SempreMare

Such a clever tip!

Moreover, those trousers are a gorgeous shade of blue! They show blue-black-blue variations. I have a fave shirt in that color.

Studies with large "n" sample size seem to agree with above quote from @SJD117 and @JDincalif. Anecdotal example - I remember in 2020, lots of people covered in the media talked about feeling better at day 7, then much worse on days 10-ish. Did people use the word rebound then? I don't remember. But here's what I truly don't understand about the current rebound / Paxlovid discussion: Let's say the opposite of above were true, and Paxlovid definitely caused rebound symptoms at a significantly greater rate than in those who didn't take it. Why trade-off the risk? Option 1) Don't request Paxlovid for risk of rebound symptoms at Day 10. Option 2) Request Paxlovid for its 86% risk reduction of being hospitalized or dying. **Of course, those 2 options assume no competing risks based on a doctor's analysis. Ex: You are medically OK to take Paxlovid - You have healthy kidneys. - It's OK to stop your high cholesterol meds (some statins) while you are on Paxlovid + 5 days after. etc.

Holy cow! I searched my Photos app for the word "Paxlovid". Looks like the retail price in Texas was $56 USD last year !! ( not my pic - I asked a friend who was in a similar situation: about to travel internationally; wanting to get Paxlovid in advance just in case, to send me a pic to make sure I asked for the right thing from my doctor. ) FYI for those who can't get it in advance, and possibly not relevant for Viking: After hearing of a friend's experience with trying to get a script via CVS's Test to Treat instead of a doctor script, I now include a copy of my latest CMP complete metabolic panel that shows I have normal kidney functioning. The cvs pharmacist wouldn't give him Paxlovid unless he could prove normal kidney functioning. Glad to hear it made a difference for your husband. @IloveketoHow long has it been for you since you tested positive?

Before last year's British Isles Explorer, I brought a 2 page printout of the "Calendar Summary" view from https://www.viking.com/myjourney/calendar/list that helpfully included each day's - port arrival time - excursion departure times - spa + restaurant reservation times - port departure time My upcoming Viking Homelands calendar summary view, now ~ 1 month before embarkation, - does include booked excursion departure times - but does not include port arrival or departure times (oddly, except for the ship's embarkation day port arrival*.) Has anyone noticed if this missing info gets added to the calendar summary after a certain date, like T-15 days out? FYI - I do realize port departure times are also available in the Guest Invoice. * Question re: embarkation day port arrival: Seeing this time listed made me wonder if the most dedicated cruisers would go to the port at midnight to see the ship arrive. OK fess up : - ) , has anyone done this?

@Squawkman to which article are intending to link? (title?)

@Iloveketo Would you happen to have a picture of the boots the ship had on sale for $30? Which brand?

Just checking, will I be walking in snow during Viking Homelands in the month of May? Viking Homelands Norway ports include Oslo, Bergin, Stavanger, Eidfjord

Found it! Above = a readout of the PD measurer gadget at Costco. I asked if I could take a picture of the readout. (In case I lose any written notes. I never lose photos.)

Actually I don't see where that museum supports booking in advance now. But maybe I missed it. I took the earliest AM included tour; not sure when the shuttle leaves. From my Google location history, the tour starting at the port took 44 minutes. It seemed longer.

Hmmm. The outside simply said "National Museum of Ireland" I really wanted to see it because of something the guide said about "The only ____ In the world is here in Dublin inside this museum"; trying to recall what the thing was ;-). I had read that entrance was FREE, but when I got to the front of the line, they said all reservations were taken for the ENTIRE day! Ok Let's look at my Google Location History Conclusion from staring at photos and my Google Location History: I believe on the map, it's labeled as the National Gallery of Ireland. This website looks familiar https://www.nationalgallery.ie/ Green circle shows the Dublin Bar I retreated to after learning the National Gallery of Ireland was sold out. That was SO fun! These 2 cute guys gave me advice on what to try Great recommendation from included tour guide. O'Donoghue's Bar on Merrion Row. Everything I wanted to see was on or near Merrion Row. https://www.odonoghues.ie/

This is where the shuttle back to the Viking mars picked up at end of day in Dublin, September 2022. See the words “ bus back to cruise” with a heart icon nearby Any drop off was probably within walking distance since that is such a popular area near the Oscar Wilde memorial. oh! Important tip: I really wanted to spend the afternoon in the national museum, but the tickets were all sold out. I should have reserved in advance.

Yep. I massively overpaid for prescription glasses for most of my life. Zenni makes it easy to keep a back up pair in the car and suitcase. Though if you have an old frame that you really love, Costco is a good choice for putting your new prescription into an old frame. Zenni does not do this. This is one of my favorites Zenni frames with this year’s prescription from Costco. It took more than 2 weeks to get these back. So I’m glad I did it in plenty of time before my flight departure date.

Yep, one more note - I included that Costco became the best place to get my PD (pupil distance) measurement without having an uncomfortable debate / arm wrestling session with my local Optician for a measurement that is in fact my own health data. (but they still don't want to give it to you). Make sure you get a PD for each eye, not just 1 single PD left to right. I am asymmetrical by 1 mm. Also - Unless my skull gets squished by a vise that magically moves my eye sockets closer together, I would not expect to ever need my PD measured again either. Once and done. Zenni has a video on how to measure it yourself, but I want a skilled, experienced human to do it. Tip: Create a new Contact in your Contacts phone app Company name: Pupil Distance, eye In the notes add your PDs. I take a pic of my scripts + PD before I leave the dr's office. These days, iPhone Photos makes it so easy to tap that OCR icon on bottom right, , then copy & paste the text out of a photo & into contacts. BTW, my vision is corrected to 20-15 with Zennis. My first pair of <$60 Zenni's had better fit and finish than my the last $400 pair of glasses I'll ever buy. I was thrilled to see that famous football player and the actress from that hysterically funny Hulu series Angie Tribeca sign up with Zenni.

Sent! (from my personal email, not the random one I created for my sig.) --- Here is Leslie Stahl's 60 Minutes episode that made me realize 1) The relatively huge markup in eyeglasses. 2) How most of the eyewear stores you see in real life are actually all controlled by one company, Luxottica. You have the illusion of choice, but it's actually a monopoly controlling the price. 3) How Luxottica own both the major vision insurance plans and the eyeware companies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfxERwUFZHc Note the response from the CEO at 12min 30 sec "Everything is worth what people are willing to pay." Of course, this is a true statement. In the context of that interview, I decided to spend my $ elsewhere.

Also at CPH, Summerbird, a delicious organic chocolate store... and a truly good non-alcoholic Pilsner in the SAS lounge. I did have slight flight delay departing CPH which made for a stressed sprint through a transfer in Chicago. When I arrived out of breath and sweating at my gate, the ramp door was shut and I was devastated. The kind SAS gate agent re-opened the door (which I thought they weren't supposed to do) and let me pass.

Seconded. Plus, CPH has these massage chairs in different parts of the terminal. SO nice!

thanks @Clay Claytonand @sugarside, prescription sun glasses is what I have. I’m looking for a a sunglass holder to make faster a change out between my 2 prescription glasses: progressives to sunglasses. @deec @dd57 I thought about transition lenses, but when I go from the bright Texas Sun to inside a parking garage, I want an immediate change; much faster than what transitions give. @Clay Clayton I am a Zenni superfan 🤩. They are without a doubt the online shopping site I have recommended to more people than any other. In fact, I have a list of 10 tips for buying on zenni that i keep handy to send to any first time customers I recruit. Am wearing a pair of their near distance progressives right now in a 12 gram super lightweight frame. First learned about Zenni when they were mentioned in passing on Leslie Stahl’s 60 Minutes episode re: the monopoly that is Luxottica.

One thing I swore I'd figure out before my next cruise is a way to switch glasses quickly from regular script to sunglasses and back. I am in search of an eyeglass holder with: - a magnetic closure - Something I can attach to my small purse Ex: Something like these sun glass holders but -- With a magnetic closure, definitely NOT a zipper (takes too long) -- Able to attach to a purse Plan B if I can't find it: Get something like this Take it to the repair expert the Austin Shoe Hospital (Yes, the actual name...). Ask him to put an eyelet through the leather. (Which... over time might tear out depending on the leather, and Situations...) for a D-ring attachment. Has anyone else figured out something like this?

Well said! 🏆

@KBs mum>> Advice from the above is that Paxlovid is not necessary for the majority, 100% agree, based on best data I've read and seen interpreted by the board certified MDs and epidemiologists. - Most people with Covid do not need hospitalization. - Most people with Covid do not die. If that were not true... wow, the world would look like a very different place today. The beneficial endpoint of Paxlovid is: 86% reduction in risk of hospitalization or death. If the majority of people don't die or need hospitalization, Then the majority of people don't need Paxlovid to achieve that validated endpoint. True. ----- Related example: From my gynocologist: "The majority of women who have had 2 negative Pap smears in a row will not show a problem on the 3'rd year. Congratulations, you can skip this year's test!" I 100% agree that is a true statement. I managed to suppress a laugh as my first response. My next questions: "Is part of your compensation based on reduction of medical test costs per woman you treat? [ eventually, Yes ] What is that exact cost target for this year? [ non-answer ] Do you think someone with a family history of X should be included in this Congratulations? [ ... probably not... ] I ended the appointment, and requested it not be billed to my insurance as my annual well-woman appt.

@KBs mum >> The idea of getting prescription medications 'just in case' is bizarre to us. How will the layman know how/when/if required any medication is? First, I do my own research (pubmed.com, etc.) Then I listen to nationally-recognized experts who interpret large sample size data studies (like what I linked above). When I hear those doctors describe the harmful treatment plans they learn that other doctors will prescribe, it astonishes me. Net: I am occasionally more informed than my primary care physician doctor about possible treatment options of any condition I have. However, I do NOT try to educate any doctor (that's their job.) I simply - Ask questions. "Are these findings relevant to my treatment options?" I link to the study or bring in a printout. - Ask questions that help me figure out the If-Thens of my plan. Ex: "What pulse oxygenation % level would indicate I should go to the hospital?" When I - understand the If-Thens - have a plan and that I could actually execute, and listen for changes needed from new research I feel no stress. Not much remains to be actively concerned about.

Mine did. I - Requested it shortly after the Emergency Use was authorized and the data about the additional significant risk reduction in hospitalization and death became available. Getting the script definitely required "a conversation" with a doctor at a formal telemed appt. - Explained that Paxlovid availability would be questionable where I am traveling, and the 86% reduction in hospitalization / death * is compelling, and I have one risk factor. The doctor paused and was quiet for a moment while he looked over my chart. He finally simply said, "I think that's smart." Then, actually finding a pharmacy in Austin Texas that had it in stock took 3-4 days. I taped a note to the outside of mine, "Stop statins on Day 1 through 5 days after taking this." Witnessing what a friend in Florida just went through to get Paxlovid makes me glad I have it. He eventually got it, but too late (past day 5) to begin it. Moral of the story: Don't rely on CVS's Test to Treat program to get Paxlovid in time. Even though he already had multiple antigen tests showing he was positive, CVS requires their own PCR test. The whole process took longer than 3 days, which put him over the 5 day time clock to begin. (Initial problem was - His doctor gave idiotic advice, "let's wait and see". ) (* Update - Also a possible link to reduction in long Covid. Long Covid - the roulette wheel spin that I don't want to win. It's what motivates me to still mask. If Covid were simply like a terrible flu or RSV, I would not mask.) A podcast w/ NYC doctors each week describing the best Covid treatment plans based on latest data per phase of the disease This week's episode covers (at supersonic speed) possible treatment options for long covid. https://www.microbe.tv/twiv/twiv-994/

Great tips, thanks for posting!

@Peregrina651 agreed. Might as well be sleepy on a train and moving on to next destination than sleepy in the ship’s living room. I would choose the Bergen —> Oslo late morning departure only if I were departing from a Bergen hotel vs a Viking ship. Oh! Another reason to depart on the 11:15am train! —> the Bergen Bors hotel (like many European 4-5* hotels) has an astonishingly delicious breakfast buffet in a gorgeous, massive breakfast room with floor to ceiling frescos.. YES there is still the possibility for fast breakfast buffet there at 6:15am (thank you Viking). But we pushed the stressed staff to their limits in that coffee service with everyone arriving at once. With a later train departure, you can enjoy a leisurely 8:00am big breakfast at their expansive buffet with a happy staff ready to explain what __dishname I need to look up__ is. The perfect meal before a loooong train ride with limited food options. On sightseeing days, after that breakfast, I was not hungry again till dinner.