tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929553982942089312023-10-03T04:43:48.668-04:00Backstage TravelerHotel, restaurant, cruise and flight reviews. A travel blog for inquisitive minds.JCLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13978630603870463770noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492955398294208931.post-2885323561929506392015-08-24T22:35:00.001-04:002015-08-28T20:01:27.116-04:00Family Cruising - Norwegian Breakaway Ropes Course<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VdJ6t3F2UxA/Vbah9SuNtbI/AAAAAAAAAUw/qG7uBM8KMKU/s1600/NCL%2BBreakaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="481" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VdJ6t3F2UxA/Vbah9SuNtbI/AAAAAAAAAUw/qG7uBM8KMKU/s640/NCL%2BBreakaway.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Norwegian Breakaway anchored in Bermuda</b></i></td></tr>
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The <i>Norwegian Breakaway</i> was launched in 2013 with a capacity of 3969 passengers for it's 1262 staterooms and suites. It was not the largest ship to join the fleet of <b>Norwegian Cruise Line</b>, but it was the first Norwegian ship to boast a ropes course at sea. This family-friendly activity incorporates a feature called the "Plank", where climbers live out their pirate fantasies (or nightmares) by walking out 8 feet from the side of the ship on a beam no more than 4 inches wide, with nothing but the sea below - far, far below! <br />
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We recently took a family cruise on the <i>Norwegian Breakaway</i> from its homeport in New York City to Bermuda, and got to try out the ropes course for ourselves. The course is located on deck 17 at the top of the ship, and takes up most of the aft sports deck. It is really quite challenging for those with any fear of heights, so be forewarned!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6veRQaamQwM/VbakP0lTagI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/SaYhFq9_fTE/s1600/ropes%2Bcourse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="481" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6veRQaamQwM/VbakP0lTagI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/SaYhFq9_fTE/s640/ropes%2Bcourse.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>View of NCL Breakaway's Ropes Course from the Waterslide</i></b></td></tr>
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There are height and weight restrictions: one must be higher than 48 inches and weigh less than 300 pounds to climb (and yes, they have a scale!). Climbers are also not permitted to bring any loose items with them, and must wear secure, closed shoes.<br />
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The first step is to get into the safety harness. There can be a long lineup for this, as each guest is strapped securely into their gear, then individually checked by crew members to be sure that everything is correctly attached. The straps are checked again at the entrance to the ropes course, and then the safety rope that keeps you from falling off the course is clipped to your harness, and off you go up the stairs!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ea732ODYciw/VbakZ5Ewu7I/AAAAAAAAAWY/NgGUaZTPL78/s1600/Harnesses%2Bon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ea732ODYciw/VbakZ5Ewu7I/AAAAAAAAAWY/NgGUaZTPL78/s640/Harnesses%2Bon.jpg" width="475" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Safety equipement is checked by crew members</i></b></td></tr>
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Once up the stairs and onto the tiny beams making up the Sky Trail, it suddenly becomes clear just how high up the ropes course is. Even for those without a fear of heights, it can be a little unsettling to see how high off the ground you are, attached to safety by what feels like a pretty flimsy and unstable security strap. However, rest assured that the straps are really quite strong - the kids tested them by hanging off the beams by their harnesses. (Please do not do this yourselves - it is frowned upon and can get you kicked off. And your mother will get mad!)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XQtgmn6tttU/VbakpUtFkCI/AAAAAAAAAWg/BUvcIB6IUyU/s1600/On%2Bthe%2Bropes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="481" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XQtgmn6tttU/VbakpUtFkCI/AAAAAAAAAWg/BUvcIB6IUyU/s640/On%2Bthe%2Bropes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Here we go! Pretty high up...</i></b></td></tr>
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There are multiple routes to take on the ropes course, and all are quite fun and challenging. The metal beams are fairly easy to walk on without losing your balance, but there are also "tight-rope" like sections to test your nerves and your proprioception at the same time. There is no "one way" to do the course, so if you want to avoid the tight-ropes and also the "Plank", you can.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>At times, it seems like you're the only person up there!</i></b></td></tr>
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There is only one way <i>down</i> from the Sky Trail, though, unless you decide to walk against the flow and go down the up staircase at the entrance. The way down is a zipline, which takes you from one side of the ship to the other, passing in front of the climbing wall. It is surprisingly exhilarating, considering that you are on a cruise ship. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X95uGbWkFXs/VbakxdTveNI/AAAAAAAAAWw/pED7FVbBCKU/s1600/zipline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="481" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X95uGbWkFXs/VbakxdTveNI/AAAAAAAAAWw/pED7FVbBCKU/s640/zipline.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Course ends with a zipline exit, so be prepared!</i></b></td></tr>
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Doing the whole ropes course on the <i>Norwegian Breakaway</i> can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or even more. There is no time limit, and since it is not a one-way only course, you can happily stay up there quite a while if you enjoy it. This is a popular activity on board, so try to go early in your voyage, especially since it can be closed if it is windy. Highly recommended!<br />
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JCLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13978630603870463770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492955398294208931.post-17151941139417571362015-07-21T19:51:00.000-04:002015-08-28T20:00:47.044-04:00Dinosaurs in Central Park When in New York City with the kids, most families make a stop at the <a href="http://www.amnh.org/"><b>American Museum of Natural History</b></a>, in front of Central Park West at 79th Street. This is the museum featured in the 2006 movie <i>Night at the Museum</i>, starring Ben Stiller as a night watchman who discovers that the exhibits magically come to life at night.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Subway stop for the American Museum of Natural History</td></tr>
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While this usually ensures that the kids are enthusiastic about visiting the museum, it also causes some consternation and disappointment when they realize that the interior of the actual museum is not as shown in the movie. Most noticeably, the entrance of the building does not have a large atrium featuring the skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex (or Rexy, as Stiller's character named it in the movie). However, there is a T-Rex to be found, in the <i><a href="http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/permanent-exhibitions/fossil-halls/hall-of-saurischian-dinosaurs/tyrannosaurus-rex"><b>Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs</b></a></i>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xWDHLcZb_fM/VavfQivmmoI/AAAAAAAAAPk/EulnlpOPELU/s1600/Rexy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xWDHLcZb_fM/VavfQivmmoI/AAAAAAAAAPk/EulnlpOPELU/s400/Rexy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Rexy" in the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs</td></tr>
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There are also models featuring little people, in the exhibits of the <a href="http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/permanent-exhibitions/human-origins-and-cultural-halls"><b>Human Origins and Cultural Halls</b></a>, although we did not find any exhibit of Sacagewea, which was a central feature in the movie.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lj5P62-_yto/Vavg897jpGI/AAAAAAAAAPw/jMLPOPlwESc/s1600/little%2Bpeople.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lj5P62-_yto/Vavg897jpGI/AAAAAAAAAPw/jMLPOPlwESc/s400/little%2Bpeople.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little people!</td></tr>
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Fortunately, we did happen upon another central figure featured in the movie - a replica of an Easter Island head.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No gum-gum for this dum-dum!</td></tr>
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Overall, this is a fun and educational place to spend a few hours with the kids when in New York City. Tickets can be purchased in advance online on the <a href="http://www.amnh.org/tickets"><b>website of the museum</b></a>, or in person at the box office.<br />
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<i>Admission prices: Adults $22; Children (2-12) $12.50; Seniors/Students (with ID) $17</i><br />
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Discounted admission tickets can also be purchased bundled with tickets for other attractions, such as with the <a href="http://www.smartdestinations.com/new-york-attractions-and-tours/_ptd_Nyc-p1.html"><b>New York City Explorer Pass</b></a>, which is how we did it.<br />
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JCLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13978630603870463770noreply@blogger.com0New York, NY, USA40.7127837 -74.00594130000001840.3275822 -74.651388300000022 41.097985200000004 -73.360494300000013tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492955398294208931.post-86560053612760595912011-11-18T21:40:00.010-05:002015-08-27T16:28:42.744-04:00Cruising Alaska's Glacier Bay It was a beautiful sunny morning when we cruised into Alaska's <b>Glacier Bay National Park</b> on <b>Holland America Line's MS Zuiderdam</b>, July 20, 2011. There were very few clouds in the clear blue sky, and glacier viewing conditions were excellent for this highlight of our Alaskan Inside Passage cruise. We entered the park at 6am, with two park rangers boarding shortly afterwards. Throughout our stay in Glacier Bay, they provided informative commentary as we slowly made our way north towards <b>Margerie Glacier</b> in Tarr Inlet, located near the Canadian border.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c89Ts_j5k2o/UAdtxCmqunI/AAAAAAAAANY/QH1q_sicMFw/s1600/glacier+bay2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c89Ts_j5k2o/UAdtxCmqunI/AAAAAAAAANY/QH1q_sicMFw/s640/glacier+bay2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Beautiful sunny day in Glacier Bay, mountains reflected in the calm waters.</i></td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a> The greenish-blue waters of Glacier Bay were extremely calm throughout our cruise. As we slowly moved through the park, the near-perfect reflection of the ice-capped mountains in the still water lent an air of solitude and tranquility to our visit. Although we spotted an exiting Princess cruise ship in the distance at one point, it was otherwise quite easy to imagine that we were all alone in the unspoiled natural beauty of the park. Wildlife could be spotted all around us, from sea lions and whales in the water, to bears on land and seagulls in the air.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sea lion, come back!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One of two brown bears playing on the beach opposite Margerie Glacier.</i></td></tr>
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The Zuiderdam spent about a full hour in front of the massive Margerie Glacier at the top of Tarr Inlet. Captain Timmers allowed plenty of time for everyone on board to see the glacier fully, turning the ship slowly so that the port, stern and starboard all faced the glacier for a significant amount of time. The air was chilly, but the sun was warm, and we were in luck, as the Margerie Glacier was actively calving. The sound of the ice breaking away from the glacier was like great rumbling thunderclaps, echoing towards us over the water. Seagulls circled over the pools of ice formed by the crumbling chunks of glacier, looking for fish. It was an awesome spectacle of nature - not to be soon forgotten, and highly recommended to all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r5H31FRxTNs/UAd1OX5APOI/AAAAAAAAAN4/bK4Mczs0ilQ/s1600/Calving+Margerie+Glacier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r5H31FRxTNs/UAd1OX5APOI/AAAAAAAAAN4/bK4Mczs0ilQ/s640/Calving+Margerie+Glacier.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Calving from Margerie Glacier</i></td></tr>
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<b>Related posts:</b><i> </i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/photo-tour-of-holland-america-lines.html">Photo Tour of Zuiderdam's Penthouse Suite #7046</a></i><i> </i><i> </i><br />
<a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/07/balcony-with-view-zuiderdam-penthouse.html"><i>A Balcony With a View: Penthouse Suite 7046</i></a><br />
<a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/cruisng-alaskas-inside-passage-on.html"><i>Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage on HAL's Zuiderdam</i></a><br />
<a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/gold-panning-in-juneau-alaska.html"><i>Shore Excursion: Gold Panning in Juneau</i></a><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/supper-at-gold-creek-salmon-bake-in.html">Shore Excursion: Supper at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake in Juneau</a> </i><br />
<a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/riding-white-pass-yukon-route-railroad.html"><i>Shore Excursion: White Pass Railroad in Skagway</i></a><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/taste-of-tracy-arm-fjord-alaska.html">A Taste of Tracy Arm Fjord</a></i><br />
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JCLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13978630603870463770noreply@blogger.com0Glacier Bay, Alaska, USA58.7609873 -136.348259135.110878299999996 163.8861159 82.4110963 -76.5826341tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492955398294208931.post-56511808752444652992011-11-06T22:55:00.000-05:002015-08-28T19:59:52.065-04:00Bu: Montreal restaurant and wine bar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a name='more'></a> Now that the weather is cooling off, Montreal's bars and restaurants are closing up their <i>terrasses</i> for the winter and patrons are retreating inside from the autumn chill. This is probably welcome news for the owners of Bu, a wine bar/restaurant located on a not-so-trendy stretch of northern St-Laurent Blvd, just north of Fairmont Avenue (5245 St-Laurent). When we were there this past summer, on a warm Saturday night in July, the place was completely empty when we arrived at 10pm. The restaurant livened up only slightly when a passing group of four friends, looking for a place to chat over a glass of wine, decided to accept the obligatory purchase of a food dish even though they weren't hungry, and took the table next to us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hdekZo3Vs4o/TrdCq5OA_4I/AAAAAAAAAM4/jMaUqt6vSu0/s1600/Bu+inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hdekZo3Vs4o/TrdCq5OA_4I/AAAAAAAAAM4/jMaUqt6vSu0/s320/Bu+inside.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bu: empty on a Saturday night in July</i></td></tr>
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Our waiter/sommelier, Alex, had all the time in the world to explain to us how things work at Bu, and also told us that summer is their worst season, but that winter nights are completely different. This does reflect our past experience, having had to wait for a table one Halloween evening, and again on a snowy Saturday in February last year, when we were finally seated at a table next to renowned Quebec film director, Robert Lepage. The advantage of being only one of two groups of clients at a wine bar, is that you benefit from very personalized service. We had an interactive wine-tasting session with Alex, who willingly answered our many questions and offered a very interesting and thorough description of all we were drinking.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Caprese Salad</i></td></tr>
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Bu has been around since 2003, and is officially a restaurant with a liquor license rather than a true bar. This means that everyone must purchase food from its menu of simple yet flavorful Italian antipasti-style dishes in order to taste the real star of the show at Bu: the extensive and constantly-changing list of privately-imported wines from all over the world. Wines are available by the bottle or glass, and contrary to most restaurants, the choice of wines available by the glass is both extensive and excellent in quality. Bu's wine menu also includes wine trios: three 2 oz. glasses of wines grouped together by some theme, such as geographical region or type of grape.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UotkcCd7Yz8/TrdJBMFwQFI/AAAAAAAAANI/EvuIFqaU9SM/s1600/Bu+Brandade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UotkcCd7Yz8/TrdJBMFwQFI/AAAAAAAAANI/EvuIFqaU9SM/s320/Bu+Brandade.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Brandade de morue</i></td></tr>
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On this visit, I had the trio of chardonnays from Burgundy ($20), and my husband chose the Languedoc-Roussillon trio, with one white wine and two reds ($21). These were accompanied by the Caprese salad ($11) and the brandade de morue ($6), a whipped concoction of codfish served with two pieces of toasted french bread. Both dishes were fresh and tasty, and served as an excellent backdrop for our wine tasting.<br />
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Alex brought out the bottles of wine for each trio separately, and displayed each label as he described the wine's composition and flavors before pouring each glass. He was knowledgeable and also clearly enjoyed his work, taking time to answer our many questions with enthusiasm.<br />
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Although we were initially surprised to find Bu practically deserted on this beautiful summer Saturday night, it worked out to our advantage, as we had more attentive service, and the opportunity to really question our sommelier about the wines we were drinking. I recommend rushing over before the crowds come back!<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/67/720366/restaurant/Montreal/Plateau-Mont-Royal/Bu-Montreal" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bu on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/720366/minilink.gif" style="border: medium none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a></div>
JCLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13978630603870463770noreply@blogger.com0Montreal, QC, Canada45.5086699 -73.55399249999999345.3744524 -73.698903499999986 45.6428874 -73.4090815tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492955398294208931.post-91623315150083845082011-09-10T23:59:00.004-04:002015-08-27T18:53:09.816-04:00Galley Tour aboard Holland America Line's ms Zuiderdam A typical cruise on <b>Holland America Line's ms Zuiderdam</b> might carry almost 2000 passengers and 800 crew members. Preparing food to feed all of these people is an immense task, and during our recent sailing on the Zuiderdam, cruisers had the opportunity to take a short "behind the scenes" tour of the main galley, where most of the passengers' meals are prepared.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lDNVtLUj1Q8/TmwkS7TqfSI/AAAAAAAAAMI/Y4NEP8mbwvI/s1600/Garde+Manger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lDNVtLUj1Q8/TmwkS7TqfSI/AAAAAAAAAMI/Y4NEP8mbwvI/s400/Garde+Manger.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Garde Manger or Cold Kitchen, where all cold appetizers, sandwiches, cheese plates, salads and juices are prepared.</i></td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><br /> We entered the galley through the service entrance in the Vista Dining Room at the aft of the ship. We were greeted by galley and dining room staff, who gave us a flyer with facts and details about its layout and how it functions. We were free to walk through at our own pace to observe the staff at work. Displays had been arranged at several stations to illustrate the work done there.<br />
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The galley is tucked away behind the walls of the corridor that runs from forward to aft past the Pinnacle Bar and the Explorer's Lounge to the Vista Dining Room. It is separated into many stations, each with a particular task, such as beverages, dishwashing, soup preparation and pastry baking. All stations are made of stainless steel, with plenty of room for the 13 demi-chefs, 31 assistant cooks and three apprentice cooks to work their magic. The cooking is overseen by one executive chef, one second executive chef and three sous chefs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fcfTuc_5c-w/TmwkaamQWxI/AAAAAAAAAMM/cFeBYo5ZcV8/s1600/Meat+station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fcfTuc_5c-w/TmwkaamQWxI/AAAAAAAAAMM/cFeBYo5ZcV8/s400/Meat+station.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Grilling chicken breasts at the meat station.</i></td></tr>
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Posted on the walls of the corridor running through the galley are photos of the various dishes that make up the Zuiderdam's daily menus, with detailed instructions on how to plate each course correctly for presentation to the dining room guests. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photos and instructions for preparing each plate.</i></td></tr>
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The seven pastry chefs have their own station towards the front of the galley. This is where all the cookies, cakes, chocolates, petit fours and other pastries are prepared. The ship's five bakers prepare over 20 kinds of different breads, including regular bread, French bread, dinner rolls, croissants and danishes each day. However, this part of the galley operation takes place on the B deck, although a baker was demonstrating his craft at the pastry station.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TX131_-dRMQ/Tmwk-BK8rEI/AAAAAAAAAMU/aynSZjViFDE/s1600/pastry+chefs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TX131_-dRMQ/Tmwk-BK8rEI/AAAAAAAAAMU/aynSZjViFDE/s400/pastry+chefs.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The pastry station: cookie anyone?</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dF6zbYJBqj4/TmwlDPgenaI/AAAAAAAAAMY/Xggn8LW00v4/s1600/bread+sculpture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dF6zbYJBqj4/TmwlDPgenaI/AAAAAAAAAMY/Xggn8LW00v4/s400/bread+sculpture.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Preparing decorative breads.</i></td></tr>
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The Pinnacle Grill specialty restaurant has its own chefs, who work in a separate galley within the main galley complex, located adjacent to the restaurant. The Pinnacle Chef is in charge of running operations there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYyzsgvjVgs/TmwlHX9OiHI/AAAAAAAAAMc/lgeYirKybgo/s1600/pinnacle+galley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYyzsgvjVgs/TmwlHX9OiHI/AAAAAAAAAMc/lgeYirKybgo/s400/pinnacle+galley.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pinnacle Grill Galley</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vn3BQq6W9sM/TmwlV5JwKLI/AAAAAAAAAMg/P5n6by3JFkQ/s1600/pinnacle+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vn3BQq6W9sM/TmwlV5JwKLI/AAAAAAAAAMg/P5n6by3JFkQ/s400/pinnacle+table.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Table with a view in the Pinnacle Grill</i></td></tr>
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Our tour ended as we exited the galley through the Pinnacle Grill restaurant. It took about 15-20 minutes to wander through the galley, stopping for samples or to have a closer look along the way. It gave us an interesting glimpse of the behind-the-scenes workings of what is probably the busiest part of any cruise ship.<br />
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<u><b>Related Posts:</b></u><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/09/tea-time-on-holland-america-line.html">Tea Time on Holland America</a></i><br />
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<span id="goog_515711741"></span><span id="goog_515711742"></span>JCLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13978630603870463770noreply@blogger.com0Alaska, USA63.588753 -154.493061953.455769499999995 176.67061660000002 73.721736499999992 -125.65674039999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492955398294208931.post-1845349455820619442011-09-01T22:36:00.002-04:002015-08-28T19:58:34.397-04:00Tea Time on Holland America Line Tea, however British it may seem today, was in fact cultivated and commonly drank in China for centuries before being discovered by the Western World. Dutch traders were the first to import tea from China to Europe in the early seventeenth century, and it soon became popular in Holland. However, legend has it that it was the Duchess of Bedford, one of Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting, who invented "afternoon tea", to curb her hunger in the late afternoon. It was she who made this practice into a social event by inviting friends to join her for tea and small cakes at her residence.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tKXHVXklCls/TmAcMQJPFkI/AAAAAAAAAMA/-7SsRjLYPtg/s1600/tea+cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tKXHVXklCls/TmAcMQJPFkI/AAAAAAAAAMA/-7SsRjLYPtg/s320/tea+cup.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tea time on the Zuiderdam</i></td></tr>
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The British "afternoon tea" has become a very popular tradition, and is typically served in the late afternoon as a light meal between the main morning and evening meals. It usually consists of small sandwiches, scones or pastries served with tea. It is also referred to as "low tea" because it was usually served on low tables in a social, living room setting. The term "high tea" is sometimes used incorrectly to describe this tradition. High tea actually refers to a more substantial meal, served from high tables (therefore "high" tea), and includes heavier, more filling dishes, such as those with meat. <br />
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The formal afternoon tea tradition is alive and well on <b>Holland America Line</b>, and carries on the Dutch tradition of tea drinking, developed so long ago. On our recent 7-day Alaskan Inside Passage cruise on the <b>ms Zuiderdam</b>, some form of afternoon tea was served in the main dining room between 3 and 4 pm every day. <br />
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<u>Here is the tea schedule from our cruise: </u></div>
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(3-4pm each day, Vista Dining Room)</div>
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Sunday: Royal Dutch Tea</div>
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Monday: Afternoon Tea</div>
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Tuesday: Afternoon Tea</div>
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Wednesday: Cupcake Tea</div>
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Thursday: Afternoon Tea</div>
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Friday: Indonesian Tea Ceremony</div>
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We were also able to have afternoon tea served in our stateroom, an added benefit for those sailing in a Deluxe or Penthouse suite. On the first day at sea, rather than attending the Royal Dutch Tea in the dining room, we asked our concierge at the Neptune Lounge, Charmaine, to arrange in-room delivery of tea and goodies to celebrate a birthday. At 3:30pm, as requested, two large trays laden with teapots and assorted tea bags, cups and saucers, milk, honey, lemon and sugar, and a plate full of goodies were brought to our cabin.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9kiaWwcucE/Tl8IfqiMBHI/AAAAAAAAAL8/5OeZf-VgK_w/s1600/in+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9kiaWwcucE/Tl8IfqiMBHI/AAAAAAAAAL8/5OeZf-VgK_w/s400/in+room.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>In room tea service for 9 (and 1 baby on his first birthday!)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ove_EYZ4iK4/Tl8GtO74B9I/AAAAAAAAALs/9bq6jMmaa1o/s1600/in+room+tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ove_EYZ4iK4/Tl8GtO74B9I/AAAAAAAAALs/9bq6jMmaa1o/s400/in+room+tea.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tea time goodies, delivered to our stateroom</i></td></tr>
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The tea selection included the ubiquitous Earl Gray, as well as several herbal tea choices, all of the Bigelow brand. At the Neptune Lounge, tea lovers can also choose from several flavors of Harney & Sons premium loose-leaf tea in silk sachets (a larger, fancier tea bag that allows loose-leaf tea to expand). The small cakes and pastries served with our tea were plentiful and delicious, and served well as a first birthday cake!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tYGT7mjr0_4/TmAnHefXPaI/AAAAAAAAAME/6nCiFQiN7Ww/s1600/birthday+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tYGT7mjr0_4/TmAnHefXPaI/AAAAAAAAAME/6nCiFQiN7Ww/s400/birthday+cake.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Happy Birthday Baby!</i></td></tr>
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We ventured to the dining room on Wednesday afternoon for the special "Cupcake Tea". Our group was seated quickly at a table by the window, and almost immediately surrounded by white-gloved waiters; one with a box holding a selection of Bigelow tea bags, another serving hot water to brew each person's tea of choice, and a third proffering a tray full of delicious-looking mini-cupcakes. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ga7ZMdvTIYw/Tl8Gy_Zky4I/AAAAAAAAALw/HXJ5WUvii60/s1600/cupcake+service.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ga7ZMdvTIYw/Tl8Gy_Zky4I/AAAAAAAAALw/HXJ5WUvii60/s400/cupcake+service.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>White-gloved attendants serve mini-cupcakes to accompany a hot cup of tea</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-unInXFGQeTM/Tl8G2OLuxyI/AAAAAAAAAL0/fopUQU0rR-8/s1600/Cupcake+Tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-unInXFGQeTM/Tl8G2OLuxyI/AAAAAAAAAL0/fopUQU0rR-8/s400/Cupcake+Tea.jpg" width="343" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Choice of 8 different types of cupcakes</i></td></tr>
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There were eight different flavors of cupcake from which to choose. Some were very similar, such as the two chocolate cupcakes, which differed only in the decoration on top (one had a cherry and the other a piece of dark chocolate). The raspberry cupcake was truly different, however, having a moist, raspberry-flavored cake covered with a sweet pink frosting and a fresh raspberry on top. It was also our group's overwhelmingly favorite cupcake.<br />
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The cakes were surprisingly solid, and not overly sweet. Each one could be finished in two or three bites, so one could easily try a few different flavors without feeling overly greedy! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Enjoy!</i></td></tr>
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Cruisers on Holland America Line have many opportunities to enjoy the indulgent afternoon tea tradition, which is a delicious way to cure any late afternoon hunger pangs, and should not be missed!<br />
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<b>Related posts:</b><i> </i><i> </i><br />
<a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/cruisng-alaskas-inside-passage-on.html"><i>Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage on HAL's Zuiderdam</i></a><i> </i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/07/balcony-with-view-zuiderdam-penthouse.html">A Balcony with a View: Zuiderdam Penthouse 7046</a></i><br />
<a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/photo-tour-of-holland-america-lines.html"><i>A Photo Tour of Zuiderdam's Penthouse Suite #7046</i></a><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/09/galley-tour-aboard-holland-america.html">Galley Tour on the Zuiderdam</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/11/cruising-alaskas-glacier-bay.html">Cruising Alaska's Glacier Bay</a></i><i> </i><br />
<br />JCLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13978630603870463770noreply@blogger.com0Glacier Bay, Alaska, USA58.7609873 -136.348259135.110878299999996 163.8861159 82.4110963 -76.5826341tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492955398294208931.post-29380362208907830072011-08-21T22:25:00.011-04:002015-08-28T19:57:31.690-04:00Supper at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake in Juneau, Alaska<i> </i> After successfully collecting a few flakes of gold during our gold-panning excursion at Gold Creek in Juneau, Alaska, we were hungry and cold. Luckily, the second part of our ship-booked shore excursion included a trip to the Gold Creek Salmon Bake for supper. Our tour guide, Dig-In Dave, gathered us onto our mini-bus for the short drive in the drizzling rain. Upon our arrival, clouds of fragrant smoke, a giant wooden salmon and a folk-music singer welcomed us to the salmon bake site.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aaDk9qpKXHo/TlGwKyZgpyI/AAAAAAAAALY/60RoVsTdaBA/s1600/arriving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aaDk9qpKXHo/TlGwKyZgpyI/AAAAAAAAALY/60RoVsTdaBA/s400/arriving.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Welcome to Gold Creek Salmon Bake!</i></td></tr>
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The salmon bake is located about a 10 minute drive from the cruise ship docks. There are buses making regular runs back to the ships, so guests can stay as long or as short as they like. At a stand just inside the entrance to the salmon bake was a friendly soup lady, handing out small cups of hot, creamy clam chowder to the arriving guests. Although the portions were quite small, the soup was tasty and satisfying, and we went back for seconds. For many of us, this was the best part of the meal.<br />
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The fragrant smoke came from the burning alder wood, used to smoke the star of the show, fresh Alaskan salmon. The cook brushed each piece with his "special sauce" before grilling the fish over the open fire. There was plenty of salmon to go around, and an all-you-can-eat buffet stocked with sweet corn bread, wild rice pilaf, Chilkoot baked beans, Cheechako chicken, tossed green salad and Alfredo penne pasta.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AxHuARcYAqs/TlGyNxbCJrI/AAAAAAAAALc/vUpIzU5SaLs/s1600/cooking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AxHuARcYAqs/TlGyNxbCJrI/AAAAAAAAALc/vUpIzU5SaLs/s400/cooking.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Grilling Alaskan salmon over an open alderwood fire</i></td></tr>
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Free drinks included ice tea, fruit punch, hot tea and coffee. A bar located next to the soup stand and across from the grilling station sold beer and wine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DiBpxf8ORdA/TlGznAnBlkI/AAAAAAAAALg/Eeu9dgUChjY/s1600/bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DiBpxf8ORdA/TlGznAnBlkI/AAAAAAAAALg/Eeu9dgUChjY/s400/bar.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Waiting for drinks at the bar</i></td></tr>
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The eating areas were well protected from the light rain by white tarpaulin tenting, and outdoor space heaters kept diners warm. In the background, a Cat Stevens-esque singer, accompanied by his guitar set a folksy mood for this family-style outdoor barbeque meal. A small gift shop on the premises was a good spot to pick up some souvenirs, including a gold panning kit complete with pan, gold-laced Alaskan sand and instructions. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nwSC4LV4lQI/TlG3SccjWyI/AAAAAAAAALo/Nxfjc6nKkd4/s1600/singer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nwSC4LV4lQI/TlG3SccjWyI/AAAAAAAAALo/Nxfjc6nKkd4/s400/singer.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Covered eating area, singer in the background</i></td></tr>
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I found the food quality to be average, at best. Everything was edible, but not particularly memorable. The salmon had a sweet, smoky taste, which was judged to be good by some of us, but tasteless by others. The same can be said of the corn bread, which was pronounced "too dry" by some, and "delicious" by others. Overall, this stop was a pleasant ending to our day in Juneau, and provided a friendly spot to fuel up and relax after all that gold-panning out at Gold Creek. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g4y_YtG6jTM/TlG1ICZ-fJI/AAAAAAAAALk/sUH66DJYBCU/s1600/food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g4y_YtG6jTM/TlG1ICZ-fJI/AAAAAAAAALk/sUH66DJYBCU/s400/food.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bon appetit!</i></td></tr>
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<i>This article recounts our experience on the second portion of the "Gold Panning Adventure and Alaska Salmon Bake" shore excursion in Juneau, Alaska on July 18th, 2011. It was purchased through Holland America Line on board the Zuiderdam, and cost $79 per adult, $54 per child. This excursion lasts approximately 3 hours in total, and we spent about half of that on the <a href="http://backstagetraveler.blogspot.com/2011/08/gold-panning-in-juneau-alaska.html">gold panning expedition to Gold Creek</a>, and the other half here at the Salmon Bake.</i><br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/73/780159/restaurant/Alaska/Gold-Creek-Salmon-Bake-Juneau" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Gold Creek Salmon Bake on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/780159/minilink.gif" style="border: medium none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a><br />
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<b>Related posts:</b><i> </i><br />
<a href="http://backstagetraveler.blogspot.com/2011/08/photo-tour-of-holland-america-lines.html"><i></i></a><i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/gold-panning-in-juneau-alaska.html"><i>Shore Excursion: Gold Panning in Juneau</i></a></i><br />
<a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/cruisng-alaskas-inside-passage-on.html"><i>Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage on HAL's Zuiderdam</i></a><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/07/balcony-with-view-zuiderdam-penthouse.html">A Balcony with a View: Zuiderdam Penthouse 7046</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/photo-tour-of-holland-america-lines.html">A Photo Tour of Zuiderdam's Penthouse Suite #7046</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/riding-white-pass-yukon-route-railroad.html">White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad in Skagway</a> </i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/taste-of-tracy-arm-fjord-alaska.html">A Taste of Tracy Arm Fjord</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/11/cruising-alaskas-glacier-bay.html">Cruising Alaska's Glacier Bay</a></i><i> </i><br />
<i><br /></i>JCLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13978630603870463770noreply@blogger.com1Juneau, AK, USA58.3019444 -134.4197222000000257.7119959 -135.44106420000003 58.891892899999995 -133.39838020000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492955398294208931.post-13541881812070881212011-08-16T11:50:00.002-04:002015-08-28T19:53:18.411-04:00A Taste of Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska It was a misty, damp morning (July 18, 2011) on our Alaskan Inside Passage cruise when our ship, <b>Holland America Line's Zuiderdam</b>, entered <b>Tracy Arm Fjord</b>, one of two fjords making up <b>Tracy Arm-Ford's Terror Wilderness</b> (the other is Endicott Arm). Each fjord is over 30 miles long, and have tidewater glaciers at their heads. We did not make it far enough into the fjord to see the twin Sawyer Glaciers, but we did have ample time to enjoy the beautiful, glacier-carved cliffs rising out of the water dramatically and towering above us on both sides of the narrow channel.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Misty morning in Tracy Arm Fjord</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Entering Tracy Arm Fjord early in the morning, mist covering the tops of the mountains</i></td></tr>
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The captain had the door to the ship's bow opened to allow passengers to enjoy the scenery from this unique vantage point, and even though there was a light drizzle and the air was cool, many of us ventured outside to take in the 180 degree view of the fjord. Outside on deck, crew members provided hot chocolate and hot coffee, but strangely, no cups. Those wishing to warm up with a hot beverage had to first purchase a plastic souvenir travel coffee mug. Passengers wishing to stay dry and warm inside had the option of similar views through floor-to-ceiling windows in the Crow's Nest.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GrF1dAX1mUY/TknUYQAhkoI/AAAAAAAAAKU/6CTOQIqwDaI/s1600/door+to+bow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GrF1dAX1mUY/TknUYQAhkoI/AAAAAAAAAKU/6CTOQIqwDaI/s640/door+to+bow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Door to the ship's bow, otherwise off limits - opened to passengers for scenic viewing</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qm5Qu-kUtZc/TknUe0NLU5I/AAAAAAAAAKY/oZO5OCbQ5vw/s1600/outside+on+the+bow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qm5Qu-kUtZc/TknUe0NLU5I/AAAAAAAAAKY/oZO5OCbQ5vw/s640/outside+on+the+bow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Outside on the ship's bow</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--RmqBJ1ohv4/TknUjtZummI/AAAAAAAAAKc/p57tjzlX3No/s1600/bow+zuiderdam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--RmqBJ1ohv4/TknUjtZummI/AAAAAAAAAKc/p57tjzlX3No/s640/bow+zuiderdam.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo of the ship taken from the bow, facing backwards - Crow's Nest windows visible at the top of the ship</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8kOYV8QlW9w/TkndRbiD90I/AAAAAAAAAKg/ofdEc2imv3M/s1600/mountains+tracy+arm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8kOYV8QlW9w/TkndRbiD90I/AAAAAAAAAKg/ofdEc2imv3M/s640/mountains+tracy+arm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>As the morning progresses, the mist starts to lift, and the glacier-carved valleys become visible</i></td></tr>
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The Zuiderdam slowly cruised along Tracy Arm Fjord for approximately two and a half hours before regaining speed for the trip to Juneau, the port of the day (located 72 km north of Tracy Arm Fjord). We passed miles of rugged mountains, steep cliffs and cascading waterfalls until we reached a beautiful blue iceberg floating in the green water, offering just a small taste of the centuries-old glaciers that lay ahead of us. At this point, a smaller excursion boat joined us to pick up passengers and take them further inside the fjord. The Zuiderdam slowly turned around and headed out, pausing in front of a particularly scenic waterfall before picking up speed and heading to Juneau.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EtTo4QEpG9k/TkndWj1IyDI/AAAAAAAAAKk/CXQRKmqIViM/s1600/mountains+tracy+arm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EtTo4QEpG9k/TkndWj1IyDI/AAAAAAAAAKk/CXQRKmqIViM/s640/mountains+tracy+arm2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9LcTGy0Ty4E/Tkndk31RDtI/AAAAAAAAAKo/dvvCucTGtao/s1600/ice+berg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9LcTGy0Ty4E/Tkndk31RDtI/AAAAAAAAAKo/dvvCucTGtao/s640/ice+berg.jpg" width="475" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Small blue iceberg marks the end of our trip</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vQqewA5n_LY/Tkneyj2mnRI/AAAAAAAAAKw/Axsag3iFKKY/s1600/excursion+boat+to+tracy+arm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vQqewA5n_LY/Tkneyj2mnRI/AAAAAAAAAKw/Axsag3iFKKY/s640/excursion+boat+to+tracy+arm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Excursion boat heads past us deeper into the fjord, after picking up passengers from the ship</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Captain Timmers slowly turns the ship around in front of this cascading waterfall before zooming on towards Juneau</i></td></tr>
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<b>Related posts:</b><i> </i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/11/cruising-alaskas-glacier-bay.html">Cruising Alaska's Glacier Bay </a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/photo-tour-of-holland-america-lines.html">Photo Tour of Zuiderdam's Penthouse Suite #7046</a></i><i> </i><i> </i><br />
<a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/07/balcony-with-view-zuiderdam-penthouse.html"><i>A Balcony With a View: Penthouse Suite 7046</i></a><br />
<a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/cruisng-alaskas-inside-passage-on.html"><i>Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage on HAL's Zuiderdam</i></a><br />
<a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/gold-panning-in-juneau-alaska.html"><i>Shore Excursion: Gold Panning in Juneau</i></a><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/supper-at-gold-creek-salmon-bake-in.html">Shore Excursion: Supper at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake in Juneau</a> </i><br />
<a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/riding-white-pass-yukon-route-railroad.html"><i>Shore Excursion: White Pass Railroad in Skagway</i></a><br />
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JCLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13978630603870463770noreply@blogger.com0Tracy Arm, Tongass National Forest, AK, USA57.8569213 -133.589459857.779755300000005 -133.8511293 57.9340873 -133.32779029999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492955398294208931.post-69735567936384512112011-08-11T11:51:00.005-04:002015-08-28T19:47:20.098-04:00A Photo Tour of Holland America Line's Zuiderdam: Penthouse Verandah Suite #7046 The cruise ship <b>ms Zuiderdam</b> <b>(Holland America Line)</b> was launched in 2002 and is the first in their Vista-class series. We recently sailed to Alaska on this ship in one of the two penthouse suites (<a href="http://backstagetraveler.blogspot.com/2011/08/cruisng-alaskas-inside-passage-on.html">Inside Passage 7-day cruise, July 16-23, 2011</a>). <span style="font-family: inherit;">According to Holland America Line's </span><a href="http://www.hollandamerica.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">website</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, the penthouse suite measures 1,150 sq.ft., including the balcony. Here is a photo tour of the ms Zuiderdam's Penthouse Suite #7046, located on the port side of the Rotterdam deck (deck 7). The pictures are presented in a roughly geographic order, starting with the entryway.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><b>1) The penthouse suite door is decorated with a plaque bearing its name.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p2withsgU1Q/TkM1ABpBshI/AAAAAAAAAI8/3lyFN8GJkxs/s1600/01-penthouse+door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p2withsgU1Q/TkM1ABpBshI/AAAAAAAAAI8/3lyFN8GJkxs/s400/01-penthouse+door.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Welcome to ms Zuiderdam's Penthouse Verandah Suite #7046!</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><b>2) Inside the foyer: to the right is a butler's pantry with a sink, full-size fridge, microwave, toaster and coffee maker. Dishes and cutlery are hidden in the lower cabinets, as are coffee and tea, but sadly, there is no kettle to boil water for the tea. To the left is a guest bathroom.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dN1K2YObx4w/TkM6QR4YLHI/AAAAAAAAAJA/91znW5FVHug/s1600/02-pantry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dN1K2YObx4w/TkM6QR4YLHI/AAAAAAAAAJA/91znW5FVHug/s400/02-pantry.jpg" width="295" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Right: Butler's Pantry</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TI4zJwz-ytE/TkM6WC5PWHI/AAAAAAAAAJE/-jDQX1zbxh0/s1600/03-guest+bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TI4zJwz-ytE/TkM6WC5PWHI/AAAAAAAAAJE/-jDQX1zbxh0/s400/03-guest+bathroom.jpg" width="298" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Left: Guest Bathroom</span></i></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">3) Directly in front of the entrance, inside the suite, is the dining area. There is a table for six, and behind the table, sliding glass patio doors lead to the balcony. For a review and photos of the balcony, </span></b><a href="http://backstagetraveler.blogspot.com/2011/07/balcony-with-view-zuiderdam-penthouse.html"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">please click here</span></b></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>.<span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T3NkVUqApuc/TkM_gcNdLdI/AAAAAAAAAJM/kCxwDPdbemI/s1600/09-dining+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T3NkVUqApuc/TkM_gcNdLdI/AAAAAAAAAJM/kCxwDPdbemI/s400/09-dining+table.jpg" width="400px" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Dining table for six, photo taken facing</i><i> the entryway (door visible to the left). T</i><i>he patio door to the balcony is behind you, and the bedroom is visible to the right. The desk (see #4 below) is to your left from here.</i></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"></span><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">4) In the dining area to the right side of the patio door is a built-in desk and a chair, with personalized HAL stationery awaiting your arrival, as well as ship information and the in-room dining menu. The desk has a window with a view of the jacuzzi on the balcony.</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GCf1_LHoG-s/TkNAhO44h4I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/4T8sQRtN2gE/s1600/07-desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="298px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GCf1_LHoG-s/TkNAhO44h4I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/4T8sQRtN2gE/s400/07-desk.jpg" width="400px" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Desk with view of the jacuzzi. Patio door to the balcony on the left.</span></i></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">5) Just to the left of the entrance, inside the dining area, is a cabinet with glassware inside. Welcome aboard champagne and bottled water will be found chilling in the stand-alone ice bucket upon arrival, and fresh flowers and fresh fruit (replenished daily) are found on the cabinet.</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OURBFOHTods/TkNBMzpjkJI/AAAAAAAAAJU/72iEHiNdYlE/s1600/10-buffet+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OURBFOHTods/TkNBMzpjkJI/AAAAAAAAAJU/72iEHiNdYlE/s400/10-buffet+table.jpg" width="400px" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Wine glasses inside!</span></i></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">6) To the far right from the entrance when you walk in, you will find the living room. Hidden inside the cabinets under the television is a surprisingly comfortable double Murphy bed, which the stateroom stewards pull down each night and pack away each morning. </span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80HsI1xetzY/TkNC8vfI1UI/AAAAAAAAAJY/VnEMSlkk2xI/s1600/04-living+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80HsI1xetzY/TkNC8vfI1UI/AAAAAAAAAJY/VnEMSlkk2xI/s400/04-living+room.jpg" width="400px" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Large living area with seating for eight.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-84B_bHV7FH0/TkNFIXDHj9I/AAAAAAAAAJc/7c-QXM25X0c/s1600/05-murphy+bed+living+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="298px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-84B_bHV7FH0/TkNFIXDHj9I/AAAAAAAAAJc/7c-QXM25X0c/s400/05-murphy+bed+living+room.jpg" width="400px" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Murphy bed hidden inside the cabinets under the flat-screen TV. (DVD and VCR in the cabinet on the upper left side.)</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u8Kd0ya76gw/TkNFaicE3cI/AAAAAAAAAJg/VewUyzFu7jw/s1600/06-murphy+bed+open.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" naa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u8Kd0ya76gw/TkNFaicE3cI/AAAAAAAAAJg/VewUyzFu7jw/s400/06-murphy+bed+open.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Murphy bed made up for night time, towel animal welcomes you home!</i></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">7) To the far left from the entrance is the bedroom. Heavy double doors that latch open can be closed and provide excellent sound-proofing! To the left of the bed is a well-lit built-in vanity table with outlets for the HAL-provided hairdryer (inside the drawer).</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v6TTKL7EcpE/TkNGghmD-SI/AAAAAAAAAJk/X8rzLtzTmFs/s1600/12-bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v6TTKL7EcpE/TkNGghmD-SI/AAAAAAAAAJk/X8rzLtzTmFs/s400/12-bedroom.jpg" width="400px" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">King size bed. Floor-to-ceiling window gives a view of the balcony and the great outdoors.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RwKdNBKYEnM/TkNG3o_kwCI/AAAAAAAAAJo/SzqJvsBK2FA/s1600/13-vanity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RwKdNBKYEnM/TkNG3o_kwCI/AAAAAAAAAJo/SzqJvsBK2FA/s400/13-vanity.jpg" width="400px" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Vanity table and bench - hairdryer in drawer, magnifying mirror and kleenex box on top. (Please excuse the mess!) Ensuite bathroom to the right (shower is slightly visible).</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>8) The main bathroom is ensuite to the bedroom. Its entrance lies just to the right of the vanity, and can be closed with a sliding pocket door. Inside this bathroom is a round shower with multiple shower heads, double sinks with ample storage space behind the mirrors, and a large jacuzzi tub with a Neptune's (?) head fountain spout mounted on the wall. The separate toilet area has a bidet and another sink. Inside this bathroom you will also find a large walk-in closet with a safe, life jackets and lots of hangers, space for suitcases and a few drawers.</b> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DYlU_AqulUg/TkNKRk6zn3I/AAAAAAAAAJs/7izKBpYTeOk/s1600/14-shower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="298px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DYlU_AqulUg/TkNKRk6zn3I/AAAAAAAAAJs/7izKBpYTeOk/s400/14-shower.jpg" width="400px" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Double sinks (gold varnish partially rubbed off). The shower, which is to the right of the sinks, lies almost directly in front of the entrance from the bedroom (visible in the mirror). Large sized bottles (300mL) of Elemis shampoo, conditioner, bath gel and body lotion are provided, as well as multiple bars of citrus soap. Walk-in closet is found to the right of the shower (entrance partially visible, far right of the photo).</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g7EVNctFZoY/TkNLUYh6OlI/AAAAAAAAAJw/b8pBnL1Pkgo/s1600/15-bathtub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g7EVNctFZoY/TkNLUYh6OlI/AAAAAAAAAJw/b8pBnL1Pkgo/s400/15-bathtub.jpg" width="300px" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Large jacuzzi bathtub, to the left of the double sinks, with working Neptune's head water spout mounted on the wall. This tub is quite deep and may be difficult to climb into.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-epMzAXoWgn8/TkNL0O6zqLI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/LF68EQrbyrA/s1600/16-main+bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-epMzAXoWgn8/TkNL0O6zqLI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/LF68EQrbyrA/s400/16-main+bathroom.jpg" width="300px" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Main bathroom's separate toilet area, door located to left of the jacuzzi tub. Bidet is visible in the photo, toilet is behind the door on the right, extra sink on the left.</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><b>9) The penthouse suite also has a few art works on display, including a gilt mirror in the bedroom and a statue in the living area. A living bonsai tree adds greenery to the decor.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fKkC0YbtFH8/TkNMbWOnMmI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/RRvClshBrl8/s1600/17-gilded+mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fKkC0YbtFH8/TkNMbWOnMmI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/RRvClshBrl8/s400/17-gilded+mirror.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Gilt mirror in bedroom.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VXy5YC5MB_Q/TkNMvP9ZZCI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/dvNSrWzLRdg/s1600/18-statue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VXy5YC5MB_Q/TkNMvP9ZZCI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/dvNSrWzLRdg/s400/18-statue.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Statue found between dining and living area.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qoXR_GGnxmw/TkNN7WtozTI/AAAAAAAAAKA/wuznx2XlqsE/s1600/bonsai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qoXR_GGnxmw/TkNN7WtozTI/AAAAAAAAAKA/wuznx2XlqsE/s400/bonsai.jpg" width="251" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Living bonsai tree next to the desk.</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"> We throughly enjoyed our cruise in this fantastic suite, which is more like a small apartment at sea than the standard cramped cruise quarters we are used to. Superb concierge service at the Neptune Lounge down the hall and the included unlimited laundry, dry cleaning and pressing services added to our comfort and enjoyment. Be forewarned, though - it may be hard to go back to real life after a week of being spoiled in this home-away-from-home at sea!</span><br />
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<b>Related Posts: </b><br />
<a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/07/balcony-with-view-zuiderdam-penthouse.html"><i>A Balcony With a View: Penthouse Suite 7046</i></a><br />
<a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/cruisng-alaskas-inside-passage-on.html"><i>Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage on HAL's Zuiderdam</i></a><br />
<a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/gold-panning-in-juneau-alaska.html"><i>Shore Excursion: Gold Panning in Juneau</i></a><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/supper-at-gold-creek-salmon-bake-in.html">Shore Excursion: Supper at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake in Juneau</a> </i><br />
<a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/riding-white-pass-yukon-route-railroad.html"><i>Shore Excursion: White Pass Railroad in Skagway</i></a><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/taste-of-tracy-arm-fjord-alaska.html">A Taste of Tracy Arm Fjord</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/11/cruising-alaskas-glacier-bay.html">Cruising Alaska's Glacier Bay</a></i><i> </i><br />
<br />JCLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13978630603870463770noreply@blogger.com5Alaska, États-Unis63.588753 -154.493061953.455769499999995 176.67061660000002 73.721736499999992 -125.65674039999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492955398294208931.post-38677431668944543952011-08-07T00:38:00.001-04:002015-08-28T19:45:39.998-04:00Riding the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad in Skagway, Alaska<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Skagway, Alaska</b>, is located at the top of Lynn Canal on the Northern end of the Inside Passage. We arrived here on a cloudy Tuesday morning, to join the three other cruise ships already docked at the pier. Skagway may have a population of about 860 year-round, but during the cruising season the daily population can swell to 10,000. Many of these visiting cruise-ship passengers will likely take a trip on the historical <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><b>White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad</b></a>, which conveniently runs right down to the edge of the cruise-ship dock.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vjYJB-Cqe6I/Tj37s8eUSVI/AAAAAAAAAIU/f4Vq06_wh_Q/s1600/train+at+dock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vjYJB-Cqe6I/Tj37s8eUSVI/AAAAAAAAAIU/f4Vq06_wh_Q/s400/train+at+dock.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>WP&YR Train at the dock in Skagway: View from Zuiderdam</i></td></tr>
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This narrow-gauge railroad was dreamed up in the midst of the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, when tens of thousands of gold seekers stampeded north to chase their dreams of striking it rich. It is an engineering marvel, having been built through miles of rocky mountain terrain in harsh weather conditions. Amazingly, the railroad was completed in just 26 months by 35,000 men, between May 1898 and July 1900. In 1994, it was named an "International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark" by the American Society of Civil Engineers, a designation that it shares with other man-made structures such as the Eiffel Tower and the Panama Canal.<br />
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Today, the <b>White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad</b> operates during the summer tourist season, carrying hundreds of thousands of passengers up to the White Pass Summit (elevation: 2,865 ft) and into British Columbia and the Yukon, Canada, following the route of the gold stampeders.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJ38Wb9e8hU/Tj4B11ZBd4I/AAAAAAAAAIY/M2l5Osm1pn8/s1600/conductors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJ38Wb9e8hU/Tj4B11ZBd4I/AAAAAAAAAIY/M2l5Osm1pn8/s400/conductors.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>All aboard!</i></td></tr>
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We took a shore excursion combining a northbound train to Fraser, B.C. with a bus ride back on the Klondike Highway, but the train ride can also be booked as a round-trip. We were welcomed aboard our train by uniformed conductors who seemed to have stepped out of the pages of a history book. Inside the clean and comfortable train car, there were large windows, padded seats and a convenient restroom located at the back. A non-working cast-iron wood stove lent an air of nostalgia to the wood-paneled interior.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AvjBli1U7yY/Tj4Dl3T7IEI/AAAAAAAAAIc/YLnwDnSlA70/s1600/inside+train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AvjBli1U7yY/Tj4Dl3T7IEI/AAAAAAAAAIc/YLnwDnSlA70/s400/inside+train.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our WP & YR parlor car</i></td></tr>
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The trip to Fraser took about 90 minutes, winding through 27 miles of wilderness on the climb up to White Pass Summit and beyond. This scenic train ride took us through many steep turns, crossing trestle bridges and passing through two tunnels along the way. Travelers looking out the left side of the train on the way up were rewarded with many beautiful panoramic views of the valley below, with its rushing waterfalls and flowing rivers. The right side of the train offered views mainly of the side of the mountain.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OwJijkXmTpQ/Tj4JpfXri7I/AAAAAAAAAIg/wSteQfnxW_8/s1600/tunnel+mountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OwJijkXmTpQ/Tj4JpfXri7I/AAAAAAAAAIg/wSteQfnxW_8/s400/tunnel+mountain.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Heading into Tunnel Mountain</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uZaWAonjabY/Tj4MPrgSEFI/AAAAAAAAAIo/WpYn1o9o3Kk/s1600/right+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uZaWAonjabY/Tj4MPrgSEFI/AAAAAAAAAIo/WpYn1o9o3Kk/s400/right+side.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from right side of train</i></td></tr>
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An on-board guide provided commentary of the history behind the main sights along the way, such as Black Cross Rock, Dead Horse Gulch and the tallest steel cantilever bridge in the world, which is now no longer in use. An especially exciting aspect of this trip was the opportunity to step outside onto one of the train's platforms, located in front or behind each car, and see the panoramic views unimpeded by glass windows. The smell of pine forest and the sound of the train's wheels turning on the tracks added an exhilarating depth to the experience of this special journey.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O6v-AkOgtUM/Tj4KGtkVehI/AAAAAAAAAIk/S9AW-KHE_BI/s1600/trestle+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O6v-AkOgtUM/Tj4KGtkVehI/AAAAAAAAAIk/S9AW-KHE_BI/s400/trestle+bridge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tallest cantilever bridge in the world, near WP tunnel (used until 1969)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nearing the White Pass summit!</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
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As we climbed higher, the pine forests gave way to a more barren landscape, with small lakes of glacial water sprinkled among the rocks. Upon arrival in Fraser, B.C., we waited on board the train for the Canadian customs agent to check our passports, then disembarked and joined our bus for the ride back to Skagway.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e1JwJq8AHfw/Tj4P9yloh6I/AAAAAAAAAI0/Xqa_Nq3ESOo/s1600/fraser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e1JwJq8AHfw/Tj4P9yloh6I/AAAAAAAAAI0/Xqa_Nq3ESOo/s400/fraser.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Arrival at Fraser, B.C., Canada</i></td></tr>
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<i>This article is about the first part of our shore excursion "Gold Dredge, White Pass Rail & Scenic Highway", that was purchased through Holland America Line on board the Zuiderdam. Overall, this excursion lasted almost 5 hours in total. The train ride was approximately 90 minutes. The tour cost $169 per adult and $99 per child. We took this excursion on July 19, 2011.</i><br />
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<b>Related Posts: </b><br />
<a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/cruisng-alaskas-inside-passage-on.html"><i>Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage on HAL's Zuiderdam</i></a><br />
<a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/gold-panning-in-juneau-alaska.html"><i>Shore Excursion: Gold Panning in Juneau</i></a><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/supper-at-gold-creek-salmon-bake-in.html">Shore Excursion: Supper at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake in Juneau</a> </i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/taste-of-tracy-arm-fjord-alaska.html">A Taste of Tracy Arm Fjord</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/11/cruising-alaskas-glacier-bay.html">Cruising Alaska's Glacier Bay</a></i><br />
<br />JCLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13978630603870463770noreply@blogger.com0Skagway, AK, USA59.458333299999993 -135.313888959.228831299999996 -135.67853689999998 59.687835299999989 -134.9492409tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492955398294208931.post-46345384969684047942011-08-04T23:37:00.010-04:002015-08-28T19:43:40.144-04:00Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage on Holland America Line's Zuiderdam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Zuiderdam at the dock in sunny Ketchikan</i></td></tr>
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Our group of ten recently returned from a week-long cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage on <b>Holland America Line's Zuiderdam</b>. This round-trip itinerary from Vancouver, B.C., offered a chance to sail through the <b>Inside Passage</b>, stop in <b>Juneau, Skagway</b> and <b>Ketchikan,</b> as well as cruise to <b>Tracy Arm Fjord</b> and <b>Glacier Bay</b>. <br />
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The Zuiderdam was launched in 2002 and has a passenger capacity of 1,916, with 817 crew members. It was the first ship in HAL's Vista Class series, and has since been joined by sister ships Oosterdam, Westerdam and Noordam. The Zuiderdam has at times been criticized for it's bold and bright color scheme (a first and last for HAL), and we were not fans of the gaudy reds, purples and golds that were sprinkled liberally throughout the ship. However, the service was, for the most part, outstanding, and the crew members uniformly friendly and cheerful.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-beRZbU3xCek/Tjtap5iN09I/AAAAAAAAAHo/7NQ-VaQkzRI/s1600/explorers+lounge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-beRZbU3xCek/Tjtap5iN09I/AAAAAAAAAHo/7NQ-VaQkzRI/s400/explorers+lounge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Purple and fuchsia decor of Explorer's Lounge </i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ju5A6vxQz50/TjtbR2vv27I/AAAAAAAAAHs/LYCpqGbDEk0/s1600/ugly+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ju5A6vxQz50/TjtbR2vv27I/AAAAAAAAAHs/LYCpqGbDEk0/s400/ugly+art.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Orange column, fuchsia carpet, gold walls, green statue!</i></td></tr>
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Our room stewards, Rudy and Wayan, were top-notch, and seemed to have an uncanny ability to sense the minute we left our cabin so they could rush in and have it spic-and-span before we got back from breakfast or dinner. They were easily tracked down for special requests, and answered every question with a smile. The nightly towel animal left on the bed was a treat the children looked forward to each day, as well as the chocolates that accompanied it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yrkGtC_BkKI/TjtcRRwM46I/AAAAAAAAAHw/1L2UKrhjobs/s1600/swan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yrkGtC_BkKI/TjtcRRwM46I/AAAAAAAAAHw/1L2UKrhjobs/s400/swan.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Towel swan</i></td></tr>
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Since we were sailing in the Penthouse Suite, we had access to the superb concierge services of Charmaine and Jaybee in the Neptune Lounge. They handled our shore excursion bookings, arranged our nightly dining reservations, and provided general information when needed. The lounge was open from 7:00am to 8:30pm each day, and always had snack food and a coffee/cappucino machine available for a quick bite or caffeine fix. Hot chocolate was available also, upon request, and a selection of Harney & Sons premium tea.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F4eZoEZqKBo/TjtctNohJpI/AAAAAAAAAH0/HcWMloHg3oI/s1600/Neptune+lounge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F4eZoEZqKBo/TjtctNohJpI/AAAAAAAAAH0/HcWMloHg3oI/s400/Neptune+lounge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Neptune Lounge: snack bar, juices and coffee machine</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qpd6tsNdfeU/Tjtjfq9XbBI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/g5ufqaCuYco/s1600/neptune.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qpd6tsNdfeU/Tjtjfq9XbBI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/g5ufqaCuYco/s400/neptune.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Seating area of Neptune Lounge</i></td></tr>
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We ate in the main dining room, the Lido buffet, the Pinnacle Grill for breakfast (reserved for suite guests) and had in-room dining. In general, the service was good but slow in the main dining room (except for the Master Chef's Dinner night, when the service was exceptionally quick). Dinnertime sometimes dragged on for two hours, which was difficult for our small children. The Lido buffet was a good alternative to grab a quick slice of pizza or plate of pasta for the kids, and the main dishes offered here in the evenings were the same as those in the main dining room.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wa-g0w0-yCo/TjtiCvz3gdI/AAAAAAAAAIM/0Vf5XalnBfw/s1600/pinnacle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wa-g0w0-yCo/TjtiCvz3gdI/AAAAAAAAAIM/0Vf5XalnBfw/s400/pinnacle.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Table at the Pinnacle Grill</i></td></tr>
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The only real problem we encountered aboard the Zuiderdam was with in-room dining. We found that if we arranged for delivery at a certain time in advance (as with breakfast or through the Neptune Lounge), the food arrived on time. However, one night we ordered coffee and a slice of chocolate cake, and ended up waiting over one hour and a half before the order arrived. Another time, we ordered lunch and received a telephone call from the in-room dining manager to see how we liked our lunch before it had even arrived! After that we stuck to ordering in advance, and had no more problems.<br />
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We chose this particular cruise for the itinerary, and we were not disappointed. In fact, there was so much to see outside the windows that we found we did not have time to explore the Zuiderdam fully. We did use the Lido deck pool. Since it has a retractable roof, it is ideal for Alaskan itineraries, where the weather is unpredictable and can be quite cold. During our cruise, few passengers ventured into the pool, and we often had it to ourselves. There is another pool, this one located aft outdoors, and we once saw several courageous swimmers belly-flopping in on a cool day at sea. This deck offered an excellent place to sit comfortably and enjoy the beautiful sights outside.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bTMkrC592Tw/TjtfX8GDNPI/AAAAAAAAAH4/TxZOzbhjUV8/s1600/lido+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bTMkrC592Tw/TjtfX8GDNPI/AAAAAAAAAH4/TxZOzbhjUV8/s400/lido+pool.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lido Deck Pool, roof retracted in sunny Ketchikan</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vrdyq6sea1U/Tjtf0S8ZmhI/AAAAAAAAAH8/8_w0jhyjb3o/s1600/Aft+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vrdyq6sea1U/Tjtf0S8ZmhI/AAAAAAAAAH8/8_w0jhyjb3o/s400/Aft+pool.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Aft pool, sunny Glacier Bay</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-olUwbATLe2E/TjthRLPIvCI/AAAAAAAAAIE/HtSSfzhJRZ8/s1600/view+from+aft+deck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-olUwbATLe2E/TjthRLPIvCI/AAAAAAAAAIE/HtSSfzhJRZ8/s400/view+from+aft+deck.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from aft deck, Glacier Bay</i></td></tr>
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Overall, the main attraction of this cruise was the spectacular Alaskan scenery and outstanding itinerary. The Zuiderdam is an older ship, and in some places, does show her age. However, we enjoyed the facilities that we took advantage of, and would not hesitate to recommend this cruise to others.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HteUr8krE8M/TjthmsXz_jI/AAAAAAAAAII/SWAZz7u9nUo/s1600/crew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HteUr8krE8M/TjthmsXz_jI/AAAAAAAAAII/SWAZz7u9nUo/s400/crew.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wonderful crew of Zuiderdam</i></td></tr>
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<i>Related posts: </i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/07/balcony-with-view-zuiderdam-penthouse.html">A Balcony with a View: Zuiderdam Penthouse 7046</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/photo-tour-of-holland-america-lines.html">A Photo Tour of Zuiderdam's Penthouse Suite #7046</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/gold-panning-in-juneau-alaska.html">Gold-Panning in Juneau Shore Excursion</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/supper-at-gold-creek-salmon-bake-in.html">Supper at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake in Juneau</a> </i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/riding-white-pass-yukon-route-railroad.html">White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad in Skagway</a> </i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/taste-of-tracy-arm-fjord-alaska.html">A Taste of Tracy Arm Fjord</a> </i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/11/cruising-alaskas-glacier-bay.html">Cruising Alaska's Glacier Bay</a> </i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/09/tea-time-on-holland-america-line.html">Tea Time on Holland America Line</a> </i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/07/canada-line-cheapest-transfer-from.html">Canada Line: Cheapest way to get from Vancouver Airport to Port</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/09/galley-tour-aboard-holland-america.html">Galley Tour aboard the Zuiderdam</a></i><br />
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<i> </i><i> </i>JCLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13978630603870463770noreply@blogger.com0Alaska, USA63.588753 -154.493061953.455769499999995 176.67061660000002 73.721736499999992 -125.65674039999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492955398294208931.post-88261179873785379192011-08-01T23:23:00.001-04:002015-08-28T19:41:13.992-04:00Gold-Panning in Juneau, Alaska It was wet and misty in the afternoon when we arrived in Juneau, Alaska aboard <b>Holland America Line's Zuiderdam</b>. Due to a last-minute schedule change with sister ship <b>Westerdam</b>, we were relegated to anchoring in the bay, and had to take a tender boat ashore. The ride was smooth, though, and we were quickly whisked to the pier where we met our Gold Panning Adventure tour guide, Dig-In Dave.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AlpJQzKVUSI/TjddYvnsqqI/AAAAAAAAAHI/94YFrvpO7oQ/s1600/goldpanning+adventure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AlpJQzKVUSI/TjddYvnsqqI/AAAAAAAAAHI/94YFrvpO7oQ/s400/goldpanning+adventure.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gold Panning Adventure this way!</i></td></tr>
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Dave was hard to miss in his prospector's hat, red plaid shirt, suspenders and knee-high rubber boots. Just in case, though, the Zuiderdam's shore excursion staff, dressed in red raincoats, were holding signs to direct us to our minibus. Soon we were on our way to Gold Creek, where we would learn the fine art of gold panning at the very spot where Chief Kowee led Joe Juneau and Richard Harris to strike it rich in 1880. During the short bus ride, Dig-In Dave told us about the history of Alaska's Gold Rush, and pointed out some of Juneau's landmarks along the way.<br />
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Once we arrived at Gold Creek, where the Alaska-Juneau Gold Mining Company (AJGMC) once operated, we joined the other busloads of modern-day gold-seekers along the banks of the swiftly-flowing creek. The tops of the mountains around us were covered by low-lying misty clouds and a light rain fell as we made our way down, surrounded by run-down buildings left over from the AJGMC's operations.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJiA36UzCsY/TjdhOJj93UI/AAAAAAAAAHU/CdKFIYue8Jc/s1600/prospectors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJiA36UzCsY/TjdhOJj93UI/AAAAAAAAAHU/CdKFIYue8Jc/s400/prospectors.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Prospectors at Gold Creek</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGV4i-obgpY/TjdmWPYiyoI/AAAAAAAAAHg/-cdC_0hFUu8/s1600/dave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGV4i-obgpY/TjdmWPYiyoI/AAAAAAAAAHg/-cdC_0hFUu8/s320/dave.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dig-In Dave</i></td></tr>
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Our group gathered around Dave at the edge of the water, and watched carefully as he waded in, shovel in one hand and gold pan in the other. He filled his pan with dirt from the creek bed, and demonstrated how to add water, then shake the contents of the pan back and forth, allowing the heaviest particles (GOLD!) to sink to the bottom of the pan. He washed off the top layer of dirt and gravel in the creek, then went back to shaking. After repeating a few more times, it looked like he had washed everything out of his pan. But then, an experienced swirl of his hand, and - <i>voilà!</i> - like magic, tiny flakes of gold were scattered all over the bottom of his pan! The whole thing had taken him between 5 to 10 minutes, detailed explanation and demonstration included. He then waded out of the water, and handed us each our dirt-filled gold pans. We were off!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AuPM8vaejO8/TjdiXk_f8dI/AAAAAAAAAHY/sVJA6qouckc/s1600/dig+in+dave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AuPM8vaejO8/TjdiXk_f8dI/AAAAAAAAAHY/sVJA6qouckc/s400/dig+in+dave.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dig-In Dave demonstrates how to pan for gold</i></td></tr>
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We joined the other gold panners crouched along the water's edge, and started shaking. Unfortunately, this was a lot harder than how Dave had made it seem. The cold creek water and non-stop shaking of the heavy gravel-filled metal pan had caused my whole hand to go numb before I finally got down to the last few teaspoons of fine dirt. So where was the gold? I carefully dipped my pan into the freezing water, tipped it slightly and allowed the water to flow out slowly, carrying most of the dirt with it. Then, I gave a little swirl, just like Dave - and amazingly, there were flecks of REAL GOLD lying on the bottom of my pan!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zy2gjAGVPQ/TjdgeaFFiNI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/Ol5Q7SfdQs0/s1600/gold%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zy2gjAGVPQ/TjdgeaFFiNI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/Ol5Q7SfdQs0/s400/gold%2521.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>REAL GOLD FLAKES!</i></td></tr>
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I rushed over to the wooden table on the side of the creek where Dave was helping my fellow "Sourdoughs" to harvest their hard-found grains of gold. We used eyedroppers to suck up water (and a few flakes of gold), then transferred them into small plastic vials to take home. Dave awarded each of us a "Gold Claim Deed" on our way back into the bus. Next stop for the hungry gold prospectors: dinnertime at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n6Tg9O8LNqw/TjdeZMPhxII/AAAAAAAAAHM/_wlTCMM-bLI/s1600/collecting+gold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n6Tg9O8LNqw/TjdeZMPhxII/AAAAAAAAAHM/_wlTCMM-bLI/s400/collecting+gold.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Collecting our gold</i></td></tr>
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<i>This article recounts our experience on the first portion of the "Gold Panning Adventure and Alaska Salmon Bake" shore excursion in Juneau, Alaska on July 18th, 2011. It was purchased through Holland America Line on board the Zuiderdam, and cost $79 per adult, $54 per child. This excursion lasts approximately 3 hours in total, and we spent about half of that on the gold panning expedition to Gold Creek.</i><br />
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<b>Related Post:</b><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/supper-at-gold-creek-salmon-bake-in.html">Supper at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake in Juneau</a> </i><br />
<i><br /></i>JCLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13978630603870463770noreply@blogger.com0Juneau, AK, USA58.3019444 -134.4197222000000257.7119959 -135.44106420000003 58.891892899999995 -133.39838020000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492955398294208931.post-77999461553672822152011-07-30T22:25:00.000-04:002015-08-28T19:35:41.085-04:00Luxurious Layover at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel<span id="goog_600997425"></span><span id="goog_600997426"></span> Imagine taking a bubble bath while sipping champagne and nibbling on chocolate-covered strawberries within half an hour after getting your luggage from your flight to Vancouver, while your fellow passengers are fighting it out in a taxi stuck in traffic. Sounds like a dream? Well, it is possible - and here's how.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0jbT4aaRRmo/TjSw_AQCRVI/AAAAAAAAAFs/DsbO8Q_c0Xw/s1600/choco+strawberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0jbT4aaRRmo/TjSw_AQCRVI/AAAAAAAAAFs/DsbO8Q_c0Xw/s320/choco+strawberries.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chocolate-covered strawberries, compliments of Fairmont YVR</i></td></tr>
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The <b>Vancouver International Airport (YVR)</b> is Canada's second busiest airport, having 16.8 million passengers go through their gates in 2010. It serves as Canada's gateway to the Far East, and with multiple connections to places including China, Japan and Hawaii, there is a good chance that Canadian passengers traveling to these exotic destinations will transit through here.<br />
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The airport does have multiple well-lit seating areas for whiling away the hours waiting to catch a connecting flight. However, if you are in the mood for a more luxurious and private place to layover, there is a AAA four-diamond rated hotel located within the airport, a short walk away from the domestic terminal, and directly above the US ticket counters in the international terminal - the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><b>Fairmont Vancouver Airport</b></a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2BSilPNQRc/TjSyLHgUn8I/AAAAAAAAAFw/pXUX0vIzwzk/s1600/entrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2BSilPNQRc/TjSyLHgUn8I/AAAAAAAAAFw/pXUX0vIzwzk/s400/entrance.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Escalator to the <b>Fairmont Vancouver Airport </b>lobby</i></td></tr>
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We stayed there recently after having arrived a few days early for a cruise to Alaska on <b>Holland America Line's Zuiderdam</b>. It was easy to get to the hotel upon arrival - you can load up all your luggage on the airport's free carts and without going outside, wheel them all over to the hotel entrance, at the far end of the US/international terminal. The hotel lobby is located one floor up, and there is a bell desk with hotel staff ready to help you transport your luggage. (Unfortunately, you cannot bring the airport cart into the hotel, so the luggage needs to be transferred here).<br />
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This hotel has a pool, gym and spa, so once you have checked in to your room, you can work-out in your hotel-loaned Adidas workout gear (free for Fairmont President's Club Premier and Platinum members) or get a massage to help you relax after the madness of the airport. Alternatively, get a drink and enjoy the view of the runways at the Jetside Bar.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vZizAhaEU5I/TjSzQuOn1AI/AAAAAAAAAF0/CoGic9qxFGY/s1600/jetside+bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vZizAhaEU5I/TjSzQuOn1AI/AAAAAAAAAF0/CoGic9qxFGY/s400/jetside+bar.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jetside Bar</i></td></tr>
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The Fairmont Vancouver Airport also has a side product that it produces and sells - their own branded honey. I tried in vain to see the million bees that produce this so-called "liquid gold", but unfortunately they are kept behind a secure area on airport premises at the McDonald Beach Park. I had to content myself with a taste from a jar purchased at the front desk. It was ..... <i>sweet!</i><br />
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My favorite thing(s) about this hotel, though, sweet honey aside, are the rooms. Every room, even the lowest category (Fairmont) is large and has a view of the runways where you can watch jets arriving or taking off. Deluxe category rooms and above also have a telescope to allow closer inspection of these behemoths in the sky. Also, every bathroom has a large soaking tub, and a separate tiled shower. The sliding doors on the "window" between the bathtub and bedroom allows you to be as private or all-inclusive as you like. (Careful, though - there isn't any lock on these shutters, nor on the sliding doors leading to the bathroom, so your privacy could easily be disturbed by a curious kid or roommate!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6EQOuCNYOE0/TjS6erqHh0I/AAAAAAAAAF8/IWjfV6Nd928/s1600/Fairmont+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6EQOuCNYOE0/TjS6erqHh0I/AAAAAAAAAF8/IWjfV6Nd928/s400/Fairmont+room.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fairmont Room</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i1eS_hsxCe4/TjS0QoeCDCI/AAAAAAAAAF4/-Jok0m8kiE0/s1600/bathtub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i1eS_hsxCe4/TjS0QoeCDCI/AAAAAAAAAF4/-Jok0m8kiE0/s400/bathtub.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inviting bathtub with direct view to the TV</i></td></tr>
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Arriving at this luxury hotel room after suffering through an interminable flight jammed like sardines in the back of the plane was like finding an oasis in the desert. We stayed the night, transferring to Canada Place the next day, but you can enjoy all this luxury even if you only have a few hours between flights. Day-use rooms are available at $99 for four hours between 8am and 8pm, with each additional hour at $20 each, up to a maximum of eight hours. It sure beats trying to sleep on those banks of padded metal airport chairs while hoards of travelers swarm around you!<br />
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<i>For more information on Vancouver, try one of these travel guides: </i><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Frommers-Vancouver-Victoria-Donald-Olson/dp/0470679689?ie=UTF8&tag=backstag09-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Frommer's Vancouver and Victoria 2011" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0470679689&tag=backstag09-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=backstag09-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0470679689" height="1" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=backstag09-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0756660505" height="1" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Planet-Vancouver-Travel-Guide/dp/1741794005?ie=UTF8&tag=backstag09-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Lonely Planet Vancouver (City Travel Guide)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1741794005&tag=backstag09-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=backstag09-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1741794005" height="1" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fodors-Vancouver-Victoria-2nd-Full-Color/dp/1400004195?ie=UTF8&tag=backstag09-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Fodor's Vancouver & Victoria, 2nd Edition: with Whistler, Vancouver Island & the Okanagan Valley (Full-Color Gold Guides)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1400004195&tag=backstag09-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=backstag09-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1400004195" height="1" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rough-Guide-Vancouver-Guides/dp/1848365047?ie=UTF8&tag=backstag09-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="The Rough Guide to Vancouver (Rough Guides)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1848365047&tag=backstag09-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=backstag09-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1848365047" height="1" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />JCLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13978630603870463770noreply@blogger.com0Vancouver, BC, Canada49.261226 -123.113926849.2016675 -123.2147628 49.3207845 -123.0130908tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492955398294208931.post-86515118709319781152011-07-29T00:19:00.005-04:002015-08-28T19:34:13.674-04:00A Balcony with a View: Zuiderdam Penthouse Suite 7046<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ga0BSqECeok/TjIl9ZqeDzI/AAAAAAAAAFM/IjSfac542PU/s1600/IMG_3342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"> <img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ga0BSqECeok/TjIl9ZqeDzI/AAAAAAAAAFM/IjSfac542PU/s640/IMG_3342.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Zuiderdam at the dock in Skagway</i></td></tr>
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The balcony of the Penthouse suite on <b>Holland America Line's Zuiderdam</b> is not just a balcony - it is your own private outdoor dining room, living room, nature-watching observation deck and pool deck (well, jacuzzi deck) all-in-one. We had the good fortune of sailing Alaska's Inside Passage in the <b>Zuiderdam</b> <b>Penthouse Verandah Suite #7046</b> last week, and the balcony served as all of these things for us, as well as being a comfortable gathering place for our family reunion cruise.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dusCZ9J_D8Y/TjIvaJoWUmI/AAAAAAAAAFc/R5BZcUxFMEw/s1600/balcony+toast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="616" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dusCZ9J_D8Y/TjIvaJoWUmI/AAAAAAAAAFc/R5BZcUxFMEw/s640/balcony+toast.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Champagne toast sail-away from Vancouver!</i></td></tr>
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This suite is one of two penthouses on the Zuiderdam, and is located on the port side. For our cruise to Alaska, this turned out to be the perfect choice, as it seemed that the port side spent more time turned towards the main sights, such as the Margerie Glacier in Glacier Bay, than starboard. Other members of our group had starboard cabins, so we could easily switch sides to follow interesting views - however, we still seemed to spend most of our time on the portside penthouse balcony.<br />
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Of course, this may have something to do with its enormous space, comfortable furnishings and convenient layout. According to <a href="http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-onboard/Zuiderdam;jsessionid=8A88543B63BED91A14CEB4F3B1410BCB">Holland America Line's website</a>, the penthouse suite on the Zuiderdam measures 1, 150 sq. ft., including the balcony. We didn't measure the suite nor the balcony, but a consensus group guess put the area of the verandah about one-third of the total size, or approximately 400 sq. ft. Our party of ten could easily stand outside and not feel crowded. In fact, there was probably space for at least ten more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DUtp8_VuZUs/TjIpn_7bsqI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/EcGljjnwxAA/s1600/IMG_2938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DUtp8_VuZUs/TjIpn_7bsqI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/EcGljjnwxAA/s640/IMG_2938.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Left side: dining area with cozy built-in bench and lounge chairs</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1sBmjJJ4fuc/TjIsleRjGQI/AAAAAAAAAFU/68M8cDAuMpI/s1600/IMG_2935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1sBmjJJ4fuc/TjIsleRjGQI/AAAAAAAAAFU/68M8cDAuMpI/s640/IMG_2935.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Right side: medium-sized jacuzzi tub and more lounge chairs</i></td></tr>
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Our group used the dining area on the balcony mostly for afternoon snack time. On the first day at sea, while cruising the inside passage, we had high tea delivered to the cabin and enjoyed our treats while looking for wildlife in the water and on shore.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rf7klrCK6dc/TjIxc1MtumI/AAAAAAAAAFg/U9bi5wbsvnM/s1600/071711+Alaska+%252860%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rf7klrCK6dc/TjIxc1MtumI/AAAAAAAAAFg/U9bi5wbsvnM/s640/071711+Alaska+%252860%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tea time in the Inside Passage</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_aKA2HIUYLM/TjIyMup3u7I/AAAAAAAAAFk/e2acRWocynM/s1600/072011+Glacier+Bay+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_aKA2HIUYLM/TjIyMup3u7I/AAAAAAAAAFk/e2acRWocynM/s640/072011+Glacier+Bay+%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A hungry visitor</i></td></tr>
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To cap off an amazing week, we had spectacularly beautiful weather in Glacier Bay, and could sit outside comfortably with just light jackets and sunglasses most of the day. At least one member of the group wasn't too impressed with the glaciers, however - he only had eyes for the jacuzzi tub!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oDIctHA-GzA/TjIuo2wyXDI/AAAAAAAAAFY/ybww6SIzZwY/s1600/IMG_3427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oDIctHA-GzA/TjIuo2wyXDI/AAAAAAAAAFY/ybww6SIzZwY/s640/IMG_3427.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Swimming at the Margerie Glacier</i></td></tr>
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<b>Related Posts: </b><br />
<a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/cruisng-alaskas-inside-passage-on.html"><i>Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage on HAL's Zuiderdam</i></a><br />
<i> </i><i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/photo-tour-of-holland-america-lines.html">A Photo Tour of Zuiderdam's Penthouse Suite #7046</a></i><br />
<a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/gold-panning-in-juneau-alaska.html"><i>Shore Excursion: Gold Panning in Juneau</i></a><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/supper-at-gold-creek-salmon-bake-in.html">Shore Excursion: Supper at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake in Juneau</a> </i><br />
<a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/riding-white-pass-yukon-route-railroad.html"><i>Shore Excursion: White Pass Railroad in Skagway</i></a><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/08/taste-of-tracy-arm-fjord-alaska.html">A Taste of Tracy Arm Fjord</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/11/cruising-alaskas-glacier-bay.html">Cruising Alaska's Glacier Bay</a></i>JCLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13978630603870463770noreply@blogger.com1Alaska, USA63.588753 -154.493061953.455769499999995 176.67061660000002 73.721736499999992 -125.65674039999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492955398294208931.post-17580056025693156312011-07-26T21:19:00.001-04:002015-08-28T19:32:31.514-04:00Canada Line - Cheapest transfer from Vancouver airport for a cruise from Canada Place<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-trGeIpytfWg/TizjusTdB-I/AAAAAAAAADg/oTnvGd-B9ok/s1600/IMG_2749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-trGeIpytfWg/TizjusTdB-I/AAAAAAAAADg/oTnvGd-B9ok/s640/IMG_2749.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Canada Place, viewed from Zuiderdam balcony!</i></td></tr>
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The 2011 Alaska cruising season is now well underway, and Vancouver's <b>Canada Place</b> is one of the main ports from which Alaskan Inside Passage cruises depart. We were there recently for the July 16th sailing on <b>Holland America Line's Zuiderdam</b>, and tried out a couple of options for getting from the Vancouver airport to the port: the traditional taxicab, and the <b>Canada Line</b> light railway, built just before the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.<br />
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For those with manageable luggage, the Canada Line is an inexpensive and relatively quick option to get from the Vancouver airport to the Canada Place port. One ticket purchased at the airport station costs $8.75 per adult and the train runs frequently (every 8-12 minutes during the day), directly to the Waterfront station in approximately 25 minutes. There is no need to change trains, although it does stop along the way. If you arrive after 6:30pm or on a weekend or holiday, it is a little cheaper at $7.50. Note that the cost of the ticket includes a $5.00 add-on fare that is charged for every ticket purchased at the airport - if you take the Canada Line from the Waterfront station back to the airport following your cruise, the cost is only $3.75 (or $2.50 after 6:30pm and weekends). This makes a round-trip fare for one adult between $10-$12.50, which pretty much beats all other options. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RFMIcVCHFpo/Ti9TM0yCOnI/AAAAAAAAAE0/bYXJ-6XW8VI/s1600/canada+place.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="412" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RFMIcVCHFpo/Ti9TM0yCOnI/AAAAAAAAAE0/bYXJ-6XW8VI/s640/canada+place.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Canada Line Vancouver Airport Station</i></td></tr>
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The Canada Line station at the Vancouver airport is accessible right from the departures level (between the domestic and international terminals), and hauling luggage is easy with elevator and escalator access. Your ticket is purchased from a vending machine, and there is no need to validate it - you just get on the train with ticket in hand. There is no gate or guard at the entrance to the train - this is an honor system, but if you are caught riding without a valid ticket, you will be fined $173.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Waterfront Station - Cordova Exit : Turn right at the exit, walk 1 1/2 blocks, turn right on Howe, then one more block to Canada Place</i></td></tr>
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The train itself is clean, with wide seats, but I didn't notice any luggage storage areas - I had to block the seat next to me to keep my carry-on sized roller bag out of the aisle. Luckily, there weren't too many people riding the train when I was there on a weekday evening, but I imagine that rush hour could get crowded and problematic for transporting suitcases. In any case, the Waterfront station, where you get out, is a 2.5 block walk from Canada Place, so this method of transportation is only recommended for people with not too much luggage to carry.<br />
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For comparison's sake, my husband took a taxi from the airport to Canada Place. He took a Delta Surrey Green Cab, which was waiting curbside at the airport, all the way to the port. There was quite a bit of traffic and lots of construction downtown, so the ride took about one hour (as compared to the 25 minutes by Canada Line), and cost $50. However, the trunk was plenty wide enough for all the suitcases two people could carry, and the driver helped to unload them too. If you have not planned your transfers through your cruise company and you have more than a medium-sized suitcase per person, this might be the better way to get to Canada Place. If you travel light, though, I recommend the Canada Line. It is quick and easy to use and maneuver, and costs a whole lot less!<br />
<br />JCLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13978630603870463770noreply@blogger.com2Vancouver, BC, Canada49.261226 -123.113926849.2016675 -123.2147628 49.3207845 -123.0130908tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492955398294208931.post-7923240992129070292011-07-25T01:24:00.003-04:002015-08-28T19:30:01.359-04:00Hilton Lac-Leamy: Loto-Quebec Art Gallery The Hilton Lac-Leamy in Gatineau, Quebec, is rated four diamonds by AAA, and five stars by Tourism Quebec. On top of that, this hotel has won the Hilton Hotels "Connie" Award (named after founder Conrad Hilton) four times, in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006. The Connie Award is given annually to the Hilton hotel that has excelled in customer service, as rated by customer surveys. It's a big deal for Hilton-branded hotels, and the four trophies are proudly displayed in a glass case in the Lac-Leamy lobby.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hilton Lac-Leamy's Connie Awards</td></tr>
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However, that's not all that is on display at this hotel, which is owned by Loto-Quebec. In 1979, Loto-Quebec began an art collection (<a href="http://lotoquebec.com/collection/en/home">La Collection Loto-Québec</a>) with the goal of stimulating the creation of artwork by Quebecois artists. It now has over 4300 pieces of art, representing the work of over 1200 Quebec artists, and many of these are on display within the Hilton Lac-Leamy hotel. This makes a visit to this luxury hotel more than just a weekend getaway to be spoiled at the spa or by fine dining. Visitors also have the opportunity to discover the many works of art that make up the <i>Collection Loto-Québec</i>, such as this dancing bear statue located next to the elevators.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Dancing Bear" by Davie Atchealak, Loto-Quebec Collection no. 3155</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chihuly chandeliers in Lac-Leamy lobby</td></tr>
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The largest and most striking works of art that hang over the hotel lobby are the blown glass sculptures by American artist <a href="http://www.chihuly.com/home.aspx">Dale Chihuly</a>. These amazing confections are completely made of glass, blown by teams of glass-blowers in the Venetian style and held together by braided wires. Chihuly sculptures are on public display in many museums, gardens, art galleries and hotels around the world, including the Bellagio and Mirage in Las Vegas. The Hilton Lac-Leamy, however, is one of only two locations in Canada where Chihuly statues are on permanent display, and there are several. These range from the four giant chandeliers hanging in the lobby, to the smaller works mounted on a staircase column leading from the lobby to the Arome restaurant, where you can get a closer look at these intricate, serpentine pieces.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chihuly sculptures on staircase column</td></tr>
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The next time you visit the Hilton Lac-Leamy, take a closer look at the "decorations" on the walls - each piece of art and its creator is named, giving an introduction to Loto-Quebec's formidible art collection and adding a touch of culture to a walk through a hotel lobby.<br />
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<i>Read more about Lac-Leamy: <a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/07/martinis-take-flight-at-casino-lac.html">Fabulous Martini Flights</a>, and </i><i><a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/07/restaurant-le-baccara-fine-cuisine.html">Restaurant Le Baccara</a>.</i><i></i> <br />
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JCLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13978630603870463770noreply@blogger.com0Gatineau, QC, Canada45.483933 -75.64563199999997845.4230495 -75.768163999999985 45.5448165 -75.523099999999971tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492955398294208931.post-81220187654928328512011-07-11T22:25:00.001-04:002011-07-11T23:09:07.343-04:005 things you can buy at the grocery store in Shanghai that you can't get in Montreal There is a large community of "expats" in Shanghai. This refers to expatriates, of course, or "foreigners temporarily residing here". A large proportion of these expats buy their groceries at a place called <a href="http://www.carrefour.com.cn/shop/ShopEng_68.htm">Carrefour</a>. This is partly because there are many North American and European products here that you can't get elsewhere, and partly because it's pretty convenient and resembles the big grocery stores back home, selling clothing, toys and household items along with milk, juice and other foods.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoppers at Carrefour Liang Yang, Shanghai, China</td></tr>
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Here are the top five items on sale at the Carrefour grocery store in Shanghai that we can't get back home in Montreal. The Carrefour store where these pictures were taken is located at 185 FanDian Road, Shanghai, but there are many other Carrefour stores all around Shanghai and other cities in China.<br />
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<b>1) 50 kilograms of unwrapped Chinese sausage (if you need it)</b><br />
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<b>2) Dried Sea Cucumber (we think)</b><br />
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<b>4) Dried pig faces</b><br />
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<b>5) A down-filled orange (or fuchsia, if you prefer) winter coat for 99RMB (about $15 CAD) - very cozy and warm, and definitely easy to spot if you get lost on a snowy mountain!</b><br />
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</div>JCLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13978630603870463770noreply@blogger.com2Shanghai, China31.230393 121.47370430.7858455 120.836658 31.674940499999998 122.11075tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492955398294208931.post-32494870638884628952011-07-10T21:34:00.002-04:002015-08-28T19:27:45.636-04:00Café Olimpico : Montreal's best coffee - even the cops can't resist it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/67/1465104/restaurant/Outremont/Cafe-Olimpico-Montreal" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Café Olimpico on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1465104/minilink.gif" style="border: medium none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a></div>
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We had been advised to try out <b>Café Olimpico</b> by a loyal regular customer. This homey, no-nonsense Italian coffee-sports bar is located in Montreal's Mile End neighborhood (124 Rue St. Viateur Ouest), and has been in business since 1970, according to its sign.<br />
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On the hunt for a coffee fix, I was a bit wary during the drive there - it's in a residential neighbourhood, and not much seemed to be going on Friday night at 10pm. The search for caffeine won out, however, so we parked the car and went over just in time to see two of Montreal's finest walking away with coffee cups in hand. Hey, if the cops like it - it should be good, right?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W47705-cReE/ThpDD5pLFtI/AAAAAAAAACs/4dmj7p9RzI4/s1600/cappuccino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W47705-cReE/ThpDD5pLFtI/AAAAAAAAACs/4dmj7p9RzI4/s320/cappuccino.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A perfect cappuccino!</i></td></tr>
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Joe, the barrista, laid all fears to rest by quickly serving up two perfect cappuccinos, with just the right amount of froth on top of hot, rich espresso, at only $2.50 each, to boot! There wasn't much else on the menu in the way of food, so we took a seat inside the oddly decorated sports bar to savour the coffee, and watched the lineup at the long counter ebb and flow. There seemed to be a mix of regulars who chatted with Joe while waiting, and passers-by just wandering through. Either way, there was no shortage of customers that night, of all ages - even a baby!<br />
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There is also an inviting outdoor <i>terrasse</i> attached to this neighborhood coffee shop, and there were more customers seated here than those inside watching the baseball game on giant TV screens hanging from the walls. The<i> terrasse</i> looked quite peaceful and seemed to be a nice place to hang out and chat over a cup of coffee and a biscotti on a warm summer evening. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Waiting in line at Cafe Olimpico</i></td></tr>
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During the 30-minutes or so that we were there, four other policemen came and went, <i>caffè latte</i> in hand - which proves two things - Montreal's police appreciate good coffee, and Café Olimpico is one safe place to sip a cappuccino!JCLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13978630603870463770noreply@blogger.com0Montreal, QC, Canada45.5088889 -73.554166745.374671400000004 -73.699077699999989 45.6431064 -73.4092557tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492955398294208931.post-70806076330618002782011-07-07T23:50:00.001-04:002015-08-28T19:16:14.668-04:00Le Meridien Cancun: Saved by a Mexican Dinner<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View of the pools and beach from my room</i></td></tr>
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The hotel <b>Le Meridien Cancun Resort and Spa</b> is located on a prime stretch of Cancun's coveted beach in the "zona hotelera". Its enormous swimming pool area overlooks and has direct access to the soft, sandy beach, and the hotel has lots of free-for-hotel-guests plastic beach chairs just in front. However, the weather was unseasonably cold during a January visit, so there weren't many guests taking advantage of the unique three-tiered infinity pool (you can only see two of the tiers in the photo.) This was despite the multi-temperature design of the pools, so that you can find the one that's "just right" for you.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>New hotel under construction next door</i></td></tr>
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The view of the empty pools and beach was considerably better, however, than my view of the concrete shell of a building being constructed next door. Although there wasn't any problem with noise during my stay, despite the fact that my room was facing this construction site, the forlorn framework for an edifice was a real eyesore, and also kind of creepy. In fact, I don't recall ever seeing anyone actually working on this building during the week I was there, so who knows if or when it will ever be finished.<br />
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One thing, however, did turn out to be "just right" for me - and the saving grace for this stay - and that was my Mexican dinner, ordered through room service! For just $30US, I had this three course meal complete with a frosty Margarita (I could have had a beer instead) delivered to my room within 30 minutes of placing my order. This was a great deal, since everything else on the in-room dining menu was both more expensive (ordered à la carte) and less interesting (think club sandwich and pizza).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mexican Dinner!!</i></td></tr>
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My Mexican dinner started off with a delicious, spicy tortilla soup, which was at the perfect temperature - hot but not scalding. The main dish was a generous serving of chicken fajitas, and the meal was rounded out by a small cake for dessert. The cake was so-so, but the fajitas were very good, and served with three kinds of sauces, which were interesting and offered a variety of tastes. I liked it so much I ordered it twice!<br />
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JCLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13978630603870463770noreply@blogger.com3Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico21.158964 -86.84593699999999221.067136 -86.9323915 21.250792 -86.75948249999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492955398294208931.post-53069321656420942992011-07-06T23:23:00.004-04:002015-08-28T19:13:40.560-04:00Dim Sum at La Maison Kam Fung<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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<img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=backstag09-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=9881774233" height="1px" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px! important; padding-left: 0px! important; padding-right: 0px! important; padding-top: 0px! important;" width="1px" /> It was raining today in Montreal, which made it a perfect day to lunch on dim sum at <strong>La Maison Kam Fung</strong> (1111 rue St-Urbain). The convenient underground parking lot in the building housing this long-time Chinatown restaurant allowed us to indulge our cravings for tasty Chinese dumplings and other treats without getting soaked in the downpour.</div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/67/721467/restaurant/Montreal/Chinatown/Kam-Fung-Montreal" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kam Fung on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/721467/minilink.gif" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/67/721467/restaurant/Montreal/Chinatown/Kam-Fung-Montreal" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a> Just how long has this restaurant been around? Well, according to the harried hostess: "Oh, long time, long time!" So there you have it - it's been around a loooong time! This is probably due to the fact that the cooks at Kam Fung have been churning out delicious steamed and fried dumplings and other dim sum delicacies all these years. </div>
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We arrived just before the noon-hour rush, and were seated right away. Beware the long, long lineups, though, if you are thinking of brunching here some weekend. The wait can sometimes drag on to hours, with hoards of hopeful diners crowding the corridor outside the restaurant, all clutching pieces of paper with a number to indicate their place in the wait.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RdheERJ-HrY/ThUieTgMWuI/AAAAAAAAAA4/0TWYAnGMJPc/s1600/IMG_2582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RdheERJ-HrY/ThUieTgMWuI/AAAAAAAAAA4/0TWYAnGMJPc/s320/IMG_2582.JPG" width="320" /></a> Dim sum is a special form of Chinese meal, served with a steaming pot of tea and chosen by diners from passing carts pushed by vendors shouting out the names of what they have inside their bamboo steamers, or arranged on small plates. It is loud - very loud, and people don't tend to linger here. Dim sum is delicious but utilitarian - eat it while it's hot and while you are hungry. Then, you "mai dan" (pay the bill) and leave your place for someone else.</div>
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We had some excellent spring rolls (one of the best I have ever tasted) and the pan-fried Chinese chive dumpling was good too. Classic dim sum menu items "har gow" (steamed shrimp dumpling) and "shiu mai" (steamed pork dumpling) were abundant and satisfying. Everything was hot and the choice was good, so if you don't feel like having chicken feet or fried squid, you can still go for the steamed spare ribs or BBQ pork buns.</div>
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Our lunch was both tasty and efficient. Our table was filled with small plates of goodies within minutes of sitting down, and we were back at work about half an hour later. It didn't make a huge dent in our pocketbooks either, costing $25 for two, tax and tip included. If you want to know the names and ingredients of popular dim sum menu items, Liza Chu has authored this handy guide<img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=backstag09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=9881774233" height="1px" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px! important; padding-left: 0px! important; padding-right: 0px! important; padding-top: 0px! important;" width="1px" /> you can take to the restaurant.</div>
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JCLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13978630603870463770noreply@blogger.com1Montreal, QC, Canada45.5088889 -73.554166745.374671400000004 -73.699077699999989 45.6431064 -73.4092557tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492955398294208931.post-6207869716916972052011-07-05T23:40:00.000-04:002015-08-28T19:25:38.797-04:00Fairmont Tremblant's Most Steamy Asset<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fairmont Tremblant Outdoor Pools</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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We have been to the Fairmont Tremblant resort in winter, spring, summer and fall. I have gone alone to attend a conference, with my husband on a romantic getaway, and with the kids during a family vacation. And what is our number one favorite (steamy) asset of this five-star hotel, as chosen unanimously by every member of the family? ..... The 400-square foot outdoor year-round therapeutic hot tub! (far right in photo)<br />
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While other hotels may have an outdoor pool open from May to September, sometimes partnered with a small jacuzzi or two, the Fairmont Tremblant offers a swimmer's dream come true. With two pools (indoor and outdoor), three regular-sized whirlpools, and one enormous, designer-shaped outdoor hot tub bigger than many rival hotels' cookie-cutter-rectangular-shaped swim tanks, this hotel's swimming facilities are unbeatable. What's more, the amazing set-up is open all year round, allowing lucky hotel guests to enjoy below-freezing winter temperatures outside in their bikinis, with snow gently falling on their heads, while keeping toasty warm in the bubbling 37°C (98.6°F) hot tub. <br />
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The hot tub is not only useful in the snow, however. During an unseasonably cold holiday weekend recently, plenty of under-dressed vacationers (us included) kept warm by soaking in the oddly-shaped hot tub, with plenty of cozy corners to cuddle up. Kids of all ages are allowed full access, and there is a lifeguard on duty at all times, making this incredible pool complex one of the best (and family-friendly) we have ever seen. Life-vests are available for the little ones, as well as swim noodles. Kids can even get appropriately-sized bathrobes upon request through housekeeping.<br />
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For adults looking for more mature company and some privacy, there is a smaller, secluded jacuzzi hot tub just for them, located several steps up from the main outdoor pool complex. This clever location has the advantage of being mostly hidden from view of the swimmers at ground level, and therefore remains safe from the unwanted invasion of little feet.<br />
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Without a doubt, this hotel's swimming pool complex is one of the best. Not only is it spacious and offers plenty of choice (indoors and out), but the jewel in the crown - the gigantic outdoor hot tub that is more like a hot pool - is both unique and pleasing to all ages. Two thumbs up, Fairmont Tremblant!<br />
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Reader's Poll: What's your favorite hotel pool?JCLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13978630603870463770noreply@blogger.com0Mont-Tremblant, QC, Canada46.187707 -74.60993646.049131 -74.6984585 46.326283000000004 -74.521413500000008tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492955398294208931.post-33997732297634623352011-07-04T22:57:00.031-04:002015-08-28T19:12:05.401-04:00Restaurant Le Baccara: Fine Cuisine Extreme<div style="text-align: right;">
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At our recent visit to the Lac-Leamy complex, we decided to sample the CAA-AAA five-diamond food and service at the <b>Restaurant Le Baccara</b>. Since the restaurant has had the Five-Diamond designation since 2001, we had high expectations. Happily, we were not to be disappointed!</div>
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We were welcomed with a smile and shown a table for two, strategically situated by the window, with a panoramic view of the lake. Our waiter, Jocelyn, arrived promptly to explain the menu. His recommendation, if we were "feeling adventurous": the five-course Chef's Tasting Menu ($95 per person), which he claimed would be full of "wonderful surprises", concocted by Chef Serge Rourre and his team. We accepted his suggestion, and decided to add the sommelier's wine pairings ($65 per person).<br />
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We were honestly enjoying ourselves too much to take note of the name of each course and it's accompanying wine, but all were presented with panache, and carefully explained to us by the serving staff and Danielle, the sommelier. The main dish, an ostrich steak, was both exotic and delicious (see photo). <br />
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What really impressed me, though, was the attention to detail and the top-notch service. Case in point: when I got up midway through the meal to visit the restroom, the staff took advantage of my brief absence to replace my table napkin with a fresh one, folded neatly at my place. When I returned, someone was instantly behind me, to pull out my chair for me. Amazing and unobtrusive, the service is truly five-star, and the food, while not cheap, was both exquisitely delectable and adventurous, just as Jocelyn promised.</div>
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<i>Read more about Lac-Leamy: <a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/07/martinis-take-flight-at-casino-lac.html">Fabulous Martini Flights</a>, and <a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/07/hilton-lac-leamy-loto-quebec-art.html">Art at the Hilton Lac-Leamy.</a></i></div>
JCLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13978630603870463770noreply@blogger.com0Gatineau, QC, Canada45.483933 -75.64563199999997845.4230495 -75.768163999999985 45.5448165 -75.523099999999971tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492955398294208931.post-61653618289790710642011-07-03T12:20:00.006-04:002015-08-28T18:51:01.532-04:00Beware of Hertz and PlatePass: Why You Should Always Take Photos of Your Rental Car and License Plate Probably like most people, I have always carried out a rather cursory check of my rental car before driving it away, looking for damage and sometimes going as far as verifying the gas gauge. However, since a bizarre incident involving Hertz Rent-a-Car in Orlando, Florida last November, I now routinely take photos of my rental vehicle - including the license plate. Here's the story so you can avoid my problems in the future.<br />
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I had reserved my car on-line, as usual, and since I am a Hertz Gold Club member, skipped the counter at the airport and went straight to my assigned car - a Chevy Traverse. I did the usual quick check, looking for damage (none), and drove away. For those who aren't familiar with driving in Florida, there are toll highways, and Hertz "conveniently" offers the services of PlatePass® to all its rental car drivers. This is done automatically, and is not explicitly explained to the renting driver (at least, not to me!)<br />
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What is PlatePass®? Well, I did not know when I noticed their charge of $12.00 on my Visa bill several months after getting home from my vacation. I googled it, and discovered that PlatePass® is a service for which Hertz customers are automatically enrolled. They will pay your tolls on Florida highways when you do not, then charge you the toll (plus a hefty service fee) automatically on your registered credit card. In fact, it is explained on the Hertz website, if you search for it, and in Florida, if you do not want to use (or pay for) the PlatePass® service, you must pay all your tolls yourself, as you are passing through. If you do not, a photo of the license plate of the car passing though unpaid is taken, and you are tracked down that way.<br />
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Now you might ask why I tried to run through tollbooths in Florida without paying the toll. In fact, I did not. Upon requesting further information from PlatePass®, it turns out that the day that I was being assessed a toll charge for was a day during which the Chevy Traverse I had rented was, in fact, parked at the Disney World parking lot all day. A-ha! So then it was just a mistake! Well, that's what I thought, until PlatePass® found the photo of the offending car and sent it to me to prove that they had the right culprit.<br />
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The photo was of a Chevy Tahoe, with a license plate that was supposedly rented to me the day it passed unpaid through a tollbooth in Orlando. I figured that I had this whole thing beat, since I had rented a Chevy Traverse, and since I was definitely at Disney World and never took a highway the day the offense happened.<br />
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Unfortunately for me, when I dug out my receipt from Hertz all those months after my vacation, it turns out that the car I returned had scanned in as a Chevy Tahoe, having the exact same license plate as the Chevy Tahoe in the PlatePass® picture! So I could not prove that I had a completely different other car, although I know I did, and I could not contest the charge.<br />
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This was, in retrospect, not such a big deal, since the only thing the person driving that mysterious Chevy Tahoe did was fail to pay a toll, and this cost me about $12. What if he or she had committed a more serious crime? I would again be unable to prove that it was not me at the wheel, since Hertz (and I) had clear documented proof that I was in possession of that particular vehicle at the time of the offense. Since I had no photo of the actual vehicle I had been driving, and I had certainly not taken down the license plate number, I was stuck.<br />
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Ever since this incident, the first thing I do with every vehicle I rent is to pull out my camera and snap photos from all sides, including the license plate and make of the car. Not only is it a visual record of the vehicle I was given, it also serves to document the damage already present on the car when I rented it, in case any dispute arises later. Since it seems that most disputes between renter and rental agency arise after the vehicle has been returned, sometimes many months later (as in my case), having such photos could really save you from big (and sometimes costly) headaches in the future.<br />
JCLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13978630603870463770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492955398294208931.post-66314857860119620362011-07-02T00:41:00.015-04:002015-08-28T18:47:31.059-04:00Martinis take flight at the Casino Lac-Leamy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/250/1467326/restaurant/Ottawa/Buffet-Banco-Gatineau" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Buffet Banco on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1467326/minilink.gif" style="border: medium none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a> You have perhaps heard of a "flight" of wine, where tasters can try several different wines within a certain theme, such as a particular geographical region, or a vineyard or even by style. Well, for those wishing to try several types of martini cocktails, the bar at <b>Banco Restaurant</b> in the Lac-Leamy complex (Gatineau, Quebec) offers several choices of martini "flights".<br />
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We tried the Passion Flight, made up of two half-size servings of the Wild Cosmo (left in photo), Golden Peach (middle) and Blue Breeze (right). At $19.95, it's a more economical way to try 3 different martinis than buying them individually ($7.46 each), and the presentation is hard to beat. The elderly couple at the table next to us were intrigued when they saw our Martini Flight arrive in its circular stand carrying six mini-martini glasses, each filled with different candy-colored drinks, and couldn't resist asking what it was.<br />
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My favorite was the Golden Peach, and I got the recipe (see below), courtesy of the friendly barman. We also tried the Blue Flight later in the evening, made up of three different blue-colored martini drinks, but nothing could beat the Golden Peach for me!<br />
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<u>Golden Peach Martini</u></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Casino Lac-Leamy</i></span></div>
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1 1/4 oz Alizé Gold</div>
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3/4 oz Peach Schnapps</div>
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<i>Read more about Lac-Leamy: <a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/07/hilton-lac-leamy-loto-quebec-art.html">Art at the Hilton Lac-Leamy</a>, and <a href="http://www.backstagetraveler.com/2011/07/restaurant-le-baccara-fine-cuisine.html">Restaurant Le Baccara</a>.</i></div>
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JCLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13978630603870463770noreply@blogger.com3Gatineau, QC, Canada45.483933 -75.64563199999997845.4230495 -75.768163999999985 45.5448165 -75.523099999999971tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492955398294208931.post-49629137234822565782011-07-01T22:45:00.005-04:002011-09-01T23:54:29.523-04:00Blackjack Academy Graduate!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eLXMh-4BeFw/Tg1FFPpTByI/AAAAAAAAAAQ/XMjsvBOTw1I/s1600/AB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eLXMh-4BeFw/Tg1FFPpTByI/AAAAAAAAAAQ/XMjsvBOTw1I/s320/AB.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;"></span> For those who want to play blackjack but don't understand the rules, can't count in their heads, or are just too shy to try it out, the Casino Lac-Leamy in Gatineau, Quebec, is offering a Blackjack Academy (Academie du Blackjack) for a limited time (on now until July 15). It's a 30 minute "course" given every hour between 10am and 10pm at a blackjack table by a real dealer using fake chips so the uninitiated can try it out, make silly mistakes, and practice without anyone complaining.<br />
We signed up at the Casino members counter, and met our instructor, Judithe, at 2pm, our appointed time. With us were Jacques and Monique, a couple from Trois-Rivieres; Sebastien, a quiet young man from Montreal; and a late arrival in a suit. Judithe passed out piles of fake red chips and everyone listened as she explained the basics and referred to the chart placed at the table summarizing the rules of basic blackjack strategy. Jacques struggled with the mandatory hand signals for "hit" and "stay", and Monique struggled with the difference between "hit" and "double". Thirty minutes and a few practice hands later, we "graduated" and were given certificates for $10 match play at the graduation blackjack table ($10 minimum, the only one in the casino), $9.99 for buffet at the Banco restaurant (usually $21.99), and a card guaranteeing us a place at the graduation blackjack table within the next hour.<br />
Sebastien, who had parlayed his stack of red practice chips ($5) into a small pile of green ones ($25) during our academy training, promptly grabbed a seat, put down his $10 match-play coupon and two real red chips, then busted out and left. Jacques and Monique sat at the far end of the table, and I took a place at the side.<br />
Jacques had trouble remembering how to signal what he wanted to do, rather than just saying it, and kept trying to touch the cards - a BIG no-no in the casino. Monique wanted to double on a 12, but was politely dissuaded by the dealer, Caroline. I managed to turn $100 into $130 before trying to split 6s against Caroline's queen, but again, a polite "Are you sure you want to do that - would you like to look at the strategy chart?" from Caroline (and her review of the play on the chart, conveniently placed to her right) convinced me to hit instead, which gave me 21 and a winning hand.<br />
Overall, the Academie du Blackjack was a friendly, no-stress way to learn the basics of blackjack, although people with absolutely no clue of how to play probably would not have been ready to do so after the brief introduction in thirty minutes. However, the gift certificates awarded at the conclusion of the session make it worthwhile, both for novices and those who already know how to play. Also, the $10 minimum graduation table, located adjacent to the Academie table was a friendly place to practice our newly-acquired blackjack skills, with both the dealers, pit bosses and other tablemates offering helpful, friendly advice, and allowing the newbies to rethink silly decisions and also take their time before deciding what to do.<br />
I had fun in this no-judgement introduction to blackjack, a game I had wanted to try before but was too intimidated by the action at the regular tables to do so. I eventually lost my winnings back to the house, but spent a pleasant hour going up and down with my newfound friends Monique and Jacques. I am happy to report that he did eventually learn to not touch the cards, and hit blackjack three times in a row.<br />
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<i>Read more about Lac-Leamy: <a href="http://backstagetraveler.blogspot.com/2011/07/hilton-lac-leamy-loto-quebec-art.html">Art at the Hilton Lac-Leamy</a>, </i><i><a href="http://backstagetraveler.blogspot.com/2011/07/martinis-take-flight-at-casino-lac.html">Fabulous Martini Flights</a>, </i><i>and <a href="http://backstagetraveler.blogspot.com/2011/07/restaurant-le-baccara-fine-cuisine.html">Restaurant Le Baccara</a>.</i> JCLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13978630603870463770noreply@blogger.com0Gatineau, QC, Canada45.483933 -75.64563199999997845.4230495 -75.768163999999985 45.5448165 -75.523099999999971