Disney Cruise 2000!

25 October 2000 - It's Wednesday evening. mom, Dad and Cassie came to drop off my new laptop then take me with them to Milwaukee to stay the night. So , we drove and finally got to the hotel by the airport. Brian, Anne, and kids, and Cheryl and Erick were also staying there. We ran and got a bite to eat, then off to bed early.

26 Oct - Up at 4:15. We rushed to get ready, then met the others in the lobby to head for the airport. We were there early, then we got on the plane for the first leg of our journey to Philadelphia. Then they told us that we couldn't fly to Philly because of the weather, so everybody off the plane. Dad did some finagling that took quite a while and got us on another flight rerouted to Kansas City. So, we waited forever to get on that flight, thinking, "Are we going to make the boat?!" Our flight to Kansas City was a hoot. The four of us had the back-most row and we had a jolly good time. We landed, and then had to about an hour to kill in the airport. I swear, that is the most (or one of them) boring airport in the world. Cassie and I played cards while we waited. We boarded the flight to Orlando. While on the flight, I did some work. When we were coming into Florida, Cassie and I saw rainbows in the clouds that were giving off popcorn showers. A good omen... We landed and hurried off the plane, where we were met, in the lovely Florida heat, by two cruise people. They hurried us to the bus area, where we loaded the six of us {can't remember where Brian and co were...} then took off post-haste. The bus pulled into the docking area of Port Canaveral at 4:55, and the boat was set to depart at 5. We RAN onto the ship through the cargo entrance, just happy to make it. We rushed up to the lobby, and got all our forms taken care of, just looking around in awe at how beautiful everything was. Whew! Once we caught our breath, we made our way to our stateroom on Deck 2. Cassie and I are staying with Grandma K. The room had a large bed, a couch, a table, a toilet, a shower TV and a thousand Disney touches. It looked very nice. We stored stuff and changed, then went to surprise everyone else. Anne, Brian and kids; Dave, Kathy and kids; Stacy, Robbie and kids; Grandma were already on board. They were having a Bon Voyage party with music on the 9th deck, so we went up there. We found everyone, hugs all around. We chatted up there for a bit, then I went looking around a bit. Then down to change for dinner. The boat had entered the gulf stream, so the seas were starting to get choppy. VERY choppy. All the family went down to see the show Voyage of the Ghost Ship. The boat was rocking so much, I got really nauseous. I left the show to get some air. I went to the shops to get some dramamine. That didn't help, because I rushed back out of the theater and headed for the nearest restroom. The show was getting out just as I came out, so I met the rest of the family to go to dinner. Oh, I felt so terrible! I took more dramamine, but it didn't stay in long. We were dining in Animator's Palate. It was a neat restaurant. The walls had character sketches and drawings that went from black and white to color. I tried to enjoy everything. What little dinner I ate was excellent. I didn't feel bad about being sick, though. A lot of people were getting sick and they said that these seas were the roughest they had in 5 years. Lucky us. Our servers, Egi and Arturo, were wonderful. They gave me better seasick medicine. I felt better after dinner, so Dad and I walked on the upper decks. It was really windy. There were two other cruise ships on the ocean by us, and the waves were so big that we could see their lights moving inches/feet on the horizon. I started to feel bad again, so I went down and threw myself into bed. I slept like a log.

27 Oct - We got up at 8:30 this morning. Grandma and the four of us went to eat breakfast at the Beach Blanket Buffet. Man, the food is good! After breakfast, we watched the boat dock in Nassau. We gathered our stuff for the day, then headed off the boat. We got hit up by a local tour guide the second we got off the boat. Phil told us he would take us all over for $23/each. Mom said okay, Cheryl & Erik joined us, and we headed off in an old Mitsubishi van. Phil took us onto the island and downtown, to see all the shops and people hawking their wares. He showed us the pink government buildings, then took us across the bridge to Paradise Island to see the Atlantis hotel - this ungodly huge expensive hotel. Phil dropped us off, and we went in and looked at the decor and the aquarium. Then Big Phil came back and took us back over onto New Providence Island. He drove us down to see an old fort, all the time shouting at people on the streets and telling us about the history. He showed us the really poor part, then the water tower, then dropped us off. We looked around the Straw Market, tasted some rum {got carded because they didn't think I was 18. Grrr.}. I got my hair braided on the top and bought a pretty blue purse. Then we headed back to the ship to get ready to snorkel. We caught some lunch, then met everybody in the Promenade Lounge to wait. Finally, we were ready to go. They loaded us (about 110+ people?) onto a boat, where we got equipment and headed out. The place we were going to snorkel was a "park" east of the island. We were instructed on use, then we got to go in. It was really neat! We could see lots of types of coral and fish. They left us to swim a while. I got salt water in my eyes a lot, and I started to get chilly, so I went back on the boat fairly early. I dried off as best I could, but I was still shaking cold. You'd think Caribbean water would be warm. We started heading back when everyone was on. Everybody but Rob's family and Grandma (and Cheryl and Erik) went snorkeling. On the way back, I saw a cloud in the distance that had two waterspouts forming. Very kewl. {yes, I wrote that...} I finally warmed up enough, and we had a little Kienert dance party at the back of the boat. When we got back, we went back to our cabins to shower. Then Grandma and the four of us went back into Nassau to get key chains for Cassie. We didn't want to stick around long there, because started to get rough dark. We came back on the boat and met people in the Promenade Lounge for happy hour. Anne bought me a margarita. Tonight, we ate dinner at Parrot Cay, where everything looked very tropical. I got the stuffed pasta shells on Beth's recommendation. Great dinner. Cassie spilled two drinks, one onto John. After dinner, there was a deck party. We danced the night away there, then Kathy and I danced some more. After that, we went down to WaveBands to watch karaoke, but I didn't stick around long because my eyes hurt. So, I went to bed. Oh yea, and Cassie almost broke her fingers on the door and chopped a big chunk out of her fingers. 

Cassie, Cara, Erik, Cheryl, Mom, Dad by the Atlantis Hotel fountain

28 Oct - Slept in a little bit again. When we woke up, we were docked at Castaway Cay. We got ready and got breakfast. Cassie and I went off the ship with Dave, Kathy & kids. Cassie and I got our picture taken with Mickey. Then we staked a claim at the beach. Then we went swimming. The water was a little cool, but the sun was shining, and everything was gorgeous. I ran and rented us some floats, then we swam with everybody. Cassie and Beth went to get their hair braided, which took a while. I went swimming again, then decided to take a walk. I didn't take sandals and ended up burning my feet on the asphalt. I got back, then Mom, Dad and I took the tram to the adult beach. It was very quiet over there - no music. Oh, we bought some souvenirs after the hair-braiding was done. We ate lunch down there and saw Arturo before coming back. Then back in the water. I just wanted to rest on my raft, but Tyler kept pulling me around. After a while, we went back to the boat. Changed, then headed up to the ESPN Skybox to watch some college football. The Badgers ended up winning. Cassie and I went down to Shutters to see the pictures they had taken of us, then we went to buy my trip souvenirs. Back up to the Skybox where Mom, Dad, Dave and Kathy were drinking beer. We brought Mom down to Shutters, where she bought our pictures and did a little souvenir shopping of her own. She bought Cassie and me beaded bracelets - clear for me, purple for her. we enjoyed the sunset with Dave and Kathy. Cassie and I went back to the cabin to take a nap, but Grandma came in and that was the end of that. We packed luggage, then got ready to have our family picture taken before dinner. It took a while to get everyone together, but we got a nice family picture taken with everyone. Then we went to dinner at Triton's. Very French-style. It was beautiful with pastel colors and stained glass. Very classy. I tried the herb-encrusted sea bass, but I found I still don't like fish. Dad got everybody champagne and toasted Grandma, who had arranged and paid for the trip for everyone. For dessert, I got cherries jubilee. I wanted to do something, but everyone else was packing, and I was getting tired. The four of us ended up walking around the ship and I took videos of everything. Then we put out our bags and went to bed. 

Dad, Cara, Cassie, Mom

29 Oct - We got up pretty early to get ready to go to breakfast. We ate and bit everything adieu before disembarking. From there, we waited to check luggage and catch a coach to the airport. Everyone but Brian and co are flying back together. Cassie and I checked out a few airport shops - Orlando has an awesome airport for that sort of thing. Then we went and sat by the family until it was time to board the airplane. Mom, Cassie and I were in a row together. I was so tired, I tried to fall asleep. I'm not sure, but I think I did. They didn't have anything vegetarian for lunch, so I got lots of carrots. 

{transcribed 2/10/2020}

Sarasota Florida 2000

THE GRAND FLORIDIAN ADVENTURE!

10 March 2000 - In the beginning, there was an idea. A marvelous, wonderful idea. (Having Ken along on this trip is really affecting my creativity!) I had the idea that instead of spending another boring spring break loafing around at home, we should spend it with the Dalys in Sarasota. Ken agreed, I bought the tickets online, and we waited for this day to come. Finally, it is here! What a day for adventures. We were going to take a bus from Madison to Mitchell Field in Milwaukee and we were lucky enough to get two of the lasts seats available. The ride was long, but I read The Hobbit and listened to some music. When we got to the airport, we found our flight to Detroit had been delayed a half-hour. We put away our stuff and had a look around  the shops. We spent a lot of time in a bookstore. Our flight was delayed again, so we got some dinner. We checked in at the desk, then sat down and played some cards. Finally, our flight arrived, and we were allowed to board. We didn't take off until 5:45 (supposed to go at 4:15). Most of the flight, I sad worrying that we wouldn't make our 7:45 connection. Finally we landed, got off the plane and RAN! We had to go to a whole different concourse. They held our flight until we got there, so, out of breath, we got our seats. The flight to Tampa, we read, tried to sleep, listened to music. We finally made it to Florida, and met Mike and Sue Daly at the game. Oh, 'tis wonderful to have finally made it! We got to their car, then drove to Sarasota. When we got there, we watched a bit of the Badger bball game (we won!) then went to bed. Nice long day!

11 March - You'd think we'd sleep in good and long, but we ended up waking up early. Ken and I walked south along the beach to the Point of Rocks, then cut up along the wall into this very ritzy neighborhood. We took the road up along, stopping in little shops on the way. Finally, we made it back and ate lunch. Sue took us grocery shopping. When we got back, Ken and I went swimming in the ocean, then laid out in the nice warm sun. The water was a little chilly, but it was almost 80° and sunny. After sitting out, we came up and got some sourdough and grapes. Then Ken and I decided to run to these little shops by the drawbridge. We looked into parasailing ($50 - ouch). I bought a $139 {yeah, right...} watch for $13.90! Sweet! Ken got an ear cuff. We came back and watched the Badgers lose in the Big Ten tournament. Mike and Sue had guests come. In fact, they used to the owners of our house in Rapids (Tabers). It was nice to talk to them - they knew so much and shared a lot of stuff that went on in the neighborhood before we came. They only stayed for a drink. Mike keeps pressing fish on me (you know what I mean)... yuck. All four of us went out to have a real Floridian seafood dinner at Phillipe Creek. I took Mike's recommendation, but the bullet and ordered a blackened grouper sandwich. I'm not a real big fish fan, but hey, it's an adventure! It turned out to be pretty good! Despite our protests, Mike paid for us. Man, we owe them BIG! We came back, then Ken and I fished dessert - angel food cake with fresh strawberries and ice cream. Brilliant! We watched a little TV before heading off to bed. Did a little reading. I think Ken put it best when she said that we have done more today than we ever would have done at home - we would be happy with all that we did today. I quite agree... I'm just waiting to see what tomorrow brings us for adventures! :)

12 March - The day started off a good deal chilly and windier than yesterday. Ken and I decided to take a walk up along the beach and look into the shops in the village. They were very kitschy, but some were nice. We both bought ourselves toe rings. :) We walked around until noon, when most of the shops opened up. We found a little grocery store and bought croissants, cheese, and water for lunch. We ate by the road. We did a little more looking around, then headed back along the road. There aren't too many college kids here for spring break, but there are some. We got back and slept or read or worked on this puzzle Sue had. We ate dinner down by the pool, where we grilled hamburgers (a meatless one for me) and had salad. It was all very wholesome and happy. We finished off the angel food cake for dessert. I read and then finished The Hobbit, then started in on Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone {when I began reading the series for the first time!}.

13 March - Ken and I slept in a bit, then we went out and played in the sand. Actually, we made a giant sleeping dragon. It was awesome! It took us about three hours. We got a lot of compliments. We spam in the pool, then came up and ate lunch. Then Sue, Ken and I went to the Mote Aquarium and saw all the fish. Ken and I went to the mall to look for sandals for her. Couldn't find any, but we stopped at Old Navy and Walgreens. We came back, got dressed up and took the Dalys out to eat at Gastronomia's, our treat. The food was excellent and it was just a wonderful time. We even got dessert. :) Then we came back. We're both pretty tired from all our adventures today, so we went to bed extra early.

Ken, Smaug, Cara

Sue, Mike, Cara & Kendra

14 March - We're running out of things to do down here! This morning after Sue made us nummy waffles for breakfast, Ken and I drove about looking for sandals for her. we also picked up some dessert at the grocery store, as we're making dinner. The Goodwill, we found, had a very poor selection. We came back and read for a bit, then decided to go down on the beach.The dragon's still there, but looking rather weatherbeaten. We were going to try snorkeling, but it was too cold for Ken, and besides, the sea was too murky. So we swam in the pool for a bit. Came up and dried off, then went down to try our hands at tennis. We were pretty pathetic and gave up after a few minutes. We came back up, worked on the puzzle and started dinner - pizza, salad and strawberry-topped cheesecake. It all turned out to be quite good. After dinner, I watched That 70's Show and read more Harry Potter. I'm nearly done!

15 March - Our last day in paradise. :) We got up bright and early to go parasailing, but alas, it was too windy and they ended up cancelling all trips for the day. Instead, Ken and I drove to Myakka State Park to see gators. We took a short nature walk, then went by the lake. It was exceptionally busy and the only open boat tours were two hours away. We decided not to wait, so we jumped back in the car, snapped a couple pictures of random gators, then took a drive. We stopped at a bookstore to see if I could buy more Harry Potter books, then took a trip down Tamiami Drive. We stopped at Barnes and Noble and got frappucinos. We drove back and ate lunch and worked on the puzzle. It's hard! Mike, Sue, Ken and I went to downtown Sarasota to eat dinner at Two Senoritas. It was good - my tacos were incredibly spicy! It rained for the first time while we were down here. We stopped in the village for ice cream at Big Olaf's. Man, I'm stuffed! When we got back, I called home and puzzled some more. Then we decided to go to sleep. Have to be up at 5:00 am. Ugh!

16 March - Got up nice and early. Unfortunately, I was pretty awake. The drive to Tampa was quiet, and I listened to some music. Our flight out was on time (Hallelujah), so we bid adieu to the Dalys, thanking them yet again. Ken and I both listed to music, read and dozed on the way back. I got a special "vegetarian" breakfast that was no different from everyone else's, but I got more stuff. :) We didn't have too much time in Detroit, then a short flight and we were back in Milwaukee. Dad met us at the airport and drove us home. What a nice guy! {I wish we would have taken him out to lunch like he wanted instead of begging him to take us straight home. This is one of those inconsiderate things I did as an immature young adult that I mentally kick myself for these days.}

{The day we made the sand dragon, Smaug, we applied sunscreen, but the frequent movement caused patches of skin around our bikinis to be exposed, causing us both to get strips of very bad sunburn. It was still stinging when we were on our way home!}

18 March - Side note. Mom, Cassie and I drove to Minneapolis to go to the Mall (got tons of clothes) and see The Scarlet Pimpernel. The musical was hilarious and we even got to go back stage to see the lead, Douglas Sills, in a robe in his dressing room. Oh, sweet! It was such a great day!

{transcribed 2/6/2020}