Panama Canal Day 13

8 AM - Puerto Vallarta. We headed out shortly after and walked to the main street to catch a city bus to the downtown area. The trip for 2 of us cost $1 USD. The busses have seen better days but you can’t beat the price and the interestingness of the ride. I was amused to see the bus driver’s cell phone holder attached to his dashboard– a child’s holey shoe.

We weren’t sure exactly where to get off but it didn’t really matter because we had all day. We made our way to the big cathedral and photographed the colourful plastic flags which were hung in many rows beyond the reach of anyone.

After that, we headed further south into the ‘old town’ district. There are a few tourists there, but not like the Malecon area. We wandered along a market with many stalls down by the river.

I was in search of the public ‘farmer’s market’ that I remembered from last trip – until I realized it was Mazatlan that I was thinking of. By that time, I had asked several people where it was and I was given directions so I checked them out. Indeed there was a market but on a smaller scale than Mazatlan’s. I still enjoyed photographing the fruits in the stalls, the meat in the market, the children playing in the streets. The sights, sounds and smells are like no other.

We stopped at another church then walked over to the Malecon, a long walkway beside the ocean. There is a fancy new pier since I last visited Puerto Vallerta. As a fisherman was cleaning his fish, many pelicans gathered nearby hoping for the scraps. 

Several boats were moored nearby and there were lots of beach restaurants. The sand and waves were inviting and lots of people were enjoying the water. As I wandered closer to that section, the waves suddenly came much farther than I expected and sent me running.

The forecast for today was 28C, cooler than other ports, but it still felt pretty darned hot to me. We walked north on the Malecon, stopping to look at the statues, Christmas decorations, and browse in a few stores. After grabbing a bite to eat, we headed back to catch a Centro bus back to port. We passed many vehicles with live tigers in cages and some large fibreglass animals as well – the circus was in town! 

The bus stopped by Walmart so we had a look in there before walking over to the ship. The seafood section of the store had octopus, squid and whole fish, not the usual Walmart fare.

Sunset was unspectacular tonight due to low clouds. I enjoyed a movie in our room for a change. Then at 10 PM there was a chocoholic buffet upstairs. There were 3 stations of chocolate desserts galore – chocolate cake, chocolate covered strawberries, cheesecake, éclairs, squares, etc. etc. My oh my, what a day to end the day!

Panama Canal Day 10

A port day today! Puerto Chiapas is in the very southern part of Mexico. I took a tour here because everything is so far away from where the ship docks.

It is so lush and green in this part of the country and they grow and export many crops here: bananas, avocados, mangoes, coconuts, corn, and coffee to name a few. It was clear today and two volcanoes were visible. We were close to the Guatemalan border and many of the Guatemalan people come into Mexico to pick the fruit when it is time.

Our first stop was in the town of Tuxtla Chico. As the bus entered the narrow streets, navigation seemed to be impossible and I was amazed at our progress. There were many men pedalling bicycles that had a passenger riding at the front. Mexican ‘taxis’ sure look like a hard way to earn a living in the heat, easily 33 to 35 C.

We parked at the town square and were shown how Mexican chocolate is made, from plant to finished product. I had the opportunity to taste the raw cacao bean (mild with a slimy coating and bitter inside), hot chocolate (delicious with sugar and cinnamon), and finally the chocolate (powdery and very different from what we are used to).

 After that, some women in traditional costumes danced a few dances and invited some of the group to join them. 

We had the opportunity to buy some chocolate of course then we went for a walk over to the church.

Our guide was very knowledgeable about the various trees in the churchyard as well.

She then led us through the market. It is held daily and is full of wondrous booths selling all kinds of fruit, vegetables, herbs and fresh chicken. The women kept the flies away by waving a kind of whip around.

There were also shoes, Christmas decorations and miscellaneous items for sale, but it was predominantly a market for food. The variety was wonderful and I loved the patterns and arrangement of the produce.

Our next stop was the Mayan ruins of Izapa. They aren’t as extensive as others I have visited but I enjoyed them nonetheless.

Several workers were trimming grass growing up in the cracks and their young children were playing and interacting with the visitors.

It was so very, very hot there and I looked for shade whenever I could.

We were about 40 minutes from the ship and the drive was interesting and pleasant. I love Mexico! 

Back at port I browsed at some craft booths then attempted to check my email through a very slow internet connection. There was a cafe nearby and I treated myself to a refreshing margarita. As we sailed off, dancers and marimba players gave us a lovely send-off.

Tonight – the buffet, followed by laps on deck 7. The ocean is rough with swells of 2 ½ to 4 meters. So far so good, but I think I will take Gravol ‘just in case’.