Caribbean Cruise! Cont...

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Monday, February 13

Sunday night was a smoother night on the ocean.  We slept much better and thankfully didn't wake up to losing our previous nights' dinner.  We had already "ported" by the time we awoke, and were surprised to see that we were just floatin' around.  The captain's morning announcement told us that we were on the opposite side of Grand Cayman than originally planned because the waves were too strong to port on the other side.  In his British accent he apologized for the "rinky-dinky pier" where we'd have to be shuttled in on the life boats.  

All was well.  We didn't know any different so no disappointments there!

Although it looks stormy, the weather was actually perfect!  For our excursion we chose to go with some other couples in our group and just relax on the beach.  It was about a 10-15 minute bus ride to 7 Mile Beach, and I really wish I would have taken some pictures along the way because Grand Cayman is so beautiful!  There were incredible, home-lined canals with docks and boats as the front and back yards.  The streets were lined with exotic plants and flowers, and little benches in what looked like decorative play-houses were randomly placed on road islands and round-abouts.  It was clean and well kept, and as we were driving we saw big (huge!) iguanas just chillin' on the sidewalks.

 Just some of our views as we waited for our bus.

That's me (part of me anyway) under that red umbrella.  The two couples in front of us, and two couples behind us that aren't in the picture, were part of the group we were with. 

  

This was our first time in a long time swimming in the ocean.  We forgot just how salty it is!  Our eyes were stinging like crazy, but it was worth it.  We loved it!

"Suntanned toes, tickling the sand....cold drink chilling in my right hand".... oh wait... cold drink that fell in the sand.  Then got hot.

After several hours of swimming, reading, and sleeping on the beach we headed back by bus to the pier.  I'm glad we did this because, although it was not as active and adventurous as our next excursions, going to relax on a beach in the Caribbean is something I've always dreamed of doing.  Honestly, who doesn't?!

I had Jack in mind when I took this picture.  I was excited to show him a "real" pirate ship!

 And another one.

Here's the "rinky-dinky pier", and compared to the other ones we ported at I guess it was. 

  

I borrowed this cover-up from Jess's sister and I'm sure it drags on the ground when she wears it.  Haha, nothing's ever long enough on me, that's just the story of my life. 

 Headed back aboard the ship.

This was a picture of the evening view off our balcony after we set sail again.  It was very awe-inspiring to just sit out there and stare.  I was really hoping to see dolphins (some in our group had in a previous cruise and I hoped we'd get as lucky) but we didn't.  Just breathtaking sunrises, sunsets, and ever expansive sights.