Turtles and Dolphins

Some of the sea life spotted in the last two days

Two days at sea before Peru

And the fridge magnet collection is growing. So far we have one from each port of call.

The last one from Ecuador was carved from a Brazil nut

Panama Hats

Everyone was fully fitted out with hats ....

Manta in Ecuador

Went by Chiva bus from Manta to Montecristi with musicians playing on the roof.

Montecristi is where they make Panama hats. Quite warm but cloudy day (just over 80F).

Manta has lots of Tuna boats, and a Tuna statue .....

Crossing the Equator

Today we crossed the Equator and held the usual ceremony.

The Captain was put into the pool first!

We are in the Pacfic Ocean!

Just leaving Panama, bound for Ecuador and Peru.

Panama Canal

Transit through the Canal today - going through the locks!

Colon Panama

Today we arrived at Colon at the Eastern end of the Panama Canal.
We went by train for just under two hours to the Pacific from the Atlantic. Returning by bus after some sightseeing.
We went quite close to the canal. At one point by rail.

Leaving Colombia

Next stop is the Panama canal.

We were berthed next door to the P&O Oriana again which was much bigger than us.

Cartagena Colombia

Today we went on some walks around the city: First up to the castle with some very impressive fortifications, then up to the biggest hill with a monastery and view of the castle.

Then on to the old walled city with a couple of walks to see some of the lovely old colonial architecture.

Tonight is Burns night so there is Haggis on the menu!!

Santa Marta - Colombia

Arriving at 10am in the port, we took a short tour of the city after lunch on board.
We went to the Gold museum, which used to be the old customs house built as long ago as 1530.
We also visited the cathedral, where Simon Bolivar used to be buried until he was moved to Caracas. Then on to the Hacienda where he died.
Not forgetting Grize - a footballer.

Oranjestad in Aruba

Aloe Vera plants in the background

Natural Bridge

Today we did a tour to look at Butterflies and Aloe Vera production on this Island. Also the natural bridge No. 2. (No.1 having fallen down).

Semi Arid and Dutch. There was a good shopping mall within a short walk from the boat for some shopping! A small supply of crisps, nuts etc. to help watch the world go by!

Very busy with the P&O Oriana and Carnival Pride boats towering over us, with a smaller Freewinds next to us .....

The Two Pitons from our cabin

Captain sailed by on the way out this evening. You can take a nature trail to the top of the big one - Gros Piton. We didn't!!

St Lucia

Two Pitons

Fishing Village

Hot Volcanic steam!

We are berthed at Castries, and went by bus to Soufriere, returning by Catamaran. A little faster by boat as the roads are very winding and narrow! Almost 2 hours for 10 miles!

We passed through fishing villages, a rain forest, sulphur springs and saw the twin Pitons.

A tour of St Vincent

We went on a small bus tour for two hours: The Carnegie museum, the Roman Catholic church, the Botanic gardens from 1765, with an original bread fruit plant from Caption Bligh, Fort Charlotte and a view of the boat.

Hot day, stopped for a drink on the way back to the boat!