Last sea day tomorrow

Really windy

All night and all today. Beautiful day at sea with sometimes deep waves. Temperature was moderate. The sunsets so late now though: after 8!

Interview with dancers and singers

This is the group that were on at the beginning of the cruise. One of them, Walker, is from Lejitas Texas, a little wide spot on the border. It seems there was a ballet diva who married someone from the area and she offered free ballet classes to the kids who were interested, so he took these classes. And now here he is dancing on the around the world ship.

Trivia

We did OK but didn’t win. However, this afternoon, much to our surprise, we tied with another team. Had there not have been a miscommunication in our group, we would have won outright. Nonetheless, after 3 tie breaker questions, WE WON. The tie breaker question was how many pints of blood are there in the human body. Ed had this right at hand. Someone with the other group came over to point out that (she had an American accent by the way—and the group behind them included an MD) the Brits were counting it in British pints. Now really folks: the beer is in those kinds of pints but you’d be hard pressed to convince me that their answer translated into the correct amount in cc or ounces!

Lunch with a transplant nurse from near Dallas. Nice couple; enjoyed their conversation.

Interview with Linda Gray

Who used to play Suellen on Dallas. I had it wrong, as did others, as I thought it was Linda Evans from Dynasty. It was a nice enough puff piece interview. She is 75, looks great, and has a book she is selling. She also took photos with passengers.

Formal night: did the photo routine, had our lobster.

Captain’s farewell was in the atrium with some of their champagne (which we could all live without).

Dance production show

Was quite well done. Very modern different set and that spiced it up.

Dread tomorrow which is packing day. If we could just take all our luggage off at once, I might not dread it so much (well it probably wouldn’t make a difference) but deciding what to keep and what to send forward is a pain. Then there are the things you must take with you like valuables. We have to be out of our room by 8 am. We leave the ship at 9:30 since we live locally. Then we will have the wonderful job of finding a large enough cab, willing to drive 40 miles to get us home.

Two more sea days and then LA

La Paz

We did a highlights tour with a really good tour guide. He was a true naturalist with good English and who used people in skits to illustrate some of his points.

The pier was over 30 min drive from the city which is 350,000 people but you couldn’t tell it from what we saw.

Ceramics

This was kind’ve unimpressive but you did get to see and feel the clay, see how they are made and painted. There was a lovely large fountain near the rear of the property. We saw some clever designs such as a dish especially for putting salt on the edges of margarita glasses.

Church

Of course there was a church! But what puzzled me is that it was 10 am on a Tuesday and they were having Mass including a sermon. The church is pretty inside, cool and breezes going through but you couldn’t take pics inside because of the Mass. It was made of solid stones not like you often expect of Spanish style designs in Mexico.

Museum

While small, it had many nicely displayed dioramas and other displays of old historical (Spanish Conquistador outfits and equipment) and real skeletons. The building was cool with marble floors, very quiet and with personnel everywhere while still being unobtrusive.

Police

At some point it dawned on us that we were never without police around us. They held the traffic for us to cross the street, and a police van with rotating red light on the top was always nearby. We were told several times how “safe” the town is. There was one aside about “narcos” but it slid by quickly.

Cultural center

Had two displays: one looked like a May shrine to the Virgin Mary and the other room had much boxing memorabilia.

The weather was actually very nice with a mild temperature and breeze. But the sun was very hot. The bus was a nice one with two bathrooms (which were very handy) and good air conditioning.

Cacti

The tour guide was actually a wonderful naturalist and he took time to tell us a lot about the various cacti around. I certainly learned a lot.

The Malecon

Or the beach side. Had many vendors set up and you could walk along and see the neatly spaced and very interesting public sculptures. The wares actually looked very good but there wasn’t anything I was interested in dickering for.

The water

Is incredibly clear for a long distance out to sea.

Old Mexican coins

I had taken the old money had has had forever and when I put it on the counter to pay the donation (to take photos in the museum), the young lady took all but two coins out and said they were too antique and could not be used. The bill and two coins left did not make enough for the $3 donation. At supper one of the wait staff who is from Mexico told us that several years ago the government had totally changed the currency (in the 80s?) and there were several of the coins, with Aztec designs, that she had never seen. Perhaps a collector would be interested.

So now we have 3 different types of defunct currency we have to figure out what to do with them.

Return to ship

Around 12:30 and there were several vendors set up outside the ship but again, nothing of much interest unless you are into cheap dresses, artificial fabric hammocks and serapes, jewelry of unknown provenance, etc.

We had lunch in the buffet and then spent the afternoon watching the movie “Woman in Gold” about the restoration of the Klimpt painting. Helen Mirren stared and she is always superb in all that she does.

So would I return to La Paz?

If you like sea sports: deep sea fishing, whale watching, snorkeling and scuba diving, boating. And/or laying on the beach frying—and getting drunk and wild at night, then this is the place for you. Otherwise, it’s pretty sparse and dank. There are no direct flights but you can come by car 1 ½ hrs from Cabo San Lucas or flight from Mazatlan or ferry from the same for 12 hrs.

Trivia

We don’t have to hang our heads in shame but Frances bought happy hour margaritas so I had to help her out by drinking one of them. These had real alcohol in them and the result was predictable.

Entertainment

Singers and instrumentalists.Ed went. I passed.

It is almost 8 pm and the sun has just gone down. It seems very strange. The sail away from La Paz showed islands and interesting terrain in the far distance.

Getting ready to disembark

I have thrown away my dried flower experiments and am straightening up other things. I got two cardboard boxes for crushable and I hope it is just left for me to take care of. The usual way is for me to simply leave the cabin for several hours and let Ed do his thing.

This has been a wonderful journey. I have enjoyed it even more than the previous two if that is possible. I love the routine and predictability of it all. The way the staff arranges so many interesting activities. The people you come to know and enjoy. It is the best assisted living I could imagine.

Tomorrow La Paz

As I write this, it is 7:40 pm and the sun shows no signs of setting yet. We are now travelling north toward La Paz and will be crossing from mainland to Baja California for La Paz tomorrow

Celebrity Liar’s club

We four “liars” and 4 words. You cannot imagine the stories these people make up to get you to believe that their definition is the right one including visual aids! We laughed at so many funny remarks and the really almost dirty sounding words. In the end, 6 teams tied (including ours) so no one went home with a prize.

DVD presentation

Of the transiting of the Panama Canal. It was interspersed with Go Pro footage and interviews with the on board expert. Also showed some airplane views including the new canal and discussion about it. I was glad for this as we had not seen the other canal from the ship. And I learned even more about the mechanics and challenges of maintaining the canal even today.

Trivia: we didn’t win either time today but it was interesting and we learned a lot. This morning was brutal. This afternoon just challenging. In the end, as usual, we missed winning by one point.

Captain’s wine club

Francis and Ed went to this fancy schmantzy luncheon today where they tried out various wines including one at $189 a bottle which they both declared very good.

Harmony Choir

Had their final concert and as always it is amazing to see what is accomplished in such a short period of time. And I’m glad to see such participation by the passengers in showing up for this unique show.

Tonight’s show

I passed on this which has two entertainers we’ve seen before. They’re ok but I’m not interested.

Festival of the Masks

This evening at 9:15 pm. I probably wouldn’t go except that I made a mask for it and I want to see what other people’s masks look like. Not so many were wearing masks but the music was very good and there were a lot of folks working hard at the dances. The young man I’ve spoken of who is  special needs asked me to dance again and it is amazing how good he has gotten. It is heartwarming to see how all the crew and especially the dancers work with him to show him dance moves. He puts us to shame now.

We left after an hour because we have a tour in the early morning but we did get some exercise in before leaving. However, the snacks they provided weren’t low calorie. I had a deviled egg, small quiche, churro and 3 olives. I’ll have to walk a lot more tomorrow to pay for those sins.

It'll soon be time to go back to normal

Gorgeous day on the sea

Ed was still sleeping when I snuck out for the interdenominational service. The Deputy cruise Director, who we found out had once been a choir master in a church in England, prepared and did most of the service. The clergyman was from Australia, ordained Episcopalian and now a vicar in the Church of Scotland in Australia. He remarks were nice but he didn’t hold the mike close enough to his mouth so hard to hear.

Sharks again

This speaker’s focus today was on why and how to preserve sharks. They are apex predators and important to the ecology of the ocean. He gave many examples over time where reefs had been renewed and increases in species of fish in an area could be credited with protecting the sharks in those areas.

Trivia: both were fair: am and pm, but we didn’t win though it was fun to go through the process of deciding on a group answer.

There was so much good food. The staff were all Mexican costumes. We closed the dining room as we were talking with ramona and Craig.

Masks

There will be a festival of masks tomorrow so I make a quick attempt at a presentable mask for the event tomorrow.

Champagne waterfall

Decorations red, white and green, colors of the Mexican flag. Oscar was outin full Mexican attire including make up. Ed and I each took a turn at photos.

And speaking of photos” we have so many and several (well frankly LOTS) from the Panama canal passage and I have been trying to share pics with some of the guests who came to our cabinfor the passage. In the process, I am now confused about which are my pics, and which are someone else’s. sigh

Phantom of the Opera

A lady who did this for 3 yrs. In LA with Michael Crawford. I stayed for two pieces. Her voice is really not one I’m crazy about.

Boxes

I have begun to collect them to make the packing a little less hectic since we have no concerns about flying.

Celebrity Liars club

Tonight which is always fun. I hope we go and if so I’ll write about that tomorrow.

another sea day tomorrow

Rocky seas

Looking at the waves it looks more treacherous than it feels though there is definitely rocking of the ship and you do need to hang on. The outdoor entries are blocked to protect dumb people from stupid decisions.

La Paz

Deb gave us an introduction to La Paz Mexico and I had  a totally erroneous image of where it was geographically. There are a number of fun opportunities here but Ed and I haven’t made a decision yet. The port is some distance from the town apparently.

Trivia: horrible quiz. We don’t have to hang our head in shame but it was tough. The afternoon session wasn’t much better. We were all kind’ve cranky afterwards. If it was like this every day, few would show up.

Photos

We had a huge stack of photos to pick up and then Ed and I went over them to be sure all of them had been scanned onto the digital USB ship we have.

Lunch: I chose vegetarian and it was very good

Complaint mill

Many  people were unhappy with yesterday’s port in El Salvador. We were only the 4^th ship into that port and they did provide us with entertainment all day and a fire boat welcome. Still as my blog yesterday suggestions, they have a lot of learning to do. Many are trying to insist it never be a port again. I think that’s extreme as Atasco was amazing and those who went to the Mayan ruins were ecstatic about that tour.

Getting into LA mode

I transferred all my stuff by to my purse. Also took out the Mexican pesos for us to hopefully make use of in La Paz. When it comes time to pack, I will leave out what I must have for Friday morning and leave the cabin for Ed to do what he wants. With Ed this is not a team event. I’ve learned.

Entertainment

A comedian singer. He was OK; few good chuckles along the way. Clever. Kind’ve a good ole boy. There is a crew talent show tonight late but I think I’ll miss it. Kind’ve in a low mood this evening.

Sea day tomorrow

Sail in was rather uneventful. There were local dancers entertaining us on the pier as the ship came in. this was around noon. The temperature was certainly warm, humid but not as bad as last port, but still not fun for exertion.

Today’s tour

Started around noon when we joined a somewhat rickety motor coach. However, we could have had an open window school bus with metal seats so it’s all relative. It did have airconditioning that was acceptable. There was a modest amount of padding left on the seats still. And since the bus was not crowded, we had plenty of room to spread out.

I like to take photos through the window as we go along. One photo was a lady carrying a burden on her head. You could see the burden and the skirt, but no torso. Why? Because I think, while they did wash the windows, they did it with dirty water and the streaks covered up many areas.

A day to remember

The tour guide spoke good enough English (he had lived in the states for a while), but the day clearly got ahead of his limited tour guide skills. He said they changed the busses on him at the last minute and the microphone never worked properly. All we heard for the first few hours was “uno uno uno…” Eventually he gave up. It might have worked if he didn’t choke the mike when it did work, that is, hold it a little away from your mouth instead of eating it while you spoke which just sounded like muffled speech to us.

Firststop

Was to be a demonstration of some crafts and tour a museum. From this point and the rest of the day we were pretty much on our own. There was no coordination. He seemed not to know what we were supposed to do or when. So eventually we joined the other bus group, walked along the cobblestone streets (still a challenge after all these years) went to the chocolate making factory where we had been assured we would be enchanted by the demonstration (she only roasted coffee beans in a skillet and passed some around to taste) and get to drink some great chocolate. None of this happened.

Eventually we rejoined our original group who were all grumbling by this time. Ed said if he could find a taxi, he would have gone back to the ship.

Back on the road

Did I mention that the driver thought he was in the Indianapolis 500? Along these narrow streets and dogging equally insane tuk tuk drivers who were determined to mow down pedestrians. One of the passengers asked if there was a speed limit and the tour guide seemed not to understand at first. Finally said 90 KM. this driver clearly hadn’t gotten the message. And given the dodgie mechanical status of many of these vehicles in some countries, not very reassuring.

Climbing 5000 ft.

This really was a beautiful drive through gorgeous countryside which eventually had coffee plantations everywhere. Along the way were 3 volcanos in the distance. There was a viewing pad right near the road where we could have gotten off and taken some good photos. As it was we were confined to the cabin and pics through the smeared window.

Ultimately we were in this delightful little town high in the mountains called Atasco. The weather was wonderful and with a slight breeze. All along the way we saw school kids in their uniforms, all so cute and delightful.

Arabica coffee

We were told to sit down and it would be brought to us. After at least 20 min  two tiny cups with about ¼ c of coffee arrived and Ed declared it better than he thought but he wasn’t interested in buying any and taking it home.

On our own

Again. We saw others advancing down the street. We are the only bus in town by this time.Someone said the group was headed to the cemetery: we never found it but along the way we saw small shops with lots of local crafts. There was a delightful plaza with lots of trees and an enormous fountain. A lovely spot just to sit and breathe the air.

We saw a church in the distance and were trying to decide if we dare go see it since, again, no tour guide and no instructions. Someone said he was getting a beer.

Another couple wanted to see the church too so I said to the wife: if 4 of us don’t show up on the bus, they’ll have to wait for us. So off we went to explore this lovely little church. Again it took me by surprise to find that they were having the 40 hrs adoration (does all of Central American do this at the same time?) so we took some no-flash pics and left. At this point one of the ship’s staff who was also on the bus tour said the group was headed to a weaver’s place 2 blocks straight down from the street in front of the church. So off we whisked, mastering the cobblestones, and found something we thought might be it. Lots of lovely things in side but the looms were still as the workers weren’t around. So we never saw any of this.

We wandered down the street looking at other vendor’s wares and saw a pretty church in the distance. If we had known our time line, we would have hiked up to it to explore but I satisfied myself with a photo from the distance. We found a fruit and vegetable market and the wares looked fresh, healthy (they do not use fertilizer we were told) and with lots of smiling faces.

And back to ship

Pretty soon we noticed other Americano looking folks headed back toward the weaver’s shop and we heard the bus was to meet us there. After a while this was true. Along the journey back down the mountain, (I dared not look ahead with speedy Gonzales at the wheel). Again gorgeous lush vegetation all around and varying kinds of habitations along the way. School kids coming home in their uniforms everywhere.

Before I forget: there was a delay in leaving the town as someone said one person was missing from the bus. The tour guide never took a count and so he went on a wild goose chase. The woman had changed her seat to the back of the bus from the front. A simple head count, de riguer for all tour guides we’ve known, would have quickly cleared this up.

Along the way  we were given some water (some didn’t trust it) and a bag of Japanese style peanuts, whatever that means. I liked them but they had a harder crust than I was used to.

Late back to ship

But ship had a late departure and our group was not the only latecomer. I had heard there was a Mexican buffet as it is cinco de mayo, in the dining room so that’s where we went. It turns out it was up in the top buffet. However, Sunday is the big Mexican buffet as La Paz is our next and last port.

Motorcity

This was tonight’s production show. We had seen it before but our memories aren’t what they used to be and we enjoyed it just as much this time.

Yeah: tomorrow is a sea day. But now I realize it is less than 7 days before this remarkable journey ends and we go back to real life.

to El Salvador 5/5

Ed’s 75^th birthday

We were in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua. This is a tender port and the seas looked pretty calm but the water excursion was such that it made it hard to transit the ship to the tender and visa versa. However the ride both ways was great.

Francis had told us to watch out for the pelicans and they were all over the place including perching all over the masts of the little ships in the harbor.

Grenada

Our tour took us 1 ½ hrs from the shore to this city which is important in Nicaraguan history. It is a UNESCO site and thus the buildings are preserved intact. They must also maintain the same colors on the houses. The colors are bright and very Caribbean in feel. The architecture runs the gamit from Spanish, British and American colonial all side by side are on each side of the streets.

The countryside changes as you move along, becoming more lush and hilly. Nicaragua is divided into 3 zones and we are in the dried zone which has 6 mos of rain and 6 mos of dry. The central section and the eastern section. The latter is very rainy (10 mos of year) and thus not very hospitable: only 10% of population lives here.

We saw many horses, donkeys and some cattle along the way and all looked undernourished. The crops are typical tropical crops but thee were vast expanses of scrub and African looking trees.

Grenada

In the city we stopped at a monastery (called a convent but that’s a long story) where we had a bathroom break. I didn’t need to go (sweating it all out I assure you) but following my mantra that you never miss a bathroom break when travelling, I waited  for the sharp elbows and went in among the last. I got locked into the stall as the lock desperately needed oil and I didn’t have the strength to turn it. The tour guide got a ladder came into the stall and released me. I had something similar in Cuba and had it not been for Ed, I suppose I would still be there in the bathrooms stall. It must be my karma.

Art work

They have nice displays of artifacts mixed with very modern displays of art. The indoor courtyard was lovely. And with cool breezes.

Vendors

We have been very lucky on this trip not to be inundated by street vendors but they made up for it here with things that I’m sure were mass manufactured and not handmade as described. Kids were as rampant as adults. I was surprised at the Spanish I could dredge up (not all of it accurate I’m sure) but when I told a lady I didn’t want any and called her senora, she quickly asserted: Senorita! But she did move on.

Plaza

All of these cities have large central plazas in the cities adjacent to a cathedral. Ed and I got a diet Pepsi and asked for filtered ice (thanks to tour guide for details) and we were brought what was clearly not filtered (which have a recognizable shape) so we drank them sans ice.

Cathedral

Beautiful spacious, with several side altars. In one there was the 40 hours adoration going on and I felt bad I hadn’t noticed this right away so we moved on. The next altar is an exact duplicate of Fatima in real size. I’ve never seen this before and it was a nice addition. Our guide had told us that the ceiling was being painted like the Sistine Chapel and so there are several gorgeous sections. The breeze and lighting in this cool area were a nice respite.

We walked around checking out the tent vendors of the predictable, but clearly locally oriented, souvenirs.

Lake Nicaragua

On the way back, we stopped at Lake Nicaragua with two volcanos, one an island, near it. I’m glad we did this as I have long been curious about this Lake, which Balboa thought to be the ocean (?)

Nicaragua canal

Have long been interested in this and our guide, who spoke excellent English and was a good teacher, explained all the impediments to this ever happening, including, practice (weather on the Caribbean side and political boundaries), cultural (fresh water without a feeder river like Lake Gatun in Panama), and the cost of course. There’s so much more but it was a fascinating detail about the possibilities.

Ed’s “surprise” birthday party

I had invited 8 people we’ve become very fond of, for a surprise celebration of Ed’s birthday. He had signed up for the chef’s table but I recruited the matre de, Oscar, who is a great plotter and so a hidden area was set aside for 10 of us to have dinner quietly. He also made it possible for Francis, our usual waiter, to be there. The ship’s photographer came around to get a pic of us, and the pastry chef made a small cake with 75^th on the plate.

Ed had brought 2 bottles of a special champagne from home to use for his celebration. I had to sneak it to the dining room so it could be cooled for today. Well yesterday he tore the cabin apart looking for them. This made him suspicious and I had an idea he suspected since he didn’t bellow at me about where they had gone.

I had made a quiz with questions covering Ed’s life and career to serve as a discussion source, as if we needed one. One family brought him a stuffed frog with a small bottle of some liquor and the wife wrote a darling poem about Ed. I had distinctly said no gifts and she said what about a joke. That’s OK I said and that’s what she did.

Overall it was fun I think. We stayed so late we all missed the entertainment. I gave each one a magnet and keyring from the Photo gallery where they can add photos from the trip.

Photo raffle

We had accumulated about 14 of these tickets I asked Ed to go down and put them in for the raffle. It was his birthday and maybe he’d get lucky. Well he won two of the three prizes and one I had really wanted so I had to laugh at that. He said when the last prize was being drawn, he hid as he’d be horrified if he had won all three. There will be one more drawing but we won’t have many for that one.

Trivia

We put together an ad hoc group and we tied for the winner. However we lost on the tie breaker question which was a guess on the age of the dancer who was doing the trivia. We were way off. So close and yet so far.  

El Salvador and Ed's 75th b'day tomorrow

Overcast

Ed got up before me so I figured it was time. Got ready and went to the morning’s classes (ha)

Antiguita

Ok that’s not the correct spelling and I only know it’s in Nicaragua in a day or two. You’ll get more details in the blog of that day.

Shark week

This young man is very fun. Originally from Switzerland he now works with sharks and has made it his goal to disavow people of myths about them. For example, over 400,000 people are bitten seriously by their pet dogs each year yet there are only a handful of shark attacks despite surfers and divers galore.

Trivia: not an easy one. We are hoping to remember the answers in case the question returns later.

Afternoon movie

Lion. But we didn’t go because it is over 2 hrs and it would interfere with the Captain’s party and trivia. We decided not to even attempt the latter.

Captain’s party

This is for folks who are in the Captain’s circle which is almost everyone on the ship by now. Dr. Chuck who is the second longer traveler on this ship, invited us to be his guest so we had to be there early. Had an opportunity to simply talk with a lovely lady I’ve seen and known from a distance.

Formal night

So we gussied up, Ed matching the red in my Chinese long jacket with his cummerbund and bow tie. We keep doing these hoping we’ll lose 20 pounds and 30 yrs but I’m not sure it’s working.

Photos from canal transit

We had a slew of them as our cabin is front center and we had a lot of posters displayed by our guests. Rick gave me a copy of his goPro video of the canal transit and that is great fun.

Dinner

Still howling with laughter each evening. I will really miss this crowd when we are back home. I’m sure the rest of the dining room will recall our hilarity. Even our waiter is contributing tid bits to our jocularity.

Cinematique

Was the big production show tonight. The dancers are very good but I miss the ones we had for most of the cruise. Love the costumes and the choreography.

We took care of the domestic chores (organizing the handouts and such from trip, getting laundry ready to go down in the morning.)

Lightening

And some thunder near dusk; also a few sprinkles on the windows now and then. But the ocean is placid enough for a calm ride.

We see many land birds around us and occasional flying fish are sighted. On some occasions we can see land in the distance.

Through the Panama canal

Transiting the Panama Canal

We had originally expected to begin our entry into the canal at 7 am. But around 5:30 I felt the engines begin to work and when I looked out, it we were beginning to move into the area of the canal. I found a signal on my cellular and it said the locks re 1.3 miles ahead.

So I woke up Ed and called some of the folks who wanted to be on our balcony for the transit. Ed called for nibbles, coffee and tea.

Gatun locks

These are three locks each raising the ship a few feet at a time. There was a large container ship that went into the lock channel next to us and then we maneuvered into the lock on the right.

The pilot had come on board before all this and the videographer and photographer had disembarked to take photos as the ship transited. Everyone had made posters to say hello or whatever. We had made a green and a red one. The creativity of people was amazing. And the simple solutions to problems such as attaching a hanger to the back of each poster with the tape we had brought along on the trip, and then hanging it over our balcony and retaping it down. Great solution so we didn’t have to hold it and wave.

It was predawn when we began to approach the lock and soon enough the sun was rising quickly into the sky. The weather was always moderate today but very very humid which simply wears you out. Over the day, we went in and out.

We were well prepared as we had seen and read many things about the canal. There was ongoing commentary on the TV from the bridge. One of our guests has a GoPro and he mounted it so that we will also have a great video of the transit.

We were prepared to understand the terracing along the sides, appreciate the enormous crane (one of only 4 in the world and tgis one came via Long Beach). We saw the Smithsonian research center on a island in the middle of Gatun lake.

We passed under the Centennial and Bridge of the Americas.

The Pedro Miguel is a single lock. The Mira Flores is two locks and then you are out into the Pacific again. The cost is a little over $100K for this ship: we think around $130K. At the last lock, there is a visitors center where 3000 people visit each day. We had then whooping and hollering and waving at our posters and craziness. Folks from a suite on the back also wandered in an out all day.

Overall a very fun day; one I enjoyed more than most and I really feel I have enjoyed the transit of the canal.

The trough

This is what we call going to dinner. We always have so many laughs both among us passengers and with our wait staff.

Entertainment

None of us went as we didn’t find the fare very appealing. Ed is catching up with his political programs.

Connectivity

I did occasionally have a cellular connection while going through so posted some live feeds, and several panoramas. The little “mules”, the tractors that pull the ship along, are so fascinating to watch do their work. Some things are very primitive (such as grabbing the tie lines) and others very modern (ship traffic through the locks.)

Sale

There were a few things from the local San Blass Islanders so I picked up a  few things. The T-shirts are still the same price and while it’s good, I’m not interested until they are a real steal if ever.

Tomorrow is a day at sea before Nicaragua.

Panama Canal tomorrow!

A good night’s sleep

Finally

Then we watched a TV program about the hydraulics/hydrolics of the old canal. Really amazing actually.

Special Panama program

This started out with the audience practicing Spanish phrases led by a Brit. (use your imagination). Then a native Panamanian came via satellite (well that’s what they wanted us to believe) to describe various aspects of his country.

Destination Panama
This information supplemented rather than duplicating the previous presentation. Lots of photos through the years and a good history of the canal.

Trivia: no one came close to the winners. Also in reply to the question: what South American country is very poor despite it’s oil? Well Venezuela is today’s clear answer but the book says Bolivia. This left us with the dilemma of second guessing what answer was desired. This afternoon we had another couple join us so we had a clear 6; still we weren’t even close but we had lots of company. The team that won left the rest of us in the dust.

Weather

Very warm, humid, with a terrific breeze. But walking into the Lounge after walking along the track up top is like walking into a blast freezer. We know there is land nearby because of the birds around the ship. They follow along looking for food and flying fish.

David McCullough

We viewed the Nova documentary based on his book: the path between the seas. I was so glad to see it as I had just finished reading his book when this documentary came out and we went through the canal shortly after that. What an amazing story. What an amazing feat.

Dinner

We laughed and laughed as usual and were (almost) the last persons at the dining room to leave.

Entertainment

It is several “instrumentalists” so I’m not going but Ed probably is.

Prep for Panama Canal passage tomorrow

Ed and I made posters today with letters we cut out of white poster board and using some of the flags and photos from the ship. One is red; one is green. We figured that would get noticed. We were careful not to festoon the Christmas tree with so much detail that it was impossible to enjoy.

Leaving Santa Marta, Columbia

I felt like a flapjack in a skillet last night. No idea what kind of storm we were in, but more bottles and drawers were flying open and the rumor is someone was knocked out of bed. I can believe it. Needless to say we (hope to) sleep well tonight.

We did a tour to a church, much related to Simon Bolivar the great liberator (who died of syphilis at 47), a botanical garden (maybe 3 flowers there?) a gold museum, and an outdoor folkloric show (we were told it was indoors!)

The sun was very hot and it was humid and sticky. Temps close to 90. Since it was Sunday, there wasn’t much going on. As usual, we are the only ship in port.

Our tour guide, Hugo, looked very indigenous but had excellent English and was very thoughtful and pleasant. He seemed delighted that I was practicing my (very limited Spanish). I love it when they let me practice and correct it when I’m not quite right.

We are all weary under hot and humid conditions. It seems to get more difficult with each passing year.

Lunch

We had a quick lunch in the buffet, always a little treacherous given all the temptations. Then I downloaded photos and kept trying to download and upload files with minimal success.

Shower

Oh what a miracle. I felt so much better yet still drained.

Tonight’s entertainment

A very good comedian just making observations on the lives of all of us. What a way to look at life. I could never be that clever.

Panama Canal

The best info we have is that the ship will start through around 7 am Mountain time zone for you in the US. Just as in the Suez passage, we must join a queue and wait our turn.

50s rock and roll party on the upper deck tonight. They’ll have to do it without us.

Santa Marta Columbia tomorrow

The sun rises earlier now.

Got to the destination talk

On a tender port in Nicaragua. Our next port, tomorrow, is Santa Marta Columbia. Since it is a Sunday, there won’t be muchgoing on. Next big event is transiting the Panama Canal.

Trivia: really pathetic today. But we had lots of company in the basement.

Lunch

Met some folks who know one of our UCLA friends of many decades. What a small world it is.

Wine tasting

With Frances and Ed who get a lot of the wine because I don’t like red wines and I pass the tastes on to them. But they did have one of my favorites: Asti Spumonti and a very mild chardonnay that wasn’t acrid as they usually are. And I like the candied ginger and cheese cubes they give you to nibble on in between.

Triva: pathetic again.

Dinner

I had discovered that it is possible to put your initials on the file name for all of the photos you take so I was busy annoying the folks in the photo dept. to help me figure out how to do this. They all know it is done on this camera too but can’t recall how to do it. For another time

It is getting hot and humid outside and the areas near the windows reflect this too so Frances and I are perpetually fanning ourselves.

Starlight

The big production show. We have the original dancers and singers back and they are very good but we all really miss the ones that were here for most of the world cruise. We had grown so fond of them.

On the way out: Basil was at the door. This guy never stays still for a moment. He’s always moving. So I went back and asked him if he also had restless legs syndrome. He said no it was just that he was born feet first. I told him my sister was born butt first so I wonder what that means. We were all howling at this image.

Yeah! We get another hour back tonight.

Everyone is making posters for the Panama Canal. We have the poster and some of the makings but haven’t started ours yet. We are however, collecting all the goodies to decorate it.

Panama Canal

There is a ship’s web cam and a Panama Canal web cam. The photographers and videographer get off the ship and follow us through the canal from shore side taking shots. So we flash the posters for them and the web cam viewers.

Ed’s birthday is coming up and after it’s over (because it is almost impossible to keep secrets from him.)  I’ll let you in on all the behind the scenes tales.

Goodbye Aruba

Slept in late

But the sea spray has been as high as the bridge on the deck above us so all of our window glass is obliterated with sea salt.

Arlene damage

We were told that the astro turf on Deck 11 where the putting green is was totally ripped off as we skirted this tropical storm.  I can believe it.

New staff on board

We picked up many new staff in Ft. Lauderdale and so some of the old timers are staying on until Aruba. We will have a new captain from now on as an example.

Trivia: we seem to be jinxed that when we lose, it is by one point. Sshhh

Noon on shore

It is hot and humid here and the horizon is hazy thus no panoramas this time.

We walked around the little area near the ship, wound up at Starbucks where we had a coke and used the internet. I needed the break. I am doing much better but still not 100%. Eventually we took the little free trolley around town which moves at a pace slower than walking. Still we did add a few places we had not yet gotten to in our search for a pharmacy and a tuxedo T-shirt for Ed. Two guys on the ship have them and Ed is intrigued by them. We found a different kind of tuxedo shirt but I was relieved when Ed didn’t buy it as it looked like something a Mafioso would wear. He did buy a $5 tchotskey though. I found a purple one size fits all bikini top for red hat events and a pair of very forgiving pants both at bargain prices.

Weather in the high 80s with terrific winds which I appreciated as it is cooling but makes a mess out of your hair and speaking of which, this is frizzy hair weather. Spanish, English and Creole are spoken here. But quite frankly there’s not much to do here unless you scuba or want to fry on the beach.

Medications

I bought an over the counter drug in Aruba and it also had Braille dots on it. Is this something I just haven’t encountered in the US?

Curfew

It was nice not to feel rushed today as the ship leaves after 7:30 pm. We had done a tour last time we were here and saw no need to repeat it.

Dinner

It was open seating so some folks at a table adjacent to our usual one invited us to join them. All delightful people. I sat next to a man from Homa La and we had a grand time talking about not much of anything except La politics. One fellow, an accountant rather shocked me with his open talk of taking illegal deductions that taxpayers wanted to take but which he knew weren’t legal. We all know it goes on, but to be so open about it was quite brazen I think.

We had a good time discussing various movies and instead of entertainment tonight, they are showing the movie Split. We are watching the ship leave as it sails away at 8 pm, rather late for us. The wind is fierce outside and the lines have been numerous and very snug today.

Listening to the engines rev up and the motors for the ropes begin, I was thinking this is a part of what I will miss when I go home. It is annoying when you can’t sleep through it but it is a part of the total experience.

New carpeting

The ship goes into drydock in late May but there are some workers on board already. We are seeing new carpeting in the most unexpected places at odd times. However, we have never seen anyone installing it. Do they do it quietly at night when all are asleep?

Sea day

Tomorrow. I still enjoy them. For some reasons I think I have enjoyed this world cruise, at least the last few weeks of it, far more than previous ones. Not sure what that is about.

Aruba tomorrow

Maybe a little better

Still I ordered room service (oatmeal) and took the ant nausea drug. My balance is better but I still require something to hang on to.

Destination lecture

Yesterday’s lecture was on the TV and I’m more hopeful about Aruba. I was very underimpressed last time.

Weather

Varies. We have had rain. There is a storm in the Caribbean so the ship’s motion varies from calm to “hang on”. The nurse said 50 new crew who came on in Ft. Lauderdale, are havng seas sickness. They’ll get their sea legs soon enough.

Trivia

OMG! We were stunned! With a score of 12, we tied with another team. The person calling it decided to give us all prizes (it seems they brought some new ones on board in Ft. Lauderdale). So we both got a neck holder for passport, cell phone, pens and such. I had wanted one to compare with our previous supply.

Our team has our usual 4 for the morning including now one man probably 90 travellingwith his son who is so cute, and a guy who’s whole team left in Ft. Lauderdale. As usual we had some correct answers we didn’t choose. And lots of guesses which panned out. Some questions were ones we recognized from previous quizzes but to recall the correct answer is a challenge. We need a younger person desperately as many music questions are “Idunno!” type for us.

Lunch

Told Ed I didn’t want to share a table (he loves tor regale people with his many tales and brilliance). Had brought along doggie bags in case I had a problem: no trash cans in the dining room. The albondigas soup was marvelous and then I ordered a vegetarian dish with bell peppers and rice. I was OK with about half of it as I wasn’t going to overdue it. Decided I’d just take these drugs through tomorrow.

Trivia: we were no threat to anone. Lots of aussie questions

Formal portraits.

Gave flowers to others to use.

Farewell party

For the captain who is leaving and introducing the staff to the new folks who came on board in ft. Lauderdale. The Atrium is a good space for this. The visuals are so dramatic for this lovely boutique ship.

The Perfect Gentlemen

A 4 part group with good voices and a clever style. Not sure I’d recommend them but they did keep you guessing about how they are doing something.

Aruba day after tomorrow

Oh boy

I woke up really reeling but eventually made it to the shower with Ed’s help. I decided I should at least try to take last night’s meds and do the toothbrush thing. I also ate a banana thinking it was a good choice (BRAT diet anyone?).

Well it wasn’t long before I asked for the full trash basket and when I got done there was nothing left in my stomach. This time I told Ed to call the medical clinic but there was no way I could get down there.

Leo the visiting nurse

Nice British chap. I had some pretty good (and expensive: given to me during my last hospitalization) antiemetic which I had also upchucked as I clearly waited too long to take it. He did a nice assessment and we agreed it probably wasn’t gastrointestinal but we had no idea what it was.

The biohazard crew

Before Leo left they arrived and sterilized everything. I had been concerned about the barf bucket as it had solid matter in it before I made an emesis basin out of it and I didn’t want our cabin steward to have to deal with it. No worries: this team has it under control. They changed all the linens and left the cabin in sparkling order.

I sipped a diet Coke over about 2 hrs after the antiemetic was safely on board. Then Ed returned (I insisted he go to trivia: can’t let the team down) and we ordered room service: split pea soup and English muffin for me and a salad for Ed (which he later supplemented with more from the Buffet). About an hour later it was clear I couldn’t have anymore. I got horizontal and we watched most of “Into the Woods”. We had seen the play but never the movie.

I took another pill when it was time, and went to bed to see if I could sleep. I plugged into my audio Economist and never slept but it was good for me.

Reliable Leo

Called just before 4 to see how I was doing and so we could continue to guess what is going on. I brought him up to date and said if it wasn’t better in the morning, I would go to the clinic via their wheelchair for a personal visit. Ha.

In the meantime a beautiful sunny day has turned blustery and gray. Still I love being on the sea and have no complaints.

Ed went down to supper and I stayed in with room service. Didn’t eat much but I’m concerned about getting dehydrated.

Watched some travel logs about places in the Caribbean and then the Jody Foster version of the King and I which I couldn’t believe we had never seen.

Tomorrow had better be an improvement.

Back in the USA

No rest for the wicked

The ship’s noises began long before 5:30 am and we knew there would be no respite after that. We were alongside in Port Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale well before the 7am berthing.

Immigration

God Bless the USA but this was not a pleasant experience. There was the expected sniffer dog, a black German Shepherd, who cleared every part of Ed and I (use your imagination). But the delays were what was discouraging. I felt especially bad for the crew, who had to be back on board by 12 noon (as new passengers were coming on) as they had a rougher time than we did: over 2 hours! Usually they have a separate line in most countries as their process is different than ours.

On our way.

So finally we were out of the port and following along the ant trail of other passengers seeking Walgreen, Post Office and such. We picked up a few supplies in Walgreens and I asked the clerk if there was a place nearby that did hair cuts and pedicures (both of which we desperately needed not ha ving had them done since Singapore around 2 mos ago. We directed us down the street about 2 blocks.

Success!

We saw a place that said “Nails and Blow’ So we gave it a try. Both Ed and I had pedicures and hair cuts and the prices were very reasonable and the outcomes were well done.

We had originally planned to go to the Galleria Mall but since it was already noon and there were a number of stores around, we decsided to walk around here where we saw some other passengers. One couple probably older than we are, she very short and chubby with a suggestion of an Irish brogue, and he tall skinny, very nice looking, were sitting on the side and asked us about our hair cuts (after all this time it is obvious when folks got one). She told us they found a super cuts (this was what I had originally thought we might find) and was very happy with her cut. She only pays $12 at home but super cuts was slightly more. The gentleman, who seems always to be on his Kindle, swiped his hand slowly over his temples and decleared that he was back to James Bond again. It was so sweet and cute.

We found an Office Depot and got a few things we had left at home, the a dollar store (just because) and dropped into the ross which is the destination of almost all of the crew. Then we found Panera and had lunch there and used their internet.

Connectivity

One of the hardest parts about sailing is the deficit of internet. While getting beautified, we tapped into the Starbucks free wifi, and then at Panera and we (at least I did)got all my apps downloaded and other miscellaneous things accomplished such as medical appointments and callilng the kids. It is amazing how much better you feel when these are accomplished.

Back to the ship

We had a 3:15 onboard and did some last minute wifi in the terminal and then immediately had a life jacket drill. We decided to walk around the ship and stay upstairs for the sailaway party which wasn’t much to talk about. However, we got to chatting with a couple from Torrance and the time passed quickly. The ship blows the horn as we exit the channel and many of the folks who live along the sides hoop and cheer and wave. It is great fun.

Trivia: no one showed up and then we discovered it wasn’t on the list. See how well trained we are?

Dinner

I had begun to be aware of some vertigo but figured it would go away. Had a great meal. But when we went to the show I found myself getting more wobbly. I wasn’t sure I could make it back to the cabin. It was like really rough seas except the ship was still in pretty quiet waters.

Ed came up pretty shortly and eventually I was able to go to sleep hoping it would go away. No brushing of teeth or anything, just stay horizontal.

tomorrow Ft. Lauderdale

An angry sea

Awakened us this morning but over the day it calmned down and it is actually warm outside now; probably in the 80s with good brisk winds. The black gloomy sea of the morning is now a Dresden blue and gorgeous.

Atosha Spanish Treasure

This Spanish galleon was discovered by Mel Fisher in the sea off they Keys of florida along with a sister ship. The amount of “booty” found in those wrecks is amazing and has I’m sure made him a wealthy man. The State of florida wanted to seize it all but the case went all the way to the Supreme court and the decision was in faver of Fisher.

We Won!

At trivia. 5 teams tied and all five answered the first tie breaker correctly but we prevailed on the deciding one. So we have more post cards of the ship with memorial pins. We were only 5 again so we especially felt good.

Lunch

OMG I sat next to a woman who complained all the way through the meal. I could not wait to get away from the table. From critiquing the food to the service to anything she could think of.

Afternoon trivia

Still fun but we weren’t any threat to anyone.

Dinner

Was the traditional farewell parade of the chefs and waiters with the Baked Alaska.

Farewell cocktail party

In the atrium. The Captain is leaving the ship and we are getting a new Captain. Many crew and passengers are leaving too: only 120 passengers are remaining to LA so it means a great deal of work tomorrow for the room stewards to turn over the rooms.

Entertainment                                                               

I just didn’t have the energy. The pianist of the other evening practices on the piano in the casino bar and it is marvelous to hear his talent.

Immigration tomorrow

It seems funny but we have to go through customs. So the booze that we have now is OK and we’ll be able to bring a new supply into LA. We are such drinkers you know though I think Ed and Frances are going to drink their way through the Caribbean rum drinks.

One more day to Port Everglades: Fort Luaderdale, Fla.

Ooops I slept in

So I barely made it to services and I had a hard time focusing in the remarks and the service. But I was there!

Women pirates

This was a good one with much lore about Mary Read and Anne Bonney. I went to get something and ran into a sale I could not refuse and got two tops I’ll wear a lot and the prices were a real bargain.

Trivia

OMG we WON! It wasn’t an easy trivia. I think our score was 17 but we weren’t hopeful. I”ll spare you a re run of the questions. Our “prize” was a Pacific Princess post card with a memorial pin attached. It says these sell in the gift shop for $5.95. I don’t see how and some folks have talked of taking it back and asking for a trade for something of equal value. So far, no one has had the cheek to do that. Ha.

Welcome to America brunch

Oscar was dressed as Uncle Sam and all the wait staff were in variations of Red White and blue. The food was very good and included hot dogs and hamburgers in the corner.

Choir farewell concert

It really is quite amazing what David Crathorne is able to forge out of this group of strangers and varyng talents.

Formal night

We got into our glad rags: Ed looking like James Bond, me in my green sequined top which, if I had auctioned it off, probably would have paid for the cruise given the number of compliments it engendered. This ws not spoiled by the fact that I put on a red and a black shoe not realizing I didn’t have a pair. I soldiered on convinced that no one would notice while discretely pointing it out to trusted folks. The photographer assured me it wouldn’t show in the photos.

Special dinner

Dr. chuck invited 10 of us for a small gathering and to get to know different of his new found friends, and some old ones (ed and I and another couple) from previous cruises. It was nicely done in a quiet area of a little known area of the ship.

Tonight’s show

Again the dancers and singers gave us a marvelous show with high lifts and amazing athleticism. We will miss them for so many reasons; I’ve grown quite fond of these kids and feel as if we are almost family. They are off to a larger ship where they will not have as much interaction with the passengers. Quite a different experience. However, they are due to return for next year’s around the world cruise.

Leaving Bermuda

Hamilton Bermuda

We finally got a good night’s sleep last night and the ship is much calmer now. We had activities in the morning and then sailed into reef laden waters around Hamilton, site of many ship wrecks over the centuries.

White elephant sale

Folks brought things they wanted to get rid of and boy you saw everything here. One woman had crocheted many blankets on ship and was selling them. Another had several bottles of wine (bar set up rejects?) and she got rid of them. One couple had some weird hats they had accumulated at various ports and other odds and ends. They were different in that they were giving them away to anyone who would make a donation to the ship’s charity. One lady had zip lock bags with small toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other amenities. Where she got them etc. is anyone’s guess. A lady was selling ½ bottle of nail polish remover. You read that correctly. Another woman (do you get the picture that the guys stood around and watched while the ladies did the work?) hooked her clothing on the security bars over the AV room; merchandising just like you see in the ports we’ve visited. Another lady had some nice Calvin Kline stuff she was selling for $3 to $5. I sold a peacock feather fan I had pondered in Mumbai for the same price I paid originally. The guy wanted a matching pair. Ed pulled back the baseball cap (something he NEVER wears) from the USS Iowa and wouldn’t let me sell it. My dress that doesn’t look as good on me as on the rack, did not sell. Two problems: most of the ladies are not my size and even then the style is rather youngish. Further, our shapes don’t look good in all garments. I wasn’t willing to cut the price too much as I know someone who may enjoy it.

One lady was selling the amenities we (who are elite) get from the spa. I thought this was pretty tacky along with the lady selling the chocolates we get on our pillows at night and the one selling 4 Cokes from her minibar.  I’ll bet the crew had a lot to discuss about the passengers this evening!

Just Sam and I for trivia this am. The Boat Building competition was going on too. Those boats are a riot and so much time, energy and work goes into making them. They have to be able to hold a 6 pack of beer without sinking. The entry that won had a lot of money put into it and there was some pandering that went on. Kind’ve disappointing in a way.

Lunch

In our cabin with Frances and Randy so we could watch the sail in. It’s amazing how little leeway there is for the ship and the shore! I don’t think a larger ship could do it safely. You can almost touch the shore on each side. Eventually we berthed right in the middle of town. I’m not exaggerating. You stepped off the gangway and it was about 10 steps to the busy street that is their main drag.

Drive around to St. George’s the old town

We found a driver and negotiated a price and Frances and Randy, Ed and I were off with a nice older local man named Del. We spent a few minutes exploring the original and first Anglican church in America. The ceiling is like an upside down ship bottom. Then an old wooden ship called Discovery; I must get it’s story some time.

When we returned we checked out the stores along the main street. They were all high priced and so we just looked. But we went into a liquor store so Frances and Ed (they are now drinking buddies while Randy and I roll our eyes) could buy the local drink called Dark Storm made out of ginger beer and rum. Ed snuck the 4 cans on board and they both declared it really good and a concoction they’ll make at home.

We dashed back for dinner and the slow sail away where I spent the whole time trying to download some stuff to listen to.

Connectivity

It is odd that on the way in I could not get a signal. Neither could Ed. Then I got one on my iPad (the one that is the weaker of my two devices) and eventually on my iPhone. Ed’s wasn’t working hardly at all. On the way out, I had good strong signals in both devices but they would switch the power of the signal at times. Now why would that be? They are both the same kind with the same connections?

Geography Trivia

I called Frances and Randy to see if they wanted to go for this. They were already in their “jammies” I was glad that decision was made for me. I did my usual every other day routine of washing out my sleeves and then the usual nighttime rituals that seem to entail more and more minutiae as we age.

We now have two days at sea before Ft. Lauderdale, sailing along the side of the Bermuda triangle. The ship’s photo today has the Bermuda triangle. I thought that was clever. They really try hard to make things special for us.