Escape to Bermuda

It was finally time for my cruise to Bermuda.  I joined a group of 160 fellow cruisers who several I've met on previous cruises.  It was a great time for me to slip away and disconnect for a week and I did just that!

Flying in we came right along the Hudson. 
I felt like a kid in a candy store.

I swore I wouldn't cruise out of Manhattan again but alas, there I was.  The group organizer arranged for a hotel in New Jersey for us so I flew into Newark and stayed across the river from the city.  We all met down in the bar in the evening for some grub and drinks.  In the  morning, we had a chartered bus to take us to the port.  It was very exciting!  You all know how much I love New York even though it is a very tough city for me.  And it was a little chilly on our sail day.  But we were going on the Escape which is one of my favorite ships and there were going to be 6 people I already knew and enjoyed including my friend Maureen that I met 2 years ago on the Escape.

NYC Port is a arm pit.  It is old and dirty and very disorganized.  But I dropped my heavy bag with a porter and made my way in.  I was pointed to the area clear at the other end of the building.  I felt like I walked a mile past all the lines and all the chairs full of people waiting.  A lady asked if I had trouble walking (I'm sure I was limping a little, not to mention my snail's pace) and I said yes but I didn't need a wheelchair but would love to not have to stand in line for 2 hours like everyone else.  She pointed me to the "special" line.  I walked up and was 2nd in line!  I stepped to the counter and got my access card and paperwork and she pointed me to the door!  Well I stepped right onto the passage to the ship.  Just a short walk and I was onboard!!!  I went up 1 floor to the restaurants to see if  I could catch Maureen for lunch and bam!  There she was.  So we enjoyed a lovely relaxed lunch while there was complete mayhem going on outside.  I have no idea how I got so lucky.  I was onboard in less than 30 minutes of getting dropped off!  That is a great sign!  By the time we finished lunch, we could go to our cabins which was perfect.

A view of the Escape from the port

I was a lucky duck and was able to score a spa balcony cabin for the week for the same price I paid for my solo studio cabin.  After muster, we set sail and I enjoyed watching the Statue of Liberty from  my private balcony which was great fun.  I always feel so patriotic when I see the Statue of Liberty.  I really can't describe it.  Shortly after that, we go under the bridge and out to sea.

Waiting to set sail

Wow.  Just Wow. She was gorgeous today!

Verranzo (or something like that) bridge

I went to the solo meet and greet and then went by myself to Teppanyaki.  I was sat at a table with a couple that got married the day before.  Not a warm fuzzy group but dinner was delicious and a great way to start vacation with filet mignon and jumbo shrimp!  Don't forget the cocktail since I had the free beverage package!

The next day was a sea day and luckily it wasn't too rocky because I did my shot so I could have used some mercy on my tummy.  My group had a Meet and Greet at Noon.  We had about 200 people show up.  The officers were there and they offered free beers (we were in the pub bar) and passed appetizers.  I met up again with Maureen and her friend Karen (she met on another cruise).  We stayed for a bit but then decided to go get lunch in Food Republic.  It is exclusive to the Escape and a restaurant Maureen and I enjoyed together several times 2 years before.

The officers at the Meet and Greet

Maureen, Karen, Me, and the cruise director Zac

Pork Cheek Dumplings at Food Republic

Because I had a spa room, I had access to the Thermal Spa for the week.  Most of it was a waste on me because the loungers were way too low and I'm not a fan of shared hot tubs and I thought they were too hard to get in and out of myself but I did thoroughly love the heated stone loungers.  They also had flavored water, hot tea, essential oils, salt room, snow room, saunas, and a steam room.  One day, they were even passing out fruit scewers!

Relaxing in he spa while in Bermuda

Looking to the Left

The Himalayan Salt Room (Meh!)

The Snow Room.  Yes it was real snow and it was cold

Spa Selfie because if not, there would be no photos

I enjoyed the spa but I don't think I would ever pay extra for it.  It was relaxing and quiet...especially if you bring your ear buds and tunes!

We did several group dinners during the week.  For some reason, I didn't take many photos of the group.

Huge Chocolate Hot Fudge Sunday

Grilled Shrimp with Mango salsa

Hanging out at the bar waiting for the dinner group

Lemon tart with berry sorbet

Dinner at Cagney's (Me, Lisa, Ken, and Tracy)
Lisa was the organizer of the group.  Ken and Tracy are
self professed "Hicks" from the "Sticks" Alabama.  They are so funny.

 I've been to Bermuda years ago but really forgot how beautiful it was.  Maybe it was my frame of mind, or maybe it was the mild weather with temps about mid-70s with the sunshine but not too hot.  The water was an incredible blue and everything was especially wonderful.  Maureen talked me into taking a van tour of the island with her the first day there (we were parked for 3 days).  I was happy to join her.  We saw the entire island in 5 hours.  I had not been up to St. George's before because it is a long drive (or long ferry ride) but this time I did it.   We also saw Hamilton.  It was quite a treat for me because I usually don't venture off the ship. Maureen and I had a British lunch in St. George's which was great fun.

Waiting for the tour

An ocean view from the fort area

Smallest draw bridge.  There is a foot wide opening
for a sail.  You just open the chain to go through.

Streets of Hamilton

Gasp.  I want to live RIGHT HERE

St George's Parish 

Horseshoe Bay Beach

Maureen, Me, Karen

I was so proud I was able to get around.  I conquered curbs, cobblestones, uneven side walks, and lots of walking.  I had to heave myself into the van which was no small feat.  I felt very accomplished but beat at the end of the day...and way over heated.  The next day, I enjoyed the quiet of the ship and relaxed.  I just couldn't muster up the umff to go out.  But the last day, I decided to hop off and take the free trolley around the dockyard.  It makes several stops but I rode if full circle once around and the next loop, I got off at the clock tower which is now a shopping area.  I got a shirt and a sand necklace to celebrate the trip.

The ship in a distance

The Clock Tower Mall

Riding the Trolley

By the ship

Proof I was there!  Haha

I was so incredibly proud I was able to get around on  my own.  It wasn't easy but I knew from all my PT that I could do it.  I even had to walk over grass, through a ditch, and over 200 year old deteriorated brick floors.

Let's talk a minute about acceptable Berrmuda fashion.  Men's attire is absolutely Bermuda shorts with knee socks.  The brighter the better.  I saw business men in Bermuda Shorts and a suit coat.  Here is a little Bermuda flair for you.  Remember this is a British island so it is different.

Tourists in Bermuda are not allowed to rent a car and
 mopeds are not really safe on the narrow streets. 
See the solution?  A little scooter car!

CHECK.OUT.THIS.WATER!!!

Here is a little video for you of the Royal Dockyard.  No pier runners this time.

Saying goodbye to Heritage Wharf

As we sailed away, we kept passing reefs.  Look how clear the water is!

I caught this gorgeous sunset (the Sunrise looks exactly the same)

Listening to music in the Atrium area

I spent several evenings at "Howl at the Moon" dueling pianos.
These ladies were fantastic.

And just like that, we were back into the NY Harbor.  I woke up in time to watch us quietly sail into the city.  I was THRILLED to see the brand new Bliss in port.  It had just made it's initial Transatlantic sailing.  It was parked in NYC for a a couple days for promotional visits.  What is most thrilling?  I am on this baby in November!  I can't wait!!

Early morning sailing into the city.
 Empire State building in the background

Lookie at our neighbor, the Bliss

She is a beauty...and very big!

Getting off the ship did not prove as easy as getting on this time but I did get off.  I scheduled an airport transfer from the cruiseline.  We got a surprise tour of NYC on our way to LaGuardia.  I have no idea why he took the slow and scenic route.  We were late to the airport and I fear some people missed their flight.  I luckily got to the gate with 20 minutes to spare.

Broadway

Skyscrapers

The subway in Times Square

The Garment District

911 Memorial

Brooklyn Bridge

I had the best time and came home ultra relaxed which is what I needed.  I had a cold and plugged ears the entire week but what better place to relax and rest than on the ocean getting taken care of.  I will see Maureen and several others in November on the Bliss.  The others, I will hopefully catch again soon.  They are talking about a repeat in May 2019.  I had an idea to book a 02/02/2020 cruise.  That sounds perfect to me!!

I kind of (but not really) apologize for all the photos.  I took about 400 so I tried to only share the good ones.

Tulip Festival

Nola came into town for a long weekend visit.  Mom and Chuck came up to see her as well and we all decided to head to Thanksgiving Point for the Tulip Festival.  The Tulip Festival runs for a few short weeks.  They have a huge garden area with trails, trees, waterfalls, and even a food court with a amphitheater of sorts where a band was playing.  We enjoyed lunch at the Harvest restaurant and then ventured to the garden area.

This is a long way to walk for even the most healthy of people.  Nola thankfully reserved us VIP parking, Fast Pass entrance, and a golf cart to ride in while we toured.  Somehow, I became the designated driver.  I've never driven a golf cart but how hard can it be?  Right?  Well it is tricky when you are sharing the path with 10,000 people walking the same trail.  I tried really hard to be patient and wait for kids and people jumping in front of the cart.  And I am positive I drove people crazy with my sudden stopping and starting.  The flowers were gorgeous.  There were places to pull over and go explore on foot.  And the smell was intoxicating! We had a fabulous time and decided we would do it again...but maybe not on a Saturday afternoon again.

Tea for Eight

My International Foodie group planned one of the best events yet.  We went to Grand America for afternoon tea.  I was on the waitlist for the longest time but finally got cleared to go and I was thrilled!  As I checked the attendees, they were some of my favorite women there.  I was surprised no men attended but perhaps it is more a "girl" thing.

Grand America does a fabulous job with anything they do but the brunch was delightful.  We had a beautiful table in the window looking over the garden area.  We started with  fig appetizer cracker, berries with chantilly cream, and English scones.  We also had cheese and crackers, champagne,  and of course tea.  Then came the racks of tea food.  We had chicken salad sandwiches, cucumber sandwiches, turkey sandwiches, salmon crackers, and deviled eggs.  We also had cookies, mousse, fruit gumdrops, and french macaroons.  Needless to say, we were all stuffed but thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Dried hibiscus flower wrapped in tea leaves
 that unfolds to a great herbal tea.

After we ate, we enjoyed a stroll through the garden area.  While it was a little windy, it was beautiful and smelled of Spring flowers.  All this did great things for my soul.

I am so happy Nola urged me to join these groups.  I have met such great people and enjoyed some great experiences.

Graduation

Last week, I graduated from physical therapy.  I started after my trip to Cuba and the struggles I had there (which were more significant than what I face in my daily world) and I knew I could do better.  I was referred to the Balance center that is part of TOSH which is a great orthopedic center in Salt Lake.  I was assigned to Julia.  My first impression was that she was super fit (as you would expect from someone that does exercise for a living) and a young Mom. And while these things are true, I quickly learned she was kind and understanding and really wanted to help me meet my goals.

My goals were simple:

• Get more steady on my feet in my daily activities
• Lose the cane as much as possible

Julia didn't know much about Myositis nor IBM but she was intrigued and wanted to help.  Within my first 2 weeks, she had studied up and learned more about my disease.  She was excited and wanted to help me avoid falls and live the best life I can.  We had some ups and downs learning what my body can do - how to handle injuries and illness and discouraging results.

She explained that balance is 3 parts: hearing, seeing, and feeling of the ground.  I had developed some bad habits in my fear to not fall.

What I left with:

• The ability to walk a 6 minute walk at my fast but safe speed increasing 1/2 lap in speed
• How to use trek poles effectively
• Walked on grass with no aid
• Go up and down a curb
• Walk on a sidewalk confidently
• Navigate uneven surfaces and unexpected terrain
• How to walk with my head up and looking around (instead of studying the ground)
• Gain confidence when out at night/in the dark
• Practice fall recovery and how to get off the floor
• Ability to stand on one leg 10 seconds
• Ability to walk on soft surfaces like foam
• Ability to step over double stacked boxes
• Ability to walk backwards
• Ability to walk and turn around and walk backwards and back forwards without stopping.

All these things improve my daily living.  I had no idea I would get all these things too!  Each and every one opens up my world just that much more.

I am going to keep in touch with Julia.  I will be continuing to work at home on my home program.  I am going to report back how things go in Bermuda and on the ship.  We will see how it compares to the Cuba trip.

I feel like Julia and I became friends.  We laughed so much and made up names for my exercises (Confident walking, shopper walk, date skills, No Core Core exercises, the Jimmy Fallon exercises).   We would talk about the challenges of being a Mom.  We also shared a love of Jimmy Fallon.  We had a good time and often laughed often through my hour.

I am going to miss Julia but I know she is just one PT order away.  I have her email and will keep her posted so I can keep getting better.  The Bermuda cruise is just a skip away but the next challenge will be Moab and getting around there.  Then the big goal is the Panama Canal cruise later this year.

It is such a nice surprise when you run into someone that not only is great at what she does but she is a great person too.  One of those providers that become friends and a great caring provider.

Kicked to the curb

Well not really but after 24 years, I was called in to clean out my office desk.  We are running out of space.  It’s okay.  I’ve worked from home for 8 years but have always had a desk in the office.  It was such a huge job to clean everything out.   Not only did I clean out my desk but two of my co-worker's desk and 3 file cabinets that stored my teams stuff. 

My body is completely exhausted! I won’t lie, it feels weird to turn in the keys and walk away.  I have a huge box of stuff I brought home.  Now I can sort and set up here! (NOT)  I do have a shared “pod” desk I can schedule to use when I am in the office.  What I get out of the whole thing is I really don’t have the pressure to go in anymore which is great.  Works for me!!