American Music Theater's "The 2022 Christmas Show:Home for the Holidays"

 

American Music Theatre is excited to announce its brand-new AMT Christmas Show: Home for the Holidays. 

This live, original musical experience showcases a fresh cast delivering the same exceptional, Broadway-quality performances as in previous years - and it all starts as soon as you arrive! 

Drawing inspiration from the warm, treasured memories of family Christmases spent with loved ones, Home for the Holidays begins with a joyful gathering of family and friends who celebrate through a vibrant mix of song, dance, and holiday customs. 

Next, we transport you to Santa’s Candy Factory, where you will enter a whimsical world filled with bright colors and Candy Elves! 

Lastly, you will partake in a “midnight” candlelight service featuring songs of worship, beloved carols, and a powerful, harmonious performance of "O Holy Night." Enjoy some of your favorite sacred and secular holiday tunes alongside the remarkable musical arrangements of the AMT Orchestra. Experience the new set designs, fresh color schemes, and a stunning variety of new costumes, crafted exclusively by AMT. Home for the Holidays promises to be an unforgettable experience that will surely put you and your family in the festive spirit! 

American Music Theatre is a 1,600-seat theatre located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which hosts over 300 live concerts and performances each year: from Broadway productions to rock concerts, comedy acts, and today’s most popular country music performances featuring Grammy winners, CMA winners, Tony winners, and even Oscar winners on their stage. We hope you take advantage of the chance to enjoy a show in one of PA's top venues for live entertainment!

A Visit to Fort San Cristobal - San Juan, PUERTO RICO

 Fort San Cristóbal, referred to as the “Gibraltar of the Caribbean,” is situated on the eastern side of Old San Juan. Work on the fort commenced in 1634 and took more than a hundred years to finish. It stands as one of the largest Spanish forts ever constructed and the mightiest in the Americas. Built to strengthen Spain's defense of Old San Juan's harbor, the fort safeguarded the island from land assaults. It features walls that rise 150 feet above the ocean, spans a vast 27 acres of terrain, and contains five distinct independent units that connect through tunnels. Each unit is taller and sturdier than the preceding one, employing a “defense-in-depth” strategy.

Down one of the tunnels, there exists the dungeon which houses a death cell. In the 17th century, this small room lacked electricity and air conditioning, only possessing a narrow window slit for light and ventilation. This cell was designated for inmates who were anticipating their execution. Soldiers employed iron handcuffs and anklets to bind prisoners to the walls. On the walls, one can observe drawings of five ships created by an artillery captain. The ships exhibit incredible detail, right down to the flags signifying which ones belong to the adversary.

There are 28 sentry boxes that remain on the city walls of the fort of Old San Juan. They are commonly called "garitas" by the locals which are built from high vantage points. [Ps].

One sentry box only accommodate one man with low doorways and ceilings. This is purposely built as watch towers on landward and seaward approaches, as well as the base of the walls below.

The fort has stayed almost the same as it was in the late 18th century when building was completed. The fort was in operation until 1961 when the United States armed forces ceased utilizing it as a military installation. It subsequently came under the authority of the National Park Service and is now a park and museum. In 1983, it was designated as a World Heritage Site. You have the option to explore the site on your own or register for a ranger-led tour. 

Our Visit to Seru Largu - Bonaire

 Seru Largu is among the most romantic and popular viewpoints on the island of Bonaire. It is a raised hill point (the fourth highest in Bonaire) that offers a mesmerizing view of both the lovely town of Kralendijk and the islet of Klein Bonaire. Seru Largu translates to “Large Hill” in Papiamentu and is referred to locally as “The Mountain. ”

Many individuals ascend this hill to hike, arrange a romantic date, capture photos, or simply to seize the chance to appreciate a broader view of the island of Bonaire. At the summit of the Seru Largu hill sits a Christian monument known as the Millennium Monument. Its name originates from the fact that it was erected on the hill in the year 2000, at the beginning of the millennium, by the Council of Churches on Bonaire.

The monument is a structure painted in yellow and white, featuring a large white cross on its summit. Owing to its high and central location, it is easily seen from various areas of the island. Inscribed on the monument are the words "Kristu Ayera Awe Semper" in Papiamentu, which translates to Christ, today, yesterday, and forever. If you desire to reach this location, you can hire a car and travel up the Seru Largu hill for excellent photo opportunities at the monument or of the broader landscape of the island.

The Curacao Liqueur Distillery - (Chobolobo Estate)

 Also known as the home of the genuine Curacao Liqueur, the Landhuis Chobolobo is an iconic estate, 19th-century country mansion and one of the most famous tourist attractions in Curacao.

It offers tours for various liquor tasting and boasts the production of Blue Curacao liqueur: Here is where you can learn about the history, heritage and production process of the Curacao liqueur. 

The free tastes included in the tour ranges from green, orange red, clear and famous Blue Curacao, all of which is distilled in the same way since 1896.

Eagle Beach & Fofoti Trees - Aruba

 Eagle Beach is the widest beach in Aruba with soft white sand. It is also considered to be one of the best beaches in the world. It is the best place to go when you want some peace and quiet, - just away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. It also offers an amazing view of the Caribbean that has been popularly known to be used as backdrop for wedding photos.

NOTE: Public nudity is illegal in Aruba!...so don't go nude when you're at Eagle Beach! 😁

The beach also boasts for the famous, iconic Fofoti trees. 

Fofoti trees at Eagle beach provides an awesome landscape on the beach front. They are also found in Linear Park & Baby beach and in the Malmok area, - also in creeks like Rooi Prikichi, Rooi Canashito and Rooi Ser Cristal.

These trees are part of the mangrove and are protected by law. It's also interesting to note that Fofoti grows on firm land inland, yet near salt water. It has a brown and round button-like shape fruit which got its English name as "Buttonwood".

Its trunk is a very hard wood and was used in boat constructions, as well as used for medicinal purposes, like tea made out of its trunk used to treat eye sores and skin irritations.

Take note that this treatment used are like homeopathic remedies which hasn't been scientifically verified yet.

The California LightHouse - Aruba

 One of Aruba's scenic attraction and landmarks is the California Light House located at Hudishibana close to Arashi beach. It is considered to be the tallest structure in Aruba. It was named after the British steamship California, which was wrecked on September 23, 1891.

This lighthouse is considered to be one of the most photogenic spots in Aruba, and also known for impressive views of the Caribbean sea.

It is open to the public by allowing visitors to climb to its highest lookout point and take in panoramic views.

It was built between 1914-1916 with stone on an octagonal base. It is a double-lens lighthouse, standing at 98 feet tall.

At the top is also a restaurant which is a must do when visiting Aruba. (Sadly, climbing the lighthouse and trying the restaurant was not part of our package tour, so I couldn't tell much further what the experience is like.)

Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, ARUBA

 Along the rugged, desert-like, northeastern coast of Noor, Aruba lies an abandoned 19th-century gold mill. It once was a bustling gold mining industry constructed by Aruba Island Gold Mining Company based in London in 1872. All processed golds were driven to a nearby harbor for export.

 

Due to high operation costs, the mill operated only for a decade before production was stopped in 1883. It was reopened in 1889 by another British company, but also lasted another decade before it was permanently closed in 1889.

More than a century later, only the natural stone walls of the gold mill remains. Visitors can freely walk throughout the ruins where on the mill's southern wall will be the sweeping views of the Caribbean. It's also a stopping-off point for tourists on their way to view the Aruba Natural Bridge which collapsed on September 2005.

The largest remaining bridge is located next to the original site of the large Natural Bridge.

Oranjestad, Aruba - A Bustling City, Yet a Paradise!

 Aruba, the capital and port town of Oranjestad is best known for its colorful Dutch Colonial gingerbread houses painted in bright Caribbean hues.

Its bustling port town is surrounded by white powdery beaches with crystal-clear aquamarine waters in its southern coast.

The northern part has waves crashing rocky coast, scattered with cacti and divi-divi trees.

Photo Credits to the rightful owners

Oranjestad became the capital city in 1824 which was named after King William I of the Netherlands.
In 1924, oil business boomed resulting to a population increase as well as economic prosperity on the island. Tourism became highly essential in 1960's, then the city were split into 2; - East and West. The island's cultural heritage is reflected with some Dutch Colonial architecture with a number of old buildings and houses in the center of town which have been transformed into colorful restored landmarks, - such as the lime-colored City Hall on Wilhelminastraat.

Nowadays, Oranjestad is now a bustling harbor city with its streets dotted with international luxury retailers, various boutiques and jewelry stores.

Getting around downtown of Oranjestad has never been easier with a state-of-the-art tram inaugurated in 2012.

The tram passes through the Main Street which is now an attractive pedestrian mall. The tram has 6 stops at museums and monuments as well as at key shopping areas.

Cruisers who visit the island enjoy high valuability of the tram since the cruise ship terminal is connected with the center of the island's town.

If you happened to see blue horses around town, there are 8 of them total showcased around downtown areas. These horses are part of the new cultural/historical project started in 2015 called Paardenbaai Aruba.

The famous fofoti trees can be seen as icons of Eagle Beach.

The Currituck Beach Light Station - North Carolina

 Did you know that Currituck Beach Lighthouse still function as an aid to navigation since it started in 18th century?

The lighthouse started to be built in 1873, and it was completed and was first illuminated later in 1875. 

Photo Credit to the rightful owner

Its beacon turns on automatically every evening at dusk and ceases at dawn. The light can be seen as far as 18 nautical miles (about 21 land miles) with a 20-second flash cycle (on for 3 seconds, off for 17). This distinctive sequence enables the lighthouse not only to warn mariners but also to help them identify their locations.

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse was considered to be the last majore brick lighthouse built on the Outer Banks.

It was finally opened to the public for the first time in 1990, after an extensive restoration by Outer Banks Conservationists, Inc.

Visitors can pay a visit inside the tower, but they must sign a liability waiver before climbing. It has 220 steps going up to the tower. There is also a fee for the climb.

Visit to Macaulay Salmon Hatchery!

 Nestled in Juneau, Alaska, the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery serves as an intriguing destination for those fascinated by the aquatic life native to Alaska. This facility functions not only as a site for the cultivation of salmon but also as a marine biology museum and a demonstration of sustainable fishing practices. From the instant you enter this establishment, you are welcomed by the vibrant marine life of Alaska and informed about the various initiatives aimed at preserving the state’s natural resources. The unique aspect of the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery lies in its harmonious combination of education, conservation efforts, and its picturesque setting beside the stunning Gastineau Channel.

The Macaulay Salmon Hatchery can be found in Juneau, conveniently located just a short drive from the downtown area. Whether you are arriving by cruise ship or exploring the region by vehicle, the hatchery is easily accessible. For those making the journey from downtown Juneau, it takes approximately 10 minutes to reach the hatchery via Egan Drive.

The narrative of the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery is closely connected to Alaska's dedication to maintaining sustainable fisheries. Founded in the 1970s, it was established as a response to the worrying decline in wild salmon populations. Over the decades, it has transformed into a facility that nurtures millions of salmon each year while simultaneously educating the public on the importance of marine conservation. As I wandered through the hatchery, I was struck by a profound sense of history and mission, with each tank and exhibit conveying a piece of this significant story.

The best time to visit the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery is during the summer season, specifically between May and September. This period coincides with the peak salmon runs, allowing visitors to observe the breathtaking sight of thousands of salmon returning to their spawning habitats. Although the hatchery operates throughout the year, a visit in the summer provides the richest experience.

Upon your arrival, you will encounter enthusiastic staff members who are eager to share the hatchery's purpose and mission. The visitor center is filled with informative displays and aquariums that highlight the local marine life. A standout moment during my visit was witnessing the salmon ladder in action, where the fish leap and skillfully make their way upstream—a remarkable display of their resilience and strength.

Skagway, AK Cruise Port - Basic Fast Facts!

 Skagway is a notable borough nestled in the Panhandle of Alaska, found at the northern tip of the Inside Passage. It lies 103 miles north of Juneau when measured in a straight line and is 110 miles south of Whitehorse, Yukon, when traveling by road.

Commonly called the "sunshine capital" of southeast Alaska, Skagway has an average yearly precipitation of merely 27 inches. In the year 2008, it achieved a Guinness World Record for having the highest number of people simultaneously throwing eggs.

Your vessel will dock at one of the city's designated docks—either the Broadway Dock, located at the end of Broadway, the Railroad Dock, found at the southern edge of the town, or the Ore Dock, positioned at the conclusion of Main Street. Smaller vessels may dock at the Ferry Dock. From any of these docks, it’s just a brief walk to the various shopping, dining, and historic districts of the town.

Currently, there is no complimentary Wi-Fi available at the docks. However, if you purchase an item at specific downtown locations, you will receive a code for access to Wi-Fi.

While visiting Skagway, USA, you can navigate the town on foot with ease, exploring all the historical landmarks along the back streets and leisurely walking down the renowned Broadway.

Today, the Skagway area is home to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park along with the White Pass and Chilkoot Trails. Skagway boasts a historic district comprising around 100 buildings from the gold rush period. The town welcomes approximately one million tourists each year, with about three-quarters arriving via cruise ships. The White Pass and Yukon Route continues to run its narrow gauge train through Skagway during the summer months, primarily catering to tourists. Additionally, the WPYR transports copper ore from the interior region. If you plan to ride the train, it's advisable to arrange your booking through the cruise ship for convenience, as it is similarly priced but far more convenient. If you choose to pay at the train station, the fare is about $120, and you will need to find your own way there.

Skagway is truly unique, and whether your stay is for a single day or an entire week, boredom is not an option. The town is rich in character, has a captivating history, and serves as a gateway to remarkable adventures.

Energized by the frenzied Gold Rush of 1898, Skagway became the launch point for prospectors heading north to Yukon Territory in search of fortune. At the turn of the twentieth century, the town had an estimated population of 40,000 residents, including a variety of outlaws and colorful characters who left their mark on the area. As the gold supply dwindled, Skagway began to craft a new identity, yet it still maintains much of its frontier charm: many of the original structures remain intact, including the historic brothel, now known as the Red Onion Saloon.

The nearby White Pass Summit rises nearly 3,000 vertical feet above the town, offering breathtaking views of the Sawtooth Range. Just 15 miles from Skagway lies the Canadian border, and numerous tours provide an extensive day trip through this route into the Yukon. Engaging guides share stories and trace the path of the Klondike Gold Rush.

Since Skagway is located in a fjord, the deep waters of Lynn Canal accommodate full-sized cruise ships. With its rich history and nearby natural beauty, the town is a favored stop for several of the world’s leading cruise lines.

In addition to other companies, several major cruise lines have itineraries that include stops at Skagway Cruise Port, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Line.

Skagway Cruise Port consists of three separate docks, each featuring multiple terminals. Throughout the port, the terminals offer only basic facilities, but you can find several public restrooms and vending machines. Unfortunately, the port does not currently provide free Wi-Fi; however, given its close proximity to downtown Skagway, you should have no difficulty finding an Internet connection if necessary.

All terminals and piers are wheelchair accessible, ensuring that passengers with mobility challenges can navigate the port without issues. For those who need assistance reaching downtown Skagway, a round-trip shuttle service is available from the designated drop-off and pick-up area at the port. This shuttle operates throughout the year and is available for just five dollars for an all-day pass.