Manzanillo - Mexico

Quote of the Day: “None of the officers come and dance with us in the evening. On P&O some of them were there every night. It was so good. Even Warren, the Cruise Director, doesn’t show up, and he’s a professional dancer. But then he doesn’t turn up anywhere apart from on the Wake Show on TV, does he?”

This is a great little Mexican port, which has geared itself up fairly well for the tourist trade. They’ve set up speakers in the cruise ship pier area, so we’re all serenaded with Mexican music as we promenade through the little souvenir stalls on the way to town. Add in a few flamenco dancers and it’s a great atmosphere.

We’d been here before, so I was more than happy to sign up to a private excursion, organized by the lovely Ros. This took us firstly to Colima, the state capital, about 90 minutes drive from the port, where we visited the “pyramids”. They are actually the stone bases of wooden buildings, and extend over many hectares. At one stage it’s estimated that 50,000 people lived in this ancient city. The ruins were discovered back in the 1920s, but they’ve only been excavated since 1995. Very interesting place.

From there, it was a quick trip to a small museum, showcasing some of the pottery found at the above site, then off to lunch in the “white” village of Comala – traditional Mexican food, complete with beer. That all went down very well!

After the mandatory rush through the craft shop, it was a speedy downhill race back to the port, where there was just time for a little more shopping before boarding.

Tonight was another Captain’s Circle cocktail party, complete with soggy nibbles and strange coloured drinks, all of a quality best avoided. Formal night as well, so again we guys all dressed up as waiters for dinner. I suggested to the room steward that maybe we were all working for our dinner tonight, which he found very funny.

Anyway, some old git I hadn’t met before asked me if I was a jockey (shades of the rumour going around last year that I was some famous Aussie jockey). OK so I’m short, but do I ask every tall person if they’re basketball players? Sheesh. Anyway, when I asked him if he was an accountant, because that’s what he looked like, he got a little huffy… at which point I departed rapidly on the pretense of looking for a drink… now where’s my copy of “How To Make Friends And Influence People”?

San Juan Del Sur - Nicaragua

Quote of the Day: “I left my iPad on a seat up in the coffee lounge while I went to the loo, and someone swiped it. And I was worried about crime in Panama…”

San Juan turned out to be another great port I’d never heard of. I had originally booked an excursion to Granada, but cancelled as I didn’t fancy another long drive to get there. That turned out to be another good call, as it was much hotter in Granada than at the port.

Mike, Heather and I did a walk along the bay, and sat for a while under some trees, soaking up the scenery. The beach was virtually deserted, but we did get chatting with a young German surfer, who told us he had a hostel room in town for $US10 per night. The surf was good, so he thought he’s be staying a while.

The town itself was cute, and surprisingly clean. The multicoloured houses were reminiscent of Curacao, but not as modern. Walking back through town, we found an open sided restaurant, where we got 4 very drinkable beers for $US7. The food seemed very reasonably priced too, so cheap living all round here.

Costa Rica

Quote of the Day: “I was the Mayor of Worthing last year. It rotates, and you do it for 12 months. I got to wear all the gear and the carry the gold mace (flashes photo conveniently carried in bag). And whenever I went anywhere dressed like this, I got a security officer to protect me.”



Puntarenus in Costa Rica was a bit of a dive. Not much at the end of the pier, apart from a row of craft stalls, where one person got his camera snatched. So it didn’t leave the greatest of impressions. Fortunately I went “Princessing” (slightly derogatory term used to denote taking a tour organized by the ship, rather than doing your own thing, or taking a private tour or taxi). Seeing I’m a regular coffee drinker, I thought I should go to the coffee plantation. Great decision, as it’s a lot cooler at 1200 meters than down at sea level.

ABC

The drive was supposed to take about an hour and a half, but took longer due to road works. Once we arrived, we were taken in small groups around the plantation and processing areas, where the whole process of coffee production was explained. And of course there was coffee and T-shirts to purchase. I decided to leave the brewing of my coffee to the very able barristers back in Wellington.

The plantation itself was quite stunning – hundreds of acres of coffee trees, as well as gardens and forests. Lovely to be out in the countryside for a couple of hours. The drive back took us through the town of Sachi, with its cute church, and the largest hand painted oxcart in the world. Now why is it that we humans come up with a good idea (like an oxcart), then feel the need to build a totally impractical super-sized version of it? Is it just to gain an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records, or does it fill some greater need? I pondered this over a glass or two of fine wine during the evening…



Over the top!





Panama Canal - a fun day.

Quote of the Day: “I got up at 5am to see the sail away from Colon, but it was still dark. So I went back to bed, and the next thing I know it’s after 7am and I’d missed the first lock. Only answer was to go to breakfast.”

The passage through the Canal was scheduled for several hours earlier than last year, so I didn’t think I’d be up to see the first part. Having stayed up chatting until after midnight didn’t help either.

Exiting a lock

It was still another fun day, even if it didn’t have the same excitement the second time in two years. There’s an endless stream of thing to see, and just when you think you might go have something to eat, something else happens. Like rain! Apparently the people up early got soaked, and there was another downpour as we passed through the last of the locks. I retreated to the gym at that point, and watched out the window and on TV. Much more pleasant than getting drenched out on deck.

Bridge of the Americas

Now we want to know who was responsible for scraping the ship along the edge of one of the locks. It wasn’t the captain, as he hands over control to a pilot to take her through. So was it the pilot? Or did someone else up on the bridge misjudge where we were? In any case, some poor old crewmember will be out with the long-handled paintbrush at the next port!

The chocolate count is up to 27, so I’m putting up a pic of the latest choc-art design. I now change it twice a day, which keeps me amused, and hopefully gives Mr Sumee a bit of a giggle too. He’s the soul of discretion though, and hasn’t mentioned it yet… it probably just reinforces his opinion of crazy Europeans.

Choc-art progress

Panama City

Quote of the Day: “I’m in the middle of another tricky divorce. She’s Thai, and everything was good up until she got permanent residence. Then it all changed. So I put a wad of money into my travel agent’s trust account, and now I’m spending up large on cruises.”

Ruins of Old Panama

With the change of port from Cartagena to Colon, we were given the opportunity to view the locks from land, or travel into Panama City. I took my first ship organized excursion, and went to view the Old City of Panama.

Colonial Old City

This was actually divided into two areas. First was the ruins of the early city, which burned down in 1665. The ruins were the remaining brick walls, with a few towers dotted around. A brief call at the Visitors Centre gave us a bit of the early history of Panama, but the artifacts from this time were fairly sparse.

From there we moved on to the Colonial Old City, which is post-1665. The style of the buildings is Spanish, and the area is gradually being restored. (This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.) It was interesting seeing very smart, fully restored, colourful buildings right along side dilapidated ones, still waiting to be upgraded. The latter have had their roofs removed to discourage people from squatting there.

We then drove back past the New Panama, which looks like downtown Singapore. This area is booming. Our guide told us that with the development going on, and the new canal being built, the crime rate has dropped drastically, unemployment is low, education is compulsory until 18, and the minimum wage has been doubled. So not quite the tin-pot town we learned about at school!

The tour ended with the obligatory craft shop visit, where a few of the women bought up large. I couldn’t believe the tack they were buying! The same women also hopped off the bus at the shopping mall opposite the ship’s berth when we got back – just to pick up a few extra bits and pieces… Go granny…

Modern skyline

Strange things that happen at sea...

Quote of the day: “I’ve been on the ships for over 5 years now. I’ve earned enough to pay for our house. It’s a hard life being away from my wife and my children all the time. I want to stop working on the ships, but my father says I should do it longer because it’s a very good job. Maybe I will do one more year, then buy a business back home.” Crew member.

Another restful day at sea. And a classic from the Princess Patter, the daily newsletter listing everything that’s happening on board: 11.45am Didgeridoo players meet. That little gem kept me amused all day! I can just imagine the conversation: “Marge, we’re going on a world cruise. Now whatever you do, don’t forget to pack the didgeridoo.” I didn’t go (surprise, surprise) but I’m left wondering how many people turned up to that one…

Another change in itinerary

Quote of the day: “I was just talking to an English lady. She wants to go home already and she only got on the ship today. Can’t stand the heat, poor thing.”

The captain has announced that our route to Panama from Ft. Lauderdale has had to change, due to the arrival in the area of tropical storm Emily. She has apparently caused 7 ships to change their schedule, and is expected to develop into a full-blown Hurricane before she gets to Miami. So Cartagena is off, and is to be replaced by a port with the unfortunate name of Colon… and talking to someone who’s already been there, it may well be aptly named!

I’ve now been joined on board by Mike and Heather, friends from back home in New Zealand. We’re having a blast – well apart from drinking a little too much last night, and waking up feeling a little seedy today, that is… No wine for me with dinner tonight!

I caused a minor storm in the dinning room this morning at breakfast time by walking out. I ended up on a table with a couple who don’t talk to anyone (I’ve struck them twice before at breakfast) and argue with each other constantly. On previous occasions, there have been other people on the table, so we were able to ignore them. Today I was stuck with them by myself, so I up and left.

The Maitre d’ was shocked, and asked why I was leaving. I explained to him I wasn’t willing to have breakfast with those people, and when I turned to point out where I’d been sitting, I found about 10 waiters, all looking horrified, and thinking I was complaining about one of them! Oh dear… I then went and had coffee, and returned half an hour later, and fortunately finished up with a lovely group of people… Ah, the joys of life at sea…

The Half Way Point...

Quote of the Day: “I did a calendar spreadsheet on my computer, but only put in 30 days for July instead of 31. It was only last night I realized that. I thought we were docking in Ft Lauderdale today, but now we get an extra day at sea before we can go home.”

Another beautiful day at sea cruising through the Bahamas. I should have been writing today, but it was so nice, I spent that time out on the deck again, listening to the ocean, and chilling.

Daily fresh fruit

It’s amazing how the time flies by. We had another CC (Cruise Critic, aka Crazy Cruisers) lunch to farewell those leaving at Ft Lauderdale tomorrow. After that, I went to the gym, which meant that I could justify scones and coffee for afternoon tea! Sadly, my usual coffee steward is leaving tomorrow too, so I’ll have to train up another one…

I’m putting up a couple of pics of my cabin today, so you can get an idea of where I hibernate when I want peace and quiet. I took these after the wonderful Mr Sumee had done his magic. I now call him “Radar” (after the character in M.A.S.H.) as he has this amazing ability to sense when I’m out of my cabin, and zooms in to tidy it. So far, I haven’t once come back and found it not done, or still being done. He’s a true professional. He told me he’s been on various ships for 8 years, but is currently on his last contract. He’s decided it’s time to go home.

Small but cozy!

Looking the other way

I’m also adding a pic of my progressive chocolate artwork. Every night, my bed is folded back, and two chocolates are left on the pillow. I don’t eat the chocolates (and neither does BJ), so I started arranging them on the tray that holds the water glasses etc, expecting Mr Sumee to decide I was crazy and stop leaving them… But no, they appear every night, and the artwork is getting bigger and bigger. I’ll post updates later in the trip…

Choc-art!

Had the final dinner with Terry and Donna, my lovely dining companions tonight. Very sad to see them go, as we got on so well – we had a ball! I now wait with trepidation to see who turns up tomorrow night. I do have a backup plan though – I was invited to join another table if the new folks don’t work out.

Today marked the mid-point of my trip, which is hard to believe. It only seems a couple of weeks since I left home, but it’s been just on five weeks… and I certainly don’t want to get off the ship yet!





Bermuda Shorts time...

Quote of the Day: “It’s a good job it’s a port day today. (My husband) needs to get his feet on the ground for a while. All these sea days are driving him crazy, which means he’s driving me crazy…”

It appears that we have survived the Atlantic crossing, with not an iceberg in sight. We weren’t swallowed up in the Bermuda Triangle, so that just leaves us with the Hurricane season to contend with over the next week or so…

Bermuda was a blast. It was a beautiful, warm, tropical day, and the first serious warmth for me for over two weeks. I had got myself very well organized for this port. Even though I hadn’t booked an excursion, I’d got ferry and bus timetables, and had thought of going to one of the larger towns on the island.

But this morning I decided I couldn’t be bothered rushing anywhere! Not that there was anything to rush for… we docked about 11am (later than scheduled), and it was a real zoo in the Atrium, as most of the passengers, and a good number of the crew, all tried to get off at the same time. Boy, did that ever bring out the worst in some people!

I got separated from my cabin by the crush (I’m not tough enough to take on a hoard of crabby Aussies jockeying for position) but got chatting with a couple of CC members, and by the time we had finished the conversation, the throng had departed. We were then able to amble ashore with no bother at all.

I spent the afternoon visiting the Maritime Museum, which showcased much of Bermuda’s early years as a penal colony, and as part of the slave trading routes. Very interesting, and all housed in the historic Governor’s House. Also took in the local craft market, glass works, and shopping centre. It might have been planned as a lazy day, but my feet still hurt with all the walking…

The CC lunch

Quote of the Day: “Yes, I know I should go to the gym. These trousers were loose when I got on board, and now they feel like they need letting out. Or maybe I’ll go walking on the deck after lunch…”

Today the lovely Cruise Critic group (aka Crazy Cruisers 2011) got together for lunch in the Venetian Dining Room. We’re the people who were chatting to each other on the Cruise Critic website before the cruise began. There were about 85 of us on the list back in May, and while some had met beforehand, most didn’t meet until onboard.

So the long-suffering restaurant had to endure another onslaught of rowdy passengers, which they did with great aplomb. We made sure we thanked all the staff involved at great length, so hopefully they will let us back en masse for the next gathering, just prior to Ft Lauderdale, when some of our number will be leaving.

I was surprised at lunch by being given a Bloody Legend Award. I had no idea that was coming. The inscription says: “Crazy Cruisers 2011 Bloody Legend Award is hereby granted to Philip for being a persistent traveler and a Bloody Crazy Cruisers Legend. (BJ complained that he wasn’t included, but I told him he didn’t count, as he was still hibernating in the suitcase at that stage.) So there – my travel exploits have been duly recognized!

Temperatures are rising, the sun is out, the clocks are going back every couple of days so every day is a sleep-in day, and the green tea supply is holding out. Life is good!