Vacation is but a fond memory, but what a memory it is. We were lucky enough to have on-time smooth flying to Florida. We got in before noon time on Friday and settled into the hotel. Ventured down to the pool bar and partook of the beverages and soaked up some wonderfully warm Florida sun. Since we hadn't been fed on the plane, we needed some food badly and as it turns out, there was a Hooters near by. Oh goody. Huge groan inside from me. Anyway, we walked on over and ordered a massive amount of different appetizers and lots of beverages to wash them all down with. We were there long enough to endure a shift change and the introduction of another buxom waitress. The guys were playing the "real or fake" game. I guess it must be like the boxers or briefs game we women play without the benefit of really seeing any goods.
Saturday was board the ship day. We had the good fortune to be vacationing with Rodney's sister Deb and her hubby Dow. Now they are vacationers extrordiaires. (is that a friggin' word?) That means that they are considered VIP's by the cruise line and entitled to special treatment because of the vast amount of money spent by them on the 18 previous trips on said cruise line. We were able by way of association to become VIP's and skip the ridiculously long check in lines and we breezed thru and were gawking way earlier than most.
Let me tell you, if you have never been on a cruise ship before, it is something to behold. The word opulent comes to mind and pampered is at the top of the list as well. There are approximately 1 crew member on board for every 3 passengers. We were never without clean towels, a freshly made bed or someone at our beck and call offering drinks. Talk a real vacation for all. We had a room with a balcony and spent alot of time out there admiring the beautiful water and ports that were paying a call on.
We visited Cozumel, Mexico; Belize and Nassau, Bahamas. Cozumel wins hands down as our favorite place. The place was warm (90+) and beautiful. We had a fantastic lunch at a place called Pancho's Backyard and then strolled the shops. The jewelry down there is gorgeous and the prices can't be matched in the States....the best part being that it is ALL Duty Free!!
Needless to say, we found a beautiful diamond ring that was calling my name, and they had it ready for us in a short time, sized an all. Our next stop was a place called Senor Frogs. Restaurant, Bar and Clothesline is their catch phrase. I haven't had that much fun in years!! They have someone there making these foolish balloon creations that you wear on your head....Dow had a dick, Deb got a flower as well as I did, and Rodney was fashioned one that looked remarkably like female genetalia, complete with two shades of pink. OMG!!!!! We had shots, and drinks served by the yard, in 3 ft. tall glasses of frozen yumminess. By the time we had to head back to the ship, we were all smiling widely and sorry to have to go so soon.
I'll have more on the rest of our trip in a later post, this one is rather long.