The Next Chapter: Day 194

Sniff, sniff. Today was the last port day. All that lies ahead are sea days & then it's home to face the music.

Thankfully, I made the most of this precious day! Jaco was able to come off the ship today, but not until 1230 or 1300. I went off early in search of WIGS!!! Today was the day! Or so I thought! I had asked the Port & Shopping Guide on the ship, but unfortunately her advice didn't take me far. She sent me to a hair salon. Well, that works just fine for people who HAVE HAIR! I need a place for people who don't!

I asked a fellow on the street & he sent me to Bon Bini. After walking & walking & walking forever, I finally found it. Do you remember the old store chain, I think it was called 'Robinson's'? Well, it was a like an expensive dollar store with fewer aisles. AND NO WIGS. They sent me to another hair salon.

I walked & walked & walked back to the main mall & asked the cab drivers if they could take me to a beauty supply store. They new the area, but had no clue where the shop was located. After 2 cabbies managed to successfully frustrate me & unsuccessfully help me, I gave a good 'ARGH!' & marched over to the concierge desk. Thankfully the lady working there new the address & told the cabbie where to take me. I just get into the cab & he decides he doesn't like a live animal in his cab. (Valentina was trying to keep cool in her little bag) Are you kidding me? Last time I was here, I was told I HAD to take a cab, as animals aren't allowed on the bus. Another 'ARGH!' moment. So, he drives me out of town & into another business district. As we turn off onto a deserted dirt road with no other cars, I begin to worry. Oh dear, where is he taking me & is there really a wig shop around here? Sure enough at the end of the road, there is the shop. He tells me to see if they will call a cab for me, as he doesn't want to wait. I hop out & run to the door. Locked. Closed for lunch. Missed it by 10 minutes. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!???? ARGH! ARGH! ARGH! NO!!! I am near tears!

I return to the car & tell him they are closed. We go back to the mall. That was the easiest way I have ever lost $18 in my life. Cabbie driver did soften up a little - he called his daughter & she gave him the name of another place to try for wigs, but they were also closed for lunch. I had to meet Jaco, so there wasn't enough time. No wigs from the Caribbean. Sigh.

Valentina & I walked back to the ship, she'd had a good walk this morning & we saw a lot of Oranjestad! I walked into the terminal & the first person I saw was Jaco! He asked if I was ready for the beach & I told him I had to get my swimsuit, but otherwise, yes. Oh dear. The queue to return onto the ship was long & not moving. They have a power outage. Crud.

We waited about 25 minutes to get back on the ship. Then we waited another 15 to get off. We asked at Information for a good beach & away we went. We ended up at the Hilton. The amenities were nice, but the water wasn't near as nice as the previous visit. The sand was almost muddy & there was plenty of seaweed, neither of which I encountered last cruise.

We did, however, manage to score some loungers for free from a lovely family who was just leaving. They offered them to us & we jumped at the chance! Valentina made friends with a couple from Boston this time. The mother of the couple took Valentina away for awhile & cuddled & cooed over her. She was missing her dog something fierce!

We played in the water for a bit & then lounged in the shade/sun. Jaco & I shared a fruit smoothie & Valentina cleaned the glass afterwards. It was wonderful to spend some time with Jaco & Valentina & have such a beautiful place to spend it in! None of us wanted it to end!

We shared a taxi back to the ship with a couple from the UK. Jaco had to return to work & I was wiped from a full day of walking, heat & sun. (That's not a complaint, either, btw!) I went up on deck to watch sailaway & grab a bite to eat. My heart began to get heavy again - thoughts of packing & eventually goodbyes creeping into my mind.

But, there are still a few sea days ahead. I will take every chance I get to soak up the sun & spend every free moment Jaco has with him!

Lekker slaap,
Maria, Jaco & Valentina
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo