Here are Keith’s words explaining what is going on here. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here – pingbacks don’t work.
Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”
Here is the photo.
Vacation by John W. Howell © 2016
“So passengers, we are coming up on one of the bonus extras in your all-inclusive tour package. See that camera. My brother will be taking a picture of our cruise yacht, and you’ll all get a complimentary photo as a souvenir. Now smile.”
“My God, Ralph. I’m not sure I can smile while trying to hold down that fish stew breakfast.”
“Just a little more time darlin’ and this trip will be over.”
“How did we ever get booked on this tub?”
“Well remember we missed our ship and had to take the next thing to catch up.”
“The next thing is right. How much more time do we have on this nightmare?”
“We are coming into port now. See there is our ocean liner docked up ahead.”
“Oh, thank God. I don’t think I can stay in these clothes any longer. Why did we have to put on costumes again?”
“So those nice men in the patrol boat wouldn’t know we were in the country illegally.”
“Illegally? What does that mean?”
“Well, we never got a visa for this country. We are supposed to be on the ship and not get off.”
“So we could be arrested?”
“Yes, but these nice people offered to hide us until we reach the ship.”
“Are there others they are hiding?”
“Look around. All these people are hiding.”
“These are smugglers then.”
“Harsh word my dear. I prefer importers.”
“Try pirates.”
“Well, that too. Smile dear.”
Fiction Favorites 
Ha! Good one, John. What that ability to “self define” things, Ralph must be a politician.
Have a terrific Tuesday. Mega hugs
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He works for the government and is a supervisor.
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LOL. Thought he looked familiar. 😉 More hugs
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🙂
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Good take, John. Better smugglers than traffickers, though.
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Yes. Sometimes, though there is a fine line. Thanks, Keith.
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Those freebooters get everywhere! 😛
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I would say so. Thanks, Jan
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Another good one.
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Thanks, Craig.
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Getting off the cruise boat is so overrated. Especially if they have a free 24-hour buffet and bar. 🙂
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Ha ha ha. You are right.
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Nice one, John. They probably would have gotten sick on the cruise ship.
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I think so too, Dan. Thanks.
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Cruise ship? A fate worse than death!
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I would think a cruise ship might be death. Thanks for the visit. The elections are over on Genesis. the Navy class swept the majority of seats. The pictures have been found by the reporters. I’m enjoying this story, John.
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Very clever, John. I’ve never been on a cruise ship, but questionable boats – oh yes. I like the smiles…
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I think we all have. Thanks, Gwen. The smiles are great.:-)
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LOL! Good one, John! They sure look happy. 🙂
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Don’t they though. Thanks, Jill.
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Arrr! Good one, John! Doesn’t much look like a trip I’d enjoy, though, ha!
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Ah the fish stew and scent of the fellow voyagers. What could be better.:-D
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Not exactly your average Motel 6, right?!!
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Motel 2.5 more like.
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Giggle. Fairly certain she was talked into this one…pirates! Haha
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I think she was like Lovey Howell on Gilligan’s Island. Not too aware of what’s going on.
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It must be fairly relaxing to be that far up in the clouds.
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A nice martini can do the job as well.
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Giggle
I so agree!
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I was going to say Thai stick but that is against the law.
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I don’t even know what that is!
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Stay that way.:-)
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That guy at the back gives new meaning to the word “nonchalant”.
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Maybe asleep. (or drugged)
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