Thursday, February 1, 2024

Girls Trip - Day 7 - Cozumel and Chef's Table

 Our final port day is today and Kelly is in charge.  We are going to be in Cozumel, Mexico and just do some exploring around the island.  However, before that happens (we are not even docked yet) I am wandering the ship in the early hours and have a few more pictures for you.  The towel animals are on display on lido today.  Take a peek.






A few of my favorites:




And just like that - we are docked!  Hello Cozumel.


We are not the only game in town - I counted at least six other ships in port and two of them are Carnival besides us.  Off we go for some fun.


We are on the move so I'm snapping as fast as I can and still keep up with the girls.


Some scenes as we leave the "port" area and arrive at the jeep rental place.


While Kelly gets the vehicle, I walk a half block to peek into a plaza.



Performers taking a break.


This is the closest I could get to this without someone running up to have their picture taken.  Quick snaps is my game today.


Diosa Ixchel - She was the patroness of conception, pregnancy and childbirth.  In honor, a temple was built in Cuzamil (island of Cozumel) for worship and pilgrimage.  In this pilgrimage came mostly young women to ask that they could procreate children with their husbands.


Puerta Maya - the actual name of the cruise port - like Costa Maya and Mahogany Bay.


Off we go ---- Kelly is driving and Frieda is up front with her.  Gwen and I take up the rear post.


Just some views down the road.



First stop - Punta Sur, a beach park.



Our transportation - ya gotta laugh, cos we sure are.  Best part ever is the rubber band that holds the trunk closed.  She's cute though.


This is also Shanty Town - 


We've got a lovely table down on the beach - Ahhhh.



It is truly beautiful.


Holding down the fort while the girls go get a beer or other type drink.


When in Mexico . . . (staying away from ice and water, lol.)


Gwen and Kelly go off beachcombing.




Time to move on - one final look.


As we're driving down the road, I spot the prettiest water, so we stop.


San Martin Beach --- oh goodness.  Must remember this place for next trip.  It's beautiful.


Just look at this ---- so gorgeous.  The only reason the water looks bad is because the wake is bringing up the sand bar.  Look close at the next pics and you'll see just how clear it is.



Six ships in port and an empty beach.  Must remember.



All four together - 


So, so pretty - time to move on.


We've made the loop and are back in San Miguel.  We are trying to find the restaurant that Kelly wants to take us to, but the roads are closed in places, making it challenging.


Once we've found it, she drops us off and goes to park the car.  I notice some activity across the street and stop to watch for a bit.




The cooking of the feets.  Crazy people.


Ahhh, the restaurant.  I'm starving and oh so ready for food.


Walking down to the water shows me how beautiful it is here as well.



We've ordered our food and taken up a lovely spot under a tree.


Beautiful first course.  Dig in.  Oh, and drink up.  Not a margarita for this girl, but a mojito.


Everything is done beautifully and tastes amazing.  Scrumptious red snapper.


After our meal, Kelly and Gwen are back down at the beach searching for treasures.



Such a perfect, yummy, and fun stop.


Time to head back to the ship as we have Chef's Table tonight - it's just a day of yummy food.  I'm still snapping pictures as we drive.  Benefits of an open back.







Statue of Governor Rafael E. Melgar - Google him.



Once the car is returned, we are on foot and checking out a few shops.  Love these courtyards inside.  Truly would love a house with a courtyard.




Walking through the "port town" - look close in the second picture.  There's an iguana.


LOVE the reflection on the windows.  Another ship docked nearby.  Perfect!  I believe it's the Horizon.


This little guy greets me back on board.


After dropping bags, I'm up to the decks to watch sailaway with Gwen.



Time to get dressed.  Kelly and I are doing Platinum tonight to celebrate our milestone.  A stop at the jewelry shop to pick up our barrels has us both walking out with crazy expensive rings to just "try out".  Seriously!  They are beautiful!  We just have to have them back by 11 p.m. or buy them.


Now for some fun --- a few pictures for the memory of the day.  Platinum gals.


Still searching for that one, perfect picture for myself.  Guess these will have to do.


Jewelry (necklace and earrings) are Labradorite, from the cruise to "Greenland" - hahahaha.  Do love the set, though.


We've met up with Frieda and Gwen and it's time for Chef's Table.  I am pretty sure it hasn't been long enough between meals yet, but I'll do the best I can.  Down to the kitchens we go.



First stop - appetizers and a lesson on chocolate melting cake.


Tuna Crudo - netted wafer, wasabi, gari


Avocado Popper - beet mayo, provolone



Duck Cigar - cranberry, fig, brie, mushroom ash


Land and Sea - double cooked lamb, apple wood smoked scallop


Back through the kitchen



The Jubilee has a dedicated Chef's Table room.


Love the lighting.


Prep and work area - 



Stop for a group picture - which I'm thankful for, as it's the only one I have of all four of us there.


Time to get started.  I will share the courses the best I can, but not all can be remembered.  Sorry, but they look pretty.  If I don't really comment, it means they were delicious, just not going to repeat with each dish.


Lobster Our Way - saffron beurre blanc, lobster jelly, cognac pearls



Chef's Sampler - beet cured salmon, air pillow beef carpaccio, crab and grapes.





Dove Sole, Razor Clams - fermented purple crystal potato, leche de tigre, heirloom baby carrot.  So, this dish had some issues.  The fish was cold, the potato was crazy weird, but the carrot was good.


Young Hickory Venison - cheese katafi, smoked squash, beet and port Jus



We were given this plate and then they came around with the smoked venison.



Sorbet - blood orange, raspberry, crunchy cucumber, green apple granita.  Oh Goodness!!!  This was divine!!  No joke - I so wanted more.


Braised Wagyu - burgundy shallot, celeriac mash, tomato dust, air bubble merlot glaze.  The presentation was simply beautiful, as all are, but . . . this one just seemed perfect.  (The glaze was to the side of the main plate.)



Now for a glass of port - means dessert is on the way.


Chocolate Forest - chocolate fudge, lavender mouse, basil moss, mushrooms meringue, micro sponge, cherry sauce.  So beautiful.



This was crazy yummy, but I am soooooo full.  Favorite part was the mushrooms meringue.


Sweet Treat ends the meal - cheesecake sphere.  It is the perfect size.  I may have room for it.  Huge box to deliver a simple bit of heaven.  And with that, Chef's table is a wrap again.  I'm glad I did this with the new menu.  It's been a great night and now to walk off some of this as we head to the show.



Center Stage has Rio Carnival - what a fun show with so many interesting aspects.






And with that, I'm done for the day.  It's been fun and some gambling happened as well, but overall, time for sleep.  See ya tomorrow.

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