Day Five - Cozumel - Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

I was awake by 8:00 and on deck nine for my caffeine when my mother texted that they were awake.  By 9, the girls were up and we met to exchange gifts and get ready for our day.  Today, we were scheduled for the “Cozumel Bar Hop.” This would be sweet mamma and my third time hopping - which makes us “FoHo’s.” For the kids and my dad, this is their second time....they are also “FoHo’s.”  This makes us all Former Hoppers!!!

If it’s your first hop, you are a “Ho.”  Short for Hopper!

We met the tour at 11:00 AM at Senor Frog’s.  Tom, the owner of Cozumel Bar Hop, was there to greet us. He introduced us to Sergio, our guide for the day and Jerry, our driver.  We got into the bus and were headed to the east side of the island.  If you’ve never done the Cozumel Bar Hop before, do it now!

The east side of the island is pristine.  It’s all pretty much a turtle sanctuary and nobody is allowed there after 5:00 PM.  And it is downright beautiful!

We pulled up to the first bar, Puento Morena, and I was in shock. The place was crawling with people. I’ve never, ever seen it crowded.  Heck, I’ve only seen the place with around 20 people there!

Two margaritas and a plate of nachos later I could have cared less how many people were there. The hop had officially begun and I was going to have a great time!

The second bar, El Pescador, was also right on the beach. I tried a Miami Vice, yum, and we had some really terrible French fries.  But who cares, we are hopping, and not feeling any pain.

Third stop, Mojito bar.  And oh my goodness yummy HORCHATA!  I’ve now died and gone to liquor heaven.  I know it had Rumchata, and was served in a coconut, and I was sold.  YUMMMMMMMMY!

Forth, and last stop on the hop, Rasta’s. Also known as the “Bob Marley” bar.  Two orders of quesadillas and shots of peanut butter tequila.  We were in heaven!

The ride back to Cozumel was filled with fun, loud music (Jeremiah was a bullfrog, Sweet Home Alabama, YMCA) lots and singing and lots of laughter.  I can’t think of a better way to spend Christmas Day!

We arrived back on the ship around 4:30.  Time to shower and rest before happy hour (like we needed anything else to drink today).  

Tonight, was a special holiday menu.  It was on a piece of paper wrapped in a ribbon, this is the best that it gets with the picture:

I started with the Brie, the had the turkey and finished with the spice cake. Other than the spice cake (way too much nutmeg), everything was excellent!

And after dinner, I was done.  Too much sun, food and a little over indulgence of liquor did me in.  

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Thanks for coming along!

Day Four - Grand Cayman

We were awoke at 7:30 this morning by an announcement from the captain. We were t able to stop in Grand Cayman due to weather. Lovely...but...he the. Said he was able to stop at the other area in Spott’e Bay. Bingo. We can get off the ship today!

After proper Caffeine the girls met me on deck for breakfast. We then headed back to the cabin to change into our swimsuits and grab our bags for the day. Thankfully, with The Key, we had priority tender tickets. We headed straight down and on the tender. A short 7 minute ride and we were finally on land!

We met our tour operator, “Captain Marvin” and boarded a bus for the 15 minute ride to Grand Cayman. It because obvious why we weren’t able to port in Grand Cayman. The sea looks angry.

We checked in and paid for the tour and re boarded the mini bus for the trip to the boat. Today, we are swimming with the stingrays, snorkeling and checking out some starfish. 

The bus ride to the boat took about 15 minutes. They were cleaning the boat when we arrived so we waited a few minutes before we were instructed to remove our shoes before we boarded. We’d be barefoot for the day!

The girls are excited to snorkel!

It took about 15 minutes to make it to the coral red where we would snorkel. Tons of beautifully colored fish surrounded us as soon as we got in the water. And we even saw a HUGE stingray!

Back on the boat and a quick 10 minute ride to our next spot..the stingrays. The water was about 3 feet deep and we were surrounded by the rays. And they were GINORMOUS!!!! We got to hold them, pet them and even kiss them. So. Much. Fun!

We spent about 40 minutes with the rays and then back on the boat for our next destination... Star Fish City. The water was only up to my knees and I immediately spotted three starfish. We could pick them up, but had to keep them covered by water. So, so cool!

It was a 20 minute ride back to the dock and them back on the bus to take us to the tender. The tender lines were LONG...but we were on by 2:30 and back on the ship before we knew it. We were STARVING and made a bee line to the buffet. All of that sun, sand and water we needed substance! I don’t know how we will ever been hungry for dinner tonight!

We took turns getting showered and cleaned up then met my folks for happy hour at 6:00. They’d gone into town today and just wandered a bit before getting back on the ship.

Happy hour was u eventful and before we knew it it was time for dinner. Here’s tonight’s menu:

I went with the recommendation from fabulous Sasha: baked potato soup, lasagna and coconut cake. He hit it out of the park last night, so I’m not going to tempt fate. Dinner was mehhh...but I didn’t have to cook or clean!!!

I was exhausted after dinner but the kids dragged me to the casino to watch them win. I finally gave into the exhaustion and called it a night. After all, I have to be sound asleep in order for Santa to come tonight...he can find me in the middle of the Caribbean, can’t he?

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!