Hello again from Explora 1 – Panama islands, Carti Sugdub and Isla Aguja

Hello again from Explora 1

Panama islands, Carti Sugdub and Isla Aguja

In contrast to my last negative report of my new digs, this update is a little more positive. I’ve been on this glitzy ship for almost two weeks, met about 30 or so new friends and my routine is getting established.

I generally wake up about 9:30 am, shower and head to the bustling Crema café with my book and cell phone for a cappuccino and daily croissant. Time passes quickly chatting with friends, reading, playing Soduko or backgammon on my phone, or attending a lecture or two, meanwhile my room is being made.  At about 12:30, I go to the Emporium (cafeteria) for my daily cup of soup and generally chat some more for another hour or so. This brings me to my afternoon nap……yes I know I haven’t done anything to warrant a nap, but I’m old now and have the time and desire, so why not. I then get dressed again, go for a bloody-mary and generally meet friends for dinner at one of the specialty restaurants, then retire to my cabin. Not a bad life but not an exciting one either. Without Bridge, I am quickly catching up with my neglected reading, and I read  or listened to two books so far.

Yesterday, we crossed the Panama Canal and it’s truly interesting. The whole operation is well orchestrated, modern, clean and pretty. Today some tendered to the islands of Carti Sugdub and Isla Aguja.

Carti Sugdub is owned and governed by the Guna tribe. They have rejected mass tourism hence poverty is evident everywhere. A fellow passenger expressed sympathy for the many very young mothers with lots of babies, also lots of cats and dogs running around

Isla Aguja, on the other hand is known for  its lazy palms, golden sands and gentle surf.