Back to it...but a short week

Had a very fun weekend with my parents, as they were visiting from sub-zero Wisconsin.  I think my dad's cold really got better being in the warm. 

We managed to get on the road and out to Julian for a day trip (the Cherry-Apple pie was amazing!) and also down to Point Loma to do an overlook of San Diego.  We were able to see the submarines in port as well, which doesn't happen all that often with the fleet out. 

Was sad to see them fly out this morning, but it's back to work.  Short week for me, though, as I prep for an ILA panel submission due by Wednesday and my departure for South Korea on Thursday to visit my friend Jimmy.

Here we go...

Cruising for $32...if you can stand it

Cruise lines have been in the news again in recent weeks due to a variety of health concerns - namely that the norovirus seems to be a culprit when hitting the high seas.

If you're willing to take a chance on getting sick, there are deals to be had!

$32 deals, that is:

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/royal-caribbean-offers-cruises-for-32-a-night-2014-02-06?dist=countdown

Sure enough...4 nights for $149...

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/search/vacationSearchResult.do?port=PCN&port=TPA&port=MIA&port=FLL

Holland America runs deals from San Diego - still not bad for a 4-day cruise up the coast ($249):

I, for one, have never had a huge interest in going on a cruise, but I wouldn't mind trying it at least once. And at prices like this, why not?

On my list: Catalina Island

I've had a number of things on my list of places to see ever since I moved to California.  One of those is seeing the giant redwoods.  The other is visiting Catalina Island.

Recently, Groupon had a special deal on the ferry to get you over there - almost 50% off the normal rate.  Not bad:

http://www.groupon.com/deals/catalina-flyer-4?p=1&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&sid=75b201a9-2918-4050-9f0d-7e56852ed5d2&division=san-diego&user=0c90c7607133ae7d4793a55962bf44a33a1d970215f338580e6306df8b954f94&date=20140123&s=body&c=image&d=deal-page&utm_campaign=catalina-flyer-4

This is a limited time offer, so get it now while you can!  I think I might...

T-minus 9 days...to South Korea!

The next 10-14 days are going to be a bit of a whirlwind, but I'm really looking forward to what's ahead!

First, my parents will be visiting over the coming weekend which is always fun.

Finally, next Thursday I depart for Seoul on my first trip that far east to visit one of my best friends who is stationed in SK.  It will be a long weekend and a lot of flying, and I'm looking forward to every minute of it.

I'm also eager to try United's Global First product for the first time on the way over, and Business First on the way home.  Trip reports will be forthcoming once I return and get my jetlag squared away.  Champagne!

Place of the Day: Transnistria

I love to read and find out about places that are off the beaten track and not generally known to most travelers.  Smaller countries usually fit this bill.  Probably the most well-known 'small' territories/countries are places that I still have yet to visit (I'd put Monaco, Guam and Hong Kong on that list).

But I was recently made aware of a new one and it's in Europe!  Or at least, close to Europe:

Transnistria - Eastern Europe

The brief history I read about this state is fascinating.  Transnistria is a small, sliver of land  just slightly larger than Rhode Island along the east bank of the Dniester River, between Ukraine and Moldova.  It was one of the countries that seceded from the newly formed republics when the Soviet Union collapsed - in this case, Moldova.  Not wanting to get into a tiff with Romania about the new country, Moldova succeeded in reaching an accommodation with the Transnistrians on de facto independence.

Tiraspol is the main city of this state, and I look forward to trying to visit sometime in the future.  Be sure to read up on this small country if you have time!

For another perspective, check out this story.