Aloha from Honolulu!

Each day goes by so quickly because we are so busy.  It's hard to believe that we are already in Honolulu.  The seas were definitely much calmer and the sun has been out for the last few days, but the pool has not been filled, yet, because of the motion of the ocean.

We continue to get up at 7 am to get to a Pilates class using The Torturer, whoops, The Reformer.  It's getting a bit easier each time, but we are still sore the next day.

The lecturers continue to be thought provoking and interesting and the entertainment has been very good.  I know Mark Merchant attracts some criticism, but he did do some very cutting edge political humor that was quite funny.  Mind Reader Mark Paul was fantastic!  I was part of his act on stage, and he was able to identify which of the other three guests and I were lying and which illustration we drew unseen by him.  His last act was just amazing!  He was able to give part of the cell phone number, city, sister's name, etc. (while blindfolded,) of a woman randomly chosen in the audience.  I truly have no idea how he does it!

We met our STEX match for drinks and they are very nice folks.  We are planning dinner later in the cruise.

We have also spent time with Terry and Kerry from Australia, and Gina from Australia and Gaylord from South Carolina.  Terry posts as Bodogbodog on the Cruise Critic Board.  He and Kerry are part of our Trivia Team "Lost at Sea."  There are 8 people in total.  After a rousing start, we have had two days of lackluster performance, including the World Cruise Games Team Trivia.  We aren't at the bottom, but performing at the level of a "Gentleman's C."

As I said before, we are seated at the Doctor's table, and he has proved a congenial host.  We are also enjoying our tablemates.

The Opening Ceremonies of the World Cruise Games were held in the Atrium, and were very entertaining.  All the countries of the guests and crew on board were carried in and the Olympic Flame was lit by Donna de Varona, former Olympic star.  It's fun to see many of the guests around the ship in their World Cruise Games t-shirts.  So far, we have only participated in the Team Trivia, for which we won a lead medal.

Yesterday was our 49th anniversary.  I am so fortunate to be married to such a kind, caring and bright man.  It seems like yesterday when we became engaged, and now 49 years have passed.  We are blessed with two fantastic children, Samantha and Ben, and a wonderful son-in-law, Michael. Topping it all off are three amazing grandsons:  Lennox, Alex and Julien!  I am so grateful.

We received notes and cards from the Captain, Stacey Huston, the World Cruise Hostess and See's Candy and a note from the Doctor.  Our friends at home and onboard also sent warm greetings!  Last night's dinner was a romantic dinner for two in Prego.  Our waiter, Ernest, Maitre d, ' Antonio and Head Waiter, Mario were very attentive and presented us with a beautiful cake at the end of the meal.

Before dinner, we were invited to the Captain's Quarters for a cocktail party.  Captain Vorland is very charismatic and humorous--a great host! Everyone appeared to be having a great time!  As we left, he wished us "Happy Anniversary" again.

This morning, we made an earlier than expected arrival in Honolulu, docking right by the Aloha Tower at about 11 am.  We walked around the area near the ship and stopped in a store to pick up a few things we had forgotten.  With easy cellphone service, we spoke to the children and grandchildren, some clients, Brian dear,  and our West Coast Associate, Chuck Conine, who has been doing an incredible job with clients while we are away.

I will close because we have to board the buses to take us to the first of two World Cruise Shoreside Events:  Flashback to the 1940's USO Evening and Show on board the USS Missouri, the "Mighty Mo."  This ship is steeped with history and was the site of the surrender of Japan to General Douglas MacArthur at the end of World War II.

Aloha my friends!