Trip Report part deux

The day after Key West was an at sea day on the ship – other than a massage it was a relaxing day spent by the pools.

Grand Cayman was interesting. D and I have been to a lot of places that other people thought were “expensive” that we didn’t think were expensive. Trust me when I say, Grand Cayman is expensive! Expensive and beautiful. The water is so clear, and so blue! We got off the ship and wandered around the town for a bit, until it was time to meet for our excursion. We were going to Seven Mile Beach for the afternoon…It was a beautiful beach with a separate reserved section for those of us on the excursion. We had about $30 US dollars with us (thinking that’d be more than enough for a ‘snack’ around lunchtime). There was a bar right on the beach, and picnic tables with umbrellas and waitress service. We ordered lunch (nothing spectacular – just a hot dog for me and C, and I think D got conch fritters) and some smoothies. That took all the money we had with us!

It was fun though – the water was warm, and there weren’t any waves really (not like New England waves, which is what I was somehow expecting). We made our way back to the ship and got ready for another fun evening of ‘clubbing’ (for C) and hanging out for me and D.

The next morning we were in Cozumel. The ship was docked right at the new pier (the old pier having been destroyed by one of the hurricanes). We ate breakfast outside again, and asked C if she wanted to go exploring with us before our excursion. She said no, she wanted to go to her club, so D and I left her on the ship and disembarked to wander around. We walked off the ship and off the pier to this “mall” area (with stores, a Burger King and such) and then walked a ways down the main road. The first direction we went led us to an area with smaller hotels (not the big names you’d expect) and residences, local stores and such.

We decided to backtrack and head the opposite way. There was an alley off the main road that had lots of vendors selling Mexican crafts and hand made things – and a bar selling Coronas. Even though it was only about 10am, we couldn’t be in Mexico and not have a Corona. We ended up buying some souveiners here – clay (porcelain?) masks, handpainted tile refrigerator magnets, another beach bag to carry everything in.

Then it was time to round up C and get to our excursion meeting – we were going to see the San Gervasio ruins and Playa Mia beach D wanted to see some ruins and we all wanted some beach time. This was actually disappointing (although we should have expected it). C wasn’t interested at all in the ruins, so I wandered around and tried to occupy her while D stayed with the tour guide. Eventually it was time for the beach! Unfortunately, there wasn’t a lot of time for the beach, and there were some people who were on our bus who were more interested in getting back for their dinner than staying at the beach. Us? We would have preferred more time at the beach – there was a big trampoline anchored way out in the water (C and D tried it; C got scared and wanted off. Hopefully the pictures I took of her with the waterproof camera will come out ok.) and an iceberg for climbing anchored out further than that. D almost made it all the way to the top of the iceberg, but I have to admit I didn’t get to see it because C was scared from the trampoline and wanted to get out of the water.

We still had another day at sea, and then a day at Disney’s private island in the Bahamas left. Both were really good days. We played in the pools in the morning on the day at sea, then C wanted to go back to her club, so D and I hung out at the “adult only” pool that afternoon. We probably could have done some activities (there’s tons of stuff on the schedule, plus movies and shows) but it was so nice to be out in the sun in JANUARY!

The day at Castaway Cay was wonderful - what a contrast to last January when only the hardy northern souls ventured into the water! The family beach was full, but there’s enough chaises for everyone, and we had a fun time splashing in the water. C wanted a float, and D wanted a tube, so he went to rent them for us, and C and I swam a bit while we waited for him to come back. We rented a paddle boat too. After lunch she wanted to go to her club (the club is open on the island that day) so D and I went and had an adult beverage outside by the water.

I was so sad to come home. It was a fun, relaxing vacation and it was nice not to have to think about all the ordinary everyday life and stress that goes on.