THE 2004 WEDDING CRUISE

PATRICIA GASPAR

Without Patricia Gaspar, Captain Teige would have never known we were on his ship during the 2004 Wedding Cruise. 

We first met Patricia on the 2002 Rhapsody Cruise.  At the time, Patricia was the ship's Social Director.  One of her duties was to supervise large groups such as ours.   Patricia made sure our reserved rooms were ready for private parties and morning dance classes.  In addition, once she discovered Marla was a rookie, Patricia went overboard to offer tips of the trade.  Under Patricia's watchful eye, there were smooth waters the entire trip.  Patricia was a serious sweetheart.  She and Marla hit it off from the start.  Chatting up a storm every time they met, by the end of the trip the two ladies were best friends forever.  

In the process, Patricia learned about our dance studio and how we had used 'Dance' as a way to lure our large group on board.  Patricia quipped, "Whatever you guys are doing, it definitely works.  I've never seen so many dancers on board one our trips."

Marla and I ran into Patricia for the second time during our 2004 Mardi Gras trip.  Unfortunately, the encounter came at the very last minute on the final day of the trip.  Suitcases in hand, we were ready to check out when we discovered Patricia was in charge of saying goodbye at the exit door.  Marla and Patricia squealed in delight.  However, there were people standing behind us, so Marla and Patricia gave each other a sad face.  One big hug, then it was Hello, I gotta go, see you later, alligator. 

Six months later, Marla and Patricia got a second chance.  Marla and I ran into Patricia Gaspar on Day Two of the Wedding Cruise.  It was hardly an accident.  Since Patricia had a desk all to herself smack dab in the middle of the central area of the ship, how could we miss her?  Actually, it was more like how could she miss us.  As we walked by, Patricia looked up and spotted us four feet away.

"Rick, Marla, I can't believe it's you!  Get over here!"

Marla and Patricia were thrilled at the reunion.  Even better, this time we had time to talk.  Patricia invited us to pull up two chairs.  We quickly discovered why she had this prominent position in the lobby.  Patricia was now the Rhapsody's "Loyalty Ambassador".  That is the person who sells future cruises to passengers during their current trip.  Patricia was perfect for this important position.  A native of Portugal, Patricia spoke seven languages.  Her fluency plus her outgoing nature made her an excellent representative. 

Patricia wasn't busy, so the three of us spent twenty minutes catching up on things.  We complimented Patricia on her promotion to Ship's Officer.  She smiled and said thank you.  She remembered seeing us six months ago on the Mardi Gras trip, but it was too little too late.  Patricia was thrilled to have this chance to catch up.

"So, Marla," Patricia asked, "tell me about your Mardi Gras trip."

Marla mentioned the river tragedy, the detour to Gulfport, all the angry passengers, the initial disappointment followed by the excellent bus solution. 

Patricia nodded.  "Yes, I remember that.  What a headache.    Unfortunately I did not get a chance to go.  I was scheduled to have the day off, but the bus issue forced me to stick around and help the passengers.  I was so disappointed.  What about you guys?  Did you enjoy Mardi Gras?"

Marla replied, "It's too bad that you had to work.  Yes, we had a great time.  You should see the pictures Rick took.  They captured the excitement to perfection."

Patricia smiled.  "Oh, I wish I could see them.  I want to see what I missed."

When Patricia said that, I had an idea.  Since we were sitting next to Patricia's computer, pictures from the trip were a mere mouse click away at SSQQ.com. 

"Patricia, you can see pictures right now if you want.  Just bring up the Internet."

"That's a great idea," Patricia exclaimed.

Ten seconds later the screen popped up.  Looking at my Mardi Gras pictures, she screamed.  "Oh my gosh, Rick, these pictures are so awesome!  Did you post them just to make me feel better?"
 

I grinned.  "Yes, of course, Patricia, just for you.  Actually, I do this after every trip.  I've learned the best way to promote Marla's next cruise is to post as many pictures as possible from her current cruise."

"Well, you did a great job.  These pictures are incredible."

Just then a couple stopped by the desk to ask a question.  With a rueful smile, Patricia said, "I'm sorry, guys, but duty calls.  Listen, Marla, before the trip is over, you and I need to have a drink.  You know where to find me, so when you have a chance, come and get me.  I want to know every detail about your wedding!!  In the meantime, I'm going to look at these pictures again when I get a chance.  Thank you for visiting!!"

Patricia meant what she said about looking at the pictures again.  After we left, she took another peek.  Patricia enjoyed the pictures so much, she decided to read my recap as well.  This is how she discovered the story I had written about Captain Teige's ordeal.  Patricia thought to herself, "I should tell the Captain about this.  I bet he has no idea this story exists."

Impressed by my Mardi Gras webpage, Patricia posted the link to every officer on the ship.  In particular, she included a personal note to Captain Teige.

"By the way, Captain, the same man who wrote this story just got married on our ship.  He and his wife Marla are on the Rhapsody right now.  You should look for them at the Reception tonight."

This was news to Captain Teige.  Tipped off to our presence, when Captain Teige saw us dancing at the Reception that night, I am sure he knew who we were.  Putting two and two together, he realized the man he had heard hollering for his mother the previous day had probably been me. 

On the spot, Captain Teige decided he wanted to meet us.  So he summoned Jackpot Julie and told her to extend an invitation to dinner. 

Without Patricia Gaspar's warning, would the Captain have known who we were?  Probably not.  Patricia did both him, Marla and me a very nice favor.

THE 2004 WEDDING CRUISE

ON THE BRIDGE WITH CAPTAIN TEIGE

On the following evening, Marla and I entered the ship's Bridge at 6 pm.  An officer greeted us, then led us onto an outdoor ledge.  We found the Captain busy at work. 

Known as a "bridge wing", this extension acts as a rearview mirror of sorts.  It allows the crew to have a clear view of the ship's side and surrounding waters during docking maneuvers.  There are bridge wings on both sides of the vessel.

Captain Teige welcomed us, then introduced his fiancé Isabella as well as his adorable little boy.  Like us, they were on the ledge to watch the departure.  Captain Teige said, "This is my chance to show my son what I do for a living.  Maybe he too will consider a life upon the high seas." 

In grand Viking tradition, Captain Teige grew up on an island off the west coast of Norway.  Coming from a family of mariners, he knew from age 5 that he wanted to pursue a life at sea.  He learned his lessons well.  We were impressed as the Captain skillfully guided this massive ship out of its dock at Cozumel. 

Once free, the ship gathered speed.  I enjoyed watching the beautiful island of Cozumel retreat in the distance.  Departure complete, his fiancé gave him a kiss, then left with son in tow. 

To my surprise, I could hear Gary Richardson yapping away upstairs in the all-day restaurant known as the Windjammer.  That is when I realized the bridge is directly below the Windjammer Cafe at the top of the ship. 

What was Gary doing up there?  Gary is what one might call an 'indoor person'.  He hates the heat and hates the sun.  For that reason, he typically spent up to four hours a day in the Windjammer.  This spacious air-conditioned 'serve yourself' restaurant has picture windows that afford a wonderful view of the sea.  Best of all, with 125 passengers on board, the lure of food and coffee guaranteed non-stop company.   Gary loved holding court during his marathon visits. 

Gary did me a real favor on this trip.  Preoccupied with family - my Aunt and Mother plus Marla's relatives - my free time for hanging out was limited.  Gary stepped in to provide leadership in my absence.  No one ever felt lonely, not with Gary around.  Gary was more than happy to chat.  Shooting the breeze was his favorite pastime along with dancing and photography. 

In particular, the Usual Suspects enjoyed hanging out with Gary.  Why?  Because they wanted their picture taken.  Gary warmed up to his role quickly.  His photographs proved invaluable in helping me document all the unusual events of the trip.  I considered Gary my Unsung Hero. 

When the Captain noticed my ears perk up at the sound of Gary's voice, he guessed what had caught my attention.  He laughed and commented he heard that same guy talking in the Windjammer every day.  That is when I told him the man speaking was the same guy who had taken our picture at dinner the day before.  I added that Gary likes to hang out in the Windjammer all day long.  The Captain smiled and rolled his eyes. 

"Thanks for telling me, but I already knew that."  

CAPTAIN TEIGE's secret

After giving us a tour of the bridge and showing us all the various charts and instruments, Captain Teige assured me a repeat of the Titanic tragedy was unlikely due to modern technology.  He also reminded me that icebergs were rarely spotted in the Gulf of Mexico.  Yeah, and this is the same guy who warned us about the napkins.  Should I trust him?

Captain Teige pointed to an alcove at the back of the bridge and invited us to have coffee with him.  Marla and I were quick to accept, but I still looked around suspiciously in case there were any hidden napkins.  You never know where danger lurks.

Once we got comfortable in this little corner, Captain Teige smiled at us and said he had a story to share. 

"Rick, I have a secret I want to tell you about.  It seems that you and I share a very unique connection."

Riveted by his statement, I racked my brains to guess what it could be.   Tonight was the first time he and I had ever spoken in private, so what might our connection be?  Thank goodness the Captain did not ask me to guess.  His secret came so far out of left field that I would have had no chance.

Captain Teige settled back in his chair and began.  "You might be surprised to learn my name only appears in one place on the Internet."

Aha.  This was the only clue I needed.  Captain Teige knew about the Mardi Gras story I had written about him six months earlier.  I assumed that Patricia Gaspar had told him.  Who else?  This was correct, but not entirely.

Captain Teige continued. 

"A couple months ago a friend of mine googled my name on the Internet.  The search on my name turned up only one location.  That was your story about me on regarding your visit aboard my ship last March for Mardi Gras.  When I read your story, I was very surprised to say the least.  Your story gave me a huge lift at the time.  Being a Captain is not always easy and that was a rough stretch.  What a surprise it was to discover I could thank you in person." 

I nodded.  "You are more than welcome, sir."

"As you will recall," the Captain said, "I encountered a huge problem on the trip due to the unfortunate collision in the Mississippi River.  Two ships had collided and there was loss of life.  The river was closed to traffic until the bodies could be recovered.  The timing could not have been worse for my ship.  Most people probably had no idea the amount of trouble this accident caused me, but you were the exception.  You not only caught on, you sympathized with my plight."

"Yes, sir, I remember.  When I heard about the abuse you took from that horde of aggressive passengers, I thought those people crossed the line.  I was just as disappointed as they were, but I believe in being fair.  The accident was not your fault, so why blame you?  They didn't see it that way.  Their decision to blame you in such a hostile way offended me.  Ironically, considering how well things worked out, all that bickering turned out to be completely unnecessary."

"What caused you to write the story?" 

"A couple things.  I was impressed with the bus strategy.  I was skeptical ahead of time, but that saved the day.  In addition, I was very impressed with how well you handed all that taunting.  There are times when certain people are tough on me too about things they don't like, so I definitely I identified with your plight.  I am not sure I would have been as cool in your situation, so I appreciated receiving a vicarious lesson on how to handle such a tough crowd."

"That is what you said in the article you wrote about me.  I cannot tell you how much I appreciated your kind words.  You captured my feelings exactly.  That was the toughest problem I have ever faced.  So when I discovered that you and your wife were back on board my ship during this trip, I could not wait to thank you in person."

"I meant everything I said.  You bravely faced a great deal of hostility during your open meeting.  You handled their anger well, but without backing down.  You calmed everyone down with considerable skill.  I was very impressed with your poise under pressure."

The Captain nodded.  "Well, thank you again.  I am used to criticism in my position, but I rarely receive any praise.  It was very reassuring to read what you had to say."

"I have a question.  Who came up with the idea to bus everyone to Mardi Gras?"

"That was my idea, but I had to fight hard for it."

"Why was that?"

"The top brass balked at the added expense.  It was very costly to rent all those buses.  Since the cruise line was not legally responsible, why go to all that unnecessary cost?"

"What changed their mind?"

"I said we were going to take a huge PR hit.  I said the New Orleans press was going to have a field day at our expense and the national news would jump on it.  Fortunately several men agreed.  They decided a good will gesture was called for."

"Profits versus doing the right thing.  Wow.  I can see why that was a tough decision.  Well, thank you for pointing your bosses in the right direction.  It was a wonderful solution.  Our day at Mardi Gras turned out perfectly."

Marla spoke up for the first time.  "I agree.  We had a wonderful time.  Rick and I even got a chance to be street performers with our dancing."

Captain Teige smiled.  "Do tell!" 

"Rick and I were walking down Bourbon Street with our gang of 20 or so.  As we passed by a bar, someone opened the door to cool off the place.  That is how we heard some awesome blues music coming from inside.  Inspired by the music, Rick looked at me, I looked at him.  The next thing we knew, we were dancing on the sidewalk.  We were pretty good, but I guess it helps to not have any competition.  We attracted quite an audience in the process.  50 people, maybe more.  It was a fun moment."

"Yes, I can imagine," Captain Teige replied.  "I enjoyed watching you and Rick dance at the Reception a couple nights ago.  You are extremely talented."

We were about half an hour into our visit.  Just then Marla looked at her watch.   "Captain, I'm sorry, but I made a previous commitment to arrange our group photograph.  I wish I had anticipated this chance to get to know you better.  Will you forgive me?  It has been such a pleasure visiting with you." 

"I am sorry you have to leave early, Marla.  Perhaps you will let me borrow your husband a bit longer."

A LONG TALK IN THE ALCOVE

It struck me as quite a coincidence to have this busy, important man focus a spotlight on two passengers he had never met.  Although Captain Teige had explained how I managed to cross his radar, there was a nagging part of me that wondered if an invisible Cosmic Social Director was the real reason for our meeting.  Now that Captain Teige and I were alone, this was my chance to ask him how he knew we were on board for this trip.  He smiled and said Patricia Gaspar had alerted him.  Aha!  That is what I thought. 

Captain Teige took the lead.  "Rick, I have a favor to ask.  Would you mind sharing your insights regarding the place of dancing aboard my ship?" 

Huh.  That was a twist.  I had expected we would talk about the cruise industry, so I was surprised when Captain Teige steered the conversation to dance instead. 

"Of course.  But if I may ask, why your interest in dance?"

"Last year I was on a ship that stopped in Buenos Aires.  I was mesmerized by the Tango.  What an amazing dance.  When one of my officers heard about my interest, he turned around and booked a set of 'Tango Argentino' performers on the ship.  Once a week for several months, I watched them perform.  Quite frankly, I fell in love with the Tango.  I wished so much I could dance like that.

Plus I have another reason.  I am getting married soon and I don't have a clue how to dance.  Isabella keeps expecting me to learn, but where I am going to learn to dance on a ship?  And then I made the mistake of letting her see you and Marla dance.  Ever since all I hear from her is that it can't be that hard to learn."

I laughed.  "Funny you should say that.  Three nights ago at the Captain's Reception I overheard a couple with the same problem.  My group made the dancing look easy, so some lady expected her boyfriend to pick it on the spot."

"Yes, I can relate.  That is exactly my problem.  So answer me this question.  How hard is it for a man who has never danced in his life to learn how?  How long does it take?"

"I teach private lessons to men to prepare them for their first dance at a wedding.  Five hours is usually sufficient, two or three if the man possesses natural ability.  It is not easy, but it is not impossible either."

"Is this something that can be taught on a cruise ship?"

"Of course.  For example, I could teach you and Isabella the basics of Tango or Slow Dancing in a few hours.  The biggest problem would be for you to clear the necessary block of time."

"Yes, that would be a problem.  Plus I think I am a slow learner.  One of the Argentinean couples tried to teach me, but I struggled.  Their English was not very good and they did not know how to explain the steps in a way that I could understand.  One of the reasons I wanted to talk to you is that I have read a lot of the articles on dance that you posted on your website.  In one article you said that cruise ships would be wise to pay better attention to partner dancing.  What did you mean by that?"

"May I be blunt?"

"Yes, of course.  I want your candid opinion."

"I have a favorite saying, 'Slow Dance leads to Romance.'  My dance studio is phenomenal at pairing up people who end up getting married.  Over the course of my career I estimate the studio is involved in creating one new marriage a month."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes, I am serious and I have the facts to prove it.  Due to my experience at the dance studio, I am in the unique position to say with certainty that putting a woman in a man's arms to beautiful music has a way of warming her heart that is quite superior to any other method I can think of.  The dancing works even better if the conditions for romance are right.  Tasteful clothes, a glamorous setting, the right music, the right mood. 

On board your ship, you have all of these elements plus a ship's orchestra, moonlit water and magical dance murals on the wall.  If a man knows how to dance and he is gentleman as well, under these conditions many a woman has been known to soften."

"But what if the man can't dance?"

 "Ah, yes, well, there's the rub.  Very few men possess the skill to slow dance properly."

"So what good does it to do to have the perfect conditions?  The majority of men at the Captain's Reception do not have a clue.  They would rather sip champagne and watch when the right music comes on."

"So give the men a chance to learn!!  The women would love it and the men would come around given the right opportunity.  It is wonderful that your ship has Rock Climbing Walls, Ice Skating Rinks, and Vegas-style shows.  You have exquisite Dining Rooms, the finest cuisine, Formal Night and a photographer around every corner.  Golf Putting Surfaces, Art Shows, Bingo, Casino, Bridge, and Cooking demonstrations.  Water Slides, Movies, Exercise Rooms, bars aplenty, Trivia Contests, Wet Teeshirt and hairy leg contests,  and breath-taking Centrums.  These are great.  But these activities have little to do with Romance. 

By ignoring the power of Dance to promote Romance, you miss the chance to sponsor the single most powerful activity there is to actually touch people's hearts!  Cruise Lines advertise Romance all the time, but no one actually pays attention to the single most direct way to connect the spirits of a man and a woman: Dancing!  Slow Dance leads directly to Romance, I promise you.  Not only that, the Rhapsody possesses the finest dance venue I have ever seen.  The pictures on the wall practically beg men to take a woman out on the floor and put her in his arms."

"Yes, Rick, but not every town in Texas has a major dance studio where people can learn to dance ahead of time."

"I agree.  But the problem is not limited to rural Texas.  I run into the same problem in Houston.  Married couples have a million time-consuming things that are more important.  Jobs, raising kids, carpool, commuting, paying bills, moving the grass, you name it.  When does a guy have the time?  He is so tired at night, he just wants to watch TV and chill.  So here's my point.  Now that he is on a cruise trip, suddenly he has the time.  Not only that, he is looking for a way to reward his wife for all the things she does to enhance his life.  So why not offer a dance program aboard the ship?  Cruise ships are always looking for a new way to make revenue, so my suggestion would be to offer an intensive 7-day program." 

Captain Teige gave it some thought.  "That is a very interesting proposal.  How would you structure it?"

"On my next Rhapsody cruise, I could train a pair of your performing dancers on how to teach a Slow Dance class.  Two hour classes on sea days, one hour classes on excursion days, and a special dance party on the final night of the trip similar to the Captain's Reception as a reward.  You don't have to give this away for free.  Make them pay for it just like they would back home.  I know the interest is there.  People from all walks of life stop to watch my group dance.  They all say this same thing.  'Boy, I wish I could dance like you guys, but there's no place I can go to learn.  Besides, I don't have the time.'

Based on comments like that, a lot of passengers would love to take an ongoing dance class.  The women would love it and the men would be happy to cooperate if it meant making their wife happy.  Most people think dance is a way to find a wife.  Yes, that is true, but dance is also a wonderful way to keep a wife.  Many married people take cruise trips with the secret hope of rekindling the romance.  So give them a chance!  Let a man spend a whole week with his wife in his arms and see what happens."

Captain Teige nodded.  "You've obviously given this a lot of thought.  I like your idea, but cruise lines are notoriously conservative.  The big question is whether a cruise line would give your ambitious project a try.  And besides, where are they going to find someone with your experience to design and administer the program?"

I shrugged.  "Yes, I guess you're right.  It is a shame though.  When I watch Royal Caribbean advertisements on TV, I see no dancing at all.  What might happen if a clip of a man and a woman dressed in formal attire seen are dancing in each other's arms with a smile bright enough to light up the night?  Conjure up images of Elegance and Sophistication that are rarely seen in modern day society, then explain that a cruise trip is the perfect way to bring these images to life."

Captain Teige smiled.  "I am starting to see why your dance studio is so successful.  You might be surprised to learn that I am one of those men who secretly wish I had the opportunity to take lessons as you describe.  The thought of dance lessons right here on my own ship would be appealing.  However, I would not get your hopes up.  Cruise executives are pretty stuck in their tried and proven paths.  In fact, my observation is the industry prefers to de-emphasize dance.  The latest trend is to take existing dance venues on older ships and turn them into fancy restaurants where you pay to play.  In addition, dance floors on newer ships are smaller.  Dancing does not seem to be important enough to get their attention.  It is much easier to sell our executives on the latest twisty water slide than an intangible concept such as dance."

When I said nothing, Captain Teige continued. 

"That said, I agree with you in spirit.  I think the Rhapsody would benefit from some of your Slow Dance and Romance magic.  For matter, I would too.  Would you and Marla consider offering me and Isabella a Tango lesson before you go?"

I smiled.  "Of course!  It would be my pleasure."

We made plans to meet on Saturday and left it there.  Our talk lasted an hour and a half. It had been early evening when our talk started and it was pitch black when our talk ended.  We had literally been talking in the shadows for some time.  

Marla and I met with the Captain one more time on the final day of the trip.  We had scheduled a lesson for Saturday afternoon in the Shall We Dance Lounge.  Unfortunately when Captain Teige appeared alone by himself, I knew there was a problem.  

"I am sorry, Rick, but my son has taken ill and requires his mother's attention.  Will you forgive me?  Tell you what, I have a couple more questions about your dance lessons aboard the ship.  Will you and Marla come join me at the Schooner Bar?"

He said something had come up, but never explained what it is.  Instead he invited Marla and I to come sit with him in the Schooner Bar.  As we chatted, none other than Gary Richardson dropped by to say hello. 

After Gary said a few words, Captain Teige frowned and said, "Have we met?  I recognize your voice from somewhere." 

I have never worked so hard to suppress a grin in my life.  Captain Teige definitely had a sense of humor.  After Gary left, Captain Teige turned to me. 

"I could not get your idea about Slow Dance classes off my mind last night.  When you explained it in detail, it made sense."

"Thanks in large part to the Love Boat series, there is a fantasy in American culture about finding love at sea.  If a smart executive had the sense to use the image of two people Slow Dancing in a Royal Caribbean advertisement, it would trigger those Love Boat daydreams in a big way."

"I like your idea, Rick.  Maybe someday I will be in position to give it a try.  If I ever get permission, would you be willing to help?"

"Of course, sir.  It would be an honor."

Now Captain Teige turned to Marla. 

"I took the time to ask Patricia Gaspar what she knows about your travel program.  She pointed out how thorough you are and your gift for planning every aspect down to the smallest detail.  I also keep getting reports on your hyperactive guests.  It looks to me like they are having the time of their lives.  You and Rick have captured magic in a bottle with your 'dance on land' and 'dance at sea' formula.  These dual aspects reinforce each other in a powerful way.  I see how effective it is to offer a dance cruise as the perfect reward for a year of dance lessons back at home.  I encourage you to continue on this path.  In addition, I have a suggestion."

Marla asked, "What might that be?"

"I would offer more cruises per year, not necessarily dance cruises, but cruises to different locations in addition to your dance cruise."

"Are you suggesting places like Alaska and the Eastern Caribbean?"

"Yes, exactly.  Maybe even Europe when you get more experience.  You are very good at this, Marla.  I foresee a very bright future for you as a travel advisor."

Marla smiled.  "You read my mind about Europe, didn't you?"

Captain Teige laughed.  "Yes, I suppose I did." 

The Captain rose and shook our hands.  This was goodbye for now.  

When we returned to the Rhapsody the following year, we were disappointed to learn Captain Teige had been transferred to another ship.  Marla and I were full of regret.  We had very much looked forward to renewing our acquaintance.  Captain Teige's friendship meant a lot to both of us. 

As for my wish to offer a dance program at sea, it never came to pass.  Marla, on the other hand, went on to conquer the world.

POSTSCRIPT: FATE AND CAPTAIN TEIGE

Was meeting Captain Teige on our Wedding Cruise a Supernatural Event? 

I think so, but at the same time I am willing to admit there is considerable room for doubt.  Yes, it was a bit unusual that I took a serious interest in Captain Teige during the Mardi Gras Cruise.  Why did I study him so closely?  Because I was interested in the business side of the cruise industry.  Because I was impressed at how well Charles Teige handled a difficult crisis.  Because as leader of a dance studio with more than 1,000 students, I knew how hard it was to deal with criticism and headaches.  And perhaps I recognized a kindred spirit.

These are down-to-earth Realistic reasons for writing my "Charles Teige" story, not Supernatural in the least. 

On the other hand, it took eight coincidences for Captain Teige and I to connect.

1.  The first coincidence was the special interest I took in Captain Teige.
2.  The second coincidence came when a friend of his emailed to call his attention to the complimentary Internet article I had written about him.

3.  The third coincidence was that Captain Teige became just as interested in me as I was in him.  Captain Teige was very touched that someone he had never met would not only defend his actions, but praise him as well.  Interested in what I had to say, after reading what I had to say about him, he decided to read EVERYTHING ELSE as well.  Perusing the Travel side of my SSQQ website, he read the story of Jamaica 1998.  He read the story of Vera Cruz 2001.  He read the story of Rhapsody 2002.  He read the story of Jubilee 2003.  And of course he read about Mardi Gras 2004.  In other words, Charles Teige knew me like the back of his hand before we even met. 

4.  The fourth coincidence was the special relationship Marla had formed with Patricia Gaspar during our 2002 trip aboard the Rhapsody.  That rapport was evident when Patricia practically leapt out of her chair to greet Marla and me when walked past her desk during the Wedding Cruise. 

5.  Due to her special friendship with Marla, Patricia asked us to sit down and catch up on news.  That was the fifth coincidence.

6.  The sixth coincidence came when Patricia expressed her disappointment at missing Mardi Gras.  In the Travel business, you never know what ship you will be on the following year.  This may have been her one and only chance to see Mardi Gras.  When Patricia wished she could have "seen what it was like", I had the inspiration to suggest she look at my SSQQ Internet story.  Here is why that was special.  What if Patricia had run into us in the Windjammer?  No computer.  What if Patricia had run into us at Trivia?  No computer.  Do you see my point?  Marla and I ran into Patricia at the right time (she was not busy) and at the right place (next to a computer) for me to bring my Mardi Gras PICTURES to her attention. 

7.  The seventh coincidence was Patricia's decision to dig deeper after we left.  I never asked Patricia to read my story about Captain Teige.  All I did was show her the pictures.  Patricia was so tickled that she read my stories as well on her own initiative.

8.  The eighth coincidence was Patricia's decision to inform Captain Teige about my Mardi Gras webpage and the fact that I was currently on his ship.  She was under no obligation to do so.  I never asked her to spread the word.  Patricia did this on her own initiative.  She was impressed by what I had said about the Captain and very much wanted him to read my story.  What Patricia did not know was that the Captain already knew about my story, but that is unimportant.  What is important was that Captain Teige did not know I was on his ship.  Thanks to Patricia, he was surprised to learn a man he was curious about was aboard his ship.  At that point Captain Teige went out of his way to meet me and conduct a serious exchange of ideas. 

Not all Coincidences are meaningful.  People meet under unusual circumstances all the time.  Sometimes these meetings lead to something, sometimes nothing at all.  It is only when the consequences become clear that we learn the significance.

Martin, one of my dance instructors, played a role in my story about Marla and  Cinderella Night in 2001.  I liked Martin; we were friends for many years.  Unfortunately, when I sold my studio in 2010, I lost track of Martin as well as many other instructors that I have never seen since.  In 2024 I ran into Martin at Enchanted Gardens near my house, a nursery I was visiting to pick up spring flowers.  We had a nice 10-minute talk, then moved on.  I have not seen Martin since.  If you know a lot of people like I do, it is not earth-shattering to occasionally run into someone in the middle of nowhere.  It is what happens next that matters.  What is the Impact?

I saw Charles Teige as a Messenger.  He briefly entered our lives to give Marla and me a huge boost of self-confidence at the start of our marriage.  After the trip, Marla returned to Houston determined to see the world.  That was the Captain's gift to her.

As for me, I found it very unusual that we both had our eyes on each other long before we met.  It was very fortunate that Patricia Gaspar went out of her way to help us connect during the trip.  And what was his message to me?  Don't get my hopes up of regarding my 'Slow Dance and Romance' dream for the cruise industry, but don't stop trying either.  He agreed I was on the right track.

Was this a Serious Coincidence?  No.  Was this a Suspicious Coincidence?  Yes. 

Would the average person have given it a second thought in terms of Fate?  Probably not.  Would a skeptic find all sorts of reasons to dismiss this incident as just one of those things?  Of course.  That is why there is so much doubt regarding the existence of Fate.  Was the Captain sent as a messenger to Marla and myself?  Was his attention a sign to encourage Marla to take Travel even more seriously than she already did?  Perhaps.  Or maybe it was just a curious, happy little happenstance.   

If you analyze a Suspicious Coincidence strictly on its own merits, it can be easily dismissed.  But when a person faces a lifetime of 120 coincidences, many of which are quite profound, that changes things.  Now even the smaller coincidences take on added importance.  Through the use of Hindsight, I can look back and see how the unexpected appearance of certain people acted as a subtle guide to my Destiny. 

Charles Teige is a perfect example.  He was only in our lives for this brief moment, and yet he had a very strong influence.  This very important man went far out of his way to study our fledgling business model and give it an A+.  That meant the world to Marla at the time and I enjoyed his encouragement as well.  To me, his unexpected appearance was an omen of sorts.  Marla and I felt like our plans to take our studio-related cruise trips to a higher level had just received a special blessing.