The Winds of Change

"Half the fun of the travel is the esthetic of lostness."
-- Ray Bradbury

It is quite late here out on the high seas and I'm rather tired. I just wanted to check in with my beloved blog-family to let you know how things have been on the Miss America Cruise. As many of you know, Tropical Storm Noel has wreaked some havoc on many travel destinations in the vicinity of the Caribbean. Our original travel plans included a stop in Nassau followed by a day at sea. We were to conclude our trip with a visit to Key West. For our own safety and well-being, the captain had to change our itinerary. Unfortunately we won't make it to Nassau, Bahamas, but instead will be traveling to Cozumel, Mexico tomorrow evening. We were graciously toured around Key West this afternoon and the scenery was simply breathtaking.

I must reach for my nearly-empty bottle of Dramamine and head for my teeny-tiny little bed. I was so silly to think that the staterooms would be spacious. No time for complaining - so we'll just call the living conditions cozy. I've had a wonderful time with my fellow Miss America Class of 2008 contestants. We'll be part of a talent show tomorrow afternoon and we're expecting a big turnout.

Earlier today I said, "I've never worked so hard on a vacation!" The fabulous MAO team of volunteers and coordinators has kept us quite busy. Enjoyably busy. I'm off to sleep - which means I simply need to stand up out of my chair at the desk and take two steps to the left. Who knows, maybe the waves will lull me to sleep... *furrows eyebrows* But I doubt it.

Much love to you all back home. Thank you for keeping Peggy and I in your thoughts and prayers and for your concern over our safety. As soon as I get my sea-legs (and coincidentally, the ability to stare at a computer screen for an extended period of time without experiencing motion sickness), I'll be back with you to report the latest.


Over and out,

elyse*