Caribbean cruise in January!!!
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We are currently in Disneyland Paris and I am not too impressed so far.
The heat is a problem (rides close down) and they also curtail character meetups. Hit 37C yesterday which was sweltering due to little foliage, lots of people, and the use of cement for construction (radiates heat).
Meals (character dining and normal table ones) are pretty chaotic affairs. My wife was a bit appalled at how disorganised some meals were (Table de Lumiere specially).
Hotels seem ok, but it takes a long time to organise things between asking for something (concierge), and it actually being setup (heat I think is causing problems as well with resourcing).
Don’t know if Disney is better run in CA/FL, but over in Europe I would avoid DLP during July/Aug due to the heat, as they are clearly not set up for it. Experience would probably be much improved when temps are 25C or below at DLP.
Night-time show was ok as temps were reasonable
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I think my SWA perks (companion pass and A list) are going away at the end of this year. So checking out Aruba (we loved Amsterdam) bc why not 
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love Aruba. Our 1st choice for beach vacation. Very friendly and safe. Easy taxi access. Good restaurants.
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Went to Aruba once (in 1972). Loved its low key vibe but maybe it has changed. Weather is reliable.
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Neighbor has invited us to join a 20 person group that does a Virgin cruise of the southern Caribbean. I am interested
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I thought you had kids??
(Someone was going to ask.)
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Regina, Saskatchewan.
Regina is a lovely prairie city but the driving force for my trip is to see where my Grandpa Cooke lived from 1900 to 1908. He bought farmland 10 miles west of Regina and built a house on it. The house is still there and his former land is still a farm. Will introduce myself to whomever lives there now as I would love to see the interior of his house.
Will spend a few days exploring Regina as well.
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Last weekend I met up with a friend to go to a concert. She was complaining bitterly about having to go to Regina for a meeting. Would have much rather had to go to Saskatoon.
Having been to Regina in the past decade, its not bad. On the other hand, it’s not great either. The drive down towards Moose Jaw and Assiniboia isn’t bad. You get to go past CFB Moose Jaw which is kind of neat.
Grasslands National Park can be interesting.
I have been to Saskatoon (aka “The Paris of the Prairies”). It was probably nicer than Regina but Regina has a lake downtown that looks inviting for canoeing and kayaking or cycling around. Some interesting museums as well.
Geez; everyone wants to go to Saskatchewan. (Of course, with a name like that, who wouldn’t?)
Assuming no disruption to travel plans, I’ll be spending Saturday night in Saskatoon.
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Just got back from Long Beach Island, NJ with the family.
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A few years ago I stopped in at the house I lived in as a kid. introduced myself. Did not get a welcoming vibe, it was a brief conversation, they basically said ‘uh-huh’ and kept going lol.
oooookay then.
I’d probably say the same thing.
I drive by houses I used to live in from time to time (only two nearby, the others out of state). I still have my memories from them, so no need to prod my brain or tell stories to the current owners.
An elderly man with dementia used to drive by our house (his wife would drive him). Once they stopped and knocked. He lived in our house in the 40’s with many many siblings (I want to say 7?) and his mother. We let them see the home; they were very appreciative. They’d still drive by from time to time.
We stopped seeing him during Covid.
I probably wouldn’t let a random middle aged man in my house, though!
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My older brother visited grandpa’s house about 40 years ago and the occupants invited him in, showed him around the house and gave him refreshments. Maybe prairie farmers are friendlier than most people.
May have to cancel our Wells Grey Park holiday in August as the forest fires have ramped up here.
Disneyland (Calif.) is often OK in the summer, better late spring or early fall. DisneyWorld (FL) is a blast furnace with humidity (& storms) in the summer. (Our granddaughter works there.)
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Spending four days on BC’s Sunshine Coast next week. Warmest west coast water north of Mexico.
Hope to kayak in Desolation Sound and do some mountain hiking.