Candy for Sale

Everywhere we went in Old Cartagena we saw these very colorful ladies carrying large pans on their heads with food and candy for sale. Their costumes were definitely eye catching.

"Candy for Sale" © Kathy Dunham 2008

Cathedral de Cartagena

Today’s “deluxe” city tour was a delight to an artist’s eye. The old town of Cartagena was everything I expected. Old buildings, wild colors, bougainvillea of all colors hanging over balcony railings and more street vendors than you normally see in Mexico. With 15% unemployment, those out of work are becoming street vendors. And talk about pushy…even if you say no 10 times, they still won’t leave you alone.


“Cathedral de Categana” © Kathy Dunham

Three Little Mules All in a Row

These electric "mules" are what keep our ship evenly spaced once in the Panama Canal locks. There was only 24" of clearance on either side so it's important that the tension on the cables between the ship and the three mules on each side of our ship are perfect. Otherwise, we'd be leaving paint on the side of the locks. There are three locks on each end of the 50 mile canal. Three steps up and three down. Lake Gatun, in the middle, is man made and took four years to fill. It was a brilliant idea to eliminate a lot of earth removal had a cut been necessary through the entire width of Panama.





"Three Little Mules All in a Row" © Kathy Dunham 2008

The Colors of Huatulco

Huatulco is a verrrrry small cruise ship port on the southern coast of Mexico. Noted for it's eight beautiful bays, this area is great for snorkeling. Or shopping if you don't want to get wet. The buildings are painted wonderful, bright colors. Lots of fun with vendors always trying to get you to buy.

"The Colors of Huatulco" © Kathy Dunham 2008

Dia de los Muertos

While strolling through Cabo San Lucas we came upon a very upscale "bar". It wasn't the drinks that caught our attention but these intricate ceramic statues of Dia de los Muertos figures. They were exquisitely done in wonderful colors and with a sense humor. This celebration in recognition of the deceased is held on November 2nd, but you can find figures similar to these all over Mexico any time of the year.

"Dia de los Muertos" © Kathy Dunham 2008

Lucy with "Mexican Barbies"

Four dollar... four dollar.... and I could have my own Mexican Barbie. Lucy was cute and for only two dollars, she posed for me on our walk in Cabo San Lucas. Then she offered to sell me a clay whistle for $3. I graciously declined.

Lucy with "Mexican Barbies" © Kathy Dunham 2008

Venetian Balcony

Tonight I spent a wonderful evening with my friend Terry, celebrating my birthday. So this one's for you Terry. She joined me three years ago on a fantastic cruise of the Mediterranean. We both love Italy so needless to say, there wasn't one bad port of call with an Italian name on it. We had a great time in Venice, drinks at the Pitti Palace across the Grand Canal from the Santa Maria della Salute; a stroll through Piazza San Marco; and of course, a trip over the Rialto bridge. Ahhhh.... to be in Venice again!!

"Venetian Balcony" © Kathy Dunham 2008

Bermuda

Last year I was able to visit the island of Bermuda for the first time. It was a teaching cruise for me so on shore days I get to play "tourist". We only had a one day stop and just our luck it was a Sunday. Everything closes on Sunday in Bermuda. So we decided to take the shuttle boat to Hamilton, the capitol, and enjoy walking around seeing the side streets since shopping was not an option. We had a map but decided to just wander and see what we could find. I love the clean, white roofed, pastel colored houses that dot the island. But this marine store was definitely not pastel. And the red car was the punctuation mark in the photo.

"Little Red Car" © Kathy Dunham 2008

Pride of America

For the past two years I have spent part of the summer cruising the waters of Alaska, teaching painting and drawing to passengers on cruise ships. It's a great way to cool off from the summer heat and I never tire of it's beauty. The air is so clear and the glaciers, mountains and wildlife are stunning. A must see for all. It's wonderful to see the Bald Eagle, our national bird, flying free amongst the tall trees and over the waters of the Inside Passage. This eagle isn't so lucky. He's in a rehab center in Ketchikan and is not able to be released into the wild due to an injury. I will never understand why anyone feels the need to shoot these American beauties.

"Pride of America" © Kathy Dunham 2008