One Excellent Break

Friday, January 1, 2016

Around Limon

Although we love Costa Rica, Puerto Limon is not its loveliest destination.

Running through my Fourth-Grade Wish List

Fourth grade was a challenging year--teacher problems--with a few bright spots of inspiration. It was then I learned about the Appalachian Trail and decided I wanted to hike it. Check. And found out the millennium was coming. I figured I'd be pretty old by then but determined to do something special. Istanbul wasn't on my radar, of course, but the new year's count-UP in Taksim Square was pretty extraordinary. And we also learned about the Panama Canal. I couldn't visualize how it all worked, but I still wanted to go through it one day. Check again with our big birthday cruise. For the passage through the three locks into Gatun Lake, we observed from our balcony. On the return, we moved to a prime viewing spot at the front of the ship. We were fascinated to see the process and learn that it all occurred with the natural flow of fresh water from the lake down into the locks and then the ocean.

Sushi

Michael was honored when he caught us taking pictures of his sushi. After talking for a bit, he surprised us with his specialty, which he made for the first time the night he proposed to his girlfriend. I had to ask: "She accepted, didn't she?!" Of course...

South America!

After a requisite stop at the San Felipe de Barajas fortress in Cartagena, we traveled to the rural La Boquilla fishing village. Everyone in the community came out to welcome us with smiles and coconut drinks. We then climbed in wooded canoes for a tour of the mangroves and a fishing demonstration. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

What to Do with Two Days at Sea?

Eat, of course! (And then there was the free drink package...)

We're Off!

On the night of my big birthday, we slipped out of Miami at sunset as I sipped my first-ever Bellini. Felt like pure bliss, with 12 luxurious days ahead of us.