Tartan Tigger
<font color=purple>I fixed my PC MYSELF!!!!!!!!<br
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2000
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Day 4 : Finally swim with a dolphin
Tuesday 1st July 03
Up bright and early, fed and watered and sitting at Old Port Royale waiting for Mears shuttle at 7.25am. We are off to Discovery Cove today and I am sooooooooo excited. I have wanted to swim with a dolphin since I was about six. Mears van arrives on time at 7.35am. Two others on board who are also going to Discovery Cove. The driver tells us he has never dropped off at Discovery Cove before so he isnt sure where he is going but he drops us off right outside the entrance.
It looks mighty impressive from the outside so I was mega excited about going in. Had to have bags searched and then got into lobby. Was well impressed, Ive stayed at hotels that werent like this. Waited a few minutes then we were directed over to a desk to check in. Handed over our confirmation and photo ID and I was very pleased when the nice lady pronounced my name correctly. Photos were taken for ID badge, mine was awful, it was only 8.10am and I already had really bad humidity hair. Told our dolphin swim would be at 8.45am and we had to go to Seahorse Cabana. Left check in and headed out to the park, got complimentary photograph taken and then were given a bag containing mask, snorkel, towels and suncream and then we were given information about the park and directions to the lockers and Seahorse Cabana.
Once we had our things stored in the locker and had collected our life vests we went off to find some loungers. We had plenty to choose from and planted ourselves beside the dolphin pool. Applied suncream which was very thick and sat discussing the surroundings, how beautiful the place was etc.. etc...
By this point I was really excited and headed for Seahorse Cabana and sat on the bench. It was only 8.30am but I figured the time might pass quicker if I was sitting waiting, it didnt. Eventually, after what seemed like hours we were all taken into the Cabana and watched the short video about the dolphins then the trainers came in and took everyone away in their groups. We were in group b for bottlenose. There were 8 people in the group altogether, myself and Tricia, a mother and her 2 daughters and another group of 3 females.
When we entered the water I thought I might die. OMG!!! It was freezing. We had to kneel down in the water for the dolphin to come over, Alissa explained that you need to be at eye level so as not to scare the dolphin. Anyway, our dolphin was Roxy and when she came over I really thought I might cry. It would have been interesting if I had because I reckon my tears would have been like icicles. We all got to stroke Roxy and then we got to kiss her. She tasted like fish but hey I can live with that because OMG I am in the water with a dolphin. Alissa said she would take my group out first, Tricia didnt want to do the swim bit as she isnt confident in deep water, I said I was though Im not sure where I got this information from so off I swan with Alissa into the deep water. I had a chat with Alissa about where I was from and all about dolphins while we waited for Roxy to come over. I did a signal with my fingers that made Roxy sing, I was most surprised to discover her singing sounded just like mine. Alissa showed me marks on Roxys back and said she had got them from playing with the other dolphins. Roxy then rolled onto her back and I got to tickle her tummy, it was so sweet. Roxy then went back to the group at the side of the pool. It was at this point I started to have problems staying in one place, every time Alissa turned to speak I was floating off in the wrong direction trying to stay afloat. She did ask if I wanted to go back to shore but I said I would be fine. When Roxy came back over Alissa told me to put out my arm and say, I love you Roxy. So I put out my arm and before I realised what I was doing I had said, I love you Roxy in my best American accent. I was so embarrassed(even more so when I watched the video when I got home and discovered it had picked up my best American accent). Then it was time for Roxy to take my back to shore, I held on to her fins and she swam me back. It was amazing, worth every penny and worth almost drowning for. The other groups were taken out for their swim, during this time Roxy cam back to shore a couple of times and we got to stroke her and get photos etc.. Tricia got extra interaction with her because she wasnt doing the swim. All to soon it was time to say goodbye to Roxy and she and her dolphin friends from the other groups all swam off together doing lots of jumps for us. Shivering but extremely happy we made our way back to the Cabana to view our photographs. There wasnt a hard sell on these which surprised me. The photos were amazing, I wanted them all but settled on five and the video. After placing our order we went back to our lounger to reflect on our experience. I was feeling emotional, I had just experienced an ambition I never thought I would ever do, it was the most amazing experience ever. For me its up there with the Grand Canyon, words just cannot describe it.
Tried reading some of my Harry Potter book but I kept looking up to see what was happening in the dolphin pool. After an hour or so we went for lunch. I cant remember what I had but it was delicious, even had musical entertainment which was good. After lunch we went back to collect our masks and snorkels. I waded straight into the pool without noticing there were fish in it. I didnt realise this until I went to sit down. For some obscure reason I thought the fish would be further in the pool, didnt occur to me they would swim up to the edge of the water. (Another DUH moment). Before we went to Discovery Cove I was a little apprehensive about the snorkelling, wasnt to keen on fish touching me ( Yeah I know, happy to swim with a dolphin but worried about a little fish touching me). I neednt have worried, I really enjoyed this. Went into the river taking a float with me on the advise of a man who had just come out. He said he had used it and it made it much easier and more enjoyable. I was glad I had used it and again really enjoyed this experience.
Collected our things from the locker and returned to the lounger to get the rest of our gear. The sky was getting very black so we decided to get changed. Went and got showered etc.. and got to the shop just as the rain started. After some shopping and picking up our photos and video we headed back to the lobby where we were signed out and given our complimentary photo and then we were taken over to Seaworld in a very nice jeep.
When we got into Seaworld we had cookies for dinner then we saw the Clyde and Seamore show. Tricia phoned Mears to book our return pick up for 10.30pm. We were going to stay for the fireworks as we have never seen them here. While Tricia phoned Mears I phoned home to tell my mum all about my dolphin swim then I phoned Bouncy to confirm our arrangements for meeting when she arrives on Saturday. Spoke to Bouncy until the phone card ran out. I was telling Bouncy how little rain we had had and warned her not to bring it with her. She couldnt hear much of what I was saying as I had chosen a phone in the noisiest part of the park.
Went to see the penguins and then bought penguin things in the shop for someone I work with. The rain started again while we were in here and it was heavy. Eventually we put on our ponchos and headed for Shamu Stadium for last Shamu show of the day. Very good as usual. From here we went over to the polar bear shop. It was still raining and we were tired so we went back over to Shamu Stadium bought Churros and coke and found our seats for Shamu Rocks America. It was only 7.30pm but we didnt care, there were other people in the stadium so we didnt look totally sad.
We hadnt seen Shamu Rocks America before and thought it was brilliant although I thought it was a bit short.
Headed over to the seafront before they closed the bridge and looked round the shops before the fireworks. The fireworks were nice but I wouldnt hang around to see them again. Got to bus stop and taxi driver kept asking us where we were going despite being told we were waiting for Mears. Mears man arrived in his little van and took us back to the Caribbean Beach where he dropped us off at Old Port Royale. I still didnt like Parrot Cay Island in the dark so we went the long way back to Jamaica again, this time round past Trinidad North and South. From Trinidad South we could see Pop Century all lit up.
Put TV on and found Everybody Loves Raymond was just starting so we watched that and then went to bed to dream about the dolphins. It had been a fantastic day.
Tuesday 1st July 03
Up bright and early, fed and watered and sitting at Old Port Royale waiting for Mears shuttle at 7.25am. We are off to Discovery Cove today and I am sooooooooo excited. I have wanted to swim with a dolphin since I was about six. Mears van arrives on time at 7.35am. Two others on board who are also going to Discovery Cove. The driver tells us he has never dropped off at Discovery Cove before so he isnt sure where he is going but he drops us off right outside the entrance.
It looks mighty impressive from the outside so I was mega excited about going in. Had to have bags searched and then got into lobby. Was well impressed, Ive stayed at hotels that werent like this. Waited a few minutes then we were directed over to a desk to check in. Handed over our confirmation and photo ID and I was very pleased when the nice lady pronounced my name correctly. Photos were taken for ID badge, mine was awful, it was only 8.10am and I already had really bad humidity hair. Told our dolphin swim would be at 8.45am and we had to go to Seahorse Cabana. Left check in and headed out to the park, got complimentary photograph taken and then were given a bag containing mask, snorkel, towels and suncream and then we were given information about the park and directions to the lockers and Seahorse Cabana.
Once we had our things stored in the locker and had collected our life vests we went off to find some loungers. We had plenty to choose from and planted ourselves beside the dolphin pool. Applied suncream which was very thick and sat discussing the surroundings, how beautiful the place was etc.. etc...
By this point I was really excited and headed for Seahorse Cabana and sat on the bench. It was only 8.30am but I figured the time might pass quicker if I was sitting waiting, it didnt. Eventually, after what seemed like hours we were all taken into the Cabana and watched the short video about the dolphins then the trainers came in and took everyone away in their groups. We were in group b for bottlenose. There were 8 people in the group altogether, myself and Tricia, a mother and her 2 daughters and another group of 3 females.
When we entered the water I thought I might die. OMG!!! It was freezing. We had to kneel down in the water for the dolphin to come over, Alissa explained that you need to be at eye level so as not to scare the dolphin. Anyway, our dolphin was Roxy and when she came over I really thought I might cry. It would have been interesting if I had because I reckon my tears would have been like icicles. We all got to stroke Roxy and then we got to kiss her. She tasted like fish but hey I can live with that because OMG I am in the water with a dolphin. Alissa said she would take my group out first, Tricia didnt want to do the swim bit as she isnt confident in deep water, I said I was though Im not sure where I got this information from so off I swan with Alissa into the deep water. I had a chat with Alissa about where I was from and all about dolphins while we waited for Roxy to come over. I did a signal with my fingers that made Roxy sing, I was most surprised to discover her singing sounded just like mine. Alissa showed me marks on Roxys back and said she had got them from playing with the other dolphins. Roxy then rolled onto her back and I got to tickle her tummy, it was so sweet. Roxy then went back to the group at the side of the pool. It was at this point I started to have problems staying in one place, every time Alissa turned to speak I was floating off in the wrong direction trying to stay afloat. She did ask if I wanted to go back to shore but I said I would be fine. When Roxy came back over Alissa told me to put out my arm and say, I love you Roxy. So I put out my arm and before I realised what I was doing I had said, I love you Roxy in my best American accent. I was so embarrassed(even more so when I watched the video when I got home and discovered it had picked up my best American accent). Then it was time for Roxy to take my back to shore, I held on to her fins and she swam me back. It was amazing, worth every penny and worth almost drowning for. The other groups were taken out for their swim, during this time Roxy cam back to shore a couple of times and we got to stroke her and get photos etc.. Tricia got extra interaction with her because she wasnt doing the swim. All to soon it was time to say goodbye to Roxy and she and her dolphin friends from the other groups all swam off together doing lots of jumps for us. Shivering but extremely happy we made our way back to the Cabana to view our photographs. There wasnt a hard sell on these which surprised me. The photos were amazing, I wanted them all but settled on five and the video. After placing our order we went back to our lounger to reflect on our experience. I was feeling emotional, I had just experienced an ambition I never thought I would ever do, it was the most amazing experience ever. For me its up there with the Grand Canyon, words just cannot describe it.
Tried reading some of my Harry Potter book but I kept looking up to see what was happening in the dolphin pool. After an hour or so we went for lunch. I cant remember what I had but it was delicious, even had musical entertainment which was good. After lunch we went back to collect our masks and snorkels. I waded straight into the pool without noticing there were fish in it. I didnt realise this until I went to sit down. For some obscure reason I thought the fish would be further in the pool, didnt occur to me they would swim up to the edge of the water. (Another DUH moment). Before we went to Discovery Cove I was a little apprehensive about the snorkelling, wasnt to keen on fish touching me ( Yeah I know, happy to swim with a dolphin but worried about a little fish touching me). I neednt have worried, I really enjoyed this. Went into the river taking a float with me on the advise of a man who had just come out. He said he had used it and it made it much easier and more enjoyable. I was glad I had used it and again really enjoyed this experience.
Collected our things from the locker and returned to the lounger to get the rest of our gear. The sky was getting very black so we decided to get changed. Went and got showered etc.. and got to the shop just as the rain started. After some shopping and picking up our photos and video we headed back to the lobby where we were signed out and given our complimentary photo and then we were taken over to Seaworld in a very nice jeep.
When we got into Seaworld we had cookies for dinner then we saw the Clyde and Seamore show. Tricia phoned Mears to book our return pick up for 10.30pm. We were going to stay for the fireworks as we have never seen them here. While Tricia phoned Mears I phoned home to tell my mum all about my dolphin swim then I phoned Bouncy to confirm our arrangements for meeting when she arrives on Saturday. Spoke to Bouncy until the phone card ran out. I was telling Bouncy how little rain we had had and warned her not to bring it with her. She couldnt hear much of what I was saying as I had chosen a phone in the noisiest part of the park.
Went to see the penguins and then bought penguin things in the shop for someone I work with. The rain started again while we were in here and it was heavy. Eventually we put on our ponchos and headed for Shamu Stadium for last Shamu show of the day. Very good as usual. From here we went over to the polar bear shop. It was still raining and we were tired so we went back over to Shamu Stadium bought Churros and coke and found our seats for Shamu Rocks America. It was only 7.30pm but we didnt care, there were other people in the stadium so we didnt look totally sad.
We hadnt seen Shamu Rocks America before and thought it was brilliant although I thought it was a bit short.
Headed over to the seafront before they closed the bridge and looked round the shops before the fireworks. The fireworks were nice but I wouldnt hang around to see them again. Got to bus stop and taxi driver kept asking us where we were going despite being told we were waiting for Mears. Mears man arrived in his little van and took us back to the Caribbean Beach where he dropped us off at Old Port Royale. I still didnt like Parrot Cay Island in the dark so we went the long way back to Jamaica again, this time round past Trinidad North and South. From Trinidad South we could see Pop Century all lit up.
Put TV on and found Everybody Loves Raymond was just starting so we watched that and then went to bed to dream about the dolphins. It had been a fantastic day.
