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

[cocoswife]

Safe travels to Sue and anyone else traveling today.

Camille: what hotel are you staying at at JFK? We need to layover on our return flight and I haven't made a reservation yet.

See everyone in just a few days......Peter, Jenn: even sooner!

Sorry it took me so long to respond, our flt was delayed for 6 hours!!! We just got to our hotel, it's 2:45 AM Anyway, we are staying at the Hampton Inn JFK which is really nice for an airport hotel and has all the amenities that we were looking for:
-Free internet
-Shuttle -We had to take a taxi, last shuttle runs at midnight
-Free hot breakfast
-Rooms are newly remodeled
-Only a quarter mile from the airport

I actually researched all JFK airport hotels and the Hampton Inn and the Holiday Inn Express seemed to be the best.

Funny thing happened to us tonight, DH has a really nice Delsey carry on bag that I got him 4 years ago. As he picked it up after going thru the X-ray machine the handle broke So, he actually picked up his rolling carry-on to the nearest gate, where we asked for a paper clip and some scotch tape. We used the paper clip to hold it together and then we put scotch tape over it. Now, the handle won't go in all the way..oopps!! I couldn't stop laughing, as we just started our trip, our first flt was delayed and now his bag is been held together by scotch tape, I hope we make it to Barcelona.

figment 52 - Don't worry, we'll be the couple who held our bag together with scotch tape.

 

[figment52]

Funny thing happened to us tonight, DH has a really nice Delsey carry on bag that I got him 4 years ago. As he picked it up after going thru the X-ray machine the handle broke So, he actually picked up his rolling carry-on to the nearest gate, where we asked for a paper clip and some scotch tape. We used the paper clip to hold it together and then we put scotch tape over it. Now, the handle won't go in all the way..oopps!! I couldn't stop laughing, as we just started our trip, our first flt was delayed and now his bag is been held together by scotch tape, I hope we make it to Barcelona.

figment 52 - Don't worry, we'll be the couple who held our bag together with scotch tape.

Ok, misery loves company. What you just described is why I always travel with the unversal repair kit - duct tape. I'll pack some extra for you and share in BCN.

Heading to the airport at 5pm. Maybe even to work in a few hours.

See everyone in BCN.

 

[Rogillio]

0500 hrs CST and I am up and ready to go. Our flight does not leave till noon but we are packed and ready to head out.

14 months ago we booked this trip and it has finally arrived! It's gonna be a grand 2 weeks in the Med!

Quick poll....does anyone else feel the need to completely clean the house ala 'spring cleaning' before they leave on vacation? I don't know how we got into this habit but before we go on vacation we clean the house and try to make it look like no one actually lives here!

I'm not very good with names but maybe I recognize someone from this board on the ship.

~Mike

 

[winotracy]

0500 hrs CST and I am up and ready to go. Our flight does not leave till noon but we are packed and ready to head out.

14 months ago we booked this trip and it has finally arrived! It's gonna be a grand 2 weeks in the Med!

Quick poll....does anyone else feel the need to completely clean the house ala 'spring cleaning' before they leave on vacation? I don't know how we got into this habit but before we go on vacation we clean the house and try to make it look like no one actually lives here!

I'm not very good with names but maybe I recognize someone from this board on the ship.

~Mike

I cleaned on Monday and Tuesday. I don't like coming home to a mess and when I unpack it will be one so no need to get it started before I go. Also my mom and sister may come down the day we fly home and meet us here. I also clean out the refrigerator and freezer. You never know when it may quit working! About 1 month before going I watch what we have for food in there closely. Use up everything I can. Sad thing is on our first cruise we knew we'd be gone a long time so we did this and when we got home, the refrigerator (just out of warrantee) quit working. Thankfully we didn't lose much.

We leave tomorrow!!!

A few last minute things to do but all in all, we're in good shape. C while I'm out today I'll check with Verizon about texting.

 

[Jeisur]

I thought your in-laws cancelled on you?

nope everything turned out fine. My DH's grandma is in respit care until we return. So no cancelations here!

t minus 2 hours ro leave for the airport.

travel safe!

 

[Hygiene99]

Jenn spent the entire evening cleaning and most of the weekend..

Ok Off To Work....
1 more wake up....

Mike, We have cruised together before....


Jenn, has left for work also!!!!

All you leaving today, have safe travels...

 

[DebWills]

Wow, 15 months later and here we are - about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime!

While I have to admit I have not read all one billion posts, I have read my fair share and really look forward to meeting everyone and seeing old friends!

Safe travels... take care -- see you all at the Fountains on Friday Night and the ship on Saturday.

Deb - Blogging my way thru the Med
http://allearsnet.com/blogs/

 

[Maryon K. Bramley]

If you cruise with Cuinard you can take them with you & they have kennels on most of the ships & you can walk them on the deck!



Does anyone knit? I'm thinking about trying socks on circular needles and I'm thinking of trying it for the first time & wouldn't mind having someone to go to if I get confused.

Good Morning I knit but have never tried socks always thought it looked complicated. Use to do mittens for the kids when up North and have done sweaters and tons of afghans. Good luck with the socks.

 

[memarmay]

Do not feel the need to read this but at 2:30AM I have to vent---

It is my fault for not putting things from the spare room into suitcases before tonight. I accept that.

It is my fault for watching all of DWTS results show and not just the last 10 minutes and not starting to transfer things until after the late news. I accept that.

It is my fault that I did not thoroughly inspect my new 30% lighter luggage when I bought it in January just for this trip (so I didn't have to worry about my luggage being overweight). I accept that.

But IT IS NOT MY FAULT that the GENIUS that DESIGNED and I quote "The 4 piece Orbit lightweight luggage collection by CIAO1 uses innovative construction and frames which results in an amazing light weight series of luggage components. In addition, these components are also super strong. The attention to detail" (remember this part) "makes this luggage collection a truly spectacular design, including such standout features as rubber molded feet, abrasion guards, self repairing zippers, slim line handles, push button telescopic handles, and quiet-glide in-line skate wheels" FORGETS TO PUT THE THINGY ON THE TOP OF EACH PIECE THAT ALLOWS YOU TO CONNECT MULTIPLE PIECES WITH A STRAP AND ROLL THEM ALL WITH ONE HAND!!! Apparently knowing the complete functionality of luggage was not a requirement for designing it.

SO, if you see someone trying to juggle three matching bags, all wheeled but not connected IT IS NOT THEIR FAULT. In 2007 you just expect a 20+ year old standard component to matching luggage to be STANDARD DESIGN and you don't check to make sure it is still there!!

If you read this far, thank you for letting me vent.

At least I don't leave for the airport until 5pm but I was going to go into work for a few hours (so I didnt have to waste a vacation day - lol) I wonder how a 55y/o controller functions after pulling an all nighter. Note to self - don't do any work, just delegate - lol. Oh well, I should be able to sleep on the plane and be ready to explore BCN when I arrive.

My heart goes out to you. I was awake at 4 AM and finally got up at 5. DH had finished our booking on BA yesterday, seats and all...'rearranged' our travel docs, so spent a short while reoranizing them. All is well. almost thru packing. Glad that I went and refreshed my mind on travel restrictions. Going to need to redo some of the 'liquids. Oh well, better now than at LAX.
So sorry you had so many problems with your luggage. we bought new ones too, kinda had to, we didn't have any!!! (always borrowed before...now we can vacation anytime WE want) So far, so good. we have duct tape also. it fixes everything....almost.
Hope all is well for those of you that met someone "by accident". Good thoughts are with you.
NOw, I best be getting down to business...it's almost 0630 PDT and I need to tighten up loose ends.
See y'all in BCN!
Mari

 

[Arizona Rita]

:One day left! Tomorrow at the time we will be at the airport!

Lori, if you read this. it was Laurens turn not to reply! Lauren wanted Courtney to know that Parrot Cay was/is a resturant , she thanks her for the postcards and wants to know if she swims?

Have a great day everyone!

Rita

 

[icunurse_celeste]

Ok, misery loves company. What you just described is why I always travel with the unversal repair kit - duct tape. I'll pack some extra for you and share in BCN.

Heading to the airport at 5pm. Maybe even to work in a few hours.

See everyone in BCN.

Sorry it took me so long to respond, our flt was delayed for 6 hours!!! We just got to our hotel, it's 2:45 AM Anyway, we are staying at the Hampton Inn JFK which is really nice for an airport hotel and has all the amenities that we were looking for:
-Free internet
-Shuttle -We had to take a taxi, last shuttle runs at midnight
-Free hot breakfast
-Rooms are newly remodeled
-Only a quarter mile from the airport

I actually researched all JFK airport hotels and the Hampton Inn and the Holiday Inn Express seemed to be the best.

Funny thing happened to us tonight, DH has a really nice Delsey carry on bag that I got him 4 years ago. As he picked it up after going thru the X-ray machine the handle broke So, he actually picked up his rolling carry-on to the nearest gate, where we asked for a paper clip and some scotch tape. We used the paper clip to hold it together and then we put scotch tape over it. Now, the handle won't go in all the way..oopps!! I couldn't stop laughing, as we just started our trip, our first flt was delayed and now his bag is been held together by scotch tape, I hope we make it to Barcelona.

figment 52 - Don't worry, we'll be the couple who held our bag together with scotch tape.

Your posts show up on my computer after 2AM- haven't you heard the old saying- Nothing good happens after 2 AM?

Sorry it's crazy for you all!

 

[icunurse_celeste]

Quick poll....does anyone else feel the need to completely clean the house ala 'spring cleaning' before they leave on vacation? I don't know how we got into this habit but before we go on vacation we clean the house and try to make it look like no one actually lives here!

I'm not very good with names but maybe I recognize someone from this board on the ship.

~Mike

Want to come to my house and clean? I am fully expecting my husband to call me and tell me they are out of underware and I need to come and do laundry....

A few last minute things to do but all in all, we're in good shape. C while I'm out today I'll check with Verizon about texting.

Excellent!

Good Morning I knit but have never tried socks always thought it looked complicated. Use to do mittens for the kids when up North and have done sweaters and tons of afghans. Good luck with the socks.

I may still try to find you if I'm having a hard time....sometime two pairs of eyes do the trick!

 

[cocoswife]

Ok, misery loves company. What you just described is why I always travel with the unversal repair kit - duct tape. I'll pack some extra for you and share in BCN.

Heading to the airport at 5pm. Maybe even to work in a few hours.

See everyone in BCN.

I told DH we needed duct tape, he asked why and I told him, because, I read it on the Disboard and he still didn't buy it. People, we have an non-believer among us, he needs to be disboardified

Thanks for coming to our rescue

 

[sweetsue]

Hi everyone! We made it to Barcelona safe and sound. The crossing over the Atlantic was a bit bumpy but that made it almost restful. Christina survived - Nana wasn't quite so well. I don't think she got much sleep back in cattle car. I'll probably never hear the end of traveling business class and leaving my own mother in coach.

Just wanted to pass on a few tidbits.

For those that stop womewhere else before Barcelona, it really makes customs a piece of cake. We went through immigration to the EU in Milan. It took less than 3 minutes, passport stamped and on to the domestic terminal. Once we got our luggage in Barcelona, you did pass through an area that said "Nothing to Declare" or "Declare". No paperwork - nothing. Just walk through when another plaine is arriving. They only have one or two customs agents that seem to randomly select people. We literally walked right through.

They have currency exchange at the airport. They were buying $ at $1.41 per Euro. Traveler's checks were $1.35 per Euro. They have automated machines that take currency. I tried the airport ATM but couldn't get it to work with my card. Thankfully I had US$ so I exchanged some to get a cab, etc.

Cabs are plentiful and don't worry if you have too much sgtuff. They will wave you to a larger vank-sized taxi. The ride is 20 Euros but another chunk of change per bag. And they count EVERY bag.

Weather was sucky when we arrived. Very overcast and smoggy. But it has now cleared up and we have beautiful blue skies. Weather is warm. Mom is in shorts. Very few people here are wearing shorts. Even those that are wearing shorts have long ones that go past their knees. Colors are definitely boring bieges, browns, blues and blacks compared to my normal Southern Florida colors.

Haven't had much language problems. My Spanish seems to be good enough to get buy. There are quite a few people that speak English - but quite a few that do not.

Got to run - back to sightseeting!

Sue

 

[icunurse_celeste]

Glad you all made it safely! I'm finishing last minute stuff and I just got my hair cut and then I'm off to physical therapy!

 

[winotracy]

Just picked up my rental car. For the cost of $9 my nerves were settled. Walked in to the airport in Madison and said to the Avis lady "I have a reservation". After much back and forth with her and her supervisor, they said they needed one more form of ID from me because I was local. They said it was on the fine print on the contract online. I could go home and come back with it. I said forget it! I was a bit ticked so I took my business to National which got me in a car without a reservation at a decent price right away. It's even big enough to fit all our luggage! Had to pass Avis on the way out and snubbed them.

 

[Scooby3x1y]

Hey! I'm sitting in JFK airport and couldn't resist getting on to see what everyone is up to. 4 hours down, 8 to go. Good news from Sue that they have big taxi's since they're 11 of us.

Flight was great, kids were good, I'm really excited!

See you soon!

PS - Rita, Tell Lauren, Courtney didn't know that was the name of that restaurant.

 

[figment52]

Just picked up my rental car. For the cost of $9 my nerves were settled. Walked in to the airport in Madison and said to the Avis lady "I have a reservation". After much back and forth with her and her supervisor, they said they needed one more form of ID from me because I was local. They said it was on the fine print on the contract online. I could go home and come back with it. I said forget it! I was a bit ticked so I took my business to National which got me in a car without a reservation at a decent price right away. It's even big enough to fit all our luggage! Had to pass Avis on the way out and snubbed them.

I must have missed something - are you driving to Barcelona?

I'll be heading to the airport in a little over an hour. TG someone else is driving becasue I never got to bed last night and it is starting to hitme. At least I know I'll sleep in the plane - lol.

For those that put up with my rant/vent earlier , the good old DOlar store came through with a heavy duty luggage strap that I can rig to help schlep those bags. I hope they pass the weight police - electronic stuff is heavy!!

See you soon. Safe journeys everyone.

Sandy

 

[Coalchick]

Coalchick-I think there must be a Pina Colada or Bahama Mama with your name on it too! As long as everyone is ok, thats all that matters!
My DH got into a teeny accident this week too, but nothing compared to yours! you a restful night!
Rita

I certainly hope there is one with my name on it. There are so many of us that have had our issues preparing for this trip. I think we need to make up new t-shirts - "I survived the planning of the First Magical Med Cruise".
We were very lucky the accident was not worse. After spending a bazillion dollars on the trip we get to come home and buy a new car. I guess there are worse things. Save me a spot at the bar. (I'll just have to watch that drug interaction thing). See you all soon. Thanks for the well wishes everbody!

 

[winotracy]

I must have missed something - are you driving to Barcelona?

I'll be heading to the airport in a little over an hour. TG someone else is driving becasue I never got to bed last night and it is starting to hitme. At least I know I'll sleep in the plane - lol.

For those that put up with my rant/vent earlier , the good old DOlar store came through with a heavy duty luggage strap that I can rig to help schlep those bags. I hope they pass the weight police - electronic stuff is heavy!!

See you soon. Safe journeys everyone.

Sandy

No, renting a car to get to the airport. We are flying out of Ohare which is 2 1/2 hours away. With parking it would cost us an arm and a leg to drive our own car there. So we got two one way rentals.