The Jolly Traveling Duo

04/01/2025

Arrived safely back home in Florida all the way from New York only to find that this guy broke into my home and had made himself comfortable.
Meet Harold. 😁

01/01/2025

13/12/2024

This is how we begin our Christmas season in the Villages, FL!
Lot's of Holiday Spirit. Decorated golf carts, clowns, The Villages high school cheerleader and and band, a big walk through Christmas tree and SO much more. The lighting of the tree was no Rockafeller Center and the band was no Kelly Clarkson, but it was still a good night.

13/12/2024

Mark your calendar! Tell your Friends! Share this post! For some their hearts are getting heavier with each passing day. This service is a time of hope and reflection. Please join us.

Christmas is not a time of joy and celebration for many around us. They may outwardly seem like everything is okay, but deep inside there is hurt, pain, and worry.
"Blue Christmas" is an alternative type of church service for people who have experienced a personal loss like death of a loved one, struggles with family dynamics like divorce or a breakup, financial uncertainties from losing a job or just not being able to make ends meet, a traumatic event like assault or an injury or illness, feeling forgotten by friends, family or even God or just at the moment, not feeling the usual joy and happiness of the Christmas season.

This is a safe place to be with God during Christmas and to thank him for the birth of his son without the joyous hymns and the celebrating. A place to talk to others who are not feeling the high energy of Christmas.
"Blue Christmas" is an alternative type of church service for people who have experienced a personal loss like death of a loved one, struggles with family dynamics like divorce or a breakup, financial uncertainties from losing a job or just not being able to make ends meet, a traumatic event like assault or an injury or illness, feeling forgotten by friends, family or even God or just at the moment, not feeling the usual joy and happiness of the Christmas season.

This is a safe place to be with God during Christmas and to thank him for the birth of his son without the joyous hymns and the celebrating. A place to talk to others who are not feeling the high energy of Christmas.

13/12/2024

A few posts of our last couple of weeks down here in Florida. Of course we kept busy as usual. We decided to head south towards Orlando, visiting different areas of the Villages. We made it all the way down south about an hour feom our house in the north. We walked the nature walk at Fenny, and saw an alligator, a snake, a few turtles and of course some birds. The Spanish is moss is so pretty. We walked the board walk at Lake Okahumpka and saw so.e baby birds with their mom. We discovered a rec center with an all dog theme. Oh yes and a pinball game for David. 😁
The day ended with the most beautiful sunset!

06/12/2024

Christmas is not a time of joy and celebration for many around us. They may outwardly seem like everything is okay, but deep inside there is hurt, pain, and worry.
"Blue Christmas" is an alternative type of church service for people who have experienced a personal loss like death of a loved one, struggles with family dynamics like divorce or a breakup, financial uncertainties from losing a job or just not being able to make ends meet, a traumatic event like assault or an injury or illness, feeling forgotten by friends, family or even God or just at the moment, not feeling the usual joy and happiness of the Christmas season.

This is a safe place to be with God during Christmas and to thank him for the birth of his son without the joyous hymns and the celebrating. A place to talk to others who are not feeling the high energy of Christmas.
"Blue Christmas" is an alternative type of church service for people who have experienced a personal loss like death of a loved one, struggles with family dynamics like divorce or a breakup, financial uncertainties from losing a job or just not being able to make ends meet, a traumatic event like assault or an injury or illness, feeling forgotten by friends, family or even God or just at the moment, not feeling the usual joy and happiness of the Christmas season.

This is a safe place to be with God during Christmas and to thank him for the birth of his son without the joyous hymns and the celebrating. A place to talk to others who are not feeling the high energy of Christmas.

05/12/2024

Stunning, simple stunning.
Have a good evening everyone.

30/11/2024

It's not about travel today, but it's about my Christmas spirit.
Today we will be visiting Ocala. Stay tuned.

22/11/2024

Day 6 of 9
Day at Sea on our way to Progresso, Yucatan, Mexico
It was kind of a pretty normal day at sea. Lots of activities going around the ship I decided to try my hand at the duck hunt again. Probably because I had an advantage. First of all, I knew where to go for the most part to receive duck stamps. Second of all I had David and our friend Doug's help. By just a few steps we won first place. David was able to still move very quickly and beat the young ladies to the last final stamp. Best part about winning the duck hunt was that we never even won a duck! We're thankful for the gifts. We did win a water bottle, a bag, some jewelry, highlighters, T-shirt bingo card, and a few other things.
In my hanging out on deck, I came across a special critter that hitched a ride to hang out with us for this cruise. I have no clue what it is but I'm hopeful that some of you do make sure to put it in the comments. ⬇️
Our evening was nice. Formal night, so we dressed up. I love formal night. We don't go all out like we used to, but we still dress to impress. 😁
After dinner we all went to the Producrion Show; Can't Stop the Rock. Yes, Again!!! Again they nailed it. We have spent some time with the members of the dance team and singers and they are fantastic!! Sitting in the front row was just perfect. They were happy to see us. Jasmine even sang to the camera for me while I was videoing her. Goose bumps. The show gives me Goose bumps! 🤩 We said goodnight to Doug and Ginny, changed into some comfy warm clothes and went back to the 2nd Show. I'm telling you, they are simply amazing. I would pay big money to sit in the front row and watch them perform. Of course the 2nd show was just as good. We can't wait until the next show Stage to Screen.
I included some videos clips of the show so you too can enjoy.
PLEASE remember to like, Share and follow!! I need followers to spread the word of how amazing it is to travel.

22/11/2024

Day 8 of 9
Cozumel. No you have read not read this post. We were just here a few days ago. Today our glass bottom boat tour was canceled due to the weather. It was too windy. So instead we hired a taxi to drive us around and show us the island. Jesus was very informative and spoke English well. Of course we saw things you don't see in the states. Like a young child on the back of a scooter with a school project going down the road. No helmets on their scooters. Streets full of scooters and scooter cart things. An inexpensive way to get around the island. Children must wear a uniform to school. Depending on the school is what color you wear. Ginny, David, and I took turns sitting in the middle back seat because you felt like maybe you were riding in the trunk. 🤣
We picked up a couple little things we knew we wanted, of course Cozumel sign pics, and pics of the ship then back on board we went. The last time we will hear "welcome aboard" again until January.
Main dining dinner is always a good time with good food. Because of all my food issues the chef tries to imitate what is on the menu if I like something that I can't have and last night chef Richard nailed it it! He made a red wine sauce for my short ribs like I have never had before. So delicious. Probably the best special meal I have in a very long time. Dessert was very good as well. I included some pics to make your mouth water.
We finished dinner and went straight away to the Production show; Screen to Stage. Of course another job well done. We went to both shows. This team has set the standards so high for the next production teams to come. A special shout out to Matthew, Lillie, Washington, Jerrod, and Jasime. It was nice getting to know you.
Tomorrow is our last day aboard the Enchantment of the Seas. Although the ship's layout is laid out wrong 😜 we have very much enjoyed the ship and would cruise on it again.

21/11/2024

What a beautiful morning that turned into a beautiful day in Cozumel.

19/11/2024

Day 5 of 9
Turn around day. We dropped off the guests from last cruise and picked up new guests for this cruise.
We got off the ship and walk a little bit around Tampa and was witness to some pretty wierd things in the city. But I guess it's to be expected. We went to the Aquarium! It was great!
Back on board looking forward to enjoying dinner with our cruise friends from Jacksonville, FL Ginny & Doug.
There were so many beautiful creatures that we saw today. It was hard to only share the ones I did. HUGE shout out to our son's friend Shane ( kinda like a 2nd son to us)
I will do my.
Best to describe each creature under each photo. Some I just have no clue. I just got so excited and kept taking pictures.
After dinner tonight we played some trivia, and hung out around the ship.
Clocks go back an hour tonight for us. Extra sleep is good.

18/11/2024

Found a couple of ducks thanks to Samantha and Angie!

18/11/2024

Day 4 of 9
Day at Sea
I tried a a couple new things today while we sailed the deep blue sea.
Gym and a walk ✔️
Breakfast ✔️
Laying on pool deck ✔️
The Veterns appreciation was a first for me. David has been to them in the past, so it was a first for me. It was very well done. A huge shout of to who ever coordinated and put it all together.
They started off the appreciation with Lee Greenwood's song "Proud to be an American" when i rounded the corner of the elevator every one on attendance was standing. They recognized those who served, who are currently serving and those who gave it all. There was a poem share at the end that I am going to try and get my hands on and will share. Tears filled my eyes.
Immediately after I made my way to the hair show in hopes to win a free hair cut. Didn't happen.
David disappeared for a bit in the casino. It treated him well. Even is slays good. Mama needs a new bag. 😉
I participated in something that have me tickets to win prizes, I'm just not sure what it was. I learned to play the steel drums and I played bag-o. I did not win any prizes. 🤷‍♀️ I'll get um next time.
I spent some time in the Crown Lounge, but others joined me and well, I will be polite and say they did not make the space relaxing and enjoyable for anyone. The lemon drop drink didn't even help. 😅
It was our last dinner with our waiter and assistant waiter, tomorrow night we meet new crew. We look forward to it.
Tonight's production show was "Can't Stop the Rock" this crew nailed it!!! The young lady that sang Whitney Houston's " I Will Always Love You" rocked it! Simply amazing. We enjoyed the show so much we went to both seatings.
Tonight's late night show was Comedian Graig Murphy. His adult comedy is good. We enjoy his show. We might even go again tonight to the Welcome Aboard show. It was a late night. Morning will come early.
Like what you see, let me book your next vacation. It's simple send me a message.

17/11/2024

Day 3 of 9
San Miguel, Cozumel
The ship had docked before we rolled out of bed. It was cleared around 8:00 am while we were eating breakfast. We took our time as we had zero plans for today. Which makes it less stressful, not having to rush. The day started off cloudy, but as the day went it cleared until about 3:00. Then the black clouds rolled in quickly and the rain came.
Making our way off the ship and through all of the shopping we hopped into the "taxi line". There was no line just 4 of us who wanted to go downtown.
**NOTE; There are 2 ports in Cozumel we were docked at
the one furthest away from downtown, but closest to the beaches. We don't mind this port as there is plenty of shopping AND for those going to the beach it's closer.
Let's talk about a couple of things before I get into our adventures. There are scooters, buggies, jeeps and other small vehicles that you can rent for the day. PLEASE if you want to get around and you think about getting a scooter because it is cheaper, then please think about this. I have 1 question for you to answer and if the answer is "no" then do not rent a scooter. Do you have a motorcycle license?
Scooter rentals are $60 and to rent the buggies or jeeps it's $135. The island is simple to get around so if looking to rent get out early, drive around the island and make the most of your day.
BEACHES are at the resorts. Plan on spending on average $40 a person. The price will include food and sometimes unlimited drinks.

NOW, we took it easy as I messed my back up pretty bad before we left and it keeps getting worse. Our trip into town cost us $5 by taxi. $10 was for the car. We grabbed that other couple I mentioned earlier and shared the fare. Always get info. on how much the vehicle will cost and try to split the fare.
After getting dropped off we went straight to Mega Store. Cozumel's Wal-Mart. I grabbed a bunch of pain meds and patches and set out for the day. Everything is in Spanish so Google translate is a must when it came to what I needed. If you forgot anything, take advantage of this stop. The crew LOVE it when the ship docks in the port closer to the store.
There was quite a bit of street art, which if this is your first time joining us, you will find I LOVE street art and post it often.
The street artist we found was good. She was feeding the birds, it really was perfect to be part of the park.

After finding Dan Miguel's zocalo (town square) we walked the shops leading us to the best part. The center of the park. There were several bigger than life fun creatures, along with some statues for day of the dead. After the latest photo session we hopped back into a taxi to bring us to Ernesto's. Ernesto's is a restaurant that was recommended to us by some friends who cruise often and have frequented the restaurant often. It was good. Genuine. Authentic. A hole in the wall. Exactly what I want when we visit other cultures around the world. My piña colada was tasty and well worth the $13. We had chicken nachos and shared them. If you are looking for a good meal. I highly recommend stopping in. It is a 5 min. walk from the ship.
Back on the ship and dinner out of the way, we made our way to the theater to watch "Impact" tonight's entertainment. We had previously seen them perform and they have an incredible show. The amount of energy they have is simply amazing.
What a BUSY day we had. Tonight was the 70's disco party too. It was a good party. Not very well attended, but really good. We were the only ones to dress up besides the crew, so we got a lot of compliments. I do not know of a Royal cruise that does not have a 70's disco party, so dig out your bell bottoms, flowered blouse and rose colored glasses and pack them in your bag.
It was an all around good day.

16/11/2024

Day 2 of 9
Day at Sea
Morning came early, but it was so worth it. Abs class was perfect! Rasapad is the first instructor that actually likes his job in quite a few cruises. It was old times. I look forward to doing Abs with him again tomorrow. I didn't quite catch the sun rise, but the sky was still exquisite. After some gym time, a brisk walk around the deck, and of course pics of the view David met up with me. We grabbed our morning lattes from Café Lattitudes and heard the Windjammer buffet calling our names. We miss our girl Kaywana from Brillance, but Nickesha is very nice. My usual meeting with the head sue chef and the assistant matre d' for meals for the rest of the cruise and off to explore some more, because things pop up everywhere all the time. I participated in the duck hunt, which was crazy! Up to deck 11, back down to 5 and so on! My legs are weak and burning! 🤣🤕
Time spent on the deck catching some of the sunny rays was definitely needed.
Dinner was good, but last night's show was great!! The production of; "Stage to Screen" The singers and dancers were wonderful. The quality of the live entertainment in the theatre's has improved again over the last few years. We don't care for all of the songs, but the production was done well.
A walk around the casino and then a game to watch in the centrum i was back in the room. David stayed out a little later and enjoyed the entertainment of musical chairs, but cruise ship style. 😜.
Tomorrow we will wake to be docked in Cozumel, Mexico.

16/11/2024

SOS
I need the name of a good Mexican restaurant in Cozumel

15/11/2024

Hey! If this is your first time, WELCOME!
Guess what!!!! The day has come.
We set sail on Royal Caribbean's Enchment of the Seas out of Tampa yesterday. The ship is smaller than we are used to, but we love it! I will compile some pics and send them later. This is another back to back cruise for us so we will be on the ship for a total of 9 days.
Day 1
It was business as usual. Getting through security and checking in was quick and painless. My passport was flagged, but they let me on anyway. It believe it had something to do with VanCouver, which was a freakin' disaster. We walked around to get familiar with this ship. Unfortunately the deck plans are different than the past cruises, for those who cruise often on the same cruise line you can understand how it messes with your mind! 🤪😜
We pulled away around 4:15, saying good bye to our view of the Tampa Aquarium. Dinner was at 5:00. We settled into our room the best we could short one luggage, but noworries! It came. It always comes unless someone else grabs yours from the hall. 🤦‍♀️🤦
Dinner with Ramil, our head waiter was great! This is going to be a great 9 nights.
For the first time in a few cruises we were finished with dinner before we went under the Sunshine bridge. It'd pretty at night. I believe we had 5-6 feet of clearance front hitting the bridge. It's crazy.
We made our deposit in the casino. David started strong, me I just use my free play and remove my bottom from the seat. A woman 2 seats down just kept hitting and ended up with a hand pay. What is a hand pay? It's when you win $1,200 or more in a single spin and you receive cash and your machine starts at $0.00 again.
TAKE NOTE; When cruising on Royal no matter if it's your first time or not you have FREE play in the casino!!!! Use it by the end of the first night. ( some ships do the 2nd night; depending on the length of the cruise) 💰 🤑 you could win big with just that small amount! Don't let not winning because you are afraid of the casino stop you!!!
Tonight's Welcome aboard show with Graig Murphy was funny as usual. Some of his material repeated, but it was still a great show. We look forward to his adult show on day 4.
Immediately after the show we made our way to the centrum for the balloon drop. It was packed! The music was great, the entertainment by both guests and crew was good too. The young lady cleaning the elevator was the best. 🤣😂 It was so nice to see her enjoying herself while working. Oh and yes, the group of "old folks" getting down to the music. 😝🤭
Abs class in the morning. Hit the sack early around 11:15 pm.

REMEMBER TO FOLLOW, LIKE & SHARE The Jolly Traveling Duo
Good to Instagram and follow .jolly.traveling.duo
Snap chat

If you like what you see and want to enjoy a vacation too, message me right away!!! If your on the ship the deals are even sweeter!!!