Welcome to Guam!

July 2003 - After the flight mishap, we both arrived in Guam safely!  This was a special trip for us for many reasons.  We were going to spend time with best friends Tom, Jill, Brett, and Austin Hatch!  We were also going to visit the home that Brett’s parents lived in when they brought his brother Todd home from the hospital.  Guam houses a large navy base.  Brett’s dad was stationed in Guam during the mid to late 1960’s.  Now Jill is stationed in Guam!

Toni, Lil Brett, Brett, Austin

We were officially welcomed to Guam with this cool sign the Hatch’s had made for us!  Unfortunately, it was a bit stormy the night we arrived, so we went out to see the sign first thing in the morning.  We had a great first day!  We headed down to Tumon Bay (also known as hotel row) for lunch and to check out the beach.  Tom had a meeting in the afternoon, so we enjoyed the pool at the Nikko Hotel.  Residents can purchase passes to use certain hotel amenities.  It had a water slide, which Brett, lil Brett, and Austin enjoyed.  Jill and I got to relax in the sun and catch up!  It was a great day topped off with a great sunset.  There are amazing sunsets in Guam, and we watched the sun go down at Haputo Point this night!

 Locals eat stuff off the beach  -  Tumon Bay

A private beach near Haputo

Brett and I brought a suitcase full of dive gear.  Our first dive was from a boat that we rented.  Captain Jeff took us out of Agana to Double Reef (near Haputo Pt.).  We saw a lot of fish and a white eel during the 44 minute dive.  During our second dive at Gun Beach, we brought along some frozen hot dogs.  The scissortail sergeant and surgeon fish loved them!  After a long day on the water, we relaxed at home with homemade chili and card games.

Tom, Jill, Austin, Brett, Lil Brett, Toni

There are many sites to see on Guam.  One famous site is Two Lovers Point.  The legend says that two lovers, whose parents forbid them to marry, tied their hair together and jumped off the cliff.  The views from the point were amazing. 

Two Lovers Point, Tumon Bay, Guam

Tumon Bay (Hotel Row) in the background

30 Begonia!

One of the highlights from our time on Guam was a drive around the island.  Our first stop was at 30 Begonia!  Brett’s parents lived here when his dad was stationed on Guam.  When Brett’s brother was born in September 1967, he was brought home to 30 Begonia!  We made it just in time too, as they were starting to demolish the old apartments.  As we continued around the island, we drove over the Old Spanish Bridge, past Cocos Island, to Jeff’s Pirate Cove. 

We stopped at the famous restaurant for lunch.  The restaurant is near Yokoi Cave in Talofofo.  Talofofo Falls and Yokoi Cave became famous when a Japanese soldier found refuge and hid in a cave for 28 years following WWII.  We finished off this day with a walk in the Hatch’s back yard and a sunset at Tarague Beach.  We headed out looking for boonie – hot, wild peppers.  We didn’t find any, but we saw lizards and wild pigs.  It was another amazing sunset at one of Brett’s parent’s favorite beaches too! 

Wild pigs at Talofofo        Wild pig in the Hatch backyard

                The Hatch's                           The Troutner's

The small island of Guam is probably not at the top of anyone’s vacation list, but it is a great place to consider.  More on this island in the Pacific soon…..

Tarague Beach

Travel Tip

I purchase these pencil pouches at Target in August/September when they sell school supplies.  You can usually get them for less than a $1 each.  I cut off the 3 ring binder stip.  They are great for tickets, passports, and important documents.  I also like to keep a pack of sticky notes, pens, sharpie, and highlighter in it.  It works great because you can see through it!  Hmmm….what else can you use these for?  Be creative!

Japan Continued!

Tsjukiji Fish Market- early in the morning at 6am

What an early morning…..The Tsukiji Fish Market is open from 3am to 10am (auctions start around 5am).  It is the biggest wholesale and auction market for fish and seafood in the world!  Fresh tuna (maguro in Japanese) is sold in large quantities and is often cut into pieces with a huge band saw.  Did you know that 80% of Japan’s tuna is consumed raw?  The market also supplies 80% of the world’s fish! 

Octopus - TUNA, sells for $10,000 each - Live eel

small shrine outside the fish market

The Great Buddha in Kamakura

After coming back to the apartment to freshen up, it was time to head out for a drive to Kamakura.  Kamakura was Japan’s capitol from 1185 to 1333.  It is a seaside town about an hour south of Tokyo.  We parked near a small garden shrine and bought Japanese pears and ate them on our way to the Great Buddha.  Again, upon entering the Great Buddha (Amita Buddha, 1252)) we cleansed our hands in the water.  Amita is Kamakura’s most famous site.  We actually went inside it and into the head of the large bronze statue. 

    Mai-Den stage, ginko tree on left  --  Torri Gate to Hachiman-gu Shrine

A very important shinto shrine in Kamakura is the Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine.  The shrine was dedicated to the God of War and built in 1063.  There was a 1000 year old ginko tree (in my photo) that was recently uprooted in a storm in 2010. 

Squat Toilet

Interesting facts about Japan….They have a 100 yen store that is similar to our Dollar Stores.  You can find great gifts and bargains (chopsticks, pottery, slipper mats) for very little money!  When you visit a grocery store or mall, they have ‘car’ elevators that take your vehicle from one floor to the other to park.  It was bizarre!  Along with regular toilets, you often have a choice to use a ‘squat’ toilet.  It’s literally that!  You squat to do your business!  Some say they are more hygienic that western toilets and they use less water and are cheaper to make. 

We had gracious hosts and a nice visit to Japan.  Hopefully we will venture back to explore more someday!

The Troutner’s are not immune to problems when traveling!  We got to the Narita airport an hour before our flight to Guam.  We didn’t really consider the fact that we were flying internationally and needed to be there two hours early.  Needless to say, we were told our seats had been released and there was one seat available.  WHAT?!  The next flight was in five hours.  Knowing I could easily deal with the situation, I sent Brett ahead on the flight to Guam.  He would be able to hang out with Tom and Jill, and I had plenty of movies and money to keep me busy for the next several hours at the airport.  The crazy part of this story is that when Brett got on the plane, there was an open seat next to him and the gate agents would not release the seat to me.  In the end, I made it to Guam, and we were all reunited later in the evening!   Next Blog…..Guam!

Visit to Japan - July 2003

Tokyo at night from the 39th floor of Yebisu Garden Place tower

In mid-July of 2003, we had a trip planned to visit our good friends in Guam.  We also had friends living in Japan.  We took advantage of some extra time and stopped in Japan on the way over. 

We arrived in Tokyo in the evening.  It was a long flight from Seattle aboard Singapore Airlines, but the service on the plane was great!  Our friend Jennifer picked us up at Narita.  We didn’t waste any time seeing the sites as soon as we arrived.  We learned how to buy train tickets and headed from their home in Shibuya Ku to Yebisu Garden Place Tower.  The view of Tokyo from the 39^th floor of the tower was amazing!  We also slurped the best ramen I have ever had at the Noodle House to finish off the night.

Arisugawa Park and the old men fishing

We started the next day off with a walk around Arisugawa Park.  It was within walking distance of the Willis’ home.  There were old men fishing in the park, something they do every day.  On the walk around town, we could smell the incense from the local cemetery.  Mourners visit the cemetery often and light incense sticks.

Cemetary in Shibuya Ku



Punks and Baby Dolls

Our next stop was the Meiji Shrine.  As soon as we got off the train, you could see groups of people gathered.  Certain young people were labeled ‘punks’ while other girls dressed as ‘baby dolls’.  It was very interesting. 

           Sake Barrels                      Wedding at Meiji Shrine

cleansing our hands

The Meiji Shrine is the most important Shinto Shrine in Tokyo, where the remains of Emperor Meiji (1868-1912) and his wife are enshrined. Like many other sites around Japan, Sake barrels line the entrance.  The barrels are empty but represent a symbol of drinking the rice wine to feel happy and closer to the Gods.  Sake is often given at temples.  It is also a custom to cleanse your hands and/or drink the water for good health and spirit.  There are three entrances to the shrine, and walking through the ‘Torii’ will bring good luck.  There are also many ways to show respect to the shrine.  You may throw coins in the offering box, bow twice in from of the main shrine, clap your hands twice to wake the gods, or leave a prayer on the prayer tree.  Outside the Meiji Memorial Hall, we saw a wedding taking place.  The entire area is very large, covering 175 acres!

Entering the Torii

Takeshita Dori Street

Busiest intersection in the world!

We got to see some of the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.  Takeshita Dori is a pedestrian only street with fancy shops and places to eat.  It’s the hotspot for teen fashion.  Shinjuku houses the busiest train station in the world.  Over 2 million people pass through the train station each day!  Nearby Shibuya has one of the busiest intersections in the world.  At a particular time, 6 pedestrian crosswalks allow people to cross at the same time. 

Stayed tuned for a continuation of our trip to Japan and our early morning visit to the fish market!

....Carnival

Carnival Conquest

Ocean View on the Conquest

I guess you could say I saved the best for last.  I do enjoy cruising Carnival for many different reasons.  I have sailed on the Destiny, Conquest, Freedom and Triumph.  In the near future, I will sail on the Magic (ocean view deluxe room) and Valor.  Carnival has many activities for the whole family including a water slide, mini golf, and sport court (on most ships).  The cruise line is also in the process of making fleet wide upgrades with a burger bar, tequila bar, and the Red Frog pub to name a few.  Here are just a few of the pluses and minuses…..

                                Carnival Triump  ---  Category 1A, inside cabin with picture windows

·        Lemonade in the buffet all the time, and you don’t have to ask for it!

·        Free espresso with dinner!!!

·        Soft serve ice cream any time you want

·        Waterslide

·        Sur Mer (Fish and Chips)

·        They do not have laundry and you have to send your shirt ‘out’ to have it ironed.

·        They give bracelets to the kids under 10 with their muster station on it.

·        You have to keep track of your pool towel – either turn it in at the towel desk, or take it back to your room, or you will be charged.

·        I love the chicken nuggets and honey mustard at the grill!

·        They have homemade tortilla chips and ‘liquid’ cheese at the hamburger grill.

·        They have 24 hour pizza!  It’s a great snack when the disco closes!

·        There are cheaper all you can drink soda cards for the kids.

·        Some ships have a Mongolian grill!

·        The loyalty club offers free laundry after 10 cruises, along with gifts and a free canapé.

·        There is a sushi bar. 

·        John Heald’s Blog

·        The disco is on the main floor with the casino and piano bar (which is lots of fun)!

·        There is a quiet area called the sanctuary.  They also serve a nice boxed lunch.

·        The wine package is pretty decent.

·        They have a mixology contest.  One lucky winner makes a cocktail and has it offered the entire cruise!  I was the winner on our Freedom cruise!!!

Sanctuary on Carnival Freedom - leaving Miami

I know I am forgetting many other amenities.  I will have to include those later in a blog to one of the destinations we cruised to.  All the cruise lines I have sailed on are worth checking out!  You can make your own likes and dislikes and form your own preferences!  Happy Sailing!

Travel Quote

"There is no moment of delight in any pilgrimage like the beginning of it." -- Charles Dudley Warner

.....Royal Caribbean - Voyager of the Seas

Voyager of the Seas - Cozumel, Mexico

A few years back, I cruised RCI’s Voyager of the Seas!  It was a 7 day cruise out of Galveston, Texas!  The Royal Caribbean cruise line has some very cool ships that appeal to many people.  The layout of the ships is also different than other cruise lines.  Our particular ship had the rock climbing wall, ice skating rink, mini golf, royal promenade (with parades and shopping), Ben and Jerry’s, and Johnny Rockets.  Personally, I don’t need all the bells and whistles; Give me a lounger, sunshine, and a drink of the day, and I am happy. When you cruise in January, be aware that fog is a problem in Galveston!  We were not able to board the ship until 5pm.  RCI gave each passenger $25 on board credit for the delay!   Again, I made a list of likes and dislikes……

The Royal Promenade

Voyager of the Seas

·        The royal promenade had a very attractive design.  Certain inside cabins actually had windows with a promenade view.  They put on very entertaining shows during the evening.  We saw a Mardi Gras show that was amazing. 

·        The Solarium pool is an adult pool!

·        The workout area was really large and had a lot of options for those that want to exercise.

·        They did not make it easy to fill your glass with water – anywhere!

·        There is a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream that costs money, but there is also free self serve ice cream all the time! 

·        You can get lemonade in the buffet, when the buffet is open. Oddly, it closed at 10pm when we cruised!

·        There was an interesting curtain between the bed and couch in the room.  You could pull is closed to separate the room.

·        Royal Caribbean has a lot of areas accessible to the handicap.  We did see a lot of people using scooters on board.

·        There was a large putt putt golf area for adults and kids.

·        This may sounds strange….but there was an ice rink on the ship.  There were certain hours that passengers could put on skates and glide around the rink.  In the evening, they had the most amazing ice shows.  That was a highlight for me!  Keep in mind you have to get tickets for the show.  The tickets are free, but there is a limited number.

·        Like many of the other cruise lines, the pools had salt water.

·        There was no grill by the pool on the Voyager.  To get a burger and/or fries, you had to cover up and go into the buffet.  The fries were not always fresh.

·        We really enjoyed Eric the cruise director.  He was very entertaining and visible all around the ship.  He would drive a Segway up and down the royal promenade.

·        Johnny Rockets offered alternate dining for a fee….When we cruised, there was a $3.95 cover charge per person plus charges for any ice cream.

·        They have a fun pool and activity area for the kids!

·        During the captain’s party, they allow guest to ask questions.  This is a great idea, but it gets out of control, and it was too long!

·        We did notice a lot of smoking around the ship. 

·        The rooms lack closet space and storage areas compared to other ships. 

·        The boutiques in the royal promenade offered great shopping.

·        If you want to watch a movie on the TV in your room, prepare to pay for it!  They do not show free movies like other lines.

·        There is a nacho station in the buffet where you could make your own!

·        Champagne was served at the captains welcome party.

·        They do not have self service laundry facilities.

·        Some cruise lines have hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE!  It was a bit surprising not to find it as you enter the buffet.  There was a sign reminding guest to wash their hand with soap and water.

Keep in mind, these are my own observations and opinions!  More to come……

When traveling, pack a small powerstrip.  It works great for plugging in multiples items at once (camera battery, phone/ipod, etc).

Cruising.....Princess

I have been fortunate to travel to many different places.  Some of those trips have been by plane or car, but many of them have been by cruise ship.  I have cruised on Princess, Carnival and Royal Caribbean.  When I cruise, I like to make lists of things I like and dislike about the particular ship and compare it to the others.  Obviously each ship varies within the cruise line, and upgrades are being made on ships all the time.  Keep in mind this is my own personal opinion of ships I have sailed on.

Dawn Princess

 

Dawn Princess - Atrium

Princess (Star, Golden, Grand, Tahitian, Dawn) - Many years ago, we sailed on the Tahitian Princess (now the Ocean Princess) to Tahiti, Moorea, Marquesas, Raiatea, Rangiroa and Bora Bora.  It was a much smaller ship, and we liked the idea of fewer people on board.  We got to know people everywhere we went.  We had an inside cabin, but our friends had a balcony where would enjoyed breakfast one morning. The Grand Princess was an amazing ship.  We sailed on the Grand through Italy and Greece.  It was outfitted with MUTS (Movies Under the Stars) where you could watch movies while sitting out on the lido deck.  At the time, this was new for cruise ships.  When we sailed on the Star Princess to Alaska, I made a detailed list of likes and dislikes….

Star Princess Santuary and Celebration Party

Star Princess  (and most of the other Princess ships)

·        Princess used to serve ice cream free of charge only between 3-4pm in the buffet.  This cruise, it was free in the ice cream parlor from 11am-6pm.  You could also buy malts and shakes.

·        If you wanted lemonade, you had to ask you server.  There was no self serve lemonade.

·        On our Alaska Cruise, we paid extra ($10 per person for half the day) to go in the Sanctuary.  The Sanctuary was a serene area with thick cushioned chairs and nice warm blanket, perfect for view the cruise up Tracy Arm to the glacier.  They also had free hot chocolate and yummy pastries.

·        They served Panini sandwiches and fresh baked cookies in the International Café – free!

·        The wine bar served specialty appetizers, including sushi, for free if you bought a glass of wine.

·        They had recently upgraded to flat screen TVs in the cabins

·        They offered homemade waffles with toppings as a snack in the afternoon buffet.

·        There was a thermal suite (hot stone beds, several different saunas and steam rooms) for $20 per day or $149 per week (per couple).

·        Free popcorn was available during MUTS!

·        Servers came around the lido deck in the afternoon with cookies and milk.

·        Princess has coin operated laundry facilities (with ironing boards), but you cannot do laundry and dump gray water while cruising in Alaska.  It’s only allowed in ‘international’ waters.

·        Juggler’s performed during the day in the plaza.

·        They have a champagne fountain for the captain’s cocktail party (before dinner) and servers offer free champagne and mimosas. 

·        They also offer a past guest party where there serve cocktails – you can request your drink of choice.

·        They do give you tickets for embarkation.  You need to wait till your group is called.  It was still easy to walk off when our number was called.

Grand Princes                                            Tahitian Princess (Ocean Princess

As this particular blog is getting lengthy, I will continue another day with more……