Wow, what fun we had! Two weeks ago, 19 of us flew to FL to begin our adventure. All but the Marracci’s stayed overnight at the Embassy Suites in Miami. The funbuilt as we all headed for the docks on Sunday, Apr. 2. I entered our cabin to see it decorated for my bday, complete with a cake. Our fist day was at sea. Not completely knowing what to do with ourselves, some of us ended up in the 14th floor lounge, playing name that tune with an over eager emcee. Taking 3rd place after double overtime, we vowed revenge.

The next day we hit Puerto Rico. All but Kayleen and Carol did the Bacardi Rum tour. The next day was St. Maarten. It’s the smallest place that is run by two different governments – French and Dutch. An interesting tour of the island and shopping followed. Each night, all of us met for dinner in the dining room. We kind of switched off between the two tables so that all could visit with one another. We had “the bread man” deliver 4 different breads each night. The end always brought us loving cups filled with different liquors. I don’t think I’ve ever drank for so many days in a row before.

Thursday was my birthday. We toured St. Thomas with Cliff and Karen. The tour included a couple of hours at Magen’s Bay – 1 of the world’s top 10 beaches. Beautiful view’s at Blackbeard’s Castle, followed by the famous 99 steps, were other highlights. For dinner, Danny wanted to thank all for coming by taking us all out to Portofino – a specialty restaurant aboard ship. To my surprise, it was a full birthday celebration, including a memory book put together by Luke and Lani, as well as a special poem written by Cody. Both brought tears to my eyes. What a glorious day that I’ll remember for years to come!

Friday was another day at sea and another chance at name that tune. We called in the reinforcements – meaning Kayleen and Carol joined Sandy, Nicole, Cody and myself. This time we nailed it and first place was ours! Wow, we won a leather passport billfold. Ok, it was the principle of the thing.

The last dayout, we stopped in Nassau, Bahamas. We hired a taxi to take us to the beach, and got an island tour, including the famous Atlantis hotel instead. The coconut in the pictures you see cost all of $10, to drink as much as you want of rum and whatever punch you add to it. They hawked: Who wants to get hammered? Life is too short to not get wasted! The question is whether Nicole will ever look at a coconut the same way again. Fun partying with the old folks, huh?

All in all, we were so sad to leave that ship. The week flew by and I found myself in Dallas at an Autodesk conference until Thursday evening. Now it’s the old routine again…but only 18 more working days until we fly to Macomb for Nick and Ashley’s graduation. (We’re keeping our fingers crossed for SDSU!)

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