The air temperature is a little cool at 60 degrees when we arrive at port in Ensenada, Mexico. We had a shore excursion schelduled for today, but it was cancelled by the cruise line so we will just walk ashore.
The air is heavy with fog or smog. By 10 when we get off the ship the air is a little more clear and a comfortable 70. We walk to the center of town where there are dozens of vendors set up selling everything from food and drink to souvenirs. We purchase nothing.
There is a Carnival ship at the next pier. An ambulance was awaiting their arrival. Fortunately not for us, we have had few medical incidents these past weeks.
For the past several days I have been considering a 30 day cruise from Florida to South America and then up the Amazon river. The realization of the probability of yellow fever and many other unique tropical bugs, and my love of very hot humid weather, tipped my judgement in deciding it probably would not be a good idea. The biggest factor against it is that November and December are some of the best weather temperatures in Florida. End of debate. Off the list.
The ship is much busier at lunch time today including a group of Mexican police on board getting a free lunch. Personally being busy is a little surprising as it is so easy to just walk off the ship today compared to our previous tender ports. On second thought maybe it is the fact that local authorities are checking all passengers with drug dogs as we exit the ship. Rather ironic considering how many drugs are smuggled into the US from Mexico.
Tonight we say our goodbyes to the crew. As usual they have been exceptional. Last concerts by the string instrumentalists from the Ukraine and the last set of the dual piano players.
All the entertainers are leaving the ship tomorrow as the following two weeks are private charters. Jazz, then Blues. They bring all their own entertainers.
Our bags are packed and put out to be taken off the ship when we arrive in San Diego Saturday. It cost a few dollars more, but we are taking a Holland arranged charter to the airport in the morning.
Saturday we fly to Salt Lake City to vist Lynn's daughter Pam for a couple days before heading to Florida.