...something GOOD to write about! - marci4tony's Blog - TheJHub.com

...something GOOD to write about! - marci4tony's Blog - TheJHub.com http://www.thejhub.com/home/Blog/marci4tony With all the bad news, crisis and despair in the world, it's time someone found something GOOD to write about. So, I sit here and think to myself - what GOOD happened today? With all the bad news, crisis and despair in the world, it's time someone found something GOOD to write about. So, I sit here and think to myself - what GOOD happened today? en-us I conquered the Western Caribbean on Carnival Legend http://www.thejhub.com/home/Blog/marci4tony/730 http://www.thejhub.com/home/Blog/marci4tony/730 DH and I just returned from a wonderful vacation in the Western Caribbean on the Carnival Cruise Ship - Legend - departing from Tampa FL.  Thought I'd drop in and share the experience with my friends here.  Sorry - I dont have any pictures yet - but soon...<br /> <br /> <meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type" /> <meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId" /> <meta content="Microsoft Word 10" name="Generator" /> <meta content="Microsoft Word 10" name="Originator" /> <link href="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\tracy\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List" /><o:smarttagtype name="date" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype name="City" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype name="State" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype name="place" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype name="PlaceType" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype name="PlaceName" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype name="country-region" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype name="time" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"></o:smarttagtype><style type="text/css">  </style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">I close my eyes.<span style="">  </span>I tip my head back.<span style="">  </span>The morning sun shines on my face.<span style="">  </span>I hear the soothing rhythmic crash of the gentle surf on the beach.<span style="">  </span>I am weightless as I swim in the warm, Mexican water.<span style="">  </span>I reach my arms out – I let them float with the water.<span style="">  </span>I savor the moment and internalize every heart beat.<span style="">  </span>Light breeze.<span style="">  </span>Not a cloud in the sky.<span style="">  </span>I hear a few cries of delight in the distance.<span style="">  </span>Wonder if it’s my turn to parasail yet? Can you say beach day in </span><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">COZUMEL</span></st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> in November?<span style="">  </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">I close my eyes.<span style="">  </span>I cannot tip my head back for fear of capsizing backwards, but I can rest it on my life vest.<span style="">  </span>An occasional glimpse of the sun in between the trees and brush of the jungle makes it magical voyage.<span style="">  </span>This time, the water is cooler – they call it refreshing.<span style="">  </span>Deep in the heart of the jungle – I hear the exotic symphony of birds and other jungle critters.<span style="">  </span>The combination smell of dark, damp must and bright floral humidity keep the senses busy.<span style="">  </span>We gently glide along the meandering river, in and out of mysteriously spectacular caves created by Mother Nature.<span style="">  </span>Deep inside the caves – complete darkness.<span style="">  </span>Carried by the current and equipped with a head lamp, we glimpse stalagmites and stalactites, formations and other tubers.<span style="">  </span>Can you say </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">BELIZE</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> on a cave-tubing adventure?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">I close my eyes.<span style="">  </span>I feel something soft graze my leg as in an affectionate rub.<span style="">  </span>Then another.<span style="">  </span>I feel the light drizzle on my face as I try to maintain balance in chest-deep water.<span style="">  </span>The waves are growing, but manageable.<span style="">  </span>No sun today, but who cares – we are already wet!<span style="">  </span>I hear the shrieks of delight, and of surprise.<span style="">  </span>One cannot keep eyes closed for long here.<span style="">  </span>The rays of all sizes surround you as if they are happy to see a long, lost friend.<span style="">  </span>Yes, I said rays.<span style="">  </span>Stingrays.<span style="">  </span>They seek attention like a puppy or kitten.<span style="">  </span>If you do not stay aware of your surroundings they will startle you as they glide by.<span style="">  </span>Shuffle your feet in the sand.<span style="">  </span>Do not grab their tails.<span style="">  </span>Plant a kiss on one for the mythical 7 years of good luck.<span style="">  </span>I wonder, will two kisses mean 14 years??<span style="">  </span>Can you say GRAND CAYMAN in sting ray city?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">There is no closing of the eyes, here.<span style="">  </span>The history and mystery of each structure speaks in an ancient language.<span style="">  </span>Square bricks, round bricks.<span style="">  </span>Foundations of buildings and complete temples.<span style="">  </span>The surrounding jungle encompasses the magnificence of a people from another time.<span style="">  </span>Up the stairs.<span style="">  </span>Around the corner.<span style="">  </span>Another structure.<span style="">  </span>Such a miracle to be so well preserved.<span style="">  </span>The guide gives a history lesson based on scientific evidence.<span style="">  </span>But what happened here that science cannot uncover centuries later?<span style="">  </span>The foliage is amazing.<span style="">  </span>The city is well hidden.<span style="">  </span>Can you say Chaccoben Mayan Ruins in COSTA MAYA?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">We embarked on the journey of a lifetime last week on the Carnival’s LEGEND orig. </span><st1:place><st1:city><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Tampa</span></st1:city><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">, </span><st1:state><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Florida</span></st1:state></st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">.<span style="">  </span>This is my review.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">DAY 1 - We leave </span><st1:place><st1:city><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Boise</span></st1:city><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">, </span><st1:state><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Idaho</span></st1:state></st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> on </span><st1:date month="11" day="1" year="2008"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">11/1/08</span></st1:date><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">.<span style="">  </span>A mid-morning flight meant an early drive from home praying we forgot nothing.<span style="">  </span>The </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Boise</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> airport is small, so the “2-hour” rule was a bit much.<span style="">  </span>That’s ok.<span style="">  </span>We are on vacation.<span style="">  </span>DH with his laptop working on a bid for work and I with my sudoko book settled in for a 45 minute wait before boarding the plane.<span style="">  </span>Can you say turbo-prop?<span style="">  </span>Are you KIDDING ME?!<span style="">  </span>Not being a fan of Air Travel, I just had to suck it up and deal with it.<span style="">  </span>More sudoko.<span style="">  </span>And a shot please! (just kidding)<span style="">  </span>We arrive in </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Denver</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> – we unload <u>on</u> the TARMAC…Are you KIDDING ME?!<span style="">  </span>Again?!<span style="">  </span>A long walk to the terminal food courts found me starving (and thankful to be on the ground).<span style="">  </span>DH unloads his laptop – I thought we were on vacation – he’s such a workaholic!<span style="">  </span>We share a Styrofoam box of Chinese food, and I get out sudoko again. (Good thing I brought about 4 books!)<span style="">  </span>After a long, drawn out 3 hour layover, they board us on a “regular” plane – DC9 I think, and it’s off to </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Tampa</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">.<span style="">  </span>In the air for over 3 hours…Not enough sudoko for that!<span style="">  </span>Another shot please!<span style="">  </span>Good thing I brought some munchies!<span style="">  </span>Being in the air for over 3 hours with screaming babies in the near vicinity made for a very long flight!<span style="">  </span>We land on time – </span><st1:time hour="22" minute="30"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">10:30pm EST.</span></st1:time><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="">  </span>A quiet and clean airport welcomes us, and we collect our checked luggage in record time.<span style="">  </span>Then the wait…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">I hesitantly booked a room with priceline.com, and was thankful they offered a free shuttle from the airport.<span style="">  </span>Only took them 30 minute to show up…Not a great way to end the day, or start a vacation!<span style="">  </span>We check into COMFORT SUITES WESTSHORE in </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Tampa</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> shortly after </span><st1:time hour="23" minute="0"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">11pm</span></st1:time><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> – looking for a quick bite for dinner.<span style="">  </span>There is nothing within walking distance, however.<span style="">  </span>So we settle for a warm cookie and a cold beer.<span style="">  </span>(Barely made it to the hotel lounge before last call)<span style="">  </span>The room was nice – but it was NOT what we booked.<span style="">  </span>We did not care by now – it was clean, and the bed was comfortable.<span style="">  </span>Didn’t take long to fall asleep.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">DAY 2 – EMBARKATION DAY<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">We wake up early – we head down to the hotel restaurant.<span style="">  </span>Breakfast Buffet – Initial thought – Overpriced! Most hotel restaurants are.<span style="">  </span>Surprisingly, the food was phenomenal!<span style="">  </span>Of course we were so excited to get to the dock, we did NOT enjoy a leisurely breakfast but a hurried one!<span style="">  </span>We take off, by foot, to go find some Diet Coke to take with us.<span style="">  </span>Carnival allows a “reasonable” amount of soft drinks, so we head out in search of a Walgreens, that we were told was within walking distance.<span style="">  </span>Sure it was – nearly a mile each way!!<span style="">  </span>So, </span><st1:time hour="14" minute="12"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">two twelve</span></st1:time><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> packs, a small laundry detergent and a large bottle of water later, we walk the mile back to the hotel.<span style="">  </span>We get everything packed, just so, and then go to the lobby.<span style="">  </span>They call us a cab, and for a mere 20 bucks, he was happy to drop us off at the Port. Since the area was flooded with cruisers that had just departed, he dropps us off at the Aquarium.<span style="">  </span>Before dh had paid the cab driver, we were approached by a porter who takes our bags away.<span style="">  </span>We tipped him only a couple of bucks in the confusion.<span style="">  </span>We cross the street and look around – We head towards the ship (I just wanted a picture, but there is ABSOLUTELY NO PHOTOGRAPHY in the area and there are signs posted and they will also be happy to REMIND YOU!)<span style="">  </span>We are shooed back to the office area. They will start lining people up at </span><st1:time hour="10" minute="30"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">10:30am</span></st1:time><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> for boarding.<span style="">  </span>It was </span><st1:time hour="10" minute="0"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">10am</span></st1:time><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">.<span style="">  </span>We had ½ hour to kill.<span style="">  </span>Out again comes the sudoko book.<span style="">  </span>As we watch other people attempt to be first in line and also get pointed back, we laugh.<span style="">  </span>A very large wedding party started boarding, and they were the FIRST to go through the “party doors”.<span style="">  </span>And they were all dressed up…we wondered if they were getting married as soon as we got on board??<span style="">  </span>What a way to go.<span style="">  </span>We have a group of chatty women (who looked like they knew what they were doing) walk past us to the “party doors”.<span style="">  </span>They were not turned back.<span style="">  </span>So, we jumped up and got in line.<span style="">  </span>Pretty soon, the line was half way around the building.<span style="">  </span>THEN…the “party doors” opened.<span style="">  </span>They check our passports against our carnival tickets and invite us into the building.<span style="">  </span>Ah - Security.<span style="">  </span>Not quite as bad a the airports – they don’t require you to take your shoes off…But if you know it’s coming, you will have everything metal off your body, out of your pockets and turned off.<span style="">  </span>After passing security, we are ushered around to the “bookee”.<span style="">  </span>There is a very long counter here, and since we were one of the first ones, we walked right up.<span style="">  </span>They take the credit card for the sign and sail, and promptly handed us our SAS cards.<span style="">  </span>They gave us a piece of paper that told us we were in group #1.<span style="">  </span>Far out!<span style="">  </span>I always knew I was #1 and now Carnival recognizes the talent!<span style="">  </span>So we head towards the bathrooms and the closest group of chairs to the entrance and cop a squat.<span style="">  </span>Get out the sudoko book…again.<span style="">  </span>We sit for perhaps 20 minutes – We watch as the wedding party gets on the Legend first.<span style="">  </span>Then they call for the platinum and “special” guests…Then…GROUP #1.<span style="">  </span>Of course, we were the FIRST ONES THERE!<span style="">  </span>They verified the SAS cards to our Passports again, and then we’re off!<span style="">  </span>There is a photographer there to capture the moment before approaching the plank!<span style="">  </span>Then, after 11 months, 1 week and 4 days, we are ON THE PLANK.<span style="">  </span>A small “wahoo” escapes my mouth as we board…ok, perhaps a medium sized one…and we head directly to the glass elevators and work our way up to the </span><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">LIDO</span></st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> deck.<span style="">  </span>We find ourselves a table next to the window on the starboard side, plop all our carryon crap there and HIT THE BUFFET!<span style="">  </span>Hey – there were NO LINES…of course, since we were one of the first on board, who would have guessed, right?<span style="">  </span>So we sit, and nibble, <span style=""> </span>and drink and watch for about an hour or so – then we get brave and drop our stuff off early into our cabin (although we weren’t supposed to just quite yet).<span style="">  </span>And yes, we got yelled at!<span style="">  </span>We just say “sorry”, and run like a bunch of kids toilet papering the neighborhood!<span style="">  </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">We walk around the ship and try to figure out how to navigate everything.<span style="">  </span>There are 3 elevators.<span style="">  </span>The front, middle and rear.<span style="">  </span>In the middle are the glass elevators, too.<span style="">  </span>They are worth the wait to ride at least once.<span style="">   </span>The dining room is in the back – level 3 and 2.<span style="">  </span>We check in at the front desk and changed our dining to LATE with a bunch of new Cruise Critic friends.<span style="">  </span>(Mark, Terri, Daryle and Linda – all hailing from the </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Tampa</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> area.)<span style="">  </span>We have a lower level 2 starboard side next to the window table 149.<span style="">  </span>Our servers are Dale and Anthoney and they are by far the most attentive, proper and efficient on the planet! (Not to mention the sense of humor AND entertainment value!)<span style="">  </span>The formal dining Club is a few floors ABOVE the dining area, and we make our reservations for TUESDAY night – making sure not to interfere with MONDAY night’s formal activities! <span style=""> </span>(Ah, you know what I’m talking about…LOBSTER NIGHT!)<span style="">  </span><span style=""> </span>On level 2 and 3 are the clubs (aft), shopping and casino (mid), and the show room (forward).<span style="">  </span>Up on the upper decks, in the front, are the spa, camp carnival, and the internet café.<span style="">  </span>I checked for the Cruise Critic Log Book, but did not see one there.<span style="">  </span>There are 3 pools – the one in the front section is with the kids area – includes a great looking slide!!<span style="">  </span>There’s a pool in the middle and it has a spa with it between two bars, and the one on the aft is the “adult” area, also with a spa and a bar.<span style="">  </span>Chair hogs were non-existent on this particular voyage.<span style="">  </span>But then again, cruising the first week of November, so were the little bodies we call children.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Muster drill is interesting.<span style="">  </span>Short, sweet and OVER!<span style="">  </span>Beware, however – There will be a voice over the loud speaker warning you of the Muster drill and to listen for the signal. <span style=""> </span>I’m warning you now – the DEAF could hear this signal; raise the dead!<span style="">  </span>Scared the daylights out of me and I KNEW it was coming!<span style="">  </span>There are 4 areas on the Legend that ALL passengers congregate for Muster – impressive I think!<span style="">  </span>They line us up, show us how to put on the life vests, show us where the boats are, let us know how it should work and let us go on your merry way.<span style="">  </span>Not a big deal!!<span style="">  </span>And no shark jokes.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">As we set sail, we head off to the Aft Pool for our Cruise Critic party!!<span style="">  </span>Both dh and I had received our luggage by then and had even kind of unpacked!!<span style="">  </span>Unfortunately, it is windy and cold out, so my nifty decorations won’t stand up and the napkins keep flying around!<span style="">  </span>We have about 30-35 people show up and I manage to get a couple of group pictures – I will post them as soon as I am able to.<span style="">  </span>We all hang out, get to know one another, and then…the RAIN STARTS!<span style="">  </span>Well, being from the landlocked state of IDAHO, and knowing that I was NOT made of sugar, I stand out in the rain with a DOD in hand, the camera in the other, and watch as long as I dare.<span style="">  </span>We pass a small airport – A military one I hear.<span style="">  </span>We pass a power plant of some sort – white smoke from the smoke stacks billowing up against a grey sky.<span style="">  </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">**NOTE TO FUTURE TRAVELERS – As Legend leaves port in </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Tampa</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">, WATCH FOR PASSING VESSELS.<span style="">  </span>We saw dolphins swimming and jumping in front of a passing oil liner!<span style="">  </span>What a trip!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Since we have the LATE sitting, I do not worry about missing the “BRIDGE” – head back to our cabin for a while, get a little better organized, and find our up on deck about 7ish to watch the passing of the BRIDGE.<span style="">  </span>We were standing on the Bow (up by the front) and it was spectacular!<span style="">  </span>They tell us there is only about 6’ clearance from the top of the stack!<span style="">  </span>Watch the people duck!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">**NOTE TO FUTURE TRAVELERS – go to the mid level by the smoke stack for best experience.<span style="">  </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Dinner that first night is good – Soup, appetizer, entrée and a dessert.<span style="">  </span>I do not <span style=""> </span>overdo it…at least that first day.<span style="">  </span>After dinner, we wander around a bit more, chit chat with our new friends (and our amazing neighbors on the aft balcony) and then head off to bed.<span style="">  </span>No show for us tonight – We had a LONG day!<span style="">  </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Our cabin is 5299 – Ext Aft Balcony.<span style="">  </span>There are 2 chairs and a table (standard for the balconies I assume)<span style="">  </span>And I took a bungee cord to prop the door open.<span style="">  </span>The table is light and does not work so well.<span style="">  </span>As you enter the room, there are 3 closet cabinets.<span style="">  </span>The first has your life jackets and a hanging space.<span style="">  </span>The second is hanging space.<span style="">  </span>The third is shelving.<span style="">  </span>The bathroom is about 4’x6’.<span style="">  </span>There are three little shelves along both sides of the mirror that hold toiletries.<span style="">  </span>They have bars around them so the contents won’t be sliding off anywhere.<span style="">  </span>And please…remember…when you “flush” – do NOT remain sitting on the pot.<span style="">  </span>After you flush the first time, you WILL understand.<span style="">  </span>There is shampoo and body wash containers attached in the shower, and there is good pressure; good drainage.<span style="">  </span>The light for the bathroom is on the OUTSIDE of the bathroom under the room service door tags.<span style="">  </span>Took us a while to figure that one out.<span style="">  </span>There are 4 drawers on the right hand side of the desk.<span style="">  </span>The top drawer has a hair dryer inside it.<span style="">  </span>The other 3 are empty.<span style="">  </span>There is a desk drawer and then the left hand side is the fridge.<span style="">  </span>We cart in (2) 12packs of diet coke and simply put our soda on top of theirs inside the fridge.<span style="">  </span>There was never any question.<span style="">  </span>Under the TV is a safe – we put it to good use.<span style="">  </span>On the other side of the TV are some more cabinets.<span style="">  </span>I think there are 2 rows of 2 shallow shelves that are encased by a cabinet.<span style="">  </span>There is a couch and a secure little table behind the bathroom – I understand it will fold out into another bed but we never tried it - and then the bed is two twins pushed together.<span style="">  </span>And I could not tell the difference!<span style="">  </span>Much different than at home trying to put two mattresses together!<span style="">  </span>There is plenty of room under the beds for empty suitcases.<span style="">  </span>There are night stands and table lights on both sides of the bed.<span style="">  </span>The TV is remote controlled.<span style="">  </span>They have some stations – ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, TNT, Cartoon Network, yadda yadda – Seem to be mostly based out of Denver…You can also check the menu and your SAS balance there also.<span style="">  </span>Check out the MENU button.<span style="">  </span>There are a couple of deck cameras that you can see on the TV and there is ALWAYS a constant running of the cruise shows that you may have missed.<span style="">  </span>(Do NOT miss the Love and Marriage show…what a hoot!)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">DAY 3 – FUN DAY AT SEA<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Ok – a day to get acclimated to the ship, do some more exploring and of course, more eating.<span style="">  </span>We eat in the Dining room for breakfast that day…and that was the LAST BREAKFAST we ate in the Dining Room.<span style="">  </span>It was good, but just not what we were wanting to do.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">OK – a little bit about the BUFFET.<span style="">  </span>Starting with the BACK of the SHIP on the STARBOARD SIDE and working our way to the front – is ICE CREAM!<span style="">  </span>They have yogurt AND ice cream.<span style="">  </span>Be sure to read before you dispense if it is something that bothers you.<span style="">  </span>BTW – the strawberry yogurt tastes like frozen nesquick strawberry milk.<span style="">  </span>Good Stuff!<span style="">  </span>Then you find the PIZZA STATION.<span style="">  </span>They have some “odd” kinds of pizza, and the calzones are to die for.<span style="">  </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">**NOTE TO FUTURE TRAVELERS - Their Caesar salad is better than at the salad station.<span style="">  </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">There is always pizza available – although you may have to wait 10 minutes for them to cook you one!<span style="">  </span>Then there is the drink station.<span style="">  </span>Sorry folks – No FRUIT PUNCH.<span style="">  </span>Iced tea and Lemonade only.<span style="">  </span>(I do understand they are trying to get the punch back)<span style="">  </span>Then the rotisserie – Usually something carved – beef, turkey, pork…rolls, a few side dishes and some salads.<span style="">  </span>Traveling forward is the TASTE OF NATIONS.<span style="">  </span>The THEME varies daily – they will post it in your capers.<span style="">  </span>Further forward is the grill – hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, onion rings.<span style="">  </span>Good stuff!!<span style="">  </span>We round the pool area and start heading towards the back – More GRILL area – Here’s the “oriental” area – the dishes are not always the same, and there is a stir fry station there.<span style="">  </span>Good soups!<span style="">  </span>Heading towards the front, there is the sandwich area – REUBENS ARE HERE!<span style="">  </span>A Must!<span style="">  </span>If you are not into sauerkraut, then the Pastrami on </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Rye</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> is a great catch!<span style="">  </span>Between the SANDWICHES and the ROTISSERIE is the DESSERTS!!<span style="">  </span>There is a variety of low carb and low sugar/sugarless items there.<span style="">  </span>Further down from the </span><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Sandwich</span></st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> area is the salad bar.<span style="">  </span>Lots of salads, veggies, meats and cheeses.<span style="">  </span>Between the Salad Bar and the Pizza is another “salad” place – in the evenings, is serves sushi and cherveche.<span style="">  </span>And last but not least, the very back of the ship on the port side – MORE ICE CREAM!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">If you are not into EATING with the crowds of people, feel free to get a tray and plates full of food and go back to your cabin (as in inclimate weather)<span style="">  </span>When you are done, place your tray outside your door.<span style="">  </span>Simple.<span style="">  </span>Easy.<span style="">  </span>No people!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Do not – and I repeat – do not be opposed or feel guity to take a nap on sea days.<span style="">  </span>You will find that your port days are pretty busy and you may need the extra energy.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Well, it’s formal night and the CAPTAINS PARTY!<span style="">  </span>Since we have second seating, we dress up in our duds and head down to the theater to meet the Captain and everyone!<span style="">  </span>Free drinks and hors-devours.<span style="">  </span>It’s interesting - but if you are not a drinker, probably something you can bypass.<span style="">  </span>You will still want to stand in line and meet the captain (which in itself is pretty cool) and then walk through the back of the theater and head out the other side.<span style="">  </span>No big deal.<span style="">  </span>Then, it’s off to dinner – LOBSTER NIGHT!<span style="">  </span>We have a table of 6, and I believe they brought us 12 tails!<span style="">  </span>My first tail was a little overcooked, but has great flavor.<span style="">  </span>It is served with enormous shrimp!<span style="">  </span>The second tail I have was more tender and twice as good!<span style="">  </span>Don’t be afraid to have 2…The galley is prepared!!<span style="">  </span>And the chocolate melting cake is good…ONCE.<span style="">  </span>The crème Brule is wonderful and the Grand Marnier soufflé is to die for (if you like soufflé)<span style="">   </span>For those that are interested, I have a recipe that is very similar to the melting cake.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">After dinner, it’s off to the show!<span style="">  </span>The Carnival crew has an incredible LIVE SHOW BAND and the dancers are very well choreographed.<span style="">  </span>Please remember they put on a BIG STYLE production on a very little itty bitty stage.<span style="">  </span>Off to bed.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">DAY 4 – </span><st1:place><st1:placename><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">CAYMAN</span></st1:placename><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span><st1:placetype><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">ISLANDS</span></st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">I have been to Cayman before and I know exactly what I want to do.<span style="">  </span>Having an aft balcony, I kept watching the water color…and was sorely disappointed when we went to bed.<span style="">  </span>But the first thing in the morning, low and behold – the deep, turquoise blue I had waited YEARS to see was back!!<span style="">  </span>The day was overcast and dreary, but that wasn’t about to stop me! As far as tendering goes – if you book an excursion with someone OTHER than Carnival, you can still get off on the first tender.<span style="">  </span>So head down to the theater early and make sure you get a sticker!<span style="">  </span>Again, I was #1!<span style="">  </span>No surprises there!<span style="">  </span>We took Capt Marvins’ ½ day </span><st1:place><st1:placename><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Stingray</span></st1:placename><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span><st1:placetype><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">City</span></st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> tour and snorkeling.<span style="">  </span>The boat is a 2-level vessel – I cop a squat in the back next to the water!<span style="">  </span>I want to see and feel everything I can!<span style="">  </span>As we head out in the channel, we see the many multi-bazillion dollar homes on shore.<span style="">  </span>You KNOW there is money in Cayman.<span style="">  </span>A few for sale signs, but nothing in my price range.<span style="">  </span>Dang.<span style="">  </span>We make 2 snorkeling stops – and despite lousy weather, I have a great time.<span style="">  </span>I am a strong swimmer, but I am lazy – I have one of those blow up life vests to keep me floating on top of the water.<span style="">  </span>At our second stop, the rain really starts coming down, but heck, I am already wet!<span style="">  </span>I see my very first eel!<span style="">  </span>And yes, I scream in statement through my snorkel…Not exactly very effective!<span style="">  </span>The water is pretty rough at </span><st1:place><st1:placename><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Stingray</span></st1:placename><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span><st1:placetype><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">City</span></st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">, but I love it just the same!<span style="">  </span>Again, being in land-locked </span><st1:state><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Idaho</span></st1:place></st1:state><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">, this is quite exotic to me!<span style="">  </span>As we head back to land, we pass by mangrove trees – and if you look hard enough they are lined with iguanas everywhere! <span style=""> </span>After our tour, it’s raining so hard, hanging out in town just isn’t any fun.<span style="">  </span>We never really got dry…eeewwwww.<span style="">  </span>So we get our souvenirs and head back to the ship for lunch.<span style="">  </span>The buffet closes at </span><st1:time hour="15" minute="30"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">3:30</span></st1:time><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">.<span style="">  </span>Keep that in mind.<span style="">  </span>The sandwich grill was open a bit later, and of course there is always pizza.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Nap time – after spending over an hour in the water swimming and playing with the rays, and a very bumpy boat ride out and back, I am pooped!<span style="">  </span>We have reservations at the Supper Club, and I want to be well rested.<span style="">  </span>Digestion takes much energy!!<span style="">  </span>That being said, I must say – The Supper Club (we had a 10 top) is all about service, service, service!<span style="">  </span>And it’s very impressive!<span style="">  </span>And the plating/presentation of the food was like – WOW.<span style="">  </span>I took pictures of FOOD and my kids are thinking I’m nuts!<span style="">  </span>My gripe – I had the lobster tail… and it was like chewing on a rubber band.<span style="">  </span>Not what I’d expected for a 30 dollar meal – but then, the experience and the appetizers and the dessert was worth it.<span style="">  </span>I understand the Porterhouse (which is big enough to feed 2 small countries) is very good and the surf and turf (smaller lobster and steak) is also.<span style="">  </span>This is a 2-3 hour experience!<span style="">  </span>After dinner, everyone heads off to the show – I was too pooped from all the digestion!!<span style="">  </span>I went to bed.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">DAY 5 – </span><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">COZUMEL</span></st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">We dock 9:30ish (again in amazingly turquoise water) and by the time they clear customs and all that mumbo jumbo, we were able to get off around 10.<span style="">  </span>We did dock (YES) at the BRAND SPANKING NEW PIER!<span style="">  </span>Nice!!<span style="">  </span>Very Nice!!<span style="">  </span>But, we did not look around much at that time – we were looking for a cab to get us to NACHI COCUM!<span style="">  </span>About a 15min cab ride. We arrive at this all-inclusive beach property with the best guacamole I’ve ever had!<span style="">  </span>The pina coladas were flowing like water!<span style="">  </span>We had the most excellent service – all the drinks you wanted!<span style="">  </span>They have a pool, a Jacuzzi, a covered eating area and a relatively clean bathroom.<span style="">  </span>Not bad for the price!<span style="">  </span>Dh and I decided to go parasailing a couple months prior.<span style="">  </span>For those of you who have toyed with the idea I must insist you throw caution to the wind and give it a shot!<span style="">  </span>I am deathly afraid of heights, but this was far from scary and the view is breathtaking!<span style="">  </span>They harness you into a contraption and it feels like you are sitting in a swing.<span style="">  </span>Most of our group was plowed by </span><st1:time hour="14" minute="0"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">2pm</span></st1:time><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> so we grab a cab back to port, do a little shopping and then head back to the ship to continue our party!<span style="">  </span>We set sail, and watch it from our balcony.<span style="">  </span>It was a beautiful sunset – although we were headed south – the moon and the sun were out at the same time!<span style="">  </span>Couldn’t get it in the same picture, though.<span style="">  </span>We did some karaoke after dinner – not many people out there so some of us get SEVERAL turns.<span style="">  </span>They had been auditioning for the Legends Show and one of the members in our little group was voted in as ELTON JOHN.<span style="">  </span>Oh – ‘scuse me…SIR ELTON JOHN!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">DAY 6 – </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">BELIZE</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">This is a fun one getting into.<span style="">  </span>We were out on our balcony early in the morning watching the ship turn left and right and winding through this maze of buoys!<span style="">  </span>It was pretty amazing.<span style="">  </span>And yes – the tender is LONG.<span style="">  </span>We had booked MAJOR TOM cave tubing and I’m here to tell you…it is an adventure!<span style="">  </span>My gripe here is that the bus stopped twice for people that didn’t get on the first tender, as they were instructed.<span style="">  </span>Sorry folks – holding up an entire bus because you missed your boat is simply rude. Period.<span style="">  </span>Ok – gripe over.<span style="">  </span>The port in </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Belize</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> is nice – lots to look at and purchase – but again…outside the city walls is another world.<span style="">  </span>A world of poverty and despair.<span style="">  </span>But what an education we receive by Mikey as we ride our party bus to the mountains.<span style="">  </span>They have some of the most beautiful foliage I have ever seen – There is a palm tree that I must research and find out what it is!<span style="">  </span>The colors – the odor – the horizon…Something you would watch on National Geographic!<span style="">  </span>Upon arrival at the base, the tubing area does have a changing room, but if you wear your swimsuit underneath your dry clothes, you wont have to worry about it!<span style="">  </span>They fit you with waterproof lighted head gear and a tube with a life vest.<span style="">  </span>If you wear a ball cap or hat, you will not need it. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">**NOTE TO FUTURE TRAVELERS – The walk is longer than I had envisioned and very hard on the feet if you are wearing soft soled water shoes.<span style="">  </span>Lots of rocks, some steps.<span style="">  </span>The water is “refreshing” – aka cold.<span style="">  </span>Once you get in the water, your body will get used to it and by the end of your tubing experience, you will appreciate the refreshing factor!<span style="">  </span>Going through the caves is a bit scary – there is NO LIGHT except the light on your heads.<span style="">  </span>But the current is easy and if you can relax and look at the beauty the jungle has to offer, you will enjoy your float trip adventure.<span style="">  </span>Upon arrival back at the city, they drop you off outside the gates.<span style="">  </span>You can choose to go walk around the area outside of the cruise terminal for some real deals!<span style="">  </span>Dh had a drink made directly in a coconut!<span style="">  </span>The dude just chops off the top of the coconut, and let him add the rum directly into the raw milk.<span style="">  </span>I opted for the rice and beans!<span style="">  </span>I purchase some Belizean Pecan Wine (which I did have to check in at the Ship at the “special alcohol table”) and some fried plantains (to DIE FOR)<span style="">  </span>Once inside the gates, we do a little more shopping and then its back on one of the last tenders.<span style="">  </span>I really hate to leave this stop!<span style="">  </span>My favorite by far. <span style=""> </span>There are some very poor people and they will approach you but they are ok to say no thank you, for the most part.<span style="">  </span>I LOVED THIS PORT.<span style="">  </span>Again, only dinner and no show for me – too much digestion…???<span style="">  </span>(I did notice my chest hurting the next afternoon – it was from paddling the tube!<span style="">  </span>How I laughed when I figured out it wasn’t anything more than sore muscles!)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">DAY 7 – COSTA MAYA<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">It is with great anticipation that we pulled into CM.<span style="">  </span>From the ship (and the dock is quite long) it looks amazing.<span style="">  </span>Bright colored buildings, pretty water, spotless pier.<span style="">  </span>As we enter the ship village, I recall how clean the area was and that the people greeting the ship were highly costumed and super friendly!<span style="">  </span>We have a tour with Carnival to Chacchoben Ruins (The place of RED CORN) so we don’t have much time to explore right away.<span style="">  </span>They load us on the bus and we venture out of the safety of our Fortress.<span style="">  </span>Looking forward to a long (about an hour or so), but air conditioned bus ride.<span style="">  </span>There are soldiers with M16’s everywhere; even as you get off the Legend – and after we leave the fortress, there is still much evidence of the destruction and devastation everywhere.<span style="">  </span>Hurricane Dean wiped CM off the map last year and many of the people abandoned what they had and moved on.<span style="">  </span>Lots of abandoned structures and dead vegetation.<span style="">  </span>Truly reminds me of some of the photos I’ve seen of the war in </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Iraq</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">.<span style="">  </span>Lots of partial buildings.<span style="">  </span>There are little spurts of re-growth here and there, though.<span style="">  </span>Steel structured frames, a concrete truck, and other evidence of cleaning up and rebuilding.<span style="">  </span>Still hope for a poor and impoverished people.<span style="">  </span>Arriving at the site, we find a small shop with a cantina and a snack bar and BATHROOMS!!<span style="">  </span>The walk to the ruins is not far, but wear comfortable shoes.<span style="">  </span>The guides, if you stay close enough to them, are FULL of information about the structures and it is a wonderful hands-on history lesson you will not soon forget.<span style="">  </span>They allow you the time to browse about at a comfortable pace, then they feed you a simple boxed lunch.<span style="">  </span>We board the bus, I grab my sudoko book and we head back to the port.<span style="">  </span>When we arrive, dh and I elect to take a cab and head into Majahaul.<span style="">  </span>We are dropped off in a questionable area, but as soon as we approached the “boardwalk” – which is a very nice cemented/tiled sidewalk – we feel better.<span style="">  </span>EVERY VENDOR ALONG THE SIDEWALK INVITES YOU INTO HIS SHOP TO PEDDLE HIS WARES ALWAYS CLAIMING HE IS CHEAPER THAN HIS COUSIN DOWN THE BLOCK.<span style="">  </span>In our experience, a simple “No Thanks” was NOT ADEQUATE – although for a few, it was. <span style=""> </span>I was even called a name, in Spanish, that I cannot repeat here because I would not even look in his shop.<span style="">  </span>We are approached, on the sidewalk, several times, by restaurateurs shoving a menu in our face or women offering a massage or hair braiding.<span style="">  </span>They were, for the most part, in your face.<span style="">  </span>Could have been the time of day – Could have been that it looked like we had money – I don’t know.<span style="">  </span>But my experience in Majahaul is not a positive one.<span style="">  </span>We had already eaten, and dh is not a beach person.<span style="">  </span>So, for a great meal right next to the beach – with a very shallow sloping sea floor – it may be an ideal place.<span style="">  </span>But I will not go back to Costa Maya.<span style="">  </span>We take a cab back to the port area, did some shopping in a safer, less threatening environment, and boarded Legend early.<span style="">  </span>As we sailed away, promptly at </span><st1:time hour="17" minute="0"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">5pm</span></st1:time><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">, I feel a little sad, as it is our final port, and it was such an unpleasant experience.<span style="">  </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">THEN…the thunder hit!!<span style="">  </span>Legend hits top speed, racing right along the coastline of </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Mexico</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> in rough water!!<span style="">  </span>We had seen, on CNN, that there was a hurricane in the </span><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Caribbean</span></st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">, so we assume we were trying to outrun it.<span style="">  </span>There is NO WEATHER CHANNEL and it was impossible to find out where it was, how big it was or where it was headed.<span style="">  </span>Dinner (2<sup>nd</sup> formal night) has a lot to be desired because the engines are screaming – it shudders and rocks and cries.<span style="">  </span>But – taking all things into consideration, we had confidence in the Captain and know he would keep us safe. So we pop a Bionine, grab a drink, and chalk it up as “rough waters”.<span style="">  </span>About </span><st1:time hour="22" minute="0"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">10pm</span></st1:time><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">, we slow down, and to our surprise, we are back in </span><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Cozumel</span></st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">??<span style="">  </span>There had been an announcement earlier over the loud speaker (that did not come into our cabin so we did not hear it) that let everyone know we were headed back to Coz to unload an ill/injured passenger.<span style="">  </span>There is not a critical care area in </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Belize</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> or CM.<span style="">  </span>So, we weren’t outrunning a storm; just trying to get a passenger the medical attention they needed.<span style="">  </span>After talking with a few people, I guess the </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Mexico</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> does not have an air ambulance (helicopter).<span style="">  </span>That statement is just being passed on – I do not know that for fact.<span style="">  </span>As we left Coz – again – the sadness hits me again.<span style="">  </span>Dang, it’s almost over.<span style="">  </span>So we grab another drink and enjoy the rest of the evening.<span style="">  </span>And yes – the BOAT WAS A ROCKING THAT NIGHT!! (Don’t look TOO MUCH into that statement!!)<span style="">  </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">DAY 8 – FINAL SEA DAY<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">We get up late – take breakfast from the buffet back to the room – take a nap – eat lunch on the lido deck.<span style="">  </span>Dh takes another nap and I head off to the spa.<span style="">  </span>Which is VERY QUIET.<span style="">  </span>It is very nice – in the very front of the ship.<span style="">  </span>They have a couple of TV’s going, but I just watch the horizon.<span style="">  </span>Something I wont see again for a long time.<span style="">  </span>They have the WALK FOR THE CURE that afternoon, although I had not heard anything about it so I did not participate.<span style="">  </span>I would have.<span style="">  </span>But I get a good workout in.<span style="">  </span>The upper level has several weight-training stations; the lower level has your cardio equipment.<span style="">  </span>There was also a room where they would have classes and I assume some yoga.<span style="">  </span>There is a Jacuzzi right in the middle of the gym area, and down by the bathrooms are several massage rooms, sauna and showers.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">We are not gamblers – we did not venture into the casino.<span style="">  </span>We are not big shoppers – we did not venture into “rodeo drive” for much.<span style="">  </span>My 7yr old wanted a big plastic blow up boat.<span style="">  </span>We did go through the different lounges and kids’ areas…Spent more time in karaoke than any other place, but that was because Sir Elton was amongst us!!<span style="">  </span>What a hoot!!<span style="">  </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">There is a debarkation presentation they want everyone to go to in the theater, but if you miss it – it’s on the TV!<span style="">  </span>You can self debark (which means you carry off every piece of luggage in your hot little hands) or regular debarkation (which you put your BIG items outside your door by </span><st1:time hour="22" minute="0"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">10pm</span></st1:time><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">).<span style="">  </span>Keep a change of clothes and your important stuff with you.<span style="">  </span>The story about the guy walking off the ship in a women’s house coat is getting old, but I can see how it can be done.<span style="">  </span>So, we take an inventory of ALL the crap we bought, and pack it up.<span style="">  </span>The laundry room was RIGHT ACROSS THE HALL – how convenient.<span style="">  </span>We do a load.<span style="">  </span>I don’t like to pack stinky stuff (well clothes, anyway!)<span style="">  </span>Well, I forgot the quarters…have to go to the pursers desk to get quarters…but we remember the detergent!! Since we are on the AFT, our ZONE NUMBER is 15. <span style=""> </span>We place the big stuff (that we were not carrying) outside the door and head to dinner.<span style="">  </span>The last supper on Legend is hectic, at best.<span style="">  </span>It seemed like every table is full!<span style="">  </span>That was a bit unusual for what we have been used to…<span style="">  </span>Plus, it is still a little rough, but not nearly as bad as the prior day!<span style="">  </span>We hurry through dinner so we could get good seats at the LEGENDS show – (which made me sad because the Grand Marnier Soufflé was to die for!<span style="">  </span>I could have had another one and another cup of coffee!!)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">We head off to the Legends show.<span style="">  </span>We have a large group that takes up most of the row.<span style="">  </span>Now, they auditioned karaoke people for the roles of Madonna, Gloria Estafan, Aretha Franklin, Brittney Spears, Elton John, </span><st1:place><st1:placename><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Garth</span></st1:placename><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span><st1:placetype><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Brooks</span></st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">, James Brown, Frank Sinatra and others that I am unable to recall at present.<span style="">  </span>Some are good – some really suck, and there are a few that are AWESOME. <span style=""> </span>(Including Sir Elton!) <span style=""> </span>I guess they gave Mac – I mean, Sir Mac – an IPOD that he carried around for 3 days learning the song.<span style="">  </span>These people actually get up on stage and sing to a live band in front of a large, live audience.<span style="">  </span>Good show.<span style="">  </span>Some of it was funny – some was excruciating – but overall a must see.<span style="">  </span>Afterwards, a few more drinks, one last picture over the balcony, and off to b Great News!!! Or is it... http://www.thejhub.com/home/Blog/marci4tony/612 http://www.thejhub.com/home/Blog/marci4tony/612 Well, perhaps it's happened - The peaking of fuel prices.  <br /> <br /> As of about 4pm EST, "Light, sweet crude for September delivery fell $2.23 to settle at $123.26 a barrel in on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Earlier the contract dropped as far as $122.50, its lowest point since June 5." according to AP.  <br /> <br /> What were you doing on June 5th?  My family was in the midst of a "family vacation" in California.  Funny thing was, when we left the valley on June 1, fuel was still 3.89 a gallon and when we got back a week later, it had only risen to 3.93...Hmmmm<br /> <br /> Its true - Idaho enjoyed some of the lowest prices in the region in June, as the convenience stores and stations held off as long as they could to post that big "4" number.<br /> <p class="textBodyBlack"><span id="byLine"></span>“People say typically prices shoot up like a rocket, fall like a feather. But this time ... it looks like it’s different,” AAA spokesman Geoff Sundstrom said. “The retail sector is interested in bringing these prices down as fast as they can to stimulate business in their convenience stores.  "A gallon of gas now sells for $4.006, the first time it has been that low in nearly seven weeks," AAA reports.  Sundstrom also said such a large decline indicates a deteriorating demand by the world’s thirstiest oil consumer. Retail prices have fallen about a dime per gallon in just the past week."</p> <br /> What is Pocatello missing here??  (Hooray for Smiths in Chubbuck - 4.03!!) But, there have been no other price drops that I know of...<br /> <br /> Next time you purchase fuel, mention that we are now HIGHER than the National Average and ask why they are changing everywhere but here!!  Even Boise has experienced a drop.<br /> <br /> Makes you wonder...Hmmmmm To Pocatello Zoo supporters and Charlie the Bear fans... http://www.thejhub.com/home/Blog/marci4tony/597 http://www.thejhub.com/home/Blog/marci4tony/597 Charlie, the Grizzly Bear's birthday is approaching quickly, and I urge you to go see him and wish him a happy birthday.  He is getting on in years, and I understand is having some health issues due to his age.  He is not going to be a fixture at this amazing facility forever, so make sure you go appreciate him while he is!!  I was heartbroken to see that he's just not the vibrant, playful bear he used to be - another reminder that we need to take the time and smell the roses while they are in bloom!<br /> <br /> Happy Birthday Charlie!! To the organizers of the fireworks show in Pocatello http://www.thejhub.com/home/Blog/marci4tony/593 http://www.thejhub.com/home/Blog/marci4tony/593 I want to say thank you.  Your escalated entrance fee of 7 bux per person not only saved me from spending 35 bux for my family just to get in, I got 35 bux of fuel instead.  And we watched your show for free!  Crisis at food banks... http://www.thejhub.com/home/Blog/marci4tony/564 http://www.thejhub.com/home/Blog/marci4tony/564 The news is startling.  According to NBC's story last night on the Nightly News, the demand for assistance across the nations' food banks have increased on average 20% - some as high as 50%.  Most of the NEW clients are considered "middle class".  During the holiday season, Southeast Idaho really pushes donations to the local food banks.  But within the last couple months, the need has increased and the projections are ghastly.  Thanx to the importing of oil and oil companies record profits, the staggering fuel increases are affecting EVERYONE!  (And to think I read on the internet MSNBC's Website only a few months ago that the increase in fuel costs weren't affecting anyone...that story writer should be strung up and flogged!)<br /> <br /> Perhaps each of us are not in any position to donate to the food banks - which are in dire needs - here's what we can do.<br /> <br /> Each time we go to the store, pick up a couple dollars of a storable food item(s) extra.  A bag of rice - a few cans of corn or tuna or soup - some powdered milk (ewwww) something.  I know my budget is stretched to the max, but I have a household of 5.  I do have about a months supply of food - it the grocery stores completely shut down, and nothing was available, we'd be ok for about a month.  It wouldnt be gourmet by any sense of the word; may not even be tasty...but we would survive.  <br /> <br /> In this predominantly LDS community - its ironic that they've been preaching "1-Yr supply of Food Storage" for over 3 decades...And its not just food items...Bleach (to purify water) - Toilet paper - soap - If there were a REAL EMERGENCY ask yourself...what would you do?  What if there was a catastrophic earthquake here?  The roads crumbled; impassable?  No power?  No cell service?  Do your two way radios have batteries?  Does your family have an emergency plan?  Do you have an emergency medical kit?<br /> <br /> Perhaps nothing that drastic will happen here in OUR LIFETIME - perhaps never...But the sad reality is that if you purchase a little extra STORABLE food while you can, should you really NEED it someday, you will have it and wont be adding to the Food Bank's crisis.<br /> <br /> Of course, if you can donate - please do so.  Our neighbors, our friends, our co-workers are in need. I have to laugh...Thank you PRT!!! http://www.thejhub.com/home/Blog/marci4tony/561 http://www.thejhub.com/home/Blog/marci4tony/561 As I reluctantly drove to work this morning, I passed a PRT Bus...<br /> On the destination marquis, it read...HAVE A NICE DAY!<br /> <br /> Thank you PRT!  It was worth a chuckle, and a blog post!! Yellowstone Park Memorial Day Weekend http://www.thejhub.com/home/Blog/marci4tony/559 http://www.thejhub.com/home/Blog/marci4tony/559 <p class="MsoNormal">Taking four teenagers and a 7-year old into <st1:place><st1:placename>Yellowstone</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Park</st1:placetype></st1:place> on a cold and soggy Sunday was not my idea of a good time.<span style="">  </span>Regardless of fuel prices, the tightly packed bunch of us – 7 in total – jumped into my pickup for the adventure of a lifetime.<span style="">  </span>A packed cooler in the back, a few umbrellas up front and a box of Dramamine was what we started with…and NO CAMERA!!<span style="">  </span>What kind of a mother am I?<span style="">  </span>As we headed up around the northern tier of the “loop”, the rain and snow really put a damper on the damp day.<span style="">  </span>(In from <st1:place>West Yellowstone</st1:place>, up through Norris to Mammoth)<span style="">  </span>The idea was to go around the large loop clockwise, but to our dismay, the road had been closed about 4 miles after Tower junction due to an avalanche.<span style="">  </span>But that’s near the “end” of the adventure…</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We stopped in <st1:place><st1:placename>Lamar</st1:placename> <st1:placename>Valley</st1:placename></st1:place> about <st1:time hour="14" minute="0">2pm</st1:time>…the rain had stopped, a little sun was peeking through the clouds here and there, and there was a very light breeze.<span style="">  </span>All the “die-hards” had their enormous spotting scopes and thousand dollar cameras, and were taking a break.<span style="">  </span>The wolves had been active in the morning and they were just waiting for their evening appearance.<span style="">  </span>Lots of people; nothing to look at….Well, until we arrived.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">My 15yr old and his buddy headed down the hill to the river.<span style="">  </span>I was making sandwiches in the back of the truck.<span style="">  </span>I saw a couple of Pronghorn Antelope around the knoll – didn’t think anything about it.<span style="">  </span>A few moments later, the antelope started heading towards the boys.<span style="">  </span>So, I’m watching and thinking to myself that as soon as the antelope see the boys, they’ll run away.<span style="">  </span>Wrong.<span style="">  </span>I think the big buck saw them first.<span style="">  </span>He stopped and watched cautiously.<span style="">  </span>The young buck carelessly grazed along the river bank.<span style="">  </span>Well, the 13yr old girls wanted in on the action and headed down the hill with the boys with the 7yr old in tow.<span style="">  </span>All 5 kids were silently standing there, wondering what this odd creature will do.<span style="">  </span>The young buck finally sees the kids – his ears twitch forward…the wind at his back.<span style="">  </span>No scent.<span style="">  </span><st1:city><st1:place>Brandon</st1:place></st1:city> picks up a piece of brush and offers it to this curious creature…and he comes closer, closer.<span style="">  </span>The big buck is probably 50 yards behind him pawing the ground and snorting…but the young one appears unafraid.<span style="">  </span>When he was within about 20 feet of the kids, one of the boys got spooked and they all jumped and headed off in opposite directions while all the people on the hillside with their spotting equipment laughed and applauded the kids.<span style="">  </span>Entertainment at its best.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">What a wonderful trip for a wet and cold Memorial Weekend.<span style="">  </span>We saw a grizzly bear – not huge, but not young – beautiful cinnamon color (and pretty close!!) and we saw a black bear cub playing in the brush and climbing a small tree.<span style="">  </span>(Not getting out of the truck THIS TIME…MAMA is not far away!!)<span style="">  </span>There were buffalo EVERYWHERE…pretty ratty looking – loosing their winter coats.<span style="">  </span>And the babies look just like little cows…very little resemblance of these big honkin’ slow moving animals.<span style="">  </span>We saw a few elk – also loosing their winter coats – the bulls have no horns this time of year, so they all looked the same.<span style="">  </span>We saw some deer – one with a fork in his velvet-covered antlers.<span style="">  </span>He’s gonna be a monster soon!<span style="">  </span>Absolutely gorgeous!!<span style="">  </span>No moose, though.<span style="">  </span>But I still would call the day a success – I don’t remember the last time I saw a Grizzly and a Black Bear on the same day!!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">If you are headed to <st1:place>Yellowstone</st1:place>, <st1:place>Old Faithful</st1:place> and the geyser basin are in the lower loop – but some of the best animal spotting is between Mammoth Hot Springs (near the Gardiner, MT gate) and Tower Junction.<span style="">  </span>And Lamar valley will never fail you if you like buffalo.<span style="">  </span>Camping…there is a Campground in <st1:place><st1:placename>Lamar</st1:placename> <st1:placename>Valley</st1:placename></st1:place> next to a quaint little stream for the brave at heart and a “hard sided” camper.<span style="">  </span>(In the HEART of wolf and grizzly territory)<span style="">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We bought a season pass, and look forward to heading up there again…soon!</p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style="">                                                                                                                     </span></p>

Title: antelope.jpg
Caption:
Credit: marci4tony

Title: antelope.jpg
Caption:
Credit: marci4tony

antelope.jpg marci4tony Tax Rebates to "STIMULATE WHOS' THE ECONOMY"? http://www.thejhub.com/home/Blog/marci4tony/532 http://www.thejhub.com/home/Blog/marci4tony/532 Are you kidding?  Take a look at what people are saying they plan on doing with them.  I will be paying off a high interest credit card and putting the rest into savings.  Gonna stimulate my BANKS depository, perhaps.<br /> <br /> And after listening to President Bush this morning, he had nothing more on his mind than to point the proverbial finger at the less than mediocre job congress is doing, dance around election questions and have some fun with the reporters.  So if our LEADER of the country wont take the fuel, food and mortgage crisis seriously, we are pretty well sunk.<br /> <br /> Let me share a joke with you that is circulating the internet...<br /> <br /> "YOUR GOVERNMENT REBATE"<br /> <br /> The federal government is sending each and every one of us a $600 rebate.  If we spend tha money at Wal Mart, the money will go to China.  If we spend it on gasoline it will go to the Middle East.  If we purchase a computer, it will go to India.  If we purchase fruit and vegetables it will go to Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala.  If we purchase a good car, it will go to Japan.  If we purchase useless crap, it will go to Taiwan, and NONE of it will help the AMERICAN economy.<br /> <br /> The only way to keep that money here at home is to buy prostitutes and beer, since these are the only products still produced in the US.  Thank you for your help" Ribbon Cutting May 1st - Free Food, Great Music http://www.thejhub.com/home/Blog/marci4tony/520 http://www.thejhub.com/home/Blog/marci4tony/520 Good Morning all my JHub friends...Havent been around for a while; TAX SEASON for an accountant is a killer!!<br /> <br /> There will be a RIBBON CUTTING with the CHAMBER OF COMMERCE on May 1 at El Jacalito.  (Located on South 4th across from the Cemetary and next to Tastee Treat) <br /> There will be free food, a keg, and IDUMEA (MY BAND) will be providing entertainment.  It will be outside (Mother Nature willing) and should be a great time!  This is a GREAT MEX RESTAURANT - They have wonderful food!!<br /> <br /> Hope to see you there!! ...something GOOD to talk about... http://www.thejhub.com/home/Blog/marci4tony/357 http://www.thejhub.com/home/Blog/marci4tony/357 Hello my friends - Its been too long since I've posted - I guess the proverbial "busy holidays" kicked my butt this year.  So here's hoping that everyone had a blessed season.<br /> <br /> Something good...Hm, lets see - there's the new Rexburg temple!  How about that?  From the pix Ive seen and the information I've heard, it's spectacular.  The only bad thing about it is trying to get tickets...I've been trying for 3 weeks...no luck.  So much for an "open" house - Seems more like a Hannah Montana concert!! But heck, what an amazing opportunity for the BYU Idaho community!!<br /> <br /> Lets see...one of my co-workers had a get-together on Christmas eve...and OMG!  The food was divine and the hot buttered rum...MMMMMMMM  Not many people out (like, duh...) and it was SO PRETTY!  The freshly fallen snow, few people...it was a very nice evening.<br /> <br /> The best part about Christmas...is that its over.  Christmas with teenagers is not the same.  They don't like to sit around and sing carols or go out and look at the lights.  They just want to eat and play their Wii or go to the mall.  <br /> <br /> So, 2007 goes out with a bang, and 2008 stops by tonight.  A little party at our house - thats fun for me cause I love to cook and entertain...hot tub is full and heated.  And tomorrow....DOWN COMES THE TREE AND THE LIGHTS!!<br /> <br /> ...and then...it's TAX SEASON!!!  UGH!