In June 2003, my sister Patty and I took a cruise out of Tampa on Carnival Sensation. In the Grand Caymans, we took the boatride to a sandbar and swim with stingrays. Both of us being outdoorsy, Patty and I were completely taken back with our girly shreiks when the friendly stingrays brushed up on our legs. Stingrays are HUGE and feel like wet mushrooms, and since they're darker than the white sand, they are warm from the sun.

In Cozumel, we went on the Fury Catamaran to snorkel on a reef, then enjoy a private beach. It was quite a party and the tequila flowed freely. We really enjoyed Cozumel, the friendly Mexicans, and the shopping.

The photo is of my sister Patty and me. I am on the right.