FAREWELL KoKoMo

Everybody knows
A little place like Kokomo
Now if you wanna go
And get away from it all
Go down to Kokomo

After listening to the dulcet tones of Mike Love’s Sax and the harmony of the Beach Boys for all these years, it finally comes to me –

KoKoMo is NOT a destination…

It is just a “State of Mind’

Sorta like the state of mind that has Chucky and The Ever-Lovely Dragon Lady on reoccurring Holidays, somewhere in Tuscany, or maybe Southern Spain, or it could be on the Deck of a Pirate Ship, or possibly the Shore of some exotic isle, or… well, just about anywhere their dreams {and Travel Fund} take them. 

You can find it as well…

Just listen to your heart, and maybe that third glass of wine and you too can find your own KoKomo.

Enough of the Waxing Poetic…

It’s time to Land the Wacky American Tourist and Ever-Lovely Dragon Lady back in SoFla and wrap up their latest saga in the Southern

Caribbean.  It all starts with…

Closing the Piano Bar for Seth’s last night – he’s headed to Australia for a couple tours and then back to the Freedom next year. {see Rene' - Someone-else Wears White Ties}

Our Hardy Piano Bar aficionados did the usual Parting Hug, Grin, Click, Exchange of Numbers etc, wishing each other “Safe Home” - then drug their abused bodies to their respective cabins to either crash immediately or do the last minute pack thing.  Some had early calls, others like Michelle & Dan – Nick & Kathleen, being Platinum Cruisers thus priority types and who had a late Flight, planned on hanging out till they got kicked off the boat knowing that by the time they got to the Luggage, it would be pretty easy to find with everyone else gone.  Then just a short cab ride to FLL and back home.

AS noted Previously, Chucky wisely bought the Faster to the Fun package which would allow them to get off the Ship on their own time avoiding the usual Cattle Call and Mob at the Luggage drop – and after a memo under the door {OK in the Message box outside the cabin} advised that if they wanted to haul their own stuff they should meet the other eager priority types in the Chic Dining room Annex at 7:30AM or by 8:30 if the wanted to trust the porters to have it waiting for them.

Being forewarned of Long Lines at Customs, they elected to try for around 8Am or there about.

After setting his alarm and leaving a wake up call, Chucky found them both unnecessary since the Vibration of the Rear Thrusters as the Captain backed the Freedom into its Port Everglades berth, shattered his slumber and had him vaulting out of bed standing up in a fog at 5:30AM.  So much for a little sleep in till 7AM.  Not to worry, all the packing was done the night before, and after the face splash, and “Dance of the Tiny Bathroom” {Memories of Beijing} they strolled up to the Lido Buffet for some Croissants and OJ, returned for the Luggage and began the long trek down to Deck 3 and the Chic Annex around 8AM to find… only a few priority types there.  Apparently the “Self Assist” crowd had already left, and our Wacky Duo could just stroll off whenever they pleased, which is just what they did.

A quick text and call to Brian to make sure he got the emails about an 9AM Pick up and they made it through the empty Terminal and open Customs slots without losing a beat and were on the curb by 8:15.  Brian had text-ed he was on the way, inquiring exactly where to collect us and in no time we were on the way back to Casa d’ Chaos.

And So it Goes Dear Hearts and Innocent Bystanders… 

Another Wacky American Tourist and Ever-Lovely Dragon Lady Adventure, and more Wonderful Memories but fear not…

Just in time now for the usual “Wrap Up”, starting with a brief Review of the Ship & the Crew - Then a little about each Port, their experiences, Faux Pas, Foibles etc. 

Since - as you NOWAT Veterans are accustomed - it can get lengthy but what we hope will be, his usually comprehensive and Informative review - 
HOWEVER - we’ll cover that in the next episode which should give you enough time to go grab another Tall cocktail or short smoke, or whatevah…

See ya Back here shortly –

OK… Right Below  - Whatevah… {hummmmm}

Everybody knows…A little place like Kokomo...

Ciao 4 Now,

Uncle Chuck & The can’t wait to Wrap It Up

Dragon Lady