Kerry I see you dancing and excited that I posted here....

The sun is shining.. the weather is warm, We have been kissed with the taste of spring! This weekend brings Valentines day, the day you share your love and thoughts with your significant other, your family and friends.... Some people never really share it with their Significant other and feel its just another day. But what a wonderful day tospend quality time, to take a few hours and do something nice and kind for each other. We will get Pedicures perhaps, dinner and maybe a hotel room.. no computers and shut the cells off... Life is so short that taking "TIME" with someone is most precious because there is so little of it.
My daughter and granddaughter are not feeling well.. strep throats. Granddaughter today is feeling better and she is the apple of grammies eye, she is getting so tall and she thinks she is 14... Loves makeup and clothes.. She hordes clothes and loves to be the fashion Diva... She loves dancing and is dancing away at dance school... Poor Ash she just wants to go to bed and sleep, I tell her I take Kaylee but sometimes just as easy to have her home in her own jammies... We are so excited that yet another Viking cruise is planned.. Vikings Go Dutch is our title and what cute shirts are already planned... I am so thrilled that my best buddy leslie is twinkling... She has found her love ( see LEs aren;t you glad you found me to get you to him?LOL) I think Tom and I will be ring bearer and flower girl ( I am a pro at that !) it is so nice to see someone as nice as her to TWINKLE .. yep that is what she is doing.. and So is John....
We are going to Bubes Brewery 22march if anyone wants to join a fun group come on with us!Work is Busy, THANK GOODNESS,spring breakers are now making their way in to book Cancun. and lots of Alaska believe it or not. Disney is up this year, so things are going OK here in that category. Well thats all to report at this moment hope this finds you all well and do something nice on Saturday with the one you love... LIfe is short spend TIME it is priceless...
HUGS
Susie

Well.. the end of 2008 is just about here. I am kinda glad to see this one come to a end, it was a bittersweet year. We are back from our wonderful Cruise, with wonderful friends, and for once I just did what I wanted and did not rush rush hurry hurry and we had a blast! Seems like it was more of a beach and Drinking Cruise this time. And i am nto really a drinker! But Senor Frogs .. How can you NOT have fun there followed by Carlos and Charlies another day! Then Christmas Eve at Deb Howleys.... I am thankful for so many things that the Lord has blessed me with, My Granddaughter, My child and her Hubby, My brother, My wonderful Friends and my love, Bob... I have known him for 15 + years now... He keeps getting better everyday. Business again is picking up that is great... Wave Month is around the corner. And this year we look foreward to the OASIS of the SEAS coming out! Wow what a ship!

I have been asked what is the Viking Group doing this year. I do not have it on the docket yet... I am looking for something this year that is inexpensive so we can save for the BIGGIE OASIS 2010. So hang in there! Also will be going to Sandals and Hedo In MArch Time frame, Bob won a trip and we are going to check out some hotels while there. LOL a business trip...

New years this year will be spent with Friends.. Going to my Buddy Leslies house, We be cooking some filet Mignon and Lobster and the dishes that go with it... Drink some Ice wine.... then we are all going to watch the Philadelphia Fireworks! I hope you and yours have a splendid holiday, and that 2009 Holds for you the most wonderful year, healthwise and Financial wise, and most important happiness wise.

And Pray that the telescope for Kaylee gets here soon cause she wants to look at the Stars!

God Bless and make sure to travel in 2009! And call me!

Love Ya

Susette

My life and times

Well there is new things on the Horizon.... A new President ( Lets see if things REALLY Change) and I am finally FREEEEEE.... Well that means I am officially Divorced.

October 15 was the date.... What is wrong with men? you know as I been told and its ohh so true and if any of you been divorced you can relate YOU DO NOT divorce the man you married... they change..... oh they sure do. I did not do anything bad or mean to him but now its like i am the cause! so now he changes his job and location ( but I am smarter then him on my dumbest day) But ah ha I know where he is... DO I care Not really other then to make sure I get the Alimony check and have a clue where he is so that if he dont pay I can send the courts there.... he thought he was slick taking off with the 401 K but hey ya know Stuff happens. OH well Good Riddens! I dtill got my portion!

SO now this weekend going to Ocean City Md, with good friends Looking foreward to a weekend of relaxation and fishing...

SO will this new President Help or Hurt? Will we now be in SOcialism? Not so sure I like him but will give him a chance...

Campground is now closed boo hoo .. I met some nice folks there and we became fast freinds so we are going to al;so get together.

Kaylee was a ladybug for halloween and Minnie mouse she is so cute she wants to go to coco key water resort and is trying to con me.... Bob is away... sniff .. but back very soon...

tonight taking my brother to Bingo he looks foreward to it although I do not feel like going bad allergies right now... SO that is all for now..

Monday, October 13, 2008

WOW what FUN


I had a magnificent birthday, One of the Best I ever had.

First off on Friday I was asked to "dress up" and I did but thought it odd to go to the campgriund in Heels, But OK I will play along... Well I forgot my meds so went home to get them and I guess I kind of panicked some... and then was asked to go to storage to get someting I did and there Bobby was....

So he then started transferring things from his vehicle to mine and I said why you doing this? No room to get to campground. WELL we went home I got my pills and he said taking his car well I said BUT I go all this wood for Campfrie. But I said OK I was born but not last night.. THen we went driving I thought where the hell we going... We then ended up at LEslies house, She and Ray and her friend Barb came out got in car and now we are off to SOMEWHERE.. OVer the Bridge we go.... OH maybe Maggianos I like it there. BUT nope we pass King of Prussia... Then OK here we are in Lancaster, all the horse and Buggies. Ray never seen them before... so it was cool having a newbie from FLA to se this, I thought NICE we are going to Millers... BUT NOPE we passed Millers... Saw a HERSHEY sign but nope we pased that.. HMM I thought NO way are we are we ... GOING TO BUBES BREWERY. YEP there is the sign Mt Joy.... WOW this is really special! it was a halloween theme and the Count and Mrs Dracula was welcoming... 45 feet down below the earth Surface we go to the catacombs and it was so pretty with Candles all lit and the FUN of the night begins. the dog Luto who was humping the chari and sniffing the womans crotches, THe minister trying to make us woman PURE again, and the men getting FORCKED in that hungarian Accent.... AS Ray got a massage and FORCKED I laughed, I was on my knees on the floor getting the Devil out of me, and what a great dinner Bobby kept getting Whipped.... HE was a bad boy he needed it... a fun 3 hours of GHouls and a adult themed night and a delish dinner... then we came back and dropped evryone off But Susie had a wee too much sangria to drink... I was a bit wasted when that happens I want to take my clothes off GOOD thing it was cold cause it was too cold and I wanted a blankie So to the campgrond we went and I ran right to the bed... out I went!

had a great weekend there and on Sunday went to AShleys for cake and open gifts Beautiful Pearls from Ash and Kay and Ray, Money from RIch... A beautiful necklace and earrings from Sharon, a hand bag from patti and 4 shirts from Bobby boo... then over to clancys for dinner... IT was very nice and a great weekend... SO wonder if my Divorce papers come this week? and my first ALimony Check . WOO HOO.. time to get on with the next chapter in life.

SO that was my weekend and it was wonderful I am blessed from the Lord above with wonderful family and friends.

I am posting this here so a few of you can read since you can not read my Blog I post on MY SPACE (www.myspace.com/susette56)( Kerry i know your glad!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

life


isn't Life a wonderfu; thing? From the moment you see your child born to your grandchildren you realize the miraculous gift of LIFE. And we are only here for a short time.... Tomorrow will be 4 years since my mom passed away and its been 4 years since I had my granddaughter God takes one and gives one. I miss my mom alot... I will go and visit her memorial tomorrow.... My granddaughter wants to go with me, and the odd thing is her mom is going to a funeral tomorrow of a dear friends mom... Only 48 years old..

Then I hear on the news about a man whose house exploded and his wife died 2 months ago and all his memories of his wife and his life was in that house, Very sad.. But he is forgetting the memory which is in your heart can NEVER be taken away..

But my prayers are with that guy..

and with my divorce done ( I think ,still waiting on the papers but surely got the bill hahaha) No truer words were ever said You do NOT divorce the MAN you married... Who was that man I married? Surely a stranger to me now.. a mean vindictive man who will run away from adversity, who now took flight again...I ity this poor woman Karen Stephens whomever you are. BEWARE! IT is not who you think it is. I should have listened to the exes! BUT thank goodness a chapter of the book of LIFE turned.... at least un til he pays the IRS bill and 5 years of alimony .... so that is what you get for a portion of your LIFE spent....

SO onto a new adventure... so far so good....

AHHHHHHHHH

Susie

Does everyone know that Celebrity Cruise Lines will be having a Ship- Celebrity Mercury, IN our Home town area? Baltimore is getting a Celebrity Ship for 9 night and 12 night sailings starting November 9,2009 -February 1,2010
The pricing is Great Too! starting at $699* 9 night itinerary guest to lovely Charleston, South Carolina, Key West, CocoCay,and Nassau
12 Night- St Thomas, St. Kitts, Antigua, St Maarten and Tortola. Starting rate is $899*
these will be popular and not last long!

My granddaughter turned 4 on MOnday and She thinks she is 14, She got into her moms makeup and Nail polish and thought she was just Miss Glamour , My brother was watching her and she told him it was her makeup and her mom allowed it, OH BOY when Ashley came home it was not a pretty sight, Esp. Since Ash got NEW furniture a few weeks ago
Kay going to be lucky to make it to 5! hahahahah She went to Phillies game and had her name in Lights and the Section sang Happy Birthday to her and the Philly Phanatic gave her a birthday card, and the Phillies won and are in first place ( we are holding our breaths 4 more games left) She also had a girls only Tea Party and last night Ashley had the family party, it was so nice.

Our Annual Viking Group Cruise will be in 74 days! WOOOOOO HOOOOO
Looking foreward to it!

SO tell me what is new with all of you and what has been happening in your life? You can also check out my MY SPACE at www.myspace.com/susette56

HUGS

Susie

Hello to all!
ITs been a busy week, crazy since this is the slow time and the economy is doom and gloom.
But seems like Las Vegas and cruising is top on the list at this venture in time.
These Air regulations really has put a damper on some thigns, Seems like AMericans ONLY want NON stop air, But guess what? Times are a changing, and they want to send full planes so they stopping to pick folks up or drop them off to keep a full plane. American whom was the Queen of the Caribbean has pulled way back in Caribbean flights so its a scramble, I feel for those islands who need tourists to keep the way of living even half decent.

Last night a bunch of us friends got together and did a scrapbooking night. it was a blast! I won a basket and a gift certificate for 8 friends and me to have a class in our home. We had so much fun and it did not cost a thing. Colleen Rossi from Cross my heart scrapbooking was great, there was 5 different pages to chose from and I did mine in lavendars, greens and Pink for My Kaylee girls 1St Recital. It looks great. Kaylee came and she made her version of a airplane for Grandmom and entertained everyone. Tried a new recipe called apple snicker bar Pudding, It was just ok but the whole bowl went so it must have been liked.
Going to Campground today and then, bob, And I and Ash, Ray and Kaylee are going to Avalon tomorrow the Boys want to fish we Divas will catch some rays and I bet get buried in the sand.
Ray has a new job! He is now working for the county with the ROads Dept. He received his CDL a few weeks ago and has a real good job, I think as parents we just want to see our kids do well and be happy and He is a good hubby to my daughter and a wonderful Dad to Kaylee. SO he wearing his Flourescent green shirt and is out and about on Gloucester County Roads!

So where do you want to travel to this year? Disney? Europe? or caribbean???
Give us a call! 800 853 9515 and we will set you on the right path.

REMEMBER.. OASIS OF THE SEAS is going to cause a big Stir in the cruising world comes out end of '09 so 2010 we plan a group cruise get your name on the list if interested. A ship with a Carousel and ZIp lining Can you believe it and a Aqua theatre! 220,000 grt Can you REALLY believe it!

Till next time

Susie

I need to get myself more "Regimented" to write in here! This Saturday is our Annual BBQ at the campground, this is held each year during the Longest day of the Year to Thank the NEw and Old and soon to be cruisers from our agency, Most importantly though, our VIKING cruisers, Those folks whom year after year have came back to cruise with friends or soon to be friends.
This year we depart on December 7, 2008 onthe FREEDOM of the SEAS- We will go to Florida a day early (some of us) and stay at the Courtyard by Marriott have a dinner together and some laughs and then the next day head to the ship. We love this class of ships.

The weather today in SOuth NJ is very pleasant and high to be 88.
Lets hope that Saturday has great weaather too!

So what do you all think of this next Presidential election? Why can we not find a Person that has a strong ability to lead this Country and lead it right? Seems no one is that great running, amnd when you talk to others they feel the same way, HO HUM...

ANd this Gas issue, Something needs to be done!

SO where does everyone want to travel in the coming year? I want to ehar all!


Susie

Day One and a half



SUSIES Journal



WE made it to Venice, and maybe AL martino left his heart in San Francisco, but that is because he was never in Venice! OH what a lovely city, and why all those Myths of how Dirty it is and smelly, Not at all…. We left Philadelphia on 9Sep07 at 4pm we had seats 6G H and contrary to what Seat Guru said, we had loads of leg room, and the window seat DID have a movable arm and was roomy although Bos seat was a bit smaller and forget using the trays…. I watched Shrek the 3rd and another one I forgot!

We landed early in Frankfort Germany ( not impressed with that airport) and BOY was our Body Clock messed up! But a short flight from Frankfort to Venice on Lufthansa , flying over the Snow Capped Alps Was impressive. But then we landed in Venice. And WOW What a airport there.. Got our bags in a timely manner, and off we were to our free shuttle to Courtyard by Marriott. We were greeted by a sweet girl Maria who got us a room Early (9:45am) and gave us details of getting to St Marks square, We dropped off our bags and took a few hour sleep and off we went to the Grand Canal.. WE took a bus from the hotel to the ACTV Boats from Plaza Roma, which was simple, nice boatride through the canal and to St Marks Square, immediately I was in Love! We walked by the water up to the main area OH what a site to see all those pigeons….WE bought food for them and Bob had them all over him I laughed.. it was the oddest feeling having a pigeon or 2 on your head, I shrieked! We went to the Clock Tower and to St marks and there was a concert practicing on the Steps \of the Plaza OH MY GOODNESS this girl singing was a angel from heaven, The natural acoustics in this square were phenomenal I had Goosebumps from the Choir of voices singing it was something I have never heard before, AM I in heaven? WE walked into a chapel off the square where many crypts were it was old and beautiful I am not a big one for old things BUT I LOVED Venezia! We walked the cobble stoned alleys that has Gucci and Chanel, and All that Murano Glass. THERE was SOOOO much of it and masks Lots of masks…. NOW of course we stopped for Gelati! Bob bought one and I had 2 licks it was heaven! Lemon and strawberry OH GOODNESS nothing like this at home…. WE walked and walked and window shopped, then we were getting hungry so we stopped at this little place and had a Antipasta. Different then from home it was all kind of fresh hams and salami’s Excellent, and we had Spaghetti with meat sauce now do not get it confused with ours no no no it has MEAT not really a red sauce it was delish but so different, and we got a Pizza 4 Fromages(cheese) DELISH there was no Coperto here No cover charge or service charge which a lot of these places do charge aq 2 Euro Fee to sit down to eat and a 12-15% cover charge, this one it was included and their pricing was great, The expensive thing here is bottled water and Soda 3 Euros for a small can of soda a Euro costs us 1.37 so times that by 3 for a soda and 2 Euro for water… our entire bill however was 32 Euro for dinner. After that we walked more and got gelato I got a peach an d pineapple Bob got Blueberry Pineapple and peach WE laughed and kissed through the Square and enjoyed our Gelati as we headed to Rialto Bridge through cobble stones streets of Venice we so enjoyed then to this spectacular Bridge and then got on a boat to go back to Plaza Roma to catch our bus to the hotel. The weather is wonderful in the high 70’s. we got back to the room and I took off my shoes and said I was taking a shower but never saw the shower only saw the back of my eyelids til 2:30AM when I saw Bob up working! Then a bottle of water and back to sleep.. Its 8AM now and we are going to Breakfast then to get ready to go to the Ship!



More later
Day 2 Venice TO ship



Buon Giorno from Italia!

We woke up today and had a free Marriott breakfast on our hotel package, and this was FAR better then any American Hotel breakfast. I was impressed as there was a whole spread of good Italian meats such as Proscuitto,hams,sopressta, Salami and all kinds of cheeses some I could not even tell you what they were but delish,and they had eggs and sausage but not that breakfast sausage we have but really good kind not greasy or anything like that, then a mix of zucchini, mushrooms and onions sauté and then grilled tomatoes, then there was the table of fruits, and the best spread breads, cakes and sweets, I stayed away from that table but tasted Bob’s and wow just great stuff….



We met our taxi sharing folks from the Cruise Critic in the lobby Sylvia and Ken from Dallas, Tx. What a nice couple. We spent e33 For the taxi from the hotel to the ship and it drove us right to the ship… very good. There she was the Brilliance and she was brilliant and sitting next to the Crystal Serenade AHHHHH….



We got signed on, as it was 11 am and hardly anyone was there, so right through in a snap easy, then onto the ship for the picture and within 5 minutes we were onboard, rooms are ready at 1 so we went to Windjammer for meal #1, I was not really that hungry, so used my coke card and had a diet with some veggies and light lunch we sat and talked and then went to our room which was ready, we got in and immediately unpacked and oops we missed the muster! We are now unpacked and ready for a week of fun! We have a cocktail party tonight after dinner with our RCCL travel Agent Reps

Dinner is early, not to my liking but no choice in the matter! We also have a sail away with the folks we met on Cruise Critic so we are ready for that too!



In the shower we went and got ready for our first meeting… Sail away.. to the skybar at the pool…. (we are happy to be back on Royal Caribbean). We met Ottawa Countess and her hubby Steve and then the rest came Courtenay and Mi Taxi Michelle, and the rest It was great and great folks. What a beauty of a sailaway with the Grand canal right there.. we stayed all the way past the isle of LIDO and out we were to sea.. back to the room to get dolled up for dinner…..



At Dinner we went to our table, Danielle Fox my rep was there to greet us, I really like her a lot she is one that is always there to help with whatever our needs are if it is in her realm to be able to do, WE have a great table of agents sometimes this is hit or miss with some being snooty and all but this group meshed well for the entire time…

After dinner was a cocktail party so we went to that and we were told that our seminar would not be on the entire sea day they were breaking it up throughout the week on 3 days and that was great. We then checked the ship out and at 10pm we went to a cruise critic unofficial meet and mingle and met up with some then we went to bed, we were tired our systems were still wondering if it was day or night… doing a Med cruise you need to come in a few days early so your body knows what schedule it needs to adapt too and you do adapt.



DAY # 3



DUBROVNIK CROATIA



We got up and had Breakfast at the windjammer. Nothing different to report Breakfast is Breakfast and I am not big on breakfast and not having a JADE restaurant I can not have my Fave! Hahahaha SO a little BF and off we went to our shuttle that takes us to the Walled City, You purchase a RT ticket from ship to the town for $8pp so that is great, it says a short walk but that is a joke! It’s a 3 mile long arduous walk! Those that did it took taxi’s back.

This is a neat city, you CAN still see some bullet holes from their last war with Bosnia or whomever they had the war with. And there is a beautiful Wall surrounding the city the interior is gorgeous something out of a picture book, ALL the streets inside are White Marble, and you could eat off of them No lie! We cashed some money in there for Euros as there was No commission fee that was great. And we walked through the town. It was Hot… and all that white marble…. This is a city tht you should do a WALKING the WALL which means you climb up steps many steps like 100 or so and brings you to the top and you see the city from up there its like 2 cities, very cool, but knew since I was having feet probs I was not able to do that, which was fine wih me, we had our 2nd gelati, 1st being in Venice, ( I let Bob get the gelati and I taste!) This was good but it was NOT like Venice…. We then walked and looked in churches and the little alleyways of the city, bought post cards ( Bobs a collector) and then went to have a drink at one of the many outside cafes, Its cheaper to drink Beer or Brandy then Soda! A Soda was 4 or 5 Euros ( at a $1.37 per euro our money) so your looking at over $5 for a soda!

A beer was less hahahaha

WE bought some pretty white hand embroidered table cloths here.

We then found this nice little restaurant to eat a lunch, seems that Pasta and fish is big here, I Had Lasagna, Bob had FISH we had good bread and the most lovely waitress who kept teasing Bob. He also had this dish there that is popular which is cucumbers and this sour cream type sauce. I have to say this was the best lasagna I had .

Then we walked back to go back to the ship.



Welcome back home to the air conditioning YEA! To the shower a little Nap and off to the seminar… then to dinner… then to the concierge lounge for a drink or 2.. then to the show, it was very good, about Broadway shows and ended with mama mia and I love that show, I keep thinking of Kerry and Dale and Dale being on top of the chairs dancing when we were in Vegas.

Then to bed, Were are starting to become accustomed to the time now, but we have a big day ahead!

Ciao for now

Day 6



NAPLES TO AMALFI



Got up and Bob went to Breakfast I chose to get 15 more minutes of Rest. We have a private tour with 4 others we met on Cruise Critic so we need to meet them at 8AM . Since we went to bed at 1 am that was not smart!

I Pulled myself out of bed and threw on the shower to wake me up… Ok that was better! Got Dressed, Bob came back and we went to meet the others. We were met by our driver Who was a cutie a real latin looking young guy that I knew Kerry would have Loved! HAHAHAHAHA he was Italian born in Cuba, he lived in Positano to what I gathered a much older wife. We drove out of Naples (Another Crappy looking place) The place of my ancestors, but its ashamed how much Graffiti is all over that town. Towards Amalfi we go, We go around the block and what is right there in front of us the MAGNIFICENT Mt Vesuvius! WOW Impressive its 4000 ft high has not erupted since 1945 it USE to be 8000 Ft, and it is immense in size, We went to Herculaneum which is similar to Pompeii But much smaller maybe a 5th the size, and more in tact then Pompeii, I am not into these old things, but it was remarkable to see it, how this town was covered by mostly mud then ash kept it more preserved, you can still see the tiles and all.. Unreal but once you see it you do not need to see it again unless that is your line of work, the sad thing is here is something that is part of history and right outside the gates Is nothing but trash and graffiti. And to me these were not the friendliest of the ITALIANS Sorry to say but true. Well now for the Amalfi coast. WOW it was beautiful and I was holding onto the handle in the van because these roads are TIGHT and they drive crazy, and its tight tight turns and some times I closed my eyes, cutsie little villages and then coastline, the TOWN of Amalfi is something you see storybooks the butcher the baker the candlestick maker we were in the middle of it all like something off a train scene at Christmas, and ohh I thought about TOM since there was Limoncello everywhere here LEMONS galore and the size of softballs! AND limes , Bob had a coffee there and we had a canola and e had something I have no clue what it was But it was a piece of heaven as the Bite I HAD IT said MORE MORE but I didn’t it had a choclate with liquer and hazelnuts and a mousse type filling on a pastry. I had a canola that was out of this world! The canola tube as lined with hard chocolate and the filling had the Cheese filling with chocolate chips and fruits and rum it was sooooo good! As good as Sicily but much different. And Bob had a limoncello Gelati and it was WONDERFUL! and this is where you get the very best Mozzerella as they make it there so very fresh…., the road was out from Amalfi to Positano so our driver suggested we take the boat there its 25 minutes down the coast and he would drive back 1 ½ hrs and pick us up in Positano, we said how will we find you he said its simple everyone knows everyone there I WILL find yous… and that he did!

The boat ride was wonderful, actually even better then the drive as we saw this magnificent coastline from the boat, we got to Positano and we were hungry. We got the signature pizza of Italy a Margherita Pizza its the colors of the flag Tomato sauce is Red Cheese is white and basil leaf is green, and the bread it was nice course Italian bread, with olive oil tht was great. We had a Caprese salad and then came the Pizza, it was heavenly…. Here is something funny the Bathrooms in Europe are WAY different from ours all though all were CLEAN, there is a lot of squatting there, and to wash your hands there is no faucet and until you remember it isa foot pedal on the floor! Wait til you hear about ROMES, hahahaha Bob had a Gelati, it was good! But not Venice , but very good.

SO good lunch and now time to walk to find where the driver is, well they said to get to the PLAZA to go up the steps, this NEARLY killed me, it was soooo hot out and there had to be about 500 steps and inclines, I am dieting but this was torture IN THE HEAT. I made it to the top and went in and sat in a church to pray! Yes the driver did find us (he found us at lunch actually) and thank goodness for air conditioning!

We drove back and saw the surrounding areas hmmm…. And I was glad to get back home to the home away from home room of ours.



WE WERE BEAT We got back at around 6 and it was formal night, so we opted to skip it, there waas not much time to get ready, so we called PORTOFINO’S and got a reservation for 7 They were sold out but he said he squeeze us in, we showered and got ready and went for a leisurely beautiful romantic dinner. I highly recommend this restaurant to everyone to try at least once per cruise. Or CHOPS.

This dinner was wonderful Better then our last one on the Mariner, We had anabella as a waitress and our food of Tuscan bean Soup, A delish salad of walnuts Fresh pears salad mix and a delish house dressing was great, Risotto with Shrimp for appetizer, Pasta course was ribbon pasta with mushrooms and truffle cream sauce, and mash taters and Filet of beef … I could not eat the beef as I was pretty full So I had 1/3 of it cause they have great desserts and since other then the gelati and canola and a cookie Onboard I been eating all the sugar free desserts which were heavenly, SO I got the sampler platter of tiramisu, panna cotta, a flourless chocolate cake and a vanilla type mousse which was my favorite along with the Tiramisu they were small samples. Bob got the Regular tiramisu which also comes with a Godiva chocolate shooter. We then headed to the Casino for a hour and then to our room. As tomorrow is a bigger day! ROME!











DAY 7

ROME,ITALY



This really is the highlight to SEE THE HISTORY that we were only taught, to actually walk on it and live it was so impressive, Rome was clean not dirty like Sicily and Naples, More Pride and I bet Money is but into these sights, We had a private driver/Guide Vincenzo that was fabulous from the time he picked us up. He told us about all the things we were going to see . he lives in ROME and he knew so much, we started at CIRCUS maximus, where the chariot races took place, impressive and odd as you did not realize it was not as big as I thought. Now it is used for concerts like the stones and Genesis it’s a park but you can still see where the horses and all ran.



We went to so many churches and places from where Mussolini lived to churches that famous people in history were buried or designed )Michelangelo and Bernini were the main ones) did so many beautiful designs how did they have time to live! He lived to 93 that was unheard of back then.we went to the Panthenon, was a temple then church it was in wonderful condition and quite impressive. Right outside of that we had guess what? Gelati, OH MY this one rivaled Venice, I had 4 licks of BOBS it wass full of hazelnuts, and LEMONS hahahaha

Ok back to the tour, we went where the Vatican held their prisoners, went to church Santa ANA Magiorie so gorgeous and there was mass there, the crypts, pictures depicting mortality was quite different. Beautiful church, there is so many churches if you visited Each one it take you 6 months. We then turn the corner and there in front of us is the Coliseum. This is impressive, inside is equally impressive and it was clean a lot of people said that the last 5 years its been cleaned up and very impressive to stand there in history, so many died each day there PEOPLE AND ANIMALS, ALL FOR THE SPORT. Next to this is the FORUM again impressive.

We then went to Piazza Navona which the fountain was covered being cleaned or restored, and to the Spanish steps but it was very busy around there , the glove store TOM told me about was closed cause it was after 1pm many things though are open and some are closed. WE then went to TREVI FOUNTAIN .WOW I was wowed. Its amazing just amazing. And you know people drink out of all the fountains. Its safe but no thank you….. I did throw in my coin as tradition to make me come back again.

Then we had lunch at a restaurant it was good a calzone and salad caprese.



Then onto the highlight… ST PETERS BASILICA CHRISTIANDOM FOR CATHOLICS AND NON CATHOLICS.



It was incredible just brought you to your knees, the chairs were all set up as the Pope was out at the balcony at noon time,there is the swiss guard that is guarding it and its huge simply huge. You get in line and go through security then enter either the \side of the crypts of the popes or the church , no charge here, we opted for the church as we could have spent hours here, this was so impressive soooo very impressive and I can not chose words to explain it, there are bodies laid to rest at some altars there is so many altars in there, and the main one was unbelievable. Just incredible if your catholic or not.

Since they are their own state, they have a post office of their own there too, I would have liked to go to the crypts too but only had so much time.



Back on the ship , shower and off too dinner. Another great one and then to the quest game always funny we joined a group and came in 3rd. then to the casino and both of us won, got 3 of a kind to the tune of $150 each so that was great….

Then back to the room for bed….



PS the toilets. IT was unreal you go in and do your business and then when you flush this Thing comes out of the toilet and goes around the seat and the seat actually spins half way what it does is cleans it but to see a Toilet seat spin was odd! Then wash your hads put soap on them, and No faucets If there was a candid camera they would have laughed I could not find the water! WELL its on the floor on a pedal. GO figure! HEY at least the toilet had a seat there was not many that had them!





DAY 8



AT SEA



The long awaited day….at seas…… Actually we packed and rested and went to the shows and had dinner and really did not do a lot and it was GREAT! We all said good byes to everyone and its sad but reality!



Day 9



Barcelona



We awoke early and had to be at our excursion place at 7:30am So we caught a quick breakfast and off we went. Easy getting off and to the buses.

This port also has those conveyer belts like the airport for the luggage and was VERY organized. Got our luggage and onto the Bus and off we went, WOW what architecture is in Barcelona! Antoni Gaudi is the famous Architect and wow its fantasy architecture, we went to Las Ramblas, Gotic section and alllllll around this town. Saw beautiful cathedrals and SAGRADA FAMILIA the sacred Family it’s a church that was started but never finished Gaudi started it and its been over 100 years in the making It has to be seen to be believed they said it would be done in 2020 but we will see…..

There is a lot of pick pockets here so you need to be careful With Rome also…

But we then went back to our hotel- Renaissance Hotel and rested went out for dinner had wonderful Paella and Sangria and to bed….



Day 10

Up and ready to go home… Our flight got in 1 hour early so that was good but now I suffer from JET LAG!



NOW about the ship:



Brilliance of the Seas- this was my 39th cruise and I think since you go so often you can be more critical and I try not to be, and on the other hand I am less critical, hard to explain, BUT I know that things are NOT going to be what they were when I started cruising almost 24 years ago. THIS ship was wonderful! Its not OLD but I guess some folks think anything over 2 years old is old! It’s a Radiance Class ship for Royal Caribbean, and a wonderful class with lots of Glass and a beautiful Solarium pool. Europe cruises are rally not about the ship though as your not on them enough to really get to enjoy them like the Caribbean cruises are, But this staff was wonderful and the ship was clean and the rooms were very nice and the Food was Superb!

I noticed from my last Princess Cruise on the Crown, How much better the food on the Brilliance was compared to it. Could it be its Europe? I talked with hotel Director he said that the provisions all come form Miami so that the food is the same as Caribbean, BUT its all in the interpretation of the Chef, Well; this one was great! They have added some new things, like one night coming in to a ceasar salad in a bowl kinda like Olive Garden on our table That was VERY nice touch and we all liked that, also we had olive opil always on our table and a Pepper Mill. There were some new soups . I loved the Jalapeño Potato soup, NO this was not HOT HOT HOT like the name not at all. So try it! The steaks were not at all chewy and done as I had asked, There is nothing on the food that I can even remotely complain about. I liked that they had a separate menu on the table called the Chefs special and each night it changed it was something the chef prepared that was not on the regular menu that was really a nice touch. One night we ate in Portofinos and as always very very good. This was better then the last time we ate there, I believe on the Mariner.

Oh no Lobster on this cruise, we were told it was stopped fleet wide. Could not get the quantity at the quality they needed or the cost at what people abuse stopped it since people want 10 tails each…



Shows: they were typical shows and entertaining, no headliner that we would have known but there was a guy from Australia that I guest people over there know well he does a Charlie Chaplain routine with magic and he was very very good and never uttered a word. I liked a game they played too called Majority rules that was fun as was the QUEST we came in 3rd and got Document holders. No Horse racing as that has been stopped too,. We played Bingo and Bob waited for 1 number for the HUGE jackpot! ARGH! I kept my streak of 39 cruises and not winning bingo going!



This was a great Ship and a wonderful Trip, I would love to go back to the Greek isles, Just need to get rich!
Meeting the Cruise Critic Group, and the Agents in the Seminar aboard ship just was the topping on the Canoli!

Well done by Royal Caribbean. So? Whats stopping you? You now need to go and experience it!



Susette Whitfield

I know I have not been here for so long, Seems like Life goes so fast by you that your playing Catch up!
Well lets see what is happening, WELL I am going to EUROPE! Yes on Sunday Bob and I are flying to Europe, Flying into Venice staying over night at the Courtyard, Going to St Marks Square, Gondola and whatever we feel like doing, Maybe people watch, have some Gelati, a Gondola Ride...
Then off to Croatia, Corfu,Greece,Rome,Naples,Sicily and then Barcelona for a extra night stay there too. THen back to the Best land AMERICA.
I have never been to Europe so am looking foreward to this, IT is a Work Related Seminar... AHH what a nice work related thing to do!

The Kids are in Disneyworld right now, Ashley told me that Kaylee was screaming when Chip and Dale came up to her, BUT when she saw the Princesses, her trip was complete, She went up to Cinderella and hugged her, she gave her and snow white and belle her autograph book and was in Awe of them.
After seeing them she welcomed Winnie the Pooh and Eyore and he gave her a kiss and she giggled so they are having a great time although its a scorcher there, The meal plan is absolutely the Best and you should not go to Disney without it, THe first day she said they saved about $40 Because Dinner was $70 and Lunch about $40 and if they had to buy the plan at $35 pp per day it was like Getting Lunch and her snacks free. In Sept Disney usually offers a Free dining plan if you go at this time of the year, SO it was really a treat for them. Ray comes back in time to get hand surgery, Joy!

Kay starts Nursery schol 2 days a week for a few hours each time. and then she starts Dance Class! It is wonderful seems like only yesterday that Ashley was out there shaking and shimmying!

I know Kerry will be so excited that I wrote on my Blog, I want to say I want to keep it up and going but never know if I can keep that promise! I am keeping a journal though when I am away....

HUGS to all.....

SUSIE