The Hills of Corsica, France

 

Cruising through the Panama Canal

 

I would have experienced cruising through the Panama Canal if things had gone as planned with the 3-year cruise I signed up for in March 2023, (was not to be). I learned about the canal in school, like most of us. I had a false impression of the scale and landscape of the area, however.

I thought there was a wide area of land that was carved out to create the canal. But I found in addition to the manmade canal, the area is full of lakes and rivers. Yes, there was a massive removal of soil to link them all together, so ships could pass between the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans. I was just surprised by the topography.

Our itinerary gave us only one day for Panama, and that was to traverse the canal. While thrilling, a real once-in-a-lifetime experience, it would have been nice to spend some time in Panama itself. 

One silly goal was to buy a Panama hat in Panama. Since that wouldn’t be possible, I would have bought it on our next stop, Colombia. Since the trip didn't happen, I could buy it on Amazon, CLICK HERE (ad). 

The climate is also stable. The lowest average temperature is in October, 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The high is 90 degrees in both March and April. It’s a tropical, meaning humid, climate with a long rainy season. For me personally, this would remove Panama, or any tropical location, from the running as far as a retirement destination. I admit to being a weather wimp. I prefer little change in temperature, mid-sixties to mid-seventies, sunny skies with a light ocean breeze and I’m a happy camper.

Although there’s lots of coastline in Panama, rivers and lakes, there are rainforests, modern skyscrapers, and a collection of colonial buildings in the Casco Viejo district. Again, if time was limited, I’d spend it in the older district. If, however, we had days there, I would have visited the more modern parts of Panama City. It would have been a great place to stock up on items at this point in our 3-year cruise. Shopping would have been a snap considering the lack of language barrier and use of the U.S. dollar.

One major caveat is the travel advisory. It’s listed on the “do not go there” list. Perhaps that’s why our cruise was a travel through the canal only plan and did not have us spending time there. The advisory is for all parts of the country. How sad. A good economy, English spoken widely, use of the U.S. currency, but unsafe for visitors. I’m afraid I would have to be satisfied with the fabular trip through the canal and buying a Panama hat in a gift shop in our next destination, Barranquilla, Colombia.

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Corsica, France

 

Trust Your Gut, Peru

 

If things had gone as planned with the 3-year cruise I signed up for in March 2023 (Oh, well.), I would have spent two days visiting Callao, Peru. However, the area where the ship was to dock is listed by every source I checked as one of the most dangerous places to visit in Peru. Before getting off the ship, I would have made sure this was not the case.

Most likely, I would have stayed on board, or just visited the little artist vendors at the pier, but right next to the ship. No wandering around. Hopping on a bus for a ride to see Lima might sound inviting, but I wouldn’t risk it. The crime I read about is organized, and violent. I don’t know this from firsthand experience, of course, but why risk it?

When a single woman travels alone, especially to far away places, she must learn to listen to her gut. When reviewers on TripAdvisor raise a red flag, I pay attention. Sure, there was a disclaimer by TripAdvisor, but again, better safe than sorry. There are hundreds of places on my 3-year-round the world itinerary and skipping one wouldn’t matter in the long run.

If this information had been positive, instead of negative, I would have paid for an excursion to Lima since there are few cultural or architectural attractions in Callao. I visited Peru in 2017 and saw the lovely sand dunes. On this trip, I was interested in seeing the city. I saw a “highlights” tour for just over $100. That would have fit my budget, since I’m not into buying souvenirs.  

The Barranco neighborhood seems to be somewhere I would hang out for awhile. There are lots of art, shopping, restaurants, and stunning architecture. I also like historic centers, and would have enjoyed seeing the old government buildings in Lima. 

In addition to secular buildings, there are several lovely churches in Lima. I would have visited a few before going to the coast. 

I would have ended my visit to Lima in the neighborhood of Miraflores. There are stunning hotels, shops and other points of interest in what I read is a safe area. Then, I would have jumped on my tour bus, and headed back to the ship. Depending upon what I found when I first arrived in Callao, some or none of this would have happened on this trip. It's too bad. The topography in Peru is very different from SoCal where I live,  and I would have enjoyed seeing more of it. 

 

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Chile Again

 

If things had gone as planned with the 3-year cruise I signed up for in March 2023 (Sadly it didn’t happen), I would have spent several days visiting Chile on my 3-year cruise. I was there before, in 2017. I was surprised by the landscape I saw. It reminded me of Provence, in France. The weather would have been to my liking too. Most of the time during our proposed stay it would have been in the high 60’s or low 70’s, with a light wind.

The first city where we would have landed was Valparaiso. Our timing would have been lucky, as there have been terrible wildfires in the area since. Much of the nearby forest was devastated, and homes were destroyed in Valparaiso. This wouldn’t have been the first occasion when timing was fortuitous for me while traveling. One year touring with students in France, we visited a police station in Paris, as one of my student’s fathers was a deputy sheriff in California. A week after we spent time there, it was bombed.

Valparaiso is another port city, of course, but it’s also known for its steep funiculars and colorful clifftop homes. I would have visited both. I love the funicular just outside of Sacre Coeur in Paris, and in Salzburg, Austria. I have ridden both several times. Love them.

Because of their history of European immigrants, the architecture and cultural institutions are reminiscent of Europe. It’s known as the “Jewel of the Pacific”. It’s home to the Chilean legislative Congress and headquarters of their navy. There are plenty of historic maritime buildings. I would have been pleased that our itinerary put us there for two days, because I enjoy all things maritime.

I would have spent some of my time in the UNESCO historic downtown area. I love artistic, bohemian culture. As I’ve mentioned before, charming, colorful, colonial architecture is my favorite kind. The views there, and from the top of Cerro Concepcion would have kept me entertained. I would have capped off my tour with a visit to the home of the writer, Pablo Neruda. Two of my favorite travel memories were visiting the home of Victor Hugo in Paris, and Claude Monet in Giverny. Adding another historical house tour to my list would have been a thrill.

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Baby, It's Cold Outside

 

If things had gone as planned with the 3-year cruise I signed up for in March 2023 (I lost time due to the cancellation, but no money), I would have visited both the Falkland Islands and Antarctica this month. We would have also had several sea days, which I enjoy most about cruising. The weather as we traveled south would have become colder, rainy, and windy. I would have missed spending time outside walking on the deck.

I took a cruise south from Los Angeles towards Cape Horn about five years ago. I enjoyed that cruise very much. There was lots to see and do, plus the weather cooperated. As we headed south, I realized I wouldn’t enjoy the last leg of the cruise, so I disembarked near Santiago, Chile and flew home instead of completing the itinerary. I wouldn’t have had this luxury on my 3-year cruise. But as with other long cruises I have taken, there would be plenty to do while onboard and new friends to make.

Heartier people than I would enjoy disembarking on the islands. Although the terrain is rugged near the cliffs along the coast, there’s both birdlife and sheep farms to see. In town, there’s the Falkland Islands Museum, with themed galleries focused on maritime exploration and natural history. It would be a pleasant visit and easy for passengers to enjoy, since the island’s native language is English. This would have been a welcome break after so much Portuguese and Spanish.

After a few more days at sea, yippee, we would have arrived in Antarctica. Our first stop would have been Deception Island. It’s in the South Shetland Islands, close to the Antarctic Peninsula. Although it’s summer in the southern hemisphere, it would be far too cold for me, in the mid 30’s. Again, hearty passengers, those without health conditions when breathing cold air, would love it.

The terrain was created by an active volcano, and it shows. There are no inhabitants on the island, except for wildlife, seals, whales, penguins, and other varieties of birds. Photographers would go nuts. Even if shooting from the deck of the ship, with the right lenses, photographs would be stunning.

The second cold, cold stop would have been Half Moon Island. It’s farther south, and colder. The terrain is a mix, but what impresses me the most is the rock outcrops and cliffs. Lovely. The sea is also impressive, as it is very blue and clear. Of course, there are few visitors to mess it up.

I doubt we would have been allowed to visit the island itself, although I know some ships do visit remote, uninhabited islands. Our cruise ship was small enough to get close, drop anchor and let us observe from a safe distance. We wouldn't have been a scientific group, so I think going ashore wouldn't be allowed. The safety I referred to is not for the passengers, but for the wildlife and vegetation.

After leaving, we would have rounded Cape Horn and headed north. Although seeing the wildlife would have been fabulous, and taking photographs enjoyable, the cold temperatures would have been hard on me, asthma stinks. Going north, therefore, would mean I could take laps around the deck outside, and perhaps go ashore. I know the next few stops on the itinerary would have been familiar territory for me. I know I liked them in the past, and would no doubt find them pleasurable.

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San Francisco, California

 

Avignon, France

 

Twelve Stops in Brazil

 

If things had gone as planned with the 3-year cruise I signed up for in March 2023 (long story, canceled), I would have spent the month of December in Brazil. We would have visited most of these towns and cities for only one day. This is not my favorite way of traveling. I prefer to savor a location. If it’s not worth spending several days, it’s probably not worth visiting at all. But that’s just me I guess. Others don’t mind rushing.

The last two weeks of December were in cities that seem quite similar to each other. They are very modern, with lots of Brazilian charm. Since they are located fairly close to the Equator, the temperature stays high. It was mostly in the high 80’s to low 90’s in December, with bright sun or brief intense storms. None of this is in my comfort zone, but the cities are lovely, and worth putting up with the heat and humidity.

In order to protect my fair skin, while not causing damage to the environment, I found this sun block, CLICK HERE (ad). I had already purchased some before my real world 3-year cruise was canceled. So I know it's good. 

Fortaleza is a big city, well known for its urban beaches. We would have visited this location in the second half of the month.

Natal is also on the coast, is very built up in a modern way. It’s well known for the sand dunes there. I saw many huge sand dunes when my cruise ship stopped in Peru in 2017. The ones in Natal are very different. They have lots of vegetation, even trees. In Peru, this is not the case. Both have their own type of charm.

Recife is another very modern, built-up city on the coast. There are fabulous beaches, and rain forests on the outskirts of the city. They’re really into sports there. For me, although it is lovely, and an interesting mixture of modern, beach and forest environments, it would have been too much of the same thing one stop after another.

Maceio is not as built-up as the last few cities we would have visited on our 3-year cruise. That would have been a relief for non-big city lovers, like me. It’s best known for the beaches, reefs, tide pools, and music. I would have enjoyed the topography there, lots of rocks along the coast, like in the photo below. I always carry a sun protective hat with me, even when not on a trip. I found this one for the cruise, CLICK HERE (ad). I especially like the tie, so it doesn't go flying in the wind. 

Salvador has more interesting architecture, at least from my perspective. I enjoy old towns, and the buildings they contain. Where I’m from, in Southern California, most old buildings have been torn down and replaced with sterile modern structures. Not a fan. It’s why I would be sure to spend time in every old section of town in our cruise destinations. Salvador is also Afro-Brazilian in culture. I would have enjoyed this as well. I lived in South Africa for two years. I liked it very much.

We would have stayed in Rio de Janeiro for three days. While that’s more than many other cities on our itinerary, it’s not enough time. Rio is in a natural setting, with beaches, hills, and lots of plants. But it’s huge. It would take several days to do it justice. My favorite activity there would be taking the cable car up to see the 98’ tall Christ the Redeemer stature on the top of the Corcovado Mountain. I’d probably do it more than once.

Sao Paulo would have been our last stop in Brazil. It’s a modern center of finance in Brazil. This is why it has a large population. It’s a place for movers and shakers. There are plenty of modern buildings and excursions that a visitor could take, but the old architecture in Centro would be my draw.

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Santa Barbara, California

 

Tuscany, Italy

 

See How Brazilians Live

 

If things had gone as planned with the 3-year cruise I signed up for in March 2023 (didn’t happen), I would be in Belem, Brazil right now. Belem is the capital and largest city in the state of Para, in the north of Brazil. Another hot day in the tropics, 90 degrees, 73% humidity, but as with the last few cities on our itinerary, thunder and lightning happened before our arrival date, and will happen after. Love having good weather luck. It’s important to take the right kind of clothing when traveling to the tropics, CLICK HERE (ad). 

Belem is the educational and cultural center of the north. Since these are my two favorite things, I’m sure to enjoy visiting. It has a very modern appearance and is not a typical tourist destination. The sights I would visit here are those enjoyed by the inhabitants. This would give me insight into the way Brazilians live today. However, it’s not a safe place to wander around by yourself. I would probably plan my day with another passenger or two, and just visit these places during daylight hours.

My first visit would be near the port, Guajara Bay, and the riverfront district of Cidade Velha, with is the old town. I usually prefer seeing old towns, probably because there aren’t any left where I grew up in SoCal. This area has Portuguese-colonial architecture and colorful azulejo-tile houses. There’s also a fort here, named Forte do Presepio. In addition to enjoying the architecture, one of my favorite things to do in new places, I’d stroll through the Ver-o-Peso, open-air market. If I wanted to buy handicrafts, this would be the place to do so.

There are several museums, cathedrals and cultural centers in Belem. If time permits, it would be easy to visit several. If, however, the outdoors is your preference, there are just as many parks and botanical gardens. Remember, this isn't the safest place to wander around alone. Life Lesson: Participating in a guided excursion might be best. I would wait to visit such places while in a safer (and cooler) environment. 

For more information about the customs of Brazil, CLICK HERE (ad).

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Change of Pace, Manaus, Brazil

 

If things had gone as planned with the 3-year cruise I signed up for in March 2023 (no such luck), I would be in Manaus, Brazil right now. My luck with weather is holding. It’s partly sunny, high of 88 degrees today, humidity down to 66%, with rain forecast for tomorrow. Being in the center of a rainforest, rain is fairly common here.

Manaus is the seventh largest city in the Brazilian state of Amazonas, so my hope for a larger city has come true. It’s very built up, complete with highways, an airport, skyscrapers, and other modern buildings. It’s on the coast, of course. Surprisingly ships dock directly downtown, which is also on the banks of the river Negro. This river is much cleaner than the Amazon, which is mostly brown. It’s interesting to see where the two rivers meet. I would definitely schedule a tour boat excursion to see the fascinating Meeting of the Waters. I'd certainly take a hat for protection from the sun, CLICK HERE (ad). 

The zoo and orchid greenhouse are open to the public. Not sure I would visit the zoo, but the orchid greenhouse would be something I would certainly enjoy. I would also stroll through the Mercado Adolpho Lisboa, which is modeled after Les Halles in Paris, which I have visited in the past. If there’s a guided tour of the Adolpho Ducke Botanical Garden, I would sign up for that too.

There are lots of shopping areas in the city, complete with food courts and movie theaters. Seeing a movie in Brazil would be fun. I’m pretty sure many English-speaking movies would be dubbed into Portuguese, or maybe they would have subtitles. No matter, I would find it interesting, since I am a polyglot.

After stopping in one small town after another, this city would be a refreshing change of pace. I’m not usually into big cities, however, it would be nice to see how people live in a big city in Brazil, and to spend a few days there taking advantage of all it has to offer. to learn more about Manaus, Brazil, CLICK HERE (ad). 

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