“Mr. Heald?” said the voice on the telephone. “We’re following up on your appointment. We wondered if you would like to go ahead and purchase the car.” Eh? Was this a bad dream? Was this… ah, hang on a minute.
Back in June, I visited a Mercedes dealership looking at buying a second-hand M-class Mercedes as that was considered to be less of a polar bear slaughterer than the Range Rover. I decided against the purchase and never gave it another thought. And now, all these months later, here was the follow-up call.
It’s been a happening a lot lately. Insurance salesmen, building contractors, even the bloke who sold me my new coat I bought last week; they’re all suddenly desperate to keep in touch. Last year, you had to be Donald Trump to merit a return call from these people. Now they stalk you with telephone messages, junk mail, cold calls. Yes, this is it. It’s confirmed…………the recession has reached our little village.
It has its good points though. For example: a few weeks ago, Heidi scratched the wing mirror as she was parking in a space 300 feet wide…….I am going to the doghouse for that one……..Anyway, I took it into the car body shop and was presented with a bill for £232.
At this point I did what I always do at garages: I became emotional. I launched into a long and somewhat poor-taste bollocks stating that I had been quoted £175 at a garage down the street. Then the repairman shuffled back to his shed pressed a few buttons on an old calculator and charged me £156. “Business is slow,” he explained.
I feel for everyone who has and will be affected by the ongoing credit crunch thingy and it seems many of you are taking advantage of the even more affordable prices Carnival is offering to take those downturn blues away. Now, you know me and this blog. I refuse to make it a sales tool and I always say what I feel. However, this time I do want to say that this is the time to cruise and we have the Fun to counteract the boredom of recession. So, with that in mind here is a Fun4All upgrade thingy deal thingy…….go on……treat yourself ……….you deserve it.
www.carnival.com/fun4all (it ends on 1/23)
Some of you have been asking about the new itineary of the Carnival Miracle and why it was changed. Here therefore is the explanation and a reminder of the new itinerary. Once again, please except my apologies and if you have any questions please let me know
The Carnival Miracle has experienced a minor technical problem with the propulsion system, which is only impacting the maximum cruising speed of the ship. All other systems and hotel services are functioning normally. Due to the reduced speed, we will need to change the 8 Day itineraries of the following cruises until she
goes to drydock on 2/23/09.Day Port of Call Arrive Depart
Ft. Lauderdale 4:00 p.m.
Day 1 “Fun Day” At Sea
Day 2 Cozumel 10:00 am 6:00 p.m. (was “Fun Day” At Sea)
Day 3 Costa Maya 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. (was Colon, Panama from 7 am to 5 pm)
Day 4 Belize 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. (was Limon from 7 am to 3 pm)
Day 5 Isla Roatan 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. (was “Fun Day” At Sea)
Day 6 “Fun Day” At Sea (was Belize from 7 am to 4 pm)
Day 7 “Fun Day” At Sea
Day 8 Ft. Lauderdale 8:00 a.m.
This morning I went for my annual back to work haircut. Unfortunately Giuseppe, my faithful Neapolitan barber who has been cutting my hair since I was 7 years old has retired. This meant that instead of going to see the master who could cut my hair and teach me a dozen new swear words in Italian all in 10 minutes I had to go to one of those “poncy” ( www.urbandictionary.com ) unisex salons ……..this one was called Toni and Guy.
You know the sort of place I am talking about, loads of big red leather couches, cappuccino machines and 15-year-old girls ready to cut your hair. I had booked an appointment over the phone because Heidi had told me this was the law, so I did and was asked by the receptionist who usually does my hair. I thought this was a strange question but I answered truthly and said “Giuseppe”…….the 15-year-old then said they didn’t have anyone of that name working there and it was then I realized that she was asking me who did my hair in their salon. So, after realizing I was a complete idiot, the 15-year-old booked me an appointment.
When I arrived I was offered a coffee and sat on one of the leather couches. Giuseppe always had old copies of Penthouse and Playboy to keep you occupied while you waited. There were however no bosoms to look at Toni and Guy. Nope…….I was offered GQ magazine. What a load of bollocks. Apparently, according to this month’s issue the briefcase is unfashionable and any man seen with one is subject to arrest and will receive 20 years in a Turkish prison. Apparently, no man dares to leave the house these days without the holy trinity of keys, wallet and cell phone. Or, in my case, a raspberry.
Modern man is also expected to have on his person at all times gym kit, gluten-free nutri-bars, the latest novel everyone is talking about and a couple of stop-the-war pamphlets. And that’s why this magazine had three full pages of “man bags.” I was thinking to myself what kind of man would carry such an item when the answer walked in through the door.
He was wearing a red coat with a clutch bag tucked under his arm and was accompanied by his wife and son. I had seen “man bags” in the magazine but now I was seeing one up close and personal. There was even a miniature Sponge Bob Square Pants hanging off the zipper.
After seeing this fashionable gentleman, I am having second thoughts and might need a man bag of my own. I won’t have Sponge Bob on mine though……….I want one like Jack Bauer, one that will help me save the world.
So, I had my hair cut in this huge disco of a salon. There was loud music, lots of hair dryer noise and lots of foofing of hair. The 15-year-old asked me if I wanted to look at some photos of various styles. I told her to just cut the wings of the side of my head and make it short at the back. She seemed aghast that I also said no to the various gels, creams and lotions she offered me during the process.
When women crest the brow of middle age and start on the high-speed, unstoppable plunge to old age, there are many ways to pretend that it isn’t happening. Breasts, ravaged by gravity and babies, can be re-upholstered. Tummies distorted by pregnancy can be vacuumed away. And shops such sell exotic creams that soothe wrinkles and tell cellulite to bugger off. I saw Joan Collins recently, aged 70, and she doesn’t look a day over 55………… amazing.
Now, compare and contrast the fortunes of Ms Collins with the plight of Barry Manilow. We hear he’s had plastic surgery and what do we think? ……..mmm, that’s a bit girly. Mickey Rourke is said to have had Botox put in his face for his new movie The Wrestler……..girly. You see, I am old fashioned. I have never been one of those men who wear “product” in their hair, whatever the hell that is. Men who have combs or hairdryers. Men who wash their cars. Men in sandals. Men who go to the dentist when they don’t have toothache. Men who take vitamin tablets……….I don’t understand any of them. I wear clothes so that people cannot see my genitals. I have a stomach like someone put the world’s largest beach ball down my shirt because I like eating food. My teeth are yellow because I drink coffee and used to smoke cigars. My hair is cut with scissors. My bathroom scales are broken. I haven’t combed my hair since I was 12 and…… after today……..having paid £29 for a cold cappuccino and haircut…….I realize how much I will miss Giuseppe.
At least I will still have my next haircut onboard at one of our spas. By the way, thanks for all the feedback on this subject and if you have not had time to do so, please tell us what you think and what you would like to see to make your spa experience onboard even better.
Now, over on www.bestblogsatsea.com you will see some fantastic photos on James Cusick’s blog about the world cruise he is currently on. Yesterday’s blog featured some terrific photos of the upgrades the Arcadia has recently enjoyed. Go and see the ship’s new screening room which has probably the best looking and most comfortable cinema seats I have ever seen. The ship is currently in the Ionian Sea and as James will tell you, they have encountered some rough seas. Stop over and have a read of this great blog.
Snow is not something you usually associate with the Italian Riviera. However, in Genoa they have had snow……..lots of snow and this has caused some unexpected problems for the folks building the worlds most luxurious ship the Seabourn Odyssey. Their blog also reachable through http://www.bestblogsatsea.comwill tell you all about it and there are some stunning photos of the internal workings of the vessel. This is definitely worth a visit.
A few days ago I was talking to a friend of mine who for many years worked onboard our ships. Some of you may remember Peter Gibbs who was one of our most successful cruise directors and certainly the CD with more energy than anyone I have ever met. We chatted about the old days when Peter worked with me as a social host and he reminded me of the bridge tours we used to do together.
Do you remember the bridge tours? We used to have the guests meet in a lounge and in groups of 30 we would take them up to the bridge to see how the ship was run and in some cases meet the captain. I say some cases because while many were happy to receive guests on their bridge and interact and answer questions, many were not comfortable doing this and would hide under their beds until it was over.
Peter and I used to enjoy this event and we would make a show out of it……..it was great fun. It was also amazing to see guests’ faces when they saw all the electronics that go into running the vessel and of course they all wanted photos next to the ships wheel which as you may know looks like one from a PlaystationXbox thingy. Then there would be the questions ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous.
While some of the questions were excellent, many were just plain silly………who is driving the ship, etc? How ever the ones asked by men usually with beards who thought they knew all about the ship were my favourite………ahhh yes, this must be the bow thruster unit which drives the propeller shaft generating 30,000 bhp per milisecond …….ummm……..no sir, that’s a pencil sharpener.
However, the most rewarding part of the bridge tours was showing the proud gents who had served in their country’s navy and hearing their stories and seeing their excitement at being on the bridge……….yep, that was always something special.
But thanks to the terrorists can’t do this anymore as security is obviously paramount. Just as the cockpit doors are closed on the plane so are our bridge doors………..and that is a crying shame.
Tomorrow, I want to tell you about some other events I miss from the old days.
One of the many hazards of living and working in America and much of the time among North Americans is that everything you do is automatically regarded by non-Americans as being in some way both strange and intellectually suspect – BrittneySpearesesque, you might say. Never am I more aware of this phenomenon than when on the phone from America or from onboard a ship with Mum and Dad back in the UK.
If you listen closely enough, you can actually hear their eyebrows on the other end of the line making their slow journey upwards.
Imagine, then, being charged with the uniquely perilous task of naming a child (my first), and then having to do it with them thinking that I may be influenced by American names such as Jermajesty Jackson (son of Jermaine Jackson) and Pilot Inspektor Riesgraf Lee (son of the actor Jason Lee). My mother is already expecting me to turn up one day carrying a little Keshawn Soprano Heald, or perhaps Porsche Apple Mercedes Heald.
Obviously these names guarantee having your head flushed down the school toilet
Still, the fear remains: will my son or daughter ever be able to utter their name with pride. In the old days; the biggest problem for parents was avoiding the names of people you didn’t like. Nowadays, naming a child is like naming a corporation: the name is a brand – and brands, as every ad executive knows, need to travel.
Your child doesn’t want to be denied that job in Tokyo on the basis that his name phonetically translates as “he who smells of rotten Sushi” in Japanese. But coming up with a global brand is expensive, hence the creation of a new LA profession: the baby name consultant……………as we Brits sometimes say……….”only in America.”
These people study social security data, phonetic structure, foreign translations, linguistic origins and so on, and then settle on something trendy (but not too trendy), or something innocent, like “Arit.” (Incidentally, this wouldn’t be good in Albania, where it means hairy armpit.)
The world’s growing population, and the challenge of Google (Has your child’s internet domain already been purchased; does he share his name with a porn star?) has further complicated matters. There are hundreds of baby name books and internet sites, all of which leaves the option of auctioning your child’s name to a sponsor (“The name’s Coke. Diet Coke”)
Apparently the most popular name at the moment for a boy is …. Leon … which is French ……which will guarantee you will get many a good view of the inside of the school toilets. The name game continues …………….and honestly, it’s bloody stressful.
Obviously The Thingy is foremost in my mind and a whole torrent of thoughts continually flow through it …………for example. Until now, I regarded the airport check-in question: “Do you have any infants traveling with you?” as being obviously absurd. Of course I don’t have any infants travelling with me. Why would I do that? Why would anyone do that?” As far as I was concerned, it was like asking if I planned on, say, deliberately contracting testicular elephantitis.
Of course, that is all about to change. I will forever be flying with the Thingy …. All things considered, I think I’d rather have the elephantitis. Flying is as you know something I enjoy about as much as having a baby alligator chomping on my nipples while Judge Judy gives me a lap dance. Higher fares, fewer aircraft, more delays, less legroom, worse food, fear of terrorism, fear of incompetent maintenance staff, fear of everyone looking at me hoping the “fat bastard” isn’t sitting next to them……. It all adds up to ensure a horrific experience, no matter what your cabin class or destination. At least with the right combination of prescription drugs and a few minutes of a Tom Cruise movie you can remain unconscious throughout.
Unless, that is, you’re travelling with an infant. I have watched people who do fly with babies over the years and I dread the time when I have to. Naturally, the airlines do their best to make everything that much worse (I came to the conclusion some time ago that American, British Airways and Easyjet exist only to remind us what life would have been like if the Soviets had won the Cold War or what it’s like to be French).
For example: they offer to let children under the age of 2 fly free of charge as “lap passengers” – the suggestion being that your little pumpkin will sit quietly on your knee, cooing and smiling and perhaps every so often clapping his pudgy little hands, while your plane spends 18 hours waiting for a take-off slot from Philadelphia’s airport (see past blog for details.)
This is, of course, complete and utter bollocks. For a start, babies do nothing quietly. I have flown with a baby that made a noise like a fax transmission being played back through AC/DC’S speakers and another who sang a techno version of whale song all the way from London to Miami……not even the BOSE noise restriction headphones could block out this little bugger.
Then there is the in-flight wriggling, punching, kicking and gouging followed closely by the violent and often unspeakable excretions that are somehow made possible by a diet of mashed carrot and peas. And, of course, you must also suffer the knowledge that every other passenger on the aircraft would love nothing more than to throw you and your offspring out of the emergency hatch.
So, this coming flight to Miami will be one I will enjoy for sure. I can be stuck in the back row, wedged into a middle seat between two French sumo wrestlers both whom like all good French Sumo Wrestlers will be allergic to soap……..However, that won’t matter because I will be flying for one of the last times without my Thingy…….and that means I will be flying first class.
Now, I just want to say thank you for all your kind words and thoughts for Heidi today. I without a doubt made the right decision to stay as the test she had was scary beyond belief. I held her hand and I don’t know who was in more pain because as the test got underway she dug her nails deep into my skin………but I took the pain like a man.
Anyway, it went well and it’s over and I am so glad I stayed to be with her. One other good thing……..I now know that during the birth to wear boxing gloves while I am holding her hand.
Goodnight
Your friends
John, Heidi and the Thingy
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
John,
As our Lamaze instructor told all the men in class, whatever you do, don’t let her hug you or even get close to your neck when in labor. She will have strength that she/you never thought possible.
Enjoy your flight. May there not be any children on it.
Looking forward to meeting you in New Orleans.
Ann
Dear John what happened to the old days?Just as you said the modern era has found its way into the last bastion of man’s sanctity.My barber who has done my hair for many many moons has now turned unisex gone as you said are the sporting mags and replaced with Country Living and something called Moi.The last straw was when my dear wife walked in and he said “I now do ladies cuts”.OH!!!Bugger!!! Best wishes to all Gary and Bug
Glad that that is over. No more stress till the birth. Yes John the gloves would be a good idea. Glad you took the amnio like a man!!
John,
So glad to hear the amnio went ok. Mrs. Kuki had the same test 23 yrs. ago, and my scars are just now fading.
Only somewhat related to flying… but this week I set out to buy new ultra lightweight luggage, because of all the weight restrictions the airlines impose now. Had the luggage store fellow follow me around the shop with a portable scale device, weighing ever bag for comparison.
When we finally thought we’d found the lightest bag ever produced on earth, I asked the price. I told the fellow he must have misunderstood my; I didn’t want to buy an airplane, just the luggage to go on one.
Now I have luggage more costly than the combined value of everything I own that I could possibly put in it.
But I need it because I’m going to be flying to see you in New Orleans in just a few weeks… so at least the story will end well.
Regards,
Kuki
CruiseMates.com
Hello John and Heidi
Great to Hear that the Amniocentesis went well today. How many nail streaks do you have in your hands John? I like the Idea of using a boxing glove for the birthing time. Great Idea!
I remember the ships bridge tours , they were great. I was disappointed when they were not offered any more, Especially now married to this Navy Man. You know once you have your baby, he/ or she proably won’t be half as bad as some of the ones you have travelled next too, especially from the vision in your eyes. and yet as they are small they are very good , it is when they get bigger , they get badder, untill they get to the technological age, (which at this point is younger and younger) to keep them entertained.
Now in reference to your spa request/ question.
My hubby and I like to partake the hot tubs in the spa. It is much quieter than the ones outside and less kids..I also enjoy the massage treatments. I just hate to leave there with the bag full of unecessary expensive bag of creams and lotions that I take home and never end up using. The last time, “Mr. Cheap “took them back to the spa and had them taken off the sale and sign account. I guess I am as good as I can bee without them,,, LOL. I have not been able to use the bauty salon as I could never get an appt for elegant night, they were always solidly booked up. So I guess that sums up our Spa experience. The personnel were great, never a complaint other than selling me stuff I really don’t need for my skin.(good sales job)
Great Blog
Take Care, Our Best to Heidi as you get ready to Travel again.
The Tuckers
Elizabeth & Arnold
Well Done John , you took it like a man ,and stood by your woman .She will of course be able to injur you worse once she is labor.
We have reached the minus 20 range here and the cold is expected to last into our weekend . The only good that can come from such cold temperatures is the chance that \earwigs(horrible creeping bugs we only see in summer) will be killed off because of the very cold winter temperatures.
I as thousands of canadians wishing we could head for the south and enjoy the warmth of the sout. The economic downturn has everyone not spending money and many are just worried about the jobs they have.
Once the baby is born and you have to pay for the diapers , formula and start a college fund , enroll them in the most expensive pre kindergarten – with the proper connections – making sure they are socializing with the proper children you will understand the cost of having kids .
Forget paying a baby sitter a wage less than yours . There are Nanny’s (I never had one) but in some circles Nanny’s do make pretty good jobs. I some how cannot see you and Heidi turnning your child over to a Nanny.
Well we were pleased to read all went well . We are still cruising the internet looking for the deals on cruises and planning for our next . the Blog makes winter pass quickly .
enjoy the rest of you week home . I am just amazed at how much time you put into the blog – The Carnival Line is very fortunate to have a person such as yourself to entertain all us wannacruisers in the comforts of our homes.
Lou-anne and Calvin
I’m glad everything went well. John, travel with Thingy as much as you can, that is the secret. They should get used to it. It’s not going to be bad if you are well prepare and are parents that simply…. care. I never let my children kick the front seat, make them aware.There are ways to keep them quiet. Vivi was in an airplane for the first time when she was a a year and a half. I knew she was not going to be still and for her security I bought the ticket and she was seated in her car seat. Plenty of food and liquids and things to make her happy and quiet. If not a little benadryl or dimetapp works wonders.
Don’t worry !
Hi John,
Great blog. You brought back memories of 20 years ago when my wife broke blood vessels in my hand during a contraction when our daughter was born. She also left finger impressions in the dashboard of our Honda Accord while driving to the hospital. She had some dandy contractions and then an hour and a half later…………presto chango….new baby daughter.
Well we’re down to short time now before the Feb.9th cruise on the Miracle. Thanks for the update on the reasoning for the change in itinerary.
We’re doing the Eastern route and will now stop in Grand Turk instead of St. Lucia. Been wanting to see the new cruise port and experience the blue waters of the Turks. My cousin is a big scuba diver and brags about the clear waters and the great diving in that area. Can’t wait to see them myself.
Hope all goes well with the results of Heidi’s test and her legs are feeling fine during the pregnancy.
All the best from frozen Canada. -32 C tonight. BRRRRRRRRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr is right.
Global warming my a_ _. Can’t really believe what Al Gore says when we’re freezing our keesters off. LOL
B&D from Canada
John, Speaking of nail streaks, when my wife was in labor and “pushing”, I was by her side holding her hands and coaching her along when she started to scream with pain, and being the supportive husband I held her hand tightly and said push, push, but that’s when she really screamed out pain and notified me and the entire maternity ward that I was squeezing the IV needle in the top of her hand, oh well ……
Just recently I started to walk without a limp
Hi John, I am so glad the amnio is behind you both. I hope you both feel better in a few days.
About the spa. Last September Dave and I did a BTB in Europe on the Splendor for 24 days. When I first got on board I went to the spa to ask about pilates instruction. I have a machine but was a little uneasy about using it without some sort of training. I talked to Dan the instructor. He was wonderful. He really took me under his wing and tought me a lot. He knew I have asthma and made sure we worked out a nice easy pace. He even charged me at a reduced rate. It was like I had a personal trainer. I loved it. He offered products. There was no high pressure. I thought prices were high but I didn’t feel too bad because I felt working out with him was a reasonable price.
I also had my teeth whitened. That was another story. The price was a “special” rate of $179. Not a bad price BUT afterwards I was told I needed a 60 day daily treatment to keep my teeth white. That was $300. That was a total surprise. I should have said no but didn’t. A couple of day later I tried to return the extra material I had paid for still in the bag unopened. I was offered a 2nd tooth whitening and a facial instead. Since it was obvious I wasn’t going to get my money back I said OK. After the facial I was pressured about buying some cream for $150 but refused that. There was also pressure to tip. I resisted that too.
We were on the Splendor in November for 12 days as well. Dan was supposed to be there. I was very disappointed to find out he left the ship. I saw a pilates class advertised in the Capers so I checked it out. It was with mats not the machine. I asked the instructor about using the machine. She was very short with me. Said I couldn’t use the machine by myself. I said I knew that. I never went back. I am still sorry Dan left. It was fun. We are going to South America in a couple of weeks. I may check it out again.
Jo
John and Heidi,
So glad to hear that the amnio is behind you! FYI, John, being a labor and delivery nurse, I warn all my patient’s significant others to never let the pregnant woman grab their hands. During the strength of a contraction, a women’t strength magnifies unbelievably. And, if you happen to have a ring on the hand she grabs and squeezes, it is like being in a torture device. It is also important for a woman to relax during a contraction, and if she is gripping your hand, she is not relaxed! Also, don’t stand with your family jewels within grabbing distance! I have seen several men in severe pain! Most of all, don’t take to heart things that are said by Heidi while in labor. Many women say things they wish had never come out of their mouths when they are uncomfortable. Once that beautiful thingy is out and in your arms all will be forgotten.
When do you fly back to Miami?
Sheryl
I’m happy that all went well at the doctor’s even though you will probably have scars in your hand for life but they will scars of love. Enjoy your last days with your love ones, that does sound very good does it? I meant until you come back after working some time onboard the ships. But, we are very happy to have the chance of spending some time to personally see and dicuss with you about Heidi and how she has been doing. Oh what the hell. I’m getting excited for my cruise and the chance of meeting you, Empress Bee and Linda. There I said it and I don’t feel embarrassed. Ciao.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John:
PETER GIBBS…..he was my FIRST!!!!!
(Cruise Director….get your mind out of the gutter!)
He was fabulous!!! He was the first one I ever saw do the Bedtime Story and I am STILL laughing!!!!
We were blessed to sail with him twice. I read that he had started a charity called Sea-Change (which I thought was a brilliant idea to collect “change” from passengers to “change” the circumstances of the folks in the ports that we love to go to). Years ago…collecting for a charity while on a cruise ship would be “dismissed” as an intrusion. Now we are smarter…we walk for breast cancer and other things on the ships for charity….he was so ahead of his time.
Talking about hair cuts….I have to share the exciting news that my oldest son Josh (who has never worm a hairstyle that I liked all his life) allowed Charlotte (Spa – Fantasy) to cut his hair to the style that best suited him.
I am beyond THRILLED. To be so ober picky about his hair (every hair had to be in place) it never looked good….until Charlotte!!!
She found and cut a style that truly suited him and will look even better once he gets his contact lens in August.
AND there was not one single sales pitch for “product”, shampoo or anything. She was marvelous!! Yes, to make it look like he just got out of bed…he does have to use “product”….and I can attest to the fact that it looks better “messed up” than it ever looked with every hair in place!!!
Thanks Charlotte for helping me drag him kicking and screaming into adult hood. He always looked handsome…but now he is cute!!
DJ can relate to your barber situation. We came home from a cruise last May to find the barber who has cut his hair his entire 17 years had passed away.
Now anyone who knows children with Autism can testify that “change is not their friend”. So these past few months….we have been struggling with “the process” of finding him a new barber/hair stylist whatever…someone to cut his hair the way he wants it. DJ’s idea of cool is a mullet. (Business in the front…Party in the back)
I have to “balance” his sense of style with reality….
and since his hair grows faster than car rims disappear at a Puff Daddy Concert …we deal with this struggle regularly.
So glad everything went ok today…. tell Heidi to relax for a few days.
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
John, Please reply,
Just two weeks before the Splendor!!!!
On other ships that I’ve cruised access to the cruiseline’s web site has been available at no charge. Is this so on Carnival. Is it possible for the link from the Carnival site to your blog also be a no charge? For 49 days I won’t have cruise withdrawal, but I sure will have blog withdrawal. What’s the chance for free access to your blog?
Thanks, Carolyn
Dear John,
Thank you for the Miracle update. We will have a wonderful time on board. Too bad we won’t be able to see you again.
Please know that Heidi, You & Baby are in our thoughts and prayers. Such a blessing children are.
Jeanne & Jim
John,
During the birth of Thingie you better be wearing ear plugs to stop the assult of new names you will be called.
So happy to hear that its over and both of you survived without major scarring. Now Heidi can relax and get on with growing baby.
Actually long flights are hard on adults let alone babies or children so you plan for them a little more than you do for yourself and still say a little prayer. The first time with an infant was my granddaughter at 4 months and we lucked out as she slept the whole time even though we had to be de-iced and delayed for 2 hours. After she was a year we flew again and by then I had purchased a DVD player with Elmo, Big Bird or Cookie Monster and that did the trick everywhere we flew after that–I just had to buy more players because each wanted their own. Now overseas flights will be difficult because none of them will watch DVD’s forever but every little bit helps. Once the get to be 4 they are already into the electronics so there is plenty to amuse them and seat back TV’s and yours will be a seasoned traveler by then!
Names though are a whole other thing and it is difficult to pick something that this little being will have to live with the rest of his/her life. I’m sure you will find the right one.
Its nice to know that men stress about having to change “stylists” as well. I have never had anything done to my hair on ship but my BFF loves to get hers styled and even colored on ship so I guess that is something else to comment on for the spa.
Have a safe flight.
John:
I am so glad all went well for Heidi and you. You really took it like a man. I am sure you will come through with flying colors during the labor and delivery of the very special Thingie.
My favorite part of the spa is having my hair done. It is always a calm and relaxing time for me. The 15 year old girls do have a way of making you feel great. I cannot afford the other luxuries offered so I cannot comment on their value.
Enjoy your precious time with Heidi, and, I am sure you will be welcomed with open arms back at Carnival.
Marie
Hello John,
Glad everything went well for Heidi today and I’m sure all will be well for the birth as well.
Since others have asked, I also would like to know if you’re going to be the CD on the Dream in 2010. We are booked on the Valentine’s Day cruise of 2/13/10 and would love to see you again. We’re also going to try and meet the ship in Port Canaveral for the Blogger’s cruises so at least we can see you then.
I have had a couple of massages in the Spa but really think they’re too expensive and I agree with the others that said it can be a little pushy trying to sell additional products.
Have a good day and stay warm.
Linda
So glad the test is over and you survived the ordeal. Hello from the Valor out of St. Thomas. Brilliant ship.
Duchess Sandy and Duke Dick
John, please answer
Hi John
Have you heard yet about the chances to change US$ to Brazilian, Argentinean, Chilean whatevers, on the Splendor SA cruises? Last we heard, you thought you would find out in a few days,
Sorry to be so persistent we have to fly more than 15,000 km (almost 10,000 miles) to join the Splendor, so are in the throes of organising everything!
Hope your flying goes well,
Frances
John I am proud of you, You took it like a man……
Don has some scars in his hands where I held on when I was having shots in my feet. So he can well sympathize with you.
Heidi, I’m so glad this is over with and now you can relax and await the birth of the wee little one. Gosh it is only 4 months until he/she is born. Better get all of the rest you can, those 2 o’clock feedings will wear you out. My first born seemed to eat every 2 hours so instead of 2 o’clock feedings it was more like 10, 12, 2, 4 and 6 o’clock feedings. Makes for a very sleepy, tired mother.
Take care of yourself
Countess Carolyn
Hi John, Glad everything went o.k. at the dr. today.Now you both can rest up. I am sorry to hear your barber retired. It can be real hard to find a good one that remembers how you want it cut every time you go to see him ( or her). Another thought on the art. If you want something of lasting memories, buy from a local artist when you go ashore. It will help their economy & you will most likely get an original for the same price as unnumbered print onboard. l Larry&Connie
Hi John!
Glad all went well at doctor. I know you will always remember these milestones for Thingy.
I hate the salon type places paying so much for a 10-15 minute haircut. I would rather go to Supercuts since I have an easy style.
Good luck on your flight to Miami since I always manage to get the kid next to me.
Take care!
David
Hi John & Heidi,
I am so glad everything went well with the amnio. Now you can relax a little. Great advice from Nani about flying with children. I remember all the trips I used to take to Disney World and the planes full of noisy kids running up & down the aisles because their parents ignored them.
So enjoy your next first-class, non-thingy flight.
Did you hear the cold temperatures we’re having? Even NOLA & parts of Florida were freezing.
I forgot the other day – did you say that the Dream does not have a retractable roof?
Carol
Yeah John, I knew the amnio would go fine. Yeah, I agree with Paul, can’t wait to see you! Glad to be able to see you just a few days after your birthday too, have a surprise for you! See you soon. Please let Paul, Bee and myself know as soon as the plans are in place about meeting you, ok? Thanks! Linda
P.S. Mike is excited too!!!!!!
Hi John, glad all went well with the test and most of the posters are right when they say you’ve just gotten a taste of what it will be like later. Might I suggest that if Heidi really feels the need to grab something that you offer her your forearm. Less change of nail or small bone damage and the bruising will go away in a week or so! Also, sneak in a catchers mitt. During one of the non painful moments when she’s getting tired, you can lighten the mood!
Oh John, when the doctor puts that tiny little miracle in your hands for the very first time, don’t panic, you’re not going to drop it or break it! Always funny to watch a new Dad hold his child for the first time!
Enjoy your flight…only two more sans Thingy! (can’t forget the flight home for the labor torture session)
Hey John,
Just catching up on my emails and blog reading, I wanted to comment on the Bridge tours, I really miss them myself, I used to enjoy seeing the Technology that the ships had and the Captain had to play with (yes play with) compared to what I operate everyday. I understand why they did what they did. the world changed on that day.
Enjoy your flight back to work, I know you really love doing hat you do, and soemtimes you need to make sacrifices to provide for your family. I have made mine to take care of my wife (who as you might remember is very sick at home and unable to work), and I have decided for the time being that I need to take a shore side job, something that won’t keep me away for long periods of time.
Enjoy life while you can for you never know when it is going to change.
Your Friend,
Capt Bill
PS – hi to Heidi and to Stephanie (hope you are well)
Wow John
That was great,yes it is to bad they stopped the bridge tours.
Being a former private pilot a Boater and a technical guy I would have just loved to see the bridge.
Because I am a Heating and Air Conditioning guy I would also enjoy seeing the ships chillers which they have shown on Carnival ship Video’s but safty is number one these days.
Glad all went well for Heidi.
Ray
Flying with a child. . . .there’s also taking child to a restaurant. When I was expecting my first child we went to dinner and experienced a horrible evening. This 2 year old demon child was acting up, running all over the place, screaming, kicking and basically behaving as any demon child would. The parents chased, screamed, threatened and behaved as any demon child parents would I suppose. I looked down at this bump I had and thought to myself “Good Lord, what have we done?”
So glad the amnio is over and done with and all went well. I think I would recommend the boxing gloves.
Best wishes to you, Heidi and Thingy.
Dear John…please reply.
I love reading your blog every day, which I discovered after taking our first cruise last summer on the Carnival Freedom to the Mediterranean. I have since booked another 5 day cruise which will be during the Spring Break in March on the Carnival Destiny.
Yesterday I booked a 3 day cruise starting on April 10th to Baja Mexico on the Carnival Destiny for myself and my grandson who will be turning 18 on April 11th. When I was looking up information about the cruise I spotted a new Shore Excursion “City Tour and Mexican Fiesta” which I thought would be a perfect way for him to celebrate his big day, but now that I have booked the cruise and I went to book the shore excursion I find this option is not on the list. Is it possible that this excursion is no longer being offered or, has it already sold out and therefore not included on the list? Is there anything you can do or people you can talk to who could help me get on this excursion with my grandson?
Thanks…. (hooked on cruising) Irene
Good morning John. I have only ome question to ask you. On this cruise I taking one of the islands I’ll be stopping at is St. Thomas. I would like to know the rules before we get on the island. I hear that govenment people get on the ship and they check each person before we can get on the isalnd. Is this true and is it just for American touists or all as I’m a Canadian. How long will it take as I have an excursion at 11:30 and the ship arrives in at 10:00. This is new to me because the other islands I;ve been there you could get off the ship quickly. I would like to know thinga ahead of time and not be surprised when I get there. I appreciate your assistance on this. Thank my friend.
Paul F. PIetrangelo
Flying….Whilst thrilling in some respects….you soar above the clouds and can be in far away locales fairly lickety-split, you can look down at the earth and marvel at the sheer magnitude and majesty of the world on which we exist….. but then horrible reality sinks in…
You are flying in nothing more than a glorified tube…. with wings attached to it. It is a cramped and overcrowded tube with bad or non-existent service and sometimes reeks of BO of the person next to you. You’ve had to be strip-searched, poked and prodded prior to boarding the tube and had all of your belongings put on display and subject to ridicule…I mean inspected an hour or two prior to your departure. Oh that last word is funny…..
Departure…. If you do manage to depart “on-time” it simply means your tube has been pushed back from the terminal . It doesn’t however mean you will be take off at that point…. That could be an hour or fifteen later. They simply move your tube to the other parking lot next to the runway. They often call this a taxi-way….but most often you are standing still on this surface….and not taxiing anywhere.
Is it any wonder that everyone is clambering …practically hurtling each other to get off the plane when it does arrive at the destination terminal.
The Flying (cruising is more fun) Dutchman
Hello John, Heidi, and Thingy,
We always enjoyed the bridge tours, too. One also sees less and less galley tours offered.
When my brother Bobby went through his divorce in the late 80s, our little brother took him to the local mall to get an updated haircut. (“That 50′s hairstyle isn’t going to get you any women, bro.”) Then little brother went down the hall to play video games. He was kind of shocked by the results. They cut it and spiked it, sort of like Ryan Seacrest’s, but a tiny bit longer. My father and little brother thought the new ‘do was hilarious. My dad said, “He looked like Norman Bates just got out of the asylum.”
See you in 3 weeks and 2 days,
Cheryl D.
hi john
did you hear,,,,,
Miami Florida just ranked as the Fattest U. S. City,,,,
maybe you should fly into Tampa Florida,
were fat,,, but not the Fattest
see you in 23 days
John and Heidi,
Glad the amnio is behind you.
Funny you should mention holding Heidi’s hand. When I was in labor with my first child, my ex-husband was holding my hand. He made the horrible mistake of putting his hand too close to my mouth during a major contraction. So while my son was being born, my ex was off having a tetnus shot because I bit down so hard. True story.
I’m sure it will be better for you with all the words of wisdom we are all sharing with you.
See you soon.
Princess Elaine, the quiet and single of Big Ed’s Evil Crew
Can you check something out for me. We are sailing on the Splendor from Buenos Aires February 17. Our cruise ends in Valparaiso Chili March 3. We will take Carnivals transfers to the airport in Santiago. Do we need to get a visa at the airport to exit Chili? I have read different opinions on this. Can you find out.
Thanks,
Jo and Dave
John I need the correct itin for the carn. Miracle on Feb 1 .I’m aware of the propulsion problem.
The website says were going to Roatan, but the press release says Grand Cayman. What’scorrect?
Hi John & Heidi, glad things went well for your test!
I also had the pleasure of have Peter (PEETAH) Gibbs as our first CD on the Sensation back in 1998. He was fantastic and very friendly (especially to the single ladies with whom we saw with different ones all week, haha). Hope he is doing well!
My husband Scott and I were actually on the Destiny during 9/11. I will never forget being in Antigua and finding out what happend. It was a very scary time but while we were in Guadalope (my least favorite port) the next day, we got off the ship, saw all the soldiers with guns and turned around and went back on the ship and did our last bridge tour that cruise! It was a wonderful experience that we will never forget as that was probably one of the last ones ever given to the public. That is one of the things I miss from the “old” days of cruising along with the “rum swizzle” parties in the Casino. I remember one night on one of our cruises they had a crepes buffet which was out of this world. Nothing like a little breakfast at night. May be a suggestion even if it’s only bacon & eggs!
We will look forward to you upcoming adventures soon!
Keep working ,great job!
Of course, what a great site and informative posts, I will add backlink – bookmark this site? Regards, Reader.