Disclaimer

In compliance with latest regulations the owner of this blog states that she has not received any kind of remuneration or advantage from any of the locations, resorts, products or services mentioned in any individual blog post. Owner will make full disclosure should that situation change in future.

Enjoying the fish in Paradise Island/Nassau

The last stop on my recent 7day cruise calling on several Caribbean islands was Nassau/Bahamas. As we approached port the gigantic Atlantis resort on Paradise island virtually rose out of the early morning mist. Once docked, I couldn't get off fast enough and take the ferry over. The ferry alone was already an adventure. Ferry is too big a word for it, it's rather a glorified fishing boat with a lot of wooden benches nailed to the floor and a sailor/mate/captain cum travel guide who was full of fun. Once I entered the resort, I learned that you could only have access to certain areas, including the famous tunnel by forking out a stiff $75. No need for that though. There are plenty of public areas to visit which already take your breath away. The casino, the shopping arcade and, three entire walls of aquarium. You can get really close and personal with the fish, watch them swim, see sharks, stingrays and many, many more colorful species. Then go outside and walk along the walkway which surrounds the hotel and look at waterfalls and more fish from above. A wonderful fruit salad at one of the many restaurants was the crowning glory of a memorable excursion to Paradise island.

Single woman traveler and jewelry

Of course, us single girls roaming the world, want to look good. Clothes is easy, but what about jewelry? We do own the real thing, but is it wise to take it with us? The answer is no. Theft in hotels do occur and what good do the diamonds do us if they are stashed in the strong box. Outdoors there is always the risk of being mugged when you wear the real bling. There are two alternatives: decorative costume jewelery which can never be mistaken for the real thing. Or, fo somewhat safer surroundings imitations or semo precious stones. Look a this website: www.susanstreasurechest.net. Lovely pieces at very reasonable prices. Better leave the above at home!

Self Defense for the woman traveler

Let's face it. If we, as a single woman traveler, roam the world on our own, we have to be concerned about our safety. I for one, am sick and tired of looking over my shoulder and have taken the plunge and attended as self defense course. I have come away not only with a few good tricks, but also with insights which I want to share. "If you look like a victim, you will become a victim", were the first words our instructor said. "Remember to walk erect and self confident. Don't clutch your purse to your chest and hurry along with your head bowed. You are silently screaming: attack me!!" Next was the fact, that defending yourself does not require physical strength. Anatomical knowledge, some flexibility and the law of leverage will do the trick. Elbows, fingers, knees applied in the right way can get you out of an attack. Hopefully, we will never have to apply what we learn in the course, but having leanred the tricks and moves boost self confidence and we will never agin look like a vicitom. If you find a self defense course in your vicinity, don't hesitate to attend. You are never too old either.

Book signing party!

I still can't believe it, but its' really going to happen. On the 19th I'm having my first ever book signing party in the party room of my condo in Miami. What's more, it has been arranged by the manager of the community, who read Sweet Revenge, liked it a lot and just wanted to give me a hand. Isn't that something?

Chance to win a trip to Hawaii

Here is a chance to win a trip to Hawaii for me. But, I need a little help from ym friends. Please click on this link on trazzler. It's an article and picture I entered in the Islands Competition at the online travel magazine trazzler. First prize is: a trip to Hawaii!!

What the single woman traveler reads on a long distance flight

The hours are dragging and I much prefer to read a book over watching a movie. So, in the airports, I'm always on the lookout for a book, a novel which promises entertainment but is manageable (i.e. not 1000 pages and weighing a ton)and which I can read from start to finish in about 6-8 hours. Of course, you can always read a travel guide getting some information about the destination you are heading for, but, if you go on vacation, you are likely to have done that before you even set off. Back to the novels: I decided to write one of my own, with just that purpose in mind. Entertain and finish when you are ready to disembark. Why not give my novel "Sweet Revenge" a try? Available at barnes&noble online. My gourmet friend and writer Maralyn B Hill liked it. Follow her on her blog and read about the world of travel, delicious food and fine wines. You could also look at my novel #2 "The Househusbands Club.: It's available from lulu. Although with 323 pages a bit longer than Sweet Revenge, you can still manage it and have a good laugh.

Lady's Polo in Miami Beach

 

Oh yes, the ladies practice this sport too. And how chic they look fully in action on their ponies.

Where to admire orchids in the middle of December

Where else in the world can the single woman traveler admire blooming orchids in a lovely garden (not a hothouse) at the beginning of December but at an orchid enthusiast's marvelous garden in Coral Gables Miami. Yes, I know, there are other countries where it's hot in December but I'm just such a Miami fan and the orchids are an added bonus.

Where to sit on a long distance flight?

There are actually only two choices: aisle or window. Nobody would opt voluntarily for a middle seat on a long distance flight. My choice is always aisle. The purpose of a window seat is to be able to look out and see something. Well, it's either night or you are above the clouds or the blinds come down even during broad daylight as soon as the movie starts. Just try to push up your blind and you are in trouble! An aisle seat allows you to get up and move around or visit the restroom to your heart's content without disturbing anybody. It also allows you to stretch your legs into the aisle--with due caution of course! Mind running kids, other 'promenading' passengers or the drinks trolley. In addition you have at least one free elbow and the overhead bin is further away from the top of your head than in a window seat which sometimes makes me feel claustrophobic. As many travelers still opt for a window seat, the single woman traveler (or male traveler for that matter) will almost always have a choice of their favorite aisle seat even if they haven't or couldn't pre-book their seat.