The Faberge Museum in St. Petersburg The Faberge Museum in St. Petersburg is its own meticulously created gem. Located in a small 18th century palace (if there is such a thing) and only in existence since 2013 it has smaller crowds and better access to the exhibits than larger museums. The museum is a project of The Link of Times Foundation which is primarily funded by … [Read more...]
A weekend in Portland, Oregon
Why we went to Portland, Oregon for a weekend A weekend in Portland, Oregon would normally not make geographic sense for either of us but we were there prior to embarking on a much-anticipated Uncruise. We expected Portland to be the land of fit, crunchy people, a good bookstore and excellent restaurants. We were right on two of those three and missed altogether that it … [Read more...]
What is it like to cruise with Un-Cruise Adventures ?
Cruising with Un-Cruise What is it like to cruise with Un-Cruise Adventures? It's unrushed, uncrowded and unbelievable. Oh wait, that's their tagline. But it's true. (Unlike Coca-Cola who, despite their best intentions, never actually taught the world to sing.) We went on the 7 night Legacy of Discovery cruise from Portland, Oregon and traced some of the foot/canoe … [Read more...]
The Magellanic penguins of Patagonia and their mating habits
Magellanic Penguins of Patagonia The Magellanic penguins of Patagonia look like they're waddling around the set of a Charlie Chaplin film on a crusty no-nonsense island on the edge of nowhere. They look comical, pompous and very busy. They bray and sound frustrated and indignant - possibly because they are. On a cruise Blonde took through the Strait of … [Read more...]
The Pros and Cons of all-inclusive resorts
All-inclusive resorts have pros and cons that need to be carefully considered before you make a reservation. Depending on the resort, and what you want from your vacation, the pros can be cons and vice versa . Was that helpful? No? OK we'll go into some specifics The Pros of all-inclusive resorts Budget: The primary positive aspect of all-inclusive resorts for most … [Read more...]
Using wi-fi safely when you travel
Safe wi-fi when you travel (you know you want it) Using wi-fi safely when you travel is like your (probably unrequited) lust for the object of your adolescent desire in high school. You have been told not to go there; it isn't safe. But your hormones are urging you down the path to self-destruction. We all want wi-fi all the time and for free. We know it's risky and we have … [Read more...]
Things to do in Pittsburgh
Why visit Pittsburgh? Why not? There are lots of interesting things to do in Pittsburgh even though it may not be a leading vacation destination. If you're going to Pittsburgh it's probably to check out one of the 11 colleges or universities , go to a job interview, conference or convention or attend some sort of family get-together. So why not have some fun and learn … [Read more...]
Top Reykjavik Restaurants and their different paths to success
Top Reykjavik Restaurants Blonde visited Iceland on a mission to enjoy the top Reykjavik restaurants and learn their paths to success in the city's competitive (but friendly) culinary scene. People are often surprised to learn that Reykjavik is such a foodie paradise but it is. It isn't inexpensive (that comment applies to the whole country) but then high quality food in … [Read more...]
What to see and where to stay before a cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, a popular pre-cruise destination Over 3 million people a year leave on a cruise from Fort Lauderdale, "The Venice of America". Fort Lauderdale has come quite a ways from its naughty past as a sandy magnet for poorly behaved college students on spring break. Today's Fort Lauderdale is just the right amount of classier, prettier and more cultural. It's sort … [Read more...]
How to plan for a Viking River Cruise
How to plan for a Viking River Cruise (Hint: It's very easy) After you have selected and booked your itinerary you may wonder how to best plan for a Viking River Cruise. Fear not! Although we hear that ocean cruise lines have ways for you to book shore excursions ahead of your cruise as far as we know only Viking River Cruises has this feature available for river cruises. … [Read more...]