Windmills, Vineyards, and Cuckoo Clocks!

I'm so excited to have booked this cruise on Avalon Waterways for July 2014 on the new Avalon Poetry II which was christened on March 2, 2014, in Dordrecht, Holland!  Though I have traveled more than 1/2 the world, I have never been to Paris or to Amsterdam; so this cruise is the cat's meow for me!  The more, the merrier, so if you're interested let me know & I'll check availability for you!  We plan to stay one additional night in Paris before the cruise and two nights in Amsterdam at the end of the cruise. 

Day by day itinerary from Avalon's website:
Day 1: Paris, France

Welcome to Paris, France’s capital on the River Seine and the “City of Light,” where romance fills the air!

Day 2: Paris

Known as one of the world’s most passionate and lively cities, Paris is a delight for your senses. Your included CITY SIGHTSEEING shows you magnificent must-see sights, including Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower. In your free time, stroll down the Champs-Elysées with its lavish cafés, or perhaps visit the world-famous Louvre or Montmartre with its gleaming white Sacre Coeur Basilica and bevy of artists on Place du Tertre. Paris is also well known for its colorful nightlife that includes some of the world’s most famous cabaret shows. All of this awaits your discovery! (Breakfast)

Day 3: Paris–Metz–Remich, Luxembourg (Embarkation)

This morning, board a HIGH-SPEED TRAIN for a swift and comfortable journey to Metz. From here, drive to Remich in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4: Trier, Germany

The entire Moselle Valley is famous for its beautiful and tranquil scenery, and at its head is Trier, Germany’s oldest city. Some say Trier is even older than Rome and that it was populated over a thousand years before the Romans arrived. Many Roman remains have survived, including a 20,000-seat amphitheater; the Porta Nigra, the only surviving fortified gate from the original Roman settlement, which still gives access to the town’s center; imperial baths; and the Roman bridge, Germany’s oldest bridge, with stone pilings dating from 144-152 AD—all evidence of this once-grand Roman city. Trier also offers pleasant market squares, Germany’s oldest Christian church, and a cornucopia of architectural styles—Roman, baroque, neo-classicism, renaissance, and gothic. Choose from an included GUIDED CITY SIGHTSEEING or the more history-focused “ROMAN TRIER” guided tour, followed by some free time, giving you the opportunity to really explore this magnificent town. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Bernkastel

In the middle of the Moselle region is the charming wine village of Bernkastel with its fascinating narrow streets and half-timbered houses that have stood since the Middle Ages. Enjoy an included GUIDED WALK that features the beautiful MARKETPLACE with its renaissance-style Town Hall and the “pointed house,” built in 1416. Wine growers in this area look after Germany’s largest expanse of vineyards, the most celebrated of the vintages being the Bernkasteler Doktor. Perhaps visit the Wine Museum to learn more about the history of the region’s wine, then, before dinner, enjoy a pleasant TASTING of several of the region’s varietals at the Moselle Vinoteque. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Cochem

This morning, arrive in Cochem, a charming and picturesque town with half-timbered houses and winding streets full of history and legends that will be brought to life during your included GUIDED WALK. Visit REICHSBURG CASTLE, built in 1000 AD and furnished with renaissance and baroque furniture. Sitting dramatically atop a conical hill covered in vines, this castle offers splendid views of the little town nestled down below and of the river valley. Cochem is at the heart of the Moselle wine trade and, most notably, the Riesling grape is cultivated, producing a dry to sweet, floral white wine. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge

Pretty Rüdesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town and SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise! Here you’ll see and hear a large collection of self-playing calliopes and music boxes from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT, then there’s free time to pick up some souvenirs on the narrow, cobblestoned Drosselgasse, where colorful flowers, open-air wine gardens, and live music add to the festive atmosphere. Downstream from Rüdesheim is the dramatic RHINE GORGE, the most beautiful stretch of river. Here, ancient castles stand sentry on lofty cliffs rising 400 feet above the waters. Cruise past the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where echoes of enchanted siren song lured unwitting sailors to their doom. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of cruising as you head for Cologne. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Cologne

One of Germany’s largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, Cologne straddles both sides of the Rhine and is known for its soaring, twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Choose between an included GUIDED CITY WALK or “JEWISH COLOGNE.” Later, during free time, perhaps look in on the Romano-Germanic Museum, home to a large collection of artifacts from the Roman settlement on which modern Cologne is built—a must for history buffs! The Old Town abounds with cafés, shops, and taverns. Be sure to try a Kölsch pale lager, locally brewed in Cologne for over a hundred years, and shop for a bottle of “4711,” the original eau de cologne. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9: Volendam, Holland–Amsterdam

After breakfast this morning, arrive in Volendam, a picturesque fishing town with a unique open harbor and a small, timbered church dating back to 1658. Well known for its old fishing boats, distinctive small houses, drawbridges, and canals, Volendam offers a romantic and friendly atmosphere. Outside the small town, visit a WINDMILL and learn how these played such an important role in the development of the country as to become a symbol of Holland. During lunchtime, cruise to Amsterdam. Holland’s sophisticated, modern capital has a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés and restaurants, and lively marketplace has a distinct ambiance. There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” There is plenty of free time to explore on your own. Maybe visit the Rijksmuseum or Anne Frank House, do some shopping, or relax at a cozy café. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions of how to make the most of your stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10: Amsterdam (Disembarkation)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

Book by February 28, 2014 for special Celebrity Perks!

 Cruise with us for a 14 nights on Celebrity Summit, departing from Bayonne, New Jersey September 21, 2014, to experience the magical changing of seasons from summer to fall along coastal New England and the maritime provinces of Canada. You will find culture, history, lighthouses, quaint fishing villages & picturesque ports, with the backdrop of a blazing palette of color.   Savor the opportunity to sample regional specialties such as lobster rolls, clam chowder, juicy Maine blueberries, and Prince Edward Island mussels.  We will overnight in cosmopolitan Quebec City where Frommer says “café culture reigns supreme”.  

Now is a good time to hop on board with us as Celebrity’s “123go!” promo is back for bookings made through February 28, 2014 for ocean view & higher staterooms.  This promo gives you a choice of a free beverage package for two (includes beer, wine, alcohol) or prepaid gratuities or an onboard credit of $300 for this 14-night cruise.  Hurry as this offer ends February 28, 2014!

Leaf Peeping Canada/New England Cruise September 2014

 Me and my traveling monkey, Elliott

You know me!  I can't let grass grow under my feet, especially when there's traveling to be done!  And what better way to travel than to cruise?  You unpack once, visit lots of interesting & fun places, let the Captain do the driving and enjoy scrumptious meals and delightful entertainment! 

We've been to the Caribbean numerous times; we've been to Europe numerous times & will be back there on a river cruise in summer 2014, we just completed a trip to the Pacific Northwest so an autumn trip to New England and Canada seems to fit the bill perfectly.  
We just booked this fourteen day Canada/New England cruise that departs September 21, 2014 on Celebrity Summit.  My motto is the more, the merrier... so why don't you join us for this North American trip of a lifetime?  We'll do some leaf peeping, lobster eating, fishing, whale watching, otter spotting, maple syrup tasting and more!  The only time that Canada and New England cruises are offered is in the fall when leaf peeping season is at its peak so I jumped right on this one. I've got some great group pricing, so give me a holler.

Cruise Itinerary

Sun. Sept 21	Cape Liberty, NJ – depart 4 pm
Mon. Sept 22	At Sea
Tue. Sept 23	Bar Harbor, Maine 7 am – 4 pm
Wed. Sept 24	Halifax, Nova Scotia  8:30 am – 6 pm
Thur. Sept 25	Sydney, Nova Scotia  9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Fri. Sept 26	Charlottetown, P.E.I.  9 am – 6 pm
Sat. Sept 27	At Sea
Sun. Sept 28	Quebec City, Quebec  arrive 8 am
Mon. Sept 29	Quebec City, Quebec,  depart 6 pm
Tue. Sept 30	At Sea
Wed. Oct 1	Corner Brook, Newfoundland 9 am – 6 pm
Thur. Oct 2	At Sea
Fri. Oct 3	Portland, Maine  10 am – 8 pm
Sat. Oct 4	At Sea
Sun. Oct 5	Cape Liberty, NJ  Arrive 7 am

San Francisco with Flowers in My Hair!

I just can't get that song out of my head!  "If  you're going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair"... I am singing it now!  Ah, San Francisco!  All I can say is that we most definitely needed much more time in this beautiful city by the bay!  

Seeing THE Golden Gate Bridge is something to behold!  We cruised under it at sunrise and cruised under it again as we departed at sunset.  Beautiful!  Awesome!  Am I really here?  Pinch myself!

We were so fortunate to have our own personal tour guides, Steve and Mary, who met us pierside and had a really fun itinerary set up for us!  As they say in the South, "Bless their hearts".. they got up at 5 am to meet us at the pier at 8!   We disembarked shortly after 8 and found them right where they said they'd be!  Oh my... it was chicken soup for the soul to see those two!  It's been much too long since we've seen our dear friends (& traveling companions)!  Anyway, the weather was a bit lackluster if you know what I mean.  The good news is that it went from lackluster to perfect in the scope of a few hours!

  My tour guide, Esteban, and me!

We followed Steve for our breakfast and Irish coffee stop at the Buena Vista Cafe.  Yes, Irish coffee for breakfast can't be beat!  And Irish coffee at the Buena Vista is to die for!

Along with my yummy breakfast that included corned beef hash (yes!), I think I enjoyed two Irish coffees!  LOL!

Here's the group (sans me who was the photographer!) by the bay!

As we departed Buena Vista Cafe it was "pouring down rain"!  I was so happy to have my newly purchased Helly Hansen jacket!  Steve had arranged a Bay boat tour for us and it was delightful!  We saw lots from the water, learning some of San Francisco's history and grabbing lots of opportunities for some great photos.  Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more... wow!

 Alcatraz - all I can say is that you wouldn't want to be locked up in solitary confinement there!

The rain altered our plans a bit... as we disembarked our tour boat, we wandered around Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 where I loved the sea lions!  I never saw so many sea lions in one place in my entire life!  They sort of bark like dogs and jump in and out of the water.  There were big ones and even babies!  Photo op!!!

The weather took a turn for the better and what an awesome, unique and special treat awaited us!  The America's Cup race was to start at 1 pm and there we were!!!

USA Oracle Team--- WON!!!

Paula & George watching America's Cup race

 Susan and Al watching America's Cup race

What happens after all this race excitement is heaven in a bowl!.. could it be a sourdough bread bowl?  or a real bowl with sour dough bread as accompaniment?  I think I must've had the best clam chowder in the entire world!  (Yes New England, even counting you!)... The chowder was divine, filled with large chunks of clams and potatoes.  That, along with a glass of my requisite pinot grigio, completed my lunch!  Thank you Steve and Mary!!!!!  We dined at Pier Market Seafood Restaurant at Steve's recommendation and were all smiling campers.  Yum! Here are the chowder eaters! (we lost Ken & Paula & George amongst the sea lions!)

After a fantastic day in San Francisco, highlighted by being with great friends, we sailed away, cruising under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge!

  Thanks to George Burn for this photo!

Astoria, Oregon

Whenever I mentioned that our cruise would stop in Astoria, I consistently got a quizzical look and the question, "Why Astoria"?  To be frank, I don't really know why!  I think I would have preferred Seattle as a port call rather than Astoria but we really did enjoy our brief time in Astoria.

The welcoming committee of volunteers provided booths to provide information and roaming volunteers to answer questions and give directions.  Pierside, there were also lots of local venders with everything from art to local produce for sale. 

We had booked a seafood and wine tour and were escorted to a local school bus!  Yes indeed, our bus driver was the school bus driver for a local school!  How sweet is that?  We boarded and drove the shortish distance from the pier to downtown Astoria where our tour group of about 28 was split into two groups.  Half would enjoy the wine tasting first and half would partake in the seafood cooking class first and then we would reverse.  Unfortunately, we weren't with our traveling companions for this as they divided the bus in half and we were in the wrong half! 

I LOVED this tour.  We did the seafood class first and this was one of the highlights of our cruise for me.  We were lucky enough to join Baked Alaska restaurant’s Chef Christopher Holen (aka Chef Daddy) at the Oregon State University Seafood consumer center exhibition kitchen for a seminar, demonstration, and tasting of the foods of the Pacific Northwest. Chef Chris  filleted fresh chinook salmon and told us all about the seafood and foods of the Pacific Northwest.   

He next demonstrated the proper way to cook salmon and made a quick aioli sauce for accompaniment. While the salmon was baking, he made a vegetable souffle that was divine!  It's so easy that I couldn't believe it.  He says that you can make this with almost any veggie that you have on hand.  For our tasting, he used fresh northwest kale and mushrooms.  Once the salmon and souffle were ready, we had a tasting and I was smitten with Chef Holen and his recipes and the cuisine of the Pacific Northwest!

Chef Holen brought along some of his secret ingredients (I confess that I purchased Chef Daddy smoked salt and Chef Daddy fry salt!)   This was much more than just a cooking demonstration as we were entertained, educated and inspired!  This was another highlight of my cruise!

Next up was a wine tasting at Cellar on 10th... which was unbelievably nice.  We sampled a variety of red and white wines of Oregon and got a great education on the vineyards, growing conditions including soil type and climate, and tasted some wonderful wines!  Another hit!

Then back to the ship for sail away and dinner!

Victoria,BC, Canada

I was excited about visiting Victoria again; it's been a long time since we were in this beautiful city. Once again, we opted to "do it ourselves" without a pre-planned excursion.  We walked from the pier along the harbour walkway and headed into town.  It was about a 25 minute leisurely and beautiful walk.  We stopped at Fisherman's Wharf for a few minutes.  I loved the interesting floating houses!

Though the weather started off a little chilly, it warmed up quickly and the coats disappeared!  Here are Paula and George enjoying our harbour walk.

 And here are Susan and Al, whom I positioned in front of that interesting bonsai type tree!

Ken and me on the harbour walk.... still wearing jackets, but it won't be long til they come off!

The harbour and marina are quite interesting, especially the float planes that are landing and taking off almost continuously!

Well we made it to "town" and were greeted by the most incredible view of The Empress Hotel! 

The flowers are so beautiful in Victoria and everything is so clean!

After all this walking and sightseeing, it was time for lunch!  Victoria is known for its pubs so we chose the Bard and Banker!  The black cod clam chowder hit the spot! Oh yum!  That and a glass of white wine made me smile.  Needless to say, the beer is quite nice in the pub!

Susan and Al posing in front of Bard & Banker!

We lost Paula and George along the way and discovered that they had hopped one of these adorable water taxis! (thanks for the photo George!)

After lunch, we were on a quest for a bar of soap.. yes you heard me correctly!  The only soap available on the Norwegian Sun was a liquid gel and hubby MUCH prefers a bar of soap, so we were lucky to find 3 bars for $4.00 CAD... Ken bought one for each couple!  Thank you KJ!

What can I say, but Oh What a Beautiful Day!  This is a be-back kinda place!

Sightseeing in Nanaimo, BC, Canada

Though Nanaimo is a hop, skip, and jump away from Vancouver, it took us from 4 pm to 7 am the following day to get there!  From our research, we had expected bands to greet us upon docking but they were nowhere to be found!  Perhaps that was just for the first few cruises ever to stop at Nanaimo...?  We did not book a tour here as we had planned to wander around for some sightseeing, shopping, and perhaps lunch.  We jumped onboard the trolley that takes you around to four stops and got off at the second stop, the historic town center.  It's small, quaint, and a little hilly.  I found some Pacific Northwest art in a local art shop and even found some outdoor furniture that I loved that was made in British Columbia!  (I brought the catalog home).  I almost forgot to mention that we even got to sample the famous Nanaimo bar!

We saw otters and seals in the marina waters... so cute to watch!  Otters floating on their backs and seals diving and playing made a fun sight to see!  Here are Al & Susan doing some otter spotting!

Canadian Mounties are awesome!  I grabbed the best looking one for a photo-op! 

And here we are at the pier with the Norwegian Sun in the background... Ken had to tear me away from my otter spotting activity!

Paula and George took a Cowichan Valley wine tour and thoroughly enjoyed that so all in all everyone enjoyed their brief time in Nanaimo.  Here's a photo of the beauty of the area as we departed at sunset.