Reality came crashing down on my head this morning and it was not alone.
For the first time in a week I woke in my own bed. Steve the Cat was sitting on my chest waiting for me to open my eyes. When he decided I'd slept long enough he started the poky in the head paw thing. That's hard to ignore.
So Steve woke me up because he either wanted fresh water, his watch-the birds-seat put up, his kibble moved to the center of the bowl (it looks like fresh food that way) or he was just happy to see me. I assumed it was the later but soon realized it was not. Oh he was happy I'm home all right, now I can do his bidding. I've been living with cats since 1987. I'm still not sure why I allow them to live life on their terms, but I do.
Traveling is fun and it's exciting. I've always loved it, but the older I get the more difficult its becoming. This trip I realized how much and why I love cruise vacations.
I had an interesting week.
It's been a while since Wanda had a break from my ever present presence. I'm retired and always under foot. I was thinking of talking with her about taking off for a few days when she said, "Why don't you go somewhere for a week." Actually, I think she said, "Why don't you get the Hell out of here for a week." I took that as a subtle hint.
When I'm away I miss Wanda so very much. I always have profound feelings of love and appreciation for her and the life we have. Of course she misses me too, especially on Tuesday when she has to take out the garbage.
Last Tuesday morning Wanda dropped me off to begin my adventure.
Vallejo, for those of you out of the area is pronounced Va-Lay-Ho and if you know where to look you can usually find some, is a town about ten minutes north of Wanda's office. Vallejo is on the water and has ferry service to San Francisco. The boats are large and comfortable. The trip takes an hour, costs $6.50 and stops at two locations in the city. It was my very first ferry ride. It won't be my last.
I wanted to pick up my return train tickets and Amtrak is located next to the first ferry stop so that's where I disembarked. In all the years I've lived here it was my first visit to the hustle and bustle of the Ferry Building. The large inside space is filled with retail shops while the outdoor area holds an enormous Farmer's Market.
The ferry docks at the aforementioned Ferry Building and Pier 41. The cruise ship home dock is Pier 35. When you do the math the second ferry stop is much closer but as I said, I wanted to get my return train tickets. I noticed several people on the ferry with Princess luggage tags so it was obvious we were going on the same cruise. When I stood to leave the boat at the Ferry Building a woman about 80-years-old thought to let me know I was getting off at the wrong dock. "Sir, excuse me, sir...you want to wait for Pier 41." I told her I needed to pick something up at the Ferry Building but thanked her for her thoughtfulness.
I must tell you, having an 80-year-old lady call me sir did not boost my ego one little bit. Jesus lady, do I look like a fucking sir to you?
I got my train tickets and started walking toward the Grand Princess, my home for the next four days. She looked to be just down the street. The map says Pier 35 is 1.1 miles from the Ferry building. I walked about 300 yards when I realized that wearing a backpack and dragging a suitcase would make the 1.1 miles seem like age in dog years. What the heck I thought, I was on an adventure. I rode a ferry for the first time and now I would take a pedicab.
A pedicab is nothing like a pedicure, although they both leave the feet feeling better. A pedicab is a bicycle powered conveyance that resembles a rickshaw. I negotiated a price with the driver (?) rider (?) peddler guy (?) hopped in and away we went. It was fun and comfortable and unlike a horse drawn carriage I didn't have to watch the power source poop in a bag.
It was about noon when I checked in and picked up my cabin card. For those of you who are cruise virgins, think of a special credit card that strains to jump out of your pocket every twenty minutes yelling "USE ME...YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO."
Your cruise card opens your cabin door and depletes your bank account. Everything purchased on board ship is charged to that account. If you don't settle up at cruise end you can look forward to a year in the ships laundry folding sheets and underwear. However spending is individual and like eating, just because you can doesn't mean you have to. At $6 and up a drink, a bar bill can add up quickly. I had one Jack Daniels on my four day cruise and the ships Captain bought it for me. He didn't personally buy it for me. I had a The Captain wants to buy you a drink coupon in my cabin. I thought that was real nice considering I've never the met the man.
You can spend what you're comfortable with whilst on a cruise. Everything you need and more than a few things you may want are included in the price of your cabin. On this trip I originally purchased an inside and was upgraded to a balcony shortly before the cruise. The balcony is nice but as I sailed solo I didn't spend any time on it. I love to watch the ocean but people watching is a lot more fun.
This was a very different cruise since I sailed without Wanda. I've been on two without her but sailed with friends on both. Our friends Peg and Jon were sailing with their extended family so I was very much alone, or as alone as one can be with 3,000 others on a cruise ship. Here is another point for you cruise virgins. IT IS A BIG SHIP, A VERY BIG SHIP. I promise you, no matter the time of day you can find a quiet place to read, nap, talk or relax. You won't feel like a herd animal unless you go to the most popular places at the most popular times. Like the buffet at noon or noon thirty.
Prior to setting sail all passengers must attend a Muster Drill. This is when everyone gathers at their designated areas (signs on the cabin door) to learn emergency procedures. I've been through these many times but enjoy them. It's a chance to watch first time cruisers struggle with their life jackets and silly people blow the whistle attached to same. Lord only knows where that whistle has been. I'm not sure I would put it in my mouth even if I did have an emergency. In addition to the whistle the jackets have a light that automatically flashes should you go into the ocean. You have a light and a whistle, throw in a couple of ham sandwiches and a coke and you should be all set. Yes, there have been recent incidents but I feel as safe on a ship as I do in Disneyland and that's saying something.
I love the nightlife...I got to boogie!
More tomorrow.
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