Anniversary Vacation Fun!

My 13th wedding anniversary was November 26, 2016. This year, my husband wanted to have a two week vacation around that time. So, that is what we did. I talked about the cruise because that was the first week of the vacation. The second week was two-fold. The weekend after we went on the cruise, we went to the home of a wonderful couple, John and Judy, who I have known for over 20 years. They live in Palm Coast, Florida and we are always welcomed by them when we are in the area. They really showed us a great time while we were there. They took us to St Augustine, Fl. I had not visited there before so, I really had a great time learning about the history of the area. Including the fort, the streets and more.
We were also treated to delicious homemade pizza one night and BBQ ribs another night. We enjoyed ourselves so much, it was hard to leave. But, we had to get started on the third leg of our trip. Our anniversary was still five days away!
Our time spent with our dear friends is always a treat for us. To have friends who are also our spiritual family is such a blessing. Spending time with them added to the cherished memories I already hold dear.

Food on The Ship

I know you are wondering about the food aboard the Carnival Elation. I think pictures will give you a hint of the awesome food we had like alligator fritters, escargot (that's cooked snails by the way), grand marnier souffle, bacon mac and cheese, frog legs and more! There were regular and not so regular menu items to choose from. I always try to experience a new dish on every cruise. After all, the meals are already paid for, so getting something different expands my culinary tastes and helps me to share my experience with others.

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Half Moon Cay (pronounced Key) is also known as Little San Salvador Island. It is one of about 700 islands that make up the archipelago of The Bahamas. It covers 2,400 acres but only about 50 acres are developed for use by cruise guests. We had to tender to get to Carnival's private island. Tender means you drop anchor out in the ocean, not far from the shore. Then you board a small boat to take you to the island. Although it is a small island, there are several things to do for adults and children. They had a nice cookout for lunch with hotdogs, hamburgers, jerk chicken, various fruit, trimmings for the burgers and dogs, desserts, tea, lemonade and water. The island also had a couple of bars with sodas and alcoholic beverages for purchase.
On the beach area, a DJ was spinning music for all to enjoy. There were plenty of lounge chairs to relax, nap or sunbathe in while enjoying the welcomed breeze from the crystal clear ocean. there were a variety of water sports available as well as a stingray encounter. After our tasty lunch, we explored the walking trail and took lots of pictures. There is a sign on the island that says "I wish I could stay here forever". After having such a great time, I agree!

Nassau Bahamas 2

While in Nassau, it is a great time to get a rum cake (or at least get a free taste)! They come in different flavors like coconut, original, and chocolate. I try to bring one back with me when I can find one. You can order them online but shipping is just too expensive for me.
Need free WiFi? Hard Rock Cafe is minutes from the port and you can catch up on social media or email while there. But, as always, be careful with public WiFi. Senor Frogs, a restaurant and bar with a party atmosphere is also within walking distance from the ship. Even if you don't drink alcohol, they still have a really good food. Other restaurants (Sharky's and Conch and Kalik) are nearby if you want to experience authentic Caribbean food (think conch burgers and jerk chicken).

The sun finally came out around 1pm after a rainy and windy morning. Hubby and I braved the weather to go out and do some shopping. At least it wasn't cold so we were good. After we went out twice, we had lunch on the ship. "On The Grill" had hamburgers, hot dogs and lots of trimmings to choose from. Tiffany's restaurant and French inspired foods. Mongolian wok had "cooked-to-order" items. And, of course, there is a 24-hour pizza and ice cream/frozen yogurt. Truly something for almost everyone.

Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau is the only place in the Caribbean you can find Nassau Royale. It is a Caribbean rum. The US used to import it but don't anymore. So, when I come, I make sure I get a few bottles. Four years ago, I got 4 bottles and I still have one bottle. It is a nice after dinner drink (and great for strawberry daiquiris so I try to keep some on hand.

I used to like to visit the straw market which is a short walk from the port. It is much bigger than it used to be. When I started coming to Nassau, it wasn't a very big area and you could go and watch elderly ladies making the straw hats and bags by hand. It was fascinating to me. When I went this time, there were just people there trying to entice me to look at what they had for sale. They all wanted the same thing, for me to come look at what they were selling. The area had become much larger and there are several long aisles of straw items. I did not see one person making any items, but to be honest, I did not go into the market this time. I don't like high pressure selling. I just like to look without all the vying for my attention.