I'm head-over-heels for Mexico, folks.

I'm back. Back from the excessive food and superb service and utter relaxation that is the cruise ship. And back from the glorious heat and color and crazy excitement that is Mexico. I miss it. I never, ever wanted to leave. It was a delicious trip. I'm exhausted and emotional and longing to go back immediately. I cope by listening to "The Boys are Back" repeatedly.

This was the very first picture I took. I read most of My Heart Lies South on the plane, and was therefore fully prepared to get married and live in Mexico for the rest of my life. If you haven't read this book, you must. Then you might understand why I am so desperately in love with Mexico.

I actually love flying in a plane. The cramped seating and ear-popping is worth it for that moment when you lift up off the ground, and then watch the world fade into a simple, beautiful pattern.

We flew to San Diego and immediately boarded the cruise ship. Some day I want to stay in San Diego--we've breezed through it twice now.

Of course I had a donut nearly every day. 

The majority of the crew on Holland America ships are Indonesian and Filipino. The captain is always Dutch, as well as various other members of the crew. Basically there are no Americans, except for the activities directors. The Indonesians are just awesome. They are super-sweet and cheerful, which is incredible, since they have to serve mostly very elderly and often grouchy types out in the middle of the ocean, away from their home and family. I got ridiculously spoiled by their awesomeness.

When I went on my very first cruise... I don't know how many years ago, I decided that I would marry an Indonesian prince.

Our room stewards--Jamjam and Moe. I stayed entertained by repeating Jamjam's name over and over again. 

Room service, baby.

The pretty gals I went with. : ) My mom and sister, Bethany.

Oddly, I have been longing for tiramusu. So when the strawberry cheesecake and the tiramisu were on the same night, I suffered much mental anguish.

In the end, I chose the tiramisu, which was absolutely amazing. Especially with black coffee.

Notice my spectacularly awesome camera strap. Thank you sistah. : )

This water. My word. It makes me want to jump straight off the ship and...drown. But I feel like even drowning would be rather glamorous in water like this.

Our first port was Cabo San Lucas.

It was so warm! I have a tan now... which is bizarre, in January.

Each one of these boats was calling my name... I have yet to ride a speed boat, laughing wildly, with my hair blowing in the wind. It's so on my bucket list.

Everyone is selling something--

"hello beautiful girls--take a look."

"good prices!"

"real silver!"

"ladies--do you need a bodyguard?"

Feeling very daring, I grabbed this iguana. He was pretty placid.
Mostly just had a very squishy underbelly.

White churches. yes.

I just had to take a picture of this sign. New blog name? ;-)

That's our ship. It's the same one we were on last year, too. We're pretty close.

I had this most days. Sometimes twice.

(entering the photo here)

So that was the first part of the week. On the first few days at sea, aside from eating, reading, and writing unadulterated nonsense in my inspiring cream notebook, I also watched all three High School Musicals. There's definitely a post coming up about that. : )

Lots more photos to come, but I'm trying to give this to you in non-chokable portions.