Return to Band Camp: A first-time, potentially somewhat live narration - Escape April 16

[Jac199]

 

47 minutes ago, Travelicious said:

It is kind of like working out, you know?

Glad to see you're taking this seriously and doing the work,@Travelicious. Enjoy your cruise! I'm looking forward to reading about your adventures.

[JIMESOPUS]

@Travelicious Right with you, practice makes perfect... White Chocolate Martinis on the menu tonight 

 

[zzdoug]

No pain no gain. 

[Travelicious]

7 hours ago, JIMESOPUS said:

@Travelicious Right with you, practice makes perfect... White Chocolate Martinis on the menu tonight 

 

Looks delicious!

[Travelicious]

I woke up around 3:00 and couldn't get back to sleep, so finally decided to get up and have some coffee at 5:00.  I'll leave the house around 8:00.  I've decided to park in the airport parking deck for $13 per day because there is expected to be large hail later this afternoon and evening.  Don't want to come back to my car being all dented up.  It is only $3 more per day than parking in the open lot, so probably worth it.

 

When I am flying out early and for a long trip, I usually stay at a close by hotel the night before using points for payment.  By doing this, parking is only $20 for the first week, and $3 per day thereafter.  Last time I stayed and parked there, I decided to park right by the bushes at the front of the building.  When I got back and started my car, I knew immediately that something was wrong.  I ended up having to get a rental just to get home.  The following Monday, I had AAA haul my car to the local dealership, which determined that some critter(s) had chewed up a bunch of the wires.  Luckily, insurance covered the repairs, but I learned not to park next shrubbery.  I figure that the middle of a concrete lot is safer.  Hopefully the parking garage will be as well.

[#55worktoplay]

Great start!  Looking forward to your journey.

[JIMESOPUS]

@Travelicious Safe travels, hopefully, all goes well and we will see you on the Escape Sunday.

[Travelicious]

10 minutes ago, JIMESOPUS said:

@Travelicious Safe travels, hopefully, all goes well and we will see you on the Escape Sunday.

To you as well.

[Travelicious]

Here I am at the beautiful Bill & Hill airport, AKA LIT.  
 

 

i suspect many of you have not been to this airport, so let me show you a bit.  Once you get past security, there is just one long corridor with 12 gates, a Chili’s, Chick-Fil-A, Burger King, Starbuck’s, and   Great American Bagel Co.  The good news is that it is not difficult to make your connection.

 

 

[Travelicious]

Speaking of making a connection, I’m not to sure I’ll make mine at CLT.  We are already delayed, supposed to board at 10:56, but the plane doesn’t arrive until 11:10.  Remember I was nervous about a 45 minute layover?  Yeah, that seems like a dream now.

[iKarenE]

We are leaving 4/23 so really looking forward to your posts! 

[Travelicious]

Well, we started boarding at 11:21.  I’m not liking my chances to make that connection.

[Travelicious]

Alas, I barely missed it.  As in, plane was still there but the gate was closed.  Booked on the next flight at 4:45.  At least this gave me a chance to enjoy a Kitty Hawk at the Centurion Lounge.

 

[Travelicious]

Should have had another.  This flight is also delayed, and they aren’t telling us much.

[Travelicious]

Finally made it to MIA AROUND 9:15 last night.  A couple of drinks and a spectacular view made the much delayed flight better. 
 

 

[Travelicious]

[Travelicious]

I arrived at the EB Hotel at 10:00 and  dropped my bags in the room, which is so nice.  Wish I had a bit more time to spend here.

 

 

 

 

I headed down to the restaurant and chose the arepa and pisco sour (not pictured) with pork belly and chicken.  It was so tasty.  The service was somewhat lacking, but not terrible.  I was provided a voucher for one drink at check-in, and used that on the pisco.

 

 

 

 

After filling by belly, I headed to bed around midnight, totally exhausted.

Edited April 16, 2023 by Travelicious

[Travelicious]

Sorry for any confusion, but the pisco sour did not have pork belly and chicken.  The arepa did.  🙃

[Travelicious]

I am still feeling exhausted and dehydrated this morning, so I’m having a Liquid IV and still lazing around. Hopefully, after a shower and coffee, I’ll be refreshed and ready to start the day.  Check in time is 10:00.  

Edited April 16, 2023 by Travelicious

[Travelicious]

Arrived at the terminal at 10:20 to a long, snaking security line.  It moved quickly, though, and one throw I went directly to a check-in window.  My photo was taken (I had severe bed head in the photo I took for online check-in, received my key card and Vibe bracelet, and walked onto the ship at 10:40.  
 

Cabins were ready, so I came up to my studio cabin and found lots of paper and some Latitudes gifts, which I’ll show later, as photos don’t seem to want to load.

[Travelicious]

I was looking forward to the $25 glass of Decoy Sauvignon Blanc, but it is unavailable.  Had to settle for the $18 glass of something else.

 

[smillerholmes]

I too have had this coupon showing on my account - didn't give it a second thought.  Enjoy your cruise.  I will be following along as I find this "Band Camp thing" interesting.😁

[tundra1]

Have a great trip!  I am excited to follow along!

[Travelicious]

Lunch

 

 

 

I keep forgetting to take a photo before taking a bite.  Tomato soup was different, but not bad.  It was very thick, and a bit sweet - almost like a mix of spaghetti sauce and ketchup.  My least favorite of the meal.

 

 

Risotto prima vera:  I’ve had this before, but this was the best.  Piping hot and full of flavor.

 

Orange chocolate mousse:  my favorite first day lunch dessert.

 

[Travelicious]

First visit to the Vibe.  Mojito with Zacapa 23.