Merry Christmas to all

Whatever is beautiful,
whatever is meaningful,
whatever brings you happiness....
May it  be yours this Holiday Season
and throughout the coming year.
Barbara & Joe
Four Seasons Travel

            Four Seasons Travel
Don't be left out in the cold this winter, Join us on this amazing cruise in the Eastern Caribbean.
January 21, 2012 - 28 January 2012
Holland America Eurodam
Call for Prices 503 636-9876        .
           

 

	Ship: ms Eurodam Embark Port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US Disembark Port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US Departure Date:  Jan, 21, 2012 Ports of Call: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US; Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.; Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

                Tropical Dreams come True on Holland America Line's Caribbean
Experience the Caribbean as only Holland America Line can deliver. Travel with fewer guests aboard our elegant, mid-sized ships and discover picturesque destinations not accessible by larger ships. Relax in spacious comfort, surrounded by fresh flowers and museum-quality art. Sample an amazing array of enriching onboard activities and artfully crafted shore excursions—from snorkeling to parasailing to horseback riding on the beach. Explore our award-winning private island, Half Moon Cay, for a blissful island experience unlike any other. Savor it all while indulging in exquisite cuisine and the unparalleled personal attention of our gracious crew. This is paradise at an unprecedented value.

FOUR SEASONS TRAVEL
BARBARA GONZALEZ, CTA
503 636-9876
barbaragnz@gmail.com

Using your ATM in Europe

Using your ATM Card in Britain


London is becoming one of the most expensive cities on the planet, far more expensive than New York (Brits now view the Big Apple as a bargain basement). London is not as expensive as Tokyo or Oslo, but even an average hotel rate can cost £100 or more -- in many cases, much, much more.
You'll avoid lines at airport ATMs by exchanging at least some money -- just enough to cover airport incidentals and transportation to your hotel -- before you leave home (though don't expect the exchange rate to be ideal). You can exchange money at your local American Express or Thomas Cook office or at your bank. American Express also dispenses traveler's checks and foreign currency via www.americanexpress.com or tel. 800/673-3782, but they'll charge an order fee and additional shipping costs.
Pounds & Pence
Britain's decimal monetary system is based on the pound (£), which is made up of 100 pence (written as "p"). Pounds are also called quid by Britons. There are £1 and £2 coins, as well as coins of 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, and 1p. Banknotes come in denominations of £5, £10, £20, and £50.

The British Pound: The British Pound is the official currency of Great Britain. Here's how it stacks up against everything else.

The British Pound & the U.S. Dollar: At the time of this writing, £1 was worth approximately US$1.50. Inversely stated, US$1 was worth approximately 67p.

The British Pound & the Euro: At the time of this writing £1 was worth approximately 1.15€. Inversely stated, 1€ was worth approximately 87p.

ATMs are widely available in London. The easiest and best way to get cash away from home is from an ATM, sometimes referred to as a "cash machine," or a "cashpoint." The Cirrus (tel. 800/424-7787; www.mastercard.com) and PLUS (tel. 800/843-7587; www.visa.com) networks span the globe; look at the back of your bank card to see which network you're on; then call or check online for ATM locations at your destination. Be sure you know your personal identification number (PIN) and daily withdrawal limit before you depart.
There are problems involved in the use of ATMs. For example, if you make a mistake and punch your secret code wrong into the machine three times, that machine will swallow your card on the assumption that it is being fraudulently used.

Users with alphabetical rather than numerical PINs may be thrown off by the lack of letters on London cash machines. If your PIN is longer than four digits, check with your bank to see if you can use the first four digits or will have to get a new number for use in Britain.

To get a cash advance by using a credit card at an ATM, ask for a PIN from your credit card company such as Visa before leaving your home country.

Note: Remember that many banks impose a fee every time you use a card at another bank's ATM, and that fee can be higher for international transactions than for domestic ones. In addition, the bank from which you withdraw cash may charge its own fee. For international withdrawal fees, ask your bank.

Cruise the Eastern Caribbean

    SAIL WITH US TO THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN, 21 JANUARY 2012 - 28 JANUARY 2012

If you haven't booked your stateroom you are missing out! In the dark cold days of winter we will be sailing the Caribbean with an average of 82 degrees.  We will be dining in amazing resturants, watching fantastic shows and will be pampered everyday,  we are waiting for your call!
FOUR SEASONS TRAVEL
Barbara Gonzalez, CTA
503 636-9876
barbaragnz@gmail.com

PUERTO RICO ONE OF OUR STOPS ON THIS AMAZING CRUISE
Puerto Rico is a lush, tropical jewel set in the middle of the sun-drenched Caribbean. This island nation, actually a self-governing territory of the United States, is home to a rich culinary tradition known to natives as cocina criolla. The popularity of Puerto Rican cooking reaches beyond the island's shores to a large Boricua immigrant population in New York and other American cities.
Puerto Rican rice and pigeon peas)
If you're going to cook Puerto Rican, you better know how to make arroz con gandules. No holiday dinner or family get together is complete without this hearty side dish of rice and pigeon peas. Infused with the flavor of sofrito and sazón, a well-cooked pot will form a much-desired crust on bottom called the pegao.

Ingredients

• Olive oil -- 3 tablespoons
• Sofrito -- 1/4 cup
• Sazón -- 1 tablespoon
• Tomato sauce -- 1 cup
• Stock or water -- 3 cups
• Rice -- 2 cups
• Gandules (pigeon peas), drained -- 1 (15-ounce) can
• Pimento-stuffed olives, sliced into rounds -- 1/4 cup
• Capers -- 1 tablespoon
• Salt and pepper -- to taste

Method

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high flame. Add the sofrito and sazón and saute for 3 or 4 minutes, or until cooked down.
2. Stir in the tomato sauce and cook, stirring, for another 2 or 3 minutes.
3. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for another 5 to 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve immediately.

This the island of San Juan Puerto Rico, one of our stops on this great cruise.

Plane Clothes

It's pretty amazing when you look around the airport and see what people wear on the plane. Some look like they just jumped out bed wearing their pj's and some like they just came from the gym. The truth is you can dress comfortable and look presentable and be comfortable. Many of the items travelers bring are better left at home or in your suitcase. Say goodbye to sweats, after hours of traveling they begin to look wrinkled, dirty and don't betray the person you are. Consider wearing stretchy pants that will be comfortable but not give you that lazy look.
Wearing layers are the most comfortable and practical travel clothes you can get. You can then take clothes off if you get too hot and put them on if you get too cold. This is important as the temperature in airplanes can vary considerably during a flight. Airport terminals can also be warmer or cooler so wearing layers makes perfect sense.It makes good sense now-a-days to dress with security in mind - that is with airport security in mind. Dressing for airport screening security will save you both time and hassle. Imagine how much quicker it would take to get through the airport screening if everyone dressed with security in mind.Avoid things that can get you stopped at the airport screening metal detectors, like metal belt buckles, loose change, jewelry, etc. Leave all you can in your hand luggage until you have arrived at your destination or at least cleared airport security.Airline travel tips recommend always wearing socks when travelling, otherwise you could end up barefoot at the airport screening checkpoint. For the same reason you want to wear clean and whole socks... saving you embarrassment if you have to take your shoes off at the airport screening.Low heel shoes or slip on shoes are preferred type of shoes if you are dressing for travel comfort and safety. They are also the most practical choice for going through airport screening checkpoints as you might have to take your shoes off.Feet tend to swell during flights so wearing comfortable pair of shoes that have the capability to expand, like sneakers, sandals or moccasins, makes good sense. If you like to take your shoes off during flight like we do... then tight shoes are very difficult to get back on at the end of the flight.If you do like to take your shoes off during flight, then you might want to have with you a pair of thick socks to put on as the aircraft floor can get cold during flight.On long haul flights deep vein thrombosis (DVT) socks or flight socks, should be considered. Flight Socks help stimulate the blood circulation and can therefore reduce the risk of DVT. They can also help alleviate swollen feet... we even use flight socks on shorter flights and sometimes even on long car journeys.The ultimate piece of travel clothes... must be the pashmina shawl. While flying you can wear it around your shoulders for extra warmth, use it as blanket or fold it and use it as pillow.

21 January 2012 - 28 January 2012 Eastern Caribbean Cruise
I wanted to share with you some of the history and highlights of Turks and Caicos. This is the first stop on our Holland America cruise.

Turks and Caicos is made up of many small islands and gets its name from a cactus and a Lucayan term for "string of islands". The islands were inhabited by Taino Natives who were then introduced to Western culture. The island were settled by Bermudans, The French, the Spanish, and the British. Today it still remains a British crown colony and is a tourism hot spot and culinary melting pot.
Foodwise, some familiar staples include Johnny Cakes, peas and rice, curry goat, chicken, and pigtails to name a few.
Many of the indigenous dishes are based on seafood and local vegtables. A dish like "Penn On" usually uses conch or cod fish or whatever sthe fisherman brought home to cook. The most know dish, peas and rice is "peas and grits as they did not have rice until later.
The people are descendants of African slaves who made their home their and have come to be known as "belongers." The speak English and are known for being friendly and religious.
Their local crafts are extremely popular in the middle Caicos. From basket weaving, plaiting palm leaves for straw hats, and weaving fanner dishes and bowls to binding mosquito brushes and net-making, native crafts are important to the way of life of the people of the islands.
The music of the islands are "Ripsaw" or "Rake 'n Scrape". The music is made with unusual intruments, a saw, goatskin drum, hand accordion or Constentina, hand-made maracas and ascoustic guitar. Another style of music is Combina and sounds like Jamaican reggae, as well as the popular calypso and soca styles.
Story telling is yet another tradition passed on from the islanders' African ancestors.
Lacayan rum is the liquor of the islands, mixed with fresh juices and a bit of coconut rum as well.
Here are two recipes know to Turks and Caicos I thought you might like to try before we go on the cruise:

Turks and Caicos Turks and Caicos

RECIPES FROM TURKS AND CAICOS
Coconut Rum Cheesecake
96 oz softened cream cheese
2 cup sugar
2 tbs flour
1 tbs salt
mix in mixer with paddle
7 eggs
2 yolks
1.5 c sour cream
10 oz white chocolate melted
1 can coco lopez
5 oz shredded coconut
5 oz rum
Add and Mix
Spring form, graham cracker pie crust
Bake 350 for 30 minutes with a water bath in the bottom of oven
lower to 200 for approx 1.5 hours
cool

Mango Chutney
2 14-oz. green mangoes, peeled and chopped
1 tsp. salt
2 cups malt vinegar
1 cup light-brown sugar
1 oz. ginger, peeled and grated
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tsp. Allspice, crushed
2 oz. dark raisins
1 Serrano or Jalepeno pepper, seeded and chopped
1. Combine the sugar, salt and vinegar in a stainless-steel saucepan. Simmer over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Add the mango, and continue to simmer until the fruit begins to soften but retains some texture. Remove the fruit, and place in a strainer set over another bowl.
2. Combine the ginger, garlic, allspice and chilies with the liquid released from the mango. Reduce until the mixture becomes syrupy. Combine all ingredients again, and allow to cool.


RECIPES FROM TURKS AND CAICOS
Ginger Mango Chicken
6-8 oz. boneless chicken breast
garlic powder
salt, black pepper mango chutney (recipe above)
1 cup evaporated milk
1 egg
1 cup all purpose flour
2 cups breadcrumbs
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pound chicken breast with mallet on both sides and season witli garlic powder, salt and pepper. Place chutney on 1/2 of the chicken breast and fold together. Put flour, beaten egg, milk and bread crumbs in separate bowls. Coat sttiffed breast with flour, then milk, then egg, and finally bread crumbs. Brown chicken breast in a skillet with vegetable oil, rotate so that entire breast is golden brown. Drain off oil, place in a baking dish and bake for about 25 minutes. Serves 6 people

Do's and Don'ts for cruising

You won't want  to miss this  great cruise with Holland America, 21 Jan. 2012 - 28 Jan. 2012

This is your chance to relax and go to a warm place for a Winter Break to warm your bones and to be pampered. Cruise the Eastern Caribbean, with its beautiful blue waters and white sandy beaches. Our Cruise starts on 21 January 2011 for 7 days aboard the beautiful Eurodam on Holland America. This is a 7 day cruise starting and ending in Ft. Lauderdale with stops in Turks and Caicos, San Juan Puerto Rico, St Thomas and Holland America's private island, Half Moon Cay. This cruise is an exceptional value with cabins starting at:
Inside $961.80 per person double occ.
outside obst. view $1061.80 per person double occ.
outside full view $1141.80 per person double occ.
balcony $1261.80 per person double occ.
Contact me for further information and booking
Barbara Gonzalez
503 636-9876
barbaragnz@gmail.com

The Do's and Don'ts of Cruising:

Do book your cruise early.
This will usually get you the best choice of staterooms. Most cruises can be booked as far as 18 months in advance. Remember, that you only need to make a small deposit and this completely refundable up to final payment, usually about three months before the sail date. If the price is reduced, you will get the lower price, but you will never pay more.

Do book your cruise with a cruise specialist.
Even if you exactly what you want, you need to have someone to contact when you have questions or problems.

Do review your booking confirmation carefully as soon as you receive it from your agent.
Make sure all information is correct including names, ages, stateroom number and fares. There is a charge for making changes after final payment.

Do notify your travel agent of any special requirements.
This should be done as soon as possible. Most cruise lines require written notification at time of booking of any physical or mental disability which requires special accommodations, use of wheelchair or medical treatment. Some cruise line have dialysis available on the ship.

Do Purchase Travel Insurance.
Almost every travel agency requires travelers to sign a waiver if they do not purchase travel insurance. This is not a sales tool but rather a liability issue. Travel Agents know that problems can arise and they are required to advise the clients at the time of booking. Cruise lines have a very strict cancellation policies after final payment, usually 50% within two months of sailing and 100% with two weeks. You need to purchase travel insurance within 14 days of initial deposit to get coverage for previously existing medical conditions. Also many medical plans do not cover medical evacuation which could cost $25,000 or more.



Don't pack medicines or valuable in your luggage.
This applies both to airline check-in and cruise ship check-in. Take a small carry-on bag on the ship with these items and anything else you may need for the first afternoon on the ship. Your luggage may not arrive in your stateroom until 6:00pm or later.



Return flights on debarkation day.
Most cruise lines advise you not to book flights before 12 noon. Cruise ships usually arrive around 7:00am and start unloading passengers by 8:30am.



Do reserve shore excursions in advance.
The most popular excursions fill up quickly.

Do make reservations for specialty restaurants as soon as you board the ship.
This is the best way to get the date and time you want.

Do check your final stateroom account on the next to the last day of the cruise.
You will receive a final copy in your cabin on the morning of debarkation.

Don't miss the ship.
This applies to embarkation and all port visits. You will probably be able to catch up with the ship, but it will be at your expense.

Four Seasons Travel
503 636-9876
barbaragnz@gmail.com
barbara-fourseasonstravel.blogspot.com

Train Travel

Rail travel is one of the most relaxing and easy ways to see the beauty of any country. Our train travel tips will help you decide which country you want to utilize train travel in. There are wonderful train companies all over the world to experience and enjoy.


U.S.: In the United States of America, we have the Amtrak trains. Amtrak trains are varied: High-speed Acela trains whisk riders between Boston and Washington DC at speeds of up to 150-mph/250-km/h; Northerners trade a dozen hours in traffic for a hassle-free Auto Train-trip to Orlando theme parks; and Coast Starlight guests are pampered as they thrill to breathtaking views along the Pacific shore. Services range from frequent commuter runs with Quiet Cars and WiFi to long-distance trains with spectacular views and hotel-style amenities.

CANADA: The Whistler Mountaineer provides you with an exclusive look at some of the most spectacular views in British Columbia. Following the famous Sea-to-Sky corridor, this three-hour Canadian passenger train experience is a link between two world-class destinations, showcasing Vancouver to Whistler, British Columbia, like never before. The route delivers the unique blend of contrasts that the Sea-to-Sky region is famous for: cities and old-growth forests, bustling action and natural serenity, deep valleys and snow-capped mountain peaks, seascapes and mountain views.
Travelling onboard the Rocky Mountaineer train is The Only Way to see the Canadian Rockies. The two-day rail journey offers an unforgettable Canadian passenger train experience considered by many to be a trip of a lifetime. Recapturing the romance of rail travel, the Rocky Mountaineer follows the historic route constructed over 100 years ago through Canada's West and the Canadian Rockies, uniting the country. The entire train ride takes place during daylight hours to ensure you enjoy every minute of the breathtaking scenery of glacier-fed lakes, majestic mountains ranges and ferocious rivers.
VIA Rail is the national train system for Canada. Taking a train through Canada gives you a wonderful opportunity to see the magnificent grandeur of the Canadian country.


AUSTRALIA: Australia's largest passenger railway operates along three of the country's most important intercity corridors. "The Overland," links Melbourne and Adelaide; "Indian Pacific," travels from Sydney to the Perth and the remote West coast; and "The Ghan," connects Adelaide and Darwin via Alice Springs. Basic Red Kangaroo class or premium Gold Kangaroo with private cabins and reserved lounge and dining services. They also offer passes for multi-day journeys.


NEW ZEALAND: Experience New Zealand's scenic beauty by traveling on one of these passenger rail services: The Overlander train, The TranzCoastal train, The TranzAlpine train or one of the many day train excursions. They have scenic rail passes and combined train and ferry passes.








 





 

Pack for two weeks in a carry-on bag

You can have your pie in the sky and eat it too

Choosing carefully to follow airline security rules, you should be able to bring food items from home to eat during your flight. Time of day and length of your flight may determine whether you will need a snack or a meal, but in either case the food you bring should be healthy and easy to pack and eat. Keep it simple, but include a couple of items that will stick to your ribs. Avoid snacks with high salt or empty calories.

Here are a few possibilities. Many can be purchased prepackaged, or make your own packets. Use clear plastic zip-top snack or sandwich bags for easy security search, if it happens.

String cheese
Cheese cubes
Crackers

cup of noodles, ask stewardess for hot water
Hard-boiled eggs (shells removed)
Pack of nuts, your favorite type
Chunks or strips of cooked chicken breast
Baby carrots, broccoli or cauliflower florets
Grapes or any fruit that does not require peeling
Sandwiches that don't require refrigeration and don't have a strong smell, maybe meatloaf or turkey
Granola bars
Trail mix
Cookie for a treat

2

A small soft-sided insulated lunch container should fit easily in a carry-on bag. Pack your foods in the container, close, and store in refrigerator until time to leave for the airport. If some of your food choices can be frozen, such as grapes or chicken chunks, store in freezer until time to leave. Frozen items will double as chillers for your container and should be acceptable to airport security. By the time you are ready to eat, they should be thawed. Security officials may want to inspect your insulated container, so be prepared for this possibility.

Security usually doesn't permit carry-on drinks, so this may be a place to splurge. Although expensive, drinks or bottled water usually are available in vending machines once you have cleared the airport's security gate.

It is important to drink plenty of fluids during a flight to avoid becoming dehydrated, so choose soft drinks without caffeine (caffeine adds to dehydration), juice if available, or bottled water. For variety, bring a single-serving powdered drink mix packet to pour into a cold bottle of water and shake.

4

Bring your own moist towelettes, using one before eating to clean your hands. Napkins might be available from a flight attendant, but bring your own to be sure. Pack real napkins or paper towel sheets in the insulated container. If you happen to have single serving packets of salt and pepper, pack them, too.

While packing a suitcase, attach a sticky note reminder not to forget the lunch container in the refrigerator (and frozen items) as you leave for the airport.

Call your airline's customer service desk if you are uncertain about bringing foods that may not meet security guidelines.

If traveling with children, figure out how much food might be needed for each child and pack accordingly.

Travelers with dietary restrictions may find it necessary to bring their own food.

Any type of pointed knife or cutting tool (metal or plastic) is not permitted on an airline.  Plan for food that can be eaten primarily with fingers.

Cruise the Eastern Caribbean

FOUR SEASONS TRAVEL
BARBARA GONZALEZ, CTA
Home offices in Oregon & Leisure World
503 636-9876
barbaragnz@gmail.com
     Don't Get left out in the COLD this winter, cruise the Eastern Carribbean with  temps near the 80% turquoise water and daily pampering.
Holland America, MS Eurodam - 21 Jan. 2012 - 28 Jan. 2012
                  t
Ship: ms Eurodam

Embark Port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US

Disembark Port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US

Departure Date:  Jan 21, 2012

Ports of Call: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US;  Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos;  San Juan, Puerto Rico;  St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.;  Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
ITINERARY:

Day	Date	Port	Arrive	Depart
0	21 Jan 2012	Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US		05:00 PM
1	22 Jan 2012	At Sea
2	23 Jan 2012	Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos	08:00 AM	03:00 PM
3	24 Jan 2012	San Juan, Puerto Rico	01:00 PM	11:00 PM
4	25 Jan 2012	St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.	08:00 AM	05:00 PM
5	26 Jan 2012	At Sea
6	27 Jan 2012	Half Moon Cay, Bahamas TR	08:00 AM	04:00 PM
7	28 Jan 2012	Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US	07:00 AM

Cruise Rates:
Inside Stateroom per person double occupancy              - -                     $961.80 pp
we have 8 staterooms

Outside obstructed view per person double occupancy          - -              $1061.80 pp
we have 5 staterooms

Outside Full View per person double accupancy                    - -             $1141.80 pp

Veranda/balcony per person double occupancy                        - -          $1261.80 pp

Additional Port Taxes per person                                                                 83.80 pp
Additional Insurance Mandatory                                                               128.00 pp


 

HOLLAND AMERICA CRUISES EASTERN CARIBBEAN 21 JANUARY 2012