May 26, 2007 (5/26/07) "First Magical Med Cruise!!" (The M&M's!)

[flrealtorgrl]

It's so quiet here...did everyone go over to the "live" thread already?

 

[winotracy]

It's so quiet here...did everyone go over to the "live" thread already?

I'm cleaning the house! Got a couple more things packed. Getting closer!!

 

[flrealtorgrl]

I'm cleaning the house! Got a couple more things packed. Getting closer!!

I did all my yesterday. Refuse to wear anything "cute" before the trip now. Ironing and packing tonight because I'm going to a special event at Kennedy Space Center Weds. night, so no last minute packing for me. I'm wishing I bought a luggage scale now. a bit about being "over" the limit. Don't want to have to pay a fine to the luggage ::cop: !!!

 

[renegade7]

I did all my yesterday. Refuse to wear anything "cute" before the trip now. Ironing and packing tonight because I'm going to a special event at Kennedy Space Center Weds. night, so no last minute packing for me. I'm wishing I bought a luggage scale now. a bit about being "over" the limit. Don't want to have to pay a fine to the luggage ::cop: !!!

Work is happening for me - the days are going by so SLOW!

Same here for me - most of my stuff is packed so the bras and underwear are on the old side and a little small.

I am with you on the scale - If I am over yikes! I am only taking 1 suitcase, 1 carryon and a backpack. However I have an extra bag for the way home so if I need to I can check the carryon and have a duffle and backpack for the return.

 

[sunshine state kim]

Haircuts - done
Pedi/manicures - done
overpacking - mostly done (always time to throw a few last minute panicy things I won't need)

Pales in comparison to Mari's granddaughter and Celeste's foot, but the dog decided this morning that his hind leg didn't work and his vacation at the kennel starts tomorrow. Seems the little 17 month old has knee issues. I need to get into the doggie prosthetics business. There's got to be a market for little doggie knee stabilizers. He's AOK for the kennel though. Nothing to make you appreciate a vacation like a little last minute drama.

 

[Scooby3x1y]

I did all my yesterday. Refuse to wear anything "cute" before the trip now. Ironing and packing tonight because I'm going to a special event at Kennedy Space Center Weds. night, so no last minute packing for me. I'm wishing I bought a luggage scale now. a bit about being "over" the limit. Don't want to have to pay a fine to the luggage ::cop: !!!

We always pack a cheap small duffle, so just in case you have to pull something out, you can throw it in there and check it.

 

[Scooby3x1y]

I just wanted to update my OCPD.....it totally = coldsore.....

 

[Jeni1781]

Are airport scales different than a regular scale? It is all done in pounds right?

I can't believe this is actually happening so soon. It doesn't feel real yet. Thanks to all who have helped me in the past few months. Just reading this everyday has been such a fun way to countdown to the cruise. Looking forward to meeting you guys this weekend!
Jen

 

[figment52]

This was posted over on the cruise board....

Joey Fatone will be cruisin soon!
I heard Joey Fatone on local radio this morning. He said that whatever happens with Dancing with the Stars he's OK with because he's looking forward to going on a Disney Cruise with his family. So somebody is going to be sailing with a celebrity!

 

[LegalBriefs]

Hey all... sorry I've been AWOL for the last few days... had a few issues pop up... including an emergency Root Canal, and an MRI on my foot... At least it happened now and not a week from now! LOL...

 

[sweetsue]

Hey Sue,
While you're running around like a mad woman in the spare bedroom- see if I left a Garmin Charger plugged in by the night stand. If it's not there, then I don't know where I left it.

Don't worry, there is clothing and everything else in Barcelona and you are there early enough to find something...

Celeste

The good news is I found it!

The bad news...just wait....I'll post in a minute.

 

[sweetsue]

Wet Wipes & Toilet Seat Covers... From what I am hearing the bathrooms in Europe are nothing like those in the US let alone CA. In CA they always have toilet seat covers. I am expecting just the toilet bowl and if there is toilet paper I am going to guess it is going to be like sandpaper. A tip from Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown, was to always use the facilities before you leave a museum or restaurant.

I went to Target at 8am in the morning. They have purse-size packages of Charmin and also toilet seat covers! They're in the "trial size" section. Each was $1.

Sue

 

[Hygiene99]

Ok, who was it that posted about ATM's
For them ....

No fees or something like that? Networks???




Could you share that info Again please..

 

[renegade7]

Ok, who was it that posted about ATM's
For them ....

No fees or something like that? Networks???




Could you share that info Again please..

That would be me... BNP Paribas in France is their only reciprocal bank for the countries we will be visiting.

Fees at all other ATMS are 1% + $5 + that bank's fee. Using BNP Paribas you still are charged the 1%, but not the $5 and there is no additional fee from them because they are partners.

This is the phone number to call collect if you need to speak with BofA while traveling overseas. (770) 491-4064

Don't forget to notify your banks and credit card companies that you are traveling.

 

[Disneynut64]

I went to Target at 8am in the morning. They have purse-size packages of Charmin and also toilet seat covers! They're in the "trial size" section. Each was $1.

Sue

I saw them and bought them too. Our Target had some things of liquid tide for $1 and do four loads so of course had to buy them too. cindy

 

[sweetsue]

I notice that a few responses have mentioned alarm clocks but don't forget that your mobile (cell) phones often have this functionality too. It wont save you much space but it's better than nothing.

Look forward to seeing you all on Saturday and hopefully the Med will be as quiet as usual - no big waves please! LOL

Just make sure that your charger will work wherever you go. The ship has a US power outlet, but they won't have them elsewhere. If you need it, buy a converter and adapter.

Sue

 

[sweetsue]

Are airport scales different than a regular scale? It is all done in pounds right?

Jen

Jen,

The airport scales in the US are in pounds. The airport scales elsewhere (generally) will be in kilos. There are about 2.2 pounds in a kilo. So if your airline allows 20 kilos, that's 44 pounds.

HTH!

Sue

 

[figment52]

Hey all... sorry I've been AWOL for the last few days... had a few issues pop up... including an emergency Root Canal, and an MRI on my foot... At least it happened now and not a week from now! LOL...

Ron - Hope you feel better soon.

NOW FOR THE REST OF THE GROUP -

ENOUGH ALREADY with the accidents, minor emergencies, sickness, trips to the ER and any other issues that are unplanned and unproductive as we get ready for this cruise. We are boarding the ship on SATURDAY!!! and everyone needs to be in A1 shape for this inauguaral sailing of the Magic in the Med.

Take care everyone, be careful and safe journeys.

 

[sweetsue]

That would be me... BNP Paribas in France is their only reciprocal bank for the countries we will be visiting.

Fees at all other ATMS are 1% + $5 + that bank's fee. Using BNP Paribas you still are charged the 1%, but not the $5 and there is no additional fee from them because they are partners.

This is the phone number to call collect if you need to speak with BofA while traveling overseas. (770) 491-4064

Don't forget to notify your banks and credit card companies that you are traveling.

This all depends on your bank. It's important that you call your own bank to find out their policies and reciprocal agreements.

I have ATM cards at two different ATMs along with a few debit cards that can be used as cash. Here are the charges:

For ATM #1: No charge for using ATM. Exchange rate used is that published in the Wall Street Journal for the day the ATM withdrawal occurs. IF the bank charges a separate fee (which would be noted as an addition to the withdrawal amount - like an extra $1 for a $100 withdrawal), my bank will refund up to 10 such fees in a CALENDAR month. The refund will occur automatically at statement time (the 30th of the month).

For ATM #2: No charge for using ATM. Exchange rate used is that published in the Wall Street Journal for the day the ATM withdrawal occurs. IF the bank charges a separate fee (which would be noted as an addition to the withdrawal amount - like an extra $1 for a $100 withdrawal), my bank will refund up to 6 such fees in a CALENDAR month. The refund will occur automatically at statement time (the 30th of the month).

Now both of these are credit unions - so their agreements are different. What you see above is similar to what I have within the US.

Since you have to call the bank anyways to notify them you are leaving the US, I'd suggest you just ask them what they charge!

Sue

 

[sweetsue]

I just have to let everyone know that today has been just a wee bit stressful.

This morning, we got up at 4:30 (getting ready for the time change). All is good so far. DD gets up well. We start our day and move on. THEN the evil black cloud hits. DD's braces won't stay on (these are for her feet). I finally wrap the strap around and it sticks. Off to the bus for her, off to Target for me. About 20 minutes later, school calls. The strap won't stay on. She can't walk. ARGH! Ended up making an emergency appointment to the braces doctor to get it fixed. Finally - done.

Then Delta calls my mother to let her know there is a change in flight and please call back. I call and uh-oh, our flight is cancelled. We're on Alitalia and they're having a strike. We booked via Delta and they have seats, but Alitalia has to tell Delta to book us on them who we booked with in the first place. ARGH! Finally Alitalia decides they are going to reinstate the flight but then they've lost all of our flight info. Christina (age 6) is flying by herself! I'm on "standby". What????? THREE HOURS LATER - I am back on the flight with Christina and Nana. Needless to say I am STILL not packed!!!

I did NOT have FIVE HOURS OF *&()&(*^ in my packing plans today.

Moral of story - ummmm, no clue - but "be prepared" didn't quite cut it for my last few days.

Hope everyone else has smooth sailing (or flying) on their way to Barcelona.

Sue