Nicaraguan furniture

As mentioned in my previous post, Masatepe is where one can find local furniture shops lining the streets. I went there to look for a 'Mimbre' (wicker) set for la terraza, below are some of my finds:

My choice would be the bottom-right photo (yes, I needed a model to see that), with D's help. They don't differ much from each other except in price and workmanship. This set costs around $C 13,000 (down from $C 15,000, after haggling), which is about $721.00 at today's exchange rate plus delivery charge of around $C200 and most likely, additional cost for a glass top for the center table to render it useful. I may also need to buy 2 rocking chairs (a favorite furniture here), in addition, to be able to host coffee or tea mornings for about 10 people. A rocking chair here depending on the kind of wood used and material for the seats, may cost anywhere between $200 - 400.

We have bought furniture from stores in Masatepe where our favorite would be one that's called Muebleria El Chele. This particular shop is 'supposedly' known for their workmanship in indoor furniture using hardwood.

Quality and price are sadly the 2 things that are not consistent here in Nicaragua (from my experience) where the term 'preferred customer' doesn't exist.....yet. Therefore, be prepared to haggle each time (regardless how many times you have bought from that store) because the mantra seems to be: a foreigner is a foreigner and will (or should) always pay (a lot) more. Eventually, one gets used to it and becomes second nature. It has never been a problem for me, coming from Asia where haggling is considered a sport, but when the price quoted is 50-100% more than what it's normally sold for, even I get uncomfortable.

My advise would be to go around and get a 'feel' of the prices before committing to anything and that goes for most of the purchases you would do here. You'd be amazed at how much the prices for the same item varies once you've been around.

If it's quality of wood, design and workmanship we're talking about, the best place in my opinion to buy from would be Simplemente Madera.....if money is no object, that is. Hmmmm, why do does it remind me of Scandinavian design...(?)

Finally - fruitful blog hopping

I eventually found what I was looking for! I may have the gift of gab (sure, my mother said so)....which is really just that...gab, but definitely not the gift of articulation and prose. I have these jumble of thoughts and emotions yearning to be put into words....coherently, I might add, regarding being an expat spouse. Why it works for me in mysterious ways - I do know that I will not exchange this life for anything, regardless of all my complaints, insecurities (self-doubt in perceived loss of identity) and the challenges I have faced in the process.

In acceptance of the fact that it is not something I can share to help new expat spouses or others in the same situation, while sounding intelligent and non-pompous at the same time, I have gone on a personal quest to hear (or read) what other serial expat spouses (those who have survived it) have to say about it.

Here's one that echoed my sentiments precisely:

"In the Foreign Service, as we routinely move to a new country after two or three years, we are given that rare opportunity to live many lives. If one doesn't appeal, chances are the next one will. With this opportunity comes the temptation to re-create ourselves, the idea that "this time, I will be different."

One can immediately see both the good and bad sides to this unique lifestyle. That neighbor who talks your ear off every time you pick up your mail, the principal of your child's elementary school who doesn't seem to share your enthusiasm for your child's "learning style," the house with the leaky pipes and the drafty windows and (perhaps the main complaint) the mortgage or rental payments -- before long, you can just walk away (well, fly, actually) from these and other problems with a sigh of relief, heading to some new, even exotic locale to start a new life. How many people can do that?"

An excerpt from:

The Trailing Spouse as Chameleon

By Francesca Kelly

Read the rest here.

The week that was

So many things to share, not enough brain cells to process them all at once and less energy to put them in writing. I have been in a languid mood, to say the least, after coming back from the beach. I am in fact pushing myself to sit down and write, only to be able to say that there is indeed ONE thing that I have followed through with diligence, albeit intermittently....this Blog! I need a muse.

To tag the other topics properly and for coherence sake, except for the reason why we went to the beach so soon after summer vacation and the practical information regarding the beach club itself, let me just describe how my week went:

Gym

I joined the gym....after 12 years (it's true!!!) of procrastination and guilt in denying my body the exercise it needs. The last time I knowingly went somewhere to purposely stretch, move and sweat was to a taebo class back in the Philippines and only for 3 months (1 hour x 3x a week to me was already a lot). Even then, I would have excuses to miss some classes - I don't have time outside of work, finish a report, I had a headache or a party to go to (I took the evening sessions). My only other form of exercise was playing tennis....sometimes, and golf ...less than sometimes (too hot to walk 18 holes but wouldn't be caught dead (too young) riding a golf car).

When I stopped working, my excuses changed (depending where I was) too, of course. Expensive and too cold (Denmark), too far and too dangerous (Nairobbery, umm Nairobi, I mean). My excuses in Denmark held some truth while the ones in Kenya were obviously lame as the security situation there did not deter us from having an active social life. I don't have any valid reason not to go to the gym here in Nicaragua. I have plenty of time on my hands, nice temperature almost whole year round, reasonable gym fees (except for Club Terraza where membership starts at around $10,000 + monthly dues) ranging from $20-50 a month.

As I'm a sucker for recommendations and a firm believer that exercise should be fun, an excuse to meet new friends and should not be a tough regimen (unlike: 'give me 50 soldier' - I'm a lame duck, I know) and least of all, a financial burden, Club Terraza is out of the question - even if I live only a few blocks from the place. It is afterall a club but apparently a very cliquish one at that.

Finally, after almost 2 years of (non) looking, I found the gym I wanted to join, courtesy of my fave dama and salsa classmate, S. Studio-Gimnasio Illusiones that can be found at:

Frente a la UNI (In front of UNI)
Tel No.: (505) 277 5557

I swear, that's the listed address, UNI being a well known university here in Managua. I know how to get there from my house and at the risk of coming by my place first before arriving there, if interested, call them at their listed number above for specific directions.

I like the atmosphere in Illusiones, cozy and friendly, like all other Pellas owned companies (i.e Casa Pellas - car dealership; Vivian Pellas - Hospital; etc). Although modest in size, Illusioness offers many different types of exercise (aerobics, rythm, gym, step, belly dancing (?) Flamenco ) and dance classes (ballet, jazz and jazz for teenagers) with a modest but sufficiently equipped gym.

Price ranges from $35-50 monthly depending on which combination of classes you want to take. I took the the $50 a month to include everything except jazz and ballet, just to be flexible. The belly dancing poses a dilemma as that's one part of me (on top of a host of others) I wanted to lose in the process...less to jiggle with. FYI, they give a $10 /month discount if you sign-up for the $50 combo for 3 months ($120 total). If there's anything that will make sure I consistently attend classes (right now, besides the gym, I attend step and aerobics) is ......advance payment.

Influenza

There is an epidemic going around, influenza, as La Prensa reports, which has claimed the lives of a significant number of children. Known as the 'flu', I think and 'trangkaso' in the Philippines. This is one virus that, as we know it back home, never leaves the house until everyone has been struck by it. A tropical virus, I surmise, that lasts for 5 - 7 days, accompanied by muscle pain, fever, throat infection and phlegm. T has been struck by the virus (along with some of his colleagues at work). I myself have had it many times before back in the Philippines and normally doesn't pose any real danger except to undernourished toddlers or younger and very old people (pneumatic complications). Cure normally consists of Paracetamol, a lot of rest (staying in bed), sleep and loads of water (there is real danger in dehydration specially for young children).

So, 5 days babysitting so far (including today).

Catarina, San Juan de Oriente, Masatepe, Lago de Apoyo, Masaya Revisited

It's been awhile since I've been to these places, no more than 30 mins away from Managua. We have a new spouse (D) in town at the Danish Embassy and since I was looking for outdoor furniture, I thought it was a good time to take her along. For furniture (whether indoor or outdoor), I really only needed to go to Masatepe to see what they have (anything new), new supplier to order from (my own design) or how much they go for at the moment. But since I was taking D with me, why not make a sight-seeing trip out of it. These are the same places I take visiting relatives and friends to for a half day's trip.

Catarina, a town one will have to pass through going South of Managua (alternative routes are the Granada Highway and Jinotepe). Catarina has a highway that connects to the Pan-American Highway that eventually brings you to Rivas (where most of the Pacific beach resorts are) and all the way to the Costa Rican border (about 4 hours away from Managua). Some call it the 'hell road' (besides Diriamba) because of the potholes (centimeters apart) that littered the semi-paved and truck abused road. A really bad condition for such an important thoroughfare. Amazingly, this is a thing of the past (like 2 months ago past) as it has now been paved and therefore a breeze to traverse.

Catarina is where one can buy various plants for the garden and all other accoutrement to beautify the same (where I got my bird bath and ethnic inspired plant holders). It is also in this town (near the iglesia - church) where one finds the 'Mirador' over looking Lago de Apoyo (Lake Apoyo), A mere 20 mins from Managua.

Masatepe, the furniture mecca of Nicaragua.

Masaya, is the town where one can find the Mercado de Artisania, everything Nicaraguan, from hammocks to cigars, leather and woodwork - all in one place. This is a very touristy place as these products are brought to Masaya from all over Nicaragua so make sure you haggle.

San Juan de Oriente is only worth going to if you are passing through Catarina, anyway. It is a block of stores selling artesanias of mostly clay. you will find the usual clay wind chimes (god forbid the winds of Nicaragua actually touch them as they will break and pulverize - I hang mine against the wall....inside the house - pretty to behold). Again, haggle as if your life depends on it.

Mirador de Catarina (shown in an old photo - taken Dec 2006 - on the right) is where one can have a breath taking view of Lago de Apoyo. On higher ground, therefore pleasant temperatures all year round. We make sure that we are there near lunchtime to partake of lunch while enjoying the tranquil sight of the Lake.

As for the route itself, I normally do it in this order:

1. Masaya Highway (Carretera a Masaya - Highway to Masaya)
2. Masatepe (off Catarina Road)
- go back to Catarina Road
3. San Juan de Oriente (off Catarina Road)
-go back to Catarina Road and turn back towards
4. Catarina
5. Mirador
6. Masaya

Ladies' Coffee Morning (Danish Embassy spouses)

It's not as formal as the title implies nor is it a regular thing. It's one of those times when you say, let's meet up one of these days and have coffee. Well, this one pushed through. It was actually G's idea, our ambassador's wife (a formidable woman in her own right), held at D's place (remember the new comer?) and attended by 5 people, yes, we are one of the smaller (only by number of expats and not as a donor - I believe Denmark is one of the top 3 donor countries in terms of aid to Nicaragua) embassies here in Managua, after Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Luxembourg. It was cozy and fun and hopefully becomes more regular than it is right now.

I remember when I first came and inquired about meeting the other spouses (which was understandably, first and foremost on my list), I was asked which group I wanted to join...the English or the Spanish group(??????) I thought I would do well as I still spoke a higher degree of fluency of danish at that time, in a Danish or English group (until I can chit-chat in Spanish, of course) ...but there were only 5 of us altogether with 2 of them men. Why the divide? Language does play an important role in one's social life here in Nicaragua.

For the curious, let me just breakdown the current spouses' language prowess:

G - Danish, English, Spanish - fluent
D - Danish, English - Fluent; Spanish - In the process of learning but picking it up fast (she just got here)
I - Originally hails from Argentina but is a Finnish citizen - is fluent in Spanish, Finnish and English
M - Although not a spouse (she's the expat - her spouse is from Chile and is fluent in both Spanish and Danish) is fluent in all 3 languages like G
And then there's me who speaks this and that but can better express myself if I can use all of them.....in one sentence, sigh.

English (all Danes speak english but not so many Latinos do) being the language we had in common helped...so, english it was.

Life's a beach

Off to the Pacific coast of Nicaragua for the long weekend. Will post photos when we come back. Meanwhile, here's the link to Hacienda Iguana, our favorite beach place here in Nicaragua (among many others).

Inventions, Innovations and the lot

What is it they say about inventions (?)....that they are borne out of 'great' necessity....or not. In some cases the desire to redesign 'something' just for fun or to make it more fun just goes to show that an idle mind is NOT always the devil's workshop.

Are you the type who needs at LEAST one hand to gesticulate in order to confidently drive your point across? Have you ever found yourself in a situation wiping off hors d'ouevre off your colleague's shirt (deliberate not included)? Then this product is for YOU!

Fair warning: Just make sure you don't use it on the same hand that wears your watch!

Click here for more innovative ideas.

Brilliant Commercial

They say it's a nice commercial, I say it's great:

Waxing Nostalgic

Off to the supermarket. What started out as a normal Saturday turned nostalgic when I found, of all things, frozen corndogs in La Union Supermarket (a Walmart Central America Company). It's seldom we visit La Union although it's a favorite to some, for practical reasons. Hiper La Colonia, the supermarket I favor is 1. closer to where I live, 2. the credit institution we use gives us a perennial savings of 5% on all purchases, 3. I find the fully automated check-out system more convenient and faster - meaning all discounts are automatically reflected in the cash register without or very little manual processing.

The offerings at the fresh meat, fruits and vegetables sections some say are fresher than those that can be found in La Colonia but I have had no problems buying meat in La Colonia, besides most of the meat we cook in the house are either bought at Pricemart or Bavaria. One must also be careful in comparing prices because even if La Union advertises to be cheaper (or known to be so), unless you remember exactly how much particular items cost in La Colonia, they could be more expensive in La Union. Ex. the coffee I buy in La Colonia that costs about C$60, costs C$72 in La Union or the apples we bought yesterday that sells for C$12@ in La Colonia, sells for C$15@ in La Union. Shop on Wednesday evenings when La Colonia have fruits and veggies at half price, add the 5% credit card discount and voila, La Colonia comes out the winner in long term savings.

There are some imported products that can be found in La Union that neither La Colonia nor Pricemart carry like T's fave roastbeef to mention one and surprise, surprise....frozen corndogs (about C$70 for 6)!

The last time I've had them was at Disneyworld (Epcot) this summer and I love those darn dogs (pun intended). I remember having them mostly back in the Philippines since I was just a little kid up until I was in Highschool. They were my favorite (amongst many other local and exotic) snack. They were sold mostly in malls and some canteens just outside my school.

Amazing how a simple corn dog can bring back pleasant childhood memories, not unlike smelling a whiff of familiar perfume or just some random odor (desirable or undesirable) for that matter. Friends I haven't seen for ages (ones I shared corn dog moments with), tennis, my favorite pair of crayons shoes, piano lessons, street games I used to play and faceless playmates came to mind. I didn't realize how much of those corn dogs (and carbohydrates!) I have consumed....until now.

Summer 2008 Vacation - 7-day Eastern Caribbean Cruise (Halfmoon Cay; Fun days at Sea and Formal Nights demystified)

Halfmoon Cay, Bahamas

Perhaps the most beautiful beach we've seen by far and coming from beach bums like us, that should amount to something. We have been to many reputed to be beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia, the East Coast of Africa, some in Central and South America and none has so far surpassed the beauty of Halfmoon Cay on the Bahamas.

Pristine white sand may not even be enough to describe it! Have you ever tried frolicking in milk powder? That's the closest I can describe the sand on Halfmoon Cay...as fine, as white and as soft. The calm Turquoise water is a surprise to find salty as you are tricked into thinking that you have jumped into a pool with sandy bottom.

So clear and blue is the sea that seagulls flying over the water reflect its color in their underbelly and wings. have you ever seen Turquoise-bellied seagulls before? You will in Halfmoon Cay.

I'm not sure what time we arrived on Halfmoon Cay but since it's a tender port (where people are brought to the island on tenders because the harbor is too shallow to dock the ship), I imagined different horror scenarios of accomplishing this for no less than 2,000 people.

This cruise ship never ceased to amaze me (as I'm sure other cruise lines too have this down to a science) in its procedures to embark and debark passengers. Cruisers were 'herded' as another first time cruiser would like to call it) to the tender at different times depending on ones preference. The tender started picking people up as early as between 8 and 9 am but we chose to debark after 9 to not rush through breakfast. By this time we did not experience any congestion at all anymore.

Since Halmoon Cay is a privately owned island (Holland America Lines) and within US territory there was no need for passports only the sail and sign card (or sign and sail ???). An announcement is made to which part or lounge of the boat one has to proceed when ready to await tender tickets (stickers you put on your clothing that indicates the number of the tender to board). When the tender number is called, you proceed to the bottom of the ship on 0 level where the exit ramp is, replete with x-ray machines and computers where one dips his card to sign off the ship, and people queue to be transferred to tenders (that went back and forth until 11 am, I think). It took no more than 10 mins to reach the beach.

We only had until 3:30 pm on the beach because Liberty was scheduled to sailaway at 4:00 pm (if I remember correctly). No, they don't leave you behind but they strongly suggest that you be onboard the ship half an hour (latest) before sailaway for everyone's convenience. This ship has been very prompt from what I have seen.

Amazingly, some onboard program and buffet were also brought ashore. There were games, contests and tours (if you care to purchase them from Carnival). We did not take any of Carnival's shore excursions as we thought them overpriced and was just used to exploring on our own, besides, I spent hours researching the ports of call that we felt confident to do it on our own and some that was offered, we've already done on other outings.

After seeing the beach, we were glad we did not book any shore excursions...we just wanted to enjoy the pristine setting. Don't think that the beach is boring either because fish abound on shallow water. V joined most of the beach program like the limbo rock and name that tune contest while T, M and myself just soaked up the sun (like we haven't had enough of it) and enjoyed the buffet when we felt like it.

What we lacked of sleep from the day before, we more than made up for on the beach. Before we knew it, it was embarkation time but then we've just had enough of the sun and were ready to go back to the ship. A similar procedure of waiting for an available tender (this time without the tender stickers - first-come first-serve) and once on the ship dipping your sail and sign card to sign in and having your beach bags go through the x-ray machine. Easy.

Fun Days at Sea and Formal Nights

What spending the whole day on the ship is called when the next port takes more than 24 hours to reach. We had 2 in total the whole 7 days. This particular 'at sea' day was also the first formal night on the ship. Wearing formal clothes on formal nights (2 on a 7-day cruise and 1 with less days) is not obligatory but when dining in assigned dining rooms, it is highly suggested to do so (as you probably would be the only one NOT dressed up). Experienced cruisers take this seriously, most women wear gowns; teen-agers, pretty dresses; coat and tie; and some die-hards, tuxedo or (formal) military uniforms. I think it adds fun and variety to the activity, kind of reminds you of cruising of yore (search the net and you will even find 'cruise fashion' during the 20s and 30s). If you want to pack light, there's also a shop on the ship where you can rent a tux, jacket, tie, etc. I'm not sure what they have for women but I suppose there is some.

To be sure, I just brought with me 2 wrinkle-free long dresses that did not take much space in my luggage when rolled up. Since T came directly from work related travel , he already had his suit with him while V only had to bring a couple of long sleeved shirts and a tie. K, T's 16 yo niece from Denmark on the other hand only had to wear dresses she would normally wear to a disco back home. No fuss.

Formal nights also mean personal appearances of the Captain and his crew and a song (song and dance) number by the waiters in the dining room during dinner (chuckle). It was cute. In the midst of all that work, how the h*ll they find time to practice is a mystery.

Don't worry being at sea for the whole day as the Cruise director (Karl with a K) and his crew made sure that no one is bored....soooo many activities to choose from! Sure, most of them are silly but on a 'fun cruise, silly is the way to go. There were some activities where you might shake your head but you have the option whether to join them or not. Most of the time you thank the high heavens for the people who were game to be silly (I think they've psyched themselves prior to boarding) ... it is fun to watch them. Inhibitions and expectations are not things you take on board a 'fun' cruise. So, what can one do on a fun day at sea:

Explore some more or just relax and soak up the sun (or watch a movie under the stars) on Lido deck:

Play an outdoor game (there's also the arcade and casino, auction and wine tasting, etc):


Watch something (or someone)- Ice carving and if you're in to hair, the Hairy chest competition, food and dessert exhibition, karaoke competition or someone getting married (sigh) etc:

Hang-out with new found friends:

Exercise, de-toxify, enjoy the sunset or take a (much needed) romantic sunset tour of the deck:

And of course, eat, eat and eat again:

Last but not least, this is a good time to check out Harry's, an exclusive reservations only restaurant where one can have a 4-course gourmet meal of prime meat and lobsters, etc for only $30 per person. A meal that can easily cost twice as much in reputable restaurants on land.

Summer 2008 Vacation - 7-day Eastern Caribbean Cruise (On board Liberty)

The rest of the day was spent exploring the ship until it was time to check out the rooms. We ordered 2 adjoining staterooms but unfortunately did not manage to get them with balconies (again, due to late booking - they were all booked when we took the plunge). On the other hand, I felt better knowing that on V's first cruise, there's absolutely nowhere he could fall out from.

By 6:00 pm we have already received all of our luggages and was therefore ready to explore more freely (there are 11 floors to explore according to the elevators). 11 floors of stern, aft and mid-ship! From research - mostly from the Cruise Critic site and it's forums - holds a wealth of information to would be cruisers - I found out that there are 2 dining schedules (if you prefer the a la carte setting rather than the buffet), the early and late dinner seatings. I chose the late dinner seating at 8:00 pm over the 6:00 pm seating (this has to be done upon booking, otherwise you will be assigned randomly to whatever time is still available), this way we won't have to rush back from ports of call, shower and change in a hurry to be on time for dinner (we obviously preferred a la carte for dinner), besides the other buffets serve food almost the whole day, so we didn't feel like we missed out on anything. I think those with small children preferred early seating and some even just opted the whole week for the buffet even if you automatically get dining seats assigned upon booking. It's really up to you whether you want to use it or not but at least you have the option.

day 1 of dinner, we met our waiter and assistant waiter (Marius and Iwayan, respectively from Blugaria and Indonesia) who were assigned to us for the whole duration of the cruise (that includes our room steward (Francisco, from somewhere in Africa...you kind of get to know them). Personalized service, I guess.

We also have opted to use the Silver dining room (there's also the Gold dining room for staterooms within mid-ship to the stern while the Silver dining room is for staterooms within the other half of the mid-ship towards the aft) for breakfast over the buffet (we're not very good queuers specially in the morning) and there met our waiter, Roderick and waitress, Catherine who happen to be Filipinos - half of the crew is from Asia. They were so much fun (really nice to start the day with) that we decided to take breakfast everyday in the dining room and hope that we get the tables they serve. Breakfast in the dining room is on a first-come first-serve basis, so there were no guarantees, but thanks to Rodante (also a Filipino crew), the assistant Maitre'd for the Silver dining room, we managed to secure tables in their area every morning thereafter.

After dinner we proceeded to the Venetian Palace to watch a live show ala broadway (they have this everynight with different themes) fronted by a stand-up comedy act and after to the Promenade (5th floor mid-ship, if I remember correctly) where the Gloves bar, Piano Man bar, Sushi bar (only serving Sushi from 5-8 pm), Casino (Czar's Palace), Promenade bar, Video Arcade, Hot & Cool Disco (adults only and checks your ID) and Karaoke bar are. Soooo many things to do and places to explore on the ship alone. On other floors were also the Cabinet (a jazz bar), Victoria Lounge (where a live-band plays oldies - 60s and 70s music - also a Filipino band), the Spa (I think they're open until 10 pm) and of course, there's always the Lido deck on the 9th where Emile's (buffet), the fish and chips and sandwich area and 24-hour Pizza counter (can also be ordered from room service at absolutely anytime), if you still care for some more food (uggghh, too much food!!!) are and on 5th, the duty-free shops.

Having finally settled and lulled by the waves, we went to an amazingly comfortable bed at 2 in the morning to be ready for our first port of call for the following day, Half-moon Cay, Bahamas.

Summer 2008 Vacation - 7-day Eastern Caribbean Cruise

1:00 pm, the 28th of June, we were picked up from Marco Polo by a van (pre-arranged from Managua) to embark on a 7-day eastern Caribbean cruise on board the fun ship Carnival Liberty that included Halfmoon Cay, Bahamas; St. Thomas, USVI; San Juan, Puerto Rico and Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands. Since it was our first time to go on a cruise (not considered cheap), we were really nervous to miss the embarkation time - due to so many disclaimers on our contract. All instructions given to us were in Spanish, but even if we can now speak it confidently, what was written was still not entirely clear to us. We imagined horrific boarding procedures and baggage handling (there was an announcement on board of someone not receiving his luggage when the ship pulled out to sea). Think...more than 2,000 people boarding a ship within 2-3 hours time - sail time was 4:00 pm.

We arrived at the port at 2:00 pm and imagine our surprise when we found out how easy and convenient they have made boarding for everyone. These guys sure know what they're doing.

It was very much like boarding a plane. With your contract, you get your baggage tag that clearly says your name and assigned suite, so you first leave all your tagged luggages to the handlers outside the terminal (don't forget to tip between $1-2 per bag - no worries because even if you do, you will be reminded - we had 8!) and then head on to the port terminal for immigration and security procedures. There you will only need to show your passport and have what ever carry-on luggage or bag you have go through the usual x-ray machine not unlike those at airports.

Cruise ships do not allow you to bring liquor (your luggage also gets x-rayed before it gets on the ship and you will be called in to verify the liquor, be stored for you while on cruise and returned upon debarkation after the cruise - yes, you will see it again - they do the same to onboard dutyfree liquor purchases and purchases at ports of call) . What they allow are beer, soda, wine or champagne (1 liter per adult). These drinks are not part of the all-inclusive board you have paid for, well, except for water...they are all over the ship (the ones in your stateroom fridge, like in hotels, will be charged to your account).

Make sure you have everything (bikini, sunblock, toothbrush, etc) you need in your carry-on to enjoy amenities (like the pool) while waiting for your luggage. It is not unknown to receive luggage at night. Just imagine them sorting and delivering to more than 1,000 staterooms at the very least.

If you come from a country (like the Philippines - except in Asean member countries) where you need a Visa for most other countries, check the visa requirements for the ports of call and get them first before booking, otherwise you will spend all your days on the ship. Immigration officials at the port of Miami will not check your visas for the ports of destination but immigration officials at those ports will board the ship and check your passport for necessary visas before debarkation, so you better have your visas in order beforehand. One other important requirement is a picture ID for persons over 15 y/o - besides your passport.

Only one time did we get immigration officials on the ship and that was at the port of St. Thomas (USVI) where we had to present our passports and get stamped, although a US territory.

After going through security, we headed on to the 2nd floor to check-in. Everything was professionally done. They had our details in their computer and was immediately issued our sail and sign cards. This card is EVERYTHING. It serves as your ID and form of payment for everything you order on the ship, room key, ID to get on and off the ship when at port and dining seat assignments. Your bestfriend for the whole cruise - never leave your room without it. For this purpose, they will need your credit card details or you can make a cash deposit to cover your costs in advance. We did the credit card thing, which turned out to be the right thing to do as they just conveniently charged our credit cards directly (a breeze to check-out at the end of the trip). Don't worry about your charges as there is a channel on your stateroom TV where you can check your running cost. If you deposited cash with them and have spent more than your deposit, you will need to go to the 'concierge' or in this case, the purser's desk to settle, but if less, a check will be delivered to your stateroom the night before debarkation that you can deposit in your bank.

Once you have your sail and sign cards, it's off to the ship with you and your family. We headed straight to the Lido deck, knowing in advance that our rooms won't be ready yet (they most likely just debarked previous passengers 4-6 hours ago). We were done with all these no later than 3:00 pm and sail away wasn't until 4:00 so there was plenty of time look around and gawk at experienced cruisers and watch the tiny (next to the enormous ship) but brave coastguard boat escort Goliath out of the pier.

The weather was good, the sun was out and everyone was excited and hyped for sail away (sailing away from port). We ordered the welcome drink and basked in the sun while watching Royal Caribbean sail away. Other people's excitement was infectious....everyone was in a festive mood including the staff and crew. Add to that the cruise director and his staff's effort to get the sail away party swinging, I must say it was an experience.

And finally, immediately after sail away, the safety drill, following Maritime laws...impressively organized and made fun through delivery of many Titanic jokes (shudder).

Cruising begins.