2013 in review and Happy New Year!
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2013 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
The concert hall at the Sydney Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 14,000 times in 2013. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 5 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.
A Taste Of Europe with Katakalon, Greece and Dubrovnik, Croatia
I have been ever so busy lately, but that is now the story of my life. I had to take a few minutes and escape into my dreams back to a trip in 2006 while on the MSC Musica. We stopped at Katakalon in Greece – this place is ever so colorful – it reminds me of Cefalu in Sicily – oh, how I’d like to get my hands on some of the pictures I took there and then scan them onto my computer. Until, then….Katakalon is a nice diversification.
Well, here is Katakalon – just a few pictures – we only had a few hours here.
Katakalon, Greece
That’s me in 2006 in Katakalon
Katakalon, Greece
Katakalon, Greece
Katakalon, Greece
Now, would you like to take a trip to Dubrovnik in Croatia? This place is stunning and deserves more than a few hours of your time.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Well, that’s it for today. Just thought I’d escape to Europe for a while and share some of my pictures with you. Hope you are all doing well.
The Magic of MSC Musica
Our cruise on the MSC Musica was magical. Perhaps it was because we traveled in a big group. I will always remember that cruise. Here are more pictures of the MSC Musica. Let’s just say this cruise line is definitely worth your consideration.
MSC Musica
MSC Musica
MSC Musica
MSC Musica
In the evening, there’s spectacular entertainment, here are the performers after one show
MSC Musica
Did you know MSC Cruise Lines have cruises out of Florida now? One of their new ships is the MSC Divina and the reason I am mentioning this is that I have a picture shown below with that very name on it. I don’t know why I took it at the time (during the MSC Musica cruise, and I believe in Turkey) – perhaps because it has a little resemblance to my own name? Anyway, here’s the picture.
Here’s me on the MSC Musica
Davinder on the MSC Musica
Here’s my son (looking out to the swimming pool) and daughter all dressed up for an Indian function on the ship – we were part of a big Indian group on the cruise – we enjoyed Bollywood, Bhangra and more – danced to it, and ate Indian food.
MSC Musica
Here’s a picture taken of one of their lounges.
MSC Musica
Of course MSC Cruise Lines also depart from many other places throughout the world, including Europe, where we took our cruise from lovely Venice, Italy. I think my next post might have to be on Venice. I hope you all have a fantastic week!
Just Some More Turkish Delight
Our visit to Istanbul during the MSC Cruise (on the MSC Musica) was packed with shopping, and savoring Turkish flavors – whether it was Turkish coffee or kebabs. Turkey is delightful, and so colorful.
Istanbul, Turkey
The first few pictures (below) were actually taken in Izmir, I could only tell since I looked back at my pictures, and saw some pictures of the cruise in the evening. I will include those here, so that you can see the sequence of events. The cruise stopped in Izmir first, and then we had our evening onboard, and the next day we got off at Istanbul.
Izmir, Turkey
Izmir, Turkey
Izmir, Turkey
Izmir, Turkey
Here are a few pictures taken back on the cruise ship that night.
MSC Musica
MSC Musica
Now let’s venture into Istanbul, and to the Grand Bazaar! Many people come to the bazaars of Turkey to get great bargains – you can find tea-sets, glassware, ornaments, clothes, handbags, and many other items. These bazaars also tantalize you with their aromas and Turkish treats. Don’t forget to try the Turkish coffee!
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey
Time for some Turkish Coffee at Red Cafe
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey
We left the Grand Bazaar, and ventured into the streets…..I must have asked this man if I could have a picture taken with him.
Istanbul, Turkey
I think this is also called the Blue Mosque, but this is of course in Istanbul
The Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey
Here’s the Mosque from a different angle
The Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey
Here are the last pictures of Istanbul:
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Well, I hope you think Turkey is as delightful as I do. I have only showed you some pictures of Izmir, the Grand Bazaar and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, and some of the surrounding streets. I’m sure Turkey has many other hidden delights.
Just A Little Bit Of Turkish Delight
Turkey delighted me when I visited that mysterious country in 2006. We were on a cruise with MSC Musica from Venice, Italy, and visited several ports in Europe. One of our stops was in Izmir and another one in Istanbul. I had to get out of our taxi which we took from the cruise port to the Mosque to actually venture closer and even go in the Mosque. Nobody else in the car wanted to go into the Mosque, but I could not let such beauty and magnificence pass me by.
Here are some pictures of the Blue Mosque in Izmir, Turkey:
Blue Mosque, Izmir, Turkey
Blue Mosque, Izmir, Turkey
Blue Mosque, Izmir, Turkey
Izmir, Turkey – near the Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque, Izmir, Turkey
Blue Mosque, Izmir, Turkey
Blue Mosque, Izmir, Turkey
This was taken inside the Mosque
Blue Mosque, Izmir, Turkey
Blue Mosque, Izmir, Turkey
Last look at the Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque, Izmir, Turkey
Then it was time to get back to the MSC Musica
MSC Musica
Turkey is an incredibly beautiful country that I have to explore much more on a future visit. The amount of time that you get while on a cruise port of visit is not adequate enough when visiting a land that is full of cultural mystique and glory as Turkey is. My next post will include more pictures taken in Istanbul.
2012 in review
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 6,900 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 12 years to get that many views.
Want a Free Calendar? It Makes For A Nice Holiday Present!
CruiseOne Calendar for 2013 from your Cruise Agent Davinder Kaur
Davinder Kaur – San Diego Travel Agent
I have a new calendar to keep you on track in 2013. If you are like me, you’ll want to be organized and always know what today’s date is. You can be the owner of one of these calendar’s by doing just a few simple things.
What You Have To Do:
1) Like my page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/luchaniktravelandcruises (if you haven’t already done so).
Why am I encouraging you to like my page? Simple answer…..I need more likes!
2) Get another four more people to like the page too.
When there is a total of five (you and another four) – you’ve hit the jackpot! That is the jackpot for my calendar.
3) Send me a Facebook message or an email to dkaur@cruiseone.com and let me know that you are the referrer of a total of five likes on my page, and mention who you referred, and include your address.
What I Will Do:
I will send you my calendar for 2013 (one calendar only per five likes on my page once you’ve met the criteria described under What You Have To Do).
What Can You Do With My Calendar?
1) Use it for yourself
2) Give it away as a holiday present!
What Pictures Does It Contain for Each Month?
This is the exciting part! I can’t show you all the pictures here, but some of these places are included: Australia & New Zealand; Cozumel & Yucatan, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil; Venice, Italy; The Greek Isles; Alaska; The Hawaiian Islands; Curacao; Rhine River of Europe; Islands of French Polynesia; and Hong Kong. Where Do You Wanna Go?
Deadline for Giveaway:
You and the four you refer must like my page (http://www.facebook.com/luchaniktravelandcruises) by December 24th, 2012, it only takes a second or so to do this.
Why Would You Not Want To Do This?
Beats me – it’s free, it won’t hurt you, and remember – no one will come knocking on your door asking you why you liked my page (at least they shouldn’t)!
So go ahead, and do it right now, don’t stress it out….press that like button, you’ve done it so many times before…..it’s easy. A calendar might be heading your way, and then you can decide “Where Do You Wanna Go?”
I wish you Happy Holidays, and also…..an early Happy 2013!
Cyber Monday Sale
Onboard credits, reduced deposits, and so much more! Visit this page at my website now to book with me at http://dkaur.cruiseone.com/travel/promotion/cruise-event.do and remember the best thing is book now……pay later!
Cruise Sale, Cyber Monday! CruiseOne
Davinder Kaur – San Diego Travel Agent
Also, you don’t have to live in San Diego to book with me, you can be in New York, Washington, San Francisco, Vermont, or just about anywhere in the USA. Don’t forget….I work with all the cruise lines….Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Oceania, etc. – you will get the deals they have, plus the specials we have for booking through us.
Call me now at 858-427-4972 or email me at dkaur@cruiseone.com and Happy Cyber Monday! Don’t forget this sale doesn’t end today, but it will end soon! http://dkaur.cruiseone.com/travel/promotion/cruise-event.do
Just A Few Reasons To Visit the Church Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe in Puerto Vallarta
I didn’t take too many pictures of Puerto Vallarta while I was in Mexico last year during the Carnival Splendor cruise. I think it might have had something to do with it being a very hot day.
I did visit a beautiful church, and would recommend that if you are in Puerto Vallarta, you should visit the Church of Our Lady Of Guadalupe in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Several reasons to visit this church: it’s beautiful; it’s historical; incredible architecture; and it never hurts to go to any house of God. Go for inner peace, contemplation and go in the hopes of being blessed. Anyway, that’s what I like to think, and so I’m just sharing my reasons for visiting it.
Here are some pictures of the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Puerto Vallarta
I enjoy seeing different churches and this one is a must-see.
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Puerto Vallarta
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Puerto Vallarta
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Puerto Vallarta
I tried to get pictures from many different angles
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Puerto Vallarta
You might find this information useful:
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Church Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe, Puerto Vallarta
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Church Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe
Nun at the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Street scene just outside the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
And another picture of the street just outside the Church
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Now I will digress away from the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe to bring you a few pictures of the surrounding area, this courtyard is very close to the Church
Courtyard Scene – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
I’m sure you will want to buy souvenirs, here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect in PV
Souvenir Shopping, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Souvenirs, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Souvenirs, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Close by to the cruise ship, my three kids just had to pose in front of the Puerto Vallarta sign – many others were doing exactly the same thing.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Now, back to the ship – oh, the Splendor! As you can see, here in Puerto Vallarta, the ship pulled up right to dock – not like in Cabo San Lucas, where you have to go on a tender boat to the dock.
The Carnival Splendor in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Incase you haven’t seen my video of Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, here it is.
I hope you enjoyed my pictures of Puerto Vallarta, and especially those of the Church Of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I hope I gave you enough reasons to visit the Church, but if not, please read the following:
http://www.homeandabroad.com/browse/details/sites.ha?mainInfoId=48153&rqs=vacationplanner
Thanks for visiting my post!
The Splendor of Cabo San Lucas
First some island music to get you into vacation spirit – this was my attempt at making a promo video! Also, as you may be aware – my old website at http://www.bindicruises.com is not available anymore – this all had something to do with the discontinuation of Mobile Me, and my decision to not look for another website host. Also, how many websites can one person maintain??!!
I will not write too much about the cruise itself as there are other posts that I have done on the Splendor, but this is all about Cabo San Lucas. Now for some pictures:
We went into a gift shop, and this was the view from within the shop
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Another shot of the same scene but with a different camera (one was taken with the Iphone, and one with my regular camera – a Canon G10)
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
This is my son in the gift shop
Gift Shop, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
We were entertained by various groups of people
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
In case you are hungry, there’s plenty of options
Places to Eat – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Restaurants of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Did you see? That “statue” moved! It just might get you, here it is almost getting my daughter!
Restaurants in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Now for a look at the marina area of Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Family picture time, me with my kids Luca, Chandi and Niki, who inspired me to name my business Luchanik named just after them – Lu-Cha-Nik
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
I really like this picture taken near one of the hotels
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Must get in the palm trees of Cabo
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Now for a street scene
Downtown Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Restaurants of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Art of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Some useful information
Tourist Information, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
You may need to cool off and enjoy the sights
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Fancy a large cup of coffee?
Cafe Canelas, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Mexico definitely is colorful!
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
The Carnival Splendor awaits us!
Carnival Splendor, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Leaving Cabo San Lucas…..this picture was taken from the ship
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
On a previous trip to Cabo San Lucas, I took these pictures
The Arch, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
I hope you enjoyed looking at the pictures I took of Cabo San Lucas. This was the first port we stopped at, and the second port – Puerto Vallarta will be in my next post. Thank you for visiting my blog.
luchanik 