Carnival Day 6 Jamaica

We arrived in Ocho Rios, Jamaica around 8am. Our tour ($75 per person) began at 8:15 which was the Ultimate Beach Break at Dolphin Cove and Dunn’s River Falls. First we went to the falls. They rented water shoes if you didn’t have any but we had our rubber clogs. Then we rented a locker for $8 and when you returned the lock you got $3 back. I was able to fit my whole backpack in it and there were still lots of room if I needed it. Finally we made a human chain and climbed up the 950 foot waterfall. It was a wonderful adventure and I’m glad that we did it.

Then we went to Dolphin Cove where there was unlimited rum punch and food along with sharks and dolphins and complimentary beach chairs. But the wind was blowing and the waves were strong so we decided not to stay on the beach. We walked along the jungle trail and I took a picture with an iguana. There were also lots of golden silk spiders and webs around. It also began to rain on and off so we got on the shuttle and went to the shopping area. We were able to get our Hard Rock Café magnet. Then we walked back to the ship and had lunch on the ship.

We rested until it was time to leave the port and then get ready for formal night at dinner. We also went to the show.

I enjoyed Jamaica and I’m glad we walked up the falls but my legs and arms are sore tonight. I guess I’m just not as young as I thought I was.

Carnival Liberty Day 5 Grand Cayman

We took the tender to Grand Cayman around 9:00 and took a cab to Seven Mile Beach. The beach was wonderful and the water was clear. The cab ride cost $4 per person and wasn’t far from the ship. We found a sandy spot to drop my pack and towels and spent a lot of time in the water. It was very breezy so I didn’t notice the heat which was unfortunate since I got burnt! I don’t remember ever getting this badly burned so I will be sitting in the shade for the rest of the cruise. Around 1:00 we walked along the beach and the road back to the ship and it was only about a 35 minute walk.

When we got back to the ship we had lunch and then showered and rested before the Past Guest reception. The reception was really nice and we walked around the ship until dinner. After dinner we went to the magic show of Puck.

Tomorrow we arrive in Jamaica and I’m really excited because I’ve never been there before.

Carnival Liberty Day 4 At Sea

I got up early this morning and played on the computer. Then around 8am, Aysu (dining room hostess) talked to me for about 30 minutes. She is married to a waiter in the dining room so I heard a little about her life.

Today was a very lazy day. After breakfast in the dining room we walked around the track for an hour. Then I sat out on the deck and knitted until lunch time. After lunch sat on the deck for a little while but then went back to the cabin to rest until dinner. Dinner was nice and the waiters sang and danced for us.

After dinner we walked around and then went back to the cabin to watch the Time Traveler’s Wife. I got a little sunburned today so my skin was pretty hot. I hope it turns to tan by tomorrow when we reach Grand Cayman.

Carnival Liberty Day 3 Cozumel

We arrived in Cozumel around 8am but it was very cloudy and looked like rain. We had thought about going to Chankanaab Park which was a $10 taxi ride (for 1-4 people) and then the entrance fee was $10 per person but we changed our mind and decided to go downtown. Instead of paying the $7 taxi ride, we walked the 4 miles into town. It was a pleasant walk since it was overcast and cool. We got to town around 11:00 and looked in a lot of shops. We found a little bar called Ambar where the beers were $1 each so we had a four beers plus nachos and cheese which came to $9. Then we walked around some more until we got hot and went back to Ambar to have a couple of more beers. Then we started to walk back to the ship  but it got really hot. We ended up walking down 2 dead end roads so we turned back to town and had a couple of beers at this place but they were $1.50 each so we back to Ambar for our dollar beers. After a few, the waiter (who looked just like Buddy Hackett) came out with two shots of blue tequila and said they were on the house! We enjoyed talking with the people there while we drank our beer. Since it was getting late, we ended up taking a cab back to the ship and getting back in time for dinner.

For dinner I had wild mushroom cream soup, filet mignon , and apple pie with ice cream. It was so tasty! After dinner we changed and went up on the deck to watch us leave the port. We were supposed to leave at 10pm but two people were still missing from the ship. About 10:15 we saw a car come in and drive to the ship letting the people out so we were finally able to leave.

After we left the port we ended up having pizza and ice cream before finally going to bed around 11:30pm.

It was a wonderful day (even if I ended up with a blister on my foot).

Carnival Liberty Days 1 and 2

Day 1 Embarkation

We had a wonderful embarkation in Miami. I think we were so surprised because we dreaded coming to this port. In the past, it has always been chaotic and unorganized but this time was totally different! From the time we were dropped off, it only took us 15 minutes to board the ship and get in line for lunch. I’m extremely pleased with this! At lunch we met another couple that we met on the Glory last September!

Our cabin is at the front of the ship right under the bridge. We have a nice porthole seeing the deck out front. I think it is a nice cabin but Don thinks it is smaller than the inside cabins we have had. I think he just doesn’t like change.

We stood out on the deck and watched them switch an anchor which was an exciting drama. It involved a couple of forklifts and one of them looked like a hummer forklift. Then the huge chain got caught on one of the dock cleats so that was more drama. One man told us that the anchor split last week at Half Moon Cay so they had to get a new one.

After the muster drill we met with the other people from cruisecritics.com at the aft lido bar. We met a lot of nice people and even had a quiz to take. I came in second and won some wind chimes!

We had dinner in the silver dining room and Elvis was our maître’d. The other two couples were Renee and Scotty from Ohio and Kathy and Bryce from Nashville. It was a pleasant evening.

After dinner we watched the country line dancing lessons and then walked around the ship. Before going back to our cabin, Don ate a pastrami sandwich and I ate another piece of Black Forest gateau (chocolate cake with bing cherries). It was wonderful!

Day 2 At Sea

It was a wonderful day! I ate an omelet at 7:30am and then when I woke Don up at 9am, we went to the dining room for breakfast. I had some French toast and bacon while Don had eggs benedict. After breakfast we attended the talk about shore excursions and before long, it was lunch time. After lunch we walked around the ship and just relaxed. By 4pm, we had to get ready for formal night.

The Captain’s celebration was at 5pm and we got to meet the hotel director Pier, and the head of guest relations. When the captain walked by, he did a double take because he recognized us. He spent a lot of time talking with us until he had to leave and mingle with other guests.

At dinner we had two new couples join us – Vern and Lorinda from Nova Scotia and Dale and Chris from upstate NY. They were really nice. Scotty and Renee must have gotten moved to be with their group of 9 at the later seating that they wanted. Dinner was prime rib and lobster which was fantastic. Dessert was Cherries Jubilee.

After dinner we went to the show which I always enjoy and then at 10:45 was the adult comedy show by Phat Kat. I was surprised how packed the room was! It was a funny show and I’m glad I stayed awake for it! Finally by midnight we were back in our cabin.

Carnival Miracle Day 5 At Sea

To see all of my pictures from this cruise, go to my Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/23240330@N03/sets/72157622880425333/
   We spent a relaxing day at sea. After breakfast we walked for an hour around the track. Then we went to arts and crafts where we made bookmarks out of homemade paper. We sent our laundry out to be washed but I didn’t fill out the green slip so they will be washed the next day. Different cabin stewards do it differently and I should have checked with ours first. Lately, as Platinum members, we just stick out laundry in the white paper bag and they take it but this steward would not take it until we filled out the green paper. He also didn’t know we were platinum members which might account for us not getting our ship’s pins or gift so I will have to check with guest relations about that. We strolled through the ship’s shops and relaxed in our cabin until lunch. After lunch we just relaxed some more until dinner time. I finished knitting my socks and read my book while Don took a nap. It was formal night at dinner and I really enjoy getting dressed up. Here are the two couples that we had dinner with each night (Evonne and Conrad; Dennis and Pat). After dinner we decided to just have an early night since we will be getting up early in the morning for a snorkeling trip in Belize.
Update on my dad:
He is healing and on a liquid diet. He must be getting better because he said he was lonely and bored. I will see him in 2 more days!

Carnival Miracle Day 4 Costa Rica

We arrived in Costa Rica at 7am but they are an hour behind us (and we always stay on ship’s time). Even early in the morning it was hot and humid but we walked around town. I felt much safer in this port than I did in Panama yesterday. The people seemed very friendly here. We stopped at the grocery store for me to buy a pepsi and a nice man let me go in front of him. The pepsi cost $555 (of their dollars) but she took my US $1 for it. I noticed that the nice man was even going to pay the difference if I needed it. Along the way we passed a hotel and I went in to exchange a US $1 for local change so Don could have some. Posted on the wall was $1 USD = 550 (Costa Rica money). We did come back to the ship once so I could write and send my postcards. I think it is neat that the guest relations desk sells local postage stamps and has a mailbox near their desk. Before we leave the port, the box is emptied and taken to a local post office. After that we went back and walked around the town some more. In the local park, we could look up in the trees and see the sloths. We returned back to the ship around noon and had a wonderful lunch. Even though the temperature doesn’t seem so high, the humidity is miserable. At 4pm was the past guest reception and then dinner again.
You can see more cruise pictures at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/23240330@N03/sets/72157622880425333/
Update on my father:
My father is doing better and sitting up in a chair. They moved him out of CCU and into a regular room. He is in pain but that is normal due to the surgery. He said they removed a tumor and are waiting for the biopsy results. Hopefully he will be home for Christmas.

Carnival Miracle Day 3 Panama

We arrived in Panama at 7am and we got off the boat as soon as we could. We could see the canal as our ship began to dock. We could also see town where there was a Radisson and even a McDonalds. We walked out of the port terminal and headed towards the town. I was surprised that no one else was walking into town. When we got a few blocks away from our ship, two policemen (they may have been military too) followed us up the street. As we prepared to cross the street to a supermarket, they stopped the traffic so we could cross. I was surprised to see that they waited outside for us and followed us up the street again. Then we reached a major intersection where the police were on bicycles. The first two policemen stayed back and the bicycle cops followed us down this main avenue. It looked like a park to me with monuments and big trees. After a few blocks, they came up beside us and told us that we needed to turn around and go the other way. I guess we were getting to a dangerous section of town so we listened to them. As we walked many blocks the other way, they followed behind us and I felt quite safe. Eventually we turned back to get to the road we started on and they turned around with us and stayed with us until we reached the first two policemen. Again, these nice policemen followed us down the road until we got back near the port terminal. It was a pretty exciting morning. We returned to the ship so I could write postcards. The ship sold postcard stamps and they would be mailed at Panama before we left the port. I couldn’t believe how hot and humid it was here. From the top of the ship, we watched ships go through the canal. The show was Christopher Graves, who we have heard before so it was an early night. We will arrive in Costa Rica at 7am so it will be another busy day.
Update on my dad:
My sister talked to the nurse’s station to find out what was going on. After my father was sent to radiology, they found the source of the bleeding and did surgery to stop the bleeding. Yesterday he was alert and his vitals were good so he may be moved out of CCU soon. Thanks to all for your prayers!
Fri 12/18 Blog Prompt: I had to stop and consider this but today is Wear a Plunger on Your Head day. Would you, could you?
Absolutely not. Just thinking of where a plunger goes and what it could touch grosses me out! No, I don’t think I could ever wear one on my head. Hmm, now wait a minute. I take that back. For enough money, I could probably easily put one on my head without a problem. Ummmm, wait a second, let me change that. Probably for any amount of money, I could be easily pop that sucker on my head!

Carnival Miracle Day 2 At Sea

It was a relaxing day at sea. After breakfast we tried to walk on the jogging track but the track was closed due to high winds. Instead we tried to walk around the Lido deck since it wasn’t full of people. But when we got to the front of the ship, the winds were so strong that I could almost lean forward with all my weight and the wind would keep me from falling down on my face. We made about 6 laps but it really hurt my legs from pushing forward. Then I was afraid it would push me sideways or make me break a leg so we stopped. Later we went to arts and crafts and glitter painted some visors. It is fun to do and I get to meet new people. I bet Wally from St. Augustine, who is another knitter and we exchanged patterns. I tried Bingo again and almost won because I only needed one number on two cards. For lunch we ate in the dining room and met William and Dora from Clarkesville, Tennessee. After lunch we walked around the deck and then relaxed until tea time. After tea time we just relaxed until dinner. One couple was not at dinner because the rough seas had made them sick. The show was an impressionist called Karen Grainger and I really enjoyed her. She sang a lot of great songs and if I closed my eyes, I could imagine the actual singer in the room with us. It was a fun day.
Update on my dad:
He had to have emergency surgery yesterday to stop the bleeding and is in ICU. That is all that I know at this point. Please keep us in your prayers.
Blog Prompt: Underdog Day. Are you the underdog?
I am always the underdog. I am never the “most popular” in any group and I’m never the “most strongest, smartest, best of anything” so I am always the underdog. I am the one least likely to do whatever. That is why, sometimes I even surprise myself.

Carnival Miracle Day 1 At Sea and DSP Blog Prompts

We had a wonderful day at sea. I was on my computer early but the largest internet plan I could buy was 250 minutes for $100 plus 20 free minutes which gives me about 38 minutes each day. After I blogged and emailed, I worked out in the gym until it was time to wake Don up for breakfast. They didn’t start serving breakfast until 7:30 so I wasn’t in a rush to wake him up. After breakfast, we walked about an hour on the outside track. Then we went to arts and crafts where we made sail and sign card holders with needlepoint. At 11, we heard our cruise director, Malcolm Burns talk about shore excursions and he was pretty funny. We ate lunch in the dining room and then played in the slot tournament but we didn’t win. As Platinum members, we each get a free entry into the tournament. I sat out on the deck for awhile and knitted while Don walked on the track some more. Then we had to find a launderette with an iron so we could freshen up our clothes for formal night. At 5, we met the Captain and senior staff. Captain Rocco Lubrano was very nice and even took a picture with us. We also met the hotel manager, Pierre Camilleri, the guest relations manager, Phil Holmes, and the staff captain (but I can’t remember his name). We had dinner with four nice people from Florida (Dennis, Pat, Evonne, and Conrad). After dinner we went to the show Next Generations which we had seen before but we really enjoy the music. It was a great day!


Mon 12/14 Blog Prompt: What would you do to make your parents happy as you were growing up?
I had to keep good grades (I mean GOOD grades, not okay grades), don’t get dirty, do what I’m told and be a good girl. I’m not sure that when I got married and started hiking (which means getting dirty), and arguing when I needed to – made them very happy but by then I was already grown up.
Tue 12/15 Blog Prompt: Do you feel as if you are as good or a better parent than your own?
No. My parents were wonderful. At the time I was a teenager I didn’t think so but they were really good parents and I’m happy with the way I turned out. I wish I had the patience with my own children that they had with me.
Wed 12/16 Blog Prompt: National covered chocolate day. What would you have chocolate covered today?
I would cover vitamins and aspirins with chocolate. I hate taking either one of these and I think that would make them easier to take. I wonder if anyone has invented this yet?
Update about my dad:
They did an endoscopy yesterday but he was bleeding so much the doctor couldn't really tell where it was coming from. They had to move him to ICU and they may try to do another endoscopy. If they still can't tell, they may put dye in him to find the source. I guess he will be in the hospital for even longer.

Carnival Miracle Day 1 Embarkation

We got to the port around 10:30, dropped our bags off, and then parked the car. We were checked in right away after security but then had to wait about an hour before we were allowed to board the ship. Since we have been on this ship so many times, we didn’t feel the need to explore so we went right to the Lido deck for lunch. After lunch, I met with the maître’d Manuel in order to make sure we were seated at a big table with other people. He saw that we were sitting alone so he moved us to a table of six in the middle of the dining room which we like. After this we walked around the ship until it was time for the lifeboat drill. I really like not having to carry our life jackets to the drill. After the drill we went to the Orpheus bar (in the aft of the ship) to meet with other cruise critic people and it was a lot of fun! I met Urban Hawk, Kim and Lavell and Taylor. Taylor is a sophomore in high school and a lot of fun to talk to so I hope we see her around some more. After that we went to the Raven Library so I could sign up for the internet (250 minutes for $100). Boy I am spoiled after getting 480 minutes on the Dream! Then it was time to get ready for dinner and right before we left for dinner, I got a call from Phil Holmes, the guest relations manager, asking us if we would like an upgrade to a balcony room. I was so excited! So, it was arranged that we would move after dinner. We had a lovely dinner and our servers were Luis and Suki. The funny part was that none of our dinner mates showed up so it was just Don and me anyway. After dinner, we moved to our new cabin which was very nice and unpacked our stuff. Then we went to the Game show mania in the Phantom Lounge. We had hoped to stay for the 10:30 Welcome Aboard show but I was exhausted by then. Now we will have 2 days at sea to rest and relax.
Now here is an update about my father. We had hoped he would be released from the hospital so Marge went to the hospital as we left for the port. On the way, my sister called me and said that he would be staying longer because he is still bleeding so on Tuesday, he will have another endoscopy. They think it is bleeding ulcers but I guess they need to find them and stop the bleeding. Hopefully he will come home Wednesday. At least I know he is getting cared for while he is in the hospital. I called my father and Marge when we arrived and he said he is feeling great and still has no pain whatsoever, which is good. He was really disappointed that he wasn’t going home. My sister plans to email me every day so I know how he is doing.

Carnival Day 6 and 7

We arrived in Nassau on Friday but since we had been there so often, we decided to stay on the ship. I sat on the deck and read while Don walked around looking at the town and the other ships that were coming in. At noon, we had lunch on the Lido deck and then decided to play on the water slide. This was the first time we have ever tried the slide and it was a lot of fun. The best part was that there wasn’t anyone else on the slide and we had it to ourselves. Finally it was time to leave, pack our suitcases and get cleaned up to visit with the Captain again. After our visit, we had about an hour to stroll around the ship and listen to the music in the different areas.

Dinner was wonderful! Miguel, the maitre’d from the Splendor, sent us a bottle of wine (Black Opal) for dinner. Then when it came time for dessert, they brought a birthday cake to our table (another gift from Miguel) and the waiters sang happy birthday to me. We had a wonderful group of people at our dinner table! Les and Diane were from Olympia, WA, Max and Wilma were from Indiana, and Ron and Vickie were from Hilton Head, SC.

After dinner we finished packing and had to get special tags for our suitcases from guest relations. We had an early night since we had stayed up so late the night before.

On Saturday morning, it was time to leave the ship which was kind of sad. I really enjoyed meeting other passengers on the ship as well as the crew. This one guy made me an omelet every morning. Today I didn’t even have to order it and when it was my turn to order, he had it finished and ready to put on my plate! Talk about being spoiled!

We were supposed to meet Daniella in front of the guest relations at 9:30 but we were ready by 8:30. We had planned to just sit in the lobby area until 9:30 but Nickos and Ramune were there by the elevators when we got off. Ramune got Daniella to give us a special escort off the ship. We didn’t have to wait in any lines and they opened barriers to let us through. I felt like royalty! She even escorted us through customs and the baggage claim! I have to say that Carnival rolled out the red carpet for us and truly made us feel so special!

It took us 8 hours but we got back home to SC. It was kind of a let down after all that spoiling we had! J

Carnival Glory Day 5 Sea Day

There is no way to describe yesterday than utterly perfect. We spent the whole day relaxing before going to 2 comedy shows in the evening before dinner. Then we had dinner with the Captain and his senior staff. I sat beside the Captain and had a wonderful conversation with him! I learned about his family and his life when he is not on the ship. I think what also made it special is that we had been aboard the Liberty in Italy when he was the captain there also. On the other side of me was Ramuna, the head of Guest Relations, who is just fantastic and charming! Don sat between Ramuna and Nickos, the hotel director. The Chief Engineer, the Staff Captain, and another couple also were at our table. Everyone was so warm and personable that I forgot to be nervous anymore (which I really was before dinner because we had never eaten dinner with the Captain and his staff before). Then the Captain must have found out that it was my birthday and after dinner an announcement was made to the whole dining room that the Captain had distinguished guests joining him for dinner and that it was my birthday on Sunday. A birthday cake with candles arrived and it must have been the entire dining room staff that was at our table to sing to me. All of the women at the table also received a red rose. Wow! It was a truly amazing dinner and one that I will never forget.

After dinner, we stopped to take a picture and the Captain and Nickos joined us for a picture. They were totally awesome and made us feel so special. Then we went to 2 more comedy shows because I was pretty wide awake after our dinner. When we arrived back at our room, there was champagne and glasses waiting for us from Nickos. I couldn’t believe it! So we drank champagne and didn’t go to bed until after 3am. I thought I was doing pretty well for a 50 year old lady! LOL

I don’t think any other cruise we go on will ever be able to top this one!

(pictures will be added tomorrow. I'm running out of internet time today!)

Carnival Glory Days 4 and 5 Belize and Mahahual

(picture: dinner mates every night!)

We had a wonderful day in Belize. At first we didn’t even plan to get off the ship because we really didn’t enjoy Belize. While we watched the ship drop the anchor and get ready for tenders to take people ashore, we met another couple, Bonnie and Lee. They invited us to go cave tubing with them on a private tour. We had been disappointed when we saw that cave tubing was not listed as a shore excursion because we really had wanted to do. We decided on the spur of the moment to go so we ran to the cabin and put our bathing suits on so we could meet them in the atrium. Since we were all platinum members we would not have to wait in line for the tender but Ramuna (guest relations manager) saw us and immediately took care of us. (She really is wonderful!)

When we got ashore after about a 30 min. ride to shore, we met Reggie, the tour operator where he told Bonnie to meet him about 9am. Four of us got in the white van and drove for an hour to the caves. It cost us $48 each. After Reggie gave us our life jackets and tubes, we walked along a trail for about 45 min. up the Sibun River before we got in. He also told us about the plants and trees along the way which I found really interesting. Then Reggie had us hook together so we could all stay together along the way. I was in front and Don put his feet in my tube under my arms. Bonnie was behind him and Lee was last. Reggie moved from the back to the front as he told us about the cave, the formations, and the bats. There was even a waterfall inside the cave and it was beautiful. Reggie explained that Carnival took this tour off their list when a woman drowned last year in the cave because the water was high and the guide was inexperienced and didn’t keep his group together. It took us about 2 hours to float down the river but it was idyllic.

I would highly recommend everyone to go cave tubing and especially go with Reggie’s tours. He told me that he likes to keep the group at 14 people and if there are more than 10, he brings another guide. I really liked how he kept us all together on the river, explained things, and kept us going in the right places along the way.

Then I had a little mishap as I boarded the tender. The guy helped a lady aboard and turned around to help me. His hand clipped my forehead and threw me off balance. I thought I was going to fall off the dock and so did the two men. They tried to grab me and one hit my hand which caused my sail and sign card and driver’s license to fly in the air. They landed in the water and sank to the bottom. The three of us stood there and looked down as they sunk and we were speechless. Don comes over and looks down and asks, “What are we looking at?” I couldn’t even talk. The guy told me to go tell security and the security guard told me not to worry about it and just get on the tender. When I got to the ship, I went to guest relations and they quickly gave me a new sail and sign card. When I told them my driver’s license was gone too and we used that to get in the safe, they sent someone to open the safe for us. I have to say that the Guest Relations department has been wonderful on this trip! Now when I get home, I will have to go get a new driver’s license (Don is a little worried about identity theft, but I guess I will have to deal with that when it happens.)

When we arrived in the room, there was a plate of goodies sent to us from the chef. Then while the lady was opening the safe for us, room service brought us a plate of chocolate covered strawberries sent to us from James, the cruise director. When we went to dinner, Terrence the maitre’d gave us an invitation for Thursday night to eat with the senior staff at 8:15 in the Platinum dining room. What an honor! I am so excited!

So, other than my little mishap, it was a perfect day! I really think God sent Bonnie and Lee to that spot where we were to invite us to go cave tubing. I also think he kept me from falling off the dock! It is truly amazing how things work out and how much God takes care of us!

Yesterday we arrived in Costa Maya at 8am and we took a taxi to the little town of Mahahual. The taxi ride cost $3 to get there and $2 to get back per person. We spent a lovely day at the beach drinking Dos Equis and eating chips and salsa. We got back to the ship about 2:30pm and by the time we took a shower, it was time to go to the Past Guest Reception. We did stop at the store and buy 4 bottles of kahlua and they matched the price of the picture on my camera. The ship’s store sold them for 2/$25 but the store in Cozumel had them 2/$17 so we bought 4 of them at the lower price. The past guest reception was nice and then we went to dinner. After dinner we saw the show which was a hypnotist. We were pretty tired by the time we got back to our cabin but we found a birthday cake in our room for a Mrs. Maria Pessoa so I had to call guest relations. Then room service called and tried to tell me it was free and I think I finally got them to understand that it was sent to the wrong cabin.

Today is a day at sea so we will rest and relax!

Carnival Glory Day 3 and Reading

We arrived in Cozumel around 10am and then we walked around downtown until about 2pm. It was so hot and humid there! Kahlua was 2 for $17 which was a really good buy. We ended up coming back to the ship and eating some lunch before going back to our cabin and watch The Curious Story about Benjamin Buttons (or something like that) and it was an interesting story but we had to leave for dinner before I got to watch the ending. After dinner we went to the comedy show again and saw Lewis Nixson who was quite funny but we missed the main show which I hear was really great too.
Blog Prompt: Talking to my sister the other day, she told me that her 1st grade son was now suppose to read his books on-line instead of bringing them home. How do you feel about that?

I think for early readers, they need to physically hold books and turn pages to feel the magic of reading. I think checking out books from the library also means meaningful interactions with the librarians who could have be a major source of inspiration and motivation for a child because they did this for me. I think as a student moves on to middle or high school, online reading may be good but I really believe they need the real books too.

Carnival Glory Day 2

As usual I woke up at 5am and got on the computer for my 45 min. a day fix. This really makes me miss my high speed internet at home. I ate a wonderful special made omelette at 7am and then when I woke Don up, we had breakfast in the dining room where I got tasty French toast. In the morning we went to a shopping talk, trivia contest, and a talk about the excursions. By then it was time to eat lunch! After lunch we walked around and then decided to take a nap since we had a late night.

After our nap we went to the Murder Mystery program and it is really neat because we have to solve a murder. They presented 7 suspects and alibis (crew members) and every day we get a clue. When we figure out who did it, we fill out a paper with the murderer and the weapon. All of the right answers go in a drawing for a prize. This is the first time we had done something like this.

At 5:45 we went to the Captain’s celebration and we met Nicolas the hotel director and Ramuna Bovo, head of guest relations. Ramuna brought us to meet the Captain who remembered us from Italy and then got us some wine. They were extremely nice!

After our dinner of prime rib, we went to the Comedy Show and watched Jeff Nease who was pretty funny. There was an 11pm show but we had to clear out the room and go stand in line again which we decided it wasn’t worth it so we left and went to the show. By the time the show was over, I was ready to drop. Again, it was a wonderful day!

Blog Prompt: What did you do if you left your homework at school?

I never left my homework because I loved doing homework. I loved school and everything about it. So throughout my school years, I was very conscientious and always checked that I had everything I needed to do my homework because I always wrote my homework down. I guess even as a student, I was pretty organized.

Carnival Glory Day 1

We got on board the Carnival Glory about noon and it was such a smooth embarkation. We never waited for anything but quickly went through the procedures and boarded the ship. As soon as we got on the ship we went to see the maître’d because we wanted to move to the Golden dining room which was in the middle of the ship. Terrence Roddy, the maitre’d, was wonderful and immediately got us at a big table in the Golden dining room. After that we had lunch on the lido deck and then found our cabin on Deck 8. James the cruise director called and welcomed us to the ship which was so thoughtful! Then we walked around the ship and decided to return back to the cabin to prepare for the muster drill.

While we were there, we got a call from Ramona (head of guest services) who asked us if we would like to be upgraded to a balcony cabin so we were moved. Daniella came and showed us our new cabin as well as getting us new keys. The cabin is beautiful! We have also been showered with gifts of fruit baskets, bottles of wine, and cookies. I know I will weigh a ton when I get off this ship! After the drill, we went to the pool bar and enjoyed some beer while getting to meet the bartenders that were there (Agung from Indonesia and John from Peru).

At 6pm we went to dinner and met the other 3 couples at our table. Max and Wilma are from Indiana, Vicki and Ron are from Hilton Head, and Les and Diane are from Olympia, Washington. They all were about our age and seemed super nice! Dinner was wonderful which is usual for Carnival ships. I love the choices and the tastes. The maitre’d checked on us to make sure that everything was alright. The chef even came out and asked us how dinner was and somehow even knew our name!

After dinner we watched the Live Game Show and then walked around the ship some more. The Welcome Aboard Show was at 10:15 and featured the Carnival singers and dancers as well as a sneak preview of the comedy show. I think the Comedy Show will be a hit and look forward to seeing it. After the show we went to the piano bar and enjoyed the music but then it was about midnight when I turn into a pumpkin so we had to leave. It was a wonderful day!

(will upload pix later - having trouble w/ ship's internet)

Memorable Summer Vacation

Blog Prompt: What was your most memorable summer vacation?

My most memorable summer vacation was when we did a 30 day tour of China. I had always dreamed of going there but never believed that it would ever happen. Growing up, I had heard stories of my father’s homeland and the place where both my sisters were born but it was like a fairy tale to me. My wonderful husband is constantly trying to make all my dreams come true so we booked the tour in 2000. We went all China seeing all the tourist things I’ve read about and even did more. We started in Beijing where we walked along the Great Wall, saw the Forbidden City and walked around Tienneman Square. We also went to Shanghai and walked along Nanking Rd. The 7 day cruise down the Yangtze River was awesome and we saw the Three Gorges Dam being built which made the cruise even more important because we were seeing things that eventually would be all under water when the dam was finished. We also saw the Terra cotta soldiers in Xian and had shirts made for Don in Hong Kong. I know we stopped in other smaller places and even went to someone’s house for tea. It was a trip that I will never forget.

Travel Notes:
We got back to Port Canaveral yesterday and when we got off the ship, the van was there to take us back to our hotel. Someone fell on the gangway getting off the ship which delayed getting off for about 30 min while emergency people took care of her. We got to our car and checked in to the Hilton without any problems and then ate lunch. After lunch we came back to our room and took a 3 hour nap (only got about 3 hrs. sleep the night before because of the late night comedy show). Then we went out for dinner but Don felt sick and had to leave the restaurant. I think he is just exhausted from all the fun!

Today we take a shuttle to the Carnival Glory. I’m really excited because we like Carnival ships. The captain is the same one who was on our ship in Italy so I’m hoping we get to meet him again.
Original image: 'Badaling Great Wall in the summer' http://www.flickr.com/photos/8569394@N07/3496613091 by: Jeremy Barwick

Monarch of the Seas

(We decided to blog about our travels anyway and just hope that we don’t get robbed so please keep us in your prayers!)

Yesterday We took a shuttle from the hotel to the the port which was included in the price of the room ($89) and then we got to leave our car for free. This was a good deal because it is $15 per day to park our car at the port so we saved a lot of money doing it this way.

I can’t believe how smooth the embarkation procedure went. I brought my knitting and my ipod to entertain me while we stood in long lines or had to sit and wait to board the ship but we never waited or sat. We checked right in and boarded the ship around noon. Our cabins weren’t ready until 1pm so we ate some lunch and walked around the ship.

At 1pm we went to our cabin (3506) and dropped off some stuff before walking around some more. At 4:30 we heard an emergency code announced and right there by the bar there was a woman on the floor. She was not moving at all and seemed to not even be breathing but we never heard if she lived or died. I know we didn’t turn around so I don’t know what happened.
Before dinner we went to the show which was a comedian who was extremely funny! He will be doing a comedy show at 11:30 on Thursday night that I want to go to. I really enjoyed hearing him.

At dinner we sat with three other couples who were very nice. Two couples were just married on Saturday. The third couple has been married for two years. I had a shrimp cocktail and onion soup for starters and then NY strip steak for dinner. Dessert was a chocolate brownie with chocolate mousse sandwiched in it. Yumm!

Blog Prompt: Describe your favorite or most influential teacher.
Please click this link to read about my favorite teacher.