I have discovered a new nerve racking part of my world – sending customers on a trip and being worried the whole time they are on vacation, that they are having a great time. This week was extra stressful – I had 2 trips out at sea at the same time.  And when you are on a cruise – you are on cell phone restriction.  You are wonderfully cut off from your life on land for a few days.  

Working for the “bulk reservation” travel agency I used to, I was not allowed to have contact with customers whose trips I booked once we hung up.  I was unable to help them continue to get excited about the vacation I had just sold them, nor did I received any feedback upon their return.  I was an anonymous voice on the phone.  I have to be honest – I HATED it!  That is why I resigned and started my own travel agency.  I want contact!  I want to be there for those last minute questions and be there for the great stories upon your return!  Why help someone go to an amazing new destination for vacation or for a competition and not know how the story ends?  That makes no sense at all to me.  

So – I got my wish!  I got to help all the way to embarkation this week – and it was amazing!  Watching my customers – who happened to be my brother and sister-in-law – step foot into the Carnival cruise terminal in Port Canaveral with the widest eyes and biggest smiles…priceless!  That is what this is all about!

But then came this funny new stress…I hope they are having fun!  I hope they remembered to ask for multiple desserts!  Did I tell them the stairs on ships go up and down!  (yes – when I worked on board the Disney Cruise Line, I was asked that more than once by confused land loving passengers!)  It is the kind of stress that I can live with.  I love that I cared enough about my customers on 2 separate ships this week to be worried.  That means I truly found what I want to be when I grow up!  I am happy!

Shortly after college, I was offered a job to move to Germany and coach the German National Champion Cheerleading team.  Since I had grown up over there and had cheered thru college, I jumped at the opportunity.  Although I was back in the country I grew up in, I was far away from my little village and my best friend.  I remember feeling scared and alone at times…wanting to go out and explore this new part of the country, but nervous to do so on my own.  My curiosity and adventurous nature were no match for the nerves!  Away I went!!!  I made sure to see as much as I could, learn as many new things as possible and meet as many amazing new people as I could find.  I ended up staying for 3 years.

So, here it is, a few (ok – a lot) of years later, and I have met a new friend who is visiting America for the first time on an exchange program teaching Judo – from Japan.  I was flooded with memories of being the new kid in town and wanting to explore my new surroundings.  I know exactly how he feels.  Wanting to do so much, but being limited by the availability to do so.  Not so much out of empathy, but more from “there is way too much to do here”, I have been trying to help my new friend see and do as much as possible here in Orlando.  A day at Wet ‘n Wild – the best water park in Florida, a day trip to Anna Maria Island and Coquina Beach, and random new food experiences – Mellow Mushroom pizza, Sweetberries Custard (so yummy), and chicken and waffles!

Yes, this is a combination of tourist and locals experiences, but they all need to happen!  I am busy planning this weeks adventures.  And as soon as I find a hook up – we have to take him to Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure!  Can’t leave Orlando without a visit to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!