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Mayan Mystique Cruise - Late Feb. 2012

We took the "Mayan Mystique" cruise on Oceania Feb. 26 - March 7, visiting 4 Caribbean countries plus Key West in 10 days. Each country and port was different and enjoyable. Howard concentrated on ship/port activities & camaraderie while I concentrated on seeing as much of each destination as my feet and wallet could stand. We got together to enjoy food, relaxation, and the chance to leave cooking, cleaning, dog care, and worrying behind.
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Boarded the Marina. With 1250 vs Oceania's usual 680 pax, I wasn't sure I'd like her. I DID - but who needs a bathtub?
Boarded the Marina. With 1250 vs Oceania's usual 680 pax, I wasn't sure I'd like her. I DID - but who needs a bathtub?		 We usually get inside cabins, but not this time. From our veranda I saw dolphins in the Port of Miami.
We usually get inside cabins, but not this time. From our veranda I saw dolphins in the Port of Miami.		 The next morning we woke up in Key West, docked at the Mole - Navy Pier. This was the view from our veranda.
The next morning we woke up in Key West, docked at "the Mole" - Navy Pier. This was the view from our veranda.		 I'd been to KW before, so sought out new things. I found a sculpture garden with many interesting busts.
I'd been to KW before, so sought out new things. I found a sculpture garden with many interesting busts.
Quirky Key West: rooster-decorated utility box. There's plenty to do in KW, but it's not cheap. I found freebies instead.
Quirky Key West: rooster-decorated utility box. There's plenty to do in KW, but it's not cheap. I found freebies instead.		 I walked to the Southernmost Point buoy. The REAL southernmost point is on the nearby off-limits military base.
I walked to the Southernmost Point buoy. The REAL southernmost point is on the nearby off-limits military base.		 Key West Lighthouse from the side. I must have walked at least 5 miles that day in the hot sun. KW is bigger than I thought!
Key West Lighthouse from the side. I must have walked at least 5 miles that day in the hot sun. KW is bigger than I thought!		 At the Bird Rehab Center, I met Mooch, who was roaming free. I got eaten alive by mosquitoes-had huge red welts for 3 days.
At the Bird Rehab Center, I met "Mooch," who was roaming free. I got eaten alive by mosquitoes-had huge red welts for 3 days.
Down by the tourist madness (Mallory Square) I found a very cool bike.
Down by the tourist madness (Mallory Square) I found a very cool bike.		 The next day was 1 of 2 at sea days. I explored the ship, shot this stunning bar, took a craft class, & hit the pool.
The next day was 1 of 2 "at sea" days. I explored the ship, shot this stunning bar, took a craft class, & hit the pool.		 Howard did shuffleboard, putting, miniature golf, & trivia games, plus visited the casino.
Howard did shuffleboard, putting, miniature golf, & trivia games, plus visited the casino.		 We made our first visit to new Red Ginger, where you can watch the chefs. Asian's not my fave, but I (& Howard) loved it.
We made our first visit to new "Red Ginger," where you can watch the chefs. Asian's not my fave, but I (& Howard) loved it.
The next morning we woke up in Mexico (Costa Maya in Quintana Roo, home of Mayan ruins). We were the only ship in town-yay!
The next morning we woke up in Mexico (Costa Maya in Quintana Roo, home of Mayan ruins). We were the only ship in town-yay!		 There's a tourism village right at the port (pool, bar, shops) & a train to take you there if you don't want to/can't walk.
There's a tourism village right at the port (pool, bar, shops) & a train to take you there if you don't want to/can't walk.		 I wanted to see ruins in Belize, but the excursion was sold out; decided to see ruins near Costa Maya instead (consolat. prize).
I wanted to see ruins in Belize, but the excursion was sold out; decided to see ruins near Costa Maya instead (consolat. prize).		 The Chacchoben (Place of Red Corn) ruins have structures from 700 AD. The site was only opened to the public fairly recently.
The Chacchoben (Place of Red Corn) ruins have structures from 700 AD. The site was only opened to the public fairly recently.
A long climb up stone stairs brings you to this gem (& another), not visible from below (Templo 1, Gran Basamento)
A long climb up stone stairs brings you to this gem (& another), not visible from below (Templo 1, Gran Basamento)		 I loved the element of surprise in climbing up to discover 2 other temples. Also, there were few tourists there other than us!
I loved the element of surprise in climbing up to discover 2 other temples. Also, there were few tourists there other than us!		 Flora and fauna in the western Caribbean fascinated me. Chacchoben was set amidst figs, palms, banyans & mahogany trees.
Flora and fauna in the western Caribbean fascinated me. Chacchoben was set amidst figs, palms, banyans & mahogany trees.		 Obviously this mahogany tree has been around for a long time.
Obviously this mahogany tree has been around for a long time.
There are tons of palm trees around, sometimes with fruit. Our guide let us smell a leaf that was allspice.
There are tons of palm trees around, sometimes with fruit. Our guide let us smell a leaf that was allspice.		 Mayan masks for sale at Chacchoben. After the excursion, it was back to Costa Maya.
Mayan masks for sale at Chacchoben. After the excursion, it was back to Costa Maya.		 Chacchoben only took a half day, so I went outside the port area to explore. I found this guy.
Chacchoben only took a half day, so I went outside the port area to explore. I found this guy.		 Howard found a great shot of Marina behind some palapas
Howard found a great shot of Marina behind some palapas
There were performances in the port village.
There were performances in the port village.		 And lots of colorful things that reminded me of New Mexico.
And lots of colorful things that reminded me of New Mexico.		 Outside the port.
Outside the port.		 A $3 cab ride took me to Mahahual, which has great dive, scuba and snorkel opportunities.
A $3 cab ride took me to Mahahual, which has great dive, scuba and snorkel opportunities.
You could get a massage, plus food and drink. It was NOT over-crowded, which I liked.
You could get a massage, plus food and drink. It was NOT over-crowded, which I liked.		 Corona, por favor!
Corona, por favor!		 Mahahual is basically a fishing village turned beach area. It was low-keyed and authentic - loved it!
Mahahual is basically a fishing village turned beach area. It was low-keyed and authentic - loved it!		 A shop owner hawking his wares told me where I could find an internet cafe. I fired off a message to Shelby & Tom.
A shop owner hawking his wares told me where I could find an internet cafe. I fired off a message to Shelby & Tom.
I'm 3 for 3 - I have seen lighthouses in all 3 ports we've visited! (In Key West, I also saw Sand Key).
I'm 3 for 3 - I have seen lighthouses in all 3 ports we've visited! (In Key West, I also saw Sand Key).		 I'm also 3 for 3 with wading birds. (This is a little blue heron).
I'm also 3 for 3 with wading birds. (This is a little blue heron).		 I could see the Marina from the lighthouse. It was a $2 cab ride back. Mexico. Costa Maya delivered more than I anticipated.
I could see the Marina from the lighthouse. It was a $2 cab ride back. Mexico. Costa Maya delivered more than I anticipated.		 The next morning we woke up on the island of Roatan, Honduras. Here the officials check us out.
The next morning we woke up on the island of Roatan, Honduras. Here the officials check us out.
There are 2 docking locations. We docked at Mahogany Bay, after passing this wreck (used for diving).
There are 2 docking locations. We docked at Mahogany Bay, after passing this wreck (used for diving).		 I had reserved a motorcycle from Captain Van's in West End (here's a church there) to explore the 49 sq. mile island.
I had reserved a motorcycle from Captain Van's in West End (here's a church there) to explore the 49 sq. mile island.		 It was a bit scary for me, but we drove around quite a bit of the island, which is beautiful and mello. (This is NOT me!!)
It was a bit scary for me, but we drove around quite a bit of the island, which is beautiful and mello. (This is NOT me!!)		 The east end is less developed - looks like paradise to me (Punta Gorda)!
The east end is less developed - looks like paradise to me (Punta Gorda)!
In Punta Gorda, Howard stopped to chat with residents.
In Punta Gorda, Howard stopped to chat with residents.		 We had lunch at French Harbor on the south side of the island.
We had lunch at French Harbor on the south side of the island.		 In Roatan, fishing is huge. Languages are English, Spanish & Garifuna. Currency is the lempira (5 cents).
In Roatan, fishing is huge. Languages are English, Spanish & Garifuna. Currency is the lempira (5 cents).		 A canal on the eastern (less populated) side.
A canal on the eastern (less populated) side.
There were beautiful bathing suit cover-ups for sale next to Capt. Van's office. Iguanas (real ones) are common on Roatan.
There were beautiful bathing suit cover-ups for sale next to Capt. Van's office. Iguanas (real ones) are common on Roatan.		 When we got back after our great adventure, Marina was being cleaned.
When we got back after our great adventure, Marina was being cleaned.		 The Marina in Roatan
The Marina in Roatan		 Next stop: Santo Tomas, Guatemala. I'd booked a boat trip with Happy Fish along the Rio Dulce river.
Next stop: Santo Tomas, Guatemala. I'd booked a boat trip with Happy Fish along the Rio Dulce river.
The 1st part across the bay was wild and wooly-felt like I was on a cigarette boat as we ripped across the Bay of Amatique.
The 1st part across the bay was wild and wooly-felt like I was on a cigarette boat as we ripped across the Bay of Amatique.		 Our guide was Freddy--very entertaining & informative. He also had incredible green eyes.
Our guide was Freddy--very entertaining & informative. He also had incredible green eyes.		 Along the Rio Dulce, we passed a woman fishing.
Along the Rio Dulce, we passed a woman fishing.		 Later we saw this family fishing with a net.
Later we saw this family fishing with a net.
The Rio Dulce is inhabited by the Maya Queqchi ethnic group. We visited the Ak Tenamit Settlement and school.
The Rio Dulce is inhabited by the Maya Queqchi ethnic group. We visited the Ak Tenamit Settlement and school.		 When we motored slowly through a lily pond, girls in dugouts came alongside to sell shells & bracelets.
When we motored slowly through a lily pond, girls in dugouts came alongside to sell shells & bracelets.		 A beautiful Mayan girl.
A beautiful Mayan girl.		 The girls came right up to our boat.
The girls came right up to our boat.
Lilies and dugouts. There is no way to get to the settlements along the river by car-only boat.
Lilies and dugouts. There is no way to get to the settlements along the river by car-only boat.		 We stopped in Livingston for a late lunch. It was a hilly town with a slightly rough & tumble feel to it.
We stopped in Livingston for a late lunch. It was a hilly town with a slightly rough & tumble feel to it.		 After lunch, it was back to the boat (passing this house) and back to Santo Tomas.
After lunch, it was back to the boat (passing this house) and back to Santo Tomas.		 When the Marina left Santo Tomas, Garifuna women danced for us, while men played drums. Freddy was there, too, waving goodbye.
When the Marina left Santo Tomas, Garifuna women danced for us, while men played drums. Freddy was there, too, waving goodbye.
Ruth's appetizer in Toscana, 1 of 4 specialty (but free) restaurants on Marina.
Ruth's appetizer in Toscana, 1 of 4 specialty (but free) restaurants on Marina.		 Howard's entree (veal). He took a bite and never stopped groaning with happiness until it was gone.
Howard's entree (veal). He took a bite and never stopped groaning with happiness until it was gone.		 Different day/country: Belize. We both took the Belizean tender to town. Howard checked out the casino & found it interesting.
Different day/country: Belize. We both took the Belizean tender to town. Howard checked out the casino & found it interesting.		 Oceania was able to get me on the Lamanai ruins & boat trip excursion. We saw snake plants on the boat ride.
Oceania was able to get me on the Lamanai ruins & boat trip excursion. We saw snake plants on the boat ride.
We saw howler monkeys. They're small, but make an incredible racket. We heard it at the ruins-1st thought it was a recording.
We saw howler monkeys. They're small, but make an incredible racket. We heard it at the ruins-1st thought it was a recording.		 Belizian boys fishing.
Belizian boys fishing.		 Would you believe there's a Mennonite community along the Lamanai River? These guys were fishing in a canoo.
Would you believe there's a Mennonite community along the Lamanai River? These guys were fishing in a canoo.		 Lamanai (submerged crocodile) Mayan Ruins - known for its huge masks. It was occupied between 1500 BC until the 1800s.
Lamanai ("submerged crocodile") Mayan Ruins - known for its huge masks. It was occupied between 1500 BC until the 1800s.
The mask on the right.
The mask on the right.		 The mask on the left.
The mask on the left.		 No masks, just a fine looking temple.
No masks, just a fine looking temple.		 You could climb this tall temple, but I was hot, starving (lunch came very late) & too pooped to do it.
You could climb this tall temple, but I was hot, starving (lunch came very late) & too pooped to do it.
We were cooking on the way back. I was in the back seat, next to a Belize tourist policeman.
We were cooking on the way back. I was in the back seat, next to a Belize tourist policeman.		 It was good to get back, find Howard (shown here with a new British friend), take a shower, & rinse off bug spray/suntan lotion.
It was good to get back, find Howard (shown here with a new British friend), take a shower, & rinse off bug spray/suntan lotion.		 As was common, we ate on the Terrace for dinner, with Howard hitting the casino later.
As was common, we ate on the Terrace for dinner, with Howard hitting the casino later.		 Back to Mexico, Cozumel. Mexico has the bluest water in the Caribbean. Howard played golf in Coz with shipmates.
Back to Mexico, Cozumel. Mexico has the bluest water in the Caribbean. Howard played golf in Coz with shipmates.
The course got high marks from Howard & the guys. Here, he waves to friends up top on the ship.
The course got high marks from Howard & the guys. Here, he waves to friends up top on the ship.		 Only ship in town again-yay! I walked off & found crew members at Sr. Frog's using the wifi. I got my netbook & joined them.
Only ship in town again-yay! I walked off & found crew members at Sr. Frog's using the wifi. I got my netbook & joined them.		 You could do water sports right near the pier, but I decided to (what else?) go snooping around.
You could do water sports right near the pier, but I decided to (what else?) go snooping around.		 From where we docked (southern pier) it was a long walk to town (San Miguel). This is the church there.
From where we docked (southern pier) it was a long walk to town (San Miguel). This is the church there.
San Miguel was having a parade. I don't know Spanish, so all I could tell was that the parade had to do with family.
San Miguel was having a parade. I don't know Spanish, so all I could tell was that the parade had to do with family.		 Oxycodin, anyone? Mexican pharmacies don't require prescriptions. I kept walking.
Oxycodin, anyone? Mexican pharmacies don't require prescriptions. I kept walking.		 Cozumel had a dolphin swim right at the port. I'm not a PETA person, but I'm not sure I liked this operation.
Cozumel had a "dolphin swim" right at the port. I'm not a PETA person, but I'm not sure I liked this operation.		 Only one more port to go (sigh!), plus an at-sea day, then back home. Better get some people shots while the weather is good!
Only one more port to go (sigh!), plus an at-sea day, then back home. Better get some people shots while the weather is good!
I didn't find Mitt Romney's money in the tons of banks in George Town, but I found the P.O. with beautiful stamps.
I didn't find Mitt Romney's money in the tons of banks in George Town, but I found the P.O. with beautiful stamps.		 Next day, next country: Cayman Islands. Finally got to use Oceania's tenders. The sea was rough, & I was glad we got in to town.
Next day, next country: Cayman Islands. Finally got to use Oceania's tenders. The sea was rough, & I was glad we got in to town.		 It was easy to find island buses. I took one (w/driving on the left) to West End, passing 7 Mile & other beaches.
It was easy to find island buses. I took one (w/driving on the left) to West End, passing 7 Mile & other beaches.		 I took a bus to the east end, & the bus emptied out. The enterprising driver (buses = privately owned) turned into a tour guide.
I took a bus to the east end, & the bus emptied out. The enterprising driver (buses = privately owned) turned into a tour guide.
For a little extra, Delano stopped to show me the blow holes, wrecks, and the decrepit lighthouse I'd asked about.
For a little extra, Delano stopped to show me the blow holes, wrecks, and the decrepit lighthouse I'd asked about.		 It's a very sad lighthouse. Nevertheless, a woman is paid to stay there to greet visitors. Surprise: Avg. Cayman salary is $42K
It's a very sad lighthouse. Nevertheless, a woman is paid to stay there to greet visitors. Surprise: Avg. Cayman salary is $42K		 I had lunch at a table outside KFC, where I spied this guy searching for tidbits. He was living dangerously!
I had lunch at a table outside KFC, where I spied this guy searching for tidbits. He was living dangerously!		 Don't tell me to go to hell - I've already been there! (It's on Grand Cayman Isl. & has a P.O. for mailing stuff from Hell.)
Don't tell me to go to hell - I've already been there! (It's on Grand Cayman Isl. & has a P.O. for mailing stuff from Hell.)
Hell is an area of limestone located along the shore. It was hokey but fun. I was the only person in hell when I visited.
Hell is an area of limestone located along the shore. It was hokey but fun. I was the only person in hell when I visited.		 Near Hell is. surprisingly, a church!
Near Hell is. surprisingly, a church!		 Hell is located on (what else?) Hell Road.
Hell is located on (what else?) Hell Road.		 Let's go, we're late: Last tender gets pulled up & we're on our way. After a night & day at sea we'll be back in Miami.
Let's go, we're late: Last tender gets pulled up & we're on our way. After a night & day at sea we'll be back in Miami.
We don't attend many shows, but DO enjoy the crew salute. Howard caught some of the crew as they started assembling in the back.
We don't attend many shows, but DO enjoy the crew salute. Howard caught some of the crew as they started assembling in the back.		 Some of the crew with guest photographer & artist (both great). Maybe if I get good enough I can give classes/cruise for free!
Some of the crew with guest photographer & artist (both great). Maybe if I get good enough I can give classes/cruise for free!		 The Captain (we'd had him before). Exec Chef (celebrating a B-day), Gen'l Manager, & entertainers plus other O staff members.
The Captain (we'd had him before). Exec Chef (celebrating a B-day), Gen'l Manager, & entertainers plus other "O" staff members.		 A happy group of Oceania employees ham it up for Howard (bartenders, we think, but since we don't drink much, we weren't sure!)
A happy group of Oceania employees ham it up for Howard (bartenders, we think, but since we don't drink much, we weren't sure!)
Next day: Cloudy at sea day with very rough seas, but luckily we don't get seasick. That night, we got to eat at Polo (yum!!)
Next day: Cloudy "at sea" day with very rough seas, but luckily we don't get seasick. That night, we got to eat at Polo (yum!!)		 Check it out; you may not see it for another 5 years: Ruth in a dress!
Check it out; you may not see it for another 5 years: Ruth in a dress!		 We didn't plan to match the paintings, but did a good job nevertheless. This was after Polo. Next up: packing
We didn't plan to match the paintings, but did a good job nevertheless. This was after Polo. Next up: packing		 A big surprise awaited us at the Miami airport: I saw my cousins Bill & Carolyn waiting to board my flight!
A big surprise awaited us at the Miami airport: I saw my cousins Bill & Carolyn waiting to board my flight!
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