Chronicling Europe & The Baltics 2018 – Priceless Impressions

Sunny St. Petersburg Exploration

Day five on board may have started like any other busy morning on these Dave Koz Cruises, but it was unique. Some early risers drank their coffee to the sounds of Kenny Lattimore, Chris Walker, and Javier Colon. Those of us a bit groggy after a late night of music, delectable cuisine, and dancing woke to a beautiful sunny day in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Now, I am aware that there was an elephant in the room when it came to expectations and preconceived notions. My very first impressions of this city were breath-taking. The views of the water and broader landscapes were priceless. The organization for excursions into the city was detailed and understandable.

Ours was a guided tour that journeyed through St. Petersburg ending at the Hermitage. We had three glorious hours to see artwork that could not be viewed anywhere else in the world. Before stepping into this renowned museum, we took tons of photos just like everyone in the crowd of tourists.

I hadn’t expected to ride through a vibrant and bustling cosmopolitan city. The Speed of Life of this day was filled with surprises and education about this particular Baltic port of call.



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.