Corona in Puerto Vallarta - Day 2

This is Day 2 of my post from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico during the onset of the coronavirus here. I would rather be traveling right now and checking things off my bucket list but that isn't possible right now.
I read an article this morning about the stages of the virus as it developed in Italy over a 3 week period. From what I read, Mexico is in Stage 1. It has been confirmed that the virus is here.
Stage 2 is when 'red' zones are identified. This is when clusters of people have tested positive for the virus. For the Canadians out there, Lynn Valley, BC would currently be referred to as a 'red' zone.
Yesterday I went down to the beach and enjoyed a picnic with a Mexican friend. We maintained our 3 foot distance and were diligent walking to and from the beach. It was nice to get out and share a meal. Many restaurants have take out still. There was a couple sitting on the beach playing backgammon, a neat way to pass the day.
Another thing I did yesterday was go into OXXO and set up my phone with a 30 day plan that allows me unlimited calling anywhere in Canada, USA, and Mexico. It also includes 3 gb of data, all for 200 pesos.
I can use the phone when I get back to Canada to keep in touch with friends all over the country, which is very important to me. There is a mobile recharge app now available that you can download to top up monthly. It costs a couple of dollars but is well worth it. Hopefully Canadian phone companies will offer cheap plans one of these days soon!
This morning I began thinking about all the single friends I have living on their own and how important it is to have some sort of community to connect with. If you have friends on their own, please reach out to them. If they aren't on a social media site yet this may be time to help them do so. Whether friends or family connect through whatsapp or google hangout or private facebook chats, connect. I didn't mention facetime because iphone won't talk to android yet as far as I know!
One of the interesting changes in Italy during this pandemic is, for the first time in 60 years, there is marine life visible in the canals of Venice. With no boat traffic present, a dolphin was recently spotted. Also, white swans have been landing on the canals too.

Are you in self-isolation, wanting something to do? New York Library has made 300,000 online books available free of charge.
https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/you-can-now-download-over-300-000-books-from-the-nypl-for-free-031820 

Broadway has a number of live productions that you can currently stream. 
https://www.insider.com/stream-broadway-musicals-plays-for-free-online-limited-time-coronavirus-2020-3?fbclid=IwAR1HWl5OrCXMhliHFk3wxeitnB0OowwmZtk7-8f-Vp_1g0WI1HVZJPCDpuM

NASA has opened their library to the public free of charge. You can take virtual tours of museums all over the world right now too or virtually visit a place that is on your bucket list. Self-isolation does not mean shutting down life.
Even if you are a grandparent and normally spend in-person time with your grandchildren, that doesn't have to change completely. Set up skype time during each day and play board games. If parents need a break from homeschooling, help them out, again using skype or whatsapp or facebook messenger. Stream a movie and watch it together, even if you have to make your own individual bowls of popcorn!

Ancient Fairy Chimneys in Cappadocia, Turkey

What are Fairy Chimneys?  I certainly had no idea when I began my journey to Turkey.

Volcanic eruptions have occurred in the centre of Turkey for millions of years.  The lava resulting from the volcanoes formed multiple layers of tufa (a variety of limestone) with the ongoing volcanic action. Over the centuries wind and water erosion have created shapes of limetone, sometimes with caps on top.

There are many places throughout the world that have limestone formations. For example, Yosemite National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Zion Canyon are examples of nature's beautiful creations from tufa.

But no where in the world is there a display like Cappadocia! Because of the wind and water erosion in this particular area, the natural formations looked like a fairyland of buildings!  And many of the buildings are actually still being used and have been for generations!

Settlers during the bronze age found the formations could be carved out and used as homes, often consisting of many rooms.  Clay plaster was used to finish walls and floors in the houses. Later on as Christians fled persecution in other areas and settled in Cappadocia, some of the structures became large churches.

In the last century whole subterreanean settlements have been discovered in the area, some of which go down at least 7 stories.

UNESCO has added Goreme National Park and the Rock sites of Cappadocia to their World Heritage Sites list and it's obvious why.

In some areas, like the Imagination Valley, the wind and rain have created structures that look like animals and fantasy characters. Remember the cartoon, the Flintstones?  I'm sure whoever came up with the series visited Cappadocia!

There is something for everyone.  The first night I was here I stayed at the Maraa Cave Hotel, a beautiful hideaway in the historic village of Ortahisar, about 4 km. from Goreme town centre.

 It was once a traditional village home but has been turned into a lovely boutique hotel with all the modern conveniences.  My night out there was fabulous but I found that the energy field was extremely strong for me and so all my senses were over-stimulated.

For a person who has already experienced the hustle and bustle of Goreme Centro it is a wonderful change!  A person can surround themselves with the centuries old troglodyte architecture.  The top terrace offers an amazing view of stone cut village houses with the rock citadel of Ortahisar overlooking the village.

The host, Ruth, is an amazing, knowledgeable expat from New Zealand who has been here for many years and is fluent in Turkish.

She also teaches about Turkish carpets and the construction of them and has a beautiful collection for sale in the town of Goreme, Cappadocia.

The breakfast the hotel puts on has every delicious morning taste of Turkey imaginable, from fresh butter and cheeses to olives and figs.  I didn't leave hungry!
www.maraacavehotel.com

The next few nights I will actually spend sleeping in a Fairy Chimney!  www.cavehotelsaksagan.net

The Saksagan Cave Hotel is right in Goreme Centro, Cappadocia, which will give me the opportunity to explore a little more locally.

Numan, the manager, is fluent in English, which is great considering all the questions I have!  He is also a wonderful guide for site-seeing.  On our tour yesterday he took us out to Avanos where we had a traditional Turkish meal.

Avanos is famous for their red clay pottery.  They also have a good Friday market, which I hope to see while I am here. People are asked not to share the location of the restaurant with the online critiques so the local guides can truly give a Turkish experience without the crowds.

Tomorrow?  More adventures in Cappadocia!  Check out Newman's website for all the available tours at www.turtletour.com or email him at info@cavehotelsaksagan.netfor more information.

Ephesus in Selcuk, Turkey

The streets of Ephesus were paved with marble, welcoming the likes of people like Cleopatra in 33 BC. While they were in Ephesus, Cleopatra ( assisted by her lover Mark Antony) spent time planning the fall of Octavian, the nephew of Julius Caesar.

Of course Octavian won the war and drove Cleopatra and Antony back to Alexandria.

I spent time at the Ephesus site, just 10 minutes outside of Secuk 2049 years later trying to take pictures while avoiding the crowds of school children learning their history lessons!  They are so lucky to have a site like Ephesus to visit, where they can get hands on experience.

In fact the site is still "touchable.". People can run their lands over blocks of marble that are centuries old. 

Ephesus is also an active archaeologist site that shouldn't be missed if you are traveling anywhere near Selcuk, Turkey.  The size alone is phenomenal and as you meander down the hills you really get a sense of what people would do to stay entertained centuries before.  There is a theatre and library, bath houses, shops, etc.

Judy, my friend I was traveling with, suggested I do a little bit of pre-reading or visit the Ephesus Museum before I went to the site, which I did.

There are audio machines to listen to (available in different languages) but better to get a guide and support the local economy.  The site is expensive to enter compared to others (40 Turkish lira - equivalent to $20 CDN) but well worth the money.

One of the things that is interesting when one travels is meeting other travelers from all parts of the world.  One of the people staying at our hotel was there for the weekend to see Ephesus.  He was considering it for his next project.

Jean-Pierre van Lin is the Managing Director of LIVE:TOUR5D, an interactive experience at historical sites.  In the middle of June, the company will be presenting the Battle of Waterloo "live" in Belgium.  The concept for visual and tactile learners, especially learning history, was amazing for me. Check out his site at www.livertour5d.com

I met many other wonderful people during my time in Selcuk too.  There was Ilker and Selma who own the Nazar Hotel, hidden away in a local neighbourhood.  Selma is one of the best historical guides from Istanbul to Pannukale.  Ilker is passionate about what is happening in his country right now and was interesting to talk with just to get a sense of life in modern Turkey.  The hotel site is www.nazarhotel.com

Just a note - the pool is only open from June 1st to November 30th.


Another place I would like to mention is Celsus Ceramic, a wonderful Turkish Ceramic and Jewelry store in the village part of Selcuk. It is run by a young couple, Gulcin and Yasin.

Gulcin is well known for her ceramic painting and Jewelry making. You will really get a real sense of the Turkish hospitality at the shop and also fair prices, especially if you are just in port for the day on a cruise ship stop.

Please give the business to the locals, not to the cruise ships who have built their own huge shops to take cruise ship passengers to.  Get into the heart of safe Selcuk and support the local economy!

If you happen to be in port on a Saturday, take in the Selcuk market to buy local cotton, one of the best and safest markets in Turkey.  It's easy to get from the Kusadasi port to Selcuk, a 15 minute ride away by taxi or dolmuses (the local mini bus).

There are also many local restaurants close by to experience the wonderful Turkish cuisine.  Thete's the TAT restaurant, also in the village or a couple of other spots just up the road that are great.  You will never starve in Turkey!

 At the end of the day, anywhere you go in Turkey, you can take in an amazing sunset. Whether it's over the ruins or over the hills or over the ocean, It's beautiful!

Preparing for an International Flight

Over the last few years I have learned to prepare ahead of time for international flights. I’d rather be sitting having a glass of wine in security at a restaurant in the departure lounge than running to beat hell so I don’t miss my flight!

 I’m heading out in a few more days for an international flight from Vancouver, Canada to Istanbul, Turkey with a connection in Munich, Germany.  I allow a half hour to 1 hour to check my luggage and at least another 30 to 45 minutes to clear security when flying international. I don’t carry any liquids over 100 ml. in my carry-on luggage.  Creams and toothpaste okay - not usually considered liquids unless I am going through the US.  Then they must be stored in an airline approved plastic bag and be under the 100 ml or grams.

I also need a passport that won’t be expiring within the next 6 months. I have a cross the body lightweight purse where I carry my phone and my passport and other important things like driver’s license, credit cards, money, a couple of pens for filling out passport forms, and my check list.

A couple of important points to note…. Make sure you won't lose your pants if you take your belt off because you are going to have to. You will be asked to remove your jacket too if you are wearing one.  Take everything out of your pockets (wallet and coins) and remove your hat if you are wearing one.  It’s a good idea to wear slip-on shoes going through security because you will have to remove them if they have a steel shank or if you are traveling in the USA.

Once I get through security I may have another half hour or more getting to my next gate depending on connections and whether both flights are from the same terminal.  I prefer at least 2 hours if I’m travelling internationally but sometimes it isn’t possible to make those arrangements unless I’m doing an overnight stay.

I make sure my carry-on luggage is easy to carry and store. I prefer soft sided for carry-on in case I have to squish it under the seat or in the overhead during internal flights in a country once I reach my main destination.  I use a piece that weighs no more than 6 lbs empty, has at least one set of  wheels, can stand on its own, and piggybacks over the handle of the checked bag for easy movement pre and post flight.

Even 10 lbs without wheels may seem light at first but halfway through the journey it can get mighty heavy, just lifting it in and out of the overhead!

I carry an empty water bottle to fill after I get through security because I’ve learned from experience it gets tossed!  Most international airports have accessible drinking water available.  Otherwise, I ask the flight attendant to fill it for me occasionally so I keep hydrated during the flight.

Electronics

            Many of the international flights nowadays are set up so I can keep my electronics charged up while flying.  I didn’t want to drag my laptop with me on this flight so I have downloaded a program that works really well on my phone and tablet for writing documents.  Then I can copy and paste it to my travel blog when I have wifi or send it to my drop box to download when I get home.  The name of the app I am using is “docs” and is very user friendly.

Check List

My check list is something I began using after my first international flight.  Because of the time differences, lack of sleep, etc.  my brain might not be working as well as normal - that and the fact I’m getting older!  It is so easy to leave something tucked in the seat pocket or have something slip out of my carry-on.  There is nothing worse than finding out my wallet is missing between flights, or my headphones got left behind. (This is for you too, Paula!)

            I am definitely on countdown…. Only 3 days until I fly out!

Best 9 Ways to Get Around Vancouver

Vancouver is a beautiful city.  Majestic mountains, ocean, rivers, and green space are immediately noticeable but how do you get around to really enjoy the place?

1. Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Service

Take advantage of the Hop-On, Hop-Off Vancouver Trolley Car service.  This travels all over the city for a very reasonable fee.  You can stop wherever you want and enjoy the sites and then get back on when you are ready to continue.  If you stop in Stanley Park, check on the horse drawn wagon rides.  The rides are seasonal but take you all around the park in less than an hour. 

2. Foot Ferry

To get over to Granville Island from the downtown area take one of the little foot ferries from the various stops along the seawall.  The cost is very reasonable and the ferries run into the evening.  The ferry captains are full of stories and facts about Vancouver as a bonus!

3. Bicycles

Bicycles are becoming a more common means of tourist transportation in Vancouver.  They can be rented at places downtown close to Stanley Park.  There are also sea kayaks for rent at English Bay if you want “to do the driving yourself!”

4. By Foot

Of course, there is always foot power and Vancouver is an extremely walkable city.  The seawall starts at Canada Place in Coal Harbour and runs all the way around Stanley Park, under the Lion’s Gate Bridge, past BC Place Stadium and the Science Centre.  It continues to Granville Island and eventually ends at Kitsilino Park.  The complete distance is 22 KM.  Or you can walk from Canada Place to English Bay around the park for a distance of 12 KM.  Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes!

5. Skytrain

Take the opportunity to ride all the Skytrain lines.  This can be done in half a day for a very reasonable price and gives a good overview of the lower mainland, as the coastal communities are called.  It won’t be as crowded if you leave after 9 AM and return before 3 PM.  The greater Vancouver bus service is also easily accessible anywhere along the Skytrain route.

The Skytrain service leaves constantly from the airport and takes you right downtown to the waterfront.  From there you can access greater Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and Coquitlam by Skytrain  Huge shopping centres and a couple of casinos are easily accessible from the Skytrain.  There is also no shortage of ethnic restaurants along the way.

6. Seabus

If you just want to spend a little time traveling across the Burrard Inlet, the seabus is the way to go.  The crossing takes approximately 20 minutes and the views are spectacular.  Leave the Waterfront Station and travel over to the Quay in North Vancouver. There is a market and many local vendors have the perfect souvenir gift for you to take home.

7. Westcoast Train

If you wish to venture even farther you can check out the Westcoast train schedule.  It also leaves from the waterfront and travels out to the town of Mission with many stops along the way.

8.Bus Service

The Vancouver bus line service is a great way to site see.  There is excellent service leaving from downtown Vancouver and traveling all over the lower mainland.

Greyhound bus service leaves from near Main Street Skytrain Station at the old CN Train Station.  There you can connect with ferry service over to Vancouver Island and the gulf islands from Tsawwassen.  It’s a nice way to spend a sunny day.  Or you can take a trip up to Horseshoe Bay and catch a ferry to Nanaimo or the Sunshine Coast.

Take a local bus close just outside the Waterfront Station and visit Capilano Canyon or Lynn Canyon or Cypress Bowl.  The Grouse Mountain Chairlift has a fantastic view of the city and harbour.

9.Rent a Car

Vancouver is an easy place to drive around in.  There are so many places to see and a trip up to Whistler is a beautiful way to pass the time.  All major car rental services are available at the Vancouver International Airport as well as downtown.

Enjoy your stay in Vancouver and take advantage of all the things to do see in this beautiful city.  You won’t regret it!

What's Left on Your Bucket List?

What's Left on Your Bucket List? 

by Susan and Jon 

Part 1

By Susan

One of the ongoing topics of conversation among Baby Boomers is what we still have left to do on our “Bucket List.” Even though we don't necessarily want to face the inevitable, we realize we are running out of time and possibly out of health as we get older.  Travel plans may have to be put aside.

A couple of people in my life are currently facing very real change.  One just went through heart surgery that was a lot more invasive than planned.  Another friend is now using a wheelchair and living with cancer.