Sorry I waited so long for the cruise news. We had a great time and the weather was perfect: sunny with a slight breeze so it wasn't uncomfortable even though it was in the 80s by the time we reached Puerto Vallarta. Since we had been there last year, Mom and I stayed on ship for the first stop at Cabo. It was lovely with a lot fewer people on the ship. Others had the same idea and it was nice and relaxing. I think we played trivia that day.
We got to see the movie, Judy, under the stars (on the top deck), It was really cold and windy -- it was a three blanket night! They gave us the blankets and a bag of popcorn, but it was too windy to eat the popcorn. Someone told us at dinner the next night that we could watch the movies on TV the day after they were shown on deck. So that's how I got to see Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Ford v. Ferrari. I was pleasantly surprised by the Once Upon a Time ending because I knew Quentin Tarantino's propensity for bloody messes.
These glass fish 'columns' surround the atrium. The brass rail is the grand stairway, but the atrium has an elevator right there. It's the central gathering space of the ship where they might have mariachi singers, or a pianist, or a balletic dance duo (last cruise).
Here's a longer view of the atrium from the top deck surrounding the atrium.
This night (a sailing day/night) we were gathered for the pouring of the champagne ritual. See the tower of wine glasses in the center? It's when they gather up the virgins to pour ... no, wait, that's not right.
They gave everyone champagne while we waited for the champagne to come out.
In reality, anyone can pour champagne. You just have to wait in line for your turn. This lady was one of the first of many and by the end all of the champagne glasses are full. It's amazing how many bottles they went through.
This piano player was very good and the music wafted up from the atrium making lovely sounds.
There were two other cruise ships making the same journey as we. Since our ship had 5,000 people (including the crew, only 3500 guests), there were a LOT of tourists making the rounds!
These hooks and cables hold the tenders used to reach the dock in places such as Cabo San Lucas. We didn't need to use the tenders for the other ports.
Leaving
Shot from leaning over the rail. Yes, I prayed that I did not drop my phone.
Outside of Our Lady of Guadaloupe, Matzalan, Mexico. The statues' heads have crowns of thin spikes which I figured out is to keep pigeons from landing on them.
Our Lady of Guadaloupe's volunteers are seeking donations for restorations. The old woman and old man (stationed at different entrances) were begging for themselves. Even here the vendors were standing in your way and pushing things in your face trying to get you to buy their trinkets. One young woman had very pretty 'native' dolls, but I have no use for a doll.
Another tourist.
Plaza
Carnival would be the following week.
Pile of headdresses in the plaza.
Native dancer. He wasn't dancing, but he saw me snapping pictures so he strolled out to check on the headdresses.
I was fascinated by the lighter colored palm in the background.
It was fun careening down narrow streets in the taxi after taking this shot. (Not!)
There were vendors selling kites, and flying them, on the beach. The second time a guy stepped in front of me trying to get me to buy a kite, I gave him a withering stare and he backed away slowly. When somebody plants themselves deliberately in my path, I consider it a hostile act!
The seahorse is the symbol of Puerto Vallarta.
We didn't go into the second Lady of Guadaloupe due to the many stairs. This one is very much in need of restoration.
These performers were taking a break in the shade on the way back to the ship.
The first cloudy day was sailing home and it was rainy when we reached San Pedro (Los Angeles).
Since then, Lee Anne and I went to the casino on my birthday and I won $18. That's a lot better than I did on board ship! Although the first day on the ship, I won $250, but I gave it back to them. Lee Anne bought me lunch, thank you!!
Last night we had some people over for Mexican Train Dominoes and lots of laughs. We wore mardi gras masks and beads. Yes, I know it was late, but we weren't together then. I made a few munchies that people seemed to like and the carrot-coconut cake cheesecake was a big hit.
Other than a couple of trips to the hot tub, we have settled back into our wonderful sunny California routine of enjoying life.
I hope that life is good for you too. Cheers!
