Auld Lang Syne (at home)

Here we are, at home on New Year's Eve. A glass of champagne, comfy socks... the glow of the Christmas tree... New Year's celebrations on television.... and an entire year of blogging!

Goodbye

As we head home, it's good bye to the Island Princess and hello reality!

Birthday at Sea

Happy birthday to me! My day started off with a massage in the spa, a present from Dave and Norene.

After my massage, I caught the very end of the "Hilarious Cooking Show" starring the maitre d's and staff from the three dining rooms. I came in as one of the staff was singing "My Way," and very nicely, too.
After the show, the audience went to the see the galley. Rachel went with Nelson, our table captain.
Norene complimented the executive chef on our wonderful dinners and the spotless galley.

At dinner that evening, Rachel and Stephanie hleped Alvin fix his bowtie.

Dunn River Falls and Canopy Tour, Ochos Rios

Here we are at the Dunn River Falls (I can't believe I'm publishing a photo of myself in a swimsuit). It was fun to climb, only a little scary in parts. And then there was the time I scrapped the heck out of my shin. But it's all good....

The canopy tour coming down from Mystic Mountain. I liked this part better than going up because it was cooler and not quite so scary. Dave, Rachel, Norene and Brian in the chairlift.
Stephanie eating some jerk chicken and fries.
Arriving in Montego Bay.

Another day at sea

Rachel outside of the Bayou Cafe where we had the English Pub lunch twice during the cruise.
Alvin attending to Stephanie's every whim at breakfast.
Rachel in the air guitar number for the Shockwaves preteen group.
Even on board ship, there is laundry that must be done.

The Panama Canal

Going through one of the three sets of locks.
This bridge commemorates the 100 year anniversary of starting work on the canal.
At the pier in Colon, natives sold their handmade wares to the passengers.
Beautiful molas.

Christmas at Sea

On Christmas morning, I looked out of our balcony to see the most beautiful rainbow ever!
Of course, there was a visit from Santa with a gift for every child.
The atrium was awash in balloons and streamers. There were tattoos, coloring and cookie decorating.
At 10 a.m., we opened presents with Uncle Brian, Grandma and Grandpa Stringer.

Zipline Canapy Tour in Costa Rica

We took the Zipline tour in Costa Rica. (Stephanie, above, loved every minute.) I am not fond of heights, and neither is Rachel, but it looked tame enough. I had my misgivings a time or two, but Rachel positively freaked out and cried hysterically to get down from the tree landing 60 feet up. There was no way down but by zipline. The guide latched himself onto Rachel and got her down.
Back on the ship, we cooled off in the pool.
Then had some tea in the Bordeau dining room at 4 o'clock.
Stephanie and Rachel played shuffleboard and used the giant chess set to play checkers since they didn't know how to play chess.

Masaya Volcano in Nicaragua

The Masaya Volcano in Nicaragua is the country's first national park. Our guide talked about how the economy was ravaged by the civil wars in the 1980s, and they are trying to change Nicaragua's image and bring in tourists. This site has not much to offer except the view of the large crater with sulfuric steam coming out of it. It was a two hour bus ride to get here.
After leaving the volcano we went to a small town of Catarina which has an overview of Nicaragua's two lakes. You can buy some handicrafts there. This is the village's nativity scene. The Jesus figure is not in the manager yet.

One of the many "chicken buses" in Central America. This one is more modern than most, but all are very colorful as many cannot read and identify the bus by the colors and markings. It's called a chicken bus because livestock can ride on the top.
This evening we were lucky enough to get Alvin as our waiter and Nelson as our table captain. They were so personable and did magic tricks that we requested them for the rest of the cruise.
The Stringer women all ready for dinner.

Filadelphia Coffee Plantation and Antiqua, Guatamala

Rachel in the coffee fields at Filadelphia Coffee Plantation near Antigua, Guatemala.
Folkloric dancers about 12 feet tall have men under a sort of wooden framework, dancing and twirling. We saw these same type of puppets (if that is the right word) on the Amazing Race.
My favorite Guatemalan photo.
We watched the Adrian Zmed show that night and Stephanie got pulled out of the audience to hoola hoop.

Huatalco, Mexico

The Island Princess comes ashore in Huatalco, Mexico. The government is developing this area into a resort destination.


Paul and his dad under the umbrella on the beach with a couple of cold ones.
We visited the town of La Crucita about 3 miles from the beach.

Girls dressed up for Formal night. The ship was rocky as we left port.

Acapulco and Island Princess

Overview of the bay as we start our four hour tour of Acapulco.
The cliff divers were a main attraction.
It's all Christmassy and festive aboard the Island Princess.
Ready for sailaway!

Off to Acapulco!

On our way to Acapulco! Drove to DFW and met Paul's parents for flight to Acapulco.
Stayed at the Grand Hotel right on the beach.
View from the balcony on the 18th floor.

Coach Santa

This is the coach at Rachel's school. Every morning, he directs traffic in front of the school. On occasion, he wears a special outfit.

We Miss You!

Rachel's 2nd grade teacher, who has moved to the new elementary in the district, was at her third grade "Memories of December" program and all of the girls were so happy to see her. The program was nice -- a little generic winter, some Hanukkah, some Kwanza, some Christmas!

Cookie House

This box arrived from one of the vendors we use to print and mail postcards at work. Cute box, lots of wrapping, cookies inside. About half of the package was taken up with wrapping and box. Still, fun to get.