Puerto Vallarta Sister Cities Members Attend Annual Mass Together During Old Spanish Days Fiesta Centennial
By Bonnie Carroll Santa Barbara/Puerto Vallarta Sister Cities Committee Fri Aug 09, 2024
Santa Barbara/Puerto Vallarta Sister Cities Committee visiting members from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico celebrated the kick-off of 2024 Old Spanish Days Fiesta Centenario (100th Year) at the Old Mission participating in La Misa Del Presidente and posing for their annual visitation group photo on the steps of the Mission, which was followed by a party in the Mission Garden, where Father Larry Gosslin and the Mission Friar’s warmly welcomed our Puerto Vallarta Guests.
The 2024 Puerto Vallarta annual member visit began with a welcome party at the home of Lifetime members Gil and Marti Garcia, with warm welcomes and potluck delights, and featured a week of Fiesta events, including the historic parade El Desfile Historico, La Fiesta Pequena, a visit to El Mercado De La Guerra, Los Noches De Ronda, lunch at Our Lady of Guadalupe Mercado, a tour of Santa Barbara Courthouse, and many more daily Fiesta 2024 events scheduled by the Old Spanish Days Fiesta Board during their busy week.
Santa Barbara and Puerto Vallarta have shared a special bond of friendship as one of our six current and longest running Santa Barbara sister cities committee members, maintaining memberships in the City of Santa Barbara-Puerto Vallarta Sister Cities for over fifty-two years. For information visit: http://www.santabarbara.gov.
Come this fall, they are saying it will be easier than ever to visit Greenland. The opening of a new international airport in Nuuk, the capital city, is set to blow the door wide open for tourism, with flights starting in late November. It’s one of three new airports the country is building through 2026 hoping to attract more visitors.
Traditionally it has been very challenging to fly to Greenland, and the opening of this new facility is a big deal! Flights had to connect through internal Greenland cities, Iceland, or Denmark, and there was no capacity for larger commercial jets. The new airport with much longer runway will simplify getting to Greenland and open up to new destinations, eliminating the need for multiple transfers and, the frequent flight cancellations that have occured due to the limitations of the smaller airports.
The expansion is driving a host of new options to visit, including cruises, which have already seen a major uptick in Greenland in the last year. According to Visit Greenland Tourism Statistics, there was a 73% increase in cruise passengers visiting Greenland from 2022 to 2023. Cruising is obvioudly a much easier, non-hassle way to dee the country. Your itinerary is crafted for you, and there’s no need to book hotels (a bonus since accommodations are limited in Greenland as of now).
Viking Announces Expansion of China Offering with New Voyages Starting in 2025
Bookings Now Open for Six Exclusive Itineraries Exploring China and Japan
New China Cruise Ships
Viking® (www.viking.com) (NYSE: VIK) today announced six new itineraries in Asia that will expand exclusive access for guests to Japan and China, with Tibet (Xizang) in 2025. The new voyages range from 15 to 22 days and explore iconic destinations in China, including Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an and Lhasa in Tibet (Xizang), as well as Osaka, Japan. The itineraries will continue to highlight rarely-seen destinations and ports in China to which only Viking has access. Each voyage will offer guests immersive destination-focused experiences, insightful lectures and regionally inspired cuisine. Now open for booking, the new itineraries will operate from September 2025 to November 2025 on the Viking Yi Dun—formerly the Viking Sun—a sister ship featuring the same award-winning design and service as all other ocean ships in Viking’s fleet.
"We are proud to open our second season of these unique itineraries featuring exploration of the China coast—something that is entirely exclusive to Viking,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. "For centuries, these phenomenal destinations in Asia have inspired travelers with ancient history and rich culture. Our guests are curious travelers who travel as a way to broaden their minds, and we look forward to introducing more of Asia to them in 2025.”
New Asia Voyages in 2025:
NEWJewels of Japan & China(15 days; Beijing to Tokyo) — Embark on a 15-day voyage to discover the history, culture and cuisine of the Far East. Guests will immerse themselves in the German heritage of Qingdao and marvel at Shanghai, a city that perfectly blends tradition and modernity. Admire the natural beauty of Jeju, South Korea and Miyazaki and take in majestic views of Mt. Fuji in Shimizu. Overnight stays in vibrant Hiroshima and Osaka offer guests more opportunities for exploration.
NEWClassic China Discovery(20 days; Hong Kong to Beijing) — Join Viking for a fully escorted sojourn as guests deepen their understanding of China’s culture, customs and traditions. Explore classic treasures, tracing timeworn steps along the Great Wall of China, and marvel at Xi’an’s Terra Cotta Warriors, each distinctly carved. Enjoy overnights in Shenzhen, Shanghai, Qingdao, Xi’an and Beijing; admire unique architecture, presenting a world of ancient times and forward-thinking modernity; and immerse yourself in local life during calls to quaint locales, with meaningful encounters along the way.
NEWPearls of Japan & China (22 days; Tokyo to Beijing) —Set sail with Viking, delving into the vibrant history, multifaceted cultures and delectable cuisine of Asia and beyond during a fully guided journey. Gaze upon majestic Mt. Fuji from Shimizu and enjoy overnight stays in Osaka and Hiroshima. Relax in the natural splendor of Miyazaki and Jeju and immerse yourself in the dynamic cityscape of Shanghai. Cap the memorable voyage discovering the legendary wonders of Tibet (Xizang), Xi’an and Beijing.
NEWGems of China & Japan (22 days; Beijing roundtrip) — Join Viking for a fully guided exploration of the rich history, diverse cultures and enticing cuisine of Asia and beyond. See the influence of German settlers in Qingdao and take in the bustling metropolis of Shanghai. Revel in the beauty of Jeju, South Korea and Miyazaki and admire Mt. Fuji looming grandly over Shimizu. An included land package reveals the iconic treasures of Tibet (Xizang), Xi’an and Beijing, immersing guests further into the captivating Eastern world.
NEW2025 Wonders of China (22 days; Beijing roundtrip) — Embark on a grand voyage to China on a fully guided sojourn. Be captivated by bustling Shanghai and delve into diverse landscapes, from the isles of Pingtan to modern Shenzhen, with overnight stays that allow guests to fully explore. Immerse yourself in nature in the mountains of Tibet (Xizang) and view the impressive Potala Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Discover Beijing and visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Wall of China.
NEW2025 Best of China(22 days; Hong Kong to Beijing) — Guests will immerse themselves in a fully guided cruise tour to see all the highlights China has to offer. Sail China’s scenic eastern coast and delve into the diverse cultures, cuisines and landscapes of this unique nation. View the iconic giant panda and journey into the Himalayas, where ancient traditions infuse every aspect of life in mountainous Tibet (Xizang). Admire the Terra Cotta Warriors and explore the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China during guests’ memorable sojourn.
Pre and Post Land Extensions
For additional immersion in Asia, Viking is also offering a variety of pre and post land extensions for its 2025 China itineraries, including:
Beijing – Delve into the mysteries of Beijing, one of history’s great capitals and home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Forbidden City and Great Wall of China. Optional excursions offer an opportunity to be immersed in this multilayered city’s eclectic mix of China’s ancient past and bold future.
Hong Kong – Delve into one of the world’s foremost metropolises with a three-night extension in Hong Kong. Admire the captivating cityscape and soak up its blend of tradition and modernity, culture and commerce. An optional excursion to Macau allows for more opportunities to experience China’s lively southern coast.
Hong Kong & Guilin – Explore two versions of China – the urban spectacle of Hong Kong and the enchanting natural beauty of Guilin. Admire the towering skyscrapers and energy of Hong Kong, a metropolis steeped in commerce and culture, while tranquil Guilin captivates with karst mountains, serene rivers and ancient caves.
Spirit of Mongolia – Immerse yourself in rich traditions and revel in the stark beauty of the Gobi Desert. Explore Ulaanbaatar, an eclectic mix of the ancient and the 21st century. At your desert lodge, admire striking landscapes and enjoy a range of activities curated to bring insight into Mongolia’s nomadic heritage.
Tokyo – Unravel the mysteries of Tokyo, Japan’s neon-lit capital steeped in imperial history. Zen-like gardens and Shinto shrines mingle with towering skyscrapers in this bustling metropolis, all while the perfectly symmetrical cone of Mt. Fuji watches over.
The Viking Yi Dun
Dedicated specifically to exploring destinations in China, with an onboard experience that complements guests’ discoveries ashore, the Viking Yi Dun is a sister ship in Viking’s award-winning ocean fleet. Classified by Cruise Critic as “small ships,” Viking’s ocean vessels have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, with 465 staterooms that host 930 guests; the ships feature all veranda staterooms, Scandinavian design, light-filled public spaces and abundant al fresco dining options.
About Viking
Viking (NYSE: VIK) was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com. For Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv.
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