Geeks on a budget - 12/22, complete! Read reflections within....

[Disneygrl36]

Last time we were in port at Nassau, we saw plenty of action on the neighboring Carnival boat. On the balcony. In port. Of the XXX kind. My eyes are still burning!:scared1:

Loving your reports!!!!!

Ewwwwwwwwwwww.....couldn't they have at least done that while they were at sea. In port..........ewwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MAGICFOR2]

:surfweb: You know what happens when you post without coffee!

[zweihund]

Last time we were in port at Nassau, we saw plenty of action on the neighboring Carnival boat. On the balcony. In port. Of the XXX kind. My eyes are still burning!:scared1:

Loving your reports!!!!!

:scared1: :rotfl:

Ewwwwwwwwwwww.....couldn't they have at least done that while they were at sea. In port..........ewwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:lmao:

:surfweb: You know what happens when you post without coffee!

:thumbsup2

I will most likely not have the next installment until this weekend, but it is coming. Promise! I'm knee deep in this novel I am trying to write.....maybe I'll hit it big and get to cruise full-time?
Yeah, THAT'S likely ;)

[Tink rules]

Hey Erica...

When are you going to start next years report???

[Home@WL]

Subscribing! I've never taken a cruise, but when I do, it will be with Disney. I'm in the process of planning my own "imaginary vacation," much like at the beginning of this thread. :thumbsup2

[zweihund]

Hey Erica...

When are you going to start next years report???

I don't know, I was thinking about that.....I guess it depends on when I finish this one, and if we throw another cheapie in there somewhere before September :rolleyes1 that is a rumor that has yet to be confirmed, but it cannot be denied either!

Subscribing! I've never taken a cruise, but when I do, it will be with Disney. I'm in the process of planning my own "imaginary vacation," much like at the beginning of this thread. :thumbsup2

Imaginary planning is the best. Picture yourself in the Walt suite!

I have an update in the works, should be done tonight or tomorrow. :thumbsup2

[Tink rules]

We'd have to come up with that "extra" trip if you do take one...

Gee...

How about.....

"Hi, I'm a Geek, and I'm addicted to Cruising..." (Hi Geek) and my apologies to anyone on AA... I'm sure Erica Apologizes too...

"What do you mean they called Last Round already???" Although that could be a home type of trippie....

"Waiter...I'll take another of whatever is on that tray..."

"Geeks...One more for the road..."

"Geeks cruising on the change they found in the couch..."

"Geeks...I saved so much pinching drinks off of others that I can afford to go back...."

Just wait...I'll come up with more, probably....

[zweihund]

When we last left our companions, the final preparations for Nassau were underway. Lionel was making a tiny version of the Passporter map. Sarah was grabbing her camera, and the directions to the silver store she wanted to stop in. And, I was munching on the lone Mickey waffle. What? It would be a shame to let it go to waste.

I can’t believe how convenient our room was for getting on and off the ship at the ports. Up one flight of stairs, down part of the hall and BOOM! You were at our room. I delighted in this fact, even though we would only be doing this twice. After the initial rush was over, we popped down to the gate and there we were, in Nassau!

It was a rather warm day, despite the threat of showers on the horizon, and so the air conditioning in the “customs building” (which is less like a customs building and more like a slightly cleaner and queter version of the straw market) was a greatly appreciated haven after the walk up the dock. At the door on the other side, we braced ourselves. One, two, three, OPEN!

“Pretty lady, braid your hair?”
“Water taxi? Water taxi?”
“Paradise Island, folks, best place on Nassau!”
”Rent a scooter?”
“Pretty lady!”

Ah, Nassau. You never change.

We poked around the main shopping area for a little bit, looking at some of the jewelry and admiring the Starbucks. I know they are a chain who have infiltrated every open space in America, and I know they have expanded into foreign countries, but I still don’t get the Starbucks in the Caribbean. I mean, it’s supposed to be laid back, right? Do Bahamians really head down there at 6:45 am every day, asking for a grande half-caf nonfat no-whip vanilla latte with an extra shot of espresso? I see it more like “Hey mon, give me one of those frothy coffees. Take your time.”

*disclaimer – the author would like to state that she has never had a grande half-caf nonfat no-whip vanilla latte with an extra shot of espresso, preferring the cinnamon dolce variety herself

And then, we ventured away from the main strip into the quiet part of the city.

I have to admit, I am a very cautious person. Call it paranoia or scaredy-cat-ness if you will, but I chalk it up to working on a rehab unit of a major metropolitan hospital with a level one trauma center for the past two years. I do NOT like being in areas I don’t know, and I do not like crossing roads in cities with which I am not familiar. Lionel happily bounced along, saying hello to every national we passed, while Sarah nonchalantly took photos in the middle of the street. Me? I was too busy watching my back and being on the lookout for wayward scooters to fully enjoy the scenery.

Here is me, looking very serious in a very non-serious part of Nassau.

Hopefully I don’t get a warning from the boards for this photo…..

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0008fw74

After a little while, it became apparent that we were not going to be robbed at gunpoint or run down by a vehicle, so I started to relax a little bit. And once I did? I was so glad we decided to do the self-guided walking tour. I discovered that I love the architecture in Nassau! Colonial with an Island vibe. Like, here’s a building with columns that is painted pink, and somehow it works.

It's a candy-coated courthouse!

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0008g349

We also passed the local hospital, which I did not snap a picture of, but it reminded me that we live in a wealthy country with many more resources than these Islanders have available to them. Their hospital looked like a derelict building, with a low, flat roof and a bunch of people standing outside. It’s a far cry from the towering brick ORMC, a non-profit institution which doesn’t even have shareholders or stock options. The sight of it makes my heart sink, and I forgive the ladies for yelling at my hair. We have it so good, us Americans. And most of us don’t even know it.

Anyhow, back to the walk. After about ten minutes of profuse sweating, we arrive at the Queen’s Staircase!

I have to climb up WHAT???

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0008tz3t

acrobatic trees....

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0008qa56

Amazing. Beautiful. Tucked away. And NEARLY EMPTY. Even the vendors seemed to be at half-staff. The trees growing out of the rocks were incredible; the roots mesmerizing. Wow. It was definitely impressive. I felt like I should have been dressed in skimpy shorts and a tank top with two nine millimeters strapped to my leg while swinging across the cutout on a vine, an ancient idol in my hand and several head hunters led by a raving lunatic of an archeologist on my trail. After my Tomb Raider fantasies subsided, we snapped several photos and relished the temporary shade before hiking up the millions upon million of steps. The only thing that I would change about the Queen’s Staircase, apart from adding an escalator, is the smell. There was eerie green water pooled at the bottom of the stairs, and the entire place was green with lichen.

Actually, it smelled a lot like “wet Florida.” Which, if you have not experienced central Florida during the rainy season, it not remotely pleasant.

Up at the top, the sun appeared again, blinding us all temporarily. We had wondered where the vendors were, and we found them! They were all out in the sunshine, those crazy Bahamians! Oh, and so were all of the rest of the tourists on the island. Apparently this was the time to head up to Fort Fincastle.

Itsh shoooo kyewt!

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0008h5c7

I'm sure this could blow off your kneecaps....

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0008kxe5

I grew up not too far from St. Augustine, and took many trips to that fort during my childhood. Compared to that? I would say this fort was very cute. It had a tiny little courtyard, and a few tiny little cells, and a tiny little outlook with a tiny little cannon. And a tiny little tour group! A Bahamian national was giving a guided tour through the fort, which lasted approximately fifteen minutes. We tried to stay out of their way, as we had not paid for this excursion. We did, however, listen out for fun facts and figures. The guy was very funny and personable, and as he wrapped up the tour he exclaimed “if you enjoyed this, then please give me a tip!”

Turns out he was not an excursion leader after all; he was a local who started spewing off information and had gathered himself a crowd! We commended the guy for his creativity, and noticed many people in the crowd chipping in for him. Hey, at least he was pleasant. Maybe he could go and invest that money in the hospital, eh?

We snapped a few more photos. Here is the boat!

There's ice cream over there.....

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0008przt

And a Bahamian dog.

Woof, mon.

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0008rxs7

From where we were, Nassau was so quiet and peaceful. It was a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the straw market, at the very least. We hated to leave that spot, but we were being boiled alive by the Caribbean sunshine and the water was running out. That meant it was time to head back to the Wonder.

On our way back, we passed a giant black Hum-V, blasting gangster rap. My first thought was where the heck do you get a ride like that in Nassau, and my second thought was WHAT??? I make fun of those things in Orlando, not just for the sheer excess that they represent with their 10 miles to the gallon and ginormous size, but because who actually needs a giant off-road vehicle? Especially one that is so shiny and obviously polished with a cloth diaper? It made me a little sad. The American influence in this place is so far not a positive one…..

Back to the boat we went, passing the straw market on the way. We looked at Sarah, who to our relief said “eh.” So around the foul place we went, to the dock at Senor Frogs. And let me tell you, that must be the second prettiest spot in Nassau, provided you are looking out to the left (and not to the right where all of the water taxi drivers are cramming tourists to the brim and yelling at one another for violating codes).

Don't you just want to take off your shoes and put your feet in the water? Don't ya???

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0008sxq5

After a few photos and a few more looks around at Nassau, Sarah announced that it was time for ice cream. We did not argue.

In summary, this is the best time we have had in Nassau to date. If you don't mind a 20 minute walk, most of which is uphill, you can easily get to these places without paying for an excursion. Its definitely worth getting off the boat to see. We give it two thumbs up! Well, three if you count Sarah's thumb.

Next up: I play a terrible round of mini golf, and we see rats in a kitchen. Well, animated rats, anyhow.

[MAGICFOR2]

OOOH! I'm First! I'm First! Thanks for sharing your great day in Nassau! Makes me sorry I didn't have anyone who wanted to go out exploring with me - we always love to find a little of the true culture of a place.

I saw that sign on the pink building on our way back to the airport! The language made me smile at first, and then looking around the neighborhood, it made me wonder if there were some kind of open tolerance to prostitution, or just a general lack of morals?:confused3 (like so much of America).

You got some beautiful pics - and I can almost feel the water on my toes!

[retiredkid]

great update. more, please

[Tink rules]

Erica....

To get you through the withdrawl....

Mooing Irish Pepsi recipe


3 oz Bailey's® Irish cream
2 oz Pepsi® cola
2 oz milk



Ya know...you'd think I drink.....:laughing:

[RoyalVizier]

Boy, I'm starting to think I'm reading one of my own trip reports with all of these long gaps between installments. ;)

Whatcha doin'? Writing a novel? Helping Lionel make soup?

[Disneygrl36]

Loved the Nassau take 2...........beautiful pictures. I made my Mom walk to the Queens staircase years ago on our 3 night Wonder cruise & she thought we were going to get knocked over the head. :lmao: but I was bound & determined to see it & it is beautiful.

Wish we had gotten off the ship in Nassau but we didn't but it sure was cool to see the Magic & Wonder there together even if it was because we were diverted from Castaway Cay.

[Mozart]

Boy, I'm starting to think I'm reading one of my own trip reports with all of these long gaps between installments. ;)

Whatcha doin'? Writing a novel? Helping Lionel make soup?

Either that or she came back with one heck of a hangover.

[MAGICFOR2]

:flower3: Please may we have some more?

[zweihund]

I'm up for some air!

Many apologies for the delays, I assure all of you I have not forgotten about this TR. I still have all of my notes lovingly stacked next to the computer. I am, however, juggling about a million things at once despite the fact that I keep telling myself I will no longer take on so many projects at one time.

I am TERRIBLE at taking my own advice.

So, currently, I am:


working full time at job #1
working every other weekend at job #2
writing a novel! RV was right! for NaNoWriMo (http://www.nanowrimo.org)
training for a half-marathon
obsessing over the new IKEA


I think that's all. :upsidedow

But, I PROMISE, I will be making at least one update this weekend. I just have to write about 3000 more words and take a 9 mile run :scared:

Hang in there! It's coming. Soon!

[RoyalVizier]

RV was right!

Thanks so much for saying so! A man can never here that enough. :thumbsup2

obsessing over the new IKEA

:eek:

Oh, is there a person in the central Florida region that hasn't been to Ikea yet? That's on my Monday agenda! So, don't update your trippie on Monday... I'm planning to be lost in one of the 300,000+ square feet of space. If I don't surface by closing time, look for me in Organization and Shelving.

[Tink rules]

As a veteran of IKEA... just remember... take a deep breath before you approach the giant royal blue building and try to convince yourself that you really don't need a couch for $129.... :lmao:

[Mozart]

Thanks so much for saying so! A man can never here that enough. :thumbsup2



:eek:

Oh, is there a person in the central Florida region that hasn't been to Ikea yet? That's on my Monday agenda! So, don't update your trippie on Monday... I'm planning to be lost in one of the 300,000+ square feet of space. If I don't surface by closing time, look for me in Organization and Shelving.

My brother who lives in Orlando ripped up his entire kitchen back at the end of September, and has been waiting since that time for IKEA to open so he could finish redoing it.

Now that's sad.

[Tink rules]

Ohhhhhhhh

But just think of all the cheap gadgets he's going to be able to get!!!!

Has said bro ever been to an ikea????

Most of the stuff is really self assembly...

But they do have cute picture frames...

& I like the 5 lb lamp base I got there

and there is a collander - I have 2... that I use for pasta...

Oh... ALRIGHT....

MY NAME IS MICHELLE AND I HAVE THE 2007 IKEA CATALOG IN MY HOME!!! :lmao:

[silversae]

Can i just say this IKEA thing has had me giggling just a bit since Erica and Lionel expressed their excitement over it months back.

One in practically every large city here in Canuck land...and in fact.. *looks around suspiciously* we have not one...but TWO here in Toronto. :love:

[Tink rules]

The excitement will wear off...

But they will return every once in a while...

Especially when Ikea has their 2 twice yearly sales...

Then you get cheap stuff... even cheaper...

But beware... it's usually college students... and first timers who get ikea stuff... I can't see outfitting a whole house with it...

But that $2.99 CD case I got was good...

And the 6 plug bar I got for $1.99

& then there's the toilet brush... :sad2:

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

You can actually get the yellow type bags they have - they sell them, only they are blue...

The best thing I got there when I moved was storage bags - they were mesh... I store my comforters and such in the off season...

OH well.... :rolleyes1

[nkkilala]

Great Trip Report!

I'm happy to find other "geeks" out there like me!! My DH and I love the Wii, 360.......PS3.......need I go on?

We are always getting drawn into different games!

I'm getting some good ideas about cruising from your report!!

We go on our first cruise Feb 14th! for 3 nights on the Wonder! (DH first cruise ever, my first Disney cruise)

I can't wait to hear more!

[zweihund]

Alrighty then, where was I?

Blue touches yellow, good for a fellow!

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0008zw1y

Oh yes! I was basking in the storage and organization section of our new IKEA…..

Why yes, I did know it’s easy to find things in an organized pantry!

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000906d7

I mean, look at this. Is this not a thing of beauty? Do you know how many things I could cram into these stackable containers, and still project an outward appearance of neat and tidy? Do you have any idea? Neither do I, but I’m sure it’s a lot.

IKEA is my new second-favorite place, next to the Disney Wonder.

Anyhow, when we last left our geeks they were headed back to the boat in search of sustenance. If you ask Sarah, she will say ice cream first, and then lunch. Which, I’m fairly certain is what we did.

I opted to try out Goofy’s Galley, or the sandwich joint formerly known as Scoops. There I had some sort of vegetarian panini that was the bomb. I’m sure any panini would have been delicious after two hours of trekking around in the hot sun without a backup Mickey waffle, but this one? Incredible. If you have never had a sammich from this place, then you must. Plus? They will give it to you with a side of fruit. And then, you could get ice cream right there. It was like one-stop shopping.

Lionel and Sarah grabbed something from Pluto’s Dog House and we ate in near silence. When we finished our meal, approximately ten seconds later, we all stared off into different directions. This excitement took place for about ten minutes before one of us (and I can’t remember who at this point) stood up. The others followed suit. And then? It was relaxation time.

Lionel and I headed to the Rainforest Room, one of my treats that I had set money aside for BEFORE we got our Florida resident discounts. Sarah opted to stay at the pool, reading and getting sunburned. You see, I’ve known Sarah for a little while now and I understand that Canadian skin has two colors: translucent white, and lobster red. There is no in-between stage. It’s like when I take Lionel shopping, and he suddenly has had enough. Or when bananas that were yellow mere minutes ago are suddenly brown and mushy. THAT is Sarah’s skin.

While she baked, we basked. I love the Rainforest Room. I love the tile loungers, and the sauna, and the scented showers. If you read my last cruise TR, you will know that I am not much of a steam room fan. Yet somehow I let Lionel convince me to get back into that teeny tiny little scented steam room that is approximately the size of the back of a Ford Pinto. And? I lasted for a full THREE CYCLES of steam. I won’t say that I handled them all in a calm manner, but I must admit that every time the air started to clear I felt Superwoman.

Me: “Look how tough I am!”
Lionel: “The steam is starting again, you know.”
Me: “I’m so out of here.”

We headed to the loungers, allowing the heat to ooze us into the cracks and make it nearly impossible for us to do simple things like, say, keep out eyes open. And then? This kiddo got BRAVE.

Yes, readers, I went in the so-called “Mild Steam Room” – you know, the one where you can’t even sit on the tile seats without a towel for fear of leaving bits of your roasted skin behind? The one that has about ten places to sit and relax, all of which are perpetually empty? The one where they say you can check in anytime you want, but you may never leave? THAT one. I looked over at Lionel, and said “If I’m not back in ten minutes, tell Sarah she can have my stash of H2O products.” He chuckled, but I was dead serious.

In I went. Out I came, about three minutes later. They were the longest three minutes of my life, and I was pretty sure I was going to melt from the inside for about 2 ½ of them, but they were three minutes nonetheless. After this small victory, we hit the sauna where we oozed some more.

The Rainforest Room is such a bargain for those who want to try out the spa, but would rather take that $175 and purchase, say, 35 drinks of the day. You can stay for as long as you want, and there is some gooooood people watching to be had. Plus? It’s lovely and quiet and smells like cleanliness. And, it’s one of the few places where grown men and women can traipse around in a fuzzy robe and plastic shoes, and not have to wear a wristband that beeps when you get too close to the exit.

After we felt sufficiently indulged, Lionel and I were once again ready to eat a house. Unable to locate our Canadian at the pool (as it turns out, she was sitting one deck up), we hit the buffet for a late lunch. I had tilapia which was wrapped around spinach and almonds, and it was awesome. I’m sure I had more than that, but I didn’t write anything else down on my little notepad. In fact, what I have here says (and I quote) “best tilapia EVAR.”

Back at the pool, we rejoined Sarah and Lionel resumed his usual spot: the hot tub. I wasn’t in much of a pool mood, or a hot tub mood, but I was in a drink of the day mood. So I wrestled up a Planter’s Punch for me and the hub. As I set them down behind Lionel, our resident cruise director appeared and roped me into humiliating myself at some miniature pool-golf.

Hello. My name is Erica, and I am a very bad golfer. I mean, I can putt-putt at about a fifth grade level, and I can play Super Swing on the Wii and not lose too terribly. But hitting a wiffle ball through a lifesaver with a putter? Well, let’s just say that had there been a prize for shortest distance from the starting point, I would have won it not once, but THREE TIMES. Hey, I’m a drinker, not a golfer. Lionel stifled his laughter in his drink. I’m pretty sure the rest of the crowd just felt sorry for me.

And then? We headed to the Cove Café for a tiny game of Settlers of Catan.

Tiiiiiiny settlers......

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/00091y93

Many of you have never heard of this esoteric European game, but it is a staple in the geek world. And this version is my favorite, because it’s tiny, and that automatically makes it cute. Sarah kicked our butts, like she does in almost every game we play.

The girly drinks numb my pain.....

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/00092b2e

After the game, we cleaned up and headed to the Castaway Club party, where our imposter roommate stole several Mickey-shaped rice krispie treats. And then, it was time for the feature presentation of the day: Ratatouille!

Sarah had never seen it before, and we had only seen it the one time, so it was a perfect way to spend the rest of our afternoon. We had the theatre nearly to ourselves, until right before the show started. And then? About forty kids from the club were marched in a single file line to the back two rows and instructed not to speak for fear of having their limbs ripped off. Actually, I have no idea what the counselors said. I do know that the lady behind us made a noise much like that of a cow with a head cold when she saw that the reserved rows would be occupied by, GASP, CHILDREN (children in a movie theater on a Disney ship? Watching a cartoon? Madness!) , but I do know that she had nothing to worry about because they were rather polite for the duration of the film. It made me wonder if one of them had been tossed over the side of deck four as an example to the rest, because when I was ten? I made a point to bounce in my seat and talking to my friends in an overly-loud obnoxious tone that said to everyone else, “hey, I KNOW stuff.”

I totally did, too.

Next up, Lionel finds a treasure map, and I take another photo of my feet.

[nkkilala]

OMG Erica!!

I love Settlers of Catan!!!!

Do they have it there on the ship or did you bring it yourself?

I'm dying to know!! I've never seen a mini version! I'm going to have to do a google/ ebay search right now!!!

[Disneygrl36]

Fun stuff.
Love the pictures of your DOTD.........I took some of those myself.
Congrats on the new IKEA.

[Mozart]

A picture from Nassau taken around noon today, just for Erica:

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t300/kdubose527/SkankyShip.jpg

[RoyalVizier]

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000906d7


Okay, now this is just uncanny. I just got back from my very first trip to Ikea ever (I'm pooped) and I walked out of there with one thing. One lonely little item that struck necessity within me out of the millions and gazillions of items held within those walls. What was this item you ask?? It is the very item that Erica took a picture of!! :scared1:

These plastic tubs! Weird! But great for dog food!

[Tink rules]

She not only went to Ikea.. but she took PICTURES!!!!

Go Erica!!!

Hey do you think those thingies would be good for recycling????

[zweihund]

OMG Erica!!

I love Settlers of Catan!!!!

Do they have it there on the ship or did you bring it yourself?

I'm dying to know!! I've never seen a mini version! I'm going to have to do a google/ ebay search right now!!!

Lionel gave it to me one year for my birthday, before we got married. That's when I knew he was a keeper! I have no idea where he got it from. Here it is on funagaingames.com, though, a steal at $20! (http://www.funagain.com/control/product/~product_id=014294)

Fun stuff.
Love the pictures of your DOTD.........I took some of those myself.
Congrats on the new IKEA.

Thanks! I figure since they play such a big role in our vacations, they should at least have a place in the TR ;)

A picture from Nassau taken around noon today, just for Erica:

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t300/kdubose527/SkankyShip.jpg

:scared1: RUN AWAY!!!!!!!
:rotfl2:
You have no idea how hard that made me laugh.

Okay, now this is just uncanny. I just got back from my very first trip to Ikea ever (I'm pooped) and I walked out of there with one thing. One lonely little item that struck necessity within me out of the millions and gazillions of items held within those walls. What was this item you ask?? It is the very item that Erica took a picture of!! :scared1:

These plastic tubs! Weird! But great for dog food!

:lmao:
I almost bought some of them just to stack up somewhere. I'm already planning my next trip.

She not only went to Ikea.. but she took PICTURES!!!!

Go Erica!!!

Hey do you think those thingies would be good for recycling????

I almost wrote an IKEA trip report ;)
They aren't super big, but they might work for that. And if they didn't work? Well, I'm sure you could fine SOMETHING to stack up.

Ok, it's official. I need some of those bins.

Thanks for reading, everyone! I have 12 more days (including today) to finish my novel, but I will try and update at least once or twice in there somewhere. Promise!

[zweihund]

Ok, kids, here's the deal.......

I really WANT to update, but I am in major crunch time here. I have 14,000 more words to write by the end of next week, and a 13.1 mile race the very next day, neither of which I feel appropriately prepared for. As for my book, I am just writing ridiculousness at this point and planning to go back an edit sometime next year. And the race? Well, I am stricken with a very bad case of shin pain right now and have not run since last weekend. Not good.

At any rate, rest assured I will ave this TR finished by the end of December. Mark my words!!!

[Tink rules]

Just remember the last 6 words....

"And they lived happily ever after...."

cue music and flying birds to grab ribbons and close the very wonderfully animated book....

Cut to Tink flying across the screen spreading pixie dust everywhere with

"The End"....

ok... so I just got home from seeing Enchanted.....

[retiredkid]

end of DECEMBER???????:faint:
Say it isn't so..... Just kidding:)

I'm sure you're more prepared that you give yourself credit for.
Good luck with both projects.

[Tink rules]

Erica!!!

Multitask!!!

Run and dictate at the same time...

Just don't forget to have one of those beer can hat thingies so you can load up on drinks (wouldn't want you to get dehydrated, now would we???)

[anewmac]

good luck hun! Cant wait to hear more!

[zweihund]

<walks over to the computer and wipes the dust off the DIS>

Oh, hi there! Long time, no see……
Well, some good news and some bad news to report regarding the month of November. Since I always ask for the bad news first, that is the order in which I shall report it.

Bad news: I did not run my half marathon.
Now, before you say to yourself “and that’s bad news WHY? Because 13.1 miles of brick road on a humid Florida morning sounds more like a punishment to me…..” understand that I trained for this race up until the week before, and I was so proud of the progress I had made. And then? The stupid sheath around my stupid tibialis anterior had to go and stupidly get inflamed. Making it painful to run. Or walk. Or go down steps. Or, pretty much have a lower leg. It is doing a bit better now, but I need to do some serious icing, massage and stretching before I attempt to hit the pavement again. I tried to console myself on the elliptical this afternoon, but it wasn’t the same.

And now, the good news: I finished my novel. Insert mad cheering here. The way that it happened went like this: my husband came home on Thursday evening, and I greeted him at the door with something like “loveyoucan’ttalkwritingbye” – and I retreated back into my hole where I hunched over my keyboard and pounded out my last 1000 words. When I finished, I did a final word count. 50,023. SWEET! I stood up, looked around the office (which was littered with scraps of paper and tea mugs and snack wrappers and a sleeping dog), and yelled to Lionel that I was done. As far as I was concerned, I had just won the Nobel Prize.

Now, it isn’t REALLY finished yet. I still need to edit it and make a few little tweaks here and there. But maybe, just maybe, you can see a zweihund original coming to a Borders near you! In, like, 2080, because that’s probably how long it will take to be accepted by a publisher. I’ll be 105. Alright.

So, it’s back to real life, which means finishing this TR from a vacation that took place two months ago. I need a drink and a snack. Be right back.

Ok. I have opted for some Buckingham Palace Garden Party blend tea, accompanied by some Publix brand marshmallow delight, which is being eaten straight out of the container. Because me? I ooze class.

I believe last time we left our geek trio, they were at the movies. What I might have failed to mention is that once we were actually on our way to the theatre, we realized that the movie time conflicted with the Pirate Map pickup time for tomorrow’s Castaway Cay treasure hunt. The solution was obvious to the girls: send the boy. Lionel sighed, and did his manly duty. That, along with having someone on hand at all times in case there happens to be a spider in the shower are the main reasons that I got married. Oh, and you know. He’s cute and funny, blah blah blah.

So as we watched Remy make his narrow escape from the crazy French shotgun granny’s kitchen, Lionel was at Wavebands trying to convince the activities director to let him have the map without sitting through the spiel. It must have worked, because he climbed over the back of the seat and sat next to me shortly thereafter, map in hand.

Post movie, we dressed for dinner at Tritons. It was Pirate Night! Arrrrr. As we were getting dressed, Lionel and I argued over which menu we would be ordering from: regular Tritons fare, or Pirate fare? Naturally, being the DIS-conscious lady that I am, I knew the answer was Triton’s on a three-day cruise. Thinking back, I should have made a bet. I guess I was still a little loopy from the post-sauna alcohol. As we headed down for our meal, we wondered what kind of table we would be at and who we were about to meet. Remember, the first night we had dinner at Palo. So currently? No one at our table knows we even exist.

In the dining room, we were amused to find ourselves jammed in the corner by the porthole at the SAME EXACT TABLE we had for the first cruise we took. We hated that table then, and we still do. If you ever want to be at Tritons, but not feel like you are at Tritons? Then this is the table for you. If you want the photographers to completely ignore you all night, even when you wave at them with your pirate bandana? Then this is most definitely the table for you. Yes, we were three people at the unloved 8-top. But? We had an awesome server who totally made up for it. It’s a real shame I can’t remember her name.

You see? I am terrible with names. TERRIBLE. You could name your child “elephant nostril,” which is a name that I should be able to remember, so I will not write it down, because who could forget a name like elephant nostril? And then, ten minutes later, I’m the idiot calling your child “oh, hey…..you……”

Anyhow, she was lovely.

So lovely, in fact, that she almost had a heart attack when I ordered the ‘stack of vegetables.’

“You are at TRITONS? And you order VEGETABLES?????”

I tried to justify myself by saying things like ‘but I like vegetables’ and ‘I was inspired by Remy’ but she would have none of it. In the end, she only agreed to bring me the tower of rabbit food if I agreed to try something else on the menu. Which? I have also forgotten the name of. Silly Erica, you write all of this stuff down and you forget to include the details! Anyhow, Sarah took a very unflattering photo of me and the elusive main course:

I have a tiny head, and a huge torso.....and a stack of vegetables!

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0009500b

By the way, it was delicious.

During our meal, we were joined by couple and friend number two, who had a striking number of things in common with us:

a) they were sharing a cabin, a married couple and a good friend
b) they had also dined at Palo last night
c) they were geeks too!

Yes, we talked about Dr. Who and pirates alllllll night, which prompted us to ask why they were in their formals and not some pirate gear? Instantly, we had caused a fight. The married couple stared at one another.

“HE said this was FORMAL night.”

Oh, uh…..it isn’t.

In a flash, she was gone. She returned moments later in a full-on pirate wench outfit that rivaled what we have seen in the movies. One by one, they did a quick change into amazing pirate gear. Suddenly the little skull and crossbones t-shirt paired with a bandana that I had brought from home seemed so insufficient. And then? They announced that her mother had made these costumes for their…..

Ok, you all have to get ready for this, because some of you? Will think this is awesome. Some more of you? Will think these people are the weirdest crazies who ever walked onto a Disney boat.

Yes, readers, they had these costumes made for their PIRATE WEDDING.

……………

To which of course I can say nothing, because we have friends who dress up in Civil War costumes and re-enact battles, not to mention the couple that had the Renaissance wedding. So really, what’s a little pirate wedding when you are amongst geeks? Besides, the outfits were fantastic. I can’t believe I didn’t take a picture. I guess I was too distracted by my stack of vegetables.

After dinner, we popped up to the Pirate Party, to which we were the last three people on the boat to arrive. Since we always stand on the port side, we opted for starboard for this party. I have to say, the addition of the jumbo screen makes the party even better – it’s brighter out, and you can see everything going on onstage no matter where you are standing. The show was fun, as usual. Whenever you can see Stitch dressed as a pirate, you know it’s going to be a good time.

You! Get me a rum runner, now!

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/00097950

And then? The moment we had all been waiting for: fireworks!

I always try to imagine what this display must look like to people on that little Carnival boat that always seems to be floating not too far from the Wonder. Because from the Wonder? It feels like the most special place on Earth. Except when you have inadvertently stood RIGHT BEHIND A GIANT POLE.

Ah, well. I’m sure the parts blocked by the giant white beam were lovely as well. None of my fireworks photos came out anyhow.

After dinner, Sarah headed back to the room and Lionel and I settled in with the intention of watching Pirates II out on the deck. It seemed like the ultimate for me. Pirates? On a giant screen? In the middle of a boat? Which is in the middle of the Caribbean? Awesome!

I am a pirate IN the Caribbean.....savvy?

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/00098s4k

Well, we made it approximately as far as when Jack got his jar of dirt before we started to nod off. Not to be party poopers, but the bed seemed like it would be far more comfortable than sleeping on those deck chairs, which are the old style…..now, had the family pool been full of the same loungers you will find at the Quiet Cove? We might have woken up at down, drool running down our cheeks and cricks in our necks. As it stood, we opted to head back to the room. Where we slept soundly, until approximately 6 am. When the whirring noises began.

Up next: treasure hunts and giant connect four!

[Tink rules]

Oh Yea!!!

She's back...

Now if we could just find the elusive Brenda...

Hey did you guys notice that your hubbies look alot alike???

[RoyalVizier]

And now, the good news: I finished my novel. Insert mad cheering here.

:banana: :cool1: CONGRATS! :cool1: :banana:

You think Barnes & Noble takes advanced reservations up til 2080? :confused3

P.S. The veggie stack looks lovely. You know... for vegatables.

[chepic]

Glad to see you back.....and as a physical therapist I must say you did all the correct things for your tibialis anterior inflamation. Sorry you had to miss your run, but at least you didn't miss the Disney marathon!!!

We have had IKEA in New England for a while, and I need to tell you that we have had girls weekends in New Haven, CT just so that we can take 2 days to enjoy IKEA without the kids and the interuptions. There is a great Italian restaurant right next door, so we head over there for some great wine, sleep at the Marriott that is just about connected to the IKEA and have a great weekend!!! Now there can be a new subject for your next novel that can be published the following year!!!!!!!!!!

Love to read what you write, and I am afraid that I will never be able to compare when it is finally my turn to write mine in January.

TTFN

Cheryl

[Maza]

She not only went to Ikea.. but she took PICTURES!!!!

Go Erica!!!

Hey do you think those thingies would be good for recycling????

We use them for that very thing! Tins, Glass, Paper and Plastics.Ofcourse in rip off Britain they cosy £15 each (roughly $30!) I have pointed them out in the TR to my DH, who insists we WILL NOT be bringing any back in our luggage next time we pass through the US of A! spoil sport!

[zweihund]

I have about 30 minutes of free time tonight, which means......I can either START an update, or I can go play Rock Band until Lionel gets home.

:rolleyes1

[Tink rules]

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :scared:

You can play ANYTIME!!!

Without you and Brenda... we are in LIMBO!!!


PLEASE!!!!!

[Maza]

update...update...the suspense is killing me....i love your reports!

[Mozart]

I have about 30 minutes of free time tonight, which means......I can either START an update, or I can go play Rock Band until Lionel gets home.

:rolleyes1

Play Rock Band. Make this group suffer. :laughing:

[Tink rules]

MOZART!!!!!! :headache:

Go back and play your harpsichord!!!!!

And Joel has until Xmas and then you can tell us all the secrets!!!

[pit303]

I have about 30 minutes of free time tonight, which means......I can either START an update, or I can go play Rock Band until Lionel gets home.

:rolleyes1

Please update :santa:

[Tink rules]

Hey Erica...

Did I miss the picture of Lionel in the Bra???

[Disneygrl36]

:yay: you are back.
I wish you had a picture of the pirate wedding attire......that sounds interesting.
popcorn::

[nkkilala]

i vote for rockband!
what is your gammer tag?
we could play together sometime!

Rockout!

[zweihund]

update...update...the suspense is killing me....i love your reports!

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :scared:

You can play ANYTIME!!!

Without you and Brenda... we are in LIMBO!!!


PLEASE!!!!!

I am afraid I must admit that rocking out won......but you probably figured that out by now, eh? :rolleyes1

Play Rock Band. Make this group suffer. :laughing:

MOZART!!!!!! :headache:

Go back and play your harpsichord!!!!!

And Joel has until Xmas and then you can tell us all the secrets!!!

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

Please update :santa:

I will, soon! In fact, tomorrow I am planning to spend most of the evening chained to the computer, with a giant mug of tea. I made Lionel promise not to unlock me until I get back to the report. Promise!

Hey Erica...

Did I miss the picture of Lionel in the Bra???

Sadly, I didn't catch him IN the bra, because I was doubled over with laughter. I only caught him running back to the table with it. Our tablemate, however, can be seen in the same picture proudly wearing the one that I HOPE belonged to his wife......

:yay: you are back.
I wish you had a picture of the pirate wedding attire......that sounds interesting.
popcorn::

I can't belive how many pictures I missed, especially looking back. It seemed like I was taking photos the whole time, but as soon as I start writing, I'm like "I missed THAT????" :confused3

i vote for rockband!
what is your gammer tag?
we could play together sometime!

Rockout!

Yeah! I'm actually zweihund on there too. Feel free to add me!

Well folks, we are having a little Christmas shin-dig this evening that I am making a (hopefully) fantastic holiday punch for. I will give you the recipe in the hope that it will tide you over until tomorrow night. So when you read this, picture me holding my "drink of the day" and rocking the mic!

Champagne Punch (with a punch)

2 bottles champagne or sparkling wine (we're using a Brut)
1 bottle white wine of choice (we're using a Rinehessen)
1 bottle of sparkling water or gingerale (we chose the latter)
1 can frozen cranberry concentrate
1 can frozen pink lemonade concentrate
1/2 can frozen limeade concentrate
mint and lemon slices for garnish

Combine in a large punch bowl, garnish, and try not to get trampled by your guests as you step away from the table.....

[RoyalVizier]

Well folks, we are having a little Christmas shin-dig this evening...

Well how was the shin-dig? Was it fairly bland because I couldn't make it? ;)

[zweihund]

Well how was the shin-dig? Was it fairly bland because I couldn't make it? ;)

It was far more bland without your presence, for sure ;)
We had a great time with a very full house. You missed my mad drummin' skillz!

BTW, for anyone out of the loop - RV and I discovered, after nearly an entire semester, that our spouses were taking a class together! Those little animatronic kids who sing in all sorts of languages were right: it really is a small world, after all.

I am posting an update momentarily. Just resizing pics.

[zweihund]

What’s the only thing more annoying than a chirpy mouse waking you up at the crack of dawn to get off of the boat? Waking up in the Castaway Cay day to the sound of the gangplank being lowered. For those of you who have never roomed right underneath it, it sounds remarkably like a recycling truck being parked right at the foot of your bed, and is gearing up to dump all of its contents directly onto you. Only louder.

Lionel and I woke up at 6:30. And then again at 6:45. Then we managed to sleep all the way until 7:15. And then 7:30. Seriously, exactly how long does a gangplank take to lower? Finally, it was quiet again, and we drifted off until……..7:50, when Mickey called. I don’t know what he was so happy about, but I wasn’t in the mood to hear it. There was a giggle from the other side of the cabin, behind the curtain (“ignore the Canadian behind the curtain!”) as I placed the phone back on the cradle a little harder than was absolutely necessary.

“We’re here!”

This is the day we always wait for. Castaway Cay is one of the most magical places on Earth for me and Lionel. It’s a beautiful tropical paradise, AND it’s Disney. Where else can you get a creamy umbrella drink and pose for a photo with Hawaiian-shirt Mickey? Or Jack Sparrow, even? I dare say it is my favorite place in the entire world. Which is kind of crazy, considering the fact that it rains every single time we visit.

From the cabin, we could see that this would not be the most perfect day to enjoy our favorite beach: out the porthole, we saw waves rolling by the boat, propelled by the wind that was causing the palm trees to dance like we had at the Disco party a few nights ago. Ah, well. We figured the sun would come out like it always does, warming up the island with its soft yellow glow, and we would bask in its glory while sipping fruity drinks from the water of Serenity Bay.

As you have probably gathered from the Shakespearian foreshadowing, this is not how events unfolded that day.

The view from our room:

Thar be whitecaps ahead, sir!

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000994k8

We should have known when we got up to the buffet, where we had to use our plates to hold our napkins down lest they go flying off in the direction of the tram stop. It was seriously COLD up on that deck. And windy. And very un-tropical. Thank goodness for my new hoodie!

We overheard some women chatting about the Captain’s announcement as we scarfed down our omelets.

“Did you hear that? He said we’re in the Bahamas! I thought we were at Castaway Cay today?!”

And that, my friends, is a prime example of why our nation is in the state it is currently in. Thank you, and goodnight.

After breakfast, we grabbed our treasure map and headed off the boat and into paradise! And, into the arms of Jack Sparrow, who was clearly the most popular character to have photos taken with. And you can see why. I felt a little bad for Captain Hook, who was getting no love over at the post office.

Captain Jack Sparrow, Ladies Man extraordinnaire.....

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0009c66f

The only thing to do after a close encounter with a pirate is to seek treasure!

I don’t know how many folks have done the treasure hunt on Castaway Cay, or even how long it’s been around, but I highly recommend it for adults and families alike. We had so much fun figuring out the clues, and trekking all over the island to places we had never bothered to go before. I took a photo of every clue, because some of them were actually a bit tricky to figure out. I won’t post them all here, because I don’t want to ruin it for anyone, but here are a few of the things we documented.

No, no, no.....it clearly says FIVE paces and ONE stone's throw!

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0009afzx

A slightly lesser known game than "Where's Waldo?" is "Where's Lionel?"

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0009b4w6

Quick, hide the rum! But leave the Scotch and the whiskey out....

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0009dh8y

Great view of the lifeguard stand from here, but we never found the actual clue.....

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0009eg88

After the hunt was over, it was rather misty outside, so we opted to visit Grouper’s Pavilion for the first time ever. I have to say, it was fun, but it wasn’t anything to write home about. We played a little mini golf, and some ping pong, and basketball, and giant connect four (which is WAY cooler than regular-sized connect four).

Forget about the island paradise - let's play foosball!

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0009gaw0

Mostly, we were killing time until the rain passed over. Which, sadly, did not happen for a very VERY long time. After awhile, we opted to grab our snorkels which were part of the rental package we had won at the Scavenger hunt shin-dig. No, we did NOT win the hunt. Lionel did, however, take his shirt off, which our emcee felt deserved a prize. Hey – we’re not proud, but we were on a budget. Sometimes, you just have to take off your shirt.

Snorkels in hand, we opted for the first time ever to actually take the tram to Serenity Bay. If you read last year’s report, you know that we trekked the entire mile with heavy floats on our backs, parched with thirst and serving as the laughing stock for a large crowd of cyclists. Sadly, the tram took an eternity to get there and by the time we finally boarded I was kicking myself for not just hoofing it out there on foot. Ah well, live and learn. We made it soon enough.

Hungry and slightly disappointed in the weather, we dropped our things on some lounge chairs and headed to the buffet. If you have the chance to dine at the adult beach buffet? Do! It is wonderfully quiet and they have mahi mahi. Now, they advertise it as a “blackened mahi mahi sandwich” – so, I grabbed a bun. When the server dropped my piece of fish onto the bun, I almost had to send out a search and rescue party to find it. It was approximately the size of a credit card, no joke. I ended up eating it on its own and going back for another piece later. So my advice to you? Skip the bun.

With full tummies and the sound of lapping waves resonating peacefully in our ears, our trio headed out to our chairs where we read while sipping a Konk Kooler, waiting for the weather to blow over. The wind was not letting up, and my book’s pages were flapping like mad. I tried very hard to look out at the scenery and be thankful for having the opportunity to enjoy my book in such a beautiful place, but my heart was sinking. I had waited a year for this day, and it was not what I had expected at all. Even an hour of sunshine would have made a difference, but the weather was unrelenting.

This was before that guy in the water turned blue......

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0009hsxy

After an hour or so, we gave up on the prospect of snorkeling and made our way to what I have decided is the second best place on Castaway Cay: The Heads Up Bar!

If you look closely, you can see me in my natural habitat - at the bar, ordering a drink.

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0009q27y

I love this place! It was super cute, and had a great beachy theme, and had some awesome drinks and scenery. What a great combination! We sipped our beverages and watched all of the action on the beaches. We spotted several runaway floats, and even a few small crabs. I tried a new drink called an Islander – I can’t recall exactly what was in it, but I think next time I will stick with the Konk Kooler. It was a little bit too sweet, which, coming from me, means is was basically a large pile of alcoholic sugar served with a wedge of pineapple.

It took us about seven tries to get this shot. Maybe it was the booze.

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0009p84q

The three of us sipped and moped. We moped about the weather, and about Sarah’s sunburn (which was an amazing thing to behold, really – she was covered in bright red geometric shapes which I am pretty sure represented some kind of celestial mathematical equation), and about the fact that we had a perfectly good FREE rental coupon sitting there unused. It was an abomination to budgeters everywhere.

Well, by mid-afternoon we felt the appeal of the hot tub surpassed the cold, windy beach. Plus, you could still see the island from the boat, so why not be more comfortable? Seems like a lot of folks had the same idea that day. But I guess a bad day in paradise is better than a good one at home, right? Right.

Here’s to you, Castaway Cay: even when it rains, you're lovely.

Ideal pirate weather....

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0009kdf7

Up next, the boat starts-a-rockin!

[DizzneyDAnn]

subscribin'

[Mejesspooh]

HI! I've never posted in this thread before but I just wanted to let you know that my fiance and I are thoroughly enjoying your report. We are going on Disney Cruise for our honeymoon and I am reading up on it all over the place. He says he likes your reports because you have the same attitude and sense of humor as me, and I think I'm pretty darn funny so I'll accept that! LOL!

Anyhoo, I'm enjoying your report and can't wait for more!

[pit303]

Erica,
Just keep saying September is coming September is coming!! And we get to go twice!!! :goodvibes

[zweihund]

subscribin'

Welcome! :goodvibes

HI! I've never posted in this thread before but I just wanted to let you know that my fiance and I are thoroughly enjoying your report. We are going on Disney Cruise for our honeymoon and I am reading up on it all over the place. He says he likes your reports because you have the same attitude and sense of humor as me, and I think I'm pretty darn funny so I'll accept that! LOL!

Anyhoo, I'm enjoying your report and can't wait for more!

Wow, I take that as a compliment too! Thanks! :)

Erica,
Just keep saying September is coming September is coming!! And we get to go twice!!! :goodvibes

It's so close! Is it September yet? :upsidedow

[podsnel]

Oh please, oh please, oh please write more- you're SO MUCH FUN!!!:banana: :rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl2: :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :woohoo: :woohoo:

[Tink rules]

I don't thing that's enough smilies...


:goodvibes :goodvibes :banana: :rolleyes1 :cool1: :cool1: :cool2: :flower3: :grouphug:

:goodvibes :lmao: :goodvibes

[zweihund]

Before we begin, it is time for a word from our sponsor:

Today’s drink of the day is Coquito!

Coquito, according to Wikipedia, is the Puerto Rican version of eggnog. Which to me is a total misnomer, because only about 25% of the people I know actually LIKE eggnog (I am including myself in the 25%, as I have a small carton of Silk Nog sitting in the refrigerator door as we speak…..I actually prefer it to true eggnog) but 100% of the people I know who have tried Coquito have attempted to steal the remainder of it from our clutches shortly thereafter. We are fortunate to have a dear friend who makes it every year (and who occasionally experiments with other flavors, like chocolate – *drool*). This year? He gave us A WHOLE GALLON. I resolve to drink some every night, and to value our friendship with every *hic* sip.
*Hic*

And now, some of the things I forgot to mention in my last update. Namely, that I was hung over (imagine that) from the champagne punch we served at said Christmas party (no, it had NOTHING to do with the Coquito). But, also I meant to mention that:


we saw more drunk people in Serenity Bay than we have EVER seen before, ANYWHERE on the Disney boat. I guess when it’s too cold to go in the water, you have to do SOMETHING. Right? Fortunately, most of them were not too obnoxious.
except for that couple that was in Match Your Mate a few days ago. I don’t know what he did, or how drunk she was, but I do know she was mad at him for something and that he was talking a mile a minute to get out of trouble. Didn’t look like it was working, from what I could gather.
that photo of the drink and the boat? It took about seven tries to get it right. I kept getting a giant close-up of a pineapple wedge. Heh.


Also, I neglected to include this mediocre photo of my feet at SB. It is by far the lamest foot photo I have taken to date:

Ho, hum.....these feet are mighty chilly......

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0009ra6e

Anyhow, where were we? Oh, yeah. Heading back to the boat. I snapped a profile of our lovely Disney Wonder, her nose protruding in a stately manner, highlighted by the ominous clouds in the background. I thought it looked pretty neat. What I failed to notice, however, was the omen: DARK CLOUDS.

The Wonder's Roman nose

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0009zxq3

Dark clouds = breezy conditions. Breezy conditions = waves. Waves + breeze + sailing through the ocean = a rocking boat. Oh, Lordy. It’s a good thing I am not the seasick type, because I imagine a lot of folks were yakkin’ allllllll night long. Me? I had ginger chews. And I did eat them. But we’ll get to that later.

For now, we were parked at CC, and all three of us were perched on the shelf of a hot tub, each in front of a jet of water. Through the plexiglass, we could see the conditions getting broodier and broodier as we basked in the warmth of the Jacuzzi. And despite the fact that we did not get to snorkel, or otherwise enjoy the crystal clear Bahamian waters that morning? Or afternoon? We were all rather content. In fact, I think that adding several outdoor hot tubs would be the only way they could improve Serenity Bay. How awesome would that be? I need to fill out a comment card.

Anyhow, the only thing better than sitting in a hot tub on a private island in the Caribbean is sitting in an adults-only café, sipping alcoholic coffee beverages and playing European board games, while parked in a boat at a private island in the Caribbean. Well, if you’re a geek, anyhow.

I have a Café Toledo, which is coffee with Bailey’s and Kahlua. It wasn’t so much alcoholic as it was ridiculously sweet and caffeinated. Which was still quite nice. Especially as the rain started pounding against the door of the Cove Café. Yes, my friends, we picked the perfect time to head indoors and grab a hot beverage. Because it was getting pretty ugly outside.

Now, I have no delusions of having survived the most inclement weather a Disney boat has ever seen. I had friends on the Transatlantic crossing, and they told me tales of 20 foot swells and people vomiting overboard (which, in retrospect, makes a veranda room on a TA crossing so much less appealing…..watching falling vomit is not my idea of a lovely ocean view). It was, however, the worst we had ever been through on any of our sailings. After losing miserably to Sarah YET AGAIN (she always wins, it’s not fair!), we headed to the gift shop to do some shopping for my parents who were watching our dog while we were away.

Yar, I be beatin' ye at Settlers of Catan, arrrrr

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0009sgh2

Actually, we didn’t so much head to the gift shop as we did STAGGER. But only a little bit. Just enough to notice.

I bought my step-mom a logo polo shirt, and I got my dad a pirate Pluto and some animal cookies which were housed in a Disney boat. Nothing too crazy, as we were on a budget. I must have looked like I wanted more, because the cashier said to me “do you like pins?”

Who, me? Me, who has a little folio of pins from every park? Me, who scours cast lanyards for hitchhiking ghosts? Me, who refuses to tally the cost of all of her tin crack for fear that it might equal more than three mortgage payments? Yes, you could say that I like pins.

He smiled at me, and pulled something from under the counter which he slipped into my bag.

“Don’t look at it until you leave, ok?”

Err, ok. I hope it’s not your phone number, or your AIM screenname, dude. I’m married. I smiled and took the bag, warily glancing inside to make sure nothing was moving around in there of its own volition.

Outside, I discovered that he had given me two YOMD pins, featuring Tinkerbell! In all of our Disney excursions since the YOMD (which is apparently turning into the “couple of years of a million dreams”) began, this is only the second time we have been granted a dream. The first was when we boozed around the world with a gaggle of geeks, and we got special mouse ears. That was waaaaaaaay back in October of 2006. So naturally I was, as the Scottish say, “dead chuffed.” ***

*** Google it

So, back on the boat. We’re swaying, we’ve bought gifts, yada yada. Back in the room, I packed everything up nice and early to eliminate any chance of a repeat of last year’s last minute packing fiasco, which was less than fun. Sarah and I counted three sets each of H2O products between the two of us. A word to the wise – every time you put them in your bedside table for "safe keeping"? A new trio of shampoo, conditioner and body butter will appear. And it all smells great. So, steal away.

After packing, Lionel and I realized that while we had shown Sarah our favorite place on the boat, we had not really spent much quality time there. Naturally, I am talking about the chairs on deck 4. NATURALLY! Being the last night, most everyone was lining up for photos and dinner, which means most of the deck was completely empty.

Score.

We read, and read, and lounged, and lounged. A few times I got up to look overboard, impressed by the sound of the crashing waves and also by the height of the spray along the sides of the boat. Finally, right before sunset, I got the bright idea to go and get my camera from the room. And then, by the time I got back? It was dark. So instead of impressive waves, I captured what looks like a slightly foamy ocean.

The waves were 4-8 feet, according to the monitors inside.....which is about 4-8 feet higher than they appear in these photos.

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0009w85s

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0009tayc

Ah, well.

We sat and read some more, and I did my best to savor the moment for what it was. Every time I think of this boat, I wish I were sitting in those chairs, reading a book and absorbing the wonderful salt air in the breeze. We were there for about two hours, and I relished every single minute of them. In fact, here is what I wrote in my notepad:

“Sounds of the ocean, thoughts of vastness and the beauty of it all. Salt air on my lips. Rain blurring the horizon. The only sound is that of the rain and the waves.”

That was supposed to remind me of some deep and meaningful thoughts I was having about life and why we are here on this earth, but sadly I can’t remember what they were anymore. Looking back at the paragraph, though, I think what I wrote says it all. Even with the rain, it was beautiful.

We read, because we are geeks.

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0009x71g

When we got home, Lionel asked me what my favorite part of the cruise was. And do you know what I told him?

“Sitting on deck four that night.”

He agreed.

Consider this moment savored!

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0009yq9h

Sarah would probably say her favorite part was beating us at our favorite game TWICE. Or, it would be seeing her favorite animal in towel form as we went back to the room to dress for dinner:

As Sarah would say, "an ephelant!" (sic)

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000a0f7z

Up next: Mae West, and a CC islander!

[Tink rules]

Erica...

When my mom finally makes it on to DCL... the only way they are going to get her off is to carry her and the chair off!!! She's already looking forwards to Deck 4 (told her to pack more than one book...) and I believe a teak deck chair may be on her birthday list this year...

[anewmac]

the waves actually look pretty cool! oh and a Café Toledo sounds yummy right now! ... sounds like you really had a relaxing time. I cant wait LOL only how many more months.. yet Ill be with kids not sure how much relaxing ill get.. hopefully they will like that kids club so Ill be able to try a bunch of Erica creations LOL

[RoyalVizier]

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/0009w85s

This pic sorta looks like the Milky Way in need of a Tums.

Uh... okay, now who's a geek? ;)

[DizzneyDAnn]

I've lived in fear of a bad weather day on CC. I fear no more and actually hope for one now. It sounds like a fun experience to see the island in a different light. I'll probably just see things I never did on sunny days!

As one of the TA veterans, and I actually went both ways, there is nothing like an exciting rocking boat! When the goofy pool has 10 foot, no joke, waves, you know you are living!

[MAGICFOR2]

Oh no! :umbrella: on CC. Sounds like it gave you the opportunity to see and do some other things. Your notes after your night on Deck 4 are beautiful! I can tell you are a talented writer - I could taste the salt and feel the breeze!

[zweihund]

Erica...

When my mom finally makes it on to DCL... the only way they are going to get her off is to carry her and the chair off!!! She's already looking forwards to Deck 4 (told her to pack more than one book...) and I believe a teak deck chair may be on her birthday list this year...

I need to put one on my Christmas list, too. I would never leave my porch again.

the waves actually look pretty cool! oh and a Café Toledo sounds yummy right now! ... sounds like you really had a relaxing time. I cant wait LOL only how many more months.. yet Ill be with kids not sure how much relaxing ill get.. hopefully they will like that kids club so Ill be able to try a bunch of Erica creations LOL

:rotfl: :thumbsup2

This pic sorta looks like the Milky Way in need of a Tums.

Uh... okay, now who's a geek? ;)

Geeks unite! :upsidedow

I've lived in fear of a bad weather day on CC. I fear no more and actually hope for one now. It sounds like a fun experience to see the island in a different light. I'll probably just see things I never did on sunny days!

As one of the TA veterans, and I actually went both ways, there is nothing like an exciting rocking boat! When the goofy pool has 10 foot, no joke, waves, you know you are living!

I remember seeing the pics! With the way the boat felt on these seas, I think I might have been in the middle of a panic attack if I had been on the TA :scared1:

And you know, a bad day on CC is still better than a perfect day at home. I think Konk Koolers might taste even better when it's cloudy out!

Oh no! :umbrella: on CC. Sounds like it gave you the opportunity to see and do some other things. Your notes after your night on Deck 4 are beautiful! I can tell you are a talented writer - I could taste the salt and feel the breeze!

:flower3: Thank you very much.

I will be working on my next update today and tonight, so hang tight! I'll have this sucker done before the holidays if I keep this up!

[Disneygrl36]

Yeah :yay: 2 updates.

I have not been blessed with a good weather day on CC yet either Erica. 1999--cold & misty rain. 2006--cold & overcast. 2007--missed it entirely because of Hurricane Noel.

We deserve a :sunny: day on CC by goodness!!!!!

Loved your description of your time on Deck 4.

[zweihund]

Yeah :yay: 2 updates.

I have not been blessed with a good weather day on CC yet either Erica. 1999--cold & misty rain. 2006--cold & overcast. 2007--missed it entirely because of Hurricane Noel.

We deserve a :sunny: day on CC by goodness!!!!!

Loved your description of your time on Deck 4.

I think we deserve TWO! Both of us!

[zweihund]

When we last left off, we were admiring an “ephelant” made of towels. In fact, Sarah was squealing EPHELANT! And, because salt air and towel animals make you thirsty (who knew?), we opted to head up to the drink station for a final “free” coke.
But it was closed for cleaning.

Do you know how much it stinks to really REALLY want a coke, and to find the deck completely waterlogged and full of men in yellow jumpsuits running really loud buffing machines to and fro so that even if you did try to get under the ropes, you would be knocked to your knees before you managed to run to the closest fountain?
Well, in case you don’t know, it really stinks.

There was not much left to do, but to go to a bar.

Lionel and I have wanted to go to the Cadillac Lounge for the last three sailings, so I came up with the bright idea that we should put on our formals and head out to dinner early, stopping at CL along the way. And then, instead of a coke? I could get something a little more…..shall we say……toxic?
Everyone seemed to be in agreement, and we dressed up in record time. Booze, in case you were wondering, is a great motivator.

If you have never been to the Cadillac Lounge, it is dark, dark, DARK. Nice ambiance, and not a bad piano player at all (not like that act that plays in the Promenade Lounge, hooooo boy). But rather hard to see what is going on. Example:

Somewhere in here, there is a bar......

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000a3s5x

All dressed up, I felt it would only be proper to order some kind of a martini. I opted for the Mae West, which is made of vodka, amaretto and midori. Sweet and sassy. Or something like that. I looked to Lionel, expecting him to order a Vodka Gimlet or something equally dapper, when I hear the most blasphemous thing come out of his mouth:

“I’ll just have a coke, please.”

Whaaaaaaaaaat?

And then Sarah:

“No thanks.”

So there we were, all gussied up, sitting in the dark, with nothing to do but wait for dinner and watch me drink. I have to admit, I felt a little self conscious about drinking alone. I started to feel like I was drinking just for the sake of drinking, but then my cocktail came and it was so lovely that all regrets were washed away in a warm flood of booze. I love warm floods of booze. They make me feel special. And they turn my cheeks pink.

Mae West tries to be a bad influence on Mister a'Cola.

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000a437c


One of us is a lush. Can you guess who?

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000a214h

Lionel consulted his watch, and realized it was almost time to line up for dinner. Now, I know we don’t actually have to LINE up, as it clearly explains in the Navigator every single day. We have a table and it will still be there even if we are late. And yet? I can’t shake the feeling that I’m missing out on something when people are starting to queue. Plus? We are ALWAYS at Animator’s waaaaay later than anyone else, no matter when we arrive. This evening we thought that perhaps if we were at the front of the line? We might have a chance of getting back to the room before we arrived at Cape Canaveral.

Boy, was I wrong. More on that later.

In line, I continued sipping my cocktail and noticed a few stares of jealousy from the people around me. I think they all wished they had a Mae West as well. Or maybe they thought I was one of “those people” – you know, the ones who are never without a drink on a cruise, and who come home and write trip reports detailing their intoxicated adventures and thus encourage others to partake in the Devil’s water.
Oh, wait. I AM one of those people. Stare away, my friends.

We spotted our tablemates from the previous evening, out of their pirate attire and back into their formals. We waved, and then called them suckers because they had to go to the back of the line. Ok, so maybe I’m the only one who called them suckers. And maybe it was the cocktail talking. I’m pretty sure they didn’t hear me anyway. My taunting was lost in the crowd which murmured its displeasure at my being the only drunk in my party. And then, finally? They let us in. Yay! We were first to our table, what do we win?

What's black and white and.....well, just black and white, I guess.

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000a50eb

Sarah was very excited about dinner, because she had heard so much about the Animator’s show. If not for her geometric sunburn, she would have been bouncing in her seat. Apparently redness subdues Canadians. After a few moments, our tablemates arrived. And then, two more showed up.

???

Apparently, THEY had been at Palo the night before. I can only imagine what they must have felt like that first night at dinner, when they were the only ones at a table for 8. We did the normal chit-chat, and discovered that the gentleman had been on numerous Disney Cruises. And, do you know what else?

And, brace yourself, because if you are anything like me you will fluff up in a fit of jealousy upon hearing what I am about to say. Are you sitting? Good.

HE USED TO BE A CASTAWAY CAY ISLANDER.

Yes, he worked for DCL and lived on the island. He had barely let the words fall from his lips when the barrage of questions started. “What’s it like? What do you do on your days off? Do you ever get bored? Do you swim all the time? And why on Earth don’t you do it anymore????”

As it turns out, nighttime on the island is less than pleasant. There are bugs. Lots of bugs. And, there is much less down time than you would think. Almost every day, there is a boat pulling in or pulling out, and between prep time and visiting time, there is a ton of stuff that needs doing. Also? In case you were unaware, we are a pretty messy lot. Apparently after the boat pulls out, most of the rest of the day is spent picking up the trash we have carelessly strewn about on the island.

Gross.

You know, as soon as he said this I thought about the parks, and how many times I have seen people just throw paper and such right down on the ground, I assume with the attitude that “oh, someone gets paid to pick that up.” I have always felt that while yes, someone IS paid to do that, just because you are on vacation does not give you the right to be a littering slob. What does that look like to your children, when you toss your hot dog wrapper into the street? Would you do that at home? Than why, pray tell, would you do it at Mickey’s home?

I guess CC is just an extension of the park for people like this.

So let’s all make an oath, right here, right now, right in the middle of this TR:

I solemnly swear that I will always put my trash in the proper receptacle, even when I am on vacation, and especially when I am on Castaway Cay.

Thank you. We will now rejoin our dinner.

Up until this point, we had all been aware that the boat was swaying a little bit. We had seen the spray. We saw the waves. We had dark and blurry photographic evidence. But all of the sudden? We were rocking like there was no tomorrow. On top of that, despite being one of the first people through the door, dinner took an extraordinary amount of time, as it always does for us in Animator’s. I saw people at other tables getting dessert as we were getting our entrees, and I wondered……who do they know and can they introduce me?

When the lights dimmed, Sarah was very excited. The show! I always enjoy the show, no matter how many times I see it. But by the time it was over, I was so done with sitting in that chair and swaying back and forth that I almost ordered “nothing” for dessert. In fact, Sarah DID order “nothing” for dessert! I snickered to myself, and got my camera ready to capture her reaction to……oh, look. They really did bring her nothing. And not the usual “nothing”, where they have spelled out “nothing” in chocolate sauce. It was literally nothing. How disappointing! Sarah, naturally, did not know she was missing anything because in fact, she had ordered nothing.

FIRST BASE!

At 10:40, we were finally finished with dinner and dessert. TWO HOURS LATER. Not that we had anything special planned or anything. Can I just say? Boy, am I glad we already packed. Back at the room, we simply added our evening wear to the bags and set them outside. Done! And, with 10 minutes to spare. Many of you might have read about last year’s fiasco, where dinner also took about 30 minutes longer than I had anticipated. I ended up back in the room with my glass of wine, feverishly throwing things into our bags any way it would fit.

With the bags safely out in the hall, we grabbed cameras and headed back up on deck to get a better view of the rocking boat. And guess what was open again? The drink stand! Which was fortunate, because yours truly was starting to get a little green from all of the motion. I’m sure it had nothing to do with drinking a martini on an empty stomach before dinner. Absolutely nothing to do with that at all. Anyhow, coke in hand, we headed up to deck 10, where we saw one of the victims of the high winds.

Evidence of the mighty gusts, in lieu of a bad hair picture.

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000a6ay3

Fatigue was setting in, and Sarah headed back to the room. Lionel and I stayed up on deck. I was tired, but I wasn’t ready to turn in just yet. As soon as we went to bed, the magic would be over. I would wake up in port already, and we would have to debark. But if we stayed up a little longer? We could take in the smell of the sea, and listen to the waves some more. Plus, Pirates was showing on the giant screen again and it sucked us in.

After watching a little more of the movie, we wanted to get a closer look at the waves, which were even bigger now. Over the edge of the starboard side, we could see giant peaks of white foam. However, when we attempted to go out on starboard deck four, we found it to be closed. I guess they didn’t want anyone slipping and falling, because I can only imagine how soaked it must have been out there. The port side was still open, but it was remarkably less dramatic. And then? We had a genius idea: Diversions! We raced to the bar and found it to be open, but rather sparsely populated. No matter, we were only there for the window show. Outside, the waves were stretching up past the porthole, and all we could see was white water. It was absolutely incredible. I looked at Lionel.

“Too bad Sarah’s asleep, our cabin is even closer to the water!”

Oh, little did I know.

When we tiptoed back into the cabin, we were greeted by a giggly, bouncy Canadian who was not sleeping. Not one bit. No, instead, she was parked in front of the window, laughing and pointing and squealing at the ocean. We turned off the cabin lights and watched for a bit, until I started to feel sick again. It was officially bedtime. I noticed the curtains were slowly opening at the bottom, and then returning to their upright position as we rocked our way home. I ate a few ginger chews, tried not to think about how close we were to the water, and fell asleep.

It was over.

Up next: earliest debarkation ever, and a little reflection.

[Tink rules]

& don't forget to let us all know how you came in under budget!!! Of course I plan to totally blow my budget....:cool1:

[silversae]

When we last left off, we were admiring an “ephelant” made of towels. In fact, Sarah was squealing EPHELANT!

K for the record not my FAVORITE animal..but ya we got the 2 best "aminals" ever...."ephelant" and monkey!


Sarah was very excited about dinner, because she had heard so much about the Animator’s show. If not for her geometric sunburn, she would have been bouncing in her seat. Apparently redness subdues Canadians. After a few moments, our tablemates arrived. And then, two more showed up.

Redness also forces THIS Canadian to find a way to remove her bra from under her dress WHILE eating dinner and have no one at the table notice. *grin* By the way my sunburn? Still visible! only now it's a nice geometric brown. Maybe it'll still be there in March when i come visit again...for MY next cruise!


When we tiptoed back into the cabin, we were greeted by a giggly, bouncy Canadian who was not sleeping. Not one bit. No, instead, she was parked in front of the window, laughing and pointing and squealing at the ocean. We turned off the cabin lights and watched for a bit, until I started to feel sick again.

The view from that porthole was fantastic! I adore the ocean, esp when she's a bit angry. :)

[zweihund]

& don't forget to let us all know how you came in under budget!!! Of course I plan to totally blow my budget....:cool1:

It's coming!

K for the record not my FAVORITE animal..but ya we got the 2 best "aminals" ever...."ephelant" and monkey!

Redness also forces THIS Canadian to find a way to remove her bra from under her dress WHILE eating dinner and have no one at the table notice. *grin* By the way my sunburn? Still visible! only now it's a nice geometric brown. Maybe it'll still be there in March when i come visit again...for MY next cruise!

The view from that porthole was fantastic! I adore the ocean, esp when she's a bit angry. :)

You better write a trip report entitled "vacations suck without Erica and Lionel" :rolleyes1

[zweihund]

We had set the wakeup call for 6:40, but in retrospect we needn’t have. You see, the arrival at port meant the gangplank would be going out again, which (in case you did not recall from the Castaway Cay day) was located exactly one deck up from where our room was. We woke up at the following times, to loud whirring and clanking:

4:45 am
5:15 am
5:45 am
6:15 am

And just when we fell asleep again? Mickey called.

“Hiya, folks! Get the heck off my boat!”

Three micro-showers later, we were at the Cove Café, for one last Mochaccino. Coffee in hand, we headed to the Beach Blanket Buffet for breakfast, where we ate in near silence. There were no Mickey waffles to be seen. Nobody was smiling. In fact, it was a real bummer, all around. But, it always is.

Normally, we go to the dining room for our last hurrah with the servers, and stay in the lobby watching everyone leave until we absolutely HAVE to get off the boat. But we had a Canadian with a flight to catch, and we had to get to the airport.

Up on deck, we took one last walk around, waiting for the call to debark. We took a few photos of the port in the morning light.

It’s much prettier before the sun comes up…..

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000a8y2f

We don’t speak of the “other boat”

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000a7d4g

The terminal ALWAYS looks beautiful, except when you are leaving.

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000a9x5e

You can look at the pool, but please don’t touch it.

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000aaaf2

At around 7:15, they announced that we could begin debarking. By 7:30, we were off the boat, luggage in hand, and on our way to the car. I would say it was painless, but let's be honest: grown men and women have been known to cry over debarkation from the Wonder. Maybe I was one of them. Just maybe.

One last look.

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000abct0

The ride to OIA was not too long, but it was rather quiet. No one wanted to admit that the vacation was over. At one point, Lionel asked Sarah what she thought of our favorite way to travel. And do you know what she said?

“It was fun.”

IT WAS FUN. No exclamation point. No talk of favorite things. It was as if we had been to a three-day movie. But, for those of you who don’t know Sarah like we do, that is as good as OMIGOD OMIGOD BEST VACATION EVAAARRRR!
Sarah is very low-key, unlike me, who gets excited over the smallest things.

We waved goodbye at the airport, and headed back toward the house. Normally, we go out to one of the parks so that the day is not so much of a bummer, but that day we were exhausted. We hadn’t slept much, and we missed our dog. In fact, we stopped at my Dad’s house on the way home just to pick him up. At home, I did some laundry and put the suitcases away, and we caught up on some television shows that we had recorded last week during Sarah’s visit. The house was quiet, and we felt a little bit strange, but we tried to make it just like any other Sunday.

Sarah called in the early evening to let us know she had made it home.

And then? It was officially over.

Next: reflections on our mini vacation.

[Tink rules]

No... Sarah was just in an end of vacation enducing funk over having to leave sunny Florida and her favorite new Yacht..........

She's coming back... and next time she promises to kick and scream all the way to the airport... right Sarah???? :rotfl2: & :scared1: (kicking and screaming...)

[silversae]

No... Sarah was just in an end of vacation enducing funk over having to leave sunny Florida and her favorite new Yacht..........

She's coming back... and next time she promises to kick and scream all the way to the airport... right Sarah???? :rotfl2: & :scared1: (kicking and screaming...)

Coming back....in less than 100 days baby!

Mini cruise #2 is booked and dinner reservations at Palo set to be booked when i hit the 90 days till sail mark.

And Erica..cruising without Lionel and Erica isn't necessaily LESS fun...just different. Afterall when big brother's not around I can get away with more *grin*

[Tink rules]

Yup... you get to eat their ice cream too!!!

[DizzneyDAnn]

Thanks a lot:sad2: ...just read the "getting off the ship" addition. Now I'm depressed. Nothing worse than getting off the ship. :guilty: I think I'll go make (and eat!) cookies to console myself.;)

[Disneygrl36]

Oh no it's over.......:sad2:
You are a great story teller Erica. Thanks for bringing us along with you again & making us feel like we are right there.
And I so agree about the 2 days at Castaway Cay for us both......we booked a 2008 double dip while on board, but might move it forward to 2009, haven't decided yet.
Happy Holidays too..... :santa:

[zweihund]

No... Sarah was just in an end of vacation enducing funk over having to leave sunny Florida and her favorite new Yacht..........

She's coming back... and next time she promises to kick and scream all the way to the airport... right Sarah???? :rotfl2: & :scared1: (kicking and screaming...)

Usually she just sleeps on the way to the airport ;) :rotfl:

Coming back....in less than 100 days baby!

Mini cruise #2 is booked and dinner reservations at Palo set to be booked when i hit the 90 days till sail mark.

And Erica..cruising without Lionel and Erica isn't necessaily LESS fun...just different. Afterall when big brother's not around I can get away with more *grin*

What, you mean you might go crazy and have more than one drink this time? :rolleyes1

Yup... you get to eat their ice cream too!!!

:rotfl:

Thanks a lot:sad2: ...just read the "getting off the ship" addition. Now I'm depressed. Nothing worse than getting off the ship. :guilty: I think I'll go make (and eat!) cookies to console myself.;)

Did someone say cookies? ;)
I had so many cookies today at work, that when my Dad offered to buy me a treat at Starbucks after he took me out to dinner, I actually said "no thank you."
I had to take a step back and figure out who I was and what was wrong with me.

Oh no it's over.......:sad2:
You are a great story teller Erica. Thanks for bringing us along with you again & making us feel like we are right there.
And I so agree about the 2 days at Castaway Cay for us both......we booked a 2008 double dip while on board, but might move it forward to 2009, haven't decided yet.
Happy Holidays too..... :santa:

Thank you!
And you should keep with the Double Dip. Especially if it's OUR Double Dip. Just sayin.

I'll have the final update in the next day or so!

[anewmac]

aww I have to admit it is somewhat depressing. Cant wait to hear the final.

[Tink rules]

Yeah, but...

As soon as you're done with this TR...you're starting the next one, aren't you???

We can't live without life with the GEEKS!!! :goodvibes

[zweihund]

So, the original intent of this vacation was two-fold. One, we wanted to squeeze in a mini cruise before our big blow-out next year. It was Sarah’s idea, you know. She had to “try it out” – we were just helping her, yeah. Something like that. And two, we knew that the only way we could manage the mini vacation would be to not spend any money on the boat, with the exception of tips and a few things that I had been setting cash aside for (bike rental, Palo, and the spa day).

So, did we succeed? Indeed, we did. We had a blast, as did Sarah (despite her less-than-enthusiastic response when we grilled her in the wee hours of the morning after only one cup of coffee). Now we KNOW she will love our 2008 blowout.

Being a budget cruise, we had to make a few little tweaks. First and foremost, we shared a cabin. Which, while it took a little getting used to, was not bad at all. The curtain really helped, and we were rarely in the room anyhow, so we never really seemed to step on each others’ toes. Oh, and ladies: if you are going to share a cabin with someone else of the female persuasion? Make sure she is a shower-ninja like Sarah!

To be fair, neither of us is very high maintenance, so getting ready was never an issue.

Another part of our budgeting was to get an ocean view room instead of our usual verandah. I LOVE the verandah, but the large porthole? Not bad at all! I didn’t feel a bit claustrophobic, and the lower deck kept us very close to all of the nightlife. The only regret I have about the room was having to take the elevator up to the pool, and the location directly under the noisy gangplank. Which, to be fair, would not be an issue if you like to get up two hours before sunrise.

How did we do with the budget? Fantastic! Had we not gotten the Florida resident rate discount, which put $200 cash back into our hands right before we sailed, we would have been content to bring booze aboard and just drink that. I think a bottle of wine (or even a half-bottle, depending on how much wine you like), something sweet (either pre-mixed or mixable in juice), and a versatile spirit like vodka or rum would have been enough to get us through the whole cruise and then some. Without the $200, we would have probably only treated ourselves to one mochaccino each, and maybe a pina colada or konk kooler on CC day. So if you want to treat yourself a little bit, just put about $20 on shipboard credit, and bring your own brown bag.

We did not buy any photos, because we took enough to feel like we captured the moments we wanted. Lionel took the one of us with Captain Jack Sparrow, and it looked EXACTLY like the one the CM took. Besides, we still have the Shutters pictures from the last cruise we took sitting in the envelope I brought them home in.

We only purchased a few inexpensive things at the gift shop for presents, and that wasn’t even totally necessary. It’s just that we had the credit, and I thought it would be a nice gesture. Without the credit, we would have either gotten them something to share (like the box of animal cookies, which is super cute and a great bargain!) or just given them DCL pins.

All in all we spent about $270. Now, considering that we had saved money ahead of time for tips (around $60), Palo ($20), and the rainforest room ($30), that means we spent only $160 of our reimbursed $200 on alcohol, mochaccinos, my hoodie and gifts for the parents.

Do you know what this means?

We actually MADE $40 on this vacation.

Not only that, but being on a limited budget made us more creative about our activities and explorations. We saw and did so many new things:


Match Your Mate
adult scavenger hunt at Wavebands
Disco party (wheee!)
playing board games in the Cove Café
self-guided walking tour of Nassau
midnight showing of Pirates on the big screen
Grouper’s Pavilion
pirate treasure hunt on Castaway Cay
lunch at Serenity Bay
the view from the Heads Up bar


And, of course, we threw in some old favorites:

reading on deck four
relaxing at Serenity Bay
hot tubbin’
going to the movie theatre
walking around on deck and enjoying the scenery


Now, when we take our cruise in September 2008, we will most certainly NOT be on a budget. In fact, I plan to visit the spa villas at least once, and we will be at Palo whenever we are able to get in. I might even consider getting in a kayak at some point. But, I think we will also be looking for those little, often-overlooked things to do for fun that don’t cost a thing.

The big, burning question: will we be able to sneak in another 3-nighter before September rolls around? Maybe. But unlikely. You see, Lionel’s car is about to die, and it seems we have this other vacation that we should probably start putting money towards. Oh, and my Parents want to take us skiing in February (the nerve, lol), for which we will need to buy some winter gear. Also, we really need new carpet. And the bedroom could use a new coat of paint. And we were considering a second dog. And, and, and…….

Does that mean I won’t be looking at the Dreams Unlimited site every so often to see what the Florida resident rates are running? Certainly, it does not. After all, a girl can dream.

And that, folks, is the end.

Until next time!

Note the bargain hoodie.......

http://pics.livejournal.com/missus_geek/pic/000accax

[Kay1]

Wonderful report, Erica. The thing I found most interesting was that you said your favorite moment was reading on Deck 4. We spend a week or two at the beach every summer and a big part of it is reading on the porch. Anyhow your report makes me want to jump on the Wonder (or Magic) and read on Deck 4.

Thanks for all the fun and information.:thumbsup2 I'm looking forward to hearing about your next cruise.

[Tink rules]

Ok everybody...

Lets start the Erica needs a new pair of mittens fund!!!

So the next pre trippie is going to be called

Geeks go Bust???

Or

Geeks to Bankrupt?

or

Geeks have now moved to Canada to live with co-geek so they can get Canadian rates????

:rolleyes:

[DizzneyDAnn]

Thanks, Erica. I don't even drink, but LOVED your report. (I am not a prude, though; ask my fellow TA vets!!!) You are a skilled writer and should submit your report to magazines as a freelancer. Perhaps you should even get a literary agent and try to become a travel writer. I know that if you had a travel website, many of us would visit regulary. You are wasting your talent if you don't persue a literary career. Of course, if you are happy with what you are doing...

Will you be called Dreihund with the addition of another dog?;)

[MAGICFOR2]

Thanks for sharing, Erica - I hope you'll let us all know when your book is published - I know I would love it!

Merry Christmas!

[Tink rules]

After this jouney...

We want autographed copies and an invite to the wine & cheese party at it's premiere...

I'll bring the cheese...

[Disneygrl36]

Great wrap-up Erica.......
Make sure you let us know when you start your next trip report!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!
http://www.disneyclips.com/imagesnewb/imageshcdwts01/dec27.gif
Hope Santa is good to you & Lionel.

On my way to my brother's for pre-Christmas Eve with the family cocktails......:lmao:

[J-rat]

This was a fantastic report (which kept me up way past my bedtime)!
I'm super jealous of you for your Settlers of Catan playing while onboard! I will absolutely sneak my little baby travel edition on with me out of intense devotion, but the chances of getting the friend I'm going with to play with me are slim :sad2:
I'm also super jealous that you actually managed to win at NaNoWriMo! I started that up but gave up much much too fast, when I realized that the College Program does not leave space for novel writing in any way shape or form. I'm hoping to have better luck with Script Frenzy (when all I have to worry about is silly school =p ), and there's always next year's NaNoWriMo! =)
Thanks for an awesome read! And I'm really glad your trip was such a good time! :)

[zweihund]

Wonderful report, Erica. The thing I found most interesting was that you said your favorite moment was reading on Deck 4. We spend a week or two at the beach every summer and a big part of it is reading on the porch. Anyhow your report makes me want to jump on the Wonder (or Magic) and read on Deck 4.

Thanks for all the fun and information.:thumbsup2 I'm looking forward to hearing about your next cruise.

Books are better on vacation, for sure. :thumbsup2

Ok everybody...

Lets start the Erica needs a new pair of mittens fund!!!

So the next pre trippie is going to be called

Geeks go Bust???

Or

Geeks to Bankrupt?

or

Geeks have now moved to Canada to live with co-geek so they can get Canadian rates????

:rolleyes:

:rotfl:

Thanks, Erica. I don't even drink, but LOVED your report. (I am not a prude, though; ask my fellow TA vets!!!) You are a skilled writer and should submit your report to magazines as a freelancer. Perhaps you should even get a literary agent and try to become a travel writer. I know that if you had a travel website, many of us would visit regulary. You are wasting your talent if you don't persue a literary career. Of course, if you are happy with what you are doing...

Will you be called Dreihund with the addition of another dog?;)

:hug: Thanks for the wonderful compliment!
Actually, we are back down to one dog - the second had to go and live with someone else because they two were not getting along. So I guess technically I am EinHund ;)

Thanks for sharing, Erica - I hope you'll let us all know when your book is published - I know I would love it!

Merry Christmas!

After this jouney...

We want autographed copies and an invite to the wine & cheese party at it's premiere...

I'll bring the cheese...

:thumbsup2 I'm there! Hehe - I promise to let everyone know when I become a rich and famous author. Just don't wait around for it for too long.....

Great wrap-up Erica.......
Make sure you let us know when you start your next trip report!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!
http://www.disneyclips.com/imagesnewb/imageshcdwts01/dec27.gif
Hope Santa is good to you & Lionel.

On my way to my brother's for pre-Christmas Eve with the family cocktails......:lmao:

Woohoo, cocktails! I'm still working my way through the Coquito......

This was a fantastic report (which kept me up way past my bedtime)!
I'm super jealous of you for your Settlers of Catan playing while onboard! I will absolutely sneak my little baby travel edition on with me out of intense devotion, but the chances of getting the friend I'm going with to play with me are slim :sad2:
I'm also super jealous that you actually managed to win at NaNoWriMo! I started that up but gave up much much too fast, when I realized that the College Program does not leave space for novel writing in any way shape or form. I'm hoping to have better luck with Script Frenzy (when all I have to worry about is silly school =p ), and there's always next year's NaNoWriMo! =)
Thanks for an awesome read! And I'm really glad your trip was such a good time! :)

I love the travel edition of Settlers - it is without a doubt my favorite board game. Good times! And good luck with Script Frenzy! I don't think I'll be taking part in that one, but I will definitely be doing NaNoWriMo again - it was a lot of work, but what a wonderful feeling when it was over! :thumbsup2

[Tink rules]

Erica....

don't ask me how, but I got myself booked on the WB PC Repo cruise...

Of course I have roughly 5 weeks to come up with the cash!!!

Once payment is done... I guess I should start a TR too huh??? Now what to name it... :confused:

[zweihund]

Erica....

don't ask me how, but I got myself booked on the WB PC Repo cruise...

Of course I have roughly 5 weeks to come up with the cash!!!

Once payment is done... I guess I should start a TR too huh??? Now what to name it... :confused:

You can name it:

Can zweihund come too????

:rotfl:

That's awesome! Start a report, I can't wait to read it. Use your visa and pack lots of rum and sun tan lotion. I'm so jealous!

[chepic]

:worship: :worship: :worship:

With only 9 days to go until my 1st Disney cruise, I can only think of how my TR will not even compare with the likes of yours...among a few others on this board that has been my home for the past year. Thank you for another wonderful ride through your vacation life. I am certain that if your book is half as good as your TR, we will all be entertained greatly. Now only if you would have it finished in 9 days, I would be able to read it while sailing..... :idea:I make a pretty good proof reader..;)

Have a great day.

Cheryl

[Tink rules]

You can name it:

Can zweihund come too????

:rotfl:

That's awesome! Start a report, I can't wait to read it. Use your visa and pack lots of rum and sun tan lotion. I'm so jealous!

So far both you AND Brenda want to come... :dance3: (that's me in the middle...)

I'm paying it off and then drinking whatever they've got on the ship!!!

I think I may call this one... "Who needs a down payment on a house...I'm going to PANAMA!!!"

Well, maybe my family would object...seeing as they might be reading along...but their dorks anyway, so... :sad2:

[zweihund]

:worship: :worship: :worship:

With only 9 days to go until my 1st Disney cruise, I can only think of how my TR will not even compare with the likes of yours...among a few others on this board that has been my home for the past year. Thank you for another wonderful ride through your vacation life. I am certain that if your book is half as good as your TR, we will all be entertained greatly. Now only if you would have it finished in 9 days, I would be able to read it while sailing..... :idea:I make a pretty good proof reader..;)

Have a great day.

Cheryl

How are you are reading material painfully in need of editing for consistency? ;) Maybe I will have it done before your NEXT cruise, eh? One can hope.

So far both you AND Brenda want to come... :dance3: (that's me in the middle...)

I'm paying it off and then drinking whatever they've got on the ship!!!

I think I may call this one... "Who needs a down payment on a house...I'm going to PANAMA!!!"

Well, maybe my family would object...seeing as they might be reading along...but their dorks anyway, so... :sad2:

I LOVE IT. :thumbsup2

[chepic]

How are you are reading material painfully in need of editing for consistency? ;) Maybe I will have it done before your NEXT cruise, eh? One can hope.

Well, seeing as how I have 2 PT's who cannot write to save their lives, spelling is o.k., grammer can be sub-par, and handwriting I would give an F to one of them, I think I do o.k. And for the most part, I know what to do with the patients...:rotfl: ...or at least I think I do.

Cheryl

[Tink rules]

How are you are reading material painfully in need of editing for consistency? ;) Maybe I will have it done before your NEXT cruise, eh? One can hope.



I LOVE IT. :thumbsup2

Well, I guess I have a name!!!

Oh and just so you know... if it does happen...I'm possibly getting together at WDW sometime between the 6th and the 9th of May with the infamous LovableGluttons for dinner... I'll let you know when and where...

[Mozart]

Once payment is done... I guess I should start a TR too huh??? Now what to name it... :confused:

Tink swims with the fishes?

[Tink rules]

Tink flies...

She's bait...

But she's fast too...

Uses pixie dust to trick the fish...:tinker:

fish don't mind... they feel happily ever after...

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

They become Flying Fish and open a restaurant over on the Boardwalk... :rotfl: :rotfl:

[Babs417]

That was great thank you cant wait to hear about your Sept report.:cheer2: :flower3: :cutie:

[chepic]

Tink swims with the fishes?

Why, is Tink Italian? HEE HEE HEE

che

[pit303]

That was great thank you cant wait to hear about your Sept report.:cheer2: :flower3: :cutie:

I can't wait either for the Sept. report because I get to experience it live and than get to read about when we get back:cool1: :cool1:

Maureen

[zweihund]

Well, seeing as how I have 2 PT's who cannot write to save their lives, spelling is o.k., grammer can be sub-par, and handwriting I would give an F to one of them, I think I do o.k. And for the most part, I know what to do with the patients...:rotfl: ...or at least I think I do.

Cheryl

I HEAR YA. I write all of our home evaluations for that very reason.

Well, I guess I have a name!!!

Oh and just so you know... if it does happen...I'm possibly getting together at WDW sometime between the 6th and the 9th of May with the infamous LovableGluttons for dinner... I'll let you know when and where...

It's a date.

Tink swims with the fishes?

:rotfl:

That was great thank you cant wait to hear about your Sept report.:cheer2: :flower3: :cutie:

Thanks!!! :goodvibes

Why, is Tink Italian? HEE HEE HEE

che

:rotfl2:

I can't wait either for the Sept. report because I get to experience it live and than get to read about when we get back:cool1: :cool1:

Maureen

I predict the first Double Dip of 2008 will be one crazy ride. In a good way. popcorn::

[Tink rules]

I can't wait either for the Sept. report because I get to experience it live and than get to read about when we get back:cool1: :cool1:

Maureen

I hope she starts writing soon!!!



It's a date.










I predict the first Double Dip of 2008 will be one crazy ride. In a good way. popcorn::

Now I have to find a place to have dinner that can hold us all!!! Um...reservations for how many???

& I may have to book the double dip... or at least the one everyone is planning on in '09...

[tjeagle]

AWESOME! I found your report after the fact (just getting back to the DIS with our next trip FINALLY under a year!).
It took me 2 weeks to read (back off kids....momma's busy!:surfweb: ).

I think you may have motivated me to finish my report from our trip last Feb! :guilty: :guilty:

Oh yeah.....OT's Rock:goodvibes

[zweihund]

AWESOME! I found your report after the fact (just getting back to the DIS with our next trip FINALLY under a year!).
It took me 2 weeks to read (back off kids....momma's busy!:surfweb: ).

I think you may have motivated me to finish my report from our trip last Feb! :guilty: :guilty:

Oh yeah.....OT's Rock:goodvibes

Yes they do! :cheer2:

Finish your report, girl!

[anc22]

Erika,

So, I just found your report on Monday and just finished it today while at "work"! ;) We are set to sail with you on the September DD and I am just relieved to know that I am not the only person who believes that vacation=alcoholic beverage in hand at all times :rotfl: . Your TR cracked me up and I hope that you are planning on writing a pre-TR for the upcoming DD. I look forward to reading it.

[zweihund]

Erika,

So, I just found your report on Monday and just finished it today while at "work"! ;) We are set to sail with you on the September DD and I am just relieved to know that I am not the only person who believes that vacation=alcoholic beverage in hand at all times :rotfl: . Your TR cracked me up and I hope that you are planning on writing a pre-TR for the upcoming DD. I look forward to reading it.

Thanks, Arin!

I cant wait for September....and yes, indeed, there will be a TR. :thumbsup2

[naner]

Thanks for the great trip report!!!

LOL one of my best friends is from Ontario and every time she visits me here we have to go to Target like five times to fondle the goods! :rotfl2:

[zweihund]

Thanks for the great trip report!!!

LOL one of my best friends is from Ontario and every time she visits me here we have to go to Target like five times to fondle the goods! :rotfl2:

Thanks for reading!
I myself am at Target at LEAST once a week, so I can only imagine the withdrawl if I were in another country. Poor Canadians.....:sad2:

[Tink rules]

I know it's not the same... but there's ALWAYS Target.com....

[Princesswanabee]

Great trip report! Even though I'm late in finding it, I really enjoyed it. Also, printed out your recipe for Champagne Punch and can't wait to try it. :thumbsup2

[chepic]

:rotfl: :rotfl: Erica, needed to let you know that we are back from our week on the Magic and we have to thank you for your TR's because they were so helpful with planning our trip. And, although we were unable to make the Martini tasting, we still had a blast. You even inspired me enough to write one.

Maybe someday we will be luck enough to board a ship that you are on, and get to "boogie on down"....if you read my report you will see the trouble my husband got into. :rotfl:

cheryl

[zweihund]

Great trip report! Even though I'm late in finding it, I really enjoyed it. Also, printed out your recipe for Champagne Punch and can't wait to try it. :thumbsup2

The punch is AWESOME. The first batch we made was gone in mere minutes. Thanks for reading!

:rotfl: :rotfl: Erica, needed to let you know that we are back from our week on the Magic and we have to thank you for your TR's because they were so helpful with planning our trip. And, although we were unable to make the Martini tasting, we still had a blast. You even inspired me enough to write one.

Maybe someday we will be luck enough to board a ship that you are on, and get to "boogie on down"....if you read my report you will see the trouble my husband got into. :rotfl:

cheryl

Yay, I'm so glad my report inspired you Cheryl! Send me the link to your TR and I am there!

[chepic]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1703905

O.K., I think I did this right, but I won't know until I push save, so I hope it worked.

che

[zweihund]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1703905

O.K., I think I did this right, but I won't know until I push save, so I hope it worked.

che

I'm there!