Hilo, Hawaii. Excursion: Land of Frozen Fire.

Although the Maasdam’s arrival in port was greeted by rain it didn’t dampen people’s spirits.  It was warm and guests could test out their land legs again having been cooped up on a “floating, moving, island” for the last few days.

Soon after we docked there was virtually a mass exodus of guests getting off the ship.  I soon found the excursion group I had been assigned to (Land of Frozen Fire) and as soon as everyone was present, we headed off a good 10 to 15 minutes earlier than expected.  It was a smallish group of about 14 which was quite nice for our guide/driver.  Everyone seemed friendly which made his life easier because he himself was a jolly soul.

First stop was the Rainbow Falls.  With the clouds still looming over us it was impossible to see the sun’s rays dancing on the water’s droplets as the river nose-dived into a pond below = no rainbows today.  The falls themselves were beautiful anyway.

Passing through “ground zero” near Pahoa, any damage from lava flows from 1½ years earlier were now gone.  The road had been cleared and re-built and people were rebuilding their lives.  For one family – the lava got within 10 yards of their house’s back door.  Fortunately they were spared the fate that many unfortunate others weren’t.

Our next stop was to see Star of the Sea Kapalana Painted Church.  It was small but the mosaics inside were beautifully painted.  The building seemed to extend quite a bit after the Alter but it was the way it had been painted that gave a visual illusion that it goes further on – very clever.

Next stop was to see Kaimu black beach – the old and new.  Lava had completely destroyed the former beach but created extra land, pushing the sea further out.  Over time the lava has once again eroded to form a new beach.  The tide was in at the time but it didn’t matter.

Somewhere along the road towards Ahalanui Hot Springs we stopped briefly beside the road to look at a naturally formed sea arch in the lava – quite beautiful in its rugged way.  Unfortunately nobody had brought swimsuits so we were unable to go for a swim in the warm hot spring tidal pool – cooled by splashing waves.  We could only sigh with jealousy as local folk relaxed in the warm waters.  Perhaps a swim in the ship’s pool when we get back might be some consolation.

Lava Tree State Park was fascinating with its trees entombed by lava, leaving them looking a bit like rocky monoliths as the lava landscape weathered and eroded over time.  The trees died, leaving hollow lava moulds.  There was also a lava tunnel – molten lava repeatedly following a certain course, the outer lava cooling but the internal lava fluid and hot within the tunnels until it reached the sea.

Our final stop was at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Centre where one can go on a self-guided tour to see the macadamia nuts being processed through observation windows.  Some were being roasted or coated with a flavouring agent, e.g. honey, garlic, etc.  In another area the nuts were being coated in chocolate …  I say no more!  One could try various flavoured macadamia nuts before buying.  The shop sold nut oils, a variety of flavoured macadamia nuts; and lotions made with made with nut oils.  Oh yes, and there were the usual souvenirs of sorts.  The nut centre’s café was selling macadamia ice cream and, I promise you (!), I would not have bought some if I had not heard about it.  However, word did get around and my taste buds twisted my arm to try some.  It was delicious bit no doubt making its way straight to the hips. 

It’s been an action-packed day but enjoyable.  Methinks it is time to hit the pillow.

You can see my pictures on facebook via this link:  Excursion: Land of Frozen Fire

Route to our next destination: Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii

Sea day, heading towards Hilo - Hawaii.

The Maasdam is still afloat after 5 days at sea, and for me – 3 books read and finished.  Tomorrow we see land again.  Yay!

The new guests are finding their way around the ship, perhaps not exactly finding their feet due to the rocking motion though.  A couple of times guests were almost surfing in the lido pool as the water was churned up.  The pool didn’t empty itself, fortunately, though.

Paul has not had a good time with his computer as a new version of Microsoft Office has thrown a wobbly.  A chap from IT has been trying his best to sort things out but for now it looks like he has a major headache on his hands.  Paul’s computer is not the only one to have been affected – a few others have thrown a wobbly with the new windows upgrade and ground to a halt as well.

We have had a new cabin steward since leaving San Diego, being a temporary replacement for our previous steward who has finally gone home for a well-deserved holiday.  The temporary steward, who had been the ship’s bell boy, has had to learn fast after having only had 1 day’s training and shadowing of his more experienced colleague.  A new steward joins us in Honolulu and will take over from the temporary steward.

The plants in the cabin are starting to look happier since we re-joined the ship.  I think a bit of TLC is doing them the world of good although I do wonder about one plant that seems to be struggling.  If it continues to struggle I may put it out of its misery and allow it to go to plant heaven/composting.

We have been trying to be good by going for a half hour walk either on the promenade deck or, if too cold and windy, walking the treadmill in the gym.  Paul has been the main ‘motivator’ to get us to exercise because I have seriously been lacking energy (low thyroid?).  Today I ended up sitting on my derrière and riding a static recumbent bicycle, trying to hopefully strengthen my knee muscles a bit before I even think about jogging.

A guest was missing when we were ready to leave San Diego 4 days ago. She was found wandering around the airport in a very confused state of mind, unable to remember how she got to San Diego and why she was there!  When she was brought to the port she was still very confused so she was not allowed to board on medical grounds. Yesterday we learnt that it transpired that the woman had lost her hearing aids and couldn't hear so she was confused. Why the heck she didn't write anything down to explain things - we don't know. Well ...  it wasn't the ship's fault that we had to leave without her. Her seemingly confused state of mind led the medics and captain to unable to board her at the time as it would not have been safe. More so if she had also any other underlying conditions. Life goes on!

Tomorrow morning we arrive in Hilo, Hawaii, and I look forward to seeing what the day holds.

San Diego, California. Preparations for next cruise.

After two days at sea it was good to see land again. Unfortunately there was no late zzzzz for me. Chaps from Customs & Border Protection arrived soon after the Maasdam docked and set up a desk in the Explorers Lounge as early as 6am. I set my alarm clock for 6:30 and arrived on deck 8 to see a long queue snaking its way through the casino towards the Explorers Lounge. Fortunately it moved quite quickly as non USA residents went through the routine 'passport control' formalities - even if some of us weren't getting off the ship.

Paul had a busy day as it was a 'turn around day' for both staff and passengers. Staff and passengers disembarking, new staff arriving and a new lot of guests for the forthcoming 33 day round trip to the islands of Hawaii, Cook islands and the islands of French Polynesia.

The next 5 days we will be at sea, heading towards Hilo, Hawaii. It may well be at some stage that we will be out of satellite range but hopefully not. Feel free to track the Maasdam's whereabouts using the marine tracker to see exactly where we are in the stream of time.

Route to Hilo, Hawaii.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Excursion: Eco-Safari Off-Road Adventure

What a fun day it was today!  Having been assigned to the Eco-Safari Off Road Adventure, I met up with the group on the pier and boarded a waiting bus.  After a 10 minute drive we met up with our next mode of transport – a large ATV.  With only 8 of us in the group and our guide, there was plenty of space – we were in for a bumpy ride (Mexican massage!!).

Our guide, Martha, was a great load of fun and soon had us laughing.  We also laughed because of getting bumped around as we went along dirt roads through fields and villages.  We crossed a river and those at the front, sitting behind the driver’s cab, got wet whilst the rest of us got caught in the tail end of the spray.  We had been warned! 

Our first stop was in San José where left our driver, Donaciano, with the ATV and Martha took us through the cobbled streets of the village to a leather shoe shop which also sold handmade leather saddles.  The prices were very reasonable, in line with what local folks could afford compared to that of overpriced (as you already know!) leather goods elsewhere.  Two guests ended up purchasing leather sandals and flip-flops.  Along the road we stopped at a small grocery shop where Martha taught a volunteer guest how to shop for vegetables for salsa – in the Mexican language and using the local currency.  Across the street there was a shop selling freshly made tortillas so Martha once again had the guest buy us some tortillas, coaching him what to say in the local language – which he repeated to the shop owner.  For the quantity of groceries bought in that small town for very little money – it was a far cry from what we pay in shops at home at a hefty price.  It was a sobering thought that we get ripped off.

Back on the ATV we headed on the rough roads into the Sierra Madre forest, getting thrown around in the process.  Fortunately we had seatbelts across our laps to hold us to our seats.  There were handles hanging from the roof which the guests clung to but I just sat back and allowed my body to relax, taking the impact of the bumps very easily.  The more you tense your muscles for bumps – the more likely it will be that jar something or you will be stiff the next day.  When Martha told us to duck – we ducked to avoid low bushes coming through the open windows as we scraped past them.  We were advised to keep any limbs inside the vehicle for fear of getting a Mexican manicure!  Ai ya ja, mama mia!  Now and then Martha climbed out of the ATV to open and close farm gates, happily swinging on them, like a child, as they opened.

We finally arrived at our destination and got out for a 45 minute nature trail walk.  During that time Martha talked about the various plants and trees, as well as different birds and insects we spotted.  It was sad to note how some guests cannot leave things alone – they ‘need’ to take souvenirs of plants or, in one case, someone broke off a thorn from a thorn tree to take back with him!  If everyone took a souvenir then there would be nothing left.  There is a saying:  “Take nothing but pictures.  Leave nothing but footprints” that should always be kept in mind.

Back in the ATV and we soon arrived at our next stop:  someone’s home on a small farm.  It was here that we were shown how to grind our newly bought corn with some water to make a corn paste/dough that was flattened by hand and cooked.  We were all encouraged to have a go at grinding the corn using a stone grinder (looking rather like a rectangular rolling pin) on a stone pestle.  Our efforts left much to be desired because our tortilla was lumpy, compared to our host who cooked some tortillas for us.  The other ingredients that Martha had bought earlier on were soon turned into a lovely salsa and our hosts put out 2 other things with which to fill our tortillas.  They were so yummy but also filling.  And we discovered that we were still going to have lunch at our next destination!

As we bumped along the dirt track Martha opened up a cool box that was filled with beer, water, coca cola and 7-Up (a bit like Sprite).  Most guests had a partly filled cup of beer (which was topped up regularly); a few had something else to drink.  One lady unfortunately lost her coke over her t-shirt when we hit a pothole just as she was trying to take a sip.  Her husband roared with laughter and I thought he might get clobbered but after the initial shock, she ended up laughing too.  It was a very happy group of people that climbed out of the ATV when we arrived for lunch in Litibu.

Lunch was held under the palm trees, starting off with tortilla soup followed by bread and freshly BBQ’d kebabs of vegetables, beef and chicken.  There was a type of banana pudding afterwards but I couldn’t manage any more to eat.  We were given refreshing iced hibiscus tea, with fruit in it, to drink.  The setting for lunch was really lovely; a view of the sandy beach and ocean on the one side and on the other side - the grounds and house of where we had lunch.  We had time afterwards to swim, take a walk along the beach or relax.  It was truly wonderful.

All too soon we had to head back to the ship so we said a sad ‘adios’ to the lads who cooked our lovely meal.  Somehow we managed to climb back into the ATV - we were very full from our earlier snack of tortillas plus the large lunch.  A few seat-belts were loosened a bit to accommodate the extended stomachs.

The ride back to the ship along a tarred road was not quite as bumpy as the dirt roads but it was still bumpy enough to have people groaning over their full stomachs when we hit a pothole.

To sum up the day – it has been the best so far!  Lots of fun and laughter along with an excellent guide with a good sense of humour.

Oh, fun and games on board.  There has been a guest hovering around the photography area, constantly looking at his and his wife's pics which were on display with a whole load of other pics - all on display to buy.  Anyway... the pics disappeared and he was a suspect but nothing could be done as there was no proof he took them.  A few days later he was caught red-handed, removing them and putting them in his pocket.  He was 'reminded' that he had forgotten to pay for them.  He explained that he just wanted to show his wife them before making up their minds whether to purchase them. He handed them back after being told to bring his wife down to look at them - to purchase or not.  Unbeknown to the guest, the security department was advised of what had happened and was authorised to search his cabin when he was next 'home'. In the evening the head steward duly notified security and Paul that the guest was home.  So Head of Security, along with the Hotel Manager, knocked on the guest's door.  When he answered it was explained to him that there were more missing pictures (the earlier ones that were taken when nobody was around). He immediately realised he was in trouble and fetched them - and 41 others!  And those 41 weren't even of him and his wife.  If he hadn't owned up to taking any pictures - the cabin would have been searched. Needless to say the guest and his wife were allowed to finish the rest of their cruise to San Diego, port authorities were advised, and they have now been 'blacklisted' and will not be allowed to sail with Holland America's ships again let alone any other company.  If they try to book - they will be flagged up, even when booking online.

You can see my pictures on facebook via this link:  Excursion: Eco-Safari Off-Road Adventure

Route to our next destination (via sea!) to San Diego.

Manzanillo, Mexico. Excursion: Magical Pueblos

It was overcast and a bit cooler than usual as we arrived in port this morning.  With this in mind I ended up packing a rain jacket into my haversack before heading off on my assigned tour (sod’s law – it didn’t rain in the end).

As we entered the undercover, but open air, port terminal we were greeted to cheerful Mexican music, unfortunately via a CD player, but nevertheless it did put some smiles on guests’ faces.   Unfortunately a few faces fell when the bus (that I was assigned to) was delayed for 10 minutes or so because someone didn’t hear their tour being called.

Eventually we were on the road for a 1½ hour journey to our first destination, Nogueras, to visit the Museo Universitario Aljandro Rangel Hidalgo.  This was created in honour of Mr Hidalgo; the museum being his former home which was probably the home of a former chaplain.  The area next to the chapel was where he set up a workshop studio and where we saw a collection of ceramic sculptures and paintings.

Our next part of the tour included a visit to an old coffee house however on the way there we passed through the ‘Magic Zone’ or magnetic zone.  The driver stopped the bus so that we could see a strange phenomenon.  Cars going uphill were braking – a magnetic force was pulling them up the hill.  We were able to see the Fire Volcano in the distance but only just – it was surrounded by cloud.  Some people get to see it ‘blowing off’, throwing out a bit of lava, but today wasn’t one of those days for us.

We eventually arrived at the coffeehouse where guests could sample coffee and buy some; whilst there we could see the roasting process.

On the way back from the coffeehouse our driver demonstrated the power of the magnetic force; stopping the bus and putting it in neutral.  Slowly but surely the bus was pulled along up the slope, getting faster until we reached 60km/hr after which the driver applied the brakes and put the bus back into gear.  I believe BBC Earth filmed that area.

Next up was a stop in Comala for a traditional meal at a restaurant (tortillas with various fillings) and then we had a bit of free time to wander around or, as part of the tour, visiting a local bakery.  I joined our guide to see the bakery and on the way we stopped to see ladies making tortillas and had a taste.  At the bakery we could see people making dough and various types of bread and cakes.  These would go onto big trays and then be rolled into a walk in oven.  Customers would come in and choose what they wanted from the cooling trays.  A few guests bought some freshly made cakes and the bus on the way back smelt heavenly along with a hint of coffee from guests who had bought coffee beans.

The drive back to the ship was uneventful and our guide left us to take a nap or view the scenic drive in silence until we reached the port gates.

You can see my pictures on facebook via this link:  Excursion: Magical Pueblos

MS Maasdam's route to our next destination:   Puerto Vallarta (via sea though!)

Sea days, heading towards Manzanillo in Mexico.

Not much has been happening here on board the ship.  I slept most of the day away, absolutely shattered.  Before dinner Paul and I walked on the promenade deck for about 45 minutes.  Admittedly it wasn’t what I consider at a fast pace - it was quite a bit slower than what I usually walk.  I can take the heat into consideration though and probably Paul was making sure I could keep up with his longer stride!

Today I’ve cracked on with catching up on my blogs, going back to 15th March, and uploading them onto facebook (12/06/17 - and now onto blogspot) in date order.  I also sorted out photographs and uploaded them onto facebook.   The unfortunate thing about writing is that if I don’t keep up to date each day – I end up trying to catch up later.  Fortunately I have a notebook so tend to scribble things down as I go along so that I don’t forget.  I then look at my notes which help me to remember the days’ events.

Yesterday and today, around lunch time, there was a small show of Mexican singing and dancing in a corner of the Lido area.  The atmosphere was very cheerful and guests seemed to enjoy the performance tremendously.  Well… mix that with sunshine, blue skies, dolphins leaping out of the water near the ship’s hull, and a couple of glasses of wine or beer – everyone is happy.  😄

Time for me to get ready for a walk on the promenade deck with Paul before dinner.  I just hope we can keep up the exercise regime!

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala. Excursion: Antigua on Your Own

We arrived safe and sound in Puerto Quetzal and passengers were greeted to the lovely sound of music coming from the lovely terminal building.  It was an open air building with a thatched roof.  Just outside was a very colourful market with people offering a variety of arts, crafts, clothing, souvenirs and much more.  I didn’t have time to stop as I had to get to a waiting bus for Antigua Guatemala.  As our bus driver negotiated the busy roads for the next 1½ hours our guide, Malbi, talked about the banana and sugar cane plantations that we saw along the way, and also the coffee plantations in the highlands.  She also talked about the history of Guatemala and its people.  In the distance we noticed 4 volcanoes and as we got closer to Antigua Guatemala we could see 1 volcano smoking gently.  We were told that if we heard strange noises and felt vibrations whilst visiting Antigua – not to worry about it as it was just the nearby volcano - Volcán De Agua!

Our bus stopped just outside the Jade Factory and guests were let loose for the next 3 hours to visit places of interest, do some shopping or relax.  A couple (who I had seen and chatted to the previous day whilst on a tour) invited me to join them as they wandered around town.  Having heard some of their stories of their previous visit to Antigua, I was quite glad to be with people who seemed to know what to visit and where.  Needless to say we didn’t see much!  The couple had an idea of where they wanted to go but we didn’t really get anywhere as they were too busy deciding on where to go!  In the end we visited a cathedral near Central Park and then had lunch at a local restaurant.  The food was delicious and we were quite full by the time we finished our meal.  In an effort to ease our stomachs, we walked to the Arch of Santa Catalina, visited an indoor market and then headed to another park.  Unfortunately we couldn’t find it and started to run out of time so we had to make our way back to the Jade Factory to meet up with our bus.

Antigua is a charming town with cobbled streets and interesting looking buildings.  People are friendly however we were hounded by individuals trying to sell things, not taking ‘no’ for an answer, and walking along the road with us until they gave up with the realisation that we weren’t going to buy anything.

One couple had got separated during the day and the lady rocked up at the bus but her husband didn’t.  She was naturally very worried in case he had got lost.  Our driver and guide were prepared to wait for a bit before deciding what to do next.  Fortunately the husband rocked up about 10 to 15 minutes later.  He had got lost ended up getting a Tuk-Tuk taxi (little 2 wheeler) to take him back to the Jade Factory.  The wife was relieved to see him.  One guest was a bit frantic with the wait, saying that the ship would go without us if we were late because we were on a private tour.  Another guest and I explained that the ship would wait for us because we were on bus that was specifically hired by the ship.  If she had decided to do a tour from the port that was not organised via the ship then things might be different.   She calmed down and was even more relieved that we arrived back at the port with over an hour to go before the ‘all aboard’ time, and a few minutes later than our bus’s expected arrival time back at the port.

Back on board the ship I found Paul and we ended up taking a short walk around the market just outside the terminal.  I loved the colourful items of clothing, some of the cloth had been hand made.  One of the cloths the women wear has multiple uses: a skirt top (basic rectangle with a hole in the middle for the head), carrying a baby, wrapping and carrying goods, a warm shawl, etc.  A woman, before she gets married, has to make one for her future mother-in-law.  It takes about 6 to 9 months to make, using the best threads and colours she can find, the nicest patterns that she can think of, etc.  On the wedding day mother-in-law is presented with the newly made cloth which she wears with pride (or not so, depending on how well or poorly made it is).  Wedding guests’ comments about the cloth determines whether the bride is a hard working woman or not, and will or will not be a good wife.

The ship is now well out to sea again, heading towards Manzanillo in Mexico.  We will see land again in 2 days’ time.

You can see my pictures on facebook via this link:  Excursion: Antigua on Your Own

Our route to Manzanillo, Mexico (via sea!)

Corinto, Nicaragua. Excursion: Finca Emma Banana Plantation & Hacienda San Jernonimo

Another hot, bright day dawned when we arrived in port.  The tour I was assigned to was Finca Emma Banana Plantation.  It was a good 45 minutes’ drive in an air-conditioned minibus and when we got to a height restriction barrier at the plantation our guide had to get off the bus to open the barrier as the roof of the minibus wouldn’t quite make it.  Unfortunately the opening mechanism was stuck fast so our driver got out of the bus to help him.  After a bit of banging on the mechanism with a rock, the barrier could be moved and our guide swung on the high handle of the barrier as it opened.
When we got to our destination we were able to use the toilet prior to walking around the planation but unfortunately one of the two was broken so 21 people using one toilet – it took quite a while!

Eventually we were able to start the tour where we could see the different stages and agricultural practices of banana and plantain production.  From there we went to the processing plant where bananas sprayed with liquid chlorine to get rid of any bugs or fungus.  They are then cut off the main stems and put into a water bath to be rinsed off.  Workers take out the bananas and cut them into bunches of 5 or 6 fingers.  The larger bananas are put in trays, sprayed with glycerine to stop the ripening process and then packed up in boxes, ready to be sent for export.  Smaller bananas are put on a conveyer belt to another area to be boxed and sent to markets.  Apparently Emma Finca is one of the largest exporters of bananas in the world.

Back on the minibus, we were taken just down the road to Hacienda San Jeronimo - a sugar plantation dating back to the 1700s, famous in the colonial era for its production and worldwide export of sugar.  We weren’t here to tour the plantation though.  At the old farmhouse we listened to local music and saw dancers as we had a snack of bananas cooked in 2 different ways, and dried plantain chips with dips.  Plantains look like bananas but they are much longer and more starchy than bananas, slightly bland to the taste.  After having our snack we were free to wander around the farmhouse gardens and visit the on-site shop before heading back to the ship.

The ship has set sail now for Puerto Quetzal, Gatemala.  It is now time to have dinner and relax.  We have been watching episodes ‘Tales of the Unexpected’ by Roald Dahl, and also ‘Foyles War’ in the evenings.

You can see my pictures on facebook via this link:  Excursion: Finca Emma Banana Plantation & Hacienda San Jeronimo

Route to our next destination:  Puerto Quetzal, Gatemala.

  

Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica. Excursion: A Taste of Costa Rica (Also known as Costa Rica's Favourites)

After 3 days at sea it is good to see land again and get off the ship.

The tour group I was assigned to was soon on the bus and on its way.  After a good hour’s drive or so we arrived at our first stop being the Braulio Carrillo National Park for an aerial tram/cable car ride.  There were 8 people assigned to 1 gondola, along with a guide who explained about the different stages of the forest that we went through and pointed out things of interest – aerial plants, parasite plants, birdlife, etc.  Every now and then the cable would stop with a few minutes wait, facilitating the entry and exit of people onto the trams.  At the top of the cable-way one can get out and go on a zip line tour down the mountain, through the trees.  It would have been lovely to do but not this time around.  Once almost at the top of the mountain the cable car did a loop around and made its way back down the mountain.  The views were spectacular.

Once back on terra firma we went on short walk along a paved path, our guides pointing out different flowers and insects as we went along.  We saw a few turtles and crocodiles and different species of frogs and snakes.  The frogs and snakes and been confiscated from people trying to smuggle them into the country and, as they could not be released back into the wild, were cared for in facilities such as the one we were at.  On the property there was a butterfly house where we could see the various stages – from egg to caterpillar and then the beautiful butterflies.  Afterwards we had lunch in the open air but under cover restaurant.

Back on the bus we headed to Crocodile Jungle Safaris where we boarded a pontoon boat on the Tarcoles River for a bit of sight-seeing.  We saw a variety of birdlife, crocodiles, plants – including part of the mangrove forest.  Foraging near the waters’ edge were cattle and horses.  Unfortunately the occasional cow or bull gets taken by a croc, much to the outrage of the owners.  As we went along the river a few swifts hitched a ride on the roof of the boat, flying off every now and then and returning.  It was quite sweet.  There had been an earthquake at some point in time and one could see how the riverbank had been lifted up, revealing different soil layers.

Back on the riverbank we finished the tour off with some refreshments and local fruit.  One of the guests quietly pointed out to me an iguana that was heading our way so I managed to get my camera out.  Unfortunately I also had a banana to hand so the iguana made straight for me!  In the end I had 4 iguanas around me and had to be careful not to get bitten by them due to their enthusiasm for food glorious food.  I threw a few remaining bits of my banana to them and put the skin on a nearby chair.  The first iguana ended up eyeing the chair, hoping to get at the banana skin.  I asked staff if I could let the iguanas have the skin but they advised me to throw it away instead, which I did, much to the iguana’s dismay.

The group was soon heading back to the ship, looking happy.  Yes, it had been an enjoyable day. 

To see my pictures you can see them on my facebook page by clicking on this link:  Excursion: A Taste of Costa Rica

Our route now from Costa Rica up to Corinto, Nicaragua

Sea days sailing towards Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica

Yesterday Paul and I went to the infirmary and we met the new crew and passenger doctors, and the nurses.  They seemed to be a nice team.  One of the nurses on board was on when we were last here, 3 months ago, so it was nice to see a familiar face.  The doctors are a husband and wife team from South Africa.  The irony of the whole thing is that they won’t be able to get off the ship at the same time if they want to go out for the day - there has to be at least 1 doctor on board at all times.

Later on during the day we went to a lecture about the continental plates, earthquakes and volcanoes.  It could have been a good lecture but unfortunately the chap was ‘all over the place’ with what he was talking about, not really in logical sequence and kept repeating himself too much.  I think he had too much information to deliver in the time he had allocated.  If I had been a student of his at a university lecture – I would have fallen asleep!  The auditorium was packed and the speaker seemed to have won the hearts of some of his audience.  It will be interesting to see what the outcome of his next lectures will be.

Today the King Neptune ceremony was cancelled due to rain.  When the ship crosses the equator, any staff member who has never been across the equator gets to see King Neptune and their fate is decided by his consorts.  The outside swimming pool on the aft deck tends to be used for the ceremony but ideally the ceremony could have still been held if the midships lido pool was used as it has a roof cover.  Oh well…  The ceremony has been postponed until tomorrow so hopefully the tropical downpour will have stopped.

Nothing exciting has been happening today.  I decided not to attend any of the lectures even though they sounded interesting.  I have been trying to look for a vacuum bag for a mattress but as yet nothing.  There are jumbo vacuum bags for clothes and linen but not mattresses.  Oh well.

Paul had someone to fix a few lights in the cabin and once done, a chap came with angle grinder to get rid of the remainders of brackets on a built-in cabinet that Paul is modifying in a lovely display shelf which has been ‘hiding’ away for many years behind cabinet doors and a fold up table – which are now gone.  The smoke from the hot metal set the alarms off which in turn had someone ringing Paul to alert him (about something he already knew about!).  Now the room smells of hot metal.  Bits of wood are on standby to be glued or nailed into place to finish the display cabinet off – and hiding the remaining bits of brackets.

Rack of lamb for dinner for me, fish for Paul whilst watching a good dose of “Foyle’s War”.  The clocks go back 1 hour tonight so that means and extra hour’s kip in the morning  J (How sad is that – sleeping my life away!)

You can see photographs of the Maasdam which I took last year, although I do update the album if I see something new!  Here is the link to my album on facebook:  MS Maasdam

San Martin, Peru. Excursion: Paracas National Reserve.

It was hot when we arrived in San Martin.  The desert with its dunes looked very beautiful from where the ship was based in port.

The tour group I was assigned to was soon on the road through the reserve, in which the port is based, and out into the desert, finally reaching San Martin and heading onto the Trans American Highway for a few minutes before turning off onto a dirt road.  The track eventually ended up at a farm surrounded by grape vines and citrus trees.  Being in the desert you would think nothing grows there however Peru learned from Israel about farming methods in the desert.  Water from boreholes/wells is tapped and drip-fed to plants.  Fertiliser is guano and compost comes from recycled plants and grape waste. 

We arrived at the Bodega 1615 distillery where we had a tour of the vines and distillery where we learnt about the production of Pisco (Peruvian white brandy), final testing and blending of the product.  The spirit is obtained by distilling fresh grape juice or musts with no adding of water or sugar.  Fermentation takes about 7 days followed by distilling in copper stills and the liquid then rests for 3 to 6 months in stainless steel containers.  The final product has between 42 to 43% alcohol content.  Afterwards there was a tasting session and an opportunity to purchase some bottles of the product.  I liked a cocktail that we were given – it was very refreshing however I didn’t like Pisco itself – having 2 tasters then refusing any more.  For my palate it was bitter and euuuggghhh!

We then headed back into the Paracas Reserve and stopped at the park ranger’s station where there is information about the park and what one can expect to see.  Our guide did his best to explain things however there was someone in the group with a very loud voice made it difficult to hear what our guide was saying, which was a real pity and it is something that I find is very rude.  Eventually a rather angry guest went up to her and, managing to keep his temper in check, asked her to turn down the volume!  Yay!  A little later we took a walk across the beach towards the water’s edge to see flamingos and soon the avid bird watchers in the group had their binoculars and cameras out. 

Our next few stops in the reserve included seeing fossils, La Catedral (a rocky prominence in the sea from the cliff edge that used to be a natural arch but was destroyed by an earthquake in 2007), and a red beach at Playa Roja.  We were also able to see a variety of bird life at Playa Roja.

I was glad to eventually get back on the ship – I was exhausted.  I think jet-lag is still in full force.  We have 3 sea days ahead of us so I may end up trying to catch up on sleep. 

You can see my photographs on facebook via this link:  Excursion: Paracas National Reserve

Route to our next destination: Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica

Port of Callao, heading to San Martin (Peru)

The ship's horn is blowing - we are off!

Market on the pier

Paul has spent the day working but took a few minutes out of his day to have a much needed haircut and to take a brief walk with me on the pier to take a peek to see what some locals were selling in their stalls near the ship.

I've been feeling quite tired so had to have a nap this afternoon to maintain my sanity and then get up to attend the lifeboat drill. It was rather chaotic as usual but it soon done and dusted.

We shall see what tomorrow brings.

MORE PHOTOGRAPHS

Navigator hard at work, plotting route

Port of Callao

We had been advised that our pickup time from the hotel was 10:30am but we got a call just before 10am to say that our transport had arrived.  Fortunately we had woken up before the alarm clock had gone off and went for an earlyish breakfast - bearing in mind I tend to eat slowly.

The drive to the port went smoothly enough. There were a few moments when we thought that our vehicle would be hit due to other drivers changing lanes suddenly, without using their indicators.  We got to the port alive and our nerves in tatters.

Once on board Paul had to do a handover from his leaving colleague so I ended up unpacking and getting the cabin to look like 'home' again. The poor plants that I had carefully nurtured where looking very sorry for themselves - someone had forgotten to water them (grrrrr) so I gave them some water and took off dead leaves.  I just hope the poor plants will recover. If not I will ask the on-board florist for some more plants.

My day was made when the steward from when we were last on board appeared.  Dhimas (our cabin steward) had been due to go on holiday in February but with an American moratorium being placed on certain visas his replacement had not come.  Hopefully he will get off in San Diego and return home to his wife.

After a nap we had an early meal and watched an episode of "Foyle's War".  Time to hit the sack.  The ship won't be going anywhere tonight and will remain in port until tomorrow afternoon.

11:45pm – having flown westerly and gained another day

Had a very easy and relaxing flight - I slept most of it away! 😃 The food and service was superb so no complaints from the 'peanut gallery'.

All went well at the airport until we got outside.  It was hectic on the airport road.  Our transport finally arrived to take us to the hotel.  It was more than chaos on the roads.  Holy moly!!!  There seemed to be no road rules at all.  I clung either to my seat, the door or Paul.  Our driver managed to get us through it all in one piece - I can only say 'skill' and a VERY clear head did the trick.

We've just discovered that the hotel is further away from the harbour than we thought. The airport hotel is much closer so why we were put up in a place quite far away - it is a mystery.  It will take us about 2 hours (including heavy traffic) to get us to the port.  Oh well - we have a pick-up time of 10:30am so we should be ok....

Amsterdam Airport - Setting off...

After a bit of a sleepless night we are now awaiting our flight to Lima. Fortunately we have a direct flight via KLM.  

On early online check-in yesterday for our economy flight (compliments of Paul's company) we discovered that we could upgrade to Business Class at a very reasonable knock-down price. So after a bit of umming and aaahhhing Paul decided we could both travel in comfort for a change.  

For me it is my first time to travel business class so it has a bit of 'wow' factor for me at the moment but I'd better not get used to it!  

Another 2 hours to relax now in the business class lounge but I'd better not relax too much otherwise I'll fall asleep in my very comfy seat. But then I do have my personal alarm clock - Paul.  😉

So, adieu my friends until we get to Lima. Once on board the ship internet may be a bit up and down but I will keep my blogs up to date as much as possible - unless I run out of juice and have a writer's holiday now and then.