Saturday December 7thAs if disruption was not enough (flight changed already from Gatwick to Heathrow) Storm Darrah has me worrying about travel. Got soaked giving Marion her Chritmas present.
Sunday 8thUp at 05.30 Bus leaves from Barry Hotel at 06.28, it was waiting when I got there. No 94 via Sully. In Cardiff at 0730, no one at the railway station, so a pleasant breakfast at McD. Back at station by 0830 and a space in waiting room having been assured that the train was on schedule. Gotta love GWR. Yes, yes, NO. They wait until the last minute 0900 to cancel the London train, by which time it is too late to get a coach (the original back up) Going to be interesting will I make the flight. They advised waiting for the 10.20 but that is now cancelled (due to lack of train crew that say) 11.20 is probably too late. Backup is the 1045 flixbus, now in play. All should have arrived at Heathrow about 1415, and I expect that will be crowded.
And the Flixbus was an hour late, so I have missed the flight. Amazingly I have been able to re-book on the 1900 flight at no extra cost and the MTA app shows trains running till after midnight and the hotel has been messaged.
Seemed to sleep a lot on the plane. Transport worked and I have made the hotel before midnight local time.
Monday 9th New York
Jet lag had me awake at 5am and up and out by 8am. Breakfast at McD which was just around the corner. Then subway onto Manhatten. Had intended to wander through Battery Park but there was the Staten Island Ferry and it was free. Must be one of the best ways to kill an hour in New York City.
From there I did do Battery Park and found a Post Office near ground zero - only problem was they wouldn't take the two envelopes for Canada as there is a stike there. Fun!
Walked up the Hudson to the beginning of the High Line. Unfortunately, the weather forecast was correct and it slowly began to rain at midday. Also the section between 14th and 21st street was closed, so I had to divert to ground level for that section. Arrived at Penn station at around 1pm. Lunch at McD the US app is working - only it is using GPay. Considered a further explore but Grand Central was too far away and the waiting room at Penn is OK so I sat it out.
My Roomette is on the left so I have a view of the river, even if it is dull, wet and misty. This time I don't have to worry about getting to the airport, so feeling really relaxed and enjoying the scenery. A long wait at Albany and shortly after there is snow on the ground. Dinner at 8.30!
Tuesday 10th Chicago
Awake at 6am - worked out we don't change time zones till near Chicago. Shower and breakfast. I think the quality of dining has gone down over the years, even if it is glossy it's still plastic cutlery and dishes, and microwaved.
The snow has dissapeared. instead we have a misty sunrise. Arrived Chicago on time, or even a little early. Discovered that I am travelling first class and was able to use the lounge and leave my backpack while I wandered around. Problem getting the 24hr transit ticket, had to feed the machine $5 cash as it wouldn't accept either card.
Visited Portillos and had BBQ Ribs, don't know how they do it but large chunks of meat just drop off the ribs, the milkshake was pretty good as well, but I got sauce all over the front of my jacket. Problem was they didn't do hot drinks, that I could see so it was over the road to McD for coffee and a free ice cream cone using points.
Wandered to the Lakeside and down to Soldier Field, just to say I had seen it, it was getting pretty cold and the light was going, so L back and eventually found Union Station. Sat in lounge catching up on Beaconsfield. Resisted temptation to WhatApp them as it would be the middle of the night. Now too tired and too late to risk going out, they did say we would pre board just after 7 and it is now 6.30. Departure is due at 8.05. And despite what I was told this morning there was dinner on board.
Wednesday 11th New Orleans
Water in the shower was cold - but the breakfast was hot. That is despite the menu saying that it was a Continental Breakfast. The oatmeal was porrige, and the sandwich was a Sausage McMuffin in all but name and being microwaved very hot. Two nations separated by a common language! The scenery was good as well and posted to Facebook.
It turns out that this train is going to stay away from the Mississippi. However, there are plenty of swampy bits for it to pass through and evidence of country poverty, collections of useless cars and buildings with roofs that have collapsed. All very flat for as far as the eye can see, but lots of trees. Makes you wonder what this was like before the land was cleared.
Arrival in New Orleans was an hour earlier than I expected - timetable was wrong. Roads suspended on spindly steel and the Superdome not as impressive as expected, also a modern unimpresssive terminal. It was hosting a Polar Express party and trip on a train. 15 min walk to hotel in cool conditions - it was only mid 50's F.
Wyndham Hotel seemed OK only no plug in sink. Down to reception, they sent someone up who looked at it and went away. When she didn't come back I called reception (and started watch), they were going to look into it. 15 mins later Nothing. Rang again, again a promise to call me back that was at 16 mins I don't want to go have a shower in case I miss them. 23 mins
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Big ships use the river
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and I demanded a room change which happened - 30 minutes of frustration - not good.
Wandered out and got some peanuts and M&M's for dinner. Walked down Canal St to the Ferry. Big ship coming up the river. Loaded transit app to phone 24hr tickets 80c to oldies - just hope they work.
Thursday 12th NOLA
Not over Jet lag. Up early and out at 08.00.
The pass worked and I got the Streetcar out to McD for breakfast. Problems with the app but the bogof worked. Back down Canal St and spent the rest of the morning wandering around the
French Quarter and visiting the Presbytere local history museum. This had a lot on Hurricane Katrina and why the levees failed, but not enough detail for me. Out and decided to book a trip on the Natchez. They attract people with their steam organ. It's pretty loud and fun. It was a pretty chill wind onboard and for all the being sold as a traditional steam powered sternwheeler she has a pretty powerful bow thruster and likes to use that to turn her rather than the rudders. Apparently the river is down about 13ft. Max flow is May/June with snow melt.
Back in the hotel and cosiness by about 5pm and got pretty tired by 9.30. Failed to get the NFL app to work, I need a US address for a credit card. Watched a week 14 game,
Friday 13th NOLA
Surprised at the unlucky date. it was around 08.20 before I was out waiting for the streetcar to take me west to McD. At least the code worked and I have points. Travelled to end of the line and back. Some wonderful mansions along the way. Got off at S. Carroliton and St Charles and
climbed the levee but no sight of the river. Along for a stroll through Audburn Park. Having heard the moan of train whistles I missed seeing the engine but had to wait while a mile of tank trucks went past or stopped. I guessed the engines had to stop and get clearance to cross roads. After that the stroll continued alonf the tiverside this time with views of the water. Then back across the tracks and back into the park. This time the moan was a little closer and having had a truck on rails go past a wait was rewarded by a doubleheader and grain cars going past. Short chat to a rail enthusiast from Baton Rouge. Back to streetcars and connecting to the Riverside line all the way
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| Ferry to Algiers |
to French Market Station. McD was a mile away - I prevaricated in favour of Subway and jumped the streetcar back to the Canal Street Ferry terminal and crossed to Algiers Point. Interesting small houses here. It was still a little early 2.45? so I took the No47 Streetcar all the way out to the Cemeteries on the basis that you have to see them. Didn't go in, but they are different! Back to hotel with my footlong and unable to get into the room. Key was re-programmed but memories of checking in. Already 6.50 with football to be watched the evening will be gone and I should charge both phones and power pack.
Saturday 14th Amtrak
Awake at 05.50 - and it's going to get worse - 2more hrs by tomorrow.
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| Bridge out of New Orleans |
One last ride on a streetcar, even though it meant a 20min wait and I could have walked it in 15. Sent to a lounge and had a cake and stole a packet of Doritos. On board I am downstairs, no breakfast, but coffee available. Train is stopping a lot, something slow ahead of us?
Pretty spectacular bridge across the Mississipi, then pretty flat and wet. A couple of harbours passed as the cloud increased and as we approached Houston it was raining. 18.45 away from Houston and by that time I had realised that I am going to be on board for all of Sunday and won't arrive until Monday morning - so much for the 2hrs by tomorrow!. Don't know why I thought there was only one night on the train. Lunch and dinner has actually been served on plates with the food unwrapped, and a different menu.
Sunday 15th Amtrak
Shower at 06.30 and breakfast with a guy from the Oregon National Guard. We crossed the 3rd highest bridge on Amtrak and then the fog rolled in, or did we go up into the clouds on the high desert, it's certainly a desert landscape.
A lot of desert, and the desert was good as well, really gooey chocolate cake. Passed through Tucson fairly late in the day and managed to send an email to Marylin and Marv up in Phoenix. Final night on the train.
Monday 16th San Diego
The train arrived in LA and hour early, 4.35 as against the scheduled 0535. Anyway, I got a shower even if there were no clean towels. LA station is as impressive as I remember. Considered taking the metro down to Long Beach but it was 72mins, so not practical. Instead I found the lounge. Very good guy in charge. Offered to change ticket to the earlier train but I figured the sun would not be up, so stayed drinking coffee and eating one muffin and trail mix. Turned out there was a tornado here yesterday which messed up trains going north.
Now on train to San Diego passing familiar places (Anahein & Santa Ana) and sights, flood prepared rivers. Run alongside the Pacific Ocean, which was flat - must be spectacular when the seas are up. San Diego station was classic as well. Walked out to the Sheratin and was in before midday. Out again for a 50min walk to McD -which was drive through only and the app wouldn't pay. Walk back past USS Recruit and plenty of wildlife. Ready for Monday Night Football at 5pm - will I stay awake?
Tuesday 17th San Diego
I guess I didn't stay awake to the end, watching two games was too much. Made up for it this evening as the game I would have streamed was on TV and I was able to download a load of stuff to my phone ready for the cruise. I also booked a harbour cruise and cancelled (I hope) the transfer to the cruise.
Woke up fascinated by the airport being inside the city. Photos of planes taking off and landing. Walked downtown and got a Pronto pass from a machine - $6 max per day at full adult rate. Double pork rib at McD (thanks to survey offer) and then rode the Trolley down to the border or San Ysidro (Tijuana). Actually visited "Jack in the Box" but they didn't appear to have coffee and there was a McD right at the Trolley stop (more points).
Attempted to increase walking distance (still under 9miles at end of day), couldn't resist purchasing some chocolate, dispite good intentions. Looked at the Midway Museum. Loaded extra $6 onto Pronto card ready for when the boat comes back to San Diego. Having done Intrepid in NY I really don't want to re-visit a carrier, also can't get any great enthusiasm for the Maritime Museum. Maybe the Air and Space Museum?
Wednesday 18th Cruising
Already I dislike the Cruise! It seems nothing is going to beat Royal Carribean.
Pretty sleepless night, as always when things are time critical. Up at around 6.20 and out by 8am leaving reception to tell the transfer driver not to bother. Another perfect day in Southern California. Flat calm and sunny here despite chatter on the TV about a Santa Ana wind. Walked to a UPS store and got quote of $205 to send the calendars to Canada - even the shop assistant thought they were exploiting the situation.
Two hour Harbour Cruise at 10am was really nice. Mind you the fog was pretty cold, but it just added to the atmosphere. I will not remember all planes and the navy ships I took photos of. The Carrier on the far side of the bay is the Theodore Rosevelt - or "The Big Stick".
Check in was pretty painless and stateroom is pleasant. Have reduced gratuities from $17 per day to $3 as the steward should get something. TV is pretty disfunctional. It keeps saying "Please Stand By"
So I went in search of food. At the Buffet you cannot help yourself - you have to be served, with the exception of Coffee. The library was hopeless as well. No thrillers - very limited selection. A lot of Esher pictures abound.
Fog rolled in and the departure had no landmarks, though we could hear the walruses on the bait barges. The Americans do love to queue, and the fact that there was a steak dinner probably encouraged them. I jumped th e queue and had a dried up pork chop with dried up macaroni cheese and some sweet potato fries, but the ice cream and cookies was nice. Will I survive for the theatre presentation at 8pm.
Thursday 19th
Days at sea. Up at 06.30 and had a look at the breakfast buffet. I rankles that I cannot select for myself. Had a couple of visits but avoided the hotbstuff (had a burger and hot dog at lunch instead) Morning chat on excursions. Not the sort of info that I wanted, liked the 45min timer that ran during it. Afternoon listening to a downloaded Radio 4 documentary on Power of Attourney being misused, but it didn't go anywhere. Couldn't get into films, although I have a long list of "Must see's" American Football was good although Denver managed to lose in the second half. Never figured out why I don't like the Chargers, could it be the time at the San Diego Yacht Clubb back in the 1980's?
Friday 20th
Overslept, despite the clock going back an hour so the breakfast room was rather full. Went directly to the theatre and watched the Navigating officer get interviewed. He attended Cardiff Uni and did his nautical training at Warsash. Ouside got closed as the weather got rougher, it was pretty cloudy anyway. Afternoon siesta, dinner at 18.30 and turning in early ready for Football in the morning. The alarm is set.
Saturday 21st
The alarm was set for 7am but I was awake around 6am. Cricked a neck pretty painfull, nursed it all afternoon. Breakfast and back for the first game Kansas city beating the Houston Texans. Burger and Hot Dog for lunch and back for the second game. Pitsburgh Steelers beaten by the Baltimore Colts. I did go out and sat for a while the Crows Nest but the music got too loud, a little time on the top deck, listening to BBC Sounds which I have downloaded. The Buffet was totally closed at 17.20 so if I want anything I will have to go out again. Trying not to use the lift but finding the 70ft climb to deck 8 quite exhausting. Watched a dicumentary on Race to Alaska, and Star Trek Movie.
Sunday 22nd
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| Some said it was rough |
Clocks have gone back again, we are still at sea and have another day at sea with only one football game in the afternoon to pass the time. Early breakfast, had time to finish the Star Trek Movie before the football started at 8am. Thought Washington were doing well, and so it proved as they won the game in the last 10 seconds, beating Philadelphia Eagles. No time to get any food so I am trying to decide what I will go and eat once the game between Seahawks and Vikings finishes. My money is on Seahawks losing - not that I understand why anyone would waste money on betting. It came close but they did lose. Giving me a chance to get out and get 2 burgers and 4 slices of pizza from amongst the broken plates. The rollers seem to have become more organised and distinct, or someone switched off the stabilisers. So much for the Captain's predictions, theatres show has also been switched.
Monday 23rd
I suppose it was a lie in, but I was out at 8am. Feeling overfed so only coffee and OJ for breakfast before going to the Crows Nest Lounge and listening to downloaded comedy. Come 9am it got a little noisy as the Hawaii keep fit class came in, so I went aft, failing to resist a bowl of fruit on the way, but I did resist a sticky bun. Aft deck seating also got noisy, so I have retreated to my stateroom and considering getting "Wealth of Nations" off the phone, or watching a film/s. Long time til the football which will take me into darkness. Really ddifficult being cut off from the internet, but I am not prepared to pay $30 per day to get to it (or almost $1000 for all loyage access) Planning on having to spend a long time downloading stuff and accesing once I get free wireless access.
Tuesday 24th Honolulu
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| Aloha Tower |
Due to arrive in Honolulu, so up at 05.30 as pilot was due on board at 06.00 but I missed that.
Breakfast while we docked and then a wait until the ship was cleared. Got ashore and found a wifi network. Spent about an hour clearing up emails and then set off in search of a 7Eleven to purchase a bus pass. They wanted cash but it was worth the $9.50. Out towards Diamond Head via the Kings Statue and Royal Palace. Got charged $5 to hike to the top. Got thinking that I was volcanoed out, what with Yellowstone and the Azores. It only took 30mins to get to the top and some nice views, bet the palm trees don't come out in the photos as the sillouettes you notice when looking at them.
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| Pearl Harbour Memorial |
Bus back to town and indulged Starbucks for Hot Choc and wifi. Paid for an extension on the phone, then out to Perl Harbour Memorial. $7 to park the purse, and then I decided that there was not enough time to justify doing Missouri or the Island. Watched museum display and films before going in search of a ride on the Skytrain, just like Vancouver only longer. More busses back, at the boat by 6pm, having managed 10 miles (eventually) with the walk from the bus. Samsung was not impressed, even at 11.24 miles. Not particularly hungry so took surface out to the wifi and updated blog a stuff. Back on board no food available between 9pm and 10.30, as if I wasn't disgusted enough with the selection. I won't be doing Holland America again.
Wednesday 25th Kahului, Maui
Arrived in Kahului, Maui, with the aid of a couple of tugs.
They need to take American out of their name. Although not advertised they did have the first of the Christmas Games available. They say they will have the second game and there was no third, as I discovered later. Problem was at the end of the first game I went is search of elevenses and there was NOTHING available. Burger bar had not opened, and Lido Market was closed - except I got a cookie and coffee - it was not what I expected. The town does not look particularly attractive, so possibly all day in stateroom. Well, no I did have a quick walk ashore after the second match in order to use the data plan I bought yesterday. At the end of that I had a Hot Dog with beans and coleslaw. Time passed as I tried the SF book but it is modern only managed one story. Ship left at 7.30 same time as the theatre performance. I decided I preferred to watch the tug boats singing and dancing. By the time they finished and we were at sea the Lido Market was closed again until 10.30. Anyway that's Christmas over with.
Thursday 26th Hilo
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| Rainbow Falls |
In Hilo, interesting getting alongside, an incredably long breakwater and then a big swing to get alongside with one tug present. It was about a two and a half mile walk to town, we had been told, We were not told that busses were free. Glad I walked as I passed the tsunami monument which put things into perspective, one during WW2 and another in the 60's. The Tsunami Museum was closed though.
Hiiked up to Rainbow Falls and then decided to continue to Boiling Pots & Wai'ate Falls. Most of it through residential areas. Not much water in the river so the falls were not as impressive as they could have been. The theory was that I could catch the bus back but I was too impatient to wait for either of them and besides I wanted to take advantage of the public library wifi zone so I hiked all the way. I also purchased three second hand paperbacks there and ended up with 16miles but no congratulations from Samsung! This time I did see the pilot get off the ship.
Friday 27th Kona
Outside Kona and an interesting tender operation to get ashore. The crew member moving the step had his fingers between the tender boat and the step a couple of times - could have been nasty!
The plan was to try and hike down to the Captain Cook Memorial, which the cruise director said was severe. Google said getting there should have been possible but I was screwed by Google. The buss connection didn't happen and I faced an hour wait along with a Spanish girl who had the same plan. It had been pretty marginal anyway with a 4.30 ship departure, and having to rely on two busses to get back. The bus route out had been pretty so I decided to walk the five and a half miles back to the ship. I could swear american miles are longer than UK, or maybe it was just the heat. Frustrating trying to ge photos of the surf which was quite impressive at times. The beaches were closed because of it and I got told I had to leave photos could only be taken from the road.
We were joined by a pod of dolphins as we departed, another thing that is almost impossible to photograph!
Saturday 28th At Sea
At Sea and American Football starts at 8am. Cosidering not leaving the stateroom in an attempt to stop eating too much - but the lemonade is good even, if the coffee comes in cups that are too small.
They need a better satellite TV system, a lot of picture breakdown in first game. Went out and got two coffees at half time of the Denver/Cincinnati game which is now going into the last 3mins. Nothing to see outside but sea.
Dunday 29th Kahului, Maui
The clocks went forward an hour so Football started at 9am, which gave me time for breakfast. Three games, well actually five as I attempted to watch both of the games offered in the earlier slots. Had an hour to eat before the Sunday night game. This has just gone to overtime Falcons v Commanders. Game tied around 2 mins and a missed field goal at 2 seconds to send it to overtime which means missing the theatre show at 7.30. However, I went up there and found myself wondering why, again.
Monday 30th At Sea
Late getting up, 8am and clocks go forward again this evening. Football at 4pm s still doubtful as the schedule has not been updated with about an hour to go. Morning spentreading and listening in the Crows Nest up on deck 9. Watched the 1pm lecture, which was less interesting than "In our Time", which I had just listened to. Reducing food intake remains an issue very disapointing Crab and shrimp sandwiches at lunchtime. Guess they would say bread is crispy, I would say slightly dried out.
Football did happen and it was a great game even if the 49ers lost to the Lions. I have been thinking that being at sea is a great place to watch as you don't feel you should be doing something else, timing is also pretty good this far west as even the late games are over at 7pm. Wondering how to manage next year, I want something all inclusive (or maybe just half board) and must get timing right so thaat I am not travelling at weekends, or during matches.
Tuesday 31st
Clocks moved again. Finally, got it they make a lot of money on champaign and stuff on the New Year. Couple of good lectures in the theatre.
Wednesday 1st
Another day at sea with nothing to do but eat.
Spent most of the day in the theatre. First the Captain, then a session on whales and then ancient civilisations of Mexico. Civilisations were couched from a modern perspective, and very American as such. I ate too much - the American Football has vanished from the TV - I don't even know if there is match tomorrow. Truck attack in New Orleans French Quarter killing 14 -
Thursday 2nd
Ensonada Except we didn't arrive until 1pm.
I had set the alarm for 7am and got up to find no news service - BBC arrived after about 20 mins. Filled in the Hawaii survey and checked in with guest services who said there was a problem with bandwidth and football was off. When I got ashore I found out here is no Football game today - the question is will there be any at the weekend.
The morning was foggy and it has been cold 66F. I did go ashore and found some wi-fi which enabled me to get through about 100 emails. I didn't investigate all inclusive resorts, or purchase a fridge magnet. Had to wait for the Lido Market to open and then all the yanks were queuing - it may save 58% on the waste but is pretty annoying. Fog cleared to mist as I had dinner.
Friday 3rd San Diego
Arrived 7am in fog, couldn't see the quayside when I arrived for breakfast but it gradually began to clear. Got ashore about 8.30 and made my way to Santa Fe Depot and got on the Blue Trolley. Decided to go back to Old Town rather than on to the end of the line, as I had seen it was a State Park. Not a lot open but interesting buildings. Then Green Line up the Mission Valley to Grossmont, 10 lane highway and the elevated trolley track - very impressive! Also the more affluent Valley with lots of shopping centres etc. Back towards town on the Orange line along Spring Valley - less affluent. Got off at City College and walked to Bilbao Park and the Air and Space Museum. One of the best I have seen, lots about people and tracing evolution, plus being on the flightpath you could see planes coming in low overhad. Left at 13.30 as boat was due to leave at 14.30. Had intended to use the Pronto Card on a bus but in the end I walked back to City College
and got on a trolley. Unfortunately, this stopped at Courthouse, walked to American Plasa and got on a Blue line intending to go round the corner, only it went the other way and didn't stop at Courthouse so I was back at Civic Center with 11mins to wait for a trolley which would take me to Santa Fe. A worried 20 minute walk bck to the ship. Waiting for the little walk man no longer fun! On board at 14.30. Then we had to wait for passengers and didn't cast off until 15.30. (I guess the morning fog might have delayed some passengers.Couldn't get sense about football from Guest Services - they say it is a lack of bandwidth - liars! BBQ Ribs for dinner - pretty tough, not the fall off the bone as I have had in Yellowstone & Chicago. Clocks go forward another hour tonight.
Saturday 4th At Sea
After a restless night worrying about football I woke up to find that the NFL Channel was back and the games were scheduled to start at 14.30. Morning chat on excursions had me wondering why, and we are in ports for only half a day. Talk on technology was how to use Google Maps, but it got me to the game. Nice rolls for lunch. Dressy night and by the time the football finishes the Lido will probably be closed, suppose I will be able to get lemonade and coffee. It was - no food, just coffee.
Sunday 5th Cabo San Lucas
The technology on this ship is useless. Woke at 7am but no news channels available until at least 7.30 - just annoying. Breakfast, took some photos and noticed seals. Tendered ashore and plenty of harbour seals around. A real tourist trap. Back to ship just in time for the 11am start to Football - no time for food, until half time. As we left we sailed past The Arch, one of the main excursions. Also past whales being chased by about 10 boats! Didn't have the patience to stay. Came back to Dolphins/Jets game. Jets win in time for sunset and a chance to eat a plate of Coleslaw and Beans. A good day - except the picture keeps breaking up on this final Minnesota/Lions game. Guess we have come too far south for the satellite.Detroit won convincingly?
Monday 6th Puerto Vallarta
Another hour earlier, watched coming alongside on bow and stern camera from bed.
Eventually wandered ashore about 10am and found a wireless network that would allow internet access, the one at the shopping centre in the port appeared restricted. Updated photos and blog and took out an esim - its 4G and I don't know how good it is or what it cost when compared to an extension.
Walmart provided a large insulated mug and a fridge magnet, eventually, the chip and pin slot was well hidden. Then it was back to the boat, as it was getting too hot 27degrees. Plenty of whales to be seen as we sailed away. Afternoon snooze and ESPN had a college football game. Watched a bit, went and had tea, and did the theatre show and still caught the last quarter. That's what I like - long games!
Tuesday 7th At Sea
It's getting hot and humid. Birds on the bow after breakfast, could have been Gannets, or are they Frigates? Presentations were OK - they passed the time but the slant of "this is the culture which you can take away" was not to my taste. Siesta about 3pm. About 5pm I went out on deck and attempted to read but gave up and came back into the air conditioning.
Wednesday 8th Huatulco, Oaxaca
6am awake and getting up as there was supposedly a plaque ceremony at 8am or soon after arrival. It's a very pretty location, almost like Foye. The Ship takes up most of the inlet. Nice, very commercial, Marina. Temperature seemed OK, at first, but quickly climbed into the 80's. 2hrs ashore consisted a walk up to the Commercial Centre ie supermarkets where I found a wifi connection and was able to update the UKTRA website. It was too hot so after 2hrs I am back in the air conditioning of the ship and it is only 10.15. We sail at 12.30, seems a bit strange to have such short stops. Hotels look OK with pools.
The Captain predicted strong winds and we have movement of the ship. Attended a briefing on tomorrows port at which they said there was nothing to see at the port. I have booked a volcano hike for tomorrow.
I was enjoying it in The Theatre, until I got chased out for a rehersal, had not been noticed as they checked the sound.
Thursday 9th Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
A lot of ships moored off Guatemala as we made our way into harbour, following a container ship. All tours were scheduled to meet at the same place at the same time. So having walked the length of the ship I had to walk half way back again to find the end of the line. There was nothing to see at the port - but many cheap souvenir shops. Long bus ride but the Fire Volcano, was putting out regular puffs or eruptions. The walk was OK. Guide at the front only spoke spanish. We only got to a viewpoint and the walk down was pretty long and dusty. College football semi final, I decided to go watch the comedian and was back at half time to see the end. Notre Dame beating Penn State. The anti spill coffee mug managed to spill itself all over the Lido Market, as the lid came off.
Friday 10th At Sea
The Coffee Chat with the Captain gave away how to get to the forward balcony on deck 6. Which was great as the seabirds were riding the air wave off the bow and I spent some time trying to get photos so that I can identify them, if I get a wifi link. Teck chat was not a lot of use but Future Cruises was interesting for details on the ship. Not that I will cruise Holland America again. It does turn out that this stateroom is generous. Finished comic book - eventually. Would have eaten but all was shut. College football tonight and full NFL Schedule is now promised tomorrow to Monday.
Saturday 11th Puerto de Puntarenas
We had been told that the pier would be closed as another cruise ship was due to arrive. When I woke at 7am it was already there, it also wasn't as hot as predicted. However it was warm enough. Wandered ashore about 9am and a local showed me the wifi facility, which was nicely air conditioned, so some time in there. Wandered a little and found the Aquarium, which we had been told did not exist and it was good. Lots of photos. Popped back to the ship and collected surface and got back to the wifi facility, for at least an hour. Lunch and back to stateroom ready for the playoffs. Half time was 17.15 so went up to get cookies and coffee only they were closed so went for a couple of burgers, and while they were taking their time over preparing them the cookies were put out so I was stuffed by the end of the evening.
Sunday 12th At Sea
So I thought I would stay in bed, especially as my throat was slightly sore. However, there was a presentation on The Canal, so I got up and attended. Avoided going up to Lido, as I am not eating at all today. It was packed out and the chronology was weird. Don't think Yellow Fever was solved before construction began. (It was was 1901 when Walter Reed announced and in Cuba. Canal began 1902) Not many Americans were involved in building etc. Back for Playoffs three games but clocks went forward, so it is going to be a late night.
Monday 13th Panama Canal
Up before 6am and walked over 5.5mls taking lots of photos. The locks were interestng, as was the cut and lake. Even more was the alternative route for the larger boats, and the number of ships at each end waiting. It was also pretty hot and humid, retreated to the stateroom on a number of occasions and watched the bow camera. Worth further visit, someone must do specific tours and there is a railway as well.
Tuesday 14th Cartagena, Columbia
Lazy - stayed in bed until 9am. Arrival was due at 11, so got to see entry to the logoon and port. By the time I had finished watching that the breakfast, which had been really crowded at 9am was closed and there was no food available. So orange juice and coffee was all I had for breakfast. Had room made up. Question is, will I bother to go ashore? The heat is there, must be 30 already, there is a shuttle from the ship to somewhere, as the port is quite big and looking commercial. That may be worth investigating. The old town is only a couple of miles but would I want to walk it in this heat? OK I went ashore. Even found a suitable fridge magnet for 2USD but the minimum for card was 10USD so didn't bother. Internet was 3USD for one hour so that will have to wait as well. The Aviary was nice and photos of birds were good. Outside the only real option was a taxi, but I don't do taxis - it probably involves getting local currency, and would leave me stranded in the city. Maybe I should invest the 100USD that an excursion would cost but I wasn't really interested in visiting anyway.
Wednesday 15th At Sea
Managed to finish the paperback (All the Presidents Men). Most of the day spent in the Crows Nest Lounge. Tech for Travellers was how to use your phone - which seemed a bit out of sequence, previous sssions had dealt with apps - now we learn hot to swipe? Session in the theatre on The Carribean was OK - 3 separate stories. Market was closed - so Hot Dog for main course. It's orange night tonight, so I am planning a session cathing up on downloaded BBC programme (Sherlock). Missed the sunset. photo is sunrise!
Thursday 16th At Sea
Up at 6am to see the sunrise and the outline of Haiti as we pass between that and Cuba. Breakfast, including sticky buns and back to rest till 10am. Off to the lecture theatre for the NOT NEW City on the sea talk. Finished David Baldicci book, 7th Heaven - it was not good, but passed time. The Build a Boat competition had some pretty impressive boats. Early dinner and avoiding "Dressy" evening. Missed the sunset.
Friday 17th Half Moon Cay
7am to 13.30 Not particularly keen but I did go ashore after a late breakfast. Wandered a little, but it was quite warm and the place ws dedicated to making money. I find it hard to believe the price of a beach hut. $600 for half a day! Lunch was served at 11 so after that I got back on the ship and began the stupid Clive Cussler book, which I hope will do the flight home. I should have a siesta but that would just mean little sleep this evening. So I decided to do photos only to get a message that the drive is not formatted - the second time this sd card has done this. The software that recovered them last time is at home and has reached its limit so getting the processed photos back is going to be interesting. (Chkdsk /F in the command prompt did it!!) Luckily a lot are backed up in low resolution and the originals are still on the phone.
Saturday 18th Port Everglades
Breakfast, packed and off ship by 8am. Usual wait for border security. Free wifi but you are not permitted to use your phone in the customs hall, and once outside the customs hall there is no wifi. I was amazed to be able to walk out of the port and after a short error found what I think is a Seamans Mission where I got wifi and sorted. Bus fare to the bus interchange was $1 and then another $1 on the bus to tri-rail and Miami Airport. Got a day ticket there for $5.65 £4.65 and took the train down to Coconut Grove. As crowded as I remember it and very trendy. Back to the airport and through border in time to watch most of the Texans/Chiefs game but had to board with 5 mins to play. Then the plane was delayed for about 30mins before takeoff and the on board wifi and whatever was not available. Sherlock episode was not that good either but I slept.
Sunday 19th
Arrived Heathrow 09.40, through border control quite quickly and now have a 3hr wait for the bus to Cardiff which is due at 12.50. So rather than freeze at the bus station I have come into T2 and paid £4.10 for a hot chocolate and a warm seat and table. At Cardiff there was time for a isit to McD (I thought) ended up an unnecessary rush to make the No 96 bus home to a leaking roof. (There was water in the container I left for such an eventuaity)
My fear of heights gets worse every time I do something stupid like this 7 Euro. Quayside was a tourist trap, restaurants, port warehouses and souvenir stalls and shops. The phone was out of power, I think I must have burnt out the battery linking it to the powerbank so that it would be near the bed. Back across the bridge and decided the funicular would take me back to where I had been, so I climbered up the steps and ended up where I had been. Sao Bentos was close so McD for an orange juice and sundae. Nearly gave up there but went up the hill and discovered more great buildings, a park and the Porto sign. Took a different route back to hotel past the town hall and Bonfim. Got a couple of large oranges and stopped in the next door cafe for a couple of hot rolls @ 3 Euro. Checked in for flight to Bristol.
