November 19, 2005 Thanksgiving Magic Cruise

[Tri-circle-D]

Willie- You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I live on the west coast of Florida, and we had a lot of tree damage, some minor building damage and lost power for 4 to 5 days at a time after two of last year's hurricanes. What my family suffered through is nothing compared to what the poor people in Katrina's path are experiencing. It is so difficult to try to clean up and repair when all of your food is spoiling, and you cannot get out of the heat. Your family is fortunate that you are going to help. God bless you.

 

[ICEMANPAD]

Willie-

You and your family are wonderful for taking care of each other!! Congratulations on helping out!! We cannot imagine the devistation in Mississippi and Louisiana. There are still trees and power lines down here and Katrina was nothing compared to what she was in the Gulf region. We were unhappy w/o power for a few days--We cannot imagine being without power for a few months. Our thoughts and prayers are w/ you and your family!!

Chuck and Lisa

 

[neverlandclub]

Willie,

Have a safe trip! Its awesome how you are helping out your family. I am sure it means a lot to them. I hope they are able to recover from the damage quickly.
PS - Don't forget to pack some diapers! Those will be greatly appreciated I am sure.

 

[zeke11]

Willie -

God bless you! Hope the relatives will be ok. Prayers are going out to all of them.

Kris

 

[zeke11]

We are actually getting close! Considering how long ago we booked this cruise - LOL!

I'm wondering about what to do in Cozumel....

Since we have two beach days on the cruise (CC), it doesn't seem necessary to do another one in Cozumel. But wondering what else is there to do that is worthwhile.

Was considering the Tulum tour, but it sounds like it is a long ride there and might be uncomfortably hot. Not sure all in my family will appreciate it.

For those of you who have already been to Cozumel, throw some ideas at me, if you don't mind! Let me know what you've done there, add some photos if you have them.....I'm a blank at this point!

Thanks!
Kris

 

[gfolchick]

Kris,
There is a mini golf place in Cozumel, not sure if you've heard of it. You can walk there from the ship. They give you walkie talkies and will bring beer, sangria, soft drinks etc to the hole you're playing. The link is: http://www.eagleraydivers.com/minigolf.htm They will also let you pick your music from their CD collection. We had planned to check it out last cruise but never made it. OUr friends went and had a good time.

Two years ago we went to Mr. Sanchos beach. They were very friendly when we got there and said the chairs were free, but in the end I think they charged us for them, our bill was really high and we only ordered a few beers and chips and salsa. We may check out Paradise Beach this trip.

 

[Ratt45]

Willie, be safe on your trip to your family members in MS. My wife and I will have you and them in our prayers. This one makes me feel horrible about complaining about the 3 we went through last year. Just be safe!!!!

 

[heart]

Willie--wishing you and your family the best.

Kris--my family really enjoyed Paradise Beach in Cozumel/

 

[ICEMANPAD]

Kris-we want on the Fury Catameran last year. We enjoyed it so much that we booked again this year. The catameran docks a few feet from the Magic. The ride to the snorkel site is very nice. Then, you get off the boat and snorkel for a while and get back on the boat. They serve free beer (yes Lampskie was on the excursion last year) and free margaritas on the catameran. The next stop is a beach where they have volley ball (one of my dh's favorite sports) and other activities. There is a snack bar (costs extra) and restrooms on the beach. Then, you head back to the Magic. It was a lot of fun!!


Lisa

 

[momsgoofy]

Kris,

We did the Tulum tour last Turkey cruise and thought it was great. The bus ride had AC and the rest stop we made was at a decent place...bathrooms were much cleaner than some I've seen in Europe and the states...grabbed some bottled water and snacks...fair price. The least enjoyable part was the walk from the dock at Playa del Carmen to the bus, about half mile maybe and not very leisurely. The lunch they served was from Subway, included a 6 inch sub, chips, cookie, and drink. The drinks were cold pepsi, diet pepsi or beer. There may have been another pepsi product, but I don't remember. If you would like any more info, just ask...I've also got some great photos from Tulum if you'd like to see them.

 

[Disneyfan37]

WMILLER-Willie,dh and I's prayers are with you and family.We are six to seven hours from there,but if there is anything we can do please let us know.MS was our home away from home.We had three nights reserved for this weekend at the Beau Rivage.I feel so bad for all these people affected by Katrina.Stay safe!

Maria

 

[the5J's]

WOW Willie
When someone personally gets affected, it will change you also
They are probably numb at this point so you may take the brunt of the disaster harder than they do. Humans have an inborn "flight or fight" that i have personaly witnessed and lived through. That is why people offer prayers to others in need. It is those prayers that help people through the most difficult times in there lives until they are ready to handle it themselves.

FOOTPRINTS
One night a man dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. As scenes of this life flashed before him, he noticed that there were two sets of footprints in the sand. He also noticed at the saddest, lowest times there was only one set of footprints. This bothered the man and he asked the Lord, "Did you not promise that if I gave my heart to you that you'd be with me all the way? The, why is there only one set of footprints during my most troublesome times?" The Lord repolied, "my precious child. I love you and would never forsake you. During those times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then I carried you."

Much of Love to everyone effected by Hurricane Katrina

John and Julia

 

[the5J's]

Hi everyone who knows me from last Turkey cruise and Hello to all who I have not met or through Dis board. I have been busy with my new business. Ever since I started doing Faux painting at Homearama(Home Show), I've had calls like crazy and then did several painting. I know John sent a few Threads so hopefully you all don't mind us coming back.

I had just reserved Palo but not on Tuesday, I think they are booked...unless they keep some opened for the ones are just boarding the ship. We have 6:30pm on Wednesday. There were no brunch dates opened either. This is what we get for not responding quickly.

Doogie-Is it $50 or $55 for the Native Way? What's your address to send you the money? So how are you and family? Missed you guys.

Tri-Cricle D-Hi, how are you?...can't wait to meet you. We would like 5 T-shirts and let us know if you like us to pay in advance or wait till ship? If you need sizes, let me know.

Heart and Molli--How are you guys...can't wait to meet you as well...I know Molli lives in Dayton? We live in West Chester, and my DH and I would like to know if we can meet before heading to Cruise? It will be fun.

I better get going, my DH needs the computer to work. We will do our best to stay in loop, although, we did feel out of the loop and wonder if anybody missed us....

Iceman-Can't wait to see you both again....I'm sure your DS can't wait to get back on the fun boat.

Oh!!! Willie and Lampy, of course we missed you guys alot....this trip should be alot of fun now....can't wait. Miller Beer and all.

Julia

 

[WMILLER86]

Hi Gang,
First of all, thank you so much for the thoughts and prayers for my family. They are all OK. They rode out the storm at my sisters farm in Mississippi. About 25 miles inland from the coast. They had some scary moments, but nobody was injured. The roof lifted up and came back down, a tree fell on a corner, etc. But for most part her house survived. Some other family members houses had some damage, but nothing that cannot be repaired. I spent the last 4 days working a chain saw, excavator, bobcat, and bulldozer to clear roads and trees from houses and cars. the damage down there was worse than I expected it would be. I lived in New Orleans as a child and was there for hurricanes Betsy and Camille. This is much worse than I remember. For instance, I have never seen SO many trees down. That itself creates major problems with power lines over such a large area.

When I drove up to the farm with my truck loaded with generator, window unit a/c, food and gas, they all came up to me with tears in their eyes. The emotions were strong, after they had been living with no power or water for a few days. I tried to get them to just leave with me and come back to stay in Texas with us til power is restored, but you know how hard headed country people are. They have to tend to things there.(cows, etc) My nephews, their wives and babies did come home with me for a while.
The federal, state and local governments are doing a fantastic job of helping the communties get back going. It was great to see things working the way it is supposed to work. Do not believe all the junk you see on TV. I saw every sort of Gov agency down there working their tails off. TV is only showing the bad stuff going on in the city of New Orleans.

It was nice to take a hot shower last night!

Willie

 

[WMILLER86]

We now have a ton of "evacuees" living here in Beaumont/East Texas area. There was a line of new kids signing up for school this morning when I took Erin to her 5th grade classes.
Our community is going all out to try and make sure these folks feel welcome.
I think this will be a historic event in that so many people have been displaced. Many will end up never returning to New Orleans, or Gulf coast areas.

Willie

 

[the5J's]

WOW, Willie, you made a big difference in their lives and they appreciate you being there....what a great person you and family are.

Julia

 

[WMILLER86]

Hi Julia! and welcome back to the DIS! I have seen some posts from John. I am so looking forward to having some of those 2 for 1 Mai Tai's up on deck 11 during sea days! I don't know how I made it down to the couples massage on time that afternoon! Erin is really glad she will get to see your girls again.

Willie

 

[the5J's]

Jenna & Jessica are very excited and can't wait to see Erin, too! I just can't believe that it just seemed like it was yesterday that Erin came up to me with a sad look at her face, and ask if we are coming back in Thanksgiving 05....I'll never forget her....she did a great job to get us back.

It's coming very close...

Julia

 

[the5J's]

Jenna & Jessica are very excited and can't wait to see Erin, too! I just can't believe that it just seemed like it was yesterday that Erin came up to me with a sad look at her face, and ask if we are coming back in Thanksgiving 05....I'll never forget her....she did a great job to get us back.

It's coming very close...

Julia

 

[ICEMANPAD]

Willie-

We are sure that your family appreciates all of your help!! It's wonderful to hear about a family working together!!

There was a student from our DS's school that had moved to the New Orleans area. The family lost every physical possesion they had, but they are ok. They are now back here staying w/ family and the school has taken the boy back in without charging any tuition to the family!! The headmaster took the boy around the school today to introduce him and make him feel comfortable.

Julia-

Welcome back!! We missed you and John! We are looking forward to seeing ya'all in November!!


Take care everyone-

Chuck and Lisa