Bridge/cards rather than driving!
Just returned from a Bridge Cruise to Mexico. With the current economy we find this a great way to travel. Better than hopping freight trains. LOL
We, once again, had a cabin in crew quarters...4th floor...some elevators don't go there but in reality crew quarters go far below the 4th floor. The 4th floor when viewing a ship have port holes. Below that no windows and at times on the 4th floor the port hole windows are at various levels of water coverage. The port holes have rather impressive window lock down covers with very large screws to close in emergency situations. The rooms are small but comfortable and the crew you run into are warm and friendly. Only two cabins were tucked into this space we were located in but the exit door was the type you see in subs that can be locked away. . The other cabin in our hall was occupied by two Professors, retired, who both lectured. The wife spoke on relationships, counseling, and negotiating and the Husband on History and culture. They were from England. Another interesting facet traveling this way the announcements over the speakers were for crew only...like ALPHA A>>>>>Deck 15>>>>>tennis Court>>>>>immediate need. Translated, someone had a serious medical emergency in that location. Another one was daily when they had drill practicing the closing off all the compartments with water tight doors. "Stand clear Stand Clear...doors closing!
Gerry lectured every a.m. and ran a tournament every afternoon at sea having 5 tables. What did I do? Tried the Vana approach to meeting and greeting...passed out Gerry's lecture notes, moved chairs and tables, got water etc from the kitchen gally) wrote his notes on flip chart. Certainly the second banana...LOL but also no responsibilities of NO PRESSURE!
This was the same stops we took with all of you, so it brought back special memories of times shared, but on the Princess Line rather than Carnival. On excursions......We walked to the top of a lighthouse location,. visited a tile painting than on to country side location as well as a ranch which had Taquilla (Spelling??) and in Cabo a short boat trip around the point where the Atlantic and Pacific meet. Never stops being impressively beautiful,,,even with my fear of water.
Matt and Shannon decided to vacation as well so they made accommodation and at dinner we would meet. We had a great time connecting and it was a very special trip. They had dinning room accommodations and so we were able to see the Dance of the Baked Alaskas and the wonderful table seating.
I have sent Art work in to the company and have received an application so will see if I am accepted! They said they liked what I presented. Took some courage to sent in!
Anyway...glad to be back and thankful to Adam and Rachel who drove us to and from the ship. Let me tell you..they provided a great service!
OK Brian....yes..I was the Photographer for the group......1000+ however...still facing computer problems. But I do hope to put some up...will see...ratio to desire to post and ability and computer compliance LOL LOL or FRUSTRATION!@!!!!
recent branches
I think a porthole would be cool. Do you eat with the crew, too? What's that like?
What a great gig. Glad you get to see the world in such an adventuresome way.
Claire got back from Chicago with friends yesterday, and she told me "I decided they don't get around cities the way we usually do" [i.e. no native-style mass transit, etc., or Holly's NYC marches down 20 blocks of Lexington Ave or Broadway].
No trip on the "El" in Chicago? What's with that?
Sounds great, yeah - that trip for your BDay was awesome, definitely some great memories for Shannon and I. Good luck with getting 'on board' for your are skills. You really would be great at that ... keep us informed. and .. i look forward to the pics!!
I think you're going somewhere in December? Where is that cruise headed?
btw .. only three LOLs per blog, thanks.
Jeff...yes traveling in crew quarters is interesting and sometimes out of the port holes you see better than off a balacony. I was so excited one night as we seemed to be racing the Carnival ship all lighted like a star ship...had to call Matt and Shannon and say....do you see it...They did not see I was standing on our bed pressing my nose to the port hole....saying to Gerry "get my camera" "This is a real horse race"
No we don't eat with the crew but we do connect and that is neat. This ship had mostly crew from the Phillipeans and they were great. These crew sign on for a minimum of 9 months and many are married and raising children. But back home they have the advantage of multi generational support. The family is priority and they now atleast stay connected with cell phontes and photo web. We met two brothers who are on this ship and they said traveling/working with a brother is a big success for happiness and together support wives, children. parents and grandparents.
Brian.....will watch my LOL level! Yes, that was a great trip for us filled with memories. Might be nice to all do again but maybe different location.
Yes, we have another Bridge paid trip at Christmas. Starts in Tahiti ( spelling...will see the Gogan (also spelling?) museum there and then on to South America and then the Panamal Canel ( Why am I such a terrible speller...it was that period in education when no phonics only sight reading) and ends up in Fla. Traveling as Maritime employees so even air ticketing crew $ based. I am really excited about Easter Island.
SOOOOOOOO Now having problems with printing photos from trip...they look fine in camera but not printing on printer ...saying corrupt! SUGGESTIONS WELCOMED! Like I am majorily frustrated.
Yes...excited that they were impressed with what I submitted as ideas and that alone was scarie but now working up a Bio etc...keep you posted. Would like to give gerry a break and also like to be the head banana instead of Vana to his bridge. BUT he is impressive and people love him in the Bridge area.