Helping Emerson like the dark by Martin Chaney - [Book Review]

 Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Book Details:

Title: Helping Emerson like the dark

Author: Martin Chaney

Genre: Children's Books, Anxiety and Phobias

Publisher: Independently published (Nov 2024)

Print Length: 85 pages

Recommended Age : 7 to 10 yrs

Source: A copy from the author for review

Blurb:

Book 1 in The Chaney Twins series is about overcoming fear of the dark.

Join Emerson as he learns to conquer his fear and discover the fun things that can be done in the dark. Set in the home of the Chaney twins, this heartwarming story follows Emerson’s struggle with his fear of the dark and the unexpected help he receives from his grandparents. Emerson’s fear is put to the test with a fun-filled day. From playing mini golf to stargazing during the day, Emerson’s grandparents show him that the dark can be exciting and full of surprises.

Why should you choose this book?Not only is it an entertaining read for kids ages 8 to 11, but it also provides a valuable lesson on coping with fears and stress.

Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques, this book offers practical tools for children to overcome their fears and worries.
It's the perfect read-aloud story for parents to bond and open up a conversation about fears and anxieties with their child.


Add this book to your cart and let the Chaney Twins entertain your child.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review:

This is the first book released as part of the Chaney Twins series. This specific book talks about the twin brother Emerson and his fear of darkness. You have to read the book to know about Grandpa, Grandma, and Hudson's plan to make Emerson feel normal and comfortable even in the dark.

They introduce him to the beautiful things that can be enjoyed in the dark.  

What I love about this book:

It's not a simple Children's book with pictures. It is good for kids aged 7 to 10 years.

It is very common for kids to have a fear of darkness at this age. So, it comes in handy to the parents to make them gradually comfortable staying in the dark without fear. 

Grandma and Grandpa are very mature and loving characters. I love how they coordinate together for the activities they take the twins to. It gives off good family vibes.

The writing style is not preachy; it's easygoing. 

The book cover is great and apt. The title is exactly to the point. I will look forward to the next books in the series. 

My Rating: 5/5

PS: I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Until next time,

Careful What You Hear by Helen Dunlap Newton - [Book Review]

 Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Book Details:

Title: Careful What You Hear

Author: Helen Dunlap Newton

Genre: Action and Adventure / Sci Fi

Publisher: Yorkshire Publishing

Print Length: 214 pages

Source: A copy from the publisher for review

Blurb:

After a surgical mix-up gave 13-year-old Noah Baker mind reading powers, he became a spy tasked with stopping the bad guys.

Ever since he accidentally got an experimental cochlear implant, Noah and his secret agent partner, Lena, have been going on secret missions for the government. Now, they're in for a reward for all their hard work-Space Camp! But all is not as it seems. When Noah accidentally overhears thoughts that reveal a plot to steal top secret plans from nearby Redstone Arsenal, he must make a choice.

From award-winning author and educator, Helen Dunlap Newton, Careful What You Hear is an engaging middle-grade read.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Careful-What-You-Hear-Book-ebook/dp/B0DSJVYR9W/

https://www.amazon.com/Careful-What-You-Hear-Book-ebook/dp/B0DSJVYR9W/

My Review:

This middle-grade fiction is about 2 teenagers Lena and Noah who are helping in a government secret mission. This is part 2 of a sequel. 

There are connections to part 1 about an incident in New York on how they were kidnapped in a secret mission, but this book can be read independently.

Lena and Noah are sent to an interesting space camp with 2 secret agents protecting them. Lena is excited to learn about cyber programs while Noah wants to learn flight simulation. But, their space camp fun is disrupted by a dangerous plot. 

Noah and Lena are depicted as perfect teenagers struggling to learn details about secret missions and enjoying their lives in the middle of all the tension. The writing style is engaging and not wordy. The plot has its twists and I loved it. Kids will have fun reading it. It has some action as well. 

The book cover is great and well-designed, apt for the story. 

I would recommend this to young readers between the ages of 9 to 13 years. 

My Rating: 5/5

PS: I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

About the Author:

Award-winning author Helen Dunlap Newton is a veteran middle grade language arts teacher and a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Both her first novel, Night of the Amber Moon, and Do You Hear What I Hear? were finalists for the Oklahoma Book Award and earned her the Creative Women of Oklahoma Award. 

As an educator with over 30 years of experience, she understands the power of literature to help children understand themselves and the world around them. Now she inspires them to enter the world of books, not only through her writing but through her author visits to classrooms and libraries. In addition to writing, Newton enjoys reading, music, and helping her husband care for backyard chickens and an energetic Australian shepherd in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Social Media Links – @newtonhelendunlap (Insta) and Helen Dunlap Newton (FB)

Until next time,

How to Get Ready for a Kuchipudi Dance Performance – Costumes, Makeup, and Accessories

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Here is to the classical Dancers, students, and professionals -

It is not easy to prepare for a Kuchipudi dance performance, right? 

Of course, practicing hard before performances and arranging music are the most important parts of the preparation process. However, organizing costumes, makeup, jewelry, and getting ready on time is still a bigger challenge. 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/kichus/33659381966

My students ask me about what essentials to buy, where to buy, what to wear etc., 

For every performance, I make checklists and share them with them. 

Even after doing so many performances myself, I always make checklists and get anxious before performances. 

So, writing this post for all such dancers about the essentials of a Kuchipudi classical dance performance preparation.

We used to start with hair makeup, face makeup, and proceed with costume, jewelry, snacking, and then alta. A few people prefer face and then hair, but it's really as per your convenience. 

Here is the full list with all links if you are short on time: 

https://amzn.to/3OFFc3n

How to Prepare for a Kuchipudi Performance

Makeup Checklist:

The most important task is makeup. 

I recommend washing the face clean with face wash and applying the ice cubes on the face before applying makeup. You can do this at least 15 minutes before applying makeup to make the skin tight, and more absorbing.

If you are a beginner in makeup, please set 2 hrs aside. I suggest you spend more time on eye makeup than anything else. Choosing the right foundation is very important for the overall look.

https://flic.kr/p/5fzVoo

Initially, apply primer, moisturizer, and sunscreen in the same order before applying foundation. These are some items that I use, but please explore products that match your skin tone and suit your skin without any reaction. 

Primer 

Moisturizer 

sunscreen 

foundation

compact , smooth mousse foundation

blush

eyebrow pencil

eyeliner 

eyeshadow 

mascara 

Face sponge

lip balm

lip liner

lipstick

lip gloss 

bindi - Round, Cone shaped

Compact mirror

white paint to mark below bindi, color paints

Pin it for later!

Hair Styling and Accessories :

Spend at least 20 to 30 mins time to prepare hair. First we set hair bun. 

Here is the video on how to do that. This beautifully explains both face and hair makeup.

Put a lot of U pins and slide pins. Then, attach the fake braid. Arrange flowers - white first from the bun and then, orange. 

Hair bun set

Jada billa in the middle of the bun

Fake braid 

U pins,

rubber bands/ hair ties

Ribbon ties

Slide pins

Fake flowers - Orange

Fake flowers - White

Choosing the Right Costume:

There are no Amazon links to buy Kuchipudi costume. Here are some websites to custom order it:

Classical dance jewelry

Shanthi tailors USA

Readymade Dance costumes

Practice saree

Sweat pads are beneficial. You can stick them to the blouse. 

Checklist:

Classical Kuchipudi costume

Safety pins set

sweat pads

Kuchipudi Jewelry:

You can buy jewelry sets or even buy them separately online. Jewelry to be worn after hair, and face makeup.

Jewelry set

Head ornament or papidi bottu or 5 step chutti

Surya , Chandra

Ear rings 

Nose accessories

Bangles

Long chain 

Necklace

Waist belt / vaddanam

Black thread to tie jewelry

Others:

Wear alta at the end after you eat and get ready completely. Let it dry. 

It is always a good habit to carry makeup pouch for touchup and tie ghunghroo only a few minutes before performance. For adults with knee pains, don't forget to pack knee pads.

As ghunghroo is considered sacred for a classical dancer, you shouldn't wear sandals while wearing them. You should remove ghunghroo while going to the restroom or any such place. 

Alta / paint for hands and feet

What to Pack for the Performance Day

Makeup pouch for touchup with eyeliner, compact, lipstick, blush, safety pins, slides, u pins

Knee pads for adults

Ghunghroo - 4 line leather, 3 row ankle bells for small kids

https://flic.kr/p/2hm292e

Ooff, that's a long list. Did I forget anything? Please do let me know in the comments. I will add it.

Overall Checklist:

Face Makeup:

• Primer
• Moisturizer
• sunscreen
• foundation
• compact, smooth mousse foundation
• blush
• eyebrow pencil
• eyeliner
• eyeshadow
• mascara
• Face sponge
• lip balm
• lipliner
• lipstick
• lip gloss
• bindi - Round, Cone shaped
• Compact mirror
• white paint to mark below bindi, color paints

Hair:

• Hair bun set
• Jada billa in the middle of the bun
• Fake braid
• U pins
• rubber bands/ hair ties
• Ribbon ties
• Slide pins
• Fake flowers - Orange
• Fake flowers - White

Costume:

• Classical Kuchipudi costume
• Safety pins set
• sweat pads

Jewelry:

• Jewelry set
• Head ornament or papidi bottu or 5 step chutti
• Surya, Chandra
• Ear rings 
• Nose accessories
• Bangles
• Long chain 
• Necklace
• Waist belt / vaddanam
• Black thread to tie jewelry

Others:

• Alta / paint for hands and feet
• Makeup pouch for touchup with eyeliner, compact, lipstick, blush, safety pins, slides, u pins
• Knee pads for adults
• Ghunghroo 

Until next time,

Dragons Can't Eat Snow Cones by Amanda Sobokta - [Book Review]

 Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Book Details:

Title: Dragons Can't Eat Snow Cones: (A Playful Rhyming Adventure with a Fiery Twist)

Author: Amanda Sobokta

Genre: Children's Fiction

Reading Age : 2 yrs and Up

Publisher: Applesauce press

Print Length: 40 pages

Source: A free review copy from the publisher

Blurb:

Delicious snow cones and fire-breathing dragons don’t really mix – but don’t tell that to this dragon. With whimsical illustrations and a heart-warming story on the power of not giving up, Dragons Can’t Eat Snow Cones will delight readers of all ages!

Who can blame a dragon for wanting a cool and refreshing snow cone? They come in so many different flavors and colors! Sadly, as soon as the tasty treat is within reach, it melts. This dragon, however, will not give up.

After trying all it can think of to indulge in the slushy confection, the dragon seeks the advice of a colorful variety of friends. However, the chilly penguin, industrious squirrels, parrot pirate, and cave-dwelling bat just can't seem to help. Still no snow cone.

Will the dragon ever taste a flavorful snow cone that doesn’t turn to slush? Kids of all ages will enjoy this tale of persistence and see tenacity in action in our scaly hero.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review:

The central idea of the book is fun! Can dragons eat snow cones? Oops! The snow cone will melt before the dragon can taste due to the fire in its mouth. Isn't it?

Then, what should the dragon do? In this story, dragon asks his friends for suggestions and he tries all the ways. But, what happens at the end? You have to read to know.

It's a fun picture book to read at bedtime for little kids, especially 2 yrs to 5 years age. The story introduces animals and birds and their funny ideas. Some are really thoughtful, you know?

I really enjoyed reading this book. I would recommend it as a bedtime read for little kids. Unlike the other story books which finish quickly, it's lengthier. The illustrations are great and relevant.

My Rating: 5/5

Until next time,

Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See - [Book Review]

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Book Details:

Title: Lady Tan's Circle of Women

Author: Lisa See

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Scribner

Print Length: 368 pages

Source: A copy from the library

Blurb:

From “one of those special writers capable of delivering both poetry and plot” (The New York Times Book Review) an immersive historical novel inspired by the true story of a woman physician in 15th-century China—perfect for fans of Lisa See’s classics Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane.

According to Confucius, “an educated woman is a worthless woman,” but Tan Yunxian—born into an elite family, yet haunted by death, separations, and loneliness—is being raised by her grandparents to be of use. Her grandmother is one of only a handful of female doctors in China, and she teaches Yunxian the pillars of Chinese medicine, the Four Examinations—looking, listening, touching, and asking—something a man can never do with a female patient.

From a young age, Yunxian learns about women’s illnesses, many of which relate to childbearing, alongside a young midwife-in-training, Meiling. The two girls find fast friendship and a mutual purpose—despite the prohibition that a doctor should never touch blood while a midwife comes in frequent contact with it—and they vow to be forever friends, sharing in each other’s joys and struggles. No mud, no lotus, they tell themselves: from adversity beauty can bloom.

But when Yunxian is sent into an arranged marriage, her mother-in-law forbids her from seeing Meiling and from helping the women and girls in the household. Yunxian is to act like a proper wife—embroider bound-foot slippers, recite poetry, give birth to sons, and stay forever within the walls of the family compound, the Garden of Fragrant Delights.

How might a woman like Yunxian break free of these traditions and lead a life of such importance that many of her remedies are still used five centuries later? How might the power of friendship support or complicate these efforts? A captivating story of women helping each other, Lady Tan’s Circle of Women is a triumphant reimagining of the life of one person who was remarkable in the Ming dynasty and would be considered remarkable today.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review:

First of all, this is a great book to read in the new year. This is my first book of the year. 

I love reading stories of women in ancient times. Nowadays, women get a lot of support from family and friends and we have a lot of opportunities to educate ourselves and do whatever we like. But, situations were not like that in ancient times. It is interesting to read about women of those times and how they achieved greater things with many restrictions from society and family.

The story is about Lady Tan's life from childhood, covering her family, education, marriage life, struggles, etc. This story represents a woman's life in the 15th century in China.

I would rate it 5/5 for many reasons. This story not only represents the everyday struggles of women in those times but also touches upon the solutions they chose and how they overcame the problems with their strength. 

There are a few scenes that touched my heart like:

• When Yunxian mixes her blood in the concoction to heal her friend. 
• Her love for her friend.
• The foot binding process and how hard it is for women.
• How the wives chose to live with their husband's concubines and made peace with themselves.
• How well Grandmother Ru trains Yunxian not only with practical medical skills but with important life skills

As the name suggests, this story is about women lifting each other, supporting each other, and growing together. This message is clear and is very relevant even to the modern woman. 

I would recommend this book to all readers who love women's Fiction and Historical fiction.

My Rating: 5/5

About the Author:

Ms. See was born in Paris but grew up in Los Angeles. She lived with her mother but spent a lot of time with her father’s family in Chinatown. 

Her first book, On Gold Mountain: The One Hundred Year Odyssey of My Chinese-American Family (1995), was a national bestseller and a New York Times Notable Book. 

The book traces the journey of Lisa’s great-grandfather, Fong See, who overcame obstacles at every step to become the 100-year-old godfather of Los Angeles’s Chinatown and the patriarch of a sprawling family.

Until next time,

Gratitude list for 2024

Bye Bye 2024. It was a great year! 

Welcome, 2025. 

Hoping for more smiles and peace this year.

I wish you all a happy new year 🎈 🎊 

You know the drill. I keep blogging aside for some other important commitments and realize it's the end of the year already :-) poof! I can write a gratitude list at least.

Here comes the list!

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Travel:

This has to be the first point to be grateful for :-) 2024 has been a great year for travel even with a return to the office. I am grateful for our company's policy of Unlimited PTOs. If not, it would have been a boring year.

While the India trip has been great, we could squeeze in a small family vacation to Goa. Thanks to my sis in law. That has been both a relaxing and rejuvenating trip in 2024. We made many beautiful memories.

We could visit Niagara Falls and Washington DC with parents. This is my second visit to those places, but Niagara always makes me wonder in awe. This time, we hiked, unlike our earlier trip which was sightseeing. The monuments in Washington DC and the Statue of Liberty are worth the second visit. 

Image by Peter H from Pixabay

We finished the year by visiting Hot springs and Great smoky mountains National parks. I expected very less from Hot springs, but we all loved it. Weather is also great. I want to come back to Arkansas as we couldn't visit many waterfalls in the state. That's for another day.

Visit to Great smokies is amazing. We missed going to Clingman's dome due to road closures, but hiked some beautiful trails with great views and waterfalls. We also enjoyed the scenic drives of the park. Airbnb that we stayed was very good with mountain view and it's cozy and comfortable. 

Family:

2024 is great year for family bonding. With parents' visit and we vising our sister's family, it's all memories that we gathered. Due to India trip, and spending time with family, it's been a great year. 

We all worked together for our Annual Recital and enjoyed our vacations. I cannot ask more from God. Just happy and thankful 🙏

Dance:

I completed 2 semesters in MA Kuchipudi. It is a wonderful learning experience in 2024. It's a privilege even to interact with such great Gurus.

Dance classes went fine and we could do our Annual Recital successfully in November. It is a pleasure to see the dance school growing and more students learning Kuchipudi.

Personally, I couldn't practice much in dance other than focusing on teaching this year. Health problems took priority over dance, but Iam glad I took it slow this year, because health is the most important thing in my life.

Health:

Overall, it was good. I am grateful for the access to regular health checkups. I could focus more on health and slow down in my life. I regret wasting my mornings in 2024 without re-starting yoga. I cherish those days when I could walk in the evenings. 

I am grateful that I could hike to beautiful viewpoints in 2024. 

Not perfectly fit, but the fitness journey continues.

Miscellaneous :

Books:

Not a great year for reading. I could read around 13 books in 2024. But, I read many good books like Lessons in Chemistry, The Villa, The Homecoming, The House of Eve, The Magnolia Palace, None of this is true etc.,

I also became a review team member for Penguin Random House. I am receiving a lot of good books already. So, excited!

Image by Capucine from Pixabay

Work:

Work life is wonderful. I am thankful to my manager, I could maintain a healthy work-life balance in 2024. I could automate many new and complex scenarios in Cypress and could attend Cypress conference sessions. It has been a great learning experience. 

Return to work is stressful, but I have to see how we manage it in 2025. I am excited to learn and use AI tools this year like GitHub Copilot and Google's vertex AI. Hoping for more challenges and good learnings in 2025.

Amazon Vine:

I got accepted as an Amazon Vine member. So, I got a chance to review a lot of Amazon products for free. I have been an Amazon Affiliate for quite some time, but I couldn't earn much affiliate income. Basically, I didn't focus on this part in 2024 due to other priorities. 

Roses and thorns:

That's about the wonderful year. It was not all roses though. The beginning was tough with my family getting sick. The ending was disappointing with the stressful return to the office. Juggling between work, dance classes, and MA Kuchipudi has been challenging. 

But, we will get there. Hoping to face challenges with a smile and make 2025 better.

Image by HeungSoon from Pixabay

I wish you all the same. Make your 2025 better!

Until next time,

Best tips for 1 day vacation at Universal Studios, Florida

We have visited 3 Universal and 2 Disney theme parks in our vacation. The theme parks are huge and there are many awesome and not-to-miss rides. It is overwhelming to plan a trip to Disney / Universal. Before reading this 1-day Universal Studios theme park itinerary, please read this basic planning post.

Universal Studios covers wonderful themes for all ages, including the Harry Potter world, the Minion world, and Hollywood. Here are the tips and travelogue for one day.

The purpose of this post is to make your planning easy. The list of rides and activities depends largely on the age of the kids, your interests, patience for long wait times, energy, preferences, etc., This current guide is made in mind for a family with 2 kids aged 9 and 11 years. 

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Tickets and App:

We purchased 3 park , 5 day tickets. 

From Universal site, that means -

The 3-Park 5-Day Base Ticket Dated entitles one (1) guest admission to ONE (1) Universal Orlando Resort theme park per day: Universal Studios Florida, OR Universal’s Islands of Adventure, OR Universal’s Volcano Bay. Ticket is valid for any five (5) calendar days during an eight (8) consecutive calendar day period which commences on and includes the date selected. The ticket will expire in full on the expiration date printed on ticket. Unused days shall be forfeited.

Check here for ticket prices. Ticket prices will vary depending on season. Also, consider packages including accommodations and early access. 

Installing the Universal App is very important for you to scan tickets at the entry, check wait times for the rides, navigate in the park, check food stalls, and restaurants, order food online, check show timings, etc.,

Here is the link to install Universal Android / IOS app. 

Express pass:

Let's discuss Express Pass. Express Pass allows you to skip long lines, especially during peak seasons like Christmas. 

If you have early access, can wait for 2 hours without missing rides, and don't have very young kids, you might not need an Express pass at all. We didn't use an Express pass, and it worked fine for us.

If you don't have more time to spend in the park, here are the express pass options.

Early Access:

One of the best benefits of booking a vacation package or multi-day ticket is the Early Park Admission. 

Rides that might be included in early access (these will change by season and peak days): 

• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and 
• Olivanders

Park is usually open at 9am and early access is at 8am. Please check the Universal app the day before for the correct list of rides with early access. Some days, early access is not available.

We got early access due to the package we booked.

Our Itinerary:

1. Harry Potter and the Escape fromGringotts 

We first went to this popular ride and the waiting time was around 1.5 hrs or more even with early access. Loved this ride. But, if you have motion sickness, it is tough. 

We didn't do Olivanders and Hogwarts Express. Hogwarts Express needs a park hop ticket. 

We walked through the San Francisco and New York theme areas. 

Image by Kes Sinanan from Pixabay

2. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

The lines are big for sure. This is a thrilling roller coaster ride with speeds reaching 65 mph.

3. Transformers - Ride 3D

This is a 3D simulator Dark Ride. Good for people who love transformers. The theming is good. 

You will feel real 3D effects. You will experience A motion platform, 3D effects, and intense battle sequences. 

We couldn't do Revenge of Mumy due to large lines, but I heard it's good. This is a roller coaster thrill ride. 

4. Fast and Furious Super Charged 

This is a motion-based dark ride.

5. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

The lines are too long, but this is worth it. A fun shooting game for kids. The theming is good. Not a thrilling ride though.

We did this and liked it.

6. Illumination Villion Con Minion Blast 

Another fun family activity. But, lines are always long for Minion stuff.

7. The Bourne Stuntacular

Wonderful show and it is very highly recommended. We loved this a lot.  Don't miss this show at all.

8. E T Adventure

After lunch, we tried this family fun ride. It's not a thrill ride, but amazing. Everyone with kids should experience it. A simple old-style ride.

The Simpson's ride and Kang and Kodos Twirl are basic old-style rides. We didn't try them.

9. Men In Black Alien Attack

This is an interactive Simulating ride. It's a very good shooting game with 3D. Loved this.

We felt, there is not much in Universal Studios except for the Minion stuff and Harry Potter-related rides. Others seemed a little laid back and old-style. ET adventure and Men in Black are worth a mention. 

Image by Eyang Sabur from Pixabay

Shows:

There are some good shows like The Bourne Stuntacular and Dreamworks Imagination celebration. Do try them for sure!

Character Encounters:

Photos with Spongebob and Transformers are fun. Minion Land is also fun to watch characters.

Photo Packages:

After you exit every ride, you can get photos. The below link has some photo packages. One-day photos are around $89 which is really expensive. 

Photo Packages at Universal

That's our itinerary for Universal Studios with early access.

We had complimentary shuttle access between the park and our resort, which was very helpful after a tiring day. Food at the resort is amazing and that made it easier to hit the bed early. 

The Endless Summer resort also has a few swimming pools, a lounge area, multiple restaurants, laundry, and all other basic facilities.

Here is the link to reserve Vacation packages from Universal.

Until next time,