Summer is coming to a close. The Jost's have completed their climax of Summer 2015. We were spoiled by two great parents who planned out a great Christmas present of a Caribbean cruise. I have never experienced the ocean (away from shore), so this whole experience was so fun and relaxing for me (except for one little part-wait for it). The cruise started out in Galveston, Texas, where we were immediately interrogated, due to the security guards finding a bullet in dads bag (as if they couldn't already tell we were from Kansas.) 1 police report later, we were good to go. (Mom is now frazzled and needs a "spa day" as she would tell you). We boarded the ship on a Sunday morning, that afternoon we took off. Our first stop would be in Cozumel, Mexico. I never knew how crammed four people could be in one tiny room (if the ship would have sunk-we had no chance). |
Our day in Cozumel was much anticipated. I enjoyed seeing the beauty of this culture. The people at this port were the most friendly people I have ever met. It was so nice to see the hospitality and servant-hearts that people have (especially when it involves a tip for them.) We spent the day on Paradise Beach; jet skiing, snorkeling, swimming, inflatables and paddle boarding were just some of the things we got to do. After that, they had a beautiful pool and bar and did a little shopping before getting back on the ship that afternoon. (pictures below are from our day in Mexico.) |
our second day, (and my favorite), was spent in the Grand Cayman Islands. This place was so, incredibly beautiful. We didn't get to experience the city very much, but it seemed like a very fast-paced, American-like place. This place was a blast.. because the main thing I had looked forward to this whole trip, was coming up: swimming with sting rays has always been one of my favorite things. The whole Jost crew got in, played with them, fed them, held and kissed them. Such sweet creatures, they rub up against your feet like cats, and let you hold them just like any other friendly animal. After that, we got in and swam with some dolphins, our specific dolphin was Lucy, and she was 15 years old (we thought this was funny because she was older than Kamren and Kallie). Here's some awesome pictures we got during our day in GCI: |
Our last port-day was spent in Jamaica. Interesting. (to say the least). We didn't really do an "off-port excursion" this day, as we just spent it in the marketplace shopping, drinking coffee, meeting some of the locals and of course making a stop at Margaritaville! I have to say, seeing the "pot leaf" on every single store window, every mug, every piece of jewelry was just kind of weird. (funny story): we're walking around this store, just checking things out, and I look over at mom and she is snapping some pictures of this cute little boy in the store (she's a "professional photographer"; she doesn't care who you are; she just wants your picture) when I see what the boy is doing, I couldn't help but burst out laughing... I had to immediately alert my mother that she was taking pictures of a little boy playing with weed tools, bongs, etc. Mom became cultured that day. (pictures include: a crazy mascot at Margaritaville, some Kansas Pride, siblings burning up in the Jamaican sun, and some anticipation for football season--EMAW!) |
This trip was such a blessing, I'm grateful for two parents who enjoy family time (event though it was two 12 hour car rides with 6 people) so much that they are willing to spend their money on this. The only downside to this trip would be my wonderful immune system/skin/body. I have probably the most sensitive skin and most allergic-prone skin you could imagine. This would become relevant the MOMENT I stepped onto the ship. Something on that boat, in that air, near me, in me, or what not, was making me pretty itchy. It was fun, regardless I had red dots and swollen eyes for a couple beach trips, but hey, yay for allergies. Life lessons I learned on Jost Family Vacation 2015:
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