Thursday, November 22, 2007

Puerto Quetzal in San Jose, Guatamala

Thanksgiving Day



Puerto Quetzal, Guatamala
Today, we spent the day in port at Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala. There was a craft market right at the pier where we were docked. So, we went off the ship and within a few minutes, Mother found her while shawl. It is lightweight with very pretty design. After walking past all of the vendors, she decided it was time to go back on the ship. So, I got her picture next to the sign as we proceeded back on the ship.After returning to the cabin to get shorts on (not capri pants), and shed my shirt, I went back on shore, and did a lot more shopping (in the heat and humidity!). There were some very good prices on woven goods (placemats, table runners, napkins) and other stuff. I brought back two bags full of souvenirs.
Puerto Quetzal, on Guatemala's Pacific coast, serves as a cruise passenger's gateway to the inland attractions of this Central American country. As with most Central American countries, the population centers are located in the more temperate central highlands, rather than along the humid, tropical coasts. Accordingly, Puerto Quetzal, while offering plenty for shipping companies, offers little in the way of attractions for cruise passengers. $10|164$>The tune the town sings has changed from "Where the Boys Are" to "Where the Families Are". Local ordinances, zoning, and massive construction projects have transformed this city by the sea into a prosperous pleasure port, catering to family fun, upscale restaurants, yacht owners, cruise passengers and a fast-growing residential population.

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