We had a great time in Alaska — well I had a great time, Maria had a very good time, and Manolis, his mind was on going to Crete, so he enjoyed himself, but not to the fullest. We flew to Anchorage on Alaska Airlines. They broke a part on Maria’s stroller, but I didn’t notice until the next day and didn’t call until we returned home. Fortunately, the part is only $55, and fortunately they agreed to pay for it. I don’t know how to fly with that stroller w/o it getting pieces broken, unless it’s in the travel bag, which is huge.
We stayed with Auntie Carolyn for a couple nights, did a little sightseeing; then took the train to Seward. I love traveling by train. It’s slow and comfortable and beautiful scenery; you can get up and walk around and eat and drink. Awesome! We checked onto the ship early and had a real nice lunch. Then Manolis and Maria took a nap, while I walked around town with Carolyn and her 2 friends.
We were on the Veendam, a Holland America ship. Great service, great food, nice people. The shows were Broadway-like, so I didn’t love them, but the couple I saw were ok. Maria enjoyed them somewhat. The room didn’t have a fridge or microwave, of course, so Maria had to drink straight, room-temp Pediasure in the room. We were able to get warmed milk at the coffee bar and in the main dining room. There were plenty of things Maria could eat–for example, lots of salmon! They brought her avocado a lot, soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt, many good things. When we were on the Norweigan ship in Hawaii, we couldn’t find too much variety in foods suitable for her. I much preferred this cruise. Not so crazy about the formal nights, but they did serve us King Crab legs one night and steak and lobster the other night, so that was worth it!
We had 3 days at sea, which were relaxing (or boring, from Manoli’s point of view). We stopped in Haines, Juneau, and Ketchikan. Haines is tiny and not wheelchair friendly. We carried Maria’s stroller up the stairs to 2 stores, then said forget it and just walked around town. In Juneau, we took a tram up a steep hill and looked around. While standing on a platform overlooking the town and sea, Maria grabbed the bars of the fence around the platform and tried to pull herself up out of her chair to see. Cute and scary. Manolis took her up a steep, slippery, muddy hill. Less cute, more scary. I found a beautiful carved fish plaque by Herman Miller in Juneau. I loved Ketchikan. Manolis and Maria took another nap while I wandered around town. It reminded me of the scenery in Twilight (my fave vampire-love movie). I was talking with Sue when I saw a seal swimming around in the river that goes through town, got several photos of it. Also got lots of photos of totem poles–love those totem poles! I went to get Manolis & Maria to come see the town; they liked it too!
I think everyone on the ship knew Maria. We got lots of compliments about what good parents we are. One lady said, “I don’t know who loves her more, you or your husband.” Most of the older ladies, 2 old men, and most of the young waiters/bus boys just adored her. One woman in an elevator said how pretty Maria is, and Maria immediately turned to look at her! Although she didn’t get her daily naps, she slept real well at night and ate well, and got lots of attention, as usual!
We got home late Sunday night. Uncle Andy came to get us and as tired as Maria was, she was happy to see him. (that last plane flight was rough on her, she’d had enough by then!!). She’s been tired, but still eating/drinking since we’ve been back. Good signs! If you recall, when we got back from Hawaii, she ended up in the hospital because she wasn’t eating or drinking and was very lethargic. Thurs morning we took Manolis to the airport for Athens. He’ll be back Oct 12. It was hard saying goodbye. Maria was clearly out of sorts Wed & Thursday. She knew something was going on… It’s going to be a long summer!