp in the air that added to the chill factor.These conditions lasted throughout the day. The sea state was fairly rough … the most movement we’ve had since leaving Southampton on 3 December. The Navigation Channel on the TV says that we are Beaufort 5 … winds in the 19-24 mph range; waves in the 6-10 feet range.

    Disembarkation instructions for 15 December have been delivered to the cabin. After consulting Deniz — first time in Miami for him — we decided to get luggage tags for 9:15a … the earliest departure time for passengers with independent plans. I’m curious to see how they will manage the process for 3,000 people.

    There was a gingerbread house competition earlier in the crossing. I did not participate, but did get to see everyone’s creation as the head pastry chef and some of his team members set up gingerbread villages to add to the holiday cheer around the ship … one in the deck 6 midship atrium, where the aroma of gingerbread adds to the ambiance, and one in the Garden Café. Good job by all.    Læs mere

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