Meander Ingwa

Do you have a budget restriction? Timeline? Destination?

This entirely depends on the town or city. As a lifetime soloist, I know when to join a group or not. There is nothing automatically dangerous about being a solo woman.

Seattlewaterfront dot org

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel is one of the grand old hotels of Seattle. Don't think you can go too wrong, here

Usually when you are connecting, internationally, you do not go through customs. You bags are checked through to your final destination and you have passport check there. You will simply walk to your new gate I have not had my bag checked at a final international destination since a very strange transit from Papua New Guinea to Singapore. I think that was an issue with the airline rather than the port.

@Octavias do you own due diligence on the hotel and garage on Google maps. The reviews for garage does not sound user friendly, nor does the hotel. Check the prices and consider the Master Park Garage at SeaTac. Valet parking, secure building. There is Crown Plaza 1 1/2 block south. When you return from your cruise, you can get a cruise service bus to airport then call for the shuttle van to the garage. It is my go to parking when I fly out of SEA. The only hotel I have used downtown with parking was The Paramount. I don't know their prices nor if they do long term as you need

Piccadilly and exchange at Barons Court is fine, but the local nature of that route is slow and often very crowded. I use to love the Pic, simply because I was there. The Elizabeth Line is such a game changer and transfer to a tube line is likely faster, but that depends on the actual location of their hotel relative to location. A taxi transfer at Paddington is also an efficient use of time I am pretty sure my last two arrivals in early Dec and mid Feb were 1 hour plane to Elizabeth. Most of that what feels like endless walking. Immigration and baggage claim were very quick. The new electronic passport scans are very efficient

I agree, it is likely more efficient and timely to take the Elizabeth Line and tube into town rather than a bus, particularly one you must book. With more info we may be able to help you more specifically

@KruzingGal I am a 65 year old soloist and love the Underground. However, if you have tricky knees I would either get a cab full way, or take the Elizabeth line to Paddington and get a cab there. The walk from the terminals thru immigration then on to the rails take a bit of will power after a 10 hour overnight, but my passion for London knows no bounds. Not sure how much closer the taxi ranks at Heathrow are, I haven't paid attention , but it sounds like the best option in your case

If the hotel is The Westminster, a Hilton hotel near Tate Museum, I would probably take the Elizabeth Line to Paddington then get a Black Cab to the hotel. Would probably be the easiest. The taxi rank at Paddington is convenient

Washington and Oregon have HUGE and excellent wine industry. NO excuses

@LAKaye dont forget the sauna and spa pool. I intend to use extensively. I assume suits in the sauna rather than towels / nude

The car rental sounds like an efficient compromise and saves fuss and parking fees. And I agree with the world class service in Japan

There is also a technology forum filled with phone discussion

Sounds far more pleasant than driving down. If you feel you need more room, you can simply order a larger vehicle from Lyft or Uber Day of if your local train is reliable, day before if the weather is stormy, snowy

@purpleally while I acknowledge many of these animals are simply pets, I have been around 2 dogs that are trained and certified support . One is for a vet who was physically and mentally damaged. These dogs are on duty when I am around them and when the harness is on, the are working. You do a grave injustice by your blanket statement

For summer in Alaska I would take an outdoor, hiking type pant. Nylon blend. This is my go to pant in Spring here in Seattle where temps range 45 to 65. Good in wind. If you feel too chilled with that alone a pair of cableknit tights might do or a pair of wind pants over. Windproof may also be handy for walking on deck in north pacific. I find a light weight sweatshirt , alone adequate. A waterproof windbreaker will be key. Not sure you need gloves or ear covers, at minimum a beanie style cap. In summer it can get quite hot inland, but near the coast it is mild and temperate. And not humid, so think towards your late fall to early spring without the humid fun

I think it was Nora Ephorn who said all those lost thoughts you have at a certain age actually sprout out on your face. I laughed with my sister when we both realized we spent a lot of cosmetic time, plucking. I call it legacy of my "good peasant breeding" But I sigh and accept that my hairline has thinned and receded and flat, straight hair is my fate, Any wave or body of my youth , long gone.

when will you be in Alaska and what is your home environment like? what are you use to?

dont think anyone can really answer this for you. The delivery fee split 4 ways? you decide. SeaTac Liquor and Wine is on Hwy 99 right across from The Doubletree and the Hilton Garden Inn. If you are in that area a simple walk across the street would do. The choice will be more limited that TW&M, though

@dman1 I would check in to getting vans and do the booking before you get there. With a large party plus luggage you need a little extra help. You dont want services to be spread thin on embarkation day with so many other people needing services, leaving it to the last minute sounds unwise. Seattle Express is highly rated and offer services from sea tac and the cruise port

Love your journal. I took a small Papua New Guinea trip and one of the guests was an orchid expert. We got to talking about the Rio Negro and she said she had a trip there during the high rainy season and was thrilled that their boat could get right in to the top of the trees where many rare and elusive orchid species grow.

If you have google maps on your phone (I use Android) , you can quickly find tube routes on the map by tapping on the Underground Roundel (red circle blue line) for the station. the color lines will show up showing you the whole route, swipe up and it gives you the schedule. During peak hours trains almost feel constant. Late at night, some lines get pretty spaced out. If you have a destination in mind, go to it on the map and tap the nearest station for info on what line serves it. For what it is worth, I carry the little map available in the stations, It is handy , folds into a credit card slot in wallet or phone and is always at hand Google works for subway lines in almost every metro area I have investigated. It is usually my first thing to check out when shopping for a hotel @SwankPooch you have many options for your hotel. Personally I would lean towards Green Park as it tends to be a bit quieter and less complex than Bond Street. Bond Street is excellent for the Elizabeth line transfer in from Heathrow The Underground is really easy to use though might be a bit daunting , for some, at first. I am a bit of an Underground nerd and find it endlessly wonderful if you enjoy graphics and design. Baker Street, in itself , is a feast for my eyes and I always visit there for a wander every time I am in London

engineering works or industrial action? what date?

for women, loss of armpit and leg hair is the joyful side of menopause. a lot of those hairs migrate to your chin and lip, however 🤪