MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Merry Christmas from Congo!!! Just wanted to quickly share a few holiday adventures. 

Yesterday, I was able to go to a beach with some friends, just to hang out there for the day. We left the ship at 8:45 in the morning!!! Then made our way to the port gate to find a taxi. After negotiating our price we all climbed in and head out. It wasn't until we were on the road for 30-45 minutes that we realized our taxi driver wasn't going the direction that we wanted, in fact he was going the opposite way. 

After explaining, we turned around came back into the city, and went out on the south side of town. Luckily, a few people had been there before and so they were able to give directions and we finally found the place we wanted, Molanda Lodge. It's a nice resort on the ocean with an outdoor bar and restaurant. 

The first thing I did was lay out my towel and take a nap! After spending 2 hours in a hot taxi on not enough sleep...the nap was essential. I'm sleeping peacefully away and then suddenly I wake up because something hurt. I figured out, there was a little crab that pinched my arm which is what woke me up...seriously, did he not know how important my nap was?

My sandy bed, or the beach

I tried going back to sleep, but that didn't work out so I started walking along the beach taking pictures before heading back to the bar with some of the group for a drink. 

It's so relaxing to listen to the waves rolling into shore.

The Beach!!!

There were some nice waves, I didn't actually go into the water but I was told they were pretty strong by those who did brave the waves.

After walking on the beach for a little while, I headed up to the bar with some people who were also ready to take a break from the sun and get something cold to drink. I think that was one of the best cold cokes I've had in a while!!The bar area is actually a really nice place to sit and hang out. Someone brought cards and so we started playing card games. 

At 4 our taxi was suppose to be back at the lodge to pick us up. Once 4 passed, we started walking out the lane to the main road to wait or maybe even catch another taxi. 

Our taxi did come back for us and brought us safely back to the port gate. We made the trek from the port gate back to the ship, where we found a special dinner being served. Our Gurkha's, from Nepal, made dinner for everyone on-board. So it was yummy Nepalese curry's for dinner. Followed by Christmas Eve service and then a movie with friends.   

At 1 a.m. Christmas morning I finally went to bed, and was up by 8 without my alarm clock...very random for me. Because I was awake, I made it to the cafe to have a caramel latte.  

According to the Dutch tradition, every put shoes outside their door and so on Christmas morning you open your door to find the halls lined with shoes and presents. 

At 11, I meet my ship 'family' for Christmas brunch...which consisted of breakfast foods, omelets and fried potatoes, a lunch menu of mashed potatoes, turkey, ham, green bean casserole with lots of cookies, desserts, fruits, cheeses and all sorts of good food. 

There have been people playing and singing Christmas music...the air feels joyous and festive!!! As I wrap up this blog, I will repeat my opening statement. 

Merry Christmas!!!