Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico

A map of the ruins in Tulum at the entrance.


The day turned out to be beautiful, though rain and low temps had been forecast.


What unusual birds...


Retaining walls lined the walkway.


Incredible views of the Caribbean Sea from the cliffs of Tulum


A broader view of Tulum.

The Palace was the largest residential building.

El Castillo.

El Castillo is the largest of the buildings at Tulum.

Another perspective of El Castillo.

Cozumel

We docked in Cozumel and you can see the Celebrity Equinox across from us.

This boat is what they called a "Fast Ferry" which took us from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen in about half an hour. The water was very choppy and it was not a pleasant trip for many on board, but my husband and I really enjoyed the ride.

This gives you a bit more perspective on the size of the ship versus the size of the ferry.

The 'Zonkey Show'?? Sorry I'm going to miss it -- I think.

This is the first turtle I've seen during the whole trip!

A beautiful catamaran sailing past us.

As we arrive at the pier in Playa del Carmen the water looks almost as pretty as ours. ;-)

One of the beaches in Playa del Carmen.

Beautiful beachfront property.

The beautiful Real Club, part of the Gran Porto Real Resort in Playa de Carmen, a five star property which I surely couldn't afford to stay at, but enjoyed staring!

A gorgeous dome in the porte cochere at the Real.

Flags fly high as we walk to the bus which will drive us an hour south to Mayan ruins in Tulum.

Carnival Triumph

We cruised on the Carnival Triumph from New Orleans to Cozumel.

We embarked on Level Three and into an incredible spacious area still decorated festively for the holidays.

Looking down at the amazing nine-deck atrium from around Level Six.

Wow, wonder what the winged gold lion is reading. He surely doesn't seemed pleased.

A lovely coffee/pastry/ice cream shop along World's Way

The adorable gingerbread village was still in place.

I love the nightly towel animals we would find on our bed...

along with a copy of 'Carnival Capers', the Ship's newsletter which listed helpful hints and all of the next day's events such as classes, store specials, and shows. Hmmmm...maybe I'll take the towel folding class and surprise our visitors next year!

There's a place on the ship to play a few hoops.

There was also a mini-golf area and we took full advantage of it during the trip!

The communications/radar tower was gigantic!

A view aft from portside. The waterslide wasn't operating during our cruise for obvious reasons, but all the hot tubs stayed full of braver people than us. It was very cool on the open deck until we got closer to the Yucatan Peninsula.

Another view aft from starboard side. Note the giant TV screen which came in very handy for those watching college football bowl games on New Year's Day.

A beautiful sunset at sea.

Ahhhh...a lounging 'waskly wabbit' on my bed. Yep, maybe I will take that towel folding class.

Tomorrow's port...Cozumel!

Departing New Orleans

At least the sun was shining on New Year's Eve day, when we departed New Orleans for a cruise to Cozumel.


The muddy Mississippi flowing swiftly under the Crescent City Connection.

As we departed, we sailed past the Steamboat Natchez ...

and Riverwalk Marketplace...

Drawing nearer to Jackson Square...

and at last a beautiful view of St. Louis Cathedral.

We wave goodbye to New Orleans as the sun slowly disappears behind the skyline.

Then are treated to a full moon -- a blue moon -- rising on the port side of the ship as we reach a bend in the river.

A reflection of myself in the rain-stained balcony window earlier as we pulled away from the pier. I've got to work on that raised-pinkie mannerism I have going on.

A day in New Orleans

My husband and I decided to take a cruise out of New Orleans and came in one day before the departure to enjoy some time in the French Quarter. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate.


The only place I could safely pull out my camera was in doorways of courtyards.


Occasionally the rain would slacken enough for me to use my hood to protect the camera, as I did here along the Mississippi river.


We decided to go to the New Orleans aquarium -- as did a thousand or more other folks.

It was fascinating to watch the divers cleaning the tanks and checking the coral and fish.

Colorful fish were very difficult to capture without a tripod, but I did my best to steady the camera against the edge of the tank or a nearby post. I would LOVE to have a saltwater aquarium again.

Such lovely tanks and fish.

I'll definitely put a large aquarium on my list of things to buy when I hit the lottery!