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Maralyn D. Hill, The Epicurean Explorer
President, International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Beach at Roatan
It is difficult to believe this week is over. It went by so fast. Today is our last day at sea as we disembark tomorrow.
We enjoyed our dinner last night with a terrific and interesting group, thoroughly enjoyed Contare, and even danced a few rounds ourselves.
Today we enjoyed the luncheon for past Holland America cruisers. One of the couples there had spent over 950 days cruising on Holland America. We don’t expect to top that record.
In any case, Where and What in the World, will be back on track next week. We just want to enjoy our last day and evening. The dancers will be on for tonight.
To those who already enjoy cruising, you know why we do. To those who have put it off, give it a try. You may really surprise yourself.
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HAL Pool Party
Our tour started at Mahogany Beach this morning, visiting another beach where Roatán dancers performed. Their foot movement was amazing and this short demonstration was enjoyed with the ocean as a backdrop. We basically stayed on the south and west part of the island.
Next, we ventured to a cameo demonstration. Cameos were originally made in Italy and now also in Japan and Roatán. We knew they were made from conch shells, but this is the first time we saw such a variety of artwork. Usually, they featured a Renaissance woman, but these offered additional carvings of the sea and were quite beautiful.
We moved on to the semi-submarine, to check out the reef. Next to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, it is the second largest in the world, stretching from Belize to Mexico. In 2005, it had been damaged dramatically by a hurricane, but has come back nicely. We were able to observe a wide variety of sea life. The marine biologist on board provided a fine presentation, dispelling some myths about the underwater world.
We headed back to the ship for a relaxing afternoon. We missed lunch, but that did not hurt us. There certainly was food available, we just didn’t need it.
Dinner tonight was at Le Cirque in the Pinnacle Grill. After finishing, we went to listen to some music. Then, believe it or not, we managed to stay up for the HAL Cats, band and singer, featured at the pool party.
Friday will be Costa Maya. It’s difficult to believe the week is going by so fast.
