The Jury is Still Out

I'd mentioned several weeks ago that Jilda and I were taking our first cruise. Normally we don't broadcast when we'll be away from home for obvious reasons, but we just returned.

We drove to Jacksonville, Florida last Friday and spent the night in a hotel. I learned too late that our blog buddy Janie Junebug lives in Jacksonville. I feel almost like I know her personally, but we've never met. It would have been the perfect opportunity to put a face with a name, but alas that didn't happen.

Jilda's sister Pat has been on several cruises and she tried to coach us on what to expect, but telling, and experiencing are two different things.

As the ship cast off and headed down the river toward the ocean, several dolphins escorted us. I snapped a few pictures, but they must have been camera shy because all I got was ripples in the green water.

That first night after dinner, Jilda and I headed to the stern to watch the sunset. We passed people frolicking in the pool, swilling buckets of beer in aluminum cans, and dancing to the reggae music blaring from speakers.

When we got to the stern, there were only a few people there to watch the setting sun. I leaned over the side rail to get a better look at the ink-black water slipping past us. 

Clouds on the horizon threatened to make sunset a non-event, but I knew in my heart that Mother Nature would not be so cruel as to deny a couple of hicks from Empire, Alabama a show on the first night of their first cruise.

I was right.

It's easy to see why people love cruises. The sights are spectacular, the food is remarkable and unending. The people you meet are interesting, and there's always something going on....but still, I found myself feeling displaced, and looking longingly toward home.

Being disconnected took some getting used to. Normally I check my email a zillion times a day. I understand that it's not healthy, but it's a habit I've fallen in to and I found myself fondling my iPhone which I wound up using for a camera instead of my communications hub.

But after a few days, I missed the connections less, and I found myself reading more. I'd taken my Nexus tablet, and I finished two books that I'd started but had never finished.

I also re-read Walden. I'd forgotten how remarkable it was/is.

Our second stop was Nassau, and we headed out to the Straw Market and other areas to get a feel for the island.

We talked to several people to ask for directions and to buy a few souvenirs. 

We found the people delightful. They spoke English, but the tone and rhythm of their voices was melodic. 

We took a taxi and the driver gave us a crash course on Bahaman history. He drove us by some points of interest, and talked a little about the politics of the islands.

I could have spent a lot more time there, but I wasn't fond of the thought of swimming home, so we made our way back to the ship.

One couple we met had been married 47 years and they'd been on more than 30 cruises. We enjoyed the experience, but if asked today if we will take others, I'd have to say the jury is still out.