GUATEMALA and COSTA RICA

On this Day 13 of our cruise on the Norwegian Encore from Seattle to Miami, I feature Guatemala and Costa Rica....not Guatamala and Costa Rico.  Then, of course, on November 3, we remain on board and sail away to Southampton, UK.

But before the topic of today, here is something from the morning New York Times, sharing the latest doings of Donald Trump and his MAGA Republican Party.

Republican Campaign

Meet the new Project 2025: The America First Policy Institute, a right-wing think tank, is planning for a Trump win. It wants ultrasounds before all abortions, work requirements for Medicaid and federal workers who can be fired at will. Trump said he would fire Jack Smith, the special counsel who indicted him over the Jan. 6 riot and classified documents, if he were elected again. His lawyers are also seeking to dismiss the Jan. 6 case, arguing that Smith was illegally appointed. Trump has floated the idea of replacing income taxes with tariffs, as was the case in the late 19th century. Experts said doing so would increase the deficit and cause widespread economic damage. In Detroit, Trump called into JD Vance’s town hall with undecided voters and asked, on speakerphone, “How brilliant is Donald Trump?” Vance eventually replied, “Sir, of course, you’re very brilliant.” At a Trump campaign event, Tucker Carlson made disparaging comments about women and compared Trump to an angry father. “When Dad gets home, you know what he says? ‘You’ve been a bad girl, you’ve been a bad little girl, and you’re getting a vigorous spanking,’” Carlson said. Trump has described the dangerous and disturbing actions he plans to take as president. Voters should believe him, The Editorial Board writes.

The key to Kamala Harris beating Donald Trump on November 5 are the traditional Republicans who can't stomach what Trump represents, with the potential for the USA becoming a dictatorship.  Will they vote for Trump?  Or will a small percentage actually support Harris?  Only 5% will make the difference.  Maybe worse, is 5% just decided not to vote, then the affect on the Senate and House races will be a lot more victories for Democrats.  Then, too, there are the Independents.  Here is a downright frightening shift from Gallup:

18 September 2024   Republicans/leaning Republican  45%    

                                  Democrats/leaning Democrat       49%

12 October 2024       Republicans/leaning Republican  49%

                                  Democrats/leaning Democrat       42%

This New York Times article also reported:

• Harris has a financial advantage over Trump. Her campaign raised twice what Trump did in early October and has three times the cash on hand.

The Republic of Guatemala:

• Is bordered by Mexico to the north and west, Belize to the northeast, Honduras to the east and El Salvador to the southeast.  The south is the Pacific Ocean and northeast by the Gulf of Honduras.
• The core of the Maya civilization lived in Guatemala from antiquity before 2000 BC, and developed for almost 4000 years until the fall of the last Maya city in 1697.
• Chichén Itzá was built from 600 AD, and thrived for another 600 years.  I remember climbing to the top of the Temple of Kukulcán (constructed in the 8th-12th century period) when I stayed in the Yucatan Peninsula.  Also got diarrhea by consuming a popsicle.
• Remember the 2012 phenomenon when the end of civilization was supposed to come on 21December2012?  That was a Mayan prediction,  Of course, when nothing happened, scholars downplayed or indicated misreading of any Mayan doomsday thoughts.
• 
  Hernan Cortez annointed brothers Gonzalo and Pedro de Alvarado to began conquering Guatemala from 1521, and the end came in 1697.
• The latest historic research shifts the Maya as peaceful to the more warlike proclivities of Classic Maya kings.
• Unlike the Aztecs and Inca, the Maya political system never integrated the culture.
• The Maya writing system has a superficial resemblance to ancient Egypt.
• Viewed the cosmos as highly structured with 13 levels in the heavens our mortal world, and 9 in the underworld.
• Commoners comprised 90% of the population, and very little has been written about them.
• War and trade flourished, with the control of salt important, and slavery present.
• Guatemala attained independence from Spain and Mexico in 1821.
• Government was eternally unstable until the United Nations negotiated a peace accord in 1996.
• 
  Since then, Guatemala has shown good economic growth and successive democratic elections.  Current president is Bernardo Arevalo.  He is the country's 52nd president.  The Trump-Harris race is to become the 47th POTUS.
• Has a population of 17.6 million, the most populous country in Central America, and 4th in North America.
• Capital is Guatemala City, with an urban population of 3 million, with ten universities.
• Suffers from hurricanes and earthquakes, a 7.5 tremore in 1976 killing 25,000.
• Has long claimed much of Belize, and while Guatemala finally recognized their independence in 1991, negotiations continue,
• How safe is Guatemala?

Guatemala is relatively safe but just like any touristy city, you have to aware and careful with your belongings. Robbery is not common, but it is possible that someone may try to snatch your bag or your camera. Avoid unnecessary late night strolls through badly lit areas.  Stick to well-lit, busy areas: Avoid walking around deserted areas, especially at night. Stick to well-lit streets with plenty of people around. Use official taxis: Use official taxis from reputable companies, and avoid hailing taxis on the street.

And our U.S. State Department says:

Violent crime such as extortion, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, narcotics trafficking and gang activity are common in Guatemala. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to criminal incidents resulting in a low arrest and conviction rate. 

U.S. government personnel and family members are prohibited from traveling to/throughout the non-city areas of San Marcos, Huehuetanango and Zone 18 and Villa Nueva for personal travel but are permitted to travel throughout the rest of Guatemala, including tourist destinations such as Tikal, Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Pacific coast areas in the Santa Rosa and Escuintla Departments.

So we avoided any Guatemala tours.

Moving on to Costa Rica,

• Surrounded by Nicaragua to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the northeast, Panama to the southeast and Pacific Ocean to the southwest.
• Spanish rule came in the 16th century, gaining independence in 1821.
• Was for portion of the colonial period part of Guatemala.

• 
  Abolished the military in 1949,
• Population of 5 million.
• Population of capital, San José, is 352,381, but 2 million in the metropolitan area,
• Since 1953 has held 15 presidential elections, the latest in 2022. 
• 
  President is Rodrigo Chaves Robles.   Is the most stable country in the region.
• Has a highly educated workforce, for spends 6.9% of its budget on education, compared to a global average of 4.4%.
• Placed 64th in the world in the laterst Human Development Index.  Switzerland is #1, USA is #20,Russia is #56, 
• Ranked #26 in the World Press Freedom Index.   Norway #1, the USA is #54!!!  Ranked #12 in the World Happiness Index.   #1 is Finland, USA #23, Mexico #25, Guatemala #42, #51 Japan, #52 South Korea, #61 Honduras, Russia #72, Ukraine #105, India #126 and Afghanistan $143.
• Abundance of wildlife.  Half a million species, of which 900 are birds.  This is a red-eyed tree frog.

• Inflation is at 2.6%, with good GDP growth.
• Healthcare is good and low.
• Housing is affordable.
• Is well into renewable energym with a decarbonization plan to zero carbo emissions by 2050.
• No trade barriers.
• There are banana and coffee, but pharmaceuticals, financial outsourcing, software development and ecotourism have become prime industries.
• But bureaucracy is slow and cumbersome.
• Hosts 420,000 migrants from Columbia, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Chile, Argentina and El Salvador.  Many were headed to the U.S., but stayed.
• Mostly Christian population.
• Safety in Costa Rica?  From the U.S.State Department.

Country Summary: While petty crime is the predominant threat for tourists in Costa Rica, violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault, occurs in Costa Rica. The Costa Rican government provides additional security resources in areas frequented by tourists.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is generally considered safe for travelers, though some security risks exist. The U.S. State Department rates Costa Rica with a "Level 2" advisory, recommending increased caution due to petty crime risks and natural hazards such as volcanoes, earthquakes, and tropical cyclones. 

Some fun facts.

• Gallo pinto (rice and black beans) is a breakfast staple.
• There are over 200 volcanic formations,  Is in the Pacific Ring of Fire.
• #45 in life expectancy at 80.80   #1 is Hong Kong at 85.51 and the USA s #55 at 79.30.
• Pura Vida is the lifestyle.

Activities on the Norwegian Encore, beginning with dinner at Taste.  An Australian Shiraz.

A fabulous pork scaloppine with mushroom risotto.  

Then went to the Observation Deck for some entertainment.

Followed by another night with the Beatles, performing their evolution.

Then on to more.

The Adda Band in the Atrium.

Karaoke in The Cavern Club.

Walked 3491 steps today,

A no solid carbohydrate lunch.  But two liquid carbohydrates, Gin&Tonic and beer.

Desserts.

Shortest walk so far through lunch.  I don't know why I show this.  This will be the last mid-day pedometer photo,

Then went to the Theater presentation of the Panama Canal, where transit occurs on Day 17.

I'll have a more complete version later focusing on the Panama Canal, but as an introduction:

• The French started the effort in the 1880's and quit, after around 22,000 deaths. They did not plan to use locks, which was a mistake.
• The USA took over, and suffered 12,000 deaths, of which 93% were black.  Most these deaths were from malaria and yellow fever.
• First ship passed through in 1914.  
• The sea level is the same on both sides of the canal.  Why then are locks needed?  Tides.  Sometimes the difference can be 10 feet.
• Here is a trick question.  Is the water in the locks fresh or from the sea?  Fresh.  Why?  I'll answer this question the next time, if I remember to do that,

Before I close, the World Series begins tonight in Dodger Stadium.  The New York Times featured Shohei Ohtani.

• The Yankees have better pitching and Arron Judge plus Juan Soto.  Soto is not short, he is 6'2", but Aaron Judge is 6'7".   Ohtani is 6'4". 

• 
  The Ohtani-effect in Japan has been over the top.  
• The 2023 World Series, where the Texas Rangers beating Arizona Diamondbacks was a viewership nightmare, the least-viewed since Nielsen began tracking.
• The Dodgers-Yankees series should be phenomenal.
• And, oh, Ohtani should also pitch next year.  Chances are, though, that his base stealing will drop, to minimize an injury.

Tomorrow, we arrive in Puntarenas, Costa Rica.

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