As we head north along the coast, the density of marine traffic continues, at least of commercial vessels.
There are a few people who also arrive early in the Sky Lounge, but the numbers seem to be significantly lower than I experienced on either NCL ship in the past year. To continue part of the thought from yesterday, it seems that few are taking advantage of the view of the ocean, instead sitting there with their eyes fixed on their phones. Now I will admit to having my phone on the table along with head phones on so that I can listen to an audio book. This isn’t much different than 15 years ago when my choice to go along with headphones was an MP3 player. Anyway, I have headphones. I don’t have loud conversations with family & friends over a phone/tablet while sitting in a quiet lounge….
Anyway, we docked today about 0730. A significant number of passengers headed out early for tours since all of those offered involved some fairly long drives. My plan was to relax, wander to breakfast and then wander through the merchants area in the port. But changes had to be made as I wound up missing breakfast completely due to the crew drill this morning. I will admit this was completely my fault. The information was prominently displayed on the front page of the daily program (which I will admit to almost never reading). The drill lasted a full hour which meant that not only was breakfast over but it was going to be at least an hour till lunch.
Oh, wah, poor me. I don’t think any of us will starve if we miss. a meal….
So it was early afternoon when I headed down the gangway and into the tourist area of the port (Puerto Quetzal).
(past recent visits can be found here & here) & 2012 here . This time I walked along the paved area and passed Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Bar to look across the fence at the industrial area
Industrial portion of the port
and the boats not in the water
smaller boats not on the water
. There was also a boat launching ramp which I walked down and stuck my hand in the water.
The Summit along with a serious number of pleasure boats
The warm water baking there in the sun before heading back
leaving footprints
to walk through the shops before heading back to the ship. As much as I really love some of the weaving and embroidery pieces, I really don’t need them. Plus, with the same things for sale in shop after shop…. there really wasn’t anything that both spoke to me and would be useful/used.
In the entry way – I keep thinking of this as my cat’s bigger cousin
Back on ship i took advantage of the lack of people to soak in one of the Solarium’s hot tubs before retreating back to my cabin. I am appreciative of the peace and quiet.
Just looking out my porthole an hour after sailing away from the dock the waters are still busy. I can still count over a dozen commercial vessels which vary from container through bulk hauler to a RO-RO.
