Panama Canal by the cruising boat

In November 2014 I started the fantastic trip by flying with my good friend to San Diego from where we took the cruise to the Panama Canal. After the relaxing sleep and morning swim in a cute small hotel we too a taxi to the port where we lined up for a couple of hours. Finally we were in the ship and our luggage in the cabin. One of the first tasks was to go through the security practice. While standing on the deck we admired the sunset in San Diego downtown. The sun was reflecting from big windows of skyscrapers. The sea was calm and a big aircraft carrier was just in front of us. My friend Tara had visited in some of those, also here in San Diego. I had planned this trip because so I wanted to celebrate my 50 year birthday. This was not my first cruise by the Royal Caribbean because ten years ago in Caribbean I had a cruise which was wonderful.

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.

Montenegro and Albania

Before my trip in Montenegro I heart that it's the country of mountains. That's true. The landscape was beautiful with mountains covered by pines. The certain pine gives that dark color. So the country is called "black mountain". I also enjoyed the gorgeous canyons on my way. From the bridge I admired the Tara river down deep in river valley. I started the day by the beach in warm Mediterranean climate and ended in cool, fresh air close to mountains covered by snow. The tiny country has different climates and sceneries. I liked the old style houses and big hay poles roadside.

The Kotor bay was especially spectacular. It reminded me of fjords in Norway. But it was much warmer. We went down in serpentine road that was quite narrow. By the sea we visited the old town Kotor which was intriguing. It was the town that resisted the Ottomans. You can still admire the walls around the town. You can even climb into them and see the town from up but unfortunately we had no enough time for that. You also need the proper shoes for walking on uneven road and steps.

Montenegro is not just mountains, it's also the blue sea. The beaches are long and have small round stones but I found a peaceful part of it with some sand and close to the old town of Budva. I found this small old town very fascinating. The cats of Budva were in better shape than those of Kotor.

During my visit I enjoyed lamb and fish. Not to forget all fruit and vegetables! And of course these are the areas of nice wine. So good food at a reasonable price.

Local people were quite friendly. I bought some guided tours that were in English and Russian. In Montenegro there are many tourists from Russia which has the historic background. Russia has had common interests with Serbia and Montenegro, even the Soviet Union had connections to former Yugoslavia. Nowadays many Russians invest in Montenegro.

One day visit in Albania started very early and I returned late. The whole day on the way was not that hard but inspiring. We went first to Skadar. It was already the center of Illyrians. We were told that in communist era all the temples were destroyed. The only church that remained, was the Catholic church but it was used as sport center. Nowadays it's again the Catholic church and close to it there is the Orthodox church and the biggest mosque in Albania. All the religions have their temples. The annoying thing in Skadar was beggars hanging around.

After Skadar we drove to see the big harbor city Drach. From the top floor of a high building there was a good view. The ruins of amphitheater told of ancient times. The harbor was busy. There were people walking at the beach boulevard. Some big buildings were new and elegant but some were abandoned with broken windows.  I also wondered statuary that were mainly men in arms. They were representing the socialist realism and reminded of communist era.

Then we moved on to Tirana, the capital of Albania. Before the city there were many offices and stores of international companies by the road. There were also the new colorful blocks of buildings. In the center you cannot miss the huge mosaic on the facade of the national museum of Albania. The style was socialist realism, of course and the theme was revolutionary, a group of militant people. The main square had also an opera,  a famous mosque and an equestrian statue. In Tirana I had a tasty lunch in an old style restaurant close to the square. I also visited in the new and charming Orthodox church. I also had a glance at the neglected monument of Hoxha who was the former, hated dictator of the country. He called himself pharaoh of Albania and constructed a kind of pyramid for himself but which has now graffiti on its surface. He was the man who made people to build hundreds of thousands of bunkers. He also isolated the country from the rest of the world and ruled by Stalinist methods. Something good he did, for example the illiteracy was eliminated during his period.

I saw many people on the fields working but no tractors. I got the impression that the farms were small. Women were wearing white scarfs. From the border shop I bought a coffeepot to prepare Turkish coffee at home. I can recommend this combination trip to Montenegro and Albania.

Mosel - the picturesque river

The weather is hot like in summer although it's already September. Me and my husband took the flight to Frankfurt Hahn from Tampere. Also a friend of us joined. We hired the car from the airport and started our around trip on Mosel. The car had to be big enough because the men had their road bikes along. They wanted to take part in Nürburgring cycling. Otherwise, we discovered the historical sites by the river and admired the picturesque landscape. Everywhere there are vineyards, lovely old houses, small towns with churches, castles or ruins of castles.

Because of September there are many vine festivals on the area. It's time for that. I enjoy good riesling. We must also feast with cakes.

We had time to see the good part of Mosel. The most southern place was Trier. There is a lot to see. I am fascinated by Roman history, so in Trier there are many Roman ruins. The bridge has Roman base. There is the old city gate, two spas, amphitheater and basilica. But in this city we could also study younger buildings since the middle ages. The cathedral is beautiful and impressive.

While the men were in Nürburgring, I stayed in a lovely small town called Zell. The symbol of the town is the black cat that you can meet everywhere. On Sunday I went to the church which had the special day. They celebrated the end of the renovation and the opening of the church. Everyhing was restored beautifully. After the ceremony there was music and food outside the church.

Near the Mosel there is a fantastic spa in mountains shelter. The thermal spa in Bad Bertrich was so relaxing. The location was amazing.

By car we drove by the river and stopped to visit the places of interest. I had booked the accommodation in different places. We couldn't reach Koblenz because lack of time but maybe next time.

The island of the goddess of love and beauty

Cyprus is the island of goddess of love and beauty. The island itself is beautiful! It is also full of history. Many civilizations have been there and it has been conquered by many famous heros. So the culture is a rich mixture of influences from other cultures.

I enjoyed especially Roman mosaics in Pafos and medieval castles and old churches/monasteries around the island. The jeep safari in Troodos, mountains was something special. I spent only one day by the see in the sunshine but that was the day of relaxing. The food was very tasty.

So there was a lot of beauty around! But no love this time. I think that Afrodite was on her trips somewhere else. People were anyway friendly and leave you alone. I liked that.

Magnificent Africa!

I was lucky to have the opportunity to visit some beautiful African countries at Easter time. This time I travelled in Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.  The nature was impressive as I expected.

First I wondered the life in Windhoek in Namibia. I stayed in a lovely pension. I also met some people who work for the church. They took me to the Easter ceremony at good Friday. The church was full of people and the priest told about different kings in Africa. Jesus was the kind but what kind of king. I liked the point of view. People song in different African languages and English. The church was filled with music and the sound of pages of Bibles that people carried with them to read the topics. After church we enjoyed the coffee and lunch at home of my new friends. They had a lovely small garden in their house.

The following day I joined the safari group that was a mixed group of different people from many countries. With them I travelled from Namibia via Botswana to Zambia. First I did not like our leader but I learnt to like him. He did the good job. Especially on the way I enjoyed sleeping in a busman's hut, experiencing the Delta by lying on the mokoro boat, having a meeting with a snake and contacts with elephants in a safari lodge and seeing the African animals on a boat cruise. At the end of our journey together we took the ferry across the river to Zambia from Botswana. The high point of Zambia  was the Victorian Falls. They were so impressive!

It was time to split and say good byes to the others. The previous night we had had the last dinner together. Some took taxis to the airport and some wanted to stay longer. I went across the border to Zimbabwe by myself. Everything went well. On the way I admired once again the Victorian Falls and the old iron bridge that links two countries and goes across Zambezi River. I stayed over night in a fantastic safari lodge that had a great panorama. There I was able to wonder vultures and hyenas. People were really friendly.

Unfortunately everything good comes to an end and it was time to return home. But I have many great memories and experiences from this trip in this corner of Africa.

The old Viborg

I visited Viborg at the beginning of December in Russia. Once that town belonged to Finland. Actually Viborg was established by Sweden because they built the castle in 1293. It belonged to Sweden for over 400 years. Peter the Great conquered the town in 1710. The Russian time started. The rest of the country (the eastern part of Sweden) was conquered about 100 years later.
Soon Viborg and the other eastern areas were united as a Finnish area which had the autonomy in Russia. Finland as a nation was created. People spoke Finnish or Swedish. So it was in Viborg. After the revolution in Russia Finland declared the independence in 1917. There was no longer Russia as a neighbor but the Soviet Union. Viborg was the growing town and it was the second biggest town in Finland when the winter war started (the second world war) with the population of almost 200 000. After the war it was lost to the Soviet Union as some other areas. About 220 000 people escaped to the other areas in Finland. My mother was one of them. She was about 20 years and had studied art at the Viborg art school.
It was lovely to walk at the streets that my mother had walked. I visited the art museum and school. Nowadays the town is populated by Russians but its roots are Swedish and Finnish.

Kekri ja pyhäinpäivä

Oli hienoa käydä syyspimeällä hautausmaalla, jonka valaisi lukemattomat kynttilät! Minä ja lukuisat muut muistelimme ja kunnioitimme siten poismenneitä. Olemme osa sukupolvien ketjua, mikä konkretisoituu hautakivien lomassa. Tunnelma on myös kaunis!

Aiemmin kävin luennolla, jossa kerrottiin kekristä ja sen perinteistä sekä pyhäinpäivän historiasta. Hyvin outoja tapoja on vielä sata vuotta sitten harjoitettu, kun on varattu ruokaa ja lämmitetty sauna vainajille. Erilaisia uskomuksia on omattu ja ne ovat juontaneet kaukaisilta ajoilta. Miten on nykyään? Muistammeko enää poisnukkuneita tässä hektisessä elämässä? Onko katseemme vain tässä ja tulevassa, muttei enää menneessä?