What are travel advisories? I’m guessing most everyone knows the terminology, but what exactly is a travel advisory? The actual definition can be somewhat daunting but as with all things in life, there are two sides to every story.

The best laid plans.  I’ve always embraced the belief that life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.  A well-known phrase quoted by many, but a guiding force in my life.

Expat Life

Unless you’ve been living in a cave somewhere in the world, you’re more than aware of the daily headlines here in the US.  And, by daily headlines I mean the never-ending O.M.G. when will it end presidential election.

The Cost of Accommodations

Is it just me or have the nightly rates of accommodations become ridiculously over priced? And what about finding said accommodations? Finding what you’re looking for in accommodations when it comes to location, quality and affordability has become more and more of a challenge.  For those of us who believe planning is half the fun, booking accommodations is fast becoming a royal pain in the arse.

I have been at a loss for words for a time, hence the somewhat long delay between published posts.  I think the news out of Orlando, Florida took the wind out of my sails and left me wordless.  Hard to imagine, me being wordless, but there you go.

What can I tell you about Niagara Falls that you don’t already know?  Probably not much.  But what I can tell you is it’s true what they (who’s they?!) say, the view from the Canadian side is the view to see.  Okay, I say that even though we didn’t visit the falls from the US side, but when you’re on the Canadian side, there’s no arguing the point.

Cruising to the Dominican Republic with Fathom was a good fit for us.  Actually, it was pretty much the ideal first cruise experience. I think it is safe to say though that the Fathom experience may not be a good fit for all travelers.

Being home for the past couple of weeks I’ve had time to ponder the whole idea of volunteering while traveling and guess what? I don’t know anymore than I did the day we stepped on board the Adonia bound for the Dominican Republic.  I see both sides of the fence, so-to-speak, but I’m not sure which side I favor, if either.  But more on those thoughts to come as I ponder further.  Deep thinker, don’t ya know.

I don’t think I’d be accused of exaggerating if I told you the people of the Dominican Republic are some of the most joyful people we’ve ever encountered.

It was our last night in the Dominican Republic.  Nearly 11:00 p.m. we had been relaxing by the pool and watching the stars for a couple of hours.  “Excuse me ma’am, sir, can you please tell me why the ship is here but there is no one at the pool during the day?” asked Manuel, a young man working at Amber Cove.