Scary thought.

I awoke this morning with a killer headache and was nauseated. A scary thought flitted through my mind. Maybe the disadvantage of a smaller ship was that it rocks and rolls a lot more than the Mega Liners. Geez, this could be really bad if I get sea sick on day 2, when we have 105 days left at sea!  I knew  I wasn’t prone to “mal de mer” since I didn’t get seasick even when we had 30 ft. seas going to Antarctica but this would have been a bad time to develop a leaning in that direction! Luckily, it passed! We are currently sailing our way towards Aruba and should arrive tomorrow. I will withhold “the verdict” on our table mates until a few more dinners but will tell you a little about them as I am sure they will be mentioned again. Couple number one (not married) - he is a chef who catered events for both Nixon and LBJ. He might have a couple of interesting stories to be shared over a glass of wine. He is traveling with a social security aged “ Chairo” – long curly blond hair etc. The next gentleman is a retired Florida Real Estate Broker who owns houses in Florida, Hawaii etc.  He took a world cruise last year too. So far his wife, or significant other, hasn’t come to dinner. He sat next to me and we have already discussed some of his family problems. I think I must still give off those “counselor” vibes. The couple, who sat on the opposite side of the table from us I don’t know much about. They are the youngest of the group and were in technical development or some such. Lastly, there was a woman, about my age, traveling around the world alone.  There is an interesting assortment of people aboard that I figure will have a few good tales to relate if I ever get off our balcony long enough to go mix and mingle. I did my first blog post at sea today. It was easier than I expected. The weather remains warm, about what you would expect between Haiti and Aruba.

We're Aboard!

We are now officially aboard ship! I have taken quite a few cruises ( Caribbean, Mediterranean,  Alaskan, South America,  Antarctica etc.) but I have always been aboard the Mega Liners that hold anything from 2,500 -5,500 people. Most of these ships are like floating cities and  have  a mini Las Vegas feel to them. You can climb rock walls, shoehorn yourself into various pools with a hundred other merry makers, use the 30 ft. water slide, watch a Broadway type stage production or gamble every night. There is plenty to do at all times, usually a line to do it and often in a wild, partylike atmosphere. Many people seem to feel that since they only have seven days, they must do, see and drink everything available as soon and as much as possible. While that might be fun for a week –  for months aboard we were looking for something a little different. We opted for a small ship that only carries 680 passengers. The first difference we noted was there were no lines – not to check in, not to eat, not to do the activities. At the buffet you walk right up, fill your plate and there are plenty of empty tables by the windows. . The food, so far seems wonderful – check back when we have eaten it for a month or two. I had an “everything” omelet and about ¾ of a pound of bacon for breakfast today. I could almost hear my arteries clogging but it tasted so good. I do believe one could get used to having all your meals cooked and served to you while a steward comes to clean and tidy up your place .  At this very moment there is one man in the spa and no one in the pool! There are may be a dozen people at pool side. I will concede that this is only day one and half the guests may still be in their stateroom trying to find drawer space for their undies and swimwear.   Now my kids would probably find this deadly dull but for us, this relaxed atmosphere is great. I have already figured out that I will be living on the balcony. I can read, work on the laptop and just watch the waves roll by. Jim, being more social, walked the track then went to a “meet and greet” and is now off to a singing group he joined.  I would guess the average age aboard would be in the 60’s You would kind of expect that with the length of this cruise and the destinations.  I have seen a handful of people in their 20’s and 30’s but not one child so far. There are lots of people from Canada. For one couple, this is their seventh world cruise – I think they should have just bought their own yacht.  I would guess maybe a quarter of the people aboard are doing the whole world cruise. Some are just doing the Panama Canal segment – some join the cruise in Singapore etc. The staterooms are your typical staterooms. The unpacking went better than  I could have ever hoped for, but that was because Jim only claimed about 25% of the closet and drawer space – yet another benefit of being with a man who travels light. The extension cord with 8 outlets I can tell already is going to be the best thing we brought. I already have everything from my laptop to my Kindle plugged into it. We are now sailing just off the coast of Cuba so the weather is perfect.  Okay we can use this first day report as a base line and see if everything still looks so darn rosy after 50 or 100 days at sea!  They just made an announcement that there were riots and drug related shootings that had basically shut down Santa Marta. (Our next stop after Aruba.)They said for  “ safety and security” reasons we would have to skip that port. I think we are now stopping in Cartagena, somewhere on the Columbian Coast . All that is left today is to find out who are our table mates for the duration of the trip. Keep your fingers crossed – or we may be eating a lot more of our meals at the buffet.  I guess that’s the news from day one.

So Far So Good ...

I hate to sound like an old codger – especially since I am getting way too close to being one … but, First Class ain’t what it used to be! Back in the “good old days” when Tom worked for American Airlines, we flew first class quite a bit – the price was right … free.  Back then men were asked by the company to wear a suit and the women were to don dresses for all First Class travel. Now, it is not unusual for people to travel in their very best cut offs and tank tops (for optimal tattoo viewing). That doesn’t bother me – but wouldn’t you think getting from Houston to Miami , First Class,  you might get a meal? Back in the days before we had kids, Tom and I actually flew from Tulsa to Los Angeles one weekend because the flight included 2 free meals and a movie. It was cheaper than staying home for dinner and a movie. Upon arrival in LA we caught the first flight back to Tulsa, not wanting to waste money on a room and looking forward to breakfast and another good movie. Now in the olden days before the meal, they brought you a hot towel, followed by a warm bread/roll selection and then a salad. That course was cleared and you selected an entrée from a fancy printed menu with the appropriate wine pairings. That was followed by a wonderful dessert selection and topped off with your choice of after dinner drinks with fruit and cheese selections, if desired. These meals were served on your own linen table cloth (and with cute little individual glass salt and pepper shakers). No paper or plastic back then, meals were served on china with crystal wine glasses. They even used real silverware instead of those bendable plastic things they use now – should you be lucky enough to get a meal.   Today’s flight  – the stewardess set two of those little airplane sized bottles of  booze,  with a can of mixer, on my tray at the start of the flight – presumably so she wouldn’t have to make a second trip back. The “food service” consisted of the stewardess walking through First Class with a straw basket from which we could select Cheese Nips or a Fig Newton Bar – choices, choices! Of course there were no security checks back then either.  During the security check in for the flight today as I was standing, spread eagle and bear footed,  in the body scanner I heard singing behind me. I looked back and as Jim was removing his jacket, belt, shoes etc. he was singing “Let me Entertain You” or some similar “bump and grind” striptease ditty.  Somehow I knew just how he felt!  And – so ends day one!

What I will miss most!

Don't you just love that sweet little wave good-bye … although I am not sure they both should look so darn happy about my departure! After giving it some thought, I find that other than my two “perfect” grand children, what I am going to miss the most is Mexican food and the Internet. I didn’t realize how much time I spent online. I love email, but aside from that I seldom go a day without asking my computer something. If I buy avocados at the store, when I get home I might start thinking about it and wondering if avocados grow on a tree, a bush or perhaps an avocado vine. (Yes, I know – trees. Hey, it was just an example). But did you know that avocado leaves, bark, skin and pit are harmful to animals and some birds. Okay, I am impressed, but I bet you didn’t know that each year, during the Super Bowl, American eat around 53 million pounds of guacamole. Also, the Super Bowl ties with Cinco de Mayo as the highest day for avocado consumption each year. Let me guess - didn’t know, didn’t care.

I think the Internet is an absolutely fabulous resource for everything from true research to absolute trivia. The real bonus for me is, unlike the old encyclopedia days, you don’t even need to know how to spell it to find it! (I cannot spell - one of my many flaws.)  With a computer, if you even come close the computer will find it for you. I can almost hear my computer sigh sometimes. “Avakado” - she must have made guacamole last night. She will be looking up the history of avocados ---- then how “Klimate” affects produce next. One bit of information just seems to lead me to another on the internet– such a glut of info can be downright tiring. I am packing my computer tomorrow so when next you hear from me we should be at sea … and then hopefully,  it will start sounding more like a travelogue!

Superstitions at Sea

Well the bags are on their way – I certainly hope they make it to the ship.  I remember one time when our luggage apparently decided to take a flight south to warmer weather as we flew north to New Jersey for a Christmas vacation. I spent the entire holidays in various and assorted combinations of one pant suit with a matching sweater and vest. The host’s parting shot , as I walked out the door was,  “I  hope you burn that outfit when you get home” – leading me to believe they were as tired of seeing me in that outfit as I was of wearing it.
Sailing on Friday the 13^th has created some interest on my part about sailing superstitions- of which apparently there are hundreds, if not thousands!  Most people have heard that having women aboard a fishing ship is considered bad luck. Bananas are thought to be bad luck on ships especially related to fishing. It is said the superstition started in the 1700’s when it was noticed that on the south Atlantic and Caribbean trading routes the majority of the ships carrying a cargo of bananas never made their destinations. Others said the superstition came about because in the early days they used their fastest boats to transport bananas so they wouldn’t rot. The fishermen trolling never caught fish at that speed and that was the origin of the superstition. Someone else heard that the bananas fermented and gave off methane gas which was trapped below deck and poisoned the air and an occasional unlucky sailor. The last was that bananas were brought aboard in wooden crates which often contained spiders, snakes and other unwanted critters which often got loose and bit the sailors. Eventually the sailors began to associate illness and bad things with bananas. More recently, one guy told a story about going deep sea fishing and using his Banana Boat sunscreen. They caught nothing all morning.  He was reapplying another layer for the noon day sun, when a crew member walked by and without saying a word, took the can of sunscreen out of his hand and threw it far overboard. Five minutes later he caught a 900 pound Marlin. Fish story – probably, but he swears it made a believer out of him.

Sadly, Friday is supposed to be the worst day to begin a voyage and Sunday is consider the best day thus the adage, “Sunday sail, never fail”  - not sure where that leaves us. Friday sail, you have to bail? Friday sail, insures a gale? Friday sail, a coffin nail?  Sorry, got carried away there.

Anyway, there are some really weird superstitions like it is unlucky to be spoken to by someone with red hair on a ship unless you speak to them first.  Never say good luck or allow someone to say good luck to you aboard ship, especially a fishing vessel. The only way to counteract this “curse” supposedly was by drawing blood, which is why, in the past, a wish for good luck often brought the well wisher a bloody nose. Another superstition was that priests are not lucky to have on a ship. OH OH. That doesn’t bode well! Cutting your hair or nails at sea is thought to be bad luck – not only weird, but that could get a little grim on a cruise of this duration. It was fun hearing all the superstitions.

Nine Days until Fort Lauderdale

Well, we surveyed the volume of luggage and decided after tipping red caps at the airports, hotels, cruise terminal, cabs – paying for extra luggage etc. we could just get a transport service. They pick up your luggage at your door and it is awaiting you in your stateroom (hopefully) when you arrive! If you send it a week in advance you save several hundred dollars. For that, I can pack early! I ended up with 3 suitcases, and in the spirit of truthfulness, I packed more than the earlier mentioned 6 pairs of shoes. I know I have over-packed but don’t know what I need less of – dress clothes? Warm clothes? I know what you are thinking - how about less shoes? I probably should have packed lighter, then after the Panama Canal when we hit San Diego, I could just shop there. By then, I would have a better handle on my wardrobe needs - but it is done now. All the insurance, property and estimated taxes are paid. I hauled my better plants to Courtney. Auto bill pay is set up and my mail has been forward.  I am sure am forgetting something very important that will come to me about 57 miles out to sea!  Today I did book a  5 day excursion to tour India including the Taj Mahal. I have not talked to one person who liked their trip to India.  I guess I just wanted to see for myself and don’t expect to ever get another chance. I figured good, bad or otherwise, it will make for some interesting stories! MY next post might be after we are at sea on the 13^th. Yes, we are sailing off into the great unknown on Friday the 13^th – glad I am not very superstitious!

25 days left, but who is counting

Less than a month before sailing and I have figured out one thing, our new best friend is  going to be the red cap! I can easily do a two week vacation in one bag but this more like moving somewhere for 3 or 4  months where the only easy shopping is aboard, at Neiman Marcus prices. Of course, you can shop in port, but I don't want to waste our limited time ashore shopping for hair spray and deodorant in a port where you have to first locate a store,  find the word for deodorant in Thai and you are working in a foreign currency. My solution has been to try to take it all!  We are allowed to ship three bags a piece for free, so surely that should more than do it. I doubt Jim will even fill two - that is a man thing  - but I feel that the bag with the computer, cameras, surge protector, books, sunscreen etc. is a community bag and really shouldn't be counted as all mine! That bag also holds my big ice tea jug and 100 decaf tea bags. Those who know me well will understand, those that don't - lets just say the last time I ate out, after refilling my ice tea glass for the 4th time, the waitress asked me if  I would prefer to just  take it  by  I.V.  I guess more to the point, I wasn't insulted and gave it some thought.

The next problem is, when you get it all aboard, where do you unpack it? I am thinking the space under the beds will become my supply closet. If Jim can't find me I will tell him to always check under the beds first where I suspect I will be spending a great deal of my time searching for my extra tube of moisturizer, new batteries or the umbrella. I am already wondering if I can just toss those bulky life jackets overboard to make room for the really important stuff.