Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
Through the Canal
March 31 was our "through the canal" day, although that's not all that we did.
The best view was from the heliport, so that's where we headed first. We also had a great view from our balcony at the rear of the ship on Deck 8.
Qsine, the Unordinary specialty restaurant had its demonstration in the morning up on Deck 11, so we both attended that. Our special Aqua Spa Cafe manager, Matoo, had recommended it highly, and we wanted to see what it was all about. The decorations, food, service, etc. was all very eclectic. And outstanding! Food is served "tapa style" and with very unique presentations. Guests are given iPads, which they then use to make their selections. The chef cooks everything to order and sometimes even the diners help prepare their own food.
We attended a high tea in the specialty dining room in the afternoon. We had a great, although very different view of one of the lock passages from the round window next to our table. That cement wall was very close!
After dinner that night we attended the entertainment with our dinner pals, sitting in the front row because that's what the cruise director had recommended the night before. We didn't know we'd have to participate in the show itself - at least Ron and Diana did. It was a juggling act, but unlike any we'd ever seen before. Ron made the mistake of telling the guy he didn't think he'd be seeing anything he hadn't seen before! As a result, he was made to hold a large net to catch the ball when it came his way. Diana had to get up and stare into the juggler's eyes as he juggled without looking. She had to verify that his eyes were on hers the entire time. To add to the performance, he'd give a little "leap" at the conclusion of each trick. Diana was then ordered to do the same at the end of her "task". She did a fine "leap." Ron was so entertaining that people came up to him the following day and made comments of recognition. They also thought he was a "plant" since he'd done such a fine job.
The best view was from the heliport, so that's where we headed first. We also had a great view from our balcony at the rear of the ship on Deck 8.
Qsine, the Unordinary specialty restaurant had its demonstration in the morning up on Deck 11, so we both attended that. Our special Aqua Spa Cafe manager, Matoo, had recommended it highly, and we wanted to see what it was all about. The decorations, food, service, etc. was all very eclectic. And outstanding! Food is served "tapa style" and with very unique presentations. Guests are given iPads, which they then use to make their selections. The chef cooks everything to order and sometimes even the diners help prepare their own food.
We attended a high tea in the specialty dining room in the afternoon. We had a great, although very different view of one of the lock passages from the round window next to our table. That cement wall was very close!
After dinner that night we attended the entertainment with our dinner pals, sitting in the front row because that's what the cruise director had recommended the night before. We didn't know we'd have to participate in the show itself - at least Ron and Diana did. It was a juggling act, but unlike any we'd ever seen before. Ron made the mistake of telling the guy he didn't think he'd be seeing anything he hadn't seen before! As a result, he was made to hold a large net to catch the ball when it came his way. Diana had to get up and stare into the juggler's eyes as he juggled without looking. She had to verify that his eyes were on hers the entire time. To add to the performance, he'd give a little "leap" at the conclusion of each trick. Diana was then ordered to do the same at the end of her "task". She did a fine "leap." Ron was so entertaining that people came up to him the following day and made comments of recognition. They also thought he was a "plant" since he'd done such a fine job.
Friday, March 30, was our second day of land excursions. Our chosen tour was the Panama City Experience, which took us to Panama City and the Miraflores Locks the day before we were to pass through the three locks to the Pacific Ocean.
It was an overcast day as we took the bus through the countryside to Panama City. Photo stops were made and we saw the Trump Tower and downtown high rise buildings. We then visited a small museum that showed artifacts from the canal's construction - and a craft mall. The applique needlework they do is excellent - although it would be nice if they left larger seam allowances and better quality fabric.
Then it was on to the Miraflores Locks where we watched several ships pass through. That would be us the following day! We ran into quite a few other cruise passengers as well who were on different tours.
It was an overcast day as we took the bus through the countryside to Panama City. Photo stops were made and we saw the Trump Tower and downtown high rise buildings. We then visited a small museum that showed artifacts from the canal's construction - and a craft mall. The applique needlework they do is excellent - although it would be nice if they left larger seam allowances and better quality fabric.
Then it was on to the Miraflores Locks where we watched several ships pass through. That would be us the following day! We ran into quite a few other cruise passengers as well who were on different tours.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
First Shore Excursion - Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena, Colombia, was our first shore excursion. We toured the fortress and then the old city before ending up at a shopping mall.
At the fortress we were "entertained" by a trumpeter. Unfortunately, his choice of music didn't quite go with the setting. "Hey, Jude" was one example! The fortress had great views of the area, however, and the day was a bit warm.
Colombia is noted for its emeralds and our guide took us to one store that had many for sale as well as other souvenirs. When in Colombia...yes, I have a tiny emerald.
A walking tour took us through the old part of the city where we learned that President Obama would be coming in a few weeks for a summit meeting. We have now heard a great deal about that meeting, but not in a good way! Our visit was not nearly so interesting as that of the Secret Service detail...
We wrapped up our day with a visit to a shopping mall. More emerald jewelry stores and women in full costume (hoping to sell photo opportunities), and a man with a three-toed sloth who no doubt also wanted to sell photo opportunities. Larry had to sneak one of it. He wasn't so lucky when he took a photo of a statue, which then moved and demanded payment. Live and learn.
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