July 28, 2007 - "Rome-ancing the Mouse Cruisers" -11 days! Part 3

[islandmom3]

Wait, I just had a brainstorm. I can make a pirate sash out of TP, and a hat and a spyglass out of the empty cardboard tubes............

 

[islandmom3]

Actually it's funny - I got these after returning a different pair of Tevas that I ordered online. It was the exact opposite experience. One of the strap attachments near the ankle stuck out just a bit - and at exactly the wrong location for my foot. Handn't gone 10 steps before I was in extreme pain.

So I guess the secret to buying shoes/sandles online is to only do so to replace the exact same pair/model you already have. First time it's important to really try them on properly in a store.

As far as jumping and singing goes. I'm definitely not known for dancing or jumping. As to whether I can sing or not - well, I don't recall ever receiving a compliment in that area either. But it won't stop me from trying if they're still doing Karaoke on board

I have a computer question for you because you seem to be the computer guy I have been trying to access the disney cruise site all day and it actually shuts down and bounces me back to my opening page everytime I access my reservation. Would that have anything to do with the Norton anit virus on my computer and/ or does Apple seem to have some sort of problem that I don't know of ????

 

[Sandaneli]

and just so you all won't miss us..

The shirts are from CafePress.com and the image was borrowed from DISboards and then modified slightly in photoshop to accomodate our names.

When I showed these to the DW she rolled her eyes but seems up for it. I'm not usually into matching clothing but for this occassion it seemed appropriate.

Hi,

Where did you get the logo for this Tshirt? I would like to use it for something i'm working on but haven't been able to find it.

Sandra

 

[salliep]

I will post this a few times for those who missed the original posts:

Children's gift bags
..... If you would like your child to participate in the kid gift bag exchange, please send me a PM as well post here if you like. I am going to match up girls and boys as close to their ages as possible. So, please send names and ages.
It will be $15-20.00 dollars- one gift per child, those who have more than one child, if this is too much, please let me know and we will change it to 10.00 dollars, although here in the US, 10.00 will not get you much!


I must have all names by Thursday July 12th, as many would like to start shopping. I will PM everyone with their matches Friday. I was asked if the kids gift bags need to be location specific. I do not think so, do the best you can, its the thought that counts!!!


so far we have:

Carley 13 (Sallie)
Alice 12 (Andrew)
Stephen (Andrew)
Ethan 9 (Izzi)
Joshua 11 (Izzi)
Kylie 10 (Diane- 4kittymagic )
Madelynne-8 (Brian)
Elizabeth, 8 ( bridegirl- suzy)
Hunter, (boy), 8 ( bridegirl- suzy)
Julia, 5 ( bridegirl- suzy)
Dash (boy), 5 ( bridegirl- suzy)
Serena, 2 1/2 ( bridegirl- suzy)
Alex Turner 11 (boy)
Meredith Turner 5 (girl)

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Wait, I just had a brainstorm. I can make a pirate sash out of TP, and a hat and a spyglass out of the empty cardboard tubes............

omgosh - that's funny!

I'm not sure what I'm going to wear. My dd will definitely be wearing a costume, and ds will not. I might get something at Disneyland that's Pirates of the Caribbean.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Hi,

Where did you get the logo for this Tshirt? I would like to use it for something i'm working on but haven't been able to find it.

Sandra

Here's the thread where she got the logo

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1385778

 

[Sandaneli]

We've never worn costumes or dressed for the Pirate Party. Actually we usually avoid it as I don't like loud music or crowds. But we've never been on a cruise with "friends" before. I'm sure we won't be wearing pirate costumes but may attend the party, we'll have to see how it is.

Sandra

 

[Sandaneli]

Here's the thread where she got the logo

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1385778

MaryJo you are wonderful. I've been searching for that most of the day. And you knew right were to go. I had the iron on ready to go on the fish extender and then DH said he didn't like the lime green mickey head as part of the top so back to the drawing board but then we saw the tshirt and that was just what we were looking for.

I'll finish it tomorrow so I can post pictures and a pattern for the fish extender.

Then I have to decide on gifts. But one thing at a time.

Thank you again,
Sandra

 

[MrsG]

We've never worn costumes or dressed for the Pirate Party. Actually we usually avoid it as I don't like loud music or crowds. But we've never been on a cruise with "friends" before. I'm sure we won't be wearing pirate costumes but may attend the party, we'll have to see how it is.

Sandra

That's exactly how we feel. I'm thinking of getting pirate t shirts. This way, we're part of the group but it's not a costume. Plus it packs easily and can be worn again, even around the house. We'll see if DH will go for it.........

Maryann

 

[alexcturner]

Ok, what is everyone wearing for Pirate Night? DH & I are not into costumes so what might be some low-key ideas for the night. Normally, we probably wouldn't do anything, but you folks are so full of fun, we don't want to be left out!

Maryann

Hi Maryann,
We normally dress up for Pirate Night but most likely will not do much this time due to "packing light"!!!

 

[Aurora1959]

Well - I have an update on the shirts I had been comisioning from my friend. I gave her the file in an email on Tuesday. And waited until Friday to hear back from her. It was horrible yesterday so I didn't call. Then this morning I get an email back from her that she is in Arizona with her mom. Her father died, and her mom is a wreck. She expects to be there for at least 2 weeks. So the shop is closed during that time. I of course understand, becuase family comes first. However I was a little dissapointed because she did some great designs for me in the shop with the first file I gave her.

So...not sure what to do at this point.

I'm also trying to ketchup. I feel so lost. I have only been able to check in twice in the last 2 weeks. I saw some packing lists, those look great. Helped me remember a few things I had forgotten. I'll keep reading to see what you guys have been up to.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Well - I have an update on the shirts I had been comisioning from my friend. I gave her the file in an email on Tuesday. And waited until Friday to hear back from her. It was horrible yesterday so I didn't call. Then this morning I get an email back from her that she is in Arizona with her mom. Her father died, and her mom is a wreck. She expects to be there for at least 2 weeks. So the shop is closed during that time. I of course understand, becuase family comes first. However I was a little dissapointed because she did some great designs for me in the shop with the first file I gave her.

So...not sure what to do at this point.

I'm also trying to ketchup. I feel so lost. I have only been able to check in twice in the last 2 weeks. I saw some packing lists, those look great. Helped me remember a few things I had forgotten. I'll keep reading to see what you guys have been up to.

Carrie

 

[Aurora1959]

You know the scary part of today? Someone on the other thread mentioned how many people were getting married today........um.......DS is going to Vegas with girlfriend of 15 months with a 2nd installment of an injury settlement in his pockets! OMG! Never even thought about that part!

I hope I don't hear about this: and then do this:

Laura, you are a really good mother who only wants what is best for your son. If you do gain a daughter today, may she have sense and reasoning on her side. With that I am sure she will help him to see the light.

Hi, I'm sorry to hear about your MIL. I hope she's doing better.

I have added you to the list for the Fish extenders. I will post the list later today for everyone interested.

Sandra

Thanks for making the list - we are in 6030 btw.

DH came across this and I thought I'd share. For anyone that is very sun sensitive, Rit dye makes something called Sun Guard. It helps protect clothing from harmful UV rays. By washing clothes with this it takes a typical white tee shirt with an SPF of 5 to an SPF of 30! You only have to do it once. We are washing all our shirts in this.

It is endorsed by the American Cancer association and has the Good Housekeeping seal of approval. Here's a link:

http://www.sunguardsunprotection.com/

Maryann

Thanks for the info.

 

[Aurora1959]

Carrie

Thanks Mary Jo. It's been a rough week. My MIL is doing much better. Although she is very stubborn and wont take any pain meds. Her son is much the same way. I had to threaten him into a hospital stay if he didn't do as he was told. Their docs have told them both that if you try to manage the pain on your own, as they do, you wont heal as fast. Her being 62, I think healing fast is not an option, so she should help herself out any way she can. Oh well. I felt for her because the ER doc didn't have enough knowledge to set her arm right. Didn't even bother to re-exray it to make sure he did it right. When she finally got into the specialist, he had to rebreak it and reset it. Only more pain to deal with.

Then I worked hard trying to get the latest tags, and now that is in limbo. There are some really great tags out there now. The tag fairy really does love us.


I read the last 10 or so pages, but i really need to go back around 200 pages. I feel like the member of the family that doesn't live around anyone in the family. Then goes to the family reunion not knowing anyone.

I see some new folks have joined in the last few weeks. Welcome to all of you.

Sallie - I see you are doing something for the kids. I will PM you to get details.

The one thing lately that has happened - on a good note (i think) - i caught some of the Doctor Who show on SciFi. They just started airing Season 3. That was after showing season 2 all day Friday. I came into it near the end of the last few episodes of S2. Really good show. A bit corny at times. I liked the gal playing Rose. Not sure about the way the season ended though. I will have to try to catch up on S3 to see if it was a good trade. I can go back and watch S1 on bbc america, they appear to be really behind. Jon said that he heard bbc cancelled the show though, and that there might not be a season 4. I hope that wasn't true.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Good Morning

Have A Good Sunday​

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Your Vacation begins in 19 Days ​

 

[eeyorelvr10]

I'm also trying to ketchup. I feel so lost. I have only been able to check in twice in the last 2 weeks. I saw some packing lists, those look great. Helped me remember a few things I had forgotten. I'll keep reading to see what you guys have been up to.

Carrie - thank you for your wonderful words and I hope that I can do the same. Your right - family comes first so just worry about yourself and your MIL and that you manage to get onboard with us safely. Our vacation begins in 19 days.

Here's some and for you!

 

[eeyorelvr10]

Mary Jo (MJ) - were you asking about the directions to Monserrat?

I believe some were posted on post #7883, page 526.

I also have some links that I can send you once the boards are back up. Or if you send me your e-mail address I can send you some information on the metro lines that I have saved on how to get there.

Hope this was you!

 

[eeyorelvr10]

Repeat just for good measure!

This is on DEBS All ears net site well worth a read if you have a few days in Barcelona:-

(Barcelona) On Your Own
Many of you have requested details on how we traveled on our own to Montserrat! The simple answer is we had Gary the Guide who had done extensive research. He was awesome! Gary has offered his notes for those of you who want to try it yourselves.

Keep in mind, this is one person's suggestion. Your experience may vary. Do the research before you go!

Montserrat Monastery (just outside Barcelona)

Do it on your own - Step by Step – by Gary the Guide

The following is my step by step guide to traveling to Montserrat Monastery on your own.

I will assume that you are staying at a hotel within walking distance of a Barcelona metro stop. If you are not, or are not comfortable with using a metro system you could take a cab to Placa Espanya. The trains run hourly to Montserrat at 36 minutes past the hour, first train is 8:36am.

1. You need to get to Placa Espanya, this is where the FGC suburban line R5 departs.

2. Barcelona metro is very easy, cheap, quick, clean. While we felt safe using it all day and into the early evening hours, use caution and be aware of pickpockets! All lines are numbered and signed in color code. For example, the 7 of us who did Montserrat on our own were all staying about 500 feet from line 4 (linea 4), yellow colored on the metro map, stop named El Maresme Forum.

3. All metro lines are signed for the direction of travel towards the ends of the line from where you are standing,

For example at el Maresme Forum - the line travels towards Trinitat Nova, or La Pau. To get towards the city we traveled in the direction of Trinitat Nova, signed as Direccio
Trinitat nova.

Link to tmb official metro site -- www.tmb.net/en_US/home.jsp

4. After arriving at Placa Espanya, look for the FGC station. This is an underground station. It is linked by a passageway from the red line (linea 1) metro stop. There is also an above ground entrance signed with a blue on white background sign that looks like an intertwined f and c.

5. Go to the information booth and ask for a ticket to monistrol de Montserrat. I would strongly recommend the TOT MONTSERRAT type of ticket. While it is the most expensive, it includes roundtrip train, rack railway, 2 funiculars, lunch in the self serve cafeteria, museum, - which is just about all there is to see in Montserrat. There is a staff person outside the booth who can assist with the automatic ticket machine, although his English was limited on our trip day. I would recommend paying with cash (EUROs) as some of our party had difficulty with
credit/debit cards. It is about 34 Euro per adult, not cheap, but still cheaper than the Disney excursion price.

Link to fgc site
www.fgc.net/accesible/eng/viatjar/oci.php

6. Take the R5 train towards Manresa. Trains are very clearly marked, and are signed with the train number. This is an end of the line station so the platforms are marked well.

7. Get off at Monistrol de Montserrat. It's about a 55 minute train ride; about half is outside the urban areas in countryside. You want the next stop after montserrat-aeri. You will see the cable car and the monastery on the left, facing direction of train travel for several minutes before this stop, it's the 12th stop from Barcelona if the train is making all the stops

8. The rack railway (cremallera de montserrat) meets the train, transfer across the platform, about 20 minute ride up to the monastery.

9. You are there! Reverse the train order to return to Barcelona. The rack trains leave the monastery about 6 minutes after the hour, and are timed to meet the Barcelona trains. I believe last train is 5:30pm so don't stay too late. Check fgc timetable for the last train back to Barcelona. Remember all trains are timetabled in military/24 hour clock style, IE: 0836, for the first train of the day

A brief word about the cable car. I made a mistake while leading our group and thought it was included in our tickets. So imagine my embarrassment when we got off at monistrol de arie, and found we had to pay another 5 euros each to take the cable car, or wait an hour for the next train to go 1 stop further. We elected to pay the euros and take the e ticket cable car. BE ADVISED, this is a European style cable car, which means it's pretty well up in the air for awhile, so anyone with a real height issues might want to skip this. I loved it because it gave me a real appreciation for the labor and commitment of the monks and craftsmen who built that far up the mountain.

Montserrat is a very spiritual place and occupies a special part of the heart of the people of Cataluña. Please respect this and do not be the ugly American tourist. Cover knees and shoulders in the basilica, and no flash photography inside either.
http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/guestblog/2007/06/cruising_the_med_montserrat_mo_1.html

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Mary Jo (MJ) - were you asking about the directions to Monserrat?

I believe some were posted on post #7883, page 526.

I also have some links that I can send you once the boards are back up. Or if you send me your e-mail address I can send you some information on the metro lines that I have saved on how to get there.

Hope this was you!

Also easy to find on page 1, post 12. With FAQ.