Winter Break Part 2

The good and bad thing about flying home was going first class. Now, I am not a wealthy person in monetary words, but it was the only way I could get back to Tampa without having a stop over in New York- who wants that in the snow?! Thankfully, I had enough skymiles through Delta to offset the cost. It was amazing- Delta already had the blanket and pillow on the seat, and people even came to offer you drinks right away-- I enjoyed it while I could because I knew it would probably never happen again!!!

The second part of the vacation entailed a cruise with my grandma, aunt, uncle, cousins, and my parents. I had such a wonderful time. Throughout the year, I had been really excited to go on this, and I couldn't believe the time had already come. On the trip, we went through the Panama Canal, Aruba, Cartagena Columbia, Puntarenas Costa Rica, San Juan Del Sur Nicaragua, Huatulco Mexico, and Acapulco Mexico.

Here is the cruise ship I went on!

The sites we went to we beautiful, though some were eye-openers. Most of the countries we went to were considered to be living in poverty. The beaches were lined with trash, the houses were run down, and the people did anything they could to make a few extra dollars. I am so happy and blessed to be where I am, even though we all take it for granted every now and again.

Aruba was beautiful. We went to a beach resort and spend about 4 hours there. I went snorkeling, layed out on the beach, and collected some coral that washed up on the shore.

Cartagena was filled with shopping. A big marketplace there used to be a jail. I looked through the slits in the wall, which served for the prisoners, and I couldn't imagine being in there for life. The fort there was amazing. It was so big, but it was filled with vendors who followed you around trying to sell hats. One guy started at 20 for a hat, and about 15 minutes later was down to 5--- we loved haggling. The highlight was seeing a sloth in front of the fort available for pictures. I snapped one far away because I didn't want to hold it.

The Panama Canal was amazing. I've read so much about it, and it was neat to finally see it in person. There was a welcome center at the last part of the canal, and it was lined with tourists. They waved and cheered, so we all felt like celebrities passing through.

Here is part of the canal and the visitor center:

In Puntarenas, I went on a canopy tour zip line. I had a blast doing that, but it was a bit short. Once everyone got going on the lines, it seemed to pass by quickly. It was kind of scary being so high up, but when was I going to have the opportunity to do that again?

Here I am getting suited up for the canopy zip line!

The other places, my family and I just looked around the towns because there was nothing to do if you didn't pay for a tour--- nothing looked exciting enough. I got some cute clothes really cheap, but I am bummed I can't wear them yet because it is too cold.

In Acapulco, we got off the ship. It was fun to be on the cruise, but it was good to be going home at the same time. It was really fun to be around my family and have a blast on the ship. I think I have become quite accustomed to cruising-- I want to do it again!!!