Baaaaaack

Hello to Everyone!  I got back in late Sat. night, worked yesterday, spent some time catching up on everyone last night. In a way, I hesitate to post this, because people are still struggling with the aftermath of gambling, and maybe some people will feel bad reading about my vacation.  I must say, this was impossible a year ago.  I have worked long and hard to get to the point this trip was possible.  It is part of recovery.  One of my passions in life before gambling was travel.  I just absolutely love exploring new places.  I stopped travelling when I started gambling.  In fact, I didn't want to go ANYWHERE there was no casino.  It was a struggle making myself even go visit my Mom.  HORRIBLE EXISTENCE!!!!! I think we should all write about the rewards of recovery as well as our struggles.  It is good to see the rewards made possible.  Not everyone would enjoy this trip, or might even judge me for "wasting" money on such a luxury.  That is their privilege.  The point is, if we don't gamble, we start to HAVE CHOICES!  I can choose my tiny apartment instead of the roomy house I used to live in.... and I can choose to stay home with a book or go for an island vacation....all because I don't choose to gamble anymore! I had a wonderful time.  It was great getting some ftf time with my oldest friend....we actually played with dolls together, if that says anything!  She is the one who lost her husband last Summer. Flight to Puerto Rico Friday night was packed, 8 hr from LAX, people yakking all night in front of me (no sleep)...ah poor me LOL....so tired out when I got in Sat morning. Everything went well though, connecting with my friend and making our way to the ship.  Had some yummy local food, carne asada, spicy rice with black beans, plantains, waiting to get on.  Wow are plantains delicious...never had them before! The cruise time was great...I slept better than I have in a year, being rocked to sleep every night.  I was lucky I didn't get seasick at all, but took Bonine every day, so that probably helped! Sunday, took a tour of St. Maarten, very pleasant, but almost in an accident with a car trying to pass us on a narrow mountain road on a clift.  The car almost hit an uncoming car head on, but managed to squeeze in with about a hair distance to spare! Monday in Dominica, climbed a steep rocky "path" in the rainforest up a streambed with water pouring over our shoes to swim to a waterfall...it was raining and the water was cold!  Felt like I was narrowly avoiding a fall and broken bones about every other step!  Then off to Hot Springs pools for a long soak.  It stopped raining, and that part was great!  Unfortunately, another group of 16 people were in a bad wreck and all were injured, some critical.  We stayed in port late into the night to sort out their medical care and get people airlifted.  It was Carnivale there....people drinking (the drinking age is when you are old enough to hold a bottle).  We could see the parades through the streets of the town and hear the island music from the ship as we all awaited word on the other passengers...everyone survived and was receiving care, and 6 members of the crew stayed behind with them to make sure they were taken care of. Tuesday in Granada, took a party boat to a beach.  The water felt so good, and a guy from the boat kept wading out to everyone in the water with a tray of rum punch and other drinks held up above his head.  His head was even under water at some points (wish I had my camara for this!)What a guy! Laid  (layed?) in the sun (OK, slathered in sunblock) but it felt great. Had a limbo contest on the way back...the crew could limbo like nobody's business....they all had to be at least triple-jointed. We came into port all singing and dancing and making a huge racket.  OH WAY OH WAY OH WAY OH WAY...... Wednesday in Tobago, glass bottom boat to a reef for some super-clear water to snorkle in...then on to a sand bar out in the ocean where the water is only about 3 feet deep....you can actually stand there and just walk around, or sit on the coral sand with the water neck high and just see water everywhere around.   Loved it.  It looked like we were walking on water LOL.The guide on the boat was wearing these swim trunks that hung so low, it was down right scandalous LOL...I guess I won't post that picture....hehehehe.... Thursday in Barbados, went down in a submarine to a depth of 143 ft.  Saw a cool shipwreck, and lots of great fish, including a giant sea turtle... I enjoyed it, even if the captain grabbed my butt when I was coming down the ladder.  I guess he was helping steady me LOL.  Helpful guy.  Very helpful, those crew people.  I love the accent in the islands...and the big big smiles....and the way people talk...."hey lovely, are you doing alright?"  (in a sweet way)....I'm sure there are hateful people there as well, I just didn't run into many.... Friday, day at sea, spent lazing by the pool and doing various activities, and of course, eating...(did I say the average weight gain is 7-10 lbs in a week?) Sat, a quick trip around San Juan and then off to the airport...nice flights home, no problems, mon. Refreshed, rested, got a new attitude....and glad to be home.  Missed you guys.... Big Hugs, Dianne