Living the Dream in Retirement
This is the last installment of Back to Alaska. I’m including photos taken from my balcony suite as the views were so stunning to witness. The sea is ever-changing, reflecting clouds, mountains, sunrises and sunsets. It’s surreal and mystical.
In short, it was a trip I’ll never forget!
I’ve recently returned from my first cruise.
I loved it!
We set sail at the end of March for a 10 day Caribbean voyage out of the Ft Lauderdale port. My traveling shipmates were my sister and brother-in-law who have cruised extensively and were my mentors from booking last fall through our final disembarkation. Their knowledge and experience made my cruise so much more enjoyable.
The Enchanted Princess is a gorgeous ship. Not long after boarding, our bags arrived at our staterooms. We had upgraded to Reserve Collection Mini-Suites and I loved everything about my cabin – especially the awesome, deep bathtub – I did not expect that!
There will be more posts about this trip in coming days and for those who follow my blog, you know at least one post will be featuring the food.
The food was spectacular……
Bucuti has the best beachfront in Aruba – and it’s not just my opinion. With an expanse of white sugar sand and the brilliant turquoise Caribbean, from dawn until twilight it’s ever-changing and there’s not a moment when it’s anything but spectacular. Every moment I spent on this beach was pure bliss.
And if it wasn’t fabulous enough, each evening on my Bucuti-provided iPad, I selected then reserved my umbrella covered lounger for the entirety of the next day. Early each morning while having tea on my balcony, I saw the staff hard at work setting up each reserved spot with thick, extra-long beach towels.
Once you arrive on the beach and are ready, you simply raise a flag on your lounger and the waiters come out to take your order, later stopping by with complementary smoothies and refreshing, cold towels.
Sometimes a stroll through the garden can calm the mind and shift your focus.
Seeing fresh herbs coming out of hibernation is a welcome sight.
Less than a week ago I was in flip flops…today it’s been snowing all day and I’m back to wearing Uggs.
In a few hours I mark my 65th birthday, the second during the pandemic. I saw this quote today and it resonated.
My weird, fun, twisty, happy and quirky life in a sentence.
“Do you ever get a sign from Spence?”
Tonight granddaughter Kira dropped by with a Shepherds Pie made by daughter-in-law Tonya. It was the best Shepherds Pie I’ve ever had, every bite flavorful and satisfying. The food equivalent of a warm hug.
Spence never met Tonya, they would have loved each other. Shepherds Pie – if on a menu he’d order it every time. Seriously every time. I sat in his chair while enjoying this meal and thought, “yup this is a sign”
