Friday, February 20, 2009

Friday was Cozumel. We changhed time zones during the night. For some reason Cozumel is in the same time zone as Regina - it actually wasn'/t a bad thing as we got an extra hour's sleep.

Cozumel is an island that belongs to Mexico and is a favourite cruise stop. Every bit of caribbean tourist junk is offered within steps of the dock!!

w\The ship docked around 8 in the morning and we were slated to go on the Tulum tour which met on dockside at 8:20 - which these days seems awfully early.

Of course I set my cel alarm to ring at 7:00 a.m. and it did Eastern Standard Time - so we were up in plenty of time.

We were herded onto a ferry that would take us on the 30 minute ride to Playa del Carman where we would catch a bus to Tulum. The ferry was similar to the one in Italy - two decks and enclosed sweat box which rocked ansd rolled for the full 30 minutes - seasickness or heat prostration was close for many onboard.

Fortunately the buses were regular highway buses and reasonably air conditioned. It took us 90 minutes to get to Tulum. I slept trying to overcome the ferry ride and to avoid thinking of the ride back and listened to Mario our tour guide. He exsplained a bit of the history of the Yucutan peninsular while we drove.

Tulum is an archaeological site of ancient Mayan ruins. Evidently it was a ceremonial site but no huiman sacrifices were performed there. It is on a point that separated the caribbean from the Gulf of Mexico - a very beautiful site.

Mario explained a little - a very little - and then left us on our own. The ruins were roped off so we could not get too close. The buildings and carvings werew interesting but I'm not much more informed abo0ut Mayan history or the history of Tulum.

To say it was hot and dusty would be a drastic understatement.

As is usual on these trips we had oplenty of opportunity to peruse tourist shops that offered the best price anywhere in mexico!

We wandered a bit andn tghen had a beer and some nachos and then back on nthe bus, the ferry and finally and thanklfully t6he ship.

Tonight waas barbecue night - the ribs were delicious - and my coughing came back with a vengence. Sleep came early.

Thursday February 19, 2009

Thursday was Grand Cayman. Grand Czayman is famlous for diamonds, banks, rich people hiding and a few other things - Helene was determined to get the kids presents here and we did - but I c an't descr5ibe that process because then it would give away the presents - but rest assured childre4n there are presents - and probably a new suitcase just to haul the loot!

We took a tender to the island and wandered the shops and the streets. It truly does boggle my mind that on a small island like this people are willing to spend thousands of dollars on trinkets - but to eaxch his/her own I guess.

We had our choice o0f familiar lunch spots - Margaritaville or the Hard Rock Cafe - what a scam these guys have - brand recognition for those who want to be away from home but not lonesome.

Back to the ship for what is becoming my traditional nap and our traditional drinki with mark and pat. Then the formal dinner whcih inclouded the Baked Alaskia Parade.

The burning question is whether I will bring my tuxedo to the mext cruise - of course that could be broken down to - will there ever be a next cruise? I think yes for the cruise - and no for the tux.

The entertainment has been spotty so far - a bad elton impersonator, a worse comedian. Altho0ugh we did find a phillipino foursome that could actually play and had a n interesting play list.

But tonight the entrtaqinment was terrific - the singers and dancers put on Stage and Screen - songs from stage and screen - some of the voices were really gooid and all the dancers were at least good to look at. The costumes were by Bob mackie aqnd were beaut6iful and plentifgul - lots of costume changes - no two songs with the same costumes - quite enjoyable.

Early to bed - tomorrow is Cozumel and tulum