Wednesday, February 24, 2010 high 80s, some rain, some sun
Cozumel is an island 30 miles long and 9 miles wide with a population of 67,000. Its history is linked to the Mayan civilization. The island is approximately 12 miles from the mainland—off Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. It is 36 miles south of Cancun.
We have been very fortunate with the weather the entire trip, but today there was rain. We got up at 7 a.m. to the sounds of the ship docking. It wasn’t long before we were ready to visit Cozumel with umbrellas in hand. We docked at the Puerta Maya pier, about 3 miles from downtown; however, this area is being developed with shops and restaurants.
I have to mention the sensation of having two cruise ships, behemoths, docked side by side, our Crown Princess and the Carnival Legend. Just a little distance away Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas and Celebrity’s Equinox were docked. The vision of these four ships made me reflect on the early 20th century when one could have seen tall ships still in the harbor and the contrast with what we see today. What will be the view on the seas 100 years from now? The dock’s width between the Crown and the Legend was just 40 ft – when I looked up as I stood between them, they were enormous—19 to 20 decks (stories) minimum high. It is an amazing sight. There were at least 2 other cruise ships in Cozumel today, a low guess of 14,000 passengers total, plus crew.
We stood in Ron Jon’s waiting for the rain to subside and then took a taxi to the downtown area ($7/cab). Shopping is fun in Cozumel and, of course, I still wanted to shop. I finally found blue topaz that I liked. Now May and December little girls both might have a nice keepsake.
The rain did not last. While I continued along the main street looking for bargains, TK looked for sea glass along the shore on the other side of the main street. In other words, the main street follows the shore and one can walk on it. (note to Donna and Lawrence—TK found some nice pieces so I can have a necklace made as a Cozumel memory!)
When we returned to Puerta Maya we had lunch at Pancho’s Backyard—great Mexican food while a marimba band plays. We have enjoyed lunch at Pancho’s every time we have visited Cozumel.
Back on board ship, I finished reading Possession by Peter James, an English author. I wish K.C. (from London and the NCL Spirit) were here to translate some passages—where are you when I need you?
We watched the other cruise ships leave Cozumel between 4:30 and 5, when we left the port. The seas are rough tonight-it’s windy! By 8:45 there were 7 ½ ft. waves and we were rocking and rolling with wind at 55 knots. It is 71 F outside. (This is from the Captain’s Log published on the television.
Tonight was the best dinner we had at the Horizon buffet, Bavarian night. Spaetzle, red cabbage, roast pork, sausages, pretzels, all very good. TK had the Black Forest cake. We were going to watch Julie and Julia on MUTS, but it was way too windy and water from the pool was spraying the deck where the lounge chairs are.
AT SEA—WEATHER!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
This morning the sun came out, but the seas are still “lumpy” and the air is cool-probably 60s. This is still better than the weather in Pennsylvania. Everyone is staying inside—most outside decks are closed because they are wet from the spraying ocean. The pool deck is open, but the pools are closed.
Captain Proctor, who sounds like a professional radio announcer, has reassured us that the weather will get better. We are headed north, toward the Florida Keys and the Bahamas, so I’m just not sure how much warmer it will get. I’m happy to read my new book, Guilt With Honor, by Jeffrey Ashford. TK entered the Slots tournament.
Even though it may seem like we are not doing anything exciting, we are content to relax. There will be enough to do when we get home, a week from yesterday or today. HLN is available in our cabin so we know that the Eastern U.S., including Pennsylvania, is still getting snow.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
SUNNY ROATAN, HONDURAS
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 sunny --- high 80s ----- hot and humid
The first time we were in Roatan was about 10 years ago—TK went scuba diving and I took a quiet riverboat ride through the mangrove trees. The dive was great-Roatan is known for its dive because of its reef system and pristine aquamarine water-- and my ride through the trees was unique. I saw so many crabs clustered on the tree trunks and roots I could hardly see the trunks. There was only one shop for tourists back then and the little village was very, very undeveloped. I know there have been hurricanes in Roatan since then. A few months ago, Carnival Cruise Line finished building state of the art docks and a small tourist area with brand new shops and restaurants. There is a chair lift to a developed beach area, very much like chair lifts at a ski resort.
Roatan’s population is 25,000 and it is 49 square miles. Environmental tourism is increasingly popular here.
I was very pleased to see the development and when I talked to a young lady working at Del Sol, she was very happy to see the island become even more of a tourist destination. Her English was perfect (and I ought to know, JK said smiling). She said she learned English at school! Spanish is the native language. This area will be developed even more.
TK and I took the chair lift to the beach-white sand, lots of palm trees, lounge chairs, and warm clear water ($8 each for an all day pass). I won’t complain about the heat---it was very hot and humid with a wonderful soft Caribbean breeze. We stayed on the beach for a couple hours and then I shopped some—I bought nice t-shirts at a kiosk that was selling items to raise money for Roatan’s Coral Reef Alliance for B1 and B2—they have turtle designs front and back. The girl said she was a volunteer for the organization.
We returned to the ship and spent some time at the aft pool and then spent time on our balcony reading.
We had dinner at the Horizon Court—pork, steak, lamb, jerk chicken were all available. I think we are a little tired of formal dinners every night.
“Destination Anywhere, A Theatrical and Musical Journey Around the World and Beyond,” was the show tonight. At first the theme was quite clear-dancers as airline stewardesses, Viva Las Vegas and Heartbreak Hotel, but from there we went to dark songs in London that I did not recognize, then Lion King, and then moon suits. The pyrotechnique part was good, but I think shows on NCL are better. Maybe we just did not click with this show and the musical selections.
TK and I did quite well as a team in the Jeopardized Trivia Challenge game. Actually TK knew more answers than I in categories such as flags, numbers, science, Olympic history, and TV shows. The Club Fusion Lounge that hosted this game is very large and comfortable. In fact, all the lounges are very large and comfortable. I thought about Kenny in NJ and how much he liked trivia, too.
From there we went to the Island Night Party on Deck 15, at Neptune’s Pool. It was a beautiful night for a pool party, warm and a partial moon. TK really likes the island band on this ship, Temperature. Dancing, conga line, and a fruit and dessert buffet worthy of many photos. Our NCL Spirit and Grand Princess friends would have enjoyed this party—wish they ALL were here!
The first time we were in Roatan was about 10 years ago—TK went scuba diving and I took a quiet riverboat ride through the mangrove trees. The dive was great-Roatan is known for its dive because of its reef system and pristine aquamarine water-- and my ride through the trees was unique. I saw so many crabs clustered on the tree trunks and roots I could hardly see the trunks. There was only one shop for tourists back then and the little village was very, very undeveloped. I know there have been hurricanes in Roatan since then. A few months ago, Carnival Cruise Line finished building state of the art docks and a small tourist area with brand new shops and restaurants. There is a chair lift to a developed beach area, very much like chair lifts at a ski resort.
Roatan’s population is 25,000 and it is 49 square miles. Environmental tourism is increasingly popular here.
I was very pleased to see the development and when I talked to a young lady working at Del Sol, she was very happy to see the island become even more of a tourist destination. Her English was perfect (and I ought to know, JK said smiling). She said she learned English at school! Spanish is the native language. This area will be developed even more.
TK and I took the chair lift to the beach-white sand, lots of palm trees, lounge chairs, and warm clear water ($8 each for an all day pass). I won’t complain about the heat---it was very hot and humid with a wonderful soft Caribbean breeze. We stayed on the beach for a couple hours and then I shopped some—I bought nice t-shirts at a kiosk that was selling items to raise money for Roatan’s Coral Reef Alliance for B1 and B2—they have turtle designs front and back. The girl said she was a volunteer for the organization.
We returned to the ship and spent some time at the aft pool and then spent time on our balcony reading.
We had dinner at the Horizon Court—pork, steak, lamb, jerk chicken were all available. I think we are a little tired of formal dinners every night.
“Destination Anywhere, A Theatrical and Musical Journey Around the World and Beyond,” was the show tonight. At first the theme was quite clear-dancers as airline stewardesses, Viva Las Vegas and Heartbreak Hotel, but from there we went to dark songs in London that I did not recognize, then Lion King, and then moon suits. The pyrotechnique part was good, but I think shows on NCL are better. Maybe we just did not click with this show and the musical selections.
TK and I did quite well as a team in the Jeopardized Trivia Challenge game. Actually TK knew more answers than I in categories such as flags, numbers, science, Olympic history, and TV shows. The Club Fusion Lounge that hosted this game is very large and comfortable. In fact, all the lounges are very large and comfortable. I thought about Kenny in NJ and how much he liked trivia, too.
From there we went to the Island Night Party on Deck 15, at Neptune’s Pool. It was a beautiful night for a pool party, warm and a partial moon. TK really likes the island band on this ship, Temperature. Dancing, conga line, and a fruit and dessert buffet worthy of many photos. Our NCL Spirit and Grand Princess friends would have enjoyed this party—wish they ALL were here!
GRAND CAYMAN-SHOP TIL YOU DROP
Monday, February 22, 2010
We were up early because we could hear the tender boats (AKA life boats) being lowered into the water, so we were ready to go ashore to George Town by 8:30 a.m. Before we left the cabin we were listening to Cruise Director Lisa Ball’s morning TV show. She was drawing a name for a prize for correctly naming the master of the ship. Didn’t I hear “TK and Janie of C603 are our winners.” TK entered and didn’t tell me—we won a free specialty drink of the day at the Adagio Lounge!
Grand Cayman is a high lying reef made of limestone and marine fossils. It is 76 square miles, has a population of 40,000, and the highest elevation is 79 ft. above sea level. The island has no source of natural fresh water-no lakes or rivers. The first time we visited in the mid 90s, we snorkeled at Stingray City with the stingrays. We have noticed many changes in subsequent visits and since just last year more shops and port area have been added.
This visit we discovered artist Guy Harvey and TK bought an oil painting of yellow fin tuna— cheaper than having the fish he caught mounted. Harvey’s shop had a very nice selection of artful souvenirs. I can’t help it that I love shopping in the Caribbean—from Del Sol and their color changing clothes to Diamonds International and their free little bracelet charms (a turtle and a sting ray) to EFFY Jewelers’ free gems to Bernard Passman’s black coral jewelry, I love it all. Needless to say, I don’t buy much, but I love looking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (well, I admit that we have a 28 inch suitcase full of what we bought from the first 2 cruises) TK likes to look too. I have to imagine that because why on earth does he go with me if he does not like to shop???? He never tells me not to buy anything!
We had lunch overlooking the street and the bay at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville – a waterslide and swim up bar on the SECOND FLOOR. I had a cheeseburger and TK videotaped me while I performed when Jimmy Buffet’s “Cheeseburger in Paradise” was being played. These are moments we have to cherish.
About 2 p.m. we tendered back to the ship. There was full sun on our balcony and I loved reading and relaxing there for the rest of the afternoon. TK went to the aft pool.
We decided to go to Troy Thirdgill’s comedy show again and then about 8 p.m. I went to the pizzeria while TK got his choices at the buffet and we ate together there. From there we went to the Adagio lounge for our free drinks. When we told the waiter that we wanted a non-alcoholic drink, he asked us if we were sure. We ended up with non-alcoholic pina coladas, very tasty and not watered down. The drink of the day was “Ultimate Cooler”: Grey Goose vodka, watermelon syrup, passion fruit, topped with cranberry juice-$6.75. The lounge was empty except for us and the really good piano player, Ludovic.
We were up early because we could hear the tender boats (AKA life boats) being lowered into the water, so we were ready to go ashore to George Town by 8:30 a.m. Before we left the cabin we were listening to Cruise Director Lisa Ball’s morning TV show. She was drawing a name for a prize for correctly naming the master of the ship. Didn’t I hear “TK and Janie of C603 are our winners.” TK entered and didn’t tell me—we won a free specialty drink of the day at the Adagio Lounge!
Grand Cayman is a high lying reef made of limestone and marine fossils. It is 76 square miles, has a population of 40,000, and the highest elevation is 79 ft. above sea level. The island has no source of natural fresh water-no lakes or rivers. The first time we visited in the mid 90s, we snorkeled at Stingray City with the stingrays. We have noticed many changes in subsequent visits and since just last year more shops and port area have been added.
This visit we discovered artist Guy Harvey and TK bought an oil painting of yellow fin tuna— cheaper than having the fish he caught mounted. Harvey’s shop had a very nice selection of artful souvenirs. I can’t help it that I love shopping in the Caribbean—from Del Sol and their color changing clothes to Diamonds International and their free little bracelet charms (a turtle and a sting ray) to EFFY Jewelers’ free gems to Bernard Passman’s black coral jewelry, I love it all. Needless to say, I don’t buy much, but I love looking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (well, I admit that we have a 28 inch suitcase full of what we bought from the first 2 cruises) TK likes to look too. I have to imagine that because why on earth does he go with me if he does not like to shop???? He never tells me not to buy anything!
We had lunch overlooking the street and the bay at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville – a waterslide and swim up bar on the SECOND FLOOR. I had a cheeseburger and TK videotaped me while I performed when Jimmy Buffet’s “Cheeseburger in Paradise” was being played. These are moments we have to cherish.
About 2 p.m. we tendered back to the ship. There was full sun on our balcony and I loved reading and relaxing there for the rest of the afternoon. TK went to the aft pool.
We decided to go to Troy Thirdgill’s comedy show again and then about 8 p.m. I went to the pizzeria while TK got his choices at the buffet and we ate together there. From there we went to the Adagio lounge for our free drinks. When we told the waiter that we wanted a non-alcoholic drink, he asked us if we were sure. We ended up with non-alcoholic pina coladas, very tasty and not watered down. The drink of the day was “Ultimate Cooler”: Grey Goose vodka, watermelon syrup, passion fruit, topped with cranberry juice-$6.75. The lounge was empty except for us and the really good piano player, Ludovic.
CROWN PRINCESS AWAITS US!
Saturday, February 20, 2010 sunny and warm----70s
We disembarked with 7 other people who were boarding the Crown Princess at 9:30 a.m. Princess provided a shuttle and a porter helped us with our luggage. We almost had more luggage than the rest of the people combined. We had to wait until 11:45 to board the Crown, but all went smoothly and we stepped into another wonderful cruise ship.
The Crown is much bigger than the Coral Princess, about 3000 passengers. There are 18 decks (there is never a 13th deck), 13 bars and lounges, three dining rooms, the Horizon Court (buffet), two grills, two specialty restaurants (steak house and Italian), a pizzeria, an ice cream bar, an international café with offerings of sushi and tapas, deli sandwiches, and quiche, plus afternoon tea, fish and chips, or room service. I think I gained 20 pounds just writing about it.
Some activities and entertainment: casino, golf, library, video arcade, MUTS (movies), clubs, piano bars, and more—including production shows, comedians, and movies indoors. Every cruise ship has most of these things, there are just more on the Crown.
There are four pools, two are adults only. I think there are at least 6 hot tubs.
I like Princess’ idea of having a treasure hunt-everyone is given a card to get stamped at various stations (internet café, photo gallery, etc.) and then a drawing is held at the Sail Away party. This is the way TK and I explored the ship after a nice lunch in the Michelangelo Dining Room.
We were thrilled when we saw our stateroom (Caribe C603—Deck 10) the biggest balcony ever, about 7 ½ by 8 ½ ft. The room itself is about as large as the one on the Coral. Plenty of separate closet space with 6 enclosed shelves, flat screen TV (TK noted), refrigerator, a desk/vanity, sizable mirrors, 2 night stands, a coffee table, two padded chairs, a queen bed, and ample lighting. The bathroom is fine-lots of mirrors and good lighting. Our luggage was in our room and unpacked in record time!
I was happy for a chance to talk to Sons R and B, as well as B2. We are so proud to learn that B1 won first place again this year at her school and district-wide (PTA Reflections Contest—she is in Grade 2) with her beautiful photo of a black swan at the Erie Zoo. That was great news! I also spoke with Friend M. We do miss our family and friends back home.
Captain Andrew Proctor directed the obligatory safety drill and then we sailed away from Fort Lauderdale. We could tell already at the Sail Away party that this group of passengers was far different from the Coral’s. For one thing, TK said more buckets of beer were sold at the sailaway than were probably sold in two weeks on the Coral. There is a range of ages, but most people are probably in their 40s-50s. Some children.
TK wanted to eat at the Horizon Court and he guessed right because it was a bountiful seafood buffet with lobster claws and shrimp. Dessert: flourless chocolate cake
I enjoyed the “Welcome Aboard Showtime” at the Princess Theater with the Crown Princess dancers and comedian Troy Thirdgill from Oregon. TK went to MUTS to watch Star Trek XI. Together we looked at photos and wandered around the ship some more.
Sailing from Fort Lauderdale was quite smooth and restful tonight— We set sail on a southeasterly course for Grand Cayman.
AT SEA sunny and warm---75 F
Sunday, February 21, 2010
The first thing we did today was head to the aft pool to read. I finished See Jane Die (this book was actually very good—kept me in suspense with lots of candidates for the villain) and started reading Possession by Peter James (sort of a cross between Stephen King and a suspense writer). Because I don’t know enough about shopping, I attended the Grand Cayman, Roatan, and Cozumel shopping show. I now understand that Princess is making these shows an hour and a half, but they now cover most of the ports, instead of doing one port at a time. I do think this is better. Anyway, I started working out my strategies for the ports. I like the Onboard Shopping Expert, “Freddie,” from Montreal. I also liked Adam and Christine, the port and shopping experts on the Coral.
TK entered the Slot tourney and did not place—he enjoys that though and it cost $20 for two sessions at the slot machine.
After a small lunch at the buffet, TK and I went to the Diamond and Gemstone Seminar. I like the charms they give away—today the charm was a cruise ship. TK left, but I like listening to information about diamonds, ammolite, tanzanite, DiVersa jewelry, green diopside, current designer jewelry, and other gemstones. In the end, at the drawing, I won a sapphire necklace. That means that TK or I have won something on every cruise this past month, a facial, a floral arrangement, and now a sapphire necklace.
Dinner: Friends Vickie and Bernie did a B2B on Princess last year and now I wonder what they did with repeated meals. Tonight we went to the DaVinci dining room (we are doing anytime dining again—this will always be our choice I think) and repeated a meal from last cruise: crab quiche appetizer, wonton soup, beef tenderloin, and caramelized pear in puff pastry (JK) and cheesecake (TK).
We really liked comedian Troy Thirdgill at the Explorer’s Lounge—crowded. He asked, “Why do women lie about their age? They always say they are younger than they are. They should say they are about ten years older than they really are—people would tell them how good they looked.” That means I could tell people that I’m 72. I know I look good for 72!
We disembarked with 7 other people who were boarding the Crown Princess at 9:30 a.m. Princess provided a shuttle and a porter helped us with our luggage. We almost had more luggage than the rest of the people combined. We had to wait until 11:45 to board the Crown, but all went smoothly and we stepped into another wonderful cruise ship.
The Crown is much bigger than the Coral Princess, about 3000 passengers. There are 18 decks (there is never a 13th deck), 13 bars and lounges, three dining rooms, the Horizon Court (buffet), two grills, two specialty restaurants (steak house and Italian), a pizzeria, an ice cream bar, an international café with offerings of sushi and tapas, deli sandwiches, and quiche, plus afternoon tea, fish and chips, or room service. I think I gained 20 pounds just writing about it.
Some activities and entertainment: casino, golf, library, video arcade, MUTS (movies), clubs, piano bars, and more—including production shows, comedians, and movies indoors. Every cruise ship has most of these things, there are just more on the Crown.
There are four pools, two are adults only. I think there are at least 6 hot tubs.
I like Princess’ idea of having a treasure hunt-everyone is given a card to get stamped at various stations (internet café, photo gallery, etc.) and then a drawing is held at the Sail Away party. This is the way TK and I explored the ship after a nice lunch in the Michelangelo Dining Room.
We were thrilled when we saw our stateroom (Caribe C603—Deck 10) the biggest balcony ever, about 7 ½ by 8 ½ ft. The room itself is about as large as the one on the Coral. Plenty of separate closet space with 6 enclosed shelves, flat screen TV (TK noted), refrigerator, a desk/vanity, sizable mirrors, 2 night stands, a coffee table, two padded chairs, a queen bed, and ample lighting. The bathroom is fine-lots of mirrors and good lighting. Our luggage was in our room and unpacked in record time!
I was happy for a chance to talk to Sons R and B, as well as B2. We are so proud to learn that B1 won first place again this year at her school and district-wide (PTA Reflections Contest—she is in Grade 2) with her beautiful photo of a black swan at the Erie Zoo. That was great news! I also spoke with Friend M. We do miss our family and friends back home.
Captain Andrew Proctor directed the obligatory safety drill and then we sailed away from Fort Lauderdale. We could tell already at the Sail Away party that this group of passengers was far different from the Coral’s. For one thing, TK said more buckets of beer were sold at the sailaway than were probably sold in two weeks on the Coral. There is a range of ages, but most people are probably in their 40s-50s. Some children.
TK wanted to eat at the Horizon Court and he guessed right because it was a bountiful seafood buffet with lobster claws and shrimp. Dessert: flourless chocolate cake
I enjoyed the “Welcome Aboard Showtime” at the Princess Theater with the Crown Princess dancers and comedian Troy Thirdgill from Oregon. TK went to MUTS to watch Star Trek XI. Together we looked at photos and wandered around the ship some more.
Sailing from Fort Lauderdale was quite smooth and restful tonight— We set sail on a southeasterly course for Grand Cayman.
AT SEA sunny and warm---75 F
Sunday, February 21, 2010
The first thing we did today was head to the aft pool to read. I finished See Jane Die (this book was actually very good—kept me in suspense with lots of candidates for the villain) and started reading Possession by Peter James (sort of a cross between Stephen King and a suspense writer). Because I don’t know enough about shopping, I attended the Grand Cayman, Roatan, and Cozumel shopping show. I now understand that Princess is making these shows an hour and a half, but they now cover most of the ports, instead of doing one port at a time. I do think this is better. Anyway, I started working out my strategies for the ports. I like the Onboard Shopping Expert, “Freddie,” from Montreal. I also liked Adam and Christine, the port and shopping experts on the Coral.
TK entered the Slot tourney and did not place—he enjoys that though and it cost $20 for two sessions at the slot machine.
After a small lunch at the buffet, TK and I went to the Diamond and Gemstone Seminar. I like the charms they give away—today the charm was a cruise ship. TK left, but I like listening to information about diamonds, ammolite, tanzanite, DiVersa jewelry, green diopside, current designer jewelry, and other gemstones. In the end, at the drawing, I won a sapphire necklace. That means that TK or I have won something on every cruise this past month, a facial, a floral arrangement, and now a sapphire necklace.
Dinner: Friends Vickie and Bernie did a B2B on Princess last year and now I wonder what they did with repeated meals. Tonight we went to the DaVinci dining room (we are doing anytime dining again—this will always be our choice I think) and repeated a meal from last cruise: crab quiche appetizer, wonton soup, beef tenderloin, and caramelized pear in puff pastry (JK) and cheesecake (TK).
We really liked comedian Troy Thirdgill at the Explorer’s Lounge—crowded. He asked, “Why do women lie about their age? They always say they are younger than they are. They should say they are about ten years older than they really are—people would tell them how good they looked.” That means I could tell people that I’m 72. I know I look good for 72!
Friday, February 19, 2010
SEA DAY--OFF CUBA
Friday, February 19, 2010
Today has been another lazy day, although we did get up earlier. As we approach Fort Lauderdale, the air is a little cooler. It amazes me whenver we pass Cuba--it is the biggest island! We still have temps in the mid 70s, though. I am trying to soak in all the sun and heat that I can so that it will last until July in Erie, so we headed to the Lido Deck pool for the day yet again. It was a little cool now that we are used to the tropics, but we prevailed! I started reading See Jane Die by Erica Sandler. All of these suspense /thriller books have given me nightmares and this one will sure add some color!
The most excitement we have seen on the pool deck happened today when the Princess staff hosted the “Scrapheap Challenge Final.” Five or six teams created little boats of any materials they could scavenge over the last week and a half. One boat was made with an umbrella, another Styrofoam, others used empty coke bottles. The challenge was that the vessel had to be able to hold the cargo (six full cans of beer) and be pulled all the way around the pool from the side. The fastest time won. The decks were filled with people cheering the little boats on. This would be a wonderful challenge at B & D’s pool!
The last day of a cruise is spent lamenting the end of a great time, packing, and preparing extra tips for the staff that truly deserves them. The worst thing is packing---this is when we get to face ALL of our suitcases again (they have been safely tucked under our bed). By this time we have 7 large bags of souvenirs and one large bag of laundry, plus our 5 suitcases, 2 carry-ons, my purse and computer case, and TK’s backpack. I just felt like repeating all that to remind me of the work ahead tonight. I think I could write a song with this litany, like the 12 days of Christmas. I am so glad we can repeat this whole scenario with another cruise. We cannot possibly buy another thing, or we will need another suitcase for certain and maybe even a trailer for the TK’s truck.
After dinner: We packed before and after dinner-it is an awful scene. I think we thought since we had another large suitcase we could just keep on buying things, heavy things like coffee and hand lotion. And I forgot that we had bought another carry-on, add that to the mix! The bags are now in the hall, ready to be carried out by the porters. On this ship suitcases were supposed to be placed outside the door before dinner. That did not happen. The miracle so far is that TK and I have not had a big fight over all this. He is actually taking things quite well.
Anyway, this cruise has been great—such a wonderful itinerary. The crew has been very attentive and we too, really liked the ship. We liked the Carnival Spirit, too. TK wished for more island music by the pool, but I am satisfied with the live music. Today the afternoon “movie” by the pool was a Pavarotti concert. That is quite an extreme from island music!!
TK’s Takes: At the pool today he showed me a rainbow within the clouds, like a rainbow layer over a cloud. I had never seen such a sight---he called the phenomenon a “sun dog,” but was not sure if that was correct or why it happens. There was no rain, just sun and clouds. Pecan bars were available at lunch, but they weren’t even close to Marge’s pecan pie!!! He is very happy because he just found out that Coral Princess will shuttle us and all our bags to the Crown Princess tomorrow!!
If I am not able to access the Internet on the Crown Princess, I want to write our itinerary for the next week and a half:
Saturday, February 20: Disembark from the Coral Princess/Fort Lauderdale
Saturday, February 20: Embark the Crown Princess
Sunday, February 21: At Sea
Monday, February 22: Grand Cayman
Tuesday, February 23: Roatan, Honduras
Wednesday, February 24: Cozumel, Mexico
Thursday, February 25: At Sea
Friday, February 26: Princess Cays—Princess’ private island
Saturday, February 27: Disembark Crown Princess—we will head to Dade City, Florida and stay
one night with TK’s sister, Mary Lou and Scorchy
Sunday, February 28: We will drive to Black Shear, Georgia and stay with my cousins from Toledo, Ohio
Monday, March 1: We intend to begin driving back to Erie and arrive by March 3.
Today has been another lazy day, although we did get up earlier. As we approach Fort Lauderdale, the air is a little cooler. It amazes me whenver we pass Cuba--it is the biggest island! We still have temps in the mid 70s, though. I am trying to soak in all the sun and heat that I can so that it will last until July in Erie, so we headed to the Lido Deck pool for the day yet again. It was a little cool now that we are used to the tropics, but we prevailed! I started reading See Jane Die by Erica Sandler. All of these suspense /thriller books have given me nightmares and this one will sure add some color!
The most excitement we have seen on the pool deck happened today when the Princess staff hosted the “Scrapheap Challenge Final.” Five or six teams created little boats of any materials they could scavenge over the last week and a half. One boat was made with an umbrella, another Styrofoam, others used empty coke bottles. The challenge was that the vessel had to be able to hold the cargo (six full cans of beer) and be pulled all the way around the pool from the side. The fastest time won. The decks were filled with people cheering the little boats on. This would be a wonderful challenge at B & D’s pool!
The last day of a cruise is spent lamenting the end of a great time, packing, and preparing extra tips for the staff that truly deserves them. The worst thing is packing---this is when we get to face ALL of our suitcases again (they have been safely tucked under our bed). By this time we have 7 large bags of souvenirs and one large bag of laundry, plus our 5 suitcases, 2 carry-ons, my purse and computer case, and TK’s backpack. I just felt like repeating all that to remind me of the work ahead tonight. I think I could write a song with this litany, like the 12 days of Christmas. I am so glad we can repeat this whole scenario with another cruise. We cannot possibly buy another thing, or we will need another suitcase for certain and maybe even a trailer for the TK’s truck.
After dinner: We packed before and after dinner-it is an awful scene. I think we thought since we had another large suitcase we could just keep on buying things, heavy things like coffee and hand lotion. And I forgot that we had bought another carry-on, add that to the mix! The bags are now in the hall, ready to be carried out by the porters. On this ship suitcases were supposed to be placed outside the door before dinner. That did not happen. The miracle so far is that TK and I have not had a big fight over all this. He is actually taking things quite well.
Anyway, this cruise has been great—such a wonderful itinerary. The crew has been very attentive and we too, really liked the ship. We liked the Carnival Spirit, too. TK wished for more island music by the pool, but I am satisfied with the live music. Today the afternoon “movie” by the pool was a Pavarotti concert. That is quite an extreme from island music!!
TK’s Takes: At the pool today he showed me a rainbow within the clouds, like a rainbow layer over a cloud. I had never seen such a sight---he called the phenomenon a “sun dog,” but was not sure if that was correct or why it happens. There was no rain, just sun and clouds. Pecan bars were available at lunch, but they weren’t even close to Marge’s pecan pie!!! He is very happy because he just found out that Coral Princess will shuttle us and all our bags to the Crown Princess tomorrow!!
If I am not able to access the Internet on the Crown Princess, I want to write our itinerary for the next week and a half:
Saturday, February 20: Disembark from the Coral Princess/Fort Lauderdale
Saturday, February 20: Embark the Crown Princess
Sunday, February 21: At Sea
Monday, February 22: Grand Cayman
Tuesday, February 23: Roatan, Honduras
Wednesday, February 24: Cozumel, Mexico
Thursday, February 25: At Sea
Friday, February 26: Princess Cays—Princess’ private island
Saturday, February 27: Disembark Crown Princess—we will head to Dade City, Florida and stay
one night with TK’s sister, Mary Lou and Scorchy
Sunday, February 28: We will drive to Black Shear, Georgia and stay with my cousins from Toledo, Ohio
Monday, March 1: We intend to begin driving back to Erie and arrive by March 3.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
WELCOME TO ARUBA
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Aruba is now an independent nation, but once was a member of the Netherlands Antilles. The population is bout 70,000 with a heritage of Spanish, French, Portuguese, Dutch, African, and English. Dutch is the official language. It is a desert island.
The port city and capital, Oranjestad, is easily navigable (population: 30,000). The aloe plant is the primary agricultural crop. The Lago Oil and Transport Co, a subsidiary of Standard Oil of New Jersey, built the largest oil refinery in the world. Aruba is one of the most prosperous islands in the Caribbean.
We have enjoyed Aruba several times. A quick shuttle took us from our dock in the commercial area to the town. We shopped some—one of our favorites is the Aloe Aruba store where we purchased aloe-rich hand lotion and sunscreen (our first time here we toured the factory). We had lunch at Iguana Joe’s, a restaurant we like that overlooks the main street. We spent several hours browsing jewelry and watch shops and souvenir shops.
We returned to the ship and I started reading another book, The Street Lawyer, by John Grisham. I finished London Bridges by James Patterson and that will be the last book I read by him. Grisham is a much better writer. TK usually plays in the pool while I read.
I like two-week cruises and the time to read and do “whatever.” I heard someone complaining about sea days and nothing to do. That made me think of how I personally don’t ever seem to have time to just read and how much work I have when I return home—I am going to help with the tall ship festival in Erie in September and must begin my part the second I return, school district work, the charity spelling bee the end of March, the U.S. Academic Decathlon essay assessment (PA and national), and checking in with the Poet Laureate program as well as the district’s poetry program. I should not have been thinking about that! I will avoid anyone complaining about nothing to do, I promise!!!!
Tonight was low-key—we watched Extract with Jason Bateman and Ben Affleck. (Note to Friends M & B: this is the movie we should have seen—it was quite funny!)
SEA DAY
Thursday, February 18, 2010
We were very lazy today—getting up much later than usual. We went straight to the pool to read after the breakfast buffet/lunch. I tried the waffles and TK likes the Eggs Benedict very much. We watched another silent film, The Phantom of the Opera, with Lon Chaney. We stayed poolside until about 6 p.m. then got ready for our 3rd formal evening—TK’s favorite.
I told him he did not have to wear a tie and he was happy for that. Dinner was certainly worth dressing up for: roasted tomato soup, melon soup, shredded shrimp, scallops, and crab, lobster and prawns, with carrot cake as the dessert. Francisco (Philippines) and Praba (India), our waiters, have taken good care of us every night. We have had the same window seat at 7:30 p.m. each evening after the little misunderstanding in the beginning. I was happy to have the same waiters every night—they are so efficient.
TK’s Takes: The weather was great in Aruba. He liked that I said the best thing about cruising was being with him. The pool was open after all, after the incident on Tuesday and the water was much colder (Princess uses fresh water). We were told that the material in the pool was sunscreen or a pina colada, not what everyone thought. Hmmm.
JK's Takes: I am homesick for our family, especially B1 and B2.
Aruba is now an independent nation, but once was a member of the Netherlands Antilles. The population is bout 70,000 with a heritage of Spanish, French, Portuguese, Dutch, African, and English. Dutch is the official language. It is a desert island.
The port city and capital, Oranjestad, is easily navigable (population: 30,000). The aloe plant is the primary agricultural crop. The Lago Oil and Transport Co, a subsidiary of Standard Oil of New Jersey, built the largest oil refinery in the world. Aruba is one of the most prosperous islands in the Caribbean.
We have enjoyed Aruba several times. A quick shuttle took us from our dock in the commercial area to the town. We shopped some—one of our favorites is the Aloe Aruba store where we purchased aloe-rich hand lotion and sunscreen (our first time here we toured the factory). We had lunch at Iguana Joe’s, a restaurant we like that overlooks the main street. We spent several hours browsing jewelry and watch shops and souvenir shops.
We returned to the ship and I started reading another book, The Street Lawyer, by John Grisham. I finished London Bridges by James Patterson and that will be the last book I read by him. Grisham is a much better writer. TK usually plays in the pool while I read.
I like two-week cruises and the time to read and do “whatever.” I heard someone complaining about sea days and nothing to do. That made me think of how I personally don’t ever seem to have time to just read and how much work I have when I return home—I am going to help with the tall ship festival in Erie in September and must begin my part the second I return, school district work, the charity spelling bee the end of March, the U.S. Academic Decathlon essay assessment (PA and national), and checking in with the Poet Laureate program as well as the district’s poetry program. I should not have been thinking about that! I will avoid anyone complaining about nothing to do, I promise!!!!
Tonight was low-key—we watched Extract with Jason Bateman and Ben Affleck. (Note to Friends M & B: this is the movie we should have seen—it was quite funny!)
SEA DAY
Thursday, February 18, 2010
We were very lazy today—getting up much later than usual. We went straight to the pool to read after the breakfast buffet/lunch. I tried the waffles and TK likes the Eggs Benedict very much. We watched another silent film, The Phantom of the Opera, with Lon Chaney. We stayed poolside until about 6 p.m. then got ready for our 3rd formal evening—TK’s favorite.
I told him he did not have to wear a tie and he was happy for that. Dinner was certainly worth dressing up for: roasted tomato soup, melon soup, shredded shrimp, scallops, and crab, lobster and prawns, with carrot cake as the dessert. Francisco (Philippines) and Praba (India), our waiters, have taken good care of us every night. We have had the same window seat at 7:30 p.m. each evening after the little misunderstanding in the beginning. I was happy to have the same waiters every night—they are so efficient.
TK’s Takes: The weather was great in Aruba. He liked that I said the best thing about cruising was being with him. The pool was open after all, after the incident on Tuesday and the water was much colder (Princess uses fresh water). We were told that the material in the pool was sunscreen or a pina colada, not what everyone thought. Hmmm.
JK's Takes: I am homesick for our family, especially B1 and B2.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA
A beach near Cartagena, Colombia
The Coral Princess in Cartagena, ColombiaTuesday, February 16, 2010 high 90s / sunny and partly cloudy
We were quite satisfied with our trip into Cartagena. One tends to be very apprehensive about Colombia, but because of tourism they want to keep this city very safe.
The city’s population is 1 million. Now I better understand the term pre-Colombian—the original inhabitants were the Chibchas Indians who were excellent goldsmiths and skilled in weaving and pottery. Explorers plundered the Chibchas for their gold and emeralds. The Spanish conquistadors discovered that the interior of Colombia was rich in gold and emeralds and claimed the land as their own. Cartagena became the port city to trasport the goods home to Spain. Sir Francis Drake and others laid siege to the city so a great wall and fortresses were built. In 1741 the city was attacked by Englishman Edward Vernon (G. Washington admired this man and named Mount Vernon after him—Washington’s half brother was in on this raid—isn’t history intriguing?) with 25,000 soldiers and sailors, and 186 ships, against 2500 men. The city was never breached.
Ten out of the original 29 forts are still intact. We visited the “Old Town,” the walled city (surrounded by 11 miles of stone). We saw the clock tower, the cathedral, and especially the Palace of the Inquisition (of 1770) where instruments of torture from the Spanish Inquisition are displayed, “in the light of human rights, as one of the most terrible episodes of our history which must never return again.” Eight hundred people were killed in Cartagena, the Spain’s largest court in the New World (two others were in Mexico City and Lima, Peru) for practicing witchcraft or magic, or committing blasphemous acts.
Romancing the Stone and The Mission were a few of the movies filmed here.
We continued on to Pierino Gallo Plaza, a shopping area with many emerald shops. I had corresponded with Lee Miles, “Mister Emerald,” (Leland@MisterEmerald.com) and he welcomed us at his shop. Some Cruise Critic friends took tours organized by him. He is originally from New Mexico. Anyway, I studied emeralds and that should be good news to B2, despite her age!! TK visited “Coffee And,” and bought more coffee, Colombian this time! Another emerald store had a replication of an emerald mine that one can walk into and see the veins with the raw emeralds. There was also an emerald display that showed the pre-Colombian jewelry designs.
We liked doing Cartagena on our own and this is how we did it: At the port (8 a.m.) we hired a legitimate (blue shirt with blue pants and the word taxi written all over the shirt) taxi for the morning. We agreed to the price ($40—roundtrip). Julio, who did not speak English, took us to Old Town and waited for us. He also gave us directions to the Palace. He took us back to his taxi and then drove us to the Plaza. He waited for us there. I wanted more time than the tours offered for shopping. At about 11:30 we said we wanted to return to the ship. We paid and tipped him when we returned to the ship. How was this different from Acapulco? First, we made certain the driver was legitimate. We were smarter, made certain of the price, he was older, and did not take us to shops owned by his relatives. If he had done that, we were prepared to say “no thank you” to everyone. I am getting much better at that. The taxi driver in Acapulco was legitimate, but we were not as smart.
Dinner tonight: crab meat with shredded lettuce, apple, and melon; wonton soup, chilled fruit soup; surf and turf (jumbo shrimp and filet mignon); Sachar Torte (chocolate cake).
We hope to go to the crew talent show tonight.
TK’s Takes: Cartagena reminded him of a Spanish-European city, like Barcelona. The pool was closed for the afternoon because someone vomited in it. Princess did not take chances—they drained the pool, cleaned it, and then used plenty of chlorine—to be continued, will it be open tomorrow? The water temperature was up to 83 F from 72 the first day he got into it.
He also is impressed because someone is always cleaning the public restrooms. They are big and clean.
MORE ABOUT THE PANAMA CANAL
I hope you can see the huge crocodile with his jaws wide open in this photo. We saw him just after we finished our transit in the Panama Canal--maybe he was saying good bye!
This is another view from the bow of the Coral Princess-container ship is in front of us in the Panama Canal--Gatun LocksMore facts about the Panama Canal that I find fascinating and for all the engineers that I know (from notes taken during the onboard lecture):
§ 1855-the railway system was built across the isthmus
§ 1881-1914—construction including both French and Americaan
§ August 15, 1914—inaugural use of the Panama Canal (the Ancon was the 1st ship)
§ 1963—24/7 canal transit began
§ 5 pilots will board the Coral Princess; one will be on the bridge, the other at the stern. A helmsman will be at the wheel the entire time. The pilots take control of the ship as it approaches the channel
§ 8 “mules” made by Mitsubishi and powered by electricity (70,000 lbs. of force) will be used to guide the ship; the ship will proceed under its own power because it has thrusters. If a ship does not have thrusters, it is pulled by tugboats
§ the Panama Canal lock system was the first major application of electrical power—it takes 1500 electric motors to run
§ There will be less than 2½ ft. clearance between our ship and the canal. The Coral Princess has a 105 ft. beam
§ The Bridge of the Americas on the Pacific side is 400 ft. high so that any ship can pass through. On the Caribbean side there is only a drawbridge. Actual transit begins after the ship passes under the bridge
§ We will be sailing from south to north (many think the canal is west-east)
§ Panama increased the transit cost after they took over the canal
§ A new set of canals/locks is being built-target completion is 2015. The original canal will remain in use. The original canal will be deepened and widened, too. The new canal will accommodate ships that are up to 54 ft. wider, 235 ft. longer, and 10 ft. deeper
§ Miraflores Locks are on the southern side—2 sets of locks (one mile). One million cubic yards of concrete was used for each lock
§ Miter gates on the Miraflores locks are the largest in the world—weigh 800 tons each. They recess when a ship passes through. Tides are more significant on the Pacific side and range from 18 to over 20 ft. / Leonardo da Vinci first conceived the idea of mitered gates for canals—it takes 10 minutes to fill or empty a lock
§ Ships are raised from 31 ft minimum to 85 ft. above sea level.
§ Security is very significant—armed guard
§ After passing through the Miraflores Locks, we enter the 9 mile “Calebra Cut” which slices through the Continental Divide.
§ Just past Gamboa we will meet the Chagres River which becomes Gatun Lake (with lots of wildlife including crocodiles)
§ Gatun Lake is manmade by an earthen dam. Indigenous population had to move when the lake was created. In 1914 it was the largest manmade lake—164 square miles. People were fearful of the dam at first because the Johnstown Flood in Pennsylvania had just occurred.
§ After Gatun Lake we approach the three Gatun Locks, still the largest and longest in the world. They are basically the same as the Miraflores Locks. However, with the Gatun Locks there was a more massive use of cement and they took four years to build.
§ After the Gatun Locks there is a short approach channel to the Caribbean
§ We will cross the French canal and head to Limon Bay.
§ The official end to the canal passing is when we pass the breakwater, first created by using “spoil” (earth and rocks) from the Calebra Cut.
§ 9 million gallons of water are used per ship/2 billion gallons per day; when the new canal is build the locks will recycle water more. The water is not wasted, of course, because it does not disappear
§ Most ships that pass through are container ships that hold 4400 to 6000 containers (each about the size of a cargo train car)
§ 3rd most common ships are auto carriers
§ Our passage on February 15, 2010 will cost about $330,000. That includes the reservation, tolls, insurance, and other charges. The least expensive passage is for pleasure boats under 50 ft.--$1200
Monday, February 15, 2010
CRUISING THE CANAL--AN EXPERIENCE EXTRAORDINAIRE!!!!
This photo was taken from the bow of the Princess of a container ship in the lock in front of us.
This is a photo of the mitered gates. Notice the water level in the lock on the right in comparison to the lock on the left (close up photo)Monday, February 15, 2010 90s / some sun, partly cloudy
It is 11:40 a.m. and we have been up watching the action since a dark 6 a.m. EST. We are through the Miraflores Locks, the Pedro Miguel Lock, we have seen the Calebra Cut, and now we are approaching Gamboa, a little town before we get to Gatun Lake. I wanted to check in live—to tell any possible readers how exciting this is—the enormous technological feat that was accomplished almost a hundred years ago.
I have been fortunate to see a crocodile just before we went into the locks, like he wanted to tag along, and I saw a monkey climbing while studying the trees along the way. We are a little behind schedule because the pilots were late—there was a reason, but I was not clear about that. Anyway, if anyone is online—we are living the dream right now!!!
After the passage…..
Early this morning we started at 8 knots per hour and boarded 5 pilots to take over the ship. On today’s manifest were of 40 ships and boats: 13 yachts, several sailboats, some motorboats, refrigerated cargo ships, an auto carrier, dry bulk carriers (grain, metal, coal, lumber), tankers with petroleum products, container ships, and a tuna fishing boat. We were #9 in line for passage.
We went under the Bridge of America at 6:27 a.m., the beginning of our actual passage. We entered Caribbean at 4:30 p.m. Ten hours of transit and we enjoyed every second. I fear some might not share our zeal or understand it, but I think I have talked about our interest being so great because of all our reading! I think this may be one of our favorite “ports.” The itinerary has been quite engaging. We would admit that because of the average age of many of the passengers, it isn’t the most active cruise we have been on, but I would truly recommend the Panama Canal cruise for its uniqueness.
Tonight I had difficulty accessing the Internet and am very disappointed at that. I spent 30 minutes downloading 4 pictures and the blog, and the connection disconnected just as I finished. Now I can’t log in at all. (note: on Tuesday the Internet manager returned 30 minutes to my account for compensation)
Chef’s Table: I would so recommend this experience—I was quite apprehensive because there are a lot of things on my “I will never eat that again” list. TK really wanted to do the Chef’s Table, so I relented. Ten of us met in a lounge near the dining room and were asked to put on white chef’s shirts and wash our hands very well. We were escorted to the galley and met by the Executive Chef, Urich Thomas Michael, Elia Tinonin, the Maitre d’, and Antonio Mana, Head Waiter. Others enjoyed champagne as we were given a little tour of the dessert and soup stations. I knew I was in trouble when we were offered duck liver pate (Duck Galantine on Brioche Cranberry Jam) and Roasted New Potatoes with Sour Cream and Caviar. Remembering how polite I could be when I went to college in France (we had to eat everything we were offered because it was impolite to refuse), I ate! Quickly, but delicately, I ate. TK was relishing the treats! Other easier, but delicious appetizers were: Bistro Mini Quiche Provencale and Blue Crab Margarita with Avocado and Mango (Margarita glass with shredded crab, avocado, and mango—absolutely superb).
At the elegant dining table, the Chef told us that our dinner was very special and would not be one regularly served. Special wines were offered. Chef Michael introduced each course along side the Sous Chef who had created it. He also explained the background/preparation of each dish and the accompanying embellishment, e.g. sauce or side dish.
The rest of our menu:
§ Southern Italian Calamari Risotta with Grilled Shrimp and Green Onion Vinaigrette (I could hide the calamari and did not eat it-the shrimp and risotta were perfect--TK ate his calamari, of course)
§ Lemon Sorbet and Mango Slaw to cleanse our palate
§ Roasted Veal Shank and Aged Beef Tenderloin, carved tableside with the Chef’s Portobello Mushroom Sauce, Bearnaise Sauce, and Green Pepper Corn Sauce to choose from, with Today’s Market Vegetables (carrots, asparagus, squash) with Chateau Potatoes
§ Baked Camembert Cheese with Pine Nuts, Walnut Bread, and Port Wine Reduction
§ Oven Baked Chocolate Lava Pudding and Vanilla Ice Cream / Raspberry Sauce—no one would believe the presentation of this dish. The dessert chef had created a sherbet glass base with a wine glass on top of that with a thin curled swirl stick inside, all made with transparent colored sugar that appeared like glass-I have never seen such a creation and I don’t think I have described it well.
§ Ending with Coffee or Tea with Executive Chef Michael’s Home Made Biscotti and Amaretti.
At the end each lady received a red rose and each gentleman was given a signed copy of the Princess book, Courses, A Culinary Journey. Good thing TK got the cookbook—cooking like that is far from my reality. We also will get a professional photograph with the Chef and Maitre d’. There is a cost involved, but because we don’t drink, the cost was less. This was the finest of dining!
TK’s Takes: You don’t need a balcony cabin to enjoy the Panama Canal transit. The transit would be an engineer’s dream vacation. He couldn’t believe the amount of people lying around the pool and not watching the Canal. He also recommended reading the McCullough book and really wishes he had taken the rail tour.
He’s never before had such a dinner as the “Chef’s Table.” The veal and beef were sliced right there. The sorbet in the middle of dinner was different.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
AMORE IN PUERTO AMADOR
Happy St. Valentine’s Day!! Sunday, February 14, 2010 cloudy with some sun, hot—90s F
We are very near the equator and the sunrise was at 6:38 a.m. and the sunset will be soon at 6:25 p.m. Twelve hours of night and twelve hours of day, 365 days a year! We made sure we were up this morning at 6:15 a.m. to prepare for our tour in Panama City. We saw the port pilots board easily from a moving boat to the moving ship. In the area we could see at least 35 ships and boats of various sizes waiting to enter the canal (from our port balcony—more could be seen from the starboard side). There are tankers, a huge yacht, cargo/container ships, fishing boats, and more.
Since we are waiting until tomorrow to enter the canal, we anchored out from the port. This is a tendering port, so we had to take one of the ship’s small boats to the two mile long causeway built in 1914 out of the “spoil” from the canal dig. Princess has a very good system for tendering.
Our van was very tiny and cramped. TK and I are not tiny people and neither were other passengers. The streets are narrow and the van could negotiate them. Panama City is the capital of Panama. The country looks like a laid down “S” and so the sun rises over the Pacific. Since 1904 Panama has used American paper currency, except for coins. D Gas is $3 per gallon and is imported. We are 9 degrees north of the equator. The guide said there is no army in Panama, but TK told me there is a National Guard, which used to be very powerful (think Noriega who is now in jail in Miami). The rainy season is 9 months long and children go to school during that time, March to December.
Panama is the 2nd largest duty free port (Hong Kong is the largest). $18 billion moves through the Panama banking system a year. The guide talked about five U.S. Presidents who felt that the Panama Canal shuld be returned to Panama, both Democratic and Republican. That finally happened in 1999.
Panama City was the first Spanish city on the Pacific / est. 1519. Sir Francis Drake destroyed the city in 1671. Some stone walls still remain from the first city. (another source talks about buccaneer Sir Henry Morgan—the facts in most of this blog are from various guides and the lecturer aboard the ship, unless I have mentioned David McCullough’s book)
Our first stop was the old capital city and we saw the remains of the stone walls. A church bell tower still stands and I climbed to the top of that. There were fabulous views of the port and the modern city. Panama values its heritage and a lot of work is being done to preserve the artifacts. We saw some artifacts and a miniature recreation of the old city in the National Museum.
From this area we went to the colonial city (Casco Antiguo) built after the destruction. Here the streets are original cobble stone and very narrow. We could see where much work is being done to preserve the buildings. Some would be reminded of New Orleans and the wrought iron balconies.
We stopped at San Jose Roman Catholic Church nearby—this church from the old city has been moved to the colonial area. This church had a pure gold altar and when the city was being ransacked, the priest painted it black and hid it. The invaders came after the altar (they had heard about the gold altar) and the priest told them that the church was too poor to have such an altar. The invaders gave the priest some coins and said that they expected that to help pay for a gold altar for the church, or so the story goes!
In this area we also saw great architectural wonder, Arco Chato or “Flat Arch,” built from 1670-1760. When areas of Central America were being studied as a site for the canal, including Nicaragua, this arch was shown as proof that Panama was appropriate with no earthquakes.
I was disappointed in the opportunities to shop-the Panamanians make beautiful handicrafts, but there was no market by the ship and few vendors in the areas we visited. If we were ever in Panama again we would do the following: 1. Next trip--sign up for the Panama Canal Railway Journey in a deluxe 1938 vintage observation car (we were too late for this popular tour) 2. Trip after that: sign up for the visit to the Embera Indian Village tour. 3. take the Old Canal Zone & Miraflores Locks tour. In other words, we are really interested in this area.
After our tour we returned to the ship via tender, had lunch (yes, I found the cheeseburgers again and the fresh french fries), and then sat by the pool for awhile. Before dinner we went to the theater to see “A Man, A Plan, and A Canal,” scripted and narrated by David McCullough. We did not realize that film of the American work was available. This was our Valentine’s Day date.
Italian Dinner: dry cured San Daniele ham with sweet cantaloupe, pasta e fagioli, veal scallopine in Marsala sauce, Cassata all Siciliano (van, choc, strawberry ice cream with candied fruits), and tiramisu.
I am finishing the blog quickly as we need to get up about 5:45 a.m. EST–we do not want to miss our entry into the canal.
If anyone wants to see the Coral Princess’ transport through the canal, it can be viewed at Pancanal.com. As far as we know the time will be approximately 6:30 a.m. EST to 7:30 p.m. and between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. EST. TK says you can’t miss a cruise ship.
TK’s Takes: He does not want to live in Panama. He wishes we had taken the rail tour—next time. Every day there is a “Cookie Girl” pushing a cart on the Lido deck offering cookies and milk. (JK: she is so cute with a hat and an apron that say “cookies and milk.”)
We are very near the equator and the sunrise was at 6:38 a.m. and the sunset will be soon at 6:25 p.m. Twelve hours of night and twelve hours of day, 365 days a year! We made sure we were up this morning at 6:15 a.m. to prepare for our tour in Panama City. We saw the port pilots board easily from a moving boat to the moving ship. In the area we could see at least 35 ships and boats of various sizes waiting to enter the canal (from our port balcony—more could be seen from the starboard side). There are tankers, a huge yacht, cargo/container ships, fishing boats, and more.
Since we are waiting until tomorrow to enter the canal, we anchored out from the port. This is a tendering port, so we had to take one of the ship’s small boats to the two mile long causeway built in 1914 out of the “spoil” from the canal dig. Princess has a very good system for tendering.
Our van was very tiny and cramped. TK and I are not tiny people and neither were other passengers. The streets are narrow and the van could negotiate them. Panama City is the capital of Panama. The country looks like a laid down “S” and so the sun rises over the Pacific. Since 1904 Panama has used American paper currency, except for coins. D Gas is $3 per gallon and is imported. We are 9 degrees north of the equator. The guide said there is no army in Panama, but TK told me there is a National Guard, which used to be very powerful (think Noriega who is now in jail in Miami). The rainy season is 9 months long and children go to school during that time, March to December.
Panama is the 2nd largest duty free port (Hong Kong is the largest). $18 billion moves through the Panama banking system a year. The guide talked about five U.S. Presidents who felt that the Panama Canal shuld be returned to Panama, both Democratic and Republican. That finally happened in 1999.
Panama City was the first Spanish city on the Pacific / est. 1519. Sir Francis Drake destroyed the city in 1671. Some stone walls still remain from the first city. (another source talks about buccaneer Sir Henry Morgan—the facts in most of this blog are from various guides and the lecturer aboard the ship, unless I have mentioned David McCullough’s book)
Our first stop was the old capital city and we saw the remains of the stone walls. A church bell tower still stands and I climbed to the top of that. There were fabulous views of the port and the modern city. Panama values its heritage and a lot of work is being done to preserve the artifacts. We saw some artifacts and a miniature recreation of the old city in the National Museum.
From this area we went to the colonial city (Casco Antiguo) built after the destruction. Here the streets are original cobble stone and very narrow. We could see where much work is being done to preserve the buildings. Some would be reminded of New Orleans and the wrought iron balconies.
We stopped at San Jose Roman Catholic Church nearby—this church from the old city has been moved to the colonial area. This church had a pure gold altar and when the city was being ransacked, the priest painted it black and hid it. The invaders came after the altar (they had heard about the gold altar) and the priest told them that the church was too poor to have such an altar. The invaders gave the priest some coins and said that they expected that to help pay for a gold altar for the church, or so the story goes!
In this area we also saw great architectural wonder, Arco Chato or “Flat Arch,” built from 1670-1760. When areas of Central America were being studied as a site for the canal, including Nicaragua, this arch was shown as proof that Panama was appropriate with no earthquakes.
I was disappointed in the opportunities to shop-the Panamanians make beautiful handicrafts, but there was no market by the ship and few vendors in the areas we visited. If we were ever in Panama again we would do the following: 1. Next trip--sign up for the Panama Canal Railway Journey in a deluxe 1938 vintage observation car (we were too late for this popular tour) 2. Trip after that: sign up for the visit to the Embera Indian Village tour. 3. take the Old Canal Zone & Miraflores Locks tour. In other words, we are really interested in this area.
After our tour we returned to the ship via tender, had lunch (yes, I found the cheeseburgers again and the fresh french fries), and then sat by the pool for awhile. Before dinner we went to the theater to see “A Man, A Plan, and A Canal,” scripted and narrated by David McCullough. We did not realize that film of the American work was available. This was our Valentine’s Day date.
Italian Dinner: dry cured San Daniele ham with sweet cantaloupe, pasta e fagioli, veal scallopine in Marsala sauce, Cassata all Siciliano (van, choc, strawberry ice cream with candied fruits), and tiramisu.
I am finishing the blog quickly as we need to get up about 5:45 a.m. EST–we do not want to miss our entry into the canal.
If anyone wants to see the Coral Princess’ transport through the canal, it can be viewed at Pancanal.com. As far as we know the time will be approximately 6:30 a.m. EST to 7:30 p.m. and between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. EST. TK says you can’t miss a cruise ship.
TK’s Takes: He does not want to live in Panama. He wishes we had taken the rail tour—next time. Every day there is a “Cookie Girl” pushing a cart on the Lido deck offering cookies and milk. (JK: she is so cute with a hat and an apron that say “cookies and milk.”)
Saturday, February 13, 2010
COFFEE IN COSTA RICA
AT SEA—RELAXATION
Thursday, February 11, 2010
We decided to have breakfast in the buffet again. TK is getting into Eggs Florentine. After breakfast we went to the lecture about Puntarenas, Costa Rica. I truly appreciate having someone knowledgeable provide specific information about the ports of call.
Because of the heat (90s+), I stayed in the covered pool area with wooden padded chaise lounges to read my next book, The Tenth Justice by Brad Meltzer. Apparently the Supreme Court Justices’ law clerks are the 10th Justice. Intrigue, blackmail, go figure. I finished The Shooters by W.E.B. Griffin, a book with 650 pages of background and 70 pages of action. Later we went to the open pool deck and I read while TK watched the movie (I told him that he should have gone to see it when I took B1 and her friend L.
For dinner we had ham/ricotta flan, cucumber soup, Hawaiian fruit medley with crushed macadamia nuts, prime rib with corn on the cob, New York cheesecake, and lemon and lime souffle.
Tonight the MUTS was Star Trek XI. Since we already saw it, we watched the last half hour.
Observation: Sea days are relaxing and that is what we do! Not really much to report.
.
TK’s Takes: He pointed out an U.S. Navy AWAC plane flying by quite low near the deck. He said there must be an aircraft carrier nearby. This is the kind of plane that has a radar dome. He came in 4th place in the Slots tournament and won a baseball cap. There were about 40 players. It is very hot. He likes the fact that someone pushes a cookie cart around the pool deck mid afternoon offering warm chocolate chip or double chocolate cookies and milk.
Friday, February 12, 2010 / 90s and sunny with clouds in the distance
Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday
I love Costa Rica. Puntarenas, Costa Rica, Central America, is a small coastal town on the Pacific Ocean. Costa Rica, population about 4.5 million, is known as the “Switzerland of Central America.” There are tall mountains with some peaks as high as 13,000 ft. above sea level. It is also known for its agriculture---rice, coconuts, mangos, bananas, cashews, sugar cane, coffee, cattle, and orchids (800 varieties). It has the perfect climate for vegetation—ornamental plants like ferns are exported, too. Costa Rica has 750 species of birds, 150 species of frogs, and 2500 species of native plants. It is illegal to cut down any tree unless it is a plantation tree. It seems like these countries are very aware of the environment and ecology.
We met Daniel of SwissTours early this morning and boarded an air-conditioned mini bus with about 20 other people. Daniel’s English was impeccable—he lived in New York City as a boy for 10 years. He was extremely knowledgeable and loved his native country. We traveled the country side for the next three hours and he narrated. He said that the Costa Rican people are very happy with the new lady president, Laura (I did not catch her last name). He said that Costa Rica has no military and children go to school 200 days a year. People pay 9% of their salary for health insurance and the employer pays 12%, all citizens are fully covered by this universal health plan. Unemployment is 5%. If someone wants a job, jobs are available. They have no welfare system. Sixty-five percent of the population is considered middle class. Roads have been improved and things are looking up for Costa Rica.
We passed a very large tuna factory and then traveled the PanAm Highway for a short while. Daniel said it goes from Chile to Alaska. When we passed sugar cane fields, he told us that harvesting sugar cane is very dangerous and does not pay well. Harvesters wield machetes to cut the cane. They can get sliced on the sharp leaves and the velvet pit python, the most abundant poisonous snake in Costa Rica, lives in the fields. A good worker can collect 8 baskets of sugar cane a day, but he faces danger. Sugar cane is sold for $7 a ton. Another snake that is not quite as abundant is the poisonous bushmaster.
Interestingly, when we were talking to one of our waiters at dinner about the sugar cane harvesting, he (Praba Karan from India) said that in India sugar cane goes for $22 a ton. The field worker in India faces cobras in the cane fields.
We passed many many black termite nests in trees alongside the roads. Average size was about 18 inches by 12 inches-they were mostly oval or round shaped. Daniel said that termites were a “blessing”—they only eat dry old wood and turn it into compost. Also, monkeys and other animals eat termites, they are part of the food chain. We also saw howler monkeys and a keel billed toucan in the trees.
There are two seasons in C.R. wet and dry. This is the dry season and trees were flowering. We saw yellow, white, orange, magenta, red, and pink flowering trees in abundance—so absolutely beautiful. The yellow flowering tree is the yellow Cortez and the orange flowering tree is the Pora Pora, the coral tree. We saw lemon trees too as we passed on the road.
During one bump in the road, Daniel said that it was a repaired “fault” from a 6.4 Richter scale earthquake 8 months ago. Forty people died. There are 6-8 active volcanoes in Costa Rica. The worst eruption in recent history occurred in 1991. There are virtually no hurricanes here, only the residual rain.
We stopped at for a coffee tour at a small factory, Britt (www.coffeetour.com). We walked through the coffee trees and the factory for an explanation of how the coffee trees are grown and the beans harvested. TK was selected to do “cupping the coffee,” a job that requires tasting from batches of coffee to ensure that it is good. He was very good at this job! We purchased coffee here, of course, and TK is anxious to share some with daughter in law C.
After the tour we had a delicious Costa Rican meal of lettuce and tomato, tilapia, beef, chicken, rice, beans, and fruit (melon and mango) with superb coffee.
On our way back to the ship we stopped at one of the nicest souvenir shops I have ever visited. Of course purchases were made. When we passed an estuary not too far from Puntarenas, we saw wood storks, white herons, a great blue heron, a needle duck/snake bird, a multicolored heron, and a yellow bellied bird.
Dinner tonight was French: escargot (TK), fruit kebabs with poppy seed/yogurt dressing, roasted pumpkin and turnip soup, French onion soup, Cordon Bleu veal escalope, and raspberry crème brulee.
While I was reading on the balcony late this evening, I heard a splash and thought someone threw something overboard. Then I heard a big splash. I looked down at the sea and saw a big fish, about 8 ft. long. TK thinks the water is too warm for a whale or a dolphin. I’m just glad that no one was jumping in!
TK’s Takes: He could live in Costa Rica. The coffee was superb. His name was announced on Princess TV for his response to who invented the first flushing toilet.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Today was a busy sea day. I went to the port show about Puertes Amador, Cartagena, and Aruba. It did get tiresome because of the details about all the ship-approved shops. From there I headed to the “Emerald Event” for some insight about emeralds. TK went to the lecture about Panama City. Then I made two posters for the Panama Canal passage—probably they will not be very visible on the Internet, but the ship’s videographers and photographers will catch them. I also went to the lecture about Cartagena and its history. I spent the rest of the afternoon finishing my book, The Tenth Justice—a very predictable ending.
Dinner tonight: potato latkes with smoked salmon, artichoke bisque “Gremolata,” chilled orange and Lipton tea soup, broiled lobster claw with Louisiana style crab cakes, banana cream pie, and chocolate brownie with roasted macadamia nut mousse.
TK’s Takes: The first day of rain, although the sea was calm. The foghorn was blowing. He does not like formal nights and could survive without them. He noticed that lobster tails were served at the Lido Deck buffet for dinner too.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
We decided to have breakfast in the buffet again. TK is getting into Eggs Florentine. After breakfast we went to the lecture about Puntarenas, Costa Rica. I truly appreciate having someone knowledgeable provide specific information about the ports of call.
Because of the heat (90s+), I stayed in the covered pool area with wooden padded chaise lounges to read my next book, The Tenth Justice by Brad Meltzer. Apparently the Supreme Court Justices’ law clerks are the 10th Justice. Intrigue, blackmail, go figure. I finished The Shooters by W.E.B. Griffin, a book with 650 pages of background and 70 pages of action. Later we went to the open pool deck and I read while TK watched the movie (I told him that he should have gone to see it when I took B1 and her friend L.
For dinner we had ham/ricotta flan, cucumber soup, Hawaiian fruit medley with crushed macadamia nuts, prime rib with corn on the cob, New York cheesecake, and lemon and lime souffle.
Tonight the MUTS was Star Trek XI. Since we already saw it, we watched the last half hour.
Observation: Sea days are relaxing and that is what we do! Not really much to report.
.
TK’s Takes: He pointed out an U.S. Navy AWAC plane flying by quite low near the deck. He said there must be an aircraft carrier nearby. This is the kind of plane that has a radar dome. He came in 4th place in the Slots tournament and won a baseball cap. There were about 40 players. It is very hot. He likes the fact that someone pushes a cookie cart around the pool deck mid afternoon offering warm chocolate chip or double chocolate cookies and milk.
Friday, February 12, 2010 / 90s and sunny with clouds in the distance
Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday
I love Costa Rica. Puntarenas, Costa Rica, Central America, is a small coastal town on the Pacific Ocean. Costa Rica, population about 4.5 million, is known as the “Switzerland of Central America.” There are tall mountains with some peaks as high as 13,000 ft. above sea level. It is also known for its agriculture---rice, coconuts, mangos, bananas, cashews, sugar cane, coffee, cattle, and orchids (800 varieties). It has the perfect climate for vegetation—ornamental plants like ferns are exported, too. Costa Rica has 750 species of birds, 150 species of frogs, and 2500 species of native plants. It is illegal to cut down any tree unless it is a plantation tree. It seems like these countries are very aware of the environment and ecology.
We met Daniel of SwissTours early this morning and boarded an air-conditioned mini bus with about 20 other people. Daniel’s English was impeccable—he lived in New York City as a boy for 10 years. He was extremely knowledgeable and loved his native country. We traveled the country side for the next three hours and he narrated. He said that the Costa Rican people are very happy with the new lady president, Laura (I did not catch her last name). He said that Costa Rica has no military and children go to school 200 days a year. People pay 9% of their salary for health insurance and the employer pays 12%, all citizens are fully covered by this universal health plan. Unemployment is 5%. If someone wants a job, jobs are available. They have no welfare system. Sixty-five percent of the population is considered middle class. Roads have been improved and things are looking up for Costa Rica.
We passed a very large tuna factory and then traveled the PanAm Highway for a short while. Daniel said it goes from Chile to Alaska. When we passed sugar cane fields, he told us that harvesting sugar cane is very dangerous and does not pay well. Harvesters wield machetes to cut the cane. They can get sliced on the sharp leaves and the velvet pit python, the most abundant poisonous snake in Costa Rica, lives in the fields. A good worker can collect 8 baskets of sugar cane a day, but he faces danger. Sugar cane is sold for $7 a ton. Another snake that is not quite as abundant is the poisonous bushmaster.
Interestingly, when we were talking to one of our waiters at dinner about the sugar cane harvesting, he (Praba Karan from India) said that in India sugar cane goes for $22 a ton. The field worker in India faces cobras in the cane fields.
We passed many many black termite nests in trees alongside the roads. Average size was about 18 inches by 12 inches-they were mostly oval or round shaped. Daniel said that termites were a “blessing”—they only eat dry old wood and turn it into compost. Also, monkeys and other animals eat termites, they are part of the food chain. We also saw howler monkeys and a keel billed toucan in the trees.
There are two seasons in C.R. wet and dry. This is the dry season and trees were flowering. We saw yellow, white, orange, magenta, red, and pink flowering trees in abundance—so absolutely beautiful. The yellow flowering tree is the yellow Cortez and the orange flowering tree is the Pora Pora, the coral tree. We saw lemon trees too as we passed on the road.
During one bump in the road, Daniel said that it was a repaired “fault” from a 6.4 Richter scale earthquake 8 months ago. Forty people died. There are 6-8 active volcanoes in Costa Rica. The worst eruption in recent history occurred in 1991. There are virtually no hurricanes here, only the residual rain.
We stopped at for a coffee tour at a small factory, Britt (www.coffeetour.com). We walked through the coffee trees and the factory for an explanation of how the coffee trees are grown and the beans harvested. TK was selected to do “cupping the coffee,” a job that requires tasting from batches of coffee to ensure that it is good. He was very good at this job! We purchased coffee here, of course, and TK is anxious to share some with daughter in law C.
After the tour we had a delicious Costa Rican meal of lettuce and tomato, tilapia, beef, chicken, rice, beans, and fruit (melon and mango) with superb coffee.
On our way back to the ship we stopped at one of the nicest souvenir shops I have ever visited. Of course purchases were made. When we passed an estuary not too far from Puntarenas, we saw wood storks, white herons, a great blue heron, a needle duck/snake bird, a multicolored heron, and a yellow bellied bird.
Dinner tonight was French: escargot (TK), fruit kebabs with poppy seed/yogurt dressing, roasted pumpkin and turnip soup, French onion soup, Cordon Bleu veal escalope, and raspberry crème brulee.
While I was reading on the balcony late this evening, I heard a splash and thought someone threw something overboard. Then I heard a big splash. I looked down at the sea and saw a big fish, about 8 ft. long. TK thinks the water is too warm for a whale or a dolphin. I’m just glad that no one was jumping in!
TK’s Takes: He could live in Costa Rica. The coffee was superb. His name was announced on Princess TV for his response to who invented the first flushing toilet.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Today was a busy sea day. I went to the port show about Puertes Amador, Cartagena, and Aruba. It did get tiresome because of the details about all the ship-approved shops. From there I headed to the “Emerald Event” for some insight about emeralds. TK went to the lecture about Panama City. Then I made two posters for the Panama Canal passage—probably they will not be very visible on the Internet, but the ship’s videographers and photographers will catch them. I also went to the lecture about Cartagena and its history. I spent the rest of the afternoon finishing my book, The Tenth Justice—a very predictable ending.
Dinner tonight: potato latkes with smoked salmon, artichoke bisque “Gremolata,” chilled orange and Lipton tea soup, broiled lobster claw with Louisiana style crab cakes, banana cream pie, and chocolate brownie with roasted macadamia nut mousse.
TK’s Takes: The first day of rain, although the sea was calm. The foghorn was blowing. He does not like formal nights and could survive without them. He noticed that lobster tails were served at the Lido Deck buffet for dinner too.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
WHAT'S UP IN HUATULCO, MEXICO
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
As I write this at 5:52 EST on Wednesday, we are facing a storm force (Force 11) wind of 68 knots. This means we are rocking and rolling, but on a ship this size we are not in danger. Our cabin is on the port side and that is the side that is receiving the force. As I look out onto the balcony, I can see waves of about 10 ft. The captain announced that everyone should be careful walking around because it is a little difficult. The sea does not seem as bad as the night on I was on the Niagara on the Atlantic Ocean in 1996 and a severe storm hit. The Niagara is a little smaller than this cruise ship. TK likes studying the sea, and he is remarking that there are no clouds in the sky and no rain, just wind. He surmises it is coming off land.
As we go further south it is getting warmer and warmer, just as the east coast and Pennsylvania is getting a lot of snow! This morning we arrived in Huatulco, the “Cancun of the Pacific,” at 8 a.m. (pronounced wah tul co). Distance from Los Angeles is 1800 miles. In 1984 the Mexican government purchased 52,000 acres of land with the intention of building another tourist destination like Cancun. There are 9 bays and 36 different beaches here. It is also a critical bird habitat and no trees can be cut down unless they are farmed trees. Huatulco’s ecological practices have won awards. The lectured also said that 20 varieties of bananas are grown here and there are 6-8 waterfalls in the area. As soon as we got off the ship we could see beautiful white and black sand beaches. The port area is relatively simple with little restaurants, a few shops, taxis for tours, and “panga” boats to take people to other beaches. The population is approximately 7,000. TK and I realized that we have not followed our past practices by taking a tour the first time we are in a new port. We need to get back on track because an overview is important. We strolled along the nearest beach and I explored some of the shops. The silver jewelry, handcrafted in Taxco, is very beautiful. I think I have made a few good purchases in the last few ports.
We were back on the ship by 10:30 and I did some laundry ($1/ wash; $1/dry—very reasonable when we paid $3 per load in the hotel). After that I went to the pool to read and moved to the shade because of the heat. Someone asked me if it was too hot in the sun. I replied, “Yes, and I hate to say that since I am from Pennsylvania.”
At 3 p.m. I went to the Panama Canal Transit lecture that really inspired me yet again about our voyage through the canal. I will write more about this later (much to Son B’s delight, I am sure-she wrote smiling).
More later….the captain just announced that he is making a special maneuver to the starboard side to counteract what is happening.
The exciting weather lasted about 4 hours, but by the time we went to dinner at 7:30, the wind had subsided. Just as I trusted Captain Walter Rybka on the Niagara, so I trust Captain Mariana Manfuso on the Coral Princess!
Antonio, the head waiter who has been checking in on us each evening, brought us a supreme fried shrimp and fried calamari appetizer from the “Chef’s Table.” We had signed up for the experience of dining at the Chef’s Table on the first day. The experience consists of ultimate dining and touring the galley. We were put on a waiting list, but Antonio is going to check to see if we can be selected.
We also had tomato/mozzarella salad, pineapple/raspberry salad, chilled tomato/cucumber gazpacho, Chateaubriand, peanut butter pie, and a chocolate sundae. (I combine my choices and TK’s so it doesn’t seem like I am eating so much). The meals are exquisite and the service has been impeccable. We finish dining about 9 p.m each evening and depending on the night’s entertainment we just walk around and enjoy the music.
TK’s takes: the poolside music is driving TK crazy. He expects to listen to island music/Jimmy Buffet style. I do not have the same musical sophistication that he has and I am just happy with live music. He also really wants to know what kind of storm we had---it just blew in and blew out.
Aside to Donna and Lawrence: I forgot to mention that when we were in Hollywood, TK took a picture of Pierce Brosnan’s star, in remembrance of our 2008 MUTS experience on the Grand Princess when Lawrence said that “007” and the James Bond movies were ruined for him forever after seeing Pierce in Mama Mia.
As I write this at 5:52 EST on Wednesday, we are facing a storm force (Force 11) wind of 68 knots. This means we are rocking and rolling, but on a ship this size we are not in danger. Our cabin is on the port side and that is the side that is receiving the force. As I look out onto the balcony, I can see waves of about 10 ft. The captain announced that everyone should be careful walking around because it is a little difficult. The sea does not seem as bad as the night on I was on the Niagara on the Atlantic Ocean in 1996 and a severe storm hit. The Niagara is a little smaller than this cruise ship. TK likes studying the sea, and he is remarking that there are no clouds in the sky and no rain, just wind. He surmises it is coming off land.
As we go further south it is getting warmer and warmer, just as the east coast and Pennsylvania is getting a lot of snow! This morning we arrived in Huatulco, the “Cancun of the Pacific,” at 8 a.m. (pronounced wah tul co). Distance from Los Angeles is 1800 miles. In 1984 the Mexican government purchased 52,000 acres of land with the intention of building another tourist destination like Cancun. There are 9 bays and 36 different beaches here. It is also a critical bird habitat and no trees can be cut down unless they are farmed trees. Huatulco’s ecological practices have won awards. The lectured also said that 20 varieties of bananas are grown here and there are 6-8 waterfalls in the area. As soon as we got off the ship we could see beautiful white and black sand beaches. The port area is relatively simple with little restaurants, a few shops, taxis for tours, and “panga” boats to take people to other beaches. The population is approximately 7,000. TK and I realized that we have not followed our past practices by taking a tour the first time we are in a new port. We need to get back on track because an overview is important. We strolled along the nearest beach and I explored some of the shops. The silver jewelry, handcrafted in Taxco, is very beautiful. I think I have made a few good purchases in the last few ports.
We were back on the ship by 10:30 and I did some laundry ($1/ wash; $1/dry—very reasonable when we paid $3 per load in the hotel). After that I went to the pool to read and moved to the shade because of the heat. Someone asked me if it was too hot in the sun. I replied, “Yes, and I hate to say that since I am from Pennsylvania.”
At 3 p.m. I went to the Panama Canal Transit lecture that really inspired me yet again about our voyage through the canal. I will write more about this later (much to Son B’s delight, I am sure-she wrote smiling).
More later….the captain just announced that he is making a special maneuver to the starboard side to counteract what is happening.
The exciting weather lasted about 4 hours, but by the time we went to dinner at 7:30, the wind had subsided. Just as I trusted Captain Walter Rybka on the Niagara, so I trust Captain Mariana Manfuso on the Coral Princess!
Antonio, the head waiter who has been checking in on us each evening, brought us a supreme fried shrimp and fried calamari appetizer from the “Chef’s Table.” We had signed up for the experience of dining at the Chef’s Table on the first day. The experience consists of ultimate dining and touring the galley. We were put on a waiting list, but Antonio is going to check to see if we can be selected.
We also had tomato/mozzarella salad, pineapple/raspberry salad, chilled tomato/cucumber gazpacho, Chateaubriand, peanut butter pie, and a chocolate sundae. (I combine my choices and TK’s so it doesn’t seem like I am eating so much). The meals are exquisite and the service has been impeccable. We finish dining about 9 p.m each evening and depending on the night’s entertainment we just walk around and enjoy the music.
TK’s takes: the poolside music is driving TK crazy. He expects to listen to island music/Jimmy Buffet style. I do not have the same musical sophistication that he has and I am just happy with live music. He also really wants to know what kind of storm we had---it just blew in and blew out.
Aside to Donna and Lawrence: I forgot to mention that when we were in Hollywood, TK took a picture of Pierce Brosnan’s star, in remembrance of our 2008 MUTS experience on the Grand Princess when Lawrence said that “007” and the James Bond movies were ruined for him forever after seeing Pierce in Mama Mia.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
ENCORE IN ACAPULCO, MEXICO
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
This morning we found out that if you don’t put your room service request on your door the night before, you do not get room service the next morning! Mea culpa! TK kindly went to the buffet and brought me back some coffee, thank goodness!
When I got ready, we had breakfast at the buffet. TK likes the eggs benedict, the hash browns, and bacon. I stuck to diced watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe, and pineapple. I was pleased that there was no wait for the buffet. On a cruise ship the silverware is already on the tables and a waiter removes the dishes when one has eaten. The waiter also brings coffee and juice. Available for breakfast at the buffet: a fruit bar, breakfast breads/rolls/Danish/bagel/toast etc., cereal, omelets made to order, eggs done other ways (eggs benedict, scrambled, etc.), waffles/pancakes, fish selections, hash browns, ham, bacon, sausage selections, etc. etc.
After breakfast we headed for Acapulco and decided to take a city tour offered at the terminal, $25 pp. I can’t believe we have been in Acapulco twice in two weeks. We visited areas similar to the tour in January, but during the daytime. We saw the cliff divers, so totally daring. We stopped at various high points of the city for panoramic views of the Pacific, the bay, and the city. We saw the Beverly Hills of Acapulco—huge villas perched on the hills with swimming pools incorporated into the hillside. Bruce Willis and Sylvester Stallone have homes here. We also visited The Flamingo, the hotel to stars like Humphrey Bogart, Red Skelton, John Wayne, Johnny Weismuller, Liz Taylor and Richard Burton. Another stop was the Casablanca Hotel, built in 1937. It is still being used, but has seen better days.
We stopped for a Coca Cola Light and nachos at Senor Frog’s near the ship after I bought a few more silver .925 pieces. Back on the ship by 3:30 p.m., we went to the pool for some sun and the live band. This is when we really missed the NCL Dawn, the Calypso band, and the poolside fun with CC friends Angel, Bill, KC, Barb, Paul, Kathy, Jeff, Dawn, Kenny, Elaine, and Chuck! The Crown crowd does not compare. (note to our NCL Dawn friends-those of you going on the Mardi Gras cruise next week—have a great time!!!! We will be partying at the same time in Colombia, thinking of you!)
Acapulco: 4-5 hours from Mexico City, population 721,000, originally part of the Aztec empire.
Dinner: shitake mushroom tartlet, celery root and apple soup, diced prickly pear and pineapple, ribeye steak with Paris butter, 5 layer black forest cake with sour (not really sour) cherries and kirschwasser.
The “Fiesta Tropical Deck Party” on the pool deck started at 9:30 p.m. --- warm (90s) with a starry night. I liked the live music, but the action did not compare to the NCL Dawn, the Grand Princess, or the Carnival Spirit at all.
TK’s Takes: It was very hot today, but not too humid, probably 90s. We got a better idea of Acapulco today.
This morning we found out that if you don’t put your room service request on your door the night before, you do not get room service the next morning! Mea culpa! TK kindly went to the buffet and brought me back some coffee, thank goodness!
When I got ready, we had breakfast at the buffet. TK likes the eggs benedict, the hash browns, and bacon. I stuck to diced watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe, and pineapple. I was pleased that there was no wait for the buffet. On a cruise ship the silverware is already on the tables and a waiter removes the dishes when one has eaten. The waiter also brings coffee and juice. Available for breakfast at the buffet: a fruit bar, breakfast breads/rolls/Danish/bagel/toast etc., cereal, omelets made to order, eggs done other ways (eggs benedict, scrambled, etc.), waffles/pancakes, fish selections, hash browns, ham, bacon, sausage selections, etc. etc.
After breakfast we headed for Acapulco and decided to take a city tour offered at the terminal, $25 pp. I can’t believe we have been in Acapulco twice in two weeks. We visited areas similar to the tour in January, but during the daytime. We saw the cliff divers, so totally daring. We stopped at various high points of the city for panoramic views of the Pacific, the bay, and the city. We saw the Beverly Hills of Acapulco—huge villas perched on the hills with swimming pools incorporated into the hillside. Bruce Willis and Sylvester Stallone have homes here. We also visited The Flamingo, the hotel to stars like Humphrey Bogart, Red Skelton, John Wayne, Johnny Weismuller, Liz Taylor and Richard Burton. Another stop was the Casablanca Hotel, built in 1937. It is still being used, but has seen better days.
We stopped for a Coca Cola Light and nachos at Senor Frog’s near the ship after I bought a few more silver .925 pieces. Back on the ship by 3:30 p.m., we went to the pool for some sun and the live band. This is when we really missed the NCL Dawn, the Calypso band, and the poolside fun with CC friends Angel, Bill, KC, Barb, Paul, Kathy, Jeff, Dawn, Kenny, Elaine, and Chuck! The Crown crowd does not compare. (note to our NCL Dawn friends-those of you going on the Mardi Gras cruise next week—have a great time!!!! We will be partying at the same time in Colombia, thinking of you!)
Acapulco: 4-5 hours from Mexico City, population 721,000, originally part of the Aztec empire.
Dinner: shitake mushroom tartlet, celery root and apple soup, diced prickly pear and pineapple, ribeye steak with Paris butter, 5 layer black forest cake with sour (not really sour) cherries and kirschwasser.
The “Fiesta Tropical Deck Party” on the pool deck started at 9:30 p.m. --- warm (90s) with a starry night. I liked the live music, but the action did not compare to the NCL Dawn, the Grand Princess, or the Carnival Spirit at all.
TK’s Takes: It was very hot today, but not too humid, probably 90s. We got a better idea of Acapulco today.
Monday, February 8, 2010
CORAL PRINCESS ITINERARY/YOU CAN SEE OUR SHIP
Coral Princess Itinerary:
February 5, 2010: leave Los Angeles
February 6, 2010: At Sea
February 7, 2010: Cabo San Lucas
February 8, 2010: At Sea
February 9, 2010: Acapulco
February 10, 2010: Huatulco
February 11, 2010: At Sea
February 12, 2010: Puntarenas, Costa Rico
February 13, 2010: At Sea
February 14, 2010: Puerto Amador, Panama (Valentine’s Day)
February 15, 2010: Panama Canal Transit (Presidents Day)
February 16, 2010: Cartagena, Colombia (Mardi Gras)
February 17, 2010: Aruba
February 18, 2010: At Sea
February 19, 2010: At Sea
February 20, 2010: Fort Lauderdale
To us, the wonderful thing about cruising is that our “hotel” takes us to so many interesting ports, this time from the Pacific to the Atlantic!
TK says that there is a video cam on the front of our ship, and if anyone wants to see where we are, they can go to www.princess.com and look for the Coral Princess. I hope this is easy as I have not accessed the site. This will be sort of fun on port days and the day we go through the Panama Canal. TK watched the Coral Princess in the Panama Canal in September when CC friends, Vickie and Bernie went through it. They told Karen that one day at sea there is a craft project during which people make signs to hold on the starboard side of the ship to display for friends watching the ship on the Internet. I need to find out what website this is and designate the time (EST) that we will hold our sign up. I do not assume that our dear readers have the time to watch the ship go through the canal, but we can give it a go! TK is going to check this out on the Internet in Acapulco and I will update this particular post.
February 5, 2010: leave Los Angeles
February 6, 2010: At Sea
February 7, 2010: Cabo San Lucas
February 8, 2010: At Sea
February 9, 2010: Acapulco
February 10, 2010: Huatulco
February 11, 2010: At Sea
February 12, 2010: Puntarenas, Costa Rico
February 13, 2010: At Sea
February 14, 2010: Puerto Amador, Panama (Valentine’s Day)
February 15, 2010: Panama Canal Transit (Presidents Day)
February 16, 2010: Cartagena, Colombia (Mardi Gras)
February 17, 2010: Aruba
February 18, 2010: At Sea
February 19, 2010: At Sea
February 20, 2010: Fort Lauderdale
To us, the wonderful thing about cruising is that our “hotel” takes us to so many interesting ports, this time from the Pacific to the Atlantic!
TK says that there is a video cam on the front of our ship, and if anyone wants to see where we are, they can go to www.princess.com and look for the Coral Princess. I hope this is easy as I have not accessed the site. This will be sort of fun on port days and the day we go through the Panama Canal. TK watched the Coral Princess in the Panama Canal in September when CC friends, Vickie and Bernie went through it. They told Karen that one day at sea there is a craft project during which people make signs to hold on the starboard side of the ship to display for friends watching the ship on the Internet. I need to find out what website this is and designate the time (EST) that we will hold our sign up. I do not assume that our dear readers have the time to watch the ship go through the canal, but we can give it a go! TK is going to check this out on the Internet in Acapulco and I will update this particular post.
BY THE POOL ALL DAY!
Monday, February 08, 2010 / 80s and sunny!
After room service/continental breakfast on the balcony (orange juice, warm fresh Danish, and coffee) at 8 a.m., we headed straight to the Lido Deck/Pool-14. (side note: on the Carnival Spirit, if we ordered room service for 7 a.m., it arrived at 7 a.m. every day; on the Crown I circled 7 to 7:30 on the request form that is placed on the doorknob at night and on the first morning on the ship, room service arrived at 6:45-so now I circle a little later and we get up about 7:30 a.m. I am definitely not complaining about room service, just an observation!)
I was on a lounge chair next to a very white man. I noticed that I am very tan for me. I think I am now about the color of a croissant and TK is the color of very dark toast. I read my book, The Shooters, most all day by the pool. Reading all day is not my usual activity at home, so I am relaxing and soaking up sun to last me through March. TK loves the pool.
About 3 p.m. the afternoon movie, The General, was shown on the Lido Deck/pool side on the Movie Under the Stars screen. The General is a 1927 silent film written and directed by Buster Keaton. He was also the star. TK and I both watched this movie (95 minutes actually). I don’t remember ever watching a silent film in total before and decided that it was a good opportunity to observe a historical perspective.
The movie is set during the Civil War with a young Buster Keaton as an engineer of a train called "General." His girlfriend thinks he should enlist in the Army of the South, but he is rejected because his job as an engineer is too useful. She does not understand and through a series of comical events he discovers a Northern Army plot, rescues the girl, and uses “The General” to thwart the activities of the North. Honestly, Buster Keaton’s heroic adventures made Tom Cruise seem like a sandbagger! We observed only four other people at the pool watching this movie.
I have said before that TK thinks the average age of the ship’s passengers is about 80, so I guess we are going with the flow!
At the pool there was an ice carving demonstration-a horse chiseled quickly out of a block of ice the size of card table cubed.
The cruise director conducted three different pool games that would be fun at B and D’s pool—with a hula-hoop, ping pong balls, and a beach towel.
After our American style turkey dinner, including sweet potatoes with maple syrup and polenta, we went to the Lido/Pool Deck to watch Harry Potter/The Half Blood Prince under the stars. I have to say we really enjoy doing this—sitting in comfy lounge chairs (blankets are provided) with the night sky’s stars twinkling overhead, the sea rolling by, a warm Pacific breeze, as we eat our popcorn. The movie was long (until midnight) and not as good as previous ones, but we stayed awake until the “dramatic” end.
More about The General: TK and I discussed this movie over dinner and what stood out. Buster Keaton must have done all his own stunts. The movie was made about 70 years after the Civil War—the train scenes were incredible. The engines were wood-fired steam engines. A bridge must have been built for the collapsing bridge scene-would they have had the technology to make miniatures?? Why was the South emphasized and the Northern army made to look silly? Was Buster Keaton a Southerner? There was no diversity in the movie.
TK’s Takes: the music by the pool is mostly Sinatra era. No Jimmy Buffet, no rock and roll here.
After room service/continental breakfast on the balcony (orange juice, warm fresh Danish, and coffee) at 8 a.m., we headed straight to the Lido Deck/Pool-14. (side note: on the Carnival Spirit, if we ordered room service for 7 a.m., it arrived at 7 a.m. every day; on the Crown I circled 7 to 7:30 on the request form that is placed on the doorknob at night and on the first morning on the ship, room service arrived at 6:45-so now I circle a little later and we get up about 7:30 a.m. I am definitely not complaining about room service, just an observation!)
I was on a lounge chair next to a very white man. I noticed that I am very tan for me. I think I am now about the color of a croissant and TK is the color of very dark toast. I read my book, The Shooters, most all day by the pool. Reading all day is not my usual activity at home, so I am relaxing and soaking up sun to last me through March. TK loves the pool.
About 3 p.m. the afternoon movie, The General, was shown on the Lido Deck/pool side on the Movie Under the Stars screen. The General is a 1927 silent film written and directed by Buster Keaton. He was also the star. TK and I both watched this movie (95 minutes actually). I don’t remember ever watching a silent film in total before and decided that it was a good opportunity to observe a historical perspective.
The movie is set during the Civil War with a young Buster Keaton as an engineer of a train called "General." His girlfriend thinks he should enlist in the Army of the South, but he is rejected because his job as an engineer is too useful. She does not understand and through a series of comical events he discovers a Northern Army plot, rescues the girl, and uses “The General” to thwart the activities of the North. Honestly, Buster Keaton’s heroic adventures made Tom Cruise seem like a sandbagger! We observed only four other people at the pool watching this movie.
I have said before that TK thinks the average age of the ship’s passengers is about 80, so I guess we are going with the flow!
At the pool there was an ice carving demonstration-a horse chiseled quickly out of a block of ice the size of card table cubed.
The cruise director conducted three different pool games that would be fun at B and D’s pool—with a hula-hoop, ping pong balls, and a beach towel.
After our American style turkey dinner, including sweet potatoes with maple syrup and polenta, we went to the Lido/Pool Deck to watch Harry Potter/The Half Blood Prince under the stars. I have to say we really enjoy doing this—sitting in comfy lounge chairs (blankets are provided) with the night sky’s stars twinkling overhead, the sea rolling by, a warm Pacific breeze, as we eat our popcorn. The movie was long (until midnight) and not as good as previous ones, but we stayed awake until the “dramatic” end.
More about The General: TK and I discussed this movie over dinner and what stood out. Buster Keaton must have done all his own stunts. The movie was made about 70 years after the Civil War—the train scenes were incredible. The engines were wood-fired steam engines. A bridge must have been built for the collapsing bridge scene-would they have had the technology to make miniatures?? Why was the South emphasized and the Northern army made to look silly? Was Buster Keaton a Southerner? There was no diversity in the movie.
TK’s Takes: the music by the pool is mostly Sinatra era. No Jimmy Buffet, no rock and roll here.
CABO SAN LUCAS AND A SAINTS SUPERBOWL
CABO SAN LUCAS AND A PRINCESS SUPERBOWL
Sunday, February 07, 2010 / warmer and sunny
We got up early because we wanted to watch for whales. We did see some whale spouts and a few leaps in the distance—I am so glad that we saw as many as we did last cruise. We attended the lecture about Acapulco and have a strategy for that port on Wednesday.
We thought tendering to Cabo would be a long process, but actually we got on one of the first boats out. What beautiful beaches and rock formations along the coast!
Cabo San Lucas, on the Baja peninsula, has a population of 41,000. Spanish explorer Hernan Cortez first landed nearby in the 16th century. In 1834, President James Polk sided with the Texans who were tired of paying taxes to Mexican generals. U.S. troops marched on La Paz and San Jose and at the bargaining table the Americans conceded that they didn’t need any more desert than they already had so Baja was left to the Mexicans, according to Princess material.
I did enjoy shopping here and count the day as successful—more vanilla, Taxco silver gifts for C and D, beach towels, and more. We had quesadillas at Cabo Wabo restaurant and bar, the best ever!! TK loved the guacamole. Sammy Hagar (formerly of a band that we promptly forgot the name of) has played here. There are some HUGE yachts in the harbor, as well as the biggest sailboat (modern, 2 masted-100 ft. long) that I have ever seen.
There is much to do in Cabo besides shop, e.g. water taxis, paragliding, fishing, beaches, etc. and we would like to return. The ship was only at port a half day and we did not get involved in anything else.
When we returned to the ship we watched the Super Bowl on the big TV/movie screen by the pool. Most everyone aboard was rooting for the New Orleans Saints, including us. Granddaughter B1 told me on Friday that she wanted the Colts to win and Son B was sort of on the edge about it, so I feel a little guilty, but we LOVE the city of New Orleans and that inspired our support! They won!
(note to Kathy and Jeff in New Orleans--I bet you are really really happy about the Saints!!! Enjoy!)
Dinner tonight: a very good beef bouillon/vegetable soup (J), black bean soup (TK), shrimp cocktail, rack of veal with artichokes (both of us), warm apple strudel (J), and toffee/chocolate chip cake (TK). Needless to say our family and friends won’t recognize us when we get home. Everything went smoothly with our reservation we got a lot of attention from the Maitre D’ and the Assistant Maitre D’.
For entertainment we enjoyed the comedian Al Katz again-he joked about hunting deer in Bradford, Pennsylvania and praised teachers. After the show we talked to him briefly-he said he had been to an Erie comedy club, but not recently.
Sunday, February 07, 2010 / warmer and sunny
We got up early because we wanted to watch for whales. We did see some whale spouts and a few leaps in the distance—I am so glad that we saw as many as we did last cruise. We attended the lecture about Acapulco and have a strategy for that port on Wednesday.
We thought tendering to Cabo would be a long process, but actually we got on one of the first boats out. What beautiful beaches and rock formations along the coast!
Cabo San Lucas, on the Baja peninsula, has a population of 41,000. Spanish explorer Hernan Cortez first landed nearby in the 16th century. In 1834, President James Polk sided with the Texans who were tired of paying taxes to Mexican generals. U.S. troops marched on La Paz and San Jose and at the bargaining table the Americans conceded that they didn’t need any more desert than they already had so Baja was left to the Mexicans, according to Princess material.
I did enjoy shopping here and count the day as successful—more vanilla, Taxco silver gifts for C and D, beach towels, and more. We had quesadillas at Cabo Wabo restaurant and bar, the best ever!! TK loved the guacamole. Sammy Hagar (formerly of a band that we promptly forgot the name of) has played here. There are some HUGE yachts in the harbor, as well as the biggest sailboat (modern, 2 masted-100 ft. long) that I have ever seen.
There is much to do in Cabo besides shop, e.g. water taxis, paragliding, fishing, beaches, etc. and we would like to return. The ship was only at port a half day and we did not get involved in anything else.
When we returned to the ship we watched the Super Bowl on the big TV/movie screen by the pool. Most everyone aboard was rooting for the New Orleans Saints, including us. Granddaughter B1 told me on Friday that she wanted the Colts to win and Son B was sort of on the edge about it, so I feel a little guilty, but we LOVE the city of New Orleans and that inspired our support! They won!
(note to Kathy and Jeff in New Orleans--I bet you are really really happy about the Saints!!! Enjoy!)
Dinner tonight: a very good beef bouillon/vegetable soup (J), black bean soup (TK), shrimp cocktail, rack of veal with artichokes (both of us), warm apple strudel (J), and toffee/chocolate chip cake (TK). Needless to say our family and friends won’t recognize us when we get home. Everything went smoothly with our reservation we got a lot of attention from the Maitre D’ and the Assistant Maitre D’.
For entertainment we enjoyed the comedian Al Katz again-he joked about hunting deer in Bradford, Pennsylvania and praised teachers. After the show we talked to him briefly-he said he had been to an Erie comedy club, but not recently.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
CORAL PRINCESS-WELCOME ABOARD!
Friday, February 5, 2010 / rainy and cool
We were ready for the shuttle to the Coral Princess by 9 a.m. with the help of the bellman. Embarking was easy and we were quickly on the ship. The Coral Princess is elegant. We had lunch in the buffet, participated in the mandatory safety drill with our life jackets, and unpacked. The ship left port at 5 p.m. and this time the Pacific Ocean was more welcoming. TK won a floral arrangement at the Sail Away party. I think that is a great gift for Valentine’s Day! For dinner we had spring rolls, chilled pineapple soup, and the best prime rib. The evening show, comedian Al Katz, was very good.
TK’s Takes: He thinks the average cruiser age on this ship is 80. The weather was bad, but we did not get sick. We miss our cruise friends!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
This morning I attended the shopping show. Although the show was long, I think Cabo San Lucas will be a fun shopping port! Our Cruise Critic “Meet and Greet” was held in the Explorers Lounge. The Captain, Chief Mate, Food and Beverage Director, and Guest Services people attended, along with about 20 people escaping cold weather, from Washington, Michigan, Colorado, and other northern states.
Saturday, February 06, 2010 / sunny and cool
This morning I attended the port shopping show. Although the show was long, I think Cabo San Lucas will be a fun shopping port!
Our Cruise Critic “Meet and Greet” was held in the Explorers Lounge. The Captain, Chief Mate, Food and Beverage Director, and Guest Services people attended, along with about 20 people escaping cold weather, from Washington, Michigan, Colorado, and other northern states.
Since it was cool on deck we spent a low key day reading and exploring the ship. We did see some whale spouts about a mile from the ship. We think this captain is staying further away from the whales than the one on the Spirit. We went to the lecture on Cabo San Lucas, too.
We had a little glitch tonight with our “anytime” dining. We waited about 30 minutes (it was 8:15 p.m. by then) for a table for two with a pager. It finally buzzed, we approached the desk, and the hostess said she was going to seat us with four others. We had really planned on a dinner for two tonight and mentioned that. She promptly told me we would have to wait some more. I said that we would do something else. At that time I did not know what else we were actually going to do, when TK spotted the Food and Beverage Director. He immediately hailed the Maitre D’ who took us to the main dining room for dinner. Thank goodness we did not have to go to the buffet because the dinner was superb: chilled tamarind soup, ample filet mignon (TK), roast pork and braised red cabbage (MJ), chocolate hazelnut souffle, and a caramelized pear tart. The Maitre D’ also set us up with dinner every night at 7:30 p.m. at a window. That would seem to defeat the purpose of anytime dining, but that has been a good time for us. Donna and Lawrence, where are you????
We browsed the shops and then retired so that we could arise early tomorrow.
An Al Katz joke: He asked a couple in the audience how long they had been married.
She said, “Fifty-eight years!”
Al Katz responded, “If you had killed him when you wanted to, you would be out of jail by now.”
We were ready for the shuttle to the Coral Princess by 9 a.m. with the help of the bellman. Embarking was easy and we were quickly on the ship. The Coral Princess is elegant. We had lunch in the buffet, participated in the mandatory safety drill with our life jackets, and unpacked. The ship left port at 5 p.m. and this time the Pacific Ocean was more welcoming. TK won a floral arrangement at the Sail Away party. I think that is a great gift for Valentine’s Day! For dinner we had spring rolls, chilled pineapple soup, and the best prime rib. The evening show, comedian Al Katz, was very good.
TK’s Takes: He thinks the average cruiser age on this ship is 80. The weather was bad, but we did not get sick. We miss our cruise friends!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
This morning I attended the shopping show. Although the show was long, I think Cabo San Lucas will be a fun shopping port! Our Cruise Critic “Meet and Greet” was held in the Explorers Lounge. The Captain, Chief Mate, Food and Beverage Director, and Guest Services people attended, along with about 20 people escaping cold weather, from Washington, Michigan, Colorado, and other northern states.
Saturday, February 06, 2010 / sunny and cool
This morning I attended the port shopping show. Although the show was long, I think Cabo San Lucas will be a fun shopping port!
Our Cruise Critic “Meet and Greet” was held in the Explorers Lounge. The Captain, Chief Mate, Food and Beverage Director, and Guest Services people attended, along with about 20 people escaping cold weather, from Washington, Michigan, Colorado, and other northern states.
Since it was cool on deck we spent a low key day reading and exploring the ship. We did see some whale spouts about a mile from the ship. We think this captain is staying further away from the whales than the one on the Spirit. We went to the lecture on Cabo San Lucas, too.
We had a little glitch tonight with our “anytime” dining. We waited about 30 minutes (it was 8:15 p.m. by then) for a table for two with a pager. It finally buzzed, we approached the desk, and the hostess said she was going to seat us with four others. We had really planned on a dinner for two tonight and mentioned that. She promptly told me we would have to wait some more. I said that we would do something else. At that time I did not know what else we were actually going to do, when TK spotted the Food and Beverage Director. He immediately hailed the Maitre D’ who took us to the main dining room for dinner. Thank goodness we did not have to go to the buffet because the dinner was superb: chilled tamarind soup, ample filet mignon (TK), roast pork and braised red cabbage (MJ), chocolate hazelnut souffle, and a caramelized pear tart. The Maitre D’ also set us up with dinner every night at 7:30 p.m. at a window. That would seem to defeat the purpose of anytime dining, but that has been a good time for us. Donna and Lawrence, where are you????
We browsed the shops and then retired so that we could arise early tomorrow.
An Al Katz joke: He asked a couple in the audience how long they had been married.
She said, “Fifty-eight years!”
Al Katz responded, “If you had killed him when you wanted to, you would be out of jail by now.”
Thursday, February 4, 2010
HOLLYWOOD, HERE WE COME!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
I had a simple bagel and fruit for breakfast at the hotel and TK had breakfast at Grinders, a short walk from here. I mailed our Valentine's Day cards and then decided to walk to downtown San Pedro. There is a Warner Theater, but it is not as nicely kept as ours in Erie. There are antique shops, art galleries, cafes, flower shops, and more and as I walked further it looked a lot like downtown Erie.
Back at the hotel we signed up for the "Movie Stars' Homes, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and Beach Cities" tour for this afternoon. We are supposed to see the Hollywood sign, the Chinese Theater, Sunset Strip, and Rodeo Drive, etc. I'm afraid a movie producer or director might spot us and want us to be in a blockbuster movie.
In case that does not happen, we may meet fellow cruisers later in the hotel lounge.
Our first stop on the tour was Venice Beach, full of street vendors, sidewalk performers, dozens and dozens of little shops, and kids who should probably be in school. The beach and shops seemed to go on and on. This would definitely be a destination for daytime. We drove by the 100 year old Santa Monica pier that actually has an amusement park on it.
Our experienced tour guide, Arther, (over 80 yrs. old) and has been a guide for 40 years. He was friends with Jimmy Stewart and served as a body guard for Hugh Hefner. He told us to check out the restaurants and if they were marked A, B, or C. “A” restaurants have passed a rigid health inspection, the others have not. Every restaurant must clearly display its designation according to the state of California. TK and I think this is a good idea.
Arther told us that Los Angeles has a population of 3.5 million and when one counts the county’s 47 cities, the population is 7 million. He also said that LA is trying to get two football teams to move there, including the Jacksonville Panthers and the Buffalo Bills.
We drove by Rancho Park, #1 in the fabric industry, and Century City. We stopped in Beverly Hills to shop on Rodeo Drive at Van Cleef & Arpel, Tiffany’s, Gucci, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lalique, Hermes, Michael Kors, Gucci, Armani, and Etro. I especially liked the diamond butterfly necklace and the diamond bird of paradise necklace, but TK would not buy them for me. Arther showed us the spots where Pretty Woman was filmed with Julia Roberts.
We saw the homes of the stars in Beverly Hills, including Jimmy Stewart, Jimmy Durante, Carol Burnett (still), and Walt Disney. The homes were like those along South Shore Drive and Glenwood in Erie-tudors, prairie style, boulevards, lots of property, fenced in with shrubs, slick automobiles (BMW, Mercedes). Arther showed us that the mud slides were just 5 blocks away and cars could not go near. I did not realize that the stars’ homes were so close in the city and that the danger of mudslides was right there—I thought the homes were way off in the distance. The terrain was not unlike the hills in our neighborhood in Erie.
We drove onto Sunset Boulevard / Sunset Strip and saw the homes of Paris Hilton and Halle Berry, the Viper Room owned by Johnny Depp. Arther said this area was the HOT spot to go-burgers are $25.
We spent an hour in Hollywood to get a photo of the sign, which is 81 years old and the letters are 45 feet tall. Besides Grauman Theater (sp?), the star studded sidewalk, the Kodak theater, and the El Capitaine, there was a glorious mall! We saw the stars of John Travolta, Keanu Reeves, and Sandra Bullock. I was looking for Tom Cruise’s star. I did see his handprints and footprints in front of the Grauman Theater.
We stopped briefly at Universal Studios and then returned to the hotel. We saw Karen and Allan from near Detroit, Michigan, Cruise Critic friends from last year’s Grand Princess. Their flight had gone well and we chatted for a while. TK and I went to a late dinner at the nearby Green Onion, another Mexican restaurant.
I had a simple bagel and fruit for breakfast at the hotel and TK had breakfast at Grinders, a short walk from here. I mailed our Valentine's Day cards and then decided to walk to downtown San Pedro. There is a Warner Theater, but it is not as nicely kept as ours in Erie. There are antique shops, art galleries, cafes, flower shops, and more and as I walked further it looked a lot like downtown Erie.
Back at the hotel we signed up for the "Movie Stars' Homes, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and Beach Cities" tour for this afternoon. We are supposed to see the Hollywood sign, the Chinese Theater, Sunset Strip, and Rodeo Drive, etc. I'm afraid a movie producer or director might spot us and want us to be in a blockbuster movie.
In case that does not happen, we may meet fellow cruisers later in the hotel lounge.
Our first stop on the tour was Venice Beach, full of street vendors, sidewalk performers, dozens and dozens of little shops, and kids who should probably be in school. The beach and shops seemed to go on and on. This would definitely be a destination for daytime. We drove by the 100 year old Santa Monica pier that actually has an amusement park on it.
Our experienced tour guide, Arther, (over 80 yrs. old) and has been a guide for 40 years. He was friends with Jimmy Stewart and served as a body guard for Hugh Hefner. He told us to check out the restaurants and if they were marked A, B, or C. “A” restaurants have passed a rigid health inspection, the others have not. Every restaurant must clearly display its designation according to the state of California. TK and I think this is a good idea.
Arther told us that Los Angeles has a population of 3.5 million and when one counts the county’s 47 cities, the population is 7 million. He also said that LA is trying to get two football teams to move there, including the Jacksonville Panthers and the Buffalo Bills.
We drove by Rancho Park, #1 in the fabric industry, and Century City. We stopped in Beverly Hills to shop on Rodeo Drive at Van Cleef & Arpel, Tiffany’s, Gucci, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lalique, Hermes, Michael Kors, Gucci, Armani, and Etro. I especially liked the diamond butterfly necklace and the diamond bird of paradise necklace, but TK would not buy them for me. Arther showed us the spots where Pretty Woman was filmed with Julia Roberts.
We saw the homes of the stars in Beverly Hills, including Jimmy Stewart, Jimmy Durante, Carol Burnett (still), and Walt Disney. The homes were like those along South Shore Drive and Glenwood in Erie-tudors, prairie style, boulevards, lots of property, fenced in with shrubs, slick automobiles (BMW, Mercedes). Arther showed us that the mud slides were just 5 blocks away and cars could not go near. I did not realize that the stars’ homes were so close in the city and that the danger of mudslides was right there—I thought the homes were way off in the distance. The terrain was not unlike the hills in our neighborhood in Erie.
We drove onto Sunset Boulevard / Sunset Strip and saw the homes of Paris Hilton and Halle Berry, the Viper Room owned by Johnny Depp. Arther said this area was the HOT spot to go-burgers are $25.
We spent an hour in Hollywood to get a photo of the sign, which is 81 years old and the letters are 45 feet tall. Besides Grauman Theater (sp?), the star studded sidewalk, the Kodak theater, and the El Capitaine, there was a glorious mall! We saw the stars of John Travolta, Keanu Reeves, and Sandra Bullock. I was looking for Tom Cruise’s star. I did see his handprints and footprints in front of the Grauman Theater.
We stopped briefly at Universal Studios and then returned to the hotel. We saw Karen and Allan from near Detroit, Michigan, Cruise Critic friends from last year’s Grand Princess. Their flight had gone well and we chatted for a while. TK and I went to a late dinner at the nearby Green Onion, another Mexican restaurant.
DRIVING IN CALIFORNIA
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 / Sunny, 70s
This morning Marco, the Bellman, loaded up our suitcases for me while TK was renting a car at a nearby Enterprise. Marco, originally from Chicago, told me that he pays $200/month for water. He also said he does his grocery shopping in Tijuana because it is much cheaper there. He only goes there during the day. Soon TK drove up the hotel with a black Dodge Caliber. All of our luggage fit in it and off we went to dash around California traffic.
We drove on Interstate 5 (with 10 to 12 lanes of traffic) for about an hour. Near San Juan Capistrano we switched to the Pacific Coast Highway. We passed Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, and stopped briefly in Huntington Beach and Long Beach. We saw surfers, oil rigs, and lots of sandy beaches. I did not expect the amount of oil rigs in the ocean very near the coast. We also passed plenty of oil rigs drilling on land, too. The landscape was hilly and sandy with palm trees, cacti, and bright flowers along the way. The homes ranged from condos with adobe tile roofs to prairie style. We stopped for a photo of the Queen Mary docked near Long Beach. TK said it is now a hotel.
We arrived in San Pedro, Los Angeles’ port about 2 p.m. and went to our hotel, Crowne Plaza-Los Angeles Harbor Hotel/San Pedro. TK did a wonderful job of driving and I acted as the GPS. TK said that I was obsolete and he prefers the GPS. Personally I think that I did a great job of getting us to San Pedro even if once I did calmly say, “That light is red,” when he appeared to be going through it. A GPS would not have said that.
After checking in, organizing our bags, and returning the car at the hotel, we walked about 8 blocks to the harbor area. There are at least 5 fish markets selling fresh lobster, Dungeness crab, snow crab, King crab legs, shrimp, clams, scallops, and all sorts of fish. People can buy the seafood to take home or they can have it cooked right there any way they like it. There must be at least ten places fixing the fish to order. I truly think there was seating for 1000 people in different pavilions right at the harbor.
We elected to eat at a lovely Mexican restaurant, Acapulco, in the same area. Our booth overlooked the harbor and fishing boats.
TK’s Takes: He wants me to report that he is doing the laundry for the second time this trip.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
SAN DIEGO, WE LOVE YOU
BT=symbol for boiler technician
Dramatic sculpture on "Greatest Generation Way" by the U.S.S. Midway (Midway is in the background)Monday, February 1, 2010 / sunny, high 60s
Brian and Nancy picked us up this morning about 10 a.m. After picking up Donna and Lawrence and all of their luggage (not quite as much as ours), we went directly to “Wienerschnitzel,” a chili dog “restaurant.” B and N thought we needed to have this experience for lunch before we dropped L and D off at the airport. Our ongoing teenage experience continued as we munched our chili dogs, chili burgers, and chili fries outdoors. The dogs are similar to our Greek dogs and burgers back home—I’m glad we did this. After lunch we took D and L to the airport for their return to Wisconsin. We made an agreement to get together in Branson, Missouri, or even another cruise, perhaps later this year.
We traveled back to the Seaport Village for shopping and then went to Coronado, a town on the peninsula that forms the San Diego harbor. We stopped at Hotel del Coronado, built in 1888. We were able to tour the grounds of this grand hotel that reminded me somewhat of the classic Hershey Hotel in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The Hotel del Coronado has a beach on the Pacific! We enjoyed walking this beautiful sandy beach and even went inside the hotel to see the Victorian charm. From there we went to Imperial Beach and Pier. I bought something here that I think Son R will like, if they are the right size. By this time it was near sunset as we walked on the pier, gulls were flying about, a young fisherman displayed the croaker (fish) that he caught, and surfers in wet suits looked for the best waves.
Brian took us to the nearby Veterans Home in Chula Vista to meet his 87 year old mother. She was one of the first 49 women who were at the U.S. Marines Corps Recruit Depot during World War II. She was part of the “Free a Man to Fight” program. She took the troop train to California after basic training and was a truck driver in the motor pool. I was very honored to meet her.
For dinner Brian took us to “La Bella Pizza” in downtown Chula Vista. His 77 year old aunt has worked there for 35 years and she waited on us. I loved the cheese and pepperoni pizza! Chula Vista was the hometown of my dear friend, Chuck. His wife Judy, from Nebraska, was the friend who went to France with Cindy from Connecticut and me in 2008.
We have truly enjoyed our special Cruise Critic friends in San Diego so much. We are going to miss them a lot. Brian and Nancy are heading back to northern California on Tuesday morning.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Today TK and I walked to the port to visit the U.S.S. Midway, an aircraft carrier that was in service from the end of World War II to the liberation of Kuwait in 1991. After spending so many hours on the U.S.S. Yorktown, I cannot believe we spent another three hours on this ship! We had lunch in the “Fantail Café.” TK had navy bean soup, just as he would have had in the Navy aboard his ship, the U.S.S. Columbus! We spent considerable time viewing the engine room, boiler room (TK was a boiler technician in the Navy), chaplain’s quarters, the bomb elevator, the laundry, several different galleys, the mess deck, machine shops, the captain’s quarters, and the flight deck. I was able to go into a Huey helicopter.
I especially liked asking TK to share his experience aboard his Navy cruiser compared to the aircraft carrier. I learned that it was very hot (120 F) in the boiler room where he worked, but an air vent provided air. He showed me the symbol for boiler technician. He told me that his name was stenciled on all his clothes and that he could send his dress uniforms to the drycleaner. It is hard to get information from him, but I will work further on this. He tolerates only so many questions at a time (smile).
It was interesting to experience two U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, one on the Atlantic Ocean and one on the Pacific Ocean, all in one trip!
Near the Midway are the tall ships, Star of India and the HMS Surprise (used in the Master and Commander series).
We walked to the Kansas City BBQ for a soda. This is the restaurant used for a scene in the movie, Top Gun. We then walked to Horton Plaza, a large indoor/outdoor mall in downtown San Diego with Nordstrom’s and Macy’s. We purchased two more pieces of luggage at San Diego Luggage Co.: California Pak Andover Collection -a spinner wheeled 28 inch and a spinner wheeled carry on. We really needed more luggage. After the purchase, TK wanted to throw out one of the older pieces with the broken zipper that we had given to Son B and then taken back for this trip. I convinced him that No. 1. it was really B’s luggage now and No. 2. we still needed that piece of luggage because all the other suitcases are now FULL. I don’t think the new carry on will “carry” all the souvenirs I still want to buy, including the emeralds in Colombia.
We had dinner at the Spaghetti Factory, about 2 blocks from our hotel. The cheese and spinach ravioli was very good and TK had baked chicken. When we returned to the hotel we went to the Marriott’s 22nd floor to see the bar and fire pit atop the building, a very neat spot for San Diego’s nightlife. Other nights when we were returning to our hotel, we saw many people enjoying the downtown city bars and restaurants. Since we have recently been in New York City, New Orleans, and Savannah, we think San Diego compares very, very well! I would definitely recommend this city as a port of call or a destination. We did note a huge convention center, too.
San Diego is an incredible city—we enjoyed our visit very much. I will always envision the gardens and gardens of flowers-purples, oranges, reds, yellows, the bird of paradise blooms ALL over, the palm trees, sun, warmth, the smell of the ocean, a center city port, friendly people, the commercial planes swooping over the city to and from the very near airport, the Navy ships coming and going, helicopters and military planes always in the air, the beaches, the variety of restaurants, the best zoo I have ever seen, the Midway, the shopping, and especially our dear friends who made San Diego so memorable.
We would also recommend the San Diego Marriott-Gaslamp District. The bellmen, the concierge, and the desk staff have all been very helpful. Our room was large and we could see inside Petco Ball Park from our window (San Diego Padres).
Tonight we are packing (now 5 big suitcases, 3 carry ons, my computer bag, and my purse. TK indicated that he is tired and will be driving to Los Angeles tomorrow so I better get a move on packing.
We miss our friends. I also miss our family and friends back home. It is hard to believe that we will be gone another month.
TK’s Takes: The weather is great. He said he could almost live here, if it just wasn’t so far, if he could drive here like he drives to Florida.
SPRINGTIME IN SAN DIEGO
Sunset at Imperial Beach!
Surfing at Imperial Beach
TK and Janie at the beach by Hotel del Coronado
Bird of Paradise blossoms all over!
Chili dog par excellence!
$3.99--of course we tried all three!
Weinerschniztel
Janie, Nancy, and Donna
Poodle skirts at the Corvette Diner
The jail in Old Town
Lawrence and Donna at Old Town
Our first In-n-Out Burger!
Brian and Nancy at their camperSunday, January 31, 2010 / sunny, mid 60s
This morning TK and I saw a farmers’ market near our hotel. I found unusual gifts for B1, B2, and Friend H-gifts created only in San Diego and Key West by the same family! From there we walked to Seaport Village via a boardwalk along the San Diego port. It has at least 50 shops and 8 interesting restaurants. Soon after our arrival at this area, Brian called. He picked us up about 1 p.m. and we drove to Lawrence and Donna’s hotel (near Sea World), then to the KOA campground to pick up Nancy. That gave us the opportunity to see Brian’s brand new 27 ft. Keystone Sprinter camper—it looked very comfortable, sleeps up to six, complete kitchen/dinette, full bath, two flat screen TVs, and two comfy chairs. A nice way to travel!
We all piled into Nancy’s roomy truck, legally or illegally, and Brian drove us to an “In n Out” Burger restaurant. We mid-westerners and easterners had never been to one and Brian thought we should have that experience. Honestly we were like teenagers meeting in a crowded fast food restaurant for burgers and fries. The burgers are very tasty with a special sauce that is different from Burger King.
Brian, who is willing to drive until he finds what he’s looking for, took us to a tram/train stop (#24) so we could take the MTA train to “Old Town.” According to the brochure “Old Town” is the birthplace of California, the site of the first European settlement on the West Coast. There are some original buildings and preserved adobes, others are recreated to showcase this era of the golden west in the late 1700s/ early 1800s. San Diego became a city in 1850. There are museums, e.g. the first public school house (1865), Immaculate Conception Catholic Church—first church built outside the mission system (1865), a sheriff’s museum with an authentic old outside jail, the first 2 story brick building Whaley House (built in 1857), and many more. Among the historic buildings there are shops, markets, cafes, and restaurants.
We spent several hours before we decided to eat. We caught the train back to Stop #24, then Brian and Nancy drove us to “Corvette Diner” on Historic Decatur Road near Liberty Station. This incredible restaurant continued our feeling of being teenagers. The Corvettes as one walked in, a disc jockey playing music from the 50s and 60s, waitresses in poodle skirts, booths, lighting, and photos and drawings of Ricky Nelson, Annette Funicello, etc. all added to the ambiance. We had tasty burgers yet again.
After dinner Brian drove us to the Mexican border (Tijuana is about 10 miles from San Diego). Only Lawrence and Donna had their passports with them, so we could not cross the border. It was an interesting experience, though, because some of us learned that one cannot take photos of Federal buildings.
After dropping Donna and Lawrence off, Brian and Nancy returned us to the Marriott about 11 p.m.
Monday, February 1, 2010 / sunny, high 60s
Brian and Nancy picked us up this morning about 10 a.m. After picking up Donna and Lawrence and all of their luggage (not quite as much as ours), we went directly to “Wienerschnitzel,” a chili dog “restaurant.” B and N thought we needed to have this experience for lunch before we dropped L and D off at the airport. Our ongoing teenage experience continued as we munched our chili dogs, chili burgers, and chili fries outdoors. The dogs are similar to our Greek dogs and burgers back home—I’m glad we did this. After lunch we took D and L to the airport for their return to Wisconsin. We made an agreement to get together in Branson, Missouri, or even another cruise, perhaps later this year.
We traveled back to the Seaport Village for shopping and then went to Coronado, a town on the peninsula that forms the San Diego harbor. We stopped at Hotel del Coronado, built in 1888. We were able to tour the grounds of this grand hotel that reminded me somewhat of the classic Hershey Hotel in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The Hotel del Coronado has a beach on the Pacific! We enjoyed walking this beautiful sandy beach and even went inside the hotel to see the Victorian charm. From there we went to Imperial Beach and Pier. I bought something here that I think Son R will like, if they are the right size. By this time it was near sunset as we walked on the pier, gulls were flying about, a young fisherman displayed the croaker (fish) that he caught, and surfers in wet suits looked for the best waves.
Brian took us to the nearby Veterans Home in Chula Vista to meet his 87 year old mother. She was one of the first 49 women who were at the U.S. Marines Corps Recruit Depot during World War II. She was part of the “Free a Man to Fight” program. She took the troop train to California after basic training and was a truck driver in the motor pool. I was very honored to meet her.
For dinner Brian took us to “La Bella Pizza” in downtown Chula Vista. His 77 year old aunt has worked there for 35 years and she waited on us. I loved the cheese and pepperoni pizza! Chula Vista was the hometown of my dear friend, Chuck. His wife Judy, from Nebraska, was the friend who went to France with Cindy from Connecticut and me in 2008.
We have truly enjoyed our special Cruise Critic friends in San Diego so much. We are going to miss them a lot. Brian and Nancy are heading back to northern California on Tuesday morning.
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