000-1 Hotel Day

Relaxing at the Hotel

DATE:  January 5, 2012                                                           

Day #: Embarkation Day minus 1

I.                   AGENDA

A.                 MORNING

“Woke up to warmth and sunshine here in Fort Lauderdale.”

When I was preparing the format for the blog page several weeks ago, I had written that sentence.  Boy,  was I ever wrong!  Anita whispered at 6:30 am – “you awake?”  Of course, I had been awake since 5:30 am.  It was still dark outside.  The news channel reported a temperature of 50 degrees, and we noted the palm fronds swaying in the breeze.  Not exactly a heat wave.  Not exactly “wind chill factor” weather either, but not what I expected.  Although, if I remember correctly, the 2012 Farmer’s Almanac predicted wet weather for these couple of days.  Nope, that’s not happening either.

Anita headed out for a walk once the sun came up, and I found the China Grill for breakfast.  Let’s just say that I’ve had better, free breakfast buffets at a Super 8.  The only redeeming factor:  the view was definitely not Vermont-ish - crews were polishing a gleaming, white, towering yacht docked just outside the restaurant windows.  

Boat traffic churned up the channel, fishing boats and pleasure boats heading to the open ocean. A clear blue cloudless sky bespoke warmth (out of the wind).  

After quick walk along the sidewalk and under the bridge, to take a few photos – hey, there’s the Carnival cruise ship (one fellow at the JFK airport was scheduled to leave on this one today), I returned to the room.  Time to re-pack my luggage, iron some clothes that had been packed for over a month, sort jewelry to wear onboard tomorrow, just get organized. 

B.                 AFTERNOON

After Anita returned, we chatted a while, and I spoke with an RVing friend from the WIN’s group who was currently in Yuma, AZ.  She’d love to join us for some “girl time”.  Wish she could!  She’d certainly add some life to the party.

I am unable to get onto the hotel wi-fi – something about a charge of $12.95 for a 24-hour period.  So, I’ll write these pages and connect once I get onboard.

We took a walk around the docks and ended up at the bar near the pool, sitting at a table in the sun.  The beer was orangey and cool, the mango BBQ chicken sandwich and fries and cole slaw (shared) just the ticket for a late lunch.

Back to the room for some chocolates and down time.  Anita headed off on another walk as I worked on the blog.  The Holland America rep is downstairs in the lobby, and Anita brought back the health questionnaire.  We’re on Bus #1!  Hooray! 

Luggage to be taken must be near the door by 9 am; we and our carry-ons in the lobby by 11 am.  I am soooooo ready!!!