Post-vacation Potpourri

Now that we're back (pictures here), a few observances from the trip:

• How depressing to note that all the cute guys my age had wedding bands and/or children?
• We counted 7 identifiable gay men on the whole ship (well, non-staff anyway) including ourselves, as well as 2 lesbians — who were seated at our table with their daughter. How cool.
• When applying sunscreen, do not forget tops of feet. Ouch.
• Three days at sea is just about enough, even for me.
• That said, three days of nothing but sitting in the pool or jacuzzi was fabulous.
• One man's "15-minute walk" is another man's "we're taking a taxi back."
• When telling a fellow passenger about our excursion to French St. Martin, she responded, "well, I certainly hope you didn't buy anything from them." Oy veh.
• I overpacked, forgetting that a swimsuit and T-shirt will suffice for most of the days at sea and at Castaway Cay. Three checked bags, plus my computer backpack. At least I didn't have a suitcase dedicated to shoes, unlike some people.
• I learned I like Cosmopolitans and Chocolate Martinis. I never had the chance to try the Toblerone Martini or the one with vodka, fresh strawberries, and Asti Spumanti. Perhaps next time.
• Liquor and tobacco: cheaper in St. Maarten. Tommy Hilfiger: cheaper in St. Thomas. Jewelery and colognes: overhyped, and not worth buying in either port.
• It occurs to me that Dan & I can nearly match the pirate's bid for the wench being auctioned in Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean ride: we brought home 5 bottles of varying rums, and one "Guavaberry Liquor." This from my mention that we had no rum in the house. Careful what you wish for.
• I want a big rain-style shower head at home.
• Of course, I also would love a pool and/or jacuzzi, but small things are easier to buy.
• Saw many people using their cell phones in St. Thomas. I wonder if they were presuming they were not roaming because they were in the US?
• Speaking of phones, mine was turned off from 5p on Saturday last week, until about 7:30 this morning. And I had but one text message waiting, and then shortly after, a voicemail because I didn't hear the phone ring. The only time I missed my phone all week was when I would instinctively check to see if I was wearing it. Moment of panic, then: oh, yeah — vacation.