Normally when I write about my air travels, I talk about the strange people I meet, the rudeness of the airport staff or how flying turns my bottom into a crop duster.
On this flight to Philadelphia, though, I only have two positive things to mention. I shall ignore the fact that the plane was old and that the flight attendant was dressed like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. OK, it’s Halloween and its nice to see them getting in the mood and Dorothy serving my Diet Coke may have been OK if Dorothy’s real name wasn’t Gregg.
Anyway, I shall ignore all of this and instead concentrate on my new mate seated beside me Mr. Ray Bearcroft……or Major Bearcroft to give him his full title. Actually, it should be Major Ray Bearcroft, U.S. Marine Corps.
The Major is reading this, so Hello Major and welcome to the blog thingy. Let me describe how and why we started talking and its all thanks to my book called Bravo Two Zero by my favorite author Andy McNab. The Major recognized the book and told me it was one of his favorites, as well. The book is about a British team of SAS (Special Forces) soldiers who were involved in Gulf War I, destroying SCUD Missiles. You may remember then as being a major threat to Israel and Andy and his eight-man team had been assigned to seek and destroy these weapons.
Anyway, Andy McNab and others were captured, tortured and eventually released. Four of his team never came back. Our mutual respect for this great read got us talking and it was then that he told me about his two tours of Iraq……and how his third will begin in December, this time the Marines are going to Afghanistan.
I joked that it was nice to see the Army flew him business class but his laughter at that told me that it was only thanks to air miles.
Before I continue let me tell you that Major Beacroft stands six feet tall and, although in his 40s, is full of muscle and is like one of our supper club steaks…….there’s not an ounce of fat on him. Actually, standing next to each other we look like the number 10. I asked Major Bearcroft why he was not traveling in uniform and was surprised to hear that standing orders are that on commercial flights that “civvies” be worn. ………Major Bearcroft explained that in today’s environment that it’s safer for military personal not to fly in dress uniform in case it “upsets” the public………..upsets the public?……….how could anyone be upset about sitting next to a brave and gallant chap like the Major? ………What a sad world we live in.
Anyway, it was as we continued chatting that I Major Bearcroft told me why he was going to Philadelphia…………and that was a very sad story……..he was going to the funeral of a marine killed two weeks ago while on patrol in Iraq. This young man of 23 years was part of the Major’s battalion and someone he had worked closely with during his last tour.
I expressed my sadness as the Major expressed his anger that due to the election coverage the death of a 23-year-old marine had not even made it on the national news…………I can understand how he felt.
So, here we are in Philadelphia and, while Stephanie shivers, I am basking in the 52-degree temperatures. Somewhere Mr. Knockov the Russian logo forger is celebrating with a huge vat of caviar and a magnum of vodka. I just checked into the hotel and everyone……….I mean everyone….is wearing a red Philly’s shirt and jacket…………even the driver who picked us up was wearing one. The city has gone baseball crazy.
However, there is a dark side to all this because we were also told that immediately after the game while most of the good people of Philadelphia were celebrating their win, hundreds of complete idiots with the combined brain capacity of an amoeba went on the rampage. They broke windows, looted from shops and set fire to cars. Seventy-six arrests were made and some police officers were injured. ………………in England soccer supporters go on the rampage when their team loses………here, it seems that they go on the rampage because they have won…………very strange.
Anyway, let’s hope they behave tonight and on that note I am going to bed. Another hotel room and another chance to lay my head on the pillow and remind myself how much I miss Heidi.
Goodnight, I will continue this blog thingy in the morning.
Bugger. It’s 5:43 am and I have been awake since 1 am. That’s when the crowds started to gather outside the Ritz Carlton Hotel deep in the heart of downtown Philadelphia. There was screaming, there was shouting and, most annoyingly, there was the constant blowing of car horns as baseball fans acknowledged a huge sign which told people to blow their car horns in support of the winning team.
Then, throughout the night, the crowds have been gathering ready for today’s victory parade. As I look out of my hotel window, I can see a tide of red as hundreds and hundreds of fans get the best sight lines possible for the big parade. They all have horns and are shouting and singing and it’s all as clear as a bell even here………….on the eighteenth floor.
I have not slept and, if the windows were not welded shut, I would have soaked a few pairs of underwear in the toilet bowl and see if they are still shouting “lets go Phillies” with a pair of my Fruit of the Looms on their head. I am on the eighteenth floor; I cannot imagine what it must be like on the lower floors.
And so I reached for the remote control and dozed in and out of consciousness in the company of CNN repeats of old sitcoms. Every episode of Seinfeld, The Cosby Show, M*A*S*H, The Golden Girls and Gilligan’s Island is available, all the time …………………thanks goodness for that.
I also watched my first-ever episode of House starring fellow Brit Hugh Laurie. I loved his character. After all the sugar-coated angels of ER, and every other medical drama, a doctor who doesn’t like patients, other doctors or himself, who thinks the point of medicine is to treat illness, not people, was a joy to see. And Laurie plays him like he really is a doctor. You watch the doctors on ER. When they do that medical bollocks over the triage table, they’re not thinking, they’re desperately remembering their lines.
Anyway, thanks goodness for late night TV. It’s now 6:15 am and the crowds are getting bigger by the minute and the parade doesn’t start until noon……………oh joy.
Well, what’s happening otherwise? Well, I am helping as many of you as I can to find a cruise on the Carnival Dream, Emerald Princess or Eurodam to replace your cruise vacation on the Carnival Liberty. It seems that the blog thingy was your first source of reference that this change had been made and that has upset a few of you. Let me assure you that a letter was sent to each and every guest either directly or to their travel agent. However, it seems that some of you did not receive your copy and for that I apologize. I want to move on but not before one last time asking you to please let me know if you need any help, assistance or just want someone to vent your frustration at. Please post a comment marked “John, please reply” and I will, of course, do so.
Let’s check in with Jaime.
October 30, 2008
Dear John,
My first thought today was that the morning of sea day #1 was extremely rocky. As the day progressed I came to realize that the afternoon, evening, and night were rocky as well. Apparently we are chasing a storm and I personally think we should just let it win this game of hide and seek because chasing it is not so fun. At least the rockin’ and rollin’ is easy to ignore because we have so many activities on board! Carnival has been so kind as to fly in even more entertainment staff – everyone from dance instructors, arts and crafts professionals and seminar specialists to add even more fun to the “Fun Ships” (even though we all thought this was impossible). Among these special guests are Lou and Amor, ballroom dancers extraordinaire, and they are fellow bloggers so you know they are great! I am their Carnival liaison for the cruise, which means I get to attend and assist with all of their dance classes.
Goose made his first few announcements and had his first big travel talk today as cruise director of the Carnival Splendor after seeing him on stage, I know he is going to do an excellent job. He made sure to remind everyone repeatedly about the important safety precautions – wash your hands often to avoid and viruses, hold the handrails, etc. These two issues are very important to avoid any potential safely concerns. In our staff mess, we have a member of the dining room team standing at the entrance making sure everyone washes their hands. I think I will make them a hat and a badge that says “Hand Wash Patrol,” just because any job with a hat and a badge is more official. Maybe they should have a tool belt with liquid soap, hand sanitizer and Kleenex. As far as the “holding the handrail” directions, this is all well and good except that SOMEONE had the brilliant idea to paint the handrails on the crew stairs today, so that makes holding that handrail advice not only sticky but also a great opportunity for finger painting all areas of the ship!
Our Coast Guard preparations are underway for the ship’s arrival in the US! Today the show lounge staff rehearsed a full theater evacuation drill. We reviewed exactly what to do if there is a fire in the main lounge. We know the codes, procedures and traffic patterns involved in all of the potential crises situations that could arise. Also, I noticed the special needs team practicing their protocol in the event that a guest is in need of a stretcher. I am proud to be on a team with such knowledgeable and hardworking individuals.
After two welcome aboard shows and walking around the ship it is good to see all of the lounges so busy and the ship alive once again! Everyone is out and about enjoying all that the Carnival Splendor has to offer.
This cruise our guest count in 2,919 however all of the cabins are full since so many guests traveling alone. Guest participation has been great thus far and I am confident it will continue throughout the cruise. Our American guest count is higher than ever, it seems we are giving quite a few people a ride home with over 75% of Americans on board.
Tomorrow we will visit Barcelona for the last time!
Our new cruise director, Goose
The fabulous ballroom dance class taught by amor and lou
The rocky seas alongside the Carnival Splendor
Have a great day =) Jaime!
Now, it’s good news for the Caribbean bookings and many of you taking advantage of our affordable fares. Also, it seems that you all love the fact that we are placing ships closer to you. Carnival started this and it’s been copied by many other lines which is a good thing I hope for you. Flying anywhere these days is about as comfortable experience as sitting on a cactus, so look out for more ships coming your way in the future. I will be sailing on lots of Carnival ships in January and February and I look forward to renewing myself with our brilliant Caribbean product and featuring the voyages right here on the blog thingy.
I’m crap at complaining. I live and work in a world where complaining has been perfected to an art form and yet when it’s my turn I just can’t do it………..I should have done so this morning, though.
I was sitting in an expensive, snobby restaurant for breakfast……..you know the type …….one where you’re made to feel lucky that you’ve even been able to get a table. The service is patronizing, the food is over-tampered-with and unbelievably expensive. So you ruin everyone’s meal by grumbling about it all the way through. “What is this? Is this an egg ….who laid it……..Madonna? How am I supposed to eat with these weird forks …….why can’t they but proper ones? Eight dollars for a bottle of mineral water? Why do we have to wait for a cappuccino?………..and this isn’t a proper cappuccino……..I could make more froth on top of the coffee if asked a rabid bat to spit into it?”
But when the waiter turns up and dares to ask whether everything was OK (not because he gives a bugger, but because he wants a good tip), you lamely reply: “Yes, thank you, it was brilliant…” and then you bugger off to your room, full of self-loathing, having left a huge tip to show that you’re not a cheap sod. Why do we do this? Why do I do this?
Partly, it’s being a cruise director and writing a blog about people who complain and I never know if someone may recognize me and write a nasty comment…………..I know the chances of that happening or smaller than Kate Moss’s breasts, but I just don’t want to take that chance. Even if I do hate something, I don’t want to make a scene, I don’t want to have an image of being a complainer, with waiters saying: “We had that John Heald in here last night, he complained about everything, didn’t leave a tip, he was a complete and utter bastard.”
But also being British means it is the law that we must not make a fuss even if we have ordered filet mignon and been served fried hippo poo in a white wine sauce. If we were French and we didn’t like a meal, we would quote French law, which apparently allows every Frenchman the right to refuse to pay for a meal once in their life for no reason whatsoever. In fact, a Frenchman would go through every fault in the meal and then storm into the kitchen and personally show the chef how to cook the dish. Not only that; if the French are unhappy about something, they protest, they burn cars, they close down the whole country and even threaten the waiter with a bar of soap.
When my Dutch wife, Heidi, and I first started dating, she would embarrass me with her complaining. She complained about this, she complained about that – she complained about everything. We would go for an average meal, where the service was the bollocks, and she would storm up to the maître d’ and demand that the service charge be removed from the bill. I’d be hiding in the toilets longing to disappear into a hole in the ground, but part of me secretly admired this feisty little blonde……………..it’s the European way ……… like the North American way………….but it’s just not me.
This morning it took an hour to get my eggs Benedict. It took another 30 minutes from asking for the cheque until the 12-year-old waitress brought it……………….she apologized ……………..saying that a lot of the staff were at the parade. I should have said “Am I bovvered though,” and told her to get the manager. But, instead I found myself saying “Oh, no problem,” and gave her a $10 tip.
If it wasn’t for the smell and the fact that I would be hated by the entire world……I sometimes wish I was French.
It’s noon. And the parade has begun and as I look out of my hotel window now there are thousands and thousands of people dressed in red and waving white thingies round their heads. Every police car in Philadelphia has driven passed which means right now the bad guys robbing a house have no chance of getting caught. After the police came the bizarre sight of mascot. It looks like a cross between an alligator and Judge Judy and is perched on top of a truck. It’s dancing and waving a flag but no bugger is paying the poor sod any attention. That’s because behind Judge Alligator are their heroes……….the players ………… the World Champions after beating Canada, Argentina, Cuba, Mexico, Botswana and oh yes………..Tampa.
They are screaming and shouting and it is actually an amazing site. Bits of paper are being dropped from the offices and banks……..and the way the financial markets are going I wouldn’t be surprised to see a few bankers chuck themselves out, as well.
One thing that is surprising is the number of kids at the parade. Thousands of them are here and the schools will be getting thousands of “Johnny had the flu” notes tomorrow.
However……..as much as I congratulate the Philadelphia team I cannot help thinking about something else.
On the other side of Philadelphia there is a much smaller crowd. There will be no ticker tape and marching bands. There will be no screams of joy and no sense of exuberance. Instead…………there will be tears of sadness and despair as Major Bearcroft consoles the family of a 23-year-old Marine. He probably loved baseball…………..he probably would have been right here at the parade.
So, among the preparation for Carnival’s new world record of the largest piñata ever …….. among all the preparation of fun and against the backdrop of this huge parade…………I want to remember the young Marine being buried at 11 am. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family and I promised a man I met on a plane that some of you …………. would remember him, as well.
Goodnight
Your friend
John
Filed under: Europe, Tales from the Ship, Travel | Tagged: Carnival Splendor, Guiness Book of World Records, Philadelphia, World's Largest Pinata
John, please reply – this may be a question for everyone. As you know, I was booked on the Liberty with you for next year. After looking over the choices to replace it, it seems Carnival has decimated the Eurpoean cruise schedule next year. I think I saw three European cruises all season! What gives? It seemed like every European cruise you were on was filled this year. Why did they pretty much cancel this entire itinerary? Or did I miss something?
Jeff
Hi John/Heidi:
I honestly think this line is the funniest thing i’ve ever read in your blog: Dorothy serving my Diet Coke may have been OK if Dorothy’s real name wasn’t Gregg.
On a more serious note, i’d like to commend you for mentioning Major Bearcroft and the marine funeral he is attending. What a classy move by you (and he) considering everything that is going on in the city. I agree that not enough is being mentioned about our boys dying overseas.
Great pictures from jaime today. It looks a little rocky out there.
All things considered, its pretty interesting your timing to be in Philly for the baseball parade. Especially since this isn’t something that happens everyday. I bet this is something that you won’t forget. No excuses though for you to wait over an hour for your breakfast.
Good luck this weekend with the pinata and I hope that you are able to spend a little time relaxing (and catching up on some sleep).
Take care and thanks for posting!
David
My best friend’s Marine son was killed in Iraq in 2006 at the age of 24. We will always remember all those that gave their lives for us.
John,
I’ve run the gamut from tears of laughter to tears of sadness. I fully support our troops and all that they do for us and I take it personally when one of them gives their life to defend our freedom.
To Major Bearcroft and all who serve: Thank you for your service to our country. May you never grow tired of hearing those words; and may we never tire of saying them.
Thank you for reminding us all of what is really important. My prayers are with the family and friends of the young Marine who was killed defending our way of life. Take care. Jeri
Thanks for remembering those that Serve .Are you ready to get your Sea legs back??
I’m sure the Major and the family of the young marine appreciate your tribute. Now he has made the “national news.”
Major Ray Bearcroft: Yet another reminder that
Freedom is never free.
Thank you for your service and the sacrifice you and your family have made, so that myself and my children can sleep safely at home at night.
Our condolences to the family of this young brave Marine.
My husband David wears a t-shirt that says…
All gave some, Some gave ALL.
The Marines in this blog were an example of both.
Linda (Mom of DJ – nephew to Col. Powell ~Blackhawk helicopter pilot)
John, thank you for your words about the Marine. And for helping us all to think about the both the exciting and the tragic things in life.
God Bless our Men and Women in Uniform, never forget their sacrafices.
Hi John: My brother in law and nephew were at that parade, those white scarfs they were waving over their heads were also waved at the winning game. By the way, the kids are off school today for the parade, that is what Philadelphia does! Hope you get to see the Rocky statue while in Philly, get someone to take your picture in front of it, ok? And post it on the blog. I LOVE House, and Hugh Laurie is a great actor, and I can’t believe how he hides his British accent too! I LOVE that show. You were probably watching reruns though. Well, enjoy Philly and I hope you got a cheesesteak sandwich too! Good for Heidi, you have to stand up for yourself John, when service is not good at a restaurant you complain. You need to be more like Chef Ramsey, he stands up for what’s right, of cause he needs to clean up his language, gosh he would have put a million dollars in that jar Heidi has by now, with all his cussing! HA! HA! What hotel are you staying at? Lucky you, getting to see the parade from your hotel room. I should have sent my brother in law up to meet you, I have told him all about you! See you on the blog on Sunday with the live broadcast. Can’t wait! 12 NOON! Right? Linda & Mike
If the Major reads this blog, sir, please offer my condolences to the family of the young hero. His family will be in my prayers.
John, I know the Philly event will be a success, full of joy and laughter but perhaps, just perhaps you can find a moment to remember our fallen Marine.
Thanks.
Host Mach
I am thinking of this Marine as well. Your description of the parade with him being buried in the background of all this was a very sad thought when he did something much harder than play baseball–he fought for our freedom! I will pray for his family.
Bravo to Jaime again John she continues to shine in your place!
Hope you can finally get some sleep tonight and oh I know how you feel in those hotels and restaurants–I am not comfortable there and here’s to Heidi for standing up for the right thing! I wish I could do it and like you probably should but don’t want to ruffle anyone’s feathers even though they have ruffled mine.
Thank you John for remembering this young hero and for allowing us to remember him . My thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time. My son is currently serving in Iraq and will be home in September……. which, to me, is a very long time !! As a treat for him and for us, we are taking him and his wife with us on a very special cruise on 9/20/08 with the Crazies !! A big thanks to Major Bearcroft for taking the time to visit and be there for the family. I’m sure they really appreciated his thoughtfulness and his presence at this sad time in their lives. And yes…..it’s sad and a disgrace that these brave people are not to travel in uniform because someone could be upset !!!
Ginnie
John, my thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the young soldier. I can not imagine the worry that a family go thru 24 hours a day, when they have a son, daughter,husband , wife, or a loved one in Iraq and in harms way.
As I think you know, 4 of us Krewe members have adopted soldiers that are in Iraq. I ,for one, worry when I don’t hear from my adopted soldier. I can not imagine what it would be like if one of my children or grandchildren were in Iraq.
Well we are enroute to Philly. CYA Sunday.
Countess Carolyn and Don
you are right – those are the people we should be considering right now. those who have had to deal with loss and are still dealing with it because of the brave men and women overseas. no matter your political party, you should keep these people in your hearts.
good to hear you mentioning them as so few others do.
Hi John,
I will be saying a prayer for the young Marine and his family tonight.
hang in there John,,,,
and may GOD bless all our service Men& Woman,
your florida buds
we love our second place RAYS
Well, John,
There you go again, making me cry. I love that you have such a kind heart and are so appreciative of the men and women who serve their fellow man. I have said a prayer for the family of the young Marine and for Major Bearcroft and all the others who try their best to keep the world safe for the rest of us.
I hope the parade was worth the sleep you lost. Maybe you and the bloggers could gather at 1 am beneath someone else’s hotel and party til dawn on Sunday!
Funny stuff about not wanting to complain. When I was younger I would usually suffer in silence, but over the years I have become increasingly short fused…not proud of it, it’s just a fact. It seems as if I just one day got tired of feeling “taken advantage of” because nobody cared anyway, so now I just kind of say what I think! I try not to be too rude, just “frank.”
Later,
Your Pal, Myra
Dear John
As a former Marine I appreciate your comments! It is amazing what we as Americans take for granted! Our freedoms are paid for by others!
Semper Fi!!
John & Susan from Frisco
Hi John,
I see you are wearing your Halloween mask in the picture above.
I see that Holland America’s Westerdam made it to Costa Maya today – the first cruise ship to return after the area was devastated by Hurricane Dean.
Any chance the Carnival Fantasy Blogger’s cruise will replace Progreso with Costa Maya? It would make a great story of two areas that are hurricane survivors linked by the cruise.
Hi John,
Just a line from a snowy Aviemore in Scotland (kids on half term).
As always you never cease to amuse and entertain me with your blog. I must, however, this time pick a small bone with you regarding your comment about english football fans going on the rampage!
As a supporter of, admittedly, a minor London footie club in Leyton Orient it upsets me somewhat to still see people label english fans as hooligans and talk as if going on a rampage is a common occurence. I’ll leave it at that as I know you write to entertain rather than be facual.
All my best to Heidi and thingy.
Best regards,
Declan. (Freedom 9/07)
Hey John,
What a wonderful blog today. I hope God is with that marines family today. I have been in a lot of airports in the USA lately & I always see travelers in army uniform, I wonder if the marines are only told this, but I have not seen Navy either. Odd, I think as I am always honored to see them in uniform.
Hope you can catch up on your sleep, but next time take the little bag you get on first class with you as they usually have earplugs!
Jan
Hello John,
For some reason I haven’t been able to read your blog for about 3 days now. I just got an error message. But, today I was able to read all the latest blogs. I’m glad you were able to help some people with their canceled Liberty cruises.
Also want to say that we’re thinking about the family of the soldier that died in the service of our country. That should be the most important news.
Since it looks like the third Blogger’s cruise will be December 3, 2009 I guess I can quit hoping for the Valentine’s Day on the Dream. Maybe we can see you again on another cruise.
Have a great day!
Linda
i’ve never written in before, but read your blog daily. your last paragraph moved me enough to write in. thank you major and thank you john, and thanks also to the young marine who gave his life selflessly. and to any and every member of the military and their families: thank you.
One of your best blogs ever. The story about the marine needs to be remembered and the young man also. I think all of your bloggers will stop for a moment and say a prayer, I know I did.
I had not signed up for a cruise on the Liberty, with you of course, but I was close. It was kind of shocking that Carnival would make such a drastic itinerary change. The Carribean is great but Europe is indescribable and I really thought there would even be 2 ships there, how wrong was I???
Well 2010 will be here before we know it and maybe Europe will be more available then. Whatever happens, Carnival is the best. Say a huge hello to Heidi and Jaime’s posts are great. Looking forward to your next installment of Life with John Heald, hee hee.
John -
We shall all remember that 23 year old Marine who gave his life in defense of his country and freedom.
IMO, the third verse of America the Beautiful says it best:
O beautiful, for heroes proved
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
God bless Major Bearcroft, the Marine hero who deserves the graditude of all of us and all those, American and other nationalities, who are serving in defense of freedom and to eliminate terrorism in this world.
Jon
John, you are such a kind person. I cried when I read your blog today. All I could think was of the contrast of the celebration on one side of Philly and the sorrow on the other side of town. We will definitely be thinking and praying for this young Marine and his family on our trip to Philadelphia on Sunday.
Linda and Kate
John,
I would like to send out my thoughts and prayers to the loss of the 23-year old marine. May God bless his family and all our men and women in the armed forces.
Most Philly “cheesesteak” fans are very brutal. I heard that some of them cursed at some little 6-year old kids and poured beer on one of them, because they were wearing Tampa Ray shirts. I was so mad when I heard about that on the radio on my way to work a few days ago.
Rooting for the opposing team in Philadelphia is like walking through a heavily infested mine field! Plus, to go around and wreck stuff because they won? That’s ridiculous! If the Phillies lost, forget it! Philadelphia would be a bloody war zone!!
I like that show, House. Hugh Laurie is hilarious and a great actor. I wish the new CD, Goose, the best of luck in everything he does. I can tell that he’s going to be a great CD!
Anyway, great blog today! Thanks for the great laughs and for lending out your support for the marine. See you and Stephanie on Sunday!!
Cheers,
Alex G.
John:
How wonderful you put your kind words about the young Marine onto this blog. I hope Major Bearcroft and the young man’s family know how much their sacrifice is appreciated by the very people they serve and protect.
Yesterday I was crying over a canceled cruise, now I know how shallow that was next to the loss of life of this brave young man.
I am sorry you were treated badly and lost so much deserved rest at the hotel. It is hard enough to be away from Heidi and living on your own without having to suffer idiots. I hope you get some rest tonight.
Marie
Major Ray Bearcroft, U.S. Marine Corps
You can sit next to me anytime you want. I didn’t care if your in uniform. You could even be wearing camo that you have worn for the last month or as John would say smelling like a Frenchman and I would not say a word to you about it. I would give you the window seat and if anybody said anything about you being in uniform upsetting them I would give them a piece of my mind just for starters. Knowing you had my back would be all I needed to stand up to anyone.
Thank you and all others serving to keep our country safe. I will be voting Tuesday to make sure you will given the supplies and troops to come home carrying the Stars and Stripes up high and not a white flag.
BIG ED
John,
Thanks for reminding us of the sacrifices our military make every day for those of us enjoying the freedom we have. Our thoughts and prayers go out the young marine’s family and to Major Bearcroft.
We recently adopted a soldier so we can give back just a little.
Will see you Sunday,
Lisa and George
John,
My prayers are with not only that marine but all lost service men and women.They made the ultimate sacrafice, and should be honored more than they are.
As far as getting bad serivce and then not complaining and leaving a good tip, I have to help you TIPS is a accronam for To Insure Proper Service. Not To Insure People Suck. So always tip what you feel they deserve. I do sometime I leave 20% sometimes 50% all based on service.And your fear about complaining something wasen’t good or correct is totally approiate. As a chef I value more negative comments than good ones. Because a negative comment at least let’s you know what needs attention, so you van fix it before it happens again. So on behalf of all food service workers, please tip what we have earned and deserve, and tell us when out burre blanc sauce tastes like your used fruit of the loom underpants. We all want to know. Please reply. And do the right thing, you will feel better about it.
Kevin
My food and service can be award wining and terrable but I need to know.
John –
What are the chances that you would be in Philly for the first sports championship parade in 25 years? Wow, you’re extremely lucky, or unlucky, depending on how you look at it. I really wish I would have known where you were staying as I would have forced myself into your room and watched from your window. I’ve lived 20 minutes north of Philly all my life but even I wasn’t crazy enough to go down for the parade.
I’m looking forward to Sunday as are the kids. Because apparently the tons of candy they got tonight wasn’t enough and they want their crack at 8,000 more pounds of it.
Some Philly fans can be a bunch of idiots. I saw on the local news this morning that they had to protect the pinata from the fans the night the Phillies won…smart move.
Look forward to meeting you on Sunday and winning a cruise
I LOVE House. Awesome show.
Major Bearcroft,
Welcome to John’s blog! We all hope you will continue to read it and become as “hooked” on it as we all are!
I want to throw my voice in, along with all the others, offering you a huge “thank you”, for all that you do to help keep all of us safe and living in a free world. The sacrifices that you and all your commrades do for us is amazing! Those of us who have never been in any branch of the service have no idea of all that you give up for all of us! I hope that you had a few good laughs on the flight with John. . . he is one of the funniest men alive, and hopefully he was able to make you forget, if only for a few minutes, what you were flying to Philly to do. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your fallen hero’s family.
Thank you again for all that you have done and will continue to do!
Sheryl
John, standing next to the military gentleman was like a “10″? HILARIOUS!!
What a heart felt blog…my condolesences go out to the Major and the Marine’s family. Thank you, Major, for what you have done to keep us free. Thanks goes to the Marine for the sacrifice he has also made for that freedom I get to personally enjoy.
And thank you, John, for being such a kind hearted person to remember someone that is so important. It truely shows the kind of man you are!
Hi John
Just to let you know without help from anyone we managed to get re-booked onto the Dream for its inaugral cruise on 21st Sept after being bumped off the Liberty. We still have had no official notification that the original cruise was cancelled, even our TA had not recieved word. Hopefully there will not be any problems with this trip and the ship comes in on time.
Also I agree with Declan above,we dont have the same hooligan problem following football over here like we did in the 70’s. you should know being a Hammers fan.
All the best, and a special mention for all our troops both British and American
Thanks to Major Bearcroft for his service and regards to the family of the fallen soldier; thanks to John for your support of the military and recognizing their efforts. Have a good day mate! I know you miss Heidi.
John,
Life is so full of the bitter and the sweet! I really feel bad reading about that poor young man that was killed in action. My thoughts are with his family today.
How else would we know this unless we read your blog John? It is truly a shame how this news gets passed over.
Good luck in Philly.
Ciao, Kathleen
John,
Our son is a captain in the United States Marine Corp and we are very touched that you took the time to present Major Bearcroft’s story.
Our prayers are with that young Marine’s family. I want to state again how much I enjoy your blog. It has truely become part of my daily routine.
John, I’m here in Philly and can’t wait to see you, some of the Evil Krewe and all the bloggers. Maybe Carnival will get 2,000,000 people in downtown Philly to see the Worlds BIGest Pinata. I hope they don’t confuse me for it.
BIG ED
Hello John.
Regarding your remark about moving ships closer to home, this sounds like a wonderful idea. Has Carnival considered Halifax NS as a “home port”. personally living only an hour away I think it is a fantastic idea. Perhaps a week long cruise to Bermuda from Halifax? or a cruise starting from Halifax and going to Montreal or Quebec City?… any thoughts…. My wife and I are currently booked to Fly to Fort Laurderdale, and cruise on the Freedom on November 30th for our first cruise… we can hardly wait.
We were both in the USMC and our prayers go out to all families who have lost someone for the sake of freedom. Freedom is not free. The price is very high and should never be taken for granted.
Try this on for size–it upsets me to hear that our troops CAN’T wear their uniform while traveling! That is bollocks. God bless all our men and women serving this country, and especially bless those families left behind and those suffering tragic losses. My heart breaks for them.
Duchess Sandy in GA
John
The Major and the fallen young Marine represent the best among us and remind me of one of my favorite quotes:
“A soldier who I don’t know died today so I can be free.”
Our thoughts are with the young man’s family and with the Major as he prepares to deploy yet again so that we can be free.
Well done John!
Roger T
deepest sympathy to the marine and his family and friends. very deepest sympathy…
hugs, bonnie and prince charlie
hi to wes and liz
tks for backing me up re. the old chestnut of football hooligans.
like you i live near manchester and am within 20 miles of over 10 premier and league clubs all having loyal and troublefree support.
id love to be joining you on the dream in 2009 as it will be a fantastic experience for all aboard. I hope carnival come back to nothern europe soon as i so want to visit oue baltic neighbours.
John, this blog truly shows the whole spectrum of life, doesn’t it? Jaime and the pictures of ballroom dancers truly enjoying themselves, carefree, compared with the Major coming to Philly to console the family of the young Marine. A new life for the Heald family, and a reminder to all of us to fulfill our purpose, every day.
My thoughts and prayers are with the young marine’s family. I also have an adopted soldier in Iraq, as well as a step-brother in the Navy. (He ships out, AGAIN, to Afghanistan in December.) My heart goes out to all with family/friends in the military. It is very hard. Major, I thank you for always having my back and would be honored to sit next to you in your uniform, or civies.
Hugs to all,
Lori
Deepest sympathy to that wonderful Marine and his family. May God give them strength.
Thank you to the Major and all our service men & women
Dear John
My wife is a Carnival employee and she told me about your blog…I am a former U.S. Marine and you don’t know how much it hurt me about this poor 23 year old Marine not being recognized as a hero and people are worried about a damn baseball game…There are families sons and daughters in that hot and muggy desert which is not a joke and I know because I was there in 2003 and 2004…My family sends their prayers to the Marines family and to Major Bearcroft and John thank you for opening up the people in this countries eyes and make them realize that our U.S. military are our heroes and not no damn sports team or entertainers….Thank You Very Much…SEMPER FIDELIS!!!!!!