purduemom1

Hi Lois, yes it just seems that the older we get the longer it takes to get over medical issues. Remember how quickly our bumps and bruises healed up when we were kids? I hope each day brings you closer to a full recovery. Yes, I too miss Debbie and hope she is doing ok. I think about her often. I have not used Instacart however, your experience just doesn’t sound good at all. I have used Target’s Drive Up service and have always had a good experience. We don’t have super Targets here but the grocery dept. in the Targets here have a good selection of items. I don’t think I could do all my shopping there but it’s been great for many items including non food items. There is no charge, no up charge on items and no minimum purchase. Target employees are the ones gathering and bringing orders to your car. If you would like to give them a try, just download their app. Sharon

Kat, enjoying your pictures and details of your adventures. News reports saying how hot it is in Europe with fires in many places. I know you are experiencing the heat but I hope that the fires are not near your itinerary. Wishing you continued amazing travels. Sharon

Cynthia, thank you for that very nice comment-you made my day! If I recall, your luggage did not make it on your flight from AMS. Tonight on the national news, ABC I think, they showed a sea of luggage at more than one European airport and AMS was one of them. Unfortunately the story did not say how these airports plan to clear out all this luggage but maybe there is hope that eventually your bag will be returned. Sharon

Well that cruise was in 2014! Yes, I agree AMA did an amazing job. That was a wine cruise hosted by the family from Wilson Creek winery. We have talked about visiting the winery when we are in So Cal but have never been able to actually do it. We have, however, purchased their Almond Champagne several times. I also recall that, while planning, I discovered that the large Christmas Market in Vienna would be open even though it was only November. I really wanted to go so I was so excited when a bus to and from was added to the 2 included, scheduled evening tours. I guess I wasn’t the only one interested because we had a bus full! AMA went that extra mile! As much as we would like to take another river cruise, it hasn’t happened yet.Thanks for the opportunity to reminisce!

Lois, how are you doing? Hoping your leg is healing and you are doing better. Sharon

Cynthia, I hope you have now heard some additional info about your missing luggage. It must be so frustrating to not get a resolution after so many days. Trying to deal with two airlines certainly complicates things. Let us know the outcome. Sharon

Sherri, our river cruise ended in Budapest. We did the included tour the day we arrived and after dark the captain did an illuminations cruise up and back on the Danube past all the beautiful buildings that were lit up. We disembarked the next morning. Since we only had that one day we arranged for a private guide for a half day tour using a car, driver and the guide. If you would like the name of the guide let me know. In our correspondence she told me that she and her guides know the sites that the river cruises include and her tours would not repeat those sites unless asked to. Our guide met us on the ship and gave us an overview of our tour. We left this up to her so we could see as much as possible during our time with her. She was very knowledgeable and informative. We toured sites on both the Buda and Pest sides. The driver would drop the 3 of us off at each site and our guide knew where to meet up with him. It made the most of our time. We were dropped at our hotel at the end of our tour and she came in with us to make sure our check in went smoothly and that the front desk understood that we needed a taxi very early the next morning. After checking in we walked to the Great Market Hall to shop (Paprika) and eat. Unfortunately we did not have time to tour all the sites. We did not tour Parliament because of our limited time in the city. If you are planning to do this, look into their reservation information. It is a very popular site, we did enjoy the exterior, which is beautifully lit up, during the Illuminations Cruise. The most memorable site for us was the Shoes On The Danube,. That brought tears to my eyes. Our guide blended history into the information about the various sites and included personal experiences of her family during Communist rule. One tip, if you are planning to buy Paprika or anything else for that matter, you may see displays during the ship’s included tour and it may even be priced in US dollars. Hold off on purchasing from these sellers. The prices were ridiculous compared to those at the Great Market Hall. As tor river cruising, we liked the more intimate experience and the ease of meeting and getting to know fellow cruisers. In fact, there is a poster on this thread, Alidor, who we met on that cruise. We also liked that there was usually something interesting to see as you cruised. One thing to keep in mind is that the ships are at the mercy of the river level. Too high and ships can’t fit under the bridges and too low, there just isn’t enough water for the ship to proceed. The various cruise lines may handle these two situations in different ways. If you haven’t already, check out the River Cruise board. Lots of info there. I used it extensively when we were planning. I read reviews that were posted, I asked lots of questions and everyone was very helpful. We loved this cruise and hope that we can one day take another one. Sharon

Thanks for your insight and for confirming how I feel about these reports being made available to patients. I don’t look at them because I know I would not understand them and would just then experience what other posters have mentioned. No need to add additional stress to the situation.

Lois, good news! I bet you are relieved. Next cruise will be here before you know it. Sherri, I was just thinking about your kitchen redo and wondering when it would start. I recall that when you mentioned it earlier that it seemed a long time before it would happen and now the time has come. How exciting. Will look forward to progress reports. We did a River cruise a few years ago (before the pandemic) and loved it. What a great way to celebrate your 50th. We really liked Budapest (our cruise ended there) and although we planned an extra day there we wish we had stayed longer. For our 50th we did a Norwegian Fjords cruise with our family. That cruise started in Amsterdam and although it was our 2nd visit, we spent a few days there before embarking. You certainly have a lot to look forward to. Enjoy the anticipation. Sharon

Good to hear that you made it home safely, Lois. Hope you leg is feeling a bit better. Kat, looking forward to more pictures from your travels. Bon Voyage to you and Moose too!

Kat and Moose are having a great time! Lois is hopefully home or almost home. So all is well and I hope that also includes those who follow this thread. Sharon

Well, Kat has begun her big adventure and Lois is soon to start her journey home. As for me, I’m planning a walk in a local park as soon as I’m dressed😉 Lois, sending good thoughts your way that your flights go smoothly. With all the travel madness at airports, you should be in good hands with the wheel service to assist you. Safe travels home, Lois! Sharon

Kat, Moose is a cute companion. I remember that a Debbie did a review and had a little rabbit in some of her pictures. Looks like you have a bit of a delay but your plane has arrived so just more time to enjoy the Sky Lounge. Happy, safe travels! Sharon

We do have the schedule, thanks for asking. DS and DIL always have so many things planned when we visit snd I know they enjoy the concerts. We never lack for activities snd now that our GD is old enough to participate, it’s always enjoyable.

Kat, safe, uneventful travels, bon voyage and many many exciting adventures. I’ll look forward to your posts & pictures along the way. Wishing you good health during the journey. Cynthia, good to know that you made it home with minimal issues. As for your luggage, it seems that this is a common occurrence at AMS - not enough baggage handlers apparently? Hoping it finds its way to you without further delays. Met friends for coffee this morning. Weather was very pleasant and we ended up spending over 2 hours on this ‘ bistro’s” patio. I then walked a few doors down to Home Goods. Hadn’t been there since last year. Their stock was a bit “off” with not as many different items as before. Instead a LOT of the same thing. I have never seen so many baskets-wicker and fabric-in one store. They were stacked/piled up everywhere and many with clearance stickers. Tons of pillows and cushions too. OOTD casual-ankle pants and coordinating top. Make up too!

Nancy, talked to my son this morning and he, DIL and GD went to the Sunday concert. Had a great time. It’s a really nice setting. Hope we can attend one of the concerts when we are in Minni next month. Thanks for sharing. Sharon

P.S. Lois. While talking with my son earlier I asked him about the wheel chairs that can fit down a plane aisle. Now I can only tell you what he said about the airline he flies for and that is Delta. They are called aisle chairs and you will need to request one if you are unable to walk such as from the plane door to your seat. Perhaps this has been ordered already when wheel service service was ordered. I just wanted to give you a heads up since there are flights on two airlines. I don’t know how KLM handles this. Sharon

Cynthia, I too hope you made it home without any issues. Also hope you were able to enjoy some sightseeing during your free time. Lois, yes, the wheel chair assistance should help with the crowds/lines. For one thing, your “pusher” ( can’t think of a better title) will know how to navigate the lines/crowds and get you to your gate as quickly as possible. Purchasing that smaller carry on was genius on your part. It will be so much easier to deal with than a larger carry on. I hope you are feeling better and enjoying more food options now. Try not to stress about your flights home-you will have the assistance you need. Sharon

Hi Lois, I’m soooo sorry about all of this. Sending good thoughts your way hoping you will feel better ASAP. Sharon

Kat, good to hear that your ent appointment went well and you are set up with meds for your travels. You have quite the schedule ahead of you, no time for annoying medical issues! Sherri, good to hear that you have recovered from Wildman’s visit in time for your second round of grandchildren visits. Enjoy! As for you DH not noticing your new “do” that’s just so typical. Mine isn’t likely to notice either. Hair cut early this morning followed by shopping and errands so did have to dress up a bit and yes, some make up too. Ducked into Talbots to check out their July 4th weekend sale and left with 2 tops from their large clearance display. DH was waiting for me so I didn’t have time to do any more damage. Sharon

Lois, I’m so sorry to read about your predicament. It must be disappointing that you are unable to do the tours but good that you didn’t have to return home. Being on a smaller ship is a good thing too. Sounds like everyone is very helpful. Good that you will arrange for wheel chair service at the airport. If you still can’t walk, there ia a wheel chair that fits down the aisle that you can transfer to from the one you will use in the airport and jetway. I recall sitting behind a woman who was unable to walk and this was how she was taken to her seat and to the rest room. Hopefully the airline will ask the nature of your injury and how much assistance you require so necessary items are available for you. Which airline(s) are you flying home? You have a great attitude about all of this, Lois! I guess if one has to take it easy, a cruise ship is a good place to be. Take care and I hope your leg heals quickly. Sharon

I hope your PA visit went well and that your cough will be totally under control by the 6th. Certainly don’t need to deal with that on your trip.

Good to see you again, Meg.

Wow, Kat you had quite a day. Love the Apple store-best customer service ever! I have the 13 Max and it took a bit of getting used to since it doesn’t have a home button. The camera is great. It’s the only camera I have. Still figuring it all out.I should see if our store is offering classes. I learn better when I know that there is someone to fix my screw ups. Had not heard of Cotopaxi but it sounds like you had some fun there too. Too bad about the blueberry cheese. I hope this isn’t the end of its run. Sharon

Lois, just wanted to wish you safe, uneventful travels and an amazing cruise. Will look forward to reading about it. Sharon