In advance of next week’s cruise, we are physically isolating ourselves from most of the rest of the world. Aside from immovable appointments, we are avoiding direct contact with other humans. Just to put it all out there, we are both vaccinated and feel pretty confident that we are protected against a severe case of Covid-19. That said, there have been too many breakthrough cases for our comfort, so we are avoiding other people like the plague. Get it? Like the plague? You didn’t even laugh? Sheesh! Anyway… we are not risking testing positive with our Covid tests that we are required to take within 72 hours of embarkation. We are also cruising with two of our granddaughters (both under 12 years old) and don’t want to risk bringing the virus to them.
Can I just tell you that I am absolutely stir crazy? I made Brad take me out in the car for a drive. The big event was going through the car wash and the Starbucks drive-through. We waved to the folks at the car wash and gushed at the barista who handed us our drinks. I run my business from home but normally go out sourcing for inventory at least a couple times a week. I have been listing my backstop inventory, getting ready for the cruise, so I have literally seen no one in person other than my husband. He’s nice and all that but I am ready for small talk/casual conversations with strangers. Who better to chat with than other cruisers. In this polarized world, we can talk about our favorite cruise lines, our favorite destinations and our favorite ships. More importantly, we can talk about all the wonderful food on board. Cruising allows us to take a week off from everything… politics, ideologies and opinions…well, except cruisepinions. Really? You didn’t laugh at that, either?
Normally, before vacation, I would be running out for last minute necessities. Now I am just hoping that Amazon Prime can get what I need before Friday. Barring that, there is always Walmart curb-side pick-up. Do I really need one more pair of sunglasses? A bottle of Rolaids? Insect repellant?
For the time being, I guess I just have to contain my pent-up excitement and make due with texts, cellphone calls and Portal visits. I can make it another six days. Right?
In the meantime, I will obsess over packing and watching for storm weather patterns in the Atlantic. Fred has already passed through the Caribbean and it looks like Grace will not be a problem either. Now we need the progression of numbered and named storms to pause for a couple of weeks. Let’s give those folks at NOAA a break. If you are interested in watching storm formations in the Caribbean, check out NOAA’s National Hurricane Center’s website (insert link https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ ). It’s hurricane season so now is the time to pay attention, especially if you have a cruise planned. Well, that’s all for now. Lots to do.
See you shipside!