This is another catch up post. The Cayman Islands is a self-governing British Overseas Territory, and the largest by population. The 264-square-kilometre (102-square-mile) territory comprises the three islands of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, which are located south of Cuba and north-east of Honduras, between Jamaica and Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. The capital city is George Town on Grand Cayman, which is the most populous of the three islands.
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St. Andrews, Scotland
34. Scotland (UK)
Scotland is a country within the multinational state of the United Kingdom and is not a separate member of the United Nations. May 2024 marked a long-awaited journey as we embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Scotland. With my parents finally getting the opportunity to visit Scotland, we set our sights on exploring the captivating landscapes and rich history that this enchanting country has to offer.
Our home base for this Scottish escapade was none other than the vibrant city of Edinburgh. Steeped in history and culture, Edinburgh served as the perfect starting point for our exploration of Scotland’s wonders. From the towering Edinburgh Castle to the charming cobbled streets of the Old Town, every corner of the city seemed to whisper tales of bygone eras.
In Edinburgh, we enjoyed dining at the Theater Royal Pub and Deacon Brodie’s Tavern. The Theater Royal Pub, located near the Edinburgh Playhouse, is a historic venue that has served theatergoers and locals alike for generations. Its interior boasts vintage decor, cozy seating, and a warm atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a hearty meal or a pint of local ale. The pub’s menu features traditional Scottish dishes, such as haggis, neeps, and tatties, as well as a selection of classic British fare.
Deacon Brodie’s Tavern, situated on the Royal Mile, is named after the infamous William Brodie, a respected cabinetmaker by day and a notorious burglar by night, whose double life inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” The tavern’s historic charm, complete with wooden paneling and period details, creates an inviting ambiance. The menu offers a variety of Scottish specialties, including Cullen skink (a creamy fish soup), Scotch pie, and an array of whisky options, allowing visitors to experience the rich culinary heritage of Scotland.
Venturing beyond Edinburgh, we embarked on a series of day trips to uncover the treasures of Scotland’s countryside. Our itinerary was brimming with iconic landmarks and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Our first stop was the mesmerizing Roslyn Chapel, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture nestled amidst lush greenery. With its intricate carvings and mysterious aura, Roslyn Chapel left us in awe of its timeless beauty.
Next, we ventured to Abbotsford House, the former home of renowned writer Sir Walter Scott. Stepping into the opulent interiors of Abbotsford House felt like stepping back in time, as we immersed ourselves in the life and legacy of one of Scotland’s literary giants.
Melrose Abbey, with its weathered stone walls and haunting ruins, offered a glimpse into Scotland’s medieval past. As we wandered through the ancient cloisters, we couldn’t help but marvel at the abbey’s enduring grandeur.
Our journey then took us to the historic city of Stirling, where we explored the imposing Stirling Castle and soaked in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Culross, with its picturesque cobblestone streets and well-preserved 17th-century buildings, felt like a step back in time to a bygone era.
Glamis Castle, shrouded in legends and folklore, captured our imaginations with its imposing turrets and majestic halls. St. Andrews, known for its historic university and iconic golf courses, charmed us with its seaside vistas and timeless elegance.
No visit to Scotland would be complete without a taste of its famed whisky, and so we ventured to the Glencoyne Distillery to sample the water of life amidst stunning Highland scenery. Finally, we basked in the natural beauty of Loch Lomond, where shimmering waters and verdant landscapes provided the perfect backdrop for relaxation and reflection.
As our journey through Scotland drew to a close, we found ourselves forever enchanted by the country’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Edinburgh to the tranquil shores of Loch Lomond, Scotland had cast its spell upon us, leaving us with memories to last a lifetime.
Cagliari, Sardinia
Cagliari, Sardinia
November 2022 Tampa Renovations
Unfortunately, there was not too much traveling going on for us in 2022, other than trips up to the North Carolina and completing the construction of the vacation cabin. We also were working on renovations to a property we bought in Tampa in early 2022. Thus real estate was the main focus of 2022, and I hope to get back in travel mode for 2023.
Mount Vernon, Virginia
Travel Food
One of the best things about travel is eating. While not quite the best meal I had in Athens, Greece, this picture is from Orizontes, a hill top restaurant with arguably the best view of the city. The restaurant can be reached by cable car or you can take the stairs and the steep path. I made the mistake of walking up and riding down. I would recommend not doing that on a hot and humid evening. Better to ride up and walk down if you would like. While the food is just average, the view is unbeatable.
Truth is, travel food can be hit and miss very often, but even the experience of dining in another setting is worth the risk. I try and make a list of potential dining locations prior to my trip. By this method, I can have some options and do some research. Sometimes it is good to trade food versus view and other times you are willing to forgo the nice scene and just enjoy an exquisite meal. The more research conducted prior to the trip, the more you can narrow down the options. Of course, it is also true that people have different tastes. I have dined in restaurants that have had horrible reviews but found my experience quite different. So, while research is definitely worth the time investment, a traveler should always be open to making their own judgements.
Airport Lounges
One nice luxury, that sometimes can be a necessity, is access to an airport lounge. I have had some unexpected layovers and flight delays that became much more tolerable because I had access to a lounge. Fortunately, as an Army reserve officer, I have the added benefit of the USO. In fact, there are some USO airport facilities that can rival an airline lounge. Of course, USO airport facilities are only for military personnel and veterans, but I definitely recommend you check them out if you qualify.
For the airline lounge, which can be an expensive membership proposition, there are several ways to handle it. Some offer pay per use access, and that can be a good arrangement if you have a long layover. I will be traveling to the middle east later this year and will have a long layover at an airport at which I do not have lounge access. In this situation, I plan to pay for day use at an Air France lounge (which includes the use of showers). For me, those shower facilities, along with the food and drink options, make it well worth the day use fee.
Some credit cards come with airline lounge memberships, and, if you travel extensively, they may be well worth the annual expense. These cards, such as the Ritz Carlton Card, charge around $450 per year but they also come with additional perks such as Global Entry application fee reimbursement, travel credits, hotel credits, and other worthwhile perks. If you do not want to pay the high annual fee of one of these cards, you can opt for other cards, such as the United Rewards Card, which comes with two day passes each year.
Marriott Rewards Card
In this section of the website, I would like to toss in some advice that has served me well in my travels. For this first one, I would like to send kudos to my Marriott Rewards Credit Card. I have carried the card for about 5-6 years now and not only does it provide a free stay each year (which more than pays for the $89 annual fee), Marriott loyalty pays off in the form of Silver, Gold or Platinum levels. With the card, the Gold level is fairly easy to obtain and I finally should obtain Platinum status this year. The Gold and Platinum levels provide free breakfasts, executive lounge access and room upgrades. Now with the Starwoods merger, the benefits are even greater as Starwood matches your Marriott level. In addition, Delta Airlines offers Starwood Platinum elite matching so that members receive: Priority Check-In, Priority Boarding, Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades and the first checked bag free. Therefore, Marriott Platinum leads to Starwood Platinum which leads to Delta perks.