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

[Beauty & the Best]

Here's a happy thought: In 31 days at this time (counting the time difference its 3:15 in Barcelona), we will be on the Magic! I will have already gone to Palo and tried for another reservation, had my lunch at Topsiders and now I will be unpacking my things into my lovely stateroom. Ah, that makes me feel so good!!

 

[Beauty & the Best]

I got it figured out this morning - we had a lot of the large priority envelopes here at work. Everything is packed up and will be mailed at lunch. (Except I hate the PO at lunchtime - blah!)

Well Yay that you got them out!!! Maybe you'll get lucky at the post office.

 

[Dgentrysim]

Its sad when people have such a sense of entitlement. Whatever happened to personal responsibility and working hard for the things you want in life?
It just shows how young and ignorant some of these people are.

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!

 

[GA-yaya]

Here's a happy thought: In 31 days at this time (counting the time difference its 3:15 in Barcelona), we will be on the Magic! I will have already gone to Palo and tried for another reservation, had my lunch at Topsiders and now I will be unpacking my things into my lovely stateroom. Ah, that makes me feel so good!!

Ahhhhhhh.....thank you for that Happy Thought! Ahhhhhh......

 

[LindaBabe]

SEEKING TABLEMATES

goofprincess & DH (Sandy & Tony) and I would like to share a table with about 3, maybe 4, other people.

Singles or couples, old or young. Sandy and Tony are well behaved, civilized people. And I, as you know, can talk, although I do love to hear other peoples' stories. The three of us are all 50-55 yo.

We have early dining and may or may not be included the DIS area of the dining room (depends on others' preferences - although we have to decide in the next 48 hours or so).

We are hoping to find some other like-minded folks who won't be throwing back throughout the meal. (Can you think of a better way to word this without sounding judgmental? )

There are 3 of us gals, if Tony won't feel outnumbered

 

[squitty]

morning everyone, we had bad night here our town centre has been attacked shops have been smashed up and cars set on fire, we are far enough away for it not to bother us but still not nice to see, liverpool has been bad as well, shocked that it has started up here

Sorry to hear that Sue...hopefully it won't reach so far up North

Here's a happy thought: In 31 days at this time (counting the time difference its 3:15 in Barcelona), we will be on the Magic! I will have already gone to Palo and tried for another reservation, had my lunch at Topsiders and now I will be unpacking my things into my lovely stateroom. Ah, that makes me feel so good!!

That's a lovely thought Liz

 

[Beauty & the Best]

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!)

Well, it helps me to think that we are not unique in our times. Think about what adults in the 50's must have thought of the movements of young people going on in the 60's. In every age there were older people shaking their heads at what younger people thought and did - this is nothing new to our times.

Ahhhhhhh.....thank you for that Happy Thought! Ahhhhhh......

That's a lovely thought Liz

"Think of the happiest things, its the same as having wings!!"

 

[granmaz]

Well, it helps me to think that we are not unique in our times. Think about what adults in the 50's must have thought of the movements of young people going on in the 60's. In every age there were older people shaking their heads at what younger people thought and did - this is nothing new to our times.

This is very different from just the tut tut times, it really is.

 

[MandyGirl]

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!)

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.

 

[TotallyAngelic]

morning everyone, we had bad night here our town centre has been attacked shops have been smashed up and cars set on fire, we are far enough away for it not to bother us but still not nice to see, liverpool has been bad as well, shocked that it has started up here

Oh no ... haven't seen the news today so don't know what went on last night but hopefully we will soon see the end of it. The weather should put them off doing anything tonight hopefully. Stay safe everyone

Here's a happy thought: In 31 days at this time (counting the time difference its 3:15 in Barcelona), we will be on the Magic! I will have already gone to Palo and tried for another reservation, had my lunch at Topsiders and now I will be unpacking my things into my lovely stateroom. Ah, that makes me feel so good!!

That is a happy thought .... thank you. With what is happeneing in our country at the moment we need something positive to focus on.

 

[TxMermaid1]

You really wouldn't believe some of the things these youngsters are saying. Well you would really as what you quoted is pretty typical. At least now it looks like there is going to be fight back and some proper punishment for those they catch, and they are working on photos from CCTV's etc and getting the photos publicised.

Sadly 3 young men were murdered by a hit and run driver as they were standing protecting their business. Takes it to a whole new level.



This and a whole load more ideas for punishment have been mentioned. Yours is one of the most 'kind' ones though!

There is a Facebook page 'Supporting the Met Police Against the London Rioters' that I 'liked' on Monday night. Now there are about 900,000 'members' and even our Prime Minister mentioned it this morning. It does get a few bad posts on ther but the guy who started the page is quick to get rid of anything like that. Mostly it is supportive. There have also been some heart warming stories of groups going and cleaning up the areas afterwards.

Well I didn't say what I was thinking.. .Like leaving them with no materialistic items including clothes and making them work to survive because no one was there to do it for them or give it to them. Now the murders bring a whole new light to it..... Now they have stepped it up a few notches... so punishment must also step up.... I am so sorry that ya'll have to go through this... really sorry.......

 

[Chris&Jeremy]

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.

My first job out of college was working at a fairly elite (read expensive) private university. I was there for 5 years. Now mind you, when I started there I was only 23, so I was barely older than some of these students.

But I would listen like a fly on the wall to some of these conversations they would have: "I worked hard and only got a B, so my mom called the professor and chewed him out." Huh?! Not only is that just crazy to me, but as an adult (as these students are!), I would have been mortified if mommy called my teacher!

My favorite one was this - now at this university, it was around $45k per year tuition and room and board at the time. These were some families with money! I heard MULTIPLE times that they and their parents called teachers and administrators and told them that their kid was going to get an A because they paid for it! Apparently when you pay that much to go to school the good grades should just come with the receipt or something.

I also heard of some alumni parents threatening to pull back their donations to the school if the professor did not rethink Johnny's grade.

This was a completely foreign concept to me - and like I said, it's not like there was 20 years difference in age between me and these kids - it was at most FIVE! I don't understand how attitudes could shift that much in that short of an amount of time, so I'm chalking it up to them being spoiled rich kids. And maybe the fact that I went to a state school??

That place got to be too much for me - these elitist kids with the entitlement attitude were just too much! It was like they should be rewarded just for showing up!

I feel like I sound like I'm seventy years old, but this was just nuts!

 

[Dgentrysim]

This is very different from just the tut tut times, it really is.

Amen sister!

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.

You know.....soapbox was kind of fun.....very theraputic even! lol

 

[squitty]

Just a update on the drinks tastings (mixology & mojito):

I have been trying to get in touch with the DCL CM to organize the Mixology and Mojito tastings, I have emailed and called and left a message.
Fingers crossed she will get back soon and we will know for sure about the tastings.

 

[Pinky166]

Here's a happy thought: In 31 days at this time (counting the time difference its 3:15 in Barcelona), we will be on the Magic! I will have already gone to Palo and tried for another reservation, had my lunch at Topsiders and now I will be unpacking my things into my lovely stateroom. Ah, that makes me feel so good!!

That is a wonderful thought.

Just a update on the drinks tastings (mixology & mojito):

I have been trying to get in touch with the DCL CM to organize the Mixology and Mojito tastings, I have emailed and called and left a message.
Fingers crossed she will get back soon and we will know for sure about the tastings.

I'm still waiting to hear back about the Champagne Girls too....don't they know we have plans to make!

 

[csgraves]

Tripadvisor seems to recommend the Barcelona taxis instead of booking with a private shuttle. What do all of the experienced cruisers say to that? The common thought is that private is 3 times as expensive and the taxis are just as good.

We arrive at 07:35 on Sept. 9th and will be plenty tired...but don't relish the idea of spending extra money on a shuttle. Not really interested in touring or anything at that time, just want to get to the hotel and get checked in when we can.

Thanks everyone!
Connie

 

[Fontabel]

Tripadvisor seems to recommend the Barcelona taxis instead of booking with a private shuttle. What do all of the experienced cruisers say to that? The common thought is that private is 3 times as expensive and the taxis are just as good.

We arrive at 07:35 on Sept. 9th and will be plenty tired...but don't relish the idea of spending extra money on a shuttle. Not really interested in touring or anything at that time, just want to get to the hotel and get checked in when we can.

Thanks everyone!
Connie

Is your hotel near the airport or near the main Plaza Cataluyna? There is an airport bus that is only 6 Euros and runs every 10 minutes or so from the airport to the downtown main Plaza. We have taken it before and plan to take it again. If your hotel is not on this route, then a taxi would fine I would assume.

Amanda

 

[poohluv2u]

I'm so saddened by the rioting, and those girls' attitude about looting local businesses, is just downright shocking.

My mother, who was also a daycare provider for most of my childhood, always insisted that the children say 'please' and 'thank-you'. It sounds like such a simple concept, but it goes much deeper than just the words. Saying 'please' teaches children that they are not 'entitled' and 'thank you' likewise teaches gratitude for whatever is given.

DH and I always use these words and people have commented to us 'you guys are so polite to each other' and giggle at it. To us, it shows respect for each other, and shows that we do not take anything the other does for granted.

Ever seen Nanny 911? Those kids are so out of control, and time after time they show that when the parents start to teach manners, that things run smoother. Here's a quote from one of the nannies:

Manners are the basics of learning the difference between right and wrong. Teaching your children what behavior you expect from them is a daily parenting process—part of what can ensure that our world is going to be blessed with caring, polite, respectful kids instead of those who just don't care about anything or anybody but themselves.

Ok, stepping off my soapbox now

 

[auntlynne]

...That surprises me for the WBTA. Now on the Eastern TA, we lost an hour each night, so I was pretty beat by 10:00, but this trip I am looking forward to doing more of the evening activities b/c we'll gain an hour so I shouldn't be tired. ...

This is my observation on the cruises I've taken with DCL, not specifically the WBTA (haven't done WBTA before, just EB with you) - that DCL is not a late night party ship. There are those little pockets of activity in the bars and occasional late activities, but mostly a go-to-bed by midnight crowd.

There are 3 of us gals, if Tony won't feel outnumbered

I think he can handle it. We've got one other, so that would be a table of 7; I think this will be nice. We can play 6 degrees of separation from HappyGoofy.

Tripadvisor seems to recommend the Barcelona taxis instead of booking with a private shuttle. What do all of the experienced cruisers say to that? The common thought is that private is 3 times as expensive and the taxis are just as good.

We arrive at 07:35 on Sept. 9th and will be plenty tired...but don't relish the idea of spending extra money on a shuttle. Not really interested in touring or anything at that time, just want to get to the hotel and get checked in when we can.

Thanks everyone!
Connie

If it's just the two of you, the taxi is fine. It is probably still more than being in a group on a shuttle, however. The taxis in Barcelona are mainly small sedans, so any family larger than 4 really needs 2 vehicles.

The taxi rates (in euros):

2.00 get in the taxi
0.90-1.15 per km
3.10 supplement for airport pickup/dropoff
2.10 supplement for cruise port pickup/dropoff
1.00 per piece of luggage over 55x35x35 cm

Taxi Rates

 

[auntlynne]

London Riots

This is exactly what I have feared would one day happen in the USA. As the poor stay or get poorer and don't know how to get out of their situation and lose hope of/never have the dream of life getting better, they would lash out at those who have anything more. Not saying it's right or that they can't work to improve their lot, they just don't know how (or are too lazy).

Reminds me of the movie I re-watched the other day, The Children of Men, when there are no more babies being born. No children, no hope for the future. Chaos.