Transit Thru the Canal

Our last trip, in '09, was our first time thru the Panama Canal so we were up before dawn to see everything. This time we slept in. There wasn't much on the schedule since there was so much to see off the ship, so we didn't do much at all. It was a nice lazy day with views. It rained off and on all day, so we would go out on the bow, then back inside when it started to pour. I was hoping to see one of my step sons at the Visitors Center by the last locks. The place was packed since it was a holiday in Panama. I searched all the faces thru our binoculars, with no luck. Sorry I wasn't able to see him. Hopefully we'll make a trip where we actually stop in Panama for at least a day, or even just a land trip to visit for a week.

Panama City is amazing to me. When I lived there about 30 years ago, there were maybe 2 or 3 high rise buildings. Now there are dozens, many under construction. They have one shaped like a sail like in Dubai and a spiral like in London (I think that's where I've seen a spiral shaped building?). Quite modern looking. It will be an interesting visit when we finally get there.

Today, Wed, was a sea day, on our way to Manta, Ecuador. We went to Tai Chi then to the port talk. These talks aren't like on cruises in the Caribbean where they tell you what store to go to in order to get the best deal. Barbara, the port speaker, tells about the history of the country, what to see and do once in port. She'll tell us what me might find in the markets and where some shopping is, but doesn't get a cut of that recommendation. We hope to get out of town to see some wildlife. Hopefully we'll find someone to take us.

This afternoon Bruce, the Cruise Director, interviewed Mitzi Gaynor. She was delightful, telling about her experiences w/Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly, etc. She was on the same Ed Sullivan show as the Beatles way back then. She's still friends with Paul. We told her that we'd seen Marge Champion (live model for Snow White) at the Disney Family Museum. She said she's good friends with her also. Much more entertaining than her show. She did say that she's recently had knee replacement surgery which would account for her shuffling walk. She'd never been on a cruise ship before either so was a bit weary about the movement. Of course we barely feel it, it's so calm out here.

We're still feeling out our dinner table. One couple is leaving the ship to go to Manchu Picchu tomorrow so won't be dining w/us for 4 days. We're taking the other couple and moving to a table we sat at for a month in 09. The nice lady we called a wrong name for weeks is still a that table without many to keep her company. It's a table for 12!

I'll try to post pictures tomorrow after our day in Ecuador. Thanks for following along!