They’re Baaaack: Travelers reach for bargains in Boston

The Boston Globe Newspaper’s Travel Show heats up a Chilly Weekend

Give away twenty-four vacations and promise untold discounts to vacation hungry and they will come, and they did come.  The winter season provides the inspiration to the masses and the purveyors of varieties of travel near and far produce.  The anchor vendors to the 2014 Boston Globe Travel Show on February 7th, 8th, and 9th on the harbor front bring the warmth of the Caribbean, Europe offbeat retreats, Asia and the Pacific, while New England regions champion the cultures of food, the sea and mountains and day trips away to inns.

The hunger for taste and drink sets the stage.

Nova Scotia, Canada may be imposing in the dead of  winter but the heart and humor of the province comes through in the culinary specialties of the near neighbor. The taste of the sea and the wealth of the vines combine to give the attendees flavors that excite. Chef Jason Lynch of Le Caveau Restaurant and sommelier Amy Savoury of Tidal Bay Wines take you on a culinary journey featuring Nova Scotia scallops and wine.  Nova Scotia is now recognized as a culinary tourism destination and the trade has stepped up to provide. Local cheddar cheese, seafood and white wine round out the preparations with samples for the many throngs eager to partake.

Pan seared Atlantic sea scallops served over a wild beet puree, beure blanc sauce and a hint of creme. The  wine was white and crisp.

Your coupon may just be the ticket.

Area 2 bustles with dozens of Travel Booths dedicated to the warmth of the Caribbean Sea.  Salsa  music lilts  in the aisles and the Dominican Republic triple booth has swarms with activity.  Winning drawing gifts of bottles of Brugal Rum and on-site hand-rolled cigars, as well as island vacations under palm trees is good reason for the buzz.  Attendees sign up at the many terminals and the business is brisk.

The Boston Globe Travel Show offered a  successful season to present the best of values and creative ideas for winter weary vacationers.

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Planet Solar makes waves, no carbon, on the Sea

I love the sea and my surprise to have a special visitor from it across from my home is a treat.

Planet Solar cuts though the ocean on the energy of the sun.

The world trek of the vessel is rich in science and public appeal.  Staffed and crewed by scientists and open ocean seamen, this sleek boat rising on its two pontoons and full of technical equipment, is on a mission.  The destination is to research the sea  and reach far from distant ports to bring the message of solar power.  The track of Planet Solar began at Univerite de Geneve to raise public awareness of the interaction of ocean and climate, the Gulf Stream and atmosphere.  The MS Turanor ” Planet Solar” is the largest solar catamaran built. The crew of several left the Mediterranean Sea via  Spain and headed for the Caribbean.  The port of call in May was Sint Maarten/ St.Martin.  Miami. Florida and then New York followed and now the boat is in Boston, MA, USA.

The Fan Pier area of Boston Harbor is a perfect mooring for Planet Solar.  The education of the expedition to the public has occurred on the several days in port.  The Next port of call should be Halifax, NS, CAN.  The mission has a delay of departure from the unwelcome Bermuda High weather pattern now gripping the east coast of New England.  The trough of storms and ensuing lightning and the rough seas have them safely in place tied to the pier.  My discussion with Team Scientist, Anh Dao, and her recollection of the journey and the intense work left for the vessel is impressive.

The great opportunity to fulfill the mission and complete Planetsolar Campaign 2013 for the Environmental Sciences at the University of Geneva  can bring pride to the crew.  Much thanks to the many sponsors and port hosts.  www.planetsolar.org

Crew Scientist Le T Anh Dao, M.Sc. Eng.

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Where Is My Back Yard?

Island Travelers Unite and Show that Imbedded Skill

Look here for that Location/Architectual Marvel/Panoramic View

THAT YOU KNOW SO WELL

IDENIFY IT

Where is my Back Yard?

 June_3_2013____________ Solution?______ each next Friday!

Historic Marvel?  This sculpture may be an exageration of sorts . Where is my Back Yard?  Hint : two years back, it sported a hockey jersey for a week.  Enter in Comments.

 

You guessed It?   Paul Revere Statue by C. Dallin, North End Mall, Boston, MA, USA

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Sailing On: Seraffyn, a bristol channel cutter by Lyle Hess design

Seraffyn is back in the water for another season.

This sailboat brings out the best in minimalists and the sea.  Yet, under the decks are the comforts needed to circumnavigate the earth without engine.  I am looking forward to the next sail on Seraffyn.  It just might be with her fine captain and the guest and Vicar’s wife, whom, as that excitedly highest charity bidder on this winter silent auction secured a sail.  The Southern Massachusetts port of her mooring awaits the sail up from her boatyard where the bright work and winter fixings took place.  The outing will be a great time on the harbor and then offshore for a bit.

Cast off your worldly woes

Larry Pardey on the vessel, Scituate, Ma.

The salon of the vessel is tight. Everything has found its place.  Cubbyholes abound, as the Pardeys’ planned it.  After decades of researching, trials and testing and open-ocean voyages, original owners, Lin & Larry Pardey, set the bar.  Their DVDs and books rank highest on the mariner’s list of required reading.  At a bit shy of 30 feet in length, the captain of Seraffyn commands a special place on history, she having circumnavigated the world’s seas multiple times against prevailing winds at times.  The  last year road trip by the Pardeys to the United States and their travels on to the East Coast allowed for a visit and time to reflect on those accomplishments. Larry’s time at the tiller and the laughter and stories from Lin captured an era not long forgotten. Bless the wings of Seraffyn!

Lin Pardey at the Scituate, MA Harbor event

Captain Dow on the Right

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Weekly Photo Challenge: In the Background

 

Sunkist2 Island Traveler

This page gives you a little insight of my Travels through my lens.

Weekly Photo Challenge: In the Background

The plate glass windows are the lenses’ friend, sometimes.

A Boston Trunk Show
with Stephanie (above) and the models

 

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Weekly photo Challenge: Culture

Sunkist2 Island Traveler

This page gives you a little insight of my Travels through my lens.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Culture

Boston Area outpouring of support; our cultural heritage.

The Boston Copley Plaza ground zero Adhoc Shrine brings out the best and this little puppy.

.

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Color

Sunkist2 Island Traveler

This page gives you a little insight of my Travels through my lens.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Color

Boston Area Shriners Childrens’ Burns Hospital Clowns

They are the best color that brings a smile to the childrens’ faces when they visit the Hospitals.

 

They’re my favorite.

 

Shriner Clowns visit the Mass. Grand Lodge Open House for a little Color.

 

 

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Weekly Phoneography Challenge: Future Tense

Sunkist2 Island Traveler

This page gives you a little insight of my Travels through my lens.

Phoneography Challenge: Future-Tense

Boston Holocaust Memorial, glass towers of memory, Black Granite Walls/ Steam Vapor Rising

Each small pebble placed on the wall represents a future prayer for a lost soul.

iPhone 5  taken for todays Phoneography Challenge

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Love

Sunkist2 Island Traveler

This page gives you a little insight of my Travels through my lens.

Love

The Spring/Summer season may be a memory to many, yet, for some, it was a loving experience, and  can’t come soon enough.

Cannon A-1, Ectachrome 200, 80mm.

 ~Ron

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Illumination

 

Sunkist2 Island Traveler

This page gives you a little insight of my Travels through my lens.

Illumination

Boston Skyline and Customs House Tower as front moves in 11:00PM

Direct hit!

Waiting for the next hit…Mother Nature speaks.

Cannon 750 on tripod, Before the rain, I could smell the O2 Ozone, taken off my Harbor Deck… Love it. ~Ron

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