Friday, April 18th, 2008...4:06 pm
Chicken Satay and an Early Night
Fifteen days, eight flights and six countries and loads of wonderful memories…………the FAM trip is now officially over.
I am sitting here in Heidi’s Mum’s living room tapping away on the raspberry thingy while Heidi and Mum make chicken satay with roasted potatoes.
I am really tired…………we averaged 14-hour days and what with the unpacking, packing and the joys of flying I am ready for a rest. However, I will have to wait until May for that to happen and I will show you my schedule in a minute.
The trip was very successful and I truly believe that we have put together a wonderful excursion program as well as gained lots of important information to pass onto all the guests who are sailing the beautiful Baltic.
I will not miss the coach rides though and neither will my bottom. We enjoyed some luxury coaches and some that were as comfortable as sitting on a spike.
So, I thought I would share my schedule with you so you know where I am……here goes.
SATURDAY 19TH – FLY FROM AMSTERDAM TO LONDON
SUNDAY 20TH – HOME IN THE UK
MONDAY 21ST – HOME IN THE UK
TUESDAY 22ND – VISIT TO QUEEN MARY, QUEEN VICTORIA AND FOND GOODBYE TO QUEEN ELIZABETH 2
WEDNESDAY 23RD – HOME IN THE UK
THURSDAY 24TH – INTERVIEWING FOR ENTERTAINMENT STAFF IN LONDON
FRIDAY 25TH – HOME IN UK
SATURDAY 26TH – FLY TO CALIFORNIA TO RECORD TV SHOW FOR USA CHANNEL
SUNDAY 27TH – RECORD SHOW
MONDAY 28TH – FLY HOME TO UK
I of course will be blogging each and every day, sometimes from the raspberry and on the days at home I will be able to answer your questions and comments again which I have missed doing. Then I can rest a bit in May and then join the Carnival Splendor in Genoa on June 2.
For now though I hope you will excuse me and allow me to say goodnight. Dinner is ready and I need an early night as I have an 9 am flight tomorrow on which I will report to you about from the raspberry……………..I can only imagine what Murphy has in store for me.
Heidi is staying with Mum now until I return from LA. This was a last minute decision as I know Mum needs her right now. This means I will not be with her on April 28 for her birthday which normally would have me in the doghouse but the fact that I suggested she stay with Mum for a week has earned me some points and a get out of jail free card.
I will of course have to go shopping in LA and hope there is an “Everything Is a Dollar“ store near my hotel. The fact that Heidi is staying with her Mum is good for them both but bad news for my Mum who due to my inability to work our washing machine will have to put on the Haz Mat suit and wash 15 days’ worth of my socks and underwear.
I will write tomorrow and a special thanks for sticking with me the last 15 days and my raspberry-flavored blogs.
Here are some photos from Holland
Heidi’s favorite Magnolia tree spotted in Germany
Amsterdam Concert Hall
The Sunflowers (Van Gogh)
The Nightwatch (Rembrandt)
Heidi and the Anne Frank statue
The Tower of the Wester Kerk (Western Church)
The Amsterdam Synagogue
Zaanse Schans
John filming in Marken
Edam
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
34 Comments
April 18th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
And good morning. Thanks so for all the work you do. We are off in two weeks on the Elation and know we will enjoy it thanks to you.
April 18th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Hi John & Heidi: An early Happy Birthday Heidi as we will be on the Carnival Liberty starting Sunday for a 6 day cruise coming home on the 26th and I wanted to make sure not to forget to wish you a Happy 29th Birthday! John can’t wait to see the TV show you will film in California. Let us know when it will air in the U.S. Have a safe flight home to the UK and also to California. God Bless, Linda & Mike
April 18th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Great pics again!!!
April 18th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
HEIDI, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ON THE 28TH!!! Since John won’t be home, don’t know if you will be reading the blog comments or not, so wanted to wish you the best day now! How nice for you that if you can’t be with John, you can be with your lovely mum for your special day! Remember to thank your mom on the 28th for bringing you into this world by giving her a bunch of flowers or something sweet. I hope you have a great day and celebrate your special day in style!
HAPPY, HAPPY DAY!!
Sheryl
April 18th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Thanks to your blog we made some decisions on what shore excursions we are going to do. Looking forward to seeing you on the Splendor…….any chance that Carnival will expand and go to Egypt? Would love to stay with you guys and do Turkey, Greece and Egypt…….would hate to have to switch to a competitor! We love Carnival and all of the staff on all the ships we’ve been on.
April 18th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
John,
I just wanted to say thank you for taking all of us along with you on your fabulous, but tiring FAM trip! We have seen so much, thanks to you.
BY THE WAY—LOVE THE NEW PHOTO OF YOU AND HEIDI AT THE TOP OF THE BLOG!!
As for the horses patute on the Conquest, I agree with you one hundred times over! I hope he reads your blog to find out that there is not one person in support of him, and all in favor of the Captain and all the crew on board the Conquest.
Safe travels to you!
Sheryl
April 18th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
John:
Eight flights….wow!! With flying what it is (or should I say is not) today….that is stressful!!
I hope you already know this (but just in case you don’t)~~ if you are ever stranded in any airport near us….please do not hesitate to call. I am certain that goes for a host of other “bloggers” across the United States!!
Safe Travels….
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
April 18th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Thanks for the great tours, John! Have a nice “rest,” a good trip to everywhere you’re going and keep on bloggin’.
BTW…I may be totally crazy but I would swear that the blog “header” just changed right before my eyes. One second there’s you sitting at a desk, and the next there’re you and Heidi hugging and all lovey-dovey somewhere in the Caribbean (where you may wish to be right now as it is so much warmer than the places you’ve been lately).
Cheers,
Myra
April 18th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
John and Heidi,
We will help you count the days until May when you can get some much needed R&R and enjoy your time together at home. You’ve earned it.
Job well done, my friend.
13 days until May 1
Don and Carolyn
April 18th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
John, Our group will be on the OCT 13 MED cruise on the Freedom. Will you be the CD? If so, some of our Amazing Race fans would like to know about arranging a tour that does the rope climd in Croatia as they did on the show. Probably not, huh. I was volunteered to ask this since I read your blog and find rather amusing. keep up the good work. If someone else will be the CD, then PLS see how if they can miracously achieve this. Look forward to the cruise.
And thanks for all the laughs.
April 18th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Heidi looks so cute in the wooden shoe!
Wow, just reading your schedule tires me out. No rest for the weary I guess.
Please, once you know, tell us when and on what network the US TV thingy will be. I’m anxious to watch it.
Your mum may get a break on the laundry bit – remember you are flying into Heathroe – you may never see your luggage again!
Rest well our friend, until the next raspberry, Barb
April 18th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
You’ve made me smile so VERY BIG!!!
Now, I’m homesick for Sissy!!!
Thank you for your schedule… We’ll be able to keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you are a mad hatter scooting about!!!!
Lambie
April 18th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Looks like you found my other yellow shoe, lol. (I wear a 14 wide).
Your blog always makes me envious of the places you get to visit. I have read all of your blogs and finally quit lurking and started posting the last couple of days.
Happy birthday, Heidi, in case I forget (don’t tell my girlfriend, I am BAD about remembering birthdays).
Our “friend” on the Conquest reminds me of a question I once had from a guest “Can we disembark on a fun day at sea?” This is a person I would glady have helped with that.
Enjoy the time with Heidi’s mum, I look forward to meeting you in person on one of my cruises next year.
My prayers are there for your family, Big Ed.
April 18th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
John, please pass along my howdies to Heidi as we won’t be seeing her for a bit.
Please accept my thanks for all you do, not only for us but for all those to whom you are a loyal friend. Gentlemen like you are becoming an increasingly rare breed.
God bless, my friend.
GregB
April 18th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Everyone agreed on CC with you, John. I posted your blog on Carnival’s board . Not a big surprise, but nice anyway. Last time I looked there was 450 people that had read it. Happy Birthday to Heidi & I also love the new picture at the top.
Jan
April 18th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
22 Days until the Glory!!!!!!
PS….Don’t tell the Captain, but Flash is cruising with us!
April 18th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Hi John & Heidi.
Heidi, I hope you have the best birthday on the 28th. You am Mum should celebrate.
John, I have kept quiet for the past 15 days reading each and every word, each and every day and I want to now thank you for taking me along with you on a trip of a lifetime. Although I doubt I will ever get a chance to visit these wonderful places in person, you Sir have taken me there and I have enjoyed it so very much.
Thank you for all the hard work you do and special thanks for bringing us, your online family, along.
Sallie
P.S.
Stephanie, a special thanks to you for all you do to bring Johns words to us.
April 18th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
John,
Thank you for a fantastic whirlwind FAM tour and taking us along for the ride. Your rapid fire boysenberry blogs describing your adventures and misadventures along the way were both informative and entertaining (as usual).
(Drat that Murphy anyway!)
Thanks also for the great photos along the way when you were able to get them posted.
Happy Birthday to Heidi as well…
Mark
The Flying Dutchman
April 18th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
John,
I see the Splendor will be in the US next November when we are sailing on the Freedom. Are you going to be the CD on the Splendor then. I might rethink my cruise to go with you, although I really want to go to the Panama Canal.
Will you be CD on any future USA Cruises?
Bill and Joan
April 18th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Hi John and Heidi,
wow!!!!what a trip you both have had. that would wear me out and I love to travel.
John, you have to write a book for us, a very large book that takes a while to read, boy, the things you could tell.
Thanks for the work you both have put into the shore tours for the Splendor. I already know which ones we will take, and your blogs just confirmed our choice.
You still make me laugh, and then I forward the blog to all my family.
Sharon
April 18th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
John–can we have some more info about this show you are taping for American TV, please? Do I get to see you in 37″ High Definition in my own den?
April 18th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Hi John,
I heard about your blog on Cruise Critic, and I’ve been lurking here for a few months, but it’s time to jump in and add my two cents.
I really enjoy reading your blog. You have a way of writing that makes me feel like I’m travelling with you. From what I’ve read, you are the voice of reason with difficult patients, and handle every situation with grace and style.
I’ve been on a few Carnival cruises; maybe the next one will be with you.
Enjoy your trip to Los Angeles. The best dollar stores are the 99Cents Only stores. I don’t know where you are staying, but if you type in the zip code of your hotel, the website will tell you where the closest store is to your location. Go to http://www.99only.com. I don’t work for them but when I lived near one, I got lots of stuff for 99 cents.
I look forward to reading more of your blog,
Alice
April 18th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
I see the blog is over 1.9 million slaps and a post count is there, too. Good job!
April 18th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
john hope to see you on the freedom on july 21 we will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary i have been reading your blog and get more excited every day can’t wait to be there Les& Ann
April 18th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Happy Birthday to a fellow Taurus!! I will be celebrating my birthday, April 25, on the Valor – sailing 4/27!!
I love Amsterdam; I’ve been there twice and can’t wait to get back there again. I love all the pictures – you have done an excellent job keeping us all informed on the new excursions and sharing the great pictures.
Have safe travels John, I hope Mr. Murphy is taking a vacation and you have no travel wows. Heidi, enjoy this time with your Mum
I’m staying tuned for the TV show –
My best to you both!
“Debs”
April 19th, 2008 at 1:25 am
Hey John & Heidi,
LOL…Actually my hubby,Ted and me are seven years apart in
Happy Birthday Heidi, in case I forget by next week! Are you really going
to be 29 Heidi? If so, that makes John quite the “cradle robber “,wouldn’t
you say?
age. (Sssh…don’t tell anybody, I ‘m 7 years older, and I’m kinda sensitive about
that sometimes.)
About what happened on Conquest, I think the Capt. did the right thing. It makes me realize why I love
Carnival. The Crew and officers are some of the nicest and caring people that you could ever have
the pleasure of knowing , including Wee Jimmy, AKA Ralph Valente. Thinking back, I realize now that
he could have only worked with you John, as he has a certain way about him, and a quirky sense of humour
(spelt the wrong way). That’s my 2 cents, and Goodnight…
Sue
April 19th, 2008 at 2:35 am
Hi John,
I hope Heidi had a wonderful week with her mom (spelled correctly) and you get some much needed rest before heading out again. Enjoy your visit to the Queen’s and I hope Alan is well enough to go with you and you two have a great day together.
Jeremy L., I’m dying to know, are you really tall or do you just have
big feet?
Julie
April 19th, 2008 at 8:52 am
John, as much as I have enjoyed your blog, I don’t think there is any way that I could have tagged along, at such a whirlwind pace!
I know Heidi’s mom is very happy to get to spend this time with her. BTW, Apr. 28 is my grandaughter’s birthday, too! She will be 4 years old. She will spend the day, wrapping up her 5th cruise, this one on the Ecstasy!
Take are of yourself!
April 19th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Thank you John for the wonderful fam tour it has helped me decide on so many of the shore tours I want to take while on the Splendor with you……….and the pictures were unbelievable.
I do have a question about tours in St Petersburg. Looking at the schedules I would love to take a morning and an afternoon tour and go to the ballet in the evening…………..each has a 2 hour gap between them. Is this enough time to allow between tour departures? I know you said we would have to go through Russian processing every time we leave the ship.
Early Happy Birthday to Heidi enjoy your R&R with Mum while John continues his busy schedule. I’m really looking forward to meeting you on the Splendor July 13 sailing.
Safe travels John and never fear the Raspberry blogs are just wonderful.
Big thank you to Stephanie for keeping up with Johns postings.
Kersplott
April 19th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
[shameless plug] Tuesday 29th – enjoy a romantic short break in a luxury caravan bought from CaravanParkManager at a very reasonable price [/shameless plug]
We’re only about 200 miles away… that’s only about £100 of petrol (25 gallons) in your 4×4…
[bribery] I’ll have the kettle on for a nice cup of Bovril [/bribery]
April 19th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
LOL, a little of both – I am about 6′ 3″ so fairly tall, but also just really big feet.
April 19th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HEIDI!!
TO A LOVELY, CARING PERSON.
LOVE, PAULA AND NELSON BAKER
April 21st, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Hi John/Heidi:
Great hearing from you. Thanks for another wonderful set of pictures. I really enjoy the one of John in front of the Amsterdam sign.
Happy early Birthday Heidi! Hope you have a great time leading up to the big day.
Looking forward to hearing about your trip across the pond.
Thanks again,
David
April 22nd, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Ok, I’ll try this again and hope it appears for your viewing John.
Love the pictures you’re posting, and your blog, also excited you’ll be doing some film for USA in La, we love anytime seeing you.
So here’s the question. Do you ever sail Holland America? Especially since Eurodam is the newest ship coming on line we’re so excited to board her in Quebec Oct. 1, 08 for 2 weeks!! ending in Ft lauderdale, so, is there a chance you and Heidi will sail with us? We came back from Rome on Liberty with you Oct, 07 you n us n the noro virus so this time we hope to have you at full steam. What you think???
Thanks for your most entertaining web site and sharing yourself.
Marlene
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