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WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SPRING 2015

Enjoy the many adventures packed into this issue with its stories that cover the globe, from Asia to Palm Springs. Take a hike around Lake Lucerne, explore the glories of Whidbey Island, cruise exotic Southeast Asia and take an African safari. Wine lovers also have a treat with Ron James' tongue-in-cheek wine enthusiast’s guide and a primer on rose wine by our resident wine expert Robert Whitley.

Enjoy the many adventures packed into this issue with its stories that cover the globe, from Asia to Palm Springs. Take a hike around Lake Lucerne, explore the glories of Whidbey Island, cruise exotic Southeast Asia and take an African safari. Wine lovers also have a treat with Ron James' tongue-in-cheek wine enthusiast’s guide and a primer on rose wine by our resident wine expert Robert Whitley.

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CRUISE TIPS<br />

Political and civil strife afflicts countries this region<br />

on an ongoing basis. Check with the U.S.<br />

State Department for warnings for visitors. (www.<br />

travel.state.gov/) Cruise lines are well aware of<br />

these situations and for the safety of passengers,<br />

may bypass or change ports-of-call as needed.<br />

One unavoidable issue on large-ship cruises to<br />

Southeast Asia is the long distance between the<br />

port and destination city and attractions. For example,<br />

it can take over three hours to travel from<br />

the cruise port to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City.<br />

Some cruises mitigate this inconvenience by docking<br />

for two or more days in a port, allowing passengers<br />

to remain overnight in the destination<br />

cities. When this isn’t possible, make the best of<br />

the extra travel by savoring the journey, especially<br />

if it’s in the company of an informative guide. Remember<br />

to look out the window! The countryside<br />

reveals much about a nation, its people and their<br />

culture. Your observations in transit can be just as<br />

exciting and revealing as walking city streets.<br />

Bathroom facilities vary greatly even in large cities,<br />

at tourist stops and along major roadways.<br />

Sometimes only “squat” toilets are available. Be<br />

prepared for this possibility by timing bathroom<br />

breaks when you’re near major hotels or tourist<br />

friendly restaurants. Sometimes, handicap<br />

facilities will have Western-style toilets. Travel<br />

with sani wipes in case toilet issue isn’t provided.<br />

Above all, keep hands clean to prevent the spread<br />

of bacteria and viruses.<br />

Pickpockets roam the markets and more crowded<br />

streets in many Asian cities, but violent crime<br />

against tourists is unusual. Traffic, though, can be<br />

daunting to pedestrians. Crossing streets filled<br />

with speeding motorbikes and tuk-tuks is not for<br />

the faint of heart. Drivers are aware of pedestrian<br />

traffic and adjust their driving accordingly. Stay<br />

close together, and step out when the traffic is<br />

minimal. Walk at a slow, steady pace while watching<br />

the oncoming traffic that hopefully will flow<br />

around you. Follow locals as they cross to get the<br />

hang of it.<br />

The vast majority of Asians are very courteous and<br />

friendly and they expect similar behavior from<br />

visitors. Being publicly angry, arrogant and loud is<br />

much frowned upon and will not help solve problems<br />

or get a better price. Be cautious, respectful<br />

and friendly and you will have a great time in this<br />

wonderful part of the world.<br />

Wine Dine & Travel Winter <strong>2015</strong> 31

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