{ "generated_at": "2026-08-27T02:25:18Z", "total_posts": 151, "trips": [ { "rollup_key": "2007eu", "posts": [ { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 1", "date": "2007-04-20", "subtitle": "Leaving on a jet plane — the scramble out of New Jersey", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "New Jersey", "country": "United States" }, { "name": "Newark Liberty International Airport", "country": "United States" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "car", "route": "Home to Newark Airport" }, { "type": "air", "route": "Newark (EWR) to London-Gatwick (LGW)", "notes": "Overnight, roughly six hours; Presidents Club vouchers before boarding" } ], "travel_sentiment": "excited, a little frazzled" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 2", "date": "2007-04-21", "subtitle": "Untangling the English rail system, then embarking at Southampton", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "London-Gatwick Airport", "country": "United Kingdom" }, { "name": "Chichester", "country": "United Kingdom" }, { "name": "Southampton", "country": "United Kingdom" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "rail", "route": "Gatwick to Southampton via Chichester", "notes": "Southern England rail; multiple competing operators over the same tracks" }, { "type": "taxi", "route": "Southampton Central to the cruise terminal" }, { "type": "ship", "route": "Embark at Southampton", "carrier": "Celebrity Cruises", "vessel": "Celebrity Millennium" } ], "travel_sentiment": "exhausted but aboard" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 3", "date": "2007-04-22", "subtitle": "Le Havre and a jet-lagged bus dash to Paris", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "Le Havre", "country": "France" }, { "name": "Paris", "country": "France" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "ship", "route": "Docked at Le Havre" }, { "type": "bus", "route": "Le Havre to Paris and back", "notes": "About 2.5 hours each way; a notably slow driver on the way in" } ], "activities": [ "Walking tour of Paris (Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Louvre, Notre Dame, the Seine)", "First formal dining-room dinner aboard" ], "travel_sentiment": "jet-lagged but game" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 4", "date": "2007-04-23", "subtitle": "Waffles, devil beer, and quaint Brugge", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "Zeebrugge", "country": "Belgium" }, { "name": "Blankenberge", "country": "Belgium" }, { "name": "Brugge", "country": "Belgium" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "ship", "route": "Docked at Zeebrugge" }, { "type": "bus", "route": "Zeebrugge port to Blankenberge" }, { "type": "rail", "route": "Blankenberge to Brugge and back", "notes": "Trains ran only about once an hour" } ], "travel_sentiment": "charmed" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 5", "date": "2007-04-24", "subtitle": "Walking Amsterdam, a canal tour, and a scenic sail-away", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "Amsterdam", "country": "Netherlands" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "ship", "route": "Docked in Amsterdam" }, { "type": "boat", "route": "Amsterdam canal tour" } ], "activities": [ "Walking tour of Amsterdam", "Canal boat tour", "Scenic sail-away down the river" ], "travel_sentiment": "relaxed and content" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 6", "date": "2007-04-25", "subtitle": "Sea Day #1 and the serendipitous dress shirt", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "At sea" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "ship", "route": "Sea day en route to La Rochelle" } ], "travel_sentiment": "bored but tidy" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 7", "date": "2007-04-26", "subtitle": "La Rochelle didn't quite WOW me", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "La Rochelle", "country": "France" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "ship", "route": "Docked at La Rochelle" } ], "travel_sentiment": "underwhelmed" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 8", "date": "2007-04-27", "subtitle": "Bilbao, the Guggenheim, and a river walk promenade", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "Bilbao", "country": "Spain", "region": "Basque Country" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "ship", "route": "Docked near Bilbao" }, { "type": "bus", "route": "Port to downtown Bilbao", "notes": "A hilly shuttle trip, and the usual pier shuttle chaos" } ], "activities": [ "Guggenheim Museum Bilbao", "River walk promenade", "Paella lunch" ], "travel_sentiment": "pleasantly surprised" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 9", "date": "2007-04-28", "subtitle": "Sea Day #2", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "At sea" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "ship", "route": "Sea day en route to Lisbon" } ], "travel_sentiment": "bored" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 10", "date": "2007-04-29", "subtitle": "Lisbon grows on me", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "Lisbon", "country": "Portugal" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "ship", "route": "Docked at Lisbon; sailed out under the 25 de Abril Bridge" } ], "activities": [ "Walking Lisbon's lower and hilly districts", "Lunch at Locanda Italiana" ], "travel_sentiment": "warmed up over the day" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 11", "date": "2007-04-30", "subtitle": "The Rock of Gibraltar — my favorite port of the trip", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "Gibraltar", "country": "United Kingdom" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "ship", "route": "Docked at Gibraltar" }, { "type": "taxi", "route": "Up the Rock (cable car was too windy to run)" }, { "type": "bus", "route": "Down the Rock to the Siege Tunnels" } ], "activities": [ "St. Michael's Cave", "Barbary apes atop the Rock", "Great Siege Tunnels" ], "travel_sentiment": "this was the one" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 12", "date": "2007-05-01", "subtitle": "Tangier — the most different place I'd ever been", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "Tangier", "country": "Morocco" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "ship", "route": "Anchored off Tangier (the only tender port of the trip)" }, { "type": "boat", "route": "Tender to shore and back" }, { "type": "bus", "route": "Tour of the area outside Tangier" } ], "activities": [ "Countryside bus tour", "Petting a camel", "Wandering the medina", "A solo lunch at a local cafe" ], "travel_sentiment": "awed and grateful" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 13", "date": "2007-05-02", "subtitle": "Sea Day #3 — eating, packing, tipping", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "At sea" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "ship", "route": "Final sea day en route to Barcelona" } ], "travel_sentiment": "ready to be on land" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 14", "date": "2007-05-03", "subtitle": "Debarking into Barcelona and Las Ramblas", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "Barcelona", "country": "Spain", "region": "Catalonia" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Le Méridien Barcelona", "location": "Las Ramblas, Barcelona", "url": "https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/bcnmd-le-meridien-barcelona/overview/", "notes": "Room was ready by 11am — a welcome surprise" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "ship", "route": "Debark at Barcelona" }, { "type": "taxi", "route": "Cruise terminal to Le Méridien Barcelona" } ], "activities": [ "Wandering Las Ramblas", "Lunch inside the La Boqueria market" ], "travel_sentiment": "back on land, energized" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 15", "date": "2007-05-04", "subtitle": "A big touring day — Sagrada Família and Bonanova", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "Barcelona", "country": "Spain", "region": "Catalonia" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Le Méridien Barcelona", "location": "Las Ramblas, Barcelona" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Restaurante Bonanova", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Sant Gervasi, Barcelona", "url": "https://www.restaurantebonanova.com/" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "bus", "route": "Barcelona hop-on hop-off tourist bus" } ], "activities": [ "La Pedrera (Casa Milà)", "Sagrada Família", "Dinner at Restaurante Bonanova" ], "travel_sentiment": "full and happy" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 16", "date": "2007-05-05", "subtitle": "A few weary hours in London (and a nearly lost bag)", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "Barcelona", "country": "Spain" }, { "name": "London", "country": "United Kingdom" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Hilton Gatwick", "location": "Gatwick Airport, London", "notes": "Connected to the airport" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "air", "route": "Barcelona to London-Gatwick", "carrier": "British Airways", "notes": "US$130 overweight-baggage charge — for the bag that didn't arrive" }, { "type": "rail", "route": "Gatwick Express to London Victoria and back" } ], "activities": [ "Walking past Buckingham Palace", "London Eye", "St. James's Park" ], "travel_sentiment": "travel-weary" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 17", "date": "2007-05-06", "subtitle": "The long flight home", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "London-Gatwick Airport", "country": "United Kingdom" }, { "name": "Newark Liberty International Airport", "country": "United States" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "air", "route": "London-Gatwick to Newark (EWR)", "notes": "Business class — check-in and security were a breeze" }, { "type": "car", "route": "Newark Airport to home" } ], "travel_sentiment": "weary, grateful, home" } ] }, { "rollup_key": "2023iceland", "posts": [ { "title": "Iceland 2023 Day 1", "date": "2023-06-11", "subtitle": "Arrival and settling in", "categories": "travel iceland", "tags": [ "june2023" ], "rollup_key": "2023iceland", "trip_day": 1, "location_start": "Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, USA", "location_end": "Near Laugarvatn, Iceland", "locations_visited": [ "Keflavík International Airport (KEF)", "Selfoss, Iceland", "Efstidalur II Farm & Restaurant", "Laugarvatn area" ], "accommodation": { "name": "Private Cottage", "location": "Near Laugarvatn", "amenities": [ "geothermal hot tub", "sauna", "greenhouse", "full kitchen", "mountain views" ], "notes": "Geothermal fresh water heated" }, "transport": [ { "type": "air", "route": "RDU to KEF", "carrier": "Icelandair", "notes": "Direct overnight flight" }, { "type": "car_rental", "vehicle": "Tesla Model Y", "provider": "Hertz Iceland", "notes": "EV rental with trunk latch issues noted" } ], "activities": [ "International air travel", "EV charging introduction (DC Fast Charger in Selfoss)", "Bakery visit in Selfoss", "Grocery shopping at Bónus supermarket", "Farm visit at Efstidalur II", "Geothermal hot tub", "Home cooking" ], "dining": [ { "location": "Selfoss bakery", "type": "pastries and coffee" }, { "location": "Cottage", "type": "home-cooked", "meal": "pork chops and chicken from Bónus" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "First experience with Iceland EV charging infrastructure", "No jetway arrival at KEF", "Neverending summer sunlight", "Forgot CPAP hose" ], "weather": "Not specified" }, { "title": "Iceland 2023 Day 2", "date": "2023-06-12", "subtitle": "Recovery and exploration around the Golden Circle", "categories": "travel iceland", "tags": [ "june2023" ], "rollup_key": "2023iceland", "start_location": "Laugarvatn, Iceland", "end_location": "Laugarvatn, Iceland", "locations": [ { "name": "Geysir", "country": "Iceland", "type": "Geothermal area", "notes": "Active geysers, main geyser erupts every 10-15 minutes", "visited": true, "url": "https://www.south.is/en/place/geysir-geothermal-area" }, { "name": "Brúarfoss", "country": "Iceland", "type": "Waterfall", "notes": "Glacial river waterfall, access road 600m from cottage", "visited": true, "url": "https://www.earthtrekkers.com/how-to-visit-bruarfoss-waterfall/" }, { "name": "Laugarvatn", "country": "Iceland", "type": "Town", "notes": "Small market for groceries", "visited": true }, { "name": "Efstidalur II", "country": "Iceland", "type": "Restaurant/Farm", "notes": "Farm restaurant with dairy cows", "visited": true, "url": "https://efstidalur.is/" } ], "accommodation": [ { "name": "Birna's Cottage", "type": "Airbnb", "location": "Near Laugarvatn, Iceland", "nights": 3, "checkin": false, "checkout": false, "features": "Greenhouse, modern farmhouse style, vaulted ceilings" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "car", "make": "Tesla", "rental": true, "notes": "Charging at Geysir (up to 98%), trunk seatbelt issue resolved" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "sightseeing", "name": "Geysir visit", "location": "Geysir", "time_of_day": "midday", "notes": "Busy tourist area, visitors center, main geyser viewing" }, { "type": "hiking", "name": "Brúarfoss hike", "location": "Brúarfoss", "notes": "Access road only 600 meters from cottage, great photos" }, { "type": "shopping", "name": "Small market", "location": "Laugarvatn", "items": "Butter, spaghetti, jam, snacks" }, { "type": "relaxation", "name": "Greenhouse rest", "location": "Birna's Cottage", "notes": "Research CPAP supplies, short nap" } ], "dining": [ { "name": "Efstidalur II", "location": "Near cottage", "meal": "Early dinner", "food": "Meatballs + fries, cheeseburger", "rating": "Mixed - kids didn't like sauce, fries had cayenne", "url": "https://efstidalur.is/" } ], "challenges": [ { "type": "Health", "description": "Felt hungover without drinking, headache and neck pain", "duration": "All day until 9pm", "treatment": "Ibuprofen (insufficient)" }, { "type": "Equipment", "description": "Missing CPAP headgear", "impact": "Sleep apnea issues compounded by jet lag", "attempted_solution": "Contacted pharmacies without success" }, { "type": "Navigation", "description": "Initially couldn't find Brúarfoss turnoff", "resolution": "Research and found access road very close to cottage" }, { "type": "Vehicle", "description": "Tesla trunk closing problems", "resolution": "Seatbelt caught in trunk" } ], "weather": [ { "time": "Early afternoon", "conditions": "Sunny and partly cloudy", "temperature": "High 50's F", "wind": "Less than previous day", "notes": "Very good Iceland weather" } ] }, { "title": "Iceland 2023 Day 3", "date": "2023-06-13", "subtitle": "Perfect weather and after-hours touring", "categories": "travel iceland", "tags": [ "june2023" ], "rollup_key": "2023iceland", "locations": [ { "name": "Gullfoss", "country": "Iceland", "notes": "Spectacular waterfall" }, { "name": "Geysir", "country": "Iceland" } ], "accommodation": [ { "name": "Birna's Cottage", "location": "Near Laugarvatn, Iceland", "nights": 3, "checkin": false, "checkout": false } ], "transport": [ { "type": "car", "notes": "Easy drive to Gullfoss and Geysir" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "relaxation", "name": "Hot tub and reading", "location": "Birna's Cottage", "notes": "Mid-60s weather, barely a cloud" }, { "type": "recreation", "name": "Bounce place and ice cream", "location": "Near cottage" }, { "type": "sightseeing", "name": "Gullfoss visit", "location": "Gullfoss", "time": "Around 6:30pm", "notes": "No photo or video can capture the spectacle" }, { "type": "hiking", "name": "Geysir lookout hike", "location": "Geysir", "time": "Around 8pm", "notes": "Spectacular views from the hilltop" } ], "weather": { "conditions": "Insanely beautiful", "temperature": "Mid-60s F", "sky": "Barely a cloud", "wind": "Light breeze" } }, { "title": "Iceland 2023 Day 4", "date": "2023-06-14", "subtitle": "Thingvellir and the journey to Húsafell", "categories": "travel iceland", "tags": [ "june2023" ], "rollup_key": "2023iceland", "locations": [ { "name": "Thingvellir National Park", "country": "Iceland", "notes": "UNESCO World Heritage site" }, { "name": "Borgarnes", "country": "Iceland", "notes": "Computer store and grocery shopping" }, { "name": "Baulan", "country": "Iceland", "notes": "Gas station/restaurant for charging and dinner" }, { "name": "Húsafell", "country": "Iceland" } ], "accommodation": [ { "name": "Birna's Cottage", "location": "Near Laugarvatn, Iceland", "nights": 3, "checkin": false, "checkout": true }, { "name": "Húsafell Cottage (Airbnb)", "location": "Húsafell, Iceland", "nights": 3, "checkin": true, "checkout": false, "notes": "Part of Hotel Húsafell property, challenging communication with host" } ], "points_of_interest": [ { "name": "Road construction site", "notes": "Five minute red light wait while road was being redone" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "car", "route": "Birna's Cottage to Húsafell via Thingvellir", "notes": "Red light stop for road work, indirect route with planned stops" }, { "type": "car", "charging": "Baulan (49% to 90%)", "duration": "Fast charge during dinner" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "sightseeing", "name": "Thingvellir National Park visit", "location": "Thingvellir National Park" }, { "type": "shopping", "name": "Computer store and grocery", "location": "Borgarnes", "notes": "Needed Apple Watch charger" } ], "dining": [ { "name": "Baulan", "location": "On route to Húsafell", "type": "Mini-mart/gas station/restaurant", "meal": "Dinner outside" } ] }, { "title": "Iceland 2023 Day 5", "date": "2023-06-15", "subtitle": "Lava tubes and waterfall hunting", "categories": "travel iceland", "tags": [ "june2023" ], "rollup_key": "2023iceland", "locations": [ { "name": "Víðgelmir lava tube", "country": "Iceland", "region": "West Iceland", "type": "natural-attraction", "notes": "Amazing cave tour", "coordinates": "64.6192° N, 20.9356° W" }, { "name": "Hraunfossar Waterfall", "country": "Iceland", "region": "West Iceland", "type": "natural-attraction", "notes": "Just a few minutes from Húsafell", "url": "https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/hraunfossar" }, { "name": "Húsafell Hotel Bistro", "country": "Iceland", "region": "West Iceland", "type": "restaurant" } ], "accommodation": [ { "name": "Húsafell Cottage (Airbnb)", "location": "Húsafell, Iceland", "nights": 3, "checkin": false, "checkout": false } ], "transport": [ { "type": "car", "from": "Húsafell Cottage", "to": "Víðgelmir lava tube", "duration": "~20 minutes" }, { "type": "car", "from": "Víðgelmir", "to": "Húsafell Hotel Bistro", "duration": "~20 minutes" }, { "type": "car", "from": "Húsafell Cottage", "to": "Hraunfossar Waterfall", "duration": "~5 minutes" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 5, "type": "tour", "name": "Víðgelmir lava tube cave tour", "location": "Víðgelmir", "time": "Departed around 12:10pm", "duration": "~90 minutes", "participants": "Family group", "notes": "Rowan especially enjoyed it. Helmets with headlamps provided. Metal stairs descend into massive cave system" }, { "day": 5, "type": "hiking", "name": "Attempted trail finding", "location": "Húsafell", "notes": "Could not locate marked trails despite maps and asking staff" }, { "day": 5, "type": "sightseeing", "name": "Hraunfossar Waterfall visit", "location": "Hraunfossar, Near Húsafell", "duration": "30 minutes", "notes": "Series of waterfalls flowing from lava field" }, { "day": 5, "type": "recreation", "name": "Jump pillow", "location": "Húsafell campground", "time": "10:30pm", "participants": "Kids", "notes": "Doesn't get dark at this time of year" } ], "dining": [ { "name": "Húsafell Hotel Bistro", "location": "Húsafell", "meal": "Lunch", "time": "~1:00pm", "food": "Split meat lovers pizza, tempura shrimp", "cost_category": "moderate", "notes": "3 of us split pizza, Siena had shrimp" }, { "name": "Cottage", "location": "Húsafell Cottage", "meal": "Dinner", "food": "Pork chops on the grill, potatoes, vegetables", "cost_category": "budget", "notes": "Left grill much cleaner than found it. Home cooking at fraction of restaurant prices" } ], "highlights": [ "Víðgelmir cave system exploration with helmets and headlamps", "Multiple waterfall viewing spots at Hraunfossar", "Late evening recreation in midnight sun conditions", "Cost-effective home cooking at accommodation" ], "challenges": [ "Unable to locate marked hiking trails despite maps and staff assistance" ] }, { "title": "Iceland 2023 Day 6", "date": "2023-06-16", "subtitle": "Horses and hot springs", "categories": "travel iceland", "tags": [ "june2023" ], "rollup_key": "2023iceland", "day_number": 6, "trip_duration": "Day 6 of Iceland trip", "start_location": "Húsafell Cottage", "end_location": "Húsafell Cottage", "locations": [ { "name": "Sturlureykir Visiting Horse Farm", "country": "Iceland", "region": "West Iceland", "type": "horse-farm", "coordinates": [ 64.659, -21.364 ], "notes": "Near northern Reykholt", "visited": true, "duration": "~2 hours" }, { "name": "Deildartunguhver", "country": "Iceland", "region": "West Iceland", "type": "natural-attraction", "coordinates": [ 64.663, -21.393 ], "notes": "Hot spring area, next to Krauma", "visited": true, "url": "https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/deildartunguhver" }, { "name": "Reykholt", "country": "Iceland", "region": "West Iceland", "type": "historic-site", "coordinates": [ 64.665, -21.295 ], "notes": "Historic site with old stone house and cemetery", "visited": true, "features": [ "church", "cemetery", "old-buildings", "antler-decorations" ] }, { "name": "Húsafell Hotel Bistro", "country": "Iceland", "region": "West Iceland", "type": "restaurant" } ], "accommodation": [ { "name": "Húsafell Cottage (Airbnb)", "location": "Húsafell, Iceland", "type": "cottage", "nights": 3, "checkin": false, "checkout": false, "region": "West Iceland", "features": [ "full-kitchen", "living-room", "multiple-bedrooms", "deck", "vaulted-ceiling" ] } ], "transport": [ { "type": "car", "purpose": "day trip", "route": "Húsafell → Sturlureykir → Deildartunguhver → Reykholt → Húsafell" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "horseback-riding", "name": "Icelandic horse riding", "location": "Sturlureykir Visiting Horse Farm", "participants": [ "Brian", "Siena" ], "date": "2023-06-16", "time": "morning", "duration": "~2 hours", "horses": "white Icelandic horses", "terrain": "trails with waterfall views", "notes": "Siena was all grins from start to finish", "highlights": [ "stable-tour", "arena-practice", "outdoor-trail-ride", "waterfall-scenery" ] }, { "type": "sightseeing", "name": "Deildartunguhver hot springs", "location": "Deildartunguhver", "date": "2023-06-16", "time": "afternoon", "notes": "Very steamy", "natural_feature": "geothermal hot spring" }, { "type": "cultural", "name": "Old stone house and cemetery exploration", "location": "Reykholt", "date": "2023-06-16", "time": "afternoon", "features": [ "church-tower", "historic-buildings", "cemetery", "informational-signs" ] } ], "dining": [ { "name": "Hot dog stand", "location": "Deildartunguhver", "meal": "lunch", "cuisine": "Icelandic", "date": "2023-06-16", "time": "afternoon", "food": "Icelandic hot dog", "cost_level": "budget", "notes": "Much better than expected, crunchy onions really make it", "rating": "excellent" }, { "name": "Húsafell Hotel Bistro", "location": "Húsafell", "meal": "dinner", "date": "2023-06-16", "time": "evening", "food": "Buffet and meat lovers pizza", "participants": [ "Brian", "Siena", "and family" ], "notes": "Live and learn", "buffet_rating": "poor", "pizza_rating": "good" } ], "weather": { "conditions": "overcast", "notes": "Typical Icelandic weather" } }, { "title": "Iceland 2023 Day 7", "date": "2023-06-17", "subtitle": "Moving day to Reykjavik", "categories": "travel iceland", "tags": [ "june2023" ], "rollup_key": "2023iceland", "start_location": { "name": "Húsafell Cottage", "type": "lodging" }, "end_location": { "name": "Old Reykjavik Charm", "type": "lodging", "city": "Reykjavik", "alternate_name": "Old Charm Reykjavik", "url": "https://oldreykjavik.is/" }, "locations": [ { "name": "Húsafell", "country": "Iceland" }, { "name": "Reykjavik", "country": "Iceland" } ], "days_at_location": 1, "venues": [ { "name": "Tesla Supercharger", "type": "charging_station", "location": "North Reykjavik" }, { "name": "Hallgrímskirkja", "type": "church", "url": "https://www.hallgrimskirkja.is/" }, { "name": "Rainbow Street", "type": "landmark", "location": "Downtown Reykjavik" }, { "name": "Sun Voyager", "type": "art_installation", "location": "Reykjavik waterfront" }, { "name": "Rossopomodoro", "type": "restaurant", "cuisine": "Italian", "url": "https://rossopomodoro.is/" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "car_rental", "provider": "Hertz", "vehicle": "Tesla", "dropoff_location": "Reykjavik Domestic Airport", "dropoff_time": "3pm" }, { "type": "scooter_rental", "provider": "Zolo", "distance": "1.2mi" } ], "walking_distance": "2.2km", "activities": [ "Car return and walk through Reykjavik", "Church visit (Hallgrímskirkja interior tour)", "Playground visit", "Fish and chips lunch", "Waterfront walk to Sun Voyager sculpture", "Scooter rental and ride", "Italian dinner" ] }, { "title": "Iceland 2023 Day 8", "date": "2023-06-18", "subtitle": "Rainy day in Reykjavik", "categories": "travel iceland", "tags": [ "june2023" ], "rollup_key": "2023iceland", "trip_day": 8, "start_location": "Old Reykjavik Charm, Reykjavik", "end_location": "Old Reykjavik Charm, Reykjavik", "locations": [ { "name": "Reykjavik", "country": "Iceland", "type": "city", "visited": true }, { "name": "Sun Voyager sculpture", "country": "Iceland", "type": "landmark", "visited": true, "url": "https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/sun-voyager" }, { "name": "Icelandic Punk Museum", "country": "Iceland", "type": "museum", "visited": true }, { "name": "Hús máls og menningar", "country": "Iceland", "type": "bookstore", "visited": true, "url": "https://husmalsogmenningar.is/", "notes": "Bookstore with bar and live music" } ], "days_at_location": 2, "accommodation": [ { "name": "Old Reykjavik Charm", "location": "Reykjavik, Iceland", "type": "apartment", "nights": 2, "checkin": false, "checkout": false, "url": "https://oldreykjavik.is/" } ], "next_day_logistics": [ "Checkout by 11am", "Private car arranged to airport", "Arrival at KEF around 11:45am for 4:45pm flight", "Global Entry interviews booked on arrival", "NYC trip planned for following day" ], "activities": [ { "type": "dining", "name": "Bakery breakfast", "location": "Near Sun Voyager sculpture", "date": "2023-06-18", "time": "morning", "food": "Coffee and croissant", "notes": "Caught up on news in corner spot" }, { "type": "shopping", "name": "Souvenir shopping", "location": "Reykjavik", "date": "2023-06-18", "participants": "Brian and Siena", "items": "Pot holder and coaster" }, { "type": "walking", "name": "Walking around Reykjavik", "location": "Reykjavik", "date": "2023-06-18", "participants": "Brian and Siena", "duration": "Approximately 2.5 miles", "notes": "Exploring in the rain" }, { "type": "cultural", "name": "Punk Museum visit", "location": "Icelandic Punk Museum", "date": "2023-06-18", "notes": "Near Prime Minister's house" }, { "type": "cultural", "name": "Rainbow street viewing", "location": "Reykjavik rainbow road", "date": "2023-06-18", "notes": "Iconic rainbow-painted street" }, { "type": "cultural", "name": "Bookstore visit", "location": "Hús máls og menningar", "date": "2023-06-18", "participants": "Brian and Siena", "notes": "Iconic bookstore with bar and live music venue" }, { "type": "recreation", "name": "Ice cream outing", "location": "Reykjavik", "date": "2023-06-18", "participants": "Rowan and Sherri", "food": "Oreo ice cream" } ], "dining": [ { "name": "Bakery near Sun Voyager", "location": "Reykjavik waterfront", "meal": "Breakfast", "date": "2023-06-18", "time": "morning", "food": "Coffee and croissant", "participants": "Brian", "cost_level": "moderate" }, { "name": "Ice cream shop", "location": "Reykjavik", "meal": "snack", "date": "2023-06-18", "food": "Oreo ice cream", "participants": "Rowan and Sherri" }, { "name": "Subway", "location": "Reykjavik", "meal": "Dinner", "date": "2023-06-18", "time": "evening", "participants": "Brian, Sherri, and Siena", "cuisine": "American fast food", "notes": "Quick and predictable option", "cost_level": "budget" }, { "name": "Home cooking", "location": "Old Reykjavik Charm", "meal": "Dinner (Brian's meal)", "date": "2023-06-18", "food": "Ham sandwiches", "participants": "All family", "notes": "Made by Sherri, ate and talked in the kitchen", "cost_level": "budget" } ], "highlights": [ "Cozy morning at bakery with coffee and croissant", "Souvenir shopping with daughter", "Family time indoors during rainy weather", "Visited iconic Reykjavik landmarks despite weather" ], "challenges": [ { "type": "weather", "description": "Rainy, wet, chilly weather all day", "impact": "Limited outdoor activities, mostly stayed indoors" }, { "type": "social", "description": "Brian's introversion prevented solo restaurant dining", "notes": "Walked 2.5 miles looking but couldn't bring himself to sit alone" } ], "weather": { "conditions": "Rainy", "intensity": "Light in morning, heavier at times", "temperature": "Chilly", "notes": "Columbia rain jacket got heavy use", "impact": "Mostly stayed indoors" } }, { "title": "Iceland 2023 Day 9", "date": "2023-06-19", "subtitle": "Departure day and KEF airport chaos", "categories": "travel iceland", "tags": [ "june2023" ], "rollup_key": "2023iceland", "trip_day": 9, "start_location": "Old Reykjavik Charm, Reykjavik", "end_location": "Home, United States", "locations": [ { "name": "Reykjavik", "country": "Iceland", "type": "city", "visited": true }, { "name": "Keflavík International Airport (KEF)", "country": "Iceland", "type": "airport", "visited": true, "coordinates": [ 63.985, -22.605 ] } ], "days_at_location": 0, "accommodation": [ { "name": "Old Reykjavik Charm", "location": "Reykjavik, Iceland", "type": "apartment", "nights": 2, "checkin": false, "checkout": true, "url": "https://oldreykjavik.is/" } ], "points_of_interest": [ { "name": "KEF check-in area", "type": "airport-facility", "notes": "Self-service machines for boarding passes and bag tags, minimal staff presence", "tips": "Arrive early if more than 3 hours before flight as check-in may be locked" }, { "name": "KEF luggage tag machines", "type": "airport-facility", "notes": "Poorly marked machines near elevator that print luggage tags" }, { "name": "KEF self-service baggage drop", "type": "airport-facility", "notes": "Automated bag check area" }, { "name": "KEF duty-free area", "type": "shopping", "notes": "Required passage through duty-free to reach main terminal", "warning": "Very expensive food options, check prices carefully" }, { "name": "KEF D Terminal", "type": "airport-facility", "notes": "US/Canada bound flights, located past Passport Control", "access": "Must pass through Schengen area exit control" }, { "name": "KEF gateside", "type": "airport-facility", "notes": "Multiple flights departing every 5 minutes, buses to tarmac", "tips": "Limited seating, don't arrive too early" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "private-car", "route": "Old Reykjavik Charm to KEF", "pickup": "11:00am", "arrival": "11:45am", "duration": "45 minutes", "provider": "Private car service" }, { "type": "flight", "route": "KEF to US", "departure": "4:45pm", "arrival": "7:30pm EDT", "duration": "6.5 hours", "carrier": "Icelandair", "notes": "Direct transatlantic flight" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "travel", "name": "Departure from Iceland", "location": "KEF", "date": "2023-06-19", "time": "afternoon/evening", "flight_time": "4:45pm", "flight_duration": "6.5 hours", "arrival_time": "7:30pm EDT", "carrier": "Icelandair", "notes": "International departure back to United States" } ], "dining": [ { "location": "KEF Airport", "meal": "snacks/waiting", "notes": "Expensive airport food, $33 for regular takeaway sushi", "cost_level": "very expensive" } ], "highlights": [ "Smooth private car pickup at 11am", "Successfully navigated self-service airport systems", "Completion of Iceland family trip" ], "challenges": [ { "type": "logistics", "description": "Arrived 5 hours early due to transportation constraints" }, { "type": "navigation", "description": "Confusing self-service airport systems with minimal staff" }, { "type": "airport-experience", "description": "Overcrowded D Terminal with limited seating" } ], "weather": { "conditions": "departure day" } } ] }, { "rollup_key": "2024japan", "posts": [ { "title": "Japan Planning", "date": "2024-01-23 07:31:47 -0500", "subtitle": "Where Brian realizes he probably shouldn't try to YOLO a 12 day trip to Japan", "categories": "travel japan", "tags": null, "rollup_key": "2024japan", "trip_stage": "planning", "trip_type": "solo", "locations": [ { "name": "Tokyo", "type": "city", "country": "Japan", "notes": "Hotel booked for the first two nights to burn off jet lag; planned home base" }, { "name": "Kyoto", "type": "city", "country": "Japan", "notes": "Planned home base for day trips" } ], "companions": [ "solo" ], "travel_sentiment": "Started 90% excited and 10% anxious when booking; closer to 50/50 a week later" }, { "title": "Japan T-minus 3 days", "date": "2024-01-29", "subtitle": "As ready as I'm going to be", "categories": "travel japan", "tags": null, "rollup_key": "2024japan", "trip_stage": "planning", "locations": [ { "name": "Tokyo", "type": "city", "country": "Japan", "notes": "First three nights booked in the Asakusa area" }, { "name": "Kamakura", "type": "town", "country": "Japan", "notes": "Two nights booked" }, { "name": "Kyoto", "type": "city", "country": "Japan", "notes": "Three nights booked; last three nights of the trip still open" } ], "flights": [ { "route": "Raleigh → Minneapolis", "departure_time": "6:00am", "duration": "3 hours" }, { "route": "Minneapolis → Tokyo-Haneda", "departure_time": "10:30am", "duration": "13.5 hours" } ], "activities": [ "Researching cities, towns, and villages between Tokyo and Kyoto/Osaka", "Booking eight nights of lodging (Asakusa, Kamakura, Kyoto)", "Filling out Japan customs and immigration form online", "Purchasing a mobile Suica IC card for Apple Wallet", "Purchasing an Airalo eSIM data plan (10GB for $9)", "Purchasing travel medical insurance", "Learning Japanese phrases with Pimsleur" ], "companions": [ "solo" ] }, { "title": "Japan Trip Days 1 and 2", "date": "2024-02-02", "subtitle": "The travel over and jet lag", "categories": "travel japan", "tags": null, "rollup_key": "2024japan", "trip_stage": "outbound", "locations": [ { "name": "Raleigh", "type": "city", "country": "United States", "notes": "Departure from RDU" }, { "name": "Minneapolis", "type": "city", "country": "United States", "notes": "Layover" }, { "name": "Tokyo", "type": "city", "country": "Japan", "notes": "Asakusa neighborhood" } ], "days_at_location": { "Tokyo": 2 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Tokyo-Haneda Airport", "type": "airport", "location": "Tokyo, Japan" }, { "name": "Asakusa Station", "type": "train_station", "location": "Tokyo, Japan" }, { "name": "Nakamise-dori Street", "type": "street", "location": "Asakusa, Tokyo", "notes": "Famous shopping street" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "flight", "from": "Raleigh (RDU)", "to": "Minneapolis", "duration": "3 hours", "airline": "Unknown" }, { "type": "flight", "from": "Minneapolis", "to": "Tokyo-Haneda", "duration": "13.5 hours", "airline": "Unknown" }, { "type": "train", "from": "Tokyo-Haneda Airport Terminal 3", "to": "Asakusa Station", "duration": "40 minutes", "line": "Unknown", "notes": "Used Suica card for payment" }, { "type": "walking", "from": "Asakusa Station", "to": "Hotel", "duration": "15 minutes" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 1, "type": "travel", "description": "Flight from Raleigh to Tokyo via Minneapolis", "duration": "16.5 hours" }, { "day": 1, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Initial exploration of Asakusa neighborhood", "location": "Asakusa, Tokyo" }, { "day": 2, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Neighborhood tour and convenience store visit", "location": "Near hotel, Asakusa" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Cruised through Japan immigration in about five minutes using the online QR code arrival form", "Happened upon the famous Nakamise-dori Street while walking to the hotel" ], "companions": [ "solo" ] }, { "title": "Japan trip day 3", "date": "2024-02-03", "subtitle": "First explorations in Tokyo", "categories": "travel japan", "tags": null, "rollup_key": "2024japan", "locations": [ { "name": "Tokyo", "type": "city", "country": "Japan", "notes": "Asakusa and Ueno neighborhoods" } ], "days_at_location": { "Tokyo": 1 }, "accommodations": [ { "name": "Asakusa View Annex Rokku", "location": "Asakusa, Tokyo", "notes": "Breakfast mixing Western and Japanese options; lounge with a view" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Senso-Ji Temple", "type": "temple", "location": "Asakusa, Tokyo" }, { "name": "Asakusa View Annex Rokku", "type": "hotel", "location": "Asakusa, Tokyo" }, { "name": "Kura Sushi", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Asakusa, Tokyo", "notes": "Revolving sushi restaurant on 4th floor of department store" }, { "name": "Tokyo National Museum", "type": "museum", "location": "Ueno, Tokyo" }, { "name": "FamilyMart", "type": "convenience_store", "location": "Asakusa, Tokyo" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "walking", "from": "Hotel", "to": "Senso-Ji Temple", "duration": "5 minutes" }, { "type": "walking", "from": "Hotel", "to": "Tokyo National Museum", "duration": "~30 minutes", "distance": "2km" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 3, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Early morning visit to Senso-Ji Temple without crowds", "location": "Senso-Ji, Asakusa", "time": "5:30am" }, { "day": 3, "type": "dining", "description": "Hotel breakfast with Western and Japanese options", "location": "Asakusa View Annex Rokku" }, { "day": 3, "type": "dining", "description": "Solo lunch at Kura revolving sushi restaurant", "location": "Kura Sushi, Asakusa" }, { "day": 3, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Walking tour and visit to Tokyo National Museum", "location": "Tokyo National Museum, Ueno", "distance": "2km walk" }, { "day": 3, "type": "dining", "description": "Light dinner from convenience store", "location": "FamilyMart, Asakusa" } ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Asakusa View Annex Rokku", "meal": "breakfast", "location": "Asakusa, Tokyo", "notes": "Western plate plus seaweed salad and a creamy soup" }, { "venue": "Kura Sushi", "meal": "lunch", "location": "Asakusa, Tokyo", "notes": "Revolving sushi; self check-in kiosk and QR-code ordering navigated with Google Translate" }, { "venue": "FamilyMart", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Asakusa, Tokyo", "notes": "Konbini items; too tired for a proper dinner" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Photographing Senso-Ji at 5:30am without the usual crowds", "Eating at a restaurant with zero English using Google Translate screenshots" ], "weather": "Cold winter morning, too cold to wander before sunrise", "companions": [ "solo" ] }, { "title": "Japan trip day 4", "date": "2024-02-04", "subtitle": "Tokyo", "categories": "travel japan", "tags": null, "rollup_key": "2024japan", "locations": [ { "name": "Tokyo", "type": "city", "country": "Japan", "notes": "Asakusa and Shibuya neighborhoods" } ], "days_at_location": { "Tokyo": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Asakusa Underground Street", "type": "shopping", "location": "Asakusa Station, Tokyo", "notes": "Underground shopping arcade" }, { "name": "Shibuya Scramble Crossing", "type": "landmark", "location": "Shibuya, Tokyo" }, { "name": "Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu)", "type": "shrine", "location": "Shibuya, Tokyo" }, { "name": "CAFÉ Mori no Terrace", "type": "cafe", "location": "Near Meiji Shrine entrance, Tokyo", "url": "https://www.meijikinenkan.gr.jp/forestterrace-en/facility/moricafe.html" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "train", "from": "Asakusa", "to": "Shibuya", "duration": "1 hour", "line": "Tokyo Metro" }, { "type": "walking", "from": "Shibuya Crossing", "to": "Meiji Shrine", "duration": "30 minutes" }, { "type": "train", "from": "Shibuya", "to": "Asakusa", "line": "Tokyo Metro" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 4, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Visit to Asakusa Underground Street", "location": "Asakusa Station, Tokyo" }, { "day": 4, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Walking across Shibuya Scramble Crossing", "location": "Shibuya, Tokyo" }, { "day": 4, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Exploration of Shibuya shopping district", "location": "Shibuya, Tokyo" }, { "day": 4, "type": "dining", "description": "Coffee at CAFÉ Mori no Terrace", "location": "Meiji Shrine area, Tokyo" }, { "day": 4, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Visit to Meiji Shrine and park", "location": "Meiji Jingu, Tokyo" }, { "day": 4, "type": "dining", "description": "Sushi dinner at restaurant near hotel", "location": "Asakusa, Tokyo" } ], "dining": [ { "venue": "CAFÉ Mori no Terrace", "meal": "coffee", "location": "Near Meiji Shrine entrance, Tokyo", "url": "https://www.meijikinenkan.gr.jp/forestterrace-en/facility/moricafe.html", "notes": "Warm-up and people-watching stop before entering the park" }, { "venue": "Sushi restaurant across from hotel", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Asakusa, Tokyo" } ], "notable_mentions": [ "Comparison of Japanese hotel toilets versus the Toto S550E at home", "Asakusa Underground Street was underwhelming despite its cyberpunk description", "Restaurant area near Meiji Shrine evoked Northern California" ], "weather": "Chilly, overcast winter day", "companions": [ "solo" ] }, { "title": "Japan trip days 5, 6, and 7", "date": "2024-02-07", "subtitle": "Kamakura", "categories": "travel japan", "tags": null, "rollup_key": "2024japan", "locations": [ { "name": "Kamakura", "type": "town", "country": "Japan" }, { "name": "Yokohama", "type": "city", "country": "Japan", "notes": "Train transfer en route from Tokyo" } ], "days_at_location": { "Kamakura": 3 }, "accommodations": [ { "name": "Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura", "location": "Kamakura", "notes": "Two short blocks from the train station; room overlooked one of the main streets" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Yokohama Station", "type": "train_station", "location": "Yokohama, Japan" }, { "name": "Kamakura Station", "type": "train_station", "location": "Kamakura, Japan" }, { "name": "Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura", "type": "hotel", "location": "Kamakura, Japan" }, { "name": "7-Eleven", "type": "convenience_store", "location": "Kamakura, Japan" }, { "name": "Sugimotodera Temple", "type": "temple", "location": "Kamakura, Japan", "notes": "Smallest and favorite temple visited" }, { "name": "Hokokuji Temple", "type": "temple", "location": "Kamakura, Japan" }, { "name": "Tsurugaoka Hachimangu", "type": "shrine", "location": "Kamakura, Japan" }, { "name": "Kotoku-in (Great Buddha)", "type": "temple", "location": "Kamakura, Japan", "notes": "35-foot tall bronze Great Buddha statue" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "train", "from": "Tokyo", "to": "Yokohama", "line": "JR Line" }, { "type": "train", "from": "Yokohama", "to": "Kamakura", "line": "JR Line" }, { "type": "train", "from": "Kamakura", "to": "Kotoku-in", "notes": "Short train ride" }, { "type": "walking", "from": "Kamakura Station", "to": "Hotel", "duration": "2 blocks" }, { "type": "walking", "from": "Hotel", "to": "Sugimotodera Temple", "distance": "1 mile" }, { "type": "walking", "from": "Kotoku-in", "to": "Hotel", "distance": "2km" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 5, "type": "travel", "description": "Train journey from Tokyo to Kamakura via Yokohama during snow storm", "location": "Tokyo to Kamakura" }, { "day": 5, "type": "relaxation", "description": "Hunkering down during snow storm, catching up on sleep and writing", "location": "Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura" }, { "day": 5, "type": "dining", "description": "7-Eleven lunch including fried chicken and onigiri", "location": "7-Eleven, Kamakura" }, { "day": 6, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Post-snow storm temple visits to Sugimotodera and Hokokuji", "location": "Kamakura", "distance": "1 mile walk" }, { "day": 6, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Evening visit to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shinto shrine", "location": "Kamakura" }, { "day": 7, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Early morning visit to Kotoku-in Great Buddha temple", "location": "Kotoku-in, Kamakura" }, { "day": 7, "type": "walking", "description": "2km walk back to hotel from Kotoku-in", "location": "Kamakura" } ], "dining": [ { "venue": "7-Eleven", "meal": "lunch", "location": "Kamakura", "notes": "Fried chicken, onigiri, and Coke Zero during the snow storm" } ], "highlights": [ "Sugimotodera Temple, the smallest and favorite temple of the trip", "Early morning visit to Kotoku-in Great Buddha with nice weather and no crowds" ], "notable_experiences": [ "Tonkatsu restaurant closed early and turned him away due to the storm", "Kamakura was where the differentness of language and culture started to feel less overwhelming" ], "weather": "Rain/sleet mix with 20-30 mph wind gusts turning to a snow storm on day 5; sunny and warmer by day 7", "companions": [ "solo" ] }, { "title": "Japan trip days 8 and 9", "date": "2024-02-09", "subtitle": "Kyoto", "categories": "travel japan", "tags": null, "rollup_key": "2024japan", "locations": [ { "name": "Kyoto", "type": "city", "country": "Japan" } ], "days_at_location": { "Kyoto": 2 }, "accommodations": [ { "name": "Hotel Granvia Kyoto", "location": "Kyoto Station, Kyoto", "notes": "Built into the main train station above an extensive mall complex; chosen for central transit access" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Kyoto Station", "type": "train_station", "location": "Kyoto, Japan" }, { "name": "Hotel Granvia Kyoto", "type": "hotel", "location": "Kyoto Station, Kyoto, Japan" }, { "name": "Nijo-jo Castle", "type": "castle", "location": "Kyoto, Japan" }, { "name": "Kyoto Imperial Palace", "type": "palace", "location": "Kyoto, Japan" }, { "name": "Kiyomizu-dera Temple", "type": "temple", "location": "Kyoto, Japan" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "train", "from": "Yokohama", "to": "Kyoto", "line": "Shinkansen", "notes": "High-speed bullet train" }, { "type": "walking", "from": "Hotel Granvia", "to": "Nijo-jo Castle", "distance": "3.6km" }, { "type": "walking", "from": "Nijo-jo Castle", "to": "Kyoto Imperial Palace", "distance": "1.4km" }, { "type": "subway", "from": "Kyoto Imperial Palace", "to": "Kyoto Station" } ], "next_day_logistics": "Bullet train to Shinagawa Station, then a local train to Haneda Airport", "activities": [ { "day": 8, "type": "travel", "description": "Shinkansen train journey from Yokohama to Kyoto", "location": "Yokohama to Kyoto" }, { "day": 8, "type": "dining", "description": "Late lunch at mall restaurant in Kyoto Station", "location": "Kyoto Station" }, { "day": 8, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Walking tour to Nijo-jo Castle", "location": "Nijo-jo, Kyoto", "distance": "3.6km walk" }, { "day": 8, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Partial walk toward Kyoto Imperial Palace", "location": "Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds", "distance": "1.4km" }, { "day": 8, "type": "dining", "description": "Tonkatsu dinner at Kyoto Station mall", "location": "Kyoto Station" }, { "day": 9, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Early morning visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple", "location": "Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto" }, { "day": 9, "type": "shopping", "description": "Shopping and 7-Eleven meal", "location": "Kyoto" } ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Kyoto Station mall", "meal": "late lunch", "location": "Kyoto Station", "notes": "Tempura set" }, { "venue": "Kyoto Station mall", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Kyoto Station", "notes": "Tonkatsu" }, { "venue": "7-Eleven", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Kyoto", "notes": "Final night meal after shopping" } ], "highlights": [ "Practicing mindfulness while walking the grounds of Nijo-jo Castle", "Early morning visit to Kiyomizu-dera before the crowds" ], "notable_experiences": [ "Spotted a Shiba Inu basking in the sun on the walk back from Kiyomizu-dera" ], "weather": "Cold with threatening rain on day 8; clear blue sky on day 9", "companions": [ "solo" ] }, { "title": "Leaving Japan", "date": "2024-02-10", "subtitle": "Cutting the trip short but excited for next time", "categories": "travel japan", "tags": null, "rollup_key": "2024japan", "trip_stage": "return_travel", "trip_duration": "10 days (truncated from 13 on day 4)", "locations": [ { "name": "Kyoto", "type": "city", "country": "Japan" }, { "name": "Tokyo", "type": "city", "country": "Japan", "notes": "Departure from Haneda Airport" } ], "days_at_location": { "Tokyo": 1 }, "transport": [ { "type": "train", "from": "Kyoto", "to": "Haneda Airport", "via": "Shinagawa Station", "line": "Shinkansen and local train" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 10, "type": "travel", "description": "Departure from Japan, returning to US", "location": "Haneda Airport, Tokyo" }, { "day": 10, "type": "reflection", "description": "Reflecting on first Japan trip and planning for future visits" } ], "highlights": [ "Airalo eSIM data service worked flawlessly for nearly the whole trip", "Navigated trains and subways with ease", "Hotel choices in Asakusa, Kamakura, and Kyoto all worked out well", "Everything packed into one Osprey backpack", "Mobile Suica card for transit and konbini payments", "Never felt concerned about safety, anywhere, at any hour" ], "challenges": [ "Cold and windy weather made it hard to enjoy being outside", "Language barrier wore down the experience and limited connection with locals", "Loneliness as a solo traveler was a key factor in ending the trip early", "Only 15 days to prepare for the trip" ], "companions": [ "solo" ], "travel_sentiment": "Trip cut short, but seen as the beginning of a relationship with Japan, not the end" }, { "title": "Shinkansen", "date": "2024-03-18", "subtitle": "Antiquated systems for the futuristic bullet train", "categories": "travel japan", "tags": null, "rollup_key": "2024japan", "locations": [ { "name": "Tokyo", "type": "city", "country": "Japan" }, { "name": "Kyoto", "type": "city", "country": "Japan" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "train", "line": "Shinkansen", "from": "Tokyo", "to": "Kyoto", "duration": "2 hours", "class": "Green Car (business)", "cost": "~$100 USD" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "travel", "description": "High-speed bullet train journey from Tokyo to Kyoto", "location": "Shinkansen" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Confusing Shinkansen ticket machines that are inaccessible to mobile Suica pass users, requiring a customer service agent to issue two physical tickets", "Ordering rock-hard ice cream via the Green Car wifi snack service", "A tiny onboard urinal room with a transparent folding door" ], "companions": [ "solo" ], "travel_sentiment": "Positive overall on the high-speed train experience despite the ticketing hassle; prefers it to flying once the reduced airport hassle is factored in" } ] }, { "rollup_key": "2024ch", "posts": [ { "title": "Switzerland 2024 Day 1", "date": "2024-07-11", "subtitle": "RDU to Zurich — a jet-lagged arrival", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": [ "july2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024ch", "locations": [ { "name": "Holly Springs", "country": "United States" }, { "name": "JFK Airport", "country": "United States" }, { "name": "Zurich", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Canton of Zürich" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "air", "route": "RDU to JFK to Zurich", "carrier": "Delta" }, { "type": "rail", "route": "Zurich Airport to Zurich city center" } ], "travel_sentiment": "run-down, off" }, { "title": "Switzerland 2024 Day 2", "date": "2024-07-12", "subtitle": "A low-energy day in Zurich", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": [ "july2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024ch", "locations": [ { "name": "Zurich", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Canton of Zürich" } ], "travel_sentiment": "sluggish, jet-lagged" }, { "title": "Switzerland 2024 Day 3", "date": "2024-07-13", "subtitle": "The train to Wengen", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": [ "july2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024ch", "locations": [ { "name": "Zurich", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Canton of Zürich" }, { "name": "Interlaken", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Bernese Oberland" }, { "name": "Wengen", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Bernese Oberland" } ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel Alpenruhe", "location": "Wengen, Switzerland", "url": "https://www.alpenruhe-wengen.ch/" }, "transport": [ { "type": "rail", "route": "Zurich → Bern → Interlaken Ost → Lauterbrunnen → Wengen" } ], "travel_sentiment": "normal, relieved" }, { "title": "Switzerland 2024 Day 4", "date": "2024-07-14", "subtitle": "The Panorama Trail and a look at Mürren", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": [ "july2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024ch", "locations": [ { "name": "Wengen", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Bernese Oberland" }, { "name": "Männlichen", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Bernese Oberland" }, { "name": "Mürren", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Bernese Oberland" } ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel Alpenruhe", "location": "Wengen, Switzerland", "url": "https://www.alpenruhe-wengen.ch/" }, "activities": [ { "type": "hiking", "name": "Panorama Trail (Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg)" }, { "type": "hiking", "name": "Mürren to Grütschalp hike" } ], "travel_sentiment": "content, reflective" }, { "title": "Switzerland 2024 Day 5", "date": "2024-07-15", "subtitle": "Moving day, with a lakeside detour to Spiez", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": [ "july2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024ch", "locations": [ { "name": "Wengen", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Bernese Oberland" }, { "name": "Spiez", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Bernese Oberland" }, { "name": "Brig", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" } ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel de Londres", "location": "Brig, Switzerland", "url": "https://www.hotel-delondres.ch/" }, "transport": [ { "type": "rail", "route": "Wengen → Lauterbrunnen → Interlaken Ost → Spiez → Brig (via Lötschberg-Basistunnel)" } ], "travel_sentiment": "relaxed, warm" }, { "title": "Switzerland 2024 Day 6", "date": "2024-07-16", "subtitle": "Stumbling onto the Aletsch Glacier from Riederalp", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": [ "july2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024ch", "locations": [ { "name": "Brig", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" }, { "name": "Mörel", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" }, { "name": "Riederalp", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" } ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel de Londres", "location": "Brig, Switzerland", "url": "https://www.hotel-delondres.ch/" }, "points_of_interest": [ { "name": "Aletsch Glacier", "type": "glacier" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "hiking", "name": "Riederalp to Hohfluh and Moosfluh (Aletsch Glacier viewpoints)" } ], "travel_sentiment": "awed, tired" }, { "title": "Switzerland 2024 Day 7", "date": "2024-07-17", "subtitle": "The Gourmet Trail to Zermatt — and the loneliness of solo travel", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": [ "july2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024ch", "locations": [ { "name": "Brig", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" }, { "name": "Zermatt", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" } ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel Tannenhof", "location": "Zermatt, Switzerland" }, "points_of_interest": [ { "name": "Matterhorn", "type": "mountain" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "rail", "route": "Brig → Visp" }, { "type": "bus", "route": "Visp → Täsch (rail replacement after flooding)" }, { "type": "rail", "route": "Täsch → Zermatt" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "hiking", "name": "Gourmet Trail (Sunnegga to Zermatt)" } ], "travel_sentiment": "joyful on the trail, acutely lonely in town" }, { "title": "Switzerland 2024 Day 8", "date": "2024-07-18", "subtitle": "The Riffelalp–Sunnegga Nature Trail and cold, clear Grünsee", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": [ "july2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024ch", "locations": [ { "name": "Zermatt", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" }, { "name": "Riffelalp", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" }, { "name": "Sunnegga", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" } ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel Tannenhof", "location": "Zermatt, Switzerland" }, "points_of_interest": [ { "name": "Matterhorn", "type": "mountain" }, { "name": "Grünsee", "type": "lake" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "hiking", "name": "Nature Trail: Riffelalp to Sunnegga" } ], "travel_sentiment": "adventurous, more settled" }, { "title": "Switzerland 2024 Day 9", "date": "2024-07-19", "subtitle": "Moving to car-free Bettmeralp and the best roast beef sandwich", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": [ "july2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024ch", "locations": [ { "name": "Zermatt", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" }, { "name": "Bettmeralp", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" } ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel Waldhaus", "location": "Bettmeralp, Switzerland" }, "transport": [ { "type": "rail", "route": "Zermatt → Täsch" }, { "type": "bus", "route": "Täsch → Visp (rail replacement after flooding)" }, { "type": "rail", "route": "Visp → Betten (then cable car to Bettmeralp)" } ], "travel_sentiment": "restful, reflective" }, { "title": "Switzerland 2024 Day 10", "date": "2024-07-20", "subtitle": "A lighter day above Bettmeralp and one more look at the glacier", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": [ "july2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024ch", "locations": [ { "name": "Bettmeralp", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" }, { "name": "Riederalp", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" } ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel Waldhaus", "location": "Bettmeralp, Switzerland" }, "points_of_interest": [ { "name": "Aletsch Glacier", "type": "glacier" } ], "travel_sentiment": "relaxed, low-key" }, { "title": "Switzerland 2024 Day 11", "date": "2024-07-21", "subtitle": "Schloss Thun and a more local Swiss vibe", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": [ "july2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024ch", "locations": [ { "name": "Bettmeralp", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" }, { "name": "Thun", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Bernese Oberland" } ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel Krone Thun", "location": "Thun, Switzerland", "url": "https://en.krone-thun.ch/" }, "points_of_interest": [ { "name": "Schloss Thun", "type": "castle", "url": "https://schlossthun.ch/en/" } ], "travel_sentiment": "easy, curious" }, { "title": "Switzerland 2024 Day 12", "date": "2024-07-22", "subtitle": "The long journey home", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": [ "july2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024ch", "locations": [ { "name": "Thun", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Bernese Oberland" }, { "name": "Zurich", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Canton of Zürich" }, { "name": "JFK Airport", "country": "United States" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "rail", "route": "Thun → Zurich Airport (IC 8, no transfer)" }, { "type": "air", "route": "Zurich to JFK to RDU", "carrier": "Delta" } ], "travel_sentiment": "worn out, glad to be home" }, { "title": "Switzerland Travels 2024", "date": "2024-07-23", "subtitle": "A solo journey through Zurich, Wengen, Brig, Zermatt, Bettmeralp, and Thun.", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": null, "rollup_key": "2024ch", "trip_type": "solo", "trip_duration": "July 10-22, 2024", "locations": [ { "name": "Zurich", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Canton of Zürich" }, { "name": "Wengen", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Bernese Oberland" }, { "name": "Brig", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" }, { "name": "Zermatt", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" }, { "name": "Bettmeralp", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" }, { "name": "Thun", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Bernese Oberland" } ], "countries_visited": [ "Switzerland" ], "hotels": [ { "name": "Hotel Alpenruhe", "location": "Wengen, Switzerland", "type": "accommodation", "url": "https://www.alpenruhe-wengen.ch/" }, { "name": "Hotel de Londres", "location": "Brig, Switzerland", "type": "accommodation", "url": "https://www.hotel-delondres.ch/" }, { "name": "Hotel Tannenhof", "location": "Zermatt, Switzerland", "type": "accommodation" }, { "name": "Hotel Waldhaus", "location": "Bettmeralp, Switzerland", "type": "accommodation" }, { "name": "Hotel Krone Thun", "location": "Thun, Switzerland", "type": "accommodation", "url": "https://en.krone-thun.ch/" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Negishi", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Zurich, Switzerland", "cuisine": "Japanese", "url": "https://www.negishi.ch/en/zuerich-pelikanplatz" }, { "name": "Pret a Manger", "type": "cafe", "location": "Zurich, Switzerland" }, { "name": "Pasta and More", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Wengen, Switzerland" }, { "name": "Restaurant Augenblick", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Brig, Switzerland", "url": "https://www.restaurant-augenblick.ch/" }, { "name": "Derby", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Zermatt, Switzerland" }, { "name": "Golden Lok", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Zermatt, Switzerland", "url": "https://goldenlok.ch/" }, { "name": "Alpina", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Bettmeralp, Switzerland" }, { "name": "Restaurant Bergdohle Riederalp", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Riederalp, Switzerland" } ], "points_of_interest": [ { "name": "Matterhorn", "type": "mountain" }, { "name": "Aletsch Glacier", "type": "glacier" }, { "name": "Schloss Thun", "type": "castle", "url": "https://schlossthun.ch/en/" }, { "name": "Männlichen", "type": "viewpoint" }, { "name": "Mürren", "type": "village" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "air", "route": "RDU to JFK to Zurich", "carrier": "Delta" }, { "type": "rail", "notes": "Extensive Swiss rail travel between towns; Swiss Half Fare card" } ], "activities": [ "hiking", "train travel", "sightseeing", "Panorama Trail hike (Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg)", "Mürren to Grütschalp hike", "Gourmet Trail hike (Zermatt)", "Aletsch Glacier hikes (Riederalp and Bettmeralp)", "Schloss Thun castle visit" ], "travel_sentiment": "reflective, at times lonely traveling solo" } ] }, { "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "posts": [ { "title": "Iceland Cruise Day 1", "date": "2024-08-02", "subtitle": "When we almost leave for a vacation", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": null, "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "day_type": "travel_day", "trip_stage": "pre_cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Raleigh", "type": "city", "country": "USA" } ], "days_at_location": { "Raleigh": 1 }, "transport": [ { "type": "flight", "from": "Raleigh-Durham (RDU)", "to": "Newark/Jersey City", "status": "cancelled", "airline": "Delta", "notes": "Flight cancelled due to severe weather, rebooked for next morning on United" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 1, "type": "travel_planning", "description": "Dealing with cancelled flight and rebooking travel", "location": "Raleigh, NC" } ], "weather": "Severe weather along the East Coast causing flight cancellations" }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Day 2", "date": "2024-08-03", "subtitle": "An early morning flight and first family visit to New York", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": [ "new york city", "jersey city" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "day_type": "travel_day", "trip_stage": "pre_cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Raleigh", "type": "city", "country": "USA" }, { "name": "Newark", "type": "city", "country": "USA" }, { "name": "Jersey City", "type": "city", "country": "USA" }, { "name": "Manhattan", "type": "city", "country": "USA" } ], "days_at_location": { "Jersey City": 1, "Manhattan": 1 }, "accommodations": [ { "name": "Hyatt House Jersey City", "type": "hotel", "location": "Jersey City, NJ", "url": "https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-house/en-US/lgaxj-hyatt-house-jersey-city", "notes": "Room available on early arrival since the previous night was already paid; digital key issues" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "United Club", "type": "airport_lounge", "location": "Raleigh-Durham Airport" }, { "name": "Hyatt House Jersey City", "type": "hotel", "location": "Jersey City, NJ", "notes": "Digital key issues, weird elevators" }, { "name": "Brookfield Place", "type": "mall", "location": "Lower Manhattan" }, { "name": "One World Trade Center", "type": "observation_deck", "location": "Lower Manhattan", "notes": "11:30am reservation, three floors at top" }, { "name": "The Oculus", "type": "transportation_hub", "location": "Lower Manhattan", "notes": "Mall and station with distinctive architecture" }, { "name": "PATH Station Playground", "type": "playground", "location": "Jersey City" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "uber", "from": "Home", "to": "Raleigh-Durham Airport", "time": "5am" }, { "type": "flight", "from": "Raleigh-Durham (RDU)", "to": "Newark (EWR)", "time": "7am", "airline": "United" }, { "type": "ferry", "from": "Paulus Hook, Jersey City", "to": "Brookfield Place, Manhattan", "time": "10:10am", "notes": "Two minute walk from hotel" }, { "type": "ferry", "from": "Manhattan", "to": "Jersey City", "notes": "Return trip after storms" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 2, "type": "travel", "description": "Early morning 7am flight from RDU to Newark", "location": "Raleigh to Newark" }, { "day": 2, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Ferry to Manhattan and visit to One World Trade Center observation deck", "duration": "11:30am reservation", "location": "Lower Manhattan" }, { "day": 2, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Visited Oculus transportation hub and mall", "location": "Lower Manhattan" }, { "day": 2, "type": "dining", "description": "Crepes at Brookfield Place, later Subway and Sweetgreen", "location": "Manhattan and Jersey City" }, { "day": 2, "type": "relaxation", "description": "Returned to hotel due to severe weather forecast", "location": "Hyatt House Jersey City" }, { "day": 2, "type": "recreation", "description": "Playground visit and photos by river after rain stopped", "location": "Jersey City waterfront" } ], "weather": "Clear and sunny morning, hot and humid, with severe storms arriving in the afternoon", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Day 3", "date": "2024-08-04", "subtitle": "Celebrity cruise embarkation in Bayonne and a stormy sail away", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": [ "new york city", "jersey city", "celebrity", "celebrity eclipse" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "day_type": "travel_day", "trip_stage": "embarkation", "locations": [ { "name": "Jersey City", "type": "city", "country": "USA" }, { "name": "Bayonne", "type": "port_town", "country": "USA" }, { "name": "New York Harbor", "type": "harbor", "country": "USA" } ], "days_at_location": { "Jersey City": 0.5, "Celebrity Eclipse": 0.5 }, "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "Departed Bayonne, NJ", "notes": "First night aboard in the stateroom" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Jersey City Riverwalk", "type": "waterfront", "location": "Jersey City, NJ" }, { "name": "Bayonne Cruise Terminal", "type": "cruise_port", "location": "Bayonne, NJ", "notes": "Smooth check-in despite full cruise" }, { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "Departed New York Harbor" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "uber", "from": "Jersey City", "to": "Bayonne cruise terminal", "time": "noon" }, { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "Bayonne, NJ", "to": "At sea", "time": "4:00pm sailaway", "notes": "Full cruise, stormy sailaway through New York Harbor" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 3, "type": "recreation", "description": "Morning walk on Jersey City riverwalk with Starbucks breakfast", "location": "Jersey City" }, { "day": 3, "type": "travel", "description": "Embarkation at Bayonne cruise terminal", "location": "Bayonne, NJ" }, { "day": 3, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Stormy sailaway viewing Statue of Liberty, lower Manhattan, and Verrazano Bridge", "time": "4:00pm", "location": "New York Harbor" }, { "day": 3, "type": "dining", "description": "First dinner in main dining room", "time": "8:30pm", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "weather": "Thunderstorms gathered around the NYC area during sailaway; rainy and foggy the rest of the day with a break for sunset", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Day 4", "date": "2024-08-05", "subtitle": "Between NYC and Halifax, the first of many sea days we'd have on this voyage", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": [ "celebrity", "celebrity eclipse" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "day_type": "sea_day", "trip_stage": "cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Atlantic Ocean", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters" } ], "days_at_location": { "Celebrity Eclipse": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "At sea between NYC and Halifax" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "At sea", "to": "Halifax", "notes": "Dense fog all day, ship sounding horn every minute" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 4, "type": "relaxation", "description": "Sea day with dense fog conditions", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 4, "type": "recreation", "description": "Kids racing around ship and playing elevator tag", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "weather": "Dense fog all day, growing thicker as the day progressed; ship sounded its horn every minute mid-afternoon onward" }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Day 5", "date": "2024-08-06", "subtitle": "A cloudy day in a familiar city, with lots of family", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": [ "halifax", "celebrity", "celebrity eclipse" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "day_type": "port_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Halifax", "type": "city", "country": "Canada" }, { "name": "Halifax Harbor", "type": "port", "country": "Canada" } ], "days_at_location": { "Halifax": 1, "Celebrity Eclipse": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Halifax Harbor", "type": "port", "location": "Halifax, Nova Scotia", "notes": "Docked downtown, cell coverage with US/Canada plan" }, { "name": "Tim Hortons", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Halifax waterfront" }, { "name": "Halifax Waterfront", "type": "waterfront", "location": "Halifax, Nova Scotia", "notes": "New development with Deloitte-anchored condos and Cunard project" }, { "name": "Spring Garden Road", "type": "shopping_district", "location": "Halifax, Nova Scotia" }, { "name": "Lululemon", "type": "store", "location": "Spring Garden Road, Halifax" }, { "name": "McNab's Island", "type": "landmark", "location": "Halifax Harbor", "notes": "Visible during sailaway" }, { "name": "Georges Island", "type": "landmark", "location": "Halifax Harbor", "notes": "Visible during sailaway" }, { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "Halifax then at sea to St. John's" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "At sea", "to": "Halifax, Nova Scotia", "time": "Early morning arrival", "notes": "Ship performed 180-degree turn to dock starboard side" } ], "walking_distance": "8 miles (Brian), 14 miles (Sherri)", "activities": [ { "day": 5, "type": "arrival", "description": "Early morning arrival in Halifax with fog, watched docking maneuver from top deck", "time": "5:30am - 7:00am", "location": "Halifax Harbor" }, { "day": 5, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Disembarked and walked Halifax waterfront meeting family members", "time": "10:00am", "location": "Halifax waterfront" }, { "day": 5, "type": "dining", "description": "Tim Hortons stop for treats", "location": "Halifax waterfront" }, { "day": 5, "type": "social", "description": "Met with Ann, Greg, Shane, Katie, Will, and Sam at the wave landmark", "time": "10:45am", "location": "Halifax waterfront" }, { "day": 5, "type": "shopping", "description": "Sherri and Siena shopped on Spring Garden Road and visited Lululemon, met Amanda", "location": "Spring Garden Road" }, { "day": 5, "type": "social", "description": "Sherri connected with Aunts Betty, Dorothy, and Kay", "location": "Halifax" }, { "day": 5, "type": "dining", "description": "Lunch onboard ship", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 5, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Sailaway viewing McNab's and Georges Islands from 200 feet up", "time": "Afternoon", "location": "Halifax Harbor departure" }, { "day": 5, "type": "entertainment", "description": "Kids attended illusionist show in main theater", "time": "Evening", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 5, "type": "dining", "description": "Dinner in main dining room, unusually quick service", "time": "Evening", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "weather": "Foggy early morning giving way to cloudy skies", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Day 6", "date": "2024-08-07", "subtitle": "Sea day between Halifax and St. John's, NL", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": [ "celebrity", "celebrity eclipse" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "day_type": "sea_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Atlantic Ocean (between Halifax and St. John's)", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters" } ], "days_at_location": { "Celebrity Eclipse": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "At sea between Halifax and St. John's" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "Halifax", "to": "At sea toward St. John's, Newfoundland", "notes": "Overcast day, mid-60s temperatures, moderate winds" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 6, "type": "relaxation", "description": "Sea day with 9 hours sleep and late morning wake-up", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 6, "type": "dining", "description": "Light breakfast and lunch with family", "time": "8:30am breakfast, noon lunch", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 6, "type": "recreation", "description": "Reading in deck chairs", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "weather": "Overcast and gray, mid-60s F, moderate winds", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Day 7", "date": "2024-08-08", "subtitle": "St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": [ "st johns", "celebrity", "celebrity eclipse" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "day_type": "port_day", "locations": [ { "name": "St. John's", "type": "city", "country": "Canada" }, { "name": "Signal Hill", "type": "historic_site", "country": "Canada" } ], "days_at_location": { "St. John's": 1, "Celebrity Eclipse": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Signal Hill", "type": "historic_site", "location": "St. John's, Newfoundland", "notes": "Historic fortifications, museum, cafe, gift shop, very windy" }, { "name": "Signal Hill Museum and Cafe", "type": "museum", "location": "Signal Hill, St. John's" }, { "name": "North Head Trail Loop", "type": "hiking_trail", "location": "Signal Hill, St. John's", "notes": "Steep stairs, cliff-side path, rocky scrambles, approximately 20 minutes too long" }, { "name": "St. John's Main Street", "type": "pedestrian_street", "location": "St. John's downtown", "notes": "Closed to vehicle traffic on certain summer days" }, { "name": "Tim Hortons", "type": "restaurant", "location": "St. John's Main Street" }, { "name": "Sushi Restaurant", "type": "restaurant", "location": "St. John's Main Street", "notes": "Bento box plus sushi for ~$20 US" }, { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "St. John's then at sea" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "At sea", "to": "St. John's, Newfoundland", "notes": "Perfect weather day, 75F with scattered clouds" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 7, "type": "hiking", "description": "Hiked from ship up to Signal Hill summit via road", "time": "10:15am departure", "location": "St. John's to Signal Hill" }, { "day": 7, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Visited Signal Hill fortifications, museum, and cafe", "location": "Signal Hill" }, { "day": 7, "type": "hiking", "description": "North Head Trail Loop with stairs, rocks, and cliff views", "location": "Signal Hill" }, { "day": 7, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Walked back into town through colorful neighborhoods", "location": "St. John's" }, { "day": 7, "type": "dining", "description": "Lunch at sushi restaurant, bento box and sushi", "time": "Midday", "location": "St. John's Main Street" }, { "day": 7, "type": "relaxation", "description": "Returned to ship mid-afternoon to recover from hike", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 7, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Watched locals wave farewell from Signal Hill during sailaway", "time": "Afternoon", "location": "St. John's Harbor" }, { "day": 7, "type": "dining", "description": "Dinner in main dining room, daughter had two crème brûlées", "time": "Evening", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "weather": "Incredible weather day, only a few scattered clouds, highs around 75F, very windy on Signal Hill", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Day 8", "date": "2024-08-09", "subtitle": "Sea day 1 between St. John's and Greenland", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": [ "celebrity", "celebrity eclipse" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "day_type": "sea_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Labrador Sea", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters" } ], "days_at_location": { "Celebrity Eclipse": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "Labrador Sea at 56° N latitude" }, { "name": "Tuscan Grille", "type": "specialty_restaurant", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse", "notes": "Upscale Italian, step above main dining room" }, { "name": "Teen Lounge", "type": "recreation", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "St. John's", "to": "At sea toward Greenland (Labrador Sea)", "notes": "Low 50s temps, calm seas, about 1/3 of way to Qaqortoq. Captain warned of 25-30kt winds and 6-8ft seas for next day" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 8, "type": "relaxation", "description": "First of two sea days between St. John's and Greenland", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 8, "type": "dining", "description": "Parents dined at Tuscan Grille specialty restaurant", "time": "Evening", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 8, "type": "dining", "description": "Kids went to main dining room 20 minutes late by themselves", "time": "Evening", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 8, "type": "social", "description": "Kids finally made friends at Teen Lounge and played shipwide Hide & Seek past midnight", "time": "Evening", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 8, "type": "relaxation", "description": "Nice afternoon weather on western balcony, shorts weather with ship blocking wind", "time": "Afternoon", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse balcony" } ], "weather": "Low 50s F, calm seas; shorts weather on the wind-sheltered western balcony in the afternoon", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Day 9", "date": "2024-08-10", "subtitle": "A special birthday sea day off the coast of Greenland!", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": [ "celebrity", "celebrity eclipse" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "trip_day": 9, "day_type": "sea_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Labrador Sea", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters" } ], "days_at_location": { "Celebrity Eclipse": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Le Petit Chef", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse", "notes": "Specialty restaurant with animated projection shows presented before courses" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "St. John's, Newfoundland", "to": "Qaqortoq, Greenland", "notes": "Second of two sea days between St. John's and Greenland" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 9, "type": "dining", "description": "Birthday dinner for Rowan at Le Petit Chef, with projection shows on the history of tomatoes and the history of art before the courses", "time": "Evening", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 9, "type": "celebration", "description": "Celebrated Rowan's birthday with Shirley Temples and a chocolate birthday cake", "time": "Evening", "location": "Le Petit Chef, Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 9, "type": "social", "description": "The kids spent time with friends they have made on the ship", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Le Petit Chef", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse", "notes": "Food was main-restaurant quality with the main course a step up; chalky chocolate birthday cake for dessert" } ], "notable_events": [ "Rowan's birthday" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Day 10", "date": "2024-08-11", "subtitle": "Drizzly day in Qaqortoq, Greenland", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": [ "greenland", "qaqortoq", "celebrity", "celebrityeclipse" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "trip_day": 10, "day_type": "port_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Qaqortoq", "type": "town", "country": "Greenland" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Coffee shop near Sermilik Lake", "type": "cafe", "location": "Qaqortoq, Greenland", "notes": "Reached by 9am but found closed to those not on a tour" }, { "name": "Grocery store", "type": "store", "location": "Qaqortoq, Greenland", "notes": "Hoped to shop and use internet, but language barrier prevented interaction" } ], "points_of_interest": [ { "name": "Prince Christian Sound", "type": "sound", "location": "Southern Greenland", "notes": "Planned scenic sailing that weather conditions did not allow" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "At sea", "to": "Qaqortoq, Greenland", "notes": "Tendered to shore in Qaqortoq" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 10, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Tendered ashore, walked up a hill in the rain and took photos of the ship, then tendered back", "location": "Qaqortoq, Greenland" }, { "day": 10, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "On departure the captain and pilots took the ship near an iceberg and performed several 360-degree turns for photos and videos", "location": "Off the coast of Qaqortoq, Greenland" }, { "day": 10, "type": "celebration", "description": "Cake and singing at main dining for Rowan's birthday, since the family had been at a specialty restaurant the previous night", "time": "Evening", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "notable_events": [ "Rowan's birthday celebration at main dining" ], "challenges": [ "Coffee shop near Sermilik Lake was closed to guests not on a tour", "Language barrier at the grocery store, with no Greenlandic language pack downloaded for Google Translate", "Not prepared with weather-appropriate shoes for the cold rain", "Storm conditions and rough seas expected overnight" ], "weather": "Drizzly, chilly rain and overcast; storm conditions expected overnight with winds to 50 knots and seas to 15 feet", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Days 11 and 12", "date": "2024-08-12", "subtitle": "Rocky sea days between Greenland and Iceland", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": [ "celebrity", "celebrity eclipse" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "trip_day": "11-12", "day_type": "sea_day", "locations": [ { "name": "North Atlantic between Greenland and Iceland", "type": "sea" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "Qaqortoq, Greenland", "to": "At sea toward Akureyri, Iceland", "notes": "Two sea days crossing from Greenland to Iceland in rough conditions" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 11, "type": "rest", "description": "Largely confined to the cabin recovering from a cold, buying Nyquil from the onboard store on the second day", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "challenges": [ "Rough seas and heavy rocking after leaving Qaqortoq", "Brian battling a cold and sleeping poorly for several nights", "Siena's phone became unresponsive and would not hard power cycle, fixed only after the battery drained" ], "weather": "Rough seas after leaving Qaqortoq, with the captain later reporting winds around 60 mph and seas to 5 meters; seas remained rough across both days", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Day 13", "date": "2024-08-14", "subtitle": "The northern Iceland city Akureyri, and an educational shore excursion", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": [ "akureyri", "iceland", "celebrity", "celebrityeclipse" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "trip_day": 13, "day_type": "port_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Akureyri", "type": "city", "country": "Iceland" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Laufás Heritage Site", "type": "historic_site", "location": "Near Akureyri, Iceland", "url": "https://www.akureyriguide.is/portfolio/laufas-heritage-site/", "notes": "19th century timber church and turf-roofed vicarage, a church site since early Christianity in Iceland" }, { "name": "Goðafoss Waterfall", "type": "waterfall", "location": "Northern Iceland", "url": "https://www.northiceland.is/en/place/godafoss-waterfall" }, { "name": "Akureyri Botanical Garden", "type": "garden", "location": "Akureyri, Iceland", "url": "https://www.lystigardur.akureyri.is/en", "notes": "Iceland's first public park, opened in 1912" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "At sea", "to": "Akureyri, Iceland", "notes": "Arrived at 8am instead of the scheduled 1pm after skipping Prince Christian Sound" }, { "type": "shore_excursion", "notes": "Booked tour departing at 2:30pm visiting three sites; the only booked shore excursion of the trip" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 13, "type": "shore_excursion", "description": "Guided tour visiting Laufás Heritage Site, Goðafoss Waterfall, and the Akureyri Botanical Garden", "location": "Akureyri area, Iceland" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Only booked shore excursion of the trip", "Akureyri, Iceland's second most populous city, felt like a place worth returning to on a Ring Road trip" ], "challenges": [ "Brian was still sick during the excursion", "Kids had expected hiking and got more history than they wanted" ], "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Day 14", "date": "2024-08-15", "subtitle": "Isafjordur, Iceland", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": [ "isafjordur", "iceland", "celebrity", "celebrityeclipse" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "trip_day": 14, "day_type": "port_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Ísafjörður", "type": "town", "country": "Iceland" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Tourist information booth", "type": "visitor_center", "location": "Pier, Ísafjörður, Iceland", "notes": "Stopped in to use the wifi" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "At sea", "to": "Ísafjörður, Iceland", "notes": "Arrived at 8am; a working-town port with a similar vibe to Qaqortoq" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 14, "type": "walking", "description": "Brian and Sherri left the kids onboard and walked through the town and back once the rain mostly stopped", "location": "Ísafjörður, Iceland" } ], "notable_mentions": [ "Spotted a Tesla Cybertruck in town", "Isafjordur reminded Brian of photos of the Scottish Highlands" ], "challenges": [ "Brian at the tail end of being sick while Sherri began coming down with the same illness" ], "weather": "Arrived at 8am to chilly temperatures and pouring rain; the rain mostly stopped by midmorning", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Day 15", "date": "2024-08-16", "subtitle": "The end of the cruise, Reykjavik", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": [ "reykjavik", "iceland", "celebrity", "celebrityeclipse" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "trip_day": 15, "day_type": "disembarkation", "trip_stage": "end_of_cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Reykjavik", "type": "city", "country": "Iceland" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "notes": "Disembarked in Reykjavik at the end of a 12-night cruise from Bayonne, NJ" }, { "type": "bus", "notes": "Reported to the theater meeting spot for the arranged bus transfer, but with no crew direction walked off the ship to find the bus" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 15, "type": "disembarkation", "description": "Walked off the ship carrying all luggage rather than putting suitcases out the night before, then found the transfer bus", "location": "Reykjavik, Iceland" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Ended a 12-night cruise from Bayonne, NJ, to Reykjavik, Iceland", "First time carrying all luggage off rather than using the night-before luggage drop, expected to become the family norm" ], "weather": "Crisp, cloudless day with temperatures in the low 50s F", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] } ] }, { "rollup_key": "2024icelandonland", "posts": [ { "title": "Iceland Visit 2024 Day 1", "date": "2024-09-03", "subtitle": "South coast of Iceland", "categories": "travel iceland", "tags": [ "reykjavik", "iceland" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandonland", "trip_day": 1, "day_type": "road_trip", "trip_stage": "post-cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Reykjavik", "type": "city", "country": "Iceland" }, { "name": "Selfoss", "type": "town", "country": "Iceland" }, { "name": "Steinar", "type": "rural_area", "country": "Iceland", "notes": "Airbnb base on the south coast" }, { "name": "Vik", "type": "town", "country": "Iceland" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Airbnb in Steinar", "location": "Steinar, South Iceland", "night": 1, "notes": "Two bedrooms with two queen beds; well-stocked kitchen; no grill, hot tub, or patio furniture; great view" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Hertz Downtown Office", "type": "car_rental", "location": "Reykjavik, by the domestic airport" }, { "name": "Almar bakari", "type": "bakery", "location": "Selfoss", "url": "https://almarbakari.is/" }, { "name": "Bónus", "type": "grocery", "location": "Selfoss", "url": "https://bonus.is/" }, { "name": "LAVA Centre", "type": "museum", "url": "https://lavacentre.is/", "notes": "Volcano and earthquake exhibits with observation deck" }, { "name": "Seljalandsfoss", "type": "waterfall", "location": "South Iceland, off the Ring Road", "url": "https://www.icelandtravel.is/attractions/seljalandsfoss/" }, { "name": "Heimamenn", "type": "restaurant", "location": "A few miles past Steinar, South Iceland", "url": "https://maps.app.goo.gl/GMydJepKQkfjPeBH7" }, { "name": "Black sand beach at Vik", "type": "beach", "location": "Vik" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "notes": "Disembarked in Reykjavik" }, { "type": "bus", "route": "Reykjavik cruise terminal → Reykjavik central bus terminal", "notes": "Celebrity transfer at $20 per person for a 20 minute trip" }, { "type": "rental_car", "vehicle": "Tesla Model Y", "notes": "Picked up at Hertz Downtown Office instead of the originally planned location near the cruise terminal" } ], "activities": [ "Disembarked cruise ship in Reykjavik", "Picked up rental car (Tesla Model Y) from Hertz", "Bakery breakfast and grocery stop in Selfoss", "LAVA Centre exhibits and observation deck", "Seljalandsfoss waterfall stop, including the path to a secondary waterfall", "Black sand beach at Vik", "Grocery stop in Vik", "Checked in to Airbnb in Steinar" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Almar bakari", "meal": "breakfast", "location": "Selfoss", "url": "https://almarbakari.is/", "dishes": "Pastries and warm drinks", "notes": "Same bakery as first stop on last year's trip" }, { "venue": "Heimamenn", "meal": "lunch", "location": "A few miles past Steinar, South Iceland", "url": "https://maps.app.goo.gl/GMydJepKQkfjPeBH7", "dishes": "Fish and chips", "notes": "3500 ISK (~USD 26); some of the best fish and chips I've had anywhere" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Happened across Seljalandsfoss unplanned while driving the Ring Road", "Black sand beach at Vik was uncrowded and felt like a special place" ], "challenges": [ "Sherri powered through the day feeling under the weather, later confirmed as COVID", "Second-guessed car rental pickup logistics; original plan near the cruise terminal would have worked" ], "weather": { "conditions": "Breezy but amazing at Vik", "temperature": "Mid-50s F" }, "companions": [ "family (Sherri, Rowan, and the girls)" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Visit 2024 Day 2", "date": "2024-09-21", "subtitle": "South coast of Iceland", "categories": "travel iceland", "tags": [ "reykjavik", "iceland" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandonland", "trip_day": 2, "day_type": "rest_day", "trip_stage": "post-cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Steinar", "type": "rural_area", "country": "Iceland", "notes": "Airbnb base on the south coast, second day" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Airbnb in Steinar", "location": "Steinar, South Iceland", "night": 2 } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Faxi Bakery", "type": "bakery", "location": "A few minutes from the Airbnb in Steinar, South Iceland", "url": "https://www.instagram.com/faxi_bakery_/?hl=en" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "rental_car", "vehicle": "Tesla Model Y", "notes": "Evening drive with Siena to a nearby waterfall" } ], "activities": [ "Morning run to Faxi Bakery for drinks and pastries", "Lazy day hanging around the Airbnb", "Evening drive with Siena to see a nearby waterfall", "Cooking bacon for a breakfast-dinner" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Faxi Bakery", "meal": "breakfast", "location": "Near Steinar, South Iceland", "dishes": "Hot drinks and pastries" }, { "venue": "Airbnb in Steinar", "meal": "dinner", "dishes": "Bacon breakfast-dinner cooked at the Airbnb", "notes": "Running low on food" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "A brief interaction at Faxi Bakery where Brian instinctively switched to Spanish (\"Puerta, por favor?\") to ask a man to hold the door" ], "challenges": [ "Sherri sick in bed all day, likely COVID", "Low on food at the Airbnb", "Travel weariness after more than two weeks away, with the family craving home" ], "companions": [ "family (Sherri, Rowan, and the girls)" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Visit 2024 Day 3", "date": "2024-09-22", "subtitle": "Old Charm Reykjavik", "categories": "travel iceland", "tags": [ "reykjavik", "iceland" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandonland", "trip_day": 3, "day_type": "road_trip", "trip_stage": "post-cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Steinar", "type": "rural_area", "country": "Iceland", "notes": "Departed the south coast Airbnb" }, { "name": "Reykjavik", "type": "city", "country": "Iceland" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Rental apartment in Reykjavik", "location": "Central Reykjavik, Iceland", "night": 3, "notes": "Same set of rental units as the previous year, a different unit; reliable rentals in a great spot but weak check-in instructions" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "LAVA Centre Tesla Supercharger", "type": "ev_charger", "location": "Near Hvolsvöllur, South Iceland", "notes": "Charged next to the LAVA Centre; Siena tried a roadside bounce pillow while charging" }, { "name": "Reykjavik Tesla Supercharger", "type": "ev_charger", "location": "Reykjavik, Iceland", "url": "https://maps.app.goo.gl/RHRBRR6GmEQKHR119", "notes": "Same Supercharger as the previous year; grabbed the last spot just in time" }, { "name": "The Sun Voyager", "type": "sculpture", "location": "Reykjavik waterfront", "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sun_Voyager" }, { "name": "Reykjavik City Hall", "type": "landmark", "location": "Reykjavik, Iceland" }, { "name": "Bónus", "type": "grocery", "location": "Reykjavik, Iceland" } ], "points_of_interest": [ { "name": "Tjörnin", "type": "pond", "location": "Central Reykjavik", "notes": "City-center pond passed on the walk" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "rental_car", "vehicle": "Tesla Model Y", "notes": "Drove from Steinar to Reykjavik with Supercharger stops, then returned the car near the domestic airport and walked back" } ], "activities": [ "Drove from the south coast to Reykjavik with Tesla Supercharger stops", "Checked into the Reykjavik rental apartment", "Returned the rental car near the domestic airport and walked back", "Walked to The Sun Voyager sculpture and along the waterfront toward City Hall", "Grocery run to Bónus and a home-cooked dinner" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Rental apartment in Reykjavik", "meal": "dinner", "dishes": "Baked pork chops, skillet potatoes, and peas and carrots" } ], "challenges": [ "Rowan still too sick to get out and about", "Reykjavik Supercharger nearly full; grabbed the last spot just before another car had to wait" ], "weather": { "conditions": "Sunny", "temperature": "51 F" }, "companions": [ "family (Sherri, Rowan, and the girls)" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Visit 2024 Day 4", "date": "2024-09-22", "subtitle": "17 days of travel come to an end", "categories": "travel iceland", "tags": [ "reykjavik", "iceland" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandonland", "trip_day": 4, "day_type": "travel_day", "trip_stage": "post-cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Reykjavik", "type": "city", "country": "Iceland", "notes": "Departed Iceland from the airport" }, { "name": "Holly Springs", "type": "town", "country": "USA", "notes": "Home; returned via Raleigh-Durham (RDU)" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "private_car", "notes": "Airport pickup at the 11am checkout time" }, { "type": "flight", "from": "Iceland", "to": "Raleigh-Durham (RDU)", "notes": "Departed at 4:45pm after several hours of waiting at the airport" }, { "type": "rideshare", "notes": "Not-great Uber experience from RDU" } ], "activities": [ "Checked out of the Reykjavik apartment at 11am", "Waited roughly four hours at the airport with luggage before the flight", "Flew home to Raleigh-Durham, with a quick Global Entry return" ], "challenges": [ "Killing about four hours at the airport with luggage in tow", "A not-great Uber experience from RDU" ], "companions": [ "family (Sherri, Rowan, and the girls)" ], "travel_sentiment": "Ready to be home after 17 days of travel, tired and still a little sick and homesick" } ] }, { "rollup_key": "2024wintercaribbean", "posts": [ { "title": "Celebrity Cruise Day 0", "date": "2024-12-21", "subtitle": "Heading to Fort Lauderdale", "categories": "travel caribbean", "tags": [ "celebrity", "cruise", "dec2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024wintercaribbean", "day_number": 0, "day_type": "travel_day", "trip_stage": "outbound", "locations": [ { "name": "Raleigh", "type": "city", "country": "United States", "notes": "Departure city, home airport RDU" }, { "name": "Fort Lauderdale", "type": "city", "country": "United States" } ], "days_at_location": { "Fort Lauderdale": 1 }, "accommodations": [ { "name": "Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale", "location": "Fort Lauderdale, FL", "night": "1 of 1", "notes": "Room not ready 30 minutes after check-in time, key-cutting machine broken; hotel provided a $50 restaurant voucher" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)", "type": "airport", "location": "Raleigh, NC" }, { "name": "Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)", "type": "airport", "location": "Fort Lauderdale, FL" }, { "name": "Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale", "type": "hotel", "location": "Fort Lauderdale, FL", "notes": "Room not ready at check-in, key machine broken" }, { "name": "Publix", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Fort Lauderdale, FL", "notes": "Deli sandwiches for dinner" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "flight", "from": "Raleigh-Durham (RDU)", "to": "Fort Lauderdale (FLL)", "airline": "Delta", "notes": "Landed 10 minutes early but waited 55 minutes for a gate" }, { "type": "taxi", "from": "Fort Lauderdale Airport", "to": "Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale", "notes": "Immediate availability, same price as Uber quote" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 0, "type": "travel", "description": "Flight from RDU to Fort Lauderdale", "duration": "flight time" }, { "day": 0, "type": "dining", "description": "Dinner from Publix deli in hotel room", "location": "Embassy Suites" } ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Publix", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Hotel room, Fort Lauderdale", "notes": "Deli sandwiches" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Taxi driver's handy book showing 8 cruise ships in port that day" ], "challenges": [ "55-minute wait for an arrival gate at FLL despite landing 10 minutes early", "Hotel room not ready and key machine broken at check-in" ], "companions": [ "wife", "son", "daughter" ] }, { "title": "Celebrity Cruise Day 1", "date": "2024-12-22", "subtitle": "Getting to the ship", "categories": "travel caribbean", "tags": [ "celebrity", "cruise", "dec2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024wintercaribbean", "day_number": 1, "day_type": "embarkation", "trip_stage": "embarkation", "trip_duration": "11 nights", "locations": [ { "name": "Fort Lauderdale", "type": "city", "country": "United States", "notes": "Embarkation at Port Everglades" } ], "days_at_location": { "Fort Lauderdale": 1, "Celebrity Eclipse": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale", "type": "hotel", "location": "Fort Lauderdale, FL", "notes": "Chaotic breakfast and lobby, required elevator strategy to get down with bags" }, { "name": "Port Everglades", "type": "cruise_port", "location": "Fort Lauderdale, FL" }, { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "Port Everglades", "notes": "Departed 1.5 hours late due to embarkation traffic" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "bus", "from": "Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale", "to": "Port Everglades Cruise Terminal", "duration": "25 minutes for 4 miles", "notes": "Traffic overwhelmed at port entrances, ship departed 1.5 hours late" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 1, "type": "travel", "description": "Transfer from hotel to cruise ship", "location": "Fort Lauderdale" }, { "day": 1, "type": "incident", "description": "Son rolled ankle jumping down stairs, X-rays showed no break but can't put weight on it", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 1, "type": "medical", "description": "Visit to ship Medical Center for X-rays and crutches", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse Medical Center" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Ship Medical Center visit with X-rays showing no break; son on loaner crutches for the voyage", "Ship departed more than an hour and a half late due to embarkation traffic" ], "challenges": [ "20+ minute elevator waits and a jam-packed lobby getting bags down at the hotel", "Port Everglades entrances overwhelmed by traffic, 25 minutes to travel 4 miles", "Son rolled his ankle in the first hour of the 11-night cruise", "Canceling at least three pre-purchased shore excursions for the family" ], "companions": [ "wife", "son", "daughter" ], "travel_sentiment": "Dread and disappointment after son's first-hour ankle injury, tempered by gratitude to be heading to the warm Caribbean" }, { "title": "Celebrity Cruise Day 2", "date": "2024-12-23", "subtitle": "Mobility", "categories": "travel caribbean", "tags": [ "celebrity", "cruise", "dec2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024wintercaribbean", "day_number": 2, "day_type": "sea_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Caribbean Sea", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters", "notes": "Sea day between Fort Lauderdale and Grand Cayman" } ], "days_at_location": { "At sea": 1 }, "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "route": "Fort Lauderdale to Grand Cayman", "operator": "Celebrity Cruises" } ], "next_day_logistics": "Tender stop at George Town, Grand Cayman; plan to stay aboard having visited three years ago", "activities": [ { "day": 2, "type": "relaxation", "description": "Sea day aboard Celebrity Eclipse", "location": "At sea, Caribbean" }, { "day": 2, "type": "photography", "description": "Morning photography and writing on deck", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse", "time": "7:00-8:00am" }, { "day": 2, "type": "relaxation", "description": "Sunset viewing on balcony", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Cloud formation on the horizon resembling a partially constructed Death Star", "Son adapting to crutches better than expected, with periodic waves of emotion over missed opportunities" ], "companions": [ "wife", "son", "daughter" ] }, { "title": "Celebrity Cruise Day 3", "date": "2024-12-24", "subtitle": "Grand Cayman", "categories": "travel caribbean", "tags": [ "celebrity", "cruise", "dec2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024wintercaribbean", "day_number": 3, "day_type": "port_day", "locations": [ { "name": "George Town", "type": "city", "country": "Cayman Islands", "notes": "Tendered port stop; stayed aboard" } ], "days_at_location": { "George Town": 1, "Celebrity Eclipse": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "George Town", "type": "port", "location": "Grand Cayman", "notes": "Tendered port, gray weather, high 70s and humid" }, { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "At sea" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "At sea", "to": "George Town, Grand Cayman", "notes": "Ship tendered outside George Town" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 3, "type": "port_day", "description": "Ship tendered at Grand Cayman, stayed aboard due to son's injury", "location": "George Town, Grand Cayman" }, { "day": 3, "type": "relaxation", "description": "Wandered ship, listened to music, admired holiday decorations", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 3, "type": "dining", "description": "Special Christmas Eve menu in main dining room", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Main Dining Room", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse", "notes": "Special Christmas Eve menu" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Two other ships tendered nearby, including RCCL Brilliance of the Seas", "What felt like ~40 knot winds on the top deck lawn after dinner", "Skipped the Christmas Eve Party With Party Band Next Stage for an early night" ], "weather": "Gray most of the day, temperatures in the high 70s and humid", "companions": [ "wife", "son", "daughter" ] }, { "title": "Celebrity Cruise Day 5", "date": "2024-12-26", "subtitle": "Aruba", "categories": "travel caribbean", "tags": [ "celebrity", "cruise", "dec2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024wintercaribbean", "day_number": 5, "day_type": "port_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Oranjestad", "type": "city", "country": "Aruba", "notes": "First of the ABC Islands, constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands" } ], "days_at_location": { "Aruba": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Oranjestad", "type": "port", "location": "Aruba", "notes": "One of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao), constituent country of Kingdom of the Netherlands" }, { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "Docked in Aruba" }, { "name": "La Tigre", "type": "catamaran", "location": "Aruba waters", "notes": "Sailing and snorkeling tour vessel" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "At sea", "to": "Oranjestad, Aruba", "notes": "Docked until 8:30pm" }, { "type": "boat", "vessel": "La Tigre catamaran", "description": "Sailing and snorkeling excursion", "duration": "3 hours" } ], "next_day_logistics": "Curaçao", "activities": [ { "day": 5, "type": "shore_excursion", "description": "Sailing and snorkeling trip on catamaran La Tigre", "duration": "3 hours", "location": "Aruba waters", "participants": "Father and daughter" }, { "day": 5, "type": "shopping", "description": "Shopping in Oranjestad", "location": "Oranjestad, Aruba" }, { "day": 5, "type": "dining", "description": "Main dining room dinner", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Main Dining Room", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Son made a new friend, Jonathan, through their shared interest in Brawl Stars", "Snorkeling itself was just okay, but the catamaran ride there and back was enjoyable" ], "companions": [ "wife", "son", "daughter" ] }, { "title": "Celebrity Cruise Day 6", "date": "2024-12-27", "subtitle": "Curaçao", "categories": "travel caribbean", "tags": [ "celebrity", "cruise", "dec2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024wintercaribbean", "day_number": 6, "day_type": "port_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Willemstad", "type": "city", "country": "Curaçao", "notes": "Capital city, second of the ABC Islands, constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands" } ], "days_at_location": { "Curaçao": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Willemstad", "type": "port", "location": "Curaçao", "notes": "Capital city, second of ABC Islands (Caribbean Netherlands), constituent country of Kingdom of the Netherlands" }, { "name": "Hato Caves", "type": "tourist_attraction", "location": "North side of Curaçao, adjacent to international airport", "notes": "Cave system with limestone formations" }, { "name": "Kraspassi Market", "type": "market", "location": "Willemstad waterfront", "notes": "Venezuelan vendors sell goods from boats docked at waterfront" }, { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "Docked in Curaçao" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "Aruba", "to": "Willemstad, Curaçao" }, { "type": "bus", "description": "Tour bus to Hato Caves and downtown Willemstad" } ], "next_day_logistics": "Bonaire", "activities": [ { "day": 6, "type": "shore_excursion", "description": "Guided tour to Hato Caves and walking tour of downtown Willemstad", "location": "Curaçao", "participants": "Father and daughter" }, { "day": 6, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Explored Dutch Colonial architecture and waterfront", "location": "Willemstad" }, { "day": 6, "type": "shopping", "description": "Visited Kraspassi Market", "location": "Willemstad" }, { "day": 6, "type": "relaxation", "description": "Enjoyed twilight hours at solarium and aft deck", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Tour guide facts — 15 wind turbines generating 47.3 MW, walls around houses due to wild goats, iguana on the menu for some residents", "Venezuelan vendors at Kraspassi Market who live on their boats while docked in Willemstad", "Morning hello from Santa aboard the ship" ], "weather": "Very hot and sticky", "companions": [ "wife", "son", "daughter" ], "cultural_references": [ "Papiamentu, the island's most widely spoken language, a Creole blending African, Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, and English influences", "Dutch Colonial architecture along the Willemstad waterfront" ] }, { "title": "Celebrity Cruise Day 7", "date": "2024-12-28", "subtitle": "Bonaire", "categories": "travel caribbean", "tags": [ "celebrity", "cruise", "dec2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024wintercaribbean", "day_number": 7, "day_type": "port_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Kralendijk", "type": "town", "country": "Bonaire", "notes": "Last of the ABC Islands, smallest in land area (~112 sq miles) and population (~21,000)" } ], "days_at_location": { "Bonaire": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Kralendijk", "type": "port", "location": "Bonaire", "notes": "Last of ABC Islands, smallest at 112 sq miles and ~21,000 population, outside hurricane belt" }, { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "Docked in Bonaire" }, { "name": "Murano", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse", "notes": "Premium French restaurant onboard ship" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "Curaçao", "to": "Kralendijk, Bonaire", "notes": "Departure delayed 1 hour to 6:30pm due to medical emergencies" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 7, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Walking tour through downtown Kralendijk", "location": "Kralendijk, Bonaire", "participants": "Three family members (son stayed aboard with friend)" }, { "day": 7, "type": "dining", "description": "Premium dining at Murano French restaurant celebrating milestone", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Murano", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse", "notes": "Premium French restaurant; milestone celebration with wife, second best Dover sole ever" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "5:30pm departure delayed about an hour for two people leaving by ambulance", "Island's calmer pace — one large-ship pier, golf-cart travel, app-based electric scooters", "Researching each ABC Island as a possible snowbird destination; Bonaire's small population limits medical care availability" ], "companions": [ "wife", "son", "daughter" ] }, { "title": "Celebrity Cruise Day 8", "date": "2024-12-29", "subtitle": "Sea day", "categories": "travel caribbean", "tags": [ "celebrity", "cruise", "dec2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024wintercaribbean", "day_number": 8, "day_type": "sea_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Caribbean Sea", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters", "notes": "Sea day between Bonaire and San Juan" } ], "days_at_location": { "Celebrity Eclipse": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "At sea between Bonaire and San Juan" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "Bonaire", "to": "San Juan, Puerto Rico", "notes": "Sea day, rougher waters than first half of cruise" } ], "next_day_logistics": "San Juan, Puerto Rico", "activities": [ { "day": 8, "type": "relaxation", "description": "Sea day, relaxing aboard ship", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "highlights": [ "Really good croissants onboard" ], "notable_experiences": [ "Noticeably more ship motion heading toward Puerto Rico than the smooth first half of the cruise" ], "companions": [ "wife", "son", "daughter" ] }, { "title": "Celebrity Cruise Day 9", "date": "2024-12-30", "subtitle": "San Juan", "categories": "travel caribbean", "tags": [ "celebrity", "cruise", "dec2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024wintercaribbean", "day_number": 9, "day_type": "port_day", "locations": [ { "name": "San Juan", "type": "city", "country": "Puerto Rico (United States)", "notes": "Third visit for the couple, second with the kids" } ], "days_at_location": { "San Juan": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Old San Juan", "type": "port", "location": "San Juan, Puerto Rico", "notes": "Third visit for couple, second with kids" }, { "name": "Castillo San Cristobal", "type": "historic_fort", "location": "Old San Juan", "notes": "Spanish fort near cruise terminal" }, { "name": "Castillo San Felipe del Morro", "type": "historic_fort", "location": "Old San Juan", "notes": "El Morro fortress on northwest side, accessed via waterfront path" }, { "name": "Puerto Rico Capitol Building", "type": "government_building", "location": "San Juan", "notes": "Preparations underway for January 2 governor inauguration" }, { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "Docked in San Juan" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "At sea", "to": "San Juan, Puerto Rico" }, { "type": "walking", "description": "4.5 mile walking tour of Old San Juan" } ], "next_day_logistics": "Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic", "walking_distance": "A little more than 4.5 miles per watch", "activities": [ { "day": 9, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "4.5 mile clockwise walking loop from cruise terminal along harbor path to El Morro, then east to Capitol Building", "duration": "several hours", "location": "Old San Juan", "participants": "Parents (kids stayed aboard due to son's ankle and daughter not being a big walker)" }, { "day": 9, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Explored waterfront path between harbor and El Morro, viewed waves crashing on north side", "location": "Old San Juan" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Quiet paved path between the harbor and El Morro with waves smashing the rocks on the north side", "Zumba class in the open field in front of Castillo San Felipe del Morro", "Inauguration setup at the Capitol Building for the new governor taking office January 2", "Island-wide power outage hit Puerto Rico about 12 hours after the ship departed" ], "weather": "Rain threatening; only light sprinkles, not a drenching downpour", "companions": [ "wife", "son", "daughter" ] }, { "title": "Celebrity Cruise Day 10", "date": "2024-12-31", "subtitle": "Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic", "categories": "travel caribbean", "tags": [ "celebrity", "cruise", "dec2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024wintercaribbean", "day_number": 10, "day_type": "port_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Puerto Plata", "type": "city", "country": "Dominican Republic", "notes": "Last port stop of the cruise before heading home" } ], "days_at_location": { "Puerto Plata": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Puerto Plata", "type": "port", "location": "Dominican Republic", "notes": "Major cruise port on north side of Dominican Republic" }, { "name": "San Felipe De Puerto Plata", "type": "zipline_facility", "location": "Puerto Plata area", "notes": "Zipline excursion facility, also offers ATV and horseback trips" }, { "name": "Taino Bay", "type": "resort_complex", "location": "Puerto Plata", "notes": "Secured area between ships and city with shops, restaurants, pools, lazy river, and splash surfing" }, { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "Docked in Puerto Plata" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "San Juan, Puerto Rico", "to": "Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic", "notes": "Last port stop before heading home" }, { "type": "bus", "description": "Tour bus to zipline facility" }, { "type": "tuk_tuk", "from": "Taino Bay", "to": "Celebrity Eclipse", "notes": "Return trip from Taino Bay to ship" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 10, "type": "shore_excursion", "description": "Zipline excursion at San Felipe De Puerto Plata", "location": "Puerto Plata area", "participants": "Father and daughter (son's ankle still healing, wife didn't care for heights)" }, { "day": 10, "type": "relaxation", "description": "Enjoyed lazy river and pool area at Taino Bay", "location": "Taino Bay, Puerto Plata" }, { "day": 10, "type": "activity", "description": "Daughter tried splash surfing attraction", "location": "Taino Bay" } ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Coffee shop at Taino Bay", "meal": "coffee", "location": "Taino Bay, Puerto Plata", "notes": "Great coffee; mall wifi was pretty bad" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "At zipline six, a staff member on horseback tows lighter riders the final ~20 meters", "Tuk tuk ride from Taino Bay back to the ship at daughter's request", "Pushiest port of the trip for forced reviews and tips; several places had never heard of Diet Coke", "Taino Bay pool, lazy river, and splash surfing all free for cruise passengers" ], "challenges": [ "AT&T suspended data service on all family phones; restored after a ~20 minute call from the ship", "Uncertainty about what the cell bill will look like" ], "companions": [ "wife", "son", "daughter" ] } ] }, { "rollup_key": "2025springbreak", "posts": [ { "title": "Quick review of the Omni Amelia Island", "date": "2025-03-31", "subtitle": null, "categories": "travel florida hotels reviews", "tags": [ "florida", "disney" ], "rollup_key": "2025springbreak", "locations": [ { "name": "Amelia Island", "type": "island", "country": "United States", "notes": "First stop of a nine-day drive from the Raleigh-Durham area to Walt Disney World; three-night stay at the Omni Amelia Island Resort" } ], "days_at_location": { "Amelia Island": 4 }, "hotels": [ { "name": "Omni Amelia Island Resort", "location": "Amelia Island, Florida", "nights": 3, "room_type": "Deluxe Oceanfront Room with 2 Queen Beds", "room_number": 441, "rating": 3, "notes": "Deferred maintenance issues, humid room, but nice grounds and pool area" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "car", "from": "Raleigh-Durham, NC", "to": "Amelia Island, FL", "notes": "First stop on nine-day vacation to Walt Disney World" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "dining", "description": "Meals at Marché Burette and Falcon's Nest restaurants", "location": "Omni Amelia Island Resort" }, { "type": "relaxation", "description": "Pool and fire pit lounging", "location": "Omni Amelia Island Resort" } ] } ] }, { "rollup_key": "2025norway", "posts": [ { "title": "Norway and Denmark Day 1", "date": "2025-05-08", "subtitle": "24 hours of travel begins", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "may2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025norway", "trip_day": 1, "location_start": "Holly Springs, NC", "location_end": "Over the North Atlantic", "locations_visited": [ "Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU)", "Baltimore-Washington Airport (BWI)" ], "transport": [ { "type": "air", "route": "RDU to BWI", "carrier": "Southwest Airlines" }, { "type": "air", "route": "BWI to Keflavik (KEF)", "carrier": "Icelandair", "notes": "Overnight flight, 6 hours" } ], "activities": [ "Navigating baggage tag confusion at Southwest check-in", "Seven hour layover at BWI", "Lunch at BWI Concourse A", "Overnight flight to Iceland" ], "dining": [ { "location": "BWI Concourse A", "type": "Japanese", "dish": "Sushi bento box" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "First traveler to test new Southwest/Icelandair baggage partnership", "Uncertainty about whether bag would transfer properly to Icelandair" ], "weather": "Clear for departure" }, { "title": "Norway and Denmark Day 2", "date": "2025-05-09", "subtitle": "24 hours of travel concludes, strolling around Bergen", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "may2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025norway", "trip_day": 2, "location_start": "Over the North Atlantic", "location_end": "Bergen, Norway", "locations_visited": [ "Keflavik Airport (KEF), Iceland", "Bergen Airport (BGO), Norway", "Downtown Bergen", "Fløyen Mountain" ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel Park", "location": "Bergen, Norway", "type": "budget hotel", "notes": "Small but serviceable room, early check-in allowed", "amenities": [ "WiFi", "Private bathroom" ] }, "transport": [ { "type": "air", "route": "KEF to Bergen (BGO)", "carrier": "Icelandair" }, { "type": "light_rail", "route": "Bergen Airport to Nonneseter station", "notes": "45 minute ride" }, { "type": "funicular", "route": "Downtown Bergen to Fløyen summit", "notes": "Fløibanen funicular, ~$7.50" } ], "activities": [ "Passport control and baggage claim at Keflavik", "Four hour layover in Iceland with wild weather", "Arrival in Bergen and early hotel check-in", "Riding Fløibanen funicular to Fløyen summit", "Hiking down Fløyen mountain (~300m descent)" ], "dining": [ { "location": "Icelandair flight", "type": "airline meal", "dish": "Sliced chicken and melted cheese" }, { "location": "Near Hotel Park, Bergen", "type": "Thai", "dish": "Thin-noodle pad thai" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Wild Iceland weather alternating between snow and sun", "Successfully reunited with luggage in Bergen", "First views of Bergen from Fløyen summit", "Challenging downhill hike with jelly legs" ], "weather": "Wild in Iceland (snow/sun alternating), clear in Bergen" }, { "title": "Norway and Denmark Day 3", "date": "2025-05-10", "subtitle": "Full day in Bergen Norway", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "may2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025norway", "trip_day": 3, "location_start": "Bergen, Norway", "location_end": "Bergen, Norway", "locations_visited": [ "Downtown Bergen", "Bryggens Museum", "Bergen Harbor/Waterfront", "Bryggen (historic wharf district)", "Bergen Train Station" ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel Park", "location": "Bergen, Norway", "type": "budget hotel" }, "activities": [ "Walking tour of medieval Bergen with Bryggens Museum", "Exploring Bryggen UNESCO World Heritage wharf", "Learning about Bergen's fire history", "Visiting historic church and timber buildings", "People-watching at harbor fish market" ], "dining": [ { "location": "Bergen Harbor fish market", "type": "seafood", "dish": "Fresh salmon sandwich" }, { "location": "Bergen Train Station", "type": "Japanese", "dish": "Bento box with sashimi, sushi, tempura, and grilled meat" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Small tour group of only 6 people including blind Norwegian couple", "Fascinating history of Bergen fires and reconstruction", "Walking through narrow Bryggen alleyways", "Discovering expensive sunscreen prices (~$40 USD)" ], "weather": "Clear and sunny, blue sky" }, { "title": "Norway and Denmark Day 4", "date": "2025-05-11", "subtitle": "Bergen to Balestrand", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "may2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025norway", "trip_day": 4, "location_start": "Bergen, Norway", "location_end": "Balestrand, Norway", "locations_visited": [ "Bergen Ferry Terminal", "Sognefjord (via express ferry)", "Balestrand", "St. Olaf's Church" ], "accommodation": { "name": "Kviknes Hotel", "location": "Balestrand, Norway", "type": "historic hotel", "notes": "Modern wing (1960s) with balcony room, early check-in allowed", "amenities": [ "Balcony with fjord view", "WiFi", "Bar/restaurant" ] }, "transport": [ { "type": "rideshare", "route": "Hotel Park to Bergen Ferry Terminal", "carrier": "Uber", "notes": "1.3km, expensive ~$17 minimum fare" }, { "type": "ferry", "route": "Bergen to Balestrand via Sognefjord", "carrier": "Norled Express Ferry", "duration": "~4 hours", "cost": "~$100 USD", "notes": "High-speed ferry at 37mph through fjords, absolutely stunning" } ], "activities": [ "Express ferry journey through Sognefjord", "Early check-in at Kviknes Hotel", "Visiting St. Olaf's Church (inspiration for Frozen's chapel)", "Solo time in historic church", "Late evening walk around Balestrand", "Moonrise photography over fjord" ], "dining": [ { "location": "Pearl by Harbor", "type": "Norwegian", "dish": "Grilled salmon with teriyaki sauce, mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables" }, { "location": "Baalee Restaurant", "type": "Italian", "dish": "Shrimp scampi pasta" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Incredible express ferry ride through fjords - \"best $100 ever spent\"", "Nearly missing ferry stop due to slow passenger", "Peaceful solitude at St. Olaf's Church", "Seagulls that never sleep", "Moon over mountains photography frustration" ], "weather": "Clear and comfortable (high 50s F), beautiful fjord views" }, { "title": "VIDEO Bergen to Balestrand ferry", "date": "2025-05-11", "subtitle": "Where I also learn how to kind of edit videos", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "may2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025norway", "day_type": "video", "location_start": "Bergen, Norway", "location_end": "Balestrand, Norway", "locations_visited": [ "Bergen, Norway", "Sognefjord", "Balestrand, Norway" ], "transport": [ { "type": "ferry", "route": "Bergen to Balestrand via Sognefjord", "carrier": "Norled Express Ferry" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Filming the express ferry voyage from Bergen to Balestrand", "Teaching myself video editing techniques in DaVinci Resolve" ] }, { "title": "Norway and Denmark Day 5", "date": "2025-05-12", "subtitle": "Balestrand hike", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "may2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025norway", "trip_day": 5, "location_start": "Balestrand, Norway", "location_end": "Balestrand, Norway", "locations_visited": [ "Balestrand town", "Balestrand Forest Trail (Skogstur)", "Sandsstølen viewpoint", "Balabu day-trip cabin", "Sognefjord overlook" ], "accommodation": { "name": "Kviknes Hotel", "location": "Balestrand, Norway", "type": "historic hotel", "notes": "CPAP power issues during night" }, "activities": [ "Shopping for breakfast and water at Coop grocery", "Balestrand Forest Hike - 5.2 miles, 1700ft elevation gain", "Hiking clockwise loop starting from hotel", "Challenging second quarter with steep sections and roots", "Reaching scenic overlooks and viewpoints", "Visiting Balabu Dagsturhytta (day-trip cabin)", "Planning next day's complex ferry/bus route" ], "dining": [ { "location": "Coop grocery store", "type": "bakery", "dish": "Pastry for breakfast" }, { "location": "Pearl by Harbor", "type": "Norwegian", "dish": "Salmon and mashed potatoes (repeat meal)" }, { "location": "Kviknes Hotel bar", "type": "European", "dish": "Lobster bisque" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "CPAP machine power plug issues causing broken sleep", "Accidentally buying carbonated water for hike", "Testing new Gregory Miko 20 daypack from REI", "Only encountering one hiker on first half, many on second half", "Discovering better in-and-out route would be preferable", "Complex travel planning between Norled, Vy, and Skyss services", "Evening attempt to get Bergen soup at Baalee (not available)" ], "weather": "Clear skies, comfortable hiking conditions" }, { "title": "Norway and Denmark Day 6", "date": "2025-05-13", "subtitle": "Balestrand to Voss", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "may2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025norway", "trip_day": 6, "location_start": "Balestrand, Norway", "location_end": "Voss, Norway", "locations_visited": [ "Balestrand ferry terminal", "Vik", "Vangsnes (unplanned fjord tour)", "Voss town center" ], "accommodation": { "name": "Scandic Voss", "location": "Voss, Norway", "type": "chain hotel", "notes": "Early check-in at 10:45am for $20, air-conditioned room", "amenities": [ "Air conditioning", "WiFi", "Lake view" ] }, "transport": [ { "type": "ferry", "route": "Balestrand to Vik", "carrier": "Norled Express Ferry", "duration": "20 minutes", "departure": "7:50am" }, { "type": "bus", "route": "Vik to Voss via Vangsnes", "carrier": "Skyss bus 810", "duration": "~90 minutes", "cost": "~$16 USD", "notes": "Arrived 30 mins early, got bonus fjord tour to Vangsnes" } ], "activities": [ "Express ferry from Balestrand to Vik", "Unplanned bonus tour to Vangsnes car ferry terminus", "Bus journey through winter wonderland landscape", "Exploring downtown Voss", "Evening walk around town", "Visiting Voss cemetery" ], "dining": [ { "location": "Gas station across from Scandic Voss", "type": "convenience", "dish": "Mediocre tomato-basil-mozzarella sandwich" }, { "location": "Vossa Sushi", "type": "Japanese", "dish": "Nigiri (skipped expensive appetizers)" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Second night of broken sleep due to loud seagulls", "Bus arriving 30 minutes early at Vik", "Getting free bonus fjord tour on bus to Vangsnes", "Winter landscape midway through bus journey (unexpected snow)", "Pricing quirks at sushi restaurant (expensive starters, cheap nigiri)", "No seagulls at Voss hotel!" ], "weather": "Overcast and gray initially, sunny in evening" }, { "title": "Norway and Denmark Day 7", "date": "2025-05-14", "subtitle": "Sightseeing around Voss", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "may2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025norway", "trip_day": 7, "location_start": "Voss, Norway", "location_end": "Voss, Norway", "locations_visited": [ "Voss gondola (Hangurstoppen)", "Mountain summit at 1295m above sea level", "Bordalsgjelet Gorge", "Downtown Voss" ], "accommodation": { "name": "Scandic Voss", "location": "Voss, Norway", "type": "chain hotel" }, "transport": [ { "type": "gondola", "route": "Voss town to Hangurstoppen summit", "cost": "~$18 each way" } ], "activities": [ "Gondola ride to mountain summit (1295m elevation)", "Attempting panoramic trail at summit (gave up 1/4 way in)", "Enjoying views from summit swing", "3-mile Bordalsgjelet Gorge hike", "Covered bridge crossing over Vosso river", "Rocky gorge trail with handrails", "Reading Kindle on hotel sun deck" ], "dining": [ { "location": "Hangurstoppen Restaurant (summit)", "type": "Norwegian", "dish": "Shrimp salad (limited menu, no grilling/frying)", "notes": "Expected burger, got shrimp salad instead but it was tasty" }, { "location": "Vossevangen Grill", "type": "Steakhouse", "dish": "Tenderloin (rare instead of medium-rare), asparagus, broccoli, mushrooms, au gratin potatoes" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "First great night sleep with air conditioning and no seagulls", "Limited restaurant menu at summit (no burger available)", "Beautiful 55F sunny weather perfect for hiking", "Wet slanted rocks in gorge requiring careful footing", "Afternoon reading in the sun", "Memorable au gratin potato dish to recreate at home", "Lost Kindle somewhere in Norway (last photo shows it)" ], "weather": "Beautiful sunny day, high 50s F, perfect for outdoor activities" }, { "title": "Norway and Denmark Day 8", "date": "2025-05-15", "subtitle": "Train from Voss to Oslo", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "may2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025norway", "trip_day": 8, "location_start": "Voss, Norway", "location_end": "Oslo, Norway", "locations_visited": [ "Voss train station", "Bergensbanen railway route", "Oslo Central Station (Oslo S)", "Oslo Opera House", "Downtown Oslo" ], "accommodation": { "name": "Clarion Hotel Oslo", "location": "Oslo, Norway", "type": "upscale chain hotel", "notes": "Near Oslo Central Station, excessive number of pillows", "amenities": [ "WiFi", "Modern minimalist design", "Desk area", "Many decorative pillows" ] }, "transport": [ { "type": "train", "route": "Voss to Oslo", "service": "Bergensbanen (Bergen Line)", "carrier": "Vy", "duration": "6+ hours (1:03pm to 7:20pm)", "notes": "Right-side seat pre-booked for best views, arrived late" } ], "activities": [ "75 minutes waiting on sunny train platform", "6+ hour scenic train journey through varied Norwegian landscape", "Evening walk around downtown Oslo", "Visiting Oslo Opera House at dusk", "Walking on Opera House marble roof", "Photography session at twilight" ], "dining": [ { "location": "Train dining car", "type": "Norwegian", "dish": "Meatballs with mashed potatoes and gravy" }, { "location": "El Camino (near hotel)", "type": "Mexican", "dish": "Burrito bowl" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Discovering scraped knee while boarding train", "Varied biomes along train route (rivers, snow, forests)", "Train motion sickness by 5pm from constant curves", "Too many pillows in hotel room (humorous)", "Stunning Oslo Opera House architecture at dusk", "Walking on Opera House sloped marble roof", "Ferris wheel lit up in evening" ], "weather": "Sunny and high 50s in Voss, clear evening in Oslo" }, { "title": "Norway and Denmark Day 9", "date": "2025-05-16", "subtitle": "Oslo and the ferry", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "may2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025norway", "trip_day": 9, "location_start": "Oslo, Norway", "location_end": "DFDS Nordic Crown ferry (Oslo to Copenhagen)", "locations_visited": [ "Vigeland Park", "Royal Palace (Oslo)", "Downtown Oslo malls", "Oslo ferry terminal" ], "accommodation": { "name": "DFDS Nordic Crown - Outside Stateroom", "location": "Ferry between Oslo and Copenhagen", "type": "ferry cabin", "notes": "Small cabin with window, 4 beds total, towels hidden under bed", "amenities": [ "Window", "4 bunks", "Private bathroom" ] }, "transport": [ { "type": "light_rail", "route": "Oslo S to Vigeland Park", "carrier": "Ruter (tram 15)", "duration": "~20 minutes" }, { "type": "ferry", "route": "Oslo to Copenhagen", "carrier": "DFDS Nordic Crown", "boarding": "2:30pm", "notes": "Overnight ferry, outside stateroom with window" } ], "activities": [ "Visiting Vigeland Park sculpture garden (200+ sculptures)", "Cafe breakfast at historic manor", "Walking to Royal Palace", "Exploring downtown Oslo malls", "Walking to ferry terminal (25 minutes)", "Exploring ship during daylight", "Watching Norwegian fjords from deck" ], "dining": [ { "location": "Vigeland Park cafe", "type": "Cafe", "dish": "Chocolate croissant and Americano (average quality)" }, { "location": "Mall near Oslo S", "type": "Japanese", "dish": "Sushi-to-go (best ever encountered)" }, { "location": "DFDS Nordic Crown buffet", "type": "Buffet", "dish": "Various items", "cost": "~299 DKK (~$45 USD)" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Constitution Day preparations at Royal Palace (May 17th)", "Tour groups from MSC cruise ship at Vigeland Park", "Phenomenal mall sushi", "Easy 25-minute walk to ferry terminal (not industrial)", "Shower without towel (dried with LinkedIn sweatshirt)", "Finding towels hidden under pull-down bed", "Realizing Kindle was lost at Oslo hotel" ], "weather": "Bright, warm, beautiful day" }, { "title": "Norway and Denmark Day 10", "date": "2025-05-17", "subtitle": "Arrival in Copenhagen", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "may2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025norway", "trip_day": 10, "location_start": "DFDS Nordic Crown ferry", "location_end": "Copenhagen, Denmark", "locations_visited": [ "Copenhagen ferry terminal", "Elgiganten electronics store", "Downtown Copenhagen", "Tivoli Gardens amusement park" ], "accommodation": { "name": "Copenhagen Strand", "location": "Copenhagen, Denmark", "type": "boutique hotel", "notes": "No early check-in available, stored luggage", "amenities": [ "WiFi", "Minimalist Scandinavian design", "City view" ] }, "transport": [ { "type": "metro", "route": "Ferry terminal to hotel area", "carrier": "Copenhagen Metro/S-train", "notes": "Confusion between Metro and S-train systems, eventual success" } ], "activities": [ "Navigating Copenhagen public transit systems", "Failed quest to replace lost Kindle at Elgiganten", "Walking and people-watching around Copenhagen", "Evening visit to Tivoli Gardens amusement park", "Exploring historic amusement park (opened 1843)" ], "dining": [ { "location": "Thai restaurant near hotel", "type": "Thai", "dish": "Pad Thai", "cost": "Charged $4+ for tap water, inappropriate", "notes": "Negative experience with presumptuous USD currency selection" }, { "location": "Pakistani restaurant", "type": "Pakistani", "dish": "Excellent meal", "notes": "70 meters from hotel" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Confusion navigating Metro vs S-train systems", "No Kindles in stock anywhere in Copenhagen", "Negative restaurant experience (tap water charge, forced USD)", "Saturday people-watching in beautiful weather", "Tivoli Gardens at night - \"amusement parks are better at night\"", "Comparing Tivoli to Disney parks (perfect size, city oasis)", "Missed visiting in 2000 due to colleagues preferring Hard Rock Cafe", "Strong Copenhagen cycling culture" ], "weather": "Great weather, perfect for walking and people-watching" }, { "title": "Norway and Denmark Day 11", "date": "2025-05-18", "subtitle": "The travel wall", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "may2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025norway", "trip_day": 11, "location_start": "Copenhagen, Denmark", "location_end": "Copenhagen, Denmark", "locations_visited": [ "Copenhagen streets" ], "accommodation": { "name": "Copenhagen Strand", "location": "Copenhagen, Denmark", "type": "boutique hotel" }, "activities": [ "Limited walking around Copenhagen", "Dealing with travel fatigue" ], "dining": [ { "location": "Thai restaurant", "type": "Thai", "dish": "Giant Pad Thai and pseudo-Diet Coke" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Hitting the travel wall - tired of solo travel", "Poor sleep", "Rainy and gray weather matching mood", "Ready to be home", "Minimal activities due to exhaustion" ], "weather": "Rainy and gray" }, { "title": "Norway and Denmark Day 12", "date": "2025-05-19", "subtitle": "Copenhagen to RDU", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "may2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025norway", "trip_day": 12, "location_start": "Copenhagen, Denmark", "location_end": "Holly Springs, NC", "locations_visited": [ "Copenhagen city center", "Kongens Nytorv metro station", "Copenhagen Airport (CPH)", "Keflavik Airport (KEF), Iceland", "Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU)" ], "accommodation": { "name": "Home", "location": "Holly Springs, NC" }, "transport": [ { "type": "metro", "route": "Hotel to Copenhagen Airport", "carrier": "Copenhagen Metro" }, { "type": "air", "route": "Copenhagen (CPH) to Keflavik (KEF)", "carrier": "Icelandair", "departure": "2pm" }, { "type": "air", "route": "Keflavik (KEF) to Raleigh-Durham (RDU)", "carrier": "Icelandair", "duration": "7 hours" }, { "type": "rideshare", "route": "RDU to Holly Springs", "carrier": "Uber" } ], "activities": [ "Late morning leisure at hotel", "Metro ride to airport", "Lunch at Copenhagen Airport", "Flights via Iceland back to North Carolina", "Aerial photography of Greenland", "Viewing Blue Lagoon from airplane" ], "dining": [ { "location": "Copenhagen Airport", "type": "Airport dining", "dish": "Light lunch" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Heaven is a flight that doesn't leave at 6am", "Clean and nice (but confusing) Copenhagen Airport", "Familiar Keflavik Airport experience", "Clear weather allowing Greenland aerial photography", "7 hour transatlantic flight", "Successfully completing 11-night solo Norway/Denmark trip" ], "weather": "Clear and sunny in Copenhagen, clear skies over Greenland" } ] }, { "rollup_key": "2025chde", "posts": [ { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 1", "date": "2025-07-29", "subtitle": "RDU to Zurich", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "july2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "trip_stage": "outbound", "trip_type": "transatlantic", "trip_duration_days": 1, "locations": [ "Holly Springs, NC", "Durham, NC", "Raleigh-Durham International Airport", "JFK Airport", "Zurich" ], "countries_visited": [ "United States" ], "flights": [ { "carrier": "Delta", "route": "RDU → JFK → ZRH", "departure_time": "2025-07-29T20:30:00", "layover_airport": "JFK", "layover_duration": "4.5 hours" } ], "activities": [ "citizenship_ceremony", "airport_transit", "overnight_flight" ], "travelers": [ "son (age 15)" ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 2", "date": "2025-07-30", "subtitle": "Planes and trains", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "july2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "locations": [ { "name": "Zurich Airport", "type": "airport", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Zurich Hauptbahnhof", "type": "train_station", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Bern", "type": "train_station", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Interlaken Ost", "type": "train_station", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Lauterbrunnen", "type": "train_station", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Wengen", "type": "town", "country": "Switzerland" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Hotel Bären", "location": "Wengen", "url": "https://www.baeren-wengen.ch/en/" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Restaurant Pasta & More", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Wengen", "url": "https://wengen.swiss/en/map/detail/restaurant-pasta-amp-more-6fa4d8f3-79b8-47cf-b99a-ed74ffa821f1.html" }, { "name": "Hotel Falken", "type": "hotel", "location": "Wengen", "url": "https://wengen.swiss/en/map/detail/hotel-falken-2ffd6a5a-c2a3-4f2a-8dbc-e31b340b16d9.html" }, { "name": "Coop", "type": "grocery", "location": "Wengen" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "flight", "arrival_time": "10:30", "destination": "Zurich Airport" }, { "type": "train", "route": "Zurich Airport → Zurich Hauptbahnhof → Bern → Interlaken Ost → Lauterbrunnen → Wengen", "arrival_time": "15:00" } ], "activities": [ "Customs and Immigration", "Train connections through Switzerland", "Walking tour of Wengen", "Dinner with friends" ], "companions": [ "Joshua Levens", "Max", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 3", "date": "2025-07-31", "subtitle": "Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, and the panorama walk", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "july2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "locations": [ { "name": "Wengen", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Männlichen", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Kleine Scheidegg", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Lauterbrunnen", "country": "Switzerland" } ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel Bären", "location": "Wengen, Switzerland", "nights": 1 }, "transport": [ { "type": "gondola", "route": "Wengen to Männlichen" }, { "type": "train", "route": "Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen" }, { "type": "train", "route": "Wengen to Lauterbrunnen" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "hiking", "name": "Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg panorama walk", "location": "Männlichen-Kleine Scheidegg" }, { "type": "hiking", "name": "Royal Walk to the Crown", "location": "Männlichen" }, { "type": "sightseeing", "name": "Staubbach Falls", "location": "Lauterbrunnen" } ], "dining": [ { "name": "The Deck", "location": "Wengen", "type": "restaurant", "cuisine": "Swiss", "url": "https://jungfraublick.com/restaurant/?lang=en" } ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 4", "date": "2025-08-01", "subtitle": "Wengen to Zermatt", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "august2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "locations": [ { "name": "Wengen", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Lauterbrunnen", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Interlaken Ost", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Visp", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Zermatt", "country": "Switzerland" } ], "accommodation": [ { "name": "Hotel Bären", "location": "Wengen, Switzerland", "nights": 0, "checkin": false, "checkout": true }, { "name": "Hotel Albatros", "location": "Zermatt, Switzerland", "nights": 1, "checkin": true, "checkout": false } ], "transport": [ { "type": "train", "route": "Wengen to Lauterbrunnen", "duration": "~15min" }, { "type": "train", "route": "Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken Ost", "duration": "~20min" }, { "type": "train", "route": "Interlaken Ost to Visp", "duration": "~1hr" }, { "type": "train", "route": "Visp to Zermatt", "duration": "~1hr" }, { "type": "walking", "description": "Train station to Hotel Albatros", "duration": "15-20min" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "cultural", "name": "Swiss National Day celebrations", "location": "Zermatt", "date": "2025-08-01" }, { "type": "entertainment", "name": "Live music concert", "location": "Zermatt" }, { "type": "sightseeing", "name": "Photo walk", "location": "Zermatt" } ], "dining": [ { "name": "Restaurant Pinte", "location": "Zermatt", "type": "restaurant", "cuisine": "Swiss", "url": "https://www.hotelpollux.ch/en/gastronomy/pinte" } ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 5", "date": "2025-08-02", "subtitle": "Hikes, bikes, and carts in Zermatt", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "august2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "location": { "name": "Zermatt, Switzerland", "latitude": 46.0207, "longitude": 7.7491 }, "locations": [ { "name": "Zermatt", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Gorner Gorge", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Sunnegga", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Blauherd", "country": "Switzerland" } ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel Albatros", "location": "Zermatt, Switzerland", "nights": 1 }, "transport": [ { "type": "funicular", "route": "Zermatt to Sunnegga", "url": "https://www.matterhornparadise.ch/en/book/tickets/sunnegga" }, { "type": "gondola", "route": "Sunnegga to Blauherd" }, { "type": "mountaincart", "route": "Blauherd to Sunnegga" }, { "type": "kickbike", "route": "Sunnegga to Zermatt" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "hiking", "name": "Gorner Gorge hike", "location": "Gorner Gorge", "url": "https://zermatt.swiss/en/p/gorner-gorge-01tVj000005DonMIAS" }, { "type": "adventure", "name": "Mountaincart ride", "location": "Blauherd to Sunnegga", "duration": "~20min" }, { "type": "adventure", "name": "Kickbike ride", "location": "Sunnegga to Zermatt" } ], "dining": [ { "name": "Buffet Bar Sunnegga", "location": "Sunnegga", "type": "restaurant", "cuisine": "Swiss", "url": "https://zermatt.swiss/en/p/buffet-bar-sunnegga-01tVj000005DoQjIAK", "dish": "Bratwurst mit Rösti und Zwiebelsauce" }, { "name": "Restaurant Chalet Reid", "location": "Near Zermatt", "type": "restaurant", "url": "https://zermatt.swiss/en/p/restaurant-chalet-ried-01tVj000005DiWgIAK" }, { "name": "North Wall Bar", "location": "Zermatt", "type": "restaurant", "cuisine": "Pizza", "url": "https://zermatt.swiss/en/p/north-wall-bar-01tVj000005DjnkIAC" } ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 6", "date": "2025-08-03", "subtitle": "Up to Gornergrat and its Matterhorn views above Zermatt", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "august2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "locations": [ { "name": "Zermatt", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Gornergrat", "country": "Switzerland", "elevation": "10000ft" } ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel Albatros", "location": "Zermatt, Switzerland", "nights": 1 }, "transport": [ { "type": "train", "route": "Zermatt to Gornergrat", "operator": "Gornergrat railway", "notes": "Use Swiss Half Fare card for discount" }, { "type": "train", "route": "Gornergrat to Zermatt" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "sightseeing", "name": "Gornergrat visit", "location": "Gornergrat", "url": "https://zermatt.swiss/en/p/riffelalp-trail-nr-20-01tVj000005EwXaIAK" }, { "type": "relaxation", "name": "Lazy morning", "location": "Hotel Albatros" } ], "dining": [ { "name": "McDonald's", "location": "Zermatt", "type": "fast-food", "notes": "Near train station" } ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 7", "date": "2025-08-04", "subtitle": "A brief overnight in Appenzell", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "august2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "locations": [ { "name": "Zermatt", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Appenzell", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Wasserauen", "country": "Switzerland", "notes": "Nearby destination mentioned for future visit" } ], "accommodation": [ { "name": "Hotel Albatros", "location": "Zermatt, Switzerland", "nights": 0, "checkin": false, "checkout": true }, { "name": "Adler Hotel", "location": "Appenzell, Switzerland", "nights": 1, "checkin": true, "checkout": false, "url": "https://www.adlerhotel.ch/en/home/", "notes": "Hotel restaurant closed during stay" } ], "points_of_interest": [ { "name": "Aescher Inn", "location": "Near Wasserauen", "type": "hotel-restaurant", "url": "https://aescher.ch/en/", "notes": "Cliff-side hotel for future consideration" }, { "name": "Ebenalp", "location": "Near Wasserauen", "type": "attraction", "url": "https://www.ebenalp.ch/en/welcome", "notes": "Cable car destination from Wasserauen (~17min from Appenzell)" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "train", "route": "Zermatt to Appenzell", "departure": "8:37am", "duration": "~5.5hrs", "notes": "Multiple transfers required" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "sightseeing", "name": "Walking tour of Appenzell town center", "location": "Appenzell" }, { "type": "shopping", "name": "Supermarket provisions", "location": "Appenzell" } ], "dining": [ { "name": "Café-Hotel Appenzell", "location": "Appenzell", "type": "restaurant", "cuisine": "Swiss", "url": "https://www.hotel-appenzell.ch/en/home.html", "dish": "Weinerschnitzel and fries" } ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 8", "date": "2025-08-05", "subtitle": "Füssen - a fairytale castle and less-than-fairytail transit", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "august2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "locations": [ { "name": "Appenzell", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "St. Gallen", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "St. Margrethen SG", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Bregenz", "country": "Austria", "notes": "First visit to Austria" }, { "name": "Buchloe", "country": "Germany" }, { "name": "Füssen", "country": "Germany" }, { "name": "Schwangau", "country": "Germany" }, { "name": "Neuschwanstein Castle", "country": "Germany" } ], "accommodation": [ { "name": "Adler Hotel", "location": "Appenzell, Switzerland", "nights": 0, "checkin": false, "checkout": true }, { "name": "Best Western Plus Hotel Füssen", "location": "Füssen, Germany", "nights": 1, "checkin": true, "checkout": false, "url": "https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotels-in-fuessen/best-western-plus-hotel-fuessen/propertyCode.95509.html", "notes": "15 minute walk from train station" } ], "points_of_interest": [ { "name": "Bregenz Festspielhaus", "location": "Bregenz, Austria", "type": "cultural-venue" }, { "name": "Lake Constance", "location": "Bregenz, Austria", "type": "natural-attraction" }, { "name": "Hohenschwangau Castle", "location": "Schwangau, Germany", "type": "castle", "url": "https://www.fuessen.de/en/culture/castles-museums/", "notes": "Royal castle near Neuschwanstein" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "train", "route": "Appenzell to St. Gallen", "operator": "SBB" }, { "type": "train", "route": "St. Gallen to St. Margrethen SG", "operator": "SBB" }, { "type": "train", "route": "St. Margrethen to Bregenz", "departure": "12:25pm", "operator": "ÖBB", "notes": "Seat reservations required" }, { "type": "train", "route": "Bregenz to Buchloe" }, { "type": "bus-train", "route": "Buchloe to Füssen", "operator": "DeutscheBahn", "notes": "Gas-powered vehicle on train tracks, limited luggage space" }, { "type": "walking", "route": "Füssen Bahnhof to Best Western Plus", "duration": "15min" }, { "type": "bus", "route": "Füssen to Schwangau/Neuschwanstein", "frequency": "Every 30 minutes", "notes": "Signage and schedules could be improved" }, { "type": "walking", "route": "Parking area to Neuschwanstein Castle", "duration": "~20min", "distance": "~1 mile", "elevation_gain": "500ft" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "sightseeing", "name": "Lake Constance visit", "location": "Bregenz, Austria" }, { "type": "cultural", "name": "Neuschwanstein Castle guided tour", "location": "Neuschwanstein Castle", "time": "5:50pm", "url": "https://www.fuessen.de/en/culture/castles-museums/", "notes": "No photography allowed inside, tickets must be purchased in advance" }, { "type": "hiking", "name": "Walk up to Neuschwanstein", "location": "Neuschwanstein Castle", "distance": "~1 mile", "elevation_gain": "500ft" } ], "dining": [ { "name": "Best Western Plus Restaurant", "location": "Füssen", "type": "hotel-restaurant" } ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 9", "date": "2025-08-06", "subtitle": "Scenic journey to Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "august2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "locations": [ { "name": "Füssen", "country": "Germany" }, { "name": "Pflach", "country": "Austria" }, { "name": "Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "country": "Germany", "region": "Bavaria" } ], "accommodation": [ { "name": "Best Western Plus Hotel Füssen", "location": "Füssen, Germany", "nights": 0, "checkin": false, "checkout": true }, { "name": "Hyperion Hotel Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "location": "Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, Germany", "nights": 2, "checkin": true, "checkout": false, "url": "https://www.h-hotels.com/en/hyperion/hotels/hyperion-hotel-garmisch-partenkirchen", "notes": "Great balcony, spacious room, residential neighborhood near stores and restaurants" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "bus", "route": "Füssen to Pflach", "operator": "Bus 100", "duration": "~25min", "notes": "Fast-paced mountain driving, alternative to direct bus 9606" }, { "type": "walking", "route": "Pflach bus stop to train station", "duration": "3-4min" }, { "type": "train", "route": "Pflach to Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "operator": "S7", "duration": "1h 15m", "notes": "Very scenic mountain route" }, { "type": "walking", "route": "Garmisch station to Hyperion Hotel", "notes": "Long but flat walk" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "sightseeing", "name": "Scenic train ride", "location": "Pflach to Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "duration": "1h 15m", "notes": "One of the most beautiful train rides, comparable to Goldenpass Express" }, { "type": "sightseeing", "name": "Exploring Garmisch town center", "location": "Garmisch-Partenkirchen" } ], "dining": [ { "name": "Bungalow 7", "location": "Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "type": "restaurant", "url": "https://www.bungalow-7.de/en/", "dish": "Fish & chips", "notes": "Popular with Rowan, returned next day" } ], "cultural_references": [ { "name": "Duel (1971)", "type": "film", "director": "Steven Spielberg", "url": "https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067023/", "notes": "Referenced by fellow traveler comparing bus ride" } ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 10", "date": "2025-08-07", "subtitle": "Around Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "august2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "trip_day": 10, "day_type": "leisure", "location": "Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany", "locations": [ { "name": "Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "country": "Germany", "region": "Bavaria" } ], "hotels": [ { "name": "Hyperion Hotel Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "type": "accommodation" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "L'Osteria Garmisch Marienplatz", "type": "restaurant", "meal": "lunch", "cuisine": "Italian", "url": "https://losteria.net/de-en/restaurants/restaurant/garmisch-marienplatz/" }, { "name": "Bungalow 7", "type": "restaurant", "meal": "dinner", "url": "https://www.bungalow-7.de/en/" }, { "name": "Lidl", "type": "shop" } ], "activities": [ "relaxing on balcony", "shopping for supplies", "researching Munich hotels" ], "travel_companions": [ "Rowan" ], "references": [ { "name": "Mercure Hotel München Altstadt", "type": "future_accommodation", "location": "Munich, Germany", "url": "https://all.accor.com/hotel/3709/index.en.shtml" }, { "name": "Drei Koenige Lucerne", "type": "past_accommodation", "location": "Lucerne, Switzerland", "url": "https://www.drei-koenige.ch/de" } ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 11", "date": "2025-08-08", "subtitle": "Walking around Garmisch", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "august2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "trip_day": 11, "location": { "city": "Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "country": "Germany", "region": "Bavaria" }, "locations": [ { "name": "Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "country": "Germany", "region": "Bavaria" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Riessersee Lake", "type": "natural_attraction", "url": "https://www.outdooractive.com/en/route/hiking-trail/garmisch-partenkirchen/riessersee-circular-trail/42432379/", "notes": "1.2km circular trail, 270ft ascent from town" }, { "name": "Riessersee Hotel", "type": "hotel", "url": "https://www.riessersee-hotel.de/startseite" }, { "name": "Thai Street Food Garmisch", "type": "restaurant", "cuisine": "Thai", "url": "https://thaistreetfood-garmisch.de/speisekarte", "notes": "Takeout pad thai" }, { "name": "Restaurant Zum Lamm", "type": "restaurant", "url": "https://maps.app.goo.gl/uSoT2BBjetbBNvgi9", "notes": "Outdoor dinner, Treasure Chest appetizer plate" } ], "nearby_attractions_mentioned": [ { "name": "Eibsee", "url": "https://www.gapa-tourismus.de/en/Summer/Trips/Attractions/Lake%20Eibsee", "visited": false }, { "name": "Zugspitze", "url": "https://zugspitze.de/en", "visited": false, "notes": "Skipped due to cost and similarity to Gornergrat" } ], "activities": [ "hiking", "walking", "sightseeing", "dining" ], "weather": "Sunny and warm, comfortable on the balcony in shorts by morning", "travel_companions": [ "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 12", "date": "2025-08-09", "subtitle": "To Munich!", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "august2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "locations": [ { "name": "Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "country": "Germany", "type": "departure" }, { "name": "Munich", "country": "Germany", "type": "arrival" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Munich Hauptbahnhof", "type": "transit", "url": "https://www.bahnhof.de/en/muenchen-hbf", "notes": "Bustling station with construction and poor signage" }, { "name": "Marienplatz", "type": "attraction", "attraction": "Neues Rathaus and Rathaus Glockenspiel" }, { "name": "English Garden", "type": "park", "url": "https://www.muenchen.de/en/sights/attractions/english-garden", "attractions": [ "Bavarian State Chancellery", "waterfall swimming area" ] }, { "name": "Kilians Irish Pub", "type": "restaurant", "url": "https://kiliansirishpub.de/", "cuisine": "Irish/Australian", "meal": "dinner", "dish": "fish and chips" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "train", "from": "Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "to": "Munich", "duration": "1.5 hours", "class": "first", "notes": "Train was overcrowded, crew added extra cars causing 10 minute delay" } ], "activities": [ "Walking tour of Munich city center", "Visited Marienplatz and Rathaus Glockenspiel", "Solo exploration of English Garden", "Dinner at Irish pub" ], "notable_mentions": [ "First big city experience for Rowan", "Purchased distilled water for CPAP", "Train delays common in Germany vs Switzerland" ], "travel_companions": [ "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 13", "date": "2025-08-10", "subtitle": "Casual Sunday in Munich", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "august2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "trip_day": 13, "day_type": "leisure", "location": { "city": "Munich", "country": "Germany", "region": "Bavaria" }, "locations": [ { "name": "Munich", "country": "Germany", "region": "Bavaria" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "BMW Welt", "type": "exhibition_center", "url": "https://www.bmw-welt.com/en/index.html", "description": "Combined exhibition, delivery, adventure museum, and event venue" }, { "name": "Olympic Park Munich", "type": "park", "url": "https://www.olympiapark.de/en" }, { "name": "Marienplatz", "type": "public_square", "url": "https://www.munich.travel/en/pois/urban-districts/marienplatz" }, { "name": "Ratskeller Restaurant", "type": "restaurant", "url": "https://www.ratskeller.com/files/downloads/english/restaurant-ratskeller.html", "location": "Neues Rathaus courtyard" }, { "name": "English Garden", "type": "park" } ], "transport": [ "Munich U-Bahn (subway/metro)" ], "activities": [ "Public transit experience (U-Bahn)", "BMW Welt exhibition visit", "Food truck lunch", "Park walking", "Sightseeing in Marienplatz", "Special occasion dinner", "Evening walk in English Garden" ], "notable_events": [ "First experience with Munich's U-Bahn system", "Sunday in Germany (many stores/restaurants closed)", "Special occasion celebration dinner", "Last night in downtown Munich" ], "travel_companions": [ "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 14", "date": "2025-08-11", "subtitle": "To the airport", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "august2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "trip_day": 14, "location": "Munich, Germany", "locations": [ { "name": "Munich", "country": "Germany", "region": "Bavaria", "type": "departure" }, { "name": "Munich Airport", "type": "airport", "code": "MUC", "city": "Munich", "country": "Germany" } ], "days_at_location": 1, "hotels": [ { "name": "Mercure Hotel München Altstadt", "status": "checkout", "location": "Marienplatz, Munich" }, { "name": "Hilton Munich Airport", "status": "checkin", "location": "Munich Airport" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "EAT HAPPY", "type": "restaurant", "cuisine": "sushi", "location": "REWE grocery store, Munich Airport", "cost": "14 EUR" }, { "name": "Mountain Hub Gourmet", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Hilton Munich Airport", "url": "https://gourmet.mountainhub.de/en/" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "S-bahn", "route": "Munich city center to Munich Airport" } ], "activities": [ "Shopping at REWE grocery store", "Finding EAT HAPPY sushi stall", "Walking around Munich Airport", "Dinner at Mountain Hub Gourmet restaurant" ], "travel_companions": [ "Rowan" ], "travel_sentiment": "tired, ready to go home" }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 15", "date": "2025-08-12", "subtitle": "The trip home", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "august2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "trip_day": 15, "day_type": "travel_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Munich Airport", "type": "airport", "code": "MUC", "city": "Munich", "country": "Germany" }, { "name": "Detroit Airport", "type": "airport", "code": "DTW", "city": "Detroit", "country": "USA" }, { "name": "Raleigh-Durham International Airport", "type": "airport", "code": "RDU", "city": "Raleigh-Durham", "country": "USA" }, { "name": "Holly Springs", "type": "city", "state": "NC", "country": "USA" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "flight", "carrier": "Delta", "route": "MUC to DTW", "class": "Delta One", "departure_time": "10:25", "seat": "5A" }, { "type": "flight", "carrier": "Delta", "route": "DTW to RDU" } ], "activities": [ "Checked bags at Munich Airport", "Read Business Punk magazine issue 101", "International flight from Munich to Detroit", "Customs and Immigration in Detroit with Global Entry", "Bag reclaim and recheck in Detroit", "Domestic flight from Detroit to Raleigh-Durham", "Arrival home in Holly Springs" ] } ] }, { "rollup_key": "2026romesilversea", "posts": [ { "title": "Rome and Silversea Day 1", "date": "2026-05-04", "subtitle": "Travels to Europe", "categories": "travel rome silversea", "tags": [ "may2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026romesilversea", "trip_stage": "outbound", "locations": [ { "name": "Holly Springs", "type": "town", "country": "United States" }, { "name": "Raleigh-Durham International Airport", "type": "airport", "country": "United States" }, { "name": "Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport", "type": "airport", "country": "United States" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Amex Centurion Lounge", "type": "airport_lounge", "location": "Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Concourse E" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "rideshare", "provider": "Uber", "route": "Holly Springs → RDU", "departure_time": "10:15am" }, { "type": "flight", "carrier": "Delta", "route": "RDU → ATL" }, { "type": "flight", "carrier": "Delta", "cabin": "Premium Select", "aircraft": "Airbus A330-900neo", "route": "ATL → FCO", "overnight": true, "seat": "bulkhead window (acquired via passenger swap)", "notes": "Traded inside aisle for bulkhead window seat onboard" } ], "activities": [ "Lyft cancellation and Uber switch", "May the 4th Star Wars cosplay sighting at RDU", "Atlanta layover and Centurion Lounge visit", "Overnight transatlantic flight in Premium Select" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Delta ATL → FCO flight", "type": "in-flight meal", "cabin": "Premium Select", "dishes": "Herb-and-lemon salmon over potatoes and peppers with green beans, side salad with cherry tomatoes and radishes, brioche roll with salted butter and olive oil, berry-topped cheesecake" } ], "companions": [ "solo" ] }, { "title": "Rome and Silversea Day 2", "date": "2026-05-05", "subtitle": "The day of many steps", "categories": "travel rome silversea", "tags": [ "may2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026romesilversea", "trip_stage": "pre-cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport", "type": "airport", "country": "Italy" }, { "name": "Rome", "type": "city", "country": "Italy" }, { "name": "Vatican City", "type": "city_state", "country": "Vatican City" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Hotel Campo de' Fiori", "location": "Rome", "url": "https://www.hotelcampodefiori.com/en/", "nights": 3, "checkin": true, "checkout": false, "room": "603", "floor": "6th (walk-up from elevator stop at 5)", "notes": "Adjacent to rooftop terrace access; check-in handled by Valentina at front desk" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Altare della Patria (Vittoriano)", "type": "monument", "location": "Piazza Venezia, Rome" }, { "name": "Roman Forum", "type": "historic_site", "location": "Rome" }, { "name": "Colosseum", "type": "historic_site", "location": "Rome" }, { "name": "Romoletto", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Campo de' Fiori, Rome", "url": "https://romolettogroup.it/" }, { "name": "Trevi Fountain", "type": "monument", "location": "Rome" }, { "name": "Pantheon", "type": "historic_site", "location": "Rome" }, { "name": "Rinascente Via del Tritone", "type": "department_store", "location": "Rome", "url": "https://www.rinascente.it/en/store-roma-via-del-tritone" }, { "name": "St. Peter's Square Bronze Doors", "type": "ticket_office", "location": "Vatican City" }, { "name": "Ristorante Verso Sera", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Rome", "url": "https://www.ristoranteversosera.it/" }, { "name": "MYO Gelato", "type": "gelateria", "location": "Rome", "url": "https://maps.app.goo.gl/YtxpvzypodbqSGi78" }, { "name": "Taba Cafe", "type": "cafe", "location": "Campo de' Fiori, Rome", "url": "https://tabacafe.com/" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "flight", "carrier": "Delta", "route": "ATL → FCO", "arrival_time": "morning" }, { "type": "car_transfer", "provider": "hotel-arranged private driver", "route": "Fiumicino Airport → Hotel Campo de' Fiori", "fare_eur": 65, "duration": "~1 hour", "arrival_time": "~10:30am", "notes": "Driver Sergio; arranged via WhatsApp after no-show at arrivals; fuel stop on the way (gas ~€2.04/L diesel, ~€1.89/L unleaded)" } ], "activities": [ "Arrival in Rome and hotel check-in", "Walking tour past Vittoriano, Roman Forum, and Colosseum", "Lunch at Romoletto on Campo de' Fiori", "Shopping for dinner shoes at Rinascente", "Trevi Fountain and Pantheon encounters", "Vatican Wednesday General Audience ticket pickup at the Bronze Doors", "Dinner at Ristorante Verso Sera", "Gelato at MYO", "Rooftop hotel views", "Late-night cake and people-watching at Taba Cafe" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Romoletto", "meal": "lunch", "location": "Campo de' Fiori, Rome", "url": "https://romolettogroup.it/", "dishes": "meatballs, tiramisu", "notes": "Hotel recommendation; first tiramisu of the trip" }, { "venue": "Ristorante Verso Sera", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Piazza opposite Hotel Campo de' Fiori, Rome", "url": "https://www.ristoranteversosera.it/" }, { "venue": "MYO Gelato", "meal": "dessert", "location": "Campo de' Fiori corner, Rome", "url": "https://maps.app.goo.gl/YtxpvzypodbqSGi78", "dishes": "two scoops of gelato" }, { "venue": "Taba Cafe", "meal": "late-night dessert and people-watching", "location": "Campo de' Fiori, Rome", "url": "https://tabacafe.com/", "dishes": "half white / half brown marble cake (too dry)" } ], "companions": [ "solo" ] }, { "title": "Rome and Silversea Day 3", "date": "2026-05-06", "subtitle": "It's Rome, so more walking and eating", "categories": "travel rome silversea", "tags": [ "may2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026romesilversea", "trip_stage": "pre-cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Rome", "type": "city", "country": "Italy" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Hotel Campo de' Fiori", "location": "Rome", "url": "https://www.hotelcampodefiori.com/en/", "night": "2 of 3", "room": "603" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Spanish Steps", "type": "monument", "location": "Piazza di Spagna, Rome" }, { "name": "Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi", "type": "monument", "location": "Piazza Navona, Rome", "notes": "Bernini fountain" }, { "name": "Pantheon", "type": "historic_site", "location": "Rome", "visited": "interior" }, { "name": "Largo di Torre Argentina", "type": "archaeological_site", "location": "Rome", "notes": "Site of Julius Caesar's assassination in the Curia of Pompey" }, { "name": "Palazzo della Cancelleria", "type": "palazzo", "location": "Rome", "notes": "Bramante-designed two-tier travertine courtyard" }, { "name": "Basilica di Sant'Agostino", "type": "church", "location": "Rome", "notes": "Renaissance facade with 1483 inscription to Cardinal Guillaume d'Estouteville" }, { "name": "Romoletto", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Campo de' Fiori, Rome", "url": "https://romolettogroup.it/" }, { "name": "MYO Gelato", "type": "gelateria", "location": "Rome", "url": "https://maps.app.goo.gl/YtxpvzypodbqSGi78" } ], "activities": [ "Walking tour through Rome's historic center", "Spanish Steps visit", "Piazza Navona and Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi", "Interior visit to the Pantheon", "Largo di Torre Argentina", "Palazzo della Cancelleria courtyard and Sant'Agostino facade", "Dinner at Romoletto (carbonara)", "Gelato at MYO", "People-watching from chairs in front of hotel" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Romoletto", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Campo de' Fiori, Rome", "url": "https://romolettogroup.it/", "dishes": "carbonara", "notes": "Return visit" }, { "venue": "MYO Gelato", "meal": "dessert", "location": "Rome", "url": "https://maps.app.goo.gl/YtxpvzypodbqSGi78", "notes": "Obligatory daily gelato" } ], "companions": [ "solo" ], "skipped": [ { "event": "Vatican Wednesday General Audience", "location": "St. Peter's Square, Vatican City", "reason": "Jet lag — opted to sleep instead of waking at 5am after only 3 hours", "notes": "Had a ticket picked up the previous day" } ] }, { "title": "Rome and Silversea Day 4", "date": "2026-05-07", "subtitle": "The Vatican, Colosseum, Forum, Trevi, and Pantheon", "categories": "travel rome silversea", "tags": [ "may2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026romesilversea", "trip_stage": "pre-cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Rome", "type": "city", "country": "Italy" }, { "name": "Vatican City", "type": "city_state", "country": "Vatican City" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Hotel Campo de' Fiori", "location": "Rome", "url": "https://www.hotelcampodefiori.com/en/", "night": "3 of 3", "room": "603" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "St. Peter's Basilica", "type": "basilica", "location": "Vatican City", "url": "https://booking.basilicasanpietro.va/en/idea/52251275/-dome-with-stairs-includes-basilica-", "visited": "interior, roof, dome inner gallery, lantern", "ticket": "Dome via Stairs (€17)", "notes": "8:30am Basilica entrance included with 9:30am dome ticket; in line 8:38am, inside by 9:01am" }, { "name": "St. Peter's Square", "type": "monument", "location": "Vatican City", "notes": "Via della Conciliazione was blocked off by police; foot traffic diverted to side streets" }, { "name": "Colosseum", "type": "historic_site", "location": "Rome", "visited": "first level, second level, arena", "ticket": "Intero Full Experience (€24)", "notes": "4:30pm pre-arranged self-guided tour; ~45 minutes inside" }, { "name": "Roman Forum", "type": "archaeological_site", "location": "Rome", "notes": "Included in Intero Full Experience ticket; late afternoon golden hour visit" }, { "name": "Palatine Hill", "type": "archaeological_site", "location": "Rome", "notes": "Included in Intero Full Experience ticket; saw the Stadium of Domitian" }, { "name": "Imperial Fora", "type": "archaeological_site", "location": "Rome", "notes": "Included in Intero Full Experience ticket" }, { "name": "Pancrazio", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Piazza del Biscione, Rome" }, { "name": "Trevi Fountain", "type": "monument", "location": "Rome", "visited": "exterior at night (~10:30pm)", "notes": "Crowds had not died down despite the late hour" }, { "name": "Pantheon", "type": "historic_site", "location": "Rome", "visited": "exterior at night" } ], "activities": [ "St. Peter's Basilica interior visit", "Climbed St. Peter's dome via stairs/ramp through the inner gallery up to the lantern viewing platform", "Kindle reading on the hotel rooftop terrace", "Colosseum self-guided tour", "Walking visit through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill", "Dinner at Pancrazio", "Late-night visit to the Trevi Fountain", "Tiramisu and people-watching at the Pantheon piazza" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Cafe en route from Vatican", "meal": "late breakfast", "location": "Rome", "dishes": "caprese salad, coffee", "notes": "On the walk back to the hotel from St. Peter's" }, { "venue": "Pancrazio", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Piazza del Biscione, Rome", "notes": "Tip prompt on the card machine felt tacky" }, { "venue": "Cafe on the Pantheon piazza", "meal": "late-night dessert", "location": "Rome", "dishes": "tiramisu", "notes": "People-watching stop on the way back from Trevi" } ], "companions": [ "solo" ] }, { "title": "Rome and Silversea Day 5", "date": "2026-05-08", "subtitle": "Embark day on the Silversea Silver Spirit", "categories": "travel rome silversea", "tags": [ "may2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026romesilversea", "trip_stage": "embarkation", "locations": [ { "name": "Rome", "type": "city", "country": "Italy" }, { "name": "Civitavecchia", "type": "port_town", "country": "Italy" }, { "name": "Tyrrhenian Sea", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Hotel Campo de' Fiori", "location": "Rome", "url": "https://www.hotelcampodefiori.com/en/", "night": "3 of 3", "room": "603", "checkout": true, "notes": "Settled bill and had the front desk call a taxi to the train station" }, { "name": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "Civitavecchia (embarkation)", "url": "https://www.silversea.com/", "night": "1 of 7", "suite": "757", "suite_category": "Deluxe Veranda", "suite_size": "~311 sq ft interior + 64 sq ft veranda (~375 sq ft total)", "notes": "First voyage after 61 days in dry dock; butler and housekeeper service; butlers reachable via WhatsApp QR code" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Statua di Poseidone", "type": "monument", "location": "Civitavecchia", "url": "https://maps.app.goo.gl/cHGPsRqDKCDUtQQD9", "notes": "Recommended map destination for walking to the cruise port bus plaza" }, { "name": "Hasekura Tsunenaga Statue", "type": "monument", "location": "Civitavecchia", "notes": "Statue of the Japanese samurai ambassador near the seafront promenade" }, { "name": "Largo della Pace", "type": "transit_hub", "location": "Civitavecchia", "notes": "Bus plaza for boarding cruise ship shuttles" }, { "name": "La Terrazza", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Silver Spirit, Deck 7", "notes": "Lunch venue" }, { "name": "Show Lounge", "type": "theater", "location": "Silver Spirit, Deck 5", "notes": "Renovated during dry dock; served as the muster station for the safety drill" }, { "name": "Coffee Bar", "type": "lounge", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Became a favorite spot over the span of the cruise" }, { "name": "La Dolce Vita", "type": "lounge", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "First group cocktail hour; also the solo cruisers' meetup" }, { "name": "S.A.L.T. Kitchen", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Silver Spirit", "url": "https://www.silversea.com/introducing-silversea-salt.html", "notes": "Sea And Land Taste; group dinner" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "taxi", "route": "Hotel Campo de' Fiori → Stazione San Pietro, Rome", "fare_eur": 12, "duration": "~10 minutes", "notes": "Hotel called the taxi; accidentally offered a 20 Swiss Franc note before paying with a €50" }, { "type": "train", "provider": "Trenitalia", "service": "regional", "route": "Roma San Pietro → Civitavecchia", "fare_eur": 4.6, "duration": "~1 hour", "notes": "Ticket bought from a cash/coin-only machine; stood with luggage the whole ride; accelerated plans ahead of a possible 11am train strike" }, { "type": "walk", "route": "Civitavecchia station → cruise port bus plaza", "duration": "~25 minutes" }, { "type": "shuttle_bus", "route": "Largo della Pace → ship pier", "notes": "Cruise port shuttle; buses loaded to ~110% full" }, { "type": "cruise", "vessel": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "route": "Civitavecchia → Tyrrhenian Sea (toward Livorno)", "departure_time": "6:30pm", "notes": "Embark day sailaway; no sailaway party, unlike mainstream lines" } ], "activities": [ "Hotel checkout and taxi to Stazione San Pietro", "Regional train from Rome to Civitavecchia", "Walk from Civitavecchia station to the cruise port", "Shuttle bus to the ship pier", "Embarkation on the Silversea Silver Spirit", "Lunch at La Terrazza", "Ship exploration (theater, grand staircase, coffee bar)", "Sunbathing on the top deck", "Butler and housekeeper room orientation", "Muster station safety drill in the Show Lounge", "6:30pm sailaway", "Cocktail hour in La Dolce Vita with the travel advisor group", "Group dinner at S.A.L.T. Kitchen" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "La Terrazza", "meal": "lunch", "location": "Silver Spirit, Deck 7" }, { "venue": "La Dolce Vita", "meal": "cocktail hour", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Group gathering with the travel advisors at the 6:30pm sailaway" }, { "venue": "S.A.L.T. Kitchen", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Silver Spirit", "url": "https://www.silversea.com/introducing-silversea-salt.html", "notes": "Group dinner; food, service, and company all top notch" } ], "companions": [ "solo", "travel advisor group (and partners)" ] }, { "title": "Rome and Silversea Day 6", "date": "2026-05-09", "subtitle": "A deliberately low-key day in Livorno", "categories": "travel rome silversea", "tags": [ "may2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026romesilversea", "trip_stage": "cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Livorno", "type": "port_town", "country": "Italy", "notes": "Tuscan port serving as the gateway to Florence and Pisa" }, { "name": "Tyrrhenian Sea", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters", "notes": "Sailaway from Livorno toward València, Spain" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "type": "cruise_ship", "url": "https://www.silversea.com/", "night": "2 of 7", "suite": "757", "suite_category": "Deluxe Veranda" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Mercato Centrale", "type": "market", "location": "Livorno", "url": "https://www.mercatodellevettovaglie.it/web/9u/attivita.html", "visited": "interior loop of the stalls", "notes": "Grand 19th-century iron-and-glass covered market; butchers, bakers, cheesemongers, produce, seafood, and small eateries" }, { "name": "La Terrazza", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Silver Spirit, Deck 7", "notes": "Alfresco deck lunch with a view back over the Livorno port" }, { "name": "Coffee Bar", "type": "lounge", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Afternoon stop to work on the travel journal over an illy espresso" }, { "name": "Atlantide", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Silver Spirit", "visited": "window table at sailaway", "notes": "Main dining room; solo dinner as the ship departed Livorno" }, { "name": "Spaccanapoli", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Neapolitan pizza restaurant; photographed the menu for later reference but did not dine" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "shuttle_bus", "route": "Livorno cruise pier ↔ Livorno town center", "notes": "Complimentary ship shuttle into the center of town and back" }, { "type": "cruise", "vessel": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "route": "Livorno → Tyrrhenian Sea (toward València, Spain)", "notes": "Evening sailaway captured as a time-lapse from the dinner table window" } ], "activities": [ "Complimentary shuttle from the cruise pier into central Livorno", "Walking Livorno's covered portico and downtown", "Slow loop through the Mercato Centrale covered market", "Deck lunch at La Terrazza overlooking the port", "Working on the travel journal at the Coffee Bar", "Reading on the veranda with a Kindle", "Solo dinner at Atlantide during the sailaway", "Time-lapse of the Livorno sailaway from the dinner window", "Evening on the pool deck after sunset" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "La Terrazza", "meal": "lunch", "location": "Silver Spirit, Deck 7", "notes": "Green salad with smoked salmon and shaved parmesan, eaten on deck overlooking the port" }, { "venue": "Coffee Bar", "meal": "coffee", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "illy espresso with a chocolate cookie while journaling" }, { "venue": "Atlantide", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Solo dinner at a window table during the Livorno sailaway" } ], "companions": [ "solo" ] }, { "title": "Rome and Silversea Day 7", "date": "2026-05-10", "subtitle": "A full day at sea between Italy and Spain", "categories": "travel rome silversea", "tags": [ "may2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026romesilversea", "day_type": "at_sea", "trip_stage": "cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Balearic Sea", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters", "notes": "Full sea day crossing the western Mediterranean on the Livorno → València leg" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "type": "cruise_ship", "url": "https://www.silversea.com/", "night": "3 of 7", "suite": "757", "suite_category": "Deluxe Veranda" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Shore Excursions Desk", "type": "service_desk", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Booked an excursion in Cartagena and two in Portimão (the more scenery-focused port)" }, { "name": "Atlantide", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Group dinner with the travel advisors" }, { "name": "Panorama Lounge", "type": "lounge", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "After-dinner drinks with members of the group" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise", "vessel": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "route": "Livorno, Italy → València, Spain", "notes": "Full day at sea crossing the western Mediterranean toward València" } ], "activities": [ "Relaxing and reading on a sun-deck lounger", "Changed return flights to fly home Friday after disembarkation, skipping two nights in Lisbon", "Booked shore excursions for Cartagena and Portimão (two for Portimão)", "Group dinner at Atlantide", "After-dinner drinks in the Panorama Lounge" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Atlantide", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Group dinner with the travel advisors; menu featured roast duck, grilled halibut, and a caramel coconut tart" } ], "companions": [ "solo", "travel advisor group" ] }, { "title": "Rome and Silversea Day 8", "date": "2026-05-11", "subtitle": "A day in València, Spain", "categories": "travel rome silversea", "tags": [ "may2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026romesilversea", "day_type": "port", "trip_stage": "cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "València", "type": "city", "country": "Spain", "notes": "Mediterranean coastal city, home of paella; ship docked for the day" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "type": "cruise_ship", "url": "https://www.silversea.com/", "night": "4 of 7", "suite": "757", "suite_category": "Deluxe Veranda" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias", "type": "landmark", "location": "València", "visited": "walked the grounds, exterior only", "notes": "City of Arts & Sciences complex, about a 2-mile walk from the cruise terminal; did not enter the museums" }, { "name": "Príncipe Felipe Science Museum", "type": "museum", "location": "València", "notes": "Photographed the exterior at the City of Arts & Sciences; did not go inside" }, { "name": "Hemisfèric", "type": "landmark", "location": "València", "notes": "IMAX cinema and planetarium building at the City of Arts & Sciences; photographed from outside" }, { "name": "Riviera", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "New open-air restaurant aboard the ship; late lunch after the walk" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "shuttle_bus", "operator": "Silversea", "route": "València cruise terminal ↔ city center", "notes": "Complimentary ship shuttle offered; skipped it in favor of walking" }, { "type": "walk", "route": "Cruise terminal → City of Arts & Sciences and back", "distance": "~2 miles each way", "notes": "Well-marked pedestrian path out of the cruise port" }, { "type": "cruise", "vessel": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "route": "València, Spain → Cartagena, Spain", "notes": "Evening sailaway from València toward Cartagena" } ], "activities": [ "Walking about 2 miles from the cruise terminal into València", "Strolling the City of Arts & Sciences grounds (exterior only)", "Recording a walk-and-talk video of first impressions", "Lunch from a hot dog stand outside the museum", "Late lunch at the ship's new open-air Riviera restaurant", "Photographing the sunset from the balcony and deck at sailaway" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "València lunch stand", "meal": "lunch", "location": "Outside the City of Arts & Sciences, València", "notes": "Long hot dog topped with fried-onion \"crunchies\"" }, { "venue": "Riviera", "meal": "lunch", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Late open-air lunch back aboard; ceviche and a fish course" } ], "companions": [ "solo" ] }, { "title": "Rome and Silversea Day 9", "date": "2026-05-12", "subtitle": "A day in Cartagena, Spain", "categories": "travel rome silversea", "tags": [ "may2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026romesilversea", "day_type": "port", "trip_stage": "cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Cartagena", "type": "city", "country": "Spain", "region": "Murcia", "notes": "Ancient Mediterranean port city in the Murcia region; ship docked for the day right at the old town" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "type": "cruise_ship", "url": "https://www.silversea.com/", "night": "5 of 7", "suite": "757", "suite_category": "Deluxe Veranda" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Palacio Consistorial", "type": "landmark", "location": "Cartagena", "notes": "Ornate Belle Époque city hall on the main plaza near the port; visited on the walking tour, exterior only" }, { "name": "Calle Mayor", "type": "street", "location": "Cartagena", "notes": "Pedestrian high street lined with historic buildings and a modernist white-cube canopy installation" }, { "name": "Mercado central", "type": "market", "location": "Cartagena", "notes": "Covered market with fresh fish, meat, and vegetable stalls; wandered through on my own after the tour" }, { "name": "Cartagena waterfront promenade", "type": "landmark", "location": "Cartagena", "notes": "Palm-lined seafront walk with a bronze sailor statue and Spanish flag, between the old town and the cruise dock" }, { "name": "Riviera", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Open-air restaurant aboard the ship; joined fellow passengers for dinner, which turned into a dance party" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "walk", "route": "Cruise dock → Cartagena old town and back", "notes": "Port sits right at the old town, so the day was walked entirely on foot" }, { "type": "cruise", "vessel": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "route": "Cartagena, Spain → at sea toward Portimão, Portugal", "notes": "Evening sailaway from Cartagena" } ], "activities": [ "Secrets of Cartagena with Paella walking tour", "Photographing the Palacio Consistorial and Calle Mayor", "Paella lunch with fellow passengers", "Wandering Cartagena's central market on my own", "Caprese and olives at an outdoor café", "Walking the waterfront promenade back to the ship", "Sunbathing and reading on the pool deck", "Dinner at the ship's open-air Riviera restaurant", "People-watching at the after-dinner dance party" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Tour lunch restaurant", "meal": "lunch", "location": "Cartagena old town", "notes": "Featured a traditional Spanish rice dish (paella); served beneath stone archways" }, { "venue": "Café off the main strip", "meal": "snack", "location": "Cartagena", "notes": "Caprese salad with some of the best olives I have ever tasted" }, { "venue": "Riviera", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Joined fellow passengers Jennifer and her husband for an excellent meal in the open-air restaurant" } ], "weather": "Mostly cloudy", "companions": [ "solo", "fellow passengers (Jennifer and her husband) at dinner" ] }, { "title": "Rome and Silversea Day 10", "date": "2026-05-13", "subtitle": "A sea day and the passage past Gibraltar", "categories": "travel rome silversea", "tags": [ "may2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026romesilversea", "day_type": "at_sea", "trip_stage": "cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Alborán Sea", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters", "notes": "Western Mediterranean leg from Cartagena toward the Strait of Gibraltar" }, { "name": "Strait of Gibraltar", "type": "strait", "country": "International waters", "notes": "Passage from the Mediterranean into the Atlantic; the Rock of Gibraltar visible to starboard" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "type": "cruise_ship", "url": "https://www.silversea.com/", "night": "6 of 7", "suite": "757", "suite_category": "Deluxe Veranda" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Atlantide", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Casual solo dinner around 6pm; a fish main followed by a dessert" }, { "name": "La Dolce Vita", "type": "lounge", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Lounge with live piano; strolled through in the evening" }, { "name": "Coffee bar", "type": "cafe", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Decaf Americano and journaling before an early night" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise", "vessel": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "route": "Cartagena, Spain → at sea toward Portimão, Portugal", "notes": "Full day at sea, passing through the Strait of Gibraltar from the Mediterranean into the Atlantic" } ], "next_day_logistics": [ "Arriving Portimão, Portugal with two shore excursions planned" ], "activities": [ "Relaxing sea day aboard the ship", "Watching the ship pass through the Strait of Gibraltar and past the Rock of Gibraltar", "Casual solo dinner at Atlantide", "Strolling through La Dolce Vita during the live piano", "Journaling over a decaf Americano in the coffee bar" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Atlantide", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Casual solo dinner around 6pm; pan-fried white fish with capers and cherry tomatoes, followed by a millefeuille-style dessert" }, { "venue": "Coffee bar", "meal": "coffee", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Decaf Americano while journaling in the evening" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Sailing through the Strait of Gibraltar from the Mediterranean into the Atlantic, with the Rif coast of Morocco to port and the Rock of Gibraltar to starboard" ], "notable_mentions": [ "Recalled a prior visit to Gibraltar during a 2007 European honeymoon cruise aboard the Celebrity Millennium — toured the Rock's caverns and tunnels and saw the Barbary macaques" ], "companions": [ "solo" ], "cultural_references": [ "Pillars of Hercules, the ancient Greek name for the headlands flanking the strait, once regarded as the edge of the known world" ] }, { "title": "Rome and Silversea Day 11", "date": "2026-05-14", "subtitle": "A day in Portimão and Silves, Portugal", "categories": "travel rome silversea", "tags": [ "may2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026romesilversea", "day_type": "port", "trip_stage": "cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Portimão", "type": "city", "country": "Portugal", "region": "Algarve", "notes": "Algarve port city at the mouth of the Arade River; ship docked for the day" }, { "name": "Silves", "type": "town", "country": "Portugal", "region": "Algarve", "notes": "Historic inland town up the Arade River; former Moorish capital of the Algarve" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "type": "cruise_ship", "url": "https://www.silversea.com/", "night": "7 of 7", "suite": "757", "suite_category": "Deluxe Veranda" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Mercado Municipal de Silves", "type": "market", "location": "Silves", "notes": "Covered municipal market; walked through on the morning tour" }, { "name": "Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Silves", "type": "museum", "location": "Silves", "notes": "Archaeology museum built around an Almohad-era Moorish well-cistern" }, { "name": "Sé de Silves", "type": "cathedral", "location": "Silves", "notes": "Silves cathedral; brief stop on the walk up to the castle" }, { "name": "Castelo de Silves", "type": "castle", "location": "Silves", "notes": "Red sandstone Moorish castle; best-preserved in Portugal and the largest in the Algarve" }, { "name": "S.A.L.T.", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Farewell group dinner on the last evening aboard" } ], "points_of_interest": [ { "name": "Benagil cave", "type": "sea_cave", "location": "Algarve coast, east of Portimão", "notes": "Collapsed-roof sea cave with a round skylight; visited on an afternoon RIB tour" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise", "vessel": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "route": "At sea → Portimão, Portugal", "notes": "Morning arrival into Portimão after the Gibraltar passage" }, { "type": "tour_coach", "route": "Portimão pier → Silves and back", "notes": "Silversea shore excursion to the Moorish city of Silves" }, { "type": "boat", "route": "Algarve coast sea caves", "notes": "Afternoon RIB tour of the sea caves, including Benagil" } ], "next_day_logistics": [ "Final night aboard before disembarkation and the flight home" ], "activities": [ "Morning shore excursion to Silves (market, archaeology museum, cathedral, and castle)", "Afternoon RIB boat tour of the Algarve sea caves, including Benagil", "Farewell group dinner aboard at S.A.L.T." ], "dining": [ { "venue": "S.A.L.T.", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Farewell group dinner with the travel advisor group on the last night aboard" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Walking tour of Silves, the former Moorish capital, up to the Castelo de Silves -- the best-preserved Moorish castle in Portugal", "Boating into the Benagil sea cave with its collapsed-roof skylight" ], "weather": "Sunny", "companions": [ "solo", "travel advisor group" ] }, { "title": "Rome and Silversea Day 12", "date": "2026-05-15", "subtitle": "Disembarkation in Lisbon and the flight home", "categories": "travel rome silversea", "tags": [ "may2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026romesilversea", "day_type": "travel", "trip_stage": "return_travel", "locations": [ { "name": "Lisbon", "type": "city", "country": "Portugal", "notes": "Disembarked here; departed via Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)" }, { "name": "Boston", "type": "city", "country": "United States", "notes": "Connection through Boston Logan (BOS); cleared U.S. customs and immigration via Global Entry" } ], "countries_visited": [ "Portugal", "United States" ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise", "vessel": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "route": "Portimão → Lisbon, Portugal", "notes": "Overnight sail; disembarkation in Lisbon" }, { "type": "air", "carrier": "Delta", "route": "Lisbon (LIS) → Boston (BOS) → Raleigh-Durham (RDU)", "notes": "Checked a bag with Delta; first flight pushed back a few minutes late waiting for passengers; tight but uneventful Boston connection after clearing customs with Global Entry" } ], "activities": [ "Disembarkation in Lisbon", "Navigating departures and Schengen-exit border control at LIS", "EES exit enrollment", "Flying home" ], "notable_experiences": [ "First time through the EU's new EES biometric process, on the way out of the Schengen zone" ], "challenges": [ "Schengen-exit border control at LIS took 1h37m; the EES e-gates failed and funneled everyone to a human officer" ], "weather": "Gray and cold-ish in Boston (around 53°F)", "companions": [ "solo" ] } ] }, { "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "posts": [ { "title": "England and Iberia Day 1", "date": "2026-07-29", "subtitle": "A delay, a tight connection, and a red-eye", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "outbound", "locations": [ { "name": "Holly Springs", "type": "town", "country": "United States" }, { "name": "Raleigh-Durham International Airport", "type": "airport", "country": "United States" }, { "name": "Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport", "type": "airport", "country": "United States" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "rideshare", "provider": "Uber", "route": "Holly Springs → RDU" }, { "type": "flight", "carrier": "Delta", "route": "RDU → ATL", "notes": "Delayed to 8:45pm, at least 90 minutes late" }, { "type": "flight", "carrier": "Delta", "route": "ATL → LHR", "overnight": true, "notes": "Main cabin; connection made with about 15 minutes to spare" } ], "activities": [ "Uber to RDU", "TSA PreCheck", "Terminal T to Terminal E connection in Atlanta", "Overnight transatlantic flight" ], "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 2", "date": "2026-07-30", "subtitle": "Heathrow to Bankside, and 20,000 steps on no sleep", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "pre-cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "London Heathrow Airport", "type": "airport", "country": "England" }, { "name": "Farringdon", "type": "train_station", "country": "England" }, { "name": "London", "type": "city", "country": "England" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Hilton London Bankside", "location": "London", "night": "1 of 3", "notes": "Books two connecting rooms as a single reservation, so connecting rooms are guaranteed rather than requested" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Leake Street Arches (Graffiti Tunnel)", "type": "attraction", "location": "Waterloo, London", "url": "https://www.leakestreetarches.london/" }, { "name": "Westminster Bridge", "type": "landmark", "location": "London" }, { "name": "Buckingham Palace", "type": "landmark", "location": "London" }, { "name": "Between the Bridges", "type": "food_and_drink", "location": "South Bank, London", "url": "https://www.betweenthebridges.co.uk/" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "train", "provider": "Elizabeth line", "route": "Heathrow → Farringdon", "duration": "~30 minutes" }, { "type": "train", "provider": "Thameslink", "route": "Farringdon → Bankside area", "notes": "Signage at Farringdon drops off right where you need it most" } ], "activities": [ "Automated passport gates at Heathrow", "Elizabeth line and Thameslink into central London", "Hotel pool and hot tub", "Walk to Waterloo Station and Leake Street Arches", "Westminster Bridge, Parliament, and Buckingham Palace", "Pall Mall and Golden Jubilee Bridges" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Between the Bridges", "meal": "dinner", "location": "South Bank, London", "dishes": "Hot dog and chips, nutella pancakes" } ], "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 3", "date": "2026-07-31", "subtitle": "Coffee, Carnaby Street, and the Tube", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "pre-cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "London", "type": "city", "country": "England" }, { "name": "Southwark", "type": "neighborhood", "country": "England" }, { "name": "Carnaby Street", "type": "shopping_district", "country": "England" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Hilton London Bankside", "location": "London", "night": "2 of 3" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Black Sheep Coffee", "type": "cafe", "location": "Southwark, London", "url": "https://blacksheepcoffee.co.uk/blogs/locations/southwark", "notes": "Four pastries and an Americano for about £14" }, { "name": "The Table Southwark", "type": "cafe", "location": "Southwark, London", "url": "https://thetablecafe.com/southwark/", "notes": "Considered for brunch, roughly five times the cost" }, { "name": "St Paul's Cathedral", "type": "cathedral", "location": "London", "notes": "Free for worship, roughly £60 for a family of four as sightseers" }, { "name": "Tower Bridge", "type": "landmark", "location": "London" }, { "name": "Pizza Express", "type": "restaurant", "location": "London" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "subway", "provider": "London Underground", "route": "Southwark → Carnaby Street area" }, { "type": "subway", "provider": "London Underground", "route": "Carnaby Street area → St Paul's" } ], "activities": [ "Brunch in Southwark", "Tube to Carnaby Street for shopping", "Walk past St Paul's Cathedral", "Walk along the south bank to Tower Bridge" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Black Sheep Coffee", "meal": "brunch", "location": "Southwark, London", "dishes": "Four pastries and an Americano" }, { "venue": "Pizza Express", "meal": "early dinner", "location": "London", "dishes": "Caprese salad" } ], "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 4", "date": "2026-08-01", "subtitle": "Waterloo to Southampton, and the walk to the terminal", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "embarkation", "locations": [ { "name": "London", "type": "city", "country": "England" }, { "name": "London Waterloo", "type": "train_station", "country": "England" }, { "name": "Southampton", "type": "port_city", "country": "England" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Hilton London Bankside", "location": "London", "night": "3 of 3", "checkout": true }, { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "Southampton (embarkation)", "night": "1 of 14" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Southampton Central Station", "type": "train_station", "location": "Southampton" }, { "name": "Horizon Cruise Terminal (Terminal 102)", "type": "cruise_terminal", "location": "Southampton" }, { "name": "Dock Gate 10", "type": "port_gate", "location": "Southampton" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "walk", "route": "Hilton London Bankside → London Waterloo", "departure_time": "7:50am" }, { "type": "train", "provider": "South Western Railway", "route": "London Waterloo → Southampton Central", "departure_time": "8:35am", "notes": "Platform assigned from the 12-29 block a few minutes before departure; no dedicated luggage storage for roller bags" }, { "type": "walk", "route": "Southampton Central Station → Horizon Cruise Terminal", "duration": "~30 minutes" }, { "type": "cruise", "line": "Celebrity Cruises", "vessel": "Celebrity Apex", "route": "Southampton → Atlantic", "departure_time": "3:00pm" } ], "activities": [ "Walk to Waterloo and train to Southampton", "Walk from Southampton Central to the Horizon terminal", "Terminal check-in and boarding by arrival order", "Muster station check-in", "Buffet lunch" ], "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 5", "date": "2026-08-02", "subtitle": "A sea day and the last of the jet lag", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "at_sea", "locations": [ { "name": "Atlantic Ocean", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "night": "2 of 14" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Oceanview Cafe", "type": "buffet", "location": "Ship", "notes": "High-tops at the back of the buffet" }, { "name": "Eden", "type": "lounge", "location": "Ship", "notes": "Aft-facing lounge with a view; good spot for writing" } ], "activities": [ "Sleeping in", "Sunbathing on deck", "Writing in Eden" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Buffet", "meal": "breakfast", "notes": "Light breakfast at the high-tops in the back" }, { "venue": "Buffet", "meal": "lunch" } ], "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 6", "date": "2026-08-03", "subtitle": "A gray day in Matosinhos", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "port_call", "locations": [ { "name": "Leixões", "type": "port", "country": "Portugal" }, { "name": "Matosinhos", "type": "town", "country": "Portugal" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "night": "3 of 14" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise", "line": "Celebrity Cruises", "vessel": "Celebrity Apex", "route": "Port call at Porto (Leixões), Portugal", "arrival_time": "10:30am", "departure_time": "7:00pm" } ], "activities": [ "Walking the main street of Matosinhos", "Local lunch near the terminal" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Restaurant near the cruise terminal entrance", "meal": "lunch", "location": "Matosinhos", "notes": "Out of the cured ham on the starter menu; pricing jumped from about €16 to €112 with little in between" } ], "weather": "Gray with intermittent misting rain", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 7", "date": "2026-08-04", "subtitle": "Uphill in Lisbon, and a flea market find", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "port_call", "locations": [ { "name": "Lisbon", "type": "city", "country": "Portugal" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "night": "4 of 14" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)", "type": "cathedral", "location": "Lisbon" }, { "name": "Feira da Ladra", "type": "flea_market", "location": "Campo de Santa Clara, Lisbon", "notes": "Open-air market, Tuesdays and Saturdays" }, { "name": "Normandie", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Ship", "notes": "Scallops in a cheese sauce" } ], "activities": [ "Walking uphill from the port to the cathedral", "Feira da Ladra flea market", "Local lunch near the waterfront" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Restaurant a few blocks from the water", "meal": "lunch", "location": "Lisbon", "dishes": "Sausage and cheese platter, fish soup" }, { "venue": "Normandie", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Ship", "dishes": "Scallops in cheese sauce" } ], "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 8", "date": "2026-08-05", "subtitle": "Gibraltar off the rail, and a slow sea day", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "at_sea", "locations": [ { "name": "Strait of Gibraltar", "type": "strait", "country": "International waters" }, { "name": "Mediterranean Sea", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "night": "5 of 14" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Eden", "type": "lounge", "location": "Ship" } ], "activities": [ "Passing Gibraltar", "Listening to music on the shaded deck", "Time in Eden watching the wake" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Buffet", "meal": "dinner" } ], "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 9", "date": "2026-08-06", "subtitle": "A hot castle, a lucky taxi, and Segways in Palma", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "port_call", "locations": [ { "name": "Palma de Mallorca", "type": "city", "country": "Spain" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "night": "6 of 14" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Castell de Bellver", "type": "castle", "location": "Palma de Mallorca", "notes": "Three floors, no water fountain anywhere inside; water available for purchase outside at fair prices" }, { "name": "Palma Old Town", "type": "neighborhood", "location": "Palma de Mallorca" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "walk", "route": "Ship → Castell de Bellver" }, { "type": "taxi", "route": "Base of the castle hill → Old Town", "fare_eur": 8, "duration": "~15 minutes", "notes": "Replaced a 50-minute walk; the recommended Palma taxi app refused both a credit card and a debit card, so hailing in person was the only option" } ], "activities": [ "Walk up to Castell de Bellver", "Two-hour Segway tour of Palma old town, booked through GetYourGuide", "Tapas" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Tapas restaurant", "meal": "late lunch", "location": "Palma de Mallorca", "notes": "Middling" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "First time booking an excursion through GetYourGuide; the Segway tour covered far more ground than walking would have in the midday heat" ], "challenges": [ "No water available inside Castell de Bellver", "Palma taxi app refused both a credit card and a debit card, making it impossible to summon a cab from the castle" ], "weather": "Oppressive heat", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 10", "date": "2026-08-07", "subtitle": "Barcelona on half a tank", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "port_call", "locations": [ { "name": "Barcelona", "type": "city", "country": "Spain" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "night": "7 of 14" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "La Rambla", "type": "street", "location": "Barcelona", "notes": "Significant construction underway along much of it" }, { "name": "Mercat de la Boqueria", "type": "market", "location": "Barcelona" } ], "activities": [ "Solo morning walk down La Rambla", "Pharmacy run for cold and flu medication", "Mercat de la Boqueria before the crowds", "Breakfast" ], "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 11", "date": "2026-08-08", "subtitle": "Waiting out the heat in Ibiza", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "port_call", "locations": [ { "name": "Ibiza", "type": "island", "country": "Spain" }, { "name": "Ibiza Old Town (Dalt Vila)", "type": "neighborhood", "country": "Spain" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "night": "8 of 14" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Il Pavone", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Ibiza Old Town", "url": "https://sites.google.com/view/ilpavonerestaurante" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "shuttle", "route": "Cruise port → outskirts of Ibiza Old Town" } ], "activities": [ "Late-afternoon departure from the ship to beat the heat", "Strolling the old town streets and alleys", "Dinner at Il Pavone" ], "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 12", "date": "2026-08-09", "subtitle": "Sea day", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "at_sea", "locations": [ { "name": "Balearic Sea", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters" }, { "name": "Alborán Sea", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "night": "9 of 14" } ], "activities": [ "Working on the blog in The Club lounge", "Time in the spa binge-watching Widow's Bay" ], "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 13", "date": "2026-08-10", "subtitle": "My favorite stop of the trip", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "port_call", "locations": [ { "name": "Málaga", "type": "city", "country": "Spain", "notes": "Alongside 07:00, all aboard for a 17:00 departure" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "night": "10 of 14" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Málaga Cathedral", "type": "cathedral", "location": "Málaga", "url": "https://malagacatedral.com/cultural-visit/" }, { "name": "Museo Picasso Málaga", "type": "museum", "location": "Málaga", "url": "https://www.museopicassomalaga.org/en" }, { "name": "Castillo de Gibralfaro", "type": "castle", "location": "Málaga", "url": "https://alcazabaygibralfaro.malaga.eu/en/" }, { "name": "Calle Larios", "type": "street", "location": "Málaga" }, { "name": "Centre Pompidou Málaga", "type": "museum", "location": "Málaga", "url": "https://www.centrepompidou-malaga.eu/en/" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "walk", "route": "Guided walking and eating excursion through the old town and up to the Gibralfaro", "notes": "9:30am to 12:30pm, Sherri and I only" }, { "type": "walk", "route": "Ship → Calle Larios and back", "duration": "~20 minutes each way", "notes": "Most of it along the harbor" } ], "activities": [ "Walking and eating shore excursion of the old town", "Málaga Cathedral and the Museo Picasso, seen from outside", "Views over the bullring, city and port from the Gibralfaro", "Second trip ashore on foot with Siena", "Strolling and shopping on Calle Larios", "Centre Pompidou's glass cube on the walk back", "Evening transit of the Strait of Gibraltar" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Sushita Chinitas", "meal": "lunch", "location": "Málaga", "url": "https://www.sushita.com/sushita-chinitas/", "notes": "Advertised as a sushi restaurant; blue and white from floor to ceiling" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Málaga was my favorite stop of the trip -- scenery, clean streets, friendly people, and a mainland base you could use to reach other places", "Second transit of the Strait of Gibraltar this cruise, this time in good evening light" ], "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 14", "date": "2026-08-11", "subtitle": "Sea day stuff, and a primer for tomorrow's eclipse", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "at_sea", "locations": [ { "name": "Strait of Gibraltar", "type": "strait", "country": "International waters", "notes": "Westbound this time, after passing eastbound on Day 8" }, { "name": "Atlantic Ocean", "type": "ocean", "country": "International waters" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "night": "11 of 14" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Theatre", "type": "theater", "location": "Ship", "notes": "Celebrity enrichment lecture ahead of the eclipse" }, { "name": "Eden", "type": "lounge", "location": "Ship", "notes": "Up on the ramp, one of my favorite spots for working" } ], "activities": [ "Enrichment lecture on the geometry of the solar eclipse", "Battleship with Siena from the Activities team's board and card games", "Watching the kids play a game of chess", "Writing the blog in Eden, up on the ramp", "Finding Rowan playing chess online in the lobby" ], "weather": "Clear, and a bit cooler in the evening", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 15", "date": "2026-08-12", "subtitle": "La Coruña, Spain AND AN ECLIPSE!", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "port_call", "locations": [ { "name": "La Coruña", "type": "city", "country": "Spain", "notes": "Alongside 08:00, all aboard for a 16:00 departure" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "night": "12 of 14" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "The Tower of Hercules", "type": "lighthouse", "location": "La Coruña", "url": "https://www.coruna.gal/the-tower/en", "notes": "Seen from the outside -- tickets were sold out until 1:00pm" }, { "name": "Mercado de San Agustín", "type": "market", "location": "La Coruña", "notes": "Arrived after most of the vendors had packed up" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "walk", "route": "Ship → the Mariña waterfront → Monte Alto → The Tower of Hercules and back", "notes": "Off the ship early with Sherri, then a second trip ashore to bring the kids into town" } ], "activities": [ "Walking the waterfront and the coastal trail toward The Tower of Hercules", "Breakfast at El Chef Urbano in Monte Alto", "The Tower of Hercules from the outside -- tickets sold out until 1:00pm", "Second trip ashore with Siena and Rowan", "Mercado de San Agustín, after most of the vendors had gone", "Solo lunch at Burger King", "Total solar eclipse from the top deck at sea" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "El Chef Urbano", "meal": "breakfast", "location": "La Coruña", "notes": "On Avenida de Navarra up in Monte Alto -- ham on toast, with stuffed animals around the room" }, { "venue": "Burger King", "meal": "lunch", "location": "La Coruña", "notes": "Solo visit, sitting under the sign on the granite facade" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Totality seen from the ship -- the deck lights came up as if it were nighttime and the Captain hit the horn", "The top deck was far less crowded than expected, with room to watch the partial eclipse from aft before the ship turned" ], "weather": "Overcast through the morning, bright sun by midday, and broken cloud that never fully cleared for the eclipse", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 16", "date": "2026-08-13", "subtitle": "Where we visit fast food restaurants in Bilbao", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "port_call", "locations": [ { "name": "Bilbao", "type": "city", "country": "Spain", "notes": "Alongside 09:00, all aboard for a 17:00 departure" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "night": "13 of 14" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Guggenheim Museum Bilbao", "type": "museum", "location": "Bilbao", "url": "https://www.guggenheim-bilbao.eus/en", "notes": "Seen from the outside only -- we didn't go in" }, { "name": "Zubizuri", "type": "bridge", "location": "Bilbao", "notes": "The pedestrian bridge we crossed to the other side of the river" }, { "name": "Getxo breakwater lighthouse", "type": "lighthouse", "location": "Getxo", "notes": "Faro del Rompeolas, passed on the way out of the Abra" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "shuttle", "route": "Cruise port → Bilbao and back", "duration": "~20 minutes each way", "notes": "Dropped off and picked up behind the Guggenheim" } ], "activities": [ "Shuttle from the cruise port into Bilbao", "The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao from the outside", "Walking the river past the rope-haulers sculpture", "Crossing the Zubizuri footbridge", "A failed attempt at El Salón de Mi Casa, a cat café that never answered the bell", "Lunch split between McDonald's and Taco Bell", "Sailaway past the Getxo breakwater lighthouse" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "McDonald's", "meal": "lunch", "location": "Bilbao", "notes": "For one child" }, { "venue": "Taco Bell", "meal": "lunch", "location": "Bilbao", "notes": "For the other -- the fastest WiFi in any fast food restaurant anywhere, good enough to run backups on" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "First return to Bilbao in 19 years, since the 2007 call", "The breakwater was packed with people waving the ship off in 2007 and nearly empty in 2026", "Explora III alongside again, a day after sharing a berth in La Coruña, and only 13 days old", "Travel burnout setting in near the end of the cruise -- we could have done more in Bilbao" ], "weather": "Clear and cloudless all day", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 17", "date": "2026-08-14", "subtitle": "The final day, somewhere in the English Channel", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "at_sea", "locations": [ { "name": "Bay of Biscay", "type": "bay", "country": "International waters" }, { "name": "English Channel", "type": "channel", "country": "International waters" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "night": "14 of 14" } ], "activities": [ "Final full sea day of the cruise", "Sunset watched from the stateroom window", "Packing up on the last evening" ], "notable_experiences": [ "Adjoining staterooms, Rowan and Brian in one and Sherri and Siena in the other", "The connecting doors between the rooms couldn't be propped open, which made them of marginal use" ], "weather": "Clear in the evening, with thin high cloud at sunset", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 18", "date": "2026-08-15", "subtitle": "Homeward bound", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "disembarkation", "locations": [ { "name": "Southampton", "type": "city", "country": "England", "notes": "Alongside 06:30 for disembarkation" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "car", "provider": "Gunwharf Executive Travel", "route": "Southampton → Hatton Cross Underground Station", "notes": "Booked as a private car to Terminal 3, then diverted after an alert that a water main break had closed T3 to car traffic" }, { "type": "underground", "route": "Hatton Cross → Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3", "notes": "One stop on the Piccadilly line, which avoided Heathrow road traffic altogether" }, { "type": "flight", "carrier": "Delta", "route": "LHR → ATL", "notes": "Scheduled 1:25pm, a little delayed, with some time made up in the air" }, { "type": "flight", "carrier": "Delta", "route": "ATL → RDU", "notes": "Departed gate A1, about as far from Terminal E as you can get" }, { "type": "rideshare", "provider": "Uber", "route": "RDU → home" } ], "activities": [ "Walk-off disembarkation at Southampton", "Private car from Southampton toward Heathrow", "Switching to the Underground at Hatton Cross after Terminal 3 closed to car traffic", "Breakfast and coffee in the Centurion Lounge", "Flying Heathrow to Atlanta, then connecting home to Raleigh-Durham" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "The Centurion Lounge", "meal": "breakfast", "location": "Heathrow Terminal 3", "notes": "Breakfast and coffee with Sherri while we waited out the long layover" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Discovering the Celebrity app could control the stateroom, in the final hour of a 14 day cruise", "A water main break closed Terminal 3 to car traffic mid-transfer, so we went in via Hatton Cross instead", "Delta's new process for international connections at Atlanta -- no bag claim and recheck, and staff all along the walk to immigration" ], "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] } ] } ], "all_locations": [ "Akureyri", "Akureyri, Iceland", "Alborán Sea", "Amelia Island", "Amsterdam", "Amsterdam, Netherlands", "Appenzell", "Appenzell, Switzerland", "At sea", "Atlantic Ocean", "Atlantic Ocean (between Halifax and St. John's)", "Balabu day-trip cabin", "Balearic Sea", "Balestrand", "Balestrand Forest Trail (Skogstur)", "Balestrand ferry terminal", "Balestrand town", "Balestrand, Norway", "Baltimore-Washington Airport (BWI)", "Barcelona", "Barcelona, Spain", "Baulan", "Bay of Biscay", "Bayonne", "Bayonne, New Jersey, USA", "Bengaluru", "Bergen Airport (BGO), Norway", "Bergen Ferry Terminal", "Bergen Harbor/Waterfront", "Bergen Train Station", "Bergen, Norway", "Bergensbanen railway route", "Bern", "Bettmeralp", "Bilbao", "Bilbao, Spain", "Blankenberge", "Blauherd", "Bordalsgjelet Gorge", "Borgarnes", "Boston", "Bregenz", "Brig", "Brugge", "Brugge, Belgium", "Bryggen (historic wharf district)", "Bryggens Museum", "Brúarfoss", "Buchloe", "Caribbean Sea", "Carnaby Street", "Cartagena", "Cartagena, Spain", "Chamonix-Mont-Blanc", "Chichester", "Civitavecchia", "Copenhagen Airport (CPH)", "Copenhagen city center", "Copenhagen ferry terminal", "Copenhagen streets", "Copenhagen, Denmark", "Deildartunguhver", "Detroit Airport", "Downtown Bergen", "Downtown Copenhagen", "Downtown Oslo", "Downtown Oslo malls", "Downtown Voss", "Dubai", "Durham, NC", "Efstidalur II", "Efstidalur II Farm & Restaurant", "Elgiganten electronics store", "English Channel", "Farringdon", "Fløyen Mountain", "Fort Lauderdale", "Füssen", "Füssen, Germany", "Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany", "Geneva", "George Town", "Geysir", "Gibraltar", "Gorner Gorge", "Gornergrat", "Gornergrat, Switzerland", "Gullfoss", "Halifax", "Halifax Harbor", "Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada", "Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport", "Holly Springs", "Holly Springs, NC", "Hraunfossar Waterfall", "Hús máls og menningar", "Húsafell", "Húsafell Hotel Bistro", "Ibiza", "Ibiza Old Town (Dalt Vila)", "Ibiza, Spain", "Icelandic Punk Museum", "Interlaken", "Interlaken Ost", "Istanbul", "JFK Airport", "Jersey City", "Kamakura", "Keflavik Airport (KEF), Iceland", "Keflavík International Airport (KEF)", "Kleine Scheidegg", "Kongens Nytorv metro station", "Kralendijk", "Kyoto", "La Coruña", "La Coruña, Spain", "La Rochelle", "La Rochelle, France", "Labrador Sea", "Laugarvatn", "Laugarvatn area", "Lauterbrunnen", "Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland", "Le Havre", "Le Havre, France", "Leixões", "Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport", "Lisbon", "Lisbon, Portugal", "Livorno", "Livorno, Italy", "London", "London Heathrow Airport", "London Waterloo", "London, England", "London, United Kingdom", "London-Gatwick Airport", "Manhattan", "Matosinhos", "Matosinhos, Portugal", "Mediterranean Sea", "Minneapolis", "Mountain summit at 1295m above sea level", "Munich", "Munich Airport", "Munich, Germany", "Málaga", "Málaga, Spain", "Männlichen", "Mörel", "Mürren", "Neuschwanstein Castle", "New Jersey", "New York Harbor", "Newark", "Newark Liberty International Airport", "North Atlantic between Greenland and Iceland", "Oranjestad", "Oslo Central Station (Oslo S)", "Oslo Opera House", "Oslo ferry terminal", "Oslo, Norway", "Palma de Mallorca", "Palma de Mallorca, Spain", "Paris", "Paris, France", "Pflach", "Portimão", "Portimão, Portugal", "Porto (Leixões), Portugal", "Puerto Plata", "Qaqortoq", "Qaqortoq, Greenland", "Raleigh", "Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU)", "Raleigh-Durham International Airport", "Reykholt", "Reykjavik", "Reykjavik, Iceland", "Riederalp", "Riffelalp", "Rome", "Rome, Italy", "Royal Palace (Oslo)", "San Francisco", "San Juan", "Sandsstølen viewpoint", "Schwangau", "Selfoss", "Selfoss, Iceland", "Signal Hill", "Silves", "Silves, Portugal", "Sognefjord", "Sognefjord (via express ferry)", "Sognefjord overlook", "Southampton", "Southampton, England", "Southampton, United Kingdom", "Southwark", "Spiez", "St. Gallen", "St. John's", "St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada", "St. Margrethen SG", "St. Olaf's Church", "Steinar", "Steinar, South Iceland", "Strait of Gibraltar", "Sturlureykir Visiting Horse Farm", "Sun Voyager sculpture", "Sunnegga", "Tangier", "Tangier, Morocco", "Thingvellir National Park", "Thun", "Tivoli Gardens amusement park", "Tokyo", "Tyrrhenian Sea", "València", "València, Spain", "Vangsnes (unplanned fjord tour)", "Vatican City", "Vigeland Park", "Vik", "Visp", "Voss gondola (Hangurstoppen)", "Voss town center", "Voss train station", "Voss, Norway", "Vík, Iceland", "Víðgelmir lava tube", "Wasserauen", "Wengen", "Wengen, Switzerland", "Willemstad", "Yokohama", "Zeebrugge", "Zeebrugge, Belgium", "Zermatt", "Zermatt, Switzerland", "Zurich", "Zurich Airport", "Zurich Hauptbahnhof", "Zurich, Switzerland", "Ísafjörður", "Ísafjörður, Iceland" ], "all_activities": [ "3-mile Bordalsgjelet Gorge hike", "6+ hour scenic train journey through varied Norwegian landscape", "6:30pm sailaway", "75 minutes waiting on sunny train platform", "A failed attempt at El Salón de Mi Casa, a cat café that never answered the bell", "A solo lunch at a local cafe", "Aerial photography of Greenland", "After-dinner drinks in the Panorama Lounge", "Afternoon RIB boat tour of the Algarve sea caves, including Benagil", "Aiguille du Midi cable car to 3842m", "Aletsch Glacier hikes (Riederalp and Bettmeralp)", "Arrival home in Holly Springs", "Arrival in Bergen and early hotel check-in", "Arrival in Rome and hotel check-in", "Atlanta layover and Centurion Lounge visit", "Attempting panoramic trail at summit (gave up 1/4 way in)", "Automated passport gates at Heathrow", "BMW Welt exhibition visit", "Bag reclaim and recheck in Detroit", "Bakery breakfast and grocery stop in Selfoss", "Bakery visit in Selfoss", "Balestrand Forest Hike - 5.2 miles, 1700ft elevation gain", "Barbary apes atop the Rock", "Battleship with Siena from the Activities team's board and card games", "Black sand beach at Vik", "Booked shore excursions for Cartagena and Portimão (two for Portimão)", "Booking eight nights of lodging (Asakusa, Kamakura, Kyoto)", "Breakfast", "Breakfast and coffee in the Centurion Lounge", "Breakfast at El Chef Urbano in Monte Alto", "Brunch in Southwark", "Buffet lunch", "Bus journey through winter wonderland landscape", "Butler and housekeeper room orientation", "CERN visit", "Cafe breakfast at historic manor", "Canal boat tour", "Caprese and olives at an outdoor café", "Car return and walk through Reykjavik", "Carouge farmers market", "Casual solo dinner at Atlantide", "Centre Pompidou's glass cube on the walk back", "Challenging second quarter with steep sections and roots", "Changed return flights to fly home Friday after disembarkation, skipping two nights in Lisbon", "Checked bags at Munich Airport", "Checked in to Airbnb in Steinar", "Checked into the Reykjavik rental apartment", "Checked out of the Reykjavik apartment at 11am", "Church visit (Hallgrímskirkja interior tour)", "Climbed St. Peter's dome via stairs/ramp through the inner gallery up to the lantern viewing platform", "Cocktail hour in La Dolce Vita with the travel advisor group", "Colosseum self-guided tour", "Complimentary shuttle from the cruise pier into central Livorno", "Cooking bacon for a breakfast-dinner", "Countryside bus tour", "Covered bridge crossing over Vosso river", "Crossing the Zubizuri footbridge", "Customs and Immigration", "Customs and Immigration in Detroit with Global Entry", "Dealing with travel fatigue", "Deck lunch at La Terrazza overlooking the port", "Dinner at Il Pavone", "Dinner at Irish pub", "Dinner at Mountain Hub Gourmet restaurant", "Dinner at Pancrazio", "Dinner at Restaurante Bonanova", "Dinner at Ristorante Verso Sera", "Dinner at Romoletto (carbonara)", "Dinner at the ship's open-air Riviera restaurant", "Dinner with friends", "Disembarkation in Lisbon", "Disembarked cruise ship in Reykjavik", "Domestic flight from Detroit to Raleigh-Durham", "Drove from the south coast to Reykjavik with Tesla Supercharger stops", "EES exit enrollment", "EV charging introduction (DC Fast Charger in Selfoss)", "Early check-in at Kviknes Hotel", "Elizabeth line and Thameslink into central London", "Embarkation on the Silversea Silver Spirit", "Enjoying views from summit swing", "Enrichment lecture on the geometry of the solar eclipse", "Evening at the UN Club beach with friends", "Evening drive with Siena to see a nearby waterfall", "Evening on the pool deck after sunset", "Evening transit of the Strait of Gibraltar", "Evening visit to Tivoli Gardens amusement park", "Evening walk around downtown Oslo", "Evening walk around town", "Evening walk in English Garden", "Exploring Bryggen UNESCO World Heritage wharf", "Exploring downtown Oslo malls", "Exploring downtown Voss", "Exploring historic amusement park (opened 1843)", "Exploring ship during daylight", "Express ferry from Balestrand to Vik", "Express ferry journey through Sognefjord", "Failed quest to replace lost Kindle at Elgiganten", "Farewell group dinner aboard at S.A.L.T.", "Farm visit at Efstidalur II", "Feira da Ladra flea market", "Filling out Japan customs and immigration form online", "Final full sea day of the cruise", "Finding EAT HAPPY sushi stall", "Finding Rowan playing chess online in the lobby", "First formal dining-room dinner aboard", "Fish and chips lunch", "Flew home to Raleigh-Durham, with a quick Global Entry return", "Flights via Iceland back to North Carolina", "Flying Heathrow to Atlanta, then connecting home to Raleigh-Durham", "Flying home", "Food truck lunch", "Four hour layover in Iceland with wild weather", "Gelato at MYO", "Geothermal hot tub", "Gondola ride to mountain summit (1295m elevation)", "Gourmet Trail hike (Zermatt)", "Great Siege Tunnels", "Grocery run to Bónus and a home-cooked dinner", "Grocery shopping at Bónus supermarket", "Grocery stop in Vik", "Group dinner at Atlantide", "Group dinner at S.A.L.T. Kitchen", "Guggenheim Museum Bilbao", "Harder Kulm funicular up and ~400m vertical hike down", "Hiking clockwise loop starting from hotel", "Hiking down Fløyen mountain (~300m descent)", "Home cooking", "Hotel checkout and taxi to Stazione San Pietro", "Hotel pool and hot tub", "Interior visit to the Pantheon", "International air travel", "International flight from Munich to Detroit", "Italian dinner", "Journaling over a decaf Americano in the coffee bar", "Kindle reading on the hotel rooftop terrace", "LAVA Centre exhibits and observation deck", "La Pedrera (Casa Milà)", "Largo di Torre Argentina", "Late evening walk around Balestrand", "Late lunch at the ship's new open-air Riviera restaurant", "Late morning leisure at hotel", "Late-afternoon departure from the ship to beat the heat", "Late-night cake and people-watching at Taba Cafe", "Late-night visit to the Trevi Fountain", "Lazy day hanging around the Airbnb", "Learning Japanese phrases with Pimsleur", "Learning about Bergen's fire history", "Limited walking around Copenhagen", "Listening to music on the shaded deck", "Local lunch near the terminal", "Local lunch near the waterfront", "London Eye", "Lunch at BWI Concourse A", "Lunch at Copenhagen Airport", "Lunch at La Terrazza", "Lunch at Locanda Italiana", "Lunch at Romoletto on Campo de' Fiori", "Lunch from a hot dog stand outside the museum", "Lunch inside the La Boqueria market", "Lunch split between McDonald's and Taco Bell", "Lyft cancellation and Uber switch", "May the 4th Star Wars cosplay sighting at RDU", "Mercado de San Agustín, after most of the vendors had gone", "Mercat de la Boqueria before the crowds", "Metro ride to airport", "Moonrise photography over fjord", "Morning run to Faxi Bakery for drinks and pastries", "Morning shore excursion to Silves (market, archaeology museum, cathedral, and castle)", "Muster station check-in", "Muster station safety drill in the Show Lounge", "Málaga Cathedral and the Museo Picasso, seen from outside", "Mürren to Grütschalp hike", "Navigating Copenhagen public transit systems", "Navigating baggage tag confusion at Southwest check-in", "Navigating departures and Schengen-exit border control at LIS", "Overnight flight to Iceland", "Overnight transatlantic flight", "Overnight transatlantic flight in Premium Select", "Packing up on the last evening", "Paella lunch", "Paella lunch with fellow passengers", "Palazzo della Cancelleria courtyard and Sant'Agostino facade", "Pall Mall and Golden Jubilee Bridges", "Panorama Trail hike (Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg)", "Park walking", "Passing Gibraltar", "Passport control and baggage claim at Keflavik", "People-watching at harbor fish market", "People-watching at the after-dinner dance party", "People-watching from chairs in front of hotel", "Petting a camel", "Pharmacy run for cold and flu medication", "Photographing the Palacio Consistorial and Calle Mayor", "Photographing the sunset from the balcony and deck at sailaway", "Photography session at twilight", "Piazza Navona and Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi", "Picked up rental car (Tesla Model Y) from Hertz", "Planning next day's complex ferry/bus route", "Playground visit", "Private car from Southampton toward Heathrow", "Public transit experience (U-Bahn)", "Purchasing a mobile Suica IC card for Apple Wallet", "Purchasing an Airalo eSIM data plan (10GB for $9)", "Purchasing travel medical insurance", "Reaching scenic overlooks and viewpoints", "Read Business Punk magazine issue 101", "Reading Kindle on hotel sun deck", "Reading on the veranda with a Kindle", "Recording a walk-and-talk video of first impressions", "Regional train from Rome to Civitavecchia", "Relaxing and reading on a sun-deck lounger", "Relaxing sea day aboard the ship", "Researching cities, towns, and villages between Tokyo and Kyoto/Osaka", "Returned the rental car near the domestic airport and walked back", "Riding Fløibanen funicular to Fløyen summit", "River walk promenade", "Rocky gorge trail with handrails", "Rooftop hotel views", "Sagrada Família", "Sailaway past the Getxo breakwater lighthouse", "Scenic sail-away down the river", "Schloss Thun castle visit", "Scooter rental and ride", "Second trip ashore on foot with Siena", "Second trip ashore with Siena and Rowan", "Secrets of Cartagena with Paella walking tour", "Seljalandsfoss waterfall stop, including the path to a secondary waterfall", "Seven hour layover at BWI", "Ship exploration (theater, grand staircase, coffee bar)", "Shopping at REWE grocery store", "Shopping for breakfast and water at Coop grocery", "Shopping for dinner shoes at Rinascente", "Shuttle bus to the ship pier", "Shuttle from the cruise port into Bilbao", "Sightseeing in Marienplatz", "Sleeping in", "Slow loop through the Mercato Centrale covered market", "Solo dinner at Atlantide during the sailaway", "Solo exploration of English Garden", "Solo lunch at Burger King", "Solo morning walk down La Rambla", "Solo time in historic church", "Spanish Steps visit", "Special occasion dinner", "St. James's Park", "St. Michael's Cave", "St. Peter's Basilica interior visit", "Street food festival in Geneva", "Strolling and shopping on Calle Larios", "Strolling the City of Arts & Sciences grounds (exterior only)", "Strolling the old town streets and alleys", "Strolling through La Dolce Vita during the live piano", "Sunbathing and reading on the pool deck", "Sunbathing on deck", "Sunbathing on the top deck", "Sunset watched from the stateroom window", "Swimming at Bains des Paquis", "Switching to the Underground at Hatton Cross after Terminal 3 closed to car traffic", "TSA PreCheck", "Tapas", "Terminal T to Terminal E connection in Atlanta", "Terminal check-in and boarding by arrival order", "The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao from the outside", "The Tower of Hercules from the outside -- tickets sold out until 1:00pm", "Time in Eden watching the wake", "Time in the spa binge-watching Widow's Bay", "Time-lapse of the Livorno sailaway from the dinner window", "Tiramisu and people-watching at the Pantheon piazza", "Tomato festival", "Total solar eclipse from the top deck at sea", "Train connections through Switzerland", "Trevi Fountain and Pantheon encounters", "Tube to Carnaby Street for shopping", "Two-hour Segway tour of Palma old town, booked through GetYourGuide", "Uber to RDU", "Unplanned bonus tour to Vangsnes car ferry terminus", "Vatican Wednesday General Audience ticket pickup at the Bronze Doors", "Viewing Blue Lagoon from airplane", "Views over the bullring, city and port from the Gibralfaro", "Visited Marienplatz and Rathaus Glockenspiel", "Visiting Balabu Dagsturhytta (day-trip cabin)", "Visiting Oslo Opera House at dusk", "Visiting St. Olaf's Church (inspiration for Frozen's chapel)", "Visiting Vigeland Park sculpture garden (200+ sculptures)", "Visiting Voss cemetery", "Visiting historic church and timber buildings", "Waited roughly four hours at the airport with luggage before the flight", "Walk along the south bank to Tower Bridge", "Walk from Civitavecchia station to the cruise port", "Walk from Southampton Central to the Horizon terminal", "Walk past St Paul's Cathedral", "Walk through Parc de la Grange", "Walk to Waterloo Station and Leake Street Arches", "Walk to Waterloo and train to Southampton", "Walk up to Castell de Bellver", "Walk-off disembarkation at Southampton", "Walked to The Sun Voyager sculpture and along the waterfront toward City Hall", "Walking Geneva old town", "Walking Lisbon's lower and hilly districts", "Walking Livorno's covered portico and downtown", "Walking about 2 miles from the cruise terminal into València", "Walking and eating shore excursion of the old town", "Walking and people-watching around Copenhagen", "Walking around Munich Airport", "Walking in the Geneva Pride Parade", "Walking on Opera House marble roof", "Walking past Buckingham Palace", "Walking the main street of Matosinhos", "Walking the river past the rope-haulers sculpture", "Walking the waterfront and the coastal trail toward The Tower of Hercules", "Walking the waterfront promenade back to the ship", "Walking to Royal Palace", "Walking to ferry terminal (25 minutes)", "Walking tour of Amsterdam", "Walking tour of Munich city center", "Walking tour of Paris (Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Louvre, Notre Dame, the Seine)", "Walking tour of Wengen", "Walking tour of medieval Bergen with Bryggens Museum", "Walking tour past Vittoriano, Roman Forum, and Colosseum", "Walking tour through Rome's historic center", "Walking uphill from the port to the cathedral", "Walking visit through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill", "Wandering Cartagena's central market on my own", "Wandering Las Ramblas", "Wandering the medina", "Watching Norwegian fjords from deck", "Watching the kids play a game of chess", "Watching the ship pass through the Strait of Gibraltar and past the Rock of Gibraltar", "Waterfront walk to Sun Voyager sculpture", "Westminster Bridge, Parliament, and Buckingham Palace", "Working on the blog in The Club lounge", "Working on the travel journal at the Coffee Bar", "Writing in Eden", "Writing the blog in Eden, up on the ramp", "airport_transit", "citizenship_ceremony", "dining", "hiking", "overnight_flight", "relaxing on balcony", "researching Munich hotels", "shopping for supplies", "sightseeing", "train travel", "walking", "{\"day\"=>0, \"type\"=>\"dining\", \"description\"=>\"Dinner from Publix deli in hotel room\", \"location\"=>\"Embassy Suites\"}", "{\"day\"=>0, \"type\"=>\"travel\", \"description\"=>\"Flight from RDU to Fort Lauderdale\", \"duration\"=>\"flight time\"}", "{\"day\"=>1, \"type\"=>\"incident\", \"description\"=>\"Son rolled ankle jumping down stairs, X-rays showed no break but can't put weight on it\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>1, \"type\"=>\"medical\", \"description\"=>\"Visit to ship Medical Center for X-rays and crutches\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse Medical Center\"}", "{\"day\"=>1, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"Initial exploration of Asakusa neighborhood\", \"location\"=>\"Asakusa, Tokyo\"}", "{\"day\"=>1, \"type\"=>\"travel\", \"description\"=>\"Flight from Raleigh to Tokyo via Minneapolis\", \"duration\"=>\"16.5 hours\"}", "{\"day\"=>1, \"type\"=>\"travel\", \"description\"=>\"Transfer from hotel to cruise ship\", \"location\"=>\"Fort Lauderdale\"}", "{\"day\"=>1, \"type\"=>\"travel_planning\", \"description\"=>\"Dealing with cancelled flight and rebooking travel\", \"location\"=>\"Raleigh, NC\"}", "{\"day\"=>10, \"type\"=>\"activity\", \"description\"=>\"Daughter tried splash surfing attraction\", \"location\"=>\"Taino Bay\"}", "{\"day\"=>10, \"type\"=>\"celebration\", \"description\"=>\"Cake and singing at main dining for Rowan's birthday, since the family had been at a specialty restaurant the previous night\", \"time\"=>\"Evening\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>10, \"type\"=>\"reflection\", \"description\"=>\"Reflecting on first Japan trip and planning for future visits\"}", "{\"day\"=>10, \"type\"=>\"relaxation\", \"description\"=>\"Enjoyed lazy river and pool area at Taino Bay\", \"location\"=>\"Taino Bay, Puerto Plata\"}", "{\"day\"=>10, \"type\"=>\"shore_excursion\", \"description\"=>\"Zipline excursion at San Felipe De Puerto Plata\", \"location\"=>\"Puerto Plata area\", \"participants\"=>\"Father and daughter (son's ankle still healing, wife didn't care for heights)\"}", "{\"day\"=>10, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"On departure the captain and pilots took the ship near an iceberg and performed several 360-degree turns for photos and videos\", \"location\"=>\"Off the coast of Qaqortoq, Greenland\"}", "{\"day\"=>10, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"Tendered ashore, walked up a hill in the rain and took photos of the ship, then tendered back\", \"location\"=>\"Qaqortoq, Greenland\"}", "{\"day\"=>10, \"type\"=>\"travel\", \"description\"=>\"Departure from Japan, returning to US\", \"location\"=>\"Haneda Airport, Tokyo\"}", "{\"day\"=>11, \"type\"=>\"rest\", \"description\"=>\"Largely confined to the cabin recovering from a cold, buying Nyquil from the onboard store on the second day\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>13, \"type\"=>\"shore_excursion\", \"description\"=>\"Guided tour visiting Laufás Heritage Site, Goðafoss Waterfall, and the Akureyri Botanical Garden\", \"location\"=>\"Akureyri area, Iceland\"}", "{\"day\"=>14, \"type\"=>\"walking\", \"description\"=>\"Brian and Sherri left the kids onboard and walked through the town and back once the rain mostly stopped\", \"location\"=>\"Ísafjörður, Iceland\"}", "{\"day\"=>15, \"type\"=>\"disembarkation\", \"description\"=>\"Walked off the ship carrying all luggage rather than putting suitcases out the night before, then found the transfer bus\", \"location\"=>\"Reykjavik, Iceland\"}", "{\"day\"=>2, \"type\"=>\"dining\", \"description\"=>\"Crepes at Brookfield Place, later Subway and Sweetgreen\", \"location\"=>\"Manhattan and Jersey City\"}", "{\"day\"=>2, \"type\"=>\"photography\", \"description\"=>\"Morning photography and writing on deck\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\", \"time\"=>\"7:00-8:00am\"}", "{\"day\"=>2, \"type\"=>\"recreation\", \"description\"=>\"Playground visit and photos by river after rain stopped\", \"location\"=>\"Jersey City waterfront\"}", "{\"day\"=>2, \"type\"=>\"relaxation\", \"description\"=>\"Returned to hotel due to severe weather forecast\", \"location\"=>\"Hyatt House Jersey City\"}", "{\"day\"=>2, \"type\"=>\"relaxation\", \"description\"=>\"Sea day aboard Celebrity Eclipse\", \"location\"=>\"At sea, Caribbean\"}", "{\"day\"=>2, \"type\"=>\"relaxation\", \"description\"=>\"Sunset viewing on balcony\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>2, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"Ferry to Manhattan and visit to One World Trade Center observation deck\", \"duration\"=>\"11:30am reservation\", \"location\"=>\"Lower Manhattan\"}", "{\"day\"=>2, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"Neighborhood tour and convenience store visit\", \"location\"=>\"Near hotel, Asakusa\"}", "{\"day\"=>2, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"Visited Oculus transportation hub and mall\", \"location\"=>\"Lower Manhattan\"}", "{\"day\"=>2, \"type\"=>\"travel\", \"description\"=>\"Early morning 7am flight from RDU to Newark\", \"location\"=>\"Raleigh to Newark\"}", "{\"day\"=>3, \"type\"=>\"dining\", \"description\"=>\"First dinner in main dining room\", \"time\"=>\"8:30pm\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>3, \"type\"=>\"dining\", \"description\"=>\"Hotel breakfast with Western and Japanese options\", \"location\"=>\"Asakusa View Annex Rokku\"}", "{\"day\"=>3, \"type\"=>\"dining\", \"description\"=>\"Light dinner from convenience store\", \"location\"=>\"FamilyMart, Asakusa\"}", "{\"day\"=>3, \"type\"=>\"dining\", \"description\"=>\"Solo lunch at Kura revolving sushi restaurant\", \"location\"=>\"Kura Sushi, Asakusa\"}", "{\"day\"=>3, \"type\"=>\"dining\", \"description\"=>\"Special Christmas Eve menu in main dining room\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>3, \"type\"=>\"port_day\", \"description\"=>\"Ship tendered at Grand Cayman, stayed aboard due to son's injury\", \"location\"=>\"George Town, Grand Cayman\"}", "{\"day\"=>3, \"type\"=>\"recreation\", \"description\"=>\"Morning walk on Jersey City riverwalk with Starbucks breakfast\", \"location\"=>\"Jersey City\"}", "{\"day\"=>3, \"type\"=>\"relaxation\", \"description\"=>\"Wandered ship, listened to music, admired holiday decorations\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>3, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"Early morning visit to Senso-Ji Temple without crowds\", \"location\"=>\"Senso-Ji, Asakusa\", \"time\"=>\"5:30am\"}", "{\"day\"=>3, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"Stormy sailaway viewing Statue of Liberty, lower Manhattan, and Verrazano Bridge\", \"time\"=>\"4:00pm\", \"location\"=>\"New York Harbor\"}", "{\"day\"=>3, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"Walking tour and visit to Tokyo National Museum\", \"location\"=>\"Tokyo National Museum, Ueno\", \"distance\"=>\"2km walk\"}", "{\"day\"=>3, \"type\"=>\"travel\", \"description\"=>\"Embarkation at Bayonne cruise terminal\", \"location\"=>\"Bayonne, NJ\"}", "{\"day\"=>4, \"type\"=>\"dining\", \"description\"=>\"Coffee at CAFÉ Mori no Terrace\", \"location\"=>\"Meiji Shrine area, Tokyo\"}", "{\"day\"=>4, \"type\"=>\"dining\", \"description\"=>\"Sushi dinner at restaurant near hotel\", \"location\"=>\"Asakusa, Tokyo\"}", "{\"day\"=>4, \"type\"=>\"recreation\", \"description\"=>\"Kids racing around ship and playing elevator tag\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>4, \"type\"=>\"relaxation\", \"description\"=>\"Sea day with dense fog conditions\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>4, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"Exploration of Shibuya shopping district\", \"location\"=>\"Shibuya, Tokyo\"}", "{\"day\"=>4, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"Visit to Asakusa Underground Street\", \"location\"=>\"Asakusa Station, Tokyo\"}", "{\"day\"=>4, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"Visit to Meiji Shrine and park\", \"location\"=>\"Meiji Jingu, Tokyo\"}", "{\"day\"=>4, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"Walking across Shibuya Scramble Crossing\", \"location\"=>\"Shibuya, Tokyo\"}", "{\"day\"=>5, \"type\"=>\"arrival\", \"description\"=>\"Early morning arrival in Halifax with fog, watched docking maneuver from top deck\", \"time\"=>\"5:30am - 7:00am\", \"location\"=>\"Halifax Harbor\"}", "{\"day\"=>5, \"type\"=>\"dining\", \"description\"=>\"7-Eleven lunch including fried chicken and onigiri\", \"location\"=>\"7-Eleven, Kamakura\"}", "{\"day\"=>5, \"type\"=>\"dining\", \"description\"=>\"Dinner in main dining room, unusually quick service\", \"time\"=>\"Evening\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>5, \"type\"=>\"dining\", \"description\"=>\"Lunch onboard ship\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>5, \"type\"=>\"dining\", \"description\"=>\"Main dining room dinner\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>5, \"type\"=>\"dining\", \"description\"=>\"Tim Hortons stop for treats\", \"location\"=>\"Halifax waterfront\"}", "{\"day\"=>5, \"type\"=>\"entertainment\", \"description\"=>\"Kids attended illusionist show in main theater\", \"time\"=>\"Evening\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>5, \"type\"=>\"hiking\", \"name\"=>\"Attempted trail finding\", \"location\"=>\"Húsafell\", \"notes\"=>\"Could not locate marked trails despite maps and asking staff\"}", "{\"day\"=>5, \"type\"=>\"recreation\", \"name\"=>\"Jump pillow\", \"location\"=>\"Húsafell campground\", \"time\"=>\"10:30pm\", \"participants\"=>\"Kids\", \"notes\"=>\"Doesn't get dark at this time of year\"}", "{\"day\"=>5, \"type\"=>\"relaxation\", \"description\"=>\"Hunkering down during snow storm, catching up on sleep and writing\", \"location\"=>\"Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura\"}", "{\"day\"=>5, \"type\"=>\"shopping\", \"description\"=>\"Sherri and Siena shopped on Spring Garden Road and visited Lululemon, met Amanda\", \"location\"=>\"Spring Garden Road\"}", "{\"day\"=>5, \"type\"=>\"shopping\", \"description\"=>\"Shopping in Oranjestad\", \"location\"=>\"Oranjestad, Aruba\"}", "{\"day\"=>5, \"type\"=>\"shore_excursion\", \"description\"=>\"Sailing and snorkeling trip on catamaran La Tigre\", \"duration\"=>\"3 hours\", \"location\"=>\"Aruba waters\", \"participants\"=>\"Father and daughter\"}", "{\"day\"=>5, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"Disembarked and walked Halifax waterfront meeting family members\", \"time\"=>\"10:00am\", \"location\"=>\"Halifax waterfront\"}", "{\"day\"=>5, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"Sailaway viewing McNab's and Georges Islands from 200 feet up\", \"time\"=>\"Afternoon\", \"location\"=>\"Halifax Harbor departure\"}", "{\"day\"=>5, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"name\"=>\"Hraunfossar Waterfall visit\", \"location\"=>\"Hraunfossar, Near Húsafell\", \"duration\"=>\"30 minutes\", \"notes\"=>\"Series of waterfalls flowing from lava field\"}", "{\"day\"=>5, \"type\"=>\"social\", \"description\"=>\"Met with Ann, Greg, Shane, Katie, Will, and Sam at the wave landmark\", \"time\"=>\"10:45am\", \"location\"=>\"Halifax waterfront\"}", "{\"day\"=>5, \"type\"=>\"social\", \"description\"=>\"Sherri connected with Aunts Betty, Dorothy, and Kay\", \"location\"=>\"Halifax\"}", "{\"day\"=>5, \"type\"=>\"tour\", \"name\"=>\"Víðgelmir lava tube cave tour\", \"location\"=>\"Víðgelmir\", \"time\"=>\"Departed around 12:10pm\", \"duration\"=>\"~90 minutes\", \"participants\"=>\"Family group\", \"notes\"=>\"Rowan especially enjoyed it. Helmets with headlamps provided. Metal stairs descend into massive cave system\"}", "{\"day\"=>5, \"type\"=>\"travel\", \"description\"=>\"Train journey from Tokyo to Kamakura via Yokohama during snow storm\", \"location\"=>\"Tokyo to Kamakura\"}", "{\"day\"=>6, \"type\"=>\"dining\", \"description\"=>\"Light breakfast and lunch with family\", \"time\"=>\"8:30am breakfast, noon lunch\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>6, \"type\"=>\"recreation\", \"description\"=>\"Reading in deck chairs\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>6, \"type\"=>\"relaxation\", \"description\"=>\"Enjoyed twilight hours at solarium and aft deck\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>6, \"type\"=>\"relaxation\", \"description\"=>\"Sea day with 9 hours sleep and late morning wake-up\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>6, \"type\"=>\"shopping\", \"description\"=>\"Visited Kraspassi Market\", \"location\"=>\"Willemstad\"}", "{\"day\"=>6, \"type\"=>\"shore_excursion\", \"description\"=>\"Guided tour to Hato Caves and walking tour of downtown Willemstad\", \"location\"=>\"Curaçao\", \"participants\"=>\"Father and daughter\"}", "{\"day\"=>6, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"Evening visit to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shinto shrine\", \"location\"=>\"Kamakura\"}", "{\"day\"=>6, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"Explored Dutch Colonial architecture and waterfront\", \"location\"=>\"Willemstad\"}", "{\"day\"=>6, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"Post-snow storm temple visits to Sugimotodera and Hokokuji\", \"location\"=>\"Kamakura\", \"distance\"=>\"1 mile walk\"}", "{\"day\"=>7, \"type\"=>\"dining\", \"description\"=>\"Dinner in main dining room, daughter had two crème brûlées\", \"time\"=>\"Evening\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>7, \"type\"=>\"dining\", \"description\"=>\"Lunch at sushi restaurant, bento box and sushi\", \"time\"=>\"Midday\", \"location\"=>\"St. John's Main Street\"}", "{\"day\"=>7, \"type\"=>\"dining\", \"description\"=>\"Premium dining at Murano French restaurant celebrating milestone\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>7, \"type\"=>\"hiking\", \"description\"=>\"Hiked from ship up to Signal Hill summit via road\", \"time\"=>\"10:15am departure\", \"location\"=>\"St. John's to Signal Hill\"}", "{\"day\"=>7, \"type\"=>\"hiking\", \"description\"=>\"North Head Trail Loop with stairs, rocks, and cliff views\", \"location\"=>\"Signal Hill\"}", "{\"day\"=>7, \"type\"=>\"relaxation\", \"description\"=>\"Returned to ship mid-afternoon to recover from hike\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>7, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"Early morning visit to Kotoku-in Great Buddha temple\", \"location\"=>\"Kotoku-in, Kamakura\"}", "{\"day\"=>7, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"Visited Signal Hill fortifications, museum, and cafe\", \"location\"=>\"Signal Hill\"}", "{\"day\"=>7, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"Walked back into town through colorful neighborhoods\", \"location\"=>\"St. John's\"}", "{\"day\"=>7, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"Walking tour through downtown Kralendijk\", \"location\"=>\"Kralendijk, Bonaire\", \"participants\"=>\"Three family members (son stayed aboard with friend)\"}", "{\"day\"=>7, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"Watched locals wave farewell from Signal Hill during sailaway\", \"time\"=>\"Afternoon\", \"location\"=>\"St. John's Harbor\"}", "{\"day\"=>7, \"type\"=>\"walking\", \"description\"=>\"2km walk back to hotel from Kotoku-in\", \"location\"=>\"Kamakura\"}", "{\"day\"=>8, \"type\"=>\"dining\", \"description\"=>\"Kids went to main dining room 20 minutes late by themselves\", \"time\"=>\"Evening\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>8, \"type\"=>\"dining\", \"description\"=>\"Late lunch at mall restaurant in Kyoto Station\", \"location\"=>\"Kyoto Station\"}", "{\"day\"=>8, \"type\"=>\"dining\", \"description\"=>\"Parents dined at Tuscan Grille specialty restaurant\", \"time\"=>\"Evening\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>8, \"type\"=>\"dining\", \"description\"=>\"Tonkatsu dinner at Kyoto Station mall\", \"location\"=>\"Kyoto Station\"}", "{\"day\"=>8, \"type\"=>\"relaxation\", \"description\"=>\"First of two sea days between St. John's and Greenland\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>8, \"type\"=>\"relaxation\", \"description\"=>\"Nice afternoon weather on western balcony, shorts weather with ship blocking wind\", \"time\"=>\"Afternoon\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse balcony\"}", "{\"day\"=>8, \"type\"=>\"relaxation\", \"description\"=>\"Sea day, relaxing aboard ship\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>8, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"Partial walk toward Kyoto Imperial Palace\", \"location\"=>\"Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds\", \"distance\"=>\"1.4km\"}", "{\"day\"=>8, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"Walking tour to Nijo-jo Castle\", \"location\"=>\"Nijo-jo, Kyoto\", \"distance\"=>\"3.6km walk\"}", "{\"day\"=>8, \"type\"=>\"social\", \"description\"=>\"Kids finally made friends at Teen Lounge and played shipwide Hide & Seek past midnight\", \"time\"=>\"Evening\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>8, \"type\"=>\"travel\", \"description\"=>\"Shinkansen train journey from Yokohama to Kyoto\", \"location\"=>\"Yokohama to Kyoto\"}", "{\"day\"=>9, \"type\"=>\"celebration\", \"description\"=>\"Celebrated Rowan's birthday with Shirley Temples and a chocolate birthday cake\", \"time\"=>\"Evening\", \"location\"=>\"Le Petit Chef, Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>9, \"type\"=>\"dining\", \"description\"=>\"Birthday dinner for Rowan at Le Petit Chef, with projection shows on the history of tomatoes and the history of art before the courses\", \"time\"=>\"Evening\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"day\"=>9, \"type\"=>\"shopping\", \"description\"=>\"Shopping and 7-Eleven meal\", \"location\"=>\"Kyoto\"}", "{\"day\"=>9, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"4.5 mile clockwise walking loop from cruise terminal along harbor path to El Morro, then east to Capitol Building\", \"duration\"=>\"several hours\", \"location\"=>\"Old San Juan\", \"participants\"=>\"Parents (kids stayed aboard due to son's ankle and daughter not being a big walker)\"}", "{\"day\"=>9, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"Early morning visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple\", \"location\"=>\"Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto\"}", "{\"day\"=>9, \"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"description\"=>\"Explored waterfront path between harbor and El Morro, viewed waves crashing on north side\", \"location\"=>\"Old San Juan\"}", "{\"day\"=>9, \"type\"=>\"social\", \"description\"=>\"The kids spent time with friends they have made on the ship\", \"location\"=>\"Celebrity Eclipse\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"adventure\", \"name\"=>\"Kickbike ride\", \"location\"=>\"Sunnegga to Zermatt\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"adventure\", \"name\"=>\"Mountaincart ride\", \"location\"=>\"Blauherd to Sunnegga\", \"duration\"=>\"~20min\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"advice\", \"description\"=>\"Tips and recommendations for visiting Iceland\", \"topics\"=>[\"car_rental_tips\", \"driving_conditions\", \"wind_awareness\", \"cell_data_esim\", \"grocery_shopping\", \"dining_recommendations\", \"visiting_natural_attractions\", \"getting_around_reykjavik\"]}", "{\"type\"=>\"cultural\", \"name\"=>\"Bookstore visit\", \"location\"=>\"Hús máls og menningar\", \"date\"=>#, \"participants\"=>\"Brian and Siena\", \"notes\"=>\"Iconic bookstore with bar and live music venue\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"cultural\", \"name\"=>\"Neuschwanstein Castle guided tour\", \"location\"=>\"Neuschwanstein Castle\", \"time\"=>\"5:50pm\", \"url\"=>\"https://www.fuessen.de/en/culture/castles-museums/\", \"notes\"=>\"No photography allowed inside, tickets must be purchased in advance\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"cultural\", \"name\"=>\"Old stone house and cemetery exploration\", \"location\"=>\"Reykholt\", \"date\"=>#, \"time\"=>\"afternoon\", \"features\"=>[\"church-tower\", \"historic-buildings\", \"cemetery\", \"informational-signs\"]}", "{\"type\"=>\"cultural\", \"name\"=>\"Punk Museum visit\", \"location\"=>\"Icelandic Punk Museum\", \"date\"=>#, \"notes\"=>\"Near Prime Minister's house\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"cultural\", \"name\"=>\"Rainbow street viewing\", \"location\"=>\"Reykjavik rainbow road\", \"date\"=>#, \"notes\"=>\"Iconic rainbow-painted street\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"cultural\", \"name\"=>\"Swiss National Day celebrations\", \"location\"=>\"Zermatt\", \"date\"=>#}", "{\"type\"=>\"dining\", \"description\"=>\"Meals at Marché Burette and Falcon's Nest restaurants\", \"location\"=>\"Omni Amelia Island Resort\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"dining\", \"name\"=>\"Bakery breakfast\", \"location\"=>\"Near Sun Voyager sculpture\", \"date\"=>#, \"time\"=>\"morning\", \"food\"=>\"Coffee and croissant\", \"notes\"=>\"Caught up on news in corner spot\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"entertainment\", \"name\"=>\"Live music concert\", \"location\"=>\"Zermatt\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"hiking\", \"name\"=>\"Brúarfoss hike\", \"location\"=>\"Brúarfoss\", \"notes\"=>\"Access road only 600 meters from cottage, great photos\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"hiking\", \"name\"=>\"Geysir lookout hike\", \"location\"=>\"Geysir\", \"time\"=>\"Around 8pm\", \"notes\"=>\"Spectacular views from the hilltop\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"hiking\", \"name\"=>\"Gorner Gorge hike\", \"location\"=>\"Gorner Gorge\", \"url\"=>\"https://zermatt.swiss/en/p/gorner-gorge-01tVj000005DonMIAS\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"hiking\", \"name\"=>\"Gourmet Trail (Sunnegga to Zermatt)\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"hiking\", \"name\"=>\"Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg panorama walk\", \"location\"=>\"Männlichen-Kleine Scheidegg\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"hiking\", \"name\"=>\"Mürren to Grütschalp hike\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"hiking\", \"name\"=>\"Nature Trail: Riffelalp to Sunnegga\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"hiking\", \"name\"=>\"Panorama Trail (Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg)\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"hiking\", \"name\"=>\"Riederalp to Hohfluh and Moosfluh (Aletsch Glacier viewpoints)\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"hiking\", \"name\"=>\"Royal Walk to the Crown\", \"location\"=>\"Männlichen\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"hiking\", \"name\"=>\"Walk up to Neuschwanstein\", \"location\"=>\"Neuschwanstein Castle\", \"distance\"=>\"~1 mile\", \"elevation_gain\"=>\"500ft\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"horseback-riding\", \"name\"=>\"Icelandic horse riding\", \"location\"=>\"Sturlureykir Visiting Horse Farm\", \"participants\"=>[\"Brian\", \"Siena\"], \"date\"=>#, \"time\"=>\"morning\", \"duration\"=>\"~2 hours\", \"horses\"=>\"white Icelandic horses\", \"terrain\"=>\"trails with waterfall views\", \"notes\"=>\"Siena was all grins from start to finish\", \"highlights\"=>[\"stable-tour\", \"arena-practice\", \"outdoor-trail-ride\", \"waterfall-scenery\"]}", "{\"type\"=>\"recreation\", \"name\"=>\"Bounce place and ice cream\", \"location\"=>\"Near cottage\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"recreation\", \"name\"=>\"Ice cream outing\", \"location\"=>\"Reykjavik\", \"date\"=>#, \"participants\"=>\"Rowan and Sherri\", \"food\"=>\"Oreo ice cream\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"relaxation\", \"description\"=>\"Pool and fire pit lounging\", \"location\"=>\"Omni Amelia Island Resort\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"relaxation\", \"name\"=>\"Greenhouse rest\", \"location\"=>\"Birna's Cottage\", \"notes\"=>\"Research CPAP supplies, short nap\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"relaxation\", \"name\"=>\"Hot tub and reading\", \"location\"=>\"Birna's Cottage\", \"notes\"=>\"Mid-60s weather, barely a cloud\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"relaxation\", \"name\"=>\"Lazy morning\", \"location\"=>\"Hotel Albatros\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"shopping\", \"name\"=>\"Computer store and grocery\", \"location\"=>\"Borgarnes\", \"notes\"=>\"Needed Apple Watch charger\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"shopping\", \"name\"=>\"Small market\", \"location\"=>\"Laugarvatn\", \"items\"=>\"Butter, spaghetti, jam, snacks\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"shopping\", \"name\"=>\"Souvenir shopping\", \"location\"=>\"Reykjavik\", \"date\"=>#, \"participants\"=>\"Brian and Siena\", \"items\"=>\"Pot holder and coaster\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"shopping\", \"name\"=>\"Supermarket provisions\", \"location\"=>\"Appenzell\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"name\"=>\"Deildartunguhver hot springs\", \"location\"=>\"Deildartunguhver\", \"date\"=>#, \"time\"=>\"afternoon\", \"notes\"=>\"Very steamy\", \"natural_feature\"=>\"geothermal hot spring\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"name\"=>\"Exploring Garmisch town center\", \"location\"=>\"Garmisch-Partenkirchen\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"name\"=>\"Geysir visit\", \"location\"=>\"Geysir\", \"time_of_day\"=>\"midday\", \"notes\"=>\"Busy tourist area, visitors center, main geyser viewing\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"name\"=>\"Gornergrat visit\", \"location\"=>\"Gornergrat\", \"url\"=>\"https://zermatt.swiss/en/p/riffelalp-trail-nr-20-01tVj000005EwXaIAK\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"name\"=>\"Gullfoss visit\", \"location\"=>\"Gullfoss\", \"time\"=>\"Around 6:30pm\", \"notes\"=>\"No photo or video can capture the spectacle\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"name\"=>\"Lake Constance visit\", \"location\"=>\"Bregenz, Austria\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"name\"=>\"Photo walk\", \"location\"=>\"Zermatt\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"name\"=>\"Scenic train ride\", \"location\"=>\"Pflach to Garmisch-Partenkirchen\", \"duration\"=>\"1h 15m\", \"notes\"=>\"One of the most beautiful train rides, comparable to Goldenpass Express\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"name\"=>\"Staubbach Falls\", \"location\"=>\"Lauterbrunnen\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"name\"=>\"Thingvellir National Park visit\", \"location\"=>\"Thingvellir National Park\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"sightseeing\", \"name\"=>\"Walking tour of Appenzell town center\", \"location\"=>\"Appenzell\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"travel\", \"description\"=>\"High-speed bullet train journey from Tokyo to Kyoto\", \"location\"=>\"Shinkansen\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"travel\", \"name\"=>\"Departure from Iceland\", \"location\"=>\"KEF\", \"date\"=>#, \"time\"=>\"afternoon/evening\", \"flight_time\"=>\"4:45pm\", \"flight_duration\"=>\"6.5 hours\", \"arrival_time\"=>\"7:30pm EDT\", \"carrier\"=>\"Icelandair\", \"notes\"=>\"International departure back to United States\"}", "{\"type\"=>\"walking\", \"name\"=>\"Walking around Reykjavik\", \"location\"=>\"Reykjavik\", \"date\"=>#, \"participants\"=>\"Brian and Siena\", \"duration\"=>\"Approximately 2.5 miles\", \"notes\"=>\"Exploring in the rain\"}" ], "timeline": [ { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 1", "date": "2007-04-20", "subtitle": "Leaving on a jet plane — the scramble out of New Jersey", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "New Jersey", "country": "United States" }, { "name": "Newark Liberty International Airport", "country": "United States" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "car", "route": "Home to Newark Airport" }, { "type": "air", "route": "Newark (EWR) to London-Gatwick (LGW)", "notes": "Overnight, roughly six hours; Presidents Club vouchers before boarding" } ], "travel_sentiment": "excited, a little frazzled" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 2", "date": "2007-04-21", "subtitle": "Untangling the English rail system, then embarking at Southampton", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "London-Gatwick Airport", "country": "United Kingdom" }, { "name": "Chichester", "country": "United Kingdom" }, { "name": "Southampton", "country": "United Kingdom" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "rail", "route": "Gatwick to Southampton via Chichester", "notes": "Southern England rail; multiple competing operators over the same tracks" }, { "type": "taxi", "route": "Southampton Central to the cruise terminal" }, { "type": "ship", "route": "Embark at Southampton", "carrier": "Celebrity Cruises", "vessel": "Celebrity Millennium" } ], "travel_sentiment": "exhausted but aboard" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 3", "date": "2007-04-22", "subtitle": "Le Havre and a jet-lagged bus dash to Paris", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "Le Havre", "country": "France" }, { "name": "Paris", "country": "France" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "ship", "route": "Docked at Le Havre" }, { "type": "bus", "route": "Le Havre to Paris and back", "notes": "About 2.5 hours each way; a notably slow driver on the way in" } ], "activities": [ "Walking tour of Paris (Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Louvre, Notre Dame, the Seine)", "First formal dining-room dinner aboard" ], "travel_sentiment": "jet-lagged but game" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 4", "date": "2007-04-23", "subtitle": "Waffles, devil beer, and quaint Brugge", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "Zeebrugge", "country": "Belgium" }, { "name": "Blankenberge", "country": "Belgium" }, { "name": "Brugge", "country": "Belgium" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "ship", "route": "Docked at Zeebrugge" }, { "type": "bus", "route": "Zeebrugge port to Blankenberge" }, { "type": "rail", "route": "Blankenberge to Brugge and back", "notes": "Trains ran only about once an hour" } ], "travel_sentiment": "charmed" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 5", "date": "2007-04-24", "subtitle": "Walking Amsterdam, a canal tour, and a scenic sail-away", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "Amsterdam", "country": "Netherlands" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "ship", "route": "Docked in Amsterdam" }, { "type": "boat", "route": "Amsterdam canal tour" } ], "activities": [ "Walking tour of Amsterdam", "Canal boat tour", "Scenic sail-away down the river" ], "travel_sentiment": "relaxed and content" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 6", "date": "2007-04-25", "subtitle": "Sea Day #1 and the serendipitous dress shirt", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "At sea" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "ship", "route": "Sea day en route to La Rochelle" } ], "travel_sentiment": "bored but tidy" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 7", "date": "2007-04-26", "subtitle": "La Rochelle didn't quite WOW me", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "La Rochelle", "country": "France" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "ship", "route": "Docked at La Rochelle" } ], "travel_sentiment": "underwhelmed" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 8", "date": "2007-04-27", "subtitle": "Bilbao, the Guggenheim, and a river walk promenade", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "Bilbao", "country": "Spain", "region": "Basque Country" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "ship", "route": "Docked near Bilbao" }, { "type": "bus", "route": "Port to downtown Bilbao", "notes": "A hilly shuttle trip, and the usual pier shuttle chaos" } ], "activities": [ "Guggenheim Museum Bilbao", "River walk promenade", "Paella lunch" ], "travel_sentiment": "pleasantly surprised" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 9", "date": "2007-04-28", "subtitle": "Sea Day #2", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "At sea" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "ship", "route": "Sea day en route to Lisbon" } ], "travel_sentiment": "bored" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 10", "date": "2007-04-29", "subtitle": "Lisbon grows on me", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "Lisbon", "country": "Portugal" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "ship", "route": "Docked at Lisbon; sailed out under the 25 de Abril Bridge" } ], "activities": [ "Walking Lisbon's lower and hilly districts", "Lunch at Locanda Italiana" ], "travel_sentiment": "warmed up over the day" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 11", "date": "2007-04-30", "subtitle": "The Rock of Gibraltar — my favorite port of the trip", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "Gibraltar", "country": "United Kingdom" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "ship", "route": "Docked at Gibraltar" }, { "type": "taxi", "route": "Up the Rock (cable car was too windy to run)" }, { "type": "bus", "route": "Down the Rock to the Siege Tunnels" } ], "activities": [ "St. Michael's Cave", "Barbary apes atop the Rock", "Great Siege Tunnels" ], "travel_sentiment": "this was the one" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 12", "date": "2007-05-01", "subtitle": "Tangier — the most different place I'd ever been", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "Tangier", "country": "Morocco" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "ship", "route": "Anchored off Tangier (the only tender port of the trip)" }, { "type": "boat", "route": "Tender to shore and back" }, { "type": "bus", "route": "Tour of the area outside Tangier" } ], "activities": [ "Countryside bus tour", "Petting a camel", "Wandering the medina", "A solo lunch at a local cafe" ], "travel_sentiment": "awed and grateful" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 13", "date": "2007-05-02", "subtitle": "Sea Day #3 — eating, packing, tipping", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "At sea" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "ship", "route": "Final sea day en route to Barcelona" } ], "travel_sentiment": "ready to be on land" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 14", "date": "2007-05-03", "subtitle": "Debarking into Barcelona and Las Ramblas", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "Barcelona", "country": "Spain", "region": "Catalonia" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Le Méridien Barcelona", "location": "Las Ramblas, Barcelona", "url": "https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/bcnmd-le-meridien-barcelona/overview/", "notes": "Room was ready by 11am — a welcome surprise" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "ship", "route": "Debark at Barcelona" }, { "type": "taxi", "route": "Cruise terminal to Le Méridien Barcelona" } ], "activities": [ "Wandering Las Ramblas", "Lunch inside the La Boqueria market" ], "travel_sentiment": "back on land, energized" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 15", "date": "2007-05-04", "subtitle": "A big touring day — Sagrada Família and Bonanova", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "Barcelona", "country": "Spain", "region": "Catalonia" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Le Méridien Barcelona", "location": "Las Ramblas, Barcelona" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Restaurante Bonanova", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Sant Gervasi, Barcelona", "url": "https://www.restaurantebonanova.com/" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "bus", "route": "Barcelona hop-on hop-off tourist bus" } ], "activities": [ "La Pedrera (Casa Milà)", "Sagrada Família", "Dinner at Restaurante Bonanova" ], "travel_sentiment": "full and happy" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 16", "date": "2007-05-05", "subtitle": "A few weary hours in London (and a nearly lost bag)", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "Barcelona", "country": "Spain" }, { "name": "London", "country": "United Kingdom" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Hilton Gatwick", "location": "Gatwick Airport, London", "notes": "Connected to the airport" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "air", "route": "Barcelona to London-Gatwick", "carrier": "British Airways", "notes": "US$130 overweight-baggage charge — for the bag that didn't arrive" }, { "type": "rail", "route": "Gatwick Express to London Victoria and back" } ], "activities": [ "Walking past Buckingham Palace", "London Eye", "St. James's Park" ], "travel_sentiment": "travel-weary" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007 Day 17", "date": "2007-05-06", "subtitle": "The long flight home", "categories": "travel europe", "tags": [ "april2007" ], "rollup_key": "2007eu", "locations": [ { "name": "London-Gatwick Airport", "country": "United Kingdom" }, { "name": "Newark Liberty International Airport", "country": "United States" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "air", "route": "London-Gatwick to Newark (EWR)", "notes": "Business class — check-in and security were a breeze" }, { "type": "car", "route": "Newark Airport to home" } ], "travel_sentiment": "weary, grateful, home" }, { "title": "European Vacation 2007", "date": "2007-05-07", "subtitle": "A 14-night cruise with Sherri, plus two nights in Barcelona and one in London -- a trip spanning France, England, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar, and Morocco.", "categories": "travel rollup", "tags": null, "rollup_key": null, "trip_type": "rollup", "trip_duration": "April 20 - May 6, 2007", "trip_duration_days": 17, "locations_visited": [ "Southampton, United Kingdom", "Le Havre, France", "Paris, France", "Zeebrugge, Belgium", "Brugge, Belgium", "Amsterdam, Netherlands", "La Rochelle, France", "Bilbao, Spain", "Lisbon, Portugal", "Gibraltar", "Tangier, Morocco", "Barcelona, Spain", "London, United Kingdom" ], "countries_visited": [ "United Kingdom", "France", "Belgium", "Netherlands", "Spain", "Portugal", "Gibraltar", "Morocco" ], "transport": [ "Celebrity Millennium (Celebrity Cruises)", "transatlantic flights (Newark and London-Gatwick)", "European trains", "tender boats and tour buses" ], "travel_companions": [ "Sherri (wife)" ], "travel_sentiment": "adventurous, wide-eyed, a little travel-weary by the end" }, { "title": "Back in India", "date": "2019-01-21T11:25:19.282Z", "subtitle": "This time with travel buddies", "categories": "travel india", "tags": null, "rollup_key": null, "day_type": "travel", "trip_type": "business", "location": "Bengaluru, India", "locations": [ { "name": "San Francisco", "country": "USA", "region": "California" }, { "name": "Dubai", "country": "United Arab Emirates" }, { "name": "Bengaluru", "country": "India", "region": "Karnataka" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Airbnb apartment", "location": "Dubai, United Arab Emirates", "type": "accommodation" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "air", "route": "San Francisco to Bengaluru", "notes": "Overnight extended layover in Dubai" } ], "travel_companions": [ "Walter", "Andy" ] }, { "title": "India day 2", "date": "2019-01-22T17:25:24.017Z", "subtitle": null, "categories": "travel india", "tags": null, "rollup_key": null, "trip_type": "business", "location": "Bengaluru, India", "locations": [ { "name": "Bengaluru", "country": "India", "region": "Karnataka" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "The Leela", "location": "Bengaluru, India", "type": "accommodation" } ], "weather": "Foggy, damp, and cold" }, { "title": "Switzerland Travels 2019", "date": "2019-07-26 12:00:00 -0400", "subtitle": "Travels to Geneva, Chamonix (France), and Interlaken", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": null, "rollup_key": null, "trip_type": "solo", "trip_duration": "June 27 - July 7, 2019", "locations": [ { "name": "Geneva", "country": "Switzerland", "type": "city", "notes": "Home base; first two nights, then again from Day 6 through the end of the trip", "visited": true }, { "name": "Chamonix-Mont-Blanc", "country": "France", "type": "mountain town", "notes": "Spontaneous two-night stop, ~90 minutes from Geneva", "visited": true }, { "name": "Interlaken", "country": "Switzerland", "type": "town", "notes": "One night; intended as a base for Lauterbrunnen and Murren day trips but ran out of time", "visited": true }, { "name": "Istanbul", "country": "Turkey", "type": "layover", "notes": "Layover at the new Istanbul Airport in both directions", "visited": true } ], "countries_visited": [ "Switzerland", "France" ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "ibis Styles Geneve Carouge Hotel", "location": "Carouge, Geneva", "url": "https://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-6863-ibis-styles-geneve-carouge/index.shtml", "notes": "The \"home\" hotel; new building with air conditioning during a heat wave, across the street from friend Joshua" }, { "name": "Hotel Mercure Chamonix Les Bossons", "location": "Outskirts of Chamonix", "url": "https://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-0411-mercure-chamonix-les-bossons-hotel/index.shtml", "nights": 1, "notes": "AlpyBus dropped off directly at the hotel door" }, { "name": "Heliopic Hotel", "location": "Chamonix Sud", "url": "https://www.heliopic-hotel-spa.com/", "nights": 1, "notes": "Room balcony overlooked the Aiguille du Midi cable cars" }, { "name": "Hotel Lotschberg", "location": "Interlaken", "nights": 1, "notes": "No-frills single room around $110/night, very close to Interlaken-West station and a mall" } ], "points_of_interest": [ "Aiguille du Midi", "Brevent / Plan Praz (attempted; lift already closed for the day)", "Harder Kulm", "Bains des Paquis", "CERN", "Lake Geneva (Lac Leman)", "Montenvers Train to Mer de Glace (noted, not taken)" ], "transport": [ { "type": "air", "route": "San Francisco (SFO) to Geneva via Istanbul", "carrier": "Turkish Airlines", "notes": "Business class; 13-hour SFO-Istanbul leg plus 3.5-hour Istanbul-Geneva leg" }, { "type": "bus", "route": "Geneva Airport to Chamonix", "provider": "AlpyBus", "notes": "Booked after the rental car fell through; airport-to-hotel-door service (35 Sfr/euro)" }, { "type": "bus", "route": "Chamonix to Geneva", "provider": "Swisstours", "notes": "9 euro" }, { "type": "train", "route": "Geneva to Interlaken and back" }, { "type": "tram", "location": "Geneva", "notes": "12 and 18 trams stop outside the hotel; transit free for tourists" }, { "type": "cable car", "name": "Aiguille du Midi", "location": "Chamonix" }, { "type": "funicular", "name": "Harderbahn", "route": "Interlaken to Harder Kulm" } ], "activities": [ "Street food festival in Geneva", "Carouge farmers market", "Swimming at Bains des Paquis", "Evening at the UN Club beach with friends", "Walking Geneva old town", "Aiguille du Midi cable car to 3842m", "Harder Kulm funicular up and ~400m vertical hike down", "CERN visit", "Tomato festival", "Walk through Parc de la Grange", "Walking in the Geneva Pride Parade" ], "dining": [ { "name": "Pointe Isabelle", "location": "Chamonix", "notes": "Rain-soaked dash back to the hotel afterward" }, { "location": "Aiguille du Midi mid-point", "food": "Hot dog" }, { "location": "Harder Kulm", "food": "$7 Cup Noodles" }, { "location": "Interlaken", "notes": "Italian place across from the mall" } ], "highlights": [ "Aiguille du Midi", "Interlaken scenery", "Bains des Paquis", "Geneva as the first European city that felt livable" ], "challenges": [ { "type": "Transport", "description": "Geneva Airport Swiss/French sector rental car snafu; reservation was on the French side and inaccessible without a same-day boarding pass, so the car was scrapped in favor of AlpyBus" }, { "type": "Logistics", "description": "Keeping arrangements flexible meant daily re-planning and mid-day hotel moves, which caused more friction than benefit" }, { "type": "Physical", "description": "The hike down from Harder Kulm left leg soreness lasting more than a week" } ], "weather": [ { "location": "Geneva", "conditions": "Heat wave; hotel air conditioning was a lifesaver" }, { "location": "Chamonix", "conditions": "About 92F in town, dropping to 36F at the top of Aiguille du Midi; intense evening thunderstorm" } ], "companions": "Solo trip; met up with friends Joshua and Max in Geneva" }, { "title": "Iceland 2023 Day 1", "date": "2023-06-11", "subtitle": "Arrival and settling in", "categories": "travel iceland", "tags": [ "june2023" ], "rollup_key": "2023iceland", "trip_day": 1, "location_start": "Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, USA", "location_end": "Near Laugarvatn, Iceland", "locations_visited": [ "Keflavík International Airport (KEF)", "Selfoss, Iceland", "Efstidalur II Farm & Restaurant", "Laugarvatn area" ], "accommodation": { "name": "Private Cottage", "location": "Near Laugarvatn", "amenities": [ "geothermal hot tub", "sauna", "greenhouse", "full kitchen", "mountain views" ], "notes": "Geothermal fresh water heated" }, "transport": [ { "type": "air", "route": "RDU to KEF", "carrier": "Icelandair", "notes": "Direct overnight flight" }, { "type": "car_rental", "vehicle": "Tesla Model Y", "provider": "Hertz Iceland", "notes": "EV rental with trunk latch issues noted" } ], "activities": [ "International air travel", "EV charging introduction (DC Fast Charger in Selfoss)", "Bakery visit in Selfoss", "Grocery shopping at Bónus supermarket", "Farm visit at Efstidalur II", "Geothermal hot tub", "Home cooking" ], "dining": [ { "location": "Selfoss bakery", "type": "pastries and coffee" }, { "location": "Cottage", "type": "home-cooked", "meal": "pork chops and chicken from Bónus" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "First experience with Iceland EV charging infrastructure", "No jetway arrival at KEF", "Neverending summer sunlight", "Forgot CPAP hose" ], "weather": "Not specified" }, { "title": "Iceland 2023 Day 2", "date": "2023-06-12", "subtitle": "Recovery and exploration around the Golden Circle", "categories": "travel iceland", "tags": [ "june2023" ], "rollup_key": "2023iceland", "start_location": "Laugarvatn, Iceland", "end_location": "Laugarvatn, Iceland", "locations": [ { "name": "Geysir", "country": "Iceland", "type": "Geothermal area", "notes": "Active geysers, main geyser erupts every 10-15 minutes", "visited": true, "url": "https://www.south.is/en/place/geysir-geothermal-area" }, { "name": "Brúarfoss", "country": "Iceland", "type": "Waterfall", "notes": "Glacial river waterfall, access road 600m from cottage", "visited": true, "url": "https://www.earthtrekkers.com/how-to-visit-bruarfoss-waterfall/" }, { "name": "Laugarvatn", "country": "Iceland", "type": "Town", "notes": "Small market for groceries", "visited": true }, { "name": "Efstidalur II", "country": "Iceland", "type": "Restaurant/Farm", "notes": "Farm restaurant with dairy cows", "visited": true, "url": "https://efstidalur.is/" } ], "accommodation": [ { "name": "Birna's Cottage", "type": "Airbnb", "location": "Near Laugarvatn, Iceland", "nights": 3, "checkin": false, "checkout": false, "features": "Greenhouse, modern farmhouse style, vaulted ceilings" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "car", "make": "Tesla", "rental": true, "notes": "Charging at Geysir (up to 98%), trunk seatbelt issue resolved" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "sightseeing", "name": "Geysir visit", "location": "Geysir", "time_of_day": "midday", "notes": "Busy tourist area, visitors center, main geyser viewing" }, { "type": "hiking", "name": "Brúarfoss hike", "location": "Brúarfoss", "notes": "Access road only 600 meters from cottage, great photos" }, { "type": "shopping", "name": "Small market", "location": "Laugarvatn", "items": "Butter, spaghetti, jam, snacks" }, { "type": "relaxation", "name": "Greenhouse rest", "location": "Birna's Cottage", "notes": "Research CPAP supplies, short nap" } ], "dining": [ { "name": "Efstidalur II", "location": "Near cottage", "meal": "Early dinner", "food": "Meatballs + fries, cheeseburger", "rating": "Mixed - kids didn't like sauce, fries had cayenne", "url": "https://efstidalur.is/" } ], "challenges": [ { "type": "Health", "description": "Felt hungover without drinking, headache and neck pain", "duration": "All day until 9pm", "treatment": "Ibuprofen (insufficient)" }, { "type": "Equipment", "description": "Missing CPAP headgear", "impact": "Sleep apnea issues compounded by jet lag", "attempted_solution": "Contacted pharmacies without success" }, { "type": "Navigation", "description": "Initially couldn't find Brúarfoss turnoff", "resolution": "Research and found access road very close to cottage" }, { "type": "Vehicle", "description": "Tesla trunk closing problems", "resolution": "Seatbelt caught in trunk" } ], "weather": [ { "time": "Early afternoon", "conditions": "Sunny and partly cloudy", "temperature": "High 50's F", "wind": "Less than previous day", "notes": "Very good Iceland weather" } ] }, { "title": "Iceland 2023 Day 3", "date": "2023-06-13", "subtitle": "Perfect weather and after-hours touring", "categories": "travel iceland", "tags": [ "june2023" ], "rollup_key": "2023iceland", "locations": [ { "name": "Gullfoss", "country": "Iceland", "notes": "Spectacular waterfall" }, { "name": "Geysir", "country": "Iceland" } ], "accommodation": [ { "name": "Birna's Cottage", "location": "Near Laugarvatn, Iceland", "nights": 3, "checkin": false, "checkout": false } ], "transport": [ { "type": "car", "notes": "Easy drive to Gullfoss and Geysir" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "relaxation", "name": "Hot tub and reading", "location": "Birna's Cottage", "notes": "Mid-60s weather, barely a cloud" }, { "type": "recreation", "name": "Bounce place and ice cream", "location": "Near cottage" }, { "type": "sightseeing", "name": "Gullfoss visit", "location": "Gullfoss", "time": "Around 6:30pm", "notes": "No photo or video can capture the spectacle" }, { "type": "hiking", "name": "Geysir lookout hike", "location": "Geysir", "time": "Around 8pm", "notes": "Spectacular views from the hilltop" } ], "weather": { "conditions": "Insanely beautiful", "temperature": "Mid-60s F", "sky": "Barely a cloud", "wind": "Light breeze" } }, { "title": "Iceland 2023 Day 4", "date": "2023-06-14", "subtitle": "Thingvellir and the journey to Húsafell", "categories": "travel iceland", "tags": [ "june2023" ], "rollup_key": "2023iceland", "locations": [ { "name": "Thingvellir National Park", "country": "Iceland", "notes": "UNESCO World Heritage site" }, { "name": "Borgarnes", "country": "Iceland", "notes": "Computer store and grocery shopping" }, { "name": "Baulan", "country": "Iceland", "notes": "Gas station/restaurant for charging and dinner" }, { "name": "Húsafell", "country": "Iceland" } ], "accommodation": [ { "name": "Birna's Cottage", "location": "Near Laugarvatn, Iceland", "nights": 3, "checkin": false, "checkout": true }, { "name": "Húsafell Cottage (Airbnb)", "location": "Húsafell, Iceland", "nights": 3, "checkin": true, "checkout": false, "notes": "Part of Hotel Húsafell property, challenging communication with host" } ], "points_of_interest": [ { "name": "Road construction site", "notes": "Five minute red light wait while road was being redone" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "car", "route": "Birna's Cottage to Húsafell via Thingvellir", "notes": "Red light stop for road work, indirect route with planned stops" }, { "type": "car", "charging": "Baulan (49% to 90%)", "duration": "Fast charge during dinner" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "sightseeing", "name": "Thingvellir National Park visit", "location": "Thingvellir National Park" }, { "type": "shopping", "name": "Computer store and grocery", "location": "Borgarnes", "notes": "Needed Apple Watch charger" } ], "dining": [ { "name": "Baulan", "location": "On route to Húsafell", "type": "Mini-mart/gas station/restaurant", "meal": "Dinner outside" } ] }, { "title": "Iceland 2023 Day 5", "date": "2023-06-15", "subtitle": "Lava tubes and waterfall hunting", "categories": "travel iceland", "tags": [ "june2023" ], "rollup_key": "2023iceland", "locations": [ { "name": "Víðgelmir lava tube", "country": "Iceland", "region": "West Iceland", "type": "natural-attraction", "notes": "Amazing cave tour", "coordinates": "64.6192° N, 20.9356° W" }, { "name": "Hraunfossar Waterfall", "country": "Iceland", "region": "West Iceland", "type": "natural-attraction", "notes": "Just a few minutes from Húsafell", "url": "https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/hraunfossar" }, { "name": "Húsafell Hotel Bistro", "country": "Iceland", "region": "West Iceland", "type": "restaurant" } ], "accommodation": [ { "name": "Húsafell Cottage (Airbnb)", "location": "Húsafell, Iceland", "nights": 3, "checkin": false, "checkout": false } ], "transport": [ { "type": "car", "from": "Húsafell Cottage", "to": "Víðgelmir lava tube", "duration": "~20 minutes" }, { "type": "car", "from": "Víðgelmir", "to": "Húsafell Hotel Bistro", "duration": "~20 minutes" }, { "type": "car", "from": "Húsafell Cottage", "to": "Hraunfossar Waterfall", "duration": "~5 minutes" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 5, "type": "tour", "name": "Víðgelmir lava tube cave tour", "location": "Víðgelmir", "time": "Departed around 12:10pm", "duration": "~90 minutes", "participants": "Family group", "notes": "Rowan especially enjoyed it. Helmets with headlamps provided. Metal stairs descend into massive cave system" }, { "day": 5, "type": "hiking", "name": "Attempted trail finding", "location": "Húsafell", "notes": "Could not locate marked trails despite maps and asking staff" }, { "day": 5, "type": "sightseeing", "name": "Hraunfossar Waterfall visit", "location": "Hraunfossar, Near Húsafell", "duration": "30 minutes", "notes": "Series of waterfalls flowing from lava field" }, { "day": 5, "type": "recreation", "name": "Jump pillow", "location": "Húsafell campground", "time": "10:30pm", "participants": "Kids", "notes": "Doesn't get dark at this time of year" } ], "dining": [ { "name": "Húsafell Hotel Bistro", "location": "Húsafell", "meal": "Lunch", "time": "~1:00pm", "food": "Split meat lovers pizza, tempura shrimp", "cost_category": "moderate", "notes": "3 of us split pizza, Siena had shrimp" }, { "name": "Cottage", "location": "Húsafell Cottage", "meal": "Dinner", "food": "Pork chops on the grill, potatoes, vegetables", "cost_category": "budget", "notes": "Left grill much cleaner than found it. Home cooking at fraction of restaurant prices" } ], "highlights": [ "Víðgelmir cave system exploration with helmets and headlamps", "Multiple waterfall viewing spots at Hraunfossar", "Late evening recreation in midnight sun conditions", "Cost-effective home cooking at accommodation" ], "challenges": [ "Unable to locate marked hiking trails despite maps and staff assistance" ] }, { "title": "Iceland 2023 Day 6", "date": "2023-06-16", "subtitle": "Horses and hot springs", "categories": "travel iceland", "tags": [ "june2023" ], "rollup_key": "2023iceland", "day_number": 6, "trip_duration": "Day 6 of Iceland trip", "start_location": "Húsafell Cottage", "end_location": "Húsafell Cottage", "locations": [ { "name": "Sturlureykir Visiting Horse Farm", "country": "Iceland", "region": "West Iceland", "type": "horse-farm", "coordinates": [ 64.659, -21.364 ], "notes": "Near northern Reykholt", "visited": true, "duration": "~2 hours" }, { "name": "Deildartunguhver", "country": "Iceland", "region": "West Iceland", "type": "natural-attraction", "coordinates": [ 64.663, -21.393 ], "notes": "Hot spring area, next to Krauma", "visited": true, "url": "https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/deildartunguhver" }, { "name": "Reykholt", "country": "Iceland", "region": "West Iceland", "type": "historic-site", "coordinates": [ 64.665, -21.295 ], "notes": "Historic site with old stone house and cemetery", "visited": true, "features": [ "church", "cemetery", "old-buildings", "antler-decorations" ] }, { "name": "Húsafell Hotel Bistro", "country": "Iceland", "region": "West Iceland", "type": "restaurant" } ], "accommodation": [ { "name": "Húsafell Cottage (Airbnb)", "location": "Húsafell, Iceland", "type": "cottage", "nights": 3, "checkin": false, "checkout": false, "region": "West Iceland", "features": [ "full-kitchen", "living-room", "multiple-bedrooms", "deck", "vaulted-ceiling" ] } ], "transport": [ { "type": "car", "purpose": "day trip", "route": "Húsafell → Sturlureykir → Deildartunguhver → Reykholt → Húsafell" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "horseback-riding", "name": "Icelandic horse riding", "location": "Sturlureykir Visiting Horse Farm", "participants": [ "Brian", "Siena" ], "date": "2023-06-16", "time": "morning", "duration": "~2 hours", "horses": "white Icelandic horses", "terrain": "trails with waterfall views", "notes": "Siena was all grins from start to finish", "highlights": [ "stable-tour", "arena-practice", "outdoor-trail-ride", "waterfall-scenery" ] }, { "type": "sightseeing", "name": "Deildartunguhver hot springs", "location": "Deildartunguhver", "date": "2023-06-16", "time": "afternoon", "notes": "Very steamy", "natural_feature": "geothermal hot spring" }, { "type": "cultural", "name": "Old stone house and cemetery exploration", "location": "Reykholt", "date": "2023-06-16", "time": "afternoon", "features": [ "church-tower", "historic-buildings", "cemetery", "informational-signs" ] } ], "dining": [ { "name": "Hot dog stand", "location": "Deildartunguhver", "meal": "lunch", "cuisine": "Icelandic", "date": "2023-06-16", "time": "afternoon", "food": "Icelandic hot dog", "cost_level": "budget", "notes": "Much better than expected, crunchy onions really make it", "rating": "excellent" }, { "name": "Húsafell Hotel Bistro", "location": "Húsafell", "meal": "dinner", "date": "2023-06-16", "time": "evening", "food": "Buffet and meat lovers pizza", "participants": [ "Brian", "Siena", "and family" ], "notes": "Live and learn", "buffet_rating": "poor", "pizza_rating": "good" } ], "weather": { "conditions": "overcast", "notes": "Typical Icelandic weather" } }, { "title": "Iceland 2023 Day 7", "date": "2023-06-17", "subtitle": "Moving day to Reykjavik", "categories": "travel iceland", "tags": [ "june2023" ], "rollup_key": "2023iceland", "start_location": { "name": "Húsafell Cottage", "type": "lodging" }, "end_location": { "name": "Old Reykjavik Charm", "type": "lodging", "city": "Reykjavik", "alternate_name": "Old Charm Reykjavik", "url": "https://oldreykjavik.is/" }, "locations": [ { "name": "Húsafell", "country": "Iceland" }, { "name": "Reykjavik", "country": "Iceland" } ], "days_at_location": 1, "venues": [ { "name": "Tesla Supercharger", "type": "charging_station", "location": "North Reykjavik" }, { "name": "Hallgrímskirkja", "type": "church", "url": "https://www.hallgrimskirkja.is/" }, { "name": "Rainbow Street", "type": "landmark", "location": "Downtown Reykjavik" }, { "name": "Sun Voyager", "type": "art_installation", "location": "Reykjavik waterfront" }, { "name": "Rossopomodoro", "type": "restaurant", "cuisine": "Italian", "url": "https://rossopomodoro.is/" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "car_rental", "provider": "Hertz", "vehicle": "Tesla", "dropoff_location": "Reykjavik Domestic Airport", "dropoff_time": "3pm" }, { "type": "scooter_rental", "provider": "Zolo", "distance": "1.2mi" } ], "walking_distance": "2.2km", "activities": [ "Car return and walk through Reykjavik", "Church visit (Hallgrímskirkja interior tour)", "Playground visit", "Fish and chips lunch", "Waterfront walk to Sun Voyager sculpture", "Scooter rental and ride", "Italian dinner" ] }, { "title": "Iceland 2023 Day 8", "date": "2023-06-18", "subtitle": "Rainy day in Reykjavik", "categories": "travel iceland", "tags": [ "june2023" ], "rollup_key": "2023iceland", "trip_day": 8, "start_location": "Old Reykjavik Charm, Reykjavik", "end_location": "Old Reykjavik Charm, Reykjavik", "locations": [ { "name": "Reykjavik", "country": "Iceland", "type": "city", "visited": true }, { "name": "Sun Voyager sculpture", "country": "Iceland", "type": "landmark", "visited": true, "url": "https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/sun-voyager" }, { "name": "Icelandic Punk Museum", "country": "Iceland", "type": "museum", "visited": true }, { "name": "Hús máls og menningar", "country": "Iceland", "type": "bookstore", "visited": true, "url": "https://husmalsogmenningar.is/", "notes": "Bookstore with bar and live music" } ], "days_at_location": 2, "accommodation": [ { "name": "Old Reykjavik Charm", "location": "Reykjavik, Iceland", "type": "apartment", "nights": 2, "checkin": false, "checkout": false, "url": "https://oldreykjavik.is/" } ], "next_day_logistics": [ "Checkout by 11am", "Private car arranged to airport", "Arrival at KEF around 11:45am for 4:45pm flight", "Global Entry interviews booked on arrival", "NYC trip planned for following day" ], "activities": [ { "type": "dining", "name": "Bakery breakfast", "location": "Near Sun Voyager sculpture", "date": "2023-06-18", "time": "morning", "food": "Coffee and croissant", "notes": "Caught up on news in corner spot" }, { "type": "shopping", "name": "Souvenir shopping", "location": "Reykjavik", "date": "2023-06-18", "participants": "Brian and Siena", "items": "Pot holder and coaster" }, { "type": "walking", "name": "Walking around Reykjavik", "location": "Reykjavik", "date": "2023-06-18", "participants": "Brian and Siena", "duration": "Approximately 2.5 miles", "notes": "Exploring in the rain" }, { "type": "cultural", "name": "Punk Museum visit", "location": "Icelandic Punk Museum", "date": "2023-06-18", "notes": "Near Prime Minister's house" }, { "type": "cultural", "name": "Rainbow street viewing", "location": "Reykjavik rainbow road", "date": "2023-06-18", "notes": "Iconic rainbow-painted street" }, { "type": "cultural", "name": "Bookstore visit", "location": "Hús máls og menningar", "date": "2023-06-18", "participants": "Brian and Siena", "notes": "Iconic bookstore with bar and live music venue" }, { "type": "recreation", "name": "Ice cream outing", "location": "Reykjavik", "date": "2023-06-18", "participants": "Rowan and Sherri", "food": "Oreo ice cream" } ], "dining": [ { "name": "Bakery near Sun Voyager", "location": "Reykjavik waterfront", "meal": "Breakfast", "date": "2023-06-18", "time": "morning", "food": "Coffee and croissant", "participants": "Brian", "cost_level": "moderate" }, { "name": "Ice cream shop", "location": "Reykjavik", "meal": "snack", "date": "2023-06-18", "food": "Oreo ice cream", "participants": "Rowan and Sherri" }, { "name": "Subway", "location": "Reykjavik", "meal": "Dinner", "date": "2023-06-18", "time": "evening", "participants": "Brian, Sherri, and Siena", "cuisine": "American fast food", "notes": "Quick and predictable option", "cost_level": "budget" }, { "name": "Home cooking", "location": "Old Reykjavik Charm", "meal": "Dinner (Brian's meal)", "date": "2023-06-18", "food": "Ham sandwiches", "participants": "All family", "notes": "Made by Sherri, ate and talked in the kitchen", "cost_level": "budget" } ], "highlights": [ "Cozy morning at bakery with coffee and croissant", "Souvenir shopping with daughter", "Family time indoors during rainy weather", "Visited iconic Reykjavik landmarks despite weather" ], "challenges": [ { "type": "weather", "description": "Rainy, wet, chilly weather all day", "impact": "Limited outdoor activities, mostly stayed indoors" }, { "type": "social", "description": "Brian's introversion prevented solo restaurant dining", "notes": "Walked 2.5 miles looking but couldn't bring himself to sit alone" } ], "weather": { "conditions": "Rainy", "intensity": "Light in morning, heavier at times", "temperature": "Chilly", "notes": "Columbia rain jacket got heavy use", "impact": "Mostly stayed indoors" } }, { "title": "Iceland 2023 Day 9", "date": "2023-06-19", "subtitle": "Departure day and KEF airport chaos", "categories": "travel iceland", "tags": [ "june2023" ], "rollup_key": "2023iceland", "trip_day": 9, "start_location": "Old Reykjavik Charm, Reykjavik", "end_location": "Home, United States", "locations": [ { "name": "Reykjavik", "country": "Iceland", "type": "city", "visited": true }, { "name": "Keflavík International Airport (KEF)", "country": "Iceland", "type": "airport", "visited": true, "coordinates": [ 63.985, -22.605 ] } ], "days_at_location": 0, "accommodation": [ { "name": "Old Reykjavik Charm", "location": "Reykjavik, Iceland", "type": "apartment", "nights": 2, "checkin": false, "checkout": true, "url": "https://oldreykjavik.is/" } ], "points_of_interest": [ { "name": "KEF check-in area", "type": "airport-facility", "notes": "Self-service machines for boarding passes and bag tags, minimal staff presence", "tips": "Arrive early if more than 3 hours before flight as check-in may be locked" }, { "name": "KEF luggage tag machines", "type": "airport-facility", "notes": "Poorly marked machines near elevator that print luggage tags" }, { "name": "KEF self-service baggage drop", "type": "airport-facility", "notes": "Automated bag check area" }, { "name": "KEF duty-free area", "type": "shopping", "notes": "Required passage through duty-free to reach main terminal", "warning": "Very expensive food options, check prices carefully" }, { "name": "KEF D Terminal", "type": "airport-facility", "notes": "US/Canada bound flights, located past Passport Control", "access": "Must pass through Schengen area exit control" }, { "name": "KEF gateside", "type": "airport-facility", "notes": "Multiple flights departing every 5 minutes, buses to tarmac", "tips": "Limited seating, don't arrive too early" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "private-car", "route": "Old Reykjavik Charm to KEF", "pickup": "11:00am", "arrival": "11:45am", "duration": "45 minutes", "provider": "Private car service" }, { "type": "flight", "route": "KEF to US", "departure": "4:45pm", "arrival": "7:30pm EDT", "duration": "6.5 hours", "carrier": "Icelandair", "notes": "Direct transatlantic flight" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "travel", "name": "Departure from Iceland", "location": "KEF", "date": "2023-06-19", "time": "afternoon/evening", "flight_time": "4:45pm", "flight_duration": "6.5 hours", "arrival_time": "7:30pm EDT", "carrier": "Icelandair", "notes": "International departure back to United States" } ], "dining": [ { "location": "KEF Airport", "meal": "snacks/waiting", "notes": "Expensive airport food, $33 for regular takeaway sushi", "cost_level": "very expensive" } ], "highlights": [ "Smooth private car pickup at 11am", "Successfully navigated self-service airport systems", "Completion of Iceland family trip" ], "challenges": [ { "type": "logistics", "description": "Arrived 5 hours early due to transportation constraints" }, { "type": "navigation", "description": "Confusing self-service airport systems with minimal staff" }, { "type": "airport-experience", "description": "Overcrowded D Terminal with limited seating" } ], "weather": { "conditions": "departure day" } }, { "title": "Iceland 2023 - our first family trip to Iceland", "date": "2023-06-30", "subtitle": "Our first trip to Iceland and the kids' first real trip to Europe", "categories": "travel rollup", "tags": null, "rollup_key": null, "trip_type": "family", "locations_visited": [ "Reykholt", "Húsafell", "Reykjavik" ], "countries_visited": [ "Iceland" ] }, { "title": "Japan Planning", "date": "2024-01-23 07:31:47 -0500", "subtitle": "Where Brian realizes he probably shouldn't try to YOLO a 12 day trip to Japan", "categories": "travel japan", "tags": null, "rollup_key": "2024japan", "trip_stage": "planning", "trip_type": "solo", "locations": [ { "name": "Tokyo", "type": "city", "country": "Japan", "notes": "Hotel booked for the first two nights to burn off jet lag; planned home base" }, { "name": "Kyoto", "type": "city", "country": "Japan", "notes": "Planned home base for day trips" } ], "companions": [ "solo" ], "travel_sentiment": "Started 90% excited and 10% anxious when booking; closer to 50/50 a week later" }, { "title": "Japan T-minus 3 days", "date": "2024-01-29", "subtitle": "As ready as I'm going to be", "categories": "travel japan", "tags": null, "rollup_key": "2024japan", "trip_stage": "planning", "locations": [ { "name": "Tokyo", "type": "city", "country": "Japan", "notes": "First three nights booked in the Asakusa area" }, { "name": "Kamakura", "type": "town", "country": "Japan", "notes": "Two nights booked" }, { "name": "Kyoto", "type": "city", "country": "Japan", "notes": "Three nights booked; last three nights of the trip still open" } ], "flights": [ { "route": "Raleigh → Minneapolis", "departure_time": "6:00am", "duration": "3 hours" }, { "route": "Minneapolis → Tokyo-Haneda", "departure_time": "10:30am", "duration": "13.5 hours" } ], "activities": [ "Researching cities, towns, and villages between Tokyo and Kyoto/Osaka", "Booking eight nights of lodging (Asakusa, Kamakura, Kyoto)", "Filling out Japan customs and immigration form online", "Purchasing a mobile Suica IC card for Apple Wallet", "Purchasing an Airalo eSIM data plan (10GB for $9)", "Purchasing travel medical insurance", "Learning Japanese phrases with Pimsleur" ], "companions": [ "solo" ] }, { "title": "Japan Trip Days 1 and 2", "date": "2024-02-02", "subtitle": "The travel over and jet lag", "categories": "travel japan", "tags": null, "rollup_key": "2024japan", "trip_stage": "outbound", "locations": [ { "name": "Raleigh", "type": "city", "country": "United States", "notes": "Departure from RDU" }, { "name": "Minneapolis", "type": "city", "country": "United States", "notes": "Layover" }, { "name": "Tokyo", "type": "city", "country": "Japan", "notes": "Asakusa neighborhood" } ], "days_at_location": { "Tokyo": 2 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Tokyo-Haneda Airport", "type": "airport", "location": "Tokyo, Japan" }, { "name": "Asakusa Station", "type": "train_station", "location": "Tokyo, Japan" }, { "name": "Nakamise-dori Street", "type": "street", "location": "Asakusa, Tokyo", "notes": "Famous shopping street" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "flight", "from": "Raleigh (RDU)", "to": "Minneapolis", "duration": "3 hours", "airline": "Unknown" }, { "type": "flight", "from": "Minneapolis", "to": "Tokyo-Haneda", "duration": "13.5 hours", "airline": "Unknown" }, { "type": "train", "from": "Tokyo-Haneda Airport Terminal 3", "to": "Asakusa Station", "duration": "40 minutes", "line": "Unknown", "notes": "Used Suica card for payment" }, { "type": "walking", "from": "Asakusa Station", "to": "Hotel", "duration": "15 minutes" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 1, "type": "travel", "description": "Flight from Raleigh to Tokyo via Minneapolis", "duration": "16.5 hours" }, { "day": 1, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Initial exploration of Asakusa neighborhood", "location": "Asakusa, Tokyo" }, { "day": 2, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Neighborhood tour and convenience store visit", "location": "Near hotel, Asakusa" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Cruised through Japan immigration in about five minutes using the online QR code arrival form", "Happened upon the famous Nakamise-dori Street while walking to the hotel" ], "companions": [ "solo" ] }, { "title": "Japan trip day 3", "date": "2024-02-03", "subtitle": "First explorations in Tokyo", "categories": "travel japan", "tags": null, "rollup_key": "2024japan", "locations": [ { "name": "Tokyo", "type": "city", "country": "Japan", "notes": "Asakusa and Ueno neighborhoods" } ], "days_at_location": { "Tokyo": 1 }, "accommodations": [ { "name": "Asakusa View Annex Rokku", "location": "Asakusa, Tokyo", "notes": "Breakfast mixing Western and Japanese options; lounge with a view" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Senso-Ji Temple", "type": "temple", "location": "Asakusa, Tokyo" }, { "name": "Asakusa View Annex Rokku", "type": "hotel", "location": "Asakusa, Tokyo" }, { "name": "Kura Sushi", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Asakusa, Tokyo", "notes": "Revolving sushi restaurant on 4th floor of department store" }, { "name": "Tokyo National Museum", "type": "museum", "location": "Ueno, Tokyo" }, { "name": "FamilyMart", "type": "convenience_store", "location": "Asakusa, Tokyo" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "walking", "from": "Hotel", "to": "Senso-Ji Temple", "duration": "5 minutes" }, { "type": "walking", "from": "Hotel", "to": "Tokyo National Museum", "duration": "~30 minutes", "distance": "2km" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 3, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Early morning visit to Senso-Ji Temple without crowds", "location": "Senso-Ji, Asakusa", "time": "5:30am" }, { "day": 3, "type": "dining", "description": "Hotel breakfast with Western and Japanese options", "location": "Asakusa View Annex Rokku" }, { "day": 3, "type": "dining", "description": "Solo lunch at Kura revolving sushi restaurant", "location": "Kura Sushi, Asakusa" }, { "day": 3, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Walking tour and visit to Tokyo National Museum", "location": "Tokyo National Museum, Ueno", "distance": "2km walk" }, { "day": 3, "type": "dining", "description": "Light dinner from convenience store", "location": "FamilyMart, Asakusa" } ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Asakusa View Annex Rokku", "meal": "breakfast", "location": "Asakusa, Tokyo", "notes": "Western plate plus seaweed salad and a creamy soup" }, { "venue": "Kura Sushi", "meal": "lunch", "location": "Asakusa, Tokyo", "notes": "Revolving sushi; self check-in kiosk and QR-code ordering navigated with Google Translate" }, { "venue": "FamilyMart", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Asakusa, Tokyo", "notes": "Konbini items; too tired for a proper dinner" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Photographing Senso-Ji at 5:30am without the usual crowds", "Eating at a restaurant with zero English using Google Translate screenshots" ], "weather": "Cold winter morning, too cold to wander before sunrise", "companions": [ "solo" ] }, { "title": "Japan trip day 4", "date": "2024-02-04", "subtitle": "Tokyo", "categories": "travel japan", "tags": null, "rollup_key": "2024japan", "locations": [ { "name": "Tokyo", "type": "city", "country": "Japan", "notes": "Asakusa and Shibuya neighborhoods" } ], "days_at_location": { "Tokyo": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Asakusa Underground Street", "type": "shopping", "location": "Asakusa Station, Tokyo", "notes": "Underground shopping arcade" }, { "name": "Shibuya Scramble Crossing", "type": "landmark", "location": "Shibuya, Tokyo" }, { "name": "Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu)", "type": "shrine", "location": "Shibuya, Tokyo" }, { "name": "CAFÉ Mori no Terrace", "type": "cafe", "location": "Near Meiji Shrine entrance, Tokyo", "url": "https://www.meijikinenkan.gr.jp/forestterrace-en/facility/moricafe.html" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "train", "from": "Asakusa", "to": "Shibuya", "duration": "1 hour", "line": "Tokyo Metro" }, { "type": "walking", "from": "Shibuya Crossing", "to": "Meiji Shrine", "duration": "30 minutes" }, { "type": "train", "from": "Shibuya", "to": "Asakusa", "line": "Tokyo Metro" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 4, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Visit to Asakusa Underground Street", "location": "Asakusa Station, Tokyo" }, { "day": 4, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Walking across Shibuya Scramble Crossing", "location": "Shibuya, Tokyo" }, { "day": 4, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Exploration of Shibuya shopping district", "location": "Shibuya, Tokyo" }, { "day": 4, "type": "dining", "description": "Coffee at CAFÉ Mori no Terrace", "location": "Meiji Shrine area, Tokyo" }, { "day": 4, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Visit to Meiji Shrine and park", "location": "Meiji Jingu, Tokyo" }, { "day": 4, "type": "dining", "description": "Sushi dinner at restaurant near hotel", "location": "Asakusa, Tokyo" } ], "dining": [ { "venue": "CAFÉ Mori no Terrace", "meal": "coffee", "location": "Near Meiji Shrine entrance, Tokyo", "url": "https://www.meijikinenkan.gr.jp/forestterrace-en/facility/moricafe.html", "notes": "Warm-up and people-watching stop before entering the park" }, { "venue": "Sushi restaurant across from hotel", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Asakusa, Tokyo" } ], "notable_mentions": [ "Comparison of Japanese hotel toilets versus the Toto S550E at home", "Asakusa Underground Street was underwhelming despite its cyberpunk description", "Restaurant area near Meiji Shrine evoked Northern California" ], "weather": "Chilly, overcast winter day", "companions": [ "solo" ] }, { "title": "Japan trip days 5, 6, and 7", "date": "2024-02-07", "subtitle": "Kamakura", "categories": "travel japan", "tags": null, "rollup_key": "2024japan", "locations": [ { "name": "Kamakura", "type": "town", "country": "Japan" }, { "name": "Yokohama", "type": "city", "country": "Japan", "notes": "Train transfer en route from Tokyo" } ], "days_at_location": { "Kamakura": 3 }, "accommodations": [ { "name": "Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura", "location": "Kamakura", "notes": "Two short blocks from the train station; room overlooked one of the main streets" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Yokohama Station", "type": "train_station", "location": "Yokohama, Japan" }, { "name": "Kamakura Station", "type": "train_station", "location": "Kamakura, Japan" }, { "name": "Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura", "type": "hotel", "location": "Kamakura, Japan" }, { "name": "7-Eleven", "type": "convenience_store", "location": "Kamakura, Japan" }, { "name": "Sugimotodera Temple", "type": "temple", "location": "Kamakura, Japan", "notes": "Smallest and favorite temple visited" }, { "name": "Hokokuji Temple", "type": "temple", "location": "Kamakura, Japan" }, { "name": "Tsurugaoka Hachimangu", "type": "shrine", "location": "Kamakura, Japan" }, { "name": "Kotoku-in (Great Buddha)", "type": "temple", "location": "Kamakura, Japan", "notes": "35-foot tall bronze Great Buddha statue" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "train", "from": "Tokyo", "to": "Yokohama", "line": "JR Line" }, { "type": "train", "from": "Yokohama", "to": "Kamakura", "line": "JR Line" }, { "type": "train", "from": "Kamakura", "to": "Kotoku-in", "notes": "Short train ride" }, { "type": "walking", "from": "Kamakura Station", "to": "Hotel", "duration": "2 blocks" }, { "type": "walking", "from": "Hotel", "to": "Sugimotodera Temple", "distance": "1 mile" }, { "type": "walking", "from": "Kotoku-in", "to": "Hotel", "distance": "2km" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 5, "type": "travel", "description": "Train journey from Tokyo to Kamakura via Yokohama during snow storm", "location": "Tokyo to Kamakura" }, { "day": 5, "type": "relaxation", "description": "Hunkering down during snow storm, catching up on sleep and writing", "location": "Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura" }, { "day": 5, "type": "dining", "description": "7-Eleven lunch including fried chicken and onigiri", "location": "7-Eleven, Kamakura" }, { "day": 6, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Post-snow storm temple visits to Sugimotodera and Hokokuji", "location": "Kamakura", "distance": "1 mile walk" }, { "day": 6, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Evening visit to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shinto shrine", "location": "Kamakura" }, { "day": 7, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Early morning visit to Kotoku-in Great Buddha temple", "location": "Kotoku-in, Kamakura" }, { "day": 7, "type": "walking", "description": "2km walk back to hotel from Kotoku-in", "location": "Kamakura" } ], "dining": [ { "venue": "7-Eleven", "meal": "lunch", "location": "Kamakura", "notes": "Fried chicken, onigiri, and Coke Zero during the snow storm" } ], "highlights": [ "Sugimotodera Temple, the smallest and favorite temple of the trip", "Early morning visit to Kotoku-in Great Buddha with nice weather and no crowds" ], "notable_experiences": [ "Tonkatsu restaurant closed early and turned him away due to the storm", "Kamakura was where the differentness of language and culture started to feel less overwhelming" ], "weather": "Rain/sleet mix with 20-30 mph wind gusts turning to a snow storm on day 5; sunny and warmer by day 7", "companions": [ "solo" ] }, { "title": "Japan trip days 8 and 9", "date": "2024-02-09", "subtitle": "Kyoto", "categories": "travel japan", "tags": null, "rollup_key": "2024japan", "locations": [ { "name": "Kyoto", "type": "city", "country": "Japan" } ], "days_at_location": { "Kyoto": 2 }, "accommodations": [ { "name": "Hotel Granvia Kyoto", "location": "Kyoto Station, Kyoto", "notes": "Built into the main train station above an extensive mall complex; chosen for central transit access" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Kyoto Station", "type": "train_station", "location": "Kyoto, Japan" }, { "name": "Hotel Granvia Kyoto", "type": "hotel", "location": "Kyoto Station, Kyoto, Japan" }, { "name": "Nijo-jo Castle", "type": "castle", "location": "Kyoto, Japan" }, { "name": "Kyoto Imperial Palace", "type": "palace", "location": "Kyoto, Japan" }, { "name": "Kiyomizu-dera Temple", "type": "temple", "location": "Kyoto, Japan" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "train", "from": "Yokohama", "to": "Kyoto", "line": "Shinkansen", "notes": "High-speed bullet train" }, { "type": "walking", "from": "Hotel Granvia", "to": "Nijo-jo Castle", "distance": "3.6km" }, { "type": "walking", "from": "Nijo-jo Castle", "to": "Kyoto Imperial Palace", "distance": "1.4km" }, { "type": "subway", "from": "Kyoto Imperial Palace", "to": "Kyoto Station" } ], "next_day_logistics": "Bullet train to Shinagawa Station, then a local train to Haneda Airport", "activities": [ { "day": 8, "type": "travel", "description": "Shinkansen train journey from Yokohama to Kyoto", "location": "Yokohama to Kyoto" }, { "day": 8, "type": "dining", "description": "Late lunch at mall restaurant in Kyoto Station", "location": "Kyoto Station" }, { "day": 8, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Walking tour to Nijo-jo Castle", "location": "Nijo-jo, Kyoto", "distance": "3.6km walk" }, { "day": 8, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Partial walk toward Kyoto Imperial Palace", "location": "Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds", "distance": "1.4km" }, { "day": 8, "type": "dining", "description": "Tonkatsu dinner at Kyoto Station mall", "location": "Kyoto Station" }, { "day": 9, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Early morning visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple", "location": "Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto" }, { "day": 9, "type": "shopping", "description": "Shopping and 7-Eleven meal", "location": "Kyoto" } ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Kyoto Station mall", "meal": "late lunch", "location": "Kyoto Station", "notes": "Tempura set" }, { "venue": "Kyoto Station mall", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Kyoto Station", "notes": "Tonkatsu" }, { "venue": "7-Eleven", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Kyoto", "notes": "Final night meal after shopping" } ], "highlights": [ "Practicing mindfulness while walking the grounds of Nijo-jo Castle", "Early morning visit to Kiyomizu-dera before the crowds" ], "notable_experiences": [ "Spotted a Shiba Inu basking in the sun on the walk back from Kiyomizu-dera" ], "weather": "Cold with threatening rain on day 8; clear blue sky on day 9", "companions": [ "solo" ] }, { "title": "Leaving Japan", "date": "2024-02-10", "subtitle": "Cutting the trip short but excited for next time", "categories": "travel japan", "tags": null, "rollup_key": "2024japan", "trip_stage": "return_travel", "trip_duration": "10 days (truncated from 13 on day 4)", "locations": [ { "name": "Kyoto", "type": "city", "country": "Japan" }, { "name": "Tokyo", "type": "city", "country": "Japan", "notes": "Departure from Haneda Airport" } ], "days_at_location": { "Tokyo": 1 }, "transport": [ { "type": "train", "from": "Kyoto", "to": "Haneda Airport", "via": "Shinagawa Station", "line": "Shinkansen and local train" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 10, "type": "travel", "description": "Departure from Japan, returning to US", "location": "Haneda Airport, Tokyo" }, { "day": 10, "type": "reflection", "description": "Reflecting on first Japan trip and planning for future visits" } ], "highlights": [ "Airalo eSIM data service worked flawlessly for nearly the whole trip", "Navigated trains and subways with ease", "Hotel choices in Asakusa, Kamakura, and Kyoto all worked out well", "Everything packed into one Osprey backpack", "Mobile Suica card for transit and konbini payments", "Never felt concerned about safety, anywhere, at any hour" ], "challenges": [ "Cold and windy weather made it hard to enjoy being outside", "Language barrier wore down the experience and limited connection with locals", "Loneliness as a solo traveler was a key factor in ending the trip early", "Only 15 days to prepare for the trip" ], "companions": [ "solo" ], "travel_sentiment": "Trip cut short, but seen as the beginning of a relationship with Japan, not the end" }, { "title": "Shinkansen", "date": "2024-03-18", "subtitle": "Antiquated systems for the futuristic bullet train", "categories": "travel japan", "tags": null, "rollup_key": "2024japan", "locations": [ { "name": "Tokyo", "type": "city", "country": "Japan" }, { "name": "Kyoto", "type": "city", "country": "Japan" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "train", "line": "Shinkansen", "from": "Tokyo", "to": "Kyoto", "duration": "2 hours", "class": "Green Car (business)", "cost": "~$100 USD" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "travel", "description": "High-speed bullet train journey from Tokyo to Kyoto", "location": "Shinkansen" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Confusing Shinkansen ticket machines that are inaccessible to mobile Suica pass users, requiring a customer service agent to issue two physical tickets", "Ordering rock-hard ice cream via the Green Car wifi snack service", "A tiny onboard urinal room with a transparent folding door" ], "companions": [ "solo" ], "travel_sentiment": "Positive overall on the high-speed train experience despite the ticketing hassle; prefers it to flying once the reduced airport hassle is factored in" }, { "title": "Brian's first trip to Japan in 2024", "date": "2024-03-19", "subtitle": "Exploring Tokyo, Kamakura, and Kyoto", "categories": "travel rollup", "tags": null, "rollup_key": null, "locations_visited": [ "Tokyo", "Kamakura", "Kyoto" ], "countries_visited": [ "Japan" ] }, { "title": "Switzerland 2024 Day 1", "date": "2024-07-11", "subtitle": "RDU to Zurich — a jet-lagged arrival", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": [ "july2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024ch", "locations": [ { "name": "Holly Springs", "country": "United States" }, { "name": "JFK Airport", "country": "United States" }, { "name": "Zurich", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Canton of Zürich" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "air", "route": "RDU to JFK to Zurich", "carrier": "Delta" }, { "type": "rail", "route": "Zurich Airport to Zurich city center" } ], "travel_sentiment": "run-down, off" }, { "title": "Switzerland 2024 Day 2", "date": "2024-07-12", "subtitle": "A low-energy day in Zurich", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": [ "july2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024ch", "locations": [ { "name": "Zurich", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Canton of Zürich" } ], "travel_sentiment": "sluggish, jet-lagged" }, { "title": "Switzerland 2024 Day 3", "date": "2024-07-13", "subtitle": "The train to Wengen", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": [ "july2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024ch", "locations": [ { "name": "Zurich", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Canton of Zürich" }, { "name": "Interlaken", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Bernese Oberland" }, { "name": "Wengen", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Bernese Oberland" } ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel Alpenruhe", "location": "Wengen, Switzerland", "url": "https://www.alpenruhe-wengen.ch/" }, "transport": [ { "type": "rail", "route": "Zurich → Bern → Interlaken Ost → Lauterbrunnen → Wengen" } ], "travel_sentiment": "normal, relieved" }, { "title": "Switzerland 2024 Day 4", "date": "2024-07-14", "subtitle": "The Panorama Trail and a look at Mürren", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": [ "july2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024ch", "locations": [ { "name": "Wengen", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Bernese Oberland" }, { "name": "Männlichen", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Bernese Oberland" }, { "name": "Mürren", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Bernese Oberland" } ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel Alpenruhe", "location": "Wengen, Switzerland", "url": "https://www.alpenruhe-wengen.ch/" }, "activities": [ { "type": "hiking", "name": "Panorama Trail (Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg)" }, { "type": "hiking", "name": "Mürren to Grütschalp hike" } ], "travel_sentiment": "content, reflective" }, { "title": "Switzerland 2024 Day 5", "date": "2024-07-15", "subtitle": "Moving day, with a lakeside detour to Spiez", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": [ "july2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024ch", "locations": [ { "name": "Wengen", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Bernese Oberland" }, { "name": "Spiez", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Bernese Oberland" }, { "name": "Brig", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" } ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel de Londres", "location": "Brig, Switzerland", "url": "https://www.hotel-delondres.ch/" }, "transport": [ { "type": "rail", "route": "Wengen → Lauterbrunnen → Interlaken Ost → Spiez → Brig (via Lötschberg-Basistunnel)" } ], "travel_sentiment": "relaxed, warm" }, { "title": "Switzerland 2024 Day 6", "date": "2024-07-16", "subtitle": "Stumbling onto the Aletsch Glacier from Riederalp", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": [ "july2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024ch", "locations": [ { "name": "Brig", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" }, { "name": "Mörel", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" }, { "name": "Riederalp", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" } ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel de Londres", "location": "Brig, Switzerland", "url": "https://www.hotel-delondres.ch/" }, "points_of_interest": [ { "name": "Aletsch Glacier", "type": "glacier" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "hiking", "name": "Riederalp to Hohfluh and Moosfluh (Aletsch Glacier viewpoints)" } ], "travel_sentiment": "awed, tired" }, { "title": "Switzerland 2024 Day 7", "date": "2024-07-17", "subtitle": "The Gourmet Trail to Zermatt — and the loneliness of solo travel", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": [ "july2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024ch", "locations": [ { "name": "Brig", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" }, { "name": "Zermatt", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" } ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel Tannenhof", "location": "Zermatt, Switzerland" }, "points_of_interest": [ { "name": "Matterhorn", "type": "mountain" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "rail", "route": "Brig → Visp" }, { "type": "bus", "route": "Visp → Täsch (rail replacement after flooding)" }, { "type": "rail", "route": "Täsch → Zermatt" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "hiking", "name": "Gourmet Trail (Sunnegga to Zermatt)" } ], "travel_sentiment": "joyful on the trail, acutely lonely in town" }, { "title": "Switzerland 2024 Day 8", "date": "2024-07-18", "subtitle": "The Riffelalp–Sunnegga Nature Trail and cold, clear Grünsee", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": [ "july2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024ch", "locations": [ { "name": "Zermatt", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" }, { "name": "Riffelalp", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" }, { "name": "Sunnegga", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" } ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel Tannenhof", "location": "Zermatt, Switzerland" }, "points_of_interest": [ { "name": "Matterhorn", "type": "mountain" }, { "name": "Grünsee", "type": "lake" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "hiking", "name": "Nature Trail: Riffelalp to Sunnegga" } ], "travel_sentiment": "adventurous, more settled" }, { "title": "Switzerland 2024 Day 9", "date": "2024-07-19", "subtitle": "Moving to car-free Bettmeralp and the best roast beef sandwich", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": [ "july2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024ch", "locations": [ { "name": "Zermatt", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" }, { "name": "Bettmeralp", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" } ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel Waldhaus", "location": "Bettmeralp, Switzerland" }, "transport": [ { "type": "rail", "route": "Zermatt → Täsch" }, { "type": "bus", "route": "Täsch → Visp (rail replacement after flooding)" }, { "type": "rail", "route": "Visp → Betten (then cable car to Bettmeralp)" } ], "travel_sentiment": "restful, reflective" }, { "title": "Switzerland 2024 Day 10", "date": "2024-07-20", "subtitle": "A lighter day above Bettmeralp and one more look at the glacier", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": [ "july2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024ch", "locations": [ { "name": "Bettmeralp", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" }, { "name": "Riederalp", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" } ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel Waldhaus", "location": "Bettmeralp, Switzerland" }, "points_of_interest": [ { "name": "Aletsch Glacier", "type": "glacier" } ], "travel_sentiment": "relaxed, low-key" }, { "title": "Switzerland 2024 Day 11", "date": "2024-07-21", "subtitle": "Schloss Thun and a more local Swiss vibe", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": [ "july2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024ch", "locations": [ { "name": "Bettmeralp", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" }, { "name": "Thun", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Bernese Oberland" } ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel Krone Thun", "location": "Thun, Switzerland", "url": "https://en.krone-thun.ch/" }, "points_of_interest": [ { "name": "Schloss Thun", "type": "castle", "url": "https://schlossthun.ch/en/" } ], "travel_sentiment": "easy, curious" }, { "title": "Switzerland 2024 Day 12", "date": "2024-07-22", "subtitle": "The long journey home", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": [ "july2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024ch", "locations": [ { "name": "Thun", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Bernese Oberland" }, { "name": "Zurich", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Canton of Zürich" }, { "name": "JFK Airport", "country": "United States" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "rail", "route": "Thun → Zurich Airport (IC 8, no transfer)" }, { "type": "air", "route": "Zurich to JFK to RDU", "carrier": "Delta" } ], "travel_sentiment": "worn out, glad to be home" }, { "title": "Switzerland Travels 2024", "date": "2024-07-23", "subtitle": "A solo journey through Zurich, Wengen, Brig, Zermatt, Bettmeralp, and Thun.", "categories": "travel switzerland", "tags": null, "rollup_key": "2024ch", "trip_type": "solo", "trip_duration": "July 10-22, 2024", "locations": [ { "name": "Zurich", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Canton of Zürich" }, { "name": "Wengen", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Bernese Oberland" }, { "name": "Brig", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" }, { "name": "Zermatt", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" }, { "name": "Bettmeralp", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Valais" }, { "name": "Thun", "country": "Switzerland", "region": "Bernese Oberland" } ], "countries_visited": [ "Switzerland" ], "hotels": [ { "name": "Hotel Alpenruhe", "location": "Wengen, Switzerland", "type": "accommodation", "url": "https://www.alpenruhe-wengen.ch/" }, { "name": "Hotel de Londres", "location": "Brig, Switzerland", "type": "accommodation", "url": "https://www.hotel-delondres.ch/" }, { "name": "Hotel Tannenhof", "location": "Zermatt, Switzerland", "type": "accommodation" }, { "name": "Hotel Waldhaus", "location": "Bettmeralp, Switzerland", "type": "accommodation" }, { "name": "Hotel Krone Thun", "location": "Thun, Switzerland", "type": "accommodation", "url": "https://en.krone-thun.ch/" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Negishi", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Zurich, Switzerland", "cuisine": "Japanese", "url": "https://www.negishi.ch/en/zuerich-pelikanplatz" }, { "name": "Pret a Manger", "type": "cafe", "location": "Zurich, Switzerland" }, { "name": "Pasta and More", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Wengen, Switzerland" }, { "name": "Restaurant Augenblick", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Brig, Switzerland", "url": "https://www.restaurant-augenblick.ch/" }, { "name": "Derby", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Zermatt, Switzerland" }, { "name": "Golden Lok", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Zermatt, Switzerland", "url": "https://goldenlok.ch/" }, { "name": "Alpina", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Bettmeralp, Switzerland" }, { "name": "Restaurant Bergdohle Riederalp", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Riederalp, Switzerland" } ], "points_of_interest": [ { "name": "Matterhorn", "type": "mountain" }, { "name": "Aletsch Glacier", "type": "glacier" }, { "name": "Schloss Thun", "type": "castle", "url": "https://schlossthun.ch/en/" }, { "name": "Männlichen", "type": "viewpoint" }, { "name": "Mürren", "type": "village" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "air", "route": "RDU to JFK to Zurich", "carrier": "Delta" }, { "type": "rail", "notes": "Extensive Swiss rail travel between towns; Swiss Half Fare card" } ], "activities": [ "hiking", "train travel", "sightseeing", "Panorama Trail hike (Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg)", "Mürren to Grütschalp hike", "Gourmet Trail hike (Zermatt)", "Aletsch Glacier hikes (Riederalp and Bettmeralp)", "Schloss Thun castle visit" ], "travel_sentiment": "reflective, at times lonely traveling solo" }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Day 1", "date": "2024-08-02", "subtitle": "When we almost leave for a vacation", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": null, "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "day_type": "travel_day", "trip_stage": "pre_cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Raleigh", "type": "city", "country": "USA" } ], "days_at_location": { "Raleigh": 1 }, "transport": [ { "type": "flight", "from": "Raleigh-Durham (RDU)", "to": "Newark/Jersey City", "status": "cancelled", "airline": "Delta", "notes": "Flight cancelled due to severe weather, rebooked for next morning on United" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 1, "type": "travel_planning", "description": "Dealing with cancelled flight and rebooking travel", "location": "Raleigh, NC" } ], "weather": "Severe weather along the East Coast causing flight cancellations" }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Day 2", "date": "2024-08-03", "subtitle": "An early morning flight and first family visit to New York", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": [ "new york city", "jersey city" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "day_type": "travel_day", "trip_stage": "pre_cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Raleigh", "type": "city", "country": "USA" }, { "name": "Newark", "type": "city", "country": "USA" }, { "name": "Jersey City", "type": "city", "country": "USA" }, { "name": "Manhattan", "type": "city", "country": "USA" } ], "days_at_location": { "Jersey City": 1, "Manhattan": 1 }, "accommodations": [ { "name": "Hyatt House Jersey City", "type": "hotel", "location": "Jersey City, NJ", "url": "https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-house/en-US/lgaxj-hyatt-house-jersey-city", "notes": "Room available on early arrival since the previous night was already paid; digital key issues" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "United Club", "type": "airport_lounge", "location": "Raleigh-Durham Airport" }, { "name": "Hyatt House Jersey City", "type": "hotel", "location": "Jersey City, NJ", "notes": "Digital key issues, weird elevators" }, { "name": "Brookfield Place", "type": "mall", "location": "Lower Manhattan" }, { "name": "One World Trade Center", "type": "observation_deck", "location": "Lower Manhattan", "notes": "11:30am reservation, three floors at top" }, { "name": "The Oculus", "type": "transportation_hub", "location": "Lower Manhattan", "notes": "Mall and station with distinctive architecture" }, { "name": "PATH Station Playground", "type": "playground", "location": "Jersey City" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "uber", "from": "Home", "to": "Raleigh-Durham Airport", "time": "5am" }, { "type": "flight", "from": "Raleigh-Durham (RDU)", "to": "Newark (EWR)", "time": "7am", "airline": "United" }, { "type": "ferry", "from": "Paulus Hook, Jersey City", "to": "Brookfield Place, Manhattan", "time": "10:10am", "notes": "Two minute walk from hotel" }, { "type": "ferry", "from": "Manhattan", "to": "Jersey City", "notes": "Return trip after storms" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 2, "type": "travel", "description": "Early morning 7am flight from RDU to Newark", "location": "Raleigh to Newark" }, { "day": 2, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Ferry to Manhattan and visit to One World Trade Center observation deck", "duration": "11:30am reservation", "location": "Lower Manhattan" }, { "day": 2, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Visited Oculus transportation hub and mall", "location": "Lower Manhattan" }, { "day": 2, "type": "dining", "description": "Crepes at Brookfield Place, later Subway and Sweetgreen", "location": "Manhattan and Jersey City" }, { "day": 2, "type": "relaxation", "description": "Returned to hotel due to severe weather forecast", "location": "Hyatt House Jersey City" }, { "day": 2, "type": "recreation", "description": "Playground visit and photos by river after rain stopped", "location": "Jersey City waterfront" } ], "weather": "Clear and sunny morning, hot and humid, with severe storms arriving in the afternoon", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Day 3", "date": "2024-08-04", "subtitle": "Celebrity cruise embarkation in Bayonne and a stormy sail away", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": [ "new york city", "jersey city", "celebrity", "celebrity eclipse" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "day_type": "travel_day", "trip_stage": "embarkation", "locations": [ { "name": "Jersey City", "type": "city", "country": "USA" }, { "name": "Bayonne", "type": "port_town", "country": "USA" }, { "name": "New York Harbor", "type": "harbor", "country": "USA" } ], "days_at_location": { "Jersey City": 0.5, "Celebrity Eclipse": 0.5 }, "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "Departed Bayonne, NJ", "notes": "First night aboard in the stateroom" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Jersey City Riverwalk", "type": "waterfront", "location": "Jersey City, NJ" }, { "name": "Bayonne Cruise Terminal", "type": "cruise_port", "location": "Bayonne, NJ", "notes": "Smooth check-in despite full cruise" }, { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "Departed New York Harbor" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "uber", "from": "Jersey City", "to": "Bayonne cruise terminal", "time": "noon" }, { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "Bayonne, NJ", "to": "At sea", "time": "4:00pm sailaway", "notes": "Full cruise, stormy sailaway through New York Harbor" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 3, "type": "recreation", "description": "Morning walk on Jersey City riverwalk with Starbucks breakfast", "location": "Jersey City" }, { "day": 3, "type": "travel", "description": "Embarkation at Bayonne cruise terminal", "location": "Bayonne, NJ" }, { "day": 3, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Stormy sailaway viewing Statue of Liberty, lower Manhattan, and Verrazano Bridge", "time": "4:00pm", "location": "New York Harbor" }, { "day": 3, "type": "dining", "description": "First dinner in main dining room", "time": "8:30pm", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "weather": "Thunderstorms gathered around the NYC area during sailaway; rainy and foggy the rest of the day with a break for sunset", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Day 4", "date": "2024-08-05", "subtitle": "Between NYC and Halifax, the first of many sea days we'd have on this voyage", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": [ "celebrity", "celebrity eclipse" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "day_type": "sea_day", "trip_stage": "cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Atlantic Ocean", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters" } ], "days_at_location": { "Celebrity Eclipse": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "At sea between NYC and Halifax" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "At sea", "to": "Halifax", "notes": "Dense fog all day, ship sounding horn every minute" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 4, "type": "relaxation", "description": "Sea day with dense fog conditions", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 4, "type": "recreation", "description": "Kids racing around ship and playing elevator tag", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "weather": "Dense fog all day, growing thicker as the day progressed; ship sounded its horn every minute mid-afternoon onward" }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Day 5", "date": "2024-08-06", "subtitle": "A cloudy day in a familiar city, with lots of family", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": [ "halifax", "celebrity", "celebrity eclipse" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "day_type": "port_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Halifax", "type": "city", "country": "Canada" }, { "name": "Halifax Harbor", "type": "port", "country": "Canada" } ], "days_at_location": { "Halifax": 1, "Celebrity Eclipse": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Halifax Harbor", "type": "port", "location": "Halifax, Nova Scotia", "notes": "Docked downtown, cell coverage with US/Canada plan" }, { "name": "Tim Hortons", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Halifax waterfront" }, { "name": "Halifax Waterfront", "type": "waterfront", "location": "Halifax, Nova Scotia", "notes": "New development with Deloitte-anchored condos and Cunard project" }, { "name": "Spring Garden Road", "type": "shopping_district", "location": "Halifax, Nova Scotia" }, { "name": "Lululemon", "type": "store", "location": "Spring Garden Road, Halifax" }, { "name": "McNab's Island", "type": "landmark", "location": "Halifax Harbor", "notes": "Visible during sailaway" }, { "name": "Georges Island", "type": "landmark", "location": "Halifax Harbor", "notes": "Visible during sailaway" }, { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "Halifax then at sea to St. John's" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "At sea", "to": "Halifax, Nova Scotia", "time": "Early morning arrival", "notes": "Ship performed 180-degree turn to dock starboard side" } ], "walking_distance": "8 miles (Brian), 14 miles (Sherri)", "activities": [ { "day": 5, "type": "arrival", "description": "Early morning arrival in Halifax with fog, watched docking maneuver from top deck", "time": "5:30am - 7:00am", "location": "Halifax Harbor" }, { "day": 5, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Disembarked and walked Halifax waterfront meeting family members", "time": "10:00am", "location": "Halifax waterfront" }, { "day": 5, "type": "dining", "description": "Tim Hortons stop for treats", "location": "Halifax waterfront" }, { "day": 5, "type": "social", "description": "Met with Ann, Greg, Shane, Katie, Will, and Sam at the wave landmark", "time": "10:45am", "location": "Halifax waterfront" }, { "day": 5, "type": "shopping", "description": "Sherri and Siena shopped on Spring Garden Road and visited Lululemon, met Amanda", "location": "Spring Garden Road" }, { "day": 5, "type": "social", "description": "Sherri connected with Aunts Betty, Dorothy, and Kay", "location": "Halifax" }, { "day": 5, "type": "dining", "description": "Lunch onboard ship", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 5, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Sailaway viewing McNab's and Georges Islands from 200 feet up", "time": "Afternoon", "location": "Halifax Harbor departure" }, { "day": 5, "type": "entertainment", "description": "Kids attended illusionist show in main theater", "time": "Evening", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 5, "type": "dining", "description": "Dinner in main dining room, unusually quick service", "time": "Evening", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "weather": "Foggy early morning giving way to cloudy skies", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Day 6", "date": "2024-08-07", "subtitle": "Sea day between Halifax and St. John's, NL", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": [ "celebrity", "celebrity eclipse" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "day_type": "sea_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Atlantic Ocean (between Halifax and St. John's)", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters" } ], "days_at_location": { "Celebrity Eclipse": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "At sea between Halifax and St. John's" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "Halifax", "to": "At sea toward St. John's, Newfoundland", "notes": "Overcast day, mid-60s temperatures, moderate winds" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 6, "type": "relaxation", "description": "Sea day with 9 hours sleep and late morning wake-up", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 6, "type": "dining", "description": "Light breakfast and lunch with family", "time": "8:30am breakfast, noon lunch", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 6, "type": "recreation", "description": "Reading in deck chairs", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "weather": "Overcast and gray, mid-60s F, moderate winds", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Day 7", "date": "2024-08-08", "subtitle": "St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": [ "st johns", "celebrity", "celebrity eclipse" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "day_type": "port_day", "locations": [ { "name": "St. John's", "type": "city", "country": "Canada" }, { "name": "Signal Hill", "type": "historic_site", "country": "Canada" } ], "days_at_location": { "St. John's": 1, "Celebrity Eclipse": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Signal Hill", "type": "historic_site", "location": "St. John's, Newfoundland", "notes": "Historic fortifications, museum, cafe, gift shop, very windy" }, { "name": "Signal Hill Museum and Cafe", "type": "museum", "location": "Signal Hill, St. John's" }, { "name": "North Head Trail Loop", "type": "hiking_trail", "location": "Signal Hill, St. John's", "notes": "Steep stairs, cliff-side path, rocky scrambles, approximately 20 minutes too long" }, { "name": "St. John's Main Street", "type": "pedestrian_street", "location": "St. John's downtown", "notes": "Closed to vehicle traffic on certain summer days" }, { "name": "Tim Hortons", "type": "restaurant", "location": "St. John's Main Street" }, { "name": "Sushi Restaurant", "type": "restaurant", "location": "St. John's Main Street", "notes": "Bento box plus sushi for ~$20 US" }, { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "St. John's then at sea" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "At sea", "to": "St. John's, Newfoundland", "notes": "Perfect weather day, 75F with scattered clouds" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 7, "type": "hiking", "description": "Hiked from ship up to Signal Hill summit via road", "time": "10:15am departure", "location": "St. John's to Signal Hill" }, { "day": 7, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Visited Signal Hill fortifications, museum, and cafe", "location": "Signal Hill" }, { "day": 7, "type": "hiking", "description": "North Head Trail Loop with stairs, rocks, and cliff views", "location": "Signal Hill" }, { "day": 7, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Walked back into town through colorful neighborhoods", "location": "St. John's" }, { "day": 7, "type": "dining", "description": "Lunch at sushi restaurant, bento box and sushi", "time": "Midday", "location": "St. John's Main Street" }, { "day": 7, "type": "relaxation", "description": "Returned to ship mid-afternoon to recover from hike", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 7, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Watched locals wave farewell from Signal Hill during sailaway", "time": "Afternoon", "location": "St. John's Harbor" }, { "day": 7, "type": "dining", "description": "Dinner in main dining room, daughter had two crème brûlées", "time": "Evening", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "weather": "Incredible weather day, only a few scattered clouds, highs around 75F, very windy on Signal Hill", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Day 8", "date": "2024-08-09", "subtitle": "Sea day 1 between St. John's and Greenland", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": [ "celebrity", "celebrity eclipse" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "day_type": "sea_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Labrador Sea", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters" } ], "days_at_location": { "Celebrity Eclipse": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "Labrador Sea at 56° N latitude" }, { "name": "Tuscan Grille", "type": "specialty_restaurant", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse", "notes": "Upscale Italian, step above main dining room" }, { "name": "Teen Lounge", "type": "recreation", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "St. John's", "to": "At sea toward Greenland (Labrador Sea)", "notes": "Low 50s temps, calm seas, about 1/3 of way to Qaqortoq. Captain warned of 25-30kt winds and 6-8ft seas for next day" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 8, "type": "relaxation", "description": "First of two sea days between St. John's and Greenland", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 8, "type": "dining", "description": "Parents dined at Tuscan Grille specialty restaurant", "time": "Evening", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 8, "type": "dining", "description": "Kids went to main dining room 20 minutes late by themselves", "time": "Evening", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 8, "type": "social", "description": "Kids finally made friends at Teen Lounge and played shipwide Hide & Seek past midnight", "time": "Evening", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 8, "type": "relaxation", "description": "Nice afternoon weather on western balcony, shorts weather with ship blocking wind", "time": "Afternoon", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse balcony" } ], "weather": "Low 50s F, calm seas; shorts weather on the wind-sheltered western balcony in the afternoon", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Day 9", "date": "2024-08-10", "subtitle": "A special birthday sea day off the coast of Greenland!", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": [ "celebrity", "celebrity eclipse" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "trip_day": 9, "day_type": "sea_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Labrador Sea", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters" } ], "days_at_location": { "Celebrity Eclipse": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Le Petit Chef", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse", "notes": "Specialty restaurant with animated projection shows presented before courses" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "St. John's, Newfoundland", "to": "Qaqortoq, Greenland", "notes": "Second of two sea days between St. John's and Greenland" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 9, "type": "dining", "description": "Birthday dinner for Rowan at Le Petit Chef, with projection shows on the history of tomatoes and the history of art before the courses", "time": "Evening", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 9, "type": "celebration", "description": "Celebrated Rowan's birthday with Shirley Temples and a chocolate birthday cake", "time": "Evening", "location": "Le Petit Chef, Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 9, "type": "social", "description": "The kids spent time with friends they have made on the ship", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Le Petit Chef", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse", "notes": "Food was main-restaurant quality with the main course a step up; chalky chocolate birthday cake for dessert" } ], "notable_events": [ "Rowan's birthday" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Day 10", "date": "2024-08-11", "subtitle": "Drizzly day in Qaqortoq, Greenland", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": [ "greenland", "qaqortoq", "celebrity", "celebrityeclipse" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "trip_day": 10, "day_type": "port_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Qaqortoq", "type": "town", "country": "Greenland" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Coffee shop near Sermilik Lake", "type": "cafe", "location": "Qaqortoq, Greenland", "notes": "Reached by 9am but found closed to those not on a tour" }, { "name": "Grocery store", "type": "store", "location": "Qaqortoq, Greenland", "notes": "Hoped to shop and use internet, but language barrier prevented interaction" } ], "points_of_interest": [ { "name": "Prince Christian Sound", "type": "sound", "location": "Southern Greenland", "notes": "Planned scenic sailing that weather conditions did not allow" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "At sea", "to": "Qaqortoq, Greenland", "notes": "Tendered to shore in Qaqortoq" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 10, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Tendered ashore, walked up a hill in the rain and took photos of the ship, then tendered back", "location": "Qaqortoq, Greenland" }, { "day": 10, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "On departure the captain and pilots took the ship near an iceberg and performed several 360-degree turns for photos and videos", "location": "Off the coast of Qaqortoq, Greenland" }, { "day": 10, "type": "celebration", "description": "Cake and singing at main dining for Rowan's birthday, since the family had been at a specialty restaurant the previous night", "time": "Evening", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "notable_events": [ "Rowan's birthday celebration at main dining" ], "challenges": [ "Coffee shop near Sermilik Lake was closed to guests not on a tour", "Language barrier at the grocery store, with no Greenlandic language pack downloaded for Google Translate", "Not prepared with weather-appropriate shoes for the cold rain", "Storm conditions and rough seas expected overnight" ], "weather": "Drizzly, chilly rain and overcast; storm conditions expected overnight with winds to 50 knots and seas to 15 feet", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Days 11 and 12", "date": "2024-08-12", "subtitle": "Rocky sea days between Greenland and Iceland", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": [ "celebrity", "celebrity eclipse" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "trip_day": "11-12", "day_type": "sea_day", "locations": [ { "name": "North Atlantic between Greenland and Iceland", "type": "sea" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "Qaqortoq, Greenland", "to": "At sea toward Akureyri, Iceland", "notes": "Two sea days crossing from Greenland to Iceland in rough conditions" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 11, "type": "rest", "description": "Largely confined to the cabin recovering from a cold, buying Nyquil from the onboard store on the second day", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "challenges": [ "Rough seas and heavy rocking after leaving Qaqortoq", "Brian battling a cold and sleeping poorly for several nights", "Siena's phone became unresponsive and would not hard power cycle, fixed only after the battery drained" ], "weather": "Rough seas after leaving Qaqortoq, with the captain later reporting winds around 60 mph and seas to 5 meters; seas remained rough across both days", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Day 13", "date": "2024-08-14", "subtitle": "The northern Iceland city Akureyri, and an educational shore excursion", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": [ "akureyri", "iceland", "celebrity", "celebrityeclipse" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "trip_day": 13, "day_type": "port_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Akureyri", "type": "city", "country": "Iceland" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Laufás Heritage Site", "type": "historic_site", "location": "Near Akureyri, Iceland", "url": "https://www.akureyriguide.is/portfolio/laufas-heritage-site/", "notes": "19th century timber church and turf-roofed vicarage, a church site since early Christianity in Iceland" }, { "name": "Goðafoss Waterfall", "type": "waterfall", "location": "Northern Iceland", "url": "https://www.northiceland.is/en/place/godafoss-waterfall" }, { "name": "Akureyri Botanical Garden", "type": "garden", "location": "Akureyri, Iceland", "url": "https://www.lystigardur.akureyri.is/en", "notes": "Iceland's first public park, opened in 1912" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "At sea", "to": "Akureyri, Iceland", "notes": "Arrived at 8am instead of the scheduled 1pm after skipping Prince Christian Sound" }, { "type": "shore_excursion", "notes": "Booked tour departing at 2:30pm visiting three sites; the only booked shore excursion of the trip" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 13, "type": "shore_excursion", "description": "Guided tour visiting Laufás Heritage Site, Goðafoss Waterfall, and the Akureyri Botanical Garden", "location": "Akureyri area, Iceland" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Only booked shore excursion of the trip", "Akureyri, Iceland's second most populous city, felt like a place worth returning to on a Ring Road trip" ], "challenges": [ "Brian was still sick during the excursion", "Kids had expected hiking and got more history than they wanted" ], "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Day 14", "date": "2024-08-15", "subtitle": "Isafjordur, Iceland", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": [ "isafjordur", "iceland", "celebrity", "celebrityeclipse" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "trip_day": 14, "day_type": "port_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Ísafjörður", "type": "town", "country": "Iceland" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Tourist information booth", "type": "visitor_center", "location": "Pier, Ísafjörður, Iceland", "notes": "Stopped in to use the wifi" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "At sea", "to": "Ísafjörður, Iceland", "notes": "Arrived at 8am; a working-town port with a similar vibe to Qaqortoq" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 14, "type": "walking", "description": "Brian and Sherri left the kids onboard and walked through the town and back once the rain mostly stopped", "location": "Ísafjörður, Iceland" } ], "notable_mentions": [ "Spotted a Tesla Cybertruck in town", "Isafjordur reminded Brian of photos of the Scottish Highlands" ], "challenges": [ "Brian at the tail end of being sick while Sherri began coming down with the same illness" ], "weather": "Arrived at 8am to chilly temperatures and pouring rain; the rain mostly stopped by midmorning", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Cruise Day 15", "date": "2024-08-16", "subtitle": "The end of the cruise, Reykjavik", "categories": "travel cruise iceland", "tags": [ "reykjavik", "iceland", "celebrity", "celebrityeclipse" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandcruise", "trip_day": 15, "day_type": "disembarkation", "trip_stage": "end_of_cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Reykjavik", "type": "city", "country": "Iceland" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "notes": "Disembarked in Reykjavik at the end of a 12-night cruise from Bayonne, NJ" }, { "type": "bus", "notes": "Reported to the theater meeting spot for the arranged bus transfer, but with no crew direction walked off the ship to find the bus" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 15, "type": "disembarkation", "description": "Walked off the ship carrying all luggage rather than putting suitcases out the night before, then found the transfer bus", "location": "Reykjavik, Iceland" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Ended a 12-night cruise from Bayonne, NJ, to Reykjavik, Iceland", "First time carrying all luggage off rather than using the night-before luggage drop, expected to become the family norm" ], "weather": "Crisp, cloudless day with temperatures in the low 50s F", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Our cruise voyage from New York to Iceland in 2024", "date": "2024-08-31", "subtitle": "A rugged, chilly vacation sailing from New York to Iceland via Canada and Greenland", "categories": "travel rollup", "tags": null, "rollup_key": null, "trip_type": "rollup", "trip_duration": "August 4-16, 2024", "trip_duration_days": 12, "locations_visited": [ "Bayonne, New Jersey, USA", "Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada", "St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada", "Qaqortoq, Greenland", "Akureyri, Iceland", "Ísafjörður, Iceland", "Reykjavik, Iceland" ], "countries_visited": [ "USA", "Canada", "Greenland", "Iceland" ], "transport": [ "Celebrity Eclipse cruise ship (Bayonne, NJ to Reykjavik, Iceland)", "flights (Raleigh-Durham to the New York area)" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Visit 2024 Day 1", "date": "2024-09-03", "subtitle": "South coast of Iceland", "categories": "travel iceland", "tags": [ "reykjavik", "iceland" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandonland", "trip_day": 1, "day_type": "road_trip", "trip_stage": "post-cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Reykjavik", "type": "city", "country": "Iceland" }, { "name": "Selfoss", "type": "town", "country": "Iceland" }, { "name": "Steinar", "type": "rural_area", "country": "Iceland", "notes": "Airbnb base on the south coast" }, { "name": "Vik", "type": "town", "country": "Iceland" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Airbnb in Steinar", "location": "Steinar, South Iceland", "night": 1, "notes": "Two bedrooms with two queen beds; well-stocked kitchen; no grill, hot tub, or patio furniture; great view" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Hertz Downtown Office", "type": "car_rental", "location": "Reykjavik, by the domestic airport" }, { "name": "Almar bakari", "type": "bakery", "location": "Selfoss", "url": "https://almarbakari.is/" }, { "name": "Bónus", "type": "grocery", "location": "Selfoss", "url": "https://bonus.is/" }, { "name": "LAVA Centre", "type": "museum", "url": "https://lavacentre.is/", "notes": "Volcano and earthquake exhibits with observation deck" }, { "name": "Seljalandsfoss", "type": "waterfall", "location": "South Iceland, off the Ring Road", "url": "https://www.icelandtravel.is/attractions/seljalandsfoss/" }, { "name": "Heimamenn", "type": "restaurant", "location": "A few miles past Steinar, South Iceland", "url": "https://maps.app.goo.gl/GMydJepKQkfjPeBH7" }, { "name": "Black sand beach at Vik", "type": "beach", "location": "Vik" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "notes": "Disembarked in Reykjavik" }, { "type": "bus", "route": "Reykjavik cruise terminal → Reykjavik central bus terminal", "notes": "Celebrity transfer at $20 per person for a 20 minute trip" }, { "type": "rental_car", "vehicle": "Tesla Model Y", "notes": "Picked up at Hertz Downtown Office instead of the originally planned location near the cruise terminal" } ], "activities": [ "Disembarked cruise ship in Reykjavik", "Picked up rental car (Tesla Model Y) from Hertz", "Bakery breakfast and grocery stop in Selfoss", "LAVA Centre exhibits and observation deck", "Seljalandsfoss waterfall stop, including the path to a secondary waterfall", "Black sand beach at Vik", "Grocery stop in Vik", "Checked in to Airbnb in Steinar" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Almar bakari", "meal": "breakfast", "location": "Selfoss", "url": "https://almarbakari.is/", "dishes": "Pastries and warm drinks", "notes": "Same bakery as first stop on last year's trip" }, { "venue": "Heimamenn", "meal": "lunch", "location": "A few miles past Steinar, South Iceland", "url": "https://maps.app.goo.gl/GMydJepKQkfjPeBH7", "dishes": "Fish and chips", "notes": "3500 ISK (~USD 26); some of the best fish and chips I've had anywhere" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Happened across Seljalandsfoss unplanned while driving the Ring Road", "Black sand beach at Vik was uncrowded and felt like a special place" ], "challenges": [ "Sherri powered through the day feeling under the weather, later confirmed as COVID", "Second-guessed car rental pickup logistics; original plan near the cruise terminal would have worked" ], "weather": { "conditions": "Breezy but amazing at Vik", "temperature": "Mid-50s F" }, "companions": [ "family (Sherri, Rowan, and the girls)" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Visit 2024 Day 2", "date": "2024-09-21", "subtitle": "South coast of Iceland", "categories": "travel iceland", "tags": [ "reykjavik", "iceland" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandonland", "trip_day": 2, "day_type": "rest_day", "trip_stage": "post-cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Steinar", "type": "rural_area", "country": "Iceland", "notes": "Airbnb base on the south coast, second day" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Airbnb in Steinar", "location": "Steinar, South Iceland", "night": 2 } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Faxi Bakery", "type": "bakery", "location": "A few minutes from the Airbnb in Steinar, South Iceland", "url": "https://www.instagram.com/faxi_bakery_/?hl=en" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "rental_car", "vehicle": "Tesla Model Y", "notes": "Evening drive with Siena to a nearby waterfall" } ], "activities": [ "Morning run to Faxi Bakery for drinks and pastries", "Lazy day hanging around the Airbnb", "Evening drive with Siena to see a nearby waterfall", "Cooking bacon for a breakfast-dinner" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Faxi Bakery", "meal": "breakfast", "location": "Near Steinar, South Iceland", "dishes": "Hot drinks and pastries" }, { "venue": "Airbnb in Steinar", "meal": "dinner", "dishes": "Bacon breakfast-dinner cooked at the Airbnb", "notes": "Running low on food" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "A brief interaction at Faxi Bakery where Brian instinctively switched to Spanish (\"Puerta, por favor?\") to ask a man to hold the door" ], "challenges": [ "Sherri sick in bed all day, likely COVID", "Low on food at the Airbnb", "Travel weariness after more than two weeks away, with the family craving home" ], "companions": [ "family (Sherri, Rowan, and the girls)" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Visit 2024 Day 3", "date": "2024-09-22", "subtitle": "Old Charm Reykjavik", "categories": "travel iceland", "tags": [ "reykjavik", "iceland" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandonland", "trip_day": 3, "day_type": "road_trip", "trip_stage": "post-cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Steinar", "type": "rural_area", "country": "Iceland", "notes": "Departed the south coast Airbnb" }, { "name": "Reykjavik", "type": "city", "country": "Iceland" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Rental apartment in Reykjavik", "location": "Central Reykjavik, Iceland", "night": 3, "notes": "Same set of rental units as the previous year, a different unit; reliable rentals in a great spot but weak check-in instructions" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "LAVA Centre Tesla Supercharger", "type": "ev_charger", "location": "Near Hvolsvöllur, South Iceland", "notes": "Charged next to the LAVA Centre; Siena tried a roadside bounce pillow while charging" }, { "name": "Reykjavik Tesla Supercharger", "type": "ev_charger", "location": "Reykjavik, Iceland", "url": "https://maps.app.goo.gl/RHRBRR6GmEQKHR119", "notes": "Same Supercharger as the previous year; grabbed the last spot just in time" }, { "name": "The Sun Voyager", "type": "sculpture", "location": "Reykjavik waterfront", "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sun_Voyager" }, { "name": "Reykjavik City Hall", "type": "landmark", "location": "Reykjavik, Iceland" }, { "name": "Bónus", "type": "grocery", "location": "Reykjavik, Iceland" } ], "points_of_interest": [ { "name": "Tjörnin", "type": "pond", "location": "Central Reykjavik", "notes": "City-center pond passed on the walk" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "rental_car", "vehicle": "Tesla Model Y", "notes": "Drove from Steinar to Reykjavik with Supercharger stops, then returned the car near the domestic airport and walked back" } ], "activities": [ "Drove from the south coast to Reykjavik with Tesla Supercharger stops", "Checked into the Reykjavik rental apartment", "Returned the rental car near the domestic airport and walked back", "Walked to The Sun Voyager sculpture and along the waterfront toward City Hall", "Grocery run to Bónus and a home-cooked dinner" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Rental apartment in Reykjavik", "meal": "dinner", "dishes": "Baked pork chops, skillet potatoes, and peas and carrots" } ], "challenges": [ "Rowan still too sick to get out and about", "Reykjavik Supercharger nearly full; grabbed the last spot just before another car had to wait" ], "weather": { "conditions": "Sunny", "temperature": "51 F" }, "companions": [ "family (Sherri, Rowan, and the girls)" ] }, { "title": "Iceland Visit 2024 Day 4", "date": "2024-09-22", "subtitle": "17 days of travel come to an end", "categories": "travel iceland", "tags": [ "reykjavik", "iceland" ], "rollup_key": "2024icelandonland", "trip_day": 4, "day_type": "travel_day", "trip_stage": "post-cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Reykjavik", "type": "city", "country": "Iceland", "notes": "Departed Iceland from the airport" }, { "name": "Holly Springs", "type": "town", "country": "USA", "notes": "Home; returned via Raleigh-Durham (RDU)" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "private_car", "notes": "Airport pickup at the 11am checkout time" }, { "type": "flight", "from": "Iceland", "to": "Raleigh-Durham (RDU)", "notes": "Departed at 4:45pm after several hours of waiting at the airport" }, { "type": "rideshare", "notes": "Not-great Uber experience from RDU" } ], "activities": [ "Checked out of the Reykjavik apartment at 11am", "Waited roughly four hours at the airport with luggage before the flight", "Flew home to Raleigh-Durham, with a quick Global Entry return" ], "challenges": [ "Killing about four hours at the airport with luggage in tow", "A not-great Uber experience from RDU" ], "companions": [ "family (Sherri, Rowan, and the girls)" ], "travel_sentiment": "Ready to be home after 17 days of travel, tired and still a little sick and homesick" }, { "title": "Iceland post-cruise visit 2024", "date": "2024-09-23", "subtitle": "Our four days on land in Iceland after disembarking our cruise in Reykjavik", "categories": "travel rollup", "tags": null, "rollup_key": null, "trip_type": "rollup", "trip_duration": "August 16-19, 2024", "trip_duration_days": 4, "locations_visited": [ "Reykjavik, Iceland", "Selfoss, Iceland", "Steinar, South Iceland", "Vík, Iceland" ], "countries_visited": [ "Iceland" ], "transport": [ "Tesla Model Y rental car", "flight home (Iceland to Raleigh-Durham)" ] }, { "title": "Celebrity Cruise Day 0", "date": "2024-12-21", "subtitle": "Heading to Fort Lauderdale", "categories": "travel caribbean", "tags": [ "celebrity", "cruise", "dec2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024wintercaribbean", "day_number": 0, "day_type": "travel_day", "trip_stage": "outbound", "locations": [ { "name": "Raleigh", "type": "city", "country": "United States", "notes": "Departure city, home airport RDU" }, { "name": "Fort Lauderdale", "type": "city", "country": "United States" } ], "days_at_location": { "Fort Lauderdale": 1 }, "accommodations": [ { "name": "Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale", "location": "Fort Lauderdale, FL", "night": "1 of 1", "notes": "Room not ready 30 minutes after check-in time, key-cutting machine broken; hotel provided a $50 restaurant voucher" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)", "type": "airport", "location": "Raleigh, NC" }, { "name": "Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)", "type": "airport", "location": "Fort Lauderdale, FL" }, { "name": "Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale", "type": "hotel", "location": "Fort Lauderdale, FL", "notes": "Room not ready at check-in, key machine broken" }, { "name": "Publix", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Fort Lauderdale, FL", "notes": "Deli sandwiches for dinner" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "flight", "from": "Raleigh-Durham (RDU)", "to": "Fort Lauderdale (FLL)", "airline": "Delta", "notes": "Landed 10 minutes early but waited 55 minutes for a gate" }, { "type": "taxi", "from": "Fort Lauderdale Airport", "to": "Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale", "notes": "Immediate availability, same price as Uber quote" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 0, "type": "travel", "description": "Flight from RDU to Fort Lauderdale", "duration": "flight time" }, { "day": 0, "type": "dining", "description": "Dinner from Publix deli in hotel room", "location": "Embassy Suites" } ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Publix", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Hotel room, Fort Lauderdale", "notes": "Deli sandwiches" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Taxi driver's handy book showing 8 cruise ships in port that day" ], "challenges": [ "55-minute wait for an arrival gate at FLL despite landing 10 minutes early", "Hotel room not ready and key machine broken at check-in" ], "companions": [ "wife", "son", "daughter" ] }, { "title": "Celebrity Cruise Day 1", "date": "2024-12-22", "subtitle": "Getting to the ship", "categories": "travel caribbean", "tags": [ "celebrity", "cruise", "dec2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024wintercaribbean", "day_number": 1, "day_type": "embarkation", "trip_stage": "embarkation", "trip_duration": "11 nights", "locations": [ { "name": "Fort Lauderdale", "type": "city", "country": "United States", "notes": "Embarkation at Port Everglades" } ], "days_at_location": { "Fort Lauderdale": 1, "Celebrity Eclipse": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale", "type": "hotel", "location": "Fort Lauderdale, FL", "notes": "Chaotic breakfast and lobby, required elevator strategy to get down with bags" }, { "name": "Port Everglades", "type": "cruise_port", "location": "Fort Lauderdale, FL" }, { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "Port Everglades", "notes": "Departed 1.5 hours late due to embarkation traffic" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "bus", "from": "Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale", "to": "Port Everglades Cruise Terminal", "duration": "25 minutes for 4 miles", "notes": "Traffic overwhelmed at port entrances, ship departed 1.5 hours late" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 1, "type": "travel", "description": "Transfer from hotel to cruise ship", "location": "Fort Lauderdale" }, { "day": 1, "type": "incident", "description": "Son rolled ankle jumping down stairs, X-rays showed no break but can't put weight on it", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 1, "type": "medical", "description": "Visit to ship Medical Center for X-rays and crutches", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse Medical Center" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Ship Medical Center visit with X-rays showing no break; son on loaner crutches for the voyage", "Ship departed more than an hour and a half late due to embarkation traffic" ], "challenges": [ "20+ minute elevator waits and a jam-packed lobby getting bags down at the hotel", "Port Everglades entrances overwhelmed by traffic, 25 minutes to travel 4 miles", "Son rolled his ankle in the first hour of the 11-night cruise", "Canceling at least three pre-purchased shore excursions for the family" ], "companions": [ "wife", "son", "daughter" ], "travel_sentiment": "Dread and disappointment after son's first-hour ankle injury, tempered by gratitude to be heading to the warm Caribbean" }, { "title": "Celebrity Cruise Day 2", "date": "2024-12-23", "subtitle": "Mobility", "categories": "travel caribbean", "tags": [ "celebrity", "cruise", "dec2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024wintercaribbean", "day_number": 2, "day_type": "sea_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Caribbean Sea", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters", "notes": "Sea day between Fort Lauderdale and Grand Cayman" } ], "days_at_location": { "At sea": 1 }, "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "route": "Fort Lauderdale to Grand Cayman", "operator": "Celebrity Cruises" } ], "next_day_logistics": "Tender stop at George Town, Grand Cayman; plan to stay aboard having visited three years ago", "activities": [ { "day": 2, "type": "relaxation", "description": "Sea day aboard Celebrity Eclipse", "location": "At sea, Caribbean" }, { "day": 2, "type": "photography", "description": "Morning photography and writing on deck", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse", "time": "7:00-8:00am" }, { "day": 2, "type": "relaxation", "description": "Sunset viewing on balcony", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Cloud formation on the horizon resembling a partially constructed Death Star", "Son adapting to crutches better than expected, with periodic waves of emotion over missed opportunities" ], "companions": [ "wife", "son", "daughter" ] }, { "title": "Celebrity Cruise Day 3", "date": "2024-12-24", "subtitle": "Grand Cayman", "categories": "travel caribbean", "tags": [ "celebrity", "cruise", "dec2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024wintercaribbean", "day_number": 3, "day_type": "port_day", "locations": [ { "name": "George Town", "type": "city", "country": "Cayman Islands", "notes": "Tendered port stop; stayed aboard" } ], "days_at_location": { "George Town": 1, "Celebrity Eclipse": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "George Town", "type": "port", "location": "Grand Cayman", "notes": "Tendered port, gray weather, high 70s and humid" }, { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "At sea" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "At sea", "to": "George Town, Grand Cayman", "notes": "Ship tendered outside George Town" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 3, "type": "port_day", "description": "Ship tendered at Grand Cayman, stayed aboard due to son's injury", "location": "George Town, Grand Cayman" }, { "day": 3, "type": "relaxation", "description": "Wandered ship, listened to music, admired holiday decorations", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "day": 3, "type": "dining", "description": "Special Christmas Eve menu in main dining room", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Main Dining Room", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse", "notes": "Special Christmas Eve menu" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Two other ships tendered nearby, including RCCL Brilliance of the Seas", "What felt like ~40 knot winds on the top deck lawn after dinner", "Skipped the Christmas Eve Party With Party Band Next Stage for an early night" ], "weather": "Gray most of the day, temperatures in the high 70s and humid", "companions": [ "wife", "son", "daughter" ] }, { "title": "Celebrity Cruise Day 5", "date": "2024-12-26", "subtitle": "Aruba", "categories": "travel caribbean", "tags": [ "celebrity", "cruise", "dec2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024wintercaribbean", "day_number": 5, "day_type": "port_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Oranjestad", "type": "city", "country": "Aruba", "notes": "First of the ABC Islands, constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands" } ], "days_at_location": { "Aruba": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Oranjestad", "type": "port", "location": "Aruba", "notes": "One of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao), constituent country of Kingdom of the Netherlands" }, { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "Docked in Aruba" }, { "name": "La Tigre", "type": "catamaran", "location": "Aruba waters", "notes": "Sailing and snorkeling tour vessel" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "At sea", "to": "Oranjestad, Aruba", "notes": "Docked until 8:30pm" }, { "type": "boat", "vessel": "La Tigre catamaran", "description": "Sailing and snorkeling excursion", "duration": "3 hours" } ], "next_day_logistics": "Curaçao", "activities": [ { "day": 5, "type": "shore_excursion", "description": "Sailing and snorkeling trip on catamaran La Tigre", "duration": "3 hours", "location": "Aruba waters", "participants": "Father and daughter" }, { "day": 5, "type": "shopping", "description": "Shopping in Oranjestad", "location": "Oranjestad, Aruba" }, { "day": 5, "type": "dining", "description": "Main dining room dinner", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Main Dining Room", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Son made a new friend, Jonathan, through their shared interest in Brawl Stars", "Snorkeling itself was just okay, but the catamaran ride there and back was enjoyable" ], "companions": [ "wife", "son", "daughter" ] }, { "title": "Celebrity Cruise Day 6", "date": "2024-12-27", "subtitle": "Curaçao", "categories": "travel caribbean", "tags": [ "celebrity", "cruise", "dec2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024wintercaribbean", "day_number": 6, "day_type": "port_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Willemstad", "type": "city", "country": "Curaçao", "notes": "Capital city, second of the ABC Islands, constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands" } ], "days_at_location": { "Curaçao": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Willemstad", "type": "port", "location": "Curaçao", "notes": "Capital city, second of ABC Islands (Caribbean Netherlands), constituent country of Kingdom of the Netherlands" }, { "name": "Hato Caves", "type": "tourist_attraction", "location": "North side of Curaçao, adjacent to international airport", "notes": "Cave system with limestone formations" }, { "name": "Kraspassi Market", "type": "market", "location": "Willemstad waterfront", "notes": "Venezuelan vendors sell goods from boats docked at waterfront" }, { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "Docked in Curaçao" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "Aruba", "to": "Willemstad, Curaçao" }, { "type": "bus", "description": "Tour bus to Hato Caves and downtown Willemstad" } ], "next_day_logistics": "Bonaire", "activities": [ { "day": 6, "type": "shore_excursion", "description": "Guided tour to Hato Caves and walking tour of downtown Willemstad", "location": "Curaçao", "participants": "Father and daughter" }, { "day": 6, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Explored Dutch Colonial architecture and waterfront", "location": "Willemstad" }, { "day": 6, "type": "shopping", "description": "Visited Kraspassi Market", "location": "Willemstad" }, { "day": 6, "type": "relaxation", "description": "Enjoyed twilight hours at solarium and aft deck", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Tour guide facts — 15 wind turbines generating 47.3 MW, walls around houses due to wild goats, iguana on the menu for some residents", "Venezuelan vendors at Kraspassi Market who live on their boats while docked in Willemstad", "Morning hello from Santa aboard the ship" ], "weather": "Very hot and sticky", "companions": [ "wife", "son", "daughter" ], "cultural_references": [ "Papiamentu, the island's most widely spoken language, a Creole blending African, Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, and English influences", "Dutch Colonial architecture along the Willemstad waterfront" ] }, { "title": "Celebrity Cruise Day 7", "date": "2024-12-28", "subtitle": "Bonaire", "categories": "travel caribbean", "tags": [ "celebrity", "cruise", "dec2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024wintercaribbean", "day_number": 7, "day_type": "port_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Kralendijk", "type": "town", "country": "Bonaire", "notes": "Last of the ABC Islands, smallest in land area (~112 sq miles) and population (~21,000)" } ], "days_at_location": { "Bonaire": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Kralendijk", "type": "port", "location": "Bonaire", "notes": "Last of ABC Islands, smallest at 112 sq miles and ~21,000 population, outside hurricane belt" }, { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "Docked in Bonaire" }, { "name": "Murano", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse", "notes": "Premium French restaurant onboard ship" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "Curaçao", "to": "Kralendijk, Bonaire", "notes": "Departure delayed 1 hour to 6:30pm due to medical emergencies" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 7, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Walking tour through downtown Kralendijk", "location": "Kralendijk, Bonaire", "participants": "Three family members (son stayed aboard with friend)" }, { "day": 7, "type": "dining", "description": "Premium dining at Murano French restaurant celebrating milestone", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Murano", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse", "notes": "Premium French restaurant; milestone celebration with wife, second best Dover sole ever" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "5:30pm departure delayed about an hour for two people leaving by ambulance", "Island's calmer pace — one large-ship pier, golf-cart travel, app-based electric scooters", "Researching each ABC Island as a possible snowbird destination; Bonaire's small population limits medical care availability" ], "companions": [ "wife", "son", "daughter" ] }, { "title": "Celebrity Cruise Day 8", "date": "2024-12-29", "subtitle": "Sea day", "categories": "travel caribbean", "tags": [ "celebrity", "cruise", "dec2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024wintercaribbean", "day_number": 8, "day_type": "sea_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Caribbean Sea", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters", "notes": "Sea day between Bonaire and San Juan" } ], "days_at_location": { "Celebrity Eclipse": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "At sea between Bonaire and San Juan" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "Bonaire", "to": "San Juan, Puerto Rico", "notes": "Sea day, rougher waters than first half of cruise" } ], "next_day_logistics": "San Juan, Puerto Rico", "activities": [ { "day": 8, "type": "relaxation", "description": "Sea day, relaxing aboard ship", "location": "Celebrity Eclipse" } ], "highlights": [ "Really good croissants onboard" ], "notable_experiences": [ "Noticeably more ship motion heading toward Puerto Rico than the smooth first half of the cruise" ], "companions": [ "wife", "son", "daughter" ] }, { "title": "Celebrity Cruise Day 9", "date": "2024-12-30", "subtitle": "San Juan", "categories": "travel caribbean", "tags": [ "celebrity", "cruise", "dec2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024wintercaribbean", "day_number": 9, "day_type": "port_day", "locations": [ { "name": "San Juan", "type": "city", "country": "Puerto Rico (United States)", "notes": "Third visit for the couple, second with the kids" } ], "days_at_location": { "San Juan": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Old San Juan", "type": "port", "location": "San Juan, Puerto Rico", "notes": "Third visit for couple, second with kids" }, { "name": "Castillo San Cristobal", "type": "historic_fort", "location": "Old San Juan", "notes": "Spanish fort near cruise terminal" }, { "name": "Castillo San Felipe del Morro", "type": "historic_fort", "location": "Old San Juan", "notes": "El Morro fortress on northwest side, accessed via waterfront path" }, { "name": "Puerto Rico Capitol Building", "type": "government_building", "location": "San Juan", "notes": "Preparations underway for January 2 governor inauguration" }, { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "Docked in San Juan" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "At sea", "to": "San Juan, Puerto Rico" }, { "type": "walking", "description": "4.5 mile walking tour of Old San Juan" } ], "next_day_logistics": "Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic", "walking_distance": "A little more than 4.5 miles per watch", "activities": [ { "day": 9, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "4.5 mile clockwise walking loop from cruise terminal along harbor path to El Morro, then east to Capitol Building", "duration": "several hours", "location": "Old San Juan", "participants": "Parents (kids stayed aboard due to son's ankle and daughter not being a big walker)" }, { "day": 9, "type": "sightseeing", "description": "Explored waterfront path between harbor and El Morro, viewed waves crashing on north side", "location": "Old San Juan" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Quiet paved path between the harbor and El Morro with waves smashing the rocks on the north side", "Zumba class in the open field in front of Castillo San Felipe del Morro", "Inauguration setup at the Capitol Building for the new governor taking office January 2", "Island-wide power outage hit Puerto Rico about 12 hours after the ship departed" ], "weather": "Rain threatening; only light sprinkles, not a drenching downpour", "companions": [ "wife", "son", "daughter" ] }, { "title": "Celebrity Cruise Day 10", "date": "2024-12-31", "subtitle": "Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic", "categories": "travel caribbean", "tags": [ "celebrity", "cruise", "dec2024" ], "rollup_key": "2024wintercaribbean", "day_number": 10, "day_type": "port_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Puerto Plata", "type": "city", "country": "Dominican Republic", "notes": "Last port stop of the cruise before heading home" } ], "days_at_location": { "Puerto Plata": 1 }, "venues": [ { "name": "Puerto Plata", "type": "port", "location": "Dominican Republic", "notes": "Major cruise port on north side of Dominican Republic" }, { "name": "San Felipe De Puerto Plata", "type": "zipline_facility", "location": "Puerto Plata area", "notes": "Zipline excursion facility, also offers ATV and horseback trips" }, { "name": "Taino Bay", "type": "resort_complex", "location": "Puerto Plata", "notes": "Secured area between ships and city with shops, restaurants, pools, lazy river, and splash surfing" }, { "name": "Celebrity Eclipse", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "Docked in Puerto Plata" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise_ship", "vessel": "Celebrity Eclipse", "from": "San Juan, Puerto Rico", "to": "Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic", "notes": "Last port stop before heading home" }, { "type": "bus", "description": "Tour bus to zipline facility" }, { "type": "tuk_tuk", "from": "Taino Bay", "to": "Celebrity Eclipse", "notes": "Return trip from Taino Bay to ship" } ], "activities": [ { "day": 10, "type": "shore_excursion", "description": "Zipline excursion at San Felipe De Puerto Plata", "location": "Puerto Plata area", "participants": "Father and daughter (son's ankle still healing, wife didn't care for heights)" }, { "day": 10, "type": "relaxation", "description": "Enjoyed lazy river and pool area at Taino Bay", "location": "Taino Bay, Puerto Plata" }, { "day": 10, "type": "activity", "description": "Daughter tried splash surfing attraction", "location": "Taino Bay" } ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Coffee shop at Taino Bay", "meal": "coffee", "location": "Taino Bay, Puerto Plata", "notes": "Great coffee; mall wifi was pretty bad" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "At zipline six, a staff member on horseback tows lighter riders the final ~20 meters", "Tuk tuk ride from Taino Bay back to the ship at daughter's request", "Pushiest port of the trip for forced reviews and tips; several places had never heard of Diet Coke", "Taino Bay pool, lazy river, and splash surfing all free for cruise passengers" ], "challenges": [ "AT&T suspended data service on all family phones; restored after a ~20 minute call from the ship", "Uncertainty about what the cell bill will look like" ], "companions": [ "wife", "son", "daughter" ] }, { "title": "Celebrity Eclipse Southern Caribbean in Winter 2024", "date": "2025-01-15", "subtitle": "A family trip to the Cayman Islands, Aruba, Curaçoa, Bonaire, Puerto Rico, and the DR aboard the Celebrity Eclipse", "categories": "travel rollup", "tags": null, "rollup_key": null, "trip_type": "cruise", "locations_visited": [ { "name": "Fort Lauderdale", "type": "city", "country": "United States", "notes": "Embarkation port for the Celebrity Eclipse" }, { "name": "George Town", "type": "city", "country": "Cayman Islands", "notes": "Tendered port stop on Grand Cayman" }, { "name": "Oranjestad", "type": "city", "country": "Aruba", "notes": "First of the ABC Islands" }, { "name": "Willemstad", "type": "city", "country": "Curaçao", "notes": "Capital city, second of the ABC Islands" }, { "name": "Kralendijk", "type": "town", "country": "Bonaire", "notes": "Last of the ABC Islands" }, { "name": "San Juan", "type": "city", "country": "Puerto Rico (United States)", "notes": "Port stop in Puerto Rico" }, { "name": "Puerto Plata", "type": "city", "country": "Dominican Republic", "notes": "Last port stop of the cruise" } ], "countries_visited": [ "United States", "Cayman Islands", "Aruba", "Curaçao", "Bonaire", "Dominican Republic" ], "companions": [ "wife", "son", "daughter" ] }, { "title": "Planning For Solo Travel", "date": "2025-01-18", "subtitle": "Striking the balance between too little and too much", "categories": "travel", "tags": [ "solotravel" ], "rollup_key": null, "day_type": "planning", "trip_type": "solo", "notable_mentions": [ "ChatGPT for building a skeleton itinerary", "booking.com for lodging research", "Swiss Half Fare Card" ] }, { "title": "Quick review of the Omni Amelia Island", "date": "2025-03-31", "subtitle": null, "categories": "travel florida hotels reviews", "tags": [ "florida", "disney" ], "rollup_key": "2025springbreak", "locations": [ { "name": "Amelia Island", "type": "island", "country": "United States", "notes": "First stop of a nine-day drive from the Raleigh-Durham area to Walt Disney World; three-night stay at the Omni Amelia Island Resort" } ], "days_at_location": { "Amelia Island": 4 }, "hotels": [ { "name": "Omni Amelia Island Resort", "location": "Amelia Island, Florida", "nights": 3, "room_type": "Deluxe Oceanfront Room with 2 Queen Beds", "room_number": 441, "rating": 3, "notes": "Deferred maintenance issues, humid room, but nice grounds and pool area" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "car", "from": "Raleigh-Durham, NC", "to": "Amelia Island, FL", "notes": "First stop on nine-day vacation to Walt Disney World" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "dining", "description": "Meals at Marché Burette and Falcon's Nest restaurants", "location": "Omni Amelia Island Resort" }, { "type": "relaxation", "description": "Pool and fire pit lounging", "location": "Omni Amelia Island Resort" } ] }, { "title": "Norway and Denmark Day 1", "date": "2025-05-08", "subtitle": "24 hours of travel begins", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "may2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025norway", "trip_day": 1, "location_start": "Holly Springs, NC", "location_end": "Over the North Atlantic", "locations_visited": [ "Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU)", "Baltimore-Washington Airport (BWI)" ], "transport": [ { "type": "air", "route": "RDU to BWI", "carrier": "Southwest Airlines" }, { "type": "air", "route": "BWI to Keflavik (KEF)", "carrier": "Icelandair", "notes": "Overnight flight, 6 hours" } ], "activities": [ "Navigating baggage tag confusion at Southwest check-in", "Seven hour layover at BWI", "Lunch at BWI Concourse A", "Overnight flight to Iceland" ], "dining": [ { "location": "BWI Concourse A", "type": "Japanese", "dish": "Sushi bento box" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "First traveler to test new Southwest/Icelandair baggage partnership", "Uncertainty about whether bag would transfer properly to Icelandair" ], "weather": "Clear for departure" }, { "title": "Norway and Denmark Day 2", "date": "2025-05-09", "subtitle": "24 hours of travel concludes, strolling around Bergen", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "may2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025norway", "trip_day": 2, "location_start": "Over the North Atlantic", "location_end": "Bergen, Norway", "locations_visited": [ "Keflavik Airport (KEF), Iceland", "Bergen Airport (BGO), Norway", "Downtown Bergen", "Fløyen Mountain" ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel Park", "location": "Bergen, Norway", "type": "budget hotel", "notes": "Small but serviceable room, early check-in allowed", "amenities": [ "WiFi", "Private bathroom" ] }, "transport": [ { "type": "air", "route": "KEF to Bergen (BGO)", "carrier": "Icelandair" }, { "type": "light_rail", "route": "Bergen Airport to Nonneseter station", "notes": "45 minute ride" }, { "type": "funicular", "route": "Downtown Bergen to Fløyen summit", "notes": "Fløibanen funicular, ~$7.50" } ], "activities": [ "Passport control and baggage claim at Keflavik", "Four hour layover in Iceland with wild weather", "Arrival in Bergen and early hotel check-in", "Riding Fløibanen funicular to Fløyen summit", "Hiking down Fløyen mountain (~300m descent)" ], "dining": [ { "location": "Icelandair flight", "type": "airline meal", "dish": "Sliced chicken and melted cheese" }, { "location": "Near Hotel Park, Bergen", "type": "Thai", "dish": "Thin-noodle pad thai" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Wild Iceland weather alternating between snow and sun", "Successfully reunited with luggage in Bergen", "First views of Bergen from Fløyen summit", "Challenging downhill hike with jelly legs" ], "weather": "Wild in Iceland (snow/sun alternating), clear in Bergen" }, { "title": "Norway and Denmark Day 3", "date": "2025-05-10", "subtitle": "Full day in Bergen Norway", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "may2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025norway", "trip_day": 3, "location_start": "Bergen, Norway", "location_end": "Bergen, Norway", "locations_visited": [ "Downtown Bergen", "Bryggens Museum", "Bergen Harbor/Waterfront", "Bryggen (historic wharf district)", "Bergen Train Station" ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel Park", "location": "Bergen, Norway", "type": "budget hotel" }, "activities": [ "Walking tour of medieval Bergen with Bryggens Museum", "Exploring Bryggen UNESCO World Heritage wharf", "Learning about Bergen's fire history", "Visiting historic church and timber buildings", "People-watching at harbor fish market" ], "dining": [ { "location": "Bergen Harbor fish market", "type": "seafood", "dish": "Fresh salmon sandwich" }, { "location": "Bergen Train Station", "type": "Japanese", "dish": "Bento box with sashimi, sushi, tempura, and grilled meat" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Small tour group of only 6 people including blind Norwegian couple", "Fascinating history of Bergen fires and reconstruction", "Walking through narrow Bryggen alleyways", "Discovering expensive sunscreen prices (~$40 USD)" ], "weather": "Clear and sunny, blue sky" }, { "title": "Norway and Denmark Day 4", "date": "2025-05-11", "subtitle": "Bergen to Balestrand", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "may2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025norway", "trip_day": 4, "location_start": "Bergen, Norway", "location_end": "Balestrand, Norway", "locations_visited": [ "Bergen Ferry Terminal", "Sognefjord (via express ferry)", "Balestrand", "St. Olaf's Church" ], "accommodation": { "name": "Kviknes Hotel", "location": "Balestrand, Norway", "type": "historic hotel", "notes": "Modern wing (1960s) with balcony room, early check-in allowed", "amenities": [ "Balcony with fjord view", "WiFi", "Bar/restaurant" ] }, "transport": [ { "type": "rideshare", "route": "Hotel Park to Bergen Ferry Terminal", "carrier": "Uber", "notes": "1.3km, expensive ~$17 minimum fare" }, { "type": "ferry", "route": "Bergen to Balestrand via Sognefjord", "carrier": "Norled Express Ferry", "duration": "~4 hours", "cost": "~$100 USD", "notes": "High-speed ferry at 37mph through fjords, absolutely stunning" } ], "activities": [ "Express ferry journey through Sognefjord", "Early check-in at Kviknes Hotel", "Visiting St. Olaf's Church (inspiration for Frozen's chapel)", "Solo time in historic church", "Late evening walk around Balestrand", "Moonrise photography over fjord" ], "dining": [ { "location": "Pearl by Harbor", "type": "Norwegian", "dish": "Grilled salmon with teriyaki sauce, mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables" }, { "location": "Baalee Restaurant", "type": "Italian", "dish": "Shrimp scampi pasta" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Incredible express ferry ride through fjords - \"best $100 ever spent\"", "Nearly missing ferry stop due to slow passenger", "Peaceful solitude at St. Olaf's Church", "Seagulls that never sleep", "Moon over mountains photography frustration" ], "weather": "Clear and comfortable (high 50s F), beautiful fjord views" }, { "title": "VIDEO Bergen to Balestrand ferry", "date": "2025-05-11", "subtitle": "Where I also learn how to kind of edit videos", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "may2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025norway", "day_type": "video", "location_start": "Bergen, Norway", "location_end": "Balestrand, Norway", "locations_visited": [ "Bergen, Norway", "Sognefjord", "Balestrand, Norway" ], "transport": [ { "type": "ferry", "route": "Bergen to Balestrand via Sognefjord", "carrier": "Norled Express Ferry" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Filming the express ferry voyage from Bergen to Balestrand", "Teaching myself video editing techniques in DaVinci Resolve" ] }, { "title": "Norway and Denmark Day 5", "date": "2025-05-12", "subtitle": "Balestrand hike", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "may2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025norway", "trip_day": 5, "location_start": "Balestrand, Norway", "location_end": "Balestrand, Norway", "locations_visited": [ "Balestrand town", "Balestrand Forest Trail (Skogstur)", "Sandsstølen viewpoint", "Balabu day-trip cabin", "Sognefjord overlook" ], "accommodation": { "name": "Kviknes Hotel", "location": "Balestrand, Norway", "type": "historic hotel", "notes": "CPAP power issues during night" }, "activities": [ "Shopping for breakfast and water at Coop grocery", "Balestrand Forest Hike - 5.2 miles, 1700ft elevation gain", "Hiking clockwise loop starting from hotel", "Challenging second quarter with steep sections and roots", "Reaching scenic overlooks and viewpoints", "Visiting Balabu Dagsturhytta (day-trip cabin)", "Planning next day's complex ferry/bus route" ], "dining": [ { "location": "Coop grocery store", "type": "bakery", "dish": "Pastry for breakfast" }, { "location": "Pearl by Harbor", "type": "Norwegian", "dish": "Salmon and mashed potatoes (repeat meal)" }, { "location": "Kviknes Hotel bar", "type": "European", "dish": "Lobster bisque" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "CPAP machine power plug issues causing broken sleep", "Accidentally buying carbonated water for hike", "Testing new Gregory Miko 20 daypack from REI", "Only encountering one hiker on first half, many on second half", "Discovering better in-and-out route would be preferable", "Complex travel planning between Norled, Vy, and Skyss services", "Evening attempt to get Bergen soup at Baalee (not available)" ], "weather": "Clear skies, comfortable hiking conditions" }, { "title": "Norway and Denmark Day 6", "date": "2025-05-13", "subtitle": "Balestrand to Voss", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "may2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025norway", "trip_day": 6, "location_start": "Balestrand, Norway", "location_end": "Voss, Norway", "locations_visited": [ "Balestrand ferry terminal", "Vik", "Vangsnes (unplanned fjord tour)", "Voss town center" ], "accommodation": { "name": "Scandic Voss", "location": "Voss, Norway", "type": "chain hotel", "notes": "Early check-in at 10:45am for $20, air-conditioned room", "amenities": [ "Air conditioning", "WiFi", "Lake view" ] }, "transport": [ { "type": "ferry", "route": "Balestrand to Vik", "carrier": "Norled Express Ferry", "duration": "20 minutes", "departure": "7:50am" }, { "type": "bus", "route": "Vik to Voss via Vangsnes", "carrier": "Skyss bus 810", "duration": "~90 minutes", "cost": "~$16 USD", "notes": "Arrived 30 mins early, got bonus fjord tour to Vangsnes" } ], "activities": [ "Express ferry from Balestrand to Vik", "Unplanned bonus tour to Vangsnes car ferry terminus", "Bus journey through winter wonderland landscape", "Exploring downtown Voss", "Evening walk around town", "Visiting Voss cemetery" ], "dining": [ { "location": "Gas station across from Scandic Voss", "type": "convenience", "dish": "Mediocre tomato-basil-mozzarella sandwich" }, { "location": "Vossa Sushi", "type": "Japanese", "dish": "Nigiri (skipped expensive appetizers)" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Second night of broken sleep due to loud seagulls", "Bus arriving 30 minutes early at Vik", "Getting free bonus fjord tour on bus to Vangsnes", "Winter landscape midway through bus journey (unexpected snow)", "Pricing quirks at sushi restaurant (expensive starters, cheap nigiri)", "No seagulls at Voss hotel!" ], "weather": "Overcast and gray initially, sunny in evening" }, { "title": "Norway and Denmark Day 7", "date": "2025-05-14", "subtitle": "Sightseeing around Voss", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "may2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025norway", "trip_day": 7, "location_start": "Voss, Norway", "location_end": "Voss, Norway", "locations_visited": [ "Voss gondola (Hangurstoppen)", "Mountain summit at 1295m above sea level", "Bordalsgjelet Gorge", "Downtown Voss" ], "accommodation": { "name": "Scandic Voss", "location": "Voss, Norway", "type": "chain hotel" }, "transport": [ { "type": "gondola", "route": "Voss town to Hangurstoppen summit", "cost": "~$18 each way" } ], "activities": [ "Gondola ride to mountain summit (1295m elevation)", "Attempting panoramic trail at summit (gave up 1/4 way in)", "Enjoying views from summit swing", "3-mile Bordalsgjelet Gorge hike", "Covered bridge crossing over Vosso river", "Rocky gorge trail with handrails", "Reading Kindle on hotel sun deck" ], "dining": [ { "location": "Hangurstoppen Restaurant (summit)", "type": "Norwegian", "dish": "Shrimp salad (limited menu, no grilling/frying)", "notes": "Expected burger, got shrimp salad instead but it was tasty" }, { "location": "Vossevangen Grill", "type": "Steakhouse", "dish": "Tenderloin (rare instead of medium-rare), asparagus, broccoli, mushrooms, au gratin potatoes" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "First great night sleep with air conditioning and no seagulls", "Limited restaurant menu at summit (no burger available)", "Beautiful 55F sunny weather perfect for hiking", "Wet slanted rocks in gorge requiring careful footing", "Afternoon reading in the sun", "Memorable au gratin potato dish to recreate at home", "Lost Kindle somewhere in Norway (last photo shows it)" ], "weather": "Beautiful sunny day, high 50s F, perfect for outdoor activities" }, { "title": "Norway and Denmark Day 8", "date": "2025-05-15", "subtitle": "Train from Voss to Oslo", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "may2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025norway", "trip_day": 8, "location_start": "Voss, Norway", "location_end": "Oslo, Norway", "locations_visited": [ "Voss train station", "Bergensbanen railway route", "Oslo Central Station (Oslo S)", "Oslo Opera House", "Downtown Oslo" ], "accommodation": { "name": "Clarion Hotel Oslo", "location": "Oslo, Norway", "type": "upscale chain hotel", "notes": "Near Oslo Central Station, excessive number of pillows", "amenities": [ "WiFi", "Modern minimalist design", "Desk area", "Many decorative pillows" ] }, "transport": [ { "type": "train", "route": "Voss to Oslo", "service": "Bergensbanen (Bergen Line)", "carrier": "Vy", "duration": "6+ hours (1:03pm to 7:20pm)", "notes": "Right-side seat pre-booked for best views, arrived late" } ], "activities": [ "75 minutes waiting on sunny train platform", "6+ hour scenic train journey through varied Norwegian landscape", "Evening walk around downtown Oslo", "Visiting Oslo Opera House at dusk", "Walking on Opera House marble roof", "Photography session at twilight" ], "dining": [ { "location": "Train dining car", "type": "Norwegian", "dish": "Meatballs with mashed potatoes and gravy" }, { "location": "El Camino (near hotel)", "type": "Mexican", "dish": "Burrito bowl" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Discovering scraped knee while boarding train", "Varied biomes along train route (rivers, snow, forests)", "Train motion sickness by 5pm from constant curves", "Too many pillows in hotel room (humorous)", "Stunning Oslo Opera House architecture at dusk", "Walking on Opera House sloped marble roof", "Ferris wheel lit up in evening" ], "weather": "Sunny and high 50s in Voss, clear evening in Oslo" }, { "title": "Norway and Denmark Day 9", "date": "2025-05-16", "subtitle": "Oslo and the ferry", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "may2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025norway", "trip_day": 9, "location_start": "Oslo, Norway", "location_end": "DFDS Nordic Crown ferry (Oslo to Copenhagen)", "locations_visited": [ "Vigeland Park", "Royal Palace (Oslo)", "Downtown Oslo malls", "Oslo ferry terminal" ], "accommodation": { "name": "DFDS Nordic Crown - Outside Stateroom", "location": "Ferry between Oslo and Copenhagen", "type": "ferry cabin", "notes": "Small cabin with window, 4 beds total, towels hidden under bed", "amenities": [ "Window", "4 bunks", "Private bathroom" ] }, "transport": [ { "type": "light_rail", "route": "Oslo S to Vigeland Park", "carrier": "Ruter (tram 15)", "duration": "~20 minutes" }, { "type": "ferry", "route": "Oslo to Copenhagen", "carrier": "DFDS Nordic Crown", "boarding": "2:30pm", "notes": "Overnight ferry, outside stateroom with window" } ], "activities": [ "Visiting Vigeland Park sculpture garden (200+ sculptures)", "Cafe breakfast at historic manor", "Walking to Royal Palace", "Exploring downtown Oslo malls", "Walking to ferry terminal (25 minutes)", "Exploring ship during daylight", "Watching Norwegian fjords from deck" ], "dining": [ { "location": "Vigeland Park cafe", "type": "Cafe", "dish": "Chocolate croissant and Americano (average quality)" }, { "location": "Mall near Oslo S", "type": "Japanese", "dish": "Sushi-to-go (best ever encountered)" }, { "location": "DFDS Nordic Crown buffet", "type": "Buffet", "dish": "Various items", "cost": "~299 DKK (~$45 USD)" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Constitution Day preparations at Royal Palace (May 17th)", "Tour groups from MSC cruise ship at Vigeland Park", "Phenomenal mall sushi", "Easy 25-minute walk to ferry terminal (not industrial)", "Shower without towel (dried with LinkedIn sweatshirt)", "Finding towels hidden under pull-down bed", "Realizing Kindle was lost at Oslo hotel" ], "weather": "Bright, warm, beautiful day" }, { "title": "Norway and Denmark Day 10", "date": "2025-05-17", "subtitle": "Arrival in Copenhagen", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "may2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025norway", "trip_day": 10, "location_start": "DFDS Nordic Crown ferry", "location_end": "Copenhagen, Denmark", "locations_visited": [ "Copenhagen ferry terminal", "Elgiganten electronics store", "Downtown Copenhagen", "Tivoli Gardens amusement park" ], "accommodation": { "name": "Copenhagen Strand", "location": "Copenhagen, Denmark", "type": "boutique hotel", "notes": "No early check-in available, stored luggage", "amenities": [ "WiFi", "Minimalist Scandinavian design", "City view" ] }, "transport": [ { "type": "metro", "route": "Ferry terminal to hotel area", "carrier": "Copenhagen Metro/S-train", "notes": "Confusion between Metro and S-train systems, eventual success" } ], "activities": [ "Navigating Copenhagen public transit systems", "Failed quest to replace lost Kindle at Elgiganten", "Walking and people-watching around Copenhagen", "Evening visit to Tivoli Gardens amusement park", "Exploring historic amusement park (opened 1843)" ], "dining": [ { "location": "Thai restaurant near hotel", "type": "Thai", "dish": "Pad Thai", "cost": "Charged $4+ for tap water, inappropriate", "notes": "Negative experience with presumptuous USD currency selection" }, { "location": "Pakistani restaurant", "type": "Pakistani", "dish": "Excellent meal", "notes": "70 meters from hotel" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Confusion navigating Metro vs S-train systems", "No Kindles in stock anywhere in Copenhagen", "Negative restaurant experience (tap water charge, forced USD)", "Saturday people-watching in beautiful weather", "Tivoli Gardens at night - \"amusement parks are better at night\"", "Comparing Tivoli to Disney parks (perfect size, city oasis)", "Missed visiting in 2000 due to colleagues preferring Hard Rock Cafe", "Strong Copenhagen cycling culture" ], "weather": "Great weather, perfect for walking and people-watching" }, { "title": "Norway and Denmark Day 11", "date": "2025-05-18", "subtitle": "The travel wall", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "may2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025norway", "trip_day": 11, "location_start": "Copenhagen, Denmark", "location_end": "Copenhagen, Denmark", "locations_visited": [ "Copenhagen streets" ], "accommodation": { "name": "Copenhagen Strand", "location": "Copenhagen, Denmark", "type": "boutique hotel" }, "activities": [ "Limited walking around Copenhagen", "Dealing with travel fatigue" ], "dining": [ { "location": "Thai restaurant", "type": "Thai", "dish": "Giant Pad Thai and pseudo-Diet Coke" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Hitting the travel wall - tired of solo travel", "Poor sleep", "Rainy and gray weather matching mood", "Ready to be home", "Minimal activities due to exhaustion" ], "weather": "Rainy and gray" }, { "title": "Norway and Denmark Day 12", "date": "2025-05-19", "subtitle": "Copenhagen to RDU", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "may2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025norway", "trip_day": 12, "location_start": "Copenhagen, Denmark", "location_end": "Holly Springs, NC", "locations_visited": [ "Copenhagen city center", "Kongens Nytorv metro station", "Copenhagen Airport (CPH)", "Keflavik Airport (KEF), Iceland", "Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU)" ], "accommodation": { "name": "Home", "location": "Holly Springs, NC" }, "transport": [ { "type": "metro", "route": "Hotel to Copenhagen Airport", "carrier": "Copenhagen Metro" }, { "type": "air", "route": "Copenhagen (CPH) to Keflavik (KEF)", "carrier": "Icelandair", "departure": "2pm" }, { "type": "air", "route": "Keflavik (KEF) to Raleigh-Durham (RDU)", "carrier": "Icelandair", "duration": "7 hours" }, { "type": "rideshare", "route": "RDU to Holly Springs", "carrier": "Uber" } ], "activities": [ "Late morning leisure at hotel", "Metro ride to airport", "Lunch at Copenhagen Airport", "Flights via Iceland back to North Carolina", "Aerial photography of Greenland", "Viewing Blue Lagoon from airplane" ], "dining": [ { "location": "Copenhagen Airport", "type": "Airport dining", "dish": "Light lunch" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Heaven is a flight that doesn't leave at 6am", "Clean and nice (but confusing) Copenhagen Airport", "Familiar Keflavik Airport experience", "Clear weather allowing Greenland aerial photography", "7 hour transatlantic flight", "Successfully completing 11-night solo Norway/Denmark trip" ], "weather": "Clear and sunny in Copenhagen, clear skies over Greenland" }, { "title": "Norway and Denmark in 2025", "date": "2025-07-03", "subtitle": "Exploring Bergen, Balestrand, Voss, Oslo, and Copenhagen", "categories": "travel rollup", "tags": null, "rollup_key": null, "trip_type": "rollup", "trip_duration": "May 8-19, 2025", "trip_duration_days": 12, "locations_visited": [ "Bergen, Norway", "Balestrand, Norway", "Voss, Norway", "Oslo, Norway", "Copenhagen, Denmark" ], "countries_visited": [ "Norway", "Denmark" ], "transport": [ "transatlantic flights", "DFDS Nordic Crown ferry (Oslo to Copenhagen)" ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 1", "date": "2025-07-29", "subtitle": "RDU to Zurich", "categories": "travel norway denmark", "tags": [ "july2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "trip_stage": "outbound", "trip_type": "transatlantic", "trip_duration_days": 1, "locations": [ "Holly Springs, NC", "Durham, NC", "Raleigh-Durham International Airport", "JFK Airport", "Zurich" ], "countries_visited": [ "United States" ], "flights": [ { "carrier": "Delta", "route": "RDU → JFK → ZRH", "departure_time": "2025-07-29T20:30:00", "layover_airport": "JFK", "layover_duration": "4.5 hours" } ], "activities": [ "citizenship_ceremony", "airport_transit", "overnight_flight" ], "travelers": [ "son (age 15)" ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 2", "date": "2025-07-30", "subtitle": "Planes and trains", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "july2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "locations": [ { "name": "Zurich Airport", "type": "airport", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Zurich Hauptbahnhof", "type": "train_station", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Bern", "type": "train_station", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Interlaken Ost", "type": "train_station", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Lauterbrunnen", "type": "train_station", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Wengen", "type": "town", "country": "Switzerland" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Hotel Bären", "location": "Wengen", "url": "https://www.baeren-wengen.ch/en/" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Restaurant Pasta & More", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Wengen", "url": "https://wengen.swiss/en/map/detail/restaurant-pasta-amp-more-6fa4d8f3-79b8-47cf-b99a-ed74ffa821f1.html" }, { "name": "Hotel Falken", "type": "hotel", "location": "Wengen", "url": "https://wengen.swiss/en/map/detail/hotel-falken-2ffd6a5a-c2a3-4f2a-8dbc-e31b340b16d9.html" }, { "name": "Coop", "type": "grocery", "location": "Wengen" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "flight", "arrival_time": "10:30", "destination": "Zurich Airport" }, { "type": "train", "route": "Zurich Airport → Zurich Hauptbahnhof → Bern → Interlaken Ost → Lauterbrunnen → Wengen", "arrival_time": "15:00" } ], "activities": [ "Customs and Immigration", "Train connections through Switzerland", "Walking tour of Wengen", "Dinner with friends" ], "companions": [ "Joshua Levens", "Max", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 3", "date": "2025-07-31", "subtitle": "Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, and the panorama walk", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "july2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "locations": [ { "name": "Wengen", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Männlichen", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Kleine Scheidegg", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Lauterbrunnen", "country": "Switzerland" } ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel Bären", "location": "Wengen, Switzerland", "nights": 1 }, "transport": [ { "type": "gondola", "route": "Wengen to Männlichen" }, { "type": "train", "route": "Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen" }, { "type": "train", "route": "Wengen to Lauterbrunnen" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "hiking", "name": "Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg panorama walk", "location": "Männlichen-Kleine Scheidegg" }, { "type": "hiking", "name": "Royal Walk to the Crown", "location": "Männlichen" }, { "type": "sightseeing", "name": "Staubbach Falls", "location": "Lauterbrunnen" } ], "dining": [ { "name": "The Deck", "location": "Wengen", "type": "restaurant", "cuisine": "Swiss", "url": "https://jungfraublick.com/restaurant/?lang=en" } ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 4", "date": "2025-08-01", "subtitle": "Wengen to Zermatt", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "august2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "locations": [ { "name": "Wengen", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Lauterbrunnen", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Interlaken Ost", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Visp", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Zermatt", "country": "Switzerland" } ], "accommodation": [ { "name": "Hotel Bären", "location": "Wengen, Switzerland", "nights": 0, "checkin": false, "checkout": true }, { "name": "Hotel Albatros", "location": "Zermatt, Switzerland", "nights": 1, "checkin": true, "checkout": false } ], "transport": [ { "type": "train", "route": "Wengen to Lauterbrunnen", "duration": "~15min" }, { "type": "train", "route": "Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken Ost", "duration": "~20min" }, { "type": "train", "route": "Interlaken Ost to Visp", "duration": "~1hr" }, { "type": "train", "route": "Visp to Zermatt", "duration": "~1hr" }, { "type": "walking", "description": "Train station to Hotel Albatros", "duration": "15-20min" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "cultural", "name": "Swiss National Day celebrations", "location": "Zermatt", "date": "2025-08-01" }, { "type": "entertainment", "name": "Live music concert", "location": "Zermatt" }, { "type": "sightseeing", "name": "Photo walk", "location": "Zermatt" } ], "dining": [ { "name": "Restaurant Pinte", "location": "Zermatt", "type": "restaurant", "cuisine": "Swiss", "url": "https://www.hotelpollux.ch/en/gastronomy/pinte" } ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 5", "date": "2025-08-02", "subtitle": "Hikes, bikes, and carts in Zermatt", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "august2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "location": { "name": "Zermatt, Switzerland", "latitude": 46.0207, "longitude": 7.7491 }, "locations": [ { "name": "Zermatt", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Gorner Gorge", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Sunnegga", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Blauherd", "country": "Switzerland" } ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel Albatros", "location": "Zermatt, Switzerland", "nights": 1 }, "transport": [ { "type": "funicular", "route": "Zermatt to Sunnegga", "url": "https://www.matterhornparadise.ch/en/book/tickets/sunnegga" }, { "type": "gondola", "route": "Sunnegga to Blauherd" }, { "type": "mountaincart", "route": "Blauherd to Sunnegga" }, { "type": "kickbike", "route": "Sunnegga to Zermatt" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "hiking", "name": "Gorner Gorge hike", "location": "Gorner Gorge", "url": "https://zermatt.swiss/en/p/gorner-gorge-01tVj000005DonMIAS" }, { "type": "adventure", "name": "Mountaincart ride", "location": "Blauherd to Sunnegga", "duration": "~20min" }, { "type": "adventure", "name": "Kickbike ride", "location": "Sunnegga to Zermatt" } ], "dining": [ { "name": "Buffet Bar Sunnegga", "location": "Sunnegga", "type": "restaurant", "cuisine": "Swiss", "url": "https://zermatt.swiss/en/p/buffet-bar-sunnegga-01tVj000005DoQjIAK", "dish": "Bratwurst mit Rösti und Zwiebelsauce" }, { "name": "Restaurant Chalet Reid", "location": "Near Zermatt", "type": "restaurant", "url": "https://zermatt.swiss/en/p/restaurant-chalet-ried-01tVj000005DiWgIAK" }, { "name": "North Wall Bar", "location": "Zermatt", "type": "restaurant", "cuisine": "Pizza", "url": "https://zermatt.swiss/en/p/north-wall-bar-01tVj000005DjnkIAC" } ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 6", "date": "2025-08-03", "subtitle": "Up to Gornergrat and its Matterhorn views above Zermatt", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "august2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "locations": [ { "name": "Zermatt", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Gornergrat", "country": "Switzerland", "elevation": "10000ft" } ], "accommodation": { "name": "Hotel Albatros", "location": "Zermatt, Switzerland", "nights": 1 }, "transport": [ { "type": "train", "route": "Zermatt to Gornergrat", "operator": "Gornergrat railway", "notes": "Use Swiss Half Fare card for discount" }, { "type": "train", "route": "Gornergrat to Zermatt" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "sightseeing", "name": "Gornergrat visit", "location": "Gornergrat", "url": "https://zermatt.swiss/en/p/riffelalp-trail-nr-20-01tVj000005EwXaIAK" }, { "type": "relaxation", "name": "Lazy morning", "location": "Hotel Albatros" } ], "dining": [ { "name": "McDonald's", "location": "Zermatt", "type": "fast-food", "notes": "Near train station" } ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 7", "date": "2025-08-04", "subtitle": "A brief overnight in Appenzell", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "august2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "locations": [ { "name": "Zermatt", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Appenzell", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Wasserauen", "country": "Switzerland", "notes": "Nearby destination mentioned for future visit" } ], "accommodation": [ { "name": "Hotel Albatros", "location": "Zermatt, Switzerland", "nights": 0, "checkin": false, "checkout": true }, { "name": "Adler Hotel", "location": "Appenzell, Switzerland", "nights": 1, "checkin": true, "checkout": false, "url": "https://www.adlerhotel.ch/en/home/", "notes": "Hotel restaurant closed during stay" } ], "points_of_interest": [ { "name": "Aescher Inn", "location": "Near Wasserauen", "type": "hotel-restaurant", "url": "https://aescher.ch/en/", "notes": "Cliff-side hotel for future consideration" }, { "name": "Ebenalp", "location": "Near Wasserauen", "type": "attraction", "url": "https://www.ebenalp.ch/en/welcome", "notes": "Cable car destination from Wasserauen (~17min from Appenzell)" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "train", "route": "Zermatt to Appenzell", "departure": "8:37am", "duration": "~5.5hrs", "notes": "Multiple transfers required" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "sightseeing", "name": "Walking tour of Appenzell town center", "location": "Appenzell" }, { "type": "shopping", "name": "Supermarket provisions", "location": "Appenzell" } ], "dining": [ { "name": "Café-Hotel Appenzell", "location": "Appenzell", "type": "restaurant", "cuisine": "Swiss", "url": "https://www.hotel-appenzell.ch/en/home.html", "dish": "Weinerschnitzel and fries" } ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 8", "date": "2025-08-05", "subtitle": "Füssen - a fairytale castle and less-than-fairytail transit", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "august2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "locations": [ { "name": "Appenzell", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "St. Gallen", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "St. Margrethen SG", "country": "Switzerland" }, { "name": "Bregenz", "country": "Austria", "notes": "First visit to Austria" }, { "name": "Buchloe", "country": "Germany" }, { "name": "Füssen", "country": "Germany" }, { "name": "Schwangau", "country": "Germany" }, { "name": "Neuschwanstein Castle", "country": "Germany" } ], "accommodation": [ { "name": "Adler Hotel", "location": "Appenzell, Switzerland", "nights": 0, "checkin": false, "checkout": true }, { "name": "Best Western Plus Hotel Füssen", "location": "Füssen, Germany", "nights": 1, "checkin": true, "checkout": false, "url": "https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotels-in-fuessen/best-western-plus-hotel-fuessen/propertyCode.95509.html", "notes": "15 minute walk from train station" } ], "points_of_interest": [ { "name": "Bregenz Festspielhaus", "location": "Bregenz, Austria", "type": "cultural-venue" }, { "name": "Lake Constance", "location": "Bregenz, Austria", "type": "natural-attraction" }, { "name": "Hohenschwangau Castle", "location": "Schwangau, Germany", "type": "castle", "url": "https://www.fuessen.de/en/culture/castles-museums/", "notes": "Royal castle near Neuschwanstein" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "train", "route": "Appenzell to St. Gallen", "operator": "SBB" }, { "type": "train", "route": "St. Gallen to St. Margrethen SG", "operator": "SBB" }, { "type": "train", "route": "St. Margrethen to Bregenz", "departure": "12:25pm", "operator": "ÖBB", "notes": "Seat reservations required" }, { "type": "train", "route": "Bregenz to Buchloe" }, { "type": "bus-train", "route": "Buchloe to Füssen", "operator": "DeutscheBahn", "notes": "Gas-powered vehicle on train tracks, limited luggage space" }, { "type": "walking", "route": "Füssen Bahnhof to Best Western Plus", "duration": "15min" }, { "type": "bus", "route": "Füssen to Schwangau/Neuschwanstein", "frequency": "Every 30 minutes", "notes": "Signage and schedules could be improved" }, { "type": "walking", "route": "Parking area to Neuschwanstein Castle", "duration": "~20min", "distance": "~1 mile", "elevation_gain": "500ft" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "sightseeing", "name": "Lake Constance visit", "location": "Bregenz, Austria" }, { "type": "cultural", "name": "Neuschwanstein Castle guided tour", "location": "Neuschwanstein Castle", "time": "5:50pm", "url": "https://www.fuessen.de/en/culture/castles-museums/", "notes": "No photography allowed inside, tickets must be purchased in advance" }, { "type": "hiking", "name": "Walk up to Neuschwanstein", "location": "Neuschwanstein Castle", "distance": "~1 mile", "elevation_gain": "500ft" } ], "dining": [ { "name": "Best Western Plus Restaurant", "location": "Füssen", "type": "hotel-restaurant" } ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 9", "date": "2025-08-06", "subtitle": "Scenic journey to Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "august2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "locations": [ { "name": "Füssen", "country": "Germany" }, { "name": "Pflach", "country": "Austria" }, { "name": "Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "country": "Germany", "region": "Bavaria" } ], "accommodation": [ { "name": "Best Western Plus Hotel Füssen", "location": "Füssen, Germany", "nights": 0, "checkin": false, "checkout": true }, { "name": "Hyperion Hotel Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "location": "Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, Germany", "nights": 2, "checkin": true, "checkout": false, "url": "https://www.h-hotels.com/en/hyperion/hotels/hyperion-hotel-garmisch-partenkirchen", "notes": "Great balcony, spacious room, residential neighborhood near stores and restaurants" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "bus", "route": "Füssen to Pflach", "operator": "Bus 100", "duration": "~25min", "notes": "Fast-paced mountain driving, alternative to direct bus 9606" }, { "type": "walking", "route": "Pflach bus stop to train station", "duration": "3-4min" }, { "type": "train", "route": "Pflach to Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "operator": "S7", "duration": "1h 15m", "notes": "Very scenic mountain route" }, { "type": "walking", "route": "Garmisch station to Hyperion Hotel", "notes": "Long but flat walk" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "sightseeing", "name": "Scenic train ride", "location": "Pflach to Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "duration": "1h 15m", "notes": "One of the most beautiful train rides, comparable to Goldenpass Express" }, { "type": "sightseeing", "name": "Exploring Garmisch town center", "location": "Garmisch-Partenkirchen" } ], "dining": [ { "name": "Bungalow 7", "location": "Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "type": "restaurant", "url": "https://www.bungalow-7.de/en/", "dish": "Fish & chips", "notes": "Popular with Rowan, returned next day" } ], "cultural_references": [ { "name": "Duel (1971)", "type": "film", "director": "Steven Spielberg", "url": "https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067023/", "notes": "Referenced by fellow traveler comparing bus ride" } ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 10", "date": "2025-08-07", "subtitle": "Around Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "august2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "trip_day": 10, "day_type": "leisure", "location": "Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany", "locations": [ { "name": "Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "country": "Germany", "region": "Bavaria" } ], "hotels": [ { "name": "Hyperion Hotel Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "type": "accommodation" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "L'Osteria Garmisch Marienplatz", "type": "restaurant", "meal": "lunch", "cuisine": "Italian", "url": "https://losteria.net/de-en/restaurants/restaurant/garmisch-marienplatz/" }, { "name": "Bungalow 7", "type": "restaurant", "meal": "dinner", "url": "https://www.bungalow-7.de/en/" }, { "name": "Lidl", "type": "shop" } ], "activities": [ "relaxing on balcony", "shopping for supplies", "researching Munich hotels" ], "travel_companions": [ "Rowan" ], "references": [ { "name": "Mercure Hotel München Altstadt", "type": "future_accommodation", "location": "Munich, Germany", "url": "https://all.accor.com/hotel/3709/index.en.shtml" }, { "name": "Drei Koenige Lucerne", "type": "past_accommodation", "location": "Lucerne, Switzerland", "url": "https://www.drei-koenige.ch/de" } ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 11", "date": "2025-08-08", "subtitle": "Walking around Garmisch", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "august2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "trip_day": 11, "location": { "city": "Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "country": "Germany", "region": "Bavaria" }, "locations": [ { "name": "Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "country": "Germany", "region": "Bavaria" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Riessersee Lake", "type": "natural_attraction", "url": "https://www.outdooractive.com/en/route/hiking-trail/garmisch-partenkirchen/riessersee-circular-trail/42432379/", "notes": "1.2km circular trail, 270ft ascent from town" }, { "name": "Riessersee Hotel", "type": "hotel", "url": "https://www.riessersee-hotel.de/startseite" }, { "name": "Thai Street Food Garmisch", "type": "restaurant", "cuisine": "Thai", "url": "https://thaistreetfood-garmisch.de/speisekarte", "notes": "Takeout pad thai" }, { "name": "Restaurant Zum Lamm", "type": "restaurant", "url": "https://maps.app.goo.gl/uSoT2BBjetbBNvgi9", "notes": "Outdoor dinner, Treasure Chest appetizer plate" } ], "nearby_attractions_mentioned": [ { "name": "Eibsee", "url": "https://www.gapa-tourismus.de/en/Summer/Trips/Attractions/Lake%20Eibsee", "visited": false }, { "name": "Zugspitze", "url": "https://zugspitze.de/en", "visited": false, "notes": "Skipped due to cost and similarity to Gornergrat" } ], "activities": [ "hiking", "walking", "sightseeing", "dining" ], "weather": "Sunny and warm, comfortable on the balcony in shorts by morning", "travel_companions": [ "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 12", "date": "2025-08-09", "subtitle": "To Munich!", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "august2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "locations": [ { "name": "Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "country": "Germany", "type": "departure" }, { "name": "Munich", "country": "Germany", "type": "arrival" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Munich Hauptbahnhof", "type": "transit", "url": "https://www.bahnhof.de/en/muenchen-hbf", "notes": "Bustling station with construction and poor signage" }, { "name": "Marienplatz", "type": "attraction", "attraction": "Neues Rathaus and Rathaus Glockenspiel" }, { "name": "English Garden", "type": "park", "url": "https://www.muenchen.de/en/sights/attractions/english-garden", "attractions": [ "Bavarian State Chancellery", "waterfall swimming area" ] }, { "name": "Kilians Irish Pub", "type": "restaurant", "url": "https://kiliansirishpub.de/", "cuisine": "Irish/Australian", "meal": "dinner", "dish": "fish and chips" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "train", "from": "Garmisch-Partenkirchen", "to": "Munich", "duration": "1.5 hours", "class": "first", "notes": "Train was overcrowded, crew added extra cars causing 10 minute delay" } ], "activities": [ "Walking tour of Munich city center", "Visited Marienplatz and Rathaus Glockenspiel", "Solo exploration of English Garden", "Dinner at Irish pub" ], "notable_mentions": [ "First big city experience for Rowan", "Purchased distilled water for CPAP", "Train delays common in Germany vs Switzerland" ], "travel_companions": [ "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 13", "date": "2025-08-10", "subtitle": "Casual Sunday in Munich", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "august2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "trip_day": 13, "day_type": "leisure", "location": { "city": "Munich", "country": "Germany", "region": "Bavaria" }, "locations": [ { "name": "Munich", "country": "Germany", "region": "Bavaria" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "BMW Welt", "type": "exhibition_center", "url": "https://www.bmw-welt.com/en/index.html", "description": "Combined exhibition, delivery, adventure museum, and event venue" }, { "name": "Olympic Park Munich", "type": "park", "url": "https://www.olympiapark.de/en" }, { "name": "Marienplatz", "type": "public_square", "url": "https://www.munich.travel/en/pois/urban-districts/marienplatz" }, { "name": "Ratskeller Restaurant", "type": "restaurant", "url": "https://www.ratskeller.com/files/downloads/english/restaurant-ratskeller.html", "location": "Neues Rathaus courtyard" }, { "name": "English Garden", "type": "park" } ], "transport": [ "Munich U-Bahn (subway/metro)" ], "activities": [ "Public transit experience (U-Bahn)", "BMW Welt exhibition visit", "Food truck lunch", "Park walking", "Sightseeing in Marienplatz", "Special occasion dinner", "Evening walk in English Garden" ], "notable_events": [ "First experience with Munich's U-Bahn system", "Sunday in Germany (many stores/restaurants closed)", "Special occasion celebration dinner", "Last night in downtown Munich" ], "travel_companions": [ "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 14", "date": "2025-08-11", "subtitle": "To the airport", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "august2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "trip_day": 14, "location": "Munich, Germany", "locations": [ { "name": "Munich", "country": "Germany", "region": "Bavaria", "type": "departure" }, { "name": "Munich Airport", "type": "airport", "code": "MUC", "city": "Munich", "country": "Germany" } ], "days_at_location": 1, "hotels": [ { "name": "Mercure Hotel München Altstadt", "status": "checkout", "location": "Marienplatz, Munich" }, { "name": "Hilton Munich Airport", "status": "checkin", "location": "Munich Airport" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "EAT HAPPY", "type": "restaurant", "cuisine": "sushi", "location": "REWE grocery store, Munich Airport", "cost": "14 EUR" }, { "name": "Mountain Hub Gourmet", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Hilton Munich Airport", "url": "https://gourmet.mountainhub.de/en/" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "S-bahn", "route": "Munich city center to Munich Airport" } ], "activities": [ "Shopping at REWE grocery store", "Finding EAT HAPPY sushi stall", "Walking around Munich Airport", "Dinner at Mountain Hub Gourmet restaurant" ], "travel_companions": [ "Rowan" ], "travel_sentiment": "tired, ready to go home" }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany Day 15", "date": "2025-08-12", "subtitle": "The trip home", "categories": "travel switzerland germany", "tags": [ "august2025" ], "rollup_key": "2025chde", "trip_day": 15, "day_type": "travel_day", "locations": [ { "name": "Munich Airport", "type": "airport", "code": "MUC", "city": "Munich", "country": "Germany" }, { "name": "Detroit Airport", "type": "airport", "code": "DTW", "city": "Detroit", "country": "USA" }, { "name": "Raleigh-Durham International Airport", "type": "airport", "code": "RDU", "city": "Raleigh-Durham", "country": "USA" }, { "name": "Holly Springs", "type": "city", "state": "NC", "country": "USA" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "flight", "carrier": "Delta", "route": "MUC to DTW", "class": "Delta One", "departure_time": "10:25", "seat": "5A" }, { "type": "flight", "carrier": "Delta", "route": "DTW to RDU" } ], "activities": [ "Checked bags at Munich Airport", "Read Business Punk magazine issue 101", "International flight from Munich to Detroit", "Customs and Immigration in Detroit with Global Entry", "Bag reclaim and recheck in Detroit", "Domestic flight from Detroit to Raleigh-Durham", "Arrival home in Holly Springs" ] }, { "title": "Switzerland and Germany in 2025", "date": "2025-10-15", "subtitle": "A summer 2025 trip to Switzerland and Germany with my 16 year old son", "categories": "travel rollup", "tags": null, "rollup_key": null, "trip_type": "rollup", "trip_duration": "July 29 - August 12, 2025", "trip_duration_days": 15, "locations_visited": [ "Zurich, Switzerland", "Wengen, Switzerland", "Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland", "Zermatt, Switzerland", "Gornergrat, Switzerland", "Appenzell, Switzerland", "Füssen, Germany", "Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany", "Munich, Germany" ], "countries_visited": [ "Switzerland", "Germany" ], "transport": [ "transatlantic flights (Delta)", "Swiss and German trains", "funicular railways", "regional buses" ], "travel_companions": [ "Rowan (16-year-old son)" ] }, { "title": "Some Things About Iceland", "date": "2025-12-11", "subtitle": "Random thoughts in no order", "categories": "iceland travel", "tags": [ "iceland", "travel", "tips" ], "rollup_key": null, "venues": [ { "name": "Keflavík International Airport", "type": "airport", "location": "Keflavík, Iceland", "notes": "Main international airport for Iceland" }, { "name": "Reykjavík Domestic Airport", "type": "airport", "location": "Reykjavík, Iceland", "notes": "Convenient for car rental pickup/dropoff in the city" }, { "name": "Bónus", "type": "grocery_store", "location": "Various locations, Iceland", "notes": "Best value grocery chain" }, { "name": "Nettó", "type": "grocery_store", "location": "Various locations, Iceland", "notes": "Good alternative grocery option with self-checkout" }, { "name": "Heimamenn (Street Food)", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Between Selfoss and Vík, South Iceland", "url": "https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g608876-d12267372-Reviews-Heimamenn-Hvolsvollur_South_Region.html", "notes": "Excellent fish & chips and soup" }, { "name": "Efstidalur II", "type": "farm_restaurant", "location": "Near Reykholt/Gullfoss/Geysir area", "url": "https://efstidalur.is/", "notes": "Family farm with short farm-to-table experience, has bounce pillow" }, { "name": "Gullfoss", "type": "waterfall", "location": "Golden Circle, Iceland", "url": "https://gullfoss.is/", "notes": "Popular waterfall, visit evening hours to avoid crowds" }, { "name": "Geysir", "type": "geothermal_area", "location": "Golden Circle, Iceland", "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geysir", "notes": "Famous geyser, visit evening hours to avoid crowds" }, { "name": "Hotel Húsafell", "type": "hotel", "location": "Húsafell, Iceland", "notes": "Has bounce pillow for kids" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "car_rental", "provider": "Hertz Iceland", "notes": "Franchise seems more reasonable than US operations, EV charging available around Golden Circle" }, { "type": "bus", "from": "Keflavík Airport", "to": "Reykjavík", "duration": "45 minutes" }, { "type": "scooter_rental", "location": "Reykjavík", "notes": "Electric scooters available via app for getting around city" } ], "activities": [ { "type": "advice", "description": "Tips and recommendations for visiting Iceland", "topics": [ "car_rental_tips", "driving_conditions", "wind_awareness", "cell_data_esim", "grocery_shopping", "dining_recommendations", "visiting_natural_attractions", "getting_around_reykjavik" ] } ] }, { "title": "Rome and Silversea Day 1", "date": "2026-05-04", "subtitle": "Travels to Europe", "categories": "travel rome silversea", "tags": [ "may2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026romesilversea", "trip_stage": "outbound", "locations": [ { "name": "Holly Springs", "type": "town", "country": "United States" }, { "name": "Raleigh-Durham International Airport", "type": "airport", "country": "United States" }, { "name": "Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport", "type": "airport", "country": "United States" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Amex Centurion Lounge", "type": "airport_lounge", "location": "Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Concourse E" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "rideshare", "provider": "Uber", "route": "Holly Springs → RDU", "departure_time": "10:15am" }, { "type": "flight", "carrier": "Delta", "route": "RDU → ATL" }, { "type": "flight", "carrier": "Delta", "cabin": "Premium Select", "aircraft": "Airbus A330-900neo", "route": "ATL → FCO", "overnight": true, "seat": "bulkhead window (acquired via passenger swap)", "notes": "Traded inside aisle for bulkhead window seat onboard" } ], "activities": [ "Lyft cancellation and Uber switch", "May the 4th Star Wars cosplay sighting at RDU", "Atlanta layover and Centurion Lounge visit", "Overnight transatlantic flight in Premium Select" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Delta ATL → FCO flight", "type": "in-flight meal", "cabin": "Premium Select", "dishes": "Herb-and-lemon salmon over potatoes and peppers with green beans, side salad with cherry tomatoes and radishes, brioche roll with salted butter and olive oil, berry-topped cheesecake" } ], "companions": [ "solo" ] }, { "title": "Rome and Silversea Day 2", "date": "2026-05-05", "subtitle": "The day of many steps", "categories": "travel rome silversea", "tags": [ "may2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026romesilversea", "trip_stage": "pre-cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport", "type": "airport", "country": "Italy" }, { "name": "Rome", "type": "city", "country": "Italy" }, { "name": "Vatican City", "type": "city_state", "country": "Vatican City" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Hotel Campo de' Fiori", "location": "Rome", "url": "https://www.hotelcampodefiori.com/en/", "nights": 3, "checkin": true, "checkout": false, "room": "603", "floor": "6th (walk-up from elevator stop at 5)", "notes": "Adjacent to rooftop terrace access; check-in handled by Valentina at front desk" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Altare della Patria (Vittoriano)", "type": "monument", "location": "Piazza Venezia, Rome" }, { "name": "Roman Forum", "type": "historic_site", "location": "Rome" }, { "name": "Colosseum", "type": "historic_site", "location": "Rome" }, { "name": "Romoletto", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Campo de' Fiori, Rome", "url": "https://romolettogroup.it/" }, { "name": "Trevi Fountain", "type": "monument", "location": "Rome" }, { "name": "Pantheon", "type": "historic_site", "location": "Rome" }, { "name": "Rinascente Via del Tritone", "type": "department_store", "location": "Rome", "url": "https://www.rinascente.it/en/store-roma-via-del-tritone" }, { "name": "St. Peter's Square Bronze Doors", "type": "ticket_office", "location": "Vatican City" }, { "name": "Ristorante Verso Sera", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Rome", "url": "https://www.ristoranteversosera.it/" }, { "name": "MYO Gelato", "type": "gelateria", "location": "Rome", "url": "https://maps.app.goo.gl/YtxpvzypodbqSGi78" }, { "name": "Taba Cafe", "type": "cafe", "location": "Campo de' Fiori, Rome", "url": "https://tabacafe.com/" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "flight", "carrier": "Delta", "route": "ATL → FCO", "arrival_time": "morning" }, { "type": "car_transfer", "provider": "hotel-arranged private driver", "route": "Fiumicino Airport → Hotel Campo de' Fiori", "fare_eur": 65, "duration": "~1 hour", "arrival_time": "~10:30am", "notes": "Driver Sergio; arranged via WhatsApp after no-show at arrivals; fuel stop on the way (gas ~€2.04/L diesel, ~€1.89/L unleaded)" } ], "activities": [ "Arrival in Rome and hotel check-in", "Walking tour past Vittoriano, Roman Forum, and Colosseum", "Lunch at Romoletto on Campo de' Fiori", "Shopping for dinner shoes at Rinascente", "Trevi Fountain and Pantheon encounters", "Vatican Wednesday General Audience ticket pickup at the Bronze Doors", "Dinner at Ristorante Verso Sera", "Gelato at MYO", "Rooftop hotel views", "Late-night cake and people-watching at Taba Cafe" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Romoletto", "meal": "lunch", "location": "Campo de' Fiori, Rome", "url": "https://romolettogroup.it/", "dishes": "meatballs, tiramisu", "notes": "Hotel recommendation; first tiramisu of the trip" }, { "venue": "Ristorante Verso Sera", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Piazza opposite Hotel Campo de' Fiori, Rome", "url": "https://www.ristoranteversosera.it/" }, { "venue": "MYO Gelato", "meal": "dessert", "location": "Campo de' Fiori corner, Rome", "url": "https://maps.app.goo.gl/YtxpvzypodbqSGi78", "dishes": "two scoops of gelato" }, { "venue": "Taba Cafe", "meal": "late-night dessert and people-watching", "location": "Campo de' Fiori, Rome", "url": "https://tabacafe.com/", "dishes": "half white / half brown marble cake (too dry)" } ], "companions": [ "solo" ] }, { "title": "Rome and Silversea Day 3", "date": "2026-05-06", "subtitle": "It's Rome, so more walking and eating", "categories": "travel rome silversea", "tags": [ "may2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026romesilversea", "trip_stage": "pre-cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Rome", "type": "city", "country": "Italy" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Hotel Campo de' Fiori", "location": "Rome", "url": "https://www.hotelcampodefiori.com/en/", "night": "2 of 3", "room": "603" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Spanish Steps", "type": "monument", "location": "Piazza di Spagna, Rome" }, { "name": "Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi", "type": "monument", "location": "Piazza Navona, Rome", "notes": "Bernini fountain" }, { "name": "Pantheon", "type": "historic_site", "location": "Rome", "visited": "interior" }, { "name": "Largo di Torre Argentina", "type": "archaeological_site", "location": "Rome", "notes": "Site of Julius Caesar's assassination in the Curia of Pompey" }, { "name": "Palazzo della Cancelleria", "type": "palazzo", "location": "Rome", "notes": "Bramante-designed two-tier travertine courtyard" }, { "name": "Basilica di Sant'Agostino", "type": "church", "location": "Rome", "notes": "Renaissance facade with 1483 inscription to Cardinal Guillaume d'Estouteville" }, { "name": "Romoletto", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Campo de' Fiori, Rome", "url": "https://romolettogroup.it/" }, { "name": "MYO Gelato", "type": "gelateria", "location": "Rome", "url": "https://maps.app.goo.gl/YtxpvzypodbqSGi78" } ], "activities": [ "Walking tour through Rome's historic center", "Spanish Steps visit", "Piazza Navona and Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi", "Interior visit to the Pantheon", "Largo di Torre Argentina", "Palazzo della Cancelleria courtyard and Sant'Agostino facade", "Dinner at Romoletto (carbonara)", "Gelato at MYO", "People-watching from chairs in front of hotel" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Romoletto", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Campo de' Fiori, Rome", "url": "https://romolettogroup.it/", "dishes": "carbonara", "notes": "Return visit" }, { "venue": "MYO Gelato", "meal": "dessert", "location": "Rome", "url": "https://maps.app.goo.gl/YtxpvzypodbqSGi78", "notes": "Obligatory daily gelato" } ], "companions": [ "solo" ], "skipped": [ { "event": "Vatican Wednesday General Audience", "location": "St. Peter's Square, Vatican City", "reason": "Jet lag — opted to sleep instead of waking at 5am after only 3 hours", "notes": "Had a ticket picked up the previous day" } ] }, { "title": "Rome and Silversea Day 4", "date": "2026-05-07", "subtitle": "The Vatican, Colosseum, Forum, Trevi, and Pantheon", "categories": "travel rome silversea", "tags": [ "may2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026romesilversea", "trip_stage": "pre-cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Rome", "type": "city", "country": "Italy" }, { "name": "Vatican City", "type": "city_state", "country": "Vatican City" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Hotel Campo de' Fiori", "location": "Rome", "url": "https://www.hotelcampodefiori.com/en/", "night": "3 of 3", "room": "603" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "St. Peter's Basilica", "type": "basilica", "location": "Vatican City", "url": "https://booking.basilicasanpietro.va/en/idea/52251275/-dome-with-stairs-includes-basilica-", "visited": "interior, roof, dome inner gallery, lantern", "ticket": "Dome via Stairs (€17)", "notes": "8:30am Basilica entrance included with 9:30am dome ticket; in line 8:38am, inside by 9:01am" }, { "name": "St. Peter's Square", "type": "monument", "location": "Vatican City", "notes": "Via della Conciliazione was blocked off by police; foot traffic diverted to side streets" }, { "name": "Colosseum", "type": "historic_site", "location": "Rome", "visited": "first level, second level, arena", "ticket": "Intero Full Experience (€24)", "notes": "4:30pm pre-arranged self-guided tour; ~45 minutes inside" }, { "name": "Roman Forum", "type": "archaeological_site", "location": "Rome", "notes": "Included in Intero Full Experience ticket; late afternoon golden hour visit" }, { "name": "Palatine Hill", "type": "archaeological_site", "location": "Rome", "notes": "Included in Intero Full Experience ticket; saw the Stadium of Domitian" }, { "name": "Imperial Fora", "type": "archaeological_site", "location": "Rome", "notes": "Included in Intero Full Experience ticket" }, { "name": "Pancrazio", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Piazza del Biscione, Rome" }, { "name": "Trevi Fountain", "type": "monument", "location": "Rome", "visited": "exterior at night (~10:30pm)", "notes": "Crowds had not died down despite the late hour" }, { "name": "Pantheon", "type": "historic_site", "location": "Rome", "visited": "exterior at night" } ], "activities": [ "St. Peter's Basilica interior visit", "Climbed St. Peter's dome via stairs/ramp through the inner gallery up to the lantern viewing platform", "Kindle reading on the hotel rooftop terrace", "Colosseum self-guided tour", "Walking visit through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill", "Dinner at Pancrazio", "Late-night visit to the Trevi Fountain", "Tiramisu and people-watching at the Pantheon piazza" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Cafe en route from Vatican", "meal": "late breakfast", "location": "Rome", "dishes": "caprese salad, coffee", "notes": "On the walk back to the hotel from St. Peter's" }, { "venue": "Pancrazio", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Piazza del Biscione, Rome", "notes": "Tip prompt on the card machine felt tacky" }, { "venue": "Cafe on the Pantheon piazza", "meal": "late-night dessert", "location": "Rome", "dishes": "tiramisu", "notes": "People-watching stop on the way back from Trevi" } ], "companions": [ "solo" ] }, { "title": "Rome and Silversea Day 5", "date": "2026-05-08", "subtitle": "Embark day on the Silversea Silver Spirit", "categories": "travel rome silversea", "tags": [ "may2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026romesilversea", "trip_stage": "embarkation", "locations": [ { "name": "Rome", "type": "city", "country": "Italy" }, { "name": "Civitavecchia", "type": "port_town", "country": "Italy" }, { "name": "Tyrrhenian Sea", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Hotel Campo de' Fiori", "location": "Rome", "url": "https://www.hotelcampodefiori.com/en/", "night": "3 of 3", "room": "603", "checkout": true, "notes": "Settled bill and had the front desk call a taxi to the train station" }, { "name": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "Civitavecchia (embarkation)", "url": "https://www.silversea.com/", "night": "1 of 7", "suite": "757", "suite_category": "Deluxe Veranda", "suite_size": "~311 sq ft interior + 64 sq ft veranda (~375 sq ft total)", "notes": "First voyage after 61 days in dry dock; butler and housekeeper service; butlers reachable via WhatsApp QR code" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Statua di Poseidone", "type": "monument", "location": "Civitavecchia", "url": "https://maps.app.goo.gl/cHGPsRqDKCDUtQQD9", "notes": "Recommended map destination for walking to the cruise port bus plaza" }, { "name": "Hasekura Tsunenaga Statue", "type": "monument", "location": "Civitavecchia", "notes": "Statue of the Japanese samurai ambassador near the seafront promenade" }, { "name": "Largo della Pace", "type": "transit_hub", "location": "Civitavecchia", "notes": "Bus plaza for boarding cruise ship shuttles" }, { "name": "La Terrazza", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Silver Spirit, Deck 7", "notes": "Lunch venue" }, { "name": "Show Lounge", "type": "theater", "location": "Silver Spirit, Deck 5", "notes": "Renovated during dry dock; served as the muster station for the safety drill" }, { "name": "Coffee Bar", "type": "lounge", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Became a favorite spot over the span of the cruise" }, { "name": "La Dolce Vita", "type": "lounge", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "First group cocktail hour; also the solo cruisers' meetup" }, { "name": "S.A.L.T. Kitchen", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Silver Spirit", "url": "https://www.silversea.com/introducing-silversea-salt.html", "notes": "Sea And Land Taste; group dinner" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "taxi", "route": "Hotel Campo de' Fiori → Stazione San Pietro, Rome", "fare_eur": 12, "duration": "~10 minutes", "notes": "Hotel called the taxi; accidentally offered a 20 Swiss Franc note before paying with a €50" }, { "type": "train", "provider": "Trenitalia", "service": "regional", "route": "Roma San Pietro → Civitavecchia", "fare_eur": 4.6, "duration": "~1 hour", "notes": "Ticket bought from a cash/coin-only machine; stood with luggage the whole ride; accelerated plans ahead of a possible 11am train strike" }, { "type": "walk", "route": "Civitavecchia station → cruise port bus plaza", "duration": "~25 minutes" }, { "type": "shuttle_bus", "route": "Largo della Pace → ship pier", "notes": "Cruise port shuttle; buses loaded to ~110% full" }, { "type": "cruise", "vessel": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "route": "Civitavecchia → Tyrrhenian Sea (toward Livorno)", "departure_time": "6:30pm", "notes": "Embark day sailaway; no sailaway party, unlike mainstream lines" } ], "activities": [ "Hotel checkout and taxi to Stazione San Pietro", "Regional train from Rome to Civitavecchia", "Walk from Civitavecchia station to the cruise port", "Shuttle bus to the ship pier", "Embarkation on the Silversea Silver Spirit", "Lunch at La Terrazza", "Ship exploration (theater, grand staircase, coffee bar)", "Sunbathing on the top deck", "Butler and housekeeper room orientation", "Muster station safety drill in the Show Lounge", "6:30pm sailaway", "Cocktail hour in La Dolce Vita with the travel advisor group", "Group dinner at S.A.L.T. Kitchen" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "La Terrazza", "meal": "lunch", "location": "Silver Spirit, Deck 7" }, { "venue": "La Dolce Vita", "meal": "cocktail hour", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Group gathering with the travel advisors at the 6:30pm sailaway" }, { "venue": "S.A.L.T. Kitchen", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Silver Spirit", "url": "https://www.silversea.com/introducing-silversea-salt.html", "notes": "Group dinner; food, service, and company all top notch" } ], "companions": [ "solo", "travel advisor group (and partners)" ] }, { "title": "Rome and Silversea Day 6", "date": "2026-05-09", "subtitle": "A deliberately low-key day in Livorno", "categories": "travel rome silversea", "tags": [ "may2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026romesilversea", "trip_stage": "cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Livorno", "type": "port_town", "country": "Italy", "notes": "Tuscan port serving as the gateway to Florence and Pisa" }, { "name": "Tyrrhenian Sea", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters", "notes": "Sailaway from Livorno toward València, Spain" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "type": "cruise_ship", "url": "https://www.silversea.com/", "night": "2 of 7", "suite": "757", "suite_category": "Deluxe Veranda" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Mercato Centrale", "type": "market", "location": "Livorno", "url": "https://www.mercatodellevettovaglie.it/web/9u/attivita.html", "visited": "interior loop of the stalls", "notes": "Grand 19th-century iron-and-glass covered market; butchers, bakers, cheesemongers, produce, seafood, and small eateries" }, { "name": "La Terrazza", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Silver Spirit, Deck 7", "notes": "Alfresco deck lunch with a view back over the Livorno port" }, { "name": "Coffee Bar", "type": "lounge", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Afternoon stop to work on the travel journal over an illy espresso" }, { "name": "Atlantide", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Silver Spirit", "visited": "window table at sailaway", "notes": "Main dining room; solo dinner as the ship departed Livorno" }, { "name": "Spaccanapoli", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Neapolitan pizza restaurant; photographed the menu for later reference but did not dine" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "shuttle_bus", "route": "Livorno cruise pier ↔ Livorno town center", "notes": "Complimentary ship shuttle into the center of town and back" }, { "type": "cruise", "vessel": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "route": "Livorno → Tyrrhenian Sea (toward València, Spain)", "notes": "Evening sailaway captured as a time-lapse from the dinner table window" } ], "activities": [ "Complimentary shuttle from the cruise pier into central Livorno", "Walking Livorno's covered portico and downtown", "Slow loop through the Mercato Centrale covered market", "Deck lunch at La Terrazza overlooking the port", "Working on the travel journal at the Coffee Bar", "Reading on the veranda with a Kindle", "Solo dinner at Atlantide during the sailaway", "Time-lapse of the Livorno sailaway from the dinner window", "Evening on the pool deck after sunset" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "La Terrazza", "meal": "lunch", "location": "Silver Spirit, Deck 7", "notes": "Green salad with smoked salmon and shaved parmesan, eaten on deck overlooking the port" }, { "venue": "Coffee Bar", "meal": "coffee", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "illy espresso with a chocolate cookie while journaling" }, { "venue": "Atlantide", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Solo dinner at a window table during the Livorno sailaway" } ], "companions": [ "solo" ] }, { "title": "Rome and Silversea Day 7", "date": "2026-05-10", "subtitle": "A full day at sea between Italy and Spain", "categories": "travel rome silversea", "tags": [ "may2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026romesilversea", "day_type": "at_sea", "trip_stage": "cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Balearic Sea", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters", "notes": "Full sea day crossing the western Mediterranean on the Livorno → València leg" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "type": "cruise_ship", "url": "https://www.silversea.com/", "night": "3 of 7", "suite": "757", "suite_category": "Deluxe Veranda" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Shore Excursions Desk", "type": "service_desk", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Booked an excursion in Cartagena and two in Portimão (the more scenery-focused port)" }, { "name": "Atlantide", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Group dinner with the travel advisors" }, { "name": "Panorama Lounge", "type": "lounge", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "After-dinner drinks with members of the group" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise", "vessel": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "route": "Livorno, Italy → València, Spain", "notes": "Full day at sea crossing the western Mediterranean toward València" } ], "activities": [ "Relaxing and reading on a sun-deck lounger", "Changed return flights to fly home Friday after disembarkation, skipping two nights in Lisbon", "Booked shore excursions for Cartagena and Portimão (two for Portimão)", "Group dinner at Atlantide", "After-dinner drinks in the Panorama Lounge" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Atlantide", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Group dinner with the travel advisors; menu featured roast duck, grilled halibut, and a caramel coconut tart" } ], "companions": [ "solo", "travel advisor group" ] }, { "title": "Rome and Silversea Day 8", "date": "2026-05-11", "subtitle": "A day in València, Spain", "categories": "travel rome silversea", "tags": [ "may2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026romesilversea", "day_type": "port", "trip_stage": "cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "València", "type": "city", "country": "Spain", "notes": "Mediterranean coastal city, home of paella; ship docked for the day" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "type": "cruise_ship", "url": "https://www.silversea.com/", "night": "4 of 7", "suite": "757", "suite_category": "Deluxe Veranda" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias", "type": "landmark", "location": "València", "visited": "walked the grounds, exterior only", "notes": "City of Arts & Sciences complex, about a 2-mile walk from the cruise terminal; did not enter the museums" }, { "name": "Príncipe Felipe Science Museum", "type": "museum", "location": "València", "notes": "Photographed the exterior at the City of Arts & Sciences; did not go inside" }, { "name": "Hemisfèric", "type": "landmark", "location": "València", "notes": "IMAX cinema and planetarium building at the City of Arts & Sciences; photographed from outside" }, { "name": "Riviera", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "New open-air restaurant aboard the ship; late lunch after the walk" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "shuttle_bus", "operator": "Silversea", "route": "València cruise terminal ↔ city center", "notes": "Complimentary ship shuttle offered; skipped it in favor of walking" }, { "type": "walk", "route": "Cruise terminal → City of Arts & Sciences and back", "distance": "~2 miles each way", "notes": "Well-marked pedestrian path out of the cruise port" }, { "type": "cruise", "vessel": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "route": "València, Spain → Cartagena, Spain", "notes": "Evening sailaway from València toward Cartagena" } ], "activities": [ "Walking about 2 miles from the cruise terminal into València", "Strolling the City of Arts & Sciences grounds (exterior only)", "Recording a walk-and-talk video of first impressions", "Lunch from a hot dog stand outside the museum", "Late lunch at the ship's new open-air Riviera restaurant", "Photographing the sunset from the balcony and deck at sailaway" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "València lunch stand", "meal": "lunch", "location": "Outside the City of Arts & Sciences, València", "notes": "Long hot dog topped with fried-onion \"crunchies\"" }, { "venue": "Riviera", "meal": "lunch", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Late open-air lunch back aboard; ceviche and a fish course" } ], "companions": [ "solo" ] }, { "title": "Rome and Silversea Day 9", "date": "2026-05-12", "subtitle": "A day in Cartagena, Spain", "categories": "travel rome silversea", "tags": [ "may2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026romesilversea", "day_type": "port", "trip_stage": "cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Cartagena", "type": "city", "country": "Spain", "region": "Murcia", "notes": "Ancient Mediterranean port city in the Murcia region; ship docked for the day right at the old town" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "type": "cruise_ship", "url": "https://www.silversea.com/", "night": "5 of 7", "suite": "757", "suite_category": "Deluxe Veranda" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Palacio Consistorial", "type": "landmark", "location": "Cartagena", "notes": "Ornate Belle Époque city hall on the main plaza near the port; visited on the walking tour, exterior only" }, { "name": "Calle Mayor", "type": "street", "location": "Cartagena", "notes": "Pedestrian high street lined with historic buildings and a modernist white-cube canopy installation" }, { "name": "Mercado central", "type": "market", "location": "Cartagena", "notes": "Covered market with fresh fish, meat, and vegetable stalls; wandered through on my own after the tour" }, { "name": "Cartagena waterfront promenade", "type": "landmark", "location": "Cartagena", "notes": "Palm-lined seafront walk with a bronze sailor statue and Spanish flag, between the old town and the cruise dock" }, { "name": "Riviera", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Open-air restaurant aboard the ship; joined fellow passengers for dinner, which turned into a dance party" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "walk", "route": "Cruise dock → Cartagena old town and back", "notes": "Port sits right at the old town, so the day was walked entirely on foot" }, { "type": "cruise", "vessel": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "route": "Cartagena, Spain → at sea toward Portimão, Portugal", "notes": "Evening sailaway from Cartagena" } ], "activities": [ "Secrets of Cartagena with Paella walking tour", "Photographing the Palacio Consistorial and Calle Mayor", "Paella lunch with fellow passengers", "Wandering Cartagena's central market on my own", "Caprese and olives at an outdoor café", "Walking the waterfront promenade back to the ship", "Sunbathing and reading on the pool deck", "Dinner at the ship's open-air Riviera restaurant", "People-watching at the after-dinner dance party" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Tour lunch restaurant", "meal": "lunch", "location": "Cartagena old town", "notes": "Featured a traditional Spanish rice dish (paella); served beneath stone archways" }, { "venue": "Café off the main strip", "meal": "snack", "location": "Cartagena", "notes": "Caprese salad with some of the best olives I have ever tasted" }, { "venue": "Riviera", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Joined fellow passengers Jennifer and her husband for an excellent meal in the open-air restaurant" } ], "weather": "Mostly cloudy", "companions": [ "solo", "fellow passengers (Jennifer and her husband) at dinner" ] }, { "title": "Rome and Silversea Day 10", "date": "2026-05-13", "subtitle": "A sea day and the passage past Gibraltar", "categories": "travel rome silversea", "tags": [ "may2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026romesilversea", "day_type": "at_sea", "trip_stage": "cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Alborán Sea", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters", "notes": "Western Mediterranean leg from Cartagena toward the Strait of Gibraltar" }, { "name": "Strait of Gibraltar", "type": "strait", "country": "International waters", "notes": "Passage from the Mediterranean into the Atlantic; the Rock of Gibraltar visible to starboard" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "type": "cruise_ship", "url": "https://www.silversea.com/", "night": "6 of 7", "suite": "757", "suite_category": "Deluxe Veranda" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Atlantide", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Casual solo dinner around 6pm; a fish main followed by a dessert" }, { "name": "La Dolce Vita", "type": "lounge", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Lounge with live piano; strolled through in the evening" }, { "name": "Coffee bar", "type": "cafe", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Decaf Americano and journaling before an early night" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise", "vessel": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "route": "Cartagena, Spain → at sea toward Portimão, Portugal", "notes": "Full day at sea, passing through the Strait of Gibraltar from the Mediterranean into the Atlantic" } ], "next_day_logistics": [ "Arriving Portimão, Portugal with two shore excursions planned" ], "activities": [ "Relaxing sea day aboard the ship", "Watching the ship pass through the Strait of Gibraltar and past the Rock of Gibraltar", "Casual solo dinner at Atlantide", "Strolling through La Dolce Vita during the live piano", "Journaling over a decaf Americano in the coffee bar" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Atlantide", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Casual solo dinner around 6pm; pan-fried white fish with capers and cherry tomatoes, followed by a millefeuille-style dessert" }, { "venue": "Coffee bar", "meal": "coffee", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Decaf Americano while journaling in the evening" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Sailing through the Strait of Gibraltar from the Mediterranean into the Atlantic, with the Rif coast of Morocco to port and the Rock of Gibraltar to starboard" ], "notable_mentions": [ "Recalled a prior visit to Gibraltar during a 2007 European honeymoon cruise aboard the Celebrity Millennium — toured the Rock's caverns and tunnels and saw the Barbary macaques" ], "companions": [ "solo" ], "cultural_references": [ "Pillars of Hercules, the ancient Greek name for the headlands flanking the strait, once regarded as the edge of the known world" ] }, { "title": "Rome and Silversea Day 11", "date": "2026-05-14", "subtitle": "A day in Portimão and Silves, Portugal", "categories": "travel rome silversea", "tags": [ "may2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026romesilversea", "day_type": "port", "trip_stage": "cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "Portimão", "type": "city", "country": "Portugal", "region": "Algarve", "notes": "Algarve port city at the mouth of the Arade River; ship docked for the day" }, { "name": "Silves", "type": "town", "country": "Portugal", "region": "Algarve", "notes": "Historic inland town up the Arade River; former Moorish capital of the Algarve" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "type": "cruise_ship", "url": "https://www.silversea.com/", "night": "7 of 7", "suite": "757", "suite_category": "Deluxe Veranda" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Mercado Municipal de Silves", "type": "market", "location": "Silves", "notes": "Covered municipal market; walked through on the morning tour" }, { "name": "Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Silves", "type": "museum", "location": "Silves", "notes": "Archaeology museum built around an Almohad-era Moorish well-cistern" }, { "name": "Sé de Silves", "type": "cathedral", "location": "Silves", "notes": "Silves cathedral; brief stop on the walk up to the castle" }, { "name": "Castelo de Silves", "type": "castle", "location": "Silves", "notes": "Red sandstone Moorish castle; best-preserved in Portugal and the largest in the Algarve" }, { "name": "S.A.L.T.", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Farewell group dinner on the last evening aboard" } ], "points_of_interest": [ { "name": "Benagil cave", "type": "sea_cave", "location": "Algarve coast, east of Portimão", "notes": "Collapsed-roof sea cave with a round skylight; visited on an afternoon RIB tour" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise", "vessel": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "route": "At sea → Portimão, Portugal", "notes": "Morning arrival into Portimão after the Gibraltar passage" }, { "type": "tour_coach", "route": "Portimão pier → Silves and back", "notes": "Silversea shore excursion to the Moorish city of Silves" }, { "type": "boat", "route": "Algarve coast sea caves", "notes": "Afternoon RIB tour of the sea caves, including Benagil" } ], "next_day_logistics": [ "Final night aboard before disembarkation and the flight home" ], "activities": [ "Morning shore excursion to Silves (market, archaeology museum, cathedral, and castle)", "Afternoon RIB boat tour of the Algarve sea caves, including Benagil", "Farewell group dinner aboard at S.A.L.T." ], "dining": [ { "venue": "S.A.L.T.", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Silver Spirit", "notes": "Farewell group dinner with the travel advisor group on the last night aboard" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Walking tour of Silves, the former Moorish capital, up to the Castelo de Silves -- the best-preserved Moorish castle in Portugal", "Boating into the Benagil sea cave with its collapsed-roof skylight" ], "weather": "Sunny", "companions": [ "solo", "travel advisor group" ] }, { "title": "Rome and Silversea Day 12", "date": "2026-05-15", "subtitle": "Disembarkation in Lisbon and the flight home", "categories": "travel rome silversea", "tags": [ "may2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026romesilversea", "day_type": "travel", "trip_stage": "return_travel", "locations": [ { "name": "Lisbon", "type": "city", "country": "Portugal", "notes": "Disembarked here; departed via Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)" }, { "name": "Boston", "type": "city", "country": "United States", "notes": "Connection through Boston Logan (BOS); cleared U.S. customs and immigration via Global Entry" } ], "countries_visited": [ "Portugal", "United States" ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise", "vessel": "Silversea Silver Spirit", "route": "Portimão → Lisbon, Portugal", "notes": "Overnight sail; disembarkation in Lisbon" }, { "type": "air", "carrier": "Delta", "route": "Lisbon (LIS) → Boston (BOS) → Raleigh-Durham (RDU)", "notes": "Checked a bag with Delta; first flight pushed back a few minutes late waiting for passengers; tight but uneventful Boston connection after clearing customs with Global Entry" } ], "activities": [ "Disembarkation in Lisbon", "Navigating departures and Schengen-exit border control at LIS", "EES exit enrollment", "Flying home" ], "notable_experiences": [ "First time through the EU's new EES biometric process, on the way out of the Schengen zone" ], "challenges": [ "Schengen-exit border control at LIS took 1h37m; the EES e-gates failed and funneled everyone to a human officer" ], "weather": "Gray and cold-ish in Boston (around 53°F)", "companions": [ "solo" ] }, { "title": "Rome and Silversea in 2026", "date": "2026-05-16", "subtitle": "Exploring Rome, Livorno, València, Cartagena, Portimão, and Lisbon", "categories": "travel rollup", "tags": null, "rollup_key": null, "trip_type": "rollup", "trip_duration": "May 4-15, 2026", "trip_duration_days": 12, "locations_visited": [ "Rome, Italy", "Livorno, Italy", "València, Spain", "Cartagena, Spain", "Portimão, Portugal", "Silves, Portugal", "Lisbon, Portugal" ], "countries_visited": [ "Italy", "Spain", "Portugal" ], "transport": [ "transatlantic flights (Delta)", "Silversea Silver Spirit cruise" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 1", "date": "2026-07-29", "subtitle": "A delay, a tight connection, and a red-eye", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "outbound", "locations": [ { "name": "Holly Springs", "type": "town", "country": "United States" }, { "name": "Raleigh-Durham International Airport", "type": "airport", "country": "United States" }, { "name": "Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport", "type": "airport", "country": "United States" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "rideshare", "provider": "Uber", "route": "Holly Springs → RDU" }, { "type": "flight", "carrier": "Delta", "route": "RDU → ATL", "notes": "Delayed to 8:45pm, at least 90 minutes late" }, { "type": "flight", "carrier": "Delta", "route": "ATL → LHR", "overnight": true, "notes": "Main cabin; connection made with about 15 minutes to spare" } ], "activities": [ "Uber to RDU", "TSA PreCheck", "Terminal T to Terminal E connection in Atlanta", "Overnight transatlantic flight" ], "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 2", "date": "2026-07-30", "subtitle": "Heathrow to Bankside, and 20,000 steps on no sleep", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "pre-cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "London Heathrow Airport", "type": "airport", "country": "England" }, { "name": "Farringdon", "type": "train_station", "country": "England" }, { "name": "London", "type": "city", "country": "England" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Hilton London Bankside", "location": "London", "night": "1 of 3", "notes": "Books two connecting rooms as a single reservation, so connecting rooms are guaranteed rather than requested" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Leake Street Arches (Graffiti Tunnel)", "type": "attraction", "location": "Waterloo, London", "url": "https://www.leakestreetarches.london/" }, { "name": "Westminster Bridge", "type": "landmark", "location": "London" }, { "name": "Buckingham Palace", "type": "landmark", "location": "London" }, { "name": "Between the Bridges", "type": "food_and_drink", "location": "South Bank, London", "url": "https://www.betweenthebridges.co.uk/" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "train", "provider": "Elizabeth line", "route": "Heathrow → Farringdon", "duration": "~30 minutes" }, { "type": "train", "provider": "Thameslink", "route": "Farringdon → Bankside area", "notes": "Signage at Farringdon drops off right where you need it most" } ], "activities": [ "Automated passport gates at Heathrow", "Elizabeth line and Thameslink into central London", "Hotel pool and hot tub", "Walk to Waterloo Station and Leake Street Arches", "Westminster Bridge, Parliament, and Buckingham Palace", "Pall Mall and Golden Jubilee Bridges" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Between the Bridges", "meal": "dinner", "location": "South Bank, London", "dishes": "Hot dog and chips, nutella pancakes" } ], "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 3", "date": "2026-07-31", "subtitle": "Coffee, Carnaby Street, and the Tube", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "pre-cruise", "locations": [ { "name": "London", "type": "city", "country": "England" }, { "name": "Southwark", "type": "neighborhood", "country": "England" }, { "name": "Carnaby Street", "type": "shopping_district", "country": "England" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Hilton London Bankside", "location": "London", "night": "2 of 3" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Black Sheep Coffee", "type": "cafe", "location": "Southwark, London", "url": "https://blacksheepcoffee.co.uk/blogs/locations/southwark", "notes": "Four pastries and an Americano for about £14" }, { "name": "The Table Southwark", "type": "cafe", "location": "Southwark, London", "url": "https://thetablecafe.com/southwark/", "notes": "Considered for brunch, roughly five times the cost" }, { "name": "St Paul's Cathedral", "type": "cathedral", "location": "London", "notes": "Free for worship, roughly £60 for a family of four as sightseers" }, { "name": "Tower Bridge", "type": "landmark", "location": "London" }, { "name": "Pizza Express", "type": "restaurant", "location": "London" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "subway", "provider": "London Underground", "route": "Southwark → Carnaby Street area" }, { "type": "subway", "provider": "London Underground", "route": "Carnaby Street area → St Paul's" } ], "activities": [ "Brunch in Southwark", "Tube to Carnaby Street for shopping", "Walk past St Paul's Cathedral", "Walk along the south bank to Tower Bridge" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Black Sheep Coffee", "meal": "brunch", "location": "Southwark, London", "dishes": "Four pastries and an Americano" }, { "venue": "Pizza Express", "meal": "early dinner", "location": "London", "dishes": "Caprese salad" } ], "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 4", "date": "2026-08-01", "subtitle": "Waterloo to Southampton, and the walk to the terminal", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "embarkation", "locations": [ { "name": "London", "type": "city", "country": "England" }, { "name": "London Waterloo", "type": "train_station", "country": "England" }, { "name": "Southampton", "type": "port_city", "country": "England" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Hilton London Bankside", "location": "London", "night": "3 of 3", "checkout": true }, { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "location": "Southampton (embarkation)", "night": "1 of 14" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Southampton Central Station", "type": "train_station", "location": "Southampton" }, { "name": "Horizon Cruise Terminal (Terminal 102)", "type": "cruise_terminal", "location": "Southampton" }, { "name": "Dock Gate 10", "type": "port_gate", "location": "Southampton" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "walk", "route": "Hilton London Bankside → London Waterloo", "departure_time": "7:50am" }, { "type": "train", "provider": "South Western Railway", "route": "London Waterloo → Southampton Central", "departure_time": "8:35am", "notes": "Platform assigned from the 12-29 block a few minutes before departure; no dedicated luggage storage for roller bags" }, { "type": "walk", "route": "Southampton Central Station → Horizon Cruise Terminal", "duration": "~30 minutes" }, { "type": "cruise", "line": "Celebrity Cruises", "vessel": "Celebrity Apex", "route": "Southampton → Atlantic", "departure_time": "3:00pm" } ], "activities": [ "Walk to Waterloo and train to Southampton", "Walk from Southampton Central to the Horizon terminal", "Terminal check-in and boarding by arrival order", "Muster station check-in", "Buffet lunch" ], "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "Walking from Southampton Central Station to the Cruise Terminal", "date": "2026-08-01", "subtitle": "Step-by-step directions to the Horizon terminal (berth 102) at the Port of Southampton", "categories": "travel england", "tags": null, "rollup_key": null, "locations": [ { "name": "Southampton", "type": "port_city", "country": "England" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Southampton Central Station", "type": "train_station", "location": "Southampton" }, { "name": "Horizon Cruise Terminal (Terminal 102)", "type": "cruise_terminal", "location": "Southampton" }, { "name": "Dock Gate 10", "type": "port_gate", "location": "Southampton" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "walk", "route": "Southampton Central Station → Horizon Cruise Terminal", "duration": "~30 minutes" } ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 5", "date": "2026-08-02", "subtitle": "A sea day and the last of the jet lag", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "at_sea", "locations": [ { "name": "Atlantic Ocean", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "night": "2 of 14" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Oceanview Cafe", "type": "buffet", "location": "Ship", "notes": "High-tops at the back of the buffet" }, { "name": "Eden", "type": "lounge", "location": "Ship", "notes": "Aft-facing lounge with a view; good spot for writing" } ], "activities": [ "Sleeping in", "Sunbathing on deck", "Writing in Eden" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Buffet", "meal": "breakfast", "notes": "Light breakfast at the high-tops in the back" }, { "venue": "Buffet", "meal": "lunch" } ], "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 6", "date": "2026-08-03", "subtitle": "A gray day in Matosinhos", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "port_call", "locations": [ { "name": "Leixões", "type": "port", "country": "Portugal" }, { "name": "Matosinhos", "type": "town", "country": "Portugal" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "night": "3 of 14" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "cruise", "line": "Celebrity Cruises", "vessel": "Celebrity Apex", "route": "Port call at Porto (Leixões), Portugal", "arrival_time": "10:30am", "departure_time": "7:00pm" } ], "activities": [ "Walking the main street of Matosinhos", "Local lunch near the terminal" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Restaurant near the cruise terminal entrance", "meal": "lunch", "location": "Matosinhos", "notes": "Out of the cured ham on the starter menu; pricing jumped from about €16 to €112 with little in between" } ], "weather": "Gray with intermittent misting rain", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 7", "date": "2026-08-04", "subtitle": "Uphill in Lisbon, and a flea market find", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "port_call", "locations": [ { "name": "Lisbon", "type": "city", "country": "Portugal" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "night": "4 of 14" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)", "type": "cathedral", "location": "Lisbon" }, { "name": "Feira da Ladra", "type": "flea_market", "location": "Campo de Santa Clara, Lisbon", "notes": "Open-air market, Tuesdays and Saturdays" }, { "name": "Normandie", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Ship", "notes": "Scallops in a cheese sauce" } ], "activities": [ "Walking uphill from the port to the cathedral", "Feira da Ladra flea market", "Local lunch near the waterfront" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Restaurant a few blocks from the water", "meal": "lunch", "location": "Lisbon", "dishes": "Sausage and cheese platter, fish soup" }, { "venue": "Normandie", "meal": "dinner", "location": "Ship", "dishes": "Scallops in cheese sauce" } ], "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 8", "date": "2026-08-05", "subtitle": "Gibraltar off the rail, and a slow sea day", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "at_sea", "locations": [ { "name": "Strait of Gibraltar", "type": "strait", "country": "International waters" }, { "name": "Mediterranean Sea", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "night": "5 of 14" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Eden", "type": "lounge", "location": "Ship" } ], "activities": [ "Passing Gibraltar", "Listening to music on the shaded deck", "Time in Eden watching the wake" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Buffet", "meal": "dinner" } ], "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 9", "date": "2026-08-06", "subtitle": "A hot castle, a lucky taxi, and Segways in Palma", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "port_call", "locations": [ { "name": "Palma de Mallorca", "type": "city", "country": "Spain" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "night": "6 of 14" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Castell de Bellver", "type": "castle", "location": "Palma de Mallorca", "notes": "Three floors, no water fountain anywhere inside; water available for purchase outside at fair prices" }, { "name": "Palma Old Town", "type": "neighborhood", "location": "Palma de Mallorca" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "walk", "route": "Ship → Castell de Bellver" }, { "type": "taxi", "route": "Base of the castle hill → Old Town", "fare_eur": 8, "duration": "~15 minutes", "notes": "Replaced a 50-minute walk; the recommended Palma taxi app refused both a credit card and a debit card, so hailing in person was the only option" } ], "activities": [ "Walk up to Castell de Bellver", "Two-hour Segway tour of Palma old town, booked through GetYourGuide", "Tapas" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Tapas restaurant", "meal": "late lunch", "location": "Palma de Mallorca", "notes": "Middling" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "First time booking an excursion through GetYourGuide; the Segway tour covered far more ground than walking would have in the midday heat" ], "challenges": [ "No water available inside Castell de Bellver", "Palma taxi app refused both a credit card and a debit card, making it impossible to summon a cab from the castle" ], "weather": "Oppressive heat", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 10", "date": "2026-08-07", "subtitle": "Barcelona on half a tank", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "port_call", "locations": [ { "name": "Barcelona", "type": "city", "country": "Spain" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "night": "7 of 14" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "La Rambla", "type": "street", "location": "Barcelona", "notes": "Significant construction underway along much of it" }, { "name": "Mercat de la Boqueria", "type": "market", "location": "Barcelona" } ], "activities": [ "Solo morning walk down La Rambla", "Pharmacy run for cold and flu medication", "Mercat de la Boqueria before the crowds", "Breakfast" ], "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 11", "date": "2026-08-08", "subtitle": "Waiting out the heat in Ibiza", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "port_call", "locations": [ { "name": "Ibiza", "type": "island", "country": "Spain" }, { "name": "Ibiza Old Town (Dalt Vila)", "type": "neighborhood", "country": "Spain" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "night": "8 of 14" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Il Pavone", "type": "restaurant", "location": "Ibiza Old Town", "url": "https://sites.google.com/view/ilpavonerestaurante" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "shuttle", "route": "Cruise port → outskirts of Ibiza Old Town" } ], "activities": [ "Late-afternoon departure from the ship to beat the heat", "Strolling the old town streets and alleys", "Dinner at Il Pavone" ], "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 12", "date": "2026-08-09", "subtitle": "Sea day", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "at_sea", "locations": [ { "name": "Balearic Sea", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters" }, { "name": "Alborán Sea", "type": "sea", "country": "International waters" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "night": "9 of 14" } ], "activities": [ "Working on the blog in The Club lounge", "Time in the spa binge-watching Widow's Bay" ], "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 13", "date": "2026-08-10", "subtitle": "My favorite stop of the trip", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "port_call", "locations": [ { "name": "Málaga", "type": "city", "country": "Spain", "notes": "Alongside 07:00, all aboard for a 17:00 departure" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "night": "10 of 14" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Málaga Cathedral", "type": "cathedral", "location": "Málaga", "url": "https://malagacatedral.com/cultural-visit/" }, { "name": "Museo Picasso Málaga", "type": "museum", "location": "Málaga", "url": "https://www.museopicassomalaga.org/en" }, { "name": "Castillo de Gibralfaro", "type": "castle", "location": "Málaga", "url": "https://alcazabaygibralfaro.malaga.eu/en/" }, { "name": "Calle Larios", "type": "street", "location": "Málaga" }, { "name": "Centre Pompidou Málaga", "type": "museum", "location": "Málaga", "url": "https://www.centrepompidou-malaga.eu/en/" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "walk", "route": "Guided walking and eating excursion through the old town and up to the Gibralfaro", "notes": "9:30am to 12:30pm, Sherri and I only" }, { "type": "walk", "route": "Ship → Calle Larios and back", "duration": "~20 minutes each way", "notes": "Most of it along the harbor" } ], "activities": [ "Walking and eating shore excursion of the old town", "Málaga Cathedral and the Museo Picasso, seen from outside", "Views over the bullring, city and port from the Gibralfaro", "Second trip ashore on foot with Siena", "Strolling and shopping on Calle Larios", "Centre Pompidou's glass cube on the walk back", "Evening transit of the Strait of Gibraltar" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "Sushita Chinitas", "meal": "lunch", "location": "Málaga", "url": "https://www.sushita.com/sushita-chinitas/", "notes": "Advertised as a sushi restaurant; blue and white from floor to ceiling" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Málaga was my favorite stop of the trip -- scenery, clean streets, friendly people, and a mainland base you could use to reach other places", "Second transit of the Strait of Gibraltar this cruise, this time in good evening light" ], "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 14", "date": "2026-08-11", "subtitle": "Sea day stuff, and a primer for tomorrow's eclipse", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "at_sea", "locations": [ { "name": "Strait of Gibraltar", "type": "strait", "country": "International waters", "notes": "Westbound this time, after passing eastbound on Day 8" }, { "name": "Atlantic Ocean", "type": "ocean", "country": "International waters" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "night": "11 of 14" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Theatre", "type": "theater", "location": "Ship", "notes": "Celebrity enrichment lecture ahead of the eclipse" }, { "name": "Eden", "type": "lounge", "location": "Ship", "notes": "Up on the ramp, one of my favorite spots for working" } ], "activities": [ "Enrichment lecture on the geometry of the solar eclipse", "Battleship with Siena from the Activities team's board and card games", "Watching the kids play a game of chess", "Writing the blog in Eden, up on the ramp", "Finding Rowan playing chess online in the lobby" ], "weather": "Clear, and a bit cooler in the evening", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 15", "date": "2026-08-12", "subtitle": "La Coruña, Spain AND AN ECLIPSE!", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "port_call", "locations": [ { "name": "La Coruña", "type": "city", "country": "Spain", "notes": "Alongside 08:00, all aboard for a 16:00 departure" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "night": "12 of 14" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "The Tower of Hercules", "type": "lighthouse", "location": "La Coruña", "url": "https://www.coruna.gal/the-tower/en", "notes": "Seen from the outside -- tickets were sold out until 1:00pm" }, { "name": "Mercado de San Agustín", "type": "market", "location": "La Coruña", "notes": "Arrived after most of the vendors had packed up" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "walk", "route": "Ship → the Mariña waterfront → Monte Alto → The Tower of Hercules and back", "notes": "Off the ship early with Sherri, then a second trip ashore to bring the kids into town" } ], "activities": [ "Walking the waterfront and the coastal trail toward The Tower of Hercules", "Breakfast at El Chef Urbano in Monte Alto", "The Tower of Hercules from the outside -- tickets sold out until 1:00pm", "Second trip ashore with Siena and Rowan", "Mercado de San Agustín, after most of the vendors had gone", "Solo lunch at Burger King", "Total solar eclipse from the top deck at sea" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "El Chef Urbano", "meal": "breakfast", "location": "La Coruña", "notes": "On Avenida de Navarra up in Monte Alto -- ham on toast, with stuffed animals around the room" }, { "venue": "Burger King", "meal": "lunch", "location": "La Coruña", "notes": "Solo visit, sitting under the sign on the granite facade" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Totality seen from the ship -- the deck lights came up as if it were nighttime and the Captain hit the horn", "The top deck was far less crowded than expected, with room to watch the partial eclipse from aft before the ship turned" ], "weather": "Overcast through the morning, bright sun by midday, and broken cloud that never fully cleared for the eclipse", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 16", "date": "2026-08-13", "subtitle": "Where we visit fast food restaurants in Bilbao", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "port_call", "locations": [ { "name": "Bilbao", "type": "city", "country": "Spain", "notes": "Alongside 09:00, all aboard for a 17:00 departure" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "night": "13 of 14" } ], "venues": [ { "name": "Guggenheim Museum Bilbao", "type": "museum", "location": "Bilbao", "url": "https://www.guggenheim-bilbao.eus/en", "notes": "Seen from the outside only -- we didn't go in" }, { "name": "Zubizuri", "type": "bridge", "location": "Bilbao", "notes": "The pedestrian bridge we crossed to the other side of the river" }, { "name": "Getxo breakwater lighthouse", "type": "lighthouse", "location": "Getxo", "notes": "Faro del Rompeolas, passed on the way out of the Abra" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "shuttle", "route": "Cruise port → Bilbao and back", "duration": "~20 minutes each way", "notes": "Dropped off and picked up behind the Guggenheim" } ], "activities": [ "Shuttle from the cruise port into Bilbao", "The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao from the outside", "Walking the river past the rope-haulers sculpture", "Crossing the Zubizuri footbridge", "A failed attempt at El Salón de Mi Casa, a cat café that never answered the bell", "Lunch split between McDonald's and Taco Bell", "Sailaway past the Getxo breakwater lighthouse" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "McDonald's", "meal": "lunch", "location": "Bilbao", "notes": "For one child" }, { "venue": "Taco Bell", "meal": "lunch", "location": "Bilbao", "notes": "For the other -- the fastest WiFi in any fast food restaurant anywhere, good enough to run backups on" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "First return to Bilbao in 19 years, since the 2007 call", "The breakwater was packed with people waving the ship off in 2007 and nearly empty in 2026", "Explora III alongside again, a day after sharing a berth in La Coruña, and only 13 days old", "Travel burnout setting in near the end of the cruise -- we could have done more in Bilbao" ], "weather": "Clear and cloudless all day", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 17", "date": "2026-08-14", "subtitle": "The final day, somewhere in the English Channel", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "at_sea", "locations": [ { "name": "Bay of Biscay", "type": "bay", "country": "International waters" }, { "name": "English Channel", "type": "channel", "country": "International waters" } ], "accommodations": [ { "name": "Celebrity Apex", "type": "cruise_ship", "night": "14 of 14" } ], "activities": [ "Final full sea day of the cruise", "Sunset watched from the stateroom window", "Packing up on the last evening" ], "notable_experiences": [ "Adjoining staterooms, Rowan and Brian in one and Sherri and Siena in the other", "The connecting doors between the rooms couldn't be propped open, which made them of marginal use" ], "weather": "Clear in the evening, with thin high cloud at sunset", "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia Day 18", "date": "2026-08-15", "subtitle": "Homeward bound", "categories": "travel england portugal spain", "tags": [ "july2026" ], "rollup_key": "2026iberia", "trip_stage": "disembarkation", "locations": [ { "name": "Southampton", "type": "city", "country": "England", "notes": "Alongside 06:30 for disembarkation" } ], "transport": [ { "type": "car", "provider": "Gunwharf Executive Travel", "route": "Southampton → Hatton Cross Underground Station", "notes": "Booked as a private car to Terminal 3, then diverted after an alert that a water main break had closed T3 to car traffic" }, { "type": "underground", "route": "Hatton Cross → Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3", "notes": "One stop on the Piccadilly line, which avoided Heathrow road traffic altogether" }, { "type": "flight", "carrier": "Delta", "route": "LHR → ATL", "notes": "Scheduled 1:25pm, a little delayed, with some time made up in the air" }, { "type": "flight", "carrier": "Delta", "route": "ATL → RDU", "notes": "Departed gate A1, about as far from Terminal E as you can get" }, { "type": "rideshare", "provider": "Uber", "route": "RDU → home" } ], "activities": [ "Walk-off disembarkation at Southampton", "Private car from Southampton toward Heathrow", "Switching to the Underground at Hatton Cross after Terminal 3 closed to car traffic", "Breakfast and coffee in the Centurion Lounge", "Flying Heathrow to Atlanta, then connecting home to Raleigh-Durham" ], "dining": [ { "venue": "The Centurion Lounge", "meal": "breakfast", "location": "Heathrow Terminal 3", "notes": "Breakfast and coffee with Sherri while we waited out the long layover" } ], "notable_experiences": [ "Discovering the Celebrity app could control the stateroom, in the final hour of a 14 day cruise", "A water main break closed Terminal 3 to car traffic mid-transfer, so we went in via Hatton Cross instead", "Delta's new process for international connections at Atlanta -- no bag claim and recheck, and staff all along the walk to immigration" ], "companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] }, { "title": "England and Iberia in 2026", "date": "2026-08-16", "subtitle": "Three days in London, then a 14-night round-trip cruise from Southampton through Portugal and Spain", "categories": "travel rollup", "tags": null, "rollup_key": null, "trip_type": "rollup", "trip_duration": "July 29 - August 15, 2026", "trip_duration_days": 18, "locations_visited": [ "London, England", "Southampton, England", "Porto (Leixões), Portugal", "Matosinhos, Portugal", "Lisbon, Portugal", "Palma de Mallorca, Spain", "Barcelona, Spain", "Ibiza, Spain", "Málaga, Spain", "La Coruña, Spain", "Bilbao, Spain" ], "countries_visited": [ "England", "Portugal", "Spain" ], "transport": [ "transatlantic flights (Delta)", "Celebrity Apex cruise", "Elizabeth line, Thameslink, and London Underground", "South Western Railway" ], "travel_companions": [ "Sherri", "Siena", "Rowan" ] } ] }