I exaggerate a little as I tell people this is the only reason I took this cruise. I need to go back about 2 years when I was last here to give you the beginning.
Somehow I managed to take a minimal amount of cash with me off the ship. I went to the Lazy Lizzard for beverage and lunch, and found myself without cash to tip the water taxi crew. Nick loaned me $10. I have had a reminder on my calendar since then. Yes it is the longest outstanding reminder on my calendar. I must get back to St Maarten to repay this debt.
Fast forward to today.
Adrienne and Alyssa have a 2 tank dive scheduled with a private operator. Lynn and I will venture to the Lazy Lizzard to pay my debt. James and Bobo will probably pursue local beer, that seems to be their favorite activity now that Steve is fully recovered. Pann and Terry discussed several hours on the beach.
Since the divers have scheduled plans, they determine that 12:30 would be a good time to meet for lunch at the Lazy Lizzard.
Pann and Terry change plans and head out with Lynn and I. First a shuttle from the ship, then the water taxi followed by a short walk to Nick's place. Before I enter I can hear James's voice. They have been here for awhile.
Just then there is a message from the girls. First dive completed, everyone is safe, will tell us later.
With another dive to go we guess it is probably going to be 2 hours before they arrive. We are not waiting for them.
Food was excellent as always, and reasonably priced. We linger over beverages waiting for the girls while being conscious of occupying 3 tables in a small venue.
All except Steve and James decide to move on. We are tired of sitting. The bills are paid, and I repay Nick. Of course he did not remember I owed him, but that is not the point. I had an excuse to cruise.
Just then we hear from the girls. They are on the way.
Long story short, one diver's tank came loose. In working with that, Adrienne, Alyssa and 2 young inexperienced divers became separated from the rest. Following standard safety procedures, after not reestablishing contact within a certain time frame, they returned to the surface, ending the dive after less than 10 minutes. The 13 and 15 year old did just fine on their first dive after certification, and have a story to tell. Eventually everyone is back on the boat.
I catch the water taxi and shuttle back to the ship.
The ice show is scheduled again for this evening. I decide to forgo the dining room, eat in the Windjammer, catch the Ice Show, and then listen to the piano player in the Schooner bar.
The Windjammer is much busier than I expected. Again the food was good, but not very hot. The ice show was much better with a full complement of skaters, and Rick, from Norway had an excellent voice to go with his piano keys.
A good evening. Tomorrow we will be in St. John's, Antigua.
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