-=*September 10 2011, Westbound Transatlantic from Barcelona to Port Canaveral*=-

[squitty]

Those thinking of going to Sunset Beach to see the planes, Lynne, who took a taxi this year posted.

'We got a taxi, it took longer than we expected and longer than they said because we dropped others of in town, I would allow half an hour at least.
Lots of taxis to go back.it was 8 dollars each,each way, lovely beach, take your snorkel stuff if they have any.'

Thanks Maz and thanks to Lynne too

 

[granmaz]

We had a really stormy night last night, but we were tucked up inside so no problems. A lady was killed when a tree fell on her car though which is always very sad. Today looks lovely out, and I think it is milder. We will be going for a walk and shop in a while when I feel more up to it.

Tomorrow we are off 'down south' to see John's mum. We do it in a day now to save costs and so be able to go more often. She is 94 and in a lovely home, but it is no pleasure at all going, we go for her to keep seeing John(she isn't too worried about seeing me, apart from I keep the conversation going). She is all there mentally, but physically very frail, and to be honest fed up with life now. 220 miles each way. John doesn't like driving in the dark these days so we are setting off very early. Bless her, she doesn't seem to realise(or doesn't want to) that her children are getting older themselves and can't do as much as they used to.

 

[squitty]

It was windy here too Maz. I read on the news about that poor woman...as you say very sad

I don't envy you and the drive down south. 94 is a great age isn't it

 

[granmaz]

It was windy here too Maz. I read on the news about that poor woman...as you say very sad

I don't envy you and the drive down south. 94 is a great age isn't it

It is, though to spend your last years so miserable isn't the best is it?

 

[Pinky166]

I'm looking forward to some volunteer work I'm doing Saturday. I lost a student in a snow ski accident this past March that I was close to, and her story has made it to over 120 countries now. Don't know if you are aware of Taylor's Gift, but here is a brief video clip. It always makes me hug my girls a little tighter. Taylor's parents were on our local news tonight, so I thought I would share her story.

Thanks for sharing, good job i've got waterproof mascara on today.

Those thinking of going to Sunset Beach to see the planes, Lynne, who took a taxi this year posted.

'We got a taxi, it took longer than we expected and longer than they said because we dropped others of in town, I would allow half an hour at least.
Lots of taxis to go back.it was 8 dollars each,each way, lovely beach, take your snorkel stuff if they have any.'

Thanks for the info Maz. It's nice to have a idea on time & taxi costs.

We had a really stormy night last night, but we were tucked up inside so no problems. A lady was killed when a tree fell on her car though which is always very sad. Today looks lovely out, and I think it is milder. We will be going for a walk and shop in a while when I feel more up to it.

Tomorrow we are off 'down south' to see John's mum. We do it in a day now to save costs and so be able to go more often. She is 94 and in a lovely home, but it is no pleasure at all going, we go for her to keep seeing John(she isn't too worried about seeing me, apart from I keep the conversation going). She is all there mentally, but physically very frail, and to be honest fed up with life now. 220 miles each way. John doesn't like driving in the dark these days so we are setting off very early. Bless her, she doesn't seem to realise(or doesn't want to) that her children are getting older themselves and can't do as much as they used to.

It's still very windy here too, although at least it's not raining today.

Wow 94 is a good age, however if your not active and miserable I can understand what you mean. I hope you manage to have a nice day together anyway.

 

[Pinky166]

Maz, I was just looking at the Praktik Rambla hotel in Barcelona again. It's still showing 140 euros per night but I came across this one, seems to be nearby to the other one, not sure if it's the same owners? It's 92 euros per night...... http://www.praktikhotels.com/en/hotel-in-barcelona

 

[granmaz]

Maz, I was just looking at the Praktik Rambla hotel in Barcelona again. It's still showing 140 euros per night but I came across this one, seems to be nearby to the other one, not sure if it's the same owners? It's 92 euros per night...... http://www.praktikhotels.com/en/hotel-in-barcelona

Some of our friends did stay there. I think they regretted it, but it was nicely done out. More of a hostel I believe and more basic. But, it did the job.

 

[granmaz]

I know a couple who stayed here on a previous occasion. It is right on Las Ramblas, lower down than Praktik Rambla. They just had the basic room which they said was fine, but there are better ones and some overlooking Las Ramblas. I am keeping an eye on the prices here too. It isn't as quirky as Praktik Rambla though if that is important.

http://www.royalramblashotel.com/en/home/

 

[squitty]

It is, though to spend your last years so miserable isn't the best is it?

No it isn't...

 

[MandyGirl]

Maz, I was just looking at the Praktik Rambla hotel in Barcelona again. It's still showing 140 euros per night but I came across this one, seems to be nearby to the other one, not sure if it's the same owners? It's 92 euros per night...... http://www.praktikhotels.com/en/hotel-in-barcelona

I know a couple who stayed here on a previous occasion. It is right on Las Ramblas, lower down than Praktik Rambla. They just had the basic room which they said was fine, but there are better ones and some overlooking Las Ramblas. I am keeping an eye on the prices here too. It isn't as quirky as Praktik Rambla though if that is important.

http://www.royalramblashotel.com/en/home/

Thanks for posting these. I'm learning that a room for 2 adults, 1 child turning 5 years, and 1 toddler barely over 1 year is pricey. We often sleep in a king bed at home (all four) but maximum occupancy is getting us with hotels overseas... even if the square footage is decent sized.

 

[granmaz]

Thanks for posting these. I'm learning that a room for 2 adults, 1 child turning 5 years, and 1 toddler barely over 1 year is pricey. We often sleep in a king bed at home (all four) but maximum occupancy is getting us with hotels overseas... even if the square footage is decent sized.

Have a look at apartments. They can be very cost effective and have washers and the like. There are some very smart looking places.

Also, chain hotels are quite often the same the world over, so rooms might be more suitable for families too.

 

[MandyGirl]

Thanks for sharing, good job i've got waterproof mascara on today.

The story of the man who received her pancreas/kidney is also touching. A baby received her other kidney while two people were given the gift of sight with her corneas. When Todd and Tara were invited to the NBC Today Show in New York on Oct 1, the foundation's website received hits from 121 countries. In Texas alone, the number of registered organ donors since her death has increased 50% state-wide. Such a wonderful family, awesome student, and we even named our baby born in June in honor of her (did same middle names). I knew immediately we would do that in March, but it wasn't until the night before her birth we fully determined her first name. Her class created a page on Facebook for us, and our entire class is on there. We grew together just as close as family. And to think she was doing all the right things on the ski slope that day... wearing a helmet, squatting like they taught her in ski school that morning, dad following right behind to make sure nothing happened...

 

[MandyGirl]

Have a look at apartments. They can be very cost effective and have washers and the like. There are some very smart looking places.

Also, chain hotels are quite often the same the world over, so rooms might be more suitable for families too.

THanks! We enjoy camping, and even an 8 ft by 8 ft tent works! LOL.

 

[Pinky166]

Some of our friends did stay there. I think they regretted it, but it was nicely done out. More of a hostel I believe and more basic. But, it did the job.

I don't like the sound of that, I think i'll give that one a miss then.

I know a couple who stayed here on a previous occasion. It is right on Las Ramblas, lower down than Praktik Rambla. They just had the basic room which they said was fine, but there are better ones and some overlooking Las Ramblas. I am keeping an eye on the prices here too. It isn't as quirky as Praktik Rambla though if that is important.

http://www.royalramblashotel.com/en/home/

That one looks quite nice, i'll keep my eye on that one too. Please let me know if you see any price drops & i'll do the same.

The story of the man who received her pancreas/kidney is also touching. A baby received her other kidney while two people were given the gift of sight with her corneas. When Todd and Tara were invited to the NBC Today Show in New York on Oct 1, the foundation's website received hits from 121 countries. In Texas alone, the number of registered organ donors since her death has increased 50% state-wide. Such a wonderful family, awesome student, and we even named our baby born in June in honor of her (did same middle names). I knew immediately we would do that in March, but it wasn't until the night before her birth we fully determined her first name. Her class created a page on Facebook for us, and our entire class is on there. We grew together just as close as family. And to think she was doing all the right things on the ski slope that day... wearing a helmet, squatting like they taught her in ski school that morning, dad following right behind to make sure nothing happened...

It is a truly amazing story, I am on the registered organ donors list here & I just hope that when my time comes i'll be able help at least one person.

How lovely of you to name your daughter after her.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Hello all! With all the Halloween clearances, I think I have stocked up on costumes for my girls to pack for the cruise! The hard thing is keeping them in the packages until then and not using them for pretend play!

Oh that'll be a loooong wait! These posts just make me go "jump". I love Halloween, love clearances and love some of the too cute/great/nice/lovely/tasty/andmanyotherthings you can buy in the States and not overhere. Sad really, getting happy from shopping.

Love the story of Taylors Gift!

As far as travel goes; you'ld be amazed how much kids can deal with and how memories stick with them. Small place here, so many many travel to the Med or other parts of Europe each year. Seriously, young toddlers having a blast and remembring all kinds of cultural things and in the case of Italy of course also the gelato and pizza. If you've got the option to take the time off now, can have any flexibility with the kids and might not get the option to go to Italy in years to come otherwise, I'ld personally say; do it! Young or not, they'll get their own out of it and have their own little special vacation without even noticing it can also be a great way to learn. Italy is too beautifull to miss out on IMHO.

As far as Barca goes, I'ld also say stick with appartments. Familyrooms really aren't the norm for most countries overhere. It's starting to grow, but the norm has been appartments for families as long as I can remember. That, camping or renting a home. There are some superb appartments for rent through private owners but that would require a bit of trust and feeling at ease with not using a bigger company. Bonus; prices tend to be a lot nicer and there are private owners out there that are A-MA-ZING in making guests feel at home.


QUOTE=granmaz;38920804]We had a really stormy night last night, but we were tucked up inside so no problems. A lady was killed when a tree fell on her car though which is always very sad. Today looks lovely out, and I think it is milder. We will be going for a walk and shop in a while when I feel more up to it.

Tomorrow we are off 'down south' to see John's mum. We do it in a day now to save costs and so be able to go more often. She is 94 and in a lovely home, but it is no pleasure at all going, we go for her to keep seeing John(she isn't too worried about seeing me, apart from I keep the conversation going). She is all there mentally, but physically very frail, and to be honest fed up with life now. 220 miles each way. John doesn't like driving in the dark these days so we are setting off very early. Bless her, she doesn't seem to realise(or doesn't want to) that her children are getting older themselves and can't do as much as they used to.[/QUOTE]

Good luck on the roadtrip and in between. It'll be a draining day with what you've got scheduled. I can imagine her being fed up. Such an age, having seen so many things chance, see so many loved ones go and being "hindered" by a body that used to be able to keep up, I can really understand some folks in her situation thinking "it's been enough, it's been great, but I'ld be OK with not waking up tomorrow morning".

No matter how old you and John get, you guys are still the "children". You have nothing to "complain", you're young. I get what you mean, logic it gets more draining on you guys to make this trip than it was 10 years ago. Bless you guys for investing in mum and caring. You might say it's normal but I've seen so many elderly folks just being left alone by their family out of lack of care it breaks my heart each time I see it. Your post clearly shows a good heart. Never mind you guys perhaps not being best friends, you obviously care. A great gift, it really is.



I booked my flight back home last night. Happened to still be up at 1 am, so decided to check things out. That was midnight in Ireland and thus for the airline. I got quoted a price that was even a nice bit cheaper than I've been quoted so far when toying around with some other dates when they first were published so I booked them. GREAT price for both a oneway (which we all know can be difficult to get, most of the times it's cheaper to book a roundtrip and only use it half ) and GREAT price for business class. What more could I want? They quoted me a $-price since it's a flight from MCO and offered me a fixed currency exchange rate. No thank you, my creditcard company uses a much much better. All in all those two saved me about another €75,-. This morning the prices were the same as I've been quoted when playing around so I've got the impression the prices get put up at midnight but aren't quite right yet. Either way, I don't care. I got myself a deal.

Then this morning dad tells me he's been thinking things over and if I'm flying into Barca on the morning of the 10th he's flying with me. Just to make sure things go OK, help out a bit where needed and then fly back home again in the evening. He just wants to make sure things go as smooth as possible and I get onto the Magic. Talk about having great parents. Trying to talk him into doing a weekend in Barca with mom, but he's not budging at the moment. Maybe it's easier to "whisper" said idea into moms ears. Prices are very acceptable, he'll be there anyway and they deserve each and any trip and quality time together they can get.

 

[granmaz]

QUOTE=granmaz;38920804]We had a really stormy night last night, but we were tucked up inside so no problems. A lady was killed when a tree fell on her car though which is always very sad. Today looks lovely out, and I think it is milder. We will be going for a walk and shop in a while when I feel more up to it.

Tomorrow we are off 'down south' to see John's mum. We do it in a day now to save costs and so be able to go more often. She is 94 and in a lovely home, but it is no pleasure at all going, we go for her to keep seeing John(she isn't too worried about seeing me, apart from I keep the conversation going). She is all there mentally, but physically very frail, and to be honest fed up with life now. 220 miles each way. John doesn't like driving in the dark these days so we are setting off very early. Bless her, she doesn't seem to realise(or doesn't want to) that her children are getting older themselves and can't do as much as they used to.

Good luck on the roadtrip and in between. It'll be a draining day with what you've got scheduled. I can imagine her being fed up. Such an age, having seen so many things chance, see so many loved ones go and being "hindered" by a body that used to be able to keep up, I can really understand some folks in her situation thinking "it's been enough, it's been great, but I'ld be OK with not waking up tomorrow morning".

No matter how old you and John get, you guys are still the "children". You have nothing to "complain", you're young. I get what you mean, logic it gets more draining on you guys to make this trip than it was 10 years ago. Bless you guys for investing in mum and caring. You might say it's normal but I've seen so many elderly folks just being left alone by their family out of lack of care it breaks my heart each time I see it. Your post clearly shows a good heart. Never mind you guys perhaps not being best friends, you obviously care. A great gift, it really is.


[/QUOTE]

Well done on getting your return flight booked. Exciting isn't it?

Thanks for the kind thoughts re our trip to MIL's tomorrow. Every few weeks she is really down and thinks she is about to die, then she bounces back. She is a tough old thing.

 

[PFlamingo]

Hi Everyone!

Wow, I've got a lot of reading to do here!

DH and I booked this cruise when we were on our 4-night Wonder cruise last month. It's still pretty iffy as to whether we'll make this - if we can make arrangements for our 5 dogs, if we can get a decent airfare to Barcelona, if we can scrape up the money - the fare is not as much of a problem as our bar tab!

BUT... This is going to be my birthday present for one of those "landmark" birthdays, so I'm really hoping we can pull this off. We've only been on 4-nighters, so any advice from anyone who has done this before would be most welcome. Of course, we'd love to participate in a FE, too.

Okay, time to get reading.

 

[birkner]

Hi Everyone!

Wow, I've got a lot of reading to do here!

DH and I booked this cruise when we were on our 4-night Wonder cruise last month. It's still pretty iffy as to whether we'll make this - if we can make arrangements for our 5 dogs, if we can get a decent airfare to Barcelona, if we can scrape up the money - the fare is not as much of a problem as our bar tab!

BUT... This is going to be my birthday present for one of those "landmark" birthdays, so I'm really hoping we can pull this off. We've only been on 4-nighters, so any advice from anyone who has done this before would be most welcome. Of course, we'd love to participate in a FE, too.

Okay, time to get reading.

Welcome aboard!! We are Noel and John and this will be our 5th DCL cruise. We did the WBTA last year so we have lots of pics and memories to share. Are you on FB? If so, I have lots of pics posted there.

No formal FE lists going yet but stay tuned.

I think we have be a great group of DISers so far going on this trip.

Here are a few trip reports from the 2010 WBTA to peruse so just click on the hot link:

Totally Angelic
Tinker1belle
MagicMe
MinnieMousefam
DolphinGirl47

 

[Brookspayne]

Hi guys, we booked the 2011 WBTA and will be joining this happy group on board.

We spent 47 days with the Mouse in September / October (DCL & WDW) and arrived home two weeks ago with serious withdrawal symptoms.

Have just started to read thread for this cruise and notice some familiar names from the 2010 WBTA. Sorry that we didn't meet up on this past cruise, spent most of the 14 days relaxing and spending time together.

Next holiday going to be a cut down version of this year's holiday (husband's work commitments dictate this I'm afraid).

Going to have to get out of my comfort zone for chatting, would you believe I have just started to use Facebook???

Burnice

 

[birkner]

Hi guys, we booked the 2011 WBTA and will be joining this happy group on board.

We spent 47 days with the Mouse in September / October (DCL & WDW) and arrived home two weeks ago with serious withdrawal symptoms.

Have just started to read thread for this cruise and notice some familiar names from the 2010 WBTA. Sorry that we didn't meet up on this past cruise, spent most of the 14 days relaxing and spending time together.

Next holiday going to be a cut down version of this year's holiday (husband's work commitments dictate this I'm afraid).

Going to have to get out of my comfort zone for chatting, would you believe I have just started to use Facebook???

Burnice

Welcome aboard Burnice!! Lucky you to get so much time in WDW and on the WBTA. I can imagine you must have serious, serious withdrawal symptoms after 47 days.