October 31, 2016
We went ashore about 10 o’clock. The gangways were supposed to be down at 845, but because it was the first time the Carnival Vista had docked here, it took a little longer. Matt, the cruise director, kept getting on the intercom, telling people to stay out of the stairs going to the gangways because the gangways weren’t open. He might as well have been speaking to the dead fish we saw at Fun Time Golf.
I guess it was 9:15 when the gangways were officially opened, and when we went out people were standing in a line that stretched half way back to the ship, waiting to get transportation tickets for Bermuda’s bus line and water taxi (as I had encouraged them yesterday). We bypassed the line, went to the Dockyard Mall where I bought a cap, we made a couple other stops then went to play Fun Time Golf, where your humble scribe shot one over par and won the day. The holes are patterned after real golf holes – 6 are from Bermuda, 6 from the U.S. of A., and 6 from Scotland. Number 12 is number 12 at Augusta National – we both shot par – take that Masters!
Then we bought tokens for the water taxi to Hamilton where we had lunch at a little restaurant we visit each time we are here. We went in a couple of stores and then caught the launch back to the ship – both very tired by that time, and Bonnie’s bum knee bummer than usual. We did bring a variety of soft drinks on. Mountain Dew for me. Ginger Ale and Sunkist for her.
There were only 6 of us at our table for dinner tonight, and my dinner wasn’t much. I did enjoy the Alligator Tail Fritters, but the Salted Cod Cakes were yuck and the Seafood Newburg would have been better if it had been Oldburg or Pittsburgh. The Melting Chocolate Cake was excellent.
The 930 show was a comedy magician and he had a very good act. I’ll let Bonnie fill you in – she laughed, howled and screamed, obviously enjoying it.
My next to last talk is tomorrow – one performance only at 12 o’clock as we sail away.
More tomorrow. And now, hereeeeeee’s Bonnie!
TTFN
Well, I woke at 6 and couldn’t go back to sleep, so I played on my phone till he woke up. We showered and dressed and went to the Lido deck for breakfast. First we went to deck 12 and had a look at the dock and the dockyard area. Then, we went to breakfast. After breakfast, he went up to take some pictures and I waited for him.
We got off and headed to find him a new hat at the dockyard mall. He visited every store that had hats and then went back to the first store to buy the first hat he had tried on. Go figure. I saw a funny t-shirt in the fudge store. It said eat fudge the calories all disappear in the Bermuda Triangle. Very funny. After shopping, we proceeded to the golf. Wow have prices gone up, $15 dollars a round. It used to be $8. We did get a senior discount to $12. But it is a fun course and we pretty much had it to ourselves. We then stopped in the craft store looking for his calendar but the artist did not do one this year. Sadness! So we headed to the dock where the ferry was getting ready to pull out. We yelled wait and after they had closed the gate , they opened it and let us on as the captain said for the old lady to hurry up. Well!! Several more people got on after the old lady. There were no seats available so we stood outside and on railing and let the air blow through our hair and really enjoyed the ride. We saw where the Pacific Princess is going to dock in December when we sail from Rome to Fort Lauderdale. 17 days I think. It was a very nice ride. They had switched from the summer schedule to winter schedule for the ferries so when we arrived at 1:15 there were only two more ferries back to the dockyard, one at 3 and the last at 4:30. We decided we would try for the 3.
We first stopped in the ticket office and bought our return tokens. It cost $5 cash or 4.50 for a token each one way. Then, we walked up the hill about 2 or 3 blocks to the little cinema and lunch place to eat. We had sliders and fries and a drink. They only had Pepsi and I opted for a root beer. Very good. After lunch we decided to tour the mall located next door. It is a 3 story mall that takes back down to almost where we started from. We looked in a toy and candy store that had a lot of very over priced Legos. Really overpriced. They had malted balls for $4.45 for a fourth of a pound. That is close to $18 a pound. Oh wow, and I thought Fresh Market’s price of $6.99 a pound was high. We also stopped in a book store, where I got a newspaper. Hurrah!!
We got back to the dock about 2:15. A crowd had started to gather. We walked up to where we would get on and got on about 2:45 and got seats this time and rode back. When we got to the dockyard we proceeded to the pharmacy/gift shop to get our drinks. Then, walking slowly, very slowly, back to the ship we got on and went to our cabin to collapse. At least I did. He napped. I couldn’t get to sleep.
Then, we proceeded to supper at 6. After supper we sat in the Atrium and listened to 3 violinist play. They are really very good. Two have electronic violins and one has a regular one. As they played we played cards. At 9 we went to the liquid lounge, which is the theater and found some good seats in the balcony. Bingo was in progress so we watched and listened as No No ( yes that is her name) called the numbers. Every bingo announcer on every ship we have been on is very annoying. She finally finished and Matt announced the entertainer. A magician. But this guy said he was a comedian and a magician. He was very funny and had you laughing while he did some tricks.
Well, he is going to take out his contacts out which means it is time for me to stop rambling because he is ready for bed and I need to take my night time pills. So I will say good night.
Special to Matt!! Empty your mail box. (OOPS!! Sorry your Dad just said you already had). How are you feeling and how is your wife? Love Mom/Granny
Monday, October 31, 2016
Sunday, October 30, 2016
TO BLOGFINITY AND BEYOND!
October 30, 2016
Sorry about no blog yesterday. After two days of doing two talks – at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., your humble scribe and his scribette were exhausted. We get up at 630 and order room service so I can rehearse before the 9 a.m. talk. Then I work on what needs working on for the second one, do the talk, and rush off to supper. Just wore the old guy out. Plus we forget to set our clocks back an hour yesterday and so instead of getting up at 630, we actually got up at 530. Oh well. We are back on 9 and 1 schedule today, and a good day it was.
The Limelight Lounge was Standing Room Only for both talks – a few empty seats in the a.m. and none in the p.m. with folk sitting on the floor. Counting the capacity of the lounge and the standers and sitters (that’s not a quaint way to describe the occupants of restrooms), there were 700 folk at “Bermuda: Close to Heaven.” Many kind comments, and lots of folks around afterwards asking questions. I brought Bonnie up to answer questions because there were so many inquiring minds. It was a good time, and I am grateful for the response.
We dock in Bermuda at about 9 a.m. in the morning, stay overnight, and sail at noon on November 1. I’ll do one talk after sail-away, and then do the Bermuda Triangle talk twice on the 2nd. Then we dock in New York on the 3rd and fly home, arriving back at 233 Thursday evening thanks to Eastman Transportation Services. Then we do laundry, take a month off and fly to Rome and cruise back to Fort Lauderdale. Grateful we are!
Well, as I write to you, my beloved is snoring. Don’t know how she is doing it with her mask on, but she is making a variety of sounds. I wish the blog had audio.
We have supper in 45 minutes, and I’ll wrap up then and turn the keyboard over to Bonnie for her ramblings.
Looking forward to Bermuda tomorrow!
TTFN!
Hey!!
Uneventful two days. Up early, eat breakfast, and go to a talk. Yesterday his second talk was at 5 so we dressed in our elegant ware and he did the talk in his tuxedo. Quite nice. Arrived about 10 minutes late for supper. Today the second talk was at 1 so we had more afternoon time and got to supper on time. Today was costume day for Halloween. There were some really wild costumes. The cruise director, Matt (a tall handsome young black man) had on a “Slim Good Body” suit! Oh My!! There was even a Santa Claus suit. My contribution to the costumes was my Halloween cat socks. I wore my short pants and my socks. They were cute. Your Dad went as himself. And as we left the theater this evening I looked down and a lady had a purple spider pinned in her hair!!
The entertainment last night was a show by the singers and dancers called “Flick” which featured songs from a lot of movies. Very high energy and great singing. They closed the “Liquid Lounge”, which is the name for the theater, after the first show about 8:20. They were not opening the doors for the second show till 9. I know how people line up etc and I wanted a front row seat in the balcony so I told David go some where and sit because I am standing in line to be first into the lounge. So from about 8:20 till 9 I was first in line waiting for the doors to open and I got our seats!!
Yes, I saved one for him. Matt said you were only allowed to save one seat and I saved one for David.
After the show we got some liquid refreshments and headed to the room to set the clocks back again and sleep. We are now only 1 hour ahead of you.
Tonight’s show was a young man from Wales who sang to sound tracks and also, did some songs to an acoustical guitar that he played. Great songs, you could understand his words. He had a beautiful voice and we really enjoyed the show.
Well we are back in our room. I am going to fix a drink, ginger ale tonight, we are going drink buying on Bermuda tomorrow, and then hit the sack.
Sorry about no blog yesterday. After two days of doing two talks – at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., your humble scribe and his scribette were exhausted. We get up at 630 and order room service so I can rehearse before the 9 a.m. talk. Then I work on what needs working on for the second one, do the talk, and rush off to supper. Just wore the old guy out. Plus we forget to set our clocks back an hour yesterday and so instead of getting up at 630, we actually got up at 530. Oh well. We are back on 9 and 1 schedule today, and a good day it was.
The Limelight Lounge was Standing Room Only for both talks – a few empty seats in the a.m. and none in the p.m. with folk sitting on the floor. Counting the capacity of the lounge and the standers and sitters (that’s not a quaint way to describe the occupants of restrooms), there were 700 folk at “Bermuda: Close to Heaven.” Many kind comments, and lots of folks around afterwards asking questions. I brought Bonnie up to answer questions because there were so many inquiring minds. It was a good time, and I am grateful for the response.
We dock in Bermuda at about 9 a.m. in the morning, stay overnight, and sail at noon on November 1. I’ll do one talk after sail-away, and then do the Bermuda Triangle talk twice on the 2nd. Then we dock in New York on the 3rd and fly home, arriving back at 233 Thursday evening thanks to Eastman Transportation Services. Then we do laundry, take a month off and fly to Rome and cruise back to Fort Lauderdale. Grateful we are!
Well, as I write to you, my beloved is snoring. Don’t know how she is doing it with her mask on, but she is making a variety of sounds. I wish the blog had audio.
We have supper in 45 minutes, and I’ll wrap up then and turn the keyboard over to Bonnie for her ramblings.
Looking forward to Bermuda tomorrow!
TTFN!
Hey!!
Uneventful two days. Up early, eat breakfast, and go to a talk. Yesterday his second talk was at 5 so we dressed in our elegant ware and he did the talk in his tuxedo. Quite nice. Arrived about 10 minutes late for supper. Today the second talk was at 1 so we had more afternoon time and got to supper on time. Today was costume day for Halloween. There were some really wild costumes. The cruise director, Matt (a tall handsome young black man) had on a “Slim Good Body” suit! Oh My!! There was even a Santa Claus suit. My contribution to the costumes was my Halloween cat socks. I wore my short pants and my socks. They were cute. Your Dad went as himself. And as we left the theater this evening I looked down and a lady had a purple spider pinned in her hair!!
The entertainment last night was a show by the singers and dancers called “Flick” which featured songs from a lot of movies. Very high energy and great singing. They closed the “Liquid Lounge”, which is the name for the theater, after the first show about 8:20. They were not opening the doors for the second show till 9. I know how people line up etc and I wanted a front row seat in the balcony so I told David go some where and sit because I am standing in line to be first into the lounge. So from about 8:20 till 9 I was first in line waiting for the doors to open and I got our seats!!
Yes, I saved one for him. Matt said you were only allowed to save one seat and I saved one for David.
After the show we got some liquid refreshments and headed to the room to set the clocks back again and sleep. We are now only 1 hour ahead of you.
Tonight’s show was a young man from Wales who sang to sound tracks and also, did some songs to an acoustical guitar that he played. Great songs, you could understand his words. He had a beautiful voice and we really enjoyed the show.
Well we are back in our room. I am going to fix a drink, ginger ale tonight, we are going drink buying on Bermuda tomorrow, and then hit the sack.
Friday, October 28, 2016
NAPTIME!
October 28, 2016
So, we are sitting at lunch, at a table for 2 and beside us a table of 4 and they have been to our talks. A lot of fun, lunchtime conversation. Then one of the men says, “I am going to take a nap.” Bonnie says, “I’m with you.” I thought she was rather forward, having just met the man, and not even knowing his name. But what happens on the cruise ship ... [NO! I didn’t go with him!]
The morning crowd was bigger today, which is unusual. More folks come to the later talks than get up early, but with the afternoon’s talk (today’s and tomorrow’s) scheduled for 5, attendance was down somewhat. A good crowd both times, nevertheless, as I talked about “The Incredible Hermitage.” Tomorrow is “History: It’s What’s For Dinner,” and then 3 Bermuda related talks, and then home.
Tonight was the pits for after dinner entertainment. But we dutifully went to the Liquid Lounge for “Gender Showdown” – the boys against the girls in trivia and stunts. The boys won. Then it was “Liar’s Club,” where two people give false definitions and the third tells the truth and the audience has to guess who is telling the truth. The trivia was lame (who is Snow White’s sister – Rose Red), and all the words were given sexually suggestive definitions, and not even funny ones. That is 90 minutes of our lives that we will never get back!
And now, here’ssssssssssssssssss Bonnie!
TTFN
Well, up at 6:30, throw on some clothes and off to the laundry. An hour later and $12 spent, back from washing, drying and folding 2 loads of laundry (and that did not include detergent which I bought with me!).
Next up to breakfast and I still made it to his talk just 10 minutes late.
Next it was off to watch the dance couple teach a Latin dance..1,2,3 .. 5,6,7 .. then do that shaking your booty!
I was still trying to unravel my yarn! I worked on it while we watched the dance class. Finally, after lunch and a nap, in the room, I had to cut it and spent another hour unknotting and making a small ball. OH MY!! Now tomorrow and I can start again to work on my hat.
After his 5 o’clock talk, we got to supper just 10 minutes late. Had a nice supper. Good company and the chicken fried steak was good as well as the teriyaki beef skewers for an appetizer. The hazelnut and peanut butter with ginger dessert was strange but edible. The two shows we watched were also so strange. But we got a few laughs [She did. I did not]. Couldn’t make it to the end of the 3rd show of the evening which was the singing waiter from our dining room, he does a Sinatra tune every night and is very good.
Well, he said keep it short. So I did. Love to everybody.
Mom, Granny
Dear Maggie,
Hope you had a great birthday and liked your presents. The movie tomorrow night is Dory. It isn’t until 10:30 so I probably won’t make it.
So, we are sitting at lunch, at a table for 2 and beside us a table of 4 and they have been to our talks. A lot of fun, lunchtime conversation. Then one of the men says, “I am going to take a nap.” Bonnie says, “I’m with you.” I thought she was rather forward, having just met the man, and not even knowing his name. But what happens on the cruise ship ... [NO! I didn’t go with him!]
The morning crowd was bigger today, which is unusual. More folks come to the later talks than get up early, but with the afternoon’s talk (today’s and tomorrow’s) scheduled for 5, attendance was down somewhat. A good crowd both times, nevertheless, as I talked about “The Incredible Hermitage.” Tomorrow is “History: It’s What’s For Dinner,” and then 3 Bermuda related talks, and then home.
Tonight was the pits for after dinner entertainment. But we dutifully went to the Liquid Lounge for “Gender Showdown” – the boys against the girls in trivia and stunts. The boys won. Then it was “Liar’s Club,” where two people give false definitions and the third tells the truth and the audience has to guess who is telling the truth. The trivia was lame (who is Snow White’s sister – Rose Red), and all the words were given sexually suggestive definitions, and not even funny ones. That is 90 minutes of our lives that we will never get back!
And now, here’ssssssssssssssssss Bonnie!
TTFN
Well, up at 6:30, throw on some clothes and off to the laundry. An hour later and $12 spent, back from washing, drying and folding 2 loads of laundry (and that did not include detergent which I bought with me!).
Next up to breakfast and I still made it to his talk just 10 minutes late.
Next it was off to watch the dance couple teach a Latin dance..1,2,3 .. 5,6,7 .. then do that shaking your booty!
I was still trying to unravel my yarn! I worked on it while we watched the dance class. Finally, after lunch and a nap, in the room, I had to cut it and spent another hour unknotting and making a small ball. OH MY!! Now tomorrow and I can start again to work on my hat.
After his 5 o’clock talk, we got to supper just 10 minutes late. Had a nice supper. Good company and the chicken fried steak was good as well as the teriyaki beef skewers for an appetizer. The hazelnut and peanut butter with ginger dessert was strange but edible. The two shows we watched were also so strange. But we got a few laughs [She did. I did not]. Couldn’t make it to the end of the 3rd show of the evening which was the singing waiter from our dining room, he does a Sinatra tune every night and is very good.
Well, he said keep it short. So I did. Love to everybody.
Mom, Granny
Dear Maggie,
Hope you had a great birthday and liked your presents. The movie tomorrow night is Dory. It isn’t until 10:30 so I probably won’t make it.
Thursday, October 27, 2016
ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER BLOG
October 27, 2016
Sorry about yesterday’s silence. We were tired after a fun day ashore in Porta Delgada, and I was rehearsing for today’s talk on the “Camera in Your Cell Phone”, so tomorrow’s blog did not get written (if it did, it did not get e-mailed).
Wednesday ashore started our cool and sunny. It ended up cold, overcast, and rainy. But we had a good time. We took a tour that included the Romantic Botanical Gardens, the Pineapple Plantation, and Crater Lake. The PP was our least favorite, but I guess there’s not much you can do with them – green houses, green plants, gift shop, free samples of pineapple liquore. We took a couple pictures of the pineapples and bought two souvenirs: a key chain, and something else – Bonnie will tell me what it is when she wakes up from her afternoon nap, or reads what I have written (Unlike Yul Brenner in The Ten Commandments, I have not written what I have written. I will be corrected. If you are too young for that reference check Netflix or Kodi).
The RBG (no rasslin fans, it was not RVD) was very nice. I would like to see it in a different season to see different plants and different colors. There were several grottos formed from the volcanos which built the island in the before-times, and plants from as far away as Australia and New Zealand. One of the NewZs was toppled by a recent Atlantic hurricane and they hadn’t had time to completely remove it. I added several shots to my Camera talk today from the Gardens and the Crater Lake. The sky was overcast and cloudy at the Lake, so the photos weren’t spectacular like I’m sure they could be in full sun, but I photo-shopped one to good results.
The folks at our table, except for us, rotate seats. Bonnie sits in one seat at the end of the table where she can prop her soon-to-be repaired knee, with me opposite her, and everyone else moves around. It’s the only time we’ve experienced that. Usually everyone stays in the same seat, but this way we get to interact with everyone. Our fellow foodies are all retired, or at least one member of each couple is retired, and they are all Diamond Members which means they have cruised an awfully lot with Carnival and are at the top of the rewards chain, but not a snob in the bunch. Nice. Graham always wears a hat to supper, and his wife, Kathy wore one the first formal night. His hats are not baseball caps, but gentlemen’s chapeaus which he always removes when he sits at the table. William and Karen (they live in Lumberton, NC and got clobbered by the flooding from hurricane Matthew) are the ones who have the rental properties at Myrtle Beach. They do substitute teaching to supplement their cruising habit (I would stay on dry land!). Joe is lactose intolerant, but no one has scared him and made him ink. Sharon has twice not liked the menu and stayed in her room ordering room service. Her husband, Richard, takes her carry-out desserts. Lindsay and Dee are from Canada (someone else, too, but I forget who).
Today’s talks were well attended. The afternoon was almost a sell-out. There were very few empty seats, and I did questions after each session for over 30 minutes each time.
Tomorrow my talks are at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., so we may miss our dinner seating, but there is another formal dining room that we can get a table for two. We did that earlier, but if I keep to 40-45 minutes, and questions don’t run long, we should still make the regular table.
We (read Bonnie) will do laundry tomorrow. Yours truly is down to one clean pair of drawers, and even though I could, I am not going to turn them around.
I think I have you caught up, and when Bonnie gets out of the shower (preparing for supper) I will direct her to the keyboard. “Hey! Is the green one shampoo?”
TTFN
Hello Everyone.
First a note to Karen you can email me by sending it to David, if you would like, he has internet.
Yesterday was a very nice day. We were up at 6:30 in order to make our tour meeting time at 8:30 in the Reflections dining room, our usual dining room. We had a bus full, but because I am hobbling we got a front seat. We had a good tour guide, she said she a typical Portugese, “Tall, thin, blonde and blue eyes”. She was being facetious. She was actually no taller than me, brunette and round like me. She was very entertaining. Our tour was about 3+ hours and a lot of riding as the 3 places were miles apart, so she had a lot of talking to do. She was very knowledgeable about her country.
We browsed a few shops at the dock after returning but didn’t buy anything there. The other purchase we made was a small bottle of pineapple flavored hot sauce. We are going to mail it to our old pastor.
After returning to the ship, we had unch [I think she means lunch] then returned to the room to nap and then go to supper. I had buffalo chicken wings, black bean soup, and a grilled pork chop. I did not eat much of the soup or pork chop. I didn’t even eat all of the melting chocolate cake. Just didn’t want it.
After supper David said let’s go back to the room and I will work for an hour and then, we will go to the show. I knew that wouldn’t happen. Once he starts to brush up a talk, we are done! Oh, well, it was okay he got me a ginger ale and I spent a couple of hours trying to unravel my Alaskan yarn so I can work on my hat. (So far I have been working about 4+ hours and I am not done yet!!) Maybe tomorrow. We played a few hands of cards before bed.
Now, to today. Rise at 6:30, get bathed, dressed and go upstairs for a bit of breakfast, then down to the limelight lounge to wait for his talk. Spent more time here unraveling. Nice size morning crowd and they must have stayed and asked questions about 30 minutes. And, the old guy talked for an hour!! We went up to Lido and played some cards waiting for lunch time. I had a pepperoni pizza he had a bunless cheeseburger. After lunch, I headed to the limelight and he went to get his stuff. The 1 o’clock talk was packed!! And at least they had al 3 screens working. In the morning show, the tech didn’t turn on the one screen. Same length talk and even more people stayed and talked. We had to move out into the hall because some of the crew were having a safety lecture. Have met a lot of great folks. Enjoying the cruise enormously.
Well, I have showered again because my hair was in desperate need to be washed. I am now dressed for supper and we shall head off momentarily. He is partly dressed. I will let you know tomorrow how the laundry adventure goes.
Sorry about yesterday’s silence. We were tired after a fun day ashore in Porta Delgada, and I was rehearsing for today’s talk on the “Camera in Your Cell Phone”, so tomorrow’s blog did not get written (if it did, it did not get e-mailed).
Wednesday ashore started our cool and sunny. It ended up cold, overcast, and rainy. But we had a good time. We took a tour that included the Romantic Botanical Gardens, the Pineapple Plantation, and Crater Lake. The PP was our least favorite, but I guess there’s not much you can do with them – green houses, green plants, gift shop, free samples of pineapple liquore. We took a couple pictures of the pineapples and bought two souvenirs: a key chain, and something else – Bonnie will tell me what it is when she wakes up from her afternoon nap, or reads what I have written (Unlike Yul Brenner in The Ten Commandments, I have not written what I have written. I will be corrected. If you are too young for that reference check Netflix or Kodi).
The RBG (no rasslin fans, it was not RVD) was very nice. I would like to see it in a different season to see different plants and different colors. There were several grottos formed from the volcanos which built the island in the before-times, and plants from as far away as Australia and New Zealand. One of the NewZs was toppled by a recent Atlantic hurricane and they hadn’t had time to completely remove it. I added several shots to my Camera talk today from the Gardens and the Crater Lake. The sky was overcast and cloudy at the Lake, so the photos weren’t spectacular like I’m sure they could be in full sun, but I photo-shopped one to good results.
The folks at our table, except for us, rotate seats. Bonnie sits in one seat at the end of the table where she can prop her soon-to-be repaired knee, with me opposite her, and everyone else moves around. It’s the only time we’ve experienced that. Usually everyone stays in the same seat, but this way we get to interact with everyone. Our fellow foodies are all retired, or at least one member of each couple is retired, and they are all Diamond Members which means they have cruised an awfully lot with Carnival and are at the top of the rewards chain, but not a snob in the bunch. Nice. Graham always wears a hat to supper, and his wife, Kathy wore one the first formal night. His hats are not baseball caps, but gentlemen’s chapeaus which he always removes when he sits at the table. William and Karen (they live in Lumberton, NC and got clobbered by the flooding from hurricane Matthew) are the ones who have the rental properties at Myrtle Beach. They do substitute teaching to supplement their cruising habit (I would stay on dry land!). Joe is lactose intolerant, but no one has scared him and made him ink. Sharon has twice not liked the menu and stayed in her room ordering room service. Her husband, Richard, takes her carry-out desserts. Lindsay and Dee are from Canada (someone else, too, but I forget who).
Today’s talks were well attended. The afternoon was almost a sell-out. There were very few empty seats, and I did questions after each session for over 30 minutes each time.
Tomorrow my talks are at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., so we may miss our dinner seating, but there is another formal dining room that we can get a table for two. We did that earlier, but if I keep to 40-45 minutes, and questions don’t run long, we should still make the regular table.
We (read Bonnie) will do laundry tomorrow. Yours truly is down to one clean pair of drawers, and even though I could, I am not going to turn them around.
I think I have you caught up, and when Bonnie gets out of the shower (preparing for supper) I will direct her to the keyboard. “Hey! Is the green one shampoo?”
TTFN
Hello Everyone.
First a note to Karen you can email me by sending it to David, if you would like, he has internet.
Yesterday was a very nice day. We were up at 6:30 in order to make our tour meeting time at 8:30 in the Reflections dining room, our usual dining room. We had a bus full, but because I am hobbling we got a front seat. We had a good tour guide, she said she a typical Portugese, “Tall, thin, blonde and blue eyes”. She was being facetious. She was actually no taller than me, brunette and round like me. She was very entertaining. Our tour was about 3+ hours and a lot of riding as the 3 places were miles apart, so she had a lot of talking to do. She was very knowledgeable about her country.
We browsed a few shops at the dock after returning but didn’t buy anything there. The other purchase we made was a small bottle of pineapple flavored hot sauce. We are going to mail it to our old pastor.
After returning to the ship, we had unch [I think she means lunch] then returned to the room to nap and then go to supper. I had buffalo chicken wings, black bean soup, and a grilled pork chop. I did not eat much of the soup or pork chop. I didn’t even eat all of the melting chocolate cake. Just didn’t want it.
After supper David said let’s go back to the room and I will work for an hour and then, we will go to the show. I knew that wouldn’t happen. Once he starts to brush up a talk, we are done! Oh, well, it was okay he got me a ginger ale and I spent a couple of hours trying to unravel my Alaskan yarn so I can work on my hat. (So far I have been working about 4+ hours and I am not done yet!!) Maybe tomorrow. We played a few hands of cards before bed.
Now, to today. Rise at 6:30, get bathed, dressed and go upstairs for a bit of breakfast, then down to the limelight lounge to wait for his talk. Spent more time here unraveling. Nice size morning crowd and they must have stayed and asked questions about 30 minutes. And, the old guy talked for an hour!! We went up to Lido and played some cards waiting for lunch time. I had a pepperoni pizza he had a bunless cheeseburger. After lunch, I headed to the limelight and he went to get his stuff. The 1 o’clock talk was packed!! And at least they had al 3 screens working. In the morning show, the tech didn’t turn on the one screen. Same length talk and even more people stayed and talked. We had to move out into the hall because some of the crew were having a safety lecture. Have met a lot of great folks. Enjoying the cruise enormously.
Well, I have showered again because my hair was in desperate need to be washed. I am now dressed for supper and we shall head off momentarily. He is partly dressed. I will let you know tomorrow how the laundry adventure goes.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
ANOTHER LAZY DAY AT SEA
October 25, 2016
I did “Yes, We May Have No Bananas” at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Both were well attended – more folks in the afternoon – and both well received. After the first talk, Bonnie packed up my gear and I hustled to the other end of the ship to appear on the Cruise Director’s “Morning Show.” It was a good opportunity to publicize the talks, because the “Fun Times” (Carnival’s daily activities sheet) is not yet giving specifics about the talks. Many people have asked me and the Entertainment Director about that, and our answer is, “Miami is working on it.” This comes out of the corporate offices and the yummies up on carpet corridor didn’t get this one right – the talks need titles and blurbs so the guests know more about what is going on. Hopefully they will come through.
Supper tonight was my least favorite meal so far – Teriyaki stir-fried beef and broccoli was our selection, and as my Daddy used to say, “It wasn’t much.” The Melting Chocolate Cake was great, however. Our table is, I think I’ve told you, 12 couples and tonight the camaraderie made up for the slack menu. Lots of jokes and stories and good natured fun.
One couple own a Myrtle Beach rental – 3 BR, 2 Baths, etc – that goes between $105 and $135 a night (vbro.com/710787). No, we are not rental agents, nor do we get commission. I just know how much some of you like the beach, and it might be a different place to go.
Because the seas are still a little rough, the song and dance show for tonight was cancelled. Instead the Cruise Director hosted a Love and Marriage Show. It is a cruise ship standard, their version of the Newly Wed Game. They pick 3 couples – newlywed, middle, and old, and ask the usual embarrassing questions. Tonight’s oldest couple had been married 54 years. They are natives of Ukraine, and were a hoot. We’ve seen several versions on different ships, and this one may have been the funniest so far. They always ask, “What is the most unusual place where you’ve made whoopie?” The newlyweds confessed to the Ferris wheel in Las Vegas. They were asked to leave, were escorted off the property, and their car was ticketed with a $500 ticket. I don’t believe I’d’ve told that one.
Tomorrow is a port day – Ponte Delgada (a Portugese island) so hopefully we’ll have some good stories to relate tomorrow night.
TTFN
And now, here’s Bonnie ...
Well, here goes. We got up at 6:30 so he could rehearse. He had room service some toast and coffee. I went upstairs to the buffet and this morning had a ham, cheese and tomato omelet. I of course dropped strawberry jam on my cleans shirt. UGH! After breakfast I went to guest services to get some $1 bills so we can tip the room service person. Then, headed to the limelight lounge to wait for the talk. I crocheted some on my hat I am making. Talk was good and after his appearance on the morning show we went up to 10 for some cards. Before time for the 1 o’clock show he had a Guy Fieri cheeseburger and I had some fries. Then, we headed to the talk.
Did I happen to mention how cold it is!! And windy and rough (12-13 foot waves said the Captain in today’s talk). Plus 35 mph winds. It is a wee bit nippy.
We forgot to tell you the day after we left Barcelona they had to airlift a passenger off by helicopter to Spain. Didn’t get to see it because everyone had to be off the decks and balconies in the aft and the crew had to move all the furniture from balconies and decks in the aft.
After his afternoon show we went to 10 for a snack. I had a Reuben and he had butterscotch ice cream. Then, we went to the waltz dance class to watch, not participate. I am not up to that. We met the dance couple when we were in line to board. They are very nice and we have talked to them several times.
After supper off to the show. It was hilarious. Had a good time. We are going on a tour tomorrow and have to get up at 6:30 in order to be at our meeting place by 8:30.
The town is very close to the dock so if we aren’t to tired after the tour maybe we will go spend some of our Euros.
Well, pills have been consumed. And night clothes donned. So it is time for bed.
Love Mom/Granny
A special hi to Karen!! Hope your trip to the train show was good. I am having a great time though tired.
I did “Yes, We May Have No Bananas” at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Both were well attended – more folks in the afternoon – and both well received. After the first talk, Bonnie packed up my gear and I hustled to the other end of the ship to appear on the Cruise Director’s “Morning Show.” It was a good opportunity to publicize the talks, because the “Fun Times” (Carnival’s daily activities sheet) is not yet giving specifics about the talks. Many people have asked me and the Entertainment Director about that, and our answer is, “Miami is working on it.” This comes out of the corporate offices and the yummies up on carpet corridor didn’t get this one right – the talks need titles and blurbs so the guests know more about what is going on. Hopefully they will come through.
Supper tonight was my least favorite meal so far – Teriyaki stir-fried beef and broccoli was our selection, and as my Daddy used to say, “It wasn’t much.” The Melting Chocolate Cake was great, however. Our table is, I think I’ve told you, 12 couples and tonight the camaraderie made up for the slack menu. Lots of jokes and stories and good natured fun.
One couple own a Myrtle Beach rental – 3 BR, 2 Baths, etc – that goes between $105 and $135 a night (vbro.com/710787). No, we are not rental agents, nor do we get commission. I just know how much some of you like the beach, and it might be a different place to go.
Because the seas are still a little rough, the song and dance show for tonight was cancelled. Instead the Cruise Director hosted a Love and Marriage Show. It is a cruise ship standard, their version of the Newly Wed Game. They pick 3 couples – newlywed, middle, and old, and ask the usual embarrassing questions. Tonight’s oldest couple had been married 54 years. They are natives of Ukraine, and were a hoot. We’ve seen several versions on different ships, and this one may have been the funniest so far. They always ask, “What is the most unusual place where you’ve made whoopie?” The newlyweds confessed to the Ferris wheel in Las Vegas. They were asked to leave, were escorted off the property, and their car was ticketed with a $500 ticket. I don’t believe I’d’ve told that one.
Tomorrow is a port day – Ponte Delgada (a Portugese island) so hopefully we’ll have some good stories to relate tomorrow night.
TTFN
And now, here’s Bonnie ...
Well, here goes. We got up at 6:30 so he could rehearse. He had room service some toast and coffee. I went upstairs to the buffet and this morning had a ham, cheese and tomato omelet. I of course dropped strawberry jam on my cleans shirt. UGH! After breakfast I went to guest services to get some $1 bills so we can tip the room service person. Then, headed to the limelight lounge to wait for the talk. I crocheted some on my hat I am making. Talk was good and after his appearance on the morning show we went up to 10 for some cards. Before time for the 1 o’clock show he had a Guy Fieri cheeseburger and I had some fries. Then, we headed to the talk.
Did I happen to mention how cold it is!! And windy and rough (12-13 foot waves said the Captain in today’s talk). Plus 35 mph winds. It is a wee bit nippy.
We forgot to tell you the day after we left Barcelona they had to airlift a passenger off by helicopter to Spain. Didn’t get to see it because everyone had to be off the decks and balconies in the aft and the crew had to move all the furniture from balconies and decks in the aft.
After his afternoon show we went to 10 for a snack. I had a Reuben and he had butterscotch ice cream. Then, we went to the waltz dance class to watch, not participate. I am not up to that. We met the dance couple when we were in line to board. They are very nice and we have talked to them several times.
After supper off to the show. It was hilarious. Had a good time. We are going on a tour tomorrow and have to get up at 6:30 in order to be at our meeting place by 8:30.
The town is very close to the dock so if we aren’t to tired after the tour maybe we will go spend some of our Euros.
Well, pills have been consumed. And night clothes donned. So it is time for bed.
Love Mom/Granny
A special hi to Karen!! Hope your trip to the train show was good. I am having a great time though tired.
Monday, October 24, 2016
WHAT ARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS?
October 24, 2016
I did my talk twice today – “When Pirates Sailed the Atlantic.” Both were well attended and the response was gratifying, until a woman came up and asked me, “What are your qualifications?!” I answered, “I have a double major in history,” and before I could go on, she said, “You are not Pirate McGillicutty!” She told me that her friend, Pirate McGillicutty, went into schools with his bagpipe and his band and told children to obey their parents, and I am not he. Actually she said, grammatically incorrectly, “You ain’t him!” I said, “He must have been a great person to have known.” She sniffled, “He was!” Well, you can’t win ‘em all.
A number of people have come up to me, told me that they have heard me in past sailings, and are looking forward to hearing me on this cruise. That is much more gratifying that Pirate McGillicutty. Take that!
Today was a storm day at sea, but not as bad as I was expecting when the Captain announced bad weather was a’comin’. I spent my day either talking, or preparing for the first one, or starting preparation for a second one. We dressed in our “Cruise Elegant” for supper. The show tonight was a hypnotist, and I am sleeping enough without someone telling me how sleepy I am becoming. So we came back to the room. I rehearsed for tomorrow’s “Yes, We May Have No Bananas,” while Bonnie played scrabble on her phone.
My cruise companion was – in her words – a totally wasted, worthless person today, who did nothing. And so she will not blog this evening.
We roll our clocks back one hour tonight, so tomorrow we will only be 4 hours ahead of you. And an extra hour will be nice because I am getting drowsy. My eyes are getting heavy. I can hardly keep them open. I will now cluck like a chicken.
TTFN!
I did my talk twice today – “When Pirates Sailed the Atlantic.” Both were well attended and the response was gratifying, until a woman came up and asked me, “What are your qualifications?!” I answered, “I have a double major in history,” and before I could go on, she said, “You are not Pirate McGillicutty!” She told me that her friend, Pirate McGillicutty, went into schools with his bagpipe and his band and told children to obey their parents, and I am not he. Actually she said, grammatically incorrectly, “You ain’t him!” I said, “He must have been a great person to have known.” She sniffled, “He was!” Well, you can’t win ‘em all.
A number of people have come up to me, told me that they have heard me in past sailings, and are looking forward to hearing me on this cruise. That is much more gratifying that Pirate McGillicutty. Take that!
Today was a storm day at sea, but not as bad as I was expecting when the Captain announced bad weather was a’comin’. I spent my day either talking, or preparing for the first one, or starting preparation for a second one. We dressed in our “Cruise Elegant” for supper. The show tonight was a hypnotist, and I am sleeping enough without someone telling me how sleepy I am becoming. So we came back to the room. I rehearsed for tomorrow’s “Yes, We May Have No Bananas,” while Bonnie played scrabble on her phone.
My cruise companion was – in her words – a totally wasted, worthless person today, who did nothing. And so she will not blog this evening.
We roll our clocks back one hour tonight, so tomorrow we will only be 4 hours ahead of you. And an extra hour will be nice because I am getting drowsy. My eyes are getting heavy. I can hardly keep them open. I will now cluck like a chicken.
TTFN!
Sunday, October 23, 2016
WE DID NOT SMELL WHAT THE ROCK WAS COOKING
October 23, 2016
But we had a great day ashore. We went to the top of the Rock, went through St. Michael’s Caverns, toured the 18th century siege tunnels, saw the entrance to the World War II tunnels, and saw the monkeys who live on the Rock (we actually saw Mercedes, the oldest living monkey on Gibralter – she is 32). The weather was beautiful and we could see down to the ship and across the Straits of Gibraltar to Africa. Got some great pictures that I’ll post later.
Part of the tour was to be a cable car ride to the top of the Rock, but it was too windy, the cars were swinging from side to side, and although our guide tried twice, they would not open the ride. So we went up by bus.
For an extra, the driver, Kenneth, and out guide, Ricardo, took us on a circumnavigation of the Rock. Each side is different, and each side is amazing.
Back on board I did my first talk – “Alexander Selkirk: The Real Robinson Crusoe.” The advertisement got out late, but there were still 20 folks who went late to supper so they could hear the Enrichment Speaker – me. And if you have cruised on Carnival before you know that the members of the crew have a badge which features the “whale’s tail” and the crew member’s name, duty, and home port. Ryan, the Entertainment Manager gave me one! Cool! I’ve already had folk stop me and I’ve been able to – hopefully – drum up business.
Because my talk went from 530-630, we missed our 600 seating for supper and went to My Time afterwards. We had a charming table for two and an enjoyable meal. After that was the evening show – a comedy magician (very good). For his final act, he blew up a balloon with a leaf blower and then climbed inside of it. We thought it would burst it and disappear, but he burst and was still there. It really was cool.
The captain came on during my talk and said we were going to get some rough weather, and he was right. So far it’s not bad, but it could get worse, says the Captain. So we bought some Ginger Ale and retired to 2296.
Oh, before I forget it, we turned our clocks back one hour tonight, so Monday will only be 5 hours in front of you, and I think we do it again Tuesday, but I’ll let you know.
Well, it’s time for a few hands of cards, and my cabin mate’s knee is hurting too bad to get out of bed and type. She will dictate to me (what else is new) and I will transcribe her every wish.
TTFN!
Here’s Bonnie – sort of.
When the alarm went off at 7 this morning, I leapt out of bed, put on my jogging pants and Wheel of Forturn t-shirt, shoes and socks, and hurried up to the Shore Excursion Desk that opened at 7 a.m. I was the 4th person in line. I went up to pick up our new tickets to go on the 10 o’clock tour. We had to change them because David’s talk was late and we had earlier booked the 2 o’clock tour. And besides, it was raining at 2.
We got to see the landing strip of the airport for Gibraltar. It is the width of the island. There is a road that crosses it from the Rock into Spain. When a plane is landing, gates come down and the road – Winston Churchill Road – is closed. Ricardo said it is the 5th most dangerous airport in the world. If a plane is coming south, they are not allowed to fly over Spain because of the ongoing political turmoil, so they fly out around, do a u-turn and come back.
The homes are apartments – looking a lot like the flats in Russia – cost between 600,000 and a million pounds. But if you are Gibraltarian, the government gives you a break, cutting the purchase price in half.
Ricardo, our guide, lives in Spain and comes across the border every morning to come to work. A few years ago there was political turmoil, and it took him 4 hours to cross because Spain was mad at Gibraltar. He told us that the Spaniards come over and buy cigarettes and smuggle them back.
We had Beef Wellington for supper and Molten Chocolate Cake.
Good night.
But we had a great day ashore. We went to the top of the Rock, went through St. Michael’s Caverns, toured the 18th century siege tunnels, saw the entrance to the World War II tunnels, and saw the monkeys who live on the Rock (we actually saw Mercedes, the oldest living monkey on Gibralter – she is 32). The weather was beautiful and we could see down to the ship and across the Straits of Gibraltar to Africa. Got some great pictures that I’ll post later.
Part of the tour was to be a cable car ride to the top of the Rock, but it was too windy, the cars were swinging from side to side, and although our guide tried twice, they would not open the ride. So we went up by bus.
For an extra, the driver, Kenneth, and out guide, Ricardo, took us on a circumnavigation of the Rock. Each side is different, and each side is amazing.
Back on board I did my first talk – “Alexander Selkirk: The Real Robinson Crusoe.” The advertisement got out late, but there were still 20 folks who went late to supper so they could hear the Enrichment Speaker – me. And if you have cruised on Carnival before you know that the members of the crew have a badge which features the “whale’s tail” and the crew member’s name, duty, and home port. Ryan, the Entertainment Manager gave me one! Cool! I’ve already had folk stop me and I’ve been able to – hopefully – drum up business.
Because my talk went from 530-630, we missed our 600 seating for supper and went to My Time afterwards. We had a charming table for two and an enjoyable meal. After that was the evening show – a comedy magician (very good). For his final act, he blew up a balloon with a leaf blower and then climbed inside of it. We thought it would burst it and disappear, but he burst and was still there. It really was cool.
The captain came on during my talk and said we were going to get some rough weather, and he was right. So far it’s not bad, but it could get worse, says the Captain. So we bought some Ginger Ale and retired to 2296.
Oh, before I forget it, we turned our clocks back one hour tonight, so Monday will only be 5 hours in front of you, and I think we do it again Tuesday, but I’ll let you know.
Well, it’s time for a few hands of cards, and my cabin mate’s knee is hurting too bad to get out of bed and type. She will dictate to me (what else is new) and I will transcribe her every wish.
TTFN!
Here’s Bonnie – sort of.
When the alarm went off at 7 this morning, I leapt out of bed, put on my jogging pants and Wheel of Forturn t-shirt, shoes and socks, and hurried up to the Shore Excursion Desk that opened at 7 a.m. I was the 4th person in line. I went up to pick up our new tickets to go on the 10 o’clock tour. We had to change them because David’s talk was late and we had earlier booked the 2 o’clock tour. And besides, it was raining at 2.
We got to see the landing strip of the airport for Gibraltar. It is the width of the island. There is a road that crosses it from the Rock into Spain. When a plane is landing, gates come down and the road – Winston Churchill Road – is closed. Ricardo said it is the 5th most dangerous airport in the world. If a plane is coming south, they are not allowed to fly over Spain because of the ongoing political turmoil, so they fly out around, do a u-turn and come back.
The homes are apartments – looking a lot like the flats in Russia – cost between 600,000 and a million pounds. But if you are Gibraltarian, the government gives you a break, cutting the purchase price in half.
Ricardo, our guide, lives in Spain and comes across the border every morning to come to work. A few years ago there was political turmoil, and it took him 4 hours to cross because Spain was mad at Gibraltar. He told us that the Spaniards come over and buy cigarettes and smuggle them back.
We had Beef Wellington for supper and Molten Chocolate Cake.
Good night.
Friday, October 21, 2016
I DIDN’T PACK ANY UNDERWEAR!
October 21, 2016
Well, for years I’ve been telling you can wear one pair of underwear for 4 days.
I was unpacking my suitcase (mom’s hadn’t arrived – more on that soon) and everything was out, and I looked up at Bonnie and said, “I didn’t pack any underwear!”
She said, “I only packed 7 pair, so you can’t have any of mine. You can get through 8 days before you have to do laundry.”
Then I unzipped a pocket I hadn’t checked, and voila! I won’t have to do laundry for 8 days, but I will have clean undies every day. Excitement at sea!
We hired a bus from the hotel to bring us to the dock, and it came off without a hitch. Our bags were taken from the bus directly to the ship, while we went inside to get our “Sail and Sign” cards – room key, shopping card, ticket off and on the ship. They were backed up about an hour. We had signed up to go through the line at 11, but it was 12 until we were called up. I had signed us up for everything online, given them our credit card number for our portfolio, pictures, the works. It went very smoothly and we came on board.
Cabin 2296 was ready and we stopped in for a minute before heading to the Lido Deck for lunch. I had a cheese burger at Guy Fieri’s and Bonnie had two tacos. I don’t know about her, but that may be my regular lunch.
Came back down and my suitcase was here, so I unpacked. Closet and other storage space is smaller on the Vista than any ship we’ve been on, and it is Carnival’s largest ship. Go figure.
Then we went to see the Matre’d to get our dining changed from Any Time to a regular table and a regular time. The Matre’d is an old friend from another cruise. Ken greeted us with recognition, and when I reminded him we had been with him on the Journeys cruise in January and February he said, “Yes, and you were sitting at the second booth, just inside the dining room.” Neat.
Still no suitcase for Bonnie and by now it was time for the lifeboat drill, which was held in the Reflections dining room where we will consume our evening meals.
Back to the room, and still no suitcase.
Ryan, the Entertainment Director, called me to introduce himself and say we’d get together personally soon. He hadn’t been told until 2 days ago he was having a lecturer (or a ballroom dance couple) even though we’d signed up months ago and sent our portfolio of my talks. He apologized and said he hadn’t scheduled me yet so I have tomorrow off.
Next it was supper – pork chop with mac & cheese with bacon for me and baked chicken and baked potato for Bonnie. Dessert was molten chocolate cake and 2 scoops of ice cream for both of us (sure to be repeated).
Back to the room, and voila! Bonnie’s suitcase had arrived. But it had a note in it saying they’d searched it because they couldn’t figure out what something was. Probably those 7 pair of panties that she said she wouldn’t share. Either that or the bottle of distilled water for her machine, or maybe the can of mangled Pringles potato chips. But at least it arrived, and I don’t have to share my drawers.
The welcome aboard show was the loudest we’ve ever attended, and we understood fewer words than ever. But it was ... loud. And now it’s blogging and beddie-bye.
And now, here’s Bonnie!
TTFN!
Very Tired Me!!
Our trip over was uneventful and fun. Loved Barcelona. We had nice accommodations and our tour of the Sagrada Familia was awe inspiring. It is over a hundred years old and still being constructed or remodeled. Just incredible. We took a taxi to and from the cathedral, cost about 25 euros one way. We enjoyed a quick lunch at McDonalds, which was right across the street from the cathedral. You had to arrive at the time that was on your ticket, which was 2:30. We made it. We were supposed to go up a tower inside at 3:30, but when we got to the line, the young lady in charge said I could not go because you rode a very small elevator up to the top and then walked down a spiral staircase with 432 steps. There was no where to stop on the way down. So me, my leg and cane kept us from going. They did refund the cost of that part of the tour, which was very nice.
We returned to the hotel and as we were both exhausted (I had had 2 hours sleep in over 30 hours) we ordered a room service pizza. It was really good. We ate and went to bed. I slept all night except for one bathroom trip.
The room on the ship is nice but very stripped down. There is a minuscule closet. There are only 3 drawers total in the room, 3 shelves in the closet, the bathroom only has 6 shelves, and no storage under the sink area. The bed is nice. There is no chair in the room. Only a backless chair at the desk. There is a counter with a refrigerator concealed underneath and 3 small open shelves. Oh well. We managed to stow all our stuff.
I would love to know what they thought I was hiding in my suitcase.
Have met a lot of nice people. Even ran into a couple where the husband was born and raised in the Hagerstown area. We had a fun talk about some of the places there and in Williamsport.
Well, he is laying on the bed and I think he is ready to sleep. Me, too. Long couple of days. Since tomorrow is a sea day and he doesn’t have a talk, we will probably sleep in and have a lazy day. Love you. Mom
Hey Mac how is school? Tate got those walking shoes going yet? Hey Rachel, glad the tooth surgery was good. Maggie, Emma, Mayleigh, Luke you all be good. And hey big girls, Rachel Marie and Madison, drive careful. Love Granny
Well, for years I’ve been telling you can wear one pair of underwear for 4 days.
I was unpacking my suitcase (mom’s hadn’t arrived – more on that soon) and everything was out, and I looked up at Bonnie and said, “I didn’t pack any underwear!”
She said, “I only packed 7 pair, so you can’t have any of mine. You can get through 8 days before you have to do laundry.”
Then I unzipped a pocket I hadn’t checked, and voila! I won’t have to do laundry for 8 days, but I will have clean undies every day. Excitement at sea!
We hired a bus from the hotel to bring us to the dock, and it came off without a hitch. Our bags were taken from the bus directly to the ship, while we went inside to get our “Sail and Sign” cards – room key, shopping card, ticket off and on the ship. They were backed up about an hour. We had signed up to go through the line at 11, but it was 12 until we were called up. I had signed us up for everything online, given them our credit card number for our portfolio, pictures, the works. It went very smoothly and we came on board.
Cabin 2296 was ready and we stopped in for a minute before heading to the Lido Deck for lunch. I had a cheese burger at Guy Fieri’s and Bonnie had two tacos. I don’t know about her, but that may be my regular lunch.
Came back down and my suitcase was here, so I unpacked. Closet and other storage space is smaller on the Vista than any ship we’ve been on, and it is Carnival’s largest ship. Go figure.
Then we went to see the Matre’d to get our dining changed from Any Time to a regular table and a regular time. The Matre’d is an old friend from another cruise. Ken greeted us with recognition, and when I reminded him we had been with him on the Journeys cruise in January and February he said, “Yes, and you were sitting at the second booth, just inside the dining room.” Neat.
Still no suitcase for Bonnie and by now it was time for the lifeboat drill, which was held in the Reflections dining room where we will consume our evening meals.
Back to the room, and still no suitcase.
Ryan, the Entertainment Director, called me to introduce himself and say we’d get together personally soon. He hadn’t been told until 2 days ago he was having a lecturer (or a ballroom dance couple) even though we’d signed up months ago and sent our portfolio of my talks. He apologized and said he hadn’t scheduled me yet so I have tomorrow off.
Next it was supper – pork chop with mac & cheese with bacon for me and baked chicken and baked potato for Bonnie. Dessert was molten chocolate cake and 2 scoops of ice cream for both of us (sure to be repeated).
Back to the room, and voila! Bonnie’s suitcase had arrived. But it had a note in it saying they’d searched it because they couldn’t figure out what something was. Probably those 7 pair of panties that she said she wouldn’t share. Either that or the bottle of distilled water for her machine, or maybe the can of mangled Pringles potato chips. But at least it arrived, and I don’t have to share my drawers.
The welcome aboard show was the loudest we’ve ever attended, and we understood fewer words than ever. But it was ... loud. And now it’s blogging and beddie-bye.
And now, here’s Bonnie!
TTFN!
Very Tired Me!!
Our trip over was uneventful and fun. Loved Barcelona. We had nice accommodations and our tour of the Sagrada Familia was awe inspiring. It is over a hundred years old and still being constructed or remodeled. Just incredible. We took a taxi to and from the cathedral, cost about 25 euros one way. We enjoyed a quick lunch at McDonalds, which was right across the street from the cathedral. You had to arrive at the time that was on your ticket, which was 2:30. We made it. We were supposed to go up a tower inside at 3:30, but when we got to the line, the young lady in charge said I could not go because you rode a very small elevator up to the top and then walked down a spiral staircase with 432 steps. There was no where to stop on the way down. So me, my leg and cane kept us from going. They did refund the cost of that part of the tour, which was very nice.
We returned to the hotel and as we were both exhausted (I had had 2 hours sleep in over 30 hours) we ordered a room service pizza. It was really good. We ate and went to bed. I slept all night except for one bathroom trip.
The room on the ship is nice but very stripped down. There is a minuscule closet. There are only 3 drawers total in the room, 3 shelves in the closet, the bathroom only has 6 shelves, and no storage under the sink area. The bed is nice. There is no chair in the room. Only a backless chair at the desk. There is a counter with a refrigerator concealed underneath and 3 small open shelves. Oh well. We managed to stow all our stuff.
I would love to know what they thought I was hiding in my suitcase.
Have met a lot of nice people. Even ran into a couple where the husband was born and raised in the Hagerstown area. We had a fun talk about some of the places there and in Williamsport.
Well, he is laying on the bed and I think he is ready to sleep. Me, too. Long couple of days. Since tomorrow is a sea day and he doesn’t have a talk, we will probably sleep in and have a lazy day. Love you. Mom
Hey Mac how is school? Tate got those walking shoes going yet? Hey Rachel, glad the tooth surgery was good. Maggie, Emma, Mayleigh, Luke you all be good. And hey big girls, Rachel Marie and Madison, drive careful. Love Granny
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