...to Ft. Lauderdale

And the whole place is a sauna. I thought it would be like Hawaii, but, no. Much hotter wetter. 

Number 1 Son and Number 1 Daughter-in-Law met us at the airport and we're staying in a nice Best Western Hotel near the airport and the cruise port. We didn't ever go to bed that night, since we had to leave home at 5:15 am. 

It was a heroic and MUCH-appreciated 5-hour drive for them to get here, and a 5:35 hrs flight for us. It reminded us why we don't ever want to fly anywhere if there's any alternative. Cruise ships are getting very busy, last minute deals are harder to get. More likely, the cheaper cabins get sold out. That's already happened to the Celebrity cruise from Rome to FL that we wanted to take. It looks like we might have to take the same Oasis ship back, even tho it's too early and it leaves from Southampton. 

We had a marvelous dinner last night, Mexican+, and now we have a day to enjoy with Rick and Karen and do a little last-minute shopping. 

Now we go

12 hours from now, we will be on our way to Europe via Florida and cruise ship. I'll be up all night, because we have to leave at 6 a.m. There's no point going to bed, since my usual bed time is 4 a.m.  

I'm anxious to see #1 Son and #1 Daughter-in-law. 

New iPad - new iPad classes - train trip

Still waiting on Manfred's passport to book the ship. Other things are still pending.

My iPad was having troubles, so after some weeks of trying to fix it, Apple finally replaced it!  So my iPad is now brand new. It's hard to use now because passwords and some settings have been lost, but it's quicker and smoother. I got a new Zagg cover for it, too.

Friday, the day of iPad exchange, we went on the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railway -- an authentic old steam train used to transport loggers in the old days.

And, on Wednesday, the 22nd, we had another pair of iPad classes at our good old Senior Center in Port Angeles. I had a co-teacher who will now carry on the classes, because it's a long drive for us. 

Planning Europe Trip

We have been working on options for Europe this Fall. Manfred wants to go and return by boat 'cuz flying is so awful these days. This is what it looks like now:

August 30 - fly to Ft.Lauderdale,  Alaska Air, non-stop

Sept 1 - take World's biggest cruise ship, Royal Carribbean Oasis of the Sea to Barcelona. 

Sept 13 - arrive Barcelona

Sept 16 - take overnight ferry to Rome

Sept 17 - arrive Rome, take train to Florence

Sept 18 - see David 

Sept 19 - take train to Innsbruk 

Sept 21 - rent car, drive to Fussen/Neuschwanstein and back

Sept 22 - train to Saltzburg, rent car,
.                  drive to St.Gilgen to stay @ Annalise's place

Sept 23-Oct 4 - visit w/ Runi, visit Salzkammergut,
.                            go to Munich for Oktoberfest, etc.

Oct 4 - drive to Maria Alm to stay in RCI condo one week

Oct 11 - drive back to St.Gilgen for 4 more days

Oct 14 - head for Rome

Oct 17 - board Celebrity cruise in Rome for Miami

Nov 1 - Miami, see Rick & Karen

Nov 5 - fly back to Seattle, Alaska Air, non-stop

We will get a Eurail Pass for the trains. 

What's booked is the flights to/from FLL, the RCI conco, and Annalise's place. 

Cruises can't be booked yet because we're waiting for Manfred's passport. He let it expire and now it's holding up the works.