So it begins

Back to reality

Published Date : April 6, 2008

Today is my last day in the Dominican Republic.  It has been an enjoyable trip, but I’m ready to go home.  I would have liked to have explored more of the island, but I came here on an extremely tight budget and was somewhat constrained to the resort.   What I did see of the area is a beautiful country, with people trapped in poverty.

As for all-inclusive vacations, the jury is still out.  While doing another in the future isn’t out of the question, it will definitely not be my first choice.  If I’d had more money and had done more research on the DR before I arrived I probably could have made the trip much more enjoyable.  I would have loved to explore more on my own and really dig into the place.

I spent most of the day reading and sitting by the pool enjoying the last of the sunshine.   I wanted to savour the last of my time alone before returning to the chaos awaiting me at home.  In that respect, this trip has been a resounding success – I’ve managed to avoid thinking about my impending divorce entirely.   I’ve been so angry and so stressed for so long, I had almost forgotten what it felt like to relax.  I really needed this time away to be by myself and recharge my batteries.   The time away has also given me the perspective that I needed.  I no longer have any doubts that ending the marriage is right thing to do.  Knowing that doesn’t make it any easier though.

I left the resort the same way that I arrived, sitting on a bus staring out into the dark, contemplating my future.  Tomorrow it’s back to real life.

What plan?

Published Date : March 25, 2012

The plan was to make it to the airport by 04:30 for my 06:30 flight.  It’s a good thing I’m not attached to my plans ��

After a hectic start to the day, we eventually arrived at Toronto Pearson at 05:15.  Heading to the US Departures area, we couldn’t find the check-in desk for Thomas Cook Airlines anywhere.  Finally asking the airport staff I discovered that, since it’s a charter airline, their desk was all the way at the other end of the airport in the International Departures area.  Sigh. Traipsing back the way we had come, we finally found the right place.  Seeing no self-serve kiosks, I resigned myself to a long wait in the queue.  I was pleasantly surprised by how fast the line moved and made it to the desk in record time.  Well done TC Airlines!

With only 45 minutes left until my plane was scheduled to depart, there was no time for the leisurely breakfast we had planned.  I quickly said farewell to my boyfriend, headed for security and made it to my gate with twenty minutes to spare.  For once a plane boarding late was a good thing.

I slept most of the flight, waking just in time to enjoy the view as we made out final descent into Fort Lauderdale.  Everglades = awesome!  Too bad I won’t get a chance to enjoy them on this trip.

After an interminable wait at passport control, I finally collected my baggage and headed for the taxi stand.  Met with a wall of humidity, I stripped off my winter layers while I waited for a cab to take me to the cruise ship port.  It cost me $15 for the ten-minute trip and the driver dropped me at the wrong terminal.  Sigh.

A 10-minute walk to the right terminal (rolling suitcases are your friend!) and I finally arrived.  My parents arrived in town last night and were eagerly waiting for me at the main entrance.  Hugs all around.

I checked in my bags and together we headed for the cruise ship registration desk.    Waivers signed, photos taken, and ID cards issued, we continued to hurry up and wait in the next holding area.  We eventually boarded the Westerdam just in time for lunch in the Vista Lounge.  It’s fantastic going on your first cruise with experienced cruisers.  My parents know all the tricks.  After a nice lunch, our cabins were ready so we retired to relax and freshen up.

I met my parents up on deck, after a brief nap and a heavenly shower, in time to enjoy our departure from Fort Lauderdale.  Open sea, here we come!   As we left land behind, we headed to the Ocean Bar for some pre-dinner drinks before returning to the Vista Lounge for dinner.  Um, wow!  I could certainly get used to this food!!

From dinner it was off to the other end of the ship to watch the evening show – a musical medley of songs and dances from around the world.  By the end of my marathon day, I was exhausted.  Tomorrow, the fun begins!

At Sea

Published Date : March 26, 2012

Today was a sea day.  I was up by about 08:00 walking the promenade and enjoying the vast emptiness around us.  No land in sight!  I hit the Lido buffet for breakfast by myself, and luckily I got there early enough to avoid the mobs.  French toast, scrambled eggs and fresh fruit.  Yum!  It was still buffet food, but it was at least tasty buffet food. 

I spent the morning exploring and enjoying the views on deck before heading to an info session in the theatre at 10:30.  We were introduced to all the ports that we will be visiting and given an overview of the shore excursions that are available.  I pre-booked all of my excursions, but it was worthwhile to learn more about the ports of call for the trip.

Back out on deck, I found a quiet spot on the upper decks to read and catch some sun.  That was short-lived as we skirted around a storm.  The port side of the ship was bathed in glorious sunshine while to starboard ominous gray clouds and waves of rain darkened the horizon.  Very cool to see!

I met up with my parents at the Vista Lounge for lunch then strolled the decks with them for an hour or so.  It’s nice sharing this trip with them, being able to spend time together when we want, but not being in each other’s pockets.

Next on my agenda for the day was wine tasting.  Hmmmm vino!  Wine is my Achilles heel, I love wine tastings and do them whenever I can.  We sampled 5 wines with a side of fine cheeses and breads.  Added bonus was that we were given full half glasses of each, rather than just tasting portions.  Nice!  Out of the five only two passed muster for me: 2010 Alice White Shiraz and 2009 Wild Horse Cab Sauv.  Neither blew my socks off, but they were respectable wines.  As per usual, at the beginning of the event, everyone at the table was a bit reserved, but by the end of the hour we were in joyous spirits!

From the wine tasting, it was straight to the Ocean Bar for Happy Hour with my parents.  Like I needed more alcohol!  Another drink or two down the hatch, then it was back to our cabins to get ready for dinner.  Being a sea day, it was formal dress tonight.   The evening made for fantastic people watching as some people went full black tie, while others dressed more casually.  There was even one older gent who wore a kilt complete with jacket and sporran.

After another fabulous five course meal in the Vista Lounge (seriously, why deal with the crowds in the buffet when you can enjoy a pleasant sit down meal at no extra cost?) we headed to the theatre for the Captain’s Welcome Toast.  With our complimentary cheap champagne in hand we were introduced to the Captain and crew.  I didn’t stay for the rest of the show because I needed my sleep.  First thing tomorrow morning is SCUBA diving in Turks & Caicos!!