Peru is the thing to do. Arriving in Callao Peru after two days at sea we toured the Palomino Islands by boat to see the Penguins and Sea Lions. The islands were mostly rocky covered in bird poop. On approach of the last island we started to encounter the Sea Lions popping their heads out of the water checking us out, they looked like they were standing on their tip-toes trying to pear into our boat.

Rounding the corner of the island there were 1000's of Sea Lions both in and out of the water. Growling and chasing each other out of each other's territory. We suited up and jumped in with them. Being curious the younger Lions came over to us as we lay on our backs in the water with our feet facing them. They would come over and poke at our feet with their whiskered noses; some would swim up between us and dare us to touch them. In all it was a great experience however all too short.

Back on dry land we headed into Lima to do some shopping for trinkets but the mall we ended up at was more a fashion mall rather than a tourist stop.

Back onboard we set sail for San Martin Peru. This was one of highlights as one of our clients has a farm in Chincha 45 minutes from the port. He picked us up at the port stopping at a fancy hotel for a coffee we were at the farm in less than an hour.

We pulled up to the walled farm and large wooden gate, a blast of the car horn and the gate opened to a thoroughbred breeding operation right here in Peru. Our host and hostess paraded their Stallions for us, some of them we had heard of and of great bloodlines such as Danzig. We drove out into the fields to see the yearlings that were in different stages of sun bleach and bite marks as they start their sales prep next month, horses here are born between July and December and have their birthdays on July 1st.

Time was growing short so we finished up with a tour of their beautiful home and a proper Peruvian lunch as the two year olds were paraded across the front yard, some being from the Keeneland sales in the fall. With 150 horses on the farm Mr. Calderon seemed to know the story behind each horse from yearling to stallion and broodmare. Both He and his Wife made my birthday very special and we will never forget their kindness and hospitality.

Back on Ocean Princess we steered clear of the Peruvian coast with our eyes on Easter Island! I have ALWAYS wanted to visit this place and with any luck in four days sail we will arrive. But for now Joy and I will work on our tans, Joy will continue her trivia quest having won 8 times now. I on the other hand will continue to get to know each person on this ship; I have become pretty popular for my horrible singing at karaoke and my beach towel look around my neck. The eating contests are still going on and if I don't get away from this all day pizza stand again I'll be taken off this ship as cargo instead of a passenger! P.S Due to the internet being expensive pictures will not be uploaded until we reach land again.