Feb 20th, Day Three – Cozumel, Mexico

Today’s training didn’t take as long as I thought it would. And it was sort of fun. I learned how to extinguish fires by using a fire extinguisher and a hose (like a firefighter!). But it was also scary to learn that the greatest threat to life on board is human failure… if a crew didn’t receive proper safety training, or if they didn’t follow the right procedures, they could put rest of the people on board in danger in a case of emergency.

Ghis and I decided we should take the chance to get off the ship to explore Cozumel after an entertaining morning (what with the bazooka fire-fighting device and high-pressure jets of water). It felt unreal: it was only my third day on the ship, and I already have time off to see places?! I basked in the sun the whole walk to downtownCozumelfrom the port, where our destination was Mega, a superstore). It was a much needed stop because I have been living without a hairbrush or shampoo this entire trip (well, the last four days). In fact, I have been using my roommate’s hairbrush without her permission, and (this is going to make you laugh -) washing my hair with my mango bar of soap. Yeah. It wasn’t the best of situations, but at least I smelled great!

So,Cozumel. Alcohol was extremely cheap! A six-pack cost only $5, and two bottles of medium-sized (1L?) Jose Cuervo gold is only $23. Cold, single-serving beers (in bottles) are only one or two dollar apiece; and you can drink while you stroll on the street! The atmosphere’s pretty awesome. Though from the traffic, the locals, and the sketchy houses in-between mansions, there is a sense of insecurity. I probably wouldn’t feel safe walking alone – I shouldn’t anyway, ship rules suggested.

the cozumel port