Travel Journal

Hawaiian Cruise and Island Tour

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 22:38:08 +0100

OCTOBER 2012 Featured Operator: Islands in the Sun Cruises and Tours Experience by Mary Robertson, Passport Club Director at Northfield Savings Bank (Barre, VT)

“Hawaiian Cruise and Islands Tour include many lifetime experiences for NSB Passport Club members.”

Mary Robertson can sum up her March 2012 Hawaiian cruise in one word, "fantastic". The Passport Club only uses Islands in the Sun, Susan and Russ Rosenberry, for their cruises providing a level of service the group has come to expect. “The quality of service and Susan's attention to detail with her final documents and throughout the planning process are second to none,” Mary comments. “Susan gives a great overview of the cruise, explains some of the places we will visit and is always very candid with suggestions about certain cruises for certain destinations and opinions of the level of service best suited for our group.” Having not been there before, Mary appreciated the guidance for the group to have the "experts" advice on what to see and do while Island hopping.    The group arrived early and had two days on land before boarding the NCL cruise ship for their 7 day cruise of the Hawaiian Islands. Upon arrival, they were met by their native guide who quickly introduced them to the Hawaiian culture, sharing her heritage with them along with a few Hawaiian words that would be commonly heard throughout their vacation. The hotel was centrally located overlooking the Harbor and within walking distance of Waikiki beach. The first day included the Polynesian Cultural Center complete with a Luau and Day 2 brought the group to Pearl Harbor as well as a visit to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific or a.k.a. the punchbowl cemetery.    While on the four different islands the group was treated to several private tours tailored to Passport Club members’ interests, all set up by Susan. A private coach excursion took them on the Road to Hana Tour with a picnic lunch while overlooking a beautiful waterfall. Being a private tour, they were able to make stops not normally possibly. Mary fondly remembered, “The local guide was so friendly and informative-down to having warm banana bread at Aunt Sandy's roadside stand.”

For Mary, she had a real ‘pinch me’ moment while sitting in a helicopter flying over the lava flows and thinking to herself, “Wow! I never in my lifetime thought that little old Mary Robertson would be experiencing this. One of my dreams becoming a reality and only because I have the greatest job in the world seeing wonderful places, experiencing great things and traveling with the ideal partner in crime (Sheila) and with very special friends. Life is good.”

The final, post- cruise, day before heading home took the group around the Island as well as a visit to the Dole Pineapple Plantation with lunch at a local horse ranch near the beach. The NSB Passport Club members arrived at the airport with a feeling that they had seen and done it all.

Mary would be remiss not to share how Susan and Russ went above and beyond in literally their final hour before departure. Mary recalls, “One hour before we were departing for our overnight accommodations in Burlington, Russ called to say that our flight from Burlington had been canceled. However within a few minutes, Susan had us rerouted through Boston and we were on our way.” While en route, Susan called Mary with their new hotel information. The problem was resolved quickly and professionally. “Other companies have left us standing in line at the airport to figure things out,” Mary sighed. “But with Islands we never skipped a beat.” Mary has complete confidence when working with Susan and Russ knowing that no matter where they are in the world they are only a phone call away. Mary also shared that Russ always gives her a quarterly check-in phone call to see what she might be considering in the upcoming year and also to offer suggestions. Mary admits, “This makes our work much easier and we are very happy with Islands.”

Mary encourages you to contact Susan and Russ of Islands in the Sun Cruises and Tours to start planning your unforgettable tour. Or even better, Come to Peer Group 2013 to meet with them in person!

Steamboatin' on the Mississippi River

Mon, 1 Oct 2012 22:26:34 +0100

Featured Article in the

Newsletter

Steamboatin’ on the Mississippi River is more than just a cruise; it’s a total immersion into another place and time. Many bank clubs have enjoyed these voyages in years past, and the one and only ‘American Queen’ is getting ‘polished’ and in ‘tip top’ condition to welcome repeat and new passengers starting in Spring 2012. She will be based in Memphis, Tennessee and be well positioned to cruise both north and south along the Mississippi River, depending on time of year and special celebrations.

Islands in the Sun Cruises & Tours has been a key partner of these amazing Steamboat Adventures over the past 15 years and we’re announcing this exclusively to you. We will have exclusive dates, rates and special amenities in this new inaugural season just for our Bank Club clients.

It’s a way to relive history, through not only the charming towns and historic sights you’ll visit, but your method and manner of travel. You will journey back to the 1800’s and a simpler time when the river was the lifeblood of the nation’s heartland. Imagine yourself back in the time of the river boat gamblers and the entertaining ‘Showboats’ that plied the rivers of America’s Heartland over a century ago.

Experience a Steamboatin’ voyage in the grand manner and revel in the knowledge that you are on “the greatest steamboat that the world has ever known.” The renowned ‘American Queen’ offers excellent entertainment, great food and hospitality – all hallmarks of this unique riverboat experience!

Crystal chandeliers, Tiffany lamps, richly colored Persian carpets, rare antiques, delicate lace curtains, and classic Victorian furnishings….. all set the stage.

Staterooms with French Doors that open onto a shady verandah complete with rocking chairs where you can view the scenery at a ‘civilized’ pace….. or take a well-deserved afternoon nap…... all set the ambiance.

Local specialties and southern comfort food will entice you….Bread pudding, Pecan Pie, Southern Fried Chicken and Catfish, Biscuits and Gravy, Grits, Memphis-style Barbecue and much, much more….. not to mention the favorite hot dogs, snacks and beverages available daily at the Calioppe Bar or on ‘America’s Front Porch’.

Many options for nightly entertainment including the sometimes ‘boisterous’ Engine Room Bar complete with requests, jokes, story-telling and theme nights, the stately ‘Faberge egg’ inspired Theatre with various musical styles from Broadway to Jazz to Classical, and everyone’s favorite pre-dinner sing-alongs at the Piano Bar. Not to mention movies, enrichment and port talks, card games and more.

Many inviting itineraries offer a Reason to ‘Steamboat’ in every Season!

In early Spring, celebrate the blooming flowers, trees and bursts of color as the land awakens from the dullness of winter. The sunny and lengthening days invigorate you as much as the blossoming landscapes you’ll cruise through at a genteel pace. As you cruise North from New Orleans the Mississippi River rolls slowly and smoothly as a Southern drawl. You’ll see bayous, woodlands, gracious towns, antebellum mansions and Civil War sites. Let our ‘Discovery Guide’ and exceptional staff show you all of the rich history and heritage, magnificent landmarks, incredible natural beauty, and our most precious treasures—experience the magnificent antebellum homes and gardens of Natchez and the Spring Pilgrimage Pageant. Whether you’re a Civil War buff, ‘closet’ Southern Belle, amateur or master gardener, ‘part-time’ riverboat gambler, or ‘southern comfort food lover - you’ll revel as you participate in this experience.

Summer discoveries, include mid-Mississippi River ramblings from the American Queen’s Memphis home port, and other tributaries. Memphis itself is full of star-studded attractions such as Elvis Presley’s ‘Graceland’ – a real treasure trove of ‘Americana’, the ‘Blues’ and ‘Jazz’ Clubs of famed Beale Street, and of course the tempting barbecue palaces. And Memphis is just your gateway to the ‘crazy quilt’ of fun and historic sites you’ll get to know in mid-America.

As Autumn unfolds, you can follow in the heritage of Mark Twain as you explore America’s Heartland sailing the northern Mississippi from St. Louis to St. Paul. And you’ll never forget the unique experience of “locking through” the series of locks and dams that control the flow if America’s Heartland rivers as they thread their way through a panorama of incredible scenery. Hospitable local guides will greet you at every ‘river town’ and help you discover the hidden treasures that made our country great.

And have your cameras ready for the brilliant display of Fall Foliage that decorates every curve of the river. Let our ‘Discovery Guide’ and exceptional staff show you all of the rich history and heritage, magnificent landmarks, incredible natural beauty, and best of all, our most precious treasures—heartland people whose courage and character have shaped this country.

Pre-Christmas Celebrations, jump start your holidays with special themed cruises, featuring lovely décor, festive foods, spirited entertainment and Southern traditions such as ‘bonfires on the bayous’.

Key Features of Steamboatin’ on the ‘newly refurbished’ American Queen:
Three sumptuous meals a day, featuring a fabulous five-course dinner each night, afternoon tea, and more
New deluxe stateroom amenities include new pillow-top beds with duvets, flat screen TVs with DVDs and more
Professional, showboat-style entertainment and special performances each evening and lively piano bar
Informative lectures, craft lessons, daily activities, bridge tours, documentaries and movies
All American crew; unpack only once; Optional shore excursions

Again, this is just one variation of a multitude of Domestic and Worldwide cruise-tour options that we can custom craft for your club – by your cruise-tour experts at Islands in the Sun Cruises & Tours.

Susan & Russ Rosenberry, owners of Islands in the Sun Cruises & Tours, have over 20 years of cruise-tour experience and are anxious to welcome you and your club to ‘Roll on the River Again’!

Greece, Turkey & Black Sea Cruise - Tour – Athens to Istanbul

Sat, 1 Sep 2012 21:48:08 +0100

Featured Article in the

Newsletter

Athens, Greece was spruced up nicely for the 2004 Olympics. The Acropolis designed by Pericles in the 4th century B.C. sits atop a mountain in the middle of the city and acts as a beacon and a landmark. And a newly opened Acropolis Museum showcases many of the archaeological artifacts unearthed over the centuries and gives an excellent insight into its history and construction. The multi-story modern building is built largely of glass. In fact some of the sidewalks leading up to the building’s entrance are made of glass so that you can see the remains of ancient walls, cisterns and other relics that are to be found anywhere you scratch the earth. The Plaka district remains a perennial favorite of both tourists and locals. It is hard to find a more unique and authentic dining setting than sitting in a local café or taverna and savoring the Greek delicacies while gazing up at the Acropolis.

Santorini is a jewel of a volcanic island. Its whitewashed cubic shaped buildings cling to the cliffside. Everywhere you will find cafes and restaurants with amazing views from their patios. It’s also a photographer’s paradise and the contrasts of the white buildings, dark volcanic landscapes and deep blue colors of the ocean and sky prove to be irresistible. The opposite side of the island has black sand beaches where you can relax. And the rich volcanic soil is ideal for growing certain varieties of grapes.

Kusadasi, Turkey is a bustling and colorful town on the ‘Turkoise Coast’. It is almost sensory overload as the vendors will tempt you with their riches. If you are a first time visitor, we highly recommend that you journey inland to ancient Ephesus for the day. The Greek and Roman ruins come alive as you walk down the broad marble boulevards.

Cruising through the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus are near the top of the list of the most magnificent ‘must do’ cruising locations in the world. The Dardanelles are at the entrance to the Sea of Marmara. Located nearby are the ancient sites of Troy and Galliopoli. When sailing through the Bosphorus you are in a narrow channel between two continents – Europe and Asia. It is a photographers dream to be up on deck and to be able to take incredible photos in all directions. You will also marvel at the eclectic mix of neighborhood mosques with their soaring minarets which are hundreds of years old lie nestled in the shadow of high-tech glass and steel skyscrapers.

Yalta, Ukraine has been important throughout history. The rulers of Russia have valued the Black Sea as a key year-round warm water port. And the relatively mild climate has also made the area a mecca for those wanting vacation, recreation and health related activities. Some of the highlights included visiting the Livadia Palace – built by the former Czar in the late 1800’s for the family’s summer get-aways. This was also the site of the crucial meeting near the end of World War II with Churchill, Stalin and Roosevelt.
Sochi, Russia is a resort city that will be the site of the 2014 Winter Olympics, despite the fact that its climate is rather sub-tropical. It was another favorite resort during the Soviet era when many large and elaborate health sanitoriums were built here for people to come for vacation, relaxation and medical treatments, and although now privatized, many are still in use today.

Sevastopol, Ukraine has been a city and seaport of huge military significance for most of its existence. Today both the Russian Navy and Ukrainian Navy call it ‘home’, thus there is still some tension in the air. The infamous ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’ in the Crimean War took place in 1854. During this war Florence Nightingale and others initiated more modern war time medical practices such as triage and field hospitals, and ultimately led to the formation of the Red Cross and the Geneva Convention. The Soviet nuclear submarine fleet was based here and hidden out of sight in a mountainside tunnel. An ancient Greek city of Chersonesus also thrived here for many hundreds of years. And you can visit to Bakhchisaray, the Khan’s Summer Palace. It was built in the 1500’s by the Tartar Khans and was the capital of their empire.

Odessa, Ukraine is a quite lovely and is very reminiscent of Paris and Vienna. We had a private tour through the catacomb caves just north of the city which were most recently used by resistance fighters in World War II. And we also had a private viewing of the Tolstoy Family Mansion.

Constanta, Romania was our gateway to journey into the capital of Bucharest. Bucharest was once proclaimed the Paris of Eastern Europe, and some of those elegant buildings can still be seen. Use your imagination and knowledge of history to see the city in its former grandeur and glory.

Istanbul, Turkey is the crossroads between Europe and Asia. Since this was our second visit, we were able to delve further into the culture. We began at the Beriberyl Palace, which was built in the 19th century as a summer palace for the sultan, his family, harem and court. We then visited the lively and colorful Spice Bazaar. The wide array of exotic spices is nothing short of sensory overload. We then visited the Grand Bazaar - our only ‘repeat’ stop.

With over 400 shops or stalls, and a maze like layout, it can be both daunting and exciting. Our final stop was a visit to an authentic Turkish Hamman (Bath) which has been existence for over 300 years. It is a large marble structure and follows the tradition of having separate sections for men and women. You are able to choose from a menu of various bathing and massage services.

We then flew to central Turkey to the Cappadoccia region. The mountainous terrain here made it possible for ancient peoples to build whole towns into the mountain sides. In fact they built entire cities up to 6 levels underground. Some of the ancient cave churches have full color frescoes dating from the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D. An early morning hot air balloon ride to view this valley from the air is incredible. Cappadocia is one of the most captivating places we have ever visited, and we would highly recommend it to people who like to visit unique and authentic parts of the planet. Some of the ‘touring’ requires a lot of walking – so don’t delay your visit to this special place!

Susan & Russ Rosenberry, owners of Islands in the Sun Cruises & Tours, have over 20 years of cruise-tour experience and are anxious to welcome you and your club aboard a cruise-tour to remember!

The Panama Canal: Still a Marvel Guest Article by Herb Sparrow, Bank Travel Management Magazine

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 19:37:12 +0100

Nearing its 100th birthday in 2014, the Panama Canal, one of the engineering wonders of the 20th century, still elicits awe, wonder and curiosity.  “It’s an engineering marvel; it’s just incredible,” said Linda Holm, coordinator of Texas Travelers at the Texas First Bank in Texas City, Texas. “It’s a wonderful experience you need to do sometime in your life.”  Holm’s group had that wonderful experience in January on a Panama Canal cruise aboard Princess Cruise’s Island Princess. They joined eight other bank clubs that purchased the cruise through Islands in the Sun Cruises and Tours.  Although the canal, which is a series of locks and the huge man-made Lake Gatun that allow ships to pass between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans across the Isthmus of Panama, was the headliner for the cruise, the 1,970-passenger Island Princess also made stops in Aruba, Colombia, Costa Rica and Jamaica on a roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  To account for possible travel delays with more than 250 people traveling with them, Islands in the Sun owners Susan and Russ Rosenberry brought the groups in a day early.  On the morning the cruise departed, the groups took airboat tours of the Everglades.  Lois, a step-on guide with Holm’s group, pointed out that most of the Everglades, which stretches for 100 miles through southern Florida, is a river.   “Most people think it is a swamp, but it really is a river of grass,” she said. The 1.5 million-acre Everglades National Park is the third-largest national park.  After a morning in the Everglades, the groups met up Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale and boarded the ship for its late-afternoon departure.  Aruba After two full days crossing the Old Bahama Channel and passing the coastline of Cuba, the Island Princess arrived at its first stop, the Caribbean resort island of Aruba, just seven miles from the shore of Venezuela.   Aruba, independent since 1986, still retains much Dutch influence from its time as part of the Netherlands Antilles. That influence is especially evident in the port city and capital Oranjestad, where the Island Princess docked.  Rainbow-colored yellow, blue and red buildings with distinctive Dutch-style stepped rooflines line the streets and are filled with shops that offer a wide range of items from typical touristy souvenirs to quality jewelry and clothing.  Holm opted to browse the area near the dock instead of heading for the island’s famous white-sand beaches. “Right after you get off the pier, you are in the midst of a bunch of shops,” said Holm. “There are bright-colored buildings that are a reminder of the colonial atmosphere. The thing I liked about the market area: It was so colorful. Every building had an interesting roofline.”  Cecila McCamish’s group from the Funchasers Travel Club at Security State Bank in Littlefield, Texas, headed to the beach.  “Most everyone felt like Aruba was the most picturesque stop on the trip with its white, sandy beaches and resort feel,” she said. “Personally, if my husband and I were going back to any of the ports for an extended stay, Aruba would be our choice.”  The most developed part of the beach is the two-mile stretch along the west coast at Palm Beach, which is lined with high-rise hotels, restaurants, shops and water-related activities. Beaches on the other side of the island are more secluded and less developed.  An interesting contrast between Aruba’s white-sand beaches and turquoise water is its desertlike interior with cactus and windswept divi-divi trees; the area can be visited on some of the several guided shore excursions the Island Princess offers.  Other excursions showcase the island’s other natural attractions, such as Natural Bridge and Baby Natural Bridge and the Ayo and Casibari rock formations, along with man-made attractions such as the California Lighthouse and a butterfly farm.  Cartagena, Colombia The Island Princess left Aruba in the early afternoon and after an all-night cruise, arrived at Cartagena Sunday morning. Although Cartagena is a bustling modern city with many tall buildings on its skyline, it retains many reminders of when it was the major port of the Spanish colonial empire in South America.  One of the most prominent of those reminders is the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, the huge 17th-century fortress that overlooks the city and harbor.  “There is a lot of climbing and walking, but it was really interesting,” said Holm. “It is no wonder the city was impenetrable, it is a huge, massive structure right there in the harbor; it could control access in and out.  “It’s all still authentic, and there is a beautiful view from the top looking out over the city and harbor.”  Holm’s guided shore excursion also took her group to Las Bóvedas, former military dungeons that now house boutiques and tourist shops, and on a walking tour of the walled old city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.  “There were street artists, flower boxes hanging over narrow streets and local people selling handmade goods,” she said. “An old man was painting with the heel of his hands and his fingers. He took paint, dropped it on and smeared it, but ended up with the most beautiful little pictures.   “It’s really cool to buy local art. You know that what you bought was from the guy who made it.”  Cartagena also has an impressive 410-year-old cathedral, a 400-year-old monastery with panoramic views of the city, a gold museum and a palace museum with pre-Columbian, colonial and independence-era art.

 Panama Canal After an overnight cruise from Cartagena, the Island Princess arrived early on Monday morning at the entrance to the Panama Canal near Colon, where four mules — mechanized tractors on the sides of the locks — helped move it into the Gatun Locks. Less than a half-hour later the ship emerged into Lake Gatun.  Holm arose early and secured a place on the crowded front viewing area while her husband, Ralph, stayed in their balcony cabin, “where he got to see the very few inches between us and the sides of the locks.”  Although the mules help maneuver the large ships into the locks, it is largely gravity that moves them from one level of the canal to the next as the giant locks are either filled or emptied with water from the lake.   “I realized we were getting higher, but you don’t feel a thing; there was no movement at all,” said Holm. “It’s so fascinating to me how this happens. The gates are the same ones they have been using since it was built.”  Passengers had several shore excursion options while Island Princess turned around in the lake and returned through the locks. Although the canal is a highlight of the trip, Panama offers rich rain forests, historic colonial cities and native Indian villages for cruise passengers to explore and visit.  Holm’s Texas Travelers took a motorcoach to the Pacific side, stopping at the Miraflores locks visitors center on the way for another close look at the canal in action.   “There is an information center with displays, films and shops,” she said. “We walked out the back and were right there at the locks. You get to be the pedestrians standing on shore while you watch a ship go by very, very close to you.”  Panama City, the Pacific entry to the canal, is a city of striking contrasts: the historic area, with narrow streets and diverse colonial-era architecture and ruins, and on the other side of the bay, a modern city filled with high-rise buildings.  “It’s an interesting mix of the extremes people live in,” said Holm. “There is the extremely modern, bustling city and then this old part that is a reflection of the past.”  “The canal was, of course, everyone’s favorite part of the trip,” said McCamish. “Some got off the ship, and others didn’t, but we all agreed that passing through the Gatun Locks was the highlight of the entire trip.  “It was such an interesting and educational experience. We learn just a very little about the Panama Canal in school, not nearly as much as there is to learn.”  Costa Rica A short half-day cruise brought the ship to Limon, Costa Rica, where passengers could explore the country’s verdant rain forest; fascinating wildlife; and banana, coffee, sugar cane and cocoa plantations on foot, in boats, by zip line or aboard an aerial tram.  Although one member of her group said the sloth sanctuary he visited was one of the highlights of the trip, Holm got the rare chance to see a mother sloth and her baby in the wild during a boat trip through the Tortuguero Canals.  “We saw sloths up in the trees,” she said. “The guide told us how babies stay with their mothers for six to eight months. Because of predators, they only come down once a week to ‘do their business.’ She [the mother sloth] makes her way slowly down to get into the water. While we were there, we saw a mother sloth just approaching the water.  “The guide said you would never see that again if you came once a week for the next 50 years. We were very fortunate to see that.”  The group then took an aerial tram into the top of the rain forest. “It was not a zip line,” said Holm. “You go slowly way up high and then come back. We got to see the canopy of the rain forest and then took a short walk on the floor of the rain forest.  “The guide would just stop and kneel down and show us things like the hole of a tarantella. We also saw ant mounds; huge, huge hills that have millions of ants in them. I was not believing how big they were.”  Jamaica The final stop after a day of cruising was Ocho Rios on the northern shore of Jamaica, an area known for its blue-green mountains and white-sand beaches.  One of the most popular things to do on a Jamaica cruise stop is to climb Dunn’s River Falls, which cascade 600 feet over a rock staircase to the Caribbean.  “You are climbing up through this rushing water; you end up getting soaked,” said Holm. “You wear special shoes that give grip. It’s not an easy climb; you hook arms like a human chain and go in and out of the water. If you have never done it, it’s absolutely amazing.  “The natives are barefoot and run up and down with a video camera and never get wet.”  If you don’t want to get wet, you can walk to the top on an adjacent walkway.  Other areas that are part of offered shore excursions are Coyaba Gardens, with tropical jungles, waterfalls and a museum; Jamaican Estates, which offers a look at plantation life; Fern Gully, with more than 500 species of tropical ferns; and the 4-year-old Sky Explorer Chairlift at Mystic Mountain that takes riders 700 feet above the rain forest.  Holm and McCamish agreed that a negative aspect of the Jamaica stop, which is a fact of life in many developing countries, was the number of people trying to sell souvenirs and tours.  At the waterfall, Holm said that from the time they parked the bus, “there were a ton of open-air kiosks, an entire city of touristy stuff.”  “Most of us just walked off the ship to explore the immediate area shops and restaurants,” said McCamish, “but were bombarded and extremely hounded by the ‘tour’ natives trying to get us to take this tour or that or trying to get us to buy something.”  However, that didn’t dampen their enthusiasm for the cruise.  “Our group really enjoyed everything about the tour,” said McCamish.

Arabian Sea & Indian Ocean Exotic Journey Part D - Columbo, Sri Lanka

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 23:44:45 +0000

December 12, 2009: Columbo, Sri Lanka is not the capital of Sri Lanka, but it is the largest city, port, and commercial center of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka was formerly known as Ceylon under British rule, but when they gained their independence in the early 1970’s the name Sri Lanka was chosen – it means ‘prosperous land’. It is a small island nation where the major industries are agriculture, textiles and tourism. Ceylon tea has been famous around the world for centuries and is still highly regarded today. One of the nice excursions available in Sri Lanka is to visit a tea plantation. Textile manufacture and clothing manufacture are also big business and many clothing exports go to the U.S. The primary religion of the population of Sri Lanka is Buddhism, although Hindu temples, Christian churches and Islamic mosques can also be found. It is believed that Buddha visited the island long ago. In the past few years there has been a lot of unrest in the country due to the violent acts of the Tamil Tiger rebels. However in May of this year a treaty was agreed between them and the Sri Lanka government, so the country is at relative peace again.

We chose a half day tour of Colombo in which the highlights of the city were shown. It began with a drive through the busy commercial center and thriving Saturday markets for fresh fruits and vegetables. Much of the markets and types of commerce and transportation appeared similar to what we saw in India. One major difference that we did notice was that more of the women appeared in western dress, rather than traditional dress, than in India, and head coverings were seldom seen. We then visited the National Museum of Sri Lanka which was founded by the British in 1868. It is housed in a beautiful British Colonial style building (without air conditioning) and has interesting collections of art and artifacts from Sri Lanka’s past. Most of the treasures are enclosed in glass cases and range from prehistoric agriculture and implements to beautiful jewelry, all types of firearms, knives and sabres, pottery, religious statues, ornate puppets, and relics from the heyday of British rule of over a century ago. Our next stop was at the venerable Galle Face Hotel, opened in 1864, that has hosted many famous celebrities, politicians and royalty from around the world for over a century. It claims to be the first hotel in Asia, and is still an admirable hotel today as we saw preparations for lavish weddings and holiday parties taking place. It is situated on a beautiful spot on the beach and a small museum is located in the hotel as well to help you imagine Colombo as it was during the British reign. And our last venue on the tour was a visit to a Buddhist Temple, the Gangarama Temple dates from the 15th century. We had to take our shoes and hats off before entering, and shoulders must be covered, but we were allowed to take photographs throughout this sprawling complex. We learned that authentic Buddha statues had only three posed in Sri Lanka, and that Buddha was always on a Lotus flower. The temple complex was very colorful and composed of several buildings and outside areas, and included a live elephant and charcoal burners for lighting incense. This port call gave us a glimpse of the diverse life and culture in this tropical island nation.

December 13, 2009: Another day at sea to rejuvenate and enjoy the pleasures of cruising.