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

[*Flower*]

No worries. I wouldn't have wanted you to pay more then you needed to for your currency.

The repair guy came by and looked at it and declared our compressor DOA. They have to order the part. They are suppose to call with estimates (I am assuming tomorrow since he didn't finish until right before 5pm.) A quick glance around the internet said that this puppy could cost us easily $1500+ Just what we need when we are trying to pay off a cruise. I think my DH nearly when I told him. Anybody want to contribute to an A/C fund?

We just went through this in May- if we replaced the compressor it would have been $1100. A whole new unit was $1800 and both units (inside and out) would have been $5000. We went with the unit and the 5 year warranty. And we're thankful now, because it's so dang HOT!!! Let me scrounge around here- I'm sure I could come up with something to contribute.... UNO cards anyone??

 

[fly4free2]

[

QUOTE=poohluv2u;41997226]No I didn't know that Boots is a pharmacy, but that sounds like an unusual place to sell alcohol ... unless this time they actually aren't talking about alcohol. I'm so confused

[/QUOTE]

You are on a roll tonight, but if I hadn't bought things at them in Europe I would not know either. Since we didn't get our room assignments today, we need to lighten up and have a good laugh.

 

[DISNEYFAN_SD]

Yay, this was pretty too...................NOT. In the parking lot at my place in Feb.

That looks like our winters every year...we normal get one time during the season at least a 3 ft downfall.

 

[sinnika]

This is called Swallow's Nest and it is also in Yalta.

I remembered seeing this so I pulled out my photo album and its in one of my pictures. I was also taking a photo of either a large several building hotel or sanatorium that was in the foreground. What a beautiful place. We toured a sanitorium there and my allergies were so bad, they gave me a eucolyptus breathing treatment! Are all the sanitoriums still there and are they used as such? We visited a polyclinic that belonged to a trade union. Very interesting medical system back then.
I also have photos of our grup in front of Liavadia Palace where the Yalta conference was held with the 3 major superpowers at the time in 1945 - US, UK, and Soviet Union.

There are some kids dressed in traditional Crimean Tatar costumes and doing the traditional dance.[/QUOTE]


We loved seeing all the dancing and went to several performances in Yalta, Moscow, and saw Swan Lake at the Kirov in Leningrad. I kept the playbill and the ticket - paid 2 roubles 50 cents (or whatever their coinage was called). Oh, the good old days!

Thanks for allowing me to share! [/QUOTE]

Thanks for sharing!

Oddly enough, on our last cruise, I thought portions were getting smaller.

No, portions seemed smaller this last time and that's a good thing. Less wasted food. And you can always get another entree if you are still hungry or you don't care for your choice. I have done that before - never an issue. The first night, your server will ask about any dietary restrictions or allergies, and accomodate you. DS 14 is a picky eater but loves fried chicken legs. We let the servers know, who asked us to speak with the head server, who will introduce himself the first night as well. From the 2nd night on, DS had fried chicken legs nightly (his request). Last year, we sailed 17 nts b2b and he ate them then too, and never tired of them. DCL wants to make you happy and will do everything in their power to do so, it just may take 24 hours notice for something like that. But they are more than glad to put dressings on the side - just ask!

Some bad examples we have seen:

--On Las Ramblas, there often are street performers. Many people stop to watch. They form a small circle around the performer. They become so engrossed in the performance that they are not paying attention to the people in the crowd picking their pockets.

--We have seen some people pulling money out of these belts on the streets at vendors in plain sight of the large crowd, making it obvious that they had lots of cash. If you just pull out a wallet, it is not so odd.

Amanda

Agree with Amanda! The Ramblas is a pickpocket haven! As is the Magic Fountain and Sagrada! Lots of crowds, and people have both hands busy taking photos and looking up! Not to say don't go there, but be cautious and keep hands in pockets or a hand across your purse.

We also saw a backpack theft in progress in the Gothic Quarter. DS and I saw 2 boys running with an open backpack, then a moment later, a very upset family coming around the corner running to find them. If you eat anywhere, wrap the leg of the backpack around your chair, don't just sit it down next to you in a chair or on the ground. Same with your purse. I just keep it on me across my lap. Don't give thieves the opportunity to take your stuff.

I ordered these for us. Dennis is using the neck pouch, I'm using the purse.

pac-safe neck pouch

pac-safe purse


Pac-safe has anti-slash material in the straps of the pouch and purse, and in the bottom and sides of the purse. The online reviews of these were very good. I didn't order from pac-safe, though. I found them for less here: tamperseal

I love my pac-safe purse!

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n236/poohluver2/DSC00050.jpg[/IMG]

Love your Mickey snowman!

I miss all of the hostess products ( I can get twinkies here, but at $2.50ish for a single one, I pass)... But I did always enjoy snowballs esp at Halloween when they are orange.

Oooh, I'll have to keep an eye out for the orange! Those are yummy! I miss my Tastycakes from the East coast! They're made in Philadelphia. Love the butterscotch crimpets!

 

[poohluv2u]

So years later I am finally making the "magic" happen for me and wonder if they will let me take a nosy in the nursery.

They will let you peek in, but I don't think you can actually go in the nursery without a child in tow ... safety issues and all that. I noticed that a lot of the nursery CM's seemed to be British when our friends were dropping off kids, so you would have fit right in

Yay, this was pretty too...................NOT. In the parking lot at my place in Feb.

I can't say that picture surprises me, except to say that I wonder why the cars aren't buried in snow. I know it is cold in Chicago

 

[fly4free2]

[

QUOTE=poohluv2u;41997561]

I can't say that picture surprises me, except to say that I wonder why the cars aren't buried in snow. I know it is cold in Chicago

[/QUOTE]

Wind, after all we are the Windy City

 

[JessicasMom]

I'd heard about this & plan to do that. Can you clarify though, if my refillable mug takes two cupfuls to fill it up, do I use two separate cups or is it deemed ok to use one cup twice since it I have not drank from it, just held it at the base?

I did this many times, with no problem. CMs just want you to use a cup; how many times you fill it up is of no concern as long as you're not drinking from it as you fill!

Yes I think it's worth to pay less and get a better room. I don't mind to wait for it. The only thing that matters is that we get on board though?
And I know I get a verrandah, and which one I don't mind. For not knowing I paid the price for a oceanview on deck 2. So I think I made a good deal.
And yes that is also a part of the excitement.

Exactly my thoughts! The waiting really is torture, though. I didn't have my reservation# at work today, so I just kept checking the boards to see if anyone else had a cabin assignment . If so, I would have called home, knowing that DH was checking during the day, too. But he would probably have called me first .

Jacqueline, so sorry to hear things aren't going as planned. We'll definitely keep you in our prayer!


I know this is off topic a bit, but I just couldn't resist posting some pictures of our favourite spots around Crimea, Ukraine (where we live).

Yes, Jacqueline, our thoughts are with you. I truly hope you're able to cruise with us.

Thanks for the pics. Not many of us will visit Ukraine, unfortunately, so we'll live vicariously through you!

His carryon bag was left in the taxi as the last item in the car, and just as he was turning to retrieve it, the taxi took off.It had everything in it--passports, cameras & memories of their visit in europe pre-cruise, cash, credit cards. They could not board the cruiseship as a result". Whether this was an honest mistake or not by the taxi driver, taking off with the carryon bag, these 2 lost everything important to them including the cruise.

This is simply awful, but thank you for sharing the story so that we will all be more careful. Who would have thought of this possibility?

Oddly enough, on our last cruise, I thought portions were getting smaller.

We found the portions to be reasonable (smaller than normal American portions), so it was possible to enjoy several courses without feeling stuffed. Of course, it depends what you order, too; anything "heavy" can be shared. Desserts were adequate, just enough to give you a nice taste of something.

For those that are familiar with Barcelona, what do you recommend we can do to prevent theft? Would a fanny pack worn in front and under my shirt be enough? Should I have DH put his wallet in it instead of in his back pocket? I am really nervous about it now. TIA for any advice you would have.

Last year, I bought a medium-size Pacsafe bag, which DH and I took turns carrying across our bodies. Neither of us had anything in our pockets at all, which made it easy to concentrate on just the bag. Our money was well secured inside a zippered compartment (actually, a bit of a pain to access when I wanted to buy something, but it was worth the peace of mind).

This trip, I'm going to buy DH a money belt and a small wallet which slides onto the belt (for accessible spending money). I can't imagine trying to unzip a money belt in public ---defeats the purpose, I'd say. In general, common sense goes a long way .

I haven't decided whether to carry the existing bag or buy a smaller one (or even the around-the-neck pouch). I do like the idea of a bag for maps, tickets, small souvenirs, camera, etc. You can check out the Pacsafe products on their website, then google whichever one you like to find the best vendor. Or better yet, just google the type of product you want; Pacsafe isn't the only supplier (Travelon also has nice things).

Please don't assume a zipped pocket, like those on cargo pants, is sufficient. These are easily picked (as one of our fellow cruisers discovered last year).

 

[seamour]

I know what you mean about wanting to know which state room I'm in. Next time I think it might be worth the extra $$ to get an actual room. We'll see.

I actually enjoy the excitement of looking to see if it's assigned yet. I guess I am hard to surprise so like a surprise!

The idea of booking a cruise for next year while we're on board is becoming more and more tempting, but I'm still not sure how that works and what the big advantage is

Why is this such a good idea?

Looks like someone else explained this. It does help to know what cruise you might rebook and know the going price for it before you board.

If/when they post the GTY rooms, can I safely assume it will be during normal business hours, i.e., between 9am and 5pm Monday through Friday? I just need to set some boundaries for myself about how often I check online...

We don't need boundaries! Race you to Disneycruiseline.com

Wont be home soon, week or longer. Still problametic and new problems from fluidlack found. Seriously talking about cancelling. :cry: Time will tell. Truely apprec. the support.

QUOTE]

oh no Jacqueline, I am so hoping you heal up soon. We NEED you to cruise with us (and no not to organize the candy swap)

 

[JessicasMom]

Oooh, I'll have to keep an eye out for the orange! Those are yummy! I miss my Tastycakes from the East coast! They're made in Philadelphia. Love the butterscotch crimpets!

Yes, they're delicious, but the coffee cakes are my favorite. I've switched to the Sensables (their sugar-free line), but they pale in comparison to the real thing. I was surprised to see Tastycakes in Austin (Walmart) when we were visiting DD in January...it's becoming a much smaller world. The original company was sold, so I assume they're trying to expand their market.

 

[seamour]

I know this is off topic a bit, but I just couldn't resist posting some pictures of our favourite spots around Crimea, Ukraine (where we live).

very fun to see, thank you!

hey everyone. just briefly checking in. get sporadic service out here still on our two week trip to rocky mountains, updating from pjone. I will update page one of bkfst and jvd lists later this weekend whem we get back to civilization. the girls and I are having a great time, but missing curt.

will be glad to get back to my computer this weekend! three girls, eight nights alone, only two backpacks. packed light... and the laptop didnt make the cut

Hope you are having a great time!

Good news, folks - a friend of mine got with a friend of hers that owns a screen printing company and he will do the pub crawl shirts for us!

He acknowledged Disney being overly litigious sometimes but said that with the small quantity and me being a friend of hers, he'd do it.

No one would be able to tell where they came from or who did them anyway. My lips are sealed!

Awesomeness, it's good to have friends!

 

[heatherLOVESmickey]

Try this thread disboards.com/showthread.php?t=388591&highlight=cruise+packing+tip

Thanks for this link/tip! I'll check it out!!!!

Oh, I loved the pictures of your snow. We're from Minnesota and we get a lot of snow here too. I agree, it is very pretty. I usually tend to prefer it over hot humid weather in mid summer. Actually, we just got done with a hot spell and those pictures were rather refreshing to see.

 

[PFlamingo]

Last year, I bought a medium-size Pacsafe bag, which DH and I took turns carrying across our bodies. Neither of us had anything in our pockets at all, which made it easy to concentrate on just the bag. Our money was well secured inside a zippered compartment (actually, a bit of a pain to access when I wanted to buy something, but it was worth the peace of mind).

This trip, I'm going to buy DH a money belt and a small wallet which slides onto the belt (for accessible spending money). I can't imagine trying to unzip a money belt in public ---defeats the purpose, I'd say. In general, common sense goes a long way .

I haven't decided whether to carry the existing bag or buy a smaller one (or even the around-the-neck pouch). I do like the idea of a bag for maps, tickets, small souvenirs, camera, etc. You can check out the Pacsafe products on their website, then google whichever one you like to find the best vendor. Or better yet, just google the type of product you want; Pacsafe isn't the only supplier (Travelon also has nice things).

Please don't assume a zipped pocket, like those on cargo pants, is sufficient. These are easily picked (as one of our fellow cruisers discovered last year).

The money belt access issue is why I like the neck pouch. I used one when I traveled in England years ago (not that England is a crime mecca but I was alone and staying at a lot of hostels). It was much easier to get to, even when tucked under my shirt. I just pulled it up through the neck of my shirt and dropped it back when finished.

I'll probably end up carrying our "daily use" money and credit card in my pac-safe purse. It's pretty small - might be able to get my small camera and some kleenex in it, but that's fine. I tend to schlep around too much junk in my purse anyway. It'll be nice to stream-line.

I'm not sure we'll even need the neck pouch, but I thought it only fair that Dennis have to carry something around, too. On all our trips to WDW, he invariably says, "Honey, can you put this in your bag," and I end up feeling like a pack mule. Since he doesn't really know what's what with this trip, and I've talked up the pickpocket thing a bit, I figure I can get away with a little payback.

 

[seamour]

--On Las Ramblas, there often are street performers. Many people stop to watch. They form a small circle around the performer. They become so engrossed in the performance that they are not paying attention to the people in the crowd picking their pockets.

We thought this might be the case in May, so we actually stood back and watched the crowds to see if anyone stood out that was picking, but there was not anyone that we could pick out. So they must be really good!

So years later I am finally making the "magic" happen for me and wonder if they will let me take a nosy in the nursery.

yae for making the magic happen! The first day onboard you can tour the kids clubs and the nursery.

 

[seamour]

No I don't Regret not taking it, I wouldn't have met Annemarie and she really has made me have so many happy memories and shown me what love and life really have to offer.

Also my nanny work was very rewarding especially way back then.
Glad to finally get to go on the magic though feels like an Oprah full circle moment.

Bet you lot are glad it's Annemarie that posts here and not mushy old me lol

Nope hoping you both keep posting so we can get to know you both better before we really get to know you in person!

But snow can be so pretty

and so much fun

Ice storms are pretty

but not always fun

Thanks for this link/tip! I'll check it out!!!!

Oh, I loved the pictures of your snow. We're from Minnesota and we get a lot of snow here too. I agree, it is very pretty. I usually tend to prefer it over hot humid weather in mid summer. Actually, we just got done with a hot spell and those pictures were rather refreshing to see.

Heather we are from Minnesota too!

 

[Lionessa]

We have been to Barcelona twice. I have always carried a purse that crosses over my shoulder with a longer strap, meaning it would be really hard to pull off me. I carry it with the pocket facing in so that it is harder to open. My DH always carries his wallet in his front pocket. You just need to be more aware of your surroundings. I tend to not use the money belts that you have to dig inside your clothes to get at it, which tends to draw more attention to you as a tourist.

We also tend to try not to wear clothes that immediately identify us as tourists (i.e. Americans), things like baseball caps, white sneakers, etc. We tend to talk softer and if we are walking, we do carry a small hand-held map and always stop and move off the main drag to look at it, so we are not walking and looking at it, drawing more attention to ourselves.

We rode the metro often in Spain and we had no problems. Just keep your eye on who is on the platform with you and try to stay away from completely empty cars. Know where you want to go before you get on and keep the "loud English" to a minimum (as a fellow American, and a New Englander, this is hard for me) but it really does help. Some people turn their backpacks around on the metro so that they can see all the pockets.

Some bad examples we have seen:

--On Las Ramblas, there often are street performers. Many people stop to watch. They form a small circle around the performer. They become so engrossed in the performance that they are not paying attention to the people in the crowd picking their pockets.

--We have seen some people pulling money out of these belts on the streets at vendors in plain sight of the large crowd, making it obvious that they had lots of cash. If you just pull out a wallet, it is not so odd.

--Americans especially tend to speak louder and slower when they speak to foreigners. This attracts attention, not to mention annoys the locals, but I have seen some people who you could hear about a block away and then they were targeted. Now, I don't speak Spanish, let alone Catalan, but we just spoke in more moderate tones to each other and to waiters, etc. We try to learn some phrases, etc. and just try to blend.

--Spain is a night time culture, but this is often when the thieves are out in full force. A good friend of ours who lives in Spain told us that we just needed to be extra careful in the main areas and on the metro after 10.

We had a wonderful time in Barcelona and all the other places we travel, but you just need to up your street smarts some before you just wonder off. The city has a lot of tourists, they way I look at it, if I make it more difficult to be a target, they can find someone else. This would be the same for downtown DC and Boston and other cities I have been in.

I also tend to trust my "spidey sense" when something feels wrong, just get out of the situation. For example, we noticed a small group of young men on the metro platform who were just giving me a "vibe" so we moved down casually and did not get on the car with them. This may have been nothing, but often I find instinct to be my best protection.

Just some thoughts from a seasoned traveler who has lived overseas alot.

Amanda

Excellent points. Like I mentioned as well, they can sense who is naiive who is aware. Last year I was robbed 2x in 15 minutes in Barcelona, but let me tell you how naiive I was: 1) I had a 3 foot stuffed MickeY Mouse on my back to show I had spirit for this DCL I was about to aboard (in thieves minds: American---lots of cash) 2) too much luggage (easy target since cannot have eyes on all bags 3) Costco purse across the body but zippers on the outside--bumped me in subway and had not clue for other sensation of wallet taken out of top zipper

Just use common sense & you willl have a wonderful time in Barcelona---in any city. Remember, spread your things out and just keep an eye of your surroundings. I had no clue theft was possible, therefore was totally naiive in many ways. For more insight check Youtube.com with keywords "pickpocketing" "Pickpocket Barcelona " or Naples or Rome or Paris and you will see a little of what & how it happens.
Again, please do not be paranoid, only be aware and it will not happen to you.
You may hear of it happening to someone else unfortunately but you will only have fond memories of the cities you've visited because you used common sense.

 

[Chirpee]

Okay, I'm back on the DISboards....

My Mother passed away last Saturday

So sorry for your loss

I have been on vacations and cruises before but nothing compares to the excitement I'm feeling simply because of this discussion board! I just wish I would have been on here longer.

So glad that you found this thread! I will definitely be having withdrawal symptoms post cruise - I've got into the habit of reading all of the posts every opportunity I get and it's really added to the excitement

Hi guys. Wont be home soon, week or longer. Still problametic and new problems from fluidlack found. Seriously talking about cancelling. :cry: Time will tell. Truely apprec. the support. .

Wishing you a speedy recovery and sending lots of pixie dust that you'll be with us on the ship

Unfortunately the CC reuseable mugs have a sports cap. The alcohol doesn't quite taste the same
out of them

Too funny

No I didn't know that Boots is a pharmacy, but
that sounds like an unusual place to sell alcohol ... unless this time they actually aren't talking about alcohol. I'm so confused

Mary was talking about the empty travel size bottles that you can buy for toiletries, but it looks as if Mary plans to use them for her supply of cassis!

 

[fly4free2]

[

QUOTE=Lionessa;41998448]
Again, please do not be paranoid, only be aware and it will not happen to you.
You may hear of it happening to someone else unfortunately but you will only have fond memories of the cities you've visited because you used common sense.

[/QUOTE]

Very well said !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[kthomas618]

Great pic of the snow. It'll be back here soon enough. The sign outside a school down the road says "in six months we'll be shoveling!" I'll remember that while we're cruisin' around the islands.

 

[auntlynne]

We just went through this in May- if we replaced the compressor it would have been $1100. A whole new unit was $1800 and both units (inside and out) would have been $5000. We went with the unit and the 5 year warranty. ...

When our compressor went out last year, same situation: $1300 for new part or $2400 for totally new, bigger, unit. It's keeping the house cool this year. If we hadn't put in new windows in 2009, it would have been a tax credit (don't know if that is still continuing).

 

[heatherLOVESmickey]

Heather we are from Minnesota too!

Where in MN are you from? We live in the Twin Cities.