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.