Chronicling Europe & The Baltics 2018 – The Music Plays On

If I had to find a phrase to describe these unique cruises it would be continual music. It doesn’t matter whether you are asleep in your cabin or on deck for a stroll. There is jazz being played everywhere on the ship from sunrise to sunset. What more could fans from countries around the globe ask for when they truly love the music?

Departing from Helsinki brings a bit of sadness to us, travelers because we know the end is coming. There’s one more full-day at sea and then back to Copenhagen. For the majority of us, we will be heading to the airport and home. So I normally take this time to finish up my notes, make some important observations, and enjoy the last two days apart from the Speed of Life.

Each cruise we’ve gotten the chance to meet people we would not have encountered in the states. That in itself is amazing to think about. We’ve adopted travel parents, brothers, sisters, and friends on these journeys. Maybe this is why so many of the jazz fans and cruisers keep coming each year. It’s difficult to say goodbye but we know the music will play on until we see each other again.

#Rick Braun #Marcus Anderson

Diverse Hawaiian Trees

Anyone who has lived or spent a lot of time in the Mid-West and on the West Coast understands how seeing trees can affect you. It is common to feel strange going from a few trees on the landscape to nothing but trees. A visit to Honolulu, Hawaii will certainly provide you with the opportunity to see trees that you’ve probably never seen before.

These are some of the most diverse and amazing types of trees. Some are associated with the produce that grows here naturally, like coconut, pineapple, and macadamia. There are other types that grow here but originate from far away. The different types of trees and their growth patterns are another thing that makes the city stand out.

You can see humongous exhibits of these virtually everywhere from the city, the beach, and the mountains. The stunning displays make one wonder what soil is capable of producing such wonderful acts of nature. According to Garden Guides, there are 10 types of soil that exists in various parts of the country. Hawaii is the only state that happens to contain them all, which serves to enhance growth.

Norfolk Island Pine Trees

Your first look at these large trees may identify them as some type of pine true but not one you’ve probably seen before. The Norfolk Island Pine originates from this small island which is situated between New Zealand and New Caledonia in the Pacific. Its broad arm-like branches spread out and display pine attributes. These are often used as alternate Christmas trees in Honolulu during the holidays.

Banyan Trees

These intimidating trees are also referred to as Indian Banyan Trees, which are fichus examples. Many of these can grow quite large with extremely broad and spreading branches and alternate trunks. Most who see these trees for the first time may be intrigued. These trees grow and tend to drop aerial roots, which grow until they touch the ground. At this point, the roots become trunks of their own.

Tours around the city will show tourists many vibrant and gorgeous trees. Although island destinations are commonly associated with palm trees, they are not the only ones that are populous. These are only one of the different trees that can be found on this popular island. These are fine examples of why the soil here encourages the mature growth of plants, produce trees, and others.

Chronicling Europe & The Baltics 2018 – Mixing Jazz in Estonia

A big part of my chronicling of this trip has to do with our shared love for jazz. I must be honest, however, in saying that I came late to the party. My husband grew up in Brooklyn, NY and has a rich history of listening to different styles of jazz. I started my journey by getting my feet wet with artists, such as Kenny G and Dave Koz.

Not long after we went on our first cruise in 2013 with DK, I realized that I was hooked. At the time, new artists like Vincent Ingala were hitting the scene and would soon be on the charts, as well. Industry staples like Richard Elliot and Gerald Albright solidified their place in what many refer to as Smooth Jazz.

There’s no way to separate the music from the destinations that we travel to. They are a mixture, a perfect blend that follows the couple thousand of us cruisers, who are on board for the both of them. Estonia left an impression on me partially because of its natural beauty. This was showcased in a very unassuming way.

There was no way to look at the busy residents and tourists on city streets to know about Tallinn’s history. It wasn’t possible to know that 1,500 islands, beaches, lakes, and forests are a part of the landscape that defines the country. Sitting relaxed in front of a restaurant near the mall, I listened to the sounds of the city.

I collected my thoughts and the inspiration for future writing, while absorbing the memories created in this place.

Chronicling Europe 2018 – Copenhagen Greets Me

The weather was a little dreary on the first day but by the afternoon the sun came out to greet us, so did the city of Copenhagen. Big Bus tours as some of the best ways to see the sights and sounds of any destination. This is true whether you are traveling domestically or internationally.

We enjoy it because it’s a great way to learn about the history and to find hot spots to go back and explore. The Little Mermaid, Tivoli Gardens, and Frederik’s Church are amazing attractions and landmarks to visit while in the city. We got the chance to hop-on and hop-off at sites that interested us.

Diverse shoppers like me loved hearing about IKEA and its history here in Denmark. Everyone we encountered from the couple from Germany to our British concierge assistant made an impression on the trip.

 

Now like many of the travelers also there during our stay, the goal and destination involved sailing with world-renown musician Dave Koz on the Friends at Sea, Scandinavia and The Baltic Cruise. We would be visiting Stockholm, Sweden, Tallinn, Estonia, St. Petersburg, Russia and Helsinki, Finland.

Our backdrop throughout the journey would include the most amazing jazz being played by equally as amazing artists. Setting sail with Day One Headliners of Michael Lington and Jonathan Butler got us ready for the week!



Teen Conversations: Important Parental Moves

It's true that parents and teens often speak a different language!


This shouldn't discourage either from conversation. It is important not only to the relationship of the family. Keeping these lines of communication active promotes expression in the future.


Teens learn how to think critically and to verbalize their positions. Topics of these conversations can vary. The primary objective is to use the time wisely. Although the Speed of Life is challenging to families, it is essential that they maintain relationships in a healthy way. Conversation is a good tool for this!


Daily Lives


Some teens need to be encouraged to talk about the issues that trouble them. The things that occur daily are a part of these concerns. Setting aside time specifically for these conversations, shows interest and concern.


Current Events


There are confusing things happening in society. This is true for both parents and teens. Discussing current events nationally and internationally can help. The goal is not to figure out the world's problems. It's simply to pursue understanding and spark more conversation. 


The Future


The future is one of the things that troubles teens the most. Parents don't always understand because they've conquered their fears in some ways. Teens need and want direction for attaining the goals, whether short term or long term. Conversation could mean the difference between success and failure.


Let's start talking more. . .


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Start Planning Your Cruise Vacation

I know that it's only the beginning of the year! It is never too early to start planning for your cruise vacation. This is the perfect time to look at the destinations that interest you. It is also a time to bargain shop for the best deals. There are a number of things that will factor into your cruise selection.

The size of your party is definitely one of these considerations. This will determine the number of cabins that you need. Airfare, ports of call, excursions and various other things will be important to your trip. Cruises usually include many of the top details that concern travelers. Let's take a look at some of these details.

Dining

A part of your cruise components will be complimentary dining. There will be a number of dining options included in the cost of the cruise. Along with these you will discover luxury dining locations onboard that require an additional cost.

Entertainment

Most large ships these days have staff that provide a wide array of entertainment shows. These may be musical performances or variety shows. You will find something entertaining onboard for everyone in your party.

Activity

Every ship, no matter the size offers activity choices. These take place both indoors and outdoors. Sports offerings, swimming pools and spas are generally onboard. Passengers can select from free activities and those that cost.

Booking sites like Cruise Voyant offer you the option to select cruises by many criteria. You can choose based upon price, destination, packaging or theme cruises.

Can Travel Revive You?

Many people are going to vacation this year despite the challenges with the economy. Some will travel far distances, while others will look for quiet spots near home. Let's face it. Most of us need to get away from it all. We need to spend some time away from the Speed of Life and to simply just relax. This is true whether we are married with kids or are completely single.

I think that a good vacation can revive you both physically and spiritually. Shedding your worldly responsibilities for just a weekend could make the difference in your overall attitude. The right destination choice can provide you with great points of interests and attractions. Finding things to do that interest you will allow you to expand your mind in other ways.

Instead of being stuck at a desk or in a cubicle, you can let your toes dig into soft white sand. Hiking through a national park, could be just what you need to experience revival. There are many great things to do aside from the activities that a vacation offers. You could finally read that book you've allow to attract dust. Sampling the cuisine of a destination is another terrific way to truly experience it.

Put a little extra thought into your vacation this year. Make your choice count! Select a place that provides you with time and opportunity to think and contemplate. Exciting excursions wouldn't hurt either.