Sage Travelers
Sage Travelers
Definitely NOT on my Bucket List!
In 1992, I was in Pamplona, Spain around the time of the Running of the Bulls. People came from all over the world to partake in this annual event. The whole town was abuzz with the excitement of how the spectacle would unfold. It turned out to be a good year... no one got killed, although every year there are hundreds of injuries. Back then, I really couldn't understand the attraction to doing something that could get you trampled, gored, bruised, and broken, not to mention I felt sorry for the bulls. So I was not disappointed when our itinerary required us to leave before the first bull run.
Well, today my friend Larry sent me the link to this video clip about the Running of the Bulls. After seeing it, I am amazed anyone would actually want to participate voluntarily. Gee... I could maybe see it as punishment of some kind, like for being an idiot. By the way, you will notice that there are no women foolish enough to run with the bulls...
Turn up the volume, and see for yourself what this looks like at its craziest.
~Lisa
Why Travel?
These are people who say their lives are perfect and stress-free, so they have no desire to "escape" through travel. That's great if it works for you and you are content to stay within the boundaries of your world, but it is a rather narrow view. Life is never an either/or situation, and people travel for many reasons. You can love your life and love to travel... or not. Or you can hate your life and travel to get away... or you can hate your life and stay home, miserably thinking about the "what ifs." There is no "one way" to live your life.
Ah, but for me... travel opens a window to the world, one you can't get to by reading a book or watching a video. Being in a busy marketplace in Guatemala, seeing the colors, hearing the sounds, smelling the flowers for sale, touching the textiles... this is to live in the moment, absorbing the richness of the experience. It's seeing with new eyes the universal bond we have with people all over the world.
How else do you get the full impact of standing in the Generalife gardens, looking toward the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, the breeze blowing gently as you experience a moment of deja-vu? It's been 21 years since I was there, but that experience remains rooted in my consciousness. A photo cannot do justice to actually being there.
I guess it boils down to the idea that although I don't "need to" travel because I love my life, I "want to" travel for the very same reason. Yes, it seems the more we travel, the more we add to our bucket list, hoping to pack a lot of new experiences in the life we love.
~ Lisa
Guatemala Reunion
Last night we had a reunion dinner with the 18 graduate students we took to Antigua, Guatemala last summer. These future teachers were completing the first phase of their student teaching experience. I went as a volunteer faculty but Alexander has coordinated the Antigua program for the last four years. This celebration was the last one... he has now officially passed the baton to another faculty member since he'll be retiring in December.
Students shared how living and teaching in a third world country has made them more sensitive to the needs of students in their California classrooms. It was very validating to hear how much the experience meant to them and the impact it has had on their world view and values. We laughed, shared stories, good food, and memories of an experience never to be forgotten.
Follow the link to learn more about Antigua, a World Heritage site. Below are photos... my digital memories of our time in Guatemala.
Students shared how living and teaching in a third world country has made them more sensitive to the needs of students in their California classrooms. It was very validating to hear how much the experience meant to them and the impact it has had on their world view and values. We laughed, shared stories, good food, and memories of an experience never to be forgotten.
Follow the link to learn more about Antigua, a World Heritage site. Below are photos... my digital memories of our time in Guatemala.
The colors of Guatemala are a reminder of the beauty of this country and its people.
~ Lisa
~ Lisa
Guatemala Reunion
Last night we had a reunion dinner with the 18 graduate students we took to Antigua, Guatemala last summer. These future teachers were completing the first phase of their student teaching experience. I went as a volunteer faculty but Alexander has coordinated the Antigua program for the last four years. This celebration was the last one... he has now officially passed the baton to another faculty member since he'll be retiring in December.
Students shared how living and teaching in a third world country has made them more sensitive to the needs of students in their California classrooms. It was very validating to hear how much the experience meant to them and the impact it has had on their world view and values. We laughed, shared stories, good food, and memories of an experience never to be forgotten.
Follow the link to learn more about Antigua, a World Heritage site. Below are photos... my digital memories of our time in Guatemala.
Students shared how living and teaching in a third world country has made them more sensitive to the needs of students in their California classrooms. It was very validating to hear how much the experience meant to them and the impact it has had on their world view and values. We laughed, shared stories, good food, and memories of an experience never to be forgotten.
Follow the link to learn more about Antigua, a World Heritage site. Below are photos... my digital memories of our time in Guatemala.
The colors of Guatemala are a reminder of the beauty of this land and its people.
~ Lisa
~ Lisa
Beware: The Hidden Costs of Cruising
Cruising can be an excellent travel value because of the all-inclusive amenities: lodging, all meals and snacks, entertainment, a variety of activities such as lectures, workshops, and demonstrations, and use of facilities including work out rooms and pools. But it's easy to spend more than you planned because of hidden costs.
So, what are some expenses you may not have anticipated? These include fuel supplements, shore excursions, alcoholic beverages and soda/specialty coffee drinks, laundry, Internet/cell phone charges, and tipping. And if you're planning to spend time in the casino or souvenir shopping, this can add up quickly although most travelers account for these expenses.
The first time we cruised, we were surprised with a fuel supplement surcharge. Currently the cruise line were traveling with in December has suspended the charge but it could be initiated without notice if the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) oil price exceeds $70 a barrel. This charge will run about $7-10 per day per passenger. Check the fine print of the booking information or your contract... that's where you'll find it.
Shore excursions are optional but offer a wide range of activities, allowing passengers to pack a lot into the short time in the port of call. Some experienced travelers take off on their own, hiring a cab or a local tour company. While this can save money, you might be taking the risk of being left behind if you are late returning to the ship. Cruise ships will not wait for late passengers! Another potential risk is being at the mercy of an unscrupulous cab diver or tour guide who may up the fees once you are well away from the ship. Before taking an excursion with a company not affiliated with the cruise line, check to make sure they are reputable.
If you want to drink anything other than iced tea, hot coffee/tea, and tap water, be prepared to pay for it. Check your cruise line's website for information on their alcohol policy and beverage costs as these will vary. And don't plan to bring your own alcohol aboard for a nightcap... not allowed. If you buy wine and spirits at a port of call, it will be confiscated and returned to you when you disembark.
Most cruise lines charge a daily "service fee" of about $12 a day per passenger and it's used to tip the wait staff, cabin stewards, and other staff. This fee will appear on your final bill and can be adjusted by the passenger. You may want to tip additionally to individuals who have provided exceptional service and it is always appreciated by the staff.
Unless you stay in one of the higher-end suites, you will need to pay for laundry and ironing. Travel irons are not permitted. If you pack creatively, this is usually not a problem for short cruises of 5-7 days.
Someone we know used her cell phone daily on her cruise without first checking on the fees. Big mistake. The result was a bill of more than $800, not by the cruise line but by her carrier. You will be subject to roaming charges while at sea. When we cruised to Alaska, I made all calls from the ports of call rather than at sea because my plan has unlimited long distance.
Most ships offer Internet access for a fee, and it can be steep. For example, be prepared to pay about $55 for 100 minutes. That's only 1 hour and 40 minutes, and I can easily use that up in a day or two. So we generally avoid going online while at sea and it makes for a more relaxing trip. In the ports of call, we may go to an Internet cafe if we need to check our email... it's far more economical.
These extra costs can quickly add up, so be aware and prepare. Ka-ching!
~ Lisa
So, what are some expenses you may not have anticipated? These include fuel supplements, shore excursions, alcoholic beverages and soda/specialty coffee drinks, laundry, Internet/cell phone charges, and tipping. And if you're planning to spend time in the casino or souvenir shopping, this can add up quickly although most travelers account for these expenses.
The first time we cruised, we were surprised with a fuel supplement surcharge. Currently the cruise line were traveling with in December has suspended the charge but it could be initiated without notice if the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) oil price exceeds $70 a barrel. This charge will run about $7-10 per day per passenger. Check the fine print of the booking information or your contract... that's where you'll find it.
Shore excursions are optional but offer a wide range of activities, allowing passengers to pack a lot into the short time in the port of call. Some experienced travelers take off on their own, hiring a cab or a local tour company. While this can save money, you might be taking the risk of being left behind if you are late returning to the ship. Cruise ships will not wait for late passengers! Another potential risk is being at the mercy of an unscrupulous cab diver or tour guide who may up the fees once you are well away from the ship. Before taking an excursion with a company not affiliated with the cruise line, check to make sure they are reputable.
If you want to drink anything other than iced tea, hot coffee/tea, and tap water, be prepared to pay for it. Check your cruise line's website for information on their alcohol policy and beverage costs as these will vary. And don't plan to bring your own alcohol aboard for a nightcap... not allowed. If you buy wine and spirits at a port of call, it will be confiscated and returned to you when you disembark.
Most cruise lines charge a daily "service fee" of about $12 a day per passenger and it's used to tip the wait staff, cabin stewards, and other staff. This fee will appear on your final bill and can be adjusted by the passenger. You may want to tip additionally to individuals who have provided exceptional service and it is always appreciated by the staff.
Unless you stay in one of the higher-end suites, you will need to pay for laundry and ironing. Travel irons are not permitted. If you pack creatively, this is usually not a problem for short cruises of 5-7 days.
Someone we know used her cell phone daily on her cruise without first checking on the fees. Big mistake. The result was a bill of more than $800, not by the cruise line but by her carrier. You will be subject to roaming charges while at sea. When we cruised to Alaska, I made all calls from the ports of call rather than at sea because my plan has unlimited long distance.
Most ships offer Internet access for a fee, and it can be steep. For example, be prepared to pay about $55 for 100 minutes. That's only 1 hour and 40 minutes, and I can easily use that up in a day or two. So we generally avoid going online while at sea and it makes for a more relaxing trip. In the ports of call, we may go to an Internet cafe if we need to check our email... it's far more economical.
These extra costs can quickly add up, so be aware and prepare. Ka-ching!
~ Lisa
Panama Canal, Here We Come!
To celebrate Alexander's retirement and my birthday, we are taking off in early December for a cruise through the Panama Canal.
There are abundant cruise bargains to be had right now so we jumped at the chance to experience going through the Canal... it's supposed to be an amazing experience. Our embarkation port is Ft. Lauderdale and we will arrive the night before... less stress this way. I found a good deal at the Ramada Inn where we get a complimentary breakfast and free shuttle to the cruise port for $89, including tax. Transfers from airports to cruise ports run at least $30 per person, so I'm happy.
Here is the itinerary:
Day 1 - Depart FL
Day 2 - At sea
Day 3 - Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Day 4 - At Sea
Day 5 - Panama Canal*
Day 6 - At sea
Day 7 - Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Day 8 - San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Day 9 - Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
Day 10 - Huatulco, Mexico
Day 11 - Disembark in Acapulco, Mexico
*Interesting facts about the Panama Canal:
• The journey through it from the Atlantic to the Pacific runs from northwest to southeast
• About 14,000 ships travel through it each year compared to 1,000 in 1914
~ Lisa
There are abundant cruise bargains to be had right now so we jumped at the chance to experience going through the Canal... it's supposed to be an amazing experience. Our embarkation port is Ft. Lauderdale and we will arrive the night before... less stress this way. I found a good deal at the Ramada Inn where we get a complimentary breakfast and free shuttle to the cruise port for $89, including tax. Transfers from airports to cruise ports run at least $30 per person, so I'm happy.
Here is the itinerary:
Day 1 - Depart FL
Day 2 - At sea
Day 3 - Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Day 4 - At Sea
Day 5 - Panama Canal*
Day 6 - At sea
Day 7 - Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Day 8 - San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Day 9 - Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
Day 10 - Huatulco, Mexico
Day 11 - Disembark in Acapulco, Mexico
*Interesting facts about the Panama Canal:
• The journey through it from the Atlantic to the Pacific runs from northwest to southeast
• About 14,000 ships travel through it each year compared to 1,000 in 1914
~ Lisa
Who are the sage travelers?
Welcome! We love to travel and through our blog we'll share our experiences with our family, friends, and anyone else who cares to join us on the journey to put put a dent in our "bucket list."
So who are the sage travelers? We are two recently retired educators who love to learn and, for us, one of the best ways to expand our horizons is through travel. Collectively, we've traveled to at least 15 countries and about 30 of the 50 states, but there is much we still want to see and do. While we enjoy luxury travel from time to time, we are frugal travelers to the core. Lisa is the bargain shopper/planner and Alexander is the historian/researcher. Together, we have great fun as we explore interesting places and meet new people.
Travel planning can be fun and efficient or frustrating and time-consuming, and we have experienced it all. Through this blog, we'll pass on our travel tips and insights, photos, and commentary.
If you are interested in submitting a guest post to share your travel experiences with the world, contact lisa at sagetravelers dot com
Here's a photo of one my favorite places, Antigua, Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is the arch on 5th Street ... the church of La Merced is visible under the arch.
So who are the sage travelers? We are two recently retired educators who love to learn and, for us, one of the best ways to expand our horizons is through travel. Collectively, we've traveled to at least 15 countries and about 30 of the 50 states, but there is much we still want to see and do. While we enjoy luxury travel from time to time, we are frugal travelers to the core. Lisa is the bargain shopper/planner and Alexander is the historian/researcher. Together, we have great fun as we explore interesting places and meet new people.
Travel planning can be fun and efficient or frustrating and time-consuming, and we have experienced it all. Through this blog, we'll pass on our travel tips and insights, photos, and commentary.
If you are interested in submitting a guest post to share your travel experiences with the world, contact lisa at sagetravelers dot com
Here's a photo of one my favorite places, Antigua, Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is the arch on 5th Street ... the church of La Merced is visible under the arch.
~ Lisa
