Sunday, July 1, 2012

Go (Way Far) North, Young Lady!

Greetings from Alaska! Yes, Alaska! Crazy, huh?

As you can tell by my previous post, I didn't think that we'd have internet while away but since we've got coverage here and there, I thought I'd drop in from time to time to tell you about our trip. Yes, we escaped Nashville. Where it's currently between 106 and 110 degrees. Like the face of the sun. We taped plastic over the holes in the floor, left the kitties and the destructive plumbing at home with a house sitter and went on the lam. Hallelujah!

The Mister's parents offered to take us with them on a cruise around Alaska. Talk about incredible. This place has got to be one of the most beautiful, awe inspiring and mind boggling places on Earth. I'm talking icebergs, glaciers, whales....the whole nine yards. We wake up to views of beautiful snow covered mountains and waterfalls. We simply walk out on our balcony and can see whales and sea lions and otters every day. People, it's incredible. I keep thinking that I'll wake up and find that I've slipped on a rogue puddle of cat pee and hit my head and am simply dreaming this experience.



If this is a cat pee head wound dream, please don't wake me. 

So far, it's been a little hard to get used to the constant pampering on the ship. It's SO completely different than my normal life. There are people that insist on doing everything for us. Turning down our beds each night...putting our napkins in our laps for us (which never fails to startle me. The waiters are lucky that I haven't gone into self defense mode on one of them and cleaned their clocks.)...and even scraping our crumbs away with fancy little tools after we eat because well, one simply can't be bothered to wipe one's own crumbs away from the tablecloth. Yeah, insane. Now I know how being royalty must feel. At one point, the Mister's Dad got caught brushing his table crumbs into the floor and the waiter ran over as if he were committing a cardinal sin!  "Oh no, sir! I'll take care of that!"

It's also the time of the year when it doesn't get dark here. As you can imagine, I never know what day it is...or what time it is. Or what floor I'm on. Or what town we're in. It's all just a blur with no deadlines, no nighttime and mysterious chocolates appearing on our freshly fluffed pillows. And the movie channel shows all movies that are set on boats. It's as if no life exists outside of the ship life.

And can I speak to you of the opulence that is never-ending fresh bread baskets on the dinner tables every night and that the food is perfection? Hello, Heaven. Dinners take hours with all of their courses and pomp and circumstance (and crumb brushing). And the fact that the air smells like fresh snow, clean air and rich green fir trees? And that this morning, the Mister and I were forced to have our photos taken with people in moose and bear costumes before we were allowed to leave the ship for port? Yes, don't wake me. Don't you dare.

Well, the Mister is off walking on glaciers and I think that I'll take a little stroll around deck. I hope that y'all are having a great July so far. And to my friends in Canada - Happy Canada Day! We visited your turf yesterday and it's glorious! To celebrate, the ship staff unveiled a giant cake. Which happens to be made of styrofoam. Totally weird but somehow almost celebratory.


Oh, and not only are the cakes classy here but the souvenirs are equally as grade-A. 



Until next time,
x's and o's (and icecaps and nightcaps)
Eartha



12 comments:

A Day in the Life of One Girl said...

sounds like so crazy fun is going down. how awesome!

Maureen said...

Hey, you are up in my neck of the woods! I'm in Anchorage, unfortunately not being pampered, but at least the weather is nice. I'm so glad you are enjoying our state, it is gorgeous isn't it? Has to be seen to be believed. I hope your cruise continues to be wonderful! I had to laugh when I saw you were wearing mittens, that doesn't mark you as being a tourist, no way :)

Leah said...

"cat pee head wound dream"...awesome. :P

You're just north of me! I've always wanted to visit Alaska, and that souvenir is yet another reason to go! Glad you're de-stressing from all the renovation fiascos.

Beta Mike said...

You lucky duck! I hope you got one of those stickers shaped like the state of Alaska so you can put it on your RV so everyone knows where you've traveled! Those are the best!

Soak up the cool weather and have a wonderful and safe trip!

Kitsch and Curious said...

Wow! Glad to hear you're being pampered. Make the most of it! Looks amazing, but I have to say that here in cold and rainswept Britain I would LOVE to have those Nashville temperatures...
Believe me, you don't need to go to Alaska to freeze your nuts off.

Rae - Say It Aint So said...

I'm so glad you are having a good time! You aren't missing a THING here. It is down right miserable! I will dream tonight that a polar bear is brushing the crumbs off my table while I eat all the bread I can.

Georgie Horn said...

We miss you and Jack, stay safe!

Sara In AZ said...

You got your pics taken with people in Moose and Bear costumes...I am SOOOOO jealous!!! I'm going on a cruise just to get in on that action girl!!! Have a blast in that cool air, it sounds beautiful!!!

cheshirecat666 said...

My God this sounds GLORIOUS!! I was just talking to someone else about how I have to keep my inhaler handy cos the stifling swampy heat & humidity makes me feel like I'm drowning in air. So thinking about you there in a winter coat and gloves makes my heart sing!

I bet Mister made you sign a notarized document: You will NOT bring home an otter

Anonymous said...

My mom and I are scheduled to go on an Alaskan cruise at the end of August and these pictures have me even more excited! I never thought I'd wish my summer way in order for the day of departure to get here sooner! - Kristy

Stacy @ Stacyverb said...

I'm jealous for so many reasons, not the least of which is that you're cold enough to be wrapped in a cozy blanket! (Temps here 105+) And a trip to Alaska has always interested me, but knowing that you can wake up to the sight of otters--that seals the deal! So glad you're enjoying some much-deserved rest and relaxation.

SUZY8-TRACK said...

You are so lucky to escape this nasty heatwave that is making its way across the country. Right now its a sweltering 97 degrees and its supposed to get even hotter over the weekend! Enjoy your cooler temps while you have them!