So, we’re back from vacation.  Back to reality.  Sadly, my reality includes work, a messy house, and chilly weather.  But as they say in Jamaica, it’s “No problem, mon!”  And truly, after a heavenly seven days of relaxation and fun, I do feel like nothing could bring me down from my vacation high.  We have tons of pictures, and I will upload them as soon as I can, (Possibly as early as this evening!  I KNOW!) mercifully omitting the lovely shots of me in my bathing suit  (You’re welcome!)  This post will unfortunately have to remain sans photos for now, but I wanted to at least announce my return and give some of the highlights of our trip for all two of you who were eagerly awaiting my return to the blogosphere.

First, for those of you who don’t know, we left town ten days ago to go on a Western Caribbean cruise.  It was my first cruise, and you may remember that I anticipated the vacation with a little bit of subconscious anxiety and a lot of conscious excitement.  I could not have imagined the fun and fabulousness that we experienced!  

Our ship’s ports of call–Labadee, Haiti; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico–were bookended with two days at sea.  And EVERYTHING about our seven-day experience was amazing!    We were blessed with perfect weather and mostly smooth waters.  Our ship was huge and luxurious.  The service was top-notch, and the food was plentiful and delicious–Royal Caribbean does it well.  We spent a lot of time swimming at the ship’s pool.  We lounged on the beach at whichever island-of-the-day.  We did a little shopping.  Experienced a little local flavor.  Made friends with a cool couple who shared our assigned dinner table.  We snorkeled in Grand Cayman.  Hiked to the Mayan temple ruins in Tulum, Mexico.  Gasped over the breathtaking ocean view in Tulum.  Tasted the best Mexican food in existence.  Got more tan than ever in my life–in spite of slathering on SPF 30 numerous times a day.    

I also had an epiphany.  Up until last week, I had never really understood people’s intense love for the ocean.   Admittedly, it is beautiful.  But to me, nothing could ever compare to the beauty of the mountains.  Nothing could be so breathtaking, so awe-striking as a mountain view.  But standing on the beach cliff at Tulum, the Mayan ruins at my back and the aqua ocean waves crashing in below me, I was struck.  I have gained a new appreciation for the awesome beauty of the ocean.  I never knew such colors existed in nature!  I have found there is room in my heart for both Mountains and Ocean.  Though I will always have a favorite, Ocean and I have found an understanding,  and I have fallen in love.         

Stay tuned for pictures.  No, seriously.  I mean it.