Sunday, 13 October 2013
Day 87. I fly home today!
Well, it's 2.45am! I can't sleep. I am sat on the balcony writing this. I am deafened by the sound of crickets, the sky full of stars and the Caribbean Sea rolling onto the beach! Who would want to leave!
Part of me is so excited to be seeing my family, and part of me doesn't want this to end - as they say ' ' All good things must come to an end '. I am finishing off the champagne and eating up the treats from The Cafe' de Paris! ( think this is new Leah ). Clive's sugar was really high when he went to the doctor today - so that's my excuse to eat them!
I really should try to sleep, but I'm sure the nights at home will not be balmy enough to sit outside!
"Goodnight".
I still awoke early, even though I only managed to sleep for a couple of hours. We grab our towels and head to the beach. We put our towels on our loungers - seemed to have had the same two all week! Off we go to Stewfish for breakfast. Seymour sent us peanut porridge to eat! We shared a bowl - not very keen but he meant well! Clive has Brown Fish Stew with Festival. (fried dumplings) I had eggs Benedict - delicious! I love sitting there watching the sea and people on the beach.
We go and lay on the loungers for a while. I then go to get ready and send my cases down for the bus this afternoon. I manage to get almost everything in my case! That's amazing! I am being collected at 3pm.
It's now 2pm. This could be my last blog!! I just want to say "Thank-you" to my family. They have supported me throughout my trip. I know this trip sounded crazy to most people! I just want to say to you all. - 'It's never too late' ! Live your life, believe in your dreams, BUT most of all, take action. Nothing can happen if we just sit and wait - never give up!
Looking back on these 89 days - 51 days in Ft Lauderdale, 3 in Vancouver, 28 on the cruise ship and finally 7 days in Jamaica!
A TRIP OF A LIFETIME! Goodbye. X
Part of me is so excited to be seeing my family, and part of me doesn't want this to end - as they say ' ' All good things must come to an end '. I am finishing off the champagne and eating up the treats from The Cafe' de Paris! ( think this is new Leah ). Clive's sugar was really high when he went to the doctor today - so that's my excuse to eat them!
I really should try to sleep, but I'm sure the nights at home will not be balmy enough to sit outside!
"Goodnight".
I still awoke early, even though I only managed to sleep for a couple of hours. We grab our towels and head to the beach. We put our towels on our loungers - seemed to have had the same two all week! Off we go to Stewfish for breakfast. Seymour sent us peanut porridge to eat! We shared a bowl - not very keen but he meant well! Clive has Brown Fish Stew with Festival. (fried dumplings) I had eggs Benedict - delicious! I love sitting there watching the sea and people on the beach.
We go and lay on the loungers for a while. I then go to get ready and send my cases down for the bus this afternoon. I manage to get almost everything in my case! That's amazing! I am being collected at 3pm.
It's now 2pm. This could be my last blog!! I just want to say "Thank-you" to my family. They have supported me throughout my trip. I know this trip sounded crazy to most people! I just want to say to you all. - 'It's never too late' ! Live your life, believe in your dreams, BUT most of all, take action. Nothing can happen if we just sit and wait - never give up!
Looking back on these 89 days - 51 days in Ft Lauderdale, 3 in Vancouver, 28 on the cruise ship and finally 7 days in Jamaica!
A TRIP OF A LIFETIME! Goodbye. X
Day 86. One more day before I leave!
Poor Clive's ear is getting worse still. We get a taxi into Negril and go to the doctor. I can't believe our last day is spent going to the Doctors! I hope Clive's ear soon improves before he flies home. He get antibiotic 's and drops, so it should get better soon.
We sit at the beach and have Pizza - they are fantastic. I love the Jerk Chicken one! And I'm not a huge Pizza fan.
There are 3 weddings here today! It's so hot - even the Jamaican people at the wedding are fanning themselves. The brides all look lovely but must find this weather hard to cope with.
Clive has gone to meet Rocky, he runs the car company that did our tours. They had wanted to chat. I thought I could get myself packed. I really cannot believe this trip is almost over. It has been amazing. I am so lucky to have met Clive. We have got on so well travelling together.
I am also, so looking forward to seeing my family! I imagine the grandchildren will have all grown up- especially Cleo! I so look forward to meeting her. All the children look so wonderful when I FaceTime them.
Well, last night here for me!
We sit at the beach and have Pizza - they are fantastic. I love the Jerk Chicken one! And I'm not a huge Pizza fan.
There are 3 weddings here today! It's so hot - even the Jamaican people at the wedding are fanning themselves. The brides all look lovely but must find this weather hard to cope with.
Clive has gone to meet Rocky, he runs the car company that did our tours. They had wanted to chat. I thought I could get myself packed. I really cannot believe this trip is almost over. It has been amazing. I am so lucky to have met Clive. We have got on so well travelling together.
I am also, so looking forward to seeing my family! I imagine the grandchildren will have all grown up- especially Cleo! I so look forward to meeting her. All the children look so wonderful when I FaceTime them.
Well, last night here for me!
Saturday, 12 October 2013
Day 85. Snorkelling at Beaches!
I had persuaded Clive to give the snorkelling a try! We have booked for 9.30am, before it gets too hot. We go to the Jamaican beach restaurant for breakfast. Then off to get kitted out for the snorkelling. I can see that Clive is nervous, he is telling the guy he can't swim well and can't float. We are given life belts to wear, he is more reassured.
We sail out to Middle Reef. The water is so clear and warm. We get in, I can see he is panicking. The guy gives him a life ring to hold and I stay with him. He really enjoys it - we both have a great time. There is an old anchor and canon under the water. We see wonderful coloured fish and hold a sea urchin and a star fish. The undersea world is so amazing!
Clive's ear ache is getting worse - probably the salt water! We see the nurse and have to see the Doctor in the morning. We are going into the town as they would charge $200 to come out! He is going for Jamaican rate!
Yesterday I saw my first Humming Bird - Jamaica's national bird. They are so tiny and pretty. I tried to get a photo but I was too late!
We sail out to Middle Reef. The water is so clear and warm. We get in, I can see he is panicking. The guy gives him a life ring to hold and I stay with him. He really enjoys it - we both have a great time. There is an old anchor and canon under the water. We see wonderful coloured fish and hold a sea urchin and a star fish. The undersea world is so amazing!
Clive's ear ache is getting worse - probably the salt water! We see the nurse and have to see the Doctor in the morning. We are going into the town as they would charge $200 to come out! He is going for Jamaican rate!
Yesterday I saw my first Humming Bird - Jamaica's national bird. They are so tiny and pretty. I tried to get a photo but I was too late!
Friday, 11 October 2013
Day 84. A day at Beaches
We so need today. Just a day on the beach, under our palm sunshade - bliss.
Early in the morning Clive suggests a swim before breakfast. The sea was so lovely, we started talking to some lovely people and before we realised it was 11am! I had on no sunscreen! We missed breakfast - but no probs, Clive has found they sell 'Jamaican Patties' at one of the grills - he is very happy with that. They also have a Jamican food restaurant on the beach, so we will be off there for breakfast!- and possibly dinner also.
We have a lovely relaxing day. I catch up on the blog, Clive reads and they serve you drinks on the beach- what more do you need. We even eat our food on the beach. This is our life until I go home!
BBQ night. The beach is transformed into an open air restaurant. A stage is put up and the fun begins! The Montego Bay Marching Band. A parade of Sesamee Street Characters and children! We have a wonderful BBQ and fresh coconuts to drink. Fire dancers and Limbo. A great night. I can see why Leah and family loved it here. Certainly will give it a good review on Trip Advisor!
Early in the morning Clive suggests a swim before breakfast. The sea was so lovely, we started talking to some lovely people and before we realised it was 11am! I had on no sunscreen! We missed breakfast - but no probs, Clive has found they sell 'Jamaican Patties' at one of the grills - he is very happy with that. They also have a Jamican food restaurant on the beach, so we will be off there for breakfast!- and possibly dinner also.
We have a lovely relaxing day. I catch up on the blog, Clive reads and they serve you drinks on the beach- what more do you need. We even eat our food on the beach. This is our life until I go home!
BBQ night. The beach is transformed into an open air restaurant. A stage is put up and the fun begins! The Montego Bay Marching Band. A parade of Sesamee Street Characters and children! We have a wonderful BBQ and fresh coconuts to drink. Fire dancers and Limbo. A great night. I can see why Leah and family loved it here. Certainly will give it a good review on Trip Advisor!
Day 83 Dunns River Falls.
It was along day yesterday. The thought of almost three hours drive was not great. We were off at 8am to Dunns River Falls.
The journey ends up being not too bad. It was also ' so ' worth it! A day to remember!
We climb over 900ft up this fast flowing fall. We make a human chain and climb as a group. Clive 'decided' to join me - he loved it. He threw himself backwards into the lake and slid over the falls -not me! What ever they said to try, he did. It was fantastic. I think we were the oldest ones climbing, but we did good man! See getting into the Jamaican way!
There was also a fab beach, so after the climb we went on the beach and Clive stood under the falls for ages - he really enjoyed the day, and so did I !
We get back about 6pm. Tired but feeling really pleased with myself! You need to push yourself, it makes you feel so alive!
Thanks Clive for a wonderful day!
Day 82. Black River Safari and the Pelican Bar
We awoke early. 'Lets go on the beach' I say! We walk in the sea at 6.30am. Warm and so blue!.
This is paradise!
We grab a quick breakfast and our driver comes. Off to The Black River we go. It's a great trip. We go onto this river in a large covered Catamaran. We go up the river and see crocodile's! It's surreal! They call them and throw in chicken and they come swimming up. The guide actually hold the croc on the snout - glad its not me having to touch the croc. We also see some lovely birds - white and blue crane.
We then go to YS Falls. These are stunning and the gardens so lovely and natural. Clive swims in the natural pool - we have no extra clothes! What a great place.
Last, but certainly not least. We go to The Pelican Bar. ( google it!). It's a wooden hut built in the sea. You have to go by boat to get there. You probably can imagine, we are in the sea, in Jamaica! No cops around here! So you can buy a beer and of course ,Ganja! We stay for about half an hour. I think it's more of a surprise to Clive than me. I guessed they would be smoking out there when I driver said ' have a good time', with a smile. He was laughing when we got back.
He's a young guy called Dwain. He's a good driver.
What a great day! Clive has done good again.
This is paradise!
We grab a quick breakfast and our driver comes. Off to The Black River we go. It's a great trip. We go onto this river in a large covered Catamaran. We go up the river and see crocodile's! It's surreal! They call them and throw in chicken and they come swimming up. The guide actually hold the croc on the snout - glad its not me having to touch the croc. We also see some lovely birds - white and blue crane.
We then go to YS Falls. These are stunning and the gardens so lovely and natural. Clive swims in the natural pool - we have no extra clothes! What a great place.
Last, but certainly not least. We go to The Pelican Bar. ( google it!). It's a wooden hut built in the sea. You have to go by boat to get there. You probably can imagine, we are in the sea, in Jamaica! No cops around here! So you can buy a beer and of course ,Ganja! We stay for about half an hour. I think it's more of a surprise to Clive than me. I guessed they would be smoking out there when I driver said ' have a good time', with a smile. He was laughing when we got back.
He's a young guy called Dwain. He's a good driver.
What a great day! Clive has done good again.
Day 81. JAMAICA!
We wake this morning in Jamaica! Ocho Rios - the sun is shining and the Caribbean Sea so blue!
We have immigration at 7.30 am, so early start. All goes well. Clive has booked one last tour from the cruise ship. Off we go - its River Rafting at Martha Brae Falls, it sounds like great fun!
It is. We arrive at a fast rapid area. There are bamboo rafts with a seat on, and a barefoot Jamaican with a bamboo pole ( bit like a Gondolier - only in some cases a Rasta Man). We have to wear life jackets, and onboard we clamber. It's brilliant! We set off down the Falls, quite fast at first, then settling into a lovely relaxing river ride. A young guy throws a model of the raft to us. He says $5, of course I buy it. He meets us further down and swims out to get his money - it's crazy! Our rafter chats away to Clive - the Jamaican Patwa gets going, and I can hardly understand them. Clive loves the reminiscing! It's such a lovely trip.
Back to the ship, collect our things and say goodbye to lots of people - we had a great time. Our taxi meets us and off we go to Negril - almost 3 hours.
We arrive at the hotel only to be told its closed and we are transferred to Sandals - Beaches Hotel. We were disappointed but as its turned out, our Hotel is fab and the staff are probably the best I have ever had in an hotel! (Everything happens for a reason!)
We are tired, so have dinner and get some much needed rest. Dunns River Falls tomorrow - I'm going to climb them. Clive not so sure yet. We will see!!!
We have immigration at 7.30 am, so early start. All goes well. Clive has booked one last tour from the cruise ship. Off we go - its River Rafting at Martha Brae Falls, it sounds like great fun!
It is. We arrive at a fast rapid area. There are bamboo rafts with a seat on, and a barefoot Jamaican with a bamboo pole ( bit like a Gondolier - only in some cases a Rasta Man). We have to wear life jackets, and onboard we clamber. It's brilliant! We set off down the Falls, quite fast at first, then settling into a lovely relaxing river ride. A young guy throws a model of the raft to us. He says $5, of course I buy it. He meets us further down and swims out to get his money - it's crazy! Our rafter chats away to Clive - the Jamaican Patwa gets going, and I can hardly understand them. Clive loves the reminiscing! It's such a lovely trip.
Back to the ship, collect our things and say goodbye to lots of people - we had a great time. Our taxi meets us and off we go to Negril - almost 3 hours.
We arrive at the hotel only to be told its closed and we are transferred to Sandals - Beaches Hotel. We were disappointed but as its turned out, our Hotel is fab and the staff are probably the best I have ever had in an hotel! (Everything happens for a reason!)
We are tired, so have dinner and get some much needed rest. Dunns River Falls tomorrow - I'm going to climb them. Clive not so sure yet. We will see!!!
Thursday, 10 October 2013
Day 80. Last day at sea!
Only one day and then Jamaica!
We both feel quite sad the cruise is almost over. We both also look forward to our arriving in Jamaica. We cannot believe my 89 days are almost over! We almost feel the ships cabin is home and the crew call us part of the crew. They have been great and we have made some good friends.
Lots of packing and sorting out to do. Not sure I will get all my things home!
Sad day but also ready for my new adventure in Jamaica!
We both feel quite sad the cruise is almost over. We both also look forward to our arriving in Jamaica. We cannot believe my 89 days are almost over! We almost feel the ships cabin is home and the crew call us part of the crew. They have been great and we have made some good friends.
Lots of packing and sorting out to do. Not sure I will get all my things home!
Sad day but also ready for my new adventure in Jamaica!
Day 79. Cartagena Colombia!
What delight has Clive booked for today! I still don't know what tour I'm going on each day -I've really enjoyed the surprise every trip. He chosen some great tours.
Wow! This is going to be a good one! The Party Tour Bus! An open sided bus with a band and alcohol! Clive had said I would really enjoy this one!
We get on board - four in a row. 1 bottle of white rum, one bottle of coke and a bucket of ice per row! When you finish any of them, you just pass it forward and it's replaced - it's going to fun I know! The band start to play and we have to sing and get up and dance - it's great fun. We also see some of the sights there. We get off and dance in the street. I had bought some Maracas from a street vendor, whilst we were on the bus. Clive had thought it a mad idea, but when the bus stopped and we were dancing in the street, he wanted to get them out of my bag and play them - he had so much fun. Other people started to buy them from street vendors - it was just crazy! We drank so much and made so much noise.
When we got back to the ship, I didn't really remember walking to our room! I felt so ill! That will teach me - Clive had drunk the same as me and was fine! He was very kind but I think it amused him!
Great day - if a little crazy!
Wow! This is going to be a good one! The Party Tour Bus! An open sided bus with a band and alcohol! Clive had said I would really enjoy this one!
We get on board - four in a row. 1 bottle of white rum, one bottle of coke and a bucket of ice per row! When you finish any of them, you just pass it forward and it's replaced - it's going to fun I know! The band start to play and we have to sing and get up and dance - it's great fun. We also see some of the sights there. We get off and dance in the street. I had bought some Maracas from a street vendor, whilst we were on the bus. Clive had thought it a mad idea, but when the bus stopped and we were dancing in the street, he wanted to get them out of my bag and play them - he had so much fun. Other people started to buy them from street vendors - it was just crazy! We drank so much and made so much noise.
When we got back to the ship, I didn't really remember walking to our room! I felt so ill! That will teach me - Clive had drunk the same as me and was fine! He was very kind but I think it amused him!
Great day - if a little crazy!
Day 78. A day at sea
We have another day at sea before we reach Colombia.
I book my self a Spa session. Clive had given me a $100 voucher for a gift when I joined the ship - lucky me! I had a fantastic massage and facial - came back looking very relaxed and fresh faced! The Spa used Elemis products, so that suited my skin.
Later I went to my Spanish class. The lady who runs it is from Peru. She makes it fun. I also went to an Accupuncture seminar - very interesting.
These sea days are a great way to recharge your batteries, but two days at sea is enough for me.
Clive is happy to sit and read or work. I get a bit restless and go walkabout! He laughs at me.
Colombia tomorrow!
I book my self a Spa session. Clive had given me a $100 voucher for a gift when I joined the ship - lucky me! I had a fantastic massage and facial - came back looking very relaxed and fresh faced! The Spa used Elemis products, so that suited my skin.
Later I went to my Spanish class. The lady who runs it is from Peru. She makes it fun. I also went to an Accupuncture seminar - very interesting.
These sea days are a great way to recharge your batteries, but two days at sea is enough for me.
Clive is happy to sit and read or work. I get a bit restless and go walkabout! He laughs at me.
Colombia tomorrow!
Day 77 Panama Canal Transit!
Everyone getting ready for an early morning start. Today we Transit the Panamal Canal - there is an air of expectancy on the ship! They pick up our Pilot at 5am. They are very specially trained Pilots- grade nine. It's a very delicate task to get a ship our size through the locks. We were having coffee on the deck at 4.45am - both were awake early. Some people already up on deck!
It's an amazing piece of engineering! It was originally started by the French in the 1800s and then bought and completed by America in 1914. It cost the lives of thousands of people due to landslides, yellow fever, malaria and many other accident's and bad weather conditions. They called the cut through to make the lakes ' Hells Basin'.
It actually took us 10 hours to pass all the way through the three sets of locks and lakes. It was another thing to cross off the Bucket List!
Not many people about this evening - everybody is having an early night - it was a long day but a great experience.
It's an amazing piece of engineering! It was originally started by the French in the 1800s and then bought and completed by America in 1914. It cost the lives of thousands of people due to landslides, yellow fever, malaria and many other accident's and bad weather conditions. They called the cut through to make the lakes ' Hells Basin'.
It actually took us 10 hours to pass all the way through the three sets of locks and lakes. It was another thing to cross off the Bucket List!
Not many people about this evening - everybody is having an early night - it was a long day but a great experience.
Wednesday, 9 October 2013
Day 76. Costa Rica
Wow, we are so excited to be in Costa Rica! I have no idea what tour we have today!
The weather is not great - it's a shame as its a very beautiful Country they say.
I am very excited, Clive has booked a Tour of Costa Rica that includes a trip to a Coffee Plantation! I'm really looking forward to a good cup of coffee!
First we go to a town with the Oldest Church in Costa Rica. They haven't many really old buildings because of earth quake's. They have around two thousand tremors and quake's a year! There is a pretty Square just in front of the Church. There are lots of Iguana's, some are huge! They have a lovely water feature - fountains. They are easy to walk over but they suddenly come on! I can imagine kids love it when it's a lovely sunny day!
Next the Plantation! It's so interesting - and good coffee also! They plant banana in between the coffee plants. Certain insects that would damage the coffee, also love the banana plant. We have a great tour and then a meal in their restaurant. Of course I buy coffee.
Next we go to The Botanical Gardens. Lovely Orchids. The only problem was it poured with rain!
Lovely day, but rather wet!!
The weather is not great - it's a shame as its a very beautiful Country they say.
I am very excited, Clive has booked a Tour of Costa Rica that includes a trip to a Coffee Plantation! I'm really looking forward to a good cup of coffee!
First we go to a town with the Oldest Church in Costa Rica. They haven't many really old buildings because of earth quake's. They have around two thousand tremors and quake's a year! There is a pretty Square just in front of the Church. There are lots of Iguana's, some are huge! They have a lovely water feature - fountains. They are easy to walk over but they suddenly come on! I can imagine kids love it when it's a lovely sunny day!
Next the Plantation! It's so interesting - and good coffee also! They plant banana in between the coffee plants. Certain insects that would damage the coffee, also love the banana plant. We have a great tour and then a meal in their restaurant. Of course I buy coffee.
Next we go to The Botanical Gardens. Lovely Orchids. The only problem was it poured with rain!
Lovely day, but rather wet!!
Tuesday, 8 October 2013
Day 75. Sea day
A day at sea before Costa Rica
I decide to use the Sauna and Steam room today. It was very relaxing and enjoyable. I also go to a Spanish Class - it was great fun, but I'm certainly no linguist!
Everyone is excited about tomorrow - Costa Rica!
It's been a bit of a grey and wet day today. Hope it's a bit brighter tomorrow.
I decide to use the Sauna and Steam room today. It was very relaxing and enjoyable. I also go to a Spanish Class - it was great fun, but I'm certainly no linguist!
Everyone is excited about tomorrow - Costa Rica!
It's been a bit of a grey and wet day today. Hope it's a bit brighter tomorrow.
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