ENGLAND IRELAND SCOTLAND....OH MY...

DISNEY NEWS
Well its finally here Club 33....Club 33 is an exclusive membership that once was available only to those for DisneyLand....but guess what...Disney World now offers this same exclusive membership.
Walt Disney World Resort in the form of four lounges – one in each theme park. ... Members will be able to access all four Club 33 lounges at Disney World.

Here is some information about Club 33 from WDW News Today.

Club 33 now established and selling memberships for WDW.Here is our understanding of the pricing and benefits. 

• The initial price to join is $33,000. The annual membership fee is $15,000.
• The membership includes:
• Access to all 4 Walt Disney World Club 33 locations
• Premier Passport for the member, spouse, and any children under age 26
• 50, 1-day park hopper tickets a year
• 5 day-long VIP guided tours
• Access to a private concierge service
• A limited number of instant FastPass+ reservations

CIE TOURS

Want to trace your ancestorial roots?  You know I have an Irish Heritage...I was able to explore a little of the British Isles a few years ago... I had gone via Cruise Ship around the British Isles where I visited England/Ireland/Wales and Scotland.  It gave me a nice taste of what I want to go back and explore more....if you were listening to my podcast you will know that CIE Tours is going to allow me the opportunity to explore even more.  They have fully inclusive Ireland Vacations...I can enjoy beautiful sites like this

Want to go it alone...Well they have Self Drive Tours...with CIE's helping hand you can explore at your own pace and see just what you want to.  You of course can go with the full Tour on their beautiful buses ...and stay at excellent hotels and even some castles on some tours...Want even more special attention?  How about your own driver....As a matter of fact...I am putting together my own group to Ireland and Scotland...so if you are interested in joining Jay and Myself...let me know...we are looking at next spring.....2019.....The weather will be getting a little bit better and the rates are better...just check out my website...under the Tours Tab and then click on Zee's Tours....SO PACK YOUR BAGS AND LET'S GO...

DESTINATION OF THE WEEK

TORONTO CANADA...Our neighbors to the North...and as we heard where Jerry lost his heart...
But Toronto is Canada's largest city.  This surprised me...because I thought it was Vancouver....

Toronto is home to the most multicultural population in the World...more so than New York or San Francisco...So imagine the museums, the parks and of course the wide array of restaurants with an assortment of cuisines...my mouth is watering already.  You can even check out their Towers...their Castles...and the Island.......It is a bit chilly in the Winter...but the weather is nice in the summer...so pick your time and just go and enjoy.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

So now that you know I have an Irish background...I thought I would break out one of my Grandmother's recipes...

IRISH SODA BREAD (oven baked style)

INGREDIENTS

1/2 Cup of Sugar
2 Cups Flour
1 Teaspoon Bake Powder
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
¼ Teaspoon Cream of Tartar
¼ lb of Butter (one stick)
apprx ½ cup Buttermilk
Large Handful of Raisin
optional (caraway seeds…small handful)

DIRECTIONS

Sift together the following:

Sugar
Flour
Baking Powder
Baking Soda
Cream of Tartar
one egg beaten

Separate Bowl…
soften the butter with mixer…
then add the dry ingredients slowly
once all dry ingredients are in…Then add the Raisins and Caraway seeds (optional) mix them in.. then add the buttermilk a small amount at a time..just to dampen the mixture….

Make a large ball from this dough…and place on a greased cookie sheet pan…so it should look like a mound (don’t make it too high of a mound)…then make a cross with a knife in the top… this allows the fairies to come out……then brush the beaten egg all over the top to allow a nice brown color….

Cook at 350 degrees for about 20-25 minutes….until done.  Should be a nice golden brown color….Remember gas stoves and electric stoves heat a little differently…

This recipe can also be used to make scones…instead of one large mound…make little muffin like mounds….

I hope you are enjoying my weekly podcast and you have subscribed to it for free.  If you have any travel recommendations or perhaps a tip that you think we all should know about...let me know and we can post it on my blog and we may even chat about it on my podcast.  Feel free to check out my website and let your travel dreams go wild while you surf my site.

THE UNCRUISE AND THE TREVI FOUNTAIN

THE TREVI FOUNTAIN

We have all heard of the the famous Trevi Fountain in Rome.  This Fountain attracts thousands of visitors each year.  My Daughter had even been there...unfortunately...the fountain was shut down for repairs...she still got to see it... However...some tourists are not behaving themselves and are getting into fights over the perfect location of their selfies....Can you believe that?!  Shame Shame.... This fountain is breathtaking and has been around for many years.   Just to give you little background on the fountain...it was designed by architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini in 1792....It is said you throw in a coin and you will have good luck as well as it assured your return to Italy.  So if you are going to Rome and you plan on visiting the Trevi Fountain.  Remember be courteous to others...enjoy your time there and don't panic you don't have the just the right selfie...all angles of the Fountain are sights to behold.

THE UNCRUISE
Well if you were listening to my podcast this week you heard us speaking with the Blanca-Stella Lanao of UnCruise.   You like me are probably saying what is an Uncruise?  Well let me tell you.  It is a cruise like no other.  It is a intimate ship with less than 100 guests...the ships are large yachts or expedition style boats.  They really help submerge you in the culture of the locations you are going to venture into.  They stay in the Americas....Take Alaska...you will be able to see more of the culture and experience the food of the area...even the wildlife...They have experienced tour guides...and because the amount of passengers is minimal you get a more personalized experience...and you create new found friends...a full day of touring leads to a relaxing evening on board.  Fares include all onboard meals; alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; wellness amenities; excursions; transfers; and more. 
If you would like to get on one of these cruises...just contact me....and start experiencing your small ship adventure.

DESTINATION OF THE WEEK
Let's Talk Delaware....Colonial Sites to Coastal neighborhoods...the first state, Delaware, is a great place for a family vacation....It was originally settled by the Dutch in the 1600's...Delaware had an enormous role in shaping America's history despite its tiny size.  You can visit landmarks like Fort Delaware State Park....a Colonial War era fortress and prison.  Check out Nemours Mansion, 
which was styled after Louis the XVI's castle...
If you are into the beach...there are coastal towns such as Lewes, Rehoboth, Bethany and Dewey....each beach area has a lively neighborhood and an abundance of fairs each year....and indulge in tax-free shopping...Something for everyone in Delaware...even those into horse racing and Nascar.....check out Dover Downs....DELAWARE...Who Knew....

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Smoked Salmon Rillettes (Serves 4) Courtesy of UNCRUISE

INGREDIENTS1 pound wild Alaskan salmon, pin bone out, skinned and cut into 1 inch strips1 TB kosher saltPinch black pepper1 TB maple syrup1 lemon, zest and juice2 TB shallot, minced5 oz creme fraiche2 TB butter, meltedSalt to taste1 loaf ciabatta bread, sliced to 1/2 inch thickness1/4 C olive oil

GARNISH
20 small parsley leaves, picked
25 oregano leaves, picked
20 sprigs frisee, picked
8 leaves radicchio, cut into rings or triangles
1/2 tsp olive oil

PROCEDURE

1. Toss the salmon with salt, pepper, and maple syrup making sure to coat the salmon completely. Place in the refrigerator to cure for 1 hour.

2. After the salmon has cured, preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Rinse the salmon under cool water and then dry thoroughly with paper towels.

4. Place the salmon into a container and smoke with the Breville smoking gun using apple wood chips and crushed coriander seeds. Two applications of smoke each for about 15 minutes will provide an adequate and pleasant smoke aroma and flavor to the finished dish. Alternatively, you may opt to smoke the salmon using an electric smoker or on a grill.

5. After the salmon has been smoked, drizzle a little olive oil over the top to coat the salmon and place it in the oven.

6. Cook until just cooked medium rare (120) or to your liking, approximately 25-30 minutes.

7. Once the salmon is just cooked through remove it from the oven and place in the refrigerator to cool.

8. Place the chilled salmon into a kitchen aid mixer with a paddle attachment with lemon zest, shallot, lemon juice, crème fraiche, and butter. Paddle the salmon until all the ingredients are combined and the salmon is completely flaked. Season with salt to taste. Alternatively, you can mix the rillettes by hand if you do not have a stand mixer.

9. In a sauté pan heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Toast the sliced ciabatta on each side until it is golden brown. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.

10. Assemble the dish by spooning the salmon rillettes on to the toasted ciabatta. Toss the garnishes into a bowl with the olive oil and place them on top of the salmon rillettes.

I know this recipe seems a little tough..but it can be tasty....

I hope you are enjoying my weekly podcast and you have subscribed to it for free.  If you have any travel recommendations or perhaps a tip that you think we all should know about...let me know and we can post it on my blog and we may even chat about it on my podcast.  Feel free to check out my website and let your travel dreams go wild while you surf my site.

CARNIVAL....THE FUN CRUISE AND THE TOP 5 BEACHES

THE TOP 5 BEACHES TO PUT ON YOUR LIST

As you know I like to bring information about travel from all avenues.  Our friends at
Conde' Nast have more than just the top 5 and if you want to learn more check out Conde' Nast.  Well here goes:

#5:  BORACAY, PHILIPPINES.
It's about 196 miles south of Manila in the Western Visayas region.  It's being described as Asia's next best thing for a beach vacation.  White sandy beach that stretches for about 2.5 miles.  Certain spots are a little crowded but it is a great place to snorkel.

#4:  SIPADAN, MALAYSIA.
Located in the Celebes Sea off the coast of Sabah.  It is Malaysia's eastern most state on the island of Borneo...Jacques Cousteau himself described it as an "Untouched Piece of Art".  If you are into snorkeling you will see beautiful coral formations and sea turtles and those Bumphead Parrotfish...and so much more

#3:  PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES.
Palawan is very impressive....Daytrips by boat from Puerto Princesa to Luli island, Starfish Island Panden Island and Cowrie Island...enjoy Star Fish, Sea Snails, Gastropod Mollusca call Cowrie.   

#2:  BAZARUTO, ACRCHIPELAGO MOZAMBIQUE
Located 22 miles off the east coast of Africa...There are six islands and the entire area was placed on the National Park in 1971...snorkeling and diving opportunites.

#1:  THE MALDIVES
With 26 Atolls and over 1000 islands in the Indian Ocean....it tops the list for best snorkeling.  Its unique, small...but a great underwater show

Now some of these locations may be difficult to get to and lodging may be a little harder.  So I recommend that if you are interested in any of these beaches are on your bucket list....take the time to work with your travel agent and plan it well.  
Also on the list of best beach locations  from Conde Nast  you can 't say beach without thinking of Hawaii...they have 4 of the top 25 ...like... The Big Island, Kauai, Oahu and Maui. 
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE
What can I say about Carnival....EVERYTHING....It is the fun ship.  Carnival Cruise Destinations...Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico...and...Bermuda, Cuba, Alaska or what about Canada-New England, Hawaii, Panama Canal...they even go transpacific and Australia.
They have 25 ships and two more coming in 2019.  When you think of Carnival Cruise think of great times and great places to go.  They have exciting things to do on board and excursions when your reach the ports of call.  There is never a dull moment when you cruise with Carnival.  I have been on several of there cruises and I have always had a wonderful time.  And you better get your groove on when dining...because the dining hall comes alive in the middle of your meal....I must be dating myself...Get your Groove on?  Anyway...the wait staff actual does a little show with music and dancing...and this just adds to the fun and the food is of cou
rse YUMMY!

THEME PARK TIDBIT
With Disney gearing up for even more additions and attractions...we have to mention UNIVERSAL...Universal not to be left behind with all that is moving and shaking in Central Florida...they just recently purchased a large parcel of land in the Orlando area and Rumors are flying and going wild that UNIVERSAL  is hinting about a 4th Theme Park for them...We will have to wait and see and as I get more info I will try and bring it to you.  

DESTINATION OF THE WEEK
All this beach talk and summer coming to an end I think we need to get in some more Beach.  How about KEY WEST...you can get your Sand in between your toes experience in the Keys.  This Dreamy City is where creativity comes to life, where the Caribbean Sea comes knocking on your door.  It's a little bit of paradise right in Florida.  My Concierge of Podcast Travel recommends that you grab one of the rental bikes and bike around Key West at your own pace.  Enjoy the sites and sounds and food...

RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Thanks to our friends at Carnival we have a tasty treat for you...so if you are into chocolate...like I am...here is Carnival's Signature Dessert

WARM CHOCOLATE MELTING CAKE
2 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
10 eggs
27 oz semisweet chocolate
1/2 pint whipping cream
5 T granulated sugar

Whip cream until soft peaks forms an set aside in fridge.  Melt chocolate and mix with butter.  Mix eggs with sugar and whisk for a few minutes.  Add chocolate mixture to egg mixture.  Fold in heavy cream.  Pour into individual greased cups.  
Bake at 250 for 25-30 minutes
Serve with Ice Cream
Should serve apprx 10
ENJOY

I hope you are enjoying my podcast and you have subscribed to it for free.  If you have any travel recommendations or perhaps a tip that you think we all should know about...let me know and we can post it on my blog and we may even chat about it on my podcast. 

GO GOLFING WHILE CRUISING

GOLF AND CRUISE ALL IN ONE
In case you haven't listened to my podcast yet...and you love to golf...you missed a lot.  What if I told you...that you can have your cake and eat it too.  Azamara Cruise lines and Perry Golf have teamed up to create a wonderful experience for you.  Imagine yourself golfing on some of the great courses of Scotland, Ireland and England...then Imagine a wonderful cruise taking you there with all the amenities a cruise has to offer.  Ever wanted to attend the British Open...well you can...You don't even have to lug you golf clubs...Azamara and Perry have thought of everything, with Gangway to Gangway services.  What this means is that you leave the schlepping to them.  They will take your clubs, and get them to the course for you...they will bring them back after the golf game.  Now on the Edinburgh to Southampton route you will have 12 nights and 5 rounds and you can attend the Open at Royal Portrush going on July 17 -29, 2019.  I believe it is a Sunday attendance.  Of course first come first serve...and these cruises are filling fast.....So call me and let's get you on one of these great experiences!

EPCOT FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

I can't believe it's that time of year again...August 30 Kicks off this years  Epcot Food and Wine Fest.  In true Disney tradition it will not disappoint.  This year it will be bigger and longer than every before, so more opportunity for you to visit.  One of the newest items on the menu is a butternut squash ravioli with brown butter vinaigrette, parmesan cheese and pumpkin seeds...YUMMMMMMMMM  this is a great vegetarian meal.  I don't eat much meat and this sounds great to me.  They are also going to have a Mimosa bar or why don't you attend a seminar hosted by Joffrey's Coffee and Tea Company.  Still hungry...will stop by Hops & Barley and try a slider made with braised beef brisket "pot roast style" with horseradish cream and crispy fried onions on a potato roll...I know Jay is going to run right over to this...he loves his meat.  Again this is all happening at EPCOT...come for a day...stay for a week.  Bring your appetite. 

DESTINATION PICK OF THE WEEK

You know I always pick a destination of the week.  I can be in the United States or Europe or the Islands or...you never know.  Well this week we are staying in the U.S.  my pick is
Memphis Tennessee.  You all know that this is the home of the King of Rock and Roll...
Elvis Presley.  His home Graceland is now an open book of his life, filled with his furnishing and family portraits, movies, clothing and even his Pink Cadillac.  But Memphis is so much more.  Southern Hospitality abounds with great places to eat...unbelievable food and history oozes out of every corner.  Memphis is home to the Blues...which influenced the likes of legendary greats of B.B. King, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis.  Right on the Mississippi, Memphis took shape.  You can visit a museum, or relax at one of the parks...enjoy a great restaurant or follow the sounds of saxophones and go into one of the clubs playing some great music.  Getting around Memphis is easy...you have buses, trolleys, carriage and trains...but try walking around the historic cobblestone streets for a real submersion in this great city.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK COURTESY OF AZAMARA

Greek Salad With A Twist (Makes Six Servings)

Salad Ingredients:

·         1 cucumber, unpeeled, seeded, and sliced 1/4-inch thick in an angle 

·         1 red bell pepper, large-diced

·         1 green bell pepper, large-diced

·         1 yellow bell pepper, large-diced 

·         1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved 

·         1/2 red onion, julianned 

·         5 scallions, sliced on an angle

·         1/2 pound feta cheese, blended until creamy (you can add a little sour cream)

·         1/2 cup olive tapanade

·         Small bunch flat parsley

·         Rosemary or thyme croutons

Vinaigrette Ingredients:

·         2 cloves garlic, minced 

·         1 teaspoon dried oregano

·         1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 

·         1/4 cup good red wine vinegar 

·         1 teaspoon kosher salt 

·         1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

·         1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 

Directions: 

Place the chopped cucumber, peppers, tomatoes and red onion in a large bowl.

For the vinaigrette, whisk together the garlic, oregano, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Still whisking, slowly add the olive oil to make an emulsion. Pour most of the vinaigrette over the vegetables and toss lightly. Set aside for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Add the creamy feta, scallions and olives tapenade on top immediately before serving. Garnish with croutons and flat parsley. Drizzle the rest of the vinaigrette around each serving of salad, and serve at room temperature.

Well I hope you tune-in to my podcast and subscribe for free.  You can pick up my podcast on I-tunes/Stitcher/Buzzsprout.  You can also visit my website at 
www.zeemichaelsontravel.com and you can let your imagination run wild.  And let me help you Make Your Travel Dreams Come True.

AMERICAN CRUISE LINE AND JAMES BOND MUSEUM

CRUISES/JAMES BOND/SUNBLOCK AND MORE

I know it has been a while since my last blog.  I am hoping that you have been listening to the Zee Michaelson Travel Podcast.  Well my team and I have been busy traveling and discovering new and exciting places to go and see.  I also have been learning more about some other travel excursions.

Well let's first chat about THE AMERICAN CRUISE LINE.    It is a true American Company.  Owned in the U.S.  They fly the American Flag and even the ships are built in the United States!
If you love to go on River Boats down the Rivers of the U.S.  You must check out the American Cruise Lines. They are in the Southeast, New England, Mississippi River and the Pacific Northwest.  Imagine traveling the Hudson River during the autumn months and seeing all the splendor of the fall foliage or cruising the mighty Mississippi where the tales of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer all started.  They have 5 night/7 night and 21 night cruises....its up to you.  They have many styles of ships even paddle boat styles....with historians on each ship to let you know all about the ports your about to visit....I know I am making plans to get on one of these great ships...or should I say River Boats.

I like my martinis..."Shaken not Stirred"...is the classic line from the James Bond Flicks.  I am a big James Bond Fan.  I, of course, have my favorite Bond actors...Sean Connery/Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan...I think I still need to get use to the new ones...However...the movies are great.  And if you want to experience the ultimate in Bond Excursions from the Movie Spectre...the location is in Solden Austria....nothing says Bond like 10,007 feet above sea level in the summit of Gaislachkogl mountain.  They made a museum called ELEMENTS 007.  It may be a little tough to get to...but well worth the trip.  Where else are you going to see The Briefing Room  or The Tech Lab...and of course Bond Flicks......The "Klinik" is actually a restaurant called "Ice Q"   I do have one request...if you get here before I do...take loads of pictures and send me some to post....

Now we are all concerned with saving the Earth...we worry about our gorgeous coral reefs...Well Hawaii is the first U. S. State that is actually going to ban certain sunscreens...they believe that the oxybenizone and octinoxate are destroying the coral reefs...these are underwater habitats for many types of marine life...not excluding the reef itself.  Don't worry...there are still plenty of sunscreens that still work as good...like those containing Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide...Hawaii says the ban will go into place by 2021...more than likely it will be that they will start by not selling it in the stores.  So no excuses..pack the sunscreen!

Are you thinking of traveling by train.  Amtrak is a great way to explore some of the United States.  Now if you are going to use one of those sleeping cars...Amtrak is introducing some Hot Meal Options for those passengers but only on two of their routes, for testing purposes. These routes are between Chicago and the East.  Passengers that are booked in sleeper accommodations would also enjoy unlimited soft drinks and airline-style amenity kits and the first round of beer/wine or liquor is on the house...so remember only the first round.  I am still waiting for those trains of yesteryear where you could dine in style and relax and enjoy your meals on board...  They have some of those style trains still in operation over seas...Now that's relaxing on the train.

So I promised the recipe that I spoke about on my ZMT Podcast.  So here it is...

BAKED SUGAR-CURED HAM, SOUTHERN PACIFIC
1 Raw Ham (1 lb raw weight per person)
1 lb brown sugar
2 oz whole cloves
1 pt boiled apple cider for basting

Soak ham in cold water over night, refresh, put on fire and bring to boil.  Let simmer for two and one-half hours and remove from fire.  Leave in broth fro another hour.  Plunge into cold water and skin.  Press into fat about an inch apart whole cloves, coat with the cider and sprinkle with the sugar.  Bake in moderately heated oven, basting with cider and sprinkling with the sugar occasionally, until nicely browned and done...about one hour.
As a hot dish use the following sauce:
Cut one medium sized onion, one young carrot and two branches of celery (small) and saute with three tablespoons of ham drippings.  Add two tablespoonfuls of flour.  Make sure when adding the flour the liquid is bubbling lightly...When completely absorbed add one cupful of ham stock and one quart of tomatoes.  Cook thoroughly, season and pass through a strainer...now add one-half pint of the boiled apple cider...

ENJOY...

If you have a recipe you would like us to talk about on the podcast...please feel free to email it to me.