Hello, everyone! It’s so good to be back with you. As you probably already know, Jordan and I, along with our families, took a Caribbean cruise last week. On our return, Mr. Right and I were delayed because of the power outage at the Atlanta airport. We had to spend another night in San Juan, but being stuck in paradise isn’t such a bad thing.
It might seem like a weird time to go away for a week with Christmas and all, but we thought it would be the perfect time to escape. We have been taking cruises since Jordan and her brother were little. It’s a great way to get some sun and warmth, to see new and interesting sites, learn new things, eat good things, relax and enjoy life.
We were on the Jewel of the Seas, and we weren’t sure if the ship would be full or not. Our state room was beside these guys and Yankee, and we could see each other from our decks.
I think originally it would have been a small number on board since school wasn’t out yet for the holidays. However, Royal Caribbean made a special offer to Puerto Ricans who have been through such a hard few months, and they filled up all of the empty cabins. It was so fun to be on board with such energetic, colorful, sweet, and fun-seeking people.
We sailed out of San Juan and visited St. Kitts, Martinique, Barbados, Granada, and St. John. We made our reservations before Hurricane Marie, and our itinerary was changed by two islands. My philosophy is if you’ve been to one Caribbean island, then you’ve been to them all, but in reality, each one has its own special flavors and attractions.
Some of the islands were colonized by the French, and some were colonized by the English, and that in itself brings on the differences. All in all though, they were warm and colorful and beautiful.
Some days we stayed in the towns where we docked and then just walked around.
I love exploring old cemeteries, especially in other countries.
There was color everywhere in all forms.
In Barbados we hired a taxi and went to the beach.
We love this beach so much.
Two days we hired drivers and guides on our own and toured the islands.
Granada is also called Spice Island. While riding around that island, we stopped at this man’s store.
He showed and told us the differences in cinnamon and nutmeg. We also saw cacao beans and learned how they become our chocolate bars.
Two of my favorite things about the Caribbean are the sights and……
…….the sounds. But now we are back to reality, and our cruise is just a memory. We have family to visit over the holidays and even more traveling to do before the end of the year.
Take care!
JOSIE SWANTEK HEITZ says
Welcome back! Your trip looks oh-so-sunny and lovely!