Last week I wrote about my wonderful experience 'Publishing at Sea'. The journey home was a long one. When the ship docked on Sunday, I received a text that my flight to Newark NJ was canceled because of a snowstorm. They were not sure when the airport would open, and the airport in Philadelphia was also closed. I had already purchased a bus ticket to the airport, and I had nowhere else to go, so I traveled to the Miami airport. From there I booked a room at the LA Quinta Inn, which had a free shuttle to and from the airport. The weather was a pleasant 69 degrees, and the hotel had a nice pool, so on Monday a had a relaxing day and had the pool to myself. Most other guests assumed it was too cold to swim. The pool was not heated but I enjoy cold swim. I was so close to the airport that the shadow of incoming flights would interrupt my sun worship, and on that day, I was able to overcome an uneasy feeling every time I heard a plane close by. It's amazing what you can get used to.

The airline offered a replacement trip, I would fly to Houston on Tuesday night, arrive at midnight, spend the night at the airport so I could make a 7 am flight to Newark. Though this was crazy inconvenient, I agreed. When I arrived once again at Miami airport, it was implied that the flight from Houston to Newark might night occur as planned. So, I said to the agent, "then why am I going to Houston?" There was no use complaining to the lady at Spirit airlines. She said, "That's what you get for traveling in February or March."

Once again, I booked a room, this time in Miami Beach, and took the next direct flight home, which was Friday night with United. The last time I was at the beach Miami I was in high school. The beach was wonderful, and my hotel room was two blocks away from the beach. But Miami Beach is a city on a beach, not my scene. I made the best of it, visiting the ocean, walking to the local Walgreens and IHOP (a 3 mile walk round trip) and reading in my room. The room was nice enough, but I fell asleep dreaming I was on a NASCAR track. A busy three lane road was next to my ground floor efficiency room.

With far more adventure and uncertainty during my crazy journey than I had imagined, I have to conclude it was an overall good experience, and I will never forget my days "Publishing at Sea'.

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Publishing at Sea

Miami Beach

LaQuinta Inn

I hope the next time I write this newsletter it will feel like spring. I plan to discuss some medical or dental topic. Any suggestions? Let me know. Until next week, best wishes ... Joanne