Back in the USA

No rest for the wicked

The ship’s noises began long before 5:30 am and we knew there would be no respite after that. We were alongside in Port Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale well before the 7am berthing.

Immigration

God Bless the USA but this was not a pleasant experience. There was the expected sniffer dog, a black German Shepherd, who cleared every part of Ed and I (use your imagination). But the delays were what was discouraging. I felt especially bad for the crew, who had to be back on board by 12 noon (as new passengers were coming on) as they had a rougher time than we did: over 2 hours! Usually they have a separate line in most countries as their process is different than ours.

On our way.

So finally we were out of the port and following along the ant trail of other passengers seeking Walgreen, Post Office and such. We picked up a few supplies in Walgreens and I asked the clerk if there was a place nearby that did hair cuts and pedicures (both of which we desperately needed not ha ving had them done since Singapore around 2 mos ago. We directed us down the street about 2 blocks.

Success!

We saw a place that said “Nails and Blow’ So we gave it a try. Both Ed and I had pedicures and hair cuts and the prices were very reasonable and the outcomes were well done.

We had originally planned to go to the Galleria Mall but since it was already noon and there were a number of stores around, we decsided to walk around here where we saw some other passengers. One couple probably older than we are, she very short and chubby with a suggestion of an Irish brogue, and he tall skinny, very nice looking, were sitting on the side and asked us about our hair cuts (after all this time it is obvious when folks got one). She told us they found a super cuts (this was what I had originally thought we might find) and was very happy with her cut. She only pays $12 at home but super cuts was slightly more. The gentleman, who seems always to be on his Kindle, swiped his hand slowly over his temples and decleared that he was back to James Bond again. It was so sweet and cute.

We found an Office Depot and got a few things we had left at home, the a dollar store (just because) and dropped into the ross which is the destination of almost all of the crew. Then we found Panera and had lunch there and used their internet.

Connectivity

One of the hardest parts about sailing is the deficit of internet. While getting beautified, we tapped into the Starbucks free wifi, and then at Panera and we (at least I did)got all my apps downloaded and other miscellaneous things accomplished such as medical appointments and callilng the kids. It is amazing how much better you feel when these are accomplished.

Back to the ship

We had a 3:15 onboard and did some last minute wifi in the terminal and then immediately had a life jacket drill. We decided to walk around the ship and stay upstairs for the sailaway party which wasn’t much to talk about. However, we got to chatting with a couple from Torrance and the time passed quickly. The ship blows the horn as we exit the channel and many of the folks who live along the sides hoop and cheer and wave. It is great fun.

Trivia: no one showed up and then we discovered it wasn’t on the list. See how well trained we are?

Dinner

I had begun to be aware of some vertigo but figured it would go away. Had a great meal. But when we went to the show I found myself getting more wobbly. I wasn’t sure I could make it back to the cabin. It was like really rough seas except the ship was still in pretty quiet waters.

Ed came up pretty shortly and eventually I was able to go to sleep hoping it would go away. No brushing of teeth or anything, just stay horizontal.