Mexican Cruise, April 2013 I’m not one for cruises. Never been on one. Never wanted to. Make mine an urban landscape. Then my mother-in-law passed her driver’s test and said we were going cruising. So there we all were last month: me, husband, husband’s bro and sis-in-law and mom-in-law, sailing down the coast of Mexico to Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada.
Not one to waste a chance to travel, I am determined to have fun, in my own way for sure. I bring my new tablet, filled with reading material about English country homes and Paris streets. I read on the back deck, where other people’s kids dare not tread, lulled to sleep by bossa nova over the PA system. I revel in the fact that I don’t have to shop, cook, clean up or pick up. This in itself must be worth something, no?
Most importantly, I drag along my trusty DSLR. It never leaves my shoulder. I snap at the pool, at dinner, at wine tasting, at the tequila factory and while touring the Sea of Cortez. And many photos of how big our boat is. These cruisers are like whales. Sitting in the 1,000+ seat auditorium at night, laughing at comics, singing along to the production numbers, sleeping in the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept on, I remind myself that this sucker is moving. I clap, I sing, I sleep, all the time praying that come morning, I’ll still be there, eating too much like all the other passengers.
Los Angeles Harbor, April 2013 I’ve never been to this little corner of LA. I don’t think of us as one of the biggest ports in the world. I’ve lived here more decades than I’d care to include in this post.
I think of my city as one giant freeway, ringed by mountains, hanging onto the edge of the continent, the home of Hollywood.
But not once as a major transportation hub for goods.
Well, how lovely that we can learn something new every day.
Port of Los Angeles, April 2013 Good-bye land! I hope I don’t get seasick. I remember the Noah’s Ark book I read to my daughters many years ago. The elephants and giraffes were hanging over the sides of the ship and in the dining room, in tuxes and ball gowns, relieving themselves of their champagne dinners. My mother-in-law wants us to dress for dinner. Her sons threaten mutiny. Shorts and flip flops all week! They lose, of course. Our little group takes up its own table. Our waiters are efficient and funny. Good, unobtrusive service is an art. We tip them extra on the last night.
Welcome Aboard, April 2013 Once on board, we went on a mini scavenger hunt after dropping our bags in our state room and checking out the balcony. Us cruise pros will tell you that having a balcony is a must. The room was small but the sea was wide. And we had MSNBC on the TV! Oh Chris and Rachel, Rev and Lawrence. I’m thrilled that I won’t miss my daily fix of you.
Then we went on the hunt, stamping a card as we found all the activities that will cost us extra money. Warm spa tables? Isn’t that what the pool chairs are for? We put the card in the contest box. And …
Bon Voyage! April 2013 ... as we pull out of port, heading on our way, joined with hundreds of others, watching ourselves leave LA on a screen as we leave LA in the water, our card gets pulled and we win a $25 coupon! Hah!
The next day I head to the shopping deck and buy myself an insulated red coffee container, which never leaves my side, and a little book light for my home hard copy reading.
The next day I head to the shopping deck and buy myself an insulated red coffee container, which never leaves my side, and a little book light for my home hard copy reading.
Searching Horizon for Icebergs, April 2013 Bro-in-law spent much time at the railing, binoculars in hand, scanning the sea for whales, dolphins and perhaps icebergs. Later in the week he and my husband went deep sea fishing in Cabo. From my boat, I actually snapped a photo of their Princess tender heading to shore. It’s amazing what pops up on the screen when you get home. Sort of like invisible ink and lemon juice. The guys caught some fish and found a restaurant that would cook them. Mix with Margaritas. Yum.
Sunset First Day at Sea, April 2013 Ahhh…nothing more to add ...
... except visit tomorrow for Part 2 of Bobbi's Ocean Voyage.
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