| ok- this may span out to be a long post, but when you go to an exotic (or 5) location, a lot needs to be said...I write as a reminder- overall, I had a wonderful time, took over 1,000 pictures in 7 days, and will carry these memories with me forever. I have been super busy and never though I would get around to doing this, but here goes the story with a hand cramp:
"My Cruise" by: zita
Saturday, June 17, 2006 West Chester, PA/Newark, NJ
I awoke and said my tearful goodbyes to the boys. Drove home to Allentown to meet the family and of course, get some Dodger time in. Then we were off to Newark , NJ where we would spend the nigh at at a Best Western (it was as in a very creepy ghetto). The car ride mainly consisted of Morgan and I playing the Name Game and her making up random famous people to get the laughs going. I actually enjoyed the first day much more than imaginable- not to say it beat the cruise- but it was on top of my list of the fun we had. For the majority of it, it was just me and my family. We played ag game of "win lose or draw" on the TV, drank, went for a walk up the creepy alley, and just had a good time (sans a lost door key...). I looked for dead bodies out the window and had a late dinner. We tried to go to bed early, but excitement and nerves (i am not a plan person) were giving me a restless sleep.
Sunday, June 18, 2006 San Juan, Puerto Rico/ Carnival Destiny
We woke really early to catch our flight. I was surprised not to have to fight for a window seat (seeing as we would be landing in Puerto Rico), but Morgan was nice about it. We were given breakfast and watched "King Kong". Moo and I played Pass the Pig and after four hours there was land. ALthough pictures are a no-no, I was getting a head start. Surprisingly, the airports were easy to get around and within a short period of time we were at the cruise terminal. It was as a nice intro that free Margaritas were being passed around the crowd. We got onto the ship and as we got into the elevator, my mom surprised Kirstin, her friend Kelli, and I with our cabin being on the same floor as theirs. Wee expected to be near the ground floor, but it was as nice to have space (I slept on the bunk). My mom and stepdad's cabin had a balcony and we were fairly close tot he front of the ship. After we settled, we went to lunch (lots of food) and swam in the pool of 1/2 water, 1/2 salt water. My ring became stained with black from the funky water, but it is back to normal now. There were hot tubs and a slide in the open deck. We explored for a bit on the ship before the crowds came and had dinner. The first night was a casual dinner full of menu questions (we know all about the cheese plates now). After dinner we had to go to our muster training stations on the deck. It was hot, sticky, and filled with the entire ship of people wearing life jackets. We went up to the deck to watch the boat leave the port of San Juan. it was absolutely beautiful to watch the water hit the cliffs on the shores and see the lights of Puerto Rico lit up as we sailed into the dark night. Although the water was a bit rough, it was such a great feeling to only see the stars above. Then we partied on the Lido Deck for a bit. Morgan, Brian, and I got a taste of the limbo while Brian's pants got a taste of splitting in half on the first night. That was hilarious  I was ready for sleep so Little Stevie and I climbed into the bunk- it was like a water bed with all the boat rocking...eh.
Monday, June 19, 2006 St. Thomas, USVI
How much fun it was becoming to go to sleep in one place and wake up in a completely different one (well, I guess it's great so long as you know before you go to sleep). I woke early and rushed to my family's cabin to see we were docked along the very pretty *but not yet awake) St. Thomas. After breakfast on the Lido Deck (and lots of seagulls), we went ashore. Kirstin and Kelli wanted to go early, but i was there primarily to be with Morgan and Taylor, an their trip took us to the top of a mountain where we could overlook the harbor and even see Puerto Rico where we were. We took a sky-ride (moo and Taylor had escaped being "12" although Kaitlyn almost killed herself tripping on steps to prove her age) to Paradise Point. The top of the mountain was home to the Bushwacker and Brian bought me one (lots of alcohol- but it was quite tasty). We saw small lizards, holes of spiders, beautiful birds, flowers, and Morgan browed with me at the small shops. The sights were amazing- we were blessed with clear skies.We saw a dead mongoose, were constantly interrupted by taxi drivers/crossing guards, Brian made a "friend" with a very dread-locked gentlemen. Mom, Morgan , and I browed the stores (I almost set my hand on fire). I bought a bottle of rum that you would have to see to believe, it is 2 feet high and was only $30.00; i also got gifts and took pictures of the town. I was able to talk to Steve for a few minutes (the last time for 5 days  ). The island was gorgeous, but to be overlooked in that factor given that we saw so many great places from then on. Once on the boat, we were ready for dinner (it was a formal night) and a very sunburnt Kirstin and Kelli. They went to the beach and got pics of iguanas, but man am I glad I didn't go along given how unbelievably cooked they looked. We saw amazing sites ourselves and I knew we would be at the beach in a few days anyway, so I am happy with what I got to se that day. At dinner we met our server, Calvin who was very nice and his asst. Rutchie. They had such nice dispositions that every dinner as great. We were also introduced into being the "white team" that evening, which basically meant throughout the cruise we had to gain points through the competitions for a "prize" at the end of the week (which anticlimactically was forgotten). After dinner, we were entertained by the welcoming show and a comedian. It w as where we got our first taste of Lou. He was a dance crazed-cane carrying-elderly man celebrating his 53rd anniversary and when he was asked to dance on stage, he made up his own entertaining moves. Morgan I think he may be a bit more senile than serious when it came to dancing, but he sure made us laugh!
Tuesday, June 20, 2006 Dominica
http://www.dominica.dm/index.php Emerald Pool 
Probably my favorite island because it w as the most "real" of them all. Until a year ago, there was little tourism on the already 3rd World Island, so you can imagine how different it was from what we know. The day was gloomy and humid when we woke and walked along the Lido Deck. It didn't really matter all that much on that day because we were in the rainforest, so it was acceptable to get drenched (and boy did we ever!)We were supposed to go on a tube rude down a river by a volcano, but the rain/high waters had taken that away. The guy (Red) who was going to taxi us to the volcano offered a personal tour of the island instead. what great luck we had. I knew mom had worked hard to find an excursion as great as a tube ride, but to be honest, she really topped herself by agreeing to Red's tour. It was not only educational, but much more personal. How awesome to have your own personal native tour guide! He knew where the more "commercial" tours would go- so he rushed us to see sites before the crowds arrived (that was a nice bonus) we went to the top of a mountain where Red's partner Natasha told us all of the text book info about the island. She was so thorough and very sweet. We walked along a path to 2 beautiful waterfalls, saw the coolest plants, and i spotted yellow fresh water crabs (ugly-but cool). we beat the crowds and went to another moutnain top that overlooked the coast. Maybe it was the lack of sun, but it was much more surreal to see this culture where their dinner was grazing the lawn, beaches with black sand, a one car dealership, etc. area. I was a bit car sick- but very thrilled when Red took us up another hill to a roadside stand where a guy who owned his own plantation would go on cruise ship days and give away fresh fruit. He called it, "Its nice to be nice" and had a table with fresh (unpasteurized) pineapples, bananas, coconuts, etc. were ready to taste. Natasha told us the wages were between $1.50-$3/hour so for him to work free was so humbling. Of course, with a tourism tip- he was making five hours worth of work in one banana. THe best part was when you would say thank you to him, his response was "it's nice to be nice." Then we went to the Emerald Pool which (because of the rain) was not crystal clear, but cold. It was a waterfall in the deep rainforest that we walked to and jumped off of cliffs into the eh water. The waterfall fell over a small cave like crater with rocks protruding far out for us to jump- of course, i had to be cautious of my ever-so broken toe. We then walked through more rainforest and saw Baw Bande trees (a protected aphrodisiac tree), wax flowers, and were drenched when we left. It felt so short, but Red's tour was a whole day We then waled around the streets of Dominica and bought fits at their vendors. Everyone was so glad to see tourists (one lady told me she loved me) A guy tried to take my camera (big no no!) and I bought Steve some homemade Baw Bande rum (which he can't get anywhere else in the world- but he stated to shake when he drank it- so it's just a table warmer now). When the ship was about to sail, I hopped aboard and we had a few cocktails in the comedy lounge and took a number of great pictures. We had a casual dinner (enchiladas!) Morgan got me hooked on Hot chocolate. There was another great dance show and it was a fun evening to end a great day.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006 Barbados
Since "Friends," I was ecstatic to go to Barbados and it was definitely worth the wait. Imagine the whitest sands, clearest waters, and most colorful buildings- you still wouldn't capture the beauty of the island. We were fortunate to see clear sunny skies on that day (what a switch from Tuesday) and headed to a small quite beach. There was a colorful bar there and as we paid to go to the private beach, we got a free cocktail as well. I had a "Peach on Malibu Beach" which was fruity and overwhelming when you're in the sun all day long. There was a dock that jetted out to the colorful waters where we could swing from. Nico was our helper and he kept trying to teach me to swing out and do a back flip. I tried about 10 times before I came my closest to doing it- I never fully grasped it, but was refusing to give up. However, I also will remember that moment for the awhile as it was not so great for my broken toe when I was climbing the rung ladder- ouch! It was our first real da with sun and the clear water still blows my mind. The beach also had 2 huge water trampolines which were only about 40 feet from land and an "iceberg" which is a big floating climbing wall- it was as hard to get up onto , but fun to slide down. Taylor had a good time attempting to get on top, Morgan and I were not always as successful. Moo got such a cute bathing suite, Kirstin and Kaitlyn got their hair braided- and I got too close for comfort to fish. Kelli bought a beach ball that floated to s ee just after being inflated- we hadn't even played with it yet and the coast guard had to retrieve it! hehe. There was a guy who had his horse to ride as well We went back to the port- shopped a bit- took some pictures got ready for the dinner. After dinner went to the Paladium lounge where I was on stage for the Family Feud (girls vs. boys). The women won 19 weeks in a rows so the pressure was on. Fortunately, we squeezed by and won! I got a medal. Then was "deal or no deal bingo" (Morgan played with me- which was a bit of a battle on its owns). A juggler/comedian entertained (and sweat-ew). I was pretty tired after a day in the sun, although it was late, i wasn't in the mood to stay "out" too much later.
Thursday, June 22, 2006 Carnival Destiny- Day at Sea
Our first day at sea started out with a smile, but didn't end with one. I w as very happy to get to sleep in for the first time in days. Since the day was on the boat, i didn't feel like i was missing much more than lots of water. I found Morgan and Katilyn and had some breakfast (which mainly consisted of grapefruits, eggs, and tater tots). We lied out on the deck for several hours, went down the slide, swam, and ate , then came the hairy chest competition which was really a dancing contest. So many of the guys couldn't dance, but they sure were ugly! we watched Lou dance some more too! Mom, Morgan, and I went shopping for a bit and then I participated in the "survivor" competition (i was told I had to so that I could get more points for the team). We had a scavenger hunt (I took my top off), passed fruit with our mouths, and had to answer trivia. I made it pretty far, but in the end, lost to guy with "rainbow" pants and who spit a grape in my mouth. Thanks to Moo, I got some good pictures too,. we lied out a bit more and got ready for the last formal night. After dinner, we went to the dshow from boredom hell where dancerss reinacted Paris life *yawn*. Taylor questioend why I clapped at the end. Danield dared to maek his attempt at Kareoke and after Moo went to sleep- Taylor and I checked out the grand buffet with ice sculptures and his own caviar baby.
Friday, June 23, 2006 Aruba (Sayward Day)  The Jolly Pirate
On Friday morning, I was out of bed and ready to play in Aruba (of course with teh intetniosn of finding Natalee Holloway). i went to my family's cabin adn coulsee land in the distance. One of my favirte thigns about he Caribbean (ironically) was the fast amounts of flying fish we woudl see each day while the boat came close to the shores. You would see one and then suddently about 20 "birds" flying along the crest tops of the waves, then they would all disappear. Itw as chering me up to see a beautiful sunrise and disappearing fish. we had breakfast on the lido deck and walked around until we were fully docked. The boat had arrived early (7am) and we had to be off as soon as possible because our excursion was early. This day I was able to brin gmy camera alogn to the gorgeous country. we had our pictures with a pirate (and frog) and made our way to the bus which drove us to the breathaking beaches. Our excursion was a snorkeling trip of the coast of Aruba. We were on a "pirate" ship called hte Joly Pirate which came with a bar, BBQ, and swing. Before the boat, we sat ashore and played in teh sand. Taylor literally scared fish right out of the water and Daniel found a straw. We got onto a small motor boat which borought us off shore and were given our masks and snorkels. The water was still amazing me that I could see the bottom in 20ft water. our first of 3 locations was by the rocks offshore. I honestly don' tthink I could have done the exciursion w/o Taylor. He was so unbelievalbly sweet to stay by mys die and hodl my hand until I was able to get a grip on teh fish factor. Oringally I was tembling so hard that he had to ask emt o try to stop b/c I was shaking his body so hard. I was more freakd out each tiem we jumped in for the first few minutes, but then I was able to calm down once I got used to the udnerwater surroundings. Morgan joined us and we explored together. there were really cool urcahn, fish with such odd colors (there were ones with almost "neon" colors on them) and very brave fish too (almost too brave). we were called on the boat and brought to the second lcoation near the lighthouse. My mom once again did a great job with her creaitve search. We swung from the ropes off the boat (i may have hurt my arm, but it was so worth it!) and then they brought us lunch onto the boat (watermelon!). We sunned until it was time to go to the final location. Once we sailed out further into the sea, you could see the top of the shipwreck that we were gonig to explore. It was a WWII German vessel called the Antilla which was intentionally sunk years ago. The boat was so close to the surface that you could see parts of it coming above the waves. The boat was incredibly eery to see once you got into the water and the waves were so strong that you could baely keep your breath while trying to use a snorkel anyway! We so some more crazy fish and got almost too close to the boat (ew!). Then we jumped back onto the Jolly Pirate and sailed to the Aruban coast. Once we got back, we jumped onto the bus and went back to the Destiny. We shopped for a little while and I got some jewelry. I finally found the Opal Lounge which had internet access and found my way into saying hi to the boys and sending Say a birthday wish. Then we had dinner and headed off to see the Destiny Idol show. It was pretty funny at first to watch the people sing (they were kareoke contestants), but even more hilarious once one of teh judges (we didn't like her much) curse in front of the entire audience! hehehe. I headed to bed once the show was over- too much sun that day had gotten me exhausted!
Saturday, June 24, 2006 Day at Sea/ Carnival Destiny
Another morning of waking up late and attempting to get in as much sun as possible before the last day of the cruise. I spent most of the time on the lido deck soaking up sun with morgan and we eventually went shopping to get all of the fun stuff that the card would let me. Morgan chose the scrap book that I was bought and throughout the week, i had collected all of the papers/receipts/photos, etc that i could to put into the book (it still sits in the back of my car waiting to be finished). We had some lunch on the deck, but the rain started to come and go (it seems like it rained everytime we went inside and the deck was soaked when we would return). I want to say that there were great things on Saturday afternoon, but it was pure relaxation which takes up lots of lying aroudn time and not much to report. We had our last dinner with Rutchie and Calvin, danced with their shows, and went to the Paladium for the closing night act- a magic show. Morgan and I played pass the pigs to pass the time and entertained the people sitting next to us with the game. The show itself was entertaining, the guy reminded me of Plough- so I liked him more I returned to my cabin where all of the alcohol I had purchased that week arrived and was packed up for travelling home. I packed most of my things and sent them on their way to be returned to NJ...then it was time for bed.
Sunday, June 25, 2006 Carnival Destiny/San Juan, Puerto Rico/Newark, NJ/Allentown, PA/ West Chester
By the amount of places I saw on this day, you can imagine it was a busy one. We woke up very early in San Juan and were off of the boat in no time. My family's flight left a few hours before Kirstin, Kelli, and mine so we said goodbye to them early on. The 3 of us found our belongings at customs and then we got onto a bus that would take us on an excersion through Puerto Rico. Initially, we thought we woudl have an hour to tour the fortress that overlooked the cliffs, but as we drove up their driveway, the bus found its way back on teh streets (for some reason we couldn't get in). So the driver decided to "drop us off" about 10 blocks from where he would pick us up so we had an hour to walk around the streets (basically walk back to our pick up point). Unfortuanately, it was a Sunday morning and everything was closed. So we wandered into a Starbucks, took pictures at a fountain, and looked at a few souvenier shops that were opened. It was a beautiful day and I enjoyed being able to walk down their uncrowded (but small) streets. We made our way back to Christopher Columbus Square and were on the bus in no time. Time to go to the Bacardi Factory! It was so much fun! It turned out our bus driver had a son that was studying at UConn (where my sister and Kelli are in grad school) and so he gave us extra free drink passes for the factory. They were making the best mojitos I have ever had (and i'm not a mojito fan) and rum/coke. Needless to say, we were pretty tipsy by the time the tour started. We took picutres and went around the distillary where wer basically saw the history of Bacardi as opposed to how they make it. It was interesting though. Bought a few souveniers and headed back to the airport after a long tour of the island by the bus. we got to the airport and waited around for awhile before our flight left. I had a "BLT" sandwich that was basically a 10 dollar piece of bread with lettuce chunks. Kirstin let our server know his place by telling him that he sucked and wasn't getting a tip in spanish. We got some magazines and read until our flight. It was a long trip back and I tried to sleep for most of it b/c I had to drive to Allentown after Newark where my mom dropped off my car. I said hi to my dad for a bit and then drove home to West Chester where the boys had waited for me. It was nice to see them again, but I definitely would be missing the palm trees for quite awhile.
All in all, I had a fabulous time and have been attempting to adjust back to life in WC since then. Summer camp has gone and passed with me working litterally 20 hour shifts (7am- 3am) with all 3 jobs in a row. I'm exhausted and ready for a long winter's nap, but now I must worry about my Stevie going to Oxford this week and leaving me for a few days . (he's doing adorably well btw) Then comes Laurel's wedding and finally the big 2-1 for Michael...Deb has me working as a TA this year for the Philadelphia Shakespeare Festival and I'll be back on the track of working 24/7. I get to go home for the Pig Pickin' this weekend and finally see my family (i miss my pooch). Ok, back to work. Love you guys!
The End |
They have become a family away from home and we are currently finishing up work on getting a new apartment in Exton. Somehow we managed to weasel our way into the biggest complex offered (it has a washer/dryer & balcony), but things are still being checked out before it’s finalized *crosses fingers*. Currently, we are doing great living in West Chester where the adventures at our house consist of mindless television and random wrestle matches. All in all, they make me comfortable and I can’t thank them enough- I really believe they are the best part of my experience from college. 
He taught me the values of trusting the right people and I teach him how to properly organize shampoos! I got him a job at a nice restaurant in Chaddsford and he’s also working at Fiorello’s part-time. The film/editing business that he, Triebel, and Plough have started is progressing really well. I’m quite impressed with how fast Steve has picked up the DVD software and in a few weeks they are going to start a project with my mom in Allentown. He even has plans to do a wedding event in the Fall! I’m really proud of those guys. 
We were told our jobs were guaranteed at Barnaby’s and it was a major let down when things fell through- eh, I wrote a letter. Durkin was kind enough to let me know a manager job at the People’s Light Theatre so I interviewed for that position a few weeks ago. They offered me the job, but it meant I had to quit the vet for the amount of money I would be paid. I decided to talk to the Dr. about leaving him, and he offered me more money (you’d think this would boost my ego- I just got really stressed about it). So in three months, I was offered and denied jobs galore, but had a lot of thinking to do. A few days ago, I met up with the gang from Turks Head and one of my closest friend’s boyfriends who is a leading chef in Chester County. He heard what happened with my entire struggling/decision making and within 12 hours I had an interview for another management job. The gentleman was very interested and I have high hopes for this position, 
I’m ready to start working full time again (guess you’ll find out in 3 months)
Hell, I thought Iago was a bird. Thanks to Len and Stephen, I’m on top of things…just with no sleep. 
), she is definitely moving on the right track. I wish I could see her more often too though. I have seen Sarah a lot since Turks Head closed. When you live and work with boys all day long, it’s nice to have some feminine companionship. She’s such a sweetheart- we watched over 100 movies in one night- haha! 
The kitten (he’s about 8 months) is Plough's, but I take full motherhood responsibilities and therefore, he is my baby. He was neutered within 72 hours of coming home (three day’s worth of pain meds at once…oops!) and is loved more than Steve. We have been thinking of a name and because this little guy is such a lover, Chris was leaning towards something Hispanic (sexy!). However, I think he looks like a Marley. Although, I don’t like Marley…so I’m pushing for “Marlowe”…this way he is named after a Christopher who is also a “Kit” (ty cat). Right now, we are thinking of Marlowe Ghetto…but that was Chris’ opinion. 
). 
). Laurel got [our version] married in August and we were able to spend time with her. However, life is going too fast for our friendship and we rarely get to see each other 
I'm very happy!