Death of Bin Laden

We must all understand that the death of Osama Bin Laden is only the closing of a chapter...not the end of the book. The ten year relentless pursuit of this horrible terrorist proves the tenacity of the American spirit and the strength of American integrity. However...the hatred will continue...the misguided Islamic Jihadist will make Bin Laden into a martyr...scream about retaliation (as if Bin Laden's death was not justified retaliation by the US)...and continue their scorched earth policy of killing as many innocent people as possible under the guise of a religious war. It is not a true religious war...it is out and out hatred of anyone who does not agree with them. These are hateful, vengeful people who will continue to inflict suffering. I, personally, do not think this war will ever end. It will take a total worldwide awakening and realization that these zealots are out for world domination, and it will take the world to stop them. I do think that these past ten years have been filled with fear and uncertainty for the now departed Osama Bin Laden. As each day, week, month, and year passed and he saw more and more of his top Lieutenants and advisers either killed or captured he must have come to realize just how much he had underestimated the will, determination and spirit of the American people...and that the inevitable would someday fall upon him...and it did. He died as he lived...hate-filled and violent. The world is better off...but, not really any safer.

Barack Obama and Ron Zook

After watching the complete lack of American influence in the current crisis in Egypt, I began to think back over the past two years and came to realize that Barack Obama has a lot in common with Ron Zook. When Zook took over the reins of the Florida Gators from Steve Spurrier, the Gators were a top 5, nationally ranked team. It only took Ron Zook seven games to take the Gators completely out of the top 25. In much the same way, in the past two years Obama has completely removed the United States of America from it's position as the major influence in world affairs to a place that must list us somewhere in importance with the also-rans such as Finland and Estonia. Obama's world wide apology tours and constant criticizing of the past American policies did nothing but raise eyebrows around the world as to what is going on with this once great and proud nation. Then...by bowing to every head of state that carried a title of President...Czar...Dictator...Sultan...or whatever, sealed the deal that America now pictured itself as just like the rest and not quite as good as most. Respect and influence took a dramatic downturn in the world political caucus. I guess that when you elect someone to the most important job in the world who has absolutely no administrative experience...and then surrounds himself with nothing but Chicago political hacks...this is what you get. Can it all be turned around in the next two years? I don't think so...too much damage has been done. It looks like it is going to take a fresh start in 2012 with a new, more experienced leader to take the greatest nation on earth back to the respected and influential level that is deserved.

Costa Rica

A nation that rightfully prides itself on its rain forests and beautiful landscapes. With over 109 inches of rain annually they say that they have two season in Costa Rica...the rainy season and the more rainy season. However, on this day that we were ashore, it was a beautiful, sun filled day. We took a ride through some of the many waterways that penetrate the rain forest and were exposed to multiple examples of wildlife...from iguanas to many species of water fowl to more than one species of monkeys and sloths. In addition we visited the Del Monte banana packing farm and factory. I found it quite interesting to see how the bananas are harvested, sorted, packed and shipped to the correct destination based solely on how old the bananas are when picked so that they don't ripen until they arrive in the appropriate country. Fascinating! A lovely, lush country that still has a preponderance of poverty even though the literacy rate is 90%. We did not see the beautiful resort areas of the country that are becoming so popular with Americans. Around Limon, where our ship docked, there was much squalor and poor living conditions. A beautiful country that is pushing ahead to make life much better for all who live there.

Panama Canal

Without a doubt the Panama Canal is one of the great engineering and technical masterpieces in history. When you think of the technology available when the canal was dug and how it has operated the last hundred years just as it did when it opened in 1914 is absolutely amazing. As you pass through the locks and realized that when it was built the Panama Canal was the largest concrete structure in the world you begin the appreciate the fact that 26,000 people lost their lives in the construction of this passageway. Most of those who died were killed by disease...malaria and yellow fever...before anyone discovered that these deadly diseases were transmitted by the simple mosquito. Today about 40 vessels a day pass through the six locks and 50 miles of waterways from one ocean to the other. Crossing the Panama Canal is roughly like shooting TV show or movie...brief moments of action and excitement followed by lengthy periods of tedious boredom. However...I would not trade the experience. It is like watching an elephant dance...never criticize the technique, just marvel that they can do it.

Curacao

Curacao is a much larger and more tropical island than Aruba, however there are not nearly as many nice, public beaches. More jungle...less beaches. Interestingly, the usable beaches are privately owned. We wandered around the capital city of Willemstad and found it much more alluring than Oranjestaad, Aruba. Multi-cultural with upscale shops as well as the "birds and beads" stores aimed at the tourists. There is a floating, pontoon bridge that gets you from one side of town to the other. The bridge swings open when it is necessary to let boats into the port area and while the bridge is open they use ferries to take people across. We were lucky enough to use both...just another "island adventure, mon!" It was fun...but...we have now been there, done that...and...I got the tee shirt!

Aruba

Aruba is a very interesting island. It is basically a pile of volcanic rock that will grow absolutely nothing except tourists. The only valuable plant, fruit or vegetable that will grow there is aloe...and aloe products are, believe it or not, the only export the island has. Everything must be be shipped in...including the tourists...which are the main industry of this very pleasant island. There are many beautiful seaside hotels and resorts. The island is only nine miles long and six miles wide...but, the water is magnificent. There are coral reefs and shipwrecks for scuba divers and snorkelers. There is also miles and miles of soft sandy beaches that make for very relaxing vacations. I was surprised to hear that 75% of the tourists come from the US. Just as long as you stay away from the Vandersloots, you could have a great time here.

Half Moon Cay

First of all, right up front, let me say...we love this ship! Now...a lot of that is our wonderful cabin. We were lucky enough to be upgraded to a mini-suite and it is large and spacious with all of the conveniences of home...plus a whirlpool tub. The balcony is twice the size of the others we have had and the "extras" are really, really nice. In addition, the service is great and the food is wonderful. The ship itself is so well laid out and very, very nice. It just couldn't be better. Today we spent the day at the Holland America's Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay. It is not quite as tricked out as Disney's Castaway Cay, but all-in-all is was very nice and the water was absolutely gorgeous...a crystal blue and perfectly clear. We only waded in the water but loved every step. Also, notice in the picture the para-sailing happening in front of the ship. I failed to mention that we are on the Zuiderdam and currently sailing toward Aruba.