This is the second time I have been to Puntarenas on a Cunard voyage. First known as Villa Bruselas, Puntarenas (“sand point” in Spanish) was discovered in 1519 by Hernan Ponce de Leon. Listening to the tour guide today, I learned that one of the less obvious industries here in Costa Rica are call centres, space exploration as well as the usual export of coffee and bananas.
It was overwhelmingly hot when I ventured outside this morning for breakfast. Heavy rain had been forecast, but never materialised. Apparently, I missed a spectacular thunderstorm in the middle of the night. However, I did have all morning to prepare for this afternoon’s shore experience. This was relatively inexpensive but did include a decent bus ride into the country where over a period of almost 30 years, a rain forest had been created from scratch and now, looked as if it had been there from hundreds of years ago.
The complex is safe haven for many endangered bird and animal species. It’s not massive, but, it is a privilege to see several species of macaw, parrot, jaguar, and rare monkeys, safe from human (and other) preditors. It came across as a very well run organisation, and I thoroughly enjoyed my all too brief visit
There were the remains of a narrow gauge railway on the outskirts of Puntarenas. Although the guide made no mention of this, he did tell me that as it was no longer making money, the government closed it down in 1994, 28 years ago. Much of the track is still in situ, tarmacked over in places.
Written the following morning.
Soon, we were back, alongside our ship, which still looks impressive wherever she happens to be. Outside, a troupe of drummers and dancers made a joyful noise unto those embarking. The promised deluge of rain probably occurred earlier, before dawn, accompanied by lightning and thunder, which somehow, I slept through. Four of us convened for dinner at our usual table, 628, after which, we went our separate ways. I walked on the open decks to savour the humid night air, and to maintain my walking schedule. Briefly, I met up with the folk duo Cameron and Shane who were relaxing outside after their performance in the Garden Lounge. It was, soon after, time to hit the sack. Jolly comfortable are these beds on the QE.
I awoke to calm seas, as shown on the bow-cam channel 41 of the stateroom T.V. This is the first of three sea days as we head north to Manzanillo, a less we’ll known port city in Mexico, but the location of where part of the 1979 movie “7” was shot. I suppose I shall have to watch it now!
Many thanks for reading, David 08.58 hrs. The clocks were advanced 1 hour at 2am this morning.
David's Cruise 