Tony, Laura, Carol, and Bill. Daughter and son in law escaping arctic weather in Wisconsin. 5 day cruise out of Tampa on the Carnival Paradise.
Cruise Ship Conquest of the Cheese Sold Out
Conquest of the Cheese
Wisconsin Cruise Line launches refurbished tanker Conquest of the Cheese (AKA The Cheese Stands Alone) in Tampa Florida January 2, 2017. Random ports of call their USP. Bring your own bedding, food, games, and deck chair. Unfortunately the cruise was sold out. We hopped aboard the Carnival Paradise instead.
January 2-7 2017 we, along with nearly 2,500 other people called Paradise home on our visit to the Grand Cayman and Cozumel. Amazingly, very little rolling and rocking. Except if you leave the bathroom door open. I didn't feel any rolling even though the door was slowly swinging back and forth. Amazing! My advice: shut the bathroom door. Food: If you can gain less than 5 pounds on a cruise you are a better man than yours truly. Every buffet is a cornucopia of food. Food glorious food! Reality returned on the fourth day after we looked in the mirror. We started skipping second deserts. Shows: there are two or three really good shows and a comedy club that is worth viewing. Believe it or not karaoke has some terrific talent. One such later.
That's odd: Euphemism for Port Stateroom Numbers. E145 qualifies, yes? Starboard is Even in case you want to know.
Into the setting sun on our way to Grand Cayman Island, 22 miles by 10 miles if my memory is still working. Small island no taxes of any kind.
Grand Cayman. From Paradise to Hell went we. We willingly paid for a trip to Hell. Imagine that. How the Hell are you? is the official greeting. This building is a post office and gift shop. We sent a post card to our neighbor Evie. Still hasn't arrived. Hell of a way to run a post office. Did you know you can visit Hell in Michigan and California? Norway and Slovenia too. By the way, there is no city, town or Villiage named Heaven in the USA. But you can go to Hell in Michigan and then drive the Highway To Heaven. Thanks Michigan!
Welcome to Hell! Interestingly the rock formation was originally white limestone. The Hell you say! Ok, You've worn it out. Enough! Yes, dear.
But wait there's more: Scatological euphemism found in Hell. It is more dignified to call it The House Of Lords And Ladies but you have to go to Heaven for that. BILL! Okay, okay....moving on:
Grand Cayman turtle farm. These turtles are freed to swim the ocean blue. Great idea. I did a little research and I promise to never buy turtle shells or eat turtle soup. Be free my friends!
LET ME GO!!
We we're told that if you stroke the turtle under the neck (Goochi Goochi Goo) they will become calm. Carol did as instructed but the turtle went nuts. Hmmmm.....
Ship Shots
Whoops! I forgot my purse! She said.Oh Well, He said. Believe it or not. NOW HERE THIS: Will 10 people from the Odd side please move to the Even side so we don't tip over.
And now a slide show for your viewing pleasure.
Tony and Laura mustering for the AAmeeting. Some people told nightmare stories about bar bills in the $800 range. Drinks are very expensive. AA is the way to go!
Night Time on the City of New Orleans cruise ship? Our neighbors had loud wild parties into the wee hours ofthe morning. Tried unsuccessfully to stowaway.
Is this a wake, wave, or wash? No, it is not a contrail. Ocean and sky pictures follow.
Talent From Table 200
Tory and his mother were tablemates at dinner during our cruise. 10 people at our table. We were table 200. Tory auditioned for American Idol and promised to sing for us at the Karaoke venue. Wow! He dedicated this song to us. The whole place was rocking! What a wonderful talent. Thanks Tory.
Tulum
Pyramid El Castillo (The Castle).
Cozumel. We hailed a taxi to another pier and then a water taxi to Cancun where we were shuttled in a van to the Mayan archaeological site Tulum. Six hours round trip. This is a spectacular archaeological ruin. Don't miss it if you are in Cancun or Cozumel. Much is written about this site. Google "Tulum" and read a few. A slide show follows of some of the buildings and sites.
Snow Birds in Mexico. Poster couple for AAA Travel Magazine. Actually: Innovative Wisconsin Correctional program sends inmates on annual vacation for good behavior. Inmates are monitored by GPS Location Bracelets. The Vacation Release Program (VRP) has reduced inmate crimes and rule breaking down to nearly zero, reports Hieran Slotskey Warden of the Trevor Correctional Facility. Other states are considering this controversial but innovative program.
Wanna iguana? Iguana recipe: 1. Declaw, skin and gut-preferably after it is dead. 2. Salt and pepper to taste. 3. Grill or broil till cooked through. 4. Cover with lime juice and cilantro. (The meat will taste a little like chicken). Iguana makes a great meat filling for tacos. Let me know how it turns out for you.
Mis amigos, yo gano el concurso del sombrero o usted saluda mis balas.
End of Cruise approaching pier at downtown Tampa. We docked at 8 am and the ship prepared to make another 5 day cruise boarding more people at 11 am. Tired, full, happy....there's no place like home.
Time to feed the Florida livestock....to the gator.