EBPC December 9, 2012!!! Who's in????

[Moby]

We have room for two people on an all-day independent excursion I booked in Cartagena. The maximum size for our group is eight due to the number of machines available. So far we have six people booked: two couples (Moby & dthogue) and their 14 year old daughters. See Segway Cartagena (the link Jeff included on our EBPC website) for details about the Segway portion of our excursion.

Read 5 star reviews of Segway Cartagena on Trip Advisor.
Historic Segway Tour
• 1 Segway per User, includes helmets
• Basic Training
• 1 Experienced Guide per Group
• Full Photo Stops
• Tour around the Centro and San Diego Neighborhoods
• 15-20 minute stop at Las Bovedas (shopping plaza) per my request, if time permits

We’ll be picked up at the port at 10:00 a.m. Our excursion includes a 90 minute Historic Segway Tour through the old city, lunch within walking distance of the Segway office after we return from gliding, and a private tour in an air conditioned van of San Felipe Fort and La Popa Monastery (a tour of 2 to 2.5 hours). We’ll be climbing to the top of the fort as part of our tour so it is a full visit not a photo stop.

Price includes roundtrip transportation, Segway Tour, a private guided tour of both sights including entrance fees. Approximately $109-114 per person excluding lunch which the owner of Segway said should be approx $8 per person at the restaurant he recommends. Booking the tour requires a refundable deposit of $20 per person to Segway Cartagena (if cancelled 14 days or more prior to your tour), that will confirm your spot. The remaining amount can be paid on the day of the tour. The price of the private tour to the Fort and La Popa will decrease if we have eight people versus seven which explains the variance in the price listed above.

If you are interested, please PM me rather than post to the board since I’ll be in and out most of July so please be patient if I don’t get back to you right away. I'll explain how to link our reservations together as I've been corresponding with Cesar the owner of Segway Cartagena to set up this excursion.

 

[skoi]

I really need to catch up and will, just wanted to check in and say youngest ds's bone graft surgery was successful. His face is extremely swollen (looks horrible), but the big hole from his mouth to his nose is closed. He has two IV lines into his hips were they harvested bone which send pain relief meds directly to where they took the bone, but he's still really sore.

He's on a liquid diet (and it's killing him). Isn't getting around well, and is sore. So would appreciate continued pixie dust, prayers, and good thoughts. He sees the plastic surgeon on Tuesday (and I love the plastic surgery team), and the oral surgeon next week. Only a few more scheduled major operations, but with this kid, you can't tell.

 

[JessicasMom]

He's home! But mainly because we've had 11 prior surgeries at the same hospital (6 more or less major, 5 involving eartubes or fixing the damage the tubes did).

The plastic surgeon told me this is the worst of all the palate repair surgeries he'll have (they took bone from both hips, mixed it with his own blood, a growth agent, and cadaver bone--- OK-- all I can think of is you're giving the kid anti-Zombie medication, right-- and I asked in joking, the lead surgeon got the joke and didn't think I was nuts). Though the next required one will be in late teens when they (and I quote plastic surgeon here) "cut apart the bones in his mid face and re-form the upper jaw and midface so that it's over the lower jaw and he doesn't look like a Pekinese dog.

He's doing okay, considering they shaved a lot of bone off both hips, and then ripped open his mouth and implanted that bone (plus cadaver bone, his blood, and some growth agent) and he came home with two IV lines into his hips and little bottles of painkillers to flow into the area.

He always has this reaction to anashtesia-- totally out of it for 36 hours or so. So this evening he was doing better. When the physical therapist came out (and I had told him, "to go home, you need to walk and be able to go up stairs") he walked pretty well, then up and down the required stairs.

The real drawback-- liquid diet until we see plastic surgery on Tuesday. So he can eat anything he'd like as long as it's turned into paste. Tried it tonight with fettucine Alfredo. He was not accepting that what he had (a mush of all the main ingredients) was anything like the main course. He asked, "Where's MY noodles?" And noodles, in whatever form are his favorite food. He can't even have oatmeal unless I puree it, but Cream of Wheat is okay.

He's going to be sooooo miserable until Tuesday. Even if I am a bad mom and let him eat water ice, ice cream and yogurt as his sole food sources until then. And he'll be made because he misses his meat and pasta.

Other than that, and the extreme pain he has in his hips, he's doing well. This was an important operation for him. When he came home with us in 2008 at three and a half, he spoke no language (hearing issues since remediated). Knew almost nothing except how to feed himself (was a whiz with chopsticks), make his bed, dress, brush teeth, go to the bathroom. Didn't respond to his Chinese name. Didn't talk. Didn't know colors, names of clothes, nothing. All he could do was take care of himself. And this was due to a survival instinct. We adopted him at 3 1/2 and he only had self-care skills. So I think we're doing okay. Of course any useful, cleaning up after himself behaviors were wiped out by three older siblings.

We know due to his chromosome disorder (he's missing a significant piece of the 18th chromosome) he'll never be "normal", but he's made great strides. And he has an amazing personality-- funny (even if it's at his expense), stubborn (which I'm sure has kept him alive and moving forward) and sweet as all get at when it'll get him what he wants.

Sorry for the TMI-- but I'm very happy right now, and still anxious. It's been a long, hard road for him.

I really need to catch up and will, just wanted to check in and say youngest ds's bone graft surgery was successful. His face is extremely swollen (looks horrible), but the big hole from his mouth to his nose is closed. He has two IV lines into his hips were they harvested bone which send pain relief meds directly to where they took the bone, but he's still really sore.

He's on a liquid diet (and it's killing him). Isn't getting around well, and is sore. So would appreciate continued pixie dust, prayers, and good thoughts. He sees the plastic surgeon on Tuesday (and I love the plastic surgery team), and the oral surgeon next week. Only a few more scheduled major operations, but with this kid, you can't tell.

Sounds like an amazing kid and an even more amazing mom! It's astounding what the human spirit can endure.

 

[Started With a Mouse]

I really need to catch up and will, just wanted to check in and say youngest ds's bone graft surgery was successful. His face is extremely swollen (looks horrible), but the big hole from his mouth to his nose is closed. He has two IV lines into his hips were they harvested bone which send pain relief meds directly to where they took the bone, but he's still really sore.

He's on a liquid diet (and it's killing him). Isn't getting around well, and is sore. So would appreciate continued pixie dust, prayers, and good thoughts. He sees the plastic surgeon on Tuesday (and I love the plastic surgery team), and the oral surgeon next week. Only a few more scheduled major operations, but with this kid, you can't tell.

Prayers to you and your family.

 

[LindaBabe]

Good Morning, Happy Cruisers!

Continued well wishes for Skoj's DS!

Nothing to report here - amazing how little planning there is to do when it's one's 14th cruise I know I'll get a Palo ressie, if not on line then on board. I know I'll either get compatible table mates or do something to change. My biggest concern is - I've chosen to go 'wheat free', so meal times will be 'interesting'. But there's nothing I can do about that now - it's more an 'in the moment' thing.

So, I'm cleaning the garage. Somehow, for excitement, that SIMPLY does NOT compare!

Happy Day, all!

 

[Jeff Spencer]

We have room for two people on an all-day independent excursion I booked in Cartagena. The maximum size for our group is eight due to the number of machines available. So far we have six people booked: two couples (Moby & dthogue) and their 14 year old daughters. See Segway Cartagena (the link Jeff included on our EBPC website) for details about the Segway portion of our excursion. http://segwaycartagena.com/

Read 5 star reviews of Segway Cartagena on Trip Advisor (am I allowed to post links?)
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...31848-Reviews-Segway_Cartagena-Cartagena.html


Historic Segway Tour
• 1 Segway per User, includes helmets
• Basic Training
• 1 Experienced Guide per Group
• Full Photo Stops
• Tour around the Centro and San Diego Neighborhoods
• 15-20 minute stop at Las Bovedas (shopping plaza) per my request, if time permits

We’ll be picked up at the port at 10:00 a.m. Our excursion includes a 90 minute Historic Segway Tour through the old city, lunch within walking distance of the Segway office after we return from gliding, and a private tour in an air conditioned van (he’ll pick us up at the restaurant) of San Felipe Fort and La Popa Monastery (a tour of 2 to 2.5 hours). We’ll be climbing to the top of the fort as part of our tour so it is a full visit not a photo stop.

Price includes roundtrip transportation, Segway Tour, a private guided tour of both sights including entrance fees. Approximately $109-114 per person excluding lunch which the owner of Segway said should be approx $8 per person at the restaurant he recommends. Booking the tour requires a refundable deposit of $20 per person to Segway Cartagena (if cancelled 14 days or more prior to your tour), that will confirm your spot. The remaining amount can be paid on the day of the tour. The price of the private tour to the Fort and La Popa will decrease if we have eight people versus seven which explains the variance in the price listed above.

If you are interested, please PM me rather than post to the board since I’ll be in and out most of July so please be patient if I don’t get back to you right away. I'll explain how to link our reservations together as I've been corresponding with Cesar the owner of Segway Cartagena to set up this excursion.

Segways are a great way to tour and have a lot of fun while you're doing it.

 

[bbangel]

Linda, my mom and I went wheat free about a month before our last vacation and were quite worried about whether we would find enough to eat! We didn't need to worry as there were plenty of options. Of course we were tempted a time or two (I have a dessert weakness!) but overall we did great! We didn't go as far as asking for gluten free options but they do exist - all you have to do is ask!

 

[skayrobe]

I have been keeping up daily and have another question. Several of you have mentioned booking a cruise while you are on this cruise. Is there a benefit to booking on the cruise as opposed to booking at home? I am looking at a cruise out of Galeston in 2013 with the grandkids. Since we live in Houston it really cuts down travel with 7 grandkids. Thanks

 

[BethC1952]

Good Morning, Happy Cruisers!

Continued well wishes for Skoj's DS!

Nothing to report here - amazing how little planning there is to do when it's one's 14th cruise I know I'll get a Palo ressie, if not on line then on board. I know I'll either get compatible table mates or do something to change. My biggest concern is - I've chosen to go 'wheat free', so meal times will be 'interesting'. But there's nothing I can do about that now - it's more an 'in the moment' thing.

So, I'm cleaning the garage. Somehow, for excitement, that SIMPLY does NOT compare!

Happy Day, all!

We feel the same way. This will be my 15th cruise, all on DCL. Now I just relax. Like you, I know there'll be plenty of Palo reservations and time to do all the other stiff.

We're spending some time on this beautiful Saturday boiling water...our entire county is under a "boil water" advisory due to a huge water main break. Nothing like boiling lots of water on a day when it's already 90 degrees. I'd like to be on a cruise right now!

Beth

 

[LindaBabe]

Linda, my mom and I went wheat free about a month before our last vacation and were quite worried about whether we would find enough to eat! We didn't need to worry as there were plenty of options. Of course we were tempted a time or two (I have a dessert weakness!) but overall we did great! We didn't go as far as asking for gluten free options but they do exist - all you have to do is ask!

Oh boy! Another brain to pick! How's wheat free working for you? Do you feel better? lose weight? 19 days and counting for me.

I have been keeping up daily and have another question. Several of you have mentioned booking a cruise while you are on this cruise. Is there a benefit to booking on the cruise as opposed to booking at home? I am looking at a cruise out of Galeston in 2013 with the grandkids. Since we live in Houston it really cuts down travel with 7 grandkids. Thanks

Yes, there is - repeat cruisers get some onboard credit on the next cruise and a discount!

We feel the same way. This will be my 15th cruise, all on DCL. Now I just relax. Like you, I know there'll be plenty of Palo reservations and time to do all the other stiff.

We're spending some time on this beautiful Saturday boiling water...our entire county is under a "boil water" advisory due to a huge water main break. Nothing like boiling lots of water on a day when it's already 90 degrees. I'd like to be on a cruise right now!

Beth

Oh Dear. I think I'd rather be cleaning the garage!

 

[Gdes1]

I have been keeping up daily and have another question. Several of you have mentioned booking a cruise while you are on this cruise. Is there a benefit to booking on the cruise as opposed to booking at home? I am looking at a cruise out of Galeston in 2013 with the grandkids. Since we live in Houston it really cuts down travel with 7 grandkids. Thanks

There are tons of threads on the main board devoted to this topic, but I'll share what I know. First, if you book onboard, there is a 10% discount off of the fare (not the taxes). And, depending on the length of cruise DCL gives you an onboard credit (last I checked it was $200 for a 7-night and I'm sure it's on their website somewhere). Then, when you get home, you transfer the booking to a TA and they also give onboard credit (my TA bases it on the cost of the cruise, not length).

But, there is also an advantage to booking when itineraries are first released (which is what I was asking about a few posts back). If you are looking at 2013, then the itineraries are already out there. We are looking at 2014, which means we may want to book prior to this cruise as well.

The best I can tell, you have to hedge your bets and go book what you want as soon as you see it available. Then, when you get onboard, do the math and see how much you save between the 10% and the various credits. If it's worth it to re-book, you do so.

What I don't know is what happens to your stateroom choice, and how you work all of that with a TA. I think in my case, I'd be moving the booking back and forth from my TA and I'm not sure what that does to the credits they offer.

So, onboard booking is a great idea, I just have a few questions about my situation, and you may as well. It also pays to learn the "rules" and make a dummy booking while onboard. You can book for family members who may want to take a future cruise, but there are limits on number of bookings, etc.

 

[LindaBabe]

Then, when you get home, you transfer the booking to a TA and they also give onboard credit (my TA bases it on the cost of the cruise, not length).

There's a space on the on-board booking sheet for your TA's name/company and you should put it on THEN. After the fact, they apparently get less comission which translates to less on board credit (from them) for you.

 

[bbangel]

Oh boy! Another brain to pick! How's wheat free working for you? Do you feel better? lose weight? 19 days and counting for me.

It is working quite well. I haven't lost tons of weight (maybe 8 pounds over the two months). What has changed is I have fewer headaches and my joint pain is much less. I also have some digestive issues that seem to be more settled since giving up wheat. The big key is to replace the wheat products with whole, healthy food - like veggies - and not junk food! The hardest meal for me was breakfast, since I don't like eggs and there are other things I can't eat. I tend to stick to yogurt or make a type of cereal from ground flax, coconut and nuts.

 

[LindaBabe]

GOOD Morning, Happy Cruisers!

BBAngel, have you tried dinner for breakfast? I often plan for 'leftovers' just so I can eat them for breakfast. I love eggs but not every day.

Here is a delicious wheat free low carb pancake recipe - 1 c almond meal, 1/4 c water, 2 eggs, 2 t oil, 1 t spenda, pinch salt. Beat up and cook as usual, makes 4.

When you rebook on board, they usually give you the same stateroom you have at the time, unless you request something else. Oh and I seem to remember the IGT rates or whatever they're called do not get ship board credit or a discount because they are already rock bottom.

Off on a little road trip today to enjoy the sunny weather. Hope every one has a terrific Sunday.

Happy Day, all!

 

[Relaxin']

Good Morning Fellow Cruisers,
We set sail in 23 weeks,
that is 161 sleeps!
Are you ready yet?

 

[Relaxin']

Booked our flights/hotel this week. Decided to fly Air Canada out of Toronto. It is slightly more expensive, but it is a direct flight, shorter distance drive to the airport(in heavier traffic), and DH did not want to have to drive back from Buffalo late at night. We will be arriving LAX Dec. 8 and staying at the Marriott and taking Disney transportation to the port on sailing day. Now to book the car rental in Miami. We are going to Lakeland and Bradenton to visit family for Christmas, and flying home Dec. 26. This will be our first Christmas without our children. My DD will be in Egypt teaching (still waiting for final papers) and DS will be having a 12/21/12 party with his best friend and hopefully spending some time with my mother on Christmas Day.

 

[Travelbee]

Hi All! We are in Seattle enjoying the city until we go on our Alaska cruise on Monday. Any last questions for me to check on the Wonder besides those already posted?

 

[Relaxin']

To Skoi - my prayers and thoughts are with your family. You sound like a very strong and united family to get through these challenges.

To Moby - the excursion you planned in Columbia is very exciting, but DH is convinced we need to book through Disney. Columbia is going to be such an exciting city.

To Wheat Free Chatters = how interesting. I am not a huge wheat eater, but my DH can not go without it. When he stops eating wheat for a couple of weeks, he feels better, but before you know it, the wheat is back in his diet. I give you all credit in meeting your challenge. It is difficult removing something from your diet.

To Fellow Canadian's - Happy Canada Day We are going to the local university for fun and fireworks. What are you doing for your long weekend?

To the American Cruisers - I am assuming that next weekend is your long weekend. Here's wishing you all a wonderful and safe 4th of July.

And to Everyone else around the world, we are one week closer to the cruise. Hope you had a good weekend.

 

[Relaxin']

Hi All! We are in Seattle enjoying the city until we go on our Alaska cruise on Monday. Any last questions for me to check on the Wonder besides those already posted?

Enjoy your cruise.

I have always wanted to go to Alaska. Over 30 years ago, I lived in Edmonton, Alberta, and I had an opportunity to go to Alaska or a bus tour through the Western U.S. I chose the Western US, and then doesn't my brother move to California, and I have been back a number of times, and I still have not been to Alaska. Some day, I will convince DH to go on an Alaskan cruise. He is in the belief that all cruises must be to a destination with warmer temp's then Ontario. We have had temp's all week long in the high 30's(celcius). Maybe, after another few days of this heat wave, I can change his mind.

 

[Jeff Spencer]

Hi All! We are in Seattle enjoying the city until we go on our Alaska cruise on Monday. Any last questions for me to check on the Wonder besides those already posted?

Have a wonderful time.