marci4tony

Well, us folks in old town really have a bit of bragging to do!  Its called...THAI PARADISE! 

With the front page of the Idaho State Journal today showing off Pocatello's newest restaurant (and well worth the wait), the place is packed, with people standing outside waiting to get in.  Knowing that I only had an hour for lunch, I order take-out...PHAD THAI!  Oh - by the way - please make it HOT!!  (On a scale from 1 to 5, they ask)

The place looks amazing; ambiance is solid!  Staff running about like buzy bees in a hive.  Phad thai - a common thai dish traditionally made of thin rice noodles (good to know for those with gluten intolerance issues!), a protein (chicken for me, but was offered a choice of beef and tofu also),  veggies (bean sprouts and green onions, today), a little egg for texture, and a delectable peanut-based spicy sauce! (Again, it can be as mild or spicy as you'd like - just ask!)  Served with a lime wedge and a couple of fried won tons, this is a delightful lunch well worth the wait.  Please be patient, though - any new restaurant has its quirks and bumps to work out.  But according to me...this is a restaurant you must try!  I can't wait for my next Thai adventure - and then I will write about another dish.  Until then - I'm digesting!  And looking for the zantac!

"We the people, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, to secure the blessings of our liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution of the United States of America."  (by memory, fyi)

It amazes me the ongoing heated discussion of the celebrations of this years Independence Day.   We are truly blessed to live in SouthEast Idaho, as we have a very family-centered way of life - call it religion if you choose, but lets face it - that's just the way it is here.  We have a very strong, yet diverse religious community - and all of those components are combined together to enhance our way of life.  Look around...much of this communitys' personality is family driven.  It has been a great place, for us, to raise a family.

So, lets throw religion into the holiday mess - the day we celebrate our "independence" from conforming to mother England stronghold - the day we celebrate the birth of our new identity - the day we celebrate the choice to "not to be told what to do and when to do it".   Does that not negate the "blessing of our liberty"?  One of the basic clauses of our very own constitution?

If we agree to disagree, and manage ourselves accordingly;  If we decide that there is no absolute right or absolute wrong because we each have earned that right to believe what we choose; If we decide to be the best person we can without looking down on our neighbor, our brother, our co-workers because their choice is different - If we express ourselves without pushing our opinions and beliefs on others - If we stand together for what this country was founded upon, this discussion would never have been this heated.   Our diversity is the spice of this country.

Our forefathers didnt create the land - or the resources it offers - they created the possibility of being "free" and not governed to death.   And our veterans - ALL of our veterans - that have served in times of war, in times of peace - on active duty, or reserves - ALL of our veterans have fought and continue to fight preserve that right.  If a holiday falls on a Sunday, it is our God given right to celebrate it in the manner we choose.  If attendance to community sponsored events is down, then the organizers will just have to accept that.  I promise you, they took the day of the week into consideration when planning these functions.  I did not attend the parade - I was actually up at the fairgrounds in preparation of the fireworks show.  I did, however, attend the fireworks show.  I had a birds eye view of the attendees - I saw friends, family, and people from ALL walks of life (including some from my very own LDS ward) - I must admit, this was a phenomenal day - the show was spectacular; the patriotism was strong. - (Yes, I was a participant with one of the bands - I do not consider it "working" on sabbath, but celebrating how and when I choose)

So I say - let us each choose how and when to celebrate our heritage and our freedoms the way WE choose.  We don't have any business pushing OUR ideals on one another - pointing fingers and telling them they are wrong.  There is no room for being judgmental in this lifetime, is there?  After all, Christianity believes there is a higher being to do that already.   And God loves us - he knows our hearts.  He knows our sorrows - He knows why we celebrate.  We are friends, neighbors, co-workers - lets stay that way and simply agree to disagree.  All the miniscual bickering is pointless.  Unless we are prepared to have stones thown at us....its time to stop throwing stones at each other.  Remember - "in order to form a more perfect union" - it will never BE perfect, but it is a work in progress.  Lets keep working together; forward, and focus our energies on the corruptions and evils that are set to destroy our country.  The day of the week we have the parade and fireworks does not qualify for that!  God Bless the USA!  And Thank You to all that have served and are continuing to serve to maintain my rights!

Upon receiving a worthwhile email, I want to share the information with you.  Author unknown.  Im hoping that perhaps, only for a moment, we can reflect the true reasons this country was founded on.  In these unsettling, and often frightening times, we must remember WHY we are here.  Thx!

PULL A DOLLAR BILL OUT AND LOOK AT THE BACK SIDE.  In case you ever wondered what all these pictures meant...here's the explanation...

"On the rear of the ONE DOLLAR bill, you will see two circles.  Together, they comprise the Great Seal of the United States.

The First Continental Congress requested that Benjamin Franklin and a group of men come up with a Seal.  It took them four years to accomplish this task and another two years to get it approved.

The left handed circle, you will see a Pyramid.  Notice that the face is lighted and the western side is dark.  This country was just beginning.  We had not begun to explore the west or decided what we could do for Western Civilization.  The Pyramid is uncapped, again signifying that we were not even close to being finished.  Inside the capstone, you have the all-seeing eye, an ancient symbol for divinity.  It was Franklin’s belief that one man couldn’t do it alone, but a group of men, with the help of God, could do anything.  The Latin above the pyramid, ANNUIT COEPTIS, means, ‘God has favored our undertaking.’ The Latin below the pyramid, NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM, means, ‘a new order has begun.’  At the base of the pyramid is the Roman Numeral for 1776 (MDCCLXXVI)

‘IN GOD WE TRUST’ is on the currency.

The right-hand circle, you will see that it is on every National Cemetery in the United States.  It is also on the Parade of Flags Walkway at the Bushnell Florida National Cemetery, and is the centerpiece of most hero’s monuments.  Slightly modified, it is the seal of the President of the United States, and is always visible whenever he speaks, yet very few people know what the symbols mean.

The Bald Eagle was selected as a symbol for victory for two reasons:  First – he is not afraid of a storm; he is strong, and he is smart enough to soar above it.  Secondly, he wears no material crown.  We had just broken from the King of England.  Also, notice that the shield is unsupported.  This country can now stand on its own.  At the top of that shield you have a white bar signifying congress, an unifying factor.  We were coming together as one nation.  In the Eagle’s beak you will read E PLURIBUS UNUM meaning  ‘one from many.’  Above the Eagle, you have 13 stars representing the 13 original colonies, and any clouds of misunderstanding rolling away.  Again, we were coming together as one.  Notice what the Eagle holds in his talons – an olive branch, and arrows.  This country wants peace, but we will never be afraid to fight to preserve peace.  The Eagle always wants to face the olive branch, but in time of war, his gaze turns towards the arrows.

They say the number 13 is unlucky.  This is almost a worldwide belief.  You will usually never see a room numbered 13, or any hotels with a 13

^th floor.  But think about this –

13 original colonies

13 signers of the Declaration of Independence

13 striped on our flag

13 steps in the pyramid

13 letters in “ANNUIT COEPTIS”

13 letters in “E PLURIBUS UNUM”

13 stars above the Eagle

13 bars on the shield

13 leaves on the olive branch

13 fruits – and if you look closely…

13 arrows.

And finally, if you notice the arrangement of the 13 stars, you will see that they are arranged as a Star of David.  This was ordered by George Washington who, when he asked Hayim Solomon, a wealthy Philadelphia Jew, what he would like as a personal reward for his services to the Continental Army, Solomon said he wanted nothing for himself, but he would like something for his people.  The Star of Davis is that result.  Few people know that it was Solomon who saved the Army through his financial contributions, but died a pauper.

I always ask people “Why don’t you know this?” Your children don’t know this – their history teachers don’t know this.  Too many Veterans have given up too much to ever let the meaning fade.  Many Veterans remember coming home to an America that didn’t care.  Too many Veterans never came home at all.  I, for one, plan to share this presentation to everyone, so they can learn what is on the back of the United States one dollar bill – and what it stands for."

I havent posted anything in a while, but I have NEWS NEWS NEWS!!!

I am the new Keyboard/instrumentalist for the ever-popular SE Idaho Band AMERICAN STEEL!

TOMORROW, at REVIVE AT 5 (at the Old Town Pavilion) - we will be dishing up some great music including the ever popular NATIONAL ANTHEM (similar to what JHendrix did!), some swingin' country, some disco, some blues, and of course, many beloved classic rock tunes! There will be refreshments, (and the FARMERS MARKET) and LOTS AND LOST OF SUN!!!

So, come kick off your 4th of July festivities with us - bring your blankets, your chairs, and your sunscreen!! (FINALLY!!) Lets ROCK THIS JOINT!!

In YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, they are encouraging everyone to catch and do away with this non-native species (the Lake trout) that is encroaching on the native cut throat habitat and is consuming all the resources. 

A Non Native Species - causing issues for a native species - competition for resources and habitat.

So in why in Gods green earth did they introduce a NON-NATIVE WOLF?  The Canandian GREY WOLF is nearly 40% larger than the average Rocky Mountaint Grey Wolf?  And introduce a species that was already there? (They told us they werent, but they were!  I saw one with my own eyes on the highway plain as day)

This is sad - There are few babies this year.  And where are the wolves located - everywhere.  Amongst the buffalo.  They have no fear - they ARE the top of the food chain.

Pathetic...I just dont get it.

...to enjoy MORE sunsets...

In the TRUE spirit of Christmas - and remembering what we are celebrating, I wish to share with you one of my most treasured U-TUBE features. It is not "mine" - for "mine" is at my house on a dvd, but this is nearly identical to mine if its not exactly.

Remembering that He was not born in a sterile hospital and warmed in a heated bassinet, or wrapped in a designer blanket.  So our gifts to one another shouldn't be about designer labels and high dollars. They should come from the heart.

We should not be afraid to say MERRY CHRISTMAS.We should not be afraid to REJOICE for what we believe in. And that goes for every religion - every kindred - every nation.

The age of political correctness caused by FEAR of offending someone needs to end. We do not REJOICE to offend...we REJOICE because we celebrate!

MERRY CHRISTMAS to you.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icilgwdHiZg
(copy and paste)


**disclaimer....This is not to be viewed as a religious promotional video**

For all of you SANDTRAP fans, the news is GRAND!
The remodel is complete; they are back in business!
Kudos to Brennen Construction for a job well done! - Vaulted ceilings - LOTS of LIGHT - lots of seating space - exquisite rock/tile detail - lots of decorations and interesting things - even a golf ball machine (re-invented from a gumball machine!)...and the food is still top notch! 
If you havent taken the short drive down Bannock Highway in a while, why not?  Have lunch at the SANDTRAP! 

I am thankful for:
The opportunity to "wear" Forrest Gumps shoes and the insight it gives me to realize that Life IS like a box of chocolates!

DH and I just returned from a wonderful vacation in the Western Caribbean on the Carnival Cruise Ship - Legend - departing from Tampa FL.  Thought I'd drop in and share the experience with my friends here.  Sorry - I dont have any pictures yet - but soon...

I close my eyes.  I tip my head back.  The morning sun shines on my face.  I hear the soothing rhythmic crash of the gentle surf on the beach.  I am weightless as I swim in the warm, Mexican water.  I reach my arms out – I let them float with the water.  I savor the moment and internalize every heart beat.  Light breeze.  Not a cloud in the sky.  I hear a few cries of delight in the distance.  Wonder if it’s my turn to parasail yet? Can you say beach day in COZUMEL in November? 

 

I close my eyes.  I cannot tip my head back for fear of capsizing backwards, but I can rest it on my life vest.  An occasional glimpse of the sun in between the trees and brush of the jungle makes it magical voyage.  This time, the water is cooler – they call it refreshing.  Deep in the heart of the jungle – I hear the exotic symphony of birds and other jungle critters.  The combination smell of dark, damp must and bright floral humidity keep the senses busy.  We gently glide along the meandering river, in and out of mysteriously spectacular caves created by Mother Nature.  Deep inside the caves – complete darkness.  Carried by the current and equipped with a head lamp, we glimpse stalagmites and stalactites, formations and other tubers.  Can you say BELIZE on a cave-tubing adventure?

 

I close my eyes.  I feel something soft graze my leg as in an affectionate rub.  Then another.  I feel the light drizzle on my face as I try to maintain balance in chest-deep water.  The waves are growing, but manageable.  No sun today, but who cares – we are already wet!  I hear the shrieks of delight, and of surprise.  One cannot keep eyes closed for long here.  The rays of all sizes surround you as if they are happy to see a long, lost friend.  Yes, I said rays.  Stingrays.  They seek attention like a puppy or kitten.  If you do not stay aware of your surroundings they will startle you as they glide by.  Shuffle your feet in the sand.  Do not grab their tails.  Plant a kiss on one for the mythical 7 years of good luck.  I wonder, will two kisses mean 14 years??  Can you say GRAND CAYMAN in sting ray city?

 

There is no closing of the eyes, here.  The history and mystery of each structure speaks in an ancient language.  Square bricks, round bricks.  Foundations of buildings and complete temples.  The surrounding jungle encompasses the magnificence of a people from another time.  Up the stairs.  Around the corner.  Another structure.  Such a miracle to be so well preserved.  The guide gives a history lesson based on scientific evidence.  But what happened here that science cannot uncover centuries later?  The foliage is amazing.  The city is well hidden.  Can you say Chaccoben Mayan Ruins in COSTA MAYA?

 

We embarked on the journey of a lifetime last week on the Carnival’s LEGEND orig. Tampa, Florida.  This is my review.

 

DAY 1 - We leave Boise, Idaho on 11/1/08.  A mid-morning flight meant an early drive from home praying we forgot nothing.  The Boise airport is small, so the “2-hour” rule was a bit much.  That’s ok.  We are on vacation.  DH with his laptop working on a bid for work and I with my sudoko book settled in for a 45 minute wait before boarding the plane.  Can you say turbo-prop?  Are you KIDDING ME?!  Not being a fan of Air Travel, I just had to suck it up and deal with it.  More sudoko.  And a shot please! (just kidding)  We arrive in Denver – we unload on the TARMAC…Are you KIDDING ME?!  Again?!  A long walk to the terminal food courts found me starving (and thankful to be on the ground).  DH unloads his laptop – I thought we were on vacation – he’s such a workaholic!  We share a Styrofoam box of Chinese food, and I get out sudoko again. (Good thing I brought about 4 books!)  After a long, drawn out 3 hour layover, they board us on a “regular” plane – DC9 I think, and it’s off to Tampa.  In the air for over 3 hours…Not enough sudoko for that!  Another shot please!  Good thing I brought some munchies!  Being in the air for over 3 hours with screaming babies in the near vicinity made for a very long flight!  We land on time – 10:30pm EST.  A quiet and clean airport welcomes us, and we collect our checked luggage in record time.  Then the wait…

 

I hesitantly booked a room with priceline.com, and was thankful they offered a free shuttle from the airport.  Only took them 30 minute to show up…Not a great way to end the day, or start a vacation!  We check into COMFORT SUITES WESTSHORE in Tampa shortly after 11pm – looking for a quick bite for dinner.  There is nothing within walking distance, however.  So we settle for a warm cookie and a cold beer.  (Barely made it to the hotel lounge before last call)  The room was nice – but it was NOT what we booked.  We did not care by now – it was clean, and the bed was comfortable.  Didn’t take long to fall asleep.

 

DAY 2 – EMBARKATION DAY

We wake up early – we head down to the hotel restaurant.  Breakfast Buffet – Initial thought – Overpriced! Most hotel restaurants are.  Surprisingly, the food was phenomenal!  Of course we were so excited to get to the dock, we did NOT enjoy a leisurely breakfast but a hurried one!  We take off, by foot, to go find some Diet Coke to take with us.  Carnival allows a “reasonable” amount of soft drinks, so we head out in search of a Walgreens, that we were told was within walking distance.  Sure it was – nearly a mile each way!!  So, two twelve packs, a small laundry detergent and a large bottle of water later, we walk the mile back to the hotel.  We get everything packed, just so, and then go to the lobby.  They call us a cab, and for a mere 20 bucks, he was happy to drop us off at the Port. Since the area was flooded with cruisers that had just departed, he dropps us off at the Aquarium.  Before dh had paid the cab driver, we were approached by a porter who takes our bags away.  We tipped him only a couple of bucks in the confusion.  We cross the street and look around – We head towards the ship (I just wanted a picture, but there is ABSOLUTELY NO PHOTOGRAPHY in the area and there are signs posted and they will also be happy to REMIND YOU!)  We are shooed back to the office area. They will start lining people up at 10:30am for boarding.  It was 10am.  We had ½ hour to kill.  Out again comes the sudoko book.  As we watch other people attempt to be first in line and also get pointed back, we laugh.  A very large wedding party started boarding, and they were the FIRST to go through the “party doors”.  And they were all dressed up…we wondered if they were getting married as soon as we got on board??  What a way to go.  We have a group of chatty women (who looked like they knew what they were doing) walk past us to the “party doors”.  They were not turned back.  So, we jumped up and got in line.  Pretty soon, the line was half way around the building.  THEN…the “party doors” opened.  They check our passports against our carnival tickets and invite us into the building.  Ah - Security.  Not quite as bad a the airports – they don’t require you to take your shoes off…But if you know it’s coming, you will have everything metal off your body, out of your pockets and turned off.  After passing security, we are ushered around to the “bookee”.  There is a very long counter here, and since we were one of the first ones, we walked right up.  They take the credit card for the sign and sail, and promptly handed us our SAS cards.  They gave us a piece of paper that told us we were in group #1.  Far out!  I always knew I was #1 and now Carnival recognizes the talent!  So we head towards the bathrooms and the closest group of chairs to the entrance and cop a squat.  Get out the sudoko book…again.  We sit for perhaps 20 minutes – We watch as the wedding party gets on the Legend first.  Then they call for the platinum and “special” guests…Then…GROUP #1.  Of course, we were the FIRST ONES THERE!  They verified the SAS cards to our Passports again, and then we’re off!  There is a photographer there to capture the moment before approaching the plank!  Then, after 11 months, 1 week and 4 days, we are ON THE PLANK.  A small “wahoo” escapes my mouth as we board…ok, perhaps a medium sized one…and we head directly to the glass elevators and work our way up to the LIDO deck.  We find ourselves a table next to the window on the starboard side, plop all our carryon crap there and HIT THE BUFFET!  Hey – there were NO LINES…of course, since we were one of the first on board, who would have guessed, right?  So we sit, and nibble,  and drink and watch for about an hour or so – then we get brave and drop our stuff off early into our cabin (although we weren’t supposed to just quite yet).  And yes, we got yelled at!  We just say “sorry”, and run like a bunch of kids toilet papering the neighborhood! 

 

We walk around the ship and try to figure out how to navigate everything.  There are 3 elevators.  The front, middle and rear.  In the middle are the glass elevators, too.  They are worth the wait to ride at least once.   The dining room is in the back – level 3 and 2.  We check in at the front desk and changed our dining to LATE with a bunch of new Cruise Critic friends.  (Mark, Terri, Daryle and Linda – all hailing from the Tampa area.)  We have a lower level 2 starboard side next to the window table 149.  Our servers are Dale and Anthoney and they are by far the most attentive, proper and efficient on the planet! (Not to mention the sense of humor AND entertainment value!)  The formal dining Club is a few floors ABOVE the dining area, and we make our reservations for TUESDAY night – making sure not to interfere with MONDAY night’s formal activities!  (Ah, you know what I’m talking about…LOBSTER NIGHT!)   On level 2 and 3 are the clubs (aft), shopping and casino (mid), and the show room (forward).  Up on the upper decks, in the front, are the spa, camp carnival, and the internet café.  I checked for the Cruise Critic Log Book, but did not see one there.  There are 3 pools – the one in the front section is with the kids area – includes a great looking slide!!  There’s a pool in the middle and it has a spa with it between two bars, and the one on the aft is the “adult” area, also with a spa and a bar.  Chair hogs were non-existent on this particular voyage.  But then again, cruising the first week of November, so were the little bodies we call children.

 

Muster drill is interesting.  Short, sweet and OVER!  Beware, however – There will be a voice over the loud speaker warning you of the Muster drill and to listen for the signal.  I’m warning you now – the DEAF could hear this signal; raise the dead!  Scared the daylights out of me and I KNEW it was coming!  There are 4 areas on the Legend that ALL passengers congregate for Muster – impressive I think!  They line us up, show us how to put on the life vests, show us where the boats are, let us know how it should work and let us go on your merry way.  Not a big deal!!  And no shark jokes.

 

As we set sail, we head off to the Aft Pool for our Cruise Critic party!!  Both dh and I had received our luggage by then and had even kind of unpacked!!  Unfortunately, it is windy and cold out, so my nifty decorations won’t stand up and the napkins keep flying around!  We have about 30-35 people show up and I manage to get a couple of group pictures – I will post them as soon as I am able to.  We all hang out, get to know one another, and then…the RAIN STARTS!  Well, being from the landlocked state of IDAHO, and knowing that I was NOT made of sugar, I stand out in the rain with a DOD in hand, the camera in the other, and watch as long as I dare.  We pass a small airport – A military one I hear.  We pass a power plant of some sort – white smoke from the smoke stacks billowing up against a grey sky. 

 

**NOTE TO FUTURE TRAVELERS – As Legend leaves port in Tampa, WATCH FOR PASSING VESSELS.  We saw dolphins swimming and jumping in front of a passing oil liner!  What a trip!

 

Since we have the LATE sitting, I do not worry about missing the “BRIDGE” – head back to our cabin for a while, get a little better organized, and find our up on deck about 7ish to watch the passing of the BRIDGE.  We were standing on the Bow (up by the front) and it was spectacular!  They tell us there is only about 6’ clearance from the top of the stack!  Watch the people duck!

**NOTE TO FUTURE TRAVELERS – go to the mid level by the smoke stack for best experience. 

 

Dinner that first night is good – Soup, appetizer, entrée and a dessert.  I do not  overdo it…at least that first day.  After dinner, we wander around a bit more, chit chat with our new friends (and our amazing neighbors on the aft balcony) and then head off to bed.  No show for us tonight – We had a LONG day! 

 

Our cabin is 5299 – Ext Aft Balcony.  There are 2 chairs and a table (standard for the balconies I assume)  And I took a bungee cord to prop the door open.  The table is light and does not work so well.  As you enter the room, there are 3 closet cabinets.  The first has your life jackets and a hanging space.  The second is hanging space.  The third is shelving.  The bathroom is about 4’x6’.  There are three little shelves along both sides of the mirror that hold toiletries.  They have bars around them so the contents won’t be sliding off anywhere.  And please…remember…when you “flush” – do NOT remain sitting on the pot.  After you flush the first time, you WILL understand.  There is shampoo and body wash containers attached in the shower, and there is good pressure; good drainage.  The light for the bathroom is on the OUTSIDE of the bathroom under the room service door tags.  Took us a while to figure that one out.  There are 4 drawers on the right hand side of the desk.  The top drawer has a hair dryer inside it.  The other 3 are empty.  There is a desk drawer and then the left hand side is the fridge.  We cart in (2) 12packs of diet coke and simply put our soda on top of theirs inside the fridge.  There was never any question.  Under the TV is a safe – we put it to good use.  On the other side of the TV are some more cabinets.  I think there are 2 rows of 2 shallow shelves that are encased by a cabinet.  There is a couch and a secure little table behind the bathroom – I understand it will fold out into another bed but we never tried it - and then the bed is two twins pushed together.  And I could not tell the difference!  Much different than at home trying to put two mattresses together!  There is plenty of room under the beds for empty suitcases.  There are night stands and table lights on both sides of the bed.  The TV is remote controlled.  They have some stations – ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, TNT, Cartoon Network, yadda yadda – Seem to be mostly based out of Denver…You can also check the menu and your SAS balance there also.  Check out the MENU button.  There are a couple of deck cameras that you can see on the TV and there is ALWAYS a constant running of the cruise shows that you may have missed.  (Do NOT miss the Love and Marriage show…what a hoot!)

 

DAY 3 – FUN DAY AT SEA

 

Ok – a day to get acclimated to the ship, do some more exploring and of course, more eating.  We eat in the Dining room for breakfast that day…and that was the LAST BREAKFAST we ate in the Dining Room.  It was good, but just not what we were wanting to do.

 

OK – a little bit about the BUFFET.  Starting with the BACK of the SHIP on the STARBOARD SIDE and working our way to the front – is ICE CREAM!  They have yogurt AND ice cream.  Be sure to read before you dispense if it is something that bothers you.  BTW – the strawberry yogurt tastes like frozen nesquick strawberry milk.  Good Stuff!  Then you find the PIZZA STATION.  They have some “odd” kinds of pizza, and the calzones are to die for. 

**NOTE TO FUTURE TRAVELERS - Their Caesar salad is better than at the salad station. 

There is always pizza available – although you may have to wait 10 minutes for them to cook you one!  Then there is the drink station.  Sorry folks – No FRUIT PUNCH.  Iced tea and Lemonade only.  (I do understand they are trying to get the punch back)  Then the rotisserie – Usually something carved – beef, turkey, pork…rolls, a few side dishes and some salads.  Traveling forward is the TASTE OF NATIONS.  The THEME varies daily – they will post it in your capers.  Further forward is the grill – hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, onion rings.  Good stuff!!  We round the pool area and start heading towards the back – More GRILL area – Here’s the “oriental” area – the dishes are not always the same, and there is a stir fry station there.  Good soups!  Heading towards the front, there is the sandwich area – REUBENS ARE HERE!  A Must!  If you are not into sauerkraut, then the Pastrami on Rye is a great catch!  Between the SANDWICHES and the ROTISSERIE is the DESSERTS!!  There is a variety of low carb and low sugar/sugarless items there.  Further down from the Sandwich area is the salad bar.  Lots of salads, veggies, meats and cheeses.  Between the Salad Bar and the Pizza is another “salad” place – in the evenings, is serves sushi and cherveche.  And last but not least, the very back of the ship on the port side – MORE ICE CREAM!

 

If you are not into EATING with the crowds of people, feel free to get a tray and plates full of food and go back to your cabin (as in inclimate weather)  When you are done, place your tray outside your door.  Simple.  Easy.  No people!

 

Do not – and I repeat – do not be opposed or feel guity to take a nap on sea days.  You will find that your port days are pretty busy and you may need the extra energy.

 

Well, it’s formal night and the CAPTAINS PARTY!  Since we have second seating, we dress up in our duds and head down to the theater to meet the Captain and everyone!  Free drinks and hors-devours.  It’s interesting - but if you are not a drinker, probably something you can bypass.  You will still want to stand in line and meet the captain (which in itself is pretty cool) and then walk through the back of the theater and head out the other side.  No big deal.  Then, it’s off to dinner – LOBSTER NIGHT!  We have a table of 6, and I believe they brought us 12 tails!  My first tail was a little overcooked, but has great flavor.  It is served with enormous shrimp!  The second tail I have was more tender and twice as good!  Don’t be afraid to have 2…The galley is prepared!!  And the chocolate melting cake is good…ONCE.  The crème Brule is wonderful and the Grand Marnier soufflé is to die for (if you like soufflé)   For those that are interested, I have a recipe that is very similar to the melting cake.

 

After dinner, it’s off to the show!  The Carnival crew has an incredible LIVE SHOW BAND and the dancers are very well choreographed.  Please remember they put on a BIG STYLE production on a very little itty bitty stage.  Off to bed.

 

DAY 4 – CAYMANISLANDS

 

I have been to Cayman before and I know exactly what I want to do.  Having an aft balcony, I kept watching the water color…and was sorely disappointed when we went to bed.  But the first thing in the morning, low and behold – the deep, turquoise blue I had waited YEARS to see was back!!  The day was overcast and dreary, but that wasn’t about to stop me! As far as tendering goes – if you book an excursion with someone OTHER than Carnival, you can still get off on the first tender.  So head down to the theater early and make sure you get a sticker!  Again, I was #1!  No surprises there!  We took Capt Marvins’ ½ day StingrayCity tour and snorkeling.  The boat is a 2-level vessel – I cop a squat in the back next to the water!  I want to see and feel everything I can!  As we head out in the channel, we see the many multi-bazillion dollar homes on shore.  You KNOW there is money in Cayman.  A few for sale signs, but nothing in my price range.  Dang.  We make 2 snorkeling stops – and despite lousy weather, I have a great time.  I am a strong swimmer, but I am lazy – I have one of those blow up life vests to keep me floating on top of the water.  At our second stop, the rain really starts coming down, but heck, I am already wet!  I see my very first eel!  And yes, I scream in statement through my snorkel…Not exactly very effective!  The water is pretty rough at StingrayCity, but I love it just the same!  Again, being in land-locked Idaho, this is quite exotic to me!  As we head back to land, we pass by mangrove trees – and if you look hard enough they are lined with iguanas everywhere!  After our tour, it’s raining so hard, hanging out in town just isn’t any fun.  We never really got dry…eeewwwww.  So we get our souvenirs and head back to the ship for lunch.  The buffet closes at 3:30.  Keep that in mind.  The sandwich grill was open a bit later, and of course there is always pizza.

 

Nap time – after spending over an hour in the water swimming and playing with the rays, and a very bumpy boat ride out and back, I am pooped!  We have reservations at the Supper Club, and I want to be well rested.  Digestion takes much energy!!  That being said, I must say – The Supper Club (we had a 10 top) is all about service, service, service!  And it’s very impressive!  And the plating/presentation of the food was like – WOW.  I took pictures of FOOD and my kids are thinking I’m nuts!  My gripe – I had the lobster tail… and it was like chewing on a rubber band.  Not what I’d expected for a 30 dollar meal – but then, the experience and the appetizers and the dessert was worth it.  I understand the Porterhouse (which is big enough to feed 2 small countries) is very good and the surf and turf (smaller lobster and steak) is also.  This is a 2-3 hour experience!  After dinner, everyone heads off to the show – I was too pooped from all the digestion!!  I went to bed.

 

DAY 5 – COZUMEL

 

We dock 9:30ish (again in amazingly turquoise water) and by the time they clear customs and all that mumbo jumbo, we were able to get off around 10.  We did dock (YES) at the BRAND SPANKING NEW PIER!  Nice!!  Very Nice!!  But, we did not look around much at that time – we were looking for a cab to get us to NACHI COCUM!  About a 15min cab ride. We arrive at this all-inclusive beach property with the best guacamole I’ve ever had!  The pina coladas were flowing like water!  We had the most excellent service – all the drinks you wanted!  They have a pool, a Jacuzzi, a covered eating area and a relatively clean bathroom.  Not bad for the price!  Dh and I decided to go parasailing a couple months prior.  For those of you who have toyed with the idea I must insist you throw caution to the wind and give it a shot!  I am deathly afraid of heights, but this was far from scary and the view is breathtaking!  They harness you into a contraption and it feels like you are sitting in a swing.  Most of our group was plowed by 2pm so we grab a cab back to port, do a little shopping and then head back to the ship to continue our party!  We set sail, and watch it from our balcony.  It was a beautiful sunset – although we were headed south – the moon and the sun were out at the same time!  Couldn’t get it in the same picture, though.  We did some karaoke after dinner – not many people out there so some of us get SEVERAL turns.  They had been auditioning for the Legends Show and one of the members in our little group was voted in as ELTON JOHN.  Oh – ‘scuse me…SIR ELTON JOHN!

 

DAY 6 – BELIZE

 

This is a fun one getting into.  We were out on our balcony early in the morning watching the ship turn left and right and winding through this maze of buoys!  It was pretty amazing.  And yes – the tender is LONG.  We had booked MAJOR TOM cave tubing and I’m here to tell you…it is an adventure!  My gripe here is that the bus stopped twice for people that didn’t get on the first tender, as they were instructed.  Sorry folks – holding up an entire bus because you missed your boat is simply rude. Period.  Ok – gripe over.  The port in Belize is nice – lots to look at and purchase – but again…outside the city walls is another world.  A world of poverty and despair.  But what an education we receive by Mikey as we ride our party bus to the mountains.  They have some of the most beautiful foliage I have ever seen – There is a palm tree that I must research and find out what it is!  The colors – the odor – the horizon…Something you would watch on National Geographic!  Upon arrival at the base, the tubing area does have a changing room, but if you wear your swimsuit underneath your dry clothes, you wont have to worry about it!  They fit you with waterproof lighted head gear and a tube with a life vest.  If you wear a ball cap or hat, you will not need it.

**NOTE TO FUTURE TRAVELERS – The walk is longer than I had envisioned and very hard on the feet if you are wearing soft soled water shoes.  Lots of rocks, some steps.  The water is “refreshing” – aka cold.  Once you get in the water, your body will get used to it and by the end of your tubing experience, you will appreciate the refreshing factor!  Going through the caves is a bit scary – there is NO LIGHT except the light on your heads.  But the current is easy and if you can relax and look at the beauty the jungle has to offer, you will enjoy your float trip adventure.  Upon arrival back at the city, they drop you off outside the gates.  You can choose to go walk around the area outside of the cruise terminal for some real deals!  Dh had a drink made directly in a coconut!  The dude just chops off the top of the coconut, and let him add the rum directly into the raw milk.  I opted for the rice and beans!  I purchase some Belizean Pecan Wine (which I did have to check in at the Ship at the “special alcohol table”) and some fried plantains (to DIE FOR)  Once inside the gates, we do a little more shopping and then its back on one of the last tenders.  I really hate to leave this stop!  My favorite by far.  There are some very poor people and they will approach you but they are ok to say no thank you, for the most part.  I LOVED THIS PORT.  Again, only dinner and no show for me – too much digestion…???  (I did notice my chest hurting the next afternoon – it was from paddling the tube!  How I laughed when I figured out it wasn’t anything more than sore muscles!)

 

DAY 7 – COSTA MAYA

 

It is with great anticipation that we pulled into CM.  From the ship (and the dock is quite long) it looks amazing.  Bright colored buildings, pretty water, spotless pier.  As we enter the ship village, I recall how clean the area was and that the people greeting the ship were highly costumed and super friendly!  We have a tour with Carnival to Chacchoben Ruins (The place of RED CORN) so we don’t have much time to explore right away.  They load us on the bus and we venture out of the safety of our Fortress.  Looking forward to a long (about an hour or so), but air conditioned bus ride.  There are soldiers with M16’s everywhere; even as you get off the Legend – and after we leave the fortress, there is still much evidence of the destruction and devastation everywhere.  Hurricane Dean wiped CM off the map last year and many of the people abandoned what they had and moved on.  Lots of abandoned structures and dead vegetation.  Truly reminds me of some of the photos I’ve seen of the war in Iraq.  Lots of partial buildings.  There are little spurts of re-growth here and there, though.  Steel structured frames, a concrete truck, and other evidence of cleaning up and rebuilding.  Still hope for a poor and impoverished people.  Arriving at the site, we find a small shop with a cantina and a snack bar and BATHROOMS!!  The walk to the ruins is not far, but wear comfortable shoes.  The guides, if you stay close enough to them, are FULL of information about the structures and it is a wonderful hands-on history lesson you will not soon forget.  They allow you the time to browse about at a comfortable pace, then they feed you a simple boxed lunch.  We board the bus, I grab my sudoko book and we head back to the port.  When we arrive, dh and I elect to take a cab and head into Majahaul.  We are dropped off in a questionable area, but as soon as we approached the “boardwalk” – which is a very nice cemented/tiled sidewalk – we feel better.  EVERY VENDOR ALONG THE SIDEWALK INVITES YOU INTO HIS SHOP TO PEDDLE HIS WARES ALWAYS CLAIMING HE IS CHEAPER THAN HIS COUSIN DOWN THE BLOCK.  In our experience, a simple “No Thanks” was NOT ADEQUATE – although for a few, it was.  I was even called a name, in Spanish, that I cannot repeat here because I would not even look in his shop.  We are approached, on the sidewalk, several times, by restaurateurs shoving a menu in our face or women offering a massage or hair braiding.  They were, for the most part, in your face.  Could have been the time of day – Could have been that it looked like we had money – I don’t know.  But my experience in Majahaul is not a positive one.  We had already eaten, and dh is not a beach person.  So, for a great meal right next to the beach – with a very shallow sloping sea floor – it may be an ideal place.  But I will not go back to Costa Maya.  We take a cab back to the port area, did some shopping in a safer, less threatening environment, and boarded Legend early.  As we sailed away, promptly at 5pm, I feel a little sad, as it is our final port, and it was such an unpleasant experience. 

 

THEN…the thunder hit!!  Legend hits top speed, racing right along the coastline of Mexico in rough water!!  We had seen, on CNN, that there was a hurricane in the Caribbean, so we assume we were trying to outrun it.  There is NO WEATHER CHANNEL and it was impossible to find out where it was, how big it was or where it was headed.  Dinner (2^nd formal night) has a lot to be desired because the engines are screaming – it shudders and rocks and cries.  But – taking all things into consideration, we had confidence in the Captain and know he would keep us safe. So we pop a Bionine, grab a drink, and chalk it up as “rough waters”.  About 10pm, we slow down, and to our surprise, we are back in Cozumel??  There had been an announcement earlier over the loud speaker (that did not come into our cabin so we did not hear it) that let everyone know we were headed back to Coz to unload an ill/injured passenger.  There is not a critical care area in Belize or CM.  So, we weren’t outrunning a storm; just trying to get a passenger the medical attention they needed.  After talking with a few people, I guess the Mexico does not have an air ambulance (helicopter).  That statement is just being passed on – I do not know that for fact.  As we left Coz – again – the sadness hits me again.  Dang, it’s almost over.  So we grab another drink and enjoy the rest of the evening.  And yes – the BOAT WAS A ROCKING THAT NIGHT!! (Don’t look TOO MUCH into that statement!!) 

 

DAY 8 – FINAL SEA DAY

 

We get up late – take breakfast from the buffet back to the room – take a nap – eat lunch on the lido deck.  Dh takes another nap and I head off to the spa.  Which is VERY QUIET.  It is very nice – in the very front of the ship.  They have a couple of TV’s going, but I just watch the horizon.  Something I wont see again for a long time.  They have the WALK FOR THE CURE that afternoon, although I had not heard anything about it so I did not participate.  I would have.  But I get a good workout in.  The upper level has several weight-training stations; the lower level has your cardio equipment.  There was also a room where they would have classes and I assume some yoga.  There is a Jacuzzi right in the middle of the gym area, and down by the bathrooms are several massage rooms, sauna and showers.

 

We are not gamblers – we did not venture into the casino.  We are not big shoppers – we did not venture into “rodeo drive” for much.  My 7yr old wanted a big plastic blow up boat.  We did go through the different lounges and kids’ areas…Spent more time in karaoke than any other place, but that was because Sir Elton was amongst us!!  What a hoot!! 

 

There is a debarkation presentation they want everyone to go to in the theater, but if you miss it – it’s on the TV!  You can self debark (which means you carry off every piece of luggage in your hot little hands) or regular debarkation (which you put your BIG items outside your door by 10pm).  Keep a change of clothes and your important stuff with you.  The story about the guy walking off the ship in a women’s house coat is getting old, but I can see how it can be done.  So, we take an inventory of ALL the crap we bought, and pack it up.  The laundry room was RIGHT ACROSS THE HALL – how convenient.  We do a load.  I don’t like to pack stinky stuff (well clothes, anyway!)  Well, I forgot the quarters…have to go to the pursers desk to get quarters…but we remember the detergent!! Since we are on the AFT, our ZONE NUMBER is 15.  We place the big stuff (that we were not carrying) outside the door and head to dinner.  The last supper on Legend is hectic, at best.  It seemed like every table is full!  That was a bit unusual for what we have been used to…  Plus, it is still a little rough, but not nearly as bad as the prior day!  We hurry through dinner so we could get good seats at the LEGENDS show – (which made me sad because the Grand Marnier Soufflé was to die for!  I could have had another one and another cup of coffee!!)

 

We head off to the Legends show.  We have a large group that takes up most of the row.  Now, they auditioned karaoke people for the roles of Madonna, Gloria Estafan, Aretha Franklin, Brittney Spears, Elton John, GarthBrooks, James Brown, Frank Sinatra and others that I am unable to recall at present.  Some are good – some really suck, and there are a few that are AWESOME.  (Including Sir Elton!)  I guess they gave Mac – I mean, Sir Mac – an IPOD that he carried around for 3 days learning the song.  These people actually get up on stage and sing to a live band in front of a large, live audience.  Good show.  Some of it was funny – some was excruciating – but overall a must see.  Afterwards, a few more drinks, one last picture over the balcony, and off to b