CRUISE AROUND THE WORLD

NO MORE SITTER AT SEA PROGRAM

Well after many years with the Sitter at Sea Program The Royal Caribbean has announced that they will no longer offer their Sitter at Sea Program on board their cruise ships.    The popular cruise line decided to terminate the in-room babysitting service due to lack of available caregivers, which results in an inconsistency to offer the service on every cruise ship.  However don't despair.  Royal Caribbean will still be offering the other children programs.  The Royal Babies & Tots program provides children 6-18 months of age with activity-filled interactive classes developed by early childhood experts.  For children 18-36 months there is a 45 minute interactive playground session that is available.  All children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.    Of course they offer "Late Night Party Zone" where the Adults can enjoy some kid free fun while their kids spend the night partying with new friends.  So there is something for the different age groups.  You can check out the programs on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines website.

4000 YEAR OLD TOMB OF MEHU HAS OPENED

As some of you may or may not know, I just love Egyptology.  It's all about the Mummies.  I must have seen almost every mummy movie made.  I did not see Tom Cruises Mummy picture.  This is why I am so excited about this tomb.  It has opened to the public for the fist time near Giza, Egypt.  Originally discovered by Egyptologist Zaki Saad in 1940.  The tomb had been closed for decades so the restoration work could be completed.  The Tomb of Mehu belonged to a high-ranking official who lived during the reign of King Titi in the Sixth dynasty of Egypt and features colorful wall decorations depicting how Egyptians lived as far back as before the pyramids.  The bibrant scenes include activities such as hunting, fishing, cooking and dancing.......WOW!  Tourism in Egypt was the fastest-growing tourist destination in 2017 and 2018......and more tombs were also discovered only about 125 miles south of Cairo last year.  Amazing history.

NEW YORK CITY

I am from New York and I love the city.  Yes, that's what New Yorkers call Manhattan.  I know Manhattan can be a bit pricey and staying in the city can be tough.  Well there are few more hotels opening up that may not break the bank, so let's talk about a few.
CACHET BOUTIQUE NYC HOTEL
Extra safe, as it is near the police station and tucked away on 42nd Street.  It is a renovated hidden gem and refuge from the city when you need it most.  A green Sky Deck and open air terrace with lounge chairs and umbrellas.  At dusk this turns into a magical place to sip wine and admire the NYC skyline.  Even the Executive Suites are like mini apartments...This will have you right in the middle of the fun.
AC HOTEL TIMES SQUARE
Near the Port Authority Bus Terminal and recently opened.  the AC Hotel in Midtown Manhattan again is right in the heart of NYC.  It has both Urban and Classic decor, local artwork, complimentary WiFi and a year round rooftop bar.
PARK TERRACE HOTEL
This is in Bryant Park a sophisticated, invigorating and relaxing place to stay.  This hotel features 226 guest rooms, a contemporary fitness program with things like yoga, Peloton, sauna, cario and strength training.  It has a chic indoor lounge and outdoor garden terrace bar featuring mixologist ddriven cocktails and locally sourced bites and of course stunning views of the park and the Empire State Building.
THE HOXTON, WILLIAMSBURG
I know I said NYC hotels...but Williamsburg is in Brooklyn and so close to NYC that you can spit and hit it.  This Trendy Brooklyn hotel is for those that prefer to hand around with the cooler kids.  The Hoxton has 175 guest rooms, three restaurants and six bars.  The rooftop has spectacular views of Manhattan.  Rooms are designed with brass details locally made ceramics, raw concrete ceilings and mohair headboards in sage green, port and navy.  Free water, WiFi and one hour of free calls(to anywhere in the world!)  Can you believe it.

SAIL AROUND THE WORLD

As all of my listeners know.  I love cruising.  I have this cruise on my bucket list.  If you have the travel bug and are seeking adventure, you may want to board the Queen Mary 2.  You will have luxury prestige, beauty and more.  You will need to have a little bit of time for this cruise.  It is 113 night World Voyage!  The ship leaves NYC and returns to NYC.  Now I won't be able to give you all the ports here but you can check all the ports for this cruise on my website.  But here is a taste.  Lisbon, Italy, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Australia, South Africa, Israel, Thailand, Vietnam, China....and there is so much more. So pack your bags and get ready for mouth watering adventures and memories of a lifetime.

DESTINATION OF THE WEEK

Jackson Hole, Wyoming  it’s a 48-mile long playground with old mountain charm.  Since the 1800s, many have flocked to the valley in the hopes of capturing the panoramic views glistening from the jagged cliffs of the Rocky Mountains, while cozying up to its untamed species.  It is a home to the great outdoors, where thrill seekers can ski along powdery slopes and kayak in rhythm with the powerful waves of Snake River.  From a riveting shopping atmosphere to world-class golfing and lodging, there is no excuse for missing out on the experiences of Jackson Hole.   With the majestic Rockies providing a dazzling backdrop, Jackson Hole remains one of North America’s most captivating destinations.  Sitting south of the valley, the legendary city of Jackson as well as its other nearby villages provides a gateway into Wyoming’s intriguing treasures.  The call of the wild echoes through the Grand Teton National Park and the Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole is also popular for its skiing opportunities; however, its open spaces give way to a wide spectrum of experiences whether fishing for trout, gazing at the exhibitions in the National Museum of Wildlife Art or gliding over 4,000 feet in the air on a tram.

The area of Jackson Hole’s downtown Jackson provides an endless string of boutiques, bursting at the seams with souvenirs as well as trendy fashions.  The stores of Jackson Hole and Teton Village are also known for supplying the perfect outfits for skiers and snowboarders wanting to hit the slopes in style.  The adventures of Jackson Hole also continue once the sun has set.  Local saloons are where night owls escape to dance and toast with their favorite beverage in hand.

The atmosphere of Jackson Hole is also infused by the diversity of aromas flowing out of its restaurants.  From good old Western fare to on-mountain dining, there is a flavor that will test any taste bud.  Whether you are a hearty meat lovers or seafood fanatic, Jackson Hole has just what your appetite needs.

Jackson Hole weather is characterized as a continental climate with four distinct wet seasons.  From June to September (summer) temperatures are typically cool and face highs in the upper-70s and lows in the mid-40s.  During November to March (winter) the weather fluctuates between the low-30s to decreasing below 10°F at night.

Jackson Hole Airport is the valley’s main gateway to a variety of destinations, and offers flights from major airline carriers.  Its public bus transportation (START Bus) is inexpensive, convenient and services travel to Teton Village for just $3.00 one way. Car rental is also accessible for vacationers wanting to explore the area leisurely. 

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

NIGERIAN PEANUT SOUP
What You'll Need
Ingredients

45 m 4 servings 241 cals

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper

• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter

DIRECTIONS

Prep 15 minutes/Cook time 30 minutes/Ready in 45 minutes

1.      In 1-quart saucepan add broth and chili peppers and bring mixture to a boil. Stir in bell pepper and onion and return to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.

2.    Reduce heat to lowest possible temperature; add peanut butter and cook, stirring constantly, until peanut butter is melted and mixture is well blended.

Well I sure hope you are tuning into my podcast.  You can subscribe to it for free.  You can find it real easy on I-tunes/Stitcher/Buzzsprout.  You can also visit my website atwww.zeemichaelsontravel.com and you can let your imagination run wild.  If you want to visit any of these places that we talk about or something you see on my website, give me a call and I will help you Make Your Travel Dreams Come True.

SPEND SOME TIME IN ALASKA

LET'S GO CRUISING IN ALASKA

So since we are going cruising...we need to think Summer.  We can leave from Vancouver and spend a few days there before boarding on a fabulous Alaskan Cruise. Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Sea, can give you a great taste of Alaska.  You will sail the inside passage which embodies the best of Alaska's pristine nature and rugged beauty.  The wildlife, the rain forest shrouded in mist, magnificent fjords and the majesty of Hubbard Glacier and this is just day 2 on board.  WOW!  The Salmon Capital is a hub for sports fishing...and nothing tastes like a fresh caught salmon right out of the icy waters...yum yum.  As your cruise ship sails along wonderful ports like Juneau, Skagway and arriving Seaward, where you will disembark for your land excursion.  A scenic drive to Girdwood at the base of Mount Alyeska.  Ascend to the summit in the aerial tram for the best views.  Experience Denali like never before...I have just touched on some highlights to this fabulous Land and Sea vacation.  Just remember if you decide to do this make your reservations quickly...the ships are a little smaller and the cruise time only runs from Mid May to Mid September.  Pack for the cold, because even in the summer it can be a bit nippy...and Happy Sailings.

RIVER CRUISING OVERSEAS

We are excited that spring is right around the corner and what better way to see the Tulips of Holland.  Let's take that short riverboat cruise in Europe down the Rhine with a Rhine Highlights.  An 8 day from Amsterdam and Basel.  Explore the maze of historic streets and canals.  Float past gorgeous castles.  Stroll through Cologne, venture on to Basel in Switzerland.  Spring time is a lovely time to visit, the weather is spring like so you may want to pack a light jacket and a sweater that can fit under the jacket.  This way you can dress in layers.  I am always chilly...Also be aware it is business casual is recommended at dinner on board.  During the day make sure you have a comfy shoe...because you will be doing a lot of walking and exploring.  But these river boats fill fast.  I know the Scenic Cruise line which is mainly an all inclusive cruise is already booked solid for May and July.  If you would like to know more about these cruises feel free to contact me.  Just go to my website and all my info is on there.

CAN'T TALK ENOUGH ABOUT PASSPORTS

If you have been listening to my podcast, you know I am adamant about having one.  If you are traveling anywhere out of the country even to Canada you will need a passport.  Now once you fill all the paperwork out and get everything sent in, your almost there.  You can also pay to have the passport expedited, but don't count on it being in your mailbox in a day.  Same goes for renewing your passport, you need at least 6 month left on your passport when renewing.  You can renew by mail if you meet certain criteria.  Such as, your passport was issued within the last 15 years, it should be undamaged and your current name is on the passport.  This holds true for those that married and now carry your spouse's name.  Also you must be at least 16 years of age when you got your passport.  A little extra time and your passport is good for years.  Makes traveling a lot easier.  Even if you are on a cruise ship.

DESTINATION OF THE WEEK
BARCELONA

Barcelona, Spain, is the capital and the most populous city of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia and the second-largest city in Spain, after Madrid. It’s also Europe's largest metropolis on the Mediterranean coast and the most popular tourist destination in Spain.

Barcelona has many venues for live music and theater, including the Gran Teatre del Liceu opera theater, the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya, the Teatre Lliure and the Palau de la Música Catalana concert hall. Barcelona also is home to the Barcelona and Catalonia National Symphonic Orchestra (Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya, usually known as OBC), the largest symphonic orchestra in Catalonia. Barcelona has a great number of museums, which cover different areas and eras. The National Museum of Art of Catalonia possesses a collection of Romanesque art while the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art focuses on post-1945 Catalan and Spanish art. Several museums cover the fields of history and archeology, like the City History Museum, the Museum of the History of Catalonia, the Archeology Museum of Catalonia,and  the Barcelona Maritime Museum.

Local cuisine blends seafood with products from the Pyrenees like vegetables, rabbit, duck and lamb. Dishes that combine sweet and savory flavors, such as rabbit with figs, are also fairly common. Food often features Catalonia's four basic sauces—allioli (pure garlic and olive oil), romescu (almonds, hazelnuts, tomato, garlic, and olive oil), sofregit (fried onion, tomato, and herbs), and samfaina (a ratatouille-like vegetable mixture). Typical entrees include habas a la catalana (a spicy broad-bean stew), bullabesa (fish soup-stew similar to the French bouillabaisse), and espinacas a la catalana (spinach cooked with oil, garlic, pine nuts, raisins, and bits of bacon).

Barcelona also boasts an extensive motorway network and is a hub of high-speed rail. Barcelona is served by a comprehensive local public transport network that includes a metro, a bus network, two separate modern tram networks, a separate historic tram line, and several funiculars and aerial cable cars. The Barcelona Metro network comprises nine lines, identified by an "L" followed by the line number as well as by individual colors. Barcelona is a major hub for RENFE, the Spanish state railway network, and its main intercity train station is Barcelona-Sants station. Generally, Barcelona has high-speed rail links with major cities of Spain.

Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate. The summer's season lasts about six months, from May to October, although also in November and April sometimes there are warm temperatures. Winters are mild.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

SAILORS STEW

What You'll Need
2 h to make 30 m for prep 8 servings 426 cals

• 1 (3 pound) boneless chuck roast, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large potatoes, peeled and thickly sliced
• 2 onions, sliced
• 2 large carrots, sliced

• 1 (8 ounce) package fresh mushrooms, quartered
• 2 (12 fluid ounce) cans beer
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

 How to Make It

1.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place meat in a plastic bag with the flour. Toss to coat evenly.

2.  Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Remove beef cubes from the bag, and shake off excess flour. Brown beef cubes on all sides, and remove to paper towels to drain.

3.  Place potatoes on the bottom of a 3 quart casserole dish or Dutch oven. Place the beef cubes over the potatoes, then cover with carrots and mushrooms. Pour in the beer, beef broth, and soy sauce. Toss in the peppercorns.

   4.  Bake uncovered for 2 hours in the preheated oven, or until meat           is very tender.

TIP....THERE IS NO SALT IN THIS RECIPE...IT HAS BEEF BROTH AND SOY SAUCE...BUT BASED ON YOUR TASTE YOU MAY WANT TO ADD SOME SEA SALT.  AGAIN ITS ON YOUR TASTE. 

Well I sure hope you are tuning into my podcast.  You can subscribe to it for free.  You can find it real easy on I-tunes/Stitcher/Buzzsprout.  You can also visit my website atwww.zeemichaelsontravel.com and you can let your imagination run wild.  If you want to visit any of these places that we talk about or something you see on my website, give me a call and I will help you Make Your Travel Dreams Come True.

BOO! IT'S HALLOWEEN TIME!

HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS 

Do you realize that Halloween is celebrated in different countries in some unique ways?

Let's start with Mexico.  Dia de los Muertos......better known to us as The Day of the Dead.

Sounds scary doesn't it?  Actually it is a time where a celebration is done to honor the deceased loved ones.  It is a 3 day celebration that begins on the evening of October 31 and goes thru Nov 2.    What happens is that many families construct and altar to the dead in their homes to honor the deceased relatives and decorate it with candy, flowers, photographs.  They even have samples of the deceased's favorite foods and drinks and fresh water.  Why water you ask...well it is usually put in a wash basin so the spirits can wash up before indulging the feast. They burn candles and incense so the deceased can find their way home.  They even go as far as tidy up the grave sites by snipping weeds and making repairs.  On Nov 2 the relatives actually go down to the grave site to picnic and reminisce...Sounds like fun and a nice way to celebrate your relatives that have moved on.

Okay we are going to check into England and Canada...they now celebrate the way we do here in the U.S. but in England they did have a more mischievous day....GUY FAWKES DAY.
This day was more know for Guy Fawkes who was a member of the Catholic group and wanted to remove the Protestant King James from power...So of course Guy Fawkes was  considered by the British to be a traitor and was convicted of attempting to blow up England's Parliament Building.  The original Guy Fawkes Day was celebrated right after his execution.  The first bonfires was called BONE FIRES.  They were set up to burn effigies and symbolic "bones" of the Catholic pope. All pretty political and kind of gruesome...but again it was the 1600's.  The children even took to walking the streets carrying and effigy and would ask for a penny for the guy.  This was as close to trick or treat as it gets here.  Guy Fawkes day was even celebrated by the pilgrims at the first settlement at Plymouth....but this eventually died out.

Well let's look as to where did Halloween start...In Ireland, of course!  The day is still celebrated much as it is in the United States.  Bonfires are lit, children dress in costume and spend the evening "trick or treating".  Sound familiar.  Well in Ireland they have some differences like the games they play and some of the foods they eat.  The Irish have a traditional treat called barmbrack...it is like a fruitcake but there are surprises baked inside that foretell the future.  Like those who get a ring means that person will be the next to be wed, or a piece of straw means that a prosperous year is on the way.  I am not sure about baking straw in my cake....but to each his own.    Then you have the "trick" part of "trick or treat"  so here is something that we have all heard about.  This "Trick" is known as "knock -a-dolly".  It is a prank of course, where as the children knock on the door and run away....gee I think I have heard of this before.  

Now there is also the Ancient Celtic tradition called Samhain which is pronounced Sow-an. This is the time when the wall between here and the spirit world is the thinnest and you should be able to contact your ancestors....sounds a little like the Mexican celebration, doesn't it.  Seems like most of these celebrations are similar in nature...

Now you are all asking what about the Jack-O-Latern.   That is a story all to itself.....so from the early Celts to current cute ghosts and goblins running from house to house....Halloween is a fun celebration celebrated around the World.  

IT'S A DISNEY HALLOWEEN
Well you have heard us talking about Disney World's "Mickey not so Scary" Halloween. But did you know the Disney Cruise line also has lots of Halloween fun on Board.  Yes.....It's Halloween on the High Seas.  Set sail for a spooky jubilee packed with haunted tricks and fun-filled treats for everyone in the family.  Magical mischief and spirited surroundings  with await you at every turn, all thanks to the not-so-scary parties, bewitching entertainment and eerie decor.   So if you are thinking you want a cruise but don't want the kids to miss out on Halloween.....Hop aboard the Disney Cruise Line and get your ghost on.....Boo!

TV ON AMERICAN AIRLINES?
Yup!....American Airlines is offering FREE LIVE TV on more than 100 of its domestic planes.  That's about a tenth of its mainline fleet.  It also plans on extending this perk to more than 7000 other domestic use planes in 2019.  American already offers free live TV on international flights and is the only US carrier to do so...but remember....it's only 5 channels...so you may not see your favorite show if is not carried in these channels...

TOUR THE UNITED STATES
We always talk about tours of different country locations...but we hardly every talk about touring the United States.  I think its about time.  We can rediscover America with a Globus Tour.  We can go explore the spectacular national parks to the sun-drenched California coast to the historical landmarks in the East and don't forget the charm of the South.  Imagine touring throughout New England's brilliant fall foliage.  Or take in Alaska's breathtaking Denali National Park during the summer months.  Love music....what about Nashville's Grand Ole Opry.  Something on my bucket list is to go to all the memorial in Washington DC...Globus can even get you to events like the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena...so if you want to travel and want to stay in the States...Think of Globus...and pick you destinations.  If you need help let me know and give me call just go to my website all my contact info is there.

DESTINATION OF THE WEEK

Ski season is right around the corner so why don't we talk about a place that is close to the United States.  Canada...  Whistlers in British Columbia.  Whistlers is now a legendary British Columbia mountain town.  Only about 11,000 homes, Whistler sits empty most of the year.  But it's not the skyscrapers and history that draw millions of travelers to the edge of Garibaldi Provincial Park every year.  It is the beauty....the design of the town and an enchanting culture that exists beneath the Hotlzman glacier.  The moutains, the forest, the rivers and wildlife that surrounds it is overwhelming.  During the summer months hiking and walks are never more than a few yards away.  You like golf....the scenic golf courses do not disappoint.  Mountain bikers love it too.  Whistler offers almost inexhaustible trails including life-service single track downhill.  Horseback riding, river rafting and even a heli-pad for a bird's eye view.  Summer or Winter....there is plenty of things to do...day or night.  However, it is not that easy to get to.  You must fly into Vancouver, then drive the Sea-to-Sky highway.  You can also have the resort shuttle pick you up at the airport, but you need to book this in advance.  Make sure you dress for a chill in Whistler.  Summer days the thermometer will hang around the 70's....and remember...snow in the winter.  So enjoy your stay whatever time of year you go.

barmbrack a whirl. 

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

BARMBRACK

What You'll Need

1 tablespoon dried yeast
1 ½ cup of lukewarm water​
1/4 cup. + 1 extra teaspoon sugar for the yeast
5 cups plain flour
Pinch salt
 ¼ cup butter
 1 ¼ cup raisins
 ¼ cup ​mixed candied peel
¼ cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten

Now remember for Halloween… the custom has it to bake small objects into the cake, acting as a kind of fortune telling. Nowadays, more often than not it will be a ring, the finding of which delights the unmarried as it foretells that they will be the next to walk down the aisle. A piece of straw…remember we discussed this means prosperity..Not sure I would like to find that in my piece of cake….If you do put items in your cake…make sure you let the cake eaters know they may find something in there….and yes you would add the items right before baking.

How to Make It

Makes 2 Loaves

Heat the oven to 400 F 6 after the second kneading of the dough

·         Place the yeast in the lukewarm water, add the teaspoon of sugar, stir and leave to one side.

·         Put the flour into a large roomy, baking bowl, add the butter and salt and using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour to form sand-like crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter becoming too warm.

·         Add the peel, raisins and the sugar to the flour mixture and stir.

·         Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, add the beaten eggs and the yeast mixture. Work the mixture together to form a soft dough.

·         Knead the dough on a floured worktop for 10 minutes until smooth and pliable. Place the dough back into the bowl. Cover with a clean tea cloth and leave in a warm place until the dough has doubled in size (about 1 hour).

·         Return the mixture to the worktop, divide in 2,  place in your surprises then knead each half for another few minutes then form into a round approx 20 cm (7"). Place on a greased baking sheet and leave to rise for another hour.

·         Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until golden brown.

·         Remove the cake from the oven and leave to cool on a rack. The cake is lovely to eat straight away or store in a cake tin wrapped with a little greaseproof paper. Should there be any cake left over...after a few days, it toasts well, but it is doubtful there will be any left over.                      
    Well I sure hope you are tuning into my podcast.  You can subscribe to it for free.  You can find it real easy on I-tunes/Stitcher/Buzzsprout.  You can also visit my website at www.zeemichaelsontravel.com and you can let your imagination run wild.  If you want to visit any of these places that we talk about or something you see on my website, give me a call and I will help you Make Your Travel Dreams Come True.

MEXICAN RESTAURANTS TO CHECK OUT IN THE MIAMI REGION

AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD
My research has shown me many different places to try to grab a great meal.  My most recent hunt is Mexican Food.  I just love Mexican Food.  I lived in California for many years and I have tried many different restaurants.  So now I am going to have to venture down to Miami to some of these restaurants that I am about to tell you about.  If you get there before I do...let me know how it was.   

DIEZ Y SEIS
This restaurant is in South Beach.  It's pretty new at the Miami's Shore Club Hotel.   Renowned Chef Jose Icardi's newest baby and the hip spot.  All the seating is outdoors with an indoor kitchen/bar...it has the all the ambiance with the twinkling lights and more. Icardi Is reinventing Mexican cuisine with menu items like Cuban Tacos, red velvet churros....that sounds yummy and a mescal cart on wheels for tableside tastings.....and if you are serious meat eater, skirt steaks, ribeye, rack of lamb and Mexican chorizo.    No meal will be complete without  dessert.  How about a chocolate mousse served with a tequila-poached peach.......

TAQUERIA MORELIA IN HOMESTEAD
This one comes as a big surprise, but like I said, sometimes the hole in the wall places have the best food.  This place is attached to a gas station.  That's right, I said gas station.  It is the perfect stopping point while on that road trip from Miami to the Keys.  So it really is in the middle of nowhere.  So what should you try?  How about Queso fundido, carne asada burritos or classic tacos and wash it down with michelada.  They even have a salsa bar, with green sauces, red sauces plus cucumbers, cilantro, radishes and lots and lots of lime.  

222 TACO
This restaurant is in North Bay Village.    This is a trendy new taco spot that opened earlier this year.  Enjoy Latin music and breakfast all day.  It has a California vibe and tacos to match.  So from what I hear you should try a classic torta, tostada or quesadilla.  Don't forget to try the margaritas frozen or on the rocks.

TACOS AND TATTOOS
Now you need to find this place in Kendall. This is a family owned restaurant that offers tasty meals and entertainment.  It is tucked into a strip mall.  Tacos and Tattoos offers a mix of savory Southwest border food with Miamis Caribbean comfort.  If you make the trip there you might want to try Cali Love Fries, smothered in Cotija cheese and sour cream and chicken patacon(smashed plantain) with queso frito...and while there have a little fun with Karaoke.  


PASSPORTS
So now that everyone is running out to their favorite Mexican restaurant...Let's chat about our passports....by now everyone has heard my podcast telling everyone that they should have a passport.  but did you know that the passport is more than just a little book.  It has some 30 security features, from the Stamping to the Printing to Holograms and Inks and even Embedded chips.   WOW!  


CHECKED BAG PRICES GOING UP
Well the prices of checked bags on the airlines are going up.  Jet Blue raised the price for the first checked bags to $30.00...a new industry high.  And now the copy cats are starting...United just increased their checked bag price.  Also those low cost airlines even charge for carry on bags.  Call ahead or check out the airlines websites for pricing. Remember if going overseas there can be large fees for large bags...  Here is a little tip when you are away and you buy your souvenirs this can make bags heavier or trying to get it in the overhead on the plane.  Sometimes it helps if you ship these gifts to your home and you don't have to schlep it.  

EXPEDITIONS FOR THE NORTH AND SOUTH POLE
Did you ever want to see the polar bears of the Arctic in the North...or what about the get up  close and personal to the penguins of Antarctica in the south.  Do you live for the adventure.  What about the experience of the beautiful fjords in Norway.  Well there is a cruise line out there called Hurtigruten.  They have a fleet of advanced, intimately-scaled expeditions ships that can take your there.  Charming ports, rare wildlife sightings all in the land of the Midnight sun or what about the Northern Lights.  No matter what the season, Hurtigruten has thrilling adventures for all.  However, remember, the ships are smaller and the expeditions fill fast....If you want me to get you on one of these excursions just contact me.  My website has all my contact info....phone number...email...etc.  I would love to get you on one of these fabulous adventures.  And when you go take plenty of pictures so I can post them and everyone can see what fun you had.


DESTINATION OF THE WEEK
Since we are talking cold weather...how about we stay with that brisk feeling.  Let's go to Austria....Home of that great movie...The Sound of Music. 

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe that borders Germany and the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west. Austria's terrain is highly mountainous due to the presence of the Alps. The country’s capital Vienna is also one of its nine states, the other eight of which are: Burgenland; Carinthia; Lower Austria; Upper Austria; Salzburg; Styria; Tyrol; and Voralberg.

Schonbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the imperial family, is considered one of the most beautiful baroque palaces in Europe. The Habsburgs resided here the better part of the year in numerous rooms for the large imperial family in addition to representational rooms. Emperor Franz Joseph, who later married the enchanting Sisi and reigned from 1848 to 1916, was born here in 1830. The Vienna Boys' Choir is a Viennese institution, having been formed as the Boys' Choir of the Royal Court in 1498. Together with members of the chorus and orchestra of the Vienna State Opera, they form the Hofmusikkapelle, which performs at Mass in the Chapel of the Imperial Palace throughout the year. The Vienna Boys' Choir also performs in the Brahms-Saal (Brahms Hall), the venue for chamber music in the Musikverein, and at the Volksoper (People's Opera), a smaller venue that stages opera, operettas, ballets and musicals.  The renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the Vienna Symphonic Orchestra also perform here.

Austria is famous for its well-balanced variations of beef and pork and countless variations of vegetables. There is also the "Mehlspeisen" Bakery, which created particular delicacies such as Sachertorte, "Krapfen" which are doughnuts usually filled with apricot marmalade or custard, and "Strudel" such as "Apfelstrudel" filled with apple and "Topfenstrudel" filled with sweetened sour cream. Typical Austrian dishes include Wiener Schnitzel, Schweinsbraten, Kaiserschmarren, Knödel, Sachertorte and Tafelspitz. There are also Kärntner Kasnudeln, a cooked filled dough-bag with a type of cottage cheese and spearmint, and Eierschwammerl dishes. The Eierschwammerl, also known as Pfifferling, are native yellow, tan mushrooms.

Austria's main airports are in Vienna; Innsbruck; Salzburg; Klagenfurt; Linz; and Graz. An excellent motorway, highway and federal road network connects Austria with all its neighboring states. österreichische Bundesbahnen operates a wide network of trains throughout and beyond Austria. International connections from Vienna include trains to Germany (Berlin), to the Russian Federation (Moscow, via Warsaw/Kiev and Minsk), to Romania (Bucharest, via Budapest). The greater part of Austria lies in the cool/temperate climate zone in which humid westerly winds predominate. With over half of the country dominated by the Alps, the alpine climate is the predominant one. Austria can be quite cold in the winter, but summer temperatures can also be very warm.

So, explore, enjoy, eat and have fun.....Austria...the hills are truly alive with the sound of music....

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

HEALTHY GUACAMOLE

Ingredients

·        3 Haas avocados, halved, seeded and peeled AND  1 lime, juiced

·        1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

·        1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

·        1/2 teaspoon cayenne

·        1/2 medium onion, diced

·        1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

·        2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced

·        1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

·        1 clove garlic, minced

Directions

In a large bowl place the scooped avocado pulp and lime juice, toss to coat. Drain, and reserve the lime juice, after all of the avocados have been coated. Using a potato masher add the salt, cumin, and cayenne and mash. Then, fold in the onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and garlic. Add 1 tablespoon of the reserved lime juice. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour and then serve. 

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