Day 184 - Mo' Bay (as in Montego Bay, Jamaica)

Okay, okay, so I'm horribly behind on the blog, I know... Bear with me! I'm doing my best to catch up! In fact, it's 0130 & I just woke up. Poor night of sleep, so I'll do a post or 2 until the eyes get heavy again.

Montego Bay is another place I have previously been, but as it had been awhile, I didn't remember too much. Valentina was not allowed ashore today, but Jaco was! We called Emily, one of the Photogs who loved Valentina very much, and asked if she would be interested in dogsitting. Of course she was! She didn't have much time before she had to work, so Jaco & I quickly got ready. 

It didn't take us long to realize we wouldn't be going anywhere. We only had 1.5 hours. It was 20 minutes to town & 30 minutes to the beach. And you had to pay to go anywhere. The All Day Free Shuttle wasn't running today. It would have been $10 per person one way to take a taxi to town or the beach. $40 for 1.5 hours? Nah. 

We strolled around a rundown shopping area next to the terminal. I think it would have been great in its day, but unfortunately business was not so good. As one lovely shopkeeper explained to us, the cruise ship's tours now take the passengers right off the ship to town to the other shops & don't bother sending them to the terminal shopping area. 

We bought a few magnets & I found a little dog shirt for Valentina that read 'Spoiled Rotten - Jamaica'. I also bought a beautiful yellow summer top with embroidery on the sleeves. I have a think for embroidered tops. We also spotted a bunch of crew with laptops, 'borrowing' a free wireless signal from a business near the shops. The business was closed on weekends, but their internet wasn't! 

Our hour was soon up, so Jaco & I went back to fetch Valentina & he had to get ready for work. I tried the shirt on her & it was too small! :o( My shirt was too big. I look like a big yellow tent (Circus?) in my XL shirt. I guess I'd be going back for some refunds! I took my laptop with the hopes of skyping & catching up on the blog.

When I returned to the shop, they didn't have either items in alternative sizes. I decided I would get Jaco a Red Stripe shirt. Red Stripe is Jamaica's beer & is quite famous. Of course, they didn't have the shirt I wanted in his size either, but luckily they had another design I liked. Thinking back, I should have bought a hat, as they were nice too, but hindsight 20/20. The lady didn't want to give me any cash back, but when she saw my neck as I was trying on another tent (pink & white), she asked me what it was. I told her it was cancer & 20 seconds later, she'd whispered to her Boss & I was getting my cash back! Groan. Suddenly because I'm potentially dying sooner than the average person I need my money back to spend it quicker?!? Thanks for the refund. :o)

I sat outside & did the biggest software update possible! 838 mb! That would have taken the entire three weeks on ship internet!!! I managed to skype with Collet for awhile, but pretty soon I saw the shops closing & it grew quiet. I thought I should head back to the ship or risk being locked into the shopping area! 

I scooted out & onto the ship with not much time to spare! I was happy to be back on board! Jamaica is a beautiful place & I have met many wonderful people there, however, I know it can be dangerous. I would love to return one day & visit one of the resorts, or some of the wonderful gals I've met at Dr. Castillo's who call Jamaica home! We'll see! 

On the way to dinner, Valentina charmed the Security team who were waiting to do some training. She showed them her tricks & they were all impressed! Every time I get off the ship & punch out my card, there is an alarm bell that rings & says, "Attention! You have a message!" Then they tell me whether or not Valentina is allowed ashore. They know the both of us quite well already!

Enjoy your evening wherever in the world you are & I hope life is treating you kindly...

Love & hugs,

Maria, Jaco & Valentina

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Blue skies & funky trees.

What?! I couldn't resist!

My super duper large software update!

Just a little corner to get connected!

The shopping area next to the ship... And free wireless!

Getting some lovin' & that safe feeling from the Security team!

Day 171 - A Day Off!

Today was Sunday & the clinic is closed on Sundays, so I had the day off. I slept late, of course, and around 0900, I was started to toss & turn - sleeping lighter & lighter. The phone rang at 0930 & much to my delight, it was Ed!!!


I met Ed the last time I was in San Diego. Ed was taking his brother, Bobby, to Castillo's - you may remember the story. The US Doctors had been treating Bobby for Arthritis for NINE MONTHS meanwhile it was a tumor growing out of control! Sadly, Bobby passed away in January, but today Ed told me that Bobby fought for his life right until the moment he passed away. 


Ed & I hit it off right away, as he told me about his little Yorkie, Chloe, and her & Valentina were about the same age, so they were going through the same phases at the same time. We talked a lot of dog talk & ventured out to Trader Joe's & Target... I was sad to say good bye to Ed & Bobby last November!


Naturally, I was excited to hear Ed's voice on the other line today! We visited for about 1.5 hrs & covered a broad range of topics. I do hope it works out for us to meet up! He has a friends & family connection with Princess, so maybe he can visit Jaco & I on the ship! 


After we hung up, I decided I better make something of the day. I did up my dirty dishes, made a wrap & a smoothie. My smoothie consisted of a can of coconut milk, 1 cup of water, a mango, 5 big pineapple chunks, 5 leaves of small kale, & 1 banana. Not too bad if I do say so myself! 


I didn't feel 100% when I woke up this morning & it has stayed with me all day. Headache, sinus issues, feverish, sweaty, achy, & tons of occipital tension. Here's hoping I wake up feeling much better tomorrow!


I showered & threw on a cap & headed out the door about 1400. I know, it still takes me a long time to get mobile! I caught the 1415 bus & then the trolley. I rode it all the way to the end at Old Town, then hopped onto the Green Line. Man, the Green Line is cush compared to the Blue Line! Either the Green Line takes you past the ritzy side of San Diego or they are much busier, because the trolleys were much newer than the Blue Line! I felt like I was on a trolley in Scandinavia or something! How posh!


I hopped off on the 2nd stop at Fashion Valley. I had been told about Fashion Valley last time when we were in Palm Desert. I went last time & it was good, so I thought I better check it out this time too! It was crazy busy! I didn't get there until about 1530, so I swiftly made my way around the shops. A few had closed since I'd been there last & several new ones had opened in their place. Satisfied with what I did & didn't see, I left around 1900. 


I caught the trolley back & on my way, I visited with a Cook. He cooks the meals for the Marines in Boot Camp. He told me that he used to be an Alcoholic & has been clean for 4 years next month. He lost his job & his car & even did jail time for his actions while drinking. He lived on the street for awhile too. He is happy with his life & still struggles in making the right choice. He shares his home with a single parent Mom & together they are able to make ends meet. What a life. Wow.


After he got off the trolley, a man from Tijuana got on. He was a clean cut young Grandpa looking Mexican. A beautiful smile & very friendly. We got to chatting & of course, he wonders why I'm in San Diego headed for the border, alone & after dark! He asked me the first few questions & then said, 'You're from Ireland or England?' I replied, 'Neither, I'm from Canada.' 'Oh, the French part then?' I left it at that. Of course, I tell him I'm going to Tijuana for Cancer treatments. His eyes bulge. 'YOU? But you look so healthy!' He gets very excited at this point. His brother is a Specialist in Colima, near Guadalajara. He tells me how a fellow he worked with had cancer & his brother made arrangements for the man to have surgery in Tijuana & the brother made sure the costs were covered. The man, Jose, writes down his number for me & demands that I call him to get his brother's number, only after I've given him a few days to talk to his brother. 


I managed to catch the very last bus of the night. Thank goodness I didn't stop at the pharmacy on my way to the trolley! I would have had to walk home, alone, in the dark. With nothing but my wiener to protect me. :o) I was so happy to see the bus sitting there when I stepped off the trolley! 


On the bus, a fellow from Dallas was telling us he was looking for a place to live & how expensive it is in San Diego compared to Texas. Then he comments on how cold it is tonight. HA! I'm laughing, as these people are walking around in parkas, toques, boots, scarves & clothing like it's -20! I'm in capris & flip flops! Yeah, the evenings warrant a hoodie, but that's about it! I'll take their cold weather any day!


I missed my Dad on Skype, but managed to catch Collet & Ezra. As soon as Ezra heard my voice, he instantly said, 'Nini? Nini? Nini?' He had to see her on the webcam. It was very cute! He's doing awesome on his potty training & he even counted to ten for me! Wow! What a good boy! 


I'm now settled in bed, alone. Valentina is having her first night in her kennel in preparation for her big flight. I've put one of the heat packs in the pillow cover & we'll see how that works!


Have a wonderful sleep & I'll see you tomorrow!
xoxoxoxoxox
Maria & Valentina

Waiting for the trolley

Shh, she didn't buy a ticket!

Southern end of the Best Western

Palm trees waving in the twilight breeze.

It looked so pretty! Magical, if you will!

Day 168 - Happy Birthday To Me!

Yup, today is my 31st birthday. Looking back on the day, it really wasn't that much fun, so I'm going to celebrate it tomorrow!


I wasn't even the last one on the list today at the clinic, so I figured I would be able to get away in good time for Valentina's Vet appointment. Today she was getting her International Health Certificate in order to travel abroad. The appointment was at 1520 downtown. 


They called me in for my treatment before anyone had really finished up & no sooner had I sat down when Emily, Mika, Karla, Rossy, Nora & Maria came out with a couple of mini cakes & a candle on each one. They sang happy birthday to myself & to Jack, another patient. Yes, Jack & Jill had their birthday's on the same day! Oh the irony! I was very touched that they girls were so thoughtful!


I was finished in good time & managed to hop on the first shuttle. Oh dear. Today was also a ridiculously slow day at the border. We waited & waited & waited & waited. By the time we made it through & back to the hotel, I knew I would have to hustle my butt! To my surprise I had a dozen beautiful pink roses in my room! What a great Mom I have! The card read: 'I wish I will there. Love Mom'. Oh how I love a good English to Spanish translation. Mom said it took nearly 10 minutes to try & spell out what she wanted the card to read! And the girl still goofed it up! Oh well. My room smelled delicious! Speaking of delicious, I had to get some food in my belly, Valentina's papers organized & get out the door to catch the bus. I left the room at 1430.


I swear, I must have just missed the bus, as I waited a good 20 minutes for the bus. By the time I got on to the trolley, I had 10 minutes to make it 11 stops! Not happening!


I decided to head up to Whole Foods after the Vet appointment, as I was low on groceries & didn't want to come all this way & go home empty handed. I had taken my carry-on suitcase & placed it underneath Valentina's carrier, so lil' Miss V was riding the double decker bus today! 


We didn't really fit on the trolley benches, so I decided I would stand at the back close to the doors & stay out of the other travelers way. There I was, leaning against the wall, my double decker bus at my feet, when along comes this 'lady'. She plops herself down on the trolley floor next to my feet. She stretches out her legs, so every stop we make, people walk up the stairs & have to navigate over her legs. Eventually she sits cross legged. Why she sat there I will never know. There were plenty of empty seats in the trolley car. Pretty soon, she's rocking back & forth, banging her head against the wall. She's suddenly scratching her head & shaking her hands in the air. She's talking jibberish with plenty of profanity thrown in the mix. Oh please let this trolley ride end soon! Please let it be over! 


Thankfully we were finally at Park & Market & I was able to hop off & away from the scary situation. I scooted one block over to the Market Street Veterinary Clinic where Dr. Dorian was hopefully still waiting to see Valentina! Thankfully I was still able to squeeze in! I weighed my little girl while I waited. She was 10.2 lbs. I asked the Vet if she was overweight & he said she could lose just a touch, as she lacks some definition from her ribcage to her lower back. You know what they say, 'Dogs are like their owners'! And this owner lacks alotta definition! :o) Sadly & certainly more seriously, I've been told that dogs will often take on the health issues of their owners. I've noticed Valentina's lymph nodes before, but didn't think anything of it. I asked the Vet & sure enough, he did say they were a little larger than normal, but not to panic just yet. OMGosh. I would surely live the day in horror if I were to pass my Lymph problems on to my dog!


Otherwise, she was fit as a fiddle. He said she was very clever, although I'm sure he says that to all the dogs & their owners that come through! :o) But this time he's right! :o) We received our International Health Certificate, settled the bill & were on our way. The Vet Clinic was a great experience - wonderful staff & helpful. They also took the time to answer all of my questions. Two thumbs up & a big dog biscuit for Dr. Dorian & co.! 


It was back on the trolley & then onto the bus. This time I had 3 creepy men scoping me out. Eeew. I sat next to one of them, as it was the only seat I could manage the double decker. I just don't get people who don't get the concept of personal space. Your bum & thighs should rest in your seat, not 1.5 seats & certainly not my seat! Stop touching my leg with your leg. I swear, I'm going to have OCD issues & need to shower after every public outing. I was very happy to get off of that bus!


As soon as I got to Whole Foods, I bee-lined it for the bathroom. I kid you not. I waited a good 10 minutes for their Unisex bathroom to open up. When it did, this 'dude' steps out with his to go mug & a book under his arm. Are you kidding me? You're lounging in a public bathroom? More gross & more OCD issues.


I make my way around the best store ever (well, maybe 3rd best after Lululemon & Le Fate Scalze shoe shop in Napoli, Italia) & find all the wonderful healthy foods I know I should be eating! To my horror, the supplements I planned on picking up are not here! Oh no!!!! I am hoping that Henry's will carry some of them, as I am nearly out of several important ones! Argh! The ones they do have are different brands, dosages & who knows about the quality!


After checkout, I've got a suitcase that weighs a ton, a dog bag, a purse, and 2 brown bags of groceries. This is going to be fun! I fumbled my way over to Kiki Sushi again for my birthday dinner. Danny & Calvin were there & they remembered me. We had a great visit while I stuffed my face full of scrumptious sushi!


I caught the bus & no sooner had I sat down when another 'weirdo' starts asking me questions about my Whole Foods bag. 'What's so special about that place?' I tell him about the healthier options in the shop. It goes in one ear & out the other. He rambles on about his big casino winnings & how so & so took money from him & paid him with his own money & it all just went in my one ear & out the other! :o) He then wound back to the health food thing & proceeds to tell me, 'Oh well, we're all dying anyhow, so what's the use?' I retorted & said, 'Some of us are dying sooner than we'd like to & we're trying to make a change'. I was so happy that my bus stop was up & I could get off... I lug my heavy bags off the bus & once I'm rolling down the street, I catch my self muttering 'uglies' toward Mr. Unhealthy. Then I realize that I'm the only one on the street & I'm talking to myself... Not much better than the lady on the trolley. Yeesh. I'm becoming one of them! 


I make my way home & finally get back to the hotel about 2100. I'm wiped. What a day. And this was my birthday? I don't think so! I'm taking a raincheck & celebrating tomorrow! 


I unpack my groceries & get ready for bed. I'm looking forward to a more exciting day tomorrow! 


Love & hugs,
Maria & Valentina
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Emily, Rossy, Nora, Mika & Maria serenading me with 'Happy Birthday'

Nora, Rossy & Maria

Maria, Karla & Rossy

Jack & Jill's birthday!

It feels so good to get flowers!

Was - Was - Was

The helpful girls at Market Street Vet Clinic

She looks pretty happy about her weight. Guess it runs in the family! :o)

University Ave

Day 161 - Is It April Already?!

Seriously? Where does the time go? I can't believe it's already April! Today there were a lot of goodbyes. Was it something I said? :o) 


I was the last one on the list to be called in for treatment, so needless to say, I didn't make the first shuttle back. Aaron, the lad from Dawson Creek, offered to take me to Whole Foods before he left for Yuma, however, it took so long to get through customs, he had to leave as soon as we got back. I decided to venture out on the public transit system & find my way to Whole Foods. 


I had been given directions the previous time I was here, but never went on my own. It took one hour to get there. I took a bus, the trolley, a bus, another bus & then walked a couple blocks. I spent about one hour in the most glorious health food store. EVER. I was excited to go home & eat! 


I stopped at Kiki Sushi across the street for some dinner & it was delish! The 2 sushi chefs were quite entertaining & made my visit an enjoyable one. Danny, Calvin, Andy, Julianna & Gabriel. My sushi chefs were Vietnamese & Chinese. Shows you how much I know about sushi!


After I finished my meal, it was a walk, a bus, another bus, the trolley & another bus.  I stopped off mid-trolley at the pet shop & they were just closing. I wanted to ask about a hard sided kennel for Valentina's cargo flight. :o( (!!!!) While I was talking to the clerk, a gentleman taps me on the shoulder & says, 'Hey! How are you!? It's been ages since I've seen you! How've you been?' I have NO IDEA who the guy is & I reluctantly say, 'I'm good. Nice to see you too...' Does he have any clue that I'm from another country & he MOST CERTAINLY hasn't seen me before??!! Crazy!


Then there's the P. Diddy wannabe I sat beside in the front of the bus on the way there. The 2 old guys sitting in front of me were telling me what bus to take to get where, when P. Diddy turns to me & says, 'What kind of perfume are you wearing? It smells like Diamond Pearl.' I smile & tell him it's Lolita Lempicka. He has no clue what I'm talking about. One of the old guys rolls his eyes & I just smile. Oh the joys of public transport.


I think I put my back out of whack when I lifted my suitcase onto the bed to unload the groceries from it. Yes, I shopped with my carry-on suitcase. Yes, the guys at Whole Foods commented on never having 'bagged' a suitcase before. Anyhow, here's hoping my back is back in action tomorrow! 


Have a great sleep & see you tomorrow!!! xxxx
Maria & Valentina

The girls getting gifts from the leavers

Aaron is really tall & Emily is a little short

Harvey's Brother & Sister in Law

My beloved Whole Foods!

Danny & Calvin whippin' up a storm

Yummy Sushi!

Waiting for the bus. There's a really raunchy XXX store across the street. I blushed just looking at the window displays!

Beautiful palm trees!