what are some good juice/drink diets?
good juice diets or detox diets? what kind of drinks do i make ? what goes in them? thanks 
!
The main detox diet is the master clense if you search it you will get loads of results you just drink water/lemonade with salt in it and I think it has a touch of syrup in it. Its the one beyonce knowles done.
Natural diet vegetable drink P1 cure prevent Illness muscle aches cancer allergies migraine headache
Mercury is a heavy metal that has had a variety of uses throughout history, evidence of its use being found in several ancient civilisations. However, perhaps the most controversial use is that in the dental amalgam. In the mid-nineteenth century, the mercury-silver-tin-copper-cadmium mix began to prove irresistible to dentists as a dental amalgam.
The reasons for this were simple; it was extremely easy to use, formed a strong repair and was cheap to obtain. There was only one problem – the toxicity. This was known at the time and the American Society of Dental Surgeons (ASDS) declared the use of dental amalgam as ‘malpractise’ and promised expulsion from the society. As too many dentists chose to use the mercury formula, the ASDS collapsed and, in the midst of widespread worry as to the consequences of using these fillings, the American Dental Association sprung up to soothe public fears regarding its use.
This has resulted in consistent and outright denials of any danger faced by the public in relation to these amalgams. Throughout the last century, these denials have been consistently questioned and, in recent years, even the AMA has admitted that mercury vapour is indeed released by amalgams (although they still insist that the levels of this toxic vapour are not high enough to cause harm).
This, like many other arguments relating to public health, continues to be debated. The line taken by governmental institutions and chemical companies still fit the traditional mould of reassuring the public until exposure or leak of hidden facts forces a change of policy. The patterns can be seen in relation to aspartame, DHT, PCBs, fluoridation. An example focusing more on mercury has been offered in the form of Gulf War Syndrome. This infamous syndrome first came to light after UK and US soldiers that served in the 1991 Persian Gulf War became ill following the conflict, and causes a wide range of ailments, including immunological and neurological problems, as well as skin, digestive and respiratory problems. The collective Governments continued to dispute the findings of various organisations, even though all the groups that were susceptible to the syndrome had all received the mercury-containing thimerosal preservative in vaccines. (Those that did not receive the vaccine, such as French soldiers, showed no susceptibility). This has been suggested by some as proof that Mercury is the cause of Gulf War Syndrome. It is the very likely candidate, although I think that this immunological disorder is quite probably what happens to susceptible soldiers who are subjected to 17 vaccines (eg. assaults on their immune system) in the presence of toxic Mercury-containing preservatives like thimerosal. The populations of soldiers where no GWS exists had a significantly lower vaccination count.
Mercury can cause serious problems in a variety of ways. The reason for this is the way that it enters the body and bonds with a variety of biological structures, and in doing so interrupting, slowing and inhibiting normal function of the body. Studies show that mercury from amalgams is absorbed in vapour through the gums and in the lungs, and is deposited in the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and major endocrine glands.
There are a number of types of mercury to be aware of, the difference being in what the mercury is bonded to. These can be classified under two major types, one form being inorganic mercury, the other organic. Whilst inorganic (non-methylated) mercury is the normal form of mercury found widely in the environment, in thermometers and the form absorbed into the body through the vapour released from amalgams, there is a lot more danger posed to the body by organic mercury. This is mercury in a salt form (eg mercuric chloride, mercuric iodide) or mercury that has been methylated in the intestines. This methylation occurs in unbalanced guts, where there is an excess of bad bacteria. This is where ill health can bring about further ill health; once in the body, this methyl mercury is much more able to move through cell membranes and bond to a number of tissues, slowing, inhibiting and interrupting vital functions. It is for this reason that organic mercury is considered a lot more toxic than inorganic mercury.
It is primarily the organic form of mercury that will bond with numerous forms of body tissue; the phospholipid layer of all cells, compromising the permeability of the cells and therefore their ability to communicate and respond to hormonal messages; hormones like insulin, meaning the beta cells in the pancreas must produce more to do the same job; haemoglobin, which can result in the symptoms of anaemia; thyroxin, the hormone produced by the thyroid gland that is necessary for sufficient metabolic rate; all neurotransmitters, hormones and enzymes are potential pray to this bonding of the heavy metal. Because of the variety of ways in which mercury can create damaging symptoms and varying levels of sensitivity in different individuals, there is no set pattern to mercury toxicity.
One thing is beyond doubt – the effects of mercury in the body are both real and quantifiable. A 1984 study showed that presence of amalgams reduced T-cell numbers by 55.3%, seriously compromising the immune system. This disruption of the natural level of T-cells has grave consequences as it disturbs the delicate balance of T and B cells (both types of lymphocyte, a class of white blood cell) which can have dire consequences.
For example, T4 cells – also called T-helper cells – mark out antigens, singling them out to identify them to the B-cells, which make antibodies that neutralise them. If these are low, your immune system will not respond adequately to invasion from foreign microbes. However, if the action of the T4 cells is not opposed by that of the T8 cells (that calm the action of the B-cells), then the immune system can become over-active. This results in allergic reaction to dietary or environmental elements, or even in auto-immune reactions; this is where the immune system begins to attack its own cells (type I diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis are classic examples of auto-immune conditions). These auto-immune conditions are possible because the antibodies have an in-built flexibility with regards to what they attack to allow them to deal effectively with viruses that are constantly modifying their form – unfortunately, when an imbalance occurs between the level of antibodies and the amount of invading antigens (eg. the requirement), damaging reactions can occur.
Problems with mercury often seem to take some time to have an effect on an individual. This is explained by the composition of the metal and the way it interacts with the body. As mentioned above, there are two forms of mercury, the inorganic and the more dangerous organic form. An individual may not show sensitivity to the presence of the inorganic form of mercury (the type that leaks from amalgams) but, when combined with Hydrogen Sulphide gas (H2S) in the intestines, it can be methylated by a specific enzyme, Thiolmethl Transferase (THT). The important issue to be aware of here is that H2S is only produced by bad bacteria or fungi in the gut, so a compromised digestive function can be a trigger of mercury toxicity. Ironically, the way that mercury compromises the immune system has been linked to a disruption in the normal balance of intestinal flora. Probiotics (and prebiotics) are therefore an essential supplemental step for anyone with a dental amalgam, as is any step that maintains good digestion (sufficient quality food, healthy stress patterns).
Whilst we know that mercury is toxic and we know a number of ways in which it damages the body, the lack of governmental acceptance and the lack of pharmaceutical interest in this problem means we are left with an incomplete model when attempting to assemble a time-line of mercury-related symptoms that an individual can expect to experience.
Certainly, what does not help in any attempts to determine the effects of heavy metal toxicity is the incessant need for the medical community to label dysfunction as a specific illness, and treat it as such. Although this model of categorizing patients into convenient boxes makes the task of prescribing drugs a less taxing process, it fails to recognise that disease is a complex process which reflects the systematic conditions within the patient. Chronic fatigue conditions such as lupus erythematosus and fibromyalgia are perfect examples of this medical malady; this are considered acquired diseases in their own right and little, if any, consideration is given to the integrated involvement of the immune system, hormonal imbalance, adrenal dysfunction, liver and kidney overload, heavy metal toxicity in the individual. It is clear to me that there are so many manifestations of symptoms all lumped under the umbrella of lupus, and this label is quite restrictive as these sufferers have different problems (ie. different causes or, to be more exact, different combination of causes). Metal toxicity is clearly a factor in some cases, and not in others.
This uncertainty as to the level of the problem seems destined to continue. The powers that control the medical establishment (drug companies and industrial sponsors) have no interest in investigating this matter; it is simply not in their interests – a healthier population is one that requires less pharmaceutical products. With limited resources, those that do have this interest in uncovering the facts will struggle to make inroads in obtaining information on a bigger scale.
Although perhaps not given the mainstream coverage it deserves, concern as to mercury’s negative effects in the body and the use of such a toxic metal in dental amalgams is nothing new. The first concerns were rationally voiced by the ASDS in 1845, although one reason that we do not hear such a balanced debate now is because the organisation set up to promote mercury, the ADA, have not only performed an excellent job in selling their side of the story but also enjoy support from high government. So, despite concern for the use of this substance first being registered more than 150 years ago, the majority of the facts regarding mercury remain in darkness.
Meanwhile, conditions associated with heavy metal toxicity include: Fatigue, Poor concentration, Hypoglycaemia, Migraines, Respiratory Disorders, Arthritis, Auto-immune conditions, Allergies, Depression. Naturally, these are more general disorders; mercury toxicity has also been linked with a long list of conditions from epilepsy to multiple sclerosis.
It is certainly possible that the whole population are affected to some extent, especially those with dental amalgams. A single dental amalgam can release up to 15mcg of mercury per day, and eating mercury-tainted seafood can provide up to 2.3mcg, a level that many scientists believe to be extremely toxic. A vaccine that uses thimerosal as the preservative delivers an dose of 25mcg mercury (The EPA say that this is an acute toxic dose for any animal less than 500lbs). Overall, the evidence for mercury poisoning from fish is not especially strong when compared to that of amalgams and vaccines, so I would not encourage too much panic in regards to the consumption of fish unless the individual in question appears to be especially sensitive to heavy metals. As with all foods, sensible selection and an awareness of where the food was sourced from remain paramount.
Genetic sensitivity and under-nutrition is perhaps the key as to whether or not mercury exposure will result in symptoms of ill health. As with many issues, such as stress and bacterial/viral infections, some people are heavily affected by exposure to a certain element, whilst others display no ill effects. A strong immune system, adequately supported by sufficient levels of anti-oxidants, zinc, iodine, vitamin D, etc, can deal with removing toxic compounds much better than a suppressed immune system and the susceptibility of the individual reflects this also. The effects of these genetic/nutritional factors were well demonstrated in Gulf War Syndrome.
Depending on the level and type of stress experienced by an individual at any given time, the workload of a specific gland will be vary greatly and this plays a big role in the response an individual is able to generate to a challenge to his/her homeostasis. Clearly, very low-level sensitivity would certainly fall below the radar, and indeed most people may struggle to distinguish the difference between tiredness caused by waking up 20 minutes too early and a very minor depletion in haemoglobin levels.
As I see in testing for allergies, an individual may have sensitivities to some elements but not to others, whilst his neighbour shows sensitivity to a totally different range of chemicals. With this in mind, I have no doubt as to the potential reactions that some people may experience when exposed to other heavy metals, such as aluminium, lead, and arsenic.
Aluminium has been shown to promote many diseases including breast cancer and anaemia as well as being heavily implicated and the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease and depletion of potassium levels in the body. All anti-perspirant deodorants and Teflon pans contain aluminium, but it can also be found in kitchen foil, cheap table salt, antacid and painkilling concoctions – clearly we are more at risk of aluminium exposure that most metals. Significantly, aluminium has been shown to increase the damage reeked by mercury in the nervous system; however, the authorities do not consider this synergy is assessing safe exposure levels.
Arsenic can cause nausea and vomiting, a disruption in blood cell production, and a number of broad issues, from internal bleeding in the GI tract to skin cancer. Arsenic exposure is not especially high in the UK, although there are still numerous potential angles for exposure; it is used to treat disease in chickens, in fireworks, in wood treatment agents, in photocopier drum coatings and in metal alloy, amongst other things.
Cadmium is another toxic metal that we are not routinely exposed to. Cadmium damages DNA directly but can also cause other problems from liver, lung and kidney problems to neurological damage. Cadmium is used is battery manufacturing and in heavy industry such as mining and burning coal; it is also present in tobacco smoke.
So are we all affected to some extent by heavy metal toxicity? A more appropriate question may be whether there is anyone who is not affected by heavy metal toxicity. What is definitely relevant is the health of the nation continues to decline, despite medical advances and an increase in funding for healthcare, and there will inevitably be a number of reasons for this irregularity. I see heavy metal toxicity as one of the many pieces of the puzzle.
Mercury, aluminium and other heavy metals do harm the body, and they are an issue to the population at large. However, as highlighted at different points in this article, the pattern that heavy metal toxicity follows is one where symptoms present hand-in-hand with malfunction of various bodily systems (eg. immune system, intestinal flora) and is a health problem that, like so many others, is extremely complex and individual in its symptoms. This, combined with the industry’s lack of willingness to examine the issue, ensures that it remains impossible to accurately calculate the severity of heavy metal toxicity across the population. Meanwhile, the key to avoiding problems clearly lies in staying as healthy as possible and avoiding exposure wherever possible and, if you feel that exposure may have occurred, taking action by supporting the liver and the immune system (eg. with an effective liver detox) in partnership with a suitably experienced practitioner.
References:
Ask, K., Akesson, A., Berglund, M., & Vahter, M. (2002). Inorganic mercury and
methylmercury in placentas of Swedish women. Environmental Health Perspectives,
110(5): 523-526.
Bartolome, B., Cordoba, S., Nieto, S., Fernandez-Herrera, J., & Garcia-Diez, A.
(1999). Acute arsenic poisoning: clinical and histopathological features. British Journal
of Dermatology, 141, 1106-1109.
Koller L (1980). Immunotoxicology of heavy metals. Immunopharmacology 2:269-279.
Myers, G. & Davidson, P. (2000). Does methylmercury have a role in causing
developmental disabilities in children? Environmental Health Perspectives,
108(supplement 3): 413-420.
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (1999). Cadmium.
Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet. Available on-line: http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/rtkweb/0305.pdf
Peraza MA, Ayala-Fierro F, et al (1998). Effects of micronutrients on metal toxicity. Environmental Health Perspectives s106:203-216.
Svare CW, et al (1981). The effects of dental amalgams on mercury levels of expired air. Journal of Dental Research 60:1668:1671.
Zander D, Ewers U, et al (1990). Studies on human exposure to mercury II. Mercury concentrations in urine in relation to the number of amalgam fillings. Zbl Hyg 190:325-334.
Marek Doyle is a nutritionist, allergy therapist and personal trainer operating from Kensington, Chelsea, West London and Basingstoke and runs Blueprint Fitness. He has been recognised as one of the top three trainers in the country and counts world champion athletes, models and TV celebrities amongst his clientele.
About the Author
Marek Doyle, www.blueprintfitness.co.uk
Channel 5 Florida Sunrise Detox Pain Pill Addiction Clinic Trouble
It’s a shame to lay out $250 – $2,500 on a dreamy cruise vacation only to encounter unnecessary mishaps and inconveniences. So, in an effort to minimize the likelihood of a bump in the road to your perfect vacation, here are some common potholes that you can avoid.
Mistake #1: Not Making Your Luggage Distinctive. At the end of your cruise, your luggage will be placed in a huge room with THOUSANDS of pieces of luggage, probably in some designated area based on the color of a luggage tag provided by the ship. No matter how familiar you think you are with your own luggage, it’s amazing how well your bags will blend in with the mass of cargo surrounding them. Having a quick, easy way to identify your luggage will be a major relief, especially if it gets misplaced.
BUT, that isn’t the main reason to make your luggage stand out. You will be entering this cavernous room with a couple thousand other people, some of whom stayed up all night partying. They are going to be impatient to get their bag and get out and there is a fairly good chance that their vision isn’t so good. If your bag looks like their bag, it could be a goner. And, if a stranger does take your luggage it could be hours, even days, before you get it back.
Do something durable and noticeable to your luggage so that it not only is recognizable to you, but also let’s bleary-eyed fellow travelers know that your bag is not their bag. Put stickers on it, paint a day-glo streak around it, sew a teddy bear onto the outside… just make sure it stands out.
Mistake #2: Not Researching Shore Excursions Beforehand. It should come as no surprise that cruise line advertising folks have the ability to describe each and every shore excursion as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Of course, no cruise is complete without shore excursions and many of them are absolutely wonderful chances to do things you would never do otherwise. But, be smart here. It’s okay to get hoodwinked into thinking that palm trees do sway all day long and that sand feels like silk under your feet. But, it’s a whole ‘nother thing to be looking forward to that perfect, serene afternoon on a remote beach only to find out you have 500 friends, some with young kids, crowding around you and bumping into your beach chair while vendors hawk everything from coconut shells to t-shirts.
Before you commit, read some reviews, talk to the cruise ship shore excursion folks, ask fellow passengers, do some thinking. Most cruise ships have a “No Refund” policy on shore excursions, but don’t be afraid to ask for one if your experience is truly unacceptable. Better still, find out what you’re getting before you go. Many (if not most) shore excursions are just great and you’ll be happy you went. But cover your stump and you’ll be glad you did.
Mistake #3: Runaway Bar Tabs. Unless you specifically choose a package that includes it, your bar tab is NOT included in the “all inclusive” part of your cruise. Adding to the bite is the ubiquitous 15% gratuity that gets added to every purchase you make on board a ship.
I could suggest that you drink less, but that’s just plain dumb! You’re on a cruise! So, pay attention to how much you drink. Those cute little umbrellas drinks that come in a stunning canary-yellow cup will cost you about twice what a basic cocktail costs. Cruise ship booze is already costly enough; you don’t need to help them out by spending more for a cup that you’ll stash in a closet when you get home.
Cruise ships have a policy against bringing alcohol on board, but the policy is very loosely enforced if you don’t flaunt it. In other words, don’t strap a handle onto a case of Budweiser and check it as baggage or load up your carry-on bag with bottles of Wild Turkey. Discreetly packed airline bottles of booze or cans of beer will probably go unnoticed. Don’t try to sponsor a frat party, but you can definitely help yourself out a bit.
You are allowed to bring your own wine on board if you plan to drink it at dinner, though you are charged a “corking fee”. And, you can also bring a small stash of non-alcoholic beverages (soda, water, etc) with no problem. You should definitely bring some water, especially if you’re cruising in warm climates.
Mistake #4: Ignoring the Fury of the Sun Gods. Sun Burn treatments are the fourth most popular reason that people on cruises visit the ship’s infirmary. (The first three are: 1) bumps and bruises, 2) indigestion, 3) seasickness). Once you’re burned, there isn’t much anyone can do for you except try to alleviate the pain. (My favorite treatment for that is something called “Traumeel”. You can’t find it in the drugstore, but most health food places will have it.)
If you’re cruising in the winter months (Nov – Feb), you don’t have as big a problem. Even when you are in the sub-tropics, and even though your skin probably hasn’t seen sun for several months, the sun is hitting you at an angle and that makes all the difference. You still need to be careful, but you have more leeway.
In the spring and summer months, when the sun is overhead, you can get burned in as little as an hour, especially in the afternoon hours. Some silly people forgo the sunscreen because they want to make sure they get a tan. Not a good idea. Start your sunbathing session with at least 15 SPF (30 if you haven’t been in the sun, with extra protection on your lips). As you get closer to your end time, use less SPF. Even with a good sun blocker, your friends and co-workers will still know that you’ve been out in the sun.
Hats are a serious plus if you are in sunburn territory. Most people don’t put sunscreen on their heads, and so the part of your body that is getting the most direct rays for the longest period of time remains unprotected. Visors don’t protect your skull; you need some type of covering.
Mistake #5: No First Aid Kit. As previously noted, there are several reasons that passengers end up wasting time (and sometimes money) visiting the infirmary. You may not be able to avoid all mishaps, but you can prepare for the lesser blunders. By the way, all of this applies double if you’re traveling with kids!
Bumps and Bruises. The biggest reason people visit the ship’s doctor probably has something to do with mixing booze, slippery surfaces, metal railings and the rolling motion of the ship. For most of your injuries, the right size band-aid and a good analgesic crème will do the trick. A simple travel or camping first-aid kit will have what you need.
Indigestion. One of the drawbacks of having such constant access to all that wonderful rich food that cruise ships are famous for is that people eat it. And eat it. And eat some more. Unless you are a strict disciplinarian, you can expect to consume about two or three times your normal food quantity in an average day. Add to that the steady consumption of alcohol that is a hallmark of cruising and voila! Indigestion. Take along some Alka Seltzer, some Pepto Bismol and sum type of antacid tablet, like Tums or Rolaids. All of these are available in tablet form. Some ships stores will have some of this, but not always and if you need it in the middle of the night you’re out of luck.
Seasickness. The best treatment is prevention. After you get it, well… yuck! Check out the various forms of Dramamine that are now available, including pills and patches. The directions will tell you how much lead time before you hit the waves you need to get the maximum effect. You can also get acupressure wrist bands that work really well with some people.
One of the best treatments I’ve ever seen for treating seasickness once it hits you is Coke and soda crackers – lots of both. Some people say that 7-Up works also, but I think there is something in the caffeine in Coke that helps the whole process. If you are feeling sick, your cabin is the worst place to be unless the weather topside is really bad. Being able to get fresh air and see the horizon helps to trigger the brain sensors that calm seasickness.
Headaches. We all know that booze can make your head scream for mercy, but so can sun and lots of new food. If you’re not used to heavy carbs in your diet and you scarf up lots of pastries, ice creams or gourmet desserts, your body can trigger the same symptoms it does when detoxing from too much alcohol. And, if you experience bumps, cuts or sunburn a pain reliever is a good thing. Have a supply of different types of pain reliever. Depending on the reason for your pain, aspirin may not work as well as Tylenol or Ibuprofen in a given circumstance. (Do I need to remind you to read the label and follow the directions?)
Mistake #6: What? No Camera? A Picture Really Is Worth A Thousand Words. It’s hard to imagine, but some people will actually take the trip of their dreams and not take a camera. Or, they’ll take a camera, but they won’t keep it with them. Don’t do that. If you have a digital camera, use it, use it, use it. If you don’t have a digital camera, spring for about three or four disposable ones. And be sure to take you camera to the Life Boat Drill. You’ll know why when you get there.
A side bar to this camera thing is the Photo-ops that you have all over the ship. There will be dozens of them on your cruise – when you’re boarding, when you’re dining, when you’re getting off the ship, at the pool – at times it will seem like some one is taking your picture every time you turn around. You are, of course, free to decline. But I recommend that you give it a shot. Yes, these photos can be goofy, even cheesy, but they can also be a lot of fun. Plus, you just might end up with the best shot of the cruise. Some of the settings are outright elegant, rivaling what you would find at a studio. It’s a great way to get a nice formal picture for your living room or to send to your family, and there’s no sitting fee!
Mistake #7: Buying From Street Vendors. Where ever you go on your cruise, once you step ashore you will be approached (accosted?) by local folks trying to sell you something. I’m not talking about the shops and makeshift kiosks you may find, I’m talking about the guys selling Cuban cigars out of their trunks, or pirated CDs out of a cardboard box.
Your best bet, unless you’ve been there and really know the score, is to just say NO. Regardless of how appealing the offer, just say NO. Most of the products are very low quality and you have no way to check it out before you buy. I know of people who bought CD cases with no CDs inside, watches that didn’t work, Cuban cigars purchased in the local drugstore, “handmade” jewelry that came out of bubble gum machines, the list is endless. And this applies SIXTEEN FOLD if some local guy tries to sell you some pot.
In most ports of call frequented by American-based vessels, this street traffic is actually illegal. You probably won’t get into trouble, but why risk it? Save your money for the honest locals and their little shops that are going to sell you watches that do work, they just fall apart in a few weeks.
Mistake #8: Thinking You’ll Save Money “In Town”. One of the charming aspects of cruising is the ritual of visiting the local markets and shops. This is truly a fun experience and you can find all manner of unique and special items, but you probably won’t find any real bargains. There are bargains to be found, but you really need to know what you’re looking for and what it’s worth in the US. Don’t be cynical about it. It’s all part of the experience. Somehow, buying a wooden giraffe in Grand Turk is better than buying the same wooden giraffe at Pier 1 Imports, even if you pay a little more. Go figure.
You actually can save money when you buy liquor or tobacco products, but it might not be as good a deal as it first seems. Most ports have what are called “duty free” shops which means that there was no “duty” (i.e. import tariffs) paid on the products and so they are cheaper to sell in that country. The same applies to diamonds and other fine jewelry. The challenge is knowing what an item is actually worth. Just because these guys saved on the import fees doesn’t mean they’re passing the saving on to you. Also keep in mind that you are supposed to declare to US customs any purchases you make in a foreign country. Duty Free in Nassau doesn’t mean it’s duty free when you come back to the US. There are certain exemptions for personal items, but if you shell out some big bucks, you might lose the saving when you pay the US import fees.
So, don’t be a miser. Spend freely. Do some Christmas shopping. Spread your money around the local economy and have fun doing it. Just remember, these guys are in the business of selling stuff to foreign tourists. They know where the money is coming from and they know how to keep as much of it as they can.
Mistake #9: Sticking around the port. Yes, ships are safe in the harbor, but that’s not what ships are built for. Most ports of call, especially when the call is for a day or less, are set up to provide the ships passengers with a particular experience. They accomplish this by making their ports as visitor-friendly as possible. The experience of Mexico that you get right outside the port in Cozumel is decidedly different than the experience of Mexico on the other side of the island. Around the port, all manner of business are set up to appeal to a particular comfort-zone and a particular economy.
But, often, just a few miles from the port, you can have a completely different experience. If you travel to Grand Turk, for example, you can spend a delightful afternoon at the resort-like environment of Margaritaville. The beach is well-maintained, though a bit crowded. There is a huge beautiful pool with lots of palm trees and man-made waterfalls. A beer will cost you about $6 and a burger will be about $8.
But a short taxi ride to the old downtown area will take you to a much more authentic location. At least for the time being. You can stroll crowded, dusty streets; see skinny dogs shuffling through garbage cans and have a local beer and piece of fried chicken for about $3.75 at one of the local pubs. Sure, the pub would never pass an American food inspection and you may have to do without air conditioning. But the experience can be wonderful. You won’t get that experience staying close to the port.
Of course, you want to be safe and you want to be able to get back to your ship before it sales, so keep all that in mind. But, there is a whole universe of color, sound, smells and people that don’t ever get to the port and it’s worth the trouble to find it.
Mistake #10: Not Preparing For the Journey Home. Sooner or later (it will seem much too soon), your cruise will come to an end and you’ll have to return to the land of making your own bed and cooking your own food. The journey home is often an irritating necessity and something to endure as quickly as possible. But, if you rush back into the reality you left behind, it’s kind of like a diver coming to the surface too quick after a deep dive. Your mind and body will resist.
If possible, do something fun on the way home. Stay an extra night in a hotel or visit a landmark or even a theme park. At the very least, stop at a nice restaurant for a leisurely lunch or dinner. A quiet picnic (even with fast food) at a rest area can be a perfectly delightful way to transition home.
Here’s a couple of things to do to make your return less stressful and hurried.
• If you’re driving, fill up with gas before you go to the port. Make sure that, when you leave, you don’t have to stop until you want to.
• When you have breakfast on your last morning, take some pastries with you, or even make yourself an egg sandwich. If you thought to bring a thermos with you, fill up on coffee or juice for the ride home.
• Leave some bottles of water in your car. Many bus companies will allow you to leave some personal items on the bus when you get to the port, so include some water and a pillow.
• Find out what the weather is back home. I once stood shivering in 40 degree weather outside the airport in a pair of shorts and an aloha shirt. Hey, it was 85 degrees when I left Puerto Rico that morning!
• Take the next day off. If you are returning to port on a weekend, good. If not, schedule the time off before you leave. Or call in sick. You’ll be SOOOOOOOO glad you did.
A Final Suggestion.
Keep up with all of the information documents you got on the cruise – daily ships newsletter, shore excursion price list, etc. When you get home, file all this in a folder and then use if for reference material for yourself or someone else the next time a cruise is planned. And before your forget, write down all the things you wish you’d thought of and that you wish you had known. Make a complete list and stash it with the other cruise information you brought back.
Happy Cruising!
About the Author
Fred Tutwiler is a best-selling author and consultant who spends as much time as possible cruising the Caribbean. His book First Time Cruiser’s Guide. , is a detailed look at how to make the most of your Caribbean cruise vacation.
FAKE GLUTATHIONE and INEFFECTIVE BRANDS – BEWARE