In the 1960s, I was in the Navy and was stationed near Machias. I was at the Cutler Radio Site; I don't think it is still in business. Amtrak sleeper information: there are two basic choices, a roomette and a bedroom. We booked the roomette and should have booked the other. When the beds were made up, we had to open the door to properly stand - it is a bit crowded. Every cabin on our train was taken! And, when you are in bed, you are front to back and the train sways side to side, thus you roll a lot. However, in the bedroom, there is MUCH more room, and you are side-to-side and the swaying in not the same issue. In the bedroom, even when the beds are made up, there is still lots of room. In the bedroom, you have your own toilet and shower; for the roomette, you have to share (and it is tiny - no problem with falling!). Price will be a big determining factor, as will availability. I was just looking at Amtrak to take to Austin for a wedding in May and there are no bedrooms going down and only two roomettes. Coming back, one bedroom and one roomette. Each sleeper car has about 10 bedrooms and 20 roomettes. On our trip from San Francisco, there were two sleepers and 3 coaches - all booked! The food was OK, the menus are always the same, but you can get a variety. On our trip, there were some items that were gone (cheesecake and vanilla gelato for instance) on the last day. Those in coach have to pay the menu prices. I did leave a small tip for the servers, who were not overworked. Soda is free with the meal, however wine and beer are extra. There is also a cafe car with simple nibbles that are cash or credit card transactions. Still, not a bad way to see the countryside! And there were lots and lots of interesting people on board. You have some time to sit and chat in the upper level of the cafe car.

hampton, I am only familiar with the Mart, since I haven't been to High Point where the stores are more spread around. At the Mart, everything is all under one roof so its probably the most convenient and comfortable if you have any physical limitations. I would check with customer service (I'm sure the number is on their website). They would most likely be able to provide assistance or recommendations. I know the Mart is has ramps if you needed a chair to take you from Point A to B. The Mart has many places to sit and rest if you need a break. They really go all out to make customers feel comfortable. I personally wear my Ecco walking shoes. Not the most stylish, but very foot-friendly. There are several Clearance Outlets right in the Mart with many chairs, sofas and occasional pieces on the floor. I would contact the Mart and they can send you a brochure so you can see which vendors are in the Outlets.

Fran, thanks so much for the first installment of your Antarctic trip report. The next time I go to Antarctica (and I surely hope there is a next time), I hope to go on an ice breaker. Would love to know the name of your antarctic specialists and lecturists. I can't image crossing the Drake Passage in something smaller than the ship I sailed on which held 800 even though there were only 400 on board for Antarctica. Glad you had the chance to see a bit of Ushuaia. I found the town quite interesting. Did you visit the prison/museum and go up to the glacier? Jodi-

What a lovely trip! Such wonderful pictures. Thank you for taking us along. I am definitely more of a 'just be' on vacation type. I do not like having my days planned in advance. I have a question for you solo international travelers. Do you speak the local language? DH wants to go to Spain next year for a convention of one of his hobbies and wants me to go. I have less than zero interest in the hobby, so I would be on my own for several days while he is at the show. I do not speak the language at all and I'm not comfortable wandering on my own when not speaking the language. Yes, I know, plenty probably speak English but still it makes me uncomfortable. I have been thinking about planning a trip to Europe next year. DH has been lots of times to different countries. He used to travel often with his dad who was a film maker and would go to Europe once a year to show his movies in film festivals. I have never been anywhere in Europe. I know, I know. I've just always selected beach vacations over everything else. But I will be retiring this year and I'm thinking a European vacation when I am not coming back to work would be nice. I'm thinking 3 days-ish in Paris and then 10 days-ish in Italy. Not a clue how to plan this even though I can plan a beach or cruise vacay in my sleep! All this to say I will be looking for dani's post to follow along!