April 5, 2011

Island Photos

waterfall
Some days I feel really spoiled.

The Bead Cruise was amazing and just flew by way too quickly.  So I had a day off to recover and now it's back to work.  If you are waiting for an email from me, it's coming in just a wee bit.  I wanted to relive a few of my favorite moments with you before I get back to business.

tropicalgardens
Our first island was Cozumel and a group us went to Chankanaab Park for the day for snorkeling, an eco tour and lunch on the beach.

lagoon
The park hosts the only lagoon on the island that features a coral reef.  There were tropical fish swimming in this teal blue water that was crystal clear.

lizard
This is Paco, he is 18 years old and a favorite in the park!  He just hangs out by the lagoon all day.  Not a bad life.

drinks
He wasn't the only wild life found on the island.  We ordered a round of Dirty Monkeys served in pineapples and coconuts.  (A Dirty Monkey is a pina colada with Khalua, Bailey's and a banana.  Yes, you do need to try one soon and if you can get them in a pineapple with a fruit monkey face - all the better!)  Did I mention they served these drinks to us on the beach, while we laid on lounge chairs under a cabana?  I did mention that I'm spoiled, didn't I?
weaving
On the eco tour through the gardens, they had a replica of a traditional Mayan house and this lovely bit of weaving was on display.

Mayan Kitchen
They had a Mayan woman who cooked us handmade corn tortillas with a salsa of fresh tomatoes, squash blossoms and cilantro. 

fruitstand
Jamaica was fun and very touristy.  I was smitten with the fruit stands and local handcrafted goods. We went to Falmouth, which is a new port and our ship was the first to visit it. The locals had bands and dancing and were so happy to have the cruise ships visit this impoverished area.  Our island hosts were warm and friendly and completely charming.  It was a joy-filled day for the local people and they left a great impression on those who visited.   
baskets
In Jamaica we took a quick tour and enjoyed learning more about the country. I was happy to support the local artists selling their handmade goods.  These baskets were made from coconut and palm leaves and are the dark and light patterns are called "rice and peas".

We also spent the day in Grand Cayman, but for some reason that was a no photo day for me.  We didn't do anything special, just shopped, goofed off and had lunch.  You know - just another day in paradise.
The best part of the cruise was spending time with my mom and aunt, visiting with our amazing instructors and making new friends with those traveling with us and our little family reunion with those who returned to enjoy another great week together. 

I'll share more later.  Right now I have to go to work.  (Pouty face!) I have some new bead ideas I must make and my shops will open later today. 

I did miss our little visits here, thanks for stopping by again!

13 comments:

TesoriTrovati said...

Welcome back, Heather! Love the pictures. Reminds me of my honeymoon in Jamaica.
Enjoy the day!
Erin

Anonymous said...

What beautiful photos!

beadologist said...

Beautiful photos! Thank you for sharing. It really makes me long for sunshine and sand between my toes...

Unknown said...

Looks like you had a fabulous time!
Thanks for all the pictures, they are all so lovely.
Cannot wait to see what your new designs will incoporate!
Welcome home :)
Cathy

Rosanne said...

I want a Dirty Monkey!!
I can't beleive that our time together was over so soon. Beautiful pictures Heather. I am trying to figure out how to get mine in my computer so I can show them off too.

earthlyjewels said...

Oh such lovely pictures! Now, I'm in the mood to go to the beach! What a nice vacation!

Jenni said...

Such lovely happy, colorful photos. Glad you had a great and relaxing time.
Jenni

Kate said...

I am glad you had such a good time! Welcome back. Just in time for BTW ;) Which is such a fantastic meme...thanks for starting it!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous photos! Glad to see you had a wonderful time! I just love the "rice and peas" baskets!

Heather Powers said...

Thanks everyone! It was a wonderful cruise. Rosanne, I bet you have some great photos - can't wait to see them.

Alice said...

Green. With. Envy.

Glad you're back. Looks like you had a fabulous time. Thanks for showing the wonderful photos, even if they did make me jealous!

GlassBeadArt said...

BEAUTIFUL photos. And what a nice pineapple ;-)
That would look great as a bead!

Heather said...

Amazing photos- thank you for sharing - someday I will go on a cruise. Love the water shot and that fruity owl!! Welcome home- I bet you'd rather be back there though.