Building a home for Mr Fan, Pinghu, China

This time our mission was to build a home for Mr Fan (pronounced faan).   He is an older disabled gentleman who was unable to marry because he was poor. Mr Fan was a jolly old man who was loved by the community.  He was being looked after by the neighbors but had no accomodations of his own.

The town is Pinghu is outside Shanghai (About 90 minutes by car). We would travel by bus every morning until drop off point and then walk through the fields to get to the build site. The homes were made of brick and mortar very similar to my build in India. The challenge was using string as a leveling method to make sure the wall line was straight.
I noticed initially that the Chinese folks are very reserved and shy so wasn't sure how to approach them.  After a few hours passed, and after we started laying brick, making cement mixture and laying down row after row, Mr Fan and the rest of the community started coming out and making eye contact. As soon as I took a picture and showed it to some of the older ladies, they started giggling and smiling (almost blushing).   

This was so cute and so strange to me but then I realized that they were just shy. On day two they were out and waiting to meet us and on day three, I started missing them and feeling bad to leave.

I still wonder how I made such a bond with strangers when I didnt even speak their language, and I think it was in their emotions and gratitude and the look in their eyes. 

They were incredibly grateful and this made us all feel a unique sense of attachment that is hard to explain. 

My only desire was to stay longer and work on more houses for them. God bless the community of Pinghu and I hope we filled their lives with as much joy as they did ours. 

Building a home for Wanida in Chiang Mai, Thailand

I was so fortunate to be selected to go to Thailand this year for the Habitat Build. It was 66 people traveling to Chiang Mai which is a city North of Thailand. We flew from Atlanta to Narita and then from Narita to Bangkok and then from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Looooong journey but worth every second.

We were tasked with building a total of 6 homes and this was part of an 82 home build with Delta Air Lines and the Jimmy Carter Foundation. Jimmy & Rosalind Carter were both present and I saw Jimmy working in the hot sun, mixing cement. Truly amazing couple and people.

On the first day we had a fun excursion planned to the Elephant Reserve -- very nice and I just loved the elephants! Monday was our first day of hard work and the sun was hot at 90 plus degrees. I was the leader of team "Bandanas" and we were assigned to house number 34!

The home was around 300 square feet, one external sink and one external kitchen. Foundation was laid and our job was to build with concrete blocks. uptil row 26. Then we had to get the roof up and the tiles and finally finish up with doors and windows. In all honesty, the first day was pretty chaotic -- too many chiefs and order givers and not enough teamwork. My house had 8 people from Delta, 4 from native thailand, 1 Habitat contractor, 1 block leader & 5 others from different parts of US and the world. Thats too many people! So at around 11 am, I called a team meeting under the tree and established some rules -- Rule 1: Only the construction lead gives instructions Rule 2: We will each be assigned areas like walls, doors, windows, grouting, mixing cement and we will each stick to our areas. Rule 3: we will keep ourselves hydrated and make sure we help each other out and take care of each other.

Things started getting smooth as we went along. Soon we were gelling and by day 2 we were rocking and rolling. By day 3 our house was ahead of most others. I have to mention that I had a fainting/passing out episode on Day 1 in the afternoon -- I drank a ton of water but I ended up going to the medical tent and then back to the hotel where I slept until the next morning. The doctors called it soem kind of Heat Stroke-Exhaustion. I heard that it was almost 100 degress that first day and I knew I had to be careful. So I decided to rest and after my rest, I was back on day 2 and then good to go. My co-team Cheryl was great and she helped me out a great deal. The rest of my team were rock stars too -- Ed and Alex, the married couple who worked at Delta for 31 years. David Hamm who had great engineering skills and was nick named the "scaffolding cat". CK, my pilot friend who was with me on the Chile build as well. Jane who was Miss congeniality and added humor to every day. Debbie, our lawyer and grouter, Belinda our Red Coat and Francis from Philli. Kirk from China and John from Tampa were also very good. I was very lucky to be working with such awesome people and I will always remember the moments I shared and everything I learned.

The lady in the picture with me is the home owner Wanida. With the help of a translator and learing some Thai myself like Sawa dee ka (hello), Kap kun kha (thank you so much)...I began to start conversations with her. She is 50 and this is the first time in her life that she will have a roof over her head. She is a tailor and also does some landscaping. She wanted her plants planted in certain spots and she was right on in terms of light and shade plants so I knew that gardening was a passion for her. Wanida has been HIV positive for 15 years but has been recieving the medications and is living a happy life. She has one daughter who made me a lovely bookmark that had a beautiful elephant drawing. Wanida was such a nice person -- so greateful and so loving and sweet. She worked hand in hand with us every day. On the last day we gave her the key to her home and she cried and hugged me -- I will never forget the emotion I felt when I hugged her. I cried a lot and again felt grateful and blessed for what I have today.

I wished her many happy years in her new home and told her I would loved come back to visit and have dinner some day. She said she would make me her special chicken curry.

Guide to perfect 2 day weekend in Argentina

So I was in Buenos Aires Argentina a couple weekends ago and decided that I had to blog the itinerary for the perfect 2 day weekend in Argentina. You will not be dissappointed!! I have to thank Cindy Espinoza for it and Jonathan for indulging my escapades including the obsessive trying on of boots which there are plenty of in Buenos Aires. So go to Argentina for the weekend. Its doable! Follow this itinerary and you will come back happy!

Arrive Saturday morning:

If you work have starwood points, stay at the Sheraton Libratador. Fly in Friday night and you will arrive into Buenos Aires in style and rested by 8:30 am. Ask the hotel to hold your bags and walk down to Florida Street. Shops and restaurants will just be opening. Its your time to explore the area and and grab a coffee or a snack. Walk all the way to Casa Rosada (The Pink House). See the famous balcony that Evita stood on as she sang "Dont cry for me Argentina (ok, that was only in the musical -- but you get the point).

Lunch on Sat: Go to La Boca. Cab rides are cheap. You can spend hours here. Its the street with colorful houses. I have never seen a street more colorful. You will see multiple cafes, bars and Argentine Tango dancers on the street. Get some poses with the dancers!! Walk around and check out the local artists and their works. Try the Empanadas -- yummmmm and Quilmes (local beer). Check out the leather goods. When you have had enough, take a cab to the Recoleta area where the Cemeteries are. These are a must see.

The Recoleta Cemetery includes graves of some of the most influential and important Argentinians, including several presidents, scientists, and wealthy characters. Internationally, Eva Perón is the best-known person buried in this cemetery.
The entrance to the cemetery is through neo-classical gates with tall Greek columns. The cemetery contains many elaborate marble mausoleums, decorated with statues, in a wide variety of architectural styles. The entire cemetery is laid out in sections like city blocks, with wide tree-lined main walkways branching into sidewalks filled with mausoleums.
After exploring this area, its probably time for an evening of rest or refreshment before heading to the best steak restaurant in BA.

Dinner on Saturday:

Since you are in Argentina, you have to try a fine restaurant for Stealk and Malbec. Take a cab to La Cabrera located in the Palermo area. This came highly recommended by Cindy and by NY Times. Best cut of meat and Malbec I've had yet.

http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guides/central-and-south-america/argentina/buenos-aires/60725/la-cabrera/restaurant-detail.html

http://thepauperedchef.com/2009/01/la-cabrera.html

Note that there are 2 La Cabrera's across the street from each other. Either is fine. One of them had classy tables set out on the sidewalk and I believe requires a reservation. 8 or 8:30 is the right time for dinner. After 9 it will be very crowded however I hear that they serve champage to all guests that are waiting for tables :-).

Sunday Morning:

After breakfast, head to the San Telmo flea market. Its is very crowded and bustling with activity. Plenty of things ot look at and plenty places to eat and drink. We selected, La Terraza del Balcon which has a Tango performance with brunch plus the option to sit ion the roof deck and sip some chilled beverages. Very nice! When you are done here, head back to Florida street to finish up some last minute shopping.

Sunday Tea or Cafe + Snack before heading to the Airport:

You have to visit Cafe Tortoni to try some churros and cafe. Perhaps a sandwich if you are hungry. The Café Tortoni is a coffeehouse located at #825 of Avenida de Mayo (which is right in fron tof Casa Rosada). Inaugurated on 1858 it is the oldest coffeeshop in the country where the elite of the Parissiense culture gathered in the 19th century. Inspired by Fin de siècle coffee houses it makes the perfect last stop before heading back.

Japanese Vending Machine Products - Fascinating

Green Tea Latte

Great tea, Many flavors

Beer

Tokyo

So I landed in NRT (Narita Airport) which is about 1 hour from Tokyo on April 28th. This was a work trip but knowing me, I have to experience the sights, tastes and sounds of the city to rally call it a true travel experience.

Here are the highlights of my trip:

1) Bento box (also called Obento) shown in the picture is a classic Japanese lunch box with everything Japanese

2) Tokyo Tower which is walking distance fromt he Northwest Office located in Kamiyacho.

3) The Trains and Subways -- Really sophisticated. Not many people have cars

4) Tsukiji Fish Market: Have to go at 4 or 5 am when the auction for "tuna" begins. Japan has the worlds largest demand for seafood. Large 100 to 200 lb Tuna are brought in, every morning, graded and auctioned off to hoteliers and restauranteers.

5) Shibuya Crossing: It's like Times Square. Need I say more?

6) Pachinko: Vending Machines with Pinballs. they are everywhere.

7) Akasaka area near New Otani Hotel in tokyo (Walking distance); Lots of restaurants open late. Great for walking around and taking in the Japanese way of life.

Also shown above are pics of a Traditional Japanese Garden -- This one was inside the New Otani.

I picked up some Japanese!!

Arigato Gozaimasu (Thank you Very Much)

Aridato (Thx)

Sumimasen (Excuse me)

Campai (Cheers)

Itagakimas (Let's eat, Lets be thankful for the food we have in fron of us): Said before a meal.

New Years

I celebrated NYE in a cabin in Chattanooga. I actually had decided that morning to be home this year because it has been so tough and I wanted to be alone, quiet and reflect. At noon, I had already spoken to Nameeta and Dad and they had already had their New Years in India. Then I decided to take Rita up on her offer (Thanks Rita!). She invited me to join her, Mark, Mel, Morgan, Dave and Angela at the cabin. She asked me to pack a bag and be ready by 3 pm. She also said that they would drive me there and back the next day. Thank God for friends. What would have I done this past year without my friends. I did end up thinking about mum the whole day and night and it was nice also to be close to my friends who are always looking out for me.

The log cabin was wonderful with several bedrooms, pool table and hot tub. We cooked and made cocktails and played Jenga, Uno Attack, cards all day. We also took the riverboat cruise for dinner and champagne at midnight. I looked up at the stars from the boat with my champagne glass and gave mum a flying kiss and raised my glass to her love and life. I missed her very much. Soon after, we went back to the cabin (not sure how but I ended up being designated driver so I was not buzzed but it was fun watching everyone else). We got in the hot tub in 20 degrees weather and by then I was very very very tired. Tired of 2008 and ready for 2009.

Thanksgiving 2008

Thanksgiving was really nice at Mel and Morgans. We each brought a dish and her friend who is a chef cooked the Turkey so it all worked out. Michelle brought her yummy procuitto wrapped dates and green bean casserole, Tori and Marcus brought Mac and Cheese, I brought sweet potatoes and a brocolli salad, Mel took care of the drinks. We also had mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing and desserts. Mel as usual was a great hostess!

Brunch in Atlanta

Smita's Top 10 Brunch places (Under Construction)
I LOVE Breakfast. Easily my favorite meal. Dad got me into it. Growing up, I ate an eggs a lot. Dad and I love them as runny as possible! (cholesterol is still ok and I just think that eggs got a bad name in the 90's). I also love a Sunday Brunch. So I decided to dedicate a posting to Brunch.

I also submit restaurant reviews to http://www.yelp.com. Great site for foodies.

1) Carol Street Cafe
Descriptors: eclectic, unique, cozy, stylish
Love this place. Went there once with Mel and another time with Jen, Mar mar and Ed.
Recommendations: Start with the Mimosa's and make sure they are made with fresh OJ. I am a big fan of runny eggs so I would go with Eggs Meurette or Eggs Benedict
Details: Neighborhood: Cabbagetown 208 Carroll St SEAtlanta, GA 30312(404) 577-2700

2) Radial cafe
Descriptors: green, local, brick, art, diner
Some unique dishes include buckwheat pancakes, bagel and lox, gouda scramble
Details: Edgewood/Candlerpark neighborhood; 1530 Dekalb ave NE; Atlanta GA 30307

3) Flying Biscuit
Descriptors: good for out of towners, popular, fun
Try the biscuits, shrimp and grits.
Details; Multiple locations; I usually go to the one in Inman park

4) Original Pancake House
Descriptors: Rockin pancakes, crepes, original
Signature Item: Dutch Baby (http://www.originalpancakehouse.com/)
Details: Tara Shopping Ctr.2321 Cheshire Bridge Rd. (Lavista Rd. NE) Atlanta, GA 30324

5) Canton House (Dim sum)
If you are looking for "real dim sum" this is the place. It may not be as good as SanFrancisco and New York, but is the closest thing I have come across to a chinatown in Atlanta. They have everything. If you havent had dim sum before, be prepared to be introduced to dishes that you will never typically see in a regular chinese restaurant (Think Singapore and China).
I liked they typical, steamed pork buns, dumplings, shrimp shu mai. If you are a fan of the red bean paste, they have that too.
Descriptors: Ballrooms, old fashioned, dim sum on carts, families
Details: 4835 buford highway; Chamblee, GA 30341

6) Belly General Store
Descriptors: Cool, hip, modern take on traditional general store
Details: 772 North Highland Ave
Best cupcakes, olive oil bagels made fresh, nutella and banana panini.
Good for a simple breakfast.

Casablanca, Chile -- Habitat for Humanity House Build

We arrived in Santiago on Friday November 8. 60 people, 12 houses, 3 days. I was assigned to house number 4 and house number 9. We took a bus to Casablance, Chile which was the town where we built the homes. I was very fortunate to be selected to go on this build through Delta's partneship with Habitat for Humanity. It is my second one -- the first was india last year. I would say that these experiences have been one of my best ever -- I will carry the memories with me and smile everytime I think of them.

I actually built a home for someone. It is an unbelievable feeling. Especially knowing that it was was someone who would be given hope for a new life. My home owner had 2 kids and she was a single mother. She was 19. The house was only 2 rooms but to her it was everything.

On Death

Khalil Gibran

You would know the secret of death.
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?
The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light.
If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life.
For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.

In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond;
And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring.
Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.
Your fear of death is but the trembling of the shepherd when he stands before the king whose hand is to be laid upon him in honour.
Is the shepherd not joyful beneath his trembling, that he shall wear the mark of the king?
Yet is he not more mindful of his trembling?

For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?

Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

Stairway of Tears

Author Unknown

If tears could build a stairway

And memories were a lane

We would walk right up to Heaven

And bring you back again

No farewell words were spoken

No time to say goodbye

You were gone before we knew it

And only God knows why

Our hearts still ache in sadness

And secret tears still flow

What it meant to lose you

No on will ever know

But know we know you want us

To mourn for you no more

To remember all the happy times

Life still has much in store

Since you’ll never be forgotten

We pledge to you today

A hallowed place within our hearts

Is where you’ll always stay

Text Messages from Mum

How to begin? Today is the day that mum passed away. I find that very difficult to write and yet I feel compelled to write something. When I went running yesterday morning, I knew something was wrong. I stopped at a shady stop because I was choking and i couldnt breathe and I knew it wasnt because of the heat.

The call came at 3:45 am and it was my sister who said "mum is no more". I felt like I didnt hear it and perhaps I was dreaming so I asked her again "what" "what was that?" and she said over and over while crying "mum is gone, she is no more". It is ironic that mum said those exact words to Dad when I last spoke to him 2 days ago -- she wrote on his arm while he was sitting on the bed "I am no more".

I had asked God a few days ago to either giver her back to me just as she was a year ago or else take her. The cancer was eating her away and it was time for some fairness. Such a good person cannot deserve this, I thought last week. She had become so frail that she could not lift herself to sit up.

The tumor lodged at the back of her tongue despite all the medicines, radiation and chemotherapy was taking over her body. And inspite of her mental strength, the vitality of other organs, will to live and determination, it was time. I think mum knew she was going and I believe she is in a better place. I think angels came to get her several times but she was not ready until today. When my sister called me last night and talked about mum trying to take off her hospital gown and asking for a "Saree", it was because she was getting ready to go. I know this now because today she is in a pink and gold saree looking very peaceful. She was just trying to tell us it was time.

She is truly and always will be an inspiration.
She dedicated her life to us.
She was a person of great character, unbelievable strength, tireless love and affection.
Her personalty was contagious. Every one loved her.
People flocked to her at gatherings and even for the last 7 months that she was in the hospital, she brought the family closer and closer.
She taught me to be patient and to forgive.
She taught me the importance of being neat and clean and to always look presentable. "wear some jewellery and lipstick" she would say. "you should always look nice".
She taught me to enjoy life and food.
She taught me to be strong and endure.
She taught me the importance of good friends.
She taught me to have faith.
She tought me to be positive, always.

I will miss her text messages. Here are some that I have saved:

"Smallie (my sister is small and i am big so she called us smallie and biggie) said you were worried and confused. Pray for strength. You will be shown the right way"

"Stress is a destroyer. I have told Smallie also -- quality of life, work, and emotions will suffer with stress luv so keep it down" (Sept, 2006)

"Pray for Health first, then Peace, then Happiness luv".

"Dont ever be the underdog, ok? baby; dictate your terms" Dec, 2006

"Get the movers to help you move baby. You must be dog tired. Get rest. Never mind if its late. Take it slowly but get the the move finished. Nite nite and god bless"

"Morning baby, Are you having tea? I am having evening tea" (11/17/2006)

"Baby, we must find peace within us by facing reality, living in the present and seeing positive. Harness positive thoughts; don't let them run away" (1/11/2007)

"Don't underestimate yourself"

"Hi Darling, how are you. Have a good day at work luv." 2/8/2007

"Worry is an insult to the Gods wisdom. Problems arise to humble not tumble you. Purpose of life is to do good and be happy" 3/5/2007

"An hour of exposure to sunlight will do you good" 4/3/2007

"You are my efficient biggie; remember, something great is in store for you" 4/6/2007

"How is your cold and cough. Take care luv" 5/16/2007

"Darling, have a good day. I'm also shopping for milk and veg. June is almost here and God will lead us to a new phase of life for the better (day my divorce was final) " 5/21/2007

"Best of luck and talk with confidence, luv" 8/7/2007
"How was the meeting. Did you steal the show? I'm sure you looked like my big fairy (she called us her fairy princesses)" 8/8/2007

"Bon voyage, have a wonderful trip luv"

God bless her and may she be in peace.

Mom

January 23, 2008 was the toughest day of our lives. It was the day we found out that mom was diagnosed with a Stage 3 Cancer. We had been through 2 years, sugeries and radiation but in December when she went to the wedding, it was all going to be ok. We didnt know at that time that the real fight was just about to begin. The real fight started on January 24th. And mum has inspired us all. She has been battling this disease in a manner that I never could. She has been through surgeries, radiation and 12 round sof chemo. I will never forget the night that she was put in an ambulance and rushed ot the intensive care because of the continuous bleeding. I was in Frankfurt on my way and was praying every second. She made it through. That is the first time I have been in an ambulance with someone so close to me lying in front of me, hooked up to tubes. I was listening to the sirens and it all started sinking in. I have cried at odd times. Not in the face of the disease or in front of mom but more when I watch a movie, walk out of the grocery store or listen to a song that for some reason strikes a chord so deep that it becomes impossible to hold myself together.
I am not sure why I am writing this. I was inspired to write after I read something that my sister wrote on a blog about oral cancer. After I read that, I decided to write too.
Mom has tremendous faith. That is what gives her strength. She is more concerned about us and herself. She makes us smile any chance she gets.
Mom came home in June. We were so happy -- she was watering her plants, ordering the cooks around and walking to the garden to pick flowers for her prayers in the morning. She was back!! When I flew back here in April, I was hopeful. Hope -- its a dangerous word. It can make things ok in seconds. It is so powerful.
When I saw mom over the July 4th weekend, I cant help say that I was very sad. I saw that she had declined severely since 8 weeks ago. She was still her usual self. She couldnt speak so she wrote some things in her book. "How is work?" she said. So I talked ot her for a while and told her how things are going really well. A lot better than last year. I have a new boss and a new job that I really like. I am so lucky to have a great team of people who are brilliant and hard working and they make me look good. Then she asked me what I was going to eat for lunch. In her book she wrote "Tell the cook to make Dosa, Coconut chutney for you". So I did. At dinner time, she wanted the book again. She wrote "Tell the cook to make you chinese food -- she can make fried rice and why dont you have some shrimp and fish?" she wrote. It broke my heart to see her in such spirits. She said " Dont worry, God is with me. God will take care of me"

Today is July 12, 2008 and we are praying again. Mom is back in the hospital. She was admitted the day after I came back here. Since the cancer is in her throat, she has difficulty eating, speaking and breathing. The 3 things I cannont imagine myself without. The cancer is showing signs of coming back. This is the worst disease anyone can get. Why does my precious mother have to suffer?

Mum is fighting Oral Cancer. We are praying. Oral cancer is the largest group of those cancers which fall into the head and neck cancer category. Common names for it include such things as mouth cancer, tongue cancer, and throat cancer. Approximately 35,000 people in the US will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer in 2008.

http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/

Nameeta's blog

http://www.nameetanair.blogspot.com/

Binod Bhabi

This is Binod Bhabi. She was found on a Railway Station platform. She knows her name but has no knowledge of where she came from. She was lost in a crowd situation at a Railway Station. For some months she just got on and off trains, begging. One of the social workers found her when she was begging and took her to a Shelter and then to MEG Community Centre. Binod came when she was 7, now she is 10 and very happy in M.E.G. Home.

I am her sponsor. It is only $420 to sponsor her for a full year. You can share with that child your affection and a chance to feel special by keeping in touch with him or her. Then you'll receive their photographs, their drawings and thougts in return.

It is more personal than donating money and not knowing what happens with your money which is often the case.

She is from the Visakhapattnam MEG Home. MEG has 2 villages -- one in Puri and the other in Vizag or Visakhapattnam.

If you are interesated in sponsoring a child, just click here

http://www.megfoundation.org/

Cairo, Egypt

Things to do in CAIRO:

1) El Fishawy, one of the most popular traditional cafés in Egypt, has been run by the El-Fishawy family 24 hours a day since 1773. If Egypt is the heart of the Arab world, Islamic Cairo is the heart of Egypt, and El Fishawy one of its key arteries. El Fishawy itself is at the heart of the Khan al-Khalili - a souk originally built in the late 14th century and today a gargantuan labyrinth of markets and shops, one of the great bazaars of the whole Middle East.

2) The Pyramids of Giza are what you go to Egypt for. Make sure you ride the camels through the Sahara dessert around the pyramids. If possible, visit the queen mothers tomb. Its 200 degrees inside and climbing into and out of the tomb is quite a feat, so make sure you have walking shoes (although I did it with flip flops).

One of the best kept secrets is the Pizza Hut behind the pyramids. You can eat a deep dish pan pizza with pepperoni on the rooftop while watching the sound and light show (starts around 8:30 so get there by 7:30 if you can). Pyramids are breathtaking at sunset.

3) Tutankhamun (King Tut) Exhibit, Tomb, Artifacts and Mummies at the Egyptian Museum

This is amazing if you are a history buff (or not) and want to spend a day learning about the King, Egyptian civilization and mummies. Over 3,000 treasures were placed in the tomb to help Tutankhamun in his afterlife, and the walls of the burial chamber were painted with scenes of his voyage to the afterworld. Tutankhamun's mummy is made of solid gold and weighs approximately 240 lbs. His body was wrapped in linen and over his face was placed an exquisite gold mask.

Go early. The museum gets crowded by 1 pm. Pay the 100 LE extra to see the mummies exhibit.

4) The Nile: A dinner cruise on the Nile is highly recommended.

Beware of the airport. It is a mess. Get there 2 or 3 hours before your flight and carry a printed itinerary.

Alaska

Seward, Alaska. Simply beautiful. We did this over Memorial day weekend. Left at 2 pm from Atlanta for Anchorage. Got in around 6 pm and ate dinner at Humpys (www.humpy's .com). Excellent Alaskan King Crab and lot's of Salmon choices. Highly recommend it. Next morning we drove to Seward (3 hour drive absolutely breathtaking). There are several cruises that leave from Seward every day. We took the Marine Line Tour's. Saw Porpoises, Humpback whale, Puffins, mountain Goats, Sea Lions and a Sea Otter. We also passed Bear Glacier. Great Salmon lunch was served onboard. I recommend staying overnight in Seward. This is a nice town with several bars and restaurants and quaint shops and churches. Seward has several breakfast joints and Reindeer sausage is a must -- very tasty. The next morning we stopped at Portage Glacier on the way back. Also hiked the "Trail of Blue Ice" -- Around 3 miles, very scenic. Exit Glacier, closer to Seward was closed off due to snow but I hear that is a must see also. We arrived back into Anchorage on Sunday and took the 6:40 pm redeye back to Atlanta.