Author: Dan

Off the ship earlier today, at 7:30, because we leave mid-afternoon for a longer than usual sail to get to Grand Turks at a reasonable hour (noon) tomorrow.

Once clear of all the taxi-sharks at the port, we had a perfectly lovely walk to the north along the old fortified city walls through the old City Gate, whose massive doors were built in 1634, to Castillo San Felipe del Morro.

The settlers here truly knew how to build formidable fortresses.

Leaving Morro, we happened upon what we suspect was the world’s largest craft show. Had to be at least a thousand vendors in 10×10 booths, selling every imaginable craft, and nothing we’d consider imported junk. This clearly was a big draw for residents, not just tourists.

We found Old San Juan to be absolutely charming. Loud salsa music playing everywhere, very colorful, very clean.

Back on ship, sailing by 4:00, dinner, and in for the night.

Please add a fuse on top near the cannon’s breach, and the fuse has been lit and sparkling. Also, add a lit match in my right hand, held at the lit end of the fuse.

Please add a puff of smoke and flames at the end of the cannon muzzle, as if the cannon had just been fired.

Please dress me in the armor that Spanish soldiers in the 16th century would wear.

No planned excursions today, so we had a relaxed breakfast at the Marketplace.

Got off ship around 9:00 and walked to the tram station to ride up to Paradise Point.

Goober. Yeah, I know.

Nice view of Long Bay. Our ship, Sky Princess, on the right; Sun Princess on the left, sister ship to the Star Princess, that we sailed last November.

Heads in the clouds. Literally.

Hilltop, less oxygen, perfect place to try a Baileys Bushwacker: Baileys, Kahlua, Ameretto, Vodka, Rum, and various cocoa-y flavorings. Good enough to get another at lunch.

Stumbled across a little shop called My Brother’s Workshop. It’s a non-profit that teaches woodworking skills to the island’s at risk teens. Some of their crafts are sold in the shop, so as fellow woodworkers we were honored to make a purchase.

Back at sea level, we did a lot of walking and made a contribution to the local purveyors of fine jewels and diamonds.

Will update later if anything interesting happens.

Another day of fun and games, eating and drinking.

We left dinner a little early to catch an ABBA party. A different band called Mockingbird covered a nice cross section of their music. Danced the hour away then turned in.

Spent most of Monday being bums, playing games, and eating.

Monday was formal night, so here we are in the traditional grand staircase photo, looking all formal and stuff.

All the Waves.

More dancing with Moonshine and Mud then off to bed.