La Capanna (Lucca) and the delicacies of Lucca

Setting Sail on Some New Adventures...

Well, it has been two years since the most amazing vacation experience of our lives. Memories of bella Italia are still ringing in both of our minds, and the call back to the Veneto and Toscana are as strong as ever.

However, since that amazing trip, we've been blessed with the addition of the most wonderful little daughter one could ask for. As most of you know, Alyssa came into our lives just past the dining hours of the hospital on January 14, 2005 here in Sacramento. She's had us both wrapped around her tiny little fingers ever since.

So, now it is May 2006. Alyssa is going on 16 months old, Jule just turned 31 a month ago, and next Monday, the day we set sail, I turn 32.

So why a cruise? Why Miami and the Bahamas? Why May?
All good questions, and the best answer is....why not?!?!
Jule and I were ready for a vacation. Since our trip to Italy, understandably we've scaled back on our trips only going as far as Las Vegas, San Diego, and a family wedding in Chicago. Both of us being the adventure seekers that we are, and me especially, it was time for a trip beyond our "comfort zone" (i.e. one hour away by flight). A cruise just seemed an excellent idea considering Alyssa. We knew with all of the amenities on the ship that Alyssa would be pretty happy splashing in the pool, eating at the buffet and fancy diner, going "clubbin'" at the Viking Lounge (at least for 5 minutes), and so on. Then you add in some tropical destinations and a chance for her to see big fishies (aquariums), a big big sand box (the beach), and especially Dan Marino Blvd., we just knew that this cruise out of Miami was a great choice.
And May seemed to be safe from any hurricanes.

We leave Saturday, May 13 - get a full day on Sunday in Miami to see the beach, the cubans, the neon signs, and Dan Marino Blvd. Monday, May 15 we board the ship, check into our rooms, and begin 4 days of absolute relaxation and fun.

So once again, I welcome you to check in at your will and keep up with our many adventures and hopefully entertaining observations. I honestly have no clue as to my ability to update this posting since I am most likely at the whim of the expensive services on board the Majesty of the Seas. Some day I will get a laptop.

But this much is for sure, I just hope that maybe my careless ramblings, humorous observations, or just plain mayhem on this blog allow you to escape for a few minutes each day from your own grind.

So, as Bugs Bunny often said "Bon Voyagee"