The Mexican Riviera - 2011
August 21 to August 28
Long Beach → Cabo San Lucas → Puerta Vallarta → Long Beach
The marina in Long Beach, California. The building with the green oxidized copper roof is the Villa Riviera, completed in 1929.
This was one of Carnival Splendor Captian's formal dinners on the second night of the cruise.
Back in our stateroom after dinner we were surprised to see this towel art left by the room steward.
Great expectations! After two days at sea we are now approaching Cabo San Lucas, the first stop on our cruise.
El Arco de Cabo San Lucas or Lands End, Cabo San Lucas Mexico - Where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea Of Cortez.
This photo shows the tremendous height of these rock. Just compare this one to the boards that have tourist exploring them.
Carnival Splendor anchored in Cabo San Lucas. This is a "tender" port, so there is a small boat on the starboard collecting passengers for the short ride to land.
Photo bomber! They are always around and I keep the photos.
One of the Cabo San Lucas tenders heading into port.
The welcome mat at Cabo San Lucas
Fire and glass and lots of nerve and patience. The Cabo San Lucas glass blowers at work.
Listening with intent to the glass blowers story. And sales pitch!
One of the many finished products. They are really very skilled craftsmen.
Preparation for the celebration of Mexican Independence Day which is celebrated on September 16. The bell with the county's colors is a symbol of that Day.
Kiosk (or gazebo) located in Plaza Antonio Mijares in the main square of San Jose del Cabo, in Baja California, Mexico.
Mission San Jose del Cabo Anuiti, a historic Catholic Church located in the downtown area of San Jose Cabo, Mexico. This current structure was built in 1940, and is known for its distinctive twin white bell towers.
The Plaza Principal (Main Plaza) Central, San Jose del Cabo. The mission is opposite direction.
The Plaza Principal (Main Plaza) Central, San Jose del Cabo. With the mission in the background.
Jardin de los Cabenos Ilustres (Garden of Illustrious Citizens), which contains busts of famous academics and historical figures.
According to sources, the central figure is Lieutenant Jose Antonio Mijares, Spanish-born Mexican military hero who died in 1847 while defending the town against U.S. forces during the Mexican-American war.
Tour bus for the day in Cabo San Lucas.
Cacti Mundo Botanical
Cacti Mundo Botanical
Cacti Mundo Botanical
Cacti Mundo Botanical: Melocactus, Commonly known as a Turk's Cap Cactus.
Looking back at the cityscape of Cabo San Lucas as we leave the harbor for our next adventure.
El Arco de Cabo San Lucas or Lands End, Cabo San Lucas Mexico.
Cabo San Lucas sunset as we sail out of the harbor.
Cabo San Lucas sunset as we sail out of the harbor.
Just exploring Carnival Splendor as it explores the oceans
The decor onboard the Carnival Splendor. I have heard some refer to it as "gaudi", but that's not nice.
Puerto Vallarta Sunrise. This city is just waking up.
Carnival Splendor
A display of the tours for the day. We bought the "Mismaloya City Tour".
A mini zoo at the port.
The Main Plaza at Puerto Vallarta
Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe) located in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
The original crown was installed in 1965. It was destroyed by a 1995 earthquake.
A visit to the inside of the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Downtown street in Puerto Vallarta
Getting off the bus at Mismaloya.
Guarding the bus
Lunch at El Pation
Haggling with the street vendor back at the Port.
More towel art. There was a different one every evening
Return to the port of Long Beach, California