Wegabond

Majority of the vacationers would insist that a Mediterranean Cruises package include a port of call to at least one of the Greek islands. I hold a great fascination for the Greek history and culture. I really want to see one of the thousands (more than 5000) of uninhabited islands of the Greek.

Unfortunately, the cruise deal booked by my host did not have itinerary anywhere near to Greece. I was pacified that we will be anchoring at Florence for a day.

Hmmm.. Florence! No, I am still not delighted. I inquired whether we would be at least visiting Malta. ‘NO’ was  the answer.

The argument they put forward is the cruise trip is mainly an educational trip for the school children and they won’t be amused at all if we tell them that we would be visiting remote villages in Malta.

I understood. Therefore, I won’t be able to visit an old friend of mine Valetta, the capital of Malta. She would be terribly disappointed if I tell her my change of plan.

Italian architecture and churches don’t thrill me. I would like to be left alone on less crowded beaches and dark forests. Since the cruise is an educational trip, I took time to prepare several games based mathematics to engage the children during the 7-day cruise holiday.

Somehow, I managed to pep up my sullen mood and quickly lost in the rich history of Florence.

I am now looking forward to the cruise in September.

It is so unfortunate that I could not confirm my original plan of Caribbean Cruises because of the dates of travel clashed with a family wedding. This sudden development threw my dream cruise vacation in jeopardy.

Without expecting a favorably reply, I asked the cruise trip organizers for a change of date. I was not surprised when my request was refused. However, they were sweet to accommodate my son and me as last minute additions in their Canary Islands cruise.

Canary Islands? The name sounded exotic indeed but I had no clue about its location. I know it is certainly not in the Caribbean Islands.

Ah, at last, I was able to trace it. It is off the African coast. Canary Islands consist of seven islands. I think I was destined not to go to the Caribbean when I learnt about the unique climatic conditions of Canary Islands. I was literally thrilled to note that I will be going to the most favored islands in the world.

To be frank, beaches and water sports never interested me. I have seen them all in my native Madras. I actually wanted to get lost in those dense forests that are known to exist in islands. I want to be surprised by strange and unfriendly tribes.

Very dramatic-eh? Yes, too many video clips by National Geographic channel in TV made me to long to go to uninhabited islands spread in remote corners of the oceans.

I have read about the volcanic landscape of Tenerife and Lanzarote but the name Canary Islands never registered in my mind.

The cruise itself must be absolutely enchanting and very relaxing. The food and the opportunity to meet different kinds of people in an atmosphere that is conducive to build relationships are all the attractions of sailing.

I hope God has so much in store for me in his own den.

If I am asked to choose from the following attractions in Branson, Missouri, I would opt for a ride in the ducks.

 * Predator World

* Butterfly Palace

* Ride The Ducks

 Branson vacation packages offer a great range of attractions than any other tourist destinations in the U.S. Not even Universal Studios interested me so much like Branson where there is something for every age group.

 One can enjoy the nature at her best in Ozark Mountains. Ride the ducks is actually a company that offers tourists a ride in an amphibious vehicle that rides on the road as well as on the water.

 The ride should be exciting-eh?