December 2010

Carnival Cruise Day 5 – Roatan, Honduras – Wednesday, November 24, 2010

by dlcasas on December 1, 2010

11-24-10 Antonio, Dianne, Soleil & Eliana in Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Honduras

Friends:

On Day 5 of our Western Caribbean cruise, we docked in Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Honduras. Antonio was so excited because it was like a homecoming for him. His mom is from Honduras.

11-24-10 A ship's eye view of island of Roatan, Honduras

Immediately, I fall in love with all the flowers!

11-24-10 Beautiful flowers in Roatan, Honduras

There were so many gorgeous flowers that I had to take pictures!

11-24-10 Hibiscus bloom in Roatan, Honduras

Tropical flowers are my absolute favorite!!

11-24-10 Stunning white flowers in Roatan, Honduras

We decided to take an excursion to Maya Kay, to a private beach resort with a nice beach and great snorkeling. I was particularly interested in this island because it was home to a replica of the Copan Mayan Ruins and a wildlife conservatory. First, we had to take a boat to get there.

11-24-10 Auntie Erly, Trina, Jasmynn, Josie, Eliana & Camrynn on the boat to Maya Key, Roatan, Honduras

Even the boat ride was interesting. We saw a sunken ship.

11-24-10 A sunken, rusted ship off the coast of Roatan, Honduras

We even saw a pirate ship! ;)

11-24-10 A pirate ship! Is it Pirate Captain Henry Morgan's ship?!

When we docked, a pier lead us to the island.

11-24-10 My mom, Josie, and Antonio on Maya Key!

This time, it’s the fruit that has my attention. My mom told me that this fruit, the calabash fruit, also grows in the Philippines. Jennie, my mother-in-law told Antonio that it is often dried, hollowed, and used for bowls and hand-carved decorations. It was my first time seeing this fruit. I wonder what it tastes like?

11-24-10 Calabash fruit on Maya Key in Roatan, Honduras

Then I saw noni fruit! I have had noni juice but had never seen the fruit in person. Noni is purported to have healing properties and health benefits. Its juice is expensive. It’s so cool what you see and learn when you travel!

11-24-10 Noni fruit from Maya Key in Roatan, Honduras

One of the first things I saw as we headed to the beach was a Mayan stone statue. This got me very excited about seeing the replica of the Copan ruins.

11-24-10 Camrynn and Eliana pose next to a Mayan figure on Maya Key, Roatan, Honduras

So we decided to explore the Mayan “ruins” and museum first. But not before being greeted by this lovely creature!

11-24-10 A green macaw on Maya Key, Roatan, Honduras

And then this pair of beauties stopped me in my tracks!

11-24-10 A pair of rainbow macaws on Maya Key in Roatan, Honduras

We finally entered the museum and I hit paydirt! There was a whole section on Mayan chocolate! I have a book coming out called Blue Frog: The Legend of Chocolate. Although it is an Aztec story, there are so many similarities between the Mayans and the Aztecs.

11-24-10 A picture of cacao pods at the Maya Key museum

I loved seeing all the artifacts in the museum including Mayan pottery (I had to buy some before I left) and jewelry.

11-24-10 Mayan pottery and jewelry

I really want a piece like this in my house!!! Look at the intricately carved wood!

11-24-10 A large carved trunk in the Maya Key museum

When we venture outside, I am stunned by the architecture!

11-24-10 Dianne stands in front of a replica of a Mayan structure

Eliana and I posed on the steps of the “Copan Ruins.”

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The girls were itching to go swimming but we had to take one last picture in front of the "ruins." Look at the scale. And these are small, compared to others!

[caption id="attachment_4606" align="alignnone" width="382" caption="11-24-10 Soleil, Antonio, Dianne & Eliana in front of the replica of the Copan Ruins, Maya Key in Roatan, Honduras"]

11-24-10 Eliana and Dianne on a replica of the Copan Ruins, Maya Key in Roatan, Honduras

We headed to the beach for some fun in the sun.

11-24-20 Besties on the beach, Maya Key in Roatan, Honduras

The beach was very pretty.

11-24-10 Ideal beach scene, Maya Key, Roatan, Honduras

Eliana knows I love collecting sea shells from around the world so she found me a handful. My favorite shell find was a conch shell I discovered while snorkeling. Because there was no living conch inside the shell, I was allowed to keep it!

11-24-10 Eliana collects a handful of shells and coral from Maya Key in Roatan, Honduras

Soleil and the kids had so much fun swimming in the shallow water. While the water wasn’t crystal clear, it was still nice.

11-24-10 Jasmynn, Soleil, Ashlynn, Camrynn & Eliana swim in the Maya Key waters, Roatan, Honduras

I love swimming but this key was really best for snorkeling!

11-24-10 Dianne sans makeup, getting ready to snorkel, Maya Key, Roatan, Honduras

Antonio and I went snorkeling and the coral and fish were amazing! I snorkled for over an hour, marveling at the sea life, especially where the coral reef ended and there was a 100 foot drop-off. Too bad I lost my underwater camera. We bought a disposal one but still have to get those pictures developed. Boy, were the fish big! But not as big as this fish… LOL

11-24-10 Soleil, is that a shark in your pocket?

Right before it was time to leave the island, I snapped a picture of this jaguar. The key is home to rescued, rehabilitated wildlife.

11-24-10 A jaguar in captivity on Maya Key, Roatan, Honduras

We headed back to Roatan on the same boat that took us to the key.

11-24-10 Goodbye, Maya Key!

Fortunately, we had time for exploring and shopping in the Mahogany Bay shopping village.

11-24-20 The only shrimp Dianne is not allergic to!

Eliana looked like a total island girl with her morena skin and wind-swept hair!

11-24-10 Eliana, Honduran Island Girl

Eliana and I had fun taking pictures with the fun props in the village!

11-24-10 These pirate boots are made for walkin... the plank! Aye!

Because Antonio’s mom is from one of the Honduran islands (Guanaja, next door to Roatan), we HAD to go shopping! I wanted to buy handicrafts for our house to represent his Honduran heritage. These shopkeepers had such beautiful wood carvings. I bought a gorgeous hand-carved Mayan mask from them.

11-24-10 Honduran shopkeepers with carved wooden masks

We had a wonderful time in Roatan and Maya Key. We didn’t want to leave but the sun had to set on our day…

11-24-10 The sun sets in hospitable Honduras...

Love that wonderful island life – sigh! But it was time to head in and get ready for dinner and a night of fun on the ship.

11-24-10 Even after a full day of sunning, swimming and snorkeling, Eliana joins the dinner dance number!

A few hours after dinner, Antonio and I decided to check out the special Mexican buffet (we didn’t eat!) the ship prepared. Talk about incredible!

11-24-20 OMG. The deck party buffet! A Mayan Indian ice sculpture and watermelon sculpture!!

I mean look at this watermelon sculpture!! Breathtaking!

11-24-20 The most amazing watermelon I have ever seen! The face is a watermelon. The headdress is made of pineapple tops.

There were tantalizing desserts of all kinds but still, I resisted. Can’t believe I said “no” to chocolate!

11-24-10 And the desserts - Oh my!

We ended our night at the Carnival Triumph Deck Party, an annual affair with fun line dancing and great music. You need to move after all that FOOD!

11-24-10 Ending the night at Carnival Deck Party

Next stop — Cozumel, Mexico!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Carnival Cruise Day 4, Part 2 – Belize Ziplining – Tuesday, November 23, 2010

by dlcasas on December 1, 2010

11-23-10 The rain forest!

Friends:

This is Part 2 of my Belize blog post. After cavetubing, our group went ziplining. In our group was Clay (my stepdad), Antonio (my husband), me, Trina (family friend), Soleil (my 20 year old daughter), Camrynn (my 11 year old niece), Eliana (my 10 year old daughter) and Ashlynn (my 9 year old niece). First we had to get equipped with the ziplining gear – a harness, belt, various metal clips, gloves, and a helmet.

11-23-10 Eliana gets geared up for ziplining in the rain forest of Belize!

The equipment was heavy and the gloves felt awkward at first but they were VERY necessary. You can’t zipline without them! We climbed up the first platform, where we had our lesson in ziplining.

11-23-10 Soleil has her first zipline run

The left hand is used to hold onto the ropes while the right hand holds loosely onto the zipline above. When you pull down on the zipline, you slow down. This becomes the brake.

11-23-10 Eliana zips across on the practice line

I was so nervous for the first two zips that I pulled down too hard and stopped short of the platform. Bad news! I had to, hand over hand on the zipline, pull myself up to the platform. It was hard work and my arms paid for it for the next couple of days!

11-23-10 Eliana zips across more than 500 feet, 80 feet off the ground

Our longest zip was 700 feet and 120 feet above the ground! But to get there, there was THE CLIMB. Up, up, up the stairs we had to climb. It was breathtaking — it literally took our breaths away. Huff, puff…

11-23-10 Clay climbs up the stone steps to get to the tallest zipline - 120 feet above the ground

But once on the platform, we were hooked up and zoom! We flew across the canopy of the rain forest! It was exhilarating!

11-23-10 Antonio breezes in on the 700 foot long zipline

I finally got the hang of ziplining and enjoyed the thrill of the flight! Others in my group, like Trina, were pros from the beginning!

11-23-10 Our friend, Trina, is a pro at ziplining! She looks like Tarzan!

There were nine platforms in all. Each platform is attached to a tree. When a large group is on the platform at one time, you can feel the tree sway. Scary and adrenaline-inducing. Nevertheless, the girls had a fabulous time!

11-23-10 Camrynn's turn!

Because I’m a mother, I worried about their safety but our guides were very good and made sure the girls knew what they were doing before they zipped through the jungle.

11-23-10 Ashlynn zips in!

Needless to say, everyone had an incredible time. Would I do it again? Absolutely!

11-23-10 Clay roars across the zipline. The guide motions for him to slow down.

Ziplining through the rain forest in Belize was definitely a “bucket list” item. I mean, look at this SPECTACULAR view!

11-23-10 On top of the rain forest canopy. Wow!

After a full day of cavetubing and ziplining, our guides took us back to the beginning of the site. It was time for lunch! We had a buffet full of delicious Belizean cuisine.

11-23-10 Lunch after cavetubing and ziplining. Talk about hungry!

I’ll never forget this thrilling adventure. Not only did I have fun, I learned so much about the rain forest. I am in reverent awe of its beauty. It’s Mother Nature at her best, in a beautiful green dress!

11-23-10 The largest palm frond in the world grows in the rain forest of Belize

I can’t wait to return to the rain forest again!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Carnival Cruise Day 4, Part 1 – Belize Cavetubing – Tuesday, November 23, 2010

by dlcasas on December 1, 2010

11-23-10 Such beauty in the rainforest!!

Friends:

On our fourth cruise day, it was time for our first excursion! We entered the Central American country of Belize! Since Belize did not have a dock, we had to tender – take boats from the ship to the shore.

11-23-10 We tender in Belize and take a boat to the shore. The girls enjoy the ride.

I’m ready for this adventure! (I think…)

11-23-10 We approach Belize. I am excited and nervous about our ziplining and cave tubing adventure!

I was a little worried about the weather because it was threatening rain. Then I realized that we were cavetubing and ziplining in the RAINforest! Duh! We were going to get wet anyway!

11-23-10 Amazing rock formations in the Belizean rain forest

At the port, Eliana and Soleil made sure to cover up with super sunscreen!

11-23-10 Sisters slathered in sunscreen!

We had to take a bus ride into the rainforest. I sat next to a Chinese-American woman named Gail, who was so much fun! First, we rode through Belize City.

11-23-10 A house in Belize

In Belize City, they have above-ground cemeteries, just like in New Orleans, because of the threat of floods. It was kind of a deja-vu moment seeing the “Cities of the Dead.”

11-23-10 Just like in New Orleans, they bury their dead above ground in Belize because of flooding

On our way, we stopped at a local store so that people could buy drinks and snacks. Kid Chef Eliana headed straight for the spices! I can’t wait to see what she cooks up!

11-22-10 Kid Chef Eliana heads straight for the Belizean spices!

We rode over pot-hole ridden roads. Our guide, Jennie, regaled us with stories and anecdotes about Belize. One of my favorites was that Madonna was so enchanted by one of their keys, San Pedro, she wrote a song about it that became “La Isla Bonita!” I started singing a verse and Jennie gave me the mike and had me sing away! LOL

11-23-10 Back row - Soleil & Trina Front row - Camrynn, Jasmynn, Eliana & Ashlynn

Finally, we arrived at the cavetubing/ziplining site. Half of our group was only going cavetubing – floating down a river through caves in an inner tube – while the other half was cavetubing AND ziplining. I was in the latter half.

11-23-10 Me with my green pop-out hat and head lamp. Such an adventurer!

First, we had to get our tubes, life vests and headlamps.

11-22-10 Antonio grabs his inner tube

A very small rain forest frog was attached to my aunt’s inner tube.

11-23-10 This tiny rain forest frog was on my aunt's inner tube!

She screamed and freaked out at first… But look look at this awesome frog. He totally blends into the background! I am so glad I saw this little frog. I took him as a good omen because I was hoping for a book contract on a children’s picture book about a frog in the rain forest! And guess what? When I returned from this trip, I got the contract! Thank you, little frog!

11-23-10 The frog totally blends in with the rocks. Amazing!

We had to carry all of our gear and our inner tubes through the rainforest. It was about a thirty minute journey in total.

11-23-10 Everyone carries their tubes to the river

We made our way to the river, where we had to cross, holding onto a rope so that the current wouldn’t catch us. We were going upriver so that we could float through the caves.

11-23-10 Carrying inner tubes, everyone must hold the rope to cross the river

We trekked through the rain forest. Jennie, our guide, showed me some amazing sights. Here, she draws on my hand with a leaf from a tree that is used to produce organic orange ink. The ink dried and stayed on my hand for days, like henna!

11-23-10 Our guide, Jennie, writes on my hand with a leaf from a tree used to produce organic orange ink

Jennie showed me a grum tree, that produces a sticky liquid that works just like Elmer’s Glue!

11-23-10 This is a gum tree that oozes sticky liquid like Elmer's Glue

Here is our fabulous guide, Jennie, who is descended from the Mayans.

11-23-10 Our guide, Jennie, waves

She showed us a large termite nest. It was incredible to look at but I’m not a termite fan!

11-22-10 A Termite nest hangs on a tree in the rainforest

She told an amazing story about the thorny Ceiba tree. There was once a woman who was the most beautiful woman in the village. Every man wanted her but she did not want them. She would lure them into the forest and they would never return. The woman became a Ceiba tree, covered with thorns. After maturing for 25 years, the Ceiba sheds its thorns. When you encounter a Ceiba tree covered with thorns, you know it is a young tree.

11-22-10 This thorny tree is called Ceiba

We had to walk through caves to get to the part of the river where we tubed.

11-23-10 Rocks and caves everywhere

Along the way, there were such picturesque scenes!

11-23-10 A lagoon nestled deep in the rainforest

I was in such awe at the phenomenal beauty of the rain forest. I even saw Mahogany trees!

11-23-10 The big, thick tree is mahogany

After that fantastic trek, we finally arrived at the point of the river where we started cavetubing. We got a new guide, Dion, who took us through the caves and down the river.

11-23-10 Our water guide, Dion, connects us to each other, creating a train of our inner tubes

Then it was time to go cavetubing!

11-23-10 We head down the river through the Belizean rainforest in our inner tube train

The night before we left New Orleans, Antonio bought a new underwater camera. I was using it for the first time, taking pictures of the inside of the wet caves and in the river. Unfortunately, it got disconnected from my wrist band and sank to the bottom of the river while we were in a dark cave.

11-23-10 The only light inside the cave comes from our head lamps

Lesson to be learned: buy a camera that floats! Fortunately, I had my regular digital camera with me and I snuck some shots here and there. I didn’t want to miss documenting this AMAZING journey!

11-23-10 It's an amazing journey cave tubing!

We floated in a line, connected to each other with our feet and a rope everyone held. The inner tubes were not the luxury kind you find at major water parks. They were real truck inner tubes!

11-23-10 Over the river and through the rainforest, into Belize we go...

Belizeans will tell you that the water is “refreshing” meaning it is cold. But after a while, we grew accustomed to it.

11-22-10 The rear of the tube train. Yes, Soleil is silly!

We floated lazily and were caught off guard as we hit some small rapids that threatened to disconnect our tube train!

11-23-10 Watch out for rocks and rapids!

It was so much fun but our adventure wasn’t over yet! We still had to ZIPLINE through the rain forest! Woo hoo! Read the next post for Part 2 of our Belizean adventure!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Carnival Cruise Day 3 – Towel Animals – Monday, November 22, 2010

by dlcasas on December 1, 2010

11-20-10 Towel Animal #1 - Puppy dog with long ears

Friends:

Since Day 3 was a mostly uneventful day at sea and I didn’t take any pictures, I thought I would share a summary of the week’s towel animals in my stateroom. As you can see from above, Day 1 was a puppy dog. Day 2 was a Brontosaurus dinosaur. My steward had to tell me that because I had a hard time figuring it out!

11-21-10 Towel Animal #2 - Brontosaurus dinosaur

On Day 3, I returned to my room to find an adorable elephant! I love how, Maynor, our steward, used the sunglasses to make him “cool.”

11-22-10 Towel Animal #3 - Elephant

Day 4 was a cat lying down. Again, I had to ask Maynor to decipher the animal for me. I thought it was a girl with pigtails lying down! Maybe if it had whiskers…

11-23-10 Towel Animal #4 - Cat lying down

Day 5 was my favorite animal of all – the frog! Yes, it was clearly a frog!!

11-24-10 Towel Animal #5 - Frog!

Day 6 was a pig sitting down. Antonio figured this one out. LOL

11-25-10 Towel Animal #6 - Pig

Day 7 was also super cute! I love the bunny lounging on the pillow!

11-26-10 Towel Animal #7 - Bunny

Our bonus animal was a seal with a chocolate on each fin. Awwww.

11-26-10 Towel Animal #8 - Seal

I took a towel folding class on board the ship on my last sea day and bought a book! You can be sure that towel animals will make their way into my Handmade Tales 2 book!! Stay tuned…

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Carnival Cruise Day 2 – Wedding Vow Renewals – Sunday, November 21, 2010

by dlcasas on December 1, 2010

11-21-10 My mom is the epitome of beauty as she renews her 25th anniversary wedding vows!

Friends:

When I woke up on Day 2 of the Western Caribbean Cruise, I felt so sick! Even though I took Dramamine, I was still seasick. I went to breakfast but couldn’t handle it. My aunt gave me a strong motion sickness pill and I laid down. I didn’t wake up until six hours later when my husband told me that it was time to get ready for the wedding!

11-21-10 I had the privilege of walking my mom down the aisle

The whole reason for the cruise was my Mom and Clay’s 25th wedding anniversary vow renewal! Mom wore a beautiful gown that she hand-beaded with pearls and rhinestones. She even made the floral bouquets for the flower girls – granddaughters Camrynn, Eliana, Ashlynn and Jasmynn.

11-21-10 The grandchildren process down the aisle for the vow renewal ceremony

My nephew, Jourdan, was the ringbearer and Trina (a close family friend) and Soleil (my oldest daughter) were the bridesmaids. Clay, my stepdad, and all the men wore guayaberas, traditional Cuban shirts that are perfect for warm weather. The beautiful bouquet my mom is holding was made by my Auntie Erly – a stunning tropical arrangement!

11-21-10 Mom and Clay look so cute together!

After the wedding, it was time to cut the cake and make a toast to the special couple. Antonio and I gifted Mom and Clay with a special bottle of Moet for the toast.

11-21-10 Antonio and I gave Mom and Clay a bottle of Moet for the toast

Then it was time for me to make the speech!

11-21-10 I made the toast... a face! LOL

It was so sweet seeing them renew their love for each other.

11-21-10 A little bubbly and a kiss

There was music and hors d’oeurves. What a fancy spread!

11-21-10 I wish you could see how intricately the fruit was carved. Gorgeous!

And of course, there was LOTS of picture taking! This is my brother-in-law, John, and my sister-in-law, Pam (Antonio’s sister). Pam is expecting and has that “glow!”

11-21-10 John and Pam, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law (Antonio's sister)

This was the first time that we had such a big family reunion! My brother, Gary, a police officer, and his son, Christian, couldn’t make it because of work. They sure were missed! My late father-in-law, Jaime, was also deeply missed. But it was a joyous occasion and we celebrated the happy couple’s renewed nuptials.

11-21-10 I give my mom a hug telling her how much I love her

My Auntie Mary Ann, my mom’s youngest sister, flew in from New York City with her husband, Ricardo.

11-21-10 My mom and her youngest sister, Mary Ann

My oldest daughter, Soleil, took off work and school (third year at Louisiana State University) to attend the wedding. She and her Nana are very, very close.

11-21-10 Mom and my 20 year old daughter, Soleil

It was a beautiful ceremony officiated by the ship’s captain, Antonio Marchetti. Congratulations to an amazing, inspiring couple. May your love sail into the sunset!

11-21-10 Mom and Clay on their happy day

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Carnival Cruise Day 1 – Saturday, November 20, 2010

by dlcasas on December 1, 2010

11-20-10 A picture of the city of New Orleans from the aft of the top deck of the Carnival Triumph

Friends:

During the Thanksgiving Holiday (November 20-27, 2010), my whole family went on a cruise aboard the Carnival Triumph from the port of New Orleans. For many of us (including me), it was our first cruise. We were all so excited!

11-20-10 Getting ready to board the Carnival Triumph with our Sign & Sail Cards

We had a big group traveling – 19 of us! My mom and stepdad were renewing their wedding vows for their 25th anniversary! I have been aboard ships. My dad and stepdad were both in the Navy and I have been aboard aircraft carriers but this was totally different!

11-20-10 We haven't left port yet and the deck chairs are still stacked...

It was fun exploring the ship once we were on board. I headed to the top deck to take pictures of the city. What an amazing view!

11-20-10 Taking a picture before we set sail, with New Orleans as our backdrop

The top deck had several pools, whirlpools, a basketball court, and even a putt putt golf course!

11-20-10 Paw Paw enjoys putt putt golf with granddaughters, Ashlynn & Camrynn on the top deck of the ship

We had to wait a while before the ship left port so we lounged and took in the views.

11-20-10 We lounge on deck chairs as we wait for the ship to set sail from the Port of New Orleans

As we waited, freighters, tankers, and barges floated up and down the Mississippi River. It was cool to see those sea-faring vessels from the vantage point of the top deck of a huge ship!

11-20-10 Huge freight ships traverse the Mississippi. Love this birdseye view!

We live on the West Bank, in Jefferson Parish, just across the Crescent City Connection bridge. I’ve never been able to take this picture of the bridge before!

11-20-10 The Crescent City Connecting connecting the West Bank to New Orleans across the mighty Mississippi river

The sun began to set and it got chilly. We all had to grab jackets and blankets to keep warm. We didn’t want to miss leaving the port of New Orleans! Finally, we set sail. It was time to head inside. After an early dinner, the kids and I decided to go to a family dance party. We even learned a new dance – “The Wobble.”

11-20-10 The girls and I dance at a family dance party in the Hollywood Dance Club

I found a cool surprise in my stateroom when it was time to turn in… turn down service and a towel animal!! It became one of my favorite parts of the cruise!

11-20-10 Towel Animal #1 - Puppy dog with long ears

End of day 1 and we traveled down the Mississippi into the Gulf of Mexico…

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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