I hope you will indulge me as I have put together a rather lengthy recap of our latest vacation.  Why?  Well, hopefully you will pick up a few tips, ideas, etc to help you have a great vacation.  Why learn the hardway?  So feel free to read as much as you care (or can bear) and I hope you pick up a tip or two!

ABOUT COVIDMany people have asked me about how the threat of Covid was handled during a long trip.  Here is how it was handled aside from the normal airline requirements:
1) The cruise line would only allow passengers who had two regular vaccinations plus a booster.  2) Proof of #1 was required before boarding, as was proof of no covid within the previous 24 hours.3) All crew members had a covid test at least 3 times a week4) Free covid tests were provided by the cruise line to any passenger5) When leaving the ship, some ports required proof of vaccinations but not all6) When leaving the ship at the final port, all passengers had to be tested (free, on board) for covid.  7) If anyone had a positive covid test during the cruise, they were quarantined in a separate section of the ship and their former room was thoroughly disinfected by a crew in hazed suits8) Each country had its own requirements, re wearing a mask indoors, etc.  Italy still requires masks indoors until May 1st.
We were on a ship for over three weeks with over 2,000 staff and guests, visited 13 ports in several countries, visited a very crowded Venice for six days and suffered no problems.  That is all I say.

With the easing of regulations regarding Covid, Carolyn and I decided to take a twenty-six-day cruise from Miami to Trieste, Italy and then to spend five nights in Venice. This trip would be different as we would be crossing the Atlantic on the Oceania cruise ship, Marina as opposed to a true ocean liner like the Queen Mary II which we enjoyed in December. The Marina is still a large ship at over 70,000 tons, but the crew to guest ratio is about 1.5 to 1 which is excellent in terms of service and care. We had sailed with Oceania several times before and found their food to be excellent, well above the norm, and the staff and ships to be outstanding. The ships are smaller and cater to an older clientele (not a cruise if you have children, pets or expect a lively nightlife). It is a great cruise line if you want to get away from the cares and woes of an outrageous fortune.

  The cruise industry has been closed for two years but with the re-opening, so many of the staff which hails from about seventeen countries was eager to return to work. The staff on Oceania is always a cut above, but you could feel and hear how happy they were to return to work. Yes, of course they are happy to find steady work, but they are also happy in the way they are treated by the cruise line. Talking to crew members, especially those who have worked on other lines, they comment on how well they are treated by management regarding pay, work breaks, and time off. Even though the crew had to wear masks (they were not mandatory for guests), their voices and eyes were smiling, providing a real welcoming to the passengers.

To travel, especially internationally, in the time of covid takes dedication and patience. Each country you visit is ruled by politicians who, even if we are generous of them, are simply overwhelmed by the covid, their lack of options, previous failed policies, and the fear that their actions have created in their own public. But life and travel must go on.

The first hurdle one must face is the ever-changing restrictions and rules regarding covid that can change literally day by day. Watching the news in the U.K. and speaking with locals, there seems to be a consensus that the pols and medical “experts” don’t really know what to do. At least in the U.K., the pols “urge” citizens to isolate as much as possible as any mandate would be deadly (remember, their pols live in a parliamentary system which can react much more quickly than ours). Yes, wear face masks (even as they admit they are not much use), but just act like adults and get your shots. As an example:

 To get on our flight to London, we needed to complete a “Passenger Locator Form” for the U.K. government. This form included the information on a covid test that we had to take during the first two days upon landing which included information on a test which we had to purchase online. The result could take up to two days for completion and one is expected to self-isolate in the interim. As we were only going to be in London for three days, that was a poor option, so we paid extra for a test with results in a few hours. All the lab had to do was to deliver the test to us when we landed, which of course, they failed to do. Now you might ask, why take a test after one lands as if you are covid-positive, the potential damage is greater, but then you don’t understand the bureaucratic mind. So, we paid about $200 for the fast test which of course, was not waiting for us. As the test was not waiting for us upon arrival, we decided to visit a local pharmacy and pay $250 each for a fast test (so much for the National Health Service and free medical coverage). Yes, the original ordered test did arrive near the end of day two would have given us results after we left. Ver helpful. We did return the late test package and are getting a refund. To add insult to injury, the crack customs people did not ask to see our proof of the ordered test but quickly welcomed us in the country.

I was recently invited to participate in a whiskey tasting/seminar, and being of strong intellectual curiosity, I was persuaded to attended (someone must do it!). It turned out to be quite interesting and cleared up some questions I have had for years. So, let’s see what we found out!

The tasting was of three quite different whiskeys:

• From Japan, Kikori, a rice whiskey
• From the U.S., from the Hirsch distillery, The Horizon, a straight bourbon whiskey
• From Scotland, Old Pulteney, a single malt scotch whiskey

Firstly, there are a few simple things to know regarding some terms in the whiskey world. For example, a single malt is simply a malt whiskey from a single distillery, while a blended is a blend from two different distilleries. One might believe that a single malt might be “purer” in the sense of having a consistent taste, but the taste can vary based on a number of factors, such as the outside temperature. A hot or cold year impacts how the wood of the barrel expands or contracts which affects the taste.

As Europe has been closed for quite a while (glad it is opening), Carolyn and I have taken four short trips in the U.S. this year; New Orleans, one to Las Vegas and Utah, another to Williamsburg VA and we have just returned from Miami (in July? Are you nuts)? Well, I had a free trip from a company and decided it was an excellent opportunity to revisit some haunts that we have not seen in a number of years.

Now summer is not exactly the primo time for visiting Miami; it is hot, humid, subject to hurricanes and can be quite buggy. Aside from that, it is terrific. So, we decided to make the best of it, and we stayed at the beautiful Ritz Carlson in Coconut Grove, just a block from the bay. The hotel only had about 25% of its staff and was 30% full, so it was great; the staff was friendly, no hassles about getting pool time, etc. Dewey, one of the front door men was a fount of information and tips on sites to see, restaurants, etc. He made getting back into the Miami mindset easy and fun! A real pro! He was not alone, as the friendliness of Geovanny, Evan, Pilar and many others made us feel right at home. Of course, the hotel itself is beautiful but there are numerous interesting places to stay in Coconut Grove, which is a small island of nice shops, restaurants, etc. without the glitter of South Beach. Think of a warm, smaller Carmel. Plus, it is in easy reach of some of the wonderful places to visit, such as:

With a rich dark brown Dominican wrapper, the 6×52 cigar is a medium to full smoke. Yesterday during a visit from a good friend, we discussed the problems of the world (managed to solve most of them) and this cigar stuck with me for nearly 1 1/2 hours. It burns slow and smooth and does not get hot. It runs about $11/stick which compared to the premium charged for most Cubans makes it a real bargain. If you are looking for a Montecristo with a excellent taste and which will stay with you and that you will enjoy, I recommend this excellent cigar.

This last Friday, my favorite wife and I went up to LA, booked a room at the Sofitel at Beverly and La Cienega, facing the Hollywood Hills and shut out the world. No computer, no iPad. We opened a bottle of champagne, sat side by side with the balcony doors open, looked at the hills and let the world go by. Later, dinner at The Palm, a drink at the hotel and after lounging in the next AM, back to our home. We have a wondeful life but this little get away made us feel as if we were a thousand miles away from the everyday. It was a good lesson, so the next time you feel you are in a rut, or that the weight of the world is on your shoulders, or just want to do something different, go out for a stroll on the beach, splurge on a nice hotel room, go to dinner at a new restaurant, etc.. Treat yourself and put the bounce back in your step. If it works like I think it will, pick up your calendar and plan your next mini vacation.

Romeo and Julieta offers two good cigars in their standard 1875 blend. The first one is a 5×50 “Bully” and the second in this review is the 6×50 Exhibicion #3.

The Bully is a good cigar while on a walk or on the golf course. I would let it sit in the humidor for a week or two in order to enhance the smoke. It will last about 35-40 minutes and has a even burn with a fairly good grey ash.

The Exhibicion #3 offers a cooler smoke due to the extra inch in length. If you want an even cooler smoke, try the 6×60 Magnum. The Exhibicion is a “sitting” cigar that I enjoy a bit more and one I can enjoy with a good whiskey or scotch.

All three will run in the $6.50-$7,50 range through the mail although from time to time I do stock up on the Bully when they are fun on special for as little as $3.40-4.50. Interestingly, a box of the Magnum will fun a bit less per cigar probably due to the 60 gauge which is not as popular.

These are good everyday cigars, consistent, smooth burning but can be hot if not property cured.

I must admit I have not smoked an Alex Bradley cigar in quite a while, but this puppy was in a sample pack so as I headed out the door for a 5AM walk, I thought what the heck, give it a try. I was about a block into the walk and I realized that the cigar had a clean, white ash, a good draw, good plume and a moderate taste. Not bad. I wouldn’t smoke it with a Cognac for example, but if you are looking for an inexpensive (under $5.00 from on-line sources), 30-40 minute mindless smoke, give it a try.

One of the treats of visiting New Orleans is sampling Sazeracs at various locations in the French Quarter. The drink, originally started sometime between 1850-1870 us the official cocktail of the state of Louisiana and is a stable at the carousel bar at the Monteleone Hotel and at the Sazerac bar at the Roosevelt Hotel. During our latest venture into the French Quarter, Brian (whom we believe is the best bar tender in the French Quarter) at Mr. B’s introduced us to the Virus Casse, a relatively new drink invented locally: it gives the traditional Sazerac a real run for it’s money. It consists of equal parts of Rye Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, Cognac and Benedictine, all poured over ice in a cold tumbler. As you enjoy this drink, as you valiantly work your way to the bottom of the glass, you will enjoy shifting flavors that will continue to hold your interest. A word to the wise; before you order this at your favorite bar, negotiate with the bar tender so that you do not get charged $10 for each ingredient!

I hope you enjoy this treat!

After valiantly testing several Cognacs (I am doing this in order to save you, I hope you appreciate it), I have found that I enjoy Pierre Ferrand Cognac better than Hennessy, Remy Martin, Martel and Courvoisier in the $50-60 price range (this would include their VSOP labels). The two formulas that I enjoy are the Ambre and the 1840. Both are stored for up to ten years (some Cognac is sold after only two years but it is only good for cooking) and have distinctive tastes.

The Ambre has more of an orange and floral taste whereas the 1849 is more of a honey and carmel taste. They are both smooth, do not burn and show the difference between Cognac and Calvados in the best light. The price difference between the two is only in the range of $5.00 so it is easy to have a tasting for a reasonable price.

I have enjoyed both with and without a cigar, sometimes to top off an excellent meal or even when I am simply reading. But, be careful, they can sneak up on you! Enjoy!