Hey you two. Dear Jane and Michael,
Wow. The botanical garden must be amazing. That is some huge tree there ( oak?). Spring has finally spring here. The daffodils are up, forsythia, mahonias, prunus mumes, and magnolia soulangias all are in bloom. The blue birds are sweetly calling and the daphene odora is waxing on the wind,a heaven scent jasmine fragrance. Meanwhile, I am taking an international bible study which is focused on Isaiah. It is superb, and am learning so much about the character of God: gracious, loving, caring, committed to his people. It is fascinating. Meredith and Greg leave this weekend to go dive with the manatees in Florida for her check out dive for scuba certification. Lots of love, LInda
At the end of the day I lay in bed and check your blog to see where you are. It's like reading a good book can't wait to see what's next. Jane you look so happy. A wonderful adventure. Thanks for letting us see it thru your eyes. Love. Ya. Pam
You didn't try to buy it... but you thought about it! If you get home at the end of the year without having bought a boat or real estate, I will be amazed. ;-)
Wasn't Moorea the island where Katharine Hepburn lived in the Benning-Beaty remake of "An Affair to Remember"?
Miss you two, but love your updates. xoxoxo
Keep them coming What a great way to chronicle your trip. I love reading it and taking notes on my next fabulous vacation. When we are debt free of course!! I see a book in your future! Machelle
with Love from Lyons & Sweetsers Enjoyed TBG near Sweetsers and were agreeing your cruise around the world was a far better deal than Weight Watchers and a fitness center plus a mortgage and gas for your car! You two were always the trailblazers! Happy Valentine's Day from Kansas
February 13th This is messing my mind all up - I'm leaving this comment on a day that doesn't exist for the two of you (per the calendar, anyway). LOVE the pics, and I'm really glad Micheal didn't buy that boat.
So peaceful I'm so enjoying your blog...I'm reading Michael's very well-written story about Pitcairn Island and studying the pics, and realized how relaxed it made me feel! I could actually feel my boat rocking gently on the water...I'm not kidding.
Magical! Thanks for the wonderful pics and story on Easter Island, Michael! You know, I could probably read about this in National Geographic, but for some reason, it's so much more fascinating when hearing it from REAL people who experience it!
I actually can rather empathize with those natives spending all their time making statues. You get like that when you live in a very isolated place. We do that here, too - we make snowmen all winter.
You so deserve . . but . . This must be the weirdest reevaluation of lifestyle EVER!! I see you, Janie, smiling from your deck chair attendant at hand, icy beverage in hand, turquoise waters on the horizon. Talk about a 360!! Live life to the fullest, honey! This is a long time coming!
A met a woman once who had come back to KS to take care of her elderly mother. She had been a teacher; when she retired, she sold or gave away everything. She kept only what would fit in 2 suitcases -- literally! She spent all her time travelling and had no real "home" though for legal reasons (taxes, voting, etc), I think she always used her mother's house as an official address. And this was back in the 80's before internet banking and such!
BTW, as I recall, that cruise is less than what my mother will spend on assisted living during the same time period. And that's in small-town Kansas, not the sunbelt. Shipboard retirement is the way to go!
We are preparing for 12-19 inches of snow between Mon PM and Wed AM, with temps well below zero by Wed PM. You have no idea how much I wish I were with you!
xoxoxo
Easter Island! Ohhhhhh...you're going to Easter Island - you're SO lucky!!! Jane, please think of me while you're there - maybe you can telepathically beam images to me so I can see it all through your eyes. Or at least get some good photos!
Kate's recommendations Kate, we have a great time in Lima and did go to the Miraflores District. Great shopping in the local indian markets and good food at a local cafe. Thanks for the tips.
Thanks for the laugh! Michael, your dry wit has me just rolling in laughter here!
I'm really enjoying your blog...I don't watch TV, and this is just great entertainment for me!
I'm surprised they stop at Manta, since it's so dreary - guess they want you to see how the other half lives - it sure makes the travel blog interesting!
You need your own personal guide & translator! It's too bad the cruise line chose Manta as a port of call. Ecuador's charm and beauty lie in the mountain cities.
In Lima, you'll want to head to the neighborhood called MIRAFLORES. It's a nice area, and there you will find MERCADOS (markets) and TIENDAS (stores) specializing in:
* ANTIGÜEDADES (antique)
* ALHAJAS (jewelry) or JOYAS (jewels)
* ARTESANÍA (folkart/handicrafts)
That's also a good place to try a seafood restaurant. Both PUNTO AZUL and LA RED are good choices.
* MARISCOS (seafood)
* PESCADO (fish)
* CEVICHE
To have a drink or light meal with a big side of history, go to CAFE HAITI which has been in business for 50 yrs. It's on a major street called DIAGONAL right by the PARQUE KENNEDY.
Wish I were with you!!
What's next after Lima?
wow. Hey J and M,
Hey you two. Wow, it sounds wonderful. I am so glad that all is going so great and you are really enjoying being together and the experiencing the adventure of the new sights. Your blogs are really interesting.( I am still trying to figure out the concept of many of the passengers going around the world and not ever coming home, like you described. What does that mean? Is the ocean their home? We are well. Greg retired 3 weeks ago, and we are digging out of the paper mess of 30 years accumulation. , but making real progress. ) Love to both, Linda
The Edge of the World Now you know what Ferdinand Magellan and his crew felt like when they set sail to circle the globe! I actually googled old Ferdinand today - he didn't make it all the way around, but 18 members of his crew did. And the real good news - they came back REAL SKINNY!
I so glad you're finally off on your adventure and that Jane got a chance to warm up!
Ryan Flannelly
non-member comment
Big ones, small ones, short ones, tall ones
Ha, Looks like one of 'em's trying to use a hat to be a bit taller