Arrived 0530 a couple of miles off Coronado Island. The first thing I saw outside was the Pilot boat pulling away from the ship meaning we’re on our way into San Diego.
We cruised slowly past Point Loma and NAS Coronado and straight into our pier in downtown, two piers away from the USS Midway CV-41. The first line across was at 0630. The entire ship will be searched since we are coming from Mexican ports, I suspect. The process will take approximately 3 hours.
We passed the test with the Border Guards & Immigration and were released to roam freely about San Diego and that’s what we did. But, we had a destination in mind. The nearest US Post Office. The closest we could find with Google Maps was .7 miles away. Looking each other in the eye, we made a solemn promise to give it a try walking.
The ship was tethered to the B Street Pier, just a block north of the Broadway Pier. Diane made it about half way to the post office before it became necessary for her to sit and rest, so I trundled on by myself to mail the cards. It was very hot and muggy out. I went back and gathered her up and we began the walk back to the ship. Getting a cab was an option, but Diane wanted to walk so we just mosied along, very slowly which suited me just fine.
We got to the ship right about lunch time, ate, then retired to our cabin and took a nap until dinner. Diane really needed it and slept well. I guess I did, too.
According to my very reliable technological gizmos, I’d walked over 5 miles, before noon. That’s a first for me. Diane did over 3. You wouldn’t have thought we would walk that far when the PO was only .7 miles away. But, that’s what my Fitbit reported and I trust it implicitly.
There were three aircraft carriers in port at Coronado Island, all being worked on for one reason or another: USS Carl Vinson CVN-70, USS Ronald Reagan CVN-76, USS Abraham Lincoln CVN-76, CVN-72.
The ship pulled out of San Diego while we were napping so we missed the sail away past Point Loma. That was OK as that’s a trip I’ve taken many times in my past life in the Navy.
Got up late at 0700 then read until 0800 when the room service breakfast arrived. It was good to have coffee delivered to the room.
After coffee and a continental breakfast, we laid around until it was time to go to lunch. I ate spaghetti. Only the second time I’ve done that choice.
After lunch we went to the main stage for an interview with the CO. The special services activity directory did the interview. It was very interesting and informative.
Since we were already at the main stage we decided to stay and watch the featured movie, “Plane”. We were sitting in the top row, so I was able to be first in line for popcorn. When sporadic coughing started, Diane chose to leave for quieter pastures, like our cabin. I stayed and watched the movie. It was good.
After the movie, I walked aft and took the stairs up to deck 3 just in time to catch an elevator the rest of the way to deck 6. Diane was laying on the bunk watching HGTV. Just like home.
We arrived at our anchorage around 0700. Sadly, there’s no place to park this big ship inside the port so we had to anchor offshore and use boats to go ashore. They call them tenders at times like this, but they are really lifeboats. I know this is true.
The bus tour Diane scheduled was leaving the ship at 0900 and we had to show up for muster at 0800 to get our sticker. We finally wound up on about the 4th or 5th tender to leave the ship. In addition to 4 of the ships tenders, civilian tenders pitched in to help ferry folks to the inner harbor.
There are about 8 zillion boats in and around Cabo’s harbor. Additionally, there are a lot of scary people riding sea scooters that go about 80 mph. They just zip all over the place, seemingly without a care about the many boats they are annoying.
Once ashore we joined Oscar, the bus driver, and Israel, our tour guide, for a look around the area.
The first place we went was to a fandancy restaurant where we obtained a gratis drink – soda, water, or beer. I had a Mexican can of Pepsi, and Diane had a Mexican 7UP. They tasted normal; in case you’re wondering.
From the seaside, multi-level patio area of the restaurant we could see the ship at anchor.
From the restaurant we were driven to San Jose which is a little east and north from Cabo. Once there we were turned loose on the city’s huge main piazza. It must be 10 acres of open space that is completely covered what appeared to be 2×3’ tiles that were perfectly level.
We wandered around the piazza taking photos and saying “no gracia” to the myriad folks trying to sell us things. We wished we could accommodate all of them, because they are so nice, but we really have no way to transport a suitcase full of tchotchkes without them breaking, not to mention how overweight our luggage would be.
At one end of the piazza is an old church which we entered. It’s quite rustic, but beautiful for its simplicity. We sat for a bit and watched a lady (a nun, maybe?) teaching a group of children communion and how it’s done. The children appeared to be somewhere between 8-10.
We left the church and wandered back toward the spot where Oscar let us off an hour or so prior. He wasn’t there, yet, but we were early. When he arrived we returned to our seats and adjusted the A/C again. It’s warm in Cabo, but not sufficatingly so like Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Huatulco.
We were driven back to Cabo but before going back to the ship there was one more stop, at a “blow glass” business. A friend of Israel’s works there and it’s apparently a regular stop. In addition to watching the workers, about 10 of them, scurrying around with molten glass on a metal rod, one of them sat in front of us and created a turtle with a sombrero and a bottle of tequila in about 10 minutes. It was impressive. Another worker brought him different colors in a choreographed manner so he didn’t have to get up and get it himself. It was fun to watch. It was interesting to learn that this facility does not make glass. They recycle it.
Once the turtle was done, he held it up for all to see, then took a peso note and touched it to the finished product and it burst into flame. A demonstration of how hot it was.
Then we were ferried back to the main part of Cabo where all the fun happens. Especially on a Saturday night, like today. It was getting vey noisy as our tender headed for the ship putting a definite end to this tour. It was a good day.
Did I mention that there were some pretty classy yachts scattered around the harbor?
Once aboard the ship we immediately went to the Lido deck to seek food. We didn’t stop for lunch on our tour, and we were hungry. We ate tacos and chips and cheese.
At 1500 the ship upped anchor, we made a right turn, and headed for San Diego. We’ll be there the day after tomorrow.
We ‘live’ on the right, or starboard side of the ship so the sail away from Cabo was right in front of us. The driver spun this big ship around and sailed straight out for about a mile, then made that right turn slowly so we could all see the lands’ end where the Baja Peninsula meets the sea. The arch that’s revealed as we pulled out was right where it’s supposed to be.
Then we went to Lido to eat something. I had roasted chicken and green beans followed by a small salad with lots of shallots, which was a mistake. I guess they kinda curled Diane’s eye lashes a little. I would’ve brushed my teeth but we were late for the 1930 show and had to rush to the other end of the ship. One of the promenade walkers told me that once around the main deck is 1/3 of a mile. So, I guess walking from one end to the other is about 1/6 of a mile. Then we had to walk back to our cabin which is half of 1/6 so that should be 1/12. Making the afternoon trip about ¼ of a mile, right? Just guessing, of course.
The evening show was BBE (Boy Band Evolution), four young men singing hit songs from pretty much all genres and doing it very well. Fun to watch and listen too.
Now we just rest until our eyes tell us it’s time to call it a night.
On the railing, at 0630, were two pigeons that appeared to be wishing us a belated anniversary. The stuck around for a long time. It was special.
0800 we had a couples massage at the spa. Michelle massaged Diane, and Moi massaged me. Both girls were little, but Diane’s was littler than mine. Both, however, could really push hard on sore muscles. I can’t say my massage was relaxing because it really wasn’t. They were, however, beneficial in that for me, at least, they unraveled a few raveled spots around my shoulder blades. There were some really crunchy spots back there and Moi wasn’t hesitant about attempting to make them go away. So, tomorrow I will be sore for sure.
We did not go ashore today. Just lounged around on our balcony reading and resting. The temp is down to 80 which actually felt a little cool. I suspect the humidity here is a lot less which makes a difference.
It was nice and quiet on Lido for lunch with most everyone ashore doing stuff. According to our itinerary, everyone is supposed to be back aboard in about 3 minutes, then we’ll push away from the pier at 1500. That’s what happened.
Diane spotted this little manta ray swimming near the ship. He must have talked with the pigeons earlier.
We watched the departure then I went to a doctor’s appointment at the spa. Yes, the spa actually has a doctor. He does acupuncture which I’ve been interested in for my sciatica. He checked my back and left leg and reported that I definitely have inflammation all over the place. Then he explained the acupuncture process, showed me the needles, and asked if it was something I’d be interested in trying. Since I’ve never had acupuncture before I said, “Sure. Let’s do it!” So we did. Only took about 45 minutes and only cost $211. He suggested that I do 5 treatments to get the full value of the process but that meant I’d spend a lot of time in the spa and the price would be $800. I declined and suggested that I’d better join a gym and see if that helps.
When I got back, Diane made me take a shower to get rid of all that icky spa oil Moi smeared all over me in the morning so we could go to dinner.
Day 12 – April 20, 2023 – At sea – Our 55th Anniversary
I woke early at 0630 and looked out our patio door to see what was going on. Just water.
Things were going fine until I decided to take my phone, iPad, and pills to the head so I could take my BS reading, sync my Fitbit, and take my pills. On top of my iPad, I’d placed an empty water glass to get water for the pills. That was the big mistake.
The only place that doesn’t have carpet is the head. It’s like stone tiles. So, of course, even though I managed to get my foot under the bumbling glass, it bounced off, hit deck, and shattered to smithereens. Glass everywhere. Naturally, this woke Diane, the opposite of what I was trying to do.
Bless her heart, she feared I’d fallen and came rushing to the rescue to find me gathering pieces of glass on my hands and knees.
After getting the big pieces and, placing them in the oddly intact lower half of the glass I got a towel and wiped then entire floor area to get the tiny pieces no one could see, vowing to warn the cabin boys about what had happened.
I was too busy to take any photos of this event.
Then I cleaned off our room tray, on which live a couple of large bottles of water we will never drink, added a damp washcloth, and took Diane’s shopping list to the Lido deck for food and coffee. I’m happy to report that I managed to get that full tray down 3 decks, and back to our room without spilling a drop. We were both very proud of me.
At 1300 we had lunch in the dining room with the Mariner Club. It was a lot of food picked from a menu, unlike the Lido where there are no menus. Just point at what looks good and they dish it up.
We lounged in our lounge chairs on our balcony and watched the world go by until it was time for supper.
Diane started out with crab cakes which she really liked. Then she had halibut that she didn’t like so much.
At 1730 we had a major dinner at the Pinnacle restaurant for our Anniversary Celebration. Diane had crab cakes & baked halibut (no photo), and I had a skimpy shrimp cocktail & 15 oz boneless ribeye steak. We also each had baked potatoes and they were huge. Mine was almost as big as my steak. I ate it all. Then we had dessert. The delivery was very elegant for all plates.
For dessert Diane had Baked Alaska and I had a couple scoops of ice cream.
After that sumptuous meal, we returned to our cabin and relieved ourselves of our shoes and clothing, and spent the evening laying naked on our balcony.
Arrived at 1100, attended the mass gathering of people going on tours, got number Orange 10, then left the ship to march about ½ a mile to the bus. The bus wasn’t there when we arrived, so we waited in the 90+ degree heat till he showed up. It wasn’t long, but it seemed like a long time.
The bus took us on a tour of Huatulco. The first stop was on a hill overlooking the Eurodam and a pristine beach. Got off, took some photos, got back on. They never turn the buses off, so the A/C is always on. That’s good. Diane stayed aboard for this stop.
Next stop was an overlook of the city. Diane stayed aboard again.
Then we went downtown. The destination after the bus parked was about a mile away. In addition to the walking, the heat sapped everyone’s strength, so we went really slow.
We visited a museum where we learned how the indigenous people created colors for their incredible textiles The blankets and rugs were beautiful. The only thing we bought was a very colorful cat magnet.
Next stop was a church, but we skipped that and went directly to the restaurant that was next on the list. They had bathrooms.
Everyone else showed up a short time later and we were all served a snack consisting of a small helping of beans for dipping the two tiny Tostitos they served everyone. They were tiny, but they hit the spot and kept us going.
Interesting art in the restaurant. Kinda looks like a nod to COVID and masks, right?
We left the restaurant, Mescal Mas, before everyone else to visit the church. It was close by. It’s incredibly beautiful. The entire interior is covered with artwork. I have photos.
Our next stop was to catch the bus. We made it but lost our way for a minute and wound up being the last people to board our bus. That was fun.
Back at the drop off, we walked toward the ship, passed the first check point to show our ship’s card, then Diane said we need to catch the little taxi that runs up and down the pier and only takes tips. No set fares. I’m sure he makes a pretty good living because by the time people get to him, they’ll pay anything to get back on the ship where the A/C is blissful. For the last 100 yards of that trip Diane paid him $5. She wanted to give him $10 but I thought that was a bit much. The driver was happy with $5.
Made it back with time to spare. Everyone was supposed to be aboard by 1630 so we could depart by 1700 with all the paying passengers. It’s currently 1640 and there are still people trolling down the pier.
Tonight, we’re going to the theater to watch “A Man Called Otto”. I watched it on the plane to Fort Lauderdale and really liked it. It will be fun to watch again with Diane because I know she will love it.
On the way to the movie, we stopped at the EFFY Jewelry store and got Diane an emerald ring she’s been wishing for. It’s for our 55th anniversary, and she earned it.
I was right. She loved it. The movie, I mean, and she kind of likes the ring a bit, too.
Back in our cabin we settled down to relax and watch the Mexican coast sail by on our way to Puerto Vallarta.
Day 10 – April 18, 2023 – Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
We decided to have breakfast in bed this morning because I didn’t want to make that trip to Lido. It’s pretty cool to have coffee delivered. Yogurt for Diane, and granola for me.
Joined the throng of folks leaving the ship for tours. Our number was Red-24. After leaving the ship we had a long walk to where the buses lived and folks out there directed us to the correct vehicle. We felt fortunate that we were able to get seats in the 2nd row, and we could see out the windshield. Seeing out the windshield came with a mixed blessing because we had a front row seat for any cars or people who got mowed down. Fortunately, we had a good driver and that didn’t happen.
Bindy, our tour guide, introduced Alex, the driver, by saying he got his driver’s license the normal way, from a box of Captain Crunch cereal.
On our 5-hour tour we were shown 3 volcanos and some very narrow streets. They got so narrow, once we reached Antigua, that we had to empty our big bus and get on two smaller ones.
When we got to the heart of Antigua, we left the buses and walked to a plaza where locals inundated us with handmade tchotchke’s, as Diane likes to call them. I think that’s a Russian word for trinkets. All of those who had tchotchkes to sell were very insistent that we buy something from them. Even the smaller kids were involved.
In Antigua, all of the streets are made of cobblestones, and they are very rough and difficult to walk on for old folks which comprised the entire bus load of people we were with. Everyone on this cruise is old unless they’re part of the entertainment. Unfortunately, one elderly lady, who was a bit wobbly on her own, took a tumble after traversing only abut 15 feet into an intersection. She face planted and skinned her knees. Mother Bindy got her medical treatment quickly and an EMT patched her up and stayed with her for the duration of our visit to the area. Luckily, nothing broke but she was a bit shaken.
Total time on buses today was about 3-4 hours, but we had breaks along the way.
Hey! There’s my bride.
And an interesting fountain.
Everyone had something to sell.
Bindy was a wealth of knowledge and taught us a lot about Guatemalan agriculture in addition to the various cultures that makes Guatemala tick. We also learned how difficult it is for common people in Guatemala to navigate the intricate tax system they enforce. Sadly, none of their elected officials, who manage the tax maze, pay taxes. They declared themselves exempt. Nifty job if you can get it. Sure makes thing difficult for the common folks.
Back on the ship, although we were sweaty and tired, we went to the Lido deck to get a late lunch. Diane likes the Dive In venue for their hamburgers. It’s by the pool, hense “dive in”.
After eating we retired to our room to wait for our departure at 1630. We read, eventually fell asleep, and totally missed the sail away from this narrow Guatemalan harbor. Didn’t feel a thing. By then it was time for supper and Diane was still dragging. So, I went to the Lido Marketplace and used her shopping list to gather food to bring to our room. It was going great until I spilled a glass of cranberry juice all over my tray, my shirt & shorts, and the floor. One of the young waiters saw my dilemma as I stood in the middle of the puddle so no one would walk through it. He got busy and cleaned the floor up, cleaned me up, cleaned my tray up, and refilled the glass I’d just dumped on the floor. He also put a napkin under all the items I had so they wouldn’t slide and showed me how to transport the tray without dumping the drinks again. After that was all done, I made it to the elevator, down three floors, and to our room without incident.
Then we ate and kept on resting.
It didn’t take long for Diane to feel the need to do something, so she dug around in the dirty clothes suitcase and pulled out some shirts and shorts to rinse out in the tub. It’s jetted so they got a nice wash getting sloshed around with all those jets. Now the clothes are being rinsed, then she plans to hang them around in the bathroom thinking they will dry overnight. I’ll be taking a picture of all that.
Now we’re on our way to Mexico, arriving at noon tomorrow. It’s another short stop as we leave at 1630. We’re on another tour but for sure it’s going to be a short one.
Arrived in port about 0730 and got to watch the skipper wiggle this big ship through a tight spot to a secluded pier. It was accomplished without mishap and smooth as silk.
There will be no walking on the pier as it’s an industrial area. Getting to town requires everyone to use either a shuttle bus, or take a tour.
Our ride will be on a tour bus. It’s a big one. It’s the pink one on the right side of the row. They were ready for us.
The ride through many very narrow streets was amazing. The driver didn’t hit anything.
We were taken to see volcanos, from a distance, then to a town that has an amazingly large vegetable market. All fresh produce that is grown by pretty much everyone who lives here. Lots and lots of bananas.
Met an indigenous lady who is very small and old.
There were kids everywhere who were amazed to see strangers like us in their town. Apparently, school got out early, or they have short days. All of them wear uniforms to maintain uniformity. Tricky, huh?
We had to be back at the ship before 1630, our scheduled departure time. We were plenty early because our trip wasn’t a marathon 9-hour bus ride. More like 5 hours.
When we got back, and had been on board a short time, I heard drums banging. Looking from our veranda I say a large orchestra arrange on the pier. They were playing a big band stuff and they were absolutely great. They played for a couple of hours with enthusiasm, and they were good. We understand they were a Navy band which we presumed because they were all dressed up in white uniforms that just looked Navy to us.
The band played until the last bus arrived and the gangway was removed. As the ship pushed away from the pier, they finished putting their instruments away and waved us off. Quite stunning.
The evening show was pianist Hyperion Knight. This guy is incredible. He narrated the entire show, giving us an education about the composers before playing them.
Then to bed at 2100. Got an early morning trip planned.
Day 8 – April 16, 2023 – At sea – Depart Costa Rica, bound for El Salvador
Woke up way late this morning around 0730. Took my pills and ate one of the oranges I snitched from the Lido Market after eating dinner yesterday. It’s OK. That’s legal.
Diane slept until 1030 which was good because she was pretty exhausted after that long bus ride and walking we did yesterday. Surprisingly, my normal morning pains were absent, so the walking was good for me.
We went to the Lido deck and ate a late breakfast. On the way out I greeted to a guy who had on a Navy hat. Those guys seem to be everywhere. His name is Jerry and his partner is Barbara. We wound up sitting down at their table and talking for about an hour.
Spent some time in swimming suits on our veranda. I have photos but I’m not allowed to use them. Diane said no. The weather was calm and the air was perfectly warm. Nothing to see out there except a bunch of seagulls that followed us from Costa Rica.
The ocean was initially very choppy in the morning, with white caps everywhere. As the day progressed, those went away, and the calm flat water returned.
Went to lunch then returned to the veranda for a while until the ladies next door decided to hang out on their veranda and talk loudly. So, we went inside and read, waiting till dinner then we’re going to see a magician in the theater.
We cruised up the coasts of Costa Rica, and Nicaragua to line up for our arrival in El Salvador. I understand that this will be the first time a Holland America vessel makes a port visit there.
The day was spent sleeping, resting, and eating when necessary. Spent some time on the veranda. Went to bed early because tomorrow’s port visit is only for 8-9 hours. We have a tour that starts at 0800.
Day 7 – April 15, 2023 – Saturday – Puntarenas, Costa Rica
I woke up about 0530 and spied the coast of Costa Rica in the distance on our starboard side. That’s the kind of stuff we see out our windows because we’re on the starboard side. Did I say that before? Probably not. Now you know. Just to make sure you understand, since we’re on the starboard side, when we sit on our porch looking longingly out to sea, the ships’ pointy end is to our left.
We fiddled around a while, waiting for the Lido foodery to get active so we could go get our morning coffee and some breakfast. Coffee, first.
Diane had her traditional yogurt and I had two poached eggs that were boiled as I waited, one sausage patty that was hard like a harness (but good), two sausage links, and two pieces of wheat bread. I ingested all this while looking out the window at Costa Rica. Kinda cool.
Back in our cabin I dialed up my messenger and sent big brother Jim a Happy Birthday wish because today is his birthday. He’s 80-something today. He’s 86 I think. I sent him a Happy Birthday text, but it wouldn’t send.
Then they opened the bow for people to go watch the docking process at Puntarenas Costa Rica. Arrival time was scheduled for 1100 and I think they made it pretty close. Departure time is 2230 this evening.
During this in port time, Diane booked us a tour. We were scheduled to leave on our bus tour first thing so we joined half the ship at the mainstage. We were issued number stickers that related to the bus we would ride. There were four of them, and we got #3.
Angie was our tour guide, and she’s a talker for sure. A native Tikas, she has an environmental engineer degree but didn’t like being cooped up in an office so branched out. She said she’s almost 5 feet tall and I’d say that’s pretty accurate. She talked almost non-stop on our trip to the botanical orchid gardens. We spent at least an hour there as Angie guided us through the flowers and displays explaining everything to us. She’s full of information is really good at sharing it.
I probably took a thousand photos of orchids but I’m not going to show you all of them. The most interesting ones we saw were those that were living free of pots, just absorbing moisture from the humid air.
This is Angie, our guide.
This is a shiny hollow log.
The electric wiring in some of the villages we went through was interesting.
Our next stop was the Doka Coffee Plantation in the mountains. It’s a one-and-a-half-hour drive from the orchids. Again, she talked all the way, educating us about Costa Rica’s history. She looks like she’s about 12 but admitted she’s about to turn 30. An amazing girl.
On the way we passed Kmart but we didn’t stop.
At the plantation we ate lunch before touring the facility. It was a wonderful meal and I didn’t take a picture. After that Angie took us on a tour of this facility, also, explaining the coffee growing process, the bean processing process, and the export process. She knows it all, which isn’t a surprise, because she said she’s been doing it for 9 years.
Angie strapped on this basket and told us that pickers get paid about $2 for each full basket. It takes a lot of coffee beans to fill it so it makes us appreciate that cup of coffee a little more.
After Doka, it started getting dark and we headed for another brief stop; an old church that was built of eggs. I need to research that a little because I really didn’t understand how that happened when Angie explained it.
On the trip home everyone was totally ready for a shower. The trip seemed to take forever and we arrived back on the pier at 2030. It was a very long day for us old people.
We rushed aboard to see if the Lido deck had any food left (they did) so we could eat something and go take a shower (we did).
Now we’re ready to tuck ourselves into bed as the crew takes the ship out and heads north to El Salvador. I took a peek out the door before laying down and discovered that we were already miles from the party beach. All they had to do was push us away from the pier and go straight ahead into the night. Never felt a thing.
Temporary Sanity ... 