travel – Page 29 – Snapping The Globe

Mardi Gras Every Day of the Year!

One of my favorite events in New Orleans is Mardi Gras.

When my husband and I lived there, I counted down the days until Mardi Gras season would arrive and eagerly re-arranged my schedule to attend as many parades as possible.

The beads were such fun to catch, but we always loved finding out the themes of the parades (well-kept secrets in some cases), the identity of the grand marshals of the larger parades and how the floats would be elaborately decorated.

Many years have passed since we lived in New Orleans, and I always missed being there for the festivities. My feeble attempts at parades and celebrations at my children’s pre-schools and elementary schools did nothing to quell my desire to be where the action was.

In a few weeks, I will be back in the Crescent City to introduce Mardi Gras to a couple of my friends, but it wasn’t until a recent visit to New Orleans and Mardi Gras World that cemented those plans.

There are many types of tours offered in the New Orleans…historic tours, ghost tours, swamp tours…but the one offered at Mardi Gras World is for those with the desire to see what goes on behind-the-scenes at the one of the biggest parties in the world. Having heard about this venue, I thought it would be a fun and informative way to entertain myself while my husband was working and hey, they were offering free King Cake!

After giving Mardi Gras World a call, I was collected near my hotel at one of the designated pick-up spots in the French Quarter. The Mardi Gras World shuttle was clean and efficient, delivering us to their studios at their warehouse location along the river. We were greeted with colorful jesters at the entrance…signs of things to come!

Once the entrance fee was paid in the gift shop, we were instructed to wait at the appointed spot for the tour guide to lead the way. So many cool things to buy were taunting my checkbook, but I decided that it would have to wait until after the tour so as not to have to carry it around.

Taking us down a hallway, our guide ushered us into a large room, its walls lined with many papier mache props, some, donning colorful and elaborate Mardi Gras costumes.

A short introductory film briefed us on the history of the Kern family and how their design company, Blaine Kern Studios, came to be in 1947. When the film was complete, we were were offered that piece of King Cake that we were promised…a bit of sustenance for the long and exciting walk around the premises.

As we entered the warehouse, it was truly an overload on the senses! Mardi Gras is truly alive here, 24/7! Here, we learned just how much hard work and planning is involved to create the impressive floats that can be seen in the Mardi Gras parades.

I had always been fascinated with the details presented on the floats, but never given much thought to how they were made. Explaining how artists create the 3-D figures from thick pieces of styrofoam, then cover them with paper mache, we were actually privileged to see some of these artists hard at work doing just that. We also learned of the technological advances made in the design industry. Pixie, a sculpting robot, can develop a sculpture up to sixty feet long and build larger sculptures from smaller manufactures pieces. Floats can also be backed into the room and sculpted, one side at a time.

*Technicians controlling Pixie the Robot*

One of the most interesting aspects of the tour was the explanations of how pieces can be re-adapted to be used in future parades by simple modifications. Changing a hat and some facial features can create an entirely new character. Every piece created by Blaine Kern Studios is housed here and an amazing sight to see! From the figures of the band KISS, to animals, to historical figures, to major landmarks, to storybook characters…these colorful pieces of artwork fill every nook and cranny…some in various stages of development!

Finally, we were led to a larger part of the warehouse where some of the actual floats are staged. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the history of Mardi Gras and its customs and we learned some interesting facts, such as why there are mega floats (filled with up to 200 riders) and why it was decided that tractors would pull the floats. Let’s just say that parade organizers like loopholes in the city’s laws!

We were able to examine many floats at close range examining the papier mache pieces and fiber optic lighting that decorate and illuminate the massive vehicles. Although we were not allowed to board the floats, we did find out something interesting. Having to stay on the vehicles for long periods of time, have you ever wondered what the masked float riders do when they have to go to the bathroom? Yes, the floats are equipped with port-o-johns!

Finally, our guide set us loose and we were able to walk among the thousands of pieces of sculpture and indulge our inner photographer! If you can imagine it, it was probably there, a who’s who of sculptured characters…Buddha, Elvis, Saints’ Quarterback, Drew Brees, Captain Jack Sparrow, Little Red Riding Hood, Santa Claus and so many other amazing pieces! There were even elaborate Mardi Gras costumes to try on!

This New Orleans tour is an experience you will definitely not want to miss, especially if you have not had the opportunity to attend Mardi Gras. The unmasking of the greatest show on earth is truly worth the admission price…even for a former local, like me!

Bring your camera and your appetite!

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Mardi Gras World

https://www.mardigrasworld.com/
Address: 1380 Port of New Orleans Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130
Hours: 0900-1730, daily. First tour begins at 0930 and last tour at 1630, each lasting one hour and beginning every half hour.
Admission: Adults, $22.00, Children, $14.00, Seniors, $17.00, Students, $17.00
Getting There: By car, $15.00 parking fee. By free shuttle, provided by Mardi Gras World. Give them a call and they will pick you up at designated pick up areas throughout the French Quarter and Downtown areas.

The Cathedral On the Square

As I stood before the regal, St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter, I watched a line of small schoolchildren, hand in hand, make their way to the entrance.

This brought me back to the day, when as a schoolchild on a field trip, I stood on this exact spot, mesmerized the city’s most notable landmark…one, known worldwide by its central position towering over iconic Jackson Square and its neighbors, the Cabildo and the Presbytere.

Though this beautiful cathedral is one for which the city is known, and is the oldest Catholic cathedral in continual use in the United States, few realize that The Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis is actually the third Roman Catholic church to have stood on the site. When the city was founded, the first church erected here, in 1718, was a basic wooden structure for the early colonists’ worship. In 1725, the construction of a larger brick and timber church was begun and completed in 1727. When the Great New Orleans Fire ravaged the city in 1788, the church was destroyed. Rebuilding ensued and the new church was completed in 1794 with the church being elevated to cathedral rank. After a massive renovation to enlarge the structure was begun in 1849, resulting in the collapse of the central tower, it was finally decided to demolish most of the church resulting in very little of the Spanish Colonial structure remaining.

Today, what we can observe in Jackson Square dates back to 1850, however, the bell from the 1819 tower was reused and still there today.

The cathedral was designated a minor basilica by Pope Paul VI in 1965, but in front of the cathedral, you can spy a beautiful statue of Pope John Paul II, a gift of the Archdiocese of New Orleans and the American Italian Cultural Center. It was blessed by Pope Francis in Saint Peter’s Square and commemorates Pope John Paul II’s visit to the cathedral in 1987.

Entering the cathedral, I found the interior to be a well lit space though not as ornate one would expect. My eyes were immediately drawn upward to the beautifully detailed ceiling centered with a painting of St. Peter receiving his shepherd’s staff from the Savior and surrounded by apostles. Walking through the center aisle, I made my way to the great high Rococo style gilded altar flanked and topped by intricate statues. The three statues on the top represent faith, hope and charity and St. Paul, on the left of the tabernacle holds a book and St. Peter on the right, holds a book. Other statues with the cathedral depict St. Joan of Arc, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, St. Joseph, St. Anthony of Padua and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In the foyer are statues of Mary, Queen of Poor Souls and St. Therese of Lisieux.

The cathedral is divided into nave and side aisles by two rows of wooden columns with an upper gallery lined with the flags of six countries and several local Catholic Dioceses. Passing through these columns, I made my way to the outer walls of the cathedral to inspect the beautifully rendered depictions of St. Louis IX, which tell stories of the saint’s life.

Glancing up at the organ, I admired its simplistic beauty. I later learned, however, that when Hurricane Katrina roared through the city in 2005, not much was spared including the cathedral. The powerful winds ripped a hole in the roof, which allowed water to enter, damaging the Holtkamppipe organ. The organ was sent back to Holtkamp to be rebuilt and finally reinstalled three years later.

Speaking with a volunteer docent, I also learned a couple of interesting tidbits about the cathedral. The cathedral contains the remains of eight New Orleans bishops. Another body buried in the church is Fr. Antonio de Sedella, commonly known as Père Antoine, who was a priest in the church. What is most intriguing about Père Antoine is that he loved his position at this particular location so deeply that he is alleged to haunt the premises. Accounts of parishioners and tourists claim that he walks the alley (named after him) next to the cathedral in the early mornings and appears during Christmas Midnight Mass near the left side of the altar, holding a a candle.

Another apparition often seen at the cathedral is that of Père Dagobert, a monk who resided in the church. If you visit on a rainy day, you might hear his voice chanting the Kyrie.

Although a Catholic house of worship, the cathedral has a rich history and appeals to visitors of all faiths and nationalities as evidenced by the large number of visitors meandering through the building while I was there. While wandering the French Quarter, have a look inside, attend Mass or better yet, try to get a glimpse of Père Antoine or Père Dagobert. All experiences you will never forget!

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St. Louis Cathedral

http://www.stlouiscathedral.org/
Address: 615 Pere Antoine Alley, New Orleans, LA 70116
Hours: Daily, 0830-1600. Daily Mass, 12:05
Tours: Self-guided brochures are available in the entrance for a $1.00 donation. Visitors can get an impromptu tour from our volunteer docents when available. Guided tours for groups are only available with prior reservations.
Admission: free
Tours: Self-guided brochures are available in the entrance for $1.00 donation and impromptu tours are available from volunteer docents when present.
Getting There: By bus, lines #5 and #55. By streetcar, line #49, found at St. Anne Street, 5 blocks northwest of the cathedral.

The Nun’s Nest

As a young, Catholic girl in Louisiana, I attended Catholic school.

In my white shirt and pleated, dark navy skirt, I happily attended school every day, eager to learn not only the rudimentary lessons but the religious ones as well.

Though many of my teachers were non-clerical, I did have the privilege to be taught by a handful of nuns over the years. Sisters Martial, Cecilia, Fatima, Roland and David.

These nuns resided in the nearby convent and we always loved going there to help with projects and pray in the chapel. It was such a feeling of peace and a peek into a completely different way of life.

While traipsing around the French Quarter, I happened upon the Ursaline Convent and Museum. Disappointed to find that it had just closed for the day, I turned away eager to return as soon as possible. The next day, I was back, bright and early, to tour the oldest building in the Mississippi Valley that acted as home, orphanage and school for the Ursaline Nuns.

After LaSalle’s discovery of the mouth of the Mississippi, Father Nicolas Ignace de Beaubois (with the help of Governor Bienville) sought out the assistance of the Ursaline nuns to travel to France’s first settlement in the lower Mississippi Valley.

There was a great need for ministering at the poorly run hospital and also for the education of the young girls of the colony.

The nuns arrived in 1727 and the convent built for them was completed in 1734. After the city’s first Eucharistic procession, the nuns accompanied by notables and citizens, they moved into their new home which faced the river. The convent served as home and the center of operations for the hospital and school until the new convent on Chartres Street was completed in 1752.

This new convent, built slightly before the city’s grand Cathedral, was constructed in the French Colonial style. It has been described as “the finest surviving example of French Colonial public architecture in the country” by the National Parks Service.

It was this two-story white plastered brick building that I gazed upon as I entered through the old stone walls. But what set off this beautifully simple building was the green maze of a garden that lay before it. Stopping for a moment, I admired the old bell and the cast iron cross in the courtyard which was a gift of the city of Rouen, France to commemorate the arrival of the nuns.

Making my way between the hedges, I headed inside to see what I might find. Admiring the beautiful stained glass above the double doorway, I stepped into the foyer, taking in the wooden stairway, golden statue of Madonna and Child and a tall, wooden clock. This clock, I learned, was constructed from elements brought by the Ursalines in 1727. When the nuns were asked to establish a convent in Galveston, Texas in the 19th century, the community gifted it to them upon their departure. As a devastating hurricane swept through southern Texas in 1900, it took the lives of nine nuns, ninety students and thousands of residents. The clock survived, however, and was returned to New Orleans in the first decade of the 20th century.

The Ursaline Room was adjacent to the foyer and was originally the orphan’s dining room. Facing the river, these young residents could look out at the dark, fast moving Mississippi and realize that another life awaited them once they aged out of the orphanage. This room is now empty, save for a large statue and a handmade chasuble dating back to the 18th century. The original cypress ceiling beams are visible overhead.

It was here that I also learned of the Sweetheart statue. The small plastered statue was found in a convent attic in France by Sister Felicite. Despaired to see it so carelessly cast aside, she prayed for an immediate departure to the new French colony and was granted her leave almost immediately with the statue in tow. In 1788, this statue was placed by one of the nuns in the window of the convent as fire raged through New Orleans. The approaching fire was suddenly blown back by the wind and died out, keeping the convent safe. This statue has since then been credited with many astonishing miracles.

Making my way through what appeared to be a small sanctuary, I found myself inside St. Mary’s Church. This church was built in 1845 and served as the bishop’s chapel, the place of worship for the bishops and archbishops of New Orleans when they were in residence at the convent. It was the third chapel built on the site and it was interesting to learn that a bell tower that once stood at the location was destroyed by the 1914 hurricane.

The church was quiet and I made my way through admiring the beautiful altar, framed by angel and cherub statues. There were many other statues in church and the stations of the cross were distributed between the tall stained glass windows. It wasn’t until later during my tour, after talking with one of the staff that I learned that only one side of the church’s windows were authentic stained glass…the other side painted. I immediately went back to the church to seek out the window where it was discovered that it was not stained when cleaning and part of the bottom of the scene was rubbed off.

Exiting the chapel, I headed into the far side of the convent, where you can see some of the small cells where the nuns resided. One of these small rooms is currently being used as an administrative office and the others have been enlarged to house exhibitions. The most current being The Church In The Crescent: Three Hundred Years of Catholicism in New Orleans. This exhibit highlights the history of the city and the elegant St. Louis Cathedral. Emerging from a small wooden church to the present day construction, its story is displayed for visitors to examine in the form of photographs, portraits, letters and artifacts. Although I had already visited the Cathedral, after the watching the documentary available for visitors, there was so much explained about the interior of the building that I almost wanted to go back and take another look!

Finally, I headed outside to the space that is now being used for wedding receptions. Once a wedding has been finalized in the chapel, the bride, groom and guests can head out to the tented area at the rear of the convent for the reception.

Beyond the tented area, however, is what caught my attention…a grotto containing the Madonna and child and the life-sized statues of priests and nuns praying. Each statue’s expression was unique, but one of utter reverence. Absolutely breathtaking!

As a Catholic, I truly enjoyed my visit as it stirred up fond memories of my childhood, however, anyone interested in the rich history of the city and its architecture would truly be enthralled with this amazing museum. Pray your way there!

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Old Ursaline Convent Museum

https://www.oldursulineconventmuseum.com/
Address: 2505, 1100 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Hours: Monday-Friday, 1000-1600, (last admission at 1515) Saturday, 0900-1500 (last admission at 1415). Sunday, Closed.
Admission: General Admission, $8.00, Seniors, $7.00, Students/Military, $6.00

Who Wants Voodoo?

Voodoo Priestess.

Yes, one year, for Halloween, I dressed as a Voodoo Priestess, complete with voodoo dolls attached to my cloak, each representing one of the friends invited to my party.

Naturally, those who were late or didn’t show, got a pin through the head or heart!

Of course, how I dressed was my own idea of what a Voodoo priestess should look and I had no idea of how to make an authentic voodoo doll. However, growing up in Louisiana, we had always heard of the culture and beliefs of voodoo and how someone had had the gris gris (bad luck) put upon them. Now, gris-gris is actually a talisman or amulet that someone wears to protect themselves from evil and bad luck, but as children, we sometimes misconstrued the stories we heard from our grandparents as they told them, sometimes in their Cajun French language!

While staying in the French Quarter with my husband, I decided to seek out all of the touristy things that I had never taken the time to do when I lived just outside the city many years ago. The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum was at the top of my list and I looked forward to learning about the Louisiana branch of Voodoo brought to the city back in the 1700s through the African slave trade.

In 1972, local artist, Charles Massicot Gandolfo, started the museum, as it was his wish to share his passion for all things Voodoo. Not flashy or large by any scale, it is labeled by a modest sign hanging from the upper balcony on Dumaine Street. As I walked in, I was surprised to find it even smaller than I had anticipated and filled with artifacts and items offered for sale, including authentic voodoo dolls, chicken feet, snake skins, Voodoo Love Potions, books and candles. Yikes! The only chicken feet I would ever take home would be from the grocery store’s meat section!

Paying the attendant my entry fee, I moved toward the hallway to begin my self-guided tour. The hallway was extremely narrow and visitors turned sideways to allow each other access to the space. There were many pictures in the hallway depicting Voodoo priestesses, including the famed Marie Laveau, Melvina Latour and Sanité Dédé, who used to practice her rituals in her home’s courtyard down the street. Marie Laveau’s kneeling bench, which was used in her altar room in her home on St. Ann Street, sits underneath her picture.

The museum is packed with information and examples of voodoo history and practices, but when I say packed…I really mean packed. The two small rooms in the rear are filled with masks, statues, artifacts and altars heavily laden with items placed upon it as petitions to the Voodoo spirits for intercession and favors…cigarettes, money, coins, pictures, keys, small statues and toys, Mardi Gras beads, eye drops (yes, someone must have cried quite a bit begging for a favor). You name it, the rooms were stuffed with so many items, it really was quite overwhelming!

As a collector of African masks, I found the ones present in the museum quite interesting to analyze as many of these were extremely old…not the kind I would ever bring into my own home. Call me superstitious, but Voodoo has its roots in African culture and I have always believed that these items sometimes carry spirits within them.

As well as instructions on how to make voodoo dolls, there were many skulls and bones throughout the museum, even a complete skeleton donning a top hat as well as well as a preserved alligator head and alligator claw…I could envision that many visitors might feel quite uncomfortable if the idea of death is not compelling to them. Hopefully, however, they understand what kind of museum it is before visiting.

My visit was short and slightly enlightening. Not a fan of small spaces, I was more than ready to leave and head to the burial place of Marie Laveau, St. Louis Cemetery Number One.

As I sat for a moment reading the handout that was given to me to explain the museums inclusions, I began speaking with the lady at the front desk. In addition to visiting the museum, I learned that you can also book psychic readings and Prognosticating (fortune telling), arts that are deeply ingrained within the fabric of Voodoo culture. Having already seen many people offering psychic readings throughout the French Quarter, I think that if I was interested in finding information about my future, this would be the place to come…a little more authentic than the street corner.

But, since a reading was not in my future, it was time to head on to bigger and better things. And New Orleans has many!

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New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum

http://voodoomuseum.com/
Address: 724 Dumaine St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Hours: 1000-1800, daily
Admission: $7.00 General Admission, $5.50 Seniors, Military, College Students, $4.50 High School Students, $3.50 Under Age 12, Free Entrance to the Gift Shop

House of Horrors

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop

May Baily’s Place

Hotel Provincial

The Monteleone Hotel

The LaLaurie Mansion

It is no big secret that many of the city of New Orleans’ most famous landmarks are shrouded in stories of murder, ghostly appearances and unexplained happenings.

In the 1700s, pirates, outcasts and renegades roamed the streets of the French Quarter and lawlessness prevailed. But, even among the city’s elite, morbid stories can be found in the history books.

Fans of the show, American Horror Story, will recognize the tale of Marie Delphine LaLaurie, the wealthy homeowner who was rumored to have tortured and killed her slaves.

Having seen the third season of the popular television series, I was interested in finding Madame LaLaurie’s former home. Deciding not to book one of the many ghost tours that frequent the location, I set out on my own to find the site which is considered to be one of the most haunted in the city.

Located a few blocks from the Voodoo Museum, the dark grey, stately home looks much like the rest of the architectural gems that grace the streets of the city. But, how many others garner the interest that this one does? Just walk past the two story home at any time of the day and you will understand. Many people congregate in front of the home at all hours, snapping pictures of the mansion on the corner of Royal and Governor Nicholls Streets.

But why?

They could be fans of American Horror Story (although most of the scenes were shot at the Hermann-Grima House on St. Louis Street). It could be that they are hoping to experience some sort of paranormal connection to the spirits that supposedly roam the premises. Or…it could be that as they snap away on the cell phones, they are hoping to capture one of the entities that haunt its halls peeking out its windows at the curiosity seekers.

The mansion’s owner, Marie Delphine LaLaurie, belonged to a wealthy Irish family that managed an extensive real estate portfolio in the Crescent City. To aid in their endeavors, they owned a great many slaves.

Marie Delphine’s first marriage was to Don Ramon de Lopez y Angullo, a high ranking Spanish officer until his death, under mysterious circumstances, in 1884. Marrying Jean Blanque, four years later, they purchased a home at 409 Royal Street and filled it with four daughters (in addition to Marie’s first born child with Angullo). Unfortunately Blanque passed away eight years later, leading to Marie Delphine’s third and final marriage, in 1825, to Leonard Louis Nicolas LaLaurie. It was this marriage that was the beginning of a chain of events that have led to the mansion’s prevailing reputation.

In 1831, Marie Delphine and LaLaurie purchased a new home just down the street where they would reside with two of her children. The marriage was not a happy one and in 1834, LaLaurie moved out of the home.

Marie Delphine was extremely distraught at the departure of her husband and rumors spread that she became a cruel mistress who harmed her slaves and gave no thought to their well-being.

After a young female slave named Leia, fell to her death in the courtyard, Marie Delphine’s remaining slaves were set free following an investigation of the incident. Marie Delphine set about purchasing her slaves back and nothing more was heard for quite some time, from 1140 Royal Street, as she settled into her life as a single woman.

A few years later, when fire destroyed part of the house, it was discovered that Marie Delphine had kept seven slaves chained in the attic…starved and tortured.

As news of the event reached the citizens of the city, they attacked the residence, enraged, calling Marie Delphine a “monster” and a “demon”. Stories began to surface about the condition that some of the slaves were found in…bones broken numerous times and set in unnatural positions, one slave said to have had a hole drilled in their head with a wooden spoon sticking out, another found with their skin peeled back so that muscle and tissue were exposed and yet another said to have had their intestines removed from their body and wrapped around their waist. Others were covered with honey and black ants and many others found dead.

When the home was sold years later, workmen claimed to have found numerous human skeletons beneath the house placed in abnormal positions, barely buried in the soil and many with holes in their skulls. The authorities conducted an investigation and concluded that these skeletons were indeed bodies of some of the former slaves that were thought to be killed in the LaLaurie Mansion.

Many people have debunked the stories that have followed Madame LaLaurie saying that they were the work of unscrupulous news agencies and former neighbors who may have had grievances with her. It is not to say that she may have not been the nicest mistress, as she was once visited by a lawyer, sent by the city, to warn her about the mistreatment of her slaves.

After her departure, however former residence has produced many reports of paranormal activity…moaning coming from a room where the slaves were kept, footsteps and negative energy felt by those in or near the house. There were also reports that a demon terrorized many who lived in the building in the following years, once resulting in the death of one of the residents. When the mansion operated as a girls’ school in the mid-to late nineteenth century, many of the young girls related to their teachers that they had been assaulted, their forearms scratched and bruised. They always described their attacker as “that woman”.

Could the cruel attacker, be the spirit of Madame LaLaurie, the demon or some other vicious entity? Or maybe the slaves that were tortured here returned to repay the malice they received.

Today, nearly two centuries after the horrific fire, the mansion is still viewed as a place of horror. Though many owners have bought and sold the home, no one has remained in the mansion for longer than five years, as it has been viewed as a place that has been cursed, bringing bad luck and devastation to those who reside here.

As I stood in front of this well-kept, historic mansion, I didn’t feel anything strange or see anything that appeared to be supernatural…much to my disappointment, as I believe there is another realm that reaches its creepy fingers out to us in locations that are more susceptible. If you believe in the paranormal, however, seek out this historic residence in the city’s French Quarter. A ghost tour may be more to your liking with their intimate knowledge of this location and many others, however if you venture here on your own, you may be a bit disappointed as there is not much more to see than a grand residence. If you are one of the (lucky?) ones, however, you may get to experience some of the strange occurrences that others have felt outside of the building…pulling on bags and arms, lights illuminating and extinguishing or visions in the windows.

Visit if you dare…

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LaLaurie Mansion

Address: 1140 Royal Street
Hours: Can be viewed from the street, 24 hours, daily
Admission: Private residence, no admittance allowed.

Pearls of Wisdom

Planning to take a cruise and wanting to make a change?

If you are moving on from your current cruise line and trying to decide on a new one…here is some (hopefully) helpful information on the Norwegian Pearl.

After our disastrous experience with Carnival during Christmastime last year, my kids had sworn off Carnival Cruise Lines for good. The only cruise line they had ever had experience with, our previous trip had given them no cause for a desire to travel with them again this year. Late into port and not docking in St. Kitts had soured their expectations.

After checking out different cruise lines for our Christmas vacation, and their many amenities and itineraries, we finally decided on the Norwegian Pearl.

Our first adventure with Norwegian, we were excited to see the differences between this cruise line and Carnival and Royal Caribbean.

From the very beginning, there were some marked contrasts.

Check In Our first personal interaction with Norwegian was at the cruise terminal. We found the check-in lines to be quite lengthy (stretching out of the building and around the corner) and had to sit in the terminal for quite a bit of time before being allowed to board. This had never happened with our past experiences, but to be fair, we were first-time cruisers…so we had no status. Back of the line anyone?

Accommodations With our past cruises, we had always booked the more affordable rooms…interior cabins and occasionally, a room with a porthole or picture window. This time, we decided that a bit of splurging was in order. Though we still booked the interior room for our children, my husband and I opted to spoil ourselves with a Mini-Suite and balcony. Our room was spacious with a sitting area that afforded us the capacity to enjoy time together as a family away from the crowds. As we sailed away from Tampa, instead of enjoying the festivities on the main deck with people we did not know, we played our own music and enjoyed drinks in our stateroom, hanging on the balcony and watching the Tampa scenery go by in the waning daylight. Without the feeling of claustrophobia that I sometimes felt in the interior rooms, I have to admit, I don’t know if I can ever go back to not having a balcony!

Food There were a few restaurants that were available for dining by reservation and an additional charge; Le Bistro (French, $20 per person), Cagney’s Steakhouse (Seafood, Steakhouse, $30 per person), La Cucina (Italian, $15 per person), Teppanyaki (Japanese Hibachi, $25 per person), Sushi Bar (Asian, a la carte pricing), however, we opted to take our dinners at the main restaurants, Summer Palace, Indigo and Lotus Garden. All were very good and the service impeccable. Our breakfasts and lunches were usually taken at the Garden Cafe and the Great Outdoors in the rear of the ship. Occasional lunches, snacks and late nights were enjoyed at O’Sheehan’s Irish Pub…the fish and chips were amazing!

Drink When we booked our cruise, Norwegian was offering a few perks that we could take advantage of with our booking. The Ultimate Beverage Package was included for both my husband and oldest son which included wine, beer, liquor and cocktails. We also had a $100 on-board credit for one of our rooms which we were able to utilize for a Soda Package for my youngest son. There were many bars throughout the ship and we found that with the Ultimate Beverage Package, we were not cut off at fifteen drinks like on Carnival. Our wonderful ship steward also graciously gifted us with a few bottles of champagne in our stateroom.

Entertainment Award winning entertainment was offered nightly in the Stardust Theater and shows featuring passengers as contestants were offered in the Spinnaker Lounge. The Not So Newlywed Game and Dance Clash were two of the game shows where passengers both competed with each other giving the audience comical diversions. Bliss Ultra Lounge, a trendy nightclub-like hotspot offered live performances, karaoke and even bowling lanes while H2Glow and White Hot parties on the pool deck gave passengers the ability to dance the night away under the stars. One of our favorite places to hang out, however, was the Piano Bar on Deck 6. Requests were taken by the performer and it was quite the experience when the entire bar joined in on the sing-alongs.

Other forms of entertainment along the upper decks consisted of the rock climbing wall, basketball and soccer court, jogging track, shuffleboard, chess, golf, swimming pools and hot tubs.

First-run, barely released movies could be found in the cabins on one of the TV’s movie channels or on the giant LED screen in the atrium and a game room and library were available.

My favorite thing on this ship, however, was something I had never seen on another…and maybe it was just because I didn’t know to search for it. My son was wandering around and came upon a bridge viewing room. A large picture window allowed passengers to look onto the bridge and observe the crew performing the operations necessary to sail the giant vessel. The room also contained some memorabilia and a model of the Pearl.

Fitness Center/Spa Though I didn’t use the gym, I did take a peek inside. Offering the standard weight machines, treadmills, stationary bicycles and ellipticals, it was lot smaller than I anticipated and my son confirmed that it was often crowded. While exploring one day, we ventured into the Mandara Spa and was offered a tour of the facilities. Though not my kind of thing, the most intriguing aspect was the Thermal Suite based on the concept of Turkish Baths and included heated ceramic lounge chairs, a Thalasso Therapy Pool, hot tubs, steam room, sauna, and tropical rain showers.

Sun Decks Last year, our biggest complaint with Carnival was that passengers were allowed to reserve and hold lounge chairs. There were never enough chairs available for passengers although many were chained up and pushed to the side. Finding two seats together was hard, finding five for the entire family…impossible. We found Norwegian to be the complete opposite…there was plenty of deck space and plenty of chairs at all times. I have to admit though, my favorite place to take in the sunshine was on my balcony.

Communication Like Carnival, Norwegian provides an app which guests can download from App Store or Google Play. This app allows passengers to pre-book onboard activities, dining reservations, shore excursions, entertainment as well as view vacation itineraries. The communications feature allows passengers to chat and message each other while onboard, view their account and see what is happening on the ship at all times. A charge of $9.95 per person is charged for use of the communications feature, however, it is well worth the price in order to stay in touch with each other…quite handy since our two rooms were not near each other.

Ports of Call The itinerary for this cruise was Tampa (departure), At Sea, Harvest Caye, Belize, Costa Maya, Mexico, Roatan, Honduras, Grand Cayman, At Sea, Tampa (arrival). We enjoyed our Christmas Day in Harvest Caye relaxing in the sun on our beach chairs. The next day, the biggest surprise was in store for us. Having never checked the map for the location of Costa Maya, I was pleasantly enlightened that it was closer to Belize’s border than to Playa del Carmen, reminding me of my time in Ambergris Caye. So much like the old Mexico that I remembered, we enjoyed both relaxing at the beach in the town of Mahahual and checking out the beautiful, modern port, filled with many activities, shopping and restaurants. Our third port was the most anticipated since we had been wanting to go to Roatan for some time. Sadly, since we were unable to disembark as early as anticipated due to the tendering process, our time in Roatan was limited. West Bay Beach, however, was unbelievable and definitely awakened our curiosity for more of the small island. Our last port, Grand Cayman, was fabulous. A place that we are extremely familiar with, we were excited to not have to worry about trying to figure out what we would do. But, for anyone else, Cayman is full of amazing adventures!

Punctuality Overall, Norwegian stayed on schedule. Our only glitch during the cruise was the tendering process in Roatan. Our arrival in Tampa was another story. Last year, we thought our arrival into Port Canaveral was extremely belated (four hours)…that was until this time around. A heavy fog descended upon the port of Tampa on Saturday, preventing ships from setting sail…a bummer for those departing that day. Our ship was instructed to speed up and attempt to sail into port on Saturday night instead of Sunday morning. Hoping to make it in during an anticipated clear window, we were halted when the fog did not lift as expected. The Norwegian Pearl and three other ships remained off of the coast until the heavy fog dissipated, allowing us all to sail the remaining distance back to Tampa…twelve hours late. Though phone lines were opened for guests to make changes to their travel arrangements and to contact family, it was nearly impossible to get an outside line. Since our travel arrangements could only be done through a secured computer terminal, standing in line for hours to use one of only seven computers available was not an option. After explaining our circumstances to Guest Services, we were told that wifi access would be complimentary using my personal device. Upon our departure, however, we found that we had been charged $80 for an hour’s usage. After our return, I contacted Norwegian and the charge was reversed.

Upon our return and a some time had passed, I looked back on our first experience with Norwegian.

Although there were some negative experiences, I do have to say that we enjoyed our foray with a different cruise line. It was nice to discover a new ship layout and a new overall product.

Was it worth the change? Absolutely.

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

Norwegian Cruise Lines

https://www.ncl.com
Ship Name: Norwegian Pearl
Itinerary: 7 days, departing Tampa. Ports of call, Harvest Caye, Belize, Costa Maya, Mexico, Roatan, Honduras, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Tender Mercy

You’ve probably heard the term, “Tender Mercies” in some sort of capacity or another.

According to the LDS church, tender mercies is defined as very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support and spiritual gift which is received from Jesus Christ.

I think Norwegian cruise line should define it as “passengers at the mercy of their cruise line’s abhorrent tender operation”…we were definitely not feeling guidance, assurances, consolation or support.

Roatan, Honduras has been a destination on my “go to” list for some time. When we discovered it was part of our Christmas cruise itinerary, we were elated and planned to see as much of it as we could.

Looking through our destination handout the night before docking, I discovered that tender tickets were required for disembarkation. Never having had this experience, I inquired with Guest Services as to the appropriate location and then informed my husband that he would be in line before the ticket handout start time to ensure our early departure.

We were scheduled to dock around 7:30 am and we watched the coastline of Roatan come into view. With my husband having secured Group 2 tickets, we were excited that our day would begin early.

Roatan’s cruise port in Coxen Hole can normally handle two ships at their dock, with Carnival utilizing their own port, Mahogany Bay further up the coast. Apparently, part of the Coxen Hole dock was damaged a couple of months ago and one of Royal Caribbean’s larger ships needed the still-usable portion. So, where did that leave us? With no Honduran-run tender operation available, the Pearl’s lifeboats would have to suffice.

Each able to hold approximately 50-75 passengers and with a total of 2,394 passengers on board the Pearl…well, you do the math.

Three lifeboats were being utilized and those passenger with status and shore excursions were allowed to leave first. So, our Group 2 ticket wasn’t as great as I thought. That, in combination with rougher than normal ocean conditions, slowed down (and even stopped temporarily) the tendering tremendously. By 9:20, Group 1 was finally being called. It wasn’t until 10:10 that we were allowed to leave the ship, a very slow process.

Walking up the pier to the Town Center, we fought the crowds and the urge to take it all in. Having to be back for the last tender at 3:00 pm meant having to rush to do anything.

Making our way to the taxi staging area, we quickly made a deal with a driver to bring us out to West Bay, an area I knew had a nice beach.

Driving along the windy, narrow roads, our driver, Tino, gave us a brief history of the area. Noting the heavy traffic due to three ships being in port, we decided that we had to give ourselves ample time to get back to the boat at the appropriate time.

After about a 15 minute drive, we were pulling onto a small, narrow road. Passing a few rental cottages, we were not sure exactly where Tino was taking us. West Bay? Parking his van, he helped us out and guided us into a restaurant where we paid the owner $10 per person for chairs, umbrellas and the use of the facilities (showers and toilets).

Following the sound of waves and music, we stepped out of the restaurant onto the sand and looked around in wonder. A pristine arc of sand lined the water’s edge. Clear, turquoise water reflected the bright sunshine and I recognized some of the condominiums that I had researched previously when we had thought we might travel there.

With only three hours to enjoy these beautiful surroundings, my husband and I first headed up the beach. Stopping into one of the dive centers, we inquired about the accommodations and dive packages offered. Inspecting each of the resorts we passed, we made mental notes of where we might like to stay upon our return on a future vacation. We then headed down the beach, finding it more crowded than where we had made camp for the day. It was evident that this was a place where cruise ship passengers head for a day in the sun.

Heading back, we ordered a few drinks and stood in the water, enjoying the soft sand beneath our feet and the sun beating down on our heads, knowing it was a crisp 49 degrees back home.

Three hours goes by pretty fast when you are having fun.

Packing up our belongings, we headed inside to find Tino and begin the congested drive back to our ship.

Glad that we had given ourselves ample time, we sat in traffic just outside the port and then found the line for the tenders to be extremely lengthy. It was quite frustrating to watch the Royal Caribbean passengers sashay on board, whenever they felt like it. At least we had entertainment!

Finally on board and happily ensconced the pub eating fish and chips, we looked out of the picture windows at the shores of Roatan.

Sad that our day had started out slowly, we were happy to find that because of my diligence in getting in line for tender tickets early, we were the lucky ones to have had more time onshore. A great deal of passengers had not been aware that tender tickets were required (read your daily handouts!) and many more missed privately booked excursions (non-refundable). Some passengers in higher numbered groups were unable to get off of the boat until 2:00 pm, giving them only an hour to wander around the port!

So, what did we learn from our time in Roatan?

Read everything that the ship gives you…thankfully, I knew about the tender tickets.

Research your ports thoroughly…with a quick decision to make, I knew where to ask the driver to take us.

Book outside excursions cautiously…cruise ships take no responsibility for being unable to dock and will not refund you for missing a pre-paid excursion. They will, however, refund you for the cancellation of excursions booked through the ship.

Roatan, has a ton of things to offer besides beautiful beaches…we will be back to discover them all!

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

Norwegian Cruise Lines

https://www.ncl.com
Ship Name: Norwegian Pearl
Itinerary: 7 days, departing Tampa. Ports of call, Harvest Caye, Belize, Costa Maya, Mexico, Roatan, Honduras, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

The Mexico of Old

The Mexico of old. Do you remember?

Over twenty years ago, I remember driving around Cozumel in a rented (and rusted and dented) convertible Volkswagon Beetle, stopping at little bars and restaurants and snorkeling on stretches of unspoiled beaches. I remember riding the bus in Cancun for 35 cents and having dinner for about $5 per person. There were very few all-inclusive resorts and though many of the hotels were tall structures, they could not be compared with the mega-resorts spanning the coastline today.

My, oh my! Amazing what twenty years can bring.

The last time I went to Cancun and Cozumel, I was shocked at how much both had changed. Boutique hotels, heavy traffic, shopping malls and dinners averaging about $25 per person. I was not charmed by it anymore.

When we found out that we would be docking in Costa Maya, Mexico, I assumed that it was near Playa del Carmen and was less than thrilled. My recent visions of Cancun and Cozumel, still haunted me. I could only envision modern Mexico with beaches filled with tourists and high-end establishments.

And…I admit, I never really bothered to look at a map.

One of my good friends, who knows my adventurous spirit well, told me that the port, built by Carnival, was really nice but that I needed to take a taxi into town so that we could enjoy the beaches and local establishments. She said, “It’s like Mexico used to be.”

That’s all it took. I was intrigued and we would be heading into town.

As we looked down the coastline from our balcony, we could see a lighthouse and some low-rise buildings. Closer to the walkway from the pier, we could make out some thatched buildings, a large pool and what appeared to be a pyramid, but not much else.

After walking down the pier towards shore, what we found was quite surprising. This port was amazing! Pools, plenty of lounge chairs, shops, souvenirs, restaurants, bars, Dolphin Discovery, signs pointing to a beach area with snorkeling…

Did we really want to leave?

Surmising that my friend must have told me to go to town for a reason, we continued the long walk to the front of the property, winding our way through the stalls and artwork. Only spotting one cab parked alongside the curb, we assumed that taxi service was probably more expensive and decided to take the shuttle for $4 per person.

The open-air shuttle, pulled by a pickup truck, pulled out of the port’s gates and as we turned onto the main road, we discovered where the cabs were parked. The shuttle gave us a full view of the passing landscape. Not much was new construction and nothing appeared to be over four stories. After about a eight minute ride, we were pulling up to the curb in the town of Mahahual. Hedging the few locals who attempted to get us to use the chairs on their property, we decided to take a walk down the beach to first see what was available before making ourselves comfortable.

Mahahual…took…my…breath…away!

My first thought was that it looked so much like Ambergris Caye, Belize but with nicer beaches. Maybe if I had looked at a map, I would have realized how far south we were in Mexico…so very near the Belize border and Ambergris Caye. Located in the State of Quintana Roo, Costa Maya is the only state bounded by the Caribbean Sea to its east and offers a beach that extends north and south for a total of 62 miles.

We walked south, down the well-paved path, admiring the blue water, gentle surf and white, powdery sand, lined with beach chairs. There were countless restaurants and bars and no shortage of local women offering to give me a massage. The quaint fishing village, still had not caught up to the modernity of Cancun and Cozumel and I loved that there was not a name-brand hotel or McDonald’s in sight.

After being away from email, Facebook, Instagram and whatever it is that my children subscribe to, we were all anxious to log on, see what we missed for the past couple of days and check in with our friends and family. The first order of business was to find comfortable beach chairs, with some shade for my husband and good wifi. There were plenty of establishments offering chairs, all for free if you order drinks and/or food from them during the day.

That being done, we ventured out to the water’s edge, checked the temperature (a little cool) and signaled to our waiter for some drinks and lunch. The restaurant we had chosen to do business with, Maramao, was efficient and delicious…probably some of the best cerviche I have ever eaten!

After a while, I decided to take a walk. Heading north, this time, I reveled in the stone architecture, topped with thatched roofs, quirky bars, and countless vendors selling everything from t-shirts, to sandals, to Mayan masks…and much more!

After I while, I spotted our ship in the distance, reminding me that our stay in beautiful Mahahual was not permanent. Turning back, I meandered slowly, knowing that we would soon have to catch a cab.

And then, that was it. Our time in a paradise that I didn’t know existed was over.

As we sailed away from the port, I vowed that I would be back.

Mahahual, has so much more to discover…diving, fishing, ruins, ATV riding, ziplines, jungle exploration, water parks and authentic Mexican cuisine. Xcalak, a smaller village is located only 37 hours to the south and boasts amazing water sports and fishing. Mahahual, I learned, is only a six hour drive from Cancun. A bit lengthy but there are also flights to Chetamal, a two hour drive.

Yes, to rediscover the Mexico of old, I am willing to do that.

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

Costa Maya

https://costamaya.com/

Norwegian Cruise Lines

https://www.ncl.com
Ship Name: Norwegian Pearl
Itinerary: 7 days, departing Tampa. Ports of call, Harvest Caye, Belize, Costa Maya, Mexico, Roatan, Honduras, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

I Belize in Santa Claus!

Christmas mornings are spent around the Christmas tree, sipping hot cocoa and watching the snow fall outside.

Right?

Not always.

How about Christmas morning lounging under a beach umbrella, drinking cold beer and watching zipliners flying overhead?

This is more my style!

For the second year in a row, we decided that we would spend our Christmas holidays on a cruise ship. While our itinerary had us cruising through the waters of the Gulf of Mexico on Christmas Eve, we would be awakened on Christmas morning by sunshine and views of the Belizean coastline from our balcony.

Norwegian Cruise Lines opened the port of Harvest Caye in November of 2016 which took four years and $50 million dollars to create. With such a huge investment, Norwegian has to be thrilled that it was voted the Best New Cruise Port in the Caribbean in 2017.

Not having done much research on what was available on the island, we decided that relaxation was in order for Christmas Day.

As our ship, the Norwegian Pearl, backed into position against the dock, we got our first glimpses from the back deck of the beautiful island dotted with beach umbrellas on the far side of the island and a lighthouse.

Disembarking from our ship, we made the long walk on the covered walkway to the island. Greeted by many locals at the Harvest Caye sign, wishing us a Feliz Navidad, we marveled at the beautiful, brightly colored buildings, home to many restaurants and shops. What is quite interesting is that all of these restaurants, amenities and shops are locally owned and all of the 400 staff members working on the island are locals.

Passing the excursions pavilion, which joins the marina, we took note of all of the guests lining up to travel to the mainland for the start of the many excursions offered…parasailing, exploring Mayan ruins, cave tubing.

Making our way to the beach, hundreds of bright blue beach chairs spread out before us beckoning for us to enjoy our Christmas Day…the perfect present! Finding seats, we spread out, eager to enjoy the Caribbean sunshine. Positioned in front of the lighthouse or Flight House, we watched countless zipliners fly over us and the bay 13,000 feet to the termination point at the other end of the beach.

The waters were a calm, emerald green and the 7-acre white, sandy beach made of man-made sand (made from crushed seashell), stretched out in an arc. We relaxed, enjoying the sunshine and a few buckets. So, after a few cold ones, it was time to venture out and find the restrooms.

Once I was out of the restroom, a path on the right caught my eye with its beautiful flowers growing on an arched trellis and I noticed what appeared to be a cage just beyond. Passing through the arch, I discovered a wildlife exhibit which houses many birds and animals indigenous to Belize. This area also includes a Blue Morpho butterfly house and the entire exhibit is free for all guests.

My curiosity peaked, I decided to continue my walk, admiring the many wooden carvings nestled in the foliage and along the pathways, while following the signs guiding me to the pool area. First, I encountered the kid’s splash pad, but the 15,000 square foot swimming pool was the happening place! The Caribbean music was pumping and the pool bar was packed with hundreds of guests enjoying themselves.

The pool area contained plenty of seating, some shady areas and tall palm trees. Bridges criss-crossed the water and on the far end, there was a zero entry area. There were several pool-facing cabanas available containing lounge chairs, couches, mini fridges, a personal concierge and private showers. There are also beachfront villas furnished much the same with the addition of air-conditioning, beach loungers, hammocks, and a golf cart for the day.

Continuing my exploration, I ventured into the commercial area which features shops selling chocolates, rum, jewelry, t-shirts, perfumes, handwoven items and paintings. Stopping at one of the small wagon kiosks, I made a deal with one of the vendors and walked away with a beautiful basket for my collection at home.

Returning to the beach area, I took a small detour near the lagoon which is the starting point for those wishing to kayak and paddleboard.

Finally, returning to my family, I found them wondering where I had disappeared to. Describing what I had found, they decided that it was time to check out the amazing pool, grab a bite to eat at one of the island’s eating establishments and check out one of the island’s four bars before heading back to the ship.

Having visited Belize a few years back, this was a much different experience from our time spent on Ambergris Caye. Though there were many similarities, both being islands along the Belizean coasts, this was a much different encounter. Of course, we were on a privately owned island on a cruise, however, we were also treated with a beautiful, sandy beach, something Ambergris Caye did not offer.

Honestly, I would return to either place, on a cruise to Harvest Caye or just on my own to Ambergris Caye. My true desire is to explore more of Belize’s islands and its mainland. As I always say…so much travel to do, so little time!

With a tropical climate all through the year, excellent facilities and excellent service. Harvest Caye is indeed one of Norwegian’s premier destinations! If cruising with Norwegian, check your itinerary to see if you will be putting into port at this beautiful location.

So, do we still believe in Santa Claus? You better Belize we do! I actually saw him walking around in board shorts on the beach!

Yes, I actually did…

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

Norwegian Cruise Lines

https://www.ncl.com
https://www.ncl.com/harvest-caye
Ship Name: Norwegian Pearl
Itinerary: 7 days, departing Tampa. Ports of call, Harvest Caye, Belize, Costa Maya, Mexico, Roatan, Honduras, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

The Prime Meridian

As a child, I remember our elementary school lessons about the Greenwich meridian, the imaginary line used to indicate 0° longitude and used as the reference for all other meridians of longitude, which are numbered east or west of it.

Also known as the Prime Meridian, it is similar to the equator, but an imaginary line that divides the earth into two hemispheres…eastern and western instead of northern and southern.

With my love of geography, it is surprising that I had never given it much thought in my adult years, especially with all of my worldly travels.

Scouring a map of London for things to do, I came across the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. Located in a different part of the city that I had never been to and on the beautiful afternoon, it seemed like a great destination.

After the short journey, I departed the metro station and made my way toward the Royal Observatory, passing the statue of William IV, the Maritime Museum, the Queen’s House Museum and finally making the climb uphill through Greenwich Park.

*View of Queen’s House and London from Greenwich Park*

Paying my admission, I entered the Royal Observatory grounds and strode into the courtyard.

The first thing I noticed was all of the tourists trying to get their best shot straddling the brass line which is marked with the latitudinal coordinates of major countries of the world. So, of course I took my turn, amazed that I was actually standing on spot, chosen in 1884, to define the time zones for all countries and cities of the world.

Why Greenwich? The United States originally had chosen Greenwich as the basis for its own time zone system, but in the late 19th century, the majority of the world’s commerce depended on sea-charts. These sea-charts used Greenwich as the Prime Meridian.

If you can recall my blog post, “Calling All Dan Brown Fans” from a couple of years ago, you will already know that this was not my first time encountering the Prime Meridian. Visiting Saint-Sulpice in Paris, made famous by the Dan Brown novel, The Da Vinci Code, I then stood astride the brass line (called the Rose Line in the book) which is marked by a brass strip on the floor of the church. For those wondering, Paris’ longitude and latitude coordinates are 48.8566° N, 2.3522° E and I fondly remembered this visit as I noticed Paris marked on the Prime Meridian here in Greenwich.

There was much more to explore at the Royal Observatory, I soon discovered.

The Flamsteed House was designed and built by Sir Christopher Wren, the builder of St. Paul’s Cathedral, under orders of King Charles II. Wren, also an astronomer, began the construction in 1675 and it was completed by the following year.

As I walked through the Flamsteed House, I learned of the ten royal astronomers who lived in the house with their families for nearly three centuries. There are many of the families possessions on display throughout the home,

Eventually, making my way to the Octagon Room, I learned that it is one of the few surviving interiors by Sir Christopher Wren, also responsible for St. Paul’s Cathedral. This grand room was designed mainly for important guests hoping to try their hand at astronomy in elegant surroundings with thirteen foot windows designed for the long telescopes used at the time. While visitors at the time mainly observed eclipses, comets and other celestial events, today’s visitors can observe the beautiful portraits, the unique ceiling, some astronomical instruments and two clocks, concealed behind paneling which only need winding once a year. Using 13 foot pendulums behind the paneling, these clocks still keep amazingly accurate time.

Moving on, I investigated the Time and Longitude and Time and Greenwich galleries which tell the story of the quest to find longitude at sea before satellite navigation was the norm and the need to develop accurate timekeepers. The Harrison sea clocks and the actual GPS receiver used by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston on his round-the-world voyage in 1994 are the centerpieces of these galleries.

Exiting the Flamsteed house, I took a look skyward, not hoping to see anything celestial, but the time ball which sits atop the house. One of the world’s earliest public time signals, in operation since 1833, the bright red ball drops at 1pm each day.

To the left, I headed to the overlook and admired the view of the Queen’s House and the National Maritime Museum in the waning afternoon light. Ducking into a curtained doorway, I discovered the summerhouse which houses a camera obscura. This camera uses a lens and rotating mirror to project a close-up real-time moving panorama of Greenwich and the Thames, the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Naval College.

Finally, I entered the last part of the observatory which houses astronomical instruments used to make meridian observations and the impressive Great Equatorial Telescope. I must say, seeing the size and complexity of this massive instrument is mind boggling. The largest telescope of its kind in the United Kingdom and the seventh largest in in the world, it was built over 100 years ago. You can channel your inner Sir Christopher Wren and take a peek during the observatory’s Evenings With the Stars. I may have to come back on another trip!

Not sure what to expect when I decided to venture out to Greenwich, I was quite pleased with what I found at the Royal Observatory and in Greenwich itself. A very educational experience, I loved that I have now stood at the Prime Meridian in two different cities. I also learned a great deal about the history of astronomy and time. Passing so many other available attractions in the picturesque borough…The Queen’s House Art Gallery, the Maritime Museum, and the fabulous Cutty Sark…I know that I have to make the return journey in the future.

Greenwich is a happening place!

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

Royal Observatory

https://www.rmg.co.uk/
Address: Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ, UK
Hours: 1000-1700, daily (including bank holidays), closed December 24-26.
Admission: Adult, £13.50, Child £5.85
Getting There: Located 8 minutes from Central London by rail, 20 minutes by DLR and also by boat access. Stations nearby are Cutty Sark DLR, Greenwich rail station and Maze Hill rail station and Greenwich Pier.