Puntarenas, Costa Rica... Part 2 of 2

This morning I got up way to early as there was really not a lot to see. Much to our delight we docked in Puntarenas and not Puerto Caldera as we had been told. Once the ship was cleared the three of us made our way to town. We arranged with a driver for a tour to the Tarcoles River on our next stop in Puntarenas. Today, we decided to survey the situation ashore and explore the town on foot. We strolled along the pedestrian walkway that runs along the waterfront. It was disturbing to see the restaurants and souvenirs stalls that used to line the Malecon had suffered the effects of COVID. From the Malecon we did a Puntarenas walking tour to see the highlights of the town including the; Segrado Corazon Cathedral, Casa Fait, Victoria Park, Central Market, former Marine Park, interesting architecture and some great street art. Our memory of Puntarenas was a rough run-down port town, however, COVID has resulted in further degradation with many closed business and buildings falling in disrepair.  Sadly, Puntarenas is not the same place it was prior to the pandemic as are most parts of the world. On our return to the ship, we spent the afternoon in the Retreat. They gave us a nice send off with music and dancers…  Loved it!  Another great day on the Zuiderdam.  Once again, over did the photos and as such, the blog is in two parts.