WELL… Thanks to my industrious literary publicist, Myron “Meshuggana” Moskowitz, I recently completed an 11-day Caribbean cruise/book signing tour, and I am happy to report that all went well. Myron was good enough to book us on a lovely new ship (owned and operated by Regent Cruises), which was called the S.S. Grandeur. (Based upon the age of my fellow cruisers, the “S.S.” might stand for Social Security!) Still, we met a lot of fantastic folks and made plenty of new friends. Our ship was really expensive. (Stowaways were charged three thousand dollars!) One day we passed a tramp steamer. (I thought the ladies looked swell, but my wife wouldn’t let me talk to them!) In any case, we had a great time and nobody got seasick. (When you get seasickness the first day you think you’re going to die, and the second day you’re afraid you won’t!)

Our first port of call was Aruba. We docked in Oranjestad and were then transported to a remote island to do some snorkeling. The conditions were decent, but it was a little windy, so we spent a lot of time telling whoppers on the catamaran. (While consuming a fair quantity of good rum.) Aruba has a Dutch heritage, so it has some interesting architectural features. (but no dikes) Nowadays, the place is a haven for tourists from the U.S., who are instantly recognizable by their sunburns.

Day two found us in picturesque Willeamstad, the capital city of Curacao. You might associate this lovely island with the multi-colored homes that line the pier. On this special day, we were invited to join two of our fabulous shipmates (Edgar and Julie Berner) for a day of sun and fun at the Marriott Resort Hotel, a beautiful place with a great beach. (The water was the warmest of the entire voyage, and great for all sorts of swimming activities.) We got to know Edgar (a highly successful clothing retailer in San Diego) and his charming wife, Julie, and they quickly became our new best friends aboard ship. Edgar is something of a legend in California, and I might insert him in my next Adam Gold Mystery. (If he comes across with the necessary funds!)

The third day was spent in Kralendijk, the capital city of Bonaire, which has to be one of the great snorkeling spots on earth. Most of us dive-types went out to Klein Bonaire, a small island off the mainland, known for its crystal clear waters and abundant sea-life. (Bonaire also has a Dutch influence, and is quite pretty in its own right.)

I shall, with your permission, cover the remaining islands next week. However, I should mention that almost everyone we met (on all of the islands) were exceedingly friendly and gracious. A little respect for the locals goes a long way toward assuring a pleasant visit, and mixed with the proper amount of rum, you will be assured of a memorable day. (or night!) Now, lest I forget, I would like to mention that my last book presentation (sponsored by the Lakeway Women’s Association) was a tremendous success, and I made a lot of new friends, and sold a ton of books. (I spoke about my new Adam Gold book, titled, DEAD ENDING.) What a fabulous group of ladies! I would like to thank Judith Baer, Rosie Rabin, and the rest of this fine group for arranging a very enjoyable day. I look forward to our next meeting!

Incidentally, my next history masterpiece, titled, WONDER OF THE WEST, is now at the publisher and is undergoing some final alterations and editing. Hopefully, this monumental task will be completed by the end of March, so be prepared for another thrilling block-buster! (This one deals with John Charles Fremont, the American “pathfinder,” who led a remarkable life during the 1800’s.) I shall, as they say, keep you apprised of my progress, or lack thereof.

By the way, if you’re interested in a great cruise voyage, you should check out the S.S. Grandeur. This was really a classy vessel. (The smokestacks had filter tips!) Each passenger got their own life-preserver, and I ended up with a cherry-flavored one. I’d tell you a couple of more terrible boat-jokes, but I’m feeling a little “dinghy!” All right, time to abandon ship…..

Have a marvelous week and keep smiling….. Love to all,

Doc Yanoff