2011 vacation

For the first time in a few years, we got to enjoy some quality time on Table Rock Lake for an entire week in July. The entire week was spent with mom, dad, Mel, Mary and Katie, with Jeremy joining us for a few days. I have to admit that we definitely drank a large share of beers.  With only one day off the water, we spent litterally all week driving to a cove, floating, then driving back. There wasn't much skiing, absolutely no tubing, and best of all, NO KIDS!  Was probably the most relaxing time we've had on the lake in years.  It was also great to spend time with the parents, something I honestly don't get to do very often.  It was definitely a great time. 

Monday, September 6, 2010.

Our first stop was in Key West, Florida.

I have to say, I had no idea what to expect. This place was awesome. It was like we were in a foreign land, except we had the comfort of still being in the United States (which is a comfort we missed in Jamaica, but I'll go into those details later.)

The one advantage we had over everybody else on the ship was that we have some great friends who live in Key West. Without us even asking, they welcomed us with open arms and showed us around the island. After picking up Alice at her home, they took us to a hot spot for fisherman, Hog Fish Bar and Grill.

One of the great things about having some local friends show us around was that it was quick, easy and to the point. We didn't have to pay somebody to give us a tour, or have to pay for transportation. We were also fortunate in avoiding all of the main touristy spots (like the southern most point of the US.) They said that it wasn't anything special, and it would take hours just to get a photo with it. We did however take a stroll down the famous Duval Street. Now that was a sight to see. I for one have never seen so many bars. Though it was a Monday afternoon, the place was FULL of people having fun eating and drinking.

From left to right: Justin, Lauren, Jay, Bill, Alice and Coco.

On a side note, they mentioned that this island was where Oprah has a weekend getaway. Lauren and I talked that maybe we could buy a place there. I wonder how much that is worth...

After getting back on the ship, we decided to take it easy in the room until dinner. We were definitely looking forward to this dinner since it would be the first time we would get to meet our "dinner mates." Again, for those of you who haven't been a cruise, they like to group couples together in the main dining room. Though it can be a little awkward eating at a table with people you've never met, I'm guessing they do this to save time and effort when taking orders and delivering food.

From Our One Year Anniversary on the Carnival Freedom.

Luckily for us, everybody at our table was great company. I'm sure they didn't say the same for us, but every dinner was an enjoyable one.

Seth and Jessica from Washington.

Anthony and Brittany from Washington.

Ivan and Brook from Kentucky. (And when I say Kentucky, this guy eats, drinks and bleeds University of Kentucky Blue.)

The food didn't compare to the amazing cuisine of the Steak House, but it was still excellent. I have to say that what made it even more enjoyable was the waiting staff. Not only were they awesome at their job, but they had some great personalities and kept all of us entertained. I for one thoroughly enjoyed talking to them both, finding out what life was like working on a cruise ship, where they are from, and in general what their story is. For example, Venera lives in Bulgaria, has a 2 1/2 year old daughter, and LOVES to cook. ______ is from Romania, has two children, and has been working for Carnival for close to 15 years! Another interesting piece of information is that most of the staff will work on a cruise ship non-stop for seven to eight months, then go home for the remainder four to five months. Unbelievable dedication to their work.

Venera from Bulgaria.

__________ from Romania.

Just to show how awesome they are, they mentioned that we are always welcome to visit them in their home country anytime we're in Europe. I can promise you that we will definitely be taking them up on the offer!

After dinner, we walked around a bit up on the Lido deck, then called it a night. I think the sights and sounds of Key West wore us out...

Sunday, September 5, 2010.

We woke up to a beautiful sunny day in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We were definitely ready to get on that ship. After doing a little packing, buying some alcohol, and getting some snacks from the local Walgreens, we were ready to find a taxi and get going.

Once on the ship, we checked out the cabin, grabbed something to eat, then watched as the Carnival Freedom Crew pushed us out to sea.

The ship sitting in the port

Since our first night at sea was our anniversary, we decided that maybe we would enjoy a night in the Sun King Steak House. For those who haven't been on a cruise before, the ships will usually provide a few additional restaurants with top-notch food, and the steak house was exactly that. Though it cost an additional amount to eat there, it was well worth it. The steak and lobster was by far the most amazing we've ever had the pleasure of eating.

After that amazing meal, we went straight to bed. And no, not for THAT reason. Because we were too full to do anything else...

Saturday, September 4, 2010.

IT'S OUR ONE YEAR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!

The year2010 has been probably the craziest year in recent memory, and this trip was very much needed for Lauren and I. To kick it all off, we began our trip in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, about five blocks away from Port Everglades. We arrived in Ft. Lauderdale one day in advance of our schedule embarkation on the Carnival FunShip Freedom. We would have arrived the day of, but due to limited flights in and out of St. Louis, nothing would have arrived in Ft. Lauderdale in time.

To be honest with you, we were fine with getting there a day early. We were all for taking it easy in a hotel snacking on local food. Only part that sucked was the constant teasing. What kind of teasing you ask? Every time we looked out the hotel window, we could see the big beautiful ship just waiting to take us away from this awful reality. All I could hope for was that they had enough alcohol to quench my thirst.
Long metrolink ride to the airport, at 6 in the freakin morning!
View of Ft. Lauderdale from the hotel
View of the Cruise Ship Port from the hotel