Fort Lauderdale back to the Mainland, day 8

 

Parked at the pier snugger than a bug in a rug, we awoke Sunday morning with new neighbors!

Arriving back in Fort Lauderdale, our cruise had come to an end, there was nothing to do but have breakfast and head for the exits!

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The usual congestion awaited us outside the terminal,resembling lost Boy Scouts coming home from camp and with luggage and souvenirs in hand,the search for our bus began. Just as all hope had been lost, here he came around the corner!!

Scurrying like ants on a fruitcake, our porters rapidly loaded the luggage onto our bus and the trip across alligator alley began.

After such a journey, one has to reaccliminate to the good old U.S., so the first order off business would have to be  to readjust our stomachs to American food, so a stop at McDonald’s was in order!

And so our journey ended with nothing to show for it but footprints, photos, and memories!

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The author has been a writer/photographer for over thirty years. Specializing in nature and landscape photography, as well as studying native cultures.

His travels have taken him to most of the United States, as well as Australia, Belize, Egypt and the Canary Islands.

He has studied the Mayan culture of Central America as well as the aborigines of Australia. Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in various parts of the world.

He has published several books about his adventures.

For more information, please consult his website,www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments welcome

Improve your health, Increase your wealth

This informative Ebook describes alternative methods of making money ,often a full time income in photography even if you have no desire to shoot wedding photography. this book gives examples and websites where you can use your photos to supply you with an income, not only to enable you to buy new equipment, but a living income as well.

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Opera House, Manley Ferry, Sydney, Australia

Sydney Harbor, Australia

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This is where the adventure began, my journey into the Outback and Back O’Beyond, a journey back into another time, a time that marked the beginning of Australia, and perhaps the world.

The author has been a writer/photographer for over thirty years. Specializing in nature and landscape photography, as well as studying native cultures.

His travels have taken him to most of the United States, as well as Australia, Belize, Egypt and the Canary Islands.

He has studied the Mayan culture of Central America as well as the aborigines of Australia. Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in various parts of the world.

He has published several books about his adventures.

For more information, please consult his website,www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments welcome

A small town traveler finds adventure and intrigue while investigating a new found spirituality. Learning self-discovery, and new age thought the author ventures on a journey to the outback of Australia where he learns the ways of the aborigines and in the process discovers a new way of life. Less Beginning in America’s heartland follow the author into a foreign land and culture, travel to the outback of Australia and discover the ways and teachings of the Australian aborigine. Discover with the author a journey of self-discovery and of a way of life and culture that is slowly being forgotten and lost.

On the Homestretch Day 7

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Our final day at sea, up at the crack of 10, breakfast on the Lido Deck, Tacos for lunch, it doesn’t get any better than this!

 Cuba was on our port side for most of the day, I kept watching to see if maybe Fidel could be spotted chasing after someone in a 53 Chevy sailing across the Florida Straits, to no avail, I gave up watching and had a drink.

Our only commitment of the day was the Karaoke talent show at 4 PM, which our friend Patty was competing in.
She was ,in my completely unbiased opinion the best one there , with her rendition of “Hello Dolly” she brought down the house, however the judges thought differently and she walked away with nothing!!

Retiring to the Crow’s Nest with our tails between our legs, drinking away our sorrows seemed to be the best option!

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A nice “last” dinner followed, and the final show, then it was back to the cabin to pack for our departure early next morning. Remembering to keep something out to wear the next day , our bags were placed outside our cabin door, and we retired for the evening, dreaming of Pina Coladas and Tacos it was no trouble falling asleep!

The author has been a writer/photographer for over thirty years. Specializing in nature and landscape photography, as well as studying native cultures.

His travels have taken him to most of the United States, as well as Australia, Belize, Egypt and the Canary Islands.

He has studied the Mayan culture of Central America as well as the aborigines of Australia. Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in various parts of the world.

He has published several books about his adventures.

For more information, please consult his website,www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments welcome

Improve your health, Increase your wealth

This informative Ebook describes alternative methods of making money ,often a full time income in photography even if you have no desire to shoot wedding photography. this book gives examples and websites where you can use your photos to supply you with an income, not only to enable you to buy new equipment, but a living income as well.

 

 

 

 

 

Curacao in the rearview mirror Day 6

Willemstad Curacao

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Once again heading for the Windward Passage, the channel that separates Cuba from Haiti, we set a Northwesterly course from Curacao. As we sailed north I could sense a change in the climate as a more humid atmosphere was encountered. Aruba and Curacao being south of the normal path of hurricanes and the air currents that control them have a more desert climate.

Ever being gluttons for punishment, my wife and I had volunteered to participate in a 3 KM walk for breast cancer that began at 9 AM. Meeting on deck with the other participants we were issued our t shirts and wristband ,the journey began. Nine laps around the ship,the 3 K had been completed, no worse for the wear, it was time for our cool down in the spa, after a short time in the hot tub and recuperation time reserved for the ceramic thermal chairs, we were good as new!

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The nice part about sea days is that there are no schedules, one can stay as busy , or do absolutely nothing, it is a matter of personal choice.

We decided it was time to relax, tonight was a formal night so we spent the early part of the afternoon checking out the pool and buffet, we had a cocktail party scheduled for 4:30, a group photo at 5:15 and dinner at 5:45.
Didn’t want to rush into anything ,so we slowly dressed for the evening’s entertainment.

One more day of this strenuous activity and it’s back to the old rat race!

The author has been a writer/photographer for over thirty years. Specializing in nature and landscape photography, as well as studying native cultures.

His travels have taken him to most of the United States, as well as Australia, Belize, Egypt and the Canary Islands.

He has studied the Mayan culture of Central America as well as the aborigines of Australia. Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in various parts of the world.

He has published several books about his adventures.

For more information, please consult his website,www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments welcome

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In today’s world, many resort to abusing drugs and alcohol, why are so many becoming addicted and not only destroying their lives but the lives of others around them as well?

 

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Willemstad, Curacao Day 5

Willemstad, Curacao

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After sailing an easterly course from Aruba, we arrived at the pilot station in Curacao and docked at 8:00 AM. What a surprise awaited us as we looked out our balcony , this is one of the most beautiful ports anywhere! The houses and buildings were lined up looking like eggs on Easter morning!

As the plan was to be out all day a breakfast in the dining room was in order, after meeting the Zurlo’s , we vacated the ship for a new adventure in the land of Easter Egg Houses!

More than any other island in the Netherlands Antilles, Curacao is reminiscent of Holland! Charming Willemstad , established in 1634, is filled with verandas, porches, slatted shutters, and pastel colors to accommodate the warm Caribbean climate.

One of the main attractions on our agenda was the Jewish Synagogue Mikve Emanuel Synagogue, , the oldest Jewish Temple in the America’s. After crossing the pontoon bridge we headed directly for the temple. With the Mahogany furniture and sand floor, it was both interesting and beautiful.

Making our way to Brionplein, this neighborhood was established in the 17th century to quarantine lepers and other undesirables from the Punda District. There the trolley was taken for an hour tour around the town past many of the attractions this town has to offer.

 

After a cheeseburger at Mr. Iguana’s, a quick trip back across the  Koningin Emmebrug, (Royal Bridge), a stop to buy a shirt, it was back on the ship to dress for dinner.

Not to let any grass grow under our feet , we hurriedly dressed for dinner, reservations at the Pinnacle , one of the specialty restaurants was on tap for tonight! It turned out to be disappointing, the food was great, but the service was really slow, over 4 hours to eat!

Barely finishing dinner in time for  Karaoke, Patty our resident entertainer was competing in the finals  tonight. After her rendition of Patsy Cline’s “Crazy”, she blew the competition away. She made the final cut where the contestants were reduced to six.

As we left port our cruise was rapidly coming to an  end, two days at sea and we would be back on home soil !

The author has been a writer/photographer for over thirty years. Specializing in nature and landscape photography, as well as studying native cultures.

His travels have taken him to most of the United States, as well as Australia, Belize, Egypt and the Canary Islands.

He has studied the Mayan culture of Central America as well as the aborigines of Australia. Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in various parts of the world.

He has published several books about his adventures.

For more information, please consult his website,www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments welcome

Improve your health, Increase your wealth

This informative Ebook describes alternative methods of making money ,often a full time income in photography even if you have no desire to shoot wedding photography. this book gives examples and websites where you can use your photos to supply you with an income, not only to enable you to buy new equipment, but a living income as well.

Willemstad Curacao Post Cards by lifejourneysimages
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Oranjestad, Aruba Day 4

 Oranjestad, Aruba
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Approaching Aruba we sailed along the coastline, until we arrived at the pilot station. The local pilot expertly guided our big vessel into the dock at 11:00 AM, right on time.

According to records , human beings first reached Aruba some 4,500 years ago. Little remains of that era, although from fossilized stone implements found we know their roots are traced back to Dabajuro, Venezuela, long before Hugo Chavez.

Obviously the early communities were small, can’t get many people in a canoe! The people survived on collective hunting and fishing as well as fresh fruit that was abundant on the island.

From those humble beginnings Aruba has blossomed to the thriving resort area it has become today. Besides all of the shopping and dining available within walking distance of the pier, ( a large mall is located across the street), A large variety of attractions are available just a short drive away.

Casa Bari, a large climbable rock formation is a must see, The California Lighthouse, Aruba’s oude molen (“old windmill”), a gold smelter, and The Numismatic Museum which features coins that were cut with a guillotine!

A hard day of sightseeing, shopping and dining awaited us! Not wanting to leave a stone unturned a group of us rented a private bus and ascended upon the island, with all the veracity of Blackbeard.

After rumbling about the desert countryside and shopping til our credit cards exploded, we humbly crawled back to the our humble abode, dressed for dinner and settled in for the evening.

Our 11:00 PM departure time quickly arrived and we set an Easterly course for our next port of call Willemstad,  Curacao.

The author has been a writer/photographer for over thirty years. Specializing in nature and landscape photography, as well as studying native cultures.

His travels have taken him to most of the United States, as well as Australia, Belize, Egypt and the Canary Islands.

He has studied the Mayan culture of Central America as well as the aborigines of Australia. Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in various parts of the world.

He has published several books about his adventures.

For more information, please consult his website,www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments welcome

Improve your health, Increase your wealth

This informative Ebook describes alternative methods of making money ,often a full time income in photography even if you have no desire to shoot wedding photography. this book gives examples and websites where you can use your photos to supply you with an income, not only to enable you to buy new equipment, but a living income as well

 

 

Through the Windward Passage Day 3

Day 3 , a day at sea.

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After sailing from Half Moon Cay at 4 PM, we had a day and half journey to our next port, Aruba. The early part of the day would be spent sailing through the Windward Passage, a strait in the Caribbean Sea  that separates Cuba and Haiti, it connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Caribbean Sea and is the direct shipping route between the Panama Canal and the eastern seaboard of the US.

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Since we were going to be at sea all day today and most of the morning tomorrow, it was truly a time to relax and chill out.

Rising at the crack of 10 AM, the morning was filled by breakfast on the Lido Deck and a work out in the spa. While my wife enjoyed a Pilate’s class, it was time for me to explore the ship and just hang out.

This was to be our first formal night , so it was time to drag out the old tux and get all spiffed up! It was worth it, Alaskan Crab Legs were on the menu ,after a less than stellar evening show , we spent the night dancing to disco at the Northern Lights nightclub.

Tomorrow would be a busy day as we were due to arrive in Aruba at 11 AM.

The author has been a writer/photographer for over thirty years. Specializing in nature and landscape photography, as well as studying native cultures.

His travels have taken him to most of the United States, as well as Australia, Belize, Egypt and the Canary Islands.

He has studied the Mayan culture of Central America as well as the aborigines of Australia. Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in various parts of the world.

He has published several books about his adventures.

For more information, please consult his website,www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments welcome

Improve your health, Increase your wealth

This informative Ebook describes alternative methods of making money ,often a full time income in photography even if you have no desire to shoot wedding photography. this book gives examples and websites where you can use your photos to supply you with an income, not only to enable you to buy new equipment, but a living income as well

Day 2 Half Moon Cay

Sailing throughout the night, first sailing east across the Northwest Providence Channel,passing the Bahamian Island of Great Stirrup Cay and then into the Northeast Providence Channel. As the sun rose we passed Eleuthera Island on our starboard side and then entered the North Atlantic Ocean.

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Setting a southerly course we anchored at Half Moon Cay at 8:00AM, and people immediately began tendering to the island.

My wife and I not being early risers, regained consciousness at about 9:30 and quickly hurried to the Lido Deck for our customary breakfast.

Having been to HMC on previous cruises we were undecided as to visit the island or fore go the visit for the comfort of a deck chair. The deck chair won out, however about noon o’clock we decided that a visit to the island might be appropriate.

The island has been built up in recent years, it now features a volleyball/basketball court, a massage cabana, jet skis, para sailing, horseback riding, floating mats, and food.

This being our first day out , we opted for the floating mat tour, which consists of , believe it or not, lying on a mat and floating in the bay!

We could only handle this strenuous exercise for about an hour and a half, so it was back to the ship for food!

On to the spa for a soak in the hot tub and rehabilitation in the ceramic thermal chairs!

Another wonderful meal in the dining room, and Showtime featuring the Grand Tour singers and dancers,the evening was topped off with a 50s and 60s music hour featuring Helen and the Halcats in the Queen’s lounge, so ended the second day of our southern Caribbean cruise.

 The author has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature, landscapes and studying native cultures. Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt, the Canary Islands, much of the Caribbean. He has studied  the Mayan Cultures in Central America and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!

He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.

For more information and a link to his hardcover and Ebooks, and contact information: please check his website, http://www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments appreciated

Improve your health, increase your wealth.

This informative Ebook describes alternative methods of making money ,often a full time income in photography even if you have no desire to shoot wedding photography. this book gives examples and websites where you can use your photos to supply you with an income, not only to enable you to buy new equipment, but a living income.

Off to Aruba!!

Travel With the Author on A Modern Day Walkabout!!

Off on another adventure!!

As our bus was picking us up at 8:00 AM, it was up at 6:00! Eating a small breakfast and securing our humble abode, we were out the door and on our  way!

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My wife and I were escorting a small group of 26 Shriners and their wives on a week long cruise to Aruba and Curacao.

Shortly before 8 o’clock the bus rounded the corner and we began loading the luggage and ourselves for the 4 hour ride to Port Everglades.

It is a long trip and a good Shriner is always prepared for such events, as soon as everyone was settled, Bloody Mary’s and Screwdrivers were served by our resident bartender. Making a quick stop in Venice to pick up the rest of our delegation and finishing off the Bloody Mary mix, it was apparent that a good nap was now in order.

Nearing the halfway point of our journey, Naples was rapidly approaching, time for our traditional stop for breakfast at McDonald’s, an Egg McMuffin and a glass of orange juice, we wouldn’t be eating food of this caliber for a whole week!!

The next meal would be awaiting us on Holland America’s  Westerdam.

The rest of the trip was quite uneventful , nothing to see out the window except alligators and sawgrass. The conversation grew quite lively, as everyone was now awake and fed, anxiously awaiting our arrival into the port.

The port was a beehive of activity, the parking lot was packed with buses and taxis, our neighbors for the week were all arriving. Check-in went rather well ,we were on the ship before 1:00, as our cabins were not ready we retired to the Lido deck for  lunch .

Holland America normally are excellent hosts and this week was no exception, about 1:30 the announcement came that our cabin was ready, entering our large , spacious room with an abundance of closet space , a pleasant surprise awaited us, our luggage had already been delivered!

On one recent cruise, the closet space was so limited, we actually lived out of our suitcases for a week , not so here, we were unpacked and still had some empty drawers, WOW!

Next it was off to the spa to book our appointments for the week, gotta get that done early, before everyone gets all the good spots!

Just finishing in time for the required muster drill, life jackets were grabbed  and it was down to our muster station, all the time looking like a bunch of dorks!!

They always plan this as the ship is leaving the dock, which makes it difficult to have time to take the life jacket back to the room and  attend the farewell party on the Lido deck at the same time.  However where there is a will, there is a way.

Our first day was rapidly ending, after a delicious dinner and fabulous show, it was off to sleepy land, as a full day awaited us on Half Moon Cay.

More Travel Articles and Photos!!

Dawn Princess

The Dawn Princess is a Sun class US based cruise ship placed in service in 1997, after being built in Italy. She features eight restaurants, some of which offer “anytime dining”, where passengers can dine when and with whom they want. Four swimming pools, seven lounges and bars,and two children’s centers.

Weighing in at 77,499 tons, 857 feet in length and 106 feet across the beam, she has a capacity of 1.950 passengers and carries a crew of 900,  She is the sister ship to the Sun Princess and Sea Princess.

Dawn Princess normally spends it time alternatively between Alaska and the Mexican Riviera, the ship is tentatively scheduled to sail Australian waters, as well as Hawaii, Tahiti and the South Pacific.

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Dawn Princess – along with its sister ships Sun and Sea – creates
paradise on the high seas. Featuring a wrap-around Promenade Deck, this
spectacular ship has more than 400 balcony staterooms to enjoy the
ever-changing scenery and two spacious decks. Hot spots include two
show lounges with nightly entertainment, and plenty of elegant and
casual dining options from gourmet pizza to grilled steaks.

Dawn Princess has everything from computerized golf and a 24-hour restaurant to a choice of pools, show lounges, and more.

along with its sister ships Sun and Sea – creates
paradise on the high seas. Featuring a wrap-around Promenade Deck, this
spectacular ship has more than 400 balcony staterooms to enjoy the
ever-changing scenery and two spacious decks. Hot spots include two
show lounges with nightly entertainment, and plenty of elegant and
casual dining options from gourmet pizza to grilled steaks.

The ship offers the deluxe amenities you’d expect from a first class hotel: from
24-hour room service to chocolates on your pillow at night.

The ships are designed with a variety of features and intimate spaces. They have been referred to the “big ship choice and small ship feel”.

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Design your own photo gifts, your photo or mine.

The author has been a writer/photographer for over thirty years. Specializing in nature and landscape photography, as well as studying native cultures.

His travels have taken him to most of the United States, as well as Australia, Belize, Egypt and the Canary Islands.

He has studied the Mayan culture of Central America as well as the aborigines of Australia. Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in various parts of the world.

He has published several books about his adventures.

For more information, please consult his website,www.journeysthrulife.com.

Improve your health, Increase your wealth

Are you looking for an easy and fast way to make some extra money? Look to one of America’s premier online selling sites to provide just that. Selling golf balls for fun and profit is something anyone can do. If you don’t find a source like the author did, anyone can walk a golf course in the evening after the golfers have gone home and find plenty of golf balls to sell.