Melissa's Jamaica FAM

Day 1


Arrived at the airport 2hrs earlier and it was busy. Should have been there 3hrs before like I tell all of my clients, but anyways it was fine. One thing to let your clients know is that there was no Sunquest counter. I walked back and forth looking for it, until Lisa saw me and flagged me over. You have to check in at the WS counter. Lisa said it might be different for the winter months, but she is not sure. Went thru security fine, for a change no search of my bags :) and met the other 3 ladies on the FAM. Everybody is awsome and we were laughing right away with each other, like we had knowen each other for ever. Boarded the empty flight and got a whole row to myself. The plane was empty because I think people from YWG don't know about the direct flights starting so early. Fligth was good, got to see Miami, the Florida Keys, and The Caymen Islands from my window.

Another good thing to let your clients know is that there is no food served on the flight. Even though you are flying with Sunquest, no meals are served for free, like on Sunwing or transat. Cashless cabin as well.

The flight was 4hrs and 45mintues and we landed with out a problem. Customs, however, was a problem. 12 other planes all landed at the same time as us and we all had to go thru customs at the same time. About 1hr and 30 minutes later, I was thru and in Jamaica. We went to find our luggage and it was already off the converer belt and just sitting there waiting. We were met after that for our private transfer to the hotel, Sunset Beach. We landed at around 12:30 so by the time we were on the way to the hotel is was still light out and we got a good view of Montego Bay. It is hard to describe what it looks like, but it is very poor here. I have been to Varadero and in some places this is worse then there. Alot of "shacks" were along the road, and people living in them. It makes you appreciate what you have back at home. But, even with the conditions here, the people are so friendly and happy. It is very contagious, and it makes you have a very relaxed attitude. The weather is very hot, and very humid. You sweat just standing in one place. It is very windy and cloudy because we are getting the aftermath of Hurricane Tomas. You can not swim or sit around the pools, just too windy.

The hotel was nice. I had a ocean front room for the first night. The Montreal group had arrived on Fri., so they were out looking at hotels and the Calgary & Toronto groups were not arriving until later. So we looked around the resort, got some drinks, and had something to eat. By the way, I have found my new favorite drink. Move over wine, Hello Hummingbird!!!

It is soooooo goood. It tastes like a banana milkshake, and they are very dangerous. :)

Anyways, went to bed early that night.

Day 2

The bus was picking us up at 9am to start our hotel inspections. Well, I guess what they say is true. When you are in Jamaica, everything runs on island time, because the bus was 1hr late. When it came, we drove from MBJ to Ocho Rios, about a 2 hr ride. Something good to tell clients.

Riu Ocho Rios was the first hotel. Very nice, lots of people, once you have seen one, you have seen them all, so I am told because this was my first time seeing one.

Next was the Jewel, which used to be the Sandals Dunns River. This is a very nice hotel, just like what a Sandals would be. Pretty much everything is included.

Next was the Sunset Jamaica Grande. This is an okay hotel. Water slide looks very nice, but the rooms are very small. It would be hard to fit 2 adults and 2 children in 1 room.

Next was Rooms on the Beach. Basic hotel, nothing fancy to say, but expensive hotel.

Next was Couple Tower Isle. Very nice also, like a Sandals. Only couples can stay here, but they are very gay friendly. Your clients just have to let the front desk staff know, and they will make you feel comfortable. This resort also has it's own island which is "au natural", but we did not get to check that out. :(

Next was the Couples San Souci. Very nice. It is built into the side of the hill, so lots of stairs. The resort is on 32 acres of land, so it was alot of walking. And of course they make this are last hotel.

We then went to our new hotel, Breezes Runaway Bay. It is nice, but this time I got the gardenview. That night we all had supper at the Italian a la carte restaurant. It was very good. After supper we went to check out the live band that was playing and we danced alittle and then went to bed.

Day 3

So far today, we got up and went to Dunns River Falls. I did not go in the falls, but they were awsome to see. Most of our group did, so I was the offical picture taker. Let me tell you the stairs on the side of the falls, are just as hard as the falls. We are now back at the hotel and we are off to the Gran Bahia tonite for drinks and dinner.

Talk to you all later,

Part 3 of My Trip to Portugal Nov 1-4

Today is a beautiful day and everyone in the town is getting ready to go to the cemetary for All Sanints Day. Some people will gather at the chappell first for a church service and then they walk through the village following the priest to the cemetary that is much different from our tradition in North America. The grave sites here are all marble and above ground with pictures of the deceased. The families put candles and beautiful flowers on the family graves. The priest walks through the cemetary and prays for all the deceased and their families which takes about an hour in Portuguese.
This afternoon we visit with family and friends in the Portuguese style.
Nov 2
Today is market day in Espinho that is about a 45 minute drive from Vale Maoir where there is everything you need to buy there. Flowers, fish, meat, vegetables and more important to me was the clothing, jeans, leather botas, shoes etc. We spent most of the day there shopping, stopped for a cod fish lunch and bargained with them to get the best deal.
We get back home and then visit family for a traditional Sardine Supper at Oscars Aunties and there is a table full of wood oven, roasted Sardines on home made bread and of course homemade vinho tinto and you are not allowed to leave the table til the sardines are all eaten.
Nov 3
Today it is another beautiful sunny day about 24 C and we go to the Praia (beach)
about 30 minute drive to Praia Vagueira. We have a delicious seafood lunch and then walk the beach where the waves are so powerful I dont dare to go in the ocean but Oscar ventures in eventhough it is not quite as warm as the meditteranian.
After a beautiful day at the beach we visit friends on the other side of the village for a octopus dinner.
Nov 4
Another beautiful day as far as the weather goes about 25 C today we stay close to home and walk the village visiting cousins and friends that Oscar has not seen for many years. Tonight we are at good friends Casa enjoying fresh caught fish from the river and sharing life experiences. Til tomorrow Obrigado

Part 2 of My Trip to Portugal Oct 29-31

Friday there has been lots of rain, very stormy one minute and then the sun comes out for a while, the wind blows and it rains again. Lisbon has had lots of flooding, but here in the village in the mountains, the rain runs down the streets into the river so there is no flooding here. Went out for a very nice dinner of Roast Pork and did some shopping in Aveiro which is quite a big city about a 45 minute drive from Vale Miaor. We are back home this evening and the rain is coming down hard and pounding on the rooftops.
Oct 30
This is Saturday morning and today there is a market in the town. There is all kinds of fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, lots of fish, and beautiful flowers to buy very cheap! Oscar bought me a nice pair of boots as I did not bring any with me and it has been wet. Because of the rain we opted to stay home tonight and watch some TV.
Oct 31
Today the weather is still wet but getting better and not as much rain. We walk the village and check out the gardens, orchards full of manderina, orange, lemon, fig and olive trees. We then drive to Bussaco, where we tour the gardens and grande hotel as well as the nunnery and chappell that is famous for over hundreds of years. We then take a short drive to Luso that has a famous drinking fountain where people take there water bottles and fill for free. Oscar has mentioned all over Portugal there are drinking fountains where people get there clean drinking water as well as there are still public washing holes where woman from the village take their washing to clean in the fresh water. Tonight we are visiting an old friend of Oscars, who was very surprised to see us.They have a beautiful home as well and we are enjoying a drink and a laugh tonight.
Eventhough it is Halloween in North America it is not really celebrated here like we do at home.
Tomorrow is a holiday here- All Saints Day where families, relatives, friends come together at the cemetary so I will write more tomorrow.

My Trip to Portugal Oct 24

Arrived into Faro on time at 710am on Sunday morning. We had good flights from Winnipeg and Toronto and came through a short line up at customs. Everything went smoothly and English is spoken in Faro by just about everyone. We picked up our Toyota Yaris from the Guerin Auto which is the car company JM Vacations uses just outside the airport.
Driving is a little different here with the smaller roads, cars and round abouts but even though it has been a few years for Oscar his driving was pretty good eventhough we missed our first turn off the highway!
Drove to Albufeiro easily on the A22, about 25 minutes away. We had to stop and ask about the location of the hotel, Solaqua as it was not on the map we had.
We were tired from travelling but washed up and went to the beach as it was about 27 C. The beach is about a 15 minute walk from our hotel but worth every step. The beach called Monica beach was beautiful and lined with white aparthotels. Oscar went for a swim in the ocean while I sun tanned and took a nap.  On our way back to the hotel we picked up a few groceries and stopped for a couple of cervasas.
After a long first day we had a good night sleep. The apartment hotel is quite spacious with a separate bedroom, living room and full kitchen.
Our second day we drove to Portimao and spent half a day on the Praia De Roche. It also was a stunning beach with the rock formation from the ocean we had to go down about a hundred steps to the beach.
After the beach we drove to the marina and had a seafood and rice lunch very delicious and continues to a open square with cafes and had our afternoon expresso and capuccino.
After a good day we drove back to our town of Albufeira for one more night until we drive north to Aveiro the next day. We managed to find ourselves a couple of bars to have a drink and talk with some locals that most of which were British people that own apartments by the beach.
October 26
Packed up and drove for about 4 1/2 hours on the super highway A2, where you pay a toll to travel on. We bypassed Lisboa and on to Santarem and then through some villages until we arrived in Oscars home town on Val Mioar in a valley. Oscars mom was in the garden when we arrived and even though she does not speak much English everyone kisses you on each cheek the portuguese way! And she said welcome to the Old Country.
I have to admit it is the old country and a simpler way of life for most people here. Where you feed your chickens and rabbits in the backyard until the day you want to have them for dinner! We walked around the village after dinner and stopped in at a few relatives who were surprised to see Oscar!. Of course lots of home made wine and his cousins were making sausage! Everyone has a fireplace in their kitchens to cook and to keep the homes warm.
The streets are very narrow and you have to watch for the traffic as they still like to go  fast!~
October 28 Thursday
It is a beautiful day woke up and had a good cafe and toast, had some washing to do in the big wash tub with the well water from the pump. I have a picture to show the old way.
Drove around to a few small villages and Oscar has been showing me his old schools, waterfalls, fishing holes and places he used to go as a boy.
We are in town with his mom and then will go home for dinner. So far Portugal is beautiful and definately people live a different lifestyle. I will talk again soon of our travels...Chow for now!

Welcome to Orlando

Note to Self:  Pre-Purchased Seat Selection whenever POSSIBLE!

My journey began at 315 a.m. with the ear-piercing shriek of my alarm clock.  I stumbled from my warm bed into the dark morning, showered, dressed and finished packing my bag.  Yes I managed to fit all into one suitcase weighing in at only 43 lbs.  My pre-ordered cab was on time and I arrived at the airport to be checked in by a friendly and most helpful Westjet agent.  The flight left only a few minutes past the scheduled departure and it was a smooth restful flight to Toronto.  Thanks to the male flight crew on board (at least that's what they told us) we arrived 15 minutes early.  This was my first time connecting through Toronto to the US and I have to admit I was a but worried about the whole process but with the hour and 45 minutes in between flights we made it with time to spare.  There was a bit of panic felt by all when after having retrieved our luggage from a special transit area we were met by a line-up of about 100 people or more waiting at US customs but they moved us through very quickly.

This is where my journey took a turn and hence the note to self above.  Being cheap myself I had never thought about purchasing seat selection.  Why pay when you can get it for free 24 hours in advance.  However if one forgets to go on-line 24 hours in advance and attempts to check-in only 7 hours prior to departure there are more than likely not going to be any great seats left available.  I was left with the choice of 2 middle seats, I chose 4 E.  A very large man boarded the plane and proceeded to sit beside me, or should I say on me.  I find it terribly unfair that even though we more than likely paid the exact same fare, he received 1.25 seats and I only .75 of a seat.  Not only was I forced to squeeze these child bearing hips into 3/4 of a seat but the man had obviously not showered in a week.  It was almost unbearable and I prayed for a quick flight.  I was never so happy to get of a plane and breathe fresh air after this excruciating 2.5 hour flight. 

Once of the plane you follow the signs to the shuttle tram and once on board are taken to a different terminal where you will await your luggage.  From the luggage carousel we were only about 100 feet from the Meats Transportation desk where I picked up my transfer to the hotel.  The cost of round trip transportation was only $33 and for us it was a pleasant 20 minute drive to the Beautiful Hyatt Grand Cypress.  Our driver was friendly and shared some interesting area information with us on the way, including a recommendation for the Mexican restaurant next door where we enjoyed a delicious Steak Fajita on Tuesday night at a very reasonable cost.

The hotel itself is magnificent and if it wasn't for all the wonderful attractions available in Orlando there really would be no reason for leaving the resort.  There is a large atrium for the lobby, with small ponds, exquisite carvings and statues and 2 lovely tropical birds to greet you as you walk by.  The grounds are immaculate, with lush greenery, colorful flowers and lakes and waterways meandering throughout.  The pool is large and framed on my side by a man made rocky outcropping.  You can actually swim into these narrow caves through water falls.  The sound of the water cascading over the rocks is quite soothing.  They have towels available at their activity hut where you can also rent paddle boats or bicycles.  The rock climbing wall looks like a real challenge, perhaps we'll try it this weekend.  Supposedly there are alligators living in the man made lake on the property so I am not sure about the boats.  But I definitely either want to rent bikes or take a walk around the 5 miles or so they have of trails around the property. 

I was pleasantly surprised to find out Disney World is located next door and I can clearly see Epcot Center from my balcony as well as the nightly fireworks display at about 9pm. I am looking forward to some free time so I can take advantage of a few of the attractions in and around the area.

Stay tuned for more from Orlando.

The key to a relaxing vacation

I think the key to a relaxing vacation is to plan nothing!  We have made no major plans thus far and have spent a heck of a lot of time just lounging around the house and yard and if we do end up going out it's a last minute decision and therefore causes no stress.  We do what we feel like when we feel like it.  The kids seem to enjoy themselves no matter what is going on.  They are content playing water balloon wars ($1 for 1000 at Dollorama) or just running through the backyard sprinkler.  I discovered this on my recent cruise where we had chosen open dining and chose not to pre book our excursions.  Again we ate when we were hungry and we took out time exploring each port on our own terms.  We did end up booking a few excursions but did so the day before and knew we were up to it.

So now that I have discovered the secret I am enjoying myself much more. We are loving Sarnia so much that we have informed the grand-parents that we will purchase their home when they are ready to move into the retirement home.  No rush though. The weather here has been fantastic this week, sunny skys, warm winds and the humidity has been relatively low.  Today and tomorrow it is supposed to creep back up to 31 with a humidex bringing it to 40.  We plan to keep cool at the water park and pool down at Tecumseh Park, the local swimming quarters, $3.75 for the whole family.  It also has a skate park and play park attached. 

Canada Day was a fantastic celebration here in Sarnia.  The day began with a short drive and long hike down to Cantera Park where we grabbed a great spot under a big tree and set up camp for the morning.  The Canada Day Parade came right by us and ended in the middle of the park at around 12 noon.  I couldn't get over how many of the town folks came to watch, the streets were lined for blocks!  In the park they had a large field set up with booths selling crafts, clothing, jewellery and more as well as a wide variety of foods from around town.  We wandered a bit until the kids came across a Henna Tattoo booth and we ended up waiting while they all got temporary tattoos by a local artist.  Cantera Beach is right in the park so we headed over to play in the sand and surf.  The waves are HUGE and the kids enjoyed body surfing for the remainder of the afternoon.

They ended the day with fireworks down on the shores of the St Claire River just after the sun had set over Port Huron.  I hadn't planned on going as I was more than exhausted from our day in the sun but I am so glad we did as it was an spectacular display of lights.

Last night we took a walk down by the Bridge.  It's a lovely park with a winding path along the river banks and under the Blue Water Bridge (takes you to the USA).  You can plant yourself on one of many park benches and watch the sunset, or the kids can let loose on the playground, feed the Trout at the fish hatchery or indulge yourself with an order of famous "chips" from the chip truck.  If you are feeling really gutsy you can join some of the local youth and take a swim up river.  They jump in at the opening to the river and the very strong current carries them quickly down the river where you must swim hard to get yourself back to shore.  Perhaps next visit I'll try :)

That's all for today, remember less planning, more relaxing.

Summer in Southern Ontario

Complete and utter relaxation.... ah this is the life.  Yesterday we took it easy with a trip to the local play ground in the morning and a visit to the charming downtown area in the afternoon.  The kids enjoyed shopping at the local mall too.  We are quickly becoming adept at getting around this lovely town. 

Today we spent the morning at the Mike Weir Beach Park just north of town.  The temperatures have been really mild since we arrived and I thought the kids quite brave when they ventured into the lake.  I made an attempt but it felt like someone had thrown a bucket of ice cubes over me!  But when the sun came out it was beautiful and we all had a great time.

One of the best things about being on vacation at Grandma and Grandpa's is that free babysitting is provided.  We took advantage of this fantastic amenity and my husband and I had a romantic date night tonight.  Our gift card from East Side Mario's was put to good use finally.  We've been hanging onto this birthday gift for over a year as there are no East Side Mario's in Winnipeg.  It was a delicious dinner, Chris had ribs and I the scallop fettucini carbonera and then we finished off with the Chocolate Vesuvius (lave cakes with ice-cream).  It was a clear and warm evening so we headed down to the Bridge for a relaxing stroll along the St Claire River and Lake Huron. 

I am excited about the festivities planned for tomorrow, Canada Day.  The day begins with a parade from downtown to Cantera Park where there will be ethnic foods and goodies served and crafts for sale and rides for the kids. 

Safe Journeys everyone.

Summer Vacation in Sarnia

I rode an elephant today, right here in Southern Ontario, no need to even leave Canada! We are having a great time here in Sarnia, arrived after a 4 1/2 hour drive from Mackinaw City yesterday.  And I have to say there is just nothing like home cooked meals after a few days on the road!  Grandma Ellis is such a good cook, homemade jams, fresh apple cake, yummy chocolate chip cookies...I am going to have to get up early each morning and take the dog for a 10 mile hike to keep the weight off!

We had to drive into Burlington this morning, about 2-3 hours by car, to pick up the children.  And after googling attractions in Southern Ontario we decided the African Lion Safari Park between Burlington and Cambridge.  It was a bit pricey, $30 per adult and $24 per child plus $5 each to ride the bus around instead of taking our new van.  Monkeys tend to take souvenirs such as wind shield wipers and bumpers from your vehicles.  But it was totally worth it as you can see by the pictures.  There is a 45 minute drive through the wild animal park where we saw lions, giraffes, rhinos, monkeys to name a few.  We also managed to take in the miniature train ride and a boat ride to visit various monkey species on these islands through out the park.  Time didn't allow us to see the Elephant Show (they supposedly play soccer) or the Birds of Prey show, but we did get to ride the elephants and that was a highlight.

We are back now at Grandma and Grandpa's and have just finished a delicious meal of chicken fajitas and apple cake with ice-cream.  The weather has cooled down and we are now able to sit outside without melting.  The humidity is over the top here most days! 

Tomorrow....the Beach!

Road Trip Adventures - Day 2

We were able to get out of Duluth fairly quickly this morning, not alot of traffic to deal with on a Saturday morning.  The terrain became much more hilly and the forests denser as we head East along the number 2.  We decided to cut an hour of our original route (thanks to Google for letting us know about this) and took the 28 along the shore line of Lake Superior.  I find it hilarious that these quaint little towns all seem to have a claim to fame landmark, like the Giant Ox in Bemidji Minnesota, or others like the largest running chain saw in the world, the largest hat, the largest Santa, etc.  I can't count how many we passed these past two days.

After two Barbie movies, 3 pages of picture find, 10 games of eye spy, we stopped for lunch in Bruce Crossing, a town of 600 people.  The food was delicious and the waitress very pleasant. A quick walk with the dog and we were back on the road.  One thing we didn't take into consideration was that we jumped ahead one hour as we passed into a different time zone.  We didn't arrive at our destination until after 7 p.m. 

The weather improved as we drew closer to Mackinaw City though and by the time we arrived it was a beautiful sunny evening!  After spending a few minutes tracking my reservation down (they accidentally made it for September not June) they found us a lovely room on the second floor over looking the lake.  The Days Inn Lakeside is nice enough, great location, close to the main street which is so pretty.  The rate is $150 for the night, again they allow dogs, we have a balcony overlooking the water and this too will provide a complimentary breakfast in the morning.  I just wish we could spend more time here as we really didn't get the chance to see it all and it really has a lot of charm.  We walked two blocks to a great little Italian Restaurant called Nonna Lisa's where I had a gigantic bowl of Fettuccine Alfredo for $15.99.  Wish I could have ordered half but it was very good none the less.  I also was delighted to find out the adjoining coffee shop serves Starbucks!  Guess where we are stopping before we begin our final leg of this fun-filled road trip to Sarnia?

We will continue on in Sarnia tomorrow night!

Day 1- Head Out on the Highway...Lookin for Adventure

I was magically transported back to my childhood as we packed the van and headed down Highway 59 into the good ol' US of A.  The only thing missing was my older brother tormenting me in the back seat and my mother threatening both of us that she was about to "turn this car around" and the vacation would be over before it began.  But I did always love our family road trips over the border growing up and was excited as my family now departed for our first 3 day driving trek to Sarnia Ontario. 

It is so remarkably easy now to plan your route and I am at a loss as to how we use to do this pre- Google.  When I first began planning this a few weeks ago, I used Google Maps to plan the easiest and quickest driving route and then evenly distributing this route over three days was able to decide which towns we would be staying in each night. Duluth, Minnesota was a our first over night stay and again using Google I was able to find a decent and cheap hotel with an amazing water park for only $124 CAD (at par) for the night and they allow dogs (as most hotels do down here).  The Edgewater Hotel and Waterpark was everything we needed to keep us entertained for an evening. That low nightly rate included entrance to the waterpark, discount coupon for dinner by the pool (pizza) and a lovely continental breakfast the following morning.  Duluth is not the prettiest town I've ever passed through but it was pleasant and the people were friendly.  Traffic was a bit of a nightmare as it seems every bridge and street we needed to take was under construction and we felt like we were in a maze at time! 

I was pleasantly surprised to find out that there was a delightful coffee shop directly across from the Edgewater Hotel called Dunns Bros Coffee.  Day two began with a delicious Decaf Caramel Machiato to take with me on the road as we head to our next stop, Mackinaw City, Michigan.

Stay tuned for more for road trip adventures!