Monday Musings: The Joys of Travel and No Big Surprise
Happy Monday! It feels like I’ve been away for a month. Our two-week polar cruise has been remarkable. I adore travel of all types, but cruising may be my favorite. You pack once and get to explore multiple cities and/or countries without the hassle of flying, repacking, and schlepping all your stuff around.
I picked up this book from the ship’s library and found it fascinating. I don’t eat mammals, so it was slightly outside my comfort zone to read what they ate…but what she did is remarkable! It’s about a woman named Christiane Ritter, who leaves her comfortable life in Austria to spend a year with her husband on the remote Arctic island of Spitsbergen in 1934.
We flew home on Saturday…diligently wearing our facemasks. Mask-wearing is not a political statement for me. It’s a personal choice to do all I can to protect my health. It turns out that all we did was protect others from catching the COVID that knocked us flat on Sunday. #bestintentions
We both caught COVID the last time we cruised, so I hope it doesn’t go with the cruising territory from now on. I’m very grateful it waited until we got home and didn’t ruin the trip, but I imagine lots of folks must have gotten it. Close quarters and breathing the same air for 2 weeks in this day and age means something will be spread, no matter how careful you are.
The guests were a very international crowd from as far away as Australia, South Africa, England, Mexico, Italy, Spain, Japan, France, New Zealand, China, and the US. I found it interesting that the women all dressed pretty similarly. There were no outfits that stood out, and there wasn’t an accessory in the crowd. There were no “dressy” nights, so people dressed for comfort in the same casual clothes I’d expect to see at home.
I wore this same coat and waterproof pants anytime we got off the ship to hike or go on a zodiac cruise. Under it, I alternated the same 3 pairs of pants and a few sweaters ad nauseam. I will have an update later on what I packed, but it wasn’t all that interesting. This is what I looked like most days…
Helsinki
I adore Helsinki. When we passed through on our way to the cruise, it was cold enough to require a parka, warm hat, gloves, and scarf. Two weeks later, spring had arrived, and most folks were wearing sundresses or shorts. The tulips were out, all the trees were in bloom, and the sidewalk cafes were full of people enjoying the sun. We only had a few days to explore the city, but it was enough to discover amazing restaurants, world-class shopping, and friendly people.
Memorial Day Updates
Here are a few extra sales and what I’m shopping on this long weekend.
- Jenni Kane is having a rare sale with 20% off sitewide! I wore this cashmere Fisherman sweater more days than I didn’t during the last two weeks, and it finally started to show some pills on this second to last day. I’ve wanted the Navy forever and just ordered it.
- Everlane has 25% off sitewide and free shipping over $100. This organic cotton rib henley looks like a great summer piece in bone and navy stripe.
- Frank and Eileen has added new items to their sale section, which is up to 70% off! Be aware their sale merchandise is a final sale. I adore my Triple Fleece Belfast Peacoat and have worn it a ton! I bought this Triple Fleece Henley dress in grey the last time it was on sale, and I love it! I hate to say it, but now is a great time to buy fall/winter things that you know you love. I wear a small in both.
- Eileen Fisher has 30% off sale items through May 28. My favorite washable crepe pants are on sale in 21 colors! These travel like a dream and dress up beautifully. I have this classic silk georgette shirt in Bone, and I love it so much that I ordered the Twilight. I simply toss mine in the washer. My new lantern skirt is also on sale! I’m a big fan of these organic linen pants, which are on sale in the Grove color. I adore this little linen-cropped cardigan. The weight is perfect for a little arm coverage on hot days. I have the Atlantis to coordinate with my dress and the black, which I wear all summer long. My latest EF try-on session is here.
Have a terrific day, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
Your cruise sounded amazing. Thanks for sharing. Getting a virus when in close quarters with many people isn’t too surprising. Rest and get well. I am hoping this time around is easier and you quickly recover.
I’m hoping so too. I hate being sick.
I’m so sorry you fell ill with Covid again. Please just take care of yourself as I for one will just watch every day for your blog.
Thanks Sydney!
Glad you are home safely, please feel better from covid soon!
Look forward to your posts!
Thank you so much
Hi there
During COVID times etc I listened to a number ZOOM talks given by Quark. Fascinating. Glad you got to experience it all in person.
Maybe our paths will cross in Vancouver when you come to the VSO! I work there.
How fun!! We love the VSO!
Rest up and feel better soon! What an adventure! Polar exploration is now on my bucket list! I too got covid recently on a return trip from Europe (Sweden, Denmark and Germany). Think it may be the new normal. I was wearing mask but guy next to me on plane was obviously very sick and shouldn’t have been flying. (conversation for another day). Though he was also masked we were too close for comfort or germs. Dined out on my memories of all the good food we ate since I couldn’t small or taste for a couple weeks. Hope you recover quickly!
That’s awful! Masks help but not when you’re that close. So many people were hacking and coughing on our flight, with no mask on!
I always enjoy your posts! Thanks for the book too, I love reading about how people adapt to new cultures. Your adventure was so interesting, thank you!
So sorry you got Covid, hopefully you’ll feel better soon…
That book was eye opening!! Amazing woman.
Loved seeing your trip. I recently returned from a similar one and plan to find that book. It is fun reliving memories through books. Hope you get well soon.
I know this is a mostly fashion blog, but I’d love to hear about your favorite meatless meals. We eat very little meat and I’m always looking for inspiring veg meals.
I do eat seafood and some poultry. Trout and salmon are probably my favorites.
Sounds like a wonderful trip! Hope you recover from the Covid quickly!
Thank you so much
Glad you’re home safely, sorry you’re sick with Covid. Rest, relax and heal. We will be waiting for you and anxious to hear all about your trip, etc.
Thanks Violet.
Jennifer, it sounds like an amazing trip! What was the cruise line and route? I know you’ve told us, but I can’t seem to find it.
I hope you and your husband feel better soon! Covid can be a beast!
We went on Quark out of Helsinki. Amazing!
The Cruise looks fantastic! We’ve been considering this cruise but are not very good on rough seas. Were many people seasick during the cruise?
Sorry you came home with Covid. I was sick last August after a cruise as well. Hope you recover soon!
I didn’t notice anyone feeling ill. The seas were pretty calm and the ship has stabilizers to prevent motion.
Uh oh sorry you both got sick! My husband was saying yesterday that we should consider going on a cruise! lol. I think I will have to rethink that idea. we too have worn masks even now because my husband’s health could not survive it. We have not been ill with a cold flu or anything since 2019!
You’re lucky!! Stay well. We were enclosed much more on this cruise because of the location. Other cruises might be easier to stay well.
Hope you feel better soon! Your trip sounds amazing, just glad that you were home when you started to feel bad.
Thanks for the book recommendation!
Thanks! I read this new variant is less severe.
So glad you had a good time! We got covid twice while cruising but on the last cruise we did not. Interesting that the last cruise we were much less careful but that was the time we did not get it.
That is interesting!
We’ve lucked out and not gotten sick with our cruises thankfully. Your cruise sounds amazing! Chance of a lifetime!
It really was amazing.
I’m sorry you and your husband got Covid – it is a hard reminder that it’s still out there. I just screaded (skimmingly read) an article about a resurgance this summer 🙁
I did search your blog but did not find a review of Philosophy brand of skin care. I’m 65 and always interested in something new. I’ve been using Rodan & Fields for about 4 years now. It’s a bit spendy and thought there might be something = or better and more affordable. If you’ve written one can you leave the link in your reply?
I hope you both recover quickly and smoothly… feel better soon!
I haven’t tried many Philosophy products so I can’t really speak to it. I do like many Paula’s Choice products which are priced well. I’ll check them out!
You sound like you had a great adventure! So sorry you have Covid! Heal quickly!
Thank you
What a wonderful trip. Feel better xoxo
Xoxo
As a Canadian I’m curious as to how many shots you have had? We just had #8 as recommended for our age group. (70+)
We have travelled several times since the end of the pandemic and managed to avoid anything.
We did have very mild Covid in Oct.2022 but otherwise nothing. Your trip looked amazing! Love your blog.
I’ve had all my scheduled vaccines. Think it’s 5. I asked my Dr about getting a booster before we left, and she wasn’t concerned. Ha! I should have listened to my gut instinct.
I loved seeing the highlights of your cruise. We have cruised Norway and Finland but were never north enough to see the real Nortic area. It’s on my bucket list now! I’d also like to know where you purchased your cream purse/fannypack. I think I need it for my October cruise.
Mine is pale gray but it also comes in cream. Here it is.
I love it for travel!
Just heard this week, the vaccines do not stop you from getting Covid, only reduce the severity.
I’ve heard that too and know my previews vaccines have helped
Sounds like a wonderful vacation, Except for Covid. Now you can recuperate in your own bed and pjs. The blog can wait a few days …we will all understand. Feel better soon.
It was wonderful!