CuriousByNature

Please tell me this was an intentional play on words ?

As long as you don't let yourself get down about it. It's not a race or a contest, and perhaps you will end up with quality over quantity. ?

One of the cruises I was on charged me the 100% surcharge, so twice the per person rate, and there was a booking bonus of a certain amount of internet minutes per person and two free excursions per person. Even though I was paying for two people they would only allow me to claim one set of bonuses instead of two. The industry will stick it to singles as much as they can, but some lines do offer lower supplements on less popular itineraries or at the last minute to fill a ship.

I've been on two cruises, but found that travelling solo by ship is way more expensive than other travel. I was charged an extra 100% for having the room to myself both times. I know that the cruise line is losing out in terms of alcohol sales etc because I'm solo, but I found I spent much less onboard because I had spent double for the cruise itself. One cruise line quoted me a 175% surcharge and couldn't explain why they were charging almost 3 times the rate they charge someone traveling with a companion. Not sure if gay cruises operate the same way or not.

If the age on your profile is correct, I was the same age when I did my first solo trip too. I went to Ireland for 10 days and enjoyed almost every minute. I chose an English-speaking country to make things easier, and I took buses rather than driving, for the same reason. I did not join a multi-day tour because I tend to be interested in more obscure sights and sites, and can spend hours in a museum wandering at my own pace. I find that day tours to a particular destination works better for me. The only drawback was that I wayyyy overpacked and had heavy, outdated and wheeless suitcases. It didn't help that digital cameras were not available yet, or at least not common (late 90s) so I was packing around two dozen rolls of film everywhere I went. My advice, for what its worth: 1. Invest in luggage that is lightweight, with good wheels and a strong, extendable handles. 2. Unless you are going to be in the middle of nowhere, it isn't necessary to bring absolutely everything you might conceivably need. If you have forgotten something, you can probably buy it where you are going. 3. Make sure all essentials, such as medicine and cell phone charger are packed in your carry-on luggage in case your checked luggage ends up somewhere else. 4. Make sure you also pack some extra underwear and a t-shirt in your carry-on for the same reason. 5. Email yourself a list of your credit card numbers and the card company phone number, as well as bank phone number, in case you lose your wallet. 6. For the same reason I photocopy my Drivers Licence/Social Insurance Card/ Travel Insurance info and keep the copies in a place other than my wallet, in case I lose it. 7. Again for the same reason, don't keep all your money in your wallet - I usually divide it between a number of pockets and my day-to-day small man-purse...lol. Larger sums I leave in my hotel room safe, along with my tablet etc. 8. Get travel insurance for any out of state travel, and make sure the duration is long enough to cover for any delays getting back home. I usually add a couple of days to my insurance to be safe. 9. This may not be necessary for all credit cards, but let the card companies know you'll be travelling and where, just in case your card gets flagged when used away from home. I once had one card put on hold because I forgot to inform that one company I'd be using it in Europe. But that was 10 years ago. 10. If you use your bank card for any transactions, make sure your PIN is only 4 digits. Many places, like Europe, only accept a 4-digit PIN. 11. If going overseas it is nice to learn a few simple phrases in the local language, and appreciated by the people there. 12. Don't wear flashy watches, etc if going some place where street crime is more of a possibility. I also usually keep a day's worth of cash in my front pocket so I don't need to always be opening my wallet. 13. I always keep my wallet in one of my front pockets where it is harder for any pickpocket to target. These are just some practical points of advice to consider. Enjoy yourself and don't forget to take time between sightseeing to take it all in. ?

I've thought the same. But rather than focusing on leaving a legacy for when we are gone, maybe we should simply concentrate on how we impact others today. Actions that exhibit and promote kindness, empathy, grace and mercy can have life-altering effects for those we encounter on a day-to-day basis, and can have ripple effects that continue to have impacts long after we are gone. Maybe that is the legacy we should value. It may not be as tangible or quantifiable as writing a novel or creating a piece of art - but it is something of great value nonetheless, and within anyone's abilities to achieve.

Your words sound to me like a conspiracy theory, not unlike the allegegations of voter fraud. Many people die OF covid, and many others die WITH covid. But this distinction does not alter the facts. Without covid 400,000 people in the USA would likely still be alive and many thousands more would not be suffering permanent damage. For many with underlying health issues, covid has tipped the balance - even if covid is not what they died 'from' it has certainly hastened their demise by destabilizing their health further.

I've only ever gone to Vegas alone and I've never had any issues in the many times I've been there. I'm not one to be out really late, but it always seemed pretty safe to me because there's lots of people out and about - though maybe that is different right now due to covid. Some areas further north are a bit sketchier in my experience, but the main part of the strip has always been fine for me.

Without lyrics - Hawaii 5-0 With lyrics - The Jeffersons

I imagine you could simply say that your experience with XXXX was not positive, and then anyone who might ask for more details could message you privately?

You took the high road and showed him more respect than he had shown others - something to be proud of ?

Whose tongue and whose cheek?

I tend to run cold, like most creatures with very slow metabolisms - like tortoises. And by 'run', I do not mean exercise - perish the thought. ?

Didn't really have any bullies... they were around, and I was the nerdy, geeky, socially inept kid - but for some reason I was never targeted. ?‍♂️ Those who were bullies in my schools seemed to be very misunderstood individuals - often pretty bright, but often clearly broken in some way. This is not to excuse them in any way whatsoever - and I often stood up to them when I saw them bully others - but my experience has been that bullies aren't usually born that way.

OMG... just when I thought you were such a nice guy for admiring my PM's butt, you go and insult those of who are follicly challenged! I'm as bald as a pool ball... LOL ? (laughter mixed with real tears) hahaha.

I'm glad that you are still well, and hopefully you were never asymptomatic and inadvertently passing covid to others. Part of the reason why infection rates are so high is because some people do not take social distancing very seriously, and I can't imagine a way for massage to be done in a socially distant manner. Nor would it be comfortable with masks and PPE. I don't think the OP was trying to scare people, but just remind people of the very real risks involved. It's great that many masseurs follow proper protocols, but nobody is perfect and mistakes can happen. Stay well.

Be well and stay strong. Things will get better... we are closer to that day than we were yesterday. It's worrying when people seem to drop off the radar, but hopefully each is healthy and doing alright.

I've found that sometimes 'random' events aren't random at all, and that 'coincidences' can have a deeper root than simply chance.

Entertains... absolutely! ? Impresses... completely! ? Making me envious of your talent at painting a picture with words... definitely! ? Making me realize how many things I have missed out on during the first half of my life... sadly, that too. ? Not trying to sound melancholy - it's just my reality. And hopefully nobody else's. ?

I imagine some parts have grass, others concrete or asphalt, and lots of sand at the beaches... sorry, I couldn't help myself. I'll try harder to resist next time ?

British Museum, Victoria and Albert, British Library Special Collections, and Natural History Museum all in London. Hermitage in St. Petersburg. Field Museum in Chicago. All of the Smithsonian Museums in Washington DC. So many good ones out there...

I guess that must have been hot.

Would you mind explaining why? Happy to receive a PM if you prefer and are willing

Yes, that's who I was thinking of. I hope his mom is doing better. If I recall correctly, he was her care giver. ?

Hmmm... thinking back more than a year now, wasn't there someone with ginger hair and very similar build who was escorting and massaging to help support his very ill mother? I recall people posting that he was a very friendly guy, but there is not enough face showing in this add to know if he is the one. Does anyone else remember him, or have I finally gone over the edge?