Puerto Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico

           I've often heard from a lot of folks that taking a cruise was the best way to travel because for an all-inclusive experience you get accommodations, delicious food, an abundance of entertainment throughout the ship and port of calls in other countries! Cruise excursions, beverage packages, fine dining and internet packages are an upcharge.

          One of the must-dos on my 2025 bucket list was to take my first cruise. I booked a cruise on one of Royal Caribbean smaller class ships, Enchantment of the Seas which home port is Tampa, Florida. The voyage was five nights in the Western Caribbean sailing from Tampa Florida to Puerto Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, and return. 

            I wanted my first cruise to include a stateroom that had a balcony rather than an interior room or ocean view to allow me to get the full view of the ocean. I imagined myself having fresh brewed coffee in the morning from my room watching the sunrise or sipping a libation in the evening at sunset so having that balcony room would satisfy that experience.

We spent all day cruising on Day 2, but we arrived at 8am on Day 3 in Puerto Costa Maya cruise port. This is a popular cruise destination located on the eastern coast of Mexico, in the state of Quintana Roo, near the small fishing village of Mahahual.

            Most of the excursions you could book onboard and were within walking distance of the ship. At least 15 minutes. There are trolley services for those that need assistance. As you enter the Costa Maya cruise terminal, there is a large resort style pool with a swim-up bar. If you are looking for an easy and fun way to spend the day in the Caribbean port, this is a good option.

 I did not book any excursions in Costa Maya. I just wanted to take advantage of the variety of shops selling local crafts and souvenirs, restaurants (many serving Mexican cuisine) and boutiques. For those that are not into shopping, cruisers can relax by the free saltwater pool in the center of the Costa Maya cruise port or grab a bite to eat by a nearby eatery. 

Also, within the cruise port area, there are cultural performances that include the Papantla pole dancers, also known as flyers, which is a traditional Mexican flying performance that is on an extremely high pole. According to one of several myths, the ritual was created to ask the gods to end a severe drought. The ritual consists of scaling a 30-meter (98 ft 5 in) pole from which four of the five participants then launch themselves bound with ropes to descend to the ground. The fifth remains on top of the pole, dancing and playing a flute and drum. 

There is a venue where you can swim with the dolphins as well as watch them interact with the trainer. Lastly, for families, there is a water park with slides, floating rivers, and obstacle courses.

For those that want to venture away from the port, there was transportation available via taxi, shuttle, and golf cart, where you can explore other interests such as beaches, the Mayan ruins which are located about thirty miles (50 km) from Costa Maya. The journey by bus or taxi is about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and road conditions. So, there are activities for all tastes whether you participate in the excursions or not.

Everyone had to be back onboard the ship at 4:30 pm. By 5pm, we were underway to Cozumel, Mexico with an estimated arrival time of 8:00 am the next morning.

On Day 4 of the cruise, we arrived in the Cozumel’s cruise port which is Mexico's busiest and most popular ports in the Caribbean. There are three terminals; Punta Langosta, Puerta Maya and the International Cruise Terminal but our ship docked at Punta Langosta, which is close to downtown and located on the southwestern part of the island, about five miles south of San Miguel. It took us about 10 minutes to walk from Punta Langosta to downtown. The other two terminals are a 10-minute taxi ride downtown.

There is a plethora of excursions in Cozumel such as going to the beach (Cozumel is known for its gorgeous beaches), diving and snorkeling, visiting the Mayan Ruins or renting an open-air Jeep for four-wheeling adventures. There is plenty of taxis that will offer you a ride, but we decided we would just walk and explore the area shops and restaurants on foot. Puerta Maya even has a two-story shopping mall with more than fifty different outlets. Also, several local merchants sell handmade crafts and souvenirs from carts.

After walking around checking out the shops, we decided to go eat. The folks I was with had been to Cozumel several times so we agreed we would eat at Pancho’s Backyard which is located on Av. Rafael E. Melgar and Calle 8, Col Centro in downtown Cozumel. They serve authentic Mexican cuisine. The restaurant is in a shaded garden courtyard outback amidst splashing fountains and tasteful décor, with an adjoined waterfront store. You do have a choice of outside seating or A/C seating. We chose the outdoors which was covered. There was a younger woman and older man playing music on a xylophone which set the ambiance of fine Mexican dining. The culinary fare had everything from perfectly cooked chicken quesadillas and chicken enchiladas to stewed steaks. I ordered the Chimichanga which was complemented with their infamous margarita. Delicious!! The wait staff were very friendly and helpful in making a food selection to fit every pallet. The food was excellent!!  

Later that afternoon, we were back underway and enroute back to Tampa. I spent the last night of the cruise attending some of the musical venues, participated in trivia games and karaoke and even trying my luck in the casino. As I turned into bed that night, I reflected on how relaxing it was to cruise and glad I booked a trip. I can say I was pleased with the cruising experience and planned to book another in the future. Hospitality wise, the service on the ship was stellar. They really aimed to make your cruising experience top-notch.

Overall, a cruise vacation combines the excitement of travel with relaxation, meeting new and interesting people, amazing entertainment and activities with exotic port of calls. 

 

All the best,

GMarie

"Motion is Lotion"

        Today is my birthday!!!

        On this day, I celebrate me, my journey, the lessons, the achievements and the victories!

        I know in this journey we called “Life”, I will continue to face challenges, but I have the strength to endure, and the joy in my heart to thrive. I will continue to trust the “process” and not make things more complicated than they need to be.

        I pray for continued strength, good health and increased wisdom, as I mark another milestone.

        I embrace what lies ahead because I know there are endless possibilities. I remain grateful and excited as the path unfolds with clarity, purpose and more joyous victories.

           In finale, I tell my 63-year-old self:

“Stay well. Be kind. Be significant! 💕

All the best,

GMarie

It's Chilly in Florida!

            It has been a while, so a “Happy New Year!!!!” is in order.

The year started off unusually cold here in Florida.  But today, Floridians received a reprieve from the frigid temperatures (mid 40s), so I decided to hang out at Clearwater Beach. Although the repairs are ongoing from the hostilities of Hurricane Milton and Helene, the spectacular sunset drew the crowds and made the trip and evening beautiful!

I wish you blessings in your life with minimal setbacks, and ALL that you and yours deserve for this year! So, good vibes and affirmations for the days ahead for 2025!

All the best,

GMarie

Sarasota Water Lantern Festival

          I heard about and have always wanted to attend the Water Lantern Festival. The event is held in many cities throughout the United Stated and abroad, so I decided to attend one when it came to an area near me which happened to be at Nathan Bendersen Park in Sarasota, Florida. 

          The park is about 600 acres of paradise and features a 400-acre lake. Although the park is used for activities such as world class rowing events, kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing this was a perfect setting for this lantern festival.

          I checked in with the staff to get my “swag bag” which contained a marker to decorate the lantern, the lantern parts and light which had to be assembled, two sets of playing card; one with inspirational messages and the other set was a deck of cards that had engaging questions to inspire conversation and create connections. There was also a questionnaire that promoted conversation with whomever you attended the event with or new-found friends which had to be turned back into the check-in tent for a raffle. 

          Even better, the lanterns were made from rice paper and wood. All eco-friendly material. The LED lamps would be reused and recycled and the wood collected at the end of the event.

          I brought my lawn chair but as I was walking to find a spot near the water, I was invited by an extremely nice group of women to sit with them at one of the park benches which was fairly co-located near the water. They were the coolest group of seasoned retirees and so much fun!

          The launch of the lanterns would take place at sunset. In the meantime, food trucks were on site to have dinner, there was some musical entertainment, conversations, connecting and decorating our lanterns with messages of hope, love, dreams, goals remembrance or whatever your heart desired. We shared stories and experiences and laughed like playground kids.

          As the sun began to set, we all turned on our lanterns. We walked to the water and set our lanterns in to drift across the water. When I saw all of the lanterns on the water, it was a spiritual and overwhelming moment. Almost no one spoke. We just watched the lanterns light up the lake. 

          What a nostalgic moment! Such positive energy. The event was simply beautiful. It was well organized and just an all-round incredible experience that brought thousands together from all walks of life to celebrate life and reflections of those present and past.

          Most of us came to this event as strangers but left as friends,… a community. What an inspiring and well spent evening that I will never forget. Check out when the Lantern Festival will be hosting an event near you. Trust and believe you will be left spiritually fullfilled.

All the best,

GMarie

 

61 Years Around the Sun!

 

Aging by Rupi Kaur

I often daydream about the woman I'll be

when I leave the rush of 

my insecure twenties

and pick up self-assurance on the way

I can't wait to make

my eighteen-year-old self jealous

of the hell I raise

roaring into my thirties and forties

my soul becoming

more potent with age

at fifty I'll sit with

my wrinkles and silver hair

laughing about the adventures

we've had together

talking about the countless more

in the decades ahead

what a privilege it is

to grow into the 

finest version of myself.

 

Making my years count instead of counting the years,

Happy 61st Birthday to Me! 

All the best,

GMarie

Sarasota Jazz Festival, Sarasota Florida.

          The Jazz Club of Sarasota in which I am a member and volunteer held its annual festival. The venue has been entertaining audiences for 43 years! Its conception was started by Hall Davis who began his P.R. career in the publicity department of CBS. He handled top talent like Benny Goodman's tours abroad. When he and his wife Evelyn retired to Sarasota, they began the club in their condo living room which later grew to the condo meeting room and eventually grew to be a three-day festival which quickly morphed into yearly week-long event.

          This year's festival director was acclaimed trumpet player Terell Stafford hailed as "one of the great players of our time". 

          This infamous soiree featured world renowned artists opening with five-time Grammy nominee Christian Sands who was accompanied by Phil Norris on bass and Ryan Sands on drums.

          Lizz Wright was present with her band that included Kenny Banks Sr. (keys), Ivan Edwards (drums), Adam Levy (guitar) and Ben Zerwin (bass).

          The Allen Carmen Project with Gumbi Ortiz (who played with jazz guitar giant Al Di Meola) is a group of friends since 1980 but have been gigging since 2015.

          Two-time Grammy award winner, Marcus Miller was backed up by trumpeter Russell Gunn, saxophonist Don Hayes, drummer Billy Kilson, guitarist Jordon Long, keyboardist Julian Pollack and on vocals was Leon Timbo.

          Friday night's main stage concert featured Dick Hyman, 2017 NEA Jazz Master and 2001 Satchmo Award was accompanied by Grammy nominated Diego Figueiredo.

          Another two-time Grammy winner, Kurt Elling, a renowned jazz vocalist was accompanied by Charlie Hunter on guitar, Cory Fonville on drums and DJ Harrison on piano.

          The closing night of the Sarasota Jazz festival wrapped up with Paquito D'Rivera, an NEA Jazz Master award winner and recipient of the National Medal for the Arts from President George W. Bush and winner of 14 Grammy and Latin awards. Playing with him was Alex Brown (piano), Hamish Smith (bass), Diego Urcola (horns) and Mauricio Zottarelli (drums).

           Along with the four main stage performances, the venue included a trolley pub crawl which showcased ten artists; Five Point Quintet, Hot Club SRQ, Michael Ross Trio, Eddie Tobin, Panama Drive, Mark and Anne Burnell, The Barker Project, Barbara Jordan Quintet, Melanie Massel Band and the La Lucha Trio who hosted the late-night jam session on Friday. 

          The Synia Carroll Band hosted the late-night jam session on Saturday. Both jams featured up and coming local artists. 

           The Sarasota Jazz festival had a line-up that drew the attention of true jazz aficionados near and far! I am definitely looking forward to next year's arrangement!

All the best,

GMarie