Ft. Lauderdale.... We Are Here!

We arrived at our destination, The Ramada Cruise Port Hotel and nothing has changed since
we stayed here for our World Cruise in 2009. It's a tired looking place, somewhat moldy
but convenient enough for our needs. Debbie called this morning that they are near Ft. Pierce
and should arrive before noon. I'm using the out of date computer in the hotel since I left my
Mac at the Condo. I didn't want to risk losing it in the bush. Sorry I did because this old Dell
is struggling to stay alive. All the letters on the keyboard are worn off and I am trying to hit the
correct keys.

I received a message from Cunard that the QM2 will dock in the afternoon due to the blizzard
on the East coast. People have been delayed in New York where the QM2 starts its journey
and it is getting a late start. We will board here after 12 Noon on the 15th. So far our trip
has been going as planned. Annabelle just spoke with the Bickley's in Georgia and they
reported a few days of wild, wintry weather in their neck of the woods. Although it is in
the 40's here in Florida, the sun is out and it should warm up in a few hours, we hope.

We've been enjoying our time with Pete and Deb, seeing the sights of the city and walking
near the waterfront. Didn't realize how large this place has grown, even in the two years
since we started our Round the World cruise. The QM2 staff just called us a few minutes
ago to let us know that the ship will be delayed another hour because of its late start
from New York. Apologies, apologies. Why don't they just knock off a few dollars from the
cost of the trip? In the meantime, we are relaxing at the Ramada, not plagued by bad weather
or mixed up flight schedules.

Tomorrow, we leave at 12:30 pm. Hopefully, the QM2 will be waiting or we'll be left at the
pier, waiting. The next posting should be from the ship. Finger's crossed.

This note is for daughter Lauren who is recovering from a broken foot while looking for the
Panama Canal. If you feel so inclined send her a word of encouragement and let her know
that the Canal has already been found. Chuck, her devoted husband, had slashed his way
through the jungle to carry her to safety and first rate medical care at the native village of
Buna Buna near the Pacific Ocean. We are thinking of you and will send you a bowl of fish
and poi courtesy of Queen Kerry Ramm of Maui. Our best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Pete and Deb departed this morning. We will check out soon and board the shuttle to
Port Everglades where the QM2 is waiting, I HOPE. Some people who planned to
embark in NYC had to fly to Florida from different parts of the country when the weather
closed some airports in the northeast. There are some Brits in the lobby as well as a few
Chinese nationals waiting for the shuttle.