Finally, Some Good News!
By Hank Schrader, USMA ’71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert
Most of us would like to be dreaming about travel instead of reading and hearing about travel restrictions, cancellations and closed borders.
So, after a quick review of pertinent updates on the current world situation, the rest of this blog will be about the joys of travel. We all need some Good News and we are going to deliver!
We eagerly look forward to get back to making your travel dreams come true.
Since we can’t really travel now, let’s travel together with some of our best pictures, and dream about what is in our future!
Updates
In the space of less than a month, most normal ways we live in America have and will continue to change. Here are 3 updates to help you stay informed:
First, the value of working with us could not be more important. Here is a real headline from Travel Market Report: “Expedia Clients Experience Chaos with COVD-19 Disruptions.” Another headline reads: “Costco Travel Clients Fill Social Media with Complaints Amid COVID-19 Outbreak.” It goes on to say in the article the complaints include “seven hour hold wait times and poor communications at the company’s call center, as coronavirus fears result in soaring requests for cancellations, postponements and refunds.”
I guess it goes without saying when you work with us, we solve these hassles—and I promise you, no seven hour waits on the phone.
As I wrote last week, “I want to make one point clear—we understand your frustration and potential loss and we have your back—you can count on us!” I bet a lot of those folks now wish they had used us.
Second, restrictions on travel and unnecessary contact with others seem so upsetting but are for your safety. This disruption of our daily life and travel plans will not last forever and once lifted, travel will boom again.
Third, the vendors we use have made awesome adjustments to help protect you. Waivers to allow increased flexibility to postpone your upcoming trip is the norm, not the exception. Since most of our river cruisers choose AmaWaterways, we have to keep telling you about their excellent policies. Just like us, they really care, and have put you first instead of their profits.
Enough of this—let’s travel through our pictures!
Fun Irish & Kilt Pictures
St. Patrick’s Day was March 17th. Perhaps you didn’t get to celebrate this year, but you can party with us!
Hank (Buzz Lightyear) and Anne (Jessie) —dressed as Disney Characters from Toy Story in the Sligo St. Partrick’s Day Parade 2009.
A pint during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Sligo, Ireland 2009
And, who can resist 2 men in kilts with their ladies?
Left to Right Denise, Mark, Anne & Hank on the AmaKristina 2018
Awesome Gardens
Who doesn’t like great photos of gardens? Gardens parallel the first civilizations—some of the more wealthy created spaces that were visually pleasing, tranquil spaces to enjoy and escape from the pressures of life. These spaces have evolved and now are showcases of beauty and the more prominent ones features statues and fountains amidst the flora and fauna. Here are some of our favorites in Europe—enjoy.
Kuekenhof Gardens, Netherlands
Bamberg, Germany Rose Garden
English Royal Garden
Alhambra Garden, Grenada Spain
Helsinki, Finland Esplanade Gardens
Interesting Squares of Europe
The lifeblood of many old towns of European cities were their squares. Town squares are a unique Europe innovation. They go by many names, such as: agora, forum, piazza, plaza, Platz, or market place. These town squares often are the most important place in a city. They helped cities develop a sense of community, often display culture items, important business buildings and foster democracy as a meeting place.
Campo de Fiore, Rome, Italy—a flower market by day & a lively restaurant & club scene at night
Tallinn, Estonia Old Town Square
Square in San Mario—one of the smallest countries in the world!
Europe’s Guild Shop Signs
We have always loved these signs. Many Europe cities have preserved the old parts of their cities to include the guild signs hanging over the narrow streets. These signs are usually made of wrought-iron and harken back to a time when many could not read but could recognize the symbols of a business. Here are some of our favorites.
Golden Fleece Sign, Heidelberg Germany
Miltenberg, Germany Sign
Castle Hotel, Durnstein, Austria
Europe’s Bridges
Bridges are symbolic, interesting and sometimes beautiful and wonders of engineering. Europe has some of the most famous and interesting bridges in the world. Bridges are designed to bypass some type of obstacle such a river, or valley but they often have developed into a more important function as a symbol of uniting places that once were separated. Here are some favorites:
Chapel Bridge. Lucerne, Switzerland
Amsterdam Canal Bridge
Chain Bridge, Budapest
Doors
Often, we ignore how we enter or leave a building.
This is probably not true now, as we are using methods to ensure we don’t transfer germs from door handles. But as many DIY shows will advise, one of the best curbside improvements will be to enhance your front door.
Now you are asking, “What does this have to do with travel?” Well, we’ve been fascinated with doors, handles and knockers that are in Europe. So many are sculptured and enhance a building that has basically a very plain design.
Adding intrigue to the visual aspects of the actual door, is a sense of mystery about the door—“What’s on the other side?”; “Who lives there?”
We hope you enjoy these shots (a small sampling of our collection):
Dublin Door
Door to Apollo Temple, Roman Forum, Rome, Italy
Cochem Castle Door, Cochem Germany
Rodin’s Gates of Hell Door
My Final Thoughts
Wasn’t that FUN!
As I wrote last week, this too will pass! We will be ready when the time is right for you to resume your travels. Until then, remember your travels are just on hold, not gone!
We are travel experts, ocean and river cruise experts, and Europe destination experts. We have first-hand knowledge of almost anywhere you want to visit in Europe. We know our products and the vendors who sell them to you. We have designed special tours for dozens of clients, led several and will continue to find just the right vacation that will exceed your expectations. As you can see, our full service agency can get you to almost anywhere you desire to travel and provide you a great experience and vacation.
When you are spending your hard earned money for a vacation, you want an advisor who can match you with the right trip. You want someone who will understand your expectations and fuel your anticipation (or excitement) to get you the best possible trip experience.
Whatever your Dream Destinations are, we are here to help you get the best possible vacation based on what is important to you! We will provide you high quality, expertly planned travel. Please give me a call 713-397-0188 (Hank) or email me at hschrader@dreamdestinations.com. We want to help you: Savor life…make memories…Visit Dream Destinations! Your journey begins here!
HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 48+ years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:
AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Viking River Cruise Specialist
Scenic River Cruise Specialist
Emerald Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Brit Agent
