TTA

2011 The year in retrospect

2012-01-16T09:21:00.008-05:00

2011: The year in Retrospect
by: Janet Steinberg

When someone tells you about a place, you hear it. When someone shows you a picture of a place, you see it. But when you discover that place yourself, you remember it.

Be it volcanoes or earthquakes, sunshine or storms, glaciers or gastronomic journeys…the experiences we have are what we remember throughout our lifetime. Come along with me as I share with you my favorite experiences of 2011.

SOUTH AMERICAN CRUISE: SILVERSEA’S SILVER WHISPER dream cruise sailed me south…way south…on a 3902-nautical-miles voyage from Buenos Aires, Argentina, through the Strait of Magellan, to Valparaiso, Chile. Port stops included: Punta del Este and Montevideo (Uruguay); Puerto Madryn (Argentina); Port Stanley (Falkland Islands); Punta Arenas, Laguna San Rafael Glacier, Puerto Chacabuco, and Puerto Montt (all in Chile).

Silver Whisper docked in Punta Arenas, Chile.

CARIBBEAN CRUISE: SEABOURN’S QUEST sailed me to paradisiacal islands such as Isla Catalina and Mayreau where Seabourn Quest included a unique “Caviar in the Surf” beach barbecue with complimentary water sports. Even if the Quest hadn’t stopped at any ports, sailing on this magnificent new (2011) luxury vessel would have been enough of a destination in and of itself.

Seabourn Quest staff sets up Caviar in the Surf at

Isla Catalina, Dominican Republic.

AEGEAN CRUISE: CRYSTAL SERENITY’S “Aegean Dreams Cruise” from Istanbul, Turkey to Venice, Italy sailed me some 1920 statute miles to far away places with strange sounding names like Kusadasi (Turkey); Mykonos, Santorini, and Athens (Greece); Kotor (Montenegro); and Dubrovnik (Croatia). Perfect weather, perfect seas, perfect cruise!

Crystal Serenity docked in Kotor, Montenegro appears

to be sitting on the sidewalk.

MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE: CRYSTAL SERENITY’S “Capitals of Art & Architecture” cruise sailed me some 1852 miles from Barcelona, Spain to Venice, Italy. Her ports of pure pleasure included over-nighting aboard the ship in Barcelona (Spain). Cannes (France); Sorrento and Venice (Italy). Day stops included visits to Rome and Florence (Italy) and Dubrovnik (Croatia).

EUROPEAN HOTEL: ISTANBUL’S CIRAGAN PALACE KEMPINSKI, dramatically situated on the shores of the Bosphorus, is the only Ottoman Imperial Palace in Istanbul that is a five-star hotel. Once the home of Ottoman sultans, the Ciragan Palace Kempinski graciously combines Ottoman-era sophistication with 21^st century technology. Ciragan Palace Kempinski blends luxury, grandeur, glamour, and history in perfect harmony.

Ciragan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul.

SOUTH AMERICAN HOTEL: ALVEAR PALACE, the legendary Buenos Aires hotel is consistently voted one of the world’s best hotels. A true palace and undisputed symbol of the Belle Époque era, the Alvear Palace formally opened its doors in 1932. Guests are pampered with the likes of personal butler service on every floor. Old World European elegance meets state-of-the-art technology at the Alvear Palace.

DOMESTIC HOTEL: EMBASSY SUITES FT. LAUDERDALE is not a 5-star luxury hotel like the above hotels, but it ranks #1 as my best bargain hotel of the year. This all-suite, reasonably priced hotel, offers daily complimentary cooked-to-order breakfasts and cocktail hours. Also complimentary, are a business center, an Internet Kiosk, and a Fitness Center. The hotel runs like clockwork because of its most competent General Manager Don Friedman.

Swimming pool at Embassy Suites Ft. Lauderdale.

BEACH LUNCH: HOTEL MARTINEZ’S Zplage, a private beach club on La Croisette in Cannes, France is la dolce vita on the French Riviera. Whether you soak up the Mediterranean sun on one of their 400 sun-beds on the fine sand beach, or on one of the hedonistic pontoon lounges, you must top off your lunch with the incredible edible dessert named “L’Or, L’Or, L’Or, Lipstick. By L’Oreal Paris.” Unique!

CELEBRATORY LUNCH: THE HOTEL CIPRIANI RESTAURANT in Venice, Italy served up a birthday lunch for my husband that was fit for the royalty that call Hotel Cipriani their home in Venice. From the Carpaccio, that looked like a still life painting by Vincent van Gogh, to the chocolate circle of heaven known as a birthday cake, the lunch was magical. The only thing missing was dreamy George Clooney who had checked out of the hotel the day before we arrived.

Carpaccio prepared tableside at the Cipriani Hotel Restaurant.

LUNCH WITH A VIEW: TERRAZZA BOSQUET, the open-air restaurant in Sorrento’s Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, is precariously perched on a cliff overlooking the Bay of Naples. As I lunched on the savory Mediterranean specialties of the Campania region, I soaked up spectacular island sights. Over the terrace’s balustrade, I glimpsed the distant mauve shades of Mt. Vesuvius.

ISLAND LUNCH: “Monk-ey Business” rules at LA TONNELLE on the water’s edge of ST. HONORAT ISLAND, the unique Lerin Island 15-minutes off the coast of Cannes, France. St. Honorat is home to the monks of the Abbaye de Lerins who occupy the island, grow grapes, and make wine that is known to oenophiles around the world. La Tonnelle is a convivial haven of peace offering great wines, great food, and great views of the crystal clear Mediterranean.

RESTAURANTEUR: HARRY (ARRIGO) CIPRIANI is the quintessential proprietor of some of the world’s finest restaurants. For two decades, I have been privileged to know Harry and to dine at his restaurants around the world. In 2011, my tastes were gloriously indulged at his newest restaurant, The Cipriani Istanbul in Turkey, and at my longtime favorite Harry’s Bar in Venice, Italy. Great host, great ambiance, great food, and great fun!!!

Harry's affable staff welcomes visitors to Harry's Bar in Venice.

TANGO SHOW: ROJO TANGO, at the Phillipe Starck-designed Hotel Faena in Buenos Aires, is the most sophisticated tango show in Buenos Aires.

This sensuous dinner show, presented in the hotel’s El Cabaret, will seduce you from the moment you take your gold seat in the velvety red room. It is the city’s most expensive tango show, but also the most passionate and the best.

TURKISH DELIGHT: TUGRA RESTAURANT, located in the original Çıragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, presented an exquisite, romantic, dining experience. The feast began with ambience … rich Ottoman décor, live Turkish music…and the ever-stirring backdrop of the Bosphorus. It ended with classic Ottoman cuisine and the traditional candy stick trolley "Macun" that is designed to take you to sweet dreams.

Traditional Turkish "lollipop" made tableside at Tugra.

ITALIAN FEASTS: Harry Cipriani’s CIPRIANI RESTAURANT ISTANBUL, (at the onset of my Crystal Serenity Aegean Dream Cruise from Istanbul to Venice) started my Italian culinary adventure off with their traditional Harry’s Bar Bellini (sparkling Italian Prosecca wine and peach nectar). It culminated when that same Crystal Serenity cruise ended in Venice and I headed straight to Harry Cipriani’s HARRY’S BAR VENICE to begin my next Italian feast with another traditional Harry’s Bar Bellini.

Janet Steinberg pours a few Bellinis at Cipriani Istanbul.

SWIMMING POOL: CIRIGAN PALACE KEMPINSKI ISTANBUL’s heated infinity pool is a pool for all seasons. While minarets of steam rise around you, you can swim alongside the boats in the Bosphorus. The stunning pool defies the summer heat with a pre-cooled towel served by the pool butler, or you can lap up the winter sun in a heated cabana.

Infinity swimming pool at Ciragan Palace.

Janet Steinberg is an award-winning travel writer and travel consultant with The Travel Authority/Altour in the Mariemont/Cincinnati office.

THE END

Cannes, France: La Dolce Vita...French Style (part 2)

2011-12-05T09:13:00.003-05:00

by Janet Steinberg

THE BEACH: Ahhhhh, the beach! What can I say about Zplage, the Hotel Martinez’s private sandy beach where I chose to spend half a day?

I can only say that it was divine, delicious, gorgeous, hedonistic, and sybaritic.

Ocean-blue sun beds are lined up like sailors on a pontoon at Zplage

Zplage, Zplage, the largest beach on La Croisette, has 400 sun-loungers on its private, silky-sand beach. Bright ocean-blue sun beds are lined up like sailors on a vast pontoon jutting out into the glistening Mediterranean. Private pergolas (lounge tents) come equipped with sofas and coffee tables.
Sport-minded jocks can water-ski, ride inflatables, parasail, or take sea trips, all of which operate from the end of the pontoon. As for me, I chose not to move a muscle until lunchtime. My only physical activity was sipping a fresh fruit “Dr. Feelgood” Presse au Naturel” through a straw.

Lunch at Zplage was surreal. With its fabulous location in the Bay of Cannes, a backdrop of La Croisette, and the sunny Mediterranean, Esterel Range and Lerin Islands on the horison, how could it miss?

The restaurant blossoms with the sun and the specialties are inspired by flavors from around the world. To quote Christian Sinicropi, Executive Chef of the Hotel Martinez: “The deep sound of the wok and tandoor, like a tam tam of savoury smells, calling the Epicureans and fine time collectors.”

But it was Zplage’s Le Dessert that was the most unusual confection I have ever had melt in my mouth. My delectable lunch culminated with an incredible edible dessert named “L’Or, L’Or, L’Or, Lipstick. By L’Oreal Paris.” Trust me, you’ve never seen (or tasted) anything like it. L’Or, like a still-life painting, was a picture in white chocolate, cheesecake, raspberry coulis, and goodies I could not begin to figure out.

"L'Or, L'Or, L'Or, Lipstick by L'Oreal Paris." dessert at Aplage

THE ISLAND: For another half day, I hopped aboard a ferry that would take me to St. Honorat Island, one of the unique Lerin Islands about a mile off the coast of Cannes, France. Since the fifth century, St. Honorat has been home to a community of monks.

Over the centuries that followed, the island withstood massacres, hosted pilgrimages, was captured by the Spanish, bought by a wealthy actress, and resold in 1859 to a Bishop who later established a Cistercian community there.

The island retains a monastery that is now home to the Cistercian Monks of the Abbaye de Lerins.

St. Honorat is a popular tourist attraction set amid pleasant woodland surroundings. The Abbey of Lérins and the 15th Century fortified monastery are open to visitors. Other points of interest include abandoned chapels erected by monks in previous centuries, the remains of a Napoleonic cannon ball oven, and a Second World War gun emplacement.

“Monk-ey Business” rules on Iles St. Honorat. The monks not only occupy the island, but they also grow grapes, and make wines that are known to oenophiles around the world. They also produce honey, operate a monastery shop that sells various monastic goods including the wine and honey produced on the island, and run a fine restaurant called La Tonnelle.

Ferry to St. Honorat

La Tonnelle, the island’s only restaurant, is on the water’s edge of St. Honorat. It is a convivial haven of peace, offering great wines, great food, and great views of the crystal clear Mediterranean. The restaurant is open every day at lunchtime with a menu based on fresh, colorful seasonal dishes full of Provencal flavors and complemented by the renowned wines and liqueurs produced by the monks from their vineyards on the island.

My grilled sea bass and tomato mozzarella salad, washed down with the monks of the Abbaye de Lerins’ 2008 Saint Pierre Clairette Chardonnay, was one of the loveliest lunches I’ve ever experienced.

You might also want to try the aperitif Lerincello, created by the monks of the Abbey of Our Lady of Lerins. Created in the traditional way, Lerincello contains no coloring, no artificial flavors and no preservatives. The untreated Lerincello, using lemons from Menton, is a perfect fusion of the color, aroma, and flavor of lemon.

Pere (Father) Marie Paques

If you go…and you must…say hello to my friend Pere (Father) Marie Paques who supervises the operations on the island. Meeting this ebullient monk will certainly enhance your visit to the island.

JANET STEINBERG is an award-winning Travel Writer and a Travel Consultant

with THE TRAVEL AUTHORITY in Mariemont, Ohio

CANNES, FRANCE: LA DOLCE VITA…FRENCH STYLE

2011-11-09T09:58:00.001-05:00

By Janet Steinberg

The dictionary may tell you that “la dolce vita” is Italian for "the sweet life". But let me tell you that Cannes (France’s second most important city next to Paris) is really la dolce vita.

Welcome to Cannes, France

The French Riviera city of Cannes (pronounced Kahn) is probably best known for its annual Film Festival held each May in the Palais des Festival on the Promenade de la Croisette. However, this thriving city is much more than movie stars, gigantic yachts, red carpets, and klieg lights.
Glorious weather, gorgeous sand beaches, an azure blue Mediterranean, great shopping, food, art, history, palatial hotels, and people watching, make up a perfect holiday palette. My most recent 2-day stay in Cannes (thanks to an overnight stay during Crystal Serenity’s “Capitals of Art and Architecture Cruise”) consisted of three elements: a tour…a beach…and an island.

Crystal Serenity anchored in Cannes, France.

THE TOUR: A little train tour begins at the Palais des Festival with its famous stairway and its handprints of the Stars on the Esplanade Georges Pompidou. The tour follows in the footsteps of the greatest international film stars and the most famous personalities in the world who strolled along La Croisette.

The red carpet at the Palais des Festival

To Be Continued........

Janet Steinberg is an award winning travel writer and Independent travel consultant for
The Travel Authority.

The Croisette Train Tour can also be combined with a History Tour that will take you back in time through landscapes with many tales to tell and sites to see…including the Forville Provencal Market and the medieval old town of Le Suquet with its viewpoint, La Castre, overlooking the whole city.

Why Use a Travel Agent?

2011-10-17T14:11:00.002-04:00

By Kyle Winkler

Travel Agents are a Traveler’s best resource.

In today’s world, the internet makes so many things accessible. Have a question, go to Ask.com. Want a new recipe? Google it. Is there something or someone you want to know more about? Try Wikipedia. Sometimes it is just that easy.

With research at our fingertips, many people question the need for some of the old reliable services we used to rely on. Do we still need “The Yellow Pages”? What about going to the movie theater? Isn’t it easier to join Netflix? What about using a Travel Agent?

My answer to these questions? While I Google quite a bit, the “Yellow Pages” can be convenient. I enjoy watching movies in my own living room, but I have to admit-- a movie on the big screen has a feel that adds to the whole experience.

But one thing that still has a tremendous value is the traditional Travel Agent.

Consider the following when you are deciding to use a Travel Agent or to book on the internet.

Personal service:

Ultimately people like to do business with people. They like to talk about their plans, get answers to their questions and get feedback on their ideas. Only a real person can give you that.

Time: Even if you find that you have free time, can’t you find something better to do with it than searching websites looking for the best price on a trip?

Experience: Travel Agencies spend countless dollars and hours training their Agents keeping them up to date on travel requirements, destinations, procedures and how to locate & offer the best value for their clients. Most Travel Agents have traveled extensively and have done so in many different ways. They have inspected hotels, gone on excursions, experienced local cultures and cuisines, flown on numerous airlines, sailed on many different cruise lines, taken trains-- well you get the idea. They can honestly say “been there, done that” about a great number of destinations around the world.

If they have not been where you want to go, chances are they work with another Agent that has. The help of an experienced Agent can be priceless when traveling somewhere you have never been. A website on the internet can not give you the personal experience of someone who has actually been there.

Connections: Travel Agents build strong relationships with travel suppliers giving them a tremendous advantage when you need help. Some agencies have 24 hour/365 day travel service centers that are staffed with knowledgeable Agents whose only job is to assist their traveling clients at any time of day. That can be priceless when stranded at an airport 1000 miles from home.

Here are just a few questions to ask before you book a trip on the internet:

Google Paris. Do you really have time to look at the 261,000,000 results?
Have you ever booked a hotel on the internet and been disappointed to find your view is of the parking lot?
Cancelled flights can sometimes require hours on the phone with the airlines? Do you have the time?
A romantic getaway? Are you sure the hotel on the internet isn’t going to have a swimming pool full of screaming kids?
Has the internet ever explained to you that July might not be the best time to go to South America or Australia? Or at least told you to take warm clothes?
And what about putting your credit card on the internet? Sure they said it was secure, but is it? Who is going to help you if they charge your card 3 times?
Are you sure you have remembered to take care of EVERYTHING? You don’t want to be sitting in some airport late at night looking for transportation to a hotel that is an hour away.

Travel Agents are still one of the best bargains around. Most Travel Agents do not charge for their services. There may be a service fee for very complicated trips, or a non refundable planning fee that will be applied to your trip when you book. But on the average, they do not charge fees for cruises, tours and vacation packages. One thing to note however, when you only purchase an airline ticket and nothing else, there is typically a service fee.

If you still have your doubts, consider one more thing, booking with you local Travel Agent helps your local economy. It keeps your community working. It just makes sense.

Your local Travel Authority can be reached at 877-AXP-1515.

Kyle Winkler is the Director of Marketing for the Travel Authority. She has been working in the travel industry since 1999.

SUCH FUN!!!! The Joy of Doing Nothing

2011-10-03T09:22:00.002-04:00

By Janet Steinberg

“The grand object of traveling is to see the shores of the Mediterranean.”

Samuel Johnson 1776

How many times have you thought (or heard someone say) “been there, done that”? Well, my friends, when you think you’ve done it all…do nothing…but do it with panache.

Having cruised the Mediterranean many times, I decided it was time to do nothing…except exactly what I pleased. This time, I decided it was time to enjoy my Crystal Serenity Mediterranean Cruise without racing around to every museum, garden, or religious site in the area. I was determined to become a complete sybarite…sleeping in, eating marvelous food, lying on a sandy beach and maybe...just maybe…visiting a site or two. And, believe it or not, this type-A personality actually managed to pull it off! Allow me to show you how it was done.

Crystal Serenity seen from Hotel Excelsior Vittoria's

Terrazza Bosquet in Sorrento, Italy

Days 1 and 2--Barcelona, Spain: Having previously toured all the Gaudi architecture including Sagrada Familia, and Guell Park, been to the Gothic Quarter, Montjuic, and the Olympic Stadium, etc., it was time to start the task of just doing nothing--my way.

I strolled the pedestrian mall called the Ramblas, photographing a plethora of mimes and street entertainers, and shopped the Public Market with food presented so exquisitely it looked as if it should be displayed on black velvet. Relaxation came in the form of a beer and tapas (small savory Spanish snacks).

Day 3--Cruising the Mediterranean: Sailing some 266 nautical miles to Cannes, France I had a leisurely day to reacquaint myself with the ultra-luxe Crystal Serenity that had recently undergone a $25-million redesign. Crystal Cruises largest ship is a study in modern classic elegance. All 535 staterooms, retail centers, outdoor pool deck, corridors and other spaces received a dazzling face lift, in addition to general sprucing of the entire outside and inside of the vessel. Crystal Serenity gave me, and the other 795 guests from 37 countries, a show-stopping new look of the ship that would be our floating home-away-from-home for the next 12 days.

Day 4—Cannes, France: The morning was spent on a short, but comprehensive, drive around the city of Cannes (pronounced Kahn). We drove along La Croisette, around Palm Beach and along Rue D’Antibes, stopping for a short visit to the Israelite Synagogue and Notre- Dame de Esperance church.

At noon, I hopped aboard a ferry to St. Honorat, one of the unique Lerin Islands 15-minutes off the coast of Cannes. “Monk-ey business” ruled the day at La Tonnelle, a restaurant on the water’s edge of St. Honorat Island. St. Honorat is home to the monks of the Abbaye de Lerins who occupy the island, grow the grapes, and make the wine that is known to oenophiles around the world. The island’s only restaurant, La Tonnelle, is a convivial haven of peace offering great wines, great food, and great views of the crystal clear Mediterranean.

Father Marie Paques and my friend/guide Karin.

Day 5—Cannes, France: After overnighting in Cannes on the Crystal Serenity, I had one more day to wallow in the beauty of Cannes. Awakening, without an alarm clock being set, I headed for the private, silky sand beach club (Zplage) of the Martinez Hotel located on La Croisette.

Zplage is la dolce vita on the French Riviera. After soaking up the Mediterranean sun on one of their 400 sunbeds it was time for lunch. The piece de resistance was an incredible edible dessert named “L’Or, L’Or, L’Or, Lipstick. By L’Oreal Paris.” In all my years of eating my way around the world, I have never seen (or tasted) anything like it. 147 Nautical miles to Livorno.

Unique incredible edible desert "L'Or, L'Or, L'Or" at Zplage

in Cannes, France.

Day 6, Livorno, Italy: Livorno is the Italian port for the city of Florence. Having been to Florence (and nearby Pisa) numerous times, I opted to skip tours of those cities. Instead, I opted for Crystal Serenity’s complimentary shuttle service into Livorno. More time to spend in my lovely home aboard Crystal Serenity. 126 nautical miles to Civitavecchia.

Day 7, Civitavecchia, Italy: As in Livorno, I decided to remain in Civitavecchia thus avoiding a long, costly drive into Rome…a city I had visited many times. Crystal Serenity’s complimentary shuttle drove us to town where the town’s only tour bus drove us to The Taurine Baths (Le Terme Taurine), a few miles north of the town. The Baths are among the most important archaeological and thermal complexes of the Roman age. 165 nautical miles to Sorrento.

Day 8--Sorrento, Italy: On a perfectly cloudless Mediterranean day, I had lunch at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria. The hotel’s private elevator lifted me from sea level to the Excelsior Vittoria, precariously perched on a cliff overlooking the Bay of Naples.

Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria precariously perched

on a cliff in Sorrento, Italy.

The Italian aperitif Campari primed me for what a most memorable lunch on the hotel’s open-air restaurant, Terrazza Bosquet. I lunched on the savory Mediterranean specialties, soaked up the spectacular sights of Ischia and Procida and glimpsed the mauve shades of Mt. Vesuvius in the distance. We spent the night on Crystal Symphony, anchored in the Bay of Naples.

A freshly caught Mediterranean lunch on the open-air Terrazza

Bosquet of the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria.

Day 9--Sorrento, Italy: Once again I opted to spend the day aboard the beautiful Crystal Serenity. I lingered over cappuccino in The Bistro, curled up in circular pod bed on the pool deck, went to a movie in the Hollywood Theater, enjoyed Tea Time in the lovely Palm Court, and savored dinner in Prego, Crystal Serenity’s signature Italian restaurant. 556 nautical miles to Dubrovnik.

Day 10—Cruising the Mediterranean: Yeah!!! Another day at sea enjoying what Crystal Serenity has to offer… a “Cuisine of the Sun” buffet on pool deck; Bruce Johnson on the crystal piano in the Crystal Cove; Mozart Tea Time in the Palm Court, and dinner in Silk Road, showcasing the extraordinary cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa. Still cruisin’ to Dubrovnik.

Bruce Johnson on the crystal piano in the Crystal Cove.

Day 11—Dubrovnik, Croatia: Dubrovnik is a city where every stone is seeped in history. Yet, it is a pulsating city that is alive in the present. This ancient walled city, dubbed the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, is a museum in and of itself. In this city perfumed by sea air, there is a confluence of the past and the present. Lunch, with a magnificent view, was on the terrace of Dubravka Restaurant at the Pile Gate. 318 nautical miles to Venice.

Pile Gate entrance to the ancient walled city of Dubrovnik.

Day 12: Venice, Italy: To me, the glorious Cipriani Hotel is synonymous with the word Venice! This heavenly hedonistic haven is one of my most favorite places in the world. Having only a half-day to spend in Venice, I headed straight to the Cipriani for a lunch that culminated with a most divine cake for my husband’s significant birthday celebration.

My husband's significant birthday celebration

Hotel Cipriana-style Venice, Italy.

When I win the lottery, I want to live at the Cipriani!

Cipriani Hotel--Venice, Italy.

Crystal Cruise completed. Ciao!

JANET STEINBERG is an award winning Travel Writer, International Travel Consultant with The Travel Authority and winner of 38 national Travel Writing Awards.

Buenos Aires to Santiago: The Longest Distance Between Two Points

2011-09-26T09:58:00.001-04:00

Part 2

By Janet Steinberg

PORT STANLEY, FALKLAND ISLANDS: As the Silver Whisper approached Stanley Harbour (632-nautical miles from Puerto Madryn) we observed tin-roofed homes perched on hillsides and uncultivated treeless moors sweeping down toward Golfo Nuevo Bay.

Stanley Harbour is one of the world’s largest graveyards for ancient ships including the 19^th century Lady Elizabeth that lies partially beached on Whale Bone Cove. On the outskirts of Stanley there are still fenced-in areas that contain unexploded mines left from the 1982 conflict with Argentina.

Our city tour commencing at the Public Jetty included an informative drive through the center of town, a visit to Britannia House Museum, and a small whaling display in Mike Butcher’s Yard.

Port Stanley, Falkland Islands

PUNTA ARENAS, CHILE: Having sailed 535-nautical miles, from The Falklands through the Strait of Magellan, we arrived in Punta Arenas for a 2-day visit, including an overnight aboard the Silver Whisper.

Day one’s city tour was highlighted by a visit to the 1906 Braun-Menendez Mansion and a stroll through the meticulously manicured Sara Braun Municipal Cemetery featuring avenues lined with verdant wind-breaking cypress trees and splendid mausoleums. A stop was also made at the Jose Nogueira Hotel for a treat of pisco sours and empanadas.

Day two found us driving 40-miles northwest through the Patagonian countryside, home to guanacos, sheep, and rheas (South American ostriches), to the Otway Penguin Rookery. Here we were delightfully amused by a colony of Magellanic penguins as they waddled from their sandy burrows to the seashore.

Otway Penguin Rookery

LAGUNA SAN RAFAEL, CHILE: After cruising 785-nautical miles from Punta Arena through the Chilean Fjords, Silver Whisper anchored at Paso Quesahuen where we boarded a chartered catamaran that would sail us (on a complimentary Silversea shore excursion) to one of the most breathtaking sites in South America.

This magical outing to the Laguna San Rafael Glacier was a kaleidoscope of the stunning artistry of Mother Nature. This awesome wall of ice was a brilliant spectacle played out in hues of blue and white. The thundering chunks of ice that calved into the lake might well have been crystal sculptures by Lalique, or a pate de verre gem executed by Daum Crystal. Magnifico!

Laguna San Rafael

PUERTO CHACABUCO, CHILE: The 93-nautical mile sail from Laguna Rafael to Puerto Chacabuco gave us time to relax and contemplate the rare beauty we had just witnessed. A picturesque drive through the Simpson Valley and a stop in the town of Coyhaique was certainly anti-climactic to the sights of the previous day. However Laguna San Rafael Glacier was a hard act to follow. Coyhaique, calling itself “the capital of Patagonia”, is said to have more than 50% of the region’s population. Coyhaique’s population is a whopping 50,000 people.

Chilean dancers entertain Silver Whisper passengers on shore excursion

PUERTO MONTT, CHILE: Another 279-nautical miles brought us to Puerto Montt, founded in 1853 by German settlers. After a brief tour of the city, our Silversea shore excursion headed to the town of Puerto Varas where the ship’s shopoholics indulged themselves with purchases of lapis lazuli jewelry. Nearby, Lake Llanquihue is the largest natural lake in Chile and the third-largest in South America.

On the west side of Lake Llanquihue, we visited Frutillar, a charming German-style village. Here we visited the Colonial Aleman Museum and strolled the lovely town resplendent in its summer hydrangeas and roses. In the old German ‘delikatessen’ one could assuage one’s taste buds with homemade ‘kuchen tortas”.

Frutillar, a charming German-style village

VALPARAISO, CHILE: Only 629-nautical miles remained on our fabulous Silver Whisper cruise that was taking us to the Chilean port city of Valparaiso. From there, were transferred to Santiago.

Adios! See you next column in Santiago.

JANET STEINBERG is an award-winning Travel Writer, International Travel Consultant with The Travel Authority in Mariemont, and winner of 38 national Travel Writing Awards.

Buenos Aires to Santiago: The Longest Distance Between Two Points

2011-09-12T15:37:00.001-04:00

By Janet Steinberg

Part 1

After two glorious days in Buenos Aires, we boarded Silversea’s Silver Whisper for the 3902-nautical mile voyage to Santiago. Directly due west of Buenos Aires, a short flight could have taken us to Santiago in a few hours.

However, opting for the long way home, Silver Whisper’s 16-day itinerary unfurled a wondrous world for us in the Southern Hemisphere. Join me on that voyage as I take you to each port stop along the way.

Silver Whisper in Punta del Este

PUNTA DEL ESTE, URUGUAY: Sailing 176-nautical miles from Buenos Aires, we arrived at Punta del Este, South America’s jet-set resort. Silversea Chronicles, the newsletter delivered daily to our Silver Whisper stateroom”, accurately described Punta as “Part Hamptons, part Cote d’Azur, part South Beach (with a dash of Las “Vegas tossed in for good measure…”

The 10,500 winter population of this once sleepy fishing village soars to over

1-million people during their Southern Hemisphere summer months of December through March.

Punta’s Ralli Museum, along with four more of these private institutions (2 in Israel, 1 in Chile and Spain), houses the most compete collection in the world of Latin-American art by living artists as well as that of such masters as Botero and Dali.

Casapueblo is a surreal whitewashed hotel and museum that, like Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, is a continuous work in progress. Begun in 1968, its creator Carlos Paez Viaro called this architectural wonder a “habitable sculpture”.

Casapueblo is a surreal whitewashed "habitable sculpture"

MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY: In Montevideo, 63-nautical miles from Punta, we followed the “Knish Trail”. Silver Whisper’s “Montevideo Sights & Jewish Heritage Tour” took us to the Old Town where Jewish immigrants settled in the late-19^th and early-20^th centuries. We saw Golda Meir Square, the Hebraica-Maccabi Sports Centre, and visited the Sephardic Tehilat-David Synagogue.

The highlight of the tour was a visit to the poignant Holocaust Memorial, the only one of its kind in South America. A somber rail track cuts across a grassy plain that leads to the rocky banks of the Rio de la Plata. The memorial also incorporates a broken wall, symbolic of the broken people; two Bridges of Doubt; a Wall of Bereavement; and tomb-like red granite slabs inscribed with quotes from Elie Wiesel (“Let sadness be accompanied by hope”) and Maimonides (“Choose always life and righteousness because choice is in your hands”). The Memorial, inaugurated on November 10, 1994 has been declared a national historic landmark.

Montevideo's poignant Holocaust Memorial

PUERTO MADRYN, ARGENTINA: A leisurely day at sea was spent aboard the Silver Whisper as we sailed the 710-nautical miles to Puerto Madryn, the access point for Patagonia. Our half-day Silversea outing began with a visit to the Eco Centre, an interpretation center that encourages respect for Mother Nature, exhibits her hazards, and educates how to protect her. From there it was on to Punta Loma where, from a rocky cliff top location, we were able to view a colony of sea wolves below.

The highlight of this shore excursion was a visit to Estancia San Guillermo, a traditional Patagonian sheep farm. Domesticated guanacos (South American animals that look like, and are related to, domesticated llamas and alpacas) roamed the grounds and greeted us at the doorway as we entered to watch the fascinating process of sheep shearing. Following the entertaining demonstration, we were served the typical Argentine mate tea with homemade pastries.

Sheep shearing in Puerto Madryn

Next Stop - Port Stanley, Falkland Islands..........................

Buenos Aires: The Paris of South America

2011-08-22T09:30:00.002-04:00

PART 2 OF A SERIES

Written by Janet Steinberg

"In Buenos Aires. I shall have a flat with Europe for its balcony..."

Cesar Fernandez Moreno, poet

Hola! Welcome to Buenos Aires, Argentina's capital city, the city that has been dubbed "The Paris of South America". Literally translated, this city of "good airs" is eclectic and elegant, seductive and sophisticated, formal and informal, brilliant and shabby, lively and laid back.

This captivating port city of some 15-million people is much more than gauchos (cowboys), portenos (fun-loving locals), and slinky black-garbed tango dancers. It is a heterogeneous taste of Europe on an American continent.

Prior to boarding Silversea’s Silver Whisper for a 16-day sojourn from Buenos Aires to Santiago, some passengers chose Silversea’s pre-cruise trip to the incredible Iguazu Falls. The widest stretch of interlinking waterfalls in the world, Iguazu’s waterfall system consists of 275 falls along 1.7 miles of the Iguazu River. Upon gazing upon Iguazu for the first time, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt had only two words to say: “Poor Niagara!”

Having been to Iguazu on a previous trip to South America, I opted for Silversea’s pre-cruise package at the legendary Alvear Palace, consistently voted one of the world’s best hotels. A true palace and undisputed symbol of the Belle Epoque era, the Alvear Palace Hotel formally opened its doors in 1932.The hotel’s magnificent architecture and its Louis XIV and XVI décor put the Alvear Palace in a class of its own.

The Legendary Alvear Palace is consistently voted

one of the World's best hotels

Guests are pampered with the likes of personal butler service on every floor, Hermes de Paris toiletries, flower arrangements, and fresh fruits. Old World European elegance meets 21^st century technology at the Alvear.

The hotel’s La Bourgogne, the only Relais Gourmand restaurant in Latin America is where the elite meet to eat in Buenos Aires. The most demanding palate will be delighted with the chef’s refined blend of French and International cuisine. The flame-shooting birthday cake given to celebrating guests is a showstopper. The Lobby Bar, an elegant space decorated with French-style original boisserie, is a cultural classic.

The flame-shooting birthday cake is a show-stopper

The Alvear Palace Hotel enjoys the most enviable location in the city. This jewel in the crown of Buenos Aires (aka B. A.) reigns supreme in the posh Recoleta neighborhood. One of the city's most fashionable residential areas, Recoleta has been called "Buenos Aires' 16th Arrondissement". Here, amid French architecture, outdoor cafes, and elegant boutiques reminiscent of that Paris district, visitors flock to a cemetery that is one of B.A.'s top attractions.

Cementerio del Norte, or Recoleta Cemetery, is the exclusive burial ground where all portenos would like to be interred. Within the iron gates of this city of the dead are tombs and mausoleums by famous artists and sculptors. Seventy graves have been declared national monuments with the cemetery's most visited tomb being that of Eva Duarte Peron.

The Duarte family tomb, the final resting place of the wife of the late President Juan Peron, is difficult to find. Follow a tour group or look for the black marble mausoleum with a plaque of her profile and a profusion of fresh flowers. Evita (Don't cry for me, Argentina) Peron died of cancer in 1952 at age 33.

The final resting place of Evita.

(Eva Duarte Peron)

La Boca, once the home of Italian immigrants and fishermen is now an artists' community with corrugated tin and wood houses in a riotous splash of color. Resembling something that Van Gogh might have done during one of his manic phases, La Boca is the city's most picturesque place. Pizza is a popular item in Boca’s outdoor cafes.

La Boca is Buenos Aires' most picturesque place.

Where's the beef? Everywhere in the land of the gaucho! Forget the cholesterol count in Argentina where bife (pronounced beef-eh) is the national food. Parillas, restaurants specializing in beef, serve inexpensive steaks the size of family roasts. However, these non-tenderized cuts of beef often seem tough to Americans, just as our tenderized steaks taste mushy to Argentines.

For a delightful, pretty-as-a-picture dinner, selected from an eclectic seasonal menu, try Chez Nous tucked inside the Algodon Mansion. Opened in the ritzy Recoleta neighborhood in September 2010, the Algodon Mansion quickly became the city’s most exclusive boutique hotel.

If you can’t control your craving for a Big Mac, head for the Abasto Mall where you will find the only kosher McDonald’s in the world outside of Israel. The kosher McDonalds doesn’t lack for customers with approximately 250,000 Jews living in Buenos Aires. Argentina has the largest Jewish population in Latin America.

Congregacion Israelita de la Republica Argentina, built in 1892, is the oldest Synagogue in Buenos Aires. Also known as Templo Libertad (named after its street location), this impressive turn-of-the-century Byzantine-style temple houses the Museo Judeo de Buenos Aires that has an interesting collection of Jewish memorabilia.

Templo Libertad is located a block from Teatro Colon, one of the world's greatest opera houses. Opened in 1908, this recently renovated grand opera house has served as a stage for such performing artists as Caruso, Callls, Pavlova, Toscanini, Domingo, and Pavarotti.

The neighborhood (barrio) of Buenos Aires known as Once (pronounced own-say), was named after the Plaza Once de Setiembre. It was the first Jewish neighborhood established in B.A. Though Once's businesses have shifted from Jewish to Korean ownership, this barrio is the Argentine version of New York's Lower East Side.

Since May 25, 1810, when Plaza de Mayo (the city's principal square) saw its first massive political gathering, May Square has been the spot where most of South America's history originated. It was on this same site that The Mothers of May Square met on Thursday afternoon to mourn the loss of some 10,000 children and young adults who disappeared during the bloody military regime in the 1970's.

Casa Rosada, the pink government house, stands on the eastern end of the square. Here, too, is the Cabildo (the colonial town hall-turned-museum), the main office of the Bank of Argentina and the Cathedral.

The Avenida de Mayo, intersected by Avenida 9 de Julio (9th of July Avenue), is one of the widest streets in the world and the site of El Obelisco. The towering granite obelisk, the most photographed symbol of Buenos Aires, is also the tour bus driver's most joked about landmark. "El Obelisco," they quip, “is Argentina's monument to the suppository."

Obelisco, the towering granite obelisk, is

the most photographed symbol of Buenos Aires.

San Telmo, a historic neighborhood that gave birth to the tango, is a few blocks south of Plaza de Mayo. Narrow cobblestone streets, lined with colonial houses, seem to have tango etched in each handset stone. During the day, antique lovers hound the many shops in the area. At night, San Telmo metamorphoses into a blazing, brightly lit string of tango bars.

However, if you’re looking for the most sophisticated tango show in BA, head to the Hotel Faena in Puerto Madero. France’s super ‘star-chitect’ Phillipe Starck turned this century-old red brick grain silo into an artfully stylish hotel. Decadent design in red and white weave throughout this over-the- top hostelry.

Rojo Tango is the city's best and most passionate tango show.

Rojo Tango, the dinner show presented in the hotel’s El Cabaret, will seduce you from the moment you take your gold seat in the velvety red room. It is the city’s most expensive tango show, but also the most passionate and the best.

Go see for yourself. Argen-times are good times!

JANET STEINBERG is an award-winning Travel Writer, International Travel Consultant, and winner of 38 national Travel Writing Awards.

A Day at Chichen Itza

2011-08-08T14:39:00.017-04:00

Special Edition Post: Melissa Ghazi, Marketing Manager at The Travel Authority / ALTOUR

If you are in the Cancun area on vacation I highly recommend you to take a day trip to the famous Chichen Itza, or as the natives tell us tourist to rhyme it with “Chicken Pizza”. I was only in Mexico for 5 days, but there was no way I was going to miss going to this archaeological wonder! In 2007, Temple of Kukulkan became one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. Our journey would start in Puerto Morelos and head 3.5 hours north into the Yucatán Peninsula. As a devoted world traveler, there was nothing that was going to stop me from scratching one more “to do” off my bucket list!

Temple of Kukulkan

Before you start your journey, I recommend speaking to your travel specialist before you depart. We noticed the prices once in Mexico increased significantly, unless you’re in Cancun area and have excellent bartering skills, book at least two days in advance. Prices will definitely vary depending on the budget and the comforts you expect. If you want a large spacious bus with unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks then I would advise on going with VIP package. They are priced around $100 per person. However, my husband and I tend to take the route less traveled. We booked with a tour operator for $50 per person. It was a much smaller bus, no drinks, and you are mixed with Spanish/English speakers. To be honest, it was mostly 70% Spanish and 30% English, but “Hey! When in Rome…” The week we went on vacation was also one the two weeks out of the year when many Mexicans take vacations with their family. We left at 7:30am and our bus consisted of one Canadian couple, one Venezuelan family, three Mexican families, and two single ladies from different cities in Mexico. Let our journey begin….

Speed Bumps on Interstate

Our route from Riviera Maya to the city of Mérida, where Chichen Itza resides is a long bumpy road. There are many speed bumps along the interstate and lots of police check points. No worries though. The police never stopped our bus and everything went smoothly. The small town of Mérida is such a spectacular town. The Mayan people still live in this town today. You will see much of their culture is still an important part of their life. The women wear the traditional Mayan dress and they have many of the physical characteristics of early Mayans. It was such a fascinating town! Catholicism is also an important part of their life now. There are many churches and we even got to witness a saint festival being paraded down the street.

Festival of a Saint (see the women's Mayan attire)

Once you get out of the town, Chichen Itza is probably about 20 minutes away. My eyes were big the entire time I was there just absorbing all the ancient ruins that surrounded me. I have to admit I’m a big history geek! It brought me back memories of standing on Egypt’s Pyramid of Khufu at Giza and looking down at the fighting ring of Rome’s Colosseum. I had goose bumps all over when our tour guide spoke about the sacrifices and the bloody endings many of the Mayans experienced during their rule. Their history is unbelievably fascinating! Just an important little tidbit I learned: Temple of Kukulkan’s square base is approx 80 feet tall. Each of the four staircases has 91 steps. Counting the top platform as an additional step gives a total of 365 steps: 1 step for each day of the year. Temple of Kukulkan or some call it El Castillo was built for astronomical purposes and during the vernal equinox (March 20) and the autumnal equinox (September 21) at about 3pm the sunlight bathes the western balustrade of the pyramid’s main stairway. This causes 7 isosceles triangles to form imitating the body of a serpent that creeps downwards until it joins the huge serpent’s head carved in stone at the bottom of the stairway. Also, important to note the famous pyramid never had any sacrifices happen on it. I always believed that is where it all happened, but it actually is believed to have been in the pyramid to the left, called Ossario. Also, something to know you can no longer climb the steps of any of the pyramids. Due to age and deterioration everything is roped off. I won’t get into all the interesting facts that I learned on the tour. I’ll leave that for you to discover when you journey there. However, Chichen Itza is very large. We didn’t get to even see all that is there. We did take the 5 minute walk over to the Sacred Cenote. Cenote is a large limestone sink hole filled with water. This one was about 75 feet deep. They do not allow anyone to swim in it anymore after a German woman disappeared in it a while back, so the guide said. This also was another place where they did sacrifices, which they have found bones of children and woman and other offerings like pottery and jewelry.


Ossario- Temple known for Human Sacrifices

Sacred Cenote

After seeing as many of the sights that we could, we jumped back on the bus to go eat at an authentic Mayan restaurant. The Mayan women and men put on a nice little show of traditional dances. They have great balancing skills I must say! They can dance with glass bottles on top of their heads and without spilling one drop. Once our bellies were full, we left to go see another cenote, Cenotes Ikil (Blue Cenote). The water there was 125 ft deep and very cold. I passed on swimming in it, because frankly knowing people were sacrificed in them and there are underground rivers that can suck you down into was not my cup of tea. Pretty scenery though! The Yucatan area is a tropical jungle and we got to experience one of their powerful rain storms. Having to run to the bus that is about 500 feet away in heavy rainfall was an experience I won’t forget any time soon. Once everyone made it to the bus, we left for our long 3 hour journey back to our hotels. It was more like 4 hours after you add all the drops off stops at each of the resorts. We arrived back to our resort around 10:30pm.

Long day, life time memories!

Blue Cenote- Swimming is allowed

Check this video of the equinox and the light going down the pyramid’s main stairway! Look for the body of a serpent that creeps downwards until it joins the huge serpent’s head carved in stone at the bottom of the stairway.

Viva All-Inclusives

2011-07-29T08:38:00.003-04:00

Special Edition Post: Melissa Ghazi, Marketing Manager at The Travel Authority / ALTOUR

It was 2:30pm Central Time when my husband and I landed in Cancun, Mexico. This was my second time coming to beautiful Mexico. I had once stopped here for 6 hours on a cruise port of call. My excitement was overflowing and wondering to myself what journeys will I have the 5 days I’m here. I hope to share with you what to expect and some tips to help make your trip enjoyable and pain free.

After getting through long lines at immigration and customs we were now on our way to enjoying the next several days. Lamos Travel was there waiting for us to take us to our all-inclusive resort. They were on time and very friendly. I would definitely recommend them for airport/hotel transfers. They also do tours, but I will discuss that in a later post.

We stayed at one of Karisma’s finest all-inclusive adult only resorts, El Dorado Casitas Royale. Guests that are staying at the Casitas Royale and Presidential Suites will be taken by golf cart to another check in lobby closer to their suites. Receptionists there will give you information about the resorts, times for restaurants, activities, and let’s not forget a glass of champagne to get you started on the relaxation! The resort is paradise with tropical flowers and the beautiful waves crashing near-by. Also, for guest staying at the casitas you will have your own personal concierge. They will make your dinner reservations, which comes in handy if you are there during peak travel season. No others in the resort get this privilege.

Pool w/ Swim-Up Bar

All-inclusive hotels are ideal if you just want to get away for a while and relax next to the pool or lay on the beach, drink alcohol, and like to try different varieties of food. It’s all included in the cost, so you get to sit back and enjoy. I do recommend bringing lots of $1s though for tipping. You don’t have to tip waiters and bartenders, but if you get room service they expect a tip and also house keeping. We also tipped a maintenance guy that stopped what he was doing and drove us to our room in his golf cart during a rain storm. It was very kind of him to do that for us! Also, included are non-motorized equipment, which would be kayaks, snorkel masks, and bikes. I will admit I was pretty disappointed with this amenity. They only had 12 snorkel masks for the entire resort and they lent them out for only 60 minutes at a time. I don’t know about you but I don’t wear a watch or carry my phone with me when I’m in the water, so that was a bit ridiculous. I felt for the price of the resort they should provide more equipment and better quality too. The snorkels clips were all gone so they just wrapped the mask’s strap around the snorkel to keep it attached. Not very effective! You will notice the beach has several sandbags, which as created an artificial reef for the fishes. It’s great for snorkeling, because the schools of fish would swim right up next to you and they are very colorful. Plus, the reef made the water calmer for people that just wanted to sit on the beach and not get tackled by waves. The kayaks can only be used every morning before 10am, they would go out in a group of around 8. It was first come first served. After 10am they only let people practice in this small area. I didn’t really understand what the point of having kayaks if they will only let a few use them in the morning. The rest of the day they just lay on the beach. They did however have many bikes, which I loved. It has been years since I rode a bike and I took a lot of pleasure in that. Also, for a charge you can rent jet skis or go parasailing. Those also gave us tremendous amount of fun.

View from the Casitas

Expect resorts to be large! There will be a lot of walking to get from Point A to Point B. So, if you’re not fond of it or have any disabilities please take that into consideration. They do have golf cart shuttles that go around the resort, but expect to wait 20 min if not longer for one. We never liked to wait, so we would walk and if a cart came by they would stop and pick us up. This leads me to the next point, the restaurants! El Dorado offers their guests 10 restaurants. However, July is low season for them so anticipate many of the restaurants being closed during your stay for renovation. During their peak time, all restaurants will be open though. I believe that runs from November to around April. The really only dislike I had about this resort was the quality of the food. Everything else I would say was great! I felt like the food came out of a can or just low quality ingredients. For example, I ordered a hamburger at Jo Jo, one of the restaurants at the resort, and I could taste and see the fillers in the meat. My husband isn’t very picky and there were many meals he just could not eat. So, I really believe this is something they need to improve. While they decorate and present the food beautifully, I felt like I was getting food from a local buffet restaurant next to a busy highway. Also, if you have any food allergies, please be careful too. Many of the waiters have limited English, so when we asked if the food had a particular ingredient in it or substitute a side dish they were sometimes confused. They at times even answered us not really knowing what we were saying.

What’s the main reason you come to Mexico for? The water of course! El Dorado offers tons of pools and even a salt water one. The pools are nice and warm and barely any one in them, so you get lots of quiet time. Remember- its adult only too! No kids running around and belly flopping in the pool! They even have cabanas along the beach and poolside and you don’t have to run early in the morning to reserve them. There are so many that there are always several available to use. The beach is beautiful with light blue water. In saying that though, the red danger flag was flying the whole time we were there. I asked someone working there the reason for it and they said about 11.6 months out of the year its red flag. That is due to the storms washing up coral and makes it dangerous to stand in. You are allowed to go out in the water though and we did just fine. Just be careful where you step or you will get cut.

Salt Water Pool- Located on the Beach

Now for the room! How can I forget our room? It was beautiful and more than I could ask for. We were in the casitas, which even had a small patio that we could walk out to the pool. The patio had a large bed to lay on and curtains to have some privacy. Inside the room was decorated contemporary but with a Caribbean feel. The room had nice tall ceilings, a comfortable king size bed with a canopy and a nice Jacuzzi. The Jacuzzi definitely came in handy after a long day on tour. The bathroom was my dream bathroom. It consists of his and hers sinks, large walk in shower with a glass door and tile walls. Oh, and an outside shower! I loved the outside shower. Don’t worry ladies no one can see anything. There are high walls that surround the shower and no windows. Beautiful on a sunny morning I must say!

Outside Shower

His and Her Sinks w/ Fresh Flowers

Casitas Suite Room

Even the smaller rooms in the resorts were beautiful and had private Jacuzzis. You really can’t do wrong when picking a room there. They put a lot of detail into everything. Fresh flowers on the bathroom counter and bedroom table was an extra delight. They even give their guest complimentary slippers, and a bottle of Mexican champagne and fruit platter will be waiting when you walk into your room. For people that want a little more luxury, there are rooms available that have lazy rivers attached to them. You walk out your patio and swim to the bar for a refreshing piña colada.

Regular Size Room @ El Dorado Resort

I recommend this hotel for honeymooners and anniversary couples. The environment is very romantic and you will have lasting memories there. More postings about Mexico soon to come. Safe travels!

CARPE DIEM: "SEAS" THE DAY

2011-07-28T09:13:00.003-04:00

By Janet Steinberg

SILVER WHISPER TURNS WINTER INTO SUMMER

Over the past decade, my travel group (known as Doc Irv’s Mermaids) formed a strong bond with each other. So strong a bond that we felt we would go to the end of the earth FOR each other. This time we almost did.

However, this time we went to the end of the earth WITH each other!

Doc Irv's Mermaids and MerMates aboard the Silver Whisper in South America.

When the temperature began to fall, the Mermaid’s spirits began to rise. We were headed south…way south…to the southern tip of South America.

Embarking on Silversea’s elegant, yet casually sophisticated Silver Whisper in Buenos Aires, our group of 11 Mermaids (plus 4 MerMates) from various backgrounds, religions, marital status, and ages ranging from the 50’s to the 80’s, was about to cruise 3902 nautical miles from Buenos Aires, Argentina, through the Strait of Magellan, to Valparaiso, Chile (after which we spent 2 glorious days in Santiago).

Silversea's Silver Whisper anchored in Punta del Este, Uruguay.

Joined by some 325 fellow passengers from 19 countries, the Mermaids were ready to forget about time and trouble. And Silver Whisper‘s crew of 289 people from 36 countries was about to help them do just that. With a crew-to-passenger ratio of almost one-to-one, how could they fail?

Once aboard Silver Whisper, we experienced the luxuries of a private yacht, the amenities of a country club, and the fine services of an exclusive hotel. We basked in the sumptuous surroundings of our ocean-view suites where we indulged ourselves with lavish Bulgari amenities and bedding of our choice. We were pampered by butlers who polished our shoes while we were out exploring the world, we sipped champagne as the sea caressed the ship, dined en-suite if we so desired, and were wrapped in a warm feeling of home upon the sea.

Silver Whisper, as well as her equally elite and intimate Silversea sister ships, was specifically designed for fewer guests and the highest level of personalized service.

Dining was also a memorable affair on our Silver Whisper sojourn. With open-seating options we dined when, where, and with whom we desired. And to top that off, all beverages, wines, and spirits throughout the ship are always included (as are all gratuities).

Saint Honore was one of the many elegant taste treats aboard Silver Whisper.

Although she is an intimate ship, Silver Whisper incorporated amenities usually found only on larger ships, such as a show lounge featuring nightly entertainment, a lively casino, and a state-of-the-art spa and fitness facility.

Silver Whisper also provided us with two special events, the likes of which I have never experienced on any of my 135-plus cruises.

First, there was the Boatbuilding Contest. All guests were invited to form teams to build a boat from scratch. The construction materials were to be gathered from aboard the Silver Whisper without damaging or purchasing anything. Thus a lot of plastic water bottles, duct tape, string, aluminum foil, wine corks, and a plethora of other items were put to use.

Each team was very careful to keep their boatbuilding plans under lock and key. All eyes were on deck to look out for spies who might want to steal their ideas.

The Boatbuilding Sea Trials took place the final week of the cruise. The ship’s Captain and several officers served as the judges who picked the winning vessel based upon appearance, creativity, and the ability to race across the swimming pool carrying a large cargo of unopened soft drink cans.

The tacky, but creative, S.S. Mermaid won second place.

Proudly, Doc Irv’s Mermaid team (21^st century Noahs, clad in their purple and white Mermaid tee-shirts) came in second place. It was by far the tackiest ship afloat, but by far it was also the most creative.

But the piece de resistance, that brought tears to the eyes of even the most sophisticated travelers, was the surprise Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremony of our Floridian Mermaid Susan Somerstein and her husband of 35 years, MerMate Barry who initiated the ceremony.

An invitation was sent to all the staterooms of Doc Irv’s Mermaids. They were instructed to dress up to the nines and to appear promptly in the Observation Lounge at a designated date and time. For days, the Mermaids speculated about the occasion for the invitation. None came even close to guessing correctly. Only MerMate Barry and I knew the facts.

When guests arrived, they were greeting by a waiter serving flutes of champagne. They mingled with each other as well as the with the ship’s Master Cataldo Destefano, Social Director Susan Wood, and Hotel Director Franco Rienzo. Still not a clue as to what was about to happen.

After a bit of socializing, Social Director Susan Wood asked everyone to take a seat. She proceeded to call Barry and a surprised Mermaid Susan to the front of the room.

Susan and Barry Somerstein renew their wedding vows aboard Silversea's Silver Whisper.

We are gathered here”, Susan Wood began, “to witness the renewal of the Wedding Vows of Susan and Barry who stand before us. They, nor we, are the same people we were years ago. Time has brought experience, growth and maturity, so it is fitting from time to time husbands and wives renew the promises of loyalty and love that began their married life and which, today, take on an even deeper meaning….”

Mermaid Susan looked at Barry and began to cry; I began to cry; everyone else began to cry!

Captain Destefano then began: “Barry, please look at your wife and repeat after me: You are my wife and I promise before these witnesses to be your loving husband in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live.”

Mermaid Susan looked at Barry and began to smile; I began to smile; everyone else began to smile!

SMILE was the word of the evening!

Then Mermaid Susan repeated her vows. Next, Cruise Director Susan expressed best wishes on their beginning the newest chapter in their life together. Then the kiss.

Corks popped from bottles of Dom Perignon, bubbly flowed, and luscious hors d’oeuvres were served. Then it was off to dinner in The Restaurant where we were always served sumptuous culinary fare complemented by La Collection du Monde signature dishes by Relais & Chateaux in partnership with Silver Whisper’s own Master Chef.

Luscious hors d’oeuvres and Dom Perignon were served after the ceremony.

In spite of all the drinking, dining, fun, and games on board the award-winning Silver Whisper was also taking us on an exotic odyssey that would sail us from Buenos Aires down the east coast of South America. From there it was on through the Strait of Magellan, up the west coast of South America to the Port of Valparaiso from which we were transferred to the Chilean capital of Santiago.

What awaited us between these fabulous big cities was a world of beauty and excitement that few people dream about, yet alone see or do. From sandy beaches to glacial icescapes…fjords to desert-like plains…from sheep shearing to zip-lining.

Doc Irv’s Mermaids did it all, thanks to Silver Whisper’s 16-day Buenos Aires to Santiago Cruise. But more about our fascinating port stops in coming attractions.

Hasta luego!!

JANET STEINBERG is an award-winning Travel Writer, International Travel Consultant with The Travel Authority, and winner of 38 national Travel Writing Awards.

THERE'S A SMALL HOTEL.....

2011-07-05T09:22:00.002-04:00

“There's a small hotel, with a wishing well, I wish that we were there together…”

Rodgers and Hart 1936

by Janet Steinberg

I surely don’t remember that song when Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart wrote it in 1936. But, at the risk of dating myself, I do remember it when Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra crooned it from the late 1950s into eternity.

Since then, I’ve spent many a night in small hotels, but I’m still looking for that wishing well. Wishing well aside, some of those small hotels I’ve experienced have been awesome. Come along with me to visit some of Europe’s best.

Nimb Hotel (Copenhagen,):

Denmark Hans Christian Anderson could not have imagined what would await him if he traveled back to his ‘Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen’ in 2009. With deep pockets, he might have been lucky enough to snare one of the 13 rooms in this Moorish-style, palatial accommodation known as the Nimb Hotel. One enters the Nimb across the street from the Central Railway Station. Step out the opposite side, and you’ll find yourself in that Danish fairyland known as Tivoli Gardens. From the comfort of your room, with its open fire and huge bathroom with freestanding tub, you can look out on Tivoli Gardens where some 270 million people have strolled since its founding in 1843. But don’t worry about the noise factor from Tivoli Gardens. Aglow with tiny lights on its white marble façade, the Nimb Hotel has airport-standard triple-glazed windows. The Nimb’s Restaurant Herman might well be Copenhagen’s hottest (and most expensive) eatery.

Nimb Hotel Entrance to Tivoli Gardens - Copenhagen, Denmark

Nimb Hotel adjacent to Tivoli Gardens entrance - Copenhagen, Denmark

Nimb Hotel Overlooks Tivoli Gardens - Copenhagen, Denmark

Hotel Le Saint-Paul (Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France): This charming 16^th century hostelry, wedged between other medieval buildings in the heart of the tiny village, has served as a hospital, a church, a clandestine meeting place, and a private home, in its former lives. Located fifteen minutes from the Nice airport, between Cannes and Monaco, the 4-star Le Saint-Paul is perched in the sky of the Cote d’ Azur. It is an enchanting spot at the foot of the ramparts of St. Paul De Vence. (Be advised: Don’t try to drive within the winding, narrow walls of the town. It’s Stressville.) Blessed with an absolutely perfect Indian Summer day in October, we enjoyed a Le Saint-Paul Restaurant lunch on its flower-decked terrace sheltered by the ramparts of Saint-Paul. Chef Ludovic Puzenat proposed a delectable lunch, laced with decidedly Mediterranean flavors. Little wonder that the restaurant has already received its first Michelin Star.

Lunch on the Terrace at Hotel Le Saint-Paul - St. Paul de Vence, France

Array of desserts at lunch at Hotel Le Saint-Paul - St. Paul de Vence, France

Bedroom at Hotel Le Saint Paul - St. Paul de Vence, France

Palazzo Vendramin (Venice, Italy): The restored 15th century Palazzo Vendramin, linked to the Hotel Cipriani through an ancient courtyard and flowered loggia, offers a sense of privacy and luxury that I have never before experienced anywhere in the world. Four minutes by private launch from Piazza San Marco, on the tip of the tranquil Giudecca Island, the Palazzo Vendramin is a synonym for the dolce vita, Venetian style. The Palazzo is a way of life, an island apart, in every sense. It involves all the senses that make a stay unforgettable. I rang for my butler to bring afternoon tea, and pushed a button that opened a tabletop from which a TV slowly rose. Travel doesn’t get much better than that. With a view to be seen nowhere else in the world, the Palazzo Vendramin is the Royal Box in the theater known as Venice. Little wonder that the 16 rooms or suites in the Palazzo are sought after by the world's rich and famous.

View of Palazzo Vendramin Garden from suite

Palazzo Vendramin/Cipriani Pool - Venice, Italy

Palazzo Vendramin Butler - Venice, Italy

Hotel Lord Byron (Rome,):

Italy A few steps from the luxurious Villa Borghese, and a stroll in the park from Piazza di Spagna, the exclusive Hotel Lord Byron provides the best of both worlds. Once a patrician villa, this small 5-Star hotel is close to the bustling Eternal City's main attractions. The Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain are within 15 minutes walking distance from the hotel. A limousine service is available and pleased to bring you anywhere you desire. Yet it lends the opportunity to relax in a most placid private environment in the exclusive Parioli quarter of Rome. This charming 1930s Art Deco-style hotel radiates warmth and intimacy.

Library, Lord Byron Hotel - Rome, Italy

Front Desk Lord Byron Hotel - Rome, Italy

Grand Hotel du Cap-Ferrat (Cap Ferrat, France): From its Belle Epoque beginnings in 1908, this incomparable palace-like hotel attracted the international elite who wintered on the Riviera. At the farthest point of the Cap Ferrat peninsula, both sea and gardens are bathed in the magical light of the azure coast. It was this area that King Leopold II of Belgium declared comparable to paradise. Standing majestically in the midst of 14 acres of pinewoods, facing an ever-blue Mediterranean Sea, The Hotel Bel-Air Cap-Ferrat is the perfect bond between a prestigious past and the expectations of 21st century guests. The 59 rooms and suites of the hotel, that rises majestically like the bow of a ship on the sea, exude dignity and sophistication. They offer either breathtaking views of the Mediterranean or views over the perfumed flora in the area. A private funicular links the main hotel complex to the seaside Club Dauphin. White cabanas dot the rocky shoreline and a mirror-like, infinity swimming pool seems to endlessly overflow into the Mediterranean.

Le Chateau Domaine Du St. Martin (Vence, France): Situated on the site of an ancient Templars' castle, Le Chateau provides an unrivaled panorama of 60 miles of Mediterranean magic. Rooms in the old Chateau, and suites in hillside villas and bastides, offer guests an art of living long forgotten. This tiny gem of a tastefully decorated hotel, sits 1700 feet above sea level on ground where (in 350 A.D.) St. Martin, Bishop of Tours, preached the gospel. Surrounded by historic ruins, a drawbridge and the original St. Martin's road that skirts the old Domaine farm, this serene 21st-century facility has carefully preserved its Roman atmosphere

The Merrion Hotel (Dublin, Ireland): Opened in October, 1997, the magnificent Merrion Hotel was created within four lovingly restored 18^th Century terrace houses opposite the seat of the Irish Government on Upper Merrion Street. In fall and winter, the air in the gracious Drawing Room is filled with the scent of woodsmoke and flowers. Log fires crackle and sunbeams shine upon Belgian tapestries, French chandeliers, and priceless Irish paintings.
In spring and summer the terrace is alive with ducks swimming to the music of water splashing on the pebbles in the garden pools. The scent of lilac and jasmine in the air drifts through the open windows of Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, the most renowned kitchen in

Ireland

. For what might well be Dublin’s best Fish and Chips, skip the pubs and head for The Cellar Restaurant in the basement of The Merrion Hotel. After hundreds of years of darkness and silence, the rough stone walls of Lord Mornington’s wine vault have come to life in the hotel’s Cellar Bar. The bar’s arches echo with ripples of warm laughter, and the amiable staff will “pull a proper pint” and teach you the difference between Guinness Stout and Smithwick Ale (also brewed by Guinness).

Garden at Merrion Hotel - Dublin, Ireland

Merrion Hotel - Dublin, Ireland\

Villa St. Michele (Fiesole,):

Italy Monk-ey business ascends to new heights at this15th century monastery-turned-hotel, where guests sleep in luxurious rooms that were once monk’s cells. With its Michelangelo-designed facade, this elegantly austere hostelry offers much more than a room with a view. The cloistered elegance of this converted Franciscan monastery offers one of the most luxurious small hotels in the world. The reception area, once the chapel of the monastery, is resplendent with its crystal chandelier, raised marble altar and two ancient Persian carpets that, in reality, are strategically placed to conceal the tombs of twelve members of the Davanzati family. Precariously perched on a secluded Fiesole hillside, Villa San Michele gives a drop-dead view of the rooftops and steeples of Florence,

Italy

“Looking through the window, you can see that distant steeple
Not a sign of people -- who wants people?
When the steeple bell says,"Good night, sleep well,"
We'll thank the small hotel together.”

Rodgers and Hart

World-Class Hotels............

2011-06-22T17:01:00.005-04:00

A Standard of Elegance.

By Janet Steinberg

HOTEL NEGRESCO: This Belle Époque palace, the Grand Dame of the French Riviera in Nice,

France

is a wedding cake-like confection iced in pink and green.

With its sweeping view of Nice’s Bay of Angels, the Negresco was classified a National Historic Monument in 1974The hotel’s Salon Royal, with a glass dome made in the workshop of Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame), showcases a Baccarat chandelier consisting of 16,309 crystals. The Salon’s most fun and funky art acquisition is "The Nana Jaune", a rotund, liberated, brightly colored revolving sculpture by Niki de Saint Phalle.

The hotel, with its Empire-cloaked doormen and floor landings decorated in various styles (from early Louis XV to late Louis Armstrong), has two restaurants as unique--and diverse--as the hotel itself. With its automated organ grinder pumping out a Strauss waltz, and carrousel horses bobbing up and down, La Rotonde has been affectionately dubbed “The Disney World of the Negresco”. The hotel's fine Restaurant Chantecler, elegantly decorated in sumptuous Regency style, is fit for a king. So is its food.

Negresco Hotel by day - Nice, France

Negresco Hotel by night- Nice, France

Hotel Negresco's Salon Royal, with a glass dome made

in the workshop of Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame),

showcases a Baccarat chandelier consisting of 16,309

crystals and "The Nana Jaune" by Niki de Saint Phalle.

La Rotonde has been affectionately dubbed

"The Disney of the Negresco".

REID’S PALACE: Opened in 1891, and restored to its original grandeur by Orient-Express Hotels, Reid’s Palace is a destination in and of itself. Like such wonders as the Taj Mahal, the Pyramids of Giza, and the Great Wall of China, there are a select number of hotels in the world that should be experienced at least once in a lifetime. Reid’s Palace is one of those hotels.

This elegant hotel, perched on a cliff-top overlooking Funchal Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, was a success from the moment it opened its doors in 1891. Reid's roll-call of royalty and celebrities includes Empress Elizabeth I of

Austria

, George Bernard Shaw, Edward VIII, and Winston Churchill.

The Spa at Reid’s Palace is a haven of relaxation where guests can rejuvenate the body, the mind, and the soul. Guests luxuriate in pampering and the sensation of timelessness while overlooking the beautiful Bay of Funchal.

Reid’s Palace epitomises the spirit of travel from the heyday of luxury, style and adventure. To quote Prince

Leon

of Lignac: “There are many hotels, there are a few good hotels, there is only one Reids Hotel.”

Reid's Palace-Funchal, Madeira/Portugal

Palace-Funchal, Madeira/Portugal

Infinity pool at Reid's Palace-Funchal, Madeira

Bedroom in Reid's Palace-Funchal, Madeira

WORLD-CLASS HOTELS:

2011-06-06T12:14:00.005-04:00

A Standard of Elegance

By Janet Steinberg

"It’s a world-class resort.'' "It’s a world-class hotel.'' How many times have you read, or said, these words? "World-class’ is perhaps the most overworked word in the travel world’s vocabulary,

What actually makes a great world-class hotel? More than well-designed bricks, glass, and steel, more than “location, location, location'', the quintessential world-class hotel exudes distinctive character, unique personality, consistently superb service and the ability to stand the test of time. The true world-class hotel will have you saying “I must return''.

Come along with me as we return to some of my favorite world-class hotels.

ALVEAR PALACE: One of the grandest hotels in all of South America, and voted one of the best hotels in the world, the Alvear Palace is the jewel in Buenos Aires’ crown. Located in Recoleta, Buenos Aires’ most stylish neighborhood, the Alvear Palace is in a class of its own. A true palace and undisputed symbol of the Belle Époque, the Alvear Palace Hotel formally opened its doors in 1932.

This classic hotel is recognized worldwide for its unparalleled combination of elegance, hospitality, personalized service, and high technology. Guests, mingling with famous personalities regularly fill the hotel lobby with a warm and memorable atmosphere.

The majestic rooms and suites, as well as the lobby and other public areas, reflect the style of Louis XIV and Louis XVI. The historical furnishings, crystal chandeliers, golden walls and works of art transport visitors to another era and realm of elegance.

The hotel’s La Bourgogne, offering exquisite French cuisine, is considered the best restaurant in Buenos Aires and the only Relais Gourmand in Latin America. The Lobby Bar, a meeting point for members of Buenos Aires' high society, is a cultural classic, named by the local government as "the notable Bar of the City of Buenos Aires." The new Cigar Bar, inspired by Art Deco design, was conceived for discerning connoisseurs.

CIPRIANI HOTEL/PALAZZO VENDRAMIN: Entering the Cipriani Hotel, in Venice Italy, is like entering the elegant country estate of a gracious Italian family. The Cipriani (pronounced CHIP-ree-ani) is one of the few remaining hotels that still offer personal attention, unhurried luxury, tranquility, and service so efficient and so effortless that you hardly notice it. It also offers the rare pleasure of having your face taken as your signature.

This paradise of romantic fountains encircled by enchanted gardens, the mysterious light of a lagoon, cerulean waters, green lawns, white awnings, and sea gulls, is a resort complete with Olympic size swimming pool, tennis court, health facilities, and a yacht harbor.

The restored 15th century Palazzo Vendramin, linked to the Hotel Cipriani through an ancient courtyard and flowered loggia, offers a sense of privacy and luxury that I have never before experienced anywhere in the world.

This tranquil oasis in the bustling city of Venice is la dolce vita…the sweet life. It is the perfect in perfection...the serene in serenity...the glitter in glitterati. In this less than perfect world, perfection is the Hotel Cipriani.

View of Palazzo Vedramin Garden from Suite

Palazzo Vendramin/Cipriani Pool - Venice, Italy

Palazzo Vendramin Butler - Venice, Italy

TO BE CONTINUED.............................

SO MUCH TO "SEA": CANADA, THE MARITIMES AND MORE

2011-05-23T14:28:00.000-04:00

QUEBEC EXUDES HISTORY AND IRRESISTIBLE CHARM

Québec City is love at first site. And the first site to capture us was the 350-foot Cap Diamant, a massive headland dominating the majestic waters of the St. Lawrence. Our warm and welcoming north-of-the-border neighbor transports us to Europe without ever having to cross an ocean. French is the main language in this fascinating metropolis that rivals any European city.

Québec is the only fortified city in the Americas north of Mexico City. The Citadelle of Québec (the French name is used both in English and French) is located atop Cap Diamant, adjoining the Plains of Abraham. Known as the Gibraltar of America, the Citadelle’s construction began in 1820 and lasted more than 30-years.

With spectacular views of the city, The Citadelle is home to the residence of the Governor General, and the Cap-aux Diamants Redoubt (one of the oldest military buildings in Canada). The traditional Changing of the Guard Ceremony is executed by the members of the Royal 22^nd Regiment daily from June 24 to Labor Day.

The Plains of Abraham, scene of the 1759 battle between generals Wolfe and Montcalm, are said to be “the heart and lungs” of Québec City. It was here, in one of the world's largest and finest urban parks that hundreds of thousands of fans rocked to Paul McCartney and Céline Dion as part of Québec City’s 400th anniversary celebration.

Parliament Hill is home to Québec's National Assembly that convenes in the Parliament Building, an architectural masterpiece. In front of the Parliament Building the Fontaine de Tourny (Fountain of Tourny) spews forth water from its 43 jets.

The gorgeous Fontaine de Tourny was awarded a gold medal at the Paris World Fair in 1855. It adorned a broad avenue in France until 1960 at which time it was put into storage. At the turn of the 21st century, a Parisian antiques dealer purchased the fountain.

In 2003, Peter Simons discovered the fountain during a visit to the Saint-Ouen Flea Market. After a costly restoration, Simons gifted it to the people of Québec City in recognition of their support for his retail fashion business, La Maison Simons. Today, it stands as a legacy of Québec City's 400th anniversary. At night, ablaze in lights, it casts a magical spell.

Vieux-Québec (Old Québec) is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Treasure that is alive with history and charm. In Vieux- Québec, the world-renowned Château Frontenac Hotel reigns supreme. Precipitously perched on a bluff overlooking the mighty St. Lawrence River, the Château Frontenac is the heart of the Old City. With its castle-like architecture and turrets, Le Château Frontenac is truly a dream castle experience!

Château Frontenac, designed by the American architect Bruce Price, is one of a series of château-style hotels built for the Canadian Pacific Railway company at the end of the 19^th, and start of the 20^th, century. It was completed in1924. The railway company sought to encourage luxury tourism and bring wealthy travelers to its trains.

Two historic conferences, attended by Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill, were held at this imposing structure in 1943 and 1944. The amazing Château Frontenac is one of the most photographed hotels in the world.

Place Royale is the cradle of French Civilization in North America. After a bust of Louis XIV was installed there in 1686, the public square became known as Place Royale. By the 1950s, this district (one of the oldest in North America) had become rundown. However, in the 1960s this part of the old city, that represents four centuries of history, was rehabilitated and is now a vibrant square. (I loved the name of a shop dubbed Frada…no relation to Prada.)

Here, in this oldest neighborhood in North America, you will find the Musée de la Civilisation, the most popular museum in Québec City. This bridge between the past and future takes a fresh look at local culture and other societies.

Quartier Petit Champlain is another bustling area of historical architecture and cobblestone streets that saw a rebirth in the 1980s.The foot of the Breakneck Staircase is at the intersection of Rues du Champlain and Sous-le-Fort. If you don’t want to climb the Approximate forty Breakneck Stairs, you can ride the Funicular du Vieux-Québec between the Lower Town and the Upper Town.

Riding the Funicular, at a 45-degree angle along the rocky cliff face, you will get a fantastic view of the St. Lawrence River and Lower Town. One of the only funiculars on the continent, the Funicular du Vieux- Québec celebrated its 130^th anniversary.

Take time out for a lunch-break in Vieux-Québec. Pain Beni, ranked #2 out of 671 restaurants in Québec City, is one of the most affordable 4-star restaurants in Old Québec. The Soupe a l’oignon gratinee a l’erable et a la biere (French onion soup au gratin with maple and beer) is a must.

After lunch, get out of town! A few minutes from Québec City is the enchanting Parc de la Chute-Montmorency (Montmorency Falls Park) with its spectacular waterfall. Montmorency Falls is an awe-inspiring 272-foot waterfall that is 98.5-feet higher than Niagara Falls. The views are stunning whether you are taking the cable car, climbing the 487 panoramic stairs, or strolling across the suspension bridge.

Perched atop the rock basin wall that was carved out by the falls is the elegant Manoir Montmorency. This regal villa houses an Interpretation Centre, shop, panoramic terrace and a café bistro.

Winter paints an entirely different picture at Montmorency Falls. At the base of the falls, the frozen spray forms a giant cone known as The Sugarloaf. The ice wall that encloses the falls is a challenge to even the most skilled ice climbers.

Québec City is a city for all seasons and all people. Little wonder that in the list of top 100 cities appearing in the November 2010 issue of Condé Nast Traveler, Québec City is ranked 2nd out of the ten best cities in the Americas (excluding American cities), 5th including cities in the U.S. and 10th among international destinations (from all continents).

Go ‘sea’ for yourself. Sea-ing is believing.

JANET STEINBERG is an award-winning Travel Writer, International Travel Consultant, and winner of 38 national Travel Writing Awards.

SO MUCH TO SEA: CANADA,THE MARITIMES, AND MORE

2011-05-09T10:04:00.000-04:00

MAGNIFICENT MONTREAL: FEEL THE PULSE

By Janet Steinberg

Montreal, in the Canadian Province of Quebec, is claimed to be the second largest French-speaking city in the world. Anglophile meets Francophile and the past meets the future in this vibrant city where stop signs command “arret”, a horse-drawn calèche clip- clops along 300-year old cobblestone streets, and jets whisper into the international airport.

Montreal, at the confluence of the Saint Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers, derived its name from Mount Royal, the imposing hill at the heart of the city. In English we call it “Mount Royal”, but in French they say “Montréal”. Legend has it that when the French explorer Cartier spotted the 763-foot mountain jutting up from the city, he exclaimed, “C’est un mont real”. (It is a royal mountain.)

Having just arrived in Montreal, I immediately taxied to the Iberville Pier where I boarded the Crystal Symphony awaiting me in the harbor. From my verandah, the first sight I saw was a stretch of Rubik’s Cube-like buildings stretching along the St. Lawrence River’s urban waterfront.

Crystal Symphony

On further investigation, I learned that these stacked modular units were the work of renowned Haifa-born architect Moshe Safdie for 1967 World Fair Expo ’67. Safdie, now a citizen of Canada, Israel, and the United States, is known for his dramatically curved designs, geometric patterns, and use of windows and open spaces.

Named Habitat ’67, this housing development was designed as a prototype for future living in crowded cities around the world. The project interlocked concrete modules intended to offer affordable housing that would offer close, but private, living quarters. My guide Nadia told me that none of the unit’s windows allows its occupants to look into the window of another unit.

Habitat '67

Another remaining structure from Expo ’67 is the Montreal Biosphere, the former United State’s Pavilion during Expo ‘67. Located in Parc Jean-Drapeau, on the Île Sainte Hélène, the Biosphere is now home to the Biosphère of Environment Canada, a museum dedicated to water and the environment.

Biosphere

Bagels and smoked meat are Montreal staples. Fairmount Bagel, established in 1919, was the first bagel bakery in Montreal. Today, the grandchildren of its founder continue the same traditions and methods that their grandfather brought from the old country. Fairmount’s bagels are still rolled by hand, and baked in old-fashioned,

wood-burning ovens. Fairmount offers more than 20 varieties of bagels. Most unusual is the Bozo that has three bagels twisted into one giant bagel. This delicious taste of history has sesame seeds on one side and poppy seeds on the other. Perfect for sharing.

Schwartz’s Delicatessen is world famous for it’s original smoked meat. With over 80 years of tradition, this Montreal classic is the oldest deli in Canada. This no-frills Montreal landmark, situated on the historic “Main” (Saint-Laurent Boulevard) packs in the people from 8 AM to the wee hours of the following morning seven days a week.

Founded in 1928, the restaurant has been in the same St. Laurent location ever since. Tucked in around funky storefronts and trendy boutiques, the restaurant is a single white-tiled room containing several rows of long narrow tables.Schwartz's prepares its smoked meat the old-fashioned way. Containing no preservatives, the meat is marinated for 10 days using a secret blend of fine herbs and spices. The meat is smoked daily.

The award winning taste and freshness of Schwartz’s Smoked Meat has brought celebrities from all around the world to their tables. At Schwartz’s, you might find yourself seated next to customers such as Celine Dion, Halle Berry, or Angelina Jolie. But in order to get that seat, be prepared to stand in a long line that forms along the street day or night, rain or shine.

Schwartz's Delicatessen

Vieux Montreal (Old Montreal) is also a step back in time….way back in time. Centuries-old cobblestone streets are lined with quaint cafes, boutique hotels, art galleries, and shops.

The crowning jewel of Old Montreal is Notre Dame de Montreal, the most magnificent of French Canadian churches. Exterior construction began in 1823 and was completed in 1829. It was decades longer before the interior (that seats a total of 5500 people) was completed. The magnificent architecture and skilled workmanship exhibited in Notre Dame can be appreciated by people of all faiths.

Notre Dame de Montreal

A good way to gain an overall picture of old Montreal is by taking a calèche ride aboard one of Montreal’s romantic horse-drawn carriages. Calèches (that can accommodate from 3 to 5 people) depart from Notre Dame Street, near Place Jacques-Cartier; De la Commune Street, near Place Jacques-Cartier; and Place D'Youville, near the Pointe-à-Callière Museum.

Even if gambling is not your thing, you might want to visit the Casino de Montreal. This dazzling structure, the largest casino in Canada, is on an unique island setting on the Île Notre-Dame in Montreal. Two of the three buildings of the complex were the former French Pavilion and the Québec Pavilion that were built for Expo 67. The third building is an annex built by the casino. With more than 3200 slot machines and over 120 gaming tables this non-smoking casino is somewhat unconventional with its windows and low ceilings.

Montreal Casino

Montreal is often referred to as the Underground City”. Underground passageways beneath the downtown area provide access to hotels, shops, entertainment venues, and transportation systems. Christ Church Cathedral was raised on piles to make way for laying the foundation for this “Underground City”.

Montreal’s bustling downtown is a study in contrasts. Victorian brownstones stand in the shadow of soaring skyscrapers. Contemporary architectural gems nuzzle up to Neo-Gothic churches. Auto license plates shout “Je me souviens”. (I will remember).

I, too, will remember my time spent in Montreal. And, if you go, you will never forget yours.

SO MUCH TO SEA: CANADA,THE MARITIMES, AND MORE

2011-04-28T09:11:00.032-04:00

CRYSTAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRATES THE QUINTESSENTIAL ANNIVERSARY CRUISE!

By Janet Steinberg

At the 22nd minute past the 22nd hour of the 22nd day of October, my husband and I raised our glasses in celebration of our 22nd wedding anniversary.

22nd wedding anniversary celebration aboard Crystal Symphony

But this was destined to be no ordinary anniversary. This was our first night aboard Crystal Symphony, the ultra-luxe ship that was to be our floating palace for 11 colorful autumn days and 11 romantic moonlit nights. (How coincidental…11 plus 11 adds up to 22 perfect days and nights.)

The ultra-luxe Crystal Symphony

With a decadent anniversary cake presented at our dinner…three close friends at our side…and a reach-out-and-touch-me view of Montreal at our fingertips…the celebration began.

Docked on the majestic St. Lawrence River, we were eagerly awaiting the beauty, history, and culture surrounding this vast waterway. For the next 11 days, Crystal Symphony was to sail us 2,087 nautical miles from Montreal and Quebec City, to the Canadian Maritimes of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. From there it was on to Portland, Maine; Boston, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island…ultimately disembarking in New York City.

But wait, I’m getting ahead of myself. As we embarked on the ship, white-gloved waiters greeted us with Champagne flutes in hand. All the while, pianist Joe Foss tickled the ivories on the crystal piano in the Crystal Cove.

Crystal Piano in Crystal Symphony's Crystal Cove

From that moment on there was little wonder why, for an unprecedented 17th year, the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine voted Crystal Cruises the “Best Large-Ship Cruise Line” for 2010. Crystal holds the distinction of having won the award more than any other cruise line, hotel, or resort in history. Additionally, the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine once again voted Crystal the "World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line" for a record 15th consecutive year.

The 922-guest, 51,000-ton CRYSTAL SYMPHONY is among the most spacious and luxurious vessels cruising in the upscale market. This elegant floating hotel, with expansive decks, features first-class entertainment in grand lounges; a lavish spa; state-of-the-art exercise facilities; swimming pools; the popular Computer University@Sea®; great shopping; the Crystal Casino with a variety of gaming tables and over 200 slot machines; and complimentary golf, yoga, and Pilates instruction. With the aid of the innovative WALKVEST, Crystal passengers can even “Walk-on-Water”.

As an innovator in the luxury travel realm, Crystal now offers its guests sophisticated options, including a Priority Check-in and Planning Center. Crystal has also initiated its Perfect Choice Dining plan with Open Dining by Reservation–a complement to the line’s classic main and late seating options.

This new flexible evening dining option allows you to choose when you dine, on a day-to-day basis. Seated in the ship's main Crystal Dining Room, you will still order from the same dinner menu, and enjoy the same impeccable Crystal service.

In addition to the elegant Crystal Dining Room, the ship has 9 food venues including Silk Road where you will enjoy the world-renowned cuisine of master chef Nobu Matsuhsia. Nobu-trained sushi chefs create eye-appealing and delicious delicacies at The Sushi Bar. In Prego, you will enjoy cuisine inspired by the regions of Italy.

And, if you happen to be traveling alone, a reservation at Crystal Symphony’s innovative “Table for Eight” provides you with the opportunity to dine at a community table in one of the above specialty restaurants. Additionally, afternoon tea in the Palm Court is a “veddy,veddy” civilized custom. The Mozart-themed tea-time is memorable.

Mozart Tea Time in Crystal Symphony's Palm Court

Throughout the cruise, 580 passengers (from 25 countries) and I indulged ourselves with 30 pounds of caviar. We also drank our share of the 220 bottles of champagne that had their corks popped during our cruise,

We overnighted on the ship while she was docked in Montreal. The next day, the ship remained in port and allowed us to explore that glorious city. Montreal is the second-largest city in Canada and the largest city in the province of Quebec. It is the second-largest, French- speaking city in the world.

At 8 AM the following morning, we arrived at Quebec City, a World Heritage gem overlooking the St. Lawrence River. This irresistibly charming city magically melds together the best of Europe and North America.

Following two days cruising the St. Lawrence River and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, we arrived at Halifax, the cosmopolitan capital city of Nova Scotia. Time does not stand still in this friendly city, thanks to the stately round clock situated at the base of Citadel Hill. This historic timepiece was an 1803 gift of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and son of King George III.

150 victims of the Titanic are buried in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Saint John, New Brunswick, our next port of call, is located on Atlantic Canada’s Bay of Fundy at the mouth of the St. John River. Authentic British, double-decker buses have been brought to Saint John, offering hop-on, hop-off, bus tours. Those Big Pink Buses partnered with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and money from each ticket sold goes back to the Breast Cancer Association.

Saint John, New Brunswick City Market

Portland, Maine, nestled between Maine’s forest-covered mountains and spectacular rugged coast, is a rough-hewn gem of New England. Portland was a maiden call for Crystal Symphony on our cruise date,

Our next port of call was Boston, the home of baked beans, swan boats, and amphibious Duck Tours. It is also home to the New England Holocaust Memorial. The six luminous, 54-foot tall, glass towers of this striking memorial is etched with six million numbers in memory of the Jews who perished in the Holocaust,

Rhode Island, a city that pays homage to the past as it celebrates the present, was our last port of call. Newport is a beautifully preserved walking-city with an architectural tapestry dating back to the 17^th century. It is the city where George Washington visited the Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the United States and the only one that survives from the Colonial era.

Day 11, the day we were to disembark in New York City, was the most beautiful day, but also the saddest because our cruise was about to be over. Passengers arose in the early morning hours to be on deck for the thrill of sailing past that 124-year old Lady with the Torch, proudly holding her arm to the skies as she sat majestically on her pedestal in New York Harbor. They could almost hear her muttering those words of Emma Lazarus. “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free..

Early morning mist enshrouds the Statue of Liberty

And then, there it was--that iconic skyline of New York City. For 11 glorious days and nights I had a ball. But the inevitable reared its ugly head and I felt like Cinderella. My Crystal Ball was over. But then, I need only to start planning for my next one.

2011-04-22T14:54:00.023-04:00

A YEAR OF SEA-ING THE WORLD

By Janet Steinberg

“The Gods do not deduct from man’s allotted span those hours spent in sailing.”

Ancient Phoenician Proverb

Imagine winning the lottery and being given the opportunity to choose a solid year of travel…anywhere in the world…by any means of transportation. What would you choose?

Having journeyed millions of miles through 130 countries, traveling on all 7 continents...circum-navigating the globe...Concorde-ing oceans, and sailing on some 126 cruises...I, too, am often asked that question. It didn't take me long to come up with an answer. I would “sea” the world aboard a fabulous cruise ship, one month at a time.
Come fantasize with me in wishful dreaming. And who knows, that dream might just become reality.

JANUARY: Winter snows will find you soaking up a summer's sun as you cruise the bottom of the world. This breathtaking itinerary, following the route of Magellan through the Southern Hemisphere, includes an eclectic array of glaciers, mountains, deserts, water, forests, and tuxedo-clad Magellanic Penguins.

FEBRUARY: As January comes to a close, let’s continue on from Rio to Capetown,

South Africa

in February. Take a pre-cruise stay in Rio de Janeiro, back-dropped by the rocky Sugar Loaf Mountain and by "The Hunchback” Corcovado. Rio is a beach-umbrella-studded stage where fantasies come alive. The port stop of Buenos Aires, the “Paris of South America” is a heterogeneous taste of Europe on an American continent.

MARCH: Aaaah spring! You’ll be doing it up “Down Under” in

Australia

and

New Zealand

. You will be mesmerized by its gracefully arched “Coathanger" Bridge, the soaring sails of the Sydney Opera House, fjords to rival those of Norway, hissing waters of Rotorua, the ancient Maori culture, the glowworm caves of Waitomo, and the raw majesty of Milford Sound.

APRIL: An Adriatic cruise will sail you roundtrip from the legendary city of Venice. With a cruise-included overnight on the ship in Venice, you will be spared the cost of a hotel room while exploring that expensive city. You’ll revel in the beauty and diversity of such ports as Dubrovnik,

Croatia

; Taormina, Sicily; Valetta,

Malta

; and Corfu,

Greece

APRIL IN TAORMINA, SICILY

MAY: The journey that dreams are made is yours for the asking in Asia. What an experience! On this 10-day cruise beginning in Beijing,

China

, you’ll visit Dalian,

China

; Seoul, Yeosu, and Busan,

South Korea

; and Nagasaki, Kagoshima, and Kobe

Japan

.

JUNE: Summer will find you sailing from the mosques and minarets of Istanbul to the ancient wonder of Ephesus,

Turkey

. Enroute to your disembarkation port of Athens,

Greece

, you will be delighted with port stops including Nessebur,

Bulgaria

; Bucharest,

Romania

; Odessa and Yalta,

Ukraine

; and Sochi,

Russia

JULY: Cruisin’ down the river…no, I mean cruisin’ down the rivers…the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers to be exact, is a lovely way to spend 15 magical days on a Grand European Tour. You’ll leisurely glide from Holland’s windmill-studded tulip fields, to

Germany

’s fairy-tale castles, to

Austria

’s picturesque vineyards, and disembark in glorious Budapest.

DANUBE RIVER CRUISE ENTERTAINMENT PRIOR

TO BOARDING SHIP

CRUISIN'DOWN THE (DANUBE) RIVER IN JULY

AUGUST: Savor 'The Great Land'. Taste the grandeur that is Alaska. Feel the freedom, freshness, and far reach of our last frontier. The Alaska experience is exhilaration and sophistication; glaciers and midnight sun; bawdy bars and magnificent museums; white mountains and blue ice; sourdough pancakes and the top of the world.

SEPTEMBER: White nights and sunny days will find you sailing the deep blue waters of the Baltic while enjoying the ultimate in comfort, art, and amenities, in a new state-of-the-art vessel. In Helsinki, visit the Rock Church, blasted from the very ground on which it sits. In Stockholm, it’s the gold-mosaic Town Hall where Nobel Prize winners dine. And, in St. Petersburg, the pastel palaces of the Czar are reflected in the Neva River, well into the gloriously glowing white nights.

ROCK CHURCH/HELSINKI , FINLAND

PETERHOF/ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA

OCTOBER: Revel in the splendor of the colors of autumn on a cruise that will take you from Montreal,

Canada

to New York City. Up, down and underground---Old France and the New World are side by side in Montreal, the second-largest French- speaking city in the world. Jets whisper into the international airport and a horse-drawn carriage clip- clops along 300-year old cobblestone streets.

HABITAT '67/MONTREAL

CHATEAU FRONTENAC/QUEBEC CITY

NOVEMBER: Embark upon a luxurious state-of-the-art, cruise ship for a Trans-Atlantic Crossing from Barcelona,

Spain

to Bridgetown,

Barbados

. During your days at sea, you’ll be totally pampered, entertained, lectured, wined, and dined. During your days on land, you’ll visit Malaga, Casablanca, Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife,

Dominica

and

St. Lucia

BARCELONA-SAGRADA FAMILIA-GAUDI

THE CRANE HOTEL AND RESORT/BARBADOS

DECEMBER: For those of you who like your summers cool…very cool…Antarctica presents “The Greatest Show on Ice”. On this continent, (where winter temperatures plunge as low as 121-degrees below zero) you’ll be warmed by December’s 30-degree austral summer temperatures of the Southern Hemisphere's continent of ice. This barren, white, South Polar magnet is the most eerily beautiful continent on earth.

JANET & HUSBAND IRVIN SILVERSTEIN AT

ICEBERG ROBBERY IN ANTARCTICA

TRAVEL AS THERAPY: A WIDOW'S STORY

2011-04-18T11:16:00.001-04:00

Becoming a statistic came as a jolt to me! Today in the United States millions of women are living alone--some by chance, others by choice; some in utter despair, others enjoying a freedom never experienced by their married sisters.

A teen-age bride, married over half my life, I was suddenly hurled into widowhood by a split-second accident in which my husband was instantly killed. What does a woman do when the bottom drops out of her life?

In my case I turned to travel. "See the World" became my motto. I decided to start with a whirlwind trip abroad with new places, new people and, I hoped, a new outlook on life.

Though it was not without difficult moments, my plan worked. I came back a stronger individual, with the emphasis on individual. There may be less expensive therapies than a grand tour of Europe, but it was cheaper than psychiatry, safer than tranquilizers, and extremely effective.

I had spent three difficult years after my husband's death adjusting to my single status: sorting out the grief, the anger, and the basic rules of survival. As the kids would put it, "getting my head together". But deep down, I knew the time had finally arrived. Only one thing remained before I could get on with the business of living. I had to say the words.

"Marvin Steinberg is dead!" Then I had to say the words again. This time I had to say them out loud. "Marvin Steinberg is dead!" Only then could I accept the fact that my way of life had died with him. Only then was I able to begin to plan for my future---the future of a woman alone.

I wasn't quite sure how to go about this. Should I split from suburbia…join a group…go it alone? Those sometimes-exciting, sometimes-scary, thoughts kept popping into my head. Everyone around me seemed to be leaning toward the scary side: "Couples will never include a single woman." "Men will be lecherous." "You'll probably get sick on the Rhine River cruise." "Every year, buses crash in the Alps." I forced myself to ignore those countless admonitions from fearful, frustrated, friends and relatives.

Choosing a destination should have been easy. I had been to Europe several times in the past with my husband and two daughters. Not until I started planning did I realize that ignorance really is bliss. Instead of helping me, my previous experiences became a hindrance. They accentuated the negatives.

Things that I did not want to do were the first to come to mind. I did not want to go to places geared to families. This would only intensify the loneliness I feared. I certainly did not want to go to a resort that catered to couples. After all, I had no one with whom to play golf and no one to dine or dance with in the evening. (Be careful Janet. Don't start feeling sorry for yourself.)

As memorable moments from my past whirled about in my mind, I realized that I definitely didn't want an extended tour in one spot. A couple of weeks alone in Paris or Rome would be devastating. The days might pass quickly, but what about those romantic nights?

After all the negatives seemed to run their course, a positive approach seemed to appear. I decided I would do something challenging, interesting, or different, every day. See things I'd never seen, explore the unknown, shop the markets, taste the foods, gaze at the ever-changing countryside. Keep moving. Recalling the old adage about a moving object being hard to hit, I was determined to keep moving and keep that old devil loneliness at arm's length.

With this in mind, and tour books in hand, I debated among several European tours. I decided to be constantly on the move--never spending more than two nights in the same hotel. I was determined to leave no time for thinking about being alone...no time for self-pity. I wanted to keep so busy that I would fall into bed exhausted each night.

I had to decide what mode of transportation would be best for the wandering widow. Again, the negatives appeared. I suppose, at this stage of my life, I was more certain of what I didn't want than of what I did.

I knew I didn't want to fly from country to country. Too much time would be wasted traveling to and from airports. Too much scenery would be wasted flying over it. That was the rational consideration. There also was an emotional one: the stark realization that there would be no husband to help me with my luggage.

I finally chose a two-week package tour by motor coach, and started to put the wheels in motion. My big mistake was sharing my new enthusiasm with others. To complacent friends, whose life had not undergone a major upheaval, the tour sounded like a killer-trip. "Madness," one exclaimed, "you've not only lost your husband, you've lost your mind."

Only my children, and one friend, urged me to continue with my plans. When one of my teenage daughters said "I'll be disappointed in you, Mom, if you don't go," I knew I was not only planning a trip for myself, but I was setting an example in living for my girls.

As my plans progressed, so did my spirits. I felt alive again, with so much to think about and do. For the first time since my husband's death, I wanted to shop; I wanted a new hairdo. I even began to enjoy those deadly dull cocktail parties. Now I had something to talk about. Something me... something totally unrelated to the life that once I led.

For weeks I remained on a euphoric high that unexpectedly came to a crashing halt the night of my departure from Kennedy airport. Last-minute long-distance calls to my family proved to be a dreadful mistake. Their expressions of love and concern, in an attempt to reassure me, backfired…sending me instead into a pit of depression.

Tears sent streams of mascara cascading down my cheeks, and the chic "Merry Widow" totally dissolved. A nice woman from Chicago put a consoling arm around me and wondered why I was submitting myself to such torture.

"I have to prove to myself that I can do it," I said. By now I hated those trite words, but the mere fact that I had said them helped me regain my composure.

Orly Airport--Paris, France: Who is that idiot furiously waving the red flag above his head? And why am I flocking around him with all these old people? Besides, what on earth am I doing alone in Paris, France?

Feeling very hostile toward the flag-waving shepherd and his sheep, I lagged behind them on the way to the tour bus. Terrified at the thought of joining this strange group for dinner, I pulled my best ploy out of the hat: "You folks will have to excuse me tonight, I'll be dining with some old friends." No one paid much attention. No one really cared. But I was proud of my fabricated French friendship.

First stop: Fauchon, the world's most elegant grocery store. Whatever delicacy appealed to me, I bought. Pate de foie gras, glazed rabbit with prunes, French bread, a bottle of wine and some pastries that bordered on obscenity. Sneaking back into the hotel, the sophisticated widow high-tailed it to her room.

My Parisian first-nighter included the best cry I had experienced in years. It also was the best catharsis. (I've since learned that one good cry is an essential element to the emotional success of each trip). When it was all over, I plunged into my Fauchon feast with abandon. Tomorrow would be a new day.

And it was. The sun was shining. The shepherd, sans his red flag, was really quite attractive and the sheep weren't nearly as old as they had looked the night before. Who knows, with a little help from myself, I might even enjoy the next two weeks.

I found out early in the trip that when I forced myself to smile, things began to happen. Stand-offish people (who, in reality, were a little shy and a little scared themselves) began to move in closer. By sharing travel tips from my past experiences with them, I developed an instant charisma. After I told the women how to get bargains at the Baccarat crystal factory, (select the items with the little red stickers) my standing among them was surpassed only by the Pope's.

As time went on, I found my whirlwind trip was working as I had hoped it would. Anytime we were moving, I was looking, listening, and learning. There was no time for loneliness. Italian vineyards…Swiss Alps…castles on the Rhine…windmills in Holland…Olympic ski jumps in Austria…Germany's largest glockenspiel in Munich.

Each new day unfolded sights no book could describe, scenes no artist could paint, and memories no one could ever take away. Each day was more exciting than the one that had preceded it. Ah, the days!

But, oh, the nights. Would that the nights had passed as quickly. Would that my husband had kept from popping into my head in so many ways: that last, beautiful trip to London with our lively teenage daughters; that first inauspicious trip to Atlantic city when they were little; that beautiful June day when we were married; that gloomy June day, 23 years later, when he didn't make it home. Damn! Damn it! Damn him! Damn it all!

I was glad when morning appeared. Things are always better in the morning. What would I do today? Whom would I meet?

I was smart enough to know that meeting men must never be the intent of my vacation. Astute observation during my married years taught me that women on the prowl exude a sense of desperation that comes through loud and clear. It works like shark repellent on sharks.

However, I saw no harm in speaking to men I might meet in a museum or in a shop. Nor in asking the time or getting lost and seeking directions. The damsel-in-distress still inflates the male ego. I found that chance encounters occurred when I least expected them.

My first dinner alone in Geneva, Switzerland, was greatly aided by a small carafe of vin blanc. As I sat and sipped, the tension slipped away. I began to sort the facts in my head. I realized that no one was sitting and watching me, smirking at me. In fact, nobody really cared. For the first time, I began to relax and enjoy my precious solitary moments. With a sense of great accomplishment, I sat back and watched the local people.

I tried, unsuccessfully, to eavesdrop. I couldn't do it in French. I tried, unsuccessfully, to order dinner. I couldn't do that in French either. A Swiss Sir Galahad came to my rescue. He gave the waitress my order and asked if he might sit down. That evening I learned not to panic if a gentleman asked to join me at dinner. If he seems the type of person I might enjoy talking to, I'll allow him to be seated.

But early in the conversation, I laid down my ground rules. I wanted to give him the opportunity to exit gracefully if he didn't want to play the game by my rules. Imagine my surprise, and delight, when he remained throughout dinner.

After Geneva, things went well---that is, for a while. The majority of the group had not only accepted me, but also looked to me for guidance. I became the expert on everything from Dijon mustard to Venetian lace, from German Hummel porcelains to Dutch Edam cheeses.

Would that we had scratched Rome from the itinerary. I was doing just fine until we went down into the Catacombs. In that awesome setting my life began flashing before me again. I felt the presence of my husband and had the intense urge to light a candle in his memory.

Soaring emotions overwhelmed me and again the tears came—along with that creepy thought, "What on earth am I doing alone on the other side of the ocean?" I recovered more rapidly from this cry. Several of my new friends offered handkerchiefs of kindness.

Back home, I took stock: That first solo sojourn of mine, wrought with emotional highs and lows, was a turning point in my life. It totally changed my course of living. I acquired new friends, a new profession and a new outlook on life. I even began to feel sorry for some of my complacent married friends who still thought that their lives would go on, unchanged, forever.

Above all, I came to the realization that the wrenching end to my marriage wasn't all bad. There is nothing better than a good marriage, which I shared for 23 years, but I now know it's not the only game in town. I've become an expert on merging the best of two worlds. Mrs. Widow has become Ms. Individual.

In some ways, single life can be more interesting than married life. My scope of interests has broadened, and travel has been a big factor in my growth. I spend as much time as possible with the young people I meet on my trips. They remind me that life is meant to be enjoyed. Instead of looking at my life as one of doom and solitude, I have learned to see it as one of new-found freedom and mobility.

After several years of widowhood, I again enjoy being a woman. I enjoy traveling alone and I enjoy myself. At the end of each long day, there still will be many hours I'll spend in my own company. But I've learned to like it. After all, I may be the best company I'll ever have.

Riesenrod-Giant 1897 Ferris Wheel - Vienna, Austria

Ponte Vecchio - Florence, Italy

Trevi Fountain - Rome, Italy

St. Marks Square - Venice, Italy

Gondola Ride - Venice, Italy

The Beginning, starting over.....

2011-04-11T08:52:00.000-04:00

The Travel Authority blog gave you a brief introduction to my Travel Writing career. Now, please allow me begin my entry onto the Travel Authority’s blog by telling you how, and why, it all came about.

Since being widowed in 1974, travel has been a magic carpet for me. It has swept me away to 130 countries on all 7 continents. It has enabled me to virtually sail around the world, many times over, on some 132 cruises.

My travels have put me in the company of queens, princes, princesses, dukes, counts, maharajahs, knights, billionaires, movie stars, diplomats, explorers, astronauts, athletes, authors, and politicians. But, woe is me, I've yet to meet a king. My office, overflowing with photos and memorabilia, attests to my fascinating life that has been touched by both joy and tragedy.

I began my career in travel writing three-plus decades ago, literally by accident, after my first husband, Marvin Steinberg, was accidentally killed. In a matter of six weeks, my household went from a lively home of four persons to a lonely house of one person, when my two teenage daughters left for college.

After a couple of years of getting my head together, travel became my salvation. Having insatiable curiosity, the ability to get the most out of a travel dollar, and more guts than sense, I barged in on a local travel editor. He met me at the elevator, shoved some guidelines into my hand, and sent me home to write a couple of sample columns. Two days later, he had a couple of Janet Steinberg travel columns on his desk. The following two Sundays those columns were published and I was "a pro".

That was the easy part. Becoming professional was only the beginning. Now I was thrown in with the "big boys". The word around New York was "She'll never make it. In a matter of twelve months she'll go the way of the rest of the bored ‘ladies who lunch’."

WRONG! I was determined to prove them wrong! In a matter of twelve months, I had been published in more than sixty newspapers. My credits went on to include such prestigious publications as Travel & Leisure, Consumers Digest, Woman's World, and hundreds of others, including publications and guidebooks in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, England, and Canada. In a matter of two years I had won three national Travel Writing awards, including the Cipriani Award for the Best Overall Writer of the Year. That put an end to the speculation about my staying power in the business.

Thirty-five additional Travel Writing Awards including three Lowell Thomas Journalism Competition Awards (the country’s most prestigious Travel Writing Awards) followed those first three awards. I wonder what the "big boys" are saying now.

At a time when I could have been resting on my laurels, my career rapidly expanded. In addition to my on-going career as a travel writer, I taught the basics of travel writing at a travel school, lectured at club meetings and on cruise ships, and became a travel consultant for my readers who were eager to profit from my years of travel expertise.

My venture into travel consulting with The Travel Authority was a chance to advise people planning a cruise or trip, and to see to it that they were booked on the cruise or trip that was best suited to their emotional, financial, and personal needs.

My personal life has also been one of challenge and excitement. For 23-years I have been married to Irvin S. Silverstein M.D. who has proven himself to be a great travel photographer. When we take a trip, I don’t want to be the only one working!

My next blog will tell you how my first trip alone changed my life. I will be posting it just as I wrote it three decades ago. I hope it will help some of you realize the positive power of travel.

Introducing our new Blogger……

2011-04-08T08:54:00.001-04:00

Well that may be understating it a bit.

Meet Janet Steinberg.

Janet is an award-winning travel writer who lives in Cincinnati, but calls the world her home. Janet is an International Travel Correspondent who has journeyed to all 7 continents, traveled in 130 countries, sailed on 132 cruises and is not done yet!

Her travel articles have appeared in hundreds of publications around the globe…from the United States to Australia, New Zealand, England and Canada.

She has received 38 travel-writing awards including 3 Lowell Thomas Awards; 14 Society of American Travel Writers Awards; 18 Mark Twain Awards; State of Ohio’s Buckeye Travel Award; Henry Bradshaw Best of Show Award and the Cipriani Best Overall Writer of the Year Award.

In addition to her writing Janet is a Travel Consultant with the Travel Authority at our Mariemont, Ohio office. To have Janet book a cruise, tour or the trip of a lifetime for you just send her an email at jxs2travel@fuse.net.

We are very excited to have Janet join us, and we are sure you will find her contributions both interesting and informative.

Holland America Alaska Cruise Special

2011-03-24T14:56:00.000-04:00

Call Your Travel Authority Travel Consultant for more details on this and

other great Alaska cruise specials!

To view the complete Holland America Alaska brochure click here.....

Use Your American Express® Points to pay for your Vacation!

2011-03-15T20:22:00.001-04:00

Book with your local American Express Travel Representative and use

Pay With Points. Take your travel budget further.

Use Membership Rewards® Pay with Points to book a flight, hotel, cruise or

vacation package. With Pay With Points your can:

• Fly any airline, anytime with no blackout dates or seat restrictions

• Use points for all or part of your trip

So whether you wish for a place around the corner or yearn for a destination

across the world, your American Express Travel

Representative has many ways to help you get there. So pick a place you’d

like to discover and let us do the rest.

The Travel Authority
877.AXP.1515

To use Membership Rewards Pay with Points, you must charge travel with an enrolled Card at American Express Travel. Points will be debited from your program account & a credit for the corresponding dollar amount will be issued to the Card account used. If the points redeemed do not cover the entire amount of the charge, the balance of the purchase will remain on the enrolled AMEX Card. Minimum redemption 5,000 points. Membership Rewards program .

Terms & Conditions apply; see membershiprewards.com/terms.

The Perfect Adult Get-Away

2011-03-10T14:36:00.012-05:00

Have you ever just needed to get away from everything; work, kids, weather or maybe just every day life? You decide that you are finally going to do it. You pick a date, pick a destination, make arrangements for someone to take care of the kids and secure some vacation time.

At long last your departure day arrives and after all of the waiting and arranging you just know that it is going to be the perfect get-away.

You get to your hotel, check in, throw on your swim suit and head to the pool for some long anticipated chill time. Everything is great. And then it happens. The family of 4 shows up. Mom, Dad and their 2 young children who you just know can not possibly be any more misbehaved than they are being at that moment. That is until you run into them again at dinner. The next morning at breakfast you are relieved to see that there is no sight or sound of the kids, but notice that Dad is standing right next to you. You smile he says hi and the normal vacation pleasantries are exchanged. Where are you from, when did you get here and finally the most important question, when are you going home. Your blood pressure goes up when you discover not only are they leaving after you, but they are extremely unhappy with their current room and are getting a new room in your building just a few doors down from yours. Your long awaited, much anticipated quiet get-away just went south.

Now don’t get me wrong, I love kids, but there are just some times when we all need some adult only time. So what is the solution? How can you guarantee that your carefully planned quiet get-away is just that, QUIET?

The answer is simple. Adults only resorts. Keep reading to find out more..........

You can find them in Mexico and the Caribbean. They all have age restrictions and include amenities that cater to adults. From swim up bars, to luxurious spas, to adult geared activities and you guessed it no screaming kids!

For the next 7 weeks The Travel Authority & Classic Vacations are making that quiet get-aw ay easier to plan and afford. We are offering special pricing on the El Dorado Spas and Resorts in the Rivera Maya, Mexico. Choose from 4 adult only resorts and save up to $525.00 per couple.

Book now through April 30, 2011 for travel now through Dec. 22, 2011. For more details call your nearest Travel Authority Consultant at 877-AXP-1515. 

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
Offers are subject to availability at time of booking and may change or be discontinued at any time without notice. All prices were current at the time of printing.

Offers valid on new bookings only. Prices shown are per-person, land only based upon double occupancy, except if expressly noted otherwise. Offers are subject to availability at time of booking and may be changed or discontinued at any time without notice. Blackout dates, minimum night stays, minimum stay requirements on air, seasonal surcharges, resort fees (if any), and other restrictions may also apply. Individual offers may require purchase of Travel Smart Plan or travel waiver. Offers are not valid for Group Travel. Some booking and travel dates may vary. Other promotions and departure dates available which may result in a different rate and/or hotel inclusion. Customer may be responsible for hotel taxes and fees on free nights and other offers, where applicable. Ask your Travel Specialist for details.

Classic Vacations CST# 2079429-20.

The Allure of the Seas. Royal Caribbean’s newest addition to their fleet is here to WOW.

2011-03-03T17:04:00.003-05:00

She is AWESOME!!!

I have been on over 20 cruises, and still, as I entered the ship, I was WOWED!!! We boarded on the Promenade Deck right beside Sorrento’s which quickly became one of my favorite hangouts. To see the width of the Promenade was like being in an elaborate mall. I was impressed from my very first view.

I was worried that both the Oasis and the Allure were a bit “over the top”. I wondered if Royal Caribbean had gone a little too far with all the neighborhoods, the water shows, the carrousel, the DreamWorks, the zip line. But I have to admit…..I was WRONG!!!! It isn’t overkill at all. The innovative design of the ship allows you to not feel as if you are involved in ALL areas of the ship at one time. Experiencing the carrousel, the zip line, the water shows, etc. is exclusive to the Boardwalk. The excitement and activity does not over flow into the Promenade. You can experience the peaceful tranquility of a stroll in the park in Central Park and not be interrupted by the bustle of the Promenade where shopping is at a premium. Being able to have all 3 very different areas on the same ship while maintaining their ambiance is accomplished beautifully on the Allure. So go to the Boardwalk and enjoy the excitement and adventure, shop until you drop in the Promenade and then take in the peaceful Park atmosphere, it is all possible. Do as little or as much as you want.

Royal Caribbean has introduced digital signage as a way to communicate important information such as restaurant availability, muster station locations, departure information and current “What To Do Now” options. Making the “Cruise Compass” available at your fingertips is just one more innovation Royal Caribbean has added to enhance your cruising experience.

They are also enhancing their services by introducing Royal Express Kiosks. The new kiosks offer all passengers the ability to check in for your flights home as well as printing boarding passes and many other services. The kiosks can be found on deck 5. This is a vast improvement over paying for internet or standing in line waiting your turn at the Purser’s desk.

The TV in your stateroom has become an electronic tool as well. Adding the capability to make dining reservations, show reservations, viewing & booking shore excursions in the comfort of your stateroom is a breeze. Checking how busy a restaurant is as easy as turning on your TV.

The adult only Solarium was definitely a favorite of mine. It is very peaceful, open and large. The Solarium restaurant serves a health conscious breakfast and lunch which I found to be VERY good. For dinner it is transformed into a Brazilian Steakhouse.

The entertainment was excellent, true Broadway style. The production of the musical CHICAGO was excellent. I was totally blown away. We were also pleasantly surprised to be able to see Cirque du Soleil’s Blue Planet. In addition to Cirque’s usual incredible show is the amazing tree. This was absolutely my favorite part. The tree which is moved out onto the stage suddenly comes alive. It is made up of performers but cleverly disguised which creates an amazing illusion! You are even more amazed to see the performers transform back into the tree. You know it is made up of people, but you still have a difficult time distinguishing the tree from the performers. I loved it!!

Our balcony stateroom opened up onto a magnificent view of Central Park. We enjoyed the view and the peaceful ambiance that drifted up to our cabin. We had the pleasure of enjoying a surprise performance by a gentleman strolling in the park playing bag pipes. It was a one of a kind experience for us.

On Allure of the Seas you never knew what else was going to be available to you. There were surprises at every turn. All good ones!!! I would HIGHLY recommend Allure/Oasis! I can’t wait for the chance to sail again on the Allure. I would definitely recommend the Allure and her sister ship the Oasis to all cruisers.

Content for this post was written by Katie Hunter our IUPUI Branch Manager.

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2011-02-28T16:55:00.004-05:00

Receive up to $100.00 on board credit

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2011-02-27T15:00:00.005-05:00

Experience the new Celebrity Solstice

2011-01-06T17:00:00.001-05:00

The new Celebrity Solstice is sailing out of Miami for the Caribbean. With innovative new venues such as The Lawn Club, The Solalrium, The Hot Glass show & Cellar Masters it proves to be a cruise experience you will not want to miss. To see more about the new Celebrity Solstice Class Ships click here

2010-12-09T14:36:00.000-05:00

Posts about my wine-tasting

river cruise with

AmaWaterways in

November, 2010.

Wine-Tasting River Cruise with AMA Waterways Posts

2010-12-09T14:17:00.000-05:00

by, Jan Ross

I thought I would organize all the posts about our fabulous wine-tasting cruise with AmaWaterways on the MS AmaLegro to make it easier to read them in order, if you are interested in a river cruise. And you should be interested, because it was fabulous in every way. I would be glad to answer any specific questions you might have about the cruise. Just email me at jan.ross@thetravelauthority.com.

Welcome aboard the MS AmaLegro!

Day One in Amsterdam

Day Two in Cologne, Germany

Day Three in Rudesheim, Germany

Day Four in Koblenz, Germany

Day Five in a Castle in Cochem, Germany

Day Five in Cochem, Germany

Navigating the Locks

Day Six in Bernakastel, Germany

Day Seven in Trier, Germany and Luxemburg, Luxemburg

Day One in Paris, France

Day Two in Paris, France

When you are ready to travel with AmaWaterways, The Travel Authority is ready to help you plan that trip. You can call 1-877-AXP-1515 for information and details about these cruises. Be sure to print out this post or mention the code BLAMA to get the best deal on your trip. I would love to hear your suggestions for future blog posts. You can comment below or contact me by email at jan.ross@thetravelauthority.com. Thanks for reading - I truly appreciate it!

Safe travel!

Cruising with AmaWaterways: Day Two in Paris

2010-12-06T10:26:00.000-05:00

by, Jan Ross

We awoke today with mixed feelings. We were still in Paris! JOY! But it was our very last day. SADNESS. The last day in Paris and the last day of our wonderful, fabulous wine-tasting cruise with AmaWaterways on the lovely AmaLegro. We determined not to let the sadness overwhelm us and went down to have one of our last delicious omelets and fresh-squeezed orange juice at the breakfast buffet at Le Meridien Etoile. Seriously, that was the best orange juice we have ever had in our whole, entire lives. We drank glass after glass every morning.

After breakfast, we gathered up warm coats, gloves, hats and cameras and headed to the lobby to meet up with our group of fellow travelers from the AmaLegro for our last outing. We had signed up for a cruise on the Seine River and a tour of the Eiffel Tower. The day before, we had walked to the Eiffel Tower (about a mile away from Le Meridien Etoile - not a bad walk) but we wanted to actually go up in it and groups did not have to stand in line; since they already had tickets, they just got in the elevator immediately.

We took a bus to the base of the Eiffel Tower on the Seine River where we all boarded one of the canal boats that cruise up and down the Seine River, showing tourists all the sights of this beautiful City of Lights. We settled in the heated cabin but that lasted approximately .00093 seconds for my husband who is always determined to get the best possible camera angles and spent the remainder of the cruise out on the cold, windy deck. I saw all the sights of Paris through the warm cabin window, thankyouverymuch.

We cruised along, under beautiful, fanciful bridges.

and past the awe-inspiring cathedral of Notre Dame.

We saw fabulous apartment buildings overlooking the Seine - seriously, wouldn't you want to live here?

And finally looped back to the Eiffel Tower. It was only a short distance away but, since it was cold and misty, our tour guide had arranged for our bus to take us that short jaunt and none of us were complaining about it!

Our group trooped right onto one of the elevators, bypassing the dozens of people who were standing in line for tickets and one of the first things we noticed was this sign.

We were warned time and again during our trip about pickpockets but, apparently, they are very bad around the Eiffel Tower. We were very aware and my husband never carried his wallet but left it in the safe in our stateroom or hotel rooms. I had a small shoulder bag which I wore under my coat and we never had any problems. We didn't carry much cash and we had the phone # of our credit card in an email we had sent ourselves, just in case we needed to contact them. We had also contacted our credit card company before we left the United States to let them know we would be making charges in Europe. At least one of our friends had not done this and found her card denied at the ATM.

The thing that most amazed us about the Eiffel Tower (and also the Arc de Triomphe, as I have mentioned) was how absolutely HUGE they are. You just don't get the full perspective when you see these monuments on TV or in a movie. When you see them in person, you are truly amazed. See those tiny little people? See what I mean?

The netting on the Tower is because they were in the process of painting - something they do every few years. The elevator took us up to the 2nd level, which I thought would not be very high, but I was wrong - it is VERY high. Your ticket entitles you to go to the 2nd level, but you can choose to go higher if you want, but this was plenty high enough for us. Here's what we could see when we looked out over Paris.

A little misty, but still incredible. We spent some time going from one side of the Eiffel Tower to the other, marveling at the incredible views and the fact that, yes, we were ON THE EIFFEL TOWER and then we realized we were freezing to death, so we went inside to get some hot chocolate.

Now, I realize that this blog veers onto the subject of food pretty often and this gives you an idea how the culinary aspect of our travel is pretty important to us. And I realize that we were cold and anything hot would have tasted good.

But, seriously. SERIOUSLY.

That was the best hot chocolate I have ever had in my life. My only regret is that we didn't take a picture of it. No, wait. My real regret is that we opted to share one instead of getting our own and I had to SHARE it with my husband. It was real hot chocolate made with milk, not that fake stuff made with water and it had REAL whipped cream on top. Cream they actually whipped themselves. So. If you want the best hot chocolate in the WORLD, you will have to visit the Eiffel Tower.

Oh, and we also got this apple pastry that was to die for. That's the thing about Paris - everything you eat is wonderful. We even got a chocolate/strawberry pastry at the airport that was to die for.

After a long day of touring, we were ready for our comfy hotel room, so we stopped at the grocery store in the mall across the street from the hotel to get some food to take to our room.

How I wish we had taken pictures in this grocery store. We anticipated a small store, but this was absolutely HUGE with every food item you can possibly imagine. And everything was in French. Everything. I tell you what, my college French certainly came in handy on this trip. I'm not sure what my husband would have eaten if I hadn't been there to translate for him. We bought delicious, fresh sandwiches, cheese, fresh pastries (I had not idea what these were - I just pointed to the ones that looked fabulous. And they were) and small oranges that were tart and fresh. Then we took it all back to our room and had a little picnic. It was quite lovely. And a nice last evening in Paris.

The next day, we caught an Air France shuttle to the airport (this shuttle stops right in front of the shopping center across from Le Meridien Etoile and was very handy) where we proceeded to get off at the wrong place in the airport and had to trek approximately 4,921 miles to get to our gate, but we managed.

And then we came home.

Where there was nobody to make our beds and lay fresh chocolates on our pillows.

And I had to do laundry.

Life is so unfair.

When you are ready to travel with AmaWaterways, The Travel Authority is ready to help you plan that trip. You can call 1-877-AXP-1515 for information and details about these cruises. Be sure to print out this post or mention the code BLAMA to get the best deal on your trip. I would love to hear your suggestions for future blog posts. You can comment below or contact me by email at jan.ross@thetravelauthority.com. Thanks for reading - I truly appreciate it!

Safe travel!

Cruising with AmaWaterways: Day One in Paris!

2010-11-28T15:30:00.000-05:00

by, Jan Ross

Technically, this was our second day in Paris but since our first day consisted of the spellbinding experience of driving into Paris (Paris! Paris! We're actually in Paris!) after leaving Trier, Germany in the morning and touring Luxemburg in the afternoon, checking into the lovely Le Meridien Etoile, ordering room service and then falling into bed, that didn't seem like a great introduction to Paris! Many of our traveling companions ventured out into the city since it really was very early but we decided to postpone our first real experience with the City of Lights until we had some rest.

AmaWaterways offered the Paris tour as an optional add-on to the wine tasting river cruise but, seriously? Who could pass up visiting Paris? Not us. They also offered a bus tour of Paris the first day as part of the package. We decided that we would get up when we woke up and, if that happened to coincide with the bus tour, we would hop aboard and, if not, we would make our own way. We made it downstairs by 9:00, just as everyone was bundling up to leave. Our wonderful tour guide, Sue, who had accompanied us to Paris, encourage us to grab a bite to eat, throw on our coats and join them. But we decided to have a more leisurely breakfast and make our own way.

We saw these little neighborhood markets all over Europe.

A wonderful buffet breakfast was included with our stay at Le Meridien Etoile so we took our time and enjoyed that, then bundled up to make our own way about the city. AmaWaterways had set up a desk in the lobby of the hotel and were very helpful with providing us with any information and support we needed. This was very reassuring and helpful in this big city that we had never visited.

One of the nicest things about staying at this hotel, which is the one AmaWaterways uses for their guests in Paris and is completely fabulous in every way, is that there is a mall right across the street. There are tons of shops, an ATM, and a huge grocery store in the basement. You should know that France has a unique way of numbering the floors in buildings. They start with 0, then -1, then 1. Truly unique. Anyway, that grocery store is fabulous. They have great, fresh sandwiches, a bakery, deli - it's the perfect place to get some snacks or even a meal to take back to your room. We got sandwiches, chips, bakery items and drinks one night and had a lovely (and very cheap) dinner in our room.

Le Meridien Etoile is very, very close to the Champs-Elysees, which of course you know is one of the most famous streets in Paris! We began our personal walking tour by strolling up this street, marveling at all the shops and sidewalk cafes, and ended up at the Arc de Triomphe which, let me tell you, is HUGE. We had no idea it was so big!

Also, we were almost killed here. OK, that's possibly an exaggeration, but we didn't know that you are supposed to use the underground entrance to the Arc, so we crossed the road that circles around it. This road has no lanes and the French drivers are slightly insane, so we were lucky to make it across. It wasn't until we got ready to leave that we noticed the underground entrance. So, if you visit the Arc de Triomphe? Use the underground entrance. We were very impressed with this incredible and beautiful monument.

Next, we decided to walk to the Eiffel Tower. We could SEE it, so how far away could it be really? Yeah. Pretty far. Luckily, we are both in pretty good shape and made it in surprisingly good health, considering it was about a mile from the Arc de Triomphe. Adding on the mile or we walked from the hotel, we did a lot of walking! But it was walking through Paris, so how can you complain!

Sidewalk cafe - you know you are in Paris now!

We walked across this gorgeous bridge which I later discovered was the Pont de Alexandre III which, seriously, was the most beautiful bridge I have ever seen IN MY LIFE.

Pont de Alexandre III.

From there, we just wandered along the Seine, keeping the Eiffel Tower in our view until we realized that finding a restroom was a priority. By this time, we had left the cafes behind and there seemed to be no restrooms in sight. Luckily, we stumbled upon the American Church in Paris where they not only kindly let us use their restrooms, but were also having probably the most charming little Christmas market I have ever seen. They had beautiful, handmade items, lovely baked goods and a whole room full of books. We managed to add a few things to our European purchases collection and then headed on to the Eiffel Tower.

View from our little sidewalk cafe.

We were meeting some friends we had made on the MS Amalegro for dinner at a cafe by their little hotel near the Eiffel Tower, so we killed a little time by having some drinks at a darling little cafe where we could actually SEE the Eiffel Tower as we had our orange presse, a tart and lovely drink I had for the first time here. It's time like this, sitting in a sidewalk cafe in Paris looking at the Eiffel Tower, that I find it hard to believe I am actually having this experience. But I was. And it was wonderful.

Sidewalk cafe one block from the Eiffel Tower.

Next, we wandered around a little park by the Eiffel Tower, taking pictures and trying to avoid the dozens of vendors who were selling cheap little replicas of the Tower and scarves with the Tower on them and little, automated dogs that bounced all over the sidewalks and then we headed to their hotel to wait for our friends in the lobby. We met up with no problem and headed to another sidewalk cafe where we had probably the best meal of our lives and I realize I keep saying that we had the best meal of our lives but honestly. Each one was better than the last.

We had no intention of making that long walk again so we summoned a taxi and headed back to our hotel for a well-deserved rest. Taxi fare was surprisingly reasonable in Paris; we only paid about $15 Euro for that ride.

Our next day in Paris we took advantage of one of the optional tours offered by AmaWaterways and I'll tell you all about that in my last post about our trip.

When you are ready to travel with AmaWaterways, The Travel Authority is ready to help you plan that trip. You can call 1-877-AXP-1515 for information and details about these cruises. Be sure to print out this post or mention the code BLAMA to get the best deal on your trip. I would love to hear your suggestions for future blog posts. You can comment below or contact me by email at jan.ross@thetravelauthority.com. Thanks for reading - I truly appreciate it!

Safe travel!