Wish You Were Here
FRENCH POLYNESIA: In June, San Jose residents George and Kristen Clause visited the island of Bora Bora in the South Pacific. “Below the equator, the island was in its winter season with air and water temperature hovering at 78 degrees,” Kristen says. “Ranging from a light turquoise blue to a sea-green teal, the crystal water is home to colorful tropical fish, stingrays and lemon sharks.” Mount Otemanu — “an ancient volcano that demands attention from every visitor” — made the perfect backdrop for a birthday celebration.
TRAVEL TIPS: “Take a boat ride around the island and stop to swim with the stingrays. Pack ever so lightly. Take as many photos as possible, because it is hard to believe how beautiful it is! And learn to say hello in almost a singing a voice to join in with the friendly and happy people of this island: La ora na.”
ITALY: Fremont residents Michael Cox and Linda Kawula visited Venice recently on a trip that included, of course, a gondola ride. “This is one of those tourist things you just have to do,” Michael says. “We did a flotilla of four boats with a singer and musicians.” TRAVEL TIP: A sightseeing tour along the Grand Canal and a venture out to the Murano Glass factory are well worth the time.
GREECE: San Jose resident Bill Mathiasen visited the island of Rhodes this spring, which offers a modern lifestyle, port and a fantastic medieval town not to be missed. All throughout the island are ruins of the ancient Greeks, Romans and Byzantine cultures, which are easily visited along with the Knights of Rhodes fortifications.
TRAVEL TIPS: Bring sandals as some of the beaches have pebbles. Check out parking rules where you see colored lines. Double parking is quite normal for locals. You can go by boat to many other islands, however plan and reserve the trip.
ALASKA: San Ramon residents Jo Jamieson and Cliff Ferreira went hiking on Kennicott’s Root Glacier. “This is one of hundreds of glaciers in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, our nation’s largest national park,” Jo says. This town is also the location of the Kennecott copper mining operation — note the spelling difference — a National Historic Landmark.
TRAVEL TIPS: “Roads are only open during the summer months, but we took a small plane ride in from Chitina. We were lucky to fly out after a rainstorm caused a mudslide on the only major road to get here. In July, weather was in the mid-60s, but dress in layers and carry rain gear because the weather changes quickly. The family-style meals at the Kennicott Glacier Lodge were delicious!”
Share your travels with us! Send your vacation selfies to kbennett@bayareanewsgroup.com. Be sure to tell us who’s who, where they’re from and where you are — and include a couple of travel tips to help fellow readers globetrot, too. Find more Wish You Were Here features at www.mercurynews.com/tag/wish-you-were-here.