Brook Massey Blog

(Ellis Island, taken from Battery Park) · New York City Financial District Overview · (9/11 Memorial Reflecting Pool) As a child, I vaguely remember driving through New York City with my parents.  We did not stop.  I recall the skyscrapers, but nothing else. · (Looking back at Ma ...

Wandering Through Beautiful Malaga, Spain · (Malaga Cathedral) · Miles and miles of beautiful beaches stretch along the sun drenched Mediterranean coast of Spain, the Costa del Sol.  Malaga lies as the gateway to this stunning section of Spain. · (Costa del Sol) · For the travele ...

Mijas · Jewel of Andalusia · Mijas Pueblo · High above the Costa del Sol of Andalusia, Mijas Pueblo lies nestled into the side of the mountains. · The white washed village gleams in the sunlight. · When we decided to take the Disney TransAtlantic Cruise, we began to research the ...

( Church of our Lady Carmen and Santa Teresa from Jardines de Alomeda Apodaca) · Cadiz, Spain · History, Architecture, Beaches, and Gardens · (St. Augustine) · History · (Part of the Roman city wall) · Long before the Moors, Vandals, or Romans conquered the Iberian Peninsula; bef ...

(Cascais, Portugal) · Beautiful Sintra/ Cascais Coast · Tour Review · After eight days at sea and one day in the Azores, our Disney TransAtlantic Cruise docked in Lisbon, Portugal.  Lisbon has such a rich history and so much to see.  Our family almost always chooses to visit natu ...

A Rainy Walk Through · Ponta Delgada, Azores · On our recent Disney TransAtlantic Cruise, after a week at sea, we stopped in Ponta Delgada, Azores.  Enjoy over 30 photos that I took while on my rainy walk through town. · (St. Peter's Church) · The volcanic islands lie 1000 miles ...

Our Whale Watching Experience · in the Azores · CNN, Fodor’s, Huffington Post and multiple blogs rank the Azores as one of the best places in the world to see whales.  Our family has a fascination with sea life, particularly whales and dolphins.  Since our son was about four, we ...

Disney TransAtlantic Cruise Review · Sailing the Seas with Captain Mickey! · Each May, Disney Cruise Line sends the Disney Magic across the Atlantic, where it will spend the summer touring Europe. · This thirteen night cruise sets sail from Miami, Florida and ends in Barcelona, S ...

On our first visit to Cozumel, Mexico, we enjoyed the Fury Snorkel and Beach Excursion.  Returning on my latest cruise, I decided to try something different.  The options were vast.  I opted to visit Chankanaab Beach Park.  Within one park, I had access to many activities.  It lo ...

Chacchoben Ruins · A Great Intro to Mayan Culture · Quintana Roo, Mexico  · When we honeymooned in Cancun many years ago, I had wanted to see the nearby Mayan ruins.  We could not afford to tour the surrounding area, though.  We had a great time lounging by the clear, blue waters ...

If you are planning a cruise from the United States, then the Norwegian Pearl will likely be an option. · Currently, it sails out of New Orleans. · Soon, it will cross the Panama Canal on its way to Seattle. · During the summer, the Pearl will transport passengers to Alaska. · Af ...

French Quarter New Orleans · I have visited New Orleans and the French Quarter three times.  As a child, I mostly remember seeing the Superdome and the narrow, crowded streets. · As a college student, I wanted to find sites from Anne Rice's Interview with a Vampire.  In the eveni ...

My morning run allows me to reflect and clear my mind.  This morning was no different.  For some reason though, today, I noticed the drama occurring all around me.   · Squirrels gathered nuts and tried to hide them, hoping to retrieve them in winter.  One squirrel chased another ...

The Top Ten Reasons · We Love Christmas At Disney World! · This year will make seven years straight that we have spent part of the Christmas season at Walt Disney World.  We have visited Disney World during most times of the year.  Christmas remains our favorite.  It has become a ...

Autumn is a beautiful time in Middle America. · Trees fill the horizon with yellows, oranges, and reds. · Warm days and cool nights make for lovely morning runs and afternoon strolls. · The world slowly turns from deep shades of green to a brilliant kaleidoscope of colors. · This ...

Unique Experiences in North Alabama · Most travelers zip through North Alabama along I-65 on their way to the beaches of the gulf coast. · Anglers enjoy fishing the Tennessee River or Lake Guntersville. · Golfers play the local Robert Trent Jones golf trail. · Most travelers mi ...

What You Need to Know · about Each Cruise Line · How do you choose which cruise line to sail? · There are many options, and each is different. · With a little insight, the decision will not be as difficult. · While cruising may not be for everyone, most people love it. · Budge ...

FAMILY TRAVEL ESCAPADES The Many Disney World · Transportation Options · by Land, · Air, or Sea · Walt Disney World spreads over a huge area in central Florida. · With four resort parks, two water parks, numerous hotels, a campground, golf courses, the Wide World of Sports comp ...

FAMILY TRAVEL ESCAPADESHuber’s Orchard, Winery, and Vineyards · So Much for the Entire Family to Do! · Our Huber’s Story · When my wife and I met in 1994, we visited Huber’s Orchard, Winery, and Vineyards on one of our first dates. · Located less than a half hour from downtown L ...

FAMILY TRAVEL ESCAPADESBig Improvements and More Fun · Coming Soon to Disney World · Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida has some big things in store. · Earlier this year, Animal Kingdom resort premiered Pandora – The World of Avatar. · The park expanded its hours into the eve ...