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ONE WORLD, MANY CULTURES

Since I have always espoused the idea of “Living in the Moment,” the fact that this is a truly late post – like a month-late – should not surprise any of my Fab 4 followers. Needless to say, each moment spent anywhere – whether abroad or here at home – should be something to be savored and enjoyed to the hilt.

This week, I had the great opportunity to travel to Hong Kong for 3 days and 2 nights. As I usually do, I executed my “first in, last out” strategy which means that I took the earliest (if not the first) flight out of Manila and grabbed the latest flight from Hong Kong. Obviously, this gave me the most amount of time in Hong Kong.

My first interaction with a local was with the poker-faced ‘transportation’ concierge at the airport. She was very helpful though. The second local I got to talk to was with the person who sold/added value to the Octopus Card – their all-in-one commuter card which you tap at the turnstile or at designated points in the stations to give you access to their trains, light rail systems or buses. I should have realized then that she’ll be the “proto-type” of the other locals I’ll have the tough luck to be with!

Octopus lady blurts out, “How much?” before I could speak. I say I need to get a card, and she says, “How much?” like a robot. I say,”HKD100.” She says, “HKD150 cash” with her hands stretched out, I give her the money, she hands me a card and yells, “Next!” Huh!  (As an aside,   I did know that there is a HKD50 buy-in for the Octopus card.)

At first, I thought that it was just my personal observation (and believe me when I say that I am as objective as anyone can proclaim themselves to be). I’m wrong. Chatting on the train with some missionaries from America and from the UK, they asked, “Are you used to the pushing yet?” That merited a snort from me.  What is interesting is that even in the hospitality business, they do not seem to be as “hospitable” as one would expect.  One redeeming value I have observed is the fact that once you have ‘cracked’ the veneer of efficiency, those people I’d dealt with would usually warm up – actually opened up to me and would even smile while giving me information. Mind you – never to shoot the breeze.

For me, her way of doing her job is just her way. But it was the other interactions with many other locals that truly struck my ‘annoyance’ cord up. It was the lack of any semblance of personal space! Wherever I went, whether just walking to and from a location or standing in queue for the next train or just being in a queue, the HK locals like to stand right up your ass (pardon the French) or just that they actually pushed!  But, just to give them the benefit of the doubt, I am pretty sure that they are oblivious of your existence while you stand in front of them!  They seem to think that ‘crowding’ you would make the wait or the queue shorter and get them closer to where they want to go.

Come to think of it, since the ‘pushing’ as well as the ‘unreadable’ facial expressions are the norm among the locals I’ve encountered, this must be a cultural thing.  My short research on the history of the Hong Kong Chinese – from the pre-British era through the handing-over of the territory back to China has been an eye-opener.  Not only did I get some ‘education,’ I also got a “nudge” from my conscience.  Never react to something new or different.  Be open to something that is not the norm.  Do NOT pass judgement.  Why?  Perspective.  One never knows what preset norms other people are ‘working’ on.  They may be different from yours – that does not translate to wrong.  So yes, the poker-faced receptionist may have grown up during the British period of Hong Kong so their staid, non-smiling faces is the norm.

Photo Credit: yahoo image search

On the opposite end of the spectrum, this reminds me of someone who asked me, “Why are the Filipinos always smiling?” One word – RESILIENCY. Historically, when the Philippines was under the Spanish rule for 300 years, it became second nature for us to be ‘amenable’ to all the mestizos who treated the natives/locals like they were second-class citizens – if not as slaves. Due to the religious component, the natives were very partial to the Spanish friars who mostly had very good intentions. They would go about their day with a smile in their faces because they really cannot tell who among the mestizos were sympathetic towards them and who are not. So that mannerism was passed on to the next generations.

There is an innate goodness in all of us. No matter the barriers – be it language, ideology, religion, sex or race – God made us in His image. We can argue back & forth on that one phrase (italicized), but in the end, goodness rules in each of us (as God is good). 

***https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/hong-kong-ceded-to-the-british

GETAWAYS


When planning a short vacation for my customers, I always encourage them to use the “FIRST IN, LAST OUT” strategy – especially for those who are strapped for time, i.e. those “who cannot spare any time for vacation.”  Where there is that much appreciated “long weekend,” leaving as early as possible on that first day of your vacation as well as getting back on the last possible & convenient time will mean having more time spent on your getaway.

El Nido, Palawan

We’ve heard so much about El Nido – way back when Palawan was the destination of “adventurous” tourists only. Yes, even as a local, I never even thought of ever going to visit that part of the Philippines. But times changed – and Palawan islands are now the go-to places for the every tourist.

During our recent trip to the Philippines, my husband, daughter and I were treated to such a lovely getaway by my husband’s eldest brother, Delfy, and his wife, Lynda.  To make the most of our little time in El Nido, Palawan, we took the earliest flight out of Manila International Airport at 0715 Hrs and landed in the privately owned airport in Lio, Palawan at 0830 Hrs. The travel package Delfy/Lynda purchased included the shuttle from the airport to the resort hotel as well as the return transport, a Loft unit which accommodates 4 adults, and breakfast.

El Nido The Cove (as it is called by the locals) is the resort hotel included in our package. Unlike the [relatively] new AyalaLand constructed resort hotels in the area, the old world charm that enveloped The Cove is irreplaceable.  This is the view (above photo) we have from our Loft…and the silence with only the lapping sound of the water on the beach and the sea-smelling breeze that broke it…are the most relaxing benefits of being billeted in such an “old-world” hotel.

From conversations with the staff as well as my limited research, The Cove is owned by the AyalaLand, a land developer which literally spits out quality buildings – whether for business (commercial office buildings) or pleasure (resort developments & hotels).  Sadly, this hotel is planned for either a refurbish or a tear-down.  Our group is one of the lucky guests of The Cove before such a ‘remodel’ and we are truly sorry that the hand of ‘progress’ will ruin this beautiful place!

The company actually markets their more popular and high-end resorts (see About El Nido Resorts – credit AyalaLand web page), but unless you are one of the locals or have some connection to the place, you will not be offered any accommodations at The Cove. 


Day 1: After checking-in early & leaving our luggage at the reception, our group took the resort’s shuttle van to go from our hotel to the Lio Beach where the municipality runs an air-conditioned mini-bus that shuttles people from the Lio beach to the town center.  In town, we explored and shopped for souvenirs (their cashew nuts are popular gift items), then checked out the much recommended Sizzling Republic restaurant which is about a 15 minutes-ride from town center – and we were not disappointed!   We had quite a spread- grilled talakitok  (white fish), giant squid sautéed in coconut milk, mixed vegetables in shrimp paste (pinakbet), grilled pork, shrimp in chile paste and steamed rice with ripe-sweet mangoes.

When we got back, we were greeted with relaxing massages – after which we dined in the Terrace restaurant where we watched the sun set with a bottle of red wine.


Day 2:  We had an early start at 0530 Hrs – and headed out to town to meet up with our Boat Guide, Jason, who brought us on our island-hopping tour.  We were given a life vest to wear the whole time – and we finally understood the main reason.  There are NO tenders to the different islets we visited.  We waded up to our boat initially, then we either jumped into the waters and swam to shore to see/enjoy the Big Lagoon, the Secret Lagoon as well as areas where we just dove to snorkel down to see the colorful reefs and fishes.  Kim & I enjoyed the kayaking around the Big Lagoon the best though.


Day 3: After breakfast, we hired a van to go to another swimming hole called Nacpan. The beach has sandy and whitish grains – and ideal for swimming as well as for more active endeavors like running or jogging on the inviting wide and long expanse of beach offered.
By 1115 Hrs, we were back at our hotel to check-out. We left our luggage again to eat at one of the many restaurants at Lio Beach, enjoyed another grilled lunch, lounged and enjoyed the quiet of the area, then left to pick up our luggage before we left for the airport for our late afternoon flight at 0645 Hrs.

TIPS FOR A TRIP TO EL NIDO – OR ANY ISLAND HOPPING EXCURSIONS!

  • Bring two sets of bathing suits – if you love to swim (so you can use one while you dry the other)
  • Bring waterproof bags – for your camera, your cellphone, etc.
  • Bring your own snorkel so you can use the mouthpiece for a deeper dive to see colorful reefs and fishes.
  • Bring water shoes if you are too picky to rent used ones on the island
  • Bring your own lightweight towels – but they provide these.
  • The hotel receptionist are very helpful – if you want to rent a private van.

Departure

Less than two weeks from now, I will have the privilege of visiting family in the Philippines. Most of you know how I love airports – which, for me, translate to travel. And why not? Every gateway that I go through means adventure – be it the first or the nth time to that specific destination. How appropriate is it then that focus should be on what happens within the time that we step into that check-in area of the airport up to the point when we get on the airplane?

Credit:  FB/Useful Gen

The minute we get off the vehicle, we rush to unload what luggage we have, ensure all travelers get off the car safely leaving nothing behind, and bid farewell to our driver. We look for the huge board that tells us which counter our airline was assigned to check-in passengers, then make a beeline for it. Like a herd, we shuffle through the cordoned area until we are called to go to the counter and have our documents inspected, verified and approved and/or accepted. With the big bags out of our hands, we proceed to the first gate we’ll need to get through – with passport and boarding tickets in hand. Past that we either proceed to the restaurants for a meal or go straight to the Duty-Free stores to see what else we can bring as gifts. We proceed to the second gate which is the TSA screening where depending on whether you have the ‘pre-screened’ code on your boarding pass or not, you still go through that x-ray equipment or choose to be patted down by a TSA agent. Phew! And finally, we get to go to the REAL gateway to the airplane that will take me to “lands [well] known”.

Whoa! Hold it! It does not have to be such a “boring routine”! Allow me to take you back! As the car glides to a stop at the curb of the Bradley International Terminal, I jumped out of the car and herded my group towards the airline counter. Excited chatter follow me all the way to the front where a helpful agent immediately beckons me (and my group) over to start the process of checking us in. At this point, reality sets in! Yehey! We’re on our way to another trip of discovery!

I strongly encourage everyone to look forward to every trip as a step over the threshold of yesterday to the wonders of what’s out there.

Once in the ‘inner sanctum’ (a.k.a. that winding path that leads to your assigned gate) brightly lit advertisements entice you to make a detour to visit the stores and restaurants that seem to be ‘calling’ to you! Yes, wherever you look, temptation crops up. Does that challenge you? It does me! Except for that cup of coffee I would definitely buy, I come out a winner when I take my seat by my airline’s waiting lounge with no purchases in hand.

Yes, do NOT be one of those people who look bored (or pretend to look it) nor be one of those who feel harassed by all the hoops that each traveler need to jump over to get to our destination. Remember that the trip begins the moment you decide to go so the trick is to make it fun.

Raindrops

This is a new category for this travel site. Although meant to promote my travel business, I now realize how intertwined Travel and Real Life ‘journeys’ are. So with the start of a new year, my wish is that I am able to spread HOPE.

Have you ever thought of how many lives a drop of rain can save? 

Did you ever wonder what a drop of rain can destroy?

I would hazard a guess that one drop of rain could be between a teaspoon and a tablespoon – maybe even 2 tbsps.?  Yes, imagine how that grows in terms of inches when thousands of raindrops fall in a certain limited area.  Then multiply those thousands of raindrops by the number of minutes that they continue to fall on an already sodden earth.  More, multiply those minutes of raindrops by the number of hours, or days, that rain continues to pour (yes, not just drop) water onto the ground.

Pretty sure right now that you can imagine the effect of such amount of raindrops falling on a sustained level for even just a number of hours on to, let’s say, a populated city already surrounded by water – a lake inland and the sea on the other side!  That’s a double whammy!

Now, let’s talk about this small town in Camarines Sur in the Philippines called Buhi.  The place has been under water since the heavens opened up the skies to release the already over-burdened clouds of its load.  Pellet-sized drops of rain found their way into the ground and continued to hug the earth, sodden it, and even constructed their own pathways in and out of obstructions like concrete, wood, metal and human beings.  Yes, Buhi (and surrounding towns) had no choice but to accept the three days of continuous rain.

The question begs to be asked – What would a dollar mean to this beleaguered town? Think in terms of raindrops, if each person who reads this donate 1 dollar to the cause – think of the RELIEF that each of those townsfolks would experience!  Not only in terms of physical comfort but most important would be the feeling that they are NOT forgotten!  They matter!

Please help us help those in need of our assistance!

TOUCHING HEARTS SAVING LIVES

THSL Foundation International Inc.

CP  323.350.0112   or  818.635.0389

21711 Planewood Drive, Woodland Hills, CA 91364-5216

P.S.  Donations are acknowledged provided we have your contact info.

Holidays and Mondays

Nope!  You are wrong if you think that Holidays and Mondays get me down.  The opposite is true.  I always feel that Mondays give me a new beginning – not just the start of a new week  but the advantage of having a chance for a “re-do” if anything needed such as much as an opportunity to engage myself in something new.

Now…HOLIDAYS!  These are the times for celebrations – a reminder or proper remembrance of special events – whether sad, happy, painful, etc.  All these are part of our lives.  What living is all about – going through the ups and downs that pulls us back ‘down-to-earth.’

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Today, November 11th marks the celebration of Veteran’s Day – and I am so enthused by the fact that everywhere I turned today, there were people showing their gratitude to our military men and women in their very own way!  It does not matter that some use this holiday as a way to pump up their business, e.g.Veteran’s Day sales and the like.  I prefer to focus on those who actually “returned the kindness” by thanking our servicemen in their own way –  like the restaurant where we ate brunch that offered free meals for 2 to every veteran or active duty military.  I have to mention this retired army man who was giving out these embroidered stars encased in protective plastic with various relevant quotes.  When I asked what they were, he replied that he made them himself by cutting out the stars from US flags that had been “retired” or are no longer in use due to age.

For those who (like me) who is unaware of the meaning (and the struggle by the November 11 proponents to keep the date), please enjoy this article that I found in one of the social networks.

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Happy Veteran’s Day to all.  

 

pax et bonum

Exactly 13 years ago, I was invited to go on a pilgrimage that included Fatima, Portugal as our first stop…and that was just a very auspicious beginning.  Yes, the beginning of my desire for further enlightenment by visiting various places and experiencing different cultures which can only enhance the appreciation of my own.

Our friend invited us to join her pilgrimage to the different sites where our Lady had appeared.  At first, my husband and I were hesitant since we had never gone on a “pilgrimage” – and we’d much rather go and explore popular tourist places.  But our friend was very persuasive, so we signed on to go with her group.

Like most people, I had the misconception that pilgrimages, referred to as faith-based travel in our industry, involved a lot of church visits and praying and more church visits.  It cannot be farther from the truth and this trip disabused me of that notion.    Yes, we had the choice to visit churches or attend Mass every morning but, other than that, the trip was very fulfilling in terms of expanding our knowledge of the places we visited – the history, the people, the customs and traditions that are attributable only to them.

I have included an excerpt from my Journal entry I wrote for that specific faith-based travel.  Since October 13th is the anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun, this entry is most appropriate.

————–My  Journal Entries  2005 October ——————

On October 11th, Sister Christina shepherded 26 souls on a 9-day Marian Pilgrimage that covered, Fatima, Portugal to Avila, Spain and on to Lourdes, France where we were joined by a family of seven who traveled with us to Lisieux and Nevers, France.

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So the question is – what does a pilgrim make?  As far as I was concerned, I was going to visit Europe to see some of the places where our Lady has appeared to some worthy people.  I was going on a tour with a group of people, wearing name tags glaringly telling locals that I am not one of them, a guide to boss us around, and a strict schedule to follow with military precision.  Doesn’t the make me a TOURIST?

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Oct. 12th, Wednesday – Fatima, Portugal:  Tired and hungry, we arrived at Hotel Fatima for a late dinner.  We were all asked to proceed to the restaurant while our tour guide, Paula, takes care of checking us (and our luggage) in.  It was up to us if we wanted to go to the Shrine which is located in the Square right in front of our hotel since we were unable to participate in the candlelight procession that was ongoing.  I believe each member of the group went to visit our Lady at the Shrine after dinner.

What a sight to behold!  The teeming number of people praying, the atmosphere of complete reverence, the total immersion of mind and body in the here and now – all these but a palpable manifestation of faith. Even when the slight drizzle started, no one left although umbrellas started to sprout out like mushrooms and jackets/raincoats created beautiful slashes of color in the dark night.

After breakfast the next day, our tour guide gathered us bright and early to trace the steps of the three children, especially those of Sister Lucia who has died early part of this year, to whom appeared our Lady of Peace (as she declared herself to be).  We even had a chance to drink water from the well which was dug upon our Lady’s instructions and meet with one of Sister Lucia’s uncle!  I cannot imagine how it felt to have known Sister Lucia when seeing a living relative of hers leaves me in awe.

At night, we rushed through our dinner to be on time for the candlelight procession.  It is the anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun and the Square was already packed when we arrived.  Our Lady’s image with the real crown of gold will be processed around the Square that night.  The rosary was being said in different languages – I could only understand the Portuguese and English Hail Mary’s but a sense of oneness with all the people present could be felt.

The weather which is unusually fine for an October in Fatima I’m told had held until the time when our Lady’s image was going down its way around the Square.  There was a rumble of thunder, a flash of lightning, and then a sprinkle of rain started.  What an entrance!  I thought.  Then I saw the expression on the people’s faces:  the look of  total belief, the smile of acceptance, the stare of bewilderment, the bowed heads of reverence, the physical need to touch her image – all these with the powerful sounds of voices singing Ave Maria!  may be heard in the background.  Then I rushed into the path of the procession where her image was followed by a long line of priests and the faithful  – and tried to get a glimpse of her myself.   Right at the moment, I became a pilgrim.

——————————————-  End  of  Journal  Entries  ——————————–

Lesson learned?  Always keep an open mind.  There is a whole world out there that wants you to discover it.  Why not?

 


*The Miracle of the Sun:   On October 13, 1917, multitudes of the faithful followed Lucia to Cova da Iria,  the place where our Lady of Peace showed herself  – the sun shone so very brightly but the people were still able to look directly at the sun without shielding nor hurting their eyes.
On this, I would defer to the eyewitness account of  Dr. Joseph Garrett, professor of natural sciences at Coimbra University.  Written in December 1917 “…The sun, a few moments before, had broken through the thick layer of clouds that hid it and shone clearly and intensely. I veered toward the magnet which seemed to be drawing all eyes, and saw it as a disc with clear-cut rim, luminous and shining, but which did not hurt the eyes…
It looked like a glazed circular piece cut from a mother-of-pearl shell…It could not be confused, either, with the sun seen through fog (for there was no fog at the time), because it was not opaque, diffused or veiled…The sky was mottled with light cirrus clouds, the blue coming through here and there, but sometimes the sun stood out in patches of clear sky…It was a remarkable fact that one could fix one’s eyes on this brazier of heat and light without any pain in the eyes or blinding of the retina…
The sun’s disc did not remain immobile. This was not the sparkling of a heavenly body, for it spun round on itself in a mad whirl, when suddenly a clamour was heard from all the people. The sun, whirling, seemed to loosen itself from the firmament and advance threateningly upon the earth as if to crush us with its huge fiery weight. The sensation during these moments was terrible.”

 

“Come Back New”

 

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YES!  That is the current tag-line I am borrowing from Princess Cruise Lines that I and both my travel groups sailed on – for 7 days in the Western Mediterranean and then for 8 days in Northern Japan.  What a frantically wonderful number of days – and what a confusing time for my body clock to switch from Central European Summer Time (CEST DST) to Japan Standard Time (JST), or UTC+9 which is 9 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time.  No matter – just know that my circadian rhythm is out of whack and cannot seem to find its ‘rhythm’!

Nonetheless, I (and everyone in my travel group) have come back renewed – better yet, refreshed, relaxed, revitalized…..and raring to go forward with all the vim and vigor that my vacation had brought me!

Copious notes taken, voluminous amount of photos taken, people “interviewed”, the crew and staff of both our cruise ships quizzed – I have so much to share!

So, allow me to  regale you with both the historic and the exotic by sharing some photos right now.  The first four photos were taken in Barcelona, Spain.  The next batch of images were taken in Japan – a temple in Hakodate (commonly known as Hokkaido) as well as the floats of the Nebuta festival in Aomori-shi and the famed bronze Buddha.

Casa Battlo is one of the extraordinary buildings designed by the prolific architect Antoni Gaudi.  You cannot miss it because everyone who is within throwing distance of the building are either looking up or taking a picture of it.

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La Sagrada Familia  is one of the most famous of Gaudi.  Construction started in 1892, and it is not expected to be completed until the year 2030.  I call it a true representation of the Living Church because of the number of human lives that had been and still are being touched by the church.

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Hakodate is a real pleasure to visit because you see the melding of the old and the new.  Above is the entrance to the Temple area which included a huge ground for meditation as well as the water trough where one uses the dippers provided.  The property goes as far as the eyes can reach, with flat buildings erected in strategic areas so as to meld with the environment.

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We specifically chose this itinerary for the Nebuta Festival – an annual parade of lighted floats – both huge and small – that depicts a story of bravery and honor.  The lantern-like floats are made of waterproof paper and thick wire with numerous lights.  The floats are guided and pushed by an unknown number of participants who are trained to push, pull, lift, turn, and dance with the float!

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Aomori is also home to the Great Statue of Buddha, the tallest seated bronze statue of Buddha in Japan.  The crown on his head as well as the Zen meditation pose struck are characteristics of this statue.

Well, hope the above whet your appetite to read more about my trip.  Watch out for my next article.  I will focus on each port we visited.

Cruising the Mediterranean

2018 Crown Eur Medit

The countdown is on for my family’s cruise vacation. The choice of itinerary decided by 6 adults who were of one mind was surprisingly easy.  It was the land excursions that took a whole month to discuss and agree on.  But once decided, the excitement among the cruisers is palpable.  Watch out for my blogs on our ports of call.

Of course, embarking on a 7-day cruise creates a lot of anxiety, especially for those who are putting a lot of expectation for the trip.  Some people cannot help but stress themselves out of a great vacation, but rest easy!  Here are some easy-to-follow tips to consider –

First, “hire” a travel agent to take the load of  planning and going through the details of the trip off your hands!   Of course, you choose where you want to go, how long your vacation will be and any other basic items.  The mere fact that you had given the responsibility of  “checking off” your To-do List (like getting the perfect flight to coincide with your embarkation check-in…or getting your transfer from airport to hotel, etc.) to someone else should be half the burden unloaded!

Secondly, give in to the D-I-Y urge to do your own research!  Oh yes!  Take some time to sit down and surf the web – because in this day and age of TMI (too much information), you want to embrace the barrage of digital data waiting for someone to pluck it off the internet e.g.  the Pre-Cruise Booklet that most cruise lines include with your booking summary.  But, do get the answers from your travel agent too – sort of confirming what you’ve discovered from other sources.

Lastly, pat yourself on the back.  You have picked the best itinerary for your purpose, your stateroom is chosen, your flight’s confirmed and the hotel room reserved.  Time to sit back and absorb the fact that “all is well”!

It is a state of mind – sitting back and allowing yourself to enjoy the anticipation of a vacation that has been planned.

Promotional Update: An End and A Beginning

Just a heads up!

Don’t let the heat beat you. You’re about to miss out on an amazing Princess Cruise Lines Alaska 2-for-1 deal, ending today.

But….if Alaska is not your cup of tea, you have the new Sip-and-Sail promo that will send you to your choice of destination with a drink in hand.

Check out the details.

Let’s “Sea” now!

Have you ever been – by the beach, looking out to the sea, and wonder where that seemingly endless water could take you?  Have you thought beyond the shifting sands of the beach to places unknown – places you had gone to in your mind?

sandals on the beach

Well, I have – for far too many times than you can count on my fingers and toes.

Wherever you may find yourself – walking on the pier, sitting on the smooth sands of a beach, looking out from a restaurant’s seaside seat or a ship’s railing – just watching the waves created by the water’s movement somehow has a very calming effect.

Yes, there are so many choices in terms of where to go, what to do and how to spend your time at your pace and within your budget.  So consider this – IF you want a cost-effective, time-productive and the most relaxing way to enjoy your vacation, taking a cruise vacation may fit the bill.

Why a cruise?   Allow me to just list down a few of the many reasons:   (1)  the variety of itinerary, i.e. your choice of domestic or international destination;  (2) the all-inclusive cruise fare, i.e. the cost of the trip;   (3)  the ease of travel, i.e. no need to pack & unpack at each location;  and,  (4)  the luxury of knowing where you are sleeping each night.

There are always choices as far as cruising is concerned. Cannot really take that vacation right now?  Book that harbor cruise for the night and enjoy the starlit night or the lulling motion of the ship.  Of course, there are those 1-5 day cruises that are closer to home;  or, take a one-week leisurely cruise somewhere you’ve never been.  Why not take the whole 2 weeks vacation and splurge it on an exotic location!

With the summer season already in full swing, you still have time to go on that long-awaited vacation.  Take time to pamper yourself – the ‘idle mind’ usually cooks up the best ideas!

Happy sailing!

 

 

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