Sat June 14, 2025
Hi Folks! First off Happy Father’s Day weekend to all the Dad’s out there. While my Dad has passed, I was lucky to have a great one and I know he’s always watching over me and keeping me safe on all my worldly travels. Thanks Dad! (Sorry, I know it’s a full time job as much as we travel but I love you for it!).
It’s always bittersweet at the end of a journey. You’re happy to be home safe but sad to finish such a great adventure. And what an adventure it was! We LOVED Scotland and hope to go back and spend more time there. There are so many more wild British Isles we’d like to explore and are still a little sad we missed the Orkney Islands and the Isle of Man.
But the other islands and ports we visited were amazing. And of course we have to go back to catch a glimpse of the Loch Ness Monster! Nessie, I know you’re out there! Lol
And I can’t praise Holland America enough. If you’ve followed along over the last few years we’ve gotten spoiled by cruising the Ultra Luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas. It is definitely our favorite cruise line bar none, but Holland punches way above its class. Their service is their hallmark and I would say it rivals Regent. The food was very good, the entertainment was also top notch and their other niche is all their live music venues. In all aspects Holland knocked it out of the park!
But the most important part of travel is the people you travel with and I’m so blessed to have found my life long travel partner and co-pilot Kathy. She makes every trip better by just being there. And she puts up with all my quirks and never complains while I drag her across the planet. God help her on our 154 day cruise around the world next year. She is a saint!
So that’s all for now. We have 3 more trips planned later this year and scheming about a fourth one. We leave in about 3 more weeks so buckle up and hang on!
I almost forgot but the quick summary of our trip home was it was uneventful. Although the fog was thick when we arrived in Dover (was that London Fog?? Lol) it quickly cleared and our shuttle to Heathrow airport went smooth.
We hung out in the Cathay Pacific airport lounge (wow, that is first class!) and enjoyed their Asian food and relaxed. We also jumped into the Quantas Airline and British Airways lounges and checked out their food. (Remember, we’ve been on a cruise! Lol)
We then boarded our flight home which was direct to Charlotte and was also uneventful. Gathered all our luggage and made it home safely. Until next time, stay safe!
PS: I’ll leave you with a travel quote I love:
Jobs fill your pockets but adventures fill your soul!
The Wandering Italian 