Friday, March 20, 2009

Money blah blah

I need to institute a "no buying online" policy while imbibing. That's how we ended up going to Chicago in January, and now it' s how I've bought myself a ticket to a concert that begins at 10:30pm. See, I'm always asleep at that hour and now I've committed myself to an event that BEGINS at that time. Really, what was I thinking? At least I've got a couple months to prepare so maybe I'll have a strategy worked out whereby I'll be able to stay awake for it. Anyway, I was listening to his music when I got the bright idea to see if he would be coming to town as part of the Jazz Festival, and lo and behold he was. Then when I checked for "best available" tickets and a seat in the back row came up, I panicked and bought it thinking they were nearly sold out.

Let's not even bring up the fact that I swore off concerts altogether already.

At least I didn't buy the dolphin swim at the same time. I was also checking out the activities available on the cruise we're doing in June. I have always wanted to swim with the dolphins, but have never done it because it's so darned expensive. So this trip, it's only available at Nassau and starts at $200. But Nassau also has this place called Atlantis, which looks like a combination aquarium/amusement park/beach. So if you want the run of the place and swim with dolphins, it's $269. You only live once, I know, but that just seems like an obscene amount of money. Anyone been to Atlantis there? And any New Yorkers want to join us? It looks like you can go for less than $100 a day. June 9th, details here.

16 comments:

CoffeeDog said...

I have always wanted to hang out with dolphins (I hesitate to call swimming with the dolphins, because there's not a lot of swimming going on, I've seen people do it before). Like you, I am cheap. In Hawaii they have dolphins at this hotel and you can visit them for $200. In the past when we've gone we've done so many other activities $$ so we didn't put that on our list. Now that we've done a lot of things (we've been there twice) maybe I can spare the $200 and finally get to see the dolphins.

Patricia said...

Spend the money. Two hundred bucks for a lifetime's "always wanted to..." memory is money well spent.

I think it's funny that you get a little tipsy and then go shopping. It's like the new Drink & Dial(up).

GayProf said...

Consider these purchases your personal effort to revive the global economy.

My adventures said...

Makes me wonder if Natasha ever swam with the dolphins. Get the tickets, it could be your last chance!

TED said...

You know, those dolphins aren't recession proof either. Pretty soon, some of them will be down on their luck and willing to swim with anyone who brings them a handful of fish. I say wait and catch the dolphin-swimming market at its bottom. You can buy a lot of other stuff for $200 or $269.

(Or: wait and see if the spots don't fill up on your cruise and quietly offer someone in charge significantly less than the posted price.)

Fatinah said...

one of my friends honeymooned @ Atlantis and just loved it

Birdie said...

I can't help you with info on the Atlantis experience, but when my son was six, we literally swam with the dolphins at Discovery Cove at Sea World in Orlando. They put you in the lagoon with a dolphin and you get a "ride" by holding onto its dorsal fin. Pretty awesome, actually. This was back when we had some money, but it took every penny we had for the four of us.

My vote: when given the choice to buy a thing or an experience, go for the experience every time. And sorry: since I don't live in New York, I can't join you. ;-)

A Lewis said...

I'd do it if it's really what you want to do...I mean, if it's once in a lifetime, spend your $$$ on something you actually want to do. Here's a link to the place we did it in Curacao...not nearly as expensive as what you're mentioning. Also, are you buying it through the cruise line? Maybe cheaper by yourself. Check out TripAdvisor.com and do a search for dolphin encounters in Nassau...see if there is something else.

http://www.dolphin-academy.com/eng/dolphinprog.html

Anonymous said...

Do it.

Think about the Cirque de Soliel shows you've been too; those are pretty damn pricey, but you've totally enjoyed them.

It's a one-time thing.

Do it.

Anonymous said...

I learned years ago that drinking and dialing and/or going online do NOT mix.

And I have the entire Connie Stevens Forever Spring face care line to prove it...

Anonymous said...

Ah, I'm so happy my life has been one of happenstance.

Back in the 80's a friend worked at the Mystic Aquarium. One Saturday I get a call and I'm told to bring swimsuit.

Got to swim with the dolphins that day. Totally awesome, just be careful. Dolphins can get a little amorous and the male dolphins, lets just say you don't want any surprise anal from them.

technotory said...

The Atlantis experience is A-MA-ZING and worth three times the cost, IM(NS)HO.


word ver: ovelyag.
Ewww.

lattégirl said...

I learned the hard and expensive way that the only thing one should do while imbibing is to unplug the phone, turn off the computer, and imbibe.

Still, the dolphin thing is amazing.

Summer said...

Life is short so go ahead and do it. I don't think you'll say you shouldn't have after the experience is over.

Rox said...

I agree with everyone else, do it. Get pictures of it too.

Anonymous said...

Hi, I am a blogstalker of yours for quite a while; I am a New Yorker who lived in Montreal for 4 years.
Go to Atlantis, and swim with the dophins. My husband and I went and it was Fantastic!!!