The Alchemy of Laughing Your Baggage Off

The more you laugh, the better you’ll feel.
The better you feel, the quicker you’ll heal.”

— Faith Poe

What do I do to get through my many misfortunes? First, I find humor in every fiasco; rewrite my story, remove the bad juju, and start a new chapter.

Getting unstuck is a colossal endeavor. We can’t control what happens to us, but we can put a twist on the narrative.

As your Calamity Alchemist, let me explain how we play the game.

Claim It

Claim the disaster that continues to weigh heavily on you.

Name It

Describe the calamity with a funny name: e.g., Singapore Arm in a Sling, Gin and Bear it, Peeping Tom Collins.

Reframe It

Imagine the event humorously or if not possible, find something to make you laugh. See FREE STUFF..

Wash It Away

Now, the fun part. Turn on some music, raise your glass and we’ll share a toast and turn the tears into cheers.

From the book, Laughing My Baggage Off

Hemingway’s Special

INGREDIENTS

Dark Rum, Cavalier local rum
Blue Curacao
Coconut
Orange juice
Crushed ice
One shot of a secret surprise (36 years old)

STEPS

1	See video for steps
5	Garnish as desired

Hemingway’s

Location: Antigua

Bartender: Schion

Antigua, like every island, has its own unique charm and Hemingway’s is no exception. Nestled in the heart of St. Johns, just a short walk from the cruise ship pier, this gem was a regular haunt for me during my days working on cruise ships with Antigua on the itinerary.

The second-floor terrace, a serene oasis above the bustling town, offers the perfect setting to savor the ocean breezes, relish the flavors of great Caribbean cuisine and sip a refreshing drink.

After a yummy lunch with a friend, Schion, the delightful bartender, whipped up some local drinks.

The Hemingway’s Special, a spirited drink, contains a surprise ingredient that’s been a secret for the past 36 years. The free-spirited drink turned out to be a fruit punch, a delightful and refreshing choice that was far more enjoyable than the sucker punch I referred to earlier.

Entrance

The terrace

OPA!

The Greek exclamation typically accompanies a plate smashing on the floor, not my head bashing against a door.

As a Shore Excursion Manager decades ago, while working on a cruise ship docked at a Greek Island, I did my usual rounds visiting my tour operator’s establishment.

The last thing I expected was to be ambushed by a stranger who followed me around the block and into the store, unbeknownst to me. Suddenly, he grabbed me by my arm and hair and began smashing my head into the wall while screaming, “I’m going to kill you,” leaving my head with a large lump.

Now that’s what I call the ultimate sucker punch! Three guys pulled him off me and I lived to tell the tale.

So what better drink to celebrate the end of that calamity than a Fruit Punch.

Get the full story in the book,
Laughing My Baggage Off.

Hemingway’s Fruit Punch

INGREDIENTS

Strawberries 2 oz.
Mango 2 oz.
Bananas 2 oz.
Crushed ice 1 cup
Grenadine 1 oz.

STEPS

1	See video for steps
5	Garnish as desired

Hemingway’s

Location: Antigua

Bartender: Schion

The second-floor terrace, a serene oasis above the bustling town, offers the perfect setting to savor the ocean breezes, relish the flavors of great Caribbean cuisine and sip a refreshing drink.

After a yummy lunch with a friend, Schion, the delightful bartender, whipped up some local drinks.

Entrance

The terrace

OPA!

The Greek exclamation typically accompanies a plate smashing on the floor, not my head bashing against a door.

As a Shore Excursion Manager decades ago, while working on a cruise ship docked at a Greek Island, I did my usual rounds visiting my tour operator’s establishment.

Now that’s what I call the ultimate sucker punch! Three guys pulled him off me and I lived to tell the tale.

So what better drink to celebrate the end of that calamity than a Fruit Punch.

Get the full story in the book,
Laughing My Baggage Off.

Blackberry Smash

INGREDIENTS

6 blackberries
Botanical gin, 2 oz.
Lemon juice, .5 oz.
Egg whites, 1 oz.
Simple syrup, 1 oz.

STEPS

1	Muddle the blackberries (see video)
2	Add lemon, simple syrup, egg whites
3	Add gin
4	Shake and strain
5	Garnish as desired

Grand Bohemian Hotel

Asheville, N.C.

Bartender: Brad

What better way to celebrate the end of those calamities than by enjoying a drink at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Asheville.

This enchanting hotel is brimming with art in every corner, from the lobby to the galleries to the hallways to my magnificent room. I would have happily enjoyed an extended stay.

The bar overflowed with good cheer and our skilled and charming bartender, Brad, crafted the perfect concoctions.

Our spirited choice was a Blueberry Smash, a delightful and painless option that tastes divine. The Strawberry Nojito, a refreshing non-alcoholic alternative, was a surefire way to keep from getting smashed.

Inside the hotel

Entrance

SMASH!

This all-too-familiar sound takes me back to many a smash-up.

Recalling a couple of memorable ones, I remember getting hit by a taxi while walking in a crosswalk in Mexico, which landed me in the Red Cross emergency center.

And then there were the rapidly repeating smashing sounds being the second car in a 10-car pileup on a frozen highway in Washington, DC.

Get the full story in the book,
Laughing My Baggage Off.

Strawberry Nojito

INGREDIENTS

5 strawberries
Sprig of mint
1 lime, juiced
Simple syrup, 1 oz
Honey, 1 oz
Soda water, 4 oz.

STEPS

1	Muddle strawberries, mint, lime
2	Add simple syrup and honey
3	Shake and strain
4	Garnish as desired

Grand Bohemian Hotel

Asheville, N.C.

Bartender: Brad

What better way to celebrate the end of those calamities than by enjoying a drink at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Asheville.

This enchanting hotel is brimming with art in every corner, from the lobby to the galleries to the hallways to my magnificent room. I would have happily enjoyed an extended stay.

The bar overflowed with good cheer and our skilled and charming bartender, Brad, crafted the perfect concoctions.

Inside the hotel

Entrance

SMASH!

This all-too-familiar sound takes me back to many a smash-up.

Recalling a couple of memorable ones, I remember getting hit by a taxi while walking in a crosswalk in Mexico, which landed me in the Red Cross emergency center.

And then there were the rapidly repeating smashing sounds being the second car in a 10-car pileup on a frozen highway in Washington, DC.

Get the full story in the book,
Laughing My Baggage Off.

Bermuda Triangle

INGREDIENTS

Frog Grog rum
Gosslings Amber rum
Bacardi coconut rum
Pineapple juice
Cranberry juice

STEPS

1	Add 1 ounce of each rum
5	Add equal parts of pineapple juice and cranberry juice

The Frog & Onion Pub

Bermuda

Bartender: Philip

I spent two summers working on a cruise ship that visited Bermuda and my memories never fail to bring a smile to my face.

The scene of the “crimes” from our weekly pub crew parties at the Frog and Onion always promised a good time and great memories, filled with laughter and lighthearted fun.

Philip, our local mixologist, created some unique beverages for us. The first was the Bermuda Frog and Onion Triangle, a local masterpiece usually served in an adorable frog mug.

Unfortunately, due to its overwhelming popularity, it was out of stock. This drink, a blend of multiple alcohols, is a bit too intense for my liking but the taste is undeniably delicious. I opted for the safer, free-spirited Fruity Frog, relieved to have lived to tell yet another tale.

Outside Entrance

Me at the Welcoming Pub Sign

SWOOSH!

The sound I hear when I think of being swept away in the madness of The Bermuda Triangle. Whether facing unknown danger or unexplained mysteries, I’ve experienced the Bermuda Triangle of Travel Torture in many attempts to join a ship.

You’ve heard people say, “to make a long story short,” — long after, you wonder if the story will ever end. I warn you that my short version of what happened is way too long! Read it here…

Get the full story in the book,
Laughing My Baggage Off.

Fruity Frog

INGREDIENTS

Pineapple juice
Strawberry juice
Mango juice

STEPS

1	Pour equal parts of each juice
5	Garnish as desired

The Frog & Onion Pub

Bermuda

Bartender: Philip

I spent two summers working on a cruise ship that visited Bermuda and my memories never fail to bring a smile to my face.

The scene of the “crimes” from our weekly pub crew parties at the Frog and Onion always promised a good time and great memories, filled with laughter and lighthearted fun.

Philip, our local mixologist, created some unique beverages for us. The first was the Bermuda Frog and Onion Triangle, a local masterpiece usually served in an adorable frog mug.

Outside Entrance

Me at the Welcoming Pub Sign

SWOOSH!

You’ve heard people say, “to make a long story short,” — long after, you wonder if the story will ever end. I warn you that my short version of what happened is way too long! Read it here…

Get the full story in the book,
Laughing My Baggage Off.

Electric Lizard

INGREDIENTS

5 parts ice
1 part Bacardi
1 part Grey Goose
2 parts Midori melon
4 parts pineapple
2 parts Sprite

STEPS

1	See video and drink card for details
5	Garnish as desired

Bionic Bar
Ovation of the Seas

Worldwide Cruises

Bartender: Mr. Roboto

I was curious to experience the Bionic Bar on my cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas, my 103rd different cruise ship.

The Bionic Bar, a novel feature on some of the larger RCL ships, offers a unique and different experience. There’s no need to push for a place in line, as it’s all guaranteed through its computerized system.

There’s no one to spill your troubles to, no chance of an over-pour and no need to leave an extra tip.

The gigantic bar is a wonder as each ingredient is poured and served for the Spirited Electric Lizard and the Free-Spirited Mr. Roboto.

I was amazed by the precision and efficiency of the robotic arm and the novelty of the experience left me in awe.

Drink description & ordering screen

Dedicated robotic bartenders

SWISH!

Nothing can prepare you for a bartender who doesn’t talk while swishing a drink into creation.

And nothing prepared me for laryngitis during a New Year’s Eve celebration as a youth counselor in charge of 4–8-year-olds.

The swishing then was me with salt water in my mouth, desperately hoping to revive my lost voice. It was an eye-opening and challenging experience learning the power of listening and navigating the production show for toddlers without the ability to emcee.

Get the full story in the book,
Laughing My Baggage Off.

Mr. Roboto

INGREDIENTS

5 parts ice
4 parts orange juice
2 parts cranberry juice
3 parts ginger ale
1 part lime

STEPS

1	See video and drink card for details
5	Garnish as desired

Bionic Bar
Ovation of the Seas

Worldwide Cruises

Bartender: Mr. Roboto

I was curious to experience the Bionic Bar on my cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas, my 103rd different cruise ship.

There’s no one to spill your troubles to, no chance of an over-pour and no need to leave an extra tip.

The gigantic bar is a wonder as each ingredient is poured and served for the Spirited Electric Lizard and the Free-Spirited Mr. Roboto.

I was amazed by the precision and efficiency of the robotic arm and the novelty of the experience left me in awe.

Drink description & ordering screen

Dedicated robotic bartenders

SWISH!

Nothing can prepare you for a bartender who doesn’t talk while swishing a drink into creation.

And nothing prepared me for laryngitis during a New Year’s Eve celebration as a youth counselor in charge of 4–8-year-olds.

Get the full story in the book,
Laughing My Baggage Off.

Blue Mountain Snake

INGREDIENTS

Snake rum 2 oz.
Blue Curacao 1 oz.
Lime juice 1 oz.
Orange juice 2 oz.

STEPS

1	Mix all ingredients in a shaker and shake
2	Pour into a highball glass

The Ruins Rock Cafe

Location: Dominica

Bartender: Thomas

I laughed at the name of the bar, The Ruins Rock Cafe, recalling a passenger who told me what she thought of the tour I offered to the Mexican ruins in Chichen Itza.

She said if she wanted to see ruins, she would look in the mirror. In Mexico, mescal is famous for having a worm inside, accompanied by folklore about hallucinating if you eat it.

The Ruins Cafe in Domenica, a wild and crazy-colorful bar, is nestled in the ruins of a burnt-out building. It’s a resurrection that is truly mind-blowing. This bar tops the list in all my travels as having the most shockingly unique contents in their alcohol.

The choices are extensive, a true adventure for the palate, including rum bottles with centipedes, slugs, lizards and grasshoppers, locusts and lucky snakes marinating inside bottles of local rum.

If you’re not in the mood for the daily kill, you can chill with a marijuana rum punch! By far and away, the most exotic bar I’ve visited, I’m pretty sure I would have ended up psychotic had I decided to imbibe.

Our bartender, Thomas, this afternoon showcased his craft by creating a vibrant Blue Mountain Snake rum drink, a spirited choice indeed. And for those with a free-spirited palate (and a preference for animal-free cocktails), he whipped up a refreshing Tropical Fruit Punch.

Inside the colorful bar

Exotic concoctions if you dare

HISS!

The sound of a snake when not marinated in a bottle of alcohol. And a flashback to a snake who conned me out of my condo.

I bought my dream condo pre-construction when living in Cozumel. After a tropical storm turned into a Cat. 5 hurricane churning over the island like blending a margarita, I faced my apartment after losing all my possessions.

The emotional toll of a legal battle with a developer who repossessed my condo with the help of forged documents and a months-long battle in a Mexican court case was immense.

Get the full story in the book,
Laughing My Baggage Off.

Ruins Tropical Fruit Punch

INGREDIENTS

Orange juice 2 oz.
Pineapple juice 2 oz.
Grapefruit juice 2 oz.
Lime juice 1 oz.
Sugar syrup to taste

STEPS

1	Mix all juices together
2	Pour into a highball glass

The Ruins Rock Cafe

Location: Dominica

Bartender: Thomas

I laughed at the name of the bar, The Ruins Rock Cafe, recalling a passenger who told me what she thought of the tour I offered to the Mexican ruins in Chichen Itza.

She said if she wanted to see ruins, she would look in the mirror. In Mexico, mescal is famous for having a worm inside, accompanied by folklore about hallucinating if you eat it.

The choices are extensive, a true adventure for the palate, including rum bottles with centipedes, slugs, lizards and grasshoppers, locusts and lucky snakes marinating inside bottles of local rum.

Inside the colorful bar

Exotic concoctions if you dare

HISS!

The sound of a snake when not marinated in a bottle of alcohol. And a flashback to a snake who conned me out of my condo.

The emotional toll of a legal battle with a developer who repossessed my condo with the help of forged documents and a months-long battle in a Mexican court case was immense.

Get the full story in the book,
Laughing My Baggage Off.

Jamaican Yard Vibes

INGREDIENTS

White, dark & coconut rum (Cocomania) — 1 part ea
Triple Sec — 1/2 part
Peach schnapps — 1/2 part
Simple syrup — 1/2 part
Lime juice — 1/2 part
Pineapple juice — apporx 2 oz.
Grenadine — by eye
Blue Curacao syrup — by eye

STEPS

1	Add white rum, dark rum, coconut rum, Triple Sec, peach schnapps, simple syrup, lime juice and pineapple juice
2	Shake mixture with ice
3	Pour Grenadine slowly down the side to the bottom
4	Gently pour Blue Curacao on top to layer
5	Garnish as desired

The Houseboat Grill

Location: Jamaica

Bartender: Rick

The Houseboat Grill is a delightful floating restaurant in Montego Bay that requires taking a small barge a few feet from land to the eatery.

The food and drinks, with their divine taste, are a true indulgence and the scenery captures the beauty of Jamaica.

Having lived in Jamaica, I can attest to the saying that a part of your soul never truly leaves. Jamaica holds a special place in my heart, with its breathtaking beauty, rich culture, vibrant music, laid-back lifestyle and deep respect for others. It’s a place that truly has it all.

Our wonderful host, Rick, introduced us to The Spirited Jamaican Yard Vibes, a delightful rum-based drink that he personally crafted.

For those seeking a more mellow option, the Jamaica Me Happy is a colorful concoction of various fruit juices, offering a refreshing and vibrant taste of the island.

Entrance

Barge to Get There

IRIE!

That sound says, “All’s well,” accompanied by comfort and chilling out.

It’s not the sound I heard when I face-planted on a moped, losing consciousness and waking up to hear the doctor say, “Don’t let her see a mirror!”

My Rastafarian friend brought me medicine grown in her garden to treat the 36 stitches in my face. She also made me daily fresh hand-squeezed juices.

And the miraculous transformation from injury to healing, thanks to her concoctions, would rival the most expensive plastic surgery, which was Irie indeed.

Get the full story in the book,
Laughing My Baggage Off.

Jamaica Me Happy

INGREDIENTS

Mango puree
Strawberry puree
Lime juice
Ice

STEPS

1	Pour mango mix on ince with a splash of lime juice
2	Blend for 35 seconds
3	Pour strawberry mix on ice with a splash of lime juice
4	Blend for 35 seconds
5	Pour both mixtures into two sides of a glass at the same time, as pictured
6	Garnish as desired

The Houseboat Grill

Location: Jamaica

Bartender: Rick

The Houseboat Grill is a delightful floating restaurant in Montego Bay that requires taking a small barge a few feet from land to the eatery.

The food and drinks, with their divine taste, are a true indulgence and the scenery captures the beauty of Jamaica.

Our wonderful host, Rick, introduced us to The Spirited Jamaican Yard Vibes, a delightful rum-based drink that he personally crafted.

For those seeking a more mellow option, the Jamaica Me Happy is a colorful concoction of various fruit juices, offering a refreshing and vibrant taste of the island.

Entrance

Barge to Get There

IRIE!

That sound says, “All’s well,” accompanied by comfort and chilling out.

It’s not the sound I heard when I face-planted on a moped, losing consciousness and waking up to hear the doctor say, “Don’t let her see a mirror!”

My Rastafarian friend brought me medicine grown in her garden to treat the 36 stitches in my face. She also made me daily fresh hand-squeezed juices.

And the miraculous transformation from injury to healing, thanks to her concoctions, would rival the most expensive plastic surgery, which was Irie indeed.

Get the full story in the book,
Laughing My Baggage Off.

Sea Donkey

INGREDIENTS

Juniper gin 1.5 oz
Ginger beer
Garnish with lime

STEPS

1	See video for steps
5	Garnish as desired

Amalga Distillery

Juneau, Alaska

Bartender: Rachel

After spending many summers in one of the most magical places on earth, Alaska, I visit at least once a year.

Every time I find myself in Juneau, I’m drawn to the unique charm of Amalga Distillery. Nestled on the main street downtown, just across from the Baranoff Hotel, this place is not your typical bar or restaurant.

With a two-drink limit, it’s a distillery that attracts an ever-changing crowd. The atmosphere is always light and cheerful, a perfect spot for engaging conversations and a quick escape from the outside world.

One of the highlights of my visits is the exceptionally delicious gin brewed locally at the Amalga Distillery. Just as delightful as the gin was Rachel, our bartender, who explained all the ingredients that make the Sea Donkey so mouth-watering. The Free-Spirited Rose Spritzer was another uplifting option I wish was available in every bar I visit.

Street sign

View of the bar

OOPS!

I cringe at the thought of my all too many memories of so many “just grin and bear it” mortifying moments.

But you know what? These moments, like walking bare assed to class in college or wearing toilet seat covers to my seat on an international flight, are just opportunities for a good laugh. And a bit of gin doesn’t hurt either.

Get the full story in the book,
Laughing My Baggage Off.

Raspberry Rose Spritzer

INGREDIENTS

Jøyus zero proof sparkling wine
Raspberry puree, 3/4 oz
Homemade rose cordial, 3/4 oz

STEPS

1	See video for steps
5	Garnish as desired

Amalga Distillery

Juneau, Alaska

Bartender: Rachel

After spending many summers in one of the most magical places on earth, Alaska, I visit at least once a year.

Street sign

View of the bar

OOPS!

I cringe at the thought of my all too many memories of so many “just grin and bear it” mortifying moments.

Get the full story in the book,
Laughing My Baggage Off.

Ti Punch

INGREDIENTS

Rum
Fresh cane juice or brown sugar
Ice
Limes

STEPS

1	Squeeze two lime wedges into a glass
2	Add ice
3	Add rum
4	Add fresh cane juice

Trois Rivières

Location: Martinique

Bartender: Steffi Emilen

Right along the waterfront, a short walk from the cruise ship pier, are markets filled with vendors selling their local wares and fun outside bars offering a variety of places to try the local drinks.

My bartender, Lucie, with a smile as bright as the sunny day, concocted a local specialty rum drink called “Ti-punch.”

The super refreshing, free-spirited drink of the day was a Nojito, a delightful surprise that added just the spark I needed for my day.

After the fall

The bar side view

WHOOPS!

Rather than flashing back to a past calamity, this bright and sunny day provided the perfect environment for a fiasco right there on the spot.

After strolling the boardwalk and ordering my drinks, I saw people posing for pictures in front of a bench and a giant monkey statue holding a sign that said “Bar!”

Since I rarely get photos of myself, this would be an opportunity to change that. Little did I know, this seemingly innocent photo op would lead to a series of hilarious mishaps.

What could possibly go wrong? You can read all about it in my blog, Trips and Falls.

Get the full story in the book,
Laughing My Baggage Off.

Nojito

INGREDIENTS

Muddle lime and fresh mint
Fresh cane juice
Sparkling water
Ice

STEPS

1	Put lime and fresh mint together in a tall glass and muddle
2	Add ice
3	Add fresh cane juice and sparkling water

Trois Rivières

Location: Martinique

Bartender: Steffi Emilen

Right along the waterfront, a short walk from the cruise ship pier, are markets filled with vendors selling their local wares and fun outside bars offering a variety of places to try the local drinks.

My bartender, Lucie, with a smile as bright as the sunny day, concocted a local specialty rum drink called “Ti-punch.”

The super refreshing, free-spirited drink of the day was a Nojito, a delightful surprise that added just the spark I needed for my day.

After the fall

The bar side view

WHOOPS!

Rather than flashing back to a past calamity, this bright and sunny day provided the perfect environment for a fiasco right there on the spot.

After strolling the boardwalk and ordering my drinks, I saw people posing for pictures in front of a bench and a giant monkey statue holding a sign that said “Bar!”

Since I rarely get photos of myself, this would be an opportunity to change that. Little did I know, this seemingly innocent photo op would lead to a series of hilarious mishaps.

What could possibly go wrong? You can read all about it in my blog, Trips and Falls.

Get the full story in the book,
Laughing My Baggage Off.

Rum Therapy

INGREDIENTS

1 shot Bounty lime
1 shot Bounty white
1 shot Denros
1 shot Triple sec orange bliss
Lime juice
Simple syrup
Splash of Coke

STEPS

1	Add a shot of each ingredient except lime juice
2	Then add lime juice
3	Top with a splash of Coke

Rum Therapy

St. Lucia

Bartender: Steffi

Discovering a bar in St. Lucia called Rum Therapy: Bar and Treatment Center was a joyous revelation.

I laughed at how often I had gone through therapy but not in such a colorful oasis where I could kick back and enjoy local cocktails. The name itself, Rum Therapy, seemed to promise a cure for what ailed me. It was a reminder that life is full of new adventures and that we should always be ready to embrace them. After all, we’re toasting the end of a setback and cheering for the joy of new experiences.

And what better therapist / bartender than Stephi to help me wash away tears of the past and cheer for a better tomorrow? Stephi was not just a bartender; she was exactly the therapist I needed — a laughter therapist. Our spirited drink is appropriately called Rum Therapy and what better name for the Free-Spirited drink than Joy Juice?

View of the bar

Welcome to sunny St. Lucia

TIC TOC!

The sound of every unbearable minute working for a beast of a boss. Have you ever worked for someone who, no matter what you did, you could not get a break?

Everything was wrong. I had a boss on a ship who I’ll call Marsha. She looked like a marshmallow and was as sickly sweet on the inside. This power-hungry, narcissistic boss was unbearable. And on ships, you don’t get to go home tonight. 24/7, you’re under the watch of someone looking for any reason to lash out.

Luckily, the torture ended after two of the longest months of my life. But one thing was for sure. Buoy, oh buoy, did I need therapy.

The relief and joy I felt when I finally found a supportive environment was indescribable. It was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders and I could finally breathe again.

Get the full story in the book,
Laughing My Baggage Off.

Joy Juice

INGREDIENTS

Orange juice
Grenadine syrup
Blue curacao non-alcoholic
Bitters
Pineaple juice
Nutmeg,
Cinnamon powder
Lime juice
Denros

STEPS

1	See video for steps
2	Garnish as you wish

Rum Therapy

St. Lucia

Bartender: Steffi

Discovering a bar in St. Lucia called Rum Therapy: Bar and Treatment Center was a joyous revelation.

View of the bar

Welcome to sunny St. Lucia

TIC TOC!

The sound of every unbearable minute working for a beast of a boss. Have you ever worked for someone who, no matter what you did, you could not get a break?

Luckily, the torture ended after two of the longest months of my life. But one thing was for sure. Buoy, oh buoy, did I need therapy.

The relief and joy I felt when I finally found a supportive environment was indescribable. It was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders and I could finally breathe again.

Get the full story in the book,
Laughing My Baggage Off.

The Bathtub

INGREDIENTS

Herradura Tequila Reposado 1.5 oz.
Lime Juice 1 oz.
Passion fruit syrup .75 oz.
Peach Schnapps .5 oz.
Egg white 1 oz.
Edible foam
Bathtub and rubber ducky

STEPS

1	Shake all ingredients and strain into a mini bathtub
2	For extra points, create edible bubbles and add a little ducky for company

Glowbal

Vancouver, B.C.. Canada

Bartender: Alberto Hernon
Drinks by Martin Coles

So, this night I need a relaxing bath… not to bathe in but to drink.

What a surprise to find The Glow Bar, an elegant upscale restaurant and bar. And even more surprising was enjoying the creation of by far and away one of my all-time favorite drinks. Alberto and his glowing personality lit up the bar in a luxurious atmosphere with music to match. I agree with the Travelers Choice Award 2021 that this is in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide. The unique drinks at The Glow Bar are not just a must-try but a thrilling experience for any adventurous soul.

My girlfriend and I split our spirited drink, The Bathtub, a unique concoction served in a miniature pink bathtub, garnished with bubbles and a rubber ducky, which was quickly drained. I bought a souvenir tub and ducky that makes me smile when I see it on my bookshelf. And our free-spirited Dalgonas coffee, a perfect end to our evening, did not disappoint.

Entrance

Drained bathtub!

AHHHH!

The sound of the relaxing ride down a Cat. 2 river that turned into AYYYYYYYE Cat. 4-s! Recalling the thrill of not one but two of my not-so-relaxing river rides that were sold as a leisurely float down a scenic river. One was in Colorado and the other was in Costa Rica.

The unexpected turn of events transformed these rides into rip-roaring and challenging adventures, forcing me to navigate the rapids as I prayed to get through in one piece.

Get the full story in the book,
Laughing My Baggage Off.

Dalgona Coffee

INGREDIENTS

Brown sugar 2 scoops
Coffee 2 scoops
Water 2 oz.
Brown sugar syrup, a touch
Almond milk, approx. 1/4 cup
Garnish with rose petals and coffee beans

STEPS

1	Fill a glass with ice
2	Add 2 scoops of brown sugar and 2 scoops of coffee into a mixing glass and blend
3	Add 2 oz. water
4	Add a touch of brown sugar syrup and stir until foamy
5	Pour into a glass with milk
6	Garnish with rose petals and a few coffee beans

Glowbal

Vancouver, B.C.. Canada

Bartender: Alberto Hernon
Drinks by Martin Coles

So, this night I need a relaxing bath… not to bathe in but to drink.

Entrance

Drained bathtub!

AHHHH!

The unexpected turn of events transformed these rides into rip-roaring and challenging adventures, forcing me to navigate the rapids as I prayed to get through in one piece.

Get the full story in the book,
Laughing My Baggage Off.

Cruzan Confusion

INGREDIENTS

Cruzan strawberry/mango rum
Cruzan coconut rum
Cruzaan guava rum
Cruzan blackberry rum
Cruzan cranberry rum
Grenadine
Pineapple juice
Orange juice
Cherries and lime garnish

STEPS

1	Add Cruzan rum
2	Add Grenadine and juices
3	Shake well
4	Garnish with cherries & lime

Virgin’s Haven

St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

After a delightful day in St. Thomas, my girlfriend, an island resident and I were about to return to our cruise ship. We had just spent a fun-filled couple of hours after work and she decided to treat me to a visit to the Virgin’s Haven bar, located at the bustling Havensight cruise ship pier.

The bartender at Virgin’s Haven was a true character, her personality as vibrant as the labels on the local rums she used to craft her signature Cruzan Confusion cocktail. This spirited drink, a mix of five rums and juices, was aptly named. It was so potent that they didn’t even need to enforce a drink limit — who could possibly order a second after that?

One would expect the perfect “virgin” drink in the Virgin Islands and Virgin’s Haven did not disappoint. Our banana daiquiri with two cherries was a sweet, satisfying end to our time at the bar, leaving me content and ready to return to the cruise ship.

Front of the bar

WHAM!

The unexpected sound that jolted me out of bed and onto the floor of my cabin, as my cruise ship collided with an island in the Mediterranean still sends shivers down my spine.

The terror of the unexpected shipwreck (a result of some significant Cruisin’ Confusion due to the negligence of the Safety Officer on duty) added to the confusion, making our rescue later that morning even more dramatic.

Get the full story in the book,
Laughing My Baggage Off.

Virgin with 2 Cherries

INGREDIENTS

Banana daiquiri mix
Coco Lopez
Grenadine syrup
ice
2 cherries

STEPS

1	Add bananas
2	Add Coco Lopez
3	Blend till it thickens
4	Pour into glass
5	Garnish with cherries

Virgin’s Haven

St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

After a delightful day in St. Thomas, my girlfriend, an island resident and I were about to return to our cruise ship. We had just spent a fun-filled couple of hours after work and she decided to treat me to a visit to the Virgin’s Haven bar, located at the bustling Havensight cruise ship pier.

The bartender at Virgin’s Haven was a true character, her personality as vibrant as the labels on the local rums she used to craft her signature Cruzan Confusion cocktail. This spirited drink, a mix of five rums and juices, was aptly named. It was so potent that they didn’t even need to enforce a drink limit — who could possibly order a second after that?

One would expect the perfect “virgin” drink in the Virgin Islands and Virgin’s Haven did not disappoint. Our banana daiquiri with two cherries was a sweet, satisfying end to our time at the bar, leaving me content and ready to return to the cruise ship.

Front of the bar

WHAM!

The unexpected sound that jolted me out of bed and onto the floor of my cabin, as my cruise ship collided with an island in the Mediterranean still sends shivers down my spine.