*Sept 10th 2011 WB Transatlantic* - From Spain to Space Mountain - Part 5

[DISNEYFAN_SD]

We got our documents today
Now I can stop stressing in not getting them.

 

[birkner]

I felt I must say a public thank you to all the 'posters' who have been so helpful to a newbe like me. I, personally, have dealt with Noel, Josh, AuntLynn, Karen, Cliffy97 (whomever you may be), Pinky 166 (ditto)and so many others whos names I can't remember. It is our first Disney cruise experience but all that you have done makes it the best pre-cruise experience we have ever had! Thanks to all! Charlie and Jean

Thank you for your very kind words! So many people here on the DIS helped me when I was a newbie, I just want to pay it forward!

 

[Disneynut64]

I am trying to personalize my FE gifts, I have sent some Pm to people that I don't have, Please check if you were one. If someone else is personalizing gifts and have last names please pm and maybe I can get them from you. Thanks Cindy

 

[birkner]

I am trying to personalize my FE gifts, I have sent some Pm to people that I don't have, Please check if you were one. If someone else is personalizing gifts and have last names please pm and maybe I can get them from you. Thanks Cindy

Cindy, I am still waiting for two people on my list to get back to me as well, KrisannB and KristiLynnG to get back to me from the Gibraltar FE group.

 

[goofprincess]

We stayed at the Diagonal Mar last year for the Med cruise and took a taxi from the airport and also to the cruise - it worked out perfectly. We traveled with 2 carry-ons, 1 hanging bag, a laptop bag and my purse - didn't want to attempt the bus with that.
We are staying there again for the WB cruise and are planning to take a taxi again. We'll probably be carrying an additional hanging bag - so no way do I want to try the bus or Metro!

We are stAying there as well and plan on taking the taxi

 

[giraffe104]

I have no idea what I'd like to do in St. Maarten. I like adventurous stuff, like hikes and being in the mountains, and I enjoy historical things too... I'm just not seeing any stand out excursions. Suggestions?

 

[goofprincess]

for all those in group one -palo brunch confirmed for 13th September at 10.30am : ))

Our brunch is that day as well. We will be waving from our table.

 

[LindaBabe]

At the risk of bringing the wrath of the masses down on my "bleeding heart liberal" self...

On NPR today, they were discussing this - how the economy in England is so bad, and the "austerity" measures that are being imposed - there are no jobs, so they really can't work for what they want. Not that rioting and stealing is the answer - it's not. No way. Never, ever, ever.

But these aren't people who had good jobs and overspent, or spoiled rich kids who think they deserve even more. (I've worked with/taught both - they have nothing to complain about.) These people have no jobs and the social programs that were in place to help them have been/are being cut.

So combine young and immature (and yes, probably raised w/o much discipline or direction) with frustration over lack of jobs, and it's a powder keg. Are they taking it out in the wrong way (violently) on the wrong people (small businesses, average working people)? Absolutely. Our US economy is terrible - finding a full-time job, even a minimum wage one, is tough - but England's is even worse.

Doesn't make any of this right. But to solve the problem, it helps to understand where it's coming from. "Quit whining and get a job," doesn't really help if there are no jobs. imho.

Okay, off to my part-time, not-even-minimum-wage-some-nights-but-at-least-I'm-working job. Will be back later with my flame-proof jammies on.

No flameproofing needed here! I agree with you. I've seen how hard some people have to struggle. And it's not just the poor / uneducated / minorities either. In fact, I wrote my thesis on just such a topic.

Great news! With so many sea days, I'm hoping all the groups get confirmed! I'm dreaming about the stollen bread right now! And the crab legs! and the salmon mousse! And the pizza margarhita! And the port wine cheese! I could go on, but I'm making myself too hungry!

Oh yeah! You're doing a good job at making ME hungry too!

This is Hazel just so you know who's opinion this is lol. . . .

Teach them to earn a reward, that stamping feet and screaming doesnt get what you want and that PLEASE and THANKYOU cost you nothing but gets you a lot.

These trouble makers in the UK right now are showing no respect and if it's because they want jobs well a criminal record isn't going to help!

I hope I havnt offended anyone.

Hazel

No offense here. Teaching children discipline takes work . . .

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Thanks Dan

Thank you Dan!

I have no idea what I'd like to do in St. Maarten. I like adventurous stuff, like hikes and being in the mountains, and I enjoy historical things too... I'm just not seeing any stand out excursions. Suggestions?

I don't remember St Maarten being that kind of place - beach, shopping, casino yes. Adventurous and hiking - eh not so much. The biggest adventure seems to be going over to the French side and being concerned about getting back on time to catch the boat.

 

[giraffe104]

I don't remember St Maarten being that kind of place - beach, shopping, casino yes. Adventurous and hiking - eh not so much. The biggest adventure seems to be going over to the French side and being concerned about getting back on time to catch the boat.

I just double checked the excursions. They now have the original one i was looking at. A down hill mountain trek into the rainforest... my cup of tea! I'm hoping to see a few green monkeys. Now i'm wondering should I do the Gibraltar cable car on my own, or do the DCL one with a good tour guide... i like being told stories but its double the price... decisions decisions

 

[Disneynut64]

Cindy, I am still waiting for two people on my list to get back to me as well, KrisannB and KristiLynnG to get back to me from the Gibraltar FE group.

sent their names to you. Cindy

 

[JessicasMom]

Lots of interesting topics today!

Please don't get me started! This upsets me the older I get. Life is so much easier for young people now-a-days and they seem to expect such a higher standard of life without having to wait and work for it. A lot of young adults starting out are buying bigger houses and decorating it to the hilt (but later on I have found they are maxed out in credit)!

I'm the "half-full glass" type of person, but it's sad when you see in today's society that they are getting away form personal responsibility. It's always someone else's fault. I'm definitely not clumping all young adults in this category because I hear about or see some that really make me proud of our future generation! But there is a growing population that seems to think they are owed a free ride or have to do very little work (but want all the trimmings)! (getting down off my soapbox....shutting my mouth....and apologizing for my ranting and raving!)

Just hope all this looting and vandalism stops soon so people can pick up the pieces and get back to living!

DITTO! (but, yes, there are a lot of truly wonderful young people out there)

While I was teaching full-time, I saw that a lot. Granted, not many students love math, but I heard every excuse in the book of why an assignment was not complete, why a book was left at home, why a student did not bring a pencil to class, why a student was caught red-handed cheating on a test... but very rarely was it the student's fault. Parents continuously had an excuse, and almost never had the student be responsible. Lots of articles on "helicopter parents", even to the point now where college professors receive emails from parents about why their child's test grade was such-and-such... right after the student has texted their parent during class The generation today is exempt from personal responsibility, largely due to enablers. Just my personal opinion... but when you mentioned "personal responsibility", I am right there with ya, sister!

And now I feel like my grandparents... when I was in school, I worked 40+ hours a week, paid for it all on my own, and certainly never had my parents contact my professors on my behalf. If I left my lunch at home, I went without lunch. If I forgot a pencil, I got demerits. I just hope I can raise my children to be responsible, caring contributors to society. Not "entitled" to anything.

Okay - soapbox over.

My mother, a retired teacher, could have written this post . She was thrilled when it was time to retire...so much had changed for the worse over the years, but parents' attitudes were the biggest problem. You can imagine how it was being the child (and grandchild) of a teacher...I could never get away with anything . Not only did my mother and grandmother both practically know my every move (and Mother never even taught in my schools), but they would definitely side with my teacher over me! (and I was a very good girl/student as a result).

I expected respect, responsibility and kindness from my daughter, and she lived up to my expectations with very little "rebellion", but her friends with the "helicopter parents"/enablers all had problems of one sort or another. I actually had one friend call her daughter's college professor because she had an issue with a test grade and then tell me about it, as if it was normal. I was absolutely stunned. My daughter would have been mortified!

At the risk of bringing the wrath of the masses down on my "bleeding heart liberal" self...
Will be back later with my flame-proof jammies on.

From one BHL to another, no flames .

That's my plan - the airport bus. It may be me and the two girls and luggage, but I have told myself I've done it before with Amtrak and two metro trains... plus kids and luggage... and survived.

I am woman, hear me roar!

for all those in group one -palo brunch confirmed for 13th September at 10.30am : ))

We have reservations for the 13th at 11am...see you all there (please leave me lots of crab !)

We got our documents today
Now I can stop stressing in not getting them.

Isn't it a good feeling? I'll stop stressing when there's a cabin #...none yet today, and it's day 30. I think I'll stop looking....yeah, right .

 

[LindaBabe]

I just double checked the excursions. They now have the original one i was looking at. A down hill mountain trek into the rainforest... my cup of tea! I'm hoping to see a few green monkeys. Now i'm wondering should I do the Gibraltar cable car on my own, or do the DCL one with a good tour guide... i like being told stories but its double the price... decisions decisions

My vote is "on your own". I know one of my roommates is planning on that. Bus 4 apparently stops at the bottom of the cable car. http://www.gibraltar.gi/tourism/?language=en&category=3&item=40

I actually think bus 3 does too, but the stop is called botanical garden or some such thing.

 

[auntlynne]

...Now i'm wondering should I do the Gibraltar cable car on my own, or do the DCL one with a good tour guide... i like being told stories but its double the price... decisions decisions

Last year, EBTA, people had problems with the DCL cable car tour; I think it was on the return transportation, which did not materialize. Sad when an excursion goes bad, but I think DCL quite often credits you the price.

I felt I must say a public thank you to all the 'posters' who have been so helpful to a newbe like me. I, personally, have dealt with Noel, Josh, AuntLynn, Karen, Cliffy97 (whomever you may be), Pinky 166 (ditto)and so many others whos names I can't remember. It is our first Disney cruise experience but all that you have done makes it the best pre-cruise experience we have ever had! Thanks to all! Charlie and Jean

You're welcome. If you notice the # of posts under people's names, you might realize that Josh (giraffe104) hasn't been at this much longer than you, although I think we can remember a while back when he was trying to decide whether or not to take this adventure solo, having just been graduated from college. One day (maybe soon), you could be the "veteran," giving help.

cliffy97 is Dan, from greater London, and Pinky166 is Claire (I'm going with memory here - from Herts, England - don't know where that is, though - another excuse the look up something on Google).

 

[tojam]

Originally Posted by PFlamingo
At the risk of bringing the wrath of the masses down on my "bleeding heart liberal" self...

On NPR today, they were discussing this - how the economy in England is so bad, and the "austerity" measures that are being imposed - there are no jobs, so they really can't work for what they want. Not that rioting and stealing is the answer - it's not. No way. Never, ever, ever.

But these aren't people who had good jobs and overspent, or spoiled rich kids who think they deserve even more. (I've worked with/taught both - they have nothing to complain about.) These people have no jobs and the social programs that were in place to help them have been/are being cut.

So combine young and immature (and yes, probably raised w/o much discipline or direction) with frustration over lack of jobs, and it's a powder keg. Are they taking it out in the wrong way (violently) on the wrong people (small businesses, average working people)? Absolutely. Our US economy is terrible - finding a full-time job, even a minimum wage one, is tough - but England's is even worse.

Doesn't make any of this right. But to solve the problem, it helps to understand where it's coming from. "Quit whining and get a job," doesn't really help if there are no jobs. imho.

Okay, off to my part-time, not-even-minimum-wage-some-nights-but-at-least-I'm-working job. Will be back later with my flame-proof jammies on.


Like many things in the life, the spirit of the frustration is worthy. The manner in which it is being acted upon is not. When I was a police officer I worked a couple of small, neighborhood situations and remember a mother defending her daughter when the daughter was caught stealing during a riot. The next day her daughter was sexually assaulted by the large crowd that was still rioting. This day, she was upset at why the police could not assist her daughter and wondered who would do such a thing. Amazing how 24 hours and a relationship to a victim can change everything.

Perspective is everything and I hope the protest/riot is squashed quickly. I tell people we are becoming a world of polite savages. And getting worse each day! So many people have lost sight of everything except that which benefits them. Community, honor, integity are starting to become punchlines over values being taught to children. I am concerned that America is not far behind what you are experiencing now.

Be safe and I appreciate your honest and educated thougts on a sensitive issue.

 

[JessicasMom]

Perspective is everything.

Yep.

 

[PFlamingo]

No flaming here.

I just wanted to point out (as I don't know how much coverage/facts you guys are getting on your news stations) that the first two people who were up in court today over the riots were an 11 year old boy and the other was a Primary school worker!!!

Wow. That's just so wrong. (I mean the 11 yr old and the school worker were wrong, not bringing them to court.)

I wonder, too, how many of the rioters really are the "frustrated unemployed" and how many are just using this as an excuse for bad behavior.

This is Hazel just so you know who's opinion this is lol.

The first point shows them respect, the second teaches patience and the third shows sometimes there isn't another option.


Teach them to earn a reward, that stamping feet and screaming doesnt get what you want and that PLEASE and THANKYOU cost you nothing but gets you a lot.

These trouble makers in the UK right now are showing no respect and if it's because they want jobs well a criminal record isn't going to help!

I hope I havnt offended anyone.

Hazel

Totally agree with you!

This is one of our pet peeves at WDW (among other places). I'm not talking about kids being kids, or letting little kids get in front of me to see a parade. (Kids, yes. Whole family who shows up at the last second, no.) I'm talking about kids who are allowed to be holy terrors because "we don't want to hurt their self esteem by correcting them." Sorry, I do not want your child visiting my table during dinner to do his/her little song and dance, no matter how cute you think he/she is. And if he/she starts screaming, please take him/her out (completely open to interpretation). Unfortunately, I think we're at the point where many of the parents were told they were the center of the universe when they were children, and now they're treating their children that way.

Show of hands: "No one gave a rat's behind about my self-esteem, and I turned out okay."


Honestly, though, I was taught that self-esteem comes from working hard and trying your best - no matter how "menial" the task may seem. You don't always win, or get the job, or get the guy/girl, but you don't get mad and give up, either. And you always treat people with respect - even if they don't treat you that way, others will notice how you behave and respect you for it.

I really do appreciate the way everyone discusses so respectfully here!

 

[Beauty & the Best]

Hey all, I just got back from the premiere of THE HELP movie. It was a Junior League social to go & see the movie - the organization is mentioned in the book & movie, but my my how times change. One of our League's big initiatives is creating more opportunities and becoming more accessible for women of all backgrounds.

Anyhow, it was a good movie. More true to the book than the recent Harry Potter IMO.

Now its time for bed. Nighty night!

 

[PFlamingo]

Hey all, I just got back from the premiere of THE HELP movie. It was a Junior League social to go & see the movie - the organization is mentioned in the book & movie, but my my how times change. One of our League's big initiatives is creating more opportunities and becoming more accessible for women of all backgrounds.

Anyhow, it was a good movie. More true to the book than the recent Harry Potter IMO.

Now its time for bed. Nighty night!

Oh, I'm reading that now! I'm really enjoying it, too. Doubt I'll get Dennis to go to the movie, so it may be on my own - which is fine.

 

[sinnika]

Hey all, I just got back from the premiere of THE HELP movie. It was a Junior League social to go & see the movie - the organization is mentioned in the book & movie, but my my how times change. One of our League's big initiatives is creating more opportunities and becoming more accessible for women of all backgrounds.

Anyhow, it was a good movie. More true to the book than the recent Harry Potter IMO.

Now its time for bed. Nighty night!

DD and I just got back from the movie too! I cried, I laughed, lots of emotion. I have not read the book but thoroughly enjoyed the film. My MIL was from Jackson, MS and married an Asian doctor in the late 50's. It gave me a better perspective of the racism that existed back then and understand better what she may have had to deal with by marrying a non-white. As a northener (from MD - I know, I know, we're on the Mason-Dixon line) now living in the south (Texas), and a very small town at that, imagine my suprise when I discovered there still exists a white cemetery, a black cemetery, and a hispanic cemetery in our town. No, I'm not joking.

 

[squitty]

It's good that you got a response, was it Dorothy? I've still not heard anything.

Claire yes it was Dorothy Hope you get a response soon.