7/18/10 Mickey's Baltic Ballyhoo Part 6

[Madisonznana]

My Mom gave me this handbag that she received as a gift, but didn't want as it is not her style.

I thought it was kind of cute...but my DH and kids say Ugly!!!




Need some additional opinions.

http://www.shop.divabelladesigns.com/Big-Buddha-Rose-Bag-BB-223805.htm;jsessionid=62A223843C57D9071D109CB0C70272BB.qscstrfrnt04

I love it!!!!!!!!!!

 

[KathyInCitrus]

Who would have guessed a 1 - 1 tie?

 

[Celestine]

Who would have guessed a 1 - 1 tie?

Respect where it is due, the US are looking far more technically advanced than ever. It is a sport that is played more than is watched in the US I believe. We will still win the group, but I hope the US advance to the last 16 with England.

Paul

 

[MrsScooby]

Sorry, I'm agreeing with your family.

I love it!!!!!!!!!!

So funny
I like the design, but not for every day and it is too big for an evening bag.
Plus every time I take it out my DH and DD make faces
Gonna hold on to it for a while before I decide what to do with it

Congrats
It would be nice if you posted some photos while you were having your own pirate run. That's what Roger from the 2008 EB repo used to do and it made for an entertaining review when us late arrivers had to scroll through

Lucky me I am off to get a root canal this Morning!

Hope you have an easy recovery
My friend had a root canal and was pleasantly surprised to find it relatively easy-but I guess that depends on the individual

Respect where it is due, the US are looking far more technically advanced than ever. It is a sport that is played more than is watched in the US I believe. We will still win the group, but I hope the US advance to the last 16 with England.

Paul

Lots of the kids play soccer/football here

My family is very much into baseball for 2 reasons-one we're from NY and two...my Dad was a sports writer for a NY newspaper for many years before he retired and covered professional baseball from Feb to Oct.

Now my ex-sister in law was from Brazil and she lived and breathed football-very big deal there.

 

[MrsScooby]

Ordered our currency from our bank today

It was funny trying to figure out how much we might need in the different ports.
Had to confess to the DH that I might be buying a sweater in Tallinn

I'm hoping to avoid atm fees in the other ports if I can, but if I find a sweater I like at the sweater wall in Tallinn I'm heading to the atm. At least that is the plan

 

[alanapapa]

Ordered our currency from our bank today

It was funny trying to figure out how much we might need in the different ports.
Had to confess to the DH that I might be buying a sweater in Tallinn

I'm hoping to avoid atm fees in the other ports if I can.

We ordered ours today too. I say we as Caro was having "issues" with the computer and some of my online id's and passwords. We got through it and got some ordered. We were even able to order Rubles.

 

[smilis]

My DH doesn't involved himself much in the planning either which is a shame as he is a very bright guy and often thinks of things that I overlook or forget about.

I think most people have the situation where one family member is the planner and the others weigh in from time to time.

I bought some packing cubes from Rick Steve's website and a travel umbrella (that hopefully won't break in the first stiff wind).

Anyone have a packing list started?

Laurie,
Yep, my packing list has been started for about a month. Whenever I pull somethng out of the closet and like the way it looks/feels on me, I jot it down on my chart so I'll remember to pack it. Problem is with not knowing how hot it will be for our days in port. I'm trying to consider long sleeve items and pants rather than all capris.

So, who is getting rubles to use in St Petersburg? We're ordering our money tonight and just trying to figure out what currencies and amounts to get!

Caropooh,
Yes we ordered rubles, but not a huge amount because our private excursion is pre-paid. DH will be picking up currency on Monday. They had to order the Estonian Kroner.

ordering them today too
I read somewhere that we are limited in how much we can bring in
so just bringing 1000 rubles (about $36)

Laurie,
I ordered about $200 USD worth in rubles.

My Mom gave me this handbag that she received as a gift, but didn't want as it is not her style.

I thought it was kind of cute...but my DH and kids say Ugly!!!
Need some additional opinions.

Laurie,
It is a very different looking purse. We're you thinking of bringing it on the cruise? We'll be able to spot you in London if you do I would probably use it if the occasion was just right.

Didn't watch the soccer game. Busy with granddaughter's dance recitals and then a BIL retirement party.

 

[jilljill]

We did get some of DH's clothes picked out. Less to do when we get back.

 

[hawaiian mickey]

My DH doesn't involved himself much in the planning either which is a shame as he is a very bright guy and often thinks of things that I overlook or forget about.

I think most people have the situation where one family member is the planner and the others weigh in from time to time.

I bought some packing cubes from Rick Steve's website and a travel umbrella (that hopefully won't break in the first stiff wind).

Anyone have a packing list started?

aloha,
I'm half way done. Packing folders and cubes are great. Wife will probably wait till the last minute to start packing.
Also anyone going to Porter's Sat ? The Kouris family and us are eating at 6:30. We would love to meet some people before the cruise.

aloha,
hawaiian mickey

 

[Caropooh]

We ordered ours today too. I say we as Caro was having "issues" with the computer and some of my online id's and passwords. We got through it and got some ordered. We were even able to order Rubles.

And I greatly appreciated your help today, dear!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Who would have guessed a 1 - 1 tie?

The funny thing is to my kids I said 1-1 and if its on ITV here we never win, only win when its on the BBC!!!!!!!

 

[MrsScooby]

We ordered ours today too. I say we as Caro was having "issues" with the computer and some of my online id's and passwords. We got through it and got some ordered. We were even able to order Rubles.

Glad you were able to overcome that computer problem
We also ordered rubles as well-hopefully enough for a tip for our tour in St Pete or we will be visiting the atm there too.

[/B]


Laurie,
Yep, my packing list has been started for about a month. Whenever I pull somethng out of the closet and like the way it looks/feels on me, I jot it down on my chart so I'll remember to pack it. Problem is with not knowing how hot it will be for our days in port. I'm trying to consider long sleeve items and pants rather than all capris.

Yes, packing will be a bit of a challenge to try and be prepared for any kind of weather. Bringing only 1-2 pairs of shorts for the kids just in case. Definitely some short sleeve shirts, but also a couple cardigan sweaters and a light jacket to go over. Will try to dress for dinner in skirts/dress pants and a nice top, but if we run late in port I may very well show up in jeans Still debating on what to do for Formal night


Caropooh,
Yes we ordered rubles, but not a huge amount because our private excursion is pre-paid. DH will be picking up currency on Monday. They had to order the Estonian Kroner.
We also got the Estonian Kroner as well



Laurie,
I ordered about $200 USD worth in rubles.

We wound up ordering more rubles than I originally thought we would-probably close to what you ordered


Laurie,
It is a very different looking purse. We're you thinking of bringing it on the cruise? We'll be able to spot you in London if you do I would probably use it if the occasion was just right.

I think I'm going to be too pressed for space to bring the purse with me on this trip...plus my family keeps making gagging noises whenever I take it out
Didn't watch the soccer game. Busy with granddaughter's dance recitals and then a BIL retirement party.

aloha,
I'm half way done. Packing folders and cubes are great. Wife will probably wait till the last minute to start packing.
Also anyone going to Porter's Sat ? The Kouris family and us are eating at 6:30. We would love to meet some people before the cruise.

aloha,
hawaiian mickey

Tried a packing folder for the first time when I went to San Diego for a weekend with only carryon luggage. It was great, made it so much easier to find what I needed in my bag and kept clothes from wrinkling alot. Only bought 2 sets of packing cubes from the Rick Steve's website (6 cubes total) so might buy more when packing for this trip

A bunch of us are at Porter's on Friday night after our London eye flight, but I thought someone had posted here that they might be there Saturday-so I would not be surprised if you bumped into someone from this thread while there

 

[ladyvet]

I am starting to figure out the money issue. It seems most countries will accept credit cards, right? Do we need to tip excursion guides in the currency of their country? I remember in the Med many took US dollars, but I'm reading it will be different this time.

How easy/difficult do you think it will be to change money on the ship? I'm trying to simplify as much as possible!

Beth

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I am starting to figure out the money issue. It seems most countries will accept credit cards, right? Do we need to tip excursion guides in the currency of their country? I remember in the Med many took US dollars, but I'm reading it will be different this time.

How easy/difficult do you think it will be to change money on the ship? I'm trying to simplify as much as possible!

Beth

DCL will have corporate rates of exchange for each cruise, I personally wouldn't use it unless an emergency, rates quoted recently on Baltic thread on main forum

IMHO, Someone has started a bit of a scare on the main forum re use of credit cards yes there is issues ordering in advance from the USA online using a USA address in a few cases. But London is a tourist hotstop we have people from all over the world and they all have ATM cards and Credit cards, they all work or in major shops there is back up signature options that the reader will be able to work out, only issues would be some lack of staff training on it as 99% is Chip and Pin. We have alternatives for people with disabilities and also, some UK Banks do not have chip and PIN. They all get cash.

I will take Euros and Dollars and the rest is on Credit cards.

Worth reading posts or asking people on the first Baltic cruise for the up to date position on all bar Tallinn, as things update over the years.

 

[jilljill]

Later all, out of here in a bit.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Five weeks today , or 35 days whichever you prefer...




Kids meet time posted on Kids thread by DS, can you get your kids to post please........

Magic bottom left with all the arrows making good progress. Denmark to right, and Norway above.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

For thoose going to Dover early, or with a few hours to spare, after check in you can walk to the town centre, we did this yesterday and its a nice town. I would recommend it with luggage but if you can check in the luggage, its about a 10>15 min walk to the shops.

Come out of terminal have ID as there is a security gate, walk to main road, only one way you can go, its over the railway line and right at the roundabout (A20). Then take a right, you go over the railway line again, and down along side the Marina cliffs on the other side, across another roundabout, and then down the road,( -you have an alternative here, you cloud o a right, go to the stone beach, and then left into town.).

But if you go direct, from the second roundabout there will be a third main roundabout and just after this a subway under the road for pedestrians. Go under the road, (left) and you walk up into the town centre, a paved area.

Here there was a market, many shops including Marks and Spencer for food, drink, wine, clothes, Mcdonalds, W H Smith for books and papers, we will be there Sunday so shops will open around 11am for six hours.

You can walk back via the roads as before, or at the subway go straight and you hit the beach, take a right, walk along beach, and then when you hit the road a right back to the A20.

You will see the Magic all the time from the road and beach.

PAUL/CELESTINE

There is security at the gate, its a small area post the security gate and limited space, therefore strong traiffc management in force, assume you have agreed to pull up at the terminal?? have they given a time, bet they will stagger arrivals.

I saw many taxis and little vans come in but best to check,-do you need a permit? or is ID ok?

Otherwise its a little walk with luggage, so best to check.

 

[Celestine]

PAUL/CELESTINE

There is security at the gate, its a small area post the security gate and limited space, therefore strong traiffc management in force, assume you have agreed to pull up at the terminal?? have they given a time, bet they will stagger arrivals.

I saw many taxis and little vans come in but best to check,-do you need a permit? or is ID ok?

Otherwise its a little walk with luggage, so best to check.

Thanks for the heads up. DH saw some photos of the area and some Kingsferry coaches were in it (the company we are using). He is getting hold of his contact tomorrow to check stuff like that

Celestine

 

[RJAYL]

Thanks for the heads up. DH saw some photos of the area and some Kingsferry coaches were in it (the company we are using). He is getting hold of his contact tomorrow to check stuff like that

Celestine

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Thanks for the heads up. DH saw some photos of the area and some Kingsferry coaches were in it (the company we are using). He is getting hold of his contact tomorrow to check stuff like that

Celestine

Yes its quite tight in there, basically the drop off is on the pier, and was rather crowded, I could see people say 2>4 etc in a taxi with Docs would get in, but a lot on a coach, not sure of the rules so worth checking its ok, and the second bit is there timed arrivals, -traffic management, not sure. Worth checking.

This was early 7.40am but you can see coaches held back awaiting people getting off.

Car park