The Hawaiian Ports of Call: Botanical Bliss

 

botanical - adj. - relating to plants or botany (the study of plants). (Oxford Language)

I have always thought that portions of the Hawaiian Islands were synonymous with Heaven, God's preview, His glimpse into what the afterlife might look like if you believe that life perpetuates beyond the borders of this one. 

Our initial stop on this Pacific tour of around fifty ports was Honolulu. At first glimpse, the city looks just like any other except for the fact that it is built on volcanic rock, surrounded by verdant towers, presided over by the famed Diamond Head, a ubiquitous reminder of Oahu's incendiary, yet procreative past. At Pier 2, I was fortunate enough to meet up with an old college buddy for a delicious crab cake sandwich at the port's fish market, Nico's. Afterwards, he taxied me to his neighborhood of Waikiki. Extending for miles, the beach at Waikiki reflects common stereotypes of the region: amateur surfers mimicking pros as they negotiate whitewash, tanned bodies sporting revealing bathing suits as they catch the sun's rays on stretches of parallel lounge chairs, screaming children frolicking in the foam, and rainbow colors of umbrella parasails dotting the azure skies of the near offing. Other than the view of Diamond Head, what separates Waikiki from South Beach and other similar American beaches is the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, a.k.a. "The Pink Palace of the Pacific," the second hotel built on the sand in Waikiki. Opened in 1927 before the fall, it is the perfect reminder of the glamour and elegance of the Jazz Age, Hawaiian style. Rates range from $267 to over $800 per night depending on the room's location and the season. The expansive, well-appointed ladies' powder room just off the main lobby alone is worth a visit. I am sure the male equivalent is equally impressive. As the saying goes, they sure don't make'm like this anymore.

Stop 2 was Kauai, a more natural, ruggedly rudimentary alternative to Oahu. Another old friend of mine, also from college, who just happened to be vacationing with her husband near Koloa, picked me up in her rental car at the pier, and we drove to the divine National Tropical Botanical Garden, otherwise known as the Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden, named for the original owners. Somehow we managed to get on a semi-private excursion (there were two of us women and five men) conducted by Bob, a seasoned, omniscient vet of the gardens who extended the experience by a half hour (three hours total) because he was enjoying our company. (I think he would've gone on for five hours, but I had a ship to catch.) Thanks to Bob, we learned that the Europeans and Polynesians introduced many varieties of animals and plants to the region, changing the ecosystem. For example, the pineapple that most associate with Hawaii came from Paraguay. The famed coconut palm trees came from Tahiti. Interestingly enough, but not surprisingly, scenes from both Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed there. Its beauty is unrivaled bliss, that preview of Heaven, for sure. After our visit, we headed to one of the area beaches for what amounted to about ten minutes in the water. Armed with a snorkel and mask and wearing my psychedelic dry suit from 1986, I took two steps into the ocean and hit a large, volcanic boulder with my one shin. OUCH! Undaunted and unfazed, I continued my pursuit of seeing–up close and personal–the native fish, ignoring the fact that I was polluting the water with B- blood. (I had a deja vu moment when I visited with about ten tropical fish. I felt that I had met them before in the Caribbean.) Lesson learned: Do not assume that all tropical waters look and feel like those of the Caribbean. Hawaii's beauty has little to do with its beaches. It's real draw is its sculpturesque topography. If you like to SUBA or snorkel, go to St. Croix. Go to Kauai for the jungle gardens, not the beaches (although the beached, sunbathing/sleeping sea turtles and seals were a memorable sight). 

Stop 3, Maui I chose to view from the starboard side of the Coral Princess's deck as I had thoroughly explored the island years ago and was not curious as to whether or not it had changed. The view of the city of Kahului was spectacular enough, and it satiated my curiosity from a relaxing distance. There is just too much to see in Maui to attempt to do it in under twelve hours. 

Stop 4: Kona, Big Island I really enjoyed. Despite being herded to and from the ship via a tender boat, four hours in this quaint, shopping hamlet reminiscent of Key West was just enough time. Much of the sights are walkable from the pier as well. In fact, the only downer was that I had invested too much on a ticket for the hop on, hop off tour bus. Still I harbor no regrets. Whatever happened to the black sand? I'm guessing it must be on the other side of the giant island. The beaches of Kona are narrow and outlined with volcanic rock. Even though it is difficult to swim and snorkel and surf, people were out there risking injury. When in Hawaii, most do what they came to do regardless. Whatever you do, if you come to any of the Hawaiian Islands, don't leave until you've had shave ice. Considering it is only favored shaved ice, it'll cost you about seven dollars, a hefty price, but it is just hard to find anywhere on the mainland, and it just doesn't taste the same as it does in Hawaii. 

All in all, I recommend a trip to any one of these islands as each is its own generous portion of ethereal Paradise. But if you only have time for one, Oahu is a safe bet as it has everything, even unspoiled tropical botanical gardens (like Kauai) and sandy beaches sans volcanic rocks in the North. As there is only one highway, the traffic can be rough, so give yourself at least a week there to see all of the worthy sights.

Mahalo! 

#Hawaiian islands, #travel, #travel review, #blog, #blogger, #personal essay 

The Caste System of the Cruise

 

caste system of the cruise - capitalistic, social stratification based on customer loyalty that determines a cruiser's status onboard a ship. 

Cruising is a culture. Inside of every culture is a way of life that social structure impacts. American cruise ships are tied to corporations reflective of the capitalist ideal. Inside of capitalism is a hierarchy consisting of the haves and the have-nots. Which is otherwise known as classism. Nowhere is classism more noticeable than on a ship.

The cruise business is especially dependent on customer loyalty. According to Cruise Lowdown.com, there are about 50-60 ocean cruise lines, the "big three" being Carnival (Princess), Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian as well as the independents: Disney, MSC, and Viking. In all, there are 323 ships, a huge amount of healthy competition. Based on my informal interviews with a small number of cruise aficionados (persons who have made cruising a necessity) onboard my ship, the Coral Princess, I have found that most of these travelers are loyal to one line because it just pays for them to be. Not cash, perks. At the very top of Princess's caste system is the Elite, a fitting label. These people have been on more than fifteen Princess cruises or have accumulated 150 days onboard. 

By the time I get off of this boat, I'll have 114 days, meaning I would just need to go on about three more basic cruises or another world cruise (too much time on the water when one has responsibilities on dry land) to be awarded Elite status on Princess. Ooo wee! Upon permanently disembarking, I will have Platinum status, but I am now at Gold, being this is my first cruise with Princess. What's left is Ruby, translating into three cruises or thirty days. The Elite members are the elitists on the ship. They walk around with their noses up and a special medallion (necklace with a coin) that designates their status, kind of like Indian Brahmins with the tilaks (dots) engraved on their heads. These people live and breathe cruising, spending a large portion of their lives on cruises. Most of these folks are 65 and older; many are well-off single women who are on the lonely side, looking to be "nurses with purses." (The ratio of single women to men on this luxurious banana boat is about 25 to 1. Men have their pick, often going for the youngest or most physically attractive gals. But I'm not telling you anything new.)

Of course, loyalty has its perks. Just ask anyone in a political office right now. But I digress. The top-tier Elite members on Princess are rewarded free dry cleaning (something that I could care less about as I wash all of my clothes in my stateroom's sink), a stocked minibar (in case you are so sauced you can't make it down to any one of a half-dozen bars on the ship), ten percent off on excursions and shops (basically nothing), and priority disembarkation (the only plus I'd be interested in other than cash back, which is not offered). As for the other groups, there is not much. My travel agent insisted that I purchase a "package," that pretty much includes everything a cruiser might want, eliminating the need for cash or credit cards entirely. I can't complain as I really like the concept of "all inclusive." I just paid too much for it.

All of the other cruise lines have a similar caste system, but Princess makes it most obvious. Like all isms, classism is wrong but is still perpetuated. Have money will travel in any capitalistic society. And if you don't have at least 30K to spend, you won't be permitted to cruise the world. Because I got ripped off re: my stateroom as noted in my previous blog, I will be attempting to negotiate a deal with the management, hoping to convince them to give me 20K in credit for their initial wrongdoing. Wish me luck. Do I want to be a part of this culture/caste system? No. As Sally says to Charlie Brown in "A Charlie Brown Christmas, "I just want what is coming to me." 

#Coral Princess, #cruise culture, #cruise ship lines, #blog, #blogger 

Irenic Cruising Onboard Coral Princess (A Critique)

 

irenic - adjective - aiming or aimed at peace (Oxford Languages)

With so much unrest in the world, where can you find peace? Ironically, it may be found in the most unlikely of places: cruise ships that tour the world. Although perhaps unintentional, the Coral Princess, the ship that I am on at present, is a irenic microcosm. As a solo passenger, I have purposely sought out companions and have found numerous persons (primarily couples) from around the world. So far, I have met folks from Canada, Austria, Germany, Vietnam, Croatia, Russia, the Philippines, Brazil, the U.K. as well as from all over the U.S. All have two things in common: a fondness for luxury liners and an adventurous spirit. In short, we cruisers are a kind of United Nations aimed at exploring the globe and having a good time doing it.

What has fascinated me has been the vast number of return customers who have pledged to remain in the club year after year. (Obviously, they have money to burn.) Just about everyone I have met so far (maybe about twenty people, if not more in three days) has been on a number of cruises, particularly with Princess. Some try to spend at least three months per year on one or more passenger ships. Although I like the idea of being on moving water, I wouldn't want to spend more that a week per year on a ship. And I don't intend to continue my relationship with Princess. 

My first impressions of the line owned by Carnival have not been very favorable. Despite an effortless check-in (but only because I got to the port late) and kind, helpful employees, it took six hours for my bags to find my inside cabin. Over a year ago, when I booked the cruise, I requested a stateroom away from any 24-7 lounge. What can I say? I don't appreciate pulsating bass lines turned up to eleven at eleven, my bedtime. Princess put me right above one of the most active entertainment spaces, and now won't move me to a quieter space. (I am looking into getting some of my expensive fare refunded. I doubt it will happen.) In addition, the company refuses to make dining accommodations for single individuals. How hard would it be to set aside one large, labeled table in one of the many onboard restaurants just for singles?  Instead, we wind up "sharing" tables with married couples, which is not egregious, but we would feel more comfortable with like-minded people. Which brings me to the food. It is not bad, but it is not good either. 

On a positive note, I have been impressed with the WiFi, the technology of Medallion, a magnetic, coin-like device worn like a necklace that allows one to open any door and even charge merchandise to a credit card. Also I am enjoying a lengthy agenda of onboard activities from which to choose on the days out at sea. It reminds me of summer camp, but most of the pastimes are for adults. There is everything from movies to pickle ball, shuffleboard, cards, tai chi, Zumba, fitness classes (for a price), seminars on everything from cooking to maintaining your waistline while cruising, trivia, music (we in the Coral Princess pop-up choir even have a performance schedule), swimming, and ukulele lessons (ukuleles provided, no extra charge). (In terms of the offerings, I provided about a third of them.) And of course, there is top-notch entertainment nightly and bands that play in the various bars from 9 a.m. until midnight daily. Needless to say, there are few five-star hotels out there that offer so much for one all-inclusive price. Which is why there are so many return customers. 

At the end of the day, though, I think that after this journey is all over, I will return to Royal Caribbean for more seafaring adventures. The service, accommodations, and food are much better. All cruisers have a favorite line that they keep coming back to, usually for personal reasons. 

#PrincessCruises, #review, #cruising, #blog, #blogger

An-tic-i-pa-tion

 

anticipation - noun - expectation or prediction; action of anticipating (Oxford Languages)

I can't remember just how many years ago I set out to dream, plan, execute the number one item on my bucket list. Neither can I recall how many years ago that I first conceived of the idea. What bucket list? What idea? What does she mean? Have I managed to hold you in a state of an-tic-i-pa-tion yet? I hope so. 

Hold on because here it comes: Tomorrow I'll be channeling James Cook who explored the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, charting islands in 1768 and for about ten years thereafter. Interestingly enough, his initial itinerary was very similar to ours as we contemporary cruisers on the Coral Princess will be starting the grand tour of the Pacific in Hawaii and ending in New Zealand and Australia before heading up to explore most of Asia, Alaska, and the coast line of the United States. The ship of 2,000 will be floating at a speed of about 25 mph to 28 countries and fifty ports of call. It will take 115 days or just about four months. I have never been away from home for any longer than a month, which is conceptually daunting, but I will be taking it in stride. What other way is there? Gotta stay in the moment and make it worthwhile.

In 2023 (the year I should have gone but couldn't as I was contemplating a major move across the country), the itinerary for this same cruise looked very different. Originally, it was supposed to be more of a world cruise including nearly all of the continents. However, as the war broke out in Gaza, the ship was forbidden to go through the Suez Canal, a complete and utter game changer. Naturally, I was disappointed as I had wanted more of a complete experience. I had wanted to feel the mileage, the size of the earth before I grew too old to venture out there solo. I put away dollars for a long time, creating a version of a Christmas Club just for the trip, something that you are welcome to do as well. Since I was determined to set out on this particular ship, a round trip departing in Los Angeles and returning to Los Angeles, my current hometown, I settled for what became the third itinerary. As I am going as a single person, the cost was double, about 50K, but still pretty reasonable considering the trip is all inclusive. Everything you can think of is included. If I don't buy any souvenirs, I won't have to spend a dime. I will tip the tour guides, though. 

On 1/21 at 12:30 p.m., I will be joining a culture of cruisers, mainly retired couples who spend much time vacationing on ships. Some even live on them full time, something that I don't see myself doing as an individual who doesn't drink alcoholic beverages (up to fifteen are included daily–yikes), play cards (or board games), consume specialty desserts twice a day (as advertised), or much in the way of gourmet food. I probably don't have much in common with my fellow passengers other than wanting to change the scenery. Escapism is big these days. I don't have to tell you why. However, we'll be in safe waters (I hope). And I hope the natives will be friendly. After all, money is a universal language. To earn enough to pay the bills, one has at least to fake congeniality. 

Heads-up: my blog posts from today until May 16th will be reflective of my adventures. I hope you will decide to join me on this once-in-a-lifetime escapade by way of "Word to Words." Between destinations, I'll be working on writing a romance novel set on and off of the ship. Stay tuned. 

#PacificCruise, #CoralPrincess, #travel, #blog, #personal essay, #blogger

Preserving the Visual Pleasure of Palm Springs

preserve - verb - to maintain in its original or existing state (Oxford Language)

Some of you (one or two?) who have been reading this blog religiously may recall that nearly two years ago, I sold my Jersey Cape Cod (built in 1939) to a Gen Z yuppy couple and relocated to SoCal. After a year, the two, who were originally head over heals with the design of the place, fell out of love and tore it down, only to replace it with a monolithic, modern McMansion. After at least two close friends of mine reminded me that in a capitalistic society, buyers have the right to do just about anything to the property after the deed has been signed over, I slinked away in silence with my tail between my legs, reluctant to acknowledge that they were right. 

Well, last weekend, I took the tail out from between my legs and used them (the legs) to do a celebratory dance when I discovered that in some American communities, there are laws that preserve the design aesthetics in residential neighborhoods. Palm Springs, California, the iconic second home of various classic and contemporary celebrities, is one such community.

According to City of Palm Springs.gov., homes in Palm Springs "must adhere to aesthetic and design codes, especially regarding exterior colors on main streets and hillsides to preserve the city's iconic Desert Modern style, with the city's Code Compliance division enforcing rules on building design, zoning, and appearance, to maintain community standards." Some of the former residences of legendary citizens, such as Frank Sinatra, Cary Grant, and Sammy Davis, Jr. are designated as historic sites, adding another "layer of preservation for owners." If dilapidated houses must be torn down, they must be replaced with similar homes with the same look.

Respect for the integrity of what has preceded the present is a rarity. Just as not to castigate my home state of New Jersey entirely, there is a city called Plainfield–the former Hollywood, home to silent movie stars of the distant past– has a historic district of about one square mile that prohibits home owners from tearing down the Victorian architectural treasures that make the city unique.

If you want my two cents (and you may since the penny is now pass'e), these architecturally restrictive codes should be uniform throughout the country. If people want to build their own dream homes, they need to buy open land in order to do so. Why buy a perfectly renovated antique with personality only to destroy it because the new owners like the location, not the house? There is something nonsensical or just plain barbaric about that. 

But then again, sometimes I think the country is going to the dogs, and perhaps it should. Some out there think that dogs are more humane than humans. As proof, I saw this written across a warehouse in letters that were each two feet tall:

BE MORE HUMAN

(and if in doubt)

BE MORE DOG

I rest my case. 

#blog, #personal essay, #architecture, #aesthetic values, #real estate, #Palm Springs

 

Resolving Resolutions

 

resolve - verb - to settle or find a solution to (Oxford Languages)

resolution - noun - a firm decision to do or not to do something (Oxford Languages)

Oddly enough, although I as a blogger have celebrated five, successive new years since conceiving this pastime, it seems as though I have not walked head-on wholeheartedly into the topic of New Year's resolutions until now.

To tell you the truth, New Year's Eve came and went sans my even contemplating any kind of resolution. And I would have gone on my merry way into 2026, completely free from the concept if it had not been for a friend of mine, a rather famous fine artist in her own right, who called me New Year's Day and asked, "Do you have any New Year's resolutions?" Obviously, I had to come up with something, so I went with the first thing that came into my head and replied, "Gratitude. Just to be more thankful than usual." She approved and then revealed that she intended to minimize expectations, which is always smart, but hard to do. I wish her much luck. 

After our conversation had concluded, and I abandoned my phone to its charger in the kitchen, I wondered how many out there have similar thoughts as to how they will behave in 2026. According to Google, the most common resolutions still being made include losing weight, eating healthier, exercising, being more fiscally responsible, taking up a new hobby other than board ("bored") games, card games, and pickle ball, or spending more time with loved ones.  

On the other hand, what if some persons, like me, were hoping to get away with ignoring the formerly indispensable tradition at this time of year. If that is the case, why the apathy? Is it because people are being more Zen and staying in the moment more, or is it because the goings on globally are so unpredictable that New Year's resolutions are impossible to make given the capricious climate? Or is it that contemporary humans are more self-aware and realize that whatever they promise themselves they'll do, they will most likely not do. Perhaps people find "firm" decisions to do or not to do to be on the flabby side? Perhaps the real resolution is to resolve to skip making them altogether? Perhaps that is a safe, honest alternative?

I don't know. I suppose an unspoken resolution, a simple one, kind of like the one I came up within a few seconds, may not be a bad idea. No one needs to announce intentions publicly, just zero in on one self improvement and stick with it. Keep it to yourself, but keep it close in mind. If you are out of original ideas, choose from the aforementioned, but please come up with unique hobbies.

Happy New Year and thanks to all of you who have been a fan of Word to Words or who have dropped in from outer cyber space out of curiosity. (So far, I'm keeping my 2026 resolution. I am thanking everybody!)

#NewYear, #resolutions, #blog, #blogger, #personal essay

Pacifying the Ghosts of Christmases Past

pacify - verb - to calm, quell (Oxford Dictionary)

If you grew up a Christian with a taste for British literature, film, or television, most likely you have heard of Charles Dickens's novella A Christmas Carol, a didactic, timeless Victorian masterpiece that has been made into many films and TV specials over the decades. Way before I ever realized it was in book form, I had watched Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol that premiered on network TV in 1962. It can still be found, but most likely, just on DVD. For me and my daughter who is 35, it is a Christmas Eve staple. Albeit a cartoon, it comes the closest to the original, going as far as using some of the actual dialogue from the novella. It does have music, though, so technically, it is a musical. But I digress. 

Just to refresh your memory in case you don't know or remember the plot, a miser of a wealthy, old man named Ebenezer Scrooge involuntarily entertains three spirits–the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future–on Christmas Eve. They take him into familiar territory to remind him of his transgressions so that through self-exploration, he can right the wrongs. Which he does in a big way. My favorite of the three apparitions is the Ghost of Christmas Past as it reminds Scrooge of love that was somehow lost in his life, contributing to his present misery and misanthropy. The most tragic moment comes when his affable employer Fezziwig's daughter Belle breaks off the engagement she has with Scrooge as she feels second to his adoration of money, a timeless concept except that it could go both ways today as women can be just as materialistic as men. Annually, the romantic me tears up when I witness rueful Scrooge realizing too late that he lost the one woman who actually loved him. 

Although I might have mentioned this in passing, I am a variation of Belle in that romantically, I have come across Scrooges who may or may not have been misers or even Christian, but who are haunted by Ghosts of Christmases past. The Belles of the past have come, but not gone as they are still present in their lives–even if their rights or wrongs occupy only their memories and not their physical realities. They can't let go of the women who took the place of their mothers. As the Belle in the present, I've had to walk away from these Scrooges to preserve my sanity and integrity. But in a sense, these men have stayed with my emotional memory as well, so perhaps I am haunted myself. 

Perhaps we are provided with memories so that we can take the hand of the Ghosts of Christmases Past and review what once was in order to learn not to make the same mistakes in the present. The ghost Grief, that is hard to pacify, involves a persistent memory, an inability to allow love to lapse. It forces us to hold onto the memory of the one who has drifted away. Yet as we are human, we are flawed. Often we don't learn from our mistakes and are doomed to repeat them. Usually love is involved. What is perceived as true love is an abstraction that we want to hold onto in the present. 

At the close of A Christmas Carol, Scrooge is glad that the Spirits did what they had to do in one night so that he doesn't have to miss Christmas, a holiday that he formerly despised. In short, Scrooge learns to take the risk of loving again. By doing so, his reward is joy. He vows to make every day Christmas Day so that he can possess the natural high of ebullience. 

Maybe we hold onto the past because it somehow fulfills us? Something to think about.

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate and a memorable New Year for all who are human.

#blog, #personal essay, #Christmas, #Ghosts, #A Christmas Carol