Happy Anniversary

Wishing my sister and her husband a very happy 40th anniversary today. I can't believe how fast the years have gone. Seems like I was just that teenager toasting with a glass of cold duck to my sister and my new brother in law. Wish I could toast today with cold duck, but of course no alcohol for me anymore, so I tip my glass of lemon water to the next 40. You guys rocked then and still do. Cheers to you.

With Love,

Ellen

Day 5 San Juan Puerto Rico

Here we are in sunny,warm San Juan Puerto Rico. This just happens to be one of the best stops on this particular cruise. You'll see why in a bit.

This is Old San Juan's fort from a distance as we started to pull into port.

We had a few minutes after breakfast to hang around the pool area before disembarking the ship.

Hubby loves to bask in the sun. Where is this mans hat and sun glasses?????

I just love cruising along the coast line as we pull in and out of ports.

Getting a bit closer.

This was such a beautiful area, and we seen a few dolphins toying around the ship.

This is the roof top of Senor frogs, a very happening place. We didn't go in but have been in one before in the Bahamas....WILD!!!

A very dear friend was staying in this hotel behind senor frogs. It is the oldest hotel n the U.S.

This is looking out a doorway along the side of the hotel, look how close our ship was to the hotel my friend was staying.

Meet my wonderful friend Terri and her hubby Joe. I met Terri through a yahoo group. Terri lives in New York. This is the second time I had the pleasure of meeting up with Terri, as she came to my State with her hubby for a business meet. She drove to my house, and we went of for the day.

This is my hubby with Terri and I. While Paul and I went into the coach store (oh my what bargains I found) Terri and Joe found this little outside are in an alley way. We sat and had a smoothie and chatted.

We walked around town, and ended up at Terri & Joe's hotel. We spent some time in the casino before we had to get back to the ship. I sure do hope to get to visit with both Terri and Joe again.

Next stop is the most gorgeous Island ever...St Maarten.

Huggles,

Ellen

Cruise (part 2) Day 4 Labadee Haiti

Day 4 we arrived in Labadee, Haiti which is one of Royal Caribbean's private Islands. The very first time we went to Labadee was in 1989. I can not believe the changes throughout the years. It now is built up, but still a very beautiful place to spend the day. The cruise line cooks a BBQ on the beach and its amazing. This is one day that is so laid back and enjoyable. In years past we would have to tend from the ship to the land now we walk off the ship and walk along a cemented walk way. I much rather walk than to have to wait for a tender.

 

The mountains are just amazing. I just feel so badly that Haiti is so poor and they are still very much suffering from that horrific earthquake. We did loose a very wonderful local teen that was volunteering over there.

This is basically how the natives travel and work. These two guys were rowing so hard and fast, they were going much faster than the ship was. They sure do put in long hard days.

This is where we set up for the morning. I just love getting to the beach early and then leave at the hottest part of the day and be done with the beach.

Hubby and I just love to walk and explore.

We found this beautiful end of the Island, that not many walk to

The views were incredible. We did run into a wedding couple, with their photographer taking pictures. Not sure if they married on Labadee or just chose there for their pictures.

As you can see the ship in the background. You could see her from many areas of the Island. She sure is pretty.

Here you can see the walkway that I told you about.

We also ran into a gentleman that was from our area and he offered to take our photo. He was out walking around while his wife baked herself at the beach. LOL

The next stop will be

San Juan Puerto Rico.

Hope you enjoyed our day In Labadee.

Hugs,

Ellen

cruise 2012 (part 1)

My husband and I just got back from a 12 day carribean cruise on Royal Carribeans the Explorer of the seas. Oh what a lovely ship. We left out of Cape Liberty New Jersey. This picture above was copied from a web site.

We had gotten a suite for the first time, and was very happy we did. It had a giant walk in closet.

A very deep tub in the bathroom. The first tub we've ever had in a cabin.

A king size bed, couch and two chairs.

A desk with lots of draws and multiple storage.

This was our first time seeing the Statue of Liberty, and she sure is a pretty lady.

And the New York Skyline...WOW very impressive for sure.

This Bridge was amazing....it was two stories.

Hubby enjoys the buffets on board.

And I love the ship decor.

This was the evening to meet the captain.

The funny things the cabin stewards do with towels. This seal was pretty cool.

And wearing my shades. LOL

We got back to our stateroom one afternoon and found a plate of chocolate covered strawberries and cookies... Oh how perect to sit on our private balcony indulging in chocolate....such a dream.

These photos were pretty much from days 1, 2 and 3. Day  we will be off to Labadee Haiti.

Hugs,

Ellen