Day 3:  Friday.  We awoke off the coast of Grand Cayman.  The Captain announced that in order to go ashore we would have to use “tenders” which are small shuttle-like boats.  Therefore, Sharon chose to remain on ship and I went ashore by myself.  I was sure to take my Dramamine.  There’s really not much happening on the island unless it is geared to the tourists.  I met up with a delightful young family from California who invited me to go snorkeling with them.  This was perfect for me because I didn’t want to go on any ship sponsored excursion.  We took a taxi to “Seven Mile Beach” which was absolutely beautiful with white smooth sand and relatively warm water.  However, the sea was still rough so we apt to just go swimming, which was heavenly, except I lost my toe ring to the rushing waters!!!  Afterwards we had lunch at “Paradise Reef”.  I then left my new adopted family and headed off to find a beauty parlor and what an adventure that was.

I wanted to go where the locals go and not the tourists and that was just want I got.  A beautiful woman from Jamaica cut and styled my hair not really to my liking but I was so relaxed that I just let her proceed.  So there I sat in my wet bathing suit getting my hair cut to the tunes of religious music playing and the noises of “wild” chickens in the background.  My stylist had a bible on her cart.  The chickens just freely roam all around this island.  It seems that after the last hurricane all the domesticated chickens were replaced by these wild ones.  It’s quite funny.  I’m not in Peterborough any longer…

Observations aboard Ship: 

·         Like I mentioned before the staff and crew on the ms Amsterdam are most attentive.  Whatever you want they get for you or make sure that you will have it shortly.  I just may get used to this.

·         There are fresh exotic flowers everywhere.  The orchids are exquisite.

·         We are never at a loss for activities to participate in.  I may not get any reading done.

·         Professional shows every night.  On Saturday night Mitzi Gaynor will be performing.