More 2009 Info

[wdwsos]

From one of my trade publications this morning:


Adventures by Disney Sets Eight New 2009 Itineraries
Published on: July 29, 2008

South Africa, Alaska and the Galapagos Islands are among eight new destinations Adventures by Disney is adding to its portfolio in 2009. Travel agents will be able to suggest a total of 23 trips to clients, including these new itineraries as well as popular returning trips to China, Australia, France, Ireland, Costa Rica and the U.S. "Adventures by Disney enjoys consistent annual growth because the travel agent community has embraced these itineraries and recognizes the product as offering a reassuring way for first timers to take an escorted tour," said Ed Baklor, senior vice president for Adventures by Disney. "These dynamic family vacations are a natural evolution for the Disney portfolio, and takes our legendary guest service beyond our theme parks and cruise line, to some of the greatest places in the world."

The eight new itineraries for 2009 include: Alpine Magic – Italy and Switzerland: Stresa, Zermatt and Lake Lucerne; Beantown & The Big Apple – Boston, Newport, New York City; Bella Italia – Central Italy: Sorrento and Florence; Gateway to the Galapagos – Ecuador and Galapagos Islands; Golden Path to Yosemite – Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park and San Francisco; Rocky Trails and Mountie Tales – Montana and Alberta, Canada: Glacier National Park and Banff National Park; Safari to South Africa – South Africa: Capetown, The Garden Route and Kapama Game Reserve; Taming the Last Frontier – Alaska: Fairbanks, Denali National Park and Kenai Peninsula

Also new in 2009, will be the introduction of Adventures by Disney "Signature Trips". On these select "Safari to South Africa" and "Golden Path to Yosemite" departures dates, clients will be able to book an enhanced travel experience. Amenities on the signature Safari to South Africa trip, for example, include upgraded accommodations in Cape Town's Cape Grace Hotel and upgraded accommodations in the Main Lodge at Kapama Game Reserve. Other Signature enhancements include uniquely African VIP gifts, special evening entertainment, an exclusive spa treatment with a view of the African bush and a privately hosted dinner where elephants are up-close-and-personal at the Knysna's Elephant Lounge.

On the signature departures of Golden Path to Yosemite, clients can discover rock climbing at the birthplace of modern mountaineering and view Yosemite the way Ansel Adams did -- through a camera -- on an expertly-guided camera walk of the valley. Clients will also enjoy upgraded accommodations at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite and at the St. Regis in San Francisco including in-room gift baskets.

Adventures by Disney's 2009 offerings also will feature 15 returning trips, including: Spirit of America – Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Williamsburg, Virginia; Quest for the West –Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks; Southwest Splendors –Sedona, Grand Canyon, and Moab; Backstage Magic – Hollywood and Disneyland Resort; Viva Italia – Italy: Rome, Tuscany and Venice; Treasures of Spain (Previously Grande Espana) – Spain: Barcelona, Seville and Madrid; The Emerald Isle – Ireland: Dublin, Killarney and Shannon; Cities of Knights and Lights – England and France: London and Paris; Once Upon a Fairytale – Germany: Heidelberg, Trendelburg, Rothenburg and Munich; Flavors of France – France: Provence and Paris; Storybook Kingdoms (Formerly Imperial Cities) – Czech Republic and Austria: Prague, Salzburg and Vienna; Path to Pura Vida – Costa Rica: San José, Arenal and Manuel Antonio National Park; Sacred Valleys and Incan Cities – Peru: Lima, Sacred Valley and, Cusco; Enchanted China – China: Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai and Hong Kong; Discovery Down Under – Australia: North Queensland, Ayers Rock and Sydney.

~~~

And one more:

Adventures by Disney Adds Signature Adventures
Published on: July 29, 2008


Adventures by Disney said it is taking family vacations to another level in 2009 with the launch of new "Signature trips," over-the-top experiences that are perfect for high-end clients. Specified departure dates on the Safari to South Africa and Golden Path to Yosemite itineraries will be identified as "Signature Trips." On these departures guest will enjoy an enhanced travel experience, including all the activities on the regular departures, in addition to upgraded accommodations, special amenities and events not offered on standard departures.

The Safari to South Africa Signature Adventure features four nights at the five-star Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town's Waterfront area and three nights at the exclusive Main Lodge Kapama Game Reserve. Signature trip highlights include exclusive meet and greet at The Cape Town International Airport aircraft as clients disembark; luxurious spa treatment in Kruger National Park; privately-hosted dinner at Knysna's Elephant Lounge; a private performance by a children's choir and African dance troupe. Adventure highlights include views during a nature walk on Table Mountain; boating adventure to Seal Island; experience 1,000 years of legend, history and ancestry at the Gold of Africa Museum; wild game drive at Kruger National Park; shopping excursion in an authentic African market; watch penguins waddle and wade along the white sands of Boulder Beach; pitch a tent for a traditional pan-African lunch with a Bedouin tribe; Junior Adventurer lesson in African beading or basket weaving

On the signature version of Golden Path to Yosemite, clients discover rock climbing at the Yosemite Mountaineer School, known as "the birthplace of modern mountaineering," trek through the heart of California on a family adventure that starts in the pristine grandeur of Lake Tahoe, and experience the majesty of Yosemite and glamour of San Francisco. Signature trip highlights include upgraded accommodations at the Awahnee Hotel in Yosemite and the five-star St. Regis in San Francisco; walking tour of Ansel Adams' Yosemite with tips for the perfect landscape photo from expert photographers; exclusive lunch with "John Muir," a 19th century scientist who led the movement to declare Yosemite a national park; VIP in-room gift baskets. Adventure highlights include float down the Truckee River seeing the sites with a local guide; gondola ride up 8,200 feet and hike to the Village at Squaw Valley; walk in the footsteps of Teddy Roosevelt on a private tour of Yosemite Valley; saddle up for a horseback ride on Happy Isles Trail; discover San Francisco's Union Square, Chinatown and Alcatraz Island; "Murder on the Menu" mystery dining experience; privately-guided bike tour across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Launched in 2005, Adventures by Disney provides immersive, hassle-free guided family vacation experiences to destinations in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australia.

~~~

Dotti

 

[TAKitty]

Thanks for the information!

 

[redzinner]

Ah, if only money were no object, I'd be on the South African Signature trip in a heart beat.

What a way to see the world: as a pampered Disney guest.

Thanks for posting the updates Dotti!

 

[farscape]

I have been looking everyday for more information regarding the new Adventures.

Now, I have the problem of deciding which one to book. Hmmmm.

Thanks for sharing the information.

 

[sayhello]

Thanks so much for this extra info. I'm *SO* looking forward to Friday!

Now, I have the problem of deciding which one to book. Hmmmm.

I think most of us have that exact same problem!

Sayhello

 

[wdwsos]

And more!

NEW TRIPS

South Africa – Safari to South Africa – Cape Town, The Garden Route and Kapama Game Reserve
Imagine riding with your family in a safari jeep as a skilled tracker leads you through one of the most stunning and diverse game reserves in all of Africa, or learning age-old survival secrets of the wild on a ranger-lead Bushwalk. Exploring cosmopolitan Cape Town, perched on the edge of the Indian Ocean, with bustling markets, a lively waterfront and sumptuous food. Discovering beautiful Boulders Beach, then meeting African penguins in their natural habitat. And concluding your grand adventure at a Boma, a torchlit barbecue feast and show that is, like everything else on this trip, one of the most extraordinary experiences on the planet.

Northern California – Golden Path to Yosemite – Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and Yosemite
Blaze an adventurous trail through the land of legendary gold and natural glory. Soar to the top of Squaw Peak and behold Tahoe’s aquamarine jewel among the mountains. Float along the idyllic Truckee River and swim in a setting more beautiful than any painting. And make the Yosemite Valley your family’s incredible backyard as you hike and ride through its unspoiled majesty. Then spring from the wilderness to explore San Francisco’s hilly charm by bike and private trolley – on your unbelievable expedition from the gold-streaked Sierras to the famed Golden Gate.

Alaska – Taming the Last Frontier – Fairbanks, Denali National Park and Kenai Peninsula
Get ready for untamed, unspoiled, unbelievable family adventures in the foothills of our country’s highest peak: mighty Mt. McKinley. Come frolic with the sled dogs of the legendary Iditarod. Explore deep icy fjords and jet boat along a pristine river in search of wildlife that’s still completely wild. Learn how to track majestic wolves through their forest empires. And float among the iceberg remains of calving glaciers that have existed for centuries. You’ll discover this distant wilderness with its native people, making new friends and memories in the land of the midnight sun.

Northeast U.S. – Beantown & The Big Apple – Boston, Newport, and New York City
Embark on a traveler’s tale from the revolutionary streets of Boston to the electrifying avenues of New York City. You’ll explore New England’s coastal wonders as you breeze through Boston on a duck boat. Take in Newport’s mansions from a seafaring schooner. Relive one of the original American stories in the halls of Ellis Island. And break into show biz on Broadway. From the Green Monster in Fenway Park to biking around Central Park – you’ll uncover ingredients of our melting pot nation and add a new chapter to your family history.

U.S./ Southwest Canada – Rocky Trails & Mountie Tales – Glacier National Park and Banff National Park
Come raft mighty rivers, hike flower-filled meadows, and ride horses on trails through the clouds in the unspoiled Northern Rockies. Imagine your family surrounded by the snow-capped peaks, towering forests and impossibly blue lakes of two immense national parks in two countries. You’ll sleep high in the sky, between glacial lakes and ancient limestone – with tribal tales of when the world was young still dancing in your mind. And after canoeing, hiking and biking in land roamed by Lewis and Clark and beyond, you’ll never want to come down to earth again.

Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands – Gateway to the Galapagos – Quito, Otavalo Valley and The Galapagos Islands
There are some places in the world that have a story all their own. Standing on the equator in sight of a snow-capped volcano. Living an authentic Andean life on a 400-year-old hacienda. Stargazing from your shipboard home in the middle of the South Pacific. Hiking and snorkeling with wild creatures so rare, they only exist one place in the world. From high Andean fields to the Galapagos Islands’ clear blue depths, you’ll live the stories of these magical places – collecting vivid family memories with every step.

European Alps – Alpine Magic – Stresa, Zermatt and Lake Lucerne
Experience an Alpine adventure that puts the “great” in great-big-beautiful outdoors. Get out there as you cruise past the cascading towns of Italy’s lakes. And shape pasta the traditional way at a Como cooking school. Then zigzag through mountains, dotted with chalets, to the incredible Swiss Alps. You’ll soar past distant peaks on thrilling ziplines, bike the scenic paths of a lofty village, even hike grassy trails with faithful huskies. All from well-appointed hotels in an Alpine playground of lakes, mountains and glaciers – ready for your family to come out and play.

Italy – Bella Italia – Sorrento and Florence
The Italian roads less traveled are an adventure all their own – from the silent mysteries of Pompeii to Pisa’s eternally Leaning Tower. Cruise the sparkling Mediterranean Sea as you explore Amalfi’s dramatic coast by boat. Craft your own Sorrento pizza from fresh ingredients in a farmhouse kitchen. And peddle through paradise along Tuscan walls that have survived since the Renaissance. You’ll taste fresh limon cello, discover Florentine treasures and swim in the azure waters off Capri – sharing more of Italy with your family than many see in a lifetime.


NEW SIGNATURE TRIPS

For select departure dates to South Africa and Northern California, Adventures by Disney is pleased to offer brand new Signature Trips which feature additional special elements for an even more extraordinary vacation experience.

South Africa – Safari to South Africa – Cape Town, The Garden Route and Kapama Game Reserve
Imagine riding with your family in a safari jeep as a skilled tracker leads you through one of the most stunning and diverse game reserves in all of Africa, or learning age-old survival secrets of the wild on a ranger-lead Bushwalk. Exploring cosmopolitan Cape Town, perched on the edge of the Indian Ocean, with bustling markets, a lively waterfront and sumptuous food. Discovering beautiful Boulders Beach, then meeting African penguins in their natural habitat. And concluding your grand adventure at a Boma, a torchlit barbecue feast and show that is, like everything else on this trip, one of the most extraordinary experiences on the planet.

Special Signature Features:

--VIP meet & greet at aircraft and luxury sedan transfer
--Upgraded accommodations to the five-star Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town’s lively Waterfront area
--Upgraded accommodations to the five-star Main Lodge in Kapama Game Reserve
--Exclusive VIP gift in-room amenity
--VIP memento gift from the Gold of Africa Museum’s exquisite gift shop
--Special entertainment from the Township Boys Choir in addition to the Cape Minstrels at the Castle of Good
--Hope exclusive dinner
--Exclusive “African Skies” themed dinner with dance entertainment
--Exclusive “Sundowner” dinner experience at the Knysna Elephant Park
--Exclusive Catch & Release Fishing for Junior Adventurers at Kapama Game Reserve
--All included dinners feature complimentary wine and beer

Northern California – Golden Path to Yosemite – San Francisco and Yosemite
Blaze an adventurous trail through the land of legendary gold and natural glory. Soar to the top of Squaw Peak and behold Tahoe’s aquamarine jewel among the mountains. Float along the idyllic Truckee River and swim in a setting more beautiful than any painting. And make the Yosemite Valley your family’s incredible backyard as you hike and ride through its unspoiled majesty. Then spring from the wilderness to explore San Francisco’s hilly charm by bike and private trolley – on your unbelievable expedition from the gold-streaked Sierras to the famed Golden Gate.

Special Signature Features:

--Upgraded accommodations to the five-star St. Regis hotel in San Francisco
--Upgraded accommodations to the magnificent Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite
--Exclusive rock climbing class at the Yosemite Mountaineering School
--Exclusive professionally guided camera walk of Yosemite Valley
--Exclusive VIP gifts in-room amenity
--All included dinners feature complimentary wine and beer

RETURNING TRIPS

New Name! Spain – Treasures of Spain – Barcelona, Seville, Madrid
Discover family adventures more dazzling than Spanish gold –exploring the lavish private rooms and soaring towers of a Spanish alcazar. Gazing at the intricate carvings of an Gaudi’s unfinished architectural masterpiece. And savoring a sea of tiny tapas plates overflowing with flavor. From the Flamenco’s whirling colors to Andalucia’s welcoming farms – you’ll uncover Spanish treasures that many people never find and memories that never lose their luster.

New Name! Austria & Czech Republic - Storybook Kingdoms – Vienna, Salzburg, Prague
Follow the kings and queens of old for a storybook adventure through their fabled castles and kingdoms. Learn the secrets of the strings at a colorful marionette show. Then hang on the sweet notes of a young prodigy’s violin serenade. You’ll unlock the whimsical trick fountains of a country palace, fly along the wooden chutes of a former salt mine and even dine among the animals at the world’s oldest zoo. It’s the stuff royal legends are made of and this time the imperial family is yours.

China – Enchanted China - Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai, Hong Kong
Remote and remarkable, exotic and enchanting, China – one of the world’s most enigmatic destinations, is waiting to share her secrets with you. Explore ancient mysteries and modern splendors in the profound Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Make friends with giant pandas at Chengdu Research Base, then cruise the otherworldly beauty of Guilin’s gumdrop mountains aboard your exclusive private boat. From defending against foreign invaders atop the Great Wall to catching flying acrobats in Shanghai to VIP treatment at Hong Kong Disneyland, this is a chance for your family to discover not just another country, but another world.

Australia – Discovery Down Under – N. Queensland, Ayers Rock, Sydney
Plunge into the largest coral reef system on earth, where schools of color explode from every hollow. Ride camels through the desert to watch the sun set on Ayers Rock, the island mountain. And feel the rush of adrenaline as you zoom around famed Sydney Harbour on a high-speed boat. From a candlelight dinner above a croc-filled river to Jackaroo high jinks at an outback sheep station, you’ll explore the land of Oz from ocean to desert, rainforest to reef – with family adventures you’ve got to hike, bike and swim to believe.

Peru – Sacred Valleys and Incan Cities – Lima, Sacred Valley, Cusco
Live the legends of the Inca among the patchwork green, red and gold fields where their descendents still thrive. You’ll dance in the hilltops with colorfully costumed friends. Raft a twisting river in the shadow of surreal peaks. Enjoy a Peruvian feast cooked by mother earth herself. And wind through Andean mountains, discovering impossible stone creations like Machu Picchu – the mysterious city in the clouds. Let weavers, artists, even wooly llamas share Peru’s secrets with your family, on sky-high adventures around the unforgettable Sacred Valley.

Southern California – Backstage Magic - Hollywood, Disneyland
Go where the magic happens – to places few will ever see, places your family will never forget. The El Capitan Theatre, The Jim Henson Company Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering – places where sketched-out dreams become vivid reality for your family to experience firsthand. Then live the magic as you explore every whimsical corner of the Happiest Place on Earth – transforming a trip to the park into a VIP experience far beyond imagination.

Costa Rica – Path to Pura Vida – San Jose, Arenal, Manuel Antonio
Pura Vida. The Pure Life. A life dedicated to nature’s beauty and harmony. Where you’ll fly high over rainforests, soak in secluded thermal springs, and conquer whitewater rapids with your family. It’s a life filled with fiery dances, fresh-picked pineapples, and volcanic light and sound shows. Where butterfly families gather by the thousands and Adventure Guides find the most secluded rainforest trails. And where natural adventures become the colorful family memories you keep for a lifetime.

Ireland – The Emerald Isle – Dublin, Killarney, Shannon
Watching foamy waves crash from high atop the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, you’ll realize why Irish eyes are always smiling. Let us wrap you in old-world charm as you ride jaunting carts to a country manor, listen to ancient tales in Celtic brogue and spend a few cozy nights in an ivy-covered castle. From sheep herding in Shannon to jig lessons in Killarney to cathedral tours in Dublin – Ireland’s earthy warmth and lively melodies are sure to add a spring to your step for years to come.

England, France – Cities of Knights and Lights – London, Paris
Ladies and gentlemen, mesdames et messieurs, welcome and bienvenue to a tale of two famous cities. Let London charm you with storytelling beefeaters, proper English high tea, a jolly good spin on a double-decker bus and a special West End theatre experience that’ll have you roaring for more. Then say “bonjour” to Paris as you explore gargoyle-guarded cathedrals, bike the très elegant gardens, dine in the Eiffel Tower and find inspiration among the world’s greatest masterpieces. Two wonderfully different capitals for one unforgettable family adventure.

Italy – Viva Italia – Rome, Tuscany, Venice
From Trevi Fountain wishes in Rome to masquerade balls in Venice, no taste of Italy would be complete without a dash of local flavor. Explore the Eternal City’s ancient wonders as Rome reveals its mythic tales. Learn to shape your own pasta in the rustic kitchen of a Tuscan chef. Experience Michelangelo’s David and fall for Florence’s Renaissance charm. Then glide by gondola along Venice’s famed canals. You’ll dine al fresco in Tuscany, spend nights in an Italian villa and become part of the famiglia on an adventure worth savoring.

Germany – Once Upon a Fairy Tale – Heidelberg, Trendelberg, Rothenburg, Munich
Journey through the land that inspired so many beloved Disney stories – a land where magic still lives. Let Sleeping Beauty show you around her charmed castle gardens and towers. Learn to wield a bow and arrow just like the knights of old. Walk mysterious cobblestone streets lit by a night watchman’s lantern. And travel to the place where the teddy bear was born. With so many colorful characters to meet and so many enchanted places to explore– Germany is just the setting for your very own family fairytale.

France – Flavors of France – Aix-en-Provence, Paris
Treat your senses to the best of France, from the rippling lavender fields of Provence to the bustling sidewalk cafés of Paris. Discover Provençal pleasures with your family as you kayak the waters under an ancient aqueduct, sample the sun-kissed wines of a country vineyard, and sail through the wind on a mountain crest bike ride. Then it’s off to Paris by bullet train to indulge in the avant-garde – from the heights of the Eiffel Tower to the shops of the Champs Elysées – before bidding adieu to your delectable French adventure.

American Southwest – Southwest Splendors - Sedona, Grand Canyon, Moab
The Southwestern stage is set for your family adventure. Get ready to raft the majestic Colorado River. Tear through Red Rocks in an off-roading 4x4. And discover parts of the Grand Canyon most will never see. The desert will speak to you through naturalists, Navajos, cowboys, even native creatures. And as day becomes star-dusted night, you’ll gather ‘round the campfire to share memories from your very own tall tale.

Mid Atlantic States – Spirit of America - Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Williamsburg
Hear ye! Hear ye! Come one and all to the legendary cities where our nation was born. Pedal past larger-than-life monuments that voice our country’s heroic tales. Walk in the footsteps of our forefathers, and even meet a few of them. Gather where Revolutionary plans were once laid, savoring authentic dishes from 1776. And travel back in time to live the colonial life, just as it was hundreds of years ago. You’ll eat, sleep and play in places steeped in national nostalgia – and experience a family adventure you won’t find in any book.

Wyoming – Quest for West – Jackson Hole, Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks
Grab the reins and see the world from a saddle as you get to know the true American West. Find your frontier spirit with horseback riding, roping and fly-fishing beneath wide-open skies at an authentic dude ranch. Raft the writhing Snake River, and explore the whimsical sights and Western charm of Jackson Hole. Then discover the soul of Yellowstone as you hike among its cascading rivers and iron-streaked canyons to watch Old Faithful burst from the earth. Come explore Wyoming – and realize that home on the range is just where your family belongs.

 

[Traveling Tinkerbell]

Thank you for all this wonderful heads up information!! Do you know how long the South Africa tour trip would be and do you have any pricing for that trip?

 

[HockeyHeather]

Traveling Tink,

I think that you were on the Enchanted China adventure with my mom and me. I enjoyed reading your Enchanted China trip report. My mom and I are also considering going on the South Africa adventure. Wouldn't it be fun to get the Enchanted China group together to go on the South Africa adventure? I am probably going to reserve an adventure on Friday, August 1 to get the early booking discount. It sounds like it is at least a 7 night adventure from the descriptions that have been posted. My mom and I are also interested in Australia, Ecuador, Ireland, and the Italian/Swiss alpine adventures.

HockeyHeather

 

[WeLoveABD]

Hey HockeyHeather--we were on the China trip with you and Traveling Tinkerbell! We are also rethinking our plans--we were not originally thinking of South Africa (even with Dusty's glowing report), but now...wonder how much the enhanced tour will be??

 

[Traveling Tinkerbell]

HockeyHeather & WeLoveABD--
Its so nice to hear about everyone's plans! We are going to book something this Friday, and it would be so much fun to see everyone again in South Africa. (We have our fingers crossed that Dusty is there with us, but its going to be difficult with out Daisy there too!). If the South Africa trip is not longer than 7 days, our family might add Egypt on our own.

HockeyHeather-- How was Tokyo!? My girls are so jealous of you two! Was the park worth going to? We heard from some of our friends that it had some of the best rollercoasters than any other disney park.

WeLoveABD-- Yesterday, we were in the LAX airport and felt the earthquake! It sounds like you felt it also! It was the first earthquake the girls had felt.
If your family doesn't do South Africa, what might be your other plans?

 

[WeLoveABD]

We were wondering how Tokyo was as well--if Disney goes to Japan in 2010 we might do that...as for alternatives to the safari, we haven't settled on one. Guess it all depends on the trip dates, trying to coordinate with school activities etc. I liked the Northern Italy trip--am eager to see more detail (I assume you fly into Milan--and if so, will Disney include any sites there such as the Last Supper? The Alaska one also sounds interesting. Your possible add on to to see Eygpt sounds great!

 

[HockeyHeather]

Traveling Tinkerbell and WeLoveABD:

My mom and I really enjoyed both parks. It was very easy to take a bus from the airport to the parks. If you go, stay at the Hotel Mira Costa. We entered DisneySea from the hotel and could watch the nightly water show and fireworks from our hotel window. DisneySea has a lot of unique attractions - Journey to the Center of the Earth, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, etc. Fortunately it wasn't crowded like Dusty said it would be - no waits longer than 10 or 15 minutes. Disneyland Tokyo wasn't a whole lot different from the other Disneylands. However, it did have the best Winnie the Pooh ride and the afternoon parade was a lot longer and more elaborate than at the other parks. I personally think that Disneyland Paris has the best Space Mountain. It compares to a roller coaster at a Six Flags Park or in my area - Cedar Point.

I am still leaning toward the South Africa adventure. If I choose that one, I want to go on a signature one. I am also looking forward to seeing Beijing again on the Today show starting next Monday. Everytime NBC shows an ad for the Olympics with a photo of Beijing, I say to my mom - We were there!

Both of you need to stay away from earthquakes! I just got an e-mail from Jim and Lilia in San Francisco. They said there was a 2.0 earthquake today which they said was nothing unusual. The last time I felt one in Ohio was in 1987 when one shook the school I was teaching at then.

Take care!