This time last week, I was in the hot sun, surrounded by the beautiful blue Caribbean ocean on the island of Samana, Dominican Republic. Now I'm back to the cold reality (literally) of winter in Virginia.

And so it goes for us AMS cruisers who were last week enjoying our group and a wonderful Caribbean cruise vacation. It was an outstanding group, too. About 50 attended, and there was a great sense of belonging and enjoyment being together. I really hand it to all those who attended; you really made it enjoyable for each other.

Fr. Peter Stravinskas was new to our trips, and provided us with outstanding and informative talks, along with very holy and reverent Masses and Adoration time.

This trip, like all of them, left me realizing just why I provide trips for single Catholics. They are a real blessing in every way.

Anyone can view photos from this and all AMS trips by going to www.kodakgallery.com/amstrips.

Just got a call from the company setting up the AMS Holy Land Pilgrimage for me and they have confirmed the dates and prices. So we are ready to go in promoting this exciting trip. So start working on clearing your schedule.

I am putting together a web page to formally announce this trip and provide details and registration info, which won't be done until the end of this month. I'm leaving for the AMS Caribbean cruise tomorrow and won't get to this until I get back. But for now, here are the key details:

Dates: November 2-12, 2008

Price: $2,599 (deposit of $300 required)

Includes: Round-trip out of New York to and from Tel Aviv, hotels (4 and 5 star), breakfast and dinner daily, transportation to and from Tel Aviv airport, bus transportation for tours, and tour guides

Additional costs: $80 to cover tips (so you don't worry about it) and $300 in taxes (airline and countries visiting)

Destinations: All major Biblical sites

I have a list of 80 people who said they wanted to be kept in touch about this. I'm not sure how many are actually serious about going, but I would advise you to get your deposit in as soon as you can upon my posting the registration info. You will be e-mailed again when that happens.

You can bring others with you to travel with, if you'd like. And you will be able to make payments toward the trip.

This is going to be a very memorable trip!