Jan 9th, 2020 Cruise Day 6 of 128

Our second port of the trip, today we were in Castries, St. Lucia.  It was our second Caribbean island to visit.  The next time we are in the Caribbean is going to be the last three ports of our cruise in May.  St. Lucia felt safer, was cleaner and seemed to have a stronger economy then Dominica. We had the most amazing tour guide today.  He took extra time to accommodate the elderly people in our group as well as go out of his way to be especially sweet to the girls.  Turns out he is a widower who recently lost his wife quite suddenly.  I shared my story briefly with him, was able to give him a big hug and we both reminded each other that life is for the living. He taught the girls about African violets and showed them how the pods can be used like miniature squirt guns. He told us how he used to play with them as a boy.  The girls had their own “water” fight.  It was a simple pleasure and helps one to step back and just appreciate the very simple things of life.  Like being together and sharing a day with someone you love.  We toured around the island and saw the Mourne Fortune, which had a beautiful overlook of the capital of Castries.  Then, we went to Marigot Bay and saw some beautiful yachts. Next, we went to a rum distillery and learned about their rum making process.  Then it was open bar, bottles of different types of rum on the counter and we could pour as much as we could drink.  I tried a lime infused rum for the firs time, tasted like 7-up, and then mom and I tried the “jet fuel” their 180 proof white rum.  Burned all the way down.  Our next stop showed us how they process coconuts, cacao beans, and how they create batik printing on fabric.  We received complimentary rum punch at this stop.  Lastly, we visited the Pink Plantation house a 150-year-old home that is now a resteraunt.  We had lunch here and free wine.  We concluded with a tour of the grounds, the owner is a chef and a botanist.  When we got back to the ship we went out on our balcony and got to watch the port crew release the ropes from our ship and then waved to the people on the ship next to us as we headed back out to sea.  Valerie went off to spend some time with the other teens and Megan had dinner with mom and I before she ran off to got to kids Club.  So tonight is our first “rougher” night on the ship.  Starting shortly after we left port, we have been rocking and rolling. I had an eventful shower, there’s a reason there are grab bars everywhere in there.  Valerie appeared back to the cabin feeling a little queasy, so she is sipping a ginger ale and is wearing her first anti nausea patch.  Tomorrow we get to sleep in, as it is a sea day. I am hoping for some great rest as this ship is gently rocking me to sleep.  We will see what activities we do tomorrow, some fun, some learning, some school, and some more family time.  My heart is so full.  I feel so very blessed.  Big hugs and love to you all….Debra