July 6, 2011: And so begins pages and pages of notes

Now going into planning overdrive despite the cruise being still a year away. Drawing up simple language cheat sheets, getting currency rates. When does the sun rise? When does it set? Happy to see after 11 PM in some places. Trying to figure out what little extravagances to bring aboard. A radio jumps to the top of the list. Shortwave for Voice of America to keep up at home and to just fiddle around with, and FM to get some local flavor. 

Some genius online suggests “your own pillow” and a nightlight. Brilliant, I love it! Some DVD’s to supplement the onboard options. Have to think up some other stuff. Maybe some pictures of the family and dogs might be nice. Being away 5 weeks from the pups will be tough. One will be 13 years old, so there will be some cause of anxiety there.

Got flummoxed at all the options and requirements for a cell phone while we’re gone to stay in touch from time to time. Cruisecritic.com comes through again with the option of just getting a global phone from Verizon (my current carrier). It’ll work on the US systems, so I just need to replace my old phone and I’m good to go. Easy breezy.

Decided with all this activity and thoughts to create this blog today. Lots to share, even before we set foot on board. Neesh can look at this over the years and hold on to the memories. With my memory, it's not a bad idea, too. :)