Cuba, Panama and the Pacific
This 21 day Cruise from Miami to Los Angeles on the Viking Sun takes us to 7 countries and transits the Panama Canal. Please join us on our second Viking adventure.
Closing this blog
Blogging has become a nightmare due to poor wifi connection and other reasons. Sadly, I am discontinuing this blog. I have found another way to reach family and friends. Thank you for following this far.
Sea Day - December 21
Taking it easy today. It's been an exhausting 3 days. RM's ankles swelled badly these past 2 nights. Hopefully due to the heat.
At 4pm we went to the Port Talk, at 5 pm it was Explorer's Society, at 6 pm was dinner.
We had another interesting experience at the Chef's Table. The theme was Venice Carnival. Amuse Bouche was roasted pepper and tomato jelly with goat cheese latte foam. First course was Beef Carpaccio with fig and mustard vinaigrette. This is very thinly sliced raw beef. It was melt in your mouth delicious. Granita was Bellini with peach juice foam. Very refreshing. Both the Bellini and Carpaccio were created at Harry's Bar in Venice. The main course was cod fillet with Jerusalem artichoke risotto. Melt in your mouth delicious! The cod and the beef came from Iceland. Dessert was Mascarpone Passion with mascarpone mousse and passion fruit. Wow! Our waiter surprised us by upgrading our wines. He said that he would do that for us again for Bob's birthday. Mickey has been our waiter and it has been great fun.
Tonight's entertainment was Impressionist Karen Grainger and guitarist Zach Winningham.
The house was packed! Standing room only. All of these entertainers get off the ship tomorrow, and new ones will board. If this past week is an indication of future entertainment, the world cruisers are in for some truly amazing experiences!
At 4pm we went to the Port Talk, at 5 pm it was Explorer's Society, at 6 pm was dinner.
We had another interesting experience at the Chef's Table. The theme was Venice Carnival. Amuse Bouche was roasted pepper and tomato jelly with goat cheese latte foam. First course was Beef Carpaccio with fig and mustard vinaigrette. This is very thinly sliced raw beef. It was melt in your mouth delicious. Granita was Bellini with peach juice foam. Very refreshing. Both the Bellini and Carpaccio were created at Harry's Bar in Venice. The main course was cod fillet with Jerusalem artichoke risotto. Melt in your mouth delicious! The cod and the beef came from Iceland. Dessert was Mascarpone Passion with mascarpone mousse and passion fruit. Wow! Our waiter surprised us by upgrading our wines. He said that he would do that for us again for Bob's birthday. Mickey has been our waiter and it has been great fun.
Tonight's entertainment was Impressionist Karen Grainger and guitarist Zach Winningham.
The house was packed! Standing room only. All of these entertainers get off the ship tomorrow, and new ones will board. If this past week is an indication of future entertainment, the world cruisers are in for some truly amazing experiences!
Havana Sojourn - Mon Dec 18 and Tues Dec 19
We were up bright and early Monday morning to start this journey.
Upon arriving in Havana, we visited Fort Castillo del Morro. Luckily there happened to be an Earthcache there. We drove around Revolution Square. We really don't understand their love affair with Che Gueverra. There are images of him everywhere.
After lunch we visited a small art museum which supported local artists. This took care of the "educational" requirement of our visit to Cuba. Generally, Canadians do not need a Visa to visit Cuba, Americans do. Because we are on a trip originating from the US, everyone needs a Visa and it must be for educational purposes.
This was followed by a walking tour around Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At Francis of Assisi church, we found another Earthcache. The architecture here is a mixture of French and Spanish influences.
After checking into our hotel, Melia Habana, we rode in vintage 1940s and 1950s American automobiles to go to the restaurant. Ours was an orange '57 Chevy convertible. What a blast! We thought it would be a short ride. Not so! It must have been a 20 minute ride to get to the restaurant just 5 minutes from the hotel. The Cuban fusion-style dinner consisted of appetizers, taro root and tomatoes, and chicken. Dessert was coconut ice. Too bad RoseMarie does not like coconut.
Afterwards, we were bused to the Tropicana for live entertainment. It was an excellent show. Each couple had 1/2 litre of rum. RM does not like coke, so tried rum on the rocks. She really liked that. Most people left half way through the show. We stayed until the end. RoseMarie danced with the most beautiful woman in an amazing costume. That was fun! It was a great night.....long 19 hour day though.
We were up early Tuesday morning again. On the way back to Cienfuegos, we stopped at the Bay of Pigs museum. This was a real eye opener for many Americans to see the other side of the story.
What did we learn in Cuba? There is hope. Under Raoul Castro it has been decided that there will be elections every 5 years. He is stepping down next year. The process will be similar to what we have in Canada. New people with fresh and exciting ideas are running. It will be interesting to observe the process.
We are at sea this afternoon, so we have time to recuperate before tonight. Of course, we made time for afternoon tea. Those scones are as good as ever! Entertainment tonight was Karen Grainger from Toronto, female impressionist. Amazing entertainer: great impressionist, singer, and comedienne. Yippee! Mais Oui!
Upon arriving in Havana, we visited Fort Castillo del Morro. Luckily there happened to be an Earthcache there. We drove around Revolution Square. We really don't understand their love affair with Che Gueverra. There are images of him everywhere.
After lunch we visited a small art museum which supported local artists. This took care of the "educational" requirement of our visit to Cuba. Generally, Canadians do not need a Visa to visit Cuba, Americans do. Because we are on a trip originating from the US, everyone needs a Visa and it must be for educational purposes.
This was followed by a walking tour around Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At Francis of Assisi church, we found another Earthcache. The architecture here is a mixture of French and Spanish influences.
After checking into our hotel, Melia Habana, we rode in vintage 1940s and 1950s American automobiles to go to the restaurant. Ours was an orange '57 Chevy convertible. What a blast! We thought it would be a short ride. Not so! It must have been a 20 minute ride to get to the restaurant just 5 minutes from the hotel. The Cuban fusion-style dinner consisted of appetizers, taro root and tomatoes, and chicken. Dessert was coconut ice. Too bad RoseMarie does not like coconut.
Afterwards, we were bused to the Tropicana for live entertainment. It was an excellent show. Each couple had 1/2 litre of rum. RM does not like coke, so tried rum on the rocks. She really liked that. Most people left half way through the show. We stayed until the end. RoseMarie danced with the most beautiful woman in an amazing costume. That was fun! It was a great night.....long 19 hour day though.
We were up early Tuesday morning again. On the way back to Cienfuegos, we stopped at the Bay of Pigs museum. This was a real eye opener for many Americans to see the other side of the story.
What did we learn in Cuba? There is hope. Under Raoul Castro it has been decided that there will be elections every 5 years. He is stepping down next year. The process will be similar to what we have in Canada. New people with fresh and exciting ideas are running. It will be interesting to observe the process.
We are at sea this afternoon, so we have time to recuperate before tonight. Of course, we made time for afternoon tea. Those scones are as good as ever! Entertainment tonight was Karen Grainger from Toronto, female impressionist. Amazing entertainer: great impressionist, singer, and comedienne. Yippee! Mais Oui!
Ocho Rios, Jamaica - Wednesday December 20, 2017
Dunns River Falls, Coyaba Gardens, shopping
We did not have a tour this morning, so we walked from the ship to the shopping area, finding 2 geocaches along the way. One geocache was full of recipes. You really never know what you will see. You do need to watch prices in the shops. For instance, Sangsters Banana Rum liqueur varied in price from $25 at one shop to $14 at the duty free shop.
The afternoon tour first took us to Dunn's River Falls, the site of a historic British victory over the Spanish in 1657. Locals were arriving in bathing suits and water shoes. It didn't take long to find out why. We walked through the jungle to the bottom of the 180 foot falls which empty into the Caribbean Sea. Here groups were lined up, holding hands, and slowly zigzagging their way up the falls. It would have been such fun to do that! We were here about 45 minutes.
Coyaba Garden is a 3 acre rainforest garden. There were a variety of birds, flowers, banana plants, avocado plants, towering banyan and cedar trees, and more. We followed the garden path to Mahoe Falls and Ysassis Lookout Point with its views of the Harbour and Caribbean Sea.
Then, we were dropped off at a shopping area downtown.
Quite a busy afternoon. We crashed with friends at the Aquavit lounge. It was a lovely evening to sit outside. The ship pulled away from the dock, and just floated for a few hours.
Entertainment tonight was a combination of the Brazilian Tango dancers and pianist Garin Bader. Such talented people.
We did not have a tour this morning, so we walked from the ship to the shopping area, finding 2 geocaches along the way. One geocache was full of recipes. You really never know what you will see. You do need to watch prices in the shops. For instance, Sangsters Banana Rum liqueur varied in price from $25 at one shop to $14 at the duty free shop.
The afternoon tour first took us to Dunn's River Falls, the site of a historic British victory over the Spanish in 1657. Locals were arriving in bathing suits and water shoes. It didn't take long to find out why. We walked through the jungle to the bottom of the 180 foot falls which empty into the Caribbean Sea. Here groups were lined up, holding hands, and slowly zigzagging their way up the falls. It would have been such fun to do that! We were here about 45 minutes.
Coyaba Garden is a 3 acre rainforest garden. There were a variety of birds, flowers, banana plants, avocado plants, towering banyan and cedar trees, and more. We followed the garden path to Mahoe Falls and Ysassis Lookout Point with its views of the Harbour and Caribbean Sea.
Then, we were dropped off at a shopping area downtown.
Quite a busy afternoon. We crashed with friends at the Aquavit lounge. It was a lovely evening to sit outside. The ship pulled away from the dock, and just floated for a few hours.
Entertainment tonight was a combination of the Brazilian Tango dancers and pianist Garin Bader. Such talented people.
Cienfuegos, Cuba - Sunday December 17, 2017
We are 3 days in Cuba.
We arrived in Cienfuegos by noon today. Another World Heritage site. There is a mixture of indigenous, Spanish and French cultures.
We are anchored in the bay and need to take tenders to shore. Our foot excursion took us to a pedestrian only street lined with shops. Most are closed today because it is Sunday. Apparently on weekdays, the city is quite lively. There are very few areas where people can use wifi. One such area is Jose Marti park. It was amusing seeing people huddled together with their phones. We were left on our own for a while. We walked down an artisan lined street to the bay. The bus dropped us off at a couple of rum shops. One of the shops also had a woman demonstrating the craft of hand rolled cigars.
We were then bused to the Palacio de Valle where we were greeted with rum and cokes. Built in 1913, the lavish restaurant, a former casino, is a blend of Gothic, Venetian and neo-Moorish architecture. From the top floor we had a lovely view of the bay.
Entertainment tonight...Cervila's Tango Revue from Brazil. Amazing footwork.
We arrived in Cienfuegos by noon today. Another World Heritage site. There is a mixture of indigenous, Spanish and French cultures.
We are anchored in the bay and need to take tenders to shore. Our foot excursion took us to a pedestrian only street lined with shops. Most are closed today because it is Sunday. Apparently on weekdays, the city is quite lively. There are very few areas where people can use wifi. One such area is Jose Marti park. It was amusing seeing people huddled together with their phones. We were left on our own for a while. We walked down an artisan lined street to the bay. The bus dropped us off at a couple of rum shops. One of the shops also had a woman demonstrating the craft of hand rolled cigars.
We were then bused to the Palacio de Valle where we were greeted with rum and cokes. Built in 1913, the lavish restaurant, a former casino, is a blend of Gothic, Venetian and neo-Moorish architecture. From the top floor we had a lovely view of the bay.
Entertainment tonight...Cervila's Tango Revue from Brazil. Amazing footwork.
At Sea Day - Saturday Dec 16
Started the day with a very interesting Port Talk about Cuba and the various tours which are available. Now we know what to expect when we go to Havana.
We attended a lengthy detailed historical talk on Cuba by resident historian, Dr Mary Draper. She started with Columbus to present day. Too much detail.
Singer and guitarist Zach Winnigham. Another very talented musician. This was his last performance on a cruise ship. His wife joined him for 2 songs. Very talented herself. They have 2 small children. Zach said he wants to see them grow up. So, no more cruise ship gigs.
Dinner at the Chef's Table. This is a fun experience because what you get is what you get! Tonight was a Mexican theme with visiting chef Pia Quintana. Talk about a unique experience. First we were given a Mezcalito cocktail. Unlike tequila, Mezcal is made from various agave plants from a variety of regions. The glass is rimmed with salt - half cold and half hot. What is the difference? The cold side is normal salt. The hot side has spice and crushed agave worms. You have heard of the agave worm in tequila bottles. This is the same worm. We did drink the whole thing. Unusual experience not to be repeated. Next, the appetizer (amuse bouche) Tostadas de Pulpo - octopus on a tostada. Another unique experience. This was followed by the first course - Tomalito de Pollo. A nice little tamale wrapped in a banana leaf. We really enjoyed this one. This was followed by Granita - Nopales con Limon. Aka prickly pear. Very unusual, but refreshing. Now it's time for the main course - Short Rib. Nothing romantic about the name of this dish. However....it was melt in your mouth delicious, served with chocolate Mole (MOE-lay), and pure de camote (sweet potato purée). Dessert - Chocolate en Texturas. This comprised of chocolate shortbread, chocolate mousse, and chunks of unsweetened Mexican chocolate. Delightful!
We attended a lengthy detailed historical talk on Cuba by resident historian, Dr Mary Draper. She started with Columbus to present day. Too much detail.
Singer and guitarist Zach Winnigham. Another very talented musician. This was his last performance on a cruise ship. His wife joined him for 2 songs. Very talented herself. They have 2 small children. Zach said he wants to see them grow up. So, no more cruise ship gigs.
Dinner at the Chef's Table. This is a fun experience because what you get is what you get! Tonight was a Mexican theme with visiting chef Pia Quintana. Talk about a unique experience. First we were given a Mezcalito cocktail. Unlike tequila, Mezcal is made from various agave plants from a variety of regions. The glass is rimmed with salt - half cold and half hot. What is the difference? The cold side is normal salt. The hot side has spice and crushed agave worms. You have heard of the agave worm in tequila bottles. This is the same worm. We did drink the whole thing. Unusual experience not to be repeated. Next, the appetizer (amuse bouche) Tostadas de Pulpo - octopus on a tostada. Another unique experience. This was followed by the first course - Tomalito de Pollo. A nice little tamale wrapped in a banana leaf. We really enjoyed this one. This was followed by Granita - Nopales con Limon. Aka prickly pear. Very unusual, but refreshing. Now it's time for the main course - Short Rib. Nothing romantic about the name of this dish. However....it was melt in your mouth delicious, served with chocolate Mole (MOE-lay), and pure de camote (sweet potato purée). Dessert - Chocolate en Texturas. This comprised of chocolate shortbread, chocolate mousse, and chunks of unsweetened Mexican chocolate. Delightful!
Port of Miami - Part 3 - December 14
How to cross the street in Miami. Day 1, first time, act like a tourist, wait for the light to turn green. Second time, follow the Miamians, cross on red lights. Day 2, do as the Miamians do, and cross illegally. Day 3, you've got it! Woohoo!
Walked some more today and found more geocaches. In so doing, we found the historical Overtown area of downtown. This area is mainly about Black History. We did not find any plaques, but did read about it on the World Wide Web.
Once we worked our way back around to the Bayside Marketplace, we lunched at the food court, then stayed to listen to music in the square. We had a really nice relaxing afternoon.
Tonight we returned to the Marketplace. We went to the Bavaria Haus for happy hour and an appetizer. Fun place. Fun experience. Then we listened to more music in the square.
It was basically a very quiet day. We enjoyed every moment and still managed to get over 16000 steps.
Walked some more today and found more geocaches. In so doing, we found the historical Overtown area of downtown. This area is mainly about Black History. We did not find any plaques, but did read about it on the World Wide Web.
Once we worked our way back around to the Bayside Marketplace, we lunched at the food court, then stayed to listen to music in the square. We had a really nice relaxing afternoon.
Tonight we returned to the Marketplace. We went to the Bavaria Haus for happy hour and an appetizer. Fun place. Fun experience. Then we listened to more music in the square.
It was basically a very quiet day. We enjoyed every moment and still managed to get over 16000 steps.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Closing this blog
Blogging has become a nightmare due to poor wifi connection and other reasons. Sadly, I am discontinuing this blog. I have found another w...