Tales From Our Sails
LESLEY AND LAUREN: TWO IGT MEMBERS TRAVEL THE RHINE
One of the reasons our team does such a great job at assisting with our clients’ vacations is that they have first- hand Viking experience themselves. Recently, Lesley (Data & Client Care Manager) and Lauren (Guest Experience & Air Specialist Manager) went on The Rhine Getaway river cruise. Both had traveled on a Viking ocean cruise before, but this was a totally different experience for them. For Lesley, the ocean cruise was her favorite, not only because the staterooms are larger and all have verandas, but also because she loves everything about the ocean and enjoyed the excursions (she got to go snorkeling!) on that itinerary. However, she really enjoyed the river cruise as well. “I’d never been to Europe before, and there was no way I could have ever planned a trip on my own to see so much of Europe in the time that I did on the river cruise,” Lesley tells us. “I saw the most amazing scenery, castles, and cities and got to meet some of the most knowledgeable people on my tours.” Lauren said it was tough to choose one over the other because they were both fabulous cruises. “The ocean cruise was relaxing with some days spent at sea allowing an opportunity to just kick back and enjoy the ship and all that Viking had to offer. The Rhine cruise kept us busy with a new destination
each day. Being able to see so much and only unpack once in your floating hotel room was amazing,” Lauren says.
Both Lesley and Lauren agree that Viking has taken care to ensure everything is top-notch. The beds are comfortable, the staff bends over backward to be accommodating, and the food is great. Lauren and Lesley offered two pieces of advice: 1) Pack and dress with intention, and only bring what is necessary, and 2) Have an open mind each time you board a Viking ship because it was nothing like they imagined and truly exceeded their expectations.
HORTICULTURE THERAPY MIGHT HELP YOU TO RECOVER! Healing as Old as Dirt
When you’re in pain, daily activities like walking to the mailbox or reaching for a plate from the cupboard can exacerbate inflamed joints and weak muscles. For years, researchers have connected our mental well-being with our physical health. Physical therapy is a powerful treatment method designed to use your body’s strength and movement to stimulate physical healing. But to holistically recover from an injury or pain, you may have to also address your mental health as well.
among other benefits. It’s the practice of gardening to stimulate mindfulness. Dating back to ancient Mesopotamia, the Persians were known for creating beautiful, calming gardens for this very purpose, and the first documented use of gardening for medical reasons is from the 1800s. Since then, connecting humans to plants is now a common treatment in many countries.
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO? To effectively engage in horticulture therapy, you have to engage with nature. Plant a small garden in your yard and tend to it each day or week. Join a community garden, plant an indoor herb garden, or pluck weeds from your yard. If you’re not much of a gardener, try visiting local botanical gardens or hike a local trail and identify plant life each week. Or, ask your local nursery for suggestions
This summer, consider a centuries-old practice that has shown time and time again to improve both physical and mental wellness. All it requires is a little dirt, patience, and the great outdoors.
WHAT IS HORTICULTURE THERAPY? As the American Horticultural Therapy Association explains, horticulture therapy can improve cognitive and memory abilities, balance, language skills, and endurance,
about plants that are easy to care for. The goal is to physically and mentally connect with nature, which bonds you to a simpler form of life.
2 • www.ImagineGoingThere.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator