Bountiful Travel Pics

What Does Bountiful 
Mean to You

Finding Examples 
as You Travel

Today is Friday which is our favorite day of the week.   You might think it's our favorite because it's the last work day - but we are available to our clients every day, so that's not it.

Friday is #FriFotos

#FriFotos is a weekly photo forum by @EpsteinTravels @TravelDesigned @CharlesYap. Theme is revealed every Tues 12pm ET.  If you can't guess, this week's theme is #BOUNTIFUL.

We love this photo forum because it gives us the opportunity to revisit places we've visited and look at the images we've collected in a new light.   It also gives us vision for future photos.

Bountiful Defined

boun·ti·ful   (per Merriam-Webster dictionary)

adjective \ˈbau̇n-ti-fəl\

: giving or providing many desired things

: given or existing in large amounts

1:  liberal in bestowing gifts or favors

2:  given or provided abundantly <a bountiful harvest>

 

 Pictured above is a field of tulips in Keukenhof Gardens, Holland.  The image on the left was taken at the fish market in Bergen, Norway.   Both of these images fit the theme for this week's photo forum.

 

More Examples

These two images were also captured during our visit to Keukenhof Gardens in Holland.  The first image is a display built out of Coca-Cola cans.   Certainly this is a bountiful supply of Coke cans.

Zooming in on one of the many floral displays at Keukenhof Gardens, the second image filled the frame with flowers in bloom.

Cruising along the Amalfi Coast in Italy, we captured this image of bountiful vineyards.  Come harvest time these will result in some of the best wine around.

This theme is a little harder than some of the past #FriFotos subjects, which makes it all the more interesting.   Do you have any images that fit the theme?

We've found that photography and travel go hand and hand and it helps to keep the memories alive longer.   Even when the mind forgets, we can help recall our travels by going through our photo archives.

Hopefully this post gives you some inspiration for getting more out of your travel experiences.   When visiting familiar places multiple times, it is often useful to give yourself a photo assignment, such as one of the #FriFotos themes.  That doesn't mean you have to devote your entire vacation to taking pictures, but why not keep an eye out for images that would enhance your trip when you revisit the archives in months ahead?

Follow us on Twitter: @ChrisPappinMCC  Pinterest: CruiseWithChris Pappin and Facebook: CruiseWithChris Pappin Cruises Inc for more ideas.

 

We'd love to see your examples and hear your feedback.   Do you enjoy stories like this?  Are their themes that you'd like to explore?

 

Not To Be Missed Culinary Extravaganza At Sea

Culinary Extravaganza

Caribbean Princess

As you sit down to dinner in the main dining room you wonder...

"My delicious meals arrive in front of me, but how do they get there?"

Come with us for a "taste" of two of the culinary extravaganzas that await you on your Princess cruise.


Culinary Demonstration and Galley Tour

Giuseppe Pollara, Executive Chef, and Angelo Balbiani, Maitre D' Hotel (MDH), on Caribbean Princess during a recent voyage presented an exciting cooking demonstration in the Princess Theater, followed by the Tour of the "Caribbean" Galley.   We joined the demonstration and tour as part of my ongoing Princess Commodore training, where I strive to keep up to date with behind the scenes information for my guests.   Fortunately, this event is open to the public, so you too could go behind the scenes.

Click on any image in this article to see it in Larger Size

Dave, our Cruise Director, and Angelo, our MDH, set the stage for what we were about to see in the theater and afterwards in the galley.   We were able to watch on the big screen as the Chef and his assistants prepared a couple dishes from the Princess cookbook which we would be able to purchase following the tour.

Entering the galley, following the cooking demonstration, the first thing that strikes me is how spotless all the counters and equipment are.   Having worked in a kitchen or two in the past, I really appreciate the effort that went into keeping the galley in such condition.

There are several "stations" throughout the galley, each of which is dedicated to a particular task and type of food.   We passed by meat, fish, vegetable, and many other preparation and storage areas.

Courses A Culinary Journey

Following the galley tour we had the opportunity to speak with Executive Chef  Giuseppe Pollara and Maitre D' Hotel Angelo.

The answer to your question:

234 Galley Personnel under the supervision of the Executive Chef prepares all your delicious dishes!

274 Dining Personnel under the supervision of the MDH serves all your delicious dishes!

Armed with our autographed copy of the Princess cookbook, the goal was to keep the cruise lasting beyond disembarkation.

5 Ingredients for Tropical Island Night

#1 - Event Announcements

 What better way to publicize a party than to put it in bright lights on the big screen?

 #2 - Location, Location, Location

The location for this Tropical Island Night was non other than Caribbean Princess cruise ship's main pool.  There is plenty of room on the outdoor decks for all to partake comfortably.

#3 - Participants

This party was hosted by our Cruise Director along with his staff.   All guests were welcome.

 #4 - Food & Entertainment

Take the first 3 ingredients, add in some food and entertainment, stir it all up and you have the makings of a fun-filled evening at sea.   

Missing Ingredient:

YOU

 

This should be you enjoying a gorgeous night at sea under the stars with some new friends, great food, and entertainment.

We got a tip that your beach ball is lost somewhere on the ship - contact us to arrange a trip to retrieve it.

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Did anyone ever tell you that a CRUISE IS BORING?  

What do YOU think NOW?

Inside Costa Concordia Now & Before

Italian Police Divers

The wreck of the luxury cruise ship 

Costa Concordia  Credit: Italian Carabinieri

Explore Sunken
Costa Concordia

In this silent video, Courtesy of the Italian Carabinieri (police), we get a glimpse of the inside of the sunken Costa Concordia which has been lying off the coast of Giglio, Italy since early January 2012.   The ship is scheduled to be towed to Genoa later this month for dismantling and recycling.

Police divers explored the wreck of the £500 million luxury liner and filmed evidence of debris and dilapidation from the ship's two-and-a-half-years spent under water.  Some of the furnishings appear to be well-preserved as if frozen in time.   After watching this video, also watch the second video captured just moments before the fateful incident.

Main article: Costa Concordia Listing after Deadly Accident
See also:       Costa Concordia Salvage Begins


Italian Police Divers - this video has no sound


Watch: Footage from inside the ship moments before it sank:

Breaking: German Cruise Ship Rocket Attack

AIDAdiva Cruise Ship      Courtesy: Meyer Werft

German Cruise Ship AIDAdvia 

Under Rocket Attack

Israel's Port of Ashod

Global Travel Industry news outlet, eTurboNews, is reporting that the AIDAdiva cruise ship, filled with German passengers, was struck by rocket debris as it was leaving the Israel port of Ashod today.

According to the article the source of the rockets was unclear.  They could be from either the Hamas or the Israel Defense Force who have been trying to suppress the rocket attacks in the region.
In related news, AP is reporting that the Israeli Army has launched offensive on Gaza Strip to quell rocket attacks.

No Reported Injuries / Damage

According to the report, fortunately there were no casualties or significant damages to the cruise ship. We will monitor this story and provide any updates.

AIDA Cruises has canceled all port calls in Israel for the remainder of the 2014 cruise season.
Santorini, Greece will replace Ashod port call.   Passengers have been notified.

About AIDAdiva

Tonnage	69.200 gt
Overall Length	252 m
Width	32,2 m
Decks	13
Engine Power	36.000 kW
Speed	22 knots
Number of Passenger Cabins	1.025
Number of Outside Cabins	666
Passengers	2.050

MEYER WERFT delivered the AIDAdiva in April 2007

AIDA Statement

A statement released by AIDAdiva voices its regret. The cruise liner said no travel alert was issued by German authorities prior to them sailing to Israel. After the incident, German authorities issued an alert.

AIDA offers cruises to North America, Northern Europe, Western Europe, Southeast Asia, Canary Islands, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Baltic Sea, Red Sea, Black Sea and Dubai cruises.  https://aida.de/

No Power No Travel

Attention iPhone, Android, and PC Users

Keep Those Devices Charged 
If You Are Flying

Last week, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson directed TSA to implement enhanced security measures at certain overseas airports with direct flights to the United States.

Inbound International Flights

In response to new threats of bombs in familiar devices, such as iPhones, Android phones, and laptops,  TSA has been instructed to carefully screen those devices.   It has always been the case that electronics, especially computers, were subject to careful scrutiny, but effective with the new instructions, closer attention will be given to phones as well.

Does the Device Power Up

According to TSA, "During the security examination, officers may also ask that owners power up some devices, including cell phones. Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft. The traveler may also undergo additional screening.

Know Before You Go

This is the most recent change in security procedures announced by TSA.  Not all procedures are announced in this fashion.  Security is obtained by several levels of visible and invisible monitoring.

The TSA's Traveler Information tab is a source of good information when preparing for a flight.  When traveling internationally, be sure to check with transportation sights of the countries you are visiting as well.   There are much different security measures in other countries.

For example we once had to fly home for an emergency and flew from Oslo, Norway.   All suitcases and carry-on bags must be unlocked because they will undergo a screening by hand before you even check-in.

Additional Useful Links

Department of Homeland Security Aviation Security

Australian Transportation Safety Bureau
Canadian TSA (CATSA) Security
European Commission Aviation Security

For more links, just use keywords like "security transportation aviation" and country name in your favorite search engine for information relevant to your itinerary.   Your Cruise & Vacation Specialist, airline, or cruise line may also have additional information on their websites.

Land of the Free Because of the Brave

4th of July

This July 4th, we enjoy a holiday here in the United States.  It is a time when families get together, have picnics,It should also be a time when we remember... 
and enjoy some fireworks. 

Why Are We Free?

Hopefully the answer to that question is obvious.  The brave men and women of the armed forces have kept us free for centuries.   In this article, we focus on just one event in our history that made a big difference.

 












The U-505 Submarine is a National Landmark and a permanent memorial to the Americans who perished at sea during both World Wars.  It can be seen at the Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago, IL.

This anchor, removed from the boat during bow repairs, is placed in the museum as an additional symbol of the bravery, commitment, and sacrifice of those Americans.

Besides the boat itself, the capture of the U-505 produced 900 pounds of code books and documents, as well as two Enigma machines - making it the largest intelligence seizure in the Battle of the Atlantic.

Tale of Two Men & Two Flags

U.S.N. Captain Daniel V. Gallery was in command of the USS Jenks the day that the U-505 was captured.  The 48-star U.S. flag shown in this picture was flying over the Jenks that day.

The ship assisted in the rescue of the German U-505 sailors that had abandoned ship per the order of their Captain, Harald Lange, who had instructed them to scuttle the boat.

The Nazi flag shown here was a spare flag that was found on the U-505 after capture.  There were two different sized flags flown on the U-505.  This variety would have flown on the bridge when the vessel surfaced.

Dangerous Mission

Until the time of the U-505 boat's capture, no German U-boat had been recovered by the U.S. Navy.   Even this one could have been lost except for the action of several brave sailors.

The Germans had started the process of scuttling the boat which means it was taking on water rapidly. In addition, there were several charges placed around the boat timed to explode to finish the deed.   They had found all but one of the known explosives when they came to this front hatch.   They were unable to steer the boat, so they needed to get inside the hatch to manually steer it via the black wheel you can see at the opposite end of the hatch.  Two volunteers stayed on the U-505 and slowly opened the hatch.  Fortunately, the explosive wasn't armed correctly, and it did not explode.   The U-505 was a prize catch during the Battle of the Atlantic and these sailors were just a part of that story.

 

In Memory of All that Lost their Lives at Sea

As we've traveled across the globe, there have been many reminders from the World Wars and other battles that have shaped our history for us to explore.   Museums such as @Msichicago can open the  cover to the pages of the past.   We highly recommend taking advantage of opportunities to explore history during your travels.

For larger images, click on the pictures. 

U-505 National Landmark (67 photos)

 

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Thank you to all the Brave Men & Women who have kept us FREE.   Happy 4th of July.