All posts by gypsy

Barbados, Southern Caribbean

2026-January, Barbados

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Sunrise as we entered the port.

For our one and only adventure off the ship we took a 3 1/2 hour Coast to Coast bus tour of Barbados. The tour took us from the wealthy side to the lower income side. Amazing structures on the wealthy side.

There are actually 4 apartments in this building. One of which Simon Cowell lives.

I saw a green monkey but was unable to get a photo. They move really fast.

A hand painted bench along the road

The flowers of Barbados planted along the pathway at the cafe stop where we were offered rum or plain punch.

Our final stop was at one of the historic churches on which has a massive graveyard. Many amazing grave monuments, one of which was for the late Prime Minister.

Here lies the late Prime Minister

We also stopped along the coast. The surf was incredible, the location of international surf competitions are held.

Southern Caribbean, St Croix

2026-January 2026, ST. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

There was a beach for relaxation with chairs and umbrellas. We, instead just got off the ship and walked along the boardwalk visiting tourist shops.

Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility

More photos of the bay.

We had the opportunity to see the USS Winston S. Churchill

We enjoyed the scenery and were able to get some nice photos and, of course, had to visit the gift shops.

A sea turtle was hanging around the Navy ship. Had to get it on camera

It was a short visit on land but with the temperature rising it was time to get back on board in the air conditioning.

Southern Caribbean, St Maarten

2026-January, Phillipsburg (St. Maarten) or (Sint Martin)

We had been to St Marten in December and found if we took a bus to Phillipsburg we could rent chairs, umbrella and get a six-pack of beer for $25 for a relaxing day.

Relaxing day swimming and lounging by the beach. It was a beautiful day.

They had jet skis you could rent.

There was a very unique jet ski.

We ate lunch at restaurant with a friendly owner on right . and his assistant on left.

The food was tasty. Ox Tail on left, Shrimp Pasta on right.

He told us of his plans to redo the interior as it was quite simple decor, wooden floors, tables and chairs. It was nothing fancy but the food was excellent along with the service.

Got a photo of another ship visiting St Marteen.

It was a very relaxing time.

St Thomas

2026-January, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

We docked at the port in St. Thomas at 8 a.m. and we were met by this beautiful sunrise.

We did not plan on going on any tours in St. Thomas to save the cost. So we decided to get off the ship and check out some of the jewelry shops. We were told that if you wanted to buy jewelry we should shop at the stores right off the dock as that is where you can get some great deals off of fine jewelry items.

We decided on that option since we had planned a full day at the beach in St Maarten and a tour in Barbados. We visited several stores and were able to find me a ring and a few other items at good price. We boarded the ship at noon and spent the rest of day lounging at the pool and relaxing.

A few more photos of the port and a navy ship docked.

Jewell of the Seas, Southern Caribbean

2026 January, Royal Caribbean Cruise–The Jewel of the Seas

A seven-day cruise to the Southern Caribbean: St. Thomas, St Marteen, Dominica, St Croix, Barbados. While at sea, we enjoyed all the amenities of the Jewel of the Sea.

The Jewel of the Sea can accommodate 2500 passengers. There are continuous activities to partake in from games, music, mini golf, etc.

A balloon drop was held the ship to initiate the cruise. Hundreds of balloons were dropped.

The ships band played daily with a variety of music.

The Sky Bar was located on Deck 11.

Cute towel animals made by the room stewrds.

The ship held a special tribute to veterans.

The ship had an adult pool (left) and a family pool. (right)

The entry into the Schooner Bar

An amazing sight, a full rainbow. Got the one side then the other, went to an upper deck to get full rainbow.

Lovely sunset to the end of a beautiful day.

Final tribute of the flags was held on the last day at sea.

Puerto Rico, Southern Caribbean

2026-January, San Jaun Puerto Rico

We had a two night stay in San Janu, Puerto Rico before heading out on a 7 day Carribbean cruise. We stayed at the Condado Plaza.

As we entered the Condado Plaza they had a large aquarium segmented into three regions: . Pacific, Carribbean and Atlantic with specific fish from each region.

It had a salt water and a fresh water pool. The fresh water pool on the left is less than four feet deep but has a swim up bar. The salt water pool, on the right, was deeper at six foot but no bar.

There also was a lovely beach area where you were provided with an umbrella and chairs.

The hotel had a lovely gift shop full of necessities and souvenirs. There were two restaurants with many delectable choices.

We were visited by one of he locals.

We were on the 7th floor and had a lovely view of the bay.

For outdoor fun there are large lawn games, Jenga and Chess.

For authentic Puerto Rican food we ate at the Havana Bar and Grill.

The Havana was a lovely restaurant with an amazing wine selection. The interior was very welcoming.

The service was excellent with a high-energy waiter.

Authentic Puerto Rican food. The two sauces shown were only for the hardy. We tasted them but thought better not to put it one our food. The shrimp pasta and skirt steak were amazing.

Again excellent service and amazing taste of authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. The dish below is a Pork Chop.

Also we went to the Waikiki Restaurant and Oyster Bar.

We had a fabulous view of the Caribbean.

The dishes beloware know as Chicken Mofongo and Shrimp Mofongo.

Both these restaurants were only a few blocks from the Condado.

We really enjoyed our two days at the Condado Plaza, before boarding the cruise ship.

Travel

2025-December. Sint Maarten, West Indies

Landing at Sint Maarten

Dutch Side (Sint Maarten) (French Side (Saint Martin) The airport is on the Dutch side.

Condo on the Bay – Royal Palm

Our condo had a beautiful view of the bay from our patio. A view from the bay shows the entire complex.

Fun at the Pool

The sun was shining, what a great way to start our day. They had water aerobics every day.

Restaurant – Skip Jacks

We went to Skip Jacks twice. The food is amazing. If lobster is your preference. you can pick out your own, Caribbean or Maine. They are conveniently located across the street from our condo, a three block walk.

Restaurant – Blue Bitch Bar – Phillipsburg

We took a short cab ride to Phillipsburg to visit the Blue Bitch Bar.

This bar is unique. The bar was constructed from reclaimed wood after the 2019 Hurricane, Irma. The food was amazing, staff was friendly.

Snorkeling

We took a snorkel tour. With the rough water it wasn’t very clear but we did see some fish. We were hoping to see a sea turtle but we didn’t.

French Side (Nude Beach)

We swam in the waters near the beach but did not venture too close. The guy did have a suit on

Floating Bar – French Side

Remnants of Hurricane Irma

In 2019, ST. Maarten/St Martin were hit by a devastating hurricane, Irma. It was devastating. The Dutch has been able to reconstruct, the French side however, has not been been able to rebuild in many areas.

Various Photos

Jeff Bazos, Founder of Amazon. Yacht at nighttime

More photos from condo

A rare double rainbow

Every morning brought in a fabulous sunrise

We had a great time and plan to revisit, maybe next year.

RV Travel, Travel

2024-May, Stone Creek RV Park, Schertz, Texas

Stone Creek RV Park is a very well-kept place for that overnight stay or a vacation. Graveled sites with full hook-ups. Many of the sites have sheltered picnic tables. Friendly staff greet you upon arrival. The office also has some camping items in stock. A Walmart is close for any other items for your stay.

There is a huge laundry facility.

A very well maintained pool and spa is for adults only. Pool side restrooms available. Great way to refresh after a long drive.

If you have a four-legged friend they will be happy with the two fenced-in dog parks. A an agility course is set up for your pet in each dog park. One park has smaller objects for smaller dogs and then there is one for those bigger dogs to romp and play.

Large Dogs

Small dog pen

Please be courteous to others and clean up after your pet.

For large gatherings there are two pavilions that are available.

Open Pavilion

Closed Pavilion

Rest rooms are located throughout the park.

Being well off the highway there is no road noise. There is an air base so occasionally jets fly over and an occasional train whistle can be heard in the distance.

We definitely recommend Stone Creek RV Park.

Travel

2024-March, The Cove, Ormond Beach, Florida

The condos have all been updated.

Every year we try and take a family trip where we all get together at a destination, usually in Florida or Arizona. This year we went to Ormond Beach, Florida.

I took this phot of my family. We enjoyed a fabulous meal at the sea side restaurant.

Always time to enjoy the beach.

This photo may very likely become one of my oil paintings.

We always enjoy eating out and one of the highlights of this trip was finding the restaurant “Absolutely Cheezy”

The food was amazing. Homemade tomato basil soup, and potato chips enhance any one of the many varieties of grilled cheese. In fact, my daughter Angela, made up her own grilled cheese and they made it how she wanted it and actually have plans on putting it on the menu. Its called the Amped Angela; grilled cheese with Swiss and American and homemade onion petals. We loved this place so much we went back again for a second time.

Girls like to shop so we found this great consignment clothing store. definitely a ‘must stop’ on your next visit to Ormond Beach.

Charlie Horse actually located in Daytona Beach also got a thumbs up from all of us.

Families are important and we find it a blessing to be able to spend such lovely quality time together.