In spite of the turbulent economy, people are leaving home in droves again. And all these droves were passing through the Reno airport at the same moment we’re making our own trip to Ft. Lauderdale. There were cranky toddlers and surly grownups! Whiny kids and mindless idiots! Before we entered the plane I wanted to make a quick exit down the emergency slide. But once we settled into the comfy leather seats life was rosy again.
The flight was uneventful until we approached Ft. Lauderdale International Airport. For some reason, the Air Traffic Controller ordered our plane to circle Rio de Janeiro until we ran out of gas. Just kidding – but it surely felt that way.
Because we couldn’t get to Ft. Lauderdale in time for the 5:00 PM sail away, we left a day early and spent the night in a motel. The concierge, an absolute sweetheart, upgraded us to a suite - bless his soul! That same concierge also recommended the Old Heidelberg Restaurant which serves “the best food in town”. Shame on him! The music was wonderful, the décor kitschy “American-German” and the food lousy. The flavorless “Shoe-Leather-Roulades” reduced the chances of repeat business from us.
Next morning we went aboard the Ms Prinsendam, the ship that took us around the world in 2005. This grand ol’ Dame still is a fine vessel. As a matter of fact, last year she was rated the thirteenth best ship out of the more than 200 cruise ships currently sailing. Not too shabby. I like that she’s not a Huge Majestic Floating Metropolis the size of Texas; this dazzling lady carries less than 800 passengers and the sense of camaraderie is wonderful.
Unpacking, lifeboat drill and sail-away party took up most of the day. I hate the drill routine but I know it’s necessary, or is it? You line up in neat rows, calmly awaiting instructions. In a real emergency, of course, we'd fight for the lifeboats like a pack of wolfs battling for meat. I have seen the Titanic and know how it works.
Speaking of meat: It’s time for dinner. The first meal of roughly 285 before we reach Europe! Excuse me; I need to finish this blog later.
Not wanting to fight the crowds in the dining room, we went upstairs to the Lido buffet. There I watched Dickie go through the line, holding an enormous plate heaped with food without dropping as much as a crumb. Luckily the deck didn’t shift. And because he pigged-out and was weary from a long partial day at sea, he called it a night. And I set off to the piano bar, where I promptly ran into people we had met on the world cruise; which meant: more eating and drinking and having a wonderful time. It was past one o’clock when I went “home.” There, in the cabin, I found Dickie snoozing under a fluffy down comforter, and when I kissed him good-night, I found a few chocolate truffles on top of my pillow. ……..
……… and I did what most normal people would do: I poured myself a small glass of port, stepped out on the veranda and ate the damn things. After all, I had to prepare myself for the journey from the Atlantic to the other side of the Atlantic, also called the Big Pond. Gosh, I’ll have fun on this cruise!
Next stop: New York
P.S. I wrote this blurb several days ago, but because of the “Sea & Swell” (stormy) sailing conditions, internet connection is down most of the time; and when it’s up the signal is so weak you can’t even upload a photo, let alone a movie clip with music. The captain just announced that we lost all power and the Prinsendam is sailing on the emergency system. He apologized for losing the air conditioning and lights and will keep us posted. I better shut this laptop down before it runs out of juice.
Dickie and I strapped on our sea legs and are doing terrific. There’s a wine tasting in 15 minutes, so I better run….
Click on the youtube link for photos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMGBH_oDzuo
Click on the youtube link for photos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMGBH_oDzuo