SUNDAY COFFEE WITH JEB



Mercy Ships Goes To West Africa

My wife’s sister Marlene leaves shortly to volunteer with Mercy Ships to the Republic of the Congo. We are very excited for her.  She is a highly skilled senior citizen ready to ‘give back’ in a new and exciting way. Her background includes banking, computer programming, real estate and construction. However, for the next 2 1/2 months, she will be working in the ship’s shop where the crew and volunteers on board get their daily supplies.

In her words, ‘when I first communicated with Africa Mercy, I told them I would volunteer wherever they needed me.  As it turns out, I’m needed in the ship’s shop.’  Marlene will leave this coming Thursday, August 15th for Pointe Noire. She is excited and just a little nervous about her new adventure.

While Marlene will spend 2 1/2 months on her first mission trip, this family from Utah will spend two years volunteering and with their three  children. Probably easier when both husband and wife are MDs. Now and then you’ll find young people who make this their life as a full-time volunteer like Catherine Murphy.

What ‘Mercy Ships’ Looks Like

Since 1978, Mercy Ships has served millions of people in some of the poorest nations in Africa, Asia, Central America and the Caribbean. The focus now for Mercy Ships is West Africa. Mercy Ships provides health care services as well as community development services free of charge to those in desperate need. Highly skilled surgeons remove tumors and cataracts, straighten crossed eyes, repair cleft lip and palates, correct fistulas, and provide a wide range of orthopedic procedures.

Life onboard Africa Mercy is interesting, challenging, fun and multicultural… it is a city in itself.  With a crew of more than 400 from 35 nations, close relationships are built, in close quarters, while everyone works hard. Curious seniors can read all about how the ship is financed and FAQs on the medical and technical professionals onboard, on their website, mercyships.org.

So what happens on the ship? Mercy Ships program will address requests by the authorities in Congo-Brazzaville to support continuing education opportunities for practicing professionals. Those may include mentoring in specialized maxillofacial surgery techniques, orthopedic trauma, nursing, pediatric anesthesiology, and infection control.

Partnership with local hospital infrastructures to help improve quality of care, teamwork and communication will be interwoven into the program design. The 16,500 ton Africa Mercy, operated by Mercy Ships, is the world’s largest non-governmental hospital ship.

Dana Perino, former White House Press Secretary and current co-host of FOX News ’ The Five’, will board  Africa Mercy, on August 28 for its first visit to Republic of the Congo. Perino will be onboard the ship for several days during initial patient screening and startup of medical operations.  The ship will dock in the Port of Pointe Noire, Congo, for its 10-month visit. Check out this short video with a few highlights of what is accomplished on ‘Mercy Ships’.

Je te souhaite un Bon Voyage Marlene!  jeb

 

 

Filed under : Editors Choice

SENIORS TRAVEL TO WYOMING



Seniors Fall in Love With Jackson Hole

With an enviable location in Wyoming near Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone, Jackson Hole is an ideal home base for visiting senior nature-lovers.Whether you’re skiing or snapping photos of the residents at the National Elk Refuge, You’ll be in awe of what this destination has to offer.

Jackson Hole is where former VP Dick Cheney calls home and for good reason. Senior visitors often wonder about the difference between Jackson and Jackson Hole. Jackson Hole refers to a 48-mile long valley surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and includes the towns of Jackson, Kelly, Moose, Moran, Wilson, and Teton Village. Known to early settlers as Jackson’s Hole, the area has been renowned since its discovery in the early 1800’s for its incredible natural beauty and abundance of wildlife.

Seniors are Invited

Jackson Hole Valley has remained relatively isolated from the burgeoning travel industry. Instead it has survived on local industries like logging, ranching and, during the 19th century, fur trading. But recently, Jackson Hole has encouraged the rise of tourism.

Jackson Hole is a haven for wildlife, including a surprising variety of birds.  Come in the fall to hear the shrill bugle calls of male elk searching for mates, or get up-close-and-personal with these magnificent animals. If you have never seen an elk up close or heard a call, you are in for a treat.

TripAdvisor has some magnificent photos of Jackson Hole as well as information on the 102 attractions in the area. The #1 draw is the Laurence Rockefeller Preserve Center. With a generous donation from Laurance S. Rockefeller, senior visitors to Grand Teton National Park have access to over 1,100 acres of pristine land located on the shores of Phelps Lake.

Now known as the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, the former JY Ranch property originally had been purchased by philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, Jr. in 1932, and served as the Rockefeller family’s summer retreat for nearly 70 years. Situated 12 miles to the north of Jackson is Teton Village, offering a variety of higher-end Jackson Hole hotels and attractions.  You’ll see those magnificent Teton Mountains all along your journey.

Jackson Welcomes Seniors

A sleigh ride, horseback riding, hiking, biking, touring or just sightseeing, there is always something to see and do. Get a good look at the four elk-antler arches on the town Square. The Square  is surrounded by dozens of boardwalk-fronted art and photo galleries, bars, restaurants, factory outlets and gift shops and a prime location for the shopping savvy.

Jackson Hole is celebrated as a paradise for winter sports fans and outdoor enthusiasts, offering year-round activities for vacationers visiting during both the winter and summer months.  The entire area is a year round adventure with parks, resorts, arts, history and lots of “cowboy culture.”

The nickname for Wyoming is both the “Equality State” and “Cowboy State.” Wyoming, Forever West, wants seniors to come and see why the stare rates so highly with senior visitors from all over the world.  jeb

 

 

SENIORS TRAVEL TO MINNESOTA



Seniors Enjoy St. Cloud

It’s not all that large (66,000+) but St. Cloud, Minnesota has many happy folks who appreciate good air, great fishing and a university second to none. Named after St. Cloud, France near Paris, senior visitors will find St. Cloud about 65 miles northwest of the “Twin Cities” along Interstate 94.

We’ve passed it many times on our way to our cabin near Battle Lake. Even spent a little time there with our football team (Shattuck School) playing against Cathedral High.

Called “The Granite City”, gardens and parks rank very high with residents and visitors. Munsinger, Clemens and Riverside Park are great places for senior visitors to unwind. St. Cloud State University, Minnesota’s second-largest university, is between downtown and the Beaver Islands that form a maze for a two-mile stretch of the Mississippi.

The approximately 30 undeveloped islands are a popular destination for kayak and canoe enthusiasts. Explore a bit more with Wikipedia and senior visitors will discover that St. Cloud has great sports and many sites of interest.

Seniors Relax in the Land of 10,000 Lakes

Long before the first European settlers called it home, Stearns County land was home to several indigenous tribes, including the Ojibwa, Dakota, Sioux and Chippewa. Stearns County borders the Mississippi River, the largest waterway in Minnesota, and was included in many explorers’ travels, including the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1805.

Several more explorers came to this area during the mid-1800′s and fur trading posts were established. The County Seat, St. Cloud, traces its roots back to 1853 and settlements then followed along the Watab and Sauk Rivers in Le Sauk and St. Joseph townships. Minnesota, the Land of 10,000 Lakes, invites visitors to send for a free travel guide as well as to check out where to go, events, deals, travel ideas and planning tools.

Seniors Explore Historic St. Cloud

Explore historic St. Cloud on your own schedule and at your own pace…with informative and fascinating digital walking tours! With an MP3 player as your guide, the tours will take you back to a simpler time in St. Cloud when front porches were used to greet neighbors and horse drawn carriages were the primary mode of transportation in downtown St. Cloud.

The Stearns History Museum in St. Cloud collects photographs, printed materials and artifacts related to the history of Stearns County. They share this information in a two-story exhibit hall, a library and research center and through educational programming. The Stearns History Museum contributed to Minnesota Reflections images that show early street scenes from towns across the county, business activities, granite quarries, farming and transportation.

Enjoy your visit to St. Cloud. jeb

SENIORS ENJOY CALIFORNIA



Seniors Find the “Salad Bowl of the World”

Yes seniors, it’s Salinas, California and it is properly named… over 30% of the world’s lettuce is grown in the Salinas Valley. In addition the mild climate makes for an abundance of broccoli, peppers and numerous other crops like strawberries, tomatoes, and spinach, but lettuce remains the dominant crop in the valley.

This part of California with its long growing season is also ideal for the floral industry and grape vineyards planted by world-famous vintners. “Salinas” is Spanish for ‘salt marsh’ because at that time there was a large slough that ran through the area.

The population of Salinas runs just over 150,000. This was the home of John Steinbeck who wrote several of his novels here including Of Mice and Men.  Salinas boasts an emerging arts scene led by the First Fridays Art Walk and the innovative use of non-traditional or business venues to exhibit art and host live local music. The oldest gallery in Salinas, the Valley Art Gallery, has been active for over 30 years. Yes, Salinas is a great place for seniors to visit.

The Salinas River runs the length of the Salinas Valley and empties into the Pacific Ocean at the center of the Monterey Bay. During the summer months the river flows partially underground and it is this extensive underground aquifer that allows for irrigation of cropland in an area without much annual rainfall.

Seniors Enjoy Natural Air Conditioner

The Valley is blessed with what is called a “natural air conditioner” that brings in ocean air and fog to keep the area cool and to maintain moderate temperatures for all the crops. The Valley gets around 15 inches of rain per year that is always welcome.

And vineyards. Where would California be without its vineyards… they seem to be in every part of the state.  Salinas Valley  has its share as well, so if senior travelers are interested in taking a wine country vacation, the Salinas Valley is another ideal spot.

TripAdvisor can load up your planned itinerary with some great B&Bs, hotels as well as things to see and do in and around Salinas. The #1 draw for visitors is the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The famed Hwy 101 runs right through town.

Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel by the Sea are close to the west as is Pebble Beach. So maybe you will want to  bring your golf clubs along. Be assured that you will find plenty to do in and around Salinas all year long. Virtual Tourist would like you to consider their listing with museums, architecture and some great pictures.

If you enjoy eating strawberries like I do, you’ll love Salinas.  That’s really why and how it came about that I wrote this blog.  I bought some berries and the label read: Grown in Salinas, CA.  Enjoy everything about the Valley. jeb

 

 

SENIORS TRAVEL TO BRAZIL



Seniors Set to Work on Their Portuguese

Fortaleza (Fortress) is the state capital of Ceará, located in northeast Brazil. With a population close to 2.3 million (metropolitan region over 3.4 million), Fortaleza is the 5th largest city in Brazil. Senior travelers, can you name any of the top four?I’ve been to Brazil…kind of… sneaking in to see Iguazu Falls from Argentina.  We flew into Sao Paolo on our way to Paraguay and on to our friends in Corrientes, Argentina.

However I don’t know much else about the country, but I do want to know more about Fortaleza. I discovered that it was “way up north” on the map. Fortaleza was officially founded in 1726 and its oldest remaining buildings have been well cared far.

The City Rocks

Fortaleza is a major tourist destination for the domestic Brazilian market. For you senior night owls, nightlife in Fortaleza centers around local Forro music and dancing or fine dining. Over the last four years several high quality restaurants have opened up as the city raises it standards generally and in particular with the world cup in view.

Fortaleza has about 16 miles of urban beaches. Despite being one of smallest states in Brazil, Ceará has one of the longest coastlines in the country.

Seniors Will Enjoy Fortaleza

As well as being an important economic hub, Fortaleza is also known for its excellent tourism opportunities, boasting numerous splendid beaches, an alluring nightlife and a heaving off-season carnival each July. Much history is present within the Centro area of Fortaleza, although it is understandably the beaches that serve as the biggest magnet for tourists.

In recent years, the fame of Fortaleza has been gaining the world, and the number of Europeans, North and South American travelers coming to Ceará has grown fast.

Senior visitors enjoy beautiful and historic buildings such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the President Castelo Branco Mausoleum and the Center of Tourism.

Beaches Are Fortaleza’s Attraction

Beaches are the top draw in this sunny, rapidly developing city, particularly bohemian, party-hearty Iracema beach, family-friendly Meireles beach, fishing and boating base camp Mucuripe and low-key Praia do Futuro.

Many of the biggest attractions in Fortaleza relate directly to its innumerable beaches, generous coastline and plentiful sunshine, with beach buggy tours popular with holiday makers. Senior tourists find fun on the beaches of Fortaleza all day long.

 Stalls at the Mercado Central or Feirinha Beira Mar brim with local handicrafts, ranging from ceramics to lacework and leather goods. The Dutch-built Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Assunção in the city center, constructed in 1649, marks the spot where Fortaleza originated.

TripAdvisor will fix you up with 83 attractions not to be missed. I’ll say “adeus” with a last shot called Fortaleza Info that will fill in your itinerary very well.  Enjoy your visit.  jeb

 

 

SENIORS TRAVEL TO FLORIDA



Seniors Flock to the Emerald Coast

Folks around Destin, Florida say that “There are a million things to do on the Emerald Coast and nothing is one of them.” I liked that and I wanted to investigate Destin just a little more. The locals say that senior citizens should put Destin on their “Sand Bucket List.” The locals in Destin greet readers with “Welcome to Paradise.” How’s that for starters?

Destin traces its immediate history to a fisherman, Leonard Destin, who moved there from New London, Conn., and settled in Northwest Florida in 1845.  As a travel writer I feel that I have a pretty good handle on resources but there is always something new to discover. Put TripShock into Google and see the major attractions they feature.  As per usual with me I bring up TripAdvisor and put them on a front plate for their listing of things for seniors to see and do (23 of them).

Sparkling Emerald Water Invites Seniors

The Emerald Coast has nearly 5 million visitors a year and 80% of them are drawn to Destin. Among its population of around 11,000 are some well known personalities… Mike Huckabee, Sheryl Crow, Danny Wuerffel (FB Heisman winner), Emeril Lagasse (chef) and Jerry Jones (owner of the Dallas Cowboys). There just has to be something going on in Destin that these fine folks plus many senior travelers enjoy.

Wikipedia has a description of the city including its geography, climate, tourism and history. Somewhere I read that the northwest corner of Florida is also called  ‘The Forgotten Coast’. Destin’s beaches have been named “Number One Beachs in the South” and one of the top five “Favorite Family Vacation Destinations” by the readers of Southern Living year after year.

The City of Destin, on the Florida panhandle, is home to the most beautiful white silky crystal sand beaches and clear waters along the Gulf of Mexico. Crystal Beach is a favorite location for many senior vacationers because of it’s close proximity to many of the best restaurants, shopping, and golf courses.

A thriving resort community, Destin still manages to maintain a small town atmosphere and charm. The Heart of the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village – The Destin Harbor Boardwalk is Destin’s marquis community project that has been 15+ years in the making.

As a former fisherman most of my life, I’d head off for the Destin History & Fishing Museum  that features a ton of exhibits and displays. If I could talk my wife into it, I’d head us over to the Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park too. The Glass-Bottom Boat is also very popular with visitors as are Vortex Springs and Cold-Water River. Hope to see you on the Handle.  jeb

 

 

SUNDAY COFFEE WITH JEB



Seniors Have Fun Steering a Segway

There are many cities today that offer a Segway Tour. I have seen them in Europe as well as in many major cities here in the US. They look like lots of fun, but I also have seen clips of folks who lose control and run into something big.  Seniors, the trick is to learn to ride before you ride.

Yahoo Travel notes that Segway tours have popped up in all sorts of places—cities, beaches, and even forests—and offer a fun and eco-friendly way for senior citizens to explore. Segway Tours offer some key advantages over more traditional sightseeing tours.

A Segway “personal transporter”—essentially a two-wheeled stand-up motorized scooter—can get seniors closer to sights and attractions than on a bus tour, while covering more ground than a walking tour. Yahoo selected six special places where renting a Segway would be quite special. Honolulu (Segway of Honolulu) for one, followed by Chicago (Chicago Segway Tour).

Just imagine zooming by Waikiki Beach and through Kapiolani Park.  Seniors can also opt for a two-hour Sunset Tour. I have often seen folks in groups of maybe ten or so along Lake Michigan and then over to the Shedd Aquarium and along Grant Park.  In the park they often stopped to shoot photos of the famed Buckingham Fountain.

Seniors Segway in Wisconsin and San Francisco

Door County, up in the northern part of Wisconsin, will take riders through a hardwood forest just north of Sister Bay.

San Francisco would be a challenge for most senior riders with all those steep streets. City Sightseeing notes that rides will get stellar views of the Golden Gate Bridge and in the distance Alcatraz, with stops at the famous Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, the Cable Car turnaround, and Hyde Street Pier. Just stay off Lombard Street that is the wavy descent and world famous. You can check out Yahoo’s info on Segways.

DC Sounds Like a Great Ride

Washington DC (DC Segway) has the National Mall. Senior visitors can ride all around the nation’s capital as well as cruise down Pennsylvania Avenue with super views of the Capital Building, the National Archives, the Navy Memorial and the FBI Building. You will also no doubt have a great view of the Smithsonian as well as several major museums.

Then there is San Antonio (SegCity), one of my favorite cities, with the River Walk. You’ll want to look into what they call the “Ultimate Tour” with visits to the Main Plaza, San Fernando Cathedral, and the Hemis Fair Park. The King William Historic District was a favorite of ours… a very upscale neighborhood dating back to the 1850s.

Seniors can turn a ho-hum sightseeing excursion into an adventure to remember. Don’t forget to take along some band-aids and wear a good helmet, just in case, but enjoy the ride(s) wherever you go. jeb

 

 

SENIORS TRAVEL TO MAINE



Seniors Enjoy Bethel

I read recently that the drive between Bethel and Freeport, Maine is very scenic. I wanted to find out and share with senior readers what I discovered so that you can enjoy that route too. It’s only an hour and 33 minutes for that 64 mile drive so it won’t take you long to make it.  The way the crow flies it’s only 57 miles, but that’s a crow and not your Ford.

Bethel is an historic town founded in 1774 with a population of just over 2,500. The town is said to be “Maine’s most beautiful mountain village.” Located in western Maine, Bethel is a bit east of New Hampshire’s Mt. Washington and 70 miles northwest of Portland.

So what can senior citizens see and do in Bethel? It’s play or relax in all four seasons, with all the comforts and none of the crowds. The town is filled with quaint shops and tranquil streets, and is a popular tourist destination for visitors of all ages.

Bethel seems to have it all together and their frosting on the cake is the fall foliage that brings in throngs of visitors each year. Senior visitors might enjoy searching for gems. Though Maine is called the “Pine Tree State”, it is loaded with gems, like tourmaline, quartz, rose quartz, and crystal.

Seniors Discover One of Those “Rare Breeds”

Bethel is a blend of farming, forestry, wood product manufacturing, education, and tourism. In the past decade, the community has become home to many active senior retirees, who shun the world of Sun City and Florida.  They are professionals who have chosen the small town lifestyle over that of the megalopolis.

While you’re in Bethel, learn about local history at the Bethel Historical Society’s O’Neil Robinson House. It’s further suggested that you visit The Artist’s Bridge, a picturesque covered bridge in nearby Newry. If you feel up to it, soar above the leaves on a scenic chairlift ride at Sunday River then take in the Shaker Village only a short drive away in Sabbathday Lake. And you won’t want to miss the annual Harvestfest and “Chowdah” Cook-off held in September. TripAdivsor provides even more to see and do in and around Bethel.

 Bethel was one of the first communities in Maine connected to the Internet. They built the World’s Tallest Snowman and continue to host the National Wife Carrying Championships. So ladies…beware. The Official Town Site notes that Bethel is truly “just this side of Paradise.” I found a most interesting “History of Bethel, Maine” written by a Gazetteer in 1886.

Back To That Route

By golly I got detoured from ‘the route’ (from Mountains to the Sea). On that route, senior visitors will discover several of Maine’s heritage landmarks. Those landmarks may be another blog along with Freeport. I tell you, my wife is ready to cross the country to visit Bethel, Maine. jeb

 

 

SENIORS RETURN TO CHINA



Seniors Visit Hainin

This time it is out to visit Hainin. I read many travel guides and journals and Hainin came up as another great spot to visit in mysterious China.  Senior citizens, have you been to China yet? It’s on my bucket list and my list is growing daily with all those travel magazines that I subscribe to.

Hainan literally “South of the Sea is the smallest province of the People’s Republic of China. The name “Hainan” also refers the main island of the province. Hainan, located in the South China Sea, lies to the south of mainland China. Let’s take a closer look to see what the big “draws” are for senior visitors.

The only tropical province in China, Hainan is blessed with a charming tropical island landscape and a pleasant climate, contributing to its unique folklore and culture. It is known as a Chinese all-season garden and a holiday resort for all Chinese.

When traveling  in Hainan, senior visitors have a unique opportunity to discover handicrafts of every kind. No matter whether it comes from the sea or mountain their handicrafts are unique products. Located far from the interior of mainland China, Hainan was called “the Edge of the Earth” in ancient times.

Seniors Enjoy World’s Most Beautiful Island

Hainan’s climate is tropical, characterized by hot and humid summers, with mild, pleasant winters. Temperatures usually range from 24-35°C in the summer, and 19-25°C in the winter. Today, it is undergoing heavy tourist-oriented development with various international hotel chains establishing resorts, especially in the Sanya area.

These days, many wealthy Chinese from the northern provinces own second homes in Hainan, where they move to in the winter to escape the bitter cold of much of northern China. Kind of like all the Snowbirds here in Arizona. You won’t have any trouble finding a quality hotel, the island has 1,477 of them. TripAdvisor adds their recommendations of museums, beaches and monuments for senior travelers to visit on Hainan.

Hainan is the sole tropical island in China, and is known around the world as “the world’s most beautiful island”.  It has other names, such as Coconut Island, Sunshine Island, Longevity Island, Health Island. It is one of only a few resort destinations perfect for for summer holidays, winter swimming and vacationing as well.

Now Hainan is making great strides towards the grand goal of building an international tourist island and invites you to put it on your itinerary and your visit to China.

Enjoy your visit to Hainan folks. It’s a one of a kind. jeb

 

 

SENIORS VISIT TAIWAN



Seniors Take in the Aboriginal Harvest Festival

One of Taiwan’s “must see” occasions is the Aboriginal Harvest Festival. There is no better time for seniors to experience these unique tribal cultures than at their festivals, when the tribes people, clad in colorful headdresses and costumes, perform their traditional dances and songs.

The most important traditional ceremony for the Amis people and the Ami’s Harvest Festival held annually at Hualien is to show the people’s thanks and appreciation to the gods and to pray for an even better harvest in the coming year. Senior travelers will find that this festival is held every July to September.

The Harvest Festival of the Rukai

It appears to me that there are several Festivals however the “official one” is the Rukai Harvest Festival. It’s a ceremony held after the annual harvest is completed, for the purpose of showing appreciation to the gods for a good harvest and to pray for prosperity and peace. In addition, war, hunting, wealth, and implements of farming, are all part of the ceremony. It can be seen as a ceremony encompassing the entire breadth of Rukai life.

Seniors Watch Mysterious Customs and Traditions Come to Life

The Indigenous Ceremonies and the mysterious customs and traditions of the indigenous tribes give an extra dimension to Taiwan’s culture. The China Post invites seniors visitors to “make it a cultural trip” where you can enjoy local customs and fun times. You’ll find a mouthful of unusual names and places once you arrive.

This major celebration is directed to the abundant crop harvest and gratitude to ancestors’ blessing over the past year. Held from July to the beginning of September, Taiwan’s aboriginal tribes that include Amis, Beinan, Kavalan, Rukkai and Paiwan all participate in the festival. The exact date and scale of the festival is different for each tribe.

Senior citizens can read more about this fun time in Taiwan in the July-August volume of the Smithsonian Magazine. jeb

 

 

Find Your Destination

Travel DestinationsTypes of Vacation/Travel
  • Polls

    Where would you most like to travel in 2013?

    View Results

    Loading ... Loading ...