On a day in April, Devin brought home to me a bouquet of flowers and an envelope.
It was a surprise. I am sure I didn't deserve it, but I counted myself a lucky girl. It was about to be our first vacation together, just the two of us, since we had kids.
Booking information: CARNIVAL FREEDOM.
Departure: MAY 9, Galvaston, TX
Return Date: MAY 16
Ports of Call: Montego Bay, JAMAICA; GRAND CAYMAN ISLANDS, Cozumel, MEXICO
Regrets? We didn't bring Devin's tight, white pants! He and Dallin spent all last summer practicing their moves to perform in a talent show! It was a missed opportunity.
Future Aspirations: Be a comedian
They played lots of chess. Ping pong got a bit more exciting when we played "Around the World".
It got so windy on the upper deck. We had some funny pictures. When my hair wasn't in a pony tail, it was always whipping Devin in the face.
Late night movie, we stayed as long as it took us to eat the popcorn, but there were more exciting things to watch, like Cowboy Bill in the Comedy Club.
When we first got on board ship and for the first couple days I couldn't believe how little I had to do. Plenty food to eat and things to entertain, but I had no responsibilities, no one to take care of, no callings, or anyone to serve... It was a bit uncomfortable at first, especially with everyone serving me instead. We started leaving our "sleeping" side our on our door hanger because I felt bad for our room cleaning lady to always have to pick up after us. I did get more used to it. The towel characters they always left were pretty inventive.
Mother's Day, during dinner our waiter brought Amy and I each a flower.
All you can eat, soft serve, ice-cream.
Always a contest.
First port of call: Montego Bay, JAMAICA
We took the Zip Lining excursion. Devin was not feeling so well that day. Apparently ice-cream cones before breakfast wreak havoc on the stomach. Wished we would have taken pictures with our zip lining guides, they were funny. "Yeah man" really is used in place of yes. Shannon (one of our guides) made fun of our "uh huh" responses instead of "yes". I never realized how often my response is merely "uh huh". :-) She also pestered/made-fun-of Devin for not smiling. He did not think our tour guides were funny. To be fair, Devin was being a good sport just coming along when he wasn't feeling well. Especially on that little bus, with squished benches, and a half hour drive that turned into an hour drive because when a wreck happens, that lane of traffic just stops, no one tries redirecting traffic or taking turns, and then we got off the main road and bumped along, off-roading in our bus and edging along drop-offs. But I wouldn't want to get off that bus and walk. Jamaica is dirty, and the locals don't look too friendly.
Port of Call #2: Grand Cayman Islands (my favorite). We divided our time between lying on the beach and snorkeling in the ocean. It was really shallow and had a lot of reef beds which was perfect for fish finding. Devin and I really enjoyed it.
Port of Call #3: Cozumel, MEXICO
We also snorkeled in Cozumel, but this time we paid some guy to take us out on his boat. He promised to take us to three different reefs and free cerveza and agua included! Each of the stops were within sight of our ship. If we would have known we could have just jumped off the Cruise ship and started snorkeling! It was still nice to have them point us to the good spots, and nicer still to have all the fish following us because their Paparazzi had his pockets filled with fish food. We saw many different colored fish and a sting ray!
"Wheelee! Follow the Wheelee!" is what our snorkel guide kept calling out, and now is a favorite phrase of Devin's.
The second half of the day we spent shopping, and watching Devin barter with the Spanish guys. When he was trying to get a price lowered, he was paid this compliment, "Man, don't be so Mexican!" We got some Mexican vanilla, little trinkets for the kids, two mangoes, and aloe vera! I think my thighs have a permanent red tint to them... Aaah, I got so burned, even when I was trying to be good!
Sunrise:
(not overly impressive. I like to see the illusion of the sun sinking below, or rising up out of the water, but it was cloudy. So it sunk and rose out of a cloud.)
Synopsis:
We decided cruises are best for people who love to eat! It was fun to be able to order all the dishes we wanted, and not worry about price, or if I had enough room in my belly to eat it all. Or maybe cruises are best for people who just can't make up their minds on what to eat, or what to do, they can try a little bit of everything!
This cruise was not the best one to take if you really want to get to know the places off the ship. We only had about five hours off the cruise ship, we had to go through a security line to get on and off the boat, and we did not want to be late getting back because we did not doubt that boat would leave us! But for a fun glimpse of the Caribbean, for taking time off and finding relaxation, that the cruise served well. I began reading a new book and I finished my book that week, which always makes me happy.
We had four full Cruising Days and three days at ports. On board, there was constant activity and energy pulsating throughout the ship (and reverberating around the Casino). Without kids, we were free to do all that we pleased... Stay up late, eat relaxed meals, and enjoy the entertainment on board. Our ship was able to hold an incredible amount of people, yet it never felt like we saw all those people. For being on the ocean, we didn't feel the waves often at all. The water is so blue and so vast, I am always amazed.
We had a great time with Amy and Dallin. So glad they were able to talk us into going with them! Amy did all the booking for our Cruise, arranging with my mom to come watch the kids, and helping everything get set up. We did not have such an easy time with our flights. My mom had trouble getting to Virginia, we had trouble getting to Texas... Sometimes flying Stand-by does not work out well, but getting there at least it did work out. We ended up having to split up and drop our kids off at 5AM with the neighbors to hang out until my mom made a flight in at noon, and Devin and I spent a full day in the airport and flying from DCA->PHX->IAH (Houston). However, trying to come back home at the end of the week did not pan out. We ended up buying a flight on Frontier to Philadelphia, and then renting and driving a car the rest of the way home. Just making memories.
Sometimes, the best result of going on a vacation, is that it causes one to appreciate home so much more. Nine days away was almost too much, I missed my kids! I came home anticipating what a good wife I would be and such a fun mother for my kids! But reality struck like a knife in my good intentions. Sawyer had a goopy eye and I snuggled him in close. I came down with the most terrible cold. Devin and I have kept a wide berth as I, instead, blow my nose, cough and cover my children in contagious germs. What better way to say "I love you" than that of sharing germs. Now that Myra is sick, she wakes up every hour during the night asking for a drink and a back scratch. Who is ready for another Cruise?!?
Favorite Onboard Cruising Activities: Comedians, Playlist Productions (music and dancing), Caraoke, Sunbathing, Chess, Ping Pong (All Around the World), Mini Golf, Volleyball (2 on 2), Card games, Reading, Eating
Foods Devin tried: Ox tongue, escargot, lamb, oysters, sushi, rabbit...
Foods we enjoyed: On the menu every day was steak, ribs, and fish like Salmon. Dessert: Hazelnut cake (McKell's favorite), chilled appetizer soups (peach, and strawberry) that taste like a milk shake, Carnival chocolate melting cake
Favorite Land Activity: Snorkeling
Favorite Crewmen: Adam (waiter), Jen (activity director), Cowboy Bill (comedian) "PSS... Bill. BILL. BILL. BILL. BILL. BILL. BILL. BILL!" (Devin's favorite thing to quote from Cowboy Bill).
Wished they had: an Olympic sized swimming pool to swim laps in
Future Aspirations: Be a comedian
Where do they make all their money: Casinos and Booze. The ship is designed so that to get from one side of the ship to the other you always have to cross through the Casino.
Advantages: Learned again what it is to be a couple; Sleep and wake according to body's time clock; Room Service; No limit to the amount of food you can order, even if you just want to try a bite; got to hang out with Amy and Dallin for a whole week!
Repercussions: Sun burns, injury to foot and bruised pinkie toe (idiot injury playing All around the World), sick day for all of us except Dallin, missed kids
Would we do it again? Yes
We found the humorous side to things.
First port of call: Montego Bay, JAMAICA
We took the Zip Lining excursion. Devin was not feeling so well that day. Apparently ice-cream cones before breakfast wreak havoc on the stomach. Wished we would have taken pictures with our zip lining guides, they were funny. "Yeah man" really is used in place of yes. Shannon (one of our guides) made fun of our "uh huh" responses instead of "yes". I never realized how often my response is merely "uh huh". :-) She also pestered/made-fun-of Devin for not smiling. He did not think our tour guides were funny. To be fair, Devin was being a good sport just coming along when he wasn't feeling well. Especially on that little bus, with squished benches, and a half hour drive that turned into an hour drive because when a wreck happens, that lane of traffic just stops, no one tries redirecting traffic or taking turns, and then we got off the main road and bumped along, off-roading in our bus and edging along drop-offs. But I wouldn't want to get off that bus and walk. Jamaica is dirty, and the locals don't look too friendly.
Some parts were really pretty.
We did a course of 10 or so zip lines. They were fun, sometimes just going a short distance, from tree to tree. It's a short thrill though. What we need to get is one going down the river at my parents house that we can do over and over! Maybe if we charge all the neighborhood kids a few bucks to Zip Line down the river we can save up for the next Cruise!
 |
| Hello Amy and Dallin. |
We also snorkeled in Cozumel, but this time we paid some guy to take us out on his boat. He promised to take us to three different reefs and free cerveza and agua included! Each of the stops were within sight of our ship. If we would have known we could have just jumped off the Cruise ship and started snorkeling! It was still nice to have them point us to the good spots, and nicer still to have all the fish following us because their Paparazzi had his pockets filled with fish food. We saw many different colored fish and a sting ray!
"Wheelee! Follow the Wheelee!" is what our snorkel guide kept calling out, and now is a favorite phrase of Devin's.
The second half of the day we spent shopping, and watching Devin barter with the Spanish guys. When he was trying to get a price lowered, he was paid this compliment, "Man, don't be so Mexican!" We got some Mexican vanilla, little trinkets for the kids, two mangoes, and aloe vera! I think my thighs have a permanent red tint to them... Aaah, I got so burned, even when I was trying to be good!
We had to ferry our way from the boat to the shore.
Sunset:
Yeah! We made it on our first Cruise! First time away from the kids! Lots of firsts, lots of fun!
We decided cruises are best for people who love to eat! It was fun to be able to order all the dishes we wanted, and not worry about price, or if I had enough room in my belly to eat it all. Or maybe cruises are best for people who just can't make up their minds on what to eat, or what to do, they can try a little bit of everything!
This cruise was not the best one to take if you really want to get to know the places off the ship. We only had about five hours off the cruise ship, we had to go through a security line to get on and off the boat, and we did not want to be late getting back because we did not doubt that boat would leave us! But for a fun glimpse of the Caribbean, for taking time off and finding relaxation, that the cruise served well. I began reading a new book and I finished my book that week, which always makes me happy.
We had four full Cruising Days and three days at ports. On board, there was constant activity and energy pulsating throughout the ship (and reverberating around the Casino). Without kids, we were free to do all that we pleased... Stay up late, eat relaxed meals, and enjoy the entertainment on board. Our ship was able to hold an incredible amount of people, yet it never felt like we saw all those people. For being on the ocean, we didn't feel the waves often at all. The water is so blue and so vast, I am always amazed.
We had a great time with Amy and Dallin. So glad they were able to talk us into going with them! Amy did all the booking for our Cruise, arranging with my mom to come watch the kids, and helping everything get set up. We did not have such an easy time with our flights. My mom had trouble getting to Virginia, we had trouble getting to Texas... Sometimes flying Stand-by does not work out well, but getting there at least it did work out. We ended up having to split up and drop our kids off at 5AM with the neighbors to hang out until my mom made a flight in at noon, and Devin and I spent a full day in the airport and flying from DCA->PHX->IAH (Houston). However, trying to come back home at the end of the week did not pan out. We ended up buying a flight on Frontier to Philadelphia, and then renting and driving a car the rest of the way home. Just making memories.
Sometimes, the best result of going on a vacation, is that it causes one to appreciate home so much more. Nine days away was almost too much, I missed my kids! I came home anticipating what a good wife I would be and such a fun mother for my kids! But reality struck like a knife in my good intentions. Sawyer had a goopy eye and I snuggled him in close. I came down with the most terrible cold. Devin and I have kept a wide berth as I, instead, blow my nose, cough and cover my children in contagious germs. What better way to say "I love you" than that of sharing germs. Now that Myra is sick, she wakes up every hour during the night asking for a drink and a back scratch. Who is ready for another Cruise?!?
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