The Irish Kerrygold brand is definitely doing their best to sell their Irish butter and cheeses in the United States (U.S.). Recently, while shopping at the Laurel, Maryland Sam's Club store, I stumbled upon their Ballyshannon cheddar. As the cheese is made in Ireland and, I like Ireland a lot, I decided to buy a pre-cut block of their Ballyshannon and Dubliner (review coming later after I've tried it) cheeses.
As I stated, their Ballyshannon cheddar comes in pre-cut and wrapped blocks packed by the Irish Dairy Board Inc in Evanston, Illinois. Sam's Club sells the cheese for $5.97 (U.S.) a pound. My pre-cut block weighed 1.8 pounds. The cheddar is different from other cheddar cheeses I've seen in that it has an ivory color vice the normal yellow. Like other cheddar cheeses, the Ballyshannon is a firm cheese with a good flavor. The cheese has a good shelf life as the one I tried supposedly would've been good till the end of October. However, like other cheeses, it must be refrigerated at all times.
Store wise, there are a wide range of stores in the United States that carry Kerrygold products. I checked the www.kerrygoldusa.com webpage for locations near where I live that sell their products and, I found out, Giant, Weis, Safeway, Shoppers Food Warehouse also sell their products. While I didn't see it listed on their website, I know the Costco in Elkridge/Columbia sells their Dubliner and Blarney Castle (review coming later once I've tried it) cheeses. I can't tell you how their prices stack up compared to Sam's Club. I would think Costco would be comparable with the others being more expensive.
Overall, I was pretty pleased with the Ballyshannon cheddar. It reminded me of my tour of Ireland and my hope I can visit there again some day. I'm looking forward to trying the Dubliner and Blarney Castle cheeses I bought. Stay tuned for reviews on those. Bon appetit!
Update February 26, 2014: I visited Costco's Glen Burnie, Maryland store and, I found out you'll pay a premium for Kerrygold's Irish butter. Their butter sells for $4.66 a pound there which is over $2.50 more a pound than Costco's brand which sells for $2.12 a pound. Personally, I suspect Kerrygold's butter isn't worth the premium (butter is butter to me) though I haven't taste tested it yet.
Showing posts with label U.S.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label U.S.. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
McDonald's Shamrock Shake Review
It's that time of year again when McDonald's comes out with their shamrock shake. It's a green mint flavored shake they sell till St. Patrick's Day (Ireland's Patron Saint) here in the United States (U.S.). I thought I'd reviewed the shake before but, I couldn't find the review on my blog. So, I'm reviewing it again.
The shake is green, mint flavored and topped with a maraschino cherry. I bought a large shake at the McDonald's located on 8700 Washington Boulevard in Jessup, Maryland. Price wise, it cost me $3.19 before tax. I found the shake good. I like things with the flavor of mint and, the shake has a nice mint flavor. Plus, I like that it reminds me of Ireland which I enjoyed visiting and would like to visit again some time.
Overall, if you like mint milk shakes, I think you'd like this one. I know I did. I plan to have another when I visit McDonald's again. Do remember, you can only get these seasonal milk shakes till St. Patrick's Day. After that, you'll have to wait another year to get one. Cheers all!
The shake is green, mint flavored and topped with a maraschino cherry. I bought a large shake at the McDonald's located on 8700 Washington Boulevard in Jessup, Maryland. Price wise, it cost me $3.19 before tax. I found the shake good. I like things with the flavor of mint and, the shake has a nice mint flavor. Plus, I like that it reminds me of Ireland which I enjoyed visiting and would like to visit again some time.
Overall, if you like mint milk shakes, I think you'd like this one. I know I did. I plan to have another when I visit McDonald's again. Do remember, you can only get these seasonal milk shakes till St. Patrick's Day. After that, you'll have to wait another year to get one. Cheers all!
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Inca Kola Review
On a train trip from Ollantaytambo, Peru to Aguas Calientes, Peru to see the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu, I got to try Inca Kola for the first time. My tour director Mauricio told me it's the national soft drink of Peru. I found it different. To those of us in the United States (U.S.), Inca Kola is VERY different from what we're used to cola drink wise. All colas in the U.S. are black in color. Inca Kola is bright yellow. Also, Inca Kola has a some what sweet taste and, folks in the U.S. would say it tastes like bubble gum or club soda. To me, it tastes like bubble gum.
After my Peru tour ended and, I returned to the U.S., I stumbled upon Inca Kola at a Shopper's Food Warehouse (SFW) supermarket. As I'd an awesome time in Peru, I decided to get a bottle of the soft drink. I found I still like the stuff. Price wise, Wegmans sells a 2 liter bottle of it for $1.79 while SFW sells the 2 liter bottle for $1.89. However, SFW offers a greater range of the product. They have it in glass bottles, cans, plastic bottles and the diet version. Wegmans only offers it in the 20 ounce and 2 liter plastic bottles in the regular flavor i.e. no diet version. Inca Kola isn't found in the normal soda section of either store. You'll find it in the International Foods sections of each chain.
In preparation for this post, I did a little further research into the soda and, I discovered some interesting facts about the soda. The reason it is so popular in Peru is because it originated there and, the company based a lot of its appeal on Peruvian nationalism. Inca Kola is interesting in another way in that they are one example where the local brand beat out the International brand. Coca Cola tried to beat Inca Kola in Peru and lost due to better marketing on the part of Inca Kola Corporation and its parent company Jose R. Lindley Corporation (source: http://marketing.blogs.ie.edu/archives/2008/09/inca_kola_the_s.php). Sadly, Inca Kola decided to sell out to Coca Cola in 1997 for $300 million dollars though they got to keep the rights to the product in Peru as well as take over the distribution of all Coca Cola products there. Coca Cola in turn promised to promote the soda throughout the world and apparently has done so some what as it is available in the U.S. One last note though on the downside is that the U.S. version of Inca Kola may have more caffeine that its Peruvian version. According to a poster on the source webpage, the U.S. version may have 2 or 3 times the amount of caffeine than Coke (shades of Mountain Dew Batman). I wonder if Coca Cola decided to try to have the product compete with Mountain Dew in that way as they are close in color.
Overall, I like Inca Kola though others may not. I'm not crazy about the high level of caffeine in it but, I do like the taste and, it reminds me a lot of Peru when I enjoy a glass of the soda. Also, it isn't that much more expensive and than other name brands in the U.S. If you haven't tried Inca Kola and, you think you might like a soda that tastes like bubble gum, you might want to give it a try if you can find it. Happy drinking all!
After my Peru tour ended and, I returned to the U.S., I stumbled upon Inca Kola at a Shopper's Food Warehouse (SFW) supermarket. As I'd an awesome time in Peru, I decided to get a bottle of the soft drink. I found I still like the stuff. Price wise, Wegmans sells a 2 liter bottle of it for $1.79 while SFW sells the 2 liter bottle for $1.89. However, SFW offers a greater range of the product. They have it in glass bottles, cans, plastic bottles and the diet version. Wegmans only offers it in the 20 ounce and 2 liter plastic bottles in the regular flavor i.e. no diet version. Inca Kola isn't found in the normal soda section of either store. You'll find it in the International Foods sections of each chain.
In preparation for this post, I did a little further research into the soda and, I discovered some interesting facts about the soda. The reason it is so popular in Peru is because it originated there and, the company based a lot of its appeal on Peruvian nationalism. Inca Kola is interesting in another way in that they are one example where the local brand beat out the International brand. Coca Cola tried to beat Inca Kola in Peru and lost due to better marketing on the part of Inca Kola Corporation and its parent company Jose R. Lindley Corporation (source: http://marketing.blogs.ie.edu/archives/2008/09/inca_kola_the_s.php). Sadly, Inca Kola decided to sell out to Coca Cola in 1997 for $300 million dollars though they got to keep the rights to the product in Peru as well as take over the distribution of all Coca Cola products there. Coca Cola in turn promised to promote the soda throughout the world and apparently has done so some what as it is available in the U.S. One last note though on the downside is that the U.S. version of Inca Kola may have more caffeine that its Peruvian version. According to a poster on the source webpage, the U.S. version may have 2 or 3 times the amount of caffeine than Coke (shades of Mountain Dew Batman). I wonder if Coca Cola decided to try to have the product compete with Mountain Dew in that way as they are close in color.
Overall, I like Inca Kola though others may not. I'm not crazy about the high level of caffeine in it but, I do like the taste and, it reminds me a lot of Peru when I enjoy a glass of the soda. Also, it isn't that much more expensive and than other name brands in the U.S. If you haven't tried Inca Kola and, you think you might like a soda that tastes like bubble gum, you might want to give it a try if you can find it. Happy drinking all!
Tuesday, March 05, 2013
New 1 mg Generic Propecia Available in the U.S.
Yesterday, I drove to the Arundel Mills Costco Warehouse to pick up my latest 90 day prescription refill of Propecia. The pharmacist at the counter informed me they'd given me a new generic propecia. The only generic I knew of was Proscar which is Finasteride in 5mg tablets. I never used Proscar because, I didn't want to mess with splitting the tablets into 4 pieces with a pill splitter. Supposedly Proscar was cheaper but, it wasn't worth the hassle to me.
The new generic made my Dr. Reddy's Laboratories in possibly India comes in 1mg doses like Propecia though the pills are a different color and smaller. Price wise, the generic has considerable savings. My refill cost $150.74 saving me over $57 for a 90 day supply. That amounts to over $228 a year! I was delighted with the savings.
Later, I found an article dated 3 January 2013 announcing beginning of sales of the product (http://www.fool.com/investing/businesswire/2013/01/03/dr-reddys-announces-the-launch-of-finasteride-tabl.aspx) in the U.S. on 2 January 2013. The article gives a few particulars like the size of the Propecia market in the U.S. though I don't know if they took into account those who were taking Proscar for hair loss prevention.
The big issue is the savings for Propecia users and, the knowledge they will be able to get a product that is unquestionably is what it says it is. If you bought a generic Propecia from a foreign pharmaceutical concern like I did 1 time, you couldn't be sure you were actually getting the genuine product. Presumably, with the generic Propecia made by Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Propecia users can rest assured they're getting genuine Finasteride in the prescribed dose. NOTE: Propecia users must still have a doctors prescription to get the generic Propecia. Also, pregnant women should avoid any contact with the generic Propecia just like the regular Propecia.
Update December 7, 2013: Today, I posted a new article about a 2nd generic Propecia entering the U.S. market. It's made by Camber Pharmaceuticals Incorporated and is apparently cheaper than the generic put out by Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited. See my article for further information.
The new generic made my Dr. Reddy's Laboratories in possibly India comes in 1mg doses like Propecia though the pills are a different color and smaller. Price wise, the generic has considerable savings. My refill cost $150.74 saving me over $57 for a 90 day supply. That amounts to over $228 a year! I was delighted with the savings.
Later, I found an article dated 3 January 2013 announcing beginning of sales of the product (http://www.fool.com/investing/businesswire/2013/01/03/dr-reddys-announces-the-launch-of-finasteride-tabl.aspx) in the U.S. on 2 January 2013. The article gives a few particulars like the size of the Propecia market in the U.S. though I don't know if they took into account those who were taking Proscar for hair loss prevention.
The big issue is the savings for Propecia users and, the knowledge they will be able to get a product that is unquestionably is what it says it is. If you bought a generic Propecia from a foreign pharmaceutical concern like I did 1 time, you couldn't be sure you were actually getting the genuine product. Presumably, with the generic Propecia made by Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Propecia users can rest assured they're getting genuine Finasteride in the prescribed dose. NOTE: Propecia users must still have a doctors prescription to get the generic Propecia. Also, pregnant women should avoid any contact with the generic Propecia just like the regular Propecia.
Update December 7, 2013: Today, I posted a new article about a 2nd generic Propecia entering the U.S. market. It's made by Camber Pharmaceuticals Incorporated and is apparently cheaper than the generic put out by Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited. See my article for further information.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Royal Caribbean Deploys Freestyle Machines
Today, I received this information from Royal Caribbean's blog on http://www.answeritroyally.com so it's hot off the press. Royal Caribbean announced that it's begun deploying Coca Cola's freestyle machines on its ships. For those who don't know what Coca Cola's freestyle machines are, they're soda machines that can make 125! different Coca Cola products. That alone would make these machines pretty neat but, it's even better for those who like to sail on Royal Caribbean's ships. Due to lack of bar space, Royal Caribbean can't offer all of Coca Cola's products. For me, this is a real bummer because while they offer Sprite (I don't care for Coke), I like Barq's root beer and Fanta's orange soda too. This machine solves that problem. The machine should help Royal Caribbean in another way in that it can be easily operated by the person wanting a soda vice needing someone to run the soda machine.
One problem Royal Caribbean had to work out with Coca Cola was how to be able to check people's souvenir glasses to make sure they purchased the unlimited soda package they offer. Royal Caribbean plans on using the souvenir glasses that come with the package for the machines. Right now, whenever someone goes up to get a soda at the drinks stand, they have to show their seapass to prove they bought the unlimited soda package (and the DO check) otherwise they have to pay (was $2 a glass when I sailed in November) for each class of soda (bit of a pain). Royal Caribbean and Coca Cola worked out a radio frequency identification thingy that will be attached some how to the souvenir glasses that the machine will be able to check to make sure the customer has bought the package.
I believe the freestyle machines will cause more people to buy Royal Caribbean's unlimited soda package because of the greatly improved choices the machines will offer as well as being more convenient for the customer (they won't have to wait for a bar person to pull them a soda from the soda machine). Royal Caribbean should benefit in another way as this will free up some of their staff that have to work behind the drinks bar.
According to the blog post (http://www.answeritroyally.com/blog/?p=4971#comment-80778), Royal Caribbean deployed the machine to their Majesty of the Seas and will continue to deploy it to its U.S. based ships this year. Royal Caribbean said they'll continue to deploy the machines in 2013 presumably to its ships overseas though this isn't stated. I would hope they'd be able to do that. Sadly, in my case, I won't get to try out one of these really cool machines until next year when I hopefully do a few cruises based out of the U.S. Happy Sailing All!!!!!
One problem Royal Caribbean had to work out with Coca Cola was how to be able to check people's souvenir glasses to make sure they purchased the unlimited soda package they offer. Royal Caribbean plans on using the souvenir glasses that come with the package for the machines. Right now, whenever someone goes up to get a soda at the drinks stand, they have to show their seapass to prove they bought the unlimited soda package (and the DO check) otherwise they have to pay (was $2 a glass when I sailed in November) for each class of soda (bit of a pain). Royal Caribbean and Coca Cola worked out a radio frequency identification thingy that will be attached some how to the souvenir glasses that the machine will be able to check to make sure the customer has bought the package.
I believe the freestyle machines will cause more people to buy Royal Caribbean's unlimited soda package because of the greatly improved choices the machines will offer as well as being more convenient for the customer (they won't have to wait for a bar person to pull them a soda from the soda machine). Royal Caribbean should benefit in another way as this will free up some of their staff that have to work behind the drinks bar.
According to the blog post (http://www.answeritroyally.com/blog/?p=4971#comment-80778), Royal Caribbean deployed the machine to their Majesty of the Seas and will continue to deploy it to its U.S. based ships this year. Royal Caribbean said they'll continue to deploy the machines in 2013 presumably to its ships overseas though this isn't stated. I would hope they'd be able to do that. Sadly, in my case, I won't get to try out one of these really cool machines until next year when I hopefully do a few cruises based out of the U.S. Happy Sailing All!!!!!
Sunday, September 05, 2010
Update on My 2009 Yamaha TMAX
I thought it was time to post an update on my 2009 Yamaha TMAX as I've given their touring windshield and wind side deflecters a decent try out on the bike.
One of the things I noticed with my TMAX at higher speeds is considerable wind noise. It really roars when you ride 80 miles an hour plus. Yamaha claims that their touring windshield for the TMAX significantly reduces wind noise. After giving the windshield a good tryout, I can affirm that Yamaha wasn't lying. The windshield does make a big difference in that area and, it also cuts down on some of the buffeting you'll take at higher speeds. In my opinion, the touring windshield is worth the $224.95.
I can't say the same for the side wind deflectors. I haven't noticed that much improvement from them to make it worth the $199.95 Yamaha charges for them. Another thing those considering buying these 2 accessories should consider is the cost of installing them. I got a bit of a surprise when I got the labor bill from Heyser Cycle. It cost me $255 to get them both installed. Still, I think the touring windshield is worth it.
There are 2 things I wish Yamaha would do something about on the TMAX. First, I wish they would come out with a better seat for long rides. After about an hour of straight riding, I've found myself trying to find a softer spot on the seat and, there ISN'T one. Second, I wish they would come out with something to deflect the wind around the handlebars of the bike. This would help considerably when riding during the winter. I've looked with envy on the various Harley glide bikes as they offer good hand protection from the wind during the winter. The only solution I've come up with so far is wearing electrically powered heated gloves. These help some but, the batteries don't stay charged forever. I know there are gloves that will hook up to the bike's battery but, I'm very leery of doing that.
Another issue I thought I'd blog about is the 2011 TMAX. Yamaha finally released details on it sometime recently. I can't say exactly when as I wasn't checking their website every day for the info. Yesterday, I did find out they'd posted details on the 2011 bike. To my disappointment, I didn't notice any great improvements over the 2009 and 2010 models. The only differences I could see was a different color - the 2011 will come in what they call Raven which is another word for black and, the 2011 will cost an extra $100. Because of this, I was glad I pushed to buy my 2009 TMAX as that means I saved even more money buying one of those vice a 2010 or 2011 model.
Lastly, I noticed that Yamaha will be getting rid of its Majesty scooter in 2011. The Majesty is a scooter that is one step down from the TMAX. It has a 399cc engine vice the TMAX's 499cc. It advertised that it could hold its own on the highway just like the TMAX but, it doesn't have anything like the TMAX's sporty looks or presumably its handling. I suspect Yamaha decided that the Majesty was some what redundant and, I think they're right. With the TMAX, there really isn't any need for the Majesty bike.
Update January 26, 2014:
As I've been getting some hits on this post, I thought I'd post a little update to it. First, as any followers of Yamaha know, Yamaha came out with a new 400cc Majesty bike in 2013 at least. I don't know if they came out with it sooner than that. To me, the Majesty looks very much like a scooter. One thing that is nice about the TMAX is it doesn't. It looks like a sports motorbike. Ironically, the 2011 TMAX was the last TMAX to be offered in the United States (U.S.). I haven't found anything indicating Yamaha plans to issue the updated TMAX in the U.S. like they have in Europe and Canada. One reason may be they have a harder time selling the bigger engine scooters in the U.S. That was one reason a friend at Heyser Cycle mentioned and, it may be true. I read a nice article about the updated TMAX on Motorcyclist. Here's a link to the Motorcyclist TMAX article. I still wish Yamaha would issue a TMAX with a larger size engine. An extra 30 cc's isn't worth trading in my 2009 TMAX. Another upgrade I was able to have done to my TMAX which helps in the winter is heated hand grips. (These are standard on the new BMW maxi-scooters, a nice feature.) I forget who manufactures the kit. One downside to the upgrade is I have to make sure I turn the heater off before I turn the bike off. Otherwise, they'll continue to draw on the battery. The Shorai battery I had installed continues to be a good investment as I haven't had any dead battery problems since (knock on wood). I believe I have over 14,600 miles on my TMAX now and, I continue to be pleased with it. As soon as a bunch of the snow melts we received recently in Maryland, I'll be putting some more miles on my TMAX. Happy riding all!
Update January 26, 2014:
As I've been getting some hits on this post, I thought I'd post a little update to it. First, as any followers of Yamaha know, Yamaha came out with a new 400cc Majesty bike in 2013 at least. I don't know if they came out with it sooner than that. To me, the Majesty looks very much like a scooter. One thing that is nice about the TMAX is it doesn't. It looks like a sports motorbike. Ironically, the 2011 TMAX was the last TMAX to be offered in the United States (U.S.). I haven't found anything indicating Yamaha plans to issue the updated TMAX in the U.S. like they have in Europe and Canada. One reason may be they have a harder time selling the bigger engine scooters in the U.S. That was one reason a friend at Heyser Cycle mentioned and, it may be true. I read a nice article about the updated TMAX on Motorcyclist. Here's a link to the Motorcyclist TMAX article. I still wish Yamaha would issue a TMAX with a larger size engine. An extra 30 cc's isn't worth trading in my 2009 TMAX. Another upgrade I was able to have done to my TMAX which helps in the winter is heated hand grips. (These are standard on the new BMW maxi-scooters, a nice feature.) I forget who manufactures the kit. One downside to the upgrade is I have to make sure I turn the heater off before I turn the bike off. Otherwise, they'll continue to draw on the battery. The Shorai battery I had installed continues to be a good investment as I haven't had any dead battery problems since (knock on wood). I believe I have over 14,600 miles on my TMAX now and, I continue to be pleased with it. As soon as a bunch of the snow melts we received recently in Maryland, I'll be putting some more miles on my TMAX. Happy riding all!
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Home Again
I made it home last night. The Globus Canada tour I was on finished Sunday. Globus had the tour finish with a bang by having the group go to Niagara Falls and a farewell dinner at the CN tower. Niagara Falls were very impressive. They are the biggest falls I've ever seen. Globus included a ride of the Maid of the Mist boat which takes you right up to the falls. The boat ride was a lot of fun. After the boat ride, I made my quickest trip to the U.S. when I dashed across the border so I could get a Hard Rock Cafe t-shirt from the U.S. Niagara Falls Hard Rock Cafe. Then, I dashed back to Canada to get the Canada shirt. The dinner at the CN tower was top knotch. However, I was saddened as the tour was over. We had a nice group.
Monday, I made my way home. I'd heard flights were being delayed into and out of New York. To my relief, I got out of Toronto all right. However, I got stuck in New York JFK Airport for 4 hours! When our plane arrived at Baltimore Washington Airport (BWIA), we got stuck on the tarmac for 40 minutes. Another plane had taken our spot and, they had to move the other plane so we could park. I ended getting home around 11 p.m. Aargh!
Thankfully, I gave myself a couple days to recover and catch up on stuff. I need to buy groceries, pay various bills and hand out presents I bought on the trip. However, I've already contacted my travel agent Joel Mills to see about my next tour. That one will be a while as there isn't any place I'm real anxious to see during the winter. A cruise would be nice but, I absolutely want my own cabin and, they charge double for that. I may do a trip home during the winter. I promised my Dad I would try to make it home more often. Come summer, I'm determined to see Ireland. That trip would be a 2 weeker. There is lots to see there. One nice thing about Ireland is it's not super far flying wise. Joel said Globus should release its summer Ireland tour dates soon so, I should be able to figure when I want to go and put a deposit down. Once I do that, I'll counting the days till I get to go to Ireland. Cheers all!
Friday, July 03, 2009
Documents
I received my travel documents for my upcoming tours with Globus. It was something to look at them. The tours are really going to happen. I'll get to play the world traveller again. It should be a blast. Plus, it'll be great to get away from the Post Office. I've been working lots of hours and, it's taking its toll. I earned overtime this week and, I'll do it again next week. The money will be nice but, I'm going to enjoy more the travel it pays for.
I'll be curious to see what kind of groups we get on these tours. All the tours I've taken previously were 12 or 13 days. The U.S. tour will be just 7 days. Globus markets it for people who have never done an escorted tour before so, I may get to see a bunch of newbies. That'll be interesting. The U.S. tour should still be good. It has lots of neat things to see and experience. Colonial Williamsburg is great and, Richmond is nice. It'll be something to see the Gettysburg battlefield. I read Michael Shaara's novel The Killer Angels. Plus, I watched the movie Gods and Generals. During the tour, the group will get to see a famous Lincoln re-enactor perform. Presumbly, he'll do the Gettysburg Address. That should be good. Lincoln's speech is outstanding.
The Canada tour should be equally good. I'll finally get to see Niagara Falls and, it'll be something to wander the streets of Old Quebec City. I'll get to see plenty of historic Canada during the trip. At the end of the tour, we have our farewell dinner at the CN Tower which should be pretty cool. The Canada tour will be interesting also in that it's sold out. We should have the largest group I've ever travelled with (something like 50 people). I hope the seats on the bus are decently spaced. I hate having my knees pressed into the seat ahead (I have long legs). We'll see. Stay tuned for more travel updates. Cheers all!
Friday, January 16, 2009
U.S. and Canada Tours
I paid off sort of my future Globus U.S. and Canada tours. By sort of, I still have to pay the credit card bill off. The tours themselves will be interesting in a number of ways. For starters, they're both short. The U.S. tour is only 7 days. It's intended as an introduction to escorted tours. It starts in Washington D.C. and finishes in Philadelphia. It stops in a number of sights that I've wanted to see but, I've never gotten around to seeing such as Yorktown, Jamestown and Gettysburg.
The Canadian tour starts the day after the U.S. tour ends. To my embarrassment, I've never seen much of Canada. While living in Detroit, I was able to look across the river and see Windsor, Canada. My Dad took our family over there for all of 5 minutes. We subsequently looked back at Detroit and stared at it. Also, I got to stop in Montreal on a flight home from England. It was near Christmas time and all you could see outside was snow. Lots of it! This tour will knock out Quebec City, Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and Niagara Falls. I've seen more waterfalls in other countries than I've seen in my own. I'm looking forward to getting to see the famous Niagara Falls.
Lastly, I look forward to adding to my Hard Rock Cafe t-shirt. I found out there are 4 places where I'll be able to buy t-shirts on the Canada tour. I know it's kinda stupid but, I enjoy collecting them. They're a way for me to show off some of the places I've been. I'm looking forward to getting them and showing that I've been to Montreal and Toronto. They'll be cool.
Overall, the tours should be a lot of fun. I'm curious to see if the group develops the same camaraderie they develop on long tours. I hope it does as that is one of the things I really enjoy on the long tours. The only drawback I see is that the tours will be over in no time. If 2 weeks can really fly by, 1 week is going to be nothing. In that way, I'll be glad that I'll be doing back-to-back tours. The fun will last a little longer though it'll be with different groups. So any readers out there, stay tuned for some interesting posts in the future. I'll get to see some more interesting places and be able to post about some cool adventures. Also, there will be some nice pictures posted. Also, don't forget that the Egypt tour is coming up. It's less than a month and a half before that adventure begins. That should be an incredible adventure with lots of ancient things to see and experience. Stay tuned.
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