March 29th & 30th
Days 6 was & 7 were spent at sea, sailing around the Caribbean. After breakfast and mega doses of coffee on day 6, I worked out at the fitness center once more. I noticed that the college-age boys sat on the machines, watching me do a CrossFit workout… squats, burpees, kettlebells, dumb bell snatches, etc. They were baffled. I was amused. After that, I met TG at the final auction of the trip. Another passenger who was a more serious art collector won a free piece of art. He was not interested, so he gave it to TG, who was thrilled because they had not won a single raffle prize. TG also finished up the sketches of the art team and the team loved it. I was a proud mom, for sure.
I met up with Betsy (on purpose this time) to do some catching up over drinks. As if I needed the cosmos after the inevitable champagne at the auction. We had such a nice visit, and I hope we will see each other again soon back here on the mainland.
After a couple of hours, I was being summoned to meet up with Hubs and TG at the beach pool. By the time I got there, TG was back in the teenager soup (hot tub), but hubs and I hung out for a bit before heading back to the cabin to get ready for dinner. We were greeted by one more towel friend.
This night was our last formal night. Also known as lobster night. They always had lobster tail on the menu at a premium upcharge, but tonight, we could each order one included in our dinner package.
I, of course, ordered escargot, and saved some of the garlic butter for my lobster tail. Hubs ordered a lobster tail as well as another entree, and gave the tail to me. And when service slowed down a bit, our waiter felt badly, so he brought Adam one more tail (which he promptly pushed in my direction). “Well, if I must, I must,” I said, as I thanked the fit of my dress for allowing extra room. LOL.
At the table next to us, there was a ridiculously good looking young French couple obviously celebrating Shabbat. When they finished their blessings over the challah and wine, I wished them shabbat shalom. They got big smiles on their faces and the wife said, “Thank you!” in English before they resumed speaking to each other en français. I did wonder what they thought of me eating my treif meal of escargot and lobster after that.
On top of all of that food, Hubs and I finally enjoyed our bottle of champagne at dinner, while TG appreciated what was deemed the most delicious apple juice. When we toasted, “slainte,” and “l’chiam,” the French husband smiled at me and said to his wife, “Ah – l’chiam!” pleased to hear another familiar word. I have to say, it’s little moments like that always make me feel like we’re not as much of a minority as we seem in that though our numbers are small, Jews are everywhere. It’s nice to feel so connected, given the climate these days.
I’ll admit that initially I was going to skip dessert after all the butter, bread, and lobster, but at the last minute, I changed my mind. I ordered the baked Alaska.
After dinner, we went to the Royal Promenade to see what was going on. Everyone was dressed to the nines, taking pictures, seeing, and being seen. Check it out:
This was, by far, my booziest day all week. So by this time, we were done for. It was late, my feet hurt, and I was dead tired. I think I fell asleep before my head even hit the pillow.
Day 7 was our last full day on board. We ate, we lounged by the pool (Hubs and I hung out with Betsy and her boys for a bit), and honestly, I’m not sure what else we did other than pack our bags and put them out for the porters to take to the terminal for us in the morning. I don’t even remember what we had for lunch or dinner. But I remember my breakfast (how could I not)?
That evening, we visited the Park West – Oasis of the Seas art gallery for the last time to select our prize print (we went for a David Najar that compliments the one we already bought). The art team, once again, praised TG’s sketches. Hubs and I were so appreciative of the encouragement they gave TG – especially Callan, Ty, and Elouise. Obviously, we know our kid is talented, but hearing it from professionals (not family or teachers) put a smile on the kid’s face that was so big it hurt. THANK YOU Oasis art team!
Finally, I recall ending the night back at the Schooner Bar for a nightcap.
When I woke the next morning, I was greeted by the sad view of the Miami cruise port terminal. We were back to reality. I mean, I couldn’t even get cinnamon for my oatmeal in the buffet that morning. Supposedly, they ran out. Hmmm. Such is the way on the final morning. Thankfully, though it was a long day spent at the airport (we got there 6 hours before our flight), our trip home was pretty uneventful. Though, TSA did search one of our bags. Not that I mind. I’m all for safety precautions. But, I do wonder the point of a TSA approved lock if they’re just going to bust it off and throw it away. So dumb. I am just glad that the locks are inexpensive.
I’ve got some big changes coming soon, and I promise to tell you ALL about it in great detail. But, it may be a while, so stay tuned. If you haven’t already, please subscribe to updates on my Facebook page so you don’t miss out!