Penguins in Punta Arenas

Week Four

WEEK FOUR

HAPPINESS IS NOT A STATE TO ARRIVE AT, BUT A MANNER OF TRAVELING.

-Margaret Lee Runbeck

PEOPLE WATCHING

Most World travelers do not stay in Verandah suites or penthouse suites. Lower stateroom and inside rooms are the norm. You find them all sitting in the library or out on deck around the sky view swimming pool. We have met Linda and Del McCuen from California, her ancestors came over on the Mayflower and is a registered Mayflower person along with her grandchildren. She and Del are about 4th or 5th generation Californians. Linda is tall, thin, and blonde, need I say more. Hot chocolate buddies on the outside deck. I have learned some last names not all, so that is my challenge this week. Martha and Marvin from Ocala have the largest cabin on the ship, only it’s a inside one. They keep it for them on W C because they have been aboard for the last 5 years. He is 83 and she 73. Martha reads and plays bridge all day. Nice for me she has invited me to be a member of their little book club. Js of course.

SHIP LIVING

Spoiled for sure. We have our bathroom cleaned at least 3 times a day. Fresh towels, soap and best of all he cleans our combs and brushes constantly. It has been cold at night, magically there was a second blanket on our bed last night. Also have big white bathrobes compliments of the ship.

I can’t tell you why but the days just seem to fly by. We are busy, never bored, yet never seemed rushed. I was worried about sleeping but so far it hasn’t been a problem. In fact we have been sleeping in. Coffee doesn’t come until 8 on sea days and around 7 when we have to be ready for a tour. When we come back in the afternoon to rest and get ready for dinner , they deliver a cheese platter for our afternoon snack. Not so shabby. Have been meeting wonderful people and starting to make a few friends. Had lunch with Brian Herbert. He writes science fiction books. I think they are the Dune series. He is here incognito, so please, nobody tell anyone else on board. His wife Jan and I are taking a few classes together. They live in Seattle and are quite charming. So, this is the week we start our search for penguins. Am very excited that we are so close to seeing them.

We are at sea Yesterday was a test of our legs and stomach. Did very well considering the elements.. It was light until around 10:00. Opted not to dress for dinner and just go up to the Lido for a little something. Not looking for trouble. To entertain me, Bill said I could go into the Casino.(something to hold onto) Together we made 5.00 at the nickel machine. The evening show was canceled so we rented a movie and climbed in. I fell asleep immediately and Bill watched till the end. Woke up in time to watch the tennis matches.

Opened our drapes to the sight of the huge Amalia glacier. The weather was not co-operative, no sunrise, to cloudy. Misty rain. It cast a very eerie feeling over the mountains. The captain came on and said we would not go out to the open sea because of 18 foot waves. Ok with me to stay in the channel. It is calm and beautiful.Everyone applauded. We have been cruising all day in the channel Just after sunset we will enter the Straits of Magellan.

My sea day was very full. Had breakfast with the Rabbi and Adele, then had my nails done and Bill a hair cut. At 2 ,Elliot Finkel presented a classical piano concert . Great entertainment in the middle of the day.. They pull the drapes closed and you really forget that you are moving. Next Bill went off to the library and I went wondering. Sat in on a Witchcraft discussion. He asked if anyone still throws salt over their shoulder. No one raised their hands so I didn’t either. Of course I still do that. Since no one raised there hands he did not elaborate on the why. Why, is to keep the evil eye away. Off to Dinner, and the show tonight, day is done.. Goes by very fast. Glad we eat at late seating.

PUNTA ARENAS

Our ship arrived in port with very strong winds. We had a tug boat come along side and help hold us to the dock. It is very cold and extremely windy and we are going to the our first penguin sightings. a long bus ride along a very narrow, bumpy road, traversing miles and miles of flat green open fields we arrive at the penguins. Still very cold and very windy, no sun to take the chill off. Sorry to say Bill could not walk the mile out to the penquins, the wind took his breath away. I settled him in the hot chochlate shed and I walked out. They are very cute and I think know that people are watching them and they do talk and perform for you. Most exciting a condor flew right over my head and landed close. I hope I caught the picture,, if not it sure is in my head. He was one big bird. Bill not being along spoiled it for me. Tried to learn from this and hope the next penguin hunt will work better.

In the afternoon we took the free shuttle into Port Arenas. Walked around the town and the square where all the booths for handcrafts are. Bought some yarn to knit and thought I bought knitting needles, either they only gave me one or one dropped out somewhere along the way. Will try again in the next port. Still very cloudy, dreary, and very windy. Could never live here. If this is summer,oye. Rained last night and they had a lot of flooding which adds to the cold. So far we have had iffy weather everywhere we have been. Maybe Gore is right the climate is changing.

We are leaving Chile and heading for Argentina. The Beagle Canal is beautiful. Got up in the middle of the night to see the glaciers and now, this morning, we are passing snow capped mountains. Seas are very calm however we still have grey clouds hanging everywhere. At least its not raining. We will stop in Ushuaia this afternoon for a few hours. We are going off and I hope we can walk around without freezing.

USHUAIA

Windy, windy, windy. Had a hard time walking into town from the ship, once in the town we were ok. In the short time of a few hours, we had rain and snow added to the wind. Keep telling us this is summer. When the sun would come out from behind the clouds it was pleasant. Seems like we had four seasons in one day. Didn’t happen to often.

Had lunch in a barbeque restaurant. Open wood burning pit with lamb, chichen, and beef going around on a spit. We ordered cafeteria style and enjoyed the vegtabgles the most. I had the lamb, very stringy and fat. Lots of flavor but not to much meat on anything. At the table next to us, a elderly gentleman and his friends and family were celebrating his birthday. Everyone sang happy birthday in Spanish. Of course we all joined in. Then he sang a song to his friends. We were the only Amercians, fun afternoon being with the natives.

Walked around the small town. Ushuaia is billed as the most southern city. The end of the world. Feels like it. Bought good chocolates and took them to dinner. Very dark chocolate, shaped like a tree log. Best to cut it length wise, so as not to crumble. Everyone enjoyed…

We have been traversing lots of channels on our way to Cape Horn and the Atlantic.

Going around the Horn we had a little excitement. First we had rain, then snow and then a majestic double rain bow that the ship went under. Up came a big wind, a large wave and the breakfast buffet was on the floor. The ship really listed to the side for a few minutes. Caught everyone by surprise. Bill was still in our cabin and the breakfast coffee in our cabin also ended up on the floor. The cape lived up to its reputation After that the weather and the seas were very calm. Quite amazing. I keep saying the same things but it is amazing. I was out on the deck very early. Exciting and beautiful. All the mountains rising out of the water. The scenery is breathtaking.

Will be cruising into Bahia San Francisisco following where the Dutch explorers who first navigated through this area in 1615. Hope the seas calm down a little

A DIAMOND DAY

Antarctica remains an enignma even in the 21st century, unique among lands because no one owns it. Many nations have claimed the southern continent, but the detailed Antarctic Treaty protects the pristine region. Even after it was discovered, it was seemingly forgotten as other continents were explored, conquered, and developed, but in the late 19th century, interest in Earth’s poles was renewed. Going to cruise the Antarctic Peninsula, Lemaire Channel, Booth Islalnd Anvers Island, and Paradise bay. Glad I attended the lecture and learned all this important information. Picked up 2 Palmer station residents to be our naturalist and guides while we are in these waters. Are you all impressed…………

Not one lecture prepared us for the majesty of the day. We were shocked at the size of the snow covered mountains. They rise up out of the water and today is a sun shinny day and the sky is blue and the snow comes alive with the light. Off and on clouds float over and around the peaks and valley’s changing the look. The ice burgs are white and have very turquoise water around them. The layers of the turquoise tells you how old the iceberg is. We saw sea lions siting on ice burg floats. Then the march of the penquins up the side of the mountain. They had a very specific path to walk up and down. Then two whales jumping out of the water, spouting water and waving their tails at me. They were so close I could have touched him.

It is very hard to discribe the majesty of the scenery.Really when I read the itinerary and Antarctica was included, I was thinking sailing days. This is like an expedition. We go into channels, places they call islands, and stop and look. The captain turns the ship around 360 degrees so we can see it all. We sat in the Crow’s nest and took it all in. Bill was very comfortable in his chair, huge windows with a full bow view watching the vast scenery go by.,. Really a privledge to have seen all the mountains and iceburgs. Someone is looking out for us, the sea is calm and the sun is out. We are experiencing quite a special adventure. The only thing that could possibly make this any better is to have all of you along. Tonight we are going to the movie, March of the Penguins. It will take something very special to be better than today. Sunrise was at 4;30 AM and sunset tonight is 10;30. Our TV signal is not very good, so it was hard watching the Tennis final. Gave up after the voice delay. I assume Federer won.

PEOPLE WATCHING

We sat down in the Music room to read and watch the scenery go by, and the man across from us says hello. We exchange pleasantries, and he sticks out his chest and tells us he is Fred E. Haack. Over our head… Just to make sure we knew who he was he handed us a print out of his books. He was a retired Canadian diplomat in Foreign affairs. He talked about jews, blacks and immigrents. Bill gave me a nudge not to tell that we are Js. Anyway he is estranged from his parents and sister, widowed and remarried, and now writes books. Lives in Victoria. Talked a little politics, he likes obamma and of course he had glares from Bill.. He lived in Africa a long time and wrote the book IN The Land of the Talking Drums. Will look it up when we return, not going to waste internet minutes on him.

DAY TWO IN THE ANTARTICA

Had breakfast with two interesting people this morning.. He was a diplomat in Finance..Lived in Africa, and Afganistan before all Taliban troubles.. Have either lived in or visited 148 countries. In the States she taught history in the public schools and now live in a retirement village in Silver Springs. Makes trying to see all the capitals in the USA small stuff. Conversations at breakfast have been unbeivable.

Up to our spot in the Crows Nest. The weather today is very different. Snow,rain,wind and clouds. Cast a very different look on the mountains. Today the wild life was abundant. Lots of penguins floating by on iceburgs, climbing the lave rocks, sea lions and whales. On one islalnd must have been a thousand. Learned another interesting fact, the moss grows on the side of lava mountains and also a red algae. No trees or flowers. The captain stopped the ship and we must have watched them for a half hour. Afraid to leave your chair in case you miss something.

Tonight is the Snow Ball. My eyes are tired and would rather go to bed, but you know me, can’t miss a thing. So the Ball it shall be. Tomarrow another glorious day exploring.

ANTARCTIC EXPERIENCE DAY 3

Conditions have changed overnight. We were supposed to sail around Paulet Island on our way to Elephant and Clarence Islands. Gale winds, iceburgs and snow have altered our course. The Ice Captain said in the beginning cruising the Antarctic is never exactly as planned, he started off with plan A and we are now at plan D. At the end of the day I will know just where the weather allowed us to travel. out our window it is very foggy and lots of snow. No hurry this morning to resume our chair postions. Had breakfast in bed, finished the book for tomorrow and in nutral mode for the moment. Of course there is no TV, telephone and sparce internet. Lucky for me and Andrea, we found each other at the right moment. Had a few minutes of IM. Before and after the internet was down for hours. Tomorrow , sailing out of Antarctica,we should have Satellite reception back.

Last night was a blast. We have been sailing for a month and people are letting their hair down. Friendships are starting to be made and of course seats at the theatre territorial. After dinner went up to the Crows Nest for a night cap and that is where the action is. The women, and I use the term losely, with the giant diamond star of david and well endowed bosoms was operating with the officer in charge of security. Fun to watch even through he told us he was married with children. Then around the bar, the giant lady from Austrailia was passing out wedding invitations. She is 6-2 and looks like a full back. She is “marring” a waiter she just met from New Jersey. If he makes 5-10 it’s a lot but he is also that wide. I really think it is a hoax but fun to watch the shenanigans for everyone jocking for attention . Real or for fun everyone wants a invitation. Sorry, I will have to report second hand news.

Our table went up to people watch. We have become evening friends. Share our day stories. Makes for good conversation. Had a great time. See what one bloody mary can do.

WEEK THREE

Let’s see, what have I learned in the last two weeks:

IT sure is fun to sail could get accustomed to this.

IF I open our front door and leave it open, we have internet connections in our room.

People are very friendly. Traveling companions add to your trip.

Coffee every morning in our stateroom and chopped salads every night even if not on the menu.

Bill brings cookies down from the coffee bar so he can still have his cookies whenever he wants and they keep us in bananas and apples in our fruit basket.

You can spot a lady from Boca a mile away. Just has that certain look.

PEOPLE;

We have met a extremely nice couple from Orlando, Brad and Gloria Elliott. Brad has taken me under his wing and mentoring me with the computer. If this blog is a success and you can read it, its because he has patience and is brilliant on the computer. Gloria is very sweet and inclusive. Quite talented in her own right with her hands. I always admire people that are creative and produce beautiful things to use. Brad is always smiling and happy to help me and anyone else. They are multi world cruisers and share knowledge willingly. We are going into Coquimbo tomorrow with them.

Lois and Jack have joined our dinner table. They were sitting with a table of French people and were never part of their conversations. Nice to have new conversation. They are from California and a second marriage. Jack is 74 and Lois 63. Keeps the average age pretty close to what we have been figuring. Jack is a 15 year liver transplant survivor. Seems to be doing very well. Lois is a nurse and maybe that has helped him. She has the demeanor of a head nurse like I read about in the books when I was young. I can just see her in her stiff white starched hat marching down the hospital hall ways. Jack plays in the poker tournaments, sure doesn’t seem the type. He also was stationed in Germany in the 50ies when in the Army and he and Bill share army stories. At our table we are now 8.

COGUIMBO,CHILE

We hired our own driver and guide with Sandy and ----- Brad and Gloria , Bill and I. The cost was $50 dollars a couple. Again the guide was hard put to speak English. Best part of your own guide is you stay as long as you want in any given place and go back to the ship when you are ready. Worked very well today.

The port has a very large natural harbor with houses rising up the hills from the water. A very large cross can be seen from our ship. We toured the city and then took a short ride on the Pan-American highway to the suburb of Tongoy. Lots of new construction going on and seems like a wealthy area. The beach area looks like any American beach. Trampolines, bungee jumping and chairs for rent. Interesting restaurants. Stopped to see the 400 year old light house.

Stopped at the La Recova handcraft market and walked around. Full of native people shopping and eating. Lots of children buying toys and women buying meat and cheese. Went into a grocery store and walked up and down the Aisles. The displaying of food is similar to ours. The one most unusual packaging was the mayonnaise. Mayonnaise was in a large plastic bag with a hole so you can squeeze out the mayonnaise. Then walk over to a Wal-Mart type store. Very busy and shelves seemed full of merchandise. On our way back to the ship drove down Francisco de Aguirre Avenue with all its Roman Statues. Strange place for that kind of statuary. Our guide did not know why they were there. Very busy with cars. Lots of hussel and bustle around the city.

Tonight we are sailing to Valparaiso.

VALPARAISO,CHILE

Valparaiso is Chile’s principal port and second-largest city. The picturesque port has colorful houses all up and down the hills surrounding the port. Lots of commerce going on here. Containers, large ships to carry them away, Navy ships and 2 other cruise ships. We boarded a bus for Casablanca Valley and to tour the Casas del Bosque Vineyards. H ad wonderful white wines including a award winning Sauviignon Blanc Reserve 2004. Not a conosour but thought it was really very good wine. 3 kinds of white, 3 kinds of red, crackers and cheese and only 11:00 in the morning. Our bus was all happy and giggling.

Next we stopped at the Puro Caballo equestrian center The owner greeted us with perfect English and served pisco sours with empanaditas Just what we needed after all that wine we just drank. Didn’t stop anyone from drinking. We had native dressed dancers performing and then he explained all about the Chilean rodeo horse. Then they performed a small rodeo show. Two of the performers were his granddaughters. They were adorable and of course he was beaming. Lunch was served in a lovely thatched roof, dirt floored restaurant. The service was first class, the food delicious. Mashed potatos, roasted short ribs, and a beautiful plate of cooked vegtables placed in the center of the table. Of course Bill’s plate was all the vetables presented in a beautiful design. Corn, peas, tomatoes, lima beans (tasted wonderful but look a little different could be fava ) and red leaf lettuce. Of course another round of all the wine you wanted red or white. Don’t know how they did it, but not one bug,fly or mesquito. Perfect lunch, no one was hot and not one person complained about anything. AMAZING. We all slept on the way back to the ship thanks to all that drinking and being outdoors.

We arrived back in time for Friday night services. Twenty-Five attended. One couple is from Denver, on their 7th round the world. They attend the Alliance in Denver.. Will have to ask the Rabbi their name so I can tell David. I think they have married children living in Denver. We are really the newbees. Everyone in the room has been around the world multiple times. Then on the way out we met Jorge Tredler , works for H.Stern, lives in Rio de Janeiro. His parents are from Warsaw and when I told him I was in Poland last summer and visited Wlodova he turned white. That is his family name and they never told him there was a city by that name. He is planning a visit to Poland this summer. Interesting things happen when Js get together.

A SMILE IS THE LIGHT IN THE WINDOW OF YOUR FACE THAT TELLS PEOPLE YOU’RE AT HOME………….

ISLA ROBINSON CRUSOE

Last night was quite a rocky sail. If that is the worse I will be alright. When we dropped anchor at the Island the Mountains and parts of the port city had fog hanging over it. Made it look very mysterious. We had to tender in and that is always interested. Very windy on the island but warm. Lucky, the weather has been warm not hot. Easy to move around and not to many layers of clothes. We have left Llama land and now are in Penguin territory.

Daniel Defoe was inspired by explorers journals that told of their South Seas Adventures to write the book Robinson Crusoe.. The small bay town has about 600 residents. The island is especially know for its spiney lobster pots. They keep their lobster pots in the water anchored to their row boats. That way they keep the lobsters alive and waiting for market.

Two young morman misinaries were in the little gift shop translating for everyone. I talked to them and they told me that they will be on the island for 4 months. Mormans have been here 40 years. You would think everyone has been converted by now but Catholicism still prevales. They were young, cute and eager.

There is only one main paved street and the rest are dirt. One long road straight up the side of the mountain for a escape route in case of earthquake or tsunami. I walked up the side of the mountain to the caves. The caves seemed to be lava rock. Disintegrated in your hand Steep walk up, well worth the view when I arrived at the caves

Also talked to a scuba diver. Spoke very good English. Makes one feel guilty when everyone speaks English and I can‘t speak a word of spanish. He and his wife own the bed and breakfast in the town.. To fly here from Santiago is 700 dollars. Really remote, however if you are into scuba diving, hiking and canoeing in remote places this is it.

I didn’t know what to expect on the island but it turned out to be very fun and easy to explore on my own. Bought a postcard and had it stamped at the local post office. No place is remote anymore, the first thing to greet us was a giant satellite. They also have internet but no cell phones. Coming soon. Only a few cars, I saw a police car and a really old truck along side a newer jeep…………they have to sail in all there supplies. Gas,food and sand. Wonderful day.

SEA DAYS

Slept in today. I am getting much better . From waking up at 6 every morning I now have to set the alarm. Coffee in the room at 8 and then off to my first lecture. Today I learned how to “burn fat fast”. Wrong time to tell me to drink lots of water, exercise and take pills to cleanse your body. Must not have seen the same bathrooms I have had to use. Can’t believe how many people are signing up. One women said she lost 140 on the last world cruise. Now she needs to lose it again. We all tell the same story. Really sounds funny on a cruise.

Next the opera lecture. Rabbi Mintz explains the scene and then plays the music. Very nice listening for a hour.

To finish off the afternoon going to the movie to see Like Water for Chocolate. Nice catching up on the movies I missed.

Tonight was dress up night. Dinner was called the Orange Ball. The staff wore orange knit hats and orange life jackets. Everyone at our table was dressed and that makes it nice. Some of the men wore all white suites, many different colors of shirts and ties and generally everyone seemed to be into it. Every thing goes as far as the women. From very fancy to almost casual. Saw one women in a very heavy crested beaded dress, almost Russian looking, open front and back but the icing was her beaded hat. Fun to watch her strut.

Important information,,,,our table has the sunset every night so far. Last night sunset was 9;15. We keep going south.

After dinner went to listen to the pianist. He was very good. The programs last about an hour. I find I need that time to rest my tummy before bed. Late seating is great until bedtime.

PUERTO MONTT, CHILE

Woke up this morning to a beautiful sunrise. Have been lucky so far, sunset around 9:15 on our side of the dinning room, sunrise in our cabin in the morning around 7:15. Easy living.

What a day………we met Bill’s cousin Jimmy Langman at the pier.. Jimmy is AnnaLee Rapport Langmans son. He is 42, freelance journalist and living in Chile for about the last 10 years. Looks a lot like Don and Bill thought had eyes just like our David. Remember those Rapport genes. He is adorable and knows a lot about the area. Took our friends Brad and gloria along for the sight seeing. We hired a van and we were off.

Drove through the Puerto Montt neighborhoods on our way to Puerto Varas. We drove on a highway that required a toll at the end. Jimmy lives here. Very pretty city with a craft market and a park square. “Ciudad de las Rosas” city of Roses. Well named. Lots of huge roses and lots of blue hydranges and just flowers everywhere. First city with lots of flowers. The city sits on a huge lake,LAGO Llanquihue. One of the largest lakes of chile. It is morning and the sun is shinning on the lake and the snow covered volcano mountain in the back, really a very breathtaking moment. Bills favorite place so far.

We left the city and drove out toward the Parque national alerce Andino. Lots of indigenous trees. Most I had never seen before. Stopped along the way and looked at Llamas up close and personal.

Don’t worry Staci we took lots of pictures. They should only come out the same way we saw then. On to Parque Nacional Vicente Perez Rosales. This is Chiles oldest national park. It is the home of the giant mosquitoes, and thanks to my birthday present we were prepared. Thanks ladies. They were ugly but never bothered us. Look like giant black flies . People walk with branches and switch then away. There are waterfalls and several towering volcanoes. One of the most majestic is the Volcan Osorno towering 8,500 feet above sea level.. Covered in snow and the sun shinning on it. This has been a exceptional high rain period so the waterfalls were rushing. To me they were more rapid size tucked into volcano rocks and crevices.

Next , tired and hungry we stopped for lunch. Jimmy took us to his favorite restaurant, La Olla. Started with pisco sours and three kinds of empanattas. Bill had a vegetarian crepe and I had merluza fish. Eveyone else had wonderful looking sea food. We were the only Americans. Love being off the beaten track, The children have big black eyes along with straight black hair. The restarant lived up to Jimmys recommendation. We ate for over a hour. Left full and feeling no pain.

Back to the ship. A outstanding day thanks to Jimmy.

THE CHILEAN FJORDS

Up early this morning to listen to Barbara as we travel the beautiful Darwin Channel.. A narrow channel surrounded by high mountains. Started through at sunrise, cold and windy. Drank lots of coffee on the deck bundled up in blankets. For as far as you can see mountain peeks rise up out of the water. Very dramatic. The captain already warned about rough seas ahead.

This morning I am going to a lecture on Ushuaia, then to a cooking demonstration by Chef Mark Bittman. He is a regular guest on the Today show and Martha Stewart. Going to cook vegetarian..

Today ends 3 weeks of cruising. I have not been bored yet. The days just seem to fly bye and I am learning new things about cruising everyday. The people you meet are very interesting and have lived very different lives. I never left Akron, and most have moved from city to city. Most have interesting stories to tell, jobs they have done and how many trips around thre world they have been on. My clothes have worked out well. The fashion police did not come aboard in Ft. Lauderdale, and that is a good thing. Really don’t need a lot of clothes. it’s the other things that are important to make you more comfortable and feel like home. We have managed very well so far. Nice to walk around and see familiar faces.

We took Brad and Gloria along yesterday touring with Jimmy. He made us a DVD of the day. Music, stills and movies included. Very beautiful and much appreciated. He has all his photo and computer equipment with him and Gloria does lots of crafts. They have taken us under their wings and I will be forever grateful.

The sun has come out and I am going whale watching. Wish me luck.

WEEK FOUR

Observations: January 15, 2010

The age of the passengers keeps amazing us, along with the amount of times they have cruised around the world and other cruises. At dinner we sat with a 80 year old women from the Panhandle. She sits at a table for 12 with people she has met on previous trips.

Then there are the people who move around in wheelchairs, manual and electric, walkers, and those pulling oxygen. Amazing. They are all over the ship and shore doing their thing. Keeps life in perspective.

Last night was our Captain’s Grand Voyage Dinner. Our host crew member was the man in charge of ENVIRERMENT. Right one to have at our table. They must only pick the charming crew members to sit at the tables. He was from Australia and a wonderful accent. We learned all about preserving the ocean,

How the ship conserves, picks up fresh water at ports and disposes of waste. Each port has its own rules, plus the country and last the ocean. My favorite government authority rules, EPA.

The dress code for the night was formal black and white. Didn’t have anything white dressy enough so I just went black. First was wine and appetizers in the Rembrandt Lounge and then Dinner in the Pinnacle Dinning Room. A five course dinner, plus wine, then a fabulous dessert. For Bill, the vegetarian food and presentation was right out of a magazine. Beautiful and delicious. The chocolate (very dark) filled puffed pastry was to die for. The first chocolate I have eaten. Well worth the wait. We rolled back to our room.

Lazy this morning. Still at sea and we slept in. Had breakfast on the Veranda, with the sunrise. going to spend the day by the pool reading and then late afternoon attend Friday night Services. Tough life. Could get used to being pampered.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY LIMA,PERU

We came into the port at Callao. Here too, lots of commercial ships at anchor that are not being used. Seems to be a thread we are following. Lima is the capital and largest city in Peru. The weather is moderate, little rain and little sun. Would not like to be a permanent resident. Everyday is gloomy.

We took a Highlights Tour and visited the first City in the Americas. Went inside the Cathedral of Lima and the San Francisco Convent built in 1542. All seem to be in good repair or they are working on restoring. Interesting how they are finding paintings behind paintings. The reason they gave for multiple painting is that canvas was hard to come by and so they just painted over. Hard to decide which layer to save. Lima is made up of 43 districts each with a mayor. Lots of police, men and women, but women harder to bribe. Believe that!!! The most important fact was the voting procedure. Everyone must vote or you cannot cash a check, buy a car or house. If you are a citizen living in Peru, you must exercise the right to vote or you lose. USA should do that. One other tax advantage, if you are remodeling your house until it is finished you do not pay taxes. Of course everyone leaves one or two things to be done, never finish.

We drove around the suburb Miraflores. Very pretty, with miles of Pacific beaches. Lots of surfers and sun bathers. The beaches have soccer fields and basketball courts. The government has cut roads out of the cliffs, and made the beaches very wide, yet they are full of rocks. On the cliff walls there is lots of morning glories growing.

Saturday night we had dinner at Casa Solar de Aliaga. On the way throngs of people were in the streets, walking, shopping or eating. A big city doing its thing. The march of people never stopped. This castle was built in 1535 by the best friend of Pizarro. It has stayed in the family ever since passing from one male generation

to another. We entered the house through highly polished doors into a open foyer with wide steps leading to the living quarters. There was no roof at the entrance so the horse and his rider could enter and now of course the car. We were greeted by men in tuxedo’s and white gloves. They served the famous Peruvian drink called Pisco. The big debate is weather Peru or Chile makes the best ones. I will decide in a few days. Will have one when we are in Coquimbo. Passed Hors d’oeuvre, cheese rolled in dough, a pate and a jellied something. Starting out with the drinks, everything tasted good. The house is a square, with a open atrium in the middle.

A large tree is growing up the middle and they also have plants all along the balcony walkway. Small water fountain is also on the ground floor. You had to be very important to have water in your house.

They used water to keep the people in line. Funny how water is still very important. The inside has a lot of carved wood, tooled leather, and bright paint. One room looked a little French, nothing to overdone or really heavy Spanish. We were served at long banquet tables with silk flowered tablecloths. Beautiful china, sterling silver, crystal wine and water goblets. The appetizer was asparagus soufflé and Dinner was chicken, small round white potatoes and vegetables. Their sweet potato was outstanding, very sweet and very orange. Very elegantly done and fun. 40 people from the ship attended.

Sunday we made a bad choice. Sounded like fun to go to the Indian Market. Sounded like a neat end of town and we would be able to see the neighborhoods and the city along the way. It was one big flea market just like the one along the side of our ship. Really much more important to do the other tours. We thought we would need a breather from sightseeing, however we are doing great and would rather learn than shop. Fear not, I still bought a few things. I have not lost my shopping needs. Must keep the economy going.

Ship Observations.

This ship is really geared to seniors. When you open the elevator door a mat tells you what day it is. Now if they only would tell you what date and port it is, maybe I could keep track of everything. Our cabin is well located in the middle of the ship. Easy to move around from there. One flight up is the library and internet lounge. Our room does not have a good signal so I have to come up to the lounge. Seems the lounge is the busiest place. Lots of people have brought acer computers, and even regular sized. The ship has provided about a dozen however they are always pretty busy. Minutes go by very fast when I am reading my mail or the Beacon. will not give up that luxury at ALL. We are on the port side and so far we have enjoyed coming into each port from our verandah. Faces are getting more familiar and days still keep flying by. Weather has been iffy. Warm and cloudy. Not real condusive to sitting outside by the pool.

WEEK TWO

Tonight at midnight we crossed the Equator. The imaginary line on the Earth’s surface equidistant from the North Pole and South Pole that divides the Earth into a Northern Hemisphere and a Southern Hemisphere. We earned a EQUATOR CERTIFICATE….

No the water does not go down the other way…

January 13, 2010

Arrived in Monta,Ecuador to a port filled with Tuna fishing boats. Here also lots of boats at anchor and many being repaired hoping to be able to go back to work soon. Starkist tuna is the big employer here, along with Panama Hats. We walked around the port area and stopped to shop at a small flea market. Of course I bought a necklace and a neat T-shirt.

So far the ports have been very much like Caribbean Islands. Interesting, poor and not much different from each other.

Observations: January 15, 2010

The age of the passengers keeps amazing us, along with the amount of times they have cruised around the world and other cruises. At dinner we sat with a 80 year old women from the Panhandle. She sits at a table for 12 with people she has met on previous trips.

Then there are the people who move around in wheelchairs, manual and electric, walkers, and those pulling oxygen. Amazing. They are all over the ship and shore doing their thing. Keeps life in perspective.

Last night was our Captain’s Grand Voyage Dinner. Our host crew member was the man in charge of ENVIRERMENT. Right one to have at our table. They must only pick the charming crew members to sit at the tables. He was from Australia and a wonderful accent. We learned all about preserving the ocean,

How the ship conserves, picks up fresh water at ports and disposes of waste. Each port has its own rules, plus the country and last the ocean. My favorite government authority rules, EPA.

The dress code for the night was formal black and white. Didn’t have anything white dressy enough so I just went black. First was wine and appetizers in the Rembrandt Lounge and then Dinner in the Pinnacle Dinning Room. A five course dinner, plus wine, then a fabulous dessert. For Bill, the vegetarian food and presentation was right out of a magazine. Beautiful and delicious. The chocolate (very dark) filled puffed pastry was to die for. The first chocolate I have eaten. Well worth the wait. We rolled back to our room.

Lazy this morning. Still at sea and we slept in. Had breakfast on the Veranda, with the sunrise. going to spend the day by the pool reading and then late afternoon attend Friday night Services. Tough life. Could get used to being pampered.

Week One

WORLD CURISE 2010

Our trip over to Ft. Lauderdale was easy thanks to Diane and Nick. They picked us up at nine, we had breakfast, drove over the Alley and arrived at the Amsterdam by eleven thirty. Our bags were whisked away at the curb, we walked onto the Gangplank, turned in our Passports, shook hands with the Captain, and we were on Board. Somehow we avoided all the lines, frustrating searches and multiple questions. Of course there is always chapter 2. We left two hours late, wondering if we will arrive at our first port on time.

Well, blogging has become very frustrating. I write and write think I am saving and then open it up the next day and everything is gone. So once more I am going to start again and see how far I go.

Amsterdam

The ship is a mid size ship. Perfect to move around, not so big that we are always lost. The public rooms, are lovely with beautiful flower arrangements. The entertainment in the lounges is very good. We listen to the piano every night, and the violin player after dinner and before the late show. Can you believe we stay up until 10 every night to watch the show.

The steward brings us coffee and juice every morning. We sit out on the Veranda and read the paper and the activities for the day. Then we go for a leisurly breakfast. Not to shabby…. Have been keeping very busy going to lectures, re-arranging our room and trying to learn the computer. When Bill is not looking I stop by the casino. So far I am $5 ahead.

Dinner is a table for six. One couple is from Denmark , Peter and Lotti, and I guess around 60ish. He was working the shipping industry, headhunted to Switzerland and then a year latter laid off. They are cruising to decide what to do with their lives. Of course they are in a deluxe suite and live in a penthouse at home. The other couple live in Reading Pa. and she is on her fourth husband. Pat is 80 and Barry looks to be around 65. If you ask me Pat looks much younger than Barry. All of us should look like Pat at 80. Pat was an accountant with her own firm and Barry worked for ADT. They are on their second world cruise. Both couples are wonderful dinner partners.

Our first port was Limon, Costa Rica. We took the Rain Forest arial tour. Birds, animals, butterflies and best of all a helecopter dragonfly. Beautiful blue color and double decker wings.

Then onto the Canal. Much different than the last time. Not as many ships or container ships going through. Not as many containers on each ship and lots and lots of empty ships dropped anchors. Rusting away. Bill has scrapped them all. We took a side trip to Monkey Island and had the fun of monkeys jumping all over the little speed boat we were in.

One practically jumped in my lap. However the most interesting part was being close in the water and going around watching them dredge the channels to make them wider and deeper for the new channel they are trying to finish for the 100 anniversary in 2014. Put my hands in the water even with crocodiles floating around. That was really the most exciting part of the tour.

Today we are cruising again. Bill went to a Emerald lecture, then to a Opera discussion with the Rabbi. I am trying to Blog and read my book. Judy was right, once you start the Help you can’t put it down. Off to the pool and a long drink of cold water..

Grand World Tour