August 18, 2010...Can't wait for the MAGICal Mediterranean!!!

[SettinSail]

Hello all, just a quick post - we made it back to Germany in one piece.
Travel was fine; the plane was about half full, lots of empty seats to stretch out in. I took Advil PM for the first time and was able to sleep a little, maybe 2 hours total in small bits. Now trying to stay up all day here until it's atleast 8 PM.

Packing was very hard for me, my bags ended up weighing 50, 50 and 50.5
lbs. I spent ALOT of time on that but was still shocked that I came so close
to the limit! It appears I had a few packing mishaps: 1) Almost the entire bottle of wrinkle spray leaked out. One of the few liquid items I did not have inside a baggie. Very bummed out to lose this spray but luckily it only leaked onto clothes and we are washing them now. 2) Looks like I did not pack the cord for the new white noise machine I bought just to take on the cruise. Don't know what I was thinking or where it is but DARN!!!
OK so I found the cord later in a different suitcase I think I am half asleep still

Happy travels and packing to all Erin, I hope you have the Coli tix sorted now, I have not actually ordered mine yet. Mindy, we are heading for a beach on our own at Corsica. And, most important of all, I made it through the 25 minute run but only covered 1.5 miles so my pace is slow but I guess that will pick up in time.

See you all at the Dis Meet and see Erin & Kate at the Novotel !!!
Shawn

 

[K8T]

Hello all, just a quick post - we made it back to Germany in one piece.
Travel was fine; the plane was about half full, lots of empty seats to stretch out in. I took Advil PM for the first time and was able to sleep a little, maybe 2 hours total in small bits. Now trying to stay up all day here until it's atleast 8 PM.

Packing was very hard for me, my bags ended up weighing 50, 50 and 50.5
lbs. I spent ALOT of time on that but was still shocked that I came so close
to the limit! It appears I had a few packing mishaps: 1) Almost the entire bottle of wrinkle spray leaked out. One of the few liquid items I did not have inside a baggie. Very bummed out to lose this spray but luckily it only leaked onto clothes and we are washing them now. 2) Looks like I did not pack the cord for the new white noise machine I bought just to take on the cruise. Don't know what I was thinking or where it is but DARN!!!

Happy travels and packing to all Erin, I hope you have the Coli tix sorted now, I have not actually ordered mine yet. Mindy, we are heading for a beach on our own at Corsica. And, most important of all, I made it through the 25 minute run but only covered 1.5 miles so my pace is slow but I guess that will pick up in time.

See you all at the Dis Meet and see Erin & Kate at the Novotel !!!
Shawn

Glad you made it back, what an epic travelling time you are having!!! Can't believe you did the run before you set off - that must be dedication!! Well done though, apparently you shouldn't worry about the speed, it is the stamina that comes first, being able to keep it going. The speed comes next, the fact you did it at all is amazing.

I was supposed to do my WK8D2 again, another 30 mins, but have not been well, sore throat, swollen glands, achy all over, so thought I would let my body heal rather than put any strain on it. Feel a little better today - fingers crossed and everything else for that matter that it doesn't come to anything I really want to do one more before I leave and then the final one on the ship.

Done loads of ironing last night, more laundry and telling OH that he can't wear this and that now. By Monday, he will be going to work in his oldest clothes. I was supposed to work on Monday, but am trying to wheedle out of it. I could do with that extra day, before we set off early on Tuesday. Stupidly I have told dd that we can go to a local theme park on Friday with some little friends (the ones that missed the booking for the ship!). I could do with that day in, but what the heck (live dangerously!)

I do need to clean the house well though, we have a house sitter who comes in and looks after the dogs, cat and house while we are away and I worry she will think we are messy!! (as if ).

Mindy, Corsica, we are going to have a wander around, there isn't a lot in the town however, the island is beautiful, although the beaches near the port aren't as good as the ones further around, dd will be happy! The market is interesting too, but only in the morning. It all finishes by lunchtime.

I read the little train was disappointing, not been on it ourselves, did think about doing it on our own, but dd will be happy with the beach!.

Great about the weather, it is dull and wintery here, we all need some sun. I love it HOT

Lisa, I like your packing style!

 

[SettinSail]

Glad you made it back, what an epic travelling time you are having!!! Can't believe you did the run before you set off - that must be dedication!! Well done though, apparently you shouldn't worry about the speed, it is the stamina that comes first, being able to keep it going. The speed comes next, the fact you did it at all is amazing.

Thanks, I think it is pretty amazing too...esp for me, a non-exerciser who is OLD. I think the program really accelerates too fast for novice runners but maybe that's the best way. I started out at 6:00 am and my flight did not leave until 2:00 so I had plenty of time and hoped it would tire me out so much I would sleep well on the overnight flight. Of course that did not happen

Hope you feel better soon and good luck at the theme park
You are brave !!

Shawn

 

[mindelmouse]

Hello all, just a quick post - we made it back to Germany in one piece.
Travel was fine; the plane was about half full, lots of empty seats to stretch out in. I took Advil PM for the first time and was able to sleep a little, maybe 2 hours total in small bits. Now trying to stay up all day here until it's atleast 8 PM.

Packing was very hard for me, my bags ended up weighing 50, 50 and 50.5
lbs. I spent ALOT of time on that but was still shocked that I came so close
to the limit! It appears I had a few packing mishaps: 1) Almost the entire bottle of wrinkle spray leaked out. One of the few liquid items I did not have inside a baggie. Very bummed out to lose this spray but luckily it only leaked onto clothes and we are washing them now. 2) Looks like I did not pack the cord for the new white noise machine I bought just to take on the cruise. Don't know what I was thinking or where it is but DARN!!!
OK so I found the cord later in a different suitcase I think I am half asleep still

Happy travels and packing to all Erin, I hope you have the Coli tix sorted now, I have not actually ordered mine yet. Mindy, we are heading for a beach on our own at Corsica. And, most important of all, I made it through the 25 minute run but only covered 1.5 miles so my pace is slow but I guess that will pick up in time.

See you all at the Dis Meet and see Erin & Kate at the Novotel !!!
Shawn

Great to hear that you got back safely.....I always put liquids in a plastic bag...the air pressure does nasty things to them. I will have a lot of wrinkle release spray to share if you need it.

 

[mindelmouse]

Glad you made it back, what an epic travelling time you are having!!! Can't believe you did the run before you set off - that must be dedication!! Well done though, apparently you shouldn't worry about the speed, it is the stamina that comes first, being able to keep it going. The speed comes next, the fact you did it at all is amazing.

I was supposed to do my WK8D2 again, another 30 mins, but have not been well, sore throat, swollen glands, achy all over, so thought I would let my body heal rather than put any strain on it. Feel a little better today - fingers crossed and everything else for that matter that it doesn't come to anything I really want to do one more before I leave and then the final one on the ship.

Done loads of ironing last night, more laundry and telling OH that he can't wear this and that now. By Monday, he will be going to work in his oldest clothes. I was supposed to work on Monday, but am trying to wheedle out of it. I could do with that extra day, before we set off early on Tuesday. Stupidly I have told dd that we can go to a local theme park on Friday with some little friends (the ones that missed the booking for the ship!). I could do with that day in, but what the heck (live dangerously!)

I do need to clean the house well though, we have a house sitter who comes in and looks after the dogs, cat and house while we are away and I worry she will think we are messy!! (as if ).

Mindy, Corsica, we are going to have a wander around, there isn't a lot in the town however, the island is beautiful, although the beaches near the port aren't as good as the ones further around, dd will be happy! The market is interesting too, but only in the morning. It all finishes by lunchtime.

I read the little train was disappointing, not been on it ourselves, did think about doing it on our own, but dd will be happy with the beach!.

Great about the weather, it is dull and wintery here, we all need some sun. I love it HOT

Lisa, I like your packing style!

It's funny work this week, I'm trying not to wear anything that has to go to the dry cleaner although DH said even if I do, he can get it back in one day...I'd rather not chance it, this guy loses my clothes. I too will be ironing everything before it goes in the suitcase. I pretty much know what we're packing, so we'll have our marathon packing "event' on Sunday and Monday. We don't leave for the airport until 3:30 pm.

Thanks everyone for your Corsica info...it seems that 1/2 are doing Sweet Corsica and 1/2 on their own...I'm inclined to go on our own, but I'm going to let DH make the final decision. This was always the port that we were unsure of what to do.

Kate - feel better...it really is horrible to get sick right before the trip...that is one of my biggest fears...been trying to make sure the kids stay healthy.

 

[pixie08]

Oooh that's a great idea about ironing before it all goes in. Do you all roll or fold?

Shawn- I am happy you are safely in Germany.

In terms of Corsica, this is one we have decided to do on our own as well. Maybe hit the market, or the beach. Kate, you mention there are better beaches further out. Did you see any cabs near the ship to get to those beaches? Thanks.

 

[soxfan1495]

Looks like we don't have to worry any more about the strike affecting our trip TO the Barcelona. -- http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE67709820100808. This article suggests that if there is a strike it won't start until at least August 22.

SO we can focus on packing and other preparations. Can't believe we are almost there.

Question of the day: For those of you taking an iphone, how do you use the iphone on the ship to access the web? Do you put the iphone in "airplane" mode except when you want to access the web, and then do you need to pay for use of the access from the ship? I am concerned about avoiding roaming charges, which I understand can be huge if you are not careful.

 

[jel0511]

Looks like we don't have to worry any more about the strike affecting our trip TO the Barcelona. -- http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE67709820100808. This article suggests that if there is a strike it won't start until at least August 22.

SO we can focus on packing and other preparations. Can't believe we are almost there.

Question of the day: For those of you taking an iphone, how do you use the iphone on the ship to access the web? Do you put the iphone in "airplane" mode except when you want to access the web, and then do you need to pay for use of the access from the ship? I am concerned about avoiding roaming charges, which I understand can be huge if you are not careful.

You have to use wifi to access the web on the ship. If you keep it in airplane mode you can then turn on wifi to access DCL's network. It's REALLY slow and costs about .75 a minute, cheaper if you get a package. We've added on an international data plan to use data off the ship as well as when in Paris.

 

[soxfan1495]

You have to use wifi to access the web on the ship. If you keep it in airplane mode you can then turn on wifi to access DCL's network. It's REALLY slow and costs about .75 a minute, cheaper if you get a package. We've added on an international data plan to use data off the ship as well as when in Paris.

Thanks. If you get a package, does that involve accessing the web from a computer terminal on the ship, or does it mean using the iphone (but still at the slow speed you mentioned), and just not worrying about the cost so long as you stay within the amount of time paid for on the plan -- i.e. is it faster to use one of the computer terminals that I guess they have on the ship or should we just stick to using the iphone with a plan while on the ship?

 

[jel0511]

Thanks. If you get a package, does that involve accessing the web from a computer terminal on the ship, or does it mean using the iphone (but still at the slow speed you mentioned), and just not worrying about the cost so long as you stay within the amount of time paid for on the plan -- i.e. is it faster to use one of the computer terminals that I guess they have on the ship or should we just stick to using the iphone with a plan while on the ship?

it's about the same speed, wifi is only available in certain areas of the ship, not in rooms. Here is the link from DCL about costs and wifi locations
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ships-activities/ships/services/internet-cellular-services/

 

[K8T]

I used my Iphone last time. I turned off roaming, to avoid updating at a cost. If you put it in aeroplane mode, it won't ring, or allow calls, but maybe that is what you want. I expect it is different for us, although we pay slightly more for European calls, it won't equate to what you probably pay!

When I was out, particularly at cafes/Macdonalds, I picked up WiFi signals, some of which were open and then used that to update everything.

On the ship we didn't purchase the package, but I did try and access through pay per minute. It was however, ridiculously slow and I gave up. I did go up to the computers on the Promenade lounge, but these were just as bad, so I didn't bother. It still charged us a few $, even though I didn't actually connect properly, let alone send anything! So if you buy the package you can access it from either your equipment, or the computers on board.

Oh and Mary - I always, always fold - but only when things are cool. If you fold warm, you fold in creases!!!!! (in the tone of my mother!)

Kate

 

[ejw]

Spanish air traffic controllers union USCA agreed last night not to strike during Spain’s busiest holiday period, when many holidaymakers, including Spanish nationals, will be returning home from their summer breaks. However the strike has been averted for the month of August only, and it looks like talks will have to continue.


It’s good news for Spain’s tourist industry and the airlines, not least passengers who feared their holidays would be seriously disrupted by any strike action, but the Spanish air traffic controllers' union emphasised this is just a temporary “truce”.

According to global Spanish language newspaper El Pais, Communications Secretary Cesar Cabo of the union USCA made it clear that the strike is postponed for the rest of August only, with the aim of not damaging the most important month for the tourist industry.

Cabo said, “We have received so many letters from holidaymakers and businesses and we have listened to the President of our Spanish Government. We have decided to withdraw our intention to strike, but now we also hope that the government will tell AENA that they must sit down and negotiate with us.”

Had the strike gone ahead next week it would have been the first time that Spain’s air traffic controllers had taken action.

 

[jel0511]

Spanish air traffic controllers union USCA agreed last night not to strike during Spain’s busiest holiday period, when many holidaymakers, including Spanish nationals, will be returning home from their summer breaks. However the strike has been averted for the month of August only, and it looks like talks will have to continue.


It’s good news for Spain’s tourist industry and the airlines, not least passengers who feared their holidays would be seriously disrupted by any strike action, but the Spanish air traffic controllers' union emphasised this is just a temporary “truce”.

According to global Spanish language newspaper El Pais, Communications Secretary Cesar Cabo of the union USCA made it clear that the strike is postponed for the rest of August only, with the aim of not damaging the most important month for the tourist industry.

Cabo said, “We have received so many letters from holidaymakers and businesses and we have listened to the President of our Spanish Government. We have decided to withdraw our intention to strike, but now we also hope that the government will tell AENA that they must sit down and negotiate with us.”

Had the strike gone ahead next week it would have been the first time that Spain’s air traffic controllers had taken action.

 

[Vicky29]

DD diagnosed with Asperger's today. I already suspected it, but I guess it still came as a shock, part of me still thought (and I guess hoped) even going into the assessment that they'd tell me she was just spoilt, would grow out of it etc. etc. I'm looking on the positive, she's very intelligent, polite, follows rules (albeit her ones - thou shalt wear a dress, thou shalt not wear a cardigan unless one is outside, thou shalt always ask the question 'Is it inside or outside' when playing eye spy to a T), is very loving etc. But I'm also fairly petrified if I'm honest - no idea how I choose a school, I think the fact that I'm a teacher makes that even harder. In the short term, if you hear a child having hysterics in the dining room because they've been sat at the wrong (i.e. not the same as last time) table then you'll all know it's us

 

[mindelmouse]

DD diagnosed with Asperger's today. I already suspected it, but I guess it still came as a shock, part of me still thought (and I guess hoped) even going into the assessment that they'd tell me she was just spoilt, would grow out of it etc. etc. I'm looking on the positive, she's very intelligent, polite, follows rules (albeit her ones - thou shalt wear a dress, thou shalt not wear a cardigan unless one is outside, thou shalt always ask the question 'Is it inside or outside' when playing eye spy to a T), is very loving etc. But I'm also fairly petrified if I'm honest - no idea how I choose a school, I think the fact that I'm a teacher makes that even harder. In the short term, if you hear a child having hysterics in the dining room because they've been sat at the wrong (i.e. not the same as last time) table then you'll all know it's us

Vicki - I have some questions. How old is DD again? Is she social with other children? adults? The reason I ask it that my son was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 5. The doctor wanted to diagnose him as having asperger's however, she was hesitant because he was very social. We had him reevaluated again, by a different doctor in the same group, when he was 7 because we were going to consider medicating him and that doctor said that he definitely did not have aspergers and it was just ADHD.

Believe it or not there are many similarities between the two. My son also has ODD (oppositional Defiant disorder). He defies authority all the time (especially ours). He's very head strong and very opinionated. With the ADHD, he's very impulsive. The attention part is kept in check with medication, but the impulsivity and the defiance are always there. We had him seeing a psychologist for the last year, but he wanted to stop.

I think I remember your DD as being very young. Although she was diagnosed with the Aspergers, did they also say that she's borderline? I know there are 2 boys in my neighborhood with Asperger's (both now in High School) who are very successful. They went through the public school system and did not have to go to a special school. I also have a friend with a daughter with full blown autism and she is in a special school. There are many books out there that can help you deal with this. I know it's hard to hear, but you can get through this.

 

[jstin]

DD diagnosed with Asperger's today. I already suspected it, but I guess it still came as a shock, part of me still thought (and I guess hoped) even going into the assessment that they'd tell me she was just spoilt, would grow out of it etc. etc. I'm looking on the positive, she's very intelligent, polite, follows rules (albeit her ones - thou shalt wear a dress, thou shalt not wear a cardigan unless one is outside, thou shalt always ask the question 'Is it inside or outside' when playing eye spy to a T), is very loving etc. But I'm also fairly petrified if I'm honest - no idea how I choose a school, I think the fact that I'm a teacher makes that even harder. In the short term, if you hear a child having hysterics in the dining room because they've been sat at the wrong (i.e. not the same as last time) table then you'll all know it's us

Vicki,
I am sorry about your news, I can only imagine what your are feeling . On a up note at least now you can deal with the issues and help your DD achieve all that she desires in life. Knowing the issues is always the first step in dealing with them. Asperger's is so new that there is so much that they don't know, but they are learning new things all the time on the subject. As far as dinner goes, no worries I am sure your DD will not be the only child throwing fits, it's a kid thing

 

[graysm]

So after hemming and hawing and changing my mind a hundred times about what to do in Corsica - I booked the country train. Concierge called today and said the tour operator cancelled the excursion. So now I can either try it on my own or book something else....

Any suggestions...apparently not everything is left and I've done no planning on doing Corsica on my own and don't know that I have time to do the research.

We don't have anything planned in Corsica. I figured with all the running around we'll be doing prior to this port, we would need some R & R time! My DS however, wants to keep moving, so we may go to a beach.

 

[graysm]

So I see all of you are packing......I guess that means I should start it has been crazy at work, plus we are getting ready for my nephew to move in with us for the start of university.....so I am at the point where as long as I pack some clean undies a few tops and some capris I figure I'm ready
So if you see a slightly mismatched canadian wandering around you'll know who it is!!
Seriously though packing is this weekend. After our Asia trip it won't take much thought. Similar weather and dress codes
Happy packing everyone!! Now, if I could just figure out how to sabotage my work blackberry
Lisa

That's ok Lisa, I haven't started packing yet either! That's what we'll be doing on Friday, to give us enough time to buy things over the weekend if needed. I do have a pile of "stuff" ready to be packed next to the suitcases though.

 

[mindelmouse]

We don't have anything planned in Corsica. I figured with all the running around we'll be doing prior to this port, we would need some R & R time! My DS however, wants to keep moving, so we may go to a beach.

We decided to leave Corsica "unplanned". There were no Disney excursion that really excited us and I reminded DH that we had 3 days prior to that with full day excursions...and having a relaxing day would be nice. Plus his foot is still not in good shape, so taking it easy is something he'd probably enjoy.

 

[Vicky29]

Hi Mindy,

DD will be 3 on the cruise. She's very social with familiar adults, but not at all with children of her own age. She loves to watch them but if they come and play with the same toy, she will walk away. When I pick her up from nursery (she only goes one morning a week) she is always alone. She goes to ballet class but watches most of it through her fingers and doesn't really take part, when she comes home she talks about it as if it was wonderful and will show us how to do the activities. She adores older children, in a hero worship way but very much controls the play so it's done by her rules. She's pretty compliant about most things especially if she knows the 'rules' in advance, but doesn't handle unplanned change well at all - putting a red botom sheet instead of the usual white one on her bed was not a good move by me I worked on ABA programmes throughout university so I've been worried for a while, I'm pretty sure they've got the diagnosis right - I was just hoping I was imagining things In terms of severity I think she's a bit of a mixed bag, she's very good at playing the part with adults and if all is going to plan the chances are when we meet you all she'll seem very 'normal'. In terms of rigidity about clothes, noises, routines etc she fares less well. And joining in activities doesn't happen at all, though she loves to watch.

I'm in less of a state about it than I expected to be, just want to make sure I do the right things to give her the best chance of doing well. Unfortunately we're not as good at Asperger's here as you are in the US, I just spoke to disney who informed me that all counsellors recieve extensive training in ASD so not to worry everything will be fine (she's desperate to go in the big girl's club to hear Belle read her story - she was too little last time), here even teachers don't recieve any. She won't need to go to a special school, academically she's bright - can count, recognise numbers, letters etc. The difficulty is going to be making sure she's happy there and doesn't get labled as naughty.

Sorry all - very long post and off topic - just give us a smile that first evening if you're in the dining room when disaster strikes and we're on the wrong table