If your car broke down in the boonies and there was no cell service and you were stranded for a time waiting for a part, would you ever have a car again?  What a stupid question.

Talking heads couldn't get the passengers of the ill-fated Carnival Triumph on the air fast enough to ask, "After your experience, would you ever take a cruise again?"

Why would that be a consideration?  Unpleasant things happen, even while having fun.  Is that a deal killer?  I would hope not.  Yes, Carnival did what it could to make the best of a bad situation and even then, it was very unpleasant.  I get that.

George Stephanopoulos asked a family, "We've heard Carnival apologize.  They're going to give everybody a refund--$500.  Is that enough for you or do you want more?"  [family comments that $500 amounts to a hundred dollars a day and that doesn't cover the emotional trauma]  "So you'll be seeking legal action?"

Really?  Way to bait and exploit the situation, George.  Passengers received a refund of their cruise, a refund of their transportation, a voucher for another free cruise plus $500.

How do I feel?  I would certainly go on more cruises.  I would certainly cruise on Carnival.  I would certainly get a balcony.  If my car breaks down, I would certainly have another car.  In all likelihood, after repairs, I'll probably be driving the same car.

Each of you is a unique individual.  Some like brussel sprouts; some like sweet potatoes.  Myself, I don't like either of those, but I don't judge you. When it comes to meals, sometimes you want to dine, other times you just want to eat.

Vacations are the same way.  Some of you like adventure--the more exciting, risky, and strenuous, the better.  Others prefer laying on a beach, drinking a Mai Tai and if someone were to come roll them over occasionally--that would be perfect.  Some of you like to go to a destination, stay there for the duration, and return.  Others like to keep on the move.  Many like something in between, or both, or neither.

My mission is to help you have your perfect vacation.  There is no little pill that will help you achieve a vacation, it takes a bit of research and
work.  That's where I come in.  I will listen to you and discover what you are looking for.  Then, I will help you find it.

When I was in law school (yes, this lawyer is a vacation planner), I was known as Mr. Research.  If it could be found, I would find it.  That is the same tenacity and dedication I bring to you.  If something is out there, I will find it.  If I can't find it, it isn't there.

Here's the thing--it costs you nothing for me to help you and it could possibly cost you less.  In today's connected era, in truth, you can find the same things I can find, but you don't have the time, resources or inclination to find them.  That's OK, that's why I exist.

As a fellow traveler, I have learned a thing or two and am happy to share the blunt truth with you.  You'll find my insights interesting, perhaps outside-the-box.  If I know a given attraction is over-rated, I'll let you know.  If I don't know--I'll let you know also.  In school I learned that being ignorant is different from being stupid.  Ignorance can be overcome by learning; stupidity is not being able to learn.

I am a creative problem solver--I'm outside of the box, but I know that some problems can be solved directly without special creativity.  Those solutions may be the most elegant.  Tell me what you want and I will help you find it.  If you want to dine; then you shall dine.  If you want to eat; then you will eat.  Either way, I will be your vacation chef.

Bon appetit!  Bonne vacances!