To Each His Own!

The best lobster I have ever eaten was onboard NCL’s Norwegian Crown on their first “formal” night of a 7 day cruise. It was so moist and tasty, I can still remember it. In fact, I ate two of those lobsters, that’s how good they were. That’s saying a lot since I am a seafood snob, having spent most of my life within an hour drive of the Atlantic Ocean. Another thing I remember about that cruise was floating around in the pool with two ladies who knew each other from New York City. They were discussing how poor the food was onboard and particularly how poor the lobster was. They commented on this Italian place in Manhattan, and a bistro in Soho, and on and on. I remember thinking at the time, “to each his own” and it’s never truer than on a cruise.

If you are that person who is only happy if running, jumping, sliding, or climbing over, around, or into something—there’s lots for you on a cruise, with plenty to do on shore excursions as well. If relaxing by the pool with a good book and a cold drink is your ideal situation—you can do that all week long if you choose. Love Broadway, comedians, live music, lectures, classes, art auctions? It’s all there. From salsa dance lessons in the morning to soaking in the hot tub in the afternoon, a cruise has something for everyone.

Birthdays and Bucket Lists

This year marks a milestone for me-my son turns 30. We mothers celebrate every birthday of our children with tender memories and this one will be no different. This birthday has a lot of significance for two reasons. First, I can no longer lie about my age. Having a 30 year old son puts me out of my 40’s forever. Secondly, I remember vividly the year he was six and I was 30. It was at his birthday party that I finally decided I had to get help and find out what was wrong with me. I struggled badly to entertain my family and a few of his friends for the birthday bash, I was fatigued, constantly, and no amount of rest seemed to help for more than a few hours. There were times when I couldn’t stand I was so weak, and even breathing was labored. My job as a classroom teacher was in jeopardy; heck, my life was in jeopardy. I knew that day if I wanted to see another birthday party for my kids I had to find answers.

Many specialists, diagnoses, and 3 years later I had an answer. It was an incurable neuromuscular disease called myasthenia gravis. No cures, but lots of treatments existed and were available to me. It took another three years to pull myself out of the physical and emotional valley I was in. There were times I wasn’t sure I would make it, but I fought for reasons big and small. One thing that sustained me then and now is a deep faith. I was pretty sure God wasn’t done with me yet at 33 years of age. And the thought of not being there for my kids was something I was not going to accept. Birthdays, high school, weddings, and now looking toward those grandkids! One small but significant encouraging factor was my “dream trip” list, a bucket list if you will; of all the places I wanted to visit when (not if) I got well. I checked out every book on travel in the library twice, clipped magazine articles, searched through phone books, and scoured brochure racks. I was an armchair traveler extraordinary, even planning out itineraries for myself and my friends. Is it any wonder I became a travel agent? Now, I am doing great and still enjoy planning trips, particularly as girl’s getaway travel consultant for our agency.

I gave you the above background so you will know where I speak from when I say what an honor it is to work with two noted disability specialists, Connie George, and Vicki Thorpe. These two gals work tirelessly with the tiniest of details to make sure that people with disabilities have the chance to say “I can go too”. Ladies, I salute you for your dedication and experience and the opportunity you give everyone to fulfill their own travel bucket list.

Happy traveling,


Sandy

Sandy, the diva cruiser, is in reality Sandy Wheeler, the Chicks at Sea lady. Follow her adventures on Twitter @thedivacruiser, @ladiestravel, and www.ChicksAtSea.com.

Communication!! (Part One)

It’s no surprise to my friends that I saw the new Star Trek movie twice within the same month and that I would see it again if I could find where it was still playing. Yes, I am a trekkie, my favorite being the Original TV series. In one of the episodes, the crew finds itself aggravated by a buzzing sound which is actually an alien race trying to communicate. Supposedly they move and speak so rapidly they can’t be understood or even perceived. The problem is solved, communication is achieved, and all is well.

I thought of the episode this week while spending all morning on the phone to Philadelphia and New York trying to arrange a girl’s getaway trip to NYC for some shopping and theatre and a BFF weekend for another group in the Caribbean. Since I speak “deep south” and these gals were speaking “high north”; the conversations bordered on hilarious. I would ask a question or make a statement and they would answer me accurately—but I didn’t get it. We were not communicating. I had to ask twice and then repeat it back to be sure I had the correct information. When I would answer their questions, I am pretty sure they were nodding off. Neither side was unskilled, being contrary, or lazy. Just a bit of a communication lag, patience won out and the trips are ready to book.

One of the joys of cruising is the ability to communicate with so many different people. People from all countries, nationalities, religions, dialects—it’s awesome. Every breakfast and lunch I head for the dining room and ask for a big table. There I have met a red-headed South African physician whose voice was like music it was so pretty; an Indian physicist teaching at MIT for a year; a couple from Mississippi who rode their Harley to Ft. Lauderdale to depart; a French waitress who called me “Madame”; a Canadian gentleman who led a good-natured argument with me on religion vs. education that the whole table of eight joined in on. Where else can you find this kind of diversity and fun?

I am closing this blog entry with a couple of my favorite sayings: YOU DESERVE A CRUISE and Cruise on my sisters Cruise on!

Ya’ll call me ya hear? (I couldn’t resist)

Sandy

Sandy Wheeler, aka the diva cruiser is in reality an independent contractor for Connie George Travel Associates. Follow us on Twitter @ladiestravel, @thedivacruiser, and @ChicksAtSea. I can be reached at 252-339-9614 or email me.