Commercial Activity at the Port of St. Maarten, Dutch West Indies

Good morning,

We are back in St. Maarten, Dutch West Indies.

I find it fascinating to watch the port activity, both the other cruise ships and the commercial activity.

The large ship in the center of this image was in the process of loading cargo.  That's a tractor trailer truck on the dock just to the right of the ship.

The truck was being loaded onto the ship...

...where the cab will be removed.  At the next port another cab will pull the trailer off the ship.

On the other side of the port a very small, old cruise ship was tied up.

This was a typical cruise ship thirty years ago.  These lovely old ships are still out here, serving specialized markets and charters.  Their passengers number from 150 to 300 as opposed to the ship from which I took this picture that accommodates 4,328 plus 1,400 crew. 

My, has cruising changed!

Best,
Lois

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 World Cruise Ships: History and Development of Cruising

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Lunch for the Birds in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.

Good morning,

While ashore in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., I spotted this lovely enjoying lunch next to a bench at Havensight Mall.

This little dove certainly wasn't afraid as I stopped to take a picture, but perhaps he was saying, "Another picture?  What's with you tourists?"

And, he went on enjoying those yummy snacks someone had left next to the bench. 

So sweet.

Enjoy,
Lois

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 Doves (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)

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Sailboats in the Afternoon Sun

Good morning,

One sunny afternoon I spotted these three sailboats literally frolicking in the wind near St. Maarten, Dutch West Indies.

They appeared to dance and play as they raced, stopped, talked, and raced again.  I watched them for nearly an hour until they sailed off into the afternoon sun.

What a beautiful sight.

Enjoy!

Lois

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 Sea Eagle 14' SailCat Inflatable Boat with Deluxe Package

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Valentine Scarf - Knit

Good morning,

That red scarf pictured above is a special order from My Honey.  He asked for a long, wide, thick red scarf to wear on our trip home through the mountains this month.  Of course, I quickly made what he asked for and there it is.  ;)

It's a very simple pattern that worked up quickly in #6 yarn and size 13 needles.  There is still plenty of time to make one or more for Valentine's Day.  The pattern is below.

Very best,
Lois

Valentine Scarf - Knit

Materials:

Lion Brand Hometown Yarn #6, Tampa Spice - 5 balls

Size 13 knitting needles

Cast on 28 st

Knit 8 rows

Pattern Stitch:

Row 1: knit

Row 2: k4, purl to last 4 st, k4

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for desired length ending with row 2.

Knit 8 rows.

Bind off.

Weave in ends.

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 Lion Brand Hometown USA Yarn (133) Syracuse Orange By The Each

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Flying Horse Art

Good morning,

This flying horse is displayed in the Windjammer Restaurant aboard Freedom of the Seas.  This piece was made by a culinary staff member by carving wax that has been melted onto a plate. 

The plate is covered with plastic wrap to keep the design protected from fingers of those that want to touch. ;)

It is always wise to carry a camera on this ship!

Enjoy,
Lois

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 4-piece Stainless Steel Wax Carving Tool Set, Hollow-shaped Heads

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Here Comes Voyager of the Seas

Good morning,

Another morning in Cozumel I took a walk on deck four of Freedom of the Seas and off in the distance I saw the approaching Voyager of the Seas, one of our sister ships.  Voyager was in such a perfect position to get the shot above.

It wasn't long before Voyager was tied up along side us.

 These folks were signing off of our ship. 

It was a very cool morning so the ship's photographer (far left) was wearing a jacket...

 ..., but this man, waiting for a photo op with guests, was wearing little more than body paint.  I am sure he was very, very cold until the sun got high enough in the sky to provide some warmth.

Welcome to Cozumel once again!

Very best,
Lois

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 Cancun, Cozumel & The Riviera Maya Alive (Alive Guides Series)

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Coat and Boots Artwork

Good morning,

A quick look at that coat at the right doesn't look too unusual, does it?

A closer look at this work of art aboard Freedom of the Seas reveals it is a carving of an overcoat complete with a wallet hanging out of the pocket.

 This "coat" hangs in a stair way of the ship.  

On the opposite side of the stairway is a matching pair of boots.

It's amazing, isn't it.  The artwork itself is so much fun to explore.  I enjoy taking the time to look at it all.  There are plaques describing the art with credit to the creators.

If you ever have an opportunity to cruise aboard a Royal Caribbean ship, be sure to spend some time exploring the art that is found everywhere aboard. 

Very best,

Lois

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 Vision of Art: How Art Enhances Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships

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