Family Ties

My journey continues to bring great memories and fantastic starts. Yesterday in Belize City, Uncle Otto met dad and I at the pier. I haven't seen him in over 15 years. He made me laugh because he wasn't sure if he would recognize me but he said he knew for sure he would recognize dad. Ha ha. It was a picture perfect day. Uncle Otto said that just two days earlier they had a deluge of rain that was going on for about a week. The ground was still really wet in a lot of places but yesterday it was great. About 88 degrees and very humid and sunny. He took us all over town and dad got to see people he hasn't seen in many years. I'm not sure why he hasn't been to Belize in such a long time. Maybe because my parents are divorced, he feels divorced from the other relatives. I don't know. As for me, they all know Debbie moreso than I simply because she's older and my mother use to take her for travels as opposed to me. I got left back from the adventures all the time. Maybe that's why I take so many now.

Anyway, we did get the opportunity to visit grandma's gravesite. Uncle Otto and Ray keep her (and my grandfather's) grave well maintained. He did say they can't plant anything or leave anything on the headstone because of graverobbers. It's sad that they steal anything and everything. Who the hell steals from a gravesite?!? I left behind one of the ribbon roses I made aboard ship. I will keep sending them over for him to leave for her. I have grandma's hairbrush. I remember brushing her long silver hair. It was so soft. And she would always bring me an orange fanta soda for lunch. I made my father buy one for me while he was shopping in Brodies. My mother sent me with items she wanted to give to them as well as Uncle Albert. Uncle Otto sent us back with gifts as well. We filled him us with gas for the truck. Can you belive gas in Belize City is like 9.45 belizian...about five dollars U.S. Crazy! It took 85 dollars U.S. to fill him up.

After that, we stopped and had pinades for lunch. I got a great shot of this little girl sitting in a chair waiting for her food. She was fascinating to watch. She was quiet, patient, and curious. She turned and smiled for me once she saw me taking her picture. I think that is one of my favorites. The second favorite is one I took today of a little girl swing on treelimb near the shoreline. Today, the Gods were with me photowise. From the viewfinder, it looks like I captured some fantastic shots...especially the ones from the dorry ride through the Mangrove Tunnels. That view on the water was amazing. Such fantastic memories. I know my dad was freaked out by anything that involves water (even though he won't admit it). I know he is having a good time as well.

Tomorrow I will lounge by the beach at Spanish Bay Resort. I'll make sure to have something tropical and cold whild laying on the white sand beach. This will be another first. I said at the beginning of the year, I wanted to spend my birthday laying on a white sand beach. Tomorrow I will get my wish. I will pray to the weather god for two more great days of hot weather and sun. I will also eat at the French restaurant on board called "Le Bistro". I have never had French food so this will be interesting. What I know I will definitely enjoy is the orginal artwork on the walls. Monet, Picasso, Salvador Dali, Renoir. Amazing! I better go so that I can have minutes left for the next four days. I am so looking forward to tomorrow as I have with all the other days. I don't want this trip to end! Here's to another day of memories.

Mestizos Allure in Tulum

Today was such a wonderful day in Playa del Carmen. I was able to visit the Tulum Mayan Ruins and am in awe of the site. It is surrounded by three walls and has a searing drop down the seawall side. The view from up there was in a nutshell...spectacular! I am fascinated even further now with my mother's side of the family and am now planning to start my genealogical search on her side. I remember my grandmother (mother's mother) talking of the Mayas and of her heritage. I have yet to spend much time in Belize which is where half of my family is from but I am planning on doing so in the future. Mestizos...mixed blood. For I am part of that line. I have never questioned extensively the maternal side of the family but now I will. At Tulum, I could feel the presence of the great people who built it. It was strange, yet powerful. I cannot wait to see what I uncover and discover going forward.

Tomorrow I will be in Belize City and Uncle Raymond will meet us on shore. I would like to visit my grandmother's grave. I never did get to go to the funeral. I also want to visit her last house on Cran Street. I am also hoping Uncle Ray will take us to "Dude Rock Ranch"...his farm. I haven't been there since high school. I am sure that after all these years, my favorite horse is no longer (Spotlight) but I am sure her decendants are there. I know the Gods are on our side...Friday will be 87 degrees and humid. I am really happy to be on this journey which has opened up other adventures for me. It's getting late. I better sign off as we dock at 7am Central. More to see and do. Can't wait. Adios.

Out at Sea

Well...the adventure has begun and there has been a handful of fun already without even leaving the ship. Yesterday was supposed to be our first port of call. However, due to weather conditions and choppy water, tendering could not take place so we headed back out to sea and on to the next destination. We pull into Cozemel tomorrow and should be able do disembark at 8:30am. Right now it's about 85 degrees and humid. I usually don't like the hot weather but I'm actually loving it! (Don't tell the snow that though...still love that too!) I am very much looking forward to the shore excursion I have booked. Tulum is part of the Mayan Ruins. It should be fascinating. I was reading up on it last night and it sounds so interesting. In the meantime, I have been keeping myself busy over the course of these days at sea.

I have met so many people from all walks of life. There are 2,600 passengers on this voyage. It is a full house. I have found many spots that I like to sit and read, write, and listen to music when I want alone time. I also discovered that I like eating breakfast out by the pool while looking out at the ocean. It's mesmorizing. I've seen about three ships coming back (or beginning their voyage) and also flying fish. I'm thinking more and more about doing the scuba diving once we reach the Caymen Islands. Haven't decided yet. I have decided to take swimming lessons once I get back. I also got some great news via email from one of my professors. I got an "A". One grade down...three to go. I'm so excited. Think I'll have the drink of the day today...a Blue Hawaiian. I am so glad I booked this trip. I feel the energy coming back into me and my brain power increasing by the minute. Anyway...I better go so that I can save up my minutes to log in on Friday or Saturday. I never realized it before but I really am a fun person! Way to go Ang!

It's a Wonderful Life

Last night while packing for the trip, I found myself watching It's a Wonderful Life on television. I have seen the move at least a dozen times. Each time I watch it, I say to myself that it really does pay to be a good person even when life through you some weird, twisted turns. Just when George lost all faith and hope, he was reminded that one is never alone if you have friends. I just talked to Althea to wish her a Happy Birthday as well. We have maintained our tradition of calling each other on our birthdays for over twenty years. She is born on Christmas Day. Even if we don't speak sometimes the entire year, we know that when our birthdays roll around, we are each others guaranteed phone call. I never realized how important our tradition is to one another until a couple of years ago she was the only person who called me that day and I her.

I have to go. I am so looking forward to this adventure. There are several people I had hoped to speak with and then there were some who surprised me with a call. You just never really know what each moment is going to bring. When I come back...I will be 33 years old and will have celebrated another Christmas. I am already thinking about what I am going to do next year at this time and how much fun it will be. I know I have a wonderful life too. It may be a tumultuous roller coaster ride but you know what... I wouldn't trade it for the world.

My ride is here so I have to go. Here's to a great adventure and a very Merry Christmas!