Santa Rosalia
Travel, by its very nature, is an invitation to surprise. It is an opening of one’s life to the unlikely encounter, the unexpected vista, the chance happening. So it was that we found ourselves far south of where we had expected to be today, seeing sights and having experiences that we could not have anticipated.
Who would have suspected that a bellydance class would be offered just before the presentation on marine mammals of the Gulf of California? Better yet, what were the chances that we would spot not only graceful fin whales and energetic leaping marlins, but a large group of short-finned pilot whales and whale sharks, too? But that is how our day went as we explored the tranquil waters surrounding the peninsula town of Santa Rosalia.
The pilot whales were the show-stoppers to be sure. Dozens of animals were spotted in the distance and in a very short time, we were surrounded by these large, bulbous-headed members of the dolphin family. Several of the younger individuals felt compelled to hurl themselves skyward, twisting and turning to land on their sides. They were close enough and stayed long enough for everyone to get outstanding views of their saddle patches, broad-based dorsal fins and long bodies.
Later, we had the opportunity to visit Santa Rosalia—an authentic mining town that boasts an historic French hotel (that serves great, fresh ceviche) and is also home to a metal church designed by Eiffel (creator of the tower in Paris). We were back on the ship in time to watch the sunset over the mountains to the west as we enjoyed another delicious dinner. As we sail into tomorrow, we can only wonder what the day might hold in store.
Travel, by its very nature, is an invitation to surprise. It is an opening of one’s life to the unlikely encounter, the unexpected vista, the chance happening. So it was that we found ourselves far south of where we had expected to be today, seeing sights and having experiences that we could not have anticipated.
Who would have suspected that a bellydance class would be offered just before the presentation on marine mammals of the Gulf of California? Better yet, what were the chances that we would spot not only graceful fin whales and energetic leaping marlins, but a large group of short-finned pilot whales and whale sharks, too? But that is how our day went as we explored the tranquil waters surrounding the peninsula town of Santa Rosalia.
The pilot whales were the show-stoppers to be sure. Dozens of animals were spotted in the distance and in a very short time, we were surrounded by these large, bulbous-headed members of the dolphin family. Several of the younger individuals felt compelled to hurl themselves skyward, twisting and turning to land on their sides. They were close enough and stayed long enough for everyone to get outstanding views of their saddle patches, broad-based dorsal fins and long bodies.
Later, we had the opportunity to visit Santa Rosalia—an authentic mining town that boasts an historic French hotel (that serves great, fresh ceviche) and is also home to a metal church designed by Eiffel (creator of the tower in Paris). We were back on the ship in time to watch the sunset over the mountains to the west as we enjoyed another delicious dinner. As we sail into tomorrow, we can only wonder what the day might hold in store.
