T-T Cruise 2008 MEMORIES... - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Claire-in-Texas · 12-14-2008, 09:03 AM

Where do I begin to express the total joy of this cruise! So many elements of joy, from seeing and getting to know friends we met on T-T, to discussing our journeys and our past and current issues, in sharing moments of our lives, in hugging and kissing and enjoying each other. And then there was the ship. Oh my goodness what a fabulous ship of fabulous amenities, and food to die for.

Here is my own spin on our T-T cruisers...

Maline - She's GORGEOUS! And she was a joy to embrace. Lively and fun. So alive!! Roy, her husband, is delightful and precious! A very connected couple!

Eric (OsoDelDesierto) - Stunningly handsome, extraordinarily bright and insightful. Wonderful smile. And I got to dance with him! <sigh> Cameron, Eric's partner, was such fun, and shared his life in a very meaningful way.

Erin (Nyn) - Oh my goodness, she is drop dead gorgeous! Adorable to be with. Her smile lights up any room.

Michelle (Duckie) - The total surprise of the trip. She has a magnificent voice, and I had chills as I listened to her sing from her heart. Fabulous gal, and she and Erin enjoyed each other's company. Her black strapless dress is a "killer!"

Jeff (BigBearJeff) - This guy has it all - he is extremely handsome, very sharp, very warm and friendly, and excruciatingly funny. Jeff's partner, Dave, is the perfect straight man for Jeff, and a darling and attractive man. the dynamics between them were heartwarming.

Andrea and Nicola - the Italian connection (Paul's friends). At first it was difficult to communicate (they don't speak English), but as time passed, and we all embraced each other, it was clear that they enjoyed our company, and we managed to communicate the necessities, and our hearts said the rest.

Corrine - I find myself speechless when it comes to Corrine. She has a loveliness that is indescribable, a sharp wit, and her intellect caused a lot of interesting and heartfelt conversations between us, and with everyone. It was such a joy to share my stateroom and my heart with Corrine.

We missed Paul and Bernardo at every turn - it was painful that they weren't with us.

There is, of course, more to say about everyone, and pictures are coming (cruisers, feel free to post them here).

Toony · 12-14-2008, 09:52 AM

Awwwww... what a great start of the Cruise stories!

I can't wait to hear more --- and to see the pictures!

Love to you all!

katie

Claire-in-Texas · 12-14-2008, 10:59 AM

Katie, we all enjoyed your lovely gifts to us!! I won't say what they are until Paul gets his in Italy. I decided that I would send on the gift to Andrea and Nicola also, so that Paul could explain to them what they really meant, and who you are.

It was a touching moment when we each opened our gift.

Thank you, dear Katie, for your thoughtfulness!

xoxox

JumboJulie · 12-14-2008, 11:04 AM

Oh WOW!

I can't wait to hear more!!! Hurry guys ... start posting MORE!!!!!!!

Claire-in-Texas · 12-14-2008, 11:04 AM

Food!

Oh there was so much food, 24/7, and it was an interesting process for me. I hope other cruisers will share their FOOD experiences!

I can tell you that I ate more in volume, much more variety. I took the stairs often and with great gusto, snorkeled (another story entirely), and was conscious of upping my activity level because I WAS eating much more.

The bottom line - I am exactly the same weight now as I was before the cruise. Right where I am supposed to be, 106 lbs.

This really did prove to me that one's activity level has EVERYTHING to do with how much we can and should eat.

The food was wonderful, varied, constant. I learned a lot about how I process food. For example, when I ate only fruit and veggies, I was hungry an hour later. If I added a bit of potato salad, I found I wasn't hungry as often. So bread or potato is a good carb at times (matter of degree, I guess).

At the magnificent Chocolate Buffet (OH MY GOODNESS), I ate a bite of two eclairs. That was enough. I was happy with the way I ate.

I speak for myself here, and I hope others will share their FOOD experiences on the cruise.

Vim&Vigour · 12-14-2008, 12:36 PM

Oh Claire! Thank you!
You have a strong descriptive ability so I can feel the "temperature" of your relationships. Thank you for introducing the group (vs the individual knowledge we have formed on the Forum).
Interesting observations on your food intake! Good point now that Christmas is lurking!
Looking forward to reading more from you all soon!
Cheers,
Vim

Claire-in-Texas · 12-14-2008, 12:47 PM

I have fabulous professional portraits to scan and post. Can't get them done at a store since they won't scan professional work. I therefore have bought a scanner (but now I realize I need a USB cable). Will get the scanner up and running, and you will see us all, as we were during a glorious time.

isabel41206 · 12-14-2008, 01:19 PM

I can't wait to see the pictures and when is the next one?? just sign me up now for it !!!!

Claire-in-Texas · 12-14-2008, 04:07 PM

First picture:

Top row: Roy (Maline's husband), BigBearJeff, Paul's friends Nicola and Andrea, Maline, Cameron (OsoDelDesierto/Eric's partner), Corrine

Middle: Claire

Bottom row: Duckie/Michelle, Nyn/Erin, Dave (Jeff's partner), OsoDelDesierto/Eric

bigbearjeff · 12-14-2008, 05:02 PM

This is Dave, Jeff's partner. What an amazing time we had on this cruise. All of you are such incredible, gifted, beautiful, funny, caring people. It was a privelge to meet and get to know each of you. You should all be so proud of what you have accomplished in life and on your journey. Everyone one was amazing.
We had a great time. The ship and all it offered was awesome. We loved getting to know each of you and loved sharing our stories. Claire, you're just an amazing, wonderful soul. You sparkle! haha Thank you for all you did to make this happen. Corrine, Maline, Roy, Erin, Michele, Eric, Cam, Nichola and Andrea. Each of you made this trip so special for us. I consider each of you a friend and will charish what we all shared.

Love to you all.
Dave