Author: Troy Knight

We tindered to Zihua and most everyone was gobsmacked by the heat. Troy and I immediately fell in love with this little fishing town because it seemed to natural and authentic. We wandered a bit all the beaten path and had lunch of fruit and fish, avocado, and shrimp tacos. The nearby shops featured beautiful weaving, both rugs and garments. A family was trying to sell their days catch. Two little girls were shouting pescado pescado. Mama was scaring away the eager kittens with a switch, and warding off the flies with the same switch. A litter of puppies obviously well cared for rolled and tumbled in the sand. We paid them for some photos, bought paletas which we fed to a hot dog and returned to the ship. I hope to celebrate my birthday in this delightful town.

Internet accessibility makes it difficult to journal daily so we journal as we can. A quick stop in Cabo gave us time to see the famous rock formations and to enjoy the sea life around them. Many of our fellow travelers suffer from the heat and humility, but we feel right at home. Yesterday we were in beautiful Puerto Vallerta one of Mexico’s most beautiful ports. Decorations for Day of the Dead were all over the city. Marigolds but live and artificial were all over the city. The fake ones holding up the real ones not so much. The Malecon had huge ten feet statues of skeletal mermaids, pirates, and other remarkable images so dear to Mexicans. Our driver touched us by telling us that this was the first Day of the Dead since his son passed. WE visited the famous Church of Guadelupe and witnessed a funeral mass, had lunch at the Langostin Feliz and saw the former home of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Like Diego and Frida they shared two houses connected by a bridge. Still they fought. The city depends on tourism and international visitors, but still retains its Mexican charm. Next Zhuia.

This morning was proof that Troy and I were finally in the Northwest. The day was cold and wet and we had to improvise to keep warm. The city of Astoria is very hospitable, greeting their guests with maps, suggestions of places to visit and places to eat. Some of the local artist had tents set up for early morning shopping. We took the local bus to the Marine Museum and learned about early trappers that helped make John Jacob Astor a wealthy man, the rescue missions conducted on the wild Columbia River and in the Pacific Ocean. Bumble Bee tuna and salmon canneries added to the economic structure in later days. After lunch of razor clams, rock fish and local brews we enjoyed the local galleries and book shops. The most fun though was watching the children in their very original Halloween costumes trick or treat along Commerce Street. Even the local goats got in on the act. An art show created from the garbage dump, the first theater that Clark Gable performed in, great art deco building and lovely people completed out day.

Our second port of call was in beautiful Santa Barbara, California. The weather was warmer and the sun was beautiful. Like Astoria we were greeted with gracious volunteers that provided a shuttle to the historical city center. The Moorish style county court house was our first stop. A clock tower was the central focal point with statuary and fountains on either side of the entry way. This is a city of eternal spring. Flowers were everywhere. Heavily perfumed camelias and birds of paradise were central to the courtyard and Spanish tiles were scattered through out the building. A pedestrian area was full of beautiful work done by artisans from the California area and the Spanish influence was evident wherever we turned. We loved an unusual fig tree. Fits the size of a baby’s fist were growing from the trunk of the three and from roots on the ground. They were dark purple and green and brown. They colors were enhanced with asparagus fern and elephant ears that were growing near them. The highlight of the day was a fresh raspberry tart and freshly ground coffee eaten while a guitarist strummed in the background. The Spanish influence reminded us of San Antonio and of the powerful influence that Spain had on the development of this country. Electronics has not been easy on the ship and we will post photos later.

Today we made a drive thru Red Rock Canyon. It was a beautiful drive with mountains in various shades of red. It gave you the impression that they had been painted by a landscape artist. Completely different from what we see in Clear Lake. The only way to go is by motorcycle, if you don’t have one then just steal one

We spent part of the day today at the Hoover Dam. It is an engineering marvel.

We arrived in Haifa with all sorts of plans and as you know well laid plans often go askew. There was a public announcement that there was a bus driver’s strike and anyone with plans to go on an excursion was out of luck. We had planned the day to be on our own, but we still encountered obstacles. Everyone headed to the taxis and there was suddenly a huge increase in prices. WE managed a hire and set off. The biggest draw to the city curiously enough is the Ba”ai temple. Opps closed also so we peered through the fence. To make up for our disappointment, our driver took us to a sculpture garden. Life like sculptures surrounded by beautiful plants and a view of the entire city made up for missing the temple. A visit to the monastery of Stella Maris was very moving. A small group of worshipers was there for a private mass. They allowed us to stay and we appreciated their graciousness. The rest if the day was spent on ship. Our day proved calmer. Some of our shipmates sent to Gallilee and Nazareth. Three hours there and three hours back and only one hour to visit. That did not appeal to us. Another sea day tomorrow then on to Greece

Early Monday morning we left the ship with no specific plan except to visit Jerusalem. Troy and I wanted to avoid the madness of a large tour and set out to find a guide and a taxi driver to take us from the port into the Holy City. Luckily we found both in one person, a colorful Georgian whose family escaped the Soviet Union and settled in Israel in the 1970s. All of the plants we enjoy in Texas were on brilliant display along the highway. Bougainvillea, oleander, plumbago were in full bloom. Vineyards, cotton fields, olive groves reminded us that this small country is still agricultural. Fighter jets, and helicopters and tight security reminded us that this is not a peaceful country. However, we found peace when we lit candles in the Church of the Holy Sepulchral, witnessed the joyous celebration of numerous Bar Mitsvahs and listened to the call to prayer from a mosque. Our guide was delightful. Knew just when to slow down for us, gave us info when we needed it and left us alone when we wanted privacy. Tomorrow we will be in Haifa for more adventures. I will post pictures a big later.

After two days at sea, we arrived at our first port, Limmassol, Cyprus. This was a resting place for Crusaders headed for the Holy Lands. The ruins of an ancient castle is full of Christian symbolism and in contrast there is a mosque that served the Moslem community so at odds with the Christians. We loved the bits of surviving pottery that showed how luxurious life could be during the time and were amazed to see two murals that honored our Frida Kahloe. I think she would love to see these paintings of her on such an exotic island.

The trip is coming to an end and it has been wonderful. So many memories to tuck away and to share. We had hoped to end on a high note, but the day was rainy and dreary. A planned trip to the Picasso museum did not work out because it was booked and instead we spend that time in a little wine bistro where the waiter was dressed like a vampire, the waitress like a witch and another employee was trying to impersonate Freida Kahloe. They were young and fun and the food like all of the food in Spain was delicious. Ox cooked in butter, fresh tuna and tomatoes and sliced Spanish chorizo with parm and bread. Tonight we had fried eggs, chirizo and potatoes. Grilled vegetables and fish and prawns. Delicious. We are so fortunate to have shared with experience with our Thomas. In fact, it would not have been possible without him. He was out logistics person, point man, body guard. Also a big thank you to Kelly for keeping Mikey and Mary Jack for watching our house. They are also very dear to us both. We will be home soon and ready to play another adventure after we get rid of the aches in our bones. Adios, Spain