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CRUISING TO HEALTH AND HAPPINESS
By Jane Quincannon Stanchich Imagine…the sun sparkling off the ocean, as you stand starboard on a sleek, beautiful cruise ship. You gaze at an island in the turquoise Caribbean Ocean, as warm tropical breezes caress your skin. Now imagine that hundreds of friends and health-minded people have joined you and your family on this elegant, modern Italian ship that docks in exotic ports of call. Include in this delightful daydream a full schedule of dynamic, empowering classes taught by an international roster of popular natural health educators, some of whom provide individual counseling or massage to enhance your lasting well being after you return home. As this is totally unique cruise, imagine pleasant waiters bringing you mouthwatering, gourmet macrobiotic meals, skillfully prepared, artfully presented and highly nutritious. At the exotic and historical Caribbean ports, picture yourself strolling powder white sand beaches, sailing in catamarans, shopping for treasures, kayaking tropical rivers, or snorkeling among iridescent fish. Imagine a full children’s program of creativity and fun. Around every bend of the ship, international musicians play or sing, as you see exciting theater extravaganzas, pleasurable concerts, and hilarious comedy shows. Add to this fantasy a modern, comfortable cabin to which you retreat after a day of this magical cruise’s exhilaration, education, and excitement. Yet, this is no fantasy. This was true reality in the 2005 Holistic Holiday at Sea II, which set sail last February 27 for seven days of a true “Bon Voyage” for body, mind, and spirit. The 2005 Holistic Holiday at Sea II was the second successful voyage launched by Sandy Pukel of the Oak Feed Store and The Macrobiotic Foundation of Florida, Coconut Grove fame along with John Belleme, author, researcher, and former Japanese food producer. Sandy and John, friends for decades, set this holistic vacation/ conference/voyage to sail in the beautiful and luxurious Costa Mediterranea Cruise Ship. These two guys, dedicated to promoting macrobiotics and natural health education, made the cruise exciting, fun, and affordable, well… “priceless” is more accurate. Respected international health educators taught a myriad of informative and inspiring classes and provided invaluable services from macrobiotic consultations, massage, and individual health counseling sessions. Professionals were able to receive valuable Continuing Education Units for their attendance in classes. Included in this year’s roster of notable teachers were Dr. Sherry Rogers, physician, allergy expert and author, who presented lectures on such timely issues as detoxification, depression, and cancer survival. Hauro (Lawrence) Kushi, Sc.D., son of Michio and Aveline Kushi, presented dietary guidelines for health and told of growing up macrobiotically. Yogi Amrit Desai, shared his wisdom of yoga, meditation, and transformation. Dr. James Harrison, DDS, gave insightful lectures and offered revealing dental testing. Presenting lectures on Native American medicine and healing anxiety was Lewis Mehl-Madrona, Ph.D., M.D. Combining professionalism high energy and sharp humor, Verne Varona, presented lectures on food myths, self-diagnosis, and men’s issues, as well as group counseling. Ohashi, shiatsu master and author, offered students a series of hands-on shiatsu classes. Every morning, we could join Master C.K. Chu, tai chi and chi kung expert, for a pre-breakfast tai chi session or Desai yoga. Discussing spiritual and health themes was Rabbi Loring Frank. Natural cosmetics and the care and exercise for beautiful skin, were subjects presented by Darlene Zembrod. A very athletic Larry Krug led early morning walk-run-stretch sessions to awaken and strengthen the body. John Belleme presented a discussion on the profound healing benefits of miso that made us all appreciate our daily miso soup at a deeper level. Warren Kramer shared his expertise on such subjects as licking the sugar habit and eating less. Patrick McCarty taught students about the mind-body connection and led skilled classes on barefoot shiatsu and offered a group consultation. Denny Waxman presented lectures about emotions, 9 Star Ki, and palmistry. Lino Stanchich gave lectures on self-diagnosis, relationships, and eating techniques. Offering acupuncture, acupuncture face lifts, and acupressure was Susan Krieger. A moving Recovery Panel highlighted personal healing stories. You can see why those with any appetite for learning about health realized the satisfying feast that was available on the 2005 Holistic Holiday at Sea. In the “Now You’re Cooking” category, Christina Pirello, was as always, the star of the event! Author, teacher, founder of “Christina Cooks!” magazine and host of the Emmy award winning television cooking show “Christina Cooks!” really cooked-in every sense of the word! Hilarity was on the menu in Christina’s popular cooking show at sea. (See the photo of her anatomically correct “Naked Chef” apron illustrating cleavers, or is that cleavage? Christina really keeps “abreast” of the current trends in healthy cuisine!) Teaching fascinating topics from healthy cooking for beautiful skin, strengthening our bones to looking good for life, Christina was, as always, an extremely popular teacher who makes learning truly fun. If laughter is the best medicine, then students really came out must healthier! Marquita and Warren Wepman presented a tasty and informative “The Joy of Soy” class. I taught cooking classes on macrobiotic meals and cooking to prevent disease, along with a comprehensive lecture on natural foods. We were awe-struck at the excellent quality and sumptuous flavors of macrobiotic food served on the Holistic Holiday at Sea cruises. I bow to masterful Head Chef, Mark Hanna, and his superb staff who gave passengers each day breakfast, lunch, and dinner with delicious, abundant, and very healthy food, beautifully presented. In addition to the macrobiotic food, a daily buffet with a variety of foods, as well as a mealtime other Cruise/Italian menu was always available to please any palate. A rare privilege, granted only to us, was the ability to sit wherever we chose each meal. Does it get better than this? The 2005 Holistic Holiday at Sea traveled from Florida to beautiful Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, with its sultry atmosphere and dramatic history. The next day, families and friends took off for excursions to the Virgin Islands, with pristine beaches and azure water in which one could snorkel, scuba, or swim. Many wandered the 17th century village on Catalina Island, where they observed panoramic views, rode horses, played tennis, sailed, or golfed. Then we arrived at Nassau, with its unique blend of loveliness and dark pirate history. Passengers took excursions to discover Atlantis or to explore pirate schooner ships. Back on board, we were thrilled by piano concerts by two brilliant artists in our group, Brazilian Luiz Simas and Cuban-born Javier Gonzalez. One evening, a wild Disco Dance Party on the top deck had us all really rocking and rolling as we swayed to the rhythm of the ocean. On the final evening we thoroughly enjoyed the Annual Talent Show hosted by Susan Avineer. These are all memories we will have forever. Discover more about the Holistic Holiday at Sea cruises, Costa Cruise line, the 2006 voyage itinerary, educational and social program, faculty biographies, full description of classes and prices by visiting the website: www.atasteofhealth.org. Go check it out. Then launch you own healthier way of life as you set sail for a fantastic education-vacation by joining us for future Holistic Holiday at Sea Cruises! Pack your bathing suit and your appetite for a sunnier great life of health and happiness. See you on board! |
