Since my last post we have traveled from the Caribbean to the Pacific by way of the Panama Canal.
Our first stop was Cartagena, we took an excursion into the old town. It was too intense, exacerbated by the heat, humidity, and aggressive vendors. I have been to Spanish Inquisition museums, but though the visuals of this one were less intense than some I have seen, the guide’s descriptions were excessively graphic.
The canal was interesting especially Gatun Lake.
We left the canal and headed for Costa Rica
As I write this we are again at sea with Acapulco our next port. This is the longest cruise we have been on, and I am feeling 16 days is a bit too long. Our two excursions so far have both been disappointing, we even cancelled our third one in Guatemala. The Costa Rica excursion, “Scenic Costa Rica” seemed more cultural than scenic – we spent as much time driving through industrial areas as anything scenic, with never a stop for photos, let alone a sketch- we did spend over 30 minutes at a souvenir shop, and another 30 or 40 watching children dance while being encouraged to buy from vendors. We have had a few good excursions in our cruise history, but there were many that were a let down.
In the midst of our visions of the tropics are the realities of what is going on in the USA. An Instagram follower shared a quote that explains why I did the next painting.
“The artist’s job is to be a witness to his time in history.”
Robert Rauschenberg
We are in for tumultuous times, art is one way I keep my peace and hope alive. Thank you for following and encouraging me in this journey, I hope these posts bring a bit of positive into your life as well.
Tricia continues to post about our travels which always encourage me as I am reminded of the places we have shared and the wonderful people we have met along the way – each one a reminder that there are a lot of good people in the world.
theTravelsketcher 
Pity the cruise isn’t as good as you hoped. I was just reading another bloggers post about a holiday in Costa Rica and it looks a great place to visit. As to the current president of the US and his cronies….I feel like I am watching some unbelievable work of fiction at times.
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Oh no, too bad you didn’t have a good experience in Cartagena. It is a wonderful city. And Guatamala is great too, but if Cartagena didn’t go well I doubt Guatemala would. Better to save for a trip on your own. 😊 Maggie
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Thank you Maggie. Every time we cruise we doubt we will do it again, it is just not our style. I can see that Cartagena would be great, but all of the waiting, following/herding, and emphasis on places with stuff to buy diminishes the experience.
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We don’t have cruising on our radar, it’s not something we’re attracted to…..it’s a real shame you didn’t get a better taste of Costa Rica because it really is special. Sharing your fears for your home country.
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For years, check out old posts of mine, I disparaged cruising, then we gave it a try, had some good parts, but in the end prefer independent travel.
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Wow, my friend, your last sketch is equally prophetic and chilling. You posted in January, probably not thinking what your sketch depicted would actually happen. As I read your words now, it is actually happening. Can we all get back on the cruise ship and sail away?
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Sigh!
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