Mother/Daughter Trip: Where to go?

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

I've just explained in the thread I started last week on York, England how my mother and I might be open to changing our plan to travel overseas together and focus on an area in the continental U.S. instead. I believe the men in our lives would just breathe a sigh of relief knowing that she and I weren't off in a foreign country, so far from home. With my mother getting older and me no longer being a spring chicken (same applies to our men as well), we're all more cognizant of time spent apart and the toll it takes. I'm shifting "thought gears" now and would love recommendations for places to visit in the states.

My mother and I both love charming, quaint places - but these may come at a cost of being overly-touristy. (Then again, we would be tourists, so I realize what I'm saying here.) We enjoy strolling in a pretty place, taking in the architecture, gardens, good cafes/tea rooms/restaurants, poking around in interesting shops, soaking up local culture. Places that are clean, neat, friendly, even a little quirky in a good way - all a huge plus.

We have made many trips to England, but have never seen New England. That part of the country does hold appeal for both of us. I know so very little about that area, though - just the names of places I've read about: Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Bar Harbor. Can you suggest a location to look into? Also, is Autumn truly the best time to be in New England? (I think about all the leaf-peeping. I think we'd rather travel together in springtime - possibly early springtime, though.)

We both also love Santa Fe, having spent time there during my childhood, and both of us as adults traveling with our husbands. The last time I was in Santa Fe, though, the traffic was awful and there was a generally unfriendly vibe. Maybe it was just an "off" trip - I dunno. I wouldn't mind going back (in fact, I'm sure I'd enjoy it), but it's a place that isn't new to us, so might not hold as much appeal as New England. Still - it's closer to home.

My brother is living in Portland, Oregon and I'm sure a visit up to see him would be nice. That said, I just don't know if there'd be that much to do there that would be memorable for my mother and me. (My brother entertains himself by going out and doing things like summiting Mt. St. Helens on a weekend. That is so not the kind of thing my mother and I would be into. ;-))

So ... I'll leave this here for now, being grateful for any and all suggestions on a travel spot in the states that would fill the bill as described above.

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party_music50

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

If you choose to visit New England, I agree you can't go wrong with Vermont or Lenox, Mass. The Maine coast has nice spots too (like Ogunquit).

Wondering if you've ever considered Williamsburg, VA? i.e., Colonial Williamsburg. :)

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Comments (73)

diane_nj 6b/7a
7 years ago
I would stay away from the DC area for now, theMetro is being renovated (until March of next year), and several of the lines are being closed during the day. Traffic is horrible. Hotel prices in DC proper are hideous.
DaisyinGA
7 years ago
Ahhhh, thanks for that information, diane_nj. I was thinking about a trip to visit family with a side trip to the DC area. We'll plan side trips somewhere else until after March 2017.
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maddielee
7 years ago
Savannah the week of St. Patrick's Day (March 17) is high season price wise. Unless you really like crowds, try to avoid that week.
IdaClaire
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks to all for such excellent suggestions. It will be hard to decide - although I just talked to my mother, and it seemed that New England appealed most to her so I'm going back and looking at areas, availability, cost, etc. Still not sure of time of year we'd go. The very best time for her to travel is, as I said, during spring break (mid-March). I know that's not considered the best time to travel pretty much anywhere, but even going to England during that time each year (for quite a few years now) has proven to be very enjoyable. I do wonder if many places would be closed at that time of year in New England though ... particularly in the more quaint, tourist-laden areas.
robo (z6a)
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Being from a touristy area that has winter and is similar to New England - it is going to be cold and depressing with lots of the best stuff closed during March. Typically snow or endless grey cold rainy days. I would definitely 100% go farther South if March is your time.

Here's a graph of daily highs and lows in Burlington VT during March. Not cold enough to look at the pretty snow and not warm enough to do anything else!* (I'm sure it's cold enough to ski on the mountains of course)

Here's a graph of Charleston SC during the same month

Best time to visit New England would be late September/early-mid October. July and August would be good too. June would be good for spring flowers. Maybe late May for leafing out - April is too early. (here's a photo from Burlington on April 23 of this year -- notice the lack of leaves: https://www.flickr.com/photos/31192101@N03/26578974266/in/photolist-GuGc41-92DDHm-92DDEQ-7HPEGJ-7HF9a8-FgKbXg-nfrar5-FgyoC3-au1Qu6-bhGz2X-7HHwyM-efeZog-92AweZ-JdG55-H53ue-mR6HsZ-6dzdgZ-7ibTcE-GiFXN-4JkLV9-au4vhw-au1Q5a-7UZgUi-GrbSRk-GxWJLE-FUcEkd-GoMsV3-G7RFyf-Gx1ktP-Gx1nPF-Gme1qq-G7Rv4h-FgybXQ-7Sds1Y-bMRmQ6-7HKJJH-9y7moy-G3QUrh-9CGfcZ-au1QLz-GJMV48-ef4AnY-au1Qh4-9y4ohM-nAFxGR-G58Rv-au4vMw-dpZtH6-au1QRi-eeb32e)

Signed - bitter and leafless until June in Nova Scotia and has to endure questions from her gardenweb garden pals about why her forsythia only comes out in May!
User
7 years ago
They are very slow to get spring in most of NE. We have lilacs blooming late March--theirs don't bloom until May. I wouldn't do a beach location in March. Cape Cod doesn't open until Memorial Day.

If you stayed in Portland, you'd drive to Port Townsend, which is about a six hour drive. An hour and a half on the ferry to Victoria. Maybe two. It's been awhile.
MtnRdRedux
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Def not New England in March. That is buds on the trees and mud season. Or snow.

New England is prob best early Sept, when the Aug crowds are gone, or right in the thick of it in July and August
robo (z6a)
7 years ago
Daffodils in Nova Scotia on April 23 - that's well before the trees leaf out.

March 21 in Nova Scotia
User
7 years ago
My favorite time of year to visit dh's family in Massachusetts and Maine was always September. Especially Maine, because summer crowds were gone and leaf-peepers hadn't yet arrived.
Annie Deighnaugh
7 years ago
I love New England and the fall time is a wonderful time to visit. It depends on how long you want to stay for and if you're willing to drive around the area. Also depends on how much you want to see vs. how much you want to be leisurely and relax. Some places to consider:

Vermont: Just driving is wonderful...going up north to see Hildene, Shelburne Museum (over 150,000 items in 39 buildings), Univ of Vt and Lake Champlain...wonderful inns to stay at.

n

NH: We stayed at a lovely inn in North Conway...took a boat ride on Lake Lillinonah...took the cog train up to the top of Mt Washington, had tea overlooking the Mt at the Mt Washington Inn, took a walk to see the falls in Franconia Notch and had fun on a rainy day shopping at the outlets there.

MA: Western MA is wonderful during foliage season, just driving the Mohawk Trail. But there's a lot to see and do in Lenox which is a wonderful town, there's a nice art museum in Pittsfield, there's Edith Wharton's home to tour in Lenox and the Norman Rockwell museum and Daniel Chester French's place in Stockbridge. Williamstown is a great college town and they have a most incredible art museum there in the Clark Art Institute.

Eastern MA is very different with Boston to tour plus surrounding towns like Concord and Lexington and Salem (great museum, witch things, and you can even stay at the house of 7 gables) and Plymouth with the pilgrim stuff and beautiful shoreline areas in Marblehead and Gloucester...or head south to Cape Cod for real beach activity and interesting islands to see in Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard.

In between is Sturbridge which is a wonderful recreated historic town where you can learn all about life in New England around the 1830s with live demonstrations and lectures by costumed hosts.

Rhode Island, the most interesting town would be Newport in my estimation with all the mansions to tour, the cliff walk, nice places to eat and great scenery.

CT is a little harder to tour, though I think some of the stuff along the eastern shore is interesting like the Mystic Aquarium and the Mystic Village, the Florence Griswold Museum, Essex is a nice sea town, and if you like casinos and shows, they're there...or at least the Mashantucket Pequot Museum.

I'll leave ME to someone else as we've only ever gone to Acadia, which is a wonderful national park, if that's the kind of thing you want to do.
3katz4me
7 years ago
Maybe you've settled on New England by now but if not maybe consider Victoria BC - not US but still North America.
Annie Deighnaugh
7 years ago
Another thing to include would be to do NY around the Hudson River. There are a ton of mansions to tour, including Hyde Park if you're a fan of FDR or presidential homes, Rockefeller places, Vanderbilts, one of my favorites is Olana, home of Frederick Church one of the Hudson River school artists, and there's Bear Mtn and West Point and great little towns with antiquing like Cold Spring.
WalnutCreek Zone 7b/8a
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
A friend of mine is visiting New England right now. She just sent pictures of Louisa May Alcott's home, Plymouth Rock, the Portland Head Light, Acadia National Park, LL Bean, and the statue of the sailor at the ship's wheel in Gloucester MA. It made me realize I want to visit the sites of the beginnings of our wonderful United States of America.
Sueb20
7 years ago
OK, I have not read every comment but here's my two cents.

I went to Savannah with friends last March. We had great weather and the parks were green and pretty. I then went to Charleston in May with DH. Also great weather. The two cities are only about two hours apart, so you could definitely visit both in one trip, and I can tell you that I loved both cities! Great restaurants, great walking, lots of history. I bet you'd love it.

Honestly, I would not travel to New England in March. That is probably when we are at our worst! Go to Savannah and Charleston instead. (But NOT Savannah on St. Patricks Day -- they get pretty crazy celebrating the holiday there.)

June can be really nice in New England, though. (We are having great weather in Boston this week! Temps ranging from 70 to 80 all week.) Depending on where you go (like Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket) July-August is very busy/crowded with tourists. September-October are great months in New England. We have been to Bar Harbor twice in Oct. -- spectacular. Acadia is great and the town of Bar Harbor is really cute. Farther south in Maine, Portland is a great city for shopping and eating, and Kennebunkport and Oqunquit are both quaint, beachy towns (especially after the summer tourism season has passed).
IdaClaire
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
OK, I'm just overwhelmed by the choices! Even in New England (let's say for the moment we're just focusing on that part of the country, and understand that we would need to visit another time besides March), the options seem endless. We will probably have a week or less to visit, so let's say we wanted to base ourselves in one very quaint, charming, walkable town (lots of cafes, shops, interesting little places to pop in and out of during the day), with the ability to drive a bit further afield to see more ... is there any way to narrow down to such a place, and if so, where would that place be?
User
7 years ago
My vote would be for Kennebunkport and/or Ogunquit. They're down the road from each other. Lots of nice B&Bs. Both fit your criteria.

Ogunquit and Kennebunkport Bed & Breakfasts
Annie Deighnaugh
7 years ago
If I were going to want to stay local in one area, I'd probably do Lenox MA with all the things to see and do in the area...in the summer if you want to do Tanglewood and Jacob's Pillow kind of things, or fall for the excellent foliage.
Catherine Z8-ish PNW
7 years ago
Good for you. Your Mom must be awesome!

Can personally recommend the PNW. Maybe fly into Portland OR-outstandingly current boutique-type stores, bookstores to die for, food beyond compare, spend a night right on the Columbia River if possible.

Drive down to Cannon Beach if you enjoy the beach. I used to go every spring with a group of female co-worker friends for a long weekend. Heaven.

Seattle WA has great stores downtown. Pike/Pine corridor on west side of Cap Hill would be a nice afternoon with a turn north onto Broadway at the top of the hill. Broadway still has some funk. Further north just past Broadway is Volunteer Park with many many lovely dogs and great and friendly people. V Park also houses the Seattle Asian Art Museum--a gem. V Park was Olmsted-designed! Gorgeous. The Public Market is a must and walk across to the Seattle Art Museum. Walk down to Pioneer Square for more shopping, galleries. Excellent restaurants are everywhere--fresh seafood is a must during months with the letter R.

North of the Ship Canal is the Ballard Locks--gorgeous and a wonderful place to while away some time, especially on a pleasant afternoon. Bring a jacket. Talk to the Lock Masters and Lock hands. They are fonts of great info and fun. Fish ladder there, too. Lunch on Salmon Bay or at Shilshole Marina.

Hop across Lake Washington. Bellevue Botanical garden. Bellevue Arts and Crafts Show in July is quite the scene. Only time it (almost) never rains. More than anyone can really take in, even going all three days. Bellevue Square Mall is a destination mall. Kaching! Almost forgot, back at the ranch, er Seattle there is SeaFair: Torchlight Parade, Bon Odori Festival, Hydroplane races, West Seattle Hi-Yu Parade and Street Fair.

From Bellevue drive east of Lake Sammamish to Sahalee--a ranked golf course. Mid-difficult level.

Further east gets you to Snoqualmie Falls. Incredible beauty. B'fast there is yummy w reservations needed months in advance. Sometimes your concierge can help. Substantial Native history associated with the Falls.

Take one of our wonderful ferry boats to Bremerton (55 minutes). If you are still acquiring skin art, private email me and I would be more than extremely happy to personally introduce you to two of our best area tattooists. Not that I have any skin in that!

Then take a short drive to Port Townsend. Great town, amazing NW history! Shopping! Stay at Manresa Castle.

If you both enjoy golf, drive just a bit south to Silverdale. Gorgeous course there.

North to Port Angeles for the long IIRC ferry trip to Vancouver Island. Great fun, Chinatown, stay at the Empress Hotel--4pm "High Tea" is a must.

Drive the length of V Island to shorter ferry to mainland British Columbia, Vancouver BC. Shopping w good exchange rate, food!, Seabus, Skytrain, Chinatown, Dr Sun Yat-Sen gardens both public and private, shop and eat on Davie street, Water Street is fun with great galleries. Bring $ for exceptional pieces, well-priced. The UBC Museum of Anthropology is a must for your interest in "First People's" art. All the normal stored-in-a-back-room-somewhere stuff is accessible in drawers and cabinets with detailed catalogues. Their grounds are exceptional.

Please do not deprive yourself of a visit to Canada if you come to the PNW. Going to BC is just taking a drive north on I-5, like going to the Ocean or skiing or something. Or from the Peninsula aka across the Pond, spend some time being ferried North. At the risk of seeming negative about our great Country, Canada is extremely safe with gun control in place and it works quite well! Customs is about as simple as possible. Bring a passport. Declare everything truthfully.

Then there's San Francisco/Sausalito, Alameda's got some great food things happening...blah, blah, blah.

Hmmm. Guess you can tell I'm pretty happy here? And l.o.v.e. Canada!
User
7 years ago
Without hesitation, I would stay in Lenox, MA. When I moved from LA, I had two choices...Portland, OR or Lenox. Because I needed to be in LA on a regular basis, I chose Portland because it's a short flight to LA.

One of my favorite small hotels in the world is Blantyre in Lenox.
Catherine Z8-ish PNW
7 years ago
Seattle is not small. Not quaint. Very walkable with a plethora of places to drive within minutes to two hours max.
IdaClaire
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
While the inns and B&Bs are unquestionably lovely, we would really prefer to rent a little cottage where we'd feel we had more privacy - could do our own meals, etc. 2 bedrooms/1 bath would be ideal, but I'm finding prices can be high throughout New England (shouldn't come as any surprise, I suppose). Just found this sweet little place in Lenox. Maybe I can sleep on a pull-out sofa. Maybe. ;-)

https://www.vrbo.com/135474

This one's pretty cute too, and is roomier (with a bedroom for each of us). Costs a bit more, but still not bad at all. I kinda like the funky décor ... not exactly what I'd expect in New England!

https://www.vrbo.com/419961
tinam61
7 years ago
Just my thoughts, but if it were me (and it's not of course) I would wait to go to New England when I could take a bit more time. Ten days - 2 weeks is really nice. Elizabettes itinerary sounds great! We haven't been to that area and it's in our future.
IdaClaire
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I don't think we'll ever be able to take that amount of time. The men don't like us being away from home for that long. Our previous trips to England have been about that 10-14 day duration, and it's been a bit too long for comfort.

And yes, that detailed itinerary that Elizabettes posted sounds amazing! We still aren't fully committed to an area, so some of that may be in the realm of possibility.
User
7 years ago
Oh, that's right, the ferry goes out of Port Angeles, but Port Townsend is the cute town you'd enjoy. It's just a short drive from PT to PA.

You'd want to be close to an airport with less than a week to visit.
IdaClaire
Original Author
7 years ago
From one coast to another ... Here's a cutie pie in Carmel!

https://www.vrbo.com/478118
LynnNM
7 years ago
I, of course, know Santa Fe very well and could advise you on cottage B&Bs, restaurants, shops and things to do. Traffic is not bad at all and locals are friendly and helpful.

Mackinaw Island in Spring? No! Great in Summer but very crowded. Early Fall is nice, too. Spring is cold, and very iffy weather-wise. We love staying at the Grand Hotel there.

We love vacationing along Oregon's coast, but only in August.
Catherine Z8-ish PNW
7 years ago
Didn't you say you needed some new skin art or brightening work? J.K. Wherever you two go will surely be wonderful!
grapefruit1_ar
7 years ago
We go to Bar Harbor each year right after Labor Day. It is just beautiful! We hike in Acadia, walk the streets and shore line in Bar Harbor and also drive to the other lovely communities on the island. The sights are stunning and the food is wonderful.
Funkyart
7 years ago
I love New England and I am all for it.. but given 5-6 days, I'd recommend west coast or Sante Fe area. I've been to NM a few times -- twice in March. It's a different experience than in the summer but still lovely and restorative. You don't have the crowds (or heat-- though I don't mind the heat) so you get a real feel for the area. There are great restaurants, cooking schools, spas (I know you say you aren't into them-- but there are such a variety of unique services something may appeal), galleries, antique shops... and plenty of options for little excursions if you are into it. You can do as much or as little as you want.. and it's all good! If not this trip, I do urge you to give it another go!

Carmel also looks lovely but I've never been.
IdaClaire
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you all so much for the wonderful, insightful comments. I'm going to table this momentarily, as I feel a bit overwhelmed by all the many options! You've all given me enough to consider, so now will just need to sit back and see how plans unfold.

Actually, in talking more to family members yesterday, DH and I may be the next in line to take a trip, and that may happen later this year. Thinking of heading out to New Mexico, possibly Los Alamos, to hike Bandelier this fall. I've been there before and had a lovely time, and would like to introduce DH to hiking in that part of the country. We talked about some of the other places that I've camped/hiked (Chaco, Canyon de Chelly, etc.), but Los Alamos is a slightly shorter drive and there are accommodations nearby (there aren't at Chaco). Completely different type of trip, to be sure, but we've been doing a lot of walking together daily and feel we're getting in proper shape to get out there on foot.
tinam61
7 years ago
That sounds great Jen! I was thinking of this thread last night and was wondering - if you want to do New England and do a longer trip, would the men be interested in going also?
IdaClaire
Original Author
7 years ago
They probably would, Tina. Problem is, that kills our "mother/daughter" dynamic. I realize that might sound selfish to some, but it's been a hallmark of our best trips - save for the last one, when my 12 year niece went with us and she truly made the trip even more of a delight - and throwing men into the mix changes things considerably. Too, my mother and I share so many similarities and know exactly what the other enjoys doing (and not doing). We've tried a trip in the past with other family members, and to be honest it was rather disastrous. Once other personalities and agendas enter the picture, everything changes.
User
7 years ago

Kennebunkport cottages
cattyles
7 years ago
Has Taos, NM been mentioned? I was there as a young teen and have always wanted to go back.
tinam61
7 years ago
Makes perfect sense. I was just curious and thought it might solve the "time limit" problem.
Catherine Z8-ish PNW
7 years ago
Arizona is wonderful as is all of the SW. For me, autumn only due to temps. "Something Circle" with Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and other noted monuments. There's also Anasazi cliff dwellings (Cortez? Mesa?IDR), Balloon Festival is wonderful bringing along many fine vendors of everything w lotta handmade and great backstories, Navajo National Monument had (has?) excellent private off-road tour w steak cooked over campfire w your guide moonlit 4x4 tours. Red rock country speaks to me, incredibly. Do you have any near you at home?
IdaClaire
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I realize I'm going to sound completely nuts now (especially after the thread on England and then the mother/daughter thread), but I'm definitely going to have to switch gears now and would like to focus on the trip with DH. I might start another thread for that one, so as not to confuse the issue(s) ... (oh, my issues ... LOL!)

I've been to Taos and love it. My folks have also been numerous times. Re the southwest in general - I've traveled all over the region and have hiked in some of the most remote places out on the Colorado Plateau in SE Utah. A particular highlight was the 18.5-mile round-trip hike to Keet Seel at Navajo National Monument in northern AZ. Here's me at the beginning of that journey - relatively fresh and rarin' to go. It was magical and memorable, but it was also not an easy trek. (I mean, that's a canyon floor down there, not a road. LOL!)

I've had the privilege of seeing some of the most amazing Anasazi ruins in very remote places, still quite intact. Kivas with much of their rooftop structures remaining, pottery remnants (not just potsherds), countless little corncobs in the midden. You'd be amazed at how many archaeological sites exist, and how many more have yet to be unearthed out there. That there once lived a vast population of prehistoric people in that area fascinates (and thrills) me to no end.

The Hopi mesas are also of particular interest to me. People still live here, on Walpi. Does that amaze anyone else besides me?
Catherine Z8-ish PNW
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Hi IdaClaire! Yes. It amazes and thrills me that there is even evidence of these places having ever existed, to say nothing of the fact that we can actually walk inside! and amongst! them still!!

I was actually shivering in some of the cliff dwellings on a 100 degree-plus day.

Did you read the lengthy National Geographic feature from back in the 90s that gave evidence that their way of life seemed to have involved cannabalism in one area, as a routine activity, seemingly towards the end of their times? Not a cliff dwelling area IIRC but where 'roads' that could have been heading to what is now Mexico merged. My memory is a bit fuzzy on this...there were human bones that were rounded, after having been boiled for hours etc. Fairly substantial evidence. I do remember that their water supplies had almost completely disappeared, potentially initiating the sudden mass exodus from their homes. Wish my recall was better.

Shocking today, but different worlds, different times.
Catherine Z8-ish PNW
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Sorry. For me, I think this recollection will go back to whatever headspace it came from. They were incredible people. Period. (NG June 2001)
Olychick
7 years ago
Elizabettes, if you are having second thoughts, you can edit your post above (I'm not suggesting it; you just seemed to have regret?)
IdaClaire
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Yes, I know exactly what you're referring to. I seem to recall first hearing about the cannibalism theory at one of the visitor's centers for a national park/monument - cannot for the life of me recall which one though. The evidence of trade with Mexico fascinates me, as does the network of ancient roads that have been mapped out. How cool is this:

When the Spanish first arrived in the southwest in the 16th century, they recorded feather trade and the keeping of macaws among Pueblo peoples (Hodge and Lewis 1907:106; Schroeder 1968:98-99). As evidenced by Lyndon Hargrove (1970), macaw skeletal remains make their appearance in the American Southwest by 1000 AD. Most significant are the remains of the scarlet macaw (Ara macao) whose native habitat only extends from the jungles of South America into lowland Mexico. The presence of scarlet macaws in the desert southwest illustrates the importance of trade in exotica between the cultures of the southwest and Mexico. The earliest macaw feathers that have been recovered in this region date back to 750 A.D. These feathers indicate the start of a large trade network between the southwestern cultures and Central Mexico. Turquoise from New Mexico and Arizona have been found in Mexico, while marine shells from the Sea of Cortez, copper bells, and cacao from Central Mexico have been recovered in the southwest.

Of course, my dad liked to remind me that as some of these civilizations flourished, cathedrals were being built in Europe, but that makes the mud-bricked ruins no less amazing in my mind. ;-)
satine_gw
7 years ago
More about the cruise. We went on Royal Caribbean (Not sure which ship) and had a great time. In Boston we took the hop on off trolley which is free and you can as the name implies get off and on as you wish. We saw Harvard and talked to students who were in the square and that was most interesting. Also visited a mansion in the city. Did some shopping etc. In Bar Harbor wanted to go out on a boat for whale watching but the weather didn't cooperate so hired a taxi and went up into the Acadia Park which was lovely. Nice people and quaint little place for shopping or just strolling. Peggy's Cove and Bay of Fundy were most interesting as we had booked an excursion on the ship to see these points of interest. Very informative. Of course great food on the ship and good entertainment and pools and hot tubs if that suits you. Pack once and then relax for the rest of your trip getting to see lots of different places. My way to travel!
IdaClaire
Original Author
7 years ago
Satine, that sounds so lovely! Thanks for providing further info. I've only sailed on Royal Caribbean once (have been on two Carnival cruises), and it was by far my favorite. Just a little more upscale, I thought. Your trip sounds very nice, and I agree that hopping off and back on the ship would be an ideal way to see the area.
Catherine Z8-ish PNW
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Olychick, thank you so much! I actually did some editing already. The question of 'yes or no' is a valid part of history and as such, should probably stand.

I have issues with a memory that forgets no horrors thus making it difficult for me to move forward at times. Hence, my assignment of this topic back to the dustbins of my mind. It's something that I do not wish (right or wrong) to associate with these marvelous ancient peoples.

;-) Thank you very much!! Hopefully that makes sense.
Catherine Z8-ish PNW
7 years ago
IdaClaire, thank you for giving me a marvelous replacement memory that is too cool for school!

Especially the roads and so much evidence of trade w Mexico. That is where my first love and fascination of turqoise began.

On a complete side note, re your typing? My stepmom (who was so much more Mom than step ;-)))) was very petite with small, small hands. She regularly typed 120wpm on a m.a.n.u.a.l. typewriter for endless lengths of time! I will never forget when she had an interview at Boeing and was asked to take a typing test. She refused and got the job based solely pn previous employers recommendations!

That's a very roundabout way of asking if your hands are also very small?
Catherine Z8-ish PNW
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
And Olychick, I most sincerely appreciate your lack of judgement. You will understand why most of my socks are mint-flavored. ;-)

Aren't you from around kinda my way, near Olympia WA? :-)

PS--Your bathroom is impeccably done and causes me some serious envy. Mmmm.
Olychick
7 years ago
Elizabettes, yes...thus the screen name! Glad the edit function is now in your arsenal. We all need it once in a while, so it's good to remember it's available.
Catherine Z8-ish PNW
7 years ago
Hear, hear!
IdaClaire
Original Author
7 years ago
Elizabettes - Actually, I've always thought I had man hands. Not small, but I suppose not overly large either -- they just look like my dad's. ;-)