Mary's Portion

The life of a celebrity is so very demanding. On this trip I perfected my 'camera smile' and 'goodbye kiss' for my fans (cruise staff) and the paparazzi (other tourists). I caused grown men to sigh and ask for pictures and consented to hair-touching by strangers from around the world. Mom is threatening to dye my hair a very dark color. I also learned how to be very certain I get the attention I require... I hit the nearest parent and yell MOMMY! or DADDY! repeatedly, loudly, relentlessly. It works quite well. I tried to hurt myself in a variety of ways climbing the ladder to "Eye-Yigh's" bunk on the ship (that's how I say Eli) or going down the stairs (do NOT help me) and asserted my independence to the great amusement of Grandpa Wanders who kept saying "She is a piece of work!" to my mommy. A college student we met in Venice (as she was taking my picture and talking to Grandma) was majoring in Child Development. She said "try to keep her alive until she grows up and becomes the President or a CEO, then you'll be fine." I don't know what that means but mommy and daddy went to bed exhausted every night.

Our first sea day I woke up with a fever and it stayed with me all day. All I wanted to do that day was sit in mommy or daddy's lap. I didn't play with toys, eat, or walk around. Given my usual persona this was highly alarming to my parents. But I was fully recovered after a few naps and a full nights sleep for our adventure in Ephesus the following day. Phew! Too much travelling and excitement for me, I guess. On a few occasions throughout the week I allowed Grandpa (with ice cream) or Grandma to hold me or take me on a walk. I liked mini-golf, climbing rocks, and spotting animals (cats absolutely everywhere in Dubrovnik and Ephesus; dogs in Santorini, fish in Venice) wherever they could be found. I'm turning into a good traveller (even on plane trips! SHORT plane trips!) and invite (dare) you to come and try it with me.