After 11 days of sliding through the Panama Canal and puttering around tropical islands, by day swallowing snorkeled saltwater, by night Absolut and lime, our balmy respite is over.

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The real action is brewing in the Gulf of Mexico, where a tropical wave has been getting itself together over the last day and is likely to congeal into Tropical Storm Lee.

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But none of this seems to affect the regular rhythm of a typical day, which includes tropical cocktails, fruit shakes, tanning, the occasional afternoon beach volleyball game and, for the actively inclined, just about every imaginable water activity known to man.

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While most turned up early to avoid long queues, some said they wanted to beat the scorching tropical heat that builds up through the day and is usually followed by heavy afternoon downpour.

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You'll be hot on the trail of tropical flora and fauna on an included half-day cloud forest safari.

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The Republicans cancelled the first day of their convention because of the approach of a tropical storm.

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And delayed purchases may be especially acute this year, given the Labor Day weekend washout expected at many East Coast stores, thanks to Tropical Storm Ernesto.

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The plant would generate 10 megawatts of power by exploiting natural temperature variations in tropical seas, and unlike other renewable energy sources it would operate nonstop 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

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For the damsels in distress, slower-paced fun can be had with a stroll around the grounds, which contain tropical gardens, cascading waterfalls, serene lakes, and pristine pools, or a leisurely day on the sands with a good beach read.

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