Silversea Cruise to Panama and Costa Rica - October 2013

October 16, 2013 - Orlando to Panama

We started out very early with our flights from Orlando to Panama via Miami. 

When we arrive we walked into the colonial section of Panama City.  It was amazing how many of the buildings were gutted from previous fires. During the last few years there has been a lot of renovation, but the facade of the building must remain the same – even if it was wood, which will burn again. 

It was about 100 degrees outside and 200 percent humidity so before we melted we returned to the hotel.  That evening we had an amazing dinner at the Gaucho restaurant.

Downtown Panama City

If you look on the left you will see a short round building.  This is the old Holiday Inn where I stayed when I worked at Pan American Life.  It was the tallest building at the time.

Colonial section

October 17, 2013 - Panama City

Today we took the hop on/hop off bus around the city. We visited the Panama Canal at Miraflores.  We also got off on Flamenco Island (and I thought I was going to see flamingos).  We had lunch there and I had my favorite dish in Panama – ceviche.  Our final stop for the day was at a major shopping center where Eric won $30 on the penny slot machines.

Milaflores Locks

October 18, 2013 - Panama to Colon

Today we started our adventure on the Silversea Silver Explorer. We took a car from Panama to Colon to board the ship.  Before departing Eric won $50 on the penny slots again - a record. 

The ship was very small compared to other cruises we've been on.  There were only 125 passengers and almost as many crew members.

At 6:00 pm we were on our way to nowhere for the night.

October 19, 2013 - Passage through the Panama Canal

We were supposed to start the transit at 7:15 am, but the local pilot was two hours late.  Colon is on the Caribbean side of the canal, but it is also on the western side.  You need to look at a map to see the geography.  On entering the canal we rose 85 feet in three steps at the Gatan Locks.  We were then at the lake level.  We sailed for a few hours before entering the Pedro Miguel Locks, where we took one step down.  A little further we dropped to ocean level at the Miraflores Locks.  We docked for the night at Fuerte Amador, with Panama City in sight.

The three step rise to Lake Gatan.

October 20, 2012 - Panama City

Today’s tour took us to Old Panama, east of the current city.  There were only ruins remaining.  Our second stop was the Colonial City which we had previously seen, but it was nice having the guide to explain things.  After lunch we decided to return to the ship, as did most of the other guests.

Old Panama ruins

Eric's favorite building

These legs were all over the Colonial section

Will this be a future painting?

October 21, 2012 – Embera Indian Village in the Darien Jungle, Panama

Today was truly an adventure.  We had to wait until 2:00 pm due to the tides.  Eric and I took a local boat - more like a dugout canoe, with water constantly leaking in.  On our way the clouds opened up and we rode in the rain for over an hour.  The river was windy and we had to proceed very slowly.  Finally we reached our goal and had to walk through the muddy banks to see the local Embera Indians.  We watched them do the monkey dance in the pouring rain.  Eric and I each bought a locally made basket (at least it didn't say made in China).

The rain finally stopped before we left the locals.  The ride back was easier but was just as scary as the ride out. 

Embera Indian Village (in the pouring rain)

October 22, 2013 - Coiba Island, Panama

We were late arriving due to heavy swells last night.  We got here just in time for the clouds to open up.

The land excursion warnings were numerous.  The hike through the jungle now had a river to contend with in addition to the slippery muddy path.  There were also strong currents by the beach so swimming and snorkeling would be hazardous - but there would be a rescue boat on standby.  So far we're staying on the ship.

In the afternoon I went to the small island to kayak.  Some of the guests were attacked by jellyfish.  I stayed on the kayak and only saw a few small fish.

We had dinner on the upper deck again - better then last night.  We retired early.

Lost on a tropical island

Our daily transport - the Zodiac

October 23, 2013 – Golfito, Costa Rica

Our morning excursion was to the rescue mission where they take in abandoned animals.  A few nights ago someone brought a tiny monkey, abandoned by its mother.  It was so tiny and cute.  We also saw a red bird, a toucan and other animals.  The monkeys were funny, always trying to climb on people.

One sat on the head of the ships photographer.

In the afternoon we visited the orchid gardens.  There really weren't a lot of orchids, but the other plants and flowers were beautiful.  My goal every time I visit Costa Rica is to see a toucan, and I accomplished my goal this trip.

A week old monkey

Monkey with the ship's photographer

The Silver Explorer

October 24, 2013 – Puerto Quespos, Costa Rica

Today’s tour left at 6:00 am.  Guess who stayed in bed.

I did the same tour by myself in the afternoon and saw almost as many animals as the early risers.

It was the last night on the ship, and after attending the Captain’s cocktail party, we had dinner on the upper deck again.  The captain decided eat there also, and joined us for dinner.

 Dinner with the Captain

October 25, 2013 – Puerto Caldera to San Jose, Costa Rica

The cruise was over and we hired a car to bring us to our hotel in San Jose.  We relaxed and napped the entire day.

October 26, 2013 – Costa Rica to Orlando

Our flight was super early, so we left the hotel at 5:00 am.  Needless to say, we were exhausted when we returned home in the afternoon.