Aruba! It Must Be Tuesday?

 I think it's Tuesday. Who cares what day it is when you're on vacation, right?

Aruba = beautiful beaches
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Yesterday, I was swimming about in the clear, clean, deliciously salty, and perfectly refreshing – yet warm – water off the sparkling – no, dazzling – palm-lined, white-sand beach, watching the aqua waves rolling gently onto the shore. And I had an epiphany, my friends. Yes, I know...another one:  That is why people come back to Aruba year after year, never going on vacation anywhere else. The beach and the water and the weather (hot and muggy, but the breeze makes it all okay, and you get used to it really fast). That's it. You want to fall in love with Aruba? Get in the water.

I actually spoke with some folks at the Ocean View (the beach-side watering hole) who have come to Aruba for 2 weeks a year for 17 consecutive years. They have not been to any other vacation spots in all that time. They are from Boston. [We met lots of nice people from Boston, as it happens.]

At dinner, we decided to try the Pirate's Nest restaurant. Surprisingly, the service was terrible, and the food was worse. My husband sent his meal back to the kitchen for the first time EVER. To their credit, they comped us both entrees and threw in dessert. It's a gorgeous setting, right on the beach, palm trees, open air – but we will not go back. We had been sitting at our table for two hours before we got our food. We would have just left, but it was late. We were hungry. Up until that experience, it was a perfect day. [This restaurant was highly recommended and has good reviews. Maybe it was just one of those things. But when you're on vacation, you don't give a place a second chance if the first time was a disaster. If you've eaten there and had a wonderful experience, please leave a comment. I don't want to be unfair to the place.]

Natural Bridge
See the tiny person on top?
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Today, I went to the beach for a while as my husband ordered up a little Suzuki 4WD rental car from a cut-rate, independent place. More on that later. And off we went to explore the island! We drove up to California Lighthouse, and then we went 4-wheeling down the wild, eastern side of the island in hopes of finding the natural bridge and other sights.

Stacked rocks...
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

There were stacked rocks everywhere. Someone said it has something to do with prayer, but to whom and for what, who knows? Nobody could enlighten us. Or they chose not to, whichever.

The Wild Side
Photo by Chris.
All rights reserved.

The “other side” of the island reminds me of the Northern California coast, with waves crashing and foaming on the rocky shore. Except that the Northern California coast is relatively lush, whereas this one is absolute desert, with tall cactus and no trees. Perhaps when California falls into the ocean, that's what the coast will look like. Not that I believe that's going to happen.

The exhaust pipe came loose on the car, so, after some initial hesitation and blame casting, the agency came and replaced it (the car) when we got back to home base. My husband enjoyed the 4-wheeling. He generally has a hard time “slowing down” on vacation due to the high-stress nature of his work. He might get to a place of relaxation by the end of the week.

Look closely...
Photo by Chris.
All rights reserved.

He's very taken with the lizards, though, and is taking pictures of them. They're everywhere here at the Village, along with cooing doves and colorful finches. The tree branches are decorated with them.

Tonight, we went to Oranjestad for dinner at El Gaucho, another highly recommended eatery. It's an Argentinian steakhouse. As bad as the food and service were last night, that's how opposite tonight was. The service was very attentive, and the food was plentiful and delicious. The gigantic steak was like butter. The salad, the baked potato, the ears of corn...everything was supersized. When I say the food was plentiful, I mean we (both of us!) could only eat about half of our portions, and we took the considerable leftovers back to our place for future reference. So far, I wouldn't say anything here is a great bargain, but it would have cost as much or more back home.

There was a mariachi band going from table to table, and they sang for us. My husband asked if they knew Eric Clapton's “Wonderful Tonight,” and they played and sang it so beautifully. Oh, my. I couldn't help myself. The emotion was overwhelming, and I cried happy tears. It was so romantic! I was wearing a flounced skirt and a dressy tanktop and strappy heels and big earrings (all black and red), and I felt like a princess.

As we walked hand-in-hand down the sidewalk in the cool of the evening after that wonderful meal, I couldn't imagine a more magical “date.” Thank you, Harry.

Downtown. Cute, eh?
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Town had a very Caribbean feel to it, and it reminded me so much of Puerto Rico and St. Thomas. Not in specifics, but in ambiance. You can definitely see the Dutch influence, too, which makes it “it's own” place.

The island depends on tourism for its livelihood, and the people work very hard. We drove through some neighborhoods today to see the houses, which are, for the most part (at least from what we saw today), neat and tidy, with wild colors. Some are fenced and gated, others are not. I was reminded very much of our neighborhood in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, many years ago. It was the same type of construction, but with a Dutch flavor.

An excellent day!

Aruba! Getting There (Part 2)

Sunday

Well, I didn't get much sleep on the plane. Surprise! There was a loud child, the child's mother, and the grandmother sitting behind us. So many questions, so little time. But I probably wouldn't have slept much anyway. And airport lay-overs aren't very sleep inducing for me, either. But I did doze a little bit on the final leg to Aruba, which was the part of the flight I actually wanted to be awake for. Figures, right? But only a little bit, so it was exciting to spot the islands in the Caribbean and to see the beautiful sea, and landing on Aruba was an experience!

Here's this tiny island at the far side of the world (seemingly, though it's just off the coast of South America), and you can see all the sights from the air. The lighthouse, the chapel, the hotels, the entire island brochure is right there. Aruba is a desert island without a lot of camouflage to cloak it in secrecy. As we approached, I had a fleeting moment of anxiety as I saw the diminutive size of the sliver of land before me:  What was I going to do with myself here on this speck in the water for an entire week? (Well, I hadn't been there yet, now, had I?)

From the air, the water was a marvelous shade of aqua, with sailboats bobbing here and there. The approach to the airport was down the west side of the island, offshore, so I could see all the resorts lined up on the breathtakingly white beaches as we zipped past, practically at eye level. You can pick out the one where you're staying, no problem. Well, I could, anyway, having investigated everything online ad nauseum. I think I had the whole island memorized already.

A very quiet taxi driver delivered us to Divi Village, which in my opinion is the nicest resort on this part of the island. I haven't seen the other resorts close-up yet, so it's hard to tell. But it's definitely the nicest in the “low-rise” section (as opposed to the “high-rise” section, where the many-storied resorts are lined up on Palm Beach).

View of pool area from balcony.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We were greeted by the friendly staff with a Planter's Punch in the open-air lobby as we checked in, and we made our way to our room. As I mentioned previously, Divi Village is a timeshare resort. It has golf courses and restaurants, and the beach (Druif Beach) is right there. I have nothing to compare it to insofar as timeshares go, never having stayed in one before, but our room is very, very nice.

View from the balcony.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

It's a studio with a perfectly equipped kitchen. Everything you need is there, including a toaster and a blender and good knives (in case you are going to cook...). Well, everything except food, that is. The bathroom has a whirlpool tub and shower and comes completely outfitted with Aruba Aloe bath products, shampoo, lotions, and potions. The floors throughout are tile, it's air conditioned, and, best of all, we found that we had a roomy, covered balcony with an incredible view of both the swimming pool area and the unbelievably turquoise Caribbean waters! Thank you, God!

It's very hot and muggy today, but the strong tradewinds make it comfortable. Don't let that fool you. Wear your super-duper sunblock.

Setting off on foot, we went looking for the grocery store, which is nearby. However, it's Sunday. So, it closed at 1 p.m. Oops. You might want to arrive on Saturday so that you can stock your fridge with goodies. We kept walking about and came to a flea market, which is right up my husband's alley. It was not in the most spruced-up touristy area and looked a little sad and in need of a serious revamp. Actually, so did the folks shopping there. Including us, probably!

We walked back to the Divi along the beautiful, white-sand beach. The water is amazing. It is perfect. The sound of the sea lapping at the shore, the wonderful aroma of clean salt air, the stiff breeze blowing my hair back from my face, the warmth of the sun, the feel of the hot sand between my toes...really, what more do I need?

Food. That's what. There's a buffet at the pool-side “Sea Breeze” at the Divi (at least, there was at the time), and they feature a different cuisine each evening. It isn't included, so you don't feel as though you “have to” eat there. This particular night, we decided to try “Italian Night.” Everything was very tasty, and there was plenty of it (always a good thing when you're really, really hungry). Pastas, salads, fish, chicken, desserts, all well-presented and appealing. And tasty. But I said that already. I thought I would try one of the local beers with my meal. As it turns out, there's only one: Balashi. It was a light and refreshing pilsner, which was just what I wanted. The bottle was kind of tiny, which I understand is normal in these parts. That size is perfect for me, but a lot of people will want two!

Back at the room, I relaxed in the jacuzzi, looking forward to sleeping like a log. And what book was I reading as I soaked, you ask? You know me so well! Where Is Joe Merchant? by Jimmy Buffett. Yes, really. His books are a perfect vacation read. The Aruba Aloe body wash? It's amazing.

Aruba! Getting There (Part 1)

Saturday, several years ago...

Aruba
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Many moons ago, when my husband was in the Navy and we lived in Puerto Rico, one of my co-workers at the El Conquistador Hotel went on holiday to Aruba and came back all gaga over the island and its beautiful beaches. Ever since then, Aruba has been in the back of my mind, but I never thought I'd have an opportunity to go there. Never say never.

My husband's manager has offered us the use of his RCI timeshare to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and so we are off to Aruba! Dave Moore, you are a prince among men. Thank you!

The traffic from home was simple terrible, and it took forever to get across the Bay Bridge. We arrived at US Air Gate 1 at the San Francisco airport, having had dinner at the terribly sophisticated International House of Pancakes with our son, who graciously and with his arm barely twisted was kind enough to drop us off for our flight. We were surprised to find ourselves first (and only) in line at security (Is it the right day? Are all the flights canceled?). We made it to the gate without any hassle or delay, and now we're waiting for the first leg of our flight, a “red-eye” (night flight) to Philadelphia. Once there, we will transfer to our destination flight.

I just looked at my boarding pass, and it hit me...I'm going to ARUBA!!! Sounds pretty exotic, doesn't it? I'm hoping to get some sleep on the way to Philly, but I'm so excited. The adrenaline's rushing, and I'm wide awake. So, we'll see.

Next up:  We arrive in Aruba!

Western Caribbean Cruise - Day at Sea

Friday

Just another sunset picture.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

The sea was like glass. The sun shone brightly. All was calm as we enjoyed our last day of the cruise, sailing slowly in the Caribbean and back towards our “home port” of Houston.

I'd heard from some that sea days can be excruciatingly boring, with no shore activities to look forward to and just “the stuff to do on the ship.” You know, "stuff" like soaking in the hot tub, swimming in the pool, reading a good book in the shade as a soft, warm breeze kisses your skin and tousles your hair, watching a movie, enjoying live music in one (or more) of the myriad lounges, having a fancy tea with canapes and amuse-bouches and petits fours and tiny tarts in the dining room, competing in a variety of games, taking dance lessons, enjoying a cool drink with friends recently discovered, catching some rays. And don't forget the required eating of mass quantities of fabulous foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, too. Oh, ya. Excruciatingly boring. That's what I'll tell everyone so they'll take other kinds of vacations and leave the cruise ships to me.

I might not have mentioned that they keep the
common areas kind of cool. Bring a light wrap.
See how relaxed we are? Okay, we're tired from
too much fun. Wait. There's no such thing
as too much fun!
Photo by Harry. All rights reserved.

This was a day to relax at the end of a fabulous vacation. A day to just...be. And also a day to pack our bags and place them outside the cabin door by 10 p.m. So, you'll want to have an overnight-type duffel tucked away somewhere to stuff your sleepwear (wink) and toiletries into the next morning. Fortunately, you can purchase a lovely souvenir tote (or t-shirt or sun hat or bathing suit or sarong) on the ship or at on of the many ports of call, in case you “forget” to bring one from home.

Just as at a nice hotel, your bill will miraculously appear in your cabin for inspection. You might want to actually check it over to make sure it's correct. Ours was perfect. It occurred to me at this point that it might have been a good idea to check our tab at the purser's desk now and then along the way, just to make sure we weren't going to have a heart attack on the last day. But, no worries. If you have a tendency to purchase drinks for everyone at the bar or to take expensive shore excursions each day, you would probably be wise to keep track of your tab. There was one person, for instance, who discovered that his bar tab was more than the cost of the cruise. Much more. I'm sure his newly acquired friends thought he was fabulous company. And so it goes.

Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

And taking the stairs instead of the elevator to keep the pounds off? It totally works. Do it, if you can. I lost a couple of pounds, actually. Of course, I gained it back right away...but that's a different story.

Disembarking was terribly organized and efficient and interminable. Customs was a drag. So, what's new there, right? But Fred had our vehicle conveniently parked in the adjacent lot provided (at a very reasonable fee) for that purpose, and we weren't in a huge hurry to catch a flight. We had our vacation on!

Back in north Houston, we stayed with Cathy and Fred overnight and went to church with them at Second Baptist the next day. It was a lovely service filled with wonderful music as only a large choir and a full orchestra can deliver it. The message was solid and inspiring and appropriate for the season. It was a couple of weeks before Christmas, and I had a lot of work and planning awaiting me back home. But I wasn't thinking of that yet. I was determined to make the vacation feeling last. And I did.  

Western Caribbean Cruise - Belize

Thursday

This sunset picture has nothing to do with the text,
but isn't it pretty? It's from Wednesday.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We turned in at a decent hour last night, because we had to be ready to board the tender at 7:30 a.m. We were taking an “all day” tour to the jungles of Belize, so we had to get off the ship without delay. It was still dark when I got up. I had kind of a hard time sleeping, because I was nervous about not hearing the alarm. And then I was nervous that our room service wouldn't be delivered in time. And then I was nervous because...well, fill in the blank. It was going to be a big day, and I didn't want to wake up with a start at 9 a.m. But, no worries. The room service tray was outside our door at the designated time, and we had no problems getting off the ship, and we arrived on shore in plenty of time to dash to our tour bus without looking to the left or the right. Shopping would have to wait until we got back.

The bus was an air-conditioned coach, which was a pleasant surprise. I was kind of expecting one of those used school-bus-things with open windows and chicken crates on top or something. After all, it was my first cruise, and also my first excursion. The one thing I had asked for was a visit to some Mayan ruins, if possible, and so we were on our way. So excited!

We passed lots of children in school uniforms, on their way to classes, and the town itself (Belize City) looked quite nice and civilized. Especially compared to what we'd seen the day before. As we left the city, the sky clouded up more and more the farther inland we went. And the homes grew farther and farther apart and also more spartan. I suppose the same can be said of a drive from one of our urban areas to more rural surroundings. Or not. Anyway, it was a pleasant enough drive, and comfortable, too. The fog on the windows told me there was a difference between the inside and outside temperatures, and also the humidity levels. This was confirmed when we got off the bus! Steamy jungle heat. And wetness. As the guide said to one of the folks who complained that it was raining, “Well, this is the jungle. It rains in the jungle. That's why it's the jungle.” Hilarious.

River cruise to Lamanai
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

From the bus, we walked to the dock, put on our Deep Woods Off (Don't forget your bug repellant when venturing off on an adventure like this one. The mosquitoes carry interesting diseases that keep on giving), and boarded an open boat for the jungle river boat ride to the ruins. Have you been to Disneyland? There's a “jungle cruise” there, and this reminded me very much of that. Crocodiles, tucans, monkeys, all manner of flora and fauna. We stopped here and there to examine termite abodes, birds, medicinal plants, floating logs that turned out to be crocodiles, and so forth. I kept hearing, “Oh, wow! Oh, wow! WHAT an adventure!” in my thoughts, which made me laugh to myself. Our “jungle cruise guide” at Disneyland the last time we were there was so entertaining, and he kept saying that at every turn, with a very dead-pan expression.

Gum. Yes, we made some. No, we didn't chew it.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We disembarked at Lamanai, where we were treated to a most delicious meal prior to hiking off into the jungle to the ruins. It was pouring buckets off and on, but we were actually quite comfortable. Off we went to the ruins, walking under the canopy of the jungle. It's a lovely walk, really, with lots of exotic plants and animals to see and hear. The howler monkeys were very loud and very high up in the trees. But nothing “extra” rained down on us, happily. Naturally, we were all wearing our hats and ball caps. You can't be too careful, you know.

Climbing up. Don't look down! See the tiny people at the bottom?
Photo by Harry (cute knees!). All rights reserved.

At this point in time, tourists were still allowed to climb one of the pyramids, which we did. I'm not sure if this is still the case. It's way, way steeper than it seems like it would be. Don't look down! There was a rope to hang onto, to keep your balance, and that's how we hoped to keep from meeting our end. If you slip and fall, well, you keep on going. And you're pretty broken when you reach the bottom. Happily, everyone survived the experience just fine.

At the top, we were rewarded with the most spectacular view. It's just above the canopy of the jungle. To the west, you see the cloud-covered mountains in the distance. To the east, you see the Caribbean. It's sunny there. But not here, where we were. It's interesting to see the micro-climates at work all around you. Apparently, for those who went snorkeling today, it was a perfect day. It was a perfect day for us, too.

Lamanai
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We made our way past each pyramid, feeling somewhat like Indiana Jones or something. It was all very beautiful, in an abandoned, eerie sort of way. At night, when the wind blows through there, it must give the same shivers up the spine as you get at Hovenweep (cliff dwelling ruins in the southeast corner of Utah, near Monument Valley, near Mesa Verde National Park). The guide pointed out the Temple of the Jaguar, which he said has been featured in many Hollywood films.

The boat ride back go us all fully soaked, as it was pouring buckets. It's surprising how cold you can get, huddled together against the wind and rain in the tropics. It's also remarkable how an air-conditioned bus feels downright frigid when you're wet. Just a few observations. Once our clothing started to dry, the a/c felt good again.

On the last tender, pulling away from the dock.
Notice the beautiful sunshine!
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Back at the waterfront, in the beautiful sunshine and hot weather, we rushed through the souvenir stands and managed to catch the last tender back to the ship. Whew! You don't want to be left behind, because then it's up to you to make it to the next port on your own. And the next port? Houston, the day after tomorrow! Yikes!

Chocolate. Lots of chocolate.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

It was Thursday night, which means Chocolate Buffet night on this particular ship. Amazing ice sculptures. Stupendous chocolate creations. Incredible stomach aches, just to look at the tons of chocolate items on the tables. There's kind of an “open house” before the orgy begins. You can take pictures, but you can't eat any of the chocolate. What kind of torture is this? But it was well worth it to see the artistry of the wonderful chefs on this ship. And, yes, we did get to sample a few chocolate-covered strawberries and petit fours and other treats later on. 

I took some back to the room to share with my husband. It seemed like the appropriate thing to do.

Western Caribbean Cruise - Roatan, Honduras

Wednesday

Tropical lushness
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

After an beautiful and calm overnight sail from Cozumel, here we are, approaching Roatan. It is a verdant island, all green and lush, with homes dotting the hillsides. Some of these homes are palatial. They do not necessarily belong to the locals, just sayin'.

The sea here is absolutely fabulous and clear. You can see all the way to the bottom, and I keep hearing “Under the Sea” from “The Little Mermaid” going through my head as I look over the railing, straight down though the crystal turquoise to the fish swimming around in the coral way below. Wow.

The water was very clear.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Today, we've decided to get off the ship and wander about. We are greeted by the ever-present “special moments” ship's photographers who seem to be by the gangway all the time, snapping your photo as you arrive at your fabulous destination-du-jour. The photos will be displayed in the photographer's lobby on the Promenade Deck, where you'll also find a most excellent specialty Italian restaurant. There's a modest but worthwhile additional fee to eat there, which is a recommended “at least once” treat to enjoy on the cruise. Back to the pictures. Photos are taken of you at embarkation (where you'll look really happy but awfully tired from the flight), at each destination, on formal nights, at various activities. Obviously, the photographers want to sell their portraits. But here's a little hint: Don't buy them separately, because, oh, say, on Thursday, there'll be a special sale. That would be because, as I said, the photographers want to sell the pictures! But do keep track of yours so you can select your favorites to purchase. The charge, of course, will be added to your tab. Along with your bar purchases, selections at the ship's store, massages, haircuts, mani-pedis, off-ship excursions, and so forth. So, do keep checking your tab to make sure you aren't spending over your own sort-of-preset limit. We want to avoid unpleasant surprises, yes?

The welcoming committee.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We had our photo taken, watched the welcoming local musical group and dancers for a while...very exotic...and noticed an internet cafe just outside the gates. There were actually a number of internet cafes, at least one on every block. Not the most trust-inducing places, if you ask me, but if you must log on, you must log on. Or something.

Looks trustworthy, eh?
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We shopped for hand-made, local souvenirs (sarongs, pine baskets, bracelets) to help out the local artisans. Can I just say, the poverty I saw was appalling. In such a lovely place, rich in natural beauty, with plenty to eat, it's hard to imagine why there would be policemen dressed in camouflage and carrying automatic weapons everywhere, in twos and threes. 

Makes you want to adopt a family, doesn't it?
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

But it's easy to see that the people are exploited and poor. The smell of sewage and rotting things permeates the air, and there's a hollow look in the eyes. The look of despair and anger and bitterness. I understand that it's all completely different in the areas where the huge resort complexes are, on the other side of the island. You know, where these people work. For practically free.

(Steamy camera lens.)
Doing our bit for local economy.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

It was hot in Cozumel, but it is stinking hot and humid here. My camera lens kept fogging up. Quick! A cold drink! And, indeed, it was possible to purchase a local beer and sit on a little dock overlooking the beautiful sea and lovely scenery for very little money. If you stay in the designated tourist areas, you'll be fine. Truly, the folks appreciate your patronage and will do everything possible to help you and your cash to separate. But do stay in the designated tourist areas. If you wander off (as I did), you may not feel comfortable with the looks you'll get. Half a block off the beaten path was all it took to make me turn around and go back. Things may have changed and improved, but...be safe.

This is the grocery store.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

I'd love to see Roatan again and explore the other parts of the island. It truly is beautiful, with amazing snorkeling and diving and lush vegetation. Cozumel was in a foreign land, but Roatan felt like a different world entirely. It's exotic. If you're looking for a place to go on your next good-will mission, you might consider Roatan.

We returned to the ship, where we were welcomed by the crew, went for a quick swim, and prepared for dinner and a show. You get used to the service very quickly, I noticed. At least, I sure did. The way the ship's crew caters to you is just like having servants or something. At least, I imagine so, as I wouldn't actually know. “Yes, madame.” (That's “madame” pronounced the French way, not “madam” or “ma'am.”) “Madame desires [fill in the blank]?” “Please, madame is not eating enough. Would madame like something different?” [Not eating enough?! Are they kidding?! I'm using the stairs instead of the elevators in hopes of not gaining 50 lbs.!] The service is really a “wow” experience. I could get used to this, but I'd better not.

Do I look relaxed yet?
The sarong was a gift from Karen when she
and Bob went to Bora Bora. I take it on every
trip, until I get to see Bora Bora myself.
Flip flops? Aruba trip gift from Cathy K.
Shell necklace? Gift from Hawaii.
Coral bracelets? Gift to self from a woman
combing the beach for tiny bits in Aruba.
Photo by Harry. All rights reserved.

Part of the fun of cruising, I may have mentioned once or twice already, is the nightly entertainment. The revues are excellent and not like local theater or high school musicals at all. It's really more like Vegas, and it's all included in your fare! The auditorium is always full, and you do have to show up a little early if you want a prime seating location.

Wait staff come by every few minutes to make sure you are provided with your libation of choice. Alcohol is not included, don't forget, and that bar tab to your room can add up pretty quickly. Sodas are also not included, but you can purchase a “soda card” at the beginning of the cruise that'll cover all the soda you can drink, if that's what you want to do. Coffee, tea, and juices are all included. I became an avid juicer.

So, on board, we met Ms. Marian Kelly, a truly hilarious and self-deprecating (the best kind) comedienne. She made us roar with laughter, whether she was on-stage or sharing our table in the dining room. Marian was always “on.” Especially fun for us at her first show was a sarcastic bit about high-school cheerleaders and their “Go, team!” attitude, which she said she couldn't stand and made her sick. Well, Cathy and I were both, you may have guessed, high-school cheerleaders. So, every time she would mention the “Go, team!” bit, Cathy and I would shout, “Go, team!” in echo. Naturally, it cracked everybody up, and Marian used it to her advantage in her routine. Every time we would pass her on the ship, we would smile and cheer “Go, team!” as we passed her. She loved it, and so did we, and so did the others nearby. So, it was a whole lot of entertainment for everybody, and we made a friend.

If you're curious about Marian's sketches, you can check her out on YouTube, where you'll find quite a few bits. You'll roar with laughter, too.

About a year ago, a tornado ripped through the town where Marian lives. It destroyed every home on the other side of the street from hers, and it caused a lot of damage to hers, as well. She was home at the time and took shelter in her crawl space. Thank God she was not harmed. We love you, Marian. Go, team!

Western Caribbean Cruise - Cozumel

See that line of white between the sea and the sky? Cancun.
Told ya it looked tiny.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Tuesday

We sailed across the Gulf of Mexico, and the temperature got warmer, as promised! Hurricane Wilma having done a number on the Yucatan, we were unable to visit Cancun, but we saw it as we sailed by. Off in the far distance, the resorts beckoned white in the bright sunlight against the blue sky and azur sea. I know they are large, but they seemed so small and forlorn. The sand had all been washed away, and the new cruise dock had been completely demolished. It's hard to imagine that a storm could tear up concrete like that, but the storm stayed over the area for a long time, and the wind and water ripped it to shreds.

Cozumel when it is brown.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

The end of the dock was ripped off (see left).
The building doesn't look so hot, either.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

So, our ship went to Cozumel, which had also been hit hard by the same storm. There was major damage to the dock and so the ships were at anchor while the people were ferried in. The buildings were also damaged, and the tops of the palm trees were gone. It was all very...brown. New, small trees had been planted, and the rebuilding process had begun.

L to R: Fred, Cathy, Harry
Notice the tall trees and sandblasted buildings.
And the stuffed shopping bag. Go, Cathy!
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We cheerfully bartered and spent some tourist dollars, doing our share to bolster the economy. Those who had been here previously were shocked at the lack of vegetation and sand. Apparently, it's normally quite lush here. But it wasn't on this day. There are lots of cute shops and little boutiques. And Senor Frog's. But we didn't go there. My purchases included some lovely white gauze skirts and shirts. And lots and lots of vanilla. So smooth, such delicate flavor, and colorless. Delicious!

Count the ships. This is good for business.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

There were lots of cruise ships in port, which was a surprise to me. I don't know why I was surprised, except that I didn't really know what to expect. Everything is surprising and delightful to me at this point. I love new experiences. Especially if they're good ones.

On board, there's food and more food. And the buffet is always open, except between 5 and 6 in the morning. There are dance lessons, contests, games, activities galore. Off the ships, there's snorkeling and diving and exploring and shopping and hanging out. The atmosphere is relaxed and happy and cheerful. Except for those who are used to working 12 and 16 hours a day and find that their cell phones, miracle of miracles, work way out here! Turn the thing off, already. And stop checking your messages. Notice, not naming any names in my attempt to protect the innocent.

It was clouding up as we sailed away.
Beautiful shades of gray.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We opted for anytime dining, which means you can eat at the buffet or you can go to a number of different dining rooms to eat dinner whenever you want within the hours of operation. So, you don't have to worry about missing your assigned seating time. Very easy and wonderful. And we never had to wait more than 10 or 15 minutes for a table. The wait staff? Awesome. Attentive. Obliging.

The modest daily tip amount is added to your tab automatically and is split up among all the folks who are serving you. So, you'd think their attitude would be more along the lines of, “Hey, whaddya want?” But, no. You're free to leave them an additional tip towards the end of the cruise, and they work very hard to make sure you're going to want to do that. The service is superb.

I love sunsets. Don't you?
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

In the evening, there's entertainment in the theater. There's a casino, if you like that kind of thing. There are various lounges with live music of different sorts for every taste. There's dancing. There's so much going on all the time, it's hard to decide what to do, and you can't possibly do everything. So, you might as well put on your bathing suit and go soak in the hot tub. Or get a massage. Or whatever you want to do. You're on v-a-c-a-t-i-o-n, and you don't have to worry about a thing.

When you go to bed at night, your room steward has turned down your bed and placed a chocolate on your pillow, and the itinerary for the next day has been placed in your room so you can decide what to do next. When you wake up in the morning, you'll be at a new destination, or sailing up to one. When you return to your room after breakfast to freshen up for your day, your bed will already have been made, fresh toiletries will be available for you, and all will be in readiness. Even if you've only been gone for 15 minutes. I don't know how they do it, but they do it like clockwork. Magnificent. Feeling grateful!