Crusin’

We were invited about six months ago to join a group of terrific people who wanted us to provide some new ideas for their parenting whilst cruising through the French West Indies and the British West Indies in the Caribbean. We figured we could probably manage that! I must admit that we gave it a couple of second thoughts after the horrible cruise ship accident last week in Italy. We wanted to meet the Captain before we left!

We weren’t the only speakers who showed up aboard the Silver Cloud.  We were fascinated by what world-renowned economist Dr. George Friedman had to say and were delighted to meet former President Vicente Fox who told us about what is really happening in Mexico. In addition we were joined by Alex Castellanos, a Cuban immigrant who regularly appears on CNN as a political  consultant.

In addition we heard speeches from Major Dan Rooney who has flown incredible missions over Iraq as an F16 pilot. He admitted that he hated war and he and his wife have now started a foundation for the families of those who served in the war and lost life and limb! A devout Christian, his stories were amazing as well as inspiring!

Michael Tchong, a social media expert caught us up with the latest trends and assured us that 69% of 2-5 year olds know how to navigate sophisticated computer games/iPads and iPhones but only 11% know how to tie their shoelaces (which begs the fact that most kids’ shoes have velcro). Dr. Miles Varn from Harvard taught us about “Why We Get Fat” and Jeauqeau Cousteau’s grandson was there to tell attendees about the importance of saving the seas.

We did two one-hour sessions and had so much fun with our audiences. A couple of mornings Dad/Rick and I were assigned to a breakfast table in the dining room for private discussions with about six people at our table. I was amused with this sign to designate our table. I love it when people call me Jane Eyre but I’ve rarely seen it in print!

 

 

The Islands were gorgeous and we had a chance to spend some time on the beach with our new friends.

 

This little landing strip in St. Barts for prop lanes bringing in tourists, food and supplies was amazing. That was the total length of it! Yikes!

At Prickly Pear we took a ride on a gorgeous big sailing yacht.

There was beauty all around!

On Anguilla Dad got to go horse-back riding on the beach. His cute little nag was not exactly Lady or Duffy! But he saw some great views as they ambled along the beach. See him up there with the white hat?

Our accommodations were “very nice” even though it felt twice as big as it was because of the full-length mirrors. The food was “to die for!”

Pretty Heavenly!