Alaska

Looking back at my first cruise, I'd say there were a lot of things that went wrong. The cruise food was usually under seasoned, overcooked, or just didn't taste good. There were a lot of things to do on the cruise, if you were over age 21. But being the good kid that I am, no alcohol was involved. Nothing racy, dangerous, let alone exciting. The one time I tried to go "clubbing" on the cruise, no one was there, resulting in a pointless conversation with strangers, whom I sadly ditched.

Then again, I did watch a good number of movies on the ship from the comfort of my cabin. And I have to say, this was a relaxing trip. Sure the 8 hour tours of nothing but icy, snowy mountains, and lakes got very boring, but I never had a real chance to just sit, sleep, and take in the beauty of things....behind a dusty glass window of the bus. Yay happy thoughts.

But really, I did have a chance to enjoy some of the pleasant scenery.

A normal trip for my family means touring an entire country in one month. This tour usually consists of six cities, waking up very early in the morning, and literally running through tourist destinations. Shopping? No time. Enjoy life like a local? Impossible.

In this respect, a chance to relax and take a good look at nature was practically salvation. Sure, I didn't get a chance to eat at local Alaskan restaurants, but I get what I can get.

My journey started on a plane ride to Seattle. As for all plane rides, a sky picture is mandatory. So here it is.

Frank Gehry's EMP building and Seattle Space Needle


The clouds were really nice that day


Later, we went to Banff National Park in Canadia. I mean, Canada. Such funny names for both country and park.

Wildlife. Funny how the car is a Dodge. Man coexisting with Nature?

On an ice field/glacier. Hope my shoes' dirt doesn't end up in someone's Deer Park.

After Banf and a long, car-sickening ride, we meet up with family friends. Onto the cruise? Nope. First a tour of Butchart Garderns. Flower pics? Definitely.

Onto the cruise, the Sapphire Princess.

The Office!


Ziplining. Full Gear. Yea! Probably the most exciting part of my trip. Definitely doing this more often.

Putting macro lens to good use. Mosquitoes actually tolerate Alaskan climate. Where's OFF! when you really need it?



Formal cruise night. We didn't actually go into the room behind us. But there was that interesting looking sculpture at the entrance.

And finally, the scenery I came for.


World's smallest desert








Denali, the final attraction.

The next time I come to Alaska, I hope I'll get to hike more often. Yeah, it's comforting to sit in a tour bus and see it all passing by. But it feels too dull, too inactive. Sure, I won't get as far by walking. At least it would be a pleasantly different experience.

Then again, this was more relaxing than many past "adventures" and for that, I'm somewhat content.

The End?