Panama Canal Cruise

We're back! We did a cruise through the Panama Canal and it was great!
Our dining room table was next to the back window of the ship so we captured some beautiful sunsets as we dined.
We left San Diego for 2 weeks of sailing. Puerto Vallarta was our first stop followed by Huatulco.
We just did a little shopping around here. Was very hot!!!
Next stop was Puerto Chiapas. Very hot here, too!!!!
Next stop, Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala. We did a tour into the city of Antigua. Soon as we stepped off the bus we were surrounded by people trying to sell us their trinkets. Streets were very narrow, don't know how that bus driver made the corners. Saw a lot of poverty along the way. Made me realize how much WE have.
We sailed on to Panama and did a tour of the city but couldn't get good pictures because it was night time and too dark. Saw a lot of poverty in the old parts and then very wealthy high rises in the newer parts of Panama City.

Early the next morning we entered the beginning of the Panama Canal, first passing Panama City. We could see the temple very well up the hill from the ship.
After sailing under the Bridge of the Americas, we entered the Miraflores Locks. What a fantastic experience to see how they operate.

Standing on a higher deck, I took this picture of the nose of the ship as we entered the first lock. The water level rose and the gates opened; into the next lock we went. Very interesting to see!!!

A heavy rainstorm came and went in 15 minutes time but oh was it hot with 100 percent humidity!!!!! Felt like we were in a windy steam bath.


Next day we toured the city of Cartagena, Colombia. It's a large place with high rises stretching out among the long beaches with areas of poverty mixed in. And it was extremely hot and humid here, too!!!!!
A large cruise ship parked next to us in port.
We sailed 2 days up to Fort Lauderdale; then spent the day flying back home. There's no place like home!!!