DAY 11: SLOW CRUISING -- Actually, we’ve learned that Golfo Dulce means “freshwater gulf”, as many large rivers empty their water into it. But I like my definition better; it really is beautiful, and we’ll spend the morning slowly cruising its borders here in southwestern Costa Rica before heading on to our rendezvous with the Panama Canal.

And yea! Ann was released from her quarantine via a phone call this morning from a medical-type person. We finally convinced them that she was really not sick, just dealing with an upset stomach. At any rate, we’ve gotten the “All Clear” to resume normal activities, and took a turn on the promenade to celebrate. (Although we didn't know it at the time, Holland America kindly refunded us $300 for lying low that one day.)

We enjoy walking around this ship, but one of the things we keep doing is getting lost. Even though there are maps strategically placed on the walls (er, bulkheads), and even though we’ve been given and use handy pocket guides, we still have difficulty getting from point A to point B. It’s like living in a new housing development in which all the homes look alike, and it points out how much we need landmarks
to get us where we want to go.

That’s not the only source of disorientation. We also have a hard time remembering just what day of the week it is; all the days are alike on this ship! Again, all the usual “markers” are gone, and we’re reduced to the “if-this-is-Huatulco-it-must-be-Thursday” sort of calendar. Actually there is a clever hint provided by Holland American, for the floor mat on each of the eight elevators has the day of the week printed in large letters (see picture above; you may recognize the cane!). They think of everything!

Anyway, we’re at sea all day today, slowly headed towards our early morning check-in spot for the canal,
one of the highlights of the voyage. We’re ready!