Hangin' in there in Halifax

It's been a while since I've written anything, so I thought that I would bring all - you know who you are - up to speed on my recent past as well as (perhaps) a glimpse at the immediate future.

Note to self: is there any such thing as an 'immediate future' or is it an oxymoron?

The lake house is now open and almost ready for action. The ice went out early this year and I think that some - certainly I - were/was taken off guard. As a result, what should have been a 'head start' turned into a rather more drawn out opening. Marg was hard at the sewing machine in Ottawa, leaving it to me to open, and get the place clean enough to satisfy you know who. It is unlikely that I have achieved the mission entirely, but I feel that I have close enough to pass muster.

For the un-initiated,our #1 is getting married in a week and everyone in the Meldrum household are in full preparatory mode.

We are now in Mahone Bay, just outside Halifax. We have rented a house - which has turned out to be a magnificent old home - totally redone - with three decks, an enormous great-room, and only across the road to the ocean! The place also has a barn and a guest house on a property which is at least 2 to 3 acres in size. It's fantastic.

We (that is to say Marg and I, Diane E, Tom, Tara and the two little ones) plan to travel to Halifax on Thursday morning where we'll get ready for our big BBQ at the second house we managed to get. Also a great 5 bedroom home complete with grand piano and gourmet kitchen. It is here that we will welcome my sister and our #2 into our own private whirling madhouse.

I'll be renting a fancy Nikon lens for the wedding day, so I hope to be able to show off a few pics once we get back to either Ottawa or the lake.

We've also been having a blast watching the kids and Winston fly around the property exploring. The jury is out, but if I was a betting man, I would say theta our poor dog wins the prize for being the most exhausted.

I'm feeling pretty calm these past couple of days, but I confess that I do not trust my emotions, and have a certain fear; this as regards my role at the reception.

Anyway, whether or not Marg has to take over for me is not for me to worry about today. Marg and I have spent much of today in the great-room watching the fire and reading and doing emails,etc. It has poured rain all day. The rest of our Gang has chosen to explore and perhaps take in a museum or two. I suspect that we'll find something to do as a group tomorrow. Rain or shine.

More to come ... I certainly hope I'll be a more interesting read.

Brag and Boast... (read only if bored)

I may never have achieved my Ph.D in the course of my career... but I'm coming close with respect to the cruise business:

WILLIAM MELDRUM EARNS TOP HONORS AT NCL UNIVERSITY
  Award-winning cruise line presents its new class of
Freestyle Certified agents      

 Ottawa, May 7, 2010
 Norwegian Cruise Line is proud to announce that William Meldrum has earned the necessary credits to graduate from its online travel agent university, NCL University. This progressive, state-of-the art online school is geared to deliver an enhanced level of knowledge and insight into Norwegian Cruise Line’s unique Freestyle Cruising philosophy, their cruising destinations, ship programs and operations, and many other “behind-the-scenes” elements not available anywhere else. Each graduate is required, within one year, to earn a minimum number of credits through a choice of accredited courses and electives. The rigorous curriculum includes testing at every level in order to move forward.


Norwegian Cruise Line’s online university opened its virtual doors in 2008 and is one of the most innovative and award-winning programs available to travel agents today. With thousands of registered students and growing, NCL U has expanded its training from the interactive experience of its online program to a continuing, first-hand educational experience that includes a PhD@ Sea program aboard its ships.

“At Norwegian Cruise Line, we highly recommend the use of a travel professional when booking one of our cruises,” says Andy Stuart, Executive Vice President, Global Sales and Passenger Services. “We have invested in NCL U’s offerings to insure our travel partners have a thorough knowledge of our Freestyle Cruising product as well as an expertise in marketing and sales skills. In this way, we can be sure our guests will know they are relying on an expert who knows our product inside and out."

AND:

Local Travel Professional Becomes Cunard Voyage Expert by Earning Prestigious Top Rank in Cunard Academy

Ottawa, ON (19 April, 2010) – An Ottawa travel professional has achieved prestigious Commodore status in the Cunard Academy training program, certifying him as a Cunard Line expert for booking travel on the company’s flagship Queen Mary 2, iconic QE2 and newest liner, Queen Victoria.  As a Commodore, Bill Meldrum of Expedia Cruiseshipcenters joins an exclusive group of travel professionals who are now recognized by Cunard at the Academy's highest level for their unique qualifications and knowledge as a voyage planning professional. William earned this distinction after completing the minimum 25 courses necessary to graduate from the programe.

“We at Cunard are very proud of Bill’s dedication, as he has put in extra effort to offer his clients exceptional knowledge regarding the legendary ocean liners of Cunard,” said Jan Swartz, Senior Vice President of Customer Service and Sales for Cunard.  “Travel professionals who reach this top level in our Academy program have completed hours of course work to become an expert on the company’s legacy, traditions and unique voyage experience and can provide their clients the opportunity to be a part of an iconic Cunard travel adventure.”

Cunard Academy is the cruise industry’s most comprehensive online training program available to travel professionals in the U.S. and Canada. Travel professionals who complete the extensive coursework become experts on a wide range of topics, offering travelers full knowledge of important details about a Cunard voyage aboard Queen Mary 2, QE2 and Queen Victoria.  Courses educate travel professionals on such areas as the line’s legendary Transatlantic Crossings and World Cruises, exclusive Grill accommodations, compelling enrichment programes (Cunard Insights), world-class dining and renowned White Star Service^SM .

“I'm thrilled to be a Cunard Commodore and to expand my expertise about these iconic ships. The knowledge I've gained makes me a more valuable resource for my clients, and helps me to match a Cunard voyage to sophisticated travelers who seek the quintessential ocean liner experience,” said Mr. Meldrum.

To become a Commodore, travel professionals must fulfill 25 required and elective classes, representing approximately 25 hours of total course work covering worldwide destinations, onboard programs, and customer service skills. As they complete courses, travel professionals earn their “stripes” through four levels: First Officer, Staff Captain, Captain and finally Commodore, and can continue to take elective courses to expand their knowledge and keep their Commodore status current.