First, I’d like to thank Hilarye for the opportunity to post here on her fabulous blog, Dotting the Map, and welcome you to come visit me anytime over at my blog, Wise Ax

Although this is a travel blog and many of you read it because of the exciting and exotic locales, I wanted to write about a world-class event that happens yearly in our own backyard. Sundance Film Festival!

The 2009 festival just ended, but it’s never too early to start planning for next year. If you are a Utah local, you can register to buy either a film package or individual tickets in the fall. Bookmark the website or sign up for the email alerts so that you stay on top of approaching deadlines (http://festival.sundance.org/2009/). The price of movies is only slightly more than you spent on the last big studio dud (any of you see The Love Guru?). At Sundance you get the chance to see documentaries and dramas from the U.S. and around the world, which in most cases will never make it to the big screen, especially in Utah.

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Dear my loyal readers,

I just wanted to let you know I will be unable to update my blog for the next few days. Right now as we speak, my ship is departing from the port on it’s way to the Bahamas.  In case you didn’t know the picture is of my ship. I will be relaxing by the pool enjoying a pina colada and thinking of you. Of course I will be taking great notes, video, and pictures of this excursion to share with you- my best friends.  I hope you enjoy your weekend and find it relaxing and wonderful.

Love,

@travelgirl521

What would you do? Would you head straight to the casinos in hopes of getting lucky? Would you spend your time sight seeing on the strip and perhaps indulge in one of Las Vegas’ award winning shows? Or would you jump in line at one of the premiere buffets and stuff your face all day?

Or would you have breakfast with your family at Coco’s bakery, meet your mom’s pet hedgehog for the first time, play with your niece and nephew (including numerous puzzles, trains, and cards), and top it all off with a trip to In-N-Out right before you get dropped off at the airport?

The latter is what I chose to do with my short visit to Las Vegas this past Saturday. I landed at 9 am and was back on the plane at 5 pm. I really just needed a good family pick me up and I hadn’t seen them since Thanksgiving. Plus we got my mom a hedgehog for Christmas and I really wanted to see her! It was fun. It was fast. And it was memorable.

Ok so people have me a little freaked out. In only three short days I will be leaving on a cruise to the Bahamas. Yes I am very excited as this is my first ever cruise. But I keep hearing the naysayers talking about how whole cruise ships come down with the flu, or get salmonella or food poisoning- or my personal favorite about all the people who go mysteriously missing on cruise ships. If you know me personally at all you know I’m a person who gets anxiety and hearing stuff like that freaks me out a little. I keep telling myself it’s only a three day cruise and I really won’t be spending a ton of time on the boat.  My husband is really patient and telling me how good of a time we are going to have and that everything will be fine. So in keeping with the relaxed demeanor and to keep me excited not nervous-here is the breakdown of our trip:

We will be staying the night in Atlanta on the 22 and then taking an early flight to Miami on the 23rd

Possibly do some sight seeing in Miami during the day and board our ship around 2 pm. The ship departs at 5:00 pm. We will be doing a video boat tour, and then eating and lounging by the pool.

We will arrive at Nassau on the 24th where we will be taking a taxi over to the Sheraton for a property tour to do a honeymoon destination post, then the pirate museum and hanging out at the beach. Our boat departs at 6 pm.

On the 25th we will be porting at the Great Stirrup Bay which is Norwegian Cruise Line’s own private island. Our plan is to snorkel and visit the lighthouse and take tons of gorgeous pictures.

Then sadly because all good things must come to an end on Monday we will be heading back to reality. Our boat docks at 8 am and we will likely be taking an early flight out.

My goals for this trip will be some very quality blog posts, a nice tan, a few extra pounds, and a good time with my husband. I’ve heard great things about Norwegian Cruise Line and I have no other experiences to compare to- so it should be awesome! If you have been on this cruise or these ports and have recommendations on what we do, or tips on cruises- please let me know!

I’m looking for people to contribute content to my blog- meaning if you just went on an awesome trip and are looking for an outlet to share your experiences let me know. If you just saw some awesome news about something travel related please bring to my attention. If you took amazing pictures on your vacation and would like to share with the world- contact me. Anything else- would love to hear your ideas!