St. Thomas, U.S. Virgen Islands

This island has been great. We did not go very far. We just did some shopping for 2 or 3 hours. It was almost a relief we did not do a tour since those were keeping us quite busy. Although this morning I saw a submarine going down under to give a tour of the coral reefs. That looked so cool. It struck me that they drive on the left side of the road here considering that it is a territory of the US. I was told that the British originally colonized the islands but then the Danish took over for a few centuries and only in recent history has it become a US territory but European driving protocol is still followed. Peggy bought a plate and a Christmas ornament to replace the one Taco chewed up last Christmas. I got a new toe ring to replace the one I lost in the Pacific Ocean in 2006 in Acapulco. I was also amazed that there is no sales or duty tax here. Island life is so great. This afternoon we watched the movie Mad Money and this evening we will be watching Slum Dog Millionaire. Not to mention preparing to leave, ahhh! too bad eh. Oh well at least we are now members the Princess Captain's Circle and will get better benefits upon our next cruise (whenever that will be, first this one has to get paid off). Anywho we will be arrive on Flight United 6553, if anyone would care to pick us up.

Commonwealth of Dominica

Yesterday was a tightly scheduled day and we could not update the blog until now, the following morning. Dominica was a natural beauty. We jumped on a tour bus (for Grandma it was climbed on the bus) and went up a winding mountainous road. Once we arrive at our destination we went up a Gondala through the rainforest. It was a beautiful place full of serenity. At the top we had a hike down the mountain, went over a wooden bridge and I even swung on a vine like Tarzan (and yes there is a photo of it). Apparently the world oldest living person died there last year at the age of 128. It is said that the laid back culture and peaceful environment does not induce stress related diseases on the locals. Afterwards we did a little shopping and bought some earings for the hard work Katie did shoveling the driveway (Good job!). Last night there was a champaigne party on the middeck with FREE CHAMPAIGNE! I controlled myself, 4 glasses...is that not reasonable? Anyways our boat just docked at St. Thomas. We have no plans for the day so I am looking forward to just folowing my sunburnt nose.

Hello Mama, Hello Papa, here I am at, camp Grenada

Grenada was an excellent island. We went on a tour of the island lead by a man named Henry Duncan (he actually was a locate, he was not from Scotland). Our tour stopped at a few tour stops with a number of poorer people selling items to make a living. I did buy some spices to help and will be giving some away to my colleges at work. There were alot of upper class residences as well from Britian, US and Cananda who have poured investments into the island. The natural beauty was amazing for this place and we are excited to see what Dominica has to offer tomorrow.

This morning there was a cooking demonstration and a tour of the kitchen on ship. The head chef and matrde were deeply Italina and have worked for this cruise line so long it's a wonder they have not retired, but they must really love what they do. The kitchen was a city all of it's own. The size of a kitchen to sufonsify all the stomachs on board is huge. There were some amazing cakes and breads on display. There was also a gravy boy who stired a large tub of gravy with an ore.

Sweet smelling air of Bonaire

Way back when, the Dutch sure conquered some nice land and then made everyone pay for themselves (thanks for going Dutch on us). This morning the men of the tour did some snorkeling on the coast of Bonaire. There was coral and fish (some of whom could fly). Apparently there were dauphins also that swam by. There was also a market on the island, that was very reasonably priced full of little items you'll never practically use. I guess Peggy bought some as Christmas decorations. There was a wine tasting event on board the ship this afternoon. We all come from that saying weeeee! We are now en route to Grenada with some very choppy waters, let hope nobody loses their lunch.

Day in Aruba

What a day here! Aruba sure is a jem (literally, jewelry is the top retail item to tourists) . The people here speak 4 languages (Dutch, English, Spanish and Papiamento). The sun was beating down, but that did not stop the shopping and touring of the island. We took a tour bus that took around the whole island. We have many photos of ourselves here. Swimming was great although the ocean has more salt than a Winnipeg driveway in December. The boat is just about to take off but we needless to say have not been here for the last time in our lives.

Aruba, Jamaica, oooo I want to take you!

We are on our way to Aruba, (not Jamaica because Jamaican me crazy haha!) But as far as the eye can see we are surrounded by sea. Today is a day of ship activities since we will not be stopping at any ports. There was a demonstration on the shopping at the ports we will be stopping at. It was mostly about jewelry and I for one will only be buying a diamond ring if that mocking bird don't sing.

That's John's experience, Grandma & I had a good time where we went and she picked up some nice things for you guys

Princess of the Caribbean

We are rocking this boat!

Or maybe the boat is rocking us, either way we'll see at lift off at 11:00 tonight. There is so much to do here we might forget to stop off at the islands. Outdoor movie screen, two swimming pools, fitness room, massage parlor, 24 hour buffet, room service, live performances, a casino, shopping, art auction, I could just go on and on. To say the least we are settling in well to our home this week.