Cabo San Lucas

Spent the sunny day walking around the marina and drinking cervezas while listening to mariachi music.

November 15th Huatulco, Mexico. Walked around the resort town where there were numerous water taxis available to take visitors to different beaches. We hired one with our traveling companions, Larry and Myrna and went snorkling and lunching with locals. Many large angels and other colorful tropical fish. Lobsters and fresh fish available at our outdoor restaurant.

November 16th Acapulco Independence Day (but no fireworks) Took scenic tour of the city along the hotel lined Itornos Beach, Condesa and Cistera Aleman. Driver, Pedro, drove to scenic overlook of the city toward Los Brisas for view of the skyline and luxury homes. A stop at Pedro's favorite souvenir shop then on to the cliff divers at El Mirador. Midnight Dessert Buffett was only for observation. Could not even think of another desert.

November 14, Puerto Chiapas, Mexico My wife negotiated in Spanish a taxi ride to Izapa and the site of old Aztec ruins. Driver did not know the value of American dollars but was convinced by others that he was getting the right fare. Met a local man who lives now in L.A. who agreed to take us on a tour of the colorful city of Izapa and back to our ship.

Antigua

November 13th Arrived at Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala, the country's name means House of Fire in the Indian dialect, apply named due the presence of 33 volcanoes. We took an excursion to Antigua a former capital, located at the base of 3 volcanoes. Two major earthquakes destroyed most of the city in 1773. The town is comprised of many beautiful churches and Spanish colonial architecture. It is visited by many travelers as seen here, can you spot the Americans? A magnificent resort, Hotel Santo Domingo is build around an ancient monastery and contains beautiful gardens and many parrots. Back to the ship for dinner followed by a hilarious comic who described life aboard the cruise ship.

Day at Sea

November 12th The day was spent at sea, lounging, swimming, reading, playing ping pong and dining at formal night.

Costa Rica

November 12th Took tour to private rain forest. Passed a river which numerous alligators on the banks. In the forest we rode an arial tram to top of mountain where we enjoyed sailing down on 10 zip lines to the bottom. Spotted a sloth and a toucan in the trees on our ride up. Lunch in a large open air thatched dining area. Great meal of chicken, rice, beans, fruits and juices. Started on a guided nature walk to view the snakes and flora of the forest. Only made it part way when the rains descended heavily (did I mention rain forest?). Back on our bus we passed by several volcanoes, one which is active, and small villages with very narrow streets. Rain only fell at higher elevations.