for fun: Do/Would you still put on all your makeup and decent clothes if you are quarantined

[Lois R]

14 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

Yes -- shame about the weather. But then, that's what the weather in the UK is generally like. 😆  Waiting for that "balcony wave" now.

Hi Cynthia....yea, they are used to funky weather LOL.....from what everyone says they just "keep a stiff upper lip and carry on"....

[awhfy]

Nice to see King Charles III (that still sounds strange) smile when he turned back to the crowd, really personalized him

[WELDON]

I watched it too. William's kids were so well behaved and looked so cute. How many 5 yr olds  could sit through something like that? Kate looked beautiful as always.

[Anita Latte]

Kat…loved all your pics!! What a fast week it was. It seemed very calm though. And gorgeous.

 

DS went to the coronation. He said he saw the crowning and some sort of viewing from Hyde Park. I didn’t watch it myself. 

[purduemom1]

Thanks for taking us along, Kat. Great pictures! Happy to read that relaxing was a success.

 

Only caught a bit of the coronation festivities. I did see the crowning but little else. Also heard that there was a smaller balcony group-just the working members of the family. 

[awhfy]

10 hours ago, Anita Latte said:

Kat…loved all your pics!! What a fast week it was. It seemed very calm though. And gorgeous.

 

DS went to the coronation. He said he saw the crowning and some sort of viewing from Hyde Park. I didn’t watch it myself. 

Anita, that’s maybe  a once in a lifetime experience. Glad DS went to the festivities

[slidergirl]

Wait - there was a coronation???  Just kidding.  I lost track of what was going on in the World.  But, that’s what a vacation is supposed to do, right?

Getting off the Eurodam was quick and easy.  I used the free Port Valet service to take care of my big bag so I didn’t have to drag it around.  I think we cleared later than printed because I wandered down to exit at 8:30, which was my printed 4th departure group.  Either everyone was really lazy or really did leave.  No crowd or line.  Had my pass scanned and walked off.  Not many people in the building at all.  Got waved to the quick line of the Customs agent (I think that‘s who it was), waved my passport at him, he just waved my on through.  Walked outside and there was a line of taxis waiting so I took one instead of setting up an Uber/Lyft.  Dropped my carry on at the Marriott Waterfront and went walking on this cool, overcast day,  I went up the hill to Biscuit ***** for breakfast.  The wait was only 30 minutes this time so I decided to give it a go.  My “Bitchwich” (think Egg McMuffin with bacon and a biscuit) was huge and really good.   Walked back down the hill and did a little waterfront walk for awhile.  Went back to the Marriott, got my bag and took a cab to the airport.  Walked around the airport, spent some time in the AMEX Centurion Lounge (got my early dinner there) and watched the Kentucky Derby.  Once on the plane, I watched “The Jesus Revolution” movie.  That was my time in Newport Beach and I knew some Jesus Freaks and I knew of Chuck Smith, the pastor.  Cheesy movie, but fun to see shots of Pirate’s Cove there they did their baptisms and some other local stuff.   It was drizzling in SLC so I finally had a use for my rain shell!!  I had to park a little ways from the closest tram stop!   Home by 10pm.  

I’m glad I did the cruise.  I did get to relax and it was a chill environment in Alaska.  Would I choose it and plan for months and do excursions?  No.  Probably some of it is because of where I live.  I’m in the mountains, see moose all the time,  I’ve seen bears, I’ve seen whales before.  I was kind of disappointed in the blatant tourist commercialism.  Sitka was the best as it seemed like it has avoided the commercialism and still was holding on to it’s small town roots,  Yes, I understand that is all they have to make money on up there, with a short tourist season.  I’d have to do it like Anita did, and make it a long land trip to actually get into what is Alaska.   But, I do thank all of you for pushing me to take the trip!!!  What do I do next?????  

 

Now, we have more ladies leaving soon so we’ll get their trip highlights.  

 

The only food porn I have from the entire trip:

[Lois R]

Hi Kat, sounds like you had a good time overall and that is what is important😀

[Lois R]

Good morning😀, have a question for ya'll......now, this would probably be posted on the "air forum" but sometimes I get annoyed with the folks who post on there and I know this is my safe place🙂 and I know some of you might know the answers so figured I would ask here.

 

In August I am doing the British Isles Cruise......flight is from JFK to Heathrow. Question about arrival at Heathrow. Do you know any of the logistics there? The last time I stopped there was for a layover last summer and it was not a pleasant experience😧 Since this trip has no connection involved, just wondering when you arrive at the gate, I know I will have to go through Immigration and then get my luggage and then find the cruise line rep (have cruise line transport/hotel).  Just wondering if any of you know if the signage at the airport is pretty clear? I am guessing there will be others on the flight going to the same place I am......do you think the Delta flight attendants would assist just to make sure I go to the right place? 

Thanks for any help🙂

[cruisemom42]

Good morning -- first day of retirement for me. Oh no, what will I do??  😆😉

 

We have an annual arts festival here in my city every May, so I enjoyed that a bit over the weekend. Can just pop out of my condo and be right in the midst of things. 

 

Yesterday afternoon I made a TJ's run. I got some of the Cacio e Pepe crisps that @slidergirl mentioned earlier -- delish. I also got my favorite chicken, lemon and arugula salad and some other treats. My son's condo announced a couple of weeks ago that they need to do some kind of work or repairs that will necessitate cutting their electrical power off for most of next weekend, so I think I may be putting him up here -- thought I'd better have a few extra snacks on hand, including these new ones I had not seen before -- they were sampling them in the store and it was tasty:

 

 

I also got some produce and some pantry staples while there, as I want to make more salads for lunches now that I am not so time constrained. At the end of it all I was surprised that my nearly full cart was not as much as I had feared...  😅

 

[cruisemom42]

48 minutes ago, Lois R said:

Since this trip has no connection involved, just wondering when you arrive at the gate, I know I will have to go through Immigration and then get my luggage and then find the cruise line rep (have cruise line transport/hotel).  Just wondering if any of you know if the signage at the airport is pretty clear?

 

Hi Lois -- the flow of the airport is set up so that it should be pretty easy to find your cruise line rep, based on my experiences. Everyone getting off the plane is funneled into the immigration/passport control area first. If you are "front of plane" (first or business), look for the Priority lanes which are sometimes (but not always) open for priority passengers such as Delta One or high-ranking frequent fliers.

 

Once through Immigration you will again be funneled to the baggage retrieval area and then will exit through the Customs clearance (usually just a quick walk through). 

 

After all of this, you end up in the Arrivals Hall, which is where you'll see all kinds of tour reps/drivers/cruise line reps waiting with signs for arriving passengers. I would guess you'd be looking for someone with a Silversea sign rather than a sign with your name on it, but you should confirm that with them. 

 

There will be a lot of people there, but I've never had trouble locating my pickup driver or tour rep...

 

[Lois R]

2 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

Hi Lois -- the flow of the airport is set up so that it should be pretty easy to find your cruise line rep, based on my experiences. Everyone getting off the plane is funneled into the immigration/passport control area first. If you are "front of plane" (first or business), look for the Priority lanes which are sometimes (but not always) open for priority passengers such as Delta One or high-ranking frequent fliers.

 

Once through Immigration you will again be funneled to the baggage retrieval area and then will exit through the Customs clearance (usually just a quick walk through). 

 

After all of this, you end up in the Arrivals Hall, which is where you'll see all kinds of tour reps/drivers/cruise line reps waiting with signs for arriving passengers. I would guess you'd be looking for someone with a Silversea sign rather than a sign with your name on it, but you should confirm that with them. 

 

There will be a lot of people there, but I've never had trouble locating my pickup driver or tour rep...

 

Hi Cynthia, first, congrats on your first day of the rest of your life😀 and second, thank you for the reply. I was guessing/hoping you would know Heathrow's logistics.. And yes, I will be flying Delta Business Class.  I always appreciate you and your experiences🙂

[slidergirl]

Cynthia - Happy Retirement!!   Now you can be the Spontaneous Traveler!!  

 

I do like Mee Krob, so those snickers sound promising.  I’ll remember them for my next TJ run.  

 

Who is up next on the cruise schedule?   Who is up next for a land trip?  Inquiring minds want to know!!

 

My Squirrel came back around this morning.  It was nice to see him after a week.  When I got back Saturday night, the feeder I bought to keep him supplied with sunflower seeds was empty.  Now I’ll work on getting him to be comfortable with me outside and maybe get closer.  

 

I think I have a good case of “snow has melted and mold is everywhere and stuff is starting to bloom” allergy.  Sinuses feel yucky, drip down my throat, losing my voice.  Either that, or I picked it up on the cruise.  Not a biggie, just annoying.

 

OOTD:  sweats and a Tshirt.  Not going anywhere.

[Lois R]

Hi Kat, I leave on August 25th🙂

[awhfy]

4 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

Good morning -- first day of retirement for me. Oh no, what will I do??  😆😉

 

We have an annual arts festival here in my city every May, so I enjoyed that a bit over the weekend. Can just pop out of my condo and be right in the midst of things. 

 

Yesterday afternoon I made a TJ's run. I got some of the Cacio e Pepe crisps that @slidergirl mentioned earlier -- delish. I also got my favorite chicken, lemon and arugula salad and some other treats. My son's condo announced a couple of weeks ago that they need to do some kind of work or repairs that will necessitate cutting their electrical power off for most of next weekend, so I think I may be putting him up here -- thought I'd better have a few extra snacks on hand, including these new ones I had not seen before -- they were sampling them in the store and it was tasty:

 

 

I also got some produce and some pantry staples while there, as I want to make more salads for lunches now that I am not so time constrained. At the end of it all I was surprised that my nearly full cart was not as much as I had feared...  😅

 

Happy first day of retirement!!!

[awhfy]

We have a land trip in Boston from 25 July to 3 August. Black tie wedding in the end of July in Boston!  I’ll be cool but poor Les will be in a tux. Melody

[WELDON]

Hi Lois,

Everything is very well marked, When I went on my British Isles cruise, I took a train to Paddington Station from Heathrow. I had no trouble following signage as to where to buy my ticket, where the trains depart, and when I arrived at Paddington, where to get a taxi.  I stayed in London one night before the cruise. You should have no trouble if you follow signs to arrivals and baggage claim. Everything is very straightforward. As Cynthia mentioned, there is only one way to go.

[Lois R]

25 minutes ago, WELDON said:

Hi Lois,

Everything is very well marked, When I went on my British Isles cruise, I took a train to Paddington Station from Heathrow. I had no trouble following signage as to where to buy my ticket, where the trains depart, and when I arrived at Paddington, where to get a taxi.  I stayed in London one night before the cruise. You should have no trouble if you follow signs to arrivals and baggage claim. Everything is very straightforward. As Cynthia mentioned, there is only one way to go.

Hi Janet, thanks so much😀

[slidergirl]

Woot!!!  We hit 300 pages!!!

[purduemom1]

300 pages-that calls for a round of applause.👏👏👏 First for Kat who started this thread and then for all those who have contributed. Shall we have a virtual toast as we begin working on the next 300?🥂

 

How about another virtual toast to celebrate Cynthia’s retirement 🥂-many happy days ahead!

 

As for land trips, we have one in the works for the end of Aug and into Sept. Details in progress.

 

Love your dress, Melody. BTW how is your foot doing?

 

 

[sjb317]

9 hours ago, purduemom1 said:

300 pages-that calls for a round of applause.👏👏👏 First for Kat who started this thread and then for all those who have contributed. Shall we have a virtual toast as we begin working on the next 300?🥂

 

How about another virtual toast to celebrate Cynthia’s retirement 🥂-many happy days ahead!

 

As for land trips, we have one in the works for the end of Aug and into Sept. Details in progress.

 

Love your dress, Melody. BTW how is your foot doing?

 

 

Good idea, Sharon!  So here’s to Kat for starting this fun thread and to all of you for reaching 300 pages!🥂 And to Cynthia, May you enjoy your retirement and the travels it will take you on!🥂

 

Love all the pictures, Kat!  Especially the bears, they did appear to be performing for you!

I also am craving the biscuit sandwich, it looks yummy!   
 

Love your dress, Melody! 
 

Sherri🙂

[awhfy]

10 hours ago, purduemom1 said:

300 pages-that calls for a round of applause.👏👏👏 First for Kat who started this thread and then for all those who have contributed. Shall we have a virtual toast as we begin working on the next 300?🥂

 

How about another virtual toast to celebrate Cynthia’s retirement 🥂-many happy days ahead!

 

As for land trips, we have one in the works for the end of Aug and into Sept. Details in progress.

 

Love your dress, Melody. BTW how is your foot doing?

 

 

Foot feels better than it has in over 20 years; my mobility is much improved (walking 2+ miles a day without pain). Thanks for asking. Dress was $50 on Amazon, when it arrived the price tag was $349, fits great too. Melody

[awhfy]

Here’s to another 300 pages. Kat, so glad you started this topic!!

[awhfy]

Ok, we’re looking at a HAL 21 night cruise out of Boston round trip with a Panama Canal into Gatun Lake, great itinerary (19 October - 9 Nov on the Zuiderdam). My cousin is taking it & asked if we’d be interested.  Never been on HAL (mostly Celebrity with Royal & an NCL).  Everything is included & price is good.  Am I crazy to start off on a 21 nighter on a line we haven’t been on?  We love long cruises with sea days (this has 9 sea days). Melody

[Lois R]

28 minutes ago, awhfy said:

Ok, we’re looking at a HAL 21 night cruise out of Boston round trip with a Panama Canal into Gatun Lake, great itinerary (19 October - 9 Nov on the Zuiderdam). My cousin is taking it & asked if we’d be interested.  Never been on HAL (mostly Celebrity with Royal & an NCL).  Everything is included & price is good.  Am I crazy to start off on a 21 nighter on a line we haven’t been on?  We love long cruises with sea days (this has 9 sea days). Melody

Hi Melody, sounds like it might be fun🙂 I have only sailed with HAL once and that was almost 20 years ago so I can't give a true opinion of the line.  I am guessing if you are sailing with cousins that you are also friends with? You and Les will probably have a good time😀 And it does sound like a good itinerary.

Didn't Cynthia just sail with HAL? She can probably give you some really good current info.

 

And I agree with everyone and am really glad Kat started this thread🙂