# 27 and #188

When we were first approached to participate in the Mount Royal University Mini Triathlon, I thought OK how hard could it be? 500 meter swim- now yes this might be a problem as I am not a swimmer and prefer to have my feet on solid ground; 17.8k bike ride.. no problem, have done 50k after a long run; 5k bike ride..OK this should be a walk in the park. Not so!!! I think it might have helped to have actually gone for an occasional swim before the event, but in 23 minutes we finished 21 lengths of the pool. With my coach encouraging me all the way the swimming portion was over. I just needed to catch my breathe. About lap 2 of the 3 lap bike ride I finally caught that breathe. The swim definitely impacted by biking ability as I rode as if we were out for a casual ride around town. Should have trained a bit more than the ride in Bonaire.

Finishing lap 3, what a relief! As the crowd cheered us on, all that was left was that 5k run. Who knew when transitioning from the bike to the run my legs would feel like stiff boards and my right foot a frozen brick. To say the least my legs really weren't to fond of me right now and lifting my feet was no easy task.... but they kept going. As we past Lot's of people walking I as determined not to quit.

Crossing the finish line was extremely gratifying and emotional. With the support of my coach the entire way we had completed our first mini-triathlon. The learning's ...you really should train and while anyone of the sports individually is no problem putting them all together is quite another story! Thank goodness for my coach!!!

Will I do another one? I think so, just to prove what I can do if I train properly.

Saturaday at Sea..

Our last day was a sea day and we all took the opportunity to sleep in. No one was up before 9 am and it felt like quite a treat. Trying to stick to my training routine I headed to the gym for a short 16k run on the treadmill. Not so bad when you can watch a movie ( Duplicity) and stare out into the ocean while running. 2 hours and a bit later I was done and ready to spend the rest of the day sunbathing. We found a great spot at the back of the ship overlooking the water to read our books, sleep and strengthen the tan. Slightly burnt it was time to pack and prepare for dinner. We had booked an 8:15 dinner reservation so our suitcases needed to be packed and ready for pick-up before we headed for dinner. It was with mixed feeling we packed those bags.

Dinner tonight was with our favorite 2 waiters and they picked up teasing Nicole right were they left off two evenings earlier. Pepper shakers disappeared and she got a special dessert. By the end of the evening I think she had 3 desserts. A chocolate note written on the first plate said "special desert". Yes this is how it was spelt. An apple pie with no vanilla sauce, followed by a mud pie. Each delicious and she enjoyed them all as the rest of us howled with laughter. I am sure the waiters will never forget our table of six!!

However the party ended there, as we headed back to our rooms and were all asleep by 10:30. Funny how tired you can getting just sitting in the sun.

Up at 6:30 it was time to head home. A whole day of travelling would get us home at 9:45.

Aruba by Jeep....

Arriving at Aruba on Good Friday, the streets are quiet and the stores closed for the day as the residence celebrate the holiday with family and friends. Camping in tents or rustic huts on the beautiful beaches and along the coastline is where we met the locals. The island is very flat with one large hill in the center called the Haystack. a good place for an early morning or late afternoon hike.

The island is home to a natural bridge which collapsed in 2005, but yes it is still used as a major tourist site. An excuse to board tourists on a bus for a small fee and tour the island. LOL

Today's we travelled the island by jeep. 4 people to a vehicle, 6 vehicles in all, followed our guide through two towns to the natural bridge and then off road along the coastline. Nicole took the wheel and drove us through the rocks, up and down the hills and windy curves throwing dust up behind us. Fortunately, we were vehicle number 1 right behind the guide. The guide provided insight to the island through speakers in each vehicle. We had a lot of fun and learned a few things along the way. Nicole did us all proud! This was the only island where piles of rocks were the major attractions., for us it was the beaches. Again lots of beautiful, fine, white sand leading into the warm turquoise water. The day was hot and we all welcomed a swim to wash off the dust and play in the waves..Before ending the tour we drove through the Hotel zone and could tell why this was a desired destination for beach holidays.

With the shops closed we were back on the cruise ship in time for lunch and then out to the pool to catch some more rays. A great day!!

Bonaire... becoming one with the road.

Population 15,000

Bonaire is known for scuba diving and snorkeling, but we didn't do either.

A desert, mostly flat with some rolling hills surrounded by water is how Bonaire appeared to us. Especially after the long winding roads that lead up the mountains(OK, not the Canadian Rockies, but definitely steep hills) in Dominica and Grenada. The perfect island to travel by mountain bike! We met our guide Edmee, a gorgeous girl who toured us along the coastline to the sites of the island.

Here is where I tried to become one with the pavement. as the cyclist in front of me stopped I engage the left brake ( yes the left brake) and the bike came to an abrupt stop sending the back wheel up into the air as I went ass over teakettle. Having done this once to many times in the past, I knew I could gain control and prevent a major spill. However the woman behind me crashed into me and somehow my body preventing the 2 bikes and other lady from hitting the pavement. Lying at the bottom of the heap my first instinct was to get up, but somehow I was unable to move. It was only then I realized the woman and bikes needed to be moved first. Thankfully Nicole took control of the situation and we were able to unravel the pile on the road. Hurt yes, bruised and slightly battered yes, probably a bit in shock but I was determined to get back on the bike and keep going. Fortunately, Edmee made me take a short time out in the bus to regain control of my breathe and body. Ten minutes later I was back in the saddle and ready to continue the tour and what a great tour it was! We visited the flamingo and wild donkey sanctuaries, saw a few wild boars and lots of goats roaming the countryside.

The ride was awesome, finishing off with a serious uphill climb, which I am proud to say I made without walking. My pride was still hurting from the fall, so there was no way I was going to walk any of the hills even if it killed me. Fortunately it didn't! We ended the bike tour at the local police station where we boarded a bus to continue the island tour.

Driving along the coast we saw Land sailors. Best describes as go carts with sails powered by the wind. They looked and operate much like windsurfers but with wheels and no brakes. Apparently they can often be spotted off course and heading across the highway if they don't manage the sail correctly. Looked a bit scary to me!

Finally a great place to shop. Bonaire offered several streets lined with all kinds of souvenirs and clothing shops, restaurants and kiosks. Along with the normal trinkets, they had some unique shops. Yes I bought a dress and top both for less than $20 each and a few souvenir's. Probably the best shopping experience we had on the trip so far.


Dinner was out of control. Janet ordered 3 appetizers thinking that something called "Quail and Venison...something or other" was an entree and not the pate and bread she got. This set the stage for continues laughter that just got sillier and sillier as the even went on. Who knew?

Grenada-- were the Carribean band welcomed us.

Population 110,000
Today was scheduled just to be fun and it was. Greeted by a steel band we made our way to the bus that would take us Tubing. Not quite as lush as Dominica, but still lots of trees and windy roads that led us up hill to the river for a morning of tubing. We learned that Grenada was also experiencing a drought and the water level in the river was at least 4 inches lower than normal. This meant that the guides had to work extra hard pulling and pushing us through some of the rapids. OK not really rapids but still twisting and turning as we floated down the river. If you are not getting splashed you probably aren't having fun, and we had Lot's of fun. At one point we were all singing "if you are happy and you know it clap your hands". The last verse " if you are happy and you know it splash the tourists". If you hadn't got too wet before this you were now totally soaked. The water felt great, cool and refreshing. As we climbed out of the river, Grenations with rum punch welcomed us to the beach.

Grenada is known for their spices and we all bought nutmeg and spice necklaces from the roadside kiosk. Our suitcases and clothes should all smell great when we arrive home.

Grenada takes tourism seriously and had a great mall in the center of town. Everything from expensive jewellery, clothing, Lot's of spices and the normal tourist junk. I think we all helped the Grenada economy a bit. A skirt, more spices and a steel drum will make it home to Canada with me.

We had to be back on the boat by 1:30 pm so our time in Grenada was short, but I think we got a good taste of the island.

Now we had some time for some serious tanning, during our afternoon at sea!

Dominica....

Trafalgar falls... travelling to Trafalgar Falls was an adventure in itself. Narrow, winding roads led us up to the highest point in Dominica on our way to the falls. Fortunately I was sitting close to the front of the bus as the passengers in the back really weren't feeling to well. Not only are the roads long and windy, most of them are under construction. At one point our bus passed another going the opposite direction and the 2nd bus fell off the edge of the road, placing his left wheels approximately a foot of the cement. He was still stuck when we left.

First stop the falls, where we took a short hike up the stairs to the outlook. Along the way we past a spring laden with minerals. Rumor has it if you touch the minerals it takes 2 years of your age, so of course not taking any chances I placed both my hands into the spring to ensure I captured any possible anti-aging opportunity. Reaching the outlook, two magnificent water falls appeared in the distance. The Mama and the Papa. Extremely beautiful sites to see. Know the funny thing is that when ever 6 ladies group together to have their picture taken, someone always wants in on the action. Today we gained and elderly gentleman as a new friend in our picture. The photographer even asked him to step aside so she could get a picture of just the girls.. too funny.

From the falls we headed to the Rain forest Aerial tram way and suspension bridge. However before boarding the tram we had to stop for lunch, at Subway in the rain forest. The perfect lunch. It was a bit funny to see Subway signs and branding in the forest.

Riding the tram up the mountain was so very peaceful and the mountain side was extremely lush with vegetation. We were told by our guide ( whose name none of us can remember) that it rains every single day in Dominica and today was no exception. Thank goodness I had my rain cape with me as I hate to be cold. Oh the others laughed at me, but I was warm and comfortable. The guide seemed extremely knowledgeable about the plants, trees and wildlife residing in the forest. Throughout the entire tour he named plants, showed us root systems and made a torch. We all believe he is probably a botanist at heart. At the top of the mountain we disembarked and made our way to the suspension bridge. It was much sturdier than I expected, but definitely extremely high in the sky. For anyone with a fear of heights travelling across the bridge was truly a feat, but we all made it with pictures to show. Then we hiked down the path to the midway station before climbing back on the tram car for the ride back to the base station.

Shopping in Dominica was almost non-existent. We found a small warehouse to buy a few souvenirs just outside the port entrance. The women manning the tables really didn't seem all that interested in making a sale and there was really nothing that caught our eye. I did but a spoon but that was it.

The most gorgeous Rain Forest I have had the opportunity to visit, it felt so natural and not at all commercialized.

St Thomas...Beaches and Pirates.

Docking at St Thomas took us to one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world. For the next 2 hours we bathed in the sunshine on Magan's beach. Fine, soft, white sand leading to the crystal, clear, blue water we all went for a swim. OK I only spent 10 minutes in the water, but Nicole, Janet and Ulla definitely frolicked in the water for most of our visit to the site. Yes this is where my watch died. Lying on the beach, and soaking up the sun while reading a trashy novel, I was in heaven!!

St Thomas was the island that encouraged pirates to visit and Blackbeard's castle
was a site to behold. First a quick tour of the rum factory and a few samples just to wet your whistle, or maybe it was just to entice you to buy a few bottles..lol. Which we did! Then the exploring and introduction to the pirates began. America's next top models we aren't but we could play at posing and pretending to interact with the statues. It was so much fun.

Through the maze of the plantation homes, the Amber gift shop and a quick hotdog at Salty's and we were off to the shops of St Thomas. However we only had an hour until we needed to head back to the ship. Where had all the time gone? While thinking we should be shopping in St Thomas, recommended for their jewellery, we made a quick tour through some of the shops. But honestly, we were hot and thirsty so after 1/2 hour we headed for a cool drink instead. Not to much money left in St Thomas, but the memories of the beach are worth millions.

Back on the boat we started our first new ritual. A milkshake from the ice cream shop, upon returning from a days adventure. Now, I need to tell you about the drink cards we purchased our first evening on the boat. For $9 a day (sounds better than $72) you get a drink card that covers all none alcoholic drinks including milkshakes, virgin cocktails and all the pop you could possibly consume. So of course we all got one! At the end of the day I think we all won as I can definitely drink more than 4 pop a day, add in the milkshake and beverages with meals and I am definitely ahead. OH yeah beverages are not free on the boat.

San Juan- Warm, my bones are finally warm again!

The Embassey Suite Hotel, reminded us all of the Red Deer lodge, except it was warm, had an Outbacks restaurant, which we thoroughly enjoyed and a Casino. Now you would think that after a full day of travelling, and an exceptional meal at Outbacks we would be ready for bed?? But NO... we had to go to the Casino. Only for an hour or so! Then when I was up $75, I should have cashed in and gone to bed. But no.... I had to wait until I was only up $10 before I had enough sense to quite. Having over an hour of fun, that the Casino paid me $10 for is not so bad.

Sunday morning up at the crack of dawn. OK maybe at 10 am and ready for the free breakfast. Realizing nothing is free it was included in the price of the hotel, but we figure that is close enough to free. With full stomachs we dropped our bags off at the Princess Cruise line dock and headed to Old San Juan for an afternoon of exploring. Surrounded by the fort, Old San Juan has lots of character. Different from other countries the church is not at the center of town but off to the side. You would almost miss it if it wasn't for the hoards of people walking around carrying palms, since it is Palm Sunday.
Small quaint boutiques and souvenirs shops lined the streets, beckoning tourists to spend their money. Nicole wanted to purchase a watch so that she would be on time for all events. We found the cutest little $15 waterproof watch that would be perfect for the cruise. With my weakness for watches of course I had to buy one too. A funny thing about that watch, after bout 10 minutes in the water mine was ready to be buried at sea. Nicole spent at least an hour swimming up and down Magen's beach and hers keeps on ticking.

It was now time to explore the the fort. Long, dark , dingy hallways with walls at least 4 feet thick, made you feel like you were in prison or at least in a dungeon. The people of the time must have been extremely short as the hallways and doorways were never more than 6 feet high. It must have taken forever to build. We wandered the halls, watch the canon demonstration and climbed the towers. Keeping IN shape would have been accomplished just by moving around the fort. We were exhausted and ready to board the ship.

Immediately we were impressed and thought we had definitely arrived in heaven. All those stories about 5'x 7' cabins with a washroom so small you can't turn around in, was not to be for us. A suite with two full size twin beds, a sitting room, balcony and full size washroom, tub and all, was to be our home for the next week. We truly are spoiled.

The bigger challenge was finding your way around the ship. Eventually we did!

And the next adventure starts.

Bright and early Saturday morning we are up and ready to leave on the next adventure. OK maybe not so bright but it is early, 4:00am and after a year of planning we are ready. Six ladies off to explore the wilds of the south Caribbean. I am sure we will survive but the Islands we visit might never be the same.

First stop the Dallas airport with a 3 hour layover, and the beginning of the adventures. Surprisingly enough the airport is quite quiet as we wondered the hallways looking in each store, and stopping for a bite to eat at Champs. Janet thought we should test the knowledge of the waitress on fine Canadian dining and placed an order for poutine. Not something they serve in the US. That was the beginning of our first interesting conversation with a new friend. After explaining what poutine was, the waitress then shared stories of her travels including a forbidden trip to Cuba. We all know that US citizens are not allowed to travel to Cuba, but where there is a will there is a way. You travel to Mexico and then book
your flight to Cuba. Your passport is stamped as a Mexican. Then she told us she got scared and hightailed it back to the US.

As we continued our exploration of the airport a lonely salesman at Ben & Jerry's kept beckoning us over. Free tastes of ice cream kept heading our way. Eventually we were full and thought saw tears in his eyes as we started to move away. Now you need to know that Ulla is a sucker for men with tears and felt it was only right to at least purchase one cone from this very nice, lonely salesman. That brought more tears to his eyes as she ordered a small frozen cookie dough cone. Those tears again affected her so much she dropped her entire wallet in the garbage under the counter. A small $700US cone she had. Luckily the ice cream man was able to retrieve the wallet and the cone only cost $2.00. Too funny!!

The most interesting person was yet to come, our feet were tired and we really, really just wanted to board the plane, when we met the most interesting lady, heading to Haiti to work as a mid wife for a week. Apparently Haiti is experiencing more than 30 deliveries a day and supplies and help are limited. So her mid wifery class was off to provide assistance in makeshift hospitals ( tents). But that is not the best part. She has also been a surrogate mother and is scheduled to do it again in the summer. Now is that an interesting, giving career!! She has three teenage children of her own and a very understanding, supportive husband.

All this before leaving Dallas! Finally 3 hours later we board the plane and are off
to San Juan!