Lima, Peru

Callao/Lima was founded by Francisco Pizarro who defeated the Inca Empire & delivered South America to Spain.  Lima is a city of 8 million people after merging with the port of Callao.  However, there is not enough work so the people must create their own.  There are throngs of people selling everything imagineable.  Musicians, mimes, fortune tellers, clowns, artisans along with thieves.  Every conceivable way of making a living.

Four of us got a private car and went to the city center.  We watched the changing of the guard at the palace and afterwards went to the gold museum to view some of the Inca splendor.  From there we went to a fabulous restaurant in Mira Flores, a about 30 minutes outside of Lima called "la Rosa Nautica."  We have eaten there before and each time had a wonderful meal.  Traffic in Lima has gotten terrible and it took us a long time to go from place to place.  The ship stayed over night and after my workout and breakfast this morning, we walked on the dock to see some of the things displayed in the various kiosks (sp).  Silver in every shape & size, Alpaca, wall hangings, dolls, etc.  Bought nothing - no regrets.  The ship just left the dock en route to Easter Island which will take us 4 1/2 days.  Looking forward to once again seeing the Moai.

Manta, Ecuador

We docked in Manta very early in the morning.  Their main industry is tuna and supply both Bumble Bee and Starkist.  About 80 passengers left the ship to go to Machu Picchu.

Four of us took a shuttle into town and along the way we made a few stops.  Manta is also where the Panama Hat was born.   We did check out the hats and saw many of various shapes & sizes.  We also watched as two boats unloaded their tuna on the same dock across from our ship.  Got some good pictures.

Sea Day

Today is another day at sea.  Mornings of the sea days we work out in the fitness center.  There are about 6 treadmills complete with TV's.  I watch the news with the ocean as a backdrop.  We do a couple of the weight machines, then stretch and afterwards stake out 2 lounge chairs poolside before going to breakfast at about 10:00.  Lunch in the dining room is 12 - 1:30 and the buffet is served from 11 - 2:00.  After lunch we will swim, chat with freinds or see a port lecture.  We are late seating for dinner (8:00) and usually close the dining room.  We have a table for 6 but just the 4 of us are there now.  Our friends from Durban, South Africa may join us for the 2nd or 3rd segment.  We met them on the 2008 trip.  We have been on the boat for a few days now and dock in Manta, Ecuador tomorrow.

Panama Canal

On May 4, 1904 the U.S. began construction and completed the project in 1914 at a cost of approximately $387 million.  It takes about 9 hours to transit the canal, a distance of 45 nautical miles.

We have been through 5 times prior to this trip and must have taken 500 pictures.  This time was no different.  We were on deck from 10:30 AM until 6:00 PM.  It is an awsome experience and we are truly amazed each time we transit.  As soon as I sort my pictures I will try include them in these posts.

Grand Caymen

This is our first stop.  Gary went diving but I chose not to go in this time.  He was in the water for about 1 1/2 hours and said it was beautiful.  Afterwards we all went to Margueritaville & each had a marguerita.  We just made the last tender to the ship which left at 4:30.  Gary was having a bad reaction to the spray used on his mask and his eyes were burning terribly.  He had trouble seeing and was in a lot of pain.  We kept flushing them with fresh water to no avail.  This continued through dinner.  We did have some steroid drops with us and he tried that.  By the morning he was much better and will never again use any spray.  We were really nervous.

The next day is a sea day and very rlaxing...at last.  Tomorrow the Panama Canal.

Finally Here

Our plane left at 7:30 in the morning.  We could have allowed ourselves a little more time as we left the house at 5:30 and made it to the plane as they announced "final call."  The security line took us about 35 minutes and I was the one chosen to be scanned.  It was a beautiful flight and after a lovely lunch at the "Bimini Bistro."  we finally boarded the ship. We found friends that we met on the 2008 trip and caught up over coffee.  By the time we unpacked it was very late and had just a snack for dinner without changing our clothes.  I had been up since 3 AM and was exhausted.

The following morning I went to the gym to work out.  They had all new equipment complete with tv's on each treadmill.  I was able to get the FOX news station and was very happy.  Afterwards, we had breakfast then had a relaxing day at the pool.  Met a lovely lady named Alecia who is a Holocaust survivor.  She was in the Warsaw Ghetto for two year and was 8 at the time.  She told us some amazing stories.  She and her husband will celebrate their 59th wedding anniversary tomorrow.

All Packed

With only 4 days to go we are both packed and our suitcases are not over the 50 lb. limit.  We are only taking two suitcases each and shipped 1 carton which was received last week.  It's amazing that I was able to take everything I wanted, with the exception of only one or two things.  Not so much the weight, but the room.  I'm taking more camera equipment, which is pretty heavy & bulky, because of the safari .  Anyway, it's done.

I will try to put in pictures as I go along, but am not certain I will be able to do so.  Here are two more pictures from Easter Island, we will be there February 3rd.