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Feed those travel daydreams using our computer wallpaper collection. This photograph of an Alaska Coastal sunset is a beautiful and easy to navigate desktop image that allows your desktop icons to stand out on this uncluttered scene. Perfect for inspiring that wanderlust in each of us. Download this photograph in a jpg file and use as computer wallpaper or crop for your handheld device (instructions below).
TERMS OF USE
These images are copyrighted and made available only be used as digital wallpaper but can also be printed for a private use. Printing for commercial purposes or published in any form without the express permission of The Intentional Travelers is not permitted. Should you have a commercial project for this image contact us at TheIntentionaltraveler@mail.com and reference “Coastal Alaska 1”.
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To download drag and drop the image or option click to select download location.
Transfer the image to your desktop image folder.
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Today is a holiday celebrating one the country’s greatest Black Americans, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and sadly, for now, his dream is being forgotten.
I have vivid memories of that sunny day in Washington, D.C. on August 28th 1963. I was a teenager and along with my best friend, we spent hours riding buses and walking to get to the Lincoln Memorial. Two young white boys standing on the north side of the Reflecting Pool in a sea of about 250,000 people, mostly African Americans. Still there were a significant number of whites scattered throughout the crowd too. The mood was almost carnival like as music blasted from the memorial. While the two of us believed in the Civil Rights Movement, it was Bob Dylan and Joan Baez that we came to hear, along with Peter, Paul and Mary. Shortly after Mahalia Jackson sang Dr. King stepped to the podium. Dr. King began to speak about his dream that one day everyone would be judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin.
It was partly his dream that moved the United States of America in a new and hopeful direction. Through decades of riots, church burnings, legislation, demonstrations, open conflict, National Guard actions and court cases the country stumbled forward and started to heal and things got better.
Ever since that Summer day in 1963 I’ve tried to live my life guided by those words of Dr. King about being color blind. Just over two decades ago in 1999 about 69 percent of all Americans thought that relations between white and black Americans were actually “good” and getting better.
But just nine years later only 65 percent felt that way and in 2021 it had dropped to 43 percent of U.S. adults. That means that 57 percent viewed the relations between black and white Americans as bad.
Today on the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. we need to try and understand what has been going wrong and who or what is causing this (I have some opinions but that’s for another time). If we don’t get back on the right path in America things are only going to get worse and that would be a disaster for all of us.
Officially the Greek island of Thera But Popularly Referred To As Just Santorini
An incredibly beautiful Greek island known for its stunning sunsets, white-washed buildings, and volcanic landscapes.
Old Port below Fira
Cruise ships visiting Santorini will usually need to anchor out and tender in to the Old Port area. In the sea level old port there are several restaurants, gift shops, the cable car station and the entrance to the walking trail up the steep cliff. The anchorage is actually the caldera of an ancient volcano and the steep cliffs ringing the lagoon are what remains of the island after the massive explosion.
At anchor off Old Port
About 3,500 years ago in the Eastern Mediterranean a great Minoan civilization flourished. It was centered in Crete with towns and cities established on a number of nearby islands. From a number of archeological excavations we know that they built multi-story houses that were decorated with incredible frescoes and had advanced plumbing systems some with hot and cold running water. One of the richest cities was Akrotiri (not its ancient name because there is no known written record) located in the middle of trade routes connecting Crete, Cyprus, Greece and Egypt. On a day around 1625 BC it all came to an end as one of the largest volcanic eruptions of the last 5,000 years destroyed most of the island. Shortly after that tsunamis from the eruption swept across Crete and dozens of other Minoan islands. Because of that event, over a short period of time much of the Minoan civilization simply vanished.
Welcome to Santorini, Greece! Santorini was named in the thirteenth century after Saint Irene. The old name Thera was revived a century ago as the official name of the island but Santorini is still mostly used.
Where You’re Ship Stops – There are only cruise ship piers on Santorini for smaller ships. Docking space is at a premium and most facilities are used by ferries and cargo ships. Most Cruise ships anchor out and use tenders to take passengers to the Old Port. Since the island is noted for its shear 900 foot cliffs that rise out of the sea, the first challenge you’ll face is getting from the limited sea level space up on top of the island.
Transportation – From the Old Port you will find four options to get up to the top of the island and the town of Fira. A mule ride (€8/$8.70), or a serious hike up 580 steps and on the same path used the mules (don’t wear shoes you don’t want ruined). There’s a modern cable car which costs €6 each way and takes 3 to 6 minutes unless there’s a long line which usually happens early in the day or within an hour or two of cruise ships departing. The island has a good bus service and reasonably priced taxis available in the old port.
Cable cars down to Old Port
While Santorini has good bus service and a bus route does go to the Old Port area, it would probably be more efficient to take the cable car up to the town. If you want to see more of the island catch a bus in Fira or take a taxi. The island towns are very walkable with their unique white-washed stucco buildings and bright colored doors and trim being the picturesque hallmark of Santorini.
Bus Service – The island bus service is KTEL with the average fare being under €2. You find the fare schedule HERE and a system map HERE . Taxis – Taxis are available but catching one at the Old Port early in the day can at times be difficult. An average trip between towns will cost around €10 to €15. You can also have a taxi take you on a tour around the island but be sure and firm up a price before starting out.
Money – Like most of Europe the accepted currency on Santorini is the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted but for incidental expenses you should carry some Euros.
The view from Santo Wine
Things To Do – First, the island and its towns are the primary attraction. Your ship will be anchoring in a huge circular caldera with its shear inner walls forming the coast of several islands. Clinging to the upper sides of these cliffs are a number of iconic towns inviting you to stroll their streets.
One of the most popular attractions in Santorini is the caldera itself, a large volcanic crater that has been flooded by the sea. The caldera is surrounded by steep cliffs and offers breathtaking views of the island and the Aegean Sea. Visitors can take boat tours of the caldera or hike along the rim.
Akratiri Frescos
Minoan Akrotiri – A major archeological excavation site open to the public will probably exceed the size of the archeological excavations at Pompeii. It is also a treasure trove of some of the worlds oldest frescos, most preserved by the eruption showing remarkable detail and vibrant colors.
In addition to the caldera and Akrotiri, Santorini is also home to a number of beautiful beaches, including Red Beach, White Beach, and Kamari Beach. These beaches are known for their crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery. Spend time swimming, sunbathe, or relax in the popular beachside cafes.
Wineries – Santorini is also home to a number of small, good wineries. The wine at the Santo Wines is only exceeded by the fabulous views from their patio. There are a number of wine tours available.
Donkey Rides – One option to get from Old Port up to the town of Fira (the islands Capital) is to ride the donkeys. These sturdy animals climb a winding trail that switches back and forth as you ascend about seven to nine hundred feet to the top. While not for everyone it is very similar to going down into the Grand Canyon by donkey.
Self-care is a concept that encompasses activities that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Self-care can include a wide range of activities.
While self-care and cruising may seem like two unrelated topics, they can actually be quite complementary. Cruising can provide an opportunity to engage in self-care activities, such as relaxing on the beach, getting a massage, or trying new foods. Additionally, the social aspect of cruising can be beneficial for mental and emotional health, as it allows people to connect with others and make new friends.
Overall, self-care and cruising can be a great way to improve your overall health and well-being.
4 North American Self-Care Cities to Visit on Your Next CruiseTrip
Cruise trips give you access to some must-visit destinations along the coast of America, a few of which are famous for being especially good for self-care (your health and well-being). These places have a variety of self-care amenities or are good for your health in a number of other ways. You can usually hit these places up if your cruise ship docks in port or if you choose to start or end your cruise there, getting some extra R&R is a good way of improving your health.
Below, offers up 4 North American destinations you should consider on your next cruise for exploring self-care:
San Francisco, California – For trendy self-care
You don’t usually associate a bustling business hub with self-care. But San Francisco is surprisingly good for your well-being (especially when you don’t work there)! Self-care is very big here, as SFGATE can confirm, with trends like cryotherapy and “soul salons” popping up a mile a minute. You’ll find a variety of unique self-care activities to enjoy all around town.
Depending on what you enjoy, you can find solo self-care spots, beauty treatments, wellness centers, and places for pampering. Some unique self-care activities you can access in San Francisco are journaling at the cozy Mill cafe, getting an all-natural beauty treatment at Ayla, taking a hike at Crissy Field with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background, and eating sushi at Chisai Sushi Club.
Bar Harbor, Maine – Awesome natural parks
Bar Harbor is a peaceful, charming small town in Maine. Being a popular port of call, you’ll find many things to do and places to visit in and around Bar Harbor. Arguably, the best part about Bar Harbor is the Acadia National Park nearby, which is home to Cadillac Mountain. Acadia National Park is full of nature, which is very healing and relaxing. Climbing Cadillac Mountain is good exercise, and offers breathtaking views.
Two other self-care activities to enjoy in Bar Harbor are whale watching out on the Atlantic Ocean and taking a stroll in Northeast Harbor Village. Last, but not least, you can always spend a day down at one of the local beaches, getting a tan or just taking a dip in the ocean. Beaches are naturally relaxing and therapeutic, as NBC can confirm.
New Orleans, Louisiana – The Sacred Music Festival
If you love music, New Orleans is the place to visit. Music has proven health benefits – it busts stress, makes you more positive, soothes frayed nerves, and more. New Orleans is known around the world for its unique, soulful music. You’ll find a variety of music-themed or music-centered attractions in this city that can be incredibly healing.
If you visit at the right time, you may be able to participate in the Sacred Music Festival. This event is famous for its group healing activities and attracts people from all over the world. Besides music and festivals, New Orleans also offers other types of self-care – nature, spas, beauty treatments, exercise routines, and more.
Orlando, Florida (Port Canaveral)– Theme park fun like Disney World
Cruise ships frequently dock at Port Canaveral, which gives you access to Orlando, Florida. Orlando is best known for its theme parks and family-friendly attractions such as Disney World and Universal Studios. Visiting a theme park is an effective self-care activity: it’s very relaxing, busts stress, helps you bond with your loved ones and gives you a workout too (when you walk around the park).
Approaching The Magic Kingdom at dusk
To make the most out of a visit to a theme park like Disney World, you should consult online resources with helpful guides that can help you plan your day. The right resource will help you find the best attractions and show you how to enjoy Disney World without breaking the bank. Click here.
Did you fall in love with a self-care destination? Purchasing a vacation home
If you end up falling in love with Orlando or any other city and can see yourself coming back several times, you might do well to purchase a vacation home there. Vacation homes are guaranteed accommodations and can help you experience the most the destination has to offer. They can also be a good investment (rental money and tax breaks).
If you want to purchase a vacation home, you’ll have to make a substantial down payment of 20 percent or more. If you can’t afford to put that much down, you may be able to take out a second mortgage on your existing home or use a home equity loan.
Conclusion
Self-care reset trips will help you relax, get more in touch with your inner self, and improve your overall health. Cruise trips are naturally good for self-care, but you can get an extra bang for your buck if you also make it a point to visit self-care destinations along the way.
This article was prompted by recent conversations with some bloggers and e-commerce sellers regarding the potential of selling on the internet. In talking with others it seems that our experience is pretty typical. We’ve been selling on the internet for several years, mostly with mixed results. Recently we’ve come to believe that without a significant commitment of time as well as money, the likelihood of growing to meaningful income from selling on the internet is pretty remote. I understand that there are lots of examples of internet rock stars who became huge financial successes on the web. Etsy has published a number of stories about huge successes on their platform but even that is out of currently 5 million active sellers. I believe those stories are similar to lots of million-to-one stories like actors being discovered in community theater, or lottery winners or artists who suddenly become famous. It could happen but what is the likelihood? Here I’m going to discuss some of our attempts that had some success and others that failed almost completely.
Back In The Day
Oddly over thirty years ago we had some real success selling on the internet. At that time Google searches were a new thing. So was the GUI (graphic user interface) and the number of web sites was measured in millions not trillions. At the time we owned a successful company selling industrial equipment and supplies (B2B) into the Caribbean islands. Our youngest son was in high school and into programing and computers. One somewhat small area of our business was selling rubber stamp making equipment and supplies and it seemed there was potential putting a catalog of these items online. Our thinking was that our Caribbean customers could see what we offered and perhaps place online orders or at least help them organize an order to send in. Our son did a good job putting together the web site and we let our customers know where they could find it. It also included an order form that could be filled out, printed and faxed in (no online orders yet).
Our customers quickly took to using the web store, but something else surprising happened. It wasn’t expected, but we started getting new orders from small stamp making businesses in America. It was a market we hadn’t really had any interest in, but it turned out our web site filled a need that most of us didn’t realize was even there. While we had agreements with the half dozen large manufacturers to to be dealers for their products in the Caribbean it turned out that there were hundreds of small rubber stamp makers in America. Most were connected to small printing businesses or office supply retailers. Many of them wanted to buy items from several different manufacturers and usually in quantities too small for those manufacturers minimum order requirement.
In less than a year we more than doubled our sales in those products. It turned out that at that time if you were to do an internet search for rubber stamp supplies the results in the U.S. were the only six. The five big manufacturers/suppliers with no real online catalogs and large minimum order requirements and us. Without even trying we filled a need that small businesses needed. Our suppliers didn’t care if we sold in America and one even hired our son to redo their website.
Over the years we’ve also operated a couple of brick and mortar retail stores with some small success but not enough to justify the time required or to really support our family. In recent years we’ve operated several e-commerce websites with all of them being mostly an extension of our hobbies. We’ve also talked to a number of online sellers about their experiences and have come to several conclusions about e-commerce and the likelihood of meaningful success online.
What Is Success – I’ve known several people who sold on Ebay for years but never considered it a growing business and I’m also aware of some big Ebay sellers. In my case one of my small online businesses is selling emergency ID cards on Etsy. That one started after I had spent six months designing and trying to launch a website for emergency contact and information for international travelers*. Now with cards I sell hundreds each month but it’s hardly a success. Because I sell them for a couple of dollars each and the postage alone costing 50¢ I rarely net $100 in a month. If you’re interested in seeing some of the cards go to Etsy and search “emergency id cards”. Several will be in the results first page.
What’s Your Idea Of Success? The important consideration is how much of an investment in time and money will be required and what level of income do you actually need going forward.
Getting Free Clicks – Instead of paying for advertising there is another avenue to getting clicks to your online store that can be free. Every online store should have a network of social pages too. Facebook, X (formally known as Twitter), Pinterest, Instagram and a dozen more and they all have free options. The only downside is that managing your social presence online can time consuming
Our Current Plan And Results.While our main online store (TheCraftsMart.com) gets 10 or 20 search engine results a day, our combined Etsy stores get between 50 and 100 visitors a day**.
In casually exploring an online store it seems reasonably inexpensive. Hosting companies offer first year plans that include a domain name at big discounted prices and POD companies have programs that cost you nothing to get started. Taking credit cards doesn’t seem to be too costly and the other details look manageable. I guess the point I’m making is to keep your eyes open and don’t fall for the internet’s promises of low cost and high income potential. Next I’ll discuss options like selling with Ebay or Etsy, “print on demand” suppliers, social media advertising and real world results.
Part 2 will get into the detailed costs involving an online business…
*This plan had endorsements and looked promising. It would have managed a secure database for individuals contact and medical records accessed by a ID Card link. Even after some PR we had only a handful of subscribers at only $2 a year.
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