A tour of Cozumel, Mexico

Irnie, our tour guide at cozumelcruiseexcursions.net, was very accommodating!  He took us to several scenic areas, even a greenhouse where I was able to capture some macro images of tropical plants.  First we headed to the Punta Sur area but I asked to stop so I could get a distant image of the lighthouse.

I asked Irnie why the water was so blue.  He said it is because of the sand underneath the water.  My regret is we didn't take the time to get in the water.  Hopefully next time.

We were greeted at the lighthouse by these two Macaw parrots.  See how the one closest is waving high with his claw?

Irnie pointed out this really neat sign on the shore side of the lighthouse which is one of my favorite images!

Next time we go to Cozumel, I need to relax in this swing.  It was just too hot when we were there!

This Mayan ruins was also nearby the lighthouse...

...and this one was located on the road to Punta Sur.

Irnie said this vulture perched on the tree is watching to grab baby turtles to consume.

I said, "Irnie, STOP!!! " and I got out and photographed this Mexican spiny-tailed iguana.  Isn't he ugly looking?

Irnie, you were an awesome tour guide!  Thanks for taking us to that lady's greenhouse so I could get some macro images of tropical plants.  Here are two that I was able to identify... the cruz de malta...

... and the bougainvillea.  Hope you enjoyed this scenic tour of Cozumel!

Our trip to Havana, Cuba

My husband went on his first cruise and loved it!!!  We spent six days in Florida before the cruise, however, by popular demand I'm showing the Cuba images first.  I booked online through oldcartours.com in Cuba based on Tripadviser.com's good reviews and we weren't disappointed! The images/comments below provide a brief outline of a most enjoyable shore excursion!

Our first stop was at the Christ of Havana.  Facing the city, the statue was left with empty eyes to give the impression of looking at all, from anywhere to be seen.

This military aircraft is one of several images taken at the open air museum.

We parked in the shade to get our portrait with the 1952 Chevrolet used during our tour. 

The Cubans have used ingenuity for years to keep these old cars running. Cuba is the largest living museum of American cars.

This image and the first one above was taken with my 400mm lens from the cruise ship.  You can see the Morro Castle-fortress we visited in the background on the right.

The visit to the Cuban home of Ernest Hemingway was interesting! Out of all the images, this one made me chuckle :)  It is his bathroom where he jotted down his weight on the bathroom walls.  Hemingway was obsessed with keeping fit!

One of my favorite images which I took before crossing the street to tour the Rum factory.

The lights were turned out to better view the flame from the coffee being made with rum.

Cuba is known for its Rum, cigars, and Mojitos.

During dinner at the Havana Club, I enjoyed a Virgin Mojito or rather Nojito (a non-alcoholic Mojito). It tasted like a sparkling lime drink.

The Havana Cathedral is located in the center of Old Havana.  We enjoyed viewing the architecture in Cuba and the cathedral's architecture was impressive!

It was a sweet departure being able to view the Morro Castle as our ship sailed away from Cuba!

Thanks Lucrecia and Pavel!  You made our custom Old Car Tour a memorable experience giving us a love of Cuba!  Next time we visit, we hope you are available to be our tour guide and driver.  Los quiero y los veo la proxima vez.