Kitty of Christmas

As much as I have resisted it, I am a crazy cat lady.  It has such a negative connotation for a middle aged, single woman.  But I can't help it that I like savings lives of cats and have collected a few of my own.  I have 2 tabbies, Baby and Sister (Big B and Sissy), that are 14 years old and then the antagonist that rocked the apple cart, Bella (Little B/Baby B) who is 1.5 years old.

These kitties seem to love Christmas almost as much as me.  They are all fascinated by the Christmas Tree.  The older girls like the lights and sitting under or by the tree.  Bella is a full combat attack cat on the tree.  I've had to decorate it with non-breakable ornaments and even at that, every day, I wake to a new "arrangement" of the tree ornaments or skirt.  As the holiday goes on, she seems to have become bored with the tree with the exception of the tree skirt which is actually a hunk of white fake fur I drape around the bottom.  On rare occasions, she does try to stretch into the tree because she learned she shouldn't climb it.  And every morning, the fur tree drape skirt is pulled out from the tree and stretched across the floor.  That is easy enough to fix every day.  Way better than when she would scale the tree and it would shake, testing the stability of the frame holder that keeps it upright.

I secretly thing it is all cute.  So I am bringing you photos of my Bella B enjoying the tree and other holiday festive decorations to their fullest.  Please do enjoy!

Making sure it is all safe so she can take it apart while I sleep.

This fireplace is so warm!!  Where has this been all my life?

An extra "bebop" nose.

I'm being good Momma.  I promise!

This is Christmas afternoon.  She crashed hard in the chair next to the tree.
Too much excitement for her!

Learning how cool it is to be tucking into the covers!

Look.  My eyes match the tree!!

Momma made me a jingle bell toy.  I LOVE jingle bells!!!

Merry Christmas!

Since it is the 27th and I am just posting my Merry Christmas post, that let's you know I've sure been busy.  But it is never too late to catch up.

Christmas Eve, I was lucky to be off work and had a day planned with Philip, Tiffany, and Jennie. We decided to have a yummy sushi lunch and then went to see Aquaman, the movie.  I have a preference for the theater with recliner seats which is always a treat.  After lunch and the movie, we came to my house to visit and frost sugar cookies. 

Philip got a new haircut and was having fun with it.

Yummy cookies!

Mid-cookie making snacks

Frosting cookies.  A Christmas eve tradition.

Jennie and Me

 We planned to go to Market Street for a yummy Christmas Eve dinner.    They decorate pretty, have Christmas lights and ornaments all around, and a beautiful view of the mountains.    It was a beautiful night and we enjoyed it.  It was wonderful to get time with Jennie.  Philip and Tiffany planned to spend the night so we broke open the alcohol and played board games which was really fun and a new tradition for us.

Playing Sorry

Christmas morning, we exchanged stocking items and then had a nice waffle breakfast.  I also made some "to go" ham dinner packages for Philip and Tiffany and for John.  I only saw John a brief moment as he passed through but it was great to see him.

My new red stocking full of yummies!

Our delicious breakfast

I spent Christmas evening visiting with friends and family on the phone.  Not quite as good as having them near but excellent none the less.

The day after Christmas, I had the great opportunity to have lunch with Jennie and Dad.  Dad has had some health issues was in good spirits and seemed to be feeling a little better which is great. 

My holidays were fantastic and I really enjoyed all the time with Philip and Tiffany and seeing Jennie and Dad (and John for a second).  I hope everyone else enjoyed their holidays as well.

Santa Brunch

This past Sunday, Philip, Tiffany, and I went to our traditional Sunday Santa Brunch at Little America.  It is one tradition that we all agree is worth putting forth the effort for each year.

The problem with Santa Brunch is you can't make a reservation, and we are not the only ones that love this tradition.  So the goal is to get seated in the first round of feasters and if at all possible, get a seat in the main brunch area.  We lined up about 1.25 hours early.  I'm so so lucky because Philip and Tiffany stood in line while I got to rest in a comfy chair.  I joined them in line about 10 minutes before they opened.  I could not believe how many people had crowded in.  The line was super long and snaked around the hotel and out the lobby doors.  But we were on the "list" that was taken about a hour before.

They started seating the large families with reservations first.  At about 10 after the hour, they started the walk in line.  We were the 4th group from the walk in line.  I let them know it would help me greatly if I could be in the main room since I have a tough time walking distance (not far from the truth).  We were lead to a lovely table by the meat table.

We proceeded to feast for 2 hours.  We enjoyed fresh strawberry crepes, shrimp, rolls, salad, cheese, ham, prime rib, potatoes, bacon, and desserts.  There  was way more but that is what we wanted.  I was seated with my back to the room so when Mr and Mrs Clause came around, Philip and Tiffany were silent until they were right by our table.  This year, I offered to take a photo of the Clause family without Philip and Tiffany although after what we paid for brunch, they should be happy to have a pose with them.

We throughly enjoyed ourselves and practically rolled out of there with our food baby bellies. We had planned to come hang out at my house making cookies and shopping but instead, we all laid down and took long naps!   All that eating is exhausting!!

Here are some photos:

Hello Baltimore!!

I found myself just shy on Skymiles to keep my Medallion status.  In fact, I was 2,900 miles short which is so close out of 25,000 required.  So what is a girl to do?  Well this girl planned and schemed and jumped on a plane for the day for a milage run.

My criteria was "dirty cheap", direct flight, and able to be done in 1 day. I know that sounds crazy but I have such a mobility problem, visiting a city for the weekend is a waste because I can't really get around well enough to go out and have fun.  And a direct flight so I have less chance of having travel delays.  I had to go across the US to get the miles I needed.  Experience shows me that Newark and Baltimore are two destinations that fit that criteria.  I picked Baltimore over Newark because New York can have all kinds of travel problems and if I got stuck there, hotels are super expensive where hotels around the Baltimore airport are inexpensive. 

As I researched, I found the Baltimore direct flights were the same flight number so that means the plane flies there and turns around and comes back so I am not at risk of having a delay on a flight coming from somewhere else and, I didn't have to change gates at the airport.  Seemed doable.  And the flight was surprisingly inexpensive so I booked it with 2 weeks notice.

My adventure took place on Saturday, December 8.  It was 3.5 hours there and 5 hours home.  I had 40 minutes in Baltimore.  I did pack a carry on bag with things to do, a change of clothes, medications for a day, and toiletries in case I got stuck.  My flight out left at 9:30 am.  I got to the airport way too early but that is okay.  I picked up some oatmeal at the McDonalds at the airport and had my water and some snacks for the day.

I planned to entertain myself with movies on the flight, books, and my Christmas cards.  As luck would have it, I was upgraded to Delta Comfort which means I am up front, get better and more frequent snacks (think bananas!!) and drinks.  I was sat in the window and had no one in the center seat so that is pretty awesome.  I did my Christmas Cards and watched a movie on the way there.  I watched "Crazy Rich Asians".  Before I knew it, we were coming into Baltimore!   They did make me get off the plane so I went to the bathroom and reboarded pretty quickly.

On the way home, I was also upgraded but I picked a seat further back so I could have an aisle and I wanted a full tray (the other seat was a bulkhead seat so the table came out of the armrest so it was clunky.  Again no one in my center seat.

As we took off, I fell asleep.  When I woke up, I realized it was dark and we had a really long time to fly due to headwinds (1.5 hours longer).  I watched "The Devil Wears Prada" and "Elf".  I also caught the old stop motion "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" on satelite TV.  I didn't feel like reading in the dark.  I bought myself a great smoked turkey sandwich for linner.  We got in early.  We landed at 7:00 which was fabulous.  I went back to my car and drove home.  I missed the storm that came in that night by the skin of my chin.

You can only imagine how sore a body gets sitting in a plane all day.  I couldn't wait to put my feet up.  And pee in a big boy potty.  I had planned to mail my Christmas cards on the way home but forgot my return address labels so I mailed them the next day.  Honestly, the day was spent doing pretty much what I would have done at home.  It was an easy day, just long.  AND, I kept my status. 

I thought it was really cute becuase the flight crew knew I was doing a milage run.  Actually it is not an unusual thing to do.  When I got off the plane, they lined up and High Fived me and congratulated me on my Medallion status and my devotion to Delta Airlines.

So you might ask what I get with my status?  Well I get priority seating which means I get to sit up front.  I am eligible for upgrades on every flight I take.  I can change my flights for $75 same day.  I get access to the Sky Room for $50 for a day (great for long layovers).  And I get a dedicated phone team which is heaven when the phone lines are busy and you have to wait 3 hours for a rep on the regular line.  All well worth the day on the plane.

In the future, I need to plan my travel better.  My September trip to Johns Hopkins was booked on an awards ticket so I didn't earn miles.  Had I paid for that ticket, I would have made my status without sitting on a plane just for miles.

New Doctor and such

I totally forgot to talk about my new doctor!  I decided awhile ago it was probably time to try to find a new doctor to help me in Utah with my Myositis.  I had to fight like hell but scored an appointment with Dr. Lee who was recommended by Dana, my Myositis friend in Utah.  Luckily she is on my insurance plan.

When I say I fought like hell, I am not kidding.  Seems since more people were able to have insurance, more specialists are screening patients before agreeing to see them.  I needed a referral from my doctor and sent in my medical records.  I was rejected first pass but then I called and spoke with Melissa, her RN.  Melissa wanted to know my goals, what I expected from the doctor and my past history with my medical teams.  I assured her most my doctors really enjoy me as a patient and there were notes to that affect.  I am always on time (or early) to my appointment and would NEVER cancel last minute unless there was an emergency.  I told her I was going to Johns Hopkins but finding it harder to travel there and would like a doctor in state that knows Myositis or is at least interested in learning.  I wanted  a doctor to help me live my best life, and when the time comes, will help me with disability from work.  After a week long review, she called me to let me know that Dr. Lee would see me for exactly 1 visit and that I would have to wait 2.5 months for an appointment.  I thanked her for her help and let her know I was very patient and will wait for an appointment.

When I got home from the cruise, I had my appointment Monday morning.  Dr. Lee is a nice Rheumatologist that is interested in Myositis.  In fact, she interned at the Mayo Myositis office.  She sees several Myositis patients.  We have a fairly detailed examination and discussion of my Myositis journey.  I told her about the NTC5 test I had to confirm my IBM.  She had not heard of that but was very interested. And she was almost enamoured I was seeing Dr. Christopher-Stine at Johns Hopkins because she is one of THE nations leaders in Myositis research.  She wanted to know how I scored that appointment.

She warned me to stop my social "binge" drinking and encouraged me to keep moving.  She wants my blood work done quarterly and she wants to see me every quarter.  She recommended I try to switch to a pre-loaded injectible Methotrexate.  She also indicated she felt much more comfortable seeing me if I also continue to go to Johns Hopkins annually.  She would help me fight my insurance for coverage as much as possible.  And......(drum roll please).....she agreed to take me on as an ongoing patient.  I was so happy I helped win her over.

I will miss working with Dr. D, my old Neurologist, but she wasn't interested in Myositis much at all and I need someone to keep an eye on research for me.  I almost feel I owe her a "good bye" but I suck at those so I am just not going to make a new appointment.

Bohemian Rhapsody

Today I went to see Bohemian Rhapsody.  It is the newer movie about the rock band Queen and more about Freddy Mercury.  I was never a HUGE fan of Queen in the 70s and 80s but they had some great music and I am fascinated by Freddy Mercury and his brave AIDs battle when homophobia and AIDs was misunderstood and ostracized at the time.

I remember that time period very well as no one knew there was a virus you could catch through sex that would kill you.  We were all terrified as we learned about it.  It is amazing to me how 25 years later, people are back to being so casual about AIDs and other STDs.  Safe sex practices seem to have been forgotten.

Anyway, I really liked the movie and was moved by the story, the music, and remembering Freddy Mercury.  What a dynamic performer.  I must dig out my concert ticket stubs.  I’m pretty sure I went to see Queen live in the day.  I know the movie got slammed by the critics and some of it was not factual but the story was good and I enjoyed it.

I've spent the afternoon listening to Queen.  I still am not a HUGE fan but it was fun and triggered some fun memories of when I was younger.

Bella's Sombrero

For those of you that watch Facebook, and Facebook decided we like each other enough to share my wall in your feed, this will be a repeat.  But I thought it was so cute, I thought it was worth repeating my photo of Bella in her sombrero.  I think it is hilarious.  She is such a good kitty.

Narco experiences carry on

Maybe I do feel a little bad about writing about people I cross paths with that make me shake my head and wonder what the heck they are thinking.  But I don't feel bad enough to change my behavior.

On John and my flight home from the cruise, we had a plane change in Atlanta.  The flight from Atlanta to Salt Lake, we had a center seat between us because I like the aisle and John likes the window.  We decided to leave it that way.  We don't need to be glued to each other....especially after spending 15 days together.

We board the plane and take our seats.  About 10 minutes later, a woman comes down the lane with her hands and arms full.  Makeup is smeared under her eyes.  She had a piece of pie in each hand.  Her stuff was in plastic bags or in 2 hot pink drawstring bags.  She stops at our row.  I stand up to let her in.  She proceeds to try to organize herself right there in the aisle.  John took her pies and coffee.  I helped her put a bag above.  Then she has a neck pillow and starts digging into her  bag for her assortment of items she thinks she needs for the flight.  If you've flown in the last century, you know people get very irritated when someone holds up the boarding process.  But Miss Princess just doesn't give a damn.  She is sighing and rolling her eyes.  She is struggling.  And she stinks.....like she just smoked 2 packs of cigarettes.  After a long display of disarray, she steps into the row (I'm still in the aisle) and pulls out some deodorant (Mens speed stick) rubs it on her pits, down and back up her arms, up her neck, around the back, and then lifts her wife beater T that she is using for a shirt and starts putting deoderant on her stomach and back.  A little bit on each cheek of her face (although I wouldn't be surprised to see her pull her pants down right there and do her ass cheeks) as she announces we will thank her for putting on deoderant because she hasn't slept for 2 days and is nasty stinky.  Really?

So she plops down and proceeds to tell us she is on the way to see her fiance in Burley, Idaho.  She is from South Carolina.  She had missed her prior flight because she just couldn't get it together to make it.  Something was just not okay with her.  Drunk?  Tired?  Weird?

We take off and I put in my earbuds and start a movie.  John is much nicer than me and is listening and talking with her but periodically, she taps me on the shoulder to talk.  I put my movie on pause and take out my ear plugs (okay I probably sighed an irritated sigh too....it is genetic) and would listen and nod without trying to engage in conversation.  She is eating her pie with her hands and is trying to get comfortable but no one is comfortable in a plane, especially the center seat. She falls asleep leaning forward over her pies and drinks.  She has her neck pillow on the tray table.  After a bit, she wakes with a jolt and doesn't know where she is.  We assured her nothing had changed since she got on board.  Well wash, rinse, and repeat this scenario a few times.  I told her if she would lean back and use her neck pillow, she would be more comfortable.  Clearly too hard to understand that concept.

The flight attendants come through with drinks and snacks.  She wants a double vodka cranberry.  As the attendant leans down to get the alcohol, I quietly tell her that our friend needs no alcohol and to be cautious.  The flight attendant stands up and says "Miss, have you had lots to drink already?"  Miss 14E (I won't use her name) gets a little irritated and says she had one in the airport but was fine.  Then she is very irritated someone is questioning her sobriety.  Yeah because  you are a sloppy mess Miss 14E!!

Later I head up to first class for the potty.  I was talking to the flight attendant while I waited.  He was pleasant enough.  I pondered if I should say anything about Miss 14E.  I didn't have to ponder long because when I came out, the other flight attendant was there and thanked me for alerting her to her condition.  Well, I let them know I didn't think it was alcohol that was the problem and since she got her drinks and snacks, Miss 14E fell asleep hovering over her drinks with one hand dipped inside.  I was positive I was going to be wearing those drinks!!!  While she was napping, I was able to further check her out and saw all her track marks on her arms and hands. It was bad and it was fresh.  So I shared that information.  I also let them know that John and I were trying to keep her calm and being friendly because we didn't want an incident.  I knew the flight attendants were responsible for the passengers on the plane and I thought they should know the situation.

What could they do anyway?  Miss 14E should have never been allowed to fly.  The lead flight attendant already knew something was up and alerted the captian but let her board and continue?  There was no where to move her.  What would they do?  Make an Emergency landing?  We wanted to get home!

While this whole exchange happened up front, John had somehow weaseled his way from the window seat over Miss 14E in the center and freed himself to go to the bathroom.  When he came back, he offered Miss 14E his window seat.  He said he felt trapped in the window and things were getting worse, not better.  Of course, she took the window seat and passed out.  We only woke her when it was time to come in for a landing.  She had been sleeping on her open sandwich with mayo on it so turkey and mayo were all over her (and her pillow which has yet to make it around her neck).  She was tough to wake.  The flight attendants took her drinks and food and tossed them.  Then John woke her up to put on her seatbelt and put up her tray table to land.  When we landed, she woke with a jolt and had no idea where we were.  I don't know that she ever turned off her phone but someone kept trying to call her.  I presume it was her Prince Charming.  She couldn't even stay awake to talk to him on the phone.  She was in bad shape!

John and I took the first chance we had to jump ship and get off the plane.  I wished the flight attendants great luck in getting her out of there as she was now very sloppy in the window.

One one side, I feel bad for her but on the other, she is the one shooting up like that.  The flight attendants didn't feel bad for her but felt terrible for us and gave me 5,000 miles for helping the flight continue successfully.  John and I both wonder how that story ended.  I highly doubt she make it to Burley for her romantic hot tub date at the Best Western.  My guess is security had to drag her off the plane and deal with her.  Maybe she ended up in the drunk tank for the night.  One will never know.

What we do know is I like photos to share.....for your viewing pleasure. Poor thing.

Can you see the tracks on her arm and hands?
That is serious stuff!

This makes my neck hurt just to look at.

John in the center now and she is a puddle in the window.
Her face is resting on her mayo covered sandwich.

We thought it was only fitting to fly home with Narco girl after spending 2 weeks visiting the drug cartel countries.  Haha

Life rolls on

I was so happy to make it all through the 2 week cruise without getting sick.  But John didn't fair so well and was congested  and had a cough that started on Columbia day.  He insisted it was allergies.  I was home 2 days and I got sick too.  And I am still sick.  Life goes on though because I came home to a very busy schedule.

Not only was Mom here when I got home (she watched my Baby Bella) but Nola was on her way out for Thanksgiving too.  I had Trudy come clean the house.  And I was working.  Turns out I didn't take any vacation days so I just had Thanksgiving day off.

Nola went to Wendover on Wednesday so I beat feet to the doctor to make sure I wasn't getting something more serious.  I frankly felt like I got hit by a truck by Wednesday.  I had the chills and struggled to stay awake.  Turns out I had a wicked fever.  But no influenza (have you had the influenza test???  Yeah...never again for me) and they felt it was probably a virus but gave me antibiotics since I was exposed to 6,200 of my closest friends (strangers) on the boat....and I flew home with more people.  I also got some more of my favorite cough syrup that is so good, you have to show ID to pick it up.  (I had to drive to 5 pharmacies before I found someone that had it or would order it.  Seems no one wants to carry narcotics anymore.)

I am starting to feel a little better 1.5 weeks later but still not 100%.  The cough is still ever present and I am very glad I bought the Costco pack of Kleenex in October because I need lots.  Last weekend, I finally got to rest.  I slept the entire weekend.  I'm not kidding....barely awake for meals. I think the rest has been good for me.

The miracle of all miracles?  Nola didn't get sick!  Neither did Mom.  I was very careful about hand washing and not sharing items.  I take that as a personal victory because I would feel horrible if they got sick.

Ship life on the Bliss

I felt like life on the ship should be a different post.  Humor me here....

The Bliss was a beautiful boat.  Much like the other ships I had been on but some differences.  It was large and clean and gorgeous.

Meet and Greet Officers

Cagney's Steakhouse

3 story chandelier

Cool artworks in the BBQ restaurant "Q"

Senior officers at the Latitude party

Model of the ship in the observation lounge

Funniest Comedian "Frank Townsend" the first week.

Teppanyaki Dinner

Bottoms Up in the Atrium Bar

Games in the atrium

Check out this too tanned mint green shirt guy having lunch with his wife.
Note the florescent pink toenails with flip flops.  

Very cool layered leather art

Gamblin'

Fruit carving show

Wake of the ship.  The ship on the right is Princess.  It was hauling past us. 
Turns out someone was murdered on that ship.  Alleged domestic violence.

I love clouds

Clouds and the wake

My last frozen margarita 

Jersey Boys, the play

How was cruising with John?

I swore I would never cruise with a man again but Uncles aren't quite the same right?  It was an adjustment for both of us to travel with someone.  We both are very independant and not the best at checking in with each other.  We were glad we had our own cabins but were just a door between us apart.  We made a rule right upfront that if you needed privacy or private time, just shut the door and no questions would be asked.  It was honestly rare that the door was tight shut.

We also had the messaging on the ship but it required you check your phone and it wasn't always timely.  John isn't real great at carrying his phone so it was 50/50.  We also left notes on the door between us sometimes which was helpful.  Otherwise, we either did things together....or not.

There are many things I appreciate his help with during the 2 weeks.  I know he felt lost cruising without my help.  So it was a win/win.  We both agreed we won't cruise again together next week but 2020?  Sure thing!!  We are already booked for Bermuda!

Finally...the Panama Canal!

It seems I've been planning for the Panama Canal cruise for so long.  Well 18 months to be exact.  It felt so far away but as time always does, it ticked away until time to go.  This cruise was another solo group cruise which means I knew several on the cruise....and we got some great benefits for free...including free drinks, tips, and the added gratuities.  This time, I invited Uncle John to join me.  We had solo cabins which are about 100 sq feet total but have private bathrooms.  We planned to have connecting rooms which seemed to work out perfect.  As solo travelers, we also had access to the solo lounge which is like a big living room with snacks and such.

We decided to fly to Los Angeles the evening before.  We stayed in the Doubletree in San Pedro which was nice and right on the marina.  At 5 am, I saw our ship come into shore.  It was all very exciting.

We were on the brand new Norwegian Bliss that came out this Spring.  In fact, I saw it in Manhattan when I docked after Bermuda in May.  I couldn't wait to check it out and sail on her.

Our ship is the golden lights on the left.

Happy Hour at the hotel

The marina view from our room

We headed over to the pier in the morning.  As a handicapped person, I get to board as one of the first groups which was fabulous.  We got on the boat by about 11:00 and had a cocktail before meeting  my friend Maureen and her friend Joni for lunch.

Our boat

Waiting for our room from the Waterfront area

Putting that drink package to work

Before we knew it, we were checked into our room, unpacked, and ready to watch us sail away.  We decided to go find out group in H2O which is an outside area on the back top of the ship.

Sail away Margaritas!

Mr.  Hot Legs??  We weren't the only ones ready for 2 weeks of fun.

This is the studio cabin.  Where I am standing is the
toilet on one side and the shower on the other.

Our first stop was Ensenada.  Neither of us were thrilled about this stop but we did decide to get off and check it out.  John of course bought some leather.  I bought a mini sombrero for Bella.

We hopped back on the ship and decided to take advantage of our treat....the thermal spa package.  We pre-purchased access to the thermal spa as a way to avoid the crowds and have some down time away from the other 4200 passengers.  They have all kinds of pools, salt room, saunas, etc.  My personal favorite is the heated loungers.

Ensenada from the heated lounger. 

THIS is why I still work (the heated lounger)

Gorgeous sunset  while at sea

We had a sea day or two (I lost track) before we landed in Mazatlan.  That was exciting as it is a new stop for me.  Our ship is so large, we  had to come into shipping piers for most our stops which wasn't very picturesque but nice to hit land once in awhile.  I didn't get off the ship as it was too difficult but John did and of course, did a bit more shopping.

Corona Factory

Our next stop was Guatemala.  I didn't get off here either and I understand I didn't miss a thing.  People were very unimpressed with that stop.

A few more (or one) sea days and we landed in Costa Rica.  John and I made plans to go do an aerial tram in the rain forest.

River with lots of crocodiles

Costa Rican lunch??

Our boat as we make our way around the shipping containers

The next adventure was to go through the Panama Canal.  I had attended a few seminars on the Panama Canal. I was beyond excited as was everyone else on the ship.  We were scheduled to go under the "Bridges to the Americas" at 3:30.  We got up at 3:00 and headed up to watch only to find out we did it at 2:30 am.  So we waited and waited and waited. It takes about 8 hours to go through the canal.  We went through the new locks which accommodate large ships.  In fact, our ship is the largest ship that has gone through the canal.  I could guess there was about 3-4 feet on each side of the ship as we went through.  It was surreal.

Going from the Pacific to Atlanta, you go through 3 locks up.  Then to the "cut" and a large lake.  Then down 3 locks to the Atlantic side.

Waiting to get going

Surreal

Almost impossible to see through all the people but you can see the 3 locks.
There is a ship in front of us in the last lock.

Away we go to the second lock

You can see how far up we have to go to the next lock (pool)

These green things are the locks.  They go across the waterway and block
the water so the elevation can change.  Each lock has 2 gates just in case.

The lock retracting.  See how the water is all the same level now?

This is inside the second set of lock chambers.  We  start high and lose water
to move forward.  We were at the level of that railing.

It was raining but here is the control center for the second set of locks

New bridge they are building on the Atlantic side.  Scheduled to be done 2019?

I thought I would be able to feel the ship rising and lowering but you really couldn't.  And I was so dang tired, I had to go take a nap while we went through the cut.  It really was for the safety of all those on board.  Tired Alex is not a good thing for anyone around.

The next day, we were in Cartegena, Columbia.  John and I had planned separate tours.  He did a walking tour.  I did a Hop on Hop off bus (which I planned to just stay on).  I was so glad I got to see Columbia even though it was from the bus.

The walled city

The clock tower

Vendor selling hats

Ode to Havana and loyalty to Castro.

The fort and flag

Love the Ocean

Armed men with machine guns on the street

The walled city

Gorgeous architecture

Cartegena as we sail away

Both John and I had trouble with our tours in Cartegena.  John lost his tour.  I didn't hear to get off the bus and had to do an extra circle and then rush back to the ship before last call.  We were both so happy to be back on the boat where people spoke English.  Columbia was beautiful but it was clear they didn't really care for Americans.  English was spoken very little and difficult to understand.  They loved our tourist dollars though.

We had 2 sea days (this I know for sure) to Miami.  It was tough to believe we had been gone for 2 weeks.  And we were landing on the complete opposite side of the US.  And we went to such exotic crazy places.  We teased that we did the whole "Drug Cartel Cruise" because every stop is known for their drug cartel and aren't especially friendly to America. But we made it safe and what a trip of a lifetime!