WEST CARIBBEAN CRUISE
on the CARNIVAL VALOR
Day 6 � January 27/06
Drink of the day is "Mexican Mama".
Today's port of call is Costa Maya, Mexico. Was supposed to be Cozumel (our original itinary) but Cozumel was still recovering from Hurricane Ivan, so we had to detour to Costa Maya. We were told that this port was very similar to Cozumel many years ago, before it became such a popular tourist spot.
Our excursion that we chose for this port was the Mayan Culture Experience. This was much better than the Mayan ruins tour we had in Belize. It also took us to some ruins, but then we went to a real Mayan home, where the family opened their home to us and let us share with them.
They had a number of "huts" on their property - each one was meant for a specific purpose. The main hut was their sleep quarters - some beds, and storage, that's about it. They had a hut that housed their "prayer room". Then there was a hut that housed their kitchen, where they were actually cooking. It's a wonder the hut doesn't catch on fire! Then there was a hut that housed their laundry facilities (very archaic). Then there was a hut that housed puppies! Yes, puppies! :o)
In the kitchen, the women made us flour tortillas to taste. Gary and I had some. It was made of corn flour and water, and that's it. And it did taste very plain. But it was warm. :o)
They also made their own gum somehow from the trees. Yes, chewing gum. Unflavoured chewing gum though. We were offered a sample. Gary declined. I took one, but waited for others to give it a go first. Comparisons were made to wax, or crayons (same thing isn't it?). I finally got brave, and yes, it was like eating a crayon. Kinda yuck actually.
They had a cage with budgies on the property. They had a "pet parrot" that I was allowed to hold.
Are you wondering about the bathroom? There was no bathroom! Actually, the bathroom was JUST being built. I guess they just used the jungle prior to this?
We had our picture taken with the family. It was a wonderful experience that I immensely enjoyed.
We were brought back to the pier, to do some shopping before getting back on the boat. But we couldn't waste too much time, because tonight was "formal night".
Back on the ship we rented a tuxedo for Gary. Then went back in the room to get ready for dinner. I wore my green long dress (that I used at my wedding for dinner). I think the dress shrunk some! LOL It was quite tight, and a bit uncomfortable, but I sucked it in (literally) and enjoyed dinner.
At some point (can't remember if it was before dinner or after) we got our portraits done to commemorate formal night. Boy was I glad to get that dress off!
CONTINUE
TO DAY 7
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