As our cruise wound down, we visited Peru, Equador, and Panama, where we crossed from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea on March 7.
In Peru, we stopped in a small commercial port in the southern desert close to the famous Nasca sculptures, General San Martin. The Prinsendam sailed close to one of these sculptures nicknamed ‘The Trident’ on its way into port, as you can see below. From General San Martin, we visited Tambo Colorado, ruins of a settlement going back three millenia, when early settlers figured out how to divert river water from the Pisco River and start an early agricultural civilization. The actual ruins are of an Inca administrative center, one of the best preserved in Peru because of the dry climate.
Tombo Colorado Ruins Facing Pisco River, 2011
- Henry & Genevieve Visiting Tambo Colorado, 2011
From General San Martin we sailed to Lima, where we spent two days visiting posh Miraflores on the Pacific Coast, the Archeological Museum in La Perla, and the Pachacamac ruins just south of Lima, also close to the Pacific Coast.
Archeological Museum Near Lima, 2011
Facing the Pacific from the Pachacamac Ruins, Peru, 2011
The Temple of the Virgins, Pachacamac, Peru, 2011
After our visit to Pachacamac, we visited a ranch specializing in the breeding and training of Peruvian Paso horses, show horses known for their smooth rides and special ability to ride on sand. We had an excellent buffet lunch and got to see several horses and a foal. The foal was about two weeks old, and stole the show!
Peruvian Paso Horses near Pachacamac, Peru, 2011
Peruvian Paso Mare with Foal, 2011
From Peru we sailed on to Manta, Equador, where we had to go see how Panama hats are made not in Panama, but in Montecristi. The hat maker featured below told me she started to make them when she was nine years old, a good forty-five years ago.
From Manta we sailed on to Panama City in preparation of crossing over to the Caribbean Sea. We went on an “ecological encounter” on top of a Swiss-made funicular. Though we heard Howler Monkeys and various other tropical denizens, we only got to see a couple of toucans in the wild. Still, it was an enjoyable ride, and we got a prime view of the canal from the top of a tower at the end of the funicular ride.
Inside the Ecological Funicular, Panama, 2011
The Panama Canal in Use, 2011
The next day, we made our isthmus-crossing. Genevieve was thrilled to see the famous Panama Canal locks in action! Henry basically said, “Been there, done that.”
Panama Canal Locks, 2011
Panama Canal Mule in Action, 2011
After the Panama Canal, our cruise was drawing to a close. We did make one more stop in Aruba, where we enjoyed pleasant weather and visited an Aloe Vera factory.
Last Stop, Aruba, March 2011
Allison Mimicking Christ the Redeemer in Aruba, 2011
Thank God we had two sea days after that to get our packing done. The score this time? Only five pieces to ship and three to take along on the plane. A record low, and much easier to manage than at the end of journeys past.
It’s back to LA-reality now. With best wishes for a great 2011 for all,
Genevieve & Henry
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