Day 5 January 9

Limon, Costa Rica

Back “home” in Costa Rica again. This time as tourists, complete with cameras, sun lotion, bags, hats, sunglasses and traveling in a tour bus.

We got up at 0545, had coffee delivered at 0600. Our port side is to the pier which put our view, being starboard side, to the harbor; such as it is. While onboard, we had a view of the loading of a couple of container ships, one being the banana boat.

We had planned on a car tour of the area but opted instead for a trip out to the Tortuguero Canal, a ride through the banana belt and coast aboard the train then a visit to a banana plantation. This being Sunday, the stores were closed so we couldn't get the things we found we need. The canal trip was fun and we saw birds, lizards and a sloth. That was followed by live calypso music and an Imperial beer. Before 9. The train was a slow rattling ride through the forest and plantations and along the coast line. The crew stopped several times so we could observe monkeys or walk the beach. That was a fun excursion as well, except that I lost a lens cap. I can pick a replacement in Sydney. We bussed to a DelMonte banana plantation to observe the harvesting process, or the facilities as that was closed as well. Back to the ship early afternoon where we found vendors in stalls at the terminal. I bought Lizano Salsa for our dining room crew then we returned to the ship for lunch and a snooze. By 1830 the gangway was up and the sail away party underway. Dinner then book time completed the day.

I know it does not sound like much activity but that will come. We are still resting from the previous weeks activities.