Norwegian Sun (Day 3) – Chankanaab... gesundheit.
On day 3 we arrived in Cozumel, Mexico. During our cruise last year, Cozumel was the only port that we booked a tour through the ship. Never again. It was the worst excursion immaginable and we vowed to only book tours on our own from that day forward.
This year, we decided to take a cab to Chankanaab Park to bask on the beach and do some snorkeling. Great choice. The cab ride was $10, park entry was $21 each and the snorkeling gear was only $10, not the $15 advertised online. The snorkeling was great. We were out for an hour and a half. Fish were everywhere. They must feed them to keep them friendly. That would also explain me getting bit by one of the little buggers. No blood, but I about soiled myself.
After hanging out on the beach and swinging in the hammocks, we had some lunch at one of the two "restaurants". I'm a sucker for simple homemade salsa and quacamole, and it hit the spot.
After lunch we wandered around. There's a small lagoon, a nature trail and Mayan ruins replicas at the back of the property. Towards the front is a sea lion exhibit, free with admission, that holds shows every couple of hours. You can pay $15 to have a photo taken with the sea lions (or just bring a zoom lens... insert random whistling here). The Dophin Discovery is also on the property, but don't plan on getting anywhere near it without the additional purchase. If you do purchase a dolphin experience, park admission is freem. So, its not as pricey as it seems.
After a cab ride back to the port we attemped to do some quick shopping at the local market. We were hounded. I guess we just had that gringo look about us. The girls got trapped by a woman selling personalized bracelets. They really wanted one, but with the names Peyton and Madden, an inventory search was not successful. The woman's brother, Giovanni, made them custom bracelets on the spot. Possibly the best $5 we spent that week.
Back onboard, we took it easy for dinner. At Champs Bar after 5:30 pm you simple bar food is abailable off of a menu (no additional charge). So, we hung out at under the tent at the Great Overlook Café, ate some wings and enjoyed a nice sunset. There are worse ways to spend and evening.
The entertainemt that night was Nadeen, the Queen of Hypnosis. And just as I hoped, my wife volunteered. My kids laughed their heads off as Nadeen "hypnotised" passengers and had them under her "power of suggestion". All, except for Kristy. She laid there like a stump. She later said, "I didn't know what to do. I thought I might go under, but couldn't." the crowd seemed to love it. I was kind of annoyed when she talked about her seminar the next day, where she, no doubt, sold videos and books. Oh well, it was free.
Back to the cabin. The family to bed, and me, you guessed it, back to the craps table. I witnessed a guy drop two grand in 15 minutes. I think he was more clueless than me. and obviously more loaded.
Tomorrow, The Caymans.
