cruisin' the Caribbean

My friend Randi in SF has tickets for a seven day cruise so off I go! She just broke up with her boyfriend and was looking for someone to take his place on the cruise so I volunteered!\r

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21 October 2005 - Juneau to San Francisco via Seattle. Overnited with Randi in San Carlos.\r

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22 October - long day of travel on American Airlines to JFK then San Juan. Overnite at Hampton Inn.\r

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23 October - We board the Carnival Destiny today at 2pm for destinations of St Thomas, Dominica, Barbados and Aruba returning to San Juan next Sunday. Hurrican Wilma is heading to Florida but it looks like we might encounter Hurricane Alpha!\r

We sailed at 10pm. Inside room 9206 with great location near spa and pool.\r

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24 October - Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas (7-5) for tour with Gloster Dublin and Dub's Tour with a couple from Aruba. We visited Valdemir Hill lookout, Drakes bench, MountainTop restaurant for views of Magens Bay....then we walked the town. Stopped for conch fritters at Cuzzins Restaurant. Dinner on boat at 5:45pm then evening show with dancers and comedian Al Romero.\r

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25 October - Roseau, Dominica (9:30-6). Booked tour in advance with ship and then realized that this is not necessary...could have done it more cheaply with local guides. We visited Trafalgar Falls and Sulphur Springs with Josie our guide then lunch at Botanical Gardens at annual Creole Festival where they are celebrating the independence. Our meal included codfish, breadfruit, and local avocados.\r

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26 October - Bridgetown, Barbados (7:15-10). Randi, Maggie, Mary and I hired driver Michael to drive us around the island then stopped at Carlisle Beach for some sun but then it rained!\r

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27 October - at sea so enjoyed pedicure with Tesa.\r

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28 October - Oranjestadt, Aruba (8-11)\r

While Randi went snorkeling, I hired a jeep and drove the island....quite wonderful! This island is very different than the others as it is desert and the others had more rainforest. Visited the hotel beach area, California lighthouse, Tierra del Sol golf course, Alto Vista Chapel, Natural Bridge, Ayo and Casibari rock formations, donkey sanctuary. Met Randi's boat returning from De Palme island and we enjoyed Baby Beach before another storm hit. Back to visit town and the infamous Carlos and Charlies.\r

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29 October - at sea for return to San Juan...very sunny so got a bit of a burn.\r

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30 October - San Juan Puerto Rico.\r

Toured town with lunch at Mallorca before evening flight to Miami. Ended up staying at Fairfield Inn near airport cos Jeffrey has no power due to Hurricane Wilma damage to Miami.\r

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31 October - Miami to SF to Seattle to Juneau!\r