Cruise - Part 3

At the rate I'm going, this is going to take 6 parts...which means after today I'm half way done!!  Ha...

Wednesday we were in Belize.  It wasn't an island, but the mainland of Belize!  This was the day that we found out what tendering is, and that we HATE it.  We had an excursion set to leave at 9:20am (ship time)  Because we weren't sure how tendering works, we figured giving ourselves an hour to get there would be plenty of time...Wrong!  Tendering is when there isn't a dock big enough for the cruise ship, so the cruise ship anchors at sea and then boats come get us from the cruise ship and take us to the place we're going.  So here's what happened:

Our cruise director, Gary, got on the speakers early in the morning and told us that in order to tender to Belize we would have to meet in the Amber Palace (a big theater on board).  He said that you shouldn't show up there until you are 100% ready to go.  He also said that the tender would be only 15 minutes to Belize.  Because of all this, we thought we were golden showing up at 8:15am in the Amber Palace.  However, when we showed up there were already A LOT of people sitting in the Palace.  The worker gave us a sticker with the number 12 on it and told us to sit in a certain row and wait for our number to be called.  We still thought we'd be ok because these tenders, or boats, would have to hold a lot of people.  The next set of numbers was called pretty quick after we sat down.  4,5,6, & 7.  We calculated that being number 12 meant that we'd probably miss the next set.  Shoot.  

Then we waited.  And waited.  It was getting down to the wire.  It was almost 9am, which with a 15 minute tender meant that we'd get off the boat with just enough time to run to our meeting place for our excursion.  We kept reminding ourselves that in Cozumel we'd waited for people who didn't show up for over an hour, so hopefully this group would wait for us.  But then we'd remember that the snorkeling tour was only supposed to be 2 hours, and the tour in Belize was a 6 hour tour.  I was nervous; and I'm pretty sure Greg was too.

Finally the next numbers were called.  Just like we thought: 8, 9, 10, & 11.  We took a deep breath and crossed our fingers...and he called it!  12!  We jumped up, rushed to the door where a worker was waiting to lead us down to the tender.  I asked him "How long until we're in Belize from this point?"  He laughed.  "This point?" he said pointing to where he was standing.  "From this point, 20 minutes."  That would mean that we'd be arriving in Belize at the exact time that we need to meet our group.  He lead us down to the gangway (the bottom floor of the ship) where we paused.  Another worked came around the corner and said he can fit 5 more on the boat about to leave.  "We're two!" I nearly shouted at him.  But a lady a few back from us started stepping forward saying, "There are 5 of us."  Shoot!

So we waited again; for about 5 tortuous minutes.  Finally there was a tender ready for us.  The workers kept asking us to move down, so we ended up in a corner at the front of the boat.  Neither of us are very pushy so we just had to hope that everyone would be quick at getting off.  They were, and then Greg pushed me through them.  We were running through these hoards of people trying to read the directions, which didn't quite make sense.  We found the first spot on the directions, but it told us to look for sliding glass doors, and we didn't see these.  We walked back and forth, back and forth.  And then just decided to follow people into what we thought was a store.  As we entered we saw the glass doors.  

When they opened there were about 20 guys standing there chanting their tours at us.  We paused.  I'm sure we looked confused and one guy asked who we were looking for.  We told him the name of the company and a guy stepped forward, checked our papers and then told us to hurry.  We got to the meeting spot and they were starting to send groups out to the buses.  As Greg was paying I was trying to listen to where each group was going so we didn't miss ours.  Just as Greg came back to me the leader of our group had rounded up the people.  When he counted all of us, we were still missing two.  But because our tour was so long, he said we'd just have to get going without them.  I couldn't believe it.  We had JUST made it.

I was really excited for our tour in Belize.  We were going to visit a large group of Mayan ruins.  The site is called Lamanai.  It reminded us of Lamanite, and supposedly the first set of buildings were built in 300 B.C.  This added a level of excitement for me; I love history, but this was like ancient church history!!  LOVE!!


We had an hour bus (really a big van) ride out to a river, and then an hour ride up the river on a speed boat before arriving at the site.  Honestly, the river ride was one of the highlights of our entire cruise.  Our tour guides were really knowledgeable and funny!  Junior drove us out of Belize City to the river.  The only speed limit sign we saw said 25 and we were going at least double that.  It made me nervous at times.  Instead of cross walks in Belize, they have speed bumps where people cross.  So he would slow down when we got to one of those, but otherwise we just sped along.  He stopped to show us the "four-legged bamboo chicken", an iguana.  He also showed us the macadamia nut and fruit.

When we got to the boat dock, which wasn't more than a few barrels tied to some boards so they would float, we met our river guide.  His name was Collin.  It made us think of our little buddy at home.


As soon as we got on board, Collin found an iguana in the trees.  He also called it a "four-legged bamboo chicken" and the guides laughed.  He said we'd enjoy our lunch, and after we ate they'd tell us what we had.  Then the guides laughed again.  Sounds like we had iguana for lunch.  And guess what; it tasted like chicken.

The boat ride on the river was like nothing I'd ever experienced.  The river twisted and had so many channels, and was lined with trees.  We were amazed that Collin knew where he was going.  They slowed to show us the Mennonite establishment, and slowed when there were men spear fishing in the river.  They talked about the wildlife there, but said most likely we wouldn't see any because we were the last boat going up the river and the other boats probably scared away the animals.  They told us that there were many birds, snakes, manatees and crocodiles in the freshwater river.

As we got closer to the dock for Lamanai, the river opened to a giant lake.  We couldn't see it coming because of the trees along the river, but it just opened up to a huge lake and valley.  We could even see the tops of the ruins.  It was pretty amazing, and really hard to take a picture of...


 

Here's the river before it opened up.

Here's the lake and valley.  It changed that much in a split second.

 
Collin was also our guide through the ruin site.  He told us that the buildings that are left and that we were going to visit are the temples these people used.  Their houses were most likely built from wood and leaves and therefore didn't survive the years.  He said that when archaeologists discovered these temples they brought some artifacts out and also some animals bones.  He said the people were probably sacrificing animals.  He also told us that the temples were built in layers.  Each new leader would add to the temple when he ruled.  Some of the top layers of these temples aren't there any more because of weathering and erosion.  But they were still pretty amazing to see.  Here are the pictures:

This is the Jaguar Temple.  If you look closely there are two "jaguar" faces on the lower corners of the temple.  The one of the left (by the other couple) is original.  The archaeologists reconstructed the one on the right.

This is the High Temple.  They will let you climb up it, which is why you can see people coming down.

Yep, that's my butt ascending the first set of very tall, very steep stairs.  After the second and longest set, I panicked a little bit.  I was feeling sick not only of exhaustion but also the height was getting to me.  It was SO hot and humid.  I wasn't sure I would finish.

I'm glad there was a rope for the middle, longest set of stairs.  I don't think I would have done it if there wasn't a rope.  And yes, it was that steep.  My foot barely fit on a stair.  I don't know how the people with bigger feet do it.

We made it!!  The view from the top was gorgeous.  You can see the large lake behind us.  Collin told us later that the lake was man made and most likely the people who built this settlement made the lake so they would have more water.

The last temple we visited was the Mask Temple.

Two fishermen, showing us what they've caught.  They told our guides that  a man whom we'd seen on our way to the ruins spear fishing, had gotten bit by a crocodile!  Some one in our group had asked when we'd seen the men spear fishing, if they've ever had problems with crocodiles attacking people, and Collin joked that crocodiles only like white meat, not dark meat.  Guess he was wrong.

Cruise - Part 2

We arrived in Cozumel Tuesday morning.  We had booked our excursion before the cruise from a company online (instead of going through the cruise ship...) All the places we were going to had basically the same excursions.  We decided to snorkel in Cozumel because we'd read and heard that it was gorgeous.  We booked our excursion with Island Marketing, and our group was only 8 people, but 4 didn't show.  So it ended up only being 4 people!  We ran into one of the cruise ship snorkel groups and I'm pretty sure there were 30+ people in that group.  We LOVED the small group.  We got through at a good pace, and I got more help as it was my first time snorkeling.  

Our excursion was leaving from a small dock in downtown Cozumel about 3 hours after we docked.  From our dock at Puerta Maya to downtown was about 3.5 miles and since we had the time we decided to walk and take in the area.  About 2/3 of the way there my toe started hurting.  I looked down and saw a popped blister on my big toe.  My flip flops were giving me blisters!!  We weren't exactly sure how far we were from the dock, and didn't want to get a cab to just go a 1/4 mile.  So we continued to walk, me limping.  We stopped in some shops to rest my feet and also to do a little souvenir shopping.

We made it in time to the dock.  We were about 10 minutes early, but no one else was there yet.  The man in charge there told us that we'd probably leave in 30 minutes, but for sure in 45.  We went shopping again.  I was amazed at how cheap things were.  The shops near the cruise ship seemed expensive compared to the ones in downtown.  

We made a quick pit stop at the bathroom before going back to the dock.  The toilet didn't have a seat, just the bowl!  And there was a large trash can with lid in the stall with the toilet.  Greg told me later that the people here don't flush their used tp.  They throw it in that trash can!!  Gross...

There were more people waiting at the dock when we got back so we were pretty sure that we'd be leaving soon.  Nope!  Our group still wasn't there.  Two other groups were though, and they went and got on their boat.  The 45 minute-for-sure-leaving time came and went.  Finally the other 2 people there went to ask, and were kinda pushy about leaving.  The man in charge then let us get on the glass bottom boat that had been there since we first arrived!!  We waited a while on the boat at the dock before they finally let us go, about and hour and a half after we were supposed to leave.  

Part of our boat was a plexi-glass bottom so we could watch underwater while being transported to one of the two places we were going to snorkel.  On the boat ride over our guide gave me a quick lesson in snorkeling.  He also told us that because of the hurricane in 2005 most of the reef was destroyed.  He said there was still some coral, but it wasn't nearly as great as it was before the hurricane.  

The water was more shallow at the first place we went.  But that was also where we ran into - literally - the large cruise ship snorkel group.  We'd be snorkeling along and then get run into by a bunch of people!  There were a lot of little fish, some brightly colored.  We also saw what looked to be a bay eel.  And then we saw a group of BIG fish.  They were probably about half my size!!

Then we got back on the boat and went to a second spot which was close to our cruise ship!  The water was deeper, but there was more coral and definitely more fish!  Plus there were less people.  Only one other small group was there and they stayed away from us.  The fish weren't scared of us either.  They swam right into our faces and along our legs.  It freaked me out a bit.  We hardly had to swim as well, because we were going in the direction of the current.  It was so fun and way cool!  Our guide even told me I did a very good job for my first time. 

Once we got back on the boat, the other two ladies in our group asked in we could be taken back to a dock closer because our cruise ship was right there!  The captain of the boat worked it out with a friend that we could for $2 a person.  Because of this we didn't get to go back to the cheap shops in downtown.  We had to buy our souvenirs in the expensive cruise ship shopping place.  Oh well.

When we got back on board we were hungry so we grabbed some lunch/dinner at the grill on board the ship and then took a nap.  Because of that we didn't go to the dining room that night.  I am pretty sure I've never eaten as much as I did on this cruise, and I didn't gain a pound!  We were so active, we must have worked off all the calories.

And now for some pictures:

Greg outside the cruise dock shopping place.

Part of the 3.5 miles we walked.

Downtown Cozumel

Isn't it beautiful!?!

Our guide took a picture of both of us!

As you can see, the coral was pretty destroyed.

Greg could even go underwater!  I didn't master that technique.

Our Cruise - Part 1

I'm not sure how many parts I'll need to get our whole trip posted, but I decided that I'd just get started on it.  PS.  This will be long.  I want to remember the details...

We decided back in February that we needed a real big trip.  I didn't get anything of the sort when I graduated, and Greg didn't get one for his last graduation.  We also checked our finances, and we had a little bit extra in our account.  Also, knowing that we'd be getting a full time salary soon helped.  I really wanted a beach vacation.  I wanted to relax, but I didn't want to spend a ton.  So we settled on a cruise.  It was a good choice...


We flew into Fort Lauderdale, Florida Saturday the 14th.  We were to board our cruise ship at the Port of Miami Sunday before 2:30pm for our week long cruise to the Western Caribbean.  We spent Saturday night in a hotel in Ft. Lauderdale, which meant we had about a 30 minute drive Sunday to the Port, and no car.  We did some research online about how much a taxi would be; about $70 according to the info we found.  The hotel we were at offered a shuttle for $65, so we decided to do that.  

When we arrived at the ship, they had delays.  It had been raining, and rather than have people trying to board in the rain, they had postponed embarking.  We waited for what seemed like hours just to get through security.  But once through that, it went more smoothly and quickly.  Our stateroom (an inside room) was TINY!!!  We began unpacking as soon as we got there, so we could stow away our suitcases and give us more room.  Then we checked out the ship, or what we could get to and find.  It was so crowded!  Everyone on board must have been on the open deck that first day.  It was ridiculous! 

Because of the rain delay, we left later than expected.  Our first day aboard the Carnival Glory was a day at sea.  I was excited about that at first, so that I could get acclimated to a routine.  However, everyone wanted to be out and about that day, and everywhere we went was packed with people!  We tried to find two deck chairs together which took us a while.  All the food lines were long.  But we did get to look forward to the first of two formal nights.  

There was so much to do aboard the ship.  There were a couple of theaters and lounges, a dance club, three+ dining rooms, a spa, a steakhouse, a few pools, and even an adults only area.  We had plenty to explore.  

We did "Your time dining" which is more like a regular restaurant, where you give them the number in your party and then they find you a table.  The first night was crazy, with long wait times.  The second night, and formal night, was more relaxed.  It was fun to get all dressed up, eat a fancy three-course meal, and dance.  Both nights we sat by couples that we chatted with.  Its so neat to hear everyone's life stories, especially when you don't even know their names!

Tuesday morning we arrived, on time, to Cozumel.  We had a good captain...

Here are some pictures from the first two days:

The deck.  That is a big screen tv up there.  They showed movies at night.  We caught part of Harry Potter 7 and a Katy Perry concert.

Yep, there was a water slide.  The kids on board were always in line for it.  We never did get around to going on it.

Lounging on the deck our first day at sea.

Enjoying relaxing and the sun.

At dinner on formal night.

The waiters and waitresses sang for us so we could dance.  The nice couple next to us at dinner grabbed our camera to capture this candid moment.

Yep, that's it.  That is the entirety of our room.

The bathroom.  Greg is standing in the shower.  Whenever I would shower the entire floor of the bathroom would have water on it.  There was a drain but it was slow!

Part 2 coming tomorrow!!

Greg's Graduation!!

** So I finally figured out how to get the pictures off our new camera...

He did it!!  Greg made it through 6 years of college and graduated with a Masters in business.  We're so proud of him.

All the graduates filing in to the Huntsman Center.  Greg is one of the ones on the side.

Just after receiving the diploma (holder).

Greg's nephews.  They did a similar pose at Greg's BYU graduation, so we just HAD to do it again.

Greg's parents.

Becca's parents.

So, so proud of him!! And so glad we're done!!

The next day we had a BBQ to celebrate with friends and family.  Yummy food and great company; it was a good day!!
 

Eric playing peek-a-boo with Collin.

Our friends: the Walters' boys and the Gerken's.

Tina and Greg's Dad.  And I'm pretty sure that's Greg with the DP...

Don't worry, Collin only had some root beer or juice as we call it.

Becca's parents drove up two days in a row to celebrate with us!

Greg's GIANT cookie cake.  And if you can believe it, this was only a half sheet!

Collin and Becca playing peek-a-boo.

The boys played some basketball...if you can call this mess basketball.  Yep, that's Collin in there.  He didn't want to be left out of the boys' fun.

Greg trying to dunk.

It was a busy, fun-filled weekend.  

Crazy couple of weeks

Life around here has been crazy.  I've had a "Countdown to our Cruise" going on our white board and I slightly think that has made things more stressful for me.  There was, and still is, so much I want and need to have done before we leave. 
First, since Greg got his full time job (well really salary.  He was already pretty much working full time hours.) we have been looking to move.  The apartment we're in right now is super cheap and works fine, but its older and small.  The only air conditioning we have is a small unit in the wall of the living room.  We remember coming from the summer in Arizona and thinking that this apartment was HOT!  So we've been scouring the internet and even just driving around in the areas we might want to be to see if there is anything out there.  We keep debating between buying and renting, but neither is really seeming like a good option...  It's been stressful and consumes a lot of our time.
Another thing on the list was to get a new camera.  Our old camera I bought the year before we got married, so it's over 4 years old.  It picture quality was dwindling and the shutter speed was inadequate for chasing a little toddler around.  It was time for a new one.  I really, REALLY wanted a DSLR.  But they are expensive, so we shopped around a lot.  We stumbled upon a deal that WalMart was having for Mother's Day.  They had discounted the Nikon D-3100, but with the deal you could also get a camera bag and instructional DVD!  It was an amazing deal, and we jumped on it.  We were also amazed at the customer service we got at WalMart!  Getting this camera is one of the main reasons for not posting; because I haven't figured out how to get the pictures from the camera onto the computer yet.  I think I need a certain cord that we don't have.  Another thing to do before the cruise!!
Two other things have been consuming my time: Greg's graduation and family here, and shopping for new clothes because the ones I have now don't fit.  The ones I had before pregnancy are too small, and the ones I bought after are too big.  The last one has been kind of nice, but then at the same time not.  I love that I've lost weight and need new clothes, but with the time crunch it really stresses me out!
Greg is done!!! DONE WITH SCHOOL!!!  We couldn't be more thrilled.  It's been a long journey, and one that we're happily leaving in the past.  Greg's parents came out for the graduation and because we don't get to see them very often, we spent a lot of time with them. 
And because of all this I haven't been on top of posting.