Hi, I’m Julie McCoy, Your TR Director

[dizneeat]

Seems like such a wonderful day. I love your Iguana photos - we had one living in the tree next to our balcony in Key West - it was awesome to watch him.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Look at the size of that iguana! Very cool!

 

[jenseib]

The snorkeling area looks lovely. Love the Iguana photos

It really is a pretty park. I bet you would love it.

Seems like such a wonderful day. I love your Iguana photos - we had one living in the tree next to our balcony in Key West - it was awesome to watch him.

I remember that!

Look at the size of that iguana! Very cool!

They are pretty big down there.

 

[jenseib]

We moved on….here is some people doing the cave swim…I believe this one was a different route than the one I did.





SQUIRELL!








I found the manatees and tried to get a bit closer to get some shots.






Things were roped off so I couldn’t get very close.



We moved on and found another iguana friend.




And an area with some panthers and lions.







I thought it was neat how there were trees right in the path.




Just stretching and relaxing in the shade.




Someone spotted an iguana on a ledge over the side so I put my camera over the side and blindly tried to take a picture of him.




We then heard all this squawking of birds and noticed a lot flying around. This was an attempt to get them but I missed them as they went into the trees.




Back to the big cats.




And then more squawking.



It was parrots and they were all flying to one location and making a heck of a racket doing so.




Someone (a worker) then told us that every day at the same time they release all the parrots and they fly to their enclosure area. I guess they feed them then, but it’s a treat for all the people to see them actually fly too.


It really was a neat thing to see.


We moved on.



I believe this was just outside the area where they all flew which was why these guys were hanging around.











This guy wanted that hat.





I had mom take a picture of me with one of them.

 

[jenseib]

My parrot friend gave me a pose before we moved on.











Mom was too hot to walk around anymore and she wanted to go and just sit at the beach so I took her back there and told her I would meet her in that area when it was time to meet back with the group to do some more touring together. We didn’t have to meet them but we were finding the place so big that it probably would be a good idea to see highlights with the group instead of trying to find them on our own.



I left her and then stumbled upon the actual ruins on property.















And then I spotted this guy just walking around. He made me think of a raccoon. I believe he is a coati. I saw a few of these walking freely and raiding trash cans when they could, just like a raccoon would. Strangely I did see raccoons too…..in a pinned in area on display. I found that kind of funny.







I no longer remember what these guys were, but they reminded me a bit of aardvarks, but much bigger. They were kind of funny and would do a little wiggle every so often.











Another iguana.







And this looked down to the caves.







And another coati.







Some of these pictures are phone pictures and I was trying to quickly capture him so they are pretty blurry.







Anything good in here?







Guess not.







There were wifi hotspots shown on the map so I found one near this bathroom area and had a seat. It really wasn’t good wifi and I couldn’t connect to facebook at all and I could check my emails but it was very slow.







The bathrooms were the strangest thing. They were all single stalls lined around the circle of the building. I went in one and it was super tiny and just odd and open ceilings on them too. It did have this cute faucet.







The bathrooms were near a small show arena and I had seen that one was about to start soon. This show was about some sort of traditional ritual that was done many years ago. The show is called Voladores de Papantla, which I believe translates to something like flyers of the pole.


This is a description of it….


This custom of Mesoamerican origin expresses respect for nature and the spiritual universe. During the ceremony, four Voladores de Papantla climb a pole while one more flyer remains sitting on the edge of the platform, while playing with a flute and drum melodies in honor of the sun, the four winds and the cardinal points. After this act of invocation, the dancers launch themselves from the platform to which they are tied by long ropes, imitating the flight of birds and drop down to the ground.



I took a seat though my view wasn’t the best and the sun was pretty darn hot (of course all the good shaded spots were already taken).



The men came out and climbed the pool.











There they go!

 

[jenseib]

They all landed safely from their flight.















And then the man who remained on top came down.















There was some more marching around.











And then it was over and they waved and took bows.











I started to then make my way back towards the beach to find mom as it was getting close to the time to meet up with the group.















And walking back I found an enclosure of raccoons!







It’s just crazy for me to think they have raccoons displayed like zoo animals.











More flamingos.











And some more ruins.



















Somehow I got myself a bit turned around and I thought I was heading in the right direction but I actually wasn’t, and had to do a little back tracking.

 

[dolphingirl47]

It is amazing how many different animals they have there. I had not realised that they have ruins there, too. The show looked interesting.

Corinna

 

[jenseib]

It is amazing how many different animals they have there. I had not realised that they have ruins there, too. The show looked interesting.

Corinna

There was a little bit of everything there.

 

[jenseib]

I spotted some more parrots on my way and I just can’t pass them without taking a picture.












I made it back to the beach but there was no sign of mom.



After doing a thorough look I decided to just walk over to the meeting spot and see if she was there......Sure enough I found her.

We had to wait a bit to be sure we had everyone who wanted to come on this portion and then we headed off towards the turtles.

More parrots!








Some turtles.







There is just something about the turtles that makes me just want to stay and watch them. But we kept moving along










I had started my trip with some alligators….now I was seeing crocodiles.




This sign made me laugh.







We then passed a bunch of pools with smaller turtles swimming in them.






They were so darn cute.







And here are some hatching turtles….how cute is that?

 

[jenseib]

After the turtles we went in the aquarium and we were allowed to roam around on our own and then meet at the other side.













I just loved this area. There were so many different fish and it wasn’t too crowded so we could enjoy looking at them.








And then the coolest thing I have ever seen happened. These 2 fish were “kissing”. I have no clue what they were actually doing, but they just kept doing it and we thought it was the funniest thing. I was even able to get a picture of it and it’s one of my favorite pictures I have EVER taken.










Hello hansom!




























This guy looks like he is looking right at me.

 

[jenseib]

Continuing on in the aquarium.







We came to the end and sat on a ledge. This was a view out the window.




No one else was there so I went across the way to watch the jellyfish.














Still no one was around, so I told Mom I was going to go back in the aquarium to look some more.













There was a turtle room I had missed, so I went in there. It was kind of dark in there, so it was hard to take pictures.












I was about to head back to Mom when I noticed a bunch of fish swarming around and then I realized there was a guy in the tank with them.







This too was really cool to watch.










He started to feed them and they really swarmed around then.

 

[JKSWonder]

Jen, absolutely some amazing photos here! Looks just beautful.

 

[dolphingirl47]

I love he turtles. That sign with the crocodiles made me smile. The aquarium looks really neat.

Corinna

 

[udflyer00]

I love all the animal pictures... My stepdad had a Scarlet Macaw and man you are right they can make quite the racket!!

As for where I've been, no where really, just busy in the evenings with all the kids so I like to read the boards at work.. shhhh.. but the proxy had blocked the login page for quite awhile! Hopefully it'll stay open from now on!!

 

[jenseib]

Jen, absolutely some amazing photos here! Looks just beautful.

Thanks

I love he turtles. That sign with the crocodiles made me smile. The aquarium looks really neat.

Corinna

I thought that sing was too funny.

I love all the animal pictures... My stepdad had a Scarlet Macaw and man you are right they can make quite the racket!!

how neat!

As for where I've been, no where really, just busy in the evenings with all the kids so I like to read the boards at work.. shhhh.. but the proxy had blocked the login page for quite awhile! Hopefully it'll stay open from now on!!

I can totally understand. I feel like my days just go so fast anymore.

 

[jenseib]

I could’ve stood there for hours. It was just so neat to watch.










I realized I probably have been standing there too long and went back to the exit to meet up with Mom and the rest…..but they were gone. Oops. Well I knew the 2nd meeting place was in the main building to exit, so I would just head that way and I would eventually find them. So I headed out the trail looking at my map so I was sure I wouldn’t get lost.





I didn’t get too far and I saw Julio. He said my Mom was so worried I wouldn’t find them so he went back to find me. I told him thanks and I was just planning to go up to the main building if I didn’t run into everyone before that. I thought it was funny that Mom was worried about me too.


We talked a bit on the way to the group and he was super nice. He told me how this was connected to a resort and it’s a very popular place to come, etc. Since being home, I have now talked to a few people who have stayed there as well.


We found the group in front of the ruins.




We then passed by the area where they put on a horse show.




More parrots.










We then arrived in the main building and had time so we could use the bathrooms, shop, etc.












There were some chicks in an incubator and this one was having issues standing up.










I shopped around. I was looking for some t-shirts.








A Mexican lady came and tried to help me figure size and costs, but she ended up being annoying, following me all around. I was debating on 2 shirts and she kept saying buy both, and I wasn’t even sure if I wanted 1. I did buy a couple of things, but I no longer remember what. I may have gotten Claire a t-shirt, or something else. I don’t think I bought myself one though.


We were then told to head out towards the bus.





More parrots…they were everywhere here.




And some more flamingos.









We got on the bus. Most of us had met to take the last tour, but a few had decided to spend the rest of the day on their own and just meet up at the main building. Most everyone arrived promptly. We sat on the bus and waited and we saw Julio come on a couple of times and count us and then get off and look around. We were now past the time we were supposed to leave. Obviously someone was late. We watched the clock tick and Mom was super annoyed that people couldn’t follow directions and arrive on time. Sure a few minutes can happen but it was now more than a few minutes. We were given a time to be at the main building….no later than this time and we would be on the road by “this” time. We were way past both of those times now and it was really becoming worrisome. I wondered about our boat ride back to Cozumel. I am sure it was going to be there at a scheduled time and would we be making them wait? I wasn’t sure how it all worked, but the good thing was is that we made this excursion through Princess, so we would be taken care of if late.


Finally the late family arrives….and we just busted out laughing when we saw who it was…..the New Zealand family! Yep, Mom comes on with her smile like nothing is wrong and so many people were just glaring at them. It was like she had no clue they were late.

 

[dolphingirl47]

I had not realised that they have a resort attached. I may need to check this out. How annoying that some people were so late.

Corinna

 

[jenseib]

I had not realised that they have a resort attached. I may need to check this out. How annoying that some people were so late.

Corinna

It was so incredibly annoying!!!

 

[jenseib]

We headed back to Playa Del Carman to get the boat. I think our bus ride was like 20 minutes long at the most. Miguel told us usually we have about 15-20 minutes to do some quick shopping but since we were so late we were not going to be able to. Thanks New Zealand family! Actually I didn’t really care one way or the other, but I know some people had asked about shopping there when we first arrived and were told they could when we came back.


While on the bus, Julio gave me a survey paper to fill out. I think only a couple of people got them, and I figured I was one because he had come back to fetch me. I gave them good reviews as they were really good and helpful. They did their best for the limited time we had there.


Once we got off the bus we handed a tip to each of them since they were so good, and I do know that they don’t make a ton of money….most of what they make is in the form of tips.


They then led us to the ferry area.




The walk isn’t too far and we joined with others who were taking the same ferry back.





The ferry had just arrived so we had a little time to wait till we could board.








Soon we were on our way back to the island and I dozed off. Lots of people were dozing. The crew did try to sell drinks and snacks again, but we had no interest in that.

We got back to Cozumel and mom headed straight back to the ship. I was going to check my emails one last time and try to load pictures to facebook with the free wifi.




I didn’t have much time as it was getting close to the all aboard time…and I couldn’t move much when accessing the wifi or I lost it, so I gave up pretty fast.










To get back to the ship they directed us through a building…which was full of shopping and jam packed with people. Now I am not sure if you always have to go through here or not, but they made us do so at this time. They were checking ID as you entered as well as when you left and it was a big hassle trying to walk through with all the people in there shopping. I finally made it to other end and then got held up in a line to show our IDs. When I asked mom about it she said her and many other people used a side door and went out and back to the ship. I don’t know if that was allowed or not, but wish I would’ve done that. LOL!








This ship was docked at another pier.

















Back on the ship I headed back to the room and found Mom.



We showered and got ready for dinner.



I believe tonight we went to the island dining room again.
I ordered the French Onion soup, which was pretty darn good.



I also ordered the Caesar salad, which was becoming a favorite of mine on the ship….normally I never order the Caesar but now at home I have branched out a bit and started eating them too.

 

[jenseib]

Our table was once again right next to a 2 top table with very little room between us. Another couple was soon seated there and they introduced themselves. I don’t remember their names off the top of my head right now, but they were super nice. I will call the lady CC for now. They had been sitting in this section every night as they had bonded with the serving team and requested them each night.



We got to chatting and Mom mentioned my job and how I was working towards a certification. Well, wouldn’t you know, CC was in the same profession. So we chatted a lot about that and the different things we did in our jobs. They were seasoned Princess cruisers so I asked CC about the toiletries. I had said how I thought we would get better shampoo and was it normal to get a shampoo/conditioner combo as an “elite” perk. I went on to complain that you cannot shampoo and condition your hair at the same time….and I am a licensed hair stylist…even though I don’t practice anymore, I still keep my license up…..and this just drives me crazy. Well…another coincidence! CC was also a hair stylist as well, and if I remember right, she too no longer practices but keeps her license up. It was like fate had stepped in and put us next to each other. CC did tell me that since Carnival had purchased Princess, the perks and amenities have really taken a hit.


We did a lot of talking and it was really enjoyable.



They also had really bonded with the servers and they were bringing them appetizers that were not on the menu…like mozzarella and tomatoes. MMM! CC brings the plate right over to me (it was huge and full) and scooped some on my plate. YUM!



For my entrée I got some beef tenderloins.











I didn’t take a picture of moms and I don’t remember if we got the same thing or not.



For dessert I got the soufflé….MMMMMMM!















You can see in the background that Mom got the ice-cream and we got the cheesecake to share.







It was a fabulous dinner….probably one of the best we had while on board. We really enjoyed talking to CC and her husband.



After dinner we still had time till the show, so mom was off to the casino. I went up top and they were scrubbing the floors of my usual sitting area so I sat in another area and started chatting with another couple. She was J and I can’t remember his name, but he worked for Marriott and they had some good stories. They both cruise quite a bit and have been on this ship several years ago. She told me some of the differences in the ship since the last time she sailed.


She also heard that this ship is planned to be sold to a company in Europe in a few years, so according to the rumor, they are not doing a lot of upgrading to the ship since it won’t be in the fleet too much longer….whether any of that is true or not, I have no clue.







After chatting a bit, I went back and found Mom. She had found a slot machine that was hot and she was doing really well. I sat next to her and just watched. There were 2 other girls on her other side and they were playing but then kind of slowed down and watched Mom play.



It was getting close to show time but Mom was hot and didn’t want to leave so we waited till the last possible minute. The 2 girls kept telling her to leave. LOL! We knew they wanted her machine.



Finally she said it was enough and we should head out so we made our way to the theater.



We passed this back drop for photos which I thought was neat.







At some point in time I bought this bracelet for myself. I also bought one for my oldest daughter who was due to have her baby any day….which was one reason I kept checking emails. Technically she wasn’t due for another week or so AFTER I got home, but you just never know.











I love this bracelet but it is really hard for me to put it on by myself.



As we waited for the show to start, we had an idea of what the theme would be by the music that was playing beforehand.



Soon the show started and I believe the first song was 9 to 5…though I could be remembering wrong now.































The show then went on to basically say work was over and now a road trip was planned….in a Pink Cadillac.