Sitting here in Puerto Vallarta on Ground Hog Day 2019, I have been sifting through events of the past that I did not publish. I keep an ongoing dialogue of what we have done, expect to do, etc. —when traveling, this blog. Unfortunately, I have not posted them to share. I am not sure exactly why that has been, perhaps it is that there is so much shared information I subconsciously decided to “Keep it to myself”.
Knowing that, you will be getting some glimpses of the travel M and I have been doing over the past few years if you choose to read The Optimistic Tourist. I must warn you it may be a little disjointed; just consider it a conversation with yours truly.
Best to you .
MEW
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Rejoice! Sound the trumpets! The Optimistic Tourist is back! Hallaulah!!
NOTE: I will be posting a few of the previously unpublished editions of our previous trips and then switch to writing with the mister a combined blog called The Optimistic Tourists11@blogspot.com.
There will be several more of the unpublished to come. Thanks for reading.
With ages and stages, we move from what was in vogue becomes blasé ; the enthusiasm wanes and the luster dulls. As it were, the thrill of travel, new faces, places, and friends never hits that low; just the task of sitting down and putting the experiences in permanent form were just unappealing.
With that said/written--and I am not sure when, it's time to start publishing some of the adventures we have been having. Life is a whirlwind of intellectual stimulation and excitement. Tales of our adventures may not appear in order of activity, so you will just have to stick with me/us and find out where we are in each report.
Today we are in Seoul, South Korea. We are in home's tomorrow since crossing the international dateline. Just finished talking with Jared and family who area n yesterday and sent text to Jason ho just got to today; Time travelers.
We have been to the Peace Park, Tunnel #3, The DMZ, and city. Going out in a bit to go to the market. What is an good trip without a trip to the local market? Almost hate to leave the hotel since our view is of a wooded area in the city; quite pleasant and serene.
Cutting this entry short as the time is fleeting and we return home tomorrow. More to come soon!
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Survived the Spring Adventure Part #1
Our spring cruise aboard the Jewel of theSeas was absolutely delightful. The people we met online during the planning stages of our adventure were friendly, charming, and ever so delightful. It was the best group of Cruise Critic folks w have met and we hope to meet some of them again on future adventures.
The crossing was smooth and the crew outstanding. We loved “the suite” life on this trip and it was amazing. Our room steward, Sandy, made everything seamless. We were also fortunate to have the concierge, Romania, who made arrangements with ease. Captain Justin was the most personable we have met on any of our cruises and be aboard again with him at the healm.
We caught a flight to Milan after our arrival port and stayed at the Hilton that night. The following day , leaving our bags in hotel storage, we ventured via train to Zermatt, Switzerland. We discovered a place where parkas are in style year round.
Zermatt does not have regular auto traffic; travel is by bus, electric mini cars, bicycle, or walking. There is a cog train that takes you to the outer arches of the community and beyond, It was quite an experience to be snowed on in May! We felt “up close and personal” with the Matterhorn. One of our others discoveries was that it was quite expensive—$25 for a meal at MacDonald’s and it wasn’t what we were used to. Note, the fondue was delicious and we had it more than once.
The qbjective for being in Zermatt was to ride the Glacier Express, which we did. he full route took 8 hours to complete as it retraced some of the track to reach all of the destinations. Majestic mountains and valleys stretched throughout the trip. It was amazing how much parts of the trip reminded us of Yosemite, the Sierra Nevadas, and other locations in the United States. We remarked that the USA has it all. The last stop on the Glacier express in our direction was St. Moritz. We disembarked next to the beautiful snow-fed picturesque lake. Fortunately, our hotel balcony overlooked the lake, also.
After a good night’s rest and a bountiful breakfast, we boarded the Berninna Express for our return to Milan. Another day of spectacular scenery! How much of this wonderful stuff an one take?
Arriving at the Milan station is a story in itself, but from there we returned to the Hilton and relaxed and regenerated until our nxt day’s adventure was to begin.
The crossing was smooth and the crew outstanding. We loved “the suite” life on this trip and it was amazing. Our room steward, Sandy, made everything seamless. We were also fortunate to have the concierge, Romania, who made arrangements with ease. Captain Justin was the most personable we have met on any of our cruises and be aboard again with him at the healm.
We caught a flight to Milan after our arrival port and stayed at the Hilton that night. The following day , leaving our bags in hotel storage, we ventured via train to Zermatt, Switzerland. We discovered a place where parkas are in style year round.
Zermatt does not have regular auto traffic; travel is by bus, electric mini cars, bicycle, or walking. There is a cog train that takes you to the outer arches of the community and beyond, It was quite an experience to be snowed on in May! We felt “up close and personal” with the Matterhorn. One of our others discoveries was that it was quite expensive—$25 for a meal at MacDonald’s and it wasn’t what we were used to. Note, the fondue was delicious and we had it more than once.
The qbjective for being in Zermatt was to ride the Glacier Express, which we did. he full route took 8 hours to complete as it retraced some of the track to reach all of the destinations. Majestic mountains and valleys stretched throughout the trip. It was amazing how much parts of the trip reminded us of Yosemite, the Sierra Nevadas, and other locations in the United States. We remarked that the USA has it all. The last stop on the Glacier express in our direction was St. Moritz. We disembarked next to the beautiful snow-fed picturesque lake. Fortunately, our hotel balcony overlooked the lake, also.
After a good night’s rest and a bountiful breakfast, we boarded the Berninna Express for our return to Milan. Another day of spectacular scenery! How much of this wonderful stuff an one take?
Arriving at the Milan station is a story in itself, but from there we returned to the Hilton and relaxed and regenerated until our nxt day’s adventure was to begin.
Sunday, May 13, 2018
Spring 2018 optimisim / slightly late post
Until I sat down to write, I did not realize how many posts never made it past the draft stage! There are a stack of composed but never shared activities and/or thoughts. Maybe I’ll get around to totally mixing everyone up by posting them in random order.. . Like my thought patterns and typing skills.
After months and months of planning for this cruise and land travel, we almost got benched again. For those who I have not been in contact with, I had emergency eye surgery on April 30 for a detached retina. Our original plan was to leave Stockton on May 2. After some tears and negotiations with the surgeon, it was decided to put oil into my eye rather than gas, so we were able to fly to Puerto Rico May 5 and board the ship May 6. There was no sightseeing on the island—only sleeping and eating, we were exhausted after the red eye.
My goal for the boarding day was to get to the Sky Bar to meet people I had only known from the Cruise Critic board. After communicating with some of the people for over a year, it was a joy to meet. The members of the group are as nice in person as they were on the board. This group is much friendlier than any of the CCers we have met in the past. In fact, the people as a whole, are friendlier on this trip. Maybe leaving from Puerto Rico and the warmth of the population caught on.
Marshall and I felt lucky to make it to the ship. That luck seems to be carrying through for M. He won at bingo, the slot pull, and a raffle. I lost at slots and LCR but I am happy to be on the ship and optimistic about this excellent adventure! No more sidelines, just calm seas and beautiful sunsets.
I am sorry that I did not post this and many of the other entries I have written so you will be experiencing a history of the Optimistic Tourist adventures if you choose to continue reading.
I am sorry that I did not post this and many of the other entries I have written so you will be experiencing a history of the Optimistic Tourist adventures if you choose to continue reading.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
First stop Amsterdam, all aboard!
Sorry for the great delay in writing about this trip. We have been so busy that I just couldn't get back to --or perhaps were not in the mood-- to write. Full of information and inspiration, but not ready to write.
Now is a quick post about the trip so far.
Celebrated my birthday on British Airways flight from San Jose to London and beyond to Amsterdam. I shared with each of the flight crew some birthday chocolate candy (choice of milk or dark). It was amazing the service received. Yes, we were in Club class, but I do think they went over the top to make sure my birthday went smoothly.
Arrival in Amsterdam was rainy and dark. We were escorted through the terminal to baggage claim and then the hotel pick-up point. We never met our driver; a kind driver from another hotel of the chain decided we waited too long and took us to our destination even though the traffic put him behind his schedule. At that hotel, our room was on a canal which allowed us to watch the crew teams practice in the morning. We traveled to the Anne Frank house and a Tuk Tuk-cab tour of the city with a cheese/wine tasting. After 2 nights we moved to a new hotel not far from the train station, because we told be taking an early train to Paris and didn't want to miss the next adventure.
The new hotel was a Hilton with an upgrade to concierge class and a lovely cocktail party. We has a
lovely view of the city, though I must say the room was smaller than that at the Wyndham. Access to the train the following morning was very fast. It was made faster because the hotel had one of their bellmen, a lovely young man from Italy, accompany us to the station (it was pitch black out) take our luggage, and place it and us aboard the train. Our very first train in Europe!
The seats were very comfortable and to our surprise, meals, drinks and snacks were included. The bonus to this form of transportation was that it let us see the countryside, avoid going to two more airports, and it was fast. Our Thalys train was a real treat! And highly recommended.
Next stop Paris, Oh la la!
The Optimistic Tourist
Now is a quick post about the trip so far.
Celebrated my birthday on British Airways flight from San Jose to London and beyond to Amsterdam. I shared with each of the flight crew some birthday chocolate candy (choice of milk or dark). It was amazing the service received. Yes, we were in Club class, but I do think they went over the top to make sure my birthday went smoothly.
Arrival in Amsterdam was rainy and dark. We were escorted through the terminal to baggage claim and then the hotel pick-up point. We never met our driver; a kind driver from another hotel of the chain decided we waited too long and took us to our destination even though the traffic put him behind his schedule. At that hotel, our room was on a canal which allowed us to watch the crew teams practice in the morning. We traveled to the Anne Frank house and a Tuk Tuk-cab tour of the city with a cheese/wine tasting. After 2 nights we moved to a new hotel not far from the train station, because we told be taking an early train to Paris and didn't want to miss the next adventure.
The new hotel was a Hilton with an upgrade to concierge class and a lovely cocktail party. We has a
lovely view of the city, though I must say the room was smaller than that at the Wyndham. Access to the train the following morning was very fast. It was made faster because the hotel had one of their bellmen, a lovely young man from Italy, accompany us to the station (it was pitch black out) take our luggage, and place it and us aboard the train. Our very first train in Europe!
The seats were very comfortable and to our surprise, meals, drinks and snacks were included. The bonus to this form of transportation was that it let us see the countryside, avoid going to two more airports, and it was fast. Our Thalys train was a real treat! And highly recommended.
Next stop Paris, Oh la la!
The Optimistic Tourist
November/December 2016 Adventure
This trip probably took more advanced planning than any other trip we have taken. I spotted the offer for this trip a little more than a year before the ship was to set sail. We decided it was a good thing to project into the future because it does give one something to look forward to and plan. Oh, and plan and discuss we did!
Being optimistic, it is necessary to have some plans as to what one visualizes will happen. Though there may be changes during the trip, those need to be seen as opportunities to see, learn, and do new things. All that said, I started this planning adventure by finding a cruise that would stop at Casablanca ---a place that Marshall and I had talked about visiting one day. The cruise met other requirements we had for travel:
1. It would be in low travel season.
2. It would go to some other new ports as well as some we have seen.UIKeyInputDownArrow
3. The price was pretty good and there were rooms located where we wanted to be. ^
We would be able to fit in some time to see family in London and Lille.
Next began what we would like to see prior to the ship leaving from Venice. We needed to decide what we wanted to see this time around. Target events needed to be scheduled first.
We knew we would be doing London Thanksgiving on Saturday, November 19. I wanted to see Mama Mia on stage, so ordered 4 matinee tickets for the Thursday before. Visiting with family was the other objective of this trip segment since they live so far away from Stockton. We now have 2 time frames to work around: London visit and ship departure from Venice. Get a hotel in Venice 2 nights before embarkation. Decision to make; do we go to the previous hotel or try something new? Back to the website!
After the London plans were confirmed, we began discussing what other places and things we wanted to see. Marshall has been fascinated with the canal boats in Europe for some time and wanted to see more. Tours for canal boats are our of season during this time of year in the London area but never in Amsterdam! That information had us put another new pin on the map and travel to Amsterdam was confirmed. Details for that segment were done through our travel website. theoptimistictourist.dreamtrips.com and the prices were below those on other sites and sometimes through the same vendor! Transportation was arranged for arrival as well as tours to Anne Frank house, a Tuk Tuk tour, and cheese tasting.
We decided that since we were "on the continent" we should go to Paris and see the Moulin Rouge show. Last Paris trip we were in the neighborhood, saw the windmill but had no clue it was that show. Reservation made! Hotel reservation a return to the known.
We discuss it would be nice to visit the area from which Marshall's grandfather emigrated. Marshall got Christoph's Facebook address and the plans to visit Lille begin. Marshall wanted to meet as many Wattels as possible.
To connect all of these cities, wishes, and activities together we decided to take the trains of Europe. We would board our first train in Amsterdam and arrive in Paris to attend the show that evening. The next was a local train to Lille. Eurostar would take us from Lille to St. Pancras station in London. A ride on Italotren would get us between Rome and Venice.
The time after leaving London was set to visit Rome. We had been there before, but it was rainy and it was more a drive-by tour. Our hotel was set, driver from airport arranged, and flight to Rome confirmed. Transport to Heathrow was arranged by Jason in London. Our airport pick to the hotel was arranged as well as tours of the colosseum, forum, pantheon, Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's. Even the Hop on, Hop off was arranged.
Transportation to the Venice hotel and the Venice cruise ship terminal would be made upon arrival we agreed. There needed to be a little spontaneity
NOTE; The choice of some of our hotels was made on proximity to the train stations.
Communication while away was an important factor, so I went to T-Mobile on two different occasions to insure I had a plan that would work throughout Europe.* I went through the entire itinerary and was assured the switch in my plan would make calling in Europe a breeze.**
Marshall had arranged with Aurora to take us to San Jose and be there for our return.
Plans made; packing to be done. AND away we go.
^There was an offer that would move us to a suite and the ultimate drink package for a very nominal fee, so we took it instead.
*The boys at TMobile did not know what they were talking about and signed me up for a plan to call Europe from the US.
*.*If I forfeited the $200 T-Mobile has, they would set me up for another plan.
Solution: pull the sim card and get a new number in the UK. Save the sim card for return to US--then find a new carrier.
Until next time, The Optimistic Tourist
Being optimistic, it is necessary to have some plans as to what one visualizes will happen. Though there may be changes during the trip, those need to be seen as opportunities to see, learn, and do new things. All that said, I started this planning adventure by finding a cruise that would stop at Casablanca ---a place that Marshall and I had talked about visiting one day. The cruise met other requirements we had for travel:
1. It would be in low travel season.
2. It would go to some other new ports as well as some we have seen.UIKeyInputDownArrow
3. The price was pretty good and there were rooms located where we wanted to be. ^
We would be able to fit in some time to see family in London and Lille.
Next began what we would like to see prior to the ship leaving from Venice. We needed to decide what we wanted to see this time around. Target events needed to be scheduled first.
We knew we would be doing London Thanksgiving on Saturday, November 19. I wanted to see Mama Mia on stage, so ordered 4 matinee tickets for the Thursday before. Visiting with family was the other objective of this trip segment since they live so far away from Stockton. We now have 2 time frames to work around: London visit and ship departure from Venice. Get a hotel in Venice 2 nights before embarkation. Decision to make; do we go to the previous hotel or try something new? Back to the website!
After the London plans were confirmed, we began discussing what other places and things we wanted to see. Marshall has been fascinated with the canal boats in Europe for some time and wanted to see more. Tours for canal boats are our of season during this time of year in the London area but never in Amsterdam! That information had us put another new pin on the map and travel to Amsterdam was confirmed. Details for that segment were done through our travel website. theoptimistictourist.dreamtrips.com and the prices were below those on other sites and sometimes through the same vendor! Transportation was arranged for arrival as well as tours to Anne Frank house, a Tuk Tuk tour, and cheese tasting.
We decided that since we were "on the continent" we should go to Paris and see the Moulin Rouge show. Last Paris trip we were in the neighborhood, saw the windmill but had no clue it was that show. Reservation made! Hotel reservation a return to the known.
We discuss it would be nice to visit the area from which Marshall's grandfather emigrated. Marshall got Christoph's Facebook address and the plans to visit Lille begin. Marshall wanted to meet as many Wattels as possible.
To connect all of these cities, wishes, and activities together we decided to take the trains of Europe. We would board our first train in Amsterdam and arrive in Paris to attend the show that evening. The next was a local train to Lille. Eurostar would take us from Lille to St. Pancras station in London. A ride on Italotren would get us between Rome and Venice.
The time after leaving London was set to visit Rome. We had been there before, but it was rainy and it was more a drive-by tour. Our hotel was set, driver from airport arranged, and flight to Rome confirmed. Transport to Heathrow was arranged by Jason in London. Our airport pick to the hotel was arranged as well as tours of the colosseum, forum, pantheon, Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's. Even the Hop on, Hop off was arranged.
Transportation to the Venice hotel and the Venice cruise ship terminal would be made upon arrival we agreed. There needed to be a little spontaneity
NOTE; The choice of some of our hotels was made on proximity to the train stations.
Communication while away was an important factor, so I went to T-Mobile on two different occasions to insure I had a plan that would work throughout Europe.* I went through the entire itinerary and was assured the switch in my plan would make calling in Europe a breeze.**
Marshall had arranged with Aurora to take us to San Jose and be there for our return.
Plans made; packing to be done. AND away we go.
^There was an offer that would move us to a suite and the ultimate drink package for a very nominal fee, so we took it instead.
*The boys at TMobile did not know what they were talking about and signed me up for a plan to call Europe from the US.
*.*If I forfeited the $200 T-Mobile has, they would set me up for another plan.
Solution: pull the sim card and get a new number in the UK. Save the sim card for return to US--then find a new carrier.
Until next time, The Optimistic Tourist
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Smaller than a breadbox or Days Hotel Waterloo 3/23/2014
Following our long wait at the airport and our lengthy flight to London, we were met by our driver at Heathrow and taken to our hotel. Since it was well before check in (around 8:30AM), our room was not ready. The delightful desk girl happily stored our bags and said she would try to get us a room ASAP.
We went to one of the two restaurants of the hotel for continental breakfast; unfortunately, it was no better than the cold boxed breakfast offered on the British Airways flight. Having just left 11 days of plentiful beautifully displayed buffets this was very pale by comparison. . . no comparison.
Sleep was the one commodity we were in search of at the time (little was had in the cramped seats of steerage) . Even without the benefit of our room and comfy bead, we were able to attain a little sleep. At about 11 AM we were approached by the lovely desk girl and told our room was ready--that was at least 3 hours before the early check in time. Woo, woo!!
Fifth floor--top of the heap! What luck. Early to the room and top floor, what more could we ask for?
Our first glance of the room brought gasps and wide-eyed shock. Could a hotel room costing this much really be so small? This space was smaller than our cruise ship cabin which, itself, looked more like a closet. Eager for sleeping in a bed, we did not bother getting our luggage but fell to sleep almost instantly on our little, but comfortable, bed. SLEEP, delightful!
After sleeping for several hours, Marshall retrieved our numerous bags from storage. It was a challenge to find adequate floor space for all of the luggage, but where there is a will . . . . climbing over bags, sorting through disarray, managing electrical challenges, and surviving the phone booth
sized bathroom without any mishaps provided great validation and exhilieration.
P.S.
There is truth to location , location, location. What this place lacked in size was compensated by the great location.
We went to one of the two restaurants of the hotel for continental breakfast; unfortunately, it was no better than the cold boxed breakfast offered on the British Airways flight. Having just left 11 days of plentiful beautifully displayed buffets this was very pale by comparison. . . no comparison.
Sleep was the one commodity we were in search of at the time (little was had in the cramped seats of steerage) . Even without the benefit of our room and comfy bead, we were able to attain a little sleep. At about 11 AM we were approached by the lovely desk girl and told our room was ready--that was at least 3 hours before the early check in time. Woo, woo!!
Fifth floor--top of the heap! What luck. Early to the room and top floor, what more could we ask for?
Our first glance of the room brought gasps and wide-eyed shock. Could a hotel room costing this much really be so small? This space was smaller than our cruise ship cabin which, itself, looked more like a closet. Eager for sleeping in a bed, we did not bother getting our luggage but fell to sleep almost instantly on our little, but comfortable, bed. SLEEP, delightful!
After sleeping for several hours, Marshall retrieved our numerous bags from storage. It was a challenge to find adequate floor space for all of the luggage, but where there is a will . . . . climbing over bags, sorting through disarray, managing electrical challenges, and surviving the phone booth
sized bathroom without any mishaps provided great validation and exhilieration.
P.S.
There is truth to location , location, location. What this place lacked in size was compensated by the great location.
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