Thursday - Day in Fort Lauderdale

Bea Damn felt left out so here she is everyone!

We wake and for a second I have to figure out exactly where we are?  Oh yeah - Fort Lauderdale.

I couldn't find my glasses tonight and then it dawned on me, I left them at the hairdressers at Sawgrass.  I called them and sure enough, yup I left them there.  So a quick trip back to the mall to pick them up.  Thankfully I remembered and I still don't know how I left them there and did not realize I had left them there.  Either my eyes are getting better or I did not try to read anything.  I hate getting older.

We then are heading closer to the port area to visit Ultimate Nail Salon on 17th street.  We both get pedicures and we now feel like we are on vacation!

Oh I should mention the weather.  It was rather cold yesterday - well not as cold as it was in Nova Scotia or Toronto for that matter but cold for the locals.  It is funny to see so many with big winter coasts and even woolen hats on!  For us we just put on a sweater or light jacket and we are fine.  

In the early afternoon we are back at the apartment to relax at bit.  We have been busy and we need to get a few things done here.  First is all the paperwork that is needed for the insurance claim.  They certainly don't make it easy to submit a claim but it is done and we will drop it in the mail tomorrow before we board.

I also wanted to go over my St. Thomas presentation.  You see I have volunteered to do that presentation on the upcoming cruise as we visit St. Thomas on Tuesday and it is good practice for me and it will benefit the passengers.

I am excited too because a friend - John Ripper just messaged me to tell me his son Eric who recently joined Princess as a videographer (now a senior videographer) will be joining the Royal January 26.  Can't wait to meet him and then also excited because John and his wife are hoping to sail with him and us!  

Also we heard from friends Ted and Nancy that they just recently booked the South Pacific Cruise we are on for a great price!  

I forgot to tell you all that we booked that cruise for a great deal of a $100 a day for an ocean view and then three days later (just before final payment) the price dropped another $150 each and our agent got us a refund.  Way to go Connie.

Okay back to today.  

We decided to try a restaurant close by called No Name Tacos.  It had been rated highly in Yelp and we wanted to go somewhere close, not too big, and noisy and it met our needs and then some.

Haven't been down to the beach yet so we take a drive down along the beach and back.  Things are just starting to get going, it is early and this old couple is ready to call it a night.  

Back at the apartment around 10 pm we put on our pjs on and watch a bit of Youtube.  I catch up on my blogs and look for my luggage tag holders.  You would think I would of put them in an obvious place!  Nope, can't find them.  Oh well I found the tape and we will just use that.

Tomorrow we have to return the car and then head to the pier.  We are hoping to drop the bags off first.  Great tip if you are renting a car.  Drop your bags off first then return your car and then if you take the shuttle or a taxi you are not worrying about suitcases.

We are at Pier 21 tomorrow as the Caribbean Princess is at Pier 2 - which makes sense since they have Ocean Medallion.  

Well off for the night - cheers everyone!  Thanks for following.

Flying Out Today

So .... we are flying out today.  I feel a little odd.  Not my normal self.  Normally I am really excited. Normally I can't sleep the night prior.  Normally I am so ready I sit impatiently for a few hours till it is time to leave.  

Today I feel nothing close to normal.  

Why?  Well I am trying to figure that out.

Could be:

• When I was working I was so looking forward to time away from work.  Time to relax.  Now I am retired and my life is darn good so no need to get away (but I still want to).
• We now own a lovely home and I am so enjoying living here and being close to family that it is hard to leave.
• I am so engrossed in my port lectures for South America that I am preparing, that I really haven't had time to think about this trip.  In fact I have designated a lot of the research to Bernie, which if anyone knows me is not a normal thing for me to give up control.
• Maybe we have been on too many cruises (give your head a shake Vickie - no such thing) that they are no longer "special".  

But truthfully:

• It is getting cooler here in Cape Breton and a month away will be a nice treat.
• I am excited to spend quality time with my husband away from the day to day distractions.
• I have half of the port lectures for South America written, researched, and photos ready to drop into Power Point presentations. I plan to spend the sea days preparing the presentations.  
• We will be seeing quite a few cruise friends on board.  Some we haven't seen for a long time, some we have seen recently.
• I am looking forward to seeing London again.  This time for a few days and the chance to spend some time with Michael and his family.
• Of course Rome is always a highlight and I am surprised because we have nothing officially planned for Rome.  We have visited all the major sites, and some we would like to see again. However, this trip we plan to go with the flow and see what we feel like doing.  We are fortunate because we are later in the season it is easier to do things last minute.  We also want to travel a bit further out and explore some of the outskirts of Rome.
• We have a family member living in the house till next Spring so we know the house is in good hands.

We fly out (with Westjet) of Halifax airport tonight and arrive in London at 8 am.  Wow a flight to London that is direct and under 6 hours!  And only a four hour time change.  Another perk of living on the East Coast.  

We splurged and upgraded our seats to Comfort Plus in the hopes that we may get a bit of sleep - but knowing me I won't.  

We have arranged for early check in at our hotel in London where we hope to have a bit of a rest then shower and head out to meet friends late afternoon.  

I am going to try and blog this voyage but it will have to take a back seat to my working on the presentations each day.  So please be patient.  But I know you all are!

Our current itinerary is:

• tonight fly to London
• London Friday to Monday the 29th
• Fly to Rome on the 29th
• Hang in Rome for five nights
• Train to Civitavecchia Nov 3 and board the Crown Princess.
• Nov 3 - 17 Trans Atlantic Cruise
• Nov 17 - 27 Caribbean Cruise
• Nov 27 fly home

Okay I can feel a bit of excitement coming on!

On Board Cruise Book Information - Room Service, etc

This is what is in the Blue Book in your cabin with Cruise information you may find interesting.  I did not take pictures of everything but pages I thought you might be interested in.

You can click on each picture to see it better if necessary.

Packing

So today we find ourselves packing our bags for 3 weeks in the Caribbean on board the beautiful Caribbean Princess.

But things are a bit more difficult this time.

You see when we shipped our 15 containers full of our much needed possessions across the country -- basically our only possessions -- we packed things all over the place in various containers to save space.

Since we really have not had the opportunity to unpack entirely we still have items throughout the 15 containers.

So where are our cruise items?  Where are our dress clothes?  Where are our snorkel gear?  Where are our shoes? You name it.

We finally managed to find most of it and things are strewn all over the bed.  Then Bernie says "where are my red lulu lemon shorts?"  Good question, I haven't seen them.  So many items are missing, but then part of me wonders "did I give that item away"  "did I throw that item out".  

Well we may never know and we may just have to do without.  Or buy a new one.

So now we are off to get pedicures and when we return we will continue with the packing.  

Tomorrow we are off on a very early flight, but we arrive in Fort Lauderdale early too.  

Follow along.  Word is that Ocean Medallion is rolling out this sailing too.  Stay tuned to learn more.

Day 28 - More Ottawa and RCMP Anyone

We had a slow start this morning, relaxing and enjoying visiting.

Today we have no set plans and Bernie suggests Rideau Hall.  We drive towards the site and park right beside the Consulate for France.  And then there is 24 Sussex the home of our Prime Minster Justin Trudeau.  But we can not visit so we wave and take a picture and move on.

This is as close as Bea could get

Rideau Hall (the Home of the Canadian Governor General -Julie Payette) is a block away and it is such a beautiful day it is lovely to just visit the grounds which are quite extensive.  

Do you not know what a Governor General is? Well I have many readers who are not probably aware.

Canada is a constitutional monarchy, where the duties of head of State and head of Government are distinct. Canada’s Parliament consists of three parts: the Queen, represented by the governor general; the Senate; and the House of Commons.  So the role of the Governor General is our representation of the Crown.  

Of course she does a lot!  Check out the website to learn more.

Visiting Rideau Hall is free and there are free guided tours as well.  Just show up and you will be assigned to a tour group.  They offer them in English and in French. Here are some highlights.

We meet with our guide Molly - who was celebrating a birthday today!  

Check out the Chandelier.  It was given to the Canadian People from Great Britain in gratitude for the assistance provided during the Second World War.  It hangs in the Ballroom at Rideau Hall, where the chandelier still hangs today. The chandelier is neo-classical in style and consists of 12,000 pieces of crystal and 80 bulbs; it weighs one tonne.

Here are examples of some of the medals that are handed out to very deserving Canadians.

This is what the Governor General wears, notice Bea likes it too.

The famous tent room.  Yes that is fabric on the ceiling and walls.  This room is used as a gathering spot for events. Very interesting!

I love the artwork throughout the Hall. All Canadian Artist, and in this room it shows how immigration formed this country.  The above pictures show the settlers that went to the Prairies. The harsh winters and then the summer harvest.

This image above of immigrates travelling across oceans and seeing the land they were going to.  

It is very hot out and the fountain in front is so cold!  

No sign of Prime Minster Trudea or the family - not even sure if they are in Ottawa right - probably not as the G7 gathering is happening in Quebec.

While on the tour two couples said they had just visited the RCMP Ride Center.  So we decide to visit it too.  Another free site for visitors.

A video I found on Youtube that shows the RCMP Musical Ride.  

Here you learn what it is like to be part of the RCMP Musical Ride.  Serving members of the RCMP apply and if selected they come here for training.  If they are the right fit they are chosen and serve for two years full time.  

This is where they train, especially in Winter.  Huge and mirrors on the walls so they can see how they are performing. The Ground is sand so it is very soft for the horses.

Each horse is black and may have a bit of white. They have to be a certain size to qualify.  Did you know each horse is considered to be a member of the RCMP!  Once they have finished their career performing they are retired to a beautiful farm.

They practice all winter long, they take care of their horses and in the Summer they tour.  This year the RCMP Musical Ride will be touring in Ontario and British Columbia.  Here is their schedule this summer. 

They had a really cute gift shop. Bea feels right at home.  In fact we find her siblings - her exact replicas (makes sense since we bought her close to the RCMP training in Regina).

We head to lunch and get a great table outside on this beautiful Sunday.  Cheers Meghan -- thanks for coming up to see us.

For dessert it only makes sense that we have a beaver tail - a quintessential dessert in Canada.  Of course Bea was a little concerned someone would munch down on her tail accidentally.  

We take Meghan to the airport and then we are sad!  Yes we miss you already Meghan.

Tonight we head out to join a Ghost Walk Tour.  It is only a 20 minute walk away and we meet up with a large group right near the Parliament Buildings.

We booked thru Viator but you can book directly here with The Haunted Walk.  

Our guide is an excellent story teller who keeps us on our toes with stories and tales of mysterious events! 

1,000th Blog! This is the reason I do this!

Today's blog marks my 1,000th blog.

When I first started to blog back in 2009 I thought it was a good way to journal my trips and to have my friends and family follow along. 

My first blog can be found here from Jan of 2009.

Boy I look so young!  

I had no idea the blog would grow the way it has.  As of today I have had 873,000 views!  

Some days it is a chore to write, especially when I am tired or there is so much to write I just don't want to start.

But when I do start writing it just flows and it is fun to write.

Although 90% of the time I really look forward to writing about our days travelling and sharing.

I am proud that I have kept it going.  So many blogs I have followed over the years have stopped suddenly when they loose interest.  I am proud I kept writing. 

Today we are in Sault Ste Marie Ontario.  Friends Dave and Pat Deatrick who live just across the border came over to the Canadian side and met us for dinner.

We first met Dave and Pat on a cruise many years ago and have kept in touch. They both are so helpful in sharing pictures of ports/ships and offering advice on my Facebook page.  

Seeing them both tonight it is like no time has passed and the conversation does not stop during the whole meal.  

The gifts we have been given in the way of friendships because of our travels is the reason we keep doing it.

Thanks again Dave and Pat for a lovely evening.

And thank you all for following my blog and reading, commenting and sharing.  

Thank you to all the people who have been a part of our travel lives.  We feel honoured to have you our lives and a true blessing.

It truly has been a pleasure.  Here is to the next 1,000 blogs!

3 Weeks in the Car - A Review On or If We are Surviving

Wow we have been on the road for 3 weeks now!  It doesn't feel like three weeks, and in some ways it does feel like three weeks.

The good news - we are still married.  Actually it is going better than I had imagined.  We have talked a lot, about so much, and it is amazing that even after 28 years of knowing each other we still learn new things about the other.  

Things we have noticed in the three weeks:

• Trapped in a steel box for hours on end can get to you
• Patience is important ALL THE TIME
• Not to jump to conclusions  
• Talking out what and where we want to go all the time.  Whether it is where to stop to use a washroom, stop for a meal or even how long to stay in a place.  Usually I want to stay longer and Bernie less.  When we disagree we debate the issue and then Bernie figures out I am right - "laughing" - just kidding sometimes he is right too.  When that happens I will let you know.
• Packing was very important and we have done very well with this.  We each have one suitcase for clothes, one small roller bag for all our toiletries (shampoo /conditioner/drugs/blow dryer/etc), and the cooler.  All this goes in the back seat.  The stuff in the trunk are items we don't need that we packed to take home. But we do have two pillows, some food items in a bag, a box with items we occasionally need like binoculars, toilet paper for those emergency stops, bug spray, sunscreen, small blanket.  Each night we bring in all that is in the back seat and the pillows, the rest stays in the car.
• Being organized is really key.  Packing items back in "their" spot so we know where it is later.
• Planning a little - we like to know where we are staying each night prior to arrival.  We look at accommodations and pre-book.  We also look up what to do and see in each place prior to arrival and talk about it.  
• Booking accommodations - usually we stay at a hotel if it is just for one or two nights.  If  three nights or longer we look at Airbnb.  Reason we don't use Airbnb for shorter stays is many places have a minimum stay and the fee for cleaning and booking add up and it is often not cost effective for one or two nights.  But anything longer it is much much cheaper to do Airbnb and more comfortable.
• Life is too short to get stressed out over the minor problems.  When things do not work out exactly as you had planned get over it quickly.
• Arranging for some home cooked meals really helps.  We have all the necessary items for our breakfasts and often eat at our Airbnb.  Most of the hotels we have stayed at included breakfast.  We try to make a dinner at least once while staying at an Airbnb.
• Doing wash when you can is important - this is usually Bernie's job - even at home.
• Having a sleep in when you can is okay.  You do not have to be on the go all the time.
• Wine is very important each night!

So we are just half way to Cape Breton.  We are anticipating another three weeks till we arrive.

We are loving this journey and we have had wonderful memories created already!  More to come.

Thanks for following.

Day 19 - A Loonie for Your Thoughts at the Canadian Mint

You know I never would of thought about visiting the Canadian Mint but Bernie was really into it.  And since marriage is all about give and take we went.

The Winnipeg Canada Mint was built just over 40 years ago.  As you approach you see tons of flags flying high.  We later learn that these flags represent all the countries that this Mint makes coins for.  Yes!  65% of the coins produced here are made for other countries.  Only 35% are Canadian coins - our nickle, dime, quarter, loonie and toonie that are in circulation.  The Ottawa Mint makes all the decorative memorable coins.

We arrive and pay the fee to do a tour.  Note you should call to reserve a spot in a tour ahead of time but we did not but were able to join a tour at 11 am.  They should make it possible to book their tours thru their website.

Until the tour we wander around the gift shop and take some pictures.

Check out this gold bar!  This gold bar is worth $750,000!  We were able to lift it to feel it's weight (note there was a lot of security) and it was darn heavy.

The Canadian Mint also produced the Olympic medals for the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games in 2010.

Bernie asks about the toonie that has the Northern Lights that actually appear in the dark.  Sadly they do not have anymore.  We continue to chat about where we are from and what we are doing.

A woman (we find out later her name is Tracy) overhears and comes over and says she has one.  The coin is in circulation and she happened to get one in her change and just kept it to the side.  She offered it to us for another toonie.  

Isn't this so special.  This is why we love travelling - connecting with people.  Thanks Tracy!

We did end up buying a coin called - The Great Trail to commemorate our cross Canada trip.  Here is a link to the coin. 

While waiting I sit on a bench and chat with this couple who I find out live in Winnipeg but are from Zimbabwe, Africa. We pick their brain about visiting Zimbabwe as we hope to get there this Fall.

The tour starts and we are not allowed to take pictures.  But I sure learned a lot.  

I highly recommend that if anyone is coming to Winnipeg you should make sure to visit the Canadian Mint.  

Here is a picture I found online that represents our coins - note we not longer have pennies in circulation.

Did you know that the initial loonie coin was not actually suppose to have a loon on the coin?  The original design was suppose to be a voyageur in a canoe but those plates got lost so they went to the loon to make sure it was produced on time.

Across the river you see the Human Rights Museum on left

After the Mint we went to St. Boniface Cathedral and Museum.  The museum is small but filled with tons of information!

A large exhibit about Louis Riel.  Louis Riel was born on the Red River in 1844 as the oldest of a large family.  When the Canadian Dominion was formed in 1867 they wanted to settle this land and started selling off parcels.  But no one consulted with the Metis who had settled here a long time ago.

When the government came to survey the lands Riel and a group of Metis challenged them.  Louis Riel who spoke both English and French quickly emerged as a leader.  

Negotiations began and a settlement was reached; however the government saw Riel and the Metis' actions as act of treason against the government.  Even though Riel was elected numerous times to Canadian Government he was never able to take a leading role in the formation of the new Province of Manitoba.  

He was forced to flee and went to the US and even after he was pardoned he ended up staying away for five years until the Battle of Batoche which we visited while in Saskatoon.  You can read all about it here. 

After the battle of Batoche and Riel was captured he was held to stand trial for treason.  He was found guilty and hung.  

Here is his actual coffin that he was transported in initially but was buried in a different one.  Sorry it is not in focus.

We visit the cemetery where Riel is buried.  Also the beautiful St. Boniface Church.  There have been many churches on this site but the stone one that burned down in 1968 is still visible with the newer smaller one seen just inside.

After all this we are ready for lunch.  We visit the Red Roof 
Diner as it was featured on the show "You Gotta Eat Here".  It was quite good.  We end up ordering take out for our dinner tonight.

I then steer Bernie to a bakery called Baked Expections that our friend Megan recommended.  Yup this is my kind of place.  We each get a piece of dessert to go for dessert tonight.  Bernie got key lime pie and I got the salted caramel chocolate cake. 

this is their box - too cute

Back at the apartment around 3:30 and we do a load of wash, make reservations for the next two nights and coordinate some plans for the next week.  We are excited to see Dave and Pat in Sault Ste Marie.

Later we heat up some spaghetti that we got from take out and we open a bottle of wine and top it off with some amazing dessert.

We are aiming to be on the road by 8 am tomorrow.  It will be a long day of driving to Thunder Bay.

We saw two mail delivery people today walking their route.

Here is our scavenger hunt list today:

• Moose
• Deer
• Hitchhiker
• Eagle/Hawk
• Licence plates from every Province in Canada - but you can not count the province you are in.  So if we see an Alberta plate in BC then it counts, but not if we are in Alberta. British Columbia  Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Yukon, and North West Territory
• Skunk - saw a dead one
• Sheep
• Beaver
• Goslings
• Buffalo
• Goat
• Owl
• Bear
• Loon
• Crane
• Prairie Dog
• Fisherman fishing
• Canoe
• Hummingbird
• Antique car on the road
• Old VW Bug
• Car broken down on the side of the road
• Helicopter on the ground
• Airplane on the ground
• Speeding ticket- hopefully not our own
• Ambulance with sirens on
• Dump truck
• Line painting crew at work
• Mail delivery person walking their route
• Cruise Ship (from Janice and Jim)
• Coyote 
• RCMP officer
• Hop on Hop off Bus
• Sea Glass
• Lobster

If you have any items you think we should add to our scavenger hunt list, let us know.

So Today's Stats 
Driving distance today 50 km 
Total distance 4720 km

Thanks for following.