Busy Days…
This is such a good itinerary for cruising. The port days' alternate with sea days so we get a chance to catch our breath between adventures. Yesterday was a sea day but we spent it going through the new Panamax canal. Eleven hours of commentary as we slowly made our way through the two sets of locks and Gatun Lake in the middle. It was very interesting to hear the history of digging the canal, first French a couple of tries then the US. They were plagued by mudslides, disease, workers dying from both and engineering problems. Once they figured out how to really accomplish the task using locks and a cure for malaria and dysentery, they were able to move ahead and open the canal in 1914. What an amazing feat it was. The USA had a huge presence in Panama until they handed the zone back to Panama in about 2008. All monies and buildings now belong to the country.
Prior to our passage we anchored in Punta Amador and were tendered into Panama for tours. Panama City is full of skyscrapers and looks amazing from the sea. The tender took us to a marina on Flamenco island which was created from spoil soil from the canal. It is connected to the mainland with a long causeway park.
Our adventure for the day was to visit the Embera Indian village in a preserve about an hour from the city. We drove in a nice bus, no toilet thought, through the outlying areas. It looked like a typical poor island with the added attraction of piles of garbage at the roadsides due to some work stoppage. It was sad to see the porches swept clean and women trying to maintain things with all the trash around the area. Life must be hard for those outside the city.
Arriving at the landing site, we made our way down the steep river bank to waiting dugout canoes. No real steps or rails, just mud, rocks and some wood posts in the ground. It was very difficult going for those who had knee issues, and one man with a big brace on his leg. We were told that dexterity was needed to do this tour, maybe they didn't read the small print! Nice native men helped us as we got to the bottom and stepped into the canoe. We balanced as we walked to the seats.
Thankfully no paddling was required as the small outboard motor propelled the canoes up the river to another landing point. We passed other villages along the way, they alternate visiting each one to spread out the income from tourism. These people came from the border between Panama and Costa Rica area but were voluntarily moved to the park to help with income while maintaining their way of life to some extent. Most of their land everywhere was made preserves and they can no longer hunt and raise vegetables to exist. Their needs are simple but now they rely on tourism.
At the landing point we again scuttle up the rough terrain. And yes, it is HOT & HUMID! Uck. The village is small with thatched huts made very large to accommodate the visitors. There is one for the market, one for dancing and two that are raised for cooking and eating. I was happy to find the "latrine" is a real lavatory though I don't know how it worked with no running water!!!
The people wear very simple clothing, just loincloth wraps for the men and the women added bras made of beads when visitors are there. They demonstrated their dances for us and described how the baskets were made. I hadn't planned to dance but the tiniest little boy softly touched my hand and asked me to come. George was asked too but I didn't even see him in the crowd. So no photos of us dancing Embera style. Lucky for me it was a simple step!
After that we were handed a folded palm leaf holding a small bit of fresh fried tilapia and fried plantain. With the fresh pineapple and papaya, we had lunch. Fortunately, the tour driver gave us bottled water and said not to drink anything in the village. It was hard to keep hydrated.
There was time to shop the wares of the villagers and hopefully buy something to take home while at the same time helping them. They price the baskets by how many days, by candlelight, it takes to weave them. One dollar per day. I purchased three baskets, each from a different family, the largest at about 12" was $25. Can you even imagine?? They are beautifully made and designed. Each is different and depend on the skill of the weaver. Men do some carving and they also had beading pieces but the baskets are the stars.
By this time, we are hot and sweaty and tired. Surprisingly the natives are not. They say now the rains are coming and we have been told to respond when we hear this as flooding can occur or mud slides, we cannot delay. The climb down the hill again, many struggle more now that it is even hotter. The ride in the dugout is welcome for the air that moves and cools us a bit. Up the hill at the landing and too the cool bus….ahhhh.
Our return was broken up by a quick stop at a grocery to purchase drinks and snacks welcome after the fairly skimpy lunch. The cold Panama beer for $.75 tasted great!!
Back aboard we showered off the mud and sweat and stayed in for the night. This new room service is great as we ordered a dish from the specialty restaurant with salad and drinks and ate in our pajamas again. We are really using the variety of meal options.
Now to get my day going before George returns from pickleball. They have formed a group and have enjoyed playing, even in this heat, which is amazing to me.
Ah, Costa Rica! Today we arrived in Puntarenas and a planned river rafting tour. It was a very early start but even earlier as we missed the note to turn our clocks back! Ugh. But better than the other way, which we have done then raced to meet the tour on time. Good thing we always give us lots of time in the morning. Any way….
A two-hour bus ride into the interior was not too uncomfortable in the air conditioned bus with a toilet. The guide pointed out things along the way and we even stopped to pick up Litchi nuts fresh off the tree. (Our guide called them something else.) The funny looking outside with bristles gives way to a soft inner fruit with a hard nut inside that. We ate the fruit and it was sweet and tasty. The nut must be roasted so we tossed that part.
First stop was the restaurant for a potty and to change and apply sunscreen. Then on to the launch site for the two-hour float down the river on a 8 man raft. The current was swift in some places going over rocks with a tiny bit of white water but we were instructed in paddling. Forward, backward, stop, and raise the paddles so we could help maneuver the raft over some spots. DUCK was good to know as well. We quickly understood why we also wore helmets!!
Along the way we spotted monkeys, a small boa, various birds and the highlight, a crocodile! Mostly it was vegetation and the water we saw.
It was a much nicer day than predicted (100 % rain) so we were happy about that but as the sun beat down it proved to be very hot. The life jacket kept the heat in and soon we were sweaty and hot everywhere. I looked for the end at every bend in the river!! Such an outdoorsman I am!!
At the end we were driven back to the restaurant thirsty and hot. We had chosen not to lug water thinking they would surely provide some. This proved to be a big mistake. George downed two glasses of the lemonade immediately then switched to the local beer for lunch. That was surprisingly tasty for a simple plate of plain rice, vegetables, and a chicken fillet. A small piece of plantain was good along with the other. Many put hot sauce on the dishes as well. Tomato soup which tasted faintly like enchilada sauce started the meal and it ended with ice cream (a surprise).
The bus ride back to the ship was grueling!! Two hours turned into 4 because of an accident on the two lane road. When we finally inched up to see it, after 3.5 hours at least, it was a motorcycle laying on it's side leaking fluids with a couple leaning against a car texting. No police in sight. They had blocked traffic like this for hours. Unbelievable.
Back aboard finally we raced to shower. I had mud on my legs and badly needed one. Thank goodness for room service as we enjoyed food and beverage in our pjs and finished a movie we started earlier. Bed felt great!
Princess has the best beds and bedding. You can actually order it all to have sat home. Between that and the slight rocking at night I sleep sooooo well!!
It's work, but you can eat the inside, but not the seed inside that.
A little white water rafting and lunch place
Ready for the raft
He's keeping an eye on us!
Tired after a water afternoon, Michele leans on a big one.
Monkeys laughing at us as we walk back to the bus.
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A Day in Puerto Vallarta….
The sail down to this port was slow and lazy to put a sea day in the schedule. The ship docked at a new port north of the town and what is in front of us?? Walmart..and Sam's!! They are everywhere it seems. Not much of an attraction for us but the crew headed over as soon as they could have free time. Our steward was very happy!!
Winding our way through the port shops we fended off offers from many tour guides and taxis until we arrived at the open door. There a very nice young woman talked us into going with her around town, saying she would take us wherever we wished. She spoke well and had a nice clear vehicle, really good here in Mexico!!!
Driving south through town we arrived at our first stop, The Malecon which means boardwalk. They have made it very nice with sculptures and cobblestone walkways along the shore. It is a festive place and many were strolling on this fine Sunday. We saw several people in colorful folk costumes giving a clue that something was happening up ahead.
We turned left at the seahorse sculpture as directed and walked into the square in front of the cathedral. It was full of dancers, musicians and spectators of all kinds. Beautiful among the flowering trees and old buildings. This was the beginning of the old town area. Later our driver, Clara, said this was in celebration of labor, similar to our labor day.
Next stop was the Romantic area of town near the sea. It was busy and full of people along the shore side restaurants. Many were catching small boats to the beach from there. A park there was full of Gaudi like benches and walls all mosaic tile and mirror. They were sponsored by many different people and businesses and are beautiful to see. Then on to a high overlook where we snapped some photos of the town and sea below.
Clara stopped for us to buy a dress belt for George…packing failure...or is it planning since he didn't own one!!
Sadly, our visit to Helma's friend's galley ended in failure as it was not open today. We snapped a photo of the sign though!!
Lastly we wanted to have lunch in a Mexican restaurant. Clara knew of one back in the romantic area and took us there to enjoy a meal. They made the tortillas, I could see her pressing them, and grilled the meat in an open fire, also in view. Our meals were delicious with the salsa made right at the table and the servings generous and fresh. Lovely!
Back on the ship we napped a bit then enjoyed room service on our balcony. No formal dinner tonight…too full, but we picked up cheese and had a glass of wine before going to the show. It was a performance of Elton John songs by a favorite pianist here on board, Liam Stewart. Irish and a nice singer and piano player. He was great. Crooners bar and another Spanish singer Luca finished the day off. We sleep well!!
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Welcome to Puerto Vallarta
Men playing music on top of pole
Mosaic everywhere in the park
View on top of Old Puerto Vallarta
Everything fresh prepared at Margaritagrill -even the salsa at your table.
Closeup of men on top of pole
Finally we arrived again in warm weather here in Mexico! First stop was Cabo san Lucas on the tip of the California peninsula. It's rocky, void of much vegetation but beaches are interspersed along the shore and the rocky outcrops make a beautiful setting for snorkeling or scuba diving. And the seals love it. We could hear them barking from the anchored ship and again at the marina.
We rode over to the dock and walked around a bit before meeting the group for the sailboat excursion we had booked for the afternoon. It was a nice 40 ft single mast with only 10 passengers plus 3 crew aboard. They welcomed us with a mimosa and we set sail …or should I say motor! First stop was to have a closer look at the arches formation and scuba site. It's the iconic scene for Cabo. (George will send photos later) The on board photographer took several photos of everyone.
We sat on the front deck along with another couple who had grown up in Florida. The rest huddled under the shade and remained pretty bundled up against the sun. We let the sunscreen do its job. It did!! In about a half hour we arrived at the right beach where we could anchor. There were several large charter boats anchored as well and clearly having parties. Music, dancing, drinking everywhere.!!
Four of us then a couple others jumped into the water..yikes. Cold at first but finally our bodies adjusted to it. I obviously haven't been in the ocean in a while with a mouthful of water as it was REALLY salty!!!! We floated around and chatted with the couple for a while.. Later we did not buy the photos taken…I looked like a drowned rat! George will probably post his!! HA.
On the way down to the beach they served us a snack…fresh guacamole, salsa, chips and grilled shrimp on a skewer. All delicious and all for me as George doesn't eat any of it. After we got out of the water they served us lunch…chicken Caesar salad, crab feta salad, pasta salad, fresh fruit and cake balls. It was delicious! I especially liked the shrimp and am determined to duplicate it at home.
They broke out the sails on the way back to the dock and we enjoyed really sailing. I did hold tight to the rope as the ship was leaning into the wind. Fun though.
What a lovely day on the water. George thoroughly enjoyed it and gave them a big tip to thank them.
We were salty and tired when we arrived back aboard the ship so after showering, a nap and room service was prefect. The balcony was a great place to sit and enjoy the view until we set sail and it got too windy. Crazy, but we watched a movie…Quest for Fire. No talking, just grunting! A good follow-up to Alpha, about the first dog domesticated which we watched a few weeks ago. In any case, it was such a nice day in every respect.
Another hour forward as we sail to Porto Vallarta this sea day making it a pretty lazy day. Pickleball courts are still wet from the rain so G is at loose ends. I made him go away so I could write!!
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