After our club tour and quick afternoon toddie at the bar we boarded Freddie’s Boston Whaler for a waterside tour of Miami. Amazing to see the amount of construction and growth. Miami is a booming city with incredible energy.

The Happy Travelers enjoying an afternoon at sea

The New Wexford Yacht Club Bar

After our afternoon cruise we returned to the hotel to prepare for a dinner at a famous Cuban restrauant La Trova in the heart of little Havana. My friend Freddie Balsera recommended La Trova which is rated as having one of the Best 50 bars in the world. What a great spot - an authentic Cuban band and wonderful food - we ordered everything on the menu to taste - it was that good.

Following a great lunch we walked back to the hotel to rest and prepare for the Welcome Gala this evening.

We departed Miami for Mexico City at 11:00 for a 4 hour flight. \240After we were at the cruising alittude we were served lunch. First course was Caviar followed by a choice of a Tenderloin or three fish entree. Desert was a special key lime pie.

Arriving in Mexico City we navigated the immigration and customs folks then boarded Sprint vans for our ride to the Four Seasons. \240I have to say that the traffic in Mexico City is horrendous.

We finally made it and were welcomed by a wonderful reception featuring margaritas, Mexican snacks and a live band. \240The courtyard of the hotel is beautiful. \240

In our room was another treat of Tequila and tequila glasses.

Shortly after arriving we headed back out into the Mexico City traffic for a private tour of the National Museum of Anthropology. It is the national museum of Mexico. It is the largest and most visited museum in Mexico. Located in the area between Paseo de la Reformaand Mahatma Gandhi Street within Chapultepec Park in Mexico City, the museum contains significant archaeological and anthropological artifacts from Mexico's pre-Columbian heritage, such as the Stone of the Sun (or the Aztec calendar stone) and the Aztec Xochipilli statue.

After our guided tour we returned to the hotel exhausted and headed for the bed. \240Of course, we found another set of presents in our room

The Walsh’s inside our ballon before it is inflated

First lift off

Teotihuacan is a vast Mexican archaeological complex northeast of Mexico City. Running down the middle of the site, which was once a flourishing pre-Columbian city, is the Avenue of the Dead. It links the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, the Pyramid of the Moon and the Pyramid of the Sun, the latter two with panoramic views from their summits. Artifacts in the Museum of Teotihuacan Culture, on-site, include pottery and bones

The Temple of the Sun

Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon

Ruins of the lost City of Teotihuacan

Captain Paco and Susan from TCS

Avenue of the Dead

Successful landing on the back of a trailer - Way to go Captain Paco

Following our incredible landing we were hosted to a wonderful Mexican breakfast in the village of Santa Maria Cozotian

Following breakfast we were transported to the actual city to explore on the ground.

Teotihuacan and its valley bear unique testimony to the pre-urban structures of ancient Mexico. Human occupation of the valley of Teotihuacan began before the Christian era, but it was only between the 1st and the 7th centuries A.D. that the settlement developed into one of the largest ancient cities in the Americas, with at least 25,000 inhabitants.

The city’s urban plan integrated natural elements of the Teotihuacan Valley, such as the San Juan River, whose course was altered to cross the Avenue of the Dead. This north-south oriented main reference axis of the city is lined with monumental buildings and complexes, from which the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, as well as the Great Compound with the Temple of Quetzalcoatl (also known as Temple of the Plumed Serpent) stand out. One characteristic of the city’s civil and religious architecture is the "talud-tablero", which became a distinctive feature of this culture. Furthermore, a considerable number of buildings were decorated with wall paintings where elements of worldview and the environment of that time were materialized. The city is considered a model of urbanization and large-scale planning, which greatly influenced the conceptions of contemporary and subsequent cultures.

At the peak of its development the city stretched out over 36 km2. Outside the ceremonial centre, which, despite its imposing size, represents only 10% of the total surface, excavations have revealed palaces and residential quarters that are of great interest at, for example, La Ventilla, Tetitla, Zacuala, and Yayahuala to the west, and Xala and Tepantitla to the east. The city was razed by fire and subsequently abandoned during the 7th century.

Following our exploration we headed back to Mexico City for an afternoon of relaxation. For dinner that evening we experimented by trying a obscure \240Mexico City restrauant - our first course was puréed grasshopper which you ate with your fingers or licked off the plate - our next course was back at the Four Season for a more traditional Italian dinner.

Traditions connected with the holiday include honoring the deceased using calaveras and marigold flowers known as cempazúchitl, building home altars called ofrendas with the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these items as gifts for the deceased.

The celebration is not solely focused on the dead, as it is also common to give gifts to friends such as candy sugar skulls, to share traditional pan de muerto with family and friends, and to write light-hearted and often irreverent verses in the form of mock epitaphs dedicated to living friends and acquaintances, a literary form known as calaveras literarias.

In the 2015 James Bond film Spectre, the opening sequence features a Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City. At the time, no such parade took place in Mexico City; one year later, due to the interest in the film and the government desire to promote the Mexican culture, the federal and local authorities decided to organize an actual Día de Muertos parade through Paseo de la Reforma and Centro Historico on October 29, 2016, which was attended by 250,000 people.

Her paintings often had strong autobiographical elements and mixed realism with fantasy. In addition to belonging to the post-revolutionary Mexicayotl movement, which sought to define a Mexican identity, Kahlo has been described as a surrealist or magical realist.

She is known for painting about her experience of chronic pain.

Born to a German father and a mestiza mother, Kahlo spent most of her childhood and adult life at La Casa Azul, her family home in Coyoacán – Although she was disabled by polio as a child, Kahlo had been a promising student headed for medical school until being injured in a bus accident at the age of 18, which caused her lifelong pain and medical problems. During her recovery, she returned to her childhood interest in art with the idea of becoming an artist.

The Urn contains Frida’s ashes

Kahlo's interests in politics and art led her to join the Mexican Communist Party in 1927, through which she met fellow Mexican artist Diego Rivera. The couple married in 1929 and spent the late 1920s and early 1930s travelling in Mexico and the United States together. During this time, she developed her artistic style, drawing her main inspiration from Mexican folk culture, and painted mostly small self-portraits that mixed elements from pre-Columbian and Catholic beliefs.

She had her first solo exhibition in Mexico in 1953, shortly before her death in 1954 at the age of 47.

A severe bus accident at the age of 18 left Kahlo in lifelong pain. Confined to bed for three months following the accident, Kahlo began to paint. She started to consider a career as a medical illustrator, as well, which would combine her interests in science and art. Her mother provided her with a specially-made easel, which enabled her to paint in bed, and her father lent her some of his oil paints. She had a mirror placed above the easel, so that she could see herself.

At the conclusion of the tour of Frida’s home the Four Seasons set a small refreshment center on the sidewalk before we began a walking tour of the village of Coyoacán.

Coyoacán is a borough in Mexico City. The former village is now the borough's "historic center". The name comes from Nahuatl and most likely means "place of coyotes", when the Aztecs named a pre-Hispanic village on the southern shore of Lake Texcoco dominated by the Tepanec people. Against Aztec domination, these people welcomed Hernán Cortés and the Spanish, who used the area as headquarters during the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire and made it the first capital of New Spain between 1521 and 1523.

The village and later municipality of Coyoacán remained completely independent of Mexico City through the colonial period into the 19th century. In 1857, the area was incorporated into the then Federal District when this district was expanded. In 1928, the borough was created when the Federal District was divided into sixteen boroughs. The urban sprawl of Mexico City reached the borough in the mid-20th century, turning farms, former lakes, and forests into developed areas, but many of the former villages have kept their original layouts, plazas, and narrow streets and have conserved structures built from the 16th to the early 20th centuries. This has made the borough of Coyoacán, especially its historic center, a popular place to visit on weekends.

To distinguish it from the rest of Coyoacán borough, the former independent community is referred to as Villa Coyoacán or the historic center of the borough. Consisting now of 29 blocks, it is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Mexico City, located 10 km south of the Zocalo (main square) of Mexico City. This area is filled with narrow cobblestone streets and small plazas, which were laid out during the colonial period, and today give the area a distinct and bohemian identity. The area is filled with mostly single family homes, which were former mansions and country homes built between the colonial period to the mid 20th century. The Project for Public Spaces ranked the neighborhood as one of the best urban spaces to live in North America in 2005 and is the only Mexican neighborhood on the list

One of the most important historic buildings in the borough is the Parish of San Juan Bautista. Built between 1520 and 1552, it is one of three oldest parish churches in Mexico City, along with the ones in Tlalpan and the small community of Amaqueman. Originally, this church and the cloister next to it were constructed as a monastery by the Dominicans, but the complex was transferred to the Franciscans.

Returning to the Hotel we were treated to a fantastic brunch. Instead of visiting the various stations the waiters brought platters of food to the table - the amount of food was insane! The desert’s were even more insane. All of the offerings were wonderful.

After lunch the Mellons availed themselves of the historic Mexican tradition - The Siesta!

Meanwhile the Reeds and Walshs made their own cowboy hats al the while enjoying a margarita bar- very cool.

That evening we enjoyed a reception and dinner hosted by the Four Seasons team. \240The venue was an historic home that was not fully renovated - a pretty special venue and a wonderful last evening in Mexico City.

First stop was San Salvador to refuel and then onto Easter Island. \240We arrived late afternoon and proceeded to our hotel the Explora Rapa Nui

After checking in we were treated to a wonderful buffet dinner and Chilean wine. \240Tomorrow we begin will exploring Easter Island.

Our guide was Raka, a native islander whose father was once the Governor.

This a picture of the quarry where the Moai’s were carved from the volcanic rock. A number of Moai’s remain unfinished or buried over time. Here are more photos of the quarry.

We visited another famous site along the northern coast with 15 restored Moai’s. \240We learned that the Moai’s all face towards the land and are thought to be burial sites for the 6 Klans that inhabit the island

Following our morning tour Four Seasons treated us to bar-b-que on the only sand beach on the island complete with local entertainment

Tuesday evening we were treated to wonderful dinner which was preceded by an extraordinarily show of native dancers and songs

After breakfast we continued to explore the island with a visit to the Harbor to feed the turtles, the island’s historical museum, a walk through the only village and finally a visit to highest point on the island the Katiki Volcano.

After our morning tour we departed for the airport only to learn we were on a 1-4 ground hold because of bad weather in Tahiti. The Four Seasons Team immediately went to work and arranged a wonderful lunch for us at the Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa.

Following lunch we returned to the airport and departed for Tahiti 4 hours late. \240We had a uneventful flight landing in Tahiti at 5:30 local time (10:30 PM Easter Island Time). We then needed to clear immigration and customs and wait until 7:45 Pm to depart on a charter flight for Bora Bora. \240Four Seasons arranged for local entertainment while we waited in Tahiti.

We finally arrived in Bora Bora at 9:00 pm local - departed the plane and transferred to a Four Seasons yacht for a 30 minute cruise to the resort - by the time we arrived at our rooms it was well past 10 pm local or 3:00 am Easter Island time - it was a long day. Fell right to sleep!

Bora Bora \240is an island group in the Leeward Islands. The Leeward Islands comprise the western part of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, which is an overseas collectivity of the French Republic in the Pacific Ocean.

Bora Bora has a total land area of 30.55 km2 (12 sq mi). The main island, located about 230 kilometres (125 nautical miles) northwest of Papeete, is surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef. In the center of the island are the remnants of an extinct volcano, rising to two peaks, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu; the highest point is at 727 m (2,385 ft).

Bora Bora is part of the Commune of Bora-Bora, which also includes the atoll of Tūpai. The languages spoken in Bora Bora are Tahitian and French. However, due to the high tourism population, many natives of Bora Bora have learned to speak English.

Bora Bora is a major international tourist destination, famous for its seaside (and even offshore) luxury resorts. The major settlement, Vaitape, is on the western side of the main island, opposite the main channel leading into the lagoon. Produce of the island is mostly limited to what can be obtained from the sea and from the plentiful coconut trees, which were historically of economic importance for the production of copra.

The Four Seasons Resort is located at Motu Tofair and is a fantastic setting

Our suite was spectacular complete with plunge pool. \240My first act was to rise from bed and jump into the plunge pool - sorry no pictures of me doing that!

However, here are some pictures of our room.

After a wonderful buffet breakfast we embarked on our first adventure which was snorkeling at three different locations. The first being the coral reef, then onto the shark breeding area and finally to the sting ray colony.

After the four hour snorkeling trip and a waterside lunch we retired to our bungalow for a lazy afternoon listening to the rain.

That evening a beach Bar-B-Que was scheduled had to be relocate indoors because of the rain - it was still a great meal containing many Bora Bora specialities. \240The dinner was followed by an impressive display or fireworks.

An early night with the soothing sound of tropical rain.

After lunch is was off to the Spa for HH’s first ever professional massage. I was a tad nervous but perserved into the unknown. I was assigned a locker and told to disrobe and put on a robe. Well, of course, I cannot open the assigned locker. After multiple attempts I had to return to the receptionist and ask for some help \240- really - not to embarrassing! I followed her back into the locker room and stood sheepishly by as she attempted to show me how to open the locker - But Wait! She could not open it either. Turns out the assigned locker was already occupied - I was vindicated! Thank God, I now was able to enjoy by first massage without the guilt of being a stupid clod that couldn’t open a simple locker. \240By the way the massage was great and I look forward to my second one sometime soon.

That evening we were to enjoy a sunset cruise but with the rain we were forced to move the recption inside to the “Presidential Suite”- the Four Seasons team again went beyond the call of duty and put together a beautiful event.

After the reception the Mellons and Reeds dined at the Viamiti which specializes in Asian Fusion cuisine.

After dinner we caught a golf cart back to our room to listen to the rain.

We finally boarded our private jet and received the welcome news that because of lighter headwinds we do not have to stop in Fiji to refuel - so it’s off to Carnes!

Another great lunch on board.

We arrived late afternoon Australia time and began the landing process. \240Australia has the most rigorous set of immigration rules that we have encountered. \240First of all was the electronic visa process we had to complete before leaving the US. \240Upon arrival the Border Patrol would not allow us to leave and of our belongings on the jet. They finally agreed to allow to store them in the hold at we had to pack up all the stuff we normally leave on the plane before we deplaned. \240After the normal immigration process we were told that we needed to retrieve our checked luggage and take it with us through Customs. When we arrived at baggage claim we found the baggage carousel had broken halfway through the unloading process. \240One diligent airport worker even climbed up the baggage belt and began pushing our luggage down the belt with his feet.

Eventually they fixed the carousel and we collected our luggage and proceed throug Customs. \240Onto the van for a hour plus trip to the Silky Oaks Lodge outside of Port Douglas AU.

After a spicy family style Asian dinner we retired for the evening and listening to the wonderful sounds of the rainforest and river flowing by.

The iconic Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most impressive natural landmarks, not to mention one of the seven wonders of the natural world!

The reef is made up of over 3000 individual reef systems, coral cays, gorgeous tropical islands and picturesque golden beaches.

Below are some interesting facts and statistics about the magical Great Barrier Reef.

1. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living thing on Earth and is visible from outer space!

2. This incredible eco-system is 2,300km long.

3. There are thousands of reefs and hundreds of islands.

4. There are 600 types of hard and soft coral.

5. This impressive reef is home to countless species including 6 species of turtles, 215 species of birds, 17 species of sea snakes and more than 1,500 species of fish!

6. 10% of the worlds total fish species can be found just within the Great Barrier Reef.

7. The Great Barrier Reef attracts over 2,000,000 visitors each year!

8. How old is the Great Barrier Reef? It is thought to be as much as 20,000,000 years old!

9. The Great Barrier Reef is greater is size than Tasmania and Victoria combined!

10. The Great Barrier Reef is the size of 70 million football fields…. WOW!

We departed the Silky Oaks and headed to Port Douglas and our 1 1/2 hour sil to the Reef. \240Ot a good day to be cruising out to the GBR. Seas were 4-6 or higher and 25 mph winds. Needless to say the ride out was a tad “sporty”. \240Thank god for Dr. Emily and her magic sea sickness potions. However, once we arrived it was great - no - it was beyond great! \240We snorkeled/dived at the first site with incredible colors and marine life to include turtles and reef sharks. \240After the first dive we had lunch on board and moved to a second location more spectacular then the first.

After the second dive we headed back to Port Douglas - again a very “sporty” ride back in. But everyone survived and had a great time.

While most of we at sea Mary and Bev stayed at the lodged and visited the spa. \240Mary took a class in point painting from a native aborigines artist. Other fellow travelers kayaked in the rainforest river.

Returning late afternoon to the Silky Oaks Lodge for a quiet dinner.

Port Douglas from the air.

Crocodile Island

That afternoon were explored the Daintree Rainforest with a native aborigine guide. \240The tour was a real eye opener. \240His grandmother was born in the 1920’s when the tribes continued to exist as they had for centuries. The government decided to introduce them to civilization in the 1940’s and his grandmother was collected up with all the other young girls and brought to a government school where they had to wear clothes for the first time. Our guide described how his grandparents met and were paired together in order to preserve the tribal bloodlines and the same with parents as well. \240He explained how he grew up in bush with his grandfather and father teaching him the secrets of the forest. He explained a myriad of plants and their medicinal purposes. \240If you have a tooth pain he pointed our the specific plant to chew on the relieves that pain. He did the same for snake bites, & infected sores. \240He showed small river rocks when scratched against another type of rock created the vibrant paint they use to mark their bodies. \240He showed us the tree root used carve out a boomerang. All in all a fascinating tour of the Rainforest as well as a wonderful learning experience.

That evening Four Seasons hosted a reception and invited a very special guest - Mr. Kola Bear

Following the reception a number of folks returned to Port Douglas for dinner at the Zinc

After our tour of the Wildlife Habitat we’re journey on to Cairns for an 11 AM departure.

After an 8 1/2 hour flight we landed at. 4:30 at the Don Mueang International airport. \240After clearing Customs and Immigation we were treated to a wonderful surprise. \240Since it was rush hour and the airport is 60 minutes from our hotel, \240Four Seasons arranged for a police escort for our vans from the airport to the hotel - very cool we were able to drive on the shoulders and avoid all the evening traffic.

When we arrived at the Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River the hotel staff went above an beyond with a traditional Thai ceremony performed throughout a gorgeous outdoor lobby.

After getting settled we enjoyed dinner in the hotel’s Yu Ting Yuan Cantonese restrauant - the food and service were over the top - with the one exception - me biting into the hottest red pepper I have ever tasted - it took my breath away and the staff had to bring me a large glass of cold milk to help relieve the pain - other than that great dinner.

The famous red pepper! The Chef said that on a scale of 1-10 it was a 12.

After a 20 minute river cruise we exited the boat and walked to the Grand Palace. There is a very strict dress code for entering the Grand Place. No shorts, exposed shoulders, sexy clothing etc. \240Bev wore a pair of tights and a skirt. \240Her outfit was deemed to sexy and the guide had to buy her a full length Thai skirt to enter the palace. Go Bev!

Our pictures do not do the grandeur of this Palace justice. The inlayed stones and ceramic tiles gilded with gold are really beyond description.

The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, his court, and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), resided at the Chitralada Royal Villa and his successor King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) at the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall, both in the Dusit Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year. The palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand.

Leaving the Grand Palace we boarded Tuk Tuk’s for a sightseeing tour of the central city and arrival at the famous Buddha temple of Wat Po.

Seeing Harry and Mark getting in and out of the Tuk Tuk was worth the price of admission.

Wat Pho, is a Buddhist temple complex in the Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok, Thailand. It is on Rattanakosin Island, directly south of the Grand Palace. Known also as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, its official name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahan.

The temple is first on the list of six temples in Thailand classed as the highest grade of the first-class royal temples. It is associated with King Rama I who rebuilt the temple complex on an earlier temple site. It became his main temple and is where some of his ashes are enshrined. The temple was later expanded and extensively renovated by Rama III. The temple complex houses the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand, including a 46 m long reclining Buddha. The temple is considered the earliest centre for public education in Thailand, and the marble illustrations and inscriptions placed in the temple for public instructions has been recognised by UNESCO in its Memory of the World Programme. It houses a school of Thai medicine, and is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage which is still taught and practiced at the temple.

While visiting the Temple the Four Seasons arranged for us to have a private audience with the senior monks and to receive their blessing - quite an honor.

Folowing our visit to the Wat Po temple we again climbed aboard (that’s a generous description) and returned to dock for our trip back to the hotel. We even passed a Thai Coast Guard Station - Go Lauren!

Returning to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon preparing for our sunset cruise followed by dinner at one of Bangkok’s Michelin rated restrauants, Baan Suriyasai.

Baan Suriyasai was an amazing experience. Unsure on how or what to order the 6 of us decided on individual starters and then shared plates for the table - way, way too much food. But what a treat - the food and service was amazing and the best part was that Four Seasons was paying!

And then, of course, Beverly’s desert

A short van ride back to the hotel and we were ready for Bed.

Also today a number of our traveling companions opted for the boat cruise through the canals of Bangkok visiting the floating shops and markets as well as the oldest Buddha Temple of Wat Kampaeng Bang Chak.

Our Chef

Nice assortment of native frogs

Red Snapper

River shrimp

Not a Clue!

The markets “Food Court”

Not everyone was as excited about being in the market as we were

Following our shopping we travelled by Van to the Blue Elephant restaurant for our Thai cooking classes.

Chef Nooror Somany Steppe is the inspiration and central person behind the success of Blue Elephant. Cooking is her passion and creativity her driving force. For more than 4 decades, Chef Nooror has been striving as an ambassador advocating Thai cuisine and culture worldwide. Her motto ? "You cannot make good Thai food without good Thai ingredients !"

Chef Nooror Somany Steppe

Upon arriving at the Blue Elephant we were escorted to an upstairs classroom where we met the famous Chef Nooror Somany Steppe. She personally gave us our first class in the preparation of her Red Chili Paste followed by Puneang Curry with Chicken. \240She demonstrated and taught us in the preparation \240of both these dishes. \240Following her class we put on our aprons and proceed to the kitchen classroom where we each prepared both these dishes.

We then returned to the classroom for a lesson in preparing the Toong Tong Keaton Waan (Crispy Green curry golden bag). We then returned to the Kitchen to create our own oglden bags.

Our third trip to the classroom was to learn how to make Tom Kong Plaa Kra Phong or Spicy Sea Bass Soup. After making our own version of the soup we retired to a downstairs dining room to dine our recently created dishes. \240What a wonderful experience. Our special thanks to Chef Nooror Somany Steppe and her staff.

Later that afternoon a number of us participated in a tour of Bangkok’s very unique Art District.

This evening the Four Seasons hosted an outdoor reception, dinner and show for us on the patio of the river.

Thank You Four SEasons Bangkok for a wonderful stay at your very special hotel.

Take off snacks

HH on the ground in Muscat Oman during a refueling stop.

Our Hotel

Finally after the 2.5 mike hike through the narrow canyons that defined the entrance to Petra we arrived at the ionic landmark - The Treasury which is carved directly into the stone wall.

Today this structure is known as the “Treasury” - legend has it that natives believed that money or treasure was stored inside. It was in fact the tomb of on one of the Nabataean Kings

The area in front of the Treasury is filled with Bedouins selling trinkets and offering camel and donkey rides.

Beyond the Treasury the ruins of the City extend for another several miles along the ridges and further up into the valley. The most recent portions of the City from the 1st century were built by the Romans. Petra is on of the few cities that was not destroyed by the Romans. In fact, because of its value as a \240trade route the Romans expanded the City.

The relocated Bedouin village is seen in the upper part of this photo

Following an exhausting day exploring Petra we loaded into our vans and travelled back to our hotel. \240Thank goodness the Four Seasons vans picked us up at the far reaches of the City and we did not need to hike the several miles back up the valley. Most folks were paying for a donkey ride back up the valley.

That evening the Four Seasons team from Amman set up an elaborate Bedouin style dinner complete with tents for us at the hotel. The entertainment was a unit of the Royal \240Army performing to bagpipes - go figure!

Following dinner were back in our rooms to pack for our trip to Cairo in the morning.

After an hour or so van ride from the airport we arrive at Gina which is the site of the major pyramids. \240What a disappointment. \240The Pyramids themselves are spectacular but the area around them is filled with very aggressive vendors selling everything from replicas to camel rides. \240The aggressiveness of the vendors really destroyed the visit.

After the visit to the pyramids we move down the hill to the Sphinx of Gina.

The Great Sphinx of Giza is a limestone statue of a reclining sphinx, a mythical creature with the head of a human, and the body of a lion.[1] Facing directly from west to east, it stands on the Giza Plateau on the west bank of the Nile in Giza, Egypt. The face of the Sphinx appears to represent the pharaoh Khafre.

The Sphinx is the oldest known monumental sculpture in Egypt and one of the most recognisable statues in the world. The archaeological evidence suggests that it was created by ancient Egyptians of the Old Kingdom during the reign of Khafre (c. 2558–2532 BC).

Arriving at the Sphinx we were surprised to learn that the Four Seasons had hired Ionic Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawass

Hawass has appeared on television specials on channels such as the National Geographic Channel, the History Channel and the Discovery Channel. Hawass has also appeared in several episodes of the U.S. television show Digging for the Truth, discussing mummies, the pyramids, Tutankhamun, Cleopatra, and Ramesses II. He also appeared on Unsolved Mysteries during a segment on the curse of Tutankhamun's tomb. In 2010, Hawass appeared on a reality-based television show on The History Channel called Chasing Mummies.

He is credited with some of Egypt’s the most important discoveries. \240Last week he announced that he believes he has finally found the tomb of Queen Nefertiti.

Dr. Hawass gave us a spell binding talk on his discoveries and his work on the Sphinx of Giza. \240In addition he took us on a walk around the Sphinx and explained his efforts to locate any hidden chambers. \240After making multiple exploratory vents he is convinced that the Sphinx is solid.

Following our incredible visit to the Sphinx we traveled to the far side of Giza where the Cario Four seasons team prepared us a fantastic lunch complete with a view of the Pyramids.

Following lunch we departed Gisa e route to the Cario airport and a short flight Athens and the Athns Four Season Hotel and Resort.

Of course, upon arriving the Four Seasons had set up refreshment table with olives, olive oil and bread. Nice touch.

The Temple of Apollo, god of music, harmony, light, healing, and oracles occupied the most important and prominent position in the Delphic Panhellenic Sanctuary. The edifice with the partially restored colonnade visible today dates to the 20th century BC and, according to ancient accounts, five different temples were built throughout history. The famous oracle, the Pythia, operated inside the temple, the location chosen, according to one tradition, due to a sacred chasm beneath the site emitting vapours, which were inhaled by the Pythia.

Located on Mount Parnassos in Central Greece, the Temple of Apollo at Delphi is part of the Panhellenic Sanctuary at Delphi and occupies a remote, but central location relative to Greek settlements. The temple's heightened position upon the mountain signifies both the prominence of Apollo and the sanctuary itself.

According to measurements believed to be created by Zeus, Delphi was the center of the universe for Greeks, and the “omphalos” or “navel,” of the earth was located in Apollo's sacred temple. Far from the influence of particular cities, but still central, the location of the sanctuary reinforces its Panhellenic nature and contributes to the idea that Apollo could be trusted as a neutral authority. Given its central location and difficult accessibility, the Temple of Apollo at Delphi was no ordinary site, but a place close to the gods.

According to mythological legend, Apollo famously killed Python, the dragon that previously guarded the oracle, as the sun rose from the ravines of Delphi. After the god took possession of the oracle, Apollo, along with his mother, Leto, and his sister, Artemis, would be worshipped at Delphi.

Most notable amongst the findings was a bronze statue known as the Charioteer of Delphi, a sculpture from a larger bronze structure and the remaining component of the arrangement. The Charioteer, according to the Delphi Archaeological Museum, was a gift from Polyzalos of Gela, dedicated to the site after a victorious trip to the Pythian Games.

Other artifacts found in or near the Temple are

Dinner that night was at BeefBar restrauant which is located on the hotel property - great steaks!

Our Guide, George

The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historical significance, the most famous being the Parthenon. The word acropolis is from the Greek words ἄκρον (akron, "highest point, extremity") and πόλις (polis, "city").

The term acropolis is generic and there are many other acropoleis in Greece. During ancient times the Acropolis of Athens was known also more properly as Cecropia, after the legendary serpent-man, Cecrops, the supposed first Athenian king.

While there is evidence that the hill was inhabited as far back as the fourth millennium BC, it was Pericles (c. 495–429 BC) in the fifth century BC who coordinated the construction of the buildings whose present remains are the site's most important ones, including the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike. The Parthenon and the other buildings were seriously damaged during the 1687 siege by the Venetians during the Morean War when gunpowder being stored in the Parthenon was hit by a Venetian bombardment and exploded.

Lunch at Zonars Restrauant

In the afternoon a number of adventurers did a Greek gastronomy tour on foot

That evening the Athens Four Season hosted a reception and dinner. What made the evening very special was that the flight crew was invited for the reception- it was really fun to meet the crew in a more social setting.

Our last lunch.

Our Executive Chef - Angie Song

Our flight Manager - Susan Cegavske

Late afternoon we arrived in Madrid and deplaned for the last time. After an easy van trip to the Four Seasons Madrid we were welcomed with an incredible display of enthusiasm. \240At least 40 staff members were lined up on the sidewalk in front of the hotel clapping and cheering as we arrived. \240Folks walking by on the sidewalk had no idea what was going on but a number of them were taking our picture.

When we fianally arrived in the lobby we were treated to champagne and a magnificent show featuring Spanish dancers

WOW - what a welcome.

The Four Seasons Madrid is a spectacular hotel in the heart of Madrid.

That evening we dined at the hotel’s rooftop restrauant “Dani’s” which is well known in Madrid for the fantastic views and great drinks.

Dani’s outside Bar

Rose Gyotoku in the background

“The Three Sisters” - Lianne Berstein, Carol Leonard and Joy Lorick

Harry with Lance Gyotoku form Newcastle WA

Onion Soup

Guacamole made tableside

Beef Stroganoff prepared tableside

Lobster ravioli

A long day - sleep came easy!

The Garden of Earthly Delights is the contemporary name for one of the best-known works by the Dutch painter Heronimus Bosch (Bosch ) . It is a triptych painted in oil on a panel of 220 × 389 cm , made up of a central panel of 220 cm × 195 cm and two lateral panels of 220 cm × 97 cm each (painted on both sides) that can be closed on said center table.

Considered one of the most fascinating, mysterious and attractive works in the history of art , the painting is part of the permanent exhibition collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid

Las meninas (as this work has been known since the 19th  century ) or The Family of Philip IV (as described in the 1734 inventory) is considered the masterpiece of Spanish Golden Age painter Diego Velázquez . Finished in 1656, according to Antonio Palomino , a date unanimously accepted by critics, it corresponds to the last stylistic period of the artist, the one of full maturity.

The central theme is the portrait of the Infanta Margarita of Austria , placed in the foreground, surrounded by her servants, "las meninas ", although the painting also represents other characters. On the left side there is part of a large canvas, and behind it Velázquez himself portrays himself working on it. The artist solved all the problems of composition of the space with great skill, thanks to his mastery of color and his great ease in characterizing the characters. The vanishing point of the composition is near the character who appears in the background opening a door, where the placement of a light bulb demonstrates, once again, the mastery of the painter, who manages to make the viewer's eyes travel all over its representation. A mirror placed in the background reflects the images of King Felipe IV and his wife Mariana of Austria , a means that the painter used to ingeniously publicize what he was painting, according to Palomino, although some historians have interpreted that it would be the reflection of the kings themselves entering the painting session or, according to others, posing to be portrayed by Velázquez

following our visit to the Prado we journey to Madrid’s Museo National Centro de Arte Reina Sofia. \240The main attraction of the Reina Sofia is Picasso’s masterpiece “Guernica”

Guernica is a large 1937 oil painting by Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. It is one of his best-known works, regarded by many art critics as the most moving and powerful anti-war painting in history. It is exhibited in the Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid.

The grey, black, and white painting, on a canvas 3.49 meters (11 ft 5 in) tall and 7.76 meters (25 ft 6 in) across, portrays the suffering wrought by violence and chaos. Prominent in the composition are a gored horse, a bull, screaming women, a dead baby, a dismembered soldier, and flames.

Picasso painted Guernica at his home in Paris in response to the 26 April 1937 bombing of Guernica, a Basque Country town in northern Spain which was bombed by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy at the request of the Spanish Nationalists.

Upon completion, Guernica was exhibited at the Spanish display at the 1937 Paris International Exposition, and then at other venues around the world. The touring exhibition was used to raise funds for Spanish war relief. The painting soon became famous and widely acclaimed, and it helped bring worldwide attention to the 1936-1939 Spanish Civil War.

Following our museum visits a number our our team embarked on an Epicurean Tour of Madrid. \240The tour ventured into a mosaic of neighborhoods experiencing life from a local’s perspective and tasting the essence of Madrid.

Friday night was our farewell dinner which was a chance to celebrate our new found friendships, remember our incredible experiences and to say good by to the entire Four Seasons Team which made this extraordinary trip possible.

We cannot thank Javier Loureiro and his team enough. His leadership and attention to detail made it all possible - Welcome back Javier!

Jean-Baptiste Melet (JB) was our on-board concierge and was incredible in successfully ensuring that our needs and wants were always accomplished - Good Luck JB at the up coming World Cup.

Susan Cegavske was our on board journey manager and was responsible for the zillion details that make this sort of trip successfull - she was amazing at making sure we were where we needed to be when we needed to be there. Organizing our experiences and transportation on a daily basis was a huge task and she excelled at it. I cannot fully explain the challanges Susan faced daily with folks changing their minds and wanting a different trip of cancelling at the last moment Susan handled it all with a smile. \240Thank You Susan!

Kaitlyn Schwandt was Susan’s assistant Journey Manager and was responsible for ensuring that all of luggage (105 pieces) were loaded, unloaded and transported to our rooms without a glitch. \240Kaitlyn was also responsible for filling out all of our immigration forms and dealing with the local customs and immigration officials in all 10 countries - not a job I would want to have. \240Well Done Kaitlyn!

Serving the butter

Dinner tonight in the hotel in order to get an early start to the airport and our flights home - what a fantastic month - Visited 10 Countires, Travelled 20,700 nautical miles , flew over 20 countries, crossed the equator twice, crossed the international date line, on board we consumed 45 bottles of champagne, on board we consumed over 57 bottles of wine, and a total of 50 Hours and 43 minutes in the air.

THAT’S ALL FOLKS!!