In addition, money is spent on infrastructure in many of the Destinations visited. Many Jobs are also created and when the unthinkable happens like devastating hurricanes it is the Cruiseline that comes to the aid with supplies and assistance.
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These historic buildings are amazing with the hand made timbers. When we arrived, the village was fairly quiet. Our group was the main attraction. By evening the streets came alive. I enjoyed browsing in the shops even more than in Paris itself.
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The focus of our walk was visiting Notre Dame. The Steeple was under construction but still amazing. The intricate design detail in unbelievable. ​Yes, there is a Notre Dame in nearly every city. We were unable to get inside the one in Paris since they are still in restoration mode from the fire. But this one is spectacular as well. Just look at the designs in the photos below.

Each night and day along the Seine we traversed several locks. During the day they all look very similar. Large cement and steel walls that open and close to allow the water level to be adjusted. In the evening as we speed up, you can feel the ship rise within the lock and hear the rush as the gates open underneath the ship.   

During the last two years with so much free time, I have closely studied the changing protocols of my travel partners. There is so much to consider. From their cancellation policies to health&safety and the support they offer the Traveler, Agent and their own staff.
After a few of my personal trips had been cancelled I decided to try something new. France was welcoming travelers and Viking was high on my list of suppliers. It was time to see for-myself  how difficult leaving the country was. 
Prior to leaving home we had to get our approved COVID tests and upload the documents with our Passports and Vaccine Cards. The level in France had changed from 3 to 4 and back again a few times prior to our trip. Similarly the US had also had increased numbers. 

We had a perfect view. Looking out at the Eiffel Tower all lit up from our dinner table on the Aquavit Terrace. 
Nightly before dinner we visit and share drinks before a short discussion by the Program Director of the upcoming activities. The Chef also gives a brief description of what is being served. After Dinner, time for more drinks and a little music if you are not exhausted. 
Each evening we travel up the canal to our next port.

The Chateau de La Roche-Guyon

This fortress was built in the middle ages and later occupied by the Germans in World War II. During the Renaissance it was turned into a country house. In 1659 it was purchased by the La Rouchefoucauld Family which still owns it.

If you have traveled around Europe, you already know they are on their own time. Since they were late in opening the day of our arrival we only had an hour to look around. To see every part of the property you need at least three hours.
I would estimate less than 1000 people living in this unique tiny village. 

 What a nice surprise to arrive back to the
 ship where our Captain and staff are outside              to greet us with complimentary hot
​chocolate  and rum.

 Florida; we all have heard the horror stories and yet families walk around like nothing is wrong. Most stores have a mask required sign but nearly half the people do not follow it.
The numbers of positive cases per 100K is actually less in Florida than in NY State, even with the large number of spring breakers that had invaded the Miami area. 

After being among the locals for a while it is easy to let your guard down. If you live here and have to work, it is impossible to be careful or safe. You are expected to tolerate everyone making their own choices. As a visitor, the option to be safe is especially difficult. Our final destination, another hotel on the list of COVID safe (adhering to safety rules) is very good, but not perfect. 

Although many places offer outdoor dining, this is not an option in the evening with the bugs.
The majority of places do not require mask wearing by employees; some  wear under their nose or under their chin. 
​ In an area of approximately 100 miles, only ONE place was attempting to be safe. Wallace's Greenhouse wallacesgreenhouse.com/   All staff was wearing masks, tables are spaced apart and everyone is expected to wear a mask moving around the establishment.

I had researched the information before we left home, most do not keep their Websites or Facebook Pages up to date. The County health department does not have daily numbers like we do in our region.

If you have a major health concern, plan to take N95 masks or visit a region like Cooperstown where the Village has a mask mandate in addition to the New York State Law. 
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If you read my previous blog post about German Back to School traditions this will be a continuation. I belong to a sewing group and we often show off our successes not only our failures. Eva so kindly shared her tradition with the Sugar Cones so I asked her for more details. She sent me wonderful stories and photos and the following is also thanks to her. Even from across the world we have things in common.

This lovely creation is a Sugar Cone Cake,
created by a loving Grandmother that wished to remain anonymous.

Even with most families in the US sitting around doing nothing for the last year and a half we still didn't create anything this amazing.  This story was shared with me through a connection from a sewing group. If you would like to know a little more about this little town in Germany check back later this week for the follow up story. 
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