10q 9 2024

Oct. 9th, 2024 04:23 pm
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10q
 
https://www.doyou10q.com/
 
9. What is a fear that you have and how has it limited you? How do you plan on letting it go or overcoming it in the coming year?

Not sure?
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SAT 12OCT24 Barcelona, Spain 07:00 AM

Escapades in Barcelona and Beyond

3 Nights POST Cruise

Explore Barcelona and Girona in depth by visiting their architectural landmarks, often on guided walking tours and on your own with a liberating Hop On Hop Off bus voucher in the capital of Catalonia.

Operational Note: The Hotel Sophia is now called the Grand Hyatt Barcelona.

Day 1
After disembarking the ship in Barcelona, you will begin a guided tour of the city. You will pass the Columbus monument and the waterfront
on the way to Sagrada Familia, the extraordinary still-unfinished church that famed architect Antoni Gaudí worked on until his death in 1926.
The guide will explain the history of the church and its lengthy ongoing construction during your outside visit.
Continuing on, you will begin a walking tour of the Gothic Quarter, passing landmarks such as the La Seu Cathedral and city hall. A more
sweeping view of Barcelona awaits you upon reaching Mount Juic hill, where you may pause for photos. You will then visit Spanish Village,
an open-air museum with replicas of characteristic houses from throughout Spain. As you meander the grounds, you may observe artists
such as glassblowers demonstrating their talents.
A tapas-style lunch follows, after which you will check into your hotel to spend the first of three nights. The remainder of the day will be at
your leisure.

Day 2
After breakfast, you will settle in for a direct transfer to Girona, accompanied by a guide. Northern Catalonia’s largest city, Girona is full of
museums, galleries and Gothic churches, strung around a tangle of cobbled lanes and medieval walls. Reflections of modernist
mansions shimmer in the river that divides the historic center from the gleaming commercial center.
During the comprehensive walking tour of the city center, you will enjoy an inside visit of the 12th-century Arab baths and see the remains of
Girona’s historical Jewish community. During free time that follows, you might savor lunch on your own before transferring back to
Barcelona to spend the evening at the hotel.

Day 3
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will receive a Hop On Hop Off bus voucher that will allow you to explore the attractions that interest you
the most. Simply hop on the buses and hop off whenever you wish. The buses travel in a continuous loop between attractions that include
the Picasso Museum, the Gaudí-designed houses Casa Battló and Casa Mila, and various shopping areas.
The entire day will be yours to spend as you please, with all meals on your own before retiring to the hotel for the evening.

Day 4
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will check out by noon (subject to change). Transfers to the airport will be based on flight times. See
your Welcome Letter for details. For guests with late-departing flights, luggage storage is available at the hotel.

Day 1
08:30am Disembark the ship, meet your guide
09:00am Panoramic drive to Sagrada Familia and outside visit
10:30am Drive to Gothic Quarter and walking tour
12:30pm Panoramic drive to Mont Juic and walking tour
01:30pm Lunch at a local restaurant
03:00pm Transfer to your hotel and check in
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at the Grand Hyatt Barcelona or similar

Day 2
AM Breakfast at the hotel
09:00am Begin transfer to Girona
10:30am Walking tour of Girona
12:30pm Free time for lunch and further exploration
03:30pm Return to Barcelona
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at the Grand Hyatt Barcelona or similar

Day 3
AM Breakfast at the hotel
The day is at your leisure to use the complimentary Hop On Hop Off bus ticket
Lunch and dinner are on your own
Overnight at the Grand Hyatt Barcelona or similar

Day 4
AM Breakfast at the hotel
12:00pm Check out from the hotel
Transfer to the airport based on the time of your flight. Should you have a late flight, luggage storage is available at the hotel until your
transfer time.

PRELIMINARY VACATION SUMMARY
Currency: Euro. USD are not accepted
Electricity: 220 volts. Bring a travel adaptor if you have electrical devices, as converters aren’t typically available at the hotels.
Documents and Visa Requirements: A valid passport is required.
Hotel Accommodations:
Grand Hyatt Barcelona or similar
Plaça de Pius XII, 4, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 935 08 10 00

Program Includes:
•3-nights at the Grand Hyatt Barcelona- King Room (or similar hotel) with buffet breakfast daily including juice, tea or coffee and water
•English-speaking official guides on Day 1 and Day 2
•Lunch on Day 1 including water and 1 glass wine, beer or a soft drink
•1-day voucher for the Hop On Hop Off bus
•Luggage handling at the hotel for up to 2 suitcases per person
•VAT and city taxes

Program Excludes:
•Meals and beverages not mentioned in the program
•Gratuities to drivers and guides or at restaurants
•Hotel incidentals including room service and mini bar
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FRI 11OCT24 Cruising The Mediterranean Sea

in room breakfast

8am massage (they had misunderstood and booked 6pm but we were able to change it)

showers

packing

noon lunch - it was a wine pairing lunch - very fun

then we napped

then 4pm tea

then back to room, more packing

canapes

dinner in room

packing

suitcases out by 10pm

next up sleep
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THU 10OCT24
Cadiz, Spain
08:00 AM 06:00 PM

Due to the stormy seas we docked later than the above planned

The captain once again amazingly parallel parked a cruise ship smoothly.

we got called to confirm we weren't going on our planned tour. we had turned in the tickets and were even made to sign them! someone didn't update the list. (they were non refundable)

We had buffet breakfast

Original Tour
Seville's Cathedral And The Reales Alcazares 
08:30 AM 9.00 Hrs

Uncover the profound beauty of Seville during this full-day guided tour with lunch. After a relaxing drive, you’ll enter glorious Seville via the Avenida de las  Palmeras, an avenue lined with pavilions from the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, and cross Plaza América and Parque María Luisa. Proceed along Avenida  de las Delicias, passing the monumental Palacio de San Telmo and Gardens, and see the first tobacco factory in Europe before you stop beside the University  of Seville. Begin your walking tour with a visit to a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site comprising the Alcázar Real palace, the General Archive of the  Indies and the Seville Cathedral, Christendom’s largest Gothic church, a marvelous edifice boasting Christopher Columbus’ sepulcher and the Giralda, an iconic  Arab minaret. You’ll stroll the narrow streets of the Santa Cruz district, an old Jewish quarter, viewing the Town Hall in Plaza Nueva, followed by a tapas-style  lunch in revered Casa Robles. Refreshed, board your coach for a panoramic tour, enjoying sights such as the 12th-century riverside Torre del Oro, a fortress  and prison during the Middle Ages, and the 18th-century Maestranza bullring. You’ll conclude at Plaza de España, a palatial square that epitomizes de  magnificence of Seville. 
 ·Maximize your exploration of Seville on both walking and panoramic tours of the sublime city. 
 ·Exult in Seville’s UNESCO World Heritage site, which includes the vast cathedral, Alcázar Real and General Archive of the Indies.  ·Admire the city’s myriad elegant avenues and squares, including Avenida de las Palmeras and Plaza de España. 
 ·Applaud the ornate Palacio de San Telmo, 12th-century Torre del Oro and the whitewashed Maestranza bullring. 
 ·Pause for a satisfying lunch of tapas at a Seville institution, the Casa Robles restaurant. 
 ·Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes. 
 ·Dress appropriately for a religious venue; shoulders and knees must be covered. 
 ·Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. 
In order to purchase tickets for Alcazar, make sure your guest registration form is fully completed. ONCE BOOKED THIS TOUR IS NONREFUNDABLE. This  tour includes approximately four hours of extensive walking and long periods of standing. It is not recommended for guests who utilize a wheelchair or guests  with mobility concerns. Travel time to Seville is approximately 1 ¾ hours/90 miles each way by coach. The panoramic tour may be extended for later ship  departures, and may include such additional sights as the 1992 Universal Exposition Area and the bridges built for this event, the Old City walls and the  Gateway of La Macarena, which stands adjacent to a church of the same name. 

Canceled as mom had it with bus tours

New Tour

CAN-002 CADIZ WALKING TOUR 
 
Duration: 3.00 Hrs 
Tour Price: $0.00 Retail Price: $99.00 
 
Date: October 10, 2024 10:00 AM 
Revel in Cádiz’s exquisite historic plazas and architecture during this picturesque walking tour through the Old Town. Start your exploration at elegant Plaza de  San de Juan de Dios, site of the city’s impressive Town Hall, and continue to the Plaza de la Catedral, where the fabulous 18th-century Baroque and  neoclassical cathedral watches over the city. You’ll learn that its alluring mix of styles, which includes a glittering dome of gilded brick, is a result of the 116  years it took to complete. Inside the sanctuary, discover sculptures from an even older cathedral once on this site, and take note of the beautiful vaults of the  high altar and the choir stalls. Examine several striking Baroque images and visit the cathedral museum, where invaluable treasures are held. You might pause  at the crypt, where renowned early-1900s Spanish musician Manuel de Falla is buried. Back on Cádiz’s inviting streets, you’ll meander through Plaza de las  Flores, Plaza de San Antonio and Plaza de Mina to Plaza de España, along the way absorbing the colorful ambiance of this resplendent city by the sea.  ·Gaze at the superb Cádiz Town Hall in expansive Plaza de San Juan de Dios. 
 ·Marvel at the gilded-brick dome that crowns the city’s 18th-century Baroque and neoclassical cathedral. 
 ·Find Baroque artwork, stunning vaulting and countless religious artifacts within the cathedral. 
 ·Celebrate the warmth of Cádiz as you wander from one beguiling historic plaza to another. 
 ·Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes. 
 ·Dress appropriately for a religious venue; shoulders and knees must be covered. 

Mom was much happier on the walking tour and enjoyed our tour guide 

I did not enjoy him as much as he mixed fact with story and was a bit racist.

At the end of the tour we stayed in the local market for lunch, meat sandwich, sampled olives, and bought a Cherimoya / Custard apple. had tried to get a custard apple on marera and failed on each of the islands. the one i got was not yet ripe enough. was kind of like coconut and a little bland? might be much better fresh.

Wandered fora. bit before heading back to the shp

4pm tea

5pm cruise consultant visit to pick 2026 tours since my 2025 is pretty packed full

6:30 dinner at setti mari the italian restaurant

Dad then was calling and making chaos

mom was changing to fly private home as she didn't want to wait in an air canada lounge in montreal for 6 hours

also they were supposed to pill the dogs but everyone was chaos so mom said just wait until she is home in 5 days

apparently nto only did dad get scammed and canceled all our cards but he's gon and forgotten to pay bills so now mom has an agency do it. it seems dad can't do anything anymore, stopping working is no good.



Back to the room, not sure what we did but we stayed up late to see the rock of gibralter. (~11pm)
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WED 09OCT24 Casablanca, Morocco 09:00 AM 06:00 PM

Breakfast at the buffet

Highlights Of Casablanca
10:00 AM 4.00 Hrs

Delight in some of Casablanca’s most alluring attractions, including a bustling downtown market, a beguiling square, a charming neighborhood with enticing  shops and one the world’s largest mosques. Immerse yourself in the colorful displays and scintillating aromas of the Central Market, bursting with offerings  including fresh fruits, vegetables and spices. You’ll visit the expansive Mohammed V Square, a government and commercial center filled with buildings that  blend Moorish and French Colonial architecture with art deco touches and a monumental fountain that often entertains onlookers with musical water shows.  Explore the quaint Habous District, built in the 1930s by the French and festooned with a wonderful mix of French-inspired and Moroccan architecture in its  souks, churches and mosques. You’ll stand in awe of the stunning Hassan II mosque, one of the world’s largest Islamic worship sites, which was inaugurated in  1993 and accommodates approximately 25,000 worshipers inside and another 80,000 outside. Gaze at its impressive sixty-story minaret, purportedly the world’s  tallest, and notice that the mosque is perched on a promontory that extends into the Atlantic Ocean. Following your guided tour, you’ll appreciate free time to  shop, perhaps to purchase a souvenir to commemorate the magic of captivating Casablanca. 
 ·Revel in the sights and scents of Casablanca’s exciting Central Market, which overflows with fresh foods. 
 ·Marvel at the Moorish and art deco-influenced French Colonial architecture in Mohammed V Square. 
 ·Stroll past souks and artisan shops in the Habous Quarter, browsing items ranging from olives to handicrafts. 
 ·See the massive Hassan II mosque, which accommodates approximately 25,000 worshippers inside and 80,000 outside.  ·Take advantage of time at your leisure to shop, enjoy a refreshment or explore on your own. 

This tour includes approximately 1 ½ hours of moderate walking/standing, plus any additional walking at the guest’s discretion during free time. It is not available  to guests who utilize a wheelchair. Guests with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their personal level of ability and stamina. The tour does not include  an interior visit of the Hassan II Mosque, only a photo stop. The order of the sites viewed or visited may vary. 
 
Again no 1.5 hours walking

mom was grumpy and absolutely miserable and vocal about it she couldnt keep her mouth shut again

She hates sitting still and bus tours are not for her

it was a poor tour, not great english from the guide, not many interesting facts, lots of looking at things then off to the next thing, lots of traffic

the group got to look at olives but not buy any

I stayed back with the older australian couple and they were old and slow and we got lost from the group, luckily mom was GPS tagged and she had kept up with the group

Apparently the tour guide wanted to leave us behind

poor Liz needs a foldable cane (australian couple)

Got back late, had lunch on the pool deck

next up tea? nope missed that and napped

dinner at 7 at prime 7, perhaps we should try for earlier?

Had a light dinner because the ship was ROCKING the captain came on multiple times to caution us, housekeeping moved things like the plants to the floor

10q 8 2024

Oct. 7th, 2024 02:29 pm
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10q

https://www.doyou10q.com/

8. Is there something (a person, a cause, an idea) that you want to investigate more fully in the coming year? 

Perhaps canadian politics once i can vote?
Get back into rescue ham radio training?

10q-7

Oct. 7th, 2024 02:22 pm
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7. How would you like to improve yourself and your life next year? Is there a piece of advice or counsel you received in the past year that could guide you?

This is likely where the anti burnout exercise and veggies should have gone?

Will this be the year I learn to relax and bring balance so i can spend time with brad and the pets? Read? Play Games? Make new friends? see more old friends?
 
Will i walk and exercise? eat better (more fruit and veg less red meat)

10q 6 2024

Oct. 7th, 2024 02:16 pm
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6. Describe one thing you'd like to achieve by this time next year. Why is this important to you?

Will this be the year I learn to relax and bring balance so i can spend time with brad and the pets? Read? Play Games? Make new friends? see more old friends?

Will i walk and exercise? eat better (more fruit and veg less red meat)

Doubtful but one can hope

Canadian Citizenship so I can stop counting days, I need to get on studying for that
 
Another Country
 
Another Province
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TUE 08OCT24 Agadir, Morocco 07:00 AM 04:00 PM
Highlights Of Agadir And Fantasia
09:00 AM
4.50 Hrs

Exult in astonishing views from the hilltop ruins of Agadir’s Old Quarter, delight in signature folkloric entertainment at a famed restaurant and stroll through a  diverse marketplace where you’ll enjoy time to shop. Travel along a splendidly scenic route to the enchanting earthen remains of the ancient Kasbah, which  offers a sweeping panorama of the city’s beautifully broad avenues and sandy beaches. At the renowned Agadir Fantasia restaurant, relish a drink under the  
shelter of a unique caidal tent as you watch a thrilling performance featuring Moroccan dancers, acrobats and magnificent horses. Revel in a guided tour of the  colorful Souk El Had, also known as the Sunday Market. You’ll be afforded the opportunity to seek out one-of-a-kind souvenirs such as a thuya wood box,  painstakingly crafted from the native cypress tree mentioned by Saint John in the Book of Revelation. As you roam the pleasant alleyways of the souk, reflect on  the unforgettable cultural experiences of your day. 
 ·Embark on a scenic drive and explore the incredible ruins of Agadir’s ancient Kasbah. 
 ·Take in a celebrated show of traditional dance and majestic horses at the Agadir Fantasia restaurant. 
 ·Savor an illuminating guided tour of the bustling Souk El Had marketplace. 
 ·Shop for wonderful souvenirs including rare thuya wood boxes made from the mountain cypress tree. 
 ·Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes. 
 ·Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. 
This tour includes approximately 2 1/2 hours of walking over both even and uneven surfaces and there are a significant number of steps to negotiate. The tour is  not available to wheelchair guests and those with mobility concerns are cautioned to carefully evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability. Lightweight  clothing; sun cap; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The Souk in Agadir is closed on Mondays and will be substituted with a  visit & free time at the modern Kasbat Souss. 

there was absolutely not 2.5 hours walking
 

Fantasia ia a tourist show
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/photos-fantasia-tbourida-equestrian-tradition

these people were not very good

moderate dancers and acrobats, 4 horses and horsemen that didn't fire in synch

snake charmer etc etc

then taken shopping center to shopping center

so many poor starving ferral cats

i wish we could get them food but the market seemed to be all raw fruits and veggies, if you come to morocco bring dry kitty kibble!

poor babies, no one seems to be neutering them

the tea was good, but i like moroccan tea
I don't like how they get in your personal space, i don't like haggling and no posted prices

I don't like how everything felt geared to sell to westerners, but at the same time all the local women were covered head to toe and many faces

overall liked portugal the most so far

not too many looks but we were also in a tour group and in tourist spots

came back had lunch in the room

next up whisky tasting then dinner

sad because.i love moroccan cooking and spices the spices at the market smelled divine

we didn't see so much french influence where we went? mostly arab?

--

Whisky tasting only had 4 people

was 3 different Macallan - 15, 18, 21
Didn't learn too much new, perhaps a little
but it was fun

mom went to tea while i did the tasting
she says the scone were overcooked and inedible

we had caviar canapes in the room 

we went to compass rose at 7pm for dinner

we then had the specialty pink coctail in one of the many many bars after dinner

then to bed

the boat was ROCKING

15 foot swells and we are front most of the boat

I guess I don't get seasick, yay?

So exhausted, why am i always exhausted
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MON 07OCT24
Arrecife (Lanzarote), Canary Islands
08:00 AM 04:00 PM

Breakfast, roomservice
(museli, toast, tea, bacon)

TOUR
Panoramic Lanzarote - Small Group 07OCT2024 Arrecife (Lanzarote), Canary Islands
09:15 AM
3.50 Hrs
 
Venture into the barren landscape of a national park on a captivating volcano tour and sample Lanzarote’s fine wines, produced using an unorthodox method  due to the island’s harsh environment. Explore Lanzarote’s otherworldly terrain within the Timanfaya National Park and learn that the area’s Fire Mountains  didn’t exist until volcanic upheaval in the 1730s. You’ll marvel at the beautifully desolate and bizarre landscape of the park, where the temperature beneath the  surface can approach 1,000ºF, and listen to a gripping modern recording of diary entries from an 18th-century priest who described the eruptions. Pass the salt  flats of Janubio en route to La Geria Winery, a renowned vineyard that produces distinct wines primarily from the malvasia grape. Discover that to survive in the  dry soil, the vines are planted in funnel-shaped craters and the ground covered with porous volcanic granules to retain moisture. Sample a few of the resulting  dry to semi-sweet to sweet wines and appreciate this unique method of cultivation and the unexpected bounty of this seemingly sterile land. 

·View the desolate yet strangely beautiful landscapes of volcanic Timanfaya National Park. 
·Hear a modern recording of a priest’s diary describing the volcanic eruptions he witnessed in the 1730s. 
·Sample superb malvasia wines produced in the island’s dry, volcanic soil using a distinctive technique. 

The restaurant utilizes heat from inside the mountains to cook

looks desolate and moonlike

the only thing they have is tourism

all houses are painted white (tradition, because soil is dark and it is so dark the white houses made them findable when sun set)

mom found it depressing

they only entered modern age when 1966 they got a desalination plant, before that they had no water and no electricity.

now back at room to rest before lecture then tea

--

Did lecture, not an engaging lecturer

did high tea, again good and better than first day

nap



Canapes was chicken wings

we did the french restaurant chartruse again for dinner

ate so much, stuffed
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SUN 06OCT24 Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Spain
07:00 AM 09:00 PM

breakfast la verdana buffet
shipped the caviar and champaigne

Tour: Unesco Biosphere Reserve And World Heritage Center
8:15am
Return 1:15pm

TCI-003 UNESCO BIOSPHERE RESERVE AND WORLD HERITAGE CENTER 
 
Duration: 5.00 Hrs 
 
Date: October 06, 2024 08:30 AM 
Travel to the spectacular mountains and historic villages of northeastern Tenerife, indulge in the region’s gustatory pleasures and visit a marvelous UNESCO  World Heritage site. Drive through the unspoiled, botanically rich wilds of the Anaga Mountains, formed by a volcanic eruption millions of years ago. You’ll stop  briefly at one of the island’s highest points to take in an amazing panoramic view. In remote Taganana, one of Tenerife’s oldest villages, delight in locally  produced wine, goat cheese and bread at a traditional restaurant. Admire the meticulously preserved historic buildings in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a  UNESCO World Heritage site in the idyllic Aguere Valley and capital of the Canary Islands until 1723. See streets that have remained largely unchanged since  the 16th century, imbuing the city center with a distinct character. Following your time in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, and before returning to pier, stop to  admire the impressive auditorium of Tenerife: considered one of the finest contemporary building in Spain. Be astonished by the gigantic wave-shape of the  building, it´s aim is to connect the city with the sea and gives the impression of an enormous shape of foam about to crash on the rocks.  ·Treasure panoramic sights of the Anaga Mountains’ rugged, mostly untouched landscape. 

 ·Visit the historic village of Taganana and savor wine, goat cheese and bread at a local restaurant. 
 ·Marvel at awe-inspiring views from a privileged viewpoint. 
 ·Appreciate the 16th-century buildings of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 
Stop to admire the impressive auditorium of Tenerife 

There was no walking, it was bus, look, bus 

mom was loosing it she hates buss / being still

roads were terrifying much like zurich, switzerland

brought our own cheese and fruit for lunch

got back to ship

went in hot tub, dipped in pool then hung by pool lounging and reading newspaper

went to afternoon tea, much better than the first day

all our recommendations i made on mid cruise have been actioned, wild

swapped the seville trip for cadiz

had 6pm caviar and Champagne on our deck before the ship took off

7:30pm room service dinner planned

10q 5 2024

Oct. 6th, 2024 06:39 pm
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10q

https://www.doyou10q.com/

5. Have you had any particularly spiritual experiences this past year? How has this experience affected you? "Spiritual" can be broadly defined to include secular spiritual experiences: artistic, cultural, and so forth.

Nothing comes to mind?
The solar eclipse in NY near Potsdam with friends was lovely but not spiritual? I loved seeing so many friends I have not seen in a while.

10q 4 2024

Oct. 6th, 2024 06:33 pm
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10q

https://www.doyou10q.com/

4. Describe an event in the world that has impacted you this year. How? Why?
ongoing wars, terror, israel vs palestine vs hammas, the conservatives taking power in the US and Canada.
 
I am hopeful Kamala has a chance
 
Stressed and sad by "humans are no damn good" as dad would say.

10q 3 2024

Oct. 6th, 2024 06:30 pm
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10q

https://www.doyou10q.com/

3. Think about a major milestone that happened with your family this past year. How has this affected you?

no major milestones? unfortunately seen mom less then ever before.
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SAT 05OCT24
Santa Cruz De La Palma, Canary Islands
09:00 AM 07:00 PM

Morning breakfast at the la veranda buffet

Wandered town, interesting, some sort of protest about canada going on? but google translate couldnt

wifi on ship is terrible

lunch was sushi at la veranda



Tour Volcanoes & Wine
1:45pm
4.00 Hrs

Marvel at the stunning, volcanic landscape of southern La Palma, admire breathtaking views from the site of a 17th-century eruption, sample sweet local  vintages at the island’s largest wine producer. Have a first stop at La Glorieta square: This extremely beautiful, nice little plaza is ornamented with colourful and  extravagant mosaic works, depicting motifs of the Palmerian flora and fauna. With much attention for detail, Luis Morera, one of the most renowned artists of La  Palma, and student of Ceasar Manrique, has built built this artistic treasure between 1993 and 1996. Continue your tour travelling through lush vineyards and  pine forests to the San Antonio volcano, which last erupted in the late 1600s. From the crater’s rim, behold the pretty town of Fuencaliente, which means “hot  spring” even though the namesake inspiration was long ago destroyed by volcanic activity, and take in a spectacular view of the Teneguía volcano, which  erupted more recently in 1971. At the Bodegas Teneguía, learn about the decadent malvasia grapes, which are allowed to become over-ripe for more sweetness  and thrive in soil enriched by volcanic ash and lava. Savor an ambrosial taste of the fruit-saturated, aromatic wine produced in this somewhat unique terroir.  You’ll long revel in the joys of this journey through an island inextricably tied to its volcanic past. 
 ·Visit La Glorieta square, with colourful and extravagant mosaic works created by the artist Luis Morera 
 ·Drive to Fuencaliente, a lovely town nestled amid glorious vineyards and volcanic mountains. 
 ·Exult in sweeping vistas from atop the San Antonio volcano crater. 
 ·Gaze at the magnificent Teneguía volcano, which last erupted nearly 50 years ago. 
 ·Visit the Bodegas Teneguía for a tasting of the distinctly sweet local wine made with malvasia grapes. 

A lot of time on a bus which drove mom crazy

The volcano and education about the volcano was neat

we bought sea salt for dad from a sea salt place

walked on the rim of a dormant volcano

The wine was too young, the sweet wine was nice but not as good as ice wine.

Tried to do italian place for dinner but they were booked so ended up doing room service instead

The food was great

went to bed after doing a little more planning

have failed to study for canada citizenship

have failed to get enough rest
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FRI 04OCT24 Funchal (Madeira), Portugal 08:00 AM 05:00 PM

Tour Sustainable Tea Farming Experience -
Canceled since we were the only ones

FNC-GG2 SUSTAINABLE TEA FARMING EXPERIENCE
 
Date: October 04, 2024 09:30 AM
Participate in a hands-on agricultural experience during which you will learn how organic tea is produced on a farm in the hills above Funchal. The same family has owned the property in the parish of Monte for more than a century, but their lives changed dramatically in 2013, when raging fires destroyed their home and crops. Instead of giving up, the family turned to organic farming, growing tea and medicinal herbs using sustainable practices. As you will discover, the process is natural and accomplished using manual labor instead of relying heavily on machinery. Following a tour of the farm, you will help out by pruning the plants, laying out tea leaves to dry in the sun and grinding your own blend of tea. You can expect it to be an eye-opening and fulfilling experience, as each step is done with as little environmental impact as possible. Later, you might linger over a cup of brewed tea.

·Join a farming family in hills above Funchal and learn to process organic tea step by step .
·Discover how the family changed their farming methods to become more sustainable .
·Linger over a cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake following the experience .
·Dress in weather-appropriate clothing .
·Wear flat comfortable walking shoes .
 
Replacement Tour
Duration: 4.50 Hrs
FNC-017 MONTE VILLAGE & BOTANICAL GARDENS
 
Date: October 04, 2024 08:45 AM
Cherish the many fascinating facets of Funchal with sojourns by soaring cable car and thrilling toboggan, and illuminating tours of a lush botanical garden and a fascinating embroidery factory. Board a charming cable car for a short, 15-minute ride above Funchal’s Old Town to Monte, a beguiling mountain village perched on a lovely hillside towering some 1,650 feet above the sea. Study the historic Church of Our Lady of Monte, the burial site of Charles I, exiled ruler of
the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Celebrate your inner child with a brisk, yet safe, 10-minute ride in a wicker toboggan, an unforgettable experience that Ernest Hemingway extolled as of the most exhilarating of his life. Bask in the bounty of the Madeira Botanical Garden, a serene oasis of indigenous plants, rare water-storing succulents and incredible trees from as far away as the lower Himalayas. At an enchanting embroidery factory, you’ll observe how bordadeiras, or
embroiderers, follow intricate production techniques unchanged in nearly a hundred years. You’ll surely marvel at the rich variety of adventures you’ve enjoyed on this unique exploration of Fuchal’s diverse wonders.

·Travel by cable car to panoramic Monte and see the lovely mountain village’s regal church.
·Delight in a safe, yet exhilarating, 10-minute mountain descent on a unique wicker toboggan.
·Take in a vast variety of flowers and plants at the breathtaking Madeira Botanical Garden.
·Learn about the fascinating creation of local embroidery at a thriving factory.
 
Breakfast (sangria) at La Veranda (the only option on this ship?) buffet got some musili and bacon

Disappointingly the embroidery factory was cut and not included!
The island was so pretty. So many flowers.
Maderian wine tastes like port!
After the tour mom and i popped off to a tea shop to get tea, as well as buy some loose leaf for the ship.
then we went and got a rare pokemon! (tropius)
Back on the ship for a shower

Dinner was at Chartreuse (french) 
we had an amazing cheese plate the rockfort blue was stunning.
mom got mushroom soup and loved it
i got veal and it was ok
the bordeaux wine was lovely

Did our mid ship cruise survey, and got our disembarkment forms ready as requested

after dinner i think i played too long on my phone and got poor sleep

10q 2 2024

Oct. 3rd, 2024 10:38 pm
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10q

https://www.doyou10q.com/


2. Is there something that you wish you had done differently this past year? Alternatively, is there something you're especially proud of from this past year?

learned to let things drop, do less, spend more time with parents, husband, pets, friends

Oct 1-3

Oct. 3rd, 2024 10:14 pm
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Oct 1
Run through Amsterdam airport, literally
make flight to lisbon
but my bag does not
customs takes mom forever
regent transfer takes 1.5+ hours to get to hotel
wander with mom, cute italian place for lunch

stay at the very lovely 
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL THE RITZ
RUA RODRIGO DA FONSECA, 88
LISBON, PORTUGAL

I wish we had come in an extra day early, there was a tea plantation! Cha Chamelia

Also we lost so much of the day to customs, bag, and transport.

Oct 2
My bag arrived 1:20 am, yay

breakfast at the four seasons
worked on RSA CFP and mom did CMEs
late checkout (noon)
Transport to the
SS MARINER

we should have been on the first transport but were not, boo

itiniarary

WED 02OCT24 Lisbon, Portugal 06:00 PM
THU 03OCT24 Cruising The Atlantic Ocean
FRI 04OCT24 Funchal (Madeira), Portugal 08:00 AM 05:00 PM
SAT 05OCT24 Santa Cruz De La Palma, Canary Islands 09:00 AM 07:00 PM
SUN 06OCT24 Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Spain 07:00 AM 09:00 PM
MON 07OCT24 Arrecife (Lanzarote), Canary Islands 08:00 AM 04:00 PM
TUE 08OCT24 Agadir, Morocco 07:00 AM 04:00 PM
WED 09OCT24 Casablanca, Morocco 09:00 AM 06:00 PM
THU 10OCT24 Cadiz, Spain 08:00 AM 06:00 PM
FRI 11OCT24 Cruising The Mediterranean Sea
SAT 12OCT24 Barcelona, Spain 07:00 AM

Found out the Sustainable Tea Farming Experience was canceled as no one else registered! wish we knew in advance would have bought it out. can not find the farm name to direct contact. slightly grumpy/disappointed.



booked massages

had lunch by the pool

mom gave me the ship tour

the butler unpacked our bags

we went to prime 7 stakehouse for dinner

you have to dress up on the ship after 6? pm

put out a bag of laundry


went to bed early after placing room service breakfast order

THU 03OCT24
sea day
6:30am breakfast in room
broke a tea kettle (electric) sigh
8am scrub massage, tried to push product as usual, but was a good massage
the whole time i get massage i am like
this hurts
don't tense up
oww
that tickels
is it over yet
but i hope the end is worth it
9:30 am hair cut (shaved sides only)
poorly done and pushy sales as usual, sigh

10am lecture on portugual

shower
lunch at the compass rose
napped
missed 2:30pm lecture
woke up for 4pm tea
chaostic unorganized service, not enough staff or at least not a good enough flow to handle the people mom says it's always that bad, i hate incompotance, most people were agitated

then canapes and wine in our room

then dinner at compass rose, walked down by buter and met on elevator by head of restarant?

declined captin's table for dinner

dinner was tasty got the cherf's table selection
caviar, oxtail comsumme, duck, kir sorbet, chocolate cake

back to the room to get ready for the next daya nd get ready for bed

got room service popping in to make us close the curtains adn the reflection was apparently visible and distracting the captain...

10q 1 2024

Oct. 3rd, 2024 10:13 pm
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10q-1

https://www.doyou10q.com/

1. Describe a significant experience that has happened in the past year. How did it affect you? Are you grateful? Relieved? Resentful? Inspired?

We got to cruise on the Galatic Starcruiser, the "Star Wars Hotel", the Halcyon, The Lady H

Originally we were planning for our 5 year anniversairy and then the announced the closing

the marketing was poorly done

I wish i knew how amazing it would be, we would have gone more than once.

We got to LARP / be in universe, play. It was interactive theater but better. it was amazing food and absolutely amazing customer service. better than any four seasons hotel. it really is an absolute travesty it was closed.

I am very grateful mom paid. I am very thankful we found the community of rebels which helped making booking possible.

My husband even got a halycon tatoo.

Sept 23-30

Oct. 3rd, 2024 10:06 pm
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September 23-24, 2024
ran BSides Edmonton
Sold out, even oversold
some no show speakers / blank spots but overall seems well received
Enjoyed jeff man as keynote
had some issues with venue nait hopefully can be worked through for next year

September 25-26, 2024
worked

September 27-30
Flew to montreal, drove 5 hours (crossed in vermont, drove through new hampshire, and into maine)
stayed at

Migis Lodge
https://migis.com/

stayed in White Pine with Troutman, Cheryl, Lunar, and Brad

Hearthstone had
Tess, Rowan
Githur, JoJo
DuckDuck, Boots, Cameron, Nanny

enjoyed time with everyone for format sit down dinners and fireside chats and coctails and cards against humanity
drove back early monday

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