The Traveling Garcias: Life at Sea!

After leaving Bay of Islands, we made a westerly course at sea for our return trip back to Sydney. It's a two day sail and the time was ours to enjoy and relax. Of course, one can't help but to think just how fast two weeks went by. We had sooo much fun and Ian was simply fantastic. It was Ian's first sailor's experience and he didn't even get sea sick. We all had fun experiencing the Maori culture in it's unique way and celebrated the Kiwi life of so many New Zealanders both the past, present, and future.

With each passing nautical mile that pulls us further from New Zealand and draws us back to Sydney, we took advantage of last minute-last chance opportunities and events onboard Rhapsody of the Seas. Sometimes you just couldn't get enough of the Trivia Games, the all you can eat buffets, the evening shows (not to mention the Farewell Show hosted by the ship's Captian and crew members), Bingo, towel folding demonstrations, lounging by the pool, watching Ian play in the wading pool, and enjoying the occassional "self-serve-ice cream cones."

Yes, Rhapsody of the Seas has been very good to us but we can't help but thank the good Lord for blessing us with the early finanical planning for making this all happen. This is one of the those moments that would fall under the category, "Lifetime Achievement", but an experience that will live in our hearts forever and share with Ian for days and years to come.

In short, we are hooked on cruising now!!!

Ian's last two nights in his home away from home.

Sunset; an ironic symbol of all good things must come to an end.

Amir from Bosnia Herzogovinia, finally getting his "Give me five" from Ian - everyone's happy!!!

Ian enjoying his personal child time with Rhapsody of the Seas child-care provider.

Juan - trying to win the $500 cash prize at Bingo (he wasn't so lucky).

Ice-Scuplting Demonstration; end result was a sea gull going after a fish.

Shuffleboard - Rachel and Juan managed to get a few games in.

Top side pool onboard Rhapsody of the Seas.

More personal fun time - Ian makes Ms. Lara smile!

Towel Folding Demonstration - check out the last sailor on the table and the keen-trained eye can see the many animals along the steps! Everynight after dinner we return to a towel animal on our bed, our favorite was the monkey hanging from the hanger that we left up for two days.