Anonymous Traveler

You Make Me Feel Like Dancing; Crystal Ambassador Hosts.

2010-07-11T09:05:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine spending months on end on a cruise ship and getting paid to mingle and dance? Will you get your own room? Who pays the airfare? What is the catch? (excuse the pun)

These answers vary by cruise line but Crystal Cruises, unlike many of the other lines hire directly. Most Hosts go through an agency. An example is http://www.theworkingvacation.com/

An audition is very much required and there is tons of screening but dancing, being personable and charming are requirements!

If you can’t Dance with the Stars maybe you can Dance on the Seas.

Turkish Rugs; Buyer Beware

2010-07-06T10:12:00.001-07:00

“Your camera for a rug?” The look on my face must have asked if he was joking because the man replied, “I am serious.” I bet he was. There are no shortages of rugs in Istanbul and we happened to be walking through an area, which was an extravaganza of rug boutiques.

Rug weaving is still very much an ancient craft since. Weavers begin with wool and work their way up to silk. Silk is the strongest natural fiber on earth. There are many kinds of rugs. Wool on cotton. Wool on wool. Silk on silk. Silk on cotton. Mercerized. Even the fringes have meaning. Braided fringes are more significant than non-braided. How tight was it weaved? How old is the piece? What is the origin of the motif? Where is the region it was created? Is it really hand-made or machine-made?

If more than one person is working on a rug the weavers need to be the same height to create straight lines.

If I knew rugs, I probably could have bartered the deal of all deals, which if properly selected could have been worth many times the value of the trade, but I am far from a rug connoisseur. Rug prices are purposefully inflated in order to come down and I would have no idea where to start. They are all unique and to me, it is visually chaotic.

For a purveyor of rugs there was a deal to be had, but like purchasing a camera, you need to know what you want going in.

Are you looking for a throwaway, or a camera that will last? Do you want a point and shoot, or professional quality?

When it comes to Turkish rugs, what I know is that I don’t know a thing, so I still have my camera.

Crystal Cuisine; A Blessing and A Sin

2010-07-06T08:24:00.000-07:00

The Crystal Serenity is a food extravaganza, a gastronomic sensation and proof that quantity can also be quality. The head chef is a gourmet genius and the waiters show a true interest in the guests offering a real personal touch.

There is no lack of inspiration and way too much variety to sample every mouth-watering dish, and that is just in the main dining room.

Every night the head waiter cooked some new flambee desert specialty. Whether the night’s attire is casual or formal, the presentation is artful and the meal truly fine dining.

The specialty restaurants are separate and each distinctly different in ambiance and cuisine. The only similarity is quality. The sushi is fresh and creative, the pan-Asian food worth tasting and the Italian is innovative as well. And if want to skip the dining expereince, quicker meals are offered and proof that not all hamburgers are related equal.

Feel free to sail if you are a vegan, a diabetic or if you adhere to a strict-no carb lifestyle as they have sugar-free this, no-carb that, and vegan of both. But please don’t sit with me; though I could lose a few pounds, this is not the time or the place that I want to think about it.

Cha Cha Cha

2010-07-04T00:42:00.000-07:00

With elite clientele ranging from young honeymooners to retired art collectors, why am I always seated within ‘hearing’ distance of the only obnoxious table of people on the ship? You know the table I am referencing. The lady with a smoker’s voice who has to add “Cha Cha Cha “ after each verse of the staff singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to a families patriarch enjoying his extended family while celebrating one of the sweetest moments in life. I guess you can dress them up but you can’t remove the ignorance.

The Road to Ephesus; A Dichotomy

2010-07-03T09:10:00.000-07:00

Very early in the morning, we were on a bus traveling along the Bodrum coast to see Ephesus, One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The moon was still fading into the sky. I was certainly tired but I didn’t want to close my eyes and miss a thing. The coastal areas are extremely green from the morning dew and the proximity to the ocean.

Colorful bougainvillea lined the stone walls overlooking the Aegean Sea. A unique-looking Mosque was in the background. As we passed into the town of Milas, the area seemed to be getting denser and denser. We didn’t pass even one factory but there was lots of agriculture.

Our guide, Ahmad, explained that Turkey is one of a few countries in the world, which can sustain itself. They grow cotton, corn, watermelon, pistachio nuts, figs, hazelnuts, apricots, pears, and raisins, to name a few. We were able to sample figs stuffed with walnuts which were absolutely mouth-watering…and that says a lot coming from a non-fig lover. Another fact...July is when fig harvesting begins here.

Ahmet entertained us with all sorts of facts about Turkey. I had no idea that Turkey has the second largest population in Europe and 20% of the people live in Istanbul. I was surprised that Turkey's largest industry is automotive. I was shocked that unleaded fuel is over $11 US a gallon.

Turkey has a 90% literacy rate. And all students are given a mandatory standardized test and the results of that test determines what they can study in college as well as which institution they may attend. He explained the citizens are trying to change this system.

The average starting income of a professional in Turkey (examples would be a nurse or a teacher) is the equivalent of $5,000 US. This was shocking as the poverty level in Turkey is considered earning below $18,000 US.

Our bus continued toward Ephesus. Impressive greenery was on all sides. I was admiring the beauty of the fruit trees, and smiling as we drove past an older woman leading her two cows on a walk.

Then seemingly out of nowhere, there were several strip malls containing, out of all things, outlets. Benetton, Ceylon, Puma, Lee, Converse. Starbucks… are you kidding? Or worse yet… McDonalds?

If you could spend an extra minute at the fascinating Ephesus Library, the Ephesus Theatre, or the Ephesus Indoor Museum that displays, for example, surgical tools, which are 2000 years old, or the statue of Artemis … would you dare to stop at an outlet mall?

Crystal Clear Differences

2010-06-30T05:05:00.000-07:00

Having traveled on many different cruise lines, the difference on Crystal is Crystal Clear. I will say that the villas on the newer NCL ships are pretty amazing but I wouldn't pick a ship on the room alone.

Our veranda room on the Crystal Serenity is a little bland but very adequate. Updating to flat-screen televisions would be appropriate, but that is far from an issue. There is a refrigerator in each room stocked with water and soft drinks; the housekeeping staff is always on top of fresh ice in the ice bucket and clean glasses are always available.

The bathrooms are very nice with granite double sinks, plenty of over-sized towels, a shower-tub combination, high quality amenities and as soon as you use them, they are replaced.

Today's Top Crystal Differences:

1. The meals are excellent. Food is quality, variety and adequate quantity. You can eat in the main dining room every night without qualms.

2. The Pool Deck is a pleasure. No need to throw your book on a chair to 'save it' as there are plenty for all.

3. Loud voices don't fit in. The obnoxious guest is more like an extra-terrestrial. And rude people are the exceptions but they are not the rule.

4. There are rarely lines anywhere and in the few instances where we found ourselves in a line, no one is complaining and the fellow-passengers actually wait patiently.

5. Buffet plates aren't over-loaded with food and no one is grabbing. Maybe it the sophistication of the clientele being health conscious, just the sophistication of the clientele.

6. Staff anticipates your needs. The service is outstanding. We have yet to meet a staff member who is not personable. They remember your names and preferences, which is impressive!

7. When you ask for something you are given a brand name, never a cheap substitute. Perrier. Coke. Etc.

8. There are no loudspeakers busting into your privacy. There are tons of things to do and you are responsible to read the daily events in the Reflections newsletter.

9. The entertainment is top quality - from the headline shows, to the educational lectures, to the classes at sea.

10. Laundry facilities available for your use or send clothing for to have them laundered. It is your choice.

And speaking about laundry, we overheard a woman telling her teenage daughter, "I don't do my own laundry at home. Why am I doing your laundry here?" (Maybe who does your laundry isn't your choice.)

A Day in Corfu

2010-06-30T03:41:00.001-07:00

We spent a few valuable hours in Corfu today.

Our driver added to Corfu’s ambiance. I would suggest Spiros Tsirigotis not to anyone but to everyone! He can be contacted directly at info@spirobus.com. His van was spotless and his driving comforting.

We thought about visiting the local hospital as years ago our daughter spent some time in their ICU from a peritonsillar abscess which could have happened anywhere and thank-God it happened right where it did, as Corfu does not take a back seat regarding their medical care.

Instead, we headed to the Achillion Palace, which was built in the 1890’s and was named because King Otto’s niece, Austrian Empress Elizabeth admired Achilles. The Palace has lavish rooms, beautiful statues, marble everywhere and of course, magnificent views.

We passed many private beaches and stopped at several unique photo opportunities from a lone ostrich grazing behind a fence, to the areas where the local gypsies reside. We strolled through Corfu’s delightful picturesque but touristy Old Town with its romantic tavernas and local color.

Spiros was a plethora of local information. He is native to the island, a father of two teenagers and married to a wonderful woman for over 20 years. He suggested a wonderful spot high in the mountains but we opted for Restaurant Limani in Paleokastritsa. Instead of the fresh fish and lobster we had wonderful mousaka, pastitada and sofrito, The waiter thought I was ordering way too much food but I always order way too much food, especially when I want to taste everything and that I did!

They welcomed my picture taking and my peeking into their spotless kitchen and ogling the homemade baklava.

I now know that Kum Quat is a traditional Corfiot product used for candies and liquers, among other things, and that nets are used to collect olives from the olive trees, and that the airport’s runway is barely long enough to handle large planes but you don’t need to worry as the local drivers know when to stop for take off and landings…that is... just in case.

Bomb Threat on Jan 28th Mariner of the Sea

2010-01-30T21:39:00.000-08:00

We left the ship early in the day in Puerto Vallarta. When we came back to the pier, my friend noticed many police vehicles with flashing lights. I had been focusing on the unusual long lines of fellow-passengers trying to board.

We stood with three extremely obnoxious guys who took pleasure in telling us that our ship had received a bomb threat. At this point we weren’t certain if passing rumors was part of their charm, or the truth.

It was when we saw the Military with their automatic weapons and the Coast Guards with scuba divers in gear that we realized the threat was extremely real.

Royal Caribbean was allowing passengers to board in groups of 20 after individual searches. This heightened security was disconcerting as at the two prior ports, Royal Caribbean limited their concerns to passengers bringing alcohol on board, which might interfere with their profit margin.

Though passengers asked what was happening, we were told everything from, “this was a safety drill,” to “the machines that document passengers coming and going are broken,” to “staff has no idea what is going on.”

The ambiguity in the answers caused undue stress for most passengers. We could see something was going on. And not keeping people informed or lying only increased everyone’s anxiety.

We eventually found out that an hour after we left the ship, there was a lockdown. A bomb threat was phoned in, (by what group we still do not know), while ‘procedures’’ were followed. Even the vendors in the flea market on the pier were cleared out.

No one was able to get off or on. The 2^nd and 3^rd floors were evacuated while the ship was ‘swept,’ with law enforcement personnel and bomb-sniffing dogs. Passengers that were stuck on board told us that there were a slew of government vehicles, fire trucks and ambulances surrounding the ship for several hours.

Passengers overheard discussions of ‘orderly evacuations’ from top operations staff.

Yet, when fellow passenger Andy Smith from Liverpool, England suggested to staff that precedence be given to the elderly, the disabled, children and pregnant women, those suggestions fell on deaf ears.

Royal Caribbean’s procedures need changing. Passengers have a right to know exactly what is going on…as it is happening. They do not need to hear rumors about Terrorists or the Mexican Mafia. Passengers have a right to choose whether or not to proceed with the cruise, or to fly home.

We certainly had questions. While the Captain did make an announcement of generic details at to what occurred, it was several hours too late and way too vague.

The offer of one hour of free Screwdrivers or Mimosas for our inconvenience was not okay. A bomb threat is far from an inconvenience. The fact the Captain would make himself available for a few minutes, and we couldn’t find was unacceptable. He should have made himself or one of his right hands accessible all evening.

It was a rude awakening to hear that other cruise lines have experienced the same thing, yet it hasn’t been publicized.

Terrorism does cross my mind when I travel, and it is my hope that bomb threat procedures will be re-evaluated, heightened and standardized, as cruise ships are a venue that is extremely vulnerable. How can port security be so careless? Many passengers continue to feel uneasy as we head to Los Angeles.

What Guarantees a Good Night Sleep?

2009-08-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

The newest trend in hotel marketing is that really comfortable bed.

The Westin Heavenly Bed, The Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed or The W Difference; sounds enticing, huh?

Travel and Leisure has an article called Battle of the Beds, but who will write up the Battle of the Bang.

I can't ignore unwanted noise. That mandatory aspect of a good nights sleep is often ignored

Noise is the most important consideration that will disturb a hotel guest’s sleep yet it is a detail frequently ignored, or value engineered out during hotel construction.

Who cares how great the mattress if you hear doors slamming in the hall, elevators opening and closing, or television sets in adjacent rooms?

I do not want to hear the person above me flushing their toilet or showering!

I can't tell you how often I have had to call a front desk at a 5 star properties with noise complaints.

While the manager will often offer a discount, I'd rather be able to sleep.

Noise mitigation is easy when a hotel is being built but if attention isn't paid to this in the design and construction phases, the guests have to pay in more ways than one.

I am looking forward to a day when hotels advertise "Dreamy Hotels" and what they mean by dreamy is a place you can dream because it is a noise free!

The Vulnerable Traveler; Are You An Easy Target?

2009-08-17T21:25:00.000-07:00

I recently sat next to a highly respected government official.

My lengthy flight went quickly as we talked for hours, actually he talked and I listened. All he asked was to keep his position and identity confidential when writing this article, which I will.

I have rarely felt unsafe or vulnerable anywhere I have traveled though I am aware that traveling makes you somewhat vulnerable.

Lets face it, being alive makes you vulnerable.

Petty theft is the biggest risk a tourist faces.

Do you think you are a tough or easy target?

Whether you are male or female, are you well dressed?

Are your hands well manicured?

Are you wearing anything shiny?

Is your purse or briefcase worn, or new? Does it look expensive?

Even if your watch is fake, would someone staking you out across the street know that?

Are your glasses this year’s style?

Are your clothes elegant and appropriate?

When the man I was talking with pointed out I was quite the target, I thought he was joking.

After all, before I left home I took off my engagement ring.

I replaced my good watch with a watch that I bought for under a hundred dollars.

I changed my normal red nail polish to a neutral color.

And I changed from my designer handbag to a non-descript one.

He shook his head explaining that my entire persona screamed ‘target.’

Would a thief know my shiny watch wasn’t real gold?

My rootless blonde hair and recently manicured hands say ‘well-kept.’

Designer or not, my purse didn’t have a scratch on it.

My shoes were clean and looked new, as did my clothes.

The style of my eyeglasses was current as any eyeglass ad out there.

I guess you have to be extremely vanilla to not be targeted.

Forget that manicure before you travel.

Things you wouldn’t be caught dead in at home might be perfect for traveling,

unless of course you are taking pictures.

But carrying that expensive camera also makes you a target!

Look for significant insight in the upcoming series called Better Safe Than Sorry at www.travelersanonymous.com

What Will Connoisseurs of Luxury Overlook for Good Service?

2009-08-12T15:26:00.000-07:00

If a property is a bit rundown but the staff responds as quickly as humanly possible is it easier to overlook things?

Last week end , a friend of mine and her husband vacationed at The St. Regis Monarch Beach in Dana Point, California.

When they opened the door to the oceanfront suite the first thing that caught my friend's eye was a small hole in the fabric of the sofa.

Just then the suite’s doorbell rang. The butler was inquiring if she could make them reservations for any upcoming meals.

My friend and her husband decided to checkout the facilities before they unpacked. They returned to fresh flowers in the room, a bowl of fruit and bottled water, which made the hole in the couch virtually unnoticeable.

Hearing this I wondered if the hole in the couch was there in October 2008 when AIG sponsored their retreat at this property after accepting the federal bailout money.

Anyway, late in the evening, day two of my friend's weekend trip, the cable connection in their suite failed. The television screen just went blank. My friend phoned the front desk who sent up engineering in less than 10 minutes.

After analyzing the issue, the engineer explained that fixing the connection was no small task. He offered to work on it immediately, or he return in the morning at a time convenient for them.

They decided to give up television that night and schedule the service call the next morning. Unlike many appointments made in this fashion, the same engineer showed up and the service call was an unobtrusive as possible.

Now if I was the guest, I would have been on the phone with the hotel's general manager. I would have demanded a discount on my bill. If I was paying $750 a nigh for a suite, no matter how unobtrusive the service, I would expect everything working in the room 100% of the time.

No matter how small a hole, holes in couches are not okay for me a $750 a night.

Though the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resorts future is uncertain due to financial woes what is certain is that they can still get $750 a night for a suite with imperfections, that is, if I am not the guest staying there.

Coupons and Online Travel

2009-08-08T19:42:00.000-07:00

Always look for Coupons if you are shopping for travel online.

Coupon Craze

Coupon Cabin

Most of the time the coupons listed work.

If you don't try, you won't save.

Learn to Hold It, or Budget for the Bathroom in Prague

2009-08-02T16:44:00.000-07:00

In Prague everything costs... everything. Watch your liquids and your fiber especially if you will be sightseeing all day or if you are on a limited budget. Secure a 'bathroom budget.' Using the toilet will cost.

Plan to pay anywhere from 5 czk to 20 czk (about 28 cents to $1.11). Thank goodness they don't charge by the minute or one could really go broke. Because when you gotta go, you gotta pay! That applies to restaurants, churches, etc.

While having breakfast in our hotel, I had to go. Since we were eating, it was free. Instead of leaving my friend and going to my room, I asked to decided to use the hotel's restroom. I was directed down down a winding staircase to a ladies room located by the Spa.

I entered the room, went in the stall and sat down to do my business.

Now I don't dilly-dally. Even my husband has commented about how fast I am. I go, wash my hands and leave. But in Prague it is not so fast.

Where were you when the lights went out? I was in the bathroom in our hotel's restroom in Prague. So now I am sitting in the bathroom stall in the dark trying to remember the way out and cursing under my breath.

After my eyes adjusted, I decided to feel my way out. I got up from the you-know-what, which apparently triggered the light sensor and my problem was solved. I flushed, washed and hurried out of there.

So if your stomach rumbles, you can go into an upscale hotel but beware of light sensors.

Or go to a cafe and order a drink albeit coffee, bottled water or beer. You can stay all day if you need, and can use the toilet as often as you'd like.

As ludicrous as it sounds, as long as you are spending money, no one cares how long you sit. And if you are with someone else, only one of you needs to order something.

Prague is not America, land of the Pee for Free.

Crossing from Hungary to Slovakia

2009-07-21T09:16:00.000-07:00

Many beautiful cities sit along the Danube and river cruising is a very convenient way to see them. The ship is a wonderful base to explore each city as the attractions, for the most part, are within walking distance. It is a great way to sample of each stop. I will review River Beatrice next week on Travelers Anonymous.

It is now morning. I am listening to Elton John's Tiny Dancer as I sit on UNIWORLD's River Beatrice sun-deck. I woke up in time to see the largest lock we will pass this trip. It is a man-made canal built inside the Danube. We left Hungary but haven't yet entered Slovakia. There are lots of tiny villages along the river. In the distance a man rollerblades pushing a stroller.

I can't imagine taking a Danube Cruise in the winter but it is July and the weather is perfect, just perfect. Moody Blues New Horizons is now playing on my Ipod as sip a great cup of coffee.

Prague's Royal Castle; Truth or Dare

2009-07-17T16:39:00.000-07:00

Can you see all of Prague Castle in a day?

No...but you can see a lot.

There are two types of tickets available; a short-tour ticket or a long-tour ticket.

We bought the later and added the extremely worthwhile audio-guide, which is a must-do!

The historic information is told in an interesting, succinct yet compelling way. And a mega-perk of renting the audio-guide is you do not have to stand in line to enter St. Vitus Chapel.

Since St. Vitus Chapel is considered the most important in Prague there are always massive queues and many, many people.

Here is your choice - Get ready to Stand for Hours or Rent the Audio -Guide and walk right in? No Brainer!

So after we had spent six hours on the Castle grounds, our pace had definitely slowed. The Prague Castle is the 2^nd largest Castle in the world. Even at a brisk pace it takes over an hour to cross the grounds, (and our calf muscles will vouch for it.)

In the Royal Palace, we were in the last phase of our battle with yet another long, steep and winding staircase. We were about to take our last descending step out when a woman assuming we spoke English asked in a snippy tone, “Is there anything to see up there?”

The poor woman was sweating profusely. She looked like she was about to die of exhaustion. Although her eyes pleaded ‘save me this hike’ we just couldn’t do it.

“Go slowly.” was all we said.

She rolled her eyes. Flustered, she barely uttered the words, “come on,” to her granddaughter.

I don't want to know the words she muttered about us.

Surviving the Streets in Prague

2009-07-16T15:09:00.000-07:00

Walking through the intimate beautiful neighborhoods of Prague is heavenly. But in order to survive the streets flat shoes are a functional necessity! I actually saw a few women in spiked heels. Brains or beauty?

The narrow cobblestone streets are picturesque but far from perfect. While you want to look everywhere, looking down is imperative. Walking across the Charles Bridge will cause a gleam in your eye but don’t let Prague’s allure fool you. If you forget where you are, it can be treacherous. If you don’t remember you are walking on cobblestone, you’ll be hobbling home. Prague is great but watch your step – literally!

Ultimate Communication Mishaps & Mexican Food in Prague

2009-07-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

Prague is not the place you think of for Mexican food but after asking three different locals where they go when they go when they want to have a special dinner out, I kept hearing the same answer - Cantina. Yet, I just couldn’t make myself go.

Although tonight, I wish I had.

Today must have been International Miscommunication Day.

Around 2 pm, I handed the hotel's front desk clerk my friend’s flight information. I requested that he check if the flight was on time.

He phoned and explained that the flight would arrive at 4:30pm. I wasn’t surprised that it was running that late. I had wandered enough in the rain so I decided to see if the hotel’s spa had availability. I booked a 90 minute de-stress treatment – their specialty. If I started at 2:30, I’d be done well before she arrived.

My treatment, by the way, ran over by 30 minutes. I figured that 15 minutes was no big deal, as my friend needed time to unpack and the hotel staff knew I was in the spa.

At 4:45, I hurried to the front desk and asked if she had arrived. There was different staff on duty. They looked at each other, thoroughly bewildered. Arrived? She arrived at the hotel a bit after 2:30 and had waited almost 2 hours before leaving to go explore.

Apparently the person that morning not only got the wrong information, but to add insult to injury, he didn’t let my friend (or the afternoon) staff know my whereabouts. So they kept trying my room... no luck. They even tried the spa... I was listed as having an appointment.

I asked, "Do you know where she went?"

Yes, off to see the Statue of Baby Jesus.

Could they direct me to the right church?

Don’t ask! I could go on and on about how armed with minimal directions, I took off trying to find her but that was not my best decision of the day.

After getting too much exercise in too little time, all stress relief from the massage earlier was gone.

I returned to the hotel, darted up two flights of stairs to my room and picked up the phone in my hotel room. In order to reach my friend here in Prague, I had to dial the US to get connected to her. A million dollar phone call later, we did meet up.

You might wonder why I didn’t I just call her on my cell phone in the first place. Answer is simple; Sprint didn’t activate my International SIM Cards as promised.

Now while the people at Sprint speak fluent English – though they don’t necessarily know how to follow through with requests. Understanding the language of the request and following through with completing the request are not always the same thing.

Had I personally called British Airways to get the ETA of my friend’s flight, this wouldn’t have happened.

Had I left a note under my friend’s door saying I was in the spa instead of asking the hotel employee to deliver the message, this wouldn’t have happened.

Had I taken the time to call Sprint this morning and give them an earful, I would have had my international phone working.

Had I changed my service to A T & T before I left, I wouldn’t have had the problem at all.

Always have the person giving you directions be specifc and ask them to look up the address. Have them hand write the address for you and verify the accuracy.

“Go left at the first street, don’t go in the first restaurant but go though the garden of the second restaurant and that is the place.”

We believe we never found the right restaurant because the place where we ended up dining was mediocre-at-best, horrendously overpriced, had horrific service and the audacity to bring back our bill and argue that we didn't tip. We politely tried to point to the service charge which clearly showed up on the bill as 19% to which the waiter replied, "the service charge is not the tip." At 19% it damned better be!

And so tonight, I am going to dream about highly recommended Margaritas and Mexican food at a place easy to find located... in Prague - of all places.!

Anytime is the Time to Marry in Prague

2009-07-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

In a quaint all-day cafe called Il Balcone, I escaped the rain to have breakfast. It was raining too hard for anyone to sit al fresco and watch the baroque charm of Prague. Though early in the morning, the café was far from boring.

At first I noticed the two women seated at the table next to me. They each had well-behaved dogs with them. The women, who seemed to be regulars, enjoyed their coffees while the two dogs enjoyed a periodic piece of ham.

A young couple sat in a booth in the back. The girl was wearing a bridal gown and her groom a tux. The two of them sat alone at the table talking. Maybe in Prague it is traditionally for the bride and groom to have coffee together after they marry.

I asked around and found out that the Bride and Groom were waiting for the rain to stop so they could go around the corner to marry at Vrbouska Zahrada , one of the most beautiful gardens in Prague.

Another customer explained that on Fridays many couples go to the gardens to marry. I know I was jet lagged and all, but I was almost positive that it was Wednesday. But whatever day it is, I guess when you are ready to get married; only the rain can stop you. But then again, what do I know?

The Prague Pub and Insight into Prague Pricing

2009-07-15T05:06:00.000-07:00

I checked into my hotel and took an evening stroll through the Mala Strana. It is dotted with embassies, colorful pubs and restaurants. I landed at a very typical, very tiny pub called Uklicu. There were 10 stools but I was told by a customer, “during the summer the garden also has a few tables.” Because everyone was so friendly, I decided not to tell him this was July, which is summer where I come from.

If you have an issue with smoking than better skip Prague because cigarette smokers are everywhere. Though I am a devout non-smoker and usually have an attitude when someone intrudes on my air, I kept my mouth shut.

I sat between a couple locals and ordered a beer. In the background Led Zeppelin played. This pub plays the Oldies Station so the music was great. I stuck up a conversation with a guy who spoke impeccable English. I mistakenly asked him to recommend a ‘Czechoslovakian’ restaurant. “Czech Republic,” he replied correcting me immediately.

I explained that old habits are hard to break. I knew the Czech Republic was formed in 1989. My children’s paternal grandparents were born there, I explained I love spent my twenties eating Czech food and never quite perfecting my ex-mother-in-laws recipes for Czech pastries and ‘Gulas.’ Rather amused, he excused my politically incorrect reference and gave me several local restaurants to try. He explained that many restaurants have menus in English and in Czech. What most people don’t know is the English menus are triple the price!

I thanked him for the information, finished the mug of beer in front of me and headed back to my smoke-free room in my hotel where I took out a guidebook and made notes on how to order in Czech. Tomorrow, I’ll dine from the Czech menu. Gulis Podavany’s, here I come!

No One Checks in Czech; Or Do They?

2009-07-15T04:14:00.000-07:00

You can imagine my surprise that after I left the plane, grabbed my luggage and headed to meet my pre-arranged ride. No customs and no passport check.

I stopped to change some currency though I knew better. Banks and ATM’s are always best but I wanted some local currency for tips and did they gouge me.

The driver was there as promised holding a sign that had my name. It was still relatively light outside (8:30ish pm) so I was able to see Prague’s impressive scenery. Generous stretches of gardens are everywhere. It is Green and Clean. The roads

So we drove along and entered the Mala Strana area where I was staying. We turn onto my street, reached a stop sign and were greeted by armed guards holding a mirror under the car and looking for bombs. I though my driver had very good English until his explanation was “They know me but they always look.”

My hotel was a block or two up the slight hill. We passed a few more armed guards. I was looking at them not to my right or I would have noticed the US Embassy, which would have explained the security. Since 2001 there are bomb checks on all cars entering the area. Supposedly they carefully check each vehicle. They look under the car, under their hood and in the trunk. But for our vehicle they briefly scanned the car with a mirror. No trunk or hood check. After all...they knew the driver.

Take Stock In Travel; Wall Street isn't the Only Sale

2009-01-23T19:38:00.000-08:00

One of my longest-term, closest, dear friends is a stock broker. He is making money as most of the world is losing it. I have sat on the sidelines and watched him the past couple of months.

When I've asked for advice, he's explained that he can't tell me what to do, but he will tell me what he is going to do. And his instincts are usually good. So I have put my foot in the Wall Street water. So far, I have learned that there is always something else for me to learn.

Stocks aren't the only bargain in this recession.

With an unstable economy and employment shaky at best, should you travel?

While I can't tell you what to do, I can tell you what I am going to do.

Airfares are down, deals are up. Follow your instincts. If travel is important to you, cut back, don't cut out.

Though I believe our economy will get worse before it gets better, for me, now is the time to take advantage of some of the best deals I've ever seen.

The travel industry is responding to Americans as we cut back on discretionary spending and travel less. We spend less; they offer more.

Use it to your advantage. Do you have a list of places you'd go if the price were right?

Friends or family you'd like to see?

American Airlines, Northwest, Alaska and other airlines all have sales this weekend

Yesterday, my husband booked a round-trip flight to Syracuse including taxes for $227, half of what he usually pays. I am signed up for instant notifications for air sales to all the places where we have family.

As with all offers, there are stipulations. This one needs to book at least 14 days prior to departure or within 1 day of making reservations, whichever comes first, but no later than 11:59 p.m. (CT) January 26, 2009. Flights are for 14 days from now till the end of April.

As the Caribbean prepares for a tough year, why not plan a trip there? I haven't tried a Wyndham all-inclusive but their All-Inclusive Valentine's Day Deals caught my eye.

Viva Wyndham Playa Dorado at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic is offering an all-inclusive price of $80 a day per person, based on double occupancy. The fine print is a minimum stay of 3 consecutive nights required. Stay must be booked by 2/25/2009 and completed by 2/28/2009.

For fun, I looked on the American Airlines website earlier today, and plugged in the dates February 12 - Feb 17th.

To go to the Dominican Republic from Miami, it is $135 a person, from LA $249, and from Detroit $209 round trip. I haven't seen fares like this in years.

That means that if you are looking for a Valentine's Day deal today, hypothetically, two people could go from Detroit to the Dominican Republic for 5 nights - everything included except airport parking for about $1200. That's a deal.

The unfortunate thing about 'travel deals' is you have remain on top of them. You might want to sign-up for my soon to launch website - www.travelersanonymous.com for help.

Don't want to go so far, how about spending Superbowl Weekend in Las Vegas? The Mirage has a Superbowl Special for $69 a night. Two nights in Vegas for about $149. I can't throw a Superbowl Party for that. And the Mirage buffet is one of the best in my opinion.

The Four Seasons, Miami is offering 'Stay 2 nights, get a third night free.' While paying $1000 for three nights may not be a bargain to you, it is for some.

Just like some might think Goldman Sachs at $74.91 a share is a great deal. Last year when it dropped to $47.41 a share, though it was a bargain, it would have still been too high for me.

Wall Street isn't the only thing on sale, but you have to watch it just as carefully.

Cell Phones in Airports; Should There Be Limits

2009-01-20T17:40:00.000-08:00

You are in a public airport. Your stomach is rumbling. You regret the indulgence from the last food kiosk. Rushing into the restroom, you are relieved there is no line. You sit down, and then it happens.

The person in the next stall had been on the phone all along but was listening not talking. To let them know you are there, you flush. There is an exasperated response. You freeze horrified! Your mission can’t be complete, nor do you want to leave.

You are trapped in the stall as that conversation is going on for what seems like eternity.

While it is always uncomfortable to use an airport restroom, what is worse than being in the stall trying to do your deed while someone is carrying on a conversation?

When you finally exit, as luck would have it, the other person does too. You exchange hostile glances though no one says a word.

In general, I am not a fan of public restrooms but if I am in an airport what choice do I have? It is better to wait till you are off the airplane, or is it? At least with the size of an airplane bathroom, you know you are alone.

Cell phone etiquette has become a thing of the past. We all walk around in our own bubbles oblivious to the fact that our loud conversations might be invasive to the people around us. For this reason alone, I am not a fan of allowing cell phones on airplanes or even for that matter in airport (or any other) public restrooms.

Escorted Trips to Korea; FAM or not

2008-12-11T20:01:00.001-08:00

I have posted earlier about travel in Seoul, South Korea. You might wonder what exactly brought me there in the first place. I stumbled across "an advertised as" luxury FAM (Familiarization) trip to South Korea, a place I had never visited.

Familiarization tours (FAMS) are trips in which journalists, tour operators or travel agents experience the region first-hand.

I decided to go as part of this particular FAM as the offer seemed just too good to pass up. Beware, if something seems to good to pass up, it is!

Having never heard of the company who was sponsoring this trip, I called and spoke with the agency's manager directly. They talked a good talk. They claimed to specialize in Asia and offered different FAM trips once to twice a month. They confirmed that we would be not-only be staying at five-star hotels but that indeed all air, meals, gratuities and sightseeing admissions would be included for just under a thousand dollars.

The land-package was for only 6 nights, which I knew would be a bit of an issue for me as I usually need a few days to adjust to the time change. But this deal persuaded me to leave my comfort zone.

I talked my daughter into accompanying me and a few weeks later we left.

We arrived in Seoul very late at night the only connection possible from Los Angeles. As promised, we were met at Incheon International Airport by the tour company's driver. He didn't speak English and we didn't speak Korean.

The van we were in so desperately needed shock absorbers that we felt every bump for an hour and a half. We had no idea that the Seoul airport was located so far from the city. We kept asking "Are we there, yet?" like little kids the whole trip. He kept answering us in Korean but neither of us understood a word the other was trying to say.

But we finally arrived and the COEX Intercontinental was very nice. Our driver took us and our luggage to the reception desk. The front desk clerk gave us our keys, breakfast coupons and a note telling us to be in the lobby at 8 a.m. to meet our guide.

Exhausted, we went to our room The rooms were exceptionally clean, spacious and very adequate. The furnishings were nothing special, but the room didn't lack for anything either.

The COEX hotel breakfast buffet was unbelievable and seemed to have everything and more: bagels and smoked salmon, dim sum, made-to-order omelets, miso soup, sushi, pancakes, cereal, crepes and steak--it was all there.

Unfortunately, the hotel turned out to be the only high-end feature of our trip. This trip was pitched as a luxury FAM, but the semi-luxurious features ended there. Our tour group was small: 7 of us, plus our guide and driver.

Though our guide was very nice and knowledgeable about Korea, the tour itself was horrendous.

The bus we were on was old and worn. The daily itineraries were very poorly paced and very poorly planned. We spent extremely long periods of time on the bus and often found ourselves taken from one part of town to another part and then back again.

The waste of time and fuel would be upsetting under any conditions, but what added injury to insult was Seoul's traffic, some of the worst in the world. It makes driving in Los Angeles traffic look like child's play.

Our tour was not expertly planned. Though our guide was sweet, she could not think outside of the box at all. She planned our itinerary around our meals, which were bad at best. The touristy nature of the itinerary was shocking as we are a group of professional travel planners and travel writers who know better.

I was flabbergasted that they would take us to such overt tourist traps such as [give a specific example or two here]. Somewhere there was a huge disconnect between our expectations as travel professionals and the way we were treated.

Sure, we saw the Royal Palace, the Folk Village, the National Museum and we shopped in the Dongdaemun Market and Itaewon to name a few places. But we were also taken to the Amethyst Factory, which was not even a glorified show-room where they tried to sell us jewels at "very special prices."

We were also shown the government-authorized "Ginseng Factory," which turned out to be just another storefront selling the same ginseng available on every street corner.

But nothing topped our cooking school experience at Seoul's Kimchi School.

Kimchi is served everywhere in Korea. It's a fermented dish consisting of a main vegetable flavored with a variety of spices and seasonings. The most popular version is made with cabbage. Chili pepper and salt seems to be the most popular spices, but you'll find lots of others like ginger, scallions, garlic, etc. There are hundreds of types of kimchi and it is said to be very healthy. The Koreans are very proud of it and take it very seriously.

As for me, I ate enough kimchi and rice to last the rest of my life that week. But that may be the fault of our guide as she pre-arranged every meal and every meal was some type of kimchi dish: beef and kimchi, chicken and kimchi, seafood and kimchi.

The Kimchi School is located in a large commercial building. We waited in a large foyer where pictures of kimchi hang everywhere. Our group was taken into one of several rooms where prearranged ingredients were laid out in front of us. A staff member from the so-called cooking school gave us gloves and instructed us how to make kimchi from the ingredients. Five minutes later, we were done. We were given the option of taking our kimchi with us or we could donate it. Bizarrely, the one thing we couldn't do was eat it there!

I love to cook. In fact I have taken many cooking lessons during my life, but never have I taken a class where you aren't even offered a sample of the food or a glass of water.

After our "lesson," we were taken to an exhibit of traditional Korean Wedding Costumes that we were encouraged to try on ourselves. Very bizarre. I failed to be entertained by dressing up in costumes and modeling them in front of a mirror. To add insult to injury, I believe these costumes were created for non-Koreans as Koreans are of smaller stature overall than Westerners. If these costumes weren't made for Westerners, there would be no way that anyone would have been able to fit in the costumes.

Finally, our group rebelled and demanded that we actually see something significant. We paid a lot for it, but we spent our last day at the DMZ, the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, a trip that truly deserves it's own future blog.

The lesson of this experience is that if you opt to go with an organized tour, make sure you do your homework about the tour company and the guide you will be assigned. Make sure you know if the Escorted Tours will be Budget, First Class, Deluxe or Luxury. Make sure you ask questions!

Not having to get directions or make parking arrangements if you're visiting several spots can be great. Having your day mapped out, pre-planned and pre-paid can make a lot of sense, but it's essential to be smarter about it than I was.

Find out as much detail as you can, even about the less-obvious things. For example, will there be pre-paid meals at fine restaurants where you get to choose your meal or will you be taken to a different tourist-class place and served same horrible meal at every lunch and dinner?

Find out what entertainment is included. If the guide suggests a show not on theitinerary for an added price, find out exactly what it is before you agree to go. Do not feel the need to go along with everyone else like we did. Keep in mind, the guides often get kickbacks to take you to local tourist trap shows.

Make sure your itinerary has a good balance between unscheduled and scheduled time. Know what tips are actually included in the costs.

Although gratuities were supposed to be included in our trip, my guess is that the porters, hotel staff, waiters and drivers did not see one red cent.

The moral of this story is that I would never put my client in the hands of that particular tour group, even if it turned out to be the only way for them to see Korea.

Be careful and do your homework. We travel professionals can only give you first-hand advice if we have had first-hand experience.

Always ask your travel professional if they have personally been to the place you want to visit. If not, have they actually sent any clients with this company before? Do not be their experiement! If they personally sent clients' to that hotel, find out the feedback the provided.

Always remember, forewarned is forearmed, and you get what you pay for!

Korean Massage or Mauling?

2008-12-10T20:37:00.000-08:00

Dare I tell you about our most unforgettable Korean mother-daughter experience?

As previous posts explain, I was traveling with my adult daughter in Seoul.

On the flight over I came down with an horrendous cold and ear infection. Unfortunately, I passed it on to my daughter, who shortly was in even worse shape than I was and could barely breathe at all.

Both of our colds turned into serious sinus infections. I couldn't sleep so I went to the spa to check it out.

The entire ladies spa at the COEX Intercontinental is literally located within a sauna, which is where the treatments are given. I am not usually a sauna lover but I figured that a sauna just might clear our sinus.

The receptionist handed me a menu of services. I booked appointments for both of us, scheduled simultaneously--my daughter for an aroma therapy massage. For me, a foot and face massage.

We went down to the 5-star-rated health club and, as the rules stated, left our shoes at the door. The attendant handed us house-coat type robes made from light cotton and shower shoes and escorted us to our lockers. We changed and headed for the treatment room.

Inside the room we found two Korean women, both dressed only in matching black bras and underwear. One woman was relatively thin while the other was built like a sumo wrestler.

My daughter and I thought we had stumbled into someone else's treatment session. Before we could turn around to leave, the thin one whipped off her bra, grabbed me by the hand and led me to a table.

What in the world had I got us both into?

Before my daughter could stop her, the fat one snatched her robe from her and laid her down on the other table.

My daughter gave me that 'what the hell is this' look. She sniffed through her cold: "This is totally awkward."

Meanwhile, I start roaring with laughter.

The treatments began. I was wondering why my therapist took her bra off but, I figured, what the hell--if topless massages are the thing in Korea, so be it!

The foot massage felt like the masseuse was poking me with a corkscrew every few seconds in a different spot--constant pain with no relief.

Even with plugged ears I heard my daughter quietly pleading, "Lighter please." As it turned out, the whale had placed a towel on my daughter's rear, then climbed on top of her and dug her knees into her to add more pressure. Luckily, my daughter survived.

Meanwhile, my "therapist" is working on my legs with what feels like a mallet. I was laughing hysterically--the more we ask them to lighten up the more pressure they apply.

My therapist turned me over for my face massage. She started out by slapping me in the face and then pinching me in very quick rhythmic fashion, until I felt one of the Three Stooges.

This beating was followed by the application of some cold, soothing ointment, which I hoped might stop the black and blue marks from appearing. Next, she started to wrap my face in gauze as though I were a mummy. When the wrapping reached my cold-clogged nose and mouth, I grabbed her hand and firmly said, "No."

My therapist muttered something in Korean, then took a scissors and cut a tiny hole for my nose. I grabbed the gauze and unwrapped myself: "No! I can't breathe!"

Meanwhile, my daughter's therapist was sprawling across her body to massage her neck. My poor child was encased in the therapist's blubber and literally wiggling to crawl out from under her.

My daughter escaped before me. Later, I found in her house-coat-like robe, dangling her feet in the hot tub.

"That--" she took a giant pause"--was not relaxing."

The black and blue marks on my legs were starting to appear. I dipped my toe in one of the individual baths and almost went into shock at the temperature of the freezing cold water.

I quickly dressed and met my daughter at the desk as she was signing us both out.

How was the massage? Did she feel better? the receptionist wanted to know.

"Definitely," she lied.

We limped back to our room now needing to recover from far more than a bad cold!

Real Korean Women Do Eat

2008-12-07T13:05:00.000-08:00

A very disturbing observation is that the Korean women really do eat. They all look like models. They are tall and skinny. I made a point of gawking at every dish everyone of these stunning woman (and men) ate. And they did not push food around their plates anorexic-style; they ate whatever was put in front of them

Now in yet another future Blog, I will address Kimchee which by the way was the only meal our tour guide ever arranged for us, but this is a good place to point out that the Seoul has more American Food chains then most US cities. We saw Subway, Quiznos, Coldstone, Baskin Robbins, Tony Roma, California Pizza Kitchen, Pizza Hut, Papa Johns, KFC, Bennigans, Fridays, Dunkin Donuts, McDonalds, Outback Steak House, and I could go on and on.

When you look inside these places they are packed with Koreans, not Americans.

But I had my reality check when I went into Red Mango, a tart frozen yogurt franchise which began in Korea. I looked at the portions and asked for a large.

For reference, their large is equivalent to our medium. I had ordered to-go. They intelligently prepared my desert in ice to make sure it stayed cold. I was impressed. I looked inside the bag and saw four spoons.

I must have looked puzzled so the woman handed me more. Why would I need so many spoons? I could see one extra in case I dropped one but....

Then, I looked around the place and saw groups of people sharing that same large that I was about to go back to the hotel and eat all by myself.

Maybe the Korean's do eat less than we do, at least when it comes to dessert!