I am happy to announce that since returning from my recent study trip in France and the Loire Valley last week I have completed all requirements to be a Certified France agent.  I started the program a couple years ago with book study and an intense test to update my knowledge of France and its regions. Completing a study trip to France was the last thing I needed to do.

I’d traveled in France a few times before starting the specialist program, but the more time I spend in France the more I learn. 

There is nothing like first hand travel experience!

I’ve made it my job not only to complete as many of the European Destination Specialist programs as possible, but also to travel in Europe at least once a year so I can return home with new and wonderful suggestions to make your Europe vacation the best vacation possible.

So if you’re planning to explore Europe soon, there’s a pretty good chance I’ve been where you want to go, so call me and check back on this blog for more information on the Chateau’s of the Loire Valley and my most recent trip to France.

Jennefer

I recently attended a Scotland seminar and am excited to tell you about “Homecoming Scotland” and “The Gathering in Scotland” which both take place in 2009!

 “Homecoming Scotland” will be a year long celebration of Scotland’s past, present and future. It started with the 250^th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, one of Scotland favorite writers, and has been expanded to the theme “Scotland is the home of”.

Of course Scotland is the home of Robert Burns. It’s also the Home of Whisky with numerous distilleries throughout the country, the Home of Golf with courses almost everywhere including famous St. Andrews and Carnoustie and its the Home of Ancestry withmillions of Americans tracing their history back to Scottish roots.

“The Gathering” will be the summer of 2009 with hundreds of Clans in attendance. Those Scottish Americans that join them can try on the kilt of their clan or explore their clan castle and The New Register House Edinburgh would be a great place to begin that search.

Scotland is known worldwide for the Highland games, the International Festival and of course the Military Tattoo which takes place each August. So with the announcement of Homecoming Scotland you can count on all these wonderful events plus many additional festivals throughout 2009.

If you’d like to learn more about The Gathering and Homecoming Scotland, I hope you’ll keep an eye on this blog. If you’d like more information about a vacation or honeymoon in Scotland please call. I’m a certified SCOTSmaster and would love you help you experience the country.

Jennefer

Last blog I talked about our visit to New London, Connecticut and Portland, Maine.  Both are wonderful examples of typical New England towns, with an abundance of history, great seafood and shops selling New England treasures. 

After leaving Portland, we sailed toward Halifax, Nova Scotia.  Since it is quite a long trip we had one full day at sea.  This was a blessing, since most of us needed a “down” day.  It was so much fun exploring the ship, taking advantage of the Hair Salon and the Spa, the fitness center, shopping at the many stores, and of course, having a few snacks at the Promenade Café and Ice Cream Shop.  During the evening hours, we were able to take in a fantastic musical production in the theater.  Most ships have 2 shows each evening to accommodate the early dining guests and the late dining guests.  Explorer was no exception. 

Halifax is a beautiful city, full of beautiful architecture, and sea views.  We joined a shore excursion to the world famous Halifax Citadel, which sits 120 feet above sea level and is an impressive star-shaped fort. As you arrive at the fort, you will notice the sound of bagpipes greeting you. The Citadel was built in the mid 1700s by the British, and is still guarded by the 78^th Highlander Regiment. 

From the Citadel, we continued to Peggy’s Cove, which is a fishing village, about 30 minutes from Halifax.  One of the world’s most famous and most photographed lighthouses is Peggy’s Point Lighthouse.  Built in 1868, of wood, to protect the entrance of St. Margaret’s Bay, it first housed a red-light. During World War II was used by the Royal Canadian Navy as a radio station. 

In 1954 after an especailly bas storm, the lighthouse was replaced by a concrete and steel strcutre.  It was manned until 1958 when it became fully automated.  During the summer months, the lower level of the lighthouse is the Village Post Office. Here, visitors can send postcards and letters to friends and family members. Each piece of mail receives a special cancellation mark that is in the shape of the lighthouse.

Please contact me for your Royal Caribbean cruise. Sandi