CRUISING FOR CHRISTMAS, the story of a working vacation. Part 2

COUNTING DOWN THE HOURS
As I pack my stuff, Christmas tunes are sounding joy in my house. I've received many comments, phone calls, and emails about my adventure set to begin tomorrow. Thank you for your encouragement and excitement for me! For the very curious, I have some details below that might interest you. I also answered questions some have asked.

In the coming days, you can expect the following, and more:

• Details about my new film I will be writing during the cruise.
• Lots of cruise stories, facts and some reflections as they come.
• Photographs -- seeing the islands from the waters is supposed to be a spectacular sight, esp. now as the lava flow on the Big Island is streaming into the ocean.
• People stories. Friends and family stories of those who will pick me up at port stops to visit with me. Cruise friends soon to be made.
• The cruise staff, workers and ship details. I am curious to know who is working on this ship -- people from Hawaii or from faraway lands.
• Ship fun. Will she or won't she take advantage of it?????

ITINERARY
1pm, Sunday, Dec. 18 Check in.

8pm Pride of Aloha hoists anchor and sets its course for the island of Kauai.
7am, Monday, Dec. 19 Arrive Kauai. Meeting family for breakfast.

1pm, Tuesday, Dec. 20, depart for Hilo, Big Island.
9am, Wednesday, Dec. 21, arrive Hilo. Meeting sister Zennie.

6pm, depart for Kona. Sail past Mount Kilauea now spewing lava into the sea.
7am, Dec. 22, Thursday, arrive Kona-Kailua, Big Island.

6pm, depart for Kahului, Maui.
8am, Dec. 23, Friday, arrive Kahului harbor. Meeting friend Marita and family.

6pm, Dec. 24, Saturday, leave for Honolulu Harbor.
7am, Dec. 25, Sunday, arrive back in Honolulu in time for Christmas service!















WEATHER
Sunday 81-69 F


Monday 88-67 F


Tuesday 79-67F


Wednesday 80-68 F


Thursday 79-68F


Friday 79-67F

Saturday & Sunday?????



FAQ (FRIENDS ASKED QUESTIONS)
Who are those guys in the photos?
This was taken the night of the premiere of my latest short film, REMEMBER THE BOYS, shown at the Hawaii International Film Festival, Nov. 11 in Honolulu. We celebrated together at the Side Street Inn, a bar and grill hang-out where the chefs come to eat. A down-home local favorite, you order family-style pupu's (appetizers) like lilikoi bbque ribs, fresh Hawaiian greens salad with seared Ahi coated with furikake (seaweed flakes), katsu ( chicken battered with a flakey crust; dipped in a sweet, semi-hot sauce of ketsup and Worchestor sauce); and their amazing Asian fried rice.

Steve, just getting out the the Army (was sent to Afghanistan right after 9/11); Steve's friend Taishan (my production assistant from Howard U in DC now working with me on another film (more on that later); Moani, Brenda, Junko and Alan, a community of current and former Christian leaders; me and my beautiful Mama.

Can I send a comment to your blog? How?
Look below, to the very end of the page. There is a "comment" button. Click on it. Know that if you leave a comment, and I wish you would, the whole world could read it. Or at least those reading my blog.

Just what is a blog? I asked Jeeves at askjeeves.comOn the Internet, a blog (short for weblog) is a personal journal that is frequently updated and intended for general public consumption. Blogs generally represent the personality of the author or reflect the purpose of the Web site that hosts the blog. Topics sometimes include brief philosophical musings, commentary on Internet and other social issues, and links to other sites the author favors. The essential characteristics of the blog are its journal form, typically a new entry each day, and its informal style.

The author of a blog is often referred to as a blogger.

At the very top of this my blog page, there is a button if you want to create your own blog. It's simple and takes just minutes to set one up so you can start writing or inserting photos. Try it, you might like it!

On the right column of this blog -- What is ARCHIVE?
Not sure just yet as there hasn't been anything to archive. Let's watch that together and find out. It's not my credentials, website, or all the past I lived. I think it archives this blog and its postings according to months. We shall see.

What all are you packing besides clothes and computer? A travel candle, a few books -- one on War Brides of WWII (will explain that one later) , some DVDs I've been meaning to watch, my DVD player. A CD player so I continue listening to Christmas music -- deck the deck music. My digital camera. A journal, for my eyes only. Casual clothes (no formal attire needed).

Parting Thoughts:

Thanks so much for sailing with me. I hope you will stick around for the adventure as it unfolds. If you miss a day or two, no matter, no worries. Just click on the post/s you missed and see what you missed.

With excitement and joy, I say have a beautiful week as we approach Christmas day. Remember to give love. Presents are cheap. God bless you all!