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

[winotracy]

Just thought I would check in- I've been sleep a lot and cleaning for my spring break. (Classes started again yesterday)

I will not be wearing formal or pirate wear- both take up too much room and I have to bring my scuba gear, which takes up more room, but I have more desire to dive than dress up.


I have a few more weeks of nights, then I go back to the land of the living...



Hey T, any news?

So good to hear from you C! I was about to drive down there and check on you Too quiet!! I figured you'd surface

 

[Hygiene99]

So good to hear from you C! I was about to drive down there and check on you Too quiet!! I figured you'd surface

She has indeed been worried!
asked me a couple of times, if We had heard from you!

Now what are you 2 up to ????

Peter

 

[padalyn]

GLad to hear that someone has already tested the waters for you. I wasn't so lucky, either time!! At least work cover the expense each time.

Which model is it? Which power pack do you have? - maybe I'll bring mine this time, it has a longer battery than the portable DVD player.

Something else to consider would be an iGo system - it does the conversion, all one has to have is tha adapter and as a plus - everything uses different tips but only ONE CHARGER!!

 

[winotracy]

She has indeed been worried!
asked me a couple of times, if We had heard from you!

Now what are you 2 up to ????

Peter

scrapbooking!! Wanna join us?

 

[milestogo]

Thanks for posting the BIG RED BOAT picture, I had never seen it!

Also, had no idea that play doh was banned, I had a travel pack in the backpack, guess I'll take that out now!!

 

[Jeisur]

TSAs email response:

Regardless of whether an item is on the prohibited or permitted items list, the Transportation Security Officers (TSO's) have discretion to prohibit an individual from carrying an item through the screening checkpoint or onboard an aircraft if the item poses a security threat.


-----
Sounded too general so I called and got this:

It is not a gel, liquid or a cream so it doesn't fall under the 3-1-1 rule.

After consulting her supervisor the "official" answer is:
Play-doh is a clay toy and is allowed on planes. Container size is not an issue but for security purposes they "recommend" the container be 3oz or less, but not required. It should be in the original mfg container.

She did say however that it will be up to the discression on the security officer at each checkpoint.

----

I figure we will pack a few of those tiny "trick-or-treat" sizes and a few plastic cookie cutter type toys.

 

[Kissimmee]

Banner making party and BBQ All are welcome

Details are here

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1401823

 

[poconoboatniks]

HI Holiday,

I just pm's you. You can check your pm's by clicking on the PRIVATE MESSAGE link in the yellow box located at the top right corner.

Kiss,

Thanks for the invite, but we can't justify the cost of flying to Florida 2 mths before flying to Spain. Sounds like you guys will be having a good time.

Jeisur,

Which hotel are staying at in Philly? We've stayed at Hilton, Renaissance and Marriot.


Pocono

 

[Jeisur]

Jeisur,

Which hotel are staying at in Philly? We've stayed at Hilton, Renaissance and Marriot.


Pocono

We are not staying in Philly. We fly from Tampa, Florida to Philly and then out a few hours later..just a layover!

 

[Hygiene99]

Kiss,

Thanks for the invite, but we can't justify the cost of flying to Florida 2 mths before flying to Spain. Sounds like you guys will be having a good time.




Pocono

Yes Thank you very much .....

The pictures on the website looook awesome..

here is one i snapped earlier today

Cherry on top
Maisy on the bottom..
.

 

[sweetsue]

GLad to hear that someone has already tested the waters for you. I wasn't so lucky, either time!! At least work cover the expense each time.

Which model is it? Which power pack do you have? - maybe I'll bring mine this time, it has a longer battery than the portable DVD player.

I think I will be buying a converter anyways for the DVD player. Yes - I will have BOTH the computer and the DVD player. Since I will be working some, we'll have times when both need to be in use.

I'll post the model tomorrow. My laptop is snug in it's "bed" for the night!

Sue

 

[sweetsue]

TSAs email response:

Regardless of whether an item is on the prohibited or permitted items list, the Transportation Security Officers (TSO's) have discretion to prohibit an individual from carrying an item through the screening checkpoint or onboard an aircraft if the item poses a security threat.


-----
Sounded too general so I called and got this:

It is not a gel, liquid or a cream so it doesn't fall under the 3-1-1 rule.

After consulting her supervisor the "official" answer is:
Play-doh is a clay toy and is allowed on planes. Container size is not an issue but for security purposes they "recommend" the container be 3oz or less, but not required. It should be in the original mfg container.

She did say however that it will be up to the discression on the security officer at each checkpoint.

----

I figure we will pack a few of those tiny "trick-or-treat" sizes and a few plastic cookie cutter type toys.

For me it isn't worth packing a toy and having to toss it - not for the $ though. Christina would be VERY upset if I had to toss the playdoh and would probably cry for quite some time (besides trying to retrieve it from the garbage can and scream at the TSA agent). I'd rather stick with toys I know will make it through. Friends of mine recently travelled and had to toss their playdoh in Denver.

We'll be traveling with art stuff, stickers, books, DVD player, computer, card games, etc. One big huge hunking carry-on for her. One little tiny book for me!

Where do you live that you fly from Tampa? I love that play area with the plastic planes - it's so cool! I was born in St. Pete and will be visiting there this weekend.

Sue

 

[Jeisur]

Where do you live that you fly from Tampa? I love that play area with the plastic planes - it's so cool! I was born in St. Pete and will be visiting there this weekend.

Sue

We live in the Clearwater area. I get your point about the tossing of play-doh but I don't think our son will be phased if it happens. He is a bit too young plus my DH will go through with it in his bag and I will take the boy and the boys bag

I am thinking our DS goes through security with NO shoes on. I DON'T even want to think about trying to get his shoes off and then back on. UGH!

 

[misseulalie]

I need some help about Olbia/Sardinia. We have an excursion booked; Aggius and the Ethnographic Museum. But after adding up all of our excursions and the costs, the question is do we really want to pay almost $900 for a 4.5 hours tour. (6 people in our group)

Is anyone just getting off and doing their own thing? We don't want go to the beach. Maybe just tour the city.

Any ideas?

 

[cocoswife]

Good morning everyone!! We were on the second page, I thought we should get this thread moving...

misseulalie - Olbia is the one port that we have no idea what we are doing I read that there is a real nice beach by the port, maybe we'll just walk over and look around. Would love to know what the others are doing?

Camille

 

[winotracy]

Good morning everyone!! We were on the second page, I thought we should get this thread moving...

misseulalie - Olbia is the one port that we have no idea what we are doing I read that there is a real nice beach by the port, maybe we'll just walk over and look around. Would love to know what the others are doing?

Camille

We've got nothing planned. May check out what it's like to stay onboard all day!!

 

[ronjoh]

Unfortunately we still haven't booked our hotel in Barcelona for pre-cruise.

I'm trying to figure out the safe areas and the "not so safe" areas before I make a booking. For example I see warnings about Barri Xines, but can't find this area on any of the maps I have.

Also, the prices drops considerably as you get away from Barri Gotic and La Rambia area. Would anyone know if other areas of the city should be avoided other than the areas (Barri Xines, the lower end of La Rambia and the area around Placa Reial) as stated travel books? How about near the airport where we could take a taxi or subway to Barri Gotic for example.

I know I should have done this sooner.

Thanks

 

[sweetsue]

Unfortunately we still haven't booked our hotel in Barcelona for pre-cruise.

I'm trying to figure out the safe areas and the "not so safe" areas before I make a booking. For example I see warnings about Barri Xines, but can't find this area on any of the maps I have.

Also, the prices drops considerably as you get away from Barri Gotic and La Rambia area. Would anyone know if other areas of the city should be avoided other than the areas (Barri Xines, the lower end of La Rambia and the area around Placa Reial) as stated travel books? How about near the airport where we could take a taxi or subway to Barri Gotic for example.

I know I should have done this sooner.

Thanks

Ron,

Here's some information that might help you understand your difficulty - and then figure out what you want to do about it.

1) Barcelona occupancy rates run 80-90% YEAR-ROUND. This means that they don't have to have cheap rates because there just aren't enough hotels to go around. It also means reasonable accomodations book quickly.
2) The $ is weak compared to the Euro, so you'll spend 30-35% more than you would at home for the same thing.

Here are some opportunities:

1) If you are staying two nights or more, try an apartment instead. There are TONS of apartments for rent.
2) Go a little bit away from Las Ramblas - like in the University area, L'Eixample, or near the beaches.

As for "safe" vs. "not-safe", it really is personal preference. Some people don't like the lower part of the Gothic Quarter because it is narrow and dark - a more medieval feel. But that is also some of what gives it charm.
The El Raval district was called the red-light district due to the sailors coming in from the ships. Yet there are many places to stay in that area that are perfectly safe.
I think it also depends on how much walking you want to do - and whether you'd rather be in the thick of things.

Hunt around - I've been able to find spots for people as recently as two weeks ago.

Sue

 

[Hygiene99]

Unfortunately we still haven't booked our hotel in Barcelona for pre-cruise.

I'm trying to figure out the safe areas and the "not so safe" areas before I make a booking. For example I see warnings about Barri Xines, but can't find this area on any of the maps I have.

Also, the prices drops considerably as you get away from Barri Gotic and La Rambia area. Would anyone know if other areas of the city should be avoided other than the areas (Barri Xines, the lower end of La Rambia and the area around Placa Reial) as stated travel books? How about near the airport where we could take a taxi or subway to Barri Gotic for example.

I know I should have done this sooner.

Thanks

Try this site www.kayak.com

 

[first timers]

Banner making party and BBQ All are welcome

Details are here

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1401823

Thanks for the offer. We live close enough, but I have to work that day. I'll ask DW if she might want to go without me. Alex