Falmouth, Jamaica

Next stop Falmouth, Jamaica. I have to admit this was the stop I was most excited about. Unfortunately we had to wait an extra hour because in the middle of the night the ship received a distress call and picked up two people from a sail boat caught out at sea. Kind of exciting! Since we got in so late everyone was in a big rush to get off the boat and find a tour guide to take us on our adventure. We practically sprinted through the welcoming plaza and I only got to snap a few pictures of the other's backsides.

Our tour guide was awesome. Full Jamaican. Great accent. He reminded us that in Jamaica there are no problems just situations. It became a joke for the rest of the trip. I sat in the back of the 15 passenger van making snide remarks with Justin. Seriously so funny and a great way to see the island. The houses in Jamaica are interesting. I thought they would all be shacks with rough roofs but most along the coast were made of cement and only half finished. Massive houses and almost all were unfinished.

We decided to try out climbing the falls and then on a lazy river ride.  The waterfalls were amazing. I have never done anything like it before and would do it again in a heartbeat. The only problem was having to stick together with the group, but that was fun too. We actually hiked through the middle of the falls, swimming and jumping in along the way. They shot a video of the entire trip but our personal pictures were so much better because it was just us. The water was freezing at first and then my body acclimated to it was the entire trip was enjoyable. I think the best part was watching Diane try not to get her hair wet, especially when the guides pushed her in. So funny. It took us about an hour to trek all the way to the top and I was ready to do it again right then but on we went to the next stop.

 We followed the road to a lazy river ride. I have never been tubing down the river so I thought it was really fun. In the jungle surrounded by trees with just two guides floating our group down the river. There were a few little rapids which were fun but mostly it was relaxing and beautiful. We stopped half way for a break to swim and swing on the rope swings. Filipe was hilarious on the river. Commenting on how beautiful and wonderful everything was. He was in his own little world and falling behind most of the time while the guides called back to him, "Philip Philip catch up to us." So funny. However I think the funniest part was a crazy guy at the beginning of the river that kept trying to get us to take a picture with him as he blew fire. Brianna was the only one daring enough to get close, and only because Justin pushed her closer to the guy. He was nuts.

 Once we were all back in the van we stopped by some little shops for souvenirs. I bought my mom two bracelets from a sweet women. Diane wanted a specific necklace but they only had it as a bracelet so they restrung the stones right there for her. And she got a sweet deal too.

 Justin was in search for a mango but they were wicked expensive so he settled for a tasty patty. Beef with cheese inside. I'm glad I waited to eat in the dinning room on the ship.

Labadee, Haiti

Oh my I am so behind. Will I ever catch up?

Back to the cruise. Our first stop was in Labadee, Haiti.

 

 

Everyone was really exicted to see Haiti, mainly because we knew nothing about it. However the stop was very reserved. All there was to see was a beach made for the cruise ship and a small outdoor water park. So basically we lied around on the beach all day. Not a bad day in my book but some of the others were hot and bored. The water park was actually really fun. It consisted of blow up rock climbing floaties and some large floating teeter totters. From the shore it looked boring and easy but once we were in the water I discovered it was really difficult and a lot of fun. Climbing up the floaties was incredibly hard and my body got a workout. I was very sore the next day especially in my arms and shoulders. The only problem I had was all the salt water getting into my eyes and under my contacts. Even with my eyes closed.

Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of it but here is one that I googled.

We also shopped a little on the shore. The people of Haiti are so poor and so annoying about trying to get you to buy things. I felt completely mobbed by all the merchants I wanted to get out of there as fast as possible. I did buy a sword for Jack and they carved his name in it, and a dress for Lizzy which she loves. I probably could have bargained better but honestly they are so poor I felt bad for the shops.

Haiti really is a beautiful island. The water was amazing. We learned that snorkels do not float. Justin tried to throw one to Brandon, the throw was short, the snorkel sunk to the bottom, there was no retrieving it as it landed in the drop off area with about 20 feet below. Oh well, it's funny to think about now. It is a little scary though, a lot of men with big guns guarding the area. All the stops were similar and it just made me glad to be an American and to live in such a safe place.

Cruisng the Caribbean

Our cruise began in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Being my first time on a cruise ever I was beyond amazed by the ship and all the facilities. We cruised on the Oasis of the Seas on Royal Caribbean. It is the largest Royal Caribbean ship on the sea. AMAZING! Not only is the boat HUGE but all of the levels incrediable. Each level has it's own theme including:

-The Boardwalk: a carnival time area with a carousal, ice cream shop, hot dog stands, and large pool area where the Aqua show takes place. We also watched Oz the Great and Powerful in that area on the big screens that surround the pool. And there were two climbing walls scaling the back of the ship.
-Central Park: lots of vegetation and little restaurants where we ate lunch many afternoons. Our room overlooked that area. I loved sitting on the balcony watching the people from the ship.
-Upper decks: 4 large pools and over 6 hot tubs. We spent many mornings lounging by the pool. There were flow riders for surfing or boogie boarding. We also entered a dodge ball tournament on the sport court and WON! Go team Stoker.
-Other areas included many specialty restaurants, the dining room, ice skating rink, movie theater, zip line, and the shops of the Royal Promenade where we took a Beyonce dance class. 

We went to a different show every night and I was really impressed with the caliber of the shows. Very entertaining and all of the performers were so talented. Most of the days at sea where filled with activities throughout the day from napkin folding, to dodge ball, dance classes, movie showings, watch shows, a fully functioning gym, or exploring the boat. I found new places every day. There were a total of 18 stories on the ship and the rule of cruising is you always take the stairs, to work off all the yummy, never-ending food we ate. Needless to say we cruised the Caribbean in style.