First we went to Disney's California Adventure with our free pass we got for volunteering.
This ferris wheel is pretty much the scariest ride there...no joking.
The gondolas move back and forth on long rails as you go around, swinging you back and forth. We didn't realize how bad it would be until we started the first slide. The worst part is, you aren't strapped in but basically sitting in this big sliding box. I wanted to get on the floor in the fetal position. We had to ask to get off after one time around...pretty embarassing.
I think Marc's favorite part was watching the waves outside our cabin window. Every time we came back to our room he would get on the bed and look out the window like a little dog.
I think his other favorite was the miniature golf course...which was extra challenging when the ship was in choppy water.
My favorite part about the cruise was the formal dinner nights. I married to a man who won't even wear his suits to church, so it was great to have an excuse to get all dressed up.
All that said, cruises are a whole other world of traveling. The first couple of days we felt a little claustrophobic being in the same contained area with 5,000 other people (and it was big ship). With all the lounging, gambling, drinking, and entertainment going on I almost felt like I was on a floating "great and spacious building." Part of what I like most about traveling is being immersed in a new culture. Yet, with only 8-12 hours in each port, you don't get much of that--especially since they try to coral you like cattle into the touristy places. That said, the food was amazing! We avoided the buffet room and had all of our meals in the dining room. Marc did hate having to sit with strangers. For those of you who know Marc at all, you know he hates small talk and meeting new people.
Our first stop was Cabo San Lucas.
We avoided the overpriced and campy group excursions the cruise offered and got great deals on our own on all the things we wanted to do in port. In Cabo, we rented a double sea kayak and rowed out to see Los Arcos at Lands End.
This shot is not the greatest, but we only had a waterproof disposable camera. We also saw seals bathing on the big rock next to the arch and relaxed for a bit on the beautiful Lover's beach.
Cabo itself didn't impress me very much. Its a desert and the city is built around tourism. However, the water was absolutely beautiful. It was bright blue and so clear.
Next Stop... Mazatlan
We didn't really have any plans for Mazatlan, but after walking around for a while, we found this beautiful hike up to a lighthouse that had great views of the city.
For lunch, we ate AMAZING tacos at this hole in the wall taco shop.
Peurto Vallarta...very pretty, very fun!
Mallory and Adam went on their honeymoon to Peurto Vallarta back in August and they said we had to do a zip line. It took us a while to barter the salesman down to what we wanted, but we finally got one to go low enough.
The zip line itself was so much fun. I was a little nervous while they were training us how to use the pulley because both Marc and I are scared of heights. Once we started though, it wasn't scary at all. Our guides were so much fun and it was beautiful to zip back and forth across the river. Wish we had photos, but they don't let you take a camera and then try to charge you $79 for the photos they take.
To top all of it off, we got to ride burros up the steep trail back to the top. I love it! I named my burro Pedro. He seemed to not like having me on his back, but I told him he just better be grateful he didn't have to carry my husband.
After the zip lining, they have you trapped up in the canyon to sell all their things to you at their restaurant and tequila factory. It was a little irritating waiting for the ride down while everyone was getting drunk on tequila.
I don't really like dinky little souvineers so I wasn't planning to really shop at all. However, when I saw these plastic banners everywhere I had to have one. The panels are cut into ornate designs of flowers, birds, etc. When I asked one guy at the market where I could buy them he said they are just decorations and you cannot buy decorations. When I turned around, the woman across the way from him had several of them bundled up for sale. I told Marc I am going to hang them up for his birthday, our kids' birthdays, and my birthday. He thought it was pretty ridiculous that I was going to decorate for my own birthday.
Overall, it was so nice to get away from everything for ten days. I felt so relaxed by the end of vacation. It was so nice to be away from TV, music, and the news. I decided on the drive home that I don't like stress, so I'm not going to let the stress get to me. I'm not going to try to do so many things in one day anymore. Instead, I'm going to do one thing at a time, and enjoy it while I'm doing it (this includes work). I don't want to waste any of my time and thoughts on stupid TV shows and internet browsing. It really isn't worth it. I have to admit I have let the stress get to me a couple of times since we have been home, but overall, I think I've achieved a new perspective.
I didn't realize you'd started posting on your blog again & I loved hearing about your trip & seeing your photos. I'm so glad you put them up! The water looked heavenly & you look beautiful.
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