As Williiam (Guglielmo) might have written, Essere o non essere (to be or not to be), that is the question for seniors who consider traveling to Sicily. We’ve visited the Italian island several times, and despite the negative image fostered by “The Godfather” and other Hollywood fiction, we found Sicily and its people peaceful, friendly and inviting. 

A recent outlandish theory about Shakespeare has some scholars wondering. The locale of the Bard’s play, “Much Ado About Nothing” is Messina, a picturesque city in northeast Sicily. Other plays are also set in Italy, including the immortal, “Romeo and Juliet”, “The Merchant of Venice”, “The Taming of the Shrew” and at least a half-dozen more.

San Francisco doesn’t own all the beautiful hilly city scenes. This is Olive Street, as viewed from Santa Monica Boulevard, as it reaches up to Sunset Boulevard and the Hollywood Hills.

We beg to differ with Nat King Cole's lyrics about Route 66. He sang: Get your kicks on Route 66. It winds from Chicago to L.A. The famed 2,500-mile highway, which does start in Chicago, actually ends in the city of Santa Monica at the Pacific Ocean. This scene is at about the 2,490-mile spot.

We all know it’s customary to tip cabbies, waiters, bellhops, bartenders and all the usual service people. Have you ever wondered about others encountered in your travels who may also deserve your consideration?

Some examples are airline desk employees, hotel clerks, kind strangers who give you directions in foreign cities, street performers, gallery guards, police, delivery guys and others. They're people who perform a good deed for you who don’t ordinarily get a tip.

They sometimes at first refuse, but when you smile and say their next lunch is on you, they may accept. And you’ll feel good about doing a good deed.

Q: To celebrate my retirement, I’m considering going on a first cruise. As much as I hope to enjoy it, I’m a bit hesitant because sometimes I need a wheelchair. Have you any suggestions on how I can cruise in safety and comfort? RBL, San Francisco CA

A: Many wheelchair-bound people take cruises. Actually, for the physically-challenged, sea journeys can be much safer and more convenient than vacationing at resorts and big cities. Once aboard, everything is within a few yards or elevator ride away from your cabin. This includes dining, pool, spa, theater, casino and much more.

Most areas of a cruise ship are wheelchair-friendly. However, for insurance purposes, few if any ships will furnish wheelchairs aboard. It’s best to take your own or contact a rental company to have one delivered to the dock before you board.