The Discerning Traveler
Am I having a stroke?
Am I having a stroke? “My right hand is numb,” my wife, Flory, mumbled while we were watching a show in the lounge of the ms Prinsendam. As her face became paler, she started to slide down in her seat. I tried to talk to her, but she had no idea what I was saying.
Abdominal thrusts, aka the Heimlich maneuver
Timeline: September 1976. A restaurant in Los Angeles. Out of the blue, I choked on a piece of meat. I could not breathe. I stood up, my hands clenching my throat. Fortunately, a few seconds later, I could eject the piece of meat from my throat.
How to stay one step ahead of the Zika virus
When the ms Prinsendam entered the harbor of Sint Maarten in January 2015, I knew that the Zika virus was rampant on the island and that, unless I took precautions, there was a good chance that I would be bitten by one of the many Zika virus-carrying mosquitoes that were flying around the island da
What If I Get Sick Abroad? — an update
In my December 2016 column, I answered questions that readers had after reading the account of my April 2016 emergency room visit in Naples, Italy (Sept. ’16, pg. 51).
Italy emergency hospital visit — an update
Many readers might recall my article about staying in an emergency hospital in Naples, Italy, after a medical condition I had got worse while I was on a Holland America Line cruise in April 2016 (Sept. ’16, pg. 51).
Emergency hospital visit in Naples, Italy
I was shaking uncontrollably and curled up in the fetal position in the corner of my sofa when my friends found me in my stateroom. “What happened to you?” “I don’t know,” I replied.
Breakfast musings — Breakfasts around the world (2 of 2)
(Second of two parts) Last month, I compared European breakfasts to American breakfasts. In this issue, I present an outline of different breakfast offerings in selected countries. Breakfasts around the world
Breakfast musings — comparing European breakfasts (mostly in France) to American breakfasts (1 of 2)
Satillieu, Ardèche, France (May 2002) — I felt heavenly as I ate the buttery croissant slathered with butter and strawberry jam.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy
(Third of three parts) World Heritage Sites are places of special significance as determined by the United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization, or UNESCO (whc.unesco.org/en/list).
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy
(Second of three parts) World Heritage Sites are places of special significance as determined by the United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization, or UNESCO (whc.unesco.org/en/list).
Gallivanting in Europe
(Second of two parts) Last month I related the first part of my experiences during a 6-month European tour in 2014. Today I am continuing my story. Ireland Road Scholar tour
Gallivanting in Europe
(First of two parts) To celebrate my upcoming 90th birthday on Dec. 26, 2014, I traveled to Europe for six months. My journey started in Florida on March 14, 2014, and I returned to Seattle on Sept. 9. Even my rollator, a 4-wheeled walker, did not impede my travels!
Import duties (Third of three parts)
Last month, I presented the second installment of my report on import duties.
Import duties
(Second of three parts) Last month, I presented the first installment of my report on import duties charged on purchased items that travelers bring into the US. This month, I continue by covering the subject of import duties on items that do not accompany you to the US.
Import duties
(First of three parts) Intrigued by the round marble table with its intricate designs, my wife, Flory, and I sat on the marble stools surrounding it and twirled the attached lazy Susan. We decided to buy the table and stools and have them shipped from China to Seattle. It was November, in the year 2000.
What if I get sick abroad?
What would you do if you got sick abroad or if your previously stable medical condition worsened abroad?
Etiquette in selected European countries
(Second of two parts, go to part one) Last month, I described etiquette in various European countries. This month, I cover etiquette in a few more countries. Italy
Outside of Europe and US — Suggested tipping amounts worldwide
(Second of two parts) The custom of tipping for various services varies from one country to the next. In this column last month, I listed the gratuities that are expected in the European countries. This month I provide guidelines on leaving gratuities in other parts of the world.