INTRO: The Mediterranean Cruise

It's almost time for my vacation and I am getting more excited by the day! This will be my first cruise. I've always been indifferent about taking a cruise but if that's the mode of transportation that will best get me to the destinations I've dreamed of visiting, then put me on the boat!

This week I purchased a FLIP video camera. I learned about this from Rosie's website. She always raves about it and now I'm jumping on the bandwagon. I have never had an electronic gadget that is so easy to use. For those who know me well, I'm all about compact, small things so that was the first feature that caught my attention. This thing is the size of a kitchen sink sponge! You can either purchase the 30 minute or 60 minute model. I opted for the 60. It doesn't take a memory card, CD or tape. There is no software to download. You just record the video then plug the camera in to your computer's USB port and your video downloads. The other feature that I'm really, really happy about is that it operates on 2 AA batteries. How easy is that??? No hassel with packing a charger and trying to find an adapter/converter to get your US electronics to work in Europe. The FLIP is not recommended for those who need a powerful zoom. The zoom is 2x digital. I think my biggest challenge on the trip will be to determine what is "video worthy". With only 60 minutes and no ability to download, I have to carefully select.



On this trip, I plan to once again eat my way through Europe. I love food and I love to eat so a big part of any vacation is trying new foods, experiencing new restaurants and taking in all the dining customs of each country. Who knew Paula & I would discover the world's best macaroni & cheese at Harrod's in London?

I love to learn. For me, travel has always provided the best educational experiences of my life. No offense to BISD or SWT, but I'm a hands on learner and not until I see it or experience it, does it sink in. I have yet to take a vacation that one would call "relaxing". I'm an on-the-go kind of vacationer. I feel like I can't miss an ounce of anything a city or country has to offer so each day I pack in as much as time & my body will allow.

Each of the 3 countries we will visit have piqued my interest in different ways. Rome, Italy - although I am not Catholic and don't fully understand everything, I can't wait to visit The Vatican. Izmir, Turkey - I know the least about this country so I can't wait to find out more when I get there. 3 Greek Islands - I have heard the beauty is breathtaking. I want to take that in.

Spending time with Paul & Paula is always a treat. We are a great team to pull off mischievious acts without really causing too much harm and (hopefully) without ever pushing it too far to be jailed. Not many can say they were able to snap a picture of the Mona Lisa at the Louvre in France. Not many can say that they were almost denied admission then risked being kicked out of one of the most famous cathedrals in Milan, Italy. Paula & I have sworn off touring cathedrals and churches but we are considering The Vatican an exception and plan to be on our best behaviors.

I'm also looking forward to seeing what a cruise is all about. My only point of reference for "cruise life" is watching The Love Boat in the 70s & 80s. I am going to be highly disappointed if I'm not greeted by Julie McCoy when I board the ship.

Tune in to my blog for daily updates then check back once I return home for pictures and video. If you want to take it a step further, click on this link to Costa Cruises. Once you're in the website, click on Webcam, then click on my boat - Costa Romantica (you will have to move the mouse over each boat until that name appears). It will show you where the boat is at all times. Once you get to this point, you can click on the boat again and it will provide the current data from the onboard instruments such as speed, temperature, wind speed, etc.