Meander

Columbia

There's less to share here as I didn't get off the ship!  Color me chicken.  My preconceived notions about the country of Columbia kept me on the boat (and I'm sure my parents' worry didn't help either!).  I'm way more adventurous and brave in the U.S. where I believe (right or wrong) that I'd have some 'protection', should anything go awry.  I didn't have that comfort level in Cartagena, Columbia.  I know I held back Mr. Meander from exploring - he's a true adventurer - but we were ok with sitting out this stop.  It was rainy anyway ;-)

It is an active commercial port.  We learned that China has financed the building of a cross country railroad in Columbia, so super large container ships that don't fit through the Panama Canal can be unloaded on one side of the country and transported to the other, to be re-loaded onto another waiting container ship.  Overall, this trip was very interesting to see commerce in action.

We figured out that sometimes the off-shore excursions are the way to go.  Obviously a lot of folks signed up for them.  Cartagena would have been the place to do that.  They cost extra money so that was a disincentive.  And the thought of finally being 'free' from the ship to be corralled into a bus wasn't motivating either.  But in hindsight, they do serve a purpose.

It was interesting to watch the comings and goings from our balcony.

Some people got off of our boat just to go onto another boat!

 

I developed a fond affection for tugboats.  They are so small yet so strong.  And seem to embody 'preparedness.'

 

Lots of high rise condos on the skyline.  They all looked the same.  Are they all financed by the same business?  All built by the same company?

 

Overall, our time here was short.

Next stop, the Panama Canal!

Aruba

After two full days at sea, our first port was Orenjestad, Aruba.  It was nice to get off the boat and walk on solid ground.  It is a shopping mecca (tax free, duty free) if you are in the market for jewelry - gold, diamonds, gemstones, watches.  Mr. Meander and I disembarked at different times; he was in a hurry to get off the ship and walk!  We had plans to meet at a specific location but met up by chance in the town square!  I had parked myself on a bench and was very content people watching.  I was happy to see him when he strolled by.

 

As with many Caribbean islands, it is very colorful.

 

The ship was quite imposing, even from far away.

 

The view from our room was of this sand bar with a tree across it.  Interesting.  The water was such a beautiful combination of blues and greens.

 

Next stop, Cartagena, Columbia.

Sail away with me

Our adventure begins in Ft. Lauderdale.  We left around 5p.  It was a glorious day.

There were spectacular houses along the way.  Oh, to have the water as your backyard.  Heaven.

 

Everyone was starting to unwind.  One of the many musical groups on the ship performed as we sailed away.

 

Soon the sun began to set...we were out to sea!

Next stop, Aruba.

Been all around this world

Or so it feels.  

I was 9 degrees north of the equator.  Can you guess where I was???  A couple hints...28 million gallons of water fill up a 'step' as big as 3 football fields.  It's the largest poured concrete structure in the world. 

Our adventure is being repeated (in reverse order, it seems), here.

Pictures to follow soon.  I only took ~400 ;-)

Came home to blooming hyacinth, vinca, forsythia and Bradford pear trees.

And the next few weeks are going to be filled with more and more fun!!!  I'm a pretty lucky girl.  Will catch up with you soon.

Hugs.

This land is my land

This was fun!  Looks like a Great Lakes tour should be in my future.  Mr. M has been to 49 states - all but little Rhode Island!

Which land is your land??

visited 37 states (74%)
Create your own visited map of The United States

San Francisco

I didn't leave my heart there but I certainly expanded it there.  How could you not, when you are surrounded by so much natural beauty.  The timing of our October visit couldn't have been more perfect - sunny with temps in the 80s.  The only foggy day was our last day there and I forgot to take my camera out with me so no documentation of that ;-)  And the cherry on top was meeting sweet Darla.  I went to Berkeley and spent a lovely afternoon with Darla, walking 4th Street, browsing through shops, eating lunch at the iconic Bette's Oceanview Diner, and talking and talking and sharing and sharing and talking some more.  It was a wonderful day!  The only thing missing was our dear Mrs. Staggs but she was certainly there in spirit.

Here are a few photos...

More thoughts and photos to come.  

For you sports fan, I know you all lament along with me the end of the Yankees run for another pennant ;-)  I now might have to cheer for the team that is on my radar having spent a week in their city.  Giant pride was everywhere.