Author Archive: Wayne and Judy Bayliff
In Search of the Blarney Stone
“The Blarney Stone,” is also known as “The Stone of Eloquence,” and it is both a legend and fact. If you have wondered about the location of this fabled icon, the answer is to be found atop the 12-foot thick walls of the bleak and eerie ruins of the magnificent Blarney Castle near Cork, Ireland. …
Don’t Miss the Luau at the Royal Hawaiian
Aha’aina – is a Royal Celebration. We were anxious to experience this renowned oceanfront luau on Waikiki Beach with its spectacular views, excellent food, and top-notch entertainment. We were not disappointed. During our luau celebration at the famous “Pink Palace,” we were treated to a few minutes of Hawaii’s famous liquid-sunshine. It did not dampen …
Cruise to the Incomparable City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, Spain
A cruise to Spain on Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam showed us there are many contemporary reasons to consider the ancient city of Valencia as a top-notch vacation destination. Since the time of El Cid – over the last thousand years or so – Valencia has seen Christian and Muslim conquerors come and go. Its history also includes being the …
The Ideal First Cruise for Seniors
On our last cruise we were delighted to meet a number of first-time cruisers in their seventies and eighties. When they heard we were travel photojournalists, they were more than willing to offer opinions and comments that helped form the foundation for this article, which we dedicate to them. The perfect first cruise We had …
Honoring Heroes at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Memorial Day
There are many historical destinations in the United States, but to Americans, few have the emotional relevance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Located in our National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, the Tomb is dedicated to lost and missing American soldiers from all wars. The Tomb was established with the interment of an unknown …
Skagway: At the Top of Alaska’s Inside Passage
Skagway is one of the best-preserved gold rush towns in Alaska. During the 1896 stampede for riches it played an important role as the last outfitting post along the Inside Passage seaway before the prospectors headed inland over treacherous mountains to the Klondike gold fields. This tiny seaside village with wooden sidewalks and gold rush …
Discovering “Decebalus Rex” on a Danube Viking River Cruise
After writing scores of articles about ocean cruises, we decided to see what motivates vacationers to take European river cruises. We are glad we did. So much to choose from There are endless selections of river cruise itineraries on the internet, so we sought the guidance of three prominent river cruise companies in Europe – Amway, Uniworld, and Viking. Viking River Cruises comes through …
The Legendary Walled City of Dubrovnik: Pearl of the Adriatic
Established in the 7th century A.D., the ancient and scenic port city of Dubrovnik lies in the southernmost part of the Republic of Croatia, – almost directly across the Adriatic Sea from the “spur” in the boot of Italy. It is a beautiful city of colorful red-topped tile roofs and cobblestone streets, all of which looks …
A National Scenic Wonder in Winter: The Magnificent Coast of Oregon
Much of the Oregon coast consists of miles and miles of beautiful sandy beaches, which may be exactly what you are looking for if you seek total relaxation. However, if you crave excitement, check out the wild 40 miles of rocky shoreline that begins in the north at Waldport, Oregon and zigzags south along curvy Highway …
Remembering December 7, 1941 On A Tour Of The Arizona Memorial At Pearl Harbor
The USS Arizona Memorial is a national monument honoring those who served in the Pacific Theatre during and after the Japanese naval assault on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The memorial structure is built on and directly over the rusted remains of the sunken battleship USS Arizona. This is the final resting place of …
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