Adventures in Paradise

I'm finally back into my reality. My mother turned 50 years old on November 10th so I surprised her with a cruise. I told her about it on November 10 and we were slated to leave November 12. While that seemed like a good idea at the time, there was no shortage of drama in getting us there. She was missing some needed documentation to board the cruise ship and because November 11 was Veterans's Day, the offices she needed to contact were all closed.

After sweating for a day (or two), everything worked out. We headed to Miami where I got to spend time with my best friend Melanie, who I don't get to see too often. After spending Saturday in Miami we boarded Royal Caribbean's, Explorer of the Seas. Oh my gosh... opulence like you would not believe! My travel agent did few things right in helping me plan this trip but she did not steer me wrong with that bit of advice. I'm telling you, if I could, I'd do a Royal Caribbean commercial.

Our ports of call were San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Nassau Bahamas and I can't even tell you how beautiful the weather is in that part of the world. If you see me, you'll know just how sunny it was! I'm definitely not able to wear my Mary Kay bronze 500 foundation anymore! The hospitality shown my the locals was heartwarming and the genuine love for their homeland inspiring. In St. Thomas, we had a local give us a tour that took us out of the tourism district and into the heart of the island. The love for his island was palpable and it made me wonder if I could ever love my country that much. I mean really... some of you have taken my "Tour de DC"... I just don't get the warm fuzzies when showing friends and family my nation's capital!

I must admit part of my overwhelmingly positive Virgin Island experience was made by the outrageous deals on jewlery and the native's adoration of women! I have never felt so beautiful in all of my life and their comments were not at all Atlanta/DC club sceneish, rather it seemed very genuine and done with lots of respect. I'm telling you... I love my curves today more than I did at this time last week! I even left with 1.5 carat diamond and sapphire ring and a drink named after me. I'm not sure of it's exacts, but I'm certain it had bananas in it! Whatever it was, it was awesome!

When not at port, my time was spent on the fabulous Explorer of the Seas and let me tell you, I teared up a little when it was time to leave. I definitely got a taste of another life. There were literally people waiting on you to do everything, including bring champagne and chocolate covered strawberries on a whim, folding your towels into the cutest animal shapes and turning your bed back with a chocolate on the pillow each evening! Not used to such treatment, I feel asleep on my chocolate almost every night and woke up with melted chocalate in my hair, on my pajamas and in my bed!

Although the royal treatment was great, what impressed me the most about the island natives and the staff of Royal Caribbean International (which represented over 50 countries) was the genuine joy they all had for their station in life and too their desire to share this joy. I can't remember a time where I was ever surrounded by so much unfeigned happiness. Whether a stateroom attendant, bartender or activities director, they seemed to enjoy every moment of their day and that's really not something I can relate to. I had to wonder whether it was an American culture thing or a Crystal thing...

Most importantly, I think my mother truly enjoyed her birthday celebration. I can't think of anyone more deserving of a 10-day birthday celebration than my mother. While I was planning this trip, I contacted her boss about taking the week off. She commented, "of course" and noted that my mother is very quick to give to everyone, while asking nothing in return. I have to be honest, there were some tense moments towards the end because of the perpetual togetherness but overall it was an amazing time. I often gripe about feeling like Kizzy from "Roots" at work, but it feels great to be able to something like this and treat my amazing Mommy to an amazing birthday celebration. I truly feel blessed to be able to finally do something really nice for my Mom. Although she never complained about the popsicle stick placements I made for her when I was 5 years old!

Now the ickiness of packing begins and I start my work at CDC in just two weeks! When the bustle of moving gets to be a lot, I'll just admire my tan, fine tune my salsa moves and drink something refreshing and delicious... my very own version of The Crystal.

Pictures to come... :-)