2 registered members (Marc, Jim B),
3,320
guests |
|
Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189718
11/08/05 04:39 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,681
ITravelNow
OP
cruiser
|
OP
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,681 |
LCT Friends: I usually send a email journal to my friends at home. While this many not always be fascinating, it's my way of saving the "memories" of our trip. Karen offered to post them here, but I'm on a boradband connection in the hotel, so I'll do it myself. Hope you don't mind if I just share my ramblings. Here's the first installment. Well, we completed the first leg of our journey. We arrived in LA yesterday right on schedule. Usually we complain about air travel, but I want to tell you about a wonderful experience – at least as wonderful as it can get when flying. First of all, both of our flights were on time, the service was fine, they even fed us some edible food – certainly nothing gourmet, but when you start your day at 5 AM you’re pretty hungry by the time you’re somewhere over Mississippi! But the best part of our trip started before we even left the ground. As many of you know, while Tom is physically able to walk, he doesn’t go very far or very fast so when we travel I ask for wheelchair assistance. Some people wouldn’t dream of using this service, even when they could benefit, but they should. Tom’s experience is a fine example. We were staying at the Marriott and we asked for a bellman at 5:15 AM. Tom told him he could walk to the lobby but once we were there his “chariot†was waiting. The young man whisked us off and in minutes we were standing at the shuttle to the planes. Here he handed us off to a Skycap. So far, nothing really unusual, just fast and friendly service, but our skycap was amazing. He takes us through a special screening line, helping Tom remove his shoes, putting my laptop in the bin, generally shepherding us through the whole process, right down to tying Tom’s shoelaces on the other side of the x-ray barrier. But wait, it gets better, next he asks if we’d like to stop at Starbucks for coffee. Of course we are dying for a jolt of joe so we divert from the gate to get our coffee. Then he takes us to the gate and insists on checking with the boarding staff to make sure we will have assistance in Houston and LA. At this point we thank him fervently and Tom hands him a tip. We think we’ve seen the last of him, but 20 minutes later he’s back. He boards us first and then even stows our two carry-ons in the overhead bin before he’s on his way to be a good Samaritan to the next needy passenger! So, we started our flights with a smile and real appreciation for someone who knows how to do their job and seems to really like doing it! The assistance in Houston and LA was fine, but the gentlemen in Tampa really made our day. LA was sunny but a bit smoggy. It’s been a while since we were last here so we enjoyed the ride to the hotel, just gawking out the windows, and talking about how different the landscape is from home. Our plan for the rest of the day was lunch, some rest for Tom and a visit to the Los Angles County Museum of Art for me. Months ago I purchased tickets to see the King Tut exhibit. Egyptology is a fascination of mine and I couldn’t pass up this chance. The museum is only 3 miles from our hotel, so after a nice lunch, I grabbed a cab and went off to see the King! The exhibit is in its closing weeks but I never imagined the crowds that would be there on a Monday afternoon. Lucky me, my 3 PM tour time was shared with about 100 middle school children! I tried to remember my school field trips and how wonderful it must be for these kids to see artifacts from 3000 years ago, but somehow my empathy disappeared as their noise and commotion increased. I loved the exhibit, but appreciated it much more last night as I reviewed the amazing objects in the photographs in the exhibit catalog. The memory of the King’s artifacts are now at my fingertips, and seeing them in person was worth the trouble. After leaving the ciaos of Tut, I decided I had to see the Cézanne and Pissarro exhibit. Curated by Joachim Pissarro and organized by the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the exhibition consists of approximately 80 paintings (40 by each artist) and ten drawings that focus on the years 1865–85 when Cézanne and Pissarro worked closely with each other, often painting literally side by side. It is amazing to see these works displayed together. Often as I moved through the exhibit I was surprised to see how they passed their techniques and visions back and forth. You could see and feel the influence they had on one another. Of course the beauty of their brush strokes and compositions are best appreciated with close examination. It’s well worth seeing! While my creative soul was sated, my body was reminding me that I’d been going nonstop since before dawn and with the three hour time difference it was time to head back to the hotel. I was surprised that it was getting dark at 5 PM but I had arranged for the taxi driver to return for me at 5:30 so I walked back to our meeting place and found a bench to rest. Unfortunately, my taxi did not arrive. After waiting for a few more minutes I asked a security guard where I could get a cab. He kindly offered to call one for me and directed me to the corner of Wilshire and Ogden where they would pick me up. It was obviously a bad time to try to get a taxi and after 30 minutes I went back to check with the guard. He called again and then send another security guard to wait with me just incase we had another no show. I was happy for the company, it was getting dark and I don’t really know my way around LA. Finally about 20 minutes later the cab arrived and within minutes I was back at the Beverly Hilton, tired but happy to be “homeâ€. Tom and I had planned to go to Trader Vic’s for dinner. What better way to start a trip to the South Pacific? But, our internal clocks vetoed the idea. A hot shower and room service really seemed a better idea. And, with Monday night football on the 40 inch flat screen TV in our room I had no chance getting Tom to go out anyway. We plan to sleep in on Tuesday and leave for our ship at around 11:30. So, I’ll check in with you from the ship.
Margo
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189719
11/08/05 04:49 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,658
cruisinfanatic
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,658 |
Good to hear from you Margo - what a wonderful story to begin your trip!
Post from the ship when you can. Will look forward to hearing all about your trip.
JoAnn
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189720
11/08/05 05:01 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 161
borntocruz
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 161 |
Margo, Love reading your email. Enjoy your trip and I look forward to future installments! Jacki
Jacki
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189721
11/08/05 05:13 AM
|
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7
LisaNH
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7 |
Thanks for your email! I enjoyed reading about your day in LA - especially the King Tut exhibit. I understand its next stop is Ft Lauderdale. Luckily it will still be there in April when my husband and I sail on the Navigator. I'm looking forward to seeing it prior to the cruise.
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189722
11/08/05 05:13 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,087
petlover
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,087 |
Great hearing from you Margo. The skycap in Tampa was amazing, what a guy! Looking forward to Chapter 2 from the ship!
Marcie
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189723
11/08/05 05:14 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,868
Betty K
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,868 |
Margo, Sounds like a great start for your trip. I really enjoyed your report. I look forward to many more so we can enjoy along with you. Thanks! Betty 
Betty
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189724
11/08/05 06:11 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,641
joannapv
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,641 |
I loved your report - I would have opted for room service too - we all know our limitations - I'll be looking forward to your mail - Joanna
Joanna
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189725
11/08/05 06:33 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,215
adrenn
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,215 |
Great e-mail, Margo! Keep em coming. Cheers, Anne
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189726
11/08/05 08:03 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,087
petlover
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,087 |
It's such a gloomy, overcast day in LA today. Sorry!! Through Sunday our weather had been bright, sunny, warm in the mid 70's. It got cool yesterday and now it looks like it could rain!
Marcie
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189727
11/08/05 09:15 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,681
ITravelNow
OP
cruiser
|
OP
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,681 |
Marcie...it's not really that bad, besides when you're about to board a cruise ship for exotic places, who cares?
We don't mind a little cool weather either - we have lots of "hot and sunny" in Florida.
We just had breakfast and saw a few other RSSC passengers - this is one of the pre-cruise hotels. I stopped at their hospitality desk in the lobby to see when they were transfering to the ship. We'll have a 1/2 hour jump on them - they're leaving at noon.
Guess you can tell I don't have much to do right now...just watching the clock and wishing we were onboard!
Margo
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189728
11/08/05 10:18 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,868
Betty K
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,868 |
Margo, With an attitude like yours, I know you are going to have the best time!!!! Wish we were all going with you!!!! Betty 
Betty
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189729
11/08/05 01:48 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,681
ITravelNow
OP
cruiser
|
OP
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,681 |
Hello from the Navigator. We've been onboard for about 2 hours...the champaign is flowing and everyone seems really happy to be here...a cold front just moved in so we came inside to warm up. Tom says the ice breakers will be here to get us out of the harbor!
Haven't met Marsha or George yet, but we plan to meet after the muster drill.
Just wanted to say hi - our voyage begins soon.
Margo
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189730
11/08/05 01:55 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,440
gf
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,440 |
Great to hear from you, Margo, and look forward to lots of seamail! 
Another Kathy
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189731
11/08/05 02:51 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,346
Jim B
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,346 |
Oh how exciting this must be for you. Tell Marsha & George Hi. Glad to hear your positive comments on King Tut. We do it in FLL 12/27/05 at 11:00 am
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189732
11/08/05 05:59 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,369
Beth
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,369 |
Margo, what a great way to begin a cruise! Your art exhibits both sounded fabulous. Now on for your cruise. Do enjoy and keep us posted of all your wonderul adventures. :bv:
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189733
11/08/05 08:16 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,244
Masaki
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,244 |
Keep us posted! Love the seamail so far! (What great service you had in Tampa)
Masaki
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189734
11/09/05 05:03 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,681
ITravelNow
OP
cruiser
|
OP
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,681 |
Good morning from the Pacific. It's early and burrrr it's cold. I didn't check the temperature but it feels too cool for a pool party!
Last night we had a terrific LCT gathering. Marsha, George, Bill and Maryann, Mary Ellen and Bruce and Wendy and Frank! What a terrific group to cruise with. Several of us continued our discussions over dinner. I know we're going to enjoy getting to know our virtual friends.
But no late night partying...everyone seems a bit tired - hope we can muster more energy this evening.
I'm still trying to figure out the computer system, seems like it changes each time we are onboard, and varies from ship to ship.
I'll write a bit more later.
Margo
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189735
11/09/05 08:01 AM
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,732
ColonelWes
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,732 |
Margo, I fondly remember your terrific writing skills from last year's November Navigator cruise, now we get to enjoy your spinning tales on the Navigator this November. Great start to your cruise...do pls keep the words/pics coming, thx r/Wes
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189736
11/09/05 08:29 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,271
MarnaLou
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,271 |
Hello everyone! We are moving at a great clip through the beautiful Pacific ocean this morning. The rocking of the ship literally made it difficult for me to wake up this morning. I would rouse a bit and immediately be sent straight back to dreamyland by the motion of the ocean.
As Margo said, we connected in Galileo's last night before dinner and what a nice bunch of LCT'ers we are!! George and I had been invited by our neighbors to dine with them so we scooted off a little early but we hope to have dinner with Margo and Tom and I don't know who all else tonight.
I really like this little ship. As mentioned many times before, the bathroom is really a marvel. We are as comfortable as can be and we look forward to a wonderful voyage.
More later, you landlubbers!!
MarnaLou
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189737
11/09/05 09:00 AM
|
Joined: Jan 1970
Posts: 15,174
KarenS
Moderator
|
Moderator
Joined: Jan 1970
Posts: 15,174 |
Hi Marsha! I am glad to hear that everyone has settled in and that you are on your way! With all these sea days, I hope you have plenty of time to post to us lonely landlubbers :)
Karen Live long and prosper
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189738
11/09/05 09:24 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 906
dougburns
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 906 |
Margo; If you haven't cruised with Fabrizzio before, I think you'll find him to be a most pleasant Hotel Director. He really knows how to run a great hotel. Hope your cruise is as good as the one on the Mariner a couple of years ago. Please pass our best to Fabrizzio and Jerry, the singer in Don Vito. Too bad Danilo isn't with you; he's a great pianist.
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189739
11/09/05 11:51 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,210
Pam
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,210 |
Oh, I need lots and lots of details; my first trip on Navigator is in January.
Are y'all using the ship's computers, or your own laptop?
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189740
11/09/05 01:12 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,271
MarnaLou
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,271 |
Pam, we are on the ship's computers but we have heard a semi-verified rumor that the Navigator will be we-fi in January. Bill told us that it was to have been by now but that process was delayed by Hurricane Wilma.
Just checking email after sleeping another THREE HOURS this morning. I really cannot wake up here. George laughs at me when I open an eye to check the time and instantly slip back into snooze mode. I hope to make it to dinner without another nap but it's not looking good.
MarnaLou
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189741
11/09/05 02:30 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,681
ITravelNow
OP
cruiser
|
OP
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,681 |
LCT Friends....here's my second "seamail". Some of it you've already read above, but this is the version I sent out to friends at home. Your secret is out, I had to tell them about LCT...so maybe we'll have some new members soon. Anyway, here some more mail. Hello from the Pacific Ocean. It is sunny and the seas are slightly rough, there is a swell that sometimes causes us to stagger down the passageways. We are cruising at about 20 knots on a southwest heading bound for the Marquesas Islands. We will arrive there next Tuesday, so with six sea days ahead, most of us are beginning to find our onboard routines.
Already we are meeting many interesting passengers. Today at lunch we joined a couple from Catalina. As with others, when they found out we live in Florida they wanted to talk about hurricanes and how we live with the “continuing†threat. I guess our state’s PR department needs to go to work to assure the rest of the world that we haven’t all “blown awayâ€! Lunch in the Compass Rose Dining room is so leisurely. We really enjoy the wonderful food and service. You start to feel pretty pampered in no time flat.
The shipboard schedule today is filled with many activities. I just came from a lecture by Laura Brand who works with Jean-Michel Cousteau in educating the public through the Ocean Futures Society. She had some amazing video of sharks in the Rangiroa atoll. She also offered to join us on special scuba and snorkeling expedition when we reach French Polynesia.
This afternoon’s schedule also includes Duplicate Bridge, Ballroom Dance Classes, Arts and Crafts, a Slot seminar (I wondering if there are different techniques in pulling the lever???), Bocce bowling, Step Class, Wine Tasting (don’t try both of those at the same time), Afternoon Tea, Trivia, Pilates, Computer Class and a Stretch and Relax session. I think you have to relax after you finish all of the above.
Tonight the staff has scheduled a very interesting activity. At the sound of the ship’s bells we are to grab a glass and open the door of our suite, walk out and meet our new neighbors. Wine and cheese will be served by the ship’s staff. Sounds like a great way to break the ice and meet our new friends next door. I’ll let you know how that works, it should be fun.
We are planning on meeting our LCT friends for dinner. LCT(luxurycruisetalk.com) is a message board I’ve been visiting for the last two years. Finally I’ve had a chance to actually meet people who have become friends as we shared conversation and information about cruising. Last night we met after the lifeboat muster and enjoyed a drink together. Already I can tell we will enjoy more drinks and meals in the coming days.
Well, my computer time clock is ticking away so I’ll sign off for now. These sea days are so busy, I think I’ll take a nap!
Margo
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189742
11/09/05 03:28 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,868
Betty K
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,868 |
Margo, Enjoyed your report. I like the idea of the wine and cheese social with your neighbors in the hall. Betty 
Betty
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189743
11/09/05 03:31 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,087
petlover
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,087 |
Marsha and Margo, so good to hear from you guys! It sounds like you're off to a GREAT start! Margo, we had the "hall parties" on the WC where you'd grab a wine glass and go in the hall to meet your neighbor. The first time we did it, I wasn't dressed yet so I just stepped out in my bathrobe (obviously didn't wander too far away). It's a nice way to meet your neighbors especially if you have one (as we did) who NEVER came out on her balcony for almost 4 months!
Love your seamails! You are both such good writers! Keep 'em coming for those of us left behind.
Marcie
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189744
11/09/05 08:36 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,440
gf
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,440 |
Margo and Marsha,
So great to hear from both of you! Marsha, are you still recuperating from all the wedding festivities? I agree about the Navigator bathrooms; Mariner felt so much smaller to me.
Curious to know both of your reactions after so many sea days?
Another Kathy
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189745
11/10/05 06:18 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,681
ITravelNow
OP
cruiser
|
OP
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,681 |
Good Morning! The site is loading so slowly this morning that I'm going to post and run so to speak.
Our "hall party" was a great success. This is the first time it's been done on the Navigator, but Marcie I'm sure they stole the idea from the WC. It seem especially appropriate when many of us will all be together for 26 days!
We all talked, drank and nibbled until the wine bottles ran dry - if they had more we'd probably still be standing there!
Our dinner was very pleasant. Marsha and George invited their suite neighbors to join us, and Wendy and Frank. We had wonderful food and conversation.
Kathy, it seems everyone loves the sea days - but we might become very lazy by the time we reach Viatape!
The Computer manager told us that the Navigator would have wifi sometime in January. They were scheduled to install it in Fort Lauderdale two weeks ago, but Hurricane Wilma interfered. The ship was diverted to San Juan and of course the equipment wasn't there.
Several passengers who were suppose to board in FLL have very interesting stories. RSSC flew them to NY several days earlier than scheduled - you can imagine what their last minute packing was like.
Well, need to check my email, but I will write again soon.
Margo
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189746
11/10/05 06:24 AM
|
Joined: Jan 1970
Posts: 15,174
KarenS
Moderator
|
Moderator
Joined: Jan 1970
Posts: 15,174 |
Margo, just a suggestion so we can squeeze more updates from you :)
Why don't you create your post on Word or whatever program is available to you before you log in and then cut and paste it into a reply when you are all finished?
That way, you wouldn't use up precious internet minutes composing your seamail!
Karen Live long and prosper
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189747
11/10/05 07:16 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,215
adrenn
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,215 |
Margo - so glad you enjoyed the hall party. Please send a hearty g'day to Wendy & Frank. We sailed through the panama canal with them and enjoyed their company very much. Ask Wendy & Frank about the e-mail they got from their neighbor while we were onboard. It is memorable!! :D
Cheers, Anne
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189748
11/10/05 07:34 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,539
Nancyp
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,539 |
Hi Margo, I've enjoyed your posts so much! Keep them coming.
Nancy
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189749
11/10/05 01:01 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,271
MarnaLou
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,271 |
I must ditto Margo's comments about our 'block parties' last night. It was a great idea! At 6:00 the announcement came over the PA system (a rarity in itself) for all to bring a wineglass into the hall, dressed as you were. There, our stewardesses and waiters served wine and hors d'oeurves while we mingled with our neighborhood. An officer or two attended every 'block' and the Captain and CD breezed through to also press the flesh. It was really very nice. There is nothing like chatting up your hallmates while wearing bathrobes to instill a sense of community.
It has finally warmed up today, thank goodness. I really feared hypothermia the last couple of days, as it was unexpectedly cool in LA and the first day out. It's lovely now, with warm temperatures and a slight breeze. The swells have calmed some and it's a perfect day at sea.
It's formal night tonight. I hope to catch yet another nap before the renovations must commence.
MarnaLou
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189750
11/10/05 01:08 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,271
MarnaLou
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,271 |
I must add that next to the words "incredibly glacially slow" in the dictionary is a picture of our satellite connection. Forgive us if we don't have an hour and half to burn posting frequent updates! I hope this situation improves soon or my "jumbo internet package" is going to dwindle to nothing in no time flat.
MarnaLou
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189751
11/10/05 04:46 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 9,070
Ngaire
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 9,070 |
Do as Karen suggests. Do the post in word on the computer and then simply highlight, copy and then past on LCT it makes it much faster and cheaper.
We LOVE to hear from you but also understand the time and money constraints of posting.
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189752
11/10/05 05:10 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,967
jhp
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,967 |
Margo and MarnaLou, so great to read your posts! MarnaLou, you remind me of myself this past summer when we were on our Iceland/Norway cruise. So many sea days for just 14 days for us. Funny how you can sleep the day away, as we did many times, and think it is a great big BONUS! (That you don't have to feel guilty about!) Well, I love sleeping anytime/anywhere when there is an eider down comforter involved.
Yes, do that thing Ngaire suggested, so we can hear from you often, not that you both haven't been great about seamail anyway. And MarnaLou, please thank GEORGE for me for his postings, as he has another thread going as well!
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189753
11/10/05 05:37 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 8,358
Denise
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 8,358 |
Great to hear from you Margo/MarnaLou! Please continue on with seamail. We love living vicariously through those lucky enough to be cruising!
Ngaire had suggested we do all our writing in word and then cut/paste. Fantastic time and money saver!
Hope the days ahead are wonderful for you all!
Denise
Retired and loving it!
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189754
11/10/05 08:44 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,681
ITravelNow
OP
cruiser
|
OP
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,681 |
Good Evening...I'm posting in real time because to log off and back on again may take as much time, so please excuse any typos!
Tonight was our first formal night and the Captain's Welcome Party. Everyone looks so elegant and dinner was wonderful...Lobster, Beef Wellington et. al.!
Today was beautiful, warm and sunny until midafternoon, some clouds rolled in and we all had a nice siesta.
Captain Romeo is as delightful as ever. I must say, we've decided they are piping something into the air, we are ALL so LAZY - napping seems to overtake everyone.
Anne...Wendy sends greeting to you and Gary. We really enjoyed meeting them! All of our LCT cruisers are terrific.
Well, Tom is in the casino...I need to find out if I can afford to post more...or less.
More tomorrow...
Margo
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189755
11/11/05 03:57 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 889
IUJawbreaker
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 889 |
Great to hear from you both. Glad your cruise is going well and I hope you continue to have a wonderful and fun-filled time!
Anthony
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189756
11/11/05 08:43 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,271
MarnaLou
cruiser
|
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,271 |
Our connection is much faster today, what a treat!
Formal night was really nice. Margo failed to mention how gorgeous she looked. Tom was stunning as well in his immaculate tuxedo. In fact, all the men looked absolutely splendid. If only we could have stayed awake past dinner! We have high hopes for tonight. :)
MarnaLou
|
|
|
Re: Margo's Land and Sea Mail
#189757
11/12/05 06:47 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,681
ITravelNow
OP
cruiser
|
OP
cruiser
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,681 |
Ship’s log Saturday, November 12 Time: 6 AM Speed: 19.5 knots Temperature: 76.7 Location: 10 05’ 14†N 130 28’ 22†W Partly cloudy Sea conditions moderate with swell
I’m up early this morning as we have our first time change. There are a few other passengers about, but most are still asleep. We have a satellite connection for the computers, but CNN is not longer available.
Yesterday was a typical sea day, lots of lectures and sports activities. Lunchtime was a special event as the Chef and kitchen staff prepared an elaborate Galley Brunch. We entered the dining room and proceeded directly to the galley. As we toured the source of all our meals we loaded our plates with seafood, fruits and salads, pastas, rice, potatoes, roast beef, chicken, fish, breads and deserts. There was something for every appetite. And if your plate seemed too small to accommodate all that you desired, a second trip was encouraged. Needless to say, for some an afternoon nap was required afterwards!
At 2:30 many of us gathered on the pool deck to meet with Naturist Laura Brands as she prepared us for the unusual birds and sea life that we will soon be encountering. Up until now, there have been few wildlife sightings – yesterday someone saw a whale in the distance, and we’ve spotted flying fish several times. But we are more than 1000 miles from any landmass so most other living things remain invisible below our bow. Laura’s enthusiasm has me prepared to do some bird watching when we reach Nuku Hiva.
Later I put my earphones on and listened to my Ipod as I did my laps around the deck – after that lunch I needed the exercise.
Then we prepare for the next meal! Shipboard life is really small experiences between dining opportunities, or so it seems. There are so many delicious choices but already Tom and I find that we often select our entree from the simplicity menu. But we still sample interesting appetizers, soups and desserts! Have no fear, we don’t pass up the good stuff!
After dinner entertainment was provided by Bettine Clemen, a internationally renowned flutist. Not Tom’s cup of tea, so he detoured to the casino and I followed to grab some time on a computer. We’re still not making much of a contribution to the ship’s nightlife, but perhaps we’ll acclimate in the next few days.
Today looks like another warm and sunny day. Between lectures and meals I’m sure we’ll find sometime to spend by the pool. Oh, such hardships!!!
Tonight we will be joining Marsha and George at Portofino’s for dinner. Italian food sounds like a nice change, I’ll let you know!
Margo
|
|
|
|
|
|