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Travel With Annita is on every other Saturday from 1-2pm

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Destination: The Clotilda – The story of the last slave ship
Destination: La Castilla La Mancha Toledo
Destination: La Castilla La Mancha To The City of Cuenca
Destination: Year In Review 2023
48 Hours -Castilla La Mancha and Toledo – windmills, saffron, swords and more

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Do you recognize the painting of waves? Artist Kat

Do you recognize the painting of waves? Artist Katsushika Hokusai was a Japanese artist born during the Edo period. He was a painter and printmaker. Although we quickly recognize his dramatic and eye-catching “Great Wave Off Kanagawa, Hokusai, lists of artwork is extensive and includes various artistic mediums. He is well known for his woodblock print series “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji.” However, it is “The Great Wave Off Kanagawa “ which brought him international fame. Many will say it is Japan’s most famous artwork.

Starting as a young child and until his death at 88, painting, sketching, woodblocks, illustrations, all were his way of producing over 30,000 creations. Today his art continues to influence, inspire and bring enjoyment to artists and art lover around the world.

A visit to Obuse Town is where you’ll find The Hokusai-Kan Museum. Why Obuse? Hokusai was invited to Obuse by Takei Kozan, a wealthy farmer. During the Edo period farmers were very successful and prosperous in the area around Obuse. Kozan loved his work and with this invite brought cultural and artistic influence to the area.

During Hokusai time in Obuse he painted the dragon and phoenix on the ceiling of the Higashimachi float, an official treasure of Nagano Prefecture. You’ll also see the Kanmachi Festival float there as well.

There are well preserved Shogun-era buildings in the area making this an excellent stop to add to your list.

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#okujapan #art #artwork #japan #hokusai #greatwaveoffkanagawa #obuse

Day two was off to the monkeys. Jigoku-dani Monke

Day two was off to the monkeys. Jigoku-dani Monkey Park in Yudanaka Onsen is famous for the snow monkeys. They are wild and live in a non-fenced area where you can walk among them. Observing them in their natural habitat is fascinating and educational. You have a chance to see their high-level social structure and admire the cuteness of babies and cuddling troops.

They showed little interest in all the people walking about and snapping photos. People come from around the world to see them and also for research. It all started in 1970 with a front page LIFE photo of monkeys bathing. After world media picked up on such uniqueness, visitors now make the 30 min. trek to see them. It’s not an easy path; narrow in some spots, muddy, icy and slippery, right on the edge of mountains in Jyoshinetsu-Kogen National Park. Take your time walking and bring a trekking pole to help steady your balance. It’s not much up hill but it’s good to know the path conditions.

A few facts about the monkeys:
-Some references call them bathing monkeys because they soak in the hot springs. However, the hot springs provide warmth
-You’re more likely to see them during winter months when food is scarce and park management provides food
-Their official name is Japanese Macaque
— The only monkeys living under cold weather extremes including up to ten degrees below zero.
-They are a big part of Japanese culture and are often featured in folk tales and nursery rhymes.
-Adult males can weight up to 26-30 pounds and females from 15- 30.
-Most of their food in the wild is found during Autumn. Nuts and fruit gathered & eaten as they roam through the forest helps prepare for winter.
-Park management feeds them apples enticing them to come down and make an appearance.
-During my visit they were feed and all ran around to grab the kibbles. There was very little tussling for food. A few squeals but it was amazingly peaceful.
-The park has a list of rules to follow. Most importantly: do not touch, feed or look them directly in the eye

A visit is worth the trip to see them.

Monkey facts - Jigokudani Yaen-Koen

Gratitude = #okujapan
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#snowmonkey #monkeys #japan

Harijuku always has something fun to see. Here are

Harijuku always has something fun to see. Here are a few shots from a quick stroll around my old stomping ground.

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#harijuku #japan #fun @okujapantravel #okujapan #livewhatyoulove #boomertravel

Instagram post 17920155914865878

Instagram post 17920155914865878

Cuenca in La Castilla La Mancha is known for well-

Cuenca in La Castilla La Mancha is known for well-preserved houses in the walled town. What makes the houses so special you may ask - they are built along the cliffs and look as if they are glued or pasted on the side of the limestone mountain. They’re not just called “hanging houses” for no reason. They are intriguing and fascinating at the same time as they become literally cliffhangers.

You can get a great view of them from the San Pablo bridge. Are you afraid of heights? Well you’re definitely high above the gorge on the bridge but it is thrilling to cross and if you’re brave stop midway and snap a couple of hanging houses photo.

I had a chance to go inside and stand on the balcony looking out at the bridge and the Parador where I stayed. I have an upcoming show where I share all the history, traditions and fun in #cuenca. I’ll keep you posted.

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#lamancha @turismocastillalamancha @spain #hanginghouses #history #tradition #boomer #boomertravel #flyageless #nevertooold #blacktravel #blacktravelfeed #blackboomer #readysetgo #letsgo #livewhatyoulove

@comcast is making a difference in the community.

While looking through photos from my breathtaking,

While looking through photos from my breathtaking, awe inspiring trip to Antarctica, this picture made me smile.

I’m wearing a wool hat from my @visitcaymanislands friends. A couple of my fellow travelers on the cruise chuckled a little when I wore it. You know - a wool hat from a tropical destination. A little bit of irony there.

Why not - while I was mesmerized by spectacular icebergs, fjords, glaciers and wildlife, the little wool hat kept me warm. However, it also had me dreaming of a sandy beach with a “ice” cold drink. 🍹

See what I did there. Thinking of Tropical beach 🏖️ - Sailing through icebergs. 😂

Ok, ok. … I love my hat and I was thinking of Cayman Islands and my friends who sent me off to explore the far-end of the world, protected from the cold.

❤️Thank you @visitcaymanislands
#gratitude

Have you been to Cayman Islands?

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#tropical #tropicalisland #hotvscold #iceberg #coldvshot #cayman #caymanislands #staywarm #boomer #boomertravel #flyageless #ageless #fearless #grayhair #livewhatyoulove #🛳️ #🛳❤️

World Wildlife Day is the perfect time to highligh

World Wildlife Day is the perfect time to highlight the powerful and awe inspiring Polar Bear. Their conservation depends on keeping bears and people safe. I had a chance to see polar bears in their natural habitat in #churchillmanitoba where you can also find them roaming the city streets and not just out in the tundra. While it might be a thrill to see one up close and personal, it’s best to view them from a Polar Rover, a bus-like vehicle with huge wheels safely several feet above ground.

Tours are the answer because - Encounters with humans could mean harm to the bear while protecting someone who is too close for safety.

Have you seen polar bears in the wild?
Are you interested in seeing bears in the wild?

I toured with @naturalhabitatadventures
Their tours help show the unique codependence of the local residents and bears. The small city depends on tourism. The bears can benefit from the attention tourism can bring to their conservation needs.

If you decide to go here are a few tips:
-Stay alert and aware of your surroundings
-Walk around in pairs or groups
-Adhere to polar bear safety signs
-Don’t try to pet or feed them (yes, this really needs to be said 🙃)
-If you encounter one - stay calm, back away, don’t run or make quick movements, get to a vehicle or building, stay facing the bear, once you’re safe notify the authorities where you saw the bear.

Our staying clear of encounters , keep them safe too. That’s one way to help with their conservation and ensure they’ll be here for future generations to learn about these magnificent animals.

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#worldwildlife #worldwildlifeday #polarbear #polarbears #churchill #manitoba #boomer #boomertravel #livewhatyoulove❤ #explore #adventure #takearisk

Well I think my fur babies missed me. They’re ha

Well I think my fur babies missed me. They’re happy I’m home. I am happy too. I’m back with all the puppy love, kisses, wiggles, snuggles and cuddles. #giveagirladog

❤️thx Bill for keeping the babies happy ❤️

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#dogs #chocolatelab #chocolatechips #labrador #labradorretriever #gibeagirl #puppylove #dogmom #borisandnatasha #ilovedogs #travelwithdogs #boomer #boomertravel #livewhatyoulove #❤️🐾 #gratitude @brittanymooremusic

What do you do when you disembark #oosterdam, my h

What do you do when you disembark #oosterdam, my home away from home for 22 days, and my flight is 13 hours later.

How about your head over to Chile’s Casablanca area where wine tasting is the vibe of the day. First stop William Cole Vineyards for a walk among the vines sampling grapes. Sipping wine under in a shady garden overlooking the vineyard.
Next up, El Cuadro for a stroll through the wine museum, vineyard tour and both a history of wine making and present day techniques. What goes with wine - delicious lunch with local dancers and musicians performing a traditional sway, spin, prance and twirl. Lunch was severed with William Cole wines. After a slow leisurely lunch, back on the motor coach for a tour of Santiago and shopping at Los Dominicos craft Center. Put this spot on your list for souvenir shopping in a non stressful experience.

Airport bound to hang with several very nice ladies I met on the cruise. Snacks and more drinks waiting for the clock to strike 3 hours before my @delta flight homeward bound.

Weeeee. What a phenomenal three weeks. Thank you @hollandamericaline for making my vacation all I wanted it to be. #gratitude

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#wine #winelover #winetasting #boomer #boomertravel #cruising #casablanca #chile @chiletravel #livewhatyoulove❤

Just got back from a fabulous trip to Antarctica a

Just got back from a fabulous trip to Antarctica and South America. Join me on Friday morning to hear highlights and how you can plan a visit.

Mornings On Maine Street
with Bill Maine
WDUN Am550 and 102.9FM

Date- Friday Feb. 23
Time - 6:40am

Listen online
www.travelwithannita.com and click the listen live button.

Countdown to the last two tours of the cruise. A s

Countdown to the last two tours of the cruise. A stop in Puerto Montt, Chile. After a short tour of the port city we were off to Frutillar. A lake side city filled with German character, culture and history. A mixture of Chilean and German culture with lakeside cafes, picturesque views of volcano and bright garden colors behind picket fences.

Take in the colonial history at the German Museum. Vibrant flowers are all around the gardens of the museum which is a strong draw to visit the gardens. The lines were long, however the crowd was obviously excited to get inside to see the flowers and the water mill. A beautiful setting to learn more about the life and times of the region’s first German settlers.

Later we headed over to Puerto Varas - or known as the City of Roses where the city center was filled with street musicians, beach goers, bus loads of tourists and shoppers on the hunt for handicraft bargains.

Oh…. Also perfect views of Osorno and Calbuco volcanos. An amazing way to spend Sunday by the bay.

Hang in there with me. It’s been a thrilling and breathtaking experience. I greatly appreciate your following along, commenting, asking questions, liking and coming back each day to see what I am up to. I will have one more tour to share and also highlights of my time sailing with @hollandamericaline.
#gratitude - @hollandamericaline

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#history #puertomontt #puertovaraschile #cityofroses🌹 @chiletravel @hollandamericaline #cruising #gardens #valcano #germanhistory #germanarchitecture

I’m a little late sharing all of the happenings

I’m a little late sharing all of the happenings on Saturday. It was a full day of touring and exploring another great destination with exciting architecture, history, culture, and cuisine.

Our port stop was Castro Isla Chiloe, Chile, where you can find several UNESCO churches representing the fusion of cultures - indigenous and European. The churches were built entirely of wood using shipbuilding techniques. Inside the churches our guide Cesar pointed out wooden fasteners and methods of the 1700s and 1800s used to boats and ships. The same techniques were used to build churches. Of the many churches built, 16 are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They still stand, having survived fires, earthquakes, and the 1960 tsunami.
Fishing has always been an essential part of the community, and boatbuilders were considered vital.

Santa Maria de Loreto in Achao is the oldest church, built in 1730. Renovations have begun. However, most of the church still has the original blue coloring it is known for. Much of the renovation is done by volunteers. Cesar, our guide, said helping each other is a tradition in the community all minga. Neighbor helping neighbor.

We had time to shop in the handicraft market in Dalcahue. We took a short ferry ride to Quinchao Island. Our huge 45-passenger bus drove onto the ferry alongside minibuses and cars packed with people and bundles of supplies. Residents go back and forth to each day.

On the island, many beautiful homes are built with wooden shingles.

Cesar shared details about seaweed used in their agriculture, particularly for growing potatoes. He said potatoes are eaten everyday.

Local dances, music and food wrapped up our fabulous day.

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#portcity @chiletravel #sailing #pacific #handicrafts @unesco #history #churchesoftheworld #church #historic #architecture #food #foodie #southamerica #patagonia #boomers #boomer #boomertravel #nevertooold #chiloe #chiloeisland #quinchao #castro
#livewhatyoulove❤

Friday we arrived in Puerto Chacabuco, Chile. A t

Friday we arrived in Puerto Chacabuco, Chile. A tour outside of the port area is where you’ll find several things to do. Fly Fishing, Kayaking on Lake Los Palos, wilderness adventures in Patagonia virgin forest, visit Coyhaique City and much more. I was waitlisted for a tour but it didn’t happen. So what do you do when you don’t have a planned tour? I grabbed my backpack and walked around the small port where processing fish and shellfish is big business. The city sits in the valley of nonstop fjords with snow capped mountains. Although it’s small, it’s bustling with fishing boats, huge cargo vessels and big trucks speeding along the gravel dirt roads. There is an artist market with handcrafted items made from local wool. Artisans from around the area come to sell their beautiful items.

Perfect weather for walking the dusty streets and getting a feel of life in a small friendly port town.

After a short stay - it was time for the last tender to the ship at 3:30pm.

I had a little time to play around with my hat from @visitmiami before heading out to continue our cruise among the fjords.

I thought it was fun to wear a hat from hot Miami over in cold (somewhat) Chile.

Fun day.
Bye Puerto Chacabuco!

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@hollandamericaline #puertochacabuco #fishing #boomer #boomertravel #travel @chiletravel #embracethejourney #gowiththeflow #makefunhappen #livethelifeyoulove

We had a sea day, cruising along Chilean Fjords.

We had a sea day, cruising along Chilean Fjords.

What happens on a sea day, some friends have asked.

-Port talks highlighting upcoming port stops
-Captain talks sharing details about the ship and our trip
-Tai Chi classes
-Tango classes
-Origami folding lessons
-Coloring for adults - water coloring
-Art auctions
-Playing cards - Bridge party-play
-Needlepoint meetups. We’re finding beautiful wool yarn in Chile & Argentina
-Spanish classes
-Cooking classes
-Afternoon Tea
-Movies
-pickle ball
-Towel folding - making creative animals & forms from towels
-Shopping
-Onboard library recent title and book swaps
-Music in Billboard Onboard & Rolling Stones lounge
-Entertainment on The Main Stage
-For me lazy day hanging out at the Crows Nest - the observation deck on @hollandamericaline
-Checking out the sunset from my balcony

I had a great chat with Captain Beirnaert. Can’t wait to share it with you.

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@hollandamericaline #cruise #cruising #chilena #chilegram #chile #fjord #chileanfjords #boomer #boomertravel #livewhatyoulove❤ #grayhair #grayhairdontcare #silverhair

A Valentine’s Day special treat was sailing alon

A Valentine’s Day special treat was sailing along the scenic waterways to Brujo Glacier. At first it seemed our foggy, cloudy weather would make viewing not so clear that was not the case. We learned the gray weather makes the blue glacier ice appear more vibrant. The more dense and older the ice, the more blue color shines through.

There are mountain peaks, waterfalls and calm waters. A beautiful day at sea as we headed to the Chilean Fjords.

Thank you Captain Beirnaert and team for rotating and maneuvering the ship for spectacular views all around the ship. 🥰

@hollandamericaline

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#glaciers #brujoglacier @chiletravel #sceniccruising #cruising #ageless #nevertoolate #chilefjords #fjords #cruising #boomer #boomertravel #travelwithannita #travelwithannitanfriends

Fat Tuesday was spent walking around Punta Arenas,

Fat Tuesday was spent walking around Punta Arenas, Chile. Visiting the city felt like a place you’d want to stay for a while. The ease of walking around, interesting architecture with a European touch, the red roof houses, backpackers from around the globe getting ready for voyages to Antarctica and Patagonia, and a spectacular view of the Magellan Strait and city. Overlooking the city you can take it all in. Ferdinand Magellan’s story of adventure is part of Punta Arenas, the city near the tip of Chile’s southernmost Patagonia region. The Strait of Magellan connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Looking out at the wide ocean view made me excited to get back onboard and out to explore more of this fascinating and untamed area on the Pacific Ocean side of Chile.

Check out the statue photo of Magellan and an indigenous man in Plaza Muñoz Gamero. It is said if you rub the foot of the native man’s foot you will have safe passage and return to Punta Arenas.

A visit to Maggiorino Borgatello Museo shares the story of the indigenous peoples who once called the area home. Very informative museum but also sad. There were four groups of native people and they’re all extinct now.

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#punta.arenas #puntaarenas #southamerica #patagonia #adventure #liveyourlife #sayyes #nevertoolate #nevertooold

Sending Valentines love, happiness and well wishes

Sending Valentines love, happiness and well wishes to everyone. ❤️❤️❤️

We arrived in Ushuaia - the doorway to Patagonia.

We arrived in Ushuaia - the doorway to Patagonia. It is a beautiful area and the city has a long list of great seafood restaurants. How’s that for trying the local cuisine

I headed out to Tierra del Fuego National Park. Even with lots of local visitors and cruise ship tourists it was very relaxing and a wonderful way to do a mini hike along the paths and boardwalk.

This National Park was created to protect the southern portion of the sub-Antarctic forest and also the heavily wooded forests, the many rivers, lakes and peat bogs. It is also home to a large variety of birds.

Ushuaia is also one of the departure points heading to Antartica.

Natural beauty! You can’t beat that. However, we must protect it too.

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#sustainability #conservation @hollandamericaline @turismoushuaia @visitushuaia @visitargentina #boomer #boomertravel #travel #bucketlist #sustainability #conservation #nature #nationalpark

Yesterday as we sailing along Drake Passage we arr

Yesterday as we sailing along Drake Passage we arrived at Cape Horn located at the southern end of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. Many will say it’s the southern most point of America. It is at the north edge of the Drake Passage. Take a look - I shared a video to see Drake was a lake at that time and during most of our sailing yesterday.

Cape Horn is located in Cabo de Hornos National Park.

A family of five lives in and manages the lighthouse you can see in the photo. Imagine growing up in Cape Horn.

We were congratulated for being able to say we have been to Cape Horn. Our cruise director gave us extra credit if we have also been to Cape Of Good Hope in South Africa. I raised my hand along with a couple of other folks for having been to both. But when asked what it was like two of us laughed about only remembering running for lives to the car trying to escape the baboons. They are aggressive and can open a car door. 🙃 Haha

Have you been to either Cape or to both? What was your experience?

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@hollandamericaline #capehorn #capeofgoodhope #sailing #argentina #boomer #boomertravel #taketherisk #takeachance

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Hi I’m the Annita of Travel with Annita. I’m all about travel and my mission is also my passion. Travel is our way to experience the world, not from the living room sofa, but stepping out of the door and into the world – have fun along the way! Travel is the best road to cultural understanding and one way we can see our similarities are greater than our differences. On the radio show and blog my mission is to provide educational and entertaining travel information inspiring everyone to seek adventure in their own city, state, region or around the world.

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