February 2021 Circumbits

Feb 012021

Welcome to February!

Even though the pandemic days can be challenging, time sure flies by. Seems like we just kicked off the new year with January Circumbits putting 2020 in the rear view mirror. We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy and that those eligible are getting their vaccines. We feel better days are ahead.

Zoom Events

Circumnavigators are getting together via Zoom events with some interesting programs in the past month. All Zoom events are open to the general membership even when sponsored by a particular Chapter. We had 53 members join the New York Metro event recently with a great program on the remote areas of Russia by journalist Alec Luhn. Zoom events are posted on our site under upcoming events on the right side.

Scuttlebutt

Circumnavigators Have a New Book

PJ Heyliger (Desert Chapter) and Canadian Henri van Bentum have collaborated on their fifth Children’s book Three Mermaids’ Escapades, shown here. Henri wrote the story and PJ did the illustrations. The book is available on Amazon. Congratulations PJ and Henri.

Back on the Road

Circumnavigators are beginning to slowly return to international travel. Melody and Jon Dill (Naples Chapter) have just visited Egypt where they found the popular sites were almost empty, giving them great access to the wonders of the world. They report: “There could not be a better time for us. Weather is perfect, in the 60s and 70s. We’re guessing there were only 25 or 30 people on the 777 from JFK to London. Absolutely no one in line with us going through security at Heathrow. In Egypt, all hotels and ships are restricted to 50% capacity. At the Ritz Carlton, they were 12% capacity. On the sanctuary sun boat IV, there are 38 of us when normally there would be 80. Photos show the emptiness.
And, of course, the price is right. Abercrombie & Kent was 50% discount. We arrived a couple days early and had a Nile view room on club level for $180. Normally $400, $600?