Adventures of Trent & Jane

 Panama City is not quite what we expected. It reminded Jane and me of Dubai! A lot of tall interesting buildings and far larger than we had imagined. Old town was really nice, several hulks of buildings but they are rebuilding several of them. Lots of shopping and plenty of restaurants. Hot though, not enough air movement.      Enjoyed seeing the girls have their Quinceanera (15 birthday) photos taken and shopping for Panama hats, Trent’s first purchase in Panama.    The buildings in old town were outstanding.  We stopped at the Coca Cola cafe which is the oldest cafe in Panama, part of UNESCO, opened in 1875.  It is the only cafe that can use the name and Coca Cola image at their choosing.  The church spiral had seashells on it.  Enjoyed the balconies covered with plants.   We wandered with Sue and Shaun then dropped them in town to await their Uber (not enough room in the car for 10 bags and 4 people). Don’t worry, they made thei...

The canal passage was interesting, slow but there was a lot going on. Three train engines per side to ensure the boat was centred in the canal. It might show in one of the photos that we had about 2 feet of clearance on either side! Lake Gatineau is filled with islands, very green on the shore and eventually becomes only the river at the southern end, before it splits into the new and old .   go!

 Went diving in the morning in Aruba, saw turtles and large lobsters!   In the afternoon took the trolley ride around town, similar architecture to curaco but not maintained as well.  Our friends went to a beach and loved it definitely the island for sand and sea.   

  Willemstad was a beautiful town, great delft,art and Christmas lights.    In curaco you see the chichi lady sculptures all over ranging in size and decoration. Williamsted is home to the largest pontoon bridge and it swings open  known locally as the “swinging lady” Walked in to see the lights at night. Definitely found Christmas spirit here! Felix Navidad

L  Spent Thursday diving off of Catalina island DR, had some good dives seen crab and rays.   Today we visited Willemstad Curaçao, a great town to stroll around and enjoyed the Dutch history.   Williamsted is home to the largest pontoon bridge and it swings open  known locally as the “swinging lady”  In curaco you see the chichi lady sculptures all over ranging in size and decoration.     The town has many murals so great to wander and see what was around the next corner.  Had a curaco mojito to cool off. Went out to see the light at night, still 28 degrees and humid!

 Great day in puerto plata.  45 min hike up to the 7 waterfall and then take the slide and a 20 ft jump to the bottom.  Stopped at a farm seen, coffee plant, mango trees (no fruit thankfully!) and seen them rolling Hemingway cigars.   

 There is a lot to see at the southern most tip of North America. Christmas is big here, lots of decorations using pine bow garland but I haven’t seen any pine trees so it must just be tradition. Lots of churches too, quite a few have been repurposed though, like the one above. We did make a little faux pas at the Southernmost Point. We walked up, waited till the people there took their picture then we took our shot and left. It was only then that we noticed the line up down the street waiting to take pictures. OOPS! Happened to watch a funeral as well. All the streets blocked off to the church and police everywhere. It was the wife of some newly elected politician so lots of pomp and security. It was reminiscent of a New Orleans funeral only fewer bands.  Last day in the Keys then onto the boat tomorrow!