Tuesday, September 24, 2013

OR............INDIVIDUAL THERAPY?

I think individual therapy is more appropriate.  I have self-diagnosed, and I will self treat.  Perhaps 32 years of working in the "House" of Jung, Freud & Fromm will payoff.  Okay, I was NOT a therapist, but instead, the HR Director of a Mental Health Hospital.  But, 32 years of exposure to all the "Psychiatry" stuff can rub off.

My diagnosis.....Fear (or as those in the Biz like to say "Phobia").  Treatment:  I am debating between Immersion Therapy or Exposure Therapy.  Since my issue of mingling with predominantly Couples is occurring on a Sea Going Vessel with no real escape for 26 days, I believe Intense Exposure Therapy is the way to go.

You know, on second thought, I think I am going to use my Best Friend's Therapy.....and I quote:  "It is what it is!  Get over it!"

Whew, that's a relief.  It is what it is and to get over it I will just have to maximize my exposure, get involved, be charming (as much as I can be) and make friends.  After all, the goal of my adventure is to meet new people, explore new places, be curious, take chances and recapture the care free attitude of YOUTH!

Stay tuned.........................

Monday, September 23, 2013

COUPLES THERAPY?



Okay, I have shared the purpose of this Blog.  Now let's lighten it up a bit!  Will this adventure be ME against the COUPLES?

As a result of my cruise Forum, I have found that so far in my group of about 50+ people, there are only two solos/singles.....ME and a gal from Australia.  Hmmmmm....I bet if you add up all the years of marriage for this group of couples you would be in the multi-hundreds, probably in the 600+ years.  Indredible, huh?  As I learned from previous cruises, I know that the passenger make up consists of predominantly couples.  As of October 20th when my brother disembarks I will be truly a "solo".

So, how does a single person mingle with predominantly couples?  BEATS ME!  I have had some experience over the summers at my Lake Home.  One evening while hanging out with the "lake" couples we added up the years of marriage.....egad!  But, I have gotten along with everyone, as far as I know.  Perhaps I just need to reflect on how I mixed at those events and borrow from those experiences when I throw myself into the couples POOL! (Or in this case SEA!)

Think Positively Holly! This may result in some GOOD blogging material.  If you are wondering if my Blog is being shared with any of the cruise forums or passengers......NO WAY!!  That would inhibit my creative spirit!  And besides, I promised you some Humor.....One guess where I plan to find some of that?  I promise, nothing I write will be mean spirited...anything I write will be in fun!

Stay tuned.......................

Thursday, September 19, 2013

BLOG PURPOSE CONTINUED.....



I chose a cruise as my first solo adventure to provide a sense of security, community and exposure to a wide variety of people and places.  I did go it alone some years ago to experience living in NYC by renting an apartment for one month.  However, that experience did not really count as a solo adventure since my primary residence is just two hours outside of Manhattan.  I was hardly ever alone since family and friends visited every weekend that I was there.  I DID treasure my mid-week alone time by doing things I had never done before, such as:  eating out alone, navigating the subway system alone, making friends with my NYC neighbors and finding a Pub where I made friends and met with them regularly.

SO, on this trip I will begin with 11 days with my frequent traveling buddy, my brother.  He will disembark in Athens, Greece on October 20th and I will begin my 26 day journey from Athens to Santorini, Corfu, Katakolon, Rhodes, Croatia, Montenegro, Italy, Portugal, Sicily, Spain, Israel, Turkey, and Cyprus.  Disembarkation will be in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, after crossing the Atlantic.  The total travel period will begin on October 8th with the flight to Rome and will end November 15th when I arrive in FL.

My goal of this Blog is to chronicle my journey and make suggestions for others considering such a trip, share my experiences and hopefully accomplish all this with a good dose of HUMOR!

SO, stay tuned for MY adventure of a lifetime!!!

Sunday, September 15, 2013

BLOG PURPOSE



My goal with this blog is to expound on the adventures of a single (Sassy) senior cruising the Mediterranean alone.  It is something on my bucket list that I have never done before.  I consider myself a world traveler having made my first European trip in 1972.  Then, through the years up to the present, I have continued traveling....BUT always with someone....a friend, family member or a significant other.  NOW is the time to venture out on my own.....step out of my box, leave my comfort zone and self-impose a CHALLENGE!

That challenge now has an added twist....possible military conflict and unrest in the Eastern Mediterranean.  My HAL (Holland America) cruise has already had an itineray change....rather than going to Cairo, Egypt, because of the civil disturbances there, our cruise is now going to Haifa, Israel and Cyprus.  Well those ports are not that far from Syria....and now there is tension between the US and Syria.

A part of me wants to tempt fate and continue as planned......that sure would be a BLOG coup!!!!  And the less adventurous side of me leans toward wanting to play it safe.  It is out of my control and I am sure that HAL will make the safe choice as before.  Sail along with me!!