Limon - Costa Rica

27th January

Today we arrived early in the port of Limon, Costa Rica, where we were booked on an excursion Animal Rescue Centre and Botanical Garden, where we boarded the coach for the 30minute drive to the centre.  En route our very informative guide gave a brief history of Costa Rica, whilst pointing out the wildlife as we passed by.  The driver spotted a tree full of hanging birds nests, apparently the birds tend to congregate in the same tree and build additional nests to reduce the odds of being attacked by predators, i.e tree lizards.  We also stopped at a road side fruit stall where our driver purchased a bunch of small finger bananas, which we all sampled and found them to be very sweet and tasty.  Apparently Costa Rica is the third highest exporter of bananas.

On arrival at the Rescue Centre we were greeted by the proprietor, who then took us on a two hour tour of the site, pointing out the different trees, pepper, cinnamon and cacao (chocolate).  We then saw the various rescued monkeys, which are being rehabilitated in family groups in preparation for returning them to the wild.  These included the Capucin, Howler and Spider monkeys.  Unfortunately there were only two spider monkeys so it doesn't look as though they will be released yet.

Around the gardens we came across various flowers, unfortunately the names escape me.

We then came to the star attraction of the Centre - two sloths, that had been orphaned and brought to the Centre.  The larger sloth which is about eleven months old,will be ready to be returned to the wild in four or five months time.  The younger sloth still clings to the proprietor, its adopted Mum.  It was interesting seeing the animals close up as usually they are only seen high in the trees as a bundle of fur.

We saw many other animals and birds and this Jaguar like cat was really not very friendly.

After a break for fruit drinks and pineapple, banana and melon we returned to our coach and spotted another sloth and spider monkeys in the trees.

On returning to the port, Doreen decided it was too hot again in the lower 30 degrees, to walk round town, so Geoffrey walked round town on his own, finding the local cathedral and decided to call into a local barbers for a haircut.

This is our third call into Limon and, although not a very impressive port our trips to see the wild life in this rainforest area have been exceptional and the local people friendly.

Cartagena ( Colombia )

25th January 2016

Cartagena

The day before we arrived at Cartagena we received leaflets from P&O warning us of the potential safety and security risks whilst ashore and to remain vigilant at all times. We were also advised that the risk from the Zika Virus spread by mosquitos in the Caribbean area.  We did consider not going ashore, but decided that us intrepid explorers should not be put off but such risks.  So with trepidation we removed all our valuables including watches, rings and credit card sprayed with full strength mosquito repellent and ventured ashore.

We joined other passengers and negotiated a taxi ride into town.  Geoffrey sat in the front and with his fluent Spanish chatted to the drive, who was also called William.  However, his driving left a little to be desired and he swerved all over the road to miss the potholes, but we did eventually arrive safely to the walled city, where William promised to return in 3 hours to pick us up.

We then split up with our fellow passengers and entered the ancient walled city and were pleasantly surprised with what we encountered.  With its narrow streets and picturesque balconies and numerous up market shops, which included many jewellers specialising in selling the local emeralds, Doreen went to one jewellers and found a beautiful emerald ring that she would like to buy.  However, we had left all our credit cards safely back on the ship (Geoffrey had to smile!!!!!).

We spent the next two and a half hours walking around the streets in temperatures of 34 degrees and although we came across a number of street sellers and one persistent beggar, we did not at all feel at risk, and were glad that we had made the effort to come into town.  We found a yellow cab and negotiated a fare to take us back to our air-conditioned ship, where we went on board for lunch. 

After lunch we left the ship and returned to the Terminal Building for Doreen to get some more retail therapy, whilst Geoffrey walked round the various aviaries that surrounded the Terminal Building. 

Despite all the warnings we were given we thoroughly enjoyed our time in Cartegena and would recommend it to anyone as a must visit place.

Curacao and Aruba

21st - 23rd January 2016

Again, Happy Birthday Nicola.  We had a glass of champagne in our cabin to toast Nicola, before going to Sindhu Restaurant for a special dinner.  The Sindhu Restaurant has menus that have been designed by Atul Kochhar, a Michelin starred chef, who is a Master of Spices.

Curacao

Next morning we arrived in Curacao immediately followed by a naval ship, giving a 21 gun salute (not sure the salute was directed at us).  After breakfast we strolled to where the American ship was berthed, where near a crowded market where somebody tried to pick pocket Geoffrey's rucksack.  Fortunately, apart from a bottle of water, umbrella and a hat there was nothing worth taking.  However, it was a wake up call of how careful you have to be in these ports.  We crossed the pontoon bridge into the main town area, where we walked around the local markets and up market shops.  We stopped at a restaurant for a light lunch and beer, where upon leaving Geoffrey had dropped his cruise card under the table and luckily Doreen spotted a waitress pick it up and recovered it……. Geoffrey was having a bad day.

A very nice town that we wouldn't mind returning to some day.

Aruba

Today we returned to one of our favourite islands in the Caribbean and decided to catch a local bus up the coast to a place called Palm Beach, where we walked along the beach looking at the luxury hotels, before stopping off for a light lunch.  The temperature was in the low thirties, so very hot, but very pleasant with the breeze.

After a few hours we returned to the town on the bus to visit our friendly iguanas, who posed nicely for Geoffrey's photographs.  After the obligatory walk around the local markets and shops we returned to the air conditioned ship to cool down, and relax before dinner.