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

[woody73]

Barcelona is the only place I have ever been to that I did not feel safe. . . .

Our friends in-laws just came back from Barcelona two weeks ago. . . .

. . . a middle aged, well dressed man walked by her and said to her, in English, "you've got something on the back of your sweater' and kept on walking away. . . someone else came up to them grabbed her purse and his camera and ran off.

We were on the EBTA, which ended in Barcelona. After the cruise, there were reports on the DIS about several people who were pickpocketed (cash, cameras, ID) in Barcelona.

Woody

 

[Hoagie Pie]

Tinker1Bell - that does sound horrible and I promise not to wear anything when I meet you. No problem! I would hate it if you ran away from me.

Yes Sue, you can be proud of your hubby! Sounds like a fun event!!!

 

[birkner]

Thanks for this. I am still in two minds about this. I will definitely ship ahead, but not sure if I should contact the hotel to see if they are OK to have it shipped there or if I should send it to the ship. I am just worried that it never makes it from their warehouse to the ship. I suppose, if it is not in the cabin when I get there, I can get our stateroom host on the case and with us not leaving until late in the evening, there is still a chance that it would get to me in time if it had been left behind.

Corinna

I would be concerned (unless of course you have DCL transportation) how much extra a taxi driver would charge for extra box or boxes.

 

[birkner]

We were on the EBTA, which ended in Barcelona. After the cruise, there were reports on the DIS about several people who were pickpocketed (cash, cameras, ID) in Barcelona.

Woody

Hello Woody!! How goes your trip?

 

[renegade7]

I'm with you on alaska. We will only go once, and want to see the most and the best, so I think it would be Princess for us.

What is a Bra Stash? I'm thinking I wouldn't have room for any stash!!

OK, what is a bra stash???

Just google it - it is a wallet that attaches to your bra. There are 2 models - one that clips on (and can be placed in many different places) and another that attaches to the bra straps and lays between the girls. It is small (4"x3") so some cash and a credit card will fit.

.......which shops do the US ladies amongst you all recommend for us more curvalicious girls? I know about Torrid but is there anywhere else in Florida I should try?

You might be interested in Lane Bryant (check out their website, too). There is an LB outlet at PRIME OUTLETS INTERNATL, 4953 INTERNATIONAL DR 1B12, ORLANDO, FL 32819. They used to be very matronly, but in the past few years they are definitely courting the younger crowd.

I have always been big as well. When I graduated HS I was an 8 and from college was a 10-12. So when I got into the real world as was not as active I have gotten bigger. So I am between a 16-20 these days. Here is where I like to go. As mentioned above Lane Bryant, but they tend to be too rich for me unless things are on sale. I frequent Old Navy, Burlington Coat Factory and Ross mostly. There is also Dress Barn but have to travel out of the city to get the "woman's" sizes. I have not really tried Marshalls or TJ Maxx yet. I find it very hard to find clothes I like that I like on me. I hate what the big stores offer (Macy's & Nordstrom) for my size. Oh what I would give to be a 14-16 again. Sad part is when you see me you will be suprised that I am that large as I am lucky it seems to be well balanced on me.

I hate to hear that people are afraid to enjoy Barcelona. Don't let fear keep you from enjoying travel. Most of what we hear is blown out of proportion to reality. It seems every place I have traveled to has been cited by friends and family as "unsafe". I have never found it to be true once I got there. We all must be careful, of course. That goes for our own home towns. We are just more familiar there and so, don't worry as much. One person"s advise I always trust is Rick Steves. I have used his guide books for numerous trips and he has never let me down. This is what he says about Barcelona: "You are more likely to be pickpocketed here - especially on the Ramblas - than about anywhere else in Europe. Most of the crime is nonviolent but muggings do occur. Leave valuables in the hotel and wear a moneybelt."
So I will follow his advice, which is basically to go out and enjoy all that Barcelona has to offer, but be careful. I do that at home also.

Rene

I agree. I plan to enjoy my time but have my wits about me and keep my possesions on me hidden (or in a safe). I figure the same thing could happen to me on my way to work every day here in SF so I try to be alert here as well. Especially when hanging in the tourist areas.

I wanted to post this close to the cruise so many will read it. If you see me and I don't respond to you this is why....please do not take offense,,,

In 2001 I was working in a call center and I started getting migraines a lot. I kept telling everyone I smelled gas. I unfortunately can smell a dirty diaper on a kid quite a distance away. That usually meant I could not pretend not to realize my kids needed changing.

So, when no one else could smell the gas, I went to the DR and he had a CAT scan done. I really thought I was going crazy and the migraines were coming on more and more. I also did notice that some other smells were also bothering me. So on a very cold day, some one else finally noticed the gas smell and we called the maintenance guy and he smelled it too. They fixed the unit and I didn't smell it any more. But I was still getting migraines from different smells. I managed to find a little vial of oil called Uh Oh Migraine and I would rub a little of it under my nose, and sometimes it really helps. I also discovered Equal was helping to start migraines so I cut that out.

For the last five years at my last job, if anyone came up to the front desk smelling very strong of cigarette smoke or cologne, I would just have to call my co-worker and she knew why I was calling her because if I didn't it would get so bad I would have to go home. When they did a total remodel of the downstairs, I went home. The smell of the new carpeting, the dust, cleaning solutions, just made me crazy. Same thing happened when part of the upstairs was done. When they would have to daily clean the preschool room, I just made it a point to be in the back of the building or out to lunch so I would not be affected. When walking past anyone smoking, I have to hold my breath or I will start coughing and gagging. Hubby still insists on going outside to smoke his cigars and when he comes back in and wants to talk to me, I have to turn my head so I don't smell the smoke. The worst colognes are Polo, Jean Nate, and patchouli. I literally get sick. So if I greet you and then don't hug you any more after that, it is only because you are wearing something that gets to me and could start a migraine.

Trust me, I don't like this at all, I feel awful when it happens. I remember wearing Jean Nate and would literally douse myself in it. If I offended anyone, I wouldn't know cause I felt I smelled great!!! Now I only use certain Bath & Body products and I mean only a few of them!!!


Okay, back to fun stuff!!!!

Ugh, I totally understand. I am not that sever, but notice I am more and more sensitive the older I get. When I go to a department store I literally run through the fragrance section holding my breath. Sadly most of my migranes seem to be triggered by hormones or the weather, which I can't avoid (I am to a point but that may get us into the TMI section).

 

[pjpoohbear]

Also for the plus sized women's clothes; Avenue. I know there is one just east of the Florida Mall. The plaza it is in is just beside a Target.

Avenue
TERRACE @ FLORIDA MALL
730 SAND LAKE ROAD
ORLANDO,FL 32809 US
407-816-5524



Pj

 

[steamboat will]

Totally agree with your assessment. Each park is great in its own right, but I would pick the same qualities as you from each of them.
I've been to all except Hong Kong but I'm looking at 2012 when my traveling buddy finishes nursing school.

Well you'll certainly see what i say about price...

Resticted annual passes start around $83 thats US dollars, so cheaper than a single day into a WDW park.

Then you get the added benifits like upto 30% off hotel rooms, with a bit of careful planning you could get a room at the Disneyland Hotel from $161 a night, so thats like staying in thier version of the Grand Floridian for the price of a WDW moderate.

SW

 

[FrauP]

Oh My!!! DH is organizing an event!!!! Be still my heart...

Uuuuugh, I wanna register... But forgot my password! ?!!?!?!?

 

[HallsofVA]

Sorry, I thought that I had posted. You can ship ahead, you just omit the Concierge details.

For what it is worth, if you are going to ship, the post office is the cheapest way to do it. They quote 10 days plus customs time from Atlanta. I sent magnets, and am contemplating sending part of my FE's. I need to decide this week...

Oh - I shipped first class, flat rate. A full door of magnets, and a swag for the room was $13 and change to send.

My apologies, but is the address linked somewhere where it is easy to find? I remember you posting it awhile back, but I didn't jot it down because you said it was for concierge guests.

 

[Buckeye Goofy]

Uuuuugh, I wanna register... But forgot my password! ?!!?!?!?

Check your PMs

Glenn

 

[luvdamouse91]

For the crocs flips wearers, aim in the same boat but have a couple of non flip pairs that I love, and I am breaking in this pair (wa... Great idea for stretching them out. Thanks.

 

[su_kraft]

Just google it - it is a wallet that attaches to your bra. There are 2 models - one that clips on (and can be placed in many different places) and another that attaches to the bra straps and lays between the girls. It is small (4"x3") so some cash and a credit card will fit.

A friend of mine from highschool started a company "Portapocket" that makes little portable pockets for carrying small amounts of stuff. Similar to this, but I don't think she has one that attached to the bra strap.

I have always been big as well. When I graduated HS I was an 8 and from college was a 10-12. So when I got into the real world as was not as active I have gotten bigger. So I am between a 16-20 these days. Here is where I like to go. As mentioned above Lane Bryant, but they tend to be too rich for me unless things are on sale. I frequent Old Navy, Burlington Coat Factory and Ross mostly. There is also Dress Barn but have to travel out of the city to get the "woman's" sizes. I have not really tried Marshalls or TJ Maxx yet. I find it very hard to find clothes I like that I like on me. I hate what the big stores offer (Macy's & Nordstrom) for my size. Oh what I would give to be a 14-16 again. Sad part is when you see me you will be suprised that I am that large as I am lucky it seems to be well balanced on me.

This is me... I like to think I carry the weight well... I like our local Dress Barn Woman - and I get some really good deals there - but I have an insider watching for sales for me... I have also found that at our WalMart I can get good deals on jeans and things like sweaters - casual stuff. Target doesn't have much of a selection and the proces at the larger department stores are just too much for me... Oh - Kohls often gets good deals...

I agree. I plan to enjoy my time but have my wits about me and keep my possesions on me hidden (or in a safe). I figure the same thing could happen to me on my way to work every day here in SF so I try to be alert here as well. Especially when hanging in the tourist areas.

I think that you have to treat Barcelona as any other large city. If I were going to LA, I wouldn't carry large sums of cash, or flash cash or cards as that makes you a target. So we will be spreading out the currency we are carrying, I will not be carrying a purse, and Glenn got a slash proof camera strap. We also have 2 packsafe bags - one laptop bag and one camera bag.

Ugh, I totally understand. I am not that sever, but notice I am more and more sensitive the older I get. When I go to a department store I literally run through the fragrance section holding my breath. Sadly most of my migranes seem to be triggered by hormones or the weather, which I can't avoid (I am to a point but that may get us into the TMI section).

I used to hate going through the perfume department and am so glad thathtey now spray cards. The massive amounts of scents bring the onset of migrains - but I am lucky, if I can get away from the offending scents I am usually OK.

Now I find that my 13 year old is the greatest cause of my migrains... Especially if he is in a teen ager mood...

 

[FrauP]

Check your PMs
Glenn

 

[su_kraft]

My apologies, but is the address linked somewhere where it is easy to find? I remember you posting it awhile back, but I didn't jot it down because you said it was for concierge guests.

Here it is:

MS Disney Magic
C/O Acciona Forwarding SA
Avda Ports D'Europa, 100 3rd Planta
Edificio Service Center
08040 Barcelona
Telephone: +34.93.298.4614
Fax: +34.93.298.4612

Packages must arrive 2 days prior to embarkation. List the following on the outside of the package:
Name
Sail Date
Ship
Stateroom Number
Packing list must me attached - if single item, list contents on outside of pacakge.

As I mentioned, the post office was quoting 10 days for first class (and priority is about that amount of time as well). I went through the options with the PostMaster (that ought to teach her to come out of her ffice) and first class was the best for us. I could have done global express - but at about $45 or so for the magents I just couldn't see it. Not to mention that there is still a stop in customs.

 

[TotallyAngelic]

They have those bra stash clip things on Ebay ..... sounds like a good idea.
Think I could easily make one though.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BRAZA-Secret-...Pouch-NEW-/200505126968?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0

 

[Dis-Bits]

So, when are you telling his school about this cruise? My older son started school this week and I haven't told them about the cruise yet. When we booked this, he was being homeschooled. My younger son is still homeschooled and I have already notified his principal. Any suggestions on telling the other school about the cruise?

I'm obviously very behind on the board.


I talked to 1 of my daughters teachers last year about it and the Principal (who gave me a little bit of a hard time.) I also e-mailed the truency officer to make sure that I wasn't going to be ticketed when I got back. I explained that my girls are only going into 1st & 3rd grade and that last year they had perfect attendance and that we plan to do some lessons on the ports. She responded that it sounded like a wonderful and educational trip and thanked us for letting her know.

I was soo worried about what she would say and she was the nicest out of everyone about it.

 

[lyn9856]

I cried, Len tried his best not to.....
Its a shame but weve no pics.

I would have cried too..esp at lack of pics! Well done you!

Hi All
For those of you who are concerned about forgetting something or require something extra for the rest of the journey there's a MORRISONS supermarket only a short(about 10 mins) walk from the terminal. Morrisons, for those who are not familiar is a large UK supermarket chain something like the quality and range of PUBLIX, it's just like any normal UK/US supermarket and all staff speak English. I've added a link, however the map shown on there website is incorrect if you check-out Google maps it shows the exact location with photos, it was formally known as SAFEWAY, yes it was the same as the US version until bought and re-branded as Morrisons, of course the store will be duty free,and I understand that good vodka (and Rhum) can be had for £7.00 ($10.86) per Litre.
We're going to stock up on a few things including the bulky and heavy items(mouthwash, kitchen towels etc) you want to take but would tip the scales into excess baggage charges.
Hope this helps. http://www.morrisons.co.uk/Store-fi...ibraltar&recordid=1&lat=36.12930&lon=-5.35200

Only three weeks next Saturday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
See you all then.. Jane & Dave.

OH YES! We are off with the shoppping list, esp for the laundry liquid/tabs and Sun tan lotion and Shampoo/Conditioner..al the weigh heavy stuff.

Thats great, I need stuff like, nail varnish remover and crap as Len would call it, is the prices the same as the uk do you think(-the vat)

Oh yes...lets all shop for the necessary crap

Another vote for Torrid here too!



littleangel:

Do not ever ever go shoppping in the far East..all clothes are tiny tiny tiny and short. I was very traumatised .............however SHOES and HANDBAGS/PURSES are the same world over...go for them

Please send all your spare pixie dust......
We were spending a beautiful day on the boat, lazing in the sun, boys having a few beers, girls giggling and gossiping, kids fishing until.......Belly caught Holly, yep, Holly ate the fish hook, swallowed it whole.
Lucky Mum was there with her car at the beach so we raced her straight to the 24hr Animal Hospital, Poor baby needs surgery to remove the hook which is in her stomach. So I had to leave my baby at the hospital and come home empty handed.
Waiting at home for the phone call now....waiting......waiting......waiting.....
She should be home tomorrow morning, $2000 later!

Am very scared! Hope she OK! Worst nightmare!!

DON'T FORGET TO BUY YOUR CHAMPAGNE THERE FOR THE CHAMPAGNE GIRLS PARTY!!!!
''

Oh yes! Do they do PINK CHAMPAGNE?

yeah any city is dangerous i remember new york in the 1980s

I have family in Manchester and again its ok but i would not go out at night time on a friday

i guess for disney this is the only place they can set off from but you have to wonder why they would set off from such a place it would put a dampner on any holiday that started with theft or hassle from scammers

oh well i guess we just need to be aware and careful

but from what i am hearing and reading being aware is not always as you say may not be enough

Am concerned

 

[minimousefan]

hi

does any one know how to recover your password for the group site?

cheers
jason

 

[minimousefan]

I would have cried too..esp at lack of pics! Well done you!

OH YES! We are off with the shoppping list, esp for the laundry liquid/tabs and Sun tan lotion and Shampoo/Conditioner..al the weigh heavy stuff.

Oh yes...lets all shop for the necessary crap



Do not ever ever go shoppping in the far East..all clothes are tiny tiny tiny and short. I was very traumatised .............however SHOES and HANDBAGS/PURSES are the same world over...go for them

Am very scared! Hope she OK! Worst nightmare!!


Oh yes! Do they do PINK CHAMPAGNE?



Am concerned

hi

well check this link out and there is some great tips

http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/general/barcelona-safety.html

we just need to be prepared .. and i think where possible do not travel alone

i am coming in 10:00 on the friday 17 on the 6:55 easy jet flight any one around and want to buddy up share a taxi ?

jason

 

[Buckeye Goofy]

hi

does any one know how to recover your password for the group site?

cheers
jason

Check your PMs.

Glenn