I decided I needed to get away since I have not taken a trip for years that did not center around dogs, shows, judging, or dog people. For the most part, I traveled the world alone. Al went with me in the beginning to Australia, New Zealand, dog shows in this country, and to England and Europe.  In fact it was on a trip with our kennel club to Windsor dog show in the UK that we discovered Cavaliers in 1989.  The rest is history!  As I said, I am quite used to traveling alone as Al just never wanted to go after his series of different cancers started, but I knew I had to go and with his blessing I did with him knowing when he needed me home, I would be there.  I have not had a chance to renew myself since Al died and I needed this respite.  I chose a Carnival cruise to the Western Carribean featuring Mass every day with Everetto and Msgr. Michael Patrick Aloysius Flanaghan.  An Irishman right up my alley!

So many people have acted astonished when I said I was going alone or found out on board that I was alone.  I have become my own best company and I am never am alone as God is with me as I take this cruise as part of my spiritual journey to concentrate on my relationship with God without all the distractions of home. I have the dogs and home base covered and am on a great adventure sitting on my balcony reading or praying, taking excursions which I will describe and for which I will display photos, or hanging out with new friends who will stay friends forever I believe. 

The Carnival Valor is a wonderful ship; so many amenities and such wonderful service.  I got a balcony room so I could sit out, look at the sea, and pray and meditate which worked well the first couple of days. Food was great, but I kept trotting (oh, alright, walking!) around the ship so I would not roll off the ship and be able to make it around the ring when I show Cyber (he was invited, yea!) at the Eukanuba AKC Classic the weekend after I get back. 

We left Miami on December 4 with the first stop being Grand Cayman Island on the 6th. 

Typical Historical Cozumel Indian Dress

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