Hi Friends!
Please forgive me for taking so long to write and tell you about our cruise. Things have been a bit hectic of late - I will explain a bit of it later.
Our cruise was magnificent! The weather was near perfect, the ocean was relatively calm and the ship was beautiful. We used to say we favored Celebrity but after cruising on Holland American Lines we have added the 'Oosterdam' as one of our very favorites.
Our flight to San Diego was a bit scary since we almost missed our plane (by five minutes!)...what happened you ask? We got to the airport our two hours early, everything went smoothly. We sat in the proper area waiting for our call to board when we noticed there were only about four of us waiting. Everyone got off the plane we thought we were waiting to board and then they started to close the kiosk. Where upon, Raymond, ran up and asked what was going on? We were in the "N" section and were told our flight was changed to the "B" section. Now keep in mind, Raymond, kept checking the reader board which did not show the change! We took off like a light and made it to our plane with five minutes to spare.
Everything went well at the port. After boarding the ship, we went upstairs to the buffet. We then went to our room where our luggage had already arrived and on the table was a lovely plate of chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of sparkling wine! One of our kids ordered it to surprise us. On our second formal night in the dining room we shared our very delicious bottle of sparkling wine with our tablemates during dessert.
The first night we ended up in the late seating for dinner, which we did not like. So, we asked to be switched to the early seating. One couple we sat with at dinner were from Portland and the other from Bellingham - what a small world! We believe we've made a very good connection for a long term friendship.
Time spent on the ship was very relaxing. We spent time at the pool, in the gym, (I even spent some 'time' in the casino.) We enjoyed every aspect of cruising; the food, the shows, the programs, the food, the gym, the people, the food, and the tours. When we got home we were both surprised at how few pounds we had gained after eating all that food! I have already lost what I gained...so on with the dieting until I reach my goal weight.
We toured both Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta but chose to stay on ship in Mazatlan. One of the tours was a tour of a Tequila factory where we had "several" tastings! We were able to buy freshly made tacos for $1 each and enjoyed sitting around taking in the ambience.
I will admit we actually spent more time in jewelry stores than any place else. Between the two of us we could open our own store
After coming home from a very relaxing trip and opening my mail I found that my credit card had been cancelled due to possible fraudulent use. Cutting a long story short, I'm headed to the bank again this morning to try to clear things up once and for all. Namely, confusion over my very long name.
It's good to be home again and soon things will be back to normal. My DD is here now and we are preparing for our Viva Las Vegas trip she one from the MS 'Family First Grant'...we are very excited about it since we have tried to go on this 'special' mother daughter trip since before my late husband passed away.
Okay gals that's the whole story. I was a bit long-winded but had a lot to tell you.
I see many of you are doing well and some are struggling...let's keep helping each other through caring and encouragement.
I love you sis!