Wish You Were Here
Antarctica: In December, San Francisco resident Tony Lee took an 11-day cruise to Antarctica to see the glaciers, icebergs and magnificent wildlife. “Following a two-day crossing of the Drake Passage,” he says, “we spent five days making shore landings aboard inflatable Zodiac rafts that took us onto the Antarctica mainland and to various nearby islands.The ever-changing scenery of snow, icebergs and glaciers was absolutely stunning. Equally memorable were the close-up encounters with penguins, seals, seabirds and humpback whales. On land, there were no cities or towns to visit, no museums to tour — the trip was purely a fantastic outdoor adventure. For me, Antarctica was an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience, unlike any of the 100countries that I have visited.”
Travel tips: “Although there were sunny days, we also encountered heavy fog, biting winds, cold rain and snow flurries.The cruise ship provided waterproof boots and a heavy parka for each passenger to go ashore, but several layers of warm clothing, a good hat and waterproof gloves were necessary to stay comfortable and dry. I wore a ski cap that rolled down to cover my face; it proved to be an invaluable item.”
Belize: During a recent Panama Canal Cruise with their wives, Union City resident Gurbachan Singh Dhillon, center, visited Altun Ha with friends Ram Saroay, left, and Teja Singh. “Altun Ha was a major ceremonial and vital trade center during the classic period of the Mayan era,” Dhillon says. “The most significant find at Altun Ha is the ‘Jade Head,’ worth $5-$9million, which represents the Mayan sun god, Kinich Ahau.”
Travel tips: “Altun Ha is a one-hour drive from the Belize port. It is much cheaper to rent a private van, compared to buying excursions from the ship. The area around Altun Ha is rich in wildlife, like agouti, coati and white-tailed deer. There is lots of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. Take water and snacks with you.”
South Dakota: San Jose resident Joseph Kafka and his daughter Lauren, right, visited Mt. Rushmore recently. “The site is beautiful, educational and inspiring,” Joseph says.
Travel tip: “Don’t miss downtown Rapid City. On the street corners are life-size bronze statues of all the U.S. Presidents.”