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.