Debarkation Day

An English proverb says, "All good things must come to an end." That is true when it comes to a vacation. It is NOT true when it comes to the love I share with Les!

(Cruise Elegant Night)

We didn't take many pictures on our final day, so I'm re-posting some of my favorites of us.

We were up bright and early on our Debarkation Day. We were group 14, which meant we would be leaving the ship in the second wave at 6:45 a.m. Our checked luggage was picked up the night before, so we just had our carry on bags. And maybe a few extra bags under our eyes!



We had breakfast on the Lido deck one last time and waited for the call for our group. We then said goodbye to room


and our wonderful stateroom stewards!

We boarded a bus headed to the Barcelona Airport. Our flight was scheduled for 11:20 a.m., so we had plenty of time. Our "plenty" of time turned into an extra three hours as our flight was delayed and delayed and delayed...

(Inside the Colosseum)

We finally took off at about 2:00 p.m. with an estimated arrival in New York of 4:00 p.m. Only problem ~ we had a connecting flight that was scheduled to leave New York at 5:00! When we arrived in New York we had less than an hour to catch our connecting flight. Doable in normal circumstances, NOT happening when arriving from an international destination!

(Laughter on the Gondola Ride)

We deplaned and had to go through passport check. Then we had to show our Customs Declaration form. Then we had to pick up our luggage and go back to the ticketing counter! Shew! By then it was about 4:20 and the ticketing agent said, "Sorry, you're gonna miss that flight." Deeeeep breaths...

(On our balcony)

There was another flight available at 7:00 p.m. and we were able to get seats on it. But the fun wasn't over yet. Oh no! We had to go back through security and then wait (and wait) for a shuttle bus to another terminal ~ JFK Delta and TSA employees get an F on helpfulness and friendliness that day. We got a lot of "I don't knows" and "just go over theres." Airline employees as a whole do not handle the situation well when a lot of people miss their flights and those we talked to on that particular day... well... Okay, rant over...

(Early morning in Venice)

Our flight from New York was uneventful, I know because I didn't sleep more than about 20 minutes the entire time! As I said on my first post after we returned, 28 hours after we got up in Barcelona, we were finally home! It was a trip we will never forget and even with the frustrations that are travel, it was a wonderful, fantastic, marvelous time! And I'm glad that I not only share the memories with Les, I get to keep sharing my life with him.


All our pictures are finally posted! Go HERE.

Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Our vacation was nearing its end when we arrived in Palma de Mallorca. Mallorca is an island in the Mediterranean Sea. Palma is the major city and port on the island.


We met our guide, Antonia, for our final excursion. Our excursion for the day took us about an hour from the port. We saw many windmills on our way to the town of Porto Cristo and the Caves of Drach.


We were not allowed to take pictures inside and were a bit disappointed in the Caves. I guess we've just been spoiled here in America! If you've ever been to Shasta Caverns in California or Mammoth Caves in Kentucky, you've probably walked with a guide (or at least had a map) who pointed out various stalactites (hanging from the ceiling) and stalagmites (growing up from the ground). The Caves of Drach were very large and VERY crowded, with no guides whatsoever. It seemed like we just rushed through and didn't see anything spectacular, which I'm sure wasn't the case.


There was one very cool thing ~ after walking the underground pathways for about 30 minutes, we came to a seating area near an underground lake. Once everyone was seated (I've read that there is seating for 1000) two boats appeared on the lake. There were musicians in the boats and we were treated to a concert of classical music.

(picture taken from Travel Tours Spain)

On our way back to Palma, we stopped at a pearl factory. The description on our excursion said, "a short stop will also be made at a pearl factory where you will have time to admire a variety of pearls." This short stop turned into about 45 minutes. Since we had no interest in pearls, we felt like our final vacation day was being wasted! We noticed some other shops in the distance and asked what they were. "Leather factory." Okay, that's a little more our speed! So we headed that way. It started sprinkling just as we made it to the door. That sprinkle quickly turned into a downpour! We weren't sure if we were going to need an ark to get back to our bus, but the rain stopped just in time.


We finally made it back to Palma at about 2:30 and I was starving. (This was probably due to the previous day's seasickness and the fact that I was a little afraid to eat much breakfast!) We found a deli that served pizza and tried two different kinds - bolognese and four seasons (artichoke, olives, ham and mushrooms.) We loved the European style of thin crust pizza.


With our pizza I ordered Diet Coke. Les frequently tells me that it's not good for me. He found confirmation on the Diet Coke can ~ sin calorias! So now whenever he sees me drinking Diet Coke he reminds me that I'm drinking sin calories!!


With just a little time left, we grabbed our last servings of gelato. I had stracciatella (again) and Les had caramel.


Still enjoying our gelato, we walked over to the Royal Palace of La Almudaina. We didn't have time to get a look inside, but just by the looks of the outside, I'm sure it was impressive. The castle visible today is the result of modifications to the Moorish fortress constructed from 1281. The building comprises a rectangular tower, home to the King’s Palace, Queen’s Palace, a hall known as Tinell, the Royal Chapel and patios. It is currently used by His Majesty the King of Spain as a residence for official summer ceremonies.


Next to the palace is the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma. It was begun by King James I of Aragon in 1229 but was not finished until 1601. It's a new building compared to so many others we saw! Once again, these buildings are just huge.


The island of Mallorca is known as a popular training place for professional cyclists. They even have places to park!


We watched one final sunset from our balcony and this one was spectacular! I couldn't help but think that one day, hopefully not in the too distant future, Jesus is going to come back on the clouds for His church.


After dinner and saying goodbye to our new friends, we made a final trip to our room to pack. Little did we know how much time we would have in the Barcelona airport the next day!

Our Final Fun Day at Sea

We awoke on our final Fun Day at Sea to our only day of rough seas. We had traveled along the coast of Italy the entire trip but on this day we would travel from Sicily to Mallorca, Spain ~ out in open waters.


One of the things on the ship that Les wanted to try was the Spinning Class. We went to sign up on the first day of our cruise and all three classes were already full with several names on the waiting list. Les had been in the fitness center the day before and the class wasn't full, so he decided to see if he could get in on our final day at sea and he did. He came back soaked with sweat, but definitely enjoyed the class. I, of course, was relaxing on the balcony during this time!


After Les got cleaned up we had lunch. A Chocolate Extravaganza was going on in the Lido Marketplace.



We decided to spend some time walking on the deck. The sea was rough that day! It was windy and the waves were choppy. Only one brave little girl was in the pool.


Les played a round of miniature golf. I don't even attempt golfing on a good day, but with these seas it was out of the question. Here is Les' hole in one!


There is an area on the ship called "Serenity." It is an adult only area. So I took my adult beverage along... (chocolate milk, in case you're wondering)


We spent part of the afternoon reading in our room. You know how you get carsick if you are reading in the car and you're on curving roads? That is how I started feeling at about 3:30. Not fun!! Les reminded me that Paul spent 14 days on these same rough seas. Ugh! No, thank you!

The Carnival Magic has two specialty restaurants ~ one is a steak house and the other is Italian food. Guess which one we decided to try out? Cucina del Capitano, of course!


Everything was yummy, even though my tummy was not in agreement...


Unfortunately, the longer we ate the worse I felt...


I'll spare you details of how my night ended! Just me and the porcelain god...

I was happy to be on solid ground the next day for our final stop - Mallorca, Spain!

Another Fun Day at Sea

(Just another beautiful sunset)

I don't have much written down about this day. I assume I read and napped a lot! We cruised the entire length of the Italian boot again this day.

I don't think I've shared what happened with our Sign and Sail cards on the trip. S&S is your ship ID card. If you want to buy anything on board, when you leave the ship, or when you return to the ship your S&S card is what you need.

(Italian coastline)

On one of the first evenings we went to one of the shops for batteries for our camera. I handed my card to "pay" and the receipt came back with Les' name. I didn't know if this would be a problem, so I took the cards to Guest Services. The guy at the Guest Services desk "fixed" the cards...

(Enjoying our balcony)

The next day, when returning from an excursion, the security guard stopped us. My card had the correct name, but now it had Les' picture and Les' card had my picture. Not quite what I had in mind, Guest Services! They retook our pictures and gave us back our cards. We thought the problem was solved.

One night when we returned from dinner, we found invitations for drinks with the Captain. I've been called Mrs. Leslie McElhaney many times in the past 20 years...


But no one has ever been called MISTER Kathryn McElhaney!


We had a good laugh over it and decided to quit trying to fix things!

This was our second Cruise Elegant Dinner.


The finale of the night was after we sailed back through the Strait of Messina. We took a little detour to stop at the Island of Stromboli. It has a volcano that is currently active. We were able to see four eruptions from our balcony! It was ironic that we were cheering each time it erupted, when the fishermen that live on that island were surely praying that it would stop! My camera could not handle the darkness and distance, I got this from the Carnival website:


Tomorrow, another Fun Day at Sea, but the Sea was Not Fun!

He Won't Forget

Friday night while Bro. Lambeth was preaching at camp, the words to a song by Bryan Duncan came to mind. If you were at camp and that message was for you, while you're waiting for the promise, holding on to faith, know that God has not forgotten you:

I'll Not Forget You

Sarah's waiting in a crown of silver hair
Maternal heart still aching
A promised ray of hope, a child to bear
No child is here, is this not fair?
Her labor of love has no device
Faithful in silent sacrifice
Has Heaven forgotten?
Is God still there?
He says, "Learn to trust me"

I'll not forget you,
I'll not forget you,
I'll not forget you,
I'll not forget you

Abraham is marking time as years go by
Hiding his pain in laughter
Every night he's counting stars that fill the sky
So sure his dream has passed him by
Doubting his vision's not so clear
What did God say, what did I hear?
Has heaven forgotten?
Is God still there?
He says, "Learn to trust me"

I'll not forget you,
I'll not forget you,
I'll not forget you,
I'll not forget you

And every day in pain, I wait
I can't help but wonder why
You promised me your love and said goodbye
Please don't say goodbye!

I'll not forget you
I'll not forget you
I'll not forget you
I'll not forget you
When you walk alone
When you break inside

I'll not forget you
When a loved one dies
I'll not forget you
I'll not forget you
When your youth is gone
I'll not forget you
I'll not forget you
Oh, in an empty home
I'll not forget you

Home from Pacific Coast Camp

WOW!! I do not have the words to describe the incredible week we had at camp this year. EVERY sermon flowed together. From Monday night to Friday night, day and night, the messages were on target. The progression went from giving up the love of the world and worldly friends to making new commitments, being willing to work for God and having the faith to wait on His promise.

I wrote what I could remember as the titles for each message because I did not want to forget! Bro. Brad Lambeth, missionary to Brazil, was our night time speaker. Pastor Russell Frazier, from Fontana, was our day time speaker. Here are the titles:

Monday night: "Living on the Fuzzy Edge"
Tuesday morning: "The Promise is to You"
Tuesday night: "Snake Feeders"
Wednesday morning: "The Fearful"
Wednesday night: "The Talking Tree"
Thursday morning: "But Amnon had a Friend"
Thursday night: "Angel Rehab"
Friday morning: "So You Want to be Use of God?"
Friday night: "So Shall Thy Seed Be"

Every service was incredible. I know that lives will forever be changed.

Bro. Lambeth is one of the most anointed preachers I have ever heard. He always apologizes for his "Brazilian way" and lack of eloquence, but he is truly brilliant and used mightily by God. He walked in the Spirit big time this week.

When Bro. Frazier gave his title on Thursday morning, I couldn't believe it! It was the exact same title that I heard years ago. This morning I dug through some old cassette tapes (yes, I still have those) and there it was ~ "Amnon Had a Friend" Youth Convention, 1990, Bro. Jerry Jones. Every generation needs to hear this, so it was time for this message again!

I want to thank everyone who helped me again with the music. It was a little stressful pulling it together this year, but everyone who helped me did a great job. This was our fifth year to have this camp and every year I have come home thankful to have worked with people who just want to be a blessing. No egos getting in the way. No jealousy because someone else played more. Just good spirits all around. So, thank you musicians, praise singers, and special songs! And as always, my wonderful friend, Sis. Pam Gregg, did a great job with the choir!


I forgot to take my camera, these are the only three I took with my phone the entire week! Choir musicians on Tuesday before choir practice.



It was also great seeing more friends than I can name. Friendships that I made at camp years ago, friends from other places, even some from Canada made it down. I guess I'll never stop loving Youth Camp!

Venice, Italy - Day 2

We got up at 6:00 this morning because there were a few more things we wanted to see in Venice before we sailed away at noon. We were off the ship by 6:30 with our trusty little map and making our way to Piazza le Roma.

(Outside the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari)

One of the excursions we did not get to take was of the Jewish Ghetto. Venice's Jewish Ghetto is the oldest in the world. In 1516, seven hundred Jews were forced to move to this part of Venice, then an abandoned site of a 14th-century foundry that produced cannons. The word "ghetto," soon used throughout Europe for the neighborhoods of isolated minority groups, originated in Venice: geto is old Venetian dialect for "foundry."


We had hoped to visit the Jewish Museum of Venice, but tours did not start until 10:30. We had to be back on board by 11:30 so there just wasn't time. I have no idea why my eyes were so bugged out in this picture. Chalk it up to getting up too early.


We enjoyed watching Venice wake up. People were walking to work. Children and young people were walking to school. Coffee shops were opening up. We stopped in one for pastries and espresso, but were too involved eating to take any pictures!

We crossed the Rialto Bridge and saw that it was completely empty!


Les said, "Run down there and I'll take your picture."


Almost made it! But some people just want to be camera hogs...


The Rialto Bridge is fascinating. Two inclined ramps lead up to a central portico. On either side of the portico the covered ramps carry rows of shops. Most of which were still closed.


We walked through the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari which was completed in 1338.


We weren't allowed to take pictures inside, but this is the church that contained the most disturbing images. The mix of religious, mystical and mythological paintings and sculptures was just too much for me.


The monument below (picture taken from Wikipedia) is to the sculptor Antonio Canova (1757-1822.) He had originally designed this for the painter Titian, but died before it could be completed. Several of his students completed the sculture and his heart is buried there, although the rest of him is buried in Possagno (north of Venice).


We lightened the mood by taking pictures of gelato! I said it was too early to eat any. Les said it's never too early for gelato!


And we paid 1.50 Euros to use the restroom...


Les found these shoes to be very interesting. We thought they must have been similar to rain boots, but they would be something you could slip your dress shoe into and wear on your boat. Designer galoshes??


And we went back to St. Mark's Square. Les said, "Let's go back to the store with the purses." It was closed. After another 30 minutes of wandering, we went back. The store was open. I touched the beautiful leather and it was as soft as I expected. I knew it was going home with me. My sweetheart made sure of that. When we walked out of the store he gave me a hug and said, "Happy anniversary." Ah... I love that man!


We made it back to the Magic at about 11:15. The Sail Away party on the Lido deck had dozens of people wearing Venetian masks. On our way out we saw the world's largest expedition yacht, the Luna, a 377 footer. It's owned by billionaire, Roman Abramovich, who paid a mere $186 million for it...


I thought we would surely take a different route out of Venice, but we went right back out the Guidecca Canal, amidst all the traffic. We said goodbye to Venice, but we'll be back!