License to Chill

I was reading through Kym’s novel about the cruise (thank you, btw) and had some ideas come to mind. And as I agree with Kym that posting some plans is a good idea, I thought I would treat my ideas like spaghetti and see what sticks to the ceiling or wall or wherever you decide to throw it.
First of all, John also got certified in SCUBA for the cruise, so please let us know when you are planning a dive so he can use his new skill. I refused to precipitate my anticipated deep water anxiety attack by getting my C-card, so he is without a partner to dive with, and would love to be included.

Most of you already know that I want to go to Hell in the Cayman Islands. Kym listed the exact tour I plan on taking-the “Best of Cayman Island Tour.” The perfect day trip- 3 hours, some culture, a little history, freakish turtles, interesting rock formations and a chance to buy a cool t-shirt from Hell, all for $46 per adult (and if you are so inclined, a sample of rum cake, too). Book it, Dan-o I am there!

Also, so much of life is about planning, and for me there are only 3 things I really, really plan out in advance-what I am eating, where I am sleeping/chilling and where and how fast I spend my cash! This being said, my plans revolve around the always important souvenir. If the excursion doesn’t have a built in souvenir, it probably won’t catch my eye. For instance, my souvenir of the boat will be motion sickness patch residue, a collection of used barf bags and a nifty smell that will take multiple washings to get out of my clothes.

I have to admit I hadn’t given much thought to Jamaica. I want to try Mexican food in Mexico and if I saw some cool ruins I wouldn’t complain and if it’s not too heavy I would like a mole bowl to bring home, but Jamaica. . . So I was grateful to read through some options and I now can’t decide what to do.

If Melissa had gotten her act together and gone dread, I would so take her on the Bob Marley Bus Adventure! I think it sounds fun, and I am so into Reggae. Imagine what you can bring back with you from THIS excursion-a buzz, some bugs and the munchies. Of course you won’t remember it so well, but I am sure it would be something awesome to forget about. But, she didn’t, so I can’t. Bummer.

I got a little excited about the bobsledding, because that is definitely a touristy thing to do, and they have got to sell dvds about the 1988 bobsled team, right? Built-in souvenir AND hours of entertainment to boot! But then the words “chair lift,” “15 minutes,” and “3,280 feet” processed and I said H to the L no! Yikes! The only thing worse than deep water is heights! It would sound more fun, if only they could make the mountain flatter. . .

Once I pulled myself together, I got seriously excited about two Jamaican adventures. If Ricky was 6 months older my decision would be made already, but since you have to be 6 to do the Jamaican Dogsled Encounter, I am not decided. I am pretty sure I will be missing Abby by then and playing with a bunch of dogs would make me feel better, so I’m keeping it on the short list. Kevin said I could lie about Ricky’s age, so that is an idea. . .

Or maybe I will try the Mini-Boat Adventure! I think it sounds fun to drive my own boat around and stuff. You also get to go to the Pirate village and who can say no to that? Do you think they have the dog holding the jail key in its mouth, just to be kitchy? If I go I want to find a t-shirt that says something pirately on it from the Haunt, like “I'd like 16 men on this chest,” “Give me some rum and I’ll a-hoy your Matie,” or “X marks my spot.” Actually, that would be funnier on sweat pants. Sorry, junior readers! I got a little carried away by my own “Souvenir-mania!” Back to cleaner thoughts, maybe I should stay out of the Pirate village. Okay that decides it, unless John objects, and he should have say I guess, I am going to Margaritaville!

Yes, Jimmy Buffet, I am eating lunch with you! The perfect Jamaican vacation day for this Parrothead will be-sled dogs and a cheeseburger in Paradise-and finding my lost shaker of salt! Three cheers for built-in souvenirs! Maybe Jimmy will be there to sign my new CDs I am buying to prepare for the occassion. Of course, you can eat at any salty piece of land on any Island Village trip, but since it’s included with the dog encounter it makes it more affordable, right? So Cindy, start teaching Ricky to say he is “six” and pack some clothes you don’t mind him getting dirty, because it’s five o’clock somewhere and we are about to encounter a dogsled in Jamaica!