Trips teach tolerance and tenderness

Returning from a week on the high seas with my Mom, I’ve learned some valuable and important lessons: laugh as often as possible, stay humble and kind, everyone has a story, and patience is a virtue.

Our itinerary took us from the port of Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Key West, after a relaxing day at sea, then another sea day before docking in Nassau, Bahamas, where there was minimal damage visible to us from the recent hurricane Dorian, then back to Fort Lauderdale.

This ship was small and easy to get from aft to stern, gym to dining room, and theatre to our stateroom. The nightly entertainment was wonderful, as were our dining companions.

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On the first of the sea days, I ventured to the top deck to watch the sunrise. There is saw a man deep in his yoga practice. After exchanging “good mornings” and “can you snap a photo for me?” we exchanged photos then did some yoga together as the sun lifted in the clear blue sky.

Later, while exploring the ship, Mom and I found a quiet place to sit and chat and watch the ocean. Turns out, the staff was preparing for a private party (that’s why it was quiet when we arrived) and we became ‘crashers’ of it. Since I said ‘thank you’ in Tagalog to the server who let us sit there for a bit, this kind and generous server acquiesced to us buying a glass of wine, but then, he bought us another glass, AND he escorted us to the canapé buffet to partake in the party.

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My mom and I explored Key West via a trolley/train with a guided narrator who pointed out all the historical and comical points of interest, including how Key West got its name, originally Cayo Hueso meaning city of bones. Here are some FUN facts: Key West, a U.S. island city, is part of the Florida Keys archipelago. It’s also Florida’s southernmost point, lying roughly 90 miles north of Cuba. Famed for its pastel-hued, conch-style houses, it’s a cruise-ship stop also accessible from the mainland via the Overseas Highway. It’s known more for its coral reefs – destinations for diving and snorkeling – than for its beaches.

On the lovely island of Nassau, we joined our table-mates Tina and Rich, for a purple-bus island tour, replete with stops for a quick look at and a sample of the Rum Cake factory, a fresh coconut, short beach walk, and road-side shopping.

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The importance of connection fills my heart. Making friends is valuable and precious to me. Spending time with my family, especially my mother, is paramount. I’m blessed and grateful and thankful. Another fabulous adventure to add to this blog, a picture book, and my memory.

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Aloha🌺,

Denise