Friday, April 11, 2014
Back Home
We saw some interesting things that we had never seen before and visited some very beautiful places. The trip was great but unfortunately was tainted by the Norovirus and Influenza that was always with us. However, the crew was wonderful and took it all in stride. Our waiter, Robert, was probably the best we have ever had and our cabin steward, Julius, kept the cabin just beautiful. We made great friends that, I hope, we will see again.
All in all, life aboard ship is a wonderful experience and we look forward to, once again, being able to sail to some exotic country, maybe even the world.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Last Day
Our day started out an hour ahead of everyone else. We were never given the time change card and all our clocks were off. As we waited for the elevator, Gary even reset the clock in the hall. When the elevator arrived, we got in to go to the buffet to have breakfast. We pushed the button but nothing happened. We tried several times to no avail...we were stuck. Gary had to pry the doors open in order for us to get out. So far the day has been an experience. Then, just before dinner, the captain announced that the Norovirus was back and that the CDC will be boarding in Los Angeles. I have since learned that our ship made national news, because of the virus, after leaving L.A. and docking in San Francisco.
We spent the day packing, no dilema as to what to take for the trip home. We bought nothing so suitcase weight was not a concern. Good-byes are always sad, we made some new friends and renewed relationships with old ones. Hopefully, we will keep in touch.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
My Birthday
On March 31, my husband surprised me (I had a feeling something was up) with a party in the dining room. He invited five couples who became great friends during the cruise. Haydee and Pedero from Puerto Rico, Sharon & Ron from Canada & Australia, Glyness & Rex from Australia, Andrea & Mark from Arizona and Jane & Bill from California.
Andrea & Mark were also at my birthday party on the World Cruise in 2011, we just ran into each other on the ship by chance. It was a lot of fun and everyone in the dining room sang to me. The following day, April 1, was our anniversary so we decided that just the 2 of us would go to one of the 2 specialty restaurants called Sabatini's. Gary put on his tux and we went to the restaurant. Sitting at the table, in an alcove, were the same friends that helped me celebrate the previous night. Everyone was in formal attire. That time he really got me. The room was beautifully decorated with balloons & streamers and a gorgeous floral centerpiece. We had a great time laughing the night away...Gary was in rare form. We closed Sabatini's at midnight. Even the waiters said they had the best time. It was a wonderful evening!
Andrea & Mark were also at my birthday party on the World Cruise in 2011, we just ran into each other on the ship by chance. It was a lot of fun and everyone in the dining room sang to me. The following day, April 1, was our anniversary so we decided that just the 2 of us would go to one of the 2 specialty restaurants called Sabatini's. Gary put on his tux and we went to the restaurant. Sitting at the table, in an alcove, were the same friends that helped me celebrate the previous night. Everyone was in formal attire. That time he really got me. The room was beautifully decorated with balloons & streamers and a gorgeous floral centerpiece. We had a great time laughing the night away...Gary was in rare form. We closed Sabatini's at midnight. Even the waiters said they had the best time. It was a wonderful evening!
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
So many are drawn to this picturesque coastal village because of the turquoise waters, the golden beaches and endless sunshine. Whether you're a first time visitor or a frequent guest, you're sure to find something new and exciting around every corner on the Mexican Riviera.
Although there is evidence that the Aztatian Indians dominated the area beginning around 580 B.C., it was conquistador Francisco Cortes who uncovered this enchanting gem. In 1525, Cortes and his army marched through the mountainous area, along the Pacific coastline and stumbled into one of the largest bays in the world. The harbor was used by Spanish sailors for ship repairs, but the area was largely unsettled for the next 300 years. The town began to prosper in 1851 when the port was used for trading salt and minerals. However, it still remained small until Hollywood made it a star. Director John Huston filmed The Night Of The Iguana in and around Puerto Vallarta; soon, Huston and star Richard Burton purchased homes here, and the rest of the world followed.
Gary and I, along with two other friends went (would you believe) zip lining. Being afraid of heights, I wasn't sure if I could go through with it...but I did. I did 5 lines and Gary did 10. It was really exhilarating and we all enjoyed it immensely. I wish I could have taken pictures on the zip line, but they made us leave everything (including cameras) in a locker. I don't think I would ever do it again, but I'm glad I had the experience. At the base we had a couple of frozen Strawberry Margaritas, the best I have ever tasted, and a bowl of nachos for lunch. This was definitely the most beautiful port on the entire trip.
The picture is of a stranger ending his run on the zip line. I took it after I retrieved my camera. That was a mile-long run on the last zip line. Too bad I wasn't able to get Gary coming down.
Although there is evidence that the Aztatian Indians dominated the area beginning around 580 B.C., it was conquistador Francisco Cortes who uncovered this enchanting gem. In 1525, Cortes and his army marched through the mountainous area, along the Pacific coastline and stumbled into one of the largest bays in the world. The harbor was used by Spanish sailors for ship repairs, but the area was largely unsettled for the next 300 years. The town began to prosper in 1851 when the port was used for trading salt and minerals. However, it still remained small until Hollywood made it a star. Director John Huston filmed The Night Of The Iguana in and around Puerto Vallarta; soon, Huston and star Richard Burton purchased homes here, and the rest of the world followed.
Gary and I, along with two other friends went (would you believe) zip lining. Being afraid of heights, I wasn't sure if I could go through with it...but I did. I did 5 lines and Gary did 10. It was really exhilarating and we all enjoyed it immensely. I wish I could have taken pictures on the zip line, but they made us leave everything (including cameras) in a locker. I don't think I would ever do it again, but I'm glad I had the experience. At the base we had a couple of frozen Strawberry Margaritas, the best I have ever tasted, and a bowl of nachos for lunch. This was definitely the most beautiful port on the entire trip.
The picture is of a stranger ending his run on the zip line. I took it after I retrieved my camera. That was a mile-long run on the last zip line. Too bad I wasn't able to get Gary coming down.
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
What sets this large fishing village apart from many other tourism meccas is its simplicity. With it's volcanoes, jungles and pristine beaches it elevates relaxation to an art form. San Juan del Sur is also the gateway to Nicaragua, a profoundly interesting country whose history reads like a thousand historical mysteries. For centuries, San Juan was a sleepy paradise. Like much of Central America, it became the center of a tug of war for its natural resources. One of America's richest men,, Cornelius Vanderbilt built roads and a crucial railroad linking both coasts. It was the transportation center, allowing Easterners to cross to the Pacific side and head north to California's epic Gold Rush. Vanderbilt's route took just 20 hours and cut the trip from a six-month voyage to one.
We took the tender in and proceeded to walk along the coast road. There were several tuk-tuk type vehicles (small 2 seated carriage propelled by a man pedaling a bicycle from behind) taking tourists on a brief tour. In the far East the tuk-tuk's are no longer powered by a bicycle but by a motorbike.
We walked a few miles and along the way we saw several of the same thatched roof, open air, beachfront type restaurants and chose one to have lunch. We sat upstairs and the view was awesome. the weather has definitely changed and it's now averaging 90 degrees.
Gary had the band at the dock play "Happy Birthday" to me as tomorrow is my birthday (March 31). It sort of came out a little different, but they did a great job.
We saw monkeys and parrots and girls in colorful native costumes. We walked along a suspension bridge that was swaying in the wind and bouncing up & down from the pedestrian traffic. I was very happy to get off. Aside from the heat, we really enjoyed our time there. It's a beautiful place and the people were lovely.
We took the tender in and proceeded to walk along the coast road. There were several tuk-tuk type vehicles (small 2 seated carriage propelled by a man pedaling a bicycle from behind) taking tourists on a brief tour. In the far East the tuk-tuk's are no longer powered by a bicycle but by a motorbike.
We walked a few miles and along the way we saw several of the same thatched roof, open air, beachfront type restaurants and chose one to have lunch. We sat upstairs and the view was awesome. the weather has definitely changed and it's now averaging 90 degrees.
Gary had the band at the dock play "Happy Birthday" to me as tomorrow is my birthday (March 31). It sort of came out a little different, but they did a great job.
We saw monkeys and parrots and girls in colorful native costumes. We walked along a suspension bridge that was swaying in the wind and bouncing up & down from the pedestrian traffic. I was very happy to get off. Aside from the heat, we really enjoyed our time there. It's a beautiful place and the people were lovely.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
After 2 days at sea we arrived in Costa Rica.
Puntarenas was discovered by Columbus in 1502 and named "Rich Coast" on his fourth and final voyage to the New World. Costa Rica never lived up to the promise of gold or other riches like its neighboring Spanish Colonies. Puntarenas remained a sleepy village until coffee production in the late 18th century transformed the Costa Rican economy. By the 1850's coffee had surpassed cacao, tobacco and sugar as the country's number one export and Puntarenas' port became a thriving business.
Gary and I did something we never do, we took a tour, offered on shore, with about 20 other people. The driver assured us that there would only be 10 people, but when the van arrived there was already 22 people on board. He took us to see the rain forest (which was dry as a desert) and several crocodiles. The rest of the time we spent either driving to & from the "rain forest" (1 hr. each way) with 2 shopping stops. The shipping consisted of wooden statues and trinkets with "Costa Rica" written. I have never found it necessary to have someone take me shopping...I invented shopping! But for the crocodiles the "tour" was a waste. We will never again go with other people to see the sights and shop.
Puntarenas was discovered by Columbus in 1502 and named "Rich Coast" on his fourth and final voyage to the New World. Costa Rica never lived up to the promise of gold or other riches like its neighboring Spanish Colonies. Puntarenas remained a sleepy village until coffee production in the late 18th century transformed the Costa Rican economy. By the 1850's coffee had surpassed cacao, tobacco and sugar as the country's number one export and Puntarenas' port became a thriving business.
Gary and I did something we never do, we took a tour, offered on shore, with about 20 other people. The driver assured us that there would only be 10 people, but when the van arrived there was already 22 people on board. He took us to see the rain forest (which was dry as a desert) and several crocodiles. The rest of the time we spent either driving to & from the "rain forest" (1 hr. each way) with 2 shopping stops. The shipping consisted of wooden statues and trinkets with "Costa Rica" written. I have never found it necessary to have someone take me shopping...I invented shopping! But for the crocodiles the "tour" was a waste. We will never again go with other people to see the sights and shop.
Lima, Peru
This was our 5th time in Lima. We have been to the gold Museum which has an amazing display of pre-Columbian and Inca gold jewelry and ceremonial objects along with an excellent collection of uniforms and small arms. We have also seen the mummified remains of Pizarro in a Cathedral whose construction began in 1746. We have been to the main square where the Presidential Palace is located and have seen their city hall, the gardens and fountains there and purchased some bracelets at the silver market. We have also spent time in Mira Flores, a lovely town just outside of Lima. I also had emergency surgery here in 1991. All in all, we have spent a total of just under 2 weeks here. It is also one of the largest ports in South America.
The above picture is of a beautiful restaurant called La Rosa Nautica. We didn't get there this time but we have been there a few times in past years and have always had a great meal.
San Martin (Pisco)
Pisco is a town rich in -Columbian history. The name Pisco may ring a bell as a favored brandy. This small fishing village, located 145 miles south of Lima, is better known for the treasure trove of archaeological and natural wonders that surround the area. In 1925 an archaeologist uncovered burial sites of the ancient Paracas culture, which thrived here from 1300 BC to 200 AD. Some 400 funerary bundles were uncovered revealing mummies wrapped in exquisitely produced funeral garments. The Paracas Museum is located on the site of one of these grounds.
We hired a taxi to take us to Paracas and to the Paracas Museum. The town was very picturesque and only about 15 minutes from the ship. We had a great lunch there. The small charming restaurants were brightly decorated with colored tablecloths, flowers & statues of sea nymphs, flamingos, plastic ships and various sea shell. There were vendors selling trinkets, everything from jewelry to alpaca sweaters, along the walkway. From the town we went to the museum. Unfortunately, the section that displayed the mumms is only open in June/July, but we walked through and,although it was very small, we enjoyed the short tour. About this time we could have used an "Inca Kola."
We hired a taxi to take us to Paracas and to the Paracas Museum. The town was very picturesque and only about 15 minutes from the ship. We had a great lunch there. The small charming restaurants were brightly decorated with colored tablecloths, flowers & statues of sea nymphs, flamingos, plastic ships and various sea shell. There were vendors selling trinkets, everything from jewelry to alpaca sweaters, along the walkway. From the town we went to the museum. Unfortunately, the section that displayed the mumms is only open in June/July, but we walked through and,although it was very small, we enjoyed the short tour. About this time we could have used an "Inca Kola."
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