Vacation 2014: Tobago Cays

Our tender / water taxi

After our fantastic day in Grenada and a really late night dancing in our pirate costumes, we were looking forward to a little down time on the Beach - or at least I was. My plan was to spread a towel on a lounge chair in a shady spot and get some reading and writing done. That may sound a bit antisocial, but sometimes a little quiet time is required between all the parties and functions. In this case, the best laid plans did not come to pass.

Upon arriving at the beach, it was evident that we would be roughing it. There were no chairs, no umbrellas, and no cocktail servers. There were, however lovely trees under which we could spread our towels. And, while I am not above sitting on the sand, it was not very comfortable. After a few minutes with our towels, Jay and I wondered over to the other side of the Cay for a look around. John had already returned to the ship.

Stop kicking sand on my towel, you bully.

All I need is a cold Corona.

The wild side of the island

When we got back to our towels, it was lunch time and the crew had set up a nice barbecue on the beach. Hamburgers, chicken breast, and pork ribs all made for a wonderful lunch. Sadly, my few minutes at a picnic table in the sun resulted in yet another touch of sunburn on those spots I could not reach with the sunscreen. It is easy to forget the sun is really strong in the tropics - even when it's a breezy 82 degrees.

After lunch we all piled into the surprisingly cool water for a good soaking before heading back to the ship to prepare for the retro tea dance. This dance is one of the mainstays of the Concierge party agenda, featuring music and costumes from the 70's and 80's. And really, who doesn't like a good dance party - especially one where you know all the words to all the songs and the drinks are free?

1970's Glam

John and Kitty

Tom, John, and Glenn

It's all about the go-go boys in heels

Tea dance ended just in time to grab one last cocktail for sail away and sunset watching. It was a beautiful end to a easy day of vacation. But, as with all vacations the realization that we only had a few more days at sea made the sunset a little bittersweet.

Goodbye Tobago Cay

No filters, really, it was this beautiful.

This stop was proving to be one requiring more than a few costume changes. We still had dinner and a Country and Western party before the day would be officially over.

These cowboys forgot their clothes....

Nice brand....

Next stop, Bequia.

Vacation 2014: Isla Margarita - Venezuela

Venezuela - put a pin in it!

Safe Harbor
The floors have stopped bucking.
The bed no longer feels like a mechanical bull ride (in the bad way).
The sun shines a little more brightly.
I am hungry.
Potato Croquettes are just a fancy name for poorly prepared (dry, crumbly) Tater Tots. There are protests in the streets to overthrow the Venezuelan President.
As John said, "I'm here on vacation. I don't want to be a story on CNN."


Because of the political unrest and planned protests in the main port city of Isla Margarita, our ship was diverted from the original port to Guamache, a fenced-in pier / shopping area / cafe / beach spot. The passengers who booked excursions were off early in the morning. We, however, lingered over coffee and then had a casual stroll down to the beach followed by a little time stimulating the local economy by purchasing post cards, necklaces, magnets, souvenirs and gifts - the normal tourist fare.

Approaching Isla Margarita

La Isla bonita es muy grande

Welcome to Guamache, Venezuela

This will always be our Venezuela! No tourists allowed beyond the watch tower.

Mai Tai - the drink of the day!

While we were not spending the day in a touristy South American city as expected, the ground was mercifully stable, the vendors were friendly and the goods were obscenely inexpensive. It was sunny, hot, and humid, my favorite type of weather. My slight sunburn from Barbados had also healed enough for a long soak in the pool, which in turn lead to a few Mai Tais before the sail away party and sunset watching.

Although the day did not turn out as expected due to our diversion, it proved to be a fun day with no pressure, no schedule, no agenda - just vacation. Also, while soaking in the pool, we made a few new acquaintances. During the sail away/ sunset watching party we met Bob and Tom from Norfolk who are both quite knowledgeable about sailing having served in the Navy and Coast Guard.

After dinner there was a pajama movie party with the Rocky Horror Picture Show - complete with re-enactors. After such a relaxing day, I decided to skip the movie and make it an early evening so I turned in around 9:30. I heard the pajama party and dancing afterwards were great fun. 

It was a good day.