10/02/04 Antigua Cruise

[jeanneg]

Originally posted by Viking
10 more countries will join the European Union tomorrow, which brings the number of countries to 25 and the population to 450 million. No more borders from the Atlantic Ocean to the Russian border, plenty of business-opportunities, and most important: Lasting peace and freedom. And a big part of it is based on the help the USA gave us for more than five decades.
We'll have big fests (Celebrations) all over Europe during the weekend, especially in the new member-states, but also in the old ones. [/B]

Re your remark about lasting peace and freedom....I can only wish and pray that such would be true.
It's so nice to hear words of appreciation from our European neighbors. Every once in awhile you hear about a couple of American "bad apples" (like this week with the mistreated Iraqi prisioners), but generally I like to think our heart is in the right place even though we always seem to be getting a bad rap from overseas. I have had the opportunity to travel quite a bit and am always horrified to see the "ugly American" in action. Some people just don't realize that when they travel abroad, they are a "guest" in another country and should behave accordingly. The only thing greater than their rudeness is their obvious ignorance.
Sorry, I'll get off my soapbox....... enjoy all the festivities in Eupope this weekend!

 

[Viking]

Originally posted by cdnmickeylover
Eric -- My DS saw Kill Bill Vol 2 last week and liked it. He has the first one on DVD as well but I've never seen it. He tried to convince me to go with him to the movie but I'm not really interested which he can't understand. He tried to convince me that there wasn't that much blood shed.

Raining here today.

Fiona

As far as I know there's really not much blood shed in Vol 2, so DS was right. But Vol 1 is a different story

 

[Viking]

Originally posted by jeanneg
Re your remark about lasting peace and freedom....I can only wish and pray that such would be true.
It's so nice to hear words of appreciation from our European neighbors. Every once in awhile you hear about a couple of American "bad apples" (like this week with the mistreated Iraqi prisioners), but generally I like to think our heart is in the right place even though we always seem to be getting a bad rap from overseas. I have had the opportunity to travel quite a bit and am always horrified to see the "ugly American" in action. Some people just don't realize that when they travel abroad, they are a "guest" in another country and should behave accordingly. The only thing greater than their rudeness is their obvious ignorance.
Sorry, I'll get off my soapbox....... enjoy all the festivities in Eupope this weekend!

Thanks for your kind words, Jeanne Every country has its share of 'bad apples'. And additionally you have to take into account that the GIs in Iraq are in an extreme situation, which can lead to some extreme behaviour. This is no excuse for maltreatment of prisoners, but perhaps an explanation how such things happen.
And BTW: Although many of us Europeans right now have a different opinion than your country's present administration, we're still your friends. It is one of the core values of a strong friendship to be able to have different views in some issues, but still be friends.
And talking about countrymen abroad: I also had enough reasons to be ashamed of German tourist in foreign countries. 'Ladies' trying to enter mosques in very light clothing, German patrons in American restaurants tipping like they were in Germany, etc.

 

[ciadriamom]

Originally posted by Viking
Forget it, Sharon They can't, we're better!!! - and don't even get paid for it

TOO TRUE! TOO TRUE! lol

 

[ciadriamom]

Originally posted by ARLO1

ciadriamom:

One of my accounts is in nj - sylvan learning systems It seems that everyone who works there lives in lakewood. Do they own that town-another stepford village perhaps???

Arlene [/B]

Last time I checked Sylvan didn't. LOL You would think that they would open a center here!!

 

[Twinave]

Hi Everyone. Just checking in. Day off today, work tomorrow. Getting ready to watch the most exciting 2 min. in sports. Kentucky Derby! Tried calling twin sister, we usually stay on the phone with each other while the race is underway. But she's not home.
So glad to see so many new people joining our happy band.
Got to run for the roses!
Ave'

 

[two-foxes]

Viking-
I like Quentin, however I couldn't get into Kill Bill. The opening scene really turned me off....although I loved alot of the other fight scenes. Who knows. I'll watch it again and give it another shot. Violent is an understatement when describing the film.....the man has an imagination unlike any other....a friend of mine from High School is one of his personal assistants. She has gotten a bit, shall we say, different since she has moved to LA.
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On another note, everyone send prayers to my aunt (and godmother) who was diagnosed with breast cancer on Thursday. She starts chemo asap...I just had a friend of mine go through chemo and radiation (hodgkins at the age of 30), and I know Aunt Jean is not in for an easy road ahead. I think it has us all on edge because my grandmother (her mom) died of breast cancer just under 2 years ago. So, the more prayers the better! I may fly out to Cleveland to see her this summer.

 

[ciadriamom]

[ciadriamom...CONGRATULATIONS on the gradution...you must be so proud!! I always admire people who go back to school while working and raising a family..I admire you!! My dd is 14 and we are going on the St. Thomas tour...I will pm your daughter and she can email Sarah...just tell her to put Disney cruise on the email so Sarah will open it!! Where is Lakewood near in NJ? Gotta run....have a great weekend! Mary Jo [/B]

Thank you. I'm doing it not only for myself but for my dds as well. Lakewood is near the Shore. We are just east of Toms River.

Ciara has sent Sarah an e-mail.

Please tell me you're a shopaholic, so that I have a shopping partner.

 

[ciadriamom]

Twinfoxes: My prayers and best wishes to your family. I just buried my cousin on monday from prostate cancer and my boss is in remission from lymphoma. Radiation is brutal, but can help turn the tide. Again, my sincerest prayers for your family.

 

[jeanneg]

ciadriamom: congratulations on your upcoming graduation! I admire you for having the willpower to go back and complete your formal schooling.

two-foxes: sorry about your aunt....my thoughts and prayers are with you. I agree about Quentin...his films are much too violent for me, although my son LOVES the 2 Kill Bill flicks. In fact, the only creation of his I ever liked was one of the vignettes in "Four Rooms" that starred Antonio Banderas. I must have seen that over 10 years ago and I still tell my kids "Don't Meesbehave!" If you haven't seen it yet, you definitely should...... it's really a riot!

It's official: my son is going to be a Tarheel. We did everything in our power to convince him to go to NYU, USC(LA) or Wash U, but when push came to shove, he didn't want to be that far from home. I know we should be rejoicing (it's "only" 10 grand vs. approx. 43 for NYU's Tisch), but DH and I still feel he's giving up an opportunity to experience the world. Oh well, it's a done deal now - the letters have been mailed.

 

[ciadriamom]

Jeanneg: Thank you for the congrats and Congrats to you and your son.

 

[Viking]

Originally posted by two-foxes
Viking-
I like Quentin, however I couldn't get into Kill Bill. The opening scene really turned me off....although I loved alot of the other fight scenes. Who knows. I'll watch it again and give it another shot. Violent is an understatement when describing the film.....the man has an imagination unlike any other....a friend of mine from High School is one of his personal assistants. She has gotten a bit, shall we say, different since she has moved to LA.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On another note, everyone send prayers to my aunt (and godmother) who was diagnosed with breast cancer on Thursday. She starts chemo asap...I just had a friend of mine go through chemo and radiation (hodgkins at the age of 30), and I know Aunt Jean is not in for an easy road ahead. I think it has us all on edge because my grandmother (her mom) died of breast cancer just under 2 years ago. So, the more prayers the better! I may fly out to Cleveland to see her this summer.

Pixie Dust to your aunt *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Last year we had two breast cancer survivors in our group, who rewarded themselves with the cruise for defeating that foe - One wilkl be with us again this year, the other is doing th 10/09/04-cruise (That is, if the ship is still in shape after we're finished with it )
My niece had hodgkins at age 5 and went through a couple of chemos - The Saturday after next she's celebrating her 18th birthday in perfect health at a German themepark.

 

[Suecot2000]

A BIG THANK YOU...
to all the hard working fellow cruisers that keep me and others up to date about the Cruisetoberfest Activities.

I don't post alot, but I enjoy trying to keep informed with activities.

My sister and myself will be staying at WDW 9-27-04 til time to leave for Port Canaveral on 10-2-04. At present, I plan on going to MNSSHP on 10-1-04. I am hoping that there are some fellow cruisers planning on a stay at WDW pre-trip also.

So far, I know that I'll be doing the Champainge Brunch Sail in St Thomas (did that in January and it was wonderful). I'm waiting to see what DCL has to offer in Antigua before deciding excursions there.

I am assigned to second seating dinning and would like to hook up with some fellow cruisers for dinner assignments, if possible.

Thank You so much, and I can't wait to meet everyone.

Sue

 

[RellingTwin]

Hi Sue, nice to see you posting!

We went to the IMAX theater yesterday to see the NASCAR 3D film. Without question the BEST 3D film I have ever seen!!!I highly recommend to any NASCAR fan who has an IMAX in their area.

jeanneg..congrats on your DS decision. When I took my DD to Manhatten a few years ago she informed me that it was the coolest place on earth and she was going to go to school, then live there whe she was old enough. I thought "oh GREAT"! The most expensive place in the world and my DD wants to live there!!

Two-foxes...more pixie dust to your aunt. Working in the OB/Gyn field as I do, I see a lot of women who are dx with breast cancer. It is by NO means the horrible prognosis it use to be. Current treatments are very good and there are many breast cancer survivors because of this.
Reminder to all ladies on this thread...GET YOUR MAMMOGRAMS!!!

 

[Viking]

Originally posted by RellingTwin
Hi Sue, nice to see you posting!

We went to the IMAX theater yesterday to see the NASCAR 3D film. Without question the BEST 3D film I have ever seen!!!I highly recommend to any NASCAR fan who has an IMAX in their area.

Mary,
if that movie is still (Or again) running in September, I have to see it!!!
BTW, a nurse from Anja's ward was in Charleston a couple of years ago and liked it very much. She envies Anja & me, because we're going there.

 

[padisneyfan]

Two-Foxes--- I am one of the breast cancer survivors that Viking was speaking about. This cruise will be my second anniversary of being cancer free. In fact this past week, just had a follow up mammogram which was fine. I'm going to see my surgeon on Tuesday for a followup visit. This group was very supportive of me last year when I was going through treatments. Being a nurse, I anticipated the worse when I was diagnosed. Since I am in acute care, you don't have contact with the oncology outpatients so I only saw the patients who did not do well. There is a large number of breast cancer survivors out there who are leading productive lives. My prayers go out to your aunt and hope that she does well. If you have any questions that I can answer for you please email me.

jeanneg--- Congratulations to your son. How far away is the university from your house?

Welcome to all the new cruisers.

Peter---- Another option to get from Philly to Gettysburg is to do the Turnpike to Lancaster Route 30 and then take that to Gettysburg. You will see alot more of the area then major highways. It is mostly 4 lanes except from York to Gettysburg. If you get this way, let me know and maybe we can hook up. Gettysburg is only 40 minutes from my house.

I have DS#1 belonging moved back. He isn't finished until Thursday, but have brought the big articles home. DS#2 is finished on Thursday also, so Norm needs to go to the other end of the state to pick up his junk. So we are the Fike Moving and Storage Company this week and the Storage part for the next 3 months.

Only 12 more days until we leave for vacation.

Nancy

 

[jeanneg]

Nancy: Congratulations and best of luck towards your continuing survivor status. Chapel Hill is about 40-45 minutes from where we live so it not a bad distance at all. We will still let him board as I think he'll have a better overall college experience doing so. His car, which is now 15 years old and about to die, will be staying home at least until he's a sophomore!

 

[Viking]

We just had our Disney fix: We watched 'The Parent Trap', the new one from the 90ies with D. Quaid, N. Richardson and Lindsey Lohan. It was on TV, but we decided to watch the DVD, which enabled us to watch in English and without commercial. I was a good way to end the weekend after we started it with 'Kill Bill'
In 10 days we'll get 'Freaky Friday' on DVD, I preordered it on Amazon.de.
Last night we got home at 0400am First of May was horrible weatherwise - It didn't rain, it POURED. Unfortunately it also is the day of the most important bicycle race in Germany, which takes place in and around Frankfurt. Those poor racers had to pedal about 150 miles at 50°F and constant heavy rain.
When we went to the party at 7pm a guy in front of us smashed his Ford compact into the guard-rails leaving the Autobahn - Fortunately only a fender-bender. And when we left the party in the wee hours we saw a lot of flashing lights on the Autobahn: Four African-Americans were obviously too fast and 'unvoluntarily' left the track flipping their car over a couple of times landing it about 50 yards from the Autobahn in a field, but fortunately they weren't hurt either as only German police and US MP had to take care of them - no ambulances.

 

[Twinave]

Jill, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your aunt.
Later, Ave'

 

[two-foxes]

My aunt will thank you for your good wishes! Health care in her small town has a lot to be desired, so she will travel the hour+ to get to the Cleveland Clinic....not too long to travel at all, but here in Fort Collins (all too close to the Wyoming border for my taste ) we have wonderful medical care, and we are considered a bit of a cow town. Over all, it is just frustrating to be far from loved ones when bad things happen.

Now back to vacationing topics.....
A friend from work (actually the one who recently finished her treatments for hodgkins) and I have been sharing our vacation excitement....she is headed to Hawaii...in four weeks!!!! She is so close to a week of paradise! (Can you tell we love our jobs..alwasy talking about our next opportunity to leave on vacation ) She was literally counting down the weeks on a calendar, and all I could come up with was "Yeah, well on June 22 I can make my 90 day priority seatings for dinner at WDW!" Somehow, it just didn't carry the same weight as "I leave for Hawaii in 4 weeks!"

So again I ask...is it cruising time yet?