Situated 600 miles from Ecuador, the twelve islands that make up the Galapagos comprise a virtual Garden of Eden. They were formed by volcanic activity five million years ago. Tectonic plate movement caused the older islands to shift east as a “hot Spot” of magma sat fixed.
Over time, eruptions occurred… Read the rest
The USA began an Embargo of Cuba in 1960 in response to the government nationalizing the oil industry. American companies were not compensated for this rash action. In retaliation, President John Kennedy prevented any US products from being shipped to Cuba. It’s still in effect.
As we know, the Castro… Read the rest
Turkey
Since the situation in Syria has cooled down a bit, Istanbul is slowly greeting Cruise Ships again. The access of ISIS fighters entering through Turkey caused many lines to cease landings in the country.
2020 will see Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn… Read the rest
Croatia’s jewel of the tourist industry is the medieval town of Dubrovnik.
It has been swamped with tourists in the last few years, such that the city fathers have decided to make it livable for the residents again. The first step was to reduce the number of cruise ships, with 5,000 people allowed at one… Read the rest
If you decide to take a port tour on your own, there is a risk you may not get back in time. And yes…they won’t wait for you.
There is a bit of safety if you take the cruise ships “excursions” aka tours. Yes, they can cost about twice what you could do on your own by hiring a driver. If a tour costs $120 each …you can… Read the rest
We recently stopped in Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas aka the Mexican Rivera. (Buick made a car called the Riviera – nice and now collectible.)
These are beach towns. A lot of white sand beckons. Pack the sunscreen. You’ll be closer to the equator, where the rays will hit you at more… Read the rest