Observations from the Deck

Before I get into my comments let me say just for the record, that I did enjoy the cruise my husband and I recently completed. We went to Cozumel, and the Port of Calica. As with the other 2 cruises I have taken I love the service, the never having to cook or make up my bed, or pick up after myself. I also loved the beautiful scenery. The water in around Cozumel was so incredibly gorgeous it left me in awe of my Creator God!! There is something about both the vastness and power of the Gulf of Mexico that causes me to walk around the deck and offer praises to God.

It was fun to spend time with family, play cards, laugh, and explore new places. One really cool place we toured were the Mayan ruins of Tulum. What an interesting place. As we listened to the tour guide relate the history of the people and the ruins I was thinking, did these people know about God and Jesus? I was reminded of the verse in Romans 1:19 - 20, "...because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse." I guess that is one of those things we'll finally understand in Heaven.

I must confess though that there were things about the cruise that caused me to grieve. As with most cruises they really cater to alcohol, gambling, and the flesh (eating, drinking, sunning-while exposing too much flesh, and some adult only entertainment.) Again, know that overall I really enjoyed the trip, enjoyed the family centered entertainment, etc. What stood out to me in the Cozumel was how so much of their tourist dollars come from American indulgence in alcohol and spending on stuff (see previous post on Treasure or Ash Heap.)

I must confess I went in Carlos and Charlies completely innocent to what kind of place this was. I watched as what appeared to be a group of family and friends were celebrating the daughter's birthday. She looked to be in her early 20's and they were cheering her on as she not only took a shot of Tequila but they did the funnel thing and poured it down her throat not only once but twice. I wanted to go to the parents and say , what are you thinking? One day when your child is a full fledged alcoholic you will share part of the blame. The whole place was disgusting as the Mexican people were wildly encouraging the visiting tourists to get nasty drunk. The island of Cozumel has so much more to offer. The whole incident left me feeling very sad.

We had a great time but as usual it is good to get home and sleep in my own bed even though there was no room steward to make my bed or cook my omelet on Sunday morning!