I met Frank and Eva last year and tragically Eva died before she could make this world cruise. Frank is here and I am so happy he decided to go forward. Another quiet man, John, who I met on the Overland to the Li River, is also missing and Ellen indicated he too died before he could board. Both were very nice people and will be missed.

I met Kate in line last year before boarding but she was unable to come this year so she is following my adventures here on my blog. The first people Kate and I met after boarding were Frank and Eva and Bob and Bobbie. So Kate, I did let Frank, Bob and Bobbie know you sent them your best wishes.

We have only five hosts on board at this time. Bart and Tony were on last year and we have three new ones, Paul, James and Ruis. Bob, who was on last year, is suppose to meet us in Lima, Peru. He apparently lost his passport and could not board until it had been replaced. Can’t wait to find our how he lost his passport. A passport is not something you just set down and then walk off without it as you would say, a paperback novel.

So far I have received two bad champagnes and I did turn them in for some screw top Chardonnay bottled in 2010. Actually it is quite good considering everything I just said. One bottle was from HAL and the other from CSI. I have also received from CSI a fleece vest and a wonderful tote bag and then a dinner for two at the Pinnacle Restaurant for a date in the future. HAL provided us with another Journal and a leather holder for our cabin card key.

Captain Olaf hosted his welcome on board ball. I did wear the outfit that I had designated and calendared for this formal. Hank the hotel manager in charge of everything needed for the comfort of guests (food, drink, housekeeping etc) sat at our table. Yes the wine did flow.

We did dock in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica and I took this photo from the ship. Other than walking through their dockside market I chose not to take a tour. We were here last year and I went to downtown San Jose, visited a banana plantation and rode a jitney through the rain forest. There isn’t much more to do here.