We slept late. Guiltily late. Wastefully, decadentally, delightfully late. I seldom sleep in at home, my internal clock is on automatic pilot somehow. This was a luxury. To sleep until rested, not to wake until ready to stretch. Ahhhhhhhh sweetness.
Up top for a breakfast beverage and then onto that sweet spot on seven aft- the secret verandah. Ever after known to me as "Jeanne's private spot". I loved this spot. There were islands far off in the distant, miles away. I wondered about thier names. Even two small sail boats bravely following along side. Surely not too close I worried, I would have stayed further away. I wondered about the sailors. What were they doing out on this sea on this day? In crafts so small, so far from home. They certainly were not relaxing as I was. I doubt anyone was as relaxed as I at that moment. And this was before the rain forest.
Now for those of you who don't know, the Rain Forest is a part of the boat's spa. An area with heated tiled lounge chairs, a steam room, and saunas. There were apparently a lot of problems in the rain forest this week but I got lucky! There were very few problems evident to me and no major shortcomings.
Dearest sis and I donned bathing suits and headed out. Children were aware that we would be pretty unavailable this day and somehow that felt a little unsettling. As a parent of a teen I ought to be more seperated from the apron strings but being so out of thier world still causes me pause. New enough to me still , that I notice thier absence. I have a sneaking feeling that the empty nest syndrome may strike me harder then I ever thought or blithely joked about.
At the entrance of the rain forest we paid our admittance for a full day of pleasures. We would be coming back here later today. A single visit wouldn't do. We were given our basket and robe and locker key and then left to find our way around on our own. It was a quiet and serene place as soon as we walked past the front desk. And it only got better. We found the Rain Forest and entered into a room with five stone tiled lounge chairs. These were currently occupied so we figured we would start some place else- but where? I do wish they had some sort of printed guide, explaining the functions of the different areas of the forest. Someway to figure out the different saunas and showers and mists besides trial and error. Which comes first - the sauna or the lounger? We started in the gentle sauna. It was VERY gentle. just a humid , warm space. (Maybe it was broken?) I got bored pretty quickly and went off to explore the showers. All with different soaps and different shower heads. One smelled of lemony tropical fruits, one of mint. There were sprays that trickled onto your head and those that pelted at your sides and back. Streams and torrents. It was fun exploring them and now I had some idea what I might like and when. I went back to get sister and we found two vacant tiled lounge chairs. Now if someone told me that a stone lounge chair could feel this delicious I would have scoffed at them. I WANT one of these!! Oh my goodness- the heat into my bones was yummy. Heated chairs- what an idea! I could have sat there all day. Actually I ended up putting in quite a few hours on them this day! I have sore bones, the snorkeling and strange bed had taken thier toll on my back and joints. This could not have come at a better time. It was heavenly. Maybe if I live life right there will be one of these waiting for me at the gates! But people were waiting and we still had not checked out the mist room- ooooh another unknown adventure!! In we go and wait. And wait. It smelled of eucalyptus and cedar. Maybe it is just another "gentle sauna". We added ice and water to the rocks and waited. And then it happened. I smelled eucalyptus/mint stronger. And then stronger still. Coming from the fountain. It started to get misty, very misty. Till we could hardly see. The eucalyptus/mint was so strong now that you had to shut yur eyes. And just breath. Just breath. Just breath. I LOVED it! It was cleansing and sooo relaxing. Almost overwhelming. In awhile the mist cleared -I have no idea of how long it lasted.Off to play in the showers and another round in the heated loungers. I still amaze that stone can be so comfortable, how can it conform to my body like this. I wish that I could have layed on my belly for a bit though. That may have helped with digesting all the rich food!
iSpeaking of food-it was getting near lunch time so we felt obliged to locate children and partake. Into the changing room where there were two more unique showers and some lotion to play with. Dressed and a little wobbly we made sure that our passes allowed us readmission and off we went.
This was the day of the seafood buffet. My favorite sort of food and this did not disappoint. Huge mounds of pink shrimp and bowls brimming with rock crab. I don't remember anything else although I know there were plenty of choices. I had all I wanted. Jumbo shrimp and rock crabs- who could ask for anything more?Not me. I ate and ate some more and then made a plate to bring back for a snack later in the room! It was the best shrimp and the best rock crab I had ever eaten. Never had fresher-ever.
Now DS had awakened with a massive stiff neck- he was in misery. I gave him some pain meds and a muscle relaxer-(never leave home without them thank goodness!) Then I went and made him a plate brimming with delights of the sea. I knew he liked them as much as I so I gave him extra. Having done all I could to comfort him and knowing that he woudl soon be asleep after the food and the meds hit home it was back to the rain forest. Handed in our key cards, got our locker keys and robes and an idea was forming, Hmmmm could we pull it off? I don't know. I am not generally a rule breaker but this might be worth it. Think I could get away with it? It would be so cool if I could. I am speaking of getting DD17 into the rain forest. Her biggest disappointment with the dis cruise was the fact that she would be unable to use the spa services. She is soon off to the army and it seemed fair that she get this one indulgence before her boot camp. So the thought was planted and then mulled over while dearest sis and I did the rounds again. The only shortcoming of the Rain Forest was that gurgling noise in the mist room. What was that about? Some drainage problem? They couldn't have wanted us to have to listen to this. It was distracting and harsh in a place of serenity. I quickly learned to tune it out though and still enjoyed the mist room beyond words.
When we had completed the rounds again- this time feeling more confident of our choices and options- we dressed and headed out. We discussed about trying to get DD inside this place. They never checked our ID's, never even looked at our key cards after the initial scan for payment. I was nervous but thought we could do it. And the worse that would happen is that we would be scolded and told not to come back right? Right? Yikes- I am not a real risk taker- but I did want DD to be able to do this. And it was kind of exciting! Located DD, discussed with her the "plan" drum roll please.....and she was game to give it a try. Into her suit and off we went. Now to be honest I was pretty misted out- deliciously drained- but I just had to try. Last minute instructions- "just hand the guy your card and walk away to look at something" "act like you have been here twice already today" We were on sort of a shared caper! It was fun and we did it! We actually got her in!! Allelluia!! (cue the angelic chorus' singing now please" Once inside we shared a hug and prepared for the inner workings of the Rain Forest. DD enjoyed it as much as I did. I am so glad we got to share this time together before she leaves home. Now I know, breaking the rules is not good and I suppose this wasn't a very good example for her but it was worth it in my eyes. Forgive me Dis for I have sinned. I will always remember this sweet hour of time together. I can only hope that in the difficult, challenging times that are sure to arise in her life in the next few months, that she will be able to close her eyes, take a deep breath and be transported back to this most relaxing moment in time. It was a gift to her. And the time shared was a gift to my heart. I will miss her.
Okay, time to dry my eyes and move onto formal night! Oooooh - gowns and high heels and tuxes and jewelry!! What fun! The rain forest had made my hair pretty limp but not to worry- a bun is more elegant then curls anyways right?? DS still had the stiff neck- slightly reluctant to get dressed up but he didn't want to miss out on his first tux wearing! So we medicated him again and he pulled it off with a smile. There was a tussle about shoes- both girls had to wear the same pair- I thought we had this all worked out at home. I mean we talked about this very thing. How did this happen? Oh well, someone will squeeze into the pair not desired for the walk down and photos and otherwise be barefoot. Something fun about gowns and barefeet! Only on a cruise! We stopped at every photo stand set up on the way in to eat and the way out after. This was THE night that I especially wanted captured for posterity. So it was the night to take every photo op available. One of the photos would certainly be, just had to be perfect.
Dinner was delicious. Of course it was. Lobster tails for everyone. These were the largest, most moist lobster tails I had ever eaten. I had thought of ordering two at first but was glad I didn't. These were LARGE!! One was enough, especially after the afternoons fill of rock crab and shrimp. After dessert a cool balancing trick by Joel and we were off. Back to the room, removing shoes and hose and jewelry and gowns and hair thingies! Getting undressed takes a lot less time but it feels even better then getting dressed in this stuff! Pantyhose is the torture of the well dressed.
DS went back to room to watch a tv movie(and probably order room service!). DD 17 was going to the internet cafe to write Mike and DD13 was travelling with us for a bit. Just checking out the sites and activities. I don't remember all the details really. I was still rather drained from the spa I think! For a hyperactive person such as me, drained is a good feeling! Loose and lazy. Ready for bed and dreams of Castaway Cay. I heard so much about this place in the sea. It couldn't be as good as everyone said could it? It must be over rated musn't it? I'd find out tomorrow. For now it was back to the room, a quick chuckle at our towel scorpion who was trying to eat our chocolates- that rascal- and off to never never land. Another sweet ending to another near perfect day. The seas have been unbelievably calm all week. the skys have been non- stop blue. Even if I had control over the weather I could not have done it this well. We are lucky and blessed. I am thankful.
I layed my head down, exhausted. Took a deep breath and what did I smell?
The sweet smell of eucalyptus and lemon in my hair, ahhhhhhhhh
Up top for a breakfast beverage and then onto that sweet spot on seven aft- the secret verandah. Ever after known to me as "Jeanne's private spot". I loved this spot. There were islands far off in the distant, miles away. I wondered about thier names. Even two small sail boats bravely following along side. Surely not too close I worried, I would have stayed further away. I wondered about the sailors. What were they doing out on this sea on this day? In crafts so small, so far from home. They certainly were not relaxing as I was. I doubt anyone was as relaxed as I at that moment. And this was before the rain forest.
Now for those of you who don't know, the Rain Forest is a part of the boat's spa. An area with heated tiled lounge chairs, a steam room, and saunas. There were apparently a lot of problems in the rain forest this week but I got lucky! There were very few problems evident to me and no major shortcomings.
Dearest sis and I donned bathing suits and headed out. Children were aware that we would be pretty unavailable this day and somehow that felt a little unsettling. As a parent of a teen I ought to be more seperated from the apron strings but being so out of thier world still causes me pause. New enough to me still , that I notice thier absence. I have a sneaking feeling that the empty nest syndrome may strike me harder then I ever thought or blithely joked about.
At the entrance of the rain forest we paid our admittance for a full day of pleasures. We would be coming back here later today. A single visit wouldn't do. We were given our basket and robe and locker key and then left to find our way around on our own. It was a quiet and serene place as soon as we walked past the front desk. And it only got better. We found the Rain Forest and entered into a room with five stone tiled lounge chairs. These were currently occupied so we figured we would start some place else- but where? I do wish they had some sort of printed guide, explaining the functions of the different areas of the forest. Someway to figure out the different saunas and showers and mists besides trial and error. Which comes first - the sauna or the lounger? We started in the gentle sauna. It was VERY gentle. just a humid , warm space. (Maybe it was broken?) I got bored pretty quickly and went off to explore the showers. All with different soaps and different shower heads. One smelled of lemony tropical fruits, one of mint. There were sprays that trickled onto your head and those that pelted at your sides and back. Streams and torrents. It was fun exploring them and now I had some idea what I might like and when. I went back to get sister and we found two vacant tiled lounge chairs. Now if someone told me that a stone lounge chair could feel this delicious I would have scoffed at them. I WANT one of these!! Oh my goodness- the heat into my bones was yummy. Heated chairs- what an idea! I could have sat there all day. Actually I ended up putting in quite a few hours on them this day! I have sore bones, the snorkeling and strange bed had taken thier toll on my back and joints. This could not have come at a better time. It was heavenly. Maybe if I live life right there will be one of these waiting for me at the gates! But people were waiting and we still had not checked out the mist room- ooooh another unknown adventure!! In we go and wait. And wait. It smelled of eucalyptus and cedar. Maybe it is just another "gentle sauna". We added ice and water to the rocks and waited. And then it happened. I smelled eucalyptus/mint stronger. And then stronger still. Coming from the fountain. It started to get misty, very misty. Till we could hardly see. The eucalyptus/mint was so strong now that you had to shut yur eyes. And just breath. Just breath. Just breath. I LOVED it! It was cleansing and sooo relaxing. Almost overwhelming. In awhile the mist cleared -I have no idea of how long it lasted.Off to play in the showers and another round in the heated loungers. I still amaze that stone can be so comfortable, how can it conform to my body like this. I wish that I could have layed on my belly for a bit though. That may have helped with digesting all the rich food!
iSpeaking of food-it was getting near lunch time so we felt obliged to locate children and partake. Into the changing room where there were two more unique showers and some lotion to play with. Dressed and a little wobbly we made sure that our passes allowed us readmission and off we went.
This was the day of the seafood buffet. My favorite sort of food and this did not disappoint. Huge mounds of pink shrimp and bowls brimming with rock crab. I don't remember anything else although I know there were plenty of choices. I had all I wanted. Jumbo shrimp and rock crabs- who could ask for anything more?Not me. I ate and ate some more and then made a plate to bring back for a snack later in the room! It was the best shrimp and the best rock crab I had ever eaten. Never had fresher-ever.
Now DS had awakened with a massive stiff neck- he was in misery. I gave him some pain meds and a muscle relaxer-(never leave home without them thank goodness!) Then I went and made him a plate brimming with delights of the sea. I knew he liked them as much as I so I gave him extra. Having done all I could to comfort him and knowing that he woudl soon be asleep after the food and the meds hit home it was back to the rain forest. Handed in our key cards, got our locker keys and robes and an idea was forming, Hmmmm could we pull it off? I don't know. I am not generally a rule breaker but this might be worth it. Think I could get away with it? It would be so cool if I could. I am speaking of getting DD17 into the rain forest. Her biggest disappointment with the dis cruise was the fact that she would be unable to use the spa services. She is soon off to the army and it seemed fair that she get this one indulgence before her boot camp. So the thought was planted and then mulled over while dearest sis and I did the rounds again. The only shortcoming of the Rain Forest was that gurgling noise in the mist room. What was that about? Some drainage problem? They couldn't have wanted us to have to listen to this. It was distracting and harsh in a place of serenity. I quickly learned to tune it out though and still enjoyed the mist room beyond words.
When we had completed the rounds again- this time feeling more confident of our choices and options- we dressed and headed out. We discussed about trying to get DD inside this place. They never checked our ID's, never even looked at our key cards after the initial scan for payment. I was nervous but thought we could do it. And the worse that would happen is that we would be scolded and told not to come back right? Right? Yikes- I am not a real risk taker- but I did want DD to be able to do this. And it was kind of exciting! Located DD, discussed with her the "plan" drum roll please.....and she was game to give it a try. Into her suit and off we went. Now to be honest I was pretty misted out- deliciously drained- but I just had to try. Last minute instructions- "just hand the guy your card and walk away to look at something" "act like you have been here twice already today" We were on sort of a shared caper! It was fun and we did it! We actually got her in!! Allelluia!! (cue the angelic chorus' singing now please" Once inside we shared a hug and prepared for the inner workings of the Rain Forest. DD enjoyed it as much as I did. I am so glad we got to share this time together before she leaves home. Now I know, breaking the rules is not good and I suppose this wasn't a very good example for her but it was worth it in my eyes. Forgive me Dis for I have sinned. I will always remember this sweet hour of time together. I can only hope that in the difficult, challenging times that are sure to arise in her life in the next few months, that she will be able to close her eyes, take a deep breath and be transported back to this most relaxing moment in time. It was a gift to her. And the time shared was a gift to my heart. I will miss her.
Okay, time to dry my eyes and move onto formal night! Oooooh - gowns and high heels and tuxes and jewelry!! What fun! The rain forest had made my hair pretty limp but not to worry- a bun is more elegant then curls anyways right?? DS still had the stiff neck- slightly reluctant to get dressed up but he didn't want to miss out on his first tux wearing! So we medicated him again and he pulled it off with a smile. There was a tussle about shoes- both girls had to wear the same pair- I thought we had this all worked out at home. I mean we talked about this very thing. How did this happen? Oh well, someone will squeeze into the pair not desired for the walk down and photos and otherwise be barefoot. Something fun about gowns and barefeet! Only on a cruise! We stopped at every photo stand set up on the way in to eat and the way out after. This was THE night that I especially wanted captured for posterity. So it was the night to take every photo op available. One of the photos would certainly be, just had to be perfect.
Dinner was delicious. Of course it was. Lobster tails for everyone. These were the largest, most moist lobster tails I had ever eaten. I had thought of ordering two at first but was glad I didn't. These were LARGE!! One was enough, especially after the afternoons fill of rock crab and shrimp. After dessert a cool balancing trick by Joel and we were off. Back to the room, removing shoes and hose and jewelry and gowns and hair thingies! Getting undressed takes a lot less time but it feels even better then getting dressed in this stuff! Pantyhose is the torture of the well dressed.
DS went back to room to watch a tv movie(and probably order room service!). DD 17 was going to the internet cafe to write Mike and DD13 was travelling with us for a bit. Just checking out the sites and activities. I don't remember all the details really. I was still rather drained from the spa I think! For a hyperactive person such as me, drained is a good feeling! Loose and lazy. Ready for bed and dreams of Castaway Cay. I heard so much about this place in the sea. It couldn't be as good as everyone said could it? It must be over rated musn't it? I'd find out tomorrow. For now it was back to the room, a quick chuckle at our towel scorpion who was trying to eat our chocolates- that rascal- and off to never never land. Another sweet ending to another near perfect day. The seas have been unbelievably calm all week. the skys have been non- stop blue. Even if I had control over the weather I could not have done it this well. We are lucky and blessed. I am thankful.
I layed my head down, exhausted. Took a deep breath and what did I smell?
The sweet smell of eucalyptus and lemon in my hair, ahhhhhhhhh
As I said MANY times this was NOT about my DD. She handled things fine- all worked out well for her. This is a bigger issue then our inconvenience.
RELAX!! Everyone has their own views and opinions, and it is not our place to judge them! 
(go ahead and flame me - after all, this is the DIS - home of the flame 
