Eliana

Oahu, Hawaii Day 4 – Hanauma Bay & Alan Wong’s Pineapple Room – Thursday, June 9, 2011

by dlcasas on June 22, 2011

6-9-11 Breathtaking views of where surf meets shore

Friends:

On Day 4 of our Hawaii trip, we went to Hanauma Bay. Before we went to the bay, we stopped at a scenic overlook and took some gorgeous pictures.

6-9-11 A scenic view of Oahu's rocky shore

The beauty of the Hawaiian Islands never fails to astonish me…

6-9-11 Smile, ohana!

Antonio, Soleil, Eliana and I had our hearts set on going to Hanauma Bay. My mom and Clay decided to spend their day with Reggie, Clay’s nephew, who is stationed on Oahu. They explored the Northshore while we swam and snorkeled in breaktaking Hanauma Bay.

6-9-11 Beautiful Hanauma Bay

Check out this phenomenal panoramic view of Hanauma Bay!

6-9-11 A panoramic view of Hanauma Bay from above

After viewing a video on the preservation of Hanauma Bay, we decided to walk down the steep hill. It was so pretty. The beach wasn’t very crowded and we found a nice spot quickly.

6-9-11 Happy to be at Hanauma Bay!

We snorkled lots and saw some amazing sea life.

6-9-11 Angelfish in Hanauma Bay

Unfortunately, my underwater camera was an epic failure and all but two pictures were blurry.

6-9-11 The underwater camera failed to take clear pics. Here we are snorkeling in Hanauma Bay.

But I did get this great picture of a sea urchin!

6-9-11 The long-slate pencil sea urchin in Hanauma Bay

We had so much fun frolicking in the sand and sea!

6-9-11 Eliana loves Hanauma Bay. She is a natural island girl!

Hanauma Bay is picturesque on land and in the sea! Everywhere you look is a good picture!

6-9-11 Island beauties at Hanauma Bay

Yes, we loved taking pictures at Hanauma Bay!

6-9-11 Antonio, Eliana & Dianne at Hanauma Bay

I even ate my Spam musubi at the beach! LOL

6-9-11 I confess... I love Spam musubi, a Hawaiian comfort food

Eliana made her mark at every beach we visited! It became our Hawaiian tradition… what a sweetie!

6-9-11 We love you too, Eliana!

Even roosters love Hanauma Bay…

6-9-11 A beautiful rooster roams the beach at Hanauma Bay

We didn’t want to leave this beachy paradise but we had reservations at Alan Wong’s Pineapple Room to celebrate Kid Chef Eliana’s birthday so it was time to go… On the way back, we saw the grand “Stairway to Heaven,” a mountain with “stairs” all the way to the top. Unfortunately, it is not safe to climb and it is illegal for visitors to do so. But it sure makes a pretty backdrop!

6-9-11 Eliana poses in front of Stairway to Heaven on Oahu

Going to Alan Wong’s Pineapple Room was such a treat. They treated Kid Chef Eliana like a princess! We ate the best food – gastonomical delights such as a marinated tomato and watermelon salad, compliments of the executive chef!

6-9-11 A tomato and watermelon salad compliments of Executive Chef Lance Kosaka from Alan Wong's Pineapple Room

They even brought out a delicious birthday cake for Kid Chef Eliana!! WOW!!

6-9-11 A birthday cake for Kid Chef Eliana from Alan Wong's Pineapple Room

Here is Kid Chef Eliana with Executive Chef Lance Kosaka, who gifted Eliana with sacred volcanic sea salt from the island of Kauai. We were wowed by the hospitality of the Pineapple Room. Not only was it an amazing experience for Eliana, it was wonderful experience for the whole family! And the perfect end to another day in paradise!

6-9-11 Kid Chef Eliana with Executive Chef Lance Kosaka from Alan Wong's Pineapple Room

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Oahu, Hawaii Day 3 – Polynesian Cultural Center – Wednesday, June 8, 2011

by dlcasas on June 21, 2011

6-8-11 Eliana and I pose in Uncle BobKat and Auntie Linda's backyard

Friends:

Day 3 was our day to spend at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) but we were waylaid by me having an allergic reaction and a swollen eye. I had to go to Wal-Mart to get prescription eye drops so we got off to a late start. Auntie Linda asked us to stop by her house before we went to PCC because she made us jasmine leis from her garden! They were so pretty and aromatic!

6-8-11 Tropical flowers from Auntie Linda's garden adorn Eliana's hair

While we were there, we toured the Katekarus’ yard and gardens. They had a collection of amazing turtles!

6-8-11 A turtle eats hibiscus flowers

Their backyard was so pretty, we had to pose for pictures!

6-8-11 Soleil and Eliana, pretty island girls

Auntie Linda and Uncle BobKat are so sweet. Thank you for being so hospitable AGAIN! We left their house and headed to the Polynesian Cultural Center.

6-8-11 Soleil and Eliana, pretty girls at the Polynesian Cultural Center

The only village we got to see was Aoetearoa (New Zealand), where we saw a Maori dance show. Then it was time for the Ali’i Luau.

6-8-11 Eliana holds a fish made out of palm leaves at the Ali'i Luau

We saw the roasted kalua pig come out of the ground and carried ceremoniously to the stage.

6-8-11 The kalua pig is pulled out of the imu, the underground oven, at the Ali'i Luau

It was time to dig in. I piled my plate with rice, kalua pork, a purple taro roll, poi (the pasty starch Hawaiians eat), pineapple, chicken long rice (actually a noodle dish), and a root vegetable. I have to say that I didn’t hate the poi but it lacked flavor. It’s not something I would specifically order. I did have poi later that tasted better because it was freshly made. An interesting note about taro root (which poi is made from): if not cooked properly, it causes burning and itching in the throat. I don’t remember it from my childhood days in Hawaii so I am glad I sampled it again.

6-8-11 My meal at the Ali'i Luau - kalua pork, chicken long rice, a taro bread roll, poi, and fresh pineapple

We were treated to a nice show of Hula with a royal procession.

6-8-11 The royal dance to signal the king's entry at the luau

I love watching Hula because it is so graceful and elegant. But it’s even more amazing when kids dance and are so accomplished! I love it!

6-8-11 Kids dance with uli ulis at the Ali'i Luau

After the luau, we went to the Ha, Breath of Life Show and it was magnificent. The show featured dances from the Polynesian cultures highlighted at the PCC: Hawaii, Aotearoa, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Tahiti. It was spectacular, full of special effects and a good story! Unfortunately, we could not take pictures. :( But it was the perfect end to our time at the PCC. Aloha!

6-8-11 Family photo time after the Ali'i Luau

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Story Safari Programs at Webster Parish Libraries – Thursday, June 2, 2011

by dlcasas on June 4, 2011

6-2-11 Performing my draw and tell tale, The Emperor's Dragon, at the Webster Parish Library in Minden, LA

Friends:

On Thursday, June 2, I was at the Webster Parish Library in Minden and then their Springhill Branch Library. This summer’s reading theme is “One World, Many Stories.” My program is called “Story Safari,” to coincide with the summer theme.

I began my program with my draw and tell story, The Emperor’s Dragon. The kids love seeing lines transformed into a picture! Then I did “Catching a Pest in 7 Steps,” another draw and tell story.

6-2-11 Performing my draw and tell tale, Catching a Pest in 7 Steps, at the Webster Parish Library in Minden, LA

My middle story was “Medio Pollito,” which in Spanish means “Little Half Chick.” It’s the story of how the weather vane came to be. Then it was time for a song: “My Aunt Came Back.”

6-2-11 With helpers from the audience, Dianne performs My Aunt Came Back, a traditional song at the library in Minden

My last story was from my book, There’s a Dragon in the Library. I had helpers from the audience participate in the story. The little boy who played the main character, Max, was hilarious. His name is Kayus. My rapport with the audience was magical and I had such an amazing time with them!

6-2-11 Cute and kooky Kayus plays Max in There's a Dragon in the Library

Kid Chef Eliana closed out the show with a performance of her new song, “Cool Kids Cook!” She is so adorable! Afterward, we sold and signed tons of books, especially Eliana!

6-2-11 Kid Chef Eliana talks about her cookbook, Eliana Cooks! at the library in Minden

At the end of the show, I put on some dance music and some kids from the audience showed everyone their moves. Check out Kayus!! He was the most incredible break dancer!

6-2-11 Kayus does a handstand while is he breakdancing to Dianne's music

After the show, it was time for our annual tradition: lunch at Moody’s Place! Moody’s is this “hole in the wall” restaurant that serves stick-to-your-ribs Southern soul food – fried chicken, fried pork chops, country fried steak, turnip greens, purple hull peas (black eyed peas), yams, and pies that will make you dream about them for days!!

6-2-11 Oh me, oh my! Look at those pies!

This is the restaurant that introduced me to “hot water cornbread.” Cornbread that is baked and then fried! But it sure tastes good!

6-2-11 Hot water cornbread at Moody's Place in Minden, LA

Jennifer Heard is the children’s librarian who introduced us to Moody’s. Now we have to eat there every time we go to Minden! Look at the two Jennifers! (Jennifer Heard is on the left.)

6-2-11 Jennifer X 2 from the Webster Parish Library in Minden!

Eliana even got to talk to Ms. Moody for a little bit. Yes, Moody’s Place is one of our favorite Southern cooking restaurants in Louisiana!

6-2-11 Kid Chef Eliana in front of Moody's Place in Minden, LA

After lunch, it was time to head to Springhill, Louisiana for our second show. Springhill is on the Arkansas border. It’s waay north! Again, I told my draw and tell stories. When I did “My Aunt Came Back,” the audience had a great time getting silly!

6-2-11 The audience at the Springhill Branch Library does My Aunt Came Back

“Medio Pollito” was a hit with the Springhill Crowd. They even learned a little Spanish!

6-2-11 Showing kids a weather vane from the story, Medio Pollito

When I performed There’s a Dragon in the Library, Zach was my little helper that played “Max” in the story. We had a good time!

6-2-11 Performing There's a Dragon in the Library at the Springhill Branch Library

Kid Chef Eliana performed her song, “Cool Kids Cook!” At this show, we sold out of books – both of us!

6-2-11 Kid Chef Eliana performs her song, Cool Kids Cook!

Kid Chef Eliana was a big hit and her little fans wanted pictures with her!

6-2-11 Kid Chef Eliana takes a picture with sweet fans!

Following our show, we headed across the street to AmJenn’s Soups and Scoops restaurant. We both enjoyed cold Coke floats. We even got to sign dollar bills that were placed on the ceiling! Cool!

6-2-11 Kid Chef Eliana and Dianne de Las Casas sign dollar bills for the ceiling at AmJenn's Soups & Scoops restaurant on Main Street in Springhill, LA

Eliana and I had a MARVELOUS time in Webster Parish. Webster Parish is just full of good people – we had such wonderful audiences and the library staff is just out of this world!!! So a world of thanks to our friends in Minden and Springhill! See you down the road…

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Book Launch Party! There’s a Dragon in the Library at Cherry Books in Thibodaux, Louisiana – Saturday, February 19, 2011

by dlcasas on February 20, 2011

2-19-11 There's a Dragon in the Library fans at Cherry Books

Friends:

This past Saturday, Marita and I launched our new book, There’s a Dragon in the Library, at Cherry Books in Thibodaux, Louisiana. We had a big bayou bash!

2-19-11 Telling the story of There's a Dragon in the Library at Cherry Books, Thibodaux, LA

The story was fun and interactive. Marita drew the dragon as I had all the kids act out the parts with puppets.

2-19-11 The whole cast of There's a Dragon in the Library at Cherry Books, Thibodaux, LA

As usual, Marita’s drawing was AMAZING!! She is such a talented illustrator. I am so lucky to work with her!

2-19-11 Marita Gentry with her Dewey the Dragon drawing from There's a Dragon in the Library at Cherry Books, Thibodaux, LA

Afterward, the kids made mini accordion dragon puppets. They came out sooo cool!

2-19-11 Avid fan, Jaden B., proudly displays his accordion dragon puppet. Too cool!

We even had a fan come who matched the cover of our book! Precious!

2-19-11 A fan at Cherry Books matches the book!

Thank you to everyone who came to help us celebrate our new book. A special thanks to the Breaux family, who came from St. Mary Parish! You all rock! Thank you also to Cherry Books for your support!!

Books are for reading, not for eating! Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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There’s a Dragon in the Library Book Launch Party at Octavia Books – Saturday, February 12, 2011

by dlcasas on February 14, 2011

2-12-11 The AMAZING There's a Dragon in the Library cake at our Octavia Books Launch Party

Friends:

This past Saturday was our book launch party for There’s a Dragon in the Library, illustrated by Marita Gentry. We had our fabulous launch at our favorite indie bookstore in New Orleans – Octavia Books. It was our largest book launch at Octavia to date! There were so many people in attendance that some people couldn’t see the performance!

2-12-11 The awesome audience at Octavia Books

I had an amazing dragon cake made (Thanks, Lana and Dana) and it was DELICIOUS!

2-12-11 The Dragon cake table

Here is a close-up of that up-ROAR-ious cake, which was chocolate cake with raspberry filling. YUM!

2-12-11 A close-up of the Dragon cake!

As is our signature method, Marita and I entertained the audience with interactive storytelling and live illustration.

2-12-11 Audience participation is so much fun and Marita's dragon comes to life on paper!

I made puppets out of oven mitts, which came out sooooo cute. The templates for the puppets are on my website in the book activities. Marita did such a marvelous job on the puppets.

2-12-11 The oh so cute boys in my story, There's a Dragon in the Library. Marita is illustrating and Eliana is page-turning.

This time, instead of drawing several illustrations, Marita decided to do something different. Because the dragon is a very complicated character to draw, she decided to draw and color one enormous dragon. It came out sooo cute!

2-12-11 The whole cast comes up for a final bow

Here is a close-up of Marita’s illustration. It’s a little blurry because there were so many people that my photographer (hubby Antonio) couldn’t get close enough to even zoom in on the picture. But you can see how cute it is! Marita is incredibly talented! I’m so lucky to team with such a great illustrator!

2-12-11 A close-up of the Marita's finished illustration of Dewey the Dragon in There's a Dragon in the Library

Afterward, the children participated in a scavenger hunt, looking for a dragon tale hidden amongst the books. The winner received a reading pillow and blanket. We gave away lots of prizes including book bags, a Dragon accordion puppet, and a signed dummy of our book. Then the kids made the cutest Dewey the Dragon paper bag puppets.

2-12-11 The cutest dragon puppet with the cutest little boy!

Marita and I signed books as Judith Lafitte and Tom Lowenburg, the bookstore owners, served cake and dragon juice.

2-12-11 Dianne de Las Casas signing books with a tiara on! Viva la Diva! LOL

Caitlin Smith with Pelican Publishing Company stopped by to say hi and check in on our party.

2-12-11 Dianne de Las Casas, Caitlin Smith from Pelican Publishing, and Marita Gentry

Marita and I have such sweet fans and friends. Jon and Jordyn have been to every single one of my book launch parties!! They deserve a crown just for that!!

2-12-11 Dianne with favorite fans, Jordyn and Jon

The party was such a smashing success. We owe so much to King Tom and Queen Judith of Octavia Books, our benevolent rulers! :) Thank you, your majesties! Thank you to everyone: fans, friends, and family who came to support us as we unveiled our fun new book, There’s A Dragon in the Library. We even had someone drive in from as far away as Lafayette! WOW!

2-12-11 The Cutie Crew with their paper bag dragon puppets

It was a fantastic day and we look forward to many more book launch parties at Octavia Books.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Book Signing: Barnes & Noble Citiplace in Baton Rouge, LA – Friday, December 10, 2010

by dlcasas on December 13, 2010

12-10-10 Dianne de Las Casas signs books at Barnes & Noble Citiplace in Baton Rouge

Friends:

On Friday night, Kid Chef Eliana and I had a book signing at Barnes & Noble Citiplace in Baton Rouge. Kid Chef Eliana was so adorable in her chef uniform and sold quite a few books!

12-10-10 Kid Chef Eliana signs books at Barnes & Noble Citiplace in Baton Rouge

After a vote by the audience, I performed The Gigantic Sweet Potato. It was a ton of fun! :)

12-10-10 Dianne de Las Casas tells The Gigantic Sweet Potato at Barnes & Noble Citiplace in Baton Rouge

The Barnes & Noble staff was dressed for pajama story time and Cajun Cornbread Boy took a picture with this adorable penguin!

12-10-10 A Barnes & Noble staff member in penguin jammies dances with Cajun Cornbread Boy

I had a blast and Abby Hannie, the Community Relations Manager of this Barnes & Noble, is a sweetheart!! I just LOVE doing events at her store!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Carnival Cruise Day 8 – Back to New Orleans – Saturday, November 27, 2010

by dlcasas on December 3, 2010

11-27-10 A wedding vow renewal portrait of Mom and Clay

Friends:

The main reason my family went on the Carnival Cruise was to honor my mom, Josie, and stepdad, Clay for their incredible 25 years of marriage! They renewed their vows on the ship in a lovely ceremony officiated by the ship’s captain. The cruise gave us a chance to bond as a family and create beautiful memories. See how happy I am?! :)

11-27-10 Last day on the boat, waiting to disembark.

I only wish my brother, Gary, my nephew Christian, and my late father-in-law, Jaime could have been with us! We had our last meal (breakfast) on the ship and waited on the Lido Deck for our disembarkation number to be called.

11-27-10 Sisterly love - last day on the ship

Finally, it was time to disembark the ship…

11-27-10 Eliana leaves the ship

I am already looking forward to taking another cruise…

11-27-10 Goodbye, Carnival Triumph!

Outside the ship, we waited for our rides. Look at our loads of luggage!!

11-27-10 19 People, LOTS and LOTS of luggage!!

My Auntie Erly is such a comedian…

11-27-10 Auntie Erly is soooo funny!!

It was quite chilly when we arrived in New Orleans, such a departure from the warm tropical weather we had grown accustomed to in the Caribbean! Later that night, our whole family gathered for one last vacation meal. This time, we kept it simple and low-key. Pizza. Just LOTS of it from Mo’s Pizza in Westwego, Louisiana. Come hungry, leave stuffed!

11-27-10 One final meal together as a group at Mo's Pizza

It was a fabulous experience and I’m thankful for the memories!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Carnival Cruise Day 7 – Last Day at Sea – Friday, November 26, 2010

by dlcasas on December 3, 2010

11-26-10 Sweet sisters!

Friends:

Our Day 7, Friday, was our final day at sea. It was time to sail back home to New Orleans. We began the day with a sit down breakfast with the whole family in the Paris Dining Room.

11-26-10 Sit down breakfast with the bunch

After breakfast, I headed to an animal towel-folding class. I was so excited because I want to do a couple of towel folding stories in my 2012 book being published by ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited, Handmade Tales 2: More Stories to Make and Take. A steward from the Philippines became my personal instructor and taught me how to make a few more animals beyond what was being taught in the class. I also bought the Carnival book on animal towel folding! Woo hoo! This trip served so many purposes! I actually got to do research in all three countries (Belize, Honduras and Mexico) for my 2011 book with Pelican Publishing, Blue Frog: The Legend of Chocolate as well as research for Handmade Tales 2! Beyond vacation, it was such a fruitful trip for me!

11-26-10 One of the stewards showed me how to make a towel animal gorilla!

Since it was “Black Friday,” the ship’s stores had sales. Of course, I took advantage and did some Christmas shopping! :) I also had to enjoy the view from the ship on the open waters again…

11-26-10 Last day at sea, looking over the side of the ship

Eliana and her cousins participated in the ship’s talent contest, doing a dance as part of the Carnival Kids Club. I caught her on stage from the top balcony of the auditorium so the picture is a bit grainy.

11-26-10 Eliana dances the Cupid Shuffle in the talent show (in front, white leggings)

Afterward, Camrynn, Eliana and I went to the coffee shop to sample some chocolate-covered strawberries I had been eyeing all week long. Talk about YUM!

11-26-10 Tuxedo chocolate strawberries... YES!!

At dinner, we thanked our servers, April and Arnold, for their incredible service and hospitality. Auntie Erly ordered a cake that read, “Thank You! You’re the Best!” It was delivered to them during dinner, our last dinner together on the ship.

11-26-10 Our superb servers, Arnold and April Joy, receive a cake from us as a gift

Now I know why people become addicted to cruises. The service is unbelievable. The food is terrific (and nonstop). The amenities and activities are top notch. And you get to see different parts of the world. It was an amazing experience, to say the least. But, all good things must come to an end…. :( After dinner, we stopped in front of the Christmas tree to take some family photos.

11-26-10 Smile for the family Christmas picture!

My mom and stepdad, Clay, cuddle in front of the Yuletide tree.

11-26-10 Clay and Josie, the cute couple

Clay took a picture with his sister, Rita. She had never been out of the country AND this was her first cruise. Rita LOVED it! The cruise was a gift from my mom and Clay. What an amazing gift – memories to cherish for a lifetime! Merry Christmas, Aunt Rita!

11-26-10 Clay and his sister, Rita

Grandkids, say cheese!

11-26-10 Nana and Paw Paw with the grandchildren

This cruise was certainly a great way to kick off the holiday season! Merry Christmas, everyone!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Carnival Cruise Day 6 – Cozumel, Mexico & Thanksgiving – Thursday, November 25, 2010

by dlcasas on December 3, 2010

11-25-10 Playa bella at the San Francisco Beach Resort in Cozumel, Mexico

Friends:

On our 6th day of the cruise, we docked in Cozumel, Mexico. It was the last port on our itinerary.

11-25-10 Entering the last port - Cozumel, Mexico!

The water was so incredibly blue – it was like a painting of the ocean! My mother-in-law, Jennie, decided to take a pedicab to the end of the pier. Eliana had to tag along with her abuela. :)

11-25-10 Eliana and Abuela on a pedicab in Cozumel

We had to stop for some fun photo moments. Glad Cajun Cornbread Boy wasn’t here in Cozumel… look at the size of that gator!

11-25-10 Eliana tames a giant gator in Cozumel, Mexico

I love this photo op… Too funny!

11-25-10 Have your cake and eat it too! LOL

Before heading to a private beach resort for sun, sand and surf, Soleil and I wanted to go shopping in the cute Cozumel shopping village of Puerta Maya.

11-25-10 Such a cute little shopping village - Puerta Maya, Cozumel, Mexico

I bought some beautiful ceramics and Mexican chocolate with chili from a local chocolate maker in Cozumel. Perfect research for my chocolate book coming out next year!

11-25-10 Love that Mexican painted ceramic!

Soleil and I bought a fair amount of silver jewelry. Most of the silver comes from Taxco, Mexico, where it is mined and made into gorgeous pieces like this one…

11-25-10 Beautiful Mayan jewelry in Cozumel, Mexico

After some fun but hurried shopping, we headed to the San Francisco Beach Resort. It was recommended to us by a friend.

11-25-10 Welcome to San Francisco Beach Resort!

Mexico is a country of color — big, bold, color! You can see it in every aspect of their lives. A rainbow of color is how I can describe the Mexican people. They are beautiful people with bright smiles. We were welcomed warmly everywhere we went.

11-25-10 A guitarist sings. He painted his guitar with vibrant color.

San Francisco was our chance to unwind. The sand was white and the water was crystal clear.

11-25-10 My stepdad, Clay, and my mom, Josie, relax on the beach in Cozumel

The whole family came to San Francisco. There was a pool with a water fountain, water sports, snorkeling, and a host of water activities for the kids.

11-25-10 Auntie Erly and Jim enjoying the beach

Some of us loved lounging while the rest of us (me, Antonio, and the kids) enjoyed the water.

11-25-10 John & Pam (Antonio's sister and husband) relaxing on the beach in Cozumel

The resort fee included an open bar and lunch. I had beef fajitas while Eliana munched on delicious chicken quesadillas. The service was excellent and the food was good.

11-25-10 Kid Chef Eliana eats chicken quesadillas. Que delicioso!

Auntie Erly, Mom and I had to take advantage of the massage service. Now why can’t I have that at home every day?!

11-25-10 A foot massage makes my mom, Josie, so happy

The kids and I even got to see a squirrel monkey. This Panamanian monkey was rescued and rehabilitated. I even let it climb on me. It sat on my head!

11-25-10 A squirrel monkey, rescued and rehabilitated

After a great time at the beach, it was time to head back to the ship. The New Orleans Saints were playing AND it was Thanksgiving Day! Of course, Puerta Maya offered many more photo opportunities.

11-25-10 Lots of shopping in Cozumel!

I even caught a peek of Santa Claus in Cozumel!

11-25-10 Yes, it's Christmas in Mexico!

Puerta Maya was such a pretty port. They made it very tourist friendly. If you ever cruise and stop in Cozumel, be sure to have full pockets and an empty stomach! :)

11-25-10 Sitting in front of a pretty Mayan fountain in Cozumel, Mexico

On the way back to the ship, Los Tres Caballeros serenaded passersby. What a nice way to leave the port. With a song and a smile. :)

11-25-10 Los Tres Caballeros!

We walked back to the big ship and I stopped to marvel at the crystal clear water one last time. The beach and oceanside is my favorite place in the world. The Caribbean waters of Mexico (Cancun and Cozumel) are the prettiest waters I have had the privilege of swimming in. But it was time to leave our last port…

11-25-10 Headed back to the ship after a full day of sun, sand, surf and shopping in Cozumel

Antonio and I caught some of the Saints game in our stateroom as we were getting ready for Thanksgiving Dinner. It was elegant night so we dressed up.

11-25-10 Dianne ready for an elegant Thanksgiving dinner

Unfortunately, we had to leave our cabin before the game ended so at dinner, we didn’t know if the Saints had won or lost against Dallas. When we left, it was a nail-biting game and the Saints were behind! But during dinner, the Maitre ‘D announced that the Saints had won. Yes, it was time to celebrate!!

11-25-10 The Saints won the Saints v. Dallas game on Thanksgiving and Saints fans rocked the boat!

Eliana looked so sophisticated in her gold dress – one of the Saints’ colors!

11-25-10 Elegant Eliana at Thanksgiving dinner

My Auntie Mary Ann was gorgeous in a black, sparkly floor length gown. Simply stunning!

11-25-10 Auntie Mary Ann, my mom's sister, looks so glamorous on Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is a time of family so after dinner, we all went together to the spectacular Big Easy show in the Rome Auditorium. It was kind of strange not cooking a turkey on Thanksgiving but I enjoyed my beach vacation in Cozumel so much! I give thanks for my wonderful family. I’m so glad we were able to share these special moments together!

11-25-10 We wait for The Big Easy Show to start in the Rome auditorium on Thanksgiving Night

I am filled with gratitude that we were all able be together to share in the joy of my mom and Clay’s wedding vow renewal and to spend this vacation together. Every moment is precious and family is a treasure. Celebrate giving thanks every day…

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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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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