Keroppi2011

I always have good luck finding something at Eddie Bauer. Usually even better when I can hit an American outlet store.

For Martincath:

I'm born and bred in Vancouver and still learn something new every time I read one of your posts. Thank you for the well detailed, current, balanced and accurate information you provide.

When friends ask me to name the favourite of the cities I have visited, I always answer "Paris". Your beautiful photos remind me of many reasons why.

Oh, Wish on a Star - I LOVE those rhinestone beauties. When we head to the States next month, I'll be making a beeline to Macy's.

Recommended reading before your cruise : The Path Between Two Seas, by David McCullough. It is a bit of a slog, but excellent information about the history and building of the canal.

Slidergirl, this is me - pressing the "like" button.

The shoes! Oh, those shoes! ALMOST makes me wish I lived in the States (or at least near a Saks).

Making - Thanks for the link to Tai O article. So sad to see the destruction in this tiny, out-of -the -way village. We had a day on Lantau much as you described and by the time we reached Tai O, we were starving. Found a tiny little restaurant run by a tiny old lady. She spoke no English and we spoke no Cantonese. So she ushered us into a minuscule kitchen where we rummaged through her fridge, pulled out a variety of ingredients and watched her transform them into delicious dishes. As we sat eating at one of the 2 tables on her back porch, I noticed a group of elderly men playing Mah Jong across the way. Raised my camera for a candid shot, but when she waggled her finger at me, I put it away and just enjoyed the experience.

With so much bad news out there right now, it is good to hear your happy ending. Enjoy every moment.

Disclaimer: We are retired.

Book longer cruise. First one ever was 10 days. Upcoming will be 59. Yes, retirement is good.

Extend a holiday with a pre or post week stay in embarkation or disembarkation port. Usually in a rental apartment rather than a hotel. Generally much better value. You have already paid the airfare. Make the most of it.

Within a half hour of embarkation I used a public washroom on the ship. There was a new iPhone in a very attractive case balanced on top of the toilet paper dispenser in my stall. Took it to guest services but the counter attendant was so busy she just stuffed it in a drawer without asking any particulars. Sure hope the owner got it back.

On a recent day excursion, we found an iPhone lying on the road in the middle of a busy intersection. Miracle it hadn't been run over. We asked amongst a tour group standing nearby, looked for identifying clues on the phone photos and ended up leaving it with the lady selling HoHo tickets on that corner. Hoped the owner might retrace his/her steps and ask someone who looked "official" at that location.

I've read many positive reports on all Dave's guides so I'd be comfortable booking with any of them. But we were lucky enough to be the only 2 for a full day with THE MAN himself. Dave is a one-of-a-kind, authentic Alaska original. He had stories to tell, places to go, humour spouting out of both ears! I'm so sorry to hear about his health issues and wish him a full and speedy recovery. Hope the rhubarb crop is #1 again this year

Our friend's daughter met us off the ship with a fantastic home made picnic lunch that included every known NZ specialty. We drove to Larnoch Castle, spread our tartan blankets on the lawn and settled in for a feast I will never forget. You should have seen the envious glances from other tourists wandering by. Felt like a scene right out of a movie. Living the Downton Abbey lifestyle for an afternoon.

If you get out to the wildlife sanctuary, take the steps down to the little bay. Have a very close look at the long grasses growing alongside. If you poke your camera into some of the small openings you might "capture" one of the little blue penguins that nest there.

RO Cruiser - I cannot thank you enough for the level of detail you provide in your blogs. Your clear explanations and multiple photos will be a great help for us when we travel on the Volendam in September. With a very small amount of "baby Japanese" and your directions, I feel confident that I can guide our little group around Kushiro, Hakodate and Kamakura. Doumo Arigatou Gozaima****a!

With over 20,000 posts to your credit it is easy to see how much valuable information you have passed on to the next generation of cruisers. Always delivered with a balanced perspective and a good dose of humour. That will be missed.

In a vain attempt to avoid the dreaded "mug shot" look for a new 10 year passport, I took extra care with makeup, hair and clothing choice. The photo studio was very diligent about ensuring a photo with no glare from my glasses, as per Canadian requirements. All to no avail. The clerk at the passport office rejected the picture and sent me to the studio next door. No make-up, hair askew and I'm stuck with it for 10 years. Made me appreciate the line "If you really look like your passport photo, you are probably too sick to travel".

I favour large "statement piece" necklaces and they tend to weigh a lot. But I finally realized I don't need to pack as many to begin with because I invariably purchase a few new ones on any trip. Yes, I am a jewellery addict.

We walked from the ship to the Gate of India harbour and caught a small tour boat out to Elephanta Island to see the caves. The trip over took about an hour and we stayed another couple to explore. The walk from the small dock is about a block long absolutely flat, then climbs a staircase lined on each side with various vendors. Actually, the prices for their souvenirs were quite reasonable and the young men were friendly - not too pushy. There has been some damage to the statues in the caves. Apparently many years ago they were used for target practice! There was a guide explaining some historical details to a group but some pre-reading will give you the information you need. Snacks and cold drinks were available for sale on the pathway and on the small boat. Watch out for the grabby monkeys.

Dear Lois and Sherilyn,

In the relative anonymity of the CC boards, you have no idea how much total strangers hold you in esteem. You have both been so helpful to others - informative and non-judgemental.

I hate it when bad things happen to such good people. But there are plenty of us out here rooting for you and wishing you the best.

From reading CC posts, I knew to expect a somewhat more relaxed view of "dressing up" in Alaska. First cruise there I did scale back. But second trip I actually went more formal than usual. The difference for us is we just drive to embarkation in Vancouver so I could pack heavier clothes and more shoes that usually don't make the cut if we fly.

We always try to enjoy at least one Pinnacle lunch each cruise. Has never been more than one or two other couples. I still think it is the best value item on the ship.

Yes, you can find most of the places I mentioned in the main indoor shopping centre linked to The Bay (department store) or along nearby Robson Street. With the exchange rate heavily in U.S. favour just now, you will have a great time.

Being retired in a laid back city like Vancouver calls for plenty of casual wear. Lululemon, Bench, Eddie Bauer, MEC, Gap and Winners (equivalent to TJ Maxx) are my go-to spots. For an upcoming wedding, I'll be checking out The Bay (downtown or Oakridge), After Five and a couple of my favourite small independents.

Next month my Stitch'n'B**** group heads to the outlet centres south of the border for some power shopping and girl time. I'll be looking out for some of the stores that have been mentioned here.

My very favourite brand - Desigual, out of Spain - might appear to be for younger women. But careful selections have resulted in some very unique finds that draw compliments whenever I wear them.

We cruised to Alaska on HAL with our 10 year old granddaughter. Her dietary regime includes vegetarian, gluten free and casein free foods. We filled out request forms well in advance of our trip and we made menu selections with her the night before each dinner. Our waiters were well aware of her requirements and careful to meet them. Our only complaint was that we were never seated with other guests, depriving the three of us of the chance to interact with others. We wondered if that was a result of our food issues or the fact that she was a child.

Always in style! Wear it with pride.