July 28, 2007 - "Rome-ancing the Mouse Cruisers" -11 days! Part 2

[disneylover5]

Mmmmmm, I love Starbucks (and luckily there is one 1 1/2 blocks away from the apartment and another 2 blocks in another direction ) . . . you literally can't walk 3 blocks in Manhattan without passing a Starbucks. In the past I felt guilty spending so much on coffee, but recently decided that I need to treat myself. If I can get a lot of pleasure out of a $4 venti skim latte (but I switch to gingerbread at Christmas time) then it's good for me. Recently I have been lured also by the cinnamon swirl coffee cake in the morning, which probably has less redeeming value.

What do you drink, JoAnn?

Venti, Skim, Extra Hot, Sugar Free Vanila, No Foam​

Every single day.....it makes my morning.....

We laugh because in 20 years we will find out that Starbucks causes cancer like cigarettes.....I am sure this is how my mom felt about cigarette in the early 50's

 

[bellelinus]

I fully agree and I feel a little better having made this decision.

(It feels good to use smileys again!!)

It's good to see you using smilies . . .

 

[formerCPer]

I have a redhead, blonde, and brunette, in that order . . . if you look at their faces you can tell they are all related, but the hair does tend to throw people off.

DW is a true redhead, but neither of the girls. I think she feels shortchanged.

Your daughter is adorable! My 15 year old is a redhead, too.

Julie, she might enjoy meeting up w/the other girls about her age. My DD15 Megan has struck up a friendship w/Wendy's DD Amy.

I believe you can lock your suitcases provided you use the TSA approved locks. At least when leaving the US. The return trip might be something different.
I, also, try to keep all my electronics in my carry-on. Just can't afford to start the vacation without those gadgets.
Hopefully, some of our European friends can enlighten us on the policies abroad.

Remember the conversation weeks ago about zip ties? Well, they work great for luggage zippers as well. Just keep a few in the outer pocket of your suitcase and request (and watch) as the baggage handler puts in on your luggage after checking. Then keep small fingernail clippers with you to cut off after reaching your destination. BTW, TSA officials can cut them off as well if they have to recheck. We've been using this practice since 9/11 and it has worked well.

Julie,

My oldest DD will be 15 in early Sept. She is bringing a 15 yo friend. My niece who will be 14 in early Sept. will also be aboard.

My DS is 12 and my youngest DD is 8.

Perhaps they will run into each other.
Ceil

Ceil, see my note to Julie above. I know there are a few other girls about the same age.
bw

I think you had better come pack for me! I don't even have clothes in yet I don't want to know what it weighs with liquids alone, and gift, etc. I bought a new carry on and I hate to tell dh, but I think the older one will hold more . Maybe he won't notice the difference! . He hates carry on, but we have had things dissappear from checked luggage before such as chargers for cameras so I always pack them with the cameras.

Too funny. I feel your pain. When all was said and done I think we ended up purchasing about 4 pieces of "just in case" luggage from several stores that we have yet to return. The remainder of the packed "wall of luggage" is in the bedroom partially blocking the bed.

We've got a school prom tonight for the leavers. I finished school today!

Congratulations! Sometimes I wish I were full-time faculty instead of staff so I could enjoy those breaks. But I love what I do too much to trade.

Ok, DH weighed my suitcase last night on his fish scale and it says it weighs 53 pounds. I pulled the lanyards from my suitcase which weighed 10 pounds just in case and its going into another suitcase.

Jeanne, thanks again for doing this. What a trooper!

Kids Room Badges ​

Carley- 7546 (salliep) sallie,Jimmy
Kylie -6594 (4kittymagic )Diane, Jeff
Alice -8568 (Admiral Andrew)
Stephen 8568 (Admiral Andrew)
Joshua - 8564 (Disneynutinlondon)
Ethan - 8564 (Disneynutinlondon)
Annie - 6109 (Disneylover5 – Lisa)
Gretchen- 6109 (Disneylover5 – Lisa)
Alex -2541 Alexcturner (Lisa)
Meredith- 2541-Alexcturner (Lisa)
Emily and Ben room 7554 Iowazipcode


I need to try to get these done on Friday- Anyone else?? ?

Sallie, please add to the list:
Madelynne – 2345 (formerCPer) Brian


That's enough ketchup for now.
Brian

 

[kyla]

don't know if the bathroom scale is way off or just hard to weigh a luggage on it. When I went to WDW two weeks ago, my dh weighed the luggage on the bathroom scale and it read 45 lbs. When I got to the airport it was 57 lbs. 7 lbs. overweight. I was told to go inside and pay $20 or take some things out. We quickly took a few things out (phone chargers, umbrella, etc). and it was fine.

So sorry you have to bring all the lanyards.

No problem. I was amazed that everything fit into one suitcase. I'm glad that I need to bring a second suitcase, I wanted to have extra room for souveniers. beside there was no way DH was going to fit all his clothes into his suitcase, so we just might share the second suitcase.

 

[Sandaneli]

JoAnn, I bookmarked your blog and can't wait to read more!!!! Isn't this exciting!!!








Sandra,
Hope you have a good meeting. In a way it's good to be occupied. Makes the time pass more quickly.

I know how you feel about leaving the kids. DH & I would always try to squirrel time away (even for just a weekend) when the kids were little. I don't know who cried more when we left, me or the kids. Anyway, as I look back on it, I realize that one of the reasons our marriage is so strong is that WE always made time for eachother, to rekindle what attracted us to eachother in the first place. These little snippits that we set aside over the years allowed us to grow together, not apart. Now that DD&DS are adults, we still have so much in common and enjoy just doing things together. Empty nest syndrome??? You've got to be kidding!!!! Although I love my kids and we are really close, DH is my best friend. So don't feel so guilty. Remember, we only "borrow" our children. Like little birds, we raise them to spread their own wings and fly away. After they are gone and go on with their lives (and believe me, when they want to go somewhere, they don't cry when THEY leave), you will still have YOUR best friend. Enjoy! Carpe diem!!Maryann

Thank you Maryann for the kind and wise words. I know it will all work out its just not going to be easy.
Sandra

 

[alexcturner]

My three are blonde, red and blonde. My youngest is really blonde!!

and then here are all three kids on a balcony on the Magic

Cute!!

I am planning to track down the Starbucks in Las Ramblas......does anyone know if there are Starbucks in the other port cities??

Me too!!! I will look on starbucks.com and let you know.

I try not to talk about it too much because it might come across as bragging, but I love, love, love my city . . . I don't take it for granted, either, and a day doesn't go by that I'm not walking around thinking at some point how much I love it. I wish I had made the first 5 minutes of Woody Allen's "Manhattan" because it wordlessly expresses everything I feel. I know the city isn't for everyone, and even people who live here like to feign complaints because it doesn't seem cool not to, but I love my city. A while back someone asked on this thread what everyone would miss while gone and my first thought was "my city" . . . not that I will pine after it, but I do compare every place I visit to NYC, and although I love to visit other places, I've never wished to live anywhere else. OK, that was a lot more emotion than I usually care to reveal!

Well said!! How wonderful to feel that way. I remember the first time visiting there. I will never forget it....and always want to go back.

 

[caven553]

Are you kidding? I was wondering if anyone could answer my question about locking up our suitcases. Can we lock them up? Whats the TSA approved locks? and how does that work? Just seem dumb that we can't lock our suitcases when the airports employ people who steal.

Still catching up so this might have been answered - but the TSA locks provide special lock that the TSA universal key will fit into. They can then unlock your luggage and do their search stuff but are required to relock it. At least that is my understanding of it.

 

[formerCPer]

I have a redhead, blonde, and brunette, in that order . . . if you look at their faces you can tell they are all related, but the hair does tend to throw people off.

DW is a true redhead, but neither of the girls. I think she feels shortchanged.

Your daughter is adorable! My 15 year old is a redhead, too.

Julie, she might enjoy meeting up w/the other girls about her age. My DD15 Megan has struck up a friendship w/Wendy's DD Amy.

I believe you can lock your suitcases provided you use the TSA approved locks. At least when leaving the US. The return trip might be something different.
I, also, try to keep all my electronics in my carry-on. Just can't afford to start the vacation without those gadgets.
Hopefully, some of our European friends can enlighten us on the policies abroad.

Remember the conversation weeks ago about zip ties? Well, they work great for luggage zippers as well. Just keep a few in the outer pocket of your suitcase and request (and watch) as the baggage handler puts in on your luggage after checking. Then keep small fingernail clippers with you to cut off after reaching your destination. BTW, TSA officials can cut them off as well if they have to recheck. We've been using this practice since 9/11 and it has worked well.

Julie,

My oldest DD will be 15 in early Sept. She is bringing a 15 yo friend. My niece who will be 14 in early Sept. will also be aboard.

My DS is 12 and my youngest DD is 8.

Perhaps they will run into each other.
Ceil

Ceil, see my note to Julie above. I know there are a few other girls about the same age.
bw

I think you had better come pack for me! I don't even have clothes in yet I don't want to know what it weighs with liquids alone, and gift, etc. I bought a new carry on and I hate to tell dh, but I think the older one will hold more . Maybe he won't notice the difference! . He hates carry on, but we have had things dissappear from checked luggage before such as chargers for cameras so I always pack them with the cameras.

Too funny. I feel your pain. When all was said and done I think we ended up purchasing about 4 pieces of "just in case" luggage from several stores that we have yet to return. The remainder of the packed "wall of luggage" is in the bedroom partially blocking the bed.

We've got a school prom tonight for the leavers. I finished school today!

Congratulations! Sometimes I wish I were full-time faculty instead of staff so I could enjoy those breaks. But I love what I do too much to trade.

Ok, DH weighed my suitcase last night on his fish scale and it says it weighs 53 pounds. I pulled the lanyards from my suitcase which weighed 10 pounds just in case and its going into another suitcase.

Jeanne, thanks again for doing this. What a trooper!

Kids Room Badges ​

Carley- 7546 (salliep) sallie,Jimmy
Kylie -6594 (4kittymagic )Diane, Jeff
Alice -8568 (Admiral Andrew)
Stephen 8568 (Admiral Andrew)
Joshua - 8564 (Disneynutinlondon)
Ethan - 8564 (Disneynutinlondon)
Annie - 6109 (Disneylover5 – Lisa)
Gretchen- 6109 (Disneylover5 – Lisa)
Alex -2541 Alexcturner (Lisa)
Meredith- 2541-Alexcturner (Lisa)
Emily and Ben room 7554 Iowazipcode


I need to try to get these done on Friday- Anyone else?? ?

Sallie, please add to the list:
Madelynne – 2345 (formerCPer) Brian


That's enough ketchup for now.
Brian

 

[caven553]

Remember the conversation weeks ago about zip ties? Well, they work great for luggage zippers as well. Just keep a few in the outer pocket of your suitcase and request (and watch) as the baggage handler puts in on your luggage after checking. Then keep small fingernail clippers with you to cut off after reaching your destination. BTW, TSA officials can cut them off as well if they have to recheck. We've been using this practice since 9/11 and it has worked well.

Just a warning from our last trip... we used to do this - but then they stopped replacing them if they rechecked. We were told now that the TSA compliant locks are out they no longer feel obligated to replace zip ties since travellers have an option now. We had 2 suitcases arrive at our last destination with nothing holding them closed and one of the zippers coming open so we went and bought the TSA ones for this trip. I think it is rude of them to not replace the zip tie like they used to but no real way to force them I guess.

 

[funluvin]

Just a warning from our last trip... we used to do this - but then they stopped replacing them if they rechecked. We were told now that the TSA compliant locks are out they no longer feel obligated to replace zip ties since travellers have an option now. We had 2 suitcases arrive at our last destination with nothing holding them closed and one of the zippers coming open so we went and bought the TSA ones for this trip. I think it is rude of them to not replace the zip tie like they used to but no real way to force them I guess.

If anyone lives near a BJs Wholesale Club, they were selling 4-packs of the TSA locks.

 

[njdisneyfans]

I was just checking the Marseille tourism website (www. marseille-tourisme . com) and found out that "Cow Parade" (uniquely decorated fiberglass cows) will be on display throughout the streets of Marseille through Oct. 2007. See photos at www marseilleandcow . com

You may also view information at www cowparade . com but then you will be redirected to the same website as indicated above.

I learned something new: I thought it was an American idea, but it turns out that the first cow parade took place in Zurich in 1998 and subsequently many cities in the US and major cities all around the world have participated.

 

[MrsG]

We've got a school prom tonight for the leavers.

7pm -9pm but ......





















































I finished school today!

Sorry about the rain but congrats on the the last day of school!!!!!

Maryann

 

[MrsG]

I just looked at our new luggage which came with TSA locks. We can use these overseas??????

Also, stupid Euro question (I know, I know, as a i SHOULD KNOW THERE ARE NO STUPID QUESTIONS). Anyway, are there coins that compare to our penny, nickel, dime, quarter? I know there are 1 E and 2 E coins that look a lot alike and to be careful, but what about fractions of Euros?

Thanks,

Marann

 

[MrsG]

I was just checking the Marseille tourism website (www. marseille-tourisme . com) and found out that "Cow Parade" (uniquely decorated fiberglass cows) will be on display throughout the streets of Marseille through Oct. 2007. See photos at www marseilleandcow . com

You may also view information at www cowparade . com but then you will be redirected to the same website as indicated above.

I learned something new: I thought it was an American idea, but it turns out that the first cow parade took place in Zurich in 1998 and subsequently many cities in the US and major cities all around the world have participated.

Wow, I remember when they were in Manhattan years ago.

PS Julie - there is no place like NYC in the World

 

[njdisneyfans]

I recently recall seeing AerLingus mentioned in some previous post.

Don't forget to go to the AerLingus website to "Manage Booking" to provide your passport info, expiration date, etc. prior to departing. I just did it and it was very easy to do.

 

[Sandaneli]

THank you to everyone who posted lovely notes to help me deal with my guilt of leaving DD. I know it's going to be wonderful to have this time alone with DH. We both already had kids when we got married so we've never had much time alone together. I really am looking forward to this vacation and our time together. DH is just nervous that I'm going to spend all of my time with my new Dis Friends instead of him.

Sandra

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Hi all. I canceled all but two Disney excursions. We're keeping the Florence/Michelangelo & the Monaco/Monte Carlo/Eze excursions. I'd like to experience a couple of Disney excursions, and those look good. We have nothing planned for Olbia & Marseille & are thinking of checking out those places independently.

 

[jlawall]

Hi all. I canceled all but two Disney excursions. We're keeping the Florence/Michelangelo & the Monaco/Monte Carlo/Eze excursions. I'd like to experience a couple of Disney excursions, and those look good. We have nothing planned for Olbia & Marseille & are thinking of checking out those places independently.

I think we're all getting more adventurous, the closer it gets!

How's things??

 

[formerCPer]

Just a warning from our last trip... we used to do this - but then they stopped replacing them if they rechecked. We were told now that the TSA compliant locks are out they no longer feel obligated to replace zip ties since travellers have an option now. We had 2 suitcases arrive at our last destination with nothing holding them closed and one of the zippers coming open so we went and bought the TSA ones for this trip. I think it is rude of them to not replace the zip tie like they used to but no real way to force them I guess.

Dang. More $ to spend.

THank you to everyone who posted lovely notes to help me deal with my guilt of leaving DD. I know it's going to be wonderful to have this time alone with DH. We both already had kids when we got married so we've never had much time alone together. I really am looking forward to this vacation and our time together. DH is just nervous that I'm going to spend all of my time with my new Dis Friends instead of him.

Sandra

Hmm, I think my family is hoping I spend more time w/you guys

Hi all. I canceled all but two Disney excursions. We're keeping the Florence/Michelangelo & the Monaco/Monte Carlo/Eze excursions. I'd like to experience a couple of Disney excursions, and those look good. We have nothing planned for Olbia & Marseille & are thinking of checking out those places independently.

MJ, are you all taken care of on passports!!!!

 

[kidcoos3]

Hi all. I canceled all but two Disney excursions. We're keeping the Florence/Michelangelo & the Monaco/Monte Carlo/Eze excursions. I'd like to experience a couple of Disney excursions, and those look good. We have nothing planned for Olbia & Marseille & are thinking of checking out those places independently.

We are doing Mysterious Palermo and Monaco/Monte Carlo/Eze. I heard that Mysterious Palermo is easy to do on your own - but we want a few "no brain" days. I thought Monaco/Monte Carlo/Eze sounded good too.
We also have nothing planned for Olbia and Marseille. I've heard that Marseille will be pretty quiet because it's a Sunday and many stores are closed - that's OK. I don't need to be doing lots of shopping!!