TRAVELSCRIBBLES

2016 Westin and Sheraton Timeshare Rental Opportunities

2015-04-20T15:53:00.001-07:00

Hello Facebook friends,

We are now marketing our portfolio of timeshare rentals to our Facebook friends and others who are interested in high quality and low cost resort vacations. As our guests you are entitled to luxurious surroundings in Maui, Orlando, Palm Desert, and Cancun, without additional resort fees or sales taxes. if you have questions about the resorts, rates, or dates, please call us at 503-585-3473 or 503-910-7870. (Mobile).
For our most popular resorts on Maui we have already reserved peak season weeks in February, 2016. Copy and paste the links into your browser to see photos, videos, and room descriptions.

WESTIN KAANAPALI OCEAN RESORT VILLAS
February 13-20 (Sat-Sat) One bedroom ocean view $2,750 Studio ocean view $1,950 This is Valentine's Day Week! Peak whale viewing season.
https://www.starwoodvacationnetwork.com/villa-collection/the-westin-kaanapali-ocean-resort-villas/overview

WESTIN KAANAPALI OCEAN RESORT VILLAS NORTH
February 20-27 (Sat-Sat) One bedroom pool/garden view $2,350 Studio ocean view $1,750 We stayed here in January and were able to get ocean view. Peak whale viewing season.
https://www.starwoodvacationnetwork.com/villa-collection/the-westin-kaanapali-ocean-resort-villas-north/overview

Other dates may be available depending on resort occupancy. At these resorts the only additional fee you pay is the Transient Occupancy Tax of $8-12 per day depending on unit size.

WESTIN PRINCEVILLE RESORT
This resort on the north shore of Kauai is situated on a bluff above the blue Pacific. While not as busy as its Maui sister resorts, Princeville offers quiet and restful accommodations and amenities. One bedroom unit $2,450 per week Studio $1,850 per week. This resort generally has availability during most seasons.
https://www.starwoodvacationnetwork.com/villa-collection/the-westin-princeville-ocean-resort-villas/overview

SHERATON VISTANA VILLAGES in Orlando, Florida
All dates available. This resort is three miles from Walt Disney World and features luxurious rooms, pools, and other amenities. Two bedroom units are $1,400 per week. These are great for families as each unit sleeps 8. One bedroom units are also available $600-800 per week.
https://www.starwoodvacationnetwork.com/villa-collection/sheraton-vistana-villages/overview

WESTIN DESERT WILLOW RESORT in Palm Desert, CA
With the Desert Willow Golf Club wrapped around it, this resort offers the best that Palm Springs has to offer. There are several pools, a spa, and a fitness center. Two bedroom units are $2,450 per week. One bedroom units are $950-1,350 per week.
https://www.starwoodvacationnetwork.com/villa-collection/the-westin-desert-willow-villas-palm-desert/overview

WESTIN LAGUNAMAR RESORT in Cancun, Mexico
On a spit of land that divides the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea, the Westin Lagunamar offers a panoramic view of tranquil blue water with first class amenities with spas, huge pools, restsurants and a full concierge staff that will help you make the most of your time in Mexico.
One bedroom units are $1,750-$2,150 per week. Studios are $1,350-1,550 per week.
https://www.starwoodvacationnetwork.com/villa-collection/the-westin-lagunamar-ocean-resort/overview

Portland to Honolulu to Auckland

2013-11-09T09:22:00.003-08:00

September 17-19, 2013: HONOLULU to AUCKLAND

We arrived in Honolulu on time after an uneventful flight from PDX. The walk to baggage claim was a long one, but our bags came through quickly. Honolulu International Airport is a complex place and its different terminals and the need for WikiWiki shuttles careening around the roof from gate to gate lead to confusion- a confusion that plagues even local residents as our experience the next day would demonstrate.

We got aboard a shuttle to the Alamo car rental office a few blocks away and despite the long line we were able to get our paperwork done in a few minutes in a kiosk as we were members of the Alamo frequent renter program. Two rentals a year make me frequent? Go figure. Our car was a white Fiat 500, a car I have seen advertised at home. Room for two people and three bags. The engine sounded like a sewing machine and it really revved up going up the hill onto the H1 highway, one of the busiest in the states.

Our destination was Aulani, a Disney resort we had stayed at in 2012 not long after it opened. We'd be there less than 24 hours. After a stop at Safeway for some snacks that we would convert into a meal later in the day, we arrived at Aulani, situated on one of the small coves carved into the Pacific shore at Ko'Olina west of Honolulu. As we had pre registered, all we had to do was mention our name and the attendants at the porte cochere called us by name. Our bags were retrieved and we were presented with our room keys and resort map and briskly taken to our room on the 7th floor.

The room was a studio with queen bed, large bathroom, and a sleeper sofa. Dark woods and tropical greens and browns predominated and a white and blue quilt with decorative "hidden Mickey" designs lay at the foot of the bed. The room looked out at the Pacific with the resort's water park and recreational area spread out between our tower and another across the way. The Waikalohe Valley water park below features luxurious foliage surrounding pools, hot tubs, a lazy river water feature where guests can float along its stream, and a mountain where more adventurous souls plunge down water two water slides- on for folks with inner tubes and another for those without.

Our first activity was to check out the gift shops for some Disney pin trading, an activity that we enjoy. Later after some wine, cheese, and apples, we tried the hot tub and a circuit around the lazy river in a tandem inner tube. Very refreshing.

After a little television and the fact that we had been up since 2 AM we were asleep rather early.

So early that I arose about 4 AM. Better, I guess, to make the most of the day.

We had a small breakfast and checked out the gift shops again and I even had time to visit the hot tub. We left by 9:30 AM or so and stopped for gas. The Fiat took all of 1.07 gallons. Of course, we then took a wrong turn off the H1 and proceeded up another highway (the H3) which had no turn-offs until we were in sight of the north side of Oahu, a detour that was unplanned but which provided some beautiful views of the North Shore and some towering cliffs.

We turned around and headed back and arrived at the Alamo office where our fuel gauge still red full despite the side trip. Thank you Fiat for making this trip economical.

Once at the terminal we were deposited at the "Hawaiian Airlines International Check-in area" by a driver who seemed to know where we were to go. This was not correct. Once we found we could have been dropped off at an earlier stop, we trudged with our four bags (yes, we moved some things into another small duffel) toward the counter, where we were told to reverse our path toward the north end of the facility where another person told us to go back. Finally we asked a Hawaiian employee to escort us to where we should be- an anonymous kiosk. At that point it would have been easy to check in except for the fact that the device could not read our passports. Time passed and eventually we were given our luggage tags, made our way through the TSA line, and through the use of the WikiWiki shuttle on the roof, made our way to Gate 25, one of the International Gates at HNL.

At the gate we met another couple from Salem. The husband looked familiar but I could not place him. After a chat we learned he is a defense attorney in Salem. His clients were described as "bad guys" and included the father and son who had bombed a Woodburn bank killing two police officers a few years back. He and his wife flew First Class. Apparently crime pays in mysterious ways.

The flight to Aukland took nine hours though it left Wednesday afternoon and arrived Thursday evening because we crossed the International Dateline.

We arrived in the rain and customs did not take long. But because we had packed some leftover cheese and salami in a bag and been foolish enough to declare it, we spent some time in line while a customs agent inspected our food. Do you know what trans Pacific cheese and salami looks like? Not pretty.

A SuperShuttle to our hotel was obtained outside the terminal and we quickly found ourselves zooming around the city. We had no sense of direction or distance and arrived at the Best Western President downtown within 45 minutes.

The hotel was a business oriented one and our room in the tower was on the first floor which was on the second floor in our view. It was like a dorm room and Donna was not pleased. I trudged down to the desk and after some lengthy discussion with the international night crew of Yang Yang, Raj, and Peter, we were able to get a room on the fifth floor with a living room, kitchenette, and bedroom. Very Spartan. But roomy.

Having been up since 2 AM Auckland time, we slept soundly.

September 20-22 Auckland to Bay of Islands

2013-11-09T09:21:00.000-08:00

September 20, 2013: AUCKLAND

After a fitful five and a half hours of sleep, I got up at 6:30 AM. We brought instant coffee and the muffins purchased in Honolulu. These muffins made it past customs the night before without incident.

Our goal for the day was to take the Explorer tour bus around the city. We could hop on and off on two one-hour circuits covering the zoo, marina, parks, museums, and shopping districts. The town is very like Seattle but with palm trees. Lots of sailboats in the water, tall stands of stone and glass buildings cascading from the peaks of hills down to the water.

Despite the English character of the town exemplified by place names and native accents, Auckland is basically and Asian city. The plethora of Chinese, Japanese, Philippine, and Indian dining menus pasted on windows and reader boards indicate a very diverse community.

The center of downtown is likely the Sky Tower a 1500 foot tower with observation decks and a rotating restaurant ala Space Needle. Guests can also walk around outside one of the lofty decks secured by safety lines. And more adventurous souls can bungee jump from the deck.

September 21, 2013: AUCKLAND

For our second day in Auckland we took another tour bus around the city and stopped off at the Auckland Museum, situated on an extinct volcanic cone above the city. The museum had marvelous displays of the Maori culture as well as the historic and prehistoric past of New Zealand. After this visit we stopped in the neighborhood of Parnell, an upscale shopping and dining area. We stopped at a new art gallery that was opening and the atmosphere was very festive. Coffee and cupcakes were served and we bought a stuffed kiwi figure.

When the bus got back to downtown we had a buffet lunch in the Sky City complex surrounding the Sky Tower. The buffet was just okay- nothing special and very skimpy on the salad fixings. Desserts were good. The lunch allowed us to catch our breath so we had energy to hit the casino downstairs. Donna won $10. We quit while we were ahead. There were actually few people in the casino.

The casino was only two blocks from our hotel. Across the street from the hotel was situated a large slingshot thrill ride that would send up to three people rocketing skyward propelled by the energy of bungee cords stretched to two towers. We're spent some time window shopping in the areas near the hotel. While walking around, we walked by a large theater that was used as a location in Peter Jackson's King Kong film.

That night terrific thunderstorms came through the island and we were awakened several times by thunder that exploded.

September 22, 2013: AUCKLAND TO BAY OF ISLANDS

After getting up early to pack I walked to the car rental agency a few blocks from the hotel. The car was a New Zealand version of a Chevy Cruze and was in immaculate shape. The skies had cleared and it promised to be a sunny day. Once I picked up Donna, we maneuvered around the streets and managed to find the main Auckland highway north. The bay bridge and the wide green expanse of the country north of town were beautiful. The emerald green of fields that rolled on either side of the highway was spotted with herds of sheep and cattle. The road narrowed after a few miles into two lanes with frequent passing lanes. As the road led up into the hills in the Northland, traffic slowed and many cars tried to pass. The route began to resemble a roller coaster. In two places signs indicated "frequent crash area" and there was a crash at one of these. Despite the gorgeous scenery there were few places to pull off and take photos.

Our car passed through several small towns. Obvious British names alternate with Maori names and we tried our best to pronounce them.... How do you say Wangharei?

The general speed for roads here is 100 kh or about 62 mph. Maybe it's me, but the 100 makes for a heightened sense of speed.

I knew there was a ferry from Paihia to Russell, but was surprised that we can to a car ferry well before Paihia. We later learned the Paihia ferry is pedestrian. The ferry we took over the strait was all of ten minuted then there was a five minute drive into tow. Russell is no an island, but a promontory. But the road leading there from the mainland are very trusted and long, so the best way to arrive is by ferry. The town is small and we found the Russell Cottages quickly. Our cottage was not ready so we walked a block or two to a market to see what we would need to buy. Food here both in restaurants and stores is expensive.

The water in the bay was a lovely turquoise and while walking past shops near the passenger ferry pier we observed many sailboats moored.

Russell Cottages is a cluster of two story houses about two blocks from the Main Street of town. Our cottage was number 11. It featured a large living area with open kitchen and a bathroom and laundry area on the first floor. On the second floor is a master bedroom and ensuite bathroom. Other doors upstairs were locked but my guess is there was another bedroom and bath for larger parties. The main floor had hardwood flooring and two patio doors opened onto a deck with small back yard. More than enough room for two people. The colors are a neutral white/ gray which contrasts nicely with the dark wood floors. Upstairs is carpeted with tile in the bath. The living area featured a flat screen television and fireplace.

The bed was comfortable and we slept well. A television is in the room.

Wifi is available for one device at a time ($25 for three days). The signal was strong but dropped away at times requiring another sign on. I could get a signal by walking over to the office area. The manager said she would waive the fee.

The rate for the cottage was about $150 per night through Expedia. We bought groceries for our meals as there were minimal necessities like salt and pepper in the cottage. Coffee and tea with a quick heating teapot were provided as well as dinnerware and pots and pans.

Some of the cottages surround a small salt water pool and spa. The spa was great but the pool was cool. In an adjacent building is a small kitchen and barbecues outside for guest use.

September 23-24 Russell, The Bay of Islands

2013-11-09T09:19:00.002-08:00

September 23, 2013: RUSSELL

For resort guests a walk downtown is about the only activity unless one takes the ferry to Paihia or a boat cruise. We did the afternoon cruise through Dolphin Cruises for about $95. We were comped a ticket to Paihia to start the trip there and get a lunch.

The trip to Paihia took ten minutes and we spent some time looking at shops. I picked up a Team NZ t-shirt for the America's Cup boat races now going on in San Francisco Bay. New Zealand leads, but USA has won the last four races. We have been watching the races every morning since we got here.

A quick lunch of fish and chips preceded our boat trip (we were afraid we'd be late so we took leftovers onto the boat). The boat was very much like those plying the waters around Maui. Room for a sixty or so inside and out. We sat and talked with a couple from Auckland who were using a voucher given them for a free trip they had received some time ago. Guests get a free trip voucher if the boat fails to see dolphins. We got a voucher after we failed to see dolphins on this trip. Good for our next trip. Sometime.

The highlight of the trip is to pass through the "Hole in the Rock" formation in the east. Our boat passed easily through it. On the way back the skipper tried to find dolphins. No luck. We did see some fur seals lying on some rocks, however. And hundreds if not thousands of seabirds surrounding schools of fish.

September 24, 2013: RUSSELL

It was raining today and the forecast was for a real storm later in the day and Wednesday. However, by 3 PM there was not some light rain. We were told by a resort receptionist that storms tend to pass quickly here because the island in rather narrow. We drove a little up the hill to the east and saw the other side of this promontory that is Russell. Many vacation homes lined the hills and the shore.

After a stop for groceries for lunch we headed back in the rain to eat and see what happens in the weather. Fortunately there is CNN with news about the Nairobi terrorist attack. There was only one America's Cup race today and USA won bringing the score to 8-6 in favor of the Kiwis.

September 25-26 Russell to Rotorua to Matamata (Hobbiton)

2013-11-09T09:18:00.000-08:00

September 25, 2013: RUSSELL TO ROTORUA

This was a long day as we were to drive from Russell in the Northland south past Auckland to Rotorua in the center of the island. Of course, we had to watch the first race of the day in the America's Cup sailing regatta. Team USA won the race and the second race we missed on our drive. The match is now even at 8-8 despite USA's two race penalty.

Whatever storm had passed in the night had moderated by morning. There was no rain where we were. The drive south was pleasant as I was more comfortable in the car now. We were ready to head into some curvy hill roads when we encountered a detour sending us east toward the ocean. This was somewhere between Whangarei and Wellsford on your maps. Whatever the reason for the detour, our car passed some small towns and farms and some curves that slowed us down considerably. It rained on and off. We came within fifty yards of the roiling surf in a place called Waipu Cove. Once back on Highway 1 we made good time. The traffic through Auckland was heavy but we made good time as the signage was clear. Past the city we stopped for lunch at McDonald's. as everywhere else prices for food are high here. A simple burger is $2.00.

On our way south the tropical foliage of palms and cycads gave way to deciduous trees. As this is the start of the New Zealand spring we were not surprised to see budding trees and many cherry blossoms along the road and in yards. The next large town we encountered was Hamilton. With grassy expanses of parks along rivers and lakes this town was charming as was Cambridge a ways further. In these towns we came to several roundabouts where the directions and my unfamiliarity with NZ driving rules presented some confusion. In the US we go counterclockwise, here it is clockwise. We just kept on Hwy 1 until we needed to go to Hwy 5 toward Rotorua.

As our car headed into the hills in this area, the tropical greenery were experienced in the north reappeared and at one time the road seemed to exist in a deep green tunnel of cycads, palms, and other plants all around us. The road came into Rotorua along its namesake lake where we promptly got lost. The maps we had did not appear to match the streets we were on. After traveling a bit we oriented ourselves to the main thoroughfare, Fenton Street, and we soon found the Holiday Inn. This is a large hotel at the south end of the town near the Whakarewarewa geothermal area we detected earlier by its sulfurous smell. Yuck. We registered quickly and went to our upgraded room on the 4th floor (or 5th floor as the ground floor is not numbered). Our room faced the town and the lake northward. Behind the resort were columns of steam rising from the geothermal pools powered by the region's volcanic nature.

We drove to the Countdown grocery for food and returned for the night.

September 26, 2013: ROTORUA AND MATAMATA

The day broke with some sun and clouds. In the distance out our window is Lake Rotorua. Behind our hotel is the thermal area that is fenced off for safety reasons. A tour is available to enter the thermal village of Whakarewarewa. I tried to walk through a decorative gate onto a bridge but was stopped by a guard who said I would need a ticket. The tour shop had displays about the history of the area. Apparently there were huge thermal terraces of brilliant colors in the past. In 1886 a volcanic eruption destroyed these terraces.

Later in the morning we drove northeast to Matamata where the Hobbiton movie set is located. We stopped at the local tourist center and got directions to the 1,250 acre sheep farm where the set was located. The cost for the two hour tour was $75 so Donna said she would remain at the tour center and shop while I was bused to the site.

The small bus navigated over the gravel road that was built by the New Zealand army in preparation for the movie in 1999. Deep valleys with herds of sheep lay on one side of the road and after a short ride we arrived at the set. All the structures here were left to the weather after the first film series was completed. When plans for The Hobbit series were started, the set was rebuilt and much attention was spent to make sure the rebuilt set was completely identical to the first. We walked along gravel paths past dozens of Hobbit homes. Each was unique and tied visually to the characters who lived there in the film. At the top of the hill overlooking the village was Bag End, home of Bilbo Baggins. As these are exterior sets, there are no finished interiors to see. Behind Bilbo's green door we could see a finished interior wall but that was all there was. I went into another door to look out the window and have a picture taken. The only interior was a muddy and rocky floor and a back wall was about four feet or so from the door.

At the end of the tour we visited the large Green Dragon Inn for a beer before departing. The original Inn was burned as part of the third film in Lord of the Rings. The new version was completed last year and now hosts tour groups, weddings, and meetings. Once back at the tour center I met Donna and we picked up a few souvenirs.

We drove back to Rotorua and walked around the shopping district with the intent of having a dinner at a place call the Pig and Whistle. Regrettably the prices of pigs and whistles have increased considerably and we could not see spending $15 each for chowder and bread. So our trusty Holden hatchback beat a path back to the Holiday Inn where we had ramen noodles.

September 27-28 Rotorua to Napier

2013-11-09T09:15:00.003-08:00

September 27, 2013: ROTORUA

On this day we drove into the city and walked around the lakefront. Later we sat by the pool of the hotel and soaked up some sun. Had lunch at Carl's after touring a big shopping area called Farmers.

September 28, 2013: ROTORUA TO NAPIER

Got up early to drive into Taupo before driving to Napier. As it was a Saturday many people were walking around the town. We stopped in a few stores. Donna bought a pair of fingerless gloves that were lost within two days. We also bought a book for Caidin's birthday. The drive to Napier took us through very curvy roads and deep valleys. Some bridges crossed deep chasms and the geography was very interesting. Again, sheep covered any grassy areas.

The Esk Valley Lodge sits at the base of a large hill. Out front are expansive vineyards that were young and just starting to bud out in this early Spring. Our hosts for two nights at this bed and breakfast were Jess and Eilene Roddy, originally from England. Their farm has sheep, pigs, chickens, and other creatures. The vineyards are leased out to others. The house where the rooms are rented out is large with great hedges and flowering trees extending in front toward the vineyard. We were in the Reisling room which included twin beds, a tv, large bathroom, and great wifi. Our bedroom looked out toward a barn and grapefruit and orange trees.

After getting situated, we drove in to the town of Napier known for its Art Deco buildings. We stopped for lunch and drove back to the B and B were we napped. At about 5 PM, we were served wine and snacks and had an opportunity to talk with our hosts. Later we were joined by other guests, a young couple from Newfoundland now working in New Zealand.

September 29-30 Napier to Wellington

2013-11-09T09:14:00.003-08:00

September 29, 2013: NAPIER

As befitting the nature of this Establishment, the Esk Valley Lodge serves breakfast to guests. We had fresh omelets, bacon, and toast. The jam and orange juice were from the Lodge. We were offered a menu and chose the safest items. All items were very good. This was the first time I had ever seen Kidneys on Toast as a breakfast option. I wonder how many select it.

After eating we drove past Napier to Hastings for its weekly Farmers Market. Fresh eggs, honey, hot sauces, candies, and cheeses were offered in booths and tents in a park- like setting. The weather was sunny and the green of the park and the blooms on the New Zealand flowers added a lot to the atmosphere. Bought a piece of walnut brittle.

Driving back into Napier, we stopped by the waterfront park as there appeared to be another Farmers Market going on. This was actually a swap meet activity with people selling old books, tools, knitware, and assortments of vegetables. One wild looking man was selling moonshine that was offered in reused two liter soda bottles. We passed on this.

We had brought some laundry with us in the hopes of finding a laundromat somewhere in Napier. The rest of our morning was spent driving around the town looking for one. Came back to the Lodge where Donna took a nap. Not a good idea to drink Starbucks instant before bed. That and the change to NZ daylight saving time caught us short on sleep.

Later we drove to Napier, found the laundry and sat out in the sun while our clothes got washed and dried. At 5 PM Jes and Eilene joined us for wine and snacks. The Reisling wine served was from their own grapes. Their fields are contracted out to a winery that does all the work.

September 30, 2013: NAPIER TO WELLINGTON

After a nice breakfast served to us by host Jes Roddy,, we drove to Wellington through green fields covered with flocks of sheep, deep valleys, and as we approached the country's capital, the blue green of the Tasman Sea on our right. We had a choice of routes and were glad we followed the western one as we could see storm clouds in the east. At one time our path along the road had black clouds on the left and sunny skies on the right as we neared our destination.

It was confusing as we entered the city due to some steady rain and our erroneous assumption that we would arrive from the south of the bay on which the city is built. After a brief drive down some streets we could recognize on the map, we arrived at the James Cook Grand Chancellor Hotel. Our room was on the 20th floor with a view of surrounding skyscrapers. While technically a Lambdon Room, we dubbed our room the Fujitsu Room after the gigantic neon lights outside and above our large windows.

We parked the car in the garage earlier and decided we would leave it there for the duration until we take the ferry on Thursday. Despite the rain we walked down toward the quay stopping at a Pita Pit restaurant for Thai chicken pita sandwich we shared.

The weather was forecasted to be better on Tuesday, so we returned to our lofty room and read and watched television.

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES ABOUT NEW ZEALAND

Streaky bacon- American bacon strips

Torches- flashlights

Take away- to go

Long Black- black coffee

Roundabouts instead of signaled intersections

Political signs everywhere

Green hills

Cycads- fern trees

Sheep everywhere

Chirping pedestrian Walk/Don't Walk signals

October 1-3, Wellington

2013-11-09T09:13:00.001-08:00

October 1, 2013: WELLINGTON

The day broke sunny and cool on the first of October. I learned that there was an elevator that descends down to Lambton Quay so we would not have to walk up and down between the terraced streets that run in a curvy parallel to the waterfront. I walked down to the Pita Pit for a humongous breakfast wrap that we ate in our room. This was all after being in a panic because we had apparently left Donna's jewelry in Rotorua three days ago. After one call to the hotel, we were relieved when the manager called us confirming they found the jewelry in the nightstand. The manager indicated she would send it to our next stop in Christchurch at our cost. A bargain considering the value of the jewelry.

Later in the morning after looking at some shops nearby, we gathered the nerve to take our car and drive a few miles to the Weta Cave and Workshop where special effects are developed for movies like Lord of the Rings, King Kong, Avatar, and TinTin. The Cave is very interesting and souvenirs are spendy. We saw a film about how the company began and later I took a tour through the shops. Many costumes, models, and weapons were on display as well as some full figure statues of creatures from LOTR, and other movies. Very cool. Outside the workshop there are full scale replicas of the trolls from LOTR.

We managed to find our way back to our hotel and had a late lunch. Because all the news on tv was about the imminent US government shutdown, we watched the news for a while and later rented the movie, Broken City.

October 2, 2013: WELLINGTON

A bit cloudy today. A funicular style cable car runs up the hill from Lambton Quay up to the Botanical Gardens. The car went up about 30 degrees and made several stops on the way to the top. An observatory and extensive gardens are at the summit. we walked a trail featuring many Australian species of plants and trees. As it was early spring there were not many blooms yet and we did not walk down into some of the other areas featuring rose gardens and the like. After going on the cable car down the hill we walked around near the Parliament building and train station before having lunch at Burger King. Only authentic New Zealand would do. Purchased some fixings for dinner at the New World deli and market at the station.

In the afternoon we walked to Cuba Street an eclectic strip of boutiques and youth oriented shops. Could have purchased a great bong. Some time was spent looking for a pair of fingerless gloves for Donna. She bought a pair in Taupo then lost them somewhere around Napier.

October 3, 2013: WELLINGTON TO CHRISTCHURCH

We got up early to turn in our car and board the ferry. It was confusing to bring the car to the ferry terminal. All we were supposed to do was to lock the car and drop the keys in a box in the terminal. Because we had ordered a Plus ticket we were in the Kaitaki Plus lounge where we were served breakfast and later some mini quiches. The ferry transports people, their cars, and some very large trucks carrying farm equipment and, if my nose is correct, cattle or sheep. Despite being on the ocean, I never was able to detect the ocean salt air that is so familiar in Oregon.

The trip took about three hours and we arrived at the port of Picton on the South Island about noon. I was able to pick up our Hyundai at the Avis counter while Donna waited for bags. Then we were off on a 330 kilometer drive down south to Christchurch. The drive took us through green hills on which thousands of acres of grapes have been planted. This is a major New Zealand wine growing area. The hills were green but not the dark green we found up north. The road swerved over to the coast where it was very curvy slowing us and the large trucks down. It was surprising to look south along the road with the Pacific Ocean on the left and green hills and snow capped peaks on the right.

Once off the coast the roads picked up more traffic as we approached Christchurch which had suffered a major earthquake a couple years ago. The area is very flat and despite Donna's navigation we became hopelessly lost until we asked a woman walking by some directions to Riccarton Road. We were not too far off. But, because the town is relatively flat, we could not see any landmarks.

The Lorenzo Motor Lodge is in an area west of a large park. On the east side of the park is the central business district which suffered the brunt of the earthquake. We walked to a grocery a few blocks away and saw one stone church with huge metal braces supporting its wall. Across the street a Buddhist temple was closed for earthquake repairs. The blocks around our motel is very Chinese-oriented with many restaurants and food stores catering to that clientele.

October 4-5 Christchuch

2013-11-09T09:11:00.003-08:00

October 4, 2013: CHRISTCHURCH

Sunny this morning in Christchurch. We drove into town to see the earthquake damage which was extensive. Many buildings were boarded up and others were being repaired. Of course, there were entire blocks where there was nothing but rubble or nothing where the rubble had been. We drove toward New Brighton on the beach. Even there several miles out of the CBD, evidence of building damage was visible. Places where there had been homes were grassy plots of ground. At the beach we walked onto a 300 meter pier that jutted out into the surf. Many people were fishing, but most were crabbing. The crabs we saw were small, nothing like Dungeness. No size limits according to a poster.

We spoke to a young man about his crabbing. He mentioned he had been to the states and even drove through Cannon Beach.

We drove back into the main part of town and stopped for lunch at a Japanese restaurant for some Curry Katsu, deep fried chicken strips over rice with curry sauce. After lunch I thought it good to find the airport as we were to drive there early Sunday for our flight to Sydney. The airport is west several miles from where we are staying and the traffic around the motel is heavy. We found another hotel nearer the airport, the Copthorne, and after checking with our current motel, made a reservation for Saturday night. Our Sunday morning flight would be much easier. Of course, we'd need to move the following day. But the new place had a pool and hot tub!

After relaxing in our room and catching up on Republican mischief in the USA, we walked down the street to aces little stores. We stopped at a new age store full of religious artifacts. Hindu, Buddhist, Wiccan, Celtic Christian, and secular statues and posters filled the store. The proprietor said she missed the first of the three large earthquakes in the fall of 2010. Since that time there have been over 12,000 aftershocks in the area.

October 5, 2013: CHRISTCHURCH

We moved into a new hotel nearer the airport in the morning. The Copthorne Commander is a very nice hotel near a golf course. It has a spa and pool. And a lunch buffet that we chose to partake in rather than fast food or deli food.

We sat out on the interior patio near the pool and read in the morning. This was done due to the pleasant weather. Later we took the car back to the airport early in order to speed up our activities the next morning when we were to leave for Sydney.

A group staying at the hotel was from the US: military personnel going to Antarctica for the summer.

October 6-7 Sydney

2013-11-09T09:10:00.002-08:00

October 6, 2013: SYDNEY

Because our flight to Sydney left at 7 from Christchurch we were up before 4 AM. Our shuttle got us to the airport promptly and our bags got checked. What we were not aware of was that carry-ons are weighed as well so we had to rearrange some items. The flight was a little over three hours on Air New Zealand.there was no first or business class and I have been in a plane with seats so close together.

Arrival in sunny Sydney was uneventful. We were able to get a shuttle to downtown with about eight other people. Our stop was next to last so it took a while. The Westin is beautiful and we were upgraded to a 23rd floor king suite with Club Lounge privileges. We stopped at the Lounge to get a snack as we had little to eat in the morning.

Then we walked about half a mile down to Sydney Harbor to take in the sights. A big event called the Fleet Review was going on so the quay was packed with people trying to get on tour boats to see the ships. There were some three masted ships as well plying the waters between Sydney Cove and Port Jackson neared the mouth of the Harbor. We walked around the beautiful Sydney Opera House and then up into the Royal Botanical Gardens on the eastern side of the central business district where our hotel was located. It was very warm and we were exhausted by the time we returned. So due to our early morning and our walk we got showered and rested and read in the afternoon. Our room faced the harbor but because of the intervening buildings we had only a couple of peeks at the harbor.

In the evening we took advantage of the Club Lounge for wine and hors'doerves. As the sun set the lights in the nearby buildings clicked on. So ended our first night in this wonderful city.

October 7, 2013: SYDNEY

We were up early given the time change. It was Labor Day and many people were in the downtown quay area for the Fleet Review. Breakfast in the Club Lounge was interesting. Besides scrambled eggs and bacon, there was baked beans and green beans. We were offered baked beans on the ferry from Wellington, too.

Sydney has a series on hop on hop off Explorer buses so we figured this was a good way to see the city. We went most of one circuit then hopped on the bus out to Bondi Beach south of town. The beach was beautiful so we got out and had lunch and Donna bought a shirt for Caitie. The return ride gave us some grand views of Sydney Harbor from the south. We passed the naval base where thousands of people were lined up to see the ships on display. Once we were on the city circuit bus, the route took us past some of the other smaller bays in Sydney. We passed the aquarium, a large pier side shopping center, Chinatown, and finally under the Sydney Harbor Bridge that took nine years to build in the 1920's.

Once back downtown we hiked back to the hotel and spent some time reading before going upstairs for wine and hors'doeurves.

October 8-10 Sydney

2013-11-09T09:09:00.001-08:00

October 8, 2013: SYDNEY

We spent the day visiting several of the shopping venues around Sydney. These included the Strand, the Queen Victoria Shopping mall in one of the older buildings in Sydney, and the Harbourside Shopping Center in Darling Harbor.

October 9, 2013: SYDNEY

After breakfast we walked down to Circular Harbor and took a ferry out to Manly Beach. This beach is north of the entrance into Sydney from the Tasman Sea. On the way we saw a dolphin leaping out of the water a couple of times. Manly is a small community on the beach. As it was a very lovely day, the sea shone bright turquoise as surfers, sailboarders, and paddleboarders, played in the water. We ambled through several shops including an aboriginal art gallery with beautiful paintings, statues, boomerangs, and even some didgeridoos. I want a didgeridoo. Donna said didgeridont. We sat by the beach and watched the seabirds that were plentiful and aggressive as they swooped down to get a young man's lunch.

On our way back we stopped at Watson Bay and had lunch at an old restaurant named Doyle's that has been on that location for about a hundred years. The seafood basket of fish, shrimp, squid, scallops, and shrimp was good, but cooking all these together made the separate items taste much alike.

There was a huge line to get back to Circular Harbor and we missed one boat but caught the next only to find out later it was on another ferry line. We were allowed to exit without buying another ticket.

October 10, 2013: SYDNEY

We took the free downtown shuttle to Chinatown a mile or so away to check out the souvenir stalls in a huge warehouse setting. Rows and rows of small booths with trinkets, stuffed kangaroos and even some didgeridoos. Many shops had iPhone and iPad cases. After this we strolled up an alleyway toward the bus stop and checked out prices for souvenirs there. Prices were significantly higher. So back to the warehouse we went and filled up on different tchotchkes. The bus took us back to Circular Quay from which we strolled along an area called The Rocks, a very old part of Sydney along the water. One place we passed was the oldest bar in Sydney.

We walked around the area and under the massive Sydney Harbor bridge then returned to the quay. After a lunch at a local Scottish establishment, we bought tickets for the ferry to Parramatta, the furthest stop inland on the ferry line. By the time left it was very warm. According to the tv, the temperature was to be 39 that day- 103 degrees Fahrenheit. The SeaCat we were on took us by Cockatoo Island that is used for a prison. Dozens of tents were pitched outside. We passed the site of the 2000 Summer Olympic Games and then entered into a smaller estuary, muck like a mangrove swamp for our last few miles. We did not want to stay in The town, Australia's second oldest settlement, so we purchased tickets on board for the return. It was very warm in the boat and despite breezes outside while moving, we preferred the cabin to be out of the sun. An hour later we were back walking to our hotel after picking up some items to eat in our room. Later we watched MSNBC to catch up on the government shut-down.

October 11-12 Sydney to Cairns

2013-11-09T09:03:00.002-08:00

October 11, 2013: SYDNEY TO CAIRNS

In spite of our early wake-up call, our shuttle was late. But we made it to the airport only to discover we were unaware of the terminal to enter. There are two domestic terminals and one international. Our driver suggested we go to the domestic as that was the type of flight we were on. She was right. After getting our boarding passes we waited in line a while to check bags then proceeded to our gate.

While we got our tickets through Expedia, apparently when booking through Aussie/Kiwi airlines on can request additional options such as meals. We did not, but were able to order a bagel on our earlier flight to a sydney and a pie on our current flight. Our flight attendant indicated that the additional fee was not worth the food. The flight to Cairns was about three hours, but because Queensland is not on daylight saving time, the change in time was only about two hours. Interestingly enough, at no time were we asked for identification prior to boarding our plane.

Our plan arrived in Cairns at about 11 AM. It was a small airport and we debated between taking a shuttle or renting a car. We opted for a small car from Avis. A good choice. The road up to Port Douglas passed through small towns with many roundabouts and finally narrowed to a windy two lane road running along the shoreline. Fortunately there were several passing lanes as we did not want to restrict others behind us.

After an hour we reached the Sheraton Mirage Resort. It is an extensive resort with a main lobby and fresh water pool and two branching wings on either side surrounded by large salt water lagoons. A golf course wraps around the facility. Our room was in building four with a branch of one of the lagoons below our second floor king suite. The reviews on this resort are mixed, but the central conflict is this: a spacious resort with many amenities directly on the beach, yet in desperate need of renovation. The room had a mild musty smell but was well appointed. Carpeting in tropical locations should be eschewed in favor of tile or wood planking. The refrigerator was large, the windows looked out at fingers of the lagoon. The hotel had a promotion that allowed for 12 meal coupons for $240. Guest use the coupons for meals. One for breakfast buffet and more for dinner or lunch. The breakfast buffet made the expenditure worthwhile.

Once our room was situated we made for the pool, a very large irregular shape near the lobby building and restaurant. Like the hotel itself, it is showing wear. But with the early Australian sun bearing down on us through a cloudless sky, the pool was refreshing. I walked out to the beach where signs were posted about the possibility of "stingers" that is box jellyfish that can give powerful stings. Few people were on the beach. Most were lounging by the pool or in one of the many salt water lagoons.

We drove into Port Douglas proper for groceries and to buy some sun screen. Shops lined its main tourist center.

October 12, 2013: PORT DOUGLAS

Because there is no daylight saving time here, we were an hour earlier than Sydney. So getting up early was not a problem, or depending on one's point of view, remained a problem. We took advantage of the breakfast buffet that included many items such as made to order omelets, pancakes, rolls, fruits, juices, and even the Australian version of an Egg McMuffin. The lamb sausages were okay, but the bacon great.

After breakfast we walked to the pool. I was surprised there were so few people in or around the pool as the restaurant and lobby earlier were very crowded. We talked a while with a couple from Sydney. She hailed from the city while her husband was from Israel.

After a couple of hours it was decided we should do our laundry. This was to be done at the laundromat in the Sunbird center a short walk from the lobby.short but confusing. I had tried to find it earlier in the day and had become hopelessly lost in the labyrinthine paths around the resort. And having found it earlier, I had difficulty locating the specific room it was in as I had earlier found it by coming into the lovely central courtyard from a different side.

The laundry gave us a chance to read and write. And later we returned to the pool for a swim.

October 13-14 Port Douglas

2013-11-09T09:02:00.002-08:00

October13, 2013: PORT DOUGLAS

After breakfast we spent the morning by the pool reading and playing video games. Talked with two ladies visiting from Germany. I walked onto the beach but there was not a lot to see. The resort has allowed the trees and foliage to form a barrier between the buildings and the beach. Few people were walking along the shoreline. Coarse sand and bleached pebbles and shattered coconuts were everywhere.

Later we drove to the port to make reservations for the Great Barrier Reef on Tuesday. Set up a trip with Quicksilver tours that will take us out 90 minutes to the outer reef called Agincourt Reef. There is a huge pontoon platform there where we can snorkel from. There is also a semi- submersible, restaurant for lunch and viewing platforms.

We then drove to town where we visited an oceanside Sunday market that was in the process of closing. A lot of pottery, beads, and tarot card readers. We learned there would be another market nearer the port on Wednesday.

Once back at the resort we spent some time by the pool. Later we watched a movie in our room.

October 14, 2013: PORT DOUGLAS

The day broke much sunnier than the one before, so after breakfast we walked to the pool area. We swam and read until about 2 PM then we drove to Mossman and walked through the Daintree rain forest to see Mossman Gorge. A sign at the start of the trail showed that at certain times of the day, bats swoop down to catch and eat the large spiders that inhabit the forest. This was enough for me to cancel the walk, but we proceeded walking on an elevated metal path that took us through the jungle at a height of ten or twenty feet until we came to a viewing platform near a rocky stream where a number of people were swimming in the pools formed by the boulders. Apparently during the rainy season the stream can be filled with deeper and faster running water so there are plenty of signs warning swimmers to be careful.

After our walk in Mossman we drove back to Port Douglas proper and visited a few shops then bought some breakfast items for the next day as we were sailing to the Great Barrier Reef.

October 15-18 Port Douglas

2013-11-09T09:00:00.002-08:00

October 15, 2013: PORT DOUGLAS

This was the big day for our Great Barrier Reef trip. We arrived at the port early and were the first to board the jet propelled catamaran. We were told there were about 260 guests on board. It took about 90 minutes to arrive at the reef. Attached to the reef's bottom was a huge pontoon structure with dining facilities, scuba and snorkeling areas, two semisubmersibles and a place for two large boats to dock. I signed up to be with a novice group under the tutelage of a biologist. While the fish here were not so spectacular, the coral formations and varieties of coral were . Our guide showed us a huge clam about four feet across and got it to close its shell. We saw a clownfish like Nemo and many other varieties. The colors were vibrant and less muddy than in the heavily trafficked Maui. And we paddled in shallow as well as 30 feet of water.

After snorkeling, I met Donna and we had lunch buffet and sat with a couple from South Africa. Then we descended to a lower deck to ride a while on the semisubmersible so Donna could see the coral. After about three hours we got underway and sailed back to Port Douglas. On our way back we talked with the South Africans and a family from the Gold Coast south of Port Douglas.

October 16-18, 2013: PORT DOUGLAS

During the last three days in Port Douglas we spent time by the pool, read, played games on our iPads, shopped, and prepared for our long trip home. We had the opportunity to speak in the pool with a couple who lived in the Sydney suburbs.

Cairns to Auckland to Honolulu to Portland

2013-11-09T08:58:00.003-08:00

October 19, 19, and 20, 2013: PORT DOUGLAS TO CAIRNS TO AUCKLAND TO HONOLULU TO PORTLAND

We had a simple breakfast on our last day in Port Douglas and soon found our way on the James Cook highway south to Cairns. Our earlier breakfast did not keep us from a stop at McDonald's near Cairns for an Egg McMuffin. And just like our first breakfast sandwich eaten almost a month earlier on our way to Russell, New Zealand, it had ketchup on it. Must be a Southern Hemisphere thing.

Our little Nissan Micra was turned in and we made for the Air New Zealand counter. Our carry on bags were over the limit, but we expected to leave these behind us in line. But our carry ons were the first things the agent wanted to weigh. Oops! We shuffled our things around and made our way to the gate. The flight was uneventful and we arrived in Auckland just after dark. We purchased a couple of lunch items as our tickets did not allow a meal. Auckland airport has a number of customs areas to maneuver and we needed to do this quickly as we needed to get all our bags before being re-ticketed for our flight to Honolulu on Hawaiian. This was done quickly as our international flight on the latter airline with its generous luggage allowances. With some time to spare we got a burger at Hungry Jack, Australia's Burger King. Once on the plane we ate another meal within an hour of takeoff which itself had been delayed due to restroom resetting on the plane. Also on the plane were the attorney and his wife we'd met a month ago on our way to New Zealand. They indicated their bus caravan was plagued with bad weather, but they had enjoyed themselves.

After the delay, and the post-midnight dinner, we tried to get some rest on the long flight. Unfortunately, as I was trying to get comfortable in my window seat, I became ill. I am not sure what caused this: the chicken for dinner, the glass of white wine, the lorazepam I took to calm down and sleep. Who knows. But after suffering for a time, I told Donna I wanted to lie down as I was dizzy and sweat poured off of me. She quickly laid a blanket down in front of the bulkhead row in front of us. (The row was vacant as it required some cash for these upgraded seats.) Donna notified the attendant and before I knew it, two MD's and a cardiac care nurse were attending me. I do not remember a lot. Sometime during this experience, somebody had shaved part of my chest to attach an AED device. At one moment I had my left arm poked with a needle and through the fog in my brain heard a female voice mention adrenalin. I was breathing pure oxygen and the lights were bright. The time was punctuated by the AED machine speaking: Do not touch the patient. No shocking is required. Pause. You may now touch the patient. I had no energy and drifted in and out of consciousness. Every so often I could here someone speak to me, "Roger, Roger, can you hear me?" I could hear but could not respond well. Gee, all I really wanted was to lie down. Why all the fuss?

So over some three thousand miles over the Pacific and the Equator, I remained laying on the floor in front of Row 11 near the bulkhead. During this time the day regressed from October 20 to October 19 when we crossed the international dateline. Shortly before we arrived in Honolulu I found myself able to get up. Donna told me that, had I not come out of it, the pilot had an option of stopping in Samoa to drop me off. Fortunately, I was somewhat responsive. As a perk for this experience I was able to get off the plane first. In the lobby we were met with a phalanx of personnel including an EMT who spoke with me. He said he could take me to the hospital. But I felt better and said I would be okay. After all the next flight was four hours away. So the crew left after I signed a waiver refusing additional care. Now during this time, a Hawaiian employee was monitoring the situation. She then told me that I could not get on the next flight until I was released by a physician to fly. She was going to rebook our flight for the next day. Hmm.. Maybe I should have gone in the ambulance. So we needed to get to a hospital.

We were assisted through customs by an agent who had come with the Hawaiian employee. This helped. We then found our way to a rental car van and within ten minutes were driving a big Nissan sedan to the hospital. Other than being tired, I felt fine. At the Queen's Hospital we checked in at the Emergency Department. During about four hours I had my blood drawn, x-ray taken, and an EKG administered. Everything showed up normal. Son of a gun. The doctor who spoke with us gave me the reports and a note for Hawaiian saying I could fly.

During the time at the hospital, dear daughter Deirdre made a reservation for us at Aulani west of Honolulu. We arrived about 4 PM and within minutes were in our lovely, Hawaiian-inspired room. An interesting place to be as we'd been here five and a half weeks earlier on our way to the South Pacific. While the outdoors with its gardens and tropical pools seemed inviting, all we wanted to do was eat the fast food we picked up, watch some television, and sleep.

We actually slept in the following morning, all the way to 7:15 AM. We walked around the resort a little and left by 11 AM for the airport.

A day later than we expected, we flew home.

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon at Walt Disney World

2013-04-04T15:58:00.001-07:00

Typhoon Lagoon in Disney World is a top notch water park with something for everybody. Unfortunately everybody was there yesterday, a Friday. The park's slides, wave pool, lazy river, water roller coaster known as the Crushin Gusher, and kids area offer families or teens an activity that they will enjoy. During slower seasons the lines are modest. During the summer and holidays the lines can be intimidating. There was a 45 minute wait for the family tube ride and, as there is little shade in the queues, the wait can be oppressive when temps are in the 90's. Crushin Gusher's wait was a shorter 15 minutes by mid afternoon. The lazy river could be enjoyed at any times though there were some bottlenecks.

A few suggestions for summer visits:
1. Check out a park map to familiarize yourself with areas.
2. If you use Disney transportation, allow an hour to get to the park as most buses also stop at Downtown Disney.
3. Come before the park opens, get a locker if necessary, and get your spot. Good shady areas are grabbed up first.
4. Slide lines grow during the day; experience your top choices early as you would in the parks.
5. Bring drinks and snacks: food here is Disney-priced. There is an an all-you-can-drink cup at about $11.
6. Sunscreen is a must.
7. Crowds begin to leave by noon though we observed some arriving as late as 4 PM when the park was open until 8 PM.
8. If you are at WDW and expect to go to water parks more than once along with the parks, getting the water parks and more option on your parks pass becomes a bargain.

Kapalua Bay Villas 33-B2

2013-04-04T15:56:00.003-07:00

We rented this unit in mid- November for. November 28 through December 12 stay. In the past we have stayed at Kapalua Ridge or Golf Villas but, as this was last minute, we took this unit. The rate through Sullivan Properties in Maui was a bargain $133 per night as our dates fell within the Fall discount period. This was for a unit that generally rents for $250 nightly.

Units are either ground level or bridge level to take advantage of the sloping terrain that provides lovely views toward Molokai. There is lush landscaping with spacious lawn areas. Palm trees are everywhere.

The development has three pool and gas barbecue areas accessible through security- coded gates. Each has well-equipped bath and kitchen prep facilities, though one evening our barbecue was out of propane causing just to migrate to another area. Barbecues are upscale Webers.

Our unit was a one bedroom townhouse accessible via a bridge from the roadway. The small kitchen opened up to the living area with large windows toward the South and the sea. The bedroom is up a flight of stairs and features a large bathroom and a small lanai. Living and bedroom areas are carpeted, not tiled like many Kapalua upgraded condo units. Given the large windows and many louvered vents near the floor, one can get a lot of light and fresh breezes in the unit. There is no air conditioning and it was missed.

Despite the low price this unit proved to be less than a bargain as it had not been upgraded or reasonably maintained. (Kapalua condos date from the late 70's and 80's).
Carpets were not very clean. Windows were dingy and after two days the patio screen door collapsed forcing us to keep the patio door open for a breeze. There was no lock on the patio door. My wife spent an early morning (made available due to jet lag) cleaning the kitchen, vacuuming, and sweeping. The only broom is an old corn type for use inside and out. The kitchenware including pots and pans appeared to have been garage sale leftovers.

Oh, and there were ants. In the living area and bathroom.

Upon changing linen after five nights we discovered that the mattress pad...well, let's just say, the pad showed signs of use.

All these issues were discussed with Sullivan Properties representatives Tim and Erin, who are great. (The mattress pad was delivered to the office). We were told that the unit is owned by a foreign family that seldom visits. This neglect shows everywhere. The screen was repaired within three days and a Terminix man stopped by to treat the unit.

High points: upscale location, view, and great pool spaces
Low points: lack of maintenance and cleaning; dated feel in this specific condo

Recommendation: this unit might be okay at a discount. If you pay full price, you are paying too much.

Boma at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

2013-04-04T15:54:00.003-07:00

If your kitchen is like ours, you have small bottles and boxes of spices that have maintained their place on upper shelves since 1983. Well, at Boma in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge the chefs use those spices to make basically American dishes taste different and, of course, exotic.

This non-character buffet is a favorite of ours and we try to dine there on every visit. There is ample food as befitting a buffet and there is a rotating menu during the week where different vegetables and soups and main courses are offered. On our Saturday meal, the soups included a carrot/ cinnamon blend that was flavorful. Baked salmon with an olive tapenade was available as were beef ribs (that had little meat on them). Every evening you will find prime rib carved for you and spit-roasted chicken.

Side dishes include some exotic items: fufu, a mashed sweet potato, potato, and cinnamon mix that could almost be a dessert; pap, a smooth grain mixture like cream of wheat; couscous; and some salads that should be tried more than once with different dressings. Desserts include bread pudding, brownies, cookies, mousses, Zebra domes (frosted cupcake-like items), and fresh fruit.

The setting is in the first level of the Jambo House with fabrics spread across the ceiling so that the room with open kitchen appears like an African market. The buffet line faces the kitchen, but it is a bit confusing. Most diners head for the plates near the back wall of the room. The first station includes starches then the meats, poultry, and fish. Moving left one encounters the children's station with chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese. Following this are soups then salads and fruit then desserts. Those desiring to have a salad before their main course will need to enter mid-line.

Waitpersons are attentive and keep beverages full. A wine list featuring South African wines is available. Dinner buffet price is about $40 per person.

DISNEY TOP TENS: Even Icons Need a Sense of Humor

2013-04-04T15:52:00.001-07:00

TOP TEN SIGNS YOUR WALT DISNEY WORLD VACATION IS NOT GOING WELL

10. Your Mears driver cruises by all the Orlando adult entertainment venues on your way to the Art of Animation Resort.

9. The severely discounted Disney tickets you bought at a booth on 192 have something about Holy Land Experience written on them.

8. The only ADR you can get is for the Frontierland Turkey Leg cart at 10:30 AM.

7. The only motion exhibited by the Yeti in Expedition Everest is flipping you off.

6. You are surrounded by a contingent of Birthers in the Hall of Presidents.

5. The trainee server at Kona Cafe asks you how you would like your sushi cooked.

4. Three of the little French characters in It's a Small World can be seen peeing into the canal ahead of you.

3. Illuminations is cancelled and replaced by the Brazilian Tour Group Day-Glo T-Shirt Parade

2. Your My Magic + wristband malfunctions causing the Orlando airport X-ray device to provide you with a reasonably thorough colonoscopy.

1. The bus driver taking you to the Magic Kingdom looks a lot like Steve Buscemi.

TOP TEN SIGNS YOUR DISNEY WORLD ATTRACTION OPERATOR IS NUTS

10. When you give the attendant your FastPass, he chews it up and swallows it.

9. Your Pirates of the Caribbean boat loading cast member asks you to deliver a lunch bag to Pirate #23 near the bridge.

8. When you ask how to make Dumbo move up and down, the operator says, "Just pull my finger."

7. The It's a Small World cast member tells you he is engaged to the third little French girl on the left.

6. The Space Mountain operator tells you the start button is in his left front pocket.

5. The stretch room host in Haunted Mansion smells of chloroform.

4. The Magic Carpets of Aladdin operator offers you naked pictures of Princess Jasmine.

TOP TEN OCCUPATIONAL INJURIES AT WALT DISNEY WORLD

10. FastPass Gas

9. World Showcase chafing

8. The "cutes"

7. Premature animation

6. Dole Whiplash

5. Mickey Bar freezer burn

4. Painful Rectal Stitch

3. TTA ADHD

2. Moldy Water Smell Psychosis

Soarin'- Induced Male Pattern Baldness

TOP TEN REJECTED "LIMITED TIME MAGIC" CELEBRATIONS

10. St. Swithins' Day Steak and Kidney Pie Eating Contest

9. Arbor Day Tree of Life Climbing Event

8. Labor Day "Union Bustin' Bonanza" in Frontierland

7. Fall Equinox Tribute to Wiccans

6. Summer Dog Days "Everything Pluto" Celebration

5. Election Day Rider Suppression Activities

4. Epcot Bastille Day Haute Couture Soirée and Beheadings

3. Back-to-School Truancy Reporting and Detention Fair on Main Street

2. Flu Season Parade of Moist Tissues

1. Two words: Summer Sweatfest

TOP TEN REJECTED ADVENTURES FOR STAR TOURS 2.0

10. Your Starspeeder is captured by the powerful gravitational field surrounding William Shatner.

9. You and your fellow guests attack little kids riding brooms at Universal Studios.

8. Destination: Uranus!

7. Strafing the luggage carousels at MCO.

6. Shrunken down to the size of a ham sandwich by Darth Vader, you are devoured by Jabba the Hutt.

5. Your vehicle becomes entangled in the gigantic hair buns of the Amazing 50 Foot Princess Leia!

4. The Starspeeder is mooned by selected Star Wars characters.

3. Escape from Planet Chris Christie!

2. Attack of the Turkey Leg Clones!

1. Two Words: Buffet Battleground

TOP TEN LEAST FAVORITE DISNEY WORLD SNACKS

10. Captain Jack’s Sweaty Sailor Soda

9. Stitch’s Slimy Soy Bursts

8. Davy Crockett’s Toasted Ferret Feet

7. Tinkerbell’s Very Merry Fairy Berry Non-Dairy Lighter-than-airy Spun Sugar Wads

6. Pumbaa’s Five-Alarm Chili Bombs

5. Splash Mountain Gator Grab Bags

4. Cosmic Ray’s French Fried Beet Rings

3. Uncle Roy’s Thunder Mountain Oysters

2. Bay Lake Lager

Bob Dole Whip

TOP TEM LITTLE KNOWN LOW-COST BUFFETS NEAR DISNEY WORLD

10. Freightliner’s “Road Scrapin’s” Buffeteria on 528

9. Louie’s Low Tide Surplus Seafood Feast (open only Tuesdays at the edge of the Big Walmart on 535)

8. Lil’ Paree Authentic French Hors d’oeuvres by the Kilo in Winter Park

7. Tacos, Tacos, Tacos!! Eat Here and Get Gas!! (never in the same place twice; this trailer was last seen behind the car wash at the Hess Station on Buena Vista Drive)

6. “Meat du Soleil” Carnivore Buffet and Select Circus Acts on 192

5. “Just Like Mom’s” Dinner Buffet and Guilt Party in Kissimmee

4. “Mine, Mine, Mine!” All-You-Can-Eat Seabird Specials just west of Cocoa Beach

3. The St. Cloud “Mouse Feast” Featuring Slow Roasted North Carolina Muskrat

2. The Cafeteria at Valencia Community College near St. Cloud on 192

The Official Disney Leftover Restaurant at the Premium Outlets

Top Ten Little Known Features of the 2012 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World

10. Half the calories of the 2011 edition

9. If you print it out, it’s gluten free!!

8. Pages 196-97 feature a full color fold out of Lou Mongello …dining at Bistro de Paris

7. It can be converted into a medium size popcorn container

6. It includes a coupon which, when presented in the Magic Kingdom, entitles the bearer to a turkey leg and small soft drink

5. Forty recipes for indigestion relief are included in an accompanying plastic card signed by AJ Wolfe

4. Contains a powerful endorsement written by Len Testa before a memorable couple of hours at Cava del Tequila

3. Fresh minty taste

2. It makes the menu at Nine Dragons appear somewhat palatable

Two words: Lactose tolerant

TOP TEN WAYS TO SURVIVE THE HEAT AND HUMIDITY

OF WALT DISNEY WORLD IN JULY

10. Buy a tree, decorate it, and pretend Christmas is right around the corner.

9. Encourage your friends to join you in an "O Canada!" movie marathon in Epcot.

8. Set up an old fashioned car wash stand at the Hess Gas Station across from Downtown Disney.

7. You know, even though the water around Discovery Island in Animal Kingdom is kinda green, it IS wet.

6. Challenge guests around World Showcase to discuss their chafing issues.

5. Always walk on the north side of your taller or heavier friends.

4. Swim the canals in "It's a Small World" as Atlantean mermaids and mermen.

3. Rent a barstool in Cava Tequila from noon to midnight.

2. Spend all your DDP dining credits on bottles water.

Three words: Dole Whip Underwear

TOP TEN SIGNS THAT THE "LIMITED TIME MAGIC" CAMPAIGN MAY LEAD TO DIMINISHED EXCITEMENT IN WALT DISNEY WORLD

10. Parks now offer Half Fast Passes allowing guest to move half way up the standby line.

9. Famous Disney turkey legs are being replaced by turkey knees.

8. Epcot's evening fireworks spectacular is reduced to IllumiBalkans.

7. Osborne Christmas lights are replaced by large swatches of Day-Glo paint in the backlot.

6. Tables in Wonderland dining program becomes Barstools in Bayonne fast food discount.

5. Hall of Secretaries of the Interior.

4. Those Peel n' Eat Shrimp come half peeled, half eaten.

3. Mickey's Mildly Annoying Halloween Party.

2. "Finding Nemo" stage show is transformed into an all-you-can-catch fishing derby in the river surrounding the Tree of Life.

1. Duffy the Disney Bear remains surprisingly unchanged.

TOP TEN NEW FEATURES DISNEY PROPOSES TO HELP GUESTS PLAN THEIR VISITS

You may have heard recently that Disney Parks and Resorts is investing huge amounts of money to help guest preplan their visits with its new My Magic + RFID wristbands. This may include scheduling FastPass times for attractions in advance, getting character interaction appointments and also meal reservations and parade seating. Will this be a good thing? Will it lead to better carefree planning or spontaneity-free vacations? Time will tell. Until then, consider these other time saving vacation strategies that Disney could implement:

10. Billy and Sally's Disney character autograph books come pre-signed!

9. Couldn't get that ADR at Jiko? Disney will deliver to your room a doggie bag from any restaurant and make you feel like you had really dined there!

8. "Room Only" reservations will get you the next available room regardless of specific resort request you made. No Waiting for check-in time!

7. For one low price Disney will offer little Kissimmee children to wait in line for you all day. And they are dressed like Small World characters, too!

6. Send in photos of your family and each person from little Mikey to Grandma Ellie can be photoshopped into picture perfect park scenes AS IF THEY WERE REALLY THERE!

5. Can't make time for a trip to Walt Disney World? Send for Mickey's Virtual Vacation tablets. These flavor-filled chewables contain easily digestible microscopic memory chips that instill in busy brains detailed memories of a Disney World trip.

4. Stuck in a slow moving FastPass line in Splash Mountain? Use "Disney Line Lube" to slip between those Brazilian soccer teams and hefty Iowa farm families!

3. Afraid of taking too much time out of touring by taking in a Disney all-you-can-eat meal? Try Goofy's Speedy Buffet- your dining choices include appetizer sticks, cup-a-soup, starch bowl, and protein loaf. A real time saver for busy park hoppers!

2. Worried about getting an early start at the parks in the morning? Sleep in luxury in one of the vehicles of Disney's Magical Express as it drives every night around the resort! Be first through the gate bright and early! And it is cheaper than a value resort!

Mickey's Virtual Vacation (Number 5 above) is also available as a suppository.

TOP TEN RE-THEMING IDEAS FOR WALT DISNEY WORLD ATTRACTIONS

10. "Space Mountain" becomes "Lost Luggage Limbo" where guests are hurtled around the Orlando Airport in four-person Samsonite vehicles.

9. "Jungle Cruise" can be retrofitted along the lines of HGTV's "Plan You Own Disney Back Yard" program. Guest receive complimentary Venus fly traps at the ride's end.

8. "Stitch's Great Escape" takes a page from reality TV as the audience beholds the teletransportation of Snooki from the New Jersey shore to Orlando. Simply imagine jello shots in the dark!

7. Just switch the soundtracks for "Small World" and "Haunted Mansion."

6. Under a new marketing agreement with the makers of Ty-D-Bowl toilet cleaner, Mad Tea Party becomes a tribute to effective bathroom hygiene.

5. "The Tower of Terror" takes on a festive French flair when the fast dropping elevators become "The Guillotines of Robespierre!"

4. The ever-maligned Mission: Space takes on a new guise as the producers of Cuisinart food processors present "If We Were Food."

3. All propane supplies are interrupted as Tomorrowland Speedway becomes "Gridlock!!"

2. The National Rifle Association funds the merging of the "Frontierland Arcade" and "Country Bears Jamboree" as they become "Varmints!!" a fast-shooting game of skill and cunning. Big Al's song becomes surprisingly prescient.

Three words: "Soarin' over Detroit."

TOP TEN MARVEL SUPERHEROES WE WILL PROBABLY NOT SEE IN WALT DISNEY WORLD

10. Commander Jedidiah and the Intergalactic Amish Peace Force

9. Painful Rectal Stitch

8. CrossDresser: Denizen of the Garment District

7. The Ectoplasmic Drooler

6. Norval, the Jonas Brother who Couldn't Sing

5. Titmouse, Tiny Scourge of the Las Vegas Underworld

4. FastPasser, speedy theme park superstar (not to be confused with GassPasser, a noxious villain)

3. The Arlen Spectre

2. The Phlegmaniac, The Hacking and Sniffling Cold and Flu Season Bad Guy

1. Stuffy, the Hellish Spawn of Stitch and Duffy

TOP TEN COMMENTS WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN KEVIN'S RESTAURANT REVIEWS

10. The ambience was something between Waffle House and a Hess station.

9. The candlelight was so dim we were compelled to burn our menus to read them.

8. We knew this was going to be a disappointing experience when our server boasted,"May I recommend our bread pudding; it is exceptionally goopy tonight."

7. When asked about vegan offerings, our waitperson suggested we substitute the Beef Wellington with a large head of cauliflower.

6. While initially disturbed by being seated next to the restroom doors, we found later that this actually improved the taste of the food.

5. The menu was divided into three sections: Healthy Choices, Flatugenic, and Slow Suicide.

4. While the tuna was described in the menu as "fresh catch of the day," it was served with bits of green foil featuring the chef's nickname "ken of the sea."

3. While not specifically rude to us, the server's frequent use of the words "Achtung" and "Dipshit" was unsettling.

2. The meal could have only been improved with a dash of saffron and the availability of a defibrillator.

"Disney Dining Plan?? Real guests pay cash."

TOP TEN EXHIBITS EXCLUDED FROM INNOVENTIONS

10. Corning's "Fun with Glass Shards"

9. Robitussin's "Phlegm Magic"

8. Señor Raoul's "Exploracion Sexuelle"

7. Miracle-Gro's "Peat Moss World"

6. "Health Care Highjinx" with Governor Rick Scott

5. NBC's "Let's Get the Hell Out of Here and Go to Universal!"

4. "Wrinkle City" sponsored by AARP

3. Aetna Insurance's "Ten Minute Colonoscopies"

2. "Four Hour Frenzy" sponsored by Viagra

1. 1,001 Uses for your ShamWow!

TOP TEN FEATURES OF THE 2014 DISNEY DINING PLAN

10. All Yachtsman Steakhouse entrees are certified 100% Prime Vertebrate

9. Counter Service meal entitles you to bottled water, Doritos, and a Tums.

8. Nobel Prize winning economist Paul Krugman is available by phone 24/7 to answer your questions on the best DDP values.

7. All the wines available on the Deluxe Plan are from Paterson, New Jersey.

6. Servers are now 45% more rude at Bistro de Paris.

5. Personally endorsed by Chris Christie.

4. For guests with dentures entrees can be ordered pre-chewed.

3. Leftover food credits can only be used for leftovers.

2. Adults may eat from the children's menu on weekdays, children can get an adult entree but with no dessert on weekends, however, with the Counter Service plan, entrees are from a special list that will be posted no earlier than 11 AM, and Le Cellier no longer......oh, forget it.

1. Fresh minty taste.

TOP TEN SENIOR CITIZEN ACTIVITIES AT WALT DISNEY WORLD

10. Riding Space Mountain without Depends

9. Loudly shouting to all the guests around you on Ellen's Energy Adventure that you remember Jamie Lee Curtis' mother in Psycho

8. Grossing out the kids in line for Dumbo with your ostomy bag

7. Ostentatiously carrying around to every park an urn with "Grandpa" engraved on it.

6. Wearing a T-shirt that reads "DNR"

5. Requesting that your steak at Le Cellier be served pre-chewed

4. Laying down in a Doom Buggy and continuing to travel around in Haunted Mansion all afternoon

3. Asking every cast member when the 3:00 parade will start

2. Chatting up Warren Harding and Calvin Coolidge in the Hall of Presidents show

1. Three words: Eliminations in Epcot!

Westin Lagunamar: Week 2

2012-07-01T05:38:00.001-07:00

Part 2- After the Deluge
Thursday and Friday were the wettest days we have seen in a long time. After the exciting Costco trip on Friday we were prepared for the worst on Saturday and almost had our fears fulfilled as it was raining when we were drinking our morning coffee on the patio. But guess what. The rain stopped. And before long, we proceeded down to the pool to read, swim, and sit in the sun. It was very pleasant. And because we had not planned anything big to do because the weather had been so bad, we just took the bus up Kukulkan Boulevard after lunch to the Coral Market a few miles north.

At this market which is described by many as a "flea market" there are many stalls featuring tourist goods. Colin, our grandson, bought a backpack and a poncho. We purchased a small poncho for Caidin, his little brother. The bargaining was not too intense, though every store featured at least one salesman who would follow us up the walk claiming his were the cheapest goods. This means we probably paid too much. A Starbucks was spotted a block away and we did our best to use up some gift cards on iced coffee drinks.

Upon our return we went swimming then barbecued steaks we had purchased at Costco. I do not know what type of steaks they were, but they were great.

Sunday presented even more sun, so we got up earlier to get a bus to Playa Tortuga and take the catamaran ferry to Isla Mujeres. This is a long narrow island off the east coast of Cancun that is named either for small statues of females that Spaniards found on beaches during their first visits or for the place where pirates left their women before they sailed off into the Caribbean in search of plunder. On the boat to the island we purchased a day's use of a golf cart to explore the island. This driving was fun and after getting out of the small town at the north end, Colin took over at the wheel. He drove well though he seemed to recognize that even signs in Spanish that indicate stop - ALTO - should be obeyed. Along the shore we saw large iguanas and even had to swerve to avoid them. Isla Mujeres was described to as as a more authentic, real Mexico than that found in Cancun's Zona Hotelera. If so, the real Mexico is widespread poverty, some wealthy coastal estates, and considerable roadside garbage easily accessible on golf carts.

Lunch was eaten at the north end of the island where we dined on the beach on tacos, calamari, and chicken (not all together). Very good food at the Zazil Ha restaurant at the Na Balam Hotel. Many of the hotels in the region after Mayan gods, places, or terms. After dining Colin drove us around the island again in time to get the 2:30 PM ferry back to the mainland. Unfortunately we discovered that return times for the ferry are every hour on the half hour EXCEPT 2:30 PM. So we waited at the pier in the shade and let the sea breeze and sound from a Mexican presidential political rally down the street wash over us. As we pulled into the port of Playa Tortuga, we observed a girl jumping off a Bungee Tower on the pier. I told Colin I would pay for his ride. He declined.

The following day began very cloudy but by 8:30 AM the sky was clearing and we felt it worth heading to the pool. There were very few people around so we basically had the pool to ourselves for a couple of hours. I jumped some waves in the ocean while Donna read and we struck up a conversation with a gentleman from Boston. Lunch in our room was simple and we then walked a half mile or so to a restaurant called La Distilleria to get a couple of T-shirts. The place is a bar modeled after an old tequila factory, hence the name. Not long after returning to our room a real thunder and lightning storm erupted right over our hotel. I got some video but it did not really do the storm justice. Of course, the window in our bathroom was awash as rivulets of water ran down to the tub.

Tuesday broke sunny and bright so we spent the good part of the morning by the pool. But by noon the heat driven clouds came in and the rains fell once again. Later as things dried we walked to La Isla Mall where we tried to find the Liverpool Department Store where Donna had heard she could find a purse she had seen a young girl carrying on the boat from Isla Mujeres. Unfortunately, there are few signs around the mall and it was after some looking that we found the store on the second level only because its doormat read LIVERPOOL. But no similar purse could be found.

On arriving back at our resort, it was our time to try to blend our own Margaritas. Colin helped us to do this. They were very good considering our recipe was sketchy and mixing skills amateurish. Wednesday was largely spent by the pool. The nearest elevator to our room was under repair so Colin and I had to walk down stairs, a literal trip for me as I stumbled on a landing and scraped my hand on a wall and somehow banged up my foot. In the afternoon we took the bus to Walmart to do what we hoped would be our last shopping. We barbecued burgers and chicken in the evening.

Colin and I took an excursion to Tulum Thursday morning. We were picked up in a small van which we thought was our transport only to discover we were to be moved onto a larger bus further up the Boulevard. After collecting a few more tourists we drove into Cancun to get the major roadway into Tulum, about two hour away. The bus load of passengers was provided with a guide Mary speaking in both Spanish and English about Mayan history and the local area. Selling customized jewelry and posters with names in Mayan characters was part of her presentation. People could order theirs on forms that were passed around but they never managed to get passed to us. The ride became more pleasant after the narration stopped. As we neared Tulum we were given stickers with the number 9 on them. This, I guess, was to identify our group. The bus took until 10 AM to reach Tulum one of the earliest landfalls of the Spanish in Mexico. The invaders never stayed around because they saw no gold here. The scenery was flat green overgrowth with vacant buildings and political signs, sort of like Florida. Many tour buses were in the parking lot. Mary gave us our marching orders: go through the jewelry store to the toilets first, then meet at one of the convenience stores to get supplies (water, bug spray, etc.) that we might need. Colin and I had beverages, sun block and bug spray so we were ready. I did, however, pick up a small package of cookies.

Beyond the shop was a wide thoroughfare lined with merchants selling other necessities: Cuban cigars, ceramic skulls, wooden masks, and serapes. At a large square bordered by a Subway and many more shops we got in line by Mary who tried to differentiate us from the dozens of other tour groups as we waited for the tram to take us into the archaeological site. The tram was driven by a Massey-Ferguson tractor and carried us about half a mile out to the coast where the ruins were like sun-bleached bones jutting out of well-maintained lawns. Through a few pathways and under a stone arch we ambled in a long line until we approached the first ruins. Our English-speaking guide, a man, took over and led us to a shady area where he spoke intelligently but too lengthily about the orientation of the structures and how the Mayans used number patterns to help organize their understanding of their world. Then we passed to another building where he showed some of the unique architectural details that we would nor have understood. For example, the corners of one building have designs on them which, when viewed from the right angle can be clearly recognized as faces, some happy, some sad.

After this we were set loose on our own to study the ruins on our own with clear instructions to return to our starting point, the Dairy Queen near the park entrance, by 12:30 PM. A word about Tulum weather: very hot and very humid. We were sweating profusely in the sun but nevertheless walked up by the largest temple overlooking the sea to catch the view. Small boats were in the water and it appeared there were about a hundred tourists who had fled their guides and were swimming in the turquoise breakers below. A long queue had formed to get the tram back to the park entrance so we walked. During the walk I was reminded about my bruised foot with every step. Approaching the main square we caught a show where some decorated Mexican dancers climbed a tall pole, then, as another member played a small pipe and drum combination, slowly descended spinning around the pole on ropes attached to their legs. Lower and lower they spun as their ropes played themselves out. We were hit up for a tip by another man who expressed chagrin when I gave five pesos, all the change I had. Subway seemed the safest bet for lunch, so we picked ours up somewhat disappointed that five dollar footlong does not translate easily into Spanish with its pesos and meters. I got a 15 centimeter 60 peso Italian BMT. Doesn't actually work as a song lyric. On the way back we dropped a few members of our group at an aquatic play area, Xel-Ha.

Friday and Saturday were spent by the pool and, last night, packing. We were leaving at noon on Sunday and have a four hour layover in Houston.

Two Weeks on the Riviera Maya

2012-06-23T06:04:00.000-07:00

Part 1: Do two Jesuses bring good luck or bad weather?

Donna, our grandson Colin, and I arrived in Cancun after a long flight from Portland via Houston. A small mechanical problem delayed our connecting flight, however we still flew in about 3:30 PM. The three of us easily maneuvered through customs with forms we filled out on the plane, then grabbed our bags, and set out through the terminal to find our car and driver that we had arranged through Claudia Becerra, a resort concierge, the week prior. A gauntlet of "official transportation representatives" besieged us while we headed outside the building. Across the driveway was a large man with a purple shirt and a Westin Lagunamar sign. He had our name on a list so we moved to the slot where a very new Suburban backed in. Our driver was Jesus. As it was Sunday, this fact represented our religious experience for the week and, as this was our first trip to Mexico, was taken as a sign of good luck. The rate through this company, One Travel (not affiliated with the resort) is $35 each way for a twenty minute trip up the sliver of beach that is the Zona Hotelera between the Caribbean Sea and an expansive Nichupte Lagoon.

We were glad to have been warned ahead of time about those other drivers. The terrain around Cancun is flat as a tortilla but concrete and glass shards of hotels have pushed their was up through the sand on this stretch of Quintana Roo.

The Westin Lagunamar resort is a timeshare property, the most recently purchased interval vacation resort we own. It is a 7-8 floor sandy beige structure composed in an irregular E shape with the openings facing the Gulf. The newer phase opening this year was the southern part of the E. Our room was a one bedroom unit on the corner of the sixth floor of building 8 facing the main pool area, beach, and (as this is being written) a glorious sunrise and a view of a resort employee raking the beach, a job that has its appeal. Each curve of the E wraps around massive symmetrical pools with infinity edges, swim-up bars, whirlpools, and children's play areas. The north pool has a slide.

This corner unit allowed for lanai access from both living area and bedroom. Each room had its own air conditioning controls. A full kitchen with a microwave but no oven, stacked laundry appliances, and large bathroom with separate shower and jetted tub made this an ideal place from which to plan our excursions. Registration was quick and our clerk was also named Jesus. Luis from bell services was very helpful in orienting us to the room and handling our bags. A couple of minor problems arose: a lamp with a faulty switch and the lack of a stopper in one of the two bathroom sinks. We filled out a service request card to have these issues addressed. By the time we returned from a

shopping trip the next day, the sink was fixed, the lamp was not repaired until a second call after a day or two. A few days later during a rainstorm we noticed other patios had cushions for the patio chairs. We called and asked for a set which came to us wet and moldy from another room. When I called guest services to request a new set, I was told there are no extras, only wet ones from other rooms. Later that evening, clean dry pads were delivered. Due to our longer stay, it was important to get groceries.

The small Tierra Market on the resort's lowest floor is limited and those shopping face resort prices. On the advice of the concierge we opted to take a city bus to a Wal-Mart grocery store subsidiary, Superama, about twenty minutes up Kukulkan Drive near downtown Cancun. The bus tickets are 8.5 pesos per trip. The store is new and is arranged like any domestic U.S. grocery. An in-store bakery, produce section, and meat and fish departments allowed us to meet most of our needs. Liquor, beers, and wine are available. Prices for most items were comparable to those in the U.S. After an hour of shopping and collecting a cart full of bags, we obtained a cab outside the store for the ride back to Westin Lagunamar. The fare was 140 pesos, a little over $11.00. There are several Wal-Marts in Cancun and also a Costco. The resort features three restaurants: Oceano, a breakfast and dinner full-service restaurant and two pool bar/restaurants, Viento by the North pool and Duna by the South. Across the wide Kukulkan Drive is La Isla Mall, a sprawling web of restaurants, shops, and brand name stores between the Drive and Nichupte Lagoon.

On our first evening we had dinner at one small restaurant called Taco Grill where food was fresh, prices reasonable, and service prompt. The only confusion came when we tried to add the tip to the credit card bill and wound up using cash, pesos, that is.

A word about Mexican currency: as this is written the going exchange rate for the dollar in Mexico is 13.7632 pesos. This means that one peso is worth a little more than 7 cents. Some shops and even the Westin posts a 13 pesos to the dollar "official" rate and I saw a rate as low as 12.5 pesos to the dollar. This means that some merchants are getting a slight favorable bump on every exchange. Perhaps the overage goes to St. Cecilia's Charity Home for the Math-Impaired, but I doubt it. For most large purchases we used credit or debit cards that tend to be pegged to official rates despite some bank fees. All merchants have calculators and can figure dollar equivalents. Personally, I don't do math in public.

One of the activities available on a weekly basis is a shopping tour of downtown Cancun. The cost of the tour is $10 USD per person and includes lunch we were told. Great deal. So we signed up and were driven in a van with eight or so others eager to dispose of their cash. Stop one was Market 28; salespersons were waiting for us at this shop. Individual shoppers were accompanied by the salespersons to explain the price coding on items. This means that no shopper has a hint of the sales price. Pottery, blankets, artwork, and jewelry filled the shop's many rooms. Despite the assurances of quality, origin, and great price of treasures ranging from wall hangings to bowls to Corona T-shirts, we did not buy. The second stop was also called Market 28, a meandering maze of shops a mile or two further. The two rules of Mexican shopping appear to be: 1) the priceless souvenir you buy will be cheaper at the second kiosk and 2) even cheaper at the third kiosk. Nevertheless, we purchased a couple of blankets, purses, a mortar and pestle. My own personal purchase was a trip to the bathroom where I paid a dollar for services rendered. The only bargain of the day.

After these two stops we were driven to a restaurant called Cantinita situated coincidentally right above another location of Taco Grill. Once seated we learned that the "included meal" was $25 USD per person. Our party of three asked for clarification on this and were informed that the cost was not included. This was surprising to us as the same person told us earlier in the day that the meal was included. To the extent that the shoppers were at the restaurant ten miles from the resort and could eat where they had been dropped off, this was technically correct. However, we three hopped out of our seats along with a nice lady from Seattle and descended the stairs for another great meal at this branch of the Taco Grill. The host Ricardo was especially friendly and helpful. Prices for three with Sangria and tip was about $40.00.

The Westin has a gym area with free weights and a variety of ellipticals and treadmills on the lower level adjacent to the Kid's Club and market. A book trade area, foosball and air hockey tables are available for older children and outside the building guests have access to a miniature golf course that is somewhat austere and less than competitive as players are not given score cards (and I can't really count well my fingers while holding a club.) Owners of timeshares and their guests do not need to pay resort fees along with nightly room rates. One benefit is free Internet. Rooms have an Ethernet cable as well as wi-fi. However, connection speeds vary greatly during the day- great in the morning, maddeningly slow in the evening. There were not enough outlets for our electronics. Bring a power strip.

The expansive pools at the resort are the center of activity and many guests can take advantage of poolside bingo, craft sales, pool slide races and games. There are many lounge chairs and umbrellas on the pool decks as well as thatched umbrellas and chairs on the beach for guests. About a dozen well maintained KitchenAid gas barbecues are strategically placed near pool area for visitors desirous of home cooked meals. While the resort says lounge chairs cannot be reserved with strategically placed beach towels before 9:30 AM., the rule is not enforced well. Pool towels are rationed through the use of cards issued at check-in that are used to trade for towels at pool kiosks. Again, the theory and practice are different as we ended up with about a dozen pool cards by the fourth day of our stay. And by the fifth day of our stay the towels that were placed on chairs by the early birds at 7 AM were soaked by 9:00 AM due to a rather persistent weather system that included lightning and thunder during the night. I saw this a a sign that Jesus the driver or Jesus the registration clerk was looking out for us and punishing the early towel placers.

We had seen some rain infrequently earlier in our stay but the rain was continuing into the afternoon. So we decided to move our "owner update" presentation by the Westin timeshare folks up to the rainy day in hopes that Friday would be nicer. The 90 minute presentation was informative. This means that we listened but did not buy any more timeshare despite "a really neat opportunity to make even better use of our ownership." The opportunity involved giving them $15,900. The rain looked better than staying around the sales center.

Unfortunately, the rain continued and plans for excursions on Friday were again curtailed. We decided to try to go to Costco for additional supplies. This required taking a bus to Wal-Mart, then a cab to Costco. While we were prepared for rain, the short trip to the bus stop left us drenched. The tropical depression had rain worse than cats and dogs because they had all drowned. The Cancun Costco is like any other Costco except for the signs. There were few people there and we were very surprised at this. Samples were being given out everywhere. Our favorites were the Grey Goose Vodka and Bacardi Rum- a practice our Salem branch should adopt. Our cart full, we pushed on to the hot dog station for lunch then tried to get a cab. The rain by this time was torrential and the covered apron around the store was packed with customers waiting for the rain to let up (they may still be there.) Finally, one cab arrived, a station wagon where we loaded our bags then then got in. There we met a smallish John Belushi look-alike who informed us that the fare was not $15 as we had been told but $25. After some dickering the price went down, but we again were concerned that the driver whose English was poorer than our Spanish was hopelessly lost.

In time the mystery was solved when we stopped at a gas station where our driver obtained translation services. (Why don't US stations do this?) Apparently the rain had flooded the northern stretch of Kukulkan Boulevard into the hotel zone so we had to go the much longer south route nearer the airport. Even if the south road was better, the drive was nerve-wracking as the car had no operable ventilation or defrost system, the driver had to keep wiping his window, and the entire experience was like moving within a very wet ping pong ball. Our fears of being captured by a Mexican drug cartel were allayed and we soon arrived at our hotel room where rain had leaked through a bathroom window drenching a strategically placed towel and leaving rain across the floor. A call to guest services was promptly answered with a gentleman bringing his solution to the flooding- more towels.

Groceries all stowed away, we decided to walk on the beach to look for shells in the light rain. Few shells were found.

REVIEW: Sheraton Waikiki

2012-01-14T18:54:00.000-08:00

We stayed at the Sheraton Waikiki for three nights in early January. We used SPG Starpoints (10,000 per night.) The receptionist offered us the opportunity to use the 30th floor Leahi Lounge for breakfast and dinner for only $55 per night. However, after having a "dinner" of potstickers and cold cuts, we told them we'd pass for the remainder of our stay. There are dozens of restaurants nearby in the Royal Hawaiian shopping area in clouding a reasonably priced food court serving Korean, Japanese, American, and Mexican fare.

By using Starpoints we missed the obligatory resort fee of $30 or so per night. We had free self-parking services as well as wifi and other perks. This was included in the resort fee of $25 per night.

Our upgraded room was very spacious, over 900 square feet with beautiful views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head in the distance. The neutral colors of the rooms were in need of upgrading and the rug had seen better days. The bathroom with small tub and toilet was cramped, though the suite featured a large dressing area.

The suite featured a large living room with lanai, flatscreen TV and both a full sofa, love seat, and murphy bed. The bedroom had a king bed, lanai and TV. There was ample closet space.

The hotel features multiple pools including and activity pool with slide and a quiet pool with infinity edge near a bar area. This latter pool was crowded. The nearby Royal Hawaiian shopping area includes many moderate and high end shops with sky bridges to help guests cross streets.

Disney's Hawaiian Resort and Spa, AULANI

2012-01-13T08:48:00.001-08:00

Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, in Ko Olina, Oahu, Hawaii, represents Disney's first major resort not affiliated with a theme park. (Its Disney Vacation Club has timeshare resorts in Vero Beach FL and Hilton Head SC.)

Set on a man-made lagoon about a half hour west of Honolulu, the resort is comprised of a central lobby area and two 14 and 16 floor towers featuring both Vacation Club studio, one, two, and three bedroom units and hotel rooms.

As this is written in January 2012, many rooms in the east Ewa tower are still undergoing interior construction though there appeared to be no exterior cranes or site work underway. For all practical purposes the resort is complete for the average guest.

When complete, the resort will include 360 hotel rooms and 481 Disney Vacation Club two-bedroom equivalent timeshare villas.

Our room was a deluxe studio on the third floor, the lobby level, which made access to most public areas very easy. The room had a queen bed and a sleeper sofa, flat screen TV and full bath. The WIFI was excellent both in the room and in public areas, even by the pool near the beach.

The decor aims at authentic Hawaiian style and the use of native woods, rock, and artwork throughout set this resort apart from the gleaming white (and sterile) look of the J. W. Marriott resort next door. Lush landscaping and use of water in ponds, fountains, and streams belie the fact that this resort has been open only five months.

We are DVC members and had an eight night reservation following a three day stay in Waikiki. Ko Olina is an exclusive tourist area much like Kaanapali in Maui and there is a security gate needed just to enter. A common complaint of some reviewers has been that there is not much to do here unlike busy Waikiki or a Disney theme park. We didn't find this a problem; while a concierge and tour desk can arrange trips around the island, we enjoyed lounging by the pool and making use of the resort's own amenities.

Chief among these is the Waikolohe Valley pool area. This is called a valley as it resides between the two massive resort towers, Ewa and Wai'anae, akin to a tropical space between two Hawaiian mountain ranges. Within this valley is children's water play area where staying dry would be a great challenge. Two infinity spas overlook the lagoon and there are two other spas in the valley, one almost invisible from nearby trails.

For security hotel guests are issued different colored wrist bands each day when they use the pools. This is to dissuade non-Disney folks from using the pool. And, thank goodness, there is a policy against "towel on the lounge chair" saving of pool chairs. Items are removed after an hour of non-use. The message: use the chair or use it. This will be even more important once the resort is fully finished. And with fewer nearby attractions available, there will be more people staying in the pool areas.

A lazy river, Waikolohe Stream, surrounds a huge mountain that includes both an inner tube slide and a standard water slide (though this second slide is totally dark as it winds through the mountain.) Occasionally the mountain erupts with some mild fire effects and there is a small cave where one can see some lave and fire effects close up. Like the Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom, the mountain and rock work around it feature well concealed carved sea life much of which I did not see until I had taken a few trips around the river. There is even a chicken, a reference to the wild birds that roam neighboring Kawai.

Some of these carvings include whales that "blow" occasionally as a result of guests playing the Menehune Adventure Trail, a KimPossible type activity involving a smart phone device which leads guests around the Valley to activate fires, rocks, music, and even whales carved in rocks. The host is a pleasant Hawaiian woman known only as Auntie. This is same character in Auntie's Beach House, the children's child care and activity center. Guests may use these facilities including the child care free (for children 3+ years and potty trained) just like on Disney Cruise ships.

One activity that is fun (and free) is locating the little Menehune statues throughout the resort. These mythical Hawaiian sprites can found lounging around the gardens in Waikolohe Valley, asleep atop a moulding in an elevator, or riding a decorative outrigger near the water slide. Hidden Mickey's? I haven't seen many, though the Disney characters are available for photos during the day and there is a musical revue with them and native musicians three nights a week in a lawn area near the quiet pool.

Two admission fee based activities are the Rainbow Reef and the Makai Reserve adjacent to the pool area. Rainbow reef is akin to the salt water snorkeling area of Typhoon Lagoon. For $20 guests can swim with multicolored tropical fish ($39 for a length of stay pass.) Two aquarium type windows are available for landlubbers to view the many small multicolored species that inhabit the pool. This may be to your liking if swimming in the lagoon a few hundred feet away does not appeal to you. But the lagoon is free and, while cloudy due to guest activity in the near shore, there are plenty of fish out by the rocky areas that mark the mouth of the lagoon. My advice is to walk to either side of the mouth and swim toward the middle. I saw lots of fish and even a three-legged turtle that I discovered goes by the name of Lucky. The Makai Reserve is an area where for $50 one can interact with sting rays in a pool.

On a couple of evenings each week a musical show, "Starlight Hui," is presented on a stage by a grassy area on the west side of the property. This mix of Hawaiian storytelling, hula, ukulele playing, and audience participation was a pleasant way to spend an evening. Of course, Mickey and friends came to the stage at the end of the program.

If the costs of some activities seem high, well, welcome to Hawaii. Though even for Hawaii, local prices are higher due to the fact that this area is tourist oriented and, at least for the near future, is in a place that is away from much of the commercial activity. As we were staying in a DVC unit, we had a modest kitchen area with microwave and refrigerator. About four miles away are a number of shopping sites such as Costco, Safeway, and Target as well as nationally recognized fast food places. An ABC store is across the street north of the resort. A small gift shop is near the main lobby .

The resort also features a full service spa called Laniwai (varied treatments for a fee) and an exercise area (free.) Near the spa is a pleasant teen lounge, Painted Sky, with computers, games, and a frozen yogurt bar.

We only tried one of the restaurants at Aulani. As frequent visitors to both Maui and Disney World where prices can be high, we were taken aback by the cost of onsite dining here. The Makahiki dinner buffet is $43 and the beachfront Ama AMA restaurant has entrees in the $30-80 range.

We had a dinner at the Makahiki buffet on the lower level near the lobby. This is an Asian/Pacific/Japanese buffet in a restaurant partially inside and partially on the patio adjacent to the Waikolohe Stream and koi ponds. The menu featured sushi, sashimi, a variety of fish plates, fish and pork lau lau (wrapped and steamed in leaves), beef, vegetables, and a good array of desserts. We initially were seated inside it the area was quite loud due to the hard surfaces and busy clientele; we asked to be seated on the patio. Once on the patio our dinner was accompanied by a phalanx of pre-schoolers running around and, by all appearances, were intent on re-enacting the Battle of Midway. (Think Chef Mickey's without the peace and quiet.) Parents, part of a wedding party, were oblivious to their activities. A manager we contacted seemed distressed to have to deal with the issue, but things seemed to calm down a bit.

The big problem here is that around Ko Olina, there are not many child-friendly restaurants and hotel restaurants are expensive. Our advice is to observe a dinner here when you are not dining and see if this is your cup of tea. If it looks okay to you, try it. If you are looking for a quiet dinner, go elsewhere. Plans are now underway to install another quick service station near the pool deeck and I received a note the other day that Makahiki is now offering an ala carte menu.

Menus can be viewed online at a number of websites. I was told by a DVC staffer that the resort will install electric barbecues when the Ewa Tower DVC room are completed.

If Aulani is your sole target for a Hawaiian vacation, a car is a must. Shuttles from the airport run about $70 each way. Parking at the resort is $35 per day (free for DVC members using points for their stay.) An Alamo car rental is onsite. Some people rent a car on a daily basis on the resort and avoid the parking charge. A day long shopping tour into Honolulu is a featured activity that the resort offers. The bus travels to a few big malls including the Ala Moana Mall near Waikiki; the cost is $30 per person for a day of shopping. There is a strong draw here for tourists from Japan, a demographic to which Disney is aiming a great deal of marketing. Signage around the resort is in both English and Japanese.

Staying at Aulani is not cheap. Rates for standard rooms, ocean view, is about $400 per night that adds up to about $3,500 a week with taxes. A studio like ours runs about $600 per night. We were lucky; we used points for a pool view room and, while we are on the lobby or 3rd floor, we still see the ocean as well as parts of the Waikolohe stream and children's water play area.

Having stayed at many Disney resorts in the US, Asia, and Europe, this resort ranks in the top tier. And in Aulani Disney has found a surefire ticket to providing a quality vacation experience that does not require a theme park.

Hits and Misses at Aulani
Hits
Overall environment and theming
Room quality and comfort
Pool area with easy beach access
Staff service and hospitality

Misses
Lack of nearby activities
Restaurant prices
Need for a car

REVIEW: Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas

2011-11-24T11:29:00.000-08:00

Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas actually includes two time share resorts- the original and the Westin Kaanaapali Ocean Resort Villas North built a few years later than its sister property. The resorts timeshare properties managed by the Westin and its parent organization Starwood. Each is comprised of a number of six story buildings on the beach about two miles from the main part of Kaanapali. This leads to some confusion as there is a Westin Hotel in Kaanapali and some guests assume they will be able to amble down the beachfront walkway to their resort. It will be a LONG walk.

The resort includes hundreds of studio and one bedroom units that can be combined into spacious two bedroom suites. Studios include a queen be and sofa bed in the room and the one bedroom has a separate bedroom with a king bed. Each unit has a kitchen area though the studio features a small rangetop and microwave. All units have washers and dryers which can be a godsend to families with small children. Televisions are in every living room and separate bedroom.

A significant difference between the two resorts is that the Noth property has studios with small lanais; the south resort studios have a patio door and a railing to allow fresh air but no chairs. All one bedroom units have lanais. the grounds are luxuriantly tropical with palms and other foliage that whisk in the wind.

As the resort is on the west side of Maui, guests have a beautiful view of the islands of Lanai and Molokai across the strait. There are several large pools and a kiddies' pirate ship play area. A full range of resort activities is published weekly and the resort offers free shuttle buses to Kaanapali and Lahaina- a boon as parking can be difficult in these tourist meccas. Snorkeling is exceptional here as there are schools of tropical fish as well as a number of green sea turtles.

The resort has several restaurants and bars as well a a spa in the North property. There is a business Center and free WiFi for guests.

During holiday seasons and Spring Breaks the resort is apt to be crowded and getting a poolside lounge chair can be a challenge.

This is not an inexpensive resort- studios range from $300 to $450 per night depending on view to $500-$700 for a one bedroom. Units can be rented through the Westin or Starwood's SPG.com website though you might find better buys on sites like VRBO.com where owners (like us) rent their units out to others.

Room Tip: Upper floors are best as is ocean view. Island view rooms in the South property may face a parking lot and highway. In the North property all units face the ocean or pool/garden area.

REVIEW: Westin Desert Willow Resort

2011-11-24T11:27:00.001-08:00

We were guests at this resort from August 21-28 when the heat was absolutely sizzling. Our party of eight were in a two bedroom unit that we reserved as timeshare owners with Westin. For three days prior to this stay a smaller group in our party were in a smaller standard one bedroom. The first room was in Building 6 near the new construction. The unit was on the first floor of the three story building with all windows and the lanai facing a parking lot or dusty construction. Avoid building 6 until construction is completed in 2012. The two bedroom was in building 1 on the second floor. A short walk from the pool area and lobby building.

The two bedroom is comprised of two separate one bedroom units- a smaller unit with kitchenette, living area, standard bath, and queen bedroom; a second larger one bedroom with full kitchen oversized bath with whirlpool and shower and a king bedroom. Despite the redundancy of two kitchen areas, the extra space allowed our four adults and four teens some modicum of private space. The rooms are well appointed with earth tones and desert themed art. Kitchen areas are well equipped and guests have access to several well-maintained and clean gas barbecues on adjacent patio areas on the ground floor.

Due to the heat much time was spent near the pool area that includes a waterside pool, an activity pool, child's pool, and larger pool on a upper level of the pool deck. There is no specific adult pool which is regrettable as adults often had to avoid splashing young ones in the larger pool area. Besides a plethora of umbrellas, there are a few cabanas for rent and large pavilions with sofas and tables where one can escape the direct sun if not the heat.

A small deli/gift shop was open only 7-11 AM during our stay. The Agave restaurant is near the lobby building though we used the barbecues for our dining. Concierge services are available for Palm Springs activities. The resort has a sales office for Starwood Vacation ownership. The concierge desk can arrange discounted excursions if you attend a timeshare sales presentation. Be forewarned; your vacation time is precious.

Retail costs for the resort are discounted during the summer and higher during the Spring and summer. Check out www.spg.com for current rates. Parking for guests who are not owners and staying on their ownership time is $15 per night.