Six Degrees of Separation - Group Cruise to Alaska - Celebrity Infinity - Join Us!!!

Clan House Ketchikan, Glacier Viewing, Panning for gold

Six degrees of Separation Group Cruise to Alaska!
Six degrees of separation is a theory that all of us as people are connected to one another by no more than six people out or 6 links.
Here is an example from Wikipedia that is fairly simply put.
If 1 person is one step away from each person they know and 2 steps away from each who is Known by 1 of the people they know... Then everyone is an average of 6 steps away from each person on earth.
I am not a mathematician but I can tell you I have had my share of small world experiences. When I talk to a person enough I can usually find a common link between the 2 of us.
Anyway, I had an Idea to get a cruise together actually a number of small groups that would belong to a larger group (the six degrees of separation group cruise) to go to Alaska next summer and all meet. I believe the potential for a Great time will be awesome!
Hope you can join us!

When: August 21st-August 28, 2009

Where:Alaska inside passage round trip from: Seattle, Washington

Day 1: Seattle, Washington depart- 4 pm
Day 2: Inside passage (cruising at sea)
Day 3: Ketchikan, Alaska
Day 4: Hubbard Glacier (cruising-glacier viewing) Amazing!!!!
Day 5: Juneau, Alaska
Day 6: Sea day- bring your binoculars!
Day 7: Victoria, British Columbia
Day 8: Seattle, Washington

Why?: Well first of all it is a fun group and a fun group concept. What a fun way to meet new people who all have a common connection of friends. Cruising in a group has many more amenities to offer such as extra ship board credits, parties, money saving booklets and more as the group grows!
Join us on board the beautiful Celebrity Infinity for the vacation dream of a lifetime.
Call us for special rates and incentives.

http://mwolfe.cruiseone.com/

As an amazing note: the first 4 people I talked too about this all have birthdays taking place during this amazing cruise and only 2 of them are from the same group! (they are married) The other 2 people havent met yet but they will meet on this cruise!

Goree Island Senegal Africa UNECSO World Heritage Site, Home of the African Slave Trade to the Americas

The Door of No Return is what the slaves called this passageway to the ship where they would leave Africa never to return.

Goree Island Africa is a beautiful island only 3 kilometers off the coast of Dakar Senegal. Goree is very easy to get to. There is a ferry boat that goes back and forth about every hour from 7 am to 11 pm (please verify the times in advance in case of change) Goree has been ruled by Portuguese, Dutch, English and French reuniting with Senegal again in 1960. When you get to the island I recommend finding a private tour guide close to where the ferry comes in. Negotiate a tour price and ask if there is a tax you will have to pay so you know your full fee right up front.

Goree Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I think the two most horrifying reminders of how cruel and corrupt some powerful people in the world can be are the Holocaust and the atrocities that took place here on Goree Island from the 15th to the 19th century. Most of the world has never heard of the horror that happened here . Four hundred years of oppression, exploitation and abuse took place on this beautiful Island. The Slave House built by the Dutch in 1776 was a large building seen in the pictures above. The upstairs was lush and comfortable, this was where the owners lived. Downstairs was horrid with dirt floors, low ceilings, no light, overcrowded conditions, no place to go to the bathroom and often times no room to lay down without being stacked worse than poorly treated animals. Men, women and children separated in order of size, health, attitude and worth. Some of the people did not weight enough to be sold so they were kept from moving by being placed in very small quarters as they were fattened like veal. Trouble makers were also kept almost in solitary confinement and very strong men were often separated so they wouldn't cause an up rise. Once the ship came to take them away they walked out through a place the people called "the door of no return". Called this because the slaves realized once they walked through those doors they would never see their loved country of Africa again.

Goree Island has also been a key naval position in many wars. You will see left over equipment and gun and cannon mounts. There are also a variety of old buildings that you will see on your tour such as a 17th century castle built by the Dutch, a Church, botanical gardens, museum, a resort and a restaurant are all located on the island. The Island has a private school that only the highest achieving children from Africa are allowed to attend. The school is not on any tours as it is kept very private. There are about 1000 people who live on the Island of Goree. You will find a few areas on the Island where locals sell their art work and crafts.

This tour was indeed an awakening for me because I would have never imagined what had happened on Goree Island Senegal. All people should see Goree island with their own eyes just as they should also visit Holocaust museums. These types of human injustices should never happen again.

If you want to travel to Africa I can help you arrange travel.

http://mwolfe.cruiseone.com/

What and where is Patagonia? Argentina? Chile?

Patagonia is a very beautiful natural region at the southern tip of South America. In Argentina Patagonia extends between the Andes Mountains and the Atlantic ocean. Patagonia in Chile is on the other side and extends to the Pacific ocean. So, Patagonia is a region in both the southern tips of Chile and Argentina which forms the southernmost tip of South America or cape horn! This is the farthest southern area in the world next to Antarctica. This is why so many exploration ships sail from this region to Antarctica and back.

Patagonia is a beautiful place to see some of the worlds most grand glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, fjiords, wildlife and penguin viewing. Patagonia is a paradise for those who love nature or yearn to see someplace diffrent. Is that someone you?

Contact me for assistance in planning a unique travel experience.

http://mwolfe.cruiseone.com/

Adventure Nature Wedding and Honeymoon! Ushuaia Terra del Fuego Argentina - Marry your loved one at The end of the earth! Patagonia

Do you want an Adventure Nature Wedding and Honeymoon?

When my husband married me he said he would go to the end of the earth for me - I didn't know he really meant it literally! Ushuaia Tierra del Fuego Argentina is also known as "the end of the earth a beautiful natural area of lakes, glaciers,wildlife, birds flora and fauna seen only here in a region known as Patagonia. (see my blog on Patagonia) WOW! that would actually be a romantic idea for a wedding. Yes! gather the whole family on a cruise ship get married at the end of the earth and take off on a hiking, nature honeymoon while the rest of the family relaxes on a cruise ship! I could help an adventurous couple plan this kind of adventure nature wedding and honeymoon! Even if you aren't extreme adventure seekers it is a unique idea for a wedding at the end of the earth! If you are older and like unique travel it would also be a novel idea to take your spouse and renew your vows at the end of the earth! How romantic!http://mwolfe.cruisewolfe.com/

Crossing the Equator turns a Pollywog into a Shellback

Crossing The Equator turns a Polliwog into a Shellback!

April 19th 2008 My husband, Daughter and I became Shellbacks!
Yeah... that means we crossed the equator on board a ship for the first time.
The shellback ceremony stems from an old naval maritime tradition which was an initiation from being a polliwog, landlubber or inexperienced sailor to becoming one of the "seasoned" sailors. This initiation was brutal involving humiliation, torture and beatings.Often times the inexperienced sailor had to eat rotten fish and garbage and be like a slave to the other shipmates. King Neptune was the judge as to a sailors worthiness. Today's shellback ceremony's are much more humane than the old traditional initiations. Commercial sailing ships do it in a very fun way to celebrate maritime customs. I must say it was quite an experience.

Gibraltar, Medieval castle, Barbary Apes, British Pubs

Barbary Apes, Medieval Moorish Castle

The Rock

of Gibraltar!

English Pub

I was excited!! We were going on a 3 continent 22 day cruise! Yes, Yes, Yes, was my initial thought about this upcoming adventure! Then I saw Gibraltar on the list of ports we would visit. Ugh! Why would I want to visit a huge rock jutting out of the sea between the Atlantic ocean and the Mediterranean sea? After all, this is the rock that Prudential Life insurance company uses as a logo. How exciting could that be?
Well, I guess one could say I ate humble pie. Gibraltar is an Awesome and happening place with a lot to do and see!
For starters there is a Medieval castle dating back to the 11th century nestled high up on a hill. The castle looks like something you would expect to see in Monty Pythons in search of the Holy Grail with its tall tower and gate house. (very medieval looking)
The downtown is like being in England infused with certain pieces of history that can only be seen in Gibraltar.
Gibraltar is at a very narrow peninsula stuck to the end of the Iberian peninsula. It lies between Africa and Europe - separating the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean seas with what is called the straights of Gibraltar it has been a key military post through the century's.
There is a tram ride up to the top of the huge rock of Gibraltar that I recommend taking. From the top you can come up close and personal with the famous Barbary apes who are not shy. Don't bring food up and watch your bags or they will pillage you like like little Barbary apes. I know understand the why movies depict pirates as having a pet ape on board! Ahhh! From the top you can see Southern Spain's rolling hillsides, Africa and every ship that tries to pass through the straights of Gibraltar. I guess this is why you can also see a retired Military post used in Both WWI and WWII. After roaming around the military posts looking at the views and taking pictures of the apes (who love to be photographed)

Returning back to town is a delight.
If you like little British pubs you will find no shortage of those after it is a British colony. Also, the drinking age is 16 our daughter turned 16 on this cruise so she had A beer with us at the pub. Gibraltar also has every upscale clothing store most people would desire. We found that with the influence of the Pakistani, Indian and British the Punjabi food was Fantastic! I would Love to go back to Gibraltar again and again. It just goes to show things may not always be what we predetermine them to be.
If you wish to contact me please do at http://mwolfe.cruiseone.com/

Fountains, Flowers, Shrubs from all over the world A Beautiful and relaxing world class garden. Buschart Gardens Victoria BC

http://mwolfe.cruiseone.comFountains, Flowers, Trees and Shrubs from all over the world - A Beautiful and relaxing world class garden.

Buschart Gardens are more than 100 year old of tradition and beauty. The gardens covers over 55 acres of many gardens, lakes, majestic fountains, and endless areas of bloom within a garden.
Buschart Gardens started out as a limestone quarry. The quarry was bought by a cement manufacturer from Victoria. In later years the owners wife Jenny Buchart had tons of soil brought in to fill the quarrys so she coould plant many varieies of plants and vines. What started out as a love for landscape to Jenny Buchart has become one of the most famous gardens in the world. There is something to see at Buchart Gardens year round with continoous blooms from March to November with beautiful forest and holiday light displays in the winter. If you like roses the rose garden has over 250 varietys to delight your senses featuring the special the Jenny Buchart rose. The Buchart mansion is nestled in amongst the lavish gardens with a certain beauty and sophostication. I would recommend for a relaxing afternoon lunch or high tea overlooking Jennys private garden. Although Jenny is no longer alive today the Buschart Gardens has been in the family and maintained in good tradition for over 100 years.

http://mwolfe.cruiseone.com

College At Sea! Graduate Students and Undergraduates

1) Great wall of China

2) Graduation__________3)Myan Ruins

College Students!!
If you are a college you might not be 21 yet and you still may want to go on a cruise during a break or with your friends. Have you heard in the past that you need to have someone 21 or older in your cabin? Well, There are legal ways around that. There are actually company's who specialize in helping you and your friends to book a cruise for semester break or whatever.
Also, Undergraduate and Graduate students how would you like to study aboard a ship with 600 other students and young professionals? College at Sea! You can become part of an exciting program which features 16 week semesters with on board classrooms, academic field studies, shore excursions that are integrated with your studies, independent travel. This is a very multicultural experience with students from all over the globe. This program allows you to travel the world as you learn about it in a very sophisticated program. There are many fields of study in which to specialize in.
Undergraduates may study:
International Business/Communication
Sustainable Development
Global Cultures and Social Change
Conflict Studies
Worlds of Art and Culture
Postgraduate Programs are offered in:
International Communication
International Business
International Relations

Also, if you are a bit of an adventurer who likes small ships that do not specialize in glamor but in short educational excursions there are many such experiences available.
If you are planning a honeymoon and don't want another "Iron" I can set up a registry in which your friends and family can contribute to a travel honeymoon. People can give any amount of money they desire and it adds up quickly. The money can be used for fare, tips, drinks, excursions or things from the on board gift shop.
Whatever your needs are call us today. You will be glad you did. I am confident you will call us back each time you wish to travel!

Island Of Dominica a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home of Ti Tou Gorgue where parts of Pirates of the Carribean was filmed!

Ti Tou Gorge

Jungle Hike to waterfalls!

opening of Ti Tou gorge

Dominica
Dominica is located just 15 degrees north of the equator it is a lush green tropical rain forest Island. The Island of Dominica is the largest of the windward islands and the most mountainous Island in all of the Caribbean.
The islanders call it the Green Island or the Nature Island and they are very proud of its natural beauty. Dominica enjoys status of being on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Columbus discovered this lovely lush green tropical island on Sunday November 3rd 1493. The Island was inhabited by the Carib Indians who remain on this island to this day. This is the only island in the Caribbean you will still find a village of Carib Indians inhabiting. It is said that if Christopher Columbus were to return to the Caribbean today the only island that he would recognize would be Dominica due to its unspoiled natural beauty. The island is so mountainous with thick jungles that it is hard to build roads. When the roads are built they are often washed away by flash flooding during the hurricane season. The island is also home to more tropical waterfalls, birds, flora and fauna than any other island in the Caribbean. One of the beaches has a place to swim that is called the Champagne bowl because it has bubbles like swimming in a bowl of champagne. This is from fissures under the sea floor that release pressure. There is also a lake with boiling water and various hot springs from the geologic activity below.
The unspoiled Island beauty attracted Hollywood to film parts of the pirates of the Caribbean 2 & 3 with Johnny Depp in Ti Tou Gorge, High Meadow (where the cannibal scene was filmed) and Hampstead beach. This is another source of pride for the islanders who will gladly take you on a tour to see the natural back drop used in various parts of the movie for a small fee.
The official language of the island is English but most of the islanders speak a type of creole which is a French derived language. Historically, the political control of the island changed back and forth between the British and French several times in the 1700 before the British gained control in the early 1800's. Slaves were brought to the island to open some sugarcane factories but they have all closed today with only a few reminders of factory buildings and equipment remaining. The island gained its independence from the British in 1978.
We found the Islanders to be very warm friendly and proud of their Island. Most of the beaches are fine black sand from the volcanic history of the island.
We found a nice beach with a small restaurant where we tried some scrumptious local cuisine and had a local Rasta musician serenaded us for a moderate donation of cash. I would recommend this Island as a place to explore the jungles, beaches, waterfalls, hot springs a great place to snorkel or scuba dive. Enjoy this Islands natural beauty and wonders. Our Daughter had the best Birthday of her life turning 16 on this beautiful island paradise.

If I can be of any help planning your Dream getaway Notify me At:http://mwolfe.cruiseone.com/