BY: Keith S. Shikowitz, Editor in Chief/Investigative Reporter
Day four started out like day three ended, depressed. We went to the breakfast buffet and then to guest relations to talk about a charge from dinner the night before. We were under the impression that the price was less than we were charged. It seems that on a cruise ship, all you are doing is eating and searching for the places you want to go to for entertainment. We waited on the line to get to the counter. When we finally got there we spoke with a gentleman named James. He was very helpful and explained everything to us. He said he would help us out; I don’t know what he was able to do if anything, but if he can great. If not, then oh well.
Anyway, once we got through with that mess, the guys went back to the room to get ready for the shore excursion and I stayed behind to ask about the garment bag. He went to the back room to look. About 3 minutes later he emerged with a bag that was all bunched up and taped together. He brought it over to me and I told him what should be in there if it was mine. And low and behold… it was mine…my Star Trek jacket was there. Apparently the zipper where I had put the name tag had gotten ripped off so they had no idea where it was supposed to go to. Talk about relieved. I was back to happy and ready to enjoy the rest of the cruise. I had already lost the back of my pin, which I doubt I’ll ever see again, but then the jacket… not a good way to start the cruise. But the return of it turns on a new set of lights. You can see why I was so depressed. As a Trekkie (or trekker) these things are milestones for us and important to our collections and love of Trek.
Now we can proceed with the vacation. I went back to the room and got ready for the excursion. The guys were very happy that I had gotten the stuff back.
The skies were gloomy and the clouds were menacing. But we decided to go anyway. All the while hoping that God would take pity on us and clear the skies, or at least not let it rain on our parade.
There are many similarities between the USA and other countries. One is street performers. Although the on difference is that in the Caribbean, they do it with a lot more flair and energy.
We proceeded to walk to the beach. It was a long walk. One thing I can say about this trip is I am getting my steps in. I had my snorkel, fins, water socks and everything I needed to hit the water. We finally got there and there and the skies were still ominous. I had a feeling that we were going to get clobbered. Even the birds were joining the party.
The island is beautiful. I was able to get some pictures before the skies went totally against us.
Anyway, no sooner did we get there and finished lunch, it started to drizzle. We went down to the beach area anyway. We were still holding out hope that it wouldn’t get bad. So much for that idea. As soon as we set our stuff on the beach chairs, the heavens opened up. I texted my wife, “It’s raining gatos and perros here.” Figured I’d at least go a little native. (lol). Even the staff was running for cover using anything to cover themselves.
We ran back to the covered area and waited out the storm. Twice it slowed and seemed like we’d be able to go. No such luck. Finally after two hours, it abated. We were able to go to the beach. I decided to stay back and watch the stuff, so we didn’t have to get a locker and deal with all that stuff. The guys went to do some jet skiing. I was going to use my 75 to 300 zoom lens to get pics of them on the jet skis. The guy never came with the jet skis.
Next best thing, go snorkeling. I decided to pass on this one because by the time I got changed into the gear, there wouldn’t be enough time to really enjoy it. They were already in their suits from going for the jet skis so they were able to be ready faster. I stayed and took pictures. I decided to have some fun with them. I threw it into sport mode and had Guillermo do a fall he had just done.
We looked at the time and unfortunately, we had to get going back to the ship. We stopped at a store where we bought some stuff. The skies began to look bad again. I had gotten separated from them. I texted Guillermo telling him I was going to get back to the ship before the heavens opened up again. No such luck. About 200 feet, blam. Downpour. Dove into the nearest store to wait it out. This one only too about 15 mins to calm down enough to make a dash for it. But again, mother nature showed us who was boss. You could almost hear her laughing. A few hundred yards from the gangplank to get back onto the ship, another deluge.
My main concern was my camera in my book bag. Finally made it onto the ship. Got to our cabin and as it turns out the book bag is so good that the outside was drenched but the inside was dry as a bone.
We all got ourselves cleaned up and headed for an early dinner. We got a couple of packages for the ship. One was the drink package. You give them your room key and you can get drinks unlimited, alcoholic and non alcoholic. My favorite licquor is Amaretto Di Saronno. I have had more Amaretto Sours this four days than I have had in the past four years. But I digress.
We went to a restaurant right across from the one we went to Saturday night. I decided to get the fish this time. It was pretty good. We took our time and afterwards headed to the Encore theater for a magic show with a guy named Fred Moore. Having had a step father who was a professional magician, I kind of judge all others based on his standards. I also saw Harry Anderson when I was in college at Brockport and he was a fantastic magician. So actually I kind of judge based on those two people. He was pretty good. He was also kind of funny too.
We were all kind of exhausted from the day’s walking and other activities. Bill, Guillermo and Jose went back to the cabin and took an early night. I went to the lounge on our deck, where I am right now, to write up part 3 of the Western Caribbean Cruise saga. As I was writing, my Omnipod warning went off and I cursed because I meant to take one with me to change it. I finally got done at about 11:30 pm and headed for bed myself, knowing that we had an early excursion the next day. I was extra quiet as to make sure I dind’t wake any of the guys. I used the flashlight on my phone to get around. I took the emergency kit of pods and went into the bathroom to change it. It’s not easy trying to be quiet with something that makes lots of noise to let you know you have completed each step.
About 15 minutes after I started to fall asleep, I realized that something I had ordered was not correct. I immediately got up, grabbed my computer, and being as quiet as I could went back to the lounge to fix the order. I got it in under their two hour time limit for changes or cancellations. Satisfied that I had taken care of it I went back to bed and rested peacefully.
Part 5 tomorrow.