That’s what it seemed like. Opening package after package that contain treasures that you have wished for. But it had nothing to do with Santa – We just returned from Royal Caribbean’s repositioning cruise. This cruise runs each November from Miami to Colon, Panama. For those of us from South Florida it means loading our cabin with boxes, containers and suitcases with stuff in our storage unit.
When we packed last March, we put many things aside for this cruise. There isn’t a weight limit like there is on an airplane. Anything heavy went into the November shipment. We also were able to make purchases of things not available here in Panama. We ended up with 25 pretty large and very heavy bags in our little cabin. Once we arrived in Panama, they were put in a large charter bus and then we rode from Colon to Boquete.
Today we unpacked. Thirty cases of Fancy Feast (for 1 year), 10 packages of egg noodles, 3 containers of slow-cook grits (real Southerners would never eat instant), 3 containers of Buttermilk powder, Christmas canes, lightbulbs and other wonderful items. We now have our KitchenAid, food processer, meat grinder, sewing machine, and PS3 (and PS2). Next week I will put up our Christmas tree with lights and decorations. 
Some things are either not to be found in Panama or are very expensive. For example, grocery stores will not grind chicken. Since I don’t eat beef or pork, that means no meatballs or meatloaf – until now! Grits are hard to find north of Tennessee and never found here. Our pasta machine is complete and there’s nothing better than freshly made pasta. And we have clothes and shoes. I was so distressed last spring to have to leave so many clothes behind but, to be honest, I could not even remember what I had left. We have more clothes now than will fit in all the closets in the house. Not even kidding. I grabbed a bunch of photographs. Our house seems so sterile I wanted to personalize it a bit. It turned out to be a hodgepodge collection of travel photos in frames but that’s OK. And David has his tools and a big smile on his face.
It was a hectic trip but worth it. I hate cruises but this turned out to be a very needed break. We even fell asleep at the pool. Since this cruise only goes one way and is in the middle of the school year, there were very few kids 🙂 The food was pretty good. It rained most of the trip and the ship was rolling, but it was fine. Royal Caribbean does this trip to Colon every November. The ship returns to Miami in the spring. What a great way to bring a massive amount of stuff! This is our cabin AFTER almost all of our luggage was transferred for arrival in Colon. Before, there was only a two foot path to the balcony.
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Link to The Best Places on Earth to Retire
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www.PanamaForReal.com
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