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Be prepared to pay whatever duties are owed directly to the customs inspector, with cash or check. Then Customs forms are collected and passports/identification papers examined. Once in the terminal, luggage is sorted by color or number. Locate yours and, if desired, flag down a porter for assistance. Then, either proceed to your motorcoach, taxi, or retrieve your vehicle from the parking lot. Relaxed and happy...after a great time at sea—your cruise is complete!
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We strolled to the front of the Church, opened our bags of grapes and listened for the first gong. We
were told we must be patient and not get into the other goodies. It is tradition...do that after downing
the dozen grapes. Those gongs come in fairly rapid succession. Well...stuff my face! I did each grape
on time! Next year I'll do even better...I'll first empty the bag and hold all 12 grapes in one hand...hope
I don't break any traditions.
1. Print your last (family) name. Print your first (given) name. Print the first letter of your middle
name.
Wave Season Spectaculars!...Does your imagination take you to warm inviting beaches in the
Caribbean, Mexico, the South Pacific—or to scenic coastlines of Scandinavia? Enjoy a few new
destinations at a time. Visit port after port—enjoy different islands or cities. Explore the variety this
Wave Season—lock in your plans for a great cruise vacation!
Sail away to paradise! Experience lush, tropical rainforests, waterfalls, volcanoes and some of the most
breathtaking landscapes in the world. From palm-fringed beaches to exotic orchid-scented gardens,
Hawaii's waiting for you...Aloha.
Treat yourself and your special someone for Valentine's Day. Save $250 per person off brochure
prices—receive free delivery of Valentine's roses on February 14, 2004. A Valentine's Day memory to
last a lifetime. Treat yourselves to a romantic European river cruise with Viking River Cruises—and save
at the same time. This special offer is available for bookings on applicable cruises made before
February 10, 2004. Take advantage—enjoy your discount and flowers on us.
Most people feel lucky to explore just one Caribbean hide-away—but on this magical journey you have
a chance to explore several. Strolling along pristine beaches, watch tropical fish glide by and relax all
day on the marvelous decks of your cruise ship. Return home with wonderful memories.
Enjoy one magnificent beach after another. Swim, snorkel, dive, or just bask in the sun. If you seek
other activities, there are fascinating nature hikes in Dominica, scenic drives through spectacular
countryside, and historical cities and ruins to visit. Whatever you pleasure—you're sure to find it on an
Oceania Cruises Vacation. Book your voyage by January 31, 2004 and you'll receive 2 For 1 cruise
fares plus a $200 shipboard credit*.
Mexico is calling! Jubilant trumpets of a mariachi band, culture as warm and colorful as a sunset,
whisper of waves lapping secluded sandy beaches. Answer with this festive 7-day cruise from San
Diego, featuring the popular seaside resorts of the Mexican Riviera. Aboard your luxurious, five-star
Holland America ship.
Few places on earth match Norway's fjords. Glistening waterways carve through snow-capped
mountains. View Europe's largest glacier and explore Norway's magnificent fjordlands—including
Geirangerfjord, its most beautiful, and Sognefjord, the longest. You'll also visit the Norwegian capital of
Oslo with its Viking museums, and the Hanseatic seaport of Bergen.
French Polynesia—maybe the ultimate destination!. With its almost mystical reputation and stunning
natural beauty. Every new vista, every new taste and every new experience brings gladness to your
soul. Life aboard the six-star Paul Gauguin is effortless and utterly exhilarating. What luxury! And what
better place to mark a joyful anniversary, milestone birthday or family gathering. We'll take you there
with Free Economy Class Air and Bonus Savings of up to $1,250 per guest on selected sailings!
From the beaches surrounding King's Wharf to colorful St. George and everywhere in between. As a
British crown colony, Bermuda is cricket matches and neighborhood pubs, afternoon high tea and
regimental guards-all blended with sunny island charm. Hear it in the rhythm of calypso music. See it in
the pastel-painted cottages. Feel it in the soft pink sand under your feet. This is Bermuda, one of the
world's most romantic destinations.
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Hawaii Overview
© 2003 by
Frank Fargo
The Hawaiian Islands were all formed by the same underwater volcano and the further north you go the older the islands. The commercialization of Hawaii is also different on each island. Some islands have large cities while some have scattered condos and hotels.
OAHU: Until a few years ago, all visitors flew into Honolulu airport and venturing to any other island required another short flight. Today, major airlines fly into Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and the big island of Hawaii. Oahu is dominated by Waikiki beach and the city of Honolulu. The oldest hotels in Hawaii are on Waikiki beach. It is a crowded beach adjacent to a very large metropolitan city. Traffic is even a problem. Highlights include Pearl Harbor, the Punchbowl crater, Sealife Park, and the Cultural Center. There are much better destinations than Oahu. I avoid Oahu on all of my trips to Hawaii.
KAUAI: The garden island is beautiful and less hectic. The southern part of the island includes resorts and golf courses. The east side is scattered hotels and small cities while the west side is the breathtaking Napili coast. There is much to do on Kauai including traveling to the "Grand Canyon", taking a boat trip to Napili, and cruising up the Waialua River. Kauai does not have the best beaches or snorkeling sites, but is much more lay back and beautiful than some of the other islands.
MAUI: Called the "Best" of Hawaii, has the most to offer including snorkeling, the Halelukela crater, Lahina city, shopping, golfing, etc. It is separated into East and West Maui which are two separate craters. From Maui, you can see Lanai (about a 40 minute boat ride), and Molokai about 10 miles to the north. The Kaanapali Beach area is the oldest part of the island and contains a string of hotels. In the past 15 years, the Wailua Beach area has developed into a high-end part of the island with expensive hotels and exquisite golf courses. The scenery is beautiful, and the activities are extensive. Most people should include Maui in their trip plans.
HAWAII: The big island is made up of two large 15,000 foot volcanoes and boasts the only active volcano in the islands. It is very diversified and includes cattle ranches, live volcanoes, lust tropical jungles, and dry coast lines with fine beaches. It would take you a whole day to drive around the island. To the east is Hilo, with its lush tropical gardens. To the west is Kona, the dry coast with fine hotels and golfing. Between Hilo and Kona are the Volcano National Park and its active Kilauea Volcano. Hawaii is less traveled than Oahu or Maui and a good destination for a family that likes to take in some excursions while still having fun in the ocean.
MOLOKAI: Still relatively un-developed, Molokai has some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Hawaii. The east coast consists of 6,000 foot cliffs but is accessible only from air or sea. This is the place to relax for those A–type personalities. There are not as many activities or diversions except for some golf courses on the north shore and an animal reserve in the middle. If you want a place to learn how to relax, this is it.
In summary, there is something for everyone in Hawaii. Oahu is the most developed and unless you love people and like shopping in metropolitan centers, you can find more relaxing places in Hawaii. Maui is a must. Its rich whaling history, fine restaurants, myriad of water activities and diversity of landscapes make it worth the visit. Kauai and Hawaii are special islands for the discriminating visitor. There are things to do with much less commercialism. Select Kauai to relax or play golf, and Hawaii to explore lava tubes and jungles. If you are looking for a retreat, look to Molokai with its limited amenities forcing you to sit by the pool sipping your Blue Hawaii.
In a subsequent publication, I will focus on where to stay in the islands and how to use the internet to find your next vacation retreat.
Patrick Fargo is the author of various articles and books on management, software and the internet. He has a manuscript for a book titled, "Management Evolution: Why Companies are Failing" completed and is looking for a publisher. One of his passions is Hawaii. He has made over 10 trips to the islands and has provided advice to many of his friends. Visit his site to see some of his articles and other "works of art" at— www.patrickfargo.com.
Pat can be contacted via email at:
Explore Hawaii
Custom Design Your Vacation In America's Tropical Paradise—designed to fit your
independent spirit. We know you have your own ideas and special needs, so we offer you complete
flexibility in planning your trip. You may choose:
- Special discounted airfares from most U.S. cities
- Any length of stay on any number of islands
- Any departure day
- Transportation—rental cars and round trip transfers to your hotel
- Sightseeing tours, helicopter rides, and much more
- A FREE orientation breakfast in Waikiki
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St. Paddy's Party!
Feilte Dhuibh Linne Teoranta
St. Patrick's Day itself is a bank holiday throughout Ireland. Celebrations in Dublin get off to an early start with the St. Patrick's Festival Parade. Join crowds of spectators along the roadside. Watch as colourful theatrical pageants, marching bands and dazzling entertainers go by. After the parade bring your dancing shoes along to St. Stephen's Green—join over 50,000 in the gigantic Ceilidh.
Irish tourism minister John O'Donoghue named Mary Davis—CEO of the Special Olympics summer
games in Ireland—this year's chairperson of the 2004 St. Patrick's Festival in Dublin—Feilte
Dhuibh Linne Teoranta. The festival—one of Ireland's top draws—attracts more than 1.2 million
people. This year it takes place March 12–19. Events include fireworks, musical performances, street
fairs, dance and of course—the parade itself through Dublin.
Get in on the act! Come to Paddy's Party in Dublin. Spend a few days—or a week. Enjoy Dublin!
Compared to many places in Western Europe, Dublin accommodation is not cheap. Compared to everywhere else in Ireland, it is positively exorbitant! However, like anywhere, you get what you pay for...and the quality is excellent. Like most tourist and visitor-oriented sites in Dublin, the city hotels are split into those to the north of the river Liffey, and those to the south. The majority of accommodation is located either in the Temple Bar area or around Merrion Square and St. Stephen's Green. The Temple Bar area remains busy until extremely late—especially on weekends. If you value your sleep, stay somewhere less central. Dublin is small enough so any hotel in the city is within walking distance to all the central attractions. The best-located hotels are south of the river.
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day and the year 2004 festivities in Ireland on a scenic and historical tour. Enjoy traditional entertainment and visits to heritage sites.
Our 7-night St. Patrick's Week—Ireland program is priced from $889 per person, double-occupancy, land-only. Air Fare is based upon availability at time of purchase. The program runs March 13–20, and includes—
- First-Class hotels in Limerick, Athlone, Dublin and Killarney
- Irish Breakfast daily
- Five dinners
- Deluxe Motorcoach transport and touring
- Driver/guide
- Visits to Kilmainham Jail, Galway Bay, the Cliffs of Moher and of course the St. Paddy's Parade
Marilyn King is an Ireland Specialist certified by Tourism Ireland. Their Shamrock Club is the official organization for preferred agents promoting Ireland. Marilyn has been an official member of The Shamrock Club since May 2003.
Pamper Yourself in the New Age
2 for 1–Offer ends April 29,2004
New Age Health Spa is located on 280 acres of woodland adjacent to the New York Catskill Forest Preserve—only two hours from Manhattan. This all-inclusive spa resort offers health-enhancing services for women and men in a nurturing environment. Included in rates are three healthful meals daily, complete use of spa facilities, and unlimited participation in scheduled activities. And since a spa stay is incomplete unless you can melt the stress away with a massage, complement your stay with over 20 therapeutic spa treatments conducted in a contemporary spa facility.Reserve your New Age Health Spa vacation at the single-occupancy rate and bring a friend for FREE to share a double-occupancy accommodation.
Package includes: A 2-night minimum and 4-night maximum stay are required Valid through April 29th, 2004–Sunday through Thursday nights. Note: For this special offer Holidays are excluded.
New Age prides itself on state-of-the-art facilities, a highly trained staff, and a wide range of
programs dedicated to integration of body, mind, and spirit. A great destination for solo travelers, it also
caters to couples-with some spa rooms equipped with two beds to accommodate tandem treatments.
Whether alone or with loved ones, the opportunity to view life from a new perspective is yours when
you visit the New Age Health Spa.New Age Health Spa offers spa treatments and private consultations to help you look and feel your best. Body therapies, inspired by healing traditions found throughout the world, create a sense of enhanced wellness. Muscle soothing massage, skin conditioning body wraps, and anti-aging facials rejuvenate your body. Consultations addressing health issues such as weight and stress management provide you with a recipe for a more balanced way of life.
Intimate and charming lodges at New Age accommodate guests year round. Attractively appointed country-inn style guest rooms are housed in five separate cottages. Each guestroom has a private bath, an individual thermostat for heat control, and air conditioning.
The dining experience at New Age offers great tasting, highly nutritious meals that are low in
fat, sugar, sodium, and cholesterol. Creative chefs work closely with nutrition staff to prepare nourishing
and well-balanced meals. Only the freshest and highest quality ingredients are used- many grown right
on-site in the three greenhouses and extensive gardens. If you are concerned with reducing caloric
intake, the nutritional value and coordinating portion sizes are listed next to each food choice.
Fitness facilities at New Age include a fully equipped gym, heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a sunshine-filled exercise studio hosting innovative cardiovascular, muscle-conditioning, and stretch classes each day. The "Cayuga Yoga & Meditation Center" is home to the New Age Spiritual program. Classes in yoga, tai chi, meditation, and qi gong, suitable for both beginners and advanced students, take place daily in this sanctuary featuring a field stone fireplace and indoor waterfall.
For the outdoor enthusiast, New Age offers one of the best hiking programs in the Catskills. Additionally, over five miles of groomed trails encompass the spa property accommodating a variety of seasonal activities-it's a true nature-lover's retreat.
Every spa destination has a specialty " something that makes you say, "Wow! That was worth the trip." Here, highlighted are some truly exceptional, memorable features.
Greenthumbs—Open daily, three greenhouses provide the spa chefs with many of the herbs, sprouts, and salad greens used in New Age recipes. In season, a large outdoor vegetable garden and orchard are also maintained. Visit independently or participate in weekly greenhouse tours.Private Dancer—Join Ray Smith, a professional dancer, and learn the fundamentals of dance to rhythms of cabaret-style music: Broadway, Latin, jazz, and modern. You will learn to perform shimmies and various Fosse-style movements, as well as steps to the Samba, Promenade, and Two-Step.
Climbing New Heights—The Alpine Tower is a free standing, 50' high climbing structure, with over 25 different ways to get to the top. Approaches include rope ladders, swinging logs, a seesaw, and more than 130 handholds. You wear a harness tethered to a rope controlled by two teammates on the ground. Work to overcome limiting thought patterns and attitudes. Redefine your own strengths and abilities.
Serenity Now—To enhance the serenity of the Spa environment, televisions and telephones are found only in common areas. Televisions with VCR's are located in two lounges, accessible 24 hours a day. Three payphones are available for outgoing calls, while incoming callers can leave messages for you with the staff. It's a true escape from the everyday.
Find out more:
"The Soft Scuba Adventurer"
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