After two days on the sea we arrived to Capo San Lucas in Mexico, at the tip of Baja California, where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez. It's famous for the dramatic seascapes of Land's End. We enjoyed snorkeling in one of its remote beaches. It was joyful to observe the fish and life in sea. On the way back in catamaran we had a couple of margaritas in relaxed atmosphere. On the way we observed sea lions and a wale.
The ship we had learnt to know quite well so far and I even had found my routine for sea days. After breakfast to go to swim and sunbathing, then lunch and quite often a history lesson in the theatre. Then it was time to walk outdoors on the deck and to go to do exercise in gym before going to sauna and spa. Afternoon tea I always enjoyed in cafe. Then back to cabin to dress for the evening which started by delicious dinner and ended in the theatre which had a varied and exclusive show program.
The next stop in Mexico was in Puerto Vallarta. Already in Finland I had dreamed of meeting with the friendliest mammals in the water, so I swam with dolphins in the Dolphin Adventure Center. They are amazing animals! They are huge but so smooth in the water. I also got the impression that they are very curious. This day was great! I had a big hug with a dolphin.
The ship cruised further. Tara and I read about the possibility to visit Maya ruins in Guatemala. So from the Puerto Quezal we took the bus and traveled past volcano-guarded mountains and through villages to Iximche which was the capital of the late Postclassic Kaqchikel Maya kingdom from 1470 until its abandonment in 1524. We were able to discover pyramid-temples, palaces and Mesoamerican ball courts. Some of the buildings evidence of human sacrifice. The ruins have been reestablished as a sacred place for Maya ceremonies. Our excellent guide was Maya descendant and if I remember right, about 80% of population in Guatemala are Mayas. On the way back we ate in a nice and well guarded restaurant. We enjoyed black beens especially.
In Costa Rica we had to visit a coffee plantation because in Finland there is even a coffee brand Costa Rica. On the way we admired the green landscape and watched the street life and modest huts. The standard of living was anyway higher here than in Guatemala. We had a tour in the coffee plantation Café Naranjo and learnt about the coffee process. Finally we enjoyed excellent coffee. After this visit we saw artisans in a handicraft center and enjoyed delicious lunch with different local delicacies.
Our ship now reached Panama and the famous canal. Early at the morning (at 7 am) we arrived and saw the silhouette of skyscrapers of Panama City. Soon we went through the first lock. The ship just fit into the canal. We admired the rocks cut by many workers in harsh conditions hundred years ago. The Panama Canal was ready in 1914. So we left the Pacific Ocean and raised to the big artificial Lake Gatun before descending through the locks to the Atlantic Ocean. All this took the whole day but was very exciting!
The next day we took the bus to see the coast and to visit the old bayside village Portobelo. Even Columbus had been in that location. We went to see the black Christ statue in the church and wandered around in this 16th- and 17th-century Spanish village which was attacked by many Caribbean pirates. There were ruins of forts and a museum located in the former customs building. The ruins were quite damaged because of climate. Even now we had some rain showers.
The last new country during this trip was Columbia. We arrived to spectacular Cartagena which had the silhouette of skyscrapers and high buildings. We had a guided tour in the city which looked quite wealthy. First we visited in Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, one of the most impressive and strongest fortresses created by Spaniards. It had a great view over the city. The weather was so hot! Anyway, we were excited to study the corridors and places of this fortress. Then we headed to the walled Old City of Cartagena and stepped into the 16th and 17th century. We walked in cobblestone streets, elegant plazas and admired colorful architecture. There were different kind of decorated doors and balconies, not to forget flowers. Once there were Caribbean pirates in these streets. We visited the church and the house of inquisition. Before returning to ship we made the acquaintance of modern Cartagena.
It was time to say good-bye to Cartagena and sail away. The city looked amazing! Soon we could admire the beautiful sunset. The last days on the see we spent by relaxing and preparing for home trip. It was also time to say good-bye to new friends and friendly staff. Tara and I, we were familiar with Florida but this time there was no time to stay, so we flew home straight away via New York. Our conclusion was that this trip was fantastic.
