Baby It's Hot Out There

Greetings from Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala. It's about noon and the temperature is already 98 degrees...although not QUITE as humid as in days past. I do not do well in the heat. I can stand to be outdoors for about 10 minutes at a time. I am now shedding the skin I toasted a few days ago when I foolishly sat outside for a whole 25 minutes or so. YIKES!

Yesterday we anchored at San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. This was yet another itinerary change when the Captain was unable to obtain a berth in Corinto, Nicaragua. Unfortunately, I missed this announcement and so failed to book a shore excursion yesterday...something I regret after hearing of the wonderful time many folks had in Granada, a beautiful old colonial city. I went ashore briefly; but it was beastly hot and there was really not much to see in San Juan del Sur other than the small flea market which had been set-up especially for us.

I think the bridge crew had their work cut-out for them yesterday as they attempted to keep the Zuiderdam at anchor at the mouth of the harbor in the face of very gusty winds. Several of my compatriots tossed their cookies on the launch on the way to the beach. Probably the heat as much as the rough ride...

I elected not to take a shore excursion today...all of the trips were 6 to 8 hours with 3 hours in a bus. Just didn't feel like spending that much time on the road. So...basically another sea day for Elmo - which is just fine. I truly enjoy lounging around the ship.

I have taken to playing "Team Trivia" every afternoon - which has been fun. It seems that afternoon bingo has fallen out of favour with HAL. This afternoon I will have a workout, then lounge by the Lido deck pool (in the shade) where Ella and the HALcats will be playing your favourite hits of the 50's, and 60's. Then it will be Team Trivia during the cocktail hour in the Crow's Nest followed by supper and probably a nightcap in the Sports Bar off of the casino. Tough life, eh?

There is a regular crew I join in the Crow's Nest. Several interesting people and several not so much. I may provide you with some biographical sketches in an upcoming post.

Well, exercise calls... Having a great time although I wish it was about 20 degrees cooler!