Mornings at Puerto Bolivar

We got lucky to call during daytime on this small port in El Oro, Ecuador.
Taking a walk at their Malecon on a bright sunny morning as an exercise and take a break from ship environs.
It's a simple place, but have good restaurants near the boardwalk where fishing boats docked.
A brunch at Pepe's Restaurant cap our stay.

The local version of Titanic for photo ops

 The cultural center at Malecon

Playa Las Palmas in Esmeraldas

During our inducement call to Esmeraldas in Ecuador, we got the chance to visit their Malecon or Boardwalk. It is located in Playa de Las Palmas. While there are other beaches in the area, it is the one nearest to the port where we berthed. By a short taxi ride, we only paid $1.50 to get there. The cheapest so far. It is walkable but is not advisable. For foreigners, it is better to ride a taxi. The boardwalk has a lot to offer.

The fine sand litter free beach is a welcome respite,after a long voyage. The fresh air from the sea, with a good platter of grilled of seafoods and cervice, dancing to Latin American music to cap the night
In South America, our visit to Esmeraldas, brought me back to the dance floor, after a long, long while!😊
Hasta la vista.

Glimpse of St. Petersburg, Russia

We arrived in St. Petersburg, Russia at the start of winter. A first snowfall experience after several decades.

St. Petersburg is a Russian port city on the Baltic Sea. It was the imperial capital for 2 centuries, having been founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, subject of the city's iconic “Bronze Horseman” statue. It remains Russia's cultural center, with venues such as the Mariinsky Theatre hosting opera and ballet, and the State Russian Museum showcasing Russian art, from Orthodox icon paintings to Kandinsky works.
A visit to the iconic Church of the Spilled Blood was an awesome experience.

Life at Sea: Beyond the Fear

Who said that life at sea is a bed of green bucks? It was never nor will be, for the Officers and Crew who toiled hard, regardless of the weather and the risk, when unfavorable situations are encountered, and to the families who look forward to what the next port, is in store for them. A sailing experience, of how we were boarded with undesirable elements, made our world stood still for a while. Hanged on to faith and prayed that it will soon be over. Security protocols are working well and Coastguard assisted, for the intruder's search, but they already fled. All was safe and ended well.
In retrospect, it reminded us, of the cliche that "life is short,” even shorter when you were at sea. Emergency scenarios are eye-openers, that things can happen splits seconds and critical situations onboard, always demand, timely and decisive actions, following intensified security measures.
Better early, Never late, but always “Just in time." Indeed, experience matters. The wisdom gained therefrom, can't be underestimated. Yes, extra vigilance pays off, because the presence of local security guards onboard, does not guarantee, a security breach free transit. Thus, the need for the ship's crew to do a parallel double watch. Because of the vigilance of one crew, the contaminated cargo was intercepted. It opened our eyes to the harsh realities, that the outside forces have unlimited resources for notorious activities. It is a global menace, that needs to be addressed. Stepping ups security measures at sea and in port will require not just baby steps, but bold and stringent ways, to curb non-essential activities with the help of modern technology. The installation of CCTV's on deck will be of great help and deterrent too.
Courage and Determination are traits that keep the Seafarers going. Challenging voyages often lead to meaningful journeys. When the sun sets, we always look forward to another wonderful day. Hopefully, better and safer than yesterday.👌😊
Today is a different one, it is a time for a little fun. By coincidence, two ladies onboard celebrate their natal day.
It's a special time to say thank you for the gift of life, putting our fears behind us now.
Always grateful, for the chance to greet the sunrise, meet the horizon, and feel the ocean. God is good. Let's party! 🎂🍦 Cheers to you and me. Enjoy your youth, because it is the gift of nature, while I have to age youthfully, being a work of art.
May we be a timeless masterpiece created in his image and likeness, nurtured by Love, fortified by hope and faith. Let's keep believing that no matter how our day begins and goes, it can still end beautifully. Against all odds, Life goes on, blooming where we are planted.

#Seafarer, #FamilySailing, # SeamanOnline,# MarinoPh

Article reference: World maritme news