Sept 18 2010 WB TransAtlantic Pirates/Capt Jacks Re-Repoing Repossession Cruise Pt.9

[granmaz]

Laura, thanks for putting the Aerobus information on this thread. We're gonna do it! I put in a call to Praktik Rambla and they said they were a block away from the stop so we're just gonna suck it up and do it. We've only got 2 suitcases each (and maybe a shoulder bag with the laptop) and they roll easily so there you go!

Marilyn, I now understand what international travelers (non-US folks) go through when trying to find flights to the states!

Michael

Michael, perhaps we have more options than you do from Mexico, but we live in the North of England and that cuts down our options somewhat. We are driving the 200 miles or so to London Heathrow airport this time.

 

[acourtwdw]

Good Morning everyone!!!

We are 9 days from leaving for Barcy!!!!! Doin' the single digit dance

We are using Barcelona Taxi from the airport. It's 55 euros but they meet us in arrivals and whisk us off to our hotel. After spending over 30 hours in tranisit (between the 3 flights we are taking and the time in between each one) I just want the convenience of a private taxi.

I haven't started packing yet. I'm afraid that I will be way over the limit. I wouldn't want to give up anything

There is still a lot on my to do list and I work every day until we leave, so wish me luck.

Oh, will someone please tell Amanda that carrying a hot pink Coach purse in Barcy is asking for trouble?

 

[mdwoodman]

I get into the hotel and the room is not ready because in Barcelona they don't do early check in... So my question is, what do I do with my luggage and my pacsafe with my passport and credit cards? Should I ask to put it in the hotel safe? Can I trust the bellhops inside? Will I ever see my luggage again?

I agree with other posters. Checking your luggage at the hotel is quite safe. While I've confronted a couple of would-be pick-pocketers and purse thieves on the streets, I've never had a problem once inside a hotel (many of them have private armed security).

 

[UKANGEL]

They did not have any of the Crocband Flips in Manchester. I really was hoping to get the purple pair, but no such luck. If they had them, I would have offered to to get them for you. They have them for 15.96 on www.crocs.co.uk, but the shipping cost is fairly steep.

Corinna

Thanks Corinna, I may just have to wait til we get to Florida

I'm staying at the Renaissance and I think I'm getting in on the 16th. I fly from here to Stockholm and have nearly a day there. I think I'll get on a HOHO bus to take a peek. I lived in Denmark for a year, so I'm not afraid of that.

It's getting from the airport to the hotel that's scary, then BCN itself. Ugh. I've done the HOHO twice, and it takes a long time to make the circuit, but maybe that's an option. I think I'll go wonder around Park Guell and take a book. I always wanted to do that.

We're at the Renaissance too Deanne, may see you there Friday night when we arrive...a few of us hope to have a drink in the bar

Only 2 more work shifts to go for me

Thats 20 hours between me and a month off

and we are getting very very close to our single digit happy dance day

better start practising

Oh yeah...One year ago today my DD and her DH were getting married. Cant believe it has been a year already!!!

Happy Anniversary to your dd & her husband, Pam

So what are we going to talk, ladies???

I'm sure we'll find something to talk about!

 

[UKANGEL]

I think we are all ready to just get on THE SHIP!!!!! We all come with a story that makes us unique and so glad we have each other to share 2 weeks with.

Amen to that Sandi!

Just popping in to say hi.

We made it Emiel and Yvette's without any problems. The flight was smooth, the food not so much.

After a day of taking it easy to get onto the new schedule they took us for a 3 hour tour. They surprised us with a trip to little town in Germany where Dreams are made, well the Disney Dream that is. Seeing the ship as it is coming together was impressive. Even though we couldn't understand anything that was said, as the whole tour was in German, we still took it all in.

It just makes us more excited to be on the Magic with everyone. We'll see you all in just a few more days.

I hope I haven't missed much on the thread, but I can't go back a read all the posts now. Maybe Lyn can give me the Readers Digest version in a few days.

Until next time, safe journeys to everyone.
Jon

Have a good time!

I scare easily with anything that is in the sky so don't worry about it. TheDisneyGirl02 and I are twins with things like this. When I see her at the Port, she and I will scream for joy that we MADE IT!!!!

I'd like to see that!

We had some fun in the fort and have immense fun at guessing how big the aftershocks are. People are really very stressed so having some fun and a bit of a laugh is important. My colleague today was actually getting physically ill from the stress of the aftershocks

We did sleep last night, only got woken about 3 times but it was a little scary at work today to start with until enough people arrived to make the place feel lived a bit more lived in.

We are only a short walk from one of the refuge centres which we walked past at lunchtime. There was a milk tanker dispensing water - its just so surreal.

I know of a number of people who no longer have inhabitable homes, and one poor woman who works at one of our client sites, not only is having her home demolished but she has been robbed twice since the main quake. Some people are scum
These photos taken at the university are pretty incredible - if it had happened during the day, there would have been numerous deaths. The university is about 20 minutes walk away.

We were just watching a TV programme that featured Christchurch and the University (filmed a couple of years back).....sad to think the city and the Uni doesn't look like like that any more

For those on my FB, I posted
Pictures of the Barcelona aerobus and taxi line. Nit trying to persuade anyone but just wanting to post how relatively easy it is to use it. Look for the signs. Also, international flights are in Terminal 1. Someone asked can't remember who. Sorry forthe sideways pic. Can't fix here

Great thanks Laura, saw them....

Hello from Cologne, Germany, where we are having a delightful time with friends. Tomorrow we will leave for Amsterdam for three days.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on board soon.

Woody

sounds fun, see you soon!

OK, I'm getting worried about this thread. Nobody has posted for over 2 hours, and that was me!!!!

I know some of you are asleep right now, but where are all the Brits? Packing? Swimming? Gym?

I have a few bookings to get done today - one being flights for our next trip in January. Goodness they have gone up in price.

Been to town for coffee with June, Marilyn.....sorry! plus I have a mammoth clean up to finish today...

Good Morning everyone!!!

We are 9 days from leaving for Barcy!!!!! Doin' the single digit dance

We are using Barcelona Taxi from the airport. It's 55 euros but they meet us in arrivals and whisk us off to our hotel. After spending over 30 hours in tranisit (between the 3 flights we are taking and the time in between each one) I just want the convenience of a private taxi.

I haven't started packing yet. I'm afraid that I will be way over the limit. I wouldn't want to give up anything

There is still a lot on my to do list and I work every day until we leave, so wish me luck.

Oh, will someone please tell Amanda that carrying a hot pink Coach purse in Barcy is asking for trouble?

Good luck!!!!! see you soon!

 

[rocknspots]

One short week from today DH & I board a plane headed for Barcelona. Where has the time gone? Nothing is done. No progress has been made since my last post. House elves must be on vacation. You just can't get good help these days!

This weeks agenda is full. BBQ today at DS's. Tomorrow John & I celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary...which we will continue to celebrate on the Magic. Need to see dr for bad hip. Blood tests to have done. And I still need to pack.

Any ideas how Disney will entertain us during the evening showtimes for 14nights, besides the usual shows? Any surprise entertainers scheduled to appear?

We will be spending a week at Kidani Village after the cruise. I read somewhere on this thread that someone else is also staying there. We have a rental car ordered for the week and will be making a grocery/outlet run. If you need something, let me know. Would be more than happy to pick up a few things for you. Maybe we could plan a dinner out... (Like we'll be hungry after 14 breakfasts, 14 mid morning snacks, 14 lunches, 14 afternoon snacks, 14 dinners, & 14 bedtime snacks on the Magic! ) Oh, I forgot those miscellaneous snacks from Room Service!

Let's all try to stay well and get those important things accomplished that we've put off till the last minute. We get to party together very soon. Looking forward to meeting you all...

Jackie

 

[su_kraft]

I'm the techie in my family. I have 3 laptops on my dining room table right now that I need to fix before I vacation...

This is normal for our kitchen table... actually it is light... much as I try to keep it laptop clear, I have mine, Stephen has one, Becca has my old one, Glenn has his and sometimes both Glenn and I have our work laptops out...

Hey, I got a text and my blouse lit up.

Good think I didn't skim pas tthe first part of this!!

 

[acourtwdw]

So I started packing- Amanda's large suitcase is full as is mine. That is just clothes. No shoes, accessories, books, gifts, etc. I know that I will have to pay to check a 3rd bag. It's just too hard to try to figure out what to take out. I don't know what I will want to wear for 3 weeks. It's hard to be a girl

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Oh, will someone please tell Amanda that carrying a hot pink Coach purse in Barcy is asking for trouble?

I don't know the answer to your question, however I'm pretty sure I know what color purse you are talking about. My sister has a hot pink Coach purse too!

My plan is to get to the hotel, drop off my bags, change my underwear, go eat some breakfast and get the train to Monseratt so I can hear the choir at 1:00 pm. I want to take lots of photos of the grounds and thank God for my safe travel.

Then I want to get the train back to Barcelona to La Ramblas and walk around and shop. Eat some tapas. Drink some sangria. Go to the hotel, get a shower and go to HRC. Drink up ye hearties, drink up! Meet some of the folks I've been "talking" to the past two years. Walk/ cab, however over to the fountains. Film that. Get a cab/ whatever back to the hotel and do a face plant into the bed.



Thank you for that Connie. I'm going to stop stressing. I walk around NYC all the time and let me tell you, EVERYBODY knows I'm a tourist. Look at them tall buildings!!! with my camera around my neck and my phone and wallet tucked safely in my chest. The only time I was ever pick pocketed was in a Philly subway,(when I LIVED there!!!!) hence I've never carried anything in my pockets again when I'm touring.

You got pick pocketed in Philly?! Why does that not surprise me!

It sounds like you have a plan. I just have to get over that flight first and then I can be VERY excited!!!

For some reason I'm up early (yes, 10:13am is early for me). I was up late last night but now I'm wide awake. My body must still be all out of whack because of being sick.

Lots to do today - we're going shopping for my DH for some clothing for the cruise. He's not much of a shopper (unlike me, well, I'm more of a browser) but it was his idea so we're going for it. Cross your fingers we find somethings at a great price!

 

[su_kraft]

Paula - good to see you posting! How is the infrastructure holding with all the aftershocks?

...We did sleep last night, only got woken about 3 times but it was a little scary at work today to start with until enough people arrived to make the place feel lived a bit more lived in.

Hopet hat you aRe able to get rest. I know what you mean about empty offices... I find our office rather creepy when not inhabited... I can't imagine what it would be like with all the extra noises and shaking.

I know of a number of people who no longer have inhabitable homes, and one poor woman who works at one of our client sites, not only is having her home demolished but she has been robbed twice since the main quake. Some people are scum!

At some point they will get theirs... Or at least I like to believe that Karma will get them...

Yes you do have to print a form - the one for the credit card info I think from memory.

It is the contract. This only becomes available after getting all of the other info in.

These photos taken at the university are pretty incredible - if it had happened during the day, there would have been numerous deaths. The university is about 20 minutes walk away.

unreal. Again - so glad that you all are OK.

Hello from Cologne, Germany, where we are having a delightful time with friends. Tomorrow we will leave for Amsterdam for three days.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on board soon.

Woody

Hello Woody! Enjoy Amsterdam! See you soon!

OK, I'm getting worried about this thread. Nobody has posted for over 2 hours, and that was me!!!!

I know some of you are asleep right now, but where are all the Brits? Packing? Swimming? Gym?

I have a few bookings to get done today - one being flights for our next trip in January. Goodness they have gone up in price.

I'd like to thank everyone for giving me a free morning! LOL

 

[Terapin]

Good morning! 9 days until we leave for Barcelona! It is starting to feel real! I still haven't gotten things into suitcases - hopefully this week. With certainty by next week!

My mom, Tru, got all moved in and what a whirling dervish she is. She moved in last Tuesday and I'd say she's 75% unpacked. She has been working very hard, and my sister and aunt and DH have been able to help, too. Unfortunately, my work has been pretty busy so I am more moral support. She has her bedroom, her spare room, kitchen, living room/diningroom and storage room all done. She's just working on her computer room, family room, and garage now, and then is DONE! My sweet mother is a force to be reckoned with. I can't keep up.

Tru is leaving for her ABD Knights and Lights on Thursday - I'll be sad to see her go, but so happy for her! I hope we can keep in touch so I can see how her trip is going. I'll be there vicariously!

We're meeting in the Barcelona airport (her flight comes in 20 minutes after ours). Does anyone know the airport well? We were planning to meet at the luggage carosel (sp?) where her flight's luggage is (figuring if we are on-time then we'll have 20 minutes to grab ours before meeting her). We are in the same terminal and the map of the terminal shows all the carosels being in the same area.

We're being picked up by Barcelona Day Tours for a 4 hour tour with a guide, then being dropped at the hotel. I'm hoping we can check-in then go find some early dinner somewhere before sleeping.

Is it wrong to be planning some Benedryl for the kids (dramamine?) or Gravol to help them get some rest on the plane (and to ensure no motion sickness)?

 

[granmaz]

I'd like to thank everyone for giving me a free morning! LOL

I guess it is labour Day over there isn't it? Will some people be having a day off work? Perhaps that is a reason and lots of people are having a lie in!!!

 

[UKANGEL]

Let's all try to stay well and get those important things accomplished that we've put off till the last minute. We get to party together very soon. Looking forward to meeting you all...

Jackie

See you soon!!

So I started packing- Amanda's large suitcase is full as is mine. That is just clothes. No shoes, accessories, books, gifts, etc. I know that I will have to pay to check a 3rd bag. It's just too hard to try to figure out what to take out. I don't know what I will want to wear for 3 weeks. It's hard to be a girl

I agree....so hard to be a girl sometimes!

Lots to do today - we're going shopping for my DH for some clothing for the cruise. He's not much of a shopper (unlike me, well, I'm more of a browser) but it was his idea so we're going for it. Cross your fingers we find somethings at a great price!

good luck Amy!

My mom, Tru, got all moved in and what a whirling dervish she is. She moved in last Tuesday and I'd say she's 75% unpacked. She has been working very hard, and my sister and aunt and DH have been able to help, too. Unfortunately, my work has been pretty busy so I am more moral support. She has her bedroom, her spare room, kitchen, living room/diningroom and storage room all done. She's just working on her computer room, family room, and garage now, and then is DONE! My sweet mother is a force to be reckoned with. I can't keep up.

Tru is leaving for her ABD Knights and Lights on Thursday - I'll be sad to see her go, but so happy for her! I hope we can keep in touch so I can see how her trip is going. I'll be there vicariously!

Glad your mum is all moved in Hope she has a good trip!

I guess it is labour Day over there isn't it? Will some people be having a day off work? Perhaps that is a reason and lots of people are having a lie in!!!

I wondered that too Marilyn

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I guess it is labour Day over there isn't it? Will some people be having a day off work? Perhaps that is a reason and lots of people are having a lie in!!!

Many places (especially offices) are closed today. However, as always, the mall is open! All of the jobs I have ever worked at have always been open on Labor Day, however I don't have to work today. It's also kind of like the 'last' weekend of summer since most schools start back tomorrow (though many have already started throughout the country). Many people get together and have BBQ's and cookouts to celebrate.

Hope that helps!

 

[birkner]

Please do the same things as you do in a hotel in New York, You can leave you're things at the hotel. That's no problem. Europe is not different as America. We do the same things as you over the ocean.

Only we don't do tipping,only for the roomcleaner.

Connie

I would also check my computer in a hotel in New York if the hotel room did not have a safe large enough to hold them and we were not carrying them with us. We have had things stolen in hotels so we are extra careful with our electronic items. Most of the time we carry our camera items when we are out of the room so that is not an issue with us.

John has sensitive work items on his computer that he would not want to be public knowledge. I store lots of stock and banking information on my computer that I would not want accessed.

Many hotels here in America have room safes. John and I will use them if they are large enough for the computers.

Are you saying we don't tip the bellman, hotel managers or others who do us an additional service? Just want to be clear as it is customary here and I have done in the past in Europe when we have traveled.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Hi, everyone (or whoever's left here)

Just finished our on-line check-in, we leave tomorrow (shuttle to airport at 4:00 am!)

Today dedicated to:
finish last FE gift
food shopping to lay in stores for 2 DS staying at home
trip to Wal-mart for last minute discoveries of stuff we don't have for trip
laundry
charge iPod
finish packing
early bedtime (I hope)

See you!

 

[granmaz]

Many places (especially offices) are closed today. However, as always, the mall is open! All of the jobs I have ever worked at have always been open on Labor Day, however I don't have to work today. It's also kind of like the 'last' weekend of summer since most schools start back tomorrow (though many have already started throughout the country). Many people get together and have BBQ's and cookouts to celebrate.

Hope that helps!

It does thank you. We had our Bank Holiday last Monday so all Government offices, Banks, and most normal offices and businesses were closed. Many shops were still open though. That was our last public holiday until Christmas Day. Schools went back towards the end of last week or the beginning of this.

 

[birkner]

Good morning! 9 days until we leave for Barcelona! It is starting to feel real! I still haven't gotten things into suitcases - hopefully this week. With certainty by next week!

We are still moving things into and out of suitcases today!!

My mom, Tru, got all moved in and what a whirling dervish she is. She moved in last Tuesday and I'd say she's 75% unpacked. She has been working very hard, and my sister and aunt and DH have been able to help, too. Unfortunately, my work has been pretty busy so I am more moral support. She has her bedroom, her spare room, kitchen, living room/diningroom and storage room all done. She's just working on her computer room, family room, and garage now, and then is DONE! My sweet mother is a force to be reckoned with. I can't keep up.

I am so impressed!! When we have moved it takes me weeks and weeks to get unpacked!!


We're being picked up by Barcelona Day Tours for a 4 hour tour with a guide, then being dropped at the hotel. I'm hoping we can check-in then go find some early dinner somewhere before sleeping.

Is it wrong to be planning some Benedryl for the kids (dramamine?) or Gravol to help them get some rest on the plane (and to ensure no motion sickness)?

I always gave my kids children's Benadryl on long late flights so they would sleep. Worked like a charm as they would sleep and wake up refreshed.

None of my kids every suffered from motion sickness on an airplane, ship or small pleasure craft. I am the only one that ever has had the bad fortune to be seasick and do get carsick unless I drive. My one GD Bailey is the same way and has to take Dramamine if they take a car trip.

Once, I do remember when I took Jennifer and my sister Wendy to Hawaii, they were up on the front of a Catamaran laying down on some watching the swells. Jennifer, upon, standing up, was very dizzy, staggered and if I wouldn't have caught her by the arm, would have fallen overboard. Still, she didn't get seasick!!

 

[birkner]

Hi, everyone (or whoever's left here)

Just finished our on-line check-in, we leave tomorrow (shuttle to airport at 4:00 am!)

Today dedicated to:
finish last FE gift
food shopping to lay in stores for 2 DS staying at home
trip to Wal-mart for last minute discoveries of stuff we don't have for trip
laundry
charge iPod
finish packing
early bedtime (I hope)

See you!

Sounds like you are ready to go!! I am envious that you get to do the B2B. Maybe next time for us or at least when John is finally retired!!

Have a safe flight!! See you on the Magic!!

 

[tea for girls]

Is it wrong to be planning some Benedryl for the kids (dramamine?) or Gravol to help them get some rest on the plane (and to ensure no motion sickness)?

We did a test run yesterday with the entire family to make sure no one would have a reaction to Bonine before we left home. I get air sick and my DDs have never flown for as long as we are about to, so I figure I would rather be proactive in preventing an issue rather than trying to deal with it in an enclosed flying capsule (aka:airplane).