thefouramigosblog

I know very little about Cozumel. I thought it was another beach town like Cancun but it’s actually an island.

We decided to take a ship tour, which we rarely do. It wasn’t costly and took us to some Mayan ruins and the beach.

Of course, it was a lot of people on the bus and we were in the last row!

The San Gervasio Mayan Ruins is where the Mayans worshipped the Goddess IXchel.

The area has six architectural sites and isolated temples connected by a network of white roads called “sacbés”

The roads no longer have the top layers which made them white but you can see from the underlying rock where they were.

This area was bought by a Spaniard who thought he would find gold. He used dynamite destroying many of the temples.

These ruins date back to 100 BCE.

Las Manitas or Little Hands are handprints in a structure built 1000 to 1200 AD. This was the residence of the Mayan ruler of Cozumel during the Terminal Classic Period. ^{You can still see these handprints even after hundreds of years.}

It was very hot at the ruins so our visit was only an hour long. Our next stop was a Mayan Bee Sanctuary where we received a Mayan blessing.

The beach resort unfortunately was not as I hoped. The ocean was rough and filled with sargassum seaweed.

The tour was fair but a little disappointing. I had hoped to swim in the ocean but it wasn’t doable.

Back at the ship, we went for a dip in the pool. It wasn’t too crowded since people were still off the ship.

Last night we saw the best show called Elements. It was beautiful.

We later tried our luck at the casino and had lots of fun!

#sangervasiomayanruins#civilizations#cozumel#tours#cruising#vacation#mayanbeesanctuary#casino#

We just got back from a month-long trip and cruise from Europe and are now heading out for a seven-day Caribbean cruise. We will be cruising on Celebrity Beyond, one of the newer ships.

Our ports of call are Perfect Day at CocoCay, Jamaica, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman. Cozumel is new for us.

We took Uber to the Port of Miami. The driver spoke no English and didn’t have the air conditioner turned on. Trying to communicate that he needed to turn it on was useless. So we arrived at the port sweaty and uncomfortable.

The Edge series ship is quite amazing. So different from any other ships we’ve been on.

We dined in Cyprus. I had my escargot and also a Greek platter with hummus and tzatziki.

Spencer James, a comedian, was the night’s entertainment. I couldn’t stop laughing.

We tried our luck in the casino, but everyone around us won except us! So off to bed.

I woke up to our coffee delivery and quickly made a call to the medical department. I forgot my thyroid medication which is critical. The medical did not look anything like it does on the show Doctor Odyssey! $175 to see the doctor and then a per-pill charge. I won’t know how much until tomorrow.

We worked out a little in the fitness center. I rode the bike for 20 minutes and Bruce did weights.

We went to the beach in Cococay, and it was very nice. We also had a little lunch. Food is free in most of the areas. The lounges and umbrellas are free as well! However, some areas do have a cover charge, and cabanas and beds cost quite a bit. We opted for free!

When we returned to the ship, we went into the pool. It wasn’t as crowded as on sea days. I try to avoid the pool on those days.

Last night’s show was a Production show. It was great and the theatre is very innovative with its technology which enhances the shows.

We ate dinner in Tuscany with two other couples. It was very nice. Celebrity doesn’t have a lot of sharing tables. It doesn’t seem to be their thing. When we are on Princess, we always share and get to meet a lot of people from all over the world.

Today I did some Tai Chi with a group of people on the pool deck and then a guided meditation followed.

We went to a Captain’s Circle event in Eden. Walking to that part of the ship was very interesting.

So far it’s been an excellent cruise. Tomorrow Cozumel!

#celebrity#beyond#edgeseries#spencerjames#perfectdayatcococay#escargot#vacation#cruise#ship#caribbean#taichi#sailing#uber

When I’m home, not traveling the world on planes, trains and ships, I live in a place that people go to for vacation.

Delray Beach is ranked one of the top beaches in Florida and in the country.

Pristine water, clean white sand, and usually the absence of sharks make it a great destination. In the winter months, the water temperature runs about 72 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

It’s located right off Atlantic Avenue, with many shops and restaurants.

Several boutique hotels are located on A1A.

Now it’s turning into low season, where snowbirds who came for the winter months return to their northern homes. I love this time of year.. Crowds are down, parking is easy, and no waits at restaurants.

What a beautiful place to live.

I miss my mom! She’s been gone since 2011, but I can still hear her words of wisdom in my head.

She was kind. The sort of person who never said a bad word about anyone! Even when they deserved it.

I remember my two sisters and I saying not-so-nice things about some woman. My mom said, “Be kind.”

She was talented. She played the piano beautifully. She loved to play. Sometimes she would play for three or four hours a day, even in her 80s.

Finally, at 84, she held a concert at her senior living place. For several years, people just gathered outside her apartment to listen.

And she was fun! Always ready to go! Whether to the pool, the casino, a play, or horse races. She was ready!

She was a model and an actress in her younger years. During WWII she was an interpreter at the UN. She spoke Swedish fluently.

So, for all the moms out there and those missing their moms, Happy Mother’s Day!

It’s been quite a journey and one we thought we would miss. I had heart surgery in early March and Bruce was hospitalized for bleeding ulcers the day we were to start this venture. But as soon as we received oks from the doctors, I devised a new plan and we were off.

If you have been with me since the beginning you followed us through Zürich and Rome with a lovely train ride in between.

Then, we were on the Island Princess for 21 days. And what magnificent ports we visited: Casablanca, Corsica, Villefranche, and the Canary Islands.

And then 8 days at sea where we slept late, went to the shows, met so many people, and just enjoyed ourselves.

We had a formal night last night and ate with our friend Lynn.

We stopped by the Horizon Buffet later in the evening to get some hot water and Bruce some cookies. It was Mexican night.

The show last night was Branden & James. These two guys played every song we love from Phantom of the Opera to Les Miserable as well as Unchained Melody which was our wedding song.

Tonight was the Farewell Variety Show. It was great. Such talent. Janice Martin performed a few nights before and she is an amazing talent.

And at the end of the day, a sunset!

Tomorrow we head home to a place that people travel to for vacation. Delray Beach, Florida.

You can’t keep these two old fools down!

#islandprincess#cruise#cruising#janicemartin#branden&james#talent#europe#corsica#casablanca#travel

We arrived in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, at 8 a.m., but true to ourselves, we didn’t wake until then.

The port isn’t as pretty as Tenerife, but the city is a short walk away. Several military vessels were outside our balcony.

As we walked to town there were many welcoming signs.

Our first stop was at Cafe Regina for cappuccino and pastry. The pastry had custard and fig filling. It was delicious!

Las Palmas was not as interesting as Tenerife. The buildings were old and new. We went by three churches and none were open. Bottom line it wasn’t the best place to get the feel of a city.

The pharmacy was interesting.

Some interesting buildings and sculptures.

We walked until we found the beach. They import sand from the Sahara, which has caused controversy over the last few years.

We walked along the esplanade taking in the vibrant atmosphere, hotels, and restaurants. Then we headed back to the ship.

Next time I am in Las Palmas, I will do the hop on hop off bus. There wasn’t much to see in the city and the old city is where there are more things to look at. Unfortunately, that was a 3-mile walk and my foot is not up to that.

So we are back on the ship, reading and relaxing. Life is good!

#laspalmas#canaryislands#caferegina#cruising#vacation#hoponhopoff#spain

If you don’t know where Santa Cruz De Tenerife is, it’s one of the Canary Islands. Finally, today, it’s a bit warm and sunny, and we are enjoying coffee, smoothies, and omelets in an outdoor cafe. This light lunch was 10 Euros which included a bottle of water.

It was quite a walk from the ship. Perhaps a third mile. But it’s another charming European city.

Before we could stop for our coffee, we found the Iglesia de San Francisco.

In all these places we have visited in Europe, there are lots of hilly streets, so good walking shoes and maybe a walking stick are necessary. Since many streets, at least the side streets which are far more interesting, are brick or cobblestone, you need to watch your feet.

After our lunch, we found another church, Iglesia del Pillar.

This stained glass was interesting. What does that look like in the bottom left corner?

Time for a bathroom break. And another coffee. This time cappuccino.

We walked through Plaza Principe de Asturias which was a lovely park with a giant gazebo and many statues.

Outside the park, there were many buildings with statues one being a museum.

The other is the Circulo de Amistad which has a restaurant. We didn’t go inside.

My plantar fasciitis began to act up so we headed back to the ship so I could ice my foot. This damn foot is getting in the way of my making my daily step goal!

We had dinner with 3 other couples and it was very enjoyable. Then a production show which is always lively!

Now to bed so we can visit Las Palmas tomorrow!

#canaryislands#tenerife#islandprincess#churches#cruising#vacation

Our adventure began with our guide Majid and driver Youssef from Premium Transfer and Tours.

We were in a minivan with 12 people from the US and Australia.

Our first stop was Rick’s Cafe. A woman from the US Consulate opened the restaurant in 2004 in an old mansion. Although the movie Casablanca was actually shot in Hollywood in 1942, she thought it would be great to bring Rick’s Cafe to Casablanca.

Our next stop and the highlight of the tour was to the Hamas II Mosque.

The esplanade or outside area of the mosque holds 80,000 people.

The tower known as a minaret is 200 meters tall.

On the sides are a museum, school, and library.

The doors to the mosque are made from titanium brought in from Russia.

Christians, Jews, and Muslims all contributed to building the mosque. It began in 1986 and was completed in 1993. It is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and innovation.

There are 360 pillars and each pillar has a speaker thus there are 360 speakers.

Inside, the prayer hall is 20,000 meters in size and accommodates 25,000 people.

The roof opens in 3 minutes and closes 2-1/2. This is so worshippers can gaze at the stars.

The chandeliers are made in Murano, Italy. They have a device that lowers the chandeliers for lightbulb changes or maintenance.

The king has a special walkway through the prayer hall on which he can only walk. Then he sits in front of all the worshippers.

The mosque has approximately 10 million tourists each year and is the second largest in the world. Some of the intricate details are stunning.

The Ablution Hall is in the basement and it is where worshippers do their ritual washing 3 times starting with the hands. It is all made of marble and there is a side for men and women.

Our next stop was Sacred Heart built in the 1930’s is no longer in use. The number of Catholics have decreased since it is no longer French.

Notre Dame of Casablanca is the Catholic Church still holding services.

They were still holding services when we arrived. The women were dressed formally. It

We stopped at 1001 Nights Cafe and Restaurant for coffee, tea, and pastry.

The cafe was lovely.

There was a rooftop garden with views of city.

We did see these colorful guys out in the square.

Our last stop was a marketplace.

Many pretty carpets but nothing for today!

#casablanca#hamasII#mosque#prayer#carpets#premiertransfersandtours#muslim#morocco

If you don’t know Cadiz, it’s a little port town in southern Spain, and it’s the gateway to Seville and Andalucia. We were finally ready to get off the ship and do some exploring. Our view from our balcony was charming.

It was an easy walk off the ship and the weather was sunny but a bit windy. A huge sculpture was erected outside the port in the Plaza Hispanidad.

The Plaza De Espana was across the street. It was a monumental sculpture with a lovely park surrounding it.

We began walking through the cobblestone streets.

We walked to the waterfront. What a lovely day so sunny. Even a fisherman was enjoying the late morning fishing.

The Alameda Clara is a park on the oceanfront.

Lovely mosaics show the Moorish influence in Spain.

We saw a couple of parrots in the trees. I love any kind of wildlife so this was a great find.

We saw many churches but unfortunately, they weren’t open. This one is the Iglesia del Carmen, next to the Rectorado UCA a part of the university. And, of course, Bruce and a Canon.

It seemed as though we walked miles through alleyways eventually arriving at a place to have cappuccino and pastry.

Many fountains, wall art, and statues are found around Cadiz.

The Gran Teatro Falla was an amazing building. Unfortunately, there was no entrance. Construction of the theatre began in 1884 and was completed in 1905. The Gran Teatro was renamed Gran Teatro Falla in 1926 after local composer Manuel De Falla.

We spent more time walking the narrow streets enjoying the beauty and charm of Cadiz.

Plaza Candelaria was a lovely park with fountains.

And finally the Cathedral.

There was a very long line to buy tickets and then a long line to go into the church so we decided to skip this one and head to get ice cream.

We sat and ate our ice cream near the Edificio Amayo and I’m not sure what exactly that is besides a building.

The city was preparing for the procession later today.

It was a wonderful walk through the cobblestone alleyways in Cadiz!

#cadiz#spain#cathedral#church#cruising#port#plazadeespana#plazacandelaria#granteatrofalla#cobblestonestreets#iglesiadelcarmen#islandprincess