British Isles - July 2011 - Overview Slideshow

This was a fantastic cruise on the Oceania Marina - 14 days. London to London. Took us from London (Dover) over the North Sea (MUCH smoother than an earlier crossing of the North Sea back in July 2009 that did most of us in), to Scotland, Shetland Islands, Norway, Ireland, Isle of Man, Wales and back to Dover.

Way overdue with posts & photos about the trip, but thought I'd put up this slideshow for now...

Hope to get back to this part of the world someday. So much to see and do!

10 Popular Travel Scams - via FoxNews

Saw this article and thought I'd share it out here as it has some specific scan topics of interest for various cities around the world - and just as a reminder to be extra careful while traveling. We heard about the Egypt scam while there. Luckily our tour guide had some connections, and Jen and I had a great time on two camels at the pyramids! But do beware - all over Egypt. Lots of scams and people just waiting to catch you off guard.

And that's why I'm adding to the warning. You are out traveling. Be it locally, somewhere in within your country, or out on a trip to some distant land. You are there to have fun and see new things. You mind is busy and engaged. It probably isn't thinking about the many ways someone could take advantage of a certain environment to rip you off. And that's when something happens without you knowing about it.

Be careful out there. Some countries are known to be worse than others, but you can get ripped off by a pro, or by the kid on the street corner.

FoxNews article: http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2011/08/13/10-popular-travel-scams-around-world/ 

The Wellcome Collection London (mobile)

A few exhibits at the Wellcome Collection - Dirty & Medicine Man.

Didn't really care for Dirty at all. Wacky artists and their visions of the dirty mess us humans have & will make. Just some nutty stuff in my view.

While the Medicine Man was quite interesting & I wish we had spent more time there. Some very interesting historic medical and cultural pieces.

We cut the visit short to try to make it to the National Gallery, but by the time we had made it over there on the Underground mom & dad were pretty pooped & the museums were closing in about an hour. So we just headed back to the hotel to get some packing done & rest before our final family dinner before heading back to the states.

If you get a chance, see the Medicine Man exhibit. Quite interesting.
Tomorrow AM it is back to the states.
Been a great vacation and hate to see it draw to an end.

Room with a View - London (mobile)

Well, we survived getting off the ship & getting into London. A bit of a feat with 11 travelers and a ton of luggage.
A few mix-ups with the rooms, but we are dealing with it.

Not too exciting of a view, but better than many. Not sure yet if this is an active church or a historic place yet. If I recall correctly from our last visit it is historic.

Our hotel is right behind the one we stayed at last time, so we have a good idea where things are, including an Underground station just across the street. Very handy.

St. Coleman's Cathedral (mobile)

St. Coleman's Cathedral is a 19th century Gothic revival cathedral & home to the largest Carillon (49 bells) in the UK.

The cathedral overlooks the colorful seaport town of Cobh (pronounced Cove). Cobh is known for being the last port of call for the Titanic, and also as the home of the first immigrant to disembark at Ellis Island, Annie Moore.

Giant's Causeway Ireland (mobile)

This is one interesting place.
Ever been to Devil's Postpile in California? This is a lot bigger and right on the northern Ireland coast.

The coast is very rough - and very beautiful. Water is awfully cold, you won't catch me taking a dip.

If you visit northern Ireland I would recommend a stop here.

View of Geiranger Fjord, Norway (mobile)

Here's a view from our stateroom. Included the full size bus in the bottom corner to give you some idea of the size of the Fjord walls. Can't even see the top of most because of the clouds.

It's like an extra lush Yosemite valley - at least that's how Jen explains it.

Right now there are three cruise ships at Geiranger which is at the terminus of the Fjord.