When we sent out invitations, we asked people who wanted to geive us a gift to send donations to Equality NC, a group working for acceptance of same-sex marriage in NC, or to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Franklin where we are members. However, we keep getting questions about what we "really" want or need. Therefore we are offering an alternative.

 An Olivia cruise would be the best. Olivia is a lesbian travel company that charters entire ships. The best part about it is the wonderful entertainment they have every night. The ships are from the Holland America Line, and are well-run and beautiful. The ship has a wonderful "Thermal Suite" in their spa area. It has a huge (like 25 foot square) hot water spa, a room with sauna and steam rooms, and fantastic heated tiled loungers. This is wonderful for our backs! The restaurants are excellent, there is a buffet open all the time, bars and coffee shops, and free room servic all day and night. Of course ther are swimming pools, gym rooms, a culinary arts area with demonstrations, a movie theater...it goes on and on. Even the least expensive cabins have nice accomodations. Fresh fruit on demand, Terry cloth robes, TV with ship channels among others, etc.

The ship goes down the coast of Mexico and to Belize. There are many places to see Mayan ruins and other historical sites, as well as a day at the beach and other activities. Seeing historical sites and the ruins are at the top of our list, one reason we chose this trip. We have seen Belize on TV shows, and would love to see it in person.