After Tortola there were a couple nights left on the ship before arriving in NYC. The next couple days went by in a joyous blur filled with swimming, eating, and drinking. Before we knew it, we were back in New York. After packing up, and stuffing our suitcases with souvenirs and clothes it was time to make our way home. After a lovely breakfast and waiting for our time to be called, it was time to say goodbye to the cruise. It went by too fast for me, I wished we had another 10 more days of cruising left, but that was not possible, and our taxi was already waiting to bring us home.
The ride home involved a little bit of traffic, and a lot of talking by our driver. He went on to state that he wanted to plan a cruise with his family, and continuously told us about the cruise he had gone on with a bunch of friends a few years back. We also heard about his family, and how he was quite upset that his wife just sold his motorcycle without asking. He was an outgoing person, and his stories were enjoyable, but it was clear seeing us after a cruise had convinced him to book a cruise himself.
Before long I was back home. I was very happy to see my dog and distribute souvenirs to my family. I was also excited to use my new coach purse I got on the trip as a late Christmas present. Every time I wear the purse I will always think of St. Thomas and the amazing cruise of new adventures. I cannot wait for my next trip, and the many adventures that are yet to come!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Cruise-Tortola
Tortola! It was the last island we were to visit on this trip, and the only place where I would swim with dolphins for the very first time! Let me start from the beginning. I love dolphins, I have researched as much as I can about the mammals and have fallen in love. It has always been one of my dreams to go swimming with dolphins. I actually wanted to study marine biology so I could one day work with dolphins, until I realized I was not such a big fan of studying science and math. Still, I was not going to let that get in the way of me enjoying their existence. I have even learned that pink dolphins exist, and the rare color is caused by being an albino of the species. Pink dolphins are rare, and it has become another dream of mine to one day actually see a pink dolphin in person. So, needless to say I was ecstatic about waking up in Tortola, and only being a few hours away from meeting a dolphin in person for the first time!
Rushing to get to the meeting spot on time for the dolphin encounter, we grabbed breakfast on the go and hurried off the ship. We made it just in time, and were soon on the "bus" ride to our destination. We arrived to a place with murky looking water with amazing dolphins swimming around! I couldn't wait!! We were given life jackets, and shown a safety video. After about a half hour of listening to instructions, taking pictures, and dividing up into groups it was time!! I was already jealous of the trainer who got to play with the dolphins for a living. We made our way to the platform and began climbing down the steps into this well to be honest disgusting looking water. Normally I would be grossed out, but I know that in the water was the one thing I had always dreamed of. A dolphin!! At first I was a little scared, due to the dark color of the water, you could not really tell where the dolphin was. It was not long that I forgot about being scared and became extremely excited and happy. It was my turn to swim with the dolphin. The dolphin's name was Venus, and she was 2 months pregnant! I would have loved to have seen a baby dolphin! So it was my turn, I swam to the other end of the swimming area and held out my hand, the dolphin came up behind me and i grabbed on to its two fins as she pulled me across the water swimming on her back. Next I got to hug the dolphin, kiss her, hold her, and shake her fins. It was absolutely amazing!
I was a little disappointed that the swim with the dolphin was so short, and that we didn't get the opportunity to do the "superman" move where two dolphins lift you out of the water, but I still loved every minute of it. I cannot wait to go swimming with dolphins again! After we dried off, right before it started to rain. We made our way inside where we purchased pictures and souvenirs. We were then dropped off to do some shopping. However, there were not many shops around. We walked through a flea market and a few small stores where we found a few gifts for people, and made our way back. On the way I also made a stop to take a picture with a donkey, where the owner realized we were tourists and made me pay him one dollar for taking the picture. I could've walked away without paying, but it was one dollar and I figured why not.
As we walked back to the ship, most of the crew was walking off to perform a routine drill on the lawn nearby. We finally made our way back and sat down to a nice lunch. Then off to another nap and another night of dinner, entertainment, and drinking.
Rushing to get to the meeting spot on time for the dolphin encounter, we grabbed breakfast on the go and hurried off the ship. We made it just in time, and were soon on the "bus" ride to our destination. We arrived to a place with murky looking water with amazing dolphins swimming around! I couldn't wait!! We were given life jackets, and shown a safety video. After about a half hour of listening to instructions, taking pictures, and dividing up into groups it was time!! I was already jealous of the trainer who got to play with the dolphins for a living. We made our way to the platform and began climbing down the steps into this well to be honest disgusting looking water. Normally I would be grossed out, but I know that in the water was the one thing I had always dreamed of. A dolphin!! At first I was a little scared, due to the dark color of the water, you could not really tell where the dolphin was. It was not long that I forgot about being scared and became extremely excited and happy. It was my turn to swim with the dolphin. The dolphin's name was Venus, and she was 2 months pregnant! I would have loved to have seen a baby dolphin! So it was my turn, I swam to the other end of the swimming area and held out my hand, the dolphin came up behind me and i grabbed on to its two fins as she pulled me across the water swimming on her back. Next I got to hug the dolphin, kiss her, hold her, and shake her fins. It was absolutely amazing!
I was a little disappointed that the swim with the dolphin was so short, and that we didn't get the opportunity to do the "superman" move where two dolphins lift you out of the water, but I still loved every minute of it. I cannot wait to go swimming with dolphins again! After we dried off, right before it started to rain. We made our way inside where we purchased pictures and souvenirs. We were then dropped off to do some shopping. However, there were not many shops around. We walked through a flea market and a few small stores where we found a few gifts for people, and made our way back. On the way I also made a stop to take a picture with a donkey, where the owner realized we were tourists and made me pay him one dollar for taking the picture. I could've walked away without paying, but it was one dollar and I figured why not.
As we walked back to the ship, most of the crew was walking off to perform a routine drill on the lawn nearby. We finally made our way back and sat down to a nice lunch. Then off to another nap and another night of dinner, entertainment, and drinking.
Cruise-Saint Maarten
It was beautiful. It was sunny. It was gorgeous, and I could barely walk from my sunburn. It was my first time to these islands, and I insisted on enjoying the day. I put on my swimsuit and new Ralph Lauren hat, and headed off the ship. Even though we all had terrible sunburns, I knew I would not get another chance to visit the beaches of St. Maarten and wanted to go. However, no one else wanted to be in the sun all day, and opted to take a guided driving tour around the island. Not long after we got out of the car for the first stop on the tour, I realized there was no possible way I would be able to walk very far without feeling pure pain from the sun hitting my burn spots let alone be able to relax at the beach. At this point, I was glad we chose the driving tour. We explored the entire island and even got to stop at a couple beach spots. The first beach was right by the airport, where we were told the wind from the larger planes was so great that it has been known to blow people to the ground, even small cars have been turned over due to the intensity of the wind. We did not witness any large planes taking off from the airport, but did take many pictures at this local spot. That is when the rain hit. Again I was grateful to be wearing my swimsuit, to have brought along an umbrella, and to be taking a driving tour of the island rather than lying on the sand at a beach.
The island tour continued, as I became increasingly tired. I should also mention that long drives tend to put me to sleep very easily. Needless to say, I missed out on hearing about some of the history of the island due to sleepiness. The last stop before heading back was another beach, where I even got to try fresh coconut, straight from a tree and cut in half by a passing man with a machete. After this little adventure we went back to the port, and did a little shopping. At this point everyone was worn out and in pain from the sunburns, but I knew souvenirs were needed for friends and family. After another couple hours, with a few more bags of clothes and trinkets we made it back to our rooms. We had plans for lunch at the buffet, but decided to take advantage of the free room service and soon after fell asleep for a long afternoon nap.
When we awoke, it was time to shower and get ready for another eventful night. Tonight was the white hot party on the ship. After dinner we enjoyed a magic show from Murray a person from the television show "America's Got Talent." After the magic show began the white hot party in one of the lounge rooms. I attended the party, but was not up to doing much drinking. After taking a picture with Murray and having one mojito in a blinking cup, we headed back to the room to watch a little television and fall asleep. We had big plans for the next day!
The island tour continued, as I became increasingly tired. I should also mention that long drives tend to put me to sleep very easily. Needless to say, I missed out on hearing about some of the history of the island due to sleepiness. The last stop before heading back was another beach, where I even got to try fresh coconut, straight from a tree and cut in half by a passing man with a machete. After this little adventure we went back to the port, and did a little shopping. At this point everyone was worn out and in pain from the sunburns, but I knew souvenirs were needed for friends and family. After another couple hours, with a few more bags of clothes and trinkets we made it back to our rooms. We had plans for lunch at the buffet, but decided to take advantage of the free room service and soon after fell asleep for a long afternoon nap.
When we awoke, it was time to shower and get ready for another eventful night. Tonight was the white hot party on the ship. After dinner we enjoyed a magic show from Murray a person from the television show "America's Got Talent." After the magic show began the white hot party in one of the lounge rooms. I attended the party, but was not up to doing much drinking. After taking a picture with Murray and having one mojito in a blinking cup, we headed back to the room to watch a little television and fall asleep. We had big plans for the next day!
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