Titanic Hotel, Belfast, Ireland

Aloha Everyone,

On cruises, dinners at sea are usually highlights for passengers. For Titanic passengers, there were three distinct classes.  

For First Class passengers, printed menu cards offered the latest in French cuisine. Second Class had selections that would be comparable to regional hotels. As to Third Class, I can imagine it probably was a one dish meal such as a hearty soup and bread.

Titanic Hotel located in Belfast, Ireland has reproduced the decor and ambiance of Titanic. Even for history buffs, I don’t really see much charm in spending a night in the ill fated Titanic meal replica. But the restaurant is filled with diners. Some even dress in period clothes.

Aloha -- Cathi

Shortage of Pyrotechnics Experts

Aloha Everyone,

From shortages of teachers to airline pilots, supermarket clerks to hotel workers, all of us have one way or another been impacted by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. So it’s not surprising to learn that there were not enough licensed pyrotechnic experts to do the American tradition of 4th of July fireworks. Some communities canceled this popular annual event or rescheduled for the 3rd or 5th.

J.J. and I watched two nationally televised 4th of July fireworks. Displays in Washington DC, with the Lincoln and Washington memorials as background, were absolutely outstanding and impressive. In comparisons, displays that lit the New York skyline were scattered, diminutive in scale as well as in designs and colors.

Pyrotechnics jobs are mostly seasonal and part-time. In 2020, the pyrotechnics industry lost 90% of their revenues. (Source:  American Pyrotechnic Association -NPR-01/07/22)

Aloha -- Cathi

The Big Mac Index

Aloha Everyone,

In 1986, The Economist magazine created the term, the Big Mac Index.  It was meant as an unscientific guide. For example, how much does a Big Mac cost in Paris vs the same Big Mac in Mexico City. Using the theory of purchasing power parity (PPP) one could compare the economic standards of any two countries.

We had a personal experience in Jerusalem. J.J. and I each had a sandwich. When we were asked to pay the equivalent of nearly US$20 each, we were a little taken aback. The two of us thought perhaps we were also paying for the tourist guide’s sandwich. The price apparently is correct for Jerusalem, one of the most expensive cities in the world.

Very interesting reading on the Big Mac Index that Jerusalem is No. 1 on their list.

https://www.economist.com/big-mac-index

Aloha -- Cathi

Have a Safe 4th of July Weekend

Aloha Everyone,

Despite of high gas prices, the AAA (American Automobile Association) is predicting 42 million people across the US will be on the road over this 4-days holiday weekend.

Most will be driving 50 or more miles. This morning during my daily walk in the ESA neighborhood, I witnessed several vehicles ignoring stop signs and signal lights speeding to enjoy(?) their day.

The two of us are staying put. We have an assortment of “goodies” to snack on in between our healthier meals

Aloha -- Cathi

Annual Wellness Checks

Aloha Everyone,

Our Medicare Annual Checkup went very well. A couple of minor issues to follow up, but both of us are generally healthy. After getting my cataract surgery, we will be able to resume our travels.

J.J. and I also got our tetanus vaccines as part of our preparation for future travels to exotic destinations. The vaccination is good for 10 years.

Aloha -- Cathi