Solid sleep, but a little messed up with time change and daylight savings switches going on. Planning day today... with the intent to try a room switch as well as book an excursion or two! Kids had a blast at breakfast (which didn't open until 7:30) with loads of choice and 2nds and 3rds! Breakfast turned out to be my favorite meal for the run of the trip.

So... Room change. We wanted to get a room a bit closer to Eileen's pad. Janie dropped by the check in at the front desk at 9:00 am but they really had nothing available. While she was there I relaxed by the pool and the kids swam! The check in lady asked if she could return later. At 10:00 am we met with Ernesto, our very helpful Sunwing Representative... The plan was to get two excursions booked for our crew of five, one for Habana, the other Trinidad. By the time we left we were all set and $800 Canadian lighter! We purchased our tours through Gaviota Tours, which made excellent sense in our setting alongside the Gaviota Marina.

We did explore the resort some Sunday... checking out some of the facilities and making peace with our surroundings. The Barcelo Marina Palace is basically the last resort located on the Hicacos Peninsula, surrounded by water on three sides. Pools, dining facilities, currency exchange, bars on the water and land, beaches with fine white sand, all manner of water activity and finally rooms galore! Lots of friendly staff and no one pushing too feverishly for tips!

There is a lot of "nothing" that goes on at resorts. Relaxing with a mojito or coffee, listening to the wind push the waves ashore and rattle the palm trees, fanciful discussions of travel, business and politics, and of course a keen venue for serious people watching. That was the balance of our Sunday. The kids had an excellent swim and enjoyed the water slide and other youngsters at the "big" pool. After supper we moved into our new room, just across the hall from Eileen. Great second story spot overlooking a quiet cove.

The rooms were very comfortable. Eileen's side of the building caught the warm afternoon breeze coming off the Straits of Florida, while our room gazed into the evening sunset and was gentle and warm in the evening on the balcony. All you would need is included, from bar fridge to safe, closet to AC, spacious room and patio doors onto the stoop. All set for a week of rest and relaxation!!

As a finish to the evening Janie and I stretched our legs and sauntered to the theatre for the evening entertainment. We settled in with several mojitos and watched the audience participation activities with all hands practicing their salsa moves and having fun. We settled in for our best sleep to date.