Tag: Vacation

Bountiful Bliss at Wyndham “Legacy” Smoky Mountain Resort!

November 12, 2018

First floor porch – spectacular views!

*Note: this blog post is NOT sponsored by Wyndham and reflects my honest experience. The Wyndham Legacy Mountain Resort in Sevierville, Tennessee provides an excellent home base for exploring the Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee (a few minutes drive away) and the many (albeit tacky) tourist attractions of the neighboring town of Pigeon Forge. Best of all, it also provides a spectacular backdrop of magnificent mountain views back at the cabin!

Cabins lined up along the mountain

Within this resort there are multiple individual two-story cabins along the slope of the mountain. Rates are comparable to those of an upscale hotel room, and very reasonable for the amenities you enjoy here.

Our cabin: “Moondancer”

The cabins boast whimsical names – we stayed in “Moondancer.” This was a good choice, high above many of the other options and a source of spectacular views!

Living room with fireplace

With walls of wood, a stone fireplace, leather furniture, and black-bear themed decor (black bears are notorious residents of the Smoky Mountains!) the cabin is a copiously cozy, comfortable home for the duration of your stay in Sevierville. The cabin has a natural, woodsy feel amply appropriate for the location!

Fully-equipped kitchen

The kitchen is fully-equipped, with oven/stove, microwave, full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, sink, toaster, coffee pot, and even a “gift basket” of travel-sized kitchen supplies! This is a very good thing, not only for the convenience and value of being able to prepare meals here, but because the surroundings, especially the sumptuous views, are so pleasant it is doubtful you will want to leave to dine elsewhere! An outdoor grill is also available, overlooking your mountain paradise!

Dining area

There is also a dining area, and the cabins have either one or two bedrooms. “Moondancer” is a one bedroom, but there is also a loft which sleeps two and a sofa bed that can sleep one more. Five people would sleep very comfortably here. There are two full bathrooms.

Game room upstairs

In the unlikely event you get bored with the views lounging out on the patio (?!), there is a game room upstairs in some of the cabins. In “Moondancer” we had a pool table and foosball game.

Second floor porch with Jacuzzi!

My favorite amenity here was the Jacuzzi on the second floor porch! The Jacuzzi in and of itself is indulgent enough – let alone these incredible views you can soak in while you soak in the swirling Jacuzzi water! This is definitely one of the greatest things that make this place so special, and stand out from your average accommodations. (By the way, there was a second Jacuzzi – an indoor one – in the upstairs bathroom!)

Breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains!

With all that this place has to offer I definitely look forward to returning again and again. As far as resort accommodations go, this was one of the most memorable and pleasurable I have ever stayed at! You can view my complete tour of the cabin, including drone footage of the resort, here!:

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Sassy and Sophisticated Stockholm, Sweden!

November 5, 2018

Stockholm, Sweden: city of hills and waterways

Stockholm, Sweden was the final port stop on my Baltic Sea cruise on the Norwegian Breakaway. Stockholm is replete with natural beauty, with its many glistening waterways and lofty hills, as well as charming historic and modern architectural structures seemingly climbing the playfully rolling hillsides.

Views inside of City Hall

Completed in 1923, the National Romanticist style City Hall is a quirky building that pays significant homage to Byzantine Design with its gilded mosaic hall and arcaded main lobby. The building is surrounded by meticulously manicured grounds that provide an excellent place to view Stockholm’s Old Town across the water and people-watch.

Views of Stortorget

Stortorget, the main square of Gamla Stan, or Old Town, houses the Nobel Museum, narrow side streets, whimsical Lion statues, and colorful, ornate buildings. Hordes of tourists congregate by its central fountain, lingering amidst the delectable scents of the bakeries and cafes lining the square. Stockholm is expensive, but these temptations are irresistible! To escape the crowds, stroll down one of the numerous side streets and let yourself get lost in pleasureful peacefulness.

Changing of the Guard

Around the corner in front of the Royal Palace, time it right and you’ll catch the majestic ritual of the Changing of the Guard.

Vasa Museum

The Vasa Museum is home to the Vasa ship, Swedish warship from the early 1600s. It managed to sail 1,400 yards before sinking during its first voyage. Rediscovered in the 1950s, it was given a new home above ground and where modern Swedes and tourists alike can contemplate its enticing story. Too top-heavy to be fit for sailing, it tragically sank in 1628 when the impatience of King Gustavus Adolphus got the better of him. His underlings lacked the fortitude to advise him of the ship’s problems and suggest a delay of embarkation. Today you can visit the Vasa Museum to see the ship itself and many displays pertaining to its troubled history.

Riddarholmskyrkan

Riddarholmskyrkan, or Riddarholm Church, is the site of burial grounds for Swedish royalty, including the aforementioned Gustavus Adolphus. No longer used for monarchial burial grounds or as a place of worship, it now serves only as a site of historical importance. A monastery in the 1300s, it later served Protestant parishioners post-Reformation. The original spire was devastated by lighting and replaced with the current cast-iron spire which serves as an important landmark representing the city.

Modern Stockholm: Convention Center

After enjoying the many historic sites in Stockholm, it’s fun to take some time to delight in the signature Scandinavian streamlined and geometrical style of its modern structures.

You may view my complete tour of Stockholm, Sweden here!:

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Peaceful, Placid Porvoo, Finland!

October 29, 2018

Porvoo, Finland “skyline”

A thirty mile drive east of Helsinki will transport you to the small town of Porvoo, Finland: a peaceful paradise of 18th and 19th century (and older) architecture, cobblestoned lanes, and quirky, quaint shops and cafes. Porvoo provides the perfect contrast to the modern metropolis of Helsinki during your visit to Finland!

Colorful old red barns on the river: a proposed UNESCO World Heritage site

Porvoo is replete with wooden barns, houses, and other buildings that have stood the test of time amazingly well through so many cold and snowy winters. Practically all of the town’s structures are composed completely or primarily of wood, and are painted brilliantly in a variety of bold colors, a delight for the eyes!

Porvoo Cathedral upon the hill

Porvoo Cathedral stands tall towering over the rest of the town and surrounding waterways like a guidepost. Built in the 1300s originally entirely of wood, stone walls were raised in the early 1400s. A symbol of resilience, much mirrored by the Finnish people, Porvoo Cathedral has withstood multiple invasions (from both the Danish and Russians) and numerous fires.

Old Town Hall, now housing a museum

The Old Town Hall, which now houses a museum, faces a lively square full of street vendors and musicians…. and tourists! It is a fine example of the creative use of color evident throughout the town.

Unspoiled old wooden architecture surrounds a cobblestone square

Venture past the tourist hub around Old Town Hall and the shopping district, up the hill past Porvoo Cathedral, and you will find another cobblestone square alluringly devoid of massive tourist crowds and surrounded by charming old wooden buildings!

Quiet, quaint cobblestoned alley

Once off the beaten path, the noise of the tourist traffic evaporates and you’re in a wooden wonderland, meandering down cobblestoned lanes at every turn, able to imagine another time in the distant past without the distraction of tourist hordes and modern vehicles!

Even “major” roads in the town are cobblestoned

Porvoo, Finland provides an excellent day trip out of Helsinki for a sample of small town, historic Finland. Just be sure to wander off and get lost along it’s quiet side streets to escape the crowds and enter a tranquil haven. You can view my video tour of Porvoo, Finland here!:

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A Tale of Two Cities: Pushkin & Peterhof, Russia!

October 15, 2018

Peterhof Palace, Peterhof

St. Petersburg, Russia provides an excellent home base for exploring more of the splendor of Russian culture outside of an urban setting. Pushkin and Peterhof are both nearby towns that can be visited on the same day (albeit in rushed fashion) in an excursion from the city. The highlight of both of these towns is that each is home to a spectacular rococo palace that will leave you both gasping for breath and awe-inspired!

Catherine’s Palace, Pushkin

Pushkin is home to Catherine’s Palace, summer palace of Russian royalty about 18 miles outside of St. Petersburg. With grand staircases, larger-than-life halls, and abundant with masterpieces of art, it is lavish and luxurious on a scale impossible to contemplate without witnessing it first hand. Unfortunately, many people seek to do just that – and the crowds here are suffocating. But the experience of being able to witness the surreal spectacle of this place is worth the effort.

Catherine’s Palace: Pure Rococo Splendor

The incredible exterior is a mere sample of the rococo majesty that you will find when you enter its sumptuous interior. You progress through rooms, each one so rich and indulgent in detail, size, and extravagant materials it gives you a feeling like a sinfully sweet dessert buffet with no end would give. I felt spoiled rotten and stuffed full indulging in so much eye candy.

Incredible Interior

While the gilded trim may be the most eye-catching decoration, I found my favorite rooms to be the complexly detailed and highly colorful rooms like the one pictured below. I was reminded of Wedgwood and cameo style of interior decor objects and jewelry pondering the majestic qualities of rooms like this.

Intricately Detailed Interiors of Catherine’s Palace

Peterhof Palace, as pictured below, and about 24 miles from St. Petersburg, is best known for it’s grand gardens and fanciful fountains. For very quickly apparent reasons, it is often referred to as the “Russian Versailles.” Like Catherine’s Palace, the crowds are unbearable – but well worth bearing.

Peterhof Palace

Here gilded statues gaze as whimsical waters perform a delightful dance. To have a sense of the size and scope of these fountains, compare the size of the people processing along the paths that surround it. These fountains are larger than life, and still only a small part of the immensity of the meticulously manicured gardens in your midst.

Gorgeous Gardens at Peterhof

But the beauty doesn’t stop there. Venture inside to complete the spectacle, feasting your eyes on interior details and rococo extravagance only rivaled by Catherine’s Palace in Pushkin.

Playfully Pastel Peterhof

Whether the room is a pastel paradise (above) or gloriously gilded (below), each room is different yet equally as flamboyant and fanciful as the last. It is a maze of wonder that will leave you flabbergasted.

Peterhof: Gilded Grandeur

You can find your paradise in Pushkin and Peterhof, soaking in their ornate opulence and imagining what life would be like to live within these gilded walls. The visit is well worth the side-trip from St. Petersburg!

You can view my full tour of Pushkin and Peterhof here!:

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Brilliant Berlin: City of Contrasts and the Vital Lessons of History

September 10, 2018

Checkpoint Charlie

Aboard the Norwegian Breakaway’s Baltic Sea cruise, the first stop (after embarkation point at Copenhagen) is Warnemunde, the gateway to Berlin for cruise ships. However, it’s no small feat to get to Berlin from there – as a 2 hour train ride each way is required. Fortunately, the trip is well worth it! Be prepared for a very long but exciting day if you decide to make the trip!

Holocaust Memorial with Reichstag in the Background

The Holocaust Memorial is one of the most compelling sites in Berlin. I was fascinated by the positioning of the Holocaust Memorial in relation to the Reichstag building. The official name for the Holocaust Memorial is the “Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe,” but this name is controversial given the fact that Jews were not the only population of people sent to concentration camps or the gas chambers. As someone with Polish ancestry I can appreciate the spirit of this controversy and will refer to it as the Holocaust Memorial here. The memorial encompasses 2,711 concrete blocks of varying heights lined up in rows. It is a sombre sight, in many ways resembling a cemetery, but one where the departed are nameless and without individual identity, perhaps a metaphor for the way that those who died in the Holocaust were perceived by their executioners. It is movingly fitting that the Reichstag stands tall in the background – its giant glass dome a metaphor for the new transparency that would be imposed on German leadership for the people. It is the Parliament building, where the general population can advance up through the dome and have an overview of the political proceedings below. Like many landmarks in Berlin, these places and their design serve as reminders never to repeat the mistakes of history.

Kaiser Wilhelm Church

Another stunning reminder is the ruins of the Kaiser Wilhelm Church, standing crippled next to its modern reconstruction. It stands testament against the perils and destructive forces of war, at once eerie and beautiful, a deeply moving sight to behold.

Checkpoint Charlie “soldiers”

Checkpoint Charlie is yet another reminder of the possible consequences of war – of people divided, of people deprived. This was the gateway through the Berlin Wall, passing through which was a dream for many that would never come true. Despite the fact that it is a highly touristy photo opportunity, it is still well worth the visit for its historical significance and the chance to reflect on the lessons of the past.

Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall is an impressive span of eclectic art, much of it promoting freedom and celebrating human resilience and will. Given that the wall previously represented oppression, this is a fitting message for the former East German area of modern Germany.

TV Tower

The Fernseheturm, or TV tower is the tallest structure in Germany. It towers over the city of Berlin, in the heart of the former East Germany, like a giant exclamation point amid the capitalist bastion of Alexanderplatz, abound with corporate skyscrapers and an abundance of retail shops. The irony is inspiring!

Brandenburg Gate

No visit to Berlin is complete without a visit to the Brandenburg Gate, symbol of Berlin. Originally commissioned by Prussian King Frederick William II and completed in 1791, it was here that the ceremony to celebrate the reunification of Germany post-Cold War took place. It aptly represents the span of German history and resilience of the German people.

Charlottenburg Palace

Charlottenburg Palace, completed in 1713, is the largest palace in Germany. It serves as Berlin’s best answer to the baroque style of architecture so prevalent in many of the historic structures throughout Germany. Here in Berlin, this baroque style fascinatingly stands in such sharp contrast to the brash and minimalist Socialist Classicism architecture of the former East Germany that you can still find in other neighborhoods of Berlin.

Bebelplatz

Bebelplatz is the site of the State Opera, St. Hedwig’s Cathedral, and university buildings. The greatest draw to Bebelplatz, however, is that it was the location of the Nazi Book Burning in 1933, where approximately 20,000 books were burned by the Nazi Students’ League and Hitler Youth following a speech given by Joseph Goebbels. A memorial of empty bookcases can be viewed beneath a glass panel on the ground.

Lunch featuring German specialties

Berlin’s a big city to explore, and what better way to refuel your resources mid-visit than a delicious lunch of German specialties? This plate of Sauerkraut, German potatoes, sausage, pork, and tasty meat patty can really give you the energy boost you need to embark on such an adventure!

Berlin is a fascinating city of contrast and the vital lessons of history. You can view my tour here:

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Breakaway to the Baltic: Norwegian Breakaway Cruise through the Baltic Sea

September 3, 2018

Norwegian Breakaway: Canvas for Artist Peter Max

The Norwegian Breakaway can hold a capacity of 3,963 passengers (double occupancy), 1,657 crew members, and launched in 2013. It is one of the larger ships on the NCL fleet. I sailed on the Breakaway through the Baltic Sea in May-June, featuring the destinations of Copenhagen, Denmark (embarkation port); Berlin, Germany; Tallinn, Estonia, St. Petersburg, Russia (overnight stop); Helsinki, Finland; and Stockholm, Sweden.

Trendy Studio Cabin on the Breakaway

I booked a studio cabin for the trip, which, as you can see from the photo, was somewhat cramped but comprehensive, classy cabin. With the studio cabin category, NCL inspires solo travelers to feel like VIPs, through locked door access to the studio cabin hallways (think: velvet rope), a studio lounge with a specialty coffee machine and other amenities, and a dedicated solo travelers’ concierge that arranges meet ups like group dinners, entertainment, and activities for those craving some companionship for others in the same “boat…” Being an introvert myself and someone who tends to stay very busy during a cruise I opted out of these gatherings, but was pleased to see that such an effort was being made to accommodate solo travelers paying a premium to book passage alone.

Ice Bar, Norwegian Breakaway

The Breakaway has spent much time sailing out of New York City, and this association with New York is heavily apparent in the decor of the ship. One example would be the Ice Bar (photo above,) which features images of the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Empire State Building. I found this to be an oddity, since I tend to associate the concept of an “ice bar” with Scandinavia, not New York. The Spice H20 outdoor lounge features images of a Rockaway Beach in Queens. Artist Peter Max’s signature Statue of Liberty image proudly graces the front of the ship, and more. Perhaps a reader will “get it” and leave a comment, but I couldn’t grasp the motivation behind featuring New York so profoundly in the ship’s decor. If you are from New York taking a vacation on a cruise ship, isn’t New York probably the last thing you want to look at? Or wouldn’t you want to “breakaway” from the Big Apple?

Lido Deck, Norwegian Breakaway

The Lido Deck is expansive and features a water park boasting enormous water slides! Also available are a rock climbing wall, basketball court, ropes course, mini golf, and more. Due to lower Spring temperatures in the Baltic, the Lido was not heavily trafficked on this particular itinerary.

Bliss Nightclub, Norwegian Breakaway

The Breakaway is almost daunting in its sheer size, but once you get your bearings there are many options for dining and entertainment. Aboard you will find multiple theaters, nightclubs, and restaurants (both complimentary and specialty.) The Breakaway has some of the finest entertainment I have experienced on a cruise ship, including a Cirque du Soleil show, wine tasting musical, and ballroom dancing show all of which I found to be outstanding – a quality comparable to Las Vegas shows. Be prepared to pay extra for some of the shows.

Le Bistro, a Specialty Dining Venue on Norwegian Breakaway

Public areas of the ship are extremely clean, luxurious, inviting, and well-maintained. Typical of Norwegian’s style, the decor is modern and trendy. The ship is kept in immaculate condition – I found no signs of wear-and-tear or rust.

Lobby Chandelier Spanning Three Floors, Norwegian Breakaway

The Breakaway Baltic Cruise features a 9-day itinerary, which I found to be far more satisfying than the typical 7-day itinerary. At this time of the year, the Baltic area is experiencing the “White Nights” effect, where it only gets dark for a couple of hours out of each 24 hour day (in the winter, the effect is the opposite, with limited time of sunlight.)

White Nights: Moon in a Bright Sky at 3:00am

I highly recommend the Norwegian Breakaway, whether you choose to embark on the Baltic Itinerary in the Summer or a Winter itinerary closer to home! You can view a full tour here!:

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Hamburg, Germany: Industrious, Iconic, and Inspiring

August 27, 2018

Hamburg: “Venice of the North”

My visit to Hamburg, Germany was intended to be a stopover to facilitate catching a train to Copenhagen the next day – but turned out to be so much more than I ever could have anticipated! What an unexpected pleasure! Often referred to as the “Venice of the North,” Hamburg is adorned with cerulean canals and boats bobbing in the breeze everywhere you look. But it has so much more to offer than that.

Elbe Philharmonic Hall

Perhaps the most captivating building in Hamburg is the Elbe Philharmonic Hall on the waterfront. The modern glass top mimics the waves of the water below, poised atop an old brick warehouse. This structure perfectly exemplifies the spirit of Hamburg, at once old and new. Hamburg embraces its future while honoring its past through its architectural wonders.

City Hall

Opened in 1897, City Hall showcases the older side of Hamburg. Bedecked with intricate detail, it is a majestic sight to behold, and provides and impressive backdrop for the crowds of locals congregating to socialize, enjoy the spectacle of street performers, or conduct business.

Modern Metropolis

Modern structures in Hamburg challenge the passer-by to discover the many inter-mingled components that allow them to be viewed in different ways from different perspectives and by different people. As diverse a city as Hamburg is, the diversity of architecture is distinctly fitting. Playfully defying our assumptions and notions about geometry, function, and color, Hamburg’s modern buildings are a delight to examine from every angle!

Waterways, boats, and towers are omnipresent in Hamburg

Hamburg qualifies as a hidden gem, and highly underrated tourist destination in Germany. Hamburg’s many charms should not be overlooked! Whether you spend your time strolling along the canals, reveling in the sounds of street musicians, or marveling at the industriousness of it’s massive port, a memorable time is sure to be had by all who give Hamburg a second look!

Hamburg’s busy, bustling port

Video tour of Hamburg is available to watch here!:

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Marvelously Medieval Rothenburg, Germany

August 20, 2018

Marvelously medieval Rothenburg

Rothenburg is probably the best place to see medieval architecture… and maybe one of the best places to see crowds of tourists as well! Admittedly there is an over-abundance of tacky souvenir shops and getting trampled by legions of tourists is not out of the question, but if you can overcome these downsides Rothenburg is a fascinating place to explore.

Quaint, cobbled streets

Here half-timbered houses painted in bold hues compliment cute clock towers on cobblestoned streets. Fortunately, it’s an easy enough escape to slip down a side street and get away from the touristic masses and gaudy commercialism.

The side streets are quieter

The Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas Museum and Shop probably is well packaged in the category of “you either love it, or you hate it.” If sugarplums are dancing in your head at the thought of being enveloped in the wonder of Christmas in July (or June, or August… or whenever you’re there), and boisterous decor does not bother you, you may love it. If “Scrooge” is more your style, you may want to say “bah, humbug” to this attraction. It’s replete with both people and baubles, like Black Friday on Christmas themed steroids.

Katie Wohlfahrt outside

Katie Wohlfahrt Inside

Feel free to stroll aimlessly, for the city is surrounded by medieval walls and no matter how far you walk you will eventually make your way to the main square again. It’s a great place to safely get lost in.

The main square

Rothenburg is charming, colorful, and distinctly delightful, despite the crowds. It’s a great place to step back in time a reasonable day trip from Munich.

Colorful half-timbered houses

This video will give you a tour of the town:

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Freeport, Bahamas Chill and Thrill!

July 9, 2018

Adventure by ATV!

The (regrettably) last stop on our back-to-back cruise on the Pride was Freeport, Bahamas. With little to do at port other than visit a handful of overpriced shops, an adventure was in order instead! This combination thrilling ATV ride, chill-out botanical gardens visit, and brief, beer-enhanced beach break fit the bill perfectly!

Sights and sounds to delight in

Claude Monet would have relished in the views of the gardens here. Many of the scenes I witnessed resembled the splash of the impressionist brush and would have been the perfect template for the next great Impressionist painting.

Claude Monet would have approved

The botanical gardens provided a breathtaking array of not only plant life but wildlife. I enjoyed seeing more wildlife on this tour than most of the so-called “wildlife” tours I’ve signed up for in the past, and it was a very pleasant surprise! With my feathery friend and tour guide, I was basking in the beauty of the exotic plants, trees, and flowers as my ears delighted in the sounds of waterfalls, fountains, and singing birds.

Getting back to your roots

Lush and lively were the botanical gardens, satisfying so many senses with the sights, sounds, and smells. It was a joy to explore, looking forward to what surprises could be found around every corner.

The scent of these African flowers was intoxicating

I quickly realized why so many in the animal kingdom chose to call this place home. Deterred by a time limit on my tour from getting lost in the labyrinth, I contemplated how found it could feel to spend the day getting lost in there, surrounded by this natural wonderland.

bird2

A bounty of beautiful birds

After frolicking in this fantastic natural wonder, it was time to explore the natural beauty of the Bahamas on four wheels! The ATVs were ready and waiting! I had never tried driving an ATV before, so admittedly I was apprehensive. But it was easy and I had a blast! The tour guides provided a sandbox opportunity to get used to the ATVs before we headed out onto bumpy ground, and I was completely comfortable after this tutorial.

I went with the Army green!

We traversed bumpy dirt jungle roads on the way to the beach, my ATV navigating huge tree roots and rocks with the utmost conviction. Fending off whiplash, I reveled in the back road excitement and “backdoor” views. GoPro on my chest, I contemplated whether to edit the bouncy footage out of my video and decided that the rugged nature of the experience was paramount in conveying what the experience was like to my viewers. You can view the video below!

The beach break was the last stop, but with the beach swarmed with schoolchildren and cold, local brews beckoning at the bar, I settled on a beer break instead!

You can view my experiences of the day here!:

Stay tuned next for my series on Europe including the Baltic Sea cruise on Norwegian Breakaway and independent travel in Germany! Thanks for reading and hope you will join me again next time!

Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos by HXT Electric Hummer – an electrifying experience!

June 25, 2018

HXT Electric Hummers

The first stop for week two on my back-to-back cruise on the Carnival Pride out of Baltimore was Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos. Grand Turk is an outstanding cruise destination and one I would gladly re-visit time and time again. Not only are the excursions I have taken here some of the best I’ve ever taken, but back at port there is a breathtaking public beach (with free lounge chairs and umbrellas) with the most crystal clear waters and spectacular views I have ever seen on a beach anywhere! Hedonists rejoice!

Views of the beach and salt flats of Grand Turk

As you wander through the playful port, you realize quickly that John Glenn is highly honored here. Consistent with my tour guide’s proclamation that “John Glenn put us on the map!” there is an exhibit at port highlighting Glenn’s significant contribution to the island. The exhibit includes a life-size statue of Glenn and replicas of the Atlas rocket and Friendship 7 capsule (which landed here in the waters a couple of miles from Grand Turk in 1962 after completing the Mercury 7 mission – you can see the original nearby, one of the stops our Hummer tour made.) If you can pull yourself away from the incredible beaches, it’s worth a look!

John Glenn exhibit, port of Grand Turk

Beautiful beaches at the Port, Grand Turk

It was daunting facing driving on the “wrong” side of the road (yes, they do that here!) in the electric Hummer, but once I gave it a try, just following the guide and hearing the frequent reminders to “stay on the left!” after every turn, it was no problem at all. I think anyone could handle it with no issues. Perhaps in a big city it would be more overwhelming – but here it was easy with very little traffic. The Hummers are convertible, allowing the warmth of the sun and light breeze of the wind to wash over you while you enjoy quite a comprehensive tour of the island. The Hummers are an absolute blast to drive, and being fully automatic they are easy to drive too, allowing you to focus on the amazing views.

Only two Hummers on the tour!

Church “downtown”

The tour was very intimate and personalized, with my son and I in one Hummer, and only one couple in one other Hummer on the tour. Apparently not a lot of people booked it – and boy were they missing out! We made a few stops where the guide offered us more information about the island, including a wildlife sanctuary, a salt flats, the “downtown,” (shown above… very peaceful and relaxed!), and the original Friendship 7 capsule I mentioned above. You can see more on these stops in the video posted below. The stops were informative and fun… but to be honest I couldn’t wait to get back in the Hummer!!

I was disappointed when the tour had to come to an end, but having a beach break to look forward to before curfew on the ship made leaving my trusty hummer behind more tolerable!

Beach bliss

Want to see more? I filmed the tour and you can watch it here!:

I am thrilled to report that I upgraded my filming equipment for these videos – however, this trip was filmed before then. I will be posting soon on my trip to Europe where you will see the difference! Please subscribe to my YouTube channel to further satisfy your travel fix!: Heather Anne’s Ultimate Travel Adventures.

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I am extremely grateful for your generous donation to help keep the site running! This site and individual posts are not sponsored, and I receive no wage or salary!

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Next stop next week: Princess Cays, Bahamas, which was stop two of week two of the cruise! Thanks for joining in on the adventure!

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