Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake |
Texas State Capital |
4. Food and Dining:
Home Slice Pizza on Congress Ave |
Crossed the Panama Canal from Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. This was on a cruise ship.
Crossing the Panama Canal from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, or vice versa, is a remarkable maritime journey that showcases one of the world's most impressive engineering feats.
The ship we were on is a bigger ship and used the new locks. The new locks in the Panama Canal are called the Gatun East and Miraflores West locks. They were added between 2007 and 2016 as part of the canal's expansion. The new locks are larger than the original locks, allowing larger ships to travel through the canal. The ship enters the lock chamber, and water is either released or added to adjust the water level and help the ship ascend or descend.
Tugboats are used to help ships maneuver through the Panama Canal |
Gatun Lake Crossing:
Once the ship passes through the locks, it enters Gatun Lake, an artificial lake created as part of the canal system. This is the highest point of the canal and offers beautiful views of the surrounding rainforest.
Gatun Locks:
On the Atlantic side, the ship goes through the Gatun Locks, which consist of three chambers. The ship is lowered back to sea level, allowing it to continue its journey toward the Atlantic Ocean.
Atlantic Ocean Exit:
Once the ship passes through the Gatun Locks, it enters the Caribbean Sea, marking the completion of the Panama Canal transit. From here, ships continue their voyage to their final destination.
Duration and Experience:
The time it takes to complete a Panama Canal transit varies depending on factors such as the size of the ship, traffic, and canal conditions. Generally, the transit can take around 6 hours. Passengers on cruise ships or other vessels often have the opportunity to observe the process and enjoy the scenic views along the way.
Crossing the Panama Canal is not only a marvel of engineering but also a chance to witness the historic importance of this waterway and its role in global trade and transportation.
Cartagena, Colombia is a vibrant city steeped in history and culture, this was a cruise ship day stop for me, Here are some of the top things to do on a visit to Cartagena
Explore the Old Town. Cartagena's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is filled with charming cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and beautiful plazas. Be sure to wander around the Plaza de Bolívar, the city's main square, and admire the architecture of the Palace of the Inquisition and the Cartagena Cathedral.
Cartagena old town |
Walk the City Walls. Cartagena's fortifications are some of the most impressive in South America. You can walk along the top of the walls for stunning views of the city and the Caribbean Sea.
Visit San Felipe de Barajas Castle. This massive fortress is one of the largest Spanish forts ever built in the Americas. It's a great place to learn about Cartagena's colonial history and explore the tunnels and ramparts.
Go shopping at Las Bóvedas. This craft market is located in a series of arches that were once used to defend the city. You can find a variety of souvenirs here, including Colombian handicrafts, jewelry, and clothing.
Las Bóvedas |
Sample Colombian cuisine. Cartagena has a great food scene, with everything from fresh seafood to traditional Colombian dishes like bandeja paisa (a hearty platter of rice, beans, and plantains).
These are just a few of the many things to do in Cartagena on a cruise ship visit. With its rich history, beautiful beaches, and delicious food, Cartagena is sure to be a port of call that you won't forget.
Here are some additional tips for your cruise ship visit to Cartagena
Be sure to bargain when shopping at the markets.
The local currency is the Colombian peso (COP), Bought a T shirt and the vendor took US$
Comments or questions?
Labadee in Haiti is private peninsula leased by Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and was a stop on a cruise for me.
Here are some things you can do near Labadie Haiti cruise port
Relax on the beach: Labadie is known for its beautiful beaches, so you can spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. There are also a few different beaches to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for you.
Go ziplining: If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, you can go ziplining over the ocean. There are a few different zipline courses to choose from, so you can find one that's right for your level of experience.
Take a cultural tour: There are a few different cultural tours available in Labadie, so you can learn about Haitian history and culture. These tours are a great way to get to know the local people and see a different side of the island.
Go shopping: There are a few different shops in Labadie, where you can buy souvenirs and Haitian crafts. Haggling is expected here, so be sure to have some fun with it!
Questions or comments?
Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) |
One can see the beautiful beaches and the city of Puerto Plata Dominican Republic from the Mount, on the way down from Mount Isabel de Torres the group decided to walk half way down as suggested by the tour guide, not an easy hike down though very scenic and beautiful through lush green gardens.
The tour continued and the tour bus drove towards Fort San Felipe, a historic fortress built in the 16th century. We drove through The Malecon street which is about a 3 kilometer Picturesque drive on the oceanfront.
Next stop on the tour is Parque Independencia which is a gazebo structure in city center across from Cathedral of St. Philip the Apostle. We did go inside the Cathedral and spent a good 20 minutes there.
Independence Square Puerto Plata |
This is the main square of Puerto Plata where you can walk to the cathedral. the two statues are of national heroes Juan Pablo Duarte and General Gregorio Luperon. From this square, we walked to the surrounding attractions Umbrella Street, and Victorian pink alley Paseo de Dona Blanca
Pink Alley Puerto Plata |
We stopped at souvenir shops in downtown, they all charge tourist prices. The tour bus dropped us off at the Taino Bay Cruise port entrance, Taino Bay has music blasting with bars and shops selling T shirts, coffee, chocolates ect, there is also a pool and a lazy river, there is also free WiFi
It was a hot afternoon in December and I took a free Tuk-Tuk ride from Taino Bay to the Ship, and tipped the driver 1 USD.
Questions or comments? Do share this post on social media, Thanks!
Exploring Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania, on a walking tour can be a delightful way to immerse yourself in its rich history, charming architecture, and vibrant culture.
Arrival - Took a bus from Riga Latvia, cost was around 15 USD
Stay: Stayed at a hotel on Gediminas Avenue which is the main street of Vilnius, It connects the historic city center and the Cathedral Square to the Lithuanian Parliament. Walking distance to most tourist attractions. Gediminas Avenue is lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
Presidential Palace Vilnius |
Did the walking tour of Vilnius, the tour starts at 9 AM, and the meeting point is Cathedral Square
Cathedral Square: At the heart of Vilnius, where you'll find the stunning Vilnius Cathedral and the iconic Gediminas Tower on the hill overlooking the city. Took some time to explore the square and its surroundings.
Vilnius Cathedral |
Vilnius University: Admire the architecture of Vilnius University, one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe, and the stunning St. John's Church and its bell tower.
Pilies Street: Pilies Street, a picturesque cobblestone street filled with boutiques, souvenir shops, and cozy cafes. This street is a true representation of the city's charm.
Presidential Palace: As we continue on Pilies Street, you'll pass by the Presidential Palace. Stop to take photos and learn about Lithuania's government.
Town Hall Square: Reach Town Hall Square, surrounded by colorful buildings and the Vilnius Town Hall. In winter, this square turns into a lovely Christmas market.
Užupis District: Cross the Vilnia River to enter the artistic and bohemian Užupis district. This self-proclaimed "Republic of Užupis" is filled with art galleries, sculptures, and a unique atmosphere.
Angel of Užupis: Look for the Angel of Užupis sculpture, a symbol of the district's artistic spirit and independence.
St. Peter and Paul's Church: Head back towards the Old Town and visit the impressive St. Peter and Paul's Church, known for its intricate and decorative interior.
Vilnius' Gates: The remains of the city's historic gates: the Gates of Dawn and the Medininkai Gate.
Literatų Street: Stroll along Literatų Street, lined with colorful artwork and tributes to Lithuania's literary heritage.
The Bastion of Vilnius Defensive Wall: The tour ended by exploring the bastion, a part of Vilnius' defensive fortifications, offering historical insights and panoramic views.
Exploring the old town of Panama City, also known as Casco Viejo, is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the area. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with charming colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and a rich history that dates back to the 16th century. Visited Panama in February, spent a day in old town Panama and the next day crossing the Panama canal
Things to do and see in Old town Panama
1. Plaza de la Independencia:
This historic square is surrounded by beautiful colonial buildings and is a great place to learn about the area's history. You'll find the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Municipal Palace here.
2. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral:
Take a moment to step inside the Metropolitan Cathedral, a stunning example of colonial architecture. The cathedral has an impressive altar and beautiful stained glass windows.
3. Walk along Avenida Central:
Avenida Central is a lively street with many stores, cafes, and restaurants. It's located in Casco Viejo, between Plaza Santa Ana and Plaza Cinco de Mayo. The colorful buildings and vibrant atmosphere make this a delightful walk.
4. Stop at Plaza Bolivar:
Plaza Bolivar is a charming square named after Simon Bolivar, a prominent figure in Latin American history. The square is surrounded by historic buildings and is a great spot to relax and people-watch.
5. Explore the San Felipe Neri Church:
Continue your walk to the San Felipe Neri Church. This church played a significant role in Panama's history and has a distinctive yellow façade.
6. Visit Plaza de Francia:
Plaza de Francia offers panoramic views of Panama City's skyline and the ocean. It's a tribute to the French engineers who attempted to build the Panama Canal in the 19th century
8. Wander through Plaza de la Catedral:
This picturesque square is surrounded by historic buildings and is a popular spot for both tourists and locals. The Plaza de la Catedral is a great place to take a break and soak in the atmosphere.
9. End at Bóvedas and the Sea Wall:
Finish your walking tour at Bóvedas, a series of archways that were once used as dungeons but now house souvenir shops. Nearby, you'll find the sea wall, a perfect place to take in views of the ocean and the modern skyline.
Questions or Comments?
Lake Victoria |
Fish being auctioned of at the Market
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You can Pick the fish you want |
They'll fry it in front of you |
Fishing boats |
Dinner is served |