Why do I travel?
Since I joined the Navy in 1979, travel has become a big part of my life. I grew up in a very small town in central Florida, just about 20 miles from the front gate of Walt Disney World. Until I joined the Navy, the only place I had ever been was Arkansas. My mother and I would spend the summer’s in Fayetteville, it was great times and of course growing up just a few miles from the Magic Kingdom gave a young man a lot of fond memories. But I knew that the only way I was going to get to see the world was the Navy. And it worked. After graduating Boot Camp at Navel Training Center, Orlando, I found myself in San Diego, CA. Talk about a culture shock! But I loved it. San Diego exposed me to a newer and bigger world. The theater, ballet, and yes, opera. I was 18, never seen or done anything, but now I was experiencing a new world.
After graduation from Hospital Corpsman School, I spend three months in Pensacola at an advanced training school, graduated by the skin of my teeth and soon found myself on a plane from Tampa, FL – San Francisco – Hawaii – Guam – Philippines (for a week) – Singapore – USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) as a member of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Five (HS-5). That day, as soon as I boarded the Ike, I feel in love with a ship. We spent 200+ days sailing around the Indian Ocean. We didn’t see land until we set sail home. We caught a glimpse of the shore line as we made our way around the “Cape of Good Hope” we were able to see South Africa off in the distance and some of the roughest seas I have ever experienced. I remember the waves breaking over the bow of the carrier and it was fun ride. I also remember watching one of our escort ships, a small frigate I think, having quite a ride over and through the waves. A few days later, we pulled into Norfolk, VA Navel Station. After unloading the ship, I went to the Norfolk, VA International Airport and caught a flight to Tampa, FL. Yes, I went completely around the world. But, I didn’t see any of it really. Several years ago, I got Shirley a cruise for her birthday and I was hooked. I was where I loved to be, on a ship.
Since then, Shirley and I have been on over 30 cruises. We loved each and very one, some better than others, if I had to rank them all, I don’t think I could ever do that. If I was honest, on each one, there were things I loved and things that I didn’t like as much. I have three goals when it comes to cruising. 1) Reach the Diamond Level with Carnival Cruise Lines (200 days at sea, I have 131) 2) Have enough cruise groups booked to go on a cruise every month. 3) Do a 100 day around the world cruise. All are very obtainable.
I really think that travel gets in your blood. I know that it’s in Shirley’s blood as well. She is a great travel partner; we balance each other out. I love the ship, she loves the ports When I 1st started cruising, I would just watch all the people having fun. Oh, I was having fun, but I didn’t know what fun was until I got out of my shell and got involved. I finally found out why the call Carnival’s ships, “FunShips.” Now, I love getting out there, doing the line dances, playing the trivia games, and getting called up on stage. Also, we get to meet so many people from all over the United States and the World. We also enjoy meeting the ship staff. I have gotten to know a few of the Cruise Directors pretty well and I get to see how much fun they are having entertaining the passengers. The only bad thing about having so much fun, it before you know it, the cruise is over and I have to start counting down the days until the next cruise.
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” – Mark Twain
Travel is our escape. Mark Covey in his book, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” talks about the 7th Habit. Sharping the saw. You have to take the time to sharpen your mind, getaway from the daily race of life. After what we have all been through with the Covet – 19, we all need time away. Now is a great time to book your vacation, prices are low and the suppliers are ready for you to come back. Over the last couple of weeks, Agape Travel has brought on three new travel advisors. Our team is now up to seven advisors.
Rick & Shirley Trollinger – Franklinton, NC
Amy Dewrell – Olive Brach, MS
Beth Glover – Raleigh, NC
Michelle Harper – Chesapeake, VA
Joyce Allen – Forney, TX
Chase Harrison – Tampa, FL
If you need anything or we can help you in anyway, please let us know. Agape Travel never charges a service fee for our services. Thank you in advance for your business.