Welcome to episode six of the Go Places Do Things podcast! Joey and Cheryl, a pair of 50-somethings, are back to talk about their most recent adventure: a five-night Royal Caribbean cruise on the Mariner of the Seas out of Galveston, Texas, in August 2025.

This trip was a special one for two reasons: celebrating their daughter's 18th birthday and cruising with their expert-cruiser friends, Jack and Viv, who are Royal Caribbean masters.

Join them as they share the details of their journey, including:

• The road trip to Galveston and mandatory stops at Buc-ee's (and the decision to break their diet with a shared cinnamon roll).

• Their impressions of the older but well-cared-for Mariner of the Seas, from the glass elevators to the unique ice skating show at sea.

• The Main Dining Room (MDR) experience and the joy of traditional dining.

• The port days, featuring a day trip to the Mayan ruins of Chacchoben in Costa Maya and the exhilarating, but picture-less, experience of swimming with manatees at Chankanaab in Cozumel.

• Tips on cruising with an 18-year-old, the best quiet spots on the ship, and how they enjoyed their sea days relaxing and playing Mexican Train dominoes with friends.

Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or planning your first trip, Joey and Cheryl hope their stories give you ideas for the places you can go and the things you can do!

Join Joey and Cheryl, along with their daughter and niece, as they recount their family trip to Washington, D.C., exploring historical landmarks, renowned museums, and local eateries. Hear their unique perspective on navigating the nation's capital with a multi-generational group. From the solemnity of the Holocaust Museum to the grandeur of the Washington Monument, discover the highlights, challenges, and memorable moments of their adventure.

Key Discussion Points:

Trip Overview:

Travel Dates: December 2024/January 2025 (around New Year's)

Travelers: Joey, Cheryl, Madison (17), Moriah (15)

Accommodation: An AirBNB brownstone in Capitol Hill.

Transportation: Rideshare, plus the DC Metro.

Day 1: Arrival & Evening Monument Tour Monuments by Night:

Took a bus tour of the monuments, highlighting the beauty of the lit-up memorials. Monuments Visited: World War II Memorial, Jefferson Memorial (Joey's favorite), MLK Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and White House.

Day 2: Ford's Theater & Peterson House Morning: Visited Ford's Theater and the Lincoln Museum. Peterson House: Explored the house where Lincoln died. Union Station: Explored the historic train station and its modern mall. National Postal Museum: Visited the museum, learning about the history of the postal system and viewing rotating exhibits.

Day 3: Udvar-Hazy, Holocaust Museum & Tacos Morning (Solo Adventure): Joey visited the Udvar-Hazy Center (Air and Space Museum Annex) near Dulles Airport, emphasizing its massive size and impressive collection. Afternoon: Visited the Holocaust Memorial Museum. Discussed the somber but important experience.

Day 4: Natural History, Washington Monument & American History Natural History Museum: Explored the museum, seeing the Hope Diamond and dinosaur exhibits. Washington Monument: Experienced a highly coveted, timed entry to the top of the monument. American History Museum: Visited Cheryl's favorite museum, seeing the Star-Spangled Banner and the First Ladies' exhibit. Evening: Watched "National Treasure" in preparation for their National Archive tour.

Day 5: National Archives, National Gallery of Art & the Library of Congress Morning: "Rope drop" at the National Archives for timed entry. National Gallery of Art: Explored the art museum, seeing famous pieces like "The Thinker" (which was smaller than expected). Lunch: Enjoyed a DC staple, Ben's Chili Bowl, on U Street. Library of Congress: Visited with timed entry, making up for a previous short visit. Discussed the impressive architecture, the ability to get a library card to read books, and various exhibits.

General Travel Tips: Afternoon Naps: Crucial for maximizing late-night activities and avoiding crowds/heat during the day. Rope Drop: Arriving at opening for museums and attractions to avoid crowds. Docent-Led Tours: Highly recommended for a more in-depth and passionate understanding of exhibits. Snacks: Essential for long days of walking and museum visits to prevent low blood sugar. Timed Entry/Reservations: Book in advance for popular attractions like the Washington Monument and National Archives; look for last-minute releases the day before or day of. DC Museum Hours: Most museums close at 5:00 PM (sometimes 6:00 PM), so plan accordingly. Security: Be prepared for tighter security at national monuments and archives.

Join Joey and Cheryl, your favorite pair of 50-somethings who like to go places and do things, on a captivating day trip through Central Texas. This episode highlights their profound experience at an elephant preserve near Fredericksburg, where they met retired circus elephants Kitty, Rosie, and Becky. They were struck by the "immaculate and clean" facility and the evident passion of the staff, who provided an insightful 1.5-hour interaction that was far from a cheesy "circus act." They learned fascinating facts, and observed behaviors crucial for their care, including bathing, foot trimming, and even "elephant calisthenics."

The adventure continued with a delightful stop at the "world-famous" Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls. Known for its "home-style cooking" and, more importantly, its incredible pies, the family indulged in a variety of their famous chocolate pies, including the specialty Chocolate Meringue with its "4 inches thick" meringue. This segment emphasizes the joy of simple pleasures and shared family moments, contrasting with the awe-inspiring elephant encounter.

Overall, the episode beautifully blends adventure, education, and culinary delights, showcasing the hosts' love for exploring and sharing their experiences.

To learn more about the Elephant experience mentioned: https://www.visitthepreserve.com/