We Remember 9/11
I originally wrote this on 9/11/01…
I, too, was stunned to hear the news this morning and continuing throughout the day.
It was just something unbelievable. My husband and I were on a Land Rover 4X4 tour of the off-road areas of Barbados when we first got the news.
At first, when we got the very first news, around 9:30 am, I thought that it was some tale that the driver was weaving…and that there would be a punchline. As the day wore on, more interest was on the radio than on the tour. Some of the people in our Land Rover were from New York City and they were terrified for friends and family.
What an awful day in history this is, one of those that we’ll always remember where we were when we got the news.
Like the rest of you, I am stunned, absolutely shocked that this could happen, using our own planes, no less. I cannot imagine the terror of the people on those planes, or in the World Trade Center…or the Pentagon.
The rest of the story:
The year of 9/11 my mom and my son had been with us for the first week. My son had to be back at college so on Sunday he shepherded my mom through the airport, customs and all and got her back home before he headed back to UMass/Amherst on Monday. Thank goodness they got back before the mayhem started!
On Tuesday we were out on a 4X4 from Island Safari with our favorite guide, Zario. Zario is a fun guy and and very knowledgeable about Barbados and world events. We were very happy to have him again because it was the “luck of the draw” which driver/guide we got.
I remember that morning being kind of stressed already – I was having trouble with one of my contacts and I was just grumpy.
Zario picked us up first, one of the benefits of staying at The Crane – everyone picks us first for everything and drops us off last. Then he picked up another couple from New York City who were staying at Bougainvillea.
The tour started off through the fields, down cliffs as usual. Zario had the radio on in the background. When we got to the first stop he told us that there was a “problem” in New York. That it seemed that a plane had hit a building. We thought that there was going to be a punch line somewhere. There wasn’t.
As the tour went on, the news got worse. The couple from NYC was very worried about relatives.
By the time we got to lunch and met up with the other 4x4s everyone had heard. We were in a little chattal house restaurant, the TV was on CNN and everyone was just watching in silence and horror. Usually this lunch is very festive and fun. Not a care in the world. Not today.
We left the New York people off at their hotel and went “home”. The TV was full of New York news, then Pentagon news. We know people who work at the Pentagon. The news just got worse as we went along.
We were basically stuck in Barbados. Phones to the US didn’t work well, email was slow to non-existent, all we knew was what we got on CNN, incessantly. My mother and son had been with us the week before and had just flown back the Saturday before. I was so glad that they had gotten back home ok, then my son off to college.
We were supposed to fly home on the next Saturday, but if was iffy if that would happen since the airports were closed for the longest time. We were flying into the DC area. The phone lines to the Barbados airport and to American Airlines were always busy.
Finally, we decided to give it a shot, packed up and went to the airport to see if we could fly out or not. They could only guarantee the flight as far as Puerto Rico.
The San Juan airport was crowded with Americans trying to get home, flights being canceled due to closed airports, people sleeping all around the airport, using backpacks for pillows. It was a very difficult time.
We did finally leave for home later that night. This is what I wrote the next day…
I flew on American Airlines last night (9/14/2001). We left Barbados on time but the connecting flight, originating out of Aruba was very late, and we waited for a long time in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
After that flight had arrived though, we were all sitting around, hoping they’d board the plane soon. All of a sudden, there was cheering in the hallway. We turned to look – our pilot and crew were marching up the hallway with a huge American flag. He stopped and talked to us. He explained that the copilot would hang that flag outside his window as we taxied out of Puerto Rico and into Dulles. The flag was making the rounds of American flights all over the country and that the yellow streamers hanging down were being signed by all the American crew members. He posed for lots of pictures (I have some I’ll post later, when my eyes are less bleary!), then, as they were going to get the plane ready, he asked us in a loud voice if we were ready to fly to Washington and everyone cheered.
Along the way, he thanked us so much for having faith and flying (like we had any choice!). The headphones for the movie and the drinks were all free on this flight! He also told us that there were a lot of fighter planes in the Washington to NY corridor and not to be surprised if we were intercepted by one, who would just be making sure that we were “who we said we were”. I thought that would be kind of neat to see, but I didn’t see them. We arrived in Dulles (Washington, DC) with a jet fighter escort. At the time, that sounded so comforting, but it turned out that they had been there to shoot us down, if we’d made any funny moves.
Then, when we arrived at the terminal, the captain said that we were back in “the land of the free, and the home of the brave” and got some more cheers.
It was a memorable flight for someone like me, who is terrified of flying under the best of circumstances.
Me, on 9/10. Who knew?
9/14, San Juan Puerto Rico:
After the crew marched down the hallway, the captain let others have a chance to fly the flag.
This young woman lead us onto the plane.
Amsterdam/Boarding the Jewel
After a great buffet breakfast at the Holiday Inn, we went across the side street to the Jumbo Foodmarkt.
“An extraordinary concept in an extraordinary location” definitely applies to Jumbo’s newly opened Foodmarkt in Amsterdam Noord. The store is located in Stork’s old ship engine factory on the River IJ. The building dates from 1920 and Jumbo has retained many of the original features, such as the winches and the cast iron windows. In this antique, characteristic building, the visitor encounters a brand new store concept. We talk to Herman Beldman, manager of Building and Shop development new concepts at Jumbo. He explains the store concept and the interior design created by Van Keulen Interieurbouw.
I believe that we went for Tom to get shoelaces but, of course, we looked around a bit.
As soon as we walked into the store, I spotted in on an endcap – Lime curd! – I haven’t been able to find this here in the states and lemon is ok but nowhere as good as lime.
Naturally, I veered the cart over to the display. I wanted to bring home more but Tom convinced me that 2 jars was a good number.
Product details
Traditional English-style Dickinson’s Curds are creamy delicacies made from real dairy butter, fresh eggs and pure cane sugar. Use this versatile indulgence as a refreshing spread to replace preserves…fold into whipped cream to create a frothy dip for fruit and ladyfingers…use as a glaze for fresh summer berries…or embellish tarts, cakes and cookies with elegant fillings and toppings.
We bought some other stuff, none of any importance, and went back to the hotel to finish packing. In an Uber and we were on our way to Cruise Port Amsterdam.
Cruise Port Amsterdam is your entry to the world class tourist destination and capital of the Netherlands: Amsterdam. Our unique terminal on the river IJ is just a stroll away from the historic Amsterdam City Center. Ideal for the independent traveler who can start exploring the city by foot. As well as strategically positioned to start an excursion to visit the famous Dutch highlights.
The Uber driver got us to the terminal and there was a T intersection. Different company cruise to the left, Royal to the right. Of course, he went left and couldn’t – or didn’t want to – understand why he should have gone right. Finally, we convinced him to make a Uturn and go the other way.
Check in was very easy and we were on the ship. Lots of people were wandering around the Centrum confused. I saw a guy sitting at a desk. Turned out he was the one who knew where we should go. We had The Key so it was off to the main dining room for a special lunch.
The Key Guests will enjoy the following exclusive benefits during their cruise vacation:
- Priority access during The Key designated arrival time (to be communicated via email). Other benefits may apply at specific ports.*
- Carry-on bag drop off with delivery to your stateroom. **
- Exclusive welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room featuring The Key signature menu.***
- Access to the fast lane at onboard activities (activities vary by ship)and private time at the Flowrider*. Didn’t use
- Priority departure at tender ports of call from ship-to-shore.Didn’t use – no tender ports
- Dedicated seating at shows in the Main Theater, Aqua Theater, Studio B, and Two70.****Didn’t use, there was enough seating.
- VOOM® Surf & Stream 1 of Device high speed internet per person who purchases the package. This is why I get The Key if the price differential isn’t much more than regular internet
- On debarkation day, enjoy an exclusive á la carte breakfast and choice departure. Didn’t go to breakfast but we had a special exit off the sip and avoided what looked like a massive line
When you receive your SeaPass card, it will have an icon confirming your purchase of The Key. If you don’t see it, ask your Stateroom Attendant or go to Guest Services to apply the icon.
After a nice, relaxing lunch, we headed to our cabin, then off to muster. Muster is getting easier and easier. I remember the old days when everyone would have to be at a specific location at the same time. You had to walk down the stairs – no elevators. Even before that, I remember lining up in rows in front of lifeboats. Someone would always be missing and we’d have to wait. He – almost always a he – would sho up late, drink in hand. Now you just have to watch a video or tell the crew that you watched it.
On this trip, I tried out yet another system for traveling with Omnitrope Growth Hormone. I actually tried the one I talked about in this post and it worked! As it turned out, I never actually used the electrical connection – more on that later. I filled out the RCL Special Needs form and they had a small cooler with massive charging cable. Eventually, I moved this refrigerator to the floor of the closet. Somehow, the cable had a light on it that would come on at inconvenient times.
This refrigerator also took up a much-needed outlet. The Jewel is an older ship and had only 2 US outlets. Luckily, we had a European to US adaptor, so we used that, too 🙂
We left port at 4:30, came back for a medical emergency, headed out again and another emergency so was 7:30 pm in Amsterdam and we were back where we started!
I wasn’t quite sure if this was a club or what.
I’m not sure why they brought chocolate-covered strawberries – or so many. Unfortunately, I’m alergic to strawberries. Tom gave it his best shot but we eventually threw too many away 🙁
Checking out the very small library on the side of the Schooner Bar. There were two bookcases like this. Few of the books were in English. Even though small, it was still way better than the Wonder where all the books were behind glass and no easy way to look at them.
And, we sailed on…
We went to the Boulevards show (oldies from London – fantastic group) the first night.
Introducing The Boulevards! A brand new 1950’s Rock ‘n’ Roll band performing the greatest hits from the golden era of music. The Boulevards are a 5-piece line up – Lead vocal and rhythm guitar, Lead guitar, bass guitar, piano and drums.
The rock ‘n’ roll band features a lineup of some of the UK’s finest musicians, comprising a wealth of television and west-end theatre performance experience. The Boulevards have been seen in productions and shows such as Dreamboats & Petticoats, The Buddy Holly Story, Sister Act, X Factor and All Together Now. The band members have all performed extensively within the wedding and party circuit and are experts in 1950’s Rock and Roll.
The Boulevards play all the classic rock ‘n’ roll hits from the 1950’s – from Elvis Presley to Chuck Berry; Cliff Richard to Little Richard; Jerry Lee Lewis to The Everly Brothers and Eddie Cochran to Buddy Holly. They deliver an authentic, uncompromised and electric performance of the greatest feel-good music of all time. Their barnstorming set is guaranteed to thrill everyone, leaving you rocking and rolling all the way home!
The Boulevards have a tremendous repertoire of rock ‘n’ roll music. They are experts at tailoring set lists to each event they perform in order to help create the perfect party atmosphere. Whilst taking guests on an exciting and exhilarating journey through the magic of 1950’s Rock ‘n’ Roll. Not only do The Boulevards play with such panache and energy, they are also styled authentically from the 1950’s era not simply just to compliment the music, but also to bring to life a truly remarkable entertainment experience for everyone.
It is their authenticity and attention to detail that sets The Boulevards apart from other bands. They choose to play rock and roll how it was intended – with a raw intensity, energy and passion that is wholeheartedly honest. They want people to relive the magic of the golden era of music in a refreshing and energetic way that inspires everyone to get up, dance and party the night away.
Each member of The Boulevards is proud to play such great music and they all take huge pleasure in entertaining people with it. Ladies- I’ve been buying this Too Faced brand mascara or Younique’s brand. They’re very expensive so I buy a cheap mascara just to wear everyday.
We learned that Daniel Gilham was the cruise director. Turns out he was in Jersey Boys so we may have seen him in that.
Throughout the cruise he wore a different tux every night except the night of the Arctic Circle when he wore a a Viking outfit,
Off to bed and looking forward to a sea day on our way to Geiranger, Norway