January 5, 2025 - Today is a Sea Day

 The only times I've spent extended time in other countries, I had a reason to be there, which gave structure to my days.  In Guatemala, I studied Spanish and had classes on weekdays.   In retrospect I should have studied harder and kept practicing lol.  In Samoa, Malawi and Myanmar, I worked full time.  

I started 2024 on a two month cruise.  If I had the money, I'd spend every January and February on a cruise.  It was fabulous for many reasons, including the mix of busy port days and relaxing sea days.  I'm planning a similar schedule here.  My first four days have been "port days".  I've been busy sight-seeing, shopping and exploring my new neighborhood.

Today is my first "sea day".  I'm planning to do laundry and my nails.  Some reading, a bit of Duolingo and Nibble and time on the balcony.  And, cooking in today.  Just the normal stuff I'd be doing if I was home, but with a view.  And, without Buddy, who I really miss  Enjoy the photos!

While I was enjoying watching some sort of wide-winged sea bird soaring around, this little guy showed up on the balcony.

This is the busiest tourist month of the year in part because there is usually little rain in Cartagena.  Since I've arrived we've had rain every day.  I'm happy staring at the changing shades of blue and gray but feel for the sun-lovers.  I am shocked at the hundreds who stay on the beach and in the water while lightening is flashing.

I love food and I love to try new stuff.  I'm very glad I bought this sauce.  I used it on some leftover chicken for lunch and it was great.

These are delicious.  Similar to a corn tortilla but better tasting.  Heated in a frying pan with a bit of butter?  Yum.  Or, filled with leftover chicken and the pineapple sauce?  Tasty.  Sadly, neither item is sold near me in FL.

I'm used to a dishwasher and garbage disposer at home.  I'm trying bear up here.  

Breakfast was watermelon and an arepa.

I get to see passenger and cargo ships as they leave Cartagena.

These surfers were out just after dawn.

The waves are similar in size to Central Florida beaches.  Small to medium-sized.

This photo is actually from last night.  Long story but I finally figured out how to order grocery delivery online.  Scheduled to arrive between 5-8 p.m.  It arrived at 10:20 p.m.  Yes, I was in bed, reading.  Raced down to the lobby and the driver handed me two bags of groceries and a baggie of money.  1/3 of my groceries weren't delivered but the cash/what I got equals the credit card payment I'd made.  All is well and now I know to only order morning delivery.