Another Great Surprise

Wednesday 11th

We had an early start this morning telling the children we had to get our hire car back to Fort Lauderdale before midday (a 4 hour drive), then to “pick up” another vehicle for the next stage of our “Great American Surprise”. It was a lovely drive as we drove up through the Keys back to the mainland and up through Miami to Fort Lauderdale. A beautiful sunrise welcomed us into another glorious day! Claire wants to visit Miami Beach because it’s “one of the worlds best beaches”, so she tells us, unfortunately we don’t have time to visit the beach, maybe next time. (Jo – she tells me she has started saving for her next trip…sum total of 25 cents). All the kids were plane spotting as we drove alongside the Miami International airport. Heaps of planes arriving and leaving. The traffic was frantic with 6 lanes in both directions. I say thank goodness for GPS which makes it so easy. We arrived at the Budget depot at Port Everglades with the kids and Tristram still not knowing where we are going. Hopped on a shuttle that took us down to the Cruise Terminal and our “Vehicle” for the next 11 days, the Holland America Ship MS Zuiderdam for a cruise through the Caribbean and the Panama Canal. Best to say we have some very excited people once they realise what is happening.

(P- Jo, Judith and I had planned this for 12 months, the secret held firm and I think the “Surprise” was a little overwhelming for those that didn’t know! Lots of excitement when on board and the Ship exploration began almost immediately! I will now spend the next 11 days “PACING” myself as the food is so “ good and plentiful!” Prime rib steak for Lunch #1!)

Thursday 12

We all had a good nights sleep. Lilly is off to see the ships doctor this morning as she has a bad ear infection. Dr was really good and she is onto some antibiotics now. After we breakfasted we got ourselves organised for a day at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas for some swimming and snorkelling. We’re now back from the beach, hot, salty, sandy and a little sun burnt, but we have all had a great day. A beautiful buffet lunch was provided on shore, hamburgers, ribs, chicken, salads and ice creams. (J- I couldn’t get over how blue and clear the ocean was… quintessential Caribbean vistas).

The kids loved the water, it was so clear and warm. (Jo – Lilly who didn’t want to go swimming or get off the boat was the one we couldn’t get out of the water! And while the rest of us swam and snorkelled Tristram disappeared for a walk around the island, which he tells me he tagged onto a walking tour for a bit til the guide got boring!). Pa had fun tossing the kids under and then they all ganged up on him, pushing and pulling and holding him down. Ma and Lilly floated gently, (Lilly couldn’t get her ear wet), and the kids all played in the sand for a while. (Jo – as Claire and I were walking along the beach she turns to me and says “mum, there’s a lot of oldies here. I guess they’re all having fun before they die. I suppose they don’t have a long lifespan left” …. this kid cracks me up!). We boarded the ship just after 1.30 for a 2.30 departure. Showers, moisturiser for all and a nice glass of bubbly for Joanne and I. Topped off a great day.

Lilly commented to Pa at one stage “ yuck Pa don’t get yellow shorts they’re ugly,” just as a man in yellow shorts walks past. (P- the guy was definitely in earshot!!!)

Friday 13

A day at sea. (P- a good thing for me today as I have one of my almighty bad headache days that make me feel so ill!) Time to sleep in and relax. Kids are keen to go to Kids Club for the morning and then again this afternoon. This left the adults to do what we wanted. Joanne and Tristram did the kitchen and galley tour while I did a few laps of the promenade deck. Philip and I both ended up at the tour information session in the Main Stage both sitting on different sides of the auditorium. Didn’t know the other was there until it was over.

The captain opened the Bow area up for viewing as we passed Haiti. Lots of little boats about fishing. (P- By “little boats” Judith means vessels not much different in size or structure to a dug out canoe that were miles out to sea in choppy conditions. There were Long lines everywhere as they fished for their daily catch)

Lovely clear waters and great scenery. Very mountainous island. A lazy afternoon, a swim and a rest filled the day in nicely.

Gala Night tonight so it out with the glad rags. Joanne and Tristram and the children dressed up and went to dinner early in the Main Dining Room. All enjoyed their meal, trying some new foods. Claire’s favourite was the chicken Soup and the Lemon Meringue Cheesecake. Lilly tried some Soufflé and really liked it. Hugh had some soup and some steak. Joanne had Escargot, which she hadn’t had since she was 8 years old. Tristram had soup and Lamb. All enjoyed being waited on. After the meal they had some photos taken and then met us as we were on our way down to the Pinnacle Grill for our dinner. We had some more photos taken of all of us. Then kids went off to bed and we enjoyed our dinner. Halibut and crab cakes for me and Steak Tartare and Rib eye and Lobster for Philip. (P- and the BEST Bomb Alaska Ever made – I remember these from our cruise last year!!)

After our dinner Joanne and I went to the Stage Show 1000 Steps. A great dance and singing show. Another great day.

(P- I could publish a book of “quotes and comments and doings” that these grand kids spontaneously say or do! I am yet to fathom where they come from!

Claire gets up thru night to go to Bathroom– TURNS EVERY LIGHT ON! Goes to bathroom comes out and at the top of her voice says ” I didn’t flush as I didn’t want to wake you up! Not a thought about Judith and I laying there with our Retinas Burnt out from all the bright lights and Her Loud announcement about not flushing!

Oh maybe I can fathom the comments! I remember Joanne well when she was that age!)