cruising into 2013: cozumel

We took a cab to the dock where we were going to meet the group to take us snorkeling and scuba diving. I had never snorkeled before so I was really excited, especially since the water was so clear. We picked up a couple about halfway to our first dive spot, and stopped to train the scuba newbies that were with us. After they got their scary 10 minute training we were off. We were supposed to stay near the scubaers which was actually really fun. It's weird, but it was fun watching them below us.

 Larry and I

 Sheri joined us!

Unfortunately at the end of the hour on the first dive a bunch of boats started driving by and threw me around so much I got insanely sea sick. Luckily we were dropping off that couple on the way to the second dive spot, and Larry (who was kinda done with snorkeling) and I jumped off and walked back to the cruise ship. It turned out to be awesome because we were able to walk around the city, shop, eat, just hang out. I loved all of the excursions, but I also wished we had been at each port a second day so we could do exactly what Larry and I ended up doing. We got to have an awesome time, and see the city. 

All of the ports were still in Christmas mode. I love that this nativity scene has a rooster on the top of it.

 Just eating some lunch by the water.

Sunset as we left.

You know the drill by now. Music on the top deck, dinner, and the piano bar/gambling.

Right before we went to dinner the cruise director came over the speakers and said due to a medical emergency we were turning around and going back to Cozumel. WHAT?! Of course we had a million questions. Would we make it back to New Orleans on time? What happened to cause us to go back? If someone died we wouldn't go back, the dead person would just hang out for the last day at sea. Does that person have to pay for the cost of turning around? Like I said, a million questions. After we started heading  back to New Orleans they had the boat going so fast all the plates and glasses were shaking at dinner.

Excuse me Clemente, is this a brontasaurus?

Sadly, no exciting port was next. Just another day at sea (at least we could lay out all day) and then New Orleans.

cruising into 2013: belize

We jumped off the boat, and just like the day before, we looked for the group that would take us cave tubing!

So cave tubing is basically what it sounds like. There is a huge cave system, and they take us through about a mile of it. We had to hike to the opening first, and our tour guide was awesome! He knew so much about the land, the different trees, etc. I didn't think I would have been so interested learning about the different trees, but it was pretty cool. We tubed into 2 different caves on our tour. It was really cool seeing all the rock formations, how the bats made their homes, and the natural water falls inside the caves. 

A quick dip to cool off before the hike.

Looking back on the entrance of the cave.

It was definitely one of the neatest things I have ever done. I mean, how many times can you say you went cave tubing in another country? After tubing we went to the owner's house where he converted the front of his lot into a restaurant. They served us a typical Belizian meal of rice and beans and chicken. It was hands down, the most delicious meal I had on the entire trip! We all ended up buying their hot sauce as well. It's going to be a sad day when I run out of it.

On the long car ride back we looked at our passports as our entertainment. Larry is the only one that still looks like that!

That night was our second formal night of the trip. Dinner was again fun and delicious, and again we ended up at the piano bar and the boys gambled.

It was an unbeliezeable day! 

Next stop, Cozumel!

he makes me happy

Kid: Where's George? (Yes, I changed the name)

Me: Why? Are y'all going home together?

Kid: No, he's just the only one I can talk to.

Me: What do you mean?

Kid: He just makes me happy when I talk to him. I need to find him.

cruising into 2013: isla roatan

Derrick was awesome and got all of our excursions set up, so all we had to do was hand over our money and everything else was taken care of. When we docked we walked around and found the group that would be taking us to go ziplining! I've never been before (unless you count the kind that's in your backyard going from tree to tree, then I'm a pro at ziplining.) We drove around Honduras for awhile because we were heading up into the...mountains? somewhere high up for us to zipline. When we got there I was getting so excited!!! It was gorgeous up there, every view was beautiful. It was such a thrill, and we went on a total of 13 zips. I'm sure that's the official name for it.

Me, ziplining is serious business!

Derrick

Larry

Katie

Sheri

After that they took us to the beach where we would spend the rest of the day. It couldn't have been a more perfect day. The water was beautiful, it was warm, and the drinks were cheap.

On our way back to the boat our driver stopped at this cool lighthouse where we could see a 360 view of the island. I know I keep saying everything was gorgeous or beautiful, but it was!

That night we headed to the top deck for the live music, then to dinner, and then back to the piano bar. We ended up doing this almost every night. I'm sure the piano player was really sad when the cruise was over because we wouldn't be there anymore. 

Next stop, Belize!