7/22/12 - 8/4/12 - Mediterranean Cruise
Butterflies swirled around my belly as I anxiously checked
the flight status of the Lufthtansa flight coming in from Los Angeles. After 24+ brutal hours of flying, I was
actually in Lisbon, Portugal to surprise my sisters and join my family on my
parents’ 30th wedding anniversary Mediterranean Cruise. I landed an hour before their flight,
and psychotically checked the flight board about three times every minute,
leaving me sweaty and excited. I
probably looked like a lunatic to anyone watching. After what felt like forever, I finally saw my dad coming
around the corner to the baggage claim, and quickly held up my SEGAL sign to
surprise my sisters who had no idea I would be joining the family on the
cruise. The reactions were so
perfect from Kirsten and Molly, completely matching their personalities! Kirsten screamed and came running to
give me a huge hug, while Molly stood back confused as to if I was really there
standing in front of her. Luckily
I caught this all on video!
It was such a treat to be able to be on the family vacation, especially to celebrate such a wonderful occasion. 30 years…WOW! Because I knew a month in advance that I would be joining my family on this Mediterranean Cruise, I decided to become a tour guide and take control of booking the tours in Lisbon and Barcelona. I have to admit, I did a damn good job!
We wandered the cobble stone streets of Lisbon, and ventured out to the beautiful beach towns on the coast, enjoying the history and the spectacular views. In Barcelona we fell in love with the work of Gaudi, and were exhausted after an 8-hour day on our feet wandering around the Spanish city. I visited Lisbon, Gilbraltar, Barcelona, Palamos, Cannes, and Monte Carlo before wishing my family a bon voyage as I flew back to Australia and they sailed on to Italy and more.
It was so nice to be back on Crystal, lying by the pool, sipping on some cocktails and enjoying the amazing food! I felt spoiled coming from my life of extreme budgeting! It truly was a treat to all be together again on a wonderful family vacation, and one that I will never forget!
Lisbon, Portugal
Estoril (Coast of Portugal)
CRYSTAL!!!
Home away from Home
Gilbraltar - "The Rock"
Formal Night
Welcome to Barcelona!
The works of Gaudi - Park Guell
Gaudi - Basilica de la Sagrada Familia (left)
City Beach - Barcelona
Palamos, Spain
At Sea...
Happy 30th Anniversary!
YUM!
Macarons in Cannes, France
<3 Sisters <3
Monte Carlo
The Long Flight Home...
BON VOYAGE!
