CHARACTERS ON BOARD!

Up to 1,380 passengers (passenger capacity of ms Amsterdam) will soon depart on a common journey to circumnavigate South America, and the world. Who ARE these people, having in common both available time and money for a world cruise ("WC")? All I knew - from what my camping friends said - was that they’d be “older”. I found my first real clues on Facebook (“FB”). This Summer, Holland America Line (“HAL”) created a “public event” on FB, called the “112-Day Grand World Voyage”, so we could “connect with fellow travelers”. Clever as this was, it paled in comparison to the mass of information available on http://www.cruisecritic.com/ . I spent days reviewing Cruise Critic’s (“CC”) “roll call” of cruisers and its “board”, containing thousands of posts about our cruise. Amazingly, people started posting about our (2012) WC in October 2010!

           To my surprise, many have taken this "once in a lifetime trip" several times and list HAL as an "interest" or "activity" on their FB page!  There are some true-blue, die-hard cruising enthusiasts here, who will tell you it's "addictive"!  There are also a few brave souls making the WC their very first cruise ever!  Repeat cruisers often book less expensive cabins, so they can afford to take more cruises.  The "board" is replete with ideas for shore excursions which are better and less expensive than HAL's.  Entry signatures on the "board" commonly contain a "countdown clock":  DHMS (Days, Hours, Minutes and Seconds until we leave)!

          DEMOGRAPHIC

         The demographic appears to be primarily American (with Florida and California well represented), Canadian and Australian - with at least one man from Spain (Alex R.), one from Germany (Michael S.) and a lady from France (Monique B.). For privacy, I use only first names (on CC, user names serve this function). There are several solo travelers (particularly female), but most travel in pairs. Most seem to be retired, with many retired teachers. But there are some younger folks, too, like Erika (a 31-year-old teacher) and even an 8-year-old, who’ll be home-schooled on board! Here’s a “snapshot”, based on FB and CC: 
                    Americans
                              Arizona - Scott & Karen, and Al and Robert
                              Arkansas - Bill & Marge
                              California - Chuck & Marilyn D., Donna K., Dee & Wells W., Linda & Pete W., John & Diane, Bill & Mary Ann, Inge, Dave & Karen, and Sondra (me) & Bill
                              Colorado - Susan and Jim & Peggy M.
                              Florida - Ruth B., Brad E. & Gloria B.; Linda & Hans T., Lynne & Charles, Mike & Paulene, Sam & Sally, Ricki & David, and Ralph & Kay
                              Hawaii - Dee & Wells
                              Indiana - Richard & Claire
                              Illinois - Jean & Doug, Barb & Chuck, and Jim, Carol & Maggie,
                              Maine - Paul
                              Maryland - Mimi
                              Michigan - Connie
                              Missouri - Alan & Annie
                              New Jersey - Arlene K. and Geri & Tom O.
                              New Mexico - Richard & Susan Y.
                              New York - Thaddeus & Jessica and Janet & Mike
                              North Carolina - Judy & Glenn
                              Oregon - Darrel & Karen
                              Pennsylvania - Erika P-R & mom Lynn, and Jim S.
                              South Carolina - Don/”Lord Kay”, Joe & Perla, and Nancy & Rick
                              Tennessee - Jean & Doug
                              Texas - Mike & Diane
                              Vermont - Patty C. and Patty & Anita
                              Virginia - Linda & Ralph
                              Washington - Judy & Mike
                    Canucks: Pat & Mel G-S, Irma & Bernd M., Barry & Jane S., Louise & Brian, Jean & Klaus, Frank & Mike, Allan & Marlane, Norman & Kathleen, Loretta & Siu, Jane & Barry, Anne & Alan, and Bob & Leslee
                    Aussies: Ros & Gary, Eris & John, Wendy & H, and Joan & Declan


HAL'S ms AMSTERDAM

          SERIAL CRUISERS AND INTERESTING TID-BITS
                    • Ruth B. (“oofroggie” on CC): She’s been on 2 other WC's
                    • Chuck & Marilyn D. (“Evolus” on CC): This is their 3rd WC; on HAL cruises for >300 days
                    • Bradley & Leslie E.: He’s been on 2 other WC’s; Brad’s “adopted” me as a WC new-bee
                    • Michael S. (“michaelfl” on CC): They’ve spent 60 days on HAL so far; his company (Siemens AG) built the San Diego Trolley; he was corporate counsel
                    • Jim S. (“Homeless” on CC): Was on 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011 WC – he’s not “homeless”; he lives onboard cruise ships!!
                    • Roberta T.: This will be her 1st cruise ever (yikes - didn’t want to try a weekender first, huh?); she can think of nothing else
                    • Dee and Wells W. and “Flat S[.]”: Stanley “had such a great time in 2010" (apparently did this before)
                    • Linda & Pete W.: Were on the 2010 Grand Asia/Australia cruise; retired from SD Unified School Dist.
                    • “Johnny B” (John and Diane): This is their 3rd WC; went in 2008 & 2010
                    • “aussieoz” (Jean & Doug): Celebrating 40th wedding anniversary with cruise; they’ve been on 3 long voyages on MS Amsterdam, 2007-2009 and 5 grand voyages in the last 6 years (they’ve spent 2 months each year on the Amsterdam; “she’s like a second home to us.”)
                    • “WCB” (Bill & Mary Ann): Went on 2011 WC too
                    • “ajcruiser” (Alan & Annie): “avid cruisers but WC virgins”; cruise is Alan’s retirement gift to himself
                    • “CaveDiving” (Scott & Karen): Their posts come with a resume-like list of all their past cruises – this is their 4th WC with HAL

                    • "Thad2x" (Thaddeus & Jessica): Completed his dissertation for his doctorate on the 2010 WC on Pacific Princess
                    • "happyglobetrotter" (Louise & Brian): 4 prior WC’s (2007, 2008, 2010 & 2011); shoot, they’re on a 70-day cruise to Asia and Australia, starting 9/26/11 – apparently as a “warm-up” to our WC – and they’re already booked for the 2013 WC!
                    • "alsas":  This will be their 9th WC on ms Amsterdam -- THE Grand Poobah's of world cruising on HAL (not far behind are ""Homeless" and "happyglobetrotter")
                    • “ColombiaSC” (Don, “Lord Kay of Shandon”/DK): Has sailed on the SS France, then Cunard, and the 2008 farewell WC on the QE2
                    • “bet410" (Barb): Went on 2009 cruise to Australia, New Zealand and So. Pacific; this is their 1st WC; they’re also going on the 2013 WC
                    • “carosave” (Jim, Carol & 8-yr-old daughter, Maggie): Maggie’s “older parents” (our age) will be home-schooling her; bringing teacher/nanny
                    • “judithbiggs” (Judy & Glenn): Also took the 2011 WC; closing in on 1,000 cruise days with HAL - seriously, Judy?  You're a Co- Grand Poobah too!!
                    • “Judy 068" (Judy & Mike): Celebrating their 40th anniversary and semi-retiring
                    • “latpj76" (Joe & Perla): Cruised 107 days in 2010 and 121 days in 2011 on Pacific Princess; canceled 2012 Pacific Princess WC to go on HAL, because they liked the itinerary so much
                    • “Aussie Ros” (Ros & Gary): This is their 23rd cruise, but longest was 35 days
                    • “Pupsy” (Inge): Her H died 11 years ago, and she’s been “globetrotting” ever since; her 1st WC
                    • “c&c4me” (Darrel & Karen): Their 3rd WC (on the HAL WC’s in 2007 & 2008)
                    • Rosalyn D-B:  about to do cruise #23 in 11/11; 250 days on HAL already (and more other other cruise lines)
                    • “iTraveler” (Dave & Karen): They’ve traveled extensively and cruise 5 months/year
                    • “westcoastswing” (Robert): On 25 cruises; in the classical and opera music business and looking for a rest
                    • “Charleston Lady” (Nancy & Rick): Were on 2008 WC
                    • "Eriemermaid" (Connie): Her 1st cruise EVER; traveling solo - brave soul #1
                    • "Russ0Phile": His 1st cruise EVER - maybe he’ll meet Connie!?

                    • ME ("legallyblonde")? My 1st cruise was a 1-week trip to the Mexican Riviera on Royal Caribbean (loved it); my 2nd was a 4-day trip to the Caribbean on Carnival for my best friend’s wedding (loved being with my friend; hated the cruise line); this is my 3rd . . .

EARLY REVIEW OF HOLLAND AMERICA

SO HOW IS HOLLAND AMERICA DOING SO FAR? I am going into this with all the enthusiasm in the world and expect to take from it an experience like none other. The jury is still out on whether I would recommend Holland America Line (“HAL”), of course. It is simply too soon to tell three (3) months into this process. Like people, businesses have strengths and weaknesses. To be fair, I’ve included the areas where I have been impressed, and those where my enthusiasm has waned thus far.
Summary:  Booking the Cruise: A
                  Business ethics: C
                  Web site: A+
                  Free-bees: A-

• Booking the Cruise
          HAL was accommodating in allowing me to receive the 3% discount for early full payment of the cruise fare, in spite of a minor “hiccup” in that process.

• Business Ethics/Money Matters!
          • Part 1: Exploitative Pricing for Daily Consummables
          When you pay $66,148 for a cruise, you would expect it to include food, sodas, water and other non-alcoholic beverages. On prior cruises, it was always the wine and alcoholic beverages that cost extra; everything else was included. Not so on HAL. They charge - and charge handsomely - for sodas, bottled waters and eating in their best restaurant, called the Pinnacle Grill.  It’s $25 per person, per night, to eat at the Pinnacle Grill ($69 per person for special events like "murder mystery" nights). Only the other restaurants are included.
          My interest was piqued one day when I watched a video on HAL’s web site, expressing their mission statement. They say they provide excellent service by anticipating their guests’ needs. This got me to thinking - Bill doesn’t drink much alcohol, but he can’t go from “here” to “there” without a Dr. Pepper or Mtn. Dew. What would happen if we got out there on this 4-month trip and couldn’t find these things? A sudden panic ran through my brain. So I shot off a “shopping list” to my travel agent, to ask that someone go to Costco and get 4 months worth of our drinks and deliver them to the ship for us.
          The response from HAL’s “Ship Services” was that they would deliver them, at these prices:
          Arrowhead Water Liter - $1.95 per bottle - plus 15% “service charge”
          Dr. Pepper - $2.95 per can - plus 15% “service charge”
          Mountain Dew - $2.95 per can - plus 15% “service charge”
          Pepsi - $2.45 per can - plus 15% “service charge”
          Corona - $4.95 per bottle - plus 15% “service charge”
          Bacardi Rum - $23 per bottle (size unk.) - plus 15% “service charge”
          Seriously? At Costco, a Corona (with tax) costs $1.16/bottle - so they’re marking it up by 467% + the 15% “service charge”. A Pepsi costs .35/can. They’re marking those up 700% + the 15% “service charge”.
          I don’t begrudge any person their livelihood or any business its (reasonable) profits, but these prices are ridiculous.  They know you’ll be “stuck” out there for 4 months, and so hike up the prices as much as possible. It’s highway robbery! I’ll go buy my own sodas, thank you!
          • Part 2: Inflated Excursion Costs in General
          As I was going through the shore excursions, I discovered that many of the prices appeared to be inflated, sometimes to an extreme degree. For example, in Sydney, Australia, you can book the best Climb of Sydney Harbor Bridge available for $238/person. HAL charges $349 for this same excursion – they added $111 apparently to cover the short ride from the pier to the bridge (and a walk to a local pub “for a glass of beer.”) Their overland trips to see The Taj Mahal cost $3,999 to $4,399 per person. I booked my own 3 day, 2 night trip - including a 5-star hotel, flights and English-speaking guide the entire time - for $834 per person!
                                           * * *
          On its web site, HAL states that “[i]ntegrity, honesty and ethics guide Holland America Line on all levels, . . . We not only do things right, we do the right things.” Because I question the "rightness" of these financial policies, I give HAL a grade of only C (average) for business ethics.  For me, a top-grade business would ask not just whether it "can", but also whether it "should". 

• Web Site
          HAL has an extremely “user friendly” web site, which makes it easy to do online check-in, obtain detailed information about the cruise, and book (and cancel) shore excursions, spa treatments, etc. They even provide a custom itinerary, showing the particular services, excursions and dinners at Pinnacle Grill that we have booked.
          For their web site, I give HAL an A+

• Free-bees
          With our verandah suite, we get not only (i) one complimentary shore excursion (unfortunately, from a very short list of 8 options out of the 37 ports), but also (ii) unlimited luggage delivery, (iii) $750/person in shipboard credit, (iv) prepaid tips (worth $1,200), (v) initial in-suite liquor set-up (4 bottles of Bacardi), and (vi) a welcome bottle of champagne.
          On the other hand, we have to pay extra not only for soda and water (mentioned above), but also laundry and dry cleaning, access to the internet and who knows what else ...
          Yet, for these amenities, I give HAL an A-, because they are a classy touch!

4 MONTHS TO GO . . . EGYPT AND ITALY AWAIT!

          It's Labor Day, 9/5/11 -- four (4) months until we board our airplane for Ft. Lauderdale to begin our (4-month) tour of a lifetime . . .
          Meanwhile, I have plotted two additional "side" courses for our journey, in Egypt and Italy.

MT. SINAI/ST. CATHERINE'S - SINAI PENINSULA

          EGYPT:  As we divert to see the Taj Mahal in India, I found a way to see the incredible sights in Egypt that the ship will simply pass by:  the Pyramids and Mount Sinai.  The ship stops in Safaga, Egypt to see Luxor.  Yet, it only stops at Sharm el-Sheikh ("Sharm"), Egypt for 6 hours - and passes by Cairo (site of the Pyramids) altogether.  Sharm is located at the south tip of the Sinai Peninsula.  Sinai Peninsula - why does that sound familiar?  Ah yes, Mount Sinai is only about a 2.5- to 3-hour drive away.  Amazingly, there is something on which the Christian, Jewish and Islamic religions agree:  Mount Sinai is where Moses received the Ten Commandments.  It just didn't seem "right" to get this close to such an historic place without seeing it, or the wonders of Cairo.
          So I booked hotels and flights from Sharm to Cairo, and Cairo to our next port (Athens).  I found a tour company, recommended by a seasoned "world traveler", and booked our expedition:         

MOUNT SINAI

          In Sharm (4/6/12), we visit Mount Sinai (they call it "Moses Mount") and St. Catherine's Monastery -- the oldest working Christian monastery in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  It contains a church reputed to lie directly on the site of the Burning Bush.  Then, we visit Dahab (the "Flower Power City") on the Red Sea.  At night, we "live two hours as the Bedouins do", riding a camel through the desert at sunset.  We'll have a real Bedouin dinner by candlelight in the middle of the Desert.

THE GREAT PYRAMID AND SPHINIX

In Cairo (4/7/12), we tour the Pyramids of Cheops (Giza), Chephren and Mykerinus; then, we proceed to the Great Sphinx, the Valley Temple, and the Egyptian Museum.  At night, we take a 5-star dinner cruise, including a belly dancer and Tanura Show!  Whew-hoo!  The next day (4/8/12), we fly to Athens, where we arrive a day ahead of the ship.  We'll spend that day at leisure, dining at our hotel, with its stunning view of the Acropolis!
          The cost of this diversion:  $655.60 for flights (Sharm to Cairo, Cairo to Athens; includes flight protection); $449.66 for 5-star hotels in Sharm, Cairo & Athens; and $720 (+ tips) for all tours and transfers, entrance fees, English speaking guide and food/drink -- $913 (+tips) each (I'm sure Holland America would charge thousands, if they were offering it at all - which they aren't)


FARAGLIONI ROCK FORMATIONS, CAPRI

          ITALY:  The only real international travel I have done previously - aside from border trips - was a 2-week tour of Italy.  My favorite spot was the Isle of Capri, and we happen to stop in Naples, near Capri.  The ship has a tour to Capri, which only includes a boat ride over and lunch (it's otherwise "unstructured" and omits the best sites and activities).  For $225 Euro, I found a day tour package, which includes a private boat tour in the morning and land tour in the afternoon.  During the boat tour, we circumnavigate the entire island and visit the most spectacular grottos, such as the Blue Grotto, Green Grotto, White Grotto and around the Faraglioni Rock formations.  There is time for swimming, too.  In the afternoon, we take the funicular from the marina to Capri and then go on a walking tour (3 options for which one), followed by a chair lift ride up to Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island.  Now, that's a "day tour"!





THE BLUE GROTTO, CAPRI



ANACAPRI CHAIRLIFT, ISLE OF CAPRI

TAJ MAHAL - WITHIN SIGHT!!



TAJ MAHAL

On March 26, 27, 28 and 29, 2012, we're in India.  Holland America charges $3,999 to $4,399 per person for a 4 day, 3 night visit to see the Taj Mahal.  Yikes!  Being the adventurer that I am, I decided I'd find a way to see it without spending so much . . . oh, and I don't want to miss the sights in Mumbai (fka Bombay), either.  So . . .

We come into port in Mangalore, India at 8 a.m. on Monday, March 26, 2012.  The ship spends a day there, then in Goa on March 27th, and then two days in Mumbai on March 28th and 29th.  So I wondered, where is this Taj Mahal place?  Wouldn't you know it, it's in Agra -- far (1,295 miles) from Mangalore.  We need to travel from the southwest coast to the north central portion of this very large country!  See "DELHI" on the map?  Just below and to the right of it is "AGRA" (Taj Mahal).

MANGALORE IS SOUTH OF GOA, ON THE COAST

Okay, air travel is essential.  But the only airport in Agra is an Air Force Base - no commercial traffic.  We have to fly to Delhi and then meet a guide, who'll take us to Agra.  Thank God for Expedia!  I found a flight that leaves Mangalore at 11:25 a.m. (plenty of time to get to the airport from the ship).  It arrives in Delhi at 3:45 p.m.

I even found a 5-star hotel that has its own bowling alley -- isn't that cool?!

JAYPEE PALACE HOTEL - BOWLING ALLEY

We'll have the whole day on March 27th to visit the Taj Mahal.  We'll fly from Delhi to Mumbai on March 28th, in time to rejoin our group at an evening event, "Mumbai By Night" and to spend the entire day there on March 29th, since we don't leave until 11 p.m.  And it only cost $1,099 ($550 each)) for the airfare, $328 for the hotel and $241 for an English-speaking tour guide and transportation to/from and around Agra!  We saved about $6K!

Am I good or what?

BLOGGING . . . FOR HOURS . . . NO, DAYS!!

This wonderous form of expression, with the funny name ("blog"), has become an exploration of everything from "how to blog" to a crash course in world history and geography.  You cannot see most of the intended pages ("posts") for this blog yet -- because they're scheduled to post at various dates in the future, as our world cruise unfolds.  For example, the first port is Roseau, Dominica (in the Caribbean).  The morning before our arrival, a post will appear about the place.  As we're leaving, another post will describe our experience there.  For most ports (and other interesting places along the way), there will be sections for:

• "Geography 101" (including, e.g., its continent or other land mass, estimated population, distance from "home" here in San Diego, the water that got us there)
• Its place in history/interesting facts
• Its climate
• Highlights/things to see
• What we did/saw/experienced
• Thoughts/impressions

And, of course, there will be some fun and/or interesting photos and images along the way, like this one . . .

MY PASSPORT ARRIVED -- THE WORLD IS MINE!!

I'm soooo excited, because my new Passport arrived today!!  I even look cute in my picture - - awe-some!  I got a big fat Passport, because we're visiting 37 ports of call.  It came with a brochure that says, "With Your U.S. Passport, the World is Yours!"  This is truer than they know!

I was finally able to go onto Holland America's web site and get past the "Passport Details" page to complete the online check-in.  But still no boarding pass . . . "not ready to print".  Ah man!

Time to start packing lists, looking into visas, immunizations and other "fun" stuff . . .

ANTICIPATION & PREPARATION

For any cruise, a certain amount of preparation is required.  For a 4-month journey around-the-world, when you are not retired, your entire life must be rearranged.  Yet, the excitement and anticipation are amplified.

Finding the "Right" Cruise:  First, I set about comparing the different cruises available, from cruise length and itinerary, to cost, amenities and the all-important question:  "will I have to sit on an airplane for nine plus hours, without having a cigarette?"  All factors moved me toward this particular cruise aboard Holland America.  It's where I would see what I wanted to see, for the length of time that I wanted to see it, while being comfortable and accepted (I can smoke in my room).  It didn't hurt that it seemed to give the best value too.



The Travel Agent:  I have been "bonding" with my travel agent, whom I recommend highly.  His name is Dan Twomey, and he's a "Cruise Consultant" with Cruise Specialists, 100 Rowland Way, Suite 210, Novato, CA  94945 (phone: 800-544-2469, fax 206-281-0269; e-mail DTwomey@CruiseSpecialists.com; web site http://www.cruise.specialists.com/ ).  "Dan" has taken very good care of me, booking my trip, getting me the "early bird" discount (3% off if you pay in full by the deadline), and getting us set up with insurance "just in case".  I've even challenged him to get me an affordable room upgrade and provide our "shopping list" of items (discussed below).  We'll see if he comes through on these things.

Psyching Yourself Up:  It just so happens that Holland America has a number of videos available on their web site, and I've spent plenty of time watching them and imaging myself sitting on that lounge chair on my Verandah, while listening to the "swish" of the ocean.  I wonder if I can possibly get enough appointments in the spa to ever fully relax - whether they'll have those brilliant British hair dressers in their salon - whether they can do anything about these horrible finger nails of mine that will never grow - whether I will actually use my skin care products and work out onboard ship, once I have the time to do so.

Special Needs:  As I was watching those videos, I was impressed with Holland America's motto -- provide excellent service by anticipating their guests' needs and keeping a positive attitude.  I also began wondering what would happen if we were in Mumbai, for example, and they had no Dr. Pepper.  Bill doesn't drink much, but he can't go from "here" to "there" without a Dr. Pepper or a Mtn. Dew.  And I'm accustomed to drinking Arrowhead Water during the day (in those 16.9-oz. plastic, twist-top bottles).  At night, I like Corona beer and rum and coke.  What if we were stuck for months in foreign lands without these things?  A certain panic ran through my mind, as I shot off a "shopping list" to "Dan" (the travel agent).  I told him we needed to have someone run to Costco in Ft. Lauderdale and pick up 4 cases of Arrowhead water, 5 cases of Corona, 10 bottles of Bacardi, 4 cases of Dr. Pepper, 4 cases of Mtn. Dew and 7 cases of Pepsi.  Oh, and we need them delivered onto the ship and stored somewhere other than our room, where we have to "live"!  Dan's response was that his manager is looking into the "logistics of this".  It wasn't "no" or "Hell no", so I'll take that as a good sign.

BILL NEEDS ONE AT 10, 2, 4 . . . AND MORE!!

Room Selection:  Anyone who's cruised before knows, the rooms can be small and cramped.  To be on a ship for nearly four months in a cramped room would be unbearable.  Yet, there are monetary limitations for any "cruiser", including me.  It cost $66,148 to book a "BB" room for two, which is essentially a 295- to 337-SF "Verandah Suite".  The highlight is we have our own balcony, but a small room, with no bathtub (guess I'd never be able to shave my legs!).  This same room would have cost $70,798 if I hadn't booked and paid early.  The room I want (badly) is an "SA" room, a 568- to 644-SF "Deluxe Verandah Suite", which also comes with a larger bed and a whirlpool bath (and complimentary laundry, pressing and dry cleaning).  It would cost at least $134K to book, without any discounts, so I'm hoping - praying - begging for "Dan" to find me an affordable upgrade before we sail.

REGULAR VERANDAH SUITE - I HAVE



DELUXE VERANDAH SUITE - I WANT!


Shore Excursions:  On your ordinary cruise, there may be a few ports of call.  On this one, there are thirty-seven (37), with nine (9) overnight stays!  I downloaded Holland America's 155-page brochure, describing its various shore excursions, and organized them in a 3-ring binder by date and port.  It took hours upon hours to read through the various offerings and to make my preliminary selections.  I focused on the "world wonders", aka "world heritage sites", waterfalls and other cool stuff.  Then, "Dan" told me to wait until August, because Cruise Specialists offers even more excursions . . . oh my Lord!  So my plans will have to wait ... .

Passport Follies:  Once I booked and paid for my cruise, I got a booking number and excitedly went to Holland America's web site to complete the "online check-in".  This would give me the Boarding Pass that says this is real.  Not so fast.  Wouldn't you know, my passport expires in August!  So I had to go get those lovely 2-inch passport photos taken, complete the passport renewal application, and send it in with the required fees.  When my new passport arrives in the mail, I can go back online and get my Boarding Pass.

Shopping:  Of course, any planned vacation requires a bit of pre-trip shopping.  This one takes that to a whole new level.  I need sunglasses - in fact, make those prescription sunglasses.  But what if they're lost?  I got three pairs!  I need comfortable walking shoes - but what if I hate them once I try them out?  I got two pairs, to be safe.  I need a phone that will work when I'm in other countries, so I got a Droid Global (designed for international calling).  I was going to cancel my AT&T/iPhone account, but decided to keep it as a "back-up" phone.  I need warm- and cold-weather clothes, so I'm busy picking up things here and there.  My luggage is old, so I ordered a new set.  (Turns out, I'm using BOTH sets!)

Shutting Down Legal Practice:  All of this pales in comparison to the challenge of shutting down an active legal practice for four (4) months.  Ethically, I can't abandon my clients.  I can't leave them in the lurches.  So I've got six (6) months to either settle or try my remaining cases.  With one case, I had serious misgivings about its prospects for resolution within this time-frame, so I brought in another attorney to act as my co-counsel (and to take over the case while I'm gone).  Taking on new cases also presents challenges, because I can only work on cases that will be complete by year's end, or where the client is willing to hire me only for a limited period of time.  When Bill and I return, we'll essentially have no clients (or only a few, which have been handled by other attorneys in our absence).  We'll have to do some quick business promotion upon our return, to get back up and running next May.

Where Will We Live?:  Bill and I are selling both houses (Valley Center and Escondido).  There's little point to keeping either, since they are both upside-down.  Ridding myself of the debt will ultimately increase my net worth.  I can either rent or buy another house upon my return, and I'm in no hurry to do so until then.

What About My "Babies"?:  I invited my best friend from high school, Julie, and her husband, Dan, to join us on the cruise, but they couldn't go because they couldn't leave their children behind.  That would be a major problem for many people our age, but I have no children.  Instead, I have three (3) gorgeous dogs, who are my children:  Blizzard (age 11 on 10/16/11), Snowy (age 10 on 11/13/11), and Frosty (she'll turn 8 on 4/25/2012).  Many have asked what I plan to do with them while I'm gone, since we're selling the houses.  George has agreed to watch them for us, and he'll be living in the Escondido house while we try to get it sold.  So they'll have a yard and someone to watch over them.  That doesn't mean I won't miss them a lot!!  I've never left them this long, and I'm hoping they won't "hate" me for being gone.  But, if they understood how important it was to me, I think they'd want me to go.  So that's the big fat rationalization I'm using to rid myself of the guilt ... .