Photo of the Week: Egypt

Sunrise of the Nile River in Luxor

Travel Tip - Post It's

Here's a tip for this week - bring Post It's.

They're small and have multiple uses.  You can write yourself notes, use them as book marks.  But, the reason I'm recommending them for travel is because it's a way to write notes to friends you meet.  Whether on a cruise, land tour or just in a hostel traveling on your own.  Post It's are a great way to leave a quick note for someone about where your when to meet for an activity. 

Yes, there are phones, but I find Post It's are quicker and simpler (lets face it, not everyone is good with technology and many phones today are mini computers).  And, they're self sticking!

Saratoga Springs Spa

Back in December my friend "dragged" me to the Saratoga Springs Spa at Walt Disney World, I really enjoyed the experience.

The spa was a little hidden, located near the pool/dining area of the resort.  The entrance of the spa was a little odd, it was really big, it made the check in counter seem really small and like an after thought.  But once checked in the spa was quite nice.  There is a locker room downstairs, as well as an indoor pool.  I kinda wish I had a little more free time so I could have taken a quick dip in the pool.  It was December and although it was warm, it wasn't swimming warm so an indoor pool was appealing.

After changing into robes we went to the waiting room.  The room was nice, though there weren't many seats.  It felt like it should have been a quiet/relaxation room, but also felt a lot like a waiting room.  This is one area that separated it from some other spa's I have been to.  Even if I don't have much time between treatments, it's nice to know there is a room I could sit and just relax before or after my visit. This waiting room didn't feel like that and I was having 3 treatments, it was a spa day for me.

Minni's Locker

But, the staff were friendly and professional.  They seemed to really pick up on if people were interested in chatting, or if they wanted to just have quiet relaxing time (I compared notes with my friend).  My 3 treatments were a massage, facial and Mystical Forest Body Masque and Wrap. The treatments themselves were up to the standards of the treatments I have gotten at other spas.  The treatment rooms were also at the same standard.

My favorite thing was that in the treatment rooms they left you a bell.  So you could undress, lay yourself down and then ring the bell letting them know you are ready.  You just have to be careful not to knock it down before you're ready.  

I would definitely recommend the spa to anyone staying at Walt Disney World, they offer a great experience, and good treatments.  Plus, when at Disney, it's nice to get a break and relax a bit. 

Photo of the Week: Scotland

Stirling Castle, Stirling, Scotland

Port of Naples

I have to admit, I don't know much about Naples, the city has such a bad reputation and few people get off cruise ships to tour the city.  On top of that, there is so much beauty in the surrounding area, for the one time cruise passenger there is no reason to visit Naples and leave Pomepeii and the Amalfi Coast unvisited. 

I'll admit to doing the same - visiting only Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.  It's a shame though, Naples is one of the few European ports where the ship docks in the city and people seem to run away from it. 

But this has left me pretty curious about Naples.  I think for someone on a second cruise visiting Naples it would be an opportunity to visit the city, but do they?  I know there is good pizza in the city, and I know there are some good museusms too.  Particularly there is a museum on Pompeii, a nice suppliment if you've been to Pompeii. 

So after my tour, when I had free time to enjoy sitting on deck reading, I looked out at the city and wondered.  I wondered what the city had to offer visitors, and I wondered if it was worth the risk of the dangers the city is said to possess.  I also wonder if when I return I'll take my own advice.

If you want some actual tips on visiting Naples on your own, Cruize Cast has a nice podcast on the city, telling you how to get to Pompeii and what other things there are to do in the city. 

Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter: Travelingiraffe

Photo Of the Week: Italy

Positano, Italy

Just a note about my posting schedule.  I have started to catch up with my posting.  However, I am currently taking an online TESOL course which is eating up a good chunk of my time, so I may not be able to post regularly until this summer.

Photo of the Week: Disneyland

Main Street, Disneyland

Recommendation: Pixel of Ink

Today's recommendation is a blog/website for you Kindle owners out there, it's called Pixel of Ink.

The site features free and bargain Kindle Books - http://www.pixelofink.com/

I haven't been following this long, but have already "bought" a few books that I would probably never heard of, let alone read.

Photo of the Week: Spain

From Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain - Christ Rising

Happy Easter!