Ormond Beach - New Year's Eve

Ormond Beach

 (needs photos) can't get photo thing to work

December 30, 2012 January 5, 2012

Sunday we took a walk on the beach and went to grocery store. In the evening went to movies to see Django. Looked around the beach area downtown and they have a neat open air band shell and they had an ice skating rink -- temporarily up during the holidays.  That was cool right on beach boardwalk area.  People were having so much fun ice skating.  I like palm trees and ice skating.

 

New Year's Eve.........yeah. We were invited to a couch surfer's house (Dawn and Al, and three of their friends) for turkey dinner at 5:00 p.m. and around 10:30 p.m. we all headed downtown for Daytona Beach Street Party. Live music, food/drink vendors, ball drop at midnight and fireworks over the ocean. We had such a great evening and a New Year's Eve like we haven't done for a long time. It was nice to party. Robert called to wish us a Happy New Years.

 

Rest of the week was pretty calm, some beach walking, some rainy days. We did rent two movies and we enjoyed: Men in Black 3 and Hope Springs. They were both good.

Tuesday had a few drinks, walked on the beach, hot tub, and we just had fun being stupid. Had Mexican food at a place called Peppers and they had the best Mexican rice I have ever had. I just could not believe how good it was.

It rained Wednesday, so  trip to Walmart to pick up some stuff.  

Thursday, a little rain.  Took a free tour of the chocolate factory, Angell & Phelps.  They had some good stuff, chocolate potato chips and also bacon.  We got samples.  Fun seeing them make choc. covered cherries.

 

Friday, packed up luggage and got stuff into car. Went to dinner at Greek Restaurant and had gyros. John had Greek lemon chicken soup and we both thought it was awful. To me it tasted like a nursing home smells. Weird stuff.

Saturday, checked out, stopped for breakfast. Made a detour to Deland and looked at their historic district which consisted of Stetson University, founded 1883, which is the oldest college in Florida.  Found a used book store where we were able to get credit for some books we gave them and John replenished his Clancy books. Got to Kissimmee and checked in. 

We went to Old Town to see the Saturday night cruise. This is the old cars and they had over 150 of them. There were some real nice ones there. I didn't like looking at cars at night because I couldn't see the true color or details, but it was fun. They also had a little band on stage that played “do wop” music from the 50's and 60's, so that was a trip down memory lane.   Fun evening. 

 

 

Ormond Beach - New Year's Eve

Ormond Beach

 (needs photos) can't get photo thing to work

December 30, 2012 January 5, 2012

Sunday we took a walk on the beach and went to grocery store. In the evening went to movies to see Django. Looked around the beach area downtown and they have a neat open air band shell and they had an ice skating rink -- temporarily up during the holidays.  That was cool right on beach boardwalk area.  People were having so much fun ice skating.  I like palm trees and ice skating.

 

New Year's Eve.........yeah. We were invited to a couch surfer's house (Dawn and Al, and three of their friends) for turkey dinner at 5:00 p.m. and around 10:30 p.m. we all headed downtown for Daytona Beach Street Party. Live music, food/drink vendors, ball drop at midnight and fireworks over the ocean. We had such a great evening and a New Year's Eve like we haven't done for a long time. It was nice to party. Robert called to wish us a Happy New Years.

 

Rest of the week was pretty calm, some beach walking, some rainy days. We did rent two movies and we enjoyed: Men in Black 3 and Hope Springs. They were both good.

Tuesday had a few drinks, walked on the beach, hot tub, and we just had fun being stupid. Had Mexican food at a place called Peppers and they had the best Mexican rice I have ever had. I just could not believe how good it was.

It rained Wednesday, so  trip to Walmart to pick up some stuff.  

Thursday, a little rain.  Took a free tour of the chocolate factory, Angell & Phelps.  They had some good stuff, chocolate potato chips and also bacon.  We got samples.  Fun seeing them make choc. covered cherries.

 

Friday, packed up luggage and got stuff into car. Went to dinner at Greek Restaurant and had gyros. John had Greek lemon chicken soup and we both thought it was awful. To me it tasted like a nursing home smells. Weird stuff.

Saturday, checked out, stopped for breakfast. Made a detour to Deland and looked at their historic district which consisted of Stetson University, founded 1883, which is the oldest college in Florida.  Found a used book store where we were able to get credit for some books we gave them and John replenished his Clancy books. Got to Kissimmee and checked in. 

We went to Old Town to see the Saturday night cruise. This is the old cars and they had over 150 of them. There were some real nice ones there. I didn't like looking at cars at night because I couldn't see the true color or details, but it was fun. They also had a little band on stage that played “do wop” music from the 50's and 60's, so that was a trip down memory lane.   Fun evening. 

 

 

Bahamas End - Titusville and Ormond Beach

Bahamas End -- Titusville and Ormond Beach

 

 12/22/12 - 12/31/12

Spent Saturday packing and getting organized for our departure tomorrow. We did take the shuttle into Port Lucaya for a last delicious gyro. Later we took Curtis and Shelby out for Italian dinner at Giovanni's. While there and since it was our last night decided to try conch again. I ordered a conch fritter appetizer. We all shared it and again and for the last time I realized I do not like conch.   I have to face that I do not like Bahamian food.   I've given it a fair chance and some cuisines just aren't for me.  Giovanni's was decorated for Christmas and looked very pretty and festive. We all ordered something different and everyone enjoyed their food.

Shelby and Curtis

Great CS friends

 

Woke up early, checked out and Curtis and Shelby came to pick us up for the airport. It was so nice of them to drive us over. We checked in at 8:30 a.m. and went into the terminal. Delay after delay. We got a dinner voucher of $12 each. We had to use it at the front snack bar. I didn't want to trust the food so I got 4 butter croissants, 2 Fritos and 2 Pepsis and John 5 croissants and 2 Cokes. At least the croissants were delicious (we did not eat them all). Back through security, sat another several hours. By the time we flew to Nassau we had been in the airport for 9 hours.  We were exhausted. 

In Nassau we picked up luggage, went through U.S. Customs  (that was a bit odd) and then went to get shuttle to go to International Terminal. Last trip we had paid $6 to taxi to the other terminal. When we got off the plane a guy was saying Taxi, need a taxi? I asked how much and said last time we had paid $6. He quoted between $6 and $9, and I asked which is it $6 or $9. He decided to be a butt and said $9, so we just left to get free shuttle. This taxi ride is about 4 minutes long just to the next door terminal, but too far to walk with luggage unless you're 21 and have one backpack. Waited and waited for shuttle. Finally a cab driver, Jonathan, came over and said he would take us over for $6. I am so thankful he came over. He was heaven sent. He took us to the terminal and told me to go in because he wasn't sure our plane was going to be there. I went in and the entire International Terminal was empty. Jonathan came in and said, let's go I'm taking you back to domestic. Bahamasair will give you a room, taxi and meal.

So back to Bahamasair domestic, told them our story, and they did give us a room at the Wyndham (a Casino) in Cable Beach that was very nice. They paid for our cab over and back and that was pretty far. We did pay Jonathan for the ride over and back to International and gave him a major tip. I felt he saved us that night and that he was our Guardian Angel sent to us.  Airline gave us each $15 for breakfast and $30 each for dinner. It was late when we arrived, so we ate a $75.00 dinner -- shared a Caesar salad (odd flavors for this salad); John had fried Macaroni & Cheese; and I had grilled pork chops w/french fries. I had to send my chops back for more cooking, fries were very good. I think Bahama cooking is not good and the spin they put on standard recipes is not good.  I did not like one item we ate in the Bahamas except these fries (all others we had were soggy, not crispy) and the Greek gyros I lived on. I think I would starve if I had to eat out in the Bahamas. 
 

Pool at Wyndham Casino Resort, Nassau

Cool water slide

Christmas Eve. I got up at 5:00 a.m. so I could look around the hotel since we arrived at night and I couldn't see anything. It stayed dark outside until about 6:40 and I did manage to get a few pictures so I'd remember Nassau. Our cab driver, Jonathan, picked us up at 7:00 a.m. and took us to the airport. We checked in, looked around, and sat and waited.  We were full of fear when we heard the announcement that our flight was delayed and they would get back to us.  Luckily only one delay and instead of us leaving at our original time of 10:30, we did fly out of Nassau at 11:40, and let me tell you we were happy.

 

On Christmas Eve we literally had 3 hotel rooms paid for. The Wyndham in Nassau paid for by airline. We had our hotel room in Orlando (Super 8 online price $41.00, senior rate) since we were expecting to arrive to pick up car at around 7:30 p.m. and did not want to drive to Titusville that night. Then our week rental in Titusville. Weird how that all worked out.

Arrived at Orlando, called the car storage shuttle and walked down quite a way to wait for it. Got our car and it was so nice to get in it and drive away. Off we headed to Titusville to our room at Vacation Villas. Stopped for lunch and John checks his phone and there is a message from resort. Said they are leaving at 3:00 instead of 4:00. Well we're an hour away and it is 3:50, so John calls them to say we are on our way. No answer so he leaves a message and he never heard back.  Since we're in Orlando we don't see any reason to drive an hour to have the office closed, so we decide to get a room. Go to Super 8, where we had paid last night but not stayed. Now the lady says their rate, best they can do is $99.00. I said I don't think so, we'll go somewhere else. She manages to go down to $79 so we take it. Went to first room, it was moldy smelling so I charged to front desk and asked for our money back and said we're not staying in there. She says try another room and it was much better so we did stay. Got to room, got online to find a Christmas Eve service. Went to a wonderful church for 8:00 p.m. service and then back to room to bed. 
 

Huge Christmas Tree at

Orlando Airport

 

Figured no one would be in office in Villas in Titusville on Christmas, so we got a room at the Wyndham Orlando Resort (same price at Super 8). Had lunch at the most unusual McDonald's huge and had their BBQ pork sandwich. This place is two stories with games and different areas for kids. Very different, but this is Orlando mecca for kids. Finally able at 4:00 to check in to resort. Unpacked a few things and headed to hot tub, steam room and dry sauna. Wanted to take advantage of it all. Met a nice lady, Mimi, at the pool and we visited a bit. We walked around and saw Mimi again by the bar so sat down with her and her husband, Mark, for Happy Hour.   Fun visiting with them and hope to see them again when we get over to their side of Florida.

Named the most unique

McDonald's in the world

 

Checked out early since John had a doctor's appointment. We had to get his defibrillator battery checked. I wanted John to go "home" for doctor but he said no. I did research on the internet and found a highly rated doctor who specializes in defibrillators. What a nice staff and doctor.. The internet sure does help in life and I'm so thankful for it. Battery does not need replacing and John has appt. to come back in two months to check it as it is getting close. Dr. did talk to John about his medication. Said one Rx he is taking could turn him blue if he gets too much sun. We have been in the sun a lot and are tan from the Bahamas. I will get him to put on sun block 50.  He thinks it would be cool to be blue. That's John!!!!

Drove to Titusville and found Vacation Villas. Yuck, I can't believe this place is on RCI as a resort. We knew it wasn't the best place, but it is just not what I expected. It is like 1970. It is not dirty it just seems creepy to me. John thinks it is fine and roomy, but I'm creeped out. If it wasn't paid for, I'd be gone. I guess I can tough it out. With the travel/Christmas problems our 7 nights turned into only 3 nights of staying here so I will have to handle it. I will not cook or eat or even drink here.

Thursday we drove out to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. This is a world famous spot for birders. Stopped at the Visitor's Center and then took our picnic lunch and headed out to the beach. Long nice beach, lots of people fishing. Drove to an area to try to see Manatees, but we had no luck.  We have to track some down.  They are so neat and we've got to see them.

 

Turkey Vultures

These birds are everywhere and can cause big

problems.  They will tear rubber trim off cars

in the Florida Everglades.

 

Friday, off to pick up our mail in Cocoa Beach. The mail store in Boise messed up our mail and sent it to the wrong town -- a resort we'd been to about 6 weeks ago, not happy. Just drove around and went to Walmart to pick up a few things and went to a few local parks. Watched some type of water bird dive down to get fish. He stayed under the water for so long and came up so far from where he drove down.  Fun to watch.

 

Saturday we were happy to get out of the place we were in and Titusville in general. Drove to Ormond Beach and had a nice breakfast along the way. Found our hotel. Can't check in until 3:00 so we drove around, went to the beach and picked up some shells.  Looking forward to the New Year.  We have been so blessed and we are thankful.

Bahamas End - Titusville and Ormond Beach

Bahamas End -- Titusville and Ormond Beach

 

 12/22/12 - 12/31/12

Spent Saturday packing and getting organized for our departure tomorrow. We did take the shuttle into Port Lucaya for a last delicious gyro. Later we took Curtis and Shelby out for Italian dinner at Giovanni's. While there and since it was our last night decided to try conch again. I ordered a conch fritter appetizer. We all shared it and again and for the last time I realized I do not like conch.   I have to face that I do not like Bahamian food.   I've given it a fair chance and some cuisines just aren't for me.  Giovanni's was decorated for Christmas and looked very pretty and festive. We all ordered something different and everyone enjoyed their food.

Shelby and Curtis

Great CS friends

 

Woke up early, checked out and Curtis and Shelby came to pick us up for the airport. It was so nice of them to drive us over. We checked in at 8:30 a.m. and went into the terminal. Delay after delay. We got a dinner voucher of $12 each. We had to use it at the front snack bar. I didn't want to trust the food so I got 4 butter croissants, 2 Fritos and 2 Pepsis and John 5 croissants and 2 Cokes. At least the croissants were delicious (we did not eat them all). Back through security, sat another several hours. By the time we flew to Nassau we had been in the airport for 9 hours.  We were exhausted. 

In Nassau we picked up luggage, went through U.S. Customs  (that was a bit odd) and then went to get shuttle to go to International Terminal. Last trip we had paid $6 to taxi to the other terminal. When we got off the plane a guy was saying Taxi, need a taxi? I asked how much and said last time we had paid $6. He quoted between $6 and $9, and I asked which is it $6 or $9. He decided to be a butt and said $9, so we just left to get free shuttle. This taxi ride is about 4 minutes long just to the next door terminal, but too far to walk with luggage unless you're 21 and have one backpack. Waited and waited for shuttle. Finally a cab driver, Jonathan, came over and said he would take us over for $6. I am so thankful he came over. He was heaven sent. He took us to the terminal and told me to go in because he wasn't sure our plane was going to be there. I went in and the entire International Terminal was empty. Jonathan came in and said, let's go I'm taking you back to domestic. Bahamasair will give you a room, taxi and meal.

So back to Bahamasair domestic, told them our story, and they did give us a room at the Wyndham (a Casino) in Cable Beach that was very nice. They paid for our cab over and back and that was pretty far. We did pay Jonathan for the ride over and back to International and gave him a major tip. I felt he saved us that night and that he was our Guardian Angel sent to us.  Airline gave us each $15 for breakfast and $30 each for dinner. It was late when we arrived, so we ate a $75.00 dinner -- shared a Caesar salad (odd flavors for this salad); John had fried Macaroni & Cheese; and I had grilled pork chops w/french fries. I had to send my chops back for more cooking, fries were very good. I think Bahama cooking is not good and the spin they put on standard recipes is not good.  I did not like one item we ate in the Bahamas except these fries (all others we had were soggy, not crispy) and the Greek gyros I lived on. I think I would starve if I had to eat out in the Bahamas. 
 

Pool at Wyndham Casino Resort, Nassau

Cool water slide

Christmas Eve. I got up at 5:00 a.m. so I could look around the hotel since we arrived at night and I couldn't see anything. It stayed dark outside until about 6:40 and I did manage to get a few pictures so I'd remember Nassau. Our cab driver, Jonathan, picked us up at 7:00 a.m. and took us to the airport. We checked in, looked around, and sat and waited.  We were full of fear when we heard the announcement that our flight was delayed and they would get back to us.  Luckily only one delay and instead of us leaving at our original time of 10:30, we did fly out of Nassau at 11:40, and let me tell you we were happy.

 

On Christmas Eve we literally had 3 hotel rooms paid for. The Wyndham in Nassau paid for by airline. We had our hotel room in Orlando (Super 8 online price $41.00, senior rate) since we were expecting to arrive to pick up car at around 7:30 p.m. and did not want to drive to Titusville that night. Then our week rental in Titusville. Weird how that all worked out.

Arrived at Orlando, called the car storage shuttle and walked down quite a way to wait for it. Got our car and it was so nice to get in it and drive away. Off we headed to Titusville to our room at Vacation Villas. Stopped for lunch and John checks his phone and there is a message from resort. Said they are leaving at 3:00 instead of 4:00. Well we're an hour away and it is 3:50, so John calls them to say we are on our way. No answer so he leaves a message and he never heard back.  Since we're in Orlando we don't see any reason to drive an hour to have the office closed, so we decide to get a room. Go to Super 8, where we had paid last night but not stayed. Now the lady says their rate, best they can do is $99.00. I said I don't think so, we'll go somewhere else. She manages to go down to $79 so we take it. Went to first room, it was moldy smelling so I charged to front desk and asked for our money back and said we're not staying in there. She says try another room and it was much better so we did stay. Got to room, got online to find a Christmas Eve service. Went to a wonderful church for 8:00 p.m. service and then back to room to bed. 
 

Huge Christmas Tree at

Orlando Airport

 

Figured no one would be in office in Villas in Titusville on Christmas, so we got a room at the Wyndham Orlando Resort (same price at Super 8). Had lunch at the most unusual McDonald's huge and had their BBQ pork sandwich. This place is two stories with games and different areas for kids. Very different, but this is Orlando mecca for kids. Finally able at 4:00 to check in to resort. Unpacked a few things and headed to hot tub, steam room and dry sauna. Wanted to take advantage of it all. Met a nice lady, Mimi, at the pool and we visited a bit. We walked around and saw Mimi again by the bar so sat down with her and her husband, Mark, for Happy Hour.   Fun visiting with them and hope to see them again when we get over to their side of Florida.

Named the most unique

McDonald's in the world

 

Checked out early since John had a doctor's appointment. We had to get his defibrillator battery checked. I wanted John to go "home" for doctor but he said no. I did research on the internet and found a highly rated doctor who specializes in defibrillators. What a nice staff and doctor.. The internet sure does help in life and I'm so thankful for it. Battery does not need replacing and John has appt. to come back in two months to check it as it is getting close. Dr. did talk to John about his medication. Said one Rx he is taking could turn him blue if he gets too much sun. We have been in the sun a lot and are tan from the Bahamas. I will get him to put on sun block 50.  He thinks it would be cool to be blue. That's John!!!!

Drove to Titusville and found Vacation Villas. Yuck, I can't believe this place is on RCI as a resort. We knew it wasn't the best place, but it is just not what I expected. It is like 1970. It is not dirty it just seems creepy to me. John thinks it is fine and roomy, but I'm creeped out. If it wasn't paid for, I'd be gone. I guess I can tough it out. With the travel/Christmas problems our 7 nights turned into only 3 nights of staying here so I will have to handle it. I will not cook or eat or even drink here.

Thursday we drove out to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. This is a world famous spot for birders. Stopped at the Visitor's Center and then took our picnic lunch and headed out to the beach. Long nice beach, lots of people fishing. Drove to an area to try to see Manatees, but we had no luck.  We have to track some down.  They are so neat and we've got to see them.

 

Turkey Vultures

These birds are everywhere and can cause big

problems.  They will tear rubber trim off cars

in the Florida Everglades.

 

Friday, off to pick up our mail in Cocoa Beach. The mail store in Boise messed up our mail and sent it to the wrong town -- a resort we'd been to about 6 weeks ago, not happy. Just drove around and went to Walmart to pick up a few things and went to a few local parks. Watched some type of water bird dive down to get fish. He stayed under the water for so long and came up so far from where he drove down.  Fun to watch.

 

Saturday we were happy to get out of the place we were in and Titusville in general. Drove to Ormond Beach and had a nice breakfast along the way. Found our hotel. Can't check in until 3:00 so we drove around, went to the beach and picked up some shells.  Looking forward to the New Year.  We have been so blessed and we are thankful.

Bahamas – Another Ho Hum Week in Paradise  

 

Pretty enough to be a post card picture

Clouds are perfect

December 15 -21, 2012

Monday went to scuba refresher with Grand Bahama Scuba (Fred and Melinda). It was fun and it all came right back to me. Just wasn't sure after a year, but looks like the old brain is still working. I talked with Fred about his little scuba school and with all the equipment (many sets of diving gear, space rental, 3 boats he has, air tank compressor) his investment is over $1M. That is amazing to think about. John couldn't go because he just can't breath well enough now to snorkel or scuba. He did lots of scuba in his late teens, so at least he hasn't missed out totally on the underwater. He kindly took shuttle and did our grocery shopping. Weird how the store has things one week, but not the next even when it was fully stocked.

Went to Marketplace and had a gyro for lunch. So delish I could eat one every day. Walked around and then went to Casino. No cruise ships in so it was extremely quiet in there. Weird to see the poor workers standing behind their game tables with nothing to do but stand there. Played a few slot machines, lost our money and left. Back at the resort and walked on the beach, watched the fantastic sunset. Met a lady who said the sunset reminded her of one she had seen with her dad over 50 years ago. It brought back so many memories for her and tears. I went over and hugged her and said that we never do forget our dear parents. She thanked me for the hug and said it meant so much to her.   Made us both feel good.

 

Beautiful Bahama Sunset



Spent part of day on the beach, in and out of the water, reading, had a beer. A beautiful day, calm water, just a few clouds. At 2:30 I was picked up for my scuba dive. Went out with about 8 other divers about one mile off shore to Silver Reef.   First time I scubaed with a group, but our dive master was great and we had two of their team along watching over us.  My greatest fear is being lost or left, so I'm careful about the company I scuba with.  I watched that movie where the two divers were left behind and eaten by sharks.  It was horrible so I'm probably lucky that I will even go out.  What a neat reef. So many beautiful fish. Fred said there are over 400 types of fish there. I got to hold a big sea cucumber, and a brittle star fish. Very good time and I had lots of fun. 

Gena with a Sea Cucumber

 

Lots of fish

 

 Woke up Thursday at 6:45 a.m. and wonder what is wrong with me being up so early.  It is probably that I don't stay up as late as I did before (1:00 or 2:00 a.m.).  Spent half day on the beach, finished my book. We had four books we'd read and gave them to some people we met. That will cut down on our return luggage. Went to office and picked up my scuba pictures on a thumb drive from yesterday's dive.

 



12/21/12 (Mayan end of world day) woke up to howling wind at 7:00 a.m. and a bit later got some pelting rain. Hope we get through the day and see the sunrise tomorrow. Took a walk on the beach, took a few more pictures and then came back to the room. Spent the rest of the day here due to the high wind. Read and took a nap.

I've been surprised at how little stuff a person can live with. I took one small suitcase and a carry on (computer, of course, and Rx, toiletries) and managed to do fine for four weeks. I actually didn't even wear all the clothes I took. Two pairs of shoes, tennis and flip flops unbelievable. Of course, we were in a tropical place and made up our minds that we were not going to get dressed up.   How simple.

I finally got this loaded onto my computer on Saturday, Dec. 29th.  Had all kinds of connection issues.  We're at the library in Ormond Beach to look up stuff and get this posted.  It is time to post my new blog today too.

Bahamas – Another Ho Hum Week in Paradise  

 

Pretty enough to be a post card picture

Clouds are perfect

December 15 -21, 2012

Monday went to scuba refresher with Grand Bahama Scuba (Fred and Melinda). It was fun and it all came right back to me. Just wasn't sure after a year, but looks like the old brain is still working. I talked with Fred about his little scuba school and with all the equipment (many sets of diving gear, space rental, 3 boats he has, air tank compressor) his investment is over $1M. That is amazing to think about. John couldn't go because he just can't breath well enough now to snorkel or scuba. He did lots of scuba in his late teens, so at least he hasn't missed out totally on the underwater. He kindly took shuttle and did our grocery shopping. Weird how the store has things one week, but not the next even when it was fully stocked.

Went to Marketplace and had a gyro for lunch. So delish I could eat one every day. Walked around and then went to Casino. No cruise ships in so it was extremely quiet in there. Weird to see the poor workers standing behind their game tables with nothing to do but stand there. Played a few slot machines, lost our money and left. Back at the resort and walked on the beach, watched the fantastic sunset. Met a lady who said the sunset reminded her of one she had seen with her dad over 50 years ago. It brought back so many memories for her and tears. I went over and hugged her and said that we never do forget our dear parents. She thanked me for the hug and said it meant so much to her.   Made us both feel good.

 

Beautiful Bahama Sunset



Spent part of day on the beach, in and out of the water, reading, had a beer. A beautiful day, calm water, just a few clouds. At 2:30 I was picked up for my scuba dive. Went out with about 8 other divers about one mile off shore to Silver Reef.   First time I scubaed with a group, but our dive master was great and we had two of their team along watching over us.  My greatest fear is being lost or left, so I'm careful about the company I scuba with.  I watched that movie where the two divers were left behind and eaten by sharks.  It was horrible so I'm probably lucky that I will even go out.  What a neat reef. So many beautiful fish. Fred said there are over 400 types of fish there. I got to hold a big sea cucumber, and a brittle star fish. Very good time and I had lots of fun. 

Gena with a Sea Cucumber

 

Lots of fish

 

 Woke up Thursday at 6:45 a.m. and wonder what is wrong with me being up so early.  It is probably that I don't stay up as late as I did before (1:00 or 2:00 a.m.).  Spent half day on the beach, finished my book. We had four books we'd read and gave them to some people we met. That will cut down on our return luggage. Went to office and picked up my scuba pictures on a thumb drive from yesterday's dive.

 



12/21/12 (Mayan end of world day) woke up to howling wind at 7:00 a.m. and a bit later got some pelting rain. Hope we get through the day and see the sunrise tomorrow. Took a walk on the beach, took a few more pictures and then came back to the room. Spent the rest of the day here due to the high wind. Read and took a nap.

I've been surprised at how little stuff a person can live with. I took one small suitcase and a carry on (computer, of course, and Rx, toiletries) and managed to do fine for four weeks. I actually didn't even wear all the clothes I took. Two pairs of shoes, tennis and flip flops unbelievable. Of course, we were in a tropical place and made up our minds that we were not going to get dressed up.   How simple.

I finally got this loaded onto my computer on Saturday, Dec. 29th.  Had all kinds of connection issues.  We're at the library in Ormond Beach to look up stuff and get this posted.  It is time to post my new blog today too.

Bahamas - Week 3

Bahamas   -   Week  3

12/8/12 12/14/12

Still Rock'in Out

Grand Lucayan porch



Saturday night we went to Taino Beach with Curtis and Shelby for the local fish fry. This was the first time I ever had a deep fried whole fish and it was served with typical Bahamian rice and peas, and cole slaw. I'm picky about cole slaw and I think theirs was a little bit better than mine. I had a Kalik beer, Curtis had a Sands beer, both are brewed in the Bahamas and quite good. It was fun to sit outside at tables on the beach and talk. I don't think I realized that when you are away from home you don't have friends. You have service people to talk to, but usually not about normal, life things. It was a pleasure to sit and laugh and have fun with our new friends.

Saturday Night Fish Fry

w/our CS friends, Curtis & Shelby

Taino Beach



John and I came back to the room and played a game of Gin. I brought cards with us and decided that we could learn some new card games and watch a little less of night time TV. I started out so strong, but then John got the hang of it and it was all over. We used to play cards together a lot, so it is fun to get back to doing this.

Sleepy Sunday. Spent a few hours at the beach. I managed to get into the cold pool for the first time and it was OK after submersion.  Hot tub. A beer for me, rum and Coke for John.  We took a walk down the beach, visited with several couples, and then stopped at a little beach-side hut and got a fresh coconut with its coconut water and rum. Not my favorite, but fun to have a drink from a real coconut. Went back to get a rum and coke, and the guy, Anton, was out of rum and had to go to the store (hard to believe). So he took off and was back in about 15 minutes. Took some fun pictures and had a good time sitting on the beach drinking rum. What's not to like about that. 

I'm one cool jelly coconut
Sip slowly, I'm full of rum 

Monday, shuttle to the store day. Need milk and may have to make a trip just for that. Sure makes one appreciate having a car and just going to the store. I made pancakes this morning and they tasted so good. I didn't want to buy syrup, so got some cinnamon and made the old favorite cinnamon sugar. Yum.

On Tuesday we got cleaned up and were going to hop the shuttle and John's back went out on him. We had just gone down our 3 flights of stairs. He stood on walkway a few minutes, slowly turned around the luckily was able to get up the stairs slowly. Thank goodness because I sure couldn't carry him. Put him to bed with an Advil. He rested awhile then got up and moved around slow the rest of the day. Bedtime another Advil and a good night's sleep.

John got up and said he felt alright. Not ready to run a marathon, but much better. This aging can be unpredictable. I twisted my knee somehow (only turned the wrong way I think). You never know what part of the body is going to act up next. We just keep plugging along. There are days when all is well and you sure appreciate the body. It is 12/12/12, so we're hoping to make it through the day.  Took shuttle to Lucaya Marketplace, looked around, ate lunch, John bought my Christmas present.  Also tried the famous Bahamian dessert, Guava Duff.  A sort of course, heavy cake that has Guava in dough, that is topped with a sweet, whipped, fluff that has guava in it.  I could not taste any guava or anything, just sweet.  Heavy cake, too sweet, so glad I tried it, but I'll pass next time.  I don't think we are into Bahamian food at all.  Walked over to the big hotel downtown, Grand Lucayan, to look around.  What a beautiful hotel and at around $200 a night it should be.

 

Lobby Grand Lucayan

Palm Trees



It pretty much rained all day long Thursday. Hard, tropical rain. It stopped for awhile and John and I went down to the beach to read. Rained again but we were under a palapa, so we waited it out. Went into the ocean, swam around a bit and did some snorkeling. Visited with some people on the beach including a kite surfer. Went into hot tub and it was the first time we had more than a total of 4 people in there. It was a full house and we had fun visiting. Decided today that I better go scuba diving while here, so sent an e-mail to a dive shop to set something up.

Enjoyed day at beach and pool.  Pool is very cold, but I've managed to get in it twice.  Ocean is much warmer than the pool.  Nice to relax, tan, read, swim.

In the pool

Under the water fall

  

Went to beach at 11:30 p.m. for an hour to look at the meteors.  Saw lots of stars, but I guess the show will start later.  We'll see if we can get up at 2:00 a.m.??

 

 

Learned today of the shooting and deaths of so many people.  This breaks my heart when I think of those little children.  Crazy times we live in and I won't go on and on - though I could.  God Bless all the families involved.

 

The sun sets on a sad day

 





This somehow got pretty long – with not much activity. John's back is better, my knee is better so we'll just keep on keeping on.

*  I thought this was interesting since I had not had "coconut water" before and the guy referred to a jelly coconut that I'd never heard of......so if you care, see below.

The term coconut can refer to the entire coconut palm, the seed, or the fruit, which, botanically, is a drupe, not a nut. The spelling cocoanut is an archaic form of the word.^[3] The term is derived from 16th century Portuguese and Spanish cocos, meaning "grinning face", from the three small holes on the coconut shell that resemble human facial features.

Found throughout the tropic and subtropic area, the coconut is known for its great versatility as seen in the many domestic, commercial, and industrial uses of its different parts. Coconuts are part of the daily diet of many people. Coconuts are different from any other fruits because they contain a large quantity of "water" and when immature they are known as tender-nuts or jelly-nuts and may be harvested for drinking. When mature they still contain some water and can be used as seednuts or processed to give oil from the kernel, charcoal from the hard shell and coir from the fibrous husk. The endosperm is initially in its nuclear phase suspended within the coconut water. As development continues, cellular layers of endosperm deposit along the walls of the coconut, becoming the edible coconut "flesh".^[4] When dried, the coconut flesh is called copra. The oil and milk derived from it are commonly used in cooking and frying; coconut oil is also widely used in soaps and cosmetics. The clear liquid coconut water within is a refreshing drink. The husks and leaves can be used as material to make a variety of products for furnishing and decorating. It also has cultural and religious significance in many societies that use it.