Saturday, February 9th, 2008...11:55 am
The longest day….a blog rated r for bad language
I had no intention of writing a blog today but after the experiences of this Friday I had to put them down on paper or in this case my lapdancer top thingy. First of all let me do something.
AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
There, that’s better…………..I had a good scream and apart from waking the entire 3rd floor of the hotel it helped a little.
Let’s go back to this afternoon. The CD conference finished today however most of the guys remained on board. Myself, Heidi, Goose and Ryan along with Director of Entertainment Kerry Stables and Cruise Staff Supervisor Chris Unstead had to leave the ship today to return to our vessels or the office. The ship was docked in Ocho Rios Jamaica and after saying goodbye to the lads and lasses Heidi and walked back to the cabin to collect our luggage. The first sign that today was not going to be a good one came as I was dragging our suitcases out of the cabin. Lets try and paint the picture. Firstly, as always we had over packed. I use the word we when in fact it should be the word Heidi but as I have been in the doghouse so much recently I thought I would share the blame…………..anyway the cases were heavy………..really heavy and if the ship’s anchor had broken we could have tied one of our cases to a bit of string, chucked it over the side and the ship would never have moved. So, there I was maneuvering these lumps of led out of the cabin when the door started closing behind me………….I reacted at the speed of light…………………ok, I reacted at the speed of a hippopotamus wearing lead slippers but it was quick enough to stick my hand out to stop the door swinging and the bugger closed on my hand and specifically my left index finger……………….and it hurt like hell. It was of those stabs of pain that is so painful you react in the most unusual way……………….and I did………………it hurt so much I started swearing………….very loudly……………in Italian……………waving my now bleeding finger up and down and for some obscure reason I found myself hopping up on down on one leg. So, lets recap…………my finger nail is crushed and the blood is gushing like something from the opening scene of Saving Private Ryan……………….I am waving my hand up and down in front of my face as though I have just let out the fart of the century …………..I am hopping up and down one leg …..still don’t know why……….and I have changed my name to Giovanni Healdo and am screaming obscenities in Italian to a cabin door. This situation became worse when the occupant of cabin 8215 came out to one look at the fat man bouncing up and down on one leg doing a Tony Soprano impression and he slammed the door shut and I heard the lock click…………………..he probably then called security and hid under the bed.
Fast forward another 15 minutes. Heidi has put a battle dressing on my throbbing index finger nail which looked like it had been in a blender. We then did what we should have done and asked for luggage assistance. We then met up with the rest of the folks who were flying with us and headed for the bus………………..it had been a bad start to the day and as I boarded the bus with my finger looking like something from a Tom and Jerry cartoon I was confident that things could only get better………………………….but………….of course…………..I was so so wrong.
The bus was a nice modern 18 seater with good air conditioning which considering it was 8000 degrees outside and I was dressed in sweat pants was a good thing. As I sat there as we drove through Ocho Rios all seemed well and mind was firmly set on the job ahead on the Carnival Freedom. However, once we were free of the town it became clear that our driver was possessed and the devil inside him had him believing he was Dale Ernhardt. The journey to Montego Bay airport is 1 hour and 30 minutes but Dale obviously had an appointment with Hale Berry as he was in a hurry. Now there are more holes in a Jamaican road than in a piece of Swiss cheese and all the bus looked ok from the outside underneath it was …well……….knackered as we say in Brit speak. The suspension was held together with a few toilet rolls and duck tape and the consequent ride was as comfortable as bouncing up and down on a cactus. Not only was it murder on your bottom but as the journey wore on it was obvious that Ryan the Cruise Director of the Carnival Glory was feeling a little worse for wear and soon enough he was decorating the inside of a plastic bag with a mixture of spaghetti carbonara and as always in these situations….carrot…..why is there always carrot. It wasn’t just Ryan………I looked across at Kerry and she looked as white as an albino in a snowstorm and even Heidi who has a Herculean stomach ( strong I mean. not big with lots of hair……….just wanted to clarify that ) was feeling a little squeamish. I am sure the others were as well and as Dale drove us along he was the only happy one onboard dreaming of Hale and his big bamboo……..tree.
By the time we arrived at Montego International Airport we all felt sick except Ryan who felt hungry and was trying to decide what to do with his bag of spaghetti and carrot……..eventually finding a garbage bin he walked over to it. Just as he was about to throw it away I told him Heidi wanted her plastic bag……..he tried to give it to her and that was us both in the you know where.
So, lets recap before we continue. My finger was really hurting and had swelled to the size of a pomegranate. After the bus ride my bottom felt like it had been on a 80 mile camel ride and I had been listening to Ryan deliver the good news to Heidi’s Nemun Marcus bag. Then…………..the fun really began.
We arrived at the American Airlines check in desk and presented ourselves and the two armored trucks disguised as suitcases………we knew they were heavy and even expected to pay excess baggage but nothing had prepared us for what we were charged. Let me start this bit by saying that as always I was polite and even cracked a joke or two but Miss I hate my job and I hate you was in no mood. I explained that we were crew members and that our entire lives were in those cases and even mentioned that most of the weight came from my wife’s underwear and make up but neither she or Heidi for that matter were amused……..she looked at me and I quote said ” You owe $108……….throw it away or pay.” Considering the state of my bottom, my finger, my stomach and now my wallet she was very lucky I didn’t turn green, become the Incredible Bulk and insert my suitcase in her…………………instead………..I sighed………..paid the money……..and waited for my boarding pass. Now at this point some of the more skeptical ones amongst you may be thinking that I have entered the realms of fantasy and may be writing a fairy tail. However, I promise and assure you that everything is true as witnessed by Heidi and my colleagues.
Back to the check in desk then……………having paid the $108 I was then handed our boarding passes and seating assignments. I did not look at the numbers then but they were to play a part in my day from Satan’s armpit as you will see.
Once everyone had checked in we walked to security and during my run in with Mrs. I hate my job and I hate you I had forgotten something……..something so terrible that I was about to feel the full force of the Jamaican authorities……………I went through security and they found…………..a bottle of………..water in my bag. The lady security guard looking at the TV screen began to motion others over to the screen as though she had discovered a Rocket Propelled grenade in my bag……….they all got very excited and asked me if this was my bag.
Now came the search and two people who were about 12 years old and on their way to a costume party dressed as a security officers searched my bag. They asked me where I had purchased the water. I told them ……” here, at the airport “………..Oh, by the way………….the brand of the bottle was called……..Wata…………yep Wata……….spelt as they pronounce it. Anyway, I was given a bollocking by the 12 year old but luckily it was nearly 3:00pm and she had to go home to have her nap and she let me go.
So, let’s recap. My finger is throbbing like a very small person has crawled inside and is now playing the tuba………my bottom is still numb ………I can still smell the Spaghetti that was hurled into the bag quicker than a bullet from a gun………the $100 I was going to spend on cigars has been donated to American Airlines and I received a bollocking from Pee daddy’s daughter for smuggling Wata out of Jamaica…………..surely the day could not get any worse…………stupid me.
Our flight was delayed………..for 45 minutes ……….this information was relayed to us by Bob Marley who had risen from the grave and was now speaking into the public address system which had the clarity of a tin of mud. We waited……………and then after what seemed like hours we were called to board at gate 17. So, we all stood up and went to gate 17……..however………….we got to gate 17 and as we all formed a line we saw the digital sign saying American Airlines flight 2340 to Fort Lauderdale…………actually as two of the letters were not working the sign said Fot Lauderale………..we were all going ‘ what and ummm ” when Bob realized he had made a mistake and told us he meant gate 19…………….mon.
Arriving at gate 19 we started to board. Our seat numbers were 37 a and 37 c. For those regular passengers of American Airlines you will have already realized that row 37 is…………..that’s right…………..the last row…………….by the toilet………………………I could not believe it. What the heck had I done to deserve a day like this and why was the check in lady treating me as if I had peed in her cornflakes.
So, lets recap. My finger hurt, my stomach was upset, my bottom was purple, my wallet was empty and now I had to sit next to something that smelled like France.
The plane took off…………no apology from the Captain during his short message that told us flying conditions were good and that flight time was going to be 1 hour 30 minutes. Then the head steward took the mic and doing his best Richard Simmonds impression told everyone that $5 would buy you a diet coke, to relax and oh yes………if you need a pee or too drop the kids off at the pool the bathroom is on the right just by row 37.
I closed my eyes, I was exhausted and as best as I could in my economy seat with the leg room that would have left a pixie with no legs feeling cramped I tried to sleep……….I must have gone straight to sleep because I was overcome with a terrible nightmare. In this nightmare I was in row 37 next to Paris ( the city not the girl ) when Captain America got on the PA system and told everyone that Miami Airport was closed and we had instead been diverted to a far away land called Fort Myers. I then realized that I was not dreaming and in fact it was all real……………..we were going to Fort Myers.
At this point I will refrain from humour and just say this. Why could the Captain not tell us why the airport was closed………was it bad weather………..or something more serious. In today’s uncertain world…………..you never know and these feelings were obviously felt by many others. I could see a man getting very irate with a cabin attendant as he demanded to know why…………..we knew nothing. Oh how American Airlines could learn from us at Carnival………you must keep your guests/passengers informed at all times, doing this will result in more understanding and so much less aggravation.
So, lets recap…………….finger,bottom,stomach,wallet,12 year old, row 37, toilet and now…………we were going to Fort Myers………..Heidi asked me where that was and all I knew was it was somewhere in Florida. We debated about what we should do, stay the night in a hotel, drive to Miami or fly the next morning but making that decision was not easy as we had no clue where it was…………….however………….that choice was about to be made for us by Captain America who proudly told us that Miami Airport was open again and even though we were on approach to Fort Myers we would be turning around and heading back to Miami which was now open……………………we waited…………………..nothing………….no apology…………no explanation………bugger all……………..why was Miami open again………..had someone found the key?
We were supposed to land at 4:45pm but with the delay and our brief vacation to the outskirts of Fort Myers we landed at 6:33pm. The landing approach was bumpy and for a minute I thought Dale the bus driver was upfront but it was also obvious why the airport had been closed. Once we landed Captain America had good news and bad news…………..the good news was that he had suddenly realized that his job was to look after his passengers and rather later than he should have he told us that an unexpected thunderstorm had shut the airport down to all traffic………………..unexpected…………how the heck are we going to stop aircraft flying into each other if the radar system can’t detect a thunderstorm. Surely the big black cloud the size of Texas we had just flown through was a clue.
The bad news then came…………due to the back log of aircraft we had no gate to go to and we would have to wait………..and we did…………..for another 35 minutes.
Eventually we were free and as I waited for every other passenger to debark the plane before me I wondered if Captain America would be there to say thank you and good bye…………….was he bollocks. By the time we walked off there was not even a flight attendant there to say the usual ” thank you”……..it was just us and the cleaning team who were waiting to board.
You know the airlines, not just American could learn so much about hospitality from the cruise lines………..it would make a difficult experience so much more pleasant.
Lets recap…………actually…………lets not………….by now you know.
However, the worst was yet to come. ……………Immigration.
I, like all visitors correctly have to have had to have my fingerprints checked…………..which finger…………of course………….my index finger………..so off came the plaster……………and I pressed my finger down on the pad…………..the pain increased to level 10 and I whinced in agony…………Officer Swarez didn’t care………….I left , thinking about giving him another finger and it wasn’t my index one either.
I wrote in November about how badly cruise ship crew are treated and I will not go through all of that again. However, we were at Immigration in the ” special room” for 2 hours…………….2 hours surrounded by other crew and people who needed to be checked again. I respect Immigration officials as I have said many times, they have such a difficult job keeping dangerous people out , but why………….why oh why must they be so rude………so uncaring to people who provide wonderful service to millions of Americans aboard various cruise lines every year…………….we understand we need to be checked………but…there has to be a better way………….more importantly there MUST be a more caring way…………….not for me but for people like Inga a young lady from Iceland who had been in the room 3 hours. She had flown from Iceland to London and London to Miami…………she is joining a ship today as a Purser………she was 24 years old………..she had been flying for 14 hours………..she had all her visas and paperwork…………….she had no idea why she was sitting there and when she had dared ask she was shouted at to sit down and wait…………………….why Miami…………..why?
Please, check us, we will wait……….as long as we need to………..but…………be kind………..tell these young people what is happening……………provide a welcome to America they will remember not one that makes you want to get on a plane, go home……………………and never come back.
By the time we had got through Immigration we had to look for our luggage. This had obviously been removed from the carousel due to our stay as the guests of Boarder patrol and had been dumped on the floor. Of course, we had no idea what carousel the luggage had been on so that was us wandering up and down the terminal looking for our bags……………it was at this point I saw a tear in Heidi’s eye. I held her hand and promised her we would never, ever fly into this airport ever again as crew and put her through this……………..she deserves so much more.
We found our luggage which judging by how the day had gone I had expected to be in Alaska by now. Thankful for small mercies we headed to the taxi rank………then the comedy of errors continued.
Usually in Miami the taxi drivers have two names……….they are always called Claude or Carlos and are Haitian or Hispanic. This is always fine as usually they know if they help lift the luggage into the car they will get an extra tip…………………did I get Claude the Haitian Shot Put champion……….nope…………did I get Carlos the Chilean Gold Medalist Weightlifter……………nope…………………….I got……………..Jemima………..from the Dominican Republic………she was 300 years old and hardly had the strength to open the trunk let alone lift the anchors into it…………….so that was me…………..packing the cases into the trunk one of which caught the end of my bad finger causing me to swear…………in English this time………..I used really bad words………….but it didn’t matter……………..I was in Miami…………….no bugger understood me.
So Jemima took us to the Intercontinental Hotel…………she tried to strike up a conversation but after a few minutes I think she realized it was futile and she went back to sucking loudly on a piece of candy.
We arrived at the hotel………..a porter helped with our bags…………the end was in sight………………..I went to the desk………………I have a reservation…………a few minutes of computer operation went by……………..then……………..Moises the front desk man said……………we show no reservation for you……………………..I fainted.
Actually, what really happened is Heidi saved the day…………when he said I had no reservation I was about to do something stupid………I was at my wits end and Heidi could tell………………she pushed me away and took over…………….luckily they had rooms…………she paid……………and saved Moises from a close encounter with my Dwayne Wade basketball shoe and me a night out in a Miami jail. I never shout, I never loose my temper but tonight……….well…….I had reached that point that we all have inside of us….some deeper than others.
So here I sit……….my sugar level was very very low so I just had a cheeseburger and fries from room service while Heidi had a club sandwich……..oh by the way………..guess what was on the menu…………Spaghetti Carbonara…………served on a plate not in a Nemun Marcus bag.
It is now 11:50pm………..I am exhausted and tomorrow will be a very busy day……………….Its time for a good nights sleep and wake up refreshed and ready for work. However my day of torture is not over…………..you won’t believe this………………Heidi has just immerged from the bathroom………….she has a magic stick in her hand………………..and she and the stick are smiling…………………….it’s a cruel world.
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
60 Comments
February 10th, 2008 at 1:56 am
Oh John! I am SOOOOO sorry about your day. Have you heard about Murphy’s Law? Your day was Murphy’s Law, everything that could go wrong did.
I have to agree with you 100% I respect these people that have to deal with all the beaucratic red tape that our government has put into place, but if you are going to work there do it with a smile, do it with respect, these are people just like they are and deserve it. And a smile would make the misery a little bit easier to deal with.
I hope things went well with the smiley face and pehaps the day ended a little brighter then it started. Tomorrow will be another day, and you have to think positively about how well it will go! I will be thinking about you and awaiting your next post to see if things brightened up.
Deanna
February 10th, 2008 at 2:08 am
Holy mackerel, John. I would have been lucky to have made it to immigration without loosing it.
February 10th, 2008 at 2:16 am
Dear John,
I dont know what to say except that sucks. I just had a horrible night at work and came home to see if I could find anything on the computer to make me smile before I go to bed. Yours and Heidis day from hell didnt make me smile but it made me realize that maybe mine wasnt as bad as I thought. Itruely hope that the rest of your journey goes better and you get settled on the Splendor ASAP.
As for Heidi and the stick…..Sometimes you just have to suck it up…LOL…It will all be worth it in the end…Have a good night…Kim Parker
February 10th, 2008 at 2:25 am
John,
Your trip sounds like our flights out of Afghanistan, not of the free world, soory you had such a bad flight. But what a better way to end a bad day but a smiley stick and a beautiful girl. I know all was better after that!!
Mike
February 10th, 2008 at 3:29 am
John,
You know I have much respect for you and Heidi, I consider you both great friends, I understand your troubles, this is normal in my life. Not to say this has never happened to me or anyone else ever it has. We all understand after a certain point a man can only take just so much poo. That being said please learn about a website I love called Seatguru.com . Why you ask well once you go and look you will see it asks very simple questions airline type of plane all information you can get ahead of time. Then it shows you a picture of the place with all the seats and it gives a little rating to them all good bad ok but this might not be too good. and of course the ” Never sit here unless you want to feel like your in france while you flying from new york to Wisconsin” unless you work for someone with things named of the sea, then please sit here and enjoy paris the smell not the rich girl. I am sorry to hear about your finger in the door bit, having done this one night at 4am on the triumph i know your pain and the lack of blood is rather scary please drink juice. Now as far as Dale driving you to the airport well I think your on your own with that one next time bring more bags though. How is the intercontinental as a hotel I though about staying there once but chose sofitel in Miami instead nice but nothing is there or even close to there. Looking forward to seeing Q & A again in the new blogs once your back on board the Freedom. Have a good night feel better
Kevin
PS did you get your box i sent to Chris P in Miami ?? Sorry Heidi
February 10th, 2008 at 4:46 am
Now you have me hungry for spaghetti.
Hope you get a good night’s rest, your finger gets better quick, you get
your wife pregnant quick, and live happily ever after!
Hugs,
Julie
February 10th, 2008 at 4:57 am
What can I say? You’ve said it all! I’ve experienced both driving and riding in Jamaica and the Miami airport. Doesn’t matter if you’re a visitor to this country or a citizen, the staff in Miami are equal opportunity (something mumbled in Italian)!! Hope you finger feels better.
February 10th, 2008 at 6:55 am
Sorry John, but at least you know how some of your passengers feel when they finally arrive in the oasis on board your ship.
Once when I flew out of Jamaica we were all on the plane, the doors closed, sitting and sitting on the runway . . . and the pilot DID tell us what was happening: someone had left a construction crane on the runway and they were trying to find someone to move it so we could take off. No problem, man!
February 10th, 2008 at 7:18 am
John, you’re right that the airlines can learn a lot.
That journey is very similar to something we UK passengers experience every time we cruise out of the USA, so can I ask a couple of questions?
1: When we get to the hotel (on the pre-cruise package) why, oh why, do we have to sit on the d**n bus while the bags are unloaded first? Let us off! Let us into the bar! Then, only then, worry about the luggage.
2: When our sail & sign card doesn’t bleep - don’t look at us like we’re attempting to stow away - we’re only handing over the card we were given 10 minutes ago - it’s not our fault it won’t read - don’t leave us standing for 20 minutes without an explanation - and don’t then give us new cards without a word of apology - Thank you Diamond Princess & Vancouver shore team - maybe you’ve been learning from the airlines!
OK…. I feel a lot calmer now. Thanks for letting me unload.
February 10th, 2008 at 8:06 am
Oh My God John!! Im so sorry!I know that we when something begins in a bad way , it remains that way. I dont know why but it is like that.I can relate to Heidi when she was almost crying, it happened to us on our way back from Europe the last time. We were so tired that Viviana and I were crying when the airplane stayed one hour on the runway trying to take off. At least she had the energy, I would have forget about the stick LOL But it is over now John.You are home now.Take care of your finger!
PS:Does it help to know that I lost my purse at the mall with my new cell phone, ID’s, check book,credit cards ? Yes, i have so many things on my mind that I just left my purse at a store luckily it was the same store that I have bought the purse and I left it right beside others so it looked that it was for sale so nobody notice it.So nothing got lost but I was very scare for an hour. I need a vacation!
A big huggo (you need it)
Nanette
February 10th, 2008 at 8:29 am
John,
I’ve read your blog for a while but haven’t commented until now. You made me laugh out loud! I hope your pain is somewhat less knowing that you have used it to make the rest of the world laugh - and it wouldn’t be nearly so funny if we all hadn’t experienced some of the same pitfalls you did on Friday.
A group of my family and friends were suppose to be sailing on the Freedom the week of March 15th but had to cancel when my daughter announced that her due date was that week. I didn’t realize then what we would be missing in not getting to experience your special talents as cruise director. Another time hopefully.
P.S. I know you’ve received a number of sugestions, but I will still offer yet another…you should pitch some of your writing to TV - what a great show you could write. Friday’s experiences alone might be emmy award winning!
February 10th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Hi John,
Sorry about your day from “hell”!! Hopefully you’ve had all this year’s worth of bad luck in one day. I’m sorry that all of you were treated so shabily by customs officials. It’s a sore spot with me too but unfortunately we just have to live with it. Sure hope it’s smooth sailing for you from here on out.
February 10th, 2008 at 9:58 am
DEAR JOHN, at least you didn’t have to go through the NEW debarkation system at the Miami cruise terminal. The old way was much faster. You got off the ship found your luggage on the floor by your color tags got a porter that took you to the head of the customs/immagration line and then to your car.
The NEW way they call your number you get off the ship THEN STAND in line forever just to see the immagration guy then you walk down to the airport style luggage carosel and stand somemore waiting for all your bags to pass by you then you grab a porter that takes you to the curb and dumps your bags there.
I wont do a recap like you. Then you look across the street to spot your car you left there in the cloosest handicap parking spot just right across the street from were I dropped Pat off just 14 days before. Why were all the cars parked differently then 14 days ago. Why you ask well it just happened that the ship is not at the same terminal as it was 14 days ago. My car is now in it’s HANDICAP parking spot in a lot two ships back up the pier. So here I go hicking up the road to get to were I left my car 14 days ago just right across the street from where I let Pat off 14 days ago. It was in the same HANDICAP spot I thought was so good just a few yards from the wrong ship.
NEW not better.
BIG ED
February 10th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Oh, John!
You poor baby. What an awful, awful day. I hope your finger, bottom, stomach, head and whatever else was injured or insulted have all found solace in a good night’s sleep. Who knows, perhaps the best of all things will result from this ordeal…a little John or Heidi.
It has just ocurred to me that the reason for your horrible experiences when you return to North America is that you are entering NOT the U.S. of A., but MIAMI. That place hasn’t belonged to us in 30 years at least.
Here’s an example of the efficiency of the Miami-Dade Toll Authority. My daughter, who lives in Jacksonville, has since December, 2006, received at least 14 citations for not paying a toll on the road to the airport. The thing is, she’s not been near Miami in more than two years. The toll booth camera is capturing the tag number of a taxi. That number ends in “M” and my daughter’s tag number ends in “N”. Otherwise they are the same. I know this, because the first four citations came to my husband as he had co-signed the loan for our daughter’s car and his name was first on the title. I called the nice folks in Miami and got those taken care of. Our daughter’s car is now in her name so the later citations were sent to her, but she failed to change her address on her driver license when she moved and never received the citations. So now her license has been suspended (which she discovered when she tried to get the little annual sticker for her auto tag renewed). Now the whole thing…which the toll folks admit was their mistake after further reviewing the pictures of the number…is in the Miami-Dade court system and it will be several weeks before they can get it “straightened out.” In the meantime, my daughter has no driver license, her auto tag expires this month and can’t be renewed until her license is reinstated, and the taxi driver who seems to forget every month to pay for his toll decal is blissfully driving through toll booths without paying a cent. Our daughter was told the original fine for each citation (there are 10 now) was $26, but because of non-payment, each is increased to something like $108. She won’t have to pay this, but I’d be willing to bet the taxi driver gets off scott-free because HE NEVER RECEIVED ANY CITATIONS BECAUSE THE IDIOTS WHO SEND THEM OUT DID NOT LOOK CLOSELY AT THE PICTURES FROM THE TOLL BOOTH CAMERAS! Yes, I’m annoyed. I am not usually one for “suing” somebody at the drop of a hat, but I would certainly encourage a suit against the toll authority if this continues to happen. I consider it harrassment. Anyway, Miami is not my favorite “country.”
Thank goodness Heidi was able to keep her cool at the hotel desk. It really would have looked bad if our prize CD had “lost it” right there in public. You’d likely have made news on someone else’s blog.
Hope you’re both feeling better. I’m sure there are much more pleasant days ahead.
Soothingly,
Myra
February 10th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Oh you poor man! What a day. I only wish you could have landed in Ft. Myers as we live just about 30 minutes from the airport and could have rescued you and offered a room, etc. Oops, you would still have had customs and the friendly folks who work there to deal with, but I assure you they are kinder than the nasties in Miami or New York City.
We love Carnival but have vowed to never sail out of Miami again. The traffic is horrible and all the emplyees not of Carnival must come from New York or other foreign areas. ( Not at all nice.)
Soon you will be on the Freedom and “home” again. Have your finger looked at, relax and rest before starting your CD duties. Jeri
February 10th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Good Morning Heidi and John!
Wow, What a day……..so sorry. I am feeling sorta guilty for laughing at your story. You have a wonderful way of turning the worst of situations into humor.
Love the Intercontinental good place to get over a rough day.
We hope today is a wonderful day going home to the Freedom for you both! Bon Voyage!
February 10th, 2008 at 10:40 am
John:
You will be thrilled to know that Dale Earnhardt, Jr (DJ’s favorite Nascar Driver) won the Bud Shoot Out last night. This was his first race with this new team Hendricks and a sign of great things to come.
Hope your finger is feeling better and that Heidi will be the one tossing the spagetti (morning sickness) very soon!
February 10th, 2008 at 10:41 am
LOLLOLOL
Carnival should have their own private Jet shuttle from major airports to Florida,hint hint
John,Im from New Brunswick Canada and U have summed up ….very elegantly I mitght add :)…our family vacations,we always take a Carnival cruise and go stay with Micky and friends BUT the GETTING THERE through AirPorts immigration loosing things sore Butts ,getting locked out of the airport when trying to have a smoke(kids were inside airport)AHHHHH,American Airlines…Something special in the Air…Indeed
Thanks so MUCH for the picture you painted I hope the rest of your travels improve
Sandra
February 10th, 2008 at 10:44 am
Hello John and Heidi,
Sorry about your trip from hell. At least it can only get better from here. I know you can’t wait to be at home on the ship where at least you have some control of things.
We are currently about 40 miles east of Fort Myers so we would have been close but I’m glad you finally got to get to Miami.
Hope your meetings went well and we’re all anxiously waiting to hear what you can tell us.
Welcome Home!
George and Linda
February 10th, 2008 at 10:46 am
oh john, i have found the way into miami honey! just wear a tiara! yup! i wore my solid gold genuine plastic tiara with the lights flashing through the gate and the agent actually laughed and asked me if i wanted to declare it! of course i was on my scooter and i am old and, well, extra medium as you know, but nevertheless, it was a joy that day!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
February 10th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Hey John,
I’m very glad that the magic stick is smiling. Good Luck
February 10th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Dear John & Heidi….
We write very seldom but we read every day. Today….you once again started our morning with a myriad of emotion. Hurting with your finger, laughing at your bus ride, upset with the Jamaicans for a searching your bags, laughing at your sitting near the toliet, and then really P.OD. at our own Customs and Immigration Service for not being efficient and polite. They are amazing! I know you and Heidi both will be glad to get somewhere and stay for a while. Susan and I are now under 1oo days until we leave for Rome and a cruise on the Freedom. Thanks for writing your blog…..I will forward your comments to American Airlines!
John & Susan in Frisco
February 10th, 2008 at 11:26 am
John -
I feel your pain - in so-o-o-o-o many ways. I can’t say as I have ever encountered all these experiences in one episode, but I can certainly relate to each and every one of them.
Airlines stories can sometimes be the funniest - my favorite experience (OK, not favorite, but I do love to tell this story) happened many years ago when US Airways was still known as Agony Airlines (Allegheny Airlines).
I was in the Navy at the time, flying home to see the family. The flight was a simple Baltimore - Islip, Long Island - Albany, New York - Burlington, Vermont flight. Not exactly non-stop, but it got me home. Leave Baltimore around 9AM and be home in the middle of the afternoon.
Well, we left Baltimore late (it was winter) and, upon arrival at Islip, we were informed by the Captain that the Albany airport was closed due to a snow storm (see, some people tell you what is happening) and we would be taking the Albany passengers to Utica, New York, then fly onto Burlington. No problem - my dad is smart enough to call the airport to check on my flight.
OK - now we get to Utica and suddenly Captain Agony comes on the intercom “Everyone has to get off. The airline has decided to take this plane back to Islip and get the flight back on time.” Utica is about 90 miles from Albany, but apparently the weather had decided to spare them the white stuff that day, so the airline was able to take advantage of this situation to the detriment of the Burlington passengers.
We get unloaded from the airplane and arrive inside the terminal - if you can call it that. At this time (early ’70’s), the Utica terminal had less space than a Category 12 suite on board the Fantasy class ships - and queue up to find out how we are getting to our destinations. Turns out they are busing the Albany passengers - no big deal, I am a Burlington passenger.
Now, my turn comes and I arrive at the desk - a young, dapper sailor in his Class A uniform (you had to travel in uniform to get the military discount) and I asked the inevitable question - “How am I getting to Burlington?” The answer stunned me - “We are busing you to Burlington.”
Now, it is going to be at least a two hour bus ride from Utica to Albany and then at least five hours from Albany to Burlington - and, let me remind you, there was something called snow to contend with. Now, we northeasterners know how to deal with snow, but the simple presence of the white stuff would certainly make the trip longer than usual. Probably at least ten hours, if not more.
So, in a nice manner, I protested, but the airline clerk held firm to the idea that busing for ten hours, at the price of an airline ticket, was an adequate change of plan.
This conversation went on for a few minutes when I had a brilliant idea - I asked the clerk where the plane that we came in on was going. “Back to Islip” was the response. “Fine, put me on the plane back to Islip and I can take the 6PM flight direct from Islip to Burlington” was my response (it pays to know the airline’s schedule).
“Can’t do it”
“Why not?”
“Can’t do it”
“Why?”
Suddenly, from behind me was some of the most colorful language you have ever heard “Listen, you $%*&(^@ idiot, you are not listening to this man.” The clerk, who was really just a cousin to your Jamaican airline security personnel, went whiter than a bleached sheet from my mother’s laundry. I turned around to see who had lost his composure only to discover a catholic priest in full costume with a face that was red enough to be a decoration on Valentine’s Day. I now knew why the young man had turned (to quote an old Procol Harem tune) A Whiter Shade of Pale.
Mr. Can’t Do It went into a back room and came out about five minutes later. Apparently, he had spoken to someone who was actually in a position of authority and they had agreed to these egregious demands to return to Islip - the airline would send us back to Islip and give us seats on the 6PM flight. It would be a long day, but I could tolerate such a burden. I was a young, strapping sailor in uniform.
We boarded the airplane and discovered that there were more stewardesses (remember, the time frame was the early 70’s) than passengers (six) on board the flight, so we got great service on the short flight back to Islip, arriving around 2PM. We had now been enroute for about six hours from when we arrived at the Baltimore airport.
Arriving in Islip, whose terminal might actually have been as large as one dining room on the Fantasy class, we trooped en masse to the Agony Airlines counter, where we were met by the girlfriend of Mr. Can’t Do It (working for an airline allows for long-distance relationships, I guess). We inquired about the arrangements for our wait and were met with blank eyes. “Your flight is at 6PM.” was the only answer we got. “What about food?” “Oh, you want to eat?” “Yes, we have been without food since breakfast.” By now, it was closing in on 3PM.
Finally, Ms. Can’t Do It (I am sure they eventually got married) relented and granted us a $3.00 voucher (remember, it is the early ‘70’s) for lunch. Gathering in the zero-star airport restaurant, we blew through that amount in pre-dinner drinks, eventually charging the airlines the egregious sum of $38 for the six of us (we were big tippers with other people’s money).
Well, the rest of the day passed uneventfully – the flight was on time, my mother had called my father and informed him about the change in plan (the airline had graciously allowed us each one phone call as is our right under the Constitution of these United States) and I was picked up at the Burlington airport, the largest edifice that I had been in since the Baltimore airport, but no bigger (at the time) than the two dining rooms combined from a Fantasy class ship. I had my father give the priest a ride to his college (it was on our way home) because of his contributions.
Nowhere near as bad as your day, but I still remember the day well even 35 years later. Some day, down the line, you and Heidi will look back on this day and remember fondly the day you encountered all these wonderful characters.
I hope your finger gets better real soon – they can hurt like a (bleep).
Jon
February 10th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Oh, and before I forget - smilie faces are so irritating, aren’t they?
February 10th, 2008 at 11:27 am
John, submit your narration of your day to the Harvard School of Murphy’s Law….sounds to me like it could be used as a textbook example!
Still…..all’s well that ends well, right?
Terri
February 10th, 2008 at 11:28 am
OK John, Now my curiosity is aroused, you said Heidi was smiling and so was the stick, does that mean what I think it means? Is she Pregnant? I am so sorry you had to go thru what you did between the flight, immigration etc. By the way Ft. Myers is on the west coast of Florida, south of Sarasota, actually just across the state and north of Miami. If you drive south of Ft. Myers and go across Alligator Alley, and towards Miami, it is about a 2 hr. or less drive by car. Too bad you didn’t get to see Paul Pietrangelo on the Freedom on Saturday morning, but he said you left him a bottle of wine, and a fruit basket, how nice of you! By the way, the newspaper the other day said United has a new policy on luggage. The first bag is free, 2nd is $25.00 and every bag after that is $100 per bag! Imagine! When Mike and I go on a cruise we each have a large bag and 2 other bags with his suit and my fancy dresses for formal night. I would not want to pay those outrageous charges for extra luggage - another reason I don’t want to fly! You mentioned a few blogs ago about maybe having a 3rd bloggers cruise in 2009 after New Orleans. A themed cruise I think you said, it would be great to have one out of Florida! A lot of us that won’t be going on the 2nd bloggers cruise out of New Orleans would love that! Nanette, Paul and myself and others as well. Now I see why you stay 9 mos. on a cruise ship before going home for vacation, with all the HELL you go thru with immigration, airline flights etc. Heidi needs lots of hugs now, after what you guys went thru, and especially if she is PG! Hope your finger heals up quickly! Be Careful! Your friends, Linda & Mike
February 10th, 2008 at 11:36 am
John and Heidi,
Sorry to hear of your very bad day. I hope the finger and other parts get better soon. Have the finger looked after to make cetain you will not have any permanet damage.
I agree the Miami Immigration Airport folks need a lesson in being human and how to treat people arriving to the USA with respect. When you treat people like a dogs they react like a dogs. I can say those folks DO NOT speak for the rest of us Americans.
We have had some of those never ending horrible travel experiences as well. (Cartegena, Columbia after being the Amazon jungle for a week, Tokyo after a bad flight from Singapore, Osaka Japan where I lost my wallet in a taxi, (who ne their were 35 taxi comapnies in Osaka) and several others to and from US and Canada cities. We certainly had two very bad trips concerning the Rome, Airport both to and from the Carnival Liberty. You never forget those times and try to build experience on each one.
As for the rest of your terrible ordeal.
It could always have been worse:
1. Be glad you were not full of jelly beans or you might have also needed to spend most of the day finding a restroom.
2. Only $108 for extra weight - You need to carry another suitcase for the extra body you take along.
3. Be happy you were with Heidi and friends. Friends always help make a rough trip go easier.
4. Most of the troubles you had, happened in places where English was spoken and very few machine guns were shown.
We have a saying that seems to apply in these cases…. Sometimes you get the Bear and sometimes the Bear gets you.
Our best to you both,
Jo and Dave
Members of the Evil Bloggers
and long time travelers and cruisers
February 10th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Oh my goodness John,
What a frightful day! Sorry, but I laughed–I can well sympathize with your experience in Jamaica, having been there to all inclusive resorts aside from my addiction with cruising. The whole thing–the roads, the drivers, the airport, brought back some not so fond memories. That airport is the hottest, most horribly run one I have ever encountered–well, except for Miami International. And this comes from a New Yorker–actually, JFK is usually OK. Oh, yes, that famous Jamaica Wata water they sell in the airport there. I remember it well. Hopefully by now you are back on your ship and the finger swelling has been reduced to the size of Rhode Island. Still so sorry we never connected the second time on Imagination–I have a great picture of you, me and Heidi–where do I send it?
February 10th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Dear John and Heidi,
First of all, let me apologize from the bottom of my American heart for your awful treatment in the US. I am so sorry that you and all the crew members have to go through such a horrible mess. I wish there had been at least one bright spot in your day, but I didn’t see a single thing. Surely the process could be vastly improved and perhaps your blog will lead to changes. I hope so. Again, I apologize on behalf of all Americans who are not a******s… Personally, I will say that my husband and I have only taken one cruise out of Miami and it was our last. We much prefer Port Everglades, Port Canaveral, or Jacksonville, where we are made to feel welcome, and not a burden.
February 10th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Good Morning John and Heidi,
I can feel your pain. Why is it when a “travel day” starts out bad it just goes downhill from there. Jack and I have had many days like you described. Jack travels a lot and he has many, many horror stories. I do have to tell you when we left the Carnival Freedom after the cruise we actually…sit down….take a deep breath…had an Federal agent smile and talk to us as he was checking passports. Can you imagine. I’m still in shock. But back to your “travel day” if you woke up this morning (obviously) on the right side of the earth than it has to be a wonderful day! Maybe the magic stick was telling you something…maybe you two now have a new addition??? That would make your “Travel Day from !@ll” a beautiful day. Right??
You take care,
Joan
February 10th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
You did have airplanes at one time. I just remember with Sandra’s comment. I have completely forgotten.Never took one but I remember seeing them at the airport.I dont remember what happened to them but I remember they were cheap.
February 10th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
A quick VERY positive note:
LOVED the new Past Guest Video. LOVED IT!!!!!
Noonan did a fabulous job expanding the Past Guest Reception:
He had everyone stand up if they had been on 2 cruises. (If someone did not stand up, he made a cute comment about them crashing the party).
Then if they have been on 5 cruises, remain standing. Then 10, 15, 20, 25 etc. At the end, he recognized the Youngest Platinum Member (DJ) and gave him a “ship on a stick” and the person with the most Carnival cruises and gave them a “ship on a stick”. It was brilliant.
Carnival has been missing out on a marketing opportunity where the Past Guest Reception is concerned and this was a perfect solution.
As I told Noonan, 1/3rd of the people won’t care. 1/3rd of the people will realize that taking cruises every year has gotten to be the norm and will be encouraged to do it. And 1/3rd will have “just enough of keeping up with the Jones” in them to want to be that cruiser that has cruised the most!
Noonan really made the Past Guest Receiption “special” and that is what Carnival is all about!!!
February 10th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Even though you had a rotten string of luck you managed to make me smile! We have all been there! They could have flown you into Orlando and taken a five hour bus ride to Miami! Keep the faith….
February 10th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Sure felt bad for your day ’till it got to the ending…………Drop dead gorgeous blonde with a smile and a dipstick……………………………Now that’s a ride! Kap
February 10th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Sorry John, ROFLMAO!
February 10th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
John - what a day from hell. Maked me afraid to even taking a trip. The stick and Heidi both smiling - is that good news???? I’m not clear on that. Jan
February 10th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
HEIDI,
Best of luck to you and John with the smiley faced stick!!! I am here at work today in labor and delivery with new moms and babies all around! I am sending the Fertility Fairy your way. Maybe once you get relaxed and back home again on the
Freedom things will happen! Don’t forget my offer to be your labor and delivery nurse! My best to both of you!
Sheryl
February 10th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
John & Heidi,
I certainly understand your pain. And empathize with the trail & tribulations of flying!!
Coming from Western Canada, we have to fly someplace whenever we cruise…. and the flying is the part of the experience we endure for the reward.
They do tip us off with early warnings as we approach the airport. The first building you see is called TERMINAL. That’s not a description, it’s a hint of what’s to come!
Last flight we took I asked for window seat, but they told me the pilot needed it.
Then, the flight attendant asked if I wanted dinner. I asked what my choices were… she said… yes or no.
I asked what was being served and she said a hamburger. I asked what it came with… she replied: Gas and severe indigestion.
Save yourselves!!!! GET ON THE FREEDOM!!
A broken bloddy finger, and a sprained ankle… a shining example of virility. Toss him around Heidi
Regards,
Kuki
CruiseMates.com
February 10th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Hi john
airlines SUCK
cruise ships dont
hugs
February 10th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Good Morning Mr. Heald, I hope? I’m so sorry about your situation about your finger and all the bad things that took place after.. This may make you feel better. My week on the Freedom was excellent. Much of it was because of the many crew members who were tremendous with their many positive comments each day. The young girl who was our steward was an angel. She did far more than she really had to do. Remember when I asked who could show my wife how to make two swans into a heart, well she took some time to explain and fully show my wife and I how to do it. Then after we came back to our cabin after dinner, we found the swans heart on our bed along with a monkey hanging in our cabin. She was excellent. Unfortunately I forgot her name but for all her effort I gave her an envelope with a special gift in it. The two individuals who took care of us at the dinner table were so caring and the young man Sergi, he was so funny but worked so hard for us to enjoy each dinner. I could go on Mr. Heald about the many personel who made our cruise unforgetable. Also, your kind gifts sent to my wife and I, I will never forget what you did for us on that cruise. Carnival has created such a most positive group of people on their ships, how can people not want to cruise with them. The group that I was with are now planning a cruise next year and that my friend is on Carnival. I will never forget this cruise. Only you not being there personally made it sad. I’m so happy that my travel agent told me to take my first cruise on Carnival. The name ” Fun Ship ” is great but I prefer to call it the ” Fun & Love Ship” because there is so much love around with all the many crew members. Ciao my great friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
February 10th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Well, John,
It sounds like you had another lovely day. I’m thinking you folks must be like lightening rods for bad luck when you’re away from the ship and in particular, when you visit customs. Without doubt, the name ‘Heald’ must pop up on numerous terrorist watch lists. That must be it. I can’t fathom any other reason why the folks at immigration would have to treat you and all the other crew members so shabbily. In fact, if your name WAS on a terrorist watch list you would have probably been treated better!
Let’s hope things get better from here. They can’t get much worse.
I admire your ability to be able to retain at least enough of your sense of humor to be able to relate this story to us. I would have been dashing through hallways screaming and threatening the life of every piece of furniture in my way.
God bless you both. Get some rest.
Greg
February 10th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Sign me up for a bloggers cruise in late 09 out of FL! We would love to go on another one with all the bloggers and be a part of it all now that we know what it is all about. I read everyday and hopefully make some new friends and meet them on a cruise!
Deanna
February 10th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Oh John,
First, so sorry for all the, um, stuff you encountered on that oh-so-trying day.
However, only you could make one fall off one’s chair reading your re-cap of a chain of events so crappy OMG.
As one who just recently returned from a long but joyful self-controlled DRIVE from Oklahoma City to Port Canaveral to get on that glorious GLORY…I feel your pain.
I am printing your lovely blog today and will distribute it to all the folks who are so incredulous at my driving adventures to meet my Funships, wheresoever they may be….
And my best wishes for you and Heidi in your quest :>)
Eva in OKC
February 10th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
That’s airport personnel for you, so outgoing and helpful. $108 seems pretty high to pay for some excess baggage, seems you should write it off as work related expenses.
_BigMike
February 10th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Dear John & Heidi
Get on the ship Quick! Back to Sanctuary!
It is terrible when the airlines jerk you around and conveniently forget to tell you why. American Airlines are the worst, &Delta isn’t much better.We experienced that on the TA. When we got off the Freedom in Nov we were “dumped” at AA the Miami airport with no directions and it was a virtual melee and no wanted to give any information and it was 2 to 3 thousand people with maybe 1 associate/ representative before we realized we were in the wrong line. If Dee had stayed in the line we would have missed our flight home. Perhaps it was out fault but it was like the “airport from hell like Heidi I was in tears, I just wanted out of there.
Get you finger checked and get you smiley face on and take care
The Tuckers
Elizabeth & Arnold
February 10th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
To John, Heidi and all of the crew members shut in a full and windowless room,
On behalf of all of the Americans reading this I would like you to know that I am ashamed and embarrassed by the abuse of power and horrible attitudes that awaited you in Miami. Your whole experience could have been turned around had one person in Immigration just showed a little human kindness.
February 10th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Sorry to hear about your cruddy immigration experience…. yet again. After a day like you have described I would be at wits end….and more. I would be cussing like a sailor….oh….maybe crew members count too. Perhaps it is because of immigration and bureaucratic procedures that phrase came into being….
I suppose that working in those types of positions could get a little mundane and likely there is little to no incentive for them to make the experience less of an encumbrance to all the folks they process. In any case drastic improvements can be and should be made……. if only the powers that be make it happen.
February 10th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Sometimes you just have to wonder why isn’t there a better system. Sorry that you have to go though all that. Crew Members need a conceirge type of service to get through.
February 10th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
I am so sorry for the way everyone is treated all the time.
And John, I really feel for you and Heidi, give her a big hug. Sleep good
February 10th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Poor baby,
You’ve been through Hell and back. It can only get better from here!
Cindy Bruce
February 10th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Poor John! Sorry to hear about your finger! I have had my slammed in a door before and know your pain! Hope the pain eases real soon and heals quickly!
From the sound of your flight situation, you may have been better off flying to Ft. Myers. I have not had to deal with immigration in Miami, but I hate that airport. It’s dirty and some of the rudest people in the travel industry! I would fly into Ft. Lauderdale and pay for the transfer rather than dealing with MIA ever again!
I hope that you and Heidi had a relaxing evening before heading to the Freedom. You can finally get settled in again and put those suitcases away!
I can’t believe they charged you over $100.00 for the weight overage at the airport. You may want to add another bag next time to balance the extra weight!
We will keep you and Heidi in our thoughts and prayers for “smiley” stick to be accurate and a little “John” or “Heidi” show up in 9 months!
February 11th, 2008 at 12:31 am
(shaking head)
some day you will have a good day getting to America
I wish you and Heidi the best, You Need it
Heidi-Beth
February 11th, 2008 at 12:36 am
John,
So sorry about your bad day…but it sure made a lot of us smile and laugh at you…I mean with you…that’s not right either…ok we were laughing at your pain and troubles.
Do what I just did…I had a bad day today, so I put in the DVD of you’re birthday party, and in no time I was smiling and laughing and enjoying seeing you and my family again. I will play that DVD everytime I am down.
By the way, I forgot to pick up my scrapbook before I got off the ship, are you and Hedi done with it? LOL. Did you get all the way through it yet? Maybe you should look at it now and feel all the love everyone put into it…it might make you smile.
February 11th, 2008 at 3:20 am
Hi John and HEIDI, It is now Sunday and I hope that you have more or less recovered from your terrible day on Friday. I hopethe Freedom folk welcomed you back and are treating you VERY nicely.
I have been to Jamaica and it is the worst place I have ever been in my whole life. I absolutely hated it, rude people, pushy street vendors who scared us silly and the driver we had on our tour was something else, probably the father of your driver or perhaps his older brother. Anyhow, hopefully for you things will be better next time for you.
Look after that finger and don’t let it get infected. Have a lovely week at sea, you lucky people.
Nora
February 11th, 2008 at 10:11 am
John,
What a trip from hell!! So sorry for all your travel issues! However, look at the bright side. Heidi and you have been looking forward to this for quite a while. The joys of parenthood are great! I as well as many others joke about our children and allowing new parents to “borrow” them on a test run. The truth is I doubt any of us would actually do so. Meeting Heidi and you on our cruise I’m sure you will both be wonderful parents!
Best of luck, and hopefully we will be able to make the ‘09 Blogger’s Cruise!!
Our Love to you both!!
John & Leona
February 11th, 2008 at 11:28 am
I ha ve learned never to say it can’t get any worse, because it ALWAYS can. At least you got that smiley face at the end, right??? It probably all happened because you shut your finger in the door and swore in Italian.
February 11th, 2008 at 11:54 am
The good news is that it can only get better!!!
February 11th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Good Afternoon,
Here in New Jersey, the sun is shining… the sky is clear… and it’s FREEZING…… with a temperature of 10 degrees!! I wish I was in Puerto Rico right now where it’s 75 degrees warmer!!
Sorry to hear about the horrible day you guys had. $108 is ridiculous for extra baggage!! I thought $50 was bad last time I was charged for extra baggage! I hope your finger is feeling better and that things are more peaceful now!
Have a great day John & Heidi!
-Alex
February 11th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Hi John/Heidi:
I am so sorry to hear about your journey from Ocho Rios to Miami. Hearing your story makes me think of my lovely life and her various reasons as to why she won’t fly American Airlines anymore (and FYI, AA is based out my city..Dallas; therefore, flying is not easy with her).
Brings back many unpleasant memories, but thankfully you did get to where you needed to be.
I hope things quickly improve and you guys start feeling better soon.
Welcome back to normalcy
David
February 18th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
John,
I can understand why Miami shut down on Friday. We were on a AA flight that was fixing to land when the pilot aborted the landing. As we veared to the left, I looked out. All I could see was the first 100 feet of the runway and then a solid wall of rain that obscured everything within it.
We were able to land about 25 minutes later. I had the same problem at my hotel where they lost our reservation.
Looking forward to meeting you as we will be on the Bayou Blogger’s cruise
Dave
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