Teresa’s Report on Punta Cana Assumption Boys Group Mar2013

Aug of 2012 I booked my group for this last March . We chose the Iberostar Bavaro Resort in Punta Cana.

We had 54 people total. 17 of which were the senior boys.

The flights were from Chicago OHare non stop on the charter and I was extremely happy that they went on time because I was very nervous!  When we arrived the hotel they had a great private check in room for us. They were very organized and friendly to all of us.

I had emailed them all of my client’s room requests and they had made great attempts as meeting all of their needs.

The rooms are all junior suites and the place is very lush and tropical! The beach is so amazing here. The kids center was the best , my 7 year old had the greatest time ever with the staff there.  At the pool they had built an incredible water feature of a ship with slides and buckets dumping water on them.

The food, drinks and shows were top notch also, and my group ended up having the BEST time!  So overall they were very pleased,  and then so was I!

I had the pleasure of traveling to my favorite island Jamaica!!  I traveled on Air Tran from Midway airport which was so nice, if it is available you can
upgrade for $60 per person to there business class.  When you do so your luggage is included up to 2 bags per person.  The biggest plus is you
get Alcohol Drinks & snacks plus your sitting in the nice leather seats up FRONT!   Once on the island if you are a Jamaica
specialist you can get a walk through with the Jamaica tourist board.  This speeds your process up through customs. If you also have Brides
& parents traveling to the Island for a destination wedding they can get this service complimentary.  After our speedy customs process
we were met by our driver Julette & on our way to Whitehouse.  I would HIGHLY recommend hiring a private driver when traveling to the
Sandals White House with the windy roads it was so nice not being on a bus that would take much longer, and if you want to stop anywhere along the way you
can she’s all yours and your the only clients in the Van.   Not only is it a nice intimate relaxing way to start your vacation you can roll the widows
down & enjoy all the beauty of the Island.  After 1 hr &  20 min ride there is nothing like arriving and being greeted with a cold towel
& a glass of Champagne (my favorite).

The best way to describe the resort is the sea to your front and the mountain to the back in a little European Village.  The
resort is broken down to 3 Villages the Italian, Dutch & French. We had the pleasure of staying in a Penthouse Honeymoon Concierge Room.
It was so nice being on the 4th floor & being able to have that amazing view of the pool below and the long stretch of White sand to the left out your
balcony & with the Mountains out your door.  One thing I would make sure to let your clients know is some balconies are very small with only having
a small table and 2 chairs you would not be able to eat your room service out there, and some clients really enjoy that (me).  The service at White
house was over the top from the start to finish so your clients that are looking for a nice walking beach and a little bit of European flare from the
Cade De Paris  for your pastries, coffees & the best cookies & Giuseppe’s for the best pizza.  I also had the best fish sandwich at Bluefield’s  Beach Club sitting oceanside.  The resort has 3 pools the Rivera Pool(Activity) the Dutch Village (quite no swim up bar) and the Italian Village (swim up bar &
Volleyball).  Brad & I  had the pleasure of diving also at this resort.  I wouldn’t say it the dive mecca area of Jamaica, but when
you see something it is BIG!! I saw a 5 foot long Sting Ray on my dive. We soon departed from Sandals White house back around the Island to Montego Bay
before departing off the island.

Our final night sleep took place at Sandals Royal Caribbean where I finally got the pleasure of staying in the room category I always dreamed of the Grande
Romeo & Juliet Honeymoon Swim-up One Bedroom Crystal Lagoon Suite with Private Entrance.   My first reaction was WOWZERS this is all
ours!!!  If you want the best that it is!!!! You are whisked away with your very own Butler & privately checked into your room.  You butler
is there to pretty much be at your service.  We did the in room dinning & my husband had a fabulous New York Strip.  This is a room for
couples that want that privacy and a high level of service.  With having our own swim out pool we spent most of our days relaxing there with the
exception of one quick trip to the private island.  The food was wonderful as always we visited the Cricketers pub for Fish & Chips(outstanding) &
Brad favorite Bangers & Mash.  We finished the trip with a dinner at French restaurant Le Jardinier with our friend Dane from Unique Vacations
having my favorite lamb chops.  With going from a huge to tiny resort we got the best of both worlds on this trip.  The Sandals Royal Caribbean has
a HUGE repeat clientele & you will know why once you experienced it for yourself.  I always thought it was more of a quite resort, but is a very
friendly lively piece of paradise.  In the years I have been traveling to Sandals I can truly say from rooms, service, food, fire pits, sitting areas,
shows etc.  They have definitely improved!! I love Jamaica and travel there often ALWAYS looking for a different experience & this one was truly
enjoyable.

London-Stayed at the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel which is in a great location and a very safe neighborhood.  Went to the British Museum since it is free except for special exhibits.  You can actually spend several days there just seeing all the wonderful treasures from Asian, Egyptian, and “The Bog Man” just to name a few.  After the museum head over to the London Eye for a great view of Parliament, and all of London along the Thames river.  During the summer months you might be able to plan ahead and get tickets to tour Buckingham Palace.  This was my first time to tour the palace and it definitely didn’t disappoint!  The crown jewels special exhibit was over the top!!

Took the Eurostar at 3:10pm to Paris arriving 6:35pm.  You must check in for the train at least 30 minutes prior to departure.  The London train station has lots of great restaurants if you need to grab a meal.  I traveled Premium class and was served a light meal with unlimited wine, coke, and, water.  Standard class does not serve food or beverage.  You’re only underground approximately 20 minutes and the trip is a short 2.5 hours even though you’re changing time zones.

Paris -Stayed at the Lutecia Hotel on the left bank which is in a great trendy and very safe location.  The hotel is about 2 blocks from where the hop on/hop off bus stops.  I took the hop on/hop off bus to see as many sites as possible.  I got off at the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, but did not go inside since the lines were very long!  There are three different routes to take plus a Seine river tour.  Late fall and winter are the best times to travel since the lines are shorter! The Orsay Museum is a great place to view the vast array of Masters painting plus the restaurant is wonderful!  The last train back to London left at 8:10pm and arrived back into London at 9:35pm.

    I had the pleasure of living in Switzerland for three years. It was a wonderful experience. I lived in a beautiful small town called Spiez.

Spiez is right on Lake Thun surrounded by the Alps.  Spiez is what you would expect from a small  quaint Swiss town. The Swiss chalet type homes, the small bakery , the Swiss cows in the fields with the clanging bells around their necks.
   The town’s castle was built between the 15th and 16th century. If you go all the way to the top of the castle you get a fantastic view of the town as well as the surrounding area.  The town takes its pride on keeping the gardens as well as the gorgeous flower arrangements ( planters and hanging baskets) all around the town, including the cemetery. These arrangements are changed with the seasons and they are truly amazing. Another amazing it The Backerei Konditorei Tea Room is one of the best  pastry/ chocolate shops I have ever experienced.  The smell in the shop automatically sends your senses into a chocolate frenzy.   The chocolate melts in your mouth like cotton candy, it is so good. The tortes are truly a culinary masterpiece for your stomach. The quality is unbeatable. There are a few restaurants to eat at where you can gaze upon the Lake. There is also a ferry where you can cruise along the lake or take it to another town.

    The train system is excellent and it can get you anywhere in the country. Just make sure that you are on time because the Swiss trains are rarely late. Spiez is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle.

Of all of the places I have experienced, Israel is like no other.  In the Spring I led a group of 22 to the Holy Land.  Our 10-day tour was so memorable that a group of people who didn’t know each other before we left became dear friends and continues to meet monthly.  When people think of traveling to the Holy Land one of their main concerns is safety.  Never once did I feel unsafe or unwelcome.  Faith based tourism is booming in Israel and for good reason.  It is so special to see the places we have heard and read about.  Even though Israel is only roughly the size of New Jersey, the land and people are diverse. Modern and ancient exist side by side as do people of many faiths, Jews, Muslims and Christians.

After arriving in Israel’s international airport, we saw the skyscrapers of Tel Aviv against the backdrop of the beautiful Mediterranean.  Right next door sits Jaffa an ancient seaport.  Contrasts like this are almost everywhere.  In Jerusalem the walled Old City houses precious Holy sites and streets crowded by pilgrims.  Just outside the gates is a busy modern city. The dusty Judean hills have cities and settlements within sight of the nomadic Bedouin tents.  The Dead Sea –true to its name as nothing can live in its mineral rich water- sits in the midst of a desert yet just up the road are lush green farmland valleys. The fruits grown in the northern valleys are delicious and plentiful.  Apricots, dates, figs, pomegranates, bananas, oranges and other citrus are served at every meal and they are fabulous. The food is so healthy; I have never seen such a variety of fruits and vegetables at every meal.  Yes veggies for breakfast too!  Hummus is a staple also served at every meal.  Falafel and shawarma were our favorites for lunch.

An hour or so north of Tel Aviv along the Mediterranean we saw Caesarea Maritime the Roman aqueduct, theatre and fortress built in 25 BC.  Next we stopped at the top of Mt. Carmel.  Here we had a view of the Jezreel Valley and Megiddo the site of many famous battles past and future.  As a part of our tour, Carole Gardner an experienced Bible teacher gave lessons on the places we were seeing. The history came alive because we could hear the picture being painted as we looked at the site.  We stayed for 2 nights in Tiberias along the shores of the Sea of Galilee and used this as home base while we toured places like Capernaum-which has the ruins of the Synagogue where Jesus taught and where many miracles took place.  The Sea of Galilee is largely unchanged from the time of Christ.  As we sailed in a wooden boat on the Sea, it was awe inspiring to imagine the 5000 being fed on the shore, or the storm rolling in to be calmed by the Savior.

Books have been written to describe and record the history here.  I don’t have the space but here are the names of our stops in the region.  Tabgha, Mt of Beatitudes, Church of the Primacy of St Peter, Caesarea Philippi, Cana, Yardenit; a baptismal site on the Jordan river, and Bet She’ an.

On our way to Jerusalem we stopped in Jericho to tour, eat lunch and ride camels.  It is considered THE oldest city of the world dating back 10,000 years and we think something from the 1700’s is old: it’s amazing.

We watched in wonder as we approached the Holy City of Jerusalem.  As you first see the ancient walled city your eye is drawn to the Temple Mount, capped with the Dome of the Rock.  The golden dome is in stark contrast to the uniform white stone buildings and walls of the rest of the city.  To this city, pilgrims from the world over come. It seems that every nation is represented.  I couldn’t count the languages spoken.  You hear mainly

Arabic and Hebrew and occasionally English. The spices make the markets and streets fragrant with both the familiar and the exotic.

We stayed 5 nights in our Jerusalem hotel the Leonardo.  We were about a 5-minute walk from the Damascus gate, an entrance to the old city so if you had the energy after a full touring day it was an easy walk in.

One day we started at the top of the Mount of Olives and enjoyed a panoramic view of the city, breathtaking!  After one of Carole’s teaching times, we followed the traditional Palm Sunday path walking down the Mount of Olives stopping at Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over the city and on to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of all Nations.  Once here in the Kidron Valley our driver picked us up so we could go on to see Mt Zion, Caiaphas’ house where Jesus was imprisoned overnight before His crucifixion.

Within the Old City, We followed the Via Dolorosa- the Way of Suffering- or the Stations of the Cross ending in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher built on Calvary.  We left Jerusalem one day to see Masada, Qumran and to float in the Dead Sea.  The engineering marvels and bloody history of Masada was a highlight for the fellows.  Floating in the Dead Sea was a time for laughter and rejuvenating mud baths.  Our last day was free and many chose to walk the ramparts of the wall or to visit Yad Vashem- the Holocaust museum.  While there were solemn and sacred moments our time was filled with awe and laughter and the beautiful people of Israel; a place like no other.

I have traveled through Europe in a lot of different ways… planes, trains and automobiles.   Hands down, my new favorite way is by river cruise!  Not having to pack and unpack and still be able to wake in a new, wonderful location is amazing.  The best part is that the boats are smaller and provide a more intimate experience.  It gives you a chance to visit those smaller villages and towns that you might not otherwise see when doing a land based vacation.

I love visiting Europe!  I go to see and feel the culture, try the local cuisine and just immerse myself in being in a different environment.  The river cruise companies really embrace this ideal.  I recently returned from a cruise called The Castles Along the Rhine.  It was a 7 day journey that started in Amsterdam and ended in Basel, Switzerland.  We cruised down a stretch of the Rhine that is known for having the most medieval, romantic castles along its banks.  It was narrated so we heard about love stories, war stories and all the intrigues that were associated with all the castles.

And you can’t forget the food!  Food, wine and culture are the main focus on this itinerary.  I loved how the chef would pair local ingredients or the special of the region with a wine that was made from the local winery we had visited that day!

Most riverboat cruises include walking tours in each village or town that you visit.  And they use local hosts that are passionate and proud of their heritage.  When you depart for your walking tour you are given a listening device.  This listening device gives you the freedom to roam and still be able to hear the tour guide.  No gathering around the guide and straining to hear!

If meandering down cobblestone streets, visiting the local pub, trying amazing food and wine and seeing some of the oldest castles and villages known sounds like a good time, then maybe river cruising will be your new favorite way to see Europe also!!

Maureen Payton

Manager

Gullivers Travel Store

319 233-3502

Maureen@GulliversTravel.com

I have just returned from a wonderful stay at the newly renovated Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & off shore Island.  Imagine being greeted with a glass of champagne and a cool cloth that’s how your stay with Sandals will start. After a quick check in you a whisked away to your rooms.  We had the pleasure of staying in a Royal Windsor Beachfront Suite. Back in the day, Royalty created the most fashionable retreat. Today that regal being is evident in sumptuous Royal Windsor Suites.  I would highly recommend you stay in one they are worth it!! Being treated like Royalty is priceless & something we all deserve this every once in awhile.  I can still remember my first breakfast at the Baccarat Restaurant (ala carte) the setting is just like no other imagine sitting in a restaurant with 5 large floor to ceiling glass bubble windows with quite music playing in the background sipping that Cranberry Mimosa that I tried for the first time with the one you love.  That moment surely stands out in my head.  Another plus of this resort is the private island Sandals Cay.  Getting there is so fun a boat leaves from the resort every hour and returns every 10 minutes to the hour  it is a quick 5 min ride over.  You are greeted with a warm welcome and a cold tropical beverage once on the dock.    It is you choice what to do once on the island enjoy lunch at Café Goombay, get a spa treatment  beside the shore, go snorkeling right of the powdery white sand beach, hang out at the Off Shore Beach club that has a swim up bar or just cuddle with the one you love in one of the private Cabanas (no charge).  My husband enjoyed snorkeling and saw so many large fish, rays, etc… right off the back side of the island.   We are scuba divers & we both will tell you Nassau has some of the best dive sites in the Caribbean.  The water I can’t say enough about the water it is some of the clearest waters,  Our last trip to the Bahamas we did a private shark dive & wow I will never forget that experience it was worth every penny we paid so if you are a diver I highly recommend you try and get signed up for that.  You wont go hungry at Sandals Royal Bahamian with so many options from fine dinning to dining at the Cricketears Pub having Bangers & Mash was my husbands favorite.  My  two favorite  would be the Lamb chops I had at Ristorante Casanova & the Birthday celebration dinner we had at Gordon’s on the pier Surf & Turf.   You can finish the evening off at the Piano Bar sing along,or attend one of the fantastic shows in the evening, immerse yourself in the chocolate buffet or just enjoy a quite evening under  the starts.  Our stay at Sandals Royal Bahamian was just so wonderful I suggest if have ever wanted to visit the Bahamas you give Sandals Royal Bahamian a try you will not be disappointed.

Thank you, Janelle Throne, Manager
Gulliver’s Travel, Northpark Mall

Monday May 9^th

Landed at the Kona airport and checked into the Royal Kona Resort. Room was very nice. Room had a view of ocean and the town of Kona.

Tuesday May 10^th

Woke up early and eat a breakfast buffet and then had a site inspection of Sheraton Keauhou Bay. Resort has the largest waterslide in the pool. Pool area had also a kid’s pool that was sanded since resort does not have a beach. Rooms are very nice and all have upgraded beds. Sheraton also has a new program where you can opt out of maid service and receive a few bonuses.

After the site inspection we went to the dock close by and did the Trade Wind II snorkel cruise and BBQ. They took us to Kealakekua Bay for the snorkeling. Here you can see about 100 feet down. Snorkeling was great. Saw coral reefs, and lots of different kinds of fishes. Around lunch time the crew started up the grill and cooked burgers and had different pastas and chips. Soft drinks were also included.

After the snorkeling cruise we went into town and toured King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. This hotel was affected by the Japan tsunami. The lobby area was the most affected. They are still waiting to get their carpet they ordered to come in. There are also a few shops that have yet to open back up. The rooms however are great. They have all been upgraded. Beach is still being worked on and so is the area that they do their luau.

Wednesday May 11^th

Checked out of the Royal Kona Resort and went to tour and have breakfast at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort. Pool at this resort is a little small. All the rooms we looked at were nice. I think that the bedding could be upgraded but they are more island feel to them. They do have beach access at this property.

Next we went to visit Greenwell Farms for a Kona Coffee tour. If you are a coffee drinker this is a very interesting tour. After this tour we went to Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park. Here we got to learn Hawaiian history. We then had a nice seaside box lunch provided by the visitor’s bureau. We then drove to Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. This beach is also a great spot for seeing sea turtles.

Once we arrived into Hilo we stopped and went to the Big Island Candy Store and picked up a few treats. We also made a stop and see Rainbow Falls. Then we checked into the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. This is a nice moderate hotel. What I thought was really neat about this hotel is it is located on Banyan Drive. Here are Banyan trees that celebrities have planted. Each has a sign in front of them letting you know who planted it and on what date it was planted. In front of the Hilo Hawaiian was a tree planted by Babe Ruth on Oct. 29, 1933.

Thursday May 12^th

Checked out of the Hilo Hawaiian and went to tour Naniloa Volcanoes Resort. This is a budget hotel. Some of the rooms have been upgraded and look great. The first room we went too had a king bed and a day bed in it. The owner’s daughter painted the paintings in all the rooms. This hotel does have 3 King Kalakaua Suites. It offered two beds, kitchen, and a living room. It also offers a wrap around balcony.

After visiting this hotel we went to the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center.  After the center we went to the Volcanoes National Park. It was not doing anything when we where there. It was just steam that all we saw. We also went to the lava tube. This is a really unique thing to see. It was much bigger than I thought it was going to be.

After the park we drove to the Waikoloa area. Here we checked into the Hilton Waikoloa and had a nice dinner with Teresa Cosgrove who is Hilton’s leisure sales manager. Let me tell you the good was great. They feed us so much food and a different variety. What was also nice is the Hilton thought it would be nice for all of us to have our own room.  Once I got to my room I had a view of the dolphin area. This hotel does not have a beach so they built a lagoon with their own beach. I think that so far this was my favorite hotel that we had been to.

Friday May 13^th

This day we went and had breakfast and toured Waikoloa Beach Marriott. Rooms here have more of an Asian feel to them. Either have 2 doubles or a king bed. They also have a few presidential suites. However they only sleep 2. They have a living room, dining room and kitchen. They do however can do ongoing ocean view room or garden view room.

Leaving the Marriott we went to Aston Shores at Waikoloa. This is a condo and property rentals. We first toured a two bedroom that had a view of the golf course and also a view of Mauna Kea Mountain and lava rock. The two bedrooms had one room with two twin beds and a room with a king. Also included two bathrooms.  Large balcony and a full kitchen and a washer/dryer included. Aston includes a pool area and also an area where you can grill out. They have about 4 grills that you can use. The only thing not included in the rental is use of the garages. Those are the owner of that rental. Each rental is decorated differently.

Leaving the Aston we went and checked into our hotel The Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel for the remainder two nights. Once we checked in we set our things in the room and left for the Kohala Ditch Adventures. This tour begins with a very cool off-road excursion on our custom Pinzgauers to our launch site high in the Kohala Mountains. Immersed in a jungle setting, a short hike over a 150 ft. flume overlooking a waterfall and a fascinating earth tunnel is the prelude to our kayak journey.

We boarded their kayaks and cruise for 2 ½ miles through a Hawaiian rainforest, 10 earth tunnels, water flumes and native flora & fauna. Our knowledgeable 5th generation native guides will share genuine history and Hawaiian folklore. Absolutely Amazing!

We return to their headquarters via there six passenger ATVs through Kohala’s macadamia nut orchards with stunning ocean vistas. This will truly be the highlight of your vacation. Experience 3 tours in 1 awesome package! Fascinating, Educational and Real old Hawaiian beauty!

After this tour we went back to our hotel and changed clothes and toured Mauna Kea Beach Resort and also toured the villa at the Hapuna Beach. This villa is $3500 per night includes there own private entry way and four bedrooms. This is a very luxurious villa.

Friday May 14^th

Went and toured Fairmont Orchid. This is one of my other favorite properties on the island as well. They have a nice cove beach that kids can play in. While touring the property we got to see some of the sites were weddings can take place. Also at this property they have the Fairmont Gold rooms. Here there are about 35 rooms and they include more amenities than just the regular rooms.

After the Fairmont we went to Hali’I Kai at Waikoloa. These are luxury vacation homes. A select few luxury villas are oceanfront, and many more are flanked by the green fairways of the Beach Course. Designed to incorporate the beauty and tranquility of the Waikoloa setting, villas are available in your choice of four floor plans. The villa that I thought was great was the oceanfront. With the view also has the lava rock then the gorgeous view of the ocean.

After the Hali’I Kai we went to Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows. When checking in at this hotel it is a sit down instead of over the counter. You also get some of the following amenities: Hawaiian floral lei greeting on arrival, Fresh tropical beverage on arrival, Internet and WiFi access, Coffee and tea in the atrium, In-room coffee maker, Kona coffee & tea, Bottled water in guestroom, Newspaper delivered to guestroom, Secured safe in each guestroom, Guest Laundry Room, Twice daily maid service, Over-night shoe shine, Valet and Self-parking, Shuttle service throughout the resort. Here we viewed a standard room that overlooking the Mauna Kea Mountain, these rooms are the most affordable of the luxury guest rooms. The view from theses rooms are great. We then toured a ocean view room,these guestrooms feature excellent views of tranquil fishponds, tropical foliage and the crystal blue Pacific. The corner oceanfront room this spacious guestroom offers an additional floor to ceiling window overlooking a view of the Kohala coastline. If you are looking for a resort similar to the Fairmont but not so expensive then this is a great option.

After the tour of Mauna Lani we did Mauna Kea Summit & Stars Adventure tour. This tour is from 3:40pm to 11pm. You go up 14,000 ft above sea level and see the sun set over the water. Then once the sun has set you go back down to 9,000 ft and the guide brings out his telescope. Here a few of us got to see what a star looks up close. Once the clouds came in we then shifted towards the moon. Then he also spotted Saturn. So we all got to see what Saturn looked like. This tour was really neat. They also included a meal, which was beef stew and corn bread muffins.

Saturday May 15^th

This was a free day so mostly spent at the pool and beach area. The Big Island was not what I thought when I think of Hawaii. I think lush and beaches. But once you land you view lava rock and beaches are far in between. But I have to say the people on the Big Island are wonderful. Our Big Island visitors’ bureau rep Waynette is a delight. I had such a great time with her and taught us so much about the Hawaiian history. She also got me to try different foods that I had not tried before.

Booked with Apple Vacation on their USA 3000 charter flight out of Chicago. Our flight was to take off at 6:30 am but due to the flight crew coming in late the night before our flight ended up not leaving until a little after 9am. Once arrived into Cancun we went through immigrations pretty easy. Once we left immigration we picked up our bags and headed to customs. We had to press the button to show us either a green light or a red light. Both of us ended up with green so we headed outside for our transfer with Apple. Apple’s transfer spot was the very last one on the right hand side after you left the building. They had about 6 or so people around waiting to get enough people for your transfer. We go a small Transfer van and ended up being the last to get dropped off at our hotel.

We stayed the 4 nights at the Riu Caribe in their standard ocean view room. Check in was pretty easy and they even gave out a welcome drink. Our room was on the third floor. The room had 2 double beds and was very nice. The bathroom was bigger than most hotels that I have been to.

The next day we had set up a full day tour to the newest park Xplor. This park is where you can do 13 zip lines, take a trip through the jungle on unstoppable amphibious vehicles, explore an underground paradise where you can swim surrounded by amazing stalactites and stalagmites, discover a matchless raft route across stunning subterranean caverns while paddling with your own hands, and to complete your feat, a nutritious and light buffet.

The zip lines where great. There are 2 different circuits you can choose from. One being the higher longer lines and the other a lower shorter lines. We ended up doing both lines. No matter which one you choose to do you will get wet so wear a swim suite.

The next day I went and toured a few hotels in the Cancun area with an Amstar rep. Toured GR Solaris, Great Parnassus, Beach Palace, Dreams Cancun, and Riu Palace Las Americas.

GR Solaris was the farthest hotel on the hotel zone that we went too. Lobby I felt was a little small but still nice. It was all decorated for Christmas. Was should one room at this property and that was a king ocean view room. Rooms looked very nice and all have a mini bar and a flat screen TV. They also have a few rooms that offer a whirlpool tub on the balcony. They have a nice little kids club if you bring smaller kids along including a small pool and playground set. Pool was nice.

Great Parnassus was our next hotel that we went too. I have to say I really liked the open-air lobby they had. The hotel is kind of shaped like a cruise ship a little. They have Promenade where you will find all the restaurants and shops. To me it kind of reminded me of a shopping mall. We where showed 3 different rooms at this resort. The first room that we saw was the family rooms. These rooms can either have 2 double beds or a king and they also include a little cove where you will find a set of bunk beds. The bathroom was very nice but did not have a bathtub. They also include a very huge closet. The only thing I did not see in this room was a mini bar. The next room we saw was the clubroom. This was basically the same but it had a king bed and a double Jacuzzi in the room. This room there was a mini bar. The last room we saw was their ocean suite. This room is at the end of the hotel giving you an ocean front view. Room layout pretty much the same as the clubroom but room was a bit bigger. Was then showed the adults only pool area, which is located at the front end of the resort.

We also got to tour the Treasure Island water park and also the baby club. Lastly we went to the spa. It is a little bit dark in there but it was very nice.

Beach Palace was our next resort. This resort I would recommend for the higher end clients. Here we where showed the presidential suite and a lagoon view room. You cannot get a bad view from your room if you get a lagoon view than an ocean view room. The Presidential suite has a nice size living room with a bar. Then you have a king bed to one side and on the other is a room with 2 queen beds. Both rooms have their own bathrooms and there is also a ½ bath in the hallway as well. View from the room was great it over looked the pool and the beach.

Dreams Cancun was our fourth resort we went too. I liked this resort. We got to go into 2 different room types at this property. The first room we went into was themdolphin front room. Here the balcony over looks the Delphinus. They have currently 7 dolphins and it is about $160 for an hour. We also toured a room in their preferred club tower. 1 bedroom club suite w/Jacuzzi was the next room that we toured. Rooms to me felt about the same size to me as in the dolphin front rooms. Dreams is also where we also had our lunch. We ate at the Sea Side Grill and had a great meal. They give you a nacho platter and chips and salsa to snack on before we got our meal.

Riu Palace Las Americas we didn’t really get to tour it much due to our tour guide not being able to make it. We did get to see a junior suite ocean view room from a bellboy. When you first walk into the room you step into a nice sitting room. Then you turn to enter the bedroom. Bathroom here I think was a little smaller than our bathroom that we had at the Riu Caribe. I also didn’t think that they had an all that great beach.

The last full day that we had my mom and I basically did a beach day then we took the local bus into town and did a little shopping. Our return transfer went pretty good back to the airport. We were told to be ready at 10:45am and that is when we left the resort. It took a little bit to wait in line at the ticket counter but we got through just fine. After we left the ticket counter we went up to go through the security. Was a bit surprised that we didn’t have to take off our shoes. Once we got passed that we went and had a bit to eat. Once we got on the plane we had a delay on landing into Chicago so we had to circle for about 45 minutes.

Overall my mom and I had a great time in Cancun. It was also our first time here in Cancun. Food at the Riu Caribe was pretty good and we really don’t drink so can’t really go into details about the bar.

Spent 3 weeks touring Europe. While there I visited Holland, Paris, London, Rome, Venice, Munich, and Berlin. Also did a few side trips to Salzburg, toured Neuschwanstein castle, Linderhof palace, Dachau concentration camp.

While in London did the Bath, Windsor Castle and Stonehenge Tour. I did travel also to Keukenhof Gardens.

All the side trips that I did were great.

Paris

Did a free walking tour with Sandemans NewEurope. This is a 3.5 hour tour seeing all of these sights: Notre Dame de Paris, The Latin Quarter, Ile-de-la-Cité, Pont Neuf, The Louvre, Palais Royal, Haussmann’s Renovations, Eiffel Tower, Tuileries Gardens, Les Invalides, Académie Française, Opéra Garnier, Musée d’Orsay, Pont Alexandre III,  Napoléon’s Tomb, Assemblé Nationale, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Grand & Petit Palais, Place de la Concorde. The tour ended by Champs-Élysées, so when we got done we went and saw all the shops.

The next day we went to The Louvre. You could spend all day here. We had planned out what we all wanted to see. Do have to say I was disappointed by Mona Lisa was much smaller than what I was thinking it should be. Really liked the Greek statues.

London

We had a little extra time in London due to the ash cloud from Iceland that had erupted during our trip. So we did get to take in a Broadway play. Went and saw “Wicked”. I have never been to a play before and thought it was great. We went and did the discounted ticket booth located in Trafalgar Square for our tickets. The Windsor castle, Bath and Stonehenge tour was an all day tour. I think that Bath was my favorite of all three. Just seeing the history and the beauty of the city was great.

Rome

I didn’t get much time in Rome. Spent a day there. We basically did a hop on bus tour. Did not get to stop off at The Coliseum but did drive by it. Would love to go back to see all the places that we missed.

Venice

Traveled by train from Rome to Venice and spent most of the day here. Was a little rainy but that didn’t stop us from seeing the canals and sights.

Though I do have to say it is very easy to get lost. Luckily we found our way back to the train station.

Munich

Took an overnight train from Venice to Munich and spent 3 days. My overall feel of Munich I wasn’t a big fan. We did a few tours that left from Munich.

Did a Gray Line bus tour of Linderhof Palace and Neuschwanstein Castle. The gardens at Linderhof was great the statues there were beautiful.

Neuschwanstein was a hike to get up too. But the castle was spectacular. My sister in law and I went to Mary’s Bridge to get the full picture of the castle. I am not big on heights but did get some very nice pictures of the castle. Another day tour that we took from Munich was Dachau concentration camp. They left right from the main train station and we had a small group of 5. Our guide that we had was very informative. Was a site to see if you are a big WWII buff. The last day trip we did was to Salzburg. This tour also left from the train station. Our guide took us to see sights from The Sound of Music and where Mozart lived.

Prague

Here we spent on our own. Went to see Charles Bridge, Lesser Square, Old Town, Saw the Prague Castle from afar. Saw some very gothic looking buildings.

Berlin

Berlin was another on our own. We did a hop on bus tour. Saw the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, The Brandenburg Gate, Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial, Berlin’s most famous trademark department store KaDeWe, Berlin’s Siegessäule – Victory Column.

Amsterdam/Netherlands

We made the mistake of going to Amsterdam on Queen’s Day. Nothing like have

200,000 to probably 500,000 people all in orange to celebrate the queen’s birthday. Didn’t get to see anything in Amsterdam due to this. We did however go the next day to Keukenhof Gardens. This was a sight to see. Loved seeing the different Tulips in so many colors. This was probably my favorite spot.

         Edinburgh is a wonderful place to visit. It is a place that magically takes you back in time. The aged structures line the cobbled streets and are a playground to the Brave heart characters wearing their bold clan colors dressed in kilts and swinging swords while grunting in some ancient language.  All the while the Edinburgh Castle is in the background.

The Castle is very impressive. A 15th century masterpiece that has stood up well against the test of time.  The solid fortified stone walls not only protect it from the outside world but keep its secret of a world long gone. The tours are wonderfully done and are extremely informative. The view from the castle is stunning.

Down from the castle is the street called the Royal Mile. It hosts a corridor of little tourist shops with those tiny treasures to be shared with friends and family. Another Shop is the Scotch Whiskey Experienc.  Here  you take a whiskey barrel ride that shows you the whiskey making process as well as a little taste test at the end.

Just a short distance from the Royal Mile is Bobby’s Pub named after the real life dog named Greyfriars Bobby. A bronze statue of the dog is just outside of the pub.  It’s a nice place to get a feel of a real Scottish pub. Not far from there is the National Museum of Scotland and the Museum of Scotland. Both museums have a wide range of things for everyone.

The Edinburgh zoo is a great place to go it is over 82 acres and now is home to a pair pandas on loan from China. The zoo has over a 1000 animals and the grounds are very nice.

There are plenty of  more things to see and do in Edinburgh for everyone. Edinburgh is easy to get around by bus and of course a lot of walking. My family enjoyed Edinburgh and they would go back again.

Just traveled to Couples Tower Isle June 3-10th. It was our first time back there since they have remodeled.  And they did a beautiful job! It felt very caribbean and tropical.  The resort grounds were wonderful. Staff there was fantastic.

They really went out of their way to make us feel at home.  We really enjoyed the complimentary Dunn’s River Falls Tour. The only thing I warn on is they do hound you when you get done with the climb for tips. Also, when you head back to the bus you have to navigate through a market area and they try to sell you crafts. My best tip is, if you don’t want anything, is say “No Thank You”. We did a few of the resorts afternoon activities that they provided and the painting class with Teddy was really fun! We painted our own sunset painting.  It turned out great and I plan to hang it in my house as a memory of our trip.

The beach area is small but it is private with white powdery sand.  No rocks at all!  They have a variety of dining options available. Loved me some Beef Patties at the Pool Grill. I could eat those everyday for lunch and pretty much did while we where there.

I would recommend this resort for anyone who wants a relaxing adults only property, honeymooners, anniversaries and for wedding groups. I can’t wait to go back.

I recently just got back from Jamaica and was pleased to find out that I just love the atmosphere & culture of the island.  I had the pleasure of getting to see some beautiful resorts in Montego Bay, Runaway Bay & Ocho Rios.  My absolute favorites were the Iberostars I loved how they were in Montego Bay so you didn’t have to travel far to get to your resort.  There are three different Iberostars that are all inclusive & in the same location for families, singles & couples.  First I will start with Iberostar Rose Hall Beach it is kid friendly & has some really great pools on a beautiful beach; Iberostar Rose Hall Suites that is an all suites resort & is kid friendly with a lazy river!! One perk of this resort is you get exchange privileges with Iberostar Rose Hall Beach…so get the pleasure of enjoying ALL of their facilities.  Last but surely not least Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall, which is breathtaking; it is just what the name states…Grand.  It is an adults only resort & very elegant every room being a junior suite with a marbled bathroom & Jacuzzi tub along with your very own butler service!!  You will receive exchange privileges throughout the entire Iberostar complex…the choices are endless at this beautiful property.

We started in Dublin- stayed at the Hotel Davenport which is right by Trinity College so the center of Dublin.  We took the hop-on-hop off tour all around Dublin and also took the Dublin Ghost Bus Tour and a Literary Pub Crawl which started @ the Duke pub (one of the pics I sent-the one of me and my granddaughter).  We also took a Musical Pub Crawl which was really cool-we traveled  between 3 pubs and listened to celtic music all night.

We then took Irish Rail north to Belfast- we stayed @ the Europa Hotel in downtown Belfast- then we toured the Belfast City Hall- builing is well over 200 year old–we took a hop-on hop-off tour  in  Belfast as well- 23 stops including the Northern Ireland Parliment Building.  Belfast is actually part of the UK- there are 6 counties in Northern Ireland that are still part of the UK.  We went there specifically to see the new Titanic Experience Museum which was built specially for the 100th anniversary of Titanic.  It was absolutely wonderful!!  The next day we went on a day tour to the Giants Causeway- centuries old rock formations on the northern Irish Coast.  We also took a day tour to Powerscourt which is just south of Dublin- that is where they filmed a lot of the movie “Braveheart”.  I have 4 people who left today and they hired a driver so am very interested to hear about their

trip- they will stay between Dublin and County Cork in the south.