One of the concerns raised both by reading on-line posts and from people who have traveled to South America is the very real problem of pick pockets and petty thieves cutting with a sharp instrument your packs etc -either the strap which will cause it to fall off and be easily grabbed or slash the bottom of the pack and items will fall out.
There are a number of products on the market that can help prevent these types of incidents from happening.
I have purchased two items to help protect my valuables.
Firstly - a hidden travel wallet made by Lewis N Clark -
www.lewisnclark.com
This wallet attaches to your belt and is then stuffed inside your trousers - to help make it blend in with your belt is has both a black and brown loop to use. This is compact in size and is designed to only hold a few items - passport, credit cards and bills. Cost around $10.00 CDN
Secondly - the other item is a anti-theft shoulder bag made by Pac Safe:
www.pacsafe.com
I had been looking at a couple of different styles in a couple of specialty travel shops here in Vancouver but was trying to justify the $80 - $100 cost for an item I might not use much after the cruise BUT I got a break today - while out shopping for some non-cruise related items today which I couldn`t find downtown I took the Canada Line to Broadway Station and walked three blocks to Mountain Equipment Co - Op store.
www.mec.ca.
While searching for the items I couldn`t fine downtown and which the Co-op didn`t have either I did come across their travel accessories and while I previously while surfin there web site didn`t find any availability of these bags on line they did have some in store.
Furthermore one of the models regularly priced at $78 CDN was reduced down to $42 CDN and while it is a little smaller that some of the others that I have looked at - I can fit my camera and tablet in it - it also has an RFID pocket to protect your cards from being skimmed.
The model I brought is the Metrosafe 200 GII over the shoulder bag.
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With Christmas over with and it being only 23 days until I leave Vancouver I will start the packing.
More later.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
30 day countdown begins
Well I am now 30 days away from boarding the train here in Vancouver.
Usually by now I would have the suitcase out and start putting some items into it but a funny thing has happen - it seems something called Christmas is upon us and that has taken up the space that I usually use for the suitcase and accessories is taken up by the tree and gifts - I am hosting a Xmas dinner party on Sunday so I don't want the clutter of the suitcase to get in the way.
I also have a couple of discussions with Santa about my concerns about the safety of my valuables while visiting many of the ports on this cruise - hopefully he has listened - guess I will know sometime on Tuesday.
Cheers!
D
Usually by now I would have the suitcase out and start putting some items into it but a funny thing has happen - it seems something called Christmas is upon us and that has taken up the space that I usually use for the suitcase and accessories is taken up by the tree and gifts - I am hosting a Xmas dinner party on Sunday so I don't want the clutter of the suitcase to get in the way.
I also have a couple of discussions with Santa about my concerns about the safety of my valuables while visiting many of the ports on this cruise - hopefully he has listened - guess I will know sometime on Tuesday.
Cheers!
D
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Another bucket list item taken care off.
Well one month from tomorrow I head out the door to the Via rail station here in Vancouver to board the Amtrak train to Seattle and then start the 4 day cross country trek to Fort Lauderdale via Chicago and Washington DC - with both Christmas and the cruise to plan for I have been trying to juggle the planning of the two events - one will be over with in less than a week but I haven't forgotten some of the items on the cruise bucket list.
I wear prescription glasses and the ones that I have are called transitonals - meaning that they darken when exposed to light - while they are okay for general sunny scenes but don't do a great job in extremely bright or glaring sunshine. while I could get proper prescription sunglasses that might be counter productive because cataracts are starting to form in both eyes and after the surgery my eyesight could be different.
So in conjunction with my optometrist I elected to buy a pair of sunglasses that fit fully over my regular glasses. They are called Cocoons and while there is much sunshine in these parts right now - actually it has been snowing most of day but just switched over to rain - they have a demo screen in their office and it make a bi difference. They weren't cheap - around $80.00 but because I am using them in lieu of a prescription pair they were sales tax exempt - I can also claim some of the cost back under my extended health plan.
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The other area that I am just about finished is excursions - only have Antigua and Cabo left to do and since I have been to both more than once they aren't a priority.
_______________________________________________________________________________
An area of concern that is appearing and being discussed is the growing conflict between Argentina and the Falklands Islands and how Argentina is starting to block access to some of their ports if a ship visits the Falklands especially if the ship is British registered which the Grand Princess is - while it doesn't affect me directly they are many people who are to disembark in Buenos Aires who might have to change plans.
So far Princess hasn't indicated what it's plan are - if they decide to skip the Falklands I can live with that but if they opt to visit the Falklands we might be denied access to Puerto Madryn and Ushuaia as well - the latter is at the tip of South America - last town/city at the end of the world and one that I want to visit because of the scenery etc.
Will just have to wait and see what happens.
Cheers
I wear prescription glasses and the ones that I have are called transitonals - meaning that they darken when exposed to light - while they are okay for general sunny scenes but don't do a great job in extremely bright or glaring sunshine. while I could get proper prescription sunglasses that might be counter productive because cataracts are starting to form in both eyes and after the surgery my eyesight could be different.
So in conjunction with my optometrist I elected to buy a pair of sunglasses that fit fully over my regular glasses. They are called Cocoons and while there is much sunshine in these parts right now - actually it has been snowing most of day but just switched over to rain - they have a demo screen in their office and it make a bi difference. They weren't cheap - around $80.00 but because I am using them in lieu of a prescription pair they were sales tax exempt - I can also claim some of the cost back under my extended health plan.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The other area that I am just about finished is excursions - only have Antigua and Cabo left to do and since I have been to both more than once they aren't a priority.
_______________________________________________________________________________
An area of concern that is appearing and being discussed is the growing conflict between Argentina and the Falklands Islands and how Argentina is starting to block access to some of their ports if a ship visits the Falklands especially if the ship is British registered which the Grand Princess is - while it doesn't affect me directly they are many people who are to disembark in Buenos Aires who might have to change plans.
So far Princess hasn't indicated what it's plan are - if they decide to skip the Falklands I can live with that but if they opt to visit the Falklands we might be denied access to Puerto Madryn and Ushuaia as well - the latter is at the tip of South America - last town/city at the end of the world and one that I want to visit because of the scenery etc.
Will just have to wait and see what happens.
Cheers
Friday, December 14, 2012
Random thoughts on a senseless act
I had planned to spend some time today Dec 14, 2012 and do an update for this blog - but as you all must know the tragic events that unfolded in New Town Conn. has put a damper on that.
I was heading to the grocery store for my weekly buy when I heard on the car radio about this needless slaughter of innocent little kids.
Living in Canada most Canadians have a very different view of guns, gun control etc and like our American cousins are shocked by the chain of events that took place today.
I won't spend a lot of time and web space outlining my thoughts on the whole issue of gun ownership - there is a time and place for that discussion but I will leave you with this thought:
If the founding fathers and the congress that approved the 2nd amendment to the US Constitution were alive today they would likely be aghast at what occurred. Wasn't the original intent of the amendment to allow the citizens to arm themselves as a sort of citizen militia in case the British came a calling again.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this needless slaughter. I also find it appalling that some people are criticizing the POTUS for shedding a tear as he tried to find words to express his outrage.
Amen!
I was heading to the grocery store for my weekly buy when I heard on the car radio about this needless slaughter of innocent little kids.
Living in Canada most Canadians have a very different view of guns, gun control etc and like our American cousins are shocked by the chain of events that took place today.
I won't spend a lot of time and web space outlining my thoughts on the whole issue of gun ownership - there is a time and place for that discussion but I will leave you with this thought:
If the founding fathers and the congress that approved the 2nd amendment to the US Constitution were alive today they would likely be aghast at what occurred. Wasn't the original intent of the amendment to allow the citizens to arm themselves as a sort of citizen militia in case the British came a calling again.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this needless slaughter. I also find it appalling that some people are criticizing the POTUS for shedding a tear as he tried to find words to express his outrage.
Amen!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Idle thoughts
Well with less than 60 days until I board the Amtrak Cascades and start the journey to Fort Lauderdale here are a few idle thoughts.
1. Booked another excursion - in St Thomas - a short one to St Peters Museum and the mountain top viewpoint - looks more and more like we will dock at Crown Point.
The only remaining ports that I haven`t booked anything are Antigua, San Juan De Sur - actually on a wait list for a private tour, Puntarenas, Costa Rica and Cabo San Lucas - looked at some ship tours but still deciding what to do.
2. Laundry - the great debate about whether there is a stuff bag special is still as clear as mud - some CCèrs say it has been offered on longer cruises yet others say they have never seen it advertised on any cruises. I asked my CC friend Putterdude who has 16 Princess cruises and he says he has never seen it advertised.
This will likely mean packing more of the basics and having to book two or three days for laundry on the trip - some washing could be done in the sink in the bathroom but it is not an area that I have much experience with.
3. Formal night dress up - here again there are mixed responses - while it appears that sans jacket but with tie etc will get you into the MDR on formal night the demographics of this group indicates it is likely to be older and therefore from an era with suits and ties were actually worn in the work place - will make this a last minute decision probably after I have packed and see how much room or weight allowance I will have.
4. Media storage - I had been contemplating buying a low cost portable external DVD writer for my net book and transferring the photos to it from my computer but when I was in Staples the service clerk says a better way to go is using USB or Flash Drive - right now I can get a 32GB flash drive for about the same price as the DVD writer and it will hold a lot more photos than a DVD. Santa did you catch the hint of what I would like in the stocking.
5. Steam or sauna - still don`t have an answer for what is available - also need to get a personal trainer from the Y to make up a fitness workout for the ship.
6. Hearing aid - I got one when I was working but in retirement I haven`t had much need for it but will need to take it in and get it re-calibrated.
More later.
Cheers!
1. Booked another excursion - in St Thomas - a short one to St Peters Museum and the mountain top viewpoint - looks more and more like we will dock at Crown Point.
The only remaining ports that I haven`t booked anything are Antigua, San Juan De Sur - actually on a wait list for a private tour, Puntarenas, Costa Rica and Cabo San Lucas - looked at some ship tours but still deciding what to do.
2. Laundry - the great debate about whether there is a stuff bag special is still as clear as mud - some CCèrs say it has been offered on longer cruises yet others say they have never seen it advertised on any cruises. I asked my CC friend Putterdude who has 16 Princess cruises and he says he has never seen it advertised.
This will likely mean packing more of the basics and having to book two or three days for laundry on the trip - some washing could be done in the sink in the bathroom but it is not an area that I have much experience with.
3. Formal night dress up - here again there are mixed responses - while it appears that sans jacket but with tie etc will get you into the MDR on formal night the demographics of this group indicates it is likely to be older and therefore from an era with suits and ties were actually worn in the work place - will make this a last minute decision probably after I have packed and see how much room or weight allowance I will have.
4. Media storage - I had been contemplating buying a low cost portable external DVD writer for my net book and transferring the photos to it from my computer but when I was in Staples the service clerk says a better way to go is using USB or Flash Drive - right now I can get a 32GB flash drive for about the same price as the DVD writer and it will hold a lot more photos than a DVD. Santa did you catch the hint of what I would like in the stocking.
5. Steam or sauna - still don`t have an answer for what is available - also need to get a personal trainer from the Y to make up a fitness workout for the ship.
6. Hearing aid - I got one when I was working but in retirement I haven`t had much need for it but will need to take it in and get it re-calibrated.
More later.
Cheers!
Saturday, November 17, 2012
4 days at sea
After having the four ports in four days I will then get a respite and have four seas day before arriving at Fortaleza and the start of the Brazilian portion of the cruise.
To be honest I am not one who by nature can sit still and not become bored so finding things to do for those four days will likely present a bit of a challenge for me.
The first day will be fine as I will based on previous cruises wear myself ragged in the ports and as well as one who doesn`t handle a lot of sun and heat will likely just collapse in my cabin and rest up - will also likely have a lots of pictures taken - it`s not uncommon for me to shoot 200 + images in the ports and even though I have been to three of the first four ports before will still take lots of images - so part of one day could be spent editing these images.
I still am working on devising a plan on how to handle the thousand of pictures and some video that I will be shooting - will put them on the net book but need a backup - unless I buy a portable DVD player which is an option - Santa are you listening - I will need to use either flash drives or SD media cards - adding to the fun is my Samsung tablet which uses a mini-SD card.
Even deciding which cameras to bring is another part of the equation - I have a point and shot digital, a DSLR + telephone lens but have problems with it in that there is some dust on the inner mirror that requires a good cleaning that when taking pictures in bright sunlight leaves a blotch on the image - it is however useful in dull light and having a long lens provides more shooting options - my third camera is my new Nikon P150 which has 42x optic zoom and a video feature - this is probably the one that will get the most usage - will probably use the point and shoot in places like Rio when I am not on a tour because it is small and fits into my pocket.
My fourth camera is a Sony video digital camcorder - one advantages I have is that all of these cameras use the same SD media card.
I will bring some books with me and will try and load a few more on the tablet and use those to pass the time and if I can get my act together will try and record lots of my favorite music onto a mini SD card for the tablet.
I anticipate that we will likely got lectures on the upcoming ports so that will pass some more time and as we will cross the Equator on this leg of the trip I am sure there will be some sort of ceremony marking the occasion.
Doing laundry may be another option - it isn`t entirely known if Princess will be offering laundry service or whether we will be compelled to use the self- service ones. Response to this is mixed on the cruise critic board so likely will have to wait and see how it plays out.
I also like to do crossword puzzles and work search games and have loaded some apps onto the tablet that don`t require wi-fi to use so that should help to pass some time.
As I will be buying some Internet minutes - a lot in fact that should pass some more time.
Then there are the 300 or so cruise critic members who are on board and who I will meet either the night before at a little meet or greet or the first fill sea day when we meet on board - hopefully will be able to chat with them during the sea days and pass the time that way - there are a number of Canadians on board and if we ever get hockey back up and running we will likely be able to have a few friendly discussions about our favorite teams.
There are other from the Metro Vancouver area and over on Vancouver Island so they may also help pass the time.
Well that`s all for now from rainy Vancouver.
Cheers
D
To be honest I am not one who by nature can sit still and not become bored so finding things to do for those four days will likely present a bit of a challenge for me.
The first day will be fine as I will based on previous cruises wear myself ragged in the ports and as well as one who doesn`t handle a lot of sun and heat will likely just collapse in my cabin and rest up - will also likely have a lots of pictures taken - it`s not uncommon for me to shoot 200 + images in the ports and even though I have been to three of the first four ports before will still take lots of images - so part of one day could be spent editing these images.
I still am working on devising a plan on how to handle the thousand of pictures and some video that I will be shooting - will put them on the net book but need a backup - unless I buy a portable DVD player which is an option - Santa are you listening - I will need to use either flash drives or SD media cards - adding to the fun is my Samsung tablet which uses a mini-SD card.
Even deciding which cameras to bring is another part of the equation - I have a point and shot digital, a DSLR + telephone lens but have problems with it in that there is some dust on the inner mirror that requires a good cleaning that when taking pictures in bright sunlight leaves a blotch on the image - it is however useful in dull light and having a long lens provides more shooting options - my third camera is my new Nikon P150 which has 42x optic zoom and a video feature - this is probably the one that will get the most usage - will probably use the point and shoot in places like Rio when I am not on a tour because it is small and fits into my pocket.
My fourth camera is a Sony video digital camcorder - one advantages I have is that all of these cameras use the same SD media card.
I will bring some books with me and will try and load a few more on the tablet and use those to pass the time and if I can get my act together will try and record lots of my favorite music onto a mini SD card for the tablet.
I anticipate that we will likely got lectures on the upcoming ports so that will pass some more time and as we will cross the Equator on this leg of the trip I am sure there will be some sort of ceremony marking the occasion.
Doing laundry may be another option - it isn`t entirely known if Princess will be offering laundry service or whether we will be compelled to use the self- service ones. Response to this is mixed on the cruise critic board so likely will have to wait and see how it plays out.
I also like to do crossword puzzles and work search games and have loaded some apps onto the tablet that don`t require wi-fi to use so that should help to pass some time.
As I will be buying some Internet minutes - a lot in fact that should pass some more time.
Then there are the 300 or so cruise critic members who are on board and who I will meet either the night before at a little meet or greet or the first fill sea day when we meet on board - hopefully will be able to chat with them during the sea days and pass the time that way - there are a number of Canadians on board and if we ever get hockey back up and running we will likely be able to have a few friendly discussions about our favorite teams.
There are other from the Metro Vancouver area and over on Vancouver Island so they may also help pass the time.
Well that`s all for now from rainy Vancouver.
Cheers
D
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
4 ports in 4 days
I promised some posts ago to start giving my ideas on what I might do in the various ports and sea days that I will be visiting so here is the first of them.
After leaving Fort Lauderdale late afternoon we will then have 2 full sea days before arriving in St. Thomas the US Virgin Islands - this will be the first of four consecutive port days - I will then visit Antigua, Barbados and Trinidad. The first three I have been to on at least two other occasions while Trinidad and Port of Spain will be a new one.
As a result I have only booked a tour in Barbados and it will be to Harrison Caves - they were closed for reconstruction the last time I was there so I will do a 3 hour ships tour and then spend the rest of the time wandering around the downtown area - there are three other ships in port the same day so the tourist spots and internet cafes will be swamped.
In both St Thomas and Antigua I intend to play it by ear - if I see something of interest shore wise I might do something otherwise just walk the town and take lots of photos.
For Port of Spain, Trinidad I have signed up for a ships tour and a little bit of adventure - it will be a four hour excursion to a waterfall - after a short stop at St Joseph Church we will then spend about an hour travelling to the Falls and a 45 walk to them - there will be a chance to dip our toes in the water if we choose - I enjoy waterfalls and will often book them to get some exercise.
As I have nine hours in total in Port of Spain should also have time to take in the historic and business part of the port.
By the time I finish with the four ports in four days I will be ready for a rest.
Cheers
After leaving Fort Lauderdale late afternoon we will then have 2 full sea days before arriving in St. Thomas the US Virgin Islands - this will be the first of four consecutive port days - I will then visit Antigua, Barbados and Trinidad. The first three I have been to on at least two other occasions while Trinidad and Port of Spain will be a new one.
As a result I have only booked a tour in Barbados and it will be to Harrison Caves - they were closed for reconstruction the last time I was there so I will do a 3 hour ships tour and then spend the rest of the time wandering around the downtown area - there are three other ships in port the same day so the tourist spots and internet cafes will be swamped.
In both St Thomas and Antigua I intend to play it by ear - if I see something of interest shore wise I might do something otherwise just walk the town and take lots of photos.
For Port of Spain, Trinidad I have signed up for a ships tour and a little bit of adventure - it will be a four hour excursion to a waterfall - after a short stop at St Joseph Church we will then spend about an hour travelling to the Falls and a 45 walk to them - there will be a chance to dip our toes in the water if we choose - I enjoy waterfalls and will often book them to get some exercise.
As I have nine hours in total in Port of Spain should also have time to take in the historic and business part of the port.
By the time I finish with the four ports in four days I will be ready for a rest.
Cheers
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