Miss Daisey Explores Caribbean Princess At Sea

7/18   Overcast, Then Rain, then Sea Swells...
Last night, our ship sailed past the oil-fields of the North Sea. Our south-bound route rounded Britian's most easternly coatline - Norfolk. Then we turned south-east towards France.
Even though I am just a flower that my leader Deb carries around, I have been very busy. There is the Lotus spas & fitness center complete with a scale to assess the kilos gained from too many trips to the buffet. I have checked out the magnificent art collection and items available for auction. The ship casino is paying out at the slot machines a bit. The shops and boutiques are open all day selling T-shirts, fine jewelry and sundries.

A fine gentleman named Jun at the Vines wine bar has allowed me to sample the wonderful cabernet. I'm relieved NOT to have visited the medical center on board, althougha few in the group have had to.
My leader's balcony stateroom is a relaxing spot for food delivered by room service or for reading a book. I really do LOVE cruising; it helps my blooms:)

Great Destinations Staff Aides Stranded Travelers

SHOWN: Jim & Pat McKissick get breakfast early Sat morning in New York.
Well, let's just say Friday became a rough start beginning at Heathrow Intern'l Airport. A passenger left a personal bag on the motor coach that brought us to the airport. We arrived with what seemed like 2,000 of the 3,000 cruise passengers all checking in at the same time. Two in our group were fisked going through security. Our plane was in the air for approximately 45 minutes and turned around with a passenger medical emergency (thankfully not one of us). * But I'd want the Captain to do the same if it was me! *
We endured 12 hours on the Delta plane when we landed safely at JFK airport at 8 pm. Unfortunately our connecting flight to IND left at 6:40 pm, so we are re-booked tomorrow and we must find hotel rooms.
ENTER our hero, Joe Mook. When Joe realized that our plane trip would be delayed, he immediately went to work researching options. The airline's obligation is ONLY to fly you to the final destination. Thank goodness, we always buy travel insurance for such occasions! Other weather delays in the area made JFK airport pure craziness and I don't know how Joe secured those 12 hotel rooms, but at the midnight hour (literally) we had a confirmed reservation AND many in line at the Double Tree with a Delta voucher didn't.
This is what a PROFESSIONAL TRAVEL AGENCY does for you. Folks if you ever, doubt paying a little extra for services.. STOP!
Delta didn't help us and shuttle drivers didn't care that we had traveled 20 hours, but Joe Mook went back to the office late Friday night and took care of the High Street Travelers!

THANK YOU   THANK YOU  THANK YOU FROM ALL OF US:)

Disembarkation Day 16

WOW - Princess Cruise Lines has perfected getting passengers on & off a ship down to a science. Best I've ever experience - BRILLIANT!
At precisely 7:50 a, our group of 24 proceeded down the gangway for the final time.
Interesting facts from our 13 days on Caribbean Princess:

• we traveled 2,282 nautical miles
• Captain Manfuso resides in San Lorenzo, Tuscany Italy
• number of eggs used daily 20,000
• max passengers 3,740  crew 1,160
• The bridge is manned 24/7 by 2 officers working a 3 watch system
• Port of Southampton  is same as RMS Titanic sailed in 1912

LeHavre, FRANCE

Thursday July 19      The Beaches of Normandy & Paris
BON JOUR!
After quite rocky night on the seas we awoke to the large port of LeHavre, literally meaning "the harbor". It is an early day for most of the group to be on our way to one of two tour destinations. Eight have chosen to go to Paris for the opportunity to stand on the steps of the Eiffel Tower, see Notre Dame Cathedral, cruise the River Seine pass the sidewalk cafes along the Arc de Triumph - truly a once in a lifetime day.
The remaining 16 opted for the area of Norman and the beaches made famous on 6 June 1944.  In the seaside town of Ammanche is the official D-day Museum & Theatre with displays and memorabilia. We stood on Omaha beach and in the bunkers of Cape de Hoc. Pictured below is the American cemetery containing 9,387 graves and crosses of David.

The emotional day was very humbling as we stood where brave infantry men stormed the shores almost 70 years ago. The June 6th day is forever a liberation day; one celebrated not only by the French, but the world.

A wonderful lunch included cheese souffle and wine, always a staple when in France. An awesome day. Merci mon ami! 

Belfast, Northen.Ireland

Well, Miss Daisey is NOT happy - the Abbey Tours bus is 1 1/2 hrs late to pick up the group for the city and north coast tour:(
DID YOU KNOW? Mashed potatoes are known here as "champ"? An industrial giant in the 19th century, Belfast is named famous for its linens and shipyards. Outside the city, a visit gets underway to the north coast to see the marvels Giants Causeway & the Carrick A Rede rope bridge. Unfortunately, today is Friday the 13th - and the late start puts the group behind all the other tour buses (and crowds) at these attractions. Virginia, the wonderful guide salvages a nice day, treats us to a tradional "Irish stew" lunch and the sun comes out to enjoy a high 60 degree day. All is well with the Travelers.  dh

Edinburgh (S Queensferry) & St. Andrews SCOTLAND

Tues  7/17  Mid 70's  More Sun!
A chance to see a unique part of the Celtic culture of Scotlahnd, South Queensferry is a part of the Firth of Forth, an arm of the North Sea and a point of access to the capitol city of Edinburgh. A country about the size of the state of Maine, the country is part of the northern-most in the U.K. and one of the prettiest capitols in all of Europe with a castle perched high above for defensive reasons.
Visits to see St. Margaret's Chapel, the Crown Room and apartments are popular in
Edinburgh Castle. Outside the castle, the Esplanade is a military parade ground where musicians thrill spectators during the annual Tatoo ceremonies.The Royal Mile consists of a number of streets that join each other downhill at Holyrood Palace - a royal retreat since the 16th century. Many in the group chose the hop on/hop off bus to see the most popular sights in Old Town.
The golf lovers in the group made a pilgrimage to the ancestral, "Home of Golf" - St. Andrews for an opportunity to celebrate the legacy of the game. The Royal & Ancient Golf Club - one of the oldest in the world - is a site like no other with the picturesque and famous clock greeting golfers on the 1st tee and 18th green. The town is also host to some 9,000 univeristy students where Kate first met her "Prince" William.
The golf match between Dave & Deb (5 rounds) ended with a decisive female victory at the newer Kingsbarns Golf Links. Deb embraced the seaside course carding an impressive 81 and found the modern-ness of the linksstyle course with the help of 18 year-old caddie Ruri.
The sunny day (10 out of 12!!) by the sea or the top of castle hill made for brilliant photo oppts as well. Not sure if anyone was brave enought to try the Haggis dish, but a few of us enjoyed a Pint of Tennants (or 2)!

Inverness (Invergorgan) Scotland

Monday     SUN!!!!!!                 High 60 degrees:)
Invergordan was a naval base in the early 20th century and our dock @ 6:45 am this morning.
Admirality, our pier, once docked admirality warships to take on fuel and water during WW 2. Today the town is known for the repair of oil rigs.
Many in the group today will boat ferry on Loch Ness and castles - some just can't get enough I guess.
In 1933 an enterprising journalist in Inverness, Scotland enlivened a slow news week with a story of an odd sighting in Loch Ness. The legend grew overnight - and today folks can still scan the waters of the Loch for a "Nessie" sighting... the Loch Ness monster! The lake today is the largest freshwater lake in Scotland.
Also on tour is Cawdor Castle - famous for its mention in Shakespeare's Macbeth, the castle is considered one of the finest Medieval buildings in Scotland. Also a stop to Culloden Bbattlefield - the 1st battle fought on British soil and the defeat in 1746 of Stuart forces spelled the end of royal dynasty.
However, it was also day 4 for the golfers in the group. The Royal Dornoch Golf club hosted several from the  US (Ohio, Depauw U) today and the links style course was an extremely hard challenge. Score is 3 - 1 for those keeping track:)
dh

SEA DAY Sunday Cool Temps

FINALLY.... a day of rest! OR continue doing it all. We really are trying.
As far as navigation, we left Glasgow and cleared the Firth of Clyde and the No. channel. We sailed passed the Hebrides Islands and the northern tip of mainland Scotland. It will probably be a leisurly day... enjoying the Lotus spa, steam room, hot tubs, music in the Piazza centrum, a movie on Lido deck OR a nap!
Another formal night and the opportunity to take a nice portrait. It is also Princess Pop Star - The Grand Finals. I wonder if anyone we know is one of six Karaoke singers in the final competition??

Glasgow, SCOTLAND

Saturday, July 14  Low 70's   All 24 of our Group
The chief port in western Scotland, Glasgow was point of access to tour the Scottish Highlands. We enjoyed a fantastic day in the heart of the scenic countryside situated among lakes, valleys, and mountains.
Fraser, our guide greeted us in FULL Scottish dress - his tarten kilt! We pulled lakeside at Loch (lake) Lomond - a mere 22 miles long. A group photo will be posted layer.
A morning stop to the lovely village of Inverary, home to the Duke of Argyll (yes like the socks) was serene. Great Scottish wool & cashmere shopping was a must here. then we traveled further west and over the "Rest & Be thankful" pass, named for a treacherous mountain pass and observed the remains of Kilchurn Castle situated at the head of Loch Awe and surrounded by towering mountains. Lunch was enjoyed in the  seaport town of Oban, famous for the local scotch whiskey distillery.
Then our skilled coach driver, Kenny navigated a hilly mountain road thru Glencoe Nat'l Park affording views of Ben (mt) Nevis and also passing the popular hiking area of Rannoch Moor. The entire day was full of impressive Western Highlands and we are so blessed to have experienced:)

Golfing Ireland

Dave & Deb pictured above at Old Head Golf Links  Kinsale, Ireland
One word - BEAUTIFUL!!
* Old Head Golf Links - we were constantly in awe of the views, it was hard to concentrate on the golf. Most holes were 400 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and going after a wayward shot was NOT an option (Deb only lost 1 pinkie). We thoroughly enjoyed the round with Jim & Pat McKissick from Muncie and our 4 caddies.
* The K Club - if ever a golf course reflected the personality of its architect, it is surely the Arnold Palmer design at the Kildare Club. It is a spectacular course even at 9:30 in the morning after a heavy night's rain. Not only was she host to the 2006 Ryder Cup match, but Big Break Ireland as well. BUT, following Charles Kelley, band member of US country-rock group Lady Antebellum was a treat as well!
* the North Coast - (Portrush) one of the BEST courses Ireland has to offer, Portrush is home to 2010 US Open winner Graeme McDowell & Darren Clarke (no sightings though) and the recent Irish Open.
With stunning views, this links course should make your MUST play list.

WE'LL BE BACK!

Dublin & Liverpool

7/11  Dublin Mostly cloudy  7 am - 6 pm

Dublin City was built at the mouth of the River Liffey and originally named Dubb Linn, the Irish for "black pool". Ireland at a glance:
Approx 27,135 squ mile ( approx W Virginia)
Population 4,156,119
Official language -  English. Although you REALLY have to listen to understand
Currency - Euro
City Highlights:
Trinity college & The Book of Kells
Guinness Brewery Tour
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Malawide Castle
DID YOU KNOW???  The familiar lion who roars politely at the beginning of every MGM movie was born at the Dublin Zoo in 1927?  BET NOT!!

Now to report on "THE golf match" - the K Club is located west of Dublin City in Straffan, Ireland in a beautiful resort with a course designed by Arnold Palmer and host to the 2006 Ryder Cup challenge between the US & England. Let's just say the match between D & D is tied at 1 -1 :)

7/12    Liverpool, ENGLAND         Mid 60's       8 am - 6 pm
"You'll Never Walk Alone"  Mantra for the English Football (soccer)Team
Meaghan, Guide            Peter, Coach Driver
Our day tour took us out of of the city to Northern Wales. Home of famous names such as Tom Jones, Richard Burton, Charlotte Church & sheep!
The beautiful green country-side is doted with white specs... sheep are 4x the human population. We were treated to American-born Guide Meaghan. The "adventure tour" gave us an overview of this stunningly beautiful & lesser-known part of the U.K. We left Liverpool, a city of 1/2 mill and founded in 1880 most famous for The Beatles!!
As we "ferried across the Mersey", it was onto Snowdonion Nat'l Park , where we were treated to some of the BEST views of mountains, lakes & valleys. A glimpse of Mt. Snowden at 3,570 ft was brie4f from our coach.
then for lunch, we found the "capitol" city of Bet-a-ct-wold. A fish &chips lunch with a pint was extremely likely.
An afternoon stop was the Ponteysllte Aqueduct, an 18th century construction by Thomas Telford.
Sheep - did I mention was saw sheep?? 9 million!!! However, only 1 in 2,00 is BLACK!!
the day was amazing for touring the west coast of England & Wales.
Other facts:
Liverpool was the home of Cunard Lines, and of course the BEATLES!!, 2 Liver birds, Christ the King Cathedral & Chirk Castle.

Isle of Guernsey & Ireland

9 July     Mid 60's   Mostly Cloudy   7a - 2 pm
St. Peters Port, the capitol city of the Channel Island Guernsey has been a busy seaport since Roman times. Famous immigrants include Victor Hugo in the mid 1800s when he penned such works as Les Miserables.
On this overcast 1/2 day stop, a tender from the ship delivered us to downtown shopping, cultural walks, the Millennium Tapestries, a 1582 Craftsman Barn, Cornet Castle or the German Occupation Museum documenting such occasions the June, 1940  evacuation of 1/2 of the island's population and most of the children for safety. Mostly, our bodies are STILL trying to adjust to GMT + 1 and the 40 degree change in temperature that we left Thursday.

10 July Cobh / Cork Ireland    8 a - 6 pm
Mixed sun & clouds   SHOWERS   Mid 60's
Cork, originally Corcaigh, literally meaning swamp or marsh, lies at the mouth of River Lee. The largest natural harbor in Europe, Cork became a significant port on the southern coast of Ireland. Nearby Cobh boasts the base of the British Navy and the final departure of immigrants on both the Lusitania & the Titanic.
Nearby Blarney Castle gives visitors the opportunity to kiss "the stone" bringing a nimble tongue.
A drive to the quaint fishing village of Kinsale, with its cobbled streets and gourmet restaurants is a treat.Just another 10K further is the famous Old Head Golf Links where a foursome may have been treated to stunning views AND a heavy shower! Which DH  was low medalist?
We are wishing traveler Celesta D a very Happy Birthday!
Night life on board ship may be taking in a show, dancing, karaoke, the casino OR a movie on deck. 
EXHAUSTING! Miss Daisey (photo unavailable) may even have a suitor:)
Cheers,
Deb

Saying Goodbye to Christos & Timmy

Since arriving Friday morning, the High Street Travelers have been in the wonderful hands and care of escort Christos (originally from Greece) and Driver Timmy (from Kosovo).
Driving rural English roads in a mini-bus is a feat all in and of itself, but having a professional and experienced driver is worth millions!
Christos has entertained us in The Cotswolds and now we must say caio, or "until we meet again".
THANK YOU both for your wonderful care!  Oh yea, Miss Daisey thanks you too:)
dh

CARIBBEAN PRINCESS Sails from Southampton, ENGLAND

We are ALL aboard and ready to enjoy all that cruising the English & Irish channels has to offer.
Among our 3,500 BEST friends, we will be treated to amazing food, spa treatments, 3 meals a day PLUS..
AND did you know that movies at sea are possible? Sitting in my chaise lounge, maybe with a favorite beverage and watching MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 3 - Ghost Protocol is QUITE the experience:) LOVE IT!!
Miss Daisey is having quite a time also. She misses her friends back in Muncie, but with the opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone - she is extremely happy!
Bon Voyage,
Deb

Weary Travelers Arrive, Windsor Castle & The Cotswolds

Friday, July 6

GOOD NEWS - we've arrived safely in England! No delays, but southern England has RAIN, RAIN and more RAIN:( Maybe we'll bring some home as souvenirs.
Queen Elizabeth open her weekend home, WINDSOR CASTLE to us for an afternoon tour.  The oldest & largest occupied castle in the world, the sprawling home is also a museum, fortress and state reception venue. After checking into our hotel and enjoying a group dinner, we headed to bed - our first rest in over 36 hours.

Saturday, July 7
Settled in southwest English countryside, The Cotswolds has beautiful villages, narrow roads and sheep. An unexpected but delightful stop was St. Peter's Parish of Winchcombe. Nearly 550 years old, she is graced by a weather-cock from a Bristol church since 1874 that sits upon the tower.
Set in the backdrop of the Cotswold Hills, we visited Sudeley Castle which is steeped in history of Henry VIII and his wives. With royal connections spanning a thousand years, it has played an important role in the turbulent and changing times of England's past. We also enjoyed the amazing Hidcote Gardens and estate of horticulturalist Lawrence Johnston.

Travelers Ready to Fly Across the Pond

STONEHENGE,  ENGLAND
Twenty four High Street Travelers depart this Thursday for a unique itinerary sailing around the British Isles. Our journey begins in the beautiful English Cotswold's area.

Fri   Jul 6   Arrive England & Tour Windsor Castle
Sat  Jul 7   Tour Hidcote Gardens & Sudeley Castle
Sun Jul 8   Visit Stonehenge & Salisbury Cathedral. Transfer to Southampton and
                 Embark the  CARIBBEAN PRINCESS
Mon Jul 9   Guernsey Island                       7 am - 2 pm
Tue Jul 10  Cobh, Ireland                          8 am - 6 pm
Wed Jul 11 Dublin, Ireland                        7 am - 6 pm
Thu Jul 12 Liverpool, England                   7 am - 7 pm
Fri  Jul 13  Belfast, No Ireland                   8 am - 6 pm
Sat Jul 14 Glasgow, Scotland                    7 am - 6 pm
Sun Jul 15  SEA DAY
Mon Jul 16  Invergordon, Scotland           7 am - 6 pm
Tue  Jul 17 Edinburgh, Scotland               7 am - 7 pm
Wed Jul 18  SEA DAY
Thu  Jul 19  LeHavre, France                    7 am - 8 pm
Fri   Jul 20   Southampton, England     &     Fly HOME! 

Please keep our group in your thoughts & prayers. Follow the updates as they come.....