[nerdgirl]

Hi guys since I had some nice responses from my posting last night, I'll keep posting! I hope it's okay to do a new post each day - let me know if that's inappropriate.

[The Right Stuff]

Hi Nerdgirl;

Look for my Mom, she's on that cruise - Susan King is her name and she's also from CA. She and I did the spring cruise together, Wm. F. Buckley was on that one. Jay Nordlinger and Rich Lowry are also very nice.

And, I agree with you about John Hillen - he's so cute!

[pageonetoo]

We were in St thomas week before last, and loved it. We were traveling 12 days on Horizon, and went from there to Aruba, then Jamaica (sounds like the Beach Boys song).

St Thomas was the best. It's green mountains, great people, and a laid back attitude, all combine to make it immensely appealing. Jamaica was lacking the same cordiality, and the poverty was appalling to us not-so-rich 'Mericans...

My wife, 15 yo daughter, and I had no reason to go, but just felt like the warmth would be good. EVERYONE needs to cruise these days. It is the best way for us to vacation, and get pampered (Celebrity does that well!).

Next year, we will travel on the Galaxy from civitavecchia (rome), italy - malaga, spain - funchal (madeira), portugal - nassau, bahamas - key west, florida - galveston, texas, on a 14 day jaunt.

If anyone cares to join us, go to the Celebrity website, and look at the transatlantic bargains! From $925 pp up (for the ship only, air is extra)(for insides, but you can even get a suite with your own butler for a little over 2 grand each)... $450 each will reserve a spot, and they will allow you up until 70 days out to pay the balance... they can include air for you, as well...

Maybe we can get a FR cruise to fill the ship! It holds 2000 folk, and has great entertainment, food, and ambiance. Surely there are enough speakers to fill our heads with conservative thought, and then use the chocolate on our pillows to sweeten the dreams of a truly Free Republic!

What about it, Jim?

[MoralSense]

Ah, I envy you, nerdgirl. I'm well acquainted via e-mail (and one meeting) with Jay Nordlinger and John Derbyshire, who are very nice. If you play cribbage, take it up with Derb -- he's volunteered to take on all comers. If you're a musician or a golfer, see Jay. He's expert on both subjects.

[surrey]

Keep posting,I'm really enjoying reading everything you're experiencing.
Been to St. Thomas many times and just love it. Tortola is an interesting island but very different than St. Thomas.

[Molly Pitcher]

Enjoying your reports. Thanks!

[luv2ski]

Victor Davis Hanson is the guy to whom you are referring. Your colleagues are right- he is terrific! When you get home, check out Real Clear Politics.com (if you don't already), they link to his articles frequently. My son saw him about a month ago at the Claremont McKenna College athenaeum. He told me that VDH was fantastic. On another note, he may be somewhat shy. I personally cannot imagine having to be "on" like that for a week with 400 total strangers (even friendly ones).

[whinecountry]

Your reports were thoroughly enjoyable, both the political and travel components! We're jealous! Thx.