The views of Huatulco from the ship as we docked this morning.
We have our World map on the wall and our moving our ornament around as we go (cruise ships wall are metal so bringing magnets is beneficial. We have strong ones that we can hang our coats on). There is a channel on the TV system that shows our position, speed and heading.
With our tour being in the afternoon, we walked into town in the morning. This is the view from the pier.
The Holy Cross Chapel. The first European visitors put a Cross on the rocks in this area and told the residents to to worship to it. They still have a cross where the original was once located.
Even at 9am, they were advertising drinks (in the fruit) and beer.
They had the street lined with these flags. Each had letters and symbols cut out. Most said Feliz Navidad (Merry Christmas) and Happy New Year
They had an open market in the town square
We tasted a new dish today, Paella. They were cooking it when we walked by but it wasn't done. We stopped by later and it was ready. From https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/84137/easy-paella/ it says: "Paella is a classic Spanish dish featuring saffron rice with chorizo, chicken, and seafood. This easy recipe marinades the chicken in paprika and oregano for added flavor and adds the shrimp at the last minute for fantastic results." Ours did not have Chorizo but had Mussels.
A beautiful fountain on a restaurant patio.
Their sidewalks and courtyards often have designs in them
Returning to the ship. Princess sets up a tent outside the ship with two fruit induced waters and cold towels to cook off with.
Along with safety drills for the entire crew at our last port, today they drilled with one of the life boats. These are also used as tenders when the ship anchors near a port and we ride to shore..
We took the Rural Communities & Traditions tour. It was out in the countryside and to small family based businesses. Most were at their houses.
The first stop was a medicinal plants garden (all legal!) with a wide variety of curative herbs, many of those known from centuries, citrus and banana plants can be observed too.
Piedra de Moros, a charming community kitchen. Here, you will learn how to make perfect tortillas and tamales before having the opportunity to taste some of their delicious food. The family's 82 year old grandmother still makes each one by hand
We also had tasting of the local Mezcal. They had three flavors, Passion Fruit, Coffee, and plain. They flavored ones were not as strong and you could definitely taste the added flavor and the plain was definitely full strength!!! No open flames should have be nearby!!
Next was a local a nopales (prickly pear cactus) plantation and taste three different taco preparations. They had it in scrambled eggs and also in a vegetable slaw/salad that both went into our tortilla for a taco. And then they cook that actual cactus, squeeze a lime slice over it, add a little salt and eat. That was better than I thought. They scared us on salsa and we took the mild. Should have been more adventurous and got a little more flavor. The family also does palm-weaving and makes all kinds of things from hats to baskets to rugs. Along with hand sewn cloths. The lady tour guides had fun and made one of male tour guides show a dress, hat and fan. He was a good sport
They also had a small area for the Virgin Mary and a very large nativity scene.
We saw where they make Teotilan del Valle rugs which are famous worldwide for their sophisticated pre-Hispanic designs and long lasting. We saw how rugs are made from scratch: start carding fine wool fibers continue to dyeing them with natural ingredients, especially the cochineal, the insect that is one of the world most colorfast red dyes, by combining it with lime, baking soda, etc., the Zapotec Indians make some 20 different tones and colors. See how rugs are woven on antique looms. Also it was interesting to learn that while the Aztecs and Mayans are more well known, the Zapotec were from the same era but kept to themselves. This is one of the few places that still speak the ancient Zapotec language and the grandmother welcomed us in this language.
Back to the ship and a quick picture before we board.
Coming on board
Dinner Appetizers were Poached Peach Blue Cheese Crumble and a Seafood cocktail.
Toni got the Lasagna and Rob had the Pork Tenderloin for the main course. Actually the Lasagna was part of the Pasta course that Toni could have followed up with a main course but it was more than enough (think there was a pound of meat in that piece!!!) You defiantly can't go hungry.
The sunsets don't get old.
Tomorrow is a sea day on route to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Our plan is a beach day at the beach right next to the pier. A walk across the street to Wal-Mart if there is anything we need.
just can"t pass up wal-mart. Those rugs were georgous. mom
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