Hitch a Ride with Bill & Mary Ann on Holland America's 2018 World Cruise - 113 days +

[WCB]

Report # 118 Debarkation Day April 28,20018 Saturday Sunny & 84 degrees 45 Pictures

 

We never look forward to this day, as it is alwaysbitter-sweet. Saying good-byes tofriends are difficult, but we will be seeing the crew members in 12 days. Many of our waiters and room stewards will bestaying on until the Alaska season, so we shall see them soon. And we are sure they will have some goodstories to tell about the work that was done in the meantime.

 

Breakfast was earlier in the dining room from 6:30 to8am. Most of the guests went to the Lidoor had room service. Why they would wantto fight that crowd up there today was beyond us. There are some favorite staff members upthere too, we hear.

 

Taking the camera, we made our way to deck nine to see whatwas happening with the loading of supplies and equipment for the upcoming build. Huge cranes were lifting containers to thebow as well as the aft pool deck. All ofthe plywood had been laid down on decks three and eight, covering the teak andlinoleum-like decking. Many workers werealready onboard, while more were arriving to board on deck A. The rumor had it that 1400 workers would behere in a few days. We shall verify thatwhen we come back onboard.

 

Our window to go off of the ship was from 8 to 10am. We decided to leave around 9am, knowing thatit might take some time to gather our luggage and go through customs. We left the ship with our cards being scanned,then walked between a line of crew and Henk and Christel, who were there to say“bye”. Of course they all know we willbe coming back, but we did get hugs anyway.

 

In the terminal, the activity was hectic as usual. Since debarkation began at 7:30am, we figuredthat a lot of the luggage would be gone. There was still a mountain of it, and more wasstill being taken off. Having been gonefor 4 months for most of the folks, the amount of luggage, boxes, and bikes inbags was staggering.

 

There was a line for everyone to procure a porter. Coming down the escalator, it took a momentto figure that out. There was a crabbycouple who reminded folks that the line started back there, indicating way downthere. Of course, we all knew you had towait your turn for a porter and a cart, but when these same folks told Hazel Dthat there was a line, and she could not cut in with her already-filled 2 hand trucksof bags, we had to laugh. Obviously thiscouple had no idea who they were talking to, as Hazel is the wife of the CEO ofCarnival Corporation. She was verypolite to the lady who tried to embarrass her, and said she was not flyinganywhere, and her husband was picking her up. She never let on who she was, as she has donethe entire world cruise. In fact, thisis her third grand world voyage, earning her that special Mariner Medallion.

 

Our most very vivacious tablemate Brenda, happened to be wayin front of us, with George, who has been most helpful with her on ship tours. Perhaps it is her infectious Southern drawlthat drips like honey, or her quick smart comments she can blurt out. But she did nicely put that crabby women inher place with a few choice words. Brenda would probably blame “Gretchen”, her alter ego, for sticking upfor Hazel. Bet Brenda never knew shewould have had two personalities on this trip. She admitted one had the halo, while the other was like a devilish witch. All in good fun….

 

So we got our porter, who had a difficult time figuring outhow the balance the six bags on his trolley. Big to small would have been our plan, but heinsisted on putting the lighter duffel with most of our breakables on the verytop. It toppled off three times, so itwill be a miracle if the glass platters, vases, and candle holders survived inone piece. They were all packed in anice chest surrounded with some clothing, so time will tell when we get home atthe end of May.

 

Going through the customs line with an officer, we weresurprised that he did not even glance at the declaration, stating that theyhave not used these forms since almost a year ago. He simply looked at the picture page of ourpassports, compared them to us, and asked our names. That was it.

 

Once we got outside, we made our way slowly to the Fed Extrucks, and made sure our bags were scanned into their system, and loaded intothe truck. They were moving very slowly,and we were getting tired of waiting, so it did make it to the back of the vanby the time we left.

 

Then it was on to the taxi line. Except there were no taxis waiting. We thought the line was fairly obvious, butwhen four cabs came to line up, some rude people jumped into the ones towardsthe end of the line. That left twogroups including us, without a taxi. We all recognized the rude couple who didthis, and we all said what goes around may come around if they show up on nextyear’s world cruise. It’s too bad thatan already stressful morning had to be mixed with the worst in some people.

 

Within ten minutes, more taxis arrived, and we were on ourway to the hotel. As we drove out ofPort Everglades we could see that several ships were in port today. Besides us, there was Freedom of the Seas, CarnivalConquest, and Harmony of the Seas. Thiswould also be a turn-around port for them.

 

The hotel in Plantation was a 15 minute ride from thepier. Since the property is undergoingconstruction, finding the access to the entrance was tricky. There is no shortcut, we would have to walkout and around the main road now, since most of it has been shut off withfencing. Oh well, the walk will do usgood.

 

Check-in is normally 3pm, but we had been told that we mayget into our room by noontime. That wasthe check-out time for the guests. So wewaited in the lobby, figuring out the internet. That kept us occupied until the magic hour of 12pm, when we were handedour room keys.

 

We are quite happy with our suite here. Compared to our cabin on the ship for thelast four months, this suite is twice the size, or better. Amenities include a mini-bar and sink with arefrigerator and small microwave. Starbuckscoffee is complimentary in our room as well. There was also a list of useful personal items that we can requestcomplimentary.

 

It didn’t take long to stash the little amount of things wehad lugged with us. If we neededanything we forgot in the way of clothing, we will have ample opportunity toshop for it. But first on the list waslunch. Located within a few blocks ofthis hotel is the Westfield Broward Mall, which has four major stores – Macy’sDillards, JC Penneys, and Sears. Severalcasual restaurants are there too. RedRobin is one of them, so that was our lunch spot today.

 

On the walk back, we ducked into a nice Walgreens to pick upsome necessities. Especially some chips,pretzels, and dip. Tomorrow we willsearch for some other snacks like yogurts and cereal for some light breakfastsnacks for our room. It is time we go “light”for a while…..back to normal, and more like being at home.

 

Relaxing in our room while downloading internet stuff(free!), we got caught up with a great Western movie. Before we knew it, theclock said 9pm. Dinner was still availabledownstairs, but would end by 10pm. Whenwe got down to the lobby, there was a sign saying it was closed, but they wereserving in the lounge. The manager cameover and seated us anyway, and was very nice. We ordered the crispy chickensalads, and found them to be more than ample but good.

 

Needless to say, we slept like babies. So much for our first day after ending theGrand World Voyage.

 

The journey continues…..

 

Bill & Mary Ann

[Flyingfish]

As usual, you two are quite the travelers! Looking forward to next year. But first, you've got to get home via 17 more sea days. Great Blog and pictures!!!! Thanks

[jimbri]

Bill and Mary - Thank yo so much for your report, blog and photos. It has been wonderful!

[cunnorl]

Thank you so very much for taking us along on this wonderful adventure. I look forward to your posts and appreciate all the time ( and money) that goes into them. Thanks again.

[WCB]

Report # 119 Ft.Lauderdale Stay April 29, 2018 Sunday Partly cloudy & 82 degrees 36 Pictures

 

If it is Sunday, it must be Sunday Brunch Day. And, yes it certainly was, but not on theAmsterdam. This Sunday, the brunch wasreally the breakfast buffet in the hotel’s dining room. The menu did have other choices with alacarte items, but when you figure that yogurt with fruit, and orange juice andcoffee, it would have come to the same amount as if you paid for the buffetthat included all of it. So we tried thebuffet, and ended up eating too much, since it was really good. Thinking of the Amsterdam, we wondered whattheir dining room looked like this morning. The workers would not be served, but will eat from a buffet table set upin the dining room center. They will beusing paper plates for all three meals, we were told.

 

At 10:30am, we went out front and found the shuttle wasthere to take folks to Sawgrass Mills, a 15 minute ride from the hotel. Expecting to find several guests waiting forthe ride, it turned out it was just the two of us. The driver was very nice, and explained hisdaily schedule. After he dropped us off,he would be back to pick us up at 1:15pm or 4:45pm. We told him we would be at the designatedspot at 1:15pm for sure. Today weplanned on doing a little shopping, and come back to the hotel early.

 

Sawgrass Mills is huge. Spread out over what appears to be part of the Everglades at one time,they advertise name brand outlets and retailers at knockout prices. There are 350 stores, 90 of them exclusive toSouth Florida. Part of this complex hasColonnade Outlets with an impressive collection of 70 luxury outletbrands. We found there were 14restaurants, two food courts, and outdoor eating. Most of these were located near a theatercomplex un-attached to the main mall. That way all of these food venues could stay open late for the movie-goers,well after the mall closes for the day.

 

We only had time to explore ½ of this mall, since we neededto make our last stop at the Super Target, which was located close to thedrop-off point. This was one of thenicest Targets we have seen, and had everything we needed. By the time we got through the slowest linein the place (just coincidence), our driver was pulling up in front of exit#3. Exactly on time at 1:15pm. The hotel has two shuttles, and the first onethat arrived was full of guests doing what we did, but only later. We ended up having the shuttle to us once again.

 

Around 4pm, we headed out to walk to Chili’s, about one mileaway. When we got there, it was bustingat the seams with people. So we went toanother place on the way back called Duffy’s, a sports bar and grill. They were busy, but not as full asChili’s. We ordered a cheeseburger and asalad to share with 2 for 1 beers. Guessit is happy hour at this restaurant all day long, every day. Sharing a brownie with ice cream finished themeal just fine. With all the walking we had done today, it was nice to sit andrelax for a bit.

 

On the way back, we stopped at Walgreens once more to buysome stuff, which included a Sunday newspaper. Nice to know some people arestill reading them in that form, and not entirely online.

 

Back at the hotel, we chilled for the rest of the afternoon,and had cups of soup around 9pm. And some M&M peanuts. Who says we don’t have fun…..

 

Bill & Mary Ann

[happicruzer]

Not eating more M&M peanuts. Broke one tooth and cracked a second on bad nuts. Cost almost as much as a weeks cruise for the new teeth!

 

Always enjoy your reports and thank you for taking the time to entertain us all.

Judy

[Krazy Kruizers]

Just got caught up with your last 2 reports.

Great as usual. We often eat at Duffy's (have their card to accumulate points for $10 off a meal) in Ft Lauderdale. Love their Happy Hour all day every day,

[innlady1]

Just got caught up with your last 2 reports.

 

 

 

Great as usual. We often eat at Duffy's (have their card to accumulate points for $10 off a meal) in Ft Lauderdale. Love their Happy Hour all day every day,

 

 

Where is Duffy’s, Yonnie?

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ger_77]

Where is Duffy’s, Yonnie?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

There's one at the Harbor Shops mall on Cordova Road. That's the one we usually go to, as it's close to our hotel.

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)

[WCB]

Report #120 Ft.Lauderdale Stay April 30, 2018 Monday Partly cloudy & 82 degrees

 

Digging in our heels, we have made ourselves quitecomfortable in our hotel suite. Stockingthe refrigerator with some treats like yogurts, juices, cheese, and sodas, wedon’t feel the need to go to restaurants three times a day. Having a microwave, we were able to heat upsoups for a very light dinner last night. This is something we need to remember. Bring some microwavable cups or bowls to use, since the hotel does notprovide any utensils to use in the microwave. Not even regular ceramic coffee cups. We do have coffee maker, but it is strictly for making coffee ortea. Plastic spoons and forks are a goodidea to bring as well, although we did locate all of these things to buy withinthe first two days of being here.

 

Today we left the hotel, and walked to the nearestmall….Westfield. One of the largestdepartment stores was advertising close-out sales, even though we have seenthese signs for the last year at a mall where we live. Not intending to find anything, one of usalways does. Simply too good to pass itup.

 

We also visited Macy’s and did find a suitable measuring cupfor using in the microwave. As you wouldexpect, the friendly saleslady invited us to open a Macy’s credit card, whichwe said no thanks. We shared our storyfrom over 50 years ago, when we did not pursue a credit card back then and havenot ever since. She was amused with ourresolve, and even gave us her friends and family discount for ourpurchase. But we did promise to read thebrochure for applying for a credit card. Some people are so nice.

 

Lunchtime found us at the nearby Chili’s, where we couldbarely squeeze in yesterday. Today, wehad the place mostly to ourselves. Therewere more nice people in here, with a friendly waitress and her manager, whohad to help with a credit card kiosk that was not working. Sure was good to be back ordering what we doat home in this restaurants, and others like it. Shared entrees that are usually salads orburgers work for us.

 

We have noticed this before, but very few people walk in Ft.Lauderdale. Since there is so much spacehere, everything is spread out and far apart. So most folks drive everywhere they go, also avoiding the heat andhumidity. And with the sudden cloudsthat can appear, it probably rains without warning as well. So far we have been lucky, but it wasapparent that it had rained heavily right before we sailed into PortEverglades. Every low-lying ditch wasfilled like a lake. It took two daysbefore that water sunk into the grassy fields.

 

Back at the hotel by 2pm, we found that our room had notbeen served yet. Within minutes, an attendantknocked and was ready to do her job. Wequickly changed to our swimwear, while she went elsewhere, and then went to thepool on the 9th floor. Weneeded to use our room key to access that level. There was also a sauna, an exercise room, aswell as the pool and spa. Plenty oftowels were there for our use. Manychaise lounges lined the rectangular roof pool with a view. This will work justfine. Almost like being at the SeaviewPool on the Amsterdam, only with better up-to-date music. And it wasn’t too crowded, probably sincetoday was a weekday. No need to worry about losing the sun visor either, as thewind was gentle.

 

The rest of the early evening, we watched several NationalGeographic episodes on TV. Funny thing,two of the one hour shows featured the animals of East Africa, specificallyKruger National Park in South Africa. How about that? Just like beingon safari, with the exception that we never saw an actual kill. On the TV version, they showed all of it,making us glad we did not see it live. Naturally, that is National Geographic….shocking to the core, but natureat its best or worst. Never really realized how dangerous most of the Africananimals can be. That includes the Capebuffalo, hippos, giraffes, and even the zebra. And the puff adder….we see now why our tracker jumped a mile when itslithered right under his feet that night.

 

We decided on staying at the hotel for a light dinner at8pm. Expecting the dining room to bebusy, we found that most of the guests had chosen to dine where they drank…..inthe bar lounge area. So we were seatedat a window table in the dining room, where we ordered a house salad and oneclub sandwich to share. Instead ofFrench fries, the sandwich came with house-made potato chips. They were more like Kettle chips, thick andcrunchy. These could be dangerous, butno more than the fried cheesecake, which we had to try. Never seeing his on a menu before, it wasmore like a stuffed pastry shell filled with cheesecake filling, and dustedwith powdered sugar. The two pastrieswere surrounded with fresh strawberries and blueberries. And drizzled with two sweet sauces, servedwith vanilla ice cream. Yep…..verydangerous.

 

Bill & Mary Ann

[jbhcw]

Thank you so much for your wonderful reports....always enjoy reading them! And am also enjoying your reports from Fort Lauderdale....:):):)

[innlady1]

There's one at the Harbor Shops mall on Cordova Road. That's the one we usually go to, as it's close to our hotel.

 

 

 

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)

 

 

 

Thanks! Will have to try it next time.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WCB]

Report #121 Ft.Lauderdale Stay May 1, 2018 Tuesday Really cloudy & 80 degrees

 

At home, if it is Tuesday, that was Elephant Bar day. But they have closed permanently, and we canno longer find that wonderful Thai High salad they used to serve. As there don’t seem to be any of thoserestaurants in Ft. Lauderdale, our next best choice was Red Robin. Originally, our plans for today were to takethe hotel shuttle at 10:30am to Sawgrass Mills. But that changed when we found the van inoperable out front. The driver said something had happened to theengine, and he was waiting for a replacement van. Just guessing, he said perhaps it might bearound noon when that van arrived.

 

So we changed our plans, and decided to stay around thisarea today. There’s always tomorrow togo to the big mall.

 

The weather has stayed OK, but it can change in asecond. The winds had picked up lastnight, and today it sure looked like rain. Felt like rain. If we wait untillater this afternoon, the sky may be blue again. Anyone’s guess.

 

In going through some of the papers we brought from theship, we came across some local information. It is obvious that folks on vacation like to come to Ft. Lauderdale forthe abundant sunshine and beaches. Actually, it is not hard to believe that this area was once a swamp witha fort built on the land. This city isnamed after a series of forts that were built in 1838 by the US during theSecond Seminole War. Major William Lauderdale was the commander of thedetachment of soldiers that built the first fort. So there is the explanation for the city’sname.

 

Considered the “Venice of America”, this city has 300 milesof inter-coastal waterways. They arefilled with cafes, bars, sports clubs, shopping, and beaches. There are more than 50 golf courses, artgalleries, museums, and small boutiques. And many malls, which we have already discovered. And where else can you find a place like theEverglades where you can take a thrilling airboat ride to see alligators andmany mangrove birds. We have done thisat least three times, having fun every visit.

 

After lunch, we walked back to the hotel. If the weather was better, we would havespent some time on the roof, in the swimming pool. But it was still windy, and there was no sunat all. Better time to watch a movie,and catch up on some of the hunting shows. Been a long time since we had access to that feed.

 

The afternoon dissolved and it was time for either our roomstash or grab a small meal in the hotel’s dining room. We chose the dining room for a shared Caesarsalad, a 12 inch pizza, and one chocolate volcano cake with rich vanilla icecream. All of it was very good.

 

We must be racking up the miles walking the immediate area,since by 10pm, we literally drop in our tracks, and spend a restful night inthe comfortable king-size bed. One niceaspect of this suite is the fact we have two large TV’s with sliding doors toshut off the living room area. We caneach watch different shows…..hunting in one room, and sit-coms in the livingroom. Doesn’t take much to make us happy…..

 

Bill & Mary Ann

[Krazy Kruizers]

Where is Duffy’s, Yonnie?

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Go out the side door of the Embassy Suites -- turn right towards the Harbor Shops.

It is the first restaurant on the left at the entrance to the Harbor Shops.

[NextOne]

Hi Bill & MaryAnn! I've enjoyed all your posts for the world cruise! Thanking you for sharing this marvelous trip with all of us.

DH & I will be on the Amsterdam when she heads for Seattle on May 10. There's a Cruise Critic M&G on May 11 at 10:00 am in the Crow's Nest, if you'd like to join us. I'd certainly love to hear about your adventures in person!!

Edi

[dutchgal46]

I would also like to thank you for the blogs you have done, it would be a pleasure meeting you in person next week on the Amsterdam.

[sppunk]

Bill and Mary Ann, would you mind sharing what Safari camp you stayed in during the WC?

[innlady1]

Go out the side door of the Embassy Suites -- turn right towards the Harbor Shops.

 

 

 

It is the first restaurant on the left at the entrance to the Harbor Shops.

 

 

We always stay at The Riverside, but we’ll find the Harbor Shops! Is that where total Wine is located?

 

 

 

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[Krazy Kruizers]

We always stay at The Riverside, but we’ll find the Harbor Shops! Is that where total Wine is located?

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

 

Yes -- you can see it from Duffy's.

[WCB]

Report # 122 Ft.Lauderdale Stay May 3, 2018 Thursday Mostly cloudy & 80 degrees

 

The weather in this part of the country is different thanwhat we are used to. With many passingclouds, there can be sun somewhere, but rain elsewhere. The winds can pick up, and you would swearrain was on the way. But all you get maybe a light sprinkle. Unsettling might bethe right word for it. Not exactly beachweather.

 

We actually took a break from writing yesterday, sincenothing really exciting happened. Evenon our second trip to Sawgrass Mills, we still have not seen the entireplace. Yesterday, we explored theColonnades, a separate unattached row of outlet shops and boutiques. They do connect to the West End at one point.These were the high end stores, where one of us scored with a neat shirt atTommy B’s……1/2 off at that. Figuringthat our 2 suitcases will be weighing a little too much when we fly home fromSeattle, we purchased another piece of luggage at TJMaxx. They are made much lighter these days,compared to our older well-used bags.

 

While walking this huge mall, we noticed that many peoplebring an empty suitcase with wheels. Allwe can figure is that they use it like a cart to pack their purchaseseasier. The rent-a-carts are $7.00, sothis saves them the price, and also works at the Target supermarket. They do have grocery carts there, but theywill not work past the store entrance to the mall, as they lock up. You can access the parking lot, but that’s it.

 

Lunch was at California Pizza Kitchen at the mall. A very new restaurant, we ordered what wealways have at home. And it was everybit as good as at our local CPK. Theirpizza is among the best we think.

 

Today we began the morning with breakfast in our room. This has worked out well with yogurts,cereal, juice, and coffee. Just like weare at home. Then we went out after 10am. Searching for the nearest Publix,the local grocery chain, we found that even the hotel staff said there was nonewithin walking distance. But then, theydon’t know us. One of the desk galsmentioned that there was a fairly new grocery store, but it was a couple ofmiles up University. As long as we werenot doing major shopping, that is not too far.

 

So this time, we wandered into The Fountains, another smalloutdoor mall on this stretch of University. This time we asked a local AT&T worker ifhe knew where Publix was, and he said up the street and turn right. It was hidden somewhat behind trees and backoff the main road. We found what weneeded, and more, and walked back to Chili’s for lunch. Now we are ready in case it rains, because wepicked up two umbrellas.

 

The rest of the afternoon, we spent some relaxing time up onthe roof at the pool. When the sun cameout from behind the clouds, it was intense. However, there were more clouds than sun. It was still warm, but when the winds pickedup, had we been wet, it would have been chilly.

 

What is really nice is having free internet that is reallyfast, compared to the ship’s service. That reminds us of a story we owe a friend, Konnie, who has inquiredabout our Macy’s story. Going back over 50 years when we were juststarting out as a young married couple, the only credit cards we were familiarwith were store cards. Those were Sears,Emporium (Capwells), Penneys, or Macy’s. Out of the four, Macy’s was the only one that denied us. Funny thing is that we never forgot thatsnub. Eventually, over the years, thesecards became obsolete since the major credit cards worked everywhere. No reason to get that Macy’s card. So, wenever did. End of story.

 

Bill & Mary Ann

[Skipper's Mom]

Similar story about Macy's only their customer service was stinky, so we closed our account. That was back in the 80's but I have recently come around only because I use it for sales and extra $$ discount.

 

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Forums mobile app

[WCB]

Report # 123 Ft.Lauderdale Stay May 5, 2018 Saturday Mostly cloudy & 50% rain

 

Well, we knew eventually that it might rain, but it turnedout that the 50% of the precipitation seems to have fallen in the wee hours ofthe morning. Looking out the window ofour room on the seventh floor around 4am, we could see rain falling, creatingdeep puddles in the road into the hotel. Speaking of this road, it is more of a detour, since this property isundergoing a renovation. The hotel partis not part of the construction, but the surrounding acreage has produced abuilding equal or bigger to the size of the standing hotel. We understand it will be for corporateoffices. Eventually, this will beincreased with buildings that look like apartments, but we cannot seem toverify that. From the future drawings,it appears that shops, cafes, and grocery stores will be built on the lowerlevels of these buildings. Interiorgardens with fountains will be included, as well as a very large swimming pool.Bet it is at least a three year project. So right now, the main driveway into this hotel has been roped off,fenced, and detoured from a side street. There is no shortcut to walk out of the hotel to the main boulevard,making our walk even further. Of course,we could take taxis or even make use of the hotel’s shuttle that will go withina three mile radius in the early morning hours. But that would defeat the purpose of our exercise, now wouldn’t it?

 

Saturday seems to be a much busier day in the malls, so wedecided to continue our explorations at Sawgrass Mills. Taking the shuttle, we had the same nicefellow, who happened to be our waiter last night in the dining room. He said that no one that lives in Floridahardly ever walks anywhere. So when themotorists see people walking, they think it is odd or they know they arestaying at nearby hotels, like us. Likewe said before, the blocks in this area are really long, so the distances onthe maps are deceiving. Our driver saidthat Plantation is more like a bedroom community of the big cities (Miami &Ft. Lauderdale), and folks that prefer the suburbs come here….especially theretirees. On the drive to SawgrassMills, we have seen one retirement community after another. Each one bigger and more elaborate. There is one area here where you can have anew home built on acre parcels, more like being in the country so tospeak. There are numerous strip mallsevery other block, as well as these malls that can be conservative such asWestfield’s or mega-size like Sawgrass. Restaurants abound, and have been funto discover as we have had to do it.

 

So we strolled the Colonnades at the big mall, then went tolunch once again at California Pizza Kitchen. Can’t beat their BBQ chopped chicken salad. And as we expected, the number of folks heretoday was huge. And most of them werewheeling those suitcases once again. Wehad a few more things to stock our room with, then went to wait for ourpick-up. Today, we simply told ourdriver that we did not have a cell phone, and we would definitely would bethere at 1:15pm. He laughed when we toldhim that no public phones were operable, something no one has ever told him, oranyone else at the hotel. Why? Because everyone in the world has a cellphone…..well almost everyone.

 

The luggage we shipped from Ft. Lauderdale was scheduled toarrive at our house today. Tracking it,not all of the pieces went together, like we suspected they should. Sometimes it is better not to do the trackingalong the way, but they make it so easy, we always do. Anyway, we were informed via email, that theyhad been delivered this afternoon. Or atleast 4 out of the 5 are there. This isthe first time we have been able to send the luggage home ahead of us, as weare always on the ship after the world cruise, sailing back to California. Weare not allowed to send it off, so it goes along with us for the re-positioningcruise. The only other time the shipwent into dry dock, we had a hold put on the delivery until we got back. However, this time, they could not hold themfor 29 days. Hopefully our son will beable to haul them inside.

 

We stayed in for an early dinner, expecting that rain toreturn. It never did. Tomorrow….well that may see some more rainaccording to the local weather report.

 

Bill & Mary Ann

[WCB]

Report # 124 Ft.Lauderdale Stay May 6, 2018 Sunday Rainy, cloudy & 80 degrees

 

 

Today had to be the cloudiest one so far, as we never didsee the sun. Our windows were coveredwith water early this morning, and huge puddles could be seen in the parkinglot and streets. Obviously rained prettyheavy last night. Of course, on thepositive side, the temperatures were more bearable today. We understand that it has been somewhere inthe neighborhood of 107 degrees in Palm Springs, California, so we certainlyare not complaining.

 

So we packed the umbrellas, and took off for a 10 mile hiketoday. This time we headed for an areawe know well…….the waterway that follows the freeway 595. Last January, while staying at theRenaissance Hotel before the world cruise, we always walk this stretch of canalfrom Pine Island Road to University Drive. There are benches along the way, and some interesting things to see.

 

And we were not disappointed, because we spotted dozens ofiguanas of all sizes. They were juststarting to come down from the nearby palm trees to bask in the sun, or today,in the light of the day. The concreteheats up enough for them to take off their chill from the night. Funny thing was that we were recentlywatching the hunting show on the TV, and some folks actually hunt these incountries like Mexico and Ecuador. Andthey must be edible, since the hunters haul out the BBQ’s and cook every partof them. While in Ecuador for the firsttime many years ago, we were informed by our tour guide that the homeless killthese large lizards and eat them to survive. And guess what? They say theytaste like chicken, no less. We’ll take their word for that…..

 

There were not as many birds here like we saw in January, sowe suspect the ones we saw were migratory. Today there were a few egrets, herons, and crows. Always crows. And we did see one pretty woodpecker all by himself, digging for insectsin the trunk of a tree. And anywhere youfind any body of water, there will be ducks and geese. We have a question that someone might be ableto answer. It is curious to us why thereare decoys of geese or ducks placed in some of the canals. Are they there to attract more birds, orscare something away? Just wondering…..

 

A sign on the freeway showed the current Florida lottoprizes. That reminds us of when we werehere in January, and there was a huge jackpot just waiting to be won. At the time, we had shopped at a localPublix, and picked up some tickets. Keeping them until now, we wondered if by some chance, that we had somewinning tickets. Obviously not the bigone, but anything. But when we scannedthem yesterday, none of them had even $1.00 on them. Hmmm, just like being at home, as we seldomwin anything there either.

 

We passed through The Renaissance, and found it unbelievablethat it has been over four months since we stayed here. Don’t know how time can fly by so fast. Going out past the swimming pool, we foundour shortcut to Bokampers Sports Grill and Bar. Another fun place for lunch or dinner. It was a five mile walk to get here, but worth it.

 

We ordered sodas first, downing them, and ready formore. If the heat and humidity don’t getto you here, dehydration definitely will get the better of you. Ice cold drinks sure do the trick. Then we followed with a house salad and a BBQbacon cheeseburger with fries to share. Then we had to try their Oreo cookiesfried with a sweet batter, and served with vanilla ice cream. Very, very sweet, but also good. The five mile walk back helped burn some ofthose calories.

 

It did threaten to rain, and we did feel sprinkles, but thesky never did open up. That’s mostly thecase when we pack umbrellas. The breezethat came with the black clouds passing over did help a lot. We got back to the hotel by 2:30pm, and neverleft for the rest of the afternoon.

 

After that satisfying lunch, we had a light dinner, andenjoyed all the TV shows we will not get on the ship. Or even at home, as we don’t have cablethere. On the plus side, we can watcholder shows that we have never seen before.

 

These days have flown by, and there are only a few more leftbefore the cruise begins on Thursday.

 

Bill & Mary Ann

[The Other Tom]

Love the pic of the "paradox" on your blog. Thanks for posting

[WCB]

Report # 125 Ft.Lauderdale Stay May 7, 2018 Monday Partly cloudy & 80 degrees

 

Well, the start of another week finds us well rested andraring to go. Today we had some thingswe needed to find for our continuing cruise in a few days. We had spotted a sign in one of the outdoormalls that was for Total Wine. Suspecting it was like Beverages and More that we have in California, wethought we would check it out.

 

Turns out it was located in The Fountains, which is off ofUniversity Drive. Many of the stores arebuilt back off of the main road, and surrounded with trees. No wonder we didn’t see these stores, becausethe signs are blocked by the trees. Total Wine was exactly like Bev Mo, and was stocked with more varietiesof liquor than we knew existed. We didlocate what we needed, and made the purchase.

 

In this same outdoor mall, we saw Dick’s Sporting Goods,which is another store we have never gone to. Had to check it out, and one of us did make a good find. It was one of those cooling cloths that can beused while exercising or walking in the heat. You wet it first, then it can be put around your neck, keeping youcooler. If you see these during footballseason, and they are printed with a team’s name, then you pay a lot forone. Today the one we found was plain,and the cost? Try $2. Will give it a try tomorrow.

 

There was also a fabric store which we have at home calledJoann’s. Will catch this one on the wayback after lunch. Lunch turned out to beat Chili’s, which was the closest. Bynow, it was past noon, and it was not only hot, but humid…..more so thanyesterday. Having our usual salads, weadded the free chips and salsa to it. Walking back outside was the same as going into a sauna. Not sure if we could get used to the steamy climate in this partof the country.

 

So our next stop was at Joann’s where one of us checked outthe pattern books…something that is rarely done while at home. With so many fabrics that have been collectedworld-wide, it is time to think about using some of it for cruise wear. We were also searching for some glue andfound it here as well. A most dangerousplace to shop, we (I) got out of there without even looking at fabrics. Tootempting…..

 

Many thanks to those of you who responded to our questionabout the bird decoys we have seen in the canals. Makes sense that they are used as markers.

 

We’re going to have to start thinking about packing again,since our time is running out here. Willbe much easier now that most of our world cruise luggage is home already.

 

Bill & Mary Ann