Caribbean Cruise HAL Koningsdam 22 January - 2 February 2020

January 21, 2020 - Time to head to warmer climates and sunshine as we left at Atlanta with 34 degrees temps!  Brrrrrrr! We arrive safely in Fort Lauderdale, only to find the temps in the LOW 60s, but at least sunny.  We headed to our Comfort Suites and settled in for a short rest. We walked a short distance to Dockers, a favored local restaurant on the marina for dinner.  We enjoyed a delicious, reasonably priced seafood dinner.

January 22, 2020 - After breakfast and a late check out, we headed over to Port Everglades.  Without any hassles, we checked in, located our home for the next 12 days, Stateroom 6057, and met up with the Stewarts for lunch.  We unpacked and settled in before meeting up for Happy Hour at the Ocean Bar before dinner.  We LOVE our new dining room wait staff, Djoko, Ferries, and Ronaldo, the Wine Steward.  Afterwards, we went to the Rolling Stone lounge to listen to the Rock -n- Roll Band for a while.

January 23, 2020 - After breakfast in the Lido, Teri, Alan, and I went to hear the Future Cruise presentation.  We gathered the literature, and then went back to the Stewarts' balcony to discuss future cruises.

In no time, we identified two cruises, one back to the Caribbean next January and another one back to Canada, Greenland, etc.  Sooooo, after lunch, we went back down to the Future Cruise desks to book our cruises with Natalia!  Sooooooooooooo excited!

January 24, 2020 - Another fabulous sea day!  Today, Rob read and I worked out at the gym.  I have to try to minimize the damage from the delicious food.  We also spent some time on our gorgeous balcony reading and relaxing.  After dinner we attended the incredible performance of the six HAL very talented dancers.

January 25, 2020 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ROBIN!!!! Today, we spend the day at St. Maarten.  Sadly, there is still LOTS of damage from the hurricane two years ago.

Of course, Rob found a couple of great photo opportunities!

 I only made one small purchase, lipstick, and we were returning to the ship.  We did stop by an Internet Café to call Robin and Ari/Mom.

January 26, 2020 - Today, we visited Port-de-France, Martinque, Lesser Antilles, the furthest west island of the Caribbean.

It was Sunday, so most shops were closed.  We did visit the Bibliotech Schoelcher, originally built in Paris, but they disassembled and shipped to Martinque, then reassembled.

We also saw the statue of Josephine, Napoleon's wife, who was born and raised on the island. Her family was heavily involved in slave trading, so she wasn't very respected.  When her head fell (or most likely, knocked off) during riots in 1991, the government did not bother, not has yet, to put her head back on.

Her great, great, great grandfather brought coffee to the island in 1726 which eventually caused coffee to flourish in the Caribbean.

January 27, 2020 - Bridgetown, Barbados.  Today, we had a Viator/Trip Advisor tour booked with a private driver/car.  Our first destination was the Harrison Cave.

This was a unique cave tour in that we rode on a tram instead of walking!  Along the way, the driver stopped and we were able to get out for pictures.  Great tour!  We then rode up to Highland Point for a fabulous view of the ocean.  We traveled to Bathseba Rocks but didn't actually get to visit them.  Not sure was happened, perhaps miscommunication, and traveled on to the Mount Gay Rum Distillery Visitor's Center where Teri and Alan made a few purchases. Alan and Teri treated us to a fabulous dinner at the Pinnacle Grill.  The food was absolutely amazing!  Thanks, Teri and Alan!

January 28, 2020  - St. Lucia - a great place to spend my 66th birthday - sunny and GREEN!  Best of all, our tour guide, Neil, through Viator/Trip Advisor was the VERY BEST tour guide I've ever experienced.  He listened carefully to all our requests, and made sure that we got to see everyting on our list.  We drove to Soultries and Ceneries,  lovely seafood/beach destinations.

  Along the way, we stopped at a roadside stand to learn about the Calabash gourd used by the islanders.  We also tasted cassava bread, made from a plant, and absolutely delicious. We visited the Botanical Gardens to see the Diamond Falls.  We stopped for a photo op of the beautiful Pitons!

Best of all, was our roadside stop for a rum/sauce/jam tasting.  The owner was extremely entertaining and we purchased rum, banana ketchup and creole sauce! Finally, on our way back to the ship we drove thru the University, which were previously French and British historical buildings. LOVED, LOVED, LOVED our day in St. Lucia!!!!!!

January 29, 2020 - St Kitts and another Viator/Trip Advisor tour.  We drove around the entire island, stopping at the Batik factory, views of the gorgeous beaches, the Brimstone Fortress, lava rocks from the volcano and an amazing view of the point where the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean comes together.

January 30, 2020 - And of course, my favorite port of all, St.  Thomas! We headed straight to my favorite jewelry store - Alpha's!  AND, in his usual fashion, Rob spent WAY TOO MUCH money on several pieces of jewelry for me. While we were waiting for my jewelry to be cleaned, etc. and Teri's jewelry to be completed, the owner, Sonny, sent us to lunch at Gladys!  This is a "can't not" type of place that should never be missed while visiting St Thomas.  They have the world's best ginger beer!  The fish sandwiches are large enough to share.  So after a fabulous lunch, we strolled around until the beautiful new jewelry was finished.

February 1, 2020  - HAL's private island, Half Moon Cay.  My traveling partners didn't want to visit the island, so I ventured off by myself.  It was a gloriously sunny day, so I walked the entire length of the island and back for over 90 minutes.  Along the way, I took the time to write:

Yes, grateful for so much - travel, beautiful destinations, cruises, friends, family, retirement, good health, and a life full of blessings.

February 2, 2020 - Time to return to our home, sweet home.   While it is wonderful to travel, it is always awesome to come back home, rested and relaxed!

Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary, Barb and Frank!

November 16 - 21, 2019 - Off we go to Houston to surprise Barb and Frank for their 50th Wedding Anniversary Party!  We take Lyft to their home, help her sister-in-law Cathy with a few last minute decorations, then quickly shower/dress for their party!  It was such fun watching their faces as their family and friends enjoyed a delicious catered evening in the Tricomi's beautiful home!

November 17 - Barb, Cathy, and I enjoyed a wonderful day at the Houston Nutcracker Exhibit.  I did some holiday shopping while attending the largest holiday exhibit I have ever seen!  Such fun.  Back at the Tricomi's, Barb and Frank prepared a fabulous dinner, as usual.

November 18 - Barb and I took a long walk after she and Frank went to pick up their new car.  Later we dined at one of their favorite restaurants to officially celebrate their upcoming anniversary.

November 19 - It was another glorious Houston day so Barb and I dashed to the golf course to play 18 holes (gasp) with her friend, Linda.  I borrowed Linda's fabulous Calloway clubs and absolutely fell in love with her driver!  My score was better than ever, so I'll probably be purchasing a new driver!

November 20 - Another beautiful golf day for the girls, and then a bit of shopping!  Actually, we didn't shop for long because we were totally exhausted from golf. We always treasure our girl time together.

November 21 - Before we knew it, it was time to fly home.  Thanks, Barb and Frank, for a wonderfully relaxing visit with dear, dear friends.

David's Dream Becomes a Reality, Aug 8 - 10, 2019

August 8, 2019

So, David's10th birthday present, a trip to see the Pittsburgh Steelers play in Heinz Field, changed from a dream to a reality when Zaydie, Bubbie, and David headed to Atlanta Airport to board our Southwest Flight!

While going through TSA,  we met this super nice lady, from Pittsburgh who immediately struck up a conversation with David, who of course, was decked out in Steelers' attire.  Well, it turns out she was on our flight, and continued to give us pointers about things to do in Pittsburgh!  After an uneventful flight in record time, we landed at the Pittsburgh airport while rain poured down! 

But, by the time we walked out of the terminal, the sun was shining, and we boarded our Lyft ride to our hotel, Drury Plaza on Grant Avenue.  Once again, we had a very nice driver who gave us more pointers on places to see. After checking into our hotel (Room 319), we unpacked, and decided that Zaydie would take a nap while David and I headed up to check out the hotel's indoor swimming pool.  David swam for a while, then we took a stroll to find the subway station for tomorrow's adventures.  On our walk back, we stopped to admire some of the city's beautiful architecture.

We took Lyft, and again had a great driver who made some recommendations for tomorrow.  He also told us that his dad retired from the Devoe Shipyard where my dad had trained  during World War II. We arrived at  Jerome Bettis' 36 Grille for our 7:00 PM dinner reservations!

While enjoying dinner, our server, George, kept asking David Steeler trivia questions because we told him that David was a walking Wikipedia of Steeler information.  David answered every question correctly, so at the end of our dinner, George told David that Jerome Bettis (who actually lives in Atlanta) has a "Man Cave" in the restaurant and would David like to see it?  David just about dumped over the table hopping up to take advantage of this amazing offer.  We were included in the invite, so off we went.  Way cool!  I especially enjoy enjoyed the picture of Jerome and Tiger Woods.  Apparently, Jerome beat Tiger in a round of golf!

Afterwards, we took a walk along the river because it was a beautiful evening.  This was an absolutely amazing dinner that we'll always remember!

August 9, 2019
   And today begins THE DAY OF ALL DAYS!  We enjoyed an amazing breakfast buffet at the Drury Plaza, and then Bubbie and David started walking towards the Strip District, about four blocks away. This area of Pittsburgh is known for all the street vendors selling Pittsburgh sports memorabilia.

We shopped around this great section, buying lots of Pittsburgh Steelers' stuff, and then finally took a Lyft over to the Cargnegie Science Center.

 We spent four hours at the Sportswork and Carnegie Sciene Center.  After we enjoyed lunch there, we took the free subway system back to our hotel for a short rest to recharge my phone for tonight.

And, we're off to the main event.  We arrived at Heinz Field early, so we had some time to explore.

Next, we tried some of Pittsburgh's famous grilled chicken on a stick which was absolutely delicious.

David also had his face painted.

  Finally, we were allowed into Heinz field for our tour. We had special passes and had a very small group for our private tour.  We walked down to the field where the teams were warming up.  We watched the Pittsburgh kickers practice for a while.  David actually picked up the football that Chris Brazwell, #9, kicked between the goal posts, and threw it back to him!

Seriously, you would have thought David touched the Hope Diamond!  It is a once in a life time moment. We were able to actually stand on Heinz field which is really four layers of golf course quality grass.

Then we moved onto the Press Area.

 As we were walking there, David walked on the track where the players walk from the locker room.  One of the Tampa Bay players chased him, just messing with him.

 Had we realized how many times we would watch the Instant Replay during the game.  We would have viewed the Instant Replay Room a lot longer. Heinz Field really is amazing!

David had me take his picture in front of all six Super Bowl  trophies that Pittsburgh has won!

Then, the game finally started.  I honestly felt that Rob and I were the only folks in the stadium NOT wearing Steelers' clothing.  The fans are amazingly loyal!  Well, the game was a nail biter, but Pittsburgh did win, 30 - 28!

Final Note:  On the plane ride home, David leaned against me and said, "Bubbie, this trip was better than Disney and a cruise put together." No words needed.

Minnesota for David's 10th Birthday

July 8, 2019

Off we go to Minnesota for David's "double digit" 10th birthday.  Robin and Jim pick us up after a very wonderful trip since we were complimentary upgraded to Delta Comfort.  We check in to the AmericInn after a few hugs from Lily and David.

July 9, 2019

Happy Birthday, David!  Lily and David came over to our hotel where we all swam in the indoor pool.  In no time, we needed to get ready for the big event at the WOW zone. We all caravanned over to join up with the Bergs, Barbara and Lyle, Bernice, Rita, Don, Lori, Peter, Jane, and of course all of us.  We enjoyed pizza and drinks, then the opening of the gifts began.  Our gift to David was opened last, because it was a HUGE surprise.  Weeks earlier, Nancy and Jim bought David a portable basketball hoop for his birthday, so I asked him, "Well, what are Zaydie and I supposed to get you?" to which he replied, "A football field!" David opened the first envelope in his gift bag, which read "Heinz Field".  I reminded David that he had asked for a football field.  He still didn't understand, so he opened the next envelope which read "August 9th".  Still puzzled, he opened the next envelope that said, "Section W, 195, Seat 8". At this point, he thought that he was going to see the Pittsburgh Steelers in Atlanta.  Finally, he understood that he was going to see his favorite team play their opening season game in Pittsburgh and HE WENT BALISTIC!

Afterwards, Lily opened her gift that said Bubbie, her mom, Nancy, Lily, and David would be going to Disney in October.  Another reason to go crazy!!

  After the gift opening, we bowled, the kids played video games, and we all played glow in the dark golf.

July 10, 2019

It's a "girls' day" as Nancy, Robin, Lily, and I head out to Chanhausen Dinner Theater, the nation's largest professional dinner theatre company, to see "Mama Mia".

We had amazing seats, dinner was delicious, and the production was superb!  After an afternoon rest, we headed out to Jane and Peter's for a fish fry.  As always, they did not disappoint!

We really had an amazing time!  Minnesota Nice!

July 11, 2019
   After a relaxing breakfast, I drove into town to explore, while Rob rested.  St Peter is a wonderful small town to explore!  I purchased a few treasures to take back home, then returned to the AmericInn to work on some needlework before Nancy arrived with Rita to escort us to Don and Lori's new campground residence for a Minnesota hot dog cookout!  It was a fabulous evening on Lake Lura!

After our cookout, we all took a stroll along Lake Lura.  It was so relaxing and beautiful!

And another Minnesota day ends!

July 12, 2019
  Nancy and I rode to today's destination of New Ulm, the setting for the movie, "New in Town".  What a really, really cute little town full of charm.  We ventured in and out of several little stores, and the town's THREE quilt stores!  Yes, I supported the  local economy!

It was a wonderful day that ended with everyone meeting at The Landings for a wonderful "last supper" in MN.

July 13, 2019

Thanks, Nancy and Jim for driving your ATL family to the airport for our flights home.  Robin and the kids left on Southwestern, while Rob and I flew home on Delta.  We all met up at the ATL airport and drove home together.

Kleimon Celebration Cruise 2019

June 8, 2019
   And, we're off!  David, Lily, Zaydie and Bubbie drove from Marietta, GA to Orlando, FL to meet Rich, Rachelle, and Connor at the Comfort Suites to begin our official Kleimon vacation. Zaydie took a nap while David and Lily swam as Rich and Lana visited.  We all went to Fish on Fire for delicious seafood.

June 9, 2019
   Everyone met in the breakfast area before heading to Port Canaveral. After a speedy check in, we headed to the Windjammer for lunch.

After lunch, we went to our Cabin, unpacked, settled in while waiting for the storm to pass.  Next, we participated in the Safety Drill, then took the kids for sign up in the Adventure Club.  David and Lily decided they were starving, so we opted to let them have an early dinner and check into the Adventure Club.  The rest of the group met for our 8:15 time in the main dining room. The old folks picked up David and Lily from the AC and headed to bed, while the younger folks checked out the clubs.

June 10, 2019

  Cocoa Cay, Bahamas. Off we went to our first excursion, the newly opened water park, "A Perfect Day at Cocoa Cay."

 David and Lily immediately set their goal to go down the largest slide in North America.  They started with the smallest slide (still pretty high up in my opinion) and gradually worked up to The Dragon's Peak.  So, they patiently waited for over an hour, creeping up to the top, only to have thunder stop the ride.  Down they came, but they waited at the bottom of the steps to be first in line when the storm passed, which it did.  And, up they went again, this time the creep only took 45 minutes.  They rode it!

 While they loved the adventure, they weren't willing to wait in the long line again, so they visited the wave pool and other rides.  Yep, I would bet they did think it was a perfect day.
   Back on board, once again David and Lily were starving, so they had an early dinner and checked into the AC. After dinner, we went to the amazing Ice Show!  Soooooo fantastic.  David enjoyed it, but sweet Lily slept through it.

June 11, 2019
   Day at Sea!  Love, love, love these days at sea.  We slept in, had breakfast, then checked Lily and David into the AC.  I worked out at the gym, then worked on embroidery while enjoyed our relaxing balcony. After AC. we enjoyed pool time, ice cream (of course), and then, you guessed it, another early dinner, followed by the AC.  After dinner, we all attended Grease, which was fabulous!

June 12, 2019
   St. Thomas, USVI. We docked around noon, and headed to the dock for our excursion ride.

We rode to Cas Cay and kayaked, hiked, and snorkeled. The weather was magnificent, the scenery beautiful, and we really enjoyed our excursion.

Unfortunately, our photographer did not capture our day sufficiently.  BUT, we'll always have our memories!

We took a quick detour into town where Rich did some SERIOUS jewelry shopping in honor of Rachelle's upcoming birthday, while David and Lily enjoy sodas and the rest of us enjoyed rum punch.

Sonny, at Alpha Jewelers took VERY good care of us, providing a taxi back to the ship with minutes to spare.  SCORE!

Tonight's Aqua Show, "The Fine Line" was incredible.  David and Lily were in the splash zone and truly had not a dry thread after the show.  After a quick change, they went to the AC and we went to dinner.  Another great day!

June 13, 2019
St Maartin/St Marten. David and Lily decided to spend the morning at the AC while the rest of us dashed into town for a little shopping.

Mission accomplished, so we headed back to ship for a quick lunch, ward robe change, and to head off to our next excursion, horseback riding at Lucky Stables.  Our guide, Remi, was amazing! We had sooooo much fun riding up to the top of the hill, looking out at the lagoon, then riding our horses back to the beach for an ocean ride.

We had such an amazing time! Loved our horseback riding. After a quick clean up, David and Lily stayed with Zaydie while Bubbie went to the Diamond Lounge for an hour of quiet. Then we all dressed for dinner.

Didn't we clean up well?

June 14, 2018

Another fabulous day at sea!  After sleeping in, we enjoyed breakfast in the Windjammer, then David and Lily were off to the AC. I had an appointment at Future Cruises, but also had enough time to work out at the gym, take a nice walk on the deck, and grab a quick lunch with Rob, Rich and Rachelle. At Future Cruise, arrangements were made for another Kleimon Celebration Cruise in 2020 on the Harmony of the Seas.  Formal nigh tonight, and don't we look awesome?!

June 15, 2019

Our last full day.  Sigh.  Such a fabulous cruise. BUT, today we need to accomplish all our "want tos" such as checking out our pictures, riding the "Rising Tide Bar" and riding The Abyiss one more time.

So, David and Lily went with Aunt Rachelle, Uncle Rich, and Connor to play a bit of ping pong, as well as eat pizza and ice cream.

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