Day 1 - Miami

The day started early, as Mom decided that to make an 8:20 AM flight, we'd need to be at the airport by 6:45. Maybe in the big city, but hardly necessary in Montana! But she's playing the part of Julie, your cruise director, all week, so we did what we were told. Nothing exciting to tell about our flight from Helena to Minneapolis. Other than noting that, as previouly posted, South Dakota is the ugliest, most boring state in the union, with North Dakota coming in a close second. The flight over NoDak did nothing to enhance its reputation.

I had hoped that Moose might be able to stop by and see me during our layover, but we (she) determined that it wasn't worth the effort. That made me feel so much better... We had to go to the diagonally opposite end of the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport to switch planes, and we found a Mexican place next to our gate so that we could eat and suck down beers right up to our departure time. The beer helped us all sleep on the 3 hour flight to Ft. Lauderdale. (Oops! Point of clarification! Moose didn't blow me off! Since she is quite familiar with the airport, she knew the pitfalls of trying to meet. She knew, and I found out, that it would be virtually impossible with the brief amount of layover time we had. I did get to call her while I was there though! I had planned to write all that last night, but the many beers and the late hour screwed with my mind! I still love ya, Moose. Sorry I didn't clarify that!)

Upon arrival, we were immediately struck with the fact that it was quite warm and quite humid. By the time we hit baggage claim, we were all soaked. I think this will be a theme throughout the week...

We get to our hotel. My room is on the 14th floor.

Seems to be alot of construction all over!

More construction behind me

After finding our rooms, we gathered in the lobby for more liquid refreshments, and deciding what we were going to do in Miami on a Saturday night.

From L, clockwise: S2, S3, S1, Mom, Os, Dad, BIL3, BIL2


We could have attended the prom going on next door (think of every prom you've seen in the movies--this was THAT prom with THOSE people!). Mom, Dad and S1 decide on one place--the rest of us head down to Bayside.
We eat at Bubba Gump's Shrimp, drink more beer, skip Hooters, head down to the water, and eventually call it a night.

Hello. We're tourists...

Ping Pong Shrimp with Mango Pineapple Salsa

BIL2 and friend

Down by the water

My room. Yes, I'm half-nekkid while taking this. No, there's no pics..

Tomorrow (this morning) we sleep in, then board the ship in the afternoon. After finding out what to do when we hit an iceberg and pull a Titanic, it's time to hit the 24-hr. buffet line. And maybe have a beer. Check back again for pics!