Grand Mediterranean Adventure Part 1
Anyone remember the old Song from the Movie „Love Story”? „Where do I canada goose outlet sale begin to tell the story.”. Well that’s kind of how I feel about this story. I thought and thought and thought some more. and finally decided to just jump in. Feet first and go for it.
Kathy and I were sitting comfortably in First Class on a flight from Atlanta to Venice. I found a Travel Agent Rate on a 12 day Mediterranean cruise on the Grand Princess (which was at that time the Pride of the Fleet) that was just too good to pass up. So good that we decided to bring our two sons along; James Jr and Jeffrey (17 and 16 at the time). The Sky Miles were available on Delta so the airfare for the family cost points but no money. They were sitting in coach. This, of course, did not bother me one bit because what did they need with First Class? They would sleep all the way across the Atlantic anyway.
What was bothering me was that my Mother and Father in Law (I think of them as Mom and Dad Marie and Irv) were sitting back there in coach with boys. You see, when they found out we were all going, they wanted to come along too and what the heck. The more the merrier. So we got them a good deal and the extended family was off to the Med.
But we were flying First Class and all the rest in coach.
Should I have offered to change seats and fly in the back with the boys?
Canada Goose Jackets Another sip of champagne and I decided the answer was NO. Besides I did not see my wife giving up her seat, but enjoying the same champagne. Canada Goose Jackets
cheap Canada Goose And, after all, they were Her Parents. cheap Canada Goose
The next day we arrived in Venice (after almost missing our connection in Romefrustrating) Exhausted but elated and happy just to canada goose outlet have gotten on to the ship, on board we went. The Grand Princess was overnighting in Venice so passengers could have the next day to explore the City of Canals. So, after unpacking and resting for an hour or two, off went the jet lagged family to Dinner.
Canada Goose sale We were assigned a lovely table for the 6 of us in the front corner of the Main Dining Room. As I expected from Princess canada goose outlet buffalo the service was immediate and friendly. As we looked over the dinner menu for the evening, the Wine Steward came along and asked if we would like to have wine with our dinner. I said of course and he handed me the wine list. As it was our first night and I knew everyone was tired, I made a simple selection. Canada Goose sale
When the Wine Steward returned, we went through the old ritual of uncorking the bottle, handing me the cork, and pouring me a small taste. I said it was fine and he began to pour skipping James and Jeff. I politely explained to him that the boys would be joining us. He replied „that it was not allowed.”
Told canada goose outlet uk sale you this is where the fun begins.
I, again politely, explained that my canada goose outlet vip children had been cruising since they were kids and that we have always allowed them to have a small amount of wine with a formal dinner.
buy canada goose jacket He replied „that it was not allowed”. buy canada goose jacket
Canada Goose Outlet After ten hours of canada goose outlet shop flying (I don’t care if it was in first class), the connection fiasco in Rome and the jet lag, I almost went ballistic. Thankfully, Kathy put her hand on my thigh under the table silently reminding (demanding?) that I remain calm. Canada Goose Outlet
I, again politely, suggested that he and I go see the Maitre’d.
canada goose clearance We found the Maitre’d and I, again politely, suggested that we move to a canada goose outlet orlando spot more private. He agreed. I explained the situation adding even more details like the number of cruises my boys had been on (including Princess) and that we had never experienced this obstacle before. canada goose clearance
canada goose uk outlet He replied „that it was not allowed”. canada goose uk outlet
canada goose clearance sale This time I did not have Kathy to put her hand on my thigh. He saw the anger and frustration in my face and offered a compromise before I could explode. So long as it was not the erinpsalzer.com Wine Steward serving the wine he would turn a blind eye. canada goose clearance sale
Canada Goose Online From canada goose outlet black friday that night on the boys not only enjoyed their small amount of wine, but did the ordering. Just as their Dad had taught them (perhaps not paying as much attention to the prices as I would but well done indeed). Canada Goose Online
Problem solved. Disaster avoided. Tomorrow was Venice! What could possibly go wrong?
Some questions should just not be asked.
The day began with a wonderful breakfast. That is of course after the joy of trying (scratch that) getting my sons out of bed. Their stateroom was at the other end of the ship and calling of course did no good. We had to get the Steward to open the door (after that we had a key) and get them up. Then it was off on a small boat for the short ride from the Cruise Terminal to San Marco Square the center of Venice and the base for all of the dreamed about Gondola rides. After a walk around the square, awed by Saint Marks, the crowd, the culture, the beauty and avoiding the pigeons it was time to hire a Gondola. There was some bartering back and forth but the pier was crowded and we got the canada goose outlet store new york best deal we could and a fine Gondolier as well.
As we wandered the vast canal system of Venice it was like going back in time. canada goose outlet location When life was slower, the music more elegant and life less complicated. We basked in this beauty, passing buildings older then old, moving to the side as two Gondolas passed and imagining what life would have been like back then.
Then we came to the Grand Canal. No more narrow waterways but a vast and VERY busy Canal.
It was almost like an interstate here in the USA. Small boats, ferries, water taxis and every other kind of vessel speeding to get to their destinations. And then there were the Gondolas. Trying to stay out of the way and get back safely to Saint Marks Square. Gone was the ambience of the narrow canals. Now it seemed like everyone for himself. That was when I saw the huge water taxi coming toward us. And coming fast with a wake that looked 6 foot tall. It was all I could do to get between the oncoming wash of water and the rest of the family especially Marie (as she looked liked she was going to get the bulk of the water). I succeeded but at a cost. I was drenched. Soaked to the bone.
And the smell. There are no words, even for me. All I wanted was to get back to the ship, shower and enjoy a large stiff drink.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat but I would make sure to avoid the Grand Canal. You know I can still remember the smell.