Larry and I awoke early Friday morning and decided to explore Seattle a bit before our scheduled pick-up at noon. The hotel�s shuttle dropped us off at the Seattle Center and we struck out to find video micro-tapes (which we found, but never used). Walking up and down the city�s hill was a big change from the flat lands of Florida, but thankfully, we were blessed with one of the few nice, sunny days Seattle has per year and the walk was nice. We met up with our traveling companions J and K, and headed back to the hotel.

We had to take two cabs for the four us due to the excess of luggage. This was only the second time Larry has taken a cab and my third. I stared at the meter the whole trip and was freaking out in my head and the cost went up even when we were stopped at a red light. Then we were stopped by a freight train that took f.o.r.e.v.e.r. to go by and our fare doubled within that time. Once we were out of the car, I asked J how much his fare was and he said $9.00, ours was $15.00 (the pier was less than 5 miles from the hotel). J had actually asked the driver to stop the meter when the train halted our progress. Oh well, we were almost on the ship.

Thankfully, boarding was quick and before we knew it, our bags were stowed and the horn was beeping for the muster drill. These crazy cruise folks informed us that if there was an actual emergency, we were to proceed to the Celebrity Theater first and THEN to the life boats. Ok, I�ll be sure to remember that.

After the drill, we toured the boat, including the spa (signed up for a hot stone massage and the thelasso therapy pool). And then we found out the good news. A martini sampling was scheduled for 7:00 that night. Cool.

Flirtini, Appltini, Chocotini, Dry Martini, Watermelon Martini, and one more that escapes me. These were served in mini-wine glasses, two ounces each. Imagine little Martini shots. Oh, and how easy they go down. Well, except for the Dry one. We passed those off to another set of passengers. One of the women we gave it too had the nerve after we told her what we were drinking to ask K for a sip. I mean really, K didn�t know if she had anything, and honestly, that lady didn�t know if K had anything. K graciously gave her the entire shot.

We goofed off as only one can on a cruise ship, toasting each other and the week to come.