Embarkation

    Today’s the day for our experience at sea. However, it began much earlier (3:00am) Debbie and I awoke and tuned in the audio of the Missouri vs. South Carolina football game. It was so exciting, and in the end, Mizzou lost 27-24 in the second overtime. So we are now 7-1 with games left against Tennessee (we will still be at sea), Kentucky, and Texas A&M. Hopefully we will win at least 2 of 3, finish 9-2, and in contention for an exciting bowl game in either December or January. We control (win or lose) our own destiny.

            Fortunately we were able to go back to sleep. Our Cardinals, at the time, were tied 4-4 and playing the 3^rd game of the World Series. In the morning we discovered that they had won 5-4 in the 9^th inning. We hope the ship will link into an American television network for the remaining games. Go Redbirds!

            Breakfast was again enjoyed at the Bar Gregorio (coffee house); and again, “Sandro,” the owner, was even friendlier than before. Coffee and pastry was excellent – the coffee especially. Ray and Monica, and Debbie and I (the old ones except for Debbie) were in the first group and enjoyed our Italian/English mix conversation with Sandro immensely. He showed me his motorcycle, and two customers with dogs, “Sir William” and “Lucky,” were fun as well. Having left my Hurrycane (walking cane) there, I rushed back only to discover that Sandro was walking toward our apartment with it in hand. What a guy.

Yes- a full bathroom with tub!

            Roma Cabs arrived while our second group (the younger ones from California) finished their respite and breakfast at Bar Gregorio. The driver, Max, had arrived from the port city early because of reduced traffic. We loaded up and the drive to Civitavehcchia through the countryside was scenic; delightful. Later Justin describes his highlight of the day Max’s sear-sucker checked high-water pants suit. Max was indeed a fun guy.

David in our Jr Suite

            Boarding was a breeze, lunch, and then to our cabins – Debbie had upgraded ours to a suite so we had lots of room and even a bathtub. The others loved their quarters as well. Everyone but me toured the ship, I chose to sleep, and sweet it was.

We lucked out at dinner as our table for eight was right next to window with a full of view of the three-decker inside dining rooms.

            Other highlights of the day included for Becky, the dinner and fellowship at our table; Angela, the countryside between Rome and the port; Brian, the sailboats in the Mediterranean; Ray, listening to Brian’s description of all the plants and trees along the route to the port (Brian is, in fact, an expert on plants, flowers, and trees); Monica, also loved the countryside and the appearance of the mountains to the port; Debbie, also listening to Brian’s description of the foliage; and me, I liked our breakfast in Rome and conversation with Sandro.

Door Decs made by Debbie

            The dinner was excellent; Monica was, however, unhappy with her Prime Rib. After dinner I went to the cabin and fell fast asleep watching the Detroit Lions defeat the once mighty Dallas Cowboys in the last minute (I’m sure Justin was crushed). Debbie, Justin, and Brian went to the casino and had a wonderful time; even got their dealer fired; she was evidently a novice who simply paid off if the passengers said they won or lost. So, they all told her, “I win!,” and she would pay them off – the pit boss, once he saw what she was doing, terminated her shift. Justin won $150 while the brother and sister lost a bit. Upon coming back to the room Debbie finishes surprise halloween door decorations for all the doors- they will be surprised!

            I’m assuming besides me, Becky, Ray, and Monica went to sleep. It was a great first day on the ship. Everyone enjoys everyone, and all are having a good time. The injured ones (me, my leg scratches and bruises; and Monica, her foot) are surviving and rising above our pain and discomfort. Of course I have morphine three times a day (for the cancer and related bone pain), so I feel fine the majority of the time.

            Tomorrow we sail into Messina on the coast of Sicily (to the so-called “toe” of the Italian boot in the South). It will be our first port-of-call.