DAY 12
Started the day with breakfast at Topsiders – sat outside, as the heat was not too bad.
We went to the Buena Vista Theater for out tender tickets after breakfast – we ate as much as we could, preferring to avoid any complications with native water and washed fruits and vegetables.
The tender to Cozumel is much shorter than to Grand Cayman, and it looks like the pier at Punta Langosta will be complete soon (Wilma ripped it in half). While we were in port, only the Norwegian Cruise Line ship was docked at a pier.
We looked arounf the Punta Langosta mal for a bit and took a taxi to Chankanaab for our self-booked dolphin excursion. J7 really wanted to see the dolphins up close, but the Disney excursion still went to the mainland, as the Cozumel franchise had just reopened.
The taxi driver pointed out the devastation left by the hurricane. It is amazing. Equally amazing is how much has been rebuilt (using workers from the mainland who are housed in tent cities, he said). He also promoted dealing directly with the locals, both in excursions and shopping, to maximize help to the local economy, and to save money.
The vegetation, formerly lush jungle, is still mostly bare. Many sandy beaches are now just rock, feet below their previous levels. Walls and entire buildings were destroyed by the 61 hours of the hurricane and the 20’ storm surge.
We reached Chankanaab, obviously very much still under construction. We paid our fee ($38 total for the 4 of us, in addition to the dolphin fee we prepaid at http://www.dolphindiscovery.com ). We waited for our encounter to begin, and toured the small shop there. Some nice merchandise (some of which we bought) at pretty much American souvenir prices.
As we waited, we saw rain clouds move in. By the time we were in the water (which as advertised is only waist deep. Also note you can wear water shoes, which is good as you stand on a metal grate), the rain was upon us. Still, it was great being so close to one of these amazing animals (Tatich was ours). J7 was in heaven. J11 was nervous about loosing her balance in the slight bobbing waves, especially wen she had to go to the edge of the platform to touch the dolphin. J7 on the other had was ready to jump off and float away with Tatich in her life vest.
After the encounter (about 40 minutes in the water, but really well worth it), we made some purchases (no photos or video today because of the rain, but luckily I had my Pentax Optio waterproof digital camera).
We took a cab back to downtown, wanting more to go back to the ship than explore the rest of Chankanaab, which we could have done with our entrance fees.
It was raining again right after we bought a couple of items at Los Cinco Soles (yes, we could have saved money walking a couple of blocks into town, but with the rain and the kids, we decided to forgo any adventure).
We sailed back to the Magic in the rain and ordered some room service.
We then got into our pirate gear (too early, for sure, but I was eager to say the least) and after a bit went to the Castaway Club reception. Quite nice – complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks with the crew. They loved our outfits. Got a picture taken and went to dinner. Also had a pcture taken with Jack Sparrow. The women in the family felt more at ease seeing at least a couple of other families in full pirate wear, but most were in pirate themed items, or just the bandanas given out at dinner.
After dinner, the kids and I pin traded with the crew (a scheduled event) while J4* grabbed a table near the Goofy pool for the Pirate party. We waited for a while, watching the crw try to pul the cover over the Goofy pool (it had apparently jammed). They were successful after much effort and much consultation with those with walkie talkies.
We played a few games in Quarter Masters (a 1000 point card for $10, and most games 100 points). Before the party, J7 took it upon herself to hold a spot by the stage, taking breaks to have her picture taken with Capt. Jack, now nearby. I went and waited wt J7 as J11 nodded off in her chair.
Right before the pre-party started, J7 had had enough and suddenly wanted to go back. No problem there – it was another big day. So I stayed alone to videotape the party, which was cute, if loud and crowded. Mickey swung in from one stack to the other, unleashing a modest fireworks display (still impressive considering you are on a ship at sea).
I headed back to bed, finding removing my costume trickier than I thought (also bled into the new tank top I had bought - drat! Oh well.
Day at sea tomorrow. Also have to resolve my Internet access bill. It ran out earlier than it should, because twice I could not log out at all. Guest Services says they will credit me for additional minutes I use now to get to what I purchased. Also noticed Skype is now blocked. Drat – wanted to use that!
