Jamaica, Mon!

Our next stop after Cartagena, Columbia was Falmouth Jamaica! This was a really special port for Holland America Line because the Veendam was first ship coming to this port for the first time. We made the inaugural port here for all the HAL! Michael and I decided we needed to get off for a few hours to soak up the gorgeous sunshine that we had today.  

The water was So Blue and the sky was completely clear that it made for a really nice photo of the bow. :) 

I took a photo standing beside this sign, but my face looks funny so I posted this one instead. :P I really need to take posing lessons to be able to have some nice photos of myself. Everything turns out Chandler-style haha. 

We wandered around in the port for a while until we decided that the best place to go was Margaritaville!! While walking around I saw a street vendor with a painting of a cruise ship with the word FREEDOM on it. I thought that was fitting!! The freedom of the sea... :) 

MargaritaVille - 5 O'clock Somewhere ;)

We had a fabulous time at Margaritaville, sitting in the sun and talking to our waiter, Joe. He taught us some Jamaican slang - of which I have no idea how to spell. Michael and I both agreed that one of the best things of this job is to be able to talk to the locals and learn a little bit of their culture. 

Cap'n Michael and his Liege  

For some reason I forgot to take a photo of the MOUNTAIN of nachos that were consumed in those two hours we spent at Margaritaville. Need to remember to take more photos!! 

The next post will most likely be on my next ship. I'm currently spending some time at home between contracts. I look forward to updating you from the Prinsendam! 

Cartagena, Columbia and the Jungle!

After crossing the Panama Canal and visiting the San Blas Islands our first stop was Cartagena Columbia. Michael Langley, the Cruise Director, and I made plans to get off the ship and go for a short stroll into town. We had barely made it off the pier when we were immediately greeted with Columbian wildlife. We walked past a little garden area that had what looked like those plastic flamingo lawn ornaments until I realized one of them moved!! I squealed in delight and couldn't believe that they were real. I think Michael was laughing at how excited I was. They really do stand on one leg!!

Columbian Jungle!! Lizards, Monkeys, Toucans, and Flamingos 

 Moving on through the jungle we saw a monkey and parrots in the trees. While we were talking to a couple of guests we both ducked as something almost flew into us. We spun around and there was a Toucan sitting on the handrail behind us! They really do look very odd. I was able to get a decent shot of him (or her?)

Michael (The Cruise Director) and I in the Jungle 

The guests kindly took our photo and we returned the favour. Also in this terminal/jungle area were parrots wandering around on the grounds. We were able to get quite close to a couple of them.

Parrot  

Parrot Tree House 

They even had their own tree houses!! Complete w ladders to climb up into them!

Columbian Fortress in the Old Town of Cartagena

The town turned out to be a taxi ride away and we decided to spilt the fare and see a little bit of the town. Our driver stopped at the old fortress of Cartagena and allowed us to get out and snap a couple pics.

Terrace in the middle of Old Town

When we arrived in the middle of downtown we decided the best thing we could do with our time was to sit in the middle of the square in the sun and have a nice cold drink :)

Michael Langley 

Columbians in Festive Dress 

We did some shopping afterwards and I bought some authentic Columbian Coffee! The girl who sold it to me told me that she drinks this brand herself. So I'm anxious to get home and share it with my dad!
As we were leaving to get back to our taxi driver, we saw some youngsters all dressed up in what looked like native clothing. Very bright and colourful, wish we could have stayed to see what they did. All in all Columbia was a wonderful gem of a place. I would definitely go back to Cartagena. Up next, Jamaica!!

Panama Canal

We started entering the Panama Canal Locks at 8:30am and I was able to see the ship enter the first one. We had to go up first into the canal and then to exit the canal we went back down. We actually went through three different locks. One at 8:30, one about 10:30-11:00, and the last one about 2:00pm.

Entering the Panama Canal Locks 

Panama Canal Locks

I was able to see the first one and then after that I was indoors teaching classes from 10:30-2:30pm. So I ended up missing most of the canal. But I left my curtains open in the Workshop and every once in a while I would see something nice outside and pause class to take a look. The guests didn't mind - they also wanted to look outside!!

San Blas Islands, Panama 

After the Panama Canal we sailed to the San Blas Islands which were REALLY TINY - tendering took a long time so I didn't get off the ship. But I did spend some time in the sun on the top deck. It was a beautiful and such an amazing experience to transverse the Panama Canal!

Puerto Montt, Chile - Morning Fog

I woke up this morning super excited to look out my window and see what Puerto Montt looks like. and this is what I saw: 

Puerto Montt, Chile in a blanket of fog

At some points during the morning I couldn't see this little Island there was so much fog. However
now I'm starting to be able to see ships coming into the harbour and it's starting to clear up. Looks like it'll be a nice day!

Puerto Montt, Chile 

Stuck in Punta Arenas

Well never a dull moment... I woke up this morning extra early to get ready to board the ship. Got all packed and went downstairs to reception to call the agent to transport me from the hotel to the ship.

Long story short I found out that the ship couldn't port because of bad weather. I called the emergency HAL travel number and they are working out what to do with us (there is another HAL employee here w me and he's been working for the co for ten years! - he knows exactly what to do which is comforting :)

Good news is I get a couple more days in Punta Arenas! I'm astounded by the weather here. Every time I look out the window it's different! (I've attempted to attach some photos here - still figuring out all the ins and outs of blogging)

Stay tuned for what happens next! ;)