Saying my Goodbyes................

Sunday morning was a very early morning for me after being up until late the night before.  After I packed up the jewelry the night before I went down to my cabin to pack my bags so I could disembark early in the morning.  I wanted to say my good byes to all the shoppies so I waited till they were finished and that was at around 1am.  Boy do they work long hours.  all of them were a great help and a big pleasure to work with and I hope I meet them again in the future.

 I cleared customs around 9am and made it to the big Royal Caribbean Airport Shuttle Bus to the air conditioning.  Because I am a Vendor, I can pretty much leave the ship right after Customs clears the ship so it can be as early as 6 to 7am.  The morning sun made it very hot and humid, so it was a relief to get into the bus and drop my luggage with the driver.  I decided to take some pictures while the bus driver was giving us a little commentated tour to the airport.  So, these are as we drove off the terminal Island.

The one thing I do like about the coast of Florida is that there are so many small islands with connecting bridges.  It just gives a feeling like you are always on vacation and there is a new adventure over every bridge.

Right as you drive off the bridge from the ship terminal the Driver announced that this night club was owned by Gloria Estefan so I thought I needed to take a picture, but it really doesn't have a special look to it, in my

 opinion.  Even though the driver was very funny in his delivery I did miss a lot of what he was saying as I just watched the sites go by.  It was just nice to be on my way home. 

When we arrived at the airport, I collected my bags and headed down to the curbside check in.  I find that it is much less hassle than the counter and if the bag is around 50lbs. they do not concern themselves with the added charge.  So, I tipped him and went on my way.  I have to say he didn't seem to be happy working, must be the heat.  I did have to walk a bit of a ways outdoors to get to the concourse I needed to go to. So, I was drenched with sweat when I did enter the building only to be stopped by a TSA agent telling me my folding box was too many pieces to take through  After I stood awhile deciding what to do with it I decided it was not worth spending more money to check it through and walked up to a different TSA agent and asked her where I could leave it so it did not shut down the airport.  After she was kind enough to try and help me fit my laptop in my small carry on, she told me to keep it and just to go through her line.  She was so understanding and stated that it is money to be throwing it away so just to go through her line.  I was so glad to finish going through the security screening.  These days it can be a real hassle to travel by air and expensive.

My flight took off on time and it was a short flight to Dallas Fort Worth Airport. 

When I made it off the plane I asked where my connecting flight was, and I was informed that I had to take the Skylink and was directed to the platform to wait for the next one.  Much to my surprised it was fast, clean and a pleasure to ride.  It was only a few minutes ride to my concourse and when I got there, I also realized I had at least an hour before my flight was to board so I went to get a blended drink from Starbucks, and it was the best I had.  while enjoying my drink I found out that this airport has free Internet, at least at American Airline terminal they did so I went on to check my email and post on Facebook as to where I was. 

I finally heard the first call for the first set of passengers for my flight so I quickly bought something to eat on the plane.  I bought one of their snacks before and they have a lot to be desired.  I decided to just board the plane even though they had not called my seat yet so I could get situated before all the seats filled up around me.  Our flight left right on time and I relaxed and watched the in flight movie Karate Kid (new version) I liked it and felt a bit inspired when it ended. 

When the pilot announced that we were starting our decent into the airport, LAX, I asked one of the passengers sitting on the window if they would take a picture for me and they did so this is what we saw.  It was a beautiful site to see and with so many people populating Los Angelas I forgot they have so much wide open land left.

The landing was very smooth and on time.  When I left the plane I hurried to the baggage claim so I could meet my sister, Celeste, who had been circling the airport waiting for me.  I got my bags in record time and found Celeste and we headed for her house.  I left my car at her house so I could just drive myself home. 

I made it to my house in no time at all and was so happy to see my kitties, who were being well cared for by my  neighbor and wonderful friend Carol and her dog Dylan.

It's good to be home................

One more stop-Cozmel, Mexico

Our arrival in Cozumel is a late one, 11:00, so I had a late breakfast and then to deck 4 to lounge and watch the water as we sail to port.  This is a pleasure of mine since I am usually working on Sea days.  As I was sitting watching the water in a peaceful moment I quickly realized I sat right in front of the shuffle board.  A nice family started to play but apologized for the noise.  I told them not too worry it is just nice to see a family playing a game that is not on a TV or computer.  They were from Toronto, Canada.  I stayed for a little while and watched them then got up to go get ready to go ashore when the ship docked.

Here I am once again at the No Name Bar.  I like it here because it is directly across from the ship terminal and the Internet is free while I can enjoy a good meal and a fresh fruit smoothie, Ginger, Banana, coconut and pineapple, yummmmmmmmmm. 

This is the view I had while sitting in the No Name Bar.  I sat in the first booth as you walk in and I could see so much and everyone who walked in.  I loved to see the horse drawn buggy's that would pass by every once in awhile.

During the time I sat at the Bar it poured down rain at least every half hour but only lasted 10 or 15 minutes.  It was a nice cool down even if it was for a few minutes.
After a few hours I return to the ship to cool down even more.  There is no a/c in the No Name Bar, it's all open with fans and an occasional breeze so it's time for a cold shower.  Tonight, I will work to promote my unveiling for the last collection of the cruise.  Gems of the World and back by popular demand.... red coral.
Tomorrow Sea day and then Sunday back in Miami and I fly to my wonderful Home and see my kitties I miss so much. 
See you again in the states.......................

More of Georgetown, Grand Cayman

After leaving the Coffee shop I had time to kill before returning to the ship so I walked the streets of Georgetown and this is what I found..........................
First thing I just had to take a picture of was the Dunkin donut man or girl, whoever was underneath had to be hot.  I tried to talk to it but could not understand a word they were saying.  maybe they were delirious do to the heat.  Anyway I walked to the left of the terminal as I was facing it.  I was amazed and interested when I spotted a museum, but not that much time to go in.  It is something I will explore on my next return.

Then after the road veered to the right this what I saw, the beautiful blue waters and a seaside town.  I thought this old ship was a cool picture.  This other shot was one on my walk back of the buildings that line the walk way across from the water.  I have to say the building are very colorful, which to me adds character to the port.

As I walked there were spots where there was nothing and then more shops.  I did stop when I saw couples or groups of people trying to take a picture and so I offered my photog services so all could be in the picture.  I am amazed how many people are to afraid to ask so I always try to offer and they aways accept with a smile and a thank you.  My good deeds are done......... 
Here is another picture of all 3 ships anchored here in Georgetown.

On my walk back I decided I had to take a close up of the old ship.  All ships and small vessels fascinate me especially when they have a lot of history.
The right hand picture is another on of the side streets in Cayman.

I walked till I was too hot.  I returned back to take the tender to the ship.  While I was waiting for the tender to fill before we could return I found these misfits of the shops.  needless to say it was a fun trip back with these shoppies.  I'm going to miss you guys..............

Anchored in Georgetown, Grand Cayman with Princess & Carnival.

Today my ship, Liberty, is anchored in Georgetown, Grand Cayman.  As you can see in the picture we are in port with 2 other cruise ships from different cruise lines.  It is an unusual sight for me because I am usually on a ship where we are the only ship in port most of the time.  So this makes for a busy port.  But it is a fabulous day, which I have always found returning to Grand Cayman.  The waters are the most beautiful that I have seen, the weather is perfect with just the right amount of humidity, sun and a lite breeze to keep it cool.  It is a tender port for all that come here on Cruise ships so the shore line is filled with smaller boats bringing passengers to and from the 3 ships.  The ships that are with us are Princess Cruises Emerald and Carnivals Valor.

The streets of Georgetown will be just as busy as the water with 3 ships in and all the passengers going to the different tours that are offered. The shops will also be happy with the business being brought to them today.

The weather is always perfect whenever I return here. There is very little humidity with a lite sea breeze and the sun is always shinning. The waters here are the most beautiful I have seen yet. The island is clean and there is no hassle by merchants. So, it is always a pleasure to return.
Here is another picture of the 3 ships and the tender that transports passengers.  In the picture next to it is the street I walk down to get to the coffee shop.  I thank my lucky stars as much as I can for living the life I live.

Last night I unveiled my 2nd collection of the cruise, Gems of the Caribbean, after we sailed from Ocho Rios.  It consists mostly of Turquoise and Agate.  The passengers love it.  I held another raffle for a free necklace and had a good crowd.  I displayed my jewelry for 4 hours before packing it all away.  On this side of the Caribbean the itinerary only has 2 sea days, it shortens my time to sell but I had a good night in sales for the few hours I was out.  While I was working the lady, I met from Poland came to say hello, so I snapped a picture below. 

My helper is Sheri who is an excellent salesperson and a pleasure to work with.  Sheri is from Jamaica and was able to visit her little son today while we were in port in Ocho Rios.

The picture on the left is another shoppie, Nile from Brazil, who works in the Logo store. I first meet him while on the Radiance of the Seas.  He is a crazy, zany kid but so cute you just want to pinch his cheek every time you see him, lol.

It was late when I finally finished but I wanted to get some exercise before bed, so I went to my cabin to change into shorts and tennis shoes and headed up to deck 12 to walk the outside track they have for runners or walkers.  I walked twice around before running out of energy, it was after midnight. 

 There was a teen party around the pool, the upper decks were full of adults watching the kids dancing to electric slide and YMCA. 

I crossed paths with a passenger that was also walking the track.  He calls me by name, but I feel bad that I have forgotten his.  I will find out what is his before the end of the cruise. 
I finally settled on a lounge chair towards the front of the ship, far enough away to just hear the music but not too loud.  I laid down and watched the mid night sky and how beautiful it is.  The breeze is so relaxing as it uncovered or moved more stars into my view.  As I watched in awe of the magnificent star filled sky my mind wondered again how these came to be.  I just want to know without the scientific mumbo jumbo just how they were thought of and came to be.  I will ponder it awhile and maybe I will meet someone with the answer.  You might say I watched a Star-studded show, lol.
After an hour had passed, I decided to head on back down to my cabin and get some sleep.  Tomorrow is one of my favorite ports Grand Cayman.

Georgetown fun fact;
The coral reefs are world famous for their beauty and Georgetown is the largest of the 3 Cayman Islands.  Together they form a self-governed colony under Great Britain.  The island was once called "Las Tortugas", after the Turtles found by Columbus that lived offshore.  After that the islands were known as the Caimanau which is the Carib Indian word for "crocodile" used to describe the native Iguanas.

Tonight, is my night off so I will spend it on deck 4 watching sail away and maybe a movie in the theater.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S ENCHANTMENT & LIBERTY OF THE SEAS together in LABADEE

We had a late arrival to Labadee so after going to the Windjammer for breakfast I headed down to deck 4 to lounge on the deck chairs and watch the water go by as we cruised to Haiti.  It was so nice and peaceful; I never get to do this because when we are at Sea, I work so this was a nice change.  Boy I just wanted to fall asleep with the motion of the ocean and the sound of the water.  Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh.........

This is a first for me in Labadee, two ships let alone Royal Caribbean ship in port together.  We met up with The Enchantment of the Seas also from Royal Caribbean.  it is a smaller ship and a different class of cruising.  It is my kind of ship, smaller.
FUN FACT FOR LABADEE.
Was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492 on his first voyage to the New World and was originally named "La Isla Espanola".  It was later colonized by the French who still influences the culture and language.

Our trip has been a little rough, which is due to the storms that are in the Caribbean.  We are in Hurricane season, so it is bound to happen, but we missed this one by a week.  Our ship was in St. Maarten and Puerto Rico last cruise and now they are experiencing terrible weather.  I added a few pictures of the waters of Labadee which are usually calm but are very choppy today.  But I Love it!

THE ENCHANTMENT OF THE SEAS;

This is the Enchantments Atrium which is in the middle of the ship and makes a cozy atmosphere on the ship.  On the larger ships this is exchanged for the Promenade.  here you have more of a view of the cruising from more decks in the comfy surroundings of the ship.  This ship is true to its name and is very enchanting.

On one of the decks around the Atrium is Cafe Lattetude with a Ben & Jerry's and the picture next to it is the sitting area you can enjoy your coffee or ice cream in and watch the ship cruise to destinations.

Here are just a few of the bronze statue/artwork that are around the ship.  The man with the newspaper I thought was real when I first saw it out of the corner of my eye.  He is positioned amongst the other chairs.  

Diana is kissing her man of her dreams, too bad he is a statue, lol.

I am back on the liberty and decided I could get a better picture of the Enchantments pool and here it is.  Oh, in case you are wondering about the weather, it was raining when we pulled in but cleared to sunshine within a few hours.

Now I had to go get ready to promote my next event, which will be the night of Ocho Rios since there are only 2 sea days on this cruise and I usually have 3 sea days.  At 10:45 in the evening starts the Dancing in the Streets 70's party on the Promenade.  It gets pretty wild with the cruise staff dressed in 70's attire and Afro wigs and dance to their hearts content to the sounds of great 70's music.

After I handed out flyers and raffle tickets, I was wide awake and full of energy, so I made some iced decaf coffee and headed up to deck 12 to watch the water and stars.  It was amazing with the cool Caribbean night breeze and the star lite sky as the ship cruised the calm waters.  Once again, I could have slept up here.  I love to look up into the skies and try to find a shooting star then back down to the water.  After watching the water, I gaze back up into the night sky only to find more and brighter stars.  How does this happen, I always wonder?  Does it get darker, or do we just position more to where there are more stars?  And most of the time I can see flashes of lightening off on the horizon.

After I was there awhile, I was joined by Anna, originally from Poland and came to live in Miami a few months before Katrina hit.   After it hit, she told me she had no power or water for weeks, so she decided to call the cruise line.  She got a great deal for a week cruise for her and her 13 yr. old son.  They waited a week thru the disaster that hit Miami on the ship where they had a roof with power, water and food.  When she was telling me this, I thought that was such a good idea.  She was an interesting person to talk too.  After a few hours of talking, I headed back to my cabin to bead.  Tomorrow Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA

In Ocho Rios we were in port with The Emerald Princess of Princess Cruises, it always makes it more interesting to be in port with another ship.  On the Liberty the crew had a full-on crew drill with lifeboats, which I have not seen yet on Royal Caribbean.  Of course, I had to take a picture and as I passed them, I heard my name called by some of the shoppies who asked me to join them.  I responded with "I did my time with drills as a crew member in my 30's and now I am retired".  But I felt for them they were in uniform and in the hot sun, bummer.

I walked down to Island Village Shopping center where I found a cute outside bar that had free Internet.

OCHO RIOS FUN FACT.

The towns name was derived from the Spanish Word "Chorreras", which means waterfalls.  For the Famous Dunn's River Falls.

This is Loafers Den and Lounge Bar in Island Village which is a short walk from the ship.  It is a small shopping area and has a cafe with some great locale eats.  Something to check out when you are here.

A very nice place to come and spend some time eating and drinking while you shop. 

Now it is back to the ship for me to shower and change for work.  Tomorrow I am in Grand Cayman, one of my favorite places on this run.