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Where are Paul and Donna
Where are Paul and Donna

Where are Paul and Donna

traveled in 25 countries Read more🇺🇸East Windsor
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  • Where are Paul and DonnaOur Northwest Corner AdventureTraveler

    Day 3: Smith Rock & Mount Saint Helens

    August 15, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    Day three was pretty much a travel day. We needed to get from Bend, Oregon up to Mount Rainer. However, the day was still an opportunity to visit a couple of points of interest.

    Smith Rock in Oregon is considered one of the birth place of technical rock climbing. We got to see the rock, but time constraints didn’t allow for a long visit at the park.

    From there we headed up to Mount Saint Helens. It was back on March 27, 1980 Donna was living in Vancouver, Washington when Mount Saint Helens erupted. She remembers cleaning the ash off of everything, afraid to even breathe the air. She remembers seeing the top of Mount Saint Helens.

    Paul and Donna were able to completed the necessary tasks to be sworn in and awarded our Mount Saint Helen’s Junior Ranger badges.

    Most of the day was spent driving, but we did have a couple of opportunities to explore some nice places.    Read more

  • Where are Paul and DonnaOur Northwest Corner AdventureTraveler
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    Day 2: Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

    August 14, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    Crater Lake National Park has a personality all its own. Due to forest fires we could not enter through the north entrance. We had to drive around to the south entrance to enter the park.

    This park is very picturesque. This park offers artists of all types many opportunities to capture a spirit which only this park provides. I chose to show most of the images in black and white because the haze of the forest fires did not allow for the colors to shine.

    Of course, Donna and I were diligent in earning our Crater Lake Junior Ranger badges - which we wear proudly.

    After our day at Crater Lake we headed back to Bend Oregon and had a totally AMAZING dinner at “Pastini’s” in the Old Mill area. #pastini Also, Donna who is known across the world to be the “Woman who doesn’t drink,” found a new favorite Pinot Gris, produced by Cooper Mountain Vineyards, Willamette Valley, Oregon. #CooperMountainVinyards    Read more

  • Where are Paul and DonnaOur Northwest Corner AdventureTraveler
    111

    Day 1: Multnomah Falls, Mt. Hood, Tumalo

    August 13, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    After arriving SeaTac airport, we picked up our rental car and headed south towards Oregon. Our first stop was Multnomah Falls. This was a stop Donna wanted to be sure I got to see. It is lovely. Worth the two dollars.

    From there we headed towards our airbnb in Tumalo, Oregon. Our journey had us headed directly into the view of Mount Hood. Wow!

    By 10:00 pm we made it to our wonderful airbnb. Got a good night’s sleep and in the morning headed out to Crater Lake. In the morning our wake-up view was inspiring.    Read more

  • Where are Paul and DonnaOur Northwest Corner AdventureTraveler
    It's just way too early.
    Close up of our Hartford to Philadelphia ride.Our plane in HartfordOn our plane in Philadelphia waiting for the doors to close.

    Day 1: BDL to PHL to SEA

    August 13, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 59 °F

    We are plenty early. Which is a good thing. Donna & I are heading for Seattle for a ten day mini-trip. Our main goal is to visit the four National Parks in Oregon and Washington. Please reply with comments to let us know you are keeping an eye on us. Let the adventure begin!
    8:12 AM We are on board in Philadelphia for a six hour flight to Seattle.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 140: We’re home!

    May 10, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 50 °F

    With tons of mixed emotions we come home from our 140 day Viking World Cruise - this was an unplanned surprise out our front door in East Windsor, CT USA

    The Northern Lights! We have never witnessed this before.Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna
    1

    Day 137: Cliffs of Dover, England.

    May 7, 2024 in England ⋅ ☀️ 54 °F

    This post is for Heather C’s mom and my friends, family, and other followers to let you we have not fallen off the ship. We are still here! It has been 14 days since our last post Day 124 on April 24th in the Canary Island, Spain. On that post I woke up with a pretty bad cough. And had been not been running on all 8 cylinders.

    I promise to get caught up on every missing day. My personal goal was to have every day documented. This will get done.

    Since the Canary Islands, we have been to 3 ports in Morocco - Cadiz, Spain (Which we loved), - Lisbon and Porto Portugal, A Coruña, Spain - St Malo France, - and had lunch with our long time friend Joel in Paris yesterday.

    It has been go, go, go - and with so many days in different ports - and both of us catching a cold and fighting that off - we would go to and excursion for the day and then get back to our room and rest. We tried to be good stewards wearing masks and staying away from people up close.

    There have been reports of Covid and people having to quarantine for 2 days - we both tested negative for Covid. As we have talked with others - we are not the only ones. A cruise ship is like a Petri dish - we are better now.

    Honestly, our brains, our entire being has reached capacity - There are only so many temples, Flower gardens, Bus rides, Mosques, Statues, Coconuts, cobble stoned streets, UNESCO landmarks, Dances from grade school children, stories of the historic greed and conquest which has pretty much been the status quo for human civilization. By the way - Nothing got discovered - someone else found what you already knew you had and took it from you.

    In a couple of hours we will head out on our excursion in Dover, England. Our stewards are cleaning the room - making the bed. While we sit in the Explorer’s Lounge having a cup of tea with the White Cliffs’s of Dover filling the picture frame we call our living room window. Enjoy the pictures.

    We still can’t believe we have been on this adventure. I do have all the stickers on my carry-on to prove it! - see photo.

    As Donna as said many times - “We can’t un-know this.” We got the traveling bug. And have already booked a river cruise and a Mediterranean Ocean cruise for Nov & Dec 2025.

    So, to Heather C’s mom - (and all the others who have been so very supportive of this blog) I do promise to fill in the missing gaps and dates and post them on FB as well. Something to do on the flight home if I am not sleeping.

    We have met a ton of new friends - And we do think a couple of those relationship will stick - for that we are thankful. And if some of the relationships were meant for just this cruise adventure - that’s okay as well.

    Mostly, thank you to everyone for your kind words of encouragement and the good times we shared.

    “As iron sharpens iron, so to a person another.” Proverbs 27:17

    Thank you all for sharpening Donna and I because of sharing this adventure together.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna
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    Day 136: Paris & Friends (Post 2:2)

    May 6, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F

    Those of us in the IT World understand the dreaded word “Consultant.” Oui, the consultant from Paris France will come and solve all of our IT problems.

    Back in 2009 Joel (A consultant from France) came to New Haven Ct; together Joel and I were locked up in a room for 30 days (and many nights) building a BPM software solution for Yale University. Yes - it was the Lombardi project.

    When you work this closely with someone you either kill each other - vowing to never see this person again - Or you become life long friends. I am happy to report the latter of the two options is the outcome of our journey.

    Back in 2009 Joel stayed with us for a night - we showed him around Boston. Through the magic of FB we have remained friends - having never seen him since.

    A couple of days before arriving to France I messaged Joel of our arrival and VERY short stay in Paris. Without hesitation he adjusted his schedule (Yes - he is still a dreaded consultant now working in the AI space) and was able to drive into the city to meet up with Donna and myself.

    Having limited time we walked into an area that was once a castle - with a lovely garden and tree lined path. Found a cafe to have a meal and a beer together - and basically picked up right where we left off in 2009. Updated on children, grand-children, jobs, our retirement were all shared.

    Once our meal was done, we walked past the Louvre and Joel got a picture of me kissing my lovely wife on a bridge spanning La Seine River. You know just like in the movies.

    These three hours with such a good friend surpassed anything anyone could wish for in Paris. There just isn’t an excursion in the VIking Daily for this type of time.

    I am sure there are many who read this who understand these types of relationships. Today is a special day on our adventure. What a wonderful way to put a bow on this world cruise.

    Also, having someone who knows how to order in French really helped.

    Please enjoy these pictures.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 136: Viva La Paris (Post 1:2)

    May 6, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F

    Today, day 136 Captain Richard led us safely into Port Honfleur, France. Which is at the mouth of the La Seine river. Then we were on a bus at 9:15 AM for a three hour journey to Paris.

    My dreams from 5th grade French class - Mr. Pino’ teaching “Comen Talle vous?” And the many stories he would tell of wonderful Paris were about to come true.

    The countryside of Fannie is lovely - Most of which reminded us of the states. We like West New York State - very similar. A long ride - but worth it.

    Finally there is was out the bus window - The Arch de Triumph and then the Eiffel Tower. Due to limited time in Paris (only 3 hours) we did not get to explore these gens of Paris. La Seine is amazing- The driver parked the bus under The Louvre in a parking garage. Then we were off to the streets of Paris for the BEST time a person can have in Paris - See Post #2

    Meanwhile enjoy these pictures.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 128: Tangier, Morocco - Part 1

    April 28, 2024 in Morocco ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F

    We spent today in Tangier’s Morocco. Again, so of the people selling their wares got very pushy. But today I was in the zone with my camera. Every where I looked I saw an image just wanting to be captured. Please enjoy these images, I will let them speak for themselves. I would go back here to take more pictures.Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 127: Casablanca, Morocco

    April 27, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    Today we took the included “Casablanca: City of White” included tour. It was a nice bus tour with several nice places to stop. The colors of the markets always impress me. The different varieties of olives was nice to taste.

    Donna and I weren’t running at 100%. Even with the bit of rain we had, we did enjoy the tour, at lunch at a local cafe. We ordered something that was local - forgot what it was called - but we both enjoy the meal. It was like a lamb gyro wrap thing.

    We did find a pharmacy and stocked up on drugs to help our coughs & cold bug.

    The colors and excitement continue to wish I had more time there. Morocco is a very religious country with a lot of churches and mosques.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 126: Agadir, Morocco

    April 26, 2024 in Morocco ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F

    What I hated about Morocco was the pushy in your face people trying to sell you stuff. I hate it when my space is invaded so much and that they just won’t leave you alone.

    What I loved about Morocco was everything else. The colors, the excitement, the energy all made you feel alive. There is extreme poverty in Agadir. The people I did meet that weren’t pushy hawkers were really nice and fun to talk with.

    I would like to go back here to really explore the colors, patterns, and artistic energy that radiates for just above everywhere. Like most of the stops on our cruise, you just never have enough time to do and see it all.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 125: Heading towards Agadir, Morocco

    April 25, 2024, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ 🌬 68 °F

    So, pretty much today was a Sea Day. We did not dock into port until 4:30 PM and there were no planned excursions for us.

    We did have a nice Facebook chat with Keara & our new grandson Ozzy. You got to love the internet. We hadn’t been feeling great so for the most part we stayed to ourselves. Sushi for dinner is always nice.

    You can see a pic of our friend Robin when we were in art class. Today we were making gift wallets. We opt’d out of the evening destination performance in the Star Theater to get to bed a bit early.

    Not much to report, pretty sunrises and sunsets - you know the same thing pretty much every day. Great people & friends, Amazing food, and Mother Nature always paints beautiful art work in the skies.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna
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    1

    Day 124: Canary Islands, Spain

    April 24, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F

    It’s almost 6:00 AM, I didn’t sleep well last night. My throat was dry - coughed a lot - and just not tired. Peeking out the veranda looking for signs of a sunrise, only to find out Captain Richard is guiding us into port by the moon and the stars. Sunrise is at 7:30AM

    A bit in disbelief, I have heard of the Canary Islands but never thought in a million years I would be walking their shores. This type of event falls under the category of; “It wasn’t on our bucket list - but it is now.” Pinch me.

    While Canary Islands are located west of Africa, one would think they might be a part of Africa - they are not - they belong to Spain.

    On the deck 7 with my mate Brian watching the sunrise.

    Breakfast is served. We will miss Karmila.

    Later on this morning about 9:00AM Donna and I will grab our QV’s [QuietVox] and head out on a four ½ hour excursion to visit Pyramids & the Esperanza Forest.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 123: Canary Islands, Spain

    April 23, 2024, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F

    As we continue our journey up the western coast of Africa toward Morocco we are sailing towards the Canary Islands which we visit tomorrow. But I have no idea were we are today. Yes, it’s a sea day

    The ship had one of those required drills in the morning. Also, there was a Art Show of various works which people on the ship had done.

    Tricia Dalton leads us in making Thank you cards in our art class this morning. The bartending staff welcomes us to a Port Wine tasting event at 1:00pm - then a nap is in order.

    At 6:30pm Russell Lee presents a lecture on ABBA and their story. Some of it we have heard before, it is common knowledge. Russell is always able to provide more details to the “Great” stories he tells.

    Viking entertainer Lewis Petrie, takes the stage tonight with a great show, All of the Viking entertainers are so gifted and talented.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna
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    Day 122: Celebrate Passover Seder

    April 22, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    Over 100 hundred people attended the Passover Seder celebration in The Restaurant. Chef Willy, Casper, the cooks, the waitstaff were all amazing.

    Personally, I have always wanted to attend a Seder and to share this with our Viking Community/Family was wonderful.

    I asked Josh, “So, what was the percent breakdown?” He replied, “Well, I know who all the Jews are - I would say 30% Jewish, and 70% non-Jewish.”

    I think I can easily say “Thank-you” from the 70% crowd for welcoming us into your celebration, your remembrance, and your time of reflection of hope.

    The leaders of the event did a wonderful job of “editing” what is traditionally an all evening meal and service. We were taught the meanings of the Seder plate, and we “Heard a GREAT story.” There was an excellent balance of showing us the key elements - skipping over some of the “long stuff” - Happy to have a a good balance of Hebrew and English - and holding to those elements which are key for the Jewish Community who were present.

    The meal WOW - Chef Willy and his staff hit it out of the park. Kosher wine was served. Fresh herbs & spices, Gefilte fish, Matzo Ball Soup, and more. Perfect.

    It was really exciting as the meal was served to just listen to all the noise and commotion of people just sharing like a big family meal. This event really demonstrated what our Neptune Family has become these past 123 days.

    To watch the sunset as we sang the children’s song “Chad Gadya” (Which is the way the Seder is closed) really reminded us of the struggles we all face and the injustices which are among us everyday. The story of Moses and the Hebrew community reminds us of the Hope our various faiths provide to us.

    “Then came the Most Holy, blessed be the Name, and slew the angel of death …”

    So, what about next Passover? I am thinking Josh & Robin’s house? If not, then we just need another cruise.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna
    Goree Island

    Day 121: 1 - Dakar, Senegal

    April 21, 2024 in Senegal ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F

    Day 121, Sunday, April 21st we docked in Dakar, Senegal. Honestly this is a very poor depressed country. Our expat of 20+ years tour guide spoke of her country like it was a paradise. Looking out the bus window - we didn’t see it.

    We had over an hour bus ride to reach the Bandai Reserve where we had a “mini” Safari which lasted about two hours.

    We did see some nice animals and got some good pictures on both the iPhone and and Sony. Please enjoy these three posts to get a sense of our day in Senegal and at the Bandai Reserve.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna
    Our recipe sheetMade to tasteBlack RussianGrasshopper

    Day 120: Neptune Mixology Class of 2024

    April 20, 2024, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    This evening’s final class session focused on Digestif Cocktails, after dinner drinks: Black Russian, Grasshopper, and Brandy Alexander. Spirits were high as we all knew graduation was near.

    To quote Elle, from Legally Blonde, “We did it!”

    Pomp and Circumstance played as we all received our degrees. What fun we have all had these past weeks learning how to make so many different drinks.

    We can’t thank the Viking Bar Staff enough for all the hard work they put into each session. Also, I know there were staff behind the scenes creating those lovely displays for each session - they were works of art that belong in a museum. We are life-long learners, thank you so much for being our teachers, mentors, and friends.

    However, like many graduates we have to now find a bartending job to help pay for education. We are all wondering if Viking will offer us shipboard credits to fill in for the staff as we enter segment 8.

    Once again, thank you to Viking Neptune and everyone who participated.

    “We did it!”    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 120: Sushi, need I say more?

    April 20, 2024, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    Rannel once again prepares a culinary delight.

    I remember when it was special to “go out for sushi.” Now, it has become my mainstay meal most nights.

    Rannel is warm, friendly, and does a sushi roll like no other. He also likes UCONN - Go Huskies!

    Dinner in the World Cafe aboard the Viking Neptune, off the coast of Africa in the North Atlantic Sea - To quote my wife - “I can’t unknow this lifestyle.”

    #sushi #myvikingstory    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 120: Memento Competition

    April 20, 2024, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F

    What fun today on the Pool Deck and in the Winter Garden. Aoibhin our Master of Ceremonies hosted a wonderful display of arts and crafts mementos which 12 different teams have been diligently working on for several days.

    The rule was create a 3D representation of any aspect of the cruise as a special reminder of this wonderful adventure.

    Once again the Viking Neptune family stood firm as we all voted.

    Aoibhin would ask, “What would you score this entry?”

    “TEN” we all shouted.

    And again, “What would you score this entry?”

    In loud harmony, “TEN!” We all exclaimed.

    And again “……?”

    “TEN”

    “TEN” - “TEN” - “TEN”

    Can you sense a trend here? All the entries are amazing. These are our people, our family, they all win!

    With only one bottle of Prosecco available as a Grand Prize. The judges broke the deadlock and decided on the entry by Robin & Trish “Layla & Lola” the twin elephants as the Grand Prize winner. Well deserved. The heart touching story mirrored what we have all learned on this cruise.

    Please enjoy these photos.

    Also, a special surprise watch the two videos of our own Viking Neptune Choir sing a special number. (It is the last two images out of the entire list of pictures.)    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 119: Sailing off the coast of Africa

    April 19, 2024, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 86 °F

    Today is day six of seven straight sea days. It’s amazing how fast they have flown by. On Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 8:00 AM we will be docked in Dakar, Senegal. Then it is back to back ports & excursions.

    Woke up, showered & dressed, breakfast with Mike at the World Cafe, 11:00 The Neptune Photo Scavenger Hunt Finale, 12:15 Lunch with Donna, then up to deck 8 at the glass table where John & I worked on some personal projects. Piano music from the Explorer’s Lounge fills the air to make the whole day - just calm.

    I am having fun with Roots Magic 9 and how it interfaces with my Family Search online account. Learning tons of stuff about my genealogy. Found some records going back to the early 1600’s which need further research and verification.

    Now that Donna has experienced the Viking Cruising Lifestyle she has come up with a saying; “I can’t un-know this.” I think she is hooked.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna
    2

    Day 119: Meet Yoyo - It’s Magic

    April 19, 2024, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 84 °F

    It’s been a while since I have featured a Viking Neptune Crew member - Meet Yoyo - Bar Waitress in the World Cafe - and other places as well.

    It didn’t take long for Yoyo and I to have a secret communication ‘handshake’ — You see Yoyo would stand behind Donna (without Donna’s notice - most of the time) and give me “the look” with a “thumbs-up.” I would give Yoyo a quick wink and head nod - and “Poof” - she was gone.

    A couple of minutes later - much to everyone’s surprise Yoyo would appear out of thin air with a Bailey’s on the Rocks in her hand.

    Now, we have had some great magicians on the Neptune - but have them top that trick! Right?

    I was talking with Ken about Yoyo - he commented yes, sometimes they [Viking waitstaff] see you coming and the drink is at the table before you get there. It’s almost hard if you want to try something else, just have to order that as the next drink.

    Back to Yoyo. She has been with Viking for two years, this is her fifth contract. She is from Thailand has a younger brother and sister. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Literature.

    In her spare time she reads fiction and lately has been focusing on stories around Chinese history and the Marshall arts.

    Yoyo also enjoys K-pop and her favorite flavor ice cream is pistachio.

    If you get a chance to watch her navigate the madness of the busy rush hour streets of the World Cafe she is stellar as she attends to everyone’s order without spilling a drop, and always with a huge warm smile.

    Next time you see Yoyo - just ask her to do the “Bailey’s Magic Trick”. It’s amazing.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 118:

    April 18, 2024, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ☁️ 86 °F

    Today is a sea day we are off the the west coast of Africa heading towards Dakar, Senegal. Then a couple of more sea days, then Spain.

    The big activity on the ship right now is the photo scavenger hunt which Gail & Russell Lee have organized. Everyone is busy trying to solve all the clues.

    Spanish Wine tasting was held at 1:00 PM today - We love learning about the different wines, their history, and how they are made. We like the drinking part the best.

    Dr. Bryan Babcock gave an amazing lecture on the meaning of life. Many historical references and philosophy with current up-to-date thinking and how people view the meaning of life.

    Donna attended the art sewing project today - Paul did not.

    And Yoyo always knows “What time it is?” “It’s Bailey’s time!”    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna
    Picture of Bouy from 2019 cruise passenger

    Day 117: Sea Day, Null Island

    April 17, 2024, World ⋅ ⛅ 84 °F

    It seems like so long ago, on Saturday, January 20, 2024 Donna and I joined the “Order of Shellbacks”. Which means we crossed the Equator. Pretty cool.

    Then on Monday, January 29, 2023 we crossed the International Date Line. Also cool.

    But, today Wednesday, April 17, 2024 Donna and I joined the “Order of the Emerald Shellback” or “Royal Diamond Shellback” This is a rarity for many a sailor. Even our own Captain Richard had not been a member of this order until today. So, what does this mean?

    Captain Richard went off the direct route towards Dakar to navigate the Neptune to 0 degrees North, and 0 degrees East - Which means off the West coast of Africa we crossed the Equator and the Prime Meridian at the same time. You can find it on a map. This is WAAAAAYYY cool.

    Null Island was a 12 foot weather buoy that once was anchored at zero - zero. You can Google it. You can see a very poor photo of the buoy that was taken by a passenger who is on this cruise and also was on the 2019 cruise and saw “Null Island.”

    Gail Lee led a group of feltters on making a special Null Island pin to wear on this day.

    I got to kiss my lovely wife at 0 degrees North and 0 degrees East - Not bad!    Read more

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