The Panama Canal and, just like that, the Pacific

NOTE:  Please excuse any typos and grammar mistakes. I’m doing this at 1:30 in the morning so my eyes are not very good.  Trying to get this done for all the folks out there waiting for our updates. 🙂

This was an exciting day for us – going through the Panama Canal.  Not only was this going to be so amazing and fun but it gets us one step closer to the Pacific Ocean and home.

We took a 7 hour tour to go through three locks of the canal.  It was a long trip but was definitely worth going through it with a smaller boat and getting a clear view of the locks and the water going up and down.

The Canal is a very profitable venture for the government of Panama.  Well, at least we think it is but we have no idea how it’s managed and how profitable it really is.  I can cost more than a million dollars for a ship to go through the Canal.  They told us that just last year, a Disney ship went through and paid over a million.  Cargo ships are paid by how much they are carrying, and can be hundreds of thousands of dollars.  WOW!  we had no idea.  Going through the Canal can save 2-3 of shipping time so that must be worth it.

This is our big ship going through the locks.

And, just like that, we are on the Pacific!  Next stop, Costa Rica!

Puntarenas, Costa Rica – Here, we toured a bird and jaguar sanctuary.  They take in injured animals or animals confiscated from smugglers or animals that are so used to being around people that they would not survive in the wild.  Seriously, people, you cannot have these things as pets.  This sanctuary did have a Macaw breeding program.  It’s been really successful but many of the birds don’t leave the area even though they’re free.  The guide told us that it’s a process for them (the birds). It can take up to two years for them to leave the area.   There were also monkeys…they were funny.

We then went into town and had an amazing lunch and some PURA VIDA!

PURA VIDA

Jevyn got some oil on his hands from the roll door

Corinto, Nicaragua – We visited a banana plantation in Nicaragua.  This is their largest export and we went to the largest plantation in Nicaragua.  We were told that the owner of this company really supports the community and donates a lot of money to local hospitals and other needy organizations. We were disappointed that we couldn’t taste the bananas but they did provide us with banana chips and guac and beans.  YUMMY!!!

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala –  We took another beach day in Guatemala in a cute little resort.  Though the waves were too strong to swim in the ocean, we were able to play in the pool and Jevyn loved the swim up bar.  We had a nice meal and just chilled for a few hours.  They greeted us with delicious coconut juice, straight from the source!

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – This excursion was definitely a huge surprise, in a great way.  We went to a place called Las Caletas, and it was accessible by boat only.  It was supposed to be another “beach break” but ended up being much much more.  Justyne, Justin and I had massages.  Justin, Jevyn and Jayden tried power snorkeling, using one of those motorized propellers to “ride” through the water.  They really loved it.  The weather is getting cooler and the water is definitely getting colder. But, we had a great day with amazing Mexican food.   We really couldn’t get enough.  The food on the ship is not great and we were ready for some major flavor!  This hit the spot.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico –    Another fun day on the catamaran.  Man, these European seniors are tough.  When we were snorkeling, this woman was pushing me out of the way.  She was literally shoving me!  I’m not sure if she was pushing me or grabbing for help.  Two ladies fell on the catamaran but they seemed OK.  This is also why they don’t serve drinks until after the snorkeling.

Jayden having fun with our excursion representative, Gabriella.

OK, that is it.  That’s the first third of our cruise.  I will try to post what I can but I the internet on the ship sucks so it might be a while.  In the meantime, I will post bits and pieces on Instagram and FaceBook so see you there and see you soon!

Where are we off to next?  Hawaii, the South Pacific, New Zealand, and Australia.  That’s the 2nd third of our trip.

Thanks so much for following!

Author: HigmanTravels

We are a family of 5 traveling the world for one year. We are attempting this entire trip around the world via trains, ships/boats, and automobiles -- yes, that's right, no planes. View all posts by HigmanTravels