Category: Cruise

Cruising makes for a great vacation, no doubt about it. Cost is reasonable and relaxation is guaranteed, but how do you decide which cruise vacation is best for you? There are hundreds of choices and many decisions to make before you can settle back with your pina colada and watch the ocean glide past.

This article will offer a broad overview of cruising, then you can go on the Web and/or call your travel agent to learn more. I’ll suggest some of the best Internet resources and websites below.

Your Biggest Decision Is…

“Destination” has got to be your first and foremost decision, right? Here are the usual cruise vacation destinations in a nutshell:

The Caribbean. Most first-cruisers go here. It’s close, plus it has a touch of the exotic and tropical. I just got back from a cruise of the western Caribbean myself. The weather was wonderful and beaches great. A negative was that some of the islands, like Dominique, were a big disappointment — not very clean, basically nothing much to see or do, very tacky. San Juan PR, however, is a terrific place to make a port of call. Mexican Riviera. This is the Caribbean for people living on the west coast. Archaelogically interesting, friendly people and great climate. Hawaii. Yes, Hawaii really is a paradise, but it’s difficult to see much of it if you go there and stay at a resort. Cruising is the best way to see Hawaii. The Mediterranean. Frankly I know little of this first-hand. Please send me some tips on this cruise via the discussion group. I plan to visit here this October (the Aegean). From guidebooks and conversations I gather that it’s extremely beautiful, clean, historical, educational and a great experience. Alaska. For those of us who read Jack London as kids, this one’s a must. Native American cultures, glaciers, mountains, maybe whales. However expect cool temperatures, even in summer.

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An ashtray’s job or purpose is to keep the ‘ashes’ produced by your cigarette, cigar or Cuban cigar in a nicely tucked away place. Let’s face it, ashes are disgusting, especially the ones that are generated by cigarettes. That is why an ashtray is essential when enjoying a cigarette, or a Cuban cigar. See, what you have too keep an eye on is getting an ashtray that actually does the job.

So how are ashes created? Ashes are basically the residue that is left after a tobacco leaf is lit on fire and smoked. It is a natural discharge from the tobacco leaf. We in general don’t like consuming anyone’s discharge, same idea here. Ashes contain some harmful chemicals and literally taste disgusting. Don’t ask me how I found out, let’s just say when I did, it wasn’t a very pleasant experience. So keeping an ashtray on the side where smoking is highly recommended.

Considering the risks of ash that is produced by the smoke of your desire, an ashtray serves an essential purpose of keeping it in a safe temporary place. An ashtray also allows you to dispose these ashes fairly quickly by quickly dumping the ashes within into a garbage can or simply using your built in in garbage dispenser in your sink. Just don’t tell your old lady that.

Kindly note that ashes from a cigarette or cigar can be very deadly for the visual health of your current flooring and can produce a very ‘unhealthy’ smell.

A nice Scotch is an essential kicker required when you are smoking a Cuban cigar. This combination is just as essential as tomato sauce on pasta. If you ever run into real cigar aficionados, you will see that they are always having their Cuban cigars with a glass of scotch quite nicely placed on the side. A popular choice (At least for me) is good old “Glenn” brand of Scotch. I’ve found that it works with literally any Cuban cigar I have.

Now would you make the mistake of just picking any random Cuban cigar with any Scotch that is out there? Absolutely not. Just like all the alcoholic beverages that are out there, Scotch also ranges in taste and appearance. Some come in big bottles some come in little ones. Some come from Europe and believe it or not, their are some that actually come from Asia. Countries like Japan and South Korea have their own versions of Scotch but I prefer Scottish ones.

Some people prefer a single malt with a cigar, while others will swear that a cognac is superior. In the end, the accompaniment should be determined only by what appeals to you. Single-malt Scotch with a cigar: the tow make a good marriage of old, traditionally made natural products derived from the bounty of the earth’s specific micro-climates. Single malts are produced throughout Scotland, from the lowlands to the upper islands in the north, but the four principal single malt regions are Isley, Skye, the Lowlands, and the Highlands.