I expect to arrive in Vancouver around noon and make my way to the Hotel. I am staying at a Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites Downtown - fairly close to the cruise port. It is supposed to be in a fabulous area for shopping and restaurants. I was looking at the website the other day and discovered they also have some wonderful amenities!
A heated indoor pool as well as a Spa.
Spa? ding, ding, ding, ding ding!!!! What better way to be stress-free than to book a spa appointment.
I was expecting a super expensive list of services. Not so! And even better the exchange rate makes them even more affordable. This Gypsy loves luxury but at an affordable price!
I looked at the HOHO bus for Vancouver but none of the stops were doing much for me in the way of interest or would fit into my limited time. The one thing that does interest me is a Picasso exhibit at the Vancouver Art Gallery
http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/the_exhibitions/exhibit_picasso.html
I did find one place that I will probably check out, rain or shine: Granville Island. This looks like such a cool place, I am definitely not going to have enough time for a 'proper' visit, but would still like to go. There are some interesting pottery studios I want to check out.
http://granvilleisland.com/discover-island/visitors-guide
Not sure which one will win out.
I've also been checking out the restaurants within walking distance of my hotel. This place looks like it's going to be the winner! But as always, subject to change if I hear of something better.
http://www.glowbalgroup.com/fish-shack/#menu-section
I'm anxious to try the seafood from the area. Especially the oysters and crabs!
I don't always like asking the concierge for a recommendation. I think sometimes they have a relationship with certain restaurants. What I do like to do is ask the people at the desk or the bellhop or even people in the coffee shops for a recommendation. If I hear a place more than once, I'll investigate via my friend, Mr. Google!
If anyone out there has any recommendations for a great seafood restaurant, I'd love to hear from you!
Well, that's all I'm going to leak about the trip for now.
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Sunday, July 17, 2016
Plans are Finally Coming Together
I have been vacillating between obsessive research and completely ignoring my Hawaii Cruise/Trip.
I'm not sure why that is. My usual mode of operation is research obsessively until I know exactly what I will be doing on my vacation. By now, you should know that I am not a 'wing it' type of person.
Not that obsessiveness where you plan every second of your vacation, just knowing what major thing you plan to do when you are visiting kind of obsessiveness.
So, I've had this trip booked for about 18 months now. Ok, I admit it took second place to Tahiti--but really what wouldn't? But Tahiti is now a distant, but vivid memory. (it will be a year at the end of September. OMG)
I have my normal multi-tabbed Excel spreadsheet of course. But even that was not populated with all the things I normally include. Like I said, I would research like crazy for a week or so, and then not do anything else for weeks.
Finally, after I got home from Sanibel, I got myself in a Hawaii state of mind and started researching and making decisions. I've done something I have not done in many, many cruises--I booked some shore excursions through the ship. <GASP> Actually, during all of my maniacal research I discovered that the ship's tours for these ports were not out of line cost-wise. Plus, I don't have to worry about transportation, car rentals, etc etc etc.
I realize now, my first mistake and probably one of the reasons I wasn't able to make any decisions was a rookie one. I read all the websites with things to see and do and was trying to cram too much into a day. Once I figured that out, I was able to determine what was the thing I wanted to do the most. After that, it was pretty easy.
The first thing I decided about this trip was that I wanted it to be stressless. The second thing was a list of the Top 5 things I wanted to do. Boom! Trip planned!
My first stop on this trip will be a visit to my cousin, Carren, and her family in Seattle. They have graciously offered to pick me up from the airport and are letting me stay with them for 2 nights. They've also agreed to drop me off at the Train Station at a most ungodly early hour.
I will have 1 full day in Seattle and I plan on going to Pike's Place Market and then to the Space Needle if the weather is good. Carren has volunteered to be my tour guide!
The next morning it's off to Vancouver via the Amtrak Cascade Train. I hope the weather is nice and clear so I can see all the gorgeous sites along the way. I already booked my ticket and upgraded it to a business class for like $15 more. More comfy seats, less people and a reserved space.
For more information check out these links:
http://www.amtrakcascades.com/
The reviews on Trip Advisor are great and I cannot wait to see the Train Station in Seattle.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g154943-d1952467-r164101435-The_Pacific_Central_Station-Vancouver_British_Columbia.html
The trip is supposed to take about 4 hours and immigration is completed at the station in Vancouver.
Getting excited now....only 53 more days until I'm a Gypsy once again!
I'm not sure why that is. My usual mode of operation is research obsessively until I know exactly what I will be doing on my vacation. By now, you should know that I am not a 'wing it' type of person.
Not that obsessiveness where you plan every second of your vacation, just knowing what major thing you plan to do when you are visiting kind of obsessiveness.
So, I've had this trip booked for about 18 months now. Ok, I admit it took second place to Tahiti--but really what wouldn't? But Tahiti is now a distant, but vivid memory. (it will be a year at the end of September. OMG)
I have my normal multi-tabbed Excel spreadsheet of course. But even that was not populated with all the things I normally include. Like I said, I would research like crazy for a week or so, and then not do anything else for weeks.
Finally, after I got home from Sanibel, I got myself in a Hawaii state of mind and started researching and making decisions. I've done something I have not done in many, many cruises--I booked some shore excursions through the ship. <GASP> Actually, during all of my maniacal research I discovered that the ship's tours for these ports were not out of line cost-wise. Plus, I don't have to worry about transportation, car rentals, etc etc etc.
I realize now, my first mistake and probably one of the reasons I wasn't able to make any decisions was a rookie one. I read all the websites with things to see and do and was trying to cram too much into a day. Once I figured that out, I was able to determine what was the thing I wanted to do the most. After that, it was pretty easy.
The first thing I decided about this trip was that I wanted it to be stressless. The second thing was a list of the Top 5 things I wanted to do. Boom! Trip planned!
My first stop on this trip will be a visit to my cousin, Carren, and her family in Seattle. They have graciously offered to pick me up from the airport and are letting me stay with them for 2 nights. They've also agreed to drop me off at the Train Station at a most ungodly early hour.
I will have 1 full day in Seattle and I plan on going to Pike's Place Market and then to the Space Needle if the weather is good. Carren has volunteered to be my tour guide!
The next morning it's off to Vancouver via the Amtrak Cascade Train. I hope the weather is nice and clear so I can see all the gorgeous sites along the way. I already booked my ticket and upgraded it to a business class for like $15 more. More comfy seats, less people and a reserved space.
For more information check out these links:
http://www.amtrakcascades.com/
The reviews on Trip Advisor are great and I cannot wait to see the Train Station in Seattle.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g154943-d1952467-r164101435-The_Pacific_Central_Station-Vancouver_British_Columbia.html
The trip is supposed to take about 4 hours and immigration is completed at the station in Vancouver.
Getting excited now....only 53 more days until I'm a Gypsy once again!
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Reality Sinks In or Home Again
I got home late yesterday afternoon feeling like I'd been run over by a truck instead of simply flying for a few hours. I always feel that way after I fly. I wonder if it has something to do with the fact that your body is sitting still and the airplane is moving at 500 mph? I'm sure there is research on that somewhere--if only I had the energy to look it up!
Slept like the dead in my bed for a solid 10 hours! Unpacked the suitcase and did all the laundry and put everything away. I didn't make it to the grocery store--tomorrow is another day. And it's a work day at that. Sigh.......bye bye beach vibe!
I can honestly see why everything and everyone in the South move so slowly. It is so humid I think it just forces you to slow down. The last two days of vacation, we were actually thrilled that the ocean temperatures were not nearly as warm as previous days. The storms that moved through the area overnight on Wednesday and Thursday cooled things off a bit. I have never been in water that warm in my life.
I did love how you could walk waaaaaay out in the water and still be able to stand. Plus, the water is so much more calm than the Atlantic Ocean. Just gentle waves -- if there are any at all. And of course, the shells are just amazing. I was on a mission to find kitten paws and treasure chests and I found lots of them.
Food was very much on the back burner this trip. We had a full kitchen and we used it. We only ate out a few times--and even then we ended up splitting an entree. It was just too hot to eat much. We did use our food and drink credits at the resort. We enjoyed 1/2 price happy hour Pina Coladas more than once! So yummy and so full of booze, we were glad we didn't have to drive! We also had this one sandwich called a Cuban Skinny. A typical Cuban sandwich except it was made with shaved turkey instead of pork. OMG that was delicious.
I'm going to review this resort on Trip Advisor and plan to be honest about the good/bad and ugly. And unfortunately, there was some ugliness. It didn't impact us directly, but the resort handled things so inappropriately, I was very disgusted. I hope to get that review out there this week. I'll let you know.
I promise to add some photos to this post and the two previous ones.
All in all a great trip with great company and minimal sunburn!
And, of course, I remain ever grateful that I am able to travel and experience new things. Life is very, very good.
Slept like the dead in my bed for a solid 10 hours! Unpacked the suitcase and did all the laundry and put everything away. I didn't make it to the grocery store--tomorrow is another day. And it's a work day at that. Sigh.......bye bye beach vibe!
I can honestly see why everything and everyone in the South move so slowly. It is so humid I think it just forces you to slow down. The last two days of vacation, we were actually thrilled that the ocean temperatures were not nearly as warm as previous days. The storms that moved through the area overnight on Wednesday and Thursday cooled things off a bit. I have never been in water that warm in my life.
I did love how you could walk waaaaaay out in the water and still be able to stand. Plus, the water is so much more calm than the Atlantic Ocean. Just gentle waves -- if there are any at all. And of course, the shells are just amazing. I was on a mission to find kitten paws and treasure chests and I found lots of them.
Food was very much on the back burner this trip. We had a full kitchen and we used it. We only ate out a few times--and even then we ended up splitting an entree. It was just too hot to eat much. We did use our food and drink credits at the resort. We enjoyed 1/2 price happy hour Pina Coladas more than once! So yummy and so full of booze, we were glad we didn't have to drive! We also had this one sandwich called a Cuban Skinny. A typical Cuban sandwich except it was made with shaved turkey instead of pork. OMG that was delicious.
I'm going to review this resort on Trip Advisor and plan to be honest about the good/bad and ugly. And unfortunately, there was some ugliness. It didn't impact us directly, but the resort handled things so inappropriately, I was very disgusted. I hope to get that review out there this week. I'll let you know.
I promise to add some photos to this post and the two previous ones.
All in all a great trip with great company and minimal sunburn!
And, of course, I remain ever grateful that I am able to travel and experience new things. Life is very, very good.
Thursday, July 7, 2016
Beach Life
The days have settled into somewhat of a routine. Life is completely centered around shell-picking, lounging or getting into the pool or ocean.
In addition to $100 credit for food and beverages that came with our package, we also were given Cabana rentals for any two days we wanted. We reserved yesterday and tomorrow. I thought they would be right on the beach, but was told they do not put them there during hurricane season. So, they were in the area surrounding the pool. Which actually ended up being pretty nice. Then, we also had an umbrella and two chairs set up by the resort at the beach. Any guest can request the umbrella and chairs and it's free.
We rotated back and forth between the beach and the pool all day. It was very nice as the cover allowed me to be in the sun all day but not to fry. The pool and ocean have been very, very warm. Although yesterday when you went out a bit to chest deep water, you could feel the cooler water. There was a storm Tuesday overnight which I believe helped the water temps.
The Cabanas rent for $70 per day. They have 2 padded, towel covered loungers, a table and a cooler packed with cold water and a basket of snack items (cheez-its, peanuts, chip and trail mix). You can also zip or unzip the side panels of the cabana to let the breeze in. Plus, they have wait staff so you can order food and drinks from the bar and have it delivered to you.
Happy Hour is from 3-5 daily at the pool bar. And the drink prices go down significantly--$5 for a pina colada and $3 for certain beers. The bartenders have a wonderful heavy pour here! Very tasty.
Nights here are quiet. The streets roll up early. Most of the shops here close at 5. Now the restaurants are open later but we've eaten in all of our meals so far but one. Well, we also had lunch using some of our food and beverage credit. It's really so hot here, we don't seem to have much of an appetite.
Overnight we had a wicked storm here. It woke me out of a sound sleep and that is saying something! I am not a light sleeper. What a lightening show there was--plenty of thunder. Something about a storm near the sea... Just love watching those!
Parts of the road to Captiva were flooded and closed early this morning. But we didn't start up until about 10am and we shelled on a pretty cool beach. It was just shells and more shells a couple of feet deep. Amazing. Although, I am going to research this but I think the type of shells you find any given time may depend on the time of year you are here. I'll let you know what I find out.
My partner in crime has returned to the beach but I decided to stay in for awhile as I am a little bit burned. I'll head back out around 5 or so when the sun starts to go down a bit.
Cannot believe tomorrow is Friday. TTFN
In addition to $100 credit for food and beverages that came with our package, we also were given Cabana rentals for any two days we wanted. We reserved yesterday and tomorrow. I thought they would be right on the beach, but was told they do not put them there during hurricane season. So, they were in the area surrounding the pool. Which actually ended up being pretty nice. Then, we also had an umbrella and two chairs set up by the resort at the beach. Any guest can request the umbrella and chairs and it's free.
We rotated back and forth between the beach and the pool all day. It was very nice as the cover allowed me to be in the sun all day but not to fry. The pool and ocean have been very, very warm. Although yesterday when you went out a bit to chest deep water, you could feel the cooler water. There was a storm Tuesday overnight which I believe helped the water temps.
The Cabanas rent for $70 per day. They have 2 padded, towel covered loungers, a table and a cooler packed with cold water and a basket of snack items (cheez-its, peanuts, chip and trail mix). You can also zip or unzip the side panels of the cabana to let the breeze in. Plus, they have wait staff so you can order food and drinks from the bar and have it delivered to you.
Happy Hour is from 3-5 daily at the pool bar. And the drink prices go down significantly--$5 for a pina colada and $3 for certain beers. The bartenders have a wonderful heavy pour here! Very tasty.
Nights here are quiet. The streets roll up early. Most of the shops here close at 5. Now the restaurants are open later but we've eaten in all of our meals so far but one. Well, we also had lunch using some of our food and beverage credit. It's really so hot here, we don't seem to have much of an appetite.
Overnight we had a wicked storm here. It woke me out of a sound sleep and that is saying something! I am not a light sleeper. What a lightening show there was--plenty of thunder. Something about a storm near the sea... Just love watching those!
Parts of the road to Captiva were flooded and closed early this morning. But we didn't start up until about 10am and we shelled on a pretty cool beach. It was just shells and more shells a couple of feet deep. Amazing. Although, I am going to research this but I think the type of shells you find any given time may depend on the time of year you are here. I'll let you know what I find out.
My partner in crime has returned to the beach but I decided to stay in for awhile as I am a little bit burned. I'll head back out around 5 or so when the sun starts to go down a bit.
Cannot believe tomorrow is Friday. TTFN
Monday, July 4, 2016
Leaving on a Jet Plane, unfortunately I do know when I'll be back again.....
Tonight is the time for packing and getting ready to get outa' the Burg for a week. I hear the sea calling my name! I usually do the majority, if not all of the packing the night before a trip. Over the years, I find I can get it all done in a minimal amount of time and most of the time, I don't forget anything. Experience, I guess!
I am over-packing or at least I think I am. It's going to be killer hot and I expect to change my clothes a couple of times a day. AND I hate doing laundry on vacation. I'm taking the massive suitcase I bought myself for my birthday two years ago. It's the one that made the trip to Tahiti with me. I still love it and it makes me smile when I look at it.
It should be returning home a bit heavier as I expect to pick up some shells on the beach. I know exactly the type I am looking for so that pretty much guarantees I won't find one. LOL But I will enjoy looking.
Fast forward to Sunday morning.
I am over-packing or at least I think I am. It's going to be killer hot and I expect to change my clothes a couple of times a day. AND I hate doing laundry on vacation. I'm taking the massive suitcase I bought myself for my birthday two years ago. It's the one that made the trip to Tahiti with me. I still love it and it makes me smile when I look at it.
It should be returning home a bit heavier as I expect to pick up some shells on the beach. I know exactly the type I am looking for so that pretty much guarantees I won't find one. LOL But I will enjoy looking.
Fast forward to Sunday morning.
I arrived at BWI in plenty of time for my flight. Parked the car at my favorite parking place and rode the shuttle to Southwest. (Note: Thank God I prepaid for my reservation. The lot was full!!! Although I do have their loyalty card so I am guaranteed a spot. Anyway, back to Southwest. They offer curb-side check in and it boggles my mind why people just go to the first area they see. There was a line a mile long and just 50 steps away was another curb-side check-in with three people in line.
I am now sitting at a bar near the gate drinking a double bloody Mary with a crab claw and a bunch of yummy vegetables and olives on a stick!
OMG I have to tell you, I am also thanking God that traffic was non-existent on the way down. I was still in PA somewhere on 83 South, I crested a small hill and 10 feet in front of me a deer was running down the right lane—directly in front of me. Instinct kicked in and I swerved to the left and was very out of control and careened right again all the while braking. I think my heart pounded for a good 10 miles after that. My guardian angel was working overtime.
Here’s to a smooth and safe flight to the beach. It’s really overcast here and raining. I’m sure the ride up will be bumpy as hell. UGH. The nice part though is a little of two hours from now, I will land in my happy place!
I am staying at a place right on the beach. I found it on Trip Advisor and when I went out to the website, they were offering a special – stay 2 nights, get 1 free. So—4 nights for the price of 6. Not a bad deal. I have a 1 bedroom condo and the resort is right on the beach. They have everything right there—even a grocery store! A bunch of pools, restaurants. Can’t wait to get there.
Took off right on time and landed a bit early to overcast skies. What????But the skies cleared up by the time I got my bag. And I think for the first time EVER, my bag was one of the first ones out! So, I rolled on out of there and across the crosswalk to the car rental place. Again, lines 10-15 people deep at the rental counters. Alamo—2 people in front of me. I was directed to the parking garage where I could choose any car in a particular row. I chose a white Dodge Dart. I put my luggage in and look at the key fob and I have no idea what to do.
I try putting the thing that looks like half of an ignition key in. Nope. I’m sitting there sweating not figuring this out. An older couple comes to the car next to mine and I actually have to ask them how to start the car. It would have never occurred to me to put the thing marked PANIC into the ignition. So, I thanked them and climbed back into my car and put the blessed air conditioner on. My car is so old, I’ve never seen anything like that.
I bumble around the lot and finally found the exit and was on my way! Traffic was light and I think it was about a 45-minute drive to get here. It’s a different place than the last time I visited. Many, many more people here and it is really hot and humid. Check-in was a breeze and I was off to find my condo.
It’s really nice. A 4th floor unit with a view of the ocean and a screened lanai. Very beachy!
I unpacked, changed into my bathing suit and walked over to the main building for a quick lunch. I’m pretty sure I won’t be eating a lot of meals here. A bottle of water was almost $4 and it wasn’t huge and it wasn’t designer. The main pool is large and has 2 slides, lots of loungers, umbrellas and shaded areas with ceiling fans. It was packed. It also has a bar, pizza and ice cream shops as well as foosball, bean bag toss and ping pong.
I walked over to the pool closer to my condo and it’s smaller with none of those things but was still filled with families and tons of kids. I strolled down to the beach and the water is WARM. Of course, maybe it’s cooler farther out but I had all my stuff and no place to put it down. I sort of thought they would have chairs and umbrellas here but they don’t. You can rent stuff or use whatever the owner has in the condo.
I walked back up to the pool, found a semi-shaded lounger and set up camp. It’s just like a cruiseship though—chair hogs everywhere. People leave their towels and other belongings on and around the chair and go to the beach or whatever for hours. There are several signs that state: No floats of any kind in the pool, no food, no glass containers… blah blah blah. All of the rules were being broken and there is no one there to enforce anything. I was slightly annoyed—not annoyed enough to leave though. I got into the pool a few times but the water is like bathwater. But it still felt pretty darn good.
The early start to the day and the heat did me in. I went back to the condo, took a shower and tried to watch a little TV. After dozing off a few times I decided to head to bed. My stomach was feeling sort of bad. I fell asleep right away and woke up at 1:14am sick as hell. About every hour I was up again and sick. Blah. I kept hoping by morning I would feel better because I had to get to the airport and pick up my friend. No such luck—now dizziness had set in. So, first thing this morning, I called and arranged for a shuttle to bring her to the condo.
After sleeping all day and continued sickness, I finally started to feel like I could down a Gatorade. I think I am recovered—although I feel weak as a kitten. So glad this appears to be short lived.
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