Page 6 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 LISBON EDITION

RON & MARY’S

EDITOR’S NOTE

WELL, WE’RE GLAD THAT’S OVER

opefully, this is the last issue of this mag- those lifesaving drugs made Covid’s demise pos-
azine where you will see masks on us or sible.
H anyone else. The pandemic seems to be It was ironic that we would sail on the Azamara
behind us. Finally. No more stifling masks, no Quest, at the beginning and end of the pandemic.
more testing, no more Covid-related trip cancel- We were onboard on the Quest two years ago as
lations and port closures – and a lot less fear. the pandemic struck and ports closed. On this
Happy travel days are here again! back-to-back voyage, Quest was the first cruise
We witnessed the end of pandemic travel re- ship to enter several ports since the lockdowns–
strictions during our seven-week adventure in and cruisers weren’t the only ones who were
Australia and Asia earlier this year. And the joy happy. Bands, dignitaries, television cameras and
was palpable. Not just among travelers, now mak- enthusiastic locals greeted our ships. We were
ing up for lost time with trips postponed or put back! We were celebrities.
on hold during the pandemic. But among the folks Several times, lingering restrictions like mask
in countries we visited who eagerly welcomed wearing and testing restrictions ended just days
us with open arms and broad smiles. before we would visit a new country, and once,
Our trip took us to six countries, that endured while we were in port. Masks were optional on-
tough lock downs and imposed severe travel re- board, tho some passengers and crew continued
strictions - Australia, Indonesia, Viet Nam, China, to wear them, out of an abundance of caution.
Taiwan and Japan. We also enjoyed three cruises, Our entire trip felt celebratory. On board and
celebrating with officers and crew of the ashore, there was no doubting the pent up desire
Celebrity Eclipse and Azamara Quest the return to travel - and welcome travelers back. Free from
to near normal in their hard-hit industry. The the pandemic's shackles, it’s time to use those
only pandemic-related requirement to board was travel vouchers and book some fresh adventures.
full vaccination, and that is how it should be — The world is open again. Safe travels everyone!

Ron & Mary James
Publishers & Editors

6 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023