Several people have taken me to task lately. The problem....neglect of my blog. Good heavens, I did not realize that anyone actually read it.
My PC desktop motherboard fried on me a few weeks ago and I was faced with purchasing a new motherboard or a new computer. It was a good time to lobby dear husband for a new computer. After much research and thought and analysis of my technology needs I decided that I wanted to go Mac.
I am now the proud, obsessed owner of a 27" iMac. My genealogy software runs on Windows. No problem I just downloaded a partition, uploaded Windows 7 and installed The Master Genealogist, Second Site and a few other windows only apps. On my 27" screen I now run Windows with one or two apps open and Snow Leopard (the Mac OS) on the other side with about 10 apps open.
I do a good bit of research in my various paid subscriptions and also access all the online records that are contained in various state archives. As I research I put the data into a Windows Xcel program for analysis, evaluate the data in a Word document and put the finished result in my genealogy program. The genealogy program organizes the data and I can print many types of reports to give to my clients.
When I work I also stream iTunes through my earphones (husband has to have TV at top volume these days...he's hard of hearing), Facebook is open (need to cut back on that obsession), a calendar with alarms to remind me to quit working and stick my head in the freezer for awhile (one does have to eat), I stream a conservative and liberal news cast (need a good laugh once in awhile...the Chilean miner rescue was awesome in real time). I need a new chair! Maybe not, as the discomfort forces me to get up once in awhile and spend quality time with dear husband. For Christmas I want about 12 GB of new memory added to the computer. I do have a 16 GB flash drive attached to save files to also. I have a track pad and a mouse but wish they worked independently of each other so I ccould scroll in Windows and Snow Leopard at the same time.
So what do I do the rest of my free time? Garden, travel (just spent the weekend at a college reunion with my old buddies-no spouses. It was great to linger over memories and not have bored sighs pulling us out of our reverie.
No photos this session as I have not downloaded those into the computer yet!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Back Home
We arrived back in Maryland late Sunday (Valentine's Day) and were awed by the remnants of the record snow storms.
As I am writing this we are having a "snow shower". The weather professionals insist this is just a little blip on the radar.
Our stay in Mexico was wonderful. I am most at home in the tropics.
As I am writing this we are having a "snow shower". The weather professionals insist this is just a little blip on the radar.
Our stay in Mexico was wonderful. I am most at home in the tropics.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Ixtapa Day 9
My father and sister left on Saturday with the snowstorm in the mid-Atlantic raging and dumping feet of snow in and area that normally gets a dusting. Of course one of their connecting flights was to take them to Dulles in Washington DC. It is now Monday evening and I am worried sick about them. My mother always used to say "No news is good news!" but my life experience has taught me that no news means that it is bad or maybe worse than expected and they don't want to bother me because I am on 'vacation.' That makes me even more depressed and nauseatingly nervous. My mom died three years ago when I was away and I could not make it to her funeral. Because there was not enough time to book a flight. Now when I am gone I get so darned nervous that I really don't care if I ever travel again. Not having communication is the worst punishment.
We had a really lovely SuperBowl party yesterday. A beer company called Sol sent two huge air balloon bottles and about four gorgeous girls to help with the SuperBowl spirit. The big screen was in three places. After sunset we were all able to go outside and see the last half of the game on a huge screen outdoors. The chef had bar-b-que stations in three places on the grounds. It was so much fun to sit with Americans who knew the sport sitting next to Canadians, French, Brazilian and other South American countries trying to understand the game. After the game we had the awarding of prizes (at the pool earlier in the day we had to fetch as many ping pong balls from the pool and then if we had that number we could put our name on four places on the board) and then when the score for both teams matched that person won a bottle of champagne. Other games we could win t-shirts sponsored by the Sol beer company. A live band played blues, Samba, and other energetic caribbean music so we could dance our hearts out. Perfect way to celebrate. Since Carnival in Brazil is next week this party had a decidedly Brazilian Carnival tone to it.
I stayed out so late last night I was unable to see the dawn this morning. i can't believe waking up well past sunrise really gave the day a rather sluggish start and so I have slept most of the day, at the beach or in my room. Guess I am not a party person. I enjoy the dawn, the quiet and watching the wildlife go from the night critters to the daytime critters.
Tonight we have dinner at one of the speciality restaurants. The atmosphere is more intimate and we will get to sit very near the ocean. The food is some better also.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Ixtapa Day 6
Another rainy day in beautiful Ixtapa. Not as bad as yesterday.....still no fun in the sun. My dad is doing lots of reading and a few rotations in the gym, my hubby is grumbling about the tennis courts being wet and my sister and I continue to make the staff laugh as we sit and chat with whomever.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Ixtapa Day 5
Today is a tropical storm day. The front rolled in with a flash and bang show this AM before dawn. It has been pouring since.
So what do people do at a Club Med in Ixtapa Mexico. A bunch of kids are in the pool. The security guard is watching with his security poncho on and the moms are sitting on the lounge chairs with umbrellas. About a hundred kids under the age of 8 are in the theatre practicing for tonights kid show. It is now about 5:30PM and the kids are getting cranky. Showtime is at 8:45. I'll let you know later how that turned out. Adults are in all the nooks and crannies with books, games, some kids, drinks. The DJ has come to the LaEstrala Bar early with his music mix.
The Pacific ocean is an ominous battleship gray with rolling surf that mutes the sound of thunder. Or maybe it's not thundering. Who would know. It sounds the same.
Dear hubby has been drilling on the tennis court previous to today and wants his kids to know he won a tournament on the first day. His shoulder still annoys him and he may be seen asking the bar boy for a bag of ice, and a bourbon. My dad has settled in rather well and keeps up his exercise and my sister in typical little sister fashion always seems to get us in trouble with the staff. Not bad trouble. They just can't do their job because they are laughing at us so hard. The Chief de Village is flummoxed because the staff is supposed be making the guests laugh and have a good time. The other guests look at us and just shake their heads. I am constantly reminding people that I left the sober world of adulthood at my birthday last month. I now officially qualify for my Social Security Pension and senior citizens discounts (which by the way are the same rates as children under 12) . Therefore, I reason that since I don't have to pay out as an adult anymore I don't have to act like an adult anymore; my sister gets by saying that she is training for the day she is not an adult anymore. Life on vacation is bliss!
No Photos this time as I left the cord to the iphone back in the room.
So what do people do at a Club Med in Ixtapa Mexico. A bunch of kids are in the pool. The security guard is watching with his security poncho on and the moms are sitting on the lounge chairs with umbrellas. About a hundred kids under the age of 8 are in the theatre practicing for tonights kid show. It is now about 5:30PM and the kids are getting cranky. Showtime is at 8:45. I'll let you know later how that turned out. Adults are in all the nooks and crannies with books, games, some kids, drinks. The DJ has come to the LaEstrala Bar early with his music mix.
The Pacific ocean is an ominous battleship gray with rolling surf that mutes the sound of thunder. Or maybe it's not thundering. Who would know. It sounds the same.
Dear hubby has been drilling on the tennis court previous to today and wants his kids to know he won a tournament on the first day. His shoulder still annoys him and he may be seen asking the bar boy for a bag of ice, and a bourbon. My dad has settled in rather well and keeps up his exercise and my sister in typical little sister fashion always seems to get us in trouble with the staff. Not bad trouble. They just can't do their job because they are laughing at us so hard. The Chief de Village is flummoxed because the staff is supposed be making the guests laugh and have a good time. The other guests look at us and just shake their heads. I am constantly reminding people that I left the sober world of adulthood at my birthday last month. I now officially qualify for my Social Security Pension and senior citizens discounts (which by the way are the same rates as children under 12) . Therefore, I reason that since I don't have to pay out as an adult anymore I don't have to act like an adult anymore; my sister gets by saying that she is training for the day she is not an adult anymore. Life on vacation is bliss!
No Photos this time as I left the cord to the iphone back in the room.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Ixtapa Day 4
OK Sorry it took me awhile to figure the computer thing out. It's all in Spanish down here. And I don't speak espanol.
Our fight took us from Baltimore to Houston where we met up with my dad and sister at the airport hotel. We left Houston on Saturday and landed in Zhuatounao (SP?) and then a cab ride about twenty minutes to Club Med Ixtapa Pacific. We are settled into the beach life and sports activities of the Club. My sister is all about getting the staff to laugh, of course I am not stopping her in the least.
Tonight is Mexico Night and we have vendors setting up around the pool (It has started to rain) and we are having a professional Mexican dance troop do folklore dancing tonight. Rain or shine the show must go on.
Enjoy the pic of my dad laying on the Pacific Beach at Ixtapa. He is loving every minute
Saturday, January 30, 2010
2010 Winter Getaway Part 2
Blooging today on iPhone. If I suddenly quit because my finger cramped or the program crashed.
Left Easton and 21 degree temps yesterday and flew to Houstan. Our pilot was kind enough to warn us when we were flying over or through the large weather system in the mid part of the country. Cabin stewards scurried around makeing sure we were all in our seats and just as the belted themselves in we hit about 20 minutes of bone rattling turbalance. Captain came on again and assured us the worst was over. We got to Houstan on time. The captain and cabin stewards rushed us to get in and settled when we boarded. We were good passengers and were able to leave10min early. Good job Continantal crew on flight #727
it's not exactly warm here in Houstan either. Just 56 degrees. Better than the 21 degrees with snow in Easton though.
Travel tip: hand sanitized works well as a backup deorderant.
Off to Club Med ixtapa later this AM with my dad and sis. Ixtapa is about 100 miles north of Acapulco.
pulco
Left Easton and 21 degree temps yesterday and flew to Houstan. Our pilot was kind enough to warn us when we were flying over or through the large weather system in the mid part of the country. Cabin stewards scurried around makeing sure we were all in our seats and just as the belted themselves in we hit about 20 minutes of bone rattling turbalance. Captain came on again and assured us the worst was over. We got to Houstan on time. The captain and cabin stewards rushed us to get in and settled when we boarded. We were good passengers and were able to leave10min early. Good job Continantal crew on flight #727
it's not exactly warm here in Houstan either. Just 56 degrees. Better than the 21 degrees with snow in Easton though.
Travel tip: hand sanitized works well as a backup deorderant.
Off to Club Med ixtapa later this AM with my dad and sis. Ixtapa is about 100 miles north of Acapulco.
pulco
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Back Home and a Rant
We arrived home late Friday night after a full day of travel. I got sniffed by a dog,scrutinized by Customs, partially undressed for TSA and went through their screening as my bag was whisked into something that looks like a commercial dishwasher. Passed everything this time.
Laundry is done and am partially packed for the next leg of our winter getaway which starts early Friday AM. We will be going to a Club Med on the Pacific side of Mexico with my Father and Sister.
I have been reading about tourism returning to Haiti and there is a mix of shock and disgust in view of the disaster in Port au Prince. I think this is referring to Royal Caribbean Cruise Line that resumed its normally scheduled stops at Labadee.
Labadee is a private resort beach for passengers on Royal Caribbean and sister line Celebrity. This cruise line has been stopping at this port for almost 10 years. The economic impact of this tourism in the area is huge. The company hires native Haitians to maintain the property and to set it up for the cruise ship visits. A large beach BBQ is prepared for the guests and the Haitians have access to it and to all of the food that may be left over. The arts and crafts building is filled with Haitian vendors and artists selling their crafts. All of this provides jobs and a steady income to the employees and vendors that is needed. In addition to the guest services Royal Caribbean pays port taxes and these go to the Haitian government. The bottom line here is that tourism plays a role in the Haitian economy. The current government before the quake was actively looking to improve Haiti's image and try to cultivate Haiti as a tourist destination.
In addition to the above benefits of Capitalism, there is the fact the Royal Caribbean has teamed with Food for the Poor and has in place the infrastructure in Miami and Labadee to ship and distribute much needed food and supplies to this poorest of countries. To stop tourism because of some misguided sense of propriety is just plain stupid. Haiti needs immediate aid in the form of food, water, medical supplies-the Royal Caribbean has the infrastructure in place to do this. As the country recovers from this disaster they need jobs and revenue to get their homes, schools, churches, government buildings etc rebuilt- RC provides jobs and a market for their art crafts. This recovery will take cash money to purchase the supplies the individuals and the government need to clean up the debris and rebuild- by allowing the Haitians to come to work at the resort provides cash income. To deny any Haitian a job that will help them rebuild their life and self esteem is just plain immoral. We need these people to become economically independent of relief aid. They need to become independent and productive citizens of their country. Most of all these jobs give back to the Haitians a sense of dignity that every human being deserves. So welcome to the ships and tourists to Haiti and may more cruise lines find a way to create a great vacation place that will employ more Haitians.
Laundry is done and am partially packed for the next leg of our winter getaway which starts early Friday AM. We will be going to a Club Med on the Pacific side of Mexico with my Father and Sister.
I have been reading about tourism returning to Haiti and there is a mix of shock and disgust in view of the disaster in Port au Prince. I think this is referring to Royal Caribbean Cruise Line that resumed its normally scheduled stops at Labadee.
Labadee is a private resort beach for passengers on Royal Caribbean and sister line Celebrity. This cruise line has been stopping at this port for almost 10 years. The economic impact of this tourism in the area is huge. The company hires native Haitians to maintain the property and to set it up for the cruise ship visits. A large beach BBQ is prepared for the guests and the Haitians have access to it and to all of the food that may be left over. The arts and crafts building is filled with Haitian vendors and artists selling their crafts. All of this provides jobs and a steady income to the employees and vendors that is needed. In addition to the guest services Royal Caribbean pays port taxes and these go to the Haitian government. The bottom line here is that tourism plays a role in the Haitian economy. The current government before the quake was actively looking to improve Haiti's image and try to cultivate Haiti as a tourist destination.
In addition to the above benefits of Capitalism, there is the fact the Royal Caribbean has teamed with Food for the Poor and has in place the infrastructure in Miami and Labadee to ship and distribute much needed food and supplies to this poorest of countries. To stop tourism because of some misguided sense of propriety is just plain stupid. Haiti needs immediate aid in the form of food, water, medical supplies-the Royal Caribbean has the infrastructure in place to do this. As the country recovers from this disaster they need jobs and revenue to get their homes, schools, churches, government buildings etc rebuilt- RC provides jobs and a market for their art crafts. This recovery will take cash money to purchase the supplies the individuals and the government need to clean up the debris and rebuild- by allowing the Haitians to come to work at the resort provides cash income. To deny any Haitian a job that will help them rebuild their life and self esteem is just plain immoral. We need these people to become economically independent of relief aid. They need to become independent and productive citizens of their country. Most of all these jobs give back to the Haitians a sense of dignity that every human being deserves. So welcome to the ships and tourists to Haiti and may more cruise lines find a way to create a great vacation place that will employ more Haitians.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Jewel of the Sea Day 11
Sea Day today. Hubby and I are going to relax on the ship and pack up our bags. We dock in Miami tomorrow and then fly home. Hope this earthquake business stops. I don't think the folks here can take much more. The Durbans are still safe after the 6.2 quake. But life is Haiti is becoming hard to endure. Bye for now.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Jewel of the Sea Day 10
Grand Cayman. We stayed on the ship today and enjoyed the ship amenities with very few folks aboard. There are four other large cruise ships in the harbor and we have found that leads to congestion. So we opt for the relaxing day to enjoy the amenities of the ship. We have not been bothered by the earth quakes that are rocking the various islands that we visit. Cayman had a 5.3 yesterday but it did minimal damage.
Jewel of the Sea Day 8
Limon, Costa Rica. A port town at the Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal. Hubby and I went on a short tour and saw Gatun lock from land side (we've gone through the canal twice). Very different perspective. Then we boarded a pontoon boat for a guided tour of Gatun Lake looking at the wild life. Very Nice
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Jewel of the Sea Day 7
Jewel of the Sea Day 7
Colon, Panama. Colon is the Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal. The most awesome thing to see are the dozens and dozens of cargo ships from around the world waiting their turn to cross into the Pacific via the Panama Canal. We did an short turn of the first lock—Gatun. It was really nice to see the lock from the land. We have passed through the canal twice. But this was a much different experience.
We then went to a dock at Gatun Lake (one of the largest man made lacks in the world) and took a pontoon ride around the lake. We had a guide that was showing us many of the flora and fauna found in the ecosystem.
Back on the ship we relaxed until we left port. The rolly polly has virtually stopped and the sea is calmer. Tomorrow is Limon, Costa Rica another of my favorite countriess
Colon, Panama. Colon is the Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal. The most awesome thing to see are the dozens and dozens of cargo ships from around the world waiting their turn to cross into the Pacific via the Panama Canal. We did an short turn of the first lock—Gatun. It was really nice to see the lock from the land. We have passed through the canal twice. But this was a much different experience.
We then went to a dock at Gatun Lake (one of the largest man made lacks in the world) and took a pontoon ride around the lake. We had a guide that was showing us many of the flora and fauna found in the ecosystem.
Back on the ship we relaxed until we left port. The rolly polly has virtually stopped and the sea is calmer. Tomorrow is Limon, Costa Rica another of my favorite countriess
Haiti First Person Account
[Below are two emails that Lance Durban sent to a group that I belong to. Lance was a college friend and we have stayed in touch over the years. He owns a business in Haiti and employees.The first note was the second we received after he saw the devastation. The one below was to let us know he and his family were all okay ]
Dear Fredonia-1970 Group, This group does not have its main purpose as fund-raising, though if it was, it would logically be fund-raising for the SUNY Fredonia College Foundation, our common link. Nevertheless, seeing the signs of devastation all around me here in Haiti, having fielded several requests about how best to contribute, and having read that Nick Kristof op-ed in today's New York Times about giving, here is one suggestion. We truly do not know the scope of the problem for our 470+ Haitian employees, most of whom have not returned after last Tuesday's devastating earthquake, but as one of our group members who visited Haiti years ago correctly surmised, our workers could well be among the most affected. They were not the poorest of the poor, most were not living in wooden shacks which presumably would cause less of a problem than having a concrete roof fall on you. We have created a brief survey which our Human Resources Manager will be getting out to as many as possible to fill out... to assess house damage and the personal injury/death count. We have also established a Haiti Emergency Fund for friends and family contributions, 100% of which will be distributed to those employees most affected by the earthquake. A distribution formula is yet to be worked out, but it will be based on our best determination of need. A number of our customers have already pledged help, and for any of you interested in contributing, please make checks payable to MANUTECH and marked Haiti Emergency Relief. Checks may be sent to our Miami address: MANUTECH, INC. 8181 NW 91 Terrace, Bldg 10 Miami, FL 33166 We will promptly acknowledge all contributions, and provide all donors with a brief report when the fund is closed out... probably by the end of the first quarter. It has been a difficult and heart-breaking time, several people we knew were among the victims when the U.N. headquarters collapsed, and my mini-bus is today "on loan" to one of our employees with a badly injured daughter... he is taking her to a good hospital in the provinces, which he hopes will be better able to provide quicker attention in his non-life-threatening, though serious, situation. Here in the capital, we know two surgeons, who are directors of a small hospital not far from our factory and they had performed 8 emergency amputations just yesterday. We can only hope that 2010 ends better than it has started. Lance Durban Fredonia-1970 Yahoo! Group SUNY Fredonia Class of 1970
Port-au-Prince, Jan 15, 2010 Dear Fredonians, It's been 72+ hours since Tuesday afternoon's earthquake hit Port-au-Prince, and I thank you for your expressions of concern. All Durbans in Haiti are fine, and fortunately we have had virtually no property damage either. Here is a quick update if you haven't already overdosed on Haiti earthquake reports. The quake hit about 4:45 PM Tuesday as I was leaving work, and at first I thought it was a flat tire. The car quickly started swaying violently from side to side however, and then I noticed telephone wires swinging back and forth like giant jump ropes and the telephone poles themselves waving wildly back and forth. Clearly, this was no ordinary flat tire. I circled back to the plant and was pleased to see it still standing, although everything inside had been shaken up... water coolers tipped over, computers on the floor, ceiling panels in the offices all displaced, etc. It took 4 hours to drive home that night, up a road that was full of pedestrians, emergency vehicles, whole whole families sitting in the median, lot's of small children being carried by anxious parents. Still, it was only when driving down to work the next morning that the full scope of the disaster became apparent. We still have had only a few of our 470 employees return to work, so cannot confirm exactly what percentage will have lost their homes, but we will be doing a survey next week. I got out to the Port-au-Prince airport today to check on cargo flights, and the place is abuzz with military and relief flights coming in from all over. There have been some 40 aftershocks now, some of them rather severe, and each one brings some degree of panic, although Nadia and I have been sleeping in the house every night. Fortunately it is a pretty solid house... we hope. I have received a zillion e-mails from long lost friends and associates, and the outpouring of concern has been touching. Nadia's school is closed (large cracks making it structurally unsound, though it may be salvageable) so she volunteered at a makeshift hospital today, and saw plenty of serious injuries. The number of homeless people is pretty staggering, and we just wish that we could do more to help. That's it for the moment. Will write more soon on that Easter trip to London from April 1st to April 9th. We've bought our tickets and will definitely be going.... hope to have some of you join us. Regards to all, Lance Durban Fredonia-1970 Yahoo! Group Moderator SUNY at Fredonia, Class of 1970
Dear Fredonia-1970 Group, This group does not have its main purpose as fund-raising, though if it was, it would logically be fund-raising for the SUNY Fredonia College Foundation, our common link. Nevertheless, seeing the signs of devastation all around me here in Haiti, having fielded several requests about how best to contribute, and having read that Nick Kristof op-ed in today's New York Times about giving, here is one suggestion. We truly do not know the scope of the problem for our 470+ Haitian employees, most of whom have not returned after last Tuesday's devastating earthquake, but as one of our group members who visited Haiti years ago correctly surmised, our workers could well be among the most affected. They were not the poorest of the poor, most were not living in wooden shacks which presumably would cause less of a problem than having a concrete roof fall on you. We have created a brief survey which our Human Resources Manager will be getting out to as many as possible to fill out... to assess house damage and the personal injury/death count. We have also established a Haiti Emergency Fund for friends and family contributions, 100% of which will be distributed to those employees most affected by the earthquake. A distribution formula is yet to be worked out, but it will be based on our best determination of need. A number of our customers have already pledged help, and for any of you interested in contributing, please make checks payable to MANUTECH and marked Haiti Emergency Relief. Checks may be sent to our Miami address: MANUTECH, INC. 8181 NW 91 Terrace, Bldg 10 Miami, FL 33166 We will promptly acknowledge all contributions, and provide all donors with a brief report when the fund is closed out... probably by the end of the first quarter. It has been a difficult and heart-breaking time, several people we knew were among the victims when the U.N. headquarters collapsed, and my mini-bus is today "on loan" to one of our employees with a badly injured daughter... he is taking her to a good hospital in the provinces, which he hopes will be better able to provide quicker attention in his non-life-threatening, though serious, situation. Here in the capital, we know two surgeons, who are directors of a small hospital not far from our factory and they had performed 8 emergency amputations just yesterday. We can only hope that 2010 ends better than it has started. Lance Durban Fredonia-1970 Yahoo! Group SUNY Fredonia Class of 1970
Port-au-Prince, Jan 15, 2010 Dear Fredonians, It's been 72+ hours since Tuesday afternoon's earthquake hit Port-au-Prince, and I thank you for your expressions of concern. All Durbans in Haiti are fine, and fortunately we have had virtually no property damage either. Here is a quick update if you haven't already overdosed on Haiti earthquake reports. The quake hit about 4:45 PM Tuesday as I was leaving work, and at first I thought it was a flat tire. The car quickly started swaying violently from side to side however, and then I noticed telephone wires swinging back and forth like giant jump ropes and the telephone poles themselves waving wildly back and forth. Clearly, this was no ordinary flat tire. I circled back to the plant and was pleased to see it still standing, although everything inside had been shaken up... water coolers tipped over, computers on the floor, ceiling panels in the offices all displaced, etc. It took 4 hours to drive home that night, up a road that was full of pedestrians, emergency vehicles, whole whole families sitting in the median, lot's of small children being carried by anxious parents. Still, it was only when driving down to work the next morning that the full scope of the disaster became apparent. We still have had only a few of our 470 employees return to work, so cannot confirm exactly what percentage will have lost their homes, but we will be doing a survey next week. I got out to the Port-au-Prince airport today to check on cargo flights, and the place is abuzz with military and relief flights coming in from all over. There have been some 40 aftershocks now, some of them rather severe, and each one brings some degree of panic, although Nadia and I have been sleeping in the house every night. Fortunately it is a pretty solid house... we hope. I have received a zillion e-mails from long lost friends and associates, and the outpouring of concern has been touching. Nadia's school is closed (large cracks making it structurally unsound, though it may be salvageable) so she volunteered at a makeshift hospital today, and saw plenty of serious injuries. The number of homeless people is pretty staggering, and we just wish that we could do more to help. That's it for the moment. Will write more soon on that Easter trip to London from April 1st to April 9th. We've bought our tickets and will definitely be going.... hope to have some of you join us. Regards to all, Lance Durban Fredonia-1970 Yahoo! Group Moderator SUNY at Fredonia, Class of 1970
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Jewel of the Sea Day 6
Sea Day! I was so looking forward to spending the day in the solarium, reading, dipping in the pool or hot tub. The sea was a lovely blue the sky was clear, the sun was hot. Perfect…….except the sea had gentle rolling swells from 12 to 15 feet. This means the ship was gently rocking back and forth all day. A majority of guests were in their rooms seasick. I did get a bit woozy myself but went top side and looked at the horizon, breathed fresh air. Oen of the staff brought me some apples slices and soon I perfectly fine. The apple thing is a cure the crew uses!!?!?!? Hey if it works. The pools were closed as the water was massively sloshing back and forth out of the pools. The staff finally emptied most of the water out of the pools to cut down the water on the deck which was a fall hazard.
The ships entertainment was pretty lame so I hung out in our favorite lounge with a few of the folks we have become friendly with. All in all it was a lovely relaxing day at sea.
The ships entertainment was pretty lame so I hung out in our favorite lounge with a few of the folks we have become friendly with. All in all it was a lovely relaxing day at sea.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Jewel of the Sea Day 5
Jewel of the Seas Day 5
The very best day of the trip so far! It started with the strangest sunrise. There is no moon so the at night the sky and sea are one. As dawn started to creep above the horizon the sea and sky were separated by color. The sea was deep pewter, with waves roiling 8-foot swells. The sky was also pewter but much lighter. All of a sudden a coral arch appears on the horizon, not really throwing out that much light. Soon it was a large coral circle surrounded by the pewter sky and darker water.
About noon we landed in Cartagena, Columbia. We were here a few years ago and it had the appearance and feel of a much different city. For one thing it was cleaner. There were no piles of trash anywhere. In the new city there were a half dozen new sky scrappers. The city itself is being cleaned up and the abandoned buildings are either being torn down or rehabbed. There was a huge police presence and a huge military presence. The government has mandated that young men do two years of service to the country as police or military. The government is winning the war against the drug cartels. Violence and kidnapping are down by 80%. The Columbians are grateful to the current government-a democracy. Education is also free and mandatory through high school. It is a much better city today.
I did a mangrove and swamp tour and dear Husband did a Pirate Galleon tour around the bay. I was impressed with my tour. I took the same tour when I was here before. The government is cleaning up the polluted swamps and turning them into ecological preserves. There was more wildlife and fish in the tidal swamps than before. Oh by the way, the Colombian’s were very clear that we understand that they cannot stand the “idiot” next door (Venezuela). They have closed that border and
it is protected by the Columbian Army.
Our entertainment on board was spectacular. A dance troop from Argentina came aboard—Tango Buenos Aires; the show left us with goose pimples. Dick and I had been to Argentina and with each dance we were reminded of the things we saw and did. Both of us would love to go back to Argentina. The dancers will be giving Tango lessons for free today. They leave the ship tomorrow in Colon Panama. Lovely! And this is the first trip I have not brought my Tango shoes I got in Argentina!
The very best day of the trip so far! It started with the strangest sunrise. There is no moon so the at night the sky and sea are one. As dawn started to creep above the horizon the sea and sky were separated by color. The sea was deep pewter, with waves roiling 8-foot swells. The sky was also pewter but much lighter. All of a sudden a coral arch appears on the horizon, not really throwing out that much light. Soon it was a large coral circle surrounded by the pewter sky and darker water.
About noon we landed in Cartagena, Columbia. We were here a few years ago and it had the appearance and feel of a much different city. For one thing it was cleaner. There were no piles of trash anywhere. In the new city there were a half dozen new sky scrappers. The city itself is being cleaned up and the abandoned buildings are either being torn down or rehabbed. There was a huge police presence and a huge military presence. The government has mandated that young men do two years of service to the country as police or military. The government is winning the war against the drug cartels. Violence and kidnapping are down by 80%. The Columbians are grateful to the current government-a democracy. Education is also free and mandatory through high school. It is a much better city today.
I did a mangrove and swamp tour and dear Husband did a Pirate Galleon tour around the bay. I was impressed with my tour. I took the same tour when I was here before. The government is cleaning up the polluted swamps and turning them into ecological preserves. There was more wildlife and fish in the tidal swamps than before. Oh by the way, the Colombian’s were very clear that we understand that they cannot stand the “idiot” next door (Venezuela). They have closed that border and
it is protected by the Columbian Army.
Our entertainment on board was spectacular. A dance troop from Argentina came aboard—Tango Buenos Aires; the show left us with goose pimples. Dick and I had been to Argentina and with each dance we were reminded of the things we saw and did. Both of us would love to go back to Argentina. The dancers will be giving Tango lessons for free today. They leave the ship tomorrow in Colon Panama. Lovely! And this is the first trip I have not brought my Tango shoes I got in Argentina!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Jewel of the Sea Day 4
Jewel of the Seas Day 4
This morning before dawn we approached the island of Aruba. I was up and watched a rather unspectacular sun rise. Fluffy clouds turned a funny shade of gray and then it was daylight. The day however was beautiful—warm 90 degrees, 15-20 mph winds and a fairly clear sky.
Aruba is not my favorite of the islands. Where the others are lush and mountainous with springs, waterfalls and pools, Aruba is a dry, flat, and scrubby. Much like a desert. We opted to take a taxi to the public beach about 15 min away by car. I would love to post a photo or two but the internet is very slow and the payment for minutes is quite dear.
Oh, by the way……Aruba had a 4.3 earthquake yesterday AM. Not enough to do any damage but it did scare the folks in the high rise hotels when they swayed. I was also stunned by the reaction of the local Aruba folks. They have no sympathy for Haiti. The handful of ones I spoke with said there was a small community on the island; they are shunned by the other Islanders. Their reason being the Haitians practice voodoo. They also spoke of the Haitian bringing their suffering upon themselves by their corruption. Another theme that they all talked about is that the Haitians they know are of low intelligence….like in low IQ and they are easily manipulated. Wow!
Our driver had on a news cast and the reporter was telling how silent the island is becoming as many of the people who were trapped have stopped crying. I was not prepared by their coldness to the Haitians. I will see if the other places we stop at have the same perceptions.
I found out on FB that my friends the Durbans have all survived and that their home is intact.. There is no further information.
This morning before dawn we approached the island of Aruba. I was up and watched a rather unspectacular sun rise. Fluffy clouds turned a funny shade of gray and then it was daylight. The day however was beautiful—warm 90 degrees, 15-20 mph winds and a fairly clear sky.
Aruba is not my favorite of the islands. Where the others are lush and mountainous with springs, waterfalls and pools, Aruba is a dry, flat, and scrubby. Much like a desert. We opted to take a taxi to the public beach about 15 min away by car. I would love to post a photo or two but the internet is very slow and the payment for minutes is quite dear.
Oh, by the way……Aruba had a 4.3 earthquake yesterday AM. Not enough to do any damage but it did scare the folks in the high rise hotels when they swayed. I was also stunned by the reaction of the local Aruba folks. They have no sympathy for Haiti. The handful of ones I spoke with said there was a small community on the island; they are shunned by the other Islanders. Their reason being the Haitians practice voodoo. They also spoke of the Haitian bringing their suffering upon themselves by their corruption. Another theme that they all talked about is that the Haitians they know are of low intelligence….like in low IQ and they are easily manipulated. Wow!
Our driver had on a news cast and the reporter was telling how silent the island is becoming as many of the people who were trapped have stopped crying. I was not prepared by their coldness to the Haitians. I will see if the other places we stop at have the same perceptions.
I found out on FB that my friends the Durbans have all survived and that their home is intact.. There is no further information.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
JEwel of the Sea Day 3
Jewel of the Sea Day 3
Another sea day, which I love. We navigated the Windward Passage during the night: that is the passage between Cuba and Haiti. The Captain did a bit of a course correction. Instead of traveling close to the coast of Cuba he went more towards the passage. We felt no effects of the disaster in Haiti. At the moment we are on a southerly course off the tip of Haiti headed for Aruba.
And we are in the Caribbean, which means the air conditioning on the ship is working just fine---I’m cold. But if you find a spot in the sun it is delightfully warm. Doing a lot of pool time and pool aerobics.
Please keep the people of Haiti and especially my friends Lance and Nadia Durban who live and work in Port au Prince in you thoughts.
Another sea day, which I love. We navigated the Windward Passage during the night: that is the passage between Cuba and Haiti. The Captain did a bit of a course correction. Instead of traveling close to the coast of Cuba he went more towards the passage. We felt no effects of the disaster in Haiti. At the moment we are on a southerly course off the tip of Haiti headed for Aruba.
And we are in the Caribbean, which means the air conditioning on the ship is working just fine---I’m cold. But if you find a spot in the sun it is delightfully warm. Doing a lot of pool time and pool aerobics.
Please keep the people of Haiti and especially my friends Lance and Nadia Durban who live and work in Port au Prince in you thoughts.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
HAITI EARTH QUAKE UPDATE
Our captain came on the intercom a bit ago and said our ship is in no danger from the earthquake. And there is really no danger from a rogue wave. We have changed course a bit. Originally we were sailing closer to the coast of Cuba. We are know further out to sea and more in the middle of the passage....or whatever. I am very worried about my friends Lance and Nadia Durban and their family. They live and work in Port Au Prince and have lived there since 1978. The live up in the mountains. I pray they and their children and grandchildren are safe.
HAITI EARTH QUAKE
We were watching the news and just heard there was a 7.0 quake just off the coast of Haiti. Tsunami watch for Cuba, Bahamas, Haiti,etc. We are in the area sort of. These are our coordinates 25degrees 48' N;80degrees 15' W. Anyway, if there is to be tsunami I would rather be on the ship in the middle of the sea than sunning myself on the shore.
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